Full text of "Portrait and biographical album of Vermilion county, Illinois, containing ... sketches of prominent ... citizens ... of all the governors of the state, and of the presidents of the United States"

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1 ermilion and Edgar louniies, Illinois,

CONTAINING

Full Page Portraits and Biographical Sketches of Prominent and
Representative Citizens of the Counties,

TOGETHER WITH

PORTRAITS AND BIOGRAPHIES OF ALL THE GOVERNORS OF THE STATF, AND OF THE

PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES.

CHICAGO:

CHAPMAN BROTHERS,

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•■/x*'";>'.l I K greatest of English historians, M lcai lay, and one of the most brilliant writers of
the present century, has said : "The history of a country is best told in a record of the
tves of its people." In conformity with this idea the Portrait and Biographical
Album of this county has been prepared. Instead of going to must)' records, and
taking therefrom dry statistical matter that can be appreciated by but few, our
corps of writers have gone to the people, the men and women who have, by their
enterprise and industry, brought the county to a rank second to none among those
comprising this great and noble State, and from their lips have the story of their life
struggles. No more interesting or instructive matter could be presented to an intelli-
gent public. In this volume will be found a record of many whose lives are worthy the
imitation of coming generations. It tells how some, commencing life in poverty, by
industry and economy have accumulated wealth. It tells how others, with limited
advantages for securing an education, have become learned men and women, with an
y\_ influence extending throughout the length and breadth of the land. It tells of men who
have risen from the lower walks of life to eminence as statesmen, and whose names have
)fi'J%f\^, become famous. It tells of those in every walk in life who have striven to succeed, and
^ records how that success has usually crowned their efforts. It tells also of many, very

many, who, nol seeking the applause of the world, have pursued "the even tenor of their way,'' content
to have it said of them as Christ said of the woman performing a. deed of mercy — "they have done what
they could." It tells how that many in the pride and strength of young manhood left the plow and the
anvil, the lawyer's office and the counting-room, left every trade and profession, and at their country's
call went forth valiantly "to do or die," and how through their efforts the Union was restored and peace
once more reigned in the land. In the life of every man and of every woman is a lesson that should not
he lost upon those who follow after.

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

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

CHAPMAN PROS.
Chicago, September, 188'J.

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FIRST PRESIDENT.

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

Remarkable stories are told of his great physical
strength and development at an early age. He was
an acknowledged leader among his companions, and
was early noted for that nobleness ui 1 haracter, fair-
ness and veracity which characterized his whole life.

When George was 14 years old he had a desire to go to
sea, and a midshipman's warrant was secured for him,
but through the opposition of his mother the idea was
abandoned. Two years later he was appointed
surveyor to the immense estate of Lord Fairfax. In
this business he spent three years in a rough frontier
life, gaining experience which afterwards proved very
essential to him. In 175 r, though only 19 years of
age, he was apiointed adjutant with the rank of
major in the Virginia militia, then being trained for
active service against the French and Indians. Soon
after this he sailed to the West Indies with his brother
Lawrence, who went there to restore his health. They
soon returned, and in the summer of 1752 Lawrence
died, leaving a large fortune to an infant daughter
who did not long survive him. On her demise the
estate of Mount Vernon was given to George.

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

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

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

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

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

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

In February, 1 7 89, Washington was unanimously
elected President. In his presidential career he was
subject to the peculiar trials incidental to a new
government ; trials from lack of confidence on the part
of other governments; trials from want of harmony
between the different sections of our own country;
trials from the impoverished condition of the country,
owing to the war and want of credit; trials from the
beginnings of party strife. He was no partisan. His
clear judgment could discern the golden mean; and
while perhaps this alone kept our government from
sinking at the veiy outset, it left him exposed to
attacks from both sides, which were often bitter and
very annoying.

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

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

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

J<rfwiJdmy

SECOND PRESIDES T.

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jl OHN ADAMS, the second
sLPresident and the first Vice-
-President of the United States,

was born in Braintree (now
jj«jb Quincy),Mass., and about ten
"^ miles from Boston, Oct. 19,
1735. His great-grandfather, Henry
Adams, emigrated from England
about 1640, with a family of eight
sons, and settled at Braintree. The
parents of John were John and
Susannah (Boylston) Adams. His
father was a farmer of limited
means, to which he added the bus-
iness of shoemaking. He gave his
eldest son, John, a classical educa-
tion at Harvard College. John
graduated in 1755, and at once took charge oi the
school in Worcester, Mass. This he found but a
"school of affliction," from which lie endeavored to
gain relief by devoting himself, in addition, to the
study of law. For this purpose he placed himself
under the tuition of the only lawyer in the town. He-
had thought seriously of the clerical profession
but seems to have been turned from this by what lie
termed " the frightful engines of ecclesiastical coun-
cils, of diabolical malice, and Calvanistic good nature,''
of the operations of which he had been a witness in
his native town. He was well fitted for the legal
profession, lxissessing 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,
anil a lady of superior intelligence. Shortly after his
marriage, (t7<>5), the attempt of Parliamentary taxa-
tion turned him from law to politics. He took initial
steps toward holdir. B 1 town meeting, and the resolu-

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

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

On the day after the Declaration of Independence
was passed, while his soul was yet warm with th •
glow of excited feeling, he wrote a letter to his wife
which, as we read it now,seems to have been dictated
by the spirit of prophecy. "Yesterday," he says, "t'.ie
greatest question was decided that ever was debated
in America; and greater, perhaps, never was or wil.
be decided among men. A resolution was passed
without one dissenting colony, ' that these United
States are, and of right ought to be, free and inde
pendent states.' The day is passed. The fourth of
July, 1776, will be a memorable epoch in the history
of America. I am apt to believe it will be celebrated
by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary
festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of
deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to Almighty
God. It ought to be solemnized with pomp, shows,

JOHN ADAMS.

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

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

Finally a treaty of peace with England was signed
fan. 21, 17S3. The re-action from the excitement,
toil and anxiety through which Mr. Adams had passed
threw him into a fever. After suffering from a con-
tinued fever and becoming feeble and emaciated he
was advised to goto England to drink the waters of
Bath. While in England, still drooping anddespond-
ing, he received dispatches from his own government
urging the necessity of his going to Amsterdam to
negotiate another loan. It was winter; his health was
delicate, yet lie immediately set out, and through
storm, on sea, on horseback and foot, he made the trip.

February 24, 1785. Congress appointed Mr. Adams
envoy to the Court of St. James. Here he met face
to face the King of England, who had so long re-
garded him as a traitor. As England did not
condescend to appoint a minister to the United
States, and as Mr. Adams felt that he was accom-
plishing but little, he sought permission to return to
his own country, where he arrived in June, 17S8.

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

While Mr. Adams was Vice President the great

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

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

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

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

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THIRD PRESIDENT.

HOMAS JEFFERSON was

born April 2, 1743, at Shad-

xPwell, Albermarle county, Va.

His parents were Peter and
Jane (Randolph) Jefferson,
the former a native of Wales,
and the latter born in Lon-
don. To them were born six
daughters and two sons, of
whom Thomas was the elder.
When 14 years of age his
father died. He received a
most liberal education, hav-
ing been kept diligently at school
from t he time he was five years of
age. In 1760 he entered William
and Mary College. Williamsburg was then the seat
of the Colonial Court, and it was the obodeof fashion
a. id splendor. Young Jefferson, who was then 77
years old, lived somewhat expensively, keeping fine
horses, and much caressed by gay society, yet he
was earnestly devoted to his studies, and irreproai ha-
able in his morals. It is strange, however, under
such influences, that he was not ruined. In the sec-
ond year of his college course, moved by some un-
explained inward impulse, he discarded his horses,
society, and even his favorite violin, to which he had
previously given much time. He often devoted fifteen
hours a day to hard study, allowing himself for ex-
ercise only a run in the evening twilight of a mile out
of the city and back again. He thus attained very
high intellectual culture, alike excellence in philoso-
phy and the languages. The most difficult Latin and
Creek authors he read with facility. A more finished
scholar has seldom gone forth from college halls ; and

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

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

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

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

THOMAS JEFFERSON.

man — what the emotions that swelled his breast —
who was charged with the preparation of that Dec-
laration, which, while it made known the wrongs of
America, was also to publish her to the world, free,
soverign and independent. It is one of the most re-
markable papers ever written ; and did noolhcr effort
of the mind of its author exist, that alone would be
sufficient to stamp his name with immortality.

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

Mr. Jefferson was elected to Congress in 1783.
Two years later lie was appointed Minister Plenipo-
tentiary to France. Returning to the United States
in September, 1789, he became Secretary of State
in Washington's cabinet. This position he resigned
Jan. 1, 1794. In 1797,11c was chosen Vice Presi-
dent, and four years later was elected President over
Mr. Adams, with Aaron Burr as Vice President. In
1804 he was re-elected with wonderful unanimity,
and George Clinton, Vice President.

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

In 1S00, at the expiration of the second term for
which Mr. [efferson had been elected, he determined
to retire from political life. For a period of nearly
forty years, he had been continually before the pub-
lic, and all that time had been employed in offices of
the gieatest trust and responsibility. Having thus de-
voted the best part of his life to the service of his
country, he now felt desirous of that rest which his
declining years required, and upon the organization of
the new administration, in March, 1809, he bid fare-
well forever to public life, and retired to Monticello.

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

The fourth of July, 1S26, being the fiftieth anniver-

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

< )n the second of July, the disease under which
he was laboring left him, but in such a reduced
state that his medical attendants, enteitained no
hope of his recovery. From this time he was perfectly
sensible that his last hour was at hand. On the next
day, which was Monday, he asked of those around
him, the day of the month, and on being told it was
the third of July, he expressed the earnest wish that
he might be permitted to breathe the air of the fiftieth
anniversary. His prayer was heard — that day, whose
dawn was hailed with such rapture through our land,
burst upon his eyes, and then they were closed for-
ever. And what a noble consummation of a noble
life! To die on that day, — the birthday of a nation,- -
the day which his own name and his own act had
rendered glorious; to die amidst the rejoicings and
festivities of a whole nation, who looked up to him,
as the author, under God, of their greatest blessings,
was all that was wanting to fill up the record his life.

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

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

* j

J- <2/Ocs~<-^ 4sCC

it<^>H o^K

FOUR TH J >£ t- SI DEN T.

PEQES n^DISOl}.

AMES MADISON, "Father
of the Constitution," and fourth
^President of the United States,
was born March 16, 1757, and
died at his home in Virginia,
''^ |une 28, 1S36. The name of

r. "'"•' Vm James Madison is inseparably con-
nected with most of the im|»rtant
events in that heroic period of our
country during which the founda-
tions of this great republic were
laid. He was the last of the founders
of the Constitution of the United
States to be called to his eternal
reward.

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

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

Blue Ridge.

prudent zeal; allowing himself, for months, but three
hours' sleep out of the 24. His health thus became so
seriously impaired that he never recovered any vigor
of constitution. He graduated in 177 1, with a feeble
body, with a character of utmost purity, and with a
mind highly disciplined and richly stored with learning
which embellished and gave proficiency to his subst'
quent career.

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

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

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

JAMES MADISON.

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

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

No man felt more deeply than Mr. Madison the
utter inefficiency of the old confederacy, with no na-
tional government, with no power to form treaties
which would be binding, or to enforce law. There
was not any State more prominent than Virginia in
the declaration, that an efficient national government
must be formed. In January, 1786, Mr. Madison
carried a resolution through the General Assembly of
Virginia, inviting the other States to appoint commis-
sioners to meet in convention at Annapolis to discuss
this subject. Five States only were represented. The
convention, however, issued an6ther call, drawn up
by Mr. Madison, urging all the States to send their
delegates to Philadelphia, in May, 17S7, to draft
a Constitution for the United States, to take the place
of that Confederate League. The delegates met at
t he time appointed. Every State but Rhode Island
was represented. George Washington was chosen
president of the convention; and the present Consti-
tution of the United States was then and there formed.
There was, perhaps, no mind and no pen more ac-
tive in framing this immortal document than the mind
and the pen of James Madison.

The Constitution, adopted by a vote 8r to 79, was
to be presented to the several States for acceptance.
But grave solicitude was felt. Should it be rejected
we should be left but a conglomeration of independent
States, with but little |»wer at home and little respect
abroad. Mr. Madison was selected by the conven-
tion to draw up an address to the people of the United
States, expounding tl.e principles of the Constitution,
and urging its adoption. There was great opposition
to it at fust, but it at length triumphed over all, and
went into effect in 1789.

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

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

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

On the 1 8th of June, 181 2, President Madison gave
his approval to an act of Congress declaring war
against Great Britain. Notwithstanding the bitter
hostility of the Federal party to the war, the country
in general approved; and Mr. Madison, on the 4th
of March, 1813, was re-elected by a large majority,
and entered upon his second term of office. This is
not the place to describe the various adventures of
this war on the land and on the water. Our infant
navy then laid the foundations of its renown in grap-
pling wilh the most formidable power which ever
swept the seas. The contest commenced in earnest
by the appearance of a British fleet, early in Febrnaiy,
18 13, in Chesapeake Bay, declaring nearly the whole
coast of the United States under blockade.

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

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

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

On the 4th of March, 1817, his second term of
office expired, and he resigned the Presidential chair
to his friend, James Monroe. He retired to his beau-
tiful home at Montpelier, and there passed the re-
mainder of his days. On June 28, r836, then ;it the
age of 85 years, he fell asleep in death. Mrs. Madi-
son died July 12, 1849.

^^7L^

FIFTH PRESIDENT.

AMES MONROE, the fifth
President of The United States,
was born in Westmoreland Co.,
Va., April 2.8, 175S. His early
life was passed at the |>lace of
nativity. His ancestors had for
e .: --yVyg) many years resided in the prov-
ince ill which he was horn. When,
at 17 years of age, in the process
'\ of completing his education at
William and Mary College, the Co-
lonial Congress assembled at Phila-
delphia to deliberate upon the un-
just and manifold oppressions of
Great Britian, declared the separa-
tion of the Colonies, and promul-
gated the Declaration of Indepen-
dence. Had he been born ten years before it is highly
probable that he would have been one ot the signers
of that celebrated instrument. At this time he left
s< liool and enlisted among the patriots.

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

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

As a reward for his bravery, Mr. Monroe was pro-
moted a captain of infantry; and, having recovered
from his wound, he rejoined the army. He, however,
receded from the line of promotion, by becoming an
officer in the staff of Lord Sterling. During the cam-
paigns of 1777 and 1778, in the actions of Brandy
wine, Germantown and Monmouth, he continued
aid-decamp; but becoming desirous to regain his
position in the army, he exerted himself to collec 1 .1
regiment for the Virginia line. This scheme failed
owing to the exhausted condition of the State. Upon
this failure he entered the office of Mr. Jefferson, at
that petiod Governor, and pursued, with considerable
ardor, the study of common law. He did not, however,
entirely lay aside the knapsack for the green bag;
but on the invasions of the enemy, served as a volun-
teer, during the two years of his legal pursuits.

In 1 7 S 2 , he was elected from King George county,
a member ol the Leglislature of Virginia, and by that
body he was elevated to a seat in the Executive
Council. He was thus honored with the confidence
ol his fellow citizens at 2; years of age; and having
at this early period displayed some of that ability
and aptitude for legislation, which were afterwards
employed with unremittirg energy for the public good,

JAMES MONROE.

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

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

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

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

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

From France Mr. Monroe went to England to ob-
tain from that country some recognition of oui
rights as neutrals, and to remonstrate against those
odious impressments of our seamen. but Eng-
land was unrelenting. He again returned to Eng-
land on the same mission, but could receive no
redress. He returned to his home and was again
chosen Governor of Virginia. This he soon resigned
to accept the position of Secretary of State under
Madison. While in this office war with England was
declared, the Secretary ot War resigned, and during
these trying times, the duties of the War Department
were also put upon him. He was truly the armor-
bearer of President Madison, and the most efficient
business man in his cabinet. Upon the return ol
peace he resigned the Department of War, but con-
tinued in the office of Secretary of State until the ex-
piration of Mr. Madison's adminstration. At the elec
lion held the previous autumn Mr. Monroe himself had
been chosen President with but little opposition, and
upon March 4, 1 S f 7, was inaugurated. Four years
later he was elected for a second term.

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

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

At the end of his second term Mr Monroe retired
to his home in Virginia, where he lived until 1830,
when he went to New Vork to live with his son-in
law. In that city he died, on the 4th of July, 1831

J, 2, At

ojy^j,

SIXTH PRESIDENT.

J2A 301)1] Qmi)6Y WW$- 1

OHN QUINCY ADAMS, the
sixth President of the United
ip States, was horn in the rural
home of his honored lather.
John Adams, in Quincy, Mass ,
on the i i tli cf July, 1767. His
mother, a woman of exalted
worth, watched over his childhood
during the almost constant ab-
sence of his father. When hut
eight years of age, he stood with
his mother on an eminence, listen-
ing to the booming of the great hat-
tie on Bunker's Hill, and gazing on
upon the smoke and flames billow-
ing up from the conflagration of
Charlestown.

When but eleven years old he
took a tearful adieu of his mother,
to sail with his fatner for Europe,
through a fleet of hostile British cruisers. The bright,
animated boy spent a year and a half in I 1 . n is, where
his lather was associated with Franklin and Lee as
minister plenipotentiary. His intelligence attracted
the notice of these distinguished men, and he received
from them flattering marks of attention.

Mr. John Adams had scarcely teturned to this
cour.try, in 1779, ere he was again sent abroad Again
John Quincy accompanied his father. At Paris he
applied himself with great diligence, for six months,
to .-.'udy; then accompanied his father to Holland,
where he entered, first a school in Amsterdam, then
the University at Leyden. About a year from this
time, in 1781, when the manly 1 oy was but fourteen
yea"; of age, he was selected by Mr. Dana, our min-
istei to the Russian court, as his private secretary.

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

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

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

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

JOHN QUINCY ADAMS.

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

Soon after his return, in 1S02, he was chosen to
the Senate of Massachusetts, from Boston, and then
was elected Senator of the United States for six years,
from the 4th of March, 1804. His reputation, his
ability and his experience, placed him immediately
among the most prominent and influential members
of that body. Especially did he sustain the Govern-
ment in its measures of resistance to the encroach-
ments of England, destroying our commerce and in-
sulting our flag. There was no man in America more
familiar with the arrogance of the British court upon
these points, and no one more resolved to present
a firm resistance.

In 1S09, Madison succeeded Jefferson in the Pres-
idential chair, and he immediately nominated John
Quincy Adams minister to St. Petersburg. Resign-
ing his professorship in Harvard College, he embarked
at Boston, in August, 1809.

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

On the 4th of March, 1 8 17, Mr. Monroe took the
Presidential chair, and immediately appointed Mr.
Adams Secretary of State. Taking leave of his num-
erous friends in public and private life in Europe, he
sailed in Jane, 1819, for the United States. On the
18th of August, he again crossed the threshold of his
home in Quincy. During the eight yearsof Mr. Mon-
roe's administration, Mr Adams continued Secretary
of State.

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

The friends of all the disappointed candidates now
combined in a venomous and persistent assault upon
Mr. Adams. There is nothing more disgraceful in
■>.l-.e past history of our country than the abuse whit h

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

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

On the 4th of March, 1829, Mr. Adams retired
from the Presidency, and was succeeded by Andrew-
Jackson. John C. Calhoun was elected Vice ''resi-
dent. The slavery question now began to assume
jxjrtentous magnitude. Mr. Adams returned to
Quincy and to his studies, which he pursued with un-
abated zeal. But he was not long permitted lo re-
main in retirement. In November, 1S30, he was
elected representative to Congress. For seventeen
years, until his death, he occupied the post as repre-
sentative, towering above all his peers, ever readv lo
do brave battle' for freedom, and winning the title of
"the old man eloquent." Upon taking his seat in
the House, he announced that he should hold him-
self bound to no party. Probably there never was a
member more devoted to his duties. He was usually
the first in his place in the morning, and the last lo
leave his seat in the evening. Not a measure could
be brought forward and escape his scrutiny. '1 he
battle which Mr. Adams fought, almost singly, against
the proslavery party in the Government, was sublime
in its moral daiing and heroism. For persisting in
presenting petitions for the abolition of slavery, he-
was threatened with indictment by the grand jury,
with expulsion from the House, with assassination ;
but no threats could intimidate him, and his final
triumph was complete.

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

On the 21st of February, 1848, he rose on the floor
of Congress, with a paper in his hand, lo address the
speaker. Suddenly he fell, again stricken by paraly-
sis, ami was caught in the arms of those around him.
For a time he was senseless, as he was conveyed to
the sofa in the rotunda. With reviving conscious-
ness, he opened his eyes, looked calmly around and
said " This is the endof earth .•"then after a moment's
pause he added, "/am content." These were Ihe
last words of the grand "Old Man Eloquent."

<2^yy^i^^^-tJ)^=^Gu£^^^crZy-

SE I 'EN I H 1>RESIL> EN 1 .

■ I

- •;♦ -»>

- ■ '■;-'••

NDREW JACKSON, the

m seventh President of the

^United States, was born in

Waxhaw settlement, N. (";.,

March 15, 1767, a few days
after his father's death. Mis
parents were poor emigrants
from Ireland, and took up
their abode in Waxhaw set-
tlement, where they lived in
deepest poverty.
Andrew, or Andy, as he was
universally called, grew up a very
rough, rude, turbulent boy. His
features were coarse, his form un-
gainly; and there was but very
little in his character, made visible, which was at-
trai live.

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

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

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

Andrew supported himself in various ways, s 12h as
working at the saddler's trade, teaching school and
clerking in a general store, until 1784, when he
entered a law office at Salisbury, N. C. He, however,
gave more attention to the wild amusements of the
times than to his studies. In 1788, he was appointed
solicitor for the western district of North Carolina, of
which Tennessee was then a part. This involved
many long and tedious journeys amid dangers of
every kind, but Andrew Jackson never knew fear,
and the Indians had no desire to repeat a skirmish
witn the Sharp Knife.

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

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

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

ANDRE \V JA CKSON.

sessions,— a distance of about eight hundred miles.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The fort was stormed. The light was utterly des-
perate. Not an Indian would accept of quarter. When
bleeding and dying, they would fight those who en-
deavored to spare their lives. From ten in the morn-
ing until dark, the battle raged. The carnage was
awful and revolting. Some threw themselves into the
river; but the unerring bullet struck their heads as
they swam. Nearly everyone of the nine hundred war-
rios were killed A few probably, in the night, swam
the river and escaped. This ended the war. The
power of the Creeks was broken forever. This 1 old
plunge into the wilderness, with its terriffic slaughter,
so appalled the savages, that the haggard remnants
of the bands came to the camp, begging for peace.

This closing of the Creek war enabled us to 1 on-
centrate all our militia upon the British, who were the
allies of the Indians No man of less resolute will
than Gen. Jackson could have conducted this Indian
campaign to so successful an issue Immediately he-
was appointed major-general.

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

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

The name of Gen. Jackson soon began to be men-
tioned in connection with the Presidency, but, in 1824,
he was defeated by Mr. Adams. He was, however,
successful in the election of 1S28, and was re-elected
for a second term in 1832. In 1829, just before he
assumed the reins of the government, he met with
the most terrible affliction of his life in the death of
his wife, whom he had loved with a devotion which has
perhaps never been surpassed. From the shock of
her death he never recovered.

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

^? 7 -yzs&, t^/y&ot^z^

EIGHTH PRESIDENT.

X a-V- >: •

n^ifrii] Y^i? Bapi}.

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

There is but little in the life of Martin Van Buren
of romantic interest. He fought no battles, engaged
in no wild adventures. Though his life was stormy in
political and intellectual conflicts, and he gained many
signal victories, his days passed uneventful in those
incidents which give zest to biography. His an-
cestors, as his name indicates, were of Dutch origin,
and were among the earliest emigrants from Holland
to the banks of the Hudson. His father was a farmer,
residing in the old town of Kinderhook. I lis mother,
also of 1 ditch lineage, was a woman of superior intel-
ligence and exemplary piety.

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

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

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

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

Just before leaving Kinderhook for Hudson, Mi.
Van Buren married a lady alike distinguished for
beauty and accomplishments. After twelve short
years she sank into the grave, the victim of consump-
tion, leaving her husband and four sons to weep over
her loss. For twenty-five years, Mr. Van Buren was
an earnest, successful, assiduous lawyer. The record
of those years is barren in items of public interest.
In 1S1 2, when thirty years of age, he was chosen to
the State Senate, and gave his strenuous support to
Mr. Madison's adminstration. In 1815, he was ap-
pointed Attorney-General, and the next year moved
to Albany, the capital of the State.

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

4 s

MARTIN VAN BUR EN.

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

In 1821 he was elected a member of the United
States Senate; and in the same year, he took a seat
in the convention to revise the constitution of his
native State. His course in this convention secured
the approval of men of all parties. No one could
doubt the singleness of 1 ii^ endeavors to promote the
interests of all classes in the community. In the
Senate of the United States, he rose at once to a
conspicuous position .is .111 active and useful legislator.

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

S.hiii after this, in [828, he was chosen Governorof
the State of New York, and accordingly resigned his
seat in the Senate. Probably no one in the United
States contributed so much towards ejecting John Q.
Adams from the Presidential chair, and placing in it
Andrew Jackson, as did Martin Van Buren. Whether
entitled to the reputation or not, he certainly was re-
garded throughout the United States as one of the
most skillful, sagacious and cunning of politicians.
It was supposed that no one knew so well as he how
to touch the secret sptings of action; how to pull all
the wires to put his machinery in motion; and how to
organize a political army which would, secretly and
stealthily accomplish the most gigantic results. P.y
these [lowers it is said that he outwitted Mr. Adams,
Mr. Clay, Mr. Webster, and secured results which
lew thought then could lie accomplished.

When Andrew Jackson was elected President he
appointed Mr. Van Buren Secretary of State. 'Phis
position he resigned in 1 83 t , and was immediately
appointed Minister to England, where he went the
s;i me autumn. The Senate, however, when it met,
refused to ratify the nomination, and he returned

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

His rejection by the Senate roused all the zeal of
President Jackson in behalf of his repudiated favor-
ite; and this, probably more than any other cause,
secured his elevation to the chair of the Chiel Execu-
tive. On the 20th of May, 1836, Mr. Van Buren re-
ceived the Democratic nomination to succeed (leu.
Jackson as President of the United States lie was
elected by a handsome majority, to the delight of the
retiring President. " Leaving New York out of the
canvass," says Mr. Parton, "the election of Mr. Van
Buren to the Presidency was as much the act of Gen.
Jackson as though the Constitution had conferred
upon him the power to appoint a successor."

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

With the exception of being nominated for the
Presidency by the " free Soil" Democrats, in 1.S4.S,
Mr. Van Buren lived quietly upon his estate until
his death.

He had ever been a prudent man, of frugal habits,
and living within his income, had now fortunately a
competence for his declining years. His unblemished
character, his commanding abilities, his unquestioned
patriotism, ami the distinguished positions which lie
had occupied in the government of our country, se-
cured to him not only the homage of his party, but
the respect ot the whole community. It was on the
4th of March, 1S41, that Mr. Van Buren retired from
the presidency. From his fine estate at Lindenwald
he still exerted a powerful influence upon the politics
of the country. From this time until his death, on
the 24th of July, 1862, at the age of eighty years, he
resided at Lindenwald, a gentleman of leisure, of
culture and of wealth; enjoying in a healthy old
age, probably far more happiness than he had before
experienced amid the stormy scenes of his active life.

fa. fc¥fa^L^ c '^

NINTH PRESIDENT.

WILLIAM, HENRY HARRISON.

ILLIAM HENRY HARRI-
SON, the ninth President of

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

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

Ul>on the outbreak of the Indian troubles, and not-
withstanding the remonstrances of his friends, he
abandoned his medical studies and entered the army,
having obtained a commission of Ensign from Presi-

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

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

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

The vast wilderness over which Gov. Harrison
reicned was filled with many tribes of Indians. About

u. of ill ua

S 2

WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON.

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

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

Gov. Harrison made many attempts to conciliate
the Indians, but at last the war came, and at Tippe-
canoe the Indians were routed with great slaughter.
October 28, 18 1 2, his army began its march. When
near the Prophet's town three Indians of rank made
their appearance and inquired why Gov. Harrison was
approaching them in so hostile an attitude. After a
short conference, arrangements were made for a meet-
ing the next day, to agree upon terms of peace.

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

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

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

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

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

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

In 18 16, Gen. Harrison was chosen a member ol
the National House of Representatives, to represent
the District of Ohio. In Congress he proved an
active member; and whenever he spoke, it was with
force of reason and powerof eloquence, which arrested
the attention of all the members.

In [819, Harrison was elected to the Senate of
Ohio; and in 1824, as one of the presidential electors
of that State, he gave his vote for Henry Clay. The
same year he was chosen to the United States Senate.

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

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

if:

TENTH PRESIDENT.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

JOHN TYLER.

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

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

In 1 841, Mr. Tyler was inaugurated Vice Presi-
dent of the United States. In one short month from
that time, President Harrison died, and Mr. Tyler
thus found himself, to his own surprise and that of
the whole Nation, an occupant of the Presidential
chair. This was a new test of the stability of our
institutions, as it was the first time in the history of our
country that such an event had occured. Mr. Tyler
was at home in Williamsburg when he received the
unexpected tidings of the death of President Harri-
son. He hastened to Washington, and on the 6th of
April was inaugurated to the high and responsible
office. He was placed in a position of exceeding
delicacy and difficulty. All his longlife he had been
opposed to the main principles of the party which had
brought him into power. He had ever been a con-
sistent, honest man, with an unblemished record.
Gen. Harrison had selected a Whig cabinet. Should
he retain them, and thus surround himself with coun-
sellors whose views were antagonistic to his own? or,
on the other hand, should he turn against the party
which had elected him and select a cabinet in har-
mony with himself, and which would oppose all those
news which the Whigs deemed essential to the pub-
lic welfare? This was his fearful dilemma. He in-
vited the cabinet which President Harrison had
selected to retain their seats. He reccommended a
day of fasting and prayer, that God would guide and
bless us.

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

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

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

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

On the 4th of March, 1845, he retired from the
harassment s of office, to the regret of neither party, and
probably to his own unspeakable lelief. His first wile.
Miss Letitia Christian, died in Washington, in 1842;
and in June, 1844, President Tylei was again married,
at New York, to Miss Julia Gardiner, a young lady of
many personal and intellectual accomplishments.

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

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

ELEVEh I II PRESIDENT.

ES IK. POLK.

||amesk.

POLK, the eleventh
^President of the United States,
: K% was born in Mecklenburg Co.,
N. C, Nov. 2, 1795. Mis par-
ents were Samuel ami Jane
(Knox) Polk, the former a son
of Col. Thomas l'olk, who located
at the above place, as one of the
first pioneers, in 1735.

In the year 1006, with his wile

and children, and soon after fol-

owed by most of the members of

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

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

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

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

He graduated in 181S, with the highest honors, be-
ing deemed the best scholar of his class, both in
mathematics and the classic s. lie was then twenty-
three years of age. Mr. Polk's health was at this
time much impaired by the assiduity with which lie
had prosecuted his studies. Alter a short season of
relaxation he went to Nashville, and entered the
office of Felix Grundy, to study law. Here Mr. Polk
renewed his acquaintance with Andrew Jackson, who
resided on his plantation, the Hermitage, but a few
miles from Nashville. They had probably been
slightly acquainted before.

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

he was popularly called the Napoleon of the stump.
He was a man of unblemished morals, ger.ir.l ard

JAMES K. POLK.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On the 3d of March, 1849, Mr. Polk retired from
office, having served one term. The next day was
Sunday. On the 5th, Gen. Taylor was inaugurated
as his successor. Mr. Polk rode to the Capitol in the
same carriage with Gen. Taylor; and the same even-
ing, with Mrs. Polk, he commenced his return to
Tennessee. He was then but fifty-four years of age.
He had ever been strictly temperate in all his habits,
and his health was good With an ample fortune,
a choice library, a cultivated mind, and domestic ties
of the dearest nature, it seemed as though long years
of tranquility and happiness were before him. But the
cholera — that fearful scourge— was then sweeping up
the Valley of the Mississippi. This he contracted,
and died on the 15th of June, 1849, in the fifty-fourth
year of his age, greatly mourned by his countrymen.

hS^SSpSiE''-

Til 'ELFTH PRESIDENT.

('3

>S-

ACHARY TAYLOR, twelfth

$) President of the United States,

-Jo was born on the 24th of Nov.,
17S4, in ( >range Co., Va. 1 lis
<o father, Colonel Taylor, was
a Virginian of note, and a dis-
f tinguished patriot and soldier of
the Revolution. When Zachary
was an infant, his father with his
wife and two children, emigrated
to Kentucky, where he settled in
the pathless wilderness, a tew
miles from Louisville. In this front-
ier home, away from civilization and
all its refinements, young Zachary
could enjoy but few social and educational advan-
tages. When six years of age he attended a common
school, and was then regarded as a bright, active boy,
■•ather remarkable for bluntness and decision of char-
acter He was strong, featless and self-reliant, and
manifested .1 strong desire to enter the army to fight
the Indians who were ravaging the frontiers. There-
is little to be recorded of the uneventful years of his
childhood 011 his father's large but lonely plantation.
In 1808, his father succeeded in obtaining for him
the commission of lieutenant in the United States
army ; and lie joined the troops which were stationed
at New Orleans under Gen. Wilkinson. Soon after
this he married Miss Margaret Smith, a young lady
from one of the first families of Maryland.

Immediately after the declaration of war with Eng-
land, in 1S12, Capt. Taylor (for he had then been
promoted to that rank) was put in command of Fort
Harrison, on the Wabash, about fifty miles above
Yincennes. 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,
Jed by Tecumseh. Its garrison consisted of a broken

company of infantry numbering fifty men, many of
whom were sic k.

Early in the autumn of 18 12, the Indians, stealthily,
and in large numbers, moved upon the fort. Their
approach was first indicated by the murder of two
soldiers just outside of the stockade. (.'apt. 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 (lag, and informed Capt. Taylor that
in the morning their chief would con e 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 imniagination can
conceive the scenes which ensued. The savages suc-
ceeded in setting lire to one of the block-houses-
Until six o'clock in the morning, this awful conflict
continued. The savages then, baffled at every point,
and gnashing their teeth with rage, retired. Capt.
Taylor, for this gallant defence, was promoted to I he-
rank of major by brevet.

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

6 4

ZACHARY TAYLOR.

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

For twenty -four years Col. Taylor was engaged in
the defence of the frontiers, in scenes so remote, and in
employments so obscure, that his name was unknown
beyond the limits of his own immediate acquaintance.
In the year 1836, he was sent to Florida to compel
the Seminole Indians to vacate that region and re-
tire beyond the Mississippi, as their chiefs by treaty,
hac" promised they should do. The services rendered
he;c secured for Col. Taylor the high appreciation of
the 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 such wearisome employment
amidst the everglades of the peninsula, Gen. Taylor
obtained, at his own request, a change of command,
and was stationed over the Department of the South-
west. This field embraced Louisiana, Mississippi,
Alabama and Georgia. Establishing his headquarters
at Fort Jessup, in Louisiana, he removed his family
to a plantation which he purchased, near Baton Rogue.
Here he remained for five years, buried, as it were,
from the world, but faithfully discharging every duty
imposed upon him.

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

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

The tidings of the brilliant victory of Buena Vista
spread the wildest enthusiasm over the country. The
name of Gen. Taylor was on every one's lips. The
Whig party decided to take advantage of this wonder-
ful popularity in bringing forward the unpolished, un-
lettered, honest soldier as their candidate for the
Presidency. Gen. Taylor was astonished at the an-
nouncement, and for a time would not listen to it; de-
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
tl..ir claims set aside in behalf of one whose name

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

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

In the midst of all these troubles, Gen. Taylor,
after he had occupied the Presidential chair but little
over a year, took cold, and after a brief sickness of
but little over five days, died on the 9th of July, 1850.
His last woids 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 nil-
worth's spelling-book, on the part of one wearing a
sword, was evidence, with the same judge, of utter
unfitness for heavy marchings and combats. In short,
few men have ever had a more comfortable, labor-
saving contempt for learnirg of every kind."

<c6

•jtz^j^i^t

XTtx)

THIRTEENTH PRESIDENT.

SIC :":

sTj

I ^MILLAHH FILLMIIRE^

i#a

@^--

4-*

ILLARD FILLMORE, thir-
teenth President of the United

States, was born at Summer
Hill, Cayuga Co., N. Y ., on
the 7th of January, 1800. His
"^ father was a farmer, and ow-
ing to misfortune, in humble cir-

cumstances. Of his mother, the
daughter of Dr. Abiathar Millard,
% of Pittsfield, Mass., it has been
said that she possessed an intellect
of very high order, united with much
personal loveliness, sweetness of dis-
position, graceful manners and ex-
quisite sensibilities. She died in
1 83 1 ; having lived to see her son .1
young man of distinguished prom-
ise, though she was not permitted to witness the high
dignity which he finally attained.

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

enterprising man had commenced the collection of a
village library. This proved an inestimable blessing
to young Fillmore. His evenings were spent in read-
ing. Soon every leisure moment was occupied with
books. His thirst for knowledge became insatiate;
and the selections which he made were continually
more elevating and instructive. He read history,
biography, oratory; and thus gradually there was en-
kindled in his heart a desire to be something more
than a mere worker with his hands; and lie 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 line personal appearance
and of gentlemanly demeanor. It so happened that
there was a gentleman in the neighborhood of ample
pecuniary means and of benevolence, — Judge Walter
Wood, — who was struck with the prepossessing ap-
pearance of young Fillmore. He made his acquaint-
ance, and was so much impressed with his ability and
attainments that he advised him to abandon his
trade and devote himself to the study of the law. The
young man replied, that he had no means of his own,
no friends to help him and that his previous educa-
tion had been very imperfect. But Judge Wood had
so much confidence in him that he kindly offered to
take him into his own office, and to loan him such
money as he needed. Most gratefully the generous
offer was accepted.

There is in many minds a strange delusion about
a collegiate education. A young man is supposed t'>
be liberally educated if he has graduated at some col-
lege. But many a boy loiters through university hal" •.
ind then enters a law office, who is by no means at'

MILLARD FILLMORE.

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

In 1S23, when twenty-three years of age, he was
admitted to the Court of Common Pleas. He then
went to the village of Aurora, and commenced the
practice of law. In this secluded, peaceful region,
his practice of course was limited, and there was no
opportunity for a sudden rise in fortune or in fame.
Here, in the year 1826, he married a lady of great
moral worth, and one capable of adorning any station
she might be called to fill, — Miss Abigail Powers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

On the 9th of July, r85o. President Taylor, but
about one year and four months after his inaugura-
tion, was suddenly taken sick and died. By the Con-
stitution. Vice-President Fillmore thus became Presi-
dent. He appointed a very able cabinet, of which
the illustrious Daniel Webster was Secretary of State.

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

In 1856, Mr. Fillmore was nominated for the Pres-
idency by the " Know Nothing " party, but was beaten
by Mr. Buchanan. After that Mr. Fillmore lived in
retirement. During the terrible conflict of civil war,
he was mostly silent. It was generally supposed that
his sympathies were rather with those who were en-
deavoring to overthrow our institutions. President
Fillmore kept aloof from the conflict, without any
cordial words of cheer to the one party or the other.
He was thus forgotten by both. He lived to a ripe
old age, and died in Buffalo. N. Y., March 8, ^74.

•'

FOURTEENTH PRESIDENT

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^FRANKLIN PIERCE.

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

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

When sixteen years of age, in the year 1S20, he
entered Bowdoin College, at Brunswick, Me He was
one of the most popular young men in the college.
The purity cf his moral character, the unvarying
courtesy of his demeanor, his rank as a scholar, and

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

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

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

In 1 S37, being then but thirty-three years of age,
he was elected to the Senate of the United States;
taking his seat just as Mr. Van Buren commenced
his administration. He was the youngest memberin
the Senate. In the year 1834, he married Miss Jane
Means Appleton, a lady of rare beauty and accom-
plishments, and one admirably fitted to adorn every
station with which her husband was honoied. Of the

7 2

FRANKLIN PIERCE.

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

In the year 1S38, Mr. Pierce, with growing fame
and increasing business as a lawyer, took up his
residence in Concord, the capital of New Hampshire.
President Polk, upon his accession to office, appointed
Mr. Pierce attorney-general of the United States; but
the offer was declined, in consequence of numerous
professional engagements at home, and the precariuos
state of Mrs. Pierce's health. He also, about the
same time declined the nomination for governor by the
Democratic party. The war with Mexico called Mr.
Pierce in the army. Receiving the appointment of
brigadier-general, he embarked, with a portion of his
troops, at Newport, R. I., on the 27th of May, 1S47.
He took an hrqiortant part in this war, proving him-
self a brave and true soldier.

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

On the 12th of June, 1852, the Democratic conven-
tion met in Baltimore to nominate a candidate for the
Presidency. For four days they continued in session,
and in thirty-five ballotings no one had obtained a
two-thirds vote. Not a vote thus far had been thrown
for Gen. Pierce. Then the Virginia delegation
brought forward his name. There were fourteen
more ballotings, during which Gen. Pierce constantly
gained strength, until, at the forty-ninth ballot, he
received two hundred and eighty-two votes, and all
other candidates eleven. Gen. Winfield Scott was
the Whig candidate. Gen. Pierce was chosen with
great unanimity. Only four States — Vermont, Mas-
sachusetts, Kentucky and Tennessee — cast their
electoral votes against him Gen. Franklin Pierce
was therefore inaugurated President of the United
States on the 4th of March, 1853.

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

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

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

When the terrible Rebellion burst forth, which di-
vided our country into two parties, and two only, Mr.
Pierce remained steadfast in the principles which he
had always cherished, and gave his sympathies to
that pro-slavery party with which he had ever been
allied. He declined to do anything, either by voice
or pen, to strengthen the hand of the National Gov-
ernment. He continued to reside in Concord until
the time of his death, which occurred in October,
1S69. He was one of the most genial and social of
men, an honored communicant of the Episcopal
Church, and one of the kindest of neighbors. Gen-
erous to a fault, he contributed liberally for the al-
leviation of suffering and want, and many of his towns-
people were often gladened by his material bounty.

■

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FIFTEENTH 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 Franklin Co., Penn., on
the 23d of April, 1 7 91. The place
where the humble cabin of his
father stood was called Stony
Hatter. It was a wild and ro-
mantic spot in a gorge of the moun-
tains, with towering summits rising
grandly all around. His father
was a native of the north of Ireland;
a poor man, who had emigrated in
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 life. In this se-
cluded home, where James was born, he remained
for eight years, enjoying but few social or intellectual
advantages. When James was eight yeaisof age, his
father removed to the village of Mercersburg, where
his son was placed at school, and commenced a
course of study in English, Latin and Greek. His
progress was rapid, and at the age of fourteen, lie
entered Dickinson College, at Carlisle. Here he de-
veloped remarkable talent, and took his stand among
the first scholars in the institution. His application
«o study was intense, and yet his native powers en-

abled him to master the most abstruse subjects with
facility.

In the year 1 S09, he graduated with the highest
honors of his class. He was then eighteen years of
age; tall and graceful, vigorous in health, fond of
athletic sport, an unerring shot, and enlivened with
an exuberant flow of animal spirits. He immediately
commenced the study of law in the city of Lancaster,
and was admitted to the bar in 1812, when he was
but twenty-one years of age. Very rapidly he rose
in his profession, and at once took undisputed stand
with the ablest lawyers of the State. When but
twenty-six years of age, unaided by counsel, he suc-
cessfully defended before the State Senate one of the
judges of the State, who was tried ti|>on articles of
impeachment. At the age of thirty it was generally
admitted that he stood at the head of the bar; and
there was no lawyer in the State who had a more lu-
crative practice.

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

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

7 6

JAMES BUCHANAN.

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

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

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

Mr. Buchanan identified himself thoroughly with
the party devoted to the perpetuation and extension
of slavery, and brought all the energies of his mind
to bear against the Wilmot Proviso. He gave his
cordial approval to the compromise measures of 1S50,
which included the fugitive-slave law. Mr. Pierce,
upon his election to the Presidency, honored Mr.
Buchanan with the mission to England.

In the year [856, a national Democratic conven-
tion nominated Mr. Buchanan forthe Presidency. 'Hie
political conflict was one of the most severe in which
O'.ir country has ever engaged. All the friends of
slavery were on one side; all the advocates of its re-
striction and final abolition, on the other. Mr. Fre-
mont, the candidate of the enemies of slavery, re-
ceived 1 14 electoral votes. Mr. Buchanan received
T74, and was elected. The popular vote stood
1,340,618, for Fremont, 1,224,750 for Buchanan. On
March 4th, 1857, Mr. Buchanan was inaugurated.

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

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

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

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

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

South Carolina seceded in December, 1S60; nearly
three months before the inauguration of President
Lincoln. Mr. Buchanan looked on in listless despair.
The rebel flag was raised in Charleston : Fort Sumpter
was besieged ; our forts, navy-yards and arsenals
were seized; our depots of military stores were plun-
dered ; and our custom-houses and post-offices were
appropriated by the rebels.

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

The administration of President Buchanan was
certainly the most calamitous our country has ex-
perienced. His best friends cannot recall it with
pleasure. And still more deplorable it is for his fame,
that in that dreadful conflict which rolled its billows
of flame and blood over our whole land, no word came
from his lips to indicate his wish that our country's
banner should triumph over the flag of the rebellion.
He died at his Wheatland retreat, June 1, 1868.

^-T

G^^CvC^t^

SIXTEENTH PRESIDENT.

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„„ , ABRAHAM > iflftftdp < f LINCOLN. > |

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I5RAHAM LINCOLN,
g sixteenth President of

the

the
in

12,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ABRAHAM LINCOLN.

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

In 1832, at the outbreak of the Black Hawk war, he
enlisted and was chosen captain of a company. He
returned to Sangamon County, and although only 23
years of age, was a candidate for the Legislature, but
was defeated. He soon after received from Andrew
Jackson the appointment of Postmaster of New Salem,
His only post-office was his hat. All the letters he
received he carried there ready to deliver to those
he chanced to meet. He studied surveying, and soon
made this his business. In 1834 he again became a
candidate for the Legislature, and was elected Mr.
Stuart, of Springfield, advised him to study law. He
walked from New Salem to Springfield, borrowed of
Mr. Stuart a load of books, carried them back and
began his legal studies. When the Legislature as-
sembled he trudged on foot with his pack on his back
one hundred miles to Vandalia, then the capital. In
1S36 he was re-elected to the Legislature. Here it
was he first met Stephen A. Douglas. In 1839 he re-
moved to Springfield and began the practice of law.
His success with the jury was so great that he was
soon engaged in almost every noted case in the circuit.

In 1S54 I he great discussion began between Mr.
Lincoln and Mr. Douglas, on the slavery question.
In the organization of the Republican party in Illinois,
in 1S56, he took an active part, and at once became
one of the leaders in that party. Mr. Lincoln's
speeches in opposition to Senator Douglas in the con-
test in 1 85 S for a seat in the Senate, form a most
notable part of his history 1 The issue was on the
slavery question, and he took the broad ground of
lie Declaration of Independence, that all men are
created equal. Mr. Lincoln was defeated in this con-
test, but won a far higher prize:

The great Republican Convention met at Chicago
on the 1 6th of June, i860. The delegates and
strangers who crowded the city amounted to twenty-
five thousand. An immense building called "The
Wigwam," was reared to accommodate the Conven-
tion. There were eleven candidates for whom votes
were thrown. William H Seward, a man whose fame
as a statesman had long filled the land, was the most
orominent. It was generally supposed he would be
the nominee. Abraham Lincoln, however, received
the nomination on the third ballot. Little did he then
dream of the weary years of toil and care, and the
bloody death, to which that nomination doomed him:
and as little did he dream that he was to render services
to his country, which would fix upon him the eyes of
the whole civilized world, and which would give him
a place in the affections of his countrymen, second
only, if second, to that of Washington.

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

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

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

During no other administration have the duties
devolving upon the President been so manifold, ami
the responsibilities so great, as those which tell to
the lot of President Lincoln. Knowing this, and
feeling his own weakness and inability to meet, and in
his own strength to cope with, the difficulties, lie
learned early to seek Divine wisdom and guidance in
determining his plans, and Divine comfort in all his
trials, both personal and national. "Contrary to his
own estimate of himself, Mr. Lincoln was one of the
most courageous of men. He went directly into the
rebel capital just as the retreating foe was leaving,
with no guard but a few sailors. From the time he
had left Springfield, in 1S61, however, plans had been
made for his assassination, and he at last fell a victim
to one of them. April 14, 1865, he, with Gen. Grant,
was urgently invited to attend Fords' Theater. It
was announced that they would t.e present. Gen.
Grant, however, left the city. President Lincoln, feel-
ing, witli his characteristic kindliness of heart, that
it would be a disappointment if he should fail them,
very reluctantly consented to go. While listening to
the play an actor by the name of John Wilkes Booth
entered the box where the President and family were
seated, and fired a bullet into his brains. He died the
next morning at seven o'clock.

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

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EN'l J: I: A ' 7 11 J'KESJDEy T.

m o n mm ipanipi

^ NDREW JOHNSON, seven-
th teenth President of ihe Unitet

^ .States.

The early life of

Andrew Johnson contains but

the record of poverty, destitu-

% -VT tionand friendlessness. He

/. \ . ■■- ... -- . j ^

■ was born December 29, 1S0S,

in Raleigh, N. C. His parents,
belonging to the class or the
"poor whites " of the South, were
in such circumstances, that they
could not confer even the slight-
est advantages of education upon
their child. When Andrew was five
years of age, his father accidentally
lost his life while herorically endeavoring to save a
friend from drowning. Until ten years of age, Andrew
was a ragged boy about the streets, supported by the
labor of his mother, who obtained her living with
her own hands.

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

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

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

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

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

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

ANDREW JOHNSON.

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

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

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

In the Charleston- Baltimore convention of i&uj, ne
was the choice of the Tennessee Democrats for the
Presidency. In 1861, when the purpose of the South-
ern Democracy became apparent, he took a decided
stand in favor of the Union, and held that " slavery
must be held subordinate to the Union at whatever
cost." He returned to Tennessee, and repeatedly
imperiled his own life to protect the Unionists of
Tennesee. Tennessee having seceded from the
Union, President Lincoln, on March 4th, 1862, ap-
pointed him Military Governor of the State, and lie
established the most stringent military rule. His
numerous proclamations attracted wide attention. In
i S64, he was elected Vice-President of the United
States, and upon the death of Mr. Lincoln, April 15,
1S65, became President. In a speech two days later
he said, "The American people must be taught, if
fhey do not already feel, that treason is a crime and
must be punished; that the Government will not
always bear with its enemies; that it is strong not
only to protect, but to punish. * * The people
must understand that it (treason) is the blackest of
crimes, and will surely be punished." Yet his whole
administration, the history of which is so well known,
was in utter inconsistency with, and the most violent

opposition to. the principles laid down in that speech.

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

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

The President, for the remainder of his term, was
but little regarded. He continued, though impotent!-")
his conflict with Congress. His own party did not
think it expedient to renominate him for the Presi-
dency. The Nation rallied, with enthusiasm unpar-
alleled since the days of Washington, around the name
of Gen. Grant. Andrew Johnson was forgotten.
The bullet of the assassin introduced him to the
President's chair. Notwithstanding this, never was
there presented to a man a better opportunity to im-
mortalize his name, and to win the gratitude of a
nation. He failed utterly. He retired to his home
in Greenville, Tenn., taking no very active part in
politics until 1875. On Jan. 26, after an exciting
struggle, he was chosen by the Legislature of Ten-
nessee, United States Senator in the forty-fourth Con-
gress, and took his seat in that body, at the special
session convened by President Grant, on the 5th of
March. On the 27th of July, 1875, the ex-President
made a visit to his daughter's home, near Carter
Station, Tenn. When he started on his journey, he was
apparently in his usual vigorous health, but on reach-
ing the residence of his child the following day, was
stricken with paralysis, rendering him unconscious.
He rallied occasionally, but finally passed away at
2 a.m., July 31, aged sixty-seven years. His fun-
eral was attended at Geenville, on the 3d of August,
with every demonstration of respect.

/Z^7~ a^ZZI

EIG11 TEENTH ['RESIDENT.

■■•'■■■

ta LYSSES S. GRANT, the
&i eighteenth President of the
^United States, was born on
V the 29th of April, 1822, of
{, Christian parents, in a humble
home, at Point Pleasant, on the
banks of the Ohio. Shortly after
his father moved to George-
town, Brown Co., O. In this re-
mote frontier hamlet, Ulysses
received a common-school edu-
cation. At the age of seven-
teen, in the year 1839, he entered
the Military Academy at West
Point. Here he was regarded as a
solid, sensible young man of fair abilities, and of
sturdy, honest character. He took respectable rank
as a scholar. In June, 1843, he graduated, about the
middle in his class, and was sent as lieutenant of in-
fantry to one of the distant military posts in the Mis-
souri Territory. Two years he past in these dreary
solitudes, watching the vagabond and exasperating
Indians.

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

»£^V@$&<§V<§Xs>€£>fe)

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

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

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

l/LVSS&S S. GRANT.

June, 1861, Capt. Grant received a commission as
Colonel of the Twenty-first Regiment of Illinois Vol-
unteers. His merits as a West Point graduate, who
had served for 15 years in the regular army, were such
that he was soon promoted to the rank of Brigadier-
General and was placed in command at Cairo. The
rebels raised their banner at Paducah, near the mouth
of the Tennessee River. Scarcely had its folds ap-
peared in the breeze ere Gen. Grant was there. The
rebels fled. Their banner fell, and the star and
stripes were unfurled in its stead.

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

Like all great captains, Gen. Grant knew well how
to secure the results of victory. He immediately
pushed on to the enemies' lines. Then came the
terrible battles of Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, and the
siege of Vicksburg, where Gen. Pemberton made an
unconditional surrender of the city with over thirty
thousand men and one-hundred and seventy-two can-
non. The fall of Vicksburg was by far the most
severe blow which the rebels had thus far encountered,
and opened up the Mississippi from Cairo to the Gulf.
Gen. Grant was next ordered to co-operate with
Gen. Banks in a movement upon Texas, and pro-
ceeded to New Orleans, where he was thrown from
i:is horse, and received severe injuries, from which he
was laid up for months. He then rushed to the aid
of Gens. Rosecrans and Thomas at Chattanooga, and
by a wonderful series of strategic and technical meas-
ures put the Union Army in fighting condition. Then
followed the bloody battles at Chattanooga, Lookout
Mountain and Missionary Ridge, in which the rebels
were routed with great loss. This won for him un-
bounded praise in the North. On the 4th of Febru-
ary, 1864, Congress revived the grade of lieutenant-
general, and the rank was conferred on Gen. Grant.
He repaired to Washington to receive his credentials
and enter iipor. !!?p duties of his new office.

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

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

At the Republican Convention held at Chicago,
May 21, 1S68, he was unanimously nominated for the
Presidency, and at the autumn election received a
majority of the popular vote, and 214 out of 294
electoral votes.

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

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

He was the most prominent candidate before the
Republican National Convention in 18S0 for a re-
nomination for President. He went to New York and
embarked in the brokerage business under the firm
name of Grant & Ward. The latter proved a villain,
wrecked Grant's fortune, and for larceny was sent to
the penitentiary. The General was attacked with
cancer in the throat, but suffered in his stoic-like
manner, never complaining. He was re-instated as
General of the Army and retired by Congress. The
cancer soon finished its deadly work, and July 23,
1SS5, the nation went in mourning over the death of
the illustrious General.

^L^l-

NJX E TEE XTJl 1'R ESI1 > ENT.

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UTHERFORD B. HAYES,

the nineteenth President of
K the United States, was horn m
Delaware, O., Oct. 4, 1822, al-
most three months after the
^ death of his father, Rutherford
Hayes. His ancestry on both
the paternal and maternal sides,
was of the most honorable char-
acter. It can be traced, it is said,
as far back as 1280, when Hayes and
Rutherford were two Scottish chief-
tains, fighting side by side with
Baliol, William Wallace and Robert
Bruce. Both families belonged to the
nobility, owned extensive estates,
and had a large following. Misfor-
tune overtaking the family, George Hayes left Scot-
land in 1680, and settled in Windsor, Conn. His son
George was born in Windsor, and remained there
during his life. Daniel Hayes, son of the latter, mar-
ried Sarah Lee, arid lived from the time of his mar-
riage until his death in Simsbury, Conn. E/.ekiel,
son of Daniel, was born in 1724, and was a manufac-
turer of scythes at Bradford, Conn. Rutherford Hayes,
son of K/.ekiel and grandfather of President Hayes, was
born in New Haven, in August, 1756. He was a farmer,
blacksmith and tavern-keeper. He emigrated to
Vermont at an unknown date, settling in Brattleboro,
where he established a hotel. Here his son Ruth-
erford Hayes the father of President Hayes, was

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

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

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

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

9 2

RUTHERFORD B. HAYES.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In 1 86 1, when the Rebellion broke out, he was at
the zenith of his professional life. Flis rank at the
bar was among the the first. But the news of the
attack on Fort Sumpter found him eager to take up
arms for the defense of his country.

His military record was bright ar.d illustrious. In
October, 1861, he was made Lieutenant-Colonel, and
in August, 1862, promoted Colonel of the 79th Ohio
regiment, but he refused to leave his old comrades
and go among strangers. Subsequently, however, he
was made Colonel of his old regiment. At the battle
of South Mountain he received a wound, and while
faint and bleeding displayed courage and fortitude
that won admiration from all.

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

In 1864, Gen. Hayes was elected to Congress, from
the Second Ohio District, which Jiad long been Dem-
ocratic. He was not present during the campaign,
and after his election was importuned to resign his
commission in the army; but he finally declared, " 1
shall never come to Washington until I can come by
the way of Richmond." He was re-elected in 1866.

In 1867, Gen Hayes was elected Governor of Ohio,
over Hon. Allen G. Thurman, a popular Democrat.
In 1869 was re-elected over George H. Pendleton.
He was elected Governor for the third term in 1875.

In 1876 he was the standard bearer of the Repub-
lican Party in the Presidential contest, and after a
hard long contest was chosen President, and was in
augurated Monday, March 5, 1875. He served his
full term, not, hewever, with satisfaction to his party,
but his administration was an average op = .

".■;::._

Til 'ENTIETH PRESIDENT.

I JAMES A a gAREimU. y

^ 'II

/^X

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

The house in which James A. was
born was not unlike the houses of
poor Ohio farmers of that day. It
.. as about 20x30 feet, built of logs, with the spaces be-
.ween the logs filled with clay. His father was a
lard working farmer, and he soon had his fields
cleared, an orchard planted, and a log barn built.
i'lie household comprised the father and mother and
heir four children — Mehetabel, Thomas, Mary and
antes. In May, 1823, the father, from a cold con-
rai ted in helping to put out a forest fire, died. At
this time James was about eighteen months old, and
Phomas about ten years old. No one, perhaps, can
(ell how much James was indeLted to his btother's
ceil and self-sacrifice during the twenty years suc-
ceeding his father's death, but undoubtedly very
much. He now lives in Michigan, and the two sis-
itrs live in Solon, O., near their birthplace.

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

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

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

9 6

JAMES A. GARFIELD.

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

Mr. Garfield was united in marriage with Miss
Lucretia Rudolph, Nov. 1 1, 185S, who proved herself
worthy as the wife of one whom all the world loved and
mourned. To them were burn seven children, five of
whom are still living, four boys and one girl.

Mr. Garfield made his first political speeches in 1856,
in Hiram and the. neighboring villages, and three
years later he began to speak at county mass-meet-
ings, and became the favorite speaker wherever he
was. During this year he was elected to the Ohio
Senate. He also began to study law at Cleveland,
and in 1S61 was admitted to the bar. The great
Rebellion broke out in the early part of this year,
and Mr. Garfield at once resolved to fight as he had
talked, and enlisted to defend the old flag. He re-
ceived his commission as Lieut.-Colonel of the Forty-
second Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Aug.
14,1861. He was immediately put into active ser-
vice, and before he had ever seen a gun fired in ac^on,
was placed in command of four regiments of infantry
and eight companies of cavalry, charged with the
work of driving out of his native State the officer
(Humphrey Marshall) reputed to be the ablest of
those, not educated to war whom Kentucky had given
to the Rebellion. This work was bravely and speed-
ily accomplished, although against great odds. Pres-
ident Lincoln, on his success commissioned him
Brigadier-General, Jan. 10, 1862; and as "he had
been the youngest man in the Ohio Senate two years
before, so now he was the youngest General in the
army." He was with Gen. Buell's army at Shiloli,
in its operations around Corinth and its march through
Alabama. He was then detailed as a member of the
General Court-Martial for the trial of Gen. Fitz-John
Porter. He was then ordered to report to Gen. Rose-
crans, and was assigned to the "Chief of Staff."

The military b'story of Gen. Garfield closed with

his brilliant services at Chickamauga, where he won
the stars 01 the Major-General.

Without an effort on his part Gei? Garfield was
elected to Congress in the fall of 1862 from the
Nineteenth District of Ohio. This section of Ohio
had been represented in Congress for sixty years
mainly by two men — Elisha Whittlesey and Joshua
K. Giddings. It was not without a struggle that he
resigned his place in the army. At the time heen-
tered Congress he was the youngest member in that
body. There he remained by successive re-
elections until he was elected President in 1SS0.
Of his labors in Congress Senator Hoar says : " Since
the year 1864 you cannot think of a question which
has been debated in Congress, or discussed before a
tribunel of the American people, in regard to which
you will not find, if you wish instruction, the argu-
ment on one side stated, in almost every instance
better than by anybody else, in some speech made in
the House of Representatives or on the hustings by
Mr. Garfield."

Upon Jan. 14, 18S0, Gen. Garfield was elected to
the LJ. S. Senate, and on the eighth of June, of the
same year, was nominated as the candidate ol his
parly for President at the great Chicago Convention-
He was elected in the following November, and on
March 4, 1881, was inaugurated. Probably no ad-
ministration ever opened its existence under brighter
auspices than that of President Garfield, and every
day it grew in favor with the people, and by the first
of July lie had completed all the initiatory and pre-
liminary work of his administration and was prepar-
ing to leave the city to meet his friends at Williams
College. While on his way and at the depot, in com-
pany with Secretary Blaine, a man stepped behind
him, drew a revolver, and fired directly at his back.
The President tottered and fell, and as lie did so the
assassin fired a second shot, the bullet cutting the
left coat sleeve of his victim, but inflicting nofarlhei
injury. It has been very truthfully said that this was
" the shot that was heard round the world " Never
before in the history of the Nation had anything oc-
curred which so nearly froze the blood of the people
for the moment, as this awful deed. He was smit-
ten on the brightest, gladdest day of all his life, and
was at the summit of his power and hope. Foreighty
days, all during the hot months of July and August,
he lingered and suffered. He, however, remained
master of himself till the last, and by his magnificent
bearing was teaching the country and the world the
noblest of human lessons — how to live grandly in the
very clutch of death. Great in life, he was surpass-
ingly great in death. He passed serenely away Sept.
19, 1883, at Elberon, N. J., on the very bank of the
ocean, where he had been taken shortly previous. The
world wept at his death, as it never had done on the
death of any other man who had ever lived upon it.
The murderer was duly tried, found guilty and exe-
cuted, in one year after he committed the foul deed.

T IVEN T Y-FIAS T PRESIDENT.

HESTER A. ARTHUR,

m twenty-first Presi'i-in ul 'lie

^United States was bom in

Franklin Cour.ty, Vermont, on

the fifthofOdobcr, 1830, and is

the oldest of a family of two

sons and five daughters. His

father was the Rev. Dr. William

Arthur, aBaptistc''.rgyman,'wht,

emigrated to tb'.s country fro-,i

L the county Antrim, Ireland, in

his 18th year, and died in 1875, in

Newtonville, neat Albany, after a

long and successful ministry.

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

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

children.

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

Another great service was rendered by General
Arthur in the same cause in 1S56. Lizzie Jennings,
a respectable colored woman, was put off a Fourth
Avenue car with violence after she had paid her fare.
General Arthur sued on her behalf, and secured a
verdict of $500 damages. The next day the compa-
ny issued an order to admit colored persons to ride
on their cars, and the other car companies quickly

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

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

General Arthur was a delegate to the Convention
at Saratoga that founded the Republican party.
Previous to the war he was Judge-Advocate of the
Second Brigade of the State of New York, and Gov-
ernor Morgan, of that State, appointed him Engineer-
in-Chief of his staff. In 1 86 1, he was made Inspec-
tor General, and soon afterward became Quartermas-
ter-General. In each of these offices he rendered
great service to the Government during the war. At
the end of Governor Morgan's term he resumed the
practice of the law, forming a partnership with Mr.
Ransom, and then Mr. Phelps, the District Attorney
of New Yoik, was added to the firm. The legal prac-
tice of this well-known firm was very large and lucra-
tive, each of the gentlemen composing it were able
lawyers, and possessed a splendid local reputation, if
not indeed one of national extent.

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

Mr. Arthur was nominated on the Presidential
ticket, with Gen. James A. Garfield, at the famous
National Republican Convention held at Chicago in
June, 1S80. This was perhaps the greatest political
convention that ever assembled on the continent. It
was composed of the fading politicians of the Re-
publican party, all able men, and each stood firm and
fought vigorously and with signal tenacity for their
respective candidates that were before the conven-
tion for the nomination. Finally Gen. Garfield re-
ceived the nomination for President and Gen. Arthur
lor Vice-President. The campaign which followed
wasoneof the most animated known in the history of
our country. Gen. Hancock, the standard-bearer of
the Democratic party, was a popular man, and his
party made a valiant fight for his election.

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

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

At last God in his mercy relieved President Gar-
field from further suffering, and the world, as never
before in its history over the death of any other
man, wept at his bier. Then it became the duty of
the Vice President to assume the responsibilities of
the high office, and he took the oath in New York.
Sept. 20, 1SS1. The position was an embarrassing
one to him, made doubly so from the facts that all
eyes were on him, anxious to know what he would do,
what policy he would pursue, and who he would se-
lect as advisers. The duties of the office had been
greatly neglected during the President's long illness,
and many important measures were to be immediately
decided by him; and still farther to embarrass him he
did not fail to realize under what circumstances he
became President, and knew the feelings of many on
this point. Under these trying circumstances President
Arthur took the reins of the Government in his own
hands; and, as embarrassing as were the condition of
affairs, he happily surprised the nation, acting so
wisely that but few criticised his administration.
He served the nation well and faithfully, until the
close of his administration, March 4, 1S85, and was
a popular candidate before his party for a second
term. His name was ably presented before the con-
vention at Chicago, and was received with great
favor, and doubtless but for the personal popularity
of one of the opposing candidates, he would have
been selected as the standard-bearer of his party
for another campaign. He retired to private life car-
rying with him the best wishes of the American peo-
ple, whom he had served in a manner satisfactory
to them and with credit to himself.

W:.

/ZVt/^

TWENTY-SECOND PRESIDENT.

^7^LM*8>7$a,

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^S;g<*^-s*^:s>s«-s;s*'S;s«^::s-'&^:S*-s;

mmx ClewlanC

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oco

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

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

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

104

S. GROVE R CLEVELAND.

calling for life, and, reversing the traditional order,
ne left the city to seek his fortune, instead of going
to a city. He first thought of Cleveland, Ohio, as
there was some charm in thai name for him; but
before proceeding to that place he went to Buffalo to
isk the advice of his uncle, Lewis F. Allan, a noted
stock- breeder of that place. The latter did not
rpeak enthusiastically. " What is it you want to do,
my boy?" he asked. "Well, sii, I want to study
'aw," was the reply. "Good gracious!" remarked
die old gentleman ; " do you, indeed ? What ever put
that into your head? How much money have you
got?"' ' Well, sir, to tell the truth, I haven't got
any."

After a long consultation, his uncle offered him a
place temporarily as assistant herd-keeper, at $50 a
year, while he could " look around." One day soon
afterward he boldly walked into the office of Rogers,
Bowen & Rogers, of Buffalo, and told them what he
wanted. A number of young men were already en-
gaged in the office, but Grover's persistency won, and
ne was finally permitted to come as an office boy and
have the use of the law library, for the nominal sum
of $3 or $4 a week. Out of this he had to pay for
his board and washing. The walk to and from his
uncle's was a long and rugged one; and, although
the first winter was a memorably severe one, his
shoes were out of repair and his overcoat — he had
none — yet he was nevertheless prompt and regular.
On the first day of his service here, his senior em-
ployer threw down a copy of Blackstone before him
with a bang that made the dust fly, saying "That's
where they all begin." A tiller ran around the little
rircle of cleiks and students, as they thought that
was enough to scare young Groverout of his plans ;
but in due time he mastered that cumbersome volume.
Then, as ever afterward, however, Mr. Cleveland
exhibited a talent for executiveness rather than for
chasing principles through all their metaphysical
possibilities. " Let us quit talking and go and do
t," was practically his motto.

The first public office to which Mr. Cleveland was
eiected was that of Sheriff of Erie Co., N. Y., in
which Buffalo is situated; and in such capacity it fell
lo his duty to inflict capital punishment upon two
criminals. In 18S1 he was elected Mayor of the
City of Buffalo, on the Democratic ticket, with es-
pecial reference to the bringing about certain reforms

in the administration of the municipal affairs of that
city. In this office, as well as that of Sheriff, his
performance of duty has generally been considered
fair, with possibly a few exceptions which were fer-
reted out and magnified during the last Presidential
campaign. As a specimen of his plain language in
a veto message, we quote from one vetoing an iniq ii-
tous street-cleaning contract: "This is a time fur
plain speech, and my objection to your action shall
be plainly stated. I regard it as the culmination of
a mos bare-faced, impudent and shameless scheme
to betray the interests of the people and to worse
than squander the people's money." The New York
Sun afterward very highly commended Mr. Cleve-
land's administration as Mayor of Buffalo, and there-
upon recommended him for Governor of the Empire
State. To the latter office he was elected in 1SS2,
and his administration of the affairs of State was
generally satisfactory. The mistakes he made, if
any, were made very public throughout the nation
after he was nominated for President of the United
States. For this high office he was nominated July
11, 1884, by the National Democratic Convention at
Chicago, when other competitors were Thomas F.
Bayard, Roswell P. Flower, Thomas A. Hendricks,
Benjamin F. Butler, Allen G. Thunr.an, etc.: and he
was elected by the people, by a majority of about a
thousand, over the brilliant and long-tried Repub-
lican statesman, James G. Blaine. President Cleve-
land resigned his office as Governor of New York in
January, 18S5, in order to prepare for his duties as
the Chief Executive of the United States, in which
capacity his term commenced at noon on the 4th of
March, 18S5. For his Cabinet officers he selected
the following gentlemen: For Secretary of State,
Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware ; Secretary of the
Treasury, Daniel Manning, of New York; Secretary
of War, William C. Endicott, of Massachusetts ;
Secretary of the Navy, William C. Whitney, of New
York; Secretary of the Interior, L. Q. C. Lamar, of
Mississippi; Postmaster-General, William F. Vilas,
of Wisconsin; Attorney-General, A. H. Garland, of
Arkansas.

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

C&z

<Zs^?^7isis&1?~-i^

TWENTY-THIRD l'RKSlDENT.

"Ojo-tg^/®-^"

JENJAM1N HARRISON, the
twenty-third President, is

the descendant of one of the
?; 8\l ^""t-^lB' 1 - 1 lii-l"i i ' ■ ■■ 1 1 f.-nn ilii-s of this

^ jiBa^V 1 e W\W\$ 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, 1CC0.' His descendants
came to America, and the next of the
family that appears in history is Benja-
min 'Tarrison, of Virginia, great-grand-
father of the subject of this sketch, and
after wliom he was named. Benjamin Harrison
was a member of the Continental Congress during
the years 1774-5-G, and was one of the original
signers of the Declaration of Independence. He
was tlircfi times elected Governor of Virginia,
Gen William lb my Harrison, 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 .fter Ins inauguration.
President Harrison war born at North, Bend,
Hamilton Co., Ohio, Aug. ".0, 1833 His life upto
the time of his graduation by the Miami University,
at Oxford, Ohio, was the uneventful one of a coun-
try lad of a family of small means. His father was
able to give him a good education, and nothing
more. He became engaged while at college to tiu
daughter of Dr. Scott, Principal of a female school
at Oxford. After graduating he determined to en-
ter upon the stud}' of the law. He went to Cin
ainnati and then read law for two years. At tht
expiration of that time young Harrison received tfa
only inheritance of his life; his aunt dying left him
a lot valued at §800. He regarded this legacy as i
fortune, and decided to get married at once, '.ak?
this money and goto some Eastern town ar oe
gin the practice of law. He sold his lot, and with
the money in his pocket, he started out witii his
young wife to fight for a place in the world, "e

108

BENJAMIN HARRISON.

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

In 18G0 Mr. Harrison was nominated for the
position of Supreme Court Reporter, and then be-
gan his experience as a stump speaker. He can-
vassed the State thoroughly, 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,
hut Col. Harrison employed all his time at first
mastering military tactics and drilling his men,
when he therefore came to move toward the East
with Sherman his regiment was one of the best
drilled and organized in the army. At Resaca he
especially distinguished himself, and for his bravery
at Peachtree Creek he was made a Brigadier Gen-
eral, Gen. Hooker speaking of him in the most
complimentary terms.

During the absence of Gen. Harrison in the field
the Supreme Court declared the ollice of the Su-
preme Court Reporter vacant, and another person
was elected to the position. From the time of leav-
ing Indiana with his regiment until the fall of 1 864
he had Xaken no leave of ahsence, 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-
man, but on the way was stricken down with scarlet
."ever, and after a most trying siege made his way
to the front in time to participate in the closing
ncidents of the war.

In 18G8 Gen. Harrison declined a re-election as
reporter, and resumed the practice of law. In 1870
he was a candidate for Governor. Although de-
feated, the brilliant campaign he made won for him
i National reputation, and he was much sought, es-,
peciai.y in the East, to make speeches. In 1880,
as usun', he took an active part in the campaign,
and wv elected to the United States Senate. Here
ue served six years, and was known as one of the
ablest men, best lawyers and strongest debaters in

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

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

On account of his eloquence as a speaker and his
power as a debater, he was called upon at an un-
commonly early age to take part in the discussion
of the great questions that then began to agitate
the country. He was an uncompromising ant:
slavery man, and was matched against some of lie
most eminent Democratic speakers of his State.
No man who felt the touch of his blade desired to
be pitted with him again. With all his eloquence
as an orator he never spoke for oratorical effect,
but his words always went like bullets to the mark
He is purely American in his ideas and is a spier
did type of the American statesman. Gifted wit',.
quick perception, a logical mind and a ready tongue,
he is one of the most distinguished impromptu
speakers in the Nation. Many of these speeches
sparkled with the rarest of eloquence and contained
arguments of greatest weight. Many of his terse
statements have already become aphorisms. Origi-
nal in thought, precise in logic, terse in statement,
3'et withal faultless in eloquence, he is recognized as
the sound statesman and brilliant orator o f the day

"^0

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O^L,

GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS.

1|S3&1I9SB l|OTSt

HADRACH BOND, the first
Governor of Illinois after its
organization as a State, serving
from 1818 to 1822, was bom in
Frederick County, Maryland,
in the year r 7 7 3, and was
raised a farmer on his father's
plantation, receiving only a plain
English education. He emigrated
to this State in 1794, when it was a
part of the "Northwest Territory,"
continuing in the vocation in which
he had been brought up in his native
State, in the " New Design," near
Eagle Creek, in what is now Monroe
County. He served several terms as
a member of the General Assembly
of Indiana Territory, after it was organized as such,
and in 1S12-14 he was a Delegate to the Twelfth
and Thirteenth Congresses, taking his seat Dec. 3.
181 2, and serving until Get. 3, iSr4. These were
the times, the reader will recollect, when this Gov-
ernment had its last struggle with Great Britain.
The year 1812 is also noted in the history of this
State as that in which the first Territorial Legislature
was held. It convened at Kaskaskia, Nov. 25, and
adjourned Dec. 26, following.

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

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

In i8t8 Mr. Bond was elected the first Governor
of the State of Illinois, being inaugurated Oct. 6
that year, which was several weeks before Illinois
was actually admitted. The facts are these: In
January, 1818, the Territorial Legislature sent a peti-
tion to Congress for the admission of Illinois as a
State, Nathaniel Pope being then Delegate. The
petition was granted, fixing the northern line of the
State on the latitude of the southern extremity of
Lake Michigan; but the bill was afterward so amend-
ed as to extend this line to its present latitude. In
July a convention was called at Kaskaskia to draft a
constitution, which, however, was not submitted to
the people. By its provisions, supreme judges, pros
ecuting attorneys, county and circuit judges, record-
ers and justices of the peace were all to be appointed
by the Governor or elected by the Legislature. This
constitution was accepted by Congress Dec. 30. Ai
that time Illinois comprised but eleven counties,
namely, Randolph, Madison, Gallatin, Johnson,
Pope, Jackson, Crawford, Bond, Union, Washington
and Franklin, the northern portion of the State be-
ing mainly in Madison County. Thus it appears
that Mr. bond was honored by the naming of a

SHADRACH BOND.

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

The principal points that excited the people in
reference to political issues at this period were local
or "internal improvements," as they were called,
State banks, location of the capital, slavery and the
personal characteristics of the proposed candidates.
Mr. Bond represented the "Convention party," for
introducing slavery into the State, supported by Elias
Ke it Kane, his Secretary of State, and John Mc-
Lean, while Nathaniel Pope and John P. Cook led
the anti-slavery element. The people, however, did
not become very much excited over this issue until
1S20, when the famous Missouri Compromise was
adopted by Congress, limiting slavery to the south
of the parallel of 36 30' except in Missouri. While
this measure settled the great slavery controversy,
so far as the average public sentiment was tempor-
arily concerned, until 1854, when it was repealed
under the leadership of Stephen A. Douglas, the issue
as considered locally in this State was not decided
until 1824, after a most furious campaign. (See
sketch of Gov. Coles.) The ticket of 18 18 was a
compromise one, Bond representing (moderately) the
pro-slavery sentiment and Menard the anti-slavery.

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

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

During Gov. Bond's administration a general law
was passed for the incorporation of academies and
towns, and one authorizing lotteries. The session of
1822 authorized the Governor to appoint commis-
sioners, to act in conjunction with like commissioners
appointed by the State of Indiana, to report on the
practicability and expediency of improving the navi-
gation of the Wabash River; also inland navigation
generally. Many improvements were recommended,
some of which have been feebly worked at even till
the present day, those along the Wabash being of no
value. Also, during Gov. Bond's term of office, the
capital of the State was removed from Kaskaskia to
Vandalia. In 1820 a law was passed by Congress
authorizing this State to open a canal through the
public lands. The State appointed commissioners
lo explore the route and prepare the necessary sur-
veys and estimates, preparatory to its execution ;
but, being unable out of its own resources to defray
the expenses of the undertaking, it was abandoned
until some time after Congress made the grant of
land for the purpose of its construction.

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

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

Mr. Bond was of a benevolent and convivial dis-
position, a man of shrewd observation and clear ap-
preciation of events. His person was erect, stand-
ing six feet in height, and after middle life became
portly, weighing 200 pounds. His features were
strongly masculine, complexion dark, hair jet and
eyes hazel ; was a favorite with the ladies. He died
April 1 r, 1830, in peace and contentment.

id^r-Uyu) C<TU2<?

GOVERNORS OF JLUAOIS.

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DWARD COLES, second
Governor of Illinois, 1823-
, 6, was born Dec. 15, 1786,
in Albemarle Co., Va., on
the old family estate called
"Enniscorthy," on the
Green Mountain. His fath-
er, John Coles, was a Colonel in the
Revolutionary War. Having been fit-
ted for college by private tutors, he
was sent to Hampden Sidney, where
he remained until the autumn of 1805,
when he was removed to William and
Mary College, at Williamsburg, Va.
This college he left in the summer of
iSo7,ashort time before the final and graduating
examination. Among his classmates were Lieut.
Gen. Scott, President John Tyler, Win. S. Archer,
United States Senator from Virginia, and Justice
Baldwin, of the United States Supreme Court. The
President of the latter college, Bishop Madison, was
a cousin of President James Madison, and that cir-
cumstance was the occasion of Mr. Coles becoming
personally acquainted with the President and re-
ceiving a position as his private secretary, 1809-15.
The family of Coles was a prominent one in Vir-
ginia, anil their mansion was the seat of the old-
fashioned Virginian hospitality. It was visited by
such notables as Patrick Henry, Jefferson, Madison,
Monroe, the Randolphs, Tazewell, Wirt, etc. At the
age of 23, young Coles found himself heir to a plant-
ation and a considerable number of slaves. Ever
since his earlier college days his attention had been
drawn to the question of slavery. He read every-

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

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

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

EDWARD COLES.

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

In the spring. of 1819, he removed with all his
negroes from Virginia to Edwardsville, 111., with the
intention of giving them their liberty. He did not
make known to them his intention until one beautiful
morning in April, as they were descending the Ohio
River. He lashed all the boats together and called
nil the negroes on deck and made them a short ad-
dress, concluding his remarks by so expressing him-
self that by a turn of a sentence he proclaimed in
the shortest and fullest manner that they were no
longer slaves, but free as he was and were at liberty
to proceed with him or go ashore at their pleas-
ure. A description of the effect upon the negroes is
best desciibed in his own language :

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

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

March 5, 1810, President Monroe appointed Mr.
Coles Registrar of the Land Office at EdwardsvtLe,
at that time one of the principal land offices in the
State. While acting in this capacity and gaining
many friends by his politeness and general intelli-
gence, the greatest struggle that ever occurred in
Illinois on the slavery question culminated in the
furious contest characterizing the campaigns and
elections of 1822-4. In the summer of 1823, when a
new Governor was to be elected to succeed Mr.
ISond, (he pro-slavery element divided into factions,
putting forward for the executive office Joseph
I'hillips, Chief Justice of the State, Thomas C.
I'.rowne and Gen. James B. Moore, of the State Mil-
i ia. The anti-slavery element united upon Mr.
Coles, and, after one of the most bitter campaigns,
succeeded in electing him as Governor. His plural-
ity over Judge Phillips was only 59 in a total vote of

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

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

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

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

After the expiration of his term of service, Gov.
Coles continued his residence in Edwardsville, sup-
erintending his farm in the vicinity. He was fond
of agriculture, and was the founder of the first agri-
cultural society in the State. On account of ill
health, however, and having no family to tie him
down, he spent much of his time in Eastern cities.
About 1832 he changed his residence to Philadel-
phia, where he died July 7, 1868, and is buried at
Woodland, near that city.

c y^ / oon^c-^>^y oc?-(*y&^JL,

GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS.

Pin Tail Kclwuidi

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|: INI AN EDWARDS, Governor
Sy from 1S27 to 1830, was a son
,p of Benjamin Edwards, and
was born in Montgomery
#&'* County, Maryland, in March,
s^rt 177c;. His domestic train-
c*' u ing was well fitted to give
his mind strength, firmness and
honorable principles, and a good
foundation was laid for the elevated
character to which he afterwards
attained. His parents were Bap-
tists, and very strict in their moral
principles. His education in early
youth was in company with and
partly under the tuition of Hon. Wm.
Wirt, whom his father patronized
and who was more than two years
older. An intimacy was thus
formed between them which was lasting for life. He
was further educated at Dickinson College, at Car-
lisle, Pa. He next commenced the study of law, but
before completing his course he moved to Nelson
County, Kv., to open a farm for his father and to
purchase homes and locate lands for his brothers and
sisters. Here he fell in the company of dissolute
companions, and for several years led the life of a
spendthrift. He was, however, elected to the Legis-
lature of Kentucky as the Representative of Nelson
County before he was 21 years of age, and was re-
elected by an almost unanimous vote.

In 1798 he was licensed to practice law, and the
following year was admitted to the Courts of Tennes-
see. About this time he left Nelson County for
Russellville, in Logan County, broke away from his
dissolute companions, commenced a reformation and
devoted himself to severe and laborious study. He
then began to rise rapidly in his profession, and soon
became an eminent lawyer, and inside of four years
he filled in succession the offices of Presiding Judge
of the General Court, Circuit Judge, fourth Judge of
the Court of Appeals and Chief Justice of the State,
— all before he was 32 years of age ! In addition, in
1S02, he received a commission as Major of a battal-
ion of Kentucky militia, and in 1S04 was chosen a
Presidential Elector, on the Jefferson and Clinton
ticket. In 1806 he was a candidate for Congress,
but withdrew on being promoted to the Court of
Appeals.

Illinois was organized as a separate Territory in
the spring of 1809, when Mr. Edwards, then Chief
Justice of the Court of Appeals in Kentucky, received
from President Madison the appointment as Gover-
nor of the new Territory, his commission bearing date
April 24, 1S09. Edwards arrived at Kaskaskia in
June, and on the 1 ith of that month took the oath of
office. At the same time he was appointed Superin-
tendent of the United States Saline, this Governmeni
interest then developing into considerable proportions
in Southern Illinois. Although during the first three
years of his administration he had the power to make
new counties and appoint all the officers, yet he always
allowed the people of each county, by an informal

NINIAN EDWARDS.

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

The Indians in 1810 committing sundry depreda-
tions in the Territory, crossing the Mississippi from
the Territory of Louisiana, a long correspondence fol-
lowed between the respective Governors concerning
the remedies, which ended in a council with the sav-
ages at Peoria in 1812, and a fresh interpretation of
the treaties. Peoria was depopulated by these de-
predations, and was not re-settled for many ve irs
afterward.

As Gov. Edwards' term of office expired by law in
1S12, he was re-appointed for another term of three
years, and again in 18 15 for a third term, serving
until the organization of the State in the fall of 18 18
and the inauguration of Gov. Bond. At this time
ex-Gov. Edwards was sent to the United States
Senate, his colleague being Jesse B. Thomas. As
Senator, Mr. Edwards took a conspicuous part, and
acquitted himself honorably in all the measures that
came up in that body, being well posted, an able de-
bater and a conscientious statesman. He thought
.eriously of resigning this situation in 1821, but was
ijcrsuaded by his old friend, Wm. Wirt, and others to
continue in office, which he did to the end of the
term.

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

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

In 1826-7 the Winnebago and other Indians com-
mitted soire depredations in the northern part of the

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

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

He married Miss Elvira Lane, of Maryland, in
1803, and they became the affectionate parents of
several children, one of whom, especially, is web'
known to the people of the " Prairie State," namely.,
Ninian Wirt Edwards, once the Superintendent c<
Public Instruction and still a resident of Springfield
Gov. Edwards resided at and in the vicinity of Kas-
kaskia from 1809 to 1S1S; in Edwardsville (named
after him) from that time to 1824; and from the lat-
ter date at Belleville, St. Clair County, until his
death, July 20, 1833, of Asiatic cholera. Edwards
County is also named in his honor.

GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS.

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)HN REYNOLDS, Governor 1S31-
4, was born in Montgomery Coun-
ty, Pennsylvania, Feb. 26, 1788.
His father, Robert Reynolds and
his mother, nee Margaret Moore,
were both natives of Ireland, from
which country they emigrated to
the United States in 1785, land-
ing at Philadelphia. The senior
Reynolds entertained an undying
hostility to the British Govern-
ment. When the subject of this
sketch was about six months old,
his parents emigrated with him to
Tennessee, where many of their
relatives had already located, at the base of the
Copper Ridge Mountain, about 14 miles northeast of
the present city of Knoxville. There they were ex-
nosed to Indian depredations, and were much molest-
ed by them. In 1794 they moved into the interior
of the State. They were poor, and brought up their
children to habits of manual industry.

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

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

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

124

JOHN BEYNOLDS.

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

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

In the fall of 1S1S he was elected an Associate
Justice upon the Supreme Bench by the General
Assembly. In 1825 he entered more earnestly than
ever into the practice of law, and the very next year
was elected a member of the Legislature, where he
acted independently of all cliques and private inter-
ests. In 182S the Whigs and Democrats were for
the first time distinctively organized as such in Illi-
nois, and the usual party bitterness grew up and
raged on all sides, while Mr. Reynolds preserved a
iudicial calmness and moderation. The real animus
if the campaign was " Jackson " and " anti- Jackson,"
"he former party carrying the State.

In August, 1S30, Mr. Reynolds was elected Gov-
ernor, amid great excitement. Installed in office, he
did all within his power to advance the cause of edu-
cation, internal improvements, the Illinois & Mich-
igan Canal, the harbor at Chicago, settling the coun-
try, etc.; also recommended the winding up of the
State Bank, as its affairs had become dangerously
complicated. In his national politics, he was a
moderate supporter of General Jackson. But the
most celebrated event of his gubernatorial admin-
istration was the Black Hawk War, which occurred
in 1S32. He called out the militia and prosecuted
the contest with commendable diligence, appearing
in person on the battle-grounds during the most
critical periods. He was recognized by the President
as Major-General, and authorized by him to make
treaties with the Indians. By the assistance of the
general Government the war was terminated without
much bloodshed, but after many serious fights. This
war, as well as everything else, was materially re-
tarded by the occurrence of Asiatic cholera in the
West. This was its first appearance here, and was
ihe next event in prominence during Gov. Reynolds'
term.

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

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

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

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

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

In 1846 Gov. Reynolds was elected a member of
the Legislature from St. Clair County, more particu-
larly for the purpose of obtaining a feasible charter
for a macadamized road from Belleville to St. Louis,
a distance of nearly 14 miles. This was immediately
built, and was the first road of the kind in the State.
He was again elected to the Legislature in 1852, when
he was chosen Speaker of the House. In i860, aged
and infirm, he attended the National Democratic
Convention at Charleston, S. C , as an anti-Douglas
Delegate, where he received more attention from the
Southern Delegates than any other member. He
supported Breckenridge for the Presidency. After
the October elections foreshadowed the success of
Lincoln, he published an address urging the Demo-
crats to rally to the support of Douglas. Immedi-
ately preceding and during the late war, his corre-
spondence evinced a clear sympathy for the Southern
secession, and about the first of March, 1861, he
urged upon the Buchanan officials the seizure of the
treasure and arms in the custom-house and arsenal
at St. Louis. Mr. Reynolds was a rather talkative
man, and apt in all the Western pli rases and catch-
words that ever gained currency, besides many cun-
ning and odd ones of his own manufacture.

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

GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS.

,z 7

ILLIAM LEE D. EWING,
Governor of Illinois Nov. 3
;,D to 17, 1834, was a native
of Kentucky, and probably
of Scotch ancestry. He bad
a fine education, was a gentle-
man of polished manners and
refined sentiment. In rS3o John Rey-
nolds was elected Governor of the State,
and Zadok Casey Lieutenant Governor,
and for the principal events that followed,
and the* characteristics of the times, see-
sketch of Gov. Reynolds. The first we
see in history concerning Mr. Ewing, in-
forms us that he was a Receiver of Public
M01 eys at Vandalia soon after the organization of
Uii.. State, and that the public moneys in his hands
\xte deposited in various banks, as they are usually
s-tth- /resent day. In 1823 the State Bank was
ubbed, by which disaster Mr. Ewing lost a thousand-
doll;! r deposit.

The subject of this sketch had a commission as
( olonel in the Black Hawk War, and in emergencies
ne acted also as Major. In the summer of 1832,
>\hen 1 >'as rumored among the whites that Black
Hawk and nis men had encamped somewhere on
Rock Rive.-, Gen. Henry was sent on a tour of
reconnoisance, and with orders to drive the Indians
from the State. After some opposition from his
rubordinate officers, Henry resolved to proceed up
Rock River in search of the enemy. On the 19th of
July, early in the morning, five baggage wagons,

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

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

WILLIAM L. D. EWING.

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

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

It was in the latter part of the same year (1832)
that Lieutenant Governor Casey was elected to Con-
gress and Gen. Ewing, who had been elected to the
Senate, was chosen to preside over that body. At
the August election of 1834, Gov. Reynolds was also
elected to Congress, more than a year ahead of the
time at which he could actually take his seat, as was
then the law. His predecessor, Charles Slade, had
just died of Asiatic cholera, soon after the elec-
tion, and Gov. Reynolds was chosen to serve out his
unexpired term. Accordingly he set out for Wash-
ington in November of that year to take his seat in
Congress, and Gen. Ewing, by virtue of his office as
President of the Senate, became Governor of the
State of Illinois, his term covering only a period of
15 days, namely, from the 3d to the 17th days, in-
clusive, of November. On the 17th the Legislature
met, and Gov. Ewing transmitted to that body his
message, giving a statement of the condition of the
affairs of the State at that time, and urging a contin-
u.ince of the policy adopted by his predecessor; and
on the same day Governor elect Joseph Duncan
?-as sworn into office, thus relieving Mr. Ewing from

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

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

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

JcJ^&fi^l &*

GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS.

1 1\

OSEPH DUNCAN, Governor
|L rS34-8, was born at Paris,

Ky., Feb. 23, 1794. At the
tender age of 19 years he en-
listed in the war against Great
Britain, and as a soldier lie
acquitted himself with credit. He
was an Ensign under the daunt-
less Croghan at Lower Sandusky,
\ or Fort Stephenson. In Illinois
;e first appeared in a public capa-
city as Major-General of the Militia,
a position which his military fame
had procured him. Subsequently
he became a State Senator from
Jackson County, and is honorably
mentioned for introducing the first bill providing for
a free-school system. In 1S26, when the redoubt-
able John P. Cook, who had previously beaten such
men as John McLean, Elias Kent Kane and ex-
Gov. Bond, came up for the fourth time for Congress,
Mr. Duncan was brought forward against him by his
friends, greatly to the surprise of all the politicians.
As yet he was but little known in the State. He was
an original Jackson man at that time, being attached
to his political fortune in admiration of the glory of
his militaiy achievements. His chances of success
against Cook were generally regarded as hopeless,
but he entered upon the campaign undaunted. His
speeches, though short and devoid of ornament, were
full of good sense. He made a diligent canvass of
the State, Mr. Cook being hindered by the condition of
his health. The most that was expected of Mr.
Duncan, under the circumstances, was that he would

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

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

132

JOSEPH DUNCAN.

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

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

At the height of the excitement the Legislature
"provided for" railroads from Galena to Gairo, Alton
to Shawneetown, Alton to Mount Garmel, Alton to the
eastern boundary of the State in the direction of
Torre Haute, Quincy via Springfield to the Wabash,
Blooinington to Pekin, and Peoria to Warsaw, — in all
about 1,300 miles of road. It also provided for the
improvement of the navigation of the Kaskaskia,
Illinois, Great and Little Wabash and Rock Rivers ;
also as a placebo, $200,000 in money were to be dis-
tributed to the various counties wherein no improve-
ments were ordered to be made as above. The
estimate for the expenses for all these projects was
;laced at a little over $10,000,000, which was not
more man half enough! That would now be equal to
saddling upon the State a debt of $225,000,000! It
was sufficient to bankrupt the State several times
over, even counting all the possible benefits.

One of the most exciting events that ever occurred
in this fair State was the murder of Elijah P. Love-
ioy in the fall of 1837, at Alton, during Mr. Duncan's
Lerm as Governor. Lovejoy was an " Abolitionist,"
editing the Observer at that place, and the pro-
slavery slums there formed themselves into a mob,

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

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

Gov. Duncan's term expired in 1838. In 1S42
he was again proposed as a candidate for the Execu-
tive chair, this time by the Whig party, against Adam
W. Snyder, of St. Clair County, the nominee of the
Democrats. Charles W. Hunter was a third candi-
date for the same position. Mr. Snyder, however, died
before the campaign had advanced very far, and his
party substituted Thomas Ford, who was elected,
receiving 46,<)ot votes, to 38,584 for Duncan, and
909 for Hunter. The cause of Democratic success
at this time is mainly attributed to the temporary
support of the Mormons which they enjoyed, and the
want of any knowledge, on the part of the masses,
1 hat Mr. Ford was opposed to any given policy en-
tertained in the respective localities.

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

He was a liberal patron of the Illinois College at
Jacksonville, a member of its Board of Trustees, and
died, after a short illness, Jan. 15, 1844, a devoted
member of the Presbyterian Church, leaving a wife
but no children. Two children, born to them, had
died in infancy.

GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS.

■35

"n^v?

IS , *

M&Ssaasja^mW^^^am^

<b*

Thomas carlin, the sixth

Governor of the State of
Illinois, serving from 1838
to 1842, was also a Ken-
tuckian, being horn near
Frankfort, that State, July
18, 1789, of Irish paternity.
The opportunities for an education
being very meager in. his native
place, he, on approaching years of
judgment and maturity, applied
himself to those branches of learn-
ing that seemed most important,
(M ,w^ anci tnus became a self-made man ;
• v ^/y<fc ' and his taste for reading and
Jt. '^X^l, study remained with him through
^4^fy^ life. In 1803 his father removed
10 Missouri, then a part of " New Spain," where he
died in 1S10.

In 18 [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
Huilt, and lived for four years on the bank of the
Mississippi River, opposite the mouth of the Mis-
sc..ri, where he followed farming, and then removed
to Greene County. He located the town site of Car-
n,i : *on, in that county, and in 1825 made a liberal
donation of land for county building purposes. He
was the first Sheriff of that county after its separate
organization, and afterward was twice elected, as a
1 11 kson Democrat, to the Illinois Senate. In the
liiack Hawk War he commanded a spy battalion, a
pOil of considerable danger. In 1S34 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 U«ited States, a great stringency in
the money market everywhere, and Illinois bonds
forced to sale at a heavy discount, and the " hardest
times "existing that the people of the Prairie State
ever saw, the general election of State officers was
approaching. Discreet men who had cherished the
hope of a speedy subsidence of the public infatua-
tion, met with disappointment. A Governor and
Legislature were to be elected, and these were now
looked forward to for a repeal of the ruinous State
policy. But the grand scheme had not yet lost its
dazzling influence upon the minds of the people.
Time and experience had not yet fully demonstrated
its utter absurdity. Hence the question of arresting
its career of profligate expenditures did not become
a leading one with the dominant party during the
campaign, and most of the old members of the Leg-
islature were returned at this election.

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

7LS-

Ui*>n the meeting of the subsequent Legislature
(1839), the retiring Governor CDuncan) in his mes-

136

THOMAS CARLIN.

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

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

It was during Cov. Carlin's administration that the
noisy campaign of "Tippecanoe and Tyler too " oc-
curred, resulting in a Whig victory. This, however,
did not affect Illinois politics very seriously.

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

" all things common," and that consequently " all
the earth " and all that is upon it were the" Lord's "
and therefore the property of his " saints," they
were suspected, and correctly, too, of committing
many of the deeds of larceny, robbery, etc., that
were so rife throughout this country in those day<.
Hence a feeling of violence grew up between the
Mormons and "anti-Mormons." In the State of
Missouri the Mormons always supported the Dem-
ocracy until they were driven out by the Democratic
government, when they turned their support to the
Whigs. They were becoming numerous, and in the
Legislature of 1 840- 1, therefore, it became a matter
of great interest with both parties to conciliate these
people. Through the agency of one John C. Ben-
nett, a scamp, the Mormons succeeded in rushing
through the Legislature (both parties not daring io
oppose) a charter for the city of Nauvoo which vir-
tually erected a hierarchy co-ordinate with the Fed-
eral Government itself. In the fall of 1841 the
Governor of Missouri made a demand upon Gov.
Carlin for the body of Joe Smith, the Mormon leader,
as a fugitive from justice. Gov. Carlin issued the
writ, but for some reason it was returned unserved.
It was again issued in 1842, and Smith was arrested,
but was either rescued by bis followers or discharged
by the municipal court on a writ of habeas corpus.

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

At the close of his gubernatorial term, Mr. Carlin
removed back to his old home at Carrollton, where
he spent the remainder of his life, as before his ele-
vation to office, in agricultural pursuits. In 1849
he served out the unexpired term of J. D. Fry in the
Illinois House of Representatives, and died Feb. 4,
1S52, at his residence at Carrollton, leaving a wife
and seven children.

■

Oma^uOLd era^-d?

GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS.

139

ZM&hx.

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"7 T-c^^

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

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

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

140

THOMAS FORD.

this gentleman, Mr. Ford turned his attention to the
study of law; but Forquer, then merchandising, re-
garding his education defective, sent him to Transyl-
vania University, where, however, he remained but
jne term, owing to Forquer's failure in business. On
his return he alternated his law reading with teach-
ing school for support.

In 1829 Gov. Edwards appointed him Prosecuting
Attorney, and in 183 r he was re-appointed by Gov.
Reynolds, and after that he was four times x elected a
Judge by the Legislature, without opposition, twice a
Circuit Judge, once a Judge of Chicago, and as As-
sociate Judge of the Supreme Court, when, in 1841,
the latter tribunal was re-organized by the addition
of live Judges, all Democrats. Ford was assigned to
the Ninth Judicial Circuit, and while in this capacity
he was holding Court in Ogle County he received a
noiiee of his nomination by the Democratic Conven-
tion for the office of Governor. He immediately re-
signed his place and entered upon the canvass. In
August, 1S42, he was elected, and on the 8th of De-
cember following he was inaugurated.

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

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

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

In the first of these the Governor proved himself
1: be eminently wise. On coming into office he found
the State badly paralyzed by the ruinous effects of
the notorious "internal improvement" schemes of

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

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

The Mexican War was begun in the spring of
1S45, and was continued into the gubernatorial term
of Mr. Ford's successor. The Governor's connection
with this war, however, was not conspicuous, as it
was only administrative, commissioning officers, etc.

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

The death of Gov. Ford took place at Peoria, 111.,
Nov. 2, 1850.

6&>*<*vc^/

GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS.

143

17\

jJ7$kY/\\yz&

| Augustus 0. French.

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p'^UGUSTUS C. FRENCH,
Governor of Illinois from
1846 to 1852, was born in
r Si the town of Hill, in the
VY State of New Hampshire,

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

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

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

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

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

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

144

AUGUSTUS C. FRENCH.

By the new Constitution of 1S48, a new election for
State officers was ordered in November of that year,
before Gov. French's terra was half out, and he was
re-elected for the term of four years. He was there-
fore the incumbent for six consecutive years, the
only Governor of this State who has ever served in
that capacity so long at one time. As there was no
organized opposition to his election, he received 67,-
453 votes, to 5,639 for Pierre Menard (son of the
first Lieutenant Governor), 4,748 for Charles V.
Dyer, 3,834 for W. L. D. Morrison, and 1,361 for
James L. D. Morrison. But Wm. McMurtry, of
Knox County, was elected Lieutenant Governor, in
place of Joseph B. Wells, who was before elected
and did not run again.

Governor French was inaugurated into office dur-
ing the progress of the Mexican War, which closed
during the summer of 1847, although the treaty of
Guadalupe Hidalgo was not made until Feb. 2,
1848. The policy of Gov. French's party was com-
mitted to that war, but in connection with that affair
he was, of course, only an administrative officer.
During his term of office, Feb. 19, 1847, the Legisla-
ture, by special permission of Congress, declared that
all Government lands sold to settlers should be im-
mediately subject to State taxation; before this they
were exempt for five years after sale. By this ar-
rangement the revenue was materially increased.
About the same time, the distribution of Government
land warrants among the Mexican soldiers as bounty
threw upon the market a great quantity of good
lands, and this enhanced the settlement of the State.
The same Legislature authorized, with the recom-
mendation of the Governor, the sale of the Northern
Cross Railroad (from Springfield to Meredosia, the
first in the State and now a section of the Wabash,
St. Louis & Pacific) It sold for $100,000 in bonds,
although it had cost the State not less than a million.
The salt wells and canal lands in the Saline reserve
in Gallatin County, granted by the general Govern-
ment to the State, were also authorized by the
Governor to be sold, to apply on the State debt. In
1850, for the first time since 1839, the accruing State
revenue, exclusive of specific appropriations, was
sufficient to meet the current demands upon the
treasury. The aggregate taxable property of the
State at this time was over $100,000,000, and the
population 85 1,470.

In 1849 the Legislature adopted the township or-
ganization law, which, however, proved defective,
and was properly amended in 185 1. At its session
in the latter year, the General Assembly also passed
a law to exempt homesteads from sale on executions
This beneficent measure had been repeatedly urged
upon that body by Gov. French.

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

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

In 1851 the Legislature passed a law authorizing
free stock banks, which was the source of much leg-
islative discussion for a number of years.

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

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

He died in 1S65, at his home in Lebanon, St.
Clair Co., 111.

GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS.

147

3«®v-<(i»Ks><£

fc-^JSft.^nEL A. MATTESON, Governor
'^'(jfes* 1853-6, was born Aug. 8, 1808,
in Jefferson County, New York,
to which place his father had re-
moved from Vermont three years
before. His father was a farmer
in fair circumstances, but a com-
mon English education was all
that his only son received. Young
Joel first tempted fortune as a
small tradesman in Prescott,
Canada, before he was of age.
He returned from that place to
his home, entered an academy,
taught school, visited the prin-
cipal Eastern cities, improved a farm his father had
given him, made a tour in the South, worked there
in building railroads, experienced a storm on the
Gulf of Mexico, visited t lie gold diggings of Northern
Georgia, and returned via Nashville to St. Louis and
through Illinois to his father's home, when he mar-
ried. In 1S33, having sold his farm, he removed,
with his wife and one child, to Illinois, and entered
a claim on Government land near the head of An
Sable River, in what is now Kendall County. At
that time there were not more than two neighbors
within a range of ten miles of his place, and only
three or four houses between him and Chicago. He
opened a large farm. His family was boarded 1 2

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

In 1835 he bought largely at the Government land
sales. During the speculative real-estate mania which
broke out in Chicago in 1836 and spread over the State,
he sold his lands under the inflation of that period
and removed to Joliet. In 1838 he became a heavy
contractor on the Illinois & Michigan Canal. Upon
the completion of his job in 184 1, when hard limes
prevailed, business at a stand, contracts paid in State
scrip; when all the public works except the canal
were abandoned, the State offered for sale 700 tons
of railroad iron, which was purchased by Mr. Mat-
teson at a bargain. This he accepted, shipped and
sold at Detroit, realizing a very handsome profit,
enough to pay off all his canal debts and leave hirn a
surplus of several thousand dollars. His enterprise
next prompted him to start a woolen mill at Joliet,
in which he prospered, and which, after successive
enlargements, became an enormous establishment.

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

r48

JOEL A. MATTE SON.

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

He was nominated for Governor by the Demo-
cratic State Convention which met at Springfield
April 20, 1852. Other candidates before the Con-
vention were D. L. Gregg and F. C. Sherman, of
Cook; John Dement, of Lee ; Thomas L. Harris, of
Menard; Lewis W. Ross, of Fulton; and D. P. Bush,
of Pike. Gustavus Koerner, of St. Clair, was nom-
inated for Lieutenant Governor. For the same offices
the Whigs nominated Edwin B. Webb and Dexter A.
Knowlton. Mr. Matteson received 80,645 votes at
the election, while Mr. Webb received 64,40s. Mat-
teson's forte was not on the stump; he had not cul-
tivated the art of oily flattery, or the faculty of being
all things to all men. His intellectual qualities took
rather the direction of efficient executive ability. His
turn consisted not so much in the adroit manage-
ment of party, or the powerful advocacy of great gov-
ernmental principles, as in those more solid and
enduring operations which cause the physical devel-
opment and advancement of a State, — of commerce
and business enterprise, into which he labored with
success to lead the people. As a politician he was
just and liberal in his views, and both in official and
private life he then stood untainted and free from
blemish. As a man, in active benevolence, social
rirtues and all the amiable qualities of neighbor or
citizen, he had few superiors. His messages present
a perspicuous array of facts as to the condition of the
State, and are often couched in forcible and elegant
diction.

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

gress, under the leadership of Stephen A. Douglas in
1854, when the bill was passed organizing the Terri-
tory of Kansas and Nebraska. A large portion of
the Whig party of the North, through their bitter op-
position to tlie Democratic party, naturally drifted
into the doctrine of anti-slavery, and thus led to what
was temporarily called the "Anti-Nebraska" party,
while the followers of Douglas were known as " Ne-
braska or Douglas Democrats." It was during this
embryo stage of the Republican party that Abraham
Lincoln was brought forward as the "Anti-Nebraska "
candidate for the United States Senatorship, while
Gen. James Shields, the incumbent, was re-nom-
inated by the Democrats. But after a fewballotings
in the Legislature (1855), these men were dropped,
and Lyman Trumbull, an Anti-Nebraska Democrat,
was brought up by the former, and Mr. Matteson,
then Governor, by the latter. On the 11th ballot
Mr. Trumbull obtained one majority, and was ac-
cordingly declared elected. Before Gov. Matteson 's
term expired, the Republicans were fully organized
as a national party, and in 1856 put into the field a
full national and State ticket, carrying the State, but
not the nation.

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

During the four years of Gov. Matteson 's admin-
istration the taxable wealth of the State was about
trebled, from $137,818,079 to $349,951,272; the pub-
lic debt was reduced from $17,398,985 to $12,843,-
r44; taxation was at the same time reduced, and the
State resumed paying interest on its debt in New
York as fast as it fell due; railroads were increased
in their mileage from something less than 400 to
about 3,000 ; and the population of Chicago was
nearly doubled, and its commerce more than quad-
rupled.

Before closing this account, we regret that we have
to say that Mr. Matteson, in all other respects an
upright man and a good Governor, was implicated
in a false re-issue of redeemed canal scrip, amount-
ing to $224,182.66. By a suit in the Sangamon Cir-
cuit Court the State recovered the principal and all
the interest excepting $27,500.

He died in the winter of 187 2-3, at Chicago.

^^U*Uj2e_

GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS.

IS'

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I l K- 'i'.. , 'i',. , 'i | ..-v..-'i'..-'i'..'' l | , J , .'i'.v i i | .;')'..''i'..' a i'-. , 'i'.. ,| i>:i''.-'i '..v'.* 1 ' ■ '■ •.■'■■'■ '■"• '■'•■■'■ '. tv. •.'■'•.'■ ■•..'■ '•■■'

[LLIAM H. BISSELL, Gov-
ernor 1857-60, was born
pa April 25, 181 1, in the
State of New York, near
Painted Post, Yates County.
His parents were obscure,
honest, God-fearing people,
who reared their children under the daily
&7v t S u example of industry and frugality, accord-
fi. ing to the custom of that class of Eastern
society. Mr. Bissell received a respecta-
ble but not thorough academical education.
By assiduous application he acquired a
knowledge of medicine, and in his early
manhood came West and located in Mon-
roe County, this State, where he engaged in the
practice of that profession. But he was not enam-
ored of his calling: he was swayed by a broader
ambition, to such an extent that the mysteries of the
healing art and its arduous duties failed to yield him
further any charms. In a few years he discovered
his choice of a profession to be a mistake, and when
he approached the age of 30 he sought to begin
anew. Dr. Bissell, no doubt unexpectedly to him-
self, discovered a singular facility and charm of
speech, the exercise of which acquired for him a
ready local notoriety. It soon came lo be under-

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

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

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

IS 2

WILLfAM H. BISSELL.

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

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

After his return home, at the close of the war, he
was elected to Congress, his opponents being the
Hons. P. B. Fouke and Joseph Gillespie. He served
two terms in Congress. He was an ardent politician.
During the great contest of 1850 he voted in favor
of the adjustment measures; but in 1854 he opposed
the repeal of the Missouri Compromise act and
therefore the Kansas-Nebraska bill of Douglas, and
thus became identified with the nascent Republican
party.

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

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

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

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

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

On account of exposure in the army, the remote
cause of a nervous form of disease gained entrance
into his system and eventually developed paraplegia,
affecting his lower extremities, which, while it left
his body in comparative health, deprived him of loco-
motion except by the aid of crutches. While he was
generally hopeful of ultimate recovery, this myste-
rious disease pursued him, without once relaxing its
stealthy hold, to the close of his life, March r8,
1 S60, over nine months before the expiration of his
gubernatorial term, at the early age of 48 years. He
died in the faith of the Roman Catholic Church, of
which he hart been a member since 1854.

GC VERNORS OF ILLINOIS.

'55

|^:OHN WOOD, Governo.- i86o-i,and
f^w the first settler of Quincy, 111.,
was born in the town of Sempro-
nius (now Moravia), Cayuga Co. (
N. Y., Dec. 20, 1798. He was
the second child and only son of
Dr. Daniel Wood. His mother,
nee Catherine Crause, was of
German parentage, and ■ died
while he was an infant. Dr.
Wood was a learned and skillful
physician, of classical attain-
ments and proficient in several
modern languages, who, after
serving throughout the Revolu-
tionary War as a Surgeon, settled on the land granted
him by the Government, and resided there a re-
spected and leading influence in his section until his
death, at the ripe age of 92 years.

The subject of this sketch, impelled by the spirit
of Western adventure then pervading everywhere,
left his home, Nov. 2, 1818, and passed the succeed-
ing winter in Cincinnati, Ohio. The following sum-
mer he pushed on to Illinois, landing at Shawneetown,
and spent the fall and following winter in Calhoun
County. In 1820, in company with Willard Keyes,
he settled in Pike County, about 30 miles southeast
of Quincy, where for the next two years he pursued
farming. In 1S21 he visited " the Bluffs " (as the
present site of Quincy was called, then uninhabited)
and, pleased with its prospects, soon after purchased
a quarter-section of land near by, and in the follow-
ing fall (1822) erected near the river a small cabin,

4**

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

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

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

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

'5°

TOHN WOOD.

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

He was one of the early town Trustees, and after
the place became a city he was often a member of
the City Council, many times elected Mayor, in the
face of a constant large opposition political majority.
In 1850 he was elected to the State Senate. In 1856,
on the organization of the Republican party, he was
chosen Lieutenant Governor of the State, on the
ticket with Win. H. Bissell for Governor, and on the
death of the latter, March 18, 1860, he succeeded to
the Chief Executive chair, which he occupied until
Gov. Yates was inaugurated nearly ten months after-
ward.

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

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

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

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

Gov. Wood was twice married, — first in January,
1826, to Ann M. Streeter, daughter of Joshua Streeter,
formerly of Salem, Washington Co., N. Y. They had
eight children. Mrs. W. died Oct. S, 1S63, and in
June, 1865, Gov. Wood married Mrs. Mary A., widow
of Rev. Joseph T. Holmes. Gov. Wood died June 4,
18S0, at his residence in Quincy. Four of his eitjlit
children are now living, namely: Ann E., wife of
Gen. John Tillson; Daniel C, who married Mary ].
Abernethy; John, Jr., who married Josephine Skinner,
and Joshua S., who married Annie Bradley. The
last mentioned now resides at Atchison, Kansas, and
all the rest are still at Quincy.

GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS.

'59

jFJ i v \\ a r d Y a f e ,s.

ilCHARD YATES, the "War
Governor,'' r 86 1-4, was born
Jan. 18, 1818, on the banks of
the Ohio River, at Warsaw,
Gallatin Co., Ky. His father
moved in 1S31 to Illinois, and
after stopping for a time in
Springfield, settled at Island
Grove, Sangamon County. Here,
after attending school, Richard joined
the family. Subsequently he entered
Illinois College at Jacksonville,
where, in r837, he graduated with
first honors. He chose for his pro-
fession the law, the Hon. J. J. Har-
din being his instructor. After ad-
mission to the Bar he soon rose to distinction as an
advocate.

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

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

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

The Republican State Convention of i860 met at
Decatur May 9, and nominated for the office of Gov-
ernor Mr. Yates, in preference to Hon. Norman B.
Judd, of Chicago, and Leonard Swett, of Blooming-
ton, two of the ablest men of the State, who were
also candidates before the Convention. Francis A.
Hoffman, of DuPage County, was nominated for
Lieutenant Governor. This was the year when Mr.
Lincoln was a candidate for President, a period re-
membered as characterized by the great whirlpool
which precipitated the bloody War of the Rebellion.
The Douglas Democrats nominated J. C. Allen of
Crawford County, for Governor, and Lewis W. Ross,
of Fulton County, for Lieutenant Governor. The
Breckenridge Democrats and the Bell-Everett party
had also full tickets in the field. After a most fear-
ful campaign, the result of the election gave Mr.
Yates 172,196 votes, and Mr. Allen ^9,253. Mr.
Yates received over a thousand more votes than did
Mr. Lincoln himself.

Gov. Yates occupied the chair of State during the

i6o

RICHARD YATES.

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

The very creditable military efforts of this State
during the War of the Rebellion, in putting into the
field the enormous number of about 200,000 soldiers,
were ever promptly and ably seconded by his excel-
lency ; and the was ambitious to deserve the title of
"the soldier's friend." Immediately after the battle of
Shiloh he repaired to the field of carnage to look
after the wounded, and his appeals for aid were
Diomptly responded to by the people. His procla-
mations calling for volunteers were impassionate
appeals, urging upon the people the duties and re-
quirements of patriotism ; and his special message
in 1863 to the Democratic Legislature of this State
pleading for material aid for the sick and wounded
soldiers of Illinois regiments, breathes a deep fervor
of noble sentiment and feeling rarely equaled in
beauty or felicity of expression. Generally his mes-
sages on political and civil affairs were able and com-
prehensive. During his administration, however,
there were no civil events of an engrossing character,
although two years of his time were replete with
partisan quarrels of great bitterness. Military ar-
rests, Knights of the Golden Circle, riot in Fulton
County, attempted suppression of the Chicago Times
and the usurping State Constitutional Convention of
1862, were the chief local topics that were exciting
during the Governor's term. This Convention assem-
bled Jan. 7, and at once took the high position that
"ie law calling it was no longer binding, and that it
ad supreme power; that it represented a virtual
assemblage of the whole people of the State, and was
sovereign in the exercise of all power necessary to
effect a peaceable revolution of the State Government

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

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

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

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

GGVhR.VORS OF ILLINOIS.

163

Richard J. Oglesby
<Hsgsasi

Jt"

4-«-:

*-#►

'sf/^ICHARD J. OGLESBY, Gov-
!f*» ernor 1865-8, and re-elected
|L in 1872 and 1884, was born
? July 25, 1824, in Oldham Co.,
-v ' Ky., — the State which might
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 the carpenter's trade,
he removed with an uncle, Willis
Oglesby, into whose care he had
been committed, to Decatur, this
State, where he continued his ap-
prenticeship as a mechanic, working six months for
Hon. E. O. Smith.

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

The next year the war with Mexico was com-
menced, and in June, 1846, Mr. Oglesby volunteered,
was elected First Lieutenant of Co. C, Fourth Illinois
Regiment of Volunteers, and participated in 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 1856 he visited Europe,
Asia and Africa, being absent 20 months. On his
return home he resumed the practice of law, as a
member of the firm of Gallagher, Wait & Oglesby.
In 1858 he was the Republican nominee for the
Lower House of Congress, but was defeated by the
Hon. James C. Robinson, Democrat. In i860 he
was elected to the Illinois State Senate ; and on the
evening the returns of this election were coming in,
Mr. Oglesby had a fisticuff encounter with " Cerro
Gordo Williams," in which he came out victorious
and which was regarded as " the first fight of the
Rebellion." The following spring, when the war
had commenced in earnest, his ardent nature
quickly responded to the demands of patriotism and
he enlisted. The extra session of the Legislature
elected him Colonel of the Eighth Illinois Infantry,
the second one in the State raised to suppress the
great Rebellion.

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

164

RICHARD J. OGLESBY.

mediate death. That rebel ball he carries to this
day. On his partial recovery he was promoted as
Major General, for g tllantry, his commission to rank
from November, 1862. In the spring of 1863 he
was assigned to the command of the 16th Army
Corps, but, owing to inability from the effects of his
wound, he relinquished this command in July, that
year. Gen. Grant, however, refused to accept his
resignation, and he was detailed, in December follow-
ing, to court-martial and try the Surgeon General of
the Army at Washington, where he remained until
May, 1864, when he returned home.
The Republican, or Union, State Convention of

1864 was held at Springfield, May 25, when Mr.
Oglesby was nominated for the office of Governor,
while other candidates before the Convention were
Allen C. Fuller, of Boone, Jesse K. Dubois, of Sanga-
mon, and John M. Palmer, of Macoupin. Wm.
Bross, of Chicago, was nominated for Lieutenant
Governor. On the 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 3r,ooo votes. The Republicans had also a
majority in both the Legislature and in the repre-
sentation in Congress.

Gov. Oglesby was duly inaugurated Jan. 17, 1865.
The day before the first time set for his installation
death visited his home at Decatur, and took from it
his only son, an intelligent and sprightly lad of six
years, a great favorite of the bereaved parents. This
caused the inauguration to be postponed a week.

The political events of the Legislative session of

1865 were the election of ex-Gov. Yates to the
United States Senate, and the ratification of the t3th
amendment 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 1819. 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 over his veto by both branches
of the Legislature, he deemed it useless further to
attempt to check their headlong career. At this
session no law of a general useful character or public
interest was perfected, unless we count such the
turning 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. The contests over the
.ocation of the Industrial College, the Capital, the

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

During the year 1S72, it became evident that if
the Republicans could re-elect Mr. Oglesby to the
office of Governor, they could also elect him to the
United States Senate, which they desired to do.
Accordingly they re-nominated him for the Execu-
tive chair, and 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 S6>!74. — 'he Democratic defection being
caused mainly by their having an old-time Whig and
Abolitionist, Horace Greeley, on the national ticket
for President. According to the general understand-
ing had beforehand, as soon as the Legislature met
it elected Gov. Oglesby to the United States Senate,
whereupon Mr. Beveridge became Governor. Sena-
tor Oglesby 's term expired March 4, 1S79, having
served his party faithfully and exhibited an order of
statesmanship beyond criticism.

During the campaign of 1884 Mr. Oglesby was
nominated for a "third term" as Executive of the
State of Illinois, against Carter H. Harrison, Mayor
of Chicago, nominated by the Democrats. Both
gentlemen "stumped " the State, and while the peo-
ple elected a Legislature which was a tie on a joint
ballot, as between the two parties, they gave the
jovial " Dick" Oglesby a majority of 15,018 for Gov-
ernor, and he was inaugurated Jan. 30, 1885. The
Legislature did not fully organize until this date, on
account of its equal division between the two main
parties and the consequent desperate tactics of each
party to checkmate the latter in the organization of
the House.

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

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

(L-£^lcl~

GO VERXORS OF ILLINOIS.

i -7

John M. Palmer

OHN Mc AUI.EY PALMER, Gov-
ernor 1869-72, was born on
Eagle Creek, Scott Co., Ky.,
Sept. 13, 1817. During his in-
fancy, his father, who had been
a soldier in the war of 18 12, re-
moved to Christian Co., Ky.,
where lands were cheap. Here
the future Governor of the great
Prairie State spent his childhood
and received such meager school-
ing as the new and sparsely set-
tled country afforded. To this
he added materially by diligent
reading, for which he evinced an
early aptitude. His father, an ardent Jackson man,
was also noted for his anti-slavery sentiments, which
he thoroughly impressed upon his children. In 1831
he emigrated to Illinois, settling in Madison County.
Here the labor of improving a farm was pursued for
about two years, when the death of Mr. Palmer's
mother broke up the family. About this time Alton
College was opened, on the "manual labor " system,
and in the spring of 1834 young Palmer, with his
elder brother, Eliliu, entered this school and remained
18 months. Next, for over three years, he tried
variously coopering, peddling and school-teaching.

During the summer of 1838 he formed the ac-
quaintance of Stephen A. Douglas, then making his

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

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

1 68

JOHN MC AULEY PALMER.

however, hesitating to break with his party, he par-
ticipated in a Congressional Convention which nomi-
T. L. Harris against Richard Yates, and which
unqualifiedly approved the principles of the Kansas-
Nebraska act. But later in the campaign he made
the plunge, ran for the Senate as an Anti-Nebraska
Democrat, and was elected. The following winter
he put in nomination for the 'United States Senate
Mr. Trumbull, and was one of the five steadfast men
who voted for him until all the Whigs came to their
support and elected their man.

In 1856 he was Chairman of the Republican State
Convention at Bloomington. He ran for Congress in
1859, but was defeated. In 1S60 he was Republican
Presidential Elector for the State at large. In 1861
he was appointed one of the five Delegates (all Re-
publicans) sent by Illinois to the peace congress at
Washington.

When the civil conflict broke out, he offered his
services to his country, and was elected Colonel of the
14th 111. Vol. Inf., and participated in the engagements
at Island No. 10; at Farmington, where he skillfully
extricated his command from a dangerous position ;
at Stone River, where his division for several hours,
Dec. 3T, 1862, held the advance and stood like a
rock, and for his gallantry there he was made Major
General; at Chickamauga, where his and Van Cleve's
divisions for two hours maintained their position
when they were cut off by overpowering numbers.
Under Gen. Sherman, he was assigned to the 14th
Army Corps and participated in the Atlanta campaign.
At Peach-Tree Creek his prudence did much to avert
disaster. In February, 1865, Gen. Palmer was as-
signed to the military administration of Kentucky,
which was a delicate post. That State was about
half rebel and half Union, and those of the latter
element were daily fretted by the loss of their slaves.
He, who had been bred to the rules of common law,
trembled at the contemplation of his extraordinary
power over the persons and property of his fellow
men, with which he was vested in his capacity as
military Governor; and he exhibited great caution in
the execution of the duties of his post.

Gen. Palmer was nominated for Governor of Illi-
nois by the Republican State Convention which met
at Peoria May 6, 1868, and his nomination would
probably have been made by acclamation had he not
persistently declared that he could not accept a can-

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

On the meeting of the Legislature in January,
1869, the first thing to arrest public attention was
that portion of the Governor's message which took
broad Slate's rights ground. This and some minor
points, which were more in keeping with the Demo-
cratic sentiment, constituted the entering wedge fir
the criticisms and reproofs he afterward received
from the Republican party, and ultimately resulted
in his entire aleniation from the latter element. The
Legislature just referred to was noted for the intro-
duction of numerous bills in the interest of private
parties, which were embarrassing to the Governor.
Among tJie public acts passed was that which limited
railroad charges for passenger travel to a maximum
of three cents per mile ; and it was passed over the
Governor's veto. Also, they passed, over his veto,
the "tax-grabbing law"lc pay railroad subscriptions,
the Chicago Lake Front bill, etc. The new State
Constitution of r87o, far superior to the old, was a
peaceful " revolution " which took place during Gov.
Palmer's term of office. The suffering caused by the
great Chicago Fire of October, 1871, was greatly
alleviated by the prompt responses of his excellency.

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

- zSsr* "

GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS.

'71

■v 1 1 .'■i | ..' , i | ..' , ) i ,"i | .: : i' : 1 1 ,:. i 1 -: v<; ■' : ■' .' <■ :>'.:>,., :■; •..■. . '■ -. '■ : ] > : '< : 't-'.-v.

-y — » =

-a .%

OHN LOWRJE BEVER-
IDGE, Governor 1873-6, was
born in the town of Green-
wich, Washington Co., N. Y.,
July 6, 1824. His parents
were George and Ann Bever-
ly idge. His father's parents, An-
drew and Isabel Beveridge, be-
fore their marriage emigrated
from Scotland just before the
Revolutionary War, settling in
Washington County. His father
' p was the eldest of eight brothers, the
youngest of whom was 60 years of
age when the first one of the num-
ber died. His mother's parents,
James and Agnes Hoy, emigrated
from Scotland at the close of the
Revolutionary War, settling also in
P Washington Co., N. Y., with their
first-born, whose " native land "was
the wild ocean. His parents and
grandparents lived beyond the time
allotted to man, their average age
being over 80 years. They belonged to the "Asso-
ciate Church," a seceding Presbyterian body of

•

America from the old Scotch school ; and so rigid
was the training of young Beveridge that he never
heard a sermon from any other minister except that
of his own denomination until he was in his 19th
year. Later in life he became a member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, which relation he still
holds.

Mr. Beveridge received a good common-school ed-
ucation, but his parents, who could obtain a livelihood
only by rigid economy and industry, could not send
him away to college. He was raised upon a farm,
and was in his 18th year when the family removed
to De Kalb County, this State, when that section was
very sparsely settled. Chicago had less than 7,000
inhabitants. In this wild West he continued as a
farm laborer, teaching school during the winter
months to supply the means of an education. In the
fall of 1842 he attended one term at the academy at
Granville, Putnam Co., 111., and subsequently several
terms at the Rock River Seminary at Mount Morris,
Ogle Co., 111., completing the academic course. At
this time, the fall of 1845, his parents and brothers
were anxious to have him go to college, even though
he had not money sufficient; but, n it willing to bur-
den the family, he packed his trunk and with only
$40 in money started South to seek his fortune

I 7 2

JOHN L. BEVERIDGE.

Poor, alone, without friends and influence, he thus
entered upon the battle of life.

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

In the fall of TS49, through the mismanagement
of an associate, he lost what little he had accumu-
lated and was left in debt. He soon managed to
earn means to pay .his debts, returned to De Kalb
Co., 111., and entered upon the practice of his pro-
fession at Sycamore, the county seat. On arrival
from the South he had but one-quarter of a dollar in
money, and scanty clothing and bedding for himself
and family. He borrowed a little money, practiced
law, worked in public offices, kept books for some of
the business men of the town, and some railroad en-
gineering, till the spring of 1854, when he removed
to Evanston, 12 miles north of Chicago, a place then
but recently laid out, under the supervision of the
Northwestern University, a Methodist institution.
Of the latter his father-in-law was then financial
agent and business manager. Here Mr. Beveridge
prospered, and the next year (1855) opened a law
office in Chicago, where he found the battle some-
what hard; but he persevered with encouragement
and increasing success.

Aug. 12, 1 861, his law partner, Gen. John F.
Farnsworth, secured authority to raise a regiment of
cavalry, and authorized Mr. Beveridge to raise a
company for it. He succeeded in a few days in rais-
ing the company, of course enlisting himself along
with it. The regiment rendezvoused at St. Charles,
111., was mustered in Sept. 1 8, and on its organiza-
tion Mr. B. was elected Second Major. It was at-
tached, Oct. 11, to the Eighth Cavalry and to the
Army of the Potomac. He served with the regiment
until November, 1863, participating in some 40 bat-

tles and skirmishes : was at Fair Oaks, the seven days'
fight around Richmond, Fredericksburg, Chancellors-
ville and Gettysburg. He commanded the regiment
the greater part of the summer of 1 863, and it was while
lying in camp this year that he originated the policy
of encouraging recruits as well as the fighting capac-
ity of the soldiery, by the wholesale furlough system.
It worked so well that many other officers adopted
it. In the fall of this year he recruited another com-
pany, against heavy odds, in January, 1864, was
commissioned Colonel of the 17th 111. Cav., and
skirmished around in Missouri, concluding with the
reception of the surrender of Gen. Kirby Smith's
army in Arkansas. In 1865 he commanded various
sub-districts in the Southwest. He was mustered
out Feb. 6, 1866, safe from the casualties of war and
a stouter man than when he first enlisted. His men
idolized him.

He then returned to Chicago, to practice law, with
no library and no clientage, and no political experi-
ence except to help others into office. In the fall ot
1866 he was elected Sheriff of Cook County, serving
one term; next, until November, 1870, he practiced
law and closed up the unfinished business of hi--
office. He was then elected State Senator; in No-
vember, 187 1, he was elected Congressman at large;
in November, 1872, he was elected Lieutenant Gov-
ernor on the ticket with Gov. Oglesby; the latter be-
ing elected to the U. S. Senate, Mr. Beveridge became
Governor, Jan. 21, 1873. Thus, inside of a few
weeks, he was Congressman at large, Lieutenant
Governor and Governor. The principal events oc-
curring during Gov. Beveridge's administration were:
The completion of the revision of the statutes, begun
in 1869; the partial success of the "farmers' move-
ment;" "Haines' Legislature " and Illinois' exhibit at
the Centennial.

Since the close of his gubernatorial term ex-Gov
Beveridge has been a member of the firm of Bever-
idge & Dewey, bankers and dealers in commercial
paper at 7 1 Dearborn Street (McCormick Block),
Chicago, and since November, 1881, he has aLo been
Assistant United States Treasurer: office in the
Government Building. His residence is still at Ev-
anston.

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

GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS.

•75

SBELB Y 31. CULLOM.

HLLBY M. CULLOM, Gover-
nor i S7 7 —S3, is the sixth child

of the late Richard N. Cullom,
and was born Nov. 22, 1829, in
Wayne Co., Ky., where his fa-
ther then resided, and whence
both the Illinois and Tennessee
branches of the family originated. In
the following year the family emi-
grated to the vicinity of Washington,
Tazewell Co., 111., when that section
was very sparsely settled. They lo-
cated on Deer Creek, in a grove at
the time occupied by a party of In-
dians, attracted there by the superior
hunting and fishing afforded in that
vicinity. The following winter was
known as the " hard winter," the snow being very
deep and lasting and the weather severely cold; and
the family had to subsist mainly on boiled corn or
hominy, and some wild game, for several weeks. In
the course of time Mr. R. N. Cullom became a prom-
inent citizen and was several times elected to the
Legislature, both before and after the removal of the
capital from Vandalia to Springfield. He died about
'873.

Until about 19 years of age young Cullom grew up
to agricultural pursuits, attending school as he had
opportunity during the winter. Within this time,
however, he spent several months teaching school,

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

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

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

176

SHELBY M. CULLOM.

law until i860, he was again elected to the Legisla-
ture, as a Republican, while the county went Demo-
cratic on the Presidential ticket. In January follow-
ing he was elected Speaker, probably the youngest
man who had ever presided over an Illinois Legis-
lature. After the session of 1S61, he was a candidate
for the State Constitutional Convention called for
that year, but was defeated, and thus escaped the
disgrace of being connected with that abortive party
scheme to revolutionize the State Government. In
1S62 he was a candidate for the State Senate, but
was defeated. The same year, however, he was ap-
pointed by President Lincoln on a Government
Commission, in company with Gov. Boutwell of
Massachusetts and Cnarles A. Dana, since of the
New York Sun, to investigate the affairs of the
Quartermaster's and Commissary Departments at
Cairo. He devoted several months to this duty.

In 1864 he enteted upon a larger political field,
being nominated as the Republican candidate for
Congress from the Eighth (Springfield) District, in
opposition to the incumbent, JohnT. Stuart, who had
been elected in 1862 by about 1,500 majority over
Leonard Swett, then of Bloomington, now of Chicago.
The result was the election of Mr. Cullom in Novem-
ber following by a majority of 1,785. In 1866 he
was re-elected to Congress, over Dr. E. S. Fowler, by
the magnificent majority of 4103! In 1868 he was
again a candidate, defeating the Hon. B. S. Edwards,
another of his old preceptors, by 2,884 votes.

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

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

farmer and manufacturer, and A. A. Glenn. The
result of the election was rather close, Mr. Cullom
obtaining only 6,Soo majority. He was inaugurated
Jan. 8, 1S77.

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

In May, 1880, Gov. Cullom was re-nominated by
the Republicans, against Lyman Trumbull, by the
Democrats; and although the former party was some-
what handicapped in the campaign by a zealous
faction opposed to Grant for President and to Grant
men for office generally, Mr. Cullom was re-elected
by about 314,565, to 277,532 for the Democratic State
ticket. The Greenback vote at the same time was
about 27.000. Both Houses of the Legislature again
became Republican, and no representative of the
Greenback or Socialist parties were elected. Gov.
Cullom was inaugurated Jan. 10, 1S81. In his mes-
sage he announced that the last dollar of the State
debt had been provided for.

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

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

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

GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS.

'79

^>*-^-*<^

OHN MARSHALL HAMIL-
, TON, Governor 1883-5, was
born May 28, 1S47, in a log
house upon a farm about two
miles from Richwood, Union
County, Ohio. His father was
•> Samuel Hamilton, the eldest son
of Rev. Wra. Hamilton, who, to-
gether with his brother, the Rev.
"^» Samuel Hamilton, was among the
early pioneer Methodist preachers in
Ohio. The mother of the subject of
this sketch was, before her marriage,
Mrs. Nancy McMoiris, who was
born and raised in Fauquier or Lou-
doun County, Va., and related to the
two large families of Youngs and Marshalls, well
known in that commonwealth; and from the latter
family name was derived the middle name of Gov.
Hamilton.

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

brought up to hard manual labor, with no schooling
except three or four months in the year at a common
country school. However, he evinced a capacity
and taste for a high order of self-education, by
studying or reading what books he could borrow, as
the family had but very few in the house. Much of
his study he prosecuted by the light of a log fire in
the old-fashioned chimney place. The financial
panic of 1857 caused the family to come near losing
their home, to pay debts ; but the father and two
sons, William and John, "buckled to'' and perse-
vered in hard labor and economy until they redeemed
their place from the mortgage.

When the tremendous excitement of the political
campaign of i860 reached the neighborhood of Rob-
erts Township, young Hamilton, who had been
brought up in the doctrine of anti-slavery, took a zeal-
ous part in favor of Lincoln's election. Making special
efforts to procure a little money to buy a uniform, he
joined a company of Lincoln Wide-Awakes at Mag-
nolia, a village not far away. Directly after the
ensuing election it became evident that trouble
would ensue with the South, and this Wide-Awake
company, like many others throughout the country,
kept up its organization and transformed itself into a
military company. During the ensuing summer they
met often for drill and became proficient; but when
they offered themselves for the war, young Hamilton
was rejected on account of his youth, he being then
but r4 years of age. During the winter of 1863-4 he
attended an academy at Henry, Marshall County.

r8o

JOHN MARSHALL ILA MILTON.

and in the following May he again enlisted, for the
fourth time, when he was placed in the 141st III.
Vol. Inf., a regiment then being raised at Elgin, 111.,
for the roo-day service. He took with him 13 other
lads from his neighborhood, for enlistment in the
service. This regiment operated in Southwestern
Kentucky, for about five months, under Gen. Paine.
The following winter, 1864-5, Mr. Hamilton taught
school, and during the two college years 1S65-7, he
went through three years of the curriculum of the
Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio. The
third year he graduated, the fourth in a class of 46,
in the classical department. In due time he received
the degree of M. A. For a few months he was the
Principal of Marshall " College " at Henry, an acad-
emy under the auspices of the M. E. Church. By
this lime he had commenced the study of law, and
after earning some money as a temporary Professor
of Latin at the Illinois Wesleyan University at
Bloomington, he entered the law office of Weldon,
Tipton & Benjamin, of that city. Each member of
this firm has since been distinguished as a Judge.
Admitted to the Bar in May, 1870, Mr. Hamilton
was given an interest in the same firm, Tipton hav-
ing been elected Judge. In October following he
formed a partnership with J. H. Rowell, at that time
Prosecuting Attorney. Their business was then
small, but they increased it to very large proportions,
practicing in all grades of courts, including even the
U. S. Supreme Court, and this partnership continued
unbroken until Feb. 6, 1 SS 3, when Mr. Hamilton
was sworn in as Executive of Illinois. On the 4th
of March following Mr. Rowell took his seat in Con-
gress.

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

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

elect John A. Logan, he voted for the war chief on
every ballot, even alone when all the other Republi-
cans-had gone over to the Hon. E. B. Lawrence and
the Democrats and Independents elected Judge
Divid Davis. At this session, also, was passed the
first Board of Health and Medical Practice act, of
which Mr. Hamilton was a champion, again"' . :
much opposition that the bill was several times
" laid on the table." Also, this session authorized
the location and establishment of a southern peni-
tentiary, which was fixed at Chester. In the session
of 1 S79 Mr. Hamilton was elected President pro tern.
of the Senate, and was a zealous supixjrter of John
A. Logan for the U. S. Senate, who was this time
elected without any trouble.

In May, 1880, Mr. Hamilton was nominated on
the Republican ticket for Lieutenant Governor, his
principal competitors before the Convention being
Hon. Wm. A. James, ex-Speaker of the House of
Representatives, Judge Robert Bell, of Wabash
County, Hon. T. T. Fountain, of Perry County, and
Hon. M. M. Saddler, of Marion County. He engaged
actively in the campaign, and his ticket was elected
by a majority of 4r,2oo. As Lieutenant Governor,
he presided almost continuously over the Senate in
the 33d General Assembly and during the early days
of the 33d, until he succeeded to the Governorship
When the Legislature of 1883 elected Gov. Cullom
to the United Stales Senate, Lieut. Gov. Hamilton
succeeded him, under the Constitution, taking the
oath of office Feb. 6, rS83. He bravely met all the
annoyances and embarrassments incidental upon
taking up another's administration. The principal
events with which Gov. Hamilton was connected as
the Chief Executive of the State were, the mine dis-
aster at Braidwood, the riots in St. Clair and Madison
Counties in May, 18S3, the appropriations for the
State militia, the adoption of the Harper high-license
liquor law, the veto of a dangerous railroad bill, etc.

The Governor was a Delegate at large to the
National Republican Convention at Chicago in Tune,
1S84, where his first choice for President wis John
A. Logan, and second choice Chester A. Arthur; but
he afterward zealously worked for the election of Mr.
Blaine, true to his party.

Mr. Hamilton's term as Governor expired Jan. 30,
1885, when the great favorite "Dick" Oglesby was
inaugurated.

JOSEPH W. FIFER.

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ilOSKI'H WILSON FIFER.
distinguished gentleman

This
distinguished gentleman was
Jlfft*''' elected Governor of Illinois
November G, 1X88. He was
popularly known during the
campaign as "Private Joe." lie
had served with great devotion
to his country during the Re-
hellion, in the Thirty-third
Illinois Infantry. A native of
Virginia, he was horn in 1840.
His parents, John and Mary
(Daniels) Filer, were American
horn, though of German de-
scent. His father was a brick
and stone mason, and an old
Henry Clay Whig in politics. John and Mary
Fifer had nine children, of whom Joseph was the
Sixth, and naturally with so large a family it was
all the father could do to keep the wolf from the

door; to say nothing of giving his children any-
thing like good educational advantages.

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

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

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

184

JOSEPH W. FIFER.

the regiment was sent to Camp Butler, and then
over into Missouri, and saw some vigorous service
there. After a second time helping to chase Price
out of Missouri, the 33d Regiment went down
to Milliken's Bend, and for several weeks •• Private
Joe" worked on Grant's famous ditch. The regi-
ment then joined the forces operating against Fort
Gibson and Vicksburg. Joe was on guard duty in
the front ditches when the Hag of surrender was
run up on the tth of July, and stuck the bayonet
of his gun into the embankment and went into the
city with the vanguard of Union soldiers.

The next day, July 5, the 38d joined the force
after Johnston, who had been threatening Grant's
rear; and finally an assault was made on him at
Jackson, Miss. In this charge "Private Joe" fell , ter-
ribly wounded. He was loading his gun when a
minie-ball struck him and passed entirely through
his body. He was regarded as mortally wounded.
His brother, George, who had been made a Lieu-
tenant, proved to be the means of saving his life.
The Surgeon told him unless lie had ice his brother
Joe could nut live. It was fifty miles to the nearest
point where ice could be obtained, and the roads
were rough. A comrade, a McLean county man, who
had been wounded, offered to make the trip. An
ambulance was secured and the brother soldier
stalled on the journey. lie returned with the ice.
but the trip, owing to the roughness of the roads,
was very hard on him. After a few months' care-
ful nursing Mr. Fifer was able to come home. The
33d came home on a furlough, and when the
boys were ready to return to the tented Geld,
young Fifer was ready to go with them; for he was
determined to finish his term of three years. He
was mustered out in October, 1864, having been
in the service three years and two months.

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

four years lie struggled with his books. lie entered
Wesleyan University Jan. 1. 18G5. He was not a
brilliant student, being neither at the head nor the
foot of his class. He was in great earnest, how-
ever, studied hard and came forth with a well-
stored and disciplined mind.

Immediately after being graduated he entered
an office at Bloomington as a law student, lie had
already read law some, and as he continued to work
hard, with the spur of poverty and promptings of
ambition ever with him, he was ready to hang out
his professional shingle in 18G9. Being trust-
worthy he soon gathered about him some influen-
tial friends. In 1871 he was elected Corporation
Counsel of Bloomington. In 1K72 he was elected
State's Attorney of McLean County. This otliee
he held for eight years, when he took his seat in
the State Senate. Here he served for four years.
His ability to perform abundance of hard work
made him a most valued member of the Legisla-
ture.

Mr. I"' iter was married in 1870 to Gertie, daugh-
ter of William J. Lewis, of Bloomington. Mr.
Filer is six feet in height and is spare, weighing
only 150 pounds. He has a swarthy complexion,
keen black eyes, quick movement, and possesses a
fiank and sympathetic nature, and naturally makes
friends wherever he goes. During the late Guber-
natorial campaign his visits throughout the State
proved a great power in his behalf. His happy
faculty of winning the confidence and good wishes
of those with whom he comes in personal contact is a
source of great popularity, especially during a polit-
ical battle. As a speaker he is fluent, his language
is good, voice clear and agreeable, and manner
forcible. His manifest earnestness in what he says
as well as his tact as a public speaker, and his elo-
quent and forceful language, makes him a most
valuable campaign orator and a powerful pleader
at the bar. At the Republican State Convention,
held in May, l,s.s,X, .Mr. Fifer was chosen as its candi-
date for Governor. He proved a popular nominee,
and the name of " Private Joe" became familiar
to everyone throughout the State, lie waged a
vigorous campaign, was elected I iy a good majority,
and in due 1 hue assumed the duties of the Chief

Executive of Illinois.

?1M

m i t ^

Vermilion County

ILLINOIS,

tosJ

INTRODUCTORY.

5HE time has arrived when it
becomes the duty of the
people of this county to per-
petuate the names of their
pioneers, to furnish a record
of their early settlement,
and relate the story of their
progress. The civilization of our
day, the enlightenment of the age
and the duty that men of the pres-
ent time owe to their ancestors, to
themselves and to their posterity,
demand that a record of their lives
and deeds should be made. In bio-
graphical history is found a power
to instruct man by precedent, to
enliven the mental faculties, and
to waft down the river of time a
safe vessel in which the names and actions of the
peopie who contributed to raise this country from its
primitive state may be preserved. Surely and rapidly
the great and aged men, who in their prime entered
the wilderness and claimed the virgin soil as their
heritage, are passing to their graves. The number re-
maining who can relate the incidents of the first days
of settlement is becoming small indeed, so that an
actual necessity exists for the collection and preser-
vation of events without delay, before all the early
settlers are cut down by the scythe of Time.

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

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

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

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

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

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

^■^fe

YKKMILION COUNTY.

191

A^H^^^v^^

• ,. ',, *., »* , ; , ;■ , ^/f :

■>,%J

^-r^s-e-

i.MES S. SCONCE. It is a fitting [ of America, and more especially in Kentucky, of

testimonial to the worth and char- which State they were early settlers. The great-

[jfete acter of this citizen to present : grandfather of the subject of this sketch was one of

his portrait and biography on
these, the opening pages of the
E Album of Vermilion County.
Of the many citizens of Carroll
Township none were better
known <>r more highly esteemed
than this gentleman, who was
born near Brook's Point, Ver-
milion County, Nov. II. 1831,
and died Sept, 21, 1888, at the
age of fifty-seven years. In
childhood he attended the puli-
lie schools, as well as those more
advanced, at Danville, receiving a liberal educa-
tion. His father and mother were Samuel and
Nancy (Waters) Sconce, both natives of Bourbon
County, Ivy., the birth of the former occurring in
1802, while the mother was horn six years later.

The elder Mr. and Mrs. Sconce removed to Illi-
nois in 1828, and settled in Vermilion County in
1829. They had three children, who grew to ma-
turity, namely: .lames S.. America J., and 'I'h as

J. America J., is the widow of Oliver Calvert,
and now makes her home at the residence of her
brother, lately deceased. Thomas •). died in this
county, Jan. I, 1888, while the father passed awaj
in January, 1874. The mother is still living, with

the earliest settlers of Bourbon County, where he
lived in a log house, built especially to resist the
depredations of the Indians. There were eight
brothers, and they were among the brave settlers
who reclaimed that beautiful country from the sav-
ages, and in so doing are entitled to the thanks of
a grateful nation. Nearly all of these brothers emi-
grated South and West. There is a large family of
this name in Texas. James S. Sconce's father. Sam-
uel, was born in Bourbon Count}', Ky. He lived
in the county of his birth until 1828, when lie
removed to this State, and in the following year
located in Vermilion County. His wife came with
her parents to the vicinity of Brook's Point, in
1829, her marriage occurring at that place the fol-
lowing year. Samuel Sconce engaged in farming,
and from start to finish was successful. In 1852 he
engaged in the mercantile business in [ndianola,
under the firm name of Bailey & Sconce. This
firm continued to do business until the big lire,
which destroyed their stock. Mr. Sconce then re-
tired from active life, and died Jan. '.), 1874, leav-
ing behind him a reputation of which any man
might be proud. In 1849 he took a drove of 200

fat cattle to Philadelphia, where he sold half of

them and drove the rest to New York, returning
the entire distance on foot. He also hauled pro-

widow of her son, at the advanced age of duee to Chicago in the early days.
eighty -one years. (> » November 14. 1831, James S. Sconce was

The Sconces were prominent in the early history I born, iii this county, and was one of its first chil-

192

VERMILION COUNTY.

dren born. He was early taught industry, anil be-
ing reared upon a farm was consequently used to
hard work. He remained with his parents until he
was twenty-four years of age, when he engaged as
a clerk in the store of Bailey & Sconce, drawing a
salary of S300 a year for four years. In 18.5!) lie
went to Kansas, where he pre-empted 160 acres in
Lyon County, and at the end of three months he
trader] this piece of land for a similar tract in llli-
. nois. Here commenced his career as a stockman
and drover. During this time he made the ac-
quaintance of his estimable wife, Miss Emma San-
dusky, or as her father wrote it " Sodowsky." She
was the only daughter of the well-known Short-
horjl breeder of Carroll Township. After marriage
Mr. Sconce lived one year with his father-in-law.
when he located on the present homestead, remain-
ing there until the day of his death. He worked
systematically, and to this may be attributed his
success. At any rate he became wealthy, and
when he died was the owner of 2,100 acres of the
most desirable land in the count}-. Upon this he
built an elegant home, said to be the finest country
house tci be seen in the State. It. is a large struct-
ure, built of brick, beautifully located on a slight
elevation, while the surroundings are all that an
admirer of the beautiful could picture. Giant
trees shade the grounds, and what nature has
omitted art has supplied. The lawns and gardens
are laid out artistically, adding to the beauty and
picturesqueness of the landscape, and making it a
•■thing of beauty" not excelled in this great State
of Illinois. The place is called " Fairview," at the
suggestion of Mrs. Sconce. The house is heated by
the Rutan system, and every room is supplied with
hot and cold water, while the spacious parlors and
corridors are illuminated by gas.

When Mr. Sconce died he left a fortune variously
estimated at from $200,000 to $300,000, every
cent of which was accumulated by judicious farm-
ing and stock-raising. It will be many years be-
fore the recollection of this good man will fade
from the memories of the people. His life was
simple and his methods straightforward, his manner
gentle, kind hearted to the poor, indulgent to the
weak, charitable to the erring, and his memory like
a sweet fragrance ascends on high. Generous

friend, kind husband, noble citizen, and sincere
Christian, the world is better for thy living, and
the flowers of a sweet memory will ever blossom
upon thy grave.

Like his illustrious ancestors Mr. Sconce was a
fine looking, active man. He had keen blue e3 r es,
a personal characteristic so marked in his family,
and was of a sanguine temperament. A lifetime of
usefulness and business activity had developed in
him good judgment, and as he became older his
attention w\as directed closely toward the things
revealed in Holy Writ. He was a consistent
and active member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. Politically, he was a Democrat from con-
viction and from principle. In 1882 he consented
to run for the State Senate, making a brilliant can-
vass am' running ahead of his ticket. He served
as Township Supervisor, and always evinced a
deep interest in public affairs, and especially in the
welfare of his township, his county ami his State.
His library was tilled with choice and valuable
works, especially those treating upon the tariff, a
question which was studied by him with deep in-
terest, he believing with other leading Democrats,
in a tariff for revenue only.

In matters pertaining to schools he took a great
interest. For several years prior to his death he
was a Regent of the Wesleyan University of
Iiloomington, 111., which was financially favored
by his generosity. As a husband and father he
was most loving and devoted. As a result of his
wedlock two children were born: Anna, who was
a student of Morgan Park two years, and of Wes-
leyan University one year; and Harvey .7.. a bright
lad of fourteen years. He was greatly attached to
his children, anil in them was centered his great
love. The poor young farmer and business man,
who is almost discouraged in life, will miss in Mr.
Sconce a friend, for it was one of his salient char-
acteristics to help those who would help themselves,
and as an illustration of this, it may be stated that
his will provided that those who owed him on
loans, should be allowed to pay his estate in small
yearly installments, that they might not be dis-
tressed.

He was buried with Masonic honors at the Wood-
lawn Cemetery. The funeral was attended by an

VERMILION COUNTY.

193

i tense throng, ami the procession was headed by

200 Masons in mourning, and was over three miles
in length, the largest funeral line ever seen in Ver-
milion County. It was remarked by one who
knew Mr. Sconce well that "a secret society which
commanded the fealty of a man like James Sconce
must have something in it." If lie loved Ma-
sonry it was equally true that the Masons loved
him. To his faithful wife the death of her hus-
band was sad beyond expression. -'Sorrows come
not single." A less noble woman would have given
up to despairing sorrow at the loss of her husband,
her father, and her mother within the space of one
short year. ( )f true Christian grace and motherly
heart she hore up bravely in her bereavement, fully
determined henceforth to give up her life to her
Master, and to the welfare of her children. As
before stated she is the only living child of Harvey
Sandusky and Susan Baum. Coming from illus-
trious ancestors, an effort will be made to herewith
present a few facts in regard to each of her parents.
In the year of 1721 there came to America an
exile from Poland, of noble birth and proud spirit,
and lofty patriotism. He headed a rebellion against
the despotism of Russia and her allies in the dis-
graceful oppression of the defeated but not. subdued
Poles. For this brave act he was exiled and came
to Richmond, Va. That noble man was .lames
Sodowsky, who afterward married tin' sister of
Gov. In-lip. of the Colony of Virginia, and from
them descended Harvey Sandusky, the father of
Mrs. Sconce. Men of courage and force of char-
acter, the family has been represented in every for-
ward movement of civilization in this great coun-
try for more than a century: with the gallant pio-
neers in beating back the savages of the wilderness;
with the brave Continentals, battling for freedom
in the heroic days of '76; at the front in the War
of L812; with Daniel Boone in the wild Kentucky,
where the grandfather of Harvey settled just after
the close of the Revolutionary War. His father.
Abraham Sandusky, was born there, and married
Miss .lane McDowell, who bore him eight children.
Harvey being the eldest. In 1831 he removed
I loin Kentucky to Illinois, and settled with his
family on the Little Vermilion River, where he
continued to reside until his death. His oldest son,

Harvey, was born in Bourbon County, Ky.. May
17. 1817, and came to Illinois with his father, lit-
erally growing up with thecountry. In histwenty-
fom th year he was married to Susan, daughter of
Charles and Susan Baum, who had emigrated from
Ohio and settled on the Little Vermilion River.
After marriage Mr. Sandusky located on the es-
tate which has since become so famous as "Wood-
lawn Stock Farm." Here, by intelligent and indus-
trious use of their opportunities, he and his faithful
wife built up a princely home, and surrounded it
with an abundance that enabled them to dispense
the largest charity and most unbounded hospitality.
Mrs. Sandusky was converted to Christianity in
her girlhood, and rejoiced in the hope of an im-
mortal life.

In the old family Bible is found this record :
"Harvey Sodowsky this day found peace with
God, March 15, 1858." For forty years their's
was a house of prayer. To them were born three
children: The oldest died in infancy; the second
is Emma, the wife of the subject of this sketch;
Gilbert, the third child and only son, died at the
early age of twenty-three years. Harvey San-
dusky died on Saturday, Dec. 18, 1886, and the
following Tuesday was buried by the side of his
son in the beautiful Woodlawn Cemetery, which he
bad selected and donated to the public. "Uncle
Harvey," as he was familiarly called, was in many
respects a noble man. There is always good in a
heart that is always tender, and his was a very ten-
der heart. To feed the hungry, to clothe and help
the needy, afforded him the greatest pleasure. The
foot-sore itinerant, whose horse had died, was taken
to the stables and told to "select the best nng in
the lot," without pay or promise. That preacher
was sent on his way rejoicing, and thereby the
Oospel was spread to those beyond. By him the
homeless were sheltered, the friendless cheered, and
the wretched soothed.

He was a very successful man in business, was
enterprising and public spirited. In the stalls and
on the fields at Woodlawn are perhaps the finest
specimens of Short-horn cattle in America, if not
in the world. For fifty years he had been interested
in raising and exhibiting fine stock. No man in
America has been more successful than he, as the

19!

VERMILION COUNTY.

premium lists of principal fairs will sliow. Evi-
dently he lias added untold riches to the general
community by his enterprise in tin's particular. But

his work is done, and the toils of his busy life have
ceased. The familiar figure has dropped out of the.
picture of this lil\>. and let us hope that it has
dropped into the life that lies beyond the other
shore. His home is lonely without him. his fam-
ily mourn him. his neighbors will miss him, his
friends regret his absence, but "God doeth all
things well." — (Extract from Ihe Rev. G. A. Fra-
sier.) His wife, Susan Sandusky, came from an
equally illustrious family. She was the daughter
miles and Sarah (Moyer) Baum. They were
likewise Polish patriots, and by the Russian au-
thorities banished from their native land. They
for a few years lived in Germany, and then emi-
grated to the Colony of Virginia. This noble ex-
ile and progenitor of the Baums of Vermilion
County, was Charles Baum, the great-grandfather
of Mrs. Emma Sconce. He married Miss Barbara
McDonald, a relative of the brave Gen. McDonald,
of Marion's army. He entered the Colonial forces,
and served on reserve duty in protecting the
frontier. After the war he settled in Bucks County,
and the year following Wayne's treaty with the
Indians, sailed down the Ohio River with his fam-
ily. They landed at the mouth of Bullskin Creek,
and there, close to what is now the river town of
Chilo, established the first settlement in the Ter-
ritory of Ohio. One of his sons was Charles Baum,
Mrs. Sconce's grandfather. He married Susan,
daughter of John Moyer, a Revolutionary soldier,
who fought many years under the immediate com-
mand of Gen. Washington.

John Mover lived in Pennsylvania some time
after the war, then removed to Ohio, of which
State he also was an early pioneer. Charles Baum,
the grandsire of Mrs. Sconce, came to Vermilion
County in 1839. He lived to be ninety-six years
old, had prospered well, and was a consistent
Christian. From the Rev. G. A. Frasier we quote
the following concerning Mrs. Susan Sandusky.
'•( lur community is again called to mourn the loss of
n most estimable lady, who fell asleep at her home
near Indianola. March 21, 1888. She was a daugh-
ter of Charles and Susan Baum, born in Claremont

County, Ohio. Sept. 25, 1818. She was converted
and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church when
quite young, and was married May 20, 1840. Her
life was singularly pure and exemplary, and she
adorned those stations in which true womanhood
shines the brightest. As a wife, mother, friend
and neighbor she was indeed a model woman.
None doubted the genuineness of her Christian ex-
perience. Always consistent, always true, she was
a power for good in the community. Her chari-
ties and uniform kindness for the poor had won for
her the love of all who knew her. Her devotion
to duty, and her unswerving fidelity had won the
confidence and esteem of all. She was not only
ready, but willing to die. In a conversation a few
days before her death she expressed a desire to
■reach her Father's house.' She leaves but one
child to mourn her absence from the old home-
stead. Mrs. James S. Sconce, the only remain-
ing child was with her mother during her last ill-
ness, faithfully, lovingly attending to every want,
and tearfully watching the slowly ebbing tide of
life till all was still in death. In this great be-
reavement Mrs. Sconce has the sympathy of the
entire community. The old homestead is left deso-
late. A family has passed from earth. We hope
that on the other side of the river they are again
united."

Mrs. Emma Sconce was born in the old Harvey
Sandusky homestead, better known under the name
of -Woodlawn," a name suggested by her for her
father's large farm, which was so famous in pro-
ducing herds of prize-winning Short-horn cattle.
Here she grew up under the influences of a Chris-
tian home, attending Georgetown Academy for
some time. Her loyalty has marked her entire ca-
reer from childhood to widowhood. As the wife
of James S. Sconce she was ever a most worthy,
affectionate, and loving companion; as mistress of
the "Fairview" mansion she is modest, kind, gen-
erous and hospitable; while the taste with which
the mansion is furnished reflects great credit upon
its mistress. She possesses a great deal of knowl-
edge, general and special, and is respected and es-
teemed by all who know her. She is a devout
Christian, and rich and poor alike are graced by
her favors. She deeply mourns the loss of her

YKR.MII.ION COUNTY.

195

husband, for their marriage proved to be a most
happy one. She is truly the type of noble Ameri-
can woman! d, and as a mother is (airly wor-
shipped by her two children, and they in turn
are held most affectionately dear. Her modesty
prevents her giving further facts in regard to her-
self. Her attorney, however, has furnished the
following figures concerning her estate: Personal
property of .lames s. Sconce, deceased, $62,000 ;
personal property of Harvej Sandusky, deceased,

120, I; total number of acres of land held by Mrs.

Sconce. 3,600.

IRAM ARMANTROUT. In no portion of
the world is there illustrated the result of
patient industry more forcibly than in the
great West. Could the youug man of fifty
years ago have had the power to look forward into
the future and discover not only what he himself
would accomplish, but what would lie done by his
brother pioneers, he would have labored with
greater courage than he lias already done; for no
one can dispute that the first settling upof this part
of the country was necessarily an experiment. Few
however, stood in doubt as to the final result, but
fewer still would have prophesied the achievements
which have really been accomplished.

The subject of this sketch was one of the earliest
settlers of Middle Fork Township, whence he re-
moved to Butler Township in April, 1855. He
took up a half-section of government land, em-
bracing a part of sections 2, 22 and 13, in township
22, range 13, before there had been any attempt at
cultivation. In the fall of 1856 he put up a small
frame house, and being unmarried, took in a tenant.
with whom he lived. He had, prior to this, broken
sixty acres. lie proceeded with the improve-
ments of his property single-handed until the
spring of 1859, when he took unto himself a wife
and helpmate. Miss Celinda Pugh. They spent the
first few years of their wedded life in the little
house, and in due time, being prospered, our sub-
ject was enabled to e-ect a larger dwelling. lie
also built a good bain and planted forest and fruit
trees, which flourished, and he now has the finest
grove in the neighborhood. He occupied this farm

until .March. 1889, when he wisely retired from
active labor and purchased property in Rossville.
where he took up his abode and purposes now to
live.

Our subject was burn in Montgomery County,
Ind., Aug. 12, 1829, and lived there until 1855
with his father and mother. The former, Valen-
tine Armantrout, was born in Rockingham County.
Va., April 27, 1799, and removed with his father.
Frederick Armantrout, to Warren County, Ohio,
in 1808, where he was reared to manhood. He
married Miss Catherine Kesling, and they so-
journed in the Buckeye State until 1828, when they
removed to Montgomery County. Ind. There the
father engaged in farming and blacksmithing com-
bined, and lived until his decease, which took place
March 17, 184C.

To the parents of our subject were bom seven
children, of whom he was the third, and of whom
four are living: Ambrose is a resilient of Chautau-
qua County, Kan.; Simon lives in Waynetown,
Montgomery Co., Ind.; Sarah became the wife of
C. s. Bratton, of Rossville, and she is now de-
ceased. Mary Ann is the wife of .lames Applegate,
Of this county; Melinda died at the age of seventeen
years; Henry died in Linn County, Kan., in 1887.
The paternal grandfather was a resident of Vir-
ginia during the Revolutionary War, in which his
father and two brothers fought, while he remained
at home. He was drafted, but Washington sent
him home. The family is of German descent, and
the first representative in this country settled in
Virginia.

At the time of leaving Butler Township Mr.
Armantrout was its oldest living male resident. One
lady, Mrs. Pyles, had been there one year longer
than himself. As a farmer he was more than or-
dinarily successful, and also prosecuted stock-rais-
ing with excellent results. He was prominent in
local affairs, being the first Road Commissioner in
the township, in which ollice he served eleven years.
He officiated as Constable four years, was Justice of
the Peace seven years. School Trustee nine years,
and School Director for a long period. Politically,
he is a Republican.

Of the six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Arman-
trout. the third child, a son, Harmon, died when

196

VERMILION COUNTY.

one year old. The survivors are Scott, Celia M.,
Drusilla, Carrie and Ida. Scott married Miss
Emma Walters, and lives on the home farm ; Celia
May is the wife of Ira G. Philips, and the mother
of one child, a daughter, Mabel; they live near
the homestead. The others are unmarried and
remain with their parents. Mrs. Celinda (Pugh)
Armantrout was born in Warren County, Ind..
Aug. 26, 1833, and is the daughter of George
Pugh. who was a native of Pennsylvania. He mar-
ried Miss Elizabeth Anderson, and they reared a
large family of children. He followed farming his
entire life, and after leaving his native State set-
tled near Lebanon, in Warren County, Ind., where
he spent his last days. His death occurred about
1 864, at the age of seventy years.

.LIVER HARRISON CRANE. The leading
event in the life of this gentleman was his
birth, which occurred in Fountain County.
Ind.. on the 4th of March, 1841, the day of the in-
auguration of President William Henry Harrison)
and in honor of whom the infant was given his sec-
ond name, lie is now a man of forty-eight years,
and one of the most substantial farmers of Grant
Township, being the owner of ICO acres of choice
land, pleasantly located on section 29, township 23,
range 12,

Mr. Crane spent the first eighteen years of his
life in his native county, acquiring a practical edu-
cation in the common schools and becoming famil-
iar with farm pursuits. In the fall of 1859, leaving
the parental roof, he came to this county and as-
sumed charge of the land which his father had en-
tered from the Government at $1.25 per acre. He
boarded at the house of a neighbor until the spring
of 1861 ; then put up a house into which he removed
with his young wife, having been married Feb. 7
of that year to Miss Charlotte Bowling of his own
county in Indiana.

Mr. and Mrs. Crane, although removing into a
more modern domicile, have occupied the same
farm which they moved upon at the time of their
marriage. Their labors and struggles have been
similar to those of the people around ihem; their

rewards likewise. Industry and economy have been
repaid fourfold, and now, in the enjoyment of all
the comforts of life and many of its luxuries, they
sit under their own vine and fig tree and are blest
with the respect of their friends and neighbors.
For some time after Mr. Crane settled here there
were no neighbors north for fifteen miles, the near-
est being at Ash Grove. Deer, wolves and other
wild animals were plentiful, but these slowly dis-
appeared as the country became settled up.

The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Crane, eleven
in number, are recorded as follows: The two eldest
died in infancy; Elmer E. was born May 28, 1865;
John N.. Sept. 3, 1867; Lillian L., Jan. 6, 1870;
Alfaretta, Feb. 11. LS72; Winifred. Dec. 4, 1873;
Morris S.. Nov. 2, 1876; Mary A., June 21, 1879;
Perry I)., Jan. 28, 1883; Anna M., Oct. 23. 1885.
The eldest son living, Elmer, married Miss Olive
Keplinger, is a resident of Northwest Nebraska and
the father of two children. Mrs. Charlotte (Low-
ling) Crane was born July 3, 1843, in Fountain
County, Ind., and is the daughter of Willis P. and
Mary (Bruce) Bowling, who -were natives of Ohio.
The father was born in Warren County. .Ian. 25,
1816, and lived there until a lad of eight years.
His parents then removed to Indiana, and after the
death of his father in Fountain County he contin-
ued on the farm, where he reared his family and
spent his last days. This farm is located in Van
Buren Township six miles northeast of Covington.
The maiden name of the mother of Mrs. Crane was
Mary Bruce, and the parents were married in 1838.
( )f the eight children born to them three are living —
Charlotte, Arthur and Morris. The two boys live
at the old farm in Fountain County, Ind., with their
father. The latter, with his estimable wife, is a
member of the Christian Church, and the famil}'
stand high in their community.

Mrs. Mary (Bruce; Bowling was bom in Law-
rence County. Ohio. Jan. 21. 1817, to Joshua and
Margaret (limes) Bruce, the father a farmer bv oc-
cupation. When Man- was a girl of eleven years,
they left the Buckeye State and removed to Foun-
tain County, Ind., where she remained under the
parental roof until her marriage.

Joel Crane, the father of our subject, was born
Jan. 28, 1817, in Warren Count}', Ohio near the

VERMILION COUNTY.

197

birthplace of Mr. Bowling. Me lived there until
1832, and then, a lad of fifteen years, migrated
to Fountain County, Ind., with his parents, where
he was married and still lives on the old farm
northeast of Covington which his father took up
from the Government. His wife was formerly .Miss
Elizabeth Jenkins, and they reared a family of three
children— Oliver EL, Lewis C. and Cyrus, the hit-
ter two of Missouri and Kansas respectively. Mrs.
Elizabeth (Jenkins) Crane was born Dec .">. 1820,
in Ohio, and departed this life at the homestead in
Indiana Sept. 2, 1853. She left the Buckeye State
with her parents in 1839 and remained with them
until her marriage.

Mr. Crane, our subject, has been a man always
full of business and one who has little respect for
the drones in the world's busy hive. He has kept
himself well posted upon events of general interest,
and is one with whom may be spent an hour very
pleasantly and profitably. His course in life has
been that of an honest man, while his industry has
been rewarded with a competence.

HARLES BUHL. This gentleman occupies
no unimportant position among the self-
^i^f' made men of this county who have arisen
by their own efforts from the foot of the ladder
and who by unflagging industry and perseverance
have accumulated a competence and in their later
years are retired and in the enjoyment of it. Mr.
Huh! represents a goodly amount of property — in-
deed is recognized as a capitalist — and has contrib-
uted his full quota to the business interests of Dan-
ville and vicinity. He comes of substantial ances-
try and is a native of Pennsylvania, having been
born in Butler County, Feb. 8, 1812.

Our subject remained a resident of his native
place until a young man of twenty years, acquiring
a practical education in the common school and
being variously occupied. Finally resolving upon
a change of location, he made his way in 1838, to
Detroit and for two years thereafter employed
himself as a teamster. In the fall of 1818, lie vis-
ited Chicago and being favorably impressed with
the outlook, established himself in the hat, cap

and fur business on Lake street, second door west

of Clark street where he operated successfully until
about 1850. Then selling out he invested the
proceeds in a farm of 697 acres, embracing the
present site of Kensington and which he secured
for the sum of $5,000. Nine months later he sold,
the bottom land — about 300 acres — to the Michigan
Central Railway for the price which he had paid
for the whole. For about ten years thereafter he
engaged ill farming, and then sold out and coming
to Danville invested a portion of his capital here
where he has since made his home.

Mr. Buhl has been engaged in different enter-
prises since coming to Danville. He invested a
portion of his capital in the lots embracing Nos. 117
to 123 or Last- Main street where he has put up
buildings, the rents from which yield him a hand-
some income. He has at different times owned
considerable land in the county and has now eigh-
teen acres of valuable land just outside the city
limits. Although a sound Republican politically
he has never sought office, but was twice elected to
represent his ward in the City Council and has
served as a member of the School Board. From
these, however, he withdrew before the expiration
of his term. During the Civil War his son Sidney
served as a soldier in the Union Army.

Mr. Buhl was married in Pennsylvania July 9,
1834, to Miss Eliza Ann McConaughy, and they
became the parents of six children, four of whom
are living, namely: Sidney. Frank. Emma and
Laura, Mrs. Buhl was born in New Lisbon. Ohio.
.Ian. 1, 1820, and is the daughter of James and
Elizabeth McConaughy, with whom she lived in
the Buckeye State until her marriage. Mr. McC,
was a farmer by occupation and the parental house-
hold included ten children — four sons and six
daughters. Sidney Buhl, the only son of our sub-
ject married Miss Sally Myers and they have one
child, a daughter. Georgia; he is in the employ of
the American Express Company. Frank is a resi-
dent of Louisiana where he operates a fruit farm and
nursery; Emma is the wife of William Myers, to
whom she was married Jan. -1. 1888; Mr. M., is em-
ployed as a, carriage salesman and the}' live in
Danville. Laura was married June ."). 1883, to Mr.
John Lawrence, a boot and shoe merchant, located

198

VERMILION COUNTY.

at 117 East Main street. The daughters are mem-
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Christian Buhl, the father of our subject, was a na-
tive of Germany, and came to America when a young
man, and settled near Zeleinople, Fa., where he en-
gaged in the manufacture of hats. lie also became
theownerof considerable land and spent the re-
mainder of his life in that vicinity. Me had mar-
ried Miss Fredrika Gearing and they reared a fam-
ily of ten children, of whom Charles was about the
fifth in order of birth, and of whom seven are now
living. Mr. Buhl died in Pennsylvania at the ad-
vanced age of eighty-seven years. His wife sur-
vived him three years and was also eighty-seven
years old at the time of her decease.

^[OIIX W. BANDY, junior member of the
firm of Smith & Bandy, druggists, is also
owner of the Bandy Block en Vermilion
.' street. Danville, and is well-known to the
citizens of the city and vicinity as representing
some of its most important business interests, lie
is a native of this place and was horn A [nil S,
1844. Of his father. William Bandy, one of the
earliest pioneers of this county ami an aged vete-
ran 6 f seventy-seven years, a sketch will he found
elsewhere in this volume.

The first four years of the lite of our subject
weii' spent upon a farm and then the family re-
moved to Danville, where John W., acquired a
practical education in the common schools When
approaching manhood lie entered the office of the
Danville Plaindealer, then under the control of
John Leslie and with whom he remained until the
office was purchased by Judge Daniel Clapp.
Young Bandy continued with the latter until 1864.
That year he began the study of medicine with Dr.
Samuel Humphrey as preceptor and after a time
began practicing to a certain extent. lie, how-
ever, concluded that he was better adapted to
some other business than that of a physician, which
resolution was strengthened by his failing haalth.
He spent three or four years in recuperating and in
1872 engaged as clerk in the store of E. E. Boudi-
not about five years. At the expiration of this

time he was admitted to partnership with his em-
ployer. Three years later he sold out to Mr. E. G.
Smith, a native of Danville, and the only surviv-
ing member of the family of Giles Smith. These
gentlemen have been in partnership since thai
lime and .Air. Bandy has been in the store since
1872. Mr. Bandy is a gentleman of great energy
and enterprise, and has accumulated a good prop-
erly, including one of the finest brick blocks ,in
North Vermilion street which was erected in 1887,
and is equipped with all modern improvements.

Mr, Bandy was married in Danville, Sept. 28,
1864, to Miss Margaret Humphrey, who became the
mother of one child and who died together with the
child in 1865. Our subject contracted a second mat-
rimonial alliance with Miss Mary A. Campbell, of
Lafayette. Bid., Aug. 29, 1879. Of this union there
was one ehihl. a son, Claude W., who was born Aug.
29, 1880. and is still living. Mrs. Man A.
(Campbell) Bandy was bora June I, 1853, about
fifteen miles southeast of Logansport, Ind.. and
spent her childhood and youth in Indiana. Both
.Mr. and Mrs. Band}' are members of good standing
of the Kiniher Methodist Episcopal Church. Until
about 1865 Mr. Bandy voted with the Republican
party hut has since that time affiliated with the De-
mocracy, lie has never had any ambition for office,
preferring to give his best efforts to his business
affairs. His home comprisesa neat residence in the
northeast part of the city and as the son of a prom-
inent family he occupies no secondary position in
social and business circles.

ENRY L. BUSHNELL is one of the leading

and successful business men of lloopeslon.
lie is the proprietor of the North Elevator,
which has a capacity of 75,000 bushels. He
also owns several other large elevators on the line
of the Chicago A- Eastern Illinois Railroad. He is
also general agent for the Brazil Block Coal Com-
pany, handling from 2.500 to 3,000 cars yearly,
besides his local trade.

Mr. Bushnell was bom Oct. 2. 1S43. near what is
now Dunlap. III., and there remained with his father
until he left school to enter the army. He enlisted

YFUMIL10N COUNTY.

19:)

on July 2, 1862, in Company E, 77th Illinois In-
fantry. This regiment was assigned to the 13th
Army Corps, originally under Gen. Smith, but
which was latterly under the command of Gen.
Banks, and participated in the battles of Black
River, Jackson, Champion Hill, Black River Bridge,
the siege of Vicksburg, and also in the entire cam-
paign which resulted in the opening of the Missis-
sippi River. At Vicksburg he was wounded on the
22d of May, 1863, in the left, knee, after which he
was in the field hospital until his recovery. The
last seventeen months of the service he was Second
Lieutenant of his company. While on the expedi-
tion with Banks up the Red River, he was cap-
tured at Mansfield, La., April 8, 1864, and taken to
Camp Ford. Tyler. Tex., and was there held until
the close of the war. While a prisoner of war he suf-
fered untold hardships, which impaired his health,

the effects of which lie feels to this day. After his

ise he joined Ins regiment at Mobile, Ala.. Jan-
uary, 1 865, 1 nit remained there lint a few days when
he proceeded to St. Louis, where he was properly
exchanged. Here he was detailed on Gen. Dodge's
staff, remaining on this duty until Aug. 1. when he
was mustered out of the service having served for
several months more than his regular enlistment..
After leaving the army he returned to Peoria, 111.,
and engaged in the lumber business with his father.
In this he continued for some time, having an ex-
tensive trade, and becoming accustomed to railroad
business in the mean time, he was appointed. Assis-
tant General Freight Agent of the Chicago &
Eastern Illinois Railroad, with headquarters at Ter-
re Haute. Ho continued in this capacity for five
years, when in .Inly ISS.'J. he resigned and removed
In Hoopeston where he has since been engaged in
business, and it is not too broad an assertion to
State that, he transacts more business that) any other
man in Eastern Illinois.

Mr. Bushnell has served his city as Mayor for
two terms and for one term has been an Alderman,
lie has also sen ed live years on the Board of Edu-
cation, of which he i- now President, lie has never
aspired to office but his great business talents are

always in request by his neighbors, and he CH t

see his way Vicar to refuse them. He is a hard-
working Republican, i> recognized as a leader in

his party, and can be found attending all it^ conven-
tions and gatherings. lie is a member of the First
Baptist Church and has been a Sunday-school Su-
perintendent for twenty Near,-.

On September is. 1867, Mr. Bushnell married
Miss Hattie A. Littcll. of Peoria, and they have
become the parents of ten children, two of whom
only are living, six dying of diphtheria. The living
are William F.. who was born .Ian. 25, 1872 and
Jessie A., April 21. 1883. Airs. Bushnell was born
in New York City. .March IS. 1844 ami is the
daughter of Isaac Littell, who came West in 1855.
In closing this brief sketch, it is proper to say that
there are no more popular people in this section of
the country than .Mr. and .Mrs. Bushnell.

/^jHARLES M. BAUM, a native of this
|( „ county, may usually be found at his well-
v Vg^ regulated homestead on section 25. Be-

sides general agriculture, he is largely interested
in the breeding of draft horses and has been of
signal service in elevating the standard of horse
flesh in this part, of the State. Active, energetic
and industrious, lie is a scion of the pioneer ele-
ment which located in this county at an early day
and assisted largely in its growth and develop-
ment.

There are some interesting facts connected with
the family history of Mr. Baum which cannot by
any means be properly omitted from this sketch.
His father, Samuel Baura, a farmer by occupation,
was born twenty-live miles SOUth of the city of
Cincinnati, Ohio, and was the son of Charles
Baum., supposed to have been born in Pennsyl-
vania, whence he removed first to Ohio and later
to Illinois. He was a gunsmith by trade, but after
coming to this country occupied himself mostly as
a farmer, and died' at the advanced age of ninety-
eight years. Three of his seven children are yet
living, and Samuel, the father of our subject, was
the oldest of the family. Samuel Baum came to
Illinois as early as 1828, and located on the Little
Vermilion, near the present site of Indianola. The
country then was very thinly settled and Vermil-
ion County was considered quite a frontier. The

200

VERMILION COUNTY.

journey was made overland in a Dearborn wagon,
and they brought with them a bug-horned cow
tied behind the wagon. The incidents of that long
and wearisome journey, during which they camped
and cooked by the wayside and slept in the wagons
at night, and the after experiences, replete with
toil and privation, if properly related, would fill a
good-sized volume.

The parents of our subject, however, possessed
the hardy spirit requisite in the pioneers of '28
and entered with courage upon the task set before
them. The mother was in her girlhood Miss Sarah
Weaver, daughter of Michael Weaver, who also
came to this county in 1828, and the young people
were married in Ohio. Mr. Weaver prior to this
time had served as a soldier in the War of 1812,
and was greatly prospered as a tiller of the soil of
Illinois, becoming one of Vermilion County's
wealthiest men. Mrs. Bauin was the eldest of the
eight children comprising the parental family, of
whom only two are now living.

The parents of our subject were married in 1823.
Samuel Baum became a very successful farmer,
the owner of 1,400 acres of land, and devoted him-
self largely to stock-raising. After the labors of a
well spent life he departed hence in March, 1861.
The mother had passed to the silent land fourteen
years previously, in 1817. Of the ten children
born to them seven are still living. Charles M. was
the sixth child anil was born Dec. 22, 1838, at the
old homestead near Indianola. He pursued his
first studies in the district school and in due time
entered Bryant & Stratum's Commercial College,
Indianapolis, from which he was graduated and at
the age of twenty-two years began work for him-
self on his father's farm.

Our subject operated as a general agriculturist
two years, then for one year turned his attention
to shipping stock. In the meantime he went into
Texas and purchased 500 Texas cattle, which he
drove through the Indian Territory, in 18(16, to
Chicago, consuming eight months on the journey.
He disposed of his stock, then returning to New-
town, this county, embarked in the mercantile
business for two and one-half years. He then pur-
chased ground for a sawmill and in company with
-Robert Craig put up the necessary building, equip-

ping it with machinery and operated the mill for
two years. Then selling out he resumed his for-
mer business as a live stock shipper and afterward
farmed again for about two years.

About this time Mr. Baum became interested in
line horses and began importing Clydesdales from
Canada and was thus occupied two years. After-
wards he began breeding fine horses, for which his
well-equipped farm of 200 acres affords every con-
venience. He has thirty head mostly Clydesdales,
including the Knight of Colander, imported* by
Galbraith Bros., of .lanesville. Wis., and a very
valuable registered mare imported by himself.
Mr. Baum's horses are gaining an enviable reputa-
tion in this part of the State.

On the 22d of .March, 1869, our subject was
united in marriage with Miss Mary .1., daughter
of William and Emily (Vanderin) Craig, who were
among the pioneer settlers of this county. Of this
union there have been born live children: Grace,
Ernest, Katie. Charles and Frank, all of whom are
at home with their parents. Mr. Baum has been
active in politics since becoming a voting citizen,
and is proud to record the fact that his first Presi-
dential candidate was the martyred President,
Abraham Lincoln. He keeps himself well posteel
upon the political issues of the day. and for twelve
years has officiated as School Director in his dis-
trict. He is President of the Newtown Horse and
Cattle Fair and a member of the Clydesdale
American Association, also for the Newtown Horse
Protector Association. Me has been for the hist
three years a Road Commissioner. It will thus be
seen that he has made a good record as a citizen
and is amply worthy of representation in the Bio-
graphical Album of Vermilion County.

attention is now directed is that of a man
possessing some admirable traits of charac-
ter and one whose course in life has been such as to
command the esteem and confidence of all who
have known him. During the vicissitudes of life
he has spent many years in arduous labor, has
handled probably a million dollars in money, has

VERMILION COI'NTY.

201

dealt honestly and fairly by his fellow-men and
should reap a large measure of consolation from
ihe fact that comparatively few have made person-
ally so clean and admirable record. There are few
who have not experienced adversity in their strug-
gle with the world, some more and some less, and
while with some it has had the effect to make them
sour and cynical, others have learned wisely from
the lesson and in this respect at least come off con-
querors in the struggle. Nature endowed Mr.
Adams with those qualities of mind and heart,
which have enabled him to make the best of cir-
cumstances and leave the rest to Providence.

The native place of our subject was not far from
the New England coast in Sussex County, N. J.,
his birth occurring Sept. 25, 1817. He commenced
the battle of life for himself at the early age of
fourteen years, clerking in a store from that, time
until a young man of twenty, lie then accompan-
ied his father's family to Virginia and remained
on a farm in the Old Dominion for a period of
five years. Then leaving the parental roof he emi-
grated to Orange Count}', N. Y., where he was
employed as clerk in the grocery store of Mr.
Reeve in Goshen. Two years later he established
himself as a general merchant at Unionville in the
same county and sold goods there for fifteen years.

Mr. Adams finally becoming wearied of mer-
cantile pursuits concluded he would seek" the
farther West and settle upon a farm. Coming to
this county, in 1857, he purchased 480 acres of
land south of Fairmount* and put up the largest
residence in this vicinity. Thereafter he occupied
himself at farming ami merchandising until 188G,
when on the account of the failing health of his
wife he removed to Kansas, living there with a
daughter one year and then returned to this county.

Our subject in 1844 was united in marriage with
Miss Amanda 1!.. a daughter of .Samuel King of
Pennsylvania and a prominent farmer in his neigh-
borhood. The ceremony took place at the home of
the bride's mother in Philadelphia. This union
resulted in the birth of three children, the eldest of
whom, Frank A., was married and died leaving his
widow with two children. Anna is the wife of
Stanley Conklin, a member of the firm of Jarvis,
Conklin & Co., in Kansas City. Mo., and they

have two children. George ('.. married .Miss
Nellie, daughter of Hiram Catlett of Vance Town-
ship, and they have two children. Mrs Adams
has been sorely afflicted with rheumatism, being in
feeble health for the past twenty years and in 1884
was stricken with total blindness. She and her
children are members of the Baptist Church in
which Mr. Adams has been a Deacon for thirty
years. In politics, Mr. Adams was first a Whig
and later a Democrat. Although seventy-two
years old he is in the enjoyment of good health and
although having met with many reverses main-
tains the cheerful and genial disposition which
has always attracted to him numbers of warm
friends. He appreciates the importance of pre-
serving the family record and a few years ago
wrote up a complete history of his life placing it,
in the hands of his son.

The father of our subject was Joseph Adams, a
native of New Jersey and a farmer by ocupation.
He married Miss Martha Post, a native of New-
Jersey and they lived there until 1839. Then
disposing of their interests in that State they re-
moved to Spottsylvania County, Va., where the
mother died at the age of fifty-two years. Joseph
Adams spent his last years in Virginia and de-
parted this life in July, 184,5.

The parental household included eleven children,
all of whom lived to mature years. Grandfather
\dams was a prominent man in Sussex County,
N.J. and held the position of Judge for some

years.

~^>t^*-^*3>-£^$r>^z~^*e~.

e|p^HOMAS D. McKEE, of OakwoOd Town-
™§l^l SQ iP' nas ^ or y ears been prominent in busi-
v§s0/ ness circles, operating as lawyer, banker and
farmer. His home is located on section 15. and
the farm is chiefly devoted to stock-raising, an in-
dustry which has always proved profitable in this
section. Mr. McKee was born in New York Slate
June 'J, 1833, at the old homestead of his parents.
John C. and Jeanette (Stewart) McKee, the former
of whom was a native also of the Empire State, and
the mother of Scotland.

John C. McKee was born in 1809, and died at,
the age of seventy-six years. The paternal grand-

202

VERMILION COUNTY.

father, Thomas McKee, was born about 1784 in
Dryden, Tompkins Co.. N. Y.. where he spent his
entire life, dying at the age of sixty-two years.
The great-grandfather, James McKee, was born in
the North of Ireland, and died at the age of ninety-
six years. Grandfather John Stewart married a
Miss Mcintosh and emigrated to America, settling
near Dryden. N. Y.. where he engaged in farming
and died at the age of sixty-two years. Thomas D.
had the privilege of seeing all three of the old
veterans.

The parents of our subject were married in New
York State, and afterwards lived upon the same
farm which still remains in the family, and which
is located on the old State Road four and one-half
miles from Cortland, between the latter place and
Ithica. The mother passed away in 1877, and the
lather in 1885. Their family consisted of eleven
children, all of whom grew to mature years, and of
whom our subject is the eldest. Thomas I)., like
his brothers and .sisters, attended the village school
at McLean, and later was a student in Cortland
Academy at Homer, N. Y. He prosecuted his law-
studies in the State and National Law School at
Poughkeepsie under I lie presidency of J. W. Fow-
ler, from which he was graduated and then set out
for the West.

Mi'. McKee left his home in New York State in
1855, and going to Maysville, Wis., taught school
there six months. Prior to this before leaving his
native State he had been similarly occupied at
South ^Cortland. In 1857 he went to Faribault,
Minn., and platted Morristown together with sev-
eral other towns, lie then migrated to St. Louis,
Mo., and from there to Leavenworth, Kan., during
the days of the troubles in the latter State and wit-
neesed many scenes of violence, enacted on the soil
of "bleeding Kansas." In that State he operated
as a surveyor, and taught the first school estab-
lished at Atchison. After a two-year's sojourn in
that region he returned home, completed his law
course in Poughkeepsie, and, in 1861, returning to
Illinois, established himself at Homer, Champaign
County, and began the practice of his chosen pro-
fession.

The next important event in the life of our sub-
ject was his marriage with Miss Alary Groenendyke.

and six or seven years afterwards the newly wedded
pair established themselves at their present home
stead. While at Homer Mr. McKee, in company with
D. S. Pratt, established the bank at Homer, and later
our subject purchased the interest of his partner
therein. That same year through the speculation
of his clerk the bank was obliged to close its doors.
This individual had been trusted implicitly without
bonds, and had made away with ¥23,000 in cash.

Subsequently Mr. McKee became interested in
farming pursuits and began operations on 240 acres
of land, which amount has been augmented so that
the farm now embraces C80 acres all in one body.
It is all in productive condition, but largely de-
voted to stock-raising — forty to fifty cattle in a
year, about 200 head of swine and numbers of very
flne imported Belgium horses.

To Mr. and Mrs. McKee there were born five
children, four of whom are living: Samuel G.,
Stewart T., Mallie and John, all at home with their
parents. Our subject has been for many years the
School Director in his district, and has served on
the School Board in Homer for six years. He was
President of the Town Board there for several
terms, and it was largely through his influence that
sidewalks were laid and shade trees were planted.
He also labored assiduously in suppressing the liq-
uor traffic. He votes the straight Republican
ticket, and is uniformly in favor of those measures
tending to elevate society and advance the inter-
ests of the people. Mrs. .McKee is a very capable
and estimable lady, with a good talent for business
and is a member in good standing of the Presbyte-
rian Church.

Samuel Groenendyke, the father of Mrs. McKee,
was born in Seneca County, N. Y., in 1803, and
married Miss Lacy Thompson, of Cumberland
County, Pa. In 1821 he removed with his family
to the vicinity of Terre Haute. Ind., and thence to
Vermillion County, Ind.. where he established his
permanent home. He 'finally became 'he owner of
nearly 2.000 acres of land. Later he established him-
self as a general merchant at Eugene, and also had
a branch store at Homer, 111. lie was very indus-
trious and enterprising, and was the first pork-
packer in his locality. He aided largely in encour-
aging the various industries of the new country,

Stock-Farm and Residence of J. W.Goodwii:

; SECS.2I,22, 26,27 & 28. Pi LOTTp,VERMI LION Co.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

2D7

and was prominent in liis community, being espec-
ally well known bj the old settlers. The parental
family included three children, two daughters and
a son. Samuel, who is now a residenl of Eugene.

Si OHN \V. GOODWINE is one of the leading
fanners and stock-growers of Vermilion
Count}', and the owner of one of its largesl
and most valuable farms, finely located in
the township of Pilot, his substantial resilience,
with its attractive surroundings, being situated on
section 2G. He is the son of a former well known
prosperous pioneer of this section of the country,
who was in his day an extensive land owner, and
did much toward developing the vast agricultural
resources of the county.

The father was a native of Kentucky, of English
descent, his parents having been earl}' pioneers of
that State. In 1810 he went to Bartholomew

( ity. Ind., and was among its earliest settlers,

subsequently removing from there to Warren
County in the same State. In 1826 he came to
Warren County while it was still in the hands of
the pioneers, and located on government land, buy-
ing at that time 200 acres. He built a log house
for the shelter of his family and entered with char-
acteristic zeal upon the development of a farm
from the wild prairies, and from time to time in-
creased its acreage till he became the possessor of
2,400 acres of fine farming land at the time of Ids
death, so fortunate was he in his undertakings. He
died March 8, 1851. His wife, who died in 1824,
was a native of Germany, her maiden name being
Elizabeth Snyder, and she came with her parents to
this country when she was young. Of her mar-
riage nine children were horn: James, Martha and
John, the only ones now living. James married
Sophia Buckels, of Warren County, Ind., where he
is engaged in farming, and they have t'wt.' children
— William. Christina, Indiana. Horace and Fre-
mont; Martha married Richard Lyon, of Warren
County, Ind., and they have three children — .John.
Martha and Thomas.

John Goodwine spent the early years of his life
in his native Stale, gleaning such an education as

was afforded by the pioneer scl Is of those days.

and on the home farm a good practical training in
the management of a farm. He came to Vermil-
ion County March 15, 1848, and when he began an
independent life for himself he had a better start
than many fanner's sons, having inherited 300
acres from his father's estate. !'>ut notwithstanding
such an advantage he worked with persevering en-
ergy, and by wise management and a judicious ex-
penditure of money he has become possessed of one
o! ili: largesl and finest estates within the limits of
Vermilion County, owning over 1,000 acres of
highly improved land, besides having given his
children 2,000. lie docs an extensive business in
general farming, and makes a specialty of raising
Short-horns, having a fine herd of highly graded
cattle of that breed.

Mr. Goodwine has been twice married. His first
wife was Jane Charleton, of Indiana, and to them
were born five children — Marion, John, Jann s,
Mary J. and Fremont. Marion married Susan Sel-
sor. and lives in Marysville, this count}-. They
have five children, one of whom is dead; the others
are Hattie, Fred, Daly E. and Ary; John married
Mary Alexander, and they had one child, Annie ; his
first wife died October, 1872, and about 1874 he was
again married to Miss Alice Lane, and they have
six children — John, Wilber, Nora, Ulysses, Cora
and Villa; James, a farmer in this county, married
Minerva King, of New Jersey, and they have three
children — Nellie, Roy and Coldie; Mary J. mar-
ried James M. Tillotson, of Warren County, Ind..
now a farmer in Louisiana, and they have three
children — Jessie. Estella and Mabel.

The maiden name of the present wife of oursuh-
ject was Arminda Sperry. and she was born in this
county Dec. 24, 1842. Her parents, Erastus and
liuth (Rees) Sperry, -.Mae of German antecedents
though they were horn in this country, the father
in Ohio June :!. 1819, and the mother in Indiana
Aug. 19, l<si ( .). Mr. and Mrs. Goodwine have four
children, namely: Martha. Helen, Dora and Grant
\Y.. all of whom are at home with their parents.

Mr. Goodwine possesses in a rare degree far-see-

igacity and energy, so combined with those

useful qualities oi prudence and steadfastness of

purpose, that he could not fail to increase his wealth

•208

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

by legitimate means, and accomplish whatever tie
attempted. His career in life has been an honor-
able one. and his place is among the most useful
and worthy of the citizens of Vermilion County.
with whose interests his own have been so inti-
mately connected these many years, and whose ma-
terial prosperity he has greatly extended, lie has
served on the juries of the State and county, and
as an intelligent, observant man is greatly inter-
ested in the political issues of the day, giving his
support to the Republican party on all questions of
National or local importance.

A fine large double page view of the handsome
residence and surroundings on the farm of Mr.
Goodwine is among the attractive features of the
opening pages of the album, and is a fitting intro-
duction to those which follow. It shows what can
be accomplished by a life of industry and energy,
coupled with a good business capacity.

'fl/OHN R. BALDWIN. There are few of the
older residents along the western line of
this county who are unfamiliar with the
' name which stands at the head of this bio-
graphical sketch. It is that of a man selfmade in
the broadest sense of the term — one who in his
young manhood resolved to make life a success if
it could be accomplished by industry and wise
management. Many men who are successful per-
haps do not as fully realize the fact as those around
them who have been less so, but the present stand-
ing of Mr. Baldwin, socially and financially^ should
give him an extremely comfortable feeling, for his
career has been worthy of emulation. It is main-
tained that every man has his hobby, and Mr.
Baldwin, a great lover of the equine race, has for
many years given his attention to the breeding of
and dealing in horses, and in this branch of business
can scarcely be excelled. He is an excellent judge
of this noblest of the animal kingdom, and while
developing their fine points has made of the indus-
try a profit as well as a pleasure.

The farm property of Mr. Baldwin is pleasantly
situated on section 17, Vance Township, and com-
prises a homestead furnished with all the modern

improvements, both for agricultural pursuits and
for stock operations. Mr. Baldwin is now past
sixty-one years old, having been born March 9,
1828, and is a native of Mason County, Ky. His
father, George Baldwin, who was born in Virginia,
is still living and in good health, although having
arrived at the ripe old age of over eighty-six
years. In addition to the possession of a strong
constitution he has for the last thirty years espec-
ially avoided the use of liquor in any form. His
life occupation has been that of a farmer, and he is
now living at a comfortable home in Fairmount,
where he enjoys the acquaintance of a large circle
of friends.

The mother of our subject was, in her girlhood.
Miss Rebecca Downing. She was born in Ken-
tucky, and was married in her native State, where
the family lived until 1839. Thence they removed
to Ohio, and in the fall of 18G."> came to this
county, and settled three miles south of Fairmount.
They became the parents of seven children, four of
whom are living, and the mother departed this life
in 1884.

The paternal grandfather of our subject emi-
grated from Prince Edward County, Va., to Mason
County, Ky.jn 181-1, during the period of its earliest
settlement. He there spent the remainder of his life,
dying in 18-13. In the meantime he served as
a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and had a son,
Pleasant Baldwin, who carried a musket in the
War of 1812. The latter died in 1880.

The early education of John R. Baldwin was
obtained partly in Kentucky and partly in Ohio,
and he remained a member of the parental house-
hold until the time of his marriage. This interest-
ing event was celebrated Feb. 22. L850, the bride
being Miss Catherine J., daughter of Nathan (Haze,
of Maryland. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs.
Baldwin settled on a rented farm near Ripley.
Ohio, where they lived until 1856. They then re-
moved to a farm which Mr. Baldwin had purchased
on Straight Creek Ridge, Ohio, and which he partly
improved and sold at a good profit two years later.
The next two jears he operated as a renter, then
purchased more land, which he sold at war prices.
At. the expiration of this time Mr. Baldwin, de-
termining to see something of the Western country.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

209

came to Illinois, and after viewing the country
went back home, published his sale of personal
property, established his family in Ripley, and in
May, 1865, started out on another tour of investi-
gation. This time he was accompanied by his
father, they boarding a boat at Ripley which con-
veyed them to St. Louis and thence to Rockporl
Landing. Mo. They were prevented from landing
at Lexington on account of the bushwhackers, who
were unaware that the war was over. They next
pursued their travels by stage and hack to St. Jo-
seph, thence to Quincy and Chicago, 111., and from
there by way of Indianapolis and Cincinnati home.

Having seen so many different places, and all
with some advantages, our subject now found him-
self in a dilemma as to where it was best to settle.
He finally concluded to remain in Ohio until he
could get all his money together. He rented a
farm and commenced dealing extensively in horses
and cattle, shipping to Cincinnati and realizing
handsome returns. The fall of 1868 again found
him Westward hound, and passing through this
county. From here he went to .Southern Missouri
by way of Kansas City, and gravitated back to this
county via St. Louis and the Illinois Central Rail-
road. He found nothing in his opinion superior
to this region, and accordingly rented a house in
Fairmount. and returning to Ohio had collected, by
the 11th of March, 1861), all his money, and re-
turned to this county. He did not then intend to
invest his capital here, and in less than two weeks
had loaned about $4,000. He finally purchased the
land comprising his present homestead, and which
was embellished with the best dwelling on the prai-
rie. His stock shipping operations have extended
as far East as Boston and Albany, N. Y., and he
has probably sold more young horses than any
other man in his neighborhood, these being shipped
largely to Pennsylvania buyers, who come to him
and make their purchases at first hands.

During the last ten years Mr. Baldwin has
operated as a breeder, and sold four colts of his
own raising to Pennsylvania buyers for $850. He
does no more shipping, but since abandoning this,
has sold sixteen head of horses for over $3,400, be-
sides three carloads at from $150 to $190 each.
( )ne remarkable circumstance in his career i> the

fact, thai in Ohio he never lost but *10 in his horse

operations. Since coming to Illinois he lias handled
large numbers of valuable horses without loss. In
one carload he losl $262, but made it all right on
the next shipment.

Of the twelve children born to our subject and
his estimable wife nine are living: Charles N., the
eldest, married Miss Susie Guilder, is the father of

three children, and lives two and one-half miles
southwest of Danville; Mary .1., the wife of Bar-
ton Elliott, is the mother of three children, and
they live a half mile east of Fairmount; J. Henry
married Mi>s Lizzie Price, is the father of six chil-
dren, and lives three miles south of Fairmount,;
Emma Belle, Mrs. William Hill, lives in Oakwood
Township, and is the mother of one child; Laura
F. married Edwin North, and they live in Side] I,
without children; Cora I... Mrs. Lincoln Smith, has
no children, and they live three and one-half miles
northwest of Fairmount; Lizzie, Oscar G. and Rob-
ert L. remain at home with their parents.

Mrs. Baldwin was the fifth child of her parents,
and was born Aug. 31, 1829, in Brown County.
Ohio. Her father, a prominent man in his neigh-
borhood, came to Illinois in the spring of 1866,
and died in Hancock County, in 1883, in the nine-
tieth year of his age. The mother survived her hus-
band five years, dying in 1888, in Hancock County
at the advanced age of ninety-two. Their family
consisted of four daughters and six sons. Mrs.
Baldwin's people on both sides of the house were
largely represented, many of them living to a great
age. Her grandfather on her mother's side was
the father of nine children, four of whom lived to
be from eighty to eighty-eight years old; their
united ages being 3:52. Her father, Nathan
Glaze, served as a soldier in the Vfav of 1812, and
was a pensioner at the time of his death. Both he
and his wife were members of the Christian Church
for the long period of sixty years. Mrs. Baldwin
has been a member of the Baptist Church.

Conservative in politics, Mr. Baldwin votes the
Straight Republican ticket, and recalls the fact that
the largest and most enthusiastic political meeting
which he ever attended, was one held in the inter-
ests of William Henry Harrison, in 1 840, at Ripley,
Brown Co., Ohio, when .Mr. Baldwin was a lad of

210

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPAICAL ALBUM.

twelve years. He has mixed very little in public
life with the exception of serving as School Di-
rector twelve years. His interests have chiefly
centered in live stock, and he has been a prominent
worker in the County Fair Association. I lis con-
nection with this in Ohio extended from 1853 to
1867, and in Illinois from 1869 to 1886. He was for
four years a member of the Board of Directors of
Vermilion County Agricultural and Mechanical
Association at Danville, ami took an important
part in the discussion of the matters pertaining to
its best interests. He is a Royal Arch Mason, be-
longing to Homer Lodge Chapter, and in Fair-
mount is a member of lodge number 590, in which
he has served as Master for two years, having
passed all the Chairs. He is a stockholder in the
Homer Agricultural Fair Association.

-€-*-B"

S^l DMUND P.JONES has a valuable farm in
|t<] Danville Township, pleasantly located four
/jj^rj 1 miles southeast of the city in the center of
a rich agricultural region. He is a fine type of
the sturdy, intelligent, self-reliant natives of Ver-
milion County who were born here in the early
days of its settlement, reared amid its pioneer
scenes, and after attaining a stalwart manhood,
took their place among its practical, wide awake
citizens and have ever since been active in devel-
oping and sustaining its many and varied interests.
The subject of this sketch comes of good pioneer
slock, and both his paternal and maternal ancestry
were early settlers of Kentucky, and there his fa-
ther and mother, William and .lane (Martin)
Jones were born, the former in Harrison County,
Feb. 24, 1796, and the latter April 15, 1795. They
were united in marriage Jan. 23, 1816, and con-
tinued to reside in their native State till 1828,
when with their six children they came to Illinois
with a team and cast in their fortunes with the
earl}' pioneers of Vermilion County, locating near
Danville, in Danville Township. They lived a
short time on section 16, and then the father
bought a tract of land on section 11. It was heav-
ily timbered, and the family lived in a rail-pen for
a time as a temporary shelter, and then Mr.

Jones built a log house on the place, and in that
bumble abode the subject of this sketch was born
.Ian. 13, 1830. The father improved a part of his
land, and a few years later removed to another
place, and resided in different parts of the town
till his demise, Oct. 30, 1859. A faithful citizen
was thus lost to the community, one who had led
an honest, sober-minded life, and was deserving of
the respect accorded to him. His worthy wife
survived him till Sept. 10. 1867, when she too
passed away at the home of our subject. The fol-
lowing is recorded of the eight children born to
them: John P. is deceased; Elizabeth is the wife of
Henry Sallee, of Oakwood Township; Joseph M. is
deceased; Sarah A. married Dennis Olehy. and is
now deceased; William Perry and Mazy J. are
deceased; Edmund P. is the subject of this sketch;
Thomas J. lives in Oakwood Township.

The subject of this sketch remembers well the
wildness of the country around about as it first ap-
peared to him when he became old enough to
observe his surroundings, and the beautiful scene
presented by the virgin prairie and primeval for-
est before civilization had wrought its marvelous
changes, is indellibly impressed on his mind. Deer,
wild turkeys and other game were plentiful and
roamed at will, unless brought down by the uner-
ring aim of the hunter anxious to replenish the
scant larder in his humble pioneer home. There
were no railways for many years after our subject's
first recollection, and the nearest market was at
Chicago, 125 miles distant, till after the canal was
finished, and then produce was taken to Perrys-
ville, Ind. The farmers of those days hail to con-
duct their agricultural operations in the most, prim-
itive manner, and Mr. Jones says that when he was
young grain was cut with a sickle, and when the
cradle came into use that was considered a great
improvement, and the present harvesting machine
was undreamed of. Threshing machines were then
unknown, and the grain was either trampled out
by horses or else whipped out by Hails. The plows
in use had wooden mold-boards, and all corn was
dropped by hand and covered with a hoe. while
grass was cut with a scythe and hay was pitched
with a wooden fork. Nor was the work of the
busy housewife lightened bv modern improve-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

21 1

incuts. The good mother cooked the food before
the 6re in the old-fashioned fireplace, and used to
spin, weave and make all the cloth for the family.
The intelligent pioneers early sought to give their
children educational advantages, and the lir.st

schools were conducted in rude log school-l ses

provided with seats made of puncheon with wooden
pins for legs, and the window comprising an
opening from which a log had been removed
and greased paper inserted through which the
light had to penetrate, and a large fireplace,
the chimney of stick and clay, for heating purposes.
In such a structure our subject gleaned his educa-
tion, lie commenced in his boyhood to assist his
father on the farm, and gained from him a thor-
ough practical knowledge of farming in all its
branches. He remained an inmate of the parental
household till he attained man's estate and then
started out in life for himself by renting land and
carried on agriculture thereon for a while. At
the time of his marriage he went to Iroquois
County and settled on a tract of wild land there,
remaining till 1859, when he returned to Vermil-
ion County, and in 18(!1 he bought forty acres of
land on section 13 of Danville Township. It was
partly fenced and a few acres had been broken,
hut aside from that no improvements had been
made, nut even any buildings had been erected.
lie built a frame houseon forty acres adjoining his
original purchase, and has since bought other land,
till he now has 220 acres, under excellent cultiva-
tion and capable of producing large crops. His
resi 'eiice. a well built house, is located on section
12. and he has other substantial buildings, and
everything about the place is conveniently ar-
ranged and .veil ordered.

Mr. Jones has been twice married, lb; was first
wedded Out. 19, 1854, to Sarah A. Cox, who was,
like himself, a native of Danville Township, born
May .">, 1831. she closed her eyes to the scenes of
earth altera brief and happj married life, dying
in Iroquois County, Nov. 11, 1858. Mr. . I ones
was married to his present wib'. formerly Mary K.
Villars, Feb. 21, 1861. Mrs. Jones is a native of
i Hilton County. Ohio, bom Dec. 11, 1810, to
William and Ruth (Whitaker) Villars (sec sketch
of William Villars l"i parental history). Mr. and

Mrs. Jones have had six children, four of whom
are living, as follows: Rosa Belle married Joshua
( Mehy.of Danville Township: John W. married Mary
J. Rouse, and they live in Danville Township; Lillie
A. married Albert E. Villars of Newell Township;
Clark S. is at home with his parents.

Mr. Jones is a man of self-respecting, energetic
character, well dowered with firmness and decision,
and his conduct in all the various relations of life
is such as to inspire the trust and esteem of all
with whom he comes in contact either in a busi-
ness or in a social way. He and his wife belong to
the Pleasant Grove United Brethren Church, and
are active in aiding their pastor and fellow-inem-
bers in any good work, and they are always to be
found on the side of the right. In him the Dem-
ocratic party in this section of the country find a
stanch ally.

i^F^IIOMAS LEE. Among others who came to
Central Illinois during the period of its pio-
'■' ncership was the sturdy English-born citizen
with the substantial traits of character handed down
to him by his ancestors, the qualities of industry and
perseverance, which were bound to win. He as-
sisted in the development of the soil, in the build-
ing up of communities, and almost without an ex-
ception acquired a competence. Mr. Lee is one of
the representative men of his nationality and an
early settler. He came to Illinois in 185G and took
up his residence in Vermilion County in 1874 on
section 32, township 2.'5, range 12. During the pe-
riod of his fifteen years' residence here he has
opened up a good farm of 120 acres and secured
himself against want in his old age.

Our subject was horn in Devonshire, England,
Sept. 17, 1838, and lived there until approaching
the eighteenth year of his age. He was the first
child of the family to leave home, and the occasion
was one naturally mixed with regret and some ap-
prehensions. Embarking at Liverpool, he made
the long voyage across the Atlantic in safety, land-
ing in New York, and proceeded directly to Illinois,
locating first in Peoria County. He worked on a
farm there several years, and about 18(J0 changed

212

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

his residence to Woodford County. In that county
he purchased wild land, where he opened up a good
farm and lived about twelve years. During this
time he put up good buildings, planted an orchard,
fenced his land, and, in fact, effected the improve-
ments naturally suggested to the progressive agri-
culturist.

In Woodford County, 111., our subject was mar-
ried, March 8, 1862, to Miss Grace Huxtable. The
young people began life together on the new farm,
and after selling out, Mr. Lee traveled all over the
West and the Pacific Slope, but came back to Illi-
nois, not being able to find any section of country
which suited him better. He then came to this
count}' and purchased the farm where he now lives.
There were no buildings upon it to speak of, but he
soon provided a shelter for his family, and here he
has since remained, carrying on general farming
and stock-raising successfully. He cast his first vote
for Abraham Lincoln in 1860, and has since been
a stanch supporter of the Republican part}'. He
believes in the doctrines of the Baptist Church, of
which he is a member, attending services at Hoopes-
ton.

Seven of the eight children born to Mr. and Mrs.
Lee are still living — Herschel J., Lizzie, Clarence,
Delraer, Newton, Jennie and Morris. The eldest
son has been in the farther West for the past four
years. Lizzie became the wife of Loren Briggs,
and they live on a farm west of the Lee homestead ;
they have two children. Clarence married Miss
Ada Redden and lives in Butler Township. The
other children are at home with their parents. Mrs.
Lee was likewise born in Devonshire in 1843, and
came to America with her father when a child of
nine years, the family settling on Kickapoo Prairie.
The father farmed there for a time and then re-
moved with his family to Woodford County, where
Mr. Lee made the acquaintance of his future wife.
Mr. Huxtable, also a native of Devonshire, came to
America in 1852, and carried on farming in Wood-
ford County until 1 887. Then, retiring from active
labor, he took up his residence in Benson, Wood-
ford County, where he now lives and is married to
his second wife. His first wife died in England.

William Lee, the father of our subject, also a na-
tive of Devonshire, England, spent his entire life

there. He married Miss Susanna Davey, and they
became the parents of five sons and three daugh-
ters, all of whom, with the exception of two daugh-
ters, came to America, together with the mother,
who died in Benson in January, 1888.

rILLIAM DICKINSON, an honored resi-
dent and well-to-do farmer of Catlin Town-

ship, is numbered among the far-sighted
men of practical ability and cool judgment, who
have been instrumental in promoting its growth,
and making it a rich agricultural centre. He owns
a well-orderod farm on section 26, every acre of
which is highly cultivated, and. with its neat build-
ings and other appointments, it does not compare
unfavorably with the many other fine farms of which
Vermilion County can boast. Here Mr. Dickinson
has passed thirty-six of the best years of his life,
coming here while yet in the prime of a stalwart
manhood, and that these years have been well
spent in diligent and cheerful labor, is shown by
the substantial home that he has built up, in which,
now that the infirmities of age are upon him, he
can rest from his toils, and enjoy its comforts with-
out the necessity of labor and drudgery.

Our subject is of English antecedents and birth.
His parents, John and Hannah Dickinson, were
both natives of England, and they died in Lincoln-
shire. Their son, William Dickinson, of whom this
sketch is written, was born in the old home in Lin-
colnshire, April 27, 1819, and amid its pleasant
surroundings, he grew to man's estate. He early
engaged in farming, and became quite a farmer
before he left the old country to try life in the new
world, coming here in 1853, landing in New York
city the first day of May. He came directly to
Vermilion County in this State, having previously
heard of its wonderful agricultural resources, and
has been engaged in tilling the land in Catlin Town-
ship ever since, though on account of his advanced
age he has retired somewhat from the active duties
of the management of his estate. His farm com-
prises 197 acres of choice land, well cultivated and
supplied with all the necessary buildings and ma-

PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

•_' 1 3

chinery, and is indeed one of the most desirable
places in fcbe vicinil \ .

Mr. Dickinson was a married man when he emi-
grated to this country, lie having been previously
wedded in the historical old town of Boston, in
Lincolnshire, to Miss Emma Barker, :i native of
that shire. Ten children were born of their union,
as follows: Harriet A., wife of Frederic Jones,
whose sketch appears on another page of this vol-
ume; Elizabeth M., wife of George Stonebraker;
William, who married Callie I. alien; Emma, the
wife of Arthur Jones, whose sketch appears on
another page of this work; .lames; Matilda, the
wife of .lames Bentley: Henry, Hannah B., John
and Joseph.

Aug. 14, 1MS<H, she who had walked by the side
Of Our subject many a year, leaving, for his sake.
home and friends in the dear old England, and for
many a year cheering and strengthening him in his
work, passed out of his life, and entered into the
rest that passeth understanding.

"Her work is compassed and done;
All things are seemly and ready
And her summer is just begun."

Mrs Dickinson — obituary.
Mrs. Emma Dickinson, to whose memory this
notice is inscribed, was" born in. Boston, Lincoln-
shire, England, Sept. 22, 1823, making her age at
time of death, sixty-four years, ten months and
twenty-two days. Her maiden name was Emma
Barker. She was married to William Dickenson,
March 2, 1847. They emigrated to this country
May 1 1 tli. 1853, and located within three miles of
where the family now reside. Her sister, Mrs. Ma-
tilda Clipson came over at the same time. She was
the mother of ten children, five girls and five boys,
of whom the following were born in England:
Harriet A., wife of Frederic JoncS; Mary E.. wife
of George Stonebraker; Emma, wife of A. Jones,
and William, the eldest son. The following were
born in America: .lames, Henry, John, Joseph
and Mat ilda. wife of James Bentley, and Hannah
Ii. the youngest daughter. The children are all of
mature age, and the family have never before been
bereaved by death. The deceased was a member
of the Methodist Episcopal Church in England, ami

although she did not identify herself as a member
here, she was an attendant on divine services, and
lived an exemplary and Christian life. Her illness
dates back several years, however, she was not con-
fined to her bed until about the beginning of Sep-
tember, since which time she was unable to help
herself. Her sufferings were \^\'y ureal, but were
borne with a resignation which none but a Chris-
tian woman could possess. She was a devoted
wife, a faithful mother, the light of the home and
the pride of the family. While we must bid her a
fond farewell, her virtues will not, be forgotten.

A short funeral service was held at the home by
Rev. A. C. Cummings. The music was under the
direction of Mrs. Elsie McGreggor, and the follow-
ing persons were chosen as pall bearers: A. G.
Olmstead, G. W. L. Church, Jno. Parker, jr., T.
Brady, J. M. Douglass and (!. W. Tilton.

By request of the deceased, a sacred song was
sung during the services by little Benny Louis, ac-
companied by his sister. A large procession of
friends accompanied the family to the Jones ceme-
tery, where the body now reposes.

Mr. Dickinson is justly regarded as one of the
solid, reliable citizens of this township, as during
the many years that he has resided here, lie has
evershown himself to be faithful to his duties and
responsibilities in every department of life in which
he has acted, as a husband, father, neighbor and
citizen, and it may truly be said that his character
is such as to inspire respect and esteem.

f AMES M. GEDDES, an Illinois pioneer of

'56, and a man who has been t lie architect
of his own fortune, is now the owner of a
fine property, comprising a well-appointed
farm located on section 7, in Ross Township. He
is a scion of an excellent old family of Scotch an-
cestry, and the son of Joseph Geddes, whose father,
George Geddes, emigrated from the Land of the
Thistle to America about 17<S,H. Making his way
to the Territory of Ohio, he located on a tract of
land m the wilderness, near where the town of
East Liverpool now stands, but which then for miles
around was destitute of any signs Of civilization. He

21 I

PORTRAIT AM) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

had been married in Boston, Mass. to a lady who
was descended from old Plymouth stock — people
who came over in the Mayflower — and who was
reared iu the strict doctrines of the old Presbyte-
rian faith. They began their wedded life together
in the wilds of Ohio, where they reared their fam-
ily, and spent the remainder of their days, each
attaining to a ripe old age. Of their children,
seven in number, Joseph, the father of our subject,
was the youngest, and was born in 1805. lie was
reared at that home in the wilderness. The coun-
try was gradually settled up, and among the other
adventurous pioneers who followed in the wake of
the Geddes family were William Moore, whose
daughter, Catherine, became the wife of Joseph
Geddes, and the mother of our subject. The
mother's parents lived just, across the Ohio River
in Brook County, Va., until their deaths occurred.

Joseph Geddes and his young wife continued to
reside near the old folk in East Liverpool about
six years, and in the meantime their son, James M.,
the subject of this sketch, was born April 21,1837.
About 1839 they removed to Tuscarawas County,
and later to the northeastern part of Indiana, where
Joseph Geddes departed this life at the age of
sixty-five years, and the mother at the age of sev-
enty-six. They became the parents of twelve chil-
dren, all of whom, with one exception, are living.
The second child, Elizabeth, died when about seven
years old. Those besides our subject, are named
respectively, John, William, Mary A., Wilson,
Richard, Robert, Nancy J., Lucinda, Joseph, and
Minerva. The latter, the 3'oungest of the familv,
is thirty-six years old. The household circle re-
mained undivided by death for more than fifty
years — a circumstance scarcely equalled in the his-
tory of any other family in this region.

The parents of our subject, during their younger
years, were identified with the Presbyterian Church,
but later became connected with the United Breth-
ren, in the faith of which they died. James M.,
upon coming to Illinois in 1850, located first at
Momence, but later removed to Iroquois County.
There he was married, in 1862, to Miss Emma,
daughter of Thomas and Anna (Barkley) Young.
They lived there until the spring of 1883, engaged
in farming pursuits; then our subject disposed of

his interests in that section and purchased his pres-
ent fine farm of ICO acres, which he proposes ?"
make his permanent home. Upon coming to this
State he was without other resources than his good
health and strong hands, and like the wise man of
Scripture, he has increased his talent ten fold..
During his younger years he experienced all the
hardships and difficulties of life in a new country,
and improved his first farm from the raw prairie.
He cast his first Presidential vote for Lincoln, and
has been a steadfast supporter of Republican prin-
ciples, especially since the outbreak of the war, and
has ever maintained an ardent admiration for the
martyred President, Lincoln. Both he and his
wife belong to the Christian Church at Prairie
Chapel. Their seven children, who are all living,
were named respectively: Elmer L., Joseph F.,
Maude, Ruby, Nellie, Grace and Nora. They
form a bright and interesting group, and are being
given the educational advantages which will fit
them for intelligent and worthy members of so-
ciety.

Sr=77>RANKLIN BALDWIN. It must be ad-
-nfe> mitted that although no man attains to suc-
\ cess without encountering difficulties and
drawbacks, life still has its compensations, espec-
ially when the individual has chosen that wise path
of rectitude and honor which has led him to a po-
sition where he is looked upon by his fellow men
with confidence and esteem. The career of Mr.
Baldwin has been pregnant with interesting events
and experiences, some of them dark and trying
and some of them filled in with a large meas-
ure of satisfaction. The former served to devel-
op the naturally strong points of a substantial
character while the latter have shown like the sun
upon a rugged mountain side, rounding up the
whole to a complete end.

The native place of our subject was in the vicin-
ity of Decatur, Ohio, and the date of his birth,
April 26, 1832. When he was a mere child his
parents set out for the West and after landing in
Grant County, Ind., stopped there and raised one
crop. In the spring of 1838 they folded their
tents for a further journey Westward, starting out

I'OliTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

2 1 5

with a four-horse team and taking with them their

household g Is and a quantity of provisions.

Arriving at the Wabash River at Covington, thej

then loaded their belongings on ton terry boat.
The wind being strong and the river high, thej
canie very near being capsized and drowned and
received such a fright that our subject distinctly
remembers the event to this day. Thej succeeded
however, in making the crossing in safety and ar-
rived in this county on the 30th day of March.
stopping at Danville, that place then being a very
small town. 'The country around was compara-
tively unsettled, the cabins of the pioneers being
few and far between. There was oiiI\ one or two wag-
on roads and wild animals were plentiful. The fel-
low feeling which makes all man kin prevailed, and
each new comer was greeted with a heartiness
which made him feel welcome. The father of our
subject died the succeeding fall and the family
were left to struggle along as best as they could
under the stress of limited means, and the hard-
ships and difficulties of life on the frontier. The
mother was a lady of more than ordinary capacity
and by careful management kept her family to-
gether until they were old enough to take care of
themselves. Finally, laying aside the cares and
labors of life she removed to the home of her
daughter in Dallas County. Iowa, where her death
took place at the age of seventy -six yens.

The subject of this sketch acquired his educa-
tion mostly in the subscription schools. When fif-
teen years old the mother broke up housekeeping
and Franklin began working out by the day.
month and job, and managed to maintain himself
very comfortably, splitting wood by the cord,
plowing, sowing and gathering in the harvest. In
the fall of 1856, he took an important step toward
establishing a home of his own. being married to
.Miss Edith a .lane, daughter of John and Polly
(Stewart) Naylor. The newly wedded pair took
up their residence near Yankee Point and Mr.
Baldwin occupied himself as before, until 1864,
when he purchased a tract of land from which he
built up a good farm and which he occupied for a
period of twenty-one years. In January, 1886, lie
and his estimable wife decided, and wisely, they
would retire from active labor, and accordingly

leaving the farm removed to the new village ol
Sidell, of which they have since been residents.

Mr. Baldwin in the fall of 1885, purchased from
Sanson RawlillgS a stock id' hardware and has since
been engaged in trade, building up a good patron-
age. In the year 1887, he completed a neat res-
idence on Fast Market, street and with ample means
and all the comforts of life, is enabled to live eas-
ily and enjoy the fruits of his early industry.

Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin became the parents of
nine children, the eldest of whom, John M., mar-
ried Miss Lucy Thornton and is farming in Car-
roll Township, they have three children; Ferry A.,
married Miss Sarah E. Lawrence and occupies the
homestead; they have four children — Maude. Ellen
Lester, and Rosa: Charles M.. married Miss Emily
( rices, and they are tile parents of one child; he
conducts a grocery store in Sidell; William A. and
Wilbur A. were twins,] the former is farming in
Sidell Township, and Wilbur is with his brother
Charles in the grocery; Benjamin lives at the home-
stead; Norah E., died at the age of eighteen months ;
Robert W., is in Carroll Township with his brother
John.

The father of our subject was in his early man-
hood an old line Whig, and Franklin remembers
the election of 1840, when tin; grandfather of Pres-
ident Harrison was elevated to the first position in
the land, lie cast his first Presidential vote for
J. C. Fremont, and, was a staunch supporter of Re-
publican principles.

James Baldwin, the father of our subject, mar-
ried Miss Rachel Parry and both were natives of
Brown County, Ohio. The paternal grandfather,
John Baldwin, came from England prior to the
War of 1812, and settled near Ripley in Brown
County, Ohio. The grandfather of our subject
participated in the above war. enlisting at the aye
of twenty-one years, after Hull's surrender. The
father of our subject came to this county in the
spring of 183S. and rented a pari, of the Draper
farm, but died the ensuing fall when Franklin was
a lad of six years. There were eleven other chil-
dren, one of whom, the youngest born. William,
died at the age of three years.

The remaining children of the parental family of
our subject are recorded as follows: Caroline, the

2 1 6

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

eldest, is a resident of Madison County. Iowa, and
is seventy- four years old; Amanda lives in Marys-
ville, this State, and is aged seventy-two; Polly,
sixty five years of age, is a resident of Georgetown.
III.; Jane, aged fifty-five is a resident of Dallas
Count}', Iowa; Thomas lives at Yankee Point, this
county, and is fifty-nine years old. He and our
subject are the only two sons living. The other
children were named respectively, Elizabeth, Dari-
us. John N.. James and Elijah.

Mrs. Baldwin's father was horn in Ohio, and her
mother in Ireland. Mrs. Baldwin was born in Ver-
million County, Iii«l.. June 11, 1840, and there
spent her childhood and youth, attending the com-
mon school and being trained by an excellent
mother to those housewifely duties, a knowledge
of which is essential in a well-ordered household.
She has stood bravely by her husband in his toils
and struggles and he avers that it is owing largely
to her good sense and wise counsels that he has
been enabled to attain to his present position, so-
cially and financially. They take a natural and
pardonable pride in their fine family of children to
whom they have given all the advantages in their
power. Mr. Baldwin believes in education and
has carried out his sentiments in this respect in
providing his children with good schooling. The
family is widely and favorably known throughout
Sidcll Township ami vicinity where they count
their friends by the score.

¥ WILLIAM McBROOM occupies a high place
among the venerable and honored citizens
of Catlin Township, and though not among
the earliest settlers of this part of Vermilion
County, lie may be denominated one of its pioneers.
He is still living on the pleasant tract of land on
section :;."}, that at the time of his purchase formed
a part of the wild prairie, and which he has since im-
proved into a tine farm. He and his wife are serenelj
passing their declining years in one of the cosiest
and neatest homes in this community, where they
are held in respect, and affection by the many who
know them.

Mr. McBroom is a Kentuckiau b\ birth, born in

Preston County April 28, 1815, the eldest of the
five children of Joseph and Phebe (Young) Mc-
Broom, the former a native of Virginia and the
latter of Chilicothe, Ohio. After their marriage
they had settled in Preston County, Ky.. and thence
they removed to Crawfordsville, Ind.. in 1827, be-
coming early settlers of that place. Mr. McBroom
bought a tract of land, and cleared forty acres of
it where the city now stands. He was a man of
considerable enterprise, and besides engaging m
agriculture, he made brick in that locality for four
years, operating two brickyards at a time, and
making the first brick that was ever made in that
county. His useful career was closed in 1841, in
the home that he built up there in Montgomery
County, and a valued citizen was then lost to the
community. His wife survived him several years,
but for fourteen years previous to her death, which
occurred in Cass County, Neb., at the home of her
daughter, Mrs. Sarah Young, she was an invalid.

Our subject was still in his boyhood when his
parents took him to Crawfordsville, Ind., and there
he grew to maturity, developing into a strong.
shrewd, capable man. He learned the trade of
wagon-making in that county, and followed it
exclusively for a long term of years, finding it
quite profitable. He removed to Tippecanoe
County, and was engaged in his trade there, manu-
facturing wagons for some ten years. He then re-
turned to Montgomery County, where he resided
until the month of October, 1854, when he came to
Vermilion County, and settled in Catlin Township,
purposing to give his attention to agriculture on
this rich, alluvial soil, and he has ever since made
his home here. He owns 120 acres of land that is
very fertile and productive, and is supplied with a
good set of buildings; everything about the place
is orderly, and the farm is under good manage-
ment.

Mr. McBroom has been three times married.

The maiden name of the wife of his early manh 1

was Uhoda Ann Stover, and she was. like himself,
a native of Kentucky. She bore him one child,
which died in infancy, and, the mother dying also,
both were buried in the same grave. Mr. McBroom
was married a second time in Montgomery County.
Mrs. Elizabeth Boyd becoming his wife; she was a

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

2i ;

daughter of Joseph Hanks. To them three eliil-"
(Iron were born — Joseph. John and Thomas, the
latter dying when about a year old. Mrs. Mr-
Broom departed this life in Tippecanoe County,
hid., in 1848. Our subject was married to his
present wife in that county March 13, 1851. Her
maiden name was Emily Allen. She was the
daughter of the late Judge William and Susan
(Spurgeon) Allen, and widow of Jacob Snyder.
lie died in Montgomery County Nov. 17. 1846.
She had by her first marriage four children — Sarah,
Susan. Ivea Ann. Amanda M. Sarah was the wife
of Arthur ('. Schocky, and she died in Kansas.
Mrs. McBroom's parents were natives of Ken-
tucky, and she was the sixth of their ten children.
She was born in Bourbon County, Ky., May 20,
1818. By her marriage with our subject she has
had six children, as follows: Phoebe K.. Alfred.
Franklin, Josephine, William and Eddie J. Phoebe
and Franklin are deceased.

Although Mr. and Mrs. McBroom are well ad-
vanced in years, the snows of age have not yet
chilled their hearts or deadened their sympathies
towards the needy and suffering. They still take
an active interest in the affairs of the day. and
keep well posted on topics of general interest. Mr.
McBroom's career in life has been a useful one to
himself and to the community at large, as he has
contributed his quota towards its upbuilding, and
has always acted the part of a good citizen. He is
decided in his political views, and is a faithful ad-
herent of the Democratic party.

fINSON R. BOARDMAN. Occasionally
we find a man who has had the enterprise to
see something of the world before settling
down to the sterner duties of life, as in the case of
the subject of this notice. He has been quite a
traveler throughout the Western country, and
Spent a number of years on the Pacific Slope. lie
came to this county in the fall of 1840, and settled
on this farm in L859, where he lias 2G5 acres of
choice land on section 2(j, township 2."S, range 12.
This has been his home for the long period of
thirty-five years, and he is still on the sunny side

of seventy, surrounded by all Hie comforts of life,
and blest with the esteem and confidence of bis
fellow citizens.

Air. Boardman was born in Ontario County, N.
V.. .May :'., 1822, and there spent his youthful
days, acquiring a practical education in the com-
mon school. He was bred to farming pursuits. In
the spring of 1849, young Boardman decided to
visit California, and. purchasing an ox team at In-
dependence, Mo., started across the plains with a
company of 125 men. They." crossed the Missouri
River at St. Joseph, and followed the usual trail
taken by emigrants. They were five months on
the road, but at the end of that time 12:! of the
men were scattered to different places, only our
subject and one man reaching their destination in
company. The others finally drifted to the same
place after having wandered around north of the
Sacramento River.

Upon his arrival in California, our subject en-
gaged in mining from early in the fall until late
in the winter, then went down to Nappa, when
there was only one building in Sacramento but
acres of tents. He staid there with an attack of
fever, which lasted about four weeks, and then en-
tered the employ of the proprietor of the city, with
whom he remained, hauling lumber at $150 per
month until fall, when he made his way to Oregon,
where he spent the winter. Inthespring he entered
the mines of Northern California, hut with rather
poor success, then returned to Oregon, but finally
went hack to California and rented land, where he
carried on agriculture until returning home.

This return journey was made by our subject via
the water route, across the isthmus to New Orleans,
and up the Mississippi, Mi-. Boardman arriving in
this county again in the spring of 1853. Thai
year he visited New York State. Subsequently
Mr. Boardman employed himself at farming, hav-
ing in view the establishment of a home of his
own. and on the Kith of November, 1854, was
united in marriage with Mrs. Susan Carter. Soon
afterward he settled on his present farm, where he
has since made his home, although the farm did
not equal its present dimensions, having been
added to both by himself and his sons.

To Mr. and Mrs. Boardman there were born four

218

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

children, all of whom are living. Inez is the wife
of Thomas Evans, and they are residing in Grant
Township; Herbert V. and Ernest C. are at home
with their father; Marcus A. is traveling Auditor
for the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad Com-
pany. Mr. Boardman has been for a number of
years a member of the Presbyterian Church at
Rossville, and politically gives his support to the
Republican party. He is a man quiet and unosten-
tatious in his manner of living, and has been con-
tent to pursue the even tenor of bis way, making
very little stir in the world, and never seeking po-
litical preferment.

The parents of our subject were Jesse C. and
Mary (Runyon) Boardman, the former a native
of Connecticut. When about eight or nine years
old he removed with bis parents to New York
State, where he was married and settled on a farm
in Ontario County. His wife, the mother of our
subject, died there when the latter was four years
old. Jesse Boardman spent his last days near
Rushville, Ontario County, and departed this life
when about sixty-seven years old.

JfOHN E. SMITH is classed among the able
and highly intelligent young farmers of Ver-
milion County, who are active in sustaining
and extending its great agricultural inter-
ests. His well appointed farm on section 26, Pilot
Township, is in all respects finely improved, and
compares well with other estates in the vicinity.
He has stocked it with cattle, horses and hogs of
fine grades, and he is cultivating it with good re-
sults so as to make money. He is a native born
citizen of this county, Dec. 3, 1854, being the date
of his birth. His father, George G. Smith, was
born in Muskingum County, Ohio, Aug. 31, 1828,
and he came to this county in company with his
parents, who were of German antecedents and
birth, in 1836. They thus became the pioneers of
Vermilion County, and were respected residents
here till death closed their earthly career, the grand-
father of our subject dying in 1864, and the grand-
mother in 1842. The following is recorded of the
nine children born to the parents of our subject:

Elizabeth married George Wilson, of Ohio, now a
farmer of Blount Township, and they have two
children; Elias 1).. a farmer of Blount Township,
married Clara Smith and they have three children;
Sarah lives with her parents; Eva married Andrew
Lanham, of Blount Township, now of Ross Town-
ship, and they have one child; Wesley, a fanner.
married Emma Sperry, of Blount Township, and
they have one child; Marshall. Woodard and Jo-
sephine are the others.

John Smith received the preliminaries of a sound
education in the public schools, which he attended
till he was twenty-one j-ears old, and then being
ambitious to advance still farther in his studies, he
attended the State Normal School, where he pur-
sued an excellent literary course that thoroughly
fitted him for the profession of teaching that he
afterward adopted. He was successfully engaged
at that vocation eight years, but after marriage he
abandoned it to give his attention to agriculture,
and bought eighty acres of finely improved fann-
ing land. He subsequently sold that and pur-
chased his present farm of 160 acres of land equally
good, and well adapted to general farming. It is
under high cultivation, and is provided with a
comfortable, conveniently arranged set of farm
buildings.

Mr. Smith has much financial capacity, is en-
dowed with good mental qualities that have been
stimulated by a liberal education, and he carries on
his farming operations with intelligent skill that
will one day place him among the wealthy and
substantial citizens of this township, if he prospers
as he has heretofore done. In his politics he is an
ardent champion of the Democratic party, and has
been since the days when he cast his first vote for
Samuel J. Tilden, the great New York statesman,
his last vote for president being in favor of G rover
Cleveland.

The marriage of Mr. Smith with .Miss Mary E.
Eirebaugh, of Blount Township, occurred March
25, 1876. She was born Dec. 11, 1853, in the
aforementioned township, her parents being Wil-
liam R. and Melvia (Flora) Eirebaugh, the father
being of German descent. They emigrated from
Ohio to Indiana, and thence to Illinois. The mo-
ther departed this life in 1872. The father still

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

219

resides in this county. They were the parents of
five children: Curtis married Christina Porter, of
this county, and they have two children ; Elizabeth
married George Snyder, of this county, now liv-
ing in Oakwood Township, and they have two
children; Robert, a farmer, married Leo Fairchilds,
of Blount Township, and they have two children.
Emma married Milton Fairchilds, of Blount Town-
ship. The following is the record of the five chil-
dren born of the pleasant wedded life of Mr. and
Mrs Smith: Irvin W., was born June 3,1877:
Edwin R., Jan. 23, 1H79; Alfred G.. Jan 9, 1881;
Everett J., Sept. 5, 1881; Alga, Nov. 6, 1886.

LLEN T. CATIIERWOOD is one of the
most prominent and busy men of Hoopes-
t!' ton, having large interests in various
branches of industry in the town. He is
one of the originators and present owner of the
Hoopeston Canning Factory, and is also its Gen-
eral Manager. This enterprise was inaugurated in
1 882, and at first was operated on a small scale,
but has gradually increased until it has become
a very important factor in the business interests of
Hoopeston. Last year the establishment used
about 2,000 acres of corn and peas, being all
raised by the company, which is composed of Mr.
Catherwood, J, S. McFerren and A.H.Trego. The
concern furnishes employment to 300 people and
fifty teams, and the output of corn alone last year
amounted to 2,500,000 cans. The value of the
plant and stock is given at *1 50,000.

Mr. Catherwood is also engaged in the grain
business on the line of the Lake Erie and Western
Railroad, on which road he owns large elevators
at different points, having associated with him
partners at each place. He also owns a large
grain farm of 1.520 acres in the State of In-
diana in company with Mr. Williams. It will be
seen that Mr. Catherwood has a large business,
which is composed of grain handling, farming and
manufacturing, and, it is safe to say, that there is
no man in this part of the. country r better able to
handle these immense interests. He has held dif-
ferent public offices, and here shows his capacity i

for doing business for others as well as for himself.
He was made Chairman to investigate the differ-
ent plans of waterworks, with a view to the selec-
tion of the best for Hoopeston. He visited differ-
ent places in the country, and after a decision was
finally reached, which practically embodied his
recommendations, he was given the general super-
vision of the erection of the waterworks. With his
partner, Mr. Trego, this important improvement
reached a successful completion.

Mr. Catherwood was born in Belmont County,
Ohio, Dec. 15, 1842, and when fifteen years of
age, and two years after the death of his father,
he, with his mother and family, removed to Chris-
tian County, 111., where he remained with his
mother on their farm until his marriage, which oc-
curred in October, 1874. In 1876 he removed to
Vermilion County, settling on a farm near Hoopes-
ton. He engaged in this business for awhile,
when he purchased a grocery store. While he had
no previous experience in the mercantile business,
his solid common sense guided him on to pros-
perity in his newly-chosen vocation. He continued
in this trade, and also engaged extensively in
stock-raising (which he still follows) until he
launched into the grain business, as has been before
stated.

Mr. Catherwood's wife's maiden name was Miss
Cornelia Hartwell, and they are the parents of
three children living — Robert, Maud and Naomi,
and three who died while young. Mr. Catherwood
is a member of the Masonic fraternity, being a
Knight Templar. He is ever willing and ready-
to aid anyone who is deserving, and, as a leading
man of Hoopeston, has an enviable record. It is
safe to assume that there are few better men in this
portion of the State of Illinois.

James Catherwood, father of Allen T., was born
in Ireland, anil when twenty years of age came to
this country and settled in Delaware, where he
married Miss Lydia Tussie. Soon after his mar-
riage he removed to Ohio, where all his children
were born, Allen being the youngest of ten. He
was a general farmer, and was considered a suc-
cessful man in his calling. When his death oc-
curred, in 1H55, his wife and her family removed
to Christian County, as before stated, where she

220

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

purchased a farm, which she operated until the
marriage of Allen, when he. with the other chil-
dren, bought her a nice property in Taylorville,
where she now resides with a single daughter.

^f[ OHN McVEY, general merchant, of Tilton,
and Postmaster of Vandercook Post-office,
Vermilion Co., is one of the most prominent
business men in this locality, and is one of
the leading civic officials. He is of Celtic ancestry
and was born in County Longford, Ireland, in June,
1837. His father, John McVey, was a native (if
the same county, and was there reared and married,
continuing his residence in the home of his nativity
till 1837. In that year he came to the United
States, seeking to better his fortune, leaving his
family behind, intending to send for them at a later
date after he became permanently established. He
located in Schuylkill County, Pa., where he en-
gaged in mining for several years, till an accident
in the mines caused his death in 1852, while yet
scarce past life's prime.

His son John, of whom we write, was but an in-
fant when he had the misfortune to lose the loving
care of a good mother, and his father being in this
country, he was taken to the home of his grand-
parents, and was reared by them till 1851. In that
year he followed his father to America, setting sail
from Liverpool and landing in New York after a
voyage of seven weeks, a poor boy in a strange
land. He hastened to join his father whom he had
scarce seen, he having been an infant when he had
left home, and they were reunited in Pennsylvania.
Our subject soon commenced life for himself as a
mule driver in a coal mine. In 1857 he decided
that he would like to try life in the great West, and
making his way to this State he tried to obtain work
in a coal mine at Danville. Not succeeding in that
attempt he got employment on a railway for a few
months. and then engaged in mining. In May of that
year he answered Lincoln's call for 90-day men,
and enlisting in Company ('. 12th Illinois Infantry,
served with his regiment till the expiration of his
term of enlistment, when he was honorably dis-
charged and returned to Danville. In August,! 862,

he again went forth to aid his adopted country,
and enrolling his name with the members of Com-
pany C. 125th Illinois Infantry, he went to the front
with his regiment, and bravely faced the foe on
many a hotly contested battlefield. The most im-
portant battles in which he took part were those of
Perry ville, Ivy., and Chicamauga. On the way from
Chattanooga to Atlanta with General Sherman, he
fought in the various engagements with the rebels
that they encountered and in the siege and capture
of the latter city. He was also present at the battle
of Jonesboro, where he was severely wounded, and
was obliged to go to the hospital for treatment. He
rejoined his regiment that winter at Savannah.
After that he was unable to carry a musket, so did
not march with his comrades, but went by boat to
Washington, where he was honorably discharged in
May, 1865.

After his experience of military life, Mr. McVey
returned to Danville and resumed mining, which
occupation he continued till 1873. He then rented
land and engaged in farming the ensuing five years.
During that time he established himself in the mer-
cantile business at Tilton, his wife, a woman of
more than ordinary ability, acting as manager. She
proved so successful that Mr. McVey finally deter-
mined to enlarge the business and devote his time
to it, and from that small beginning has grown his
present prosperous business. He is the onlj T mer-
chant in Tilton, and carries a large stock of general
merchandise, groceries, etc., and has a neat, well
appointed store.

July 2, 1869, Mr. M.Vey took a step that has
had an important bearing on his after life whereby
he secured a wife in the person of Mrs. Julia
(McHeney) Mulhatton, who has been an important
factor in his prosperity. She is, like himself, a na-
tive of Ireland, born in County Monaghan, and
is the daughter of Patrick and Ann (Mulhollan)
McHeney, and the widow of James Mulhatton.
Her parents were both natives of Ireland, and her
father dying when she was very young, her mother
soon after took her children to England, and later
came to America, five of her children coming at
different times. Mrs. McVey was first married in
County Durham, England, when but a girl in her
teens, to James .Mulhatton. When she was nineteen

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

22 I

years of age she accompanied her husband to the
United States, and they lived one year in Pennsyl-
vania. They subsequently came to Vermilion
County, and here Mr. Mulhatton died while in the
prime of life.

Our subject is a fine specimen of the genus homo
denominated the self-made man, as all that lie has
and all thai he is he owes to liis own exertions.
IK- is a man of honor, whose character is unblem-
ished, and his standing in business and social circles
is of th.6 highest. His frank, genial, and pleasant
manner has given him a warm place in the hearts
of his many associates and he is popular with -ill
classes. In politics he alliliates with the Demo-
crats, but is friendly with all parties. He has re-
presented Danville Township as Assistant Supervi-
sor of the County Board four years: has served
several terms as a member of the Tilton Town
Council, and is at present President of that honora-
ble body of men. He and his wife are members of
the St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, contribute
liberally to its support, and are active in its ever)
g, kiiI work.

. OC7Q

- coo

ft/OHN YV. P.oci.KSS. M. I)., stands high in
the medical profession as represented in
Vermilion County, and he has also acquired
VJj a fair reputation as an intelligent, enter-
prising agriculturalist, owning and managing the
farm on which he makes his home, pleasantly lo-
cated on section 29, Catlin Township, he having
retired to this place a few years ago on account of
failing health. This, his native township, has good
reason to be proud of her son. and he has always
exerted his influence to elevate her citizenship.

The father of this subject, likewise named John,
was a Virginian by birth. Monroe County being
his native place. His mother, Jane G. (McCorkle)
Boggess, was born in Green Briar County, W. Va.
After marriage his parents settled either in Green
Briar County, or in Monroe County, W. Ya.. where
the father was engaged as a farmer and stock
raiser. In 1830 he settled up his affairs in that
section of the country, and with his family emi-
grated to the wilds of Vermilion County, and lie-
came an early pioneer of Catlin Township, settling

in what is known as Butler's Point. About 1846
he removed with his wife and children to Wiscon-
sin, considering this locality, with the newly bro-
ken prairie sod and other miasmatic influences,

quite unhealthful then. He did not. however,
sell his real estate in this township, and after an
absence of three years, he returned to this locality
with his family, and settled on the old Elliott
place, jusl "est of Catlin, living there for conven-
ience a short time, and then went back on to his
farm. In 1856 they went to Danville to reside,
and dwelt there four years for the purpose of edu-
cating their children. Mr. Boggess then returned
again to his farm in this township, and continued
to live here till his death, which occurred in Feb-
ruary. 1874. His wife had preceded him to the
grave, dying in .May, 1868. They had eleven
children; William, who died in Catlin Township.
when about twenty-two years old; Diana M., the
wife of Joseph Griffith, died when she was thirty-
seven years old; [lebecca M. is the wife of William
M. Ray; Elizabeth died when about seventeen \ ears
old; Harvey II. died at the age of thirty-eight
years; Charles T. is a farmer in Vermilion County;
America J. is the wife of .lames Davis; Enoch P.
is a farmer in Vermilion County: Julia died when
she was six years old; Melissa died in infancy;
John W.

The latter, of whom we write, was born in Cat-
lin Township. Feb. 27, 1843, and with the excep-
tion of three years spent in Wisconsin, when he
was but an infant, and the four years in Danville
when he was attending school, he was reared to
man's estate in die township of his birth. He was
educated partly in th<; public schools, and in the
seminary at Danville, which he attended till he was
sixteen years old. After that he became a teacher,
and was engaged in that vocation in the winter of
I, Slid and in the summer of 1861. In 1862, ambi-
tious to extend his education, he entered the Illi-
nois Wesleyan University at Bloomington, and was
graduated from that institution in 1866, having
attained high rank for excellent scholarship. He
then took up th'e study of medicine, and while pur-
Suing his course he taught school to pay his ex-
penses. He was under the tutorship of Dr. A. II.
Puce, a well-known physician of Bloomington,

222

PORTRAIT AND Bl< )( iliAPIIICAL ALBUM.

and remained with him till the fall of 1867. In
the winter of that year, he entered the Chicago
Medical College, the medical department of the
Northwestern University, and pursued his studies
with characteristic vigor. In the spring of 1868,
he resumed teaching in Catlin Township, in order
that he might be at home with his mother, to whom
he was devotedly attached, and whose health was
fast failing, and his presence soothed her dying
hours. In the fall of 1 868 he returned to college, and
resuming his studies, was graduated in March 1870,
with all honor for having attained a high standard
in his class. He established himself in his profession
in Oconomowoc, Wis. But he did not remain there
long, however, as in the fall of that year he heard
of a good opening for an enterprising young phy-
sician at Coon Rapids. Iowa, and proceeding to
that place, he opened an office there, and continued
there till the spring of 1872, when he located in
Nevada, Iowa, the county seat of Story County,
which presented a broader field, and during his ten
years residence there, he built up an extensive and
lucrative practice, becoming one of the leading
physicians of the county. In 1882 he retraced his
steps to his native county, and opening an office in
Danville, he soon had more patients than he could
attend to, as his fame as a successful and skillful
practitioner had preceded him to his old home; but
under the continuous strain of overwork his health
gave way, and he was forced to retire from the ar-
duous duties of his profession, and having a nat-
ural taste for out-of door labor, and, as a wise phy-
sician fully believing in its health restoring pro-
perties, he came to Catlin Township in 1884 and
went to farming, and has ever since devoted him-
self to that occupation. He owns a fine farm of
sixty acres, and has it under excellent cultivation.
The doctor was married in Carroll County, Iowa,
Dec. 29, 1872, to Miss Velora B. Piper, who pre-
sides over his home with true grace, and makes it
cosy and attractive to its inmates and to their nu-
merous friends, and even the stranger that hap-
pens under its roof is kindly made welcome. Mrs.
Boggess is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Bed-
ford County, Jan. 8, 1853, a daughter of Thomas
A. and .Mary (Funk) Piper. The following is the
record of the lour children born to her and her

husband: Charles Wesley, born March 2. 1874.
died Aug. 8. 1874; Carrie M., born July 6, 1*7.">:
Walter Thomas. April 24, 1879; Genevieve, April
28, 1888.

The doctor possesses, in a rare degree, those
noble traits of character that mark a man of honor
and veracity, one in whom his fellow-citizens feel
they may safely put their trust. He is a man of
extensive learning and information, and on his
retirement from active practice, the medical pro-
fession of Vermilion County lost one of its most
able members. He is greatly interested in the wel-
fare of his native township, and takes an active
part in everything that tends to promote its moral
elevation, educational or material status, anil is
especially active in religious affairs, he and his wife
being esteemed members of the Methodist Episco-
pal Church, and he has been an active Sunday-
school worker, holding the office of superintendent
and also being a teacher. He is influential in po-
litical matters, being one of the leading Republi-
cans in this vicinity, and a member of the Repub-
lican Central Committee of 1888, of his township.

ON. CHARLES A. ALLEN, member of
the Thirty-sixth General Assembly, from
the Thirty-first District, comprising Vermil-
(Mj ion and Edgar counties, was elected on
the Republican ticket, first in 1884, and re-elected
twice thereafter, having entered now upon his third
term. He has been a member of the Judicial Com-
mittee and several other important committees-,
including Insurance, ami has served as Chairman
of the Railroad and Warehouse Committee, also of
Corporations and Educational Institutions. Dur-
ing the Logan fight he was the first man on the
roll call, at that time a very important position.
He has frequently represented his district in Stale
and other conventions and is in all respects a very
prominent man in Eastern Illinois.

Mr. Allen was born in Danville, July 6, 1851,
and removed with his parents when a child of two
years to the Ridge where they were the earliest
settlers. Charles A., upon leaving the district
school prepared himself to become a student of

^fozsc^^x ^/y^c^c^

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

225

Michigan University from the Law Department of
which he was graduated in 1875. He commenced
the practice of his profession at Rossville where he
remained until 1881, then changed his residence
to Hoopeston, which has sinee remained his home.
In addition to a lucrative law practice, lie has been
largely engaged as a real estate dealer, and has oc-
cupied many positions of trust and responsibility
among his fellow citizens. Socially, he is a char-
ter member of the K. of P. and is identified with
the I. (>. O. F. and Masonic fraternity.

The marriage of our subject with .Miss Mary,
daughter of L. M. Ihompson, of Rossville. was
celebrated April 1. 1878. A sketch of Mr. Thomp-
son appears elsewhere in this volume. Of this
union there have been born two children — John N.
and Lawrence T. The father of our subject was
William I. Allen, one of the first settlers of Ver-
milion County, and a sketch of whom appears on
another page.

!L=> 0>,T - JOSEPH G. CANNON. Member of

\ Congress representing the Danville district

of Illinois. On the opposite page appears

'■(!E<) :l portrait of this gentleman, who has been
for many years a prominent, factor in the official,
social and political life of this section of the State.
and' who has made a national reputation as a legis-
lator and a statesman.

For many years there was a large exodus of the
Soci' ty of Friends from North Carolina to the Wa-
ba.sh Valley, who left their former homes to get
away from the curse of slavery. Among the num-
ber whs Dr. Horace F. Cannon, who, accompanied
bv his family, removed in 1840 to make his home
in Park County 7 , Ind. Thus, far removed from
the scenes of their youth he and his wife passed
the residue of life in the Northern country.
surrounded by old frien Is who had also come
North, and by many new friends whom the} - had
met in their new home. Dr. Cannon was in early
manhood united in marriage with Gulielma IIol-
lingsworth. He was a native of Greensboro, N. C,
and in his early maturity practiced his profession,
being a physician ami surgeon. After his removal

to the Wabash Valley he passed the remainder of
his life in the practice of his profession, and died
an accidental death in 1851 when he was fort}'-
five years of age. He was a man of character and
considerable local note, being a prominent, early
Abolitionist.

Joseph G. Cannon, of whom this brief record is
written, was born in New Garden, Guilford Co..
N. O, May 7, 1836. His education was received
at the Western Manual Labor School, now known
as Bloom ingdale Academy. At the age of fifteen
his school work ended, and for five years thereafter
he was engaged as a clerk in a store.

At the age of twenty-one, having a strong desire
for professional life, Mr. Cannon entered the law
office of the Hon. John 1'. Usher, who afterward
became one of President Lincoln's secretaries. In
1859 he was admitted to the bar to practice in the
courts of the State of Illinois, and located at Tus-
cola, Douglas Co., 111., for the practice of his pro-
fession, in which he continued until 1872. In that
year he was elected to Congress, and has since been
consecutively re-elected, now serving his ninth term.
He made Tuscola his home until 1876, when he re-
moved to Danville, where he has for many years
resided.

Mr. Cannon now stands as one of the foremost
men in the House of Representatives. His position
he owes to the confidence of his constituency, who
have given him long service, and to his industry
in the public service. I lis early preparation was
not all he would have desired, as he was deprived
of a college course, and for financial reasons was
compelled to enter the law practice as soon as lie
could, so it, was only by strenuous exertion that he
fitted himself for the responsible position he
occupies.

After serving for six years on the Committee for
Post-offices and Post-roads. Congressman Cannon
was appointed a member of the Committee on Ap-
propriations, on which he has served until the
present lime. Said Mr. Cannon, with the justifiable
pride and satisfaction arising from having accom-
plished a good work: -'I had charge of the Postal
Appropriation P.ill while on Committee, upon which
legislation was had reducing letter postage from
three to two cents, and containing other important

22G

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

post.il revisions and reforms." During the Forty-
seventh Congress the Republicans had control of
the House. In this same Congress Mr. Cannon
was continued on Appropriations, having special
charge of the Legislative, Executive and Judicial
Appropriation Bill, which carries appropriation for
the officials of the Public Service, and upon which
many reforms were wrought. For many years,
being the head of the minority on that committee,
it has fallen to him to make a statement of the esti-
mates and appropriations for and expenditures by
the Government. It has usually been received by
Congress and the country as authoritative and ex-
haustive.

The Republicans have a small majority in the
present Congress, which will organize the first
Monday of December next (1*89). It seems to
be generally conceded that from seniority of service
and equipment for work, Mr. Cannon will be chosen
Chairman of the Committee on the organization
of the House, unless he is elected Speaker, for
which position he is a candidate. His service in
the House, his acquaintance with public men and
affairs has given him good standing with the Re-
publicans, and also with those of the opposite
party, who respect him for his sincerity and hon-
esty, even though Ihey differ with him in polities.
His party in the House of Representatives did
him the honor for six years of making him Chair-
man of its Caucus and of the Caucus Commit tee.
which has charge primarily of suggesting the policy
of the Republicans in the House touching matters
of legislation.

Mr. Cannon being engaged in politics, has paid
but little attention to law practice of late years.
He has business interests in the city of Danville,
and also owns farms both in Vermilion and Doug-
lass counties.

Although politics has engaged a great deal of
the consideration and thought of Mr. Cannon, he
has spared the necessary time to found home ties
of his own. His marriage was solemnized on the
7th of January, 1862, with Miss Mary P. Reed, of
Canfield, Ohio. Their union has been blessed by
the birth of two daughters, Helen and Mabel, who
are now at home, having recently finished their
college education. Thus Congressman Cannon, in

his leisure hours, partakes of the enjoyment of a
beautiful home, and the society of those he loves,
and whose interests are ever uppermost in his
mind.

yALKER T. BUTLER is an enterprising
wheelwright of Sidell. He located in this
village in December, 1887, at which time
he erected his shop on Chicago street. He has laid
the foundation for a large business, which is con-
stantly increasing, and in the spring of 1889 he
enlarged his business in a substantial manner. Mr.
Butler is one of the solid men of his adopted town,
and one whose word is as good as a bank note.

On February 23, 184(1, Mr. Butler first saw the
light of day in Edgar County, 111., about a mile
from Chrisman. His father, Asa Butler, was born
near Lexington, Ky., while his mother, Catharine
Porter, is a native of Madison County, that State.
The Butlers were originally from Virginia, and
came to Kentucky in an early day. The father was
a blacksmith, the entire male portion of the family
of Butlers being mechanics. One of the uncles
was a cabinet maker at the age of ninety-two, and
the subject of this sketch saw him at work making
spinning wheels at that great age. In 1834 Asa
Butler and his wife removed to Vermilion County,
settling close to Indianola, erecting a shop there.
He left this place and went to Chrisman, where he
remained for a long time. This couple are the
parents of nine children, whose names are given:
Ephraim P., Elizabeth A., William F., Ellen F.,
Walker Turner, S.mie F., Lucinda C, Rosa A. and
and an infant child, the two latter being deceased.
The father died at Indianola in 1878 at the age of
seventy-two years, while the mother is still living
on the old Butler homestead.

Ephraim resides in Richardson County, Neb.;
Samuel is in the employ of the Burlington iV-
Missouri River Railroad Company at South
Omaha, Neb., as a billing clerk; Eliza is liv-
ing in Indianola with her mother; William F. was
accidentally killed by a traveling man who mistook
his head for a prairie chicken; the man after-
ward went insane; Ellen F. is the wife of Janus
R. Adams, who is farming near Georgetown; Lu-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

227

cinda C. married Melvin L. Porter, who i.s en-
gaged in the clothing business at Danville; Walker.
of whom this sketch is written, was reared on a
farm, working alternately at farming and in the
blacksmithshop. His schooling was obtained in
the subscription schools. His first attendance
upon the public school was in Edgar County,
111., where the schoolhouse was erected by sub-
scription, and built of logs. He worked on the
farm nine months, attending school the balance
of the year. He continued in this way until he
became eighteen years of age, when he went to
work exclusively at his trade. On .March 26, 1861,
he was married to .Miss Susan J. Porter, daughter
of Richard Porter, and a half-sister of Mrs. Hewes.
Her mother was Elizabeth Howard. The Porters
originally came from Woodford County, Ky., emi-
grating to Illinois in 1834.

At the time the War of the Rebellion broke
out Mr. Butler was a half owner in a shop, and
had just passed his honeymoon. There was every
inducement for him to remain at home, and pros-
per in his business, but his duty lay in enlisting
hi the Union army, which he did in May, 1801,
by joining Company D, 25th Illinois Infantry, being
mustered into service on June 4, following, at
Danville. His regiment drilled at Arsenal Park.
St. Louis, for two months, and here he was elected
Captain of his company. He was young and in-
experienced, and being modest, he refused to
serve, but afterwards accepted the position of
Sergeant. On account of a severe wound in the
right foot, he was honorably discharged, after which
he came home, and devoted his entire attention
to his trade. His arm}' record was a brilliant.
one, and the men are very few who would refuse
a commission as he did, which exhibits his entire
unselfishness and patriotism. He remained in In-
dianola until 1879, when he removed to Ridge
Farm, there engaging in business at his trade until
1887, when he came to his present locution.

Mr. Butler is one of the original members and
organizers of the Baptist Church of Sidell, which
came into existence May 2, 188 ( J, and of which
he was elected Deacon. He has belonged to this
church since he was eighteen years of age, and
for twenty-two years was Superintendent of a

Sabbath-school, lie is also Vice-President of the

Sunday-school Association of Carroll Township.
Mr. Butler belongs to Vermilion Lodge, No. 205,
A. F. A- A. M., and was its Master for three terms,
and also its delegate to the Grand Lodge at Chi-
cago in the years 187:3. 1K71 and 1875. lie is
also a charter member of the C. A. Clark Post,
No. 184, (L A. R.. located at Ridge Farm. The
office of School Director has been filled by him
for fifteen years.

Mr. and Mrs. Butler have had five children: Mel-
vine S., Gracie E., Adoniram J., Leslie F., Bessie
and Willie. Melvine S. was educated at the Jack-
sonville Blind Institute. He died, and his parents
deeply felt his loss. Gracie E. is the wife of
John Fletcher, a farmer of Edgar County, 111.;
they have three children: Henry T., Howard and
Charles. Adoniram J. and the rest of the chil-
dren are living at home. Mr. Butler is a stanch
Republican, and for several years has served his
party on the County Central Committee. He has
always been in favor of temperance laws, and
their strict enforcement, and ii was largely through
his instrumentality that the sale of whisky was
finally abolished in Carroll Township. Mr. But-
ler is one of the very best men of Vermilion
County, and is so regarded by his neighbors.

| IVILLIAM CAST. The subject of this notice
\/\J/i ' s numbered among the pioneer residents
V>7\v and well-to-do farmers of this county, who
carved out their fortunes by the labor of their
hands, and to whom we are indebted for the devel-
opment of the rich resources of the Prairie State.
Mr. Cast has been a resident of Danville Township
for a long period, anil is held in high repute among
its best citizens.

The subject of our sketch was born in Vernon
Township. Clinton Co., Ohio, April 17,1821, and is
the son of Aquilla and Mary (Villars) Cast, the
former born in Kentucky, Dec. 7, 1709, and the
latter born in Pennsylvania, Dec. 13, 1798. The
paternal grandfather. Ezekiel Cast, is supposed to
have been likewise a native of Kentucky, whence
he removed to Ohio in 1805, while it was in the

2-28

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

third year of its dignity as a State. He was one of
the earliest pioneers of Clinton County, and pur-
chased a tract of timber land in Vernon Township,
where he improved a farm and resided until his
death.

The father of our subject was quite young when
his parents removed to Ohio. He was reared and
married in Clinton County, and purchased land in
Vernon Township, where he engaged in (arming
until his death in September, 1831. The mother sur-
vived her husband for a period of twenty-five
years, and died in Clinton County in 1856. Her
father, James Villars, is supposed to have been a
native of Pennsylvania, whence he removed to
Ohio in 1806. making the journey down the river,
and landing at Cincinnati, which was then in its
embryo state. He also, like grandfather Cast, was
one of the earliest pioneers of Clinton County,
and like him cleared a farm from the wilderness,
where he spent his last days. He married Miss Re-
becca Davis, of Pennsylvania, and she also died in
Clinton County, Ohio.

Aquilla Cast, and his estimable wife became the
parents of eight children, seven of whom grew to
mature years, and of whom William, our subject,
was the fourth iu order of birth. lie was only ten
years old when his father died, but remained on the
farm with his mother, acquiring his education in
the common school and becoming familiar with the
labors incident to the routine of farm life. He
continued a resident of Clinton County until 1843,
then started out to seek his fortunes, his destination
being this county. He was equipped with a team
of horses and a wagon and accompanied by his
family, they bringing with them their household
goods. After fourteen days' travel they landed in
Danville Township, and Mr. Cast, in the fall of that
year, purchased 100 acres of land, the nucleus of
his present farm.

There were no railroads in Illinois for some years
after Mr. Cast settled in this county, and for a long
period Covington and Perrysville were the nearest
markets. Deer, turkeys and other game were
plentiful. The Cast family battled with many dif-
ficulties and some hardships, and underwent the
usual experience of life on the frontier. Our sub-
ject proceeded steadily with the improvement of

his property, and was greatly prospered in his la-
bors. As time passed on, he added to his landed
estate, and now has a well-improved farm of 320
acres. He has erected good buildings, and has
gathered around himself and his family all the
comforts and conveniences of modern life.

The marriage of our subject with Miss Rachel
Villars was celebrated at the bride's home in Clin-
ton County, Ohio, Oct. 28, 1843. Mrs. Cast was
born in Vernon Township, Clinton Co., Ohio, May
16, 1823. Her father, William Villars, was born
in Pennsylvania, Aug. 31, 1802, and is the son of
James and Rebecca Villars, who removed to Ohio
when he was four years old. He was reared in the
Buckeye State, and married Miss Ruth Whittaker,
a native of Clinton County. Her parents were
Oliver and Mary Whittaker, natives of New Jer-
sey, who removed to Clinton County, Ohio, during
its early settlement. The father of Mrs. Cast in-
herited a large tract of land in that county, where
he carried on farming until 1843. He then came
to this county, purchasing land in Danville Town-
ship, and has been a resident here since that time,
and is now in his ninety-seventh year.

To Mr. and Mrs. Cast there were born four chil-
dren, the eldest of whom. James W., married Miss
Ella Karris, anil is the father of two children —
Mabel and Minnie. John Oliver married Mary
Thayer, and has two children — (Jeorge and Carrie.
Mary is the wife of Perry Brown, of Chetopa,
Kan. George Aquilla died at the age of nineteen
months. In politics Mr. Cast has been a staunch
Democrat, as was also his father, and Mrs. Cast
also.

NDREW II. KIMBROUGH, M. D., was
!'/LJj born near Elizabeth town, Hardin Co.. K\\,
lii on the 27th day of February, 1823. His
father, Richard C. Kiinbrough, was a
native of Wexhall County, S. C, and his grand-
father, Goldman Kimbrough, was born in the State
of Virginia. The Kimbrough family settled early
in Virginia, and in Colonial times owned a large
tract of land and were extensive farmers. They
served with distinguished ability in the Revolu-
tionary War. The grandfather of Andrew H.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

229

Kimbrough removed from Virginia toSouth Caro-
lina after the Revolutionary War and later to
Alabama, where he bought large blocks of land,
and where he died in 1835. lie was a large slave-
owner.

Richard C. Kimbrough, the father of Dr. Kim-
brough, was under age when the War of 1812
broke out, and in order to enlist, he ran away from
home and served iu the army until the elose of the
war. He was in several battles including the
Horse Shoe fight and was witli Gen. Jackson at
New Orleans. lie was wounded in the former
battle. After the close of the war he went with
some of his comrades to Hardin County, Ky., and
there taught school until his marriage, and then
witli a brother, he engaged in the business of tan-
ning. In 1825 he emigrated to Illinois and was
therefore a pioneer of Edgar County. The re-
moval was made with teams, bringing all the house-
hold goods along, camping out. on the way. He
entered a tract of eighty acres of land in Wayne,
now Stratton Township. There was no house on
the place and he was compelled to rent a cabin, but
in the following spring he erected a house on his
his own land, which was surmounted by a stick
and clay chimney. There were no sawmills in the
county, a fact which compelled him to make his
own boards in order to build the doors. He had
no nails and so used wooden pegs instead. The old
fashioned fire-place was used to cook food in those
days, stoves being an unknown utensil in the
economy of kitchen work. The cloth with which
they made their clothes was constructed from yarn
spun entirely by hand. He bought another eighty
acres of land which added to his former purchase
made a good farm. He died in 1833. The maiden
name of the mother of the subject of this sketch was
Jane Morrison, a native of Kentucky. Her father,
James Morrison, it was thought was born in Vir-
ginia and removed from there to Kentucky and
settled in Hardin County. He was a farmer and
spent his last years there. The maiden name of
Ids wife was Mary McWiliiams. She was born in
Virginia and removed to Kentucky with her par-
ents in 1791. This family were pioneers of Hardin
County, where they broughta large tract of timber
land and improved a farm which Mr. McWiliiams

afterward lost on an old claim. Mr. McWiliiams
spent his last years in that State. The mother of
our subject was married a second time in 18 17 to
Hall Sims and resided in Edgar County until her
death.

Andrew II. Kimbrough was eleven years old
when his father died leaving his mother with six
children to care for. He resided with his guard-
ian until 1842, and then returned home and man-
aged the farm for his mother until her second
marriage, when he purchased her interest in the
farm. He continued fanning until 1854. He had
some time before resumed the study of medicine,
but had to abandon that on the account of the lack of
funds, but later be again took up the study and grad-
uated from Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia,
in March, 1858. In that year he commenced
practice at Georgetown, this county, and contin-
ued so doing until 1873, when he removed to
Danville and has practiced there continuously since
that lime. He married Sarah Ashmore, who was
born in Clark County, April 10, 1820. She was a
danghter of Amos and Patience Ashmore, natives
of Tennessee. They were truly pioneers of Clark
County, 111.

Andrew II. Kimbrough is the father of three
children — Laura H., E. R. Eugene, and Lillie A. T.
Politically, he is a Democrat, and socially, is a
member of Franklin Lodge K. of II. He joined
the I. O. 0. E. in 1850 and has filled all the chairs.

-»*>-

-o*o-@^<A^-o*o..

ENRY DAVIS. The man who ventured
|) into Central Illinois during its pioneer
days is worthy of more than a passing
J^J mention. Few who did not undergo the
experience can have a full realization of the hard
lot of the early settlers. The distant markets,
the inadequate price for the crops which they
raised under great difficulties, the inferior educa-
tional advantages, and the miasma from the fre-
quently low, wet land, which confronted the
pioneers with illness — a physician miles away —
and the generally wild condition of their surround-
ings, no railroads or stage lines, and in some
sections scarcely a well-defined wagon track, made

230

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

life in the pioneer times a .lire struggle frequently.
for existence.

The subject of this sketch has had a full exper-
ience of pioneer life in all its details, but at the
same time lie has been the privileged witness of
changes almost miraculous. He was born in this
county, May 5, 1841, his father. William Davis,
being among the earliest pioneers. The latter was
a native of Ohio, and descended from excellent
Scotch-Irish stock, lie was prospered in his labors
as a tiller of the soil of Illinois, and in due time
became the owner of 2.000 acres .of land, a large
portion of which he gave to his children.

The father of our subject still has about 1,000
acres of land, all in this county, and is likewise in-
terested in the hardware business at Fairmount,
while he has considerable other property. The
mother, Mrs. Elizabeth' (Hayes) Davis, was a na-
tive of Ohio, and the parental household included
ten children, six of whom are living, and of whom
Henry is the fourth in order of birth. He. like
his brothers and sisters, pursued his early studies in
the old log schoolhouse, the system of instruction
of that day being fully in keeping with the fashion
and furnishings of the temple of learning, into
which light was admitted through greased paper,
and the seats and desks of which were made of
slabs, the floor of puncheon, a wide fireplace ex-
tending nearly across one end, and the chimney
built outside of dirt and sticks. Young Davis at-
tended school mostly on stormy days, when he
could not work at home. He had few companions
and little recreation, as the county was very thinly
settled, and for a distance of forty miles south
there was not a single cultivated farm.

Our subject remained at home working with his
father until about twenty-two years old, and then
determined to strike out for himself. The first in-
teresting event which followed was his marriage
with Miss Nancy Cox, on the 24th of December,
1863. This lady remained the companion of her
husband less than nine years, her decease taking
place Oct. 24, 1874, leaving no children. Their
wedded life had been begun in a log house on the
present farm of Mr.Davis, and that humble dwel-
ling is still standing. Mr. Davis was married a
second time, Sept. 7, 1875. to Miss Rebecca E.

Baird. This union resulted in the birth of three
children — Fred L.. born May 24, 1876: Grace
Elizabeth, July 30, 1877; and Sarah Mabel, Dec.
18. 1878. Mrs. Rebecca E. (Baird) Davis de-
parted this life July 18. 1880.

On the 5th of April, 1881. Mr. Davis was mar-
ried a. third time, to Miss M. Belle, daughter of
Nathan B. and Mary F. (Wilson) Pemberton. Mr.
Pemberton was a native of ( )hio. and his wife of Ken-
tucky. The father of Mrs. Davis left his native
State, when twenty-one years old, going to Ken-
tucky, where he engaged in farming and was married.
Nineteen years ago they left the Blue Grass State
for Indiana, where they lived on a farm for seven
years, then came to this county, and settled two
miles northwest of Fairmount. After living there
two years they made another removal, and are now
living one and one-half miles west of Catlin, in the
enjoyment of good health, Mr. Pemberton being
sixty-seven and his wife fifty-eight years old.

To Mr. and Mrs. Pemberton there were born
seven children, five of whom are living, and of
whom Mrs. Davis was the third. She first opened
her eyes to the light in Maysville, Ky., July 2D,
1855. She received excellent educational advan-
tages, and grew up an attractive and accomplished
young woman, fitting herself for a teacher, and
pursuing this calling in Indiana prior to her mar-
riage. Mr. Pemberton some years ago was wounded
by an ax in his own hands, which struck his knee,
and which resulted in confining him to the house
for three years thereafter. He has suffered from
this almost continuously since that time. He has
been a plain and upright man and a member of
the Baptist Church, while Mrs. Pemberton belongs
to the Presbyterian Church.

Mr. Davis erected his present residence about
1874, and in connection with his farming opera-
tions gives considerable attention to live stock,
raising about seventy-five head of swine annuallv,
besides graded cattle and horses. His farm com-
prises 120 acres of land, including a timber strip
of fifteen acres. One year he was engaged in the
grocery trade at Fairmount. Politically he has
always been a strong Democrat, and has held the
office of Commissioner of Highways for the past
nine years. He is a School Director in his district,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

2:il

and for five years past has been President of the
Vermilion County Agricultural and Mechanical As-
sociation, lie is also a member of the Board of
Directors of the Fair Association, and is crop re-
porter for the Agricultural Department at Spring-
field, lie has exercised no small influence upon
party polities in this region, officiating as a mem-
ber of the Central Committee, anil as a delegate
to the various county conventions. Both he
and his excellent wife are members in good stand-
ing of the Baptist Church, in which Mr. Davis has
labored faithfully in the Sunday-school, and ofh'c-
iated as Librarian. Without making any preten-
sions to elegance, the Davis homestead is without
question the abode of peace and comfort, and while
the head of the family has acquitted himself in a
creditable manner, his very intelligent and amiable
partner, a lady of great worth and refinement, has
fulfilled her whole duty in making home the most
attractive spot on earth for those dearest to her.

*-«*-

ft? ABAN GRITTEN is classed among the lead-
I ((§> m & farmers and stock raisers of Pilot Town-
jlj—^s s hip, he having contributed much towards
making it a great agricultural center. His farm on
section 22 is comparable with the finest and best
in this section of Vermilion County, is so cultivated
as to produce large harvests, and its buildings and
all other appointments are first-class. Mr. Gritten
has evolved this desirable farm from the wild prai-
ries of Illinois, as they were many years ago, before
they had been changed by cultivation, it having
been government land when he purchased it more
than thirty years ago, and situated in the midst of
a sparsely populated, scarcely civilized country.

Mr. Gritten is a Kentuckian by birth, born in
Mercer County, Jan. 19, 1832. His father, John
R. Gritten. was born in the same county in 1807.
He married Nancy Atkinson, who was born there
in 1806, and they came to this county with their
family in 1842. and located on a farm of 120 acres,
pleasantly situated in Blount Township, where
tliey have built up a comfortable home, and now,
in life's decline are enjoying the hard-earned fruits
of their united labor. Three of the children that

have blessed their union are still living: Ann, re-
siding in Danville Township, is the widow of Frank
Watson, of Ohio, and has five children — William,
John, Nancy J., Margaret and Maltha; Lloyd mar-
ried Sarah Gritten, daughter of one of the first set-
tlers of the county, and they have four children —
Wesley Annie, Ella and Elisha; Laban is the
subject of this sketch, and we will write further of
him.

We have seen that his parents brought him here
in pioneer times, when he was a mere lad, and here
they bred him to a life of usefulness, and fitted
him for an honorable career, and to their careful
training he doubtless owes much of his prosperity.
He became manly, self-reliant and a good worker,
and in early manhood prudently invested his money
in government land, proposing to make farming his
life work, and purchased 320 acres of land at
twenty-five cents an acre. He now has the land all
under excellent cultivation, and has greatly in-
creased its value by the many fine improvements
that he has made, including substantial buildings,
etc. He does a general farming business, has his
farm well stocked with stock of high grades, from
the sale of which he makes good profits, and he
raises a good deal of grain and other farm produce,
from which he derives an income amply sufficing
to carry on his agricultural operations in good
shape, and for all his personal wants.

Mr. Gritten has been twice married. His first
wife was a Miss Sarah Potter, who was of English
descent, and her father, an early settler of this part
of Illinois, took part in the Black Hawk War under
General Taylor. Five children were born to our
subject in that union, of whom one died; the others
are Orsmus, Charles, Edward and Thomas. Orsmus,
a carpenter in Danville, married Miss May Gritten;
Charles, living with his father on the homestead,
married Matilda Gritten, and they have seven chil-
dren — Clarence, Arthur, Orsmus, Elzora, Oliver,
Ross and Rock. Edward, a farmer in this county.
married Miss Belle Davis, of Ohio, and they have
one child, Jesse B. ; Thomas, a blacksmith at Bixby.
married Martha Schank, and they have three children
— Earl. Maude and Olive.

For his second wife Mr. Gritten married Miss
Lydia Pile, a native of Breckenridge County. Ky„

232

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPAICAL ALBUM.

and of their eleven children the following five arc
living: Oracena, Alvina, Jacob, Eli and William.

William and Elizabeth Pile were the parents of
Mrs. Gritten, the father a native of Virginia, the
mother a native of Kentucky, and both are de-
ceased.

Mr. Gritten may well be proud of bis farm, whose
increased value is due to his hard labor and excel-
lent business capacity and management. He pos-
sesses sober judgment, keen discernment and a
resolute nature that has overcome all obstacles in
the path to success. In his political views he sides
with the Democrats, and gives his hearty approval
to party measures.

^^ACIIAlilAIIC. HOLLOWAY. Amongquite
a company of young men who came to this
county at different times in the spring of
1853, was a young man named Holloway, plainly
attired and with no means to speak of, quiet and
unobtrusive in bis demeanor but with the fixed pur-
pose of giving the Western country a fair trial in
the building up of a future home. He was not pre-
pared to purchase land and so was obliged to locate
upon a rented farm in Blount Township which had
been but slightly improved and offered few advan-
tages to the pioneer. Upon this amid many diffi-
culities he prosecuted farming for a period of
four years, then changed his residence to Newell
Township where he sojourned two years. His next
removal was to a farm adjoining that which he
now owns and occupies, in the southern part of
Ross Township. This brought him up to 1859 in
which year he purchased eighty acres of wild prai-
rie and two years later established himself upon it
with his young wife in a log cabin.

Mr. Holloway began the cultivation of his land
with an ox team and in the meantime made his
home in Newell, then a very unimportant village.
In the spring of 1860 he hired thirty acres plowed,
which he planted inborn. From that time on he
labored industriously early and late until he had
eighty acres under a high state of cultivation and
had erected a neat and substantial house and barn
besides effecting other improvements, j As oppor-

tunity permitted he planted fruit and shade trees
and after a number of years found himself in a con-
dition to purchase additional land and thus in-
vented his surplus capital until he became the owner
of 100 acres. For many years he has dealt in cattle
realizing therefrom handsome returns.

Our subject generously acknowledges that he has
been greatly assisted and encouraged in his labors
and struggles by his excellent wife, who b re with
her husband the heat and burden of the day and
assisted him in saving as well as earning. They
are the parents of four children, all living, namely:
Albert, Alford, Frank, and Ivy, the wife of C. R.
Crawford, of Ross Township.

Upon becoming a voting citizen Mr. Holloway
identified himself with the Republican party and
later cordially endorsed Republican doctrines. He
has made a speciality of attending to his own con-
cerns and consequently has meddled very little
with public affairs, having no desire for the re-
sponsibilities of office. His pleasant home with its
attractive surroundings and his intelligent family
have largely supplied his social needs, although he
is not lacking for troops of friends among the peo-
ple whose intelligence always leads them to respect
the man who has been the architect of his own for-
tune and who has made the most of his opportuni-
ties, adding to the talent with which nature en-
dowed him.

John Holloway, the father of our subject, was
the son of Elijah Holloway, a native of Maryland
and one of eight children. The others were named
respectively, Adam. William. Elijah. Annel. Fran-
ces, Hettie and Mary. John also was born in Mary-
land, where he was reared to man's estate and mar-
ried Miss Elizabeth Davis. About 1804. with a
party of probably eighty persons, they set out
across the mountains with teams and landed in Ross
County, Ohio, where it is believed the grand-
parents also settled. The journey at that time was a
dangerous one, the country being infested with des-
perate characters, who frequently murdered trav-
elers for their money. The trip occupied about
six weeks and the Holloway family fortunately were
not molest ill.

The parents of our subject settled in the heavy
timber of Ross County, Ohio, where Zachariah C.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

235

was born June 16, 1824, and where the parents
spent their hist days. The father died in Septem-
ber L 863, at the age of eighty-five years and the
mother at the same age, in March, 18G5. Both
were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
in the faith of which they serenely passed away.
Many and great were the hardships endured by the
pioneers in the wilderness of Ross County and our
subject like his brothers and sisters was taught to
make himself useful at a very early age. lb- as-
sisted in clearing the farm ami received a limited
education in the subscription school. His life
passed quietly and uneventfully during his boy-
hood and youth, and like the other young men of
that day and place, his chief ambition was in due
time to have a farm and a fireside of his own.

Our subject continued a resident of his native
county until his marriage, in 1849. The maiden
of his choice was Miss Mary, daughter of Joshua
Shockley, formerly of Delaware, but who, like the
Holloways, was an early pioneer of the Buckeye
State. Mrs. Holloway was born in Delaware and
was take by her parents to Ohio when about two
years old. Her father died there, in 1841. The
mother later came to this county and made her
home with her daughter, her death occurring in
May, 1888.

■ c* >-7=7i?^--V *"> ~

ROSEPH S. CHRISTMAN is emphatically one

of the business men of Vermilion County,
who has risen to prominence through his
own exertions. He was born on the 30th
day of January, 1855. He spent his boyhood days
with his parents until he became seventeen years
of age, when being of a studious mind, he went to
Indianapolis and attended business college in that
city, where he graduated. After leaving school he
returned to Warren County, Ind , where his par-
ents were living at the time, and remained there
for a short period engaged in a dry goods store in
Attica. He returned to Indianapolis and entered
into the elastic roofing business at 241 Massachu-
setts Ave., being successfully employed for one
j-ear. He then bought a grocery store on Merid-
ian street, where he carried on a good business for

a period of one year, when be sold out and came to
Rossville, 111., where he landed in his twenty-first
year with about $4,000. He contemplated pur-
chasing a half interest in the dry goods sto>'e of
Henderson & Co., but the company making arrange-
ments more satisfactory to themselves, our subject
found he could invest his money to agood advant-
age by loaning it and did so, in the meantime en-
tering the employ of the dry goods Ann mentioned
as clerk. About this time he bought 600 acres of
his present home of 1,100 acres of land upon
which he erected his present farm buildings, and
where he now lives.

Joseph S. .Christman is the son of Isaac and Eli-
zabeth Christman, who are natives of Ohio, but
who came to Illinois when they were young. They
were married Oct. 25, 1843, when they immediately
moved to Warren County, Ind., where they settled
on a farm which they conducted for two years, at
the expiration of which period, they came back to
Vermilion County, settling here on a quarter section
of land where they now live. The family comprised
the following children — Sarah J., is at home; Su-
san C, is the wife of W. II. Lincoln and is liv-
ing in West Lebanon, Ind. ; Mary H., is the wife of
H. C. Swisher and they also reside in the same
place.; Eliza E., was killed when nineteen years of
age by being thrown from a carriage; Maria C, is
the wife of William Hunter, a farmer who is living
in Warren County, Ind.; Joseph S., of whom this
sketch is written; Frank is in the real estate busi-
ness at York, Neb.; Mahala L., died when two years
of age. The mother of this family Mrs. Elizabeth
Christman, died July 8, 1872. She was an ardent
member of the Methodist Church, and sustained a
fine reputation in her neighborhood. Mr. Isaac
Christman is quietly living with his son, Joseph,
and enjoying his latter days in a manner which he
has won by hard work. He is a Republican in
politics, and takes great interest in his party.

Mr. Joseph S. Christman is a dealer in live stock
shipping considerable quantities every year to Chi-
cago. He makes a specialty in breeding Ilamble-
tonian horses, of which breed he owns several fine
specimens. Politically. Mr. Christman is a Repub-
lican and has held the ottice of Township Trustee
for a long time. He is also a member of the Ma-

236

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

sonic fraternity, having joined that order in 1876,
by uniting with Lodge No. 527 at Rossville. He
is also a member of the Oriental Consistory which
meets on Monroe street, Chicago. His career in
business is a good illustration of what grit and in-
telligence can do, and should he emulated by oth-
ers of the younger generation. Mr. Christman is
unmarried, but has succeeded in making a very
comfortable home, and the view given in this vol-
ume, represents a residence that in no wise displays
the absence of a mistress.

€-*-!*-

-«s

R, GEORG EDENS. In the person of
this able practitioner the biographer dis-
covers a gentleman in love with his pro-
fession — one who adopted it on account of
the keen interest which he has taken in it almost
from boyhood, and whose aim has been to excel.
He has been located in Danville for the past ten
years, and it is not surprising to learn that he has
built up a lucrative patronage among its best peo-
ple. He has been faithful and conscientious in the
discharge of his duties, and aimed to gain a full
understanding of the disorders which he has been
called upon to remedy before making the applica-
tion of chemicals or drugs.

Dr. Edens was born in the Province of Holstein,
Germany. June 16, 1851, and remained a resident
of his native province until 1867. Then, a youth
of sixteen years, he crossed the Atlantic with his
parents, they settling on a tract of land in Cham-
paign County, this State. The father prosecuted
farming, while the son, who also assisted around
the homestead, continued the reading of medicine,
which he had begun when a lad of fifteen years.
Two years later, in 1868, he began to dispense
medicine to his acquaintances, and there followed
such excellent results from his prescriptions that
before he had realized the fact he had quite a num-
ber of regular patrons.

In 1876 young Edens repaired to Chicago and
entered Hahnemann College, from which he was
graduated in 1879, after taking the special courses.
On the 17th of March, that year, he came to Dan-
ville, and commenced the regular practice of his

chosen profession, which he has since followed
with really surprising results. He adopts many of
the customs common to the Fatherland, where the
students of medicine are subjected to the must
thorough training, and not allowed to practice
until they are masters in their profession.

The office of Dr. Edens is situated on North
Street, near the Chicago & Eastern Illinois depot,
where he has around him his books and the various
appliances requisite for his extensive business, lie
not only has a large practice in Danville, but also
in the country surrounding it. He repairs to dif-
ferent points at regular intervals, usually once a
month. There is every indication that he has be-
fore him a most prosperous future, and the pros-
pects of attaining to eminence in his profession.
He has naturally been too full of business to give
much attention to politics, but has become fully
identified and in sympathy with American institu-
tions, and usually votes for the men and not the
party.

Dr. Edens was married in Danville. March 1 1,
1885, to Miss Frances Keehler. who was born in
Posen, Germany. April 30, 185!). She came to
America in 1881, after having acquired a careful
education, and thereafter was employed as a pri-
vate teacher in German and French, and also in the
public schools of St. Louis and Chicago. Mrs.
Edens likewise possesses considerable musical tal-
ent, and is at once recognized as a very accom-
plished and intelligent lady. They occupy a pleas-
ant and attractive home, and enjoy the friendship
of the best citizens of Danville.

AMUEL COOK, the son of a pioneer
family of Vermilion County, as one of its
practical, well-to-do farmers, a man of
sound sense and good understanding, is
classed among its most desirable citizens. His
homestead on section 1 1. Catlin Township, com-
prising 160 acres, is one of the finest in the vicin-
ity, and he has 100 acres of excellent farming land
in Georgetown Township besides valuable properd-
in Danville.

James Cook, the father of our subject, was born

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

237

either in Maryland or Virginia, Juno 23, 17!>7. In

early manh 1 lie was united in marriage to Miss

Susanna Mover, their union taking place ( >et. 6,
1822. She was born in Pennsylvania. Dec. 2,
1803, ami is still living at an advanced age. After
marriage Mr. and Mrs. Cook settled in Clermont
County, Ohio, living there among its early pioneers
till 1834, when they migrated across the country
with their family to Vermilion County and became
early settlers of Brook's Point in ( Jcorgetown.
There the father rounded out a useful life, holding
the respect and esteem of all about him as he was
in all respects a good man. The wedded life of
himself and wife was blessed to them by the birth
of six sons and five daughters.

Our subject was the second child of the family,
and he was born in Clermont County, Ohio, Oct.
4, 1825. He was nine years old when he came to
Vermilion County with his parents more than fifty
years ago, but he still retains a recollection of that
memorable journey through the forests primeval
and over the wild prairies to this then sparsely
settled country. He grew to man's estate in
Georgetown Township, and gleaned an education
in the "old log [school-house in which the children
of the pioneers were taught the rudiments of learn-
Lng. He remained with his father and mother till
he was twenty-six and a half years old, when he
married and established a home of his own. He
has devoted himself principally to farming, and
through many years of persistent toil has accumu-
lated a goodly amount of property, including one
of the best farms in Catlin Township. He has his
land under fine tillage, and has erected a substan-
tial, conveniently arranged set of buildings, in-
cluding a handsome, roomy residence, replete with
all the comforts of life. When he was a young
man Mr. Cook assisted in making five flatboats to
go down the Vermilion River into the Wabash.
and thence down the Ohio and Mississippi, and
once he took a trip to Memphis.

Mr. Cook has been twice married. He was first
wedded to Miss Amanda M. Graves, April 1, 1852,
in Georgetown Township. She was a native of
that place, born Aug. 18, 1833, to James and Mar-
garet (Black bourn) G raves, who were among its
earliest pioneers, coming there from Kentucky in

1829, and spending their remaining days on their
homestead in that township. By that marriage
our subject became the father of six children, of
whom the following is recorded: George W. mar-
ried Eliza Douglas; James P. married Miss Eveline
O'Neal; Mary married John II. Wherry; Margaret
died when she was eighteen years old; Charles
married Miss Celia Padgett; Ellen died when about
six months old. Aug. 19, 1866, after a happy mar-
ried life of fourteen years Mrs. Cook passed away
from the scene of her usefulness, and thus was lost
to her household a wife who had always striven to
aid her husband and make his home pleasant and
comfortable, a mother wdio was devoted to her
children, a neighbor who was a kind and true
friend.

Mr. Cook was married to his present wife, for-
merly Mrs. Martha E. (Citizen) Mor eland, in La-
fayette, Ind., April 14, 1870. Their wedded life
has been blessed to them by the birth of three
children: Bertie J., John F., and Fred. Mrs. Cook
was the fourth of the nine children, six sons and
three daughters, born to William and Esther
(Parker) Citizen, and her birth occurred in Dark
County, Ind., July 25, 1838. Her father was born
in Maryland, Nov. 10, 1809, and her mother in
North Carolina, Aug. 4, 1812, her death occurring
in Warren County, Ind. The father survives at
an advanced age. When she was two years old
Mrs. Cook's parents moved to Wayne County,
Ind., and when she was thirteen years old her
father brought her to this State. She was married
in Warren County, Ind.. Aug. 25, 1854, to Joseph
Moreland. Of this union there was one son,
Charles W., an intelligent, well educated young
man, who has been engaged in the profession of
school-teaching seven years.

It is said of Mr. and Mrs. Cook that " they are
people whom it is a pleasure to meet, so friendly
and generous are they toward all who come under
their influence, and so kind and considerate are
they in their relations with all about them." They
are consistent members of the Christian Church —
of which he is an elder — contribute liberally to its
support, and are never backward in aiding all
schemes that look to the moral or social advance-
ment of the community. In our subject the Dem-

238

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM

ocratic party Muds one of its most honest support-
ers and the township one of the promoters of
education within its borders, he having held seve-
ral of the school offices, and also being School
Director for years, discharging the duties thus de-
volving upon him with characteristic fidelity and
to the eminent satisfaction of all concerned.

v^-

_^ju^

VIC -

ffiOHN L.JACKSON. In the career of this
leading business man of Sidell, we recognize
the type of the live, energetic American
citizen, who has been peculiarly favored
by Providence, being the owner of a fine property,
the son of one of the wealthiest men in the county,
ami one of its leading citizens, and having had the
happy faculty of improving all his advantages. By
his straightforward methods of proceedure he has
fully established himself in the esteem and confi-
dence of all with whom he has had dealings. He is
at present engaged in general merchandising at
Sidell. and is in the enjoyment of a patronage which
is steadily increasing. The firm of John L. Jack-
son & ( o. is considered A 1 .

Mr. Jackson was born in Douglas County, tin's
State, Sept. 22, 1860, and is the son of Amos and
Sarah (Hesseler) Jackson, the former of whom was
born near Frankfort, Ind., and the latter in this
county. They were married in Michigan. The
elder Jackson operates as a farmer and cattle
raiser, and is now a resident of Danville. He is
represented on another page in this volume. The
parental household was completed by the birth of
four daughters and two sons, and of these John was
the eldest. He was twelve years of age when his
parents came to this county, and settled near In-
dianola. in Carroll Township. Later they removed
first to Paris and then to Danville. At the age of
nineteen years our subject entered the Commercial
College at Terre Haute, from which he was grad-
uated in the class of 1879. Upon leaving school
lie engaged in buying and shipping stock, with
which business he had been familiar since a 003-.
He shipped his first load from Archie Station, and
was occupied at this business until 1883.

The marriage of our subject with Miss Eva

Gray was celebrated at the bride's home, in March,
1883. This lady was born and reared in Cham-
paign County, and is the daughter of Henry and
Louisa (Weisiger) Gray, who settled in the above-
named county in 1861. The father died in 1876,
aged about forty years. The mother was subse-
quently married and now resides near Kankakee.
The three daughters were named Eva. Cora and
Nettie. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson have one child, a
daughter, Meta J.

Mr. Jackson purchased the store and stock of
general merchandise belonging to William Danley,
the pioneer merchant of Sidell, and in addition to
looking after the affairs of this establishment, con-
tinues to deal in cattle. Politically, he is an un-
compromising Democrat, and socially belongs to
Peace Dale Lodge Number 25, I. < ). ( ). F. He is
also a member of the Modern Woodmen. His farm
comprises 172 acres of choice land, pleasantly
located southwest of Sidell.

ffiOIIN MILTON DOUGLASS, a prominent
and honored citizen of Vermilion County, is
classed among its leading farmers and stock-
raisers, he having been intimately connected
with its agricultural interests for many years; and,
the son of parents who were early settlers of this
part of Illinois, he may indeed be regarded as a
pioneer himself, as since, and even before, attain-
ing man's estate, he has done much to develop the
rich resources of this region and make it a great
agricultural center. He owns a farm on section 16,
Catlin Township, that is justly considered one of
the best places in the county, and here he has
erected a handsome commodious residence that,
with its surroundings, beautiful lawns adorned
with shade trees, etc., forms an attractive scene in
the landscape, and in this lovely home he is quietly
passing his declining years, calmly awaiting life's
great change.

The subject of this sketch was born in what is
now Ohio County. Ind.. Aug. 23, 1823, the second
child in a family of ten children, five sons and five
daughters, belonging to Thomas W, and Delilah
(Peyne) Douglass. The former was born in the

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

239

State of Maine, on the Penobscot River, and the
mother was a native of the State of New Xork.
After marriage they first settled in Dearborn
County. Ind.. in that part of it now called Ohio
County, and thence journeyed to this State in the
spring of 1880, and located in Catlin Township, Ver-
milion County, where the County farm now is, and
where they spent their declining years, and the
mother closing her eyes in death in September, 1856,
and in October, 1805, the father departed this life.
They were people of solid merit, who faithfully per-
formed their allotted tasks in life, and, as pioneers of
Vermilion County, their memories will ever be held
in reverence along with those of other courageous,
self-sacrificing spirits who came here in the early
days of the settlement of the country, and toiled to
make it a fitting home for those who came after
them.

Their son John Milton, of whom we write, was
seven years old when he accompanied his parents
in their migration from the home of his birth to
this county, and here the remaining days of his
boyhood and youth were passed, and his entire
manhood has been spent within the limits of the
county. He early began his career as a farmer,
and has been greatly prospered in his life work'.
being the fortunate owner of a fertile farm of
;i 1 7 A acres that is not surpassed in point of culti-
vation and value of improvements by any other
place in the township. He has erected a commo-
dious, well-built house, a barn fifty feet square
on a stone foundation, and other necessary build-
ings, and has set out numerous beautiful shade
and fruit trees, and, taken altogether, he has one
of the finest estates in the county. Mr. Douglass'
farm is well adapted to stock-raising, and he makes
a specialty of Short-horn cattle, and his fine herd
of that breed, highly graded, is one of the best in
this locality.

On the 1 Ith of November. 1844, the marriage of
our subject and Miss Mahala Burroughs was sol-
emnized in Catlin Township, one mile west of the
village of Catlin. Mrs. Douglass was born in Rip-
lev County, Ind., April 3, 1824, a daughter of
Jesse and Polly (Wilson) Burroughs. Of her
union with our subject nine children were born,
as follows: Judith A., wife of Joseph Trisler;

Winlield s., who married Lizzie (lark; Delilah, who
died when shew-as two years old; Thomas W.,

who died when he was eleven mouths old: Clarissa.
the wife of James Clipson; .Mahala; Pamelia, who

died in infancy; Arinilda. the wife of Richard
O'Conell; and Esther, who died when one week
old.

On the 10th of October, L887, the pleasant
wedded life of our subject was brought to a sad
close by the death of her with whom he had
walked, hand in hand, for more than forty-two
years. This amiable wife and companion had been
to him all that a true and devoted woman can be
to her husband, and to her children she hail been a
wise and tender mother, and her presence is sorely
missed in the household where she had been the
home-maker so long. But our subject does not
mourn as one without comfort, as his Christian
faith points to a reunion beyond the grave.

Mr. Douglass is a man of decided character and
sound understanding, and his career has marked him
as possessing those qualities that enable man to make
his own way in the world without the adventitious
aids of fortune and birth. lie and live of his chil-
dren are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church, and are among its most earnest workers.
In politics Mr. Douglass has taken part in the pub-
lic affairs of the township as School Director and
Highway Commissioner. In politics he favors the
Democratic party, firmly believing that its policy-
is the only safe one for the guidance of National
affairs.

—~t — ' . W—&&V i . ■■— ■'V~-

ffiOHN B. CRANSON. It is a homely and
time-worn adage that "virtue brings its own
reward," but the truth of it is frequently
brought to mind, as in contemplating the
career of Mr. Cranson, which has been that of an
honest man and a good citizen, and in which he has
performed life's duties in a creditable manner, with
the exception that he is still plodding along life's
road single-handed and alone, although having
passed the fifty-second year of his age. While he
may not be the hero of any very thrilling event he
has seen much of life in its different phases, and
during the Civil War gave his services to assist in

240

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

the preservation of the Union. His army record is
a creditable one, as has been that of his life after
leaving it, when he settled down to farm life
again in 1878 on his present farm, and has now
one of the attractive homesteads in his township.
His specialty is Jersey cattle, and he is likewise in-
terested in the chicken industry, having a goodly
number of fine fowls in which he takes a pardon-
able pride.

The subject of this notice is a native of Lock-
port, N. Y., and was born April 15, 1837. His
parents, Joel and Rhoda (Gray) Cranson, were
natives of Massachusetts and Vermont respectively,
and lived in New York until 1854, then removed to
Michigan, and from the Wolverine State to In-
diana, and from there came to Illinois in 1864,
where their death occurred; the father died in 1875,
and the mother in 1882. They were the parents
of six children, three of whom besides our subject
are still living.

The union school at Lockport furnished young
Cranson with his early education, which was com-
pleted at the age of fifteen years. He then began
an apprenticeship at the trade of tinsmith, which
he followed two years, and after the removal of the
family to Michigan he engaged in the lumber busi-
ness. After their removal to Indiana he became
interested in farming. Upon the outbreak of the
Civil War he enlisted in 1801 in Company B, 29th
Indiana Infantry, and six mouths later was pro-
moted to the post of Orderly Sergeant. The regi-
ment was organized at La Porte, Ind., was assigned
to the command of Gen. McCook, and afterward
participated in the battle of Pittsburg Landing,
after which he fell and was hurt. Upon recovering
sufficient^ he was transferred to the veteran re-
serve corps, in which he remained until the expira-
tion of his term of service. He received his hon-
orably discharge in September, 1864, and after a
brief visit to his old home in Indiana set out for
Illinois with the view of permanently establishing
himself in this State. Prior to entering the army
he had purchased a farm in Indiana and sold it be-
fore coming to Illinois.

The domestic arrangements of our subject are
presided over by his two sisters, and he has one of
the pleasantest homes in the count3 r . The sisters

are members in good standing of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, while Mr. Cranson is identified
with the Cumberland Presbyterian. The three op-
erate together in the business of raising chickens,
which is carried on by the natural process and by
incubators. They market about 800 per 3'ear, and
have all the modern conveniences for hatching and
taking care of the chickens. The whole process is
so systematized that the industry is pleasurable as
well as profitable. Their cattle are grade Short-
horn and full-blooded Jerseys.

In politics Mr. Cranson uniformly votes the
straight Republican ticket. Socially, he is a mem-
ber of Homer Post, G. A. R., and as a Mason be-
longs to Blue Lodge and the Chapter in Homer, in
the latter of which he is Master of Third Veil. Both
in social and business circles he occupies an envi-
able position, and is one of those men whose word
is considered as good as his bond.

\T[ ENRY G. BOYCE. Sixteen years have
[i/jlj passed since this worthy pioneer folded Iris
'J*)^' hands in rest from the labors Of life, but
{^) his name will be recalled by many as that
of one of the first men coming to the vicinity of
Danville and performing some of the earliest work
in connection with his trade as a carpenter and
joiner. He came with his parents to this county
in 1831 and two years later established himself in
the embryo town of Danville, which then consisted
of only a few houses. Willi his young wife he
took up his abode in the domicile which he built
that year, which was weather-boarded in walnut
and which is still standing and the property of his
widow, who preserve it as a relic of the older days.
Opposite it was built the engine house which now
shelters the fire apparatus of a thriving and pro-
gressive modern city.

A native of New York State, Mr. Bo>'ce was
born in Schoharie County, Feb. 20, 1809. Thirteen
months later his parents removed to Harrison
County, Ohio, where the father entered a tract of
land from the Government and where the family
lived until 1831. Then pushing still further west-
ward the3 - came to this county and Henry (i.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

241

worked on a farm until 1832. That year he turned
bis attention more particularly to liis trade of a car-
penter and until his marriage the year following
was in the employ of Mr. Beckwith and Gov.
Leander Rutledge. His marriage with Miss Fli/.a
Potter occurred on the 3d of March, 1833, the
Rev. Freeman Smally officiating at the ceremony.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Boyce estab-
lished themselves in a log cabin on what is now
Walnut street and where their first child was born.
Mary Jane, now Mrs. Henry Fulton of Vallejo.
Cal. In the summer of 1833 Mr. Boyce went to
Chicago when there were only two houses between
Danville and that now great city. After the father,
brother and brother-in-law of Mrs. Boyce arrived
there, they dug the cellar for the first brick house
ever built in Chicago, which was for a man named
Chapman. Mr. Boyce did the carpenter work on
said building. He remained there that fall in order
to earn money to pay taxes and later returned to
Danville purchased land lying along what is now
Walnut street. He pursued his trade as a carpenter
and finally became a contractor and builder, put-
ting up many of the first buildings in the town.
He thus labored until about 1850 and in 1856 was
appointed Postmaster of Danville, prior to the
election of President Buchanan. He served until
the incoming of President Lincoln's administration
and later was Deputy Postmaster under President
Johnson.

Mr. Boyce was a man of more than ordinary
abilities and occupied a leading position in his com-
munity. He was elected Justice of the Peace,
serving four terms of four years each, holding this
Office at the time of his decease. He was an active
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and
warmly interested in the cause of temperance. Up-
right and honorable in his transactions he enjoyed
the esteem and confidence of all who knew him
and at his death, which occurred Dec. 3, 1K73, was
deeply mourned not only by his own family but
by the entire community.

The father of our subject was Peter Boyce. a
native of Washington County, X. Y., and a farmer
by occupation. He was reared to manhood in his
native State where he married Miss Jane Potter,
and later removed to Schoharie County, N. Y. lie

was three times married and was the lather of
twenty-one children. In bis father's family there
were thirteen children and his mother died in Har-
rison County, Ohio. After coming to Illinois he
lived here only a few years, then returning to Ohio
settled near Springfield where he spent his last days,
lie was a man of considerable force of character
and a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church.

Mrs. Eliza J. (Potter) Boyce was born in Jeffer-
son County, N. Y., one half mile from Sackett's
Harbor, Sept. ID. 1813, and is the daughter of
Elijah and Lana Potter, the former of whom was
born in Washington County. X. Y., Sept. 4, 17.S7.
He was there reared upon a farm and was married
to a maiden of his own township, Miss Lana Van
Wormer, in 1810. Not long afterwaid the young-
people removed to a point near Sackett's Harbor,
in Jefferson County. Mrs. Lana Potter was bora
June 2, 171)3 and was consequently seventeen years
of age at the time of her marriage.

The three eldest children of Mr. and Mrs. Potter
were born in Jefferson County, N. Y., Eliza J.
being the eldest. Six more children were added
to the family after they left the Empire State.
With one exception they all lived to mature years,
one being killed when about four years old by the
falling of a tree upon him. .About 1820 the Potter
family resolved to seek what was then the farther
West and accordingly removed to Richland County,
Ohio, settling near the present site of the town of
Ashland. That region was then a wilderness,
peopled chiefly by wild animals and Indians, there
being only four other white families in the town-
ship. Mr. Potter entered a tract of land from the
Government and the family endured all the hard-
ships and privations of life on the frontier. The
nearest mill was thirty miles away and the road
which led to it was for long distances nothing more
than an Indian trail.

As the country began settling up Mr. Potter
distinguished himself as a leading citizen and was
one of the first to exert himself in the establish-
ment of a school which was effected after much diffi-
culty, Mr. Potter riding three days to find a teacher
who could even write. The family sojourned in
that neighborhood for a period of seventeen years

•242

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

and in 1830 concluded to make another change of
residence, this time seeking the Prairie State. After
due preparation they in October set out overland
with a two-horse team and two cows, and their
household goods and provisions. They were three
weeks on the road, camping and cooking by the
wayside. They arrived near the present site of
Newtown, on Middle Fork Township, in November
following. The father three or four years later,
purchased land on the State road, at the edge of
Eight Mile Prairie, ten miles north of Danville,
where he opened up a good farm and lived until
136o. The death of the wife and mother occurred
June 17, 1856. Eleven years later Mr. Potter re-
moved to Missouri and subsequently made his home
with his son, Joseph, who was located on a farm
nine miles from Chillicothe.

Mrs. Lana( Van Wormer) Potter was the daughter
of Jacob Van Wormer, one of the early pioneers
of Washington County, N. V., and a strict adher-
ent of the doctrines of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. His house for many years was the meet-
ing place for the annual conference and was the
frequent resort of the itinerant. Among the early
preachers of that day was the renowned Lorenzo
Dow, who made for himself a name intimately as-
sociated with the early history of Methodism. He
and his wife finally removed to Jefferson County
and made their home with Mrs. Potter, his young-
est daughter. They intended going to Ohio with
the Potter family, but on account of the mother's
health they were obliged to remain in Jefferson
County N. Y., where they spent their last days.
The Van Wormer family traced its ancestry to
Holland.

The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Boyce was
William Potter one of the pioneers of Washington
County, N. Y., who married Miss Elizabeth Sher-
man and settled near Fori Ann. They became the
parents of nine sons and two daughters and eight
of their sons lived to mature years. They remained
residents of Fort Ann until quite aged, then went
to live with their son, William, near Buffalo, where
their decease took place.

To Mr. and Mrs. Boyce there were born four
children, the eldest of whom. Mary J., has been
already mentioned. The second daughter, Emily,

is at home with her mother. Sarah M. died July
30. 1861; William during the late Civil War served
three years as a Union soldier in Company A, 1 lth
Indiana Infantry and was wounded at Champion
Hill. At the expiration of his first term of enlist-
ment he re-entered the ranks and at the battle of
Winchester received a fatal shot and his remains
now lie in Winchester burying ground. Mrs. Boyce
and her daughter, Emily, are members in good
standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Miss
Emma is a well educated lady and has followed
the profession of a teacher fifteen years in Danville.
Jacob Van AVormer served in the Revolutionary
War, Elijah Potter served in the War of 1812 and
Henr}' G. Boyce tendered his services in the Black
Hawk War.

/p^EORGE CLARKSON. This gentleman upon
'if <^t? eoln ' n o t0 Vermilion County purchased
V \^S( 160 acres of land in Sidell Township which
is now occupied by his widow, Mrs. Elvira Clark-
son, a very capable and intelligent lady who enjoys
the friendship and esteem of all who know her.
Since the death of her husband she has released the
estate from its indebtedness and managed it in a
manner reflecting great credit upon her discretion
and good judgment. Without making any pre-
tentions to elegance, she lives simply, comfortably
and modestly, and has a true and motherly heart,
full of sympathy for all the wrongs and woes of
mankind.

Mrs. Clarkson was born in Kentucky where she
lived until a maiden of eighteen years and then
her parents removed to Illinois. She was married
in 1865, and settled with her husband on the farm
which she now occupies. Mr. Clarkson had also
been reared in Kentucky. Of their union there
were born two sons and two daughters — Henry T.,
Jennie M., Allie V., and George J. The youngest
was only two months old at the time of his father's
death. Mrs. Clarkson has reason to be proud of
her family, her sons and daughters being more
than ordinarily bright and attractive, the daugh-
ters especially handsome.

Mrs. Clarkson after the death of her husband
was forced to assume the responsibilities of the

'■

> (s> ^^yu^t)

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

245

farm and right nobly has slie fulfilled the duties of
her position and reared her children in a manner
which shall make of them useful and respected
members of the community. Mrs. Clarkson is an
active member of ihe Cumberland Presbyterian
Church, in the northern part of Sidell Township
and comprises in her life and character the faith-
ful and devoted mother and the true woman. A
sketch of her father. James Thompson, will be
found on another page of this work. Mr. Clarkson
died Sept. 3, 1877.

(F ON. WILLIAM P. PEIRCE, M. D.. Mayor
ITj) of Hoopeston, is also a practicing physician
(IW' and surgeon and senior partner of the firm
'(©) Of Peirce & McCaughey, proprietors of the
drug store on Main street. The various titles ap-
pended to his name have been justly earned and
from them it will be readily guessed that he occu-
pies no secondary position in his community.

Dr. Peirce was born in Chautauqua County, N.Y.,
March 25, 1830, and lived there until about 1852,
completing his education in what was then Fredonia
Academy, but is now the Fredonia .State Normal
School. Upon leaving school he commenced the
study of medicine under the instruction of his
father, Dr. Austin Peirce, beginning his readings
at the age of eighteen years. Later he entered
upon a course of lectures in the University of the
City of New York, from which he was gradaated
in the class of 18.52.

In the fall of the year above mentioned young
Peirce came to Illinois and began the practice of
his chosen profession in Kendall County where he
resided until the outbreak of the Civil War. In
June, 1801, he raised a company of volunteers
named Company D, and assigned to the 30th Illin-
ois Infantry and of which he was elected Captain.
After a year's faithful service in this capacity, he
was appointed Surgeon to one of the new regi-
ments, the 88th Illinois, with the rank of Major.
and remained with it until the close of the war.
He met t lie enemy in many important battles, being
in the fight at Pea Ridge, Bentonville, Ark., Wil-
son's Creek, Mo., Shiloh, Tenn., and the siege of

Corinth, at which places he was in command of
his company. After receiving the appointment
of Surgeon, he was at Murfreesboro, Chickamauga,
in the Atlanta campaign, and at Nashville and
Franklin. Tenn.. besides many other important en.
gagements. The greater part of the time he acted
as Urigade Surgeon and discharged his duties in
such a manner as to gain him the friendship of his
subordinates and the approval of his superiors.

After the war was ended Dr. Peirce returned to
Illinois and located in Lisbon, Kendall Co., 111., and
subsequently at Lemont, Cook County, where he
followed his profession until 1880, when he took
up his residence in Hoopeston and is now in the
enjoyment of a lucrative business. He makes a
specialty of surgery and has met with unqualified
success. He soon afterward established his drug
store and being a liberal and public spii d citizen,
has always interested himself in the well and
progress of his adopted town.

While a resident of Kendall County, Dr. Peirce
was elected on the Republican ticket to represent
his party in the 2'5th General Assembly and during
the sessions which followed, served on the com-
mittee of State Charitable Institutions and Revenue.
Later he was appointed a delegate from the Fif-
teenth District to the Constitutional Convention
of 1870 at Springfield. In 1871 he was elected
Senator from the district comprising Kendall,
Grundy and Will counties, living at the time in
Minooka, Grundy County, where he practiced
until his removal to Cook County. During the
Constitutional Convention he was on the committee
of Federal Relations, Revenue and Judicial Dis-
tricts, sometimes serving as Chairman. In the
Senate he was Chairman of the Committee on Slate
Charitable Institutions. Railroads, Penitentiary and
Education. Wherever residing he has usually
been a representative to district and State conven-
tions, haviug always taken a lively interest in
political affairs. He is a member of the County
Medical Society and in Masonry is a Knight
Templar.

In Cook County, this State, Dr. Peirce was
married July 18. 1879, to Miss Ella Anderson.
The four children born of this union were named
respectively: William, James. Lamartine and John

-.mi;

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

Logan. They are all living and form a bright and
interesting group, which the parents look upon
with pardonable pride. Mrs. Peirce was born in
llarrisburg, Pa., May 12, 1848, and is the daughter
of James Anderson, who removed first to Cook
County. Ill , and then to Kansas where he died in
1888.

Hon. Austin Peiree, the father of our subject,
was a native of Vermont and born in 17'.I9. When
a 3'oung man he emigrated to Chenango County,
N. Y., where he lead medicine with Dr. Pitcher, of
the town of Pitcher, and afterward took a course
of instruction at Geneva. He commenced the
practice of his profession at Hamlet, Chatauqua
Co., N. Y., where he made his home for many
years. His decease occurred in 1860, when he was
sixty- one years old. The mother in her girlhood
was Miss Mary Ann Sterling of Chenango County.
The parental household included eleven children,
eight of whom lived to mature years and five of
whom are still living. The mother also survives
and makes her home in Fredonia, N. Y. She was
born in Connecticut in 1808 and came with her
father, James Sterling, to Chenango County, N. Y.,
when quite young, living there until her marriage.

The elder Peirce during his younger years be-
longed to the old Whig party and about 11S42 was
a member of the New York Legislature. He was a
man of decided views and attained to much prom-
inence in his community, serving as Township
Supervisor many years. In religious matters he
belonged to the Presbyterian Church in which he
officiated as Deacon for a long period. Dr. Peirce,
our subject, is a member of the ITniversalist Church
at Hoopeston.

A lithographic portrait of Dr. Peirce appears
elsewhere in this volume in connection with this
brief outline of his life.

. <P C).

— « ■#-#• »-

bENRY L. CHACE. The farming lands of
1 Vermilion County comprise its most val-
uable property, and the men who have re-
((gy) deemed them from their primitive condi-
tion occupy no unimportant position among a vast
and intelligent population. The subject of this

notice may be properly classed among these, as he
turns in annually a handsome sum to the county
treasury as taxes on the property which he has ac-
cumulated, largely by the .labor of his own hands.
He is a land owner to the extent of a fine farm of
440 acres, with the residence, on section 5, town-
ship 23, range 12. which, together with its build
ings and improvements, forms one of the most de-
sirable estates in this part of Vermilion County.

The native place of our subject was Newport,
R. I., where he first opened his eyes to the light
March 7, 184:3. There he spent his boyhood and
youth, completing his education in the High
School. This brought him up to the time of the
Civil War. On the 13th day of October, 1862, he
enlisted as a Union soldier in Company I), 12th
Rhode Island Infantry, in which he first served a
short time as a private, and later received the
rank of Sergeant. His regiment was made a part
of the First Brigade. Second Division, 9th Army
Corps, and operated mostly with the Army of the
Potomac. He participated in the battle of Fred-
ericksburg, and was under Gen. Burnside in his
skirmishes through Kentucky. He left the regular
ranks in August, 1863, and was assigned to the
Quartermaster's department, and given charge of
two large pontoon trains, numbers 15 and 17,
Army of the James, and was mostly stationed at
City Point until the fall of 1865, when he assisted
in the reconstruction of the burned bridge at Rich-
mond after the surrender of Lee's army, when he
was mustered out and returned home.

Our subject for a year after leaving the army
engaged in business in his native town, and in the
meantime was married, March 26, 1866, to Miss
Anna E. Cogswell. Soon afterwards they removed
to Kendall County, this State, where he engaged in
farming two years, then moved to the vicinity of
Seneca, LaSalle County, where he sojourned for a
period of eight years. His next removal, in 1877,
was to the farm which he now owns and occupies.
Upon this he has effected many improvements,
gathering around him all the conveniences and ap-
pliances of the enterprising and progressive agri-
culturist. He votes the straight Republican ticket,
and has held the various minor offices of his town-
ship. As an ex-soldier he belongs to the G. A. R.,

PORTRAIT AM) RHX ; KAPIIICAL ALBUM.

247

and funis his religious home in the Universalist
( 'hurch.

Henry Choce, the father of our subject, was like-
wise a native of Newport, R. I., where he was bom
in 1812. The paternal grandfather was Capt.
James Chace, who followed the sea for many years,
hut finally settled <>n terra firma in Newport, ami
there spent his last days. There was a large repre-
sentation of the (hare family in that city, where
they were familiarly known for several generations,
and traced their ancestors to the Puritans. Henry
Chace in early manhood was married to Miss Mary
Lyon, and for :\ time was engaged as a merchant
in Georgetown. S. C. The wife of our subject was
also a native of Newport. She was the daughter
of Aaron S. Cogswell, of Revolutionary fame,

who was the representative of an old and h r-

: 1 1 1 1 1 ■ family, which furnished a number of success-
ful business men to the commercial interests of that
time.

— >m&%- —

[LLIAM RANDY. In taking this intelli-

k«l IKliiLilAM BAJNJUX. in taKing mis mien
\/\l/i S ent ou * gentleman by the hand, we exten
VW greeting to the oldest living resident c
Danville. He i~ now approaching the seventy-sev-
enth year of his age. having been born July 22,
1812, in Bedford County. Va. When a youth of
sixteen years, he was brought by his foster-parents,
Samuel and Elizabeth Howell, to this county, they
arriving at the present site of Danville, Dec. Hi,
1828. There were then not to exceed nine families
in the town. Some men go abroad to look upon
great and wonderful things, but Mr. Randy has
seen enough at home to satisfy the ordinary indi-
vidual in the almost incredible change which has
come over the Prairie State since his arrival within
its limits.

Upon leaving the Old Dominion, the little cara-
van of which our subject was a member, having
amid much preparation and speculation bidden
their friends adieu, set out with a four-horse team,
the wagon loaded with household effects and pro-
visions, and traveled for thirty-six days before
reaching their destination. They made their bed
in their wagon at night, and set their table by
the wayside, traveling in the primitive fashion of

those days, before the time of railroads, or even
stages in this region.

T pon their arrival here the emigrants could not
even rent a cabin, but finally succeeded in finding
shelter in a log house which already contained two
families of four persons each, and which was six-
teen feet square, and stood upon the present site of
the First National Rank. Thus they spent the
winter, being able to do but little except to make
preparations for the spring campaign. The nearest
land office was at Palestine, ninety miles away, and
the father, after making the journey thither, was
not able to purchase, as the officer in charge re-
fused to accept the Virginia money, whirl: was tin;
only currency .Air. Howell possessed. Finally, Inn -
ever, he bridged over his difficulties, and succeeded
in entering 480 acres of land, upon which he erected
four cabins, the principal one of which was located
one mile southeast of the court house and con-
structed of rough logs, with a puncheon floor, two
windows and a door, using greased paper instead of
glass. The building was 16x18 feet square, and
boasted of window shutters of rived boards. For
the fireplace there was was made in the logs an ap-
erture eight feet wide, and built out three feet
back, and this was lined with earth, while the chim-
ney was built outside six feet high and covered with
mortar. This contrivance lasted for years, and
furnished sufficient heat for cooking purposes, as
well as warming the building.

The furniture in this humble domicile was like-
wise home-made, the bedstead being riven boards
set up on wooden legs, and upon it there was first
placed a straw tick, and then a feather tick. The
table was constructed in a similar manner, only
made higher. The family had brought with them
two chairs, which were given to the father and
mother, while the boys had to make stools to sit
upon. The groceries and provisions had to be
transported fifty miles from Terre Haute, and as
may lie supposed, at times the family were placed
upon short rations in this line, although wild game
being plenty, they never lacked for meats, and in a
few years there was a surplus of cattle and
swine.

After the cabin was built, the Randy family had
to carry water .'H)0 yards until a well was dug.

24 8

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

The Litlier an<I sons made a contract to get out
10,000 Mack walnut rails at 25 cents per 100, ami
in the meantime carried on as rapidly as possible
the cultivation of the new farm. William, our
subject, assisted in breaking the first timber land in
this region, and harvested some of the finest corn
ever raised. There was, however, no market for it.
and he was obliged to feed it to his hogs, and sell
the perk for from $1 to $1.50 per 100. A day's
work was equal to ten or twelve pounds of salt
pork, or eight bushels of corn, or from thirty -
seven and a half to fifty cents in cash, and the
latter price could only be commanded by extra
good men.

I)i this way were passed the first few years of
the life of our subject in this county. He attended
the first school taught in his township, and re-
mained a member of the parental household until
1831. About that time lie engaged with the State
Militia in the Black Hawk War, under Capt. J.
Rainier and Col. I. R. Moore. They went first to
Joliet and built a fort. Two or three of their
comrades were killed by the Indians. Thence they
proceeded to Ottawa, and subsequently our subject
joined the United States Mounted Rangers, which
comprised six companies. At Rock Island many were
stricken down with cholera. After operating around
Galena and Prairie-du-Chien, they finally returned
and wintered southeast of Danville until January,
when they were ordered to the other side of the
Illinois River, but there being no need of their
services in that region, they came back to the old
camp, and remained until the 1st of May. They re-
in lined ready for duty and reconnoitering in dif-
ferent sections until the fall of that year, when
they were discharged.

.Mr. Bandy now, in company with Mr. Howell,
commenced operating as a carpenter, and put up a
house on what was called Sulphur Spring Place,
about one mile southeast of the present court-
house. In the spring of 1834 they built a flat boat,
75x10 feet in dimensions, and upon this loaded
great quantities of pork, which Mr. Bandy had
purchased for the purpose of transporting to New
Orleans. The craft was propelled by hand power,
and when arriving at the Crescent City, the "trav-
eling salesman" was confronted by a cholera epi-

demic, and sold only enough to pay expenses,
putting the balance of his property into the hands
of commission men. lie then returned home and
awaited results. One morning, two years later,
going to the post-office soon after the blowing of
the horn by the carrier on horseback, he received a
letter, stating that all his pork had been sold, but
at very little profit, and the proceeds were sent him
in a draft on a bank in Louisville, Ky.

Mr. Bandy finally succeeded in getting his
money, and after building another boat, proceeded
as before, and carried on this business for several
years, conveying wheat and pork to New Orleans,
and building a new boat each year. He was the
first man to run a boat down the Mississippi River,
and about 1839 or 1840 abandoned the river until
after the close of the Mexican War. He then se-
cured a sub-contract to deliver horses in New Or-
leans, and by this time could transport by steam-
boat. The business proved quite profitable until
the last trip, when he got as far as St. Louis, and
found that the war was ended, and he was left with
fifty horses on his hands. He finally traded them
for a lot of worn-out Santa Fe horses, getting $17
a piece for his own to boot, and reserving two of
his best animals. He returned home with the poor
horses, fed them up. and sold them to the Illinois
Canal Company, receiving therefor good prices.
Later Mr. Bandy furnished a large proportion of
the packet horses of this company, and in the
meantime had carried on general merchandising in
company with his father-in-law, William Murphy,
they operating together five or six years. Later
he engaged in the hardware trade and conducted
the largest business of this kind in the county for
a number of years. Finally selling out for a large
lot of Wisconsin lands, he began dealing in real
estate, and was at one time the owner of 1,500
acres. Mr. Bandy sold considerable of this land
afterwards, but he and his wife own together
1,600 acres at the present time.

In addition to his other enterprises, Mr. Bandy
put up a large number of business houses and resi-
dences, and during the last years of his active life
confined himself largely to the business of real
estate dealer and capitalist. About 1882 he re-
tired, and for the last eight years has made his

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

249

home in Danville. His first residence was on North
street, where he had a half acre of ground, and ef-
fected some fine improvements. In 1836 he was
appointed by the Legislature as one of the com-
missioners 1" make the- slack water of the Vermilion
River, but did not see it practical. Later he was
appointed Marshal of the Eastern District of Illi-
nois, with a bond of $40,000, hut there being
nothing particularly desirable in the office, he with-
drew.

Mr. Bandy has represented his town: hip in the
County Board of Supervisors two terms; he has
served as President of the City Council, and also
a> Alderman. He voted with the Republican party
until the administration of President Lincoln, and
has since been a Democrat. His whole career lias been
signalized by liberality and public-spiritedness, he
having probably contributed as much as any other
man in furthering the interests of Danville and
vicinity. A goodly portion of his capital is now
invested in the live-stock business, which yields
him handsome returns.

The marriage of William Bandy and Miss Har-
riet J. Murphy occurred at the home of the bride
in Edgar County, III.. Oet. 16, 1833. Of this
union there were born five sons and two.daughters,
ami six of the children are living. Samuel J., the
eldest, is a resident of Danville; John W. is the
owner of the Bandy block, and is in the drug busi-
ness Bennett E. is the School Commissioner of the
township, and interested in the Building Associa-
tion; Emma, the youngest born, remains at home
with her parents, and there is also in the household
circle a foster child named Bella E. Bandy. Mrs.
Harriet Bandy departed this life March. 1872. She
was burn in Bedford Count}', Ya., and came with
her parents to this county in 1818, about the time
that Illinois was transformed from a Territory into
a State.

Mr. Bandy, in 1881, contracted a second mar-
riage with Mrs. Deborah (King) Johnson. This
lady was born in Kentucky. Oct. 13, 1815, and
when epiite young was taken by her parents to
Indiana, they settling on the western line of the
state, just across from Danville. She spent, the
greater part of her early life in Warren County,
hid. where she was married to Mr. Johnson, who

died near West Lebanon. Ind.. in 1853. Joseph
King, the father of Mrs. Bandy, was a native
of Virginia, and a fanner by occupation. He spent
his last years in Missouri.

The father of our subject was .lames Bandy, who
was born in Virginia about 171)0, and upon reach-
ing man's estate was married to Miss Nancy Brown,
also of the Old Dominion. Only two of their chil-
dren lived, and the mother died, when William, our
subject, was an infant of three years. A few years
later he was taken into the home of the Howells.
.bimes Bandy finally removed to Tennessee to take
care of his father. He was married a second time.
and came to the southern part of Illinois, where he
died in 1883, at the advanced age of ninety-three
years. He came to Virginia after his children, both
of whom were with the Howells, but the latter
were unwilling to give them up. He became the
owner of lands and slaves, which he gave to his

children.

. ooo .

| JMLLIAM O. CUNNINGHAM, an exten-
\fij// sive stock shipper of Newell Township was

born on the 15th day of December, ls.'i.s,
in this township, and is the son of .lames anil Mary
(Andrews) Cunningham, the father a native of
Kentucky. The mother of the subject of this
sketch was bom in New York, and is deceased.
The father is now retired and living at Stab-
Line. Ind.

William 0., of whom we write, is the third child
of a family of four children. He spent his boy-
hood days at home on the farm until he was about
eighteen years of age when the restless spirit of
the typical American youth seized him and he con-
cluded to see more of the world; accordingly he
went to Nebraska where be worked for a time
breaking prairie sod, but this being too slow work
for him he made up his mind that he would go to
California, which be did. He started from Nebras-
ka City for Pike's Peak in 1859, and from there
went overland to California. Here he was engaged
in mining and farming alternately, and worked
with some degree of success in this manner for
about four years, when he returned to Nebraska
where he worked for a short time and then came

250

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

back to Illinois with $1,200 in his pocket, every
cent of which was gained by reason of his indus-
trious and prudent liabits. lie invested his money
in land, buying his father's farm of 200 acres
winch was really the nucleus of his present fortune.
He then married Feb. 22, 1865, Martha J. Chand-
ler; she is the daughter of James and Elizabeth
(Frazier) Chandler, who both died in one week
from milk sickness, also two children; at that time
Mrs. Cunningham was only five years old. Mr.
and Mrs. Cunningham became the parents of nine
children, of whom seven are living, viz; Irwin,
Alice, James. Porter, Sophia, Minnie and Roy.
Stella, the oldest child, died in infancy, and a baby
boy died unnamed, and the balance are at. home.
Mr. Cunningham is giving his children the benefit
of a good education.

Mr. Cunningham is the owner of a large farm of
556 acres of as good land as there is in Illinois, es-
timated to be worth at least $70 per acre. His
residence and buildings are models of convenience
and of these he ought to feel proud. He has dis-
play< '1 a great deal of common sense in all of the
inprovei lents he has made and in none more than
in the ei\ ion of his buildings. Mr. Cunning-
ham makes a sj ecialty of Cotswold and Shropshire-
down sheep, of which he always keeps a large
flock. He is also engaged in buying and shipping
live stock to Chicago, a business which he has pros-
ecuted with success, all due to his shrewd judg-
ment as a buyer. He supplements his other bus-
iness by dealings in superior grades of fine horses,
and it is said that he is a most excellent judge of
this noble animal.

Politically, Mr. Cunningham believes that the
party that obliterated slavery from the American
continent is right, and he therefore votes and works
for the Republican party and never omits an op-
portunity to forward its success. He has never
been an active aspirant for political honors, but by
reason of his superior judgment has held the of-
fice of Assessor of this township. While he was liv-
ing in California he made an endeavor to enlist
during the War of the Rebellion, his motives be-
ing based wholly upon the love he bore his coun-
try. But being disabled he was refused admission
to the ranks of the Uuion army, though he was al-

ways in hearty and active sympathy witli the ob-
jects for which it fought. Mr. and Mrs. Cunning-
ham are active members of the Christian Church
and are always alive to any move that will uplift
humanity and make life happier.

RA FAUROT. This venerable gentleman was
long intimately connected with the agricult-
ural interests of Vermilion County, and is still
the possessor of one of its many valuable farms,
finely located in the midst of a rich farming re-
gion on section 34, Pilot Township. When he pur-
chased this farm it was wild, uncultivated land
with no buildings on it. and but one dwelling house
in sight, the country roundabout still being not far
removed from its primitive condition and sparsely
settled. It is a fact of which he may well be proud
that our subject has witnessed the greater part of
its development, and has aided its growth as only
a skillful, practical farmer can do. He is now liv-
ing here in retirement in his comfortable home,
having accumulated a competency sufficient to
guard his old age against want in any form.

The ancestors of our subject were natives of
sunny France as is betokened by his name, and
from them he inherited those genial and pleasing
traits of character that have gained him a warm
place in the hearts of those about him, and also the
thrifty and industrious habits that have led him to
prosperity. His parents, Joseph and Sarah (Sears)
Faurot, were of French ancestry, but were natives
of this country. They at one time made their home
in Ontario County, N. Y., whence they came
to Illinois, and located in Champaign County,
Ohio. They afterward turned their steps, and o-o-
ing to Steuben County, Ind., made their home
there till death claimed them, the father dyin^ in
1836, and the mother in 1839. They were the pa-
rents of five children, of whom two are living:
Jane is the widow of David Porter, of Kentucky,
and she is now living in Missouri with her three
children; Benjamin, deceased, married Louisa
Avey. of New York, and they had two children,
Elmira and Harriet; Alva, deceased, was a farmer;
he married Louisa Farmer, of Ohio, and they had

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

251

three children — William II., Alva and Farmer;
Henry, deceased, married Maria Wolf, of Ohio, and
she is now living in Missouri with her four chil-
dren — Sylvester, Theodore, Melvin and Mary.

Our subject was born in Ontario County. N. V.,
April 23, 1819, and he accompanied his parents to
Champaign County, Ohio, when he was young. At
the age of fifteen a hardy, self-reliant youth, manly
beyond his years, he left the shelter of the parental
roof to go forth into the world to fight life's bat-
tles on his own account, and for some years was
engaged in working by the month. After mar-
riage he commenced to rent land, but always with
the end in view of owning land himself as soon as
his means would allow. By frugality and hard la-
bor, at the expiration of three years, he had money
enough to buy sixty acres of timbered land, and he
lived on it the next nine years, busily engaged in
its clearance and improvement. In 1850 he sold
it. and going to Marion County, in this State, he
resided there the ensuing four years. Returning
to tins county he invested some of his money in
200 acres of wild land, from which he has devel-
oped his present fine farm, on which he has erected
suitable, well-appointed buildings, and has every
convenience for carrying on agriculture to the best
advantage.

• To the wife who has shared his fortunes and been
an important factor in bringing about bis pros-
perity, Mr. Faurot was united in marriage July 2,
1840. Her maiden name was Elvira Fowler, and
she is a daughter of Willey and Cynthia (Perkins)
Fowler, natives respectively of London, England,
and Germany. They came to this country and
spent their last days here. The following is the
record of the five children born to our subject and
his wife: Hannah was born June 130, 1841 ; Cyn-
thia. Feb. 19, 1843; Sarah, Feb. 15, 184G; Victo-
ria. Aug. 21, 1849, died Oct. 10, 1851; Willie,
born Sept. 11. 1852; Joseph. Jan. 18, 1858. Hannah
marr>ed John Davidson, of Ohio, now living in this
county, and they have five children — Arabella, Ira,
Zeruah and two dead; Cynthia married Hugh V.
Davidson, of Marion County, Ohio, now living in
this county, and they have four children — Ella,
Josephine. James and Estella; Sarah has been
twice married. Her first husband was Aaron Davis,

Of Shelby County, 111., and they had four children
— Olive, Seigel, Eflie and Leona. Her present hus-
band is Alexander Steward, of Champaign County,
III., and they have four children — Lizzie, Alvina,
Jessie and James ().; W i Hie married Annie Ay, of
Douglas County, 111., and they are living in this
county; they have three children — Ira, Elsie and
Florence; Joseph, a retired farmer living in Arm-
strong, married Flora Thompson, and they have
one child. Amy.

.Mr. Faurot is a thoroughly good and upright
man, who is well thought of by the entire commu-
nity. His life-record shows that he is a man of
good capacity and sound discretion, always cordial
and kindly in his relations with others and fair
in his dealings with them. As consistent members
of the Christian Church, he and his wife and chil-
dren exert a good influence in the township, or
wherever they may be. Politically, Mr. Faurot is
a decided Republican, and gives his party the ben-
efit of his hearty support.

■\fjOSEPH J. SIDELL. The son of the
founder of the village of Sidell, naturally
occupies no secondary position among the
' people, not only of the village but the town-
ship at large. The late Hon. John Sidell, after
whom the township was named, was long recog-
nized as one of the leading men of Vermilion
County, and possessed those talents, both natural
and required, which distinguished hiin as a charac-
ter more than ordinarily forcible and efficient, and
one who had a sensible and permanent influence
on the community where he was so favorably
known for so many years.

The father of our subject was born at Hagers-
town, Washington Co., Md.. June 27, 1816, and
his earl}' life was spent in Maryland and Ohio.
His father having died when he was a lad of eight
years the boy was thrown largely upon his own re-
sources, but he seemed to have within him the ele-
ments of success, and those years which were
fraught witli perhaps hardship and privation suf-
ficed to develop a character of more than ordinary
excellence. At the age of nineteen years, being

252

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

dissatisfied with his condition and his prospects in
his native state, he emigrated to Ohio and engaged
to work out by the month in Greene County on a
farm at $12.50 per month.

Saving what he could of his earnings young
Sidell in due time purchased a horse and mounting
it started for the farther West. He crossed Illinois
and visited Iowa, hut finding nothing particularly
desirable returned to Ohio and took a contract tn
cut cordwood at thirty-three and one-third cents
per cord. This was extremely hard work for Such
small pay, but he persevered at it until he was able
to do something better. While a resident of Ohio
he was married Jan. 20, 1816, to Miss Elizabeth
Cline, who became the mother of two children and
died in 1854. lie was then married to Miss Ada
B. Ransom, who also died after :i comparatively
short period of married life.

Mr Sidell came to the county in 1860, and for
the firsi > years occupied himself in agricultural
pursuits. Lu.ter he drifted into stock-raising and
became one of the leading men in this industry in
Vermilion County. His eldest son. George A.,
stalled West at the age of nineteen yens and pros-
pected for gold in and around Fair Play. South
Park, Col. He was one of the first men to discover
silver at Leadville, and was founder of the town.
lie became owner of the celebrated Beaver Creek
Silver .Mine, eight or ten miles southwest, and con-
tinues his residence there. Allie E., the daughter
of his first wife, married Mr. C. C. Tincher, who
is well known in the financial circles of Danville.

Mrs. Ada B. (Ransom) Sidell, mother of the
subject of this sketch, was horn in the city of
Toronto, Canada, and being left an orphan
when quite young, was reared to womanhood by
an excellent family who gave her a good educa-
tion. She left the Dominion when a young lady,
and going to Greene County, Ohio, engaged in
teaching, and formed the acquaintance of her fut-
ure husband. There were born to them two chil-
dren. Mr. Sidell in coming to Illinois settled near
Paris in Edgar County, and having some means
engaged at once extensively in the cattle trade,
lie had learned carpentering early in life. Before
locating, however, he traveled extensively on
horseback in the West, crossing Illinois nine times

and through portions of Texas and Iowa. He was
in the Lone Star State before its admission into
the Union. It will be remembered that Samuel
Houston was chief sovereign of that country at
that time, and John Sidell erected a residence for
him at Houston.

The live stock enterprise of Mr. Sidell prospered
very well, and not finding a sufficient area of land
to suit his purpose in Edgar County he came to
this county where in due time he became the owner
of 7,000 acres. Upon becoming a voter he had
identified himself with the Old Whig party, but
upon its abandonment allied himself with the Re-
publicans, lie interested himseif greatly in politi-
cal affairs, and was elected a representative to the
Lower House of the Legislature, in which position
In- acquitted himself in a manner reflecting great
credit upon his good judgment and honesty. He
was instrumental in defining and improving the
road laws of Illinois, and was an influential member
of the General Assembly, participating in most of
its important deliberations. In later years he
gradually retired from public life.

At the suggestion of Mr. John C. Short, one of
the earliest settlers of Sidell Township, it was
given its present name. Mr. Sidell was very lib-
eral and public spirited and cheerfully gave of his
time and means to encourage the enterprises calcu-
lated for the general good. Several years ago he
decided to open a portion of his lands to settlers
who would locate and make homes for themselves,
and thus disposed of a large tract ata very reason-
able price, realizing from the sales the sum of
$115,000. At the same time he retained a large
portion of land himself and was instrumental in
bringing the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad to
this section, freely donating the right of way. The
town of Archie had been laid out and was boom-
ing before Sidell had an existence, but finally was
practically absorbed by the superior advantages
ottered by the founder of Sidell as a business point,
ami consequently enterprising men invested their
capital here.

Mr. Sidell at one time chartered a train and ran
it free from Columbus, Ohio, for the benefit of
those desiring to make a home in the West. Sidell
was laid out in 1881, and its illustrious founder

Residence or Alvin Stearns , , Sec.1, (Ti8.-R.ia.) VanccTownship.

-. , . :

_i_L_^ ■■■-- ^ -■■

Residence of John R.Kin5ey,5ec.23.(T.19.-R.13) Oakwqod Township.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

•2:. 5

lived to note its phenomenal growth ami prosper-
ity. He departed this life Jan. 29, 1889, after a
severe illness of eleven weeks. Although not a
member of any church he donated generously to-
ward the erection of the various church edifices in
this region, giving to the Kimber Methodist Epis-
copal Church alone $500, this structure being lo-
cated in Danville. He had identified himself with
the Masons some years before his decease and was
buried with the honors of the fraternity.

To Mr. Sidell and his second wife there were
born three children, Jennie II., Joseph John and
Luclla Blanche. The eldest daughter is now the
wife of William Southwick, a clothier of Streeter,
111.; Luella married Frank Hastings, an extensive
cattle breeder, and they live in Essex, Page Co.,
Iowa; Mr. Hastings makes a specialty of three dif-
ferent breeds of cattle, the West Highland Scotch
— the first ever bred in America — the Hereford
and the Short-horn.

The subject of this sketch was born March 11.
1862, at Dudley. Edgar Co., 111., and the scenes of
his first recollections were in connection with the
first cattle ranch of his father near that place. He
began at an early age to assist his father in looking
after the cattle, and mounted on his broncho
scoured the country for many a mile in the fall
enjoyment of boyish youth and strength. He at-
tended the schools of his home district. W r hile a
boy of seven he went in charge of a train load of
cattle from Earimount, 111., to Buffalo, N.Y. In
case one of the bovines sought repose by lying
down at the risk of being trampled to death, he
exerted himself to keep it in a standing position,
and if not able to do this alone would solicit the
assistance of a brakeman.

When a youth of seventeen our subject entered
the Russell Preparatory School for Yale College,
but he was Western in his mode of thinking and
in his habits and manners, and an utter stranger to
the mode of living of the light-headed Eastern
students, so he abandoned his first intention of en-
tering Yale, and returning home continued with
his father in the cattle business. He is now re-
volving in his mind the plan of embarking exten-
sively in this in the near future farther west, prob-
ably in Nebraska, but will make his home at the

old place, which is beautifully situated 2l(i rods
northwest of sidell.

The marriage of our subject with Miss Mamie
C, daughter of .Michael Fisher, of Indianola, took
place at the bride's home in 1884. Mr. Fisher is a
hardware merchant and one of the leading men of
his town. A sketch of him will be found elsewhere
in this ALBUM. Mrs. Sidell was born at Indianola.
where she completed her studies, being graduated
from the High School. Of her union with our sub-
ject there are two children: Rozalia and Zelda
Luella. Mrs. Sidell belongs to the Methodist
Episcopal Church. Our subject, like his father be-
fore him, is Republican in politics and belongs to the
Masonic fraternity, being a member of Vermilion
Lodge, No. 265, of Indianola. He is endeavoring
to comply' with his father's wish of having a Ma-
sonic lodge established in Sidell. and is a charter
member of the M. W. C. at this place, lie is a
young man of sterling worth and very popular
both in business and social circles.

^•hh- $<:££$>-**- «-

ELDER GEORGE W. DODSON. a promi-
nent and influential citizen of Blount Town-
ship, is the owner of a farm on section 16,
which in regard to cultivation and neat, well-ap-
pointed buildings is indeed one of the best in this
part of Vermilion County. The Elder is one of the
leading members of the Regular Baptist Church,
and for a number of years has preached almost
constantly in this and Champaign County, and as a
man of true piety is an acknowledged power for
good wherever he may be. He is also closely con-
nected with the management of local public affairs,
ami has been an incumbent of some of the most re-
sponsible civic offices. He has held the position of
Supervisor of Blount Township three terms, has
served as Road Commissioner the same length of
time and has been School Director many years. He
has not taken an active part in political affairs, but
is a decided Democrat in his views.

The subject of this biographical review was born
in the vicinity of Hendricks, in Boone County.
Ind., Aug. 1, 1839, being the eldest son and fifth
child of the six children, four daughters and two

256

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

sons, born to Uuel and Mary (Dickerson) Dodson,
natives, respectively, of Kentucky and Virginia.
His parents married and settled in Boone County
and lived then- till February, 184-8, wben they
came to Vermilion County and cast in their lot
with the pioneers of Blount Township, settling
about a mile northeast of Higginsville. They lived
there only three or four years, however, wdien the
father sold that farm and bought another that he
considered more desirable, pleasantly located in the
Faircliild settlement in Blount Township. There
the mother died Aug. 8, 1860, and the father took
for his second wife Lucinda Walls, who survives
him. He died at Kiekart's Corner in Blount Town-
ship. Feb. 28, 1871, thus rounding out a life that
was a credit to himself, his friends and his com-
munity.

His son George, of whom we write, was between
eight and nine years old when his parents brought
him to their new home in Vermilion County, and
lie grew to man's estate in Blount Township, his
parents training him in all useful labors and care-
fully instilling into his mind those high and holy
principles that have been his guides in all his after
life, lie attended the common schools, and being
an apt pupil gained a good practical education. He
has always paid attention to the calling to which
he was bred, and there is no more skillful or shrewd
farmer in the neighborhood than lie, as is shown by
the appearance of his farm of 350 acres of well
tilled land, with its comfortable dwelling, fine con-
veniently arranged barn and other substantial
buildings, among the best in the township.

Elder Dodson has been twice married. The first
time in Blount Township, to Miss Sarah A. Walls,
who was born in Hendricks County. Ind.. duly 29,
1842. She was a member of the Regular Baptist
Church and a truly good and virtuous woman,
whose death Aug. 8, 1867, was deplored far beyond
the home circle. She bore her husband three chil-
dren: Annie M., the -wife of William O'Toole;
John W., who married Fva K. Faircliild; George
W., who married Lillie Parks.

Our subject was married to his present wife March
12, 1868, and in her he has found a cheerful and
ready helper, and an able manager in her depart-
ment, she making their home cosy and comfortable

for the family and attractive to others, who often
share its generous hospitalities. Mrs. Dodson's
maiden name was Dorcas T. Pilkington, and she was
born in Hamilton County, Ind., Dec. 10, 1846.
Her marriage with our subject has been blessed by
the birth of eleven children, as follows: Sarah L.,
who died when about two years old; Carrie E.;
Ruel I-'., who died when six months old; Ira W. W.,
Dora E.. who died at the age of nine months; .lames
V.. Jesse R., Effie L.. Bertha \V.. who died when
one year old; Lillie M. and Bessie Orella.

In all his useful and honorable career the Elder
has been guided by the highest moral sentiments,
and has ever shown himself to be a just, kind-
hearted, pure-souled man, one in whom his fellow-
men can safely place their trust, and whose sagacity
and wisdom eminently fit him for the part of coun-
sellor. He has been identified with the Regular
Baptist Church for many years, has filled the office
of Deacon, and was ordained Elder in the church
Nov. 28, 1874, since which time he has preached
regularly in this and Champaign County, as before
mentioned, with great acceptance to his hearers.
His ministry has been very successful and much
good has resulted from it. He has brought joy to
many hearts, has soothed and comforted many in
grief, and many have turned from the error of their
ways, persuaded to do thus by his simple, earnest
words of warning, and by the example of a godly,
upright life.

S?SAAC CURRENT comes of sterling pioneer
! stock, his immediate ancestry on both sides of

/!! the house having been early settlers of Ver-
milion County, who figured honorably in the his-
tory of its settlement. He is a fine representative
of the native born citizens who are sustaining and
extending the large agricultural interests of this
fair land of their birth, and the farm that he owns
and is successfully managing in Danville Town-
ship compares very favorably with the best in this
vicinity in point of cultivation, neat and substan-
tial buildings and well ordered appearance, and its
fertile acres yield him an ample income.

Mr. Current was born in Newell Township, Yer-

PORTRAIT AM) BIOGIi Al'AICAL ALBUM.

25 7

milion County. Nov. 17. 1845. He is a descend-
ant of Virginia families, both his parents and their
parents having been born in the Old Dominion.
his father. William Current, April 20, 1803, and
his mother. Man Baston, Oct. 19, 1807. The pater-
nal grandfather of subject was a fanner in Harri-
son County. Va., but he finally disposed of his
property in that State, and coming to Vermilion
County in 1827, with his family, was one of the ear-
liest settlers in what is now known as Newell Town-
ship. He entered a tract of Government land
and was a resident in that township till death called
him hence, though he did not die on that farm.
but on the old homestead of his father, which he
had entered; after the death of his father he buying
that farm of the other heirs. The father of our
subject was reared in his native State, and there
married Miss Mary, daughter of Henry Baston.
Her father was a resident of Harrison County in
his native Virginia till 1827. when he came with
others to Vermilion County, and entered a tract of
land and improved a farm in what is now Danville
Township, and lived here many years. He had
learned the trade of a hatter in his youth; and after
he came here found it very profitable to work at it
a part of the time, his hats finding a ready sale.
I'k mi this place Mr. Baston moved to Iowa in
1848 and became a pioneer of Marion County. A
few years later he came back to Illinois and made
his home with his children for a time, and then re-
turned to the Hawk Eye State and resided there till
his demise at the advauced age of ninety-eight
years. His wife lived to be about the same age.
They were the parents of fourteen children, ten of
whom grew to maturity and married.

The father of our subject continued to live in
Harrison County till 1827, but early that year he
left the State of his nativity accompanied by his wife,
his parents and her parents, bound for the then far
West, and made the entire journey with ox teams.
He settled in Newell Township and entered the
tract of Government land that is now owned and
occupied by his eldest son. It was wild prairie at
the time, with no improvements whatever, and he
had to erect a rude pole house for temporary shel-
ter, and in that the family resided a year. It was
then burned with all its contents, and a more sub-

stantial log bouse "as put up iii its place, and in
that humble abode the most of his children were
born. When he first went onto this land he did
not have money enough to pay for it and held it
as a claim till he could earn money enough break-
ing prairie for others, to buy it. He had learned
the trade of wagon-maker before coming here, and
he built a shop on his place and devoted part of
his time to making wagons. When he had three
or four wagons made he would yoke his oxen and
start for Chicago to sell them, and at the same time
his wife, who was a thrifty, economical housekeep-
er, would send the eggs and butter that she had
saved, to market. There were no railways for
years after he settled here, and deer and othei
kinds of wild game were plentiful and often troub-
lesome in the wheat fields of the pioneers, and
where the flourishing city of Danville stands there
was then no village. Mr. Current closed a life
that had been a useful one and an honor to his com-
munity-, on his old homestead Aug. (I. 18.31, dying
while yet in his prime. His wife died in October,
1885.

Isaac Current of this sketch was reared and educa-
ted in this, his native county. He was but six
years old when his father died, and he continued
with his mother till his marriage. He then estab-
lished himself on a part of the homestead, and two
years later bought his present farm, where he has
built up one of the most attractive homes in the
township.

Mr. Current has been three times married. Clar-
issa E. Lynch, to whom he was wedded Dec. 14.
1862,was his first wife. She was born in Danville
Township in 184.'5, and died here .lime 14, 1869,
leaving one child, Rachel II. She is now the wife
of Isaac Bowman of Vance Township, and they have
one child named William Isaac. Mr. Current's
second marriage was to Mary (Campbell) Wyatt,
their union taking place Oct. 28, 1869. She was
born in Newell Township Aug. 1, 18 1,"), and died
June 21, 1872.

Mr. Current's marriage with his present wife,
Mrs. Derotha (Jones) Noel, took place Jan.
26, 1883. Her first husband was Arthur Noel by
whom she had one son, Shelby 1'. Noel — he married
Hannah Lappin.lhey have three children, viz: Percy

258

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

Leo, Lorla Belle, and Arthur Raymond. She was
born in Rockville, Park Co.. Intl. ,. Ian. 13, 1845. Her
father, Cornelius Jones was born in Virginia, and
when a young man went to Park County, Ind., and
there married Nancy Hull, a native of Ohio, lie
lived in Park County till 1881, and then came to
Illinois and made his home with a son in Doughs
Count}' till his decease in March, 1885. His wife
died May 10, 1860. Mr. and Mrs. Current have
one son, Charles R.

It may well be the pride of our subject that it
has been his privilege not only to witness the won-
derful progress of his native count}' since his birth,
but thai he lias had a share in advancing its mate-
rial prosperity and making it a great agricultural
centre. He has accumulated a valuable property
by the exercise of those faculties that mark him as
a man of more than usual sagacity, far reaching
forethought, and practical tenacity of pin-pose.
Underlying all these traits are those high princi-
ples that have gained him the trust and respect of
his fellow-citizens. Both he and his wife are act-
tive members of the Asbury Methodist Episcopal
Church, as is also their son. In politics, on Na-
tional issues he sides with the Democrats, but in
local affairs the best man for the office gets his
vote without regard to his party affiliations.

Vi; OHX J. SOUTHWORTH is one of the young
leading and progressive business men of one
of the most promising villages in Vermilion
County. Allerton. The town lies on the line
which divides Vermilion from Champaign County.
and was laid out in 1887. The depot was built the
same fall and located on lands given to that pur-
pose by Sam W. Allerton, of Chicago.

Mr. Southworth was the first business man who
located at the town of Allerton. Before coming
here he was engaged in the town of Archie in the
lumber business. In 1887 he took charge of Al-
lerton's steam elevator, removing his lumber yard
here at the same time, and on July 20, 1887, he
bought the first load of grain purchased in Aller-
ton, a load of corn, from Thomas L. Miller, of
Champaign County. The price paid was forty cents

a bushel. As soon as the railroad was completed
to his town he added to his stock of lumber, salt,
binding twine, sand and barbed wire. Mr. South-
worth is a son of John R. and Anna (Akers) South-
worth, the nativity of the former being at Thom-
aston, Mass., while the latter was born in Harris-
burg, Pa.

John R. Southworth was reared as a mechanic,
working in the woolen mills at Lowell, Mass.. but
in 1854, thinking the broad prairies of the West
were more conducive to happiness than the
cramped shops of the East, he came to Champaign
County, III., eventually. His first removal west
was to Ohio, where he was married. As a farmer of
Illinois he was fairly prosperous, and was promi-
nently identified with the progress of his neighbor-
hood, lie died on his farm at the age of seventy-
four years, while his wife still lives there. The
maternal grandparents of the subject of this sketch
died while Mrs. Southworth was quite young. They
were natives of England, as were also the paternal
grandparents. The great-grandfather, Roy South-
worth, served with distinguished honor through
the entire period of the Revolutionary War, and
his descendants are in possession of a cane, the head
of which is composed of solid silver in the shape of
a dog's head, and inscribed thereon are the words,
"Southworth, 1776." The silver was taken from
the hilt of a British sword, which he captured from
the enemy. Our subject's parents had six children:
Addie, Julia, Frank, Lehmond, John J. and Lillie.

John Jay Southworth was born at Coldwater,
Mich., in 1852, and when he was but three years
old emigrated with his parents to Illinois, where he
was reared upon a farm and received his primary
education at the public schools. At the age of
twenty he entered Oberlin College, where he con-
tinued a student for some time, and afterward com-
pleted his education at Champaign. In 1875 he was
married to Miss Mary F. Irwin, who was born in
Champaign County, 111., and who was graduated
from the women's department of the Bloommglon
College. She was engaged as a teacher in her na-
tive county, for sometime and was reckoned as one
of the best teachers. Soon after their mariange the
young couple removed to Archie, where Mr. South-
worth engaged in business, and from the start has

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

259

been successful. They have had four children:
Grace, Walter, Ida and Anna Mary; the latter died
when slit- was twenty months old.

Mr. Southworth owns a fine farm of eighty acres
four miles ninth of Allerton. lie is also engaged
in the hotel business, he and his wife being the pro-
prietors of the Allerton House. He is a member of
the odd Fellows lodge, and votes the Republican
ticket. The offices of School Director and Trustee
have been filled by him with ability. In all his
efforts of life in which he has succeeded he has
been ably seconded by his intelligent and faithful
wife, and it is safe to predict that they will go on
prospering. They are prominently identified with
the prosperity of their town, and there are no
better people in it.

fl WILLIAM COPELAND is the son of Samuel.
\/\lli wnose f ;ll 'ier was likewise named Samuel,
V(7\y a native of Ireland, having been born
near Dublin. He, with his brother, Robert, came
to the United States when young men and located
at Philadelphia, Pa. From there the brother went
to South Carolina, and has not since been heard
from by our subject. The grandfather married
near Philadelphia, and after a few years removed
to Galia County, Ohio, the subject's father being
then a little boy. The journey was made on pack
horses. The father and older brothers, Isaac and
Robert, were carried in a basket lashed to a horse.
That journey was made about 1805, many years
previous to the building of any railroads. Even
road wagons were not in general use at that time.
Sleds were used in all seasons of the year. The
only wagons in use in those parts were such as were
known as truck wagons, the wheels of which were
made of a piece, perhaps six inches, sawed off the
end of a round log and a hole bored in the center
for the axle, which was also wood. The wheels
were held on the axle by wooden linch-pins, in fa^t
the entire wagon was made of wood. The grand-
parents located among the hills and heavy timber
and there made n farm on which they reared their
family of eight children, of whom our subject's
father was the third child and only survivor. The

children were: Robert. Isaac. Samuel, .lames. Ham-
ilton. Mary A. .lane, and Mahala. The grand-
parents spent their last days on the Ohio farm.
The parents Of Our Subject were married in (.alia

County, Ohio, the mother being Elizabeth, daugh-
ter of William Ham, of German ancestry and earlj
settlers of Ohio.

Like the grandparents, the parents of our subject
reared a large family consisting of eleven children:
William H„ George W., Perry, Mary A., Nancy,
Malinda, Andrew, Delila, Clarinda, Emily, and
Elizabeth. The four elder were born in Ohio.
In 1827, the parents of the subject of this sketch,
with their family, removed to this county and
made the journey on a keel-boat down the Ohio
and up the Wabash to Perrysvillc, Ind. The father
made the boat for the journey and brought the
household goods and also salt. Out of the profit on
that load of salt he made a start in life. He sold
it at Perrysville, where he hired a man with a team
to haul his goods and family seven miles north-
west of Danville, where he entered eighty acres,
part timber and part prairie. His first house was
made by laying a pole from one tree to another
about ten feet apart on a fork in either tree, against
which poles and rails were leaned on each side for a
roof. In that tent they lived until they could
build a log house, and in this house the family was
chiefly reared. After getting the eighty acres in
a good state of cultivation he would buy more
land as he could, until he had increased his farm to a
considerable extent. On that farm the worthy
mother spent her last days. The father makes his
home with our subject during the winter and with
his daughter, Elizabeth, now Mrs. .Milton Lamb,
of Danville, in the summer. Thefatherof William
II. is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church,
in which faith his mother died.

In the wilds of Illinois educational advantages
were very limited, and the school which our sub-
ject attended at twelve years of age was called a
"subscription school." Each family would board
the teacher in proportion to the number of puplis.
The school-house was built of round logs, punch-
eon floor and slab doors. The window was made
with greased paper pasted over the hole cut in a
log. The M-ats were also made of puncheon. The

260

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPAICAL ALBUM.

school term only lasted about three months of the
year, these being the winter months, when the
work on the farm was retarded by cold weather.

The next step of importance was the marriage of
our subject to Miss Racbael Sterns. Her parents
were Zara and Mary (Smalley) Stems. They too
were pioneers in this county and came from near
Clarkesville, Ohio, and were among the very earl-
liest settlers. They died at an advanced age near
Williamsport, hid. By his first marriage there
were ten children: Mary married James Wilson
and died in 1860. Mr. Wilson enlisted in the war
and was killed at the battle of Chickasaw. Their
only surviving child, William II., was reared by
our subject for whom he was named; Nancy, now
Mrs. W. II. Duncan lives in this county; E. II.;
Almeda is married to Frank Johns and died
about, 1875; Eli lives in Missouri; Andrew Z ; an
infantson; Elizabeth now Mrs. John B. Chambers;
George; Harmon; and Charles, who died at the age
of four years. Mrs. Copeland died Jan. 27, 1831,
a worthy member of the Baptist Church in which
faith she lived. Our subject was married a sec-
ond time to Elizabeth Kirkhart, September, 1885.
Her parents were also early settlers here and came
from Whitsell County, Va., in which State they
were born. Her mother, Ann (^Courtney) Kirk-
hart, died when Mrs. Copeland was about eight
3'ears old. Her father, John died a few years
later, thus leaving her an orphan in earl}' life.
Previous to her marriage with the subject of this
sketch Mrs. Copeland had been married to Stephen
Lamb, who died in 1882.

William Copeland is a member of the Baptist
Church, while his wife is a member of the United
Brethern Church. He lias held the offices in this
county of Supervisor, twelve years; School Direc-
tor, twenty years; Road Commissioner, three years.
His politics are strictly Republican. His indus-
trious habits have been crowned by a splendid
property in the village of Potomac, where he lives.
He owns a large, well furnished frame house and
three lots, finely planted with shade and fruit trees.
The house has all modern conveniences, and testi-
fies to the neatness and taste of its owners. He
also owns another residence and a. large business
house in the village. Beside these, a fine farm of

440 acres in this county, where he lived for many
years, and here his family was reared. He has
given each of his children at their marriage $2,500,
and still has a competency remaining to keep
himself and wife as long as they live. I lis pres-
ent prosperous condition speaks well for his good
management and frugality, for when first married,
in 1841, he was destitute of means. Mr. Copeland
is one of those worthy pioneers, who is now living
a life of peaceful retirement.

HARLES E. WHITTON has been a resident
, of Illinois nearly all his life, though he has
lived in Vermilion County but a short time.
He was born in Oneida County, N. Y., J11I3* 3.
1847, and when a boy, came West with his parents,
Robert and Mary (Ferguson) Whitton. They set-
tled on a farm in Grundy County, 111., and the
father and mother are now living at Hammond,
Ind., near Chicago. The former is an Englishman
by birth, and came to this country with an elder
brother when quite young, while the latter is a
native of Oneida County, N. Y.

Charles E. Whitton was brought up on the home
farm in Grundy County, and when Fort Sumter
was fired upon, ardently desired to enter the Union
army, but was not accepted because of his youth.
On i'eli. 7, 1865, however, he stole a few months
of the time necessary, and at the age of seventeen
years and six months enlisted in Company C, 147th
Illinois Infantry, and served for a year. On the
declaration of peace, his company was assigned to
Provost Marshal duty in Georgia, and was so en-
gaged until Jan. 20, 1866, on which day they were
mustered out. After his return, being still but a
boy, although a veteran, Mr. Whitton went to
school, and for two years studied with an especial
view of preparing himself for the profession of
school teaching. In this vocation he was subse-
quently engaged for more than twelve 3'ears, mostly
in Iroquois Count}', 111., and in Benton County,
hid. In the latter county he was also Superinten-
dent of Schools for two years, discharging the res-
ponsible duties of that position satisfactorily to
the people, and with credit to himself. During all

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBIM.

261

the years he was teaching he was also working at
farming during the summer months. In the spring
of 1884 lie began work on a rented farm in Iro-
quois County, but his first wife dying about- that
time, Mr. Whitton gave up this place, and after his
second marriage lived for three years on a farm in
Iroquois County, belonging to his present wife.
This they sold in 1888, and then bought and re-
moved to the fine farm of 200 acres, on section 21,
in Grant Township, where they now make their
home.

As stated, Mr.Whitton has been twice married —
first in 1 877, to Miss Salinda .bines, who died in the
spring of 1884, leaving two boys, Lewis and Law-
rence. On Dee. Ill, 1884, Mr. Whitton was united
in marriage with Mrs. Laura 11. Dunham, widow of
Quiney Dunham, of Logan County, 111. She is a
daughter of David and Mary (Houser) Alsop, and
was born in Spencer Count}', Ky., Aug. 26, 1840.
Both the parents were also born in that county,
where Mr. Alsop was a farmer. They emigrated
to Logan County, 111., when Laura was but nine
years old, and she has ever since been a resident of
this State. Her mother died in 1875, and her
father is still living in Logan County. He, too,
although a southerner by birth, was a soldier of
freedom, and served for three years in the Union
army as a member of Company F, 106th Illinois
Infantry. In fact, all of Mrs.Whitlon's connections
showed themselves to be true patriots, her father,
her father-in-law, her first and her second husband,
all having served bravely in the Union ranks. Wil-
liam Dunham, her first husband's father, was Chap-
lain of the 106th Illinois Infantry, the same regi-
ment in which her father was a soldier. He served
through the war. but contracted a disease from
which he never recovered, and which terminated
his life in 1877.

Laura 15. Alsop (now Mrs. Whitton) was married
to Quiney Dunham, Dec. 15, 1870. He, like Mr.
Whitton, was a youthful soldier, having been born
Aug. C, 1847, in Warren County, Ohio, and on
Feb. 10, 1865, when seventeen years and six months
old. enlisted in Company M. 6th Illinois Cavalry,
serving for nine months, and was discharged Nov.
5,1865. After his return from the army, young
Dunham was engaged in farming pursuits in Logan

County until his death. He bought the farm in
Iroquois County, on which .Mr. and .Mrs. Whitton
lived after their marriage, but never occupied ii
himself. The circumstances attending his death,
which occured Dec 9, 1881. were very sad, A man
whom he had hired to work on the farm was found
to be suffering from smallpox, and Mr. Dunham
contracted the disease, and died from it. His
brother, Monroe Dunham, who was married to a
sister of Mrs. Whitton. and a sister of Mrs. Lucy
Zollars, with a child of Monroe's, named .Maud,
also fell victims to the same dread disease, as did
five of their neighbors, making nine in all who died
before the pest could be controlled.

Mr. and Mrs. Quiney Dunham became the parents
of six children, all of whom are now living with
their mother, and are named Clarence K.. Mary I...
William D., Arthur A.. Pearl E. and Grace L. Mr.
and Mrs. Whitton have one child, a bright little
girl, named Estella K. Though not long residents
in Vermilion County, they have lived near its bor-
ders, and are well known in this part of the county.
Both are respected members of the Christian
Church, and he is a member of Boswell Lodge, No.
486, A. F. & A. M„ of Boswell. Ind.

Mr. Whitton is known as an industrious, hard-
working man, who attends closely to the duties of
his farm, in which he is ably assisted by his ener-
getic and capable wife. The farm they now own
is a fine property, and under their careful manage-
ment is being rapidly improved, and when their
plans are fully carried out, it will be one of the
best properties of its size in this neighborhood.

fjOHN II. PARRISH has for twenty years
or more been one of the leading men of
Sidell Township. As a farmer he is skillful
and successful, has a comfortable and beau-
tiful home, and is genial and hospitable in his
manner, gaining the good will of all with whom he
comes in contact. He is considerable of a politi-
cian, and in 1879 was elected Highway Commis-
sioner for a term of three years. He was re-elected
in 188;"). and served another term. Prior to his
assuming the duties of this office the Commis-

262

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

sioners had contracted for a large amount of road
grading, and unwisely involved the township in
debt to the amount of $4,000. By careful man-
agement on the part of Mr. Parrish this sum has
been greatly reduced, so that the township finances
are placed upon a sound basis.

Our subject was born May 7, 1839, in Coshocton
County, Ohio. There his early life was spent, and
as his brother had left the parental roof when
about sixteen years old, John naturally assumed
the principal charge of the homestead. To this he
brought a bride in 1864, being married that year
to Miss Elizabeth Donnelly. This lady was a na-
tive of his own county — in fact they had grown up
together from childhood. They resided in Ohio
until after the birth of two children, coming to
this county in 1868. In the meantime the brother,
Joseph Parrish, had become owner of a large farm,
a part of which our subject rented, and upon which
he operated with success. He, however, with many
others at the time suffered greatly from ague, a
disease common among the early settlers, be-
fore the land had been sufficiently cultivated to
do away with miasma.

The first purchase of our subject in this county
was eighty acres, the nucleus of his present home-
stead, and to which he added until he had 200
acres. He put up a fine dwelling in 1888, and has
brought his land to a good state of cultivation. To
him and his estimable wife there were born nine
interesting children, the eldest of whom, a daugh-
ter. Giula, is the wife of Joseph Thompson, of
Sidell Township; Melvin P. remains at the home-
stead; Charles died when eighteen months old;
Horace C, Allie, Grace, and Harley are at home.
Belle died at the age of eighteen months, and Gro-
ver C. died when an infant. Mr. Parrish votes
with the Democracy, and is quite prominent in
local politics, frequently serving as a delegate to
the county conventions. He has also served on
the Circuit, Petit, and Grand Juries, and has offi-
ciated as School Director for a period of fifteen
years.

James and Lania ( Hardman) Parrish, the parents
of our subject, were natives respectively of Bel-
mont and Coschocton counties, Ohio. The Par-
rishes were originally from Pennsylvania, in which

State the mother's family also flourished quite nu-
merously at an early day. The parents were mar-
ried in Kosciusko County, where the father success-
fully pursued his trade of carpenter and joiner, and
lived to be seventy-two years old. The mother
died when our subject was a lad of seven, leaving
besides himself, an older brother, Joseph, and a
sister younger, Hannah, now Mrs. W. 15. Shane, who
lives in Smithtield, Ohio.

^^UY C. HOWARD. Among the most promi-
|| (— -, nent merchants of Armstrong, Mr. G. C.
V^i) Howard takes the lead. He is noted for his
success and excellent business qualifications. He
was the son of Joseph, whose father, Nathan, was
a native of Ohio, and who was of English descent.
This gentleman came to Illinois among the pio-
neers, and located three miles northeast of Dan-
ville. His wife, Nancy, was of Irish ancestry.
This worthy couple were blest with six children;
Joseph, Clinton, Milton. Richard; Julia, who mar-
ried C. Campbell, and died in this county; and one
other, who died quite young. Our subject's father,
who was born in Ohio, is the eldest of these chil-
dren. Here he was united in wedlock with Miss
Barbara Snyder, a daughter of Asa B. Snyder, who
was also a pioneer. Of this marriage there was but
one child, our subject. The father had been pre-
viously married to a daughter of Ralph Martin,
another pioneer of this county. It was here in
Vermilion County that the father died in the year
1850, eighteen months after the birth of their son.
The mother lived and devoted all her attention to
her child, whom she reared on the farm with great
care and precision, and whom she has educated in
the district schools. "When he became of age lie
was married to Miss Emily, daughter of William
H. Price. This happy event occurred in April,
1878. lie was profitably engaged in farming until
1887, when he found employment as a clerk for a
Mr. Tilton, in Potomac, for about eighteen months.
From here he "came to Armstrong, where he has a
general store and where he enjoys great prosperity.
His stock is valued from '83,000 to £.">.000. His

's/fctfL fl(M<U^

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

265

trade runs from £12.000 to *lf>,000 a .year. He
carries an unusually fine line of general merchan-
dise.

Mr. Howard is a Democrat, and a member of the
A. F. A: A. M. of Potomac', his wife being a mem-
ber of the " Enstern Star'' of that lodge. When
our subject began business he had nothing to help
him on but a determined character and a pair of
willing hands. These, however, are effectual in-
struments, and never fail to prove themselves due
weapons in his battles with the ordinary obstacles
of life From what we have already seen of his
energy, we cannot but predict for him a bright and
prosperous future.

I ■OlIX M. McCABE. This friend of the
laboring; man has made for himself an un-
deniably fine record in connection with the
' important question which is to-day absorb-
ing the minds of intelligent men everywhere. A
man of more than ordinary talent and possessed of
large information, he has not only studied this but
many other questions of political economy, and his
published opinions have had a marked effect upon
the complexion of partj politics in this part of the
State. A man of broad and liberal ideas, and with
the faculty of giving voice to his opinions in forci-
ble language, he has for years been a power in the
community, and has, it is evident, sought to exert
his influence for good and good only. Mr. Mc-
Gabe, while affiliating with the Union Labor party,
is also a strong advocate of prohibition, and fa-
vored a union of the two parties.

We are constrained, before proceeding further,
to glance at the home surroundings of Mr. McC'abe,
who has one of the most pleasant and inviting
mansions in Fairmount and vicinity — a large, old-
fashioned house, built in the early days, and situ-
ated on the corner south of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. It stands on an eminence gently sloping
to the south, while Stretching east i> a line orchard
containing large and spreading trees, a useful old-
fashioned garden, and twenty acres of pasture, in
tin' midst of which is a fish pond stocked with
German carp. Recently the School Directors have

purchased two acres of the twenty for the purpose
of building a fine graded school building. The
whole premises are both comfortable and elegant,
and form one of the most attractive features in the
landscape of this region. The tile works, of which
Mr. McCabe is proprietor, and which lie at the
north end of Main street, were erected in 1882,
and have been prosecuted successfully since that
time.

The subject of this sketch was born in Dearborn
County, End., Feb. 19, 18 14, and is the fifth child
in a family of nine, the offspring of Alex and
lihoda (Knapp) McCabe, who were natives respect-
ively of Ohio and North Carolina. The father
followed farming after his marriage, in Dearborn
County, Ind., to which he had removed with his
parents at an early day. Grandfather Knapp was a
native of New York State. Alex McCabe, after
his marriage, continued in Indiana until 1872, then
removed with his family to Stanberry, Mo., where
he and his excellent wife still live. Six sons and
two daughters lived to become men and women.

Mr. McC'abe, our subject, attended school quite
regularly until a youth of eighteen years, mostly
in the winter season, and worked on the farm with
his father. In 1803, desirous of starting out in
life for himself, he left home, arriving at Fair-
mount with a capital of £2.37, and in debt $5 to
his mother for money borrowed to help him get
away. Arriving at Fairmount, he engaged in work
for Mr. James M. Dougherty, about one mile north-
east of town, and with whom he remained until the
fall of that year. The winter following he taught
school at Walnut Grove. The year following he
attended school at Danville a short time, and sub-
sequently resumed work on a farm.

In the meantime our subject had his mind in-
tent upon establishing a home of his own, and in
the fall of 1864 was united in marriage with
Miss Mary E., daughter of Mr. Samuel Dougherty.
The maiden name of Mrs. McCabe's mother was
Jane Dalby. and Miss Mary was the third child in
a family of seven. The newly wedded pair set-
tled on a rented farm, where they struggled along
amid many difficulties and drawbacks, Mr. McCabe
farming in summer and teaching school in winter
until the spring of 1880. He then resolved to

266

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

change his occupation, and abandoning' the farm,
secured an interest in a Hour mill at Fairmount.
lie withdrew from this eighteen months later, and
turned his attention to the manufacture- of tile.
He put up an old-fashioned Indiana tile shed on a
small scale, using one kiln. By the exercise of
great industry and energy his business advanced
slowly but surely, and in time he was obliged to
enlarge his facilities. He now has one of the most
extensive factories of the kind in his part of the
State, and in addition to the first products, has
added brickmaking and roofing-tile of a new de-
sign known as '-Donaldson's patent," which is by
one-half the lightest roofing-tile ever manufac-
tured in any country.

Mr. McCabe has now the only manufactory, ex-
cepting a flour mill, in the town, and the people of
this vicinity are justly proud of this enterprise,
which gives emploj'iuent to a number of men, and
enters largely into the success and reputation of
its industrial interests. At present (June, 1889)
the works demand the services of fifteen men, with
a prospect in the near future of the number being
doubled. The buildings and equipments are fully
in keeping with the demands of the business, which
is not only a credit to the town, but to its instigator
and proprietor.

In politics Mr. McCabe always has an opinion
and is never afraid to express it. He was in for-
mer years an ardent Republican, but of late has
not been tied to any party. He was a delegate to
the National Labor Conference at Cincinnati, Ohio,
and was nominated for Representative in this dis-
trict on the Union Labor ticket in 1888. He has
officiated as Justice of the Peace, Village Trustee
and School Director, and has been for years a
member of the Knights of Labor, the Good Tem-
plars, the Grange, and the Masonic fraternity, hold-
ing in each organization important offices. He and
his excellent wife are members of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church at Fairmount, and for some
time Mr. McCabe was Superintendent of the Sun-
day-school.

Only two of the four children born to our sub-
ject and his estimable wife are living, both daugh-
ters. The eldest, Effie, was married in March,
1889, to Owen McClenathan, and they live five

miles east of Fairmount. Elsie, a bright child of
nine years, is pursuing her studies in the village
school, and is a fine amateur musician, playing well
on both organ and guitar.

Among other valuable features of this volume,
the portraits of influential citizens of the county
hold no second rank. And of these portraits an
important place belongs to Mr. McCabe, the friend
of the laborer.

<■* s^*W^

EV. MICHAEL OAKWOOD. The strong
points in the character of this most efficient
minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church,

11 have been his energetic and uniform advo-
cacy of temperance, and his devotion to the cause
of the Master, as exemplified in his pulpit work, ex-
tending over a period of thirty-five years. lie is
possessed in a marked degree of the gift of lan-
guage, and has delivered some very powerful and
stirring sermons, calculated to have a lasting effect
upon his hearers. A man's habits and disposition
are usually indicated by his home surroundings, and
the fact that we find Mr. Oakwood the possessor of
a fine farm, with all needful appurtenances, and
surrounded by the evidences of refined and culti-
vated tastes, indicates the efficiency with which he
has labored and the solidity of his general character,
by which he has attained to an enviable position
socially and financially among his fellow-citizens.

The subject of this sketch was born in Brown
County, Ohio. Nov. 10, 1823. His father was a
native of Virginia, of German ancestry, and reared
in Tennessee. Being an only son, the name was
only preserved in America through him. When a
youth of nineteen years he emigrated to Kentucky,
where he afterward married Miss Margaret Remley,
who was also of German descent. She, with her
parents, had emigrated to Kentucky from Pennsyl-
vania, going down the Ohio River on a flatboat,
when the Indians were numerous along its shores.
The Remleys were a thrifty and long-lived family,
the mother of our subject living to nearly the
eighty -ninth year of her age.

Henry Oakwood departed this life at the age of
sixty-five years. He was a strong, athletic man, of

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

267

very genial temperament, and kept Himself well
posted upon the general events of the age in which
he lived, especially in the politics of the country.
He was a warm supporter of the Whig party, and
held some of the local offices, among them justice of
the peace, lie loll. .wed farming for his occupation,
and reared a family of six suns and three daugh-
ters, lie served in the War of 1812, and partici-
pated in the battles of the British and Indians at
the fall of the celebrated chief, Tecumseh.

The father of our subject was a resident of Ohio
for a number of years, but in 1833 emigrated to
Illinois, settling in this county when Michael was a
lad of ten years. '1 he people around him were few
and far between, and located mostly along the bor-
ders of the timber that skirted the streams. The
broad prairies were occupied by deer, wolves and
other wild animals in abundance. A village of In-
dians was located about a mile from the Oakwood
residence, which was frequently visited by these
native sons and daughters of America, who seemed
to enjoy their, contact with civilization although
unwilling to give up their own rude: manner of life.

On account of the limited number of white peo-
ple in the new settlement, the early education of our
subject was conducted at home, there being no es-
tablished school in his township for three years.
This want, however, was partially compensated for
by the father taking the place of instructor on win-
ter evenings, when the children would form a semi-
circle around the huge replace, and, largely by the
light of the. burning wood, would pursue their
evening studies with their books and slates. Greater
ambition to excel is seldom witnessed in the school-
room than existed in that little family circle, and
Michael was greatly encouraged to find himself a
little in advance of some of his older brothers in
his studies.

By the prosecution of his home studies, with the
aid of the later meager school privileges afforded,
our subject, with four of his brothers, became a
teacher, and still further anxious to excel in learn-
ing, mastered some of the higher branches of an
English education, and espeeiallj - delighted in
wrestling with difficult mathematical problems and
investigating the principles of metaphysical science.
History, both ancient and modern, received a fan-

share of attention. He was much interested in the
history of the nations of the earth, as made m his
own day by their struggles, both in time of war and
in peace 1 , the gradual advance of human liberty, and
the improved <■ lition of mankind, politically in-
tellectually, morally, socially and religiously.

In politics Mr. Oakwood was a Republican from
the foundation of the party through all its strug-
gles and took an active part in promoting its suc-
cess. During the Civil War he was frequently

called iq to address large gatherings of citizens,

and labored as far as he was able to keep alive the
enthusiasm necessary to the success of the Union
arms. Although never aspiring to political honors,
he frequently held the local offices, tie was a mem-
ber of the board of supervisors seven years, served
one term as justice of the peace much against his
inclination, and frequently discharged the duties of
the other local officej.

Mr. Oakwood very early in life was made the
subject of deep religious impressions. His parents
were members of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church, and in the pioneer days before the country
was supplied with church buildings, their large farm
house afforded a place for regular meetings for
preaching and other religious services. Being lib-
eral in their views, there were welcomed under this
hospitable roof Methodists. Presbyterians, and vari-
ous other religious denominations, who were all
permitted to seek God in the manner best suited to
their separate views.

Michael Oakwood, at the age of twenty-eight
years, united with the Methodist Episcopal Church,
and soon afterward was licensed to preach, but de-
clined entering the itinerant field. He was ambi-
tious to study and to " show himself approved unto
God, a workman that need not be ashamed, rightly
dividing the word of truth," as Paul advised Tim-
othy. !So he committed himself to a Biblical and
theological course of study.

In entering upon his ministerial career, Mr. Oak-
wood rather adopted the expository and didactic
style, and his gifts as a pulpit orator were speedily
recognized to be such as would command the re-
spect and attention of his hearers. On the 2d of
October, 1864, he was ordained deacon by Bishop
| E. R. Ames, and on Sept. 28] 1 ' s 7:3, was ordained

268

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

elder by Bishop I. W. Wiley. During his ministry
lie has received many into the church, united many
in marriage, preached many funeral sermons, and
administered upon many occasions the ordinances
of the church, baptizing as many as fifty in a day,
at other times thirty, twenty and in lesser numbers.
He held the office of recording steward for the long
period of thirty-one years, besides many other offi-
cial positions in his church.

Mr. Oakwood has been twice married. In 184G
he was wedded to Miss Nancy, daughter of Samuel
Copeland of Blount Township, with whom he lived
happily for six years, and at her death was left with
one child — Samuel II. Their first-born, Elizabeth,
died in infancy. In 1853 Mr. Oakwood was again
married to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Rev. John
P. Mills, then of Ross Township. She is still liv-
ing, and is a highly-esteemed Christian lady, well
educated, and for some time before her marriage
was engaged as a teacher. The issue of this union
was one daughter and three sons. The daughter,
Belle, died at the age of twenty-five years; she was
possessed of superior intellectual endowments and a
fine Christian character, which, united to her thor-
ough education and usefulness as a teacher, con-
spired to draw around her a large circle of warm
friends. Wilbur, a promising boy, (lied in the sec-
ond year of his age; Edwin, a deeply pious child,
and a member in full connection with the Metho-
dist Episcopal Church, died at the age of nine
years.

John M. Oakwood, the only surviving child of
our subject, is now (1889) twenty-three j'ears of
age. He was married in 1888 to Miss Effie, daugh-
ter of Rev. A. G. Copeland of Danville. He lias
been a Christian from childhood and a member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is well edu-
cated, a great lover of books, and has been engaged
in teaching in the Champaign county schools for
several years, being at present principal of the high
school at St. Joseph. Samuel H., the son of the
first marriage, has likewise been a consistent mem-
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church since child-
hood; he is now forty years of age. He acquired
a good education in his youth, and followed the
profession of a teacher several years, after which he
embarked in the mercantile business at Newtown.

He lived there a few years, then removed his busi-
ness to Danville, where he still resides. In 1878
he was united in marriage with Miss Laura Bennett,
daughter of John Bennett of Georgetown. Two
sons and two daughters were born of this union, but
only one child is living, Belva, a promising little
girl of four years.

The Oakwood homestead is one of the most at-
tractive and beautiful in the township of the same
name, and our subject, at the age of sixty-six years,
with his faithful and estimable companion, sui
rounded by friends and in the enjoyment of a happj
home, sees much that is desirable in life, and as op-
portunity occurs seeks to alleviate the afflictions of
those less fortunate.

Rev. John P. Mills, the father of Mrs. Oakwood,
was a regularly ordained local preacher of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, and died at his home
in Fairmount Aug. 20, 1882. His estimable wife
passed away some years before, Nov. 15, 1868.
The fatherof Mr. Oakwood died in October, 1856,
and the mother March 8, 1878.

HI LIP Y. PETERSON is one of the
|j younger citizens of Grant Township, living
HJgi p^ () n section 5. He was born in Salem
Jl\ County. N. J., Nov. 11.1 847. His parents
were named Samuel and Jane (Paden) Peterson.
both of whom are now living in Woodford County,
this State. The elder Peterson is now retired from
active life, being seventy-two years of age, and his
wife sixty-seven. Both are hearty and rugged.
They are natives of Salem County. N. J., and are
descended from Swedish ancestors who settled in
this country many generations ago. The elder
Peterson was left an orphan at the age of four
years, and his mother marrying again, he was
brought up in the house of his stepfather, and is
essentially a selfmade man, who has made his own
way in the world, and now, in his old age is enjoy-
ing an ample fortune, the result of years of indus-
try and good management. He was married in his
native State at the age of twenty-five, but some
years later he determined to try his fortunes in the
great West, and with his wife and family moved

POKTKA1T AND BIOI ! KAPII K'AL ALBUM.

269

to Jefferson County, [nd., but he stayed there only
six months, not liking the country, and so, taking
his wife, six children and household goods, he came
to Peoria, 111. This was in the fall of 1856, and
to support his family that winter lie engaged in
hauling coal, his wife also helping to support the
family by her labor. Next spring he rented a farm
twenty miles west of Peoria and the succeeding
year bought a place twenty-five miles northeast of
that city. On this latter place he made his home
till 1885, when he relinquished all active labor.
When he first came to Illinois. Mr. Peterson was

I r in this world's goods, but rich in pluck, energy

and ambition. He now owns three farms in Wood-
ford County. III., for the poorest of which he has
refused *70 an acre. He owns 400 acres of land
altogether. He also possesses a half interest in the
elevator at Benson, a handsome residence there,
and other property, also a farm of 160 acres in
Grant Township, this county, besides personal
property. Mr. Peterson has all of his lifetime
been very industrious and has taken care to avoid
public office, attending strictly to his own affairs,
lie and his wife joined the Baptist Church the year
after they were married, and for many years he has
been an officer of his church in Benson. He was also
Trustee of his township. He is a man of genial,
happy temperament and kind disposition, upright
and honorable in his dealings with his fellow men
and is held in universal esteem for his correct life
and conduct.

Samuel and Jane Peterson are the parents of
eight children, all of whom are living, the family
cord being unbroken by death. They are named
respectively: Mary P. wife of James I. Jeter, a
farmer in Woodford County; Simeon P., was mar-
ried to Sarah Jane Huxtable and is a farmer, tile
manufacturer and owner of three threshing ma-
chines and is living in Benson, 111.; Philip Y. was
next in order, then David C, who married Ellen
Deal: he is a butcher in Kossville, this county.
Lewis S. and Sarah Jane are twins; the former is
married to Emma Kay, living in Benson, where
Lewis S. is running an elevator, lumber yard, and
also operates a branch bank. Sarah Jane is the
wife of George Tallman, a dairyman of Grant
Township, this county; Annie Margaret is the wife

of Cal. Iloff. a farmer in Woodford County, 111.,
and Maria Frances is married to James Huxtable,
a merchant of Benson, 111. Beside their children
Mr. and Mrs. Peterson have twenty-four grand-
children living, and an unusual case, is that they
have never lost a child by death, and but one
grandchild.

Philip Y. Peterson, was eight years of age when
his parents emigrated to Indiana. He well remem-
bers passing through Danville on their way to
Peoria, and says then it was but a collection of
small houses, principally shanties inhabited by coal
miners. He spent his boyhood on the home farm
in Woodford County, III, receiving such education
as was afforded by the limited facilities of the time
and place. The nearest school was three and a half
miles away and not a bridge being built in the lo-
cality, when lie attended school he had to wade
across the sloughs the best way he could. Under
these circumstances he got what little schooling he
received. He stayed on the home farm until he
was twenty-one, after which he began farming on
land belonging to his father, who furnished each
of his boys with a team, and boarded them the
first year for half the produce of their farms. He
lived on land of his father's for five years and then
bought a place of 120 acres in Woodford County,
and there continued to live until in March, 1882,
he sold out and removed to this county. Land
here was much cheaper, and just as good as there,
and he bought 120 acres of his present home, sub-
sequently adding forty more, and he also leases
eighty acres, which joins his land on the south. In
1886 Mr. Peterson erected the fine new modern
house which he now occupies and which makes a
comfortable and commodious home for the family

February 23, 1872, Mr. Peterson was united in
marriage with Miss Allie Chaney, who was left an
orphan at an early age, her mother dying when she
was six years old, and her father two years later
while he was in the Union army. She was adopted
and brought up by a German couple, named Shoup.
She was born in Huntington County, Ind., Aug. 1(1,
18f>4. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson are the parents of
four children, all at home: Katie F., Lillie Dell,
Bessie Jane and Myrtle Edna. Mr. Peterson has
never held any office in this county other than that

270

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

of School Director. He and hi* wife are members
of the Christian Church in Giant Township and he
is connected with its Sabbath-school. By his neigh-
bors who know him best, Mr. Peterson is highly
respected as an honest straightforward man and a
good citizen.

-eh.

SPANIEL CAMPBELL stands among the
)) honest, manly, industrious farmers and
(fiJifr stock- raisers of Pilot Township who have
made its interests their own, and while
building up comfortable homes in this pleasant
locality have materially contributed to its advance-
ment. His tine well-stocked farm on section 12
compares favorably in all its appointments with
the best in the vicinity, and is sufficient evidence
that he has achieved success in his chosen calling,
although he began life as a poor man and has had
to work his way up from the lowest round of the
ladder leading to prosperity.

Our subject is a native of New York, and first
opened his eyes to the light of day in Washington
County Aug. 20, 1828. His father. Thomas Camp-
bell, was born in Massachusetts, came to this coun-
ty in 1868. following his son Daniel to this place,
and died in 1879 at a ripe old age. The mother of
our subject was Naby Swain, whose parents wen.' of
Scottish birth and ancestry, and the} - came to this
counti'3' some time early in this century or in the
latter part of the last one, and settled in Washing-
ton County, N. Y., where she was burn. She died
in 1831, while yet a young woman. She bore to
her husband five children, two of whom are living,
Marvin S. and our subject. The former, who mar-
ried a Miss Cole of New York, lives in Tro}', that
State, retired from active business.

Daniel Campbell passed his boyhood and the
opening years of his manhood in the State of his
nativity, gleaning such education as was afforded
by the schools of the time. In 1856, being then
twenty-eight years of age, and in the possession of
a sound mind in a sound body, he determined to
try life on the rich, virgin plains of the great West,
and selecting this part of Illinois as having in all
respects the characteristics of soil, climate, etc., most

desirable in the eyes of a young farmer and neces-
sary t<> the successful prosecution of his calling, he
came to Vermilion County and bought 240 acres
of improved land in Pilot Township. He imme-
diately entered upon his task of bringing it to a
high state of cultivation, erecting suitable build-
ings as his means allowed, making the place in every
way one of the most desirable farms in this part of
Vermilion County. By well-directed toil, close
economy and sagacious management lie has become
very prosperous, and now owns 500 acres of as
well tilled and productive soil as is to be found in
this fine agricultural region, and he has erected a
comfortable, roomy set of buildings for all needful
purposes, lie is engaged extensively in mixed
husbandry, raising grain, and other farm products
common to the soil, and he has his farm well sup-
plied with stock of good grades, comprising sixty
head of cattle, thirty horses, 160 sheep and forty-
five hogs.

Mr. Campbell has had the effective aid of one of
the most helpful of wives in his work, their mar-
riage occurring in 1854. Mrs. Campbell's maiden
name was Maggie Campbell, and she was of Irish
birth and parentage, her parents being James and
Nancy (Pinkertonj Campbell. She came to this
country with two of her brothers. Seven children
have come to our subject and his amiable wife in
their pleasant wedded life, of whom the following
are married and settled in life: Sarah J. is the wife
of Marion Kirkpatrick, a tile maker, of Indiana,
and they have one child. Pearl; Thomas, an agri-
cultural implement dealer and grain buyer of Pen-
field, 111., married Dora Kirkpatrick of Indiana,
and they have two children, Samuel and May; Mary
F. is the wife of Fred Thomas, a farmer of Wis-
consin, anil they have two children, Otis and Reed;
Rosetta is the wife of Henry Hibbler, a farmer of
this county, and they have five children — Logan,
Earl, Lola, Amy, Ernest.

Mr. Campbell is gifted with keenness and tenacity
of purpose, and a well-balanced mind, and these
attributes have not only placed him with the solid,
representative men of the township, but they have
rendered his services as a civic official invaluable
during his incumbency of the various local offices
that have been entrusted to him by the votes of

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

271

his fellow townsmen, and as a juryman. In politics
lie is a firm believer in the Republican party, and
advocates its policy on all proper times and occa-
sions. Both he and his wife are devoted members
of the Christian Church, and their children also
belong.

■ > V^ir^ ' < • '"

^j] ACOB DAZEF. The present commercial
importance and prosperity of Hoopeston is
unquestionably traceable to the wisdom of
/ her merchants, and it is a fitting tribute to
those who have honorably distinguished themselves
in the commercial arena that their names should be
commemorated in history. It is a fact worthy of
consideration that nearly all of our prominent busi-
ness men have struggled up from obscurity to the
foremost places in every branch of trade. As a
representative of this class, the following is a brief
outline of one who has attained the leading position
he holds to-day among the merchants of Vermilion
County.

Mr. Daze\' is a prominent merchant of Hoopeston,
where he carries on an extensive business in heavy
and shelf hardware, agricultural implements and
lumber. In 1855 he came from Indiana, his native
Mate, having been born there on the 25th of March.
1831, near Attica. He remained with his father on
the old homestead until he was married, which
event occurred on Aug. 18, 1853. His wife, Miss
Sarah Whitlatch, died about one year after her
marriage. When Mr. Dazey came to Illinois, he
purchased a farm of 160 acres which he increased
later on to G40. Upon this tract of land he erected
the very best of buildings and the improvements
are of the very highest order. He continued the
business of farming until Dec. 15, 1881 when he
removed to Hoopeston and engaged in his present
business.

( In April 27. 1855, Mr. Dazey married the second
time, taking for his wife. Miss Lorinda Wilkinson,
who was born in Montgomery County, Ind., May
I. 1838, where she resided until coining to Illinois
in 1851. She is the daughter of Abram Wilkinson,
one of the early pioneers of Vermilion County, who
married Mrs. Harriet Hawkins. They were the
parents of two sons and two (laughters. Mr. Haw-

kins came from Indiana to this county and entered
land upon which he resided until about 1877, when
he removed to Benton County, Ind.. remaining
there until 1881, when he finally came to Hoopeston,
where he has lived with his wife a retired life.
Mr. and Mrs. Dazey are the parents of six sons
and one daughter, all of whom are still living: —
Charles M... lames H., John, William. Frank, George,
and Elizabeth. The youngest son and daughter
are at home. James II. is married and has three
children; Charles M. married Miss Mary Fitzgib-
bons; they are living on a farm near Milford,
111., and have one child. John married Maggie
Williamson and is residing on the old homestead;
they have one child. William married Miss Smith;
they are living on a farm and have two children.
Frank married Miss Eva Dobe; he is engaged in the
mercantile business at Hoopeston.

Mr. and Mrs. Dazey are members of the Metho-
dist Episcopal Church in which they take great
interest. He is one of the trustees of that organi-
zation and politically he is identified with the Re-
publican party.

James Dazey, father of the subject of this sketch,
was born in Ohio, where he married Miss Mary
Gobel and came from Montgomery County, Ind.,
where he was engaged in farming. In his early
days he was a shoemaker, a business he carried on
with success, but latterly he was a farmer. He died
at Tolona, 111., his wife passing away at the same
place in 1883.

fi^T^REDKRIC JONES is intimately connected
jrafej) with the material prosperity of Catlin
;k\ Township as one of its enterprising, pro-

gressive, business-like farmers and stock-raisers,
and the farm that he possesses here, finely located
on section 35, is in all respects a well-appointed,
well-managed estate, comparing favorably with the
best in this region of fine farms.

Our subject is of English ancestry and birth, as
were also his parents, Henry and Sarah (Hough)
Jones. He was their sixth child and was born in
the city of London. England, May 28. 1844. In
1849 his parents brought him to America, and he

272

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

was reared to manhood in Catlin Township, and
can scarcely remember any other home. He was a
quick scholar and gleaned a very good education
in the common schools. When about fourteen
years old he entered upon a mercantile career, going
into his father's employ at that age as a clerk. lie
was in the store about a year and a half when he
went to Lafayette, Ind., to learn the trade of a black-
smith in the Lafayette and Indianapolis Railway
shops. lie served an apprenticeship of two years
and two months, and at the expiration of that time
returned to Catlin and building a blacksmith shop,
formed a partnership with S. A. McGregor, Si\,
and carried on his trade, of which he had gained
a thorough mastery, the ensuing two years. At
the end of that time he dissolved his partnership
with Mr. McGregor and again became a clerk in
his brother Richard's store. He remained with
him sixteen years, and when his brother died he
entered into partnership with his brother Arthur,
and they conducted the business together about two
years. Our subject then sold out his interest, having
decided to devote his attention to the more conge-
nial calling of a farmer, and at that time invested a
part of his capital in his present farm, which he
has owned since 1880. It comprises 171 acres, all
under good cultivation and finely improved, having
an excellent set of farm buildings and modern ma-
chinery for conducting agriculture after the most
approved methods.

The successful career of our subject is partly
attributable to the fact that he is blessed with a
wife who is in every sense a helpmate. Their mar-
riage was solemnized Dec. 5, 1866, and to them
have come ten children — James, Emma, Richard.
Harriet A., Elizabeth, Sarah, Frederic, Arthur,
Henry, Edward. Mrs. Jones' maiden name was
Harriet Ann Dickinson, and she is like her husband
a native of England, born in Boston, Lincolnshire,
Dec. 28, 1817, to William and Emma (Barker)
Dickinson. (For parental history see the sketch of
William Dickinson that appears on another page of
l ii is w »rk).

Mr. Jones is in all respects a manly, upright
man, is well and favorably known here, and his in-
fluence in the community is felt in eveiything that
tends to promote its welfare. He takes an active

part in political matters, and in him the Republican
parly finds one of its truest and staunchest advo-
cates. Religiously both he and his amiable wife
sympathize with the teachings of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, and carry its Christian spirit
into their everyday lives. They are genial, court-
eous people, and their a* tractive home is the center
of perfect hospitality.

-^fX/V.-"*

«24£/!5*£- •■m§^~@*3.OT7i»-

EORGE M.EVANS. The Keystone State
has contributed largely of her best elements
V^jjjj to the development of the Great West,
numbers of men coming thither at all ages and un-
der all conditions, the greater majority, perhaps,
those who were dependent upon their own resources
and just starting out in life to carve their fortunes
by the labor of their hands. The homes of these
men are among the finest in Central Illinois. The
farm of Mr. Evans, finely situated on the northern
line of this county, invariably attracts the attention
of the passing traveler, and gives ample evidence
of being under the control of a man of more than
ordinary ability. It will be acknowledged that he
has the true conception of the manner in which to
conduct agriculture, and he possesses the cultivated
tastes which have enabled him to construct a home
second to none in this region.

The property of Mr. Evans embraces 328 acres
of land, lying on section 26, township 2.'i. range
12, where he settled seven years ago, although he
purchased it in 1879. He has effected a radical
change in its condition, and purposes to still fur-
ther augment its beauty and value. lie came to
Illinois when a young man, twenty-four years old,
from Berks County, Pa., where he was born in 1852.
He made his first trip West in 1876, and after so-
journing in Grant Township one year he returned
to Pennsylvania, where he spent the winter follow-
ing and came back to this county in the spring of
1877, and two years later purchased his present
homestead.

The subject of this sketch was married in Grant
Township, to Miss Tillie Groom, the wedding tak-
ing place at the bride's home. Sept. 22, 1885. This
lady is a native of this county. Her father, Fred-

PORTRAIT AND Bl< >< : KA I'l I1CAI. ALBUM.

27.",

erick Groom, came to Illinois from England, car-
ried on farming a number of years, and then retir-
ing from active labor took up his abode in Rossville,
where he now lives. .J<>lm Evans, the father of
our subject, was a native of Pennsylvania, where,
upon reaching manhood, he married Miss Anna
Miller. He settled on a farm in Berks County,
and died when his son George M. was a lad of ten
or twelve years. His widow survived him until
about four years since, her death taking place in
Pennsylvania.

Mr. Evans upon becoming a naturalized citizen
allied himself with the Republican party, and still
gives to it his unqualified support. Aside from
serving as School Director in his district he has had
very little to do with public affairs.

*~§*

■*

^HILLIP CADLE, an extensive and well-
known farmer of .Vermilion County and
•f one whose career has been marked by suc-
\ cess, was born in England on the 22d of
February. 184'.(. When four years of age he came
to America with his parents and is practically an
American bred man. His education was acquired
in the common schools, and until he became of
age, he worked for his father faithfully on the old
homestead.

Phillip Cadle is the son of George and Elizabeth
(Saunders) Cadle, who were natives of England
and were living in Bradfordshire at the time they
concluded to better themselves by emigrating to
America. The} - sailed from the old country in
1853 and after landing upon American soil, they
immediately proceeded to Attica, Ind., where for
four years they were engaged in farming, at the
expiration of which period they removed to Iro-
quois County, 111., four miles north of Hoopeston.
Here they remained for two years more, when they
again removed to a farm situated one and a half
miles southwest of Rossville. 111., remaining there
for three years. Their next removal was to Salt
Fork, west of Danville, where they lived for thir-
teen years, removing from that place to Homer.
111., where the elder Cadle is living in retirement,
with his wife, enjoying a well earned rest. They

are the parents of eight children : Emma was mar-
ried in England to Thomas Edwards and they arc-
now living near Armstrong, 111.; Ann is the wife of
D. Young and they are residing in Idaho; .lane
married .lames Tol liver, both of whom are deceased;
Rachael is the wife of C. Hayes. She died some
years ago; Sidney (i. is dead; Martha married
John Maun; Phillip is the subject of this article,
while Dora is at home with her father and mother
at Ilomei'. 111. Mr. Cadle's first marriage occurred
in Vermilion County, 111., May 30, 1871, his wife
being Miss Emma'Weaden, a native of Virginia.
Of this union one child was born, Mary Anna, who
died when four months of age. The wife died
Oct. 23, 1872.

In 1875 Phillip Cadle married Miss America
Seymour. She is a native of Virginia but came
here when a very small child with her parents, who
are living at Oakwood, this county. She was the
sixth child of a family of nine children. Mr. and
Mrs. Cadle are the parents of four bright children:
Lilian, Maud, George and Dode, all of whom are
living at home and going to school. In addition
to his general farming Mr. Cadle is engaged very
extensively in the stock business, a combination
which has been a success from a pecuniary point
of view.

In 1871! he purchased 381 acres where he now
lives, and at this time, really commenced his active
career as a large dealer in hogs and cattle. In the
aggregate he owns 915 acres of the very choicest
land that lies in Vermilion County, and the build-
ings that he has erected are nearly equal to that of
a small village, consisting of barns, stables, gran-
eries, an elevator, and in fact everything that goes
to make up a well appointed farm. He has also a
fine system of water-works that supplies his house,
pastures and different barns with fresh, pure water.
Mr. Cadle deals in grains of all kinds, but more
especially in wheat.

Mr. Cadle is a consistent Republican and while
he has never aspired to office, has held local posi-
tions, filling them with the same fidelity which he
has shown in his private affairs. Mr. Cadle's suc-
cess in life can be directly traced to his prompt
business habits, his integrity and his capacity for
judging human nature. He is truly a self-made

276

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

man and the fortune he now owns has been accu-
mulate (1 within the last eighteen years.

A view of the farm residence of Mr. C'adle is
shown elsewhere in this volume.

/p^EORGE ALLEN is the proprietor of Shrop-
(/[(—-, shire Park. His father. George Allen, was
^^Jj known to Europe and America as the lead-
ing breeder of Bate Short-horn cattle and Shrop-
hire sheep. The history of this extensive enter-
prise of breeding, dates back to the early life of
the father. While yet a young man he showed a
desire and liking for the better grades of cattle and
sheep and his son has inherited this disposition to
an eminent degree.

George Allen, Sr., was born in Derbyshire, Eng-
land, while the grand fat her was a tenant farmer
of the same place and was born there also. This
family were all remarkable for their ureal stature,
the great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch
being a man of six feet five inches in height, and
measured one yard from one shoulder point to an-
nother. George Allen. Sr.. was a remarkably
large and well-proportioned man and possessed
great vigor and unusual activity. He served in
the English cavalry for several years, and was dis-
tinguished as one of the finest appearing soldiers
in the British army. He married Elizabeth Tur-
ner, who was a native of England and the daugh-
ter of William and Sarah Turner, farmers. After
their marriage, they settled at Knightly, England,
and there began the breeding of Short-horn cattle,
and for the long period of thirty-five years, Mr.
Allen continued in this business on the same farm,
gaining a wide-spread reputation as a most success-
ful breeder of the best strains of cattle and sheep
in England. He operated an extensive farm of
400 acres and here he reared a family of four chil-
dren — George, Robert II.. Mary Ann and Harry.
Robert II., is residing at Darlington, Ind.. where
he is engaged in the mercantile business. Mary
Ann is residing at Stafford, England, where she
married William Ebbern. who is an extensive man-
ufacturer of ladies' fine shoes and operates a very
large business. They have four children, Harry.

is the executor of the Allen estate and the firm ac-
cording to the father's will is to continue under
the same management and retain the firm name of
George Allen & Son.

The subject of this sketch and his father saw
greater fields for operations in America than in
England. They shipped several cargoes of sheep
here, exhibiting them for the first time at St.
Louis in 1871. This shipment proved profitable
and fully exceeded their expectations. The entire
management of this enterprise was under George,
Jr. lie exhibited his stock at Dayton, Ohio, also,
in 1872, on the occasion of Goldsmith Maid's mak-
ing her great record. The same year he also
showed his stock at Indianapolis and St. Louis.
This plan of business was followed for several
years and so successfully that in 1879, George and
his father — including the entire family — came to
America, for the purpose of engaging in cattle and
sheep raising, bringing 100 head of Shropshire
sheep and twenty-two head of the Bate Short-horn
cattle. After casting about for a suitable location
they finally concluded that Vermilion County, met
all the requirements they were seeking. Here they
purchased 960 acres of land, and at once entered
upon a career as breeders of cattle and sheep, which
in many ways cannot be duplicated inAmerica.
The mother died March 6, 1881, at the age of
fifty-six years, while the father met his death,
March 16, 1889, at the age of sixty-two. And so
passed away a couple whose reputation was of the
very best and who made this world the better for
their living in it.

George Allen, of whom this is written, was born
April 15, 1818 at Tean. Staffordshire, England.
He was seared as a stock-raiser and farmer, an oc
cupation which he has followed since he was twelve
years of age. He received a common school
education, which has been added to since by
intelligent and careful reading. At the age of
twenty-seven years he was married to Miss Ann
Elizabeth Ellsmore. who is a daughter of John and
Lucy Ellsmore. They were farmers in England
and had two children that grew to maturity: Ann
E., and William T. The latter is residing at Staf-
ford, England, and is a shoe manufacturer. Mr.
and Mrs, Allen had two children born in England;

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

277

George and Florence, who are now at home and
attending school. Since coming to America the
following children have been born — Frederick ('.,
William, Elizabeth and Harry.

It is unnecessary to state that perhaps there is
no man in this country who has a better reputation
as a breeder of Short-horn cattle and Shropshire
sheep, than Mr. Allen, who has taken more prizes
for the excellent qualities of sheep than any other
man in the world, a record of which he feels, nat-
urally, very proud. From a financial standpoint,
he has been most eminently successful, and the pro-
ceeds of the earnings of his great stock farm is in-
vested in more lands and stock. He has become a
naturalized citizen and is a Republican in politics.
Mr. and Mrs. Allen worship at the Presbyterian
Church.

Of the celebrated Bate Short-horn cattle, the Al-
iens have on hand about 150 of the following fam-
ilies: Airdrie Duchess, Grand Duchess, Oxfords,
Barringtons, Wild Eyes, Waterloos, Kirk Leving-
tous. Fletchers, Fennel Duchess. Acombs, Plaees,
Darlingtons, Georgiannas, Eden Rose, Rose of
Sharon and Surmises. The Duke of Vermilion No.
80443, stands at the head of the herd. The Grand
Duke of Oxford holds the second place, and is the
son of the Duke of Vermilion. He will some day
take his place at the head of the herd. The
most valuable animals on the farm are the
Duchess of Vermilion, Grand Duchess No. 28 and
the Duke of Vermilion, which in point of excel-
lence have never been surpassed inthe State of Illi-
nois or perhaps in America. They have a flock of
5(H) sheep with three celebrated imported rams at
the head. Goodsort No. 9904, won second prize
at the Royal Agricultural Society in England in
1888, and cost $300 delivered at Boston. True-
type, No. 5603, A. S. R. A., won first prize as a
lamb at the Shropshire Agricultural Show, at
Shrewsbury, England, in 1887. This animal was
imported the same year. T. A- W. S. No. 13438,
A. S. R. A. was the first prize winning land) in
England in 1888. Among the most valuable ewes
on this farm may be mentioned Lady Brad burn
second, and Jane L., who are great prize winners.

The horse breeding department of this farm has
been added lately. The celebrated English Shire

horse Wymondham 2960 E. C. II. S. 1',. is considered
to be as well bred a shire horse as can be found in
America. There are also six registered Shire
mares on this farm.

Shropshire Park is a most fitting name for this
extensive farm, which is one of the most valuable
in the State of Illinois It has more the appear-
ance of a fair ground than a farm. It is well pro-
vided with a multitude of houses, sheds, com cribs
and implement houses. There are live windmills
on the farm which furnish water and grinding
power. In concluding this Sketch it would be
proper to state that there arc probably no more
intelligent stock breeders than the gentlemen who
compose the firm of George Allen it Son, of Aller-
ton. III.

ESSE DAVIS. Although not a native of
Vermilion County, this gentleman, the son
of pioneer parents, was reared within its
limits, and has for many years occupied an
important place among its enterprising, far-seeing,
thrifty, well-to-do farmers and stock-raisers. On
section 30, Catlin Township, he owns a large and
valuable farm, cultivated by the best methods, so
that it yields an extensive .yearly income. He has
erected a fine residence and other substantial, well
arranged buildings, while everything about the
place shows every evidence of a master mind and
skillful band controlling affairs.

Our subject is of Southern antecedents, although
a native of Ohio. His parents, Joseph and Eliza-
beth (George) Davis, are supposed to have been
natives of Virginia, but after their marriage they
settled in Pickaway County, Ohio, among its early
settlers. They remained there until 1833, when,
hoping to better their pecuniary condition by going
to a still newer country, they came with their
family to Vermilion County to try farming on its
virgin soil. They selected Catlin Township as a
desirable location, and thus became pioneers of the
township. The father's useful career was cut short
however, in a few years, and while yet in life's
prime it was closed in death, August, 1839. He
was a man of sound sense, a good farmer, and one
whom all respected for his unswerving integrity

278

PORTRAIT AND BIOOKAI'AICAL ALBUM.

and kind heart. His widow survived him many
years, dying in this township Dec. 30, 1<SG9. She
was a woman of true Christian piety and a faithful
member of the Presbyterian Church. To her and
her husband were born four sons and four daugh-
ters, our subject being the youngest son and the
seventh child.

He was born near Darbysville, Pickaway Co.,
Ohio, Oct. 24, 18:32. Me was about a year old
when his parents brought him to Vermilion Coun-
ty, and here, amid the pioneer scenes of those early
days in the settlement of the county, he grew to
be a stalwart, manly man. He had such schooling
as could be obtained in those days of limited edu-
cational advantages when the rude log cabin was
the only literary institution of this section of
country, and its doors were only opened to the
children of the pioneers a few short weeks in the
different seasons of the year, lie was bred to the
life of a farmer, and has made the tilling of the
land his principal occupation. He has met with
more than ordinary success in his calling, and may
well feel proud of what he has achieved by hard
labor, directed by sound business acumen and
the prudent management of his monetary affairs.
His farm, comprising 440 acres of land of exceed-
ing fertility, is well stocked and is amply provided
with all the necessary appliances and machinery for
making it one of the model places of the township.
Mr. Davis holds that a part of his prosperity is
due to the fact that he is blessed with a good wife,
who has actively co-operated with him in all his
plans. The}' were united in marriage in Catlin
Township March 10, 1859, and to them have come
five children, as follows: Clara J., the wife of
Willis Lesher ; Van C. ; one who died in infancy;
Scott G.; Minnie L., the wife of David McMillin.
The maiden name of Mrs. Davis was Melvina Eliza-
beth Hyatt, and she is the daughter of James and
Martha (Rouland) Hyatt, both of whom are de-
ceased. - Her father was born in South Carolina
and her mother in Kentucky, and after marriage
they settled in Davis County. Ky., where he was
engaged in farming, and there the} - died. They
had seven children, four sons and three daughters.
Mrs. Davis was their second child, and she was born
in Davis County, Ky„ Nov. 24, 1838. She grew

to womanhood there, and came to Vermilion Coun-
ty in the month of November, 1858, with her sister.
Mis. Mary Wallace, who was an invalid. She is a
genial, lovable, motherly woman, whose genuine
kindness has won her a warm place in the hearts of
the entire community.

When Mr. Davis was brought here in his infancy,
the surrounding country presented a far different
appearance from what it does to-day. Then it was
a literal wilderness, savage animals and abundant
game roamed over the wild, uncultivated prairies,
or found shelter in the primeval forests along the
water courses, and the bold, hardy frontiersman had
scarcely more than begun to turn the virgin sod
and lay the foundations of the wealth and pros-
perity that obtain to-day on all sides, as evidenced
by flourishing and busy towns, smiling farms, and
many happy homes. That he has had a hand in
bringing about this great change may be a source
of pride to our subject, who is a man of eminent
public spirit, and has generously contributed of his
means to further all enterprises that will in any
way add to the prosperity of the community with
whose interests his own are identical, and among
whose people he has lived in peace and friendship
for more than half a century. He is a man of high
moral character, and is gifted with many worthy
attributes that render him respected of all men. In
his political views he strongly favors the Prohibi-
tion party', being himself a sound temperance man.
He and his wife are worthy members of the Pres-
byterian Church, she having been a communicant
ever since she was thirteen years old.

— -^

■I

*p^ APT. JOSEPH TRUAX. Oakwood Town-

l[ _ ship contains no more active or energetic
v^?/ business man than Capt. Truax, who is in
the prime of life and in the midst of a prosperous
career. The opening years of his life were spent
in Muskingum County, Ohio, where he wae born
July 25, 1838, being the eighth in a family of nine
children, the offspring of Joseph. Jr., and Nancy
(Ro bison) Truax, who were both natives of Penn-
sylvania, the father born in Bedford County, May
16, 1800. and the mother March 15, 1801. The

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

279

paternal grandfather, Joseph Truax, Sr., was like-

He returned to his regiment in February, 1862,

wise a native of the Keystone Slate and of German

and was placed in command of a detachment of

descent; He entered the Revolutionary Army at

seventy men, with which he repaired to Spring-

the beginning of the war and served on the side of
the colonists until its close. His wife was a Miss
Stillwell, a native of his own State, where they set-
tled and died. Their family consisted of foursons
and two daughters, all of whom are deceased.

The motherof our subject was the daughter of
James and Ellen Robison, both of whom were na-
tives of Dublin, Ireland. Grandfather Robison
was a very prominent Knight, Templar of Dublin,
and our subject has in his possession a demit once
belonging to the old gentleman and signed 107
3 - ears ago.

The parents of our subject were married in Penn-
sylvania and remained there until 1839. Then re-
moving to (Ohio they settled on a farm in Mus-
kingum County where they lived until the fall of
1854. then took up their line of march for Illinois.
Coming to this county they settled two miles east
of Pilot Grove, and in 1859 removed to Blount
Township, where the father died March 7,1861.
The mother passed away Jan. 4, 1885. Seven of
their nine children lived to mature years and three
are still living.

Our subject, upon coming to this county, had a
fine young horse which he sold and devoted the
proceeds to advance his education, attending school
in Danville, where he closely applied himself to his
studies for some eighteen months. In 1859 he be-
gan teaching at Collison's Point and remained there
through the fall and winter until spring. In the
latter part of I860 he commenced teaching at
Craig's schoolbouse, and in the winter taught in the
old Union Church building at Blue Corner. On the
3d of July, 1861, the Civil War having broken
out, he entered the Union Army as a member of
Company I, 35th Illinois Infantry, being mustered
in as First Lieutenant. Aug. 24. 1861 at St. Louis.

The 35th Illinois saw much hard service. They
were first ordered to Jefferson City, thence to Se-
dalia, Mo., and from there started south on the
lookout for the rebel General Price. They marched
120 miles to Springfield, and from there to Rolla,
a like distance. Lieut. Truax was here seized with
illness and sent home on a two month's furlough.

field still after Gen. Price. Later he was detailed
with his command to remain :\iu\ guard the city.
After the battle of Pea Ridge he rejoined his regi-
ment on the road to Batesvillc, Ark., but at this
place they were ordered to Cape Girardeau, a dis-
tance of 250 miles, which distance they covered in
nine days, taking one day to rest, making ten in
all. On account of walking without shoes the feet
of many of the men were sore and bleeding. At
Cape Girardeau they were paid their monthly sti-
pend by Maj. McKibben, an old resident of this
county.

Lieut. Truax, with his regiment, now boarded
the transport "Sunshine" and proceeded to Cairo.
and from there up the Ohio to the mouth of the
Tennessee, and thence to the old battle-ground of
Pittsburg Landing. Here they joined the army of
Gen. Halleck and moved toward Corinth from the
east, witnessing the burning of the city. From
there they marched to Clear Springs and spent July
1 near Jacinto, Miss. Later they were placed on
guard at Bear Creek Bridge, near luka. Then the
division to which the 35th Regiment belonged cut,
loose and crossed the Tennessee at Mussel Shoals,
marching through the enemy's country and joining
Buell's army at Murfreesboro.

Our subject, and his command now started after
the rebel General. Bragg, reaching Louisville he-
fore him' and followed him on his retreat to Perry -
ville, to Crab Orchard and to Nashville, Tenn.
Afterward, succeeded the Wattle of Murfreesboro,
and the regiment then entered upon the Chicka-
niauga campaign. Subsequently followed the two
day's battle of Chiekamauga when they fell back to
Chattanooga, and tin- November following charged
upon Mission Ridge driving the enemy before
them and capturing the place. Their next business
was to relieve Gen. Burnside at, Knoxville, to
which they hurried on a forced march, and later
they proceeded to Strawberry Plains and to Lou-
don, Tenn.. where they built, a bridge in the spring
of 18(14.

The 35th Regiment was then ordered to the vi-
cinity of Cleveland, Tenn., where they prepared to

•280

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

join Sherman's Army on its march to the sen. and
Lieut. Truax was with his regiment in every battle
and skirmish in which it afterward participated. In
1862 lie was rewarded for his bravery and fidelity
to duty by promotion to a Captaincy, receiving his
commission at Crab Orchard, and with his regi-
ment at his expiration of term of enlistment, was
relieved from duty on the 28th of August. 1864.
and was mustered out at Springfield in September
following.

After retiring from the army Capt. Truax first
took his mother to ( )hio,then came back and resumed
teaching in the same old Union Church building
south of Oakwood. On the 19th of March, 1865,
he was married to Miss Mary E. Ilelmick, and set-
tled on a farm one and one-half miles west of Oak-
wood, where they lived until the fall of 1884. He
then bought out the firm of Stillwell & Young,
general merchants, and has since been in trade, be-
sides handling grain quite extensively. He owns
the entire block in which his store is located, and
has also a good residence in the northern part of
the city.

Capt. Truax takes an active part in politics and
votes the straight Republican ticket. He has served
as School Trustee for twenty years. Justice of the
Peace four years, and Commissioner of Highways
two terms. Both he and his wife belong to the
Methodist Episcopal Church, with which the Cap-
tain became identified in 1866, and in which he has
served as Steward and Trustee. Socially, he be-
longs to Oakwood Lodge No. 564, 1. O O. F., in
which he has occupied all the offices from Warden
to Past Grand. He is also identified with George
Morrison Post, G. A. R. The Captain and his es-
timable lady are the parents of five children, one of
whom, Nancy B., who was born Dee. 21, 1868,
died Jan. 20, 1869; Frances E. was born Feb. 10,
1866; Ruberta A., April 1, 1867; Charles E.,
Aug. 9, 1872, and Josephine, March 24. 1876.

Rev. Eli Ilelmick, the father of Mrs. Truax, was
born in Randolph County, Va., May 4. 1800, and
her mother, May 25,1804. After marriage they
resided in the Old Dominion for awhile, then about
1832 came to this county. He was an ordained
minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, a man
of fine abilities, good judgment and great perse-

verance, and was of essential service in the Master's
vineyard. After the death of his first wife. Mrs.
Rachel (Yillers) Ilelmick. the mother of Mrs.
Truax. he was married to Miss Amanda Oakwood.
who died about 1874. Mr. Ilelmick departed this life
July 18, 1887, at the advanced age of eighty-
five years. Of his first marriage there were born
nine children, of whom Mrs. Truax was the sixth.
Her birth took place in Vermilion County. 111.,
Nov. 21. 1835.

*-#*

-V"

ffi OHN J. PARTLOW. The neat and well-
I regulated home of this gentleman lies adja-
cent to the city of Danville, and embraces
; (te^/' twenty-six acres of land, which is in a high
state of cultivation, and devoted to the raising of
small fruits. Upon it the proprietor has erected a
fine residence, and each year adds something to the
beauty and value of the property. Mr. Partlow is
numbered among the stead}' -.going and reliable citi-
zens of this count} - — one who without making a
great deal of stir in the world has fulfilled his obli-
gations to his family and society in a praiseworthy
manner, and deserves more than a passing notice.

A native of this county, our subject was born in
Middle Fork Township, Aug. 7, 1832, and is the
son of James Partlow, who was born in Virginia,
and was the son of Samuel Partlow, to whom fur-
ther reference is made in the sketch of Asa Part-
low, on another page in this volume. James Part-
low was reared in Kentucky, and learned the trade
of a wheelwright in his youth, which he followed
in the Blue Grass regions until 1831. That year
he came to Illinois, overland with a team, accom-
panied by his family and traveling after the prim-
tive fashion of those days — carrying with him his
household goods, and camping and cooking by the
wayside.

The father of our subject upon his arrival in this
county took up a claim of Government land before
it had come into the market. Indians were still to
be seen prowling over the country, while deer, wild
turky and wolves were also plentiful. The land
which Mr. Partlow selected was part timber and
part prairie. He put up a rail pen for the tempor-

■ -•■■

uze^o.

¥a/

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

281

ary shelter of his family, and afterward built a log
house, in which structure the subject of this sketch
was horn. The chimney of this primitive dwell-
ing was made of earth and sticks outside, the Boor
was laid of split puncheon, and the roof covered
with clapbords. It was before the time of rail-
roads, and the nearest market was at the towns on
the Wabash River, .lames Partlow here spent the
remainder of his days, passing away about the year
1854. He had lived to see the wilderness around
him transformed into smiling grain fields and com-
fortable homes, and himself put up a third dwell-
ing, in the shape of a commodious frame house.
This latest structure was built prior to the con-
struction of the railroad through this part of the
county, and the doors for it were hauled from Chi-
cago. The weather- hoarding was sawed from black-
walnut logs which .Mr. Partlow drew to the mill.
He brought his farm to a good state of cultivation,
and in his last years was surrounded by all the com-
forts of life.

Mrs. Ellen (Milton) Partlow, the mother of our
subject, was born in Kentucky, and died at the
home of her daughter, Mrs. Dr. Humphrey, of
Danville, about 1855. Both she and her husband
had been twice married. John .1., our subject, pur-
sued his first lessons in a log school-house, into
which light was admitted through greased paper
stretched along an aperture from which one of .the
logs had been sawed away, lie was at an early age
trained to habits of industry, and as soon as large
enough his services were utilized in the labors of
the farm. At the age of fourteen he was employed
in a drug store two years, but later attended
Georgetown Academy and the Red Seminary in
Danville. Later he officiated as clerk in the dry-
goods store of E. V. & P. Leshure three years.
Subsequently he became the employe of Partlow &
Humphrey, with whom he remained one year. At
the expiration of this time he associated himself
in partnership with R. A. Short, and they engaged
iu mercantile business together two years, when
our subject purchased the interest of his partner in
the business, and conducted it twelve years. At
this point, abandoning merchandising, Mr. Partlow
entered the employ of the Chicago A- Eastern Illi-
nois Railroad Company, with whom he continued

two years, and was then appointed :' Railway Mail
Clerk on the same load, running Brst from Chicago
to Danville, and later from Chicago to Terre

Haute. Ind. He performed in this manner faithful
and efficient service for a period of eleven years,
and in 1884 invested a portion of his earnings in
his present property.

Miss Frances L. Giddings, the eldest child of
William and Caroline(Kitchener)Giddings, became
the wife of our subject Nov. 5, 1857. Of this un-
ion there have been born two children, the eldest
of whom. Elmer E.. married Miss Matlie Collins,
and is the father of a son and two daughters —
George E., Vera and Frances. The younger son,
Charles, is a printer by trade, and makes his home
with his parents. Mr. Partlow, politically, is a
stanch Republican, and with his estimable wife is
a member in good standing of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church.

OJ£

yMLLIS I!. CAUBLE, Physician and Sur-
geon. Among the truly successful pro-
fessional men of this county is the young-
man whose name initiates this sketch. He came
to Sidell right after his graduation from Rush
Medical College, of Chicago, through the urgent
request of some of the leading citizens of this en-
terprising village. Naturally gifted to fill his re-
sponsible position of ministering to the health of
his fellowmen. and after a long and studious course
in the intricacies of his profession at different
places, he is well equipped to meet the expectations
of his friends.

Dr. Cauble was born at Alto Pass, Union Co.
111., where his father is a large land owner and one
of the wealthiest and most prominent men of his
county. Willis C. and Serena, father and mother
of the subject of this sketch are leading people in
society in Union County, the native place of the
former. The grandfather of Willis Jr., John E.
Cauble. was born in North Carolina, where he was
an extensive land owner, lie subsequently came
to Illinois, where he acquired large tracts of land
also. His son. Willis Sr., being the only heir and
a good business man. became the owner of the

282

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

large property left by his father, and he afterward
engaged in the erection of a sawmill and grist-
mill, shipping lumber and flour to St. Louis and is
now very extensively engaged in growing fruits
and vegetables, lie owns three large farms, one
of them being two miles and three-quarters long.
The parents of Willis Jr., had nine children, five
of whom are living, namely : Willis Benton, Cora
E., Adam J., Flora M., and Myrtle A.

Dr. Cauble passed his childhood days in rural
life with his parents and in his early boyhood at-
tended the district schools. Later on he entered
St. Vincent College at Cape Girardeau, Mo.,
from which institution he graduated with distin-
guished honors in the class of 1885, in the scientific
course. While studying at college, he became
imbued with the idea that the medical profession
was one which would'suit his inclinations and he
therefore chose that for his life work. He studied
under the direction of Dr. W. W. Esick of
Murphysboro, 111., for one year, and in the fall
of 1887 entered the medical department of the
University of Tennessee at Nashville, there prose-
cuting his studies for one year. From there he
proceeded to Louisville, Ivy., and attended for six
months the summer lectures at the Medical and
Surgical Institute of that city. He graduated from
those two courses, when he returned to Murphys-
boro and began practice under his old pre-
ceptor which he continued for two months. In the
fall of 1887 he entered Rush Medical College,
graduating in Feb. 1888. His thesis on "Typhoid
Fever and Death from Uremic Poisoning," was de-
livered before the faculty and won the prize, and
was also pronounced by Prof. Ross as one of the
ablest productions of any student of Rush College,
while a letter was written by Dr. Ross to Dr.
Cauble's preceptor, filled with commendatory
language.

Dr. Cauble was born April '24, 18G6 and is one of
the youngest medical men of the State and the
youngest practitioner in Vermilion County. He
seems intent upon reaching the highest round in
the ladder of his profession, and never wearies in
studying and writing upon subjects connected with
his noble calling. He is especially proficient in the
subject of the diseases of women and children. The

citizens of Sidell may well congratulate themselves
upon the acquisition of a physician of such marked
ability.

The Doctor is a member of the Catholic Church
and votes with the Democratic party. He was ap-
pointed County Physician of the district including
Sidell, and is also the examining physician of the
Aetna Life Insurance Company of Hartford, and
he fills a similar position for other insurance com-
panies. It is his intention to go to Vienna in three
or four years and there take instruction under the
celebrated German medical professors. There is a
great future in store for Dr. Cauble.

s^sgri-:.. y ^

ARRY L. FREEMAN, junior partner in
|) the firm of John Jackson ifc Co., dealers in
general merchandise at Sidell, although
young in 3 - ears, occupies no secondary posi-
tion among the business interests of this thriving
village. He is bright, capable and energetic, and
is universally popular among the people who have
known him almost since his boyhood. He was
born in Fairmount, this county, and is the son of
Alfred C. and Mary W. (Dustin) Freeman, the
former a native of Washington County, Pa., ami
the latter of St. Johnsbury,Vt. Mrs. Freeman was
a direct descendant of Hannah Dustin, one of the
most notable and heroic women of her time — the
old Puritan days.

The parents of our subject came to Illinois prior
to their marriage, Mr. Freeman settling in Edgar
County, and Miss Dustin with her parents in this
county. They were married at Fairmount. The
father was reared to farming pursuits, but finally
changing his occupation, became station f.gent of
the Wabash Railroad at Fairmount, and served in
that capacity satisfactorily several years. Finally
in 1868, he changed his residence to Danville, and
has been city clerk there for the last sixteen or
eighteen years. During this time he has made
many warm friends, having performed the duties
of his ollice in an admirable manner, and possessing
the good judgment and discretion which is so
essential to every individual occupying a position
of trust and responsibility. The wife and mother

■^■:-9

'te^w^T-^

^2r?^o-^t/

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

285

is still living, and is now about fifty years of age.
Their family consisted of five children, who were
named respectively Harry I... Fred D„ Bert I)..
Nellie J., and Edmund (J.

The subject of this notice was born Sept. 8, l 865-
He attended school at Danville during his boyhood
ami youth, and received careful parental training,
When of suitable years and attainments he launched
out in life for himself, and at the early age of
seventeen years became Deputy Assessor and Col-
lector of Danville Township, which position he
held for nine years. Shortly after reaching the
twentieth year of his age he was married, Dec. 2,
1885, to Miss Jennie W. Jackson, daughter of
Amos Jackson, a sketch of whom will be found
elsewhere in this volume.

Mrs. Freeman was born in Indianola, this county.
Dec. 3, 1865, where she was reared to womanhood.
Of her union with our subject there was one child,
Anna J. , born Sept. 6, 1887, died Nov. 13,1888.
Mr. and Mrs. Freeman removed to Sidell in July,
1888, in which time our subject became a member
of the firm above-mentioned. They occupy a neat
and tasteful dwelling in the southern part of the
city, and number their friends among its best peo-
ple. Mr. Freeman votes the Republican ticket,
and socially, belongs to the Modern Woodmen.
He has started out in life with fair prospects, and
has the wishes of hosts of friends for his continued
prosperity.

yfclLLIAM G. HERRON is the most exten-
sive farmer in Vermilion County, having
W^S 3,800 acres under his immediate super-
vision, all of which is in a highly improved state
of cultivation. The firm of Allerton & Herron was
established in 1880, when Sam W. Allerton. of
Chicago, purchased this extensive tract of land,
from J. G. Clark, of the Singer Sewing Machine
Company, who foreclosed the mortgage on the cel-
ebrated Joseph Sullivan farm, which was called by
the earlier settlers "Twin Grove."

Two groves of about 100 acres each on this tract
of land looked so much alike that the people gave
the farm the name quoted above. .Michael Sulli-

van was made trustee of the Sterling estate in
Kentucky and Ohio, by reason of his son Joseph
being one of the heirs. The father invested the
funds thus inherited in lands, purchasing them at
their regular government price, immediately upon
the reopening of the land office after the Illinois
Central Railroad's time for choosing its lands in
the State of Illinois had expired. This period ex-
tended from 1849 to 1852.

William G. Herron was born in Madison County,
Ohio, near London, lie remained on a farm until
he was twenty years old. and there learned his early-
lessons of industry. His father, Gardner Herron,
and his mother, Maria ( Moraine) Herron, were born
in Dorchester County, Md. His father was a sol-
dier in the War of 1812, and at the age of twenty-
two he removed to Ohio. His mother was brought
to Madison County when she was four years of age.
His father and a brother and sister were left or-
phans; the sister married and died when sixty
years of age. Gardner Herron was a man of mod-
erate circumstances, owning his farm in Madison
Count}- where he died, which event occurred in
1855. His wife is still living with a daughter at
Mahomet, 111. This worthy couple had ten chil-
dren, of whom four boys and three girls grew to
maturity; the others died in infancy.

William G. Herron was born April 6, 1829. His
educational advantages were exceedingly limited.
He was the oldest child of the family, and of course
was expected to take an important part in carrying
on the farm. In 1851 he left Ohio in the employ
of a stockman. On his first visit to Illinois, which
was at the time indicated, his impressions were not
favorable to his location in this county, for at the
time he remarked he would not give ten cents an
acre for any of the land. So he continued in the
occupation of drover, proceeding backward and
forward from Ohio on horseback and in a buggy,
driving many cattle from Illinois to Ohio and
Pennsylvania. He became very well acquainted on
the National Road, so that he knew almost every
one located on that thoroughfare. He was married
in 1855 to Miss Evelyn Robison, a native of Mad-
ison County, Ohio, and the same year he settled in
Piatt County. 111. His wife is the daughter of
Thomas and Mary (Lane) Robison, the former of

286

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

whom was one of the early settlers of Madison
County. He was born in South Carolina, while
Mrs. Robison was a native of Maryland. They
came of good Revolutionary stock. The Robison
family was a leading one in the South, while the
Lanes were prominent in colonial times.

After marriage Mr. Herron engaged in farming
and stock-raising until 1860, when he bought into
a general merchandise business at Monticello. 111.,
continuing in this with varied results for several
years. He and S. W. Allerton became acquainted
in Chicago in 1860. Fortune had favored Mr. Al-
lerton, and in 1881, when he purchased this vast
farm, he offered his friend an opportunity that was
embraced, giving Mr. Herron the entire manage-
ment of the place.

The firm of Allerton & Herron was therefore
formed, and it has been a successful business ven-
ture from the start. The influence of this firm in-
duced the Chicago ife Eastern Illinois Railroad to
forward its work, and Mr. Allerton donated the
right of way through his land and laid out the vil-
lage plat of Allerton which is yet in its infancy, but
on account of its fine location is destined to become
a good point for shipping grain, cattle and horses.
General trade is also bound to prosper here, and the
people of the town have great faith that their hopes
will be full} - realized. The large steam elevator was
put up by Mr. Allerton in 1887, and is operated by
John H. Herron, our subject's son, and is run in
the firm name of Allerton & Herron. Mr. Herron
gives employment to about twenty-five men. and
runs from sixty to seventy teams. He is following
general or mixed farming, and is constantly im-
proving his large farm.

Mr. and Mrs. Herron have reared nine children:
Fannie died when she was twenty-one years of age,
at the time being a student at the Wesleyan Uni-
versity at Bloomington, 111.; Emma was married
June 26, 1889, to Prof . F. W. Martin, of Chaddock
College, Quincy, 111. She is one of the faculty at
Chaddock College. She is a graduate of the Wes-
lyan University and is a Master of Arts and Pro-
fessor of Greek and Latin; David W. is on a ranch
at Cedar Rapids, Neb., where he is conducting a
7,000-acre farm for Allerton. lie is married and
lias two children; William H. is connected with the

United States Geological Survey, and has charge
of the survey in Kansas; John H. is running the
steam elevator at Allerton; Una is a student at
Chaddock College in the class of '90; Edwin is at-
tending the High School at Mahomet; Clyde is at
home as is also Ralph, who is attending school.
Mr. Herron has given all of his children the ben-
efit of good educational advantages, and they have
improved them.

Mr. Herron is an uncom prising and stalwart Re-
publican and attends most of the conventions his
party holds. He has served as a member of the Ex-
ecutive commitee and is President of the Republi-
can Club of Sidell. He has been an Active mem-
ber of the Methodist Fpiscopal Church from boy-
hood up. lie has given large sums to the Wesleyan
University. He and his wife have been members
of the Broadland Methodist Episcopal Church for
many years, where they take great interest in the
Sunday-school. Mr. Herron was Superintendent
of the Sabbath-school at Monticello, 111., for
eighteen years, and in this work he is perhaps bet-
ter known than in any other, as he began active
operations in the Sunday-schools thirty years ago,
and has continued in the work without flagging
during that long period. He assisted in the for-
mation of most of the Sunday-schools of Piatt and
Champaign counties, and also of the southern por-
tion of Vermilion. In all things he is a leader,
whether in politics or religion. As a man and as a
neighbor, there is none who stands higher than
William (t. Herron.

On another page of the Album appears a fine
portrait of Mr. Herron, who occupies a prominent
position among his fellow-men, and is accordingly
worthy of an important place in a book of this
character.

ORIN SPERRY represents the agricultural
interests of Blount Township as a farmer of
more than ordinary shrewdness and practical
ability. He has met with marked success in his
chosen calling, and has a large farm on section 20,
which by good management he has made one of
the most valuable estates in this part of Vermilion
County. Mr. Sperry is the son of a pioneer fain-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPAICAL ALBUM.

287

ilv, was reared here from early childhood, and has

always made his home here.

Mr. Sperry is of New England ancestry on his
father's side, and that parent, whose name was
Wallace Sperry, was born in the good old State of
Connecticut. Sarah Watkins, the mother of our
subject, came of Southern parentage, anil she was
born in Maryland. During some period in their
lives the parents went to Ohio, in the early days of
its settlement, and there he was born in Warren
County Sept. 4,1828, the sixth of nine children.
When he was but two years old, in 1830, they
brought him to this State, and in their new pioneer
home in Blount Township he was reared to a stal-
wart, vigorous manhood. He gleaned a practical
education in the district schools, and his parents
trained him thoroughly in the duties of life, drill-
ing him well in all that pertains to a farmer's call-
ing. When lie became independent, after reaching
man's estate, he bought a Mexican land warrant,
paying $150 for 160 acres of land, which he took
up on section 20, Blount Township, and still re-
tains it in his possession. But he has added to
it as he became more prosperous and wealthy, and
now owns 509 acres of as fine fanning land as is to
be found within the limits of the county. He has
it under admirable tillage, and has a comfortable,
substantial set of buildings, and everything nec-
essary to carrying on agriculture to the best ad-
vantage.

Mr. Sperry has been twice married. He was first
wedded Sept. 2:5. 1852, to Mary Stewart, daughter
of William and Charlotte Stewart, who at that
time lived in Scotland, but afterward came to this
county. Of that marriage nine children were
bom, of whom the following four are living:
Eli S., wln> married Sueldo Johnson; Demna, who
married Wesley Smith; Asa and Eben are yet un-
married. The others, who died when quite young,
are William A., Charles F., Clarissa J., George M.,
and Jessie G. Aug. 30, 1883, the household of
our subject was bereft of the beloved wife and
mother, who had been devoted to the interests of
her family, and was in every respect a true woman
whom to know was to respect.

Mr. Sperry was married I" his present amiable
wife Oct. 1 1, 1888. She is a good housewife and

looks carefully after the comforts of the inmates of
the pleasant home over which she presides. Her
maiden name was Ellen Cozatt, and she is a daugh-
ter of Henry and Nancy Wood, and widow of
Terry C. Cozatt.

Mr. Sherry is a man of sterling worth, one in
whom his fellow-citizens place the utmost confi-
dence, lie possesses foresight, thrift and sound
discretion in an eminent degree, and they have been
factors in his prosperity. In him the United Breth-
ren Church finds one of its most earnest and valued
members, who carries his religion into the every
day affairs of life. In politics he has been a stanch
Republican since the early days of the formation of

the party.

. orx> .

' o&o *

' 1CHAEL McCAUL. There are many-
greater men than their garb would indi-

cate. We find in the person of this gen-
tleman a classical scholar who pursued his
youthful studies with the intention of becoming a
priest, but untoward circumstances compelled him
to leave college and engage in manual labor. This
necessarily changed the whole course of his life
and we now find him a thorough-going farmer,
who in company with his brother owns 120 acres
of land on sections 1 and 6 in Sidell Township.

Probably Mr. McCaul is the only man in his
township who has circumnavigated the globe.
After leaving college his mother was unwilling to
have him come to America on account of the
Civil War, so he went to Australia. He was born
in County Cavan, Ireland, in August, 1844, and
pursued his early studies in the common schools
until the age of fifteen years, when he entered the
Larrah Classical School in the same count}-, where
he pursued his studies for three years and then his
lack of finances compelled him to withdraw. In
setting out for Australia, he was accompanied by
his brut her, Bernard. They sailed around the coast
of Africa, doubled Cape Hope and arrived at Mor-
ton Bay Colony, Queensland, where they became
employed on the public works, principally railroads
for five years.

At the expiration of this time the McCaul
brothers determined to come to America and set

288

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

>ail from Melbourne, going up through the Pacific.
doubling Cape Horn and landing in Liverpool,
whence they embarked on a steamer to the prom-
ised land. They arrived in New York in the early
part of November, 1867, and thence made their
way to Marshall County, this State, where they be-
gan farming together and operated thus several
years.

Our subject final!}* removed to Woodford
County, where he sojourned a few years, then
changing his residence to Champaign County, from
which he came, in 1880, with his brother to his
present farm. They took out their naturalization
papers in 1884. Mr. McCaul believes in protection
to American industries and consequently has iden-
tified himself with the Republican party. He is in full
sympathy with the cause of Ireland and a warm
admirer of Patrick Egan, Patrick Ford and other
who are endeavoring to free their country from
the oppressions of British rule. He has signi-
fied his sympathy in a substantial manner, donat-
ing liberally of his means.

Tlie parents of our subject were Bernard and
Mary (McEntee) McCaul, natives of County Cavan,
Ireland, and the father was a farmer by occupation.
They spent their entire lives upon their native
soil, each living to be sixty-three years old. Their
live children were named respectively, Ann. Ed-
ward, Patrick. Bernard, and Michael. Ann is
the vvidow of John Reiley and resides in Sidell
Township; Edward and Patrick remain in their
native Ireland. Bernard married Miss Mary
Gulcheon, a native, like himself of County Cavan.
and they have three children — Mary, Bernard, and
Maggie. Michael, our subject, continues in a state
of single blessedness.

7RANKLIN EMMET ABLOTT. well-known
as one of the most enterprising of the
younger farmers of Grant Township, was
born in Brown County, Ohio, Sept. 12, 18.59, and
came to Illinois with his parents when but six
years of age. His parents were Wilson and Sarah
J. (Brown) Abbott, who were natives of Ohio and
after their removal to Illinois, coming direct to

Vermilion County, they settled on a farm on sec-
tion 22 in this same township a short distance
from where Franklin E. now resides.

There the family lived for about three years when
they removed to a rented farm a short distance
off. and a year later Mr. Abbott bought a 40-
acre farm on which the family made their home
for many years, and on which place Wilson
Abbott died on Feb. 14, 1883 at the age of fifty-
two. He was a farmer all his life-time, giving his
entire time and attention to the work pertaining to
his farm, and having no desire for notoriety,
as far as possible avoided public position, never
holding any office, save such as school director, or
the like, that he could not evade. He was known as
one of the older settlers of the township, which was
comparatively new when he located here, a quar-
ter of a century ago. He left behind him a splen-
did record as a man and as a farmer. Mrs. Sarah
J. Abbott survived her husband nearly four years,
dying in the house of her son, Franklin E.. on Dec.
1G, 188G, aged fifty-two years.

Wilson Abbott and wife were the parents of eight
children, of whom seven are yet living as follows:
Frances Evelyn, is the wife of Martin Davis, a
fanner in Grant Township; James L.. is married to
Miss Maggie Schoolcraft, and is also a farmer in
Grant Township; Franklin E., was next in order
of birth; Isodora Albertine is the wife of William
Trueheart, a farmer in Mead County, Kan.; Mary
Luella and Cyrena Belle, make their home with
their brother of whom this is written, and Charles
L. is unmarried and engaged in farm work.

Franklin E. Abbott, the subject of this sketch,
has spent his entire life in the county and town-
ship, where he now lives, since he was six years old.
Two or three years after the death of his father,
the old farm was sold and the family home has
since been where Franklin now lives. The elder
members of the family were justly regarded as the
very best people in the neighborhood for industry,
intelligence and straightforward conduct, and
the younger members are closely following the
footsteps of their parents. Mr. Abbott is unmar-
ried, his sisters keeping house for him. He hns
been School Director of the township, and all of the
family are members of the Christian Church, be

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

289

being treasurer of the Sabbath-school connected
therewith.

Mr. Abbott belongs to that younger element of
of farmers of Illinois, which is rapidly coming to
the front, and after attaining that position is
sine to remain there. He is constructed of the
material that make a useful citizen and a good
farmer.

\j] OHN E. T1K >M PSON. The people of ( >ak-

wood Township with one accord declare
that this is -'one of the finest old gentlemen
within its precincts." This kindly express-
ion of opinion among those who have known him
long and well, should in a measure compensate him
for the affliction from which he is suffering, he hav-
ing become almost blind and passing many days
which seem long and dreary, lie. however, has a
mind to direct his farming operations, and is en-
abled to live comfortably upon his little farm of
eighty acres, besides which he has eight acres of
timber. He raises as much stock as the place will
support comfortably, and in his struggles and la-
bors has been ably assisted by his estimable wife —
a lady possessing all the womanly virtues, devoted
to her family, remarkably industrious and frugal,
and who has ordered the ways of her household in
the most admirable manner.

The subject of this notice is the offspring of an
excellent old family, and was one of a pair of twins
born March 5. 1821, in Clark County, Ohio. His
boyhood days were spent in his native State, where
he received a practical education in the common
school, and when reaching his majority began farm-
ing for himself. When twenty-five years old he
was married in 1811), to Miss Sarah E. Simpkins,
and the young people lived thereafter for three
years at the Thompson homestead. In 1802 they
came to Illinois and settled first in Edgar County,
where they sojourned live years. Their next re-
moval was to their present farm, which was then
merely a tract of wild land with not a stick of tim-
ber or a shrub upon it.

Our subject set himself industriously to work for
the improvement of his property ably assisted by
his faithful wife, and making each year some head-

way toward the desired end. After a lapse of years
six children were embraced in the family house-
hold, four of whom arc living: Rowena Harriet is
now the wife of Silas Bean, and the mother of one
child by her present husband; they live in Hodge-
man County, Kan. By her first marriage with
Frank Funk she became the mother of four chil-
dren; John Henry married Miss Emma Royer;
thej live in Kansas City, Mo., and have two chil-
dren; Darius S. is unmarried, and has principal
charge of the home farm, and is a member of Lodge
No. -181). I. (). (). F. ; Charles S. married Miss Re-
becca Hubbard, and lives in Pilot Township, hav-
ing no children.

Mr. Thompson cast his first Presidential vote for
Zachary Taylor, and was a member of the Old
Whig party until 185G, when he cast his lot with
the Republicans at the organization of this party.
He has officiated as Road Overseer in Edgar County,
and has been School Director in his present dis-
trict for eight years. Socially, he belongs to Lodge
No. 489 I. O. O. F. at Fithiau, in which he has
been Right Supporter and Outside Guardian. Mrs.
Thompson is a devout member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church. Her parents were D. S. and
Rowena Simpkins. the former of whom was a na-
tive of Maryland, and later removed with his fam-
ily to Ohio, settling in Clark County, where he be-
came prominent and well-to-do. The parental
household included eight children, of whom Mrs.
Thompson was the fourth in order of birth. She
was born Nov. G, 1828, in Maryland, and received
an excellent education. Her parents spent their
last years in Clark County, Ohio.

The father of our subject was Jeremiah C.
Thompson, a native of Harper's Ferry, Va., and a
farmer by occupation. He married Miss Susannah
Wolfe, a maiden of his own township and a daugh-
ter of Henry Wolfe, a native of Virginia and a
prominent man of his time, who lived till nearly
eighty years of age. From the Old Dominion,
about a year after their marriage, the parents of
our subject emigrated to Clark County, Ohio, set-
tling among its earliest pioneers. The father in due
time became owner of nearly 400 acres of land and
was prominent in the community, officiating as
.Jusiice of the Peace and occupying other positions

290

PORTRAIT AND BIOKRAPAICAL ALBUM.

of trust and responsibility. He departed this life
at the old homestead in 1851. The mother had
preceded her husband to the silent land eleven
years, her death taking place in 1840. They were
the parents of eleven children, the most of whom
lived to mature years, and were scattered through
different States.

« WILLIAM CLIPSON, deceased, was forrn-
\rJIl er *y an ll0110rec1 resident of Vermilion
yystl County, with whose farming interests he
was identified. Coming here with his family when
this section of the country was still in the hands of
the pioneers and purchasing land in Catlin Town-
ship, he was actively engaged in its improvement,
and in the few years that he was spared to the
community he greatly increased the value of his
farm. His death when but a few years past the me-
ridian of life was a severe blow to the township
with whose interests his own were bound up, and
his name and memory are still cherished here by
those who knew him best.

He was of English birth and breeding, born in
Lincolnshire, May 18, 1806, and reared to man-
hood in a town known as Minonsby, where, he
lived till he was about eighteen years old, when he
went to Devonshire, England. He was first married
in that shire to Jane Shaw, by whom he had eight
children, of whom only two lived to grow up,
Catherine and Jane. Catherine is the wife of Mil-
ligan M. Moore, of Georgetown, 111. Jane married
John Swanell, and died in Leavenworth, Kan., in
1859. After his marriage Mr. Clipson removed to
London, and there his wife died July 1, 1839.
While in Devonshire he enlisted as a soldier in the
British Army, and served as messman to King
William. After his removal to London he served
on the police force of that city, and was afterward
inspector for the London Gas Company for some
ten or twelve years, and at the same time was en-
gaged in the management of a hotel. He was mar-
ried a second time in that city, his union with
Miss Matilda Ann Barker being solemnized Nov. 5,
1840. She was born in Boston, Lincolnshire, Eng-
land, Dec. 22, 1815. Of the thirteen children born

of her marriage with our subject the following six
grew to maturity: William H., John O, James,
Harriet A., Richard, Albeit. William married
Mirantha Tipton, and they reside in Clarinda,
Iowa. John C. married Margaret Hutchinson, and
they reside in Clarinda, Iowa. James married Cla-
rissa Douglas, and they reside in Catlin Township.
Albert married Ethlen Sanford, and they reside in
Catlin Township. Harriet and Richard live with
their mother on the old homestead.

Mr. and Mrs. Clipson continued to live in Lon-
don till the spring of 1853, when they emigrated to
America with their family, making the voyage on
a sailing vessel in six weeks, and landed in New
York, whence they came directly to Vermilion
County. They settled in Catlin Township, east-
ing in their lot with its pioneers, and here he en-
gaged in farming, having purchased 1G0 acres of
wild land. He caused a good house to be erected,
and made many other substantial improvements,
besides getting much of the land under excellent
cultivation, and was continually increasing the
value of his farm, when death closed his busy, use-
ful career July 6, 1862. He was a man of varied
experience in life; intelligent and thoughtful, and
his place in this township was among its best and
most desirable citizens. He was a fair-minded
man, and was possessed of ripe judgment, tact and
sound discretion, and was always found to be faith-
ful and trustworthy in his dealings, so that his life-
record is without stain. His venerable widow is
still making her home on the old homestead, sur-
rounded by all the comforts that the loving care of
her children can devise. She is a fine lady- of well-
known English stock, is hospitable and entertain-
ing, and with her family occupies a high position
in the social circles of the community. She is a
valued member of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
and has been connected with it for more than
twenty years, and her conduct in the daily affairs
of life show her to be possessed of a truly religious,
Christian nature.

Richard and Albert Clipson, sons of our subject,
have formed a partnership and are extensively en-
gaged in the stock business. Besides having the
management of the old homestead, they r own and
operate 360 acres of choice farming land. They

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

291

buy and ship a large amount of stock, having sev-
eral men in their employ who are engaged all Un-
tune in buying for them. The firm is well-known
throughout this part of the West and stands high
in financial circles, as the Clipson Bros, are known
to be men of honor who are always fair and up-
right in their dealings. They are men of large en-
terprise, full of energy and push, and possess a
marked talent for business, which they conduct
systematically and after the most approved meth-
ods. Richard Clipson is a member of the I. O. O. F.,
of Catlin, and Albert belongs to the Modern
Woodmen Camp of Catlin.

*~=5*$--l

<iW

%. UGH WRIGHT is the son of William, whose
|[f)jl father, Hugh, was a native of Bourbon Co.,
[ jbp K.V-, where he married Miss Anna Patter-
■y0l son. After their marriage they removed to
Bourbon County, Kentucky, where they located on
a farm and reared their family of eight children,
viz.: William, John, Hugh. Thomas. Margred,
Polly, Peggy, and our subject's father, William.
The four eldest died at an early age; Margred. the
fifth child, married a Mr. Piper, who is now de-
ceased, after which she was again married to Eli
Current, of Kentucky, who also died. She, how-
ever, continued to live in Kentucky. Polly and
her husband, Mr. Piper, both died leaving two chil-
dren; Peggy, the seventh, married .lames Looman,
who died. She now resides in Kansas. The sub-
ject's father, the eighth and last born, was married
in Kentucky, to Miss Ellen, daughter of Silas and
Margaret (Duffy) Waters.

The subject's grandfather was a native of Vir-
ginia but removed to Kentucky when the children
were young. In 1828 Hugh's father with his
family came to this county; there were at this time
but three children, Hugh, Silas and James. The
latter was born in Rush County, I ml., where the
parents lived one year previous to coming here.
Those born here are John A.. William A., now de-
ceased, Margaret A., who died at the age of eight-
een vears, and Elizabeth, who married John Rut-
ledge. Since her husband's death Mrs. Rutledge

has lived in McLean County. The first settlement
made here by the father was some three miles north
of Danville. At the time of his location here there
were but three white families in the village, this
part of the county being chiefly occupied by In-
dians. The land had not yet come into market:
he, however, ventured to settle in the timber, and
reckoned that the prairies would never become
populated. The first house was made of logs, and
the fireplace was concocted of a substance called
stone-coal, which was supposed to be fire-proof.
This, however, proved to be a mistake, for the fire
was no sooner built than the stone-coal at once be-
gan ' to burn, and it was with difficulty that the
cabin itself was saved. After considerable exertion
the flames were extinguished. Immediately after
this disaster what remained of the coal chimney
was torn down and it was replaced by a stick and
clay one.

The little log cabin was soon -surrounded by a
nicely cultivated farm, and later, in its stead a
pretty house might be seen. There the family
lived for ten years. During this time the vil-
lage of Denmark, as it is now called, was started.
It was a rough frontier town situated near to the
house of our subject's father. On account of the
many disadvantages arising from their nearness to
Denmark, the father sold his farm and removed to
this township, which was better suited to his taste.
Here he spent his last days. His death occurred in
1815. His wife survived him by thirty-six years.
She died at Farmer's City, McLean County, in
1881, her daughter being with her at the time.

Hugh Wright was married first in this county to
Miss Manerva, daughter of Peter and Elizabeth
Payne, who came from New York, their native
city, to be pioneers in this county. Of this mar-
riage there were six children: Margaret, America.
Mary. Fannie, now Mrs. Henry Radyinaker, Clarissa
and Frank. Margaret and America are no longer
living; Mary is now Mrs. Samuel A. Oliver, and
resides in Southern Texas; Clarissa married Mr.
Staunton Foster and lives in this township; Fannie
and her husband are living in Armstrong. The
whole family are members of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church, of which the father was a Class-
Leader for man}' years. Hugh Wright's first wife

292

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

died in April, 1881. After seven years he was
again married to Mrs. Stacy (Potts) Wikoff. This
happy event took place in Nov. 1888. By her
first husband she had three children: Thomas.
Ellen and James. Wikoff is a name well remem-
bered among the old families of Ohio.

Mr. Wright is the proprietor of a fine farm com-
prising 400 acres all under good cultivation. This
he has made his home, adding yearly to it all the
advantages and improvements that suggest them-
selves. An important feature in his character is
his business accuracy and punctuality. These
enable him at any time to command the assistance
of any bank with which he does business. Besides
the farm on which he lives, he is the owner of 800
acres, all fine farms, in this township. His mill
has been improved and an artesian well has been
supplemented to the list of conveniences on his
premises.

Mr. Wright's father seems to have been consti-
tutionally destitute of fear. He was made, as it
were, without that peculiar faculty which makes
people take danger into the account and try to
keep at a distance from it. The full possession of
this deficiency (if the phrase is not too direct a
contradiction in terms) is now quite uncommon.
It was therefore without trepidation that he made
a friend of Wapanim, the chief of an Indian tribe.
They were in fact on such friendly terms that Mr.
Wright did not hesitate to allow his son Hugh,
who was then a child, to ride on the Indian's back
through the woods. The tribe was at that time a
peaceful one.

One daj' while talking with Mr. Wright the
chief requested him to report anything that a mem-
ber of his tribe might do which did not happen to
meet with Mr. Wright's approbation. This request
was soon to be made use of. The occasion was as
follows: A stalwart Indian came to the house and
threatened to harm our subject's mother for having
refused to give him the eggs that he had asked for.
This fact was stated to the chief, who had the In-
dian whipped most severely. The lash used was a
stout one and was plied by a strong hand. The
result was that the poor creature's skin was broken
and the raw bleeding flesh exposed. Still the pun-
ishment was continued so long that fully a pint of

M""<1 inusl have been shed. Mr. Wright and his
family were called upon to witness the scene.

This little incident is given partly to direct at-
tention to the care and assiduity with which this
exceptionally good chief guarded the interests of
the white families against the barbarous injustice of
his own men. Wapinim spoke English well, and
for a man of his type was unusually intelligent.

Hugh Wright was seventeen years old when he
got his first suit of store clothes, which he bought
with the money he himself had earned by tramping
out some oats with horses and hauling them to
Chicago, where thej- sold at ten cents per bushel.
Before this his clothes were such as his mother
would make by means of the old spinning-wheel.
He was very proud of his new apparel, which cost
him $10, the price of 100 bushels of oats.

GEORGE WHEELER JONES, M. ]).. one
of the foremost physicians of the State of Illi-
nois, and who has a fine professional reputa-
tion beyond its borders, was born in Bath, Steuben
Co., N. Y., in February, 1839. Dr. Jones' father,
John S. Jones, also a physician, was born in High-
land, Kings Co., N. Y., and his father, John Jones,
was born in or near New York City. They were
of Welsh ancestry. Dr. Jones, father of George
W., commenced the study of medicine while quite
a young man. and was graduated from the medical
college at Albany, after which he practiced his pro-
fession in New Y r ork State until 1847, when he re-
moved to Indiana and settled in Covington, practi-
cing there many years. He removed from Coving-
ton to Danville, where he died in the fall of 1871,
but a few months after his last removal. Dr.
Jones, Sr., married Charlotte Wheeler, a native of
Steuben County, N. Y. Her father, George
Wheeler, was a native of Connecticut, and they
trace their ancestry to England. The mother of
the subject of this article still resides in Danville.
There were seven children born to her: George
W., James S. (deceased), Lydia, Frank and
Caleb (deceased), Mary S. and Lottie E. James
enlisted, at the age of eighteen, in the 63d Indiana
Infantry, and was mustered in as private, but was

■■— R „.^^

Residence and Farm Property of John Leemon ,o\\\

' 'i

a&fe5M^iBa>seeoi

h A.&.10. (23=1E.) and Sec's^.^.-U.) Vermilion &. I roquois Cos..

POKTKAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

297

rapidly promoted through different grades until be
reached the rank of Quartermaster. He served
until the close of the war, and is now deceased.

Dr. G. W. Jones attended the public schools in
New York State and later in Covington, and anally
completed his literary studies at Wabash College,
and also began the stud}- of medicine with his
father and uncle Caleb Jones, at Covington. lie
attended several courses of lectures at a medical
college in Chicago, during which time he received
private instructions from Dr. By ford, of that city.
In March. 1862, he was graduated, and imme-
diately entered the army as Acting Surgeon of the
2Gth Illinois Regiment. After a few month's serv-
ice in that capacity he was tendered a commission
with the rank of Major and Surgeon of that regi-
ment, but preferred to be with his brother in the
(>3d Indiana, and accepted the position of Assistant
Surgeon of that regiment, where he served until
the close of the war. For two years he was one of
the Surgeons in charge of the field hospital of the
third division of the 23cl army corps. He served
with Sherman in the Atlanta campaign, and also in
the operations against Hood's army in Tennessee.
He carries the scars of the wound received at
Pumpkin Vine Creek, caused by the explosion of a
shell. After being mustered out of the service in
1805 he came to Danville, and at once inaugurated
a successful practice. Dr. Jones has a brilliant war
record, and one of which he can justly feel proud.

The subject of this sketch was married in I860,
to Emelyn K. Enos, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and a
daughter of Benjamin and Susan Enos. She is the
mother of one child, Hubert W. Dr. Jones and
wife are members of Holj' Trinity (Episcopal)
Church. Politically, the Doctor is a standi Repub-
lican, and for many years has served as a member
of the Pension Board, a position he has filled with
marked ability. He is a member of the following
medical societies: The Vermilion County Medical
Society, The Illinois Central, Chicago Medical So-
ciety, Illinois State Medical Society, Mississippi
Valley, and the American Medical Association.
He was a delegate to the meeting of the Inter-
national Medical Congress which met in Washing-
ton, D. C, in 1888, and which was composed of
many of the scientific men of the world. While

Dr. Jones stands at the head of his profession in
his portion of the country, he is reckoned as one of
the best of neighbors and citizens. The Doctor is a
member of Lodge No. G9, I. O. ( ). F., of Danville,
and also a prominent .Mason, officiating with Ori-
ental Consistory of Chicago, and several other
secret societies.

.;«.;.»>

OHN LEEMON. The man who has flowing
j through his veins the blood of an honor-
able ancestry has occasion for being proud,

for he has thus been endowed with thai
which is better than silver and gold. If lie has like-
wise been endowed with the wisdom to improve his
talent, he is doubly fortunate, for no matter what
circumstances surround him, he is usually able to
fight his way resolutely to success. Some men are
met with seemingly more than their share of ad-
versity, while the course of others is comparatively
smooth, but in either event men usually have about
all they wish to contend with of trouble and toil.
Those who have succeeded in breasting the waves
are naturally looked up to by their fellow-men,
among whom they become captains and leaders.

The subject of this notice presents a fine illus-
tration of the results of perseverance, and what
man may accomplish from a very humble begin-
ning. Commencing in life without other resources
than his own energy and resolution, he climbed his
way steadi^' upward until he is now a man of
property and importance, owning one of the finest
farms in Central Illinois. This comprises 1,080
acres in one body, occupying the greater portions
of sections 4 and 10, township 23. range 12, the
residence being on 4, and the balance in Iroquois
County on the north, in township 24, range 12
In Fountain Creek he has 520 acres, and 120 acres
near East Lynn. In Scott and Christian counties
he has an interest in 1,785 acres. The home farm,
which has naturally been under the especial over-
sight of the proprietor, has been brought to a high
state of cultivation, and mainly devoted to general
farming together with stock-raising. The residence
with its surroundings, which are represented by a
lithographic engraving on another page, give it

298

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

the air of plenty and comfort which is delightful to
contemplate. The buildings and machinery are
all that -is required for the successful prosecution
of agriculture.

Mr. Leemon was born of Scotch parentage in
County Armagh in the North of Ireland, May 8,
1829, and emigrated to America when he was
twenty-two years old, coming directly to Illinois
and settling in Jersey County. He worked out by
the month, first at $12, and (luring the winter sea-
son husked corn at fifty cents per day and board.
His wants were few, and at these small wages he
managed to save a little money until he had enough
to buy a team. This accomplished, he rented a
tract of land in Jersey County, where he carried
on farming until 1856. In the meantime he had
come to this county and purchased 444 acres of
wild land. As soon as possible he commenced its
improvement and cultivation at a time when there
was not a house in that vicinity, excepting the one
occupied by Mr. Hoopes, with whom he boarded,
going back and forth to his place, two and one-
half miles, night and morning.

In the fall of 1857 Mr. Leemon put up a small
house on his farm, and, like the bachelor of old,
"lived by himself," until he judged it prudent to
take unto himself a wife. In the meantime he
planted forest and fruit trees, set out a goodly
amount of hedge, and instituted the improvements
which, as time passed on, resulted in making his
farm a very valuable and desirable piece of prop-
erty. He has now two windmills and a feedmill.
his barn being underlaid with water-pipes which
lead to various tanks wherever required for the
convenience of stock. The wet land has been
thoroughly drained with tiling, which was con-
veyed from Bloomington. When Mr. Leemon
settled here wild animalsof all kinds were plentiful,
especially deer and wolves. He has seen as mam-
as seventy-five deer in one herd, while men fre-
quently got together to hunt the wolves, which
hunger made altogether too familiar to suit the
settlers, sometimes stealing the deer meat from
their doors.

When the time came that Mr. Leemon felt that
he could justifiably assume the responsibility of a
family, he was united in marriage with Miss Lodema .

Brown, of Butler Township, the wedding taking
place at Rossville Aug. 26, 1865. Mr. and Mrs.
Leemon commenced the journey of life together in
their own home, and in due time they became the
parents of six children, the eldest of whom, a
daughter, Izele. died at the age of twelve years.
The survivors are Lida, Robert A., John A..
Charles N. and Edith, and they are all at home
with their parents, being given the training
and education which will fit them for their proper
station in life, as the offspring of one of the first
families of this county.

Upon becoming a voting citizen Mr. Leemon
identified himself with the Democratic party, but
in local or State politics, votes independently,
aiming to support the men whom he considers best
qualified to serve the interests of the people. He
has been the incumbent of nearly every office in
Fountain Creek Township. He served as Justice
of the Peace eight years, also as School Director,
and Trustee, and Supervisor for four years, and
has uniformly distinguished himself as a man of
progressive and liberal ideas — one willing to give
his time and influence to those enterprises calcu-
lated for the general good. He was reared in the
doctrines of the Presbyterian Church. During the
early days he labored early and late, frequently
plowing all night long and resting a part of the
day, on account of the flies. Notwithstanding this he
took good care of his health, never abusing himself
by using liquor, and is consequently still a well-
preserved man and able to enjoy the fruits of his
labors, now that he is in a condition to retire.
Man}' of the enterprises of Hoopestown have found
in Mr. Leemon a substantial friend and benefactor.
He is Vice President and Director of the new bank.

Thomas Leemon, the father of our subject, was
likewise a native of the North of Ireland, to which
his forefathers had been driven during the times of
religious persecution in Scotland. He married
Miss Elizabeth Thompson, and they reared a fam-
ily of six children, all of whom followed our sub-
ject to America in 1854, three years after his arri-
val here. They sojourned for a time in Jersey
County, this State, then removed to Christian
Count}-, where the father died in 1862. The
mother survived her husband some years, and

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

■20'J

spent her last days with her son John, passing
away in 1883. Samuel and William Leemon, the
two brothers of our subject, are residents of Chris-
tian County. Mrs. Leemon was born near Lock-
port, in Niagara County, N. Y., and when about
seventeen years old emigrated with her parents to
Indiana, where she lived until about twenty-two
years old. They then removed to East Lynn, this
county. Her father, John Brown, spent his last
da\s in Marysville. KastTenn., where he died some
years ago. The mother, Mrs. Catherine (Bears)
Brown, still lives, and makes her home with her
daughter, at the advanced age of eighty-one years.

*"*

-fc—

J [JOHN R. THOMPSON. Few men are het-
I ter known throughout Oakwood Township
| than Mr. Thompson. He owns a good farm
I of COO acres, on sections 24 and 25. where he
has effected most of the improvements upon it,
erecting the barn and other buildings, and himself
clearing 150 acres. He has made a specialty of
sheep-raising — Shropshires and Merinos — and has
probably had a larger experience in this industry
than any other man in the county. In this he has
been uniformly successful, and maintains that the
only money he has ever made and saved, he has
accumulated in this manner. He has also dealt
largely in cattle, swine and general farm produce,
and cultivates 250 acres, which, from its soil and
location, is classed among the best land in the
township. He is a lover of the equine race like-
wise and has four fine specimens of thorough-bred
Kentucky running stock, two of Harkaway, one of
Gloster, and one from Laurence, promising young
horses, who will probably make a fine record. Mr.
Thompson proposes retiring from active labor in
the near future, which he can well afford to do,
having an ample competence.

The eighth in a family of eighteen children, our
subject was born April 12, 1830, in Washington
County, Pa. His parents were Joseph and Nancy
(Stoughton) Thompson, natives respectively of
New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The paternal
grandfather was a native of Wales, whence he erni-
grated to America at an earl)- day. Joseph

Thompson and his wife spent their entire lives in
their native State, the father dying in L865, and
the mother in 1880. Thirteen of their children
lived to mature years, and ten are still living, mak-
ing their homes mostly in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illi-
nois and Kansas.

The boyhood days of Mr. Thompson were spent,
in his native county and' his education was acquired
in the district school, after which he engaged in
farm work until 1851. Then, having reached his
majority, he started for the farther West, landing
in this count)- and for six years thereafter operated
as a shepherd, thus gaining his knowledge of the
proper care and treatment of sheep. He watched
his Hocks on the wild prairie when the settlers were
few :\ni\ far between and occupying farms within
a mile of the timber. In coming to Illinois Mr.
Thompson drove a flock of 1,300 sheep for another
man, beini>- sixty-six days on the way. He attended
these until the spring of 1852 then returned to his
native State and returned with a flock of 1,500 to
this county, making the entire distance on foot and
consuming seventy-two days.

On the 27 of November, 1856, our subject was
united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth, daughter
of David C. Wright, who had died previously.
The young people commenced the journey of life
together on a rented farm which they occupied three
years, Mr. Thompson still maintaining his inter-
est in sheep, which he began to raise in goodly
numbers and which brought him handsome returns.
In due time he purchased 160 acres of land adja-
cent to that which he now owns. He lived upon
this four years, then sold it and purchased 190
acres, partly improved and near the timber. Three
years later he sold out once more and purchased
\\\< present farm.

To Mr. and Mr. Thompson there were born
twelve children, one of whom died young. The
survivors form an unusually bright and interesting
group, of which the parents are justly proud. The
eldest, Joseph Morton, married Miss Molly Steen
and is a leading member of the G. A. R., of Dan-
ville. D. Lincoln married Miss Melissa Hall and
is senior member of the firm of Thompson Bros.,
general merchants at Fithian; he has two children.
Annie, Mrs. Elijah Board, is the mother of one

300

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

child and lives in Oakwood Township; Nellie F.,
John R., Gertie K.. Clysses S., Franciena, Maude,
Harrison and Dollie, are at home with their pa-
rents. The firm of Thompson Bros., is conspicuous
for its admirable business abilities and has fen-
equals in this part of the country. The children
of our subject have all been given an excellent edu-
cation, four of the six eldest receiving first-grade
certificates. Joseph M. was graduated from the
University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, receiving
special instruction from Judge Cooley.

Mr. Thompson votes the straight Republican
ticket, being the only one of seven brothers who
cast his lot with this party— the other six and the
the father being staunch Democrats. He has offi-
ciated as School Director most of the time since
coming to Oakwood Township and has been Path-
master for many years. Socially, he belongs to
the I. O. O. F. at Fithian and has passed all the
Chairs and through the Encampment. A man
never idle when there is anything to do, he has
made for himself a good record in point of industry
and perseverance. One of the most fortunate
things which has fallen to his lot is his estimable
and sensible wife, a lady greatly esteemed in her
community for her excellent qualities of character
and her devotion to her family.

Mrs. Thompson was the eldest child of her pa-
rents and was born Dec. 26, 1837, in Champaign
County. 111. Of the four children born to her pa-
rents three are now living, one residing in Iowa
and one in Nebraska. Her grandfather, John B.
Wright, of Pennsylvania, removed first to Indiana
ami then to this county of which he was one of the
pioneer settlers.

WILLIAM WILSON BUCHANAN, junior
member of the firm of Crimmins & Bucha-
nan, is with his partner operating the liv-
ery stable at Sidell, and is highly popular among
the resident^ of this well-regulated little village.
He also operates considerably as an auctioneer and
salesman. He is a man of undoubted ability, and
fine personal appearance, and possesses those correct
ideas in relation to both public and private life

from which spring the better elements of society.
He was born in Gentry County, Mo., March 17,
1859.

The parents of our subject were Enoch and Su-
san (Beard) Buchanan, the father a native of Ohio
and the mother of Kentucky. The paternal grand-
father removed from the Buckeye State and settled
in Edgar County, Hi. about 1845, bringing his
family with him. He and his father both served
in the war of 1812. The Buchanan family is of
Scotch ancestry and upon coming to this country,
settled in Pennsylvania where they carried on farm-
ing. They were a large, muscular set of people
and usually thrifty and well-to-do. Enoch Bucha-
nan was reared to manhood in Edgar County, this
State, but was married in Vermilion County,
whence he moved to Missouri about 1854, settling
on a farm near Fairview. The troubles during the
Civil War induced him to return to Illinois and in
the meantime his property was destroyed. He was
thus left without resources, but set himself to work
and was prospered, finally becoming the owner of
a farm in Carroll Township. He departed this
life in 1878 after an active career of fifty years.
The mother is still living and makes her home with
our subject; she is now fifty-eight years old.
Their four children were named respectively, Sarah,
John. William Wilson and Elizabeth. The eldest
daughter is a resident of Carroll Township; John
died at the age of one year; Elizabeth became the
wife of Benjamin Black, one of the leading citi-
zens of Carroll, Township.

Our subject acquired his education in the com-
mon school and as his father's business called the
latter away from home, William W., being the
only son, necessarily assumed the responsibility
of looking after the family, although but twenty
years of age. In 1878 Mr. Buchanan engaged in
the sewing machine business which he followed un-
til the spring of 1889. At the same time he super-
intended the operation of his farm. He was
married in 1881 to Miss Alice C. Gilroy at her
home in Carroll Township. Mrs. Buchanan is the
daughter of William and Elizabeth (Beard) Gilroy,
whose parents came to this count}- in 1845 and
were among the pioneer settlers of Carroll Town-
ship. The mother is still living and makes her

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

301

home in Butler County, Kan.; she is about fifty-
two years old. Of her firs*t marriage there was
born one child only — Mrs. Buchanan. After i he
death of her first husband she was married twice,
having three children by the second husband and
one by the third.

Mrs. Buchanan was reared to womanhood in
Carroll Township, this county, and completed her
Studies in the High School at Indianola. Other
union with our subject there have been bom four
children — Essie, Leila, Floy E. and Elraa. Mr.
Buchanan, politically, votes the Democratic ticket
and socially belongs to the Modern Woodmen
Camp at Indianola. The firm of which he is a
member was organized April 17, 1889, but not-
withstanding the business is comparatively new, is
in the enjoyment of a good patronage. They have
put in an excellent stock of new buggies and
harness, have good horses, and, in fact, conduct
their enterprise in a manner which makes it ex-
tremely popular among the people of this region.
They are consequently justified in their expectations
of the future.

Aside from his livery business Mr. Buchanan is
recognized as one of the leading auctioneers of
this county, operating principally along its south-
ern line. He has been in practice for the last five
years, his "transactions being principally in live-
stock deals. He is thus widely known throughout
Western Indiana and Northern Illinois. He also
officiated as Constable of Carroll Township.

<ffl WILLIAM DAVIS. The man who has thought
»\/W much and studied much, and whose char-
\j/vg acter has commended itself to his fellow-
men, naturally has an influence in shaping their
views and opinions; and this influence will be felt
long after he lias been gathered to his fathers. Here
and there we find one far in advance of his age —
one whose children will probably live to see the
time when his prophecies will have been fulfilled
and his ideas adopted by a later generation. These
thoughts involuntarily arise in contemplating the
career of Mr. Davis, who is a man of more than
Ordinary intelligence, possessing a mind filled with

those broad and philanthropic ideas which must
necessarily in time become of benefit to the human
race. He was bom with a natural antipathy to
tyranny in all its forms, believing with Patrick
Henry, that death is preferable to oppression, lie
is totally averse to trusts and monopolies and when-
ever opportunity occurs lifts up his voice against
those corporations which have proved the ruin, not
only of individuals, but sometimes almost of entire
communities.

Mr. Davis was one of the earliest pioneers of
Vermilion County and was at an early day acknowl-
edged as one of its leading men. He was born in
Guernsey County, Ohio, Jan. 25, 181 Land was the
third in a family of ten children, the offspring of
Henry and Rachel (Polock) Davis, both natives of
Pennsylvania and the father born in Greene
County. The paternal grandfather, also a native
of the Keystone State, was a patriot of the Revolu-
tionary War, after which he settled in Ohio, reared
two families of twelve children each and departed
this life about 1823. Grandfather Polock died in
Guernsey County about 182Q. This branch of the
Davis family was of Dutch and Welsh descent while
the Polocks traced their ancestry to Ireland. Henry
Davis occupied himself largely as a fanner and was
also successfully engaged in raising tobacco.

The parents of our subject after marriage lived
in Pennsylvania two years, then in 1807 made their
way to the young State of Ohio, accompanied by
grandfather Polock, and settled in Guernsey
County. The mother of our subject died in Illi-
nois in 1848. The father survived his wife five
years, dying in 18.">3. They came to Illinois in
the fall of 1836. Mr. Davis, prior to this, had vis-
ited Illinois four times, being determined to settle
here. Five of their children are still living, making
their homes in Illinois and Iowa.

The boyhood and youth of our subject were
spent amid the wild scenes of pioneer life during
the early settlement of Ohio and he naively states
that the only bear hunt he ever took part in was
when he was five months old and his father killed
the bear. He attended school two months in the
winter season for a few years, and after reaching
his majority began making arrangements for the
establishment of a home of his own. In the fall of

302

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

1834, he was married to Miss Elizabeth, daughter
of David Hayes of Washington Count}', Pa. The
young couple thirteen days afterward started for
Illinois with a wagon and accompanied by an uncle
of our subject and his brother Azariah with his
wife and child. They were nineteen days on the
journey and Mr. and Mrs. Davis walked nearly all
the way.

Mr. Davis received from his father seventy-seven
acres of land in Vance Township, this county, upon
which was a hewed log cabin. The newly wedded
pair had brought with them a couple of beds and
a few things stowed away in sacks, while Mr. Davis
had his ax and gun. Two hours after reaching their
destination they were visited by prairie wolves
which were frequent callers for many years after-
ward. After obtaining some wheat which had been
raised on his place the year before, Mr. Davis re-
paired to Eugene, Ind., and selling this wheat.
purchased a few cooking utensjls. He and his
wife had stools to sit upon and a table made by
boring holes in the log wall of their dwelling, driv-
ing in a couple of pins and laying a few slabs
across.

In those days there were only a few houses
between Catlin and Sidney. Homer was not in
existence. The Wabash Railway track was sur-
veyed in 1837. Our subject's little farm was
partly broken before it became his, his father
giving him the deed for it in 1837. He was suc-
cessful in his first farming operations, although he
had very crude implements with which to culti-
vate the soil and no help save that of his wife.
He struggled along in the new country and grew
slowly with it. He thinks the most prosperous
times for this "section were between 1850 and 1860
and the two years following the close of the war.

Ten children came to bless the union of Mr.
and Mrs. Davis, seven of whom grew to mature
years. Rachel became the wife of Daniel Roudebush
who is now deceased; she has four children and
lives near Portland. Ore.; Edith married Ben-
jamin Browning and became the mother of four
children; they live near Sacramento, Cal. ; D. Cook
married for his second wife a Mrs. Miller of Pen-
field. 111., and they have six children; Henry is
written of elsewhere in this volume; Jemima is the

wife of Sullivan Cox, lives in Dement and has one
child ; Lydia, E„ the wife of George W. Baird. is
the mother of four children and they live in Vance
Township.

Mrs. Elizabeth (Hayes) Davis departed this life
at the homestead in the fall of 1861.

Our subject contracted a second matrimonial al-
liance Aug. 21, 1863, with Miss Mary C, daughter
of Lawrence T. Catlett and sister of Hiram and
Harold Catlett of Vance Township. Mrs. Davis
was the third in a family of twelve children and
was born Aug. 23, 1821, in Charlottesville. Ya.
She attended school for a time in her native State
and completed a good education in Ohio. She fol-
lowed the profession of a teacher for some years
prior to her marriage. The family came to Illinois
in 1846 and Miss Mary taught school for some
time in this county. She is a most estimable and
worthy lady, kind, generous and hospitable and
especially attentive to those in affliction. She has
always been interested in educational matters and
donated 175 from her own private purse to the
university at Upper Alton. She also gave $50 to
the Baptist Church in Danville of which both she
and her husband have been members for man}'
years, Mr. Davis serving as Deacon and Trustee
and both laboring earnest!}' in the Sunday-school.
The health of Mrs. Davis for the past two years
has been delicate, preventing her from pursuing
this good work as she would have liked.

Mr. Davis, more fortunate than many of his com-
peers, financially, received $2,500 fromhis father and
had the good judgment to take care of it and add to
it. He is now the owner of about 1,000 acres of land
in this county and five good houses. He has an
interest in the implement firm of Davis & Stearns,
and also in a large grain warehouse. Besides this
he owns fifteen or eighteen lots in Fairmount and
has given to each of his children $3,500. He
donated $1,000 to the Douglas University at Chi-
cago. $500 to the Wabash Railroad, $500 to the
university at Upper Alton and has always been a
liberal supporter of the schools, churches and other
worthy enterprises in this County. His estate is
valued at $60,000. While busy with the accumu-
lation of this world's goods for himself he has the
satisfaction of knowing that the needy have never

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

:;n;;

been turned empty from his door. He sympathizes
with those less fortunate than himself and none are
more ready to aid those, who will try to help them-
selves.

The first presidential vote of Mr. Davis was cast
in 1832 for Andrew Jackson, and he has been a
uniform supporter of the Democratic party until
1870, since which time he has been a Greenbacker.
Taking a lively interest in politics, his expressed sen-
timents have always been pure and upright and could
he have his way there would be no wire-working and
no political dishonesty. During the election of
1888 he supported the Union-Labor nominee and
he has favored the election of a Greenbacker. He
is rather opposed to secret societies and has held
aloof from them. He served as School Director
many years and for several terms officiated as
Road Overseer. Few men have kept themselves
more conversant with matters of general interest
to the intelligent citizen, and few have been of more
essential aid in supporting the various worthy en-
terprises tending to elevate society and benefit the
community.

/ ^p^EORGE 1
if ,=: there mig
A^JJi way aero

IEORGE HOAGLAND. In the fall of 1860
light have been seen wending their
ross the new country, a young man
with his wife and four children, intent upon mak-
ing a home in a new section, and practically grow-
ing up with the country. Few men had settled at
that time in township 23, range 12, where our sub-
ject secured 120 acres on section :i2. Upon this
land there was a small house, into which he moved
his family, and made them as comfortable as pos-
sible. Little of the land around them had been
fenced or cultivated, while deer, wolves and other
wild animals had scarcely learned to be afraid at
the approach of man. The nearest trading point
was at Rossville, and for anything out of the com-
mon line of merchandise Mr. Hoagland was obliged
to repair to Danville. Attica or Pax ton, twenty
miles away.

( >ur subject came a long distance from his birth-
place to seek a permanent home, having first opened
his eyes to the light on the Atlantic coast, New

Jersey, May I."., 1802. There he spent the Brst
nineteen years of his life, and then emigrated with
his parents to Hamilton County. Ind.. where they
were among the earliest pioneers. In due time he
was married to Miss Mary Van Zant, who died,
leaving one child. His second wife was Rachel
Cushman, and to them there were born five chil-
dren, of whom Jonathan C, who lives on the farm
with his father, is the only survivor.

Our subject first cleared eighty acres from the
wilderness, then sold out, and purchased that which
he now owns and occupies. He built- this up from
the raw prairie, and has given to it the labor of
many years in bringing it to its present position,
besides a generous outlay of money. Although
now quite well advanced on the down hill of life.
he retains much of the activity of his former years,
and keeps himself well posted upon current events,
lie voted for both the Harrisons, and no man lias
rejoiced more in the results of the war which
brought about freedom and preserved the Union.
He has been a member of the Baptist Church since
1828, and is of that kindly and genial disposition
which has made him friends wherever he has so-
journed.

Jonathan C. Hoagland, the only living child of
our subject, was born in Indiana, April 24, 1840,
and lived there until coming to this countv, in
1860. Soon after the outbreak of the Civil War
he enlisted in Company E, 149th Illinois Infantry,
which was assigned to the Arm}- of the Tennessee.
This regiment, however, while before Atlanta dur-
ing the siege of the city, was not called upon to
do any active fighting, but was simply assigned to
guard duty. They received their honorable dis-
charge, and were mustered out in 1866. Mr. Hoag-
land then returned to this count} - , and engaged in
farming with his father, and has since remained a
resident here.

Jonathan C. Hoagland, son of our subject, was
married on the 24th of December, 1874, to Miss
Rebecca Sanders, of Butler Township. The three
children born to them — Rose E., Mary M. and
Flora B. — are all living at home with their parents.
Jonathan C. Hoagland has been School Direc-
tor in his district several terms, and, like his hon-
ored father, is held in high esteem by his neighbors.

304

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

Mrs. George Hoagland. wife of our subject, was
born in Pennsylvania, July 30, 1815, and removed
with her parents to Indiana when a maiden of eigh-
teen years. She remained under the parental roof
until her marriage. Her father, Thomas Cushman,
was a farmer by occupation, and spent his last
years in Indiana.

Charles Barcus, the grandson of our subject, and
the child of his daughter, Mary, resides at the
homestead. John Barcus, his father, after his mar-
riage with Miss Hoagland, located in Grant Town-
ship, and they became the parents of three sons
and one daughter, one older than Charles, and two
younger.

— ^^m- —

]/ ENRY LLOYD, a
\[ j' wherein he did lo\
ii^ country, is one of

a veteran of the late war.
loyal service for his adopted
;ry, is one of the leading citizens of
Catlin Township, prominent in the manage-
ment of its public affairs, and closely identified
with its material interests as an intelligent, pro-
gressive farmer, stock-raiser, and stock-dealer.
His farm on section 34, with its broad, well-tilled
acres, its orderly, commodious buildings, and pleas-
ant dwelling is one of the most desirable and at-
tractive places in this part of Vermillion County.

Mr. Llo} r d is of good English stock, and is him-
self a native of the mother country, born in Berk-
shire, April 5, 1841. His parents, Richard C. and
Susan (Wicks) Lloyd, were also born in England,
and were life-long residents of the old country,
dying in Berkshire. They were people of sterling
worth, well thought of by their neighbors, and they
trained their seven children to habits of useful-
ness and honesty.

Henry Lloyd was the fourth child of the family
and the years of his boyhood were passed among
the pleasant scenes of his native land. In 18;38,
when seventeen years of age he left his old home,
ambitious to see more of life and to avail himself
of the many advantages offered by the United
States of America to the poor youth of other coun-
tries to make their way in the world to positions of
comfort and even affluence. After landing on
these shores he came to Catlin Township, of which
he has been a resident since, excepting during

the trying times of the great Rebellion, when with
a patriotism not exceeded by those native and to the
manor born, he bravely consecrated his young life
to the defence of the land of his adoption. In
August, 1862, tearing himself away from his little
family, and laying aside all business interests, he
enlisted, and in the following September he was
mustered into Company G, 125th Illinois Infantry,
and was in the army until after the war closed.
He took an active part in the battles of Perryville,
Mission Ridge, second battle of Mission Ridge,
battle of Dallas, and was with Gen. Sherman in his
famous march to the sea. During two years of his
service he was detailed to haul ammunition. He
was honorably discharged June 9, 1805, and re-
turning to Catlin, resumed his former vocation.
The first four years after coming to Catlin Town-
ship he was engaged in the butcher business, but
aside from that he has been occupied in farming and
in raising, buying and shipping stock quite ex-
tensively. He owns 240 acres of choice land, all
improved, and amply supplied with excellent
buildings for all necessary purposes and with mod-
ern machinery for facilitating the labors of the
farm.

Mr. Lloyd and Miss Sarah Church were united
in marriage in Catlin Township, Dec. 20, 1860.
and nine children have been born to them — Edwin
C, who died when ten and a half months old;
Maria L. is the wife of Abraham Wolf; two who died
in infancy; Alice E., Fred R., Fannie E.. Edwin
II., and William R.

Sirs. Lloyd is like her husband, a native of
England, born in London Jan. 7, 1844. In 1850,
when she was six years of age, her parents, Henry
and Sophia (Puzey) Church, who were likewise of
English birth, brought her to this country. They
cast their lot with the early settlers of Catlin
Township, and passed their remaining days here.
They had seven children, Mrs. Llo3'd being the
youngest. She is a woman of a happy, amiable
disposition, is well liked by all who know her.
and is a member in high standing of the Methodist
Church.

Mr. Lloyd is a frank, open hearted man, gifted
with rare energy and stability of character. His
public spirit is well known, and any good scheme

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

307

that will in any way promote the besl interests of
the township is sure to meet with his cordial ap-
proval and substantial support. His fellow-citi-
zens have often called upon him for advice in
weighty matters, and as a public official he has
shown his disinterested regard for the welfare of
the community. He has been Road Commissioner
three years, Township Collector two years. School
Director six years, and Vice-President of the
Vermilion Agricultural Society seven years, lie
is connected with the A. P. & A. M. as a member
of Catlin Lodge, No. 285. He and his family are
people of high social standing in this community,
and their pleasant residence, situated a short, dis-
tance from the road and close to the corporation
of Catlin, is the centre of a genuine hospitality,
the graceful and kindly courtesy of its inmates
making friends and strangers alike feel at home
within its walls.

IRAM YERKES. The firm of Yerkes &

^ Reese conduct a first-class meat-market in

Fairmount, obtaining their supplies from

[gj; the farm of Mr. Yerkes. which furnishes
the pure article so essential to the health of man-
kind. The firm is one of first-class standing, and
enjoys the patronage of the best people of Fair-
mount and vicinity. The subject of this notice is
a man of more than ordinary abilities, with a thor-
ough-going business talent, while at the same time
he is whole-souled, genial and companionable, en-
joying the esteem and confidence of hosts of friends.

The Yerkes family originated in Germany, from
which country the paternal great-grandfather of
our subject emigrated prior to the Revolutionary
War. He reared a fine family, and among his sons
was Jacob S.. the father of our subject, who was
born in Pennsylvania and adopted the business of
a wagon-maker and farmer combined. He was
married, in his native State, to Miss Ann S. Shoe-
maker, who was horn then', ami not long after
ward they removed to Ohio, where Mr. Yerkes
followed wagon-making for four years. Then he
removed to Indiana, and remained a resident of

the Iloosicr State a quarter of a century and en-
gaged in wagon-making and agricultural pursuits.
There the parents passed the remainder of their
lives, the mother dying in 1882, and the father in
the lull of 188G.

To the parents of our subject there were born
eight children, only four of whom reached their
majority. Iliram, the second in the family, was
born May 7, 1840, in Ohio, and was a mere child
when his parents left the Buckeye State for Indi-
ana. In the latter State his early education was
conducted in the primitive log schoolhouse, the
terms being very short and far between. He, how-
ever, took kindly to his books, and gained a very
good knowledge of the common branches. He re-
mained under the home roof until the outbreak of
the Civil War, and in August. 1 S62, enlisted in the
Union army as a member of Company II, 63d In-
diana Infantry, which regiment was organized in
Indianapolis, first commanded by Col. Williams
and later by Col. I. N. Stiles.

Mr. Yerkes fought in sixteen battles and fol-
lowed his regiment in all its marches, participating
in all the hardships and vicissitudes of a soldier's
life. The records indicate that he was one of the
bravest men of his company, and while at the front,
in some of the hardest fought battles of the war,
stood at his post without fear or flinching. He was
content to enter the ranks as a private, and was
first promoted to the post of Corporal, and after-
ward to Sergeant. He met the enemy in the field
at Resaca, Ga., Franklin and Nashville, Tenn., At-
lanta. Kenesaw Mountain, Jonesboro, Cassville,
Lost Mountain, Altoona, Chattahoochie, Town
Creek, Burnt Hickory, Buzzard's Roost, Ft. Ander-
son, Wilmington and Columbia, N. C.

Although experiencing many hairbreadth es-
capes, Mr. Yerkes never received a scratch. He
was at one time entirely buried in the dirt plowed
up by a Rebel cannon ball, escaping by a miracle
from being torn to pieces by the deadl}' missile.
He had the satisfaction of witnessing the sur-
render of the rebel Gen. Johnston to Gen. Sher-
man, but the joy of the Union arm}' was soon sad-
dened by the news of Lincoln's assassination.
After the surrender spoken of, they remained in
Greensburg until .Inly. 1865, when the regiment

308

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

was discharged, and our subject, being mustered
out at Indianapolis, returned to his home in In-
diana.

On the 21st of September, in the above-men-
tioned year, our subject was united in marriage
with Miss Hester E. Prevo, daughter of a promi-
nent farmer of Fountain County, Ind.. and one of
the most lovely young ladies of that region. Mrs.
Hester E. Yerkes was one of a family of sis chil-
dren, and was born in Indiana, in October, 1839.
Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Yerkes
came to Illinois, arriving in this county Oct. 17,
1865, and settling upon the land which constitutes
the present homestead of our subject. Of this con-
genial union there were born six children, the
eldest of whom, a son, Spencer G., remains at
home with his father. Alice M. is the wife of
Charles Price, and they live on a farm two miles
northeast of Fairmount. Ella May, Anna L.,
Susie and Ilattie are at home with their father.
The mother of these children departed this life
at the home farm in Vance Township, on the
6th day of September, 1877. She was a lady
greatly beloved by her family and friends, possess-
ing those estimable qualities by which she was en-
abled to illustrate in her life the best traits of the
devoted wife and mother, the kind and generous
friend, and the hospitable neighbor. Her name is
held in tender remembrance by all who knew her.
Our subject, in January, 1878, contracted a sec-
ond marriage with Miss Mary Olive, daughter of
the Rev. J. H. Noble, a prominent minister of the
Methodist Episcopal Church. This union resulted
in the birth of four children, one of whom, Pearl,
died in infancy. The others are Hiram N.. Lola
(Land Winnie M. The boy Hiram is especially
bright, very attentive to his studies in school, and
maintains his position at the head of his class,
gaining great enconiums from his teacher. Mi-.
Yerkes has officiated as Township Supervisor for
five years, holding the office during the erection of
the County Court House (at Danville), which bears
his name upon its corner-stone. This was a scheme
in which he was intensely interested, and it was
largely through his efforts that the edifice was fin-
ished in good shape and without involving the loss
of a dollar to the county. So judiciously were its

affairs managed that the taxpayers hardly realized
that they were contributing to its erection, and
never missed the additional sum imposed. The
County Jail was erected about the same time and
under the same conditions.

Our subject has officiated as Highway Commis-
si) iner three years, and in this, as in all other posi-
tions of trust and responsibility, which he has
occupied, bent his energies to effect those improve-
ments which would benefit the people and at the
same time prevent excessive taxation. While hold-
ing the above-mentioned office, he furthered the
introduction of the system of stone arch bridges
in Vance Township, and they are. without question,
the cheapest and most durable bridge which can
be erected. Sewer drainage for the small streams
instead of the old plank culverts was also adopted,
through the persistent efforts of Mr. Yerkes. He
has been School Director in his district for many
years, and so well has he performed his duties in
connection therewith, that the Board is about to
purchase a site and erect a new building at a cost
of about $7,000.

Politically, Mr. Yerkes uniformly votes the Re-
publican ticket, and has frequently been sent as a
delegate to the County Conventions. In connec-
tion with this, as in all other matters, he is content
with no halfway measures, and has thus been of
effective service to his party in this section, being
thoroughly well-informed and alive to all the po-
litical issues of the day. Both he and his estimable
wife are members in good standing of the Metho-
dist Episcopal Church. Socially, Mr. Yerkes be-
longs to Fairmount Lodge No. 590, A. F. & A. M..
and to George N. Neville Post, G. A. R., of which
he was once Vice Commander. In his church he
officiates as Steward and Trustee, and for the past
eighteen years has been one of the most efficient
workers in the Sunday-school, officiating as Super-
intendent nine years, as teacher of the Bible Class
the same length of time, and, when not chief Su-
perintendent, acting as assistant.

The farm of Mr. Yerkes is finely situated on
section 9, and comprises 320 acres of land — all in
one body. Being just outside the corporate limits
of Fairmount, on the southwest, it is naturally very
valuable. Ihe whole is in a productive condition,

PORTRAIT AND !'.!()( ; KAI'IIK AL ALBUM.

309

and yields abundantly the rich crops of Central
Illinois. Mr. Yerkes feeds ueai'ly 100 head of
cattle eacli year, ami about seventy-five head of
swine. He keeps simply enough horses to operate
the farm. He has recently disposed of L 85 acres
of coal land, seven miles west of Danville.

It is an appropriate testimonial to the worth of
Mr. Yerkes that his portrait should occupy a
prominent place in the Album of the county, to the
material advancement of which he has so largely
contributed.

FNJAMIX FRANKLIN SNOWDEN. The
fact that this gentleman is successfully oper-

(r>ti)))' at ' n § three farms in Sidell Township is suf-
^&y flcient indication of his ability as a business
man and agriculturist, while his home is one of the
most hospitable places to be found in many a mile.
Although not a long-time resident of the town-
ship, he lias established himself in the esteem and
confidence of its people, and is recognized as a citi-
zen holding no secondary place in point of sterling
worth, honesty and integrity. lie has supervision
of the Charles Wright farm — 220 acres in extent
— upon which be resides; the A. J. Baum farm of
310 acres, and a little farm of seventy acres, be-
longing also to this estate, all of which comprises
630 acres, and all of which, with the exception of
forty acres, is under the plow. The land is largely-
devoted to the raising of corn and oats, and in the
operation of this extensive tract there arc utilized
thirteen teams, with a goodly amount of machinery
and all the other implements required for success-
ful agriculture. The firm of Snowden A- Sons has
become generally recognized in this section as the
synonym of reliability, push and enterprise.

William Snowden. the father of our subject, with
his wife, formerly Miss Martha Pigg, were natives
of Clark County, Ky., where the paternal grand-
father, Joshua Snowden. was also horn and was the
son Of David Snowden, a native of Virginia, whos ■
father was also born in the Old Dominion and
whose grandfather emigrated from England. Joshua
Snowden served as a soldier in the War of 1812,

and the great-grandfather of our subject carried a
musket in the Revolutionary War. The Snowden
family is noted for longevity, many of them reach-
ing the age of ninety years and some living to be

overt hundred years old. The Pigg family in

Virginia owned lands and slaves. They had origin-
ally settled in Kentucky, and several of the male
ancestors of our subject on this side of the house
likewise served in the Revolutionary War.

The father of our subject carried on fanning
and prosecuted quite an extensive trade in fine
horses, cattle and mules, purchasing them in Ken-
tucky and shipping to Virginia, Missouri. Illinois
and other States. Me brought about the first Short-
horn cattle known in this State, landing them in
Bloomington, 111. He was born, reared, married
and died in Clark County, Ky.. where he was a
prominent citizen, well known and highly respected.
His business relations extended to Bourbon. Fay-
ette. Merritt, Esther, Powell, and other counties of
that State, as also into various other States of the
Onion. In addition to his extensive private in-
terests he served as Notary Public several years,
and was noted for his public-spiritedness and gener-
osity. He became quite wealthy, but finally became
security for large amounts and lost the whole of his
property, leaving his son. our subject, almost penni-
less. His death occurred April 17, 1884, at the age
of sixty-seven years. The mother only survived
her husband a short time, her death taking place
July 1, 1883, when she was sixty-five years old.

Nine children were born to the parents of our
subject, being named respectively: Benjamin Frank-
lin of this sketch, Thomas J., William N., John W.,
Louisa, Joshua. Mary, Melissa, who died at the age
of thirteen years, and Nancy, who died when three
years old. Thomas J. is a live-stock commission
merchant at the Union Stock Yards, Cincinnati,
Ohio: William N. is farming in Clark Count}', Ky.;
John \\~ .. a physician and surgeon, is located at
Wade's Mill in Clark County. Ky.; Louisa is the
wife of Taylor Mansfield, a farmer of the above-
mentioned county; Joshua is farming and resides
on the Parkville homestead; Mary is the wife of
David P. Duncan, a farmer of Madison County,
Ky.

The subject of this notice was bom Dee. 8, 1839,

310

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

fourteen miles east of Paris in Bourbon County,
Ky. He was a mere child when his father's family
removed to Clark Count}', where he developed into
manhood. He attended the subscription schools
before the days of public schools, and engaged in
farming and shipping- stock. When twenty-one
years old he was married to Miss Amanda F. Craig
of Estill County, Ky., and the daughter of Olando
Whitney Craig, one of the first Methodist Episco-
pal preachers in the Blue Grass State. Her mother,
Miss Maria (Bellis) Craig, was a native of Estill
County. Mr. Craig was born in Montgomery
County. The progenitors of both removed from
Virginia at an early date. The great-grandfather
Craig whs one of the earliest settlers of Montgom-
ery County, locating there about 1821, and he lived
to be one hundred and two years old. He also was
a preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His
son, William, the grandfather of our subject, spent
his entire life in Montgomery County.

The father of Mis. Snowden preached at various
places in Kentucky — in Montgomery, Clark, Estill
and Powell counties — and died in Estill County in
1848, when only forty years of age; the mother
survived her husband several years, dying in 1862
at the age of forty-two. Their children, six in
number, were named respectively William T.,
Amanda F.. Eliza J., John T., Mary E. and Sarah
E. The parents were excellent and worthy people,
and the father especially beloved wherever known.

Mrs. Snowden was born in Estill County, Ky.,
and received a veiy good education. She finally
began teaching, and followed this three years prior
to her marriage and for some time afterward. Mr.
Snowden in the meantime engaged extensively as
a stock dealer, buying and selling cattle, horses
and mules. He also carried on farming in Ken-
tucky. In the spring of 1887 he came to this
county and rented the Wright farm, where they
have since lived. The record of the eleven chil-
dren born to them is as follows: Nancy B. died at
the age of three years; John W. assists his father
in his extensive fanning interests; Thomas J. is
also at home; Martha M. is the wife of James W.
Young of Danville, and they have one child, Annie
Laura; William M., Lena Hi vers. Joshua II., Mary
E. and Nora A. are at home with their parents.

The eighth child. Maggie L., died at the age of
nine years and the youngest born, Algan. died
when seven months old.

Mr. Snowden. politically, affiliates with the Dem-
ocratic party. Socially, he beiongs to Estill Lodge,
No. 4G9, of Spout Springs, Ky., and his wife is a
member of the Ladies' Aid Society. The maternal
grandfather of Mrs. Snowden served in the Revo-
lutionary War, and one of her uncles was in the
Mexican War. Two of her brothers were in the
late Civil War — William in the Confederate Army
and John in the Union Arm}*, in which he enlisted
three times. The old home of Mr. Snowden is
located ten miles from Boouesboro, Clark Co., Ky.,
and was formerly the home of Daniel Boone, the
old pioneer of Kentuck}' and of historic fame.
Our subject is well acquainted with several mein-
bers of the Boone family, and speaks of them as
very worthy people, prominent in local affairs and
invariably Hard Shell Baptists in their religious
views.

( W n Deut
%J Gen:

ARL C. WINTER, editor of the Danville
Deutsche Zeitung, was born in Heidelberg,
many, April 21, 1841. He is descended
from a prominent and distinguished ancestry, who
have wielded much influence in their native land.
Originally the family came in the seventeenth cen-
tury from the coast of Holland, near Amsterdam.
settling first at Heilbronn, whence the great-grand-
father of our subject removed to Heidelberg in
L807. His grandfather. Christian Frederick Win-
ter, was for many years Mayor of the City of Hei-
delberg, an office of greater honor and respectability
in that country than in this, and one to which only
prominent men are chosen, lie was for many
years also a member of the Legislature of the
Grand Duchy of Laden, and exercised a wide in-
fluence in its affairs. He introduced and procured
the passage of the bill inaugurating the jury system
in the State, and securing the liberty Of the press.
He was afterward Commissioner of the Republic
of Baden during the celebrated Revolution of
1849, in Germany, which was the successor of the
abortive attempt of 1848. During the year the

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

311

Independent Republic <>f Baden existed, Mr. Win-
ter was one of the leading spirits in the affairs of
the new State, being an orator of great power and
influence. On the suppression of the Republic by
the Prussians, Mr. Winter was imprisoned in Ilei-
dclberg, and was compelled to indemnify the gov-
ernment for all the official funds in the treasury at
the time of the inauguration of the Republic. This
cost him almost all his large private fortune. He was
apolitical prisoner for. about a year and after his
release occupied a prominent position in business
life, and for several years prior to bis death was
again Mayor of Heidelberg. lie was a (dose per-
sonal friend of the leaders of the revolutionary
movement, and especially of Col. Fritz Hecker. He
was alsoan intimate associate of Liebig, the chemist.
Humboldt, Goethe, Fichte, Schlegel, and Schlosser,
the celebrated German historian, with whom he was
engaged in literary correspondence. He was the
founder of the great publishing house of C. F.
Winter, which printed the works of Dr. Liebig, of
Bunsen, the chemist, of Haeusser, of Presenilis,
Wohler's "Annals of Chemistry," and the works of
many other world renowned writers.

Christian Frederick Winter died in 1856, and his
wife in 1858. Of their sons several became prom-
inent in the State and in business circles. The eld-
est, Jonathan, whom in his admiration for this free
land his father had named after -'Brother Jonathan,"
held the position of Under-Secretary of State in
Baden, and was about to be promoted to the posi-
tion of Minister of State, when he died in 1886, in
Carlsruhe, being then in the prime of life. Another
son. Christian Frederick, afterward became a prom-
inent publisher in Frankfort, and printed many
famous works, principally on theological and agri-
cultural subjects. He died in Frankfort in 1883.
Carl became publisher and bookseller in his native
city of Heidelberg, where he was a prosperous and
influential citizen. lie died in 1871, leaving a
numerous family and a large estate. The remain-
ing son. Anton, was the father of our subject. He
was born in Heidelberg in 1808, and received his
higher education in the celebrated university of
that city. He succeeded to his father's business,
which he had conducted during the latter part of
his father's life. lie maintained the national repu-

tation of the great publishing house of C. F. Winter
fully up to the standard which had been reached
by its founder. After his lather's death he removed
the establishment to Leipsic, the great center of the
book trade of Germany, and there he conducted
it until his death, which occurred in 1859.

Anton Winter was married in 1840 to Miss Emily
Broenner, whose father, II. L. Broenner, was a pub-
lisher at Frankfort. She was born in that city in
1820, and was a highly educated lady, a graduate
of the Female Academy at Rumperheim-on-the-
Main. She died in December. 1887. She was a
lady of many accomplishments, a fine painter, and
well versed in science, literature and art. Her
union with Mr. Winter was blessed by the birth of
six children, of whom our subject was the eldest;
Henrietta, the second child, died in Leipsic in
1885; Ludwig is a landscape gardner and florist,
and has an establishment of world-wide reputation
at Bordighera, on the Riviera, near Nice, Italy.
He was educated in his profession at Potsdam, is
royal gardener to the King of Italy, and holds a
position in his art second to none in the world.
Sophia is a noted teacher in the Female Academy
of Leipsic, of which she was a graduate; Ferdi-
nand is a merchant in London. England, being a
partner in and manager of the English house of
the Hamburg Rubber Company, the largest hard
rubber establishment in the world. Clara died in
childhood.

Carl C. Winter, our subject, passed bis boydiood
amid the beautiful scenery in and around the city
of his birth. His early education was in its public
schools, and he was carefully trained, both mentally
and physically, by highly cultured parents, who left
upon him impressions deep and lasting. He was
prepared for and entered the Lyceum at Heidel-
berg, then under the direction of Professor Hautz.
He was thoroughly prepared for the University,
which lie entered at the unusually early age of
eighteen. He was educated especially to tit htm
for the business of publishing, and took a general
historical course under Prof. Ludwig Haeusser.
author, amongst other works, of an exhaustive his-
tory of the Revolution of 1849. He attended a
course in philosophy under Prof. Kuuo Fischer,
ami a course in English and French literature under

312

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

Prof. Dr. Emil Otto, who gave him private lessons,
a distinction shared by two other people only. On
account of the death of his father lie left the Uni-
versity to assist his mother in settling up the busi-
ness of the estate, and, being himself too j'oung to
carry it on, the publishing business was sold to an
association of capitalists, who still continue it at
Leipsic, under the original title of C. F. Win-
ter.

in order to become practically acquainted with
the printing business, our subject worked in several
book publishing houses in Prague, Bremen, Mar-
burg and in London, England. During this period
he contributed many articles to the Illustrirte Welt
and the Illustrirtes Familienbuch, the former pub-
lished at Stuttgart, and the latter at Trieste and
Vienna. While in London, he decided to come to
the United States. He made a short visit to his
native land in the early part of the year lSfiti, and
in April of that year sailed for New York, landing
there about the first of May. In that city he en-
gaged as a clerk with L. W. Schmidt, bookseller
and publisher, but his inclinations being toward
literary pursuits, he soon became city editor of the
New York Staats-Zeitung, under the veteran editor
Oswald Ottendorfer. He filled that position for
two years, at the same time contributing literary
articles to the New York Herald, and articles on
German and French literature to the New York
Nation. In 1868 he resigned from the Staats-Zei-
tung, to accept the position of editor of the Lehigh
County Patriot, published at Allentown, Pa. There
he remained for a year, and in that time wrote for
the Nation a series of articles on the Pennsylvania-
Dutch dialect, also contributing a series of haters
on American life to the Daheim, of Leipsic, Ger-
man}'.

In 186!) Mr. Winter was offered and accepted the
position of city editor of the Daily Telegraph, a
German paper, published in Indianapolis, Ind., and
remained with that paper until 1871, when he re-
ceived a Haltering offer from the manager of the
Louisville Anzeiger, tendering him the position of
city editor and literary writer. He stayed there until
1872, when he was re-engaged by the Indianapolis
Telegraph to conduct its city department during
thcexeitingPresidenti.il c -t of that year. He

was also engaged by Elijah Halford, then editor of
the Indianapolis Journal, now Pres. Harrison's pri-
vate secretary, and also by the managing editor of
the Indianapolis Sentinel, to report and translate
for their respective papers the first speech in that
memorable campaign delivered in German at In-
dianapolis by Carl Schurz. Mr. Winter, after writ-
ing out his notes for the German paper, began the
translation into English for the two other journals,
using manifold paper, finishing the task in little
over two hours, the speech occupying nearly two
columns in each paper. Each of the editors, after
reading a few pages, paid him the compliment of
sending his manuscript to the printers without re-
vision. Mr. Schurz afterwards told Mr. Winter it
was the best translation ever made of any of his
German speeches.

Mr. Winter stayed in Indianapolis until 1873, when
lie was called by telegraph to accept the position
of city editor of the Westliche Post, the German
paper published in St. Louis by Carl Schurz. He
managed that successfully, and while there, also for
two years contributed literary articles to his Sunday
edition, and several times, while the Missouri Legis-
lature was in session, acted as its correspondent at
Jefferson City, the capital. In 1875, failing eye-
sight necessitated a cessation of night work, and
Mr. Winter resigned his position, and went to Rock
Island, 111., where he began the publication of the
Volks Zeitung, a semi-weekly journal. In this ven-
ture he was very successful, and he conducted the
paper until 1882, when he sold it. He then bought
an interest in the Champion of Personal Libert;/, a
paper published in Chicago in the interest of indi-
vidual freedom. He traveled in the interest of this
journal as correspondent collector and agent six
months, then came to Danville, where he bought
the good will of the journal of which he is now
the editor, and which had by mismanagement been
compelled to suspend publication. This paper he
has placed upon a secure basis, and it has acquired
much influence among the German speaking resi-
dents of the county, by whom it is liberally patron-
ized.

Another literary venture of Mr. Winter's was
the writing of a four-act comedy in German, en-
titled "Es Stimmt," which has been successfully

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

313

performed in the German theaters of. Chicago.
Davenport, Moline, Dayton, Fort Madison, and in
several other places. Mr. Winter submitted it to

a celebrated critic at Leipsic, who spoke highly of
it, saying it was a very dramatic and interesting pic-
ture of German-American life. This work he pro-
duced in 1880, while he was publishing his paper in
Rock Island.

Since taking up his residence in Vermilion
County. Mr. Winter has become a leader in its
German-American circles, in which lie wields much
influence. He was United States Deputy Collector
for the eighth district of Illinois from the fall of
188.1 until 1887, when the office was abolished. He
is a busy man. for in addition to conducting his
paper he perforins the duty of a Notary Public,
attends to- applications for United States licenses,
is a fine insurance and real-estate agent, procures
steamship tickets, attends to European collections
and is the Secretary of the Germania Building As-
sociation of Danville. Being a man of force and
executive capacity, he drives his multifarious busi-
nesses, and does not let them drive him. He is also
correspondent of the Chicago Times.

The social relations of Mr. Winter are extremely
pleasant, lie is happily married, and moves among
the best elements of German society. He is a mem-
ber of the Feuerbach Lodge, No. 499, I. O. 0. F.,
and of the Danville Turner Society, of which he
has twice been President, and also Corresponding
Secretary. He is pleasant and genial in his deport-
ment, liberal to his friends, to whom his hand is
ever open, and is deservedly esteemed by all who
know him.

^\z^.-v»lLeCrTtM@- .

vfgtr&mm - -w»

¥ OIIN CESSNA is busily engaged in tilling
the soil and raising stock on his well-man-
aged, comfortably improved farm on section
10, Pilot Township. He is a representative
self-made man. and by industry and prudence has
succeeded in accumulating a competence and in
building a cosy home where he may pass his de-
clining years well fortified against want and pov-
erty. .Mr. Cessna was born in Cochocton County,

Ohio, June 29, 1833, his parents being Jonathan
and Margaret (Divan) Cessna. His father was
born in Pennsylvania in 1810, his mother in Bel-
mont Count}-, Ohio.

At the age of seventeen the subject of this sketch
accompanied his parents to another home near
Toledo. Ohio, where they lived but a short
time. They then went down the Ohio River
on a trading boat to Cairo, 111., where the father
died in 1844. After that sad event the subject
with his mother and sister returned to Coshocton
County. Ohio, and in about two years the mother
married again, becoming the wife of Joseph Rich-
ardson. In 1848 the family once more came to
Illinois and located on the homestead Mr. Richard-
son then purchased in this county, and now occu-
pied by the mother of our subject. Mr. Cessna
has but one sister now, the widow of Elisha Grimes,
living on her husband's homestead. She has eight
children, namely: John M., Elisha C, William
and Jacob (who are deceased), Alvin, Margaret,
Ellen, Charles and Belle.

John Cessna, of whom we write, commenced
life as a farm hand. He wisely saved his earnings
and in a few years had money enough to buy a
good farm. In 18.">7. smitten with a desire to ac-
cumulate wealth still faster, he went to California
by the way of New York and Panama. In the
Golden State he found employment on a ranche,
and was well paid for his work in that country,
where good and reliable help was scarce. Twenty-
two months of life in that climate satisfied our sub-
ject and he retraced his steps homeward, and on
his return invested some of his capital in an 80-acre
farm, which he subsequently disposed of at a good
advance price, and then bought his present home-
stead, which then comprised but 140 acres. He
has kept adding to his landed property till he now
owns 260 acres of fine land, with excellent im-
provements, that add greatly to its value, and he is
profitably engaged in a general farming business,
raising' cattle, horses and hogs of good grades.

Mr. Cessna has twice married. The maiden name
of his first wife was Ann Rebecca Truax. She was
born in Muskingum County, Ohio, in 1841, and died
in the pleasant home she had helped her husband to
build up, in 1870. Her people were of Irish origin.

314

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

Of her marriage with our subject seven children
were born, two of whom are dead ; those living are
William, Mary. Charles E., Lemuel E., and Eliza-
beth. Mr. Cessna was united in marriage to his
present wife in 1877, and to them have come six
children, two of whom are dead, Frank and Jona-
than. The others are Ann R.. John R.. Albert B.,
and Mont P., all being at home.

Mr. Cessna has been a hard working man, but
his labors have been amply rewarded, as he knows
well how to direct his energies so as to produce the
desired results. He is possessed of sound sense,
discretion and other good traits, is honest and
straitforward in his manner and dealings, and is in
all things a sensible man. He and hi.s wife are es-
teemed members of the Christain Church, of which
he is one of the trustees at the lime of the erection
of the present house of worship. He is prominently
connected with the Masonic order as Master Mason.

In politics, he is a good democrat, and is loyal
in ever}' fibre to his country. He has held school
offices and has served on the juries of his county.
Our subject's mother died since the above was writ-
ten, her death occuring June 30, 1889.

Ijp^AMl'EL ALBRIGHT. The subject of
^^^ this notice was one of the first men to set-
|l\/jj) tie in Ross Township, along Bean Creek,
taking up his abode there on the 11th day
of October, 1855. His first purchase was 24b acres
of land where he built a small house, and he was
the first man to stir the soil with a plowshare.
lie did a large amount of breaking himself, en-
closed and divided his fields with fencing, put out
fruit and shade trees and erected buildings as his
needs multiplied and his means permitted. He was
prospered as a tiller of the soil and invested his
surplus capital in additional land which under his
wise management became very fertile and yielded
handsome returns. His property lies on sections
19, 30 and 31, and is considered as including some
of the most desirable land in this part of the
county.

About 1875, the first humble domicile of our

subject gave place to an elegant residence, while
adjacent is a very fine barn flanked by the other ne-
cessary buildings. He has the latest improved ma-
chinery, including an expensive windmill and an
artesian well which throws a running stream of wa-
ter two feet above the ground, with its source 130
feet below. In his stock operations, Mr. Albright
breeds mostly horses and cattle.

Mr. Albright in March, 1886, rented his farm
and retiring from active labor, purchased a
pleasant home in Rossville where he now resides.
His has been a remarkably busy life, as in addition
to his farming operations, he has given consider-
able of his time to looking after the local interests
of his township, officiating as School Director and
serving as Justice of the Peace for seven years.
He usually gives his support to the Democratic
party and for a period of forty-five years has been
a member of the United Brethren Church. lie
has been at two different times the candidate of his
parly in this county for the Legislature, but being
in tin' minority, was beaten as he expected.

Mr. Albright was born in Fairfield County, Ohio.
Sept. 12, 181(3. and lived there until a lad of
twelve years. lie then removed to Pickaway
County where he sojourned until his marriage,
which took place four miles southeast of Circleville
the bride being Miss Clemency Morris. ( )f this
union there were born two children — lohn M. and
Mary Ellen, the latter the wifeof WilliamMcMur-
trie of Potomac, and is the mother of four children.
Mrs. Clemency (Morris) Albright died at her home
in Ross Township in 1805.

< hir subject contracted a second matrimonial al-
liance. Sept. 10, 1866, with Miss Mary M. Davis.
This union resulted in the birth of two children —
Orrie Lulu and Lilly Belle. The elder is the wife
of William Cunningham of Rossville and the
younger remains with her parents. Mrs. Mary M.
(Davis) Albright was born in Muskingum County,
Ohio, February, I 836, and is the daughter of Am-
aziab Davis, who came to this county at an early
day and became one of its most prominent farmers
and citizens.

David Albright, the father of our subject, was
a native of Pennsylvania, whence he removed to
Ohio when quite young. He was there married to

PORTRAIT AND BIOOKAPIIICAL ALBUM.

31'

Miss Phebe Newman and they reared a family of
nine children. Upon leaving the Buckeye State
they settled in Frankfort, Ind.. where the father
died some years ago. The mother subsequently
came to this county and made her home with our
subject until her death.

WILLIAM II. PRICE, the son of an early
settler of Vermilion County, may also be
denominated as one of its pioneers, as he
had a hand in developing its great agricultural
resources and assisted in laying the foundations
of its wealth and high standing among its sister
counties. lie is to-day one of the foremost
farmers and stock raisers of Pilot Township, and is
a man of considerable importance in the public life
of this community. He has a large farm of over
700 acres of well-improved land, comprising sec-
tions 8, 9 and 10, whose broad fields are under high
eultivation.and which is amply supplied with roomy,
conveniently arranged, well made buildings, and
all the appliances for facilitating farm work, while
everything about the place betokens order and
superior management.

Mr. Price was born in Pike County, Ohio, July
4, 1827. His father, Robert Price, was a native of
Lexington, Ky., born of pioneer parents July 29,
1788. The grandparents were from Wales and
England. They removed to Pike County. Ohio
when the father of our subject was a lad of nine
years, and there he grew to maturity and married
Miss Nancy Howard, a native of Ohio. Her par-
ents came from England to that part of the coun-
try in the early days of its settlement. She was
born Feb. 27, 1793 and died in middle life, Dec. 22,
1842, some years after the removal of tin' family
to this county, which occurred in 1830. She and
her husband were early pioneers of this section of
the country.

The father died .Ian. (J, 1850, in Vermilion
County. 111. They were the parents of four chil-
dren, of whom our subject is the only survivor.
The others were Lloyd II., Drusilla, and Jerusha.
Lloyd married Minerva Howard, of Pike County,

Ohio, whose parents came to Vermilion County in
an early day. ami to them (Lloyd and wife) were
born nine children, namely: William. Robert,
Thomas, Sarah, Nancy. Frank, Lloyd. May, and
( teorge. Drusilla was the wife of Joseph Dalay, of
Vermilion County, now deceased, and they left one
child, Nancy, who became the wife of David Clay-
pole, a farmer, and they have five children. Jeru-
sha married Franklin Adams, of Vermilion County,
now deceased, and they have three children —
John L., William, and Samuel.

When our subject was brought to this county, a
child of three years, it was a wild waste of prairie,
ami the settlers at that time thought that the land
■aw.i\ from the streams where the timber grew was
worthless for settlement, so they confined them-
selves to the banks of the creeks and rivers. He
grew to a strong manhood in the pioneer life that
obtained at that day, and early became independ-
ent and self-supporting. Having determined to
make farming his life work, he entered 200 acres
of prairie land from the Government, as his keen
discernment foresaw the worth of the rich and
fertile soil to the intelligent and enterprising 3'oung
farmer. After his marriage in 1*50. he erected a
house and commenced the task of upbuilding his
present desirable home. He is still living on the
land that he purchased from the Government, and
has added more to it as his means have allowed
till he owns one of the largest farms in the ncigh-
hood, comprising, as before mentioned over 700
acres of choice land. He has besides belped to
establish his children in life by giring them land.
He does a general farming business, raising all
kinds of stock, making a speciality of breeding
Short-horn cattle, of which he has a herd of sixteen
thoroughbreds, besides all other kinds of stock us-
ually found on a model farm.

Mr. Price and Mary A. Cazatt were united in
marriage in 1850. She was born in Mercer County,
Ky., July 4, 1838, to Henry and Susan (Gritten)
Cazatt, native of the same county, her father was
born about 1808 and her mother Dec. 4, 1810.
Mrs. Prices's grandparents were Irish and Dutch.
They were pioneers of Vermilion County, coming
here in 1837, and here they spent their remaining
years, the father dying in 1841, and the mother in

318

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPAICAL ALBUM.

1878, aged sixty-three years. Mrs. Price has one
own sister — Minerva J., who married Otho Allison,
a resident of this county. The union of our sub-
ject and his wife has been blessed to them by the
birth of six children — Jerusha J., Lloyd IL, Emily
M., Charles R., Alice N.. EmmaB., the latter is
deceased. Jerusha married Henry J. Helmick, a
fanner of this county, and they have two children
— Charles and William E. Lloyd H., a farmer,
married Mary -T. Snyder, of this county. Emily
married Guy C. Howard, a merchant in Armstrong,
this county. Charles R., a farmer, married Delia
Hatfield, of this county, and they have one child —
Everett Lloyd. Alice married Berry Duncan, a
farmer of this county, and they have one child,
Lola.

Mr. Price is a noble type of our self-made men,
who while building up a fortune for themselves
have been instrumental in advancing the material
interests of the county, lie, and his wife are lead-
ing members of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
of which he has held the office of Steward and
Trustee. He has held the office of Highway Com-
missioner for twelve years. lie is prominently
identified with the A. F. & A. M. order, and is a
Master Mason. In politics, he is a thorough and
consistent Republican. He has served with credit
on the juries of the State and county.

Mr. and Mrs. Price have some valuable heir-
looms, which they highly prize, in the old bibles
of their fathers and mothers.

A fine lithographic view of the country resi-
dence and surroundings of Mr. and Mrs. Price
appears in the Album, and represents a home
of which the owners are justly proud.

\|7 OTHER TILLOTSON, Supervisor of Pilot
I (® Township, and one of its most intelligent
, 1—^Vi and influential public officials, is closely
connected with its material interests as a practical
agriculturist, owning and profitably managing a
good farm on section 30. He was born in Warren
County, End., Aug. 13, 1849, a son of E. B. and
Mary A. (Cronkhite) Tillotson. His father was

born in Cayuga County, N. Y., Dec. 8, 1811, and his
father. Luther Tillotson, was a native of New
York. The mother of our subject was born in
Hamilton, Ohio, Dec. 26, 1816. During some
period of their lives the parents of our subject
settled in Indiana, and of their marriage twelve
children were born, and the following is recorded
of the nine now living: Sarah A. married Edward
Foster, a farmer living near Armstrong, this county,
and they have seven children. Rebecca married
Jeremiah Butts, who lives retired in Potomac, and
they have six children. James M., a stock dealer
and farmer in Calcasien Parish, La., married
Mary J. Goodwine, and they have three children.
Buell. a farmer of Pilot Township, married Eliza-
beth Wiles, and they have one child. Walter B.,
a farmer of Pilot Township, married Lucetta Endi-
eott. Frances married J. A. Knight, a farmer of
this county, and they have four children. William
M.,a farmer of this county, married Millie French,
and they have three children. Mary A. married
Frank II. Henry, who is living retired in Armstrong
Village, and they have two children. Luther is
the subject of this sketch. [For paiental history
see sketch of Buell Tillotson.]

Our subject came this county in 1856 with his
parents. His father is deceased; his mother resides
in this county. Mr. Tillotson and Mary E. Myrick
were united in the holy bonds of matrimony Sept-
ember. 1871, and five children complete their happy
household — Bertie, Alden, Cora E., Luther E., and
Charles. Mrs. Tillotson was born in Illinois Sept.
15. 1853, and is a daughter of Thomas P. anil
Susanah (Firebaugh) Myrick, natives of Ohio and
Indiana respectively. They came from the Buck-
eye State to this and settled in Pilot Township at
an early day.

After marriage Mr. Tillotson rented land for
eleven years and carried it on to such good advan-
tage that at the expiration of that time he had
money enough to invest in eighty acres of improved
land, which forms his present farm. He has his land
well tilled, and it is capable of yielding large crops
in repayment for the care bestowed upon it, and
Mr. Tillotson has a neat and well ordered set of
buildings for every needful purpose. He is doing-
well from a financial standpoint, has his farm

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

310

stocked with cattle of good grade as many as it
will carry, and displays commendable enterprise in
the management of his interests.

Mr. Tillotson brings a well trained mind to bear
on his work and fully understands how to perform
it so as to obtain the best results, which is the
secret of his success. His fellow-citizens, feeling
that in a man of his education, of sound and sensi-
ble views on all subjects, the township would find a
superior civic official who would promote its high-
est interests, have called him to some of the most
responsible otlices within their gift, and his whole
course in public life has justified their selection.
He has been Supervisor for six years, and was re-
elected to that office this spring, and he has also
been Assessor for one term, besides having held
the ottice of Justice of the Peace for eight years.
In politics he is a true Republican, although he
performs his official duties without regard to party
affiliations.

*-•!•- jg^-

?ARON DALBY. The late Civil War de-
veloped some rare characters, the depths
of which would probably never have been
disturbed had it not been for this revolution
which shook the country from turret to foundation
stone. There were then brought to the surface
that God-given quality — the love of the true man
for his native land — and the extent of the sacrifices
which he was willing to make to save her from dis-
memberment. Among all those who are written
of in this volume there was probably no truer pat-
riot during the war than Aaron Dalby. and he
justly esteems the period of his life spent in the
Union Arm}- as one of the brightest spots in his
whole career. We give this matter prominence be-
cause it is a subject dear to his heart and he has
lost none of the patriotic affection which enabled
him aquarter of a century ago to lay aside all per-
sonal ties and give his best efforts to the preserva-
tion of the Union. We now find him comfortably
located in a quiet country home, embracing a well-
regulated farm on section 11, in Vance Township,

where, since the war, he has gathered around him
all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of
life.

In reverting to the family history of our subject,
we find that his father, .lames Dalby. was a native
of Pennsylvania, a carpenter by trade and in politics
an old line Whig, lie married M iss Sarah Sewell, a
native of Ohio, April 1, 1820, the wedding taking
place in Clinton County, that State. They lived there
about fourteen years, Mr. Dalby engaged as a gro-
ceryman, a farmer and an hotelkeeper, conducting
the old-fashioned country tavern after the most
approved methods of those times.

About this time the lead mines near Dubuque
were being opened up and the demand for carpen-
ters was great, so the father of our subject re-
moved '.hither with his family in 1835, purposing
to work at his trade. lie found the times very hard
and the country peopled largely with desperate
characters, among whom a murder was committed
nearly every night. This state of things made it
impossible for him to remain and so he established
himself at Quincy, 111., where he lived three years
and worked at his trade. He then returned to
( ihio, where he sojourned two years and from there
removed to Peru Ind., but only remained there
eight months. In August, 1843, he came to this
county and on the 19th of October following
passed from earth at the age of fifty-three years,
lie was a well educated man and especially fine
penman.

The mother of our subject survived her first
husband for the long period of nearly forty-eight
years. She was born March 12, 1803, and died
Feb. 2G, 1885, when nearly eighty-two years old.
The parental household was completed by the birth
of six children, four of whom are living. Aaron,
our subject, was the fourth in order of birth and
was born in Clinton County, Ohio, April 2.">, 1 .s:! I .
He attended school at Quincy, 111., and also in
Ohio a short time and in Indiana, and came to this
county in time to avail himself of instruction in
the subscription schools here. Being the eldest
son, he, after the death of his father, naturally in
due time assumed many responsibilities, and at the
age of twelve years worked out for $3 per month,
six mouths, from spring until fall. The year fol-

320

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

lowing he was employer! by the same man, with an
increase of salary of $1 per month.

The mother of our subject was married a second
time to James Elliott. Our subject was bound out
for a term of six years to Alvin Stearns. Becom-
ing dissatisfied with the arrangement he served out
only half his time and went to Ohio to learn a
trade. He came back to Illinois, however, a year
later and employed himself at whatever he could
find to do, being at one time the partner of Aaron
Hardin in splitting rails and cord-wood. Their
best week's work was forty-eight cords of wood,
cut. split and piled, and this was done at twenty-
five cents per cord, when rails were forty-five cents
per 100.

The next most important event in the life of our
subject was his marriage, which occurred Dec. 23,
1854, with Miss Martha E. Custer. The newly
wedded pair commenced the journey of life to-
gether at the old Custer homestead, which is now
the property of our subject, and Mr. Dalby there-
after farmed on rented land until the outbreak of
the Civil War. In L862 he went one day to assist
a neighbor with his work and when he came back
with his pitchfork over his shoulder his attitude
and bearing were such that his wife exclaimed
when she saw him coming, "there, I bet he is going
to the war." He entered the house and asked for
some clothing, and in ten minutes was off for Ho-
mer, and joining some of his comrades repaired
with them to Camp Butler and enlisted in Company
E, 73d Illinois Infantry.

Mr. Dalby accompanied his regiment to the
front and first engaged in the battle of Perry ville,
Oct. 8, 18G2. In the early part of the engage-
ment he was in the front line of battle and had
only discharged six or seven shots when a rebel
bullet struck him in the right side of the abdomen,
passing through the upper lobe of the liver and
came out at the right of the spine, grazing the
point of one of the vertebra'. The ball before en-
tering his body struck the cap box on his belt,
passed through the box and his belt, through his
coat, the waistband on his pants then through his
body and returning cut through the waistband and
"body belt" and knocked the handle off the
butcher knife on his belt, leaving the blade iu itp

scabbard and glanced off to the rear. He pulled
out of the wound a bunch of the wood from his cap
box, some cotton-batting from his coat and a metal
primer which he carried in the box. He was taken
to the field hospital and a rubber tube pulled
through his body twice: He was then conveyed to
the Perry ville General Hospital, where he remained
until October 1863, and was then transferred to
New Albany, Ind. He was discharged from the
hospital there, Jan. 20, 1864.

Mr. Dalby now returned to his family and al-
though he has been almost wholly disabled for
work since that time he declares he is ready to
fight the battle over again if the occasion arises.
He and his excellent wife have no children of their
own. but have performed the part of parents to a
boy and girl, the former the son of a comrade of
Mr. Dalby, who was discharged from the army for
disability and died. The boy Joe II. Summers, be-
came an inmate of their home at the age of seven
years and remained there until twenty-one. He is
now married and lives in Mendon, Neb. The
girl Mary J. Custer was taken by them when but
eleven months old and is still with them, now
grown to womanhood.

It is hardly necessary to say in view of his war
record that Mr. Dalby, politically, is a decided Re-
publican. He had two brothers in the army, one
of whom, Albert, enlisted in Company C. 25th
Illinois Infantry and at Murfreesboro was wounded
through the wrist and arm. At the expiration of
his first term of enlistment he entered the veteran
reserve corps from which he was honorably dis-
charged. Another brother, William II. II., the
youngest of the family, was born in 1840 and en-
listed in Company D, 63d Illinois Infantry. He
was killed by the explosion of a magazine at Co-
lumbia, S. C, Feb. 19, 1865, being terribly
mangled and blown into a river. He had strength,
however, to swim ashore and was taken to the hos-
pital where he died. He had been promoted to the
rank of Sergeant. Mr. Dalby has officiated as Road
Overseer and is a member of Homer Post No. 263,
G. A. R.

Jacob M. Custer, the father of Mrs. Dalby, was,
with his wife , Elizabeth Ocheltree, a native of Vir-
ginia, They came to Illinois in 1819 settling in

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

321

this enmity, but later removed to Champaign
County, where the death of Mr. Custer took place,
Sept. 17. 1865. His widow subsequently married
John L. Myers who has since died, and Mrs. Myers
is dow living at Homer at the ripe age of seventy-
nine years. She is the mother of nine children, six
of whom are li ving and of whom Mrs. Dalby was
next to the eldest. She was born Sept. t. 1836, in
Fayette County Ohio, received a fair education and
was married at the age of eighteen years. She
is a very estimable lad}' of more than usual benev-
olence and is a member of the Homer Woman's Re-
lief Corps, No. 69. She was at one time President
of this body ami was presented with a very fine
gold badge as Last President by the members of
her corps as a token of their appreciation of her
worth and services. She has never missed a meet-
ing, either regular or special since its organization,
in April, 1887. In religious matters, she belongs
to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Mr. Dalby during the days of his early manhood
was an expert hunter and has brought down many
a deer in this county. He is naturally possessed
of great courage and bearing, but is uniformly
kind-hearted to all except the enemies of his
country.

OHN COLE. The bold, hardy, intelligent
sons of New England have borne a prom-
inent part in the settlement of the great
Ittjsjjfi West, and as a noble type of these, one who
was a pioneer of Vermilion County in early days,
we are pleased to present to the readers of this
work a review of the life of the gentleman whose
name is at the head of this sketch.

In the pleasant spring month of May, 1837, just
fifty-two years ago, our subject, then in the prime
and vigor of early manhood, twenty-two years of
age, left his native home among the beautiful bills
of Vermont to see if life held anything better for
him on the broad prairies of this then far Western
State, animated doubtless, by the pioneer spirit
that caused some remote ancestor to leave his En-
glish cot and seek a new home on this side of the
Atlantic, and still later caused one of his descend-

ants, in turn, to journey to the Green .Mountain
State on the same quest. In that day the tripeon-
templated by our subject was a great undertaking,
it being but slow traveling before railways spanned
the continent, anil many days and weeks even
passed before he reached his destination. He went
first with a team to Troy, and thence by the Erie
(anal to Buffalo, expecting to proceed on bis jour-
ney from there on the lakes, but the ice prevented
further passage after the boat had gone thirty miles
on Lake Erie. His next course was to hire a man
to lake him in a wagon to Chicago, paying him
$10. There he saw a little city, or village, rather,
situated in a low swamp, from which the frogs
would venture to sun themselves on the narrow
plank walks till some passing pedestrian disturbed
their repose and caused them to jump into the
water. There were no indications that one day that
spot was to be the site of one of the largest and
finest cities on the continent. From there Mr. Cole
proceeded on foot to the fertile and beautiful val-
ley of the Fox River, and after tarrying there a
few days to visit some old friends he walked on to
Vermilion County. He loaned what money he had
taking a mortgage on a piece of land which was
encumbered by a prior mortgage, and he soon had
to buy the land in order to save his money. The
summer of 1838, was noted among the early settlers
as the sickly season, and almost everybody was ill,
but Mr. Cole's fine constitution withstood the at-
tacks of disease and he remained sound and healthy.
( lur subject found here the virgin prairie and prim-
eval forest scarcely disturbed by the few pioneers
that had preceded him; there were still traces of
the aboriginal settlers of the country, and deer,
wolves, and other wild animals had not fled before
the advancing step of civilization. Settlements
were few and scattering, and Chicago and New Or-
leans were the most accessible markets, the only way
lo the former city being over rough roads by team,
and to the latter by flatboat, via the Vermilion, Wa-
bash, Ohio and Mississippi rivers. Mr. Cole fre-
quently sent produce to those cities but did not
journey there himself. He was one of the first
wool growers in the county, but experienced much
difficulty in raising sheep in the early days here on
account of the wolves that would frequently kill

322

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

some of his flock in sight of the house. He had a
small horse that was an expert jumper and mount-
ed on that animal Mr. Cole pursued the wolves
and killed many of them. He commenced with
forty-nine sheep and finally had a large flock, num-
bering 2,200 of a fine breed. He invested in real
estate here and engaged in farming, and in course
of years met with more than ordinary success in
his calling and became a large land owner, and
now has 1,3G0 acres of fine land, divided into three
farms. The one on which he resides on sections
19 and 20, is one of the choicest in the county.

We must now go back to the earl}' history of our
subject, and refer to his birth and ancestry. He
was born in the pretty town of Shaftsbury, Ben-
nington Co., Vt,. May 27, 1815. a son of Uriah
Cole, a native of the same county and town. Par-
ker Cole, the grandfather of our subject, was a na-
tive of Rhode Island, of English ancestry. When
he was sixteen years old his parents moved to the
wilds of Vermont, before the Revolutionary War,
the removal being made with one yoke of oxen
and one cow, they were guided by marked trees for
twenty miles, the road from Williamstown, Mass.,
being a mere trail. The grandfather of our subject
spent his remaining days in the Green Mountain
State, buying a tract of timbered land, from which
he cleared a farm, and he at one time owned 1,000
acres of land. For some time the nearest market
was at Williamstown, Mass., twenty- miles away,
and Troy, N. Y., thirty-two miles distant was also
a market town. The maiden name of the grand-
mother of our subject was Mollie Nash, and she was
also a native of Rhode Island. .She frequently told
her grandchildren the story of their removal to
Vermont, and how when she forded the Connecti-
cut River, the water was so deep that the pony on
which she rode had to swim. She died in the eighty-
fourth year of her age, on the old homestead,
and now lies beside her husband in the cemetery
at Shaftsbury. The father of our subject was reared
in his native town, and after he had grown to man's
estate his father gave him a farm in Shaftsbury,
and he bought other land till he had about 400
acres. He spent his entire life in his birthplace,
dying there wlien about sixty years of age. The
maiden name of his wife, the mother of our sub-

ject, was Nancy Barton, and she was also a native
of Shaftsbury, coming of good old New England
stock. Her father, Garner Barton, was a native of
Rhode Island, and in early life was a sailor. He
was a pioneer of Shaftsbury and buying land he en-
gaged in farming and also built and operated a
tannery. He was a resident there till his demise at
the advanced age of ninety -six years. The mater-
nal grandmother of our subject died on the home
farm at the venerable age of ninety-four years.
She was a Quaker. The mother of our subject was
reared and spent her entire life among the green
hills of Vermont in the town of Shaftsbury. There
were seven children born of her marriage, namely:
Hiram, living in North Bennington, Vt.; John;
Ahnira. who married George Clark, and died two
years later; Elizabeth, who died in infancy; James
P.., living in Vermilion County; Mary, wife of Jon-
athan C. Houghton, of North Bennington, Vt.;
George Byron died in Shaftsbury.

The subject of this sketch grew to man's estate
in the home of his birth, gleaning his education in
the public schools, and as soon as large enough he
assisted on the farm until he came West as before
mentioned. In the summer of 1839 he returned to
Vermont, and in the following December he was
married to Miss Aurelia Miranda Huntington, and
at once started with his bride for his new home in
the Western wilds; traveling with a horse and a
covered wagon, they arrived in Vermilion County
six weeks and three da3's later. There was an un-
finished frame house on his land on sections 29 and
30, Danville Township, and in that he and his bride
commenced housekeeping. He resided there about
nineteen years, and then rented his farm and moved
to Elwood Township where he improved a large
farm, and made his home there till 1877. Then
leaving his son in charge he went to Shelbyville,
111., where he bought property, and was a resident
of that city till 1882, when he bought the farm on
which he now resides in Danville Township.

Mr. Cole has been married three times. The
wife of his early manhood died in January. 1SJ7.
leaving one child, Miranda 8., now the wife of
James McKee, of Danville. Mr. Cole's second mar-
riage, which occurred in 1850, was to Miss Nancy
Weaver, a native of Brown County, Ohio, a daugh-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

323

ter of Michael and Mary Weaver. She died about
1«63. leaving one son, Henry .1.. who lives Oil the
Ridge farm in Klwood Township. Mr. Cole was
married to his present wife Sue Patterson, and to
them have come one child, Mary Edith.

Our subject can look back over a long life that
has been wisely spent, and his record is that of an
honorable, upright man, whose high personal char-
acter lias made him an influence for good in the
county where he has made his home for over half
a century, and with whose interests his own are so
closely allied that in acquiring wealth he has fur-
thered its material prosperity. In politics he is a
Democrat.

'NDREW J. SINKHORN, Supervisor of
Blount Township, with whose agricultural
and milling interests he is connected as a
practical, wide-awake fanner and skillful
miller, owning and operating a sawmill, is a fine
type of the citizen-soldiers of our country, who
saved the Union from dissolution in the trying
times of the Great Rebellion, and since then have
quietly pursued various vocations and professions,
and have been important factors in bringing this
country to its present high status as one of the
greatest and grandest nations on earth. In the
early days of the war our subject went forth with
his brave comrades to fight his country's battles,
he being then but nineteen years of age, a stalwart,
vigorous youth, and he consecrated the opening
years of his manhood to the cause for which he was
ready to give up even life itself, if need be. Not-
withstanding his 3'outhf ulness, he displayed the
qualities of a true soldier, and in course of time was
promoted from the ranks.

Andrew Sinkhorn, the father of our subject, was
born in Virginia. During some period of his life
he went to Kentucky, and was there married to
Frances Shannon, a native of that State, and they
began their wedded life there in Boyle County,
and there their useful lives were rounded out in
death. They had a family of nine children, of
whom our subject was the eighth in order of birth.

Dec. 3, 1842, he was born in his parents' pleasant
home in Boyle County, Ky. He was reared on a
farm, and his education was obtained in the common
schools. Aug. 12. 1861, his heart beating high
with youthful ardor and patriotism, he entered
upon his career as a soldier, enlisting at that date in
Company A, 4th Kentucky Infantry, and had four
years experience of life on the battlefield or in
rebel prisons. He took an active part in the bat-
tles of Chicaumauga and Mill Springs, Ky.. and in
the latter contest lost a part of his index finger.
He was at Perryville, Ky., Mission Ridge, and
Atlanta, and while near the latter city he was cap-
tured by the rebels, and was held for seven months,
during which time he was confined in Anderson ville,
and later in Florence, S. C, suffering all the horrors
and hardships of life in rebel prisons. His steady
courage and heroic actions in the face of the enemy.
and his obedience to his superiors, won him their
commendation, and he received deserved promo-
tion from the ranks to the position of Sergeant.
After the close of the war he was mustered out
of the si rvice and honorably discharged.

After his bitter experience of military life Mr.
Sinkhorn returned to his old Kentucky home and
engaged in farming in Boyle Count}' the ensuing
two years. In the spring of 1869 he decided that
he could do still better in his chosen calling on the
rich soil of Illinois, and coming to Vermilion
County, he settled in Blount Township, and has re-
sided here and in Ross Township since that time,
engaging both in agricultural pursuits and in mill-
ing with great success, and he is justly classed
among the most substantial citizens of the township.

Mr. Sinkhorn has been three times married.
He was first married in his native county, to Je-
mima Ann Cozatt, who was also a native of Boyle
County. After the birth of one child that died in
infancy, she passed away in her native county.
Mr. Sinkhorn's second marriage was to Emily J.
Sexton, they having been wedded in Ross Town-
ship, this county. March 28, 1880, she departed
this life. She was a sincere and active member of
the Christian Church. Four children were born of
that marriage — William 11., Edward E., Jesse O.,
and Anna M. The maiden name of Mr. Sinkhorn's
present wife, to whom he was united in Blount

324

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

Township, was Mary E. Pilkington, and she was
the widow of John Pilkington, and daughter of
William Gritton. Two children have been born of
this marriage, Ida E. and Girtie.

Since coming to this township Mr. Sinkhorn has
proved a useful citizen, and a valuable addition
to the citizenship of the place. He takes an active
part in the administration of public affairs, and in
every way manifests an earnest desire to promote
the highest interests of the community. His pleas-
ant, genial disposition has made him popular with
his fellow-townsmen, and, what is better, he enjoys
their confidence. He was elected Constable of
Blount Township, and served to the satisfaction of
his constituents seven years. In the spring of
1886 he was elected Supervisor of the township,
held the office one year, and in the spring of 1889
was again selected for this important office, and is
still an incumbent thereof. He has a deeply re-
ligious nature, and in him the Free Methodist
Church has one of its most esteemed members, and
at the present time he is Class-Leader.

EV. THOMAS COX was born Aug. 6, 1829,
in Lawrence County, Ky. He is the son
'. of John and Polly Cox, the former of
^jS}; whom was born in Lawrence County, June
22, 1799, while his wife, Polly (Markham) Cox,
first saw the light at the same place on Feb. 17,
1817. John Cox served in the War of 1832 known
as the Black Hawk War, and was the father of six
children, Thomas being the fourth child.

John Cox and family came to this county in
1829, settling s j x miles west of Danville on the
Middle Fork, where he followed, with a large de-
gree of success, the occupation of a carpenter, and
also owned a fine farm. He died on May 23, 184G,
universally respected by all his acquaintances. Po-
litically he was a Democrat. Both he and his wife
belonged to the Baptist Church; the latter died on
Sept. 2, 1851. This couple were among the origi-
nal settlers of this county, and as such, went
through all the vicissitudes that surround the pio-

neer. They were faithful in everything they un-
dertook, and with them life was not a failure.

Thomas Cox, of whom this sketch is written,
came to this county with his father when he was
but six weeks old, and at the age of fifteen yens
his father died leaving him to make his own way
in the world. He went into the unequal battle
with a determination to win, and his endeavors
have been met by success. He followed agricul-
tural pursuits until he was twenty-two years old
when he commenced to learn the carpenter's trade,
which occupation he followed until 18G7, when he
purchased a farm in Newell Township and where he
now resides. On Nov. 28, 1850 he was married to
Susan Orr, daughter of John and Parthenia Orr,
natives of Kentucky. They came to Indiana in a
very early day and were united in marriage in
Fountain County, that State. Mrs. Cox was born
July 1, 1831, she being the fourth child of a family
of twelve. She resided in Indiana until she became
eighteen years of age, when she removed to Illinois
with her parents, both of whom are dead. The
Rev. Mr. and Mrs. Cox are the parents of three
children: William L., who is a farmer of this
county, married Miss Kate Robinson; Martha J., is
the wife of A. Clapp, who is engaged in farming in
Newell Township, while David M. is the husband
of Miss Sarah Bell. They are living on a farm in
the same township.

Mr. Cox is the owner of 200 acres of good land
which he cultivates with a large degree of success,
and besides this he has given all his children a farm
and has educated them as best he could in the pub-
lic schools. This is one of the beauties of the sys-
tem of American farming which makes if possible
for the parent to start his children out in life with
land enough to insure their comfort and even com-
petence, and it is within the reach of every provi-
dent farmer to do this to a large or small extent.
The industry that Mr. Cox inherited has been the
keynote to his success. In 1886 he was ordained
as a regular minister of the gospel of the Regular
Baptist Church. Before his ordination as a minis-
ter, he was actively and intelligently engaged in
religious work, a fact which led him up to occupy
a pulpit.

Mr. Cox has served his township as a Commis-

l^J^c Us. \Z^oo4^-£As

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

327

sioner of Highways and School Treasurer, filling
these offices with rare fidelity and intelligence. He
has always taken great interest in educational
matters and lias consequentlj aided his neighbor-
hood in having the best of schools. Politically
he acts with the Democratic party, but since en-
tering ministerial work he dues not take much
interest in political questions. As a Christian
worker Mr. Cox is very zealous. He preaches
every Sabbath either at home or on a circuit,
which comprises Crawfordsville, Ind., Big Shaw-
nee and Stony Creek. The record of Mr. Cox
as a citizen and a preacher is of the very best.

firOIIN W. TURNER, M.D., Mayor of Fair-
| mount and a practicing physician of first-
class standing, has been a resident of this
city since 1881. He occupies one of the
finest residences in the place, ami there are h-w
men more widely or favorably known in the town-
ship. He has been prominent in politics and relig-
ion — a leading light in the Republican party and
an earnest laborer in the Sunday -school, the friend
of temperance and the uniform supporter of all
those measures instituted to elevate society and
benefit the people.

In referring to the parental history of our sub-
ject, we find that he is a son of John T. Turner, a
native of Maryland, who married Miss Catherine
Shane, a native of Virginia. Soon after marriage
t lie parents settled in Warren County, Ohio, then
removed to Clay County, Ind. The father was a
wagon manufacturer, and the household circle in
due time included eight children, four sons and
four daughters. Of these John W. was the seventh
child, lie was born in Clay County, Ind., March
24, 18:ii), and there spent the days of his boyhood
and youth, pursuing his early studies in the com-
mon schools.

The subsequent }'ears of Dr. Turner until a man
of twenty-six were occupied mostly as a medical
student. Then determined to see something of the
country in which he lived, lie started over the
plains to Oregon, crossed the Mississippi at Omaha

and soon afterward bidding farewell to the haunts
of civilization, journeyed on the north side of
the I Matte River, through Nebraska. Wyoming,
Idaho and on to Oregon. He reached Portland
six months after leaving home. During the trip
the party had numerous engagements with the
Sioux Indians, one very serious among the Black

Hills.

Besides the Indians the Doctor met men from
most all parts of every country during his tour in
the wild West, and learned many interesting facts
in connection therewith and the habits of life on
the frontier, besides having an opportunity to view
some of the most wild and romantic scenery in the
world. We next find him officiating as a peda-
gogue in Oregon for six months. He had already
made up his mind to adopt the medical profession,
and at the expiration of this time entered the med-
ical department of Willamette University, Oregon,
from which he wajs graduated with honors in 1872.
He commenced the practice of his profession at
Vancouver, Wash., where he sojourned four years.
Here occurred the first great affliction of his life in
the loss of his estimable wife, which occurred in
1876. Soon afterward he returned to this State
and was located in Oakland, Coles Count}', for five
years.

In 1881 Dr. Turner took up his residence in
Fairmount, where he has made all arrangements to
spend at least the greater part of his life. He has
a most pleasant and attractive home, a fine and
growing practice and apparently everything to make
existence desirable. He was first married in 1861 to
Miss Harriet N., daughter of Judge William E.
Smith, of Toledo, Cumberland County, this state.
Of this union there were born four children, the
eldest of whom, a son. Alva M., married Miss
lMneba A. Reese,"and is employed in the drug-store
of Lamon & Lamon, of Fairmount; his wife died
April 25. 188'.). of apoplexy; Sharon C. is doing
a large business as a contractor at Ocean Beach,
Pacific Co., Wash. He is unmarried; Nancy C.
is the wife of Edward Busby and lives seven miles
south of Fairmount; they have no children; Will-
iam E. was accidentally killed on the railroad track
west of the depot, April 18, 1885, at the age of
thirteen years. Mrs. Harriet N. (Smith) Turner

328

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

departed this life at her residenee, in Vancouver,
Wash., in January, 1876.

Dr. Turner contracted a second marriage in
April, 1877, with Miss Eliza J. Hoagland, foster
daughter of John S. Cofer, of Areola, 111., the wed-
ding taking place at Paris. This union resulted in
the birth of two children, John W. and Mary, both
living with their father and attending school. The
mother died April 30, 1884. On the 10th of July,
1884, the Doctor was married to Miss Mary E.
Mills, one of the leading lady teachers of Vermilion
County. Mrs. Turner is a lady of more than ordi-
nary accomplishments and stands high in the social
circles of the community. The Doctor and his
wife with the elder children are all connected with
the Methodist Episcopal Church. Dr. Turner is a
member of the Official Board and Vice-president
of the Township Sunday-school Association, which
latter office he has held for the last three years.
He gives much time to the religknis instruction of
the young, a subject in which he has entertained a
lifelong interest.

At the last election for the city offices, Dr. Turner
was reelected President of the Board of Aldermen,
receiving, with the exception of eleven, all of the
votes cast for this office. He is a pronounced Re-
publican with broad and liberal ideas, and belongs
to the A. F. & A. M., being Master of the lodge at
Fail-mount for four years in succession. He also
belongs to the Modern Woodmen, in which Order
he is Medical Examiner and holds the same position
in connection with eight life insurance companies
doing business in this state. As may be supposed,
his practice and his official duties absorb a large
portion of his time, but he still finds the opportun-
ity to indulge occasionally in hunting and fishing,
in which he is an expert and of which sports he is
excessively fond. The temperance cause finds in
him one of its firmest advocates. Genial and com-
panionable by nature, he is one naturally making
hosts of friends. As an orator he possesses talents
of no mean order, and is frequently called upon to
address political, religious and other meetings.
There are always a few men who must lead in a
community, and Dr. Turner, of Fairmount, is an
admirable representative of this class of the com-
munity. Therefore we are pleased to present

t<> the readers of this volume a splendid por-
trait of Dr. Turner, as perpetuating the features
of one honored and esteemed by all, and the pres-
ent incumbent of the most important official posi-
tion in Fairmount.

*«*

/p^EORGE W. SMITH, who lives on section
if ^i" 31 '" ^ rant Township, Vermilion County,
^^41 has resided here but six years. He for-
merly resided in Champaign County, 111. He was
born in Fairfield County, Ohio, July 11, 1833, his
parents being John C. and Azenith (Lewis) Smith,
the former a native of Delaware and the latter of
Pennsylvania.

The parents of John C. Smith died in Delaware
when he was quite young, and at the age of twenty-
one years, in 1808, he emigrated to what was then
considered the Far West. He was a carpenter by
trade, and located at what is now the capital of
Ohio, Columbus, then known as Franklin. There
he put on the first shingle roof ever constructed in
that locality. He was still there when the War
of 1812 broke out, and he enlisted in the army
under Capt. Sanderson, of Lancaster, Ohio. He
served during the entire time of the war, and re-
ceived for his services two warrants, each entitling
him to eighty acres of land. He was with the
army at Detroit, and there endured the hardships
suffered b}- that part of the army during that try-
ing period. At the conclusion of the war Mr.
Smith returned to Lancaster, staying there for two
or three years. He never located his land war-
rants, which he did not receive for many years,
but sold them to another party. In 181!) he
settled on a farm on the line that separates
Fairfield and Pickaway counties, Ohio, and there
lived for the remainder of his life, dying May 21,
1857, in his sevent3'-first year, having been born
March 10. 1787. He was married in Fairfield
County, in 1819, to Mrs. Azenith Julian, widow of
Stephen L. Julian, by whom she had three chil-
dren, one of whom yet survives, and is also named
Stephen L., and who is now living near .Marion
Grant Co., lud., and is in his seventy -seventh

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

329

year. She owned and lived on the farm, where they

afterward both died. Mrs. Smith was born May
24, 1788, and died Sept. 24, L852, aged sixty-four
years and four months. Mr. and Mrs. Smith were
the parents of seven children, the following four
being deceased: Rebecca L. was the wife of .lames
M. Stewart, and died near Logan, Ohio; Eliza H.
was married t < > Henry Dustman, and died at Leaver
Dam. Wis.; Mary W., who was the wife of .lames
S. McDowell, died at Tolona, 111.; and Elizabeth S..
who was married to John Burton, died also at that
place. The survivors are: Hannah A., the wife of
L. C. Burr, a furniture dealer in Tolona; Martha
J. is living with the subject of this sketch, the lat-
ter being the youngest of the family.

George W. Smith was brought up on the home
farm at Tarleton, Ohio, where he lived until he
was twenty-five years of age. Both his parents
being deceased, he sold the Ohio farm in 1858
and removed to Tolona, 111., where he bought a
farm, on which he lived until 1 MS.'!, when he sold
it and removed to his present home. His birth-
place was in a hilly country, and the work in clear-
ing and cultivating it was arduous. He, therefore,
had long directed his attention to Illinois as a
place where he could better his fortunes. When he
came to Illinois he was accompanied by his three
younger sisters, all remaining with him until the
the marriage of the two eldest. Mr. Smith was
united in marriage Feb. 14, L865, to Miss Julia
II. Lock, daughter of William and Hannah (Escot)
Lock, natives of England, where Mrs. Smith was
born March 20, 1842. Her parents emigrated to
Canada when she was seven years old, and in
]si;i settled in Champaign County. 111. Loth arc
now deceased, the mother dying in Canada of apo-
plexy while on a visit to a son living there, in
187 1, aged sixty-eight. Her father died in Cham-
paign County, in 1885, in his eighty-fourth year.
Mr. Lock came to Canada alone in 1842, and
bought a farm there, and then returned to Eng-
land, where he remained for seven years, and then
came back with his family. He made several
changes there before coming to the United States,
buying considerable property. He ultimately be-
came a large land-owner, alone owning 1,500 acres
in Champaign County, 111. Mr. and Mrs. Lock

had eleven children, all but one of whom are now
living. William is a farmer in Canada; Louisa i>
the wife of Joseph Spettigue, of London, Canada :
Henry is a farmer at Belmont, Canada; Eliza
was the wife of Corelia Fields, and died in
Canada: .lames is living at St. Thomas, Canada,
where he is a boot and shoe dealer; Benjamin lives
in Champaign County. 111. Mrs. Smith was next
in older of birth, then Daniel, a farmer in Marshall
County, Kan. John is also a farmer at Philo, 111..
4 and Hattie is the wife of M. L. Brewer, a farmer
in the same place. Frank was drowned while swim-
ming, when eight years of age. Mr. and Mrs.
Smith have no children, but the child of his sister
Rebecca L., Frank L. Stewart, has lived with them
since he was four months old, having been adopted
by his aunt, Miss Martha J. Smith. He Mas born
in Logan, Hocking Co., Ohio, Jan. 30, 1857.

While living in Champaign County, 111., Mr.
Smith was a School Director for twenty-four years,
and also Assessor for five consecutive terms. He
also held the offices of Highway Commissioner,
Treasurer and Clerk of the Board. He is now one
of the School Directors of Vermilion County, and
has been since the first year of his residence here.
Mr. Smith has always sustained the character of
an upright man, and the people wdio know him
best are those who admire him most for his good
qualities as a man and a neighbor.

W EWIS HOPPER. Among the notable
I (® characteristics in the makeup of this gen-
I ~ * V) tleman is his great self-reliance and the abil-
ity to take care of himself, which was evinced at
an early age and when thrown among strangers.
His life occupation has been that of fanning, in
which he has been eminently successful and from
which it has been exceedingly difficult for him to
make up his mind to retire, although he has now
done so. and is comfortably established in a pleasant
village home at Fairmount. Among the other
fortunate things which befell him during his early
manhood was the careful wife and mother who has
stood by the side of her husband for these many

330

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

years, encouraging him in his worthy ambitions and
ably assisting him in the struggle for a competence.
They have lived happily together for many years
and are now reaping a mutual enjoyment from the
fruits of their earl}' toil and sacrifices. Such have
been their lives that they have commanded the
esteem and confidence of the people wherever the}'
have lived, bearing that reputation for solid work
and reliability of character, which form the basis of
all well regulated society.

In reviewing the antecedents of Mr. Hopper we
find that his parents were Beverly and Sarah
(Miller) Hopper, natives of Virginia and the
father born in Culpeper County. They lived in
the Old Dominion after their marriage until 1829,
then changed their residence to the vicinity of
Newark in Licking Co., Ohio. Later, they re-
moved to Indiana, where they died after their nine
children were married and scattered. Of these
our subject, was the youngest born and six are still
living. He first opened his e3'es to the light in
Virginia on the 13th day of February, 1827, and
was a child in his mother's arms when they
removed to the Buckeye State. He attended the
subscription school and worked with his father on
the farm until a youth of eighteen years.

Upon reaching his majority young Hopper be-
gan learning the carpenter's trade, but the failure
of his employers soon threw him out of business
and he returned to the farm. He was married in
1847 to Miss Margaret, daughter of Jacob Kinsey,
of Peru. Ind., and lived in the Hoosier State until
August. 1853. That year he came to this county
with his little family and settled four miles north-
east of Fairmount, residing there for a period of
eleven years. He then sold out and purchased a
farm five miles south-east of Fairmount and com-
prising 160 acres all prairie. He turned the first
furrow there and effected all the other improve-
ments which finally rendered it a valuable piece of
property, and occupied it until their removal to
the village.

The six children born to our subject and his
first wife are recorded as follows: John married
Miss Rebecca A. Carrington, is the father of three
children and lives on a farm four miles south-east
of Fairmount; Sarah is the wife of Joseph English,

lives near Peru, Ind., and is the mother of one
child; Susannah married George Darr and is the
mother of four children; they live three miles
south-west of Fairmount; Martha Jane, Mrs.
Charles Pemberton, is the mother of four children
and lives six miles south of Fairmount; Frank
married Miss Cora Hall, is the father of one child
and lives six miles south of Fairmount; Vina, Mrs.
James Smith, is the mother of three children and
lives near Peru, Ind. Mrs. Margaret (Kinsey)
Hopper departed this life at the home farm in 1870.

Mr. Hopper contracted a second marriage March
27, 1.S80 with Mrs. Lou (Stansberry) Olmstead,
daughter of Bonaparte and Jane (Wooden) Stans-
berry of Catlin this State. Mr. Stansberry was a
farmer by occupation and the parental household
included six children of whom Mrs. Hopper was
the fifth in order of birth. She was born at Cat-
lin. Jan. 27. 1812, and grew up amid the scenes of
pioneer life, her parents having been early settlers
of that region. Mr. Stansberiy died when his
daughter Lou was a young child. The mother is
still living and is now aged seventy-seven years;
she is a bright and intelligent old lady and takes
delight in reviewing the scenes of her early life in
Illinois to which her father came as early as 1812.
She was present at the opening of the first court in
Vermilion County.

Mrs. Hopper attended the common schools dur-
ing her childhood days and was carefully trained
by an excellent mother in those housewifely duties
which have so much influence upon the happiness
and comfort of a home. Although not belonging
to an}' religious denomination Mr. and Mrs Hop-
per have made it the rule of their lives to do unto
others as they would be done by, and among their
neighbors and friends have maintained that kindly
Christian character, which is the true index of an
unselfish and benevolent heart. Their home is
pleasantly situated at the east edge of Fairmount,
where they have five acres of ground and a neat
residence, erected in 1887. The year following
Mr. Hopper put up a fine barn. He keeps some
stock and pays special attention to the raising
of swine. He has enough to keep himself com-
fortably busy without overtaxing his energies.
While not by an}' means a politician. Mr. Hop-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

331

per keeps himself well informed upon .State and
National events and votes independently of any
party. He has officiated as School Director and
Trustee in his District, also as Road ( (verseer, fulfill-
ing the duties of the latter office in an especially
creditable manner. He identified himself with
the A. F. & A. M. fraternity some j'ears ago, and
is connected with Fairmonnt Lodge No. 590.

VT'OHN F. McGEE has been a bighly respected
citizen of Blount Township since 1857, and
. is numbered among its prosperous farmers.
((§£*// He has a good, well-appointed farm on sec
tion 34, comprising eighty acres of well-tilled soil
that yields him rich harvests in repayment for the
care and skill that he expends in its cultivation.
In the cosy home that he has built up here he and
his wife are enjoying the comforts of life, and are
well fortified against want and privation.

The father of our subject, William McGee, was
a native of East Tennessee, born in one of its pio-
neer homes in the year 1807. He was bred to the
life of a farmer, and in 1831 assumed the responsi-
bilities of a domestic life, marrying Rebecca Hes-
sey, daughter of John and Sarah Hessey. Some
time after they removed to Missouri, and, after
living in St. Louis awhile, they settled in Greene
County. Twelve years later they went to Scott
County, Ark., where the father bought a farm.
They lived there only two years, however, and in
1852 departed for the Lone Star State. They
staid but three years in Texas, in Cook County,
when they again found themselves on the move,
and, returning to Missouri, they settled in New-
ton County, on Shoal Creek, eleven miles above
the Neosha (New Granby) lead mines. March .">.
1856, the father closed his earthly pilgrimage when
scarce past the prime of life. His wife died in
October, 1882. Of the ten children born to that
worthy couple seven are now living, and he of
whom we write was their fourth in order of birth.
He was born during their residence in St. Louis.
Mo., Dee. 19. 1839. Shortly afterward his parents
removed to Greene County, that State, and there,

as >oon as old enough, he was sent to a subscrip-
tion school, which was conducted in a rude log
cabin without a floor, and with rough logs for
benches, wooden pins in the ends serving ^s legs.

Our subject accompanied his parents in their
various removals to and fro, and, being a lad of
intelligence and observation, profited by what he
saw of the country. He remained an inmate of
the parental household till the year of his fa-
ther's death (1856), and then, in 1857, came to
Vermilion County and to this township. Being
pleased with the country around here, and the fa-
cilities offered to an industrious, brainy, 3 - oung
farmer, he decided to locate here permanently,
and. with that end in view, two years later bought
his present farm. In the years of hard labor that
have followed his settlement here Mr. McGee has
greatly increased the original value of his farm,
and has brought it under good cultivation. He
has it amply provided with the necessary build-
ings, and everything about the place is in good
order, and betokens thrift and neatness on the part
of the owner.

Mr. McGee has been twice married. In 1860
he was wedded to Sarah Jane Watson, daughter of
James Watson. She was a truly estimable woman,
and made a good wife and a true helpmate. In
1866 she closed her eyes iu death, leaving three chil-
dren as the fruit of her union — Rebecca Jane,Joseph
Thomas, and Precious. The marriage of our sub-
ject with his present wife took place in 1874. Her
maiden name was Elizabeth Hessey, and she is a
daughter of Abram Hessey. Mrs. McGee is a
true helpmate in every sense of the word, and of
her pleasant married life four children have been
born, two of whom died in infancy. The names
of the others are Mary M. and Farrin A.

During the thirty-two years that he has been a
resident of Vermilion Count}', Mr. McGee has won
the esteem and respect of all about him by his
kind, obliging ways, and by his conscientious, up-
right conduct in all the affairs of life. He is a
hard working, capable man, and by persevering
and well-directed labor has established himself
comfortably. In polities he is a sound Democrat,
and. religiously, is a consistent member of the
Christian Church, known as the Campbellite

332

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

Chinch. He was elected Road Commissioner in
188G, and again in 1889, and is performing the
duties of that office with credit to himself and to
the advantage of the township.

•irsM

i-..iW.V.V.V

^ri-**

yTLLIAM JUDY. This gentleman bears
the reputation of being one of the best

^^ farmers in Middle Fork Township, where
where he has resided since about 1851. That year
he came with his parents to this county from Hardy
County, Ya., the journey being made overland with
teams and occupying thirty-one days. The father
located a claim upon which there was a log cabin,
and into it the family removed, and lived there
several years. William was then a lad of thirteen
years. Upon reaching manhood, he purchased a
half section of land in sections 19 and 20, and by
subsequent purchase 100 acres have been added to
the original purchase. The elder Judy and his
boys improved a good farm, and the father died
in 1854, at the age of about sixty -two years. The
mother is still living, making her home with her
son Samuel, in Iroquois County, this State.

Our subject during his boyhood pursued his
studies in a log cabin on the subscription plan, at-
tending there two terms. Afterwards a regular
schoolhouse was built at Wallace Chapel, about
two miles from his home, which he also attended
for a time. Later he prosecuted his studies in
Danville. He distinctly remembers the time when
this section of the country was a wild prairie,
thinly settled, when deer and wolves were numer-
ous, mill and market far away, and when the set-
tlers endured many privations and hardships in
the struggle to maintain existence.

Young Judy' remained with his widowed mother
until his marriage, in 18G2, to Miss Nancy A.
Wood. This lady was the daughter of Absalom
and Mclinda (Copeland) Wood, and the grand-
daughter of Henry A. Wood, a native of Virginia,

who emigrated to this county and settled in Grant
Township, when there was scarcely another white
man within its limits. (Further notice will be
found in the biography of Samuel Copeland in

another chapter of this book.) Here he reared a
large family and spent his last days. He was a
man of great energy and industry, and improved a
good farm from the wilderness. The father of
Mrs. Judy was his eldest child, and also entered a
tract of land from the Government, from which he
built up a farm. The grandparents were members
of the Methodist Church. Her great-great-grand-
father Wood was born in England in 1739. Grand-
mother Wood's maiden name was Hoover.

The young couple took up their abode in the
humble dwelling, and from that time on labored
with the mutual purpose of making a home for
themselves and their children. Their toils and
sacrifices in due time met with a reward, and. in
addition to developing his first land. Mr. Judy
added to his possessions until he now has 420
broad acres, the greater part of which is enclosed
with beautiful hedge fencing, neatly trimmed, and
the land all in a high state of cultivation. A fine
large dwelling has supplanted their first humble
residence, and a barn and other necessary out-
buildings, a flourishing apple orchard and the
smaller fruit trees form a most attractive picture
in the landscape.

There came in due time to the fireside of our
subject and estimable wife, twelve children, who
were named respectively : Lizzie Grant, now .Mrs.
F. M. Slusher; Frank L.. J. Milton, Charles, An-
nettie, Alia May. Robert Earl, Myrtie Florence,
Fanny Clarinda, Wilber Wood, Mary Melinda ant
Grace Ethel. They are all living, and form a re-
markably bright and interesting group. Mr. and
Mrs. Judy are members in good standing of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, attending Wallace
Chapel.

Two brother of our subject, Ambrose and John,
during the late Civil War enlisted in Company E,
51st Illinois Infantry. John was killed in the
battle of Franklin, Tenn., and his friends have
never been able to find his resting-place. All the
male members of the family uniformly vote the
Republican ticket. The father, Nicholas Judy,
was the son of Martin Judy, who reared his fam-
ily in Virginia, the State of his birth.

The father of our subject passed his boy-hood
and youth in the Old Dominion, and was married

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

:;;;:;

t.i Miss Mary, daughter of Andrew and Mary Skid-
more. T<> them was born a family of seventeen. chil-
dren: Jehu, John, Andrew, Rebecca, Isaac, Ellen,
Amos, Elizabeth, William (our subject), Gabriel,
Eve, Ambrose, Edward, Nannie, Samuel, and two
who died in infancy. Eight of these children are
living, and making their homes mostly in Illinois.

Our subject's grandfather, Andrew Skidmore,
married Miss Mary Stonestreet, of Virginia. They
were both born in that State. He was a farmer
and stock dealer, and was the owner of slaves, and
died at the age of eighty-four years. Grandmother
Skidmore was a noble woman, and taught the first
Sabbath-school ever held in that county.

Grandfather Martin Judy was of German ances-
try and the father of twelve children, six boys and
six girls. He was also a farmer and stock-raiser,
and a member of the Lutheran Church. He lived
and died in Pendleton Co., Va.

Great-grandfather John Skidmore, an English-
man by birth, married a German lady, Mary
Hinkle.

Grandfather Stonestreet, on the mother's side,
married Miss Williams, an Pjiiglish lady.

\t ESSE LEEKA, M.D. One would scarcely
suppose upon meeting this gentleman that
lie has attained to nearly his threescore
/ years, for he is still young looking and
more than usually active. This has been the re-
sult of a correct life and temperate habits and ex-
ercising good care over "the house he lives in."
He has been a resident of Oakwood Village since
1886 and is numbered among its most successful
and prominent physicians, having built up a good
patronage and accumulated a fair amount of this
world's possessions.

The tirst thirty years of the life of our subject
were spent in Clinton County. Ohio, where he was
born May 19, 1830. He received a common
school education and at the age of twenty years
began his apprenticeship to the trade of a cabinet-
maker, at which he worked in connection with
farming for many years. At the age of twenty-five

he was married. Fell. 2, 1855, to Miss Rebecca A..
daughter of Francis B. Macy, of Indiana, and now
residing in Kokomo, that state. Afterward the

| newly wedded pair settled in New Vienna, Ohio, of
which the Doctor in due time became Mayor.
Subsequently lie resided in Rush County, Ind.,
where he was Constable and later in Howard
County, that State, where he held the office of
Coroner two terms. After the outbreak of the
Civil War, he on the 12th of December, 1863, en-
listed in Company E. 9th Indiana Cavalry and was
detailed to serve in the Quartermaster's depart-
ment. He was with his regiment all through
Hood's campaign and in the engagement at Pulaski.
He, however, saw little of active service but en-
dured the hardships and privations incident to life
in the army, was afflicted with rheumatism some
time, and in October, 181! 4, had a severe attack of
bilious remittent fever. After the close of the war
he received his honorable discharge with the regi-
ment, Aug. 28, 1805, at Vicksburg, Miss.

Dr. Leeka began the practice of his profession
in the spring of 1876 at Jerome, Ind. Later he
entered the medical college of Indianapolis, from
which he was graduated in the class of 1878. He
has practiced in Howard County, Ind., at Fair-
mount, this county, whence he came to Oakwood,
and is the only established physician in this place,
where he has property and a pleasant home.

The father of our subject was Philip Leeka, a
native of Virginia, who in early life was taken by
his parents to Washington County, Tenn., where
he was reared to manhood. The paternal grand-
father, Christian Leeka, was a native of Germany
and crossed the Atlantic as one of the body of
troops employed by the British Government to
subjugate the American Colonists. Upon his ar-
rival here Grandfather Leeka was ill and was con-
fined in the hospital until after peace was declared.
He settled in Southern Virginia and married an
American lady of German parentage. In 1815
they removed to Clinton County, Ohio, where the
grandfather died a few years later. Philip, the
father of our subject, was the fifth of his seven
children. Two of the older boys served under
General Jackson in the Seminole War. One of
them. Christian, Jr.. died while in the service in

334

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

Florida. The other. Henry, after leaving t'.ie army
settled in Randolph County, Ind., where he became
a prominent citizen and served as Justice of the
Peace for a period of eighteen j'ears. He there
spent the remainder of his life, passing away at a
ripe old age.

Philip Leeka was born March 21, 1799, and
reared to farming pursuits He acquired a good
education and taught school considerably after his
marriage. He maintained a warm interest in edu-
cational matters and officiated as a School Director
in his district from the time of settling there until
his decease. He was married in Clinton County.
Ohio, in 1821, to Miss Elizabeth Hodson, who was of
Quaker parentage and was born in North Carolina
in 1797. The Hodson family emigrated to Clinton
County, Ohio, about 1814. After their marriage
the parents of our subject settled on a farm in that
county, poor in purse but with strong hands and
hopeful hearts, and after years of industry and
economy, accumulated agood property including a
fine farm. The mother passed away at the old
homestead in 1842. Philip Leeka survived his
wife forty two years, his death taking place near
New Vienna, in 1884. when he was'quite aged. The
household circle included ten children, nine of
whom are still living, and of whom Jesse, our sub-
ject, was the fifth in order of birth.

To the Doctor and his first wife there were born
five children, four sons and a daughter. The latter,
Cora A., died when an interesting girl of twelve
years. The sons are all living. Francis Edgar
married Miss Sadie Sisson, and lives in St. Joe,
111.; Charles Frederick married Miss Ida Ayles-
worth, and they live in Hebron, Ind. Of the four
children born to them only one is living. William
L. married Miss Mary Gibson, is the father of three
children, and lives in Durango, Col.; Daniel
Cary is unmarried and a resident of Danville.
Mrs. Rebecca A. Leeka departed this life April 14,
is;::.

( )ur subject contracted a second matrimonial
alliance in April. 1885, to Miss Elizabeth J. Tim-
raims. formerly of Carroll County, Ind. Her father
Elijah Timmons was a native of Ohio, her mother
was Mary A. (Bennett) Timmons. of Pickaway Co.,
Ohio. This lady was one of a family of ten children,

five boys and five girls, and was born May 15. 1838.
Seven only are living. The Doctor became iden-
tified with the Masonic fraternity thirty-six years
ago and has always taken a warm interest in its
prosperity. He is Senior Vice Commander of
George Morrison Post. No. 635 G. A. R., Depart-
ment of Illinois, in which he has held the office of
Surgeon. He was at one time a member of the
Sons of Temperance, and religiously is connected
with the Society'of Friends. Mrs. Leeka finds her
religious home in the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Politically the Doctor is an ardent Republican, tak-
ing a lively interest in the success and principles
of his party and laboring as he has opportunity, to
advance the political doctrines which he believes
are the surest means of prosperity to one of the
best governments on the face of the earth.

ENOCH VANVK KLE. More than sixty years
have gone by since the subject of this bio-
' graphical review, then a stout, manly lad of
fourteen years, first came to Vermilion County
witli his parents from his early home in the Buck-
eye State. Here he grew to a stalwart, capable
manhood, and has since been identified with the
development and prosperity of his adopted county,
and has been a factor in promoting its agricul-
tural interests, with which he is still connected,
having a good farm on section 35, Blount Town-
ship, comprising 140 acres of as fine, tillable land as
is to be found in the whole precinct. By down-
right, hard and persistent labor he has brought
it to a high state of cultivation, it yielding him a
good income, and he has erected suitable buildings.
His parents were among the early settlers of the
county, and it has been his pleasure to witness and
assist in almost its entire development from a state
of nature.

The father of our subject, Evert Vanvickle, was
born either in Pennsylvania or Virginia. His
mother, whose maiden name was Sarah White, was
a native of Pennsylvania, and after marriage the
parents settled in Butler County, Ohio, from there
they removed to Jennings County, Ind.. where

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Residence of William Kelly, 5ec.2. Danville: Township.

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Residence or Mrs. Eliza Cassel.Sec.it.CT^o-R 13) Pilot Township.

w±— : , , ■ -i-^ ■MV-*--^'.«4^=T»a L g ./-■-■;^^-- - . ■- ■ ■ ^fe&aasas*^^

Residence of B.C.Pate,Sec.21.(T.197R.12) Catlin Township.

PORTRAIT AND 151CK i RA I'HIC AL ALBUM.

337

they liveil till 1828. In that year they made an-
other move westward and penetrating to the wilds
of Illinois, came to Vermilion County and settled
in Blount Township. After a residence here of
some twenty years they went to Holt County. Mo.,
where their remaining' years were passed. To that
worthy couple were born five sons, of whom the
subject of this sketch was the second.

Our subject was born in the pioneer home of his
parents in Butler County, Ohio. April 26, 1814.
He accompanied his parents to this county in 1828
and has ever since been an honored citizen of this
place. After attaining man's estate he adopted the
calling of agriculture to which he had been reared
and for which he had a natural taste, and as the
years have rolled by he has acquired a comfortable
competency, and with the aid of a good wife he
has built up a cozy home, in which they arc spend-
ing the declining years of a life of usefulness in
quietness and peace, enjoying the full respect and
affection of their neighbors and friends.

Mr. Vanvickle has been twice married. The
first time in Vermilion County, in 1837, to Miss
Nancy White. Nine children were the fruits of
that union, of whom the following seven grew to
maturity: Ruth; Andrew, who was a soldier in the
army, enlisted from Indiana, and gave up his life
for his country at Knoxville. Tenn.; Sarah, Evert,
Harriet, John, and Enoch. Mrs. Vanvickle de-
parted this life in her husband's home in Blount
Township. She was a thorough!}' good, upright
woman, and an esteemed member of the Chris
tian Church. Mr. Vanvickle was married a second
time in Blount Township to Mrs. Cynthia (Souders)
Cline. She is a native of Pike County, Ohio, born
April 11. 1823. She has also been twice married.
Her first husband was Nathaniel Cline. He was a
native of Gallatin, Tenn.. and took part in the
Rebellion, enlisting from Danville, 111., in Com-
pany A, 125th Illinois Infantry. He died at Gal-
latin, Tenn. By that marriage Mrs. Vanvickle
became the mother of eight children — Amanda.
Martha. Mary, Benjamin F.. John B.. Charles.
Luketta, and Emma. Amanda and Martha are
deceased.

Our subject is held in veneration by his fellow-
men not only for his pioneer labors in Blount Town-

ship, in whose welfare he has always taken a genuine

interest, but for those honest traits of mind and
heart that mark him as a good man and a desirable
citizen. He is one of the few survivors of the
famous Black Hawk War, in which he served
about thirty days, being then a youth of eighteen
years. He, and his worthy wife are esteemed
members of the Christian Church, with which he
connected himself some twenty years ago. and she
joined thirty years ago. Mr. Vanvickle is a true
Republican, and in him the party finds a devoted
follower.

' 5S5

^f! AMES DAVIS is one of the prosperous and
influential farmers of Vermilion County,
who takes great pride in doing all things
well. His father was Henry Davis, who
was born in Pennsylvania. He removed to
Ohio in 1808, and lived there twenty-eight
years, and in 1836 settled in Illinois, locating
on the farm now owned and occupied by his son
James. His mother, whose maiden name was
Rachael Pollock, was also a native of Pennsylvania.
Henry Davis lived in Pennsylvania but a short
time after his marriage, when he emigrated to Ohio,
and there cleared a farm of 200 acres. After his
removal to Illinois he became a very large land-
holder, owning at one time about 4.200 acres of
uncultivated Illinois prairie. He was the father of
ten children, five of whom are now living. The
mother died in 1848, at the age of sixty-one, while
the father passed away in November, 1855, aged
seventy-four years. James was the youngest of
this family of children, his birth occurring Jan.
21, 1828, in Guernsey, County. Ohio. He received
a limited education in the old-fashioned log school-
house, and his boyhood was mostly employed at
work upon the farm. In those days he spent a
great deal of time hunting deer, wolves, and other
wild game, and refers to these times as the hap-
piest moments of his life. He remained at home
helping his father on the farm until he was twenty-
two years of age. when he married America J.
Boggess, Oct. 18, 1849. She is the daughter of
John Boggess, who was one of the earliest pioneers

338

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

of Vermilion County. He settled at Brooks'
Point, and was a representative farmer of his time.
Eleven children were born to him, nine of whom
grew to maturity. He and his wife have been
dead for many years. Mrs. Davis, wife of the sub-
ject of this sketch, was born at Brooks' Point, May
3. 1833. She grew to womanhood in this section,
where she received a limited school education.

After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Davis located on
his present farm, where his father gave him 397
acres of as good land as there is in the county. It
will be seen that Mr. Davis had a competency witli
which to begin life. He possesses the common
sense and business skill necessary to keep his in-
heritid wealth and add to it. He is a first-class
farmer, and raises cattle, horses, sheep and hogs.
In 18G.J Mr. Davis erected a fine residence at a
cost of $5,000, and since that time has added to it,
and made many improvements in its surroundings.
He also owns a good house and lot in Danville.
Mr. and Mrs. Davis have had two children: .John
T., the elder of the two, is married to Miss Katie
Thomas, and they are living three miles southwest
of Fairmount. He is the father of one son — James
Roy — by a former marriage. Rachel A. married
E. H. Danforth; they reside in Danville with their
three children — Jennie, Annie and James.

Mr. Davis has held many of the local offices of
his township, and has given the best of satisfac-
tion in conducting them. For nine years he held
the offices of Road Commissioner and .School Di-
rector, and is now a Trustee of his school district.
He is a member of Homer Lodge No. 199, A. F. &
A. M.. of which he has been Senior and Junior
Warden. Junior Deacon and Treasurer. The offices
of King and Scribe have been held by him in the
lodge of Royal Arch Masons No. 94. He is also a
member of the commandery at Danville. Mr.
Davis has been a member of the Baptist Church
for many years, and he takes some interest in poli-
tics. He was born and reared a Democrat, and
continued with that party until the War of the Re-
bellion, when he changed his political belief, and
since that time he has invariably voted the Repub-
lican ticket at National and State elections, but in
local affairs he casts his vote for the best man. Mr.
Davis has been somewhat of a traveler. His first

trip was to Chicago, in 1842, with a load of wheat,
and in 1848 he took a second trip to Chicago -with
a load of apples. In 1875 he visited California,
and made an extended trip through that State. He
attended the Centennial at Philadelphia in 1876,
and on that journey visited many different States.
Mr. Davis enlisted in Company C, 71st Illinois In-
fantry, and served with his regiment until late in
the autumn of 1862, when he was discharged.
There is no farmer in this section of the country
wdiose judgment is better, and his record is one of
the best.

<fjrfj|lRGIL C. T. KINGSLEY, M.D. is a native
Wi# of New York State, having been born near

^7 Utica. His father, Jedediah S. Kingsley,
was also a native of the same State and Utica was
his home for a great many years. The grandfather
of the subject of this sketch, Obediah Kingsley,
was a native of New England and traced his an-
cestry to England. He settled in Herkimer County,
N. Y. and pursued the calling of a farmer, living on
his first homestead for nearly a half century and
dying there. He was one of the earliest settlers of
Herkimer County, and early in the century, pur-
chased a tract of timber land from which he cleared
a farm. He built two saw-mills, was an extensive
dealer in lumber and furnished the lumber for the
large asylum at Utica.

Jedediah S. Kingsley, the father of the subject
of this sketch was reared to agricultural pursuits,
and followed farming for some time after his mar-
riage, when his health gave way and he turned his
attention to the study of medicine, a profession to
which he was eminently adapted, as time later on
demonstrated. He graduated from the University
of Vermont, at Burlington, when he immediately
commenced the practice of his profession at Rome,
N. Y., and has remained there since. The maiden
name of his wife was Angeline Myers, a native of
New York State and to whom was born five child-
ren.

Dr. Kingsley, of whom this biography is written,
was educated in the common schools of Rome, and
was graduated from the High School there. Early in

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

339

Life he concluded that he was adapted to the pro-
fession of medicine and surgery, and following that
idea, he commenced the study of medicine with his
father, after which he attended three years at the
medical department of Michigan University at Ann
Arbor, and graduated in the class of '83. After
his graduation he returned to Rome and commenced
practice and pursued his profession there until the
spring of 1884, when he removed to Danville,
where he has built up an extensive and lucrative
practice. The doctor makes a specialty of cancer,
tumors and chronic diseases, and has been eminently
successful in pursuing these specialties. Patients
visit him from many different states. His office is
well filled, a greater portion of the time, and all
curable diseases are treated with success. The
Doctor's pleasant ways and professional ability are
drawing cards.

Dr. Kingsley was married in 1884. to Miss Ella
Brown, a native of Oneida County, New York
State and daughter of Marv Brown.

ilMOTHY PA RK, who lives on section 24,
in Grant Township, Vermilion County, near

the Indiana State line, was born in Franklin
County, Ohio, in 1844. His parents were Silas
and Mary (Good) Park, both of Virginia. They
removed to Franklin Count}-, Ohio, at an early
day, but later went to Delaware County in the same
State, where both died, the father in 1877, the
mother about twenty years ago. Silas Park was a
fanner by occupation, and a plain, hardworking
man who never took any part in public affairs, but
attended closely to the business of making a home
for his family, and he succeeded. The}- had nine
children, of whom five are living, namely: Ezek
iel, William and Branson, farmers in Delaware
County, Ohio; Rose, who is the wife of William
llazlett, also living in Ohio. Those deceased were
named respectively: Susanna, Samantha, Hardy
and Ashforth.

Timothy Park, of whom we write, was brought
up to farming, which has been his lifelong occu-
pation. He remained in Ohio until 1869, when

he came to this county, buying a farm on section
25 in Grant Township, one-half mile south of his
present home. He lived there but a year, however,
when he returned to his native State. A few
months later he came back to this count}', was
married and rented a farm on section lit. town-
ship 23, range 10 and 11, and there he and his
wife lived for four years, when he bought the
farm which he now owns and occupies. It was
then but a tract of uncultivated prairie, without
a building, fence or tree, in fact, being wholly
destitute of the work of man. Now he has all
the improvements necessary for a well regulated
farm, his house being neat and comfortable, his
buildings ample for all his needs, and his land
more than ordinarily well cultivated, the trans-
formation being due to his untiring energy and
knowledge, and the picture of his broad acres with

'their fine surroundings is one on which he can look
with just pride. Eighty acres of his land are on
the section on which his house stands, while another
eighty is located on section 13, adjoining it on
the north. Mr. Park has always been an ardent
advocate of thorough drainage, and was one of
the first to build tile drains in this part of the

'county, and he now has his entire farm tiled in the
most thorough manner. On the northern half of
his farm he has the biggest and deepest ditch in the
northeast corner of the county, and the results of
this careful attention to proper drainage and till-
age of the soil are apparent in the splendid con-
dition of his land and his usual good crops.

Although not one of the original settlers of the
county, Mr. Park located here when the land was
new and sparsely settled. The presence of large
sloughs and much low land in the neighborhood
had retarded the progress of this section of the
county, and he has witnessed its development from
its wild state to its present prosperous condition,
and has been no small factor in assisting its growth,
to which he has contributed his full share. The
first work that he did here was for his wife's father,
.lames Budd, who was largely interested in the cul-
tivation of broom corn, having as much as 300
acres planted at one time. The nearest market for
the product was at Lafayette, Ind., and no regular
and direct roads having been laid out, the wagons

340

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

had to go the best way they could around the
numerous sloughs and across the prairies, making
the distance between here and there from forty-five
to fifty miles. Often Mr. Park has started long
before daylight, sometimes as early as two o'clock
in the morning, in order to get to Lafayette "by
sundown, which could only be accomplished by
hard driving. The next day was occupied by the
return trip. Farmers of the present day would
think this an overpowering hardship, but such trials
as this the pioneers had to endure in their efforts
to build up homes on the prairies, and their labors
and sacrifices have made this country what it is.
Without them railroads would not so soon have been
built to cany the farmer's produce so far and near,
and bring the articles he needs almost to his very
door. All honor, then, to those brave and sturdy
men who from the wild and bleak prairies have
made this country one of prosperous farms, dotted
with groves, among which nestle thousands of
comfortable homes. Theirs were the toils and sac-
riliccs, while we in comfort and ease enjoy the
fruits of their labors. Among these true men, Mr.
Park is justly entitled to a place. When he settled
here, Hoopeston was not thought of. and he men-
tions as an interesting fact that he sold the first-
dozen brooms ever disposed of in that now thriv-
ing town. Although yet a young man, lie is to-day
one of the oldest settlers living in the northeast
corner of the count}^

On April 16, 1876, Mr. Park was united in
marriage with Miss Nancy S. Budd, daughter of
.Tames and Susanna Budd, then and now resi-
dents of Iroquois County, 111., who emigrated
from Ohio, where Mr. Budd was largely en-
gaged in the occupation of sheep-raising. He
has now a general farm, but is virtually retired
from active life, being seventy- -six 3'ears of age.
Mrs. Park was horn in Ohio, 1841, and is the
mother of one child — Elnora Jeanette, a bright
young miss, now attending school. Mr. Park is
one of the younger farmers of Grant Township,
who is becoming known as one of its most enter-
prising and go-ahead citizens. He has never been
an applicant for public office, but has held some of
the minor township positions. He is an honest,
trustworthy man, whose neighbors give him an ex-

cellent character as a citizen, and one of the sub-
stantial sort who contribute much to the prosperity
of the county. Politically he is a supporter of
the Democratic party in State and national affairs,
but in local matters party ties rest lightly on him,
for he believes in voting for the man best qualified
for the position, the proper way for those who
have the best interests of the community at heart.

' * »• '

^SHOMAS KEPLINGER. The snug and wcll-
t, regulated farm occupied by the subject of
this sketch comprises 120 acres of choice
land, located on section 29, Grant Township.
This, when he took possession of it in 1870 was but
slightly improved, only a little breaking having
been done and not a shrub, post or tree upon it,
being all open prairie. During the nineteen years
of his proprietorship Mr. Keplinger has effected a
great transformation, there being now a fine resi-
dence with a good orchard and numerous shade
trees, together with a barn and the other outbuild-
ings required for the successful prosecution of farm
pursuits. The fields are enclosed to a good extent
with hedge fencing, and by a process of underdraw-
ing the land has become remarkably fertile and
the source of a handsome income.

At the time of his coming to Illinois, Mr. Kep-
linger found deer, wolves and all kinds of wild
animals in abundance. For the first few years his
farm was mostly devoted to the raising of grain to
which it seemed best adapted, but now he raises
all the cereals, besides the produce required for
family use and considerable to sell. He is at this
writing (April 1889) completing a handsome new
residence, the main part occupying an area of
16x24 feet with an "L" 15x20 feet and which when
finished, set in the midst of shrubbery as it is,
will form one of the most attractive homes in this
region. Everything about the place is indicative
of thrift and prosperity, cultivated tastes and the
refinements of modern life.

Mr. Keplinger was born in Fountain County, Ind..
six miles east of Covington, April 7, 1829, and
lived there until a man of thirty-two years, He

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

341

remained a member of the parental household until
the death of his father, which occurred in 1859, at
the age of fifty-three years. The mother hail died
"hen lie was a lad of twelve. On the 10th of May,
1800, he was married to Miss Eliza Shaffer and
the year following removed to the vicinity of
Sugar Grove, Champaign County, upon which he
operated ten or eleven years. In 1870 lie came to
this county and secured the land which lie now
owns. Since becoming a voting citizen he has
given his influence and support to the Democratic
party, but lias carefully avoided the responsibili-
ties of office.

Mr. and Mrs. Keplinger have had six children, five
of whom are living, as follows: Nancy, born Feb. 5,
18G0, and died Aug. 2, 1862; James married Miss
Ella Gunn, is a resident of Hoopeston and is the
father of one child ; George, Annie and Andrew
are at home with their parents; Allie, the third
child, is the wife of Elmer Crane and lives in Ne-
braska; they have two children. Mrs. Keplinger
was born in Fountain County, Ind., Jan. 24, 1835)
and is the daughter of Daniel Shaffer, a farmer of
that county. She received her education in the
common school and remained with her parents
until her marriage.

Jacob Keplinger, the father of our subject, was
born in Virginia and lived there until a man of
twenty-seven years. He then emigrated to Indiana
and was married to Miss Nancy Dedimore. To
them there were born three sons and two daugh-
ters of whom only three are living — Thomas, our
subject, and his brother, John. a resident of Indiana
and a sister Martha, who resides in Iowa.

LFRED M. DIXON.

This well-known

gentleman, who owns a farm on section 10,
in Grant Township, was born in Fayette
County, Pa., May 25, 1834, his parents
being William and Jane (Montgomery) Dixon,
both natives of the Keystone State. The father
was a fanner in the county where his son was born,
and there he died when the latter was about ten
years of age. Alfred was brought up to faun work

from an early age, also drove cattle to market, and
worked at all such like occupations until 1801, in
which year he removed to uear Attica, in Fountain
County, Ind., making that his home for two or
three years, but spending a summer during that
time in Vermilion County, in which he settled per-
manently in April, 1808, at a place known as Burr
Oak Grove, in Grant Township. There lie worked
for four years, when he remove:! to the farm on
which he now lives. This land was given to him-
self and wife by the hitter's father and was then
nothing hut a tract of raw prairie land, with neigh.
bors few and far between, and to one accustomed
to the more densely populated communities of the
Eastern States it, did not present a very inviting
appearance. With stout hearts and willing hands,
assisted by the labors of a faithful wife, our subject
set to work improving his land, and at length
brought it to its present state of thorough cultiva-
tion. Wild game was in that day plentiful in this
region, and Mr. Dixon mentions that he counted at
one time seven deer at a small creek near his
house. Wild fowl were also plenty; ducks, geese
and prairie chickens being constant and not always
welcome visitors to the farmers' grain fields.
Prairie wolves were unpleasantly numerous, the
farmers' pig pens often suffering by their depra-
dations.

In the seventeen years that have elapsed since
Mr. Dixon settled at his present home, great
changes have been wrought, and the country about
has been thickly settled. His own place shows the
work of an industrious and thrifty hand. About
nine years ago he put up a new frame house and
his outbuildings are all that the necessities of his
farm require. These have all been the results of
his own labor, and the comforts he is now enjoying
are deserved.

In October, 18G4, Mr. Dixon was married in
Fountain County, Ind., to Miss Serena Dunkel-
barger, born in that place in 1845 and a daughter
of John and Fanny Dunkelbarger, whose home
was in the county named, but who were the own-
ers of large tracts of land in Vermilion County,
comprising 900 acres in all. Both of Mrs. Dix-
on's parents were natives of Perry County, Pa.,
and they removed to Indiana at an early day.

342

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

The mother died a few years afterward and Mr.
Dunkelbarger has since been twice married, both of
his later wives being from Indiana, where he still
resides.

Mr. and Mrs. Dixon became the parents of ten
children, six of whom are yet living, four dying
.young. The survivors are: Fannie, wife of Burn
Deeten, a farmer of Grant Township; John, who
is a machinist b}^ trade, lives in Milwaukee, Wis. ;
Jennie, Emma. Ella and Dale Wallace are yet under
the parental roof.

Mr. Dixon takes an active interest in township
affairs and has held several offices. He is now
Highway Commissioner. He is a member of the
Masonic fraternity, affiliated with Star Lodge, No.
709, A. F. & A. M. ; and with the Hoopestou
Chapter. No. 181, R. A. M. In every position Mr.
Dixon has filled he has discharged the duties im-
posed upon him with such fidelity and judgment as
to win the good opinion of all. and to-day no man
stands higher in the respect and esteem of all who
know him than does he.

Jr) OHN H. VAN ALLEN. In noting the men
I of prominence who are residents of Oak-
| wood Township and have been instrumental
/ in bringing it to its present position, the
subject of this notice could by no means properly
be omitted, and those who in the future may
peruse the records of this county will recognize in
him one of its representative men, who, in assist-
ing to develop a portion of its soil and each year
turning in a handsome sum to the county treasuiy
from the proceeds of his taxable property, has
borne no unimportant part in establishing its repu-
tation and importance. The value of history and
biography are becoming more thoroughly recog-
nized each year among the intelligent people of the
great West, who realize the fact that their children
and their children's children in future years will
reap great satisfaction in noting the names of their
progenitors among those who contributed to the
development of Central Illinois.

In noting the events of the life of a prosperous

and respected citizen, the mind naturally reverts
to those from whom he drew his origin. The
father of our subject was Stats B. Van Allen, a
native of New York City, who learned carpenter-
ing when a young man and iu later 3'ears operated
quite extensively as a contractor. The family is of
Scottish descent, and was represented in this coun-
try probably during the colonial days. Mrs. Mar-
garet (Hill) Van Allen, the mother of our subject,
was a native of Muskingum County, Ohio, and the
daughter of William Hill, who was born in Virginia,
and for a time was connected with the iron works
in Gilim's Falls as foreman of a forge. He also
carried on farming. He spent his last years in
Henry County, Ohio, dying at the age of seventy-
six.

Stats B. Van Allen, the father of our subject,
spent his last 3'ears in the Buckeye State, dying in
February, 1888, at the age of seventy. The mother
is still living there, and is now in the sixty-eighth
year of her age. They were the parents of twelve
children, all of whom lived to mature years. John
H., our subject, was the thiid in order of birth,
and first opened his eyes to the light Jan. 22, 1 S43,
in Licking County, Ohio. His boyhood was spent
in his native State, and he received a limited edu-
cation in the common schools. He remained at
home with his parents, turning over his earnings
into the family treasury, until entering the army
to fight the battles of the Union.

Our subject, on the 14th of August, 1862, en-
listed in Company G, 97th Ohio Infantry, and
served one year. The regiment was first ordered
to Cincinnati and then to Louisville to follow up
Gen. Bragg's army. At Wild Cat Mountain he
received a very severe fall and was sent to the
hospital at Nashville, where he was confined in the
Zollicoffer House. Being very discontented here he
left and returned to his regiment, with which he
remained until the battle of Murfreesboro. Thence
he went to Nashville, and finally was sent to Camp
Denison, Ohio, where he was obliged to accept his
honorable discharge on account of disability.

Mr. Van Allen now returned to his father's farm
and remained there about one year. On the 24th
of November, 1864, he was united in marriage with
Miss Rebecca, daughter of John Morrison, a prom-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

343

inent fanner of his locality and one of the repre-
sentative men of Licking County. Mr. Morrison
died in March. 1889, at the age of seventy-two
years. He had been twice married, and by his first
wife, the mother of Mrs. Van Allen, was the father
of seven children. After her death, which occurred
about twenty-four years ago, he was married the
second time and there were born to him two more
children.

Mrs. Van Allen was the second child of her par-
ents and was born in Licking County, Ohio, Feb. 1.
184*2. She received a very good education in the
common schools, and remained a member of the
parental household until her marriage. The newly-
wedded pair commenced the journey of life to-
gether in Mt. Sterling, Ohio, and Mr. Van Allen
employed himself as a carpenter for two years
thereafter. Next he engaged in teaming three
years, hauling principally stoneware and crockery.
Finally, in 1869, he determined to seek the farther
West, and coming to Illinois with his family located
near Glenburn, where he established a pottery which
he conducted about eighteen months. Then aban-
doning this he turned his attention to farming, with
which he has since been occupied and lias met with
flattering success.

The property of Mr. Van Allen embraces 205
acres of choice land, mostly in one body and nearly
the whole under a thorough state of cultivation. It
is pleasantly located on section 26. The residence
was put up in 1884, and comprises a neat and sub-
stantial dwelling, which, with its surroundings is
indicative of the enterprising and progressive spirit
of the proprietor. Of the nine children born to
our subject and his estimable wife, seven are living
and all at home with their parents. They were
named respectively : Erne, Charles H., William E.,
James M., Jessie F., Grade M. and Robert S.

In politics Mr. Van Allen is a Republican both
by inheritance and a most decided preference for
the principles of this party. At the time of Gen.
Garfield's election as President of the United States
the father of our subject had the honor of casting
eleven votes for the Republican ticket, nine of
these being for his own sons and one for a grand-
son. Our subject has served as School Director
for the last twelve years, and still occupies the

office. In religious matters his views coincide with
those of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs.
Van Allen is a member in good standing of I lie
Christian Church. Socially. Mr. Van Allen belongs
to Newtown Lodge. Xo. 714, A. F. & A. M., and also
to George Morrison Post. No. 635, G. A. R., of
Glenburn.

LEX L. WHITE, a highly esteemed old
resident of Vance Township, is without
i question one of the most popular men of
Fairmount, where he has spent many years
and with whose people he has been closely identi-
fied both in friendly and business relations. His
wide knowledge of human nature and his uniform-
ly good judgment make him the recipient of many
confidences, especially among the old people of the
place, who often solicit him for advice in business
matters, and he seldom fails to give them wise and
judicious counsel.

The native place of Mr. White was in the vicin-
ity of Logan, Ohio, and the date of his birth Nov.
2, 1849. His early education was conducted in the
schools of his native town, and he made such good
use of his time that at the age of sixteen years he
began teaching, and followed this profession at in-
tervals for a period of fourteen years. He taught
first in the schools of his native town, when there
were but two male teachers out of a corps of nine.
At one time he was Superintendent of the Gore
Coal Mines. Upon coming to Fairmount he offici-
ated as Principal of the schools, and in 1880 took
the census in Sidell Township, this county. The
year following he journeyed to the Indian Terri-
tory and became superintendent of the lumber
business conducted by Osgood \ Haywood, of
Indianapolis, being stationed in the Creek Nation.
In the spring of 1882 Mr. White was elected
Assessor and Collector of Vance Township, and
held the position two years. In 1884 be was elected
Township Supervisor, which office he has since held
by re-election each year. He was appointed Post-

344

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

master of Fairmount in 1885, retaining the position
until 1889, when lie resigned on account of ill
health.

The marriage of our subject and Miss Angeline
E. Noble took place at the bride's home in Fair-
mount July 20, 1876. Rev. J. IT. Noble, the father
of Mrs. White, was a leading member of the Illi-
nois Conference and Presiding Elder of the Dan-
ville district. Later he was stationed at Springfield.
and now, after an active service in the Master's
vineyard of over forty years, contemplates retir-
ing from his arduous duties. He is a strong and
eloquent expounder of the Word, and thousands
have listened to the admonitions which have fallen
from his lips and borne good fruit. In the dis-
charge of his pious duties he has been stationed at
Lincoln, Mat toon, Shelbyville and Paxton in Illi-
nois; and in Indiana was in Greencastle, New
Albany and Indianapolis.

Mr. Noble was born in Ohio in the fall of 1821,
and was twice married. He became the father of
thirteen children, ten of whom are living. His
first wife was Miss Angeline Simmons, and his sec-
ond her sister Caroline.

Mrs. White was born Aug. 3, 1857, in Indiana,
and received an excellent education. She was
married to our subject when a maiden of nineteen
years, and is now the mother of three children, the
eldest of whom, Anna Lee, was born Jul}' 30, 1877.
The latter is a bright young girl, and takes a re-
markable interest in her studies, priding herself
upon her progress therein. The second daughter,
Edna Noble, was born June 20, 1879, and the only
son, Edgar Paul, April 14, 1885. Mr. White
politically is a strong Democrat, and has been quite
prominent in politics. Several of his male rela-
tives in Ohio occupied prominent positions, one
uncle being Clerk of the County Court, another
County Commissioner, and two others Auditor and
Recorder respectively, all holding olfice at the same
time. Leaving Ohio in 1873, he came to this coun-
ty, locating in Fairmount, with which his interests
have since been closely identified. For the last six
years he has been manager for the firm of Davis
& Stearns, dealers in lumber, hardware and agri-
cultural implements. He only officiated as Post-
master six months, and when sending in his resig-

nation Mrs. White received the appointment and
held the office until the early part of June, 1889.
Mrs. White is a very estimable lady and a member
in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. Our subject socially has been Master of
Fairmount Lodge. No. 590, for the last three years,
and still holds the position.

Mr. White was the third child of his parents,
Darius and Esther (McBroom) White, who were
also natives of the Buckeye State, and the father
is now principal owner of the Logan Manufacturing
Plant. The paternal grandparents were likewise
natives of the Buckeye State. Grandfather Mc-
Broom, also a native of Ohio, served in the War
of 1812 and died in 1883, when over ninety years
of age. His wife was a native of Maryland, and
died in 1 s.s2. They had lived together for the
long period of sixty-four years. To Darius White
and his estimable wife there were born nine chil-
dren, all of whom are living, together with the
parents — a circumstance seldom equalled the world
over, death having not yet entered this interesting
household circle.

«gf LBERT GIDDINGS. One of the largest
and best-appointed conservatories in East-
ern Illinois, embracing 8,000 square feet
of glass, is owned and conducted by the
subject of this notice, who commands a wholesale
and retail trade extending into most of the States
from the Atlantic to the Pacific. As a florist he
cannot be excelled, and he is of that enterprising
and go-ahead disposition which is the surest guar-
antee of success. His life-long interests have cen-
tered in Vermilion County, for it is the county of
his birth, which took place in Danville, Dec. 3,
1850.

Our subject is the son of William and Caroline
(Kitchener) Giddings, prominent residents of this
county, and a sketch of whom appears elsewhere
in this work in connection with that of John W.
Giddings. their son. Albert was reared and edu-
cated in his native city, although spending much
of his time at the farm of his father, where he con-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

347

tinned until the. death of the latter. He then en-
gaged in the grocery trade in partnership with
W. H. Johns, and the firm of Johns & Giddings
existed until May, 1882. Our subjeel then dis-
posed of his interests in the business li> his partner,
and the year following established himself in that
in which lie is now engaged.

The marriage of our subject with Miss Mary
J. Cromer took place at the home of the bride,
Oct. J. 1877. .Mrs. Giddings was horn near
Perryville, End:, in February, 1859, and was the
daughter of Francis and Isabelle Cromer. Mrs.
Giddings died June 5, 1883, and our subject, on
the 23d of March. 1887, contracted a second mar-
riage with Miss Ella Dill, of Danville, Ind. This
lady was horn Jan. 1, 1863. in Clearmont, Ind.
Mr. and Mrs. Giddings are members in good stand-
ing of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, and
Mr. Giddings, politically, is a Republican. Socially,
he belongs to olive Branch Lodge No. 38, A. F.
& A. M.; Vermilion Chapter No. 82, R. A. M.;
Athelstane Cofnmandery No. to, Knight Temp-
lar, and Oriental Consistory of Chicago. lie
is a man intelligent and well informed, and a favoi -
ite both in social and business circles among the
people with whom he has grown up from boyhoi d.

« JMLLIAM CAN V.DAY, Si:. In giving their
\/\/ll just due to the pioneers of Central Illinois,
tyy there is required the pen of the historian.
who will perpetuate their names and deeds to fu-
ture generations, who as time passes on will learn
to appreciate them at their full value. It is doubt-
ful if those sturdy characters themselves realized
the magnitude of the work which they had begun,
and the results which were to follow. Nol only
did their labors affect themselves personally, but
the works of each man contributed to make a grand
whole in the development of a rich section of the
country which is looked upon with pride by the
people to-day. The fact that Mr. Canaday came
to Elwood Township when there was but one cabin
within its limits is sufficient to establish him as one
of the most prominent men of this region, and the

further fact that he has labored industriously and
lived worthily, forms for him one of the most en-
during monuments which can be elected to man.

There are four men in Elwood Township bearing
the name of William Canaday, and of these the
subject of this sketch is the most prominent and
the oldest. Of Southern birth and parentage, he
was born in Jefferson County, East Tenn., Dec. 22,
1809, and is theson of Henry Canaday, a native of
North Carolina, who removed with his family to
Wayne County. Ind., in the fall of 1820 and there
spent the following winter. In the meantime two
Of the sons came to this county and put up in El-
wood Township a round log cabin near the present
residence of our subject and on the same section.
Early in the spring of 1821 the family took posses-
sion of the cabin, tin ly house in this region.

Indians were numerous and often visited the family
to beg, trade or steal. They camped on the banks
of the Little Vermilion in the spring of the year to
hunt and fish, but never seriously troubled the
settlers.

The Canadays made sugar that first spring and
prepared to carry on farming, but finally one of
the sons. Benjamin, returned to Tennessee, where
lie bought a farm and soon afterwards was joined
by the balance of the family. The whole family
returned to this county the following fall, having
sold their Tennessee property. They were visited
considerably with sickness and the nearest doctor
was at Clinton. They had to go to the mill to
Racoon Creek, in Park County, Ind., and Terre
Haute was the nearest trailing point. They had no
horses and broke the new ground with oxen. Wild
game was plentiful — deer, turkey and a few buffalo.
In the fall they filled the .smoke-house with deer
hams ami also had plenty of pork.

When returning to Tennessee'the Canaday family
left thirty hogs which they had brought from
Indiana and which they could not well take with
them upon going back South. So the animals ran
wild, and for years thereafter their progeny roamed
through the woods and became so ferocious that a
boar would sometimes kill a cow. The Canaday
family occupied the small log cabin, containing one
room, for some time, and the mother did the cook-
ing by the fire-place. The floor was of puncheon,

348

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

the roof of clapboards lipid down with weight poles
and the stick and clay chimney was built on the
outside.

About the second year of their residence in Ver-
milion County, Henry Canaday. the father of our
subject, together with John Haworth, set up a
" meeting." as it was called by the .Society of
Friends, (or in common parlance organized a
church). These two men and others who after-
wards came to the neighborhood built a log cabin
and worshiped therein, and afterwards built a
church of hewed logs. Sometimes the attendance
was so small that Henry Canaday and his son Ben-
jamin would go to "meeting" and sit through
the hour for worship, in order to keep up the
church organization as per the discipline of that
church.

Mrs. Matilda (Barnard) Canaday was a native of
Nantuckett's Island. Mass., whence she went to
North Carolina with her parents when a little girl.
Her father, Capt. Benjamin Barnard, followed the
sea for many years. The parental family consisted
of five children, of whom Mrs. Canaday is the only
one living. Her brother Benjamin, died at the age
of seventy-eight years; John died when about fifty
years old; Frederick ami Mary were each about
eighty-two years of age at the time of their de-
cease.

The subject of this sketch was reared at the old
homestead and grew up with a limited education,
there being no schools during his boyhood in this
region. His father established a tanyard in which
young Canaday worked, he also learned saddlery
and harness-making. Besides his tanyard and the
farm the father also conducted a tin shop. William
in later years turned his attention exclusively to
farming and stock-raising and operated largely as
a stock-dealer. He grew wealthy and is now the
owner of 430 acres of land, besides having given
540 acres to his children.

The marriage of our subject with Miss Mary
Haworth took place in 1831. This lady was born
in East Tennessee and is the daughter of William
Haworth, a well-known resident of this county.
This union resulted in the birth of ten children —
seven of whom are living, viz: Julia A.. Mrs.
Harold ; G. Franklin; Richard II. ; James A.; Ma-

tilda J., Mrs. Brown; Benjamin F. and Alice, Mrs.
Morris. Julia married Wilton Harold, of Ridge
Faun, but has no children; Franklin married Miss
Mary Jackson, who lived near Homer, and they
have two children — Gertude and Edwin; Richard
married Miss Catherine Harold and occupies part
of the homestead, he has one child, William: James
married Miss Drusilla Diven.and lives at Burr Oak
Grove, in Champaign County; they have four
children— Mary E., Dora, Earl and Ora; Matilda
married Rev. Thomas C. Brown, of Elwood Town-
ship, and has two children — M. Alice and Oliver
W.; Benjamin took to wife Miss Cornelia Green,
and lives in Elwood Township, and has seven chil-
dren — Howard W., Richard A.. Anna A.. Jesse,
Mary, Martha and an infant boy unnamed. The
last three are triplets; Alice married Dr. Charles C.
Morris, of Rockville, Ind., and they have three
children— Jesse C, Estella E. and Mary H.

Mrs. Mary (Haworth) Canaday departed this
life in the fall of 1855. Our subject was married
the second time, Oct. 30, 1873, to Miss Elizabeth,
daughter of Nathaniel Diament, deceased. She was
was born in New Jersey. Oct, 2G, 182G, and is a
member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Canaday
was reared in the faith of the Quakers, to which
he still loyally adheres. In politics he is a sound
Republican but has held aloof from the responsi-
bilities of office. A fine lithographic portrait of Mr.
Canaday is shown elsewhere in this volume.

r***— >wu*

MOS JACKSON was born in Clinton
County, lnd.. on Sept. 15. 1837. He is
IS one of the largest land-owners in the
township of Sidell. His father and mother
were born in Washington County, Pa., and Ohio,
respectively. By his first marriage his father had
eleven children, of which Amos was the tenth
child and youngest son. The first wife died at
Jefferson, Ind., in 1840, when Amos was a little
over two years of age. His father remarried but
died soon after at the age of forty-eight years.

Thus it will be seen that Amos was left mother-
less at the age of two and a half years, and when

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

349

he was ten years old he was left without a father,
and at this time he began to fight the battle of life
alone. His father left a farm of 200 acres, but the
administration of the estate left but little for the
heirs. As before related, Amos began at the age
of ten years, to work for his board and clothes,
and under these circumstances his educational ad-
vantages were necessarily extremely limited. lie
attended school about eight months in all in a little
log school-house, walking two miles. He continued
to live in Indiana until he was eighteen years of
age. when, in 1855, in company with his uncle,
Johnson Hoss, he came to Edgar County, 111., and
a~-i-t oil his uncle in elearing up a farm. At the
age of twenty he returned to Indiana but remained
only a year when he returned to Illinois and en-
gaged at brick-making at Indianola. It was at
this place he first met his wife. Miss .Sarah Hesler.
who at that time was living with her grandfather.
John Gilgis, one of the earliest pioneers of Indian-
ola. Her father and mother were born in Ohio
and Kentucky respectively. Mr. Gilgis was a mer-
chant at Indianola and a man of considerable
wealth. Francis Hesler, father of Mrs. Jackson.
was a farmer in Douglas County and the father of
eleven children, of whom six were girls. He was
married three times and had two children by his
first, two by his second and seven by his third wife.
.Mrs. Jackson's mother was his first wife, who died
when Mrs. Jackson was but three or four years old,
and since that time anil till her marriage she re-
sided with her grandfather. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson
became attached to each other while very young,
and at the age of seventeen years, and recognizing
the fact that "love laughs at locksmiths," quietly
crossed over into the State of Michigan, where
they were married. Returning to Indianola. they
were of course forgiven and at once launched out
on life's highway with the resolution of contradict-
ing the theory that marriage is a failure. And in
this they have succeeded. In the spring of I860
Mr. Jackson rented a farm north of Indianola and
commenced work in earnest to earn a home. Mrs.
(iilgis died about two years subsequent to their
marriage and they were called back to the home of
Mrs. Jackson's grandfather, and when he died he
left the young couple eighty acres of land. After-

ward Mi-. Jackson purchased a section of land, 640
acres, in Sidell Township, for which he agreed to
paj 120,000. lie sold his original eights" acres for
14,000, this leaving him in debt $16,000, drawing
ten percent, interest. Through prudent manage-
ment Mr. Jackson has not only paid for that land
but has added thereto 492 acres. Beside all that
he had made many valuable improvements, among
which may be mentioned 5,400 rods of drain tile.
and there is not five acres of waste land on this
immense tract. He has also erected a splendid
barn for general purposes, a cattle barn 66x100,
a granary and feed-mill 30x30, and the other nec-
essary buildings for a large, well regulated farm.
He has 150 head of cattle and is feeding a large
number of hogs. Of late years Mr. Jackson has
begun breeding running horses and has abandoned
the raising of Clydesdales. He is a great lover of
the Morgan horse, of which he has some splendid
specimens. He owns the celebrated running horse
"King Nero," who took the four first prizes on a
Chicago track in the fall of 1887, amounting to
$1,000. He is said to be the best bred horse in
Illinois, being sired by - Harry Bassett," the cele-
brated Kentucky horse. As a stock-raiser there is
none who stands higher in Vermilion County than
Amos Jackson.

Mr. and Mrs. Jackson are the parents of seven
children: John L.j Bertie, who died at the age of
four months; Jennie, Laura, Frank, Ada and Lula
B. Politically Mr. Jackson acts with the Demo-
cratic party and is a member of the Masonic Lodge.
Mr. Jackson is exceedingly popular with his neigh-
bors, and is fully entitled to enjoy the large for-
tune which he has accumulated by his energy and
good management.

\ OlIN S. CRANK, a resident of Vermilion
County for more than twenty years, has
lived in Grant Township since the spring of
1867, and on his present place for sixteen
years, lie is a native of Yoxford, Suffolk County,
England, and was born Aug. 22, 1828. lie was
brought up in his native countj . learning the trade

350

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

of a shoemaker, in which lie was engaged until his
removal to Illinois. After his marriage in the fall
of 1852, he emigrated to Canada accompanied by
his parents. They started from London for New
York, and on arrival there at once left for Gault,
in the Province of Ontario, Canada. There the
family settled and John S. carried on business in
his trade as a manufacturer and dealer, until he re-
moved to the United States. His parents made
their permanent home in Gault where they were
afterwards joined by others of the family who
emigrated from time to time.

When he was eighty-four years of age, Grand-
father Crane made a trip to America alone to sec
his descendants. Here he stayed two years and re-
turned to his home in England where he lived to
be ninety-six years of age. The parents of John
S. Crane were named John and Mary (Girling)
Crane. The father was also a shoemaker and like-
wise carried on business on his own account until
he was quite old. He also lived to be an old man
and at the age of eighty-four made a visit to his
son in this country. He died four years afterward
in his eighty-ninth year. His wife died several
years prior to the decease of her husband, aged
about seventy -six. Of their nine children six are
now living, a record of whom follows: Harry, who
is a carpenter and builder in Oault ; George was a
] lumber and painter by trade in London, England
and is now a farmer in Kanosh, Utah; William,
also a carpenter and builder in Gault; Caroline is
the wife of John Milligan, a graindealer in Ross-
ville, this county ; Charles is also a resilient of Kan-
osh, Utah, and is largely interested in sheep raising
and is President of the Wool Growers Association
of Utah. He is also interested in the Salt Lake
Tribune, the leading paper in that territory. He
was learning the trade of a carpenter at Lafa3'ette,
Ind., when the war broke out and at the age of
seventeen enlisted in the 10th Indiana Infantry
for three months, during which time he was in the
battle of Rich Mountain. He afterward joined
the 63d Indiana Infantry, serving until the close of
the war and for some time after that was Govern-
ment messenger on the supply trains to the South.
The other survivor is John S.

The three who are deceased are Clara, who was

the wife of James McKendrick, of Gault, and died
in that place leaving a family of four children.
James was a resident, of New Orleans at the out-
break of the Rebellion, and being a Union man
made his escape from that cit}' intending to go to
Canada, but contracted a fever and died on reach-
ing Lafayette, Ind., where his brother Charles was
then living. Adaline, the youngest sister, died on
her way to America and was buried at sea.

John, of whom this sketch was written, stayed
in Gault until 1867, when lie decided to give up
his business and move to the United States. He
had always desired to become a farmer, and the
year prior to his removal came to Illinois to visit
an uncle whom lie had not seen for many years,
and being much pleased with the appearance of the
country be decided to make this State his home.
Returning to Canada he sold out his property and
in the spring of 18G7 located east of where the
thriving city of Hoopeston now stands. No rail-
road was then in existence here and the site of
Hoopeston was an open prairie. On the place
where he first settled he stayed but a year, when
he removed to a farm of the uncle named, situated
on what is known as the Chicago road. Having
bought 1 25 acres, a part of his present property,
he rented a farm east of it while he was putting up
a house and other buildings. The farm was then
all wild prairie and the improvements upon it have
been made by Mr. Crane — all the buildings, fences,
trees, etc., being the result of his labors. To-day
it is as fine a properly of its size as there is in this
part of the county, and comprises in all 217 acres.

Mr. Crane was united in marriage in England in
1852 with Miss Eliza Garwood, who was born in
Stratford, St. Mary, that county, March 21, LS30.
She was the only one of the family to come to
America. Mr. and Mrs. Crane are the parents of
four children, one of whom Adeline, died in Gault
at the age of three years. The survivors are
Oscar G., who is now a resident of Rossville, this
county; Edith is the wife of II. A. Hoover, living
near Oskaloosa, Iowa; Charles G. is at home with
his parents. Mr. Crane is a gentleman who has, by
his quiet, unassuming manners, and upright living,
won the respect of the people with whom he has
lived for now more than a score of years, and he

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

351

is justly counted as one of the most valued citi-
zens of the northeastern part of Vermilion County.
He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, being a
member of star Lodge No. 709, of Hoopeston.
lie is a gentleman of domestic habits and tastes
ami lias never aspired to office, preferring the
quiet of his own home to the worry attending
public position. In his comfortable home he and
Ii is estimable wife dispense hospitality to all who
visit them, and they are justly entitled to the high
measure of esteem in which they are held.

_^^^m^^

,,, SA PARTLOW is a native of Danville,
tJji where he was born on the (ith day of Jan-
uary, 1833. His father, Rueben l'artiovv,
was born in Virginia and his grandfather,
Samuel Partlow, was a native of the same State.
The latter removed from Virginia to Kentucky in
an early day and located in Nelson County, where
he purchased a tract of land and cleared a farm.
In 1835, accompanied by his wife, he came to Ver-
milion County to spend the winter with his chil-
dren, who were then living here. The journey was
made on horseback, and in the fall of the year.
They stopped with their son Samuel, in Middle
Fork Township, where the old gentleman was
taken sick and died during the winter. In these
times lumber was very scarce, there being no saw-
mills in this section of the country and it was with
difficulty that boards could lie purchased at any
price. At any rate, it is stated that not enough
lumber could be had to construct a coffin in which
to bury Mr. Partlow. His sons went to the timber
and cut down trees and split enough off them to
build a coffin, and in this manner Mr. Partlow was
interred. Soon after, and during the same winter,
his wife was seized with illness and followed her
hushand to the grave. In this family there were
nine children, seven of whom came to this county
and are entitled to the appellation of pioneers.
There were four sons — John. James, Reuben, and
Samuel, and three daughters.

Reuben Partlow. the father of Asa, was very
young when his parents removed to Kentucky,

where he was reared and resided until 1831. He
married, and then accompanied by his wife, came
to Vermilion County, making the journey on
horseback, carrying a few household goods with
them. lie located at Danville, and being a wheel-
wright and c per, he worked at his trade until

1834, when he made a claim in Newell Township,
upon which he built a Ion house. At this time
stoves were possessed only by thv rich, hut fuel
was plenty, and their old fashioned lire-place was
a typical one. They made all their clothes of
homespun cloth, and were happier than many
who wear their fine clothes in these later days.
Mr. Partlow lived there about a year, when hedis-
posed of his claim and returned to Danville, where
he followed his trade for a while, afterward taking
another claim in Middle Fork Township. "When
this came into market, he purchased it from the
Government, and this tract of land has since been
the old homestead. Of course, in those days there
were no railroads, and for many years all supplies
were drawn by horses or oxen from Perrysville
and LaFayette and also from Chicago. At one
time Mr. Partlow took a half barrel of honey to
Chicago and supplied the whole town, returning
home with a good portion of it. He was a resident
of the old homestead until 1852, when he returned
to Danville and lived retired until his death which
occurred in May. 1866, aged sixty-two years. His
wife's maiden name was Elizabeth H. Humphrey,
a native of Kentucky. Her father, John Hum-
phrey was born in Virginia and was one of the
early settlers of Kentucky. She died in 1865.
She was the mother of six children — Asa, Almira,
who married Robert Davidson (now deceased);
John II. died when fourteen years of age; David
is also dead; Sarah A., married A. I. Draper, and
they are residents of Danville; Elizabeth married Z.
Morris, of Georgetown, this county, wdio is now
dead.

Asa Partlow, whose name initiates this sketch,
attended the pioneer public schools. He describes
the first school-house, which he attended, as having
no window, but simply a log was taken out where-
with to admit the light. As soon as he was large
enough he was compelled to assist his father on the
farm, but at the age of seventeen he went to

352

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

Georgetown, where lie attended a seminary, and
after that taught one term of school. In 1852 he
formed a partnership with S. A. Humphrey and J.
M. Partlow, under the firm name of Humphrey &
Co. They prosecuted a general mercantile busi-
ness, and financially were very successful. He was
in the trade until 1873, with various partners, and
in that year he sold out his store and engaged in
the insurance business, and has built up a fine trade.
He is also secretary of the Equitable Building
and Loan Association.

Id 1857 Mr. Partlow was united in marriage with
Mary Murdock, who was born near LaFayette,
Ind., March 15, 1831. She was the daughter of
John and .lane Murdock. natives of New Jersey,
and is the mother of the following children: Harry
G. married Stella Doane and resides in Danville;
Edwin K. and Augustus. Fannie Mabel died at
the age of four years; Minnie Ellen died at the age
of ten months.

Mr. and Mrs. Partlow are members of the First
Methodist Episcopal Church, of which Mr. Part-
low has been steward and treasurer for a long time.
He is also a member of Danville Lodge No. 69,
1. O. O. F.

■ — -*&m- —

^RUMAN WILLIAMS. The farming com-
munity of Catlin Township has no more
worthy representative than this venerable
gentleman, and it gives us pleasure to insert a
review of his life in this Biographical Album. He
has been a resident of this place for more than
forty years, and during that time has improved a
good farm on section 36, and has built up a cozy
home, in which he and his estimable wife, who has
worked by his side for more than half a century.
arc comfortably spending life's declining years, en-
joying the respect and affection of all about them,
Eli Williams, the father of subject, was born in
the good old New England State of Connecticut,
as was also his mother, whose maiden name was
Martha Aldermon. They first settled in their
native State after their marriage, but subsequently
removed from there to Pensylvania, and from (hence
to Onondago County, N. Y., and afterwards to

Genesee (.unity. Finally they returned to the
Keystone State and settled in Crawford County,
and there their earthly pilgrimage ceased, and they
were gathered to their fathers at a ripe old age.
Ten children were born of their marriage, live sons
and five daughters, and of these our subject is the
third in order of birth and the only one now liv-
ing.

lie was born in Onondago County, N. Y., Sept.
6. 1812. Those were pioneer times in that part of
the country, and our subject was bred to a hardy
manhood under their influence. He remained an
inmate of the parental household till he was twen-
ty-six years old, and then married and established
a home of his own. his marriage with Miss Marga-
ret Nelson taking place in Crawford County, Pa.,
Oct. .".0. 1838. Mrs. Williams was bom in that
county Jan. 29, 1817, the third child in the family
of nine children, two sons and seven daughters of
James ami Sarah (Sloan) Nelson. Her father was
a native of Ireland, and came to America when he
was about thirteen years old. His wife was a
native of Virginia, and after their marriage they
settled in Crawford County in an early day of its
settlement, and lived there till death closed their
earthly career.

After marriage our subject and his wife contin-
ued to live in Crawford County until the fall of
1816, and then with their little family of children
they made their way across the country by the slow
modes of traveling in those days, and came to the
still wild and sparsely settled country, embraced
in this part of the State of Illinois. They spent the
first two years after their arrival in Danville Town-
ship, and at the expiration of that time located on
the farm where they still make their home in Cat-
lin Township. Its 120 acres are under good til-
lage and many valuable improvements have been
made, so that as a whole it compares very favor-
ably with the farms around it, and it yields fine
harvests in repayment of the care bestowed on its
tillage.

Mr. anil Mrs. Williams are the parents of ten
children, as follows: Minerva; Charles, who died
when about six years old; Nancy, the wife of John
llarrin; Clarissa, who was the wife of George Jami-
son, and died when about twenty-four years old-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

353

Ann died when about ten years old; Elizabeth, the
wife of John Clones; Nelson married Mrs. [da
(Childs) Doran; Charles married Luda Torrant;
Truman married Isadora Valentine; Maggie is the
wife of George Cook.

Mr. Williams inherited from a sterling New
England ancestry the thrift and wisdom that have
marked his course and the honorable traits of char-
acter that make him a good husband, father, neigh-
bor, citizen. He has borne a part in the public
affairs of his township and has served very accept-
ably as School Director and in minor offices. In
politics, he firmly adheres to the Republican party.
Religiously, both he and his wife have been mem-
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church a long
term of years, and have always performed the
duties incumbent upon them in a true Christian
spirit.

ILLIAM WHITE, a veteran of thelate war
is numbered among the skilled farmers of
Catlin Township, and his pleasantly located
farm on section 2, with its well-tilled fields and at-
tractive buildings, is one of the first-class places of
this locality, and from its cultivation he derives
an excellent income that puts him among the weli-
to-do agriculturists of his neighborhood.

James White, the father of our subject, was born
in Baltimore, Md., while his mother, Hannah Rodg-
ers, was a native of Perrysville, Vermillion Co.,
Ind. After marriage in 1839 these people settled
in Perrysville, and there she died in 1845 while
yet in life's prime. The father married again and
in 1859 came with his family to Vermilion County,
this State, and settling in Catlin Township, he made
his home here till his demise July fi, 1882. He was
a good man, who led an upright life, and was well
thought of by the neighbors among whom he had
lived for so many years. lie was the father of
three children by his first marriage, as follows:
William, Samuel and Hannah.

William, of whom this sketch was written, was
born in Perrysville. Vermillion Co., Ind., Oct. 30,
1841. His education, conducted in the common
schools, was necessarily somewhat limited, as being

the eldest of the family, his father required his as-
sistance, lie accompanied his father to this county
in 1859, and has since been a useful citizen of this
community, lie had not attained his majority
when the war broke out. and in August, 1862,
though not yet of age, he patriotically resolved to
do what he could to aid the cause of his country,
and enlisted in Company K. 125 Illinois Infantry.
To his regret his eyesight became impaired so much
as to disable him for a soldier, and he was honora-
bly discharged in October of the same year. Since
then he has given his attention wholly to farming
and stock-raising, lie owns eighty acres of highly
fertile land, which is under admirable cultivation
and is well supplied with an excellent class of build-
ing, including a substantially built, commodious
residence, lie has his farm well stocked to its full
capacity with cattle of good grades, and is doing
well in that branch of agriculture.

Mr. White has been twice married. He was first
wedded in Danville to Miss Susan Cook, by whom
he had three children — Oscar, James and Susan.
March 19, 1872, this happy household was bereft
of the much loved wife and tender mother by her
untimely death. Mr. White's second marriage,
which took place in Georgetown Township, was to
Miss Minerva Bowen. Three children blessed their
union — Elmer who died when about a year old;
Melvin and Dottie 15. Jan. 11, 1889 the dark
shadow of death again fell across the threshold of
the dwelling of our subject, and in a few days all
that was mortal of her who had been the home-
maker was borne to its last resting place. In her
happy wedded life she had been all that a true wife
and mother could be; devoted to her husband's in-
terests, and to the motherless children that thus fell
to her charge she gave as much care and love as if
they were her own, and in her death the3' have
again lost a good mother, while her own darlings,
the youngest a dear little girl, scarce two years
old. have met with an irreparable loss.

Mr. White has succeeded by patient toil in plac-
ing himself on a solid basis financially speaking,
and since becoming the owner of this farm has
greatly increased its value by wise management
ami a judicious expenditure of money for improve-
ments. He is a quiet, unassuming man, but withal

35 1

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

has that force of character that enables him to work
with a purpose, and cany his plans to a successful
issue. He has never given his fellow-citizens
cause to distrust him, but has always aimed to do
rightly by others. In politics, he affiliates with
the Democrats, and is ever loyal to his party. For
nearly nine years he has held the important office
of School Director, and the educational interests of
the township with which he has thus become identi-
fied have not suffered at his hands.

••O*O-@y^<^(93-0*O.-

ylLMA.U \\ II. 1. 1
prising the hist
' WW settlers of Venn

TLLIAM WILLIAMS. In a record com-
listory of the principal old
nnilion County, the name of
Mr. Williams cannot properly be omitted. !!<■ es-
tablished himself in township -2.'!, range 12. in
1871, securing a tract of wild land, which, after
years of arduous labor, he has converted into a
comfortable homestead. It is 160 acres in extent,
and pleasantly located on sections 18 and 19, the
dwelling being on the latter. His career lias been
similar to that of many of the men around him. in
which he has labored early and late to provide for
the wants of coming years, and in all respects has
conducted himself as an honest man and a. good
citizen.

.Mr. Williams is a native of the Prairie Stale,
having been born in McLean County. Dec. Li.
1832. lie was there reared to farming pursuits,
and remained a member of his father's household
until reaching Ins majority. He was blest with
good common sense and excellent health, and made
the most of his opportunities for obtaining a prac-
tical education in the common school. At the age
of twenty-one years he began the battle of life on
hi- own account, operating first on rented land, and
within a few years purchased land and constructed
a farm of his own.

In the fall of 1871 Mr. Williams took possession
of the land which he now owns and occupies, at a
time when it was nothing but raw prairie, lie has
effected all the improvements which we now behold,
and which certainly do great credit to his taste and
industry. He made it his business at an early day

to set i .u i n grove of young trees, which are now
crown, and furnish a delightful shade for the resi-
dence and surroundings. Under his wise manage-
ment the land has become highly productive. Mr.
Williams at first purchased eighty acres, and sub-
sequently added to it until he is the owner of the
quarter-section. He has a goodly assortment of
live stock, and the necessary conveniences for their
care and keeping, besides the required machinery
for running the farm in a scientific and profitable
manner.

Shortly before reaching the twenty second year
of his age Mr. Williams was married, Aug. 27.
1854, to Miss Abigail Dean. The young couple
commenced the journey of life together on rented
land in a manner corresponding to their means and
surroundings, and worked with a mutual purpose
for the future. In due time the household circle
included six children, four of whom are living:
Elnora is the wife of Samuel Umbanhowar; they
live about one-half mile east of the Williams home-
stead, and are the parents of five children — Nellie,
George, Charles, May and William, .lames ,1. mar-
ried Miss Anna Sellers, and lives north of his
father's place on a farm; he is the father of two
children — Grace and Lula. Mary Evarilla, usually
called Eva, and . Jonathan Lee are at home with
their parents.

Mrs. Abigail (Dean) Williams, the wife of our
subject, was born in Knox County. Ohio, Nov. 20,
1833, and is the daughter of J. M. Dean, a native
of Maryland. Mr. Dean emigrated when a young
man to the Buckeye State, and was there mar-
ried to Miss Mary Elwell. They removed to
McLean County, this State, when their daughter
Abigail was a maiden of seventeen years, and set-
tled on a farm, where the father died in 1872 at
the age of seventy years, and the mother in Feb-
ruary, 1888, aged eighty-seven. They were the
parents of nine children, five of whom are living,
and residents of Illinois. Kansas and Nebraska.

William Williams. Si\, the father of our subject,
was born in Tennessee, and when a young man
came to .McLean County. 111., where he took up a
tract of raw land, and began farming in true pio-
neer style. In McLean County he married Miss
Evarilla Ilobsou. and they became the parents of

Residence ofW^. Hawkins ,Sec.7.,(T.18. R.12.) Catlin Township.

—

Residence of W m Jurgensmeyer/Sec.23.(T.i8.-R.14.) Vance Township.

PORTRAIT AM) liloCh'ArillCAI. ALBUM.

357

one child, William, our subject. Mr. Williams
died when a young man, and bis widow wa3 subse-
quently married to J. G. Rayburn; she died in
i 848, when ber son William was a youth of sixteen
years. She was a native of North Carolina, when
she removed with ber parents to Ohio, and from
there to McLean County, where ber lather. Joshua
Hobson, engaged in farming and spenl the re-
mainder of his life.

Mr. Williams, our subject, cast his lirst Presiden-
tial vote for John C. r're t. anil while not niix-

ing any with political a flairs, has his own ideas in

regard to mailers and things, and gives his un-
qualified support to the Republican party. He is
one of those solid old landmarks whose word is
considered as good as his bond, and who can always

he depended upon to do as he says.

41 MLLIAM HAWKINS. The citizen-soldier,

%/~\!/i w ''° '"'' s " ,,llu "' 1 toward saving the Union
\jjy${/ from destruction in the I ale war, has since, as
is well-known, been a prominent element in further-
ing the development of the vast resources of our
country, and has contributed largely to its material
prosperity. As a representative of that element if
gives us pleasure to transcribe to these pages a
brief record of the life-work of William Hawkins.
He is actively engaged in tilling the soil and raising
stock in Vermilion County, having on section 7.
Catlin Township, as Bnely improved and well cul-
tivated a farm as is to be found throughout the
length and breadth of this rich agricultural region.

Our subject is a native of Indiana, his birth
taking place in Wayne County, Jan. I. 1831. His
parents. Nathan and Sarah (Wright) Hawkins,
were also horn in thai county, and there they were
reared and married, and in turn reared a family of
ten children. The pood mother passed away from
the scenes amid which her entire life had been
passed, stricken by the hand of death, but theaged
father still survives, and makes his home in the
place of Ins nativity.

He of whom we write was the eldest of the fam-
ily, and was bred to the life of a farmer, and habits

of industry and frugality were early taught him by
precept and example. He engaged in farming
tending sawmill, and in other occupations till he

had obtained man's estate, and in the spring of
I860 sought the fertile prairies of Vermilion
County, this State, accompanied by his wife and
child, with a view of establishing a home here per-
manently. He has since been a valued resident of
Catlin Township, with the exception of the bitter
years spent on Southern battlefields, when with
true patriotism In 1 heroically pave up home and
tore himself from his loved ones to aid hiscountry
in the time of her greatest trial. He enlisted on the
Llth of August, 1862, in Company G, 125th Illinois
Infantry, and for three long and weary years served
faithfully and efficiently through many hard cam-
paigns, and suffered the hardships and privations of
a soldier's life without a murmur. He took part
in all the engagements with which his regiment
had anything to do, with the exception of that at
Chickamauga. At Dallas, Ga., while on picket,
duty, he came near being captured, but he cun-
ningly managed to elude the rebels. Hisgallant
conduct in the face of (lie enemy, received merited
commendation from his superior officers and he
was promoted to the rank of sergeant before his
honorable discharge a1 Washington, 1). ('.

After bis experience of military life Mr. Hawkins
returned to this county, and resumed his interrupted
labors, and has since given his entire attention to
farming and Stock-raising. lie owns 170 acres of
choice, well-tilled land, on which he has erected a.
line set of buildings, including a roomy, substan-
tially built residence, a view of which with the
surrounding lawns, beautified by lovely shade tree-,
is an attractive addition to this volume.

March 28, 1855, Mr. I law kins and Miss Dnanali
Burgoyne were united in the holy bonds of matrii
mony. Mrs. Hawkins is a native of Ohio, born in
Muskingum County, Aug. 20, 1835, to .lames and
Mary (Miner)Burgoyne, the former of English an-
tecedents. The wedded life of our subject and his
wife has been blessed to them by (he birth of four
children, namely : Lizzie, i he wife of ( teorge Patter-
son; Nora, the wife of Thomas Church; Ella; Etta.

Mr. Hawkins is a valued member of this com-
munity, and his loyalty to his country is as

358

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

marked as in the days when he courageously took
his life in his hands and marched forth to do battle
for its honor and the preservation of its integrity.
In him the Republican party finds one who faith-
fully upholds its principles at the ballot box. lie
and his wife belong to the Presbyterian Church;
and are zealous workers in the cause of religion,
seeking to promote the moral and social elevation
of the community.

y^ILLIAM JURGENSMEYER. The career
of the subject of this biography illustrates

^^ in an admirable manner what may be ac-
complished by a man beginning at the foot of the
ladder and by force of persistent industry making
his way upward to a good position socially and
financially. Upon coming to this county, Mr.
Jurgensmeyer had very little means but is now
quite an extensive land owner and has a homestead
of great value embellished with fine buildings and
everything to make life pleasant and desirable.
His course in life should prove an encouraging ex-
ample to the young man starting out dependent
upon his own resources and with nothing but his
own hands to pave his way to a worthy position
among his fellow men.

The Jurgensmeyer family originated in Prussia
where Gottlieb, the father of our subject, served
as a soldier in the Prussian army three years, hold-
ing the rank of Lieutenant. He was married in
early manhood to Miss Caroline Rohlfink, a native
of his own Province and whom he met after com-
ing to this country in Lancaster, Ohio. In that
place they were married and lived about ten j - ears.
Thence they removed to Hamburg in the same
county and five years later changed their residence
to Mocking County, sojourning there also five
years. Their next removal was to Logan, county
seat of Hocking Count}', where they spent their
last years and died within a week of each other, in
1870.

The father of our subject began life in this
country without means, but was prospered in his
labors as a farmer and besides comfortably sup-

porting his family of ten children, managed to
accumulate a goodly amount of property. Nine
of these children lived to mature years and seven
are now living. William, our subject, was the sec-
ond child and was born March 30, 1843, in Lan-
caster, Ohio. He received very limited schooling
and with the ax and mattock assisted in digging
out two big farms in the Buckeye State. He re-
mained with his father until twenty-three years of
age, then, in 1867, left home for Illinois, coming
directly to Fairiuount, this county. Here he met
an acquaintance, Jacob Illes, whose brother was
well-known to his father's family. He staid with
him about a week, then entered the employ of
.lames Dickson with whom he worked for nine
months. Later he engaged for a short time with a
threshing machine and after that for four weeks
earned $18 per week cutting corn.

Our subject now sent home for money and pur-
chased 160 acres of land which is included in his
present farm and of which he took possession in
1868. He put up a house, then returning to Ohio
was married April 18, 1869, to Miss Elizabeth
Hengst. The young couple shortly afterward
directed their steps to their new home in this
county and began laboring hand in hand with a
mutual purpose in view. The 3'oung wife had
come from her father's homestead well supplied
with all modern conveniences, to a new country and
a home then presenting few attractions. It required
great courage and perseverance to meet the diffi-
culties with which they had to contend, as they
were poor and at one time they could not raise
enough cash to mail a letter. Mr. Jurgensmeyer
began breaking the sod and preparing his land for
cultivation as rapidly as possible. There were
fences to be laid and buildings erected and it re-
quired incessant labor to make both ends meet and
carry on the desired improvements on the new
farm.

The condition of things since that time have
materially changed with our subject and his indus-
trious and efficient wife. Their estate now com-
prises 640 acres of good land with as fine a resi-
dence as can be found in Vance Township. The
main barn occupies an area of 60 x 54 feet with
20-foot posts, being built in that solid and sub-

PORTRAIT AND IUO< ; R APIIICAL ALBUM.

359

stantial manner which will insure its solidity for
the greater part of a century unless some very
unusual catastrophe destroys it. A line apple
orchard of thirteen acres, more than supplier the
needs of the family in this direction while there is
a flourishing vineyard and an abundance of the
smaller fruits. A beautiful grove of maple trees
stands adjacent to the residence and the whole
very nearly approaches the ideal country home,
where peace and plenty abound. A view of their
beautiful residence is presented on another page
and will be appreciated by all the readers of this
volume.

Stock-raising forms one of the distinctive feat-
ures of the Jurgensmeyer farm, our subject having
usually about 155 head of high-grade, Short-horn
cattle, twenty-four head of horses and about 150
swine. It is conceded the world over that the
sons of the Fatherland have especial good taste
and discretion in the selection of their draft ani-
mals and in their enre of them. Mr. Jurgensmey-
er's favorite breed is the Clydesdales, while he has
some line roadsters of the Gold Dust strain. His
sleek and well-fed stock are at once an ornament to
the farm and a matter in which he may take par-
donable pride.

Of the four children born to our subject and his
estimable wife only two are living: Mary Eliza-
beth was born Sept. ItS. 1871, and lias received a
good education completing her studies in the schools
of Danville; she is a line performer on the piano
and has an elegant instrument which adds greatly
to the home recreations. The son. Louis V., was
born May 3, 1876, and is a bright and promising
boy still pursuing his studies. Mr. Jurgensmeyer
votes with the Democratic party on national issues
but at the local elections aims to support the men
best qualified to serve the interests of the people.
He has served as School Director for a period of
fifteen years, and with his excellent wife inclines
to the doctrines of the Lutheran Church but there
being no organization of that church in their town-
ship, they have united with the Methodist Episcopal
Chinch and are greatly interested in Sunday-school
work.

In the fall of 186-1 Mr. Jurgensmeyer returned
to his native land where he spent several months

visiting some of the principal cities of Germany —
Hanover. Bremen and Berlin, also going into Lug-
land. This journey was a source Of great enjoy-
ment and much useful information, and Mr. Jur-
gensmeyer considered the time and money well
spent, returning with enlarged views and noting
with satisfaction the natural changes occurring
among an energetic and progressive people.

The wife of our subject is the daughter of Lewis
Hengst, who with his estimable wife is still living
in Fairfield County, Ohio, both being in the seven-
tieth year of their age, having been born the same
year. Mr. and Mrs. Jurgensmeyer in addition to
their own children took into their home and under
their protecting love about 188;?, a little girl, Edna
Johnson, whom they purpose to keep until she
shall have attained womanhood and goes to a home
of her own. She was born Aug. 27. 1 S 7 J . in Eu-
gene, Vermillion Co., Ind., and will be given a
good education with the careful training which
they have bestowed upon their own children.
Mrs. Jurgensmeyer is a very capable and intelligent
lady and has done her full share in the accumula-
tion of the fine estate, the taxes upon which each
year add handsomely to the sum in the county
treasury.

^ll'AMES HAYS. Here and lliere upon the
dusty highway of life we come across an
individual plentifully moistened with the
dew of human kindness, and of this class
Mr. Hays is a shining light. All his neighbors
testify to bis generosity and hospitality, he being
one who is ever ready to lend a helping hand to
those in need, never asking or expecting any re-
turn. He has a comfortable homestead, compris-
ing a good farm on section 14 in Vance Township,
where be pursues the even tenor of his way, letting
the world wag as it will and striving to do good
as he has opportunity.

In referring to the parental history of Mr.
Hays, we find that his father. Benjamin Hays, was
a native of Fayette County, Ohio, and born March
5. 1809. The paternal grandparents were natives
of Kentucky, and two uncles of our subject served

360

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBFM.

in the War of 1812, one receiving an honorable
wound in the leg, from which he recovered.

Benjamin Hays, in 1829, was married to Miss
Elizabeth Thompson, in Fayette Comity. Ohio,
where he operated as a farmer and trailer, and, so-
journed there with his family about forty years.
Then, emigrating to Illinois, he settled on 320
acres of land in the vicinity of Sydney, Champaign
County, 200 acres of which he brought to a fine
state of cultivation. The journey hither was made
overland, in 1850, with teams, the travelers being
thirteen days on the road. The family included
nine children, of whom only three are living,
.lames being the eldest of these. The others are
Mrs. Martha Humes, of Sidney, and Mrs. Maggie
Harding, of San Francisco, Cal. The mother died
on the 9th of August, 1870.

After the death of his wife, Benjamin Hays
broke up housekeeping, sold his farm and pur-
chased property in Sidney, 111. Later, he went to
Ohio on a visit, which he prolonged about six
years. Upon returning to Illinois, he took up his
abode with his son, our subject, with whom he has
since lived, and is now in his eightieth year. He
rides about the farm on horseback every day, looks
after the stock, and is in splendid health, playing
his violin and dancing with much of the grace and
agility of his earlier years. He is a great lover of
the equine race, and has owned some valuable
horseflesh, among which was -'Buck Elk," a Ken-
tucky racer of phenomenal speed, and ••Cherokee."
a very fine animal which he purchased of Thomas
Eads.

The subject of this sketch was the second child
of his parents, and was born Dec. II). 1830. in the
same house in Fayette County, Ohio, wherein his
honored father first opened his eyes to the light of
day. He received a practical education in the
common school, mostly under one teacher. David
Eastman, who died about fourteen years ago. He
made his home with his father on the farm, assum-
ing many of the responsibilities, until twenty-two
years of age, when he began the business of life for
himself by breaking prairie with seven yoke of
oxen. In the winter of 1852-;".:! he fed Kin head
of cattle for Ilendrickson & Cowling. In the
spring of 1853, April 16, he started with these

cattle on foot for New York City, where he ar-
rived safely on the 11th of duly. The head steer
of the herd was led by Henry White, of Cham-
paign. This errand executed, Mr. Hays returned
home, and in due time started with another lot of
cattle from Parish's Grove, near LaFayette, Ind.,
driving them through to Lancaster, Pa., and being
105 days on the road. Upon returning home, he
engaged in a store at Old Homer for two years,
and in the meantime shipped a load of cattle to
Chicago for his father. Afterward he handled con-
siderable stock for other parties. He assisted in
removing the fust house from Old Homer to the
present town, and all this time watched the growth
and development of Central Illinois with that abid-
ing interest which is only felt by the intelligent
and thoughtful citizen.

The 6th of May. 1858. witnessed the marriage
of our subject with Miss Mary E., daughter of .1.
M. Custer and sister of Mrs. Aaron Dalbey. These
were the only girls in the Custer family. Mrs.
Hays was born Oct. 10, 1838. in Fayette County,
Ohio, and was ten years old when she came with
her parents to Illinois. She received her education
in both States, and grew up a very attractive
young woman, with a large amount of practical
good sense. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs.
Hays lived in Sidney two years, removing to their
present home in 1 8(11.

The neat and well-regulated farm of our subject
bears very little resemblance to the uncultivated
tract of land upon which he and his young wife
settled upon coming to this county. It was then
an open prairie, unfenced and without buildings.
Although making no pretentions to elegance. they
live comfortably, and probably enjoy more solid
happiness than many who make a greater dis-
play in the world. The five children born to Mr.
and Mrs. Hays are all living. The eldest, Dollie
E., is the wife of George T. Poage, a merchant at
Prairie View, and they have two children; Mattie
E. married Amos C. Harden, who is now deceased,
is the mother of one child, and lives three miles
west of Fainnouiit; William S., Ella and John M.
remain at home with their parents.

Mrs. Hays and most of her children are mem-
bers in good standing of the Cumberland Presby-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

301

terian Church, unci Sir. II.. although not identified
with any religious organization, has a full belief in
the doctrines of the Christian religion. He main-
tains a lively interest in politics, and keeps himself
well posted in regard to those questions of inter-
est to every intelligent citizen. Upon becoming a
voting citizen, he identified himself with the Demo-
cratic party. 1 nit in 1860, when Abraham Lincoln
had steal his way to Washington for fear of assas-
sination. Mr. Hays said to himself," James, this party
is not your right place." Since thai time he has been
a decided Republican. He is a strong temperance
man, never having used ardent spirits, and steadily
opposes their manufacture. Aside from serving as
a Road Overseer in 1864, lie lias steadily declined
becoming an office-holder. Socially, he belongs to
Homer Lodge No. 1!»9, A. F. & A. M., being the
oldest member but one, entering the lodge after its
formation, and in tins he officiated only as Tyler.
although he might have held all the other offices.

■g?~a>OTZr> „ -v.i^.

^/* ILLS ODLE. This gentleman is one of the
Hi 11' nll,s ' prominent and bestknown citizens in
I 15 the northeastern part of this county. He
* was born in Warren County, Ind., Dec. 26,

1*11, and was brought up to farming, receiving
in his boyhood such education as could be obtained
in the common schools of his native place. His
parents were Nathan I!, and Frances (Watkins)
Odle, the father a fanner in the place where his
son was born. Our subject remained quietly at
the home farm until the outbreak of the War of the
Rebellion, when he offered his services to his
country and enlisted, while still under age, on
June 3, L861, in Company A., loth Indiana In-
fantry, commanded by Col. D. G. Wagner and on
the 14th of the same month, was mustered into the
United States service at Lafayette, Ind. For over
three years the young soldier did valiant service in
his country's cause. His regiment was first en-
gaged in active duty in West Virginia and three
months after being mustered in, was in the battle
of Cheat .Mountain, W. Va-, on Sept. 12, 1861, and
on Oct. 3, following, was engaged at Greenbrier

Springs, W. Ya.. both being Federal successes. In
November. 1861, the 15th Indiana was transferred
to the army of the Ohio, under Gen. Buell, Nelson's
division, and here Mr. Odle took a part in several
general engagements, lie was in the -'cut battle
of Shiloh, Tenn.. begun on April 6, 1862, his regi-
men! taking part on the second day. when the
hardest lighting was done. Buell arriving on the
7lh in time to reinforce Grant's troops. He was
under fire at the siege of Corinth. Miss., and after
the evacuation of that place, went East with his
regiment to Decatur, Ala., and later from there to
Tuscumbia, Tenn., and was in all the toilsome
marches and maneuvers, undertaken to prevent the
return of the rebel, Gen. Bragg to Kentucky.
Finally' the Union army fell back on Nashville,
Tenn., and from that point were sent to Louisville,
Ky. The first open battle between the opposing
forces lighting for the possession of Kentucky was
fought at Perryville on Oct. 8, 1862, and in that
the 15th Indiana were active participants. They
were then returned to Nashville, where they slaved
uunlil Dec. 20, 1862, when they were hurried to
the front, and were engaged on the last day of the
year on the hotly contested field of stone River.
The following year they were all through the Tul-
Lahoma campaign, and were afterwards engaged at
the battle of Chickamauga on Sept. 19, and in the
gnat light at Mission Ridge, they were a part of the
army that marched to the relief of Knoxville, when
it was beleaguered by the enemy, and succeeding
that were in many minor battles and skirmishes.
The 15th Indiana, were no holiday soldiers, but
during their entire term of service, were actively
engaged, marching and fighting, and in all their
trials, hardships, battles, and skirmishes. Mr. Odle
bore himself as a brave and gallant soldier. His
term of service having expired, he was mustered
out at Indianapolis on the 30th of June, 1804.
Returning then to the pursuits of peace Mr. Odle
engaged in farming in his native county, in which he
remained until he decided to make his home in
Vermilion County. 111. He bought 120 acres of
land on section 3 in Grant Township, now a part
of his homestead, and to that place removed in
March 1871, and there his home has since been. To
this property he has added by subsequent purchase.

362

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

having now a fine farm of 490 acres, all thoroughly
improved and cultivated with a good house and
farm buildings, and worth probably about $18,000.
In addition to this Mr. Odle is the owner of a farm
<if :'i20 acres in Holt County. Neb., and of other real
estate, and personal property, and all has been
acquired by his own energy, industry, and fore-
sight. He is a man of keen business judgment,
and his success is the legitimate reward of his close
attention to his own affairs.

Although always a farmer, Mr. Odle has been a
a successful merchant as well. The store in Che-
ney ville, in this township, was his property, and on
Dec. 1. 1886, he took it into his own possession,
and under his own immediate care and direction
he successfully carried on mercantile business there
until May L889, when he exchanged it for a West-
ern farm.

The subject of this sketch has been twice mar-
ried — first on Aug. 30. 1866 to Miss Susan Hunter,
who was born Nov. 25. 1847 and died May 17,
1870, leaving two children. Ella Florence, born
Sept. 17, 1867, and Anna Ross, Oct. 18,1869. The
first wife's parents are both living in Warren
County. Ind., at the advanced age of seventy years.

Mr. Odle was on Jan. 12, 1872. united in mar-
riage with Sarah E. Hunter, born Jan. 22, 1850.
His present wife was a daughter of John Hunter,
a farmer of Warren County. Ind. He was
a native of Scotland, and came to this country
when eighteen years old, in the year 1836. He
staid in the city of New York for a couple of
years, and then emigrated to Warren County. Ind.,
of which he was a very early settler. There he
adopted the vocation of a farmer. He died Nov.
18, 1880, when nearly sixty-three years of age. He
was a well-informed man and took considerable in-
terest in public affairs, but never held office. In
politics he was a staunch Republican, and through
the Civil War an ardent supporter of the Govern-
ment. He was married in Warren County, Jan. 13,
1842, to Miss Jane Montgomery, a native of Ken-
tucky, born April 22. 1820. They had eight chil-
dren, of whom five are now living. Mrs. Hunter
lives with her different children but her home is
with Mrs. Odle.

Mr. and Mrs. Odle have five children, as follows:

Ilattie Letitia, born Feb. 21. 1874; John Lindsay,
Aug. 3, 1875; Miles Sherman. Nov. 2. 1878; Na-
than W.. Nov. 2, 1880. and Frances J.. Nov. 3.
1883.

Mr. Odle is a man of mark and influence, in the
community in which he lives, and his sound judg-
ment leads his advice to be sought by his neigh-
bors in business affairs. From comparatively hum-
ble beginnings, he has raised himself to the position
he now occupies, and the competence he has ac-
quired he is justly entitled to. For a number of
years lie has been a School Trustee in Grant Town-
ship, and from 1885 to 1889, was Justice of the
Peace. He is a member of Harmon Post No. 115,
G. A. R., of Hoopeston. and in politics is a staunch
adherent of the Republican party in all State and
National affairs.

0RIN M. DANIEL is extensively identified
with the agricultural interests of Vermilion
County, and is one of its most enterprising,
energetic and able farmers. He has a fine farm on
section 20. Danville Township, comprising sixty
acres, pleasantly located on the Georgetown Road,
two and one-half miles from the court-house. He
also leases a large tract of land from the coal com-
pany, and has 1,000 acres under his personal super-
vision, and in addition has the contract to fur-
nish timber to the Grape Creek and Consolidated
Coal Company.

Mr. Daniel was born June 19, 1842, in Moores-
ville, Delaware Co.. N.Y.. and is a son of Aaron
Burr Daniel, a native of the same place, who was
in turn a son of Mathew Daniel. The latter was a
native of Scotland who came to America when a
young man. and so far as known, is the only mem-
ber of his farcify* that came to this country. He
located in the wilderness at Mooresville, buying a
tract of limbered laud, from which he cleared a
farm and resided there some years. He then sold
that place, and removing to Deposit about 1840.
bought a farm there on which he made his home
till death claimed him. The maiden name of his
wife was Eunice Sturgis, who is thought to have

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

363

been a native of New York State, and her last
days were also passed on the homestead in Deposit.
The father of our subject was reared and married
in his native county, and then bought a farm one
mile from Deposit, located partly in Delaware and
partly in Broome County. He resided there till
1870, prosperously prosecuting his calling, and
then came to Vermilion County, where he is now
passing the declining years of a bus}-, honorable
life. He has been twice married, and is the father
of twelve children, seven by the first marriage and
five by the second.

Orin M. Daniel of this brief biographical review-
was educated in the public schools of his native
town, and from his father received a sound, prac-
tical training in agricultural pursuits. He re-
mained under the parental roof till he was twenty-
one, and then in the pride of a vigorous, self-reli-
ant manhood, he came West to try life in the
Prairie State, rightly thinking that its rich soil
offered many inducements for one who intended
at some time to become a farmer. He came to
Danville, but did not at first enter upon his career
as a farmer but was employed by his uncles in the
coal business. He subsequently engaged on the
Illinois Central Railway in some capacity for two
years. At the expiration of that time he returned
to his native New York, and was engaged in farm-
ing and other kinds of work in that part of the
country till 1872. In that year he came back to
Illinois and obtained employment with the Ells-
worth Coal Company, remaining with them five
years. Since first coming here he had wisely saved
his money, and at the expiration of that time had
enough to invest in a good farm and so bought the
one where he now resides. It is well tilled, is sup-
plied with substantial, conveniently arranged build-
ings and all kinds of machinery for conducting
agriculture in the best possible manner, and it is
indeed a model farm. We have referred to his
other interests in the first part of this sketch.

In June 2, 1868, Mr. Daniel took unto himself
a wife in the person of Miss Jane Thompson, who
has proved to him a veritable helpmate, and he is
indebted to her for aiding him to become prosper-
ous. She was born in Delhi, Delaware Co.. N.Y.,
May 8, 1841, to Robert and Nellie (Shaw) Thomp-

son. The pleasant household of our subject and
his wife is completed by the five children born to
them: Orin, Alvin, Walter P.. Perry, Etlie.

Mr. Daniel is a busy man, devoting his time l.,
his many and varied interests, and while so doing
has done much to promote the material prosperity
of his township and county. He is prompt and
systematic in his work and knows how to conduct
it so as to produce the best results financially. He
and his wife are esteemed members of the Presby-
terian Church, contribute liberally to its support,
and are always active in advancing all charitable
and benevolent objects. In politics Mr. Daniel is
a decided Democrat. Socially he is a member of
Vermilion Camp. No. 244 M. W. A.

»-*-!* — «,

ECBEN JACK, Notary Public and engaged
in the insurance business at Fairmount, is a
(Ai\\\ man of note in his community, possessing
^P> good business capacities and making for
himself the record of an honest man and a good
citizen. He was born in Carroll County, Ind.,
March 19, 1840. and was the eldest child of Silas
S. and Bashaba (Elmore) Jack who were both na-
tives of Ohio, and the mother belonging to the So-
ciety of Friends. They left their native State in
their youth and were married in Tippecanoe County,
Ind., in 1837.

The parents of our subject remained residents of
Indiana until April, 1800, then came to this county
and located in Fairmount. Only three of their
children lived to mature years, viz: two daugh-
ters and Reuben, our subject. During the pro-
gress of the Civil War the father enlisted in Com-
pany E, 73d Illinois Infantry in August, 18G2 and
was given the post of Orderly Sergeant. lie soon
afterward contracted a fatal disease anil died in
the hospital at St. Louis on the 11th of September
following The mother survived her husband over
twenty years, remaining a widow, and died in Jan-
uary, 1883.

Our subject acquired his education in the com-
mon school of his native State and when approach-
ing manhood learned the trade of a shoemaker

364

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

which lie has followed continuously until quite re-
cently. He remained at home with his parents
until after the outbreak of the Rebellion and en-
listed in the same company and at the same time
with his father. He was first made a Corporal and
later promoted to a Sergeant. lie served three
years and engaged in all the marches and battles in
which his regiment participated, being at Stone
River, Chattanooga, Mission Ridge and all the bat-
tles of the Atlanta campaign, including Franklin and
Nashville. Aside from the natural effects of hard*
ship and exposure on his constitution, and a slight
affection of his eyes, he escaped uninjured, being
neither wounded or taken prisoner, lie was under
the command of Gen. Geoige II. Thomas, Phil
Sheridan, Granger, Hosecrans, Sherman, O. < >.
Howard and Grant, at the time when James A.
Garfield was Adjutant General of Rosecran's army,
lie received his honorable discharge with his regi-
ment in .Tune, 186."). Like thousands of others
who were willing to offer up their lives as a sacri-
fice to their country, he was content in knowing
that he had done bis whole duty, standing his
his ground during the enemy's fire and bearing
with fortitude and patience the vicissitudes of a
soldier's life.

Upon retiring from the army Mr. Jack resumed
work at his trade and on the 9th of August, 1865,
was married in Fairmount to Miss Mai}', daughter
of Daniel Shroyer. This lady was born in Indiana
and departed this life in Fairmount, Feb. 20, 1869,
leaving no children. Our subject contracted a
second matrimonial alliance June 15, 1870, with
Miss Frances, daughter of Charles Ruling, of Del-
phi, Ind. Mrs. Frances Jack departed this life
March 7, 1871, without children.

Mr. Jack was married to his present wife, form-
lerly Miss Jennie Fellows, Sept. 17, 1872 Mrs.
Jennie Jack was born in Wells County, Ind., and
is the daughter of George and Mary Fellows, who
are now, the mother in Fairmount the father de-
ceased. This union resulted in the birth of two
children— George B., born June 7, 1875. and Nellie.
June 26, 1884. They are a bright pair and will be
given the education and advantages suited to their
position in life.

Mr. Jack has been quite prominent in local af-

fairs, lie was elected Assessor and Collector of
Vance Township, in 1884, and has been re-elected
each year since that time. In 1872 he was elected
Township Clerk, holding the office until 1881. In
1877 he was elected Justice of the Peace and served
eight years. He cast his first Presidential vote for
Lincoln and has ever continued a staunch supporter
of the Republican party. As an ex-soldier he was
one of the leading members of the (i. A. R. at
Fairmount, which lias recently surrendered its char-
ter. In this organization lie was first an Adjutant
and later a Commander. In the I. < >. (>. F. he is a
member of Homer Lodge, No. 252, in which In- i-
l'ast Grand. He formerly belonged to the Lodge
at Fairmount in which be held all the offices, until
it disbanded.

< >ur subject and his estimable wife are active mem-
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which
Mr. Jack has been an earnest Sunday-school worker
for years, officiating as Superintendent of the school
and Trustee of the church. A man of domestic
tastes and correct habits, he makes it his aim and
object to stand on the right side of all questions
and give his support to those projects calculated to
benefit the community, socially, morally and finan-
cially. In connection with his other business
already spoken of, he does some conveyancing and
represents as a Fire Insurance Agent, the Phoenix of
Brooklyn, the Hartford and the iEtna. lie is gen-
tlemanly, courteous and liberal, and while not pos-
sessed of great wealth manages to stand square
with the world and extract a large measure of com-
fort and happiness from life.

^p^UY SANDUSKY. The surname of this
gentleman is well-known in Vermilion
County as that of a pioneer family who had
a share in its earl} 7 development and in promoting
its later growth. The subject of this sketch is a
worthy representative of his sire and grandsire, who
planted their homes here when the surrounding
country was a wilderness, and, in doing so, pur-
chance were more fortunate than they at first
deemed possible, and he of whom we write is en-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBl'M.

367

joying the result of their labors, as well as of his
own active toil. He was burn Feb. 5, 1854, on the
old homestead on section 31, Catlin Township, that
he now owns and occupies, and here he has erected
a handsome residence, one of the most attiactive
homes in the county. He is carrying on agricul-
ture and stock-raising with great skill, and from his
3()0-aere farm derives a substantial income.

The parents of our subject, Josiah and Elizabeth
(Sandusky) Sandusky, were natives of Bourbon
County, Ky., where they married, and immediately
came to this township. The father had lived in
this count}' while a single man, having removed
here with his parents as early as 1811), and he went,
back to Bourbon County, Ky., to marry. His
father, Isaac Sandusky, had come here in the early
days of its settlement, he accompanying him, and
had made a claim, and before his death accumu-
lated quite a little property. In 1837 the father
and mother of our subject, after their marriage,
settled in this county, and lived at Brook's Point
some two or three years, and then Isaac Sandusky,
the paternal grandfather of our subject, dying, the
father was appointed administrator of the estate,
and coming to Catlin Township .vith his family, he
located southwest of Catlin Village on section 31.
He resided with his wife on this homestead until
his demise Sept. 15, 1868. she surviving him until
Jan. 10, 1884. Of their eight children four lived to
maturity, three sons and a daughter.

Guy Sandusky, of whom we write, was the third
child of the family, and he was born and reared on
the old homestead where he has spent his entire life.
His education was conducted in the common
schools, and was supplemented at home b}' a wise
training from his worthy parents, and on arriving
at years of discretion he chose farming, of which
he had a thorough, practical knowledge, as the pur-
suit best adapted to his tastes. He has a good-
sized farm that is complete in all its appointments,
and is, indeed, one of the choicest places in the
whole township. It is amply provided with a con-
veniently arranged set of buildings for every nec-
essary purpose, and with all kinds of machinery
lor lightening the labors of farm life. The resi-
dence is one of the handsomest in the county.

Mr. Sandusky and Miss Ada M. Williamson

were united in marriage Nov. 12, 1876, and to
them has come one child, Inez. Mrs. Sandusky
is a daughter of Henry and Jane (Gray) William-
son, natives respectively of Ohio and Indiana, and
now residents of Linn County, Kan. Mrs. San-
dusky was born about ten miles northwest of Dan-
ville Oct. 15, 1858.

Mr. Sandusky possesses an abundant and never
failing supply of sound sense and sharpness, cou-
pled with a faculty of doing well whatever he
attempts, so that his success in his chosen calling is
not at all surprising. The Democratic party finds
in him a steadfast supporter through fair and
through foul report. He is a valued member of
Catlin Lodge No. 285, A. F. & A. M.

^ AMES CLIFTON. The results of persever-
ance and energy have been admirably illus-
trated in the career of this gentleman, who
is one of the most prosperous citizens in a
prosperous community, who has been the architect
of his own fortune and is in the enjo3'ment of a
competence. He is approaching the fifty-seventh
year of his age, having been born Oct. 8, 1832.
and has spent his entire life in Vermilion County,
III., in Georgetown Township where he was born.
He remembers the time when wild animals abounded
in this region and killed deer within the limits of
this township as late as twenty-five years ago.

William Clifton, the father of our subject, was a
native of Ohio and married Miss Jane Brown, who
was born in Tennessee. The grandparents emi-
grated to Illinois about 1827, when the parents of
our subject were in their youth and the latter were
married in Vermillion County, Ind. They became
the parents of thirteen children, six sons and seven
daughters, and spent their last years in Vermilion
County, 111., the father dying at the age of fifty-
seven and the mother when sixty-two years old.

The paternal grandfather of Mr. James Clifton
was of English birth, but came to make his home
under our Republican form of government. He
was married and became the father of two children

368

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

in Ohio. A short time before the birth of his son,
William Clifton, he started for his old home in
England and was never afterward seen or heard of.

The early education of our subject was con-
ducted in the log school house of the primitive
times, upon the subscription plan and carried on
during the winter season. In the summer he as-
sisted in the development of the new farm, grub-
bing out the stumps, chopping, breaking prairie
and sometimes flat-boating on the river. Hunting
formed his chief recreation — a pastime of which
he was extremely fond. He served an apprentice-
ship at the cooper's trade, which he followed mostly
for a period of fifteen yeai s. In the meantime he
was married .June 14.1 855, to Miss Martha, daughter
of Abraham and Sarah (Brown) Barnhard.

The parents of Mrs. Clifton removed from Ohio
to Indiana at an early date and in that State Mrs.
Clifton was burn, reared and married. Soon after
the wedding the young people took up their abode
in Georgetown Township, where our subject occu-
pied himself at his trade but kept steadily in view
his intention of becoming owner of a farm. He
accomplished his project and is now the proprietor
of 205 acres. This was mostly in a wild condition
when he assumed possession, but now forms one
of the finest farms in the township. It makes a
most delightful and attractive home while at the
same time it is the source of a handsome income.

Seven children have been born to our subject
and his estimable wife, the eldest of whom, a son,
William, died when four months old. The others
are Ella. Stephen A. D., Olive, Laura, Alonzo, who
died at the age of two years, and James, Jr. Ella
is the wife of H. G. Canady. and resides at Ver-
milion Grove and has one child, Estella; Stephen
operates a fine farm of 305 acres in Georgetown
Township; the other surviving children are at
home with their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Clifton
are prominently connected with the Presbyterian
Church and our subject, politically, is one of the
warmest adherents of the Democratic party. Pub-
lic-spirited and liberal, he is ever found givino-
his cordial support to those enterprises calculated
to benefit his community, and possesses those quali-
ties of character which have made him a universal
favorite both in social and business circles.

Among the most valuable features of this volume
is a fine portrait of James Clifton, which is pre-
sented elsewhere.

K. S. A. COFFMAN. physician and sur-
geon, is the pioneer of his profession in the
the town of Allerton. He is a young man
of more than average ability and is rap-
increasing his practice. The growth and
development of his adopted town command his
earnest and intelligent attention.

Dr. Coffraan is a native of Gallipolis, Gal-
lia Co., Ohio. His father. Capt. Josiah Goffman,
was one of the most prominent river captains and
pilots on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, his ac-
quaintance extending from Pittsburg to New Or-
leans. He ran his first barge down the rivers men-
tioned to New Orleans, when he was eighteen years
of age and at that time began his popularity as a
river man. He purchased a farm in Gallia County
but did not remain long in the business of agri-
culture. His last boat was the " Pine Ridge." one
of the largest steamers that navigated the Ohio
River. He died in 1866 at the age of fifty-two
years. His wife continued on the farm until her
death, which occurred in June 1879. She was born
at Shelly ville. Ind.

The parents of Dr. Coffin an, had twelve chil-
dren of whom eight were boys and nine are now
living. The Doctor was born on May, 12, 1858 and
was but seven years old when his father died. Ik-
was reared in Ohio, where his educational advan-
tages were of the best. He first attended the com-
mon schools at home, then the High Schools. He
was engaged in West Virginia for two years in
teaching. From his boyhood days his inclinations
were all toward the medical profession, and during
the time he was teaching he was studying to the
end that he might some day enter its ranks. His
first studies, medically, were under Dr. T. F. Sien-
cknecht, of Kingston, Tenn.. with whom he con-
tinued his studies for eighteen months, when he
became destitute of means. He then came West,
spending one year in Missouri and from there he

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALIU'M.

369

went to the Indian Territory, finally landing at Os-
sawottamie, Kan., where lie engaged in the hospital
for the insane. Here his preceptor was Dr. A. II.
Knapp. of that institution. By this time his means
were sufficient to take him through the Beaumont
Hospital and Medical College from which he grad-
uated March 15, 1888, standing near the head of
his class. He was married in Kansas to Miss Ilat-
tie E. Smith, a native of Columbus, Wis. She
is the daughter of Asa and Mary Smith, who were
pioneers of Sumner County, Kan. Through the
influence of Dr. Parks and others, the subject of
this sketch was induced to locate at Allerton. which
he did in 1887 and where he is achieving success
to a large degree. In his practice he has met with
no obstructions but has steadily gained the confi-
dence of his clients. The Doctor is an ardent Re-
publican, and is always ready to do anything to for-
ward the interests of his part}', that lies in the path
of honor. He is examiner for the Manhattan Life
Insurance Company, and is also a member of the
St. Louis Medical Association.

Dr. Coffman was one of twelve children whose
names follow: Elizabeth, Joseph C, William.
Harriet; Daniel M., Cyrus P., Thomas J., Cunning-
ham. Sylvan G., Emma, Sylvester and Ella. Eliza-
beth married Henry Irion, a farmer of Gallia
County, Ohio; Joseph C. served in the Union
Army, enlisting at the age of eighteen years, com-
ing out of the service with the rank of Lieutenant.
After the war was over he was commissioned in
the regular army serving at Ft. Riley, Ark.,
and at Fort Union, N. M. He resigned from
the army, when he commenced the study of
law, graduating at Ann Arbor and is now practic-
ing at Quincy, 111. He married Miss Carrie Hawk;
Harriet married the Rev. Rose, who is her second
husband, and a pastor in the Methodist Church in
Athens, Ohio. She had live children by her first
husband, James Hamilton; Daniel M. resides at
Rockwood, Tenn. He is an attorney at law and
married Miss Romaine Blazer, they have one
child; Cyrus P., died at the age of eighteen years;
Thomas is practicing law at Hume, 111. He mar-
ried Estasia Kerns. They have four children;
Cunningham died in Texas at the age of twenty-
eight; William, who was a twin brother to Joseph,

died when one year old; Emma is a resident of
Anoka, Minn.; she married J. C. Willey, a railroad
contractor and has three children; Ella resides in
St. Paul, and is the wife of W. Thornley, who is a
contractor in that city.

OHN C. SALLADAY. The life-long career
of this gentleman is one which his children
will love to contemplate in future years. In
{&£Jj) his make up, he is possessed of modesty,
good manners, sound sense and high principles.
He has all the qualities of a good citizen, is a kind
husband and father and in all respects approaches
the ideal of the Christian gentleman. We find him
situated in a comfortable home, the possessor of a
pretty farm, and his family relations leave little to
be desired. His property is pleasantly located on
Section 3 in Vance Township.

Mr. Salladay was the eldest child of his parents
and was born in Fayette County, Pa., April 16,
1831. When a little lad of three years he removed
with his parents to Ohio and acquired a good edu-
cation in the common schools of the Buckeye
State, pursuing his studies mostly during the win-
ter season until twent}' years of age. In the mean-
time he became familiar with farming pursuits and
remained a member of the parental household until
reaching his majority.

In December, 1855, our subject was united in
marriage with Miss Mary J., daughter of Daniel A.
Rich of Ohio, a prominent farmer in his commu-
nity. There were four children of whom Mrs. Sal-
laday was the second and she was born in Ohio in
1833. Her childhood and youth passed quietly
and uneventfully, during which time she attended
the common school and received careful home-
training from her excellent parents. The young
people after their marriage settled on the home
farm of the Salladay's, our subject working it upon
shares with his father until 1860. He then purchased
fifty acres of land and made his home upon this
until 186 1 when he sold out and set his face toward
the farther West.

Upon coming to Illinois .Mr. Salladay purchased

370

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

the bind constituting his present farm and com-
menced at first principles to build up a homestead.
He was prospered in bis labors as a tiller of the
soil and added to bis real estate until he lias now
163 acres in the home farm and 100 acres in Powe-
shiek County, Iowa. In connection with general
agriculture, he is considerably interested in stock-
raising, keeping a good grade of cattle and shipping
each year to the eastern market.

Five children came to bless the union of our
subject and his good wife, one of whom died at the
age of eight years. Salina and George D. remain
with their parents; Florence is the wife of J. H.
Bowen and lives three miles south of the home
farm; John B. remains at the latter. Mr. Salladay
cast bis first presidential vote for John P. Hale and
is one of the most active members of the Repub-
lican party in this section. He keeps himself well
posted in relation to current events and votes with
bis party upon the national issues. In local mat-
ters be aims to support the man best qualified for
office, irrespective of party. He has officiated as a
delegate to the county conventions and is a School
Director in his district which office be has held for
twenty years, lie lias been Highway Commissioner
for six years. He and his estimable wife find their
religious home in the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church in which Mr. Salladav has been an Elder
six years and when a younger man labored actively
in the Sunday-school.

Our subject is the offspring of an excellent fam-
ily, being the son of George and Rebecca (Craft)
Salladav. who were natives of Pennsylvania and of
German descent. Grandfather John Salladay emi-
grated from the Fatherland at an early period in
the history of this country and settled in Pennsyl-
vania. Upon the coming of the Revolutionary
War he was a baggage muster in the Continental
Army from the beginning to its close. The ma-
ternal grandparents of our subject were born in
Pennsylvania but were of German descent. The
parents of Mr. Salladav were married in Pennsyl-
vania, where the mother died in 1833, leaving two
children — our subject and a younger brother. The
father subsequently remarried, and in 1834 removed
to Ohio where he sojourned for a period of thirty
years. Thence be came to this county in the spring

of 1864, residing here until 1877. His next re-
moval was to Homer, Champaign County, where
he lived eleven years, dying in September, 1888.
The mother survives and makes her home with her
son-in-law, Mr. Bennett, near Homer and is now
seventy-six years old. Both the Craft and the
Salladay families were people of note in their com-
munity, distinguished for the high principles and
sturdy industry which were among the character-
istics of their German nationality. They were
uniformly well-to-do, industrious and frugal and
uniformly exercised a good influence upon the va-
rious communities in which they resided. The
subject of this sketch is one of the worthiest of
their descendants, perpetuating the name with dig-
nity and honor.

■j&t^-

■*&■

^IfLBERT G. OLMSTEAD is a worthy de-
scendant of Puritan ancestry, bis fore-
fathers having been numbered among the
d* early settlers of New England. In a later

day and generation his grandparents and parents
became pioneers of Vermilion County, and here the
most of his life has been passed. He has not only
been a witness of the marvelous growth of this
section of the country in the fifty years that he has
lived here as boy and man. but it has been his good
fortune to aid in its upbuilding. For many years
he has been intimately connected with the material
prosperity of Catlin Township as a progressive
and skillful agriculturist, and as one of its most in-
fluential public officers. lie owns a farm on
section 23, that in all its appointments and improve-
ments is equal to any other in this locality, and
here he and his wife have an attractive home, to
which they welcome many friends, as they have a
warm place in the hearts of the entire commu-
nity.

Stanley Olmstead, the father of our subject, was
born in the city of Hartford, Conn., to George
Olmstead, Sr., and bis wife, Hannah (Roberts)Olm-
stead, natives of New England. They came to
Vermilion County from Ohio in 1839, and he died
here two years later. His wife did not long survive

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

371

him, dying in September, 1843. Their son, Stanley,
married Almira Green, a native of Vermont, and
they began the journey of life together in James-
town, Chautauqua Co., N. V.. where he was
busily engaged for several years in constructing a
farm from the primeval forests of that section of
the country. He subsequently removed from there
with his family to Marietta. Washington Co.,
Ohio, but after living there five years, he came
with them, in 1839, to Vermilion County, making
the journey down the Ohio River, up the Wabash
River to I'erry.-ville. and thence going to what is
now known as ISalestown, and settling in that vi-
cinity among the pioneers that hud preceded them
to this then wild, sparsely settled country. The
father operated a sawmill known as Olmstead Mill,
ami hesides manufacturing lumber, engaged in
building flatboats, that being the only mill where
such boats were built, and the most of those that
were made in this section of the country were
built there. He was a member of the Masonic fra-
ternity, and quite a prominent man in his commu-
nity, and his death, in 1848, was considered a loss
to the township. His widow was re-married about
ten years afterwards, becoming the wife of Thomas
W. Douglas, and is still living in Catlin Township
at an advanced age. She holds to the Presbyter-
ian faith, and is a sincere Christian.

Of the ten children that blessed the union of
Stanley Olmstead and wife, our subject was the sec-
ond in order of birth. He was born in the vicinity
of Jamestown, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., Oct. 14,
1831. He was a lad of about eight years when he
accompanied his parents and grandparents to this
county, and the remaining years of his boyhood
and his youth were passed in Danville anil Catlin
townships. His education was obtained in the old
Ion schoolhouse of those early days. He early be-
wail life for himself, as he was but seventeen years
of age when his father died, and the main charge
of the family devolved upon him, he renting land
and working at farming to support those depend-
ent upon him. When he was twenty-four years
old he married and rented a farm in Catlin Town-
ship the ensuing seven years, the place belonging
to Harry Sandusky. After that he bought a small
place in Catlin Village, and continued renting land

for three years. The second year after the pur-
chase of the County Farm in 18G7. he was ap-
pointed Superintendent of it, find he was found to
be the right man in the right place, faithfully and
conscientiously discharging the duties of that oner-
ous position, by his skillful farming improving the
land, and treating the poor people under his charge
with firmness and kindness, lie retained that office
eight years, and then tendered his resignation, as
he desired to invest some of his money in land and
go to farming on his own account. Soon after he
took possession of the land he now owns and op-
erates, it having been the homestead of the parents
of Mrs. Olmstead, of which she inherited a portion.
The balance was purchased by Mr. Olmstead. His
present farm consists of 180 acres of land, exceed-
ingly rich ami productive, and he has been con-
stantly making improvements till the place is
considered one of the best in the neighborhood.
He has erected a good set of farm buildings and a
pleasant residence, finely located somewhat back
from the highway.

This homestead formerly belonged to Mrs. Olm-
stead's parents, Thomas N. and Mary Brown (San-
dusky) Wright, early pioneers of Vermilion County,
and here she was born and bred, and on this spot,
under an apple tree in the yard, her marriage with
our subject was solemnized .Inly 22, 1855, and here
her life has thus far been spent happily and se-
renely. She has never been very far from this
home of her birth, and has never ridden in the
cars, or been beyond the limits of the county. Mrs.
Olmstead is a notable housekeeper, and is well
versed in the art of making those about her com-
fortable, and every one who crosses her threshold
is sure of a cheerful welcome. Her parents were
born in Bourbon County, Ky.,and when the father
was nineteen years old and the mother twenty,
they came to Vermilion County, and were united
hi marriage six weeks later, in the year 1831, near
Indianolia. and immediately settled on the farm
now owned by Mr. Olmstead. Mr. Wright built a
log cabin, and in that humble abode they began
their wedded life. May 31, 1851. Mrs. Wright
died, leaving five children, of whom Elizabeth
Ann. Mrs. Olmstead, was the eldest. The father
was afterwards married to Nancy Dougherty, and

372

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

he died Nov. 18, 1872, on the homestead that lie
had eliminated from the wild prairies. Mrs. Olm-
stead was born Sept. 22, 1832. In this home of
her girlhood and womanhood five children have
blessed her wedded life with our subject, namely:
Mary B., the wife of John H. Palmer; Charles, who
married Agnes Emmett, who died Nov. 17, 1887;
William C, who married Miss Eva Beck; George
E.; and Albert C.

Mr. Olmstead has been a valuable citizen of this
section of Vermilion County since attaining man-
hood, as he is a man of good personal habits, is
just and honest in his dealings, wise and safe in
counsel, and has always exerted his influence to
advance the interests of his community morally,
socially and educationally. He has taken an active
part in the public life of this township, has held
the office of Supervisor two terms, and for eleven
years was School Trustee. lie is a valued member
of Catlin Lodge, No. 285, A. F. & A. M. He lias
been Master of the lodge. In politics he sides
with the Democrats, and is a strong supporter of
partj- principles. Both he and his wife are faithful
members of the Presbyterian Church, and the acts
of their daily lives show them to be consistent
Christians.

A fine lithographic view of the handsome home
and surroundings of Mr. Olmstead is shown else-
where in this volume.

-ME*

* IfelLLIAM CESSNA, Sr., who is well known
\fij// throughout Vance Township as one of its
Wyl most prosperous men financially, is now
approaching the sixty-seventh year of his age, hav-
ing been born Nov. 7, 1822. He is a native of
Bedford County, Pa., where his father, Evan
Cessna, was also born. The latter, when approach-
ing manhood, learned the trade of a blacksmith.
Later he turned his attention to agricultural pur-
suits, and became owner of a good farm. He mar-
ried Miss Mary Motelena Fenstermaker, also a na-
tive of the Keystone State, and whose ancestors
were from Germany.

The parents of our subject continued residents of

Pennsylvania for several years after their marriage.
The father carried on blacksmithing and farming
combined, and operated with fair success. He
finally decided upon a change of residence, and in
1842 set out for Ohio with his family, settling in
the Western Reserve in what was then Trumbull
but was afterward changed to Mahoning County.
There the parents spent the remainder of their
lives. The household circle originally comprised
nine children, eight of whom grew to mature years,
and six of whom are now living. William was the
third child of the family, and like his brothers and
sisters, acquired a limited education by attendance
in a log school-house, under a system of instruc-
tion in keeping with that time and place. Upon
approaching manhood he learned the trade of a
tanner, also that of a brick and stone mason. Since
a bey of twelve he has been mainly dependent
upon his own resources, and assisted his father con-'
siderably until his marriage. Evan Cessna was
very nearly blind for many years, having a cata-
ract over each eye, and losing the sight of one en-
tirely.

The 18th of May, 1850, marked an interesting
epoch in the life of our subject, as on that day he
was wedded to Miss Sarah Jane, daughter of Rich-
ard Hawkins, a farmer and mechanic of Stark
County, Ohio. The young couple commenced the
journey of life together in a manner corresponding
to their means and surroundings, and Mr. Cessna for
several years thereafter followed his trade in Mahon-
ing County. Finally lie removed to Stark County,
sojourning there probably two years, and then, in
1856, changed his residence to Marshall County,
Ind. In the latter place also he followed his trade,
and purchased 300 acres of land, the cultivation
and improvement of which he carried on until
1868.

During the above mentioned year Mr. Cessna
moved into Champaign County, 111., and about
twelve months later purchased the farm upon which
his son William now lives, in Vermilion County.
Later he added forty acres to it, then traded forty
acres for that which he now occupies. Upon this
he has lived for a period of thirteen years, and ef-
fected very many improvements, planting a 10-
acre orchard, putting the fences in repair, and add-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

373

ing the necessary buildings. He has invested bis
surplus capital in additional land, and is now the
owner of 500 broad acres. His possessions are the

result of bis own industry and perseverance, and
be lias delved from the soil an ample competence
for bis declining years.

Mrs. Sarah .lane (Hawkins) Cessna departed this
life Sept. 15, 1864, at the early age of thirty-three
years, four months and eleven days. Of her union
with our subject there were born five children,
four of whom are living: John W. married Miss
Myra Nichols, who is now deceased; be is the
father of five children, and lives in Mineral Point,
Kan.; Sarah Amelia is the wife (if Wallace A.
Ya/.el; they live four miles northwest of Homer,
and have five children; Martha Ellen married
Marion Tibbetts, and is the mother of four chil-
dren; they live four and one-half miles southwest
of Fairmount; William L. 1 >. married Miss Sally
O'Shea; they have one child, and live one mile
west of Mr. Cessna.

Our subject contracted a second marriage Jan.
29, 1865, with Mrs. Lucina Melser, who was the
mother of two children by her first husband. The
result of this union was three children — Rosa I.,
Charles M. and Mary M., who are all living at
home witli their parents. Mr. Cessna has always
taken a lively interest in politics, and keeps himself
fully posted upon all matters of national interest-
He is one of the warmest supporters of the Repub-
lican party, believing it the party of progress and
reform, and the party upon which the prosperity
of America depends. In Indiana he served as
Path master three years, and in the district where
he now lives has been a School Director nine years.
Formerly he belonged to the I. 0. O. F.

Mr. Cessna, with wise forethought and care has
furnished us with a portion of the family record,
which we append as follows. Mrs. Sarah J. (Haw-
kins) Cessna was born in Washington County, Fa.,
May 1, 1811. John W., her eldest son. was horn
in Mahoning County, Ohio, Sept. 7, 1851. Artlissa
A., the eldest daughter, was born Feb. 19, 1854,
and died in Ohio. Sarah A. was born in Stark
County, Ohio, Feb. 11, 185(i. Martha Ellen was
born in Marshall, Ind.. April 21. 1858. William
L. D. was born in Marshal! County, Ind.. Oct. 23,

1861. Rossa Ilora was born in Marshall Count}',
Ind., May 28, 1806; Charles M. was horn in Cham-
paign County, III., Jan. 20, 1809. Mary Matilda
was born in Vermilion County. III.. Oct. 27, 1872.
Evan Cessna, the father of our subject, died July
29, 1861, at the age of sixty-eight year's. His
wife, Mary Motelena, died Jan. 20, 1876, at the age
of seventy-six years.

• i ~ ■»

^ AMl'EL STARK, of Sidell, is numbered
among its most useful and praiseworthy
citizens, and performed no small part in
the early settlement of the place with
whose growth and development he has ever main-
tained a warm interest. In 1885 he purchased the
Cleveland Hotel and from a small beginning built
up a good patronage and became popular among
traveling men generally. In connection with this
be operated excavating machines such as the Mould
Ditcher, the Plow Ditcher and Road Grader, and
graded several miles of road in Vance, Sidell and
Carroll townships, making an excellent thorough-
fare which is greatly appreciated by those most
nearly concerned.

The parents of Mr. Stark were John and Mary
(Cassadyj Stark, who were of Kentucky birth and
parentage and came to this county during its early
settlement, locating on its southern line. Their
family comprised fourteen children, eleven sons
and three daughters. Samuel was born in Indiana
and was reared to farming pursuits. He received
a limited education in the primitive schools and
developed into a strong and healthful man, sound
in mind and bod}' and well fitted for the position
which he was called upon to fill as a leading mem-
ber of his community. lie was married in Au-
gust, 1875, to Miss Christina Rawlings, and the
young people commenced their wedded life toge-
ther on the Amos Jackson farm. Later Mr. Stark
was connected with several farms as general over-
seer, among them being the well-known Allerton
farm, formerly the property of John Sidell. In
1881 they look up their abode in Danville, Mr.
Stark having purchased the furniture in the Me-

374

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

Cormick House of that city. Eight months later
they again removed to a farm at Garrett Grove,
where they remained four years. Their subsequent
movements we have ahead}- indicated. On mov-
ing to Sidell Mrs. Stark assumed charge of the
Cleveland House, which she has since conducted
with marked success and hns become veiy popular
with the traveling public. She seems admirably
adapted to her responsible position and possesses a
great deal of tact, generosity and kindness, having
the faculty of making welcome all who come within
her doors. She is a lady of more than ordinary
business abilities, and is increasing her patronage
perceptibly each year.

A native of Lee County, Va., Mrs. Stark was
born Jan. 19, 1855, and is the daughter of Sampson
B. Rawlins, also a native of the Old Dominion and
who married Miss Elizabeth Sanford, of his own
State. Both were of English descent. They were
married in Virginia, whence the}' removed to Clay
County, Ky., about 18G0. The father prosecuted
farming for three years, but in 18G3 again changed
his residence, settling this time near Paris. Edgar
County, this State. Ten years later they came to
this county and located on a farm in Sidell Town-
ship. Finally selling this also, they removed to
Fairmount and conducted the Hall House one year.
Afterward Mr. Rawlings engaged in the hoot and
shoe business of that place about a year. He re-
moved to Sidell in 1885 and'in 1887 established a
store of general merchandise at Archie. After a
time he was burned out, suffering a loss of $8,000.
He is now employed as a traveling salesman for a
grocery house in Chicago.

The mother of Mrs. Stark departed this life
March 19, 1888, at the age of fifty-six years eight
months and twenty-eight days. Her family con-
sisted of nine children, the eldest of whom, Nancy,
is the wife of J. P. Jackson, a farmer of Sidell
Township, and is the mother of two children;
Christina, Mrs. Stark, was the second child of the
family; James W. H. II., married Miss Ida Patter-
son and operates as a carpenter and builder in
Sidell; he is the father of one child. Zarilda mar-
ried George B. Baum, of Sidell, who operates as a
farmer and liveryman, and they have two chil
dren; Bertha is the wife of Austin Jones, a business

man of Mt. Carmel, and they have one child;
Sarah J is at home with her father; John F. is
farming in Sidell Township; Dora is a saleslady at
Cerro Gordo, 111.; Fanny M. lives with her father
and sister.

Mrs. Stark thus in her youth lived in three dif-
ferent States, Kentucky, Virginia and Illinois. She
attended the common school and at an early age
evinced an aptitude for business details. At the
age of twenty years she was married to Mr. Stark.
She has contributed her full quota to the rapid and
thrifty growth of the village of Sidell, in the ex-
cellent management of her house and in attracting
to it a class of well-to-do and intelligent people.

A large force of builders is now (June, 1889)
actively engaged in enlarging the Cleveland House,
which when completed a month hence, will accom-
modate a large number of guests and prove an or-
nament to the village. Mrs. Stark patronizes the
worthy enterprises established in the village,
among them the Methodist Episcopal Church, in
whose erection she took a warm interest. She is a
lover of music and all those things which contrib-
ute to the comfort and satisfaction of the people
who may sojourn under her roof. She is a lady of
decided views and sympathizes witli the Demo-
cratic party.. The Ladies' Aid Society finds in
her one of its efficient members. To her and
her husband have been born four children :
Callie, who died in infancy; Mary Alice; an infant
who died unnamed; and Forest E.

|ENJAMIN ZEIGLER. This gentleman is
^ the oldest settler in the eastern half of
if©)))) Grrat; Township, in this county, having
lived there more }'ears than any other per-
son now residing within its borders. He was born in
Cumberland County, Pa., March 5, 1830, and when
twenty years old came to Fountain County, Ind.,
with his elder brother, John, making the journey
the entire distance in a two-seated wagon drawn
by one horse. They came from Carlisle, in their
native county, to Indianapolis, Ind.. over the road
then known as the National Pike, and thence to

Residence or John Pollard, 5cc 21. Carroll Tr Verm i i 'ion en

feam ^mwffi i ifirfT' : "

EBfitMBe i miafiafiSiSfe^

ResidenceofW^ H. Sconce, 5ec, 16. SidellTp. Vfrmii ion Co!

^tore and Residence of Michael Fi5her,Indianola,Vermi lion Co.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBI'M.

377

their stopping place, now named Reitersburgh, then
known as Cbambcrsburg. The trip occupied two

weeks and four days, but it can now be made be-
tween those two points in sixteen hours! .John
Zeigler had spent the previous year in Indiana,
and our subject made the journey West with him
simply as an adventure. But lie liked the looks of
the country, and determined to stay, especially as
he found he could get twice as much for his labor
there as be could in the East. Accordingly be
located in Fountain County and began working out
by the month. He made his home there until
18.")6, when having by this time secured a life
partner, he came to Vermilion County and for
two years worked for bis father-in-law. Having
saved a little money be bad in 1852 bought 320
acres of Government land on section 1 5 in Grant
Township, and it is on this place Ids home now
stands. He was too poor, however, to build on it
or cultivate it. and be let it lie idle until 1 858,
when be managed to get a house built on it, but was
yet unable to get it " broke," and therefore for the
following two years he farmed what is known as
the "Ann Brown" place, of 1G0 acres, one and
one-half miles east of his house. In this way be
accumulated some small means, and the following
year be broke forty acres of his own land with a
team of four yoke of cattle and a twenty-four inch
plow.

His industry and energy soon made themselves
felt, and each successive year saw Mr. Zeigler a little
better off. Gradually more aud more land was
brought under cultivation, fences and hedges were
made and planted, farm buildings were erected, and
after the lapse of years more land was bought, and
to-day our subject owns an excellent farm of 540
acres in one body, well fenced, drained, cultivated
and with good and sufficient buildings, and as he
looks around over his broad acres he can reflect
with satisfaction upon the fact that this is all the
work of his own bands. When be first bought
this land it was all bare open prairie, not a tree or
shrub was on the ground. Now it presents to the
eye a typical American western scene. The house
stands back some distance from the road and is ap-
proached from the front through an avenue lined
on either side with well grown maple trees; the

buildings are all that are needed, fur the large farm,
the growing crops and the contented cattle grazing
in the enclosed fields, all bespeak thrift and com-
petence. All this is the work of Mr. Zeigler's own
hands. The finegrove of maples which surrounds
bis house was raised by himself from seed and cov-
ers nine acres, and an apple orchard of four acres,
also of his own planting. The country when he
first came here was wild and unsettled, and his
nearest neighbor for some time was two miles away,
and from the rising ground near his house, as far
as the eye could see, there were less than a dozen
houses. Prairie wolves were numerous, compelling
the settler to house his stock at night, wild game
was plentiful, and deer, ducks, geese and prairie
chickens were in such abundance that dogs were
kept and trained to keep them from the farmer's
grain fields, and the pioneer's table was well sup-
plied with delicacies, the fruit of his gun. But
one road was then laid out hereabouts, the settlers
making their way across the prairies by following
tracks made by others who had gone before. Not
a fence was up, and to leave the beaten path was
to run the risk of being lost on the prairie. Trad-
ing was done mostly at Attica, Ind., thirty miles
away, the trip to store and back consuming two
days. Mr. Zeigler says it was bis custom when re-
turning, if overtaken by darkness, to tie his lines
and let his horses take their own way, they never
failing to bring him safely home when human
eyesight was of no avail in finding the road.

Now how different the scene. Public highways
are laid out in all directions. The country about
is thickly settled, and half a mile from Mr. Zeigler's
door is the village of Cheneysville, a station on
the Lake Erie and Western Railroad. Around his
home is a thickly settled and prosperous commun-
ity, with evidence on every hand of comfort,
schools and churches are easy of access, and all
the appliances of civilization are at the farmer's
door. This change has been brought about by
the toils and sacrifices of such men as our subject.
and to such all honor is due.

Mr. Zeigler was united in marriage, in Fountain
County. Ind., Jan. 3. 1851. with Miss Verlina.
Brown, daughter of John and Catherine Brown,
early settlers in that part of Indiana. The former

378

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

was born in Perry County, Pa., and the latter in
Dauphin County in the same state. After mar-
riage they emigrated to Indiana, where Mr. Brown
improved a large number of farms, certainly as
many as twenty, selling as soon as he could get
advance on his property. In this way he made
considerable money and during the latter years
was quite well-to-do. He died in Hoopeston
in the winter of 1884-85. His wife had passed
away some years previously at Otterbein, Benton
County. End. Mrs. Zeigler was born in Fountain
County, Ind.. March 27, 1834. By this marriage
nine children were born, all except one, who died
in childhood, being now living: Cyrus A., the eld-
est, farms a portion of the homestead half a mile
e.i-t of his father's house, and is married to Miss
Cyrenia Leverton, and they have one child and
one is deceased; Peter M. is married to Susan
Labaw, has one child, and lives two miles east of
his birthplace on a farm belonging to his aunt,
Catherine A. Brown; John 1!. is married to Jose-
phine Stufflebcam. and lives on a rented farm
in the northeastern corner of Grant Township;
George B. is married to Mary Ann Labaw, and
has two children and lives on a part of his father's
farm; Benjamin Franklin, Mary Amanda. Rachael
Mahala and William .1. are unmarried and are yet
under the parental roof.

Mr. Zeigler has witnessed and participated in the
growth and increasing prosperity of this part of
Vermilion County. When he came within its
borders. growth had hardly been begun in this part
of the county. The site of the flourishing city of
Hoopeston was a barren prairie which he could
have bought from the Government at $1.2.3 per
acre, but he thought it dear at that, when
prospecting for a site, as the land was low and wet,
and therefore bought where he is, where the land
lies higher. On such small things does fortune
sometimes hinge. Yet he has no reason to com-
plain. Starting from an humble station and from
small beginnings he has achieved a competence,
and what is still better, has gained the universal
respect, esteem and confidence of the community,
a just tribnte to the moral and upright life of the
man and to his entire trustworthiness of character.
For many years he has been compelled by his fel-

low-townsmen to accept office at their hands, hav-
ing been School Director. Town Trustee, Road
Overseer, etc., and he is now Assistant Supervisor,
and among the worthy citizens of Vermilion
County none stands higher in the estimation of
those who know him than does Benjamin Zeigler,
the pioneer.

• OC55 -

yfclLLIAM THOMAS SANDUSKY has for
more than twenty years been prominently
identified with the leading farmers and
stock growers of Vermilion County, a shrewd, in-
telligent set of men, and in that time he has been an
important factor in extending its great agricul-
tural interests. He has a farm on section 36, Cat-
lin Township, of some over 400 acres,' which is
well cultivated, and on which he has erected a
substantial, roomy set of buildings, and has all the
needful machinery and appliances for carrying
on agriculture with facility and to the best ad-
vantage.

Our subject, although a Kentuckian by birth,
was reared in Illinois, and has passed the most of
his life here, his parents having been among the
earliest settlers of Shelby County. His father,
William Sandusky, was a native of Kentucky,
while his mother, Julia (Earp) Sand