-!F? NVPL RESEARCH LIBRARIES 3 3433 08181597 3 \^ Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2008 with funding from IVIicrosoft Corporation -i-V\ http://www.archive.org/details/biographicalreviOObiog \ -»^ac2z_^- BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW -OF'- t ^ «i» *— It-" ctp|iJfr imi m [iiiiiiik, 4^^ 111 a alontaining Biogvapl)ical Sketches of Jpionccra an^ CcaMng ^iti^cns. "Biography is the only true history." --Emerson. CHICAGO- BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW PUBLISHING CO. 1892. 5is^" TIIK ..h.^ lOUK 405470B A&'UlU. Lli.^oX AND liLubN t'oirsUAiio.xs B 1947 L ■0^ PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES. George Washington 9 John Adams 14 Thomas Jefferson 20 James Madison 2G James Monroe . 32 John Quincy Adams 38 Andrew Jnclison . . 47 M.irlin Van Buren 52 William Henry Harrison 56 John Tyler 00 James K. Poll; 64 Zachary Taylor 68 Millard Fillmore ..- 7 Franklin Pierce 76 James Buchanan 80 Abraham J>incoln 84 Andrew Jolinson E!3 Ulysses S. Grant 96 H.B.Hayes... 103 J. A. Garfield 109 Chester A. Arthur 113 Grover Cleveland 117 Benjamin Harrison 120 CONTENTS. BIOGI^APHIGAL SI^E^ITGHES. ^ ! Adams, Wm. T 244 Agnew, Jas. M. 321 Alexander, W. L 288 Allard, Cud 271 Allen, A. K 306 Allen, D. H 382 Allison, Jos 430 AUphin.G W 133 All|ibin, Z 134 Anderson, E. M (ilO Anderson, Frank 820 Anderson, Uobert .WO Anderson, V 405 Angler, F L 258 Arenz, J. A 236 Armstrong, Thomas 508 Aten, C. L 438 Aten, Hobert. .. 391 Avery, Philander 181 Ayers, M 144 B Bacon, H. M 458 Bader, Wni 291 Biigby, John. C 150 Baker, N. \V .541 Baujan, John 496 Baujan, H.J 508 Barnevcastle, G. W 580 Barry,' L. T 378 ' Barton, Thos 406 Baxter, II. B 337 Beatty, J. J 508 Becker, Conrad .538 Beckwith, E. W 203 Bell, Ira 589 Bennett, John. L 238 Berry, F. E 139 Berry, O. A 233 Berlhoir, Edward .520 Black, Isaac .549 Black, J. F 128 Black. John. H 296 Black, J. M 174 Black, U. S 616 Black, W.T 132 Blackburn, B. M 369 Bleyer, J. W .523 Blose, D. A 474 Bokemeier, Chas 246 Bolle, E. H 488 Bollman, W. C 201 Boone, N. II 471 Bordenkirclier, Geo 143 Bowe, Mrs. M. F 606 Boyd, Mark 160 Boyd, Richard 540 Brackenridge, \V. H 357 Bradbury, J. T 159 Brannan, Stephen 521 Briar, Joseph 272 Brockiuan, Wash 131 Brockschmidt, Christian ,503 Broker, Wm A 287 Brooks, Martin 164 Brown. Uobt 280 Browning, J.J 393 Brumback, W. L .504 Buck, J. J :ii8 Buracker. Wm 1,53 Burnside. Wm. H 301 Bush, KIchard 533 Byrns, G. A 341 C Cady, F. E .507 Cady, Henry 209 Cadv, .^I. E 283 Calef, .•<. L 146 Campbell, G. S 220 Campbell, Geo. W 515 Campbell, L. C 313 Campbell, Pauline 464 Campbell, Wm 365 Carles, L. .M 166 Curls, J. II 4.58 Carr, David 440 Carter, Thomas H 259 Challant, T. J 497 Clark, Abner A 323 Clark. Elias .522 Clark, F.A 439 Clark, J. H 529 Clark, J. K 187 Clark, J. T 316 Clark, L. W 188 Clark, T.J 200 Clark, W. A 316 Cleek, M. M 403 Clitford, Michael 170 Coil, A S 488 Coleman, Wm. II 270 Colt, D. P 889 Coningham, Grove 289 Conover, Geo. 367 Cook.S. W 541 Cosner, Jos. L 350 Cox, Wm. M 164 Cramer, Euglebert 576 Crampton, S. C .. 391 Craske. Henry 151 Crawford, Jas 170 Crum, G. W 219 Crura, H.J 443 Crum, Jas 436 Crum, Thos. J 312 Cunningham, A 343 Cunningham, James 416 Cuningham, T. E 51M Curry, F. M i(jl D Daniel, J. W 413 Darnell, Jesse 597 Davis, F. E 360 Davis, J. A 307 Davis, J. H 41.5 Davis, W. B 180 Davis, Wm. J 199 De Counter, Samuel 311 Demaree, W. L 381 Deppe, J. H 396 De Witt, Jas 263 De Witt, Jas. L 497 Dick, Levi 216 Dirreen, John 345 Dodds, David 371 Dodge, J. S 290 Dorsett, (; 420 Dorsett, W. D 157 Downing, F. E 584 Druse, W. H 577 DucliiUilt, Christian 3.57 Dunlap, C. .M 491 Dunn, Chas. N 130 Dunn, R. H 805 Dupes, Christian 239 Dyson. Edwin 333 E Edgar, A. C 137 Edmonston, Enoch 195 Edwards, J. M 507 Eifert, Geo. H 260 Elliott, John 333 Ellis, S. E 304 Emmerson, Wm. T 588 Erwin, Geo. W 599 Erwin. Lewis D 401 Evans, Hiram 437 F Fields, G. 1 249 Fischer, Henry Jr .545 Flinn, J. C 387 Foote, John 618 Foster. H. T 179 Frank, Ed S 449 Frankenfleld.Theo 473 Freesen, Wm 594 Frey, John. Geo 485 Frisby, Geo. W 525 Fulks, R. B 512 Funk, H. C 612 CONTENTS. G Gapeu, Tho? 587 Gaim, Heury 443 Garner, I. R 581 Garner, W. S 423 Gaut. W. P 493 Gerrish, Cj-nlhia 4Gfi Gerrish, Jacob D 466 Gibson, Ira N 480 Gifford, Jos 233 Glandon, Jobn 454 Glaze, ^\. W 245 Glover, W. S 561 Goodell, J. H 385 Green, Nancy 198 Greenwell, Wrrt. M 170 Greer, Geo 302 Greer, J. L 578 Greer, M. W 130 Greve, Henry 417 Griffith, R. H 478 Griffith, W. H 558 Grimwood W. M 516 Grover, Jas 519 Grover, H. P 530 H Hackmau, E. F 211 Hackman, Wm 235 Hageman, A. L 567 Hagener, Ed 495 Hagener, John H 320 Hager, Lyman 432 Hale, Wm 505 Hall, E. G 445 i Hambaugli, J. M UOl Hammer, F. A 242 { Hansraeyer, H 127 Harbison, Martha J 352 Harbison, Moses 470 } Harding, Peyton 548 Harris,\\Iaro 557 ! Harshey, Amos 450 Hash, Zachariah 490 Hayes, J. W 579 Heaton, Hemy W 401 Heaton, John' 379 Hedgcock, A. J 193 [ Hedgcock, Josliua 344 Heriou, David 143 Herzberger, Conrad 390 Hierman H. A 537 Higgins, Jackson 279 Hiles.Jas 219 Hill, A 575 Hill, Chas 451 Hill, Israel 359 Hills, John. T 517 Hindniau, Samuel 552 Hines, H 433 Hinman, Mrs. JI 556 Hines, H 433 Hotimau, Geo. H 551 Hoffman, J. (' 511 Hood, S.J 271 Horrom, Cyrus 181 Hortou, John. U 324 Howell, Jacob 524 Howell, Thos. S 383 HuescUeu, John 421 Huff, G. P 479 Huge, F. W 512 Hunt. Jos 197 Huppers, Wm 136 I Huss, C. J 611 Huss. John. F 301 I Irwin, C. X 441 Jackson, Ezra 205 Jackson, Mary 590 Jaques, Hiram 256 Jockisch, Ernest 620 Jockisch, Wm 346 Johnson, C. F 294 Johnston, D. W. C 600 Jokisch, C. T 145 Jokisch, C. G 141 Jokisch, Philip 377 Jones, C. E 210 Jones, Thos 353 Juett, Chas. H- 535 K Kallasch, Adolph 402 Keil, H. C 241 Keith, P. R 486 Kendrick, John. G 613 Kennedy. Charles 426 Kerley, King 410 Kerr, John 196 Kircher, John 607 Kirkliam, Geo. H ... .527 Kloker, L. F 398 Knight, Thos 252 Korsmeyer, F. W 153 Korsmeyer, II. H 400 Korte, Henry C 273 Krohe, August 562 Krohe, Henry W 282 Krohe, Fred 259 Krohe, Henry C 310 I Krohe, Lewis E 395 Krueger, C S 467 Kruse. F. H. D 465 Kuhl, George 377 Kuhlmann, Chris 381 L Lambert, Wm J 534 Lancaster, Hejiben 352 Lane, CM.... 484 Lang, F. C 340 Larash, W I 308 Launer, T. C 595 Lawler, J. Thomas 480 Lawrence, Frank 429 Leach. E. D 317 Lee. W. H 392 Leek, H 477 Leeper. A. A 330 Leib, E 571 Lewis, Azariah 222 Linn, D. C .570 Listmann, John 374 Little, Robt ,574 Logsdon, Aaron 476 Logsdon, Andrew o26 Logsdon, Joseph . 531 ' Logsdon, Perry 263 Lovekamp, H. H 554 Lowry, A. K 175 Lucas, G. W 407 Lucas, Newton 155 Lucas, Wm 384 Lutterell, Mrs. S. B 348 Lyons, Daniel 598 { M Main, Z. E 318 Manlove, Wm. B 348 Marshall, A. L 399 ilarlin, Rachel D 414 Maltliew, James D 332 Mayreis, Conrad 314 McCahe, Dr. A. A 560 McCabe, John 159 -AlcCaskill, W. H 583 McClinlock, J. W 539 McCoi mick, A. B 425 JIcCov, G. W 344 :\IcCreery, W. T 494 McDannold, J. J 194 McDannold, T. 1 246 McFarlaud, R. N 324 JIcKee, Wm 334 McMaster, R. B 330 McPhail, Angus 536 Mead, A. J 300 Mead, R. H 312 Meats, Isaac 459 ilerscher, J. W 356 Jlerz, John 483 Meserve, N. P 5G3 Meservey, Joseph 297 Meyer, Fred 551 Meyer, F. W 204 Meyer, Henry 535 Meyer, H. C 339 Meyer, H. W 274 Milby, E. T 554 Miller, Aaron 280 Miller, Samuel 592 Mills, R. W 253 Milnei, R 390 Misenhimer, Isaac. . . 515 Mohlmann, W. G 234 Moore, Ale.x 481 Moore. J. B 278 Moore, S. A 566 Morrell, Wm 434 Morris, J. W 473 Muhlert, Francis. ... 585 M umford, Wm. N 404 Muuroe, Thomas 125 Murphy, J. P .503 CONTENTS. N Neeley, James 484 Neeley, J. E 544 Ne wbokl, H. Y 575 Newman, Kobt ; 453 Nicholson, J. S 244 Nieman, C. E 473 Niestrarlt, H. C 553 Noble A. L 343 Nokes, S. D 261 Norbury, C. J . . . 237 O Oelgen, Wui 142 Oetgen, H. W 455 Orr, D. W 588 Or«i-,J. W 572 Osborn, H. .F 370 Owens, D. W 3^4 P Parke, Jos 544 Parke, Overton 349 Parrolt, Tlios. P 227 Parsons, Norman 223 Pattesoii, Jonathan 138 Patterson, Jas. M 559 Pence, Joseph : 32a Perry, 1 241 Perry, Jas 509 Perry, AVm 557 Persinger, L. G 326 Petetish, S. H 372 Pevchouse, I. N 428 Phelps, Chas. II 531 Philippi, P. P 35>i Pilger, C 368 Pilger, \Tm 50(i Plaster. Jeptha 498 Price, F. C 240 Price, Jlrs. Wm 140 Price, Wm. T 305 Prince. F. K 4-;4 Pruett, J. S 167 H Ranney, S. T 174 Ravenscroft, Mary F 411 Read, Jas. M 468 Redman, B F 200 KedHeld, T. M 361 ReeTe, 8. A . 202 Reid Duncan, 294 Reno, W. C 563 Rice, Chauncey 163 Rich, Robert 435 Richardson, Geo. E 574 Rickard, P. W 189 Rigg, J. N 287 Rigg, Peter 309 Rink, Anton 295 Ritchea, George 319 Ritchey, Chas. D 546 Ritchey, F. T 601 Ritchey, Jacob .S35 Ritter, Henry D 350 Robinson. J. F 281 Robison, Jas. N 172 Rogge, H. H 404 liohn, Casper 228 Rohn, J. lienry .. 231 Rohn, Wm 483 Rottger, F. W 179 Rowland, B L o(i4 Rowland, T. .1 510 Runkle, Darius ... 452 Ryan, Thos 249 .s Sandidge, John 299 Sands, RE 604 Saunders, Mrs. C 555 Savage, Henry 8 355 Scanland, S. W 261 Scbaad, Andrew 275 Schaar, Theodore 460 Schaeffer, C. A 336 Schewe, Wm 569 Schisler, Lewis 515 Schmitt, Geo. J 485 Scbmoldt, H. M 183 Schroder, Samuel M 292 Schroeder, H. J 274 Schullz, H. C 315 Schullz, John 468 Schuraan, Adam 154 Scoggan, W. D 172 Scott, E. J 167 Scott, Leonidas 139 Scott, T. W 188 Scott, T. W 196 Seaman, J. W 221 Seasly, Adam P 221) Seckman, Nancy P 204 Seeley, E. H. 0 184 Serrot, Leonard 448 Settles, Gilderoy 444 Sewall, Wm 456 Shafer, Mrs. E 169 Shank, John 147 Sbupe, W. K 331 Sielschott, A. H 177 Six, A. D 214 Skiles, H. A 518 Skiles, 0.swell 375 Slack, N. G 565 Smith, A. M 363 Smith, D. G 431 Smith, J. J 495 Smith, T. L 469 Snyder, Geo. E 500 Snyder, J. F 604 Snyder, J. H 397 Snyder, J. W 135 Spencer, J. M 207 Spring, Ebenezer Stark, Henry 439 Stephens, Daniel 229 Stevenson, Wm 373 Stock, Casper 422 Stout, A. L 532 Stout, F. M 350 Stover, D. Marion 165 Stribling, I. M 418 Stutsman, J. 8 a25 Sutherlaud, II. R 56 f Sultou, Nathan 337 T Talkemeyer, Wm 459 Taylor, Duncan 193 Taylor, H. W 217 Taylor, Robt 437 Teel, Jas. A 185 Thomas, Peter 447 Thomas, Wm 571 Thompson, A. M 301 Thompson, J. D 218 Thron, David 535 Tinney, C. M 368 Treadway, E. N 269 Treadway, W. T 213 Trone, Geo. W 149 Tureman, J. IT 614 Tyson, Wm. T 266 U Unland, John 284 Unland, Dr. W. G 591 Utter, G. D 257 V Van Deventer, J. F 191 Van Deventer, L. J 419 Van Deventer, T. R 285 Venires. Henry 347 Vette, Henry 475 W Wagner, George 388 Wagner, Gregory, Jr 364 Walker, C:. T 300 Walker, D. N 265 Walker, John H 538 Walker, J. S 617 Ward. Wm. W 398 Warden, F. A 156 Watkins.Jas. M 324 Watts, Thos. W 463 Way, Wm. A 309 Webb, Allen 542 Webb, John 586 Webb, J. W 487 Weigard, Wm 503 Wellfare, F. E 162 Wells, R 149 Wetzel, John. B 311 Whetstone, Marcus 462 Wier, Geo. H 598 Wight, Jesse 308 Williams, G. W ~'47 Williams, P. S 430 Williams, R. E 501 Williams, T. R 207 Wilson, B. R 613 Wilson, D. D 276 Wilson, Geo. W. & F. M 619 Wilson, Jas. M 613 CONTENTS. Wilson, Thos 293 Wilson, Wm. B 613 Winbold, F 596 Witte, Heniy F 251 Wond, Wm 489 Wright, S. G 493 Wyatt, W. .M 408 Y Young. Mrs. Almira 543 Young, J. A 231 Z Zahn Henry 550 Ziuimer, Lewis, Sr., 573 Zimmer, Lewis,.Jr., 597 Zimmerman, Geo. \Y 440 t Zimmerman, Jacob 389 (3)^ GEORGE IVASH/NGTON EORGE WASHING- TON, the "Father of his Country" and its first President, 1789- '97, was burn Febru- ary 22, 1732, in Wash- V ' infjton Parish, West- moreland Co u n t}', \'irginia. His father, Augustine Wash- ington, first married Jane But- ler, who bore him four chil- dren, and March 6, 1730, he married Mary Ball. Of six children by his second mar- riage, George was the eldest, the others being Betty, Samuel, John, Au- gustine, Charles and ^fild^e<^, of whom the youngest died in infancy. I^ittle is known of the early years of Washington, beyond the fact that the house in which he was born was burned during his early child- hood, and that his father thereupon moved to another farm, inherited from his paternal ancestors, situated in Stafford County, on the north bank of the Rappahannock, where he acted as agent of the Principio Iron Works in the immediate vicinity, and died there in 1743. From earliest childhood George devel- oped a noble character. He had a vigorous constitution, a fine form, and great bodily Strength. His education was somewfiat de- ' ' fective, being confined to the elementa'.*y branches taught him by his mother and at a neighboring school. He developed, how- ever, a fondness for mathematics, and en- joyed in that branch the instructions of a private teacher. On leaving school he re- sided for some time at Mount Vernon with his half brother, Lawrence, who acted as his guardian, and who had married a daugh- ter of his neighbor at Belvoir on the Poto- mac, the wealthy William Fairfax, for some time president of the executive council of the colony. Both Fairfax and his son-in-law, Lawrence Washington, had served with dis- tinction in 1740 as officers of an American battalion at the siege of Carthagena, and were friends and correspondents of Admiral Vernon, for whom the lattcr's residence on the Potomac has been named. George's inclinations were for a similar career, and a midshipman's warrant was procured for iiim, probably through the influence of the Admiral ; but through the opposition of his mother the project was abandoned. The family connection with the Fairfaxes, how- ever, opened another career for the 3^oung man, who, at the age of sixteen, was ap- pointed surveyor to the immense estates of the eccentric Lord Fairfax, who was then on a visit at Belvoir, and who shortly after- ward established his baronial residence at Greenway Court, in the Shenandoah Valley. PRES/DENTS OF THE UNITED STATES. Three years were passed by young Wash- ington in a rough frontier Hfe, gaining ex- perience which afterward proved very es- sential to him. In 175 1, when the Virginia inihtia were put under training with a view to active service against France, Washington, though only nineteen years of age, was appointed Adjutant with the rank of Major. In Sep- tember of that year the failing health of Lawrence Washington rendered it neces- sary for him to seek a warmer climate, and George accompanied him in a vo3'age to Bai ladoes. They returned earl^- in 1752, and Lawrence shortly afterward died, leav- ing h.i large property to an infant daughter. In his will George was named one of the executors and as eventual heir to Mount Vernon, and by the death of the infant niece soon succeeded to that estate. On the arrival of Robert Dinwiddle as Lieutenant-Governor of Virginia in 1752 the militia was reorganized, and tlie prov- ince divided into four districts. Washing- ton was commissioned by Dinwiddle Adju- tant-General of the Northern District in 1753, and in November of that j-ear a most important as well as hazardous mission was assigned him. This was to proceed to the Canadian posts recentl}- established on French Creek, near Lake Erie, to demand in the name of the King of England the withdrawal of the French from a territory' claimed by Virginia. This enterprise had been declined by more than one ofticer, since it involved a journey through an ex- tensive and almost unexplored wilderness in the occupancy of savage Indian tribes, either hostile to the English, or of doubtful attachment. Major Washington, however, accepted the commission with alacrit}' ; and, accompanied by Captain Gist, he reached Fort Le Boeuf on French Creek, delivered his dispatches and received reply, which, of course, was a polite refusal to surrender the posts. This reply was of such a character as to induce the Assembly of Virginia to authorize the executive to raise a regiment of 300 men for the purpose of maintaining the asserted rights of the British crown over the territor}' claimed. As Washing- ton declined to be a candidate for that post, the command of this regiment was given to Colonel Joshua Fry, and Major Washing- ton, at his own request, was commissioned Lieutenant-Colonel. On the march to Ohio, news was received that a party previously sent to build a fort at the confluence of tiie Monongahela with the Ohio had been driven back bv a considerable French force, which had completed the work there be- gun, and named it Fort Duquesne, in honor of tiie Marquis Duquesne, then Governor of Canada. This was the beginning of the great " French and Indian war," which con- tinued seven years. On the death of Colonel Fr}', Washington succeeded to the com- mand of the regiment, and so well did he fulfill his trust that the Virginia Assembly commissioned him as Commander-in-Chief of all the forces raised in the colony. A cessation of all Indian hostility on the frontier having followed the expulsion of the French from the Ohio, the object of Washington was accomplished and he re- signed his commission as Commander-in- Chief of the Virginia forces. He then pro- ceeded to Williamsburg to take his seat in the General Assembly, of which he had been elected a member. Januar}- 17, 1759, Washington married Mrs. Martha (Dandridge) Custis, a young and beautiful widow of great wealth, and de- voted himself for the ensuing fifteen years to the quiet pursuits of agriculture, inter- rupted onl_v bv his annual attendance in winter upon the Colonial Legislature at Williamsburg, until summoned by his country to enter upon that other arena in which his fame was to become world wide. It is unnecessary here to trace the details of the struggle upon the question ol local n BO RGB WASHINGTON. self-government, which, after ten years, cul- minated by act of Parliament of the port of Boston. It was at the instance of Virginia that a congress of all the colonies was called to meet at Philadelphia September 5, 1774, to secure their common liberties — if possible by peaceful means. To this Congress Colonel Washington was sent as a dele- gate. On dissolving in October, it recom- mended the colonies to send deputies to another Congress the following s])ring. In the meantime several of the colonies felt impelled to raise local forces to repel in- sults ."uid aggressions on the part of British troops, so that on the assembling of the next Congress, May 10, 1775, the war prepara- tions of the mother country were unmis- takable. The battles of Concord and Lex- ington had been fought. Among the earliest acts, thercfcjre, of the Congress was the selection of a commander-in-chief of the colonial forces. This office was unani- mously conferred upon Washington, still a member of the Congress. lie accepted it on June 19, but on the express condition he should receive no salary. Me immediately repaired to the vicinity of Boston, against which point the British ministry had concentrated their forces. As early as April General Gage had 3,000 troops in and around this proscribed city. During the fall and winter the British policy clearly indicated a purpose to divide pub- lic sentiment and to build up a British part)- in the colonics. Those who sided with the ministry were stigmatized by the patriots as " Tories," while the patriots took to them- selves the name of " Whigs." As early as 1776 the leading men had come to the conclusion that there was no hope except in separation and indepen- dence. In May of that year Washington wrote from the head of the army in New York : " A reconciliation with Great Brit- ain is impossible When I took command of the army, I abhorred the idea of independence ; but I am now fully satis- fied that nothing else will save us." It is not the object of this sketch to trace the military acts of the patriot hero, to whose hands the fortunes and liberties of the United States were confided during- the seven years' bloody struggle that ensued until the treaty of 1783, in which England acknowledged the independence of each of the thirteen States, and negotiated with them, jointly, as separate sovereignties. The merits of Washington as a military chief- tain have been considerablv discussed, espe- cially by writers in his own country. Dur- ing the war he was most bitterly assailed for incompetency, and great efforts were made to displace him ; but he never for a moment lost the confidence of either the Congress or the people. December 4, 1783, the great commander took leave of his offi- cers in most affectionate and patriotic terms, and went to Annapolis, Maryland, where the Congress of the States was in session, and to that body, when peace and order prevailed everj'where, resigned his com- mission and retired to Mount Vernon. It was in 1788 that Washington was called to the chief magistracy of the nation. He received every electoral vote cast in all the colleges of the States voting for the office of President. The 4th of March, 1789, was the time appointed for the Government of the United Stales to begin its operations, but several weeks elapsed before quorums of both the newly constituted houses of the Congress were assembled. The city of New York was the place where the Congress then met. April 16 Washington left his home to enter upon the discharge of his new duties. He set out with a purpose ot traveling privately, and without attracting any oublic attention ; but this was impossi- ble. Everywhere on his way he was met with thronging crowds, eager to see the man whom the}^ regarded as the chief de- fender of their liberties, and everywhere PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES. he was hailed with those public manifesta- tions of joy, regard and love which spring spontaneously from the hearts of an affec- tionate and grateful people. His reception in New York was marked by a grandeur and an enthusiasm never before witnessed in that metropolis. The inauguration took place April 30, in the presence of an immense multitude which had assembled to witness the new and imposing ceremony. The oath of office was administered by Robert R. Livingston, Chancellor of the State. When this sacred pledge \vas given, he retired with the other officials into the Senate chamber, where he delivered his inaugural address to both houses of the newly con- stituted Congress in joint assembly. In the manifold details of his civil ad- ministration, Washington proved himself equal to the requirements of his position. The greater portion of the first session of the first Congress was occupied in passing the necessary statutes for putting the new organization into complete operation. In the discussions brought up in the course of this legislation the nature and character of the new S3'stem came under general review. On no one of them did any decided antago- nism of opinion arise. All held it to be a limited government, clothed onl)^ with spe- cific powers conferred by delegation from the States. There was no change in the name of the legislative department ; it still remained " the Congress of the United States of America." There was no change in the original fiag of the country, and none in the seal, which still remains with the Grecian escutcheon borne by the eagle, with other emblems, under the great and expressive motto, "if Pluribus Unni/i." The first division of parties arose upon the manner of construing the powers dele- gated, and they were first styled " strict constructionists" and " latitudinarian con- structionists." The former were for con- fining the action of the Government strictly within its specific and limited sphere, while the others were for enlarging its powers by inference and implication. Hamilton and Jefferson, both members of the first cabinet, were regarded as the chief leaders, respect ivel}', of these rising antagonistic parties which have existed, under different names from that da}' to this. Washington 'vas re- garded as holding a neutral position between them, though, by mature deliberation, he vetoed the first apportionment bill, in 1790, passed b}' the party headed by Hamilton, which was based upon a principle construct- ively leading to centralization or consoli- dation. This was the first exercise of the veto power under the present Ctjnstitution. It created considerable excitement at the time. Another bill was soon passed in pur- suance of Mr. Jefferson's views, which has been adhered to in principle in every ap portionment act passed since. At the second session of the new Con- gress, Washington announced the gratify^ ing fact of " the accession of North Caro- lina" to the Constitution of 1787, and June I of the same year he announced by special message the like " accession of the State of Rhode Island," with his congratulations on the happy event which " united under the general Goyernment" all the States which were originally confederated. In 1792, at the second Presidential elec- tion, Washington was desirous to retire ; but he yielded to the general wish of the country, and was again chosen President by the unanimous vote of every electoral college. At the third election, 1796, he was again most urgently entreated to consent to remain in the executive chair. This he positively refused. In September, before the election, he gave to his countrymen his memorable Farewell Address, which in lan- guage, sentiment and patriotism was a fit and crowning glory of his illustrious life. After March 4, 1797, he again retired to Mount Vernon for peace, quiet and repose. GEORGE WASHINGTON. «3 His administration forthe two terms had been successful beyond the expectation and hopes of even the most sanguine of his friends. The finances of the country were no longer in an embarrassed condition the public credit was fully restored, life was given to every department of industry, the workings of the new system in allowing Congress to raise revenue from duties on imports proved to be not only harmonious in its federal action, but astonishing in its results upon the commerce and trade of all the States. The exports from the Union increased from §19,000,000 to over $56,000,- 000 per annum, while the imports increased in aliout the same pro|)ortion. Three new members had been added to the Union. The chief to quit his repose at Mount Vernon and take command of all the United States forces, with the rank of Lieutenant-General, when war was threatened with France in 1798, nothing need here be stated, except to note the fact as an unmistakable testimo- nial of the high regard in which he was still held b}' his countrymen, of all shades of po- litical opinion. He patriotically accepted this trust, but a treaty of peace put a stop to all action under it. He again retired to Mount Vernon, where, after a short and severe illness, he died December 14, 1799, in the sixty-eighth year of his age. The whole country was filled with gloom by this sad intelligence. Men of all parties in poli- tics and creeds in religion, in every State pnjgress of the States in their new career | in the Union, united with Congress in " pay- under their new organization thus far was ing honor to the man, first in war, first in exccedingl)' encouraging, not only to the friends of liberty within their own limits, but to their sympathizing allies in all climes £nd countries. peace, and first in the hearts of his country- men." His remains were deposited m a family vault on the banks of the Potomac at Mount 01 the call again made on this illustrious Vernon, where they still lie entombed. H PUBS/DENTS OP TUB UNITED STATES. ^fM^W'W^ ^ ^ ■if^^'OHN ADAMS, the second President of the United States, 1797 to 1 801, was born in the present town of Oiiincy, then a portion of Braintree, Massachu- setts, October 30, 1735. His father was a farmer of mod- erate means, a worthy and » industrious man. He was a deacon in the church, and was very desirous of giving his son a collegiate educa- tion, hoping that he would become a minister of the gospel. But, as up to this time, the age of fourteen, he had been only a play-boy in the fields and forests, he had no taste for books, he chose farming. On being set Xo work, however, by his father out in the field, the very first day con- verted the boy into a lover of books. Accordingly', at the age of sixteen he entered Harvard College, and graduated in 1755, at the age of twenty, highly esteemed for integrity, energy and ability. Thus, having no capital but his education, he started out into the storm}- world at a time of great political excitement, as France and England were then engaged in their great seven-years struggle for the mastery over the New World. The fire of patriotism seized young Adams, and for a tini<- he studied over the question whether he should take to the law, to politics or ihe arm}'. He wrote a remarkable letter to a friend, making prophecies concerning the future greatness of this country which have since been more than fulfilled. For two years he taught school and studied law, wasting no odd moments, and at the eariy age of twent3'-two years he opened a law office in his native town. His inherited powers of mind and untiring devotion to his profession caused him to rise rapidly in public esteem. In October, 1764, Mr. Adams married Miss Abigail Smith, daughter of a clergy- man at Weymouth and a lady of rare per- sonal and intellectual endowments, who afterward contributed much to her hus- band's celebrity. Soon the oppression of the British in America reached its climax. The Boston merchants employed an attorney by the name of James Otis to argue the legality of oppressive lax law before the Superior Court. Adams heard the argument, and afterward wrote to a friend concerning the ability displayed, as follows : " Otis was a flame of fire. With a promptitude of classical allusion, a depth of research, a rapid summary of historical events and dates, a profusion of legal authorities and a --3^=^,4P^st -gar ff«ii, .^',#<%-i?aia?j^'i?%ff^^iV'R«ik vti'Klfei r¥ym^ Hr?rHagRS:rS^AzaPH^,dPPm,g;^a=gHagzaaHSa^ <^i(f-« *^ EH^»HHHSE m ^'^-i m- HOMAS JEFFER- son, the third Presi- dent of the United States, 1801-9, ^v^s born April 2, 1743, the eldest child of his parents, Peter and Jane (Randolph) Jef- ferson, near Charlottes- ville, Y\lbemarle County, Virginia, upon the slopes of the Blue Ridge. When he -was fourteen years of age, his father died, leav- ing a widow and eight children. She was a beau- tiful and accomplished lady, a good letter-writer, with a fund of humor, and an admirable housekeeper. His parents belonged totiie Church of England, and are said to be of Welch origin. But little is known of them, however. Thomas was naturally of a serious turn of mind, apt to learn, and a favorite at school, his choice studies being mathemat- ics and the classics. At the age of seven- teen he entered William and Mary College, in an advanced class, and lived in rather an expensive style, consequently being much caressed by gay society. That he was not ruined, is proof of his stamina of character. But during his second year he discarded ^=#S society, his horses and even his favorite violin, and devoted thenceforward fifteen hours a day to hard study, becoming ex- traordinarily proficient in Latin and Greek authors. On leaving college, before he was twenty- one, he commenced the study of law, and pursued it diligently until he was well qualified for practice, upon which he entered in 1767. By this time he was also versed in French, Spanish, Italian and An- glo-Saxon, and in the criticism of the fine arts. Being very polite and polished in his manners, he won the friendship of all whom he met. Though able with his pen, he was not fluent in public speech. In 1769 he was chosen a member of the Virginia Legislature, and was the largest slave-holding member of that body. He introduced a bill empowering slave-holders to manumit their slaves, but it was rejected by an overwhelming vote. In 1770 Mr. Jefferson met with a great loss ; his house at Shadwell was burned, and his valuable library of 2,000 volumes was consumed. But he was wealthy enough to replace the most of it, as from his 5,000 acres tilled by slaves and his practice at the bar his income amounted to about $5,000 a year. In 1772 he married Mrs. Martha Skelton, a beautiful, wealthy and accomplished I-,.' :^^^7^:/^ THOAfAS JEFFERSOX. n young widow, who owned 40,000 acres of land and 130 slaves; yet he labored assidu- ously for the abolition of slavery. For his new home he selected a majestic rise of land upon his large estate at Shadwell, called Monticello, whereon he erected a mansion of modest 3'ct elegant architecture. Here he lived in luxury, indulging his taste in magnificent, high-blooded horses. At this period the British Government gradually became more insolent and op- pressive toward the American colonies, and Mr. Jefferson was ever one of the most foremost to resist its encroachments. From time to time he drew up resolutions of re- monstrance, which were finally adopted, thus pr(jving his ability as a statesman and as a leader. By thevear 1774 he became quite busv, both with voice and pen, in dc- fendine: the riji^ht of the colonies to defend themselves. His jjamphlet entitled : " A Summary View of the Rights of British America," attracted much attention in Eng- land. The following year he, in company with George Washington, served as an ex- ecutive committee in measures to defend by arms the State of V^irginia. As a Mem- ber of the Congress, he was not a speech- maker, yet in conversation and upon committees he was so frank and decisive that he always made a favorable impression. But as late as the autumn of 1775 he re- mained in hopes of reconciliation with the parent country. At length, however, tlie hour arrived for draughting the " Declaration of Indepen- dence," and this responsible task was de- volved upon Jefferson. Franklin, and Adams suggested a few verbal corrections befure it was submitted to Congress, which was June 28, 1776, only six days before it was adopted. During the three days of the fiery ordeal of criticism through which it passed in Congress, Mr. Jeflerson opened not his lips. John Adams was the main champion of the Declaration on the floor of Congress. The signing of this document was one of the most solemn and momentous occasions ever attended to by man. Prayer and silence reigned throughout the hall, and each signer realized that if American independence was not finally sustained by arms he was doomed to the scaffold. After the colonies became independent States, Jefferson resigned for a time his seat in Congress in order to aid in organizing the government of Virginia, of which State he was chosen Governor in 1779, when he was thirty-six years of age. At this time the British had possession of Georgia and were invading South Carolina, and at one time a British otificer, Tarleton, sent a secret expedition to Monticello to capture the Governor. Five minutes after Mr. Jefferson escaped with his family, his man- si(5n was in possession of the enemy ! The British troops also destroyed his valuable plantation on the James River. " Had they carried off the slaves," said Jefferson, with characteristic magnanimity, " to give them freedom, they would have done right." The year 1781 was a gloomy one for the Viisrinia Governor. While confined to his secluded home in the forest by a sick and dving wife, a party arose against him throughout the State, severely criticising his course as Governor. Being very sensi- tive to reproach, this touched him to the quick, and the heap of troubles then sur- rounding him nearly crushed him. He re- solved, in despair, to retire from public life for the rest of his days. For weeks Mr. Jefferson sat lovingly, but with a crushed heart, at the bedside of his sick wife, during which time unfeeling letters were sent to him, accusing him of weakness and unfaith- fulness to duty. All this, after he had lost so much property and at the same time done so much for his country! After her death he actually fainted away, and re- mained so long insensible that it was feared he never would recover ! Several weeks PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES. passed before he could fully recover his equilibrium. He was never married a second time. In the spring of 1782 the people of Eng- land compelled their king to make to the Americans overtures of peace, and in No- vember following, Mr. Jefferson was reap- pointed by Congress, unanimously and without a single adverse remark, minister plenipotentiary to negotiate a treaty. In March, 1784, Mr. Jefferson was ap- pointed on a committee to draught a plan for the government of the Northwestern Territory. His slavery -prohibition clause in that plan was stricken out by the pro- slavery majority of the committee; but amid all the controversies and wrangles of poli- ticians, he made it a rule never to contra- dict anybody or engage in any discussion as a debater. In company with Mr. Adams and Dr. Franklin, Mr. Jefferson was appointed in May, 1784, to act as minister plenipotentiary in the negotiation of treaties of commerce with foreign nations. Accordingly, he went to Paris and satisfactorily accomplished his mission. The suavity and high bearing of his manner made all the French his friends; and even Mrs. Adams at one time wrote to her sister that he was " the chosen of the earth." But all the honors tiiat he received, both at home and abroad, seemed to make no change in the simplicity of his republican tastes. On his return to America, he found two parties respecting the foreign commercial policy, Mr. Adams sympathizing with that in favor of England and himself favoring France. On the inauguration of General Wash- ington as President, Mr. Jefferson was chosen by him for the office of Secretary of State. At this time the rising storm of the French Revolution became visible, and Washington watched it with great anxiety. His cabinet was divided in their views of constitutional government as well as re- garding the issues in France. General Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury, was the leader of the so-called Federal party, while Mr. Jefferson was the leader of the Republican party. At the same time there was a strong monarchical party in this country, with which Mr. Adams sympa- thized. Some important financial measures, which were proposed by Hamilton and finally adopted by the cabinet and approved by Washington, were opposed by Mr. Jefferson ; and his enemies theji began to reproach him with holding office under an administration whose views he opposed. The President poured oil on the troubled waters. On his re-election to the Presi- dency he desired Mr. Jefferson to remain in the cabinet, but the latter sent in his resignation at two different times, probably because he was dissatisfied with some of the measures of the Government. His final one was not received until January i, 1794, when General Washington parted from him with great regret. Jefferson then retired to his quiet home at Monticello, to enjoy a good rest, not even reading the newspapers lest the political gossip should disquiet him. On the Presi- dent's again calling him back to the office of Secretary of State, he replied that no circumstances would ever again tempt him to engage in anything public ! But, while all Europe was ablaze with war, and France in the tiiroes of a bloody revolution and the principal theater of the conflict, a new Presidential election in this country came on. John Adams was the Federal candi- date and Mr. Jefferson became the Republi- can candidate. The result of the election was the promotion of the latter to the Vice- Presidency, while the former was chosen President. In this contest Mr. Jefferson really did not desire to have either office, he was " so weary " of party strife. He loved the retirement of home more than any other place on the earth. THOMAS yEFFEliSON. 25 But for four long years his Vice-Presi- dency passed joylessly away, while the partisan strife between Federalist and Re- publican was ever growing hotter. The former party split and the result of the fourtri general election was the elevation of Mr. Jefferson to the Presidency ! with Aaron Burr as Vice-President. These men being at the head of a growing party, their election was hailed everywhere with joy. On the other hand, many of the Federalists turned [)ale, as they believed what a portion of the pulpit and the press had been preach- ing— that Jefferson was a " scoffing atheist," a "Jacobin," the " incarnation of all evil," " breathing threatening and slaughter ! " Mr. Jefferson's inaugural address con- tained nothing but the noblest sentiments, expressed in fine language, and his personal behavior afterward exhibited the e.\treme of American, democratic simplicity. His disgust of European court etiquette grew upon him with age. He believed that General Washington was somewhat dis- trustful of the ultimate success of a popular Government, and that, imbued with a little admiration of the forms of a monarchical Goverimient, he had instituted levees, birth- days, pompous meetings with Congress, etc. Jefferson was always polite, even to slaves everywhere he met them, and carried in his countenance the indications of an ac- commodating disposition. The political principles of the Jeffersoni- an party now swept the country, and Mr. Jefferson himself swayed an influence which was never exceeded even by Washington. Under his administration, in 1803, the Lou- isiana purchase was made, for $15,000,000, the " Louisiana Territory " purchased com- prising all the land west of the Mississippi to the Pacific Ocean. The year 1804 witnessed another severe loss in his family. His highly accomplished and most beloved daughter Maria sickened and died, causing as great grief in the stricken parent as it was possible for him to survive with any degree of sanity. The same year he was re-elected to the Presidency, with George Clinton as Vice- President. During his second term our relations with England became more com- plicated, and (jii June 22, 1807, near Hamp- ton Roads, the United States frigate Chesapeake was fired upon by the Brit- ish man-of-war Leopard, and was made to surrender. Three men were killed and ten wounded. Jefferson demanded repara- tion. England grew insolent, ft became evident that war was determined upon by the latter power. More than 1,200 Ameri- cans were forced into the British service upon the high seas. Before any satisfactory solution was reached, Mr. Jefferson's Presidential term closed. Amid all these public excitements he thought constantly of the welfare of his family, and longed for the time when he could return home to remain. There, at Monticello, his sub- sequent life was very similar to that of Washington at Mt. Vernon. His hospi- tality toward his numerous friends, indul- gence of his slaves, and misfortunes to his property, etc., finally involved him in debt. For years his home resembled a fashion- able watering-place. During the summer, thirty-seven house servants were required! ft was presided over by his daughter, Mrs. Randolph. Mr. Jefferson did much for the establish- ment of the University at Charlottesville, making it unsectarian, in keeping with the spirit of American institutions, but poverty and the feebleness of old age prevented him from doing what he would. He even went so far as to petition the Legislature for permission to dispose of some of his possessions by lottery, in order to raise the necessary funds for home expenses. It was granted ; but before the plan was carried out, Mr. Jefferson died, July 4 12:50 P. M. 1826, at 26 PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES. _!^.«I1|&5 :}^'^AMES MADISON, the ''2: fourth President of the ^|s*» United States, 1809-'! 7, was born at Port Con- way, Prince George Count}', Virginia, March 16, 1 75 1. His father, Colonel James Madison, was a wealthy planter, residing upon a very fine estate called " Montpelier," only twenty-five miles from the home of Thomas Jefferson at Monticello. The closest personal and political at- tachment existed between these illustrious men from their early youth until death. James was the eldest of a family of seven children, four sons and three daughters, all of whom attained maturity. His early edu- cation was conducted mostly at home, under a private tutor. Being natural!}' in- tellectual in liis tastes, he consecrated him- self with unusual vigor to study. At a very early age he made considerable proficiency in the Greek, Latin, French and Spanish languages. In 1769 he entered Princeton College, New Jersey, of which the illus- trious Dr. Weatherspoon was then Presi- dent. He graduated in 1771, with a char- acter of the utmost purity, and a mind highly disciplined and stored with all the learning which embellished and gave effi- ciency to his subsequent career. After graduating he pursued a course of reading for several months, under the guidance of President Weatherspoon, and in 1772 re- tuined to Virginia, where he continued in incessant study for two years, nominally directed to the law, but really including extended researches in theology, philoso- phy and general literature. The Church of England was the estab- lished church in Virginia, invested with all the prerogatives and immunities which it enjoyed in the fatherland, and other de- nominations labored under serious disabili- ties, the enforcement of which was rightly or wrongly characterized by them as per- secution. Madison took a prominent stand in behalf of the removal of all disabilities, repeatedly appeared in the court of his own county to defend the Baptist nonconform- ists, and was elected from Orange County to the Virginia Convention in the spring of 1766, when he signalized the beginning of his public career by procuring the passage of an amendment to the Declaration of Rights as prepared by George Mason, sub- stituting for " toleration" a more emphatic assertion of religious liberty. :v,. &-M M / / a,x^^^ .c/^ oo^w ^"^ yAMES AfADISON. n In 1776 he was elected a member of the Virginia Convention to frame the Constitu- tion of the State. Like Jefferson, he took but little part in the public debates. His main strength lay in his conversational in- fluence and in his pen. In November, 1777, he was chosen a member of the Council of State, and in March, 1780, took his seat in the Continental Congress, where he first gained prominence through his energetic opposition to the issue of paper money by the States. He continued in Congress three vears, one of its most active and influential members. In 1784 Mr. Madison was elected a mem- ber of the Virginia Legislature. He ren- dered important service by promoting and participating in that revision of the statutes which cITcctually abolished the remnants of the feudal system subsistent up to that time in the form of entails, primogeniture, and State support given the Anglican Church ; and his " Memorial and Remon- strance" against a general assessment for the support of religion is one of the ablest papers which emanated from his pen. It settled the question of the entire separation of church and State in Virginia. Mr. Jefferson says of him, in allusion to the study and experience through which he had already passed : " Trained in these successive schools, he acquired a habit of self-possession which placed at ready command the rich resources of his luminous and discriminating mind and of his extensive information, and rendered him the first of every assembly of which he afterward became a member. Never wan- dering from his subject into vain declama- tion, but pursuing it closely in language pure, classical and copious, soothing al- ways the feelings of his adversaries by civili- ties and softness of expression, he rose to the eminent station which he held in the great National Convention of 1787; and in that of Virginia, which followed, he sustained the new Constitution in all its parts, bearing oS the palm against the logic of George Mason and the fervid declamation of Patrick Henry. With these consummate powers were united a pure and spotless virtue which no calumny has ever attempted to sullv- Of the power and polish of his pen, and of the wisdom of his administration in the highest office of the nation, I need say nothing. They have spoken, and will for- ever speak, for themselves." In January, 1786, Mr. Madison took the initiative in proposing a meeting of State Commissioners to devise measures for more satisfactory commercial relations between the States. A meeting was held at An- napolis to discuss this subject, and but five States were represented. The convention issued another call, drawn up by Mr. Madi- son, urging all the States to send their dele- gates to Philadelphia, in May, 1787, to draught a Constitution for the United States. The delegates met at the time ap- pointed, every State except Rhode Island being represented. George Washington was chosen president of the convention, and the present Constitution of the United States was then and there formed. There was no mind and no pen more active in framine this imm<5rtal document than the mind and pen of James Madison. He was, perhaps, its ablest advocate in the pages of the Federalist. Mr. Madison was a member of the first four Congresses, 1789-97, in which he main- tained a moderate opposition to Hamilton's financial policy. He declined the mission to France and the Secretaryship of State, and, gradually identifying himself with the Republican party, became from 1792 its avowed leader. In 1796 he was its choice for the Presidency as successor to Wash- ington. Mr. Jefferson wrote: "There is not another person in the United States with whom, being placed at the helm of our affairs, my mind would be so completely at y> PRESIDENTS OP THE UNITED STATES. rest for the fortune of our political bark." But Mr. Madison declined to be a candi- date. His term in Congress had expired, and he returned from New York to his beautiful retreat at Montpelier. In 1/94 Mr. Madison married a young widow of remarkable powers of fascination — Mrs. Todd. Her maiden name was Doro- thy Paine. She was born in 1767, in Vir- ginia, of Quaker parents, and had been educated in the strictest rules of that sect. When but eighteen years of age she married a young lawyer and moved to Philadelphia, where she was introduced to brilliant scenes of fashionable life. She speedily laid aside the dress and address of the Quakeress, and became one of the most fascinating ladies of the republican court. In New York, alter the death of her husband, she was the belle of the season and was surrounded with admirers. Mr. Madison won the prize. She proved an invaluable helpmate. In Washington she was the life of society. If there was any diffident, timid young girl just making her appearance, she found in Mrs. Madison an encouraging triend. During the stormy administration of John Adams Madison remained in private life, but was the author of the celebrated " Reso- lutions of 1798," adopted by the Virginia Legislature, in condemnation of the Alien and Sedition laws, as well as of the " report" in which he defended those resolutions, which is, by many, considered his ablest State paper. The storm passed away; the Alien and Sedition laws were repealed, John Adams lost his re-election, and in 1801 Thomas Jef- ferson was chosen President. The great re- action in public sentiment which seated Jefferson in the presidential chair was large- ly owing to the writings of Madison, who was consequently well entitled to the post of Secretary of State. With great abilit}' he discharged the duties of this responsible office during the eight years of Mr. Jefier. son's administration. As Mr. Jefferson was a widower, and neither of his daughters could be often with him, Mrs. Madison usually presided over the festivities of the White House; and as her husband succeeded Mr. Jefferson, hold- ing his office for two terms, this remarkable woman was the mistress of the presidential mansion for sixteen years. Mr. Madison being entirely engrossed by the cares of his office, all the duties of so- cial life devolved upon his accomplished wife. Never were such responsibilities more ably discharged. The most bitter foes of her husband and of the administra- tion were received with the frankly prof- fered hand and the cordial smile of wel- come; and the influence of this gentle woman in allaying the bitterness of party rancor became a great and salutary power in the nation. As the term of Mr. Jefferson's Presidency drew near its close, party strife was roused to the utmost to elect his successor. It was a death-grapple between the two great parties, the Federal and Republican. Mr. Madison was chosen President by an elec- toral vote of 122 to 53, and was inaugurated March 4, 1809, at a critical period, when the relations of the United States with Great Britain were becoming embittered, and his first term was passed in diplomatic quarrels, aggravated by the act of non-intercourse of May, 1810, and finally resulting in a decla- ration of war. On the 1 8th of June, 181 2, President Madison gave his approval to an act of Congress declaring war against Great Brit- ain. Notwithstanding the bitter hostility of the Federal party to the war, the country in general approved ; and in the autumn Madison was re-elected to the Presidency by 128 electoral votes to 89 in favor of George Clinton. March 4, 1817, Madison yielded the Presi- yAMES MADISON. 3» dency to his Secretary of State and inti- mate friend, James Monroe, and retired to his ancestral estate at Montpelier, where he passed the evening o{ his days surrounded by attached friends and enjoying the merited respect of the wliole nation. He took pleasure in promoting agriculture, as president of the county society, and in watching the dcvcUjpment of the University of Virginia, of which he was long rector and visitor. In extreme old age he sat in 1829 as a member of the convention called to re- form the Virginia Constitution, where his appearance was hailed with the most gen- uine interest and satisfaction, though he was too infirm io participate in the active W(jrk of revision. Small in stature, slender and delicate in form, with a countenance full of intelligence, and expressive alike of mildness anil dignity, he attracted the atten- tion of all who attended the convention, and was treated with the utmost deference. He seldom addressed the assembly, though he always appeared self-possessed, and watched with unflagging interest the prog- ress of every measure. Tiiough the con- vention sat sixteen weeks, he spoke only twice ; but when he did speak, the whole house paused to listen. His voice was feeble though his enunciation was very dis- tinct. One of the reporters, Mr. Stansbury, relates the following anecdote of Mr. Madi- son's last speech: " The next day, as there was a great call for it, and the report had not been returned for publication, I sent my son with a re- spectful note, requesting the manuscript. My son was a lad of sixteen, whom I had taken with me to act as amanuensis. On delivering my note, he was received with the utmost politeness, and requested to come up into Mr. Madison's room and wait while his eye ran over the paper, as com- pany had prevented his attending to it. He did so, and Mr. Madison sat down to correct the report. The lad stood near him so that his eye fell on the paper. Coming to a certain sentence in the speech, Mr. Madison erased a word and substituted another ; but hesitated, and not feeling satisfied with the second word, drew his pen through it also. My son was young, ignorant of the world, and unconscious of the solecism of which he was about t(3 be guilty, when, in all simplic- ity, he suggested a word. Probably no other person then living would have taken such a liberty. But the sage, instead of regarding such an intrusion with a frown, raised his eyes to the boy's face with a pleased surprise, and said, ' Thank you, sir ; it is the very word,' and immediately in- serted it. I saw him the next day, and he mentioned the circumstance, with a compli- ment on the young critic." Mr. Madison died at Montpelier, June 28, 1836, at the advanced age of eighty-five. While not possessing the highest order of talent, and deficient in oratorical powers, he was pre-eminently a statesman, of a well, balanced mind. His attainments were solid, his knowledge copious, his judgment gener- ally sound, his powers of analysis and logi- cal statement rarely surpassed, his language and literary style correct and polished, his conversation witty, his temperament san- guine and trusfful, his integrity unques- tioned, his manners simple, courteous and winning. By these rare qualities he con- ciliated the esteem not only of friends, but of political opponents, in a greater degree than any American statesman in the present century. Mrs. Madison survived her husband thir- teen years, and died July 12, 1849, in the eighty-second year of her age. She was one of the most remarkable women our coun- try has produced. Even now she is ad- miringly remembered in Washington as " Dolly Madison," and it is fitting that her memory should descend to posterity in company with thatof the companion of her life. 3? PRESIDENTS OF THE VNlTt-D STATES. '^^tf;']';:'i'..--i'.-,t,;v.;-ir..'V>l?M§ ^Vi- v-Av.A»v«,^v.A.\K..;v.;seB'^=^--'^*--^'3£^-.V'N--.VSLVALVaa ''€(°rJ^>° father, John Adams, in Q u i n c y , Massachusetts, July II, 1767. His mother, a woman of exalted worth, watched over his childhood during the almost constant absence of his father. He commenced his education at the village school, giving at an early period indica- tions of superior mental en- dowments. When eleven years (jf age he sailed with his father for Europe, where the latter was associated with Franklin and Lee as Minister Plenipotentiary. The intelligence of John Quincy attracted the attention of these men and received from them flattering marks of attention. Mr. Adams had scarcely returned to this country in 1779 ere he was again sent abroad, and John Quincy again accom- panied him. On this voyage he commenced a diary, which practice he continued, with but few interruptions, until his death- He journeyed with his father from Ferrol, in Spain, to Paris. Here he applied himself for six months to study; then accompanied his father to Holland, where he entered, first a school in Amsterdam, and then the University of Leyden. In 1781, when only fourteen years of age, he was selected by Mr. Dana, our Minister to the Russian court, as his private secretary. In this school of incessant labor he spent fourteen months, and then returned alone to Holland through Sweden, Denmark, Hamburg and Bremen. Again he resumed his studies under a private tutor, at The Hague. In the spring of 1782 he accompanied his father to Paris, forming acquaintance with the most distinguished men on the Conti- nent. After a short visit to England, he re- turned to Paris and studied until May, 1785, when he returned to America, leav- ing his father an embassador at the court of St. James. In 1786 he entered the jun- ior class in Harvard University, and grad- uated with the second honor of his class. The oration he delivered on this occasion, the " Importance of Public Faith to the Well-being of a Community," was pub- lished— an event vei»y rare in this or any other land. Upon leaving college at the age of twenty he studied law three years with the Hon. Theophilus Parsons in Newbur3'port. In 1790 he opened a law ofifice in Boston. The profession was crowded with able men, and the fees were small. The first year he had J, ^ . J+^la/^y^4 JOHN ^UINCr ADAMS. no clients, but not a moment was lost. The second year passed away, still no clients, and still he was dependent upon his parents for support. An.xiously he awaited the third year. The reward now came. Cli- ents began to enter his office, and before the end of the year he was so crowded with business that all solicitude respecting a support was at an end. When Great Britain commenced war against France, in 1793, Mr. Adams wrote some articles, urging entire neutrality on the part of the United States. The view was not a popular one. Many felt that as France had helped us, we were bound to ht'p France. But President Washington coincided with Mr. Adams, and issued his proclamation of neutrality. His writings at this time in the Boston journals gave him so high a reputation, that in June, 1794, he was appointed by Washington resident Minister at the Netherlands. In July, 1797, he left The Hague to go to Port- ugal as Minister Plcni[)otentiary. Wash- ington at this time wrote to his father, John Adams: " Without intending to compliment the father or the mother, or to censure any others, I give it as my decided opinion, that Mr. Adams is the most valuable char- acter we have abroad; and there remains no doubt in my mind that he will prove the ablest of our diplomatic corps." On his way to Portugal, upon his arrival in London, he met with dispatches direct- ing him to the court of Berlin, but request- ing him to remain in London until he should receive instructions. While waiting he was married to Miss Louisa Catherine John- son, to whom he had been previously en- gaged. Miss Johnson was a daughter of Mr. Joshua Johnson, American Consul in London, and was a lady endowed with that beauty and those accomplishments which fitted her to move in the elevated sphere l^or which she was destined. In July, 1799, having fulfilled all the pur- poses of his mission, Mr. Adams returned. In 1802 he was chosen to the Senate of Massachusetts from Boston, and then was elected Senator of the United States for six years from March 4, 1804. His reputation, his ability and his experience, placed him immediately among the most prominent and influential members of that body. He sustained the Government in its measures of resistance to the encroachments of Eng- land, destroying our commerce and insult- ing 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 resist- ance. This course, so truly patriotic, and which scarcely a voice will now be found to condemn, alienated iiim from the Fed- eral party dominant in Boston, and sub- jected him to censure. In 1805 Mr. Adams was chosen professor of rhetoric in Harvard College. His lect- ures at this place were subsequently pub- lished. In 1809 he was sent as Minister to Russia. He was one of the commissioners that negotiated the treaty of peace with Great Britain, signed December 24, 1814, and he was appointed Minister to the court of St. James in 1815. In 1817 he became Secretary of State in Mr. Monroe's cabinet in which position he remained eight years. Few will now contradict the assertion that the duties of that office were never more ably discharged. Probably the most im- portant measure which Mr. Adams con- ducted was the purchase of Florida from Spain for $5,000,000. The campaign of 1824 was an exciting one. Four candidates were in the field. Of the 260 electoral votes that were cast, Andrew Jackson received ninety-nine; John Quincy Adams, eighty-four; William H. Crawford, forty-one, and Henry Clay, thirty-seven. As there was no choice by the people, the question went to the House 42 PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES. of Representatives. Mr. Clay gave the vote of Kentucky to Mr. Adams, and he was elected. The friends of all disappointed candidates now combined in a venomous assault upon Mr. Adams. There is nothing more dis- graceful in the past history of our country than the abuse which was poured in one uninterrupted stream upon this high- minded, upright, patriotic man. There was never an administration more pure in prin- ciples, more conscientiously devoted to the best interests of the country, than that of John Ouincy Adams; and never, perhaps, was there an administration more unscru- pulously assailed. Mr. Adams took his seat in the presidential chair resolved not to know any partisans hip, but only to con- sult for the interests of the whole Republic, He refused to dismiss an)' man from of- fice for his political views. If he was a faith- ful officer that was enough. Bitter must have been hisdisappointment to find that the Nation could not appreciate such conduct. Mr. Adams, in his public manners, was cold and repulsive; though with his per- sonal friends he was at times very genial. This chilling address very seriously de- tracted from his popularity. No one can read an impartial record of his administra- tion without admitting that a more noble example of uncompromising dignity can scarcely be found. It was stated publicly that Mr. Adams' administration was to be put down, " though it be as pure as the an- gels which stand at the right hand of the throne of God." Many of the active par- ticipants in these scenes lived to regret the C(Hirse they pursued. Some years after, Warren R. Davis, of South Carolina, turn- ing to Mr. Adams, then a member of the House of Representatives, said: " Well d(j I remember the enthusiastic zeal with which we reproached the admin- istration of that gentleman, and the ardor and vehemence with which wc labored to bring in another For the share I had in these transactions, and it was not a small one, I hope God will forgive me, for I shall never forgive myself." March 4, 1829, Mr. Adams retired- from the Presidency and was succeeded by An- drew Jackson, the latter receiving 168 out of 261 electoral votes. John C. Calhoun was elected Vice-President. The slavery question now began to assume pretentious magnitude. Mr. Adams returned to Quincy, and pursued his studies with una- bated zeal. But he was not long permitted to remain in retirement. In November, 1830, he was elected to Congress. In this he recognized the principle that it is honor- able for the General of yesterday to act as Corporal to-day, if by so doing he can ren- der service to his country. Deep as are our obligations to John Quinc}- Adams for his services as embassador, as Secretary of State and as President; in his capacity as legislator in the House of Representa- tives, he conferred benefits upon our land which eclipsed all the rest, and which can never be over-estimated. For seventeen years, until his death, he occupied the post of Representative, tow- ering above all his peers, ever ready to do brave battle for freedom, and winning the title of " the old man eloquent." Upon taking his seat in the House he announced that he should hold himself bound to no party. He was usually the first in his place in the morning, and the last to leave his seat in the evening. Not a measure could escape his scrutiny. The battle which he fought, almost singly, against the pro-slavery party in the Government, was sublime in its moral daring and heroism. For persisting in presenting petitions for the abolition of slavery, he was threatened with indictment by the Grand Jury, with expulsion from the House, with assassina- tion; but no threats could intimidate him, and his final triumph was complete. JOHN ^UINCr ADAMS. 43 On one occasion Mr. Adams presented a petition, signed by several women, against the annexation of Texas for the purpose of cutting it up into slave States. Mr. How- ard, of Maryland, said that these women discredited not only themselves, but their section of the country, by turning from their domestic duties to the conflicts of po- litical life. "Are women." exclaimed Mr. Adams, " to have no opinions or actions on subjects relating to the general welfare? Where did the gentleman get his principle? Did he find it in sacred history, — in the language of Miriam, the prophetess, in one of the noblest and sublime songs of triumph that ever met the human eve or ear? Did the gentleman never hear of Deborah, to whom the children of Israel came up for judg- ment ? Has he forgotten the deed of Jael, who slew the dreaded enemy of her coun- try? Has he forgotten Esther, who, by her petition saved her people and her coun- try? " To go from sacred history to profane, does the gentleman there find it ' discredita- ble ' for women to take an interest in politi- cal affairs? Has he forgotten the Spartan mother, who said to her son when going out to battle, ' My son, come back to me with thy shield, or upon thy shield ?' Does he remember Cloelia and her hundred com- panions, who swam across the river unc^er a shower of darts, escaping from Porsena ? Has he forgotten Cornelia, the mother of the Gracchi ? Does he not remember Por- tia, the wife of Brutus and the daughter of Cato? " To come to later periods, what says the history of our Anglo-Saxon ancestors ? To say noth'ng of Boadicea. the British heroine in the time of the C;Esars, what name is more illustrious than that of EHza- beth ? Or, if he will go to the continent, will he not find the names of Maria Theresa of Hungary, of the two Catherines of Prussia, and of Isabella of Castile, the pa- troness of Columbus ? Did she bring ' dis- credit ' on her sex by mingling in politics ? " In this glowing strain Mr. Adams si- lenced and overwhelmed his antagonists. In January, 1842, Mr. Adams presented a petition from forty-five citizens of Haver- hill, Massachusetts, praying for a peaceable dissolution of the Union. The pro-slavery party in Congress, who were then plotting the destruction of the Government, were aroused to a pretense of commotion such as even our stormy hall of legislation has rarely witnessed. They met in caucus, and, finding that the}' probably would not be able to expel Mr. Adams from the House drew up a series of resolutions, which, if adopted, would inflict upon him disgrace, equivalent to expulsion. Mr. Adams had presented the petition, which was most re- spectfully worded, and had moved that it be referred to a committee instructed to re- port an answer, showing the reason whj the prayer ought not to be granted. It was the 25th of January. The whole body of the pro-slavery party came crowd- ing together in the House, prepared to crush Mr. Adams forever. One of the num- ber, Thomas F. Marshall, of Kentucky, was appointed to read the resolutions, which accused Mr. Adams of high treason, of having insulted the Government, and 01 meriting expulsion; but for which deserved punishment, the House, in its great mercy, would substitute its severest censure. With the assumption of a very solemn and mag- isterial air, there being breathless silence in the audience, Mr. Marshall hurled the care- fully prepared anathemas at his victim. Mr. Adams stood alone, the whole pro-slav- ery party against him. As soon as the resolutions were read, every eye being fixed upon him, that bold old man, whose scattered locks were whit- ened by seventy-five years, casting a wither- ing glance in the direction of his assailants^ 44 PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES. in a clear, shrill tone, tremulous with sup- pressed emotion, said: " In reply to this audacious, atrocious charge of high treason, I call for the read- ing of the first paragraph of the Declaration of Independence. Read it ! Read it ! and see what that says of the rights of a people to reform, to change, and to dissolve their Government.' The attitude, the manner, the tone, the words; the venerable old man, with flash- ing eye and flushed cheek, and whose very form seemed to expand under the inspiration of the occasion — all presented a scene over- flowing in its sublimity. There was breath- less silence as that paragraph was read, in defense of whose principles our fathers had pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor. It was a proud hour to Mr. Adams as they were all compelled to listen to the words: " That, to secure these rights, govern- ments are instituted among; men, deriving- their just powers from the consent of the governed; and that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of those ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundations on such principles and organizing its powers in such form as shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness." That one sentence routed and baffled the foe. The heroic old man looked around upon the audience, and thundered out, " Read that again ! " It was again read. Then in a few fiery, logical words he stated his defense in terms which even prejudiced minds could not resist. His discomfited assailants made several attempts to rally. After a conflict of eleven days they gave up vanquished and their resolution was ig- nominiously laid upon the table. In Januarv, 1846, when seventy-eight years of age, he took part in the great de- bate on the Oregon question, displaying intellectual vigor, and an extent and accu- racy of acquaintance with the subject that excited great admiration. On the 2ist of February, 1848, he rose on the floor of Congress with a paper in his hand to address the Speaker. Suddenly he fell, stricken b}- paralysis, and was caught in the arms of those around him. For a time he was senseless and was conveyed to a sofa in the rotunda. With reviving consciousness he opened his eyes, looked calml}' around and said, " This h the end of earth." Then after a moment's pause, he added, " / am contejtt." These were his last words, and he soon breathed his last, in the apartment beneath the dome of the capitol — ^the theater of his labors and his triumphs. In the language of hymnology, he " died at his post;" he " ceased at once to work and live." €:A::j-^i^ ANDREW JACKSOAT. 47 ^•^' "•::^v —":-j" " .j™™.....»..™«»j........ ..._.„. „..™._.^^ ilK^K > i^' ^{ ^XDREW JACKSON, the seventh President of the United States, i829-'37, was born at the VVaxhavv Settle. ■^ ment, Union Coun- ty, North Carolina, March i6, 1767. His parents were Scotch-Irish, natives of Carrickfergus, who came to America in 1765, and settled on Twelve-Mile Creek, a trib- utary of the Catawba. His • father, who was a poor farm laborer, died shortly before An- drew's birth, when his mother removed to Waxhaw, where some relatives resided. Few particulars of the childhood of Jack- sou have been preserved. His education was of the most limited kind, and he showed no fondness for books. He grew up to be a tall, lank boy, with coarse hair and freck- led cheeks, with bare feet dangling from trousers too short for him, very fond of ath- letic sports, running, boxing and wrestling. He was generous to the younger and weaker boys, but very irascible and over- bearing with his equals and superiors. He was profane — a vice in which he surpassed ail other men. The character of his mother he revered; and it was not until after her death that his predominant vices gained full strength. In 1780, at the age of thirteen, Andrew, or Andy, as he was called, with his brother Robert, volunteered to serve in the Revo- lutionary forces under General Sumter, and was a witness of the latter's defeat at Hang- ing Rock. In the following year the brothers were made prisoners, and confined in Camden, experiencing brutal treatment from their captors, and being spectators of General Green's defeat at Hobkirk Hill. Through their mother's exertions the boys were exchanged while suffering from small- pox. In two days Robert was dead, and Andy apparently dying. The strength of his constitution triumphed, and he regained health and vigor. As he was getting better, his mother heard the cry of anguish from the prison- ers whom the British held in Charleston, among whom were the sons of her sisters. She hastened to their relief, was attacked by fever, died and was buried where her grave could never be found. Thus Andrew Jackson, when fourteen years of age, was left alone m the world, without father, mother, sister or brother, and without one dollar which he could call his own. He 48 ^RES/DB/VTS OP THB UNITED STATES. soon entered a saddler's shop, and labored diligently for six months. But gradually, as health returned, he became more and more a wild, reckless, lawless boy. He gambled, drank and was regarded as about the worst character that could be found. He now turned schoolmaster. He could teach the alphabet, perhaps the multiplica- tion table; and as he was a very bold boy, it is possible he might have ventured to teach a little writing. But he soon began to think of a profession and decided to study law. With a very slender purse, and on the back of a verj^ fine horse, he set out for Salisbury, North Carolina, where he entered the law office of Mr. McCay. Here he remained two years, professedly studying law. He is still remembered in traditions of Salisbury, which say: " Andrew Jackson was the most roaring, rollicking, horse-racing, card-plaving, mis- chievous fellow that ever lived in Salisbury. He did not trouble the law-books much." Andrew was now, at the age of twenty, a tall young man, being over six feet in height. He was slender, remarkably grace- ful and dignified in his manners, an exquis- ite horseman, and developed, amidst his loathesome profanity and multiform vices, a vein of rare magnanimity. His temper was fiery in the extreme; but it was said of him that no man knew better than Andrew Jackson when to get angry and when not. In 1786 he was admitted to the bar, and two years later removed to Nashville, in what was then the western district of North Carolina, with the appointment of so- licitor, or public prosecutor. It was an of- fice of little honor, small emolument and great peril. Few men could be found to accept it. And now Andrew Jackson commenced vigorously to practice law. It was an im- portant part of his business to collect debts. It required nerve. During the first seven years of his residence in those wilds he traversed the almost pathless forest between Nashville and Jonesborough, a distance of 200 miles, twenty-two times. Hostile In- dians were constantly on the watch, and a man was liable at any moment to be shot down in his own field. Andrew Jackson was just the man for this service — a wild, daring, rough backwoodsman. Daily he made hair-breadth escapes. He seemed to bear a charmed life. Boldly, alone or with few companions, he traversed the forests, encountering all perils and triumphing over all. In 1790 Tennessee became a Territory, and Jackson was appointed, by President Washington, United States Attorney for the new district. In 1791 he married Mrs. Rachel Robards (daughter of Colonel John Donelson), whom he supposed to have been divorced in that year by an act of the Leg- islature of Virginia. Two years after this Mr. and Mrs. Jackson learned, to their great surprise, that Mr. Robards had just obtained a divorce in one of the courts of Kentucky, and that the act of the Virginia Legislature was not final, but conditional. To remedy the irregularity as much as pos- sible, a new license was obtained and the marriage ceremony was again performed. It proved to be a marriage of rare felic- ity. Probably there never was a more affectionate union. However rough Mr. Jackson might have been abroad, he was always gentle and tender at home; and through all the vicissitudes of their lives, he treated Mrs. Jackson with the most chival- ric attention. Under the circumstances it was not un- natural that the facts in the case of this marriage were so misrepresented by oppo- nents in the political campaigns a quarter or a century later as to become the basis of serious charges against Jackson's moral- ity which, however, have been satisfactoril}'- attested by abundant evidence. Jackson was untiring in his duties as Ax DREW yACA'SO.V. 49 United States Attorney, which demanded frequent journeys through the wilderness and exposed him to Indian hostihties. He acquired considerable property in land, and obtained such influence as to be chosen a member of the convention which framed the Constitution for the new State of Ten- nessee, in 1796, and in that year was elected its first Representative in Congress. Albert Gallatin thus describes the first appearance of the Hon. Andrew Jackson in the House: " A tall, lank, uncouth-looking personage, with locks of hair hanging over his face and a cue down his back, tied with an eel skin; his dress singular, his manners and deport- ment those of a rough backwoodsman." Jackson was an earnest advocate of the Democratic party. Jefferson was his idol. He admired Bonaparte, loved France and hated England. As Mr. Jackson took his seat. General Washington, whose second term of office was just expiring, delivered his last speech to Congress. A committee drew up a complimentary address in reply. Andrew Jackson did not approve the ad- dress and was one of twelve who voted against it. Tennessee had fitted out an expedition against the Indians, contrary to the policy of the Government. A resolution was intro- duced that the National Government should pay the expenses. Jackson advo- cated it and it was carried. This rendered him very popular in Tennessee. A va- cancy chanced soon after to occur in the Senate, and Andrew Jackson was chosen United States Senator by the State of Ten- nessee. John Adams was then President and Thomas Jefferson, Vice-President. In 1798 Mr. Jackson returned to Tennes- see, and resigned his seat in the Senate. Soon after he was chosen Judge of the Su- preme Court of that State, with a salary of $600. This office he held six years. It is said that his decisions, though sometimes ungrammatical, were generally right. He did not enjoy his seat upon the bench, and renounced the dignity in 1804. About this time he was chosen Major-General of militia, and lost the title of judge in that of General. When he retired from the Senate Cham- ber, he decided to trj- his fortune through trade. He purchased a stock of goods in Philadelphia and sent them to Nashville, where he opened a store. He lived about thirteen miles from Nashville, on a tract of land of several thousand acres, mostly un- cultivated. He used a small block-house for a store, from a narrow window of which he sold goods to the Indians. As he had an assistant his office as judge did not materially interfere with his business. As to slavery, born in the midst of it, the idea never seemed to enter his mind that it could be wrong. He eventually became an extensive slave owner, but he was one of the most humane and gentle of masters. In 1804 Mr. Jackson withdrew from pol- itics and settled on a plantation which he called the Hermitage, near Nashville. He set up a cotton-gin, formed a partnership and traded in New Orleans, making the voyage on flatboats. Through his hot tem- per he became involved in several quarrels and " affairs of honor," during this period, in one of which he was severely wounded, but had the misfortune to kill his opponent, Charles Dickinson. For a time this affair greatly injured General Jackson's popular- ity. The verdict then was, and continues to be, that General Jackson was outra- geously wrong. If he subsequently felt any remorse he never revealed it to anyone. In 1805 Aaron Burr had visited Nash- ville and been a guest of Jackson, with whom he corresponded on the subject of a war with Spain, which was anticipated and desired by them, as well as by the people of the Southwest generally. Burr repeated his visit in September, 1806, when he engaged in the celeorated 50 PREJIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES. combinations which led to his trial for trea- son. He was warmly received by Jackson, at whose instance a public ball was given in his honor at Nashville, and contracted with the latter for boats and provisions. Early in 1807, when Burr had been pro- claimed a traitor by President Jefferson, volunteer forces for the Federal service were organized at Nashville under Jack- son's command; but his energy and activ- ity did not shield him from suspicions of connivance in the supposed treason. He was summoned to Richmond as a witness in Burr's trial, but was not called to the stand, probably because he was out-spoken in his partisanship. On the outbreak of the war with Great Britain in 1812, Jackson tendered his serv- ices, and in January, 181 3, embarked for New Orleans at the head of the Tennessee contingent. In March he received an or- der to disband his forces; but in Septem- ber he again took the field, in the Creek war, and in conjunction with his former partner, Colonel Coffee, inflicted upon the Indians the memorable defeat at Talladega, Eniuckfaw and Tallapoosa. In May, 1814, Jackson, who had now ac- quired a national reputation, was appointed a Major-General of the United States army, and commenced a campaign against the British in Florida. He conducted the de- fense at Mobile, .September 15, seized upon Pensacola, November 6, and immediately transported the bulk of his troops to New Orleans, then threatened b}' a powerful naval force. Martial law was declared in Louisiana, the State militia was called to arms, engagements with the British were fought December 23 and 28, and after re-en- forcements had been received on both sides ^<*V^tT.^(*T^v ■:iv3^i 2- \- v^.A ■i^33gE^^JiV •^'^•^^^■:Eai5£S3 ja- 't^i"^AWV-'f^iESk^£^iau^5£ESii^ p ^^^CQai^tin Uan Bui^bn.^^ ^ ^i^ ■*' " "^ " ARTIN VAN BU REN, the eighth |itt;^,' President of the United States, 1837- '41, was born at Kin- s^^^fef derhook, New York, December 5, 1782. His ancestors were of Dutch origin, and were among the earliest emigrants from Hol- land to the banks of the Hudson. His father was a tavern-keeper, as well as a farmer, and a very decided Democrat. Martin commenced the study of law at the age of fourteen, and took an active part in politics before he had reached the age of twenty. In 1803 he commenced the practice of law in his native village. In 1809 he removed to Hudson, the shire town of his count3% where he spent seven years, gaining strength by contending in the courts with some of the ablest men who have adorned the bar of his State. The heroic example of John Quincy Adams in retaining in office every faithful man, without regard to his political preferences, had been thoroughly repudiated by Gen- eral Jackson. The unfortunate principle was now fully established, that " to the victor belong the spoils." Still, this prin- ciple, to which Mr. Van Buren gave his ad- herence, was not devoid of inconveniences. When, subsequently, he attained power which placed vast patronage in his hands, he was heard to say : " I prefer an office that has no patronage. When I give a man an office I offend his disappointed competi- tors and their friends. Nor am 1 certain of gaining a friend in the man I appoint, for, in all probability, he expected something better." In 1812 Mr. Van Buren was elected to the State Senate. In 181 5 he was appointed Attorney-General, and in 18 16 to the Senate a second time. In 1818 there was a great split in the Democratic party in New York, and Mr. Van Buren took the lead in or- ganizing that portion of the party called the Alban}' Regency, which is said to have swayed the destinies of the State for a quarter of a century. In 1 82 1 he was chosen a member of the convention for revising the State Constitu- tion, in which he advocated an extension of the franchise, but opposed universal suf- frage, and also favored the proposal that colored persons, in order to vote, should have freehold property to the amount of $250. In this year he was also elected to the United States Senate, and at the con- clusion of his term, in 1827, was re-elected, but resigned the following year, having been chosen Governor of the State. In March, 1829, he was appointed Secretary oi ^ 7 2--^^^ ^-^2,^^^c^ MARTIN VAN BUR EN. State by President Jackson, but resigned in April, 1831, and during the recess of Congress was appointed minister to Eng- land, whither he proceeded in September, but the Senate, when convened in Decem- ber, refused to ratify the appointment. In May, 1832, Mr. Van Buren was nomi- nated as the Democratic candidate for Vice- President, and elected in the following November. May 26, 1836, he received the nomination to succeed General Jackson as President, and received 170 electoral votes, out of 283. Scarcely had he taken his seat in the Presidential chair when a financial panic swept over the land. Many attributed this to the war which General Jackson had waged on the banks, and to his endeavor to secure an almost exclusive specie currenc}'. Nearly every bank in the country was com- pelled to suspend specie payment, and ruin pervaded ail our great cities. Not less than 254 houses failed in New York in one week. All public works were brought to a stand, and there was a general state of dismay. President Van Buren urged the adoption of the independent treasury system, which was twice passed in the Senate and defeated in the House, but iiually became a law near the close of his ^administration. Another important measure was the pass- age of a pre-emption law, giving actual set- tlers the preference in the purchase of public lands. The question of slavery, also, now began to assume great prominence in national politics, and after an elaborate anti-slavery speech by Mr. Slade, of Ver- mont, in the House of Representatives, the Southern members withdrew for a separate consultation, at which Mr. Rhett, of South Carolina, proposed to declare it expedient that the Union should be dissolved ; but the matter was tided over by the passage of a resolution that no petitions or papers relating to slavery should be in any way considered or acted upon. In the Presidential election of 1840 Mr. Van Buren was nominated, without opposi- tion, as the Democratic candidate, William H. Harrison being the candidate of the Whig party. The Democrats carried only seven States, and out of 294 electoral votes only sixty were for Mr. Van Buren, the re- maining 234 being for his opponent. The Whig popular majority, however, was not large, the elections in man)- of the States being very close. March 4, 1841, 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. In 1844 he was again proposed as the Democratic candidate for the Presidency, and a majority of the delegates of the nominating convention were in his favor ; but, owing to his opposition to the pro- posed annexation of Texas, he could not secure the requisite two-thirds vote. His name was at length withdrawn by his friends, and Mr. Polk received the nomina- tion, and was elected. In 1848 Mr. Cass was the regular Demo- cratic candidate. A schism, however, sprang up in the party, upon the question of the permission of slavery in the newly- acquired territory, and a portion of the party, taking the name of " Free-Soilers," nominated Mr. Van Buren. They drew away sufficient votes to secure the election of General Taylor, the Whig candidate. After this Mr. Van Buren retired to his es- tate at Kinderhook, where the remainder of his life was passed, with the exception of a European tour in 1853. He died at Kinderhook, July 24, 1862, at the age of eighty years. Martin Van Buren was a great and good man, and no one will question his right to a high position among those who have been the successors of Washington in the faithful occupancy of the Presidential chair. t6 PRESIDENTS OP THE UN/ TED STATES. 9 ^^^^ AB^yi^?nMMWfflmfi^';1fi^fi^mWr^W^.Tilffl#WWT^?^^ ^-v' l" ,5i{ the United States. The Indians were committing fearful ravages on our North- western frontier. Young Harrison, either lured by the love of adventure, or moved b}- the sufferings of families exposed to the most horrible outrages, abandoned his med- ical studies and entered the army, having obtained a commission of ensign from Pres- ident Washington. The first duty assigned him was to take a train of pack-horses bound to Fort Hamilton, on the Miami River, about forty miles from Fort Wash- ington. He was soon promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, and joined the army which Washington had placed under the command of General Wayne to prosecute more vigorously the war with the In- dians. Lieutenant Harrison received great commendation from his commanding offi- cer, and was promoted to the rank of Captain, and placed in command at Fort Washington, now Cincinnati, Ohio. About this time he married a daughter of John Cleves Symmes, one of the fron- tiersmen who had established a thriving settlement on the bank of the Maumee. In 1797 Captain Harrison resigned his commission in the army and was appointed Secretary of the Northwest Territory, and ex-officio Lieutenant-Governor, General St. Clair being then Governor of the Territory. At that time the law in reference to the disposal of the public lands was such that no one could purchase in tracts less than 4,000 acres. Captain Harrison, in the face of violent opposition, succeeded in obtaining so much of a modification of this unjust law that the land was sold in alternate tracts of 640 and 320 acres. The Northwest Territory vas then entitled to one delegate in Cftngress, and Cap- tain Harrison was chosen to fill that of- fice. In 1800 he was appointed Governor ^ A'/Zc a^ WILLIAM HENUY HARRISON. S9 of Indiana Territory and soon after of Upper Louisiana. He was also Superin- tendent of Indian Affairs, and so well did he fulfill these duties that he was four times appointed to this office. During his admin- istration he effected thirteen treaties with the Indians, by which the United States acquired 60,000,000 acres of land. In 1804 he obtained a cession from the Indians of all the land between the Illinois River and the Mississippi. In 1S12 he was made Major-General of Kentucky militia and Brigadier-General m the army, with the command of the Northwest frontier. In 1813 he was made Major-General, and as such won much re- nown by the defense of Fort Meigs, and the battle of the Thames, Octobers, 1813. In 1814 he left the army and was employed in Indian affairs by the Government. In 1816 General Harrison was chosen a member of the National House of Repre- sentatives to represent the district of Ohio. In the contest which preceded his election he was accused of corruption in respect to the commissariat of the army. Immedi- ately upon taking his seat, he called for an investigation of the charge. A committee was appointed, and his vindication was triumphant. A high compliment was paid to his patriotism, disinterestedness and devotion to the public service. For these services a gold medal was presented to him with the thanks of Congress. In 1 8 19 he was elected to the Senate of Ohio, and in 1824, as one of the Presiden- tial electors of that State, he gave his vote to Henry Clay. In the same year he was elected to the Senate of the United States. In 1828 he was appointed by President Adams minister plenipotentiary to Colom- bia, but was recalled by General Jackson immediately after the inauguration of the latter. Upon his return to the United States, General Harrison retired to his farm at North Bend, Hamilton County, Ohio, six- teen miles below Cincinnati, where for twelve years he was clerk of the Count}^ Court. He once owned a distillery, but perceiving the sad effects of whisky upon the surrounding population, he promptly abandoned his business at great pecuniary sacrifice. In 1836 General Harrison was brought forward as a candidate for the Presidency. Van Buren was the administration candi- date; the opposite party could not unite, and four candidates were brought forward. General Harrison received seventy-three electoral votes without any general concert among his friends. The Democratic party triumphed and Mr. Van Buren was chosen President. In 1839 General Harrison was again nominated for the Presidency by the Whigs, at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Mr. Van Buren being the Democratic candi- date. General Harrison received 234 elec- toral votes against sixty for his opponent. This election is memorable chiefly for the then extraordinary means employed during the canvass for popular votes. Mass meet- ings and processions were introduced, and the watchwords " log cabin " and " hard cider " were effectually used by the Whigs, and aroused a popular enthusiasm. A vast concourse of people attended his inauguration. His address on that occasion was in accordance with his antecedents, and gave great satisfaction. A short time after he took his seat, he was seized by a pleurisy- fever, and after a few days of violent sick- ness, died April 4, just one short month after his inauguration. His death was universally regarded as one of the greatest of National calamities. Never, since the death of Washington, were there, throughout one land, such demonstrations of sorrow. Not one single spot can be found to suU}- his fame; and through all ages Americans will pronounce with love and reverence the name of William Henry Harrison. 6o PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES. i: djM h I IS £.<^:r;<::i^-„^^gil1g* „«_ _ — _ ■ - ,. ■..- RsaiHaaeHEjAjK 1 II ^^n^^4^r,^c^^c^^^.4^^^<^^^,^r,:;^(r,.;^t>^^^ OHN TYLER, the tenth President of the United States, was born in Charles City County, S7. "~ ipr ,^ y^ Virginia, March 29, 1790. ^^'v^iy!t;^Sii^ His father, Judge John Tyler, possessed large landed estates in Virginia, and was one of the most distinguished men of his da\', filling the offices of Speaker of the House of Delegates, Judge of the Su- preme Court and Governor of the State. At the early age of twelve young John entered William and Mary College, and graduated with honor when but seventeen years old. He then closely applied himself to the stud}' of law, and at nineteen years of age commenced the prac- tice of his profession. When only twenty- one he was elected to a seat in the State Legislature. He acted with the Demo- cratic party and advocated the measures of Jefferson and Madison. For five years he was elected to the Legislature, receiving nearly the unanimous vote of his county. When but twenty-six years of age he was elected a member of Congress. He advo- cated a strict construction of the Constitu- tion and the most careful vigilance over State rights. He was soon compelled to resign his seat in Congress, owing to ill health, but afterward took his seat in the State Legislature, where he exerted a powerful influence in promoting public works of great utility. In 1825 Mr. Tyler was chosen Governor of his State — a high honor, for Virginia had many able men as competitors for the prize. His administration was signally a successful one. He urged forward inter- nal improvements and strove to remove sectional jealousies. His popularity secured his re-election. In 1827 he was elected United States Senator, and upon taking his seat joined the ranks of the opposition. He opposed the tariff, voted against the bank as unconstitutional, opposed all restrictions upon slavery, resisted all projects of inter- nal improvements by the General Govern- ment, avowed his sympathy with Mr. Cal- houn's views of nullification, and declared that General Jackson, b\- his opposition to the nullifiers, had abandoned the principles of the Democratic party. Such was Mr. Tyler's record in Congress. This hostility to Jackson caused Mr. Tyler's retirement from the Senate, after his election to a second term. He soon after removed to Williamsburg for the better education of his children, and again took his seat in the Legislature. JOHN TYLER. 63 In 1839 he was sent to the National Con- vention at Harrisburg to nominate a Presi- dent. General Harrison received a majority of votes, much to the disappointment of the South, who had wished for Henry Clay. In order to conciliate the Southern Whigs, John Tyler was nominated for Vice-Presi- dent. Harrison and Tyler were inaugu- rated March 4, 1841. In one short month from that time President Harrison died, and Mr. Tyler, to his own surprise as well as that of the nation, found himself an occupant of the Presidential chair. His position was an exceedingly difficult one, as he was opposed to the main principles of the party which had brought him into power. General Harrison had selected a Whig cabinet Should he retain them, and thus surround himself with councilors whose views were antagonistic to his own? or should he turn against the party that had elected him, and select a cabinet in harmony with himself? This was his fear- ful dilemma. President Tyler deserves more charity than he has received. He issued an address to the people, which gave general satisfac- tion. He retained the cabinet General Harrison had selected. His veto of a bill chartering a new national bank led to an open quarrel with the party which elected him, and to a resignation of the entire cabinet, except Daniel Webster, Secretary of State. President Tyler attempted to conciliate. He appointed a new cabinet, leaving out all strong party men, but the Whig members of Congress were not satisfied, and they published a manifesto September 13, break- ing off all political relations. The Demo- crats had a majority in the House ; the Whigs in the Senate. Mr. Webster soon found it necessary to resign, being forced out by the pressure of his Whig friends. April 12, 1844, President Tyler concluded, Through Mr. Calhoun, a treaty [or the an- nexation of Texas, which was rejected by the Senate ; but he effected his object in the closing days of his administration by the passage of the joint resolution of March i 1845. He was nominated for the Presidency by an informal Democratic Convention, held at Baltimore in May, 1844, but soon with- drew from the canvass, perceiving that he had not gained the confidence of the Demo- crats at large. Mr. Tyler's administration was particu- larly unfortunate. No one was satisfied. Whigs and Democrats alike assailed him. Situated as he was, it is more than can be expected of human nature that he should, in all cases, have acted in the wisest manner ; but it will probably be the verdict of all candid men, in a careful review of his career, that John Tyler was placed in a position of such difficulty that he could not pursue an}' course which would not expose him to severe censure and denunciation. In 1813 Mr. Tyler married Letitia Chris- tian, who bore him three sons and three daughters, and died in Washington in 1842. June 26, 1844, he contracted a second mar- riage with Miss Julia Gardner, of New York. He lived in almost complete retire- ment from politics until February, i86i, when he was a member of the abortive " peace convention," held at Washington, and was chosen its President. Soon after he renounced his allegiance to the United States and was elected to the Confederate Congress. He died at Richmond, January 17, 1862, after a short illness. Unfortunately for his memory the name of John Tyler must forever be associated with all the misery of that terrible Re- bellion, whose cause he openly espoused. It is with sorrow that history records that a President of the United States died while defending the flag of rebellion, which was arrayed against the national bannc in deadly warfare. PRES/DEA'TS OF THE UN/TED STATES. .ar. tj^ •!-, 'i^__.i^ AMES KNOX POLK, the eleventh President of !#«* the United States, 1845- \S^ '49, was born in Meck- lenburg County, North Carolina, November 2, 1795. He was the eldest son of a family of six sons and four daughters, and was a grand-nephew of Colonel Thomas Polk, celebrated in connection with the Meck- lenburg Declaration of In- dependence. In 1806 his father, Samuel Polk, emigrated with his fam- ily' two or three hundred miles west to the valley of the Duck River. He was a sur- veyor as well as farmer, and gradually in- creased in wealth until he became one of the leading men of the region. In the common schools James rapidly be- came proficient in all the common branches of an English education. In 18 13 he was sent to Murfreesboro Academy, and in the autumn of 181 5 entered the sophomore class in the University of North Carolina, at Chapel Hill, graduating in 1818. After a short season of recreation he went to Nash- ville and entered the law office of Felix Grundy. As soon as he had his finished legal studies and been admitted to the bar, he returned to Columbia, the shire town of Maury County, and openeu an office. James K. Polk ever adhered to the polit- ical faith of his father, which was that of a Jeffersonian Republican. In 1823 he was elected to the Legislature of Tennessee. As a " strict constructionist," he did not think that the Constitution empowered the Gen- eral Government to carr}' on a system of internal improvements in the States, but deemed it important that it should have that power, and wished the Constitution amended that it might be conferred. Sub- sequentl}-, however, he became alarmed lest the General Government become so strong as to undertake to interfere with slavery. He therefore gave all his influence to strengthen the State governments, and to check the growth of the central power. In January, 1824, Mr. Polk married Miss Mary Childress, of Rutherford Count}', Ten- nessee. Had some one then whispered to him that he was destined to become Presi- dent of the United States, and that he must select for his companion one who would adorn that distinguished station, he could not have made a more fitting choice. She was truly a lady of rare beauty and culture. In the fall of 1825 Mr. Polk was chosen a member of Congress, and was continu- JAMES A'. POLK. 67 ously re-elected until 1839. He then with- drew, only that he might accept the gubernatorial chair of his native State. He was a warm friend of General Jackson, who had been defeated in the electoral contest by John Quincy Adams. This latter gentleman had just taken his seat in the Presidential chair when Mr. Polk took his seat in the House of Representatives. He immediately united himself with the opponents of Mr. Adams, and was soon regarded as the leader of the Jackson party in the House. The four years of Mr. Adams' adminis- tration passed away, and General Jackson took tne Presidential chair. Mr. Polk had now become a man of great influence in Congress, and was chairman of its most important committee — that of Ways and Means. Eloquently he sustained General Jackson in all his measures — in his hostility to internal improvements, to the banks, and to the tariff. Eight years of General Jack- son's administration passed away, and the powers he had wielded passed into the hands of Martin Van Buren ; and still Mr. Polk remained in the House, the advocate of that type of Democracy which those distinguished men upheld. During five sessions of Congress Mr. Polk was speaker of the House. He per- formed his arduous duties to general satis- faction, and a unanimous vote of thanks to him was passed by the House as he with- drew, March 4, 1839. He was elected Governor by a large majority, and took the oath of office at Nashville, October 14, 1839. He was a candidate for re-election in 1 84 1, but was defeated. In the mean- time a wonderful revolution had swept over the country. AV. H. Harrison, the Whig candidate, had been called to the Presiden- tial chair, and in Tennessee the Whig ticket had been carried by over 12,000 majority. Under these circumstances Mr. Polk's suc- cess was hopeless. Still he canvassed the State with his Whig competitor, Mr. Jones, traveling in the most friendly manner to- gether, often in the same carriage, and at one time sleeping in the same bed. Mr. Jones was elected by 3.000 majority. And now the question of the annexation of Texas to our country agitated the whole land. When this question became national Mr. Polk, as the avowed champion of an- nexation, became the Presidential candidate of the pro-slavery wing of the Democratic party, and George M. Dallas their candi- date for the Vice-Presidency. They were elected by a large majority, and were in- augurated March 4, 1845. President Polk formed an able cabinet, consisting of James Buchanan, Robert J. Walker, William L. Marcy, George Ban croft, Cave Johnson and John Y. Mason. The Oregon boundary question was settled, the Department of the Interior was created, the low tariff ol 1846 was carried, the financial sj^stem of the Government was reorganized, the Mexican war was con- ducted, which resulted in the acquisition of California and New Mexico, and had far- reaching consequences upon the later fort- unes of the republic. Peace was made. We had wrested from Mexico territory equal to four times the empire of France, and five times that of Spain. In the prose- cution of this war we expended 20,000 lives and more than $100,000,000. Of this money $15,000,000 were paid to Mexico. Declining to seek a renomination, Mr. Polk retired from the Presidency March 4, 1849, when he was succeeded by General Zachary Taylor. He retired to Nashville, and died there June 19, 1849, i" the fifty- fourth year of his age. His funeral was at- tended the following day, in Nashville, with every demonstration of respect. He left no children. Without being possessed of extraordinary talent, Mr. Polk was a capable administrator of public affairs, and irre- proachable in private life. 5S PRESrDBNTS OF THE UN/TED STATES. |(^x^ c:Vt.A-\VV35SrsSS^^^^V23G£V''VV-V"^'^-^-">v^'^>''^^^^'"^ •^^a^b^a^!^"^!^ W£^^0^0^^^^y^ ,.e^| g t| fe " " " i^f^i^t^^i^^jf^i^ s^^tj;:4>sSitjgi^''m''^M''^^'^y^~m^%^^^M%^'m'm-^m ; Fpi]IfIiII] PIERCE. g^m RANKLIN PIERCE, the fourteenth Presi- •^ ■'v|^^Si^i^>---<' dent of the United -?H'Mt^^^'' f^'- States, was born in Hillsborough, New Hampshire, Novem- ber 23, 1804. His father, Governor Benjamin Pierce, was a Rev- olutionary soldier, a man of rigid integrity ; was for sev- eral years in the State Legis- lature, a member of the Gov- ernor's council and a General of the militia. Franklin was the sixth of eight children. As a boy he listened eagerly to the argu- ments of his father, enforced by strong and ready utterance and earnest gesture. It was in the days of intense political excite- ment, when, all over the New England States, Federalists and Democrats were ar- rayed so fiercely against each other. In 1820 he entered Bowdoin College, at Brunswick, Maine, and graduated in 1824, and commenced the study of law in the office of Judge Woodbury, a very distin- guished lawj'er, and in 1827 was admitted to the bar. He practiced with great success in Hillsborough and Concord, He served in the State Legislature four years, the last two of which he was chosen Speaker of the House by a very large vote. In 1833 he was elected a member of Con- gress. In 1837 he was elected to the United States Senate, just as Mr. Van Buren com- menced his administration. In 1834 he married Miss Jane Means Appleton, a lady admirably fitted to adorn every station with which her husband was honored. Three sons born to them all found an early grave. Upon his accession to office, President Polk appointed Mr. Pierce Attorney-Gen- eral of the United States, but the offer was declined in consequence of numerous pro- fessional engagements at home and the precarious state of Mrs. Pierce's health. About the same time he also declined the nomination for Governor b}' the Demo- cratic party. The war with Mexico called Mr. Pierce into the army. Receiving the appointment of Brigadier-General, he embarked with a portion of his troops at Newport, Rhode Island, May 27, 1847. He served during this war, and distinguished himself by his bravery, skill and excellent judgment. When he reached his home in his native State he was enthusiastically received by FRANKLIN PIERCE. the advocates of the war, and coldly by its opponents. He resumed the practice of his profession, frequently taking an active part in political questions, and giving his sup- port to the pro-slavery wing of the Demo- cratic part}-. June 12, 1852, the Democratic convention met in Baltimore to nominate a candidate for the Presidency. For four days they continued in session, and in thirty-five bal- lotings no one had received the requisite two-thirds vote. Not a vote had been thrown thus far for General Pierce. Then the Virginia delegation brought forward his name. There were fourteen more bal- lotings, during which General Pierce gained strength, until, at the fort\'-ninth ballot, he received 282 votes, and all other candidates eleven. General Winfield Scott was the Whig candidate. General Pierce was elected with great unanimity. Onl)' four States — Vermont, Massachusetts, Ken- tucky and Tennessee — cast their electoral votes against him. March 4, 1853, he was inaugurated President of the United States, and William R. King, Vice-President. President Pierce's cabinet consisted of William S. Marc\% James Guthrie, Jefferson Davis, James C. Dobbin, Robert McClel- land, James Campbell and Caleb Cushing. At the demand of slavery the Missouri Compromise was repealed, and all the Ter- ritories of the Union were thrown open to slavery. The Territory of Kansas, west of Missouri, was settled by emigrants mainly from the North. According to law, they were about to meet and decide whether slavery or freedom should be the law of that realm. Slavery in Missouri and other Southern States rallied her armed legions, marched them into Kansas, took possession of the polls, drove away the citizens, deposited their own votes by handiuls, went through the farce of count- ing them, and then declared that, by an overwhelming majority, slavery was estab- lished in Kansas. These facts nobody denied, and yet President Pierce's adminis- tration felt bound to respect the decision obtained by such votes. The citizens of Kansas, the majority of whom were free- State men, met in convention and adopted the following resolve : "Resolved, That the body of men who, for the past two months, have been passing laws for the people of our Territory, moved, counseled and dictated to b}' the demagogues of other States, are to us a foreign body, representing only the lawless invaders who elected them, and not the people of this Territory ; that we repudiate their action as the monstrous consummation of an act of violence, usurpation and fraud unparalleled in the history of the Union." The free-State people of Kansas also sent a petition to the General Government, im- ploring its protection. In reply the Presi- dent issued a proclamation, declaring that Legislature thus created must be recog- nized as the legitimate Legislature of Kan- sas, and that its laws were binding upon the people, and that, if necessary, the whole force of the Governmental arm would be put forth to inforce those laws. James Buchanan succeeded him in the Presidency, and, March 4, 1857, President Pierce retired to his home in Concord, New Hampshire. When the Rebellion burst forth Mr. Pierce remained steadfast to the principles he had always cherished, and gave his sympathies to the pro-slavery party, with which he had ever been allied. He declined to do anything, either by voice or pen, to strengthen the hands of the National Government. He resided in Concord until his death, which occurred in October, 1S69. He was one of the most genial and social of men, generous to a fault, and contributed liberally of his moderate means for the alleviation of suf- fering and want. He was an honored communicant of the Episcopal church. So P/fESTDEIVTS OF THE U.VITED STATES. P<^,rg t§Sir;y»»tS!>it^t.y)tji^t;.gj^('Vlti ')gl^i,iW^ ii<.-' j'^-^'-i^^Va'--." U'^Vi'j^-^U^ 'AMES BUCHANAN, the fifteenth President of the United States. i857-'6i, was born in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, April 23, 1791. The place where his father's cabin stood was called Stony Batter, and it was situated in a wild, romantic spot, in a gorge of mount- ains, with towering sum- mits rising all around. He was of Irish ancestry, his father having emigrated in- " J, with very little prop- erty, save his own strong arms. James remained in his secluded home for eight years enjoying very few social or intellectual advantages. His parents were industrious, frugal, prosperous and intelli- gent. In 1799 his father removed to Mer- cersburg, where James was placed in school and commenced a course in English, Greek and Latin. His progress was rapid and in 1801 he entered Dickinson College at Carlisle. Here he took his stand among the first scholars in the institution, and was able to master the most abstruse subjects with facility. In 1809 he graduated with the highest honors in his class. He was then eighteen years of age, tall, graceful and in vigorous health, fond oi athletic sports, an unerring shot and en- livened 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. He rose very rapidly in his profession and at once took undisputed stand with the ablest law- yers 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 upon articles of impeachment. At the age of thirty it was generall}' admitted that he stood at the head of the bar, and there was no law3'er in the State who had a more extensive or lucrative practice. In 1812, just after Mr. Buchanan had entered upon the practice of the law, our second war with England occurred. With all his powers he sustained the Govern- ment, eloquently urging the rigorous pros- ecution of the war: and even enlisfing as a private soldier to assist in repelling the British, who had sacked Washington and were threatening Baltimore. He was at that time a Federalist, but when the Con- stitution was adopted by both parties, Jefferson truly said, " We are all Federal- ists; we are all Republicans." The opposition of the Federalists to the war with England, and the alien and sedi- <^//E^c/ (2y2/2cZ> 9Z^(^ ^^ JAMES BUCHANAN. o^ tion laws of John x^dams, brought the part}' into dispute, and the name of Federalist became a reproach. Mr. Buchanan almost immediately upon entering Congress began to incline more and more to the Repub- licans. In the storm}' Presidential election of 1824, in which Jackson, Clay, Crawford and John Quincy Adams were candidates, Mr. Buchanan espoused the cause of Gen- eral Jackson and unrelentingly opposed the administration of Mr. Adams. Upon his elevation to the Presidency, General Jackson appointed Mr. Buchanan, minister to Russia. Upon his return in 1833 he was elected to a seat in the United States Senate. He there met as his associates, Webster, Clay, Wright and Calhoun. He advocated the measures proposed by Presi- dent Jackson of making reprisals against France, and defended the course of the Pres- ident in his unprecedented and wholesale removals from office of those who were not the supporters of his administration. Upon this question he was brought into direct col- lision with Henry Clay. In the discussion of the question respecting the admission of Michigan and Arkansas into the Union, Mr. Buchanan defined his position by saying: " The older I grow, the more I am in- clined to be what is called a State-rights man." M. de Tocqueville, in his renowned work upon " Democracy in America," foresaw the trouble which was inevitable from the doctrine of State sovereignty as held by Calhoun and Buchanan. He was con- vinced that the National Government was losing that strength which was essential to its own existence, and that the States were assuming powers which threatened the perpetuity of the Union. Mr. Buchanan received the book in the Senate and de- clared the fears of De Tocqueville to be groundless, and yet he lived to sit in the Presidential chair and see State after State, in accordance with his own views of State rights, breaking from the Union, thus crumbling our Republic into ruins; while the unhappy old man folded his arms in despair, declaring that the National Consti- tution invested him with no power to arrest the destruction. Upon Mr. Polk's accession to the Prcsi- dencv, Mr. Buchanan became Secretary of State, and as such took his share of thf responsibility in the conduct of the Mexi- can war. At the close of Mr. Polk's ad- ministration, Mr. Buchanan retired to pri- vate life; but his intelligence, and his great ability as a statesman, enabled him to exert a powerful influence in National affairs. Mr. Pierce, upon his election to the Presidency, honored Mr. Buchanan with the mission to England. In the year 1856 the National Democratic convention nomi- nated Mr. Buchanan for the Presidency. The political conflict was one of the most severe in which our country has ever en- gaged. On the 4th of March, 1857, Mr. Buchanan was inaugurated President. His cabinet were Lewis Cass, Howell Cobb, J. B. Floyd, Isaac Toucey, Jacob Thomp- son, A. V. Brown and J. S. Black. The disruption of the Democratic party, in consequence of the manner in which the issue of the nationality of slavery was pressed by the Southern wing, occurred at the National convention, held at Charleston in April, i860, for the nomination of Mr. Buchanan's successor, when the majority of Southern delegates withdrew upon the passage of a resolution declaring that the constitutional status of slavery should be determined by the Supreme Court. In the next Presidential canvass Abra- ham Lincoln was nominated by the oppo- nents of Mr. Buchanan's administration. Mr. Buchanan remained in Washington long enough to see his successor installed and then retired to his home in Wheatland. He died June i, 1868, aged seventy-seven years. PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES. BRAHAM LIN- COLN, the sixteenth President of the United States, i86i-'5, was born February "^rf^p.^^ 12, 1809, in Larue (then Hardin) Count}', Kentucky, in a cabin on Nolan Creek, three miles west of Hudgensville. H i s parents were Thomas and Nancy (Hanks) Lincoln. Of his an- cestry and early years the little that is known may best be given in his own language : " Mj' parents were both born in Virginia, of un- distinguished families — second families, per- haps I should sa}'. My mother, who died in my tenth year, was of a family of the name of Hanks, some of whom now remain in Adams, and others in Macon County, Illinois. My paternal grandfather, Abra- ham Lincoln, emigrated from Rockbridge County, Virginia, to Kentucky in 1781 or 1782, where, a year or two later, he was killed by Indians — not in battle, but b}- stealth, when he was laboring to open a farm in the forest. His ancestors, who were (Juakers, went to Virginia from Berks County, Pennsylvania. An effort to iden- tify them with the New England family of the same name ended in nothing more defi- nite than a similarity of Christian names in both families, such as Enoch, Levi, Mor- decai, Solomon, Abraham and the like. My father, at the death of his father, was but six 3'ears of age, and he grew up, liter- ally, without education. He removed from Kentucky to what is now Spencer County, Indiana, in my eighth year. We reached our new home about the time the State came into the Union. It was a vi'ild region, with bears and other wild animals still in the woods. There I grew to manhood. " There were some schools, so called, but no qualification was ever required of a teacher beyond ' readin', writin', and cipher- in' to the rule of three.' If a straggler, sup- posed to understand Latin, happened to sojourn in the neighborhood, he was looked upon as a wizard. There was absolutely nothing to excite ambition for education. Of course, when I came of age I did not know much. Still, somehow, I could read, write and cipher to the rule of three, and that was all. I have not been to school since. The little advance I now have upon this store of education I have picked up from time to time under the pressure of necessity. I was raised to farm-work, which i%S. ^ J^- <9-f /iy^ Q^y/Co^'^^<^'-i>!^ ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 87 I continued till I was twenty-two. At twenty-one I came to Illinois and passed the first year in Macon County. Then I got to New Salem, at that time in Sangamon, now in Menard County, where I remained a year as a sort of clerk in a store. "Then came the Black Hawk war, and I was elected a Captain of volunteers — a suc- cess which gave me more pleasure than any I have had since. I went the campaign, was elated ; ran for the Legislature the same year (183J) and was beaten, the only tune I have ever been beaten by the people. The next and three succeeding biennial elections I was elected to the Legislature, and was never a candidate afterward. " During this legislative period I had studied law, and removed to Springfield to practice it. In 1846 I was elected to the Lower House of Congress ; was not a can- didate for re-election. From 1849 to •854- inclusive, I. practiced the law more assid- uously than ever before. Always a Whig in politics, and generally on the Whig elec- toral tickets, making active canvasses, I was losing interest in politics, when the repeal of the Missouri Compromise roused me again. What I have done since is pretty well known." The early residence of Lincoln in Indi- ana was sixteen miles north of the Ohio River, on Little Pigeon Creek, one and a half miles east of Gentryville, within the present township of Carter. Here his mother died October 5, 18 18, and the next year his father married Mrs. Sally (Bush) Johnston, of Elizabethtown, Kentucky. She was an affectionate foster-parent, to whom Abraham was indebted for his first encour- agement to study. He became an eager reader, and the few books owned in the vicinity were many times perused. He worked frequently for the neighbors as a farm laborer ; was for some time clerk in a store at Gentryville; and became famous throughout that region for his athletic powers, his fondness for argument, his in- exhaustible fund of humerous anecdote, as well as for mock oratory and the composi tion of rude satirical verses. In 1828 he made a trading voyage to New Orleans as '■ bow-hand " on a flatboat ; removed to Illinois in 1830 ; helped his father build a log house and clear a farm on the ncjrth fork of Sangamon River, ten miles west of Decatur, and was for some time employed in splitting rails for the fences — a fact which was prominently brought forward for a political purpose thirty years later. In the spring of 185 1 he, with two of his relatives, was hired to build a flatboat on the Sangamon River and navigate it to New Orleans. The boat " stuck " on a mill-dam, and was got off with great labor through an ingenious mechanical device which some years later led to Lincoln's taking out a patent for "an improved method for lifting vessels over shoals." This voyage was memorable for another reason — the sight of slaves chained, mal- treated and flogged at New Orleans was the origin of his deep convictions upon the slavery question. Returning from this voyage he became a resident for several years at New Salem, a recently settled village on the Sangamon, where he was successively a clerk, grocer, surveyor and postmaster, and acted as pilot to the first steamboat that ascended the Sangamon. Here he studied law, inter- ested himself in local politics after his return from the Black Hawk war, and became known as an effective "stump speaker." The subject of his first political speech was the improvement of the channel of the Sangamon, and the chief ground on which he announced himself (1832) a candi- date for the Legislature was his advocacy of this popular measure, on which subject his practical experience made him the high- est authority. Elected to the Legislature in 1834 as a 88 PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES. " Hemy Clay Whig," he rapidly acquired that command of language and that homely but forcible rhetoric which, added to his intimate knowledge of the people from which he sprang, made him more than a match in debate for his few well-educated opponents. Admitted to the bar in 1837 he soon established himself at Springfield, where the State capital was located in 1839, largely through his influence ; became a successful pleader in the State, Circuit and District Courts ; married in 1842 a lady be- longing to a prominent famil}' in Lexington, Kentuck}-; took an active part in the Pres- idential campaigns of 1840 and 1844 as candidate for elector on the Harrison and Clav tickets, and in 1846 was elected to the United States House of Representatives over the celebrated Peter Cartwright. During his single term in Congress he did not attain any prominence. He voted for the reception of anti-slaverv petitions for the abolition of the slave trade in the District of Columbia and for the Wilmot proviso; but was chiefly remem- bered for the stand he took against the Mexican war. For several years there- after he took comparatively little interest in politics, but gained a leading position at the Springfield bar. Two or three non- political lectures and an eulogy on Henry Clay (1852) added nothing to his reputation. In 1854 the repeal of the Missouri Compromise by the Kansas-Nebraska act aroused Lincoln from his indifference, and in attacking that measure he had the im- mense advantage of knowing perfectly well the motives and the record of its author, Stephen A. Douglas, of Illinois, then popu- larly designated as the " Little Giant." The latter came to Springfield in October, 1854, on the occasion of the State Fair, to vindi- cate his policy in the Senate, and the " Anti- Nebraska" Whigs, remembering that Lin- coln had often measured his strength with Douglas in the Illinois Legislature and be- fore the Springfield Courts, engaged him to improvise a reply. This speech, in the opinion of those who heard it, was one of the greatest efforts of Lincoln's life ; cer- tainly the most effective in his whole career. It took the audience by storm, and from that moment it was felt that Douglas had met his match. Lincoln was accordingly selected as the Anti-Nebraska candidate for the United States Senate in place of General Shields, whose term expired March 4, 1855, and led to several ballots; but Trumbull was ultimately chosen. The second conflict on the soil of Kan- sas, which Lincoln had predicted, soon be- gan. The result was the disruption of the Whig and the formation of the Republican party. At the Bloomington State Conven- tion in 1856, where the new party first assumed form in Illinois, Lincoln made an impressive address, in which for the first time he took distinctive ground against slavery in itself. At the National Republican Convention at Philadelphia, June 17, after the nomi- nation of Fiemout, Lincoln was put for- ward by the Illinois delegation for the Vice-Presidency, and received on the first ballot no votes against 259 for William L Dayton. He took a prominent part in the canvass, being on the electoral ticket. In 1858 Lincoln was unanimously nomi- nated by the Republican State Convention as its candidate for the United States Senate in place of Douglas, and in his speech of acceptance used the celebrated illustration of a "house divided against itself" on the slavery question, which was, perhaps, the cause of his defeat. The great debate car- ried on at all the principal towns of Illinois between Lincoln and Douglas as rival Sena- torial candidates resulted at the time in the election of the latter ; but being widely cir- culated as a campaign document, it fixed the attention of the country upon the ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 89 former, as the clearest and most convinc- ing exponent of Republican doctrine. Early in 1859 he began to be named in Illinois as a suitable Republican candidate for the Presidential campaign of the ensu- ing year, and a political address delivered at the Cooper Institute, New York, Febru- ary 27, i860, followed by similar speeches at New Haven, Hartford and elsewhere in New England, first made him known to the Eastern States in the light by which he had long been regarded at home. By the Re- publican State Convention, which met at Decatur, Illinois, May 9 and 10, Lincoln was unanimously endorsed for the Presi- denc}'. It was on this occasion that two rails, said to have been split by his hands thirty years before, were brought into the convention, and the incident contributed much to his popularity. The National Republican Convention at Chicago, after spirited efforts made in favor of Seward, Chase and Bates, nominated Lincoln for the Presidency, with Hannibal Hamlin for Vice-President, at the same time adopt- ing a vigorous anti-slaverj' platform. The Democratic party having been dis- organized and presenting two candidates, Douglas and Breckenridge, and the rem- nant of the " American" party having put forward John Bell, of Tennessee, the Re- publican victory was an easy one, Lincoln being elected November 6 by a large plu- rality, comprehending nearly all the North- ern States, but none of the Southern. l"he secession of South Carolina and the Gulf States was the immediate result, followed a few months later by that of the border slave States and the outbreak of the great civil war. The life of Abraham Lincoln became thenceforth merged in the history of his country. None of the details of the vast conflict which filled the remainder of Lin- coln's life can here be given. Narrowly escaping assassination by avoiding Balti- more on his way to the capital, he reached Washington February 23, and was inaugu- rated President of the United States March 4, 1861. In his inaugural address he said: " I hold, that in contemplation of universal law and the Constitution the Union of these States is perpetual. Perpetuity is implied if not ex- pressed in the fundamental laws of all na- tional governments. It is safe to assert that no government proper ever had a pro- vision in its organic law for its own termi- nation. I therefore consider that in view of the Constitution and the laws, the Union is unbroken, and to the extent of my ability I shall take care, as the Constitution en- joins upon me, that the laws of the United States be extended in all the States. In doing this there need be no bloodshed or vio- lence, and there shall be none unless it be forced upon the national authority. The power conferred to me will be used to hold, occupy and possess the property and places belonging to the Government, and to col- lect the duties and imports, but beyond what may be necessary for these objects there will be no invasion, no using of force against or among the people anywhere. In your hands, my dissatisfied fellow-country- men, is the momentous issue of civil war. The Government will not assail you. You can have no conflict without being your- selves the aggressors. You have no oath registered in heaven to destroy the Gov- ernment, while I shall have the most sol- emn one to preserve, protect and defend it." He called to his cabinet his principal rivals for the Presidential nomination — Seward, Chase, Cameron and Bates; se- cured the co-operation of the Union Demo- crats, headed by Douglas ; called out 75,000 militia from the several States upon tiie first tidings of the bombardment of Fort Sumter, April 15; proclaimed a blockade of the Southern posts April 19; called an extra 90 PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES. session of Congress for July 4, from which he asked and obtained 400,000 men and $400,000,000 for the war; placed McClellan at the head of the Federal army on General Scott's resignation, October 31; appointed Edwin M. Stanton Secretary of War, Jan- uary 14, 1862, and September 22, 1862, issued a proclamation declaring the free- dom of all slaves in the States and parts of States then in rebellion from and after January i, 1863. This was the crowning act of Lincoln's career — the act by which he will be chiefly known through all future time — and it decided the war. October t6, 1863, President Lincoln called for 300,000 volunteers to replace those whose term of enlistment had expired ; made a celebrated and touching, though brief, address at the dedication of the Gettysburg military cemetery, November 19, 1863; commissioned Ulysses S. Grant Lieutenant-General and Commander-in- Chief of the armies of the United States, March 9, 1864; was re-elected President in November of the same year, by a large majority over General McClellan, with Andrew Johnson, of Tennessee, as Vice- President; delivered a very remarkable ad- dress at his second inauguration, March 4, 1865; visited the army before Richmond the same month; entered the capital of the Con- federacy the day after its fall, and upon the surrender of General Robert E. Lee's army, April 9, was actively engaged in devising generous plans for the reconstruction of the Union, when, on the evening of Good Fri- day, April 14, he was shot in his box at Ford's Theatre, Washington, byJohnWilkes Booth, a fanatical actor, and expired early on the following morning, April 15. Al- most simultaneously a murderous attack was made upon William H. Seward, Secre- tary of State. At noon on the 15th of April Andrew Johnson assumed the Presidency, and active measures were taken which resulted in the death of Booth and the execution of his principal accomplices. The funeral of President Lincoln was conducted with unexampled solemnity and magnificence. Impressive services were held in Washington, after which the sad procession proceeded over the same route he had traveled four years before, from Springfield to Washington. In Philadel- phia his body lay in state in Independence Hall, in which he had declared before his first inauguration "that I would sooner be assassinated than to give up the principles of the Declaration of Independence." He was buried at Oak Ridge Cemetery, near Springfield, Illinois, on May 4, where a monument emblematic of the emancipation of the slaves and the restoration of the Union mark his resting place. The leaders and citizens of the expiring Confederacy expressed genuine indignation at the murder of a generous political adver- sary. Foreign nations took part in mourn- ing the death of a statesman who had proved himself a true representative of American nationality. The freedmen of the South almost worshiped the memory of their de- liverer; and the general sentiment of the great Nation he had saved awarded him a place in its affections, second only to that held by Washington. The characteristics of Abraham Lincoln have been familiarly known throughout the civilized world. His tall, gaunt, ungainly figure, homely countenance, and his shrewd mother-wit, shown in his celebrated con- versations overflowing in humorous and pointed anecdote, combined with an accu- rate, intuitive appreciation of the questions of the time, are recognized as forming the best type of a period of American history now rapidly passing away. ^44^ W\jL^L^y ANDREW JOHNSON. 9? ?^Z?^Har^g?^aSHS:HSH^HjgS^F7n5?F:^HHHFHi^ KHHHEHHEHHHHHS: *^^NDREVV JOHNSON, the seventeenth Presi- dent of the United States, 1865-9, was born at Raleigh, North Carolina, De- c e m b e r 29, 1808. His father died when he was four years old, and in his eleventh year he was ap- prenticed to a tailor. He nev- er attended school, and did not learn to read until late in his apprenticeship, when he suddenly acquired a passion for obtaining knowledge, and devoted all his spare time to reading. After working two years as a journey- man tailor at Lauren's Court-House, South Carolina, he removed, in 1826, to Green- ville, Tennessee, where he worked at his trade and married. Under his wife's in- structions he made rapid progress in his education, and manifested such an intelli- gent interest in local politics as to be elected as " workingmen's candidate " al- derman, in 1828, and mayor in 1830, being twice re-elected to each office. During this period he cultivated his tal- ents as a public speaker by taking part in a debating societv, consisting largely of stu- dents of Greenville College. In 1835, and again in 1839, ^^ ^^'^^s chosen to the lower house of the Legislature, as a Democrat. In 1 84 1 he was elected State Senator, and in 1843, Representative in Congress, being re-elected four successive periods, until 1853, when he was chosen Governor of Tennessee. In Congress he supported the administrations of Tyler and Polk in their chief measures, especially the annexation of Texas, the adjustment of the Oregon boundary, the Mexican war, and the tariff of 1846. In 1855 Mr. Johnson was reelected Gov- ernor, and in 1857 entered the United States Senate, where he was conspicuous as an advocate of retrenchment and of the Homestead bill, and as an opponent of the Pacific Railroad. He was supported by the Tennessee delegation to the Democratic convention in i860 for the Presidential nomination, and lent his influence to the Breckenridge wing of that party. When the election of Lincoln had brought about the first attempt at secession in December, i860, Johnson took in the Senate a firm attitude for the Union, and in May, 1861, on returning to Tennessee, he was in imminent peril of suffering from 9\ PliES/DB.VTS OF THE UN /TED STATES. popular violence for his loyalty to the " old flag." He was the leader of the Loyalists' convention of East Tennessee, and during the following winter was very active in or- ganizing relief for the destitute loyal refu- gees from that region, his own family being among those compelled to leave. By his course in this crisis Johnson came prominently before the Northern public, and when in March, 1862, he was appointed by President Lincoln military Governor of Tennessee, with the rank of Brigadier-Gen- eral, he increased in popularity by the vig- orous and successful manner in which he labored to restore order, protect Union men and punish marauders. On the ap- proach of the Presidential campaign of 1864, the termination of the war being plainly foreseen, and several Southern States being partially reconstructed, it was felt that the Vice-Presidency should be given to a South- ern man of conspicuous loyalty, and Gov- ernor Johnson was elected on the same platform and ticket as President Lincoln; and on the assassination of the latter suc- ceeded to the Presidency, April 15, 1865. In a public speech two days later he said: " The American people must be taiight, if they do not already feel, that treason is a crime and must be punished; that the Gov- ernment will not always bear with its ene- mies; that it is strong, not only to protect, but to punish. In our peaceful history treason has been almost unknown. The people must understand that it is the black- est of crimes, and will be punished." He then added the ominous sentence: " In re- gard to my future course, I make no prom- ises, no pledges." President Johnson re- tained the cabinet of Lincoln, and exhibited considerable severity toward traitors in his earlier acts and speeches, but he soon inaug- urated a policy of reconstruction, proclaim- ing a general amnesty to the late Confeder- ates, and successively establishing provis- ional Governments in the Southern States. These States accordingly claimed represen- tation in Congress in the following Decem- ber, and the momentous question of what shoidd be the policy of the victorious Union toward its late armed opponents was forced upon that body. Two considerations impelled the Repub- lican majority to reject the policy of Presi. dent Johnson: First, an apprehension that the chief magistrate intended to undo the re- sults of the war in regard to slavery; and, sec- ond, the sullen attitude of the South, which seemed to be plotting to regain the policy which arms had lost. The credentials of the Southern members elect were laid on the table, a civil rights bill and a bill extending the sphere of the Freedmen's Bureau were passed over the executive veto, and the two highest branches of the Government were soon in open antagonism. The action of Congress was characterized by the Presi- dent as a " new rebellion." In July the cabinet was reconstructed, Messrs. Randall, Stanbury and Browning taking the places of Messrs. Denison, Speed and Harlan, and an unsuccessful attempt was made by means of a general convention in Philadel- phia to form a new party on the basis of the administration policy. In an excursion to Chicago for the pur- pose of laying a corner-stone of the monu- ment to Stephen A. Douglas, President Johnson, accompanied by several members of the cabinet, passed through Philadelphia, New York and Albany, in each of which cities, and in other places along the route, he made speeches justifying and explaining his own polic}', and violently denouncing the action of Congress. August 12, 1867, President Johnson re- moved the Secretary of War, replacing him by General Grant. Secretary Stanton retired under protest, based upon the ten- ure-of-ofhce act which had been passed the preceding March. The President then is- sued a proclamation declaring the insurrec- ANDREW JOHNS DA'. tion at an end, and that " peace, order, tran- quility and civil authority existed in and throughout the United States." Another proclamation enjoined obedience to the Constitution and the laws, and an amnesty was published September 7, relieving nearly all the participants in the late Rebellion from the disabilities thereby incurred, on condition of taking the oath to support the Constitution and the laws. In December Congress refused to confirm the removal of Secretary Stanton, who thereupon resumed the exercise of his of- fice; but Februarv 21, 1868, President Johnson again attempted to remove him, appointing General Lorenzo Thomas in his place. Stanton refused to vacate his post, and was sustained by the Senate. February 24 the House of Representa- tives voted to impeach the President for " high crime and misdemeanors," and March 5 presented eleven articles of impeachment on the ground of his resistance to the exe- cution of the acts of Congress, alleging, in addition to the oflense lately committed, his public expressions of contempt for Con- gress, in " certain intemperate, inflamma- tory and scandalous harangues" pronounced in August and September, 1866, and there- after declaring that the Thirty-ninth Con- gress of the United States was not a competent legislative body, and denying its power to propose Constitutional amend- ments. March 23 the impeachment trial began, the President appearing by counsel, and resulted in acquittal, the vote lacking one of the two-thirds vote required for conviction. The remainder of President Johnsons term of office was passed without any such conflicts as might have been anticipated. He failed to obtain a nomination for re- election by the Democratic party, though receiving sixty-five votes on the first ballot. July 4 and December 25 new proclamations of pardon to the participants in the late Rebellion were issuer*, but were of little effect. On the accession of General Grant to the Presidency, March 4, 1869, Johnson returned to Greenville, Tennessee. Unsuc- cessful in 1870 and 1872 as a candidate re- spectively for United States Senator and Representative, he was finall}- elected to the Senate in 1875, and took his seat in the extra session of March, in which his speeches were comparatively temperate. He died July 31, 1875, and was buried at Green- ville. President Johnson's administration was a peculiarly unfortunate one. That he should so soon become involved in bitter feud with the Republican majority in Congress was certainly a surprising and deplorable inci- dent; yet, in reviewing the circumstances after a lapse of so many years, it is easy to find ample room for a charitable judgment of both the parties in the heated contro- versy, since it cannot be doubted that any President, even Lincoln himself, had he lived, must have sacrificed a large portion of his popularity in carrying out any pos. sible scheme of reconstruction. 96 PRESIDENTS OF THE UN/TED STATES. i«"^;*'LySSES SIMPSON GRANT, the eight- eenth President of the United States, \%6g-'yj, was born April 27, 1822, at Point Pleasant, '^ Clermont County, Ohio. His father was of^cotch descent, and a dealer in leather. At the age of seventeen he en- tered the Military Academy at West Point, and four years later graduated twenty-first in a class of thirty-nine, receiving the commission of Brevet Second Lieutenant. He was assigned to the Fourth Infantr}' and re- mained in the army eleven years. He was eneaefed in everv battle of the Mexican war except that of Buena Vista, and received two brevets for gallantr\'. In 1848 Mr. Grant married Julia,daughter of Frederick Dent, a prominent merchant of St. Louis, and in 1854, having reached the grade of Captain, he resigned his commis- sion in the armv. For several years he fol- lowed farming near St. Louis, but unsuc- cessfully ; and in i860 he entered the leather trade with his father at Galena, Illinois. When the civil war broke out in 1861, Grant was thirty-nine years of age, but en- tirely unknown to public men and without any personal acquaintance with great affairs. President Lincoln's first call for troops was made on the 15th of April, and on the 19th Grant was drilling a company of volunteers at Galena. He also offered his services to the Adjutant-General of the army, but re- ceived no replv. The Governor of Illinois, however, employed him in the organization of volunteer troops, and at the end of five weeks he was appointed Colonel of the Twenty-first Infantry. He took command of his regiment in June, and reported first to General Pope in Missouri. His superior knowledge of military life rather surprised his superior officers, who had never before even heard of him, and they were thus led to place him on the road to rapid advance- ment. August 7 he was commissioned a Brigadier-General of volunteers, the ap- pointment having been made without his knowledge. He had been unanimously recommended bv the Congressmen from Illinois, not one of whom had been his personal acquaintance. For a few weeks he was occupied in watching the move- ments of partisan forces in Missouri. September i he was placed in command of the District of Southeast Missouri, with headquarters at Cairo, and on the 6th, with- out orders, he seized Paducah, at the mouth of the Tennessee River, and commanding the navigation both oi that stream and oi C/LrSSES S. GRANT. 99 the Ohio. This stroke secured Keiituck}- to the Union ; for the State Legislature, which had until then affected to be neutral, at once declared in favor of the Govern- ment. In November following, according to orders, he made :\ demonstration about eighteen miles below Cairo, preventing the crossing of hostile troops into Missouri ; but in order to accomplish this purpose he had to do some fighting, and that, too, with only 3,000 raw recruits, against 7,000 Con- federates. Grant carried off two pieces of artiller}^ and 200 prisoners. After repeated applications to General Halleck, his immediate superior, he was allowed, in February, 1862, to move up the Tennessee River against Fort Henr}-, in conjunction with a naval fcjrce. The gun- boats silenced the fort, and Grant immedi- ately made preparations to attack Fort Donelson, about twelve miles distant, on the Cumberland River. Without waitingf for orders he moved his troops there, and with 15,000 men began the siege. The fort, garrisoned with 21,000 men, was a strong one, but after hard fighting on three successive days Grant forced an " Uncon- ditional Surrender " (an alliteration upon the initials of his name). The prize he capt- ured consisted of sixty-five cannon, 17,600 small arms and 14,623 soldiers. About 4,- 000 of the garrison had escaped in the night, and 2,500 were killed or wounded. Grant's entire loss was less than 2,000. This was the first important success won by the national troops during the war, and its strategic re- sults were marked, as the entire States of Kentucky and Tennessee at once fell into the National hands. Our hero was made a Major-General of Volunteers and placed in command of the District of West Ten- nessee. In March, 1862, he was ordered to move up the Tennessee River toward Corinth, where the Confederates were concentrat- ing a large army ; but he was directed not to attack. His forces, now numbering 38.- 000, were accordingly^ encamped near Shi- loh, or Pittsburg Landing, to await the arrival of General Buell with 40,000 more; but April 6 the Confederates came out from Corinth 50,000 strong and attacked Grant violently, hoping to overwhelm him before Buell could arrive ; 5,000 of his troops were beyond supporting distance, so that he was largely outnumbered and forced back to the river, where, however, he held out until dark, when the head of Buell's column came upon the field. The next day the Confederates were driven back to Corinth, nineteen miles. The loss was heavy on both sides ; Grant, being senior in rank to Buell, commanded on both days. Two days afterward Halleck arrived at the front and assumed command of the army. Grant remaining at the head of the right wing and the reserve. On May 30 Corinth was evacuated by the Confederates. In July Halleck was made General-in-Chief, and Grant succeeded him in command of the Department of the Tennessee. September 19 the battle of luka was fought, where, owing to Rosecrans's fault, only an incom- plete victory was obtained. Next, Grant, with 30,000 men, moved down into Mississippi and threatened Vicks- burg, while Sherman, with 40,000 men, was sent by way of the river to attack that place in front ; but, owing to Colonel Murphy's surrendering Holly Springs to the Con- federates, Grant was so weakened that he had to retire to Corinth, and then Sherman failed to sustain his intended attack. In January, 1863, General Grant took command in person of all the troops in the Mississippi Valley, and spent several months in fruitless attempts to compel the surrender or evacuation of Vicksburg; but July 4, following, the place surrendered, with 31,- 600 men and 172 cannon, and the Mississippi River thus fell permanently into the hands of the Government. Grant was made a 405470B PHES/DE.VTS OF THE UNITED STATES. Major-General in the regular army, and in October following he was placed in com- mand of the Division of the Mississippi. The same month he went to Chattanooga and saved the Army of the Cumberland from starvation, and drove Bragg from that part of the country. This victory over- threw the last important hostile force west of the AUeghanies and opened the way for the National armies into Georgia and Sher- man's march to the sea. The remarkable series of successes which Grant had now achieved pointed him out as the appropriate leader of the National armies, and accordingly, in February, 1864, the rank of Lieutenant-General was created for him by Congress, and on March 17 he assumed command of the armies of the United States. Planning the grand final campaign, he sent Sherman into Georgia, Sigel into the valley of Virginia, and Butler to capture Richmond, while he fought his own way from the Rapidan to the James. The costly but victorious battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna and Cold Harbor were fought, more for the purpose of annihilating Lee than to capture any particular point. In June, 1864, the siege of Richmond was begun. Sherman, meanwhile, was marching and fighting daily in Georgia and steadily advancing toward Atlanta; but Sigel had been defeated in the valley of Virginia, and was superseded by Hunter. Lee sent Early to threaten the Na- tional capital ; whereupon Grant gathered up a force which he placed under Sheridan, and that commander rapidly drove Early, inasuccessionof battles, through the valley of Virginia and destroyed his army as an organized force. The siege of Richmond went on, and Grant made numerous attacks, but was only partially successful. The people of the North grew impatient, and even the Government advised him to abandon the attempt to take Richmond or crush the Confederacy in that way ; but he never wavered. He resolved to " fight it out on that line, if it took all summer." By September Sherman had made his way to Atlanta, and Grant then sent him on his famous " march lo the sea," a route which the chief had designed six months before. He made Sherman's success possi- ble, not only by holding Lee in front of Richmond, but also by sending reinforce- ments to Thomas, who then drew off and defeated the only army which could have confronted Sherman. Thus the latter was left unopposed, and, with Thomas and Sheri- dan, was used in the furtherance of Grant's plans. Each executed his part in the great design and contributed his share to the re- sult at which Grant was aiming. Sherman finally reached Savannah, Schofield beat the enemy at Franklin, Thomas at Nash- ville, and Sheridan wherever he met him; and all this while General Grant was hold- ing Lee, with the principal Confederate army, near Richmond, as it were chained and helpless. Then Schofield was brought from the West, and Fort Fisher and Wil- mington were captured on the sea-coast, so as to afford him a foothold ; from here he was sent into the interior of North Caro- lina, and Sherman was ordered to move northward to join him. When all this was effected, and Sheridan could find no one else to fight in the Shenandoah Valle_y, Grant brought the cavalry leader to the front of Richmond, and, making a last effort, drove Lee from his entrenchments and captured Richmond. At the beginning of the final campaign Lee had collected 73,000 fighting men in the lines at Richmond, besides the local militia and the gunboat crews, amounting to 5,000 more. Including Sheridan's force Grant had 1 10,000 men in the works before Petersburg and Richmond. Petersburg fell on the 2d of April, and Richmond on the 3d, and Lee fled in the direction of Lynch- burg. Grant pursued with remorseless ULTSSES S. GRANT. energy, only stopping to strike fresh blows, and Lee at last found himself not only out- fought but also out-marched and out-gen- eraled. Being completely surrounded, he surrendered on the glh of April, 1865, at Appomattox Court-House, in the open field, with 27,000 men, all that remained of his army. This act virtuall}' ended the war. Thus, in ten days Grant had captured Petersburg and Richmond, fought, by his subordinates, the battles of Five Forks and Sailor's Creek, besides numerous smaller ones, captured 20,000 men in actual battle, and received the surrender of 27,000 more at Appomattox, absolutely annihilating an army of 70,000 soldiers. General Grant returned at once to Wash- ington to superintend the disbandment of the armies, but this pleasurable work was scarcely begun when President Lincoln was assassinated. It had doubtless been in- tended to inflict the same fate upon Grant; but he, fortunately, on account of leaving Washington early in the evening, declined an invitation to accompany the President to the tlieater where the murder was com- mitted. This event made Andrew Johnson President, but left Grant by far the most conspicuous figure in the public life of the countrv. He became the object of an en- thusiasm greater than had ever been known in America. Every possible honor was heaped upon him ; the grad-e of General was created for him by Congress; houses were presented to him by citizens; towns were illuminated on his entrance into them ; and, to cap the climax, when he made his tour around the world, "all nations did him honor" as they had never before honored a foreigner. The General, as Commander-in-Chief, was placed in an embarrassing position by the opposition of President Johnson to the measures of Congress ; but he directly man- ifested his characteristic loyalty by obeying Congress rather than the disaffected Presi- dent, although for a short time he had served in his cabinet as Secretary of War. Of course, everybody thought of General Grant as the next President of the United States, and he was accordingly elected as such in 1868 "by a large majority," and four years later re-elected by a much larger majority — the most overwhelming ever given bv the people of this country. His first administration was distinguished by a ces- sation of the strifes which sprang from the war, by a large reduction of the National debt, and by a settlement of the difficulties with England which had grown out of the depredations committed by privateers fit- ted out in England during the war. This last settlement was made by the famous " Geneva arbitration," which saved to this Government $15,000,000, but, more than all, prevented a war with England. "Let us have peace," was Grant's motto. And this ■is the most appropriate place to remark that above all Presidents whom this Gov- ernment has ever had, General Grant was the most non-partisan. He regarded the Executive office as purely and exclusively executive of the laws of Congress, irrespect- ive of "politics." But every great man has jealous, bitter enemies, a fact Grant was well aware of. After the close of his Presidency, our General made his famous tour around the world, already referred to, and soon after- ward, in company with Ferdinand Ward, of New York City, he engaged in banking and stock brokerage, which business was made disastrous to Grant, as well as to him- self, by his rascality. By this time an in- curable cancer of the tongue developed itself in the person of the afflicted ex- President, which ended his unrequited life July 23, 1885. Thus passed away from earth's turmoils the man, the General, who was as truly the " father of this regenerated country" as was Washington the father of the infant nation. PnESIDE.VrS OF THE UXJTED STATES. TiixiiiucTjtjfixxiif run UTHERFORD BIRCH- ARD HAYES, the nine- teenth President of the United States, iSyy-'Si, was born in ■SU, Delaware, Ohio, Oc- ^'-^i^^*' tobei- 4_ i822_ His ancestry can be traced as far back as 1280, when Hayes and Rutherford were two Scottish chieftains fighting side by side with Bahol, William Wallace and Robert Bruce. Both fami- lies belonged to the nobility, owned extensive estates and had a large following. The Hayes family had, for a coat of-arms, a shield, barred and surmounted by a flying eagle. There was a circle of stars about the eagle and above the shield, while on a scroll underneath the shield was inscribed the motto, "Recte." Misfortune overtaking the family, George Hayes left Scotland in 1680, and settled in Windsor, Connecticut. He was an industrious worker in wood and iron, having a mechanical genius and a cul- tivated mind. His son George was born in Windsor and remained there during his life. Daniel Hayes, son of the latter, married Sarah Lee, and lived in Simsbury, Con- necticut. Ezekiel, son of Daniel, was born in 1724, and was a manufacturer of scythes at Bradford, Connecticut. Rutherford Hayes, son of Ezekiel and grandfather of President Hayes, was born in New Haven, in August, 1756. He was a famous black- smith and tavern-keeper. He immigrated to Vermont at an unknown date, settling in Brattleboro where he established a hotel. Here his son Rutherford, father of Presi- dent Ha3^es, was born. In September, 1813, he married Sophia Birchard, of Wilming- ton, Vermont, whose ancestry on the male side is traced back to 1635, to John Birch- ard, one of the principal founders of Nor- wich. Both of her grandfathers were soldiers in the Revolutionary war. The father of President Hayes was of a mechanical turn, and could mend a plow, knit a stocking, or do almost anything that he might undertake. He was prosperous in business, a member of the church and active in all the benevolent enterprises of the town. After the close of the war of 1 8 1 2 he immigrated to Ohio, and purchased a farm near the present town of Delaware. His family then consisted of his wife and two children, and an orphan girl whom he had adopted. It was in 18 17 that the familv arrived at Delaware. Instead of settling upon his s. h^G RUTHERFORD B. HAYES. 'OS farm, Mr. Hayes concluded to enter into business in the village. He purchased an interest in a distillery, a business then as re- spectable as it was profitable. His capital and recognized ability assured him the highest social position in the communitj'. He died July 22, 1822, less than three months before the birth of the son that was destined to fill the office of President of the United States. Mrs. Hayes at this period was very weak, and the 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 s(j that the neighbors were in the habit of inquiring from time to time " if Mrs. Hayes's baby died last night." On one oc- casion a neighbor, who was on friendly terms with the family, after alluding to the boy's big head and the mother's assiduous care of him, said to her, in a bantering way, "That's right! Stick to him. You have got him along so far, and I shouldn't won- der 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 elder brother was drowned, he became, if possible, still dearer to his mother. He was seven years old before he was placed in school. His education, however, was not neglected. His sports were almost wholly within doors, his playmates being his sister and her associates. These circum- stances tended, no doubt, to foster that gentleness of disposition and that delicate consideration for the feeHngs of others which are marked traits of his character. At school he was ardently devoted to his studies, obedient to the teacher, and care- ful to avoid the quarrels in which many of his schoolmates were involved. He was always waiting at the school-house door when it opened in the morning, and never late in returning to his seat at recess. His sister Fannie was his constant companion, and their affection for each other excited the admiration of their friends. In 1838 young Hayes entered Kenyon College and graduated in 1842. He then began the study of law in the ofifice of Thomas Sparrow at Columbus. Hishealth was now well established, his figure robust, his mind vigorous and alert. In a short time he determined to enter the law school at Cambridge, Massachusetts, where for two years he pursued his studies with great diligence. In 1845 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 remained three years, acquiring but limited practice, and apparently unambitious of distinction in his profession. His bachelor uncle, Sardis Birchard, who had always manifested great interest in his nephew and rendered him assistance in boyhood, was now a wealth)' banker, and it was under- stood that the young man would be his heir. It is possible that this expectation may have made Mr. Hayes more indifferent to the attainment of wealth than he would otherwise have been, but he was led into no extravagance or vices on this account. In 1849 he removed to Cincinnati where his ambition found new stimulus. Two events occurring at this period had a pow- erful influence upon his subsequent life. One of them was his marriage to Miss Lucy Ware Webb, daughter of Dr. James Webb, of Cincinnati; the other was his introduction to the Cincinnati Literary Club, a body embracing such men as Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase, General John Pope and Governor Edward F. Noyes. The marriage was a fortunate one asevery- bodv knows. Not one of all the wives ot io6 PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES. our Presidents was more universally ad- mired, reverenced and beloved than is Mrs. Hayes, and no one has done more than she to reflect honor upon American woman- hood. In 1856 Mr. Hayes was nominated to the office of Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, but declined to accept the nomina- tion. Two years later he was chosen to the office of City Solicitor. In 1 861, when the Rebellion broke out, he was eager to take up arms in the defense of his country. His militar)- life was bright and illustrious. June 7, 1861, he was appointed Major of the Twenty-third Ohio Infantry. In July the regiment was sent to Virginia. October 15, 1861, lie was made Lieutenant-Colonel of his regiment, and in August, 1862, was promoted Colonel of the Seventy-ninth Ohio Regiment, but refused to leave his old comrades. He was wounded at the battle of South Mountain, and suffered severely, being unable to enter upon active duty for several weeks. No- vember 30, 1862, he rejoined his regiment as its Colonel, having been promoted Octo- ber 15. December 25, 1862, he was placed in com- mand of the Kanawha division, and for meritorious service in several battles was promoted Brigadier-General. He was also brevetted Major-General for distinguished services in 1864. He was wounded lour times, and five horses were shot from under him. Mr. Hayes was first a Whig in politics, and was among the first to unite with the Free-Soil and Republican parties. In 1864 he was elected to Congress from che Sec- ond Ohio District, which had always been Democratic, receiving a majority of 3,098. In 1866 he was renominated for Congress and was a second time elected. In 1867 he was elected Governor over Allen G. Thur- man, the Democratic candidate, and re- elected in 1869. In 1874 Sardis Birchard died, leaving his large estate to General Hayes. In 1876 he was nominated for the Presi- dency. His letter of acceptance exxited the admiration of the whole country. He resigned the office of Governor and retired to his home in Fremont to await the result of the canvass. After a hard, long contest he was inaugurated March 5, 1877. His Presidency was characterized by compro- mises with all parties, in order to please as man}- as possible. The close of his Presi- dential term in 1881 was the close of his public life, and since then he has remained at his home in Fremont, Ohio, in Jefferso- nian retirement from public notice, in strik- ing contrast with most others of the world's notables. yAMES A. GARFIELD. 109 '''<^r^..'i^r'i"r.'i*'.'.'i ^-i^,i,i*-i j?:i^ 3 p ^|.=^JAMES 4, G:AI^Fp:LB,^^ ^ a3sj'i^.a^3ji:^^aw^^8fc"aa:^ *(^(^>l^(^(^igS»«^di.J i^^a^M^ i; ^P^<&t^<^«^>^'^«^«^«^;^T h*'.«* 'AMES A. GARFIELD, twentieth President of the United States, 1881, was born November 19, I S3 1, in tlie wild woods '.' o f Cuyahoga County, Ohio. His parents were Abram and Eliza (Ballou) Garfield, who were of New - England ancestry. The senior Garfield was an in- dustrious farmer, as the rapid impro\'ements which appeared on his place at- tested. The residence was the familiar pioneer log cabin, and the household comprised the parents and their children — Mehetable, Thomas, Mar}' and James A. In May, 1833, the father died, and the care of the house- hold consequently devolved upon young Thomas, to whom James was greatly in- debted for the educational and other ad- vantages he enjo3'ed. He now lives in Michigan, and the two sisters live in Solon, Ohio, near their birthplace. As the subject of our sketch grew up, he, too, was industrious, both in mental and physical labor. He worked upon the farm, or at carpentering, or chopped wood, or at any other odd job that would aid in support of the family, and in the meantime made the most of his books. Ever afterward he was never ashamed of his humble origin, nor for- got the friends of his youth. The poorest laborer was sure of his sympathy, and he always exhibited the character of a modest gentleman. Until he was about sixteen years of age, James's highest ambition was to be a lake captain. To this his mother was strongly opposed, but she finally' consented to his going to Cleveland to carry out his long- cherished design, with the understanding, however, that he should try to obtain some other kind of employment. He walked all the way to Cleveland, and this was his first visit to the city. After making many ap- plications for work, including labor on board a lake vessel, but all in vain, he finally engaged as a driver for his cousin, Amos Letcher, on the Ohio & Pennsyl- vania Canal. In a short time, however, he quit this and returned home. He then at- tended the seminary at Chester for about three years, and next he entered Hiram In- stitute, a school started in 1850 by the Disciples of Christ, of which church he was a member. In order to pa}' his way he assumed the duties of janitor, and at times taught school. He soon completed the cur- riculum there, and then entered Williams College, at which he graduated in 1856, taking one of the highest honors of his class. PRFS/nE\TS OF THE UNITED STATES. Afterward he returned to Hiram as Presi- dent. In his youthful and therefore zealous piety, he exercised his talents occasionally as a preacher of the Gospel. He was a man of strong moral and religious convic- tions, and as soon as he began to look into politics, he saw innumerable points that could be improved. He also studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1859. November 11, 1858, Mr. Garfield married Miss Lucretia Rudolph, who ever after- ward proved a worthy consort in all the stages of her husband's career. They had seven children, five of whom are still living. It was in 1859 that Garfield made his first political speeches, in Hiram and the neighboring villages, and three )-ears later he began to speak at county mass-meetings, being received everywhere with popular favor. He was elected to the State Senate this year, taking his seat in January, i860. On the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion in 1861, Mr. Garfield resolved to fight as he had talked, and accordingly he enlisted to defend the old flag, receiving his commission as Lieutenant-Colonel of the Forty-second Regiment of the Ohio Volun- teer Infantrv, August 14, that year. He was immediately thrown into active service, and before he had ever seen a gun fired in action he was placed in command of four regiments of infantrv and eight companies of cavalry, charged with the work of driv- ing the Confederates, headed b}' Humphrey Marshall, from his native State, Kentuckv. This task was speedily accomplished, al- though against great odds. On account of his success. President Lincoln commissioned him Brigadier-General, January 11, 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 arm)'. He was with General Buell's army at Shi- loh, also in its operations around Corinth and its march through Alabama. Next, he was detailed as a member of the general court-martial for the trial of General Fitz- John Porter, and then ordered to report to General Rosecrans, when he was assigned to the position of Chief of Staff. His mili- tary history closed with his brilliant ser- vices at Chickamauga, where he won the stars of Major-General. In the fall of 1862, without any effort on his part, he was elected as a Representative to Congress, from that section of Ohio which had been i-epresented for sixty years mainlv by two men — Elisha Whittlesey and Joshua R. Giddings. Again, he was the youngest member of that body, and con- tinued there by successive re-elections, as Representative or Senator, until he was elected President in 1880. During his life in Congress he compiled and published by his speeches, there and elsewhere, more information on the issues of the day, espe- cially on one side, than an_y other member. June 8, 1880, at the National Republican Convention held in Chicago, General Gar- field was nominated for the Presidency, in preference to the old war-horses, Blaine and Grant ; and although many of the Re- publican party felt sore over the failure of their respective heroes to obtain the nomi- nation. General Garfield was elected by a fair popular majority. He was duly in- augurated, but on July 2 following, before he had fairly got started in his administra- tion, he was fatally shot by a half-demented assassin. After very painful and protracted suffering, he died September 19, 1881, la- mented by all the American people. Never before in the history of this countiy had anything occurred which so neaily froze the blood of the Nation, for the moment, as the awful act of Guiteau, the murderer. He was duly tried, convicted and put to death on the gallows. The lamented Garfield was succeeded by the Vice-President, General Arthur, who seemed to endeavor to carry out the policy inaugurated by his predecessor. CHESTER A. ARTHUR. "3 -[■^^■l •'• <<9 •;■ "ss» -T' * -T- ((5)S)c^ -T^^^isiuiaijs ^^ HESTER ALLEN ARTHUR, the twen- ty-first Chief Execu- tive of this growing republic, i88i-'5, was born in FrankHn C o u n t y , Vermont, October 5, 1830, the eldest of a family of two sons and five daughters. His father, Rev. Dr. William Arthur, a Baptist clergvman, immigrated to this country from County Antrim, Ireland, in his eighteenth year, and died in 1875, in Newton- ville, near Albany, New York, after serving many years as a successful minister. Chester A. was educated at that old, conservative institution. Union Col- lege, at Schenectady, New York, where he excelled in all his studies. He graduated there, with honor, and then struck out in life for himself by teaching school for about two years in his native State. At the expiration of that time young Arthur, with $500 in his purse, went to the city of New York and entered the law office of ex-Judge E. D. Culver as a student. In due time he was admitted to the bar, when he formed a partnership with his intimate friend and old room-mate, Henry D. Gar. diner, with the intention of practicing law at some point in the West; but after spend- ing about three months in the Westen^ States, in search of an eligible place, they returned to New York City, leased a room, exhibited a sign of their business and al- most immediately enjoyed a paying patron- age. At this stage of his career Mr. Arthur's business prospects were so encouraging that he concluded to take a wife, and ac- cordingly he married the daughter of Lieu- tenant Herndon, of the United States Navy, who had been lost at sea. To the widow (jf the latter Congress voted a gold medal, in recognition of the Lieutenant's bravery during the occasion in which he lost his life. Mrs. Artnur died shortly before her husband's nomination to the Vice-Presi- dency, leaving two children. Mr. Arthur obtained considerable celeb- rity as an attorney in the famous Lemmon suit, which was brought to recover posses- sion of eight slaves, who had been declared free by the Superior Court of New York City. The noted Charles O'Conor, who was nominated by the " Straight Demo- crats" in 1872 for the United States Presi- dency, was retained by Jonathan G. Lem- 114 PRES-IDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES. )f Vi to recover the negroes, mon, ot Virginia, lu i^v^v^v^i •-•.^^ "^s" but he lost the suit. In this case, however, Mr. Arthur was assisted by WilHam M. Evarts, now United States Senator. Soon afterward, in 1856, a respectable colored woman was ejected from a street car in New York City. Mr. Arthur sued the car company in her behalf and recovered $500 damages. Immediately afterward all the car companies in the city issued orders to their employes to admit colored persons upon their cars. Mr. Arthur's political doctrines, as well as his practice as a law3'er, raised him to prominence in the party of freedom; and accordingly he was sent as a delegate to the first National Republican Convention. Soon afterward he was appointed Judge Advocate for the Second Brigade of the State of New York, and then Engineer-in- Chief on Governor .Morgan's staff. In 1861, the first year of the war, he was made In- spector-General, and ne.xt, Quartermaster- General, in both which offices he rendered great service to the Government. After the close of Governor Morgan's term he resumed the practice of law, forming first a partnership with Mr. Ransom, and subse- quently adding Mr. Phelps to the firm. Each of these gentlemen were able lawyers. November 21, 1872, General Arthur was appointed Collector of the Port of New York by President Grant, and he held the office until July 20, 1878. The next event of prominence in General Arthur's career was his nomination to the Y ice-Presidency of the United States, under the influence of Roscoe Conkling, at the National Republican Convention held at Chicago in June, 1880, when James A. Gar- field was placed at the head of the ticket. Both the convention and the campaign that followed were noisy and exciting. The triends of Grant, constituting nearlv half the convention, were exceedingly persist- ent, and were sorely disappointed over their defeat. At the head ot the Demo- cratic ticket was placed a very strong and popular man ; yet Garfield and Arthur were elected by a respectable plurahty of the popular vote. The 4th of March following, these gentlemen were accordingly inaugu- rated ; but within four months the assassin's bullet made a fatal wound in the person of General Garfield, whose life terminated September 19, 1881, when General Arthur, ex officio, was obliged to take the chief reins of government. Some misgivings were entertained by many in this event, as Mr. Arthur was thought to represent espe cially the Grant and Conkling wing of the Republican party ; but President Arthur had both the ability and the good sense to allay all fears, and he gave the restless, critical American people as good an ad- ministration as they had ever been blessed with. Neither selfishness nor low parti- sanism ever characterized any feature of his public service. He ever maintained a high sense of every individual right as well as of the Nation's honor. Indeed, he stood so high that his successor. President Cleve- land, though of opposing politics, expressed a wish in his inaugural address that he could only satisfy the people with as good an administration. But the day of civil service i-eform had come in so far, and the corresponding re- action against " third-termism" had en- croached so far even upon "second-term" service, that the Republican party saw fit in 1884 to nominate another man for Presi- dent. Only b}' this means was General Arthur's tenure of office closed at Wash- ington. On his retirement from the Presi- dency, March, 1SS5, he engaged in the practice of law at New York City, where he died Kovemhcr 18, 188C. ^ ^t-^-v-tJ^ G ROVER CLEVELAND. [17 ^1^.^^ ^^0^ ^ ^mo¥i:M ©IlSwis^ 0 ^i^^^ ^f ^^-' ^y ROVER CLEVE- LAND, the twenty- second President of the United States, 1885—, was born in Caldwell, Essex Count V, New Jersey, March 18, l^fi^QW^- ^^37- The house in which he •'I'S^^J- was born, a small two-story ^ wooden building, is still stand- ;^®l|5^^^i in^. It was the parsonage of t^i5^^ the Presbyterian church, of which his father, Richard Cleveland, at the time was pastor. The family is of New England origin, and for two centuries has contributed to the professions and to busi- ness, men who have reflected honor on the name. Aaron Cleveland, Grover Cleve- land's great-great-grandfather, was born in Massachusetts, but subsequently moved to Philadelphia, where he became an intimate friend of Benjamin Franklin, at whose house he died. He left a large family of children, who in time married and settled in different parts of New England. A grandson was one of the small American force that fought the British at Bunker Hill. He served with gallantry through- out the Revolution and was honorably discharged at its close as a Lieutenant in the Continental army. Another grandson, William Cleveland (a son of a second Aaron Cleveland, who was distinguished as a writer and member of the Connecticut Legislature) was Grover Cleveland's grand- father. William Cleveland became a silver- smith in Norwich, Connecticut. He ac- quired by industry some property and sent his son, Richard Cleveland, the father of Grover Cleveland, to Yale College, where he graduated in 1824. During a year spent in teaching at Baltimore, ALiryland, after graduation, he met and fell in love with a Miss Annie Neale, daughter of a wealthy Baltimore book publisher, of Irish birth. He was earning his own way in the world at the time and was unable to marry; but in three years he completed a course of preparation for the ministry, secured a church in Windham, Connecticut, and married Annie Neale. Subsequently he moved to Portsmouth, Virginia, where he preached for nearly two years, when he was summoned to Caldwell, New Jersey, where was born Grover Cleveland. When he was three years old the family moved to Fayetteville, Onondaga County, New York. Here Grover Cleveland lived until he was fourteen years old, the rugged, healthful life of a country boy. His frank, generous manner made him a favorite among his companions, and their respect was won by the good qualities in the germ which his manhood developed. He at- tended the district school of the village and ii8 PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES. was lor a short time at the academy. His lather, however, believed that boys should be taught to labor at an early age, and be- fore he had completed the course of study at the academy he began to work in the village store at $50 for the first year, and the promise of $100 for the second year. His work was well done and the promised in- crease of pay was granted the second year. Meanwhile his father and family had moved to Clinton, the seat of Hamilton College, where his father acted as agent to the Presbyterian Board of Home Missions, preaching in the churches of the vicinity. Hither Grover came at his father's request shortly after the beginning of his second year at the Fayetteville store, and i^esumed his studies at the Clinton Academy. After three years spent in this town, the Rev. Richard Cleveland was called to the vil- lage church of Holland Patent. He had preached here only a month when he was suddenly stricken down and died without an hour's warning. The death of the father left the family in straitened circumstances, as Richard Cleveland had spent all his salary of $1,000 per year, which was not required for the necessary expenses of liv- ing, upon the education of his children, of whom there were nine, Grover being the fifth. Grover was hoping to enter Hamil- ton College, but the death of his father made it necessary for him to earn his own livelihood. For the first year (i8S3-'4) he acted as assistant teacher and bookkeeper in the Institution for the Blind in New York City, of which the late Augustus Schell was for many years the patron. In the winter of 1854 he returned to Holland Patent where the generous people of that place, Fayetteville and Clinton, had purchased a home for his mother, and in the following spring, borrowing $25, he set out for the West to earn his living. Reaching Buffalo he paid a hasty visit to an uncle, Lewis F. Allen, a well-known stock farmer, living at Black Rock, a lew miles distant. He communicated his plans to Mr. Allen, who discouraged the idea of the West, and finally induced the enthusi- astic boy of seventeen to remain with him and help him prepare a catalogue of blooded short-horn cattle, known as " Allen's Amer- ican Herd Book," a publication familiar to all breeders of cattle. In August, 1855, he entered the law office of Rogers, Bowen & Rogers, at Buffalo, and after serving a few months without pay, was paid $4 a week — an amount barely sufficient to meet the necessary expenses of his board in the family of a fellow-student in Buffalo, with whom he took lodgings. Life at this time with Grover Cleveland was a stern battle with the world. He took his breakfast by candle-light with the drovers, and went at once to the office where the whole day was spent in work and study. Usually he re- turned again at night to resume reading which had been interrupted by the duties of the day. Gradually his employers came to recognize the ability, trustworthiness and capacity for hard work in their young employe, and by the time he was admitted to the bar (1859) ^^ stood high in their con- fidence. A }'ear later he was made confi- dential and managing clerk, and in the course of three years more his salary had been raised to $1,000. In 1863 he was ap- pointed assistant district attorney of Erie County by the district attorney, the Hon. C. C. Torrance. Since his first vote had been cast in 1858 he had been a staunch Democrat, and until he was chosen Governor he always made it his duty, rain or shine, to stand at the polls and give out ballots to Democratic voters. During the first year of his term as assistant district attorney, the Democrats desired especiall}' to carry the Board of Su- pervisors. The old Second Ward in which he lived was Republican- ordinarily by 250 majority, but at the urgent request of the GROVER CLEVELAND. 119 party Grover Cleveland consented to be the Democratic candidate for Supervisor, and came within thirteen votes of an elec- tion. The three years spent in the district attorney's office were devoted to assiduous labor and the extension of his professional attainments. He then formed a law part- nership with the late Isaac V. Vanderpoel, ex-State Treasurer, under the firm name of Vanderpoel & Cleveland. Here the bulk of the work devolved on Cleveland's shoul- ders, and he soon won a good standing at the bar of Erie County. In 1869 Mr. Cleveland formed a partnership with ex- Senator A. P, Laning and ex-Assistant United States District Attorney Oscar Fol- som, under the firm name of Laning, Cleve- land & Folsom. During these years he began to earn a moderate professional in- come; but the larger portion of it was sent to his mother and sisters at Holland Patent to whose support he had contributed ever since i860. He served as sheriff of Erie County, i870-'4, and then resumed the practice of law, associating himself with the Hon. Lyman K. Bass and Wilson S. Bissell. The firm was strong and popular, and soon commanded a large and lucrative practice. Ill health forced the retirement of Mr. Bass in 1879, and the firm became Cleveland & Bissell. In 1881 Mr. George J. Sicard was added to the firm. In the autumn election of 18S1 he was elected mayor of Buffalo by a majority of over 3,500 — the largest majority ever given a candidate for mayor — and the Democratic city ticket was successful, although the Republicans carried Buffalo by over 1,000 majority for their State ticket. Grover Cleveland's administration as mayor fully justified the confidence reposed in him by the people of Buffalo, evidenced by the great vote he received. The Democratic State Convention met at Syracuse, September 22, 1S82, and nomi- nated Grover Cleveland for Governor on the third ballot and Cleveland was elected by 192,000 majoritv. In the fall of 1 884 he was elected President of the United States by about 1,000 popular majority, in New York State, and he was accordingly inaugurated the 4th of March following. PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES. r^^^ ^~..- -^.^a^ '' BENJAMIN HAI^r^ISON. % -i=f^xi^"-^35-"2-^?i^f^- ^ % ^F^ BENJAMIN HARRISON, tlie twenty-third Presi- dent of the United States, 1889, was born at North Iiend, Hamilton County, Oliio, in the house of his grandfather, William Hen- ry Harrison (who was the ninth President of this country), August 20th, 1833. He is a descendant of one of the historical families of this country, as also of England. The head of the family was a Major-General Harrison who was devoted to the cause of Oliver Cromwell. It became the duty of this Har- rison to ^participate in the trial of Charles 1. and afterward to siirn the death warrant of the king, which subsequently cost him his life. His enemies succeeding to power, he was condemned and executed October 13th, 1660. His descendants canie to America, and the first mention made in history of the Harrison family as representative in public affairs, is that of Benjamin Harrison, great- grandfather of our present President, who was a 7nember of the Continental Congress, 177-J:-5-6, and one of the original signers of the Declaration of Independence, and three times Governor of Virginia. His son, Will- iam Henry Harrison, made a brilliant mili- tary record, was Governor of the Northwest Territory, and the ninth President of the United States. The subject of this sketch at an early age became a student at Farmers College, where he remained two years, at the end of which time he entered Miami University, at Ox- ford, Ohio. Upon graduation from said seat of learnine: he entered, as a student, the of- fice of Stover & Gwyne, a notable law firm at Cincinnati, Ohio, where he applied himself closely to the study of his chosen profession, and here laid the foundation for the honora- ble and famous career before him. He spent two yeai'S with the firm in Cincinnati, at the expiration of which time he i-eceived the only inheritance of his life, which was a lot left him by an aunt, which he sold for $800. This sum he deemed sufficient to justify him in marrying the lady of his choice, and to whom he was then engaged, a daughter of Dr. Scott, then Principal of a female school at Oxford, Ohio. After marriage he located at Indianapolis, Indiana, where he began the practice of law. Meeting with slight encouragement he made but little the first year, but applied himself ^*J|SE«? \cK^. BENJAM/.V HARRISON. closely to his business, and by perseverance, honorable dealing and an upright life, suc- ceeded in building up an extensive practice and took a leading position in the legal profession. In 1860 he was nominated for the position of Supreme Court Reporter for the State of Indiana, and then began his experience as a stump speaker. He canvassed the State thoroughly and was elected. In 18(52 his patriotism caused him to abandon a civil office and to offer his country his services in a military capacity. He or- ganized the Seventieth Indiana Infantry and was chosen its Colonel. Although his regi- ment was composed of raw material, and he practically void of military schooling, he at once mastered military tactics and drilled his men, so that wlien he with his regiment was assigned to Gen. Sherman's command it was known as one of the best drilled organ- izations of the army. He was especially distinguished for bravery at the battles of Kesacca and Peach Tree Creek. For his bravery and efficiency at the last named bat- tle he was made a Brigadier-General, Gen- eral Hooker speaking of him in the most complimentary terms. "While General Harrison was actively en- gaged in the field the Supreme Court declared the office of Supreme Court Reporter vacant, and another person was elected to fill the position. From the time of leaving Indiana with his regiment for the front, until the fall of 1804, General Harrison had taken no leave of absence. But having been nominated that year for the same office that he vacated in order to serve his country where he could do the greatest good, he got a thirty-day leave of absence, and during that time canvassed tlie State and was elected for another term as Supreme Court Reporter. He then started to rejoin liis command, then with General Sbennan in the South, but was stricken down with fever and after a very trying siege, made his way to the front, and participated in the closing scenes and incidents of the war. In 1868 General Harrison declined a re- election as Reporter, and applied himself to the practice of his profession. He was a candidate for Governor of Indiana on the Republican ticket in 1876. Although de- feated, the brilliant campaign brought him to public notice and gave him a National reputation as an able and formidable debater and he was much sought in the Eastern States as a public speaker. He took an act- ive part in the Presidential campaign of 1880, and was elected to the United States Senate, where he served six years, and was known as one of the strongest debaters, as well as one of the ablest men and best law- yers. When his term expired in the Senate he resumed his law practice at Indianapolis, becoming the head of one of the strongest law firms in the State of Indiana. Sometime prior to the opening of the Presidential campaign of 1888, the two great political parties (Republican and Democratic) drew the line of political battle on the ques- tion of tariff, which became the leading issue and the rallying watchword during the mem- orable cam];'(.;;/n. The Republicans appealed to the people for their voice as to a tariff to Tjrotect home industries, while the Democrats wanted a tariff" for revenue only. The Re- publican convention assembled in Chicago in June and selected Mr. Harrison as their staudai-d bearer on a platform of jirinciples, among other important clauses being that of protection, whicli he cordially indorsed in accepting the nomination. November 6, 1888, after a heated canvass, General Harri- son was elected, defeating Grover Cleveland, who was again the nominee of the Demo- cratic party. He was inaugurated and as- sumed the duties of his office March -l, 1889. .--4^ ' " /■**y ^4 ¥ i^f (ZlynAr%_ci^ ey}UL4iy;^^ SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 125 ^HOMAS MUNKOE, M. i)., Rashville, Illinois. — Tliero is, in the career of the earnest professional or business man, toiling on through the busy, work a-day years of a long and arduous life, but little to at- tract the attention of an idle reader in search of a sensational chapter. But for the mind fully awake to the real meaning of human existence there are immortal lessons in the life of the man who, without other means than a strong arm, a true heart and determined will, conquers adversity, overcomes obstacles, and closes the evening of a long life with an honorable competence and good name. Such a man is the subject of this biography. Doctor Thomas Munroe. Doctor Munroe was a son of John and Ann (Wells) Munroe, and was born at Annapolis, Maryland, January 4, 1807. His father and mother were botli natives of Maryland; tlie former was born Aui^ast 6, 1763, and the latter January 20, 1771. They were married May 14, 1789. The boyhood of Thomas Munroe did not differ much from that of other boys born of and reared by Christian parents, who held progressive and correct ideas of the higher duties and privileges of American citizenship. He entered school at an early age, and, being an apt scholar, made rapid headway in his studies and graduated from St. John's College with honors, having taken the full classical course. After finishing at St. John's College, he decided to adopt the profession of medicine as his life-work. He began reading under the direction of Dr. Dennis Claude, and later entered the University of Maryland in Balti- more, from which he graduated with the de- gree of M- D- in 1829. All through his life, Dr. Murjroe took a just pride in having upon his diploma the famous names of Drs. Eoger B. Taney and Reverdy Johnson, — the first as 10 Provost, the second a member of the execu- tive committee of the University of Mary- land. After graduating, Dr. Munroe began the practice of his profession in Baltimore, but after twelve months concluded it was bet- ter for him to go West. In accordance with this wise conclusion, he closed up his business in Baltimore, and in 1834 re- moved to Illinois and settled in Jacksonville, where he remained until 1843, when he came to Rnshville, and was actively engaged in professional labor until the breaking out of the civil war, when he offered his services to his country, and was commissioned Surgeon of the One Hundred and Nineteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He participated in all the marches of the regiment, and was in all its campaigns and battles for two years; at the end of that period he was obliged to re- sicrn his commission on account of ill health. He returned to his home and resumed his practice, which he continued, with great ac- tivity and success, until a short time previous to his death, which occurred April 23, 1891. Dr. Munroe was married October 5, 1841, to Annis Hinman, who was born at Utica. New York, December 10, 1815; her father, Benjamin Hinman, was a native of South- bury, Connecticut; he was a son of Deacon David Hinman, who was a son of Benjamin Hinman, who was a son of Benjamin Hinman, Sr., who was a son of Sergeant Edward Hin- man, the first settler of that name in this country. (See genealogy published by R. R. Hinman, New York.) Mrs. Munroe's father was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, and had the title of Major; he was one of the early settlers of Little Falls, New York, and purchased a large tract of land there; he afterward removed to Utica, New York, and died in Pennsylvania in 1821, while making 126 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, a business trip to the State. He married Anna Keyser, who was born at Fort Keyser, New York, a daughter of John Keyser, of Montgomery county, New York. Her father was taken captive by the Indians durino- the Revolutionary war and was car- ried to Canada, where he was held for three years; hi.s death occurred at Fort Keyser; his wife survived until August 9, 1863; she was living in Illinois at that time, her sons being among the pioneers of Brown county; they emigrated to the State in 1836, and were of a party that laid out the town of La Granjie. Children are indeed blessed who have edu- cated and Christian parents to guide and direct those early impulses which have so much to do with the ultimate direction of ambition and mentality; and no family of childi'en were ever more favored in this than the children of this o;ood father and mother. The breadth of Dr. Munroe's mind, his great wisdom in giving his children splendid edu- cations and per:i:ittiiig them to select their own vocations, is manifest in the marked dearee of success which has attended their efforts. The eldest son, Thomas, is one of the progressive and successful men of Mus- kegon, Michigan, being the head of the well- known iirm of Thomas Munroe & Co., and the general superintendent of the Thayer Lumber Conjpany, both of Muskegon. In this double capacity he has acquired more than an ordinary fortune, and, with his marked success as a financier, he has won a greater meed of victory — that of the love and re- spect of all who know him. The second son, James E. Munroe, resides in Chicago, and is engaged in the practice of law. He is a lawyer of good ability, fair attainments and great industry. As the re- sult of twenty years of labor at the bar lie has acquiesced a large practice and a handsome competence. The daughter, Mary A., of Rushville, is deeply interested in all that pertains to the betterment and advancement of mankind. She resides at the family home, the compan- ion and comfort of her aged and gentle mother. Her brothers, Hinman aiid Charles G., are also residents of Rushville, the former being married and residing in a happy home, a close neishbor of his mother. Charles G. is a member of the family at the old home- stead, and is encrao'ed with his brother Hin- man in the lumber business, in which they are eminently successful. The youngest son is a resident nf Muskegon, Michigan, where he holds a position of trust under his brother. Dr. Munroe was related to such men as Jonathan Pickuey, Nathan Hammond and William Munroe, all of whom occupy honored places in the early history of the United States from their participation in the notable events incident to those times. The tine engraved portrait of Dr. Munroe, which faces this sketch, was executed specially for this history. An examination of the portrait will reveal better than word-painting the character of the man herein recorded. In the death of Dr. Munroe. the city of Rushville lost one of the men whose great mentality, indefatigable energy and true Christian manhood did so much to make the city what it is. The following appeared in the Schuyler Citizen a short time after Dr. Munroe's death, and was written by his emi- nent co-laborer. Dr. J. N. Speed: " No man in the community performed more faithfully the duties of a citizen and a Christian, or led a more exemplary life than he did; and this could be as truly said of him during his army as well as his civil life. He was a life-long member of the Methodist acaVTLER AND BBOWN COUNTIES. 127 Episcopal Church, and always held one or more official positions; and, what is a little re- markable, he held the position of Recordincr Steward and Secretary in the Rushville Meth- odist Episcopal Church continuously for thir- ty-eight years, and then resigned by reason only of the inlirmitiesof age. 1 doubt if in the memory of any person a like office has been tilled for so lonoj a time continuously by tha same person, and certainly no mure faithfully. He was very regular in his attendance on the means of grace. Even after the first ad- monition of his approaching affliction his seat at church, day and night, at prayer- meeting and class- meeting, was very seldom occupied by any otlier than himself. As a citizen he always took an active interest in the affairs of the public, and his influence was always on the side of the public welfare. As a phy- sician Dr. Munroe was ever studious and attentive, and his habit of study continued even after his active practice ceased, and in all his intercourse with his brother physicians he was the embodiment of professional recti- tude, and in this respect he had no superiors and but few equals. He was looked upon by all who knew him as a perfect gentleman. He was always kind to the poor, and the re- sources of his skill and watchfulness were as faithfully extended to the pallet of the lowly as to the silken couch of the affluent, thus manifesting in his life the saying of the ven- erable Beerhaave, that ' the poor were his best patrons because God was their paymaster.' " IfSENRY HAxXSMEYER was born in Lippe-Detmold, Prussia, Germany, in 1833. He came of pure German an- cestry and of hardy stock. His father, Fred Hansmeyer, married Wilhelmina Huy of the same province. In 1849 they took passage for America and landed in New Orleans after a seven-weeks voyage. Thence the family came up tiie Mississippi, to St. Louis, where the mother and one child died of the cholera after being there one week. The father and four children came on to Chicago, CD where Henry was attacked by the cholera and confined to the house for two weeks, later he joined his father and the other children at Watertown, and it was near there that the father died about one year later, being then in middle life. Henry Hansmeyer is the second of the four sons yet living. He came to this coun- try in 1849 and lived on a farm in JefTcrsoii county, Wisconsin, until 1851, working for $10 a month. He came to Eeardstown in 1851 and still worked by the month, for a time for $10; he saved his money, became a stock dealer and trader and did various things until he accumulated enough to purchase land. In 1865 he found himself on safe ground for business, which he carried on successfully and extensively. He was an active farmer and stock-raiser until 1880. In that year he retired from business and moved into Beardstown. He owns a tine farm of 306 acres, 250 acres of which is under the plow and the rest is pasture, good land and all supplied with tirst-class farm buildings. He purchased this farm in 1865 and also owns some good residence property in Beardstown, the opera house building at Mount Olive, Illinois, and other residence property there. He was married in Beardstown, in 1857, to Miss Catharina Schmidt. She was born in Hesse-Darmstadt. She was the daughter of the Rev. George and Kate Schmidt, who came to the United States in 1856, settling in Beardstown, where they died. Mr. Schmidt 128 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, was for many years pastor of the Lntlieran. He was a fine minister and an anti-slavery advocate, a Republican in politics and a leader in his community. Mrs. Hanbiueyer is a great worker in the Lutheran Church and a very tine woman. Tliey have four children: Augusta, wife of Henry Oetgen, a farmer in Schuyler county; Minna, wife of Henry Stock; Katie, wife of John Duvall, First State Bank of Beardstown; William, a miller by trade. Mr. Hansmeyer is a public-spirited citizen, a Republican in pi)litics and a member of the Fourth Street Lutheran ('linrch, of which he has been a Trustee for sixteen years. *B ^ fOSEPH FRANKLIiS' BLACK was born in Murray county, Tennessee, February 23, 1828. His father, William Black, was born near Milledgeville, Georgia, Jan- nary 3, 1796, son of Thomas Gillespie Black, who was born in Markingham county. North Carolina, in January, 1772, whose father, William Black, a native of Maryland, re- moved to North Carolina. William Black was captain of a company of militia at the time the Revolutionary war broke out, and was one of the first who refused to take the oatli of allegiance to the British government. He died soon after the war be^an. The maiden name of his wife was Beard. They were members of the Presbyterian church. Thomas G. Black was reared and educated in his native State. He taught school several years. Removing from North Carolina to Georgia, he settled near Milledgeville, where he bought a tract of land and on it passed the residue of his life, dying in 1823. He was married February 26, 1795, to Polly Calla- lan, who was born April 7, 1773, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Shepard) Callahan, her father being of Irish and her mother of German descent. Mrs. Black went to Ten- nessee after the death of her hnsband, and from there to Illinois in 1825. Her death occurred in Morgan county, this State, in 1853. Grandfather and grandmother Black were members of the Presbyterian Church. They reared ten of their eleven children, viz.: William, Susanna, John, Cynthia, James, Thomas, Polly, Jefferson, Eleanor and Eliza- beth. Rebecca died in infancy. Willliam Black, father of the subject of our sketch, grew up and received his educa- tion in his native State, and went with the family to Tennessee directly after the death of his father. Ho was a natural mechanic and with his brother John established a a furniture factory in Maury county, reniain- incr in business there till 1834. That year, with his wife and six children, he came to Illinois, their removal being made via the Cumberland, Ohio, Mississippi and Illindis rivers. He located four miles nortli of Win- chester, in Scott county, where he bought eighty acres of prairie and eighty acres of timber laud, paying $2.50 per acre for a part of it. He at once built a small frame house, containing two rooms, and commenced im- proving his land. In 1846 he sold this farm for S8 per acre. He then came to Cass county and bought 200 acres of land, located six miles southeast of Virginia, for which he paid .f6 an acre. There was a double log house on this place, which the family occupied one year, at the end of which time they moved into the substantial brick house which Mr. Black erected, and which still stands. He also built a work shop. He, however, gave the most of his attention to farming. He lived there till after the death of his wife, when he went to Virginia and spent his last SGUUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 139 days at the home of his son, John, where he died October 3, 1884. December 4, 1823, he married Miss Mary S. Vaughn, wlio was- born in Tennessee, November 1, 1803, daugh- ter of Dixon and Susan Vaughn. She died on the home farm, January 29, 1881. Of the ten cliiidren born to them they reared eight, namely: Thomas G., Joseph F., William L., Richmond V., Green V., James B., Mary J. and John. Both he and his wife were reared in the Presbyterian Church, and after coming to Illinois they united with the Christian Church, of which they remained consistent members till the time of their death. Joseph Franklin Black, the subject of our sketch, was six years old when he moved to Illinois with his parents, and remembers dis- tinctly many of the incidents connected with their removal and frontier life. At that time Central Illinois was sparsely settled and it was lonff before the advent of railroads here. in Naples was the principal market for the sur- rounding country. Mr. Black relates that at one time his father went to St. Louis to mill. Instead of being gone one week, as he had expected, he was gone three weeks, and in the mean time the supply of meal gave out at home. By pounding corn in a mor- tar, the children made meal enough to last till their father's return. In 183G three cooking stoves were brought to Jacksonville, one of which Mr. Black's father bought, pay- ing $75 for it. Such a curiosity was this stove that the neighbors for miles around came to see it. Joseph F. received his education in the primitive schools of Illinois. He inherited from his father a talent for mechanical work and early began to assist him in the shop. At the age of twenty he began life on his own responsibility, commencing at once as a contractor and builder, and before he was twenty -one he bought 102 acres of land near the village of Philadelphia, for which he paid $3.50 an acre. He continued contracting and building for a time. Then for three years he was engaged in farming. After that he moved to Philadelphia and devoted his time to the invention of farm machinery. To him belongs the distinction of having invented and p.itented the first self-binder ever made. He took three diHerent patents on it, and in partnership with his brother William got two patents on a gang plow. The value of such a man to a community cannot be estimated. Indeed, the worth of his inventive genius extends beyond his own community and State, being felt all over the world. In 1867 he resumed farming and continued that occupation till 1876. That year he moved to Virofinia and established himself as a con- tractor and builder. Many of the best store buildings and residences in this city are monu- ments to his skill. Nor have his labors been confined to Virginia. He has done work in Springfield, Jacksonville, Beardstown, and various other places. For some years past Mr. Black has devoted his time to architecture, which he studied in his younger days, pre- paring plans and specilications and superin- tending the construction of buildings. He made the plans fur the county jail and super- intended its construction; also the two addi- tions to the courthouse. Mr. Black was married May 17, 1849 to Mary F. Wilmott, a native of Illinois and a daughter of Charles U. Wilmott. They had five children, as follows: Charles W., born September 23, 1850, was married November 24, 1870, to Elsie Buckley, and has five children: Mabel, Roy, Mary, Stella and Clyde; Mary, born May 28, 1855, married Armstead Mains, and has seven children: Maude, Elma, William, Reatta, Toura, Louese and Leslie; 130 BIOORAPBICAL REVIEW OF CASS, Eva, born August 29, 1860, was married January 26, 1882, to William G. Payne; Eobert, born September 22, 1864, was mar- ried October 18, 1889, to Maggie Gray and has two children, Edna and an infant; and Frank born ilarcii 23, 1868, married a Miss Elliott, and has one child, Edward. Mrs. Black died January 26, 1879, and in May, 1883, Mr. Black wedded Mary (Thompson) Skiles. Mr. Black is a member of the Christian Church, as also was his first wife. His pres- ent companion lias her membership with the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically, he was formerly a Whig, but since the organiza- tion of the Republican party he has affiliated with it. i^K^;APtTIxN W. GREER, alife-long Miyiixi i'ient of Rushville township. -long res- was born August 5, 1843, a son of James Greer, a native of County Tyrone, Ireland, born in the month of May, 1812. Martin Greer, the paternal grandfather of our sub- ject, was also a native of Ireland, but of Scotch ancestry; he was a farmer by occupa- tion, and spent his entire life in his own country; he married Lucy Crosier, who after the death of her husband came to America with iier children; she died at the residence of her son James in 1870, at the acre of eighty-three years. She was the mother of five children, all of whom came to this country: George, James, Jane, Richard and Robert. James Greer was a youth of eigh- teen years when he crossed the sea to Amer- ica; he resided in the State of Xew York until 1836, and then came to Illinois, lo- cating in Schuyler county. After is mar- riage he bought a farm on which he passed the rest of his life; he died in 1875. He was married in 1842, to Martha Wilson, a native of Nelson county, Kentucky, born October 15, 1818. Martha Wilson was the daughter of Elijah M. Wilson, who was born in Prince William county, Virginia, a son of Henry Wilson, also a Virginian by birth ; Henry Wilson married Sarah Melton, who was a native of Virginia; they removed to Kentucky and were among the pioneers of the Blue-grass State. Elijah M. Wilson married Jane Ilawley. a Tiative of Virginia and a daughter of Absalom and Martha (Field) Hawley. He removed with liis wife to Illinois, and entered a tract of Government land four miles south of Rushville; at the end of five years he sold this place for §600, and removed to Littleton township, where he purchased a farm on which he lived until his death. To them were born nine children: Martin W., Elijah M., William J., George S., Samuel E., Lucy J., Mary E., Maria E. and Vietta. Lucy married James Neill ; Mary is the wifeof Felix Jackson ;MariaE. married Charles E. Lawler. The parents were both devoted church members, the father having joined the Methodist Episcopal Church in his youth; the mother first united with the Baptist Church, but after her marriage was a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Martin W. Greer passed his youth on his father's farm, assisting in the labors of seed- time and harvest, and attending the district school a portion of each year. At the age of twenty-one years he began to teach school, and was engaged in this profession for a pe- riod of six terms. Aside from this experi- ence he has been interested exclusively in agricultural pursuits, in which 'le has been more than ordinarily successful. He intro- duced the first Berkshire hogs into the county, and has a fine herd of short-horn SCHUYLER AND BHOWN COUNTIES. 131 cattle; his horses are of excellent pedigree, and he takes great pride iu elevating the standard of all classes of live stock. At the time of his inarriao'e Mr. Greer settled ou the farm he now owns ou section 34, Rush- ville township; he has good, substantial farm buildings, an orchard, and very attractive grounds surrounding his residence; in fact, the farm is one of the most desirable in the county. He was married in April, 1867, to Susan H. Kruse, who was born in Rushville town- ship, a daughter of Fraucis II. and Elizabeth Kruse, whose history appears on another page of this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Greer are the parents of five children living: Fred A., Luther M., Henry E., Millie M. and Owen J. The father is a member of the Method- ist Episcopal Church, but the mother belongs to the Christian denomination. Politically, Mr. Greer has always, until the past two years, been a Democrat, and has been School Treasurer of Rushville township for a period of sixteen years; he has always been loyal to home interests and home industries, and is one of the most highly respected men in the county. For the past two years Mr. Greer has advocated the principles of the People's party and was nominated for Congress on that ticket for the Eleventh district by the convention held at Eiishnell, June 11, 1892. ASHINGTON BKOCKMAN is one \'iV/^]' "^ the leading business men of Mount i*=sj^ Sterling, where he was born Septem- ber 13, 1844. His father, James, was born in Kentucky, and was there reared and edu- cated. He turned his attention to the study of n:iedicine when young. He graduated from Lexington Medical College, and in 1836 or 1837 he catne to Illinois, locating in Mount Sterling, where he began his practice. It was at this time that he had a very narrow escape from being drowned by being caught in the high water at Meredosia. His prac- tice extended into Pike and Morgan counties, where he had to go on horseback. He con- tinued practicing until 18 — , when he was elected Circuit Clerk, which position he held until his death. His wife's name was Sophia Price, of Scott county, Kentucky, the daugh- ter of one of the pioneers of Brown county. Dr. Brockman was a Democrat; served as school commissioner of Brown county; was a member of the Second State Constitutional Convention; was one of the charter members of Hardin Lodge, No. 44, A. F. and A. M., and was buried with Masonic honors. Washington was an infant when his mother died, and but eight years when his father died. His step-mother was left in limited circumstances with four children to care for, and consequently at thirteen years of age he went to live with an uncle. He remained with him about a year, and then went to live with another uncle, who owned a flour mill. For several years he worked in the mill, in a black- smith shop and on a farm, and was also in a drug store in Mount Sterling. In September, 1861, he enlisted in Company K, Tenth Illi- nois Cavalry, and went to Missouri. His company was one of the four detached from the regiment and sent to join General Curtis after the Pea Ridge light. They marched to Helena, Arkansas, and then participated in the capture of Vicksburg, after which he was granted a furlough of twenty days, which was extended to twenty days more, and then his health being poor he was assigned to duty in the drug department. He remained there by order of the physicians until the spring of 1864, when he was ordered to take charge of 133 BIOORAPHIOAL REVIEW OF OASS, a eompauy of the Veteran Reserve Corps. He was honorably discharged in December, 1864, as his terra had expired, and he returned home and soon secured a position in the post office for thirty days, and then was clerk in the enrolling department of the Provost Mar- ehal's office, remainiu"; there until after the war, when the office was discontinued. He went to Macomb, Illinois, to secure a job, but not being successful he returned and bought a book and stationery store. In less than a year he sold out, and was employed at various kinds of work for a few months, and then purchased one-half interest in another book and stationery store; later he bought the interest of his partner and conducted the busines alone, lie carries a full line of books, stationery, wall paper, sporting goods and other goods of like nature. In 1886 he opened a buggy repository and farm imple- ment business and conducted it successfully, for six years, but in 1892, owing to poor health, he w-as obliged to sell that branch of the business. He was married, in 1865, to Estella J. Leeped, of Mount Sterling, daughter of John- son and Catherine (Dawson) Leeped. Mr. and Mrs. Brockman have four living chil- dren: George Leon, Clarence Eugene, Ernest Edgar and Percy Washington. Mr. Brock- man organized the Isaac McNeil Post, of which he is a member, No. 289, G. A. R. He is also a member of Unity Lodge, No. 310, I. O. O. F. He is a charter member of the Mount Sterling Lodge, No. — A. O. U. W.; and of the Crescent Lodge, I. 0. M. A.; also a Fellow-craft member of Hardin Lodge, No. 44, A. F. and A. M. He and his wife are greatly respected by their host of friends. He is one of the directors of the Mount Ster- ling Building and Loan Association, and is vice-president of the Mount Sterling Elec- tric Light and Power company, which he helped to organize. Politically he is a strong Republican, hav- ing cast his first ballot in 1864 for " honest Old Abe " Lincoln, and from this party he has never departed, believing that the prin- ciples of said party are just and true. W^^^ILLIAM T. BLACK, a prominent- ■ l/y, farmer of Woodstock township, was l"^!^ born in Dubois county, Indiana, March 18, 1821. Wlien he was four years old his parents removed to Schuyler county, and here he has since resided. He remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority, and then he started out in life on his own account; he first rented a farm in Woodstock township, which he cultivated one year, and then removed to Rushville town- ship. He was united in marriage, October 30, 1842, to Matilda Matheny, a native of Mor- gan county, Ohio, born March 29, 1823. Her parents, Andrew and Sarah (Harris) Matheny, were natives of New England and Virginia respectively; they emigrated to Illi- nois in 1835, purchased a farm in Schuyler county, and there spetit the balance of their days. Both the paternal and maternal an- cestors were patriots and fought in the war of the Revolution. Mrs. Black is one of a family of four children. After his marriage, Mr. Black rented land for a few years longer, and in 1849 bought 120 acres, on which he built a small tVame house; this was his home until 1867, when he sold the place and pur- chased 280 acres in Woodstock township. In 1869 he erected a dwelling, which has since been enlarged and remodeled; he has made all the improvements on the farm, and has SCHUYLER AlfD BROWN COUNTIES. 133 developed it into one of the most desirable in the township. He carried on a general farm- ing business, and is considered one uf the leading agriculturists of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Black are the parents of six children: Austin married Nancy King, and they liave one son; Athelinda is the wife of Richard Kettenring, and the mother of two sons; Harriet A. died at the age of forty-two years; William H. married Rachel Boiles, and they have seven children, five sons and twodaushters; Richard married Jane Stevens, and they have two sons and adaughter; Frank- lin P. married Sarah Kennedy, and they have two sous. Politically, Mr. Black athliates with the Democratic party; he has tilled the office of Assessor for three years, and in 1877 he was elected Justice of the Peace, and is the present incumbent. He is a member of the Farmers' Alliance. In his religious faith lie is a Bap- tist. He has endured all the vicissitudes of life on the frontier, and has accumulated his property entirely by his own exertions. He has always employed the most correct busi- ness methods, and has the respect of the en- tire community. lEORGE W. ALLPHIN, section 15, Huntsville township, was born in Ken- tucky, September 13, 1830. He is the son of Reuben and Susan (Brumbeck) All- phin. He was five years old when the family came to Illinois. He was I'eared on the farm and helped improve the new land. He at- tended such schools as those early days afforded, when they had log houses, with slabs for seats, and holes on the south side for windows. In the spring of 1850 he crossed the plains to California, and followed mining for four years, and was successful, re- turning by way of New Orleans. On his re- turn he purchased eighty acres, on which he now resides. The land was unimpi-oved and covered with timber. He now owns 115 acres of land, and has the same well im- proved. He has also a fine quality of stock. He is a Republican in politics, although he was a Democrat for thirty years. He has been Justice of the Peace and held many minor offices. He has been a successful man, having made his money since 1854. when he came to Illinois, settling in Huntsville. He married, December 10, 1854, Miss At- lanta Wilson, daughter of Jamison Wilson. She was born in Huntsville township, in February, 1835. Mr. and Mrs. AUphin have had six children, three living: Anna, wife of James Burmood; Calvin and Sherman. They were members of the Cumberland Presby- terian Church for many years, and when that society failed they united with the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Allphin is a mem- ber of Huntsville Lodge, No. 365, A. ¥. & A. M., and of Cyclone Lodge, I. O. O. F. He and his wife are highly respected citizens of Huntsville. Jamison Wilson, the oldest living settler in Huntsville township, was born in what is now Grant county, Kentucky, November 29, 1829. His parents, John R. and Rachel (Junip) Wilson, were early settlers in this part of the State. He resided in Kentucky until 1836, and then came to Illinois, locating in Cass county, but finally settled in Adams county. They had eight children, of whom the subject was the oldest. The second child was Polly; the others were Nancy, Jane, Sarah, Lucy, Dora and Robert. Jamison Wilson was reared a farmer, and in 1834 he came to Illinois and settled in Huntsville township. He entered and purchased land, 134 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF GASS, where he resided until quite recently. He became the owner of 207 acres of land. He continued to reside on a farm until 1886, since which he has resided with his daughter, Mrs. Allphin. In politics he was a Republi- can, and a Justice of the Peace for a time. He has been a churcli nieinl)er all his life, having been connected with different denomi- nations, as convenient. He was married in 1832, to Miss Ellen Thornhill. She was born in Kentucky in 1810, being a daughter of John and Jane Thornhill. She died July 23, 1881. They had seven children: Ulysses resides in Linn county, Kansas; Atlanta, now Mrs. G. W. Allphin: Melvina married Solomon Rawson, of Jacksonville, Iowa, and died in 1862; Mary married John Rawson, and resides in Grant county, Kansas; Lucurgus resides in Frederick, Illinois; Palenicus resides on the old homestead; and Xenophon resides in HuntsviUe township, Illinois. EBULON ALLPHIN resides on section f twenty-two, HuntsviUe Township, and is not only a prosperous farmer, but a specimen of 1835, liorn in Boone county, Kentucky, in July, 1832. His father Reu- ben Allphin, was a native of Kentucky in 1801, and was the son of Zebulon Allphin, born in Vii'ginia, but emigrated to Kentucky, where he died at the age of ninety-six years. He had nine children, of whom two are still living: William, Dollie, Jackson, Luke, Shel- ton. Ransom, Rebecca, Nancy and Reuben. All came to Schuyler county except Dollie and Ransom, who removed to Kentucky. Father of subject was a small boy when the family removed to Kentucky and was reared a farmer and overseer on his father's planta- tion. He married Susan Brumbeck. Siie was born in Virginia in 1800. In 1835 they came to Illinois and settled at Camden. Some time after they settled on section ten, Hunts- viUe township, where he purchased a claim. In 1840 he removed to Rushville and re- mained live years, when he enlisted in the Mexican war. In 1848 he came to Mc- Donough county. In 1850 he returned to Schuyler county, and after the Civil war went to St. Joseph, Missouri, where he pursued farming until 1870. He then returned to Schuyler county and passed his remaining years with his children. His wife died in 1852. They had eight children: William, Zarilda Thornhill, Sarah Hills, Henry, James, George W., Zebulon, and Susan Brumbeck. The parents were members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The father is buried in Rushville and the mother in HuntsviUe. Mr. Allphin was a Democrat, and held local offices. He was reasonably suc- cessful as a farmer, notwithstanding he was an uneducated man. Zebulon was but three years old when he came to Schuyler county and lived with the family until he was married. He was edu- cated at the district schools. He was married in 1852, to Mary L. Cal- vin, daughter of Samuel and Phoebe Calvin, and a native of Ohio. After marriage Mr. Allphin settled where he now resides and soon purchased 160 acres of unimproved land. He has since resided on the same, and now owns over 240 acres of land. He is a general farnaer, dealing in live stock. Mr. and Mrs. Allphin have eight children: William C. re- sides in Carthage, Missouri; James Henry resides in HuntsviUe township; Addie, wife of Frank Seward, resides in HuntsviUe town- ship; Cornelia, wife of Harvey Hoover of Clark county, Misssouri; George M., at home; SCHUYLER AND BROWN OOUNTIES. 135 Leonidas, of Huntsville; and Jessie, atlioine. Mr. Allpliin is a Democrat in politics. He has been Supervisor several times and has held minor offices. His wife died February 25, 1890. She was a member of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church. Mr. Allphin is a member of Huntsville Lodge, No. 465, A. F. & A. M. He has made all his property himself. fOHN W. SNYDER, a well known and highly I'espected citizen of section 20, Bnena Vista township, became a resi- dent of Schuyler county in 1834. He is a native of Virginia, having been born in Frederick county of that State, June 4, 1823. His father, Jacob Snyder, was a farmer. He married Margaret Huirhes, and in 1834 emigrated to Illinois, locating in Buena Vista township, where he at first rented land, but later purchased a tract, adding to it from time to time until he owned about 500 acres. This he improved by erecting a good substantial residence and commodious barns for his grain and stock, and in time brought tlie land to a liigh state of cultivation. He died September 28, 1865, aged sixty- seven years. His wife, the mother of our subject, had died on Nov- ember 7, 1849, at the early age of fifty-one years. She was a woman of intelligence and warm impulses, a faithful wife and fond mother, and left many friends to mourn her loss. They had four children: John W., James, now residing near Hamilton, Illinois; Joseph, a resident of Littleton township, Dli- nois; and George Edward, residing in Buena Vista township, same State. The parents were consistent members of the Methodist Protestant Church, and contributed to its support. Politically the father was a Demo- crat, bnt was never an office seekei-, or poli- tician in the modern sense of the term. The subject of our sketch, John W. Snyder, was but a mere boy when his parents came to Dlinois, since which time he has continued a resident of Schuyler county. He was reared to log-cabin life on a farm, and received his education in a log schoolhouse. He lived at home until he attained to the age of man- hood. He married, June 18, 1848, Miss Cynthia Blackley, a daughter of William and Jane Blackley. She was born in Tennessee, November, 1825. After his inarriage our subject resided on the farm on whicli he still lives. He commenced with 260 acres of land, with no improvements, and now owns 190 acres, well improved with good house and barns for grain and stock and other modern improvementp, while his land is well cul- tivated, being devoted to mixed farming. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder have had nine chil- dren, six of whom are living. Sarah Jane was born June 21, 1849, and married Harvey Cole. She died in Buena Vista township May 3, 1878, leaving three children. Mar- garet E. was born December 12, 1850, and resides at home. Martha E. was born April 3, 1853, and died June 18, 1856. Mary E. was born April 3, 1858, and married George Warrington, and resides in Buena Vista township. Lydia F. was born November 18, 1859, and resides at home. Louisa A. was born December 27, 1862, and married Ross Pittman, and now resides in Rushville, of Schuyler county, Hlinois. Cynthia B. was born October 9, 1864, and died December 15, 1864. Hannah L. was born May 24, 1867, and resides at home. Mazie C was born September 25, 1868, and lives with her par- ents at home. Mr. Snyder affiliates with the Democratic party, and has been honored by his constitu- ents by an election to the office of Justice of 136 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, the Peace, in wliicli capacity lie served bis county ably and well. Like his parents before him, he is a Protestant Methodist, to the support of which church he contrib- utes. Conimencing life with little means, he has, by industry and economy, accumulated a competence, and by reason of his honest deal- ino-8 and cordial manner lie has won the o friendship and tjood will of the community. -«i WILLIAM H UPPERS, an old and suc- cessful business man of Beardstown, C^^jf^^ was born in the Khine province, Oc- tober 1, 1839. Ilis parents lived and died in their native province. Ills father. Gear- heard Huppers, was a mechanic and small farmer, and had been quite active in local inattei's of his native town. He died at the age of eighty-six. His mother, who died at the age of eighty-one, before her marriage bore the name of Elizabeth Waltham. They were members of the German Reformed Churcii. Mr. Huppers was well reared, and when thirteen years of age, after attending public school, was apprenticed to the tailor's trade. After completing his time he started out as a journeyman workman, going to Belgium, ■where he spent six months, and then pro- ceeded to Paris, where he remained for two years, and tlien came to the United States, stopping lirst in New York and then Colum- bus, Ohio, and later coming to Beardstown. Here he has made all his money, having, when he landed in Columbus, less than one dollar in his pocket. He now does a large and lucrative business as mei'chant tailor and gentlemen's furnisher, at the corner of Main and State streets. He arrived in Beardstown and established a similar business with Mr. Miller, who continued with iiim until iSSl; since then Mr. Huppers has carried the busi- ness on very successfully alone. He has been a leader in many local enterprises. He is interested in the Beardstown Electric Light and Power Company, is a director of the First State Bank, and is a member of the Board of Education. His fellow- citizens have always known where to find him in public mattei's. He was married in Arenzville, to Minnie Henkel, of Hesse Darmstadt. She came with her mother to this country when she was twelve years of age. Mrs. Henkel, a much respected member of the church, died in Beardstown, aged fifty-three years. Mr. and Mrs. Huppers are the parents of two children: Lula A., who was educated in Beardstown, but completed her course in the university at Evanston, Illinois, and is now a skilled teacher in vocal and instrumental music; Harry C, twelve years of age, is at home. Mr. and Mrs. Huppers are leading people in this city, Mrs. Huppers being a member of the First Lutheran Church. Mr. Huppers is a member of the order of F. & A. M., a member of Cass Lodge, No. 23, of Clark Chapter No. 29, and is Treasurer in both. He is a sound Repuldicau in politics. HARLES N. DUNN, a successful farmer and stock-raiser of Beardstown, was born here, and has always lived on this farm. His father was John Dunn, of Cornwall, England, born in 1822. He grew up in his native country as a farmer boy and with his brother Luke came to the United States in the '40s, on a sailing: vessel from Liverpool and landed in New York and came SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 137 froui there to Beardstown. Soon afterward he came out to his present location wliere he purchased 160 acres of wihi hmd, which is now owned by his son. Un this phice John Dunn began life as a young single man and here made farming a success. He was mar- ried to Caroline Treadway, vvho was born in Maryland, but had come to Cass county when young, as her parents were ol^T/?/Z/Z/- -Ifiny-L^^ fAMES A. TEEL, a pioneer of Schuyler county, and one the most successful farmers and stock-raisers of the State of Illinois, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, July 19, 1830. His father, Henry P. Teel, was born in New Jersey; and it is thought that the grandfather, John Teel, also was a native of New Jersey. The great-grandfather, Captain John Teel, com- manded a company in the war of the Revo- lution; he spent his last years in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, and was buried with military honors; his widow came to Illinois and spent her last days here. John Teel served five years in the regular army, and participated in the struggle of 1812; he emigrated from Pennsylvania and spent the last years of his life in Guernsey county; ho married Huldah Haines, a native of the Key- stone State; she also died in Guernsey county. Henry P. Teel was a millwright by trade, and followed this vocation in Pennsylvania until 1833, when he came to Illinois, accompanied liy his wife and two children; the trip was made via the Ohio, Mississippi and Illinois rivers to Erie, and thence by team to Rush- ville; here he lived two years, and then re- moved to the Territory of Iowa, locating at Fort Madison, where he lived one year; he then came back to Schuyler county, and re- sumed work at his trade. He saved his money, and in 1845 he purchased a tract of school land on section IG, Rushville town- ship; in connection wiJ^h his trade he super- 186 BTOORAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, intended the cultivation of this land, and resided on the farm until his death, which occuri'ed March 21, 1878. He married Mar- tha Ann Mathews, who was born in New Castle, Delaware, November 11, 1811; her father, James Mathews was born on the sea when his parents were emigrating to America; Thomas Mathews, the great-grandfather of our subject, was born in Ireland, of Scotch ancestry; after emigrating to America he set- tled in Delaware, but later removed to Penn- sylvania, locating in Washington county; he afterward came to Ohio, where he spent the remainder of his days; he married Margaret Steward, a native of Ireland. James Math- ewe, the maternal grandfather, was a paper- maker by trade, learning the business at New Castle, Delaware; after his marriage he re- moved to Washington county, Pennsylvania, and thence to Kansas, where he spent the last days of liis life in Cherokee county; he was a thirty-third degree Mason, and his funeral was conducted by that body. Henry P. Teel and wife reared a family of seven children: James A. the subject of this notice, Huldah A., John T., William, Alice, Henry and Cass. The parents arc members of the Presbyterian Church; Mr. Teel afiiliates with the Democratic party. James A. Teel was four years of age when his parents came to Schuyler county to reside ; settlers were few, and wild game abounded. At Fort Madison also the Indians were nu- merous, Black Hawk and Keokuk being prominent chiefs, well remembered by Mr. Teel. He attended the pioneer schools of Schuyler county, which were taught in log school houses, furnished in primitive style; the seats were made of slabs with wooden pins for legs, and the desks for the older scholars were constructed after the same pat- tern; the pens were made by the teacher from goose-quills. Cooking was done by a lire-place, and the children were clothed in home-spun of the mother's own weaving. James A. resided with his parents until he was nineteen, and then, in 1849, he emigrated to California, joining the great throng that pressed to the gold fields of that State; he was one of a company of sixty who made the journey overland with ox teams, walking the entire distance. He arrived at Biddle's Bar out of funds; he soon found employment in the mines, and worked two days and a half at $9 per day; he then began mining on his own account, and remained there until 1851, when he returned to his home via the Nicaragua route and New York. In 1853 he made another trip across the plains, spent a few months in the golden State, and returned by way of the Isthmus. He engaged in farm- ing in Rushville township, and soon turned his attention to the breeding of fine cattle. In 1856 he located on a farm which he still owns on section 2, Rushville township; this tract consists of 570 acres, and is improved with good substantial buildings; Mr. Teel lived there until March, 1891, when he re- moved to tlie farm where he now resides, one mile north of the courthouse; he owns nearly 1,200 acres of laud, all in Rushville and Buena Vista townships. He was married July 29, 1856, to Miss Elizabeth Smith, a native of Rushville town- ship, born December 24, 1834, a daughter of Jonathan and Nancy (^Skiles) Smith (see sketch of William Wood). Mr. and Mrs. Teel have four children living: Herschel V., Neosho May, Marshall E. and Walter H.: the oldest child, Everett L., was born July 14, 1866; he was graduated from the law department of the State University, Madison, Wisconsin, in the class of 1890, and his death occurred in October, of the same year. SVIWYLER AM) BROW^ COUNIIBS. 187 In early days Mr. Teel belonged to the Whig party, but for many years past has affiliated with the Democratic party. He has served as collector of Jtushville township, and has been a member of the county Board of Supervisors. He is a stock-holder in the Schuyler County Agricultural Society, and has made an e.xhibit at the second fair held in the county, receiving two silver spoons as premiums; his herd of short-horns has been seen at many county fairs in Illinois since that time, and has been awarded sweep-stakes and other prizes on different occasions. Mr. Teel is a stock-holder in the Schuyler Hotel Company, and also in the Bank of Schuyler County. He is a man of superior business qualifications, and his judgment in all mat- ters pertaining to agriculture is highly es teemed tliroughout the county and State. fOHN K.CLARK, a well-to-do and promi- nent farmer, living on sections 31 and 32, Township 18, Range 11, Cass county, Illinois, where he owns a fine farm, well im- proved and well supplied with farm buildings, of about 400 acres, lying in the Sangamon valley, near Bluff Springs, was born in this county, in what is now Monroe precinct, in 1828. He is the oldest man in Cass county that was born here. The family later came to what is now Bluff Springs precinct in 1S4G, and here the parents afterward lived. Prior to coming to Bluff Springs they had lived for a time in Morgan county, Illinois, and also in Schuyler county, later in Henry county, Iowa, and there the father, Thomas, struck the lirst stake of what is now Mount Pleasant, Iowa. Some time after this his attention was called to a beautiful spring located about three miles east of Mount Pleasant, and during his four years' sojourn in Henry county, Iowa, when it was all new ground, unbroken, he remained there. Later he sold and returned to Illinois, and in 1840 located in Cass county, where he became a prominent citizen and spent his remaining days there, dying in the vicinity of Bluff Springs, in 1852. He was sixty-seven years of age at his death. He was a good, well- known citizen of this county. He was born in Kentucky, and was the son of Thomas Clark, Sr., who was born in London, England, and came to America when a young man, set- tling in Kentucky, in Barren county, and there lived for some years as a prominent pioneer. He was married, and while yet in middle life was attacked by the Indians and murdered, and his house burned down. The mother died a natural death in Kentucky when quite an old woman. Thomas Clark, Jr., had followed his brother, William M., to Illinois, the latter coming here in the early '20s and settling in Morgan county. He is now dead. Thomas Clark was married in Ken- tucky to a lady of that State, Julia Ann King, of Scotch-Irish stock. She labored with her husband in building a home in those early days in Illinois. She died some fourteen years after her husband, and was about seventy- six years old. She was a Methodist. John is the eldest son of four yet living children. His sister, Mrs. Mary Loosley, is the eldest, being a widow and now lives with him. Another brother, Owen W., was a teacher for many years in the public schools and taught penmanship in twenty-seven States, and also in the Dominion of Canada. He is single, as is our subject. Another sis- ter is Martha, wife of Judge D. N. Walker, of Virginia. Two brothers and three sisters, now dead. Rev. William Clark, the older, was a member of the Methodist Episcopal 188 BIOORAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, Conference, and preaclied tlie gospel for forty years. Thomas was a well-to-do farmer and owned a fine farm near Bluff Springs, where his widow, two sons and a daughter, still re- side. Cynthia, the oldest daughter, was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and lived a consistent Christian life, and died at the age of seventy-two. Rebecca and Jane were also members of the Methodist Church. They died younger. John Clark is one of the prominent men of the county and takes an active part in local matters. He is a Democrat, a live, good fel- low who enjoys life as it comes. He started Bluff Springs, built the first house and store, old the Srst merchandise, and was Post- master of the place. This was about 1872. His brother Owen was also Postmaster for some time, and both brothers were teachers. ^HOMAS W. SCOTT, M. D., Rushville, Hlinois, is a son of Thomas "W. and Catherine (Fitzgerald) Scott, whose his- tory is fully given in another biograpliical sketch in this work. He was born in Scott county, Kentucky, April 18, 1848, and was but a child when his parents came to Illinois. Here he grew to manhood; he attended the common schools, and also enjoyed the oppor- tunities afforded in the academy at Mon- mouth, Illinois. He assisted his father in the farm work, and thus gained an intelligent comprehension of agriculture as a science. In 1881 he began the study of medicine at Mount Vernon, Missouri, under the pre- ceptorship of Dr. G. L. Ivnapp; he subse- quently attended lectures at the Missouri Medical College, St. Louis, and was graduated with the degree of M. D. in March, 1884. He immediately located at Mt. Vernon, Mis- souri, and the following year removed to Rushville. He is a close student of his pro- fession and the science of medicine, and is fully abreast of the times upon all subjects pertaining tiiereto. The J'uly (1892) session of the Board of County Supervisors appointed him County Physician. In addition to his professional duties the Doctor finds time for horticultural pursuits, and is very successful; he also raises poultry, breeding the best grades. He owns a farm east of Rushville, which is cultivated under his supervision. Politically he is identified with the Demo- cratic party, although he gives little atten- tion to politics beyond exercising his right of suffrage. He is an honored member of the Knights of Pythias. He is a man of great energy and enterprise, and in all the walks of life has earned the success and merited the prosperity that has attended him. S*^ tUKE W. CLARK, M. D., has been a close student of his profession for many years, and long ago won an enviable reputation as a skillful practitioner. He was born in Pike county, Ohio, September 6, 1841. His father, Ebenezer Clark, was a native of the State of New York, and was there reared and niarried, his wife's maiden name being Julia A. AVilcox, also of the Em- pire State. His early life was spent amid rural scenes, in closest touch with Nature, who is always a wise and gentle teacher. He attended the common schools, and in his youth began the study of botany and medi- cine; there was not a tree or plant in the State of Illinois with which he was not as familiar as with the members of his own household. He emigrated to Ohio, and there SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 189 was engaged in agricultural pursuits; lie was still devoted to the study of medicine, and after the family came to Illinois and located at Rushville, in 1845, he began the practice of his profession, which he continued to the time of his death. While for many years he enjoyed a wide and paying practice, he did not accumulate wealth; he was kind to the poor and did much for charity; in his death the poor lost one of their stanchest friends. In politics he was an ardent supporter of Republican principles; in his religious faith he was also possessed of the courage of his convictions, denying any future state; he did not approve of secret societies. His wife died in February, 1892; they had born to them nine cliildren, all of whom lived to years of maturity: Marcus, a physician, died at Vermont, Illinois, in 1892; Franklin is a farmer in McDonough county; Victor is a farmer in Adair county, Missouri; Luke W. is the subject of this sketch; Albert R. is practicing medicine at Vermont, Illinois; Mary married Dr. B. F. Taylor, and died at Vermont, Illinois; Lucy is the wife of Jacob Trout, of Rushville; Cornelia is tiie wife uf C. P. Neill; Emaline married William Barl)er. Dr. Luke W. Clark received his literary education in the common schools of Rush- ville, and at the age of sixteen years began the study of medicine under the preceptor- ship of his father, with^whose botanical rem- edies he became familiar. After finishing his medical education he came to Rushville and engaged in practice with his father. He is now one of the oldest physicians in Schuy- ler county, and has a large and lucrative practice. Dr. Clark was married, in 1872, to Miss Frances Schenk, a daughter of John Schenk, and a native of Fulton county, Illinois. Four sons have blessed this union: Wheeler' Myron, Earl and Homer. The Doctor is a member of the State Medi- cal Eclectic Society; in all his professional relations he has preserved that integrity and honor which graced the name of his father. He has been a close student of the science of medicine, and employs a set of remedies which have come to be known as "Clark's Family Medicines,'' and are now manu- factured for the trade. In politics he affili- ates with the Republican party. FTER W. RICKARD, an intelligent and progressive farmer of Cass countyi ^t Illinois, residing in township 19, range 9, was born in Windham county, Connecti- cut, August 2(3, 1823. His parents were Peter and Mary (Healy) Rickard, both natives of Massachusetts, the mother's birth having taken place in Dudley, of that State. The father died one month previous to the birth of the subject of this sketch. Grandfather Rickard was a brave and efficient soldier in the Revolntionary war, and died in the service. The Rickard family is of French ancestry and took a prominent part in early Colonial times. Our subject's mother was a daughter of Stephen and Rhoda (_Marcy) Healy, also natives of Massachusetts, both of whom were related to old and re- spected families of that State. They died in the Bay State between the ages of seventy and eighty years. Both her father and grand- father were distinguished soldiers in the Revo- lutionary war, although the fame of her grand- father. Major Nathan Healy, rather outshone that of her father, the elder gentleman receiv- ing a liberal pension from the Government for his able services in that memorable 14 190 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, struggle. The Healys were originally from England, and, as far as known, were success- ful farmers. On the maternal side, Mr. Rick- ard's mother was an own cousin of AYilliam L. Marcy, at one time Governor of New York. Their revered parents had eight children, of whom our present subject is the sole survivor; some of these were tradesmen and successful merchants. The mother died in Windham county, Connecticut, aged about sixty-nine years, universally lamented for her kindly ways and Christian character. The subject of this sketch lived with his mother until he was eight years of age, when he went to live with a brother-in-law, with whom he remained iintil he was fourteen. He, then, found employment l^y the day or month, and at the same time diligently prose- cuted his studies in the free school, which he continued to attend until he attained the age of twenty-one. He then started for the West, Illinois be- ing the objective point, then on the extreme frontier. In these days of rapid transit, it is interesting to note, by way of contrast, the time consumed by the journey. He went by cars and boat to New York city, and thence, via the Erie canal and Cumberland stage route, to Philadelphia and Wheeling, which took four weeks" time. He thence proceed- ed by the rivers to Eeardstown, Illinois being twenty days en route, arriving at the latter place in the fall of 1844. He taught a subscription school for several terms, after which he taught a free school, continuing thus for many years, teaching in the winter and farniing during the summer. He first purchased 120 acres in liis present township, on which he settled soon after marriage. He afterward kept a general store for a year in Chandlerville, when, in 1857, lie sold his first farm and bought 240 acres, on which he now resides. He lived on the old farm while the present one was being prepared for occu- pancy. Besides this valualile and extensive property, he owns a fine tract of forty acres, in this vicinity, all of which is devoted to mixed farming, in which he is very success- ful, being numbered among the most pros- perous farmers of the county. Mr. Rickard was first married June 22, 1846, to Miss Elizabeth Pease, an intelligent lady, and a native of Ohio. Her parents were Aborn Pease and wife, natives of Con- necticut, prominent and early settlers of Illi- nois, who died at an advanced age. By this marriage, Mr. Rickard has one son, Henry A., who was born February 12, 1848; he married Julia Hardin, and has two children. Mr. Rickard's union was destined to be of short duration, his wife dying on the old iavm, in the twenty-seventh year of her age. November 5, 1854, Mr. Rickard was again married, his second wife being Miss Mary Harbison, an estimable lady, a native of this county and a sister of Moses Harbison, a prominent resident of this locality. fSee sketch in this book.) By this marriage there was one child, now deceased. This union was also suddenly dissolved by the hand of death, before whose power all must bow. This gentle and beloved lady expired October 6, 1856, leaving many friends to mourn her untimely taking away. April 21, 1856, Mr. Rickard was married to Miss Mary C. Taylor, well and favorably known in this community, where she was born March 21, 1840. Her parents, Henry B. and Mary P. (Hawthorn) Taylor, are hon- ored pioneers of Illinois. Mrs. Rickard was a pupil of her husband when he taught school here in the early day. She is well informed and intellectual, being well adapted to be a companion to a person of her SCHUYLER A2fD BROWN COUNTIES. 191 husband's superior ability and training. By this marriage there have been nine childi'en, live now living; all born on this farm. Those surviving are: Charles E., born July 28, 1860; JohnT., born June 29, 1862; Francis M., born October 8, 1867; Mary, born March -4, 1871; James A., born Decem- ber 25, 1879. Mr. Kickard was formerly an old-line Whig, and cast his first vote for William H. Harrison, at a time when there was no tick- ets, each person writing the nauie of the can- didate of his choice. He has taken an active interest in the jiolitics of his township, and has held the position of superintendent and other local offices, discharging his duties in his several capacities Mith ability and integ- rity. Mr. and Mrs. Rickard and all the family are earnest and useful members of the Con- gregational Church, of which Mr. Rickard is a Deacon and Trustee. The entire family are prominent in temperance work and all mat- ters tending to the material and moral ad- vancement ot the community. Although caring less for pedigi-ee than onr English cousins across the water, yet we tacitly admit that tendencies and early train- ing have much to do with shaping a man's career through life. While Mr. Rickard has worked out his own prosperity and salvation, yet he has, no doubt, often drawn inspiration from the contemplation of the virtues of his illustrious ancestors, whose example he has insensibly been led to emulate. fosEPH fe:nton van de venter was born in Highland county, Ohio, June 25, 1826, a son of Jacob Van De- venter, who was born in Loudoun county. Virginia, a descendant of the colonial settlers who came from Holland in the early history of this country. The father of our sul)ject was reared and married in Virginia, but re- moved to Ohio, where he was a pioneer of Highland county-; there he bought a tract of timber-land, erected a log cabin, and made it his home until the fall of 1832, when he sold and came to Illinois; he was accompanied by his wife and children, and his brothei- and family. The trip was made overland, and after a journey covering three weeks he ar- rived in Schuyler county, which portion is now included in Brown county; he made a claim to a tract of Government land, bought a log cabin, and lived there until his death in 183.3. He was twice married, the second wife being the mother of Joseph F. Her maiden name was Jane Rogers, and she was born near Paris, Kentucky, a daughter of Thomas Rogers; she kept the family together until her death in 1843. Joseph F. was a child of six years when his parents emigrated to the frontier: most of the land was owned at that time by the Government, the country was thinly settled, and the river towns were the only market-places. He attended the pioneer schools until he was old enough to as- sist on the farm; the mother had rented land which the sons cultivated. In 1850 Joseph and his brothers, Thomas and Henson, and a Mr. Adams and his son, crossed tlie plains to California; they started with ox teams March 27, and arrived at Weavertowu, August 27. They engaged in mining thirty-live miles east of Sacramento until the following spring, and then went to Humboldt, and from that point across the mountains to Weaverton; there they resumed mining and continued the industry until June, 1853, when they started to Sacramento. They turned their attention to feeding cattle now, and fol- 192 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, lowed the business until 1853, when they re- turned to Illinois, coining by the Isthmus to New York, and thence overland to their prairie home. Mr. Van Deventer and his Ijrothers, Thomas, Barnett and Henson, com- bined their interests in farming and stock- raising, and bought land at different times, nntil they owiied at one time 3,500 acres; Barnett and Renson are now deceased. Our subject was married in 1868 to Luti- tia Givens, who was born at Mt. Sterling, Brown county, Illinois, a daughter of John A. and Mary F. (Curry) Givens, pioneers of Brown county. Mr. and Mrs. Van Deventer have two children living. Homer G. and Lloyd T. They are both members of the Presbyterian church. He was formerly a supporter of the principles of the Whig party, but has been a Republican since the organi- zation of that body. He is a man of honor and unquestioned integrity, and has the re- spect of his fellow-men. lUNCAN" TAYLOR, a well-known citi- zen of Rnshville township, is a citizen of the Republic by adoption, his native land being Scotland ; he was born in Perth- shire, in March, 1819, a son of Collin and Mary (Watt) Taylor, natives of the same shire. The parents spent tlieir lives in their own country; they reared a family of eight children, named as follows: Jane, Thomas and John, twins, James, Margaret, Duncan, the subject of this biograpiiical sketch, Ann and Catherine. Duncan Taylor and his brother James were the only members of the family who emigrated to America; James entered the service in the Florida war, and was never heard of after leaving Boston. Our subject was reared and educated in Scotland, and re- sided in that country until he was eighteen years of age. He then went to London, Eng- land, and there followed the baker's trade un- til 1843. In that year he emigrated to the United States, embarking on board a sailing vessel at Liverpool, which landed in New York after a voyage of thirty days. He worked at his trade in New York city until 1848, and then started toward the setting sun. The city of Chicago at that time had a population of a few thousand people, but there was not a railroad entering the place, and stages ran to St. Louis and other im- portant points. Mr. Taylor engaged in work at his trade in Chicago, and remained there a year, coming at the end of that time to Rnshville. At tiie l)reaking out of the civil war he abandoned his private interests, and in August, 1861, he enlisted in Company G, Twenty-eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was with his regiment in all the marches and campaigns; the most important battles in which he took j)art were Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Jackson, Miss, and the sieges of Corinth and Vicksburg. He was honorably discharged August 26, 1864, the term of his enlistment having expired. He returned to his home and resumed his former vocation, which he pursued a number of years; he was successful in his business operations, and at different times invested in and, until he now owns three farms in Wood- stock township. Mr. Taylor was married in 1843 to Eliza- beth Fourgeson, a native of Ireland, and a daughter of Daniel and Mary (Fulton) Four- geson. P'our children were born of this union, two of whom are living, Robert and William, twins; Sarah and Mary are botii de- ceased. Robert married Ann Beck, and has four children; William married Adeie Van- SCHUYLER AND BROWN GOUNTIEa. 193 davenor; Sarah was the wife of Richard Law- ler, and Mary married Charles Reed; she left two children. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor are worthy and consistent members of the Pres- byterian Church. In politics Mr. Taylor is an ardent supporter of Republican principles. He is a member of Colonel Harvey Post, No. 131, G. A. R. He is a man of superior busi- ness ability, is honorable in all his dealings, and worthy of the confidence his fellow-men repose in him. ^. <0> ^ jNDREW J. HEDGCOCK, a prosper- ous farmer and esteemed citizen of Schuyler county, Illinois, was born in Davidson county. North Carolina, November 25, 1831, and is a son of John and Temper- ance (Bodenhamer) Hedgcock. Three gen- erations of the family were born in the old North State: the subject of this sketch, his father, John, and his grandfather, Elisha. The originator of tlie family in that State was Elisha's father, John, who removed to North Carolina from within sixteen miles of Baltimore, Maryland. This was about six years before the Revolutionary war. Will- iam, an older brother of John's, was a sol- dier in that war; and it is more than proba- ble that John also fought with the Colonies for independence. EUsha, son of John, spent his whole life in North Carolina. He had four sons, all dead but one. His son, John, a farmer, removed to Illinois in 1834, with his wife and three children. The long trip was made overland with a one-horse wag- on, and consumed about eight weeks. He at first settled near Rushville, but afterward removed to Birmingham township, where he bought seventy-nine acres of wild land. On this he built a log cabin, 16 x 18 feet, in which his family lived for sixteen or eighteen years. He then erected a nice frame house, where he resided until his death, at the age of seventy-five years. He was well and favorably known in his com- munity, and was sincerely mourned by many friends. In politics, he was originally a Whig, but joined the Republican party on its organization. He was a devout church member, and interested in all good woi-ks. His worthy wife died on the same farm, aged fifty-five years. Andrew is one of the eight children, seven of whom are yet living, nearly all in this county. He remained on the old farm un- til he was twenty-two years old working with his father at the cooper trade, and at- tending the subscription school. He mar- ried early in life, and rented a farm for two years, but at the end of that time he bought eighty acres that were but little improved, on which he built a log house. Here they lived for four years and then he replaced the old house by a neat frame one. He has 520 acres now, and it is divided into several as good farms as are in the county, all having fine farm houses and buildings upon them. Mr. Hedgcock has always been a strong Re- publican in politics, and voted for John C. Fremont. He and his wife are prominent members of the Congregational Church, he having joined in 1857. He was married April 17, 1855, to Miss Martha P. Hall, of Iredell county. North Carolina. She is the daughter of Robert S. and Annie (King) Hall. Her parents were married in 1819 and came to Illinois in the spring of 1835, for the purpose of freeing their slaves, of whom they had some eleven or twelve by inheritance, which they suc- ceeded in doing after several years of trouble and expense. They had ten children. Mr. 194 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF GAS8, Hall was a good man, and always acted up to his convictions of v\^\\t and wrong. He lived in Indiana for some time and then re- turned to Illinois, and died here at the age of seventy-two. The whole family were very prominent wherever they lived. Mr. and Mrs. Hedgcock had eight chil- dren, seven of whom are still living: Robert S., born February 28, 1856, married Lanra Balton, and they have three children; Mary J., born September 10, 1857, married Albert S. Glass, and they have one child; John F., born November 3, 1861. married Anna E. Wade, and they have four children. He is Township Treasurei-, to which office he was elected in 1886. He is a farmer, and resides on his own farm. The fourth child, Bessie E., born June 14, 1864, married George Dorsett, and they have one child; Matilda A., born September 25, 1866, and Anna E., born May 16, 1875, are both at home. Lil- lie E., born November 8, 1870, married AVilliam E. Dorsett, September 10, 1891. All but two of the children have been at Plymouth High school, of which three are graduates. Most of the family are active in church work, and the occupation of them all is farming and stock raising. This is a family of whom the county may well be proud. ^ON. JOHN J. McDANNOLD, a promi- nent citizen of Brown county, is the sub- ject of the following biography, and is cheerfully accorded a space in this history. He was born on the homestead in Pea Ridge township, Brown county, Illinois, August 29, 1851. His father, Thomas I. McDannold, was born near Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, a son of John McDannold, a native of Virginia. The great-great-grandfather of our subject, Alex- ander McDannold, was born near Aberdeen, Scotland, and emigrated to America in colo- nial days; he settled near Culpeper Court House, Virginia, and spent the remainder of his life in that State. John McDannold re- moved from Virginia to Kentucky and was an early settler of that State; he improved a farm on which he lived the remainder of his days. Thomas 1. McDannold grew to man- hood in his native State, and came to Illinois. After his marriage he purchased a tract of wild land in Pea Ridge township; there he built a small frame house, and began the task of reducing his land to cultivation. As his means increased he made other investments in land, and now owns 500 acres. He was united in marriage to Mary E. Means, a na- tive of Kentucky and a daughter of Major John and Patsey (Parker) Means. They reared a family of four children: John J., Thomas R., George R. and Clara. John J. received his early education in the district schools, and this training was supplemented by a course at the Quincy high school, one term at FarwelTs Eng-lish and Classical school, and two years at Dr. Corbin's private school. Supplying himself with the necessary books, he returned to the home farm, and be- gan the study of law. In 1873 he entered the law department of the Iowa State Uuiver- sity at Iowa City, and was graduated from that institution in 1874; December 25th of that year he opened an office in Mt. Sterling, and has since devoted himself to legal work. He was united in marriage, in 1876, to Miss Cora Harris, who was born in Macorab, Illinois, a daughter of Dr. Ralph and Mary Harris. Two children were born to Judge and Mrs. McDannold, Malcolm and Helen. SGHVTLEB AND BROWN COUNTIES. 195 Judge McDannold has filled various offices of trust and honor; be lias served as a mem- ber of tiie School Board, has served in the City Council, has been Mayor of the city, Master in Chancery for seven years, and County Judge for six years; the last named position he resigned in 1892. He was made the nominee of the Democratic party for Concrress at the convention held at Jersej- ville, in May, 1892, being the first man in Brown county to receive this distinction. He is a member of Hardin Lodge, No. 44, A. F. & A. M., of the chapter, and of Delta Commandry, No. 48, K. T. In his profes- sion he has been very successful, and has at- tained a prominent position among the mem- bers of the bar of Illinois. ^. ^ ^NOCII EDMONSTON, a member of the county Board of Supervisors, rep- resenting Bainbridge township, is one of the prominent citizens of Schuyler county, and is entitled to recognition in its annals. He was born in Carroll county, Missouri, March 2, 1856, a son of Enoch Edraonston, Sr.; the father was born in Buncombe county, North Carolina, July 20, 1801, a son of Baziel Edmonston, who removed from Maryland, his native State, to North Carolina, and thence to the Territory of Indiana, in 1808; he was a pioneer of Dubois county, and there spent the last years of his life. He was married to Hannah Rose, who was born in North Carolina and died in Indiana. Enoch Edmonston, their son, was reared in Indiana and was married there. In 1829 he emigrated to Illinois with his brother, spent the summer in Schuyler county, and in the autumn returned to Indiana. In 1834 he again came to the State, accompanied by his family; he made the trip overland with two teams, camping on the way, and located on a tract of land that was afterward found to be patent land; he then removed to section 31, where he resided a short time, soon mak- ing a claim to a tract of Government land on section 29; he erected a house on this place, made some improvements, and lived there until he purchased land on section 32. As he prospered he added to his landed estate, and at one time owned about 1,000 acres. In 1855 he rented his farms, and went to Carroll county, Missouri, where he purchased land and resided for two or three years; at the end of that time he returned to Sciiuyler county, where he was living at the time of his death, August 2, 1872. He was twice married; the first wife was Susan Allen, a native of Buncombe county. North Carolina, and a daughter of Daniel and Celia (Hyde) Allen; she died in 1854; the second marriage was to Sarah (Barbae) Newsom. Mr. Ed- monston was prominently identified with the best interests of the county; for six years he was Sheriff of the county, and was Treasurer for two years, discharging his duties with marked ability and fidelity. Enoch Edmonstou, Jr., was two years old when his parents returned from Missouri to Illinois. He received his education in the common schools, and had the advantage of a term at a business college in Quincy. For a period of three years he was engaged in busi- ness at Quincy, and with the exception of that time he has given his attention exclu- sively to agricultural pursuits; he now occu- pies the old homestead. He was married in March, 1885, to Nancy Ater, a native of Cass county, Illinois, and a daughter of John J. and Mary Ater, natives of Morgan county, Illinois, and pioneers of Cass county. Mr. and Mrs. Edmonston are the parents of four 106 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, children: Belle, Roy, Floss and Fay. Inde- pendent in thought and action, Mr. Ednion- ston has never been associated with any political party, but cast his iirst vote with the Labor party, and now gives his support to the organization known as the People's party. He is a member of Woodstock Grange, No. -143, P. of H. ^ ^ fOHJN KERR, Kushville.— America has drawn her population from every conti- nent and all the islands of the sea. Ireland has contributed her quota, sending many of her sturdy sons, who have aided in the de- velopment and growth of the New World, and pushed their way to the frontier, that the path might be made for tlie onward march of civilization. John Kei'r, proprietor of the Schnylervilie coal mine and one of the prom- inent agriculturists of Schuyler county, Illi- nois, is a native of County Fermanagh, Ire- land, born near Five-mile Town, July 15, 1840. His father was also a native of the Emerald Isle, but the grandfather was born in Scotland, although he spent his last days in County Fermanagh. The father was a weaver by trade, and operated a hand loom with great skill; later in life he became the proprietor of a shop, and employed several men; the last years of his life, however, were devoted to farming, the land l)eing leased; he inarried Rebecca Wier, a native of Scotland, and to them were born eight children. John Kerr and his brother Alexander emi- grated to America in 1864, the latter settling at Newark, New Jersey; they were the only members of the family who came to this country. Our sul)ject was reared and edu- cated in his native land, and followed agri- cultural pursuits. He did not bring his family with him to the United States, as it was to them an untried land, and he wished to be able to return if the prospects were not fair. Fie was first located at Whitestone on the Hudson, his wife and children joining him there the following year. Later on he went to Newark, New Jersey, and was em- ployed in the woolen mills until 1872. In that year he removed to Illinois, and pur- chased eighty acres of land, ten miles north of Rushville; here he lived a year, and then sohl out, buying ten acres near Rushville. Two years later he had the good fortune to open a coal bank, and since that time he has been busily engaged in operating the same; he ships to northern Illinois and Wisconsin, and carries on a profitable trade. He has in- vested in lands at difl'erent times, and now owns one hundred and ninety and a half acres, lying three quarters of a mile from the courthouse. Mr. Kerr was united in marriacre in 1862, to Miss Eleanor Bell, a native of County Fer- managh, Ireland, and a daughter of Robert and Ann Bell. Eight children have been born to them: Joseph, Catherine, Robert, Annie, Fred, William, Burt and May. Politically, Mr. Kerr adheres to the prin- ciples of the Republican party, and is a thoroughly loyal citizen of his adopted country. IPIIOMAS W. SCOTT, deceased, was born in Montgomery county, Maryland, December 2, 1808. His father, Amos Scott, was a native of the same county, born in 1777, of Scotch-Irish ancestors, who were among the early settlers of this country. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, and re- sided in Maryland until 1814, when he re- moved to Kentucky. The journey was made 8GHUTLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 197 with teams to the Ohio river, and thence down that stream on flat boats. Mr. Scott located near Georgetown, Scott county, and was engaged in planting until 1832, when he came to Schuyler county, Illinois, and settled on land in Buena Vista township, which his ton Tliomas W. had purchased; there he and his wife spent the remainder of their days; her maiden name was Nancy West, and she was born in Montgomery county, Maryland; she was the mother of two sons and five daushters. Thomas W. was a child of six years when the family removed to Kentucky, and there in tlio Blue-Grass State he was reared and educated. In 1829 he came to Illinois, making the trip on horseback, and located at Eushville, which was but a hamlet; the surrounding country was thinly settled, and much of the land was yet owned by the Government. He embarked in the mercan- tile trade at Rushville, opening the first store of the kind in that place; he carried on a business there until 1835, and then returned to Scott county, Kentucky. He bought the Blue Springs farm, five miles west of George- town, and cultivated this land with slave labor; he lived there until 1851, when he sold out and returned to Rushville, Illinois. He was engaged in conducting a general loan and brokerage business until his death, which occurred January 22, 1885. Mr. Scott was twice married; his first wife was Adeline Johnson; she was born in Scott county, Kentucky, and died there in 1834; the issue of this marriage was one son, K. J., now living at Brookfield, Missouri, a phy- sician. The second marriage was December 20, 1840, when he was united to Catherine Fitzgerald. She was born one mile from Lex- ington, Kentucky, October 30, 1822, a daugh- ter of Jesse Fitzgerald, a native of Colfax county, Virginia. The paternal grandfather, William Fitzgerald, was also a Virginian by birth, but removed to Kentucky, being one of the earliest white settlers there. On account of the hostility of the Indians, he with sev- eral others lived for some time in the fort at Boone Station. Later he purchased land in Fayette county, and resided there until his death. Jesse Fitzgerald was a young child when his parents moved to Kentucky. He was reared to the occupation of a farmer, and owned land one mile from Lexington which was cultivated by slaves. He married Lucretia Shellars, a native of Maryland and a daughter of William Shellars. Mrs. Scott lias nine children living: Jo- sephine, Eugene J., Mary F., Thomas W., Catherine, Leonidas, Winfield, Mentor and Florida. The parents were both consistent members of the Christian Church. Mr. Scott cast his first vote for General Jackson, and was all his life an ardent supporter of the principles of Democracy. He was a man of much force and integrity of character, and his name is honored among the pioneers of Schuyler county. ffO S E P H HUNT, farmer, of section 2, township 17, range 10, post office Vir- ginia, was born in Kentucky, September 19, 1824. His parents moved to Sullivan county, Indiana, when he was one year old. Here he grew to manhood, coming to Illinois when he was twenty-five and stopping two years in Sangamon county. From there he went to Cass county, thirty-eight years ago. His parents were John R. and Hannah (Davis) Hunt. Both were natives of Kentucky, and the grandfather was also a Kentuckian, who ived to be ninety years old. Both parents died in Sullivan county, Indiana. They had 198 BIOaBAFHIGAL REVIEW OF C^iSS, eleven children, of which large family Joseph was the eldest. Eight of the children are still living. John Wesley died in JNashville during the war, being a soldier; Dora was killed accidently with a scythe, and George died in mature years, leaving a family. Levi, James, Sarah A., Mary, Elizabeth, Martha and Macia all live in Sullivan county, Indiana. Joseph enlisted in August, 1862, in Com- pany D, One Hundred and Fourteenth Illinois Infantry, and was assigned to duty with the army of the Cumberland. He participated in the siege of Vicksburg under General Grant. J^'rom there he went to the battle of Jackson, returned to Memphis, and was in that tight; next engaged in the light at Champion Hills, and from there went to the Black Eiver, where he built a bridge under tire from the enemy. He was under General Thomas at this time. He guarded a pontoon bridge for about six months, and while there heard of the surrender of Lee and Johnson. He was discharged in August, 1865, having served three years. Joseph was home but once during his service, and that was on a sick furlough. He had the erysipe- las while in service and it injured his eyes so much that he was nearly blind, and a furlough was necessary. He has never recovered from the effect of it. He receives a small pension, on account of heart disease. He was married on the farm where he now lives, to Uurinda B. Freeman, February 12, 1854. They have had two children: James Henry, the eldest, is married and resides in Leadville, Colorado. He has been keeping hotel until recently. He is now employed at the Government Fish Hatchery. He has one child, Bernice. Ida married John T. Drink- water, and lives near by. They have two sons, Ralph and Joe. Mr. Drinkwater is a breeder of road and draft horses. Mr. Hunt is a staunch Republican, al- though the rest of the family were Democrats. He and his wife are members of the Cumber- land Presbyterian Church and are worthy people and are highly respected by their hosts of friends. Mr. Hunt does not belong to any social orders. ;|^^,RS. NANCY GREEN was born in ^ Ohio, November 30, 1824, and lived thereuntil two or three years of age, and then came to Kentucky with her parents. They were James and Lovey (Tolle) Tolie, both born in Virginia, who had gone to Ohio in an early day. In 1836 they concluded to move West and sold every thing except some household goods, and with a two-horse wagon came overland and first settled in Schuyler county for two months. They then came to Brown county and entered eighty acres of land and bought 160 more of that partly improved, and hewed out a log hut in which they lived until about 1850. They then sold out again and went to Grundy county, Missouri, where Mr. Tolle bought an improved farm of 160 acres and there lived until his death, but he had sold the farm before this. He was living at the home of his daughter Sarah when he died, aged about seventy-four years. The mother of our subject died at the same place, aged about sixty-five years. There were ten chil- dren, four of whom are yet living. The father was a wheelwright and chair-maker. The grandparents on the mother's side were Reuben and Tolle, and the paternal grandparents were William and Diana Tolle. The marriage of our subject took place January 28, 1843, to Mr. Ilirara Green, who was born in Culpeper county, Virginia, December 25, 1817. He was the son of aCHUTLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 199 John and Sarali (Newby) Green, who lived in Virginia all their lives and died about middle age. The husband of our subject came to Illinois about 1838, with some of his relatives, and worked by the month for some time, but was a cooper at the time of his marriage. He bought a farm of 160 acres in the county of Brown from a man who had im- proved it; but Mr. Green built a log house and there they lived for about six years, and then he bought another eighty acres and built a better house. There the family lived until 1873, when he sold it and bought his present farm of 240 acres on which are all improvements. He died August 2, 1877. He was a Democrat in his politics but did not bother much about them. Our subject and her husband started with nothing and at the time of his death had ac- quired as fine a farm as there is in the county. They were faithful members of the Union Baptist Church for years, and he was an active member, assisting in the building of it and was lamented by all at the time of his death. Mrs. Greene, the estimalile lady whose sketch we are presenting, is well known in the township where she and her husband have shown to the world a life of married felicity. She has been the beloved mother of fourteen children and is not only esteemed above all others by her immediate family but by the neighborhood. We close this short notice with the names of her family. Mary Jane is at home; Sarah is married and has two children; Lovey M. is married and died leaving four children; Ann G. is married and has seven childre; Juliet is married and has live children; William F. is married and has six children ; Celinda E. is married and has five children; Angeline is married and has four children ; George W. is married and has three children; Purlina is married and has two children; Olive; Almira is married but has no family. Mrs. Greene looks after the farm herself and rents to her son George, who carries on a very successful mixed farming. r^ILLIAM J. DAVIS, of Lee township, j| was born in Adams county, Illinois, in 1845. His father, Washington, was born in Virginia about 1822, and his father, Edward, was a Virginia farmer who emigrated to Hlinois in 1837, where he died at an advanced age, in Adams county. They came by land the most of the way. The mother of William J. was Nancy Chip- man of North Carolina, a daughter of David Chipman, who came to Hlinois in 1835. She survived her husband. William Davis had a good common-school education, was reared to farm life, and this has been his vocation except a little agency as a salesman in fruit trees. He remained at home until twenty-six years of age, when he married Maggie, daughter of George and Hannah (Ferguson) Colgate. She was born in Pike county, of which her parents were early set- tlers. Her mother died about 1877. Her father is living, at the age of seventy-live. Mr. and Mrs. Davis settled on a small farm near Clayton in 1874. Three years later they sold there and moved to their present home in Brown county, buying sixty acres for §2,- 250. He rents part, and farms about 120 acres a year. They have been greatly blessed, and have not lost any of their ten ciiildren. They are, Charles E., Adelbert, Walter, Har- riet, Jackson, Julia, George, Belle, Mary and Nellie. This family is all comely, bright and dutiful; and are being carefully educated. 200 BIOOliAPHlCAL REVIEW OF CASS, Mr. Davis is a Missionary Baptist, he is also a Democrat, but is not strongly partizan. Wiiile he has been very busy raising stock and enoaged in general farming he has had time to become a successful bee-keeper in the last six years. He is School Director and a very active member in his church. His family is highly thought of in the commun- ity as is he himself. i,ENJAMIN F. REBMAN, a farmer and dairyman, was born in Schuyler county, Ulinois, at Pleasant View, January 12, 1848. He was the seventh child in a family of nine born to John and Margaret (Huffman) Rebman, the former of whom was born at Strashurg, Germany, and the latter near the same place. They emigrated to America in 1830 and were married in New York city in 1833. They lived in New York State about four years, when they removed to St. Louis, and after remaining there two years removed to Beardstown, Illinois, where they lived four years more. At the end of that time they moved to Schuyler county and here they both died, Mrs. Rebman in 1877 and her husband four years later. Mr. Reb- man was a mechanic by trade. Benjamin Rebtnan, after the slight school- ing he was able to obtain in the country schools, at the age of eighteen, engaged in farming, working by the month for farmers until he had accumulated enough to begin business for himself. He has been engaged in the dairy business for some years and has supplied the city of Beardstown with vast quantities of milk. This taken in connection with his extensive farming yield him a nice income. He was engaged in the manufacture of brick, but sold out recently. He was married in this county January 1, 1879, to Mrs. Louisa Curry, daughter of An- thony Messeren, one of the pioneers of Schuyler county. He was a very successful farmer, being a representative of an agricul- tural family for generations back. He went from Germany, his birthplace, to the West Indies, when he was six years of age. The uncle who was taking him to America died on the voyage and the child was adopted by a West Indian planter. Here he grew toman- hood, and came to Illinois in 1832 and en- tered a large tract of land in Schuyler county, where he lived until the time of his death in 1859. His wife survived hihi for twenty- two years. They had five children, two of whom died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Rebman have had three children: Anthony, deceased ; Gale and Her- man Blane. His religious views are those of a free-thinker; is Republican in politics. ,NDREW J. MEAD is located at Hunts- llfiM ^^1^® ^^'^ i* ^^^^ oldest physician in Schuyler county, as he has been lo- cated at this place since March, 184:0. He was born in Henry county, Kentucky, April 4, 1815, being a son of William and Mary (Scott) Mead. He grew to manhood in his native State, passing his boyhood on the farm. At the age of thirteen he commenced to clerk in a store and continued there four j^ears. He then lived with Dr. Gosle, with whom he studied medicine until he was twenty-one and then practiced with him one year. He then went to Indiana, whence he came to Illinois and located at Huntsville. He had been on a visit to Missouri, and on his return stopped in Huntsville, where he met some SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 201 old Kentucky friends who induced hiiu to locate in this place. He has had a large practice and is well and favorably known. He married in December, IS-iS, Mary J. Briscoe, born near Perryvilie, Kentucky, June 2, 1825, daughter of George H. and Eliza K. (Ewing) Briscoe. She died December 4, 1891. They had four children: Alice, died, aged six years; Richard Homer, see sketch; William 11, a physician in Kansas, graduate of Rush Medical College; and Clara, wife of Charles Everson, of Huntsville. Both sons studied medicine with their father and both graduated before they were twenty-one years of age. Tiie Doctor is a Democrat in poli- tics and has always been an active worker in the party. He never accepted any office, as his profession occupied all his time. He is a man who is liberal in Ins religious views. No one is more highly respected and ad- mired than this same pioneer doctor of Huntsville. l»e¥ILLlAM C. BOLLMAN, Postmaster • \j\U iit Browning, is a native of Pike l"=ciiri4 county, Illinois, born March 13, 1839. His parents were John and Rebecca (^Iledgen) Bollman. Both were natives of Ohio and came to Illinois in 1837, locating in Pike county, where the father died in 1850, and the mother died in Quincy, of the cholera, when it was raging there. There were seven children by this marriage, and two by the former one. The brothers and sisters of William were: Michael, deceased; our subject was the next child; Samuel, still living in Pike county, married; John, deceased; Or- ville, deceased; Sarah Massey of Fulton county, Illinois; Mary O., married; Aaron Finton resides near Pittslield, Illinois. The other two are dead. William grew to manhood in Pike county, and married there Miss Amanda Preston, of Ohio. Her parents were John and Hannah Preston. The father died when Mrs. Boll- man was a child, but the mother died in Browning with her daughter, Mrs. Bollman. Mr. Bollman farmed for many years in Pike county, and then removed to Browning, Schuyler county, where he lived until 1861 when he enlisted in Company H, Third Illi- nois Cavalry, as a private, and became Quarter Master Sergeant of his regiment. He served four years and two months, and participated in the battles of Pea Ridge; was with Sherman when he made the attack on Haines' Bluff, at Vicksburg; was at the cap- ture of Arkansas Post, and from thence to Hol- low Springs, Mississippi; did scouting duty in Mississippi, and afterward had a serious en- gagement at Gravelly Springs, Tennessee, and he was also engaged in many other skir- mishes and battles of less importance. After the surrender of the rebel armies, the regi- ment was sent across the plains to award the Indians, and remained there until Octo- ber, 1865. They were mustered out at Min- neapolis, October 10, 1865. Mr. Bollman returned to Browning, and engaged in farm- ing, and remained in that business until 1887, when he engaged in mercantile business. He was appointed Postmaster in 1890, and still holds that position. JMr. and Mrs. Bollman have had nine chil- dren, but only one of that number is living, Frank, now twenty- three years of age, is married and resides in Beardstown, Illi- nois. The Bollman family are of German and Irish origin. Mr. Bollman is a Repub- lican, though he entered the army as a Demo- crat, but changed his views while in the service, and has faithfully voted with the Re- publican party ever since. He is a member 202 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, of the G. A. R., also of the I. O. O. F.' Browning Lodge, No. 309. He is a P. G., and has represented his lodge for two years at the Grand Lodge of the State. Mr. and Mrs. Bollman are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Bollman was not the only member of his family who served in the late war; a brother, Samuel, served three years in the Ninety-ninth Illinois Infantry. Both escaped injury, except to general health. lIMON A. REE7E, who has long been closely connected with the agricultural interests of Schuyler county, is a native of the State of Illinois, born at Springfield, December 28, 1828. His father, John Reeve, was a native of New York, and the pa- ternal grandfather was born in the same State; the latter is supposed to have visited Illinois at an early day, as he purchased land in Fulton county. John Reeve was still a youth when he acccompanied his parents to Kentucky, and there he was married to Bet- sey Ross, a Kentuckian by birth; from the Brue Grass State he removed to Indiaua, and thence to Illinois, being one of the pioneers of Springfield ; he resided there some years before it became the capital city of the com- monwealth. In 1821* he came to Schuyler county, and settled in Bainbridge township on land his father had given him; the tract was heavily timbered, and there were no im- provements. Mr. Reeve erected a log house, and began the task of placing the land under cultivation. He resided there until after the death of his wife, which occurred in 1843, when he returned to Indiana; in a few years he came back to Illinois and located in Peoria county, where he spent the last days of his life. His death occurred in his seventy-fifth year. Simon A. Reeve was but an infant when his parents removed to Schuyler county; here he was reared amid the privations and hardships incident to life on the frontier; the conntry was thinly settled, Indians still I'oamed the prairie, and wild game was abund- ant. The mother spun and the sister wove all the cloth with which the children were dressed. Our subject attended the pioneer schools taught in the primitive log house, and in early youth began to earn his own liv- ing; for some time he received as compensa- tion only his board and clothing; later he had §8 or $9 per month, which he considered ex- cellent wacres. He afterward learned the cooper's trade, which he followed a number of years, and at this vocation earned the money with which be bought the first land he owned. An incident worthy of note as illustrating the value of neighbors as compared with that of land, is furnished in the act of the father of the subject of this sketch: When he settled on 160 acres of laud in Schuyler county, his neighbors were few and far between, and in order to secure a near neighbor, Mr. Reeve sold fifty of his 160 acres to a gentleman for $25, upon the condition that he would reside upan it. Mr. Reeve has been very success- ful as a farmer, and has accumulated consid- erable amount of property; to his oldest son he has given 107 acres, to another 91 acres, and now occupies a farm of 120 acres, which is well improved. Mr. Reeve was married, in 1854, to Miss Jane Orr, a native of county Tyrone, Ireland, and a daughter of Joseph and Mary (IJurn- side) Orr. Two sous have been born of this union, William H. and Pulaski; the former married Harriet E. Ackley, who was born in Adams county, Illinois, a daughter of Latham and Pauline (Spangler) Ackley; their three SVHUTLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 203 children died in infancy: Pulaski married Mary I. Ward, and they have one child liv- ing, named Bertha. Mr. and Mrs. Reeve are consistent members of the Methodist p]pisco- pal Church. In his political opinions Mr. Reeve adheres to the principles of the Demo- cratic party. WALKER BECKWITH was one of the early settlers of Bainbridge town- ship, Schuyler county, Illinois, and is entitled to recognition as a member of that worthy band of men and women who pene- trated the wilderness of the frontier, and made the way for the onward march of prog- ress. He was born at Stephentown, Rens- selaer county, New York, August 17, 1798, and is a son of Elisha Beckwith, a native of New England, and grandson of Elisha Beck- with, Senior; the latter was a sailor and fol- lowed the sea for many years, visiting the principal ports of the world; he spent his last years in Chenango county. New York. The father of our subject was reared to agri- cultural pursuits; from Stephentown he i-e- moved to Chenango county, New York, where he was one of the early settlers; he bought a tract of timber land there, and erected a log house; he cleared a farm, made many valuable improvementss, and spent his last years in that home. He married Mary Walker, a daughter of James Walker; she survived him many years, coining to Illinois after his death; she died in Hancock county. E. Walker Beckwith grew to manhood among the primitive surroundings of Chen- ango county. New York; there were no rail- roads, and Albany was the principal market town; the mother spun and wove the cloth with which her children were clothed. Here he remained until he was about twenty-six years of age, and then pushed his way to Ohio; after a year spent in that State he went to Indiana, and while a resident of the Hoosier State was engaged in various occupations; he once made a trip on a flat boat, loaded with produce, to New Orleans. He lived in Indi- ana seven years, and then came to Illinois, lo- cating in Schnyler county; as before stated, he was one of the early settlers in Bainbridge township, and with the exception of four years spent in Hancock county, Illinois, this has been his home for the past forty years. He married Mary Waugh, a native of Ken- tucky and a daughter of Thomas and Sally Waugh. She died in 1886. Of this union five children were born: James, Charles, Nor- man, Stephen and Emily J. Stephen resides on the home farm, and has the management of the same; he married Elizabeth Kline, May 8, 1884, and they are the parents of three children: Olie T., Fidelia and Min- nie E. Mr. Beckwith is a consistent member of the Baptist Church, as was also his wife. He is a man of honor and integrity, and has the respect of the entire community. -^ ^ g-\ON. PERRY LOGSDON, a citizen of Schuyler county, is a man whose name is honored where it is known. He was born in Madison county, Kentucky, July 8, 184:2, a son of Joseph and Lucy (Parker) Logsdon (see sketch of Joseph Logsdon). Until the age of eighteen years he passed an uneventful life amid the scenes of his child- hood, but this quiet was then rudely dis- turbed by the breaking out of the Civil war between the North and South. In 1861 he enlisted in Company H, Fiftieth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served his country faithfully until the cessation of hostilities, 204 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CA3S, July 13. 1865, being tlie date of his die- charge. He participated in every engagement of his company, and when the war was ended he returned to liis home, with the rank of First Lieutenant. Mr. Logsdon was married September 5, 1867, to Miss Lizzie Byers, who was born in Schuyler county, Illinois, March 12, 1850, a daughter of William and Eleanor (Stutsman) Byers (see sketch of John S. Stutsman). Mr. Byers was born in the Bine-grass State, and removed to this county in 1847, where he spent his last days; the date of his birth is May 22. 1826, and his death occurred Feb- ruary 24, 1862; his wife was horn August 23, 1828, in the State of Indiana. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Logsdon were John and Elizabeth Byers; he died in 1827, and she survived until 1857. After his mar- riage, Mr. Logsdon settled on land which is a portion of his present farm; the dwelling was a log house which was raised the day General William Henry Harrison was in- augurated President of the United States; there he lived si.x years, and then removed to his present home. He tirst bought 106 acres of choice land, to which he added 120 acres later on; to this he added two eighty-acre tracts, and is now the owner of one of the most desirable farms in the county; a portion of this land is rented, and the rest is devoted to general farmino;. To Mr. and Mrs. Logsdon have been born seven children, four of whom are deceased: Luella was born on the home farm, August 5, 1869; Julia was born July 31, 1873; Charles F. was born January 6, 1880. Mr. Logsdon has for many years been identified with the political movements of his county; he has been Assessor, was Supervisor two years, and has been School Director; in 1884 he was elected a memljer of the State Legislature, and in 1888 was re-elected by a large majority. He is a Republican, but carried a Democratic district. While a mem- ber of the Legislature he was on several committees of importance, among which were these on Penal and Reformatory Insti- tutions, Canals and Rivers, Insurance, Drain- age, and Farm Drainage. He discharged his duties with marked ability, and such was the dignity and courtesy of his bearing as to com- mand the respect of his allies as well as oppo- nents. Throughout all his career, Mr. Logsdon has borne himself with a deep sense of honor which has insured a name above re- proach, a credit to his ancestry and a legacy of great worth to his posterity. In the terri- ble conflict of this nation he was a brave, courageous soldier; in the private walks of life he has been as much the hero. He is a prominent member of the G.A. R. at Rush- ville, and takes an active interest in this organization. f WILLIAM MEYER, a prosperous farmei' and stock- raiser of section 17, ** range 11, was born in Westphalia' Prussia, Germany, in 1838. In 1849, he came to America with his parents (see bio- graphy of Fred Meyer) and has been living in this country ever since. Here he grew to manhood, obtaining a little knowledge of English and English books. While he is not a well educated man he has good judgment and is very intelligent He is the eldest of his father's family, of whom all are married and live in the United States. Mr. Meyer owns a well improved farm of 160 acres, all under the plow with tirst-class farm buildings, all erected by himself. Beside this line farm he owns seventy acres of good grass land and SCHUYLER AND BkOWN COUNTIES. 205 eighty acres of tiinl)er land. These lands are all earned by his own hard work. He follows general farm inj; and stock-raising and breeds cattle from a iirst-class stock. He was married the tirst time to Caroline Telkemeyer, born in Cass county, in 1845, where she was reared and educated. She came of German parents who came to the United States and settled in Cass coutity where they lived and died, the mother when young and the father, W^illiam, when about sixty-five. They were earnest members of the German Lutheran Church. Mrs. Meyer died at her home in this county in 1879, on Easter Sunday of that year. She was thirty- three years of age, a true, good wife and mother, and a devout member of the Lutheran Church. She was the mother of three chil- dren: Mary at home with her father; Minnie and Emma, also at home. They are intelli- gent young women. Mr. Meyer was married tiie second time in Schuyler county, to Lizzie Gise, of Hesse Darmstadt, born in 1849. She came to tlie United States when a young woman with her father, John, the mother having died in Germany. They settled in Cass county. Later, Mr. Gise went to Ore- gon and died there when an old man. He and his family were Lutherans. Mir. and Mrs. Meyer have one child, Lucy. They are members of the Lutheran Church, and are true, good people. Mi;. Meyer is a Republi- can in politics. ;]^ZRA, JACKSON is a Hoosier by birth, bprn in Scott county, February 26, !^823. His father, Samnel Jackson, was a native of North Carolina, and his grandfather, Solomon Jackson, was probably a, native of the same State. The grandfather was a powerful man and lived to the great 16 age of ninety-eight years. He enlisted three diiferent times in the Colonial army during the Revolutionary war, the first two enlist- ments being as substitute. He served dur- ing nearly tiie entire war, and was very young when he first enlisted. He was a shoemaker by occupation, but also taught school, and remained in North Carolina until the formation of the Territory of Lidiana, when he came there, too, and settled in what is now Scott county. He was thus one of the earliest settlers and pioneers of Indi- ana. He bought land and lived there until his death. For many years he drew a pen- sion from the Government for his services and patriotism during the Revolutionary war. He visited Schuyler county several times, but finally died in Jefferson county, Indiana. Samuel Jackson, the father of our subject, was quite a young man when he went to Indi- ana. He married and lived there until 1829, and then, accompanied byUiswifeandfivechil- dren, all drawn by two yoke of o.ven, hitched to an old-fasli,ioned wagon, came to Illinois in search of- a home. There was scarcely an iuli,abitaut on the broad prairie then, and not a laid-out road in Schtiyler county. He located in what is now Bainbridge township, moving into a vacant log cabin, which the family occupied for two years, buying in the meantime a tract of land upon which was a rude log cabin and five or six acres of cleared land, the remainder of the farm being heavy timber. There was little value then in stand- ing timber, no matter how large and fine, and accordingly the great trees were cut down, rolled together, and destroyed by the torch. This was necessary in order to clear the land for cultivation. Upon this farm he resided until his death in 1839. He was an indus- trious, exemplary citizen, and an honor to the great and historic name of Jackson. The 206 BIOORAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, maiden name of his wife, the mother of our suhject, was Esther Close, who was born within two miles of Albany, New York. Her father was a native of England, who came to America at the age of thirteen. He mar- ried a Connecticut lady, and came to Scott county, Indiana, in a very early day, being one of its pioneers. Our subject, Ezra Jackson, is one of seven children born to his parents, viz.: Zadok, Ezra, Calvin, Elizabeth, Jesse, Solomon and Mary J. When Ezra was five years of age, he was brought to Schuyler county, where he grew to manhood. He was reared on the farm, and remained there until the age of twenty years, when he commenced to learn the trade of a cooper, after following which a few years, he conducted a hotel for one year in Frederick. In 1865 he bought property at the corner of Liberty and Lafayette streets, Rushville, where he kept hotel for twenty years. He then removed the building stand- ing there and erected the brick store build- ing now occupying the site of the hotel. For some time he has been retired from active business. He was married, in 1846, to Emily Brunk, who was born in Morgan county, Illinois, June 8, 1829, the daughter of Jesse and Eliza (Day) Brunk, natives of Kentucky, and pioneers of Morgan county. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson's living children are: Owen, Felix, Mary Ellen, EtHgene, Martha and Frederick. Mr. Jackson is a Democrat in politics. rilOMAS J. CLARK was born in Hunts- ville township, Schuyler county, Sep- tember 16, 1853. His father, Harrison, was born in Logan county, Kentucky, Febru- ary 15, 1811, and he was the son of Abner Clark. The father of our subject was reared and married in his native township and re- sided there until 1833, when he emigrated to Illinois. He was accompanied by his wife and child, and his brother-in-law, Mr. Wilgus, and family. They owned a wagon together, and each one had his own horse, and in this way made an overland journey to Illinois and located in Schuyler county. When he landed here his entire wealth consisted in his inter- est in the wagon, his horse and $150. He lived at Mount Sterling one year, then en- tered a tract of Government land in what is now Huntsville township, Schuyler county. He wanted a quarter section of land, but that would have cost more money than he had, consequently he entered eighty acres, and as soon as he obtained the money he entered the remainder of the quarter. As every other settler, he first built a log cabin on the place and commenced to improve his farm. For several years there were no railroads, and he hauled his wheat to Quincy, forty miles away. He commenced very soon to deal in stock, and was very successful both as a stock-dealer and farmer. He continued to purchase land until he had about 500 acres. Here he con- tinued until his death in 1883. His wife was named Lydia Coifinan, of Hardin county, Kentucky, born August 3, 1815. Her par- ents came from Germany, and were early settlers of Kentucky. She died in 1860. Thomas was educated in Schuyler county, and two yearsat Lincoln University. In 1875 he went to Sedgwick county, Kansas, pur- chased a farm twelves from Wichita and there engaged in farming for two years, when he went into Wichita and engaged in the grain business. He remained there two years and then went to McPherson, where he engaged in the same business, there built an elevator and shipped the first car load of gi-ain ever shipped from that station. After two years 8CHUTLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 207 he returned to Illinois and purcliased the faria where he now resides in Pea Ridge townsliip. It contains 24:0 acres, and is one of the finest in tlie county. He was married in 1874, to Virginia, daughter of John S. Anderson. Siie was horn in Iluntsville township. Mr. and Mrs. Clark have seven children: Helen, Arthur K., Ches- ter L.,John II., Paul, Mary A. and Stanle}'. Mr. Clark joined the Cumberland Presby- terian Church when sixteen years of age, and is an Elder in the church and has officiated both as Superintendent and teacher in the Sunday-school. Politically he is a stanch Republican, and is a member of the County Central Committee. In 1890 he was special atjent of the Government to make note of the recorded indebtedness of the Twelfth Con- gressional District. He has served several terms as Secretary of the Mount Sterling Mutual Insurance Company, which ofKce he now holds. Mr. C'lark is well read, keeps posted on all general questions, is also a for- cible writer, and is one of tl(e prominent men of the township. Ef JHOMAS li WILLIAMS, Superintend- ent of the Cass County Poor Farm, was born in Bertie county. North Carolina, June 1, ^850. He is the son of Williamson A. and Margaret (Thomas) Williams, natives of Bertie county. North Carolina. The family is an old one in the State. The pa- rents lived on a farm until after the birth of six children, and in the fall of 1856 removed to Illinois by wagon, and settled in this favored section, not far from P)luff Springs. They rented for two years, and tiien purchased the farm where they lived, when the mother died in May, 1884, three-score-and-ten. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Her husband remained on the farm for two years longer, and then went to Beards- town, and one year later came to Bliilf Springs, and here spent his last years, dying in October, 1888. He was a good citizen, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Cburch, a stanch Democrat, and a very worthy man. Our subject and his brother are the only members of the family now living. Mr. Williams has lived in this county since he was six years of age, and has been a practi- cal farmer since he was twenty-two years of age. He took charge of the Poor Farm in 1887, after his brother had managed it for eight years. It is located at Bluff Sprinsg. and consists of more than 100 acres of fine land. It is well managed l)y Mr. Williams. The average poor in attendance all the time is about twelve, and there is but one feeble-minded person among them. Our subject was married in this county to Sophia l^eichert, born in Beardstown, in 1857, reared and educated in Cass county, and a daughter of Conrad and Sophia Rei- chert, of Germany. The mother died in tiie prime of life, in Cass county. Mr. Reichert was married the second time to Mrs. Withroe, and they live in Beardstown, now quite old. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have three chil- dren: Charles F., John F. and Howard, all at home. The family belongs to the Metho- dist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Williams is a Democrat. The county has the right man in the right place. fOSEPlI M. SPENCER, an intelligent and progressive citizen of Ashland, Illi- nois, and an honored veteran of the late war, was born in Gibson county, Indiana, October 24, 1842. 208 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, His parents were Joseph and Elizabeth (Hajhnrst) Spencer, both of whom were na- tives of Morgantown, Virginia, the fatlier of Welsh and the mother of German ancestry. They were married in Miami county, Ohio, removing thence to Indiana, from where they came to Morgan county, Illinois, in 1849. The parents and younger children later removed to Kansas, where the father died in 1870, leaving his family and many friends to mourn his loss. He was a man of superior intelligence and generous impulses, and was very popular among his associates, who keenly felt his loss. His devoted wife, whose greatest interest was the welfare of her husband and family, returned to Illinois after her husband's death, finally expiring in Morgan county, Illinois, in 1879, deeply lamented by all who knew her and who ap- preciated her many excellent qualities of mind and heart. This worthy couple were the parents of seven children, four of whom are now living: Job H., the eldest, died in Arkansas, in April, 1890, leaving two children, his wife having previously died; John D. served three years in the Forty-second Indiana Infantry, is now married and is a prosperous farmer of Gibson county, Indiana; William S. resides in Buena Vista, Colorado: he is a widower and has a family; Rebecca, wife of William A. Baldwin, lives in Loami, Sangamon county, Illinois; Amos and Simeon died in youth. The subject of this sketch accompanied his parents to Illinois when he was seven years of age, and his i)oyhood and early man- hood was spent in this State, in the quiet pursuits of farm and home life. These peaceful, happy days were disturbed by the Civil war, and young Joseph enlisted at Springfield, on September 15, 1861, in Com- pany K, Thirty-third Illinois Infantry. He was in the Department of Missouri, and was taken prisoner by the notorious Jetf Thomp- son, at the battle of Black well Station, in October, 1861, and was paroled on the same day. JefE said " they could either take the oath of allegiance, receive a parole, or be shot;" that he had "no use for prisoners." It was at this battle that Mr. Spencer saved the life of General Lippincott, a service which the General appreciated until the day of his death, and the heroic act afterward brought many courtesies to the subject of this sketch. He was oflereil a commission as Second Lieutenant, but declined it as a re- ward for doing his duty. We pause to ex- claim. In what other country could such an incident have occurred? Truly, America rears kings, not ordinary men ! Mr. Spencer was seven months under pa- role, when he returned to the right of his command, at Village Creek, Arkansas, and took part in the tight at Cotton Plant, which occurred the following day. Here, he captured Colonel Harris' horse, sword and two revolvers. This was the Colonel who commanded the Texas Legion in that engage- ment. Mr. Spencer was next engaged in battle at Port Gibson, May 1, 1863; he had been in several unimportant battles during the interim, but this was the next general engagement. He was at Champion Hills and Black River Bridge; after which came the siege of Vicksburg, where he dug in the ditches and was under tire for forty-seven days. Here, he received a sunstroke, and was sent to St. Louis on a hospital boat. It was then that he realized fully the saying that misfortunes never come singly, for, while en route, he fell down a hatchway, striking on his head and causing deafness in his left ear, from which he has never recovered. SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 209 He rejoined his regiment at New Orleans, in February, 1864, they beincr on their way lioine on veteran furlough. Mr. Spencer re- enlisted as a musician, and accompanied the boys home. Afterward, he returned to New Orleans, where he did garrison duty until the Mobile campaign, when the regiment was badly decimated by a railroad wreck, which killed and wounded many men. Mr. Spen- cer was assigned to the Sixteenth Army Corps, under General A. J. Smith, and par- ticipated in the fight at Spanish Fort. He then went to Montgomery, Alabama, and thence to Selma, of the same State, whence be and the command moved forward to Meridian, Mississippi. From there they went to Vicksburg, and, later, to Yazoo, wliere Mr. Spencer was mustered out of ser- vice, November 24, 1865, after a continuous service of more than four years. His duty done, his thoughts naturally turned to procuring a means of livelihood. It was then that he turned his attention to learning the business of painting and deco- rating, which he has followed most of the time ever since. In 1866, he went to Kan- sas, where he remained until 1874, at which time he removed to Iowa. While in Mis- souri, in the winter of 1862, he met with a very painful accident, in which he lost one finger and had anotlier severely injured, which, although not incapacitating him from work, has, at times, seriously interfered witli his dexterity. In 1880, he finally returned to Ashland, Illinois, to which place he is at- tached by all the associations of his child- hood. Here he and his family have since resided, in a substantial and comfortable home surrounded by neat and attractive grounds, the whole place breathing the air of thrift and content. Besides this, Mr. Spencer is also the owner of other valuable property. He was married, August 7, 1870, to Miss Mary E. Gard, an estimable lady, who is a native of Morgan county, Illinois, of which place her parents, Ephraim and Paulina Gard, were worthy pioneers. Her eldest brother, John S., died in the United States service, while waiting for his discharge, after the close of the war. Mrs. Spencer was the second of six children, only three of whom now survive: William, Mary and Lydia. Mr. and Mrs. Spencer have three daugh- ters, Ella, Anna and Lulu, all of whom are at home, the second being a teacher in the public schools. They are all highly intel- lectual and have been liberally educated. Mrs. Spencer and the two older daughters rae useful members of the Christian Church. Mr. Spencer is a straight Republican in politics, and takes an active interest in all public affairs. He is a prominent member of John L. Douglas Post, No. 592, in which he served for two terms as Quartermaster, and one term as Officer of the Day. He is an An- cient Odd Fellow, to which order he has belonged ibr a number of years. Any one who has read thus far in the life of this noble, upright man, will not be at a loss to make deductions in keeping with his exemplary character. Unaided, he has at- tained to prominence and acquired a com- fortable income for himself and family, while his numerous generous qualities ap- peal successfully to the hearts of his country- men. ^ENRY CADY, of HuntsviUe, came to this county in 1840. His grandfather, Reuben Cady, has been written np in the biography of M. E. Cady. His father was Horace Cady, and he married also a 210 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, Miss Cady, but no relation. Mr. Horace Cady was a farmer, and einigrated to New Yori^ State, settling near llochester. Here they stayed until 1840, wlien they came to Illinois, settled in Camden, and the father purchased 120 acres of land. He later re- sided lor four years near Farmington, Fulton county, then returned to Schuyler county and passed the remaining years of his life on the farm on which he first settled. He died January, 1851. His wife died JS'ovember, 1870. They had ten children, namely: Heze- kiah, died in Sacramento, California; Dane- ford, now in Camden township; Elizabeth, now Mrs. I. G. Cady, of Camden township; Lucia married Perry Anderson, and is now dead; Henry; Reuben died in Camden town- ship; Orin died at Memphis, Tennessee, while in the army; Philinda married Cyrus Ander- son, of Huntsville township; Emeline, now Mrs. Kichard Mead, of Kushville. This large family have commanded the respect and esteem of every one wherever any of them have gone. Henry Cady was born in Otsego county, New York, December 3, 1828. He came with the family to Illinois, and learned the blacksmith's trade in 1849. He started a shop in 1854 and continued it for six years. He then settled where he now resides and purchased land, but still continued his trade until 1870, when he discontinued the black- smith shop and devoted himself to farming. He now owns 320 acres of land, on which he has made many valnalile improvements. He follows stock-raising and has produced sotne very fine cattle. He has been Supervisor one term, and Road Commissioner still an- other term. He was married in 1855, to Emeline Plunk- ett, of Camden township. They have had eiglit children: Adelia, now Mrs. Edwin Elliott; Amelia, died in childhood; Amanda, now Mrs. Greeley Clark; Frank, died at eighteen; Everett is at home; Mary is also at home, and the youngest child is Stowell R. Mr. C&dy is a Democrat in politics, and the family are members of the Christian Church. Mr. Cady is a man wlio has made his property himself, and has been a man of good habits all his life. 4^ ^ E. JONES, prominently connected for Wfyi the last twelve years, as division ^ road master between Bushnell, Illinois, and St. Louis. Missouri, of the St. Louis di- vision uf the Quincy Railroad, with headquar- ters at Eeardstown, was born on a farm near 13aldwinsville, New York, February 11, 1847- He was there reared and educated, becoming early acquainted with hard work. At the age of sixteen, he enlisted in the Scott's Nine Hundred Cavalry, but before he reached the front he was overtaken by his father, and compelled to return home. In 1863, lie en- listed in Nine Hundred of New York State Militia, and served until July, 1864, when he enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Eighty-fifth New York Regiment Volunteer Infantry, Colonel Jennings and Captain O. K. Howard, commanding, and this regiment was assigned to First Division of the Fifth Army Corps. He fought as a brave soldier at Hatcher's Run, Petersburg, Weldon and Quaker roads and Five Forks; was in the pur- suit of Lee, and was at Lee's surrender at Appomattox, where his company lost their First Lieutenant, the last man killed of the Army of the Potomac, and, later, he partici- pated in the grand review at Washington District of Columbia. He had many narrow escapes from capture and wounds, especially SOHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 311 while serving as a scout for General Chamber- lain, and for the period of nine mouths his was one of the lighting regiments of the war. He was one of the first to obtain a piece of the famous apple tree at Appomattox Court House, where Lee held his last consultation with his staff and decided to surrender. He is honestly proud of his military record, and was honorably discharged June 11, 1865. His connection with the Chicau-o, Burling- ton&Quincy Railroad system began in 1867) and after a period of two years' service with the bridge department, with headquarters at Galesburg, he helped in the construction of the large railroad bridges over the Mississippi river at Burlington, Quincy and Haimibal, Missouri. He was also engaged between Hannibal and Moberly, Missouri. Later he was assistant track layer for the new road, then known as the Hannibal and Naples, now part of the Wabash system. All these years he has proven himself a good man, and his promotion has been won by his own efforts, He helped build what is known as the Louis- iana branch of the Q. system, and after the completion of that road he became section foreman, and later extra gang foreman, which is on line of regular promotion, and after nine years was promoted to assistant road master of the St. Louis division, with headquarters at Beardstown. Two years later he became roadmaster from Bushnell to St. Louis. He now has control of 136 miles of track, with two yards, thus putting him over a large number of men. Since May, 1880, he lias been the Q. road-master, and has achieved a just prominence by his indomitable energy and devotion to the interests of the company. He is a good citizen, and a leader in all local and public matters. For several years he has been a working member of McLane Post, No. 97, G. A. R., of Beardstown, of which he is now Past Com- mander. He is also a member of the Beards- town Lodge, K. of P., No. 207, and was a charter member and the first Chancelor Com- mander, serving for three terms, and is now Deputy Grand Master of the district, and lias taken an active part in all its work, and he is a member of the orders of Woodmen and Work- men. He is also active in local politics, is Chairman of the Republican County Central Committee, and has been a member of the Board of Education. He belongs to the Road- masters' Association of America, is an ex- Vice President of it, and is a member of the Execu- tive Board. He was married in Quincy, Hlinois, to Almira E. Stedman, of Pike county, formerly of Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. She was only twelve years old when her parents came to Illinois, and she grew up in Pike county. Their living children are: Bertha, Anna, Al- thea, Ray and Almira Edrie. DWARD F. HACKMAN, a farmer of section 26, township 17, range 12, was born at his father's home, in this county, November 28, 1857. He is the second son and fifth child. His parents were John Fred- erick and Inglehert (Meyer) Hackman, natives of Hanover, Germany, coming of pure Ger- man ancestry. They came to America in 1835, with their respective families. They grew up, were married in Cass county, and soon afterward settled on a farm in Indian Creek precinct, and later, they came to Arenz- ville precinct, where tiiey purchased their present home. They bought from time to time, and made improvements, and now have a beautiful home. (For further particulars, with regard to ancestry, see biography of Will- iam Hackman.) 313 BIOGRAPRIGAL REVIEW OF CASS, Edward was reared on his father's farm and remained there until lie was twentj-tive years old. He has since tilled his own farai. He has resided on the farm lie now owns for eleven years, and last year, 1890, he bought it. It is aiine farm, and he has made many improvements upon it. It contains 240 acres. He was married here to Amelia Jokish, an accomplished young lady, born and reared in the county. Since her marriage, she has been a devoted wife and mother. (For family his- tory, see biography of C. G. Jokisch.) Mr. and Mrs. Hackman are the parents of live children: Elmer, Orville E., Cora M., Mor- ton H., and Earl R. All are bright, smart children. Mr. and Mrs. Hackman are mem- bers of the Emanuel Methodist Episcopal Church, of which Mr. Hackman has been Steward for live years. He is a Republican in politics, and is very prominent in politics. Mr. John Frederick and wife have lived honored lives in the county, and their sons and daughters are a credit to them. The father aud sons are all strong Republicans, and the former is seventy-five years of age, but he is in poor health, and for the past ten years has been retired from active l)U8iness. He was one of the first members of the Emanuel Methodist Episcopal Church of this place. His wife is also a member of the same, and is seventy- two years of age. They have eight children living: Wilhelmenia, widow of Henry Winkle, residing m Beards- tuwn, mother of three bright daughters; Her- man ;. Sophia, wife of M. L. Korse, a hardware dealer of Beatrice, Nebraska; Matilda is at home keeping house for her parents; Edward; Sarah, wife of Fhilip Jokisch; Henry, of the firm of Korse & Hackman, hardware dealers at Beatrice, Nebraska. Herman Hackman is a prominent young farmer and stock-raiser, yet single, of section 30, township 17, range 11. He manages his father's old homestead of 319 acres, and has nm it on hie own account for the past ten years. He was born on this farm. May 6, 1850, and was reared and received his first education in the county; later he attended a commercial school in St. Louis. He has always followed the vocation of farming, and is a hard-working young man. He, like his father and brothers, is a staunch Repub- lican in politics, and a Methodist in religion. R. RICHARD HOMER MEAD is a native of Schuyler county, born in Huntsville, January 16, 1847, being a son of Andrew J. and Mary (Briscoe) Mead. He was educated in Huntsville. When he was sixteen years old he enlisted in Company K, Eighth Iowa Cavalry, at Camp Roberts, Davenport, Iowa. From there they went to Nashville, Tennessee, and were on duty in the mountains during the winter of 1863-"64. In the spring they were on the left wing of General McCook's cavalry, with Sherman's army on his advance on Atlanta, participating in the engagenients of that campaign, besides other engagements. There was fighting every day for 100 days. They then returned north, and were the first forces to oppose Hood's crossing the Tennessee river. They retreated before Hood's advance to Duck river, where they prevented his advance until the battle of Franklin, in which they participated, also in the battle of Nashville, when they pur- sued Hood's army to the Tennessee river. In the spring of 1865 they were in Wilson's cavalry, and fought two engagements in the mountains in Alabama after the war was over, not having received notice of the sign- ing of the terms of the surrender. They SCHUYLER AND BROWN GOUNTIES. 213 next were sent in pursuit of Jeff. Davis, to Macon, Georgia, wiiere he was captured. Mr. Mead was then mustered out, August 28, 1865. He was taken prisoner on McCook's raid in the rear of Atlanta, but escaped in a few hours. One half of his company died at Andersonville prison. After the war he re- turned to Illinois and resumed the studj of medicine, which he had commenced in the office of his father. In November, 1865, he entered the medical college at Keokuk, Iowa, graduating with the class of 1867. lie then located at Huntsville, and practiced with his father until 1872, when he went to Texas and spent five years with tlie I. & G. N. Railroad Company. In 1878 and 1879 he attended the St. Louis Medical College, and then re- sumed practice at Huntsville, and continued until 1884. Dr. Mead had thus received a good medical education, but his literary edu- cation was limited to the schools of Hunts- ville; however, he applied to the Civil Service Commissioner for examination, and passed in the class of Burlington, Iowa, receiving an appointment as Pension Clerk at Washing- ton, District of Columbia, August 18, 1884, being the fifteenth man from Illinois who passed the examination. March 2, 1885, he became a permanent member of claims 1, and in October of the same year he was promoted to class 2. April 24, 1886, he was detailed to the field as special examiner, and worked in Maine, New Hampshire and New York. December 28, 1886, he resigned his position, but being an honorably discharged soldier he can re-enter the service at any date, without an examination. He returned to Huntsville, where he resumed his practice, and where he has remained ever since. He usually spends the winter months in the Southern States. Dr. Mead has had a large practice, and has always attended to his patients re- gardless of weather, bad roads or illness. He was married October 3, 1889, to Mary, daughter of James N. and Martha (Parrish) Ward, and they have one child, — Clara Briscoe. Dr. Mead has voted the Democratic ticket for years, but now supports the People's party. He is a member of the Huntsville Lodge, No. 465, A. F. & A. M.; Augusta Chapter, No. 78, R. A. M., and Almoner Commandery, No. 32, K. T., also of Cyclone Lodge, No. 635, I. O. O. F., of which he is one of the organizers. He attended the Na- tional Columbian Medical Association at Washington, District of Columbia, in 1884- '85-'86. He is vei-y active in G. A. R. mat- ters, is a member of George A. Brown Post, No. 417, of the Department of Illinois, and always attends the annual National Encamp- ment. ir-^,T?.ILLIAM T. TREADWAY came to "- \'/ \|| Cass county (then Morgan) with his 1*-^^ parents in 1829. He was the son of Edward and Elizabeth (Anderson) Treadway, natives of Maryland, raised near Baltimore. They moved from there after marriage, to Hamilton county, Ohio, and from there to this county. The family is English-Scotch. They had eight children, of whom the sub- ject was the fourth; only three are living, and he is the oldest. They are Edward, Owens and Elizabeth. The parents died here and are interred in the Monroe cemetery. William was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, August 22, 1819, hence was ten years old when he became a resident of Cass county. Sixty-three years of his life have been spent in this county, forty-one of them on his present farm. He was educated in the sub- scription schools, grew to manhood a farmer^ 214 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, and followed that occupation all his life. He is now enjoying the fruit of his early indus- try, and is living a retired life. During his residence in this county Mr. Treadway has witnessed a wonderful transformation from a wilderness to a populous and prosperous community. His farm in this precinct was partly improved when he bought it, and this was his first real estate in the county, though he spent about twenty-one years here before this purchase. He is a Democrat in politics, and has held the various county and precinct offices. He owns 290 acres of tillable land, lias a good house and fair improvements. His farming is divided between grain and stock-raising. The Treadway family has always been noted as a robust race, always enjoying long lives, and have been repre- sented in America for six generations. He was married in this county, in 1850, to Mary McHenry, who has borne hira nine children, all living: Jacob, Margaret, Mary, Nancy, James, John, Louisa, Joseph and Jefferson. Two daughters and one son are unmarried. The others are all married and are farmers, except Joseph, wlio is in the agricultural business at Virginia City. Mrs. Treadway died in 1879, and her husband is still unmarried. .LEXANDEK D. SIX, M. D., one of the successful surgeons and physicians of Versailles, was born in Morgan county, now Scott, in 1828. His father, David Six, was born in Tennessee, in 1799, and his father, John Six, was a^native of the Shenandoah valley, Virginia, and his grand- father, the great-great-grandfather of the Doc- tor, was banished from Germany on account of his tendency toward mutiny, and settled in this country, where he founded the family of Six on American soil. The offence for which he was exiled from his native land was a small one, it being the infringement of the game laws with regard to hunting rabbits. His grandson, John, took a very active part in the Revolutionary war, and though a youth was one of the prison guards at Yorktown. His wife was Mary Dnvall, of Pennsylvania, and tliey were married in the State where he was following his trade of carpenter and joiner. After marriage they removed to Tennessee, where their seven sons were born. This gentleman was a typical frontiersman and hunter, and was a pioneer of Tennessee, Kentucky and Dlinois. The father of our subject, David, and his brother, John, were the pioneers of that family to Illinois, com- ing in the springof 1823, landing near Spring- field in June, making the journey with pack horses and bringing their families with them, David having two children, while his brother had but one. In a year or two they came to the western part of Morgan county, and their parents and brothers followed to Illinois a couple of years afterward, making the jour- ney with covered wagons. The entire party was very poor, having nothing but their out- tits and their willing hands, ready to engage in whatever offered itself. John Six had a family as follows: Abraham Six, died in Scott county, aged sixty-seven, leaving three sons and two daughters; Daniel, died in the same county, about the same age, leaving eight or nine children to mourn his death; John, the next, and his family are all buried, he dying in 1857, aged sixty-seven; Jacob, moved to Arkansas and died at an advanced age, leav- ing a large family; David, father of subject; Isaac, farmer of Scott county, where he died about the same age as his other brothers; William died at the same age; Mary, wife of SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 315 James Taylor, of Scott county, a fanner, and they had a medium family; Elizabeth, wife of William Parker, died in Arkansas, leaving a large family; Catherine is still living with her daughter, in Missouri, aged ninety years, and is in fair health of mind and body; she had live children; Nancy, wife of Simon Taylor, died when about seventy, leaving twelve or thirteen children. These children were all fanners, or the wives of farmers, and they all crossed the plains to Illinois. The father and mother of the subject lived on a farm of 140 acres, near Mount Sterling, whera the father died, aged tifty-nine years, leaving eleven living children and one deceased daughter of live years. The name of the children were: Nancy, wife of a Mr. Green, of California, has a large family; Martha, died in Missouri, aged forty-eight, leaving the nine children she had born to her husband, George Scott; Daniel, a fanner of Mount Sterling, has a family of two daughters and the same number of sons; Abraham, a farmer two miles east of Mount Sterling, has seven children; Alexander D., subject; Mary, died, aged forty-eight, in California, near Los An- geles, being the wife of Irving Carter, by whom she had six children; Isabella died when five years old; William died near Mount Sterling on the homestead, aged fifty-four, leaving a wife and two daughters; Eliza- beth, now Mrs. William Bowen, of Knox county, Missouri, has six daughters; Cynthia, widow of W. A. Sieles, lives on her farm in Missouri with her seven children; Oliver P. and James K. are both bachelors on the home farm. This family is among the earliest of the settlers, and the Six prairie in Mount Sterling is named after them. The Doctor was reared to farm life and received his primary education in the log Bchoolhouses, with the puncheon floors and slab seats, without backs. The school that he attended, principally, was held in Mount Sterling. He left the subscription school at eighteen and went for a year to the Mount Sterling Academy when he was twenty-two. tion school of the neighborhood held in the log After this he taught school for lour years, reading medicine all this time. He finished his medical course in Rush Medical College, Chicago, graduating in the class of 1859, beginning his practice at Mount Pleasant. He went to Colorado in 1860 and two years later made an exploring trip through Idaho and Montana. He spent two years in Colo- rado and four years in Montana, and was one of the nineteen who discovered the gold mines in the last named State, at Pig Hole, not long before the discovery of the Bannock mines. He was interested in these and other mines during the four years he spent in this State, but returned home, across the plains, by stage, a journey of 2,200 miles, an easier journey than the trip out, which was made with ox teams. The Doctor bought his present farm of 400 acres about 1873, of J. P. Hambaugh for §9,000, with no buildings but the old log- cabin. He built his farm house in 1875 and his barns in 1880 and 1889, one being 36 by 40 and the other 36 by 48. His farm is a grain and stock one, he raising wheat, corn and hay, feeding his stock at home. At times he has as many as forty-two head of horses, which he raises from colts. He has built a warehouse on his own land, at Perry Spring Station, where they ship a great deal of grain and stock. This crentleman was married, in Lee town- ship, to Elizabeth Osborn, still living. They have three living children, but have buried one daughter, Jessie, aged nine years. She was a lovely child and her untimely death 216 BJOGBAPHIOAL REVIEW OF CASS, cast a gloom over the entire boiisehold. The living children are: Charles, aged twenty - four; Fred H., twenty-two; and Mattie, the pet of the honsehold, ao;ed eight. The sons are both regular farmers, and are now con- ducting the stock farm. Both have received a ffood business education, and are still single, residing at home. The little daughter is a sweet child and tills, to some extent, the ach- ing void left by her departed sister. The Doctor still practices, but only pursued his profession exclusively for about two years. He was of a great deal of use in the mines, where his professional skill was often called into play, at one time being blown up from a pi-emature discharge of a blast of powder; the Doctor was injured, and it was some time before he recovered, having nar- rowly escaped death. This gentleman is a member of no secret society or creed, and believes in Democracy, but is hardly within party lines. He and his family are highly respected. tEVI DICK, one of the most prominent citizens of this section, was born in Simpson county, Kentucky, February 17, 1815, son of Peter and Christina (Shutt) Dick. Peter Uick was born in one of the Carolinas, and reared to farm life. He came to Illinois in the fall of 1829, bringing his wife and eight children all the way from Simpson county, Kentucky, where he had set- tled at a very early day. The journey lasted about twenty-two days, and they settled in Sangamon county, where they raised one crop, and then, in the winter of 1831, re- moved to near the present home of our sub- ject, buying 160 acres of partly improved land, nine or ten acres being broken, and a small log house erected on tlie land. In this cabin they lived for two years, until Peter rebuilt it, and in the remodeled house this esteemed gentleman ended his days, aged seventy years. His wife was born in the same county as himself, and died on the old farm, aged sixty-eight. These two had eight children, five yet living. Peter Dick was a son of John and Dick, also natives of one of the Carolinas, who died in Kentucky, when very old. Subject's mother was a daughter of Henry and Polly Shutt, natives of Germany, who came to Illinois at an early day, dying here when very old. The entire family, on both sides, pursued farming to a great extent. Peter Dick and wife were very poor when they came to Illinois, and so were unable to provide for their children, who were forced to take care of themselves. Our subject was no exception to this rule, and everything he has was ei^rned by himself. He remained on the farm, working with his father until his marriage. His education was received at the district and subscription schools. After his marriage, Mr. Dick set- tled in a log cabin, about 18 x 20, in which he lived until 1852, when he moved into his present fine house. The fine home and farm now owned by Mr. Dick presents a great contrast to the wild prairie found by his father and mother when they came to this region in search of fortunes. Wild deer and game of many kinds abounded. Mr. Dick is inclined to think, however, that pioneer life had its pleasures as well as trials, as he says that the people were much more sociable in those days than now. Mr. Dick was married the first time to Emmatiah Leeper, in 1839. This lady was born in Kentucky, and was a daughter of Robert and Mary Leeper. Mrs Dick died on tlie farm where he now lives, asred about thirty-five years; by this wife he SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 217 had nine children, three now living, namely: Amos, married to Matilda Armstrong, two children; Robert L. married Amanda Sutton, three children; Martha A. married Aionzo Sutton, live children. Mr. Dick was mar- ried a second time, to Mary Morgan, born in Kentucky, died on the old home farm, aged tifty-tliree. She bore iiiin two children, Eliza C. and George L., the latter now in Oregon. The former married N. B. Orr, of Delaware county, Iowa, born in 1856, son of Thomas and Caroline Orr, and they have three children. Mr. Dick's tine farm of 300 acres is man- aged by his son-in-law, Mr. Orr, who carries on a mixed farming, and waving fields of grain now occupy the prairie where, half a century ago, deer were found in flocks of sev- enty-five. Mr. Dick, like his fatlier before him, is a stanch Democrat, and cast his first vote for Martin Van Buren. Mr. Dick and his father helped build the first church and schoolhouse in the section, and lias taken a deep interest in church and scliool matters ever since. He and his family are all church attendants and worthy, good people. f^ENRY W. TAYLOR, a prominent farmer of Brooklyn township, and an honored pioneer of tlie county, was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, in February, 1824, a son of Alexander and Betsey (Scott) Taylor, natives of Pennsylvania; the father died at the age of fifty-five years, and the mother died at the advanced age of eighty years, at Burlington, Iowa. The paternal grandfather, Matthew Taylor, was born in the north of Ireland, of English parents. He emigrated to the United States in 1772, and settled in Pennsylvania; he died in Huntingdon county, at the age of ninety- seven years. His wife, whose maiden name was Mcllheny, was born in Ireland, of Scotch- Irish ancestors; she lived to be ninety-five years old. Alexander Taylor came to Ohio in 1810, and cleared a farm out of the heart of the forest. His wife, Betsey Scott, was a daughter of Nehemiah and Mary (Wick) Scott; her father was a native of Long Island, and was a descendant of Scotch an- cestry, and the mother of Washington county, Pennsylvania; both died in Trumbull county, Ohio. The Taylor family have been promi- nent in the affairs of both church and State, possessing great intelligence and culture. Henry W. Taylor rceeived superior edu- cational advantages, and at the age of nine- teen years began teaching school ; he followed this profession two years, and then took a course of law in a private school. After his graduation he engaged in practice, but in a short time the California gold fever swept this country, and he determined to go to the Pacific coast. He made the journey over- land with four yoke of oxen, and was on the way from the 1st of April until October 22. He remained four years, and was engaged in raining during that time. He was married June 8, 1853, to Miss Cornelia Manlove, a native of Riishville, Schuyler county, Illinois, and a daughter of Jonathan D. and Sophronia (Chadsey) Man- love. Mrs. Taylor's father was born iti ISTorth Carolina, came to Illinois in an early day, and was married in Schuyler county in 1826. (This was the third marriage in the county.) Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have three children living: Marian H. married T. D. Lewis, and has three children; Ida M. is at home; Fan- nette married Dr. J. E. Camp, and is the mother of three children. 31S BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, After his marriage Mr. Taylor lived in Eushvilie township, and was engaged in operating a lumber-yard and building a plank road until 1857, when he sold his entire possessions and removed to Brooklyn town- ship. He developed a farm of 900 acres out of prairie and timber land, made many valu- able improvements, and has one of the best places in the county. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, of which he is an Elder. Politically he affiliates with the Republican party; his first vote was cast for Zachary Taylor, but at the formation of the Republican party he gave his allegi- sance to that organization, and cast his suffrage for J C. Fremont. He was Justice of the Peace for sixteen years, was Super- visor for two term.s, and has served on the school board. In connection with his large agricultural interests, Mr. Taylor has carried on a mercantile business since before the war, purchasing his first stock in February, 1861. He makes a specialty of raising fine, blooded stock, and has done much to elevate the standard in this section. He is a self- made man, and a citizen in whom Schuyler courity takes just pride. fAMES I). THOMPSON, one of the suc- cessful farmers of Woodstock township, is entitled to the space that has been accorded him in this history of Schuyler county, and following is a brief outline of his career. He is a native of Crawford county, Pennsylvania, born March 30, 1823, a sou of William and Mary (Peterson) Thompson. The paternal grandfather, Will- iam Thompson, Sr., was born in Ireland, and when a boy crossed the seas to try his for- tunes in the New World. He was a carpen- ter by trade, and followed his vocation all his life; he and liis wife attained the good old age of three-score and ten years. Will- iam Thompson, Jr., was a native of the Key- stone State, and resided there until 1837, when he came to Illinois; he was a mill- wright by trade, and worked at that occupa- tion several years. Two years after coming to this State he purchased land in Brown county, on which he settled the 14th day of May. In the fall of the same year his death occurred, at the age of fifty-four years and seven months; he left a wife and six chil- dren. The family then rented land for a period of eight years, and at the end of that time located on the tract purchased by the father. The tnother died in Brown county, at the age of eighty-six years. Her parents, James and Elizabeth (Abbott) Peterson, were of English and German descent, and died in Pennsylvania, at the ages of ninety-one and ninety years respectively. Jan.es D. Thomp- son is one of a family of ten children, five of whom are living. He remained under his parents' roof until he was married; this event occurred April 3, 1856, when he was united to Miss Margaret E. Grosclaude, a native of France, born April 27, 1830. Her parents, James F. and Catharine E. (Jonte) Grosclaude, emigrated to the United States in 1833, and located in Woodstock township, Schuyler county, Illinois; he died here Sep- tember 30, 1878, at the age of seventy-four years, and she September 15, 1878, at seventy- two years; they reared a family of eleven children. Mrs. Thompson's paternal grand- parents died in 1878, the grandfather Sep- tember 30, and the grandmother September 16. Peter J. Jonte, the maternal grand- father, was born in February, 1776, and died October 2, 1846; his wife, Susan Landon, was born March 25, 1774, and died June 7, 1842. SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 219 Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are the parents of six children: Mary E. is triarried, and the mother of three children; William J. is mar- ried, and has six children; Jefferson E. is married, and has three children; Emily L. is married, aiid the mother of a family of three; Charles W. is married; and Lorena M. is at home. Mr. Thompson has been prominently con- nected with the agricnltural interests of the county, and owns about 300 acres of choice land; he has been School Director for twenty- three years, and has held other local offices, always discharging his duties with a fidelity tliat won the entire confidence of his con- stituency. Politically he affiliates with the Democratic party. iK. GEORGE W. CRUM, farmer and physician, town 17, range 11, section 35, post office Arenzville, was born on the homestead adjoining. (See sketch of James Crum.) Dr. Crum began his educa- tion in the district schools. From there he went to the Illinois College at Jacksonville for one year, and then attended two years at the State Normal School at Normal, Illinois, lie then attended three years the Illinois Wesleyan College, receiving the degrees of B. A. and M. A. from that popular institu- tion. From there he went to Adrian, Michi- gan, to complete his scientitic course. He received the degree of B. S. at Adrian, and completed a full classical course at the Wes- leyan Colleo-e. He studied medicine under private tutors during his vacations, and then attended the St. Louis Medical College, re- ceiving the degree of M. D. in 1874. His close application to study had undermined his health, and he felt obliged to retire to the farm to recuperate. On completing his pro- fessional course he entered upon the duties imposed by the office of hospital physician, but this was terminated by failing health. He intends to resume practice during the coming year. He was married August 21, 1878, to Mol- lie E., daughter of Dr. David Malone, now deceased. Mrs. Crum was born in Posey county, Indiana. They have two children, Cora and Olga, eleven and thirteen years old. The Doctor is not an aggressive politician. He owns a farm of 160 acres of well- improved land, adjoining that of his father. Mrs. Crum is a lady of fine literary attain- ments, a graduate of the Athenajum College at Jacksonville, Illinois. Her only brother is a physician there. Her sisters, Alice, Emma and Rosa, all married into representa- tive and prominent families. Alice was the wife of William Morrison, and died in Iowa; Emma became the wife of Robert McCurdy, of Princeton, Indiana; and Rosa married Elijah Needham, of Virginia, Illinois. She is not now living. Mrs. Crum is a member of the Christian Church, and her husband is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the A. O. U. W. They are very worthy people. fAMES HILES, general farmer and stock raiser of Beardstown, was born in Salem county. New Jersey, January 4, 1822 His father, John, was a native of the same place, was there engaged as a truck raiser, and afterward ran a large farm in Manning- ton township, and still later was engaged in farming and truck-raising near Bridgeport. He died at the age of ninety-six, after lead- ing a quiet, peaceable life. His wife's name was Sarah Chrispen. also born in Salem 220 BIOOBAPEICAL REVIEW OF VASS, conntj. She came of an old Quaker family. Her own motlier and a sister were speakers among Friends for many years. She and her husband, however, adhered very closely to the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which they were working members. She died at the age of ninety. James grew np in Xew Jersey, and was married March 7, 18-44, and about this time commenced farming in Marion county, and followed it for about nine years; then he was a butcher in Woodtown two years. He came here in 1856; first he engaged as a butcher and farmer at Brighton, Illinois, for two years, and tlien went to Greenfield. While at those towns he furnished the meat for the workmen on what is now theQuincy railroad, while it was building. He fallowed that business there for three years. He was a poor man when he reached here, but has since acquired a good property. It is now thirty- one years since lie came to Cass county, en- gaging first in farming. He has been very successful, because of a progressive nature, and because he understood the nature of the soil. He soon began the growing of sweet potatoes and watermelons, and this has oc- cupied most of his time for twenty-five years. He raises from 2,000 to 2,500 bushels an- nually, and a large number of melons. He is very well known, and is respected as a hard worker and a good citizen. His place consists of fifty-nine acres, where he has lived but a few years. He was married in Woodtown, New Jersey, to Sarah Kidd, who was born and reared in Salem county, born in 1818. Her parents, Joseph and Jane Kidd, lived and died on the old farm in Salem county. New Jersey, members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. and Mrs. Hiles have had ten children, among whom were two sets of twins, who died when young. The three living children are: Elizabeth, wife of Thomas Reeves, farmer and gardener, near Beardstown; James, a farmer in Cass county, and Charles, a farmer and trucker, near Beardstown. Mr. and Mrs. Hiles are good people: both have been active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church I'or more than fifty years. Mr. Hiles has never been a chewer or smoker of tobacco, has never been intoxicated, nor has lie ever used a profane word. He has been a life- long Democrat. ,7jg!E0RGES. CAMPBELL was born in Missouri township. Brown county, Illi- nois, April 12, 1857. His father, Will- iam O. F. Campbell, was born in Logan county, Kentucky, in 1815, and his father, Owen Campbell, v.as a native of Orange county. North Carolina, while his father, John Campbell, came from Ireland to Amer- ica in Colonial times, and served in the Revo- lutionary war. The grandfather of our subject went to Kentucky with his parents when quite young. He was married to Mary, the daughter of William Clark, a native of North Carolina, and a soldier in the Revolutionai-y war. Owen Campbell resided in Logan county until his death, during the war of 1813. He greatly opposed England and was killed during a dispute relating to the great measures which were then attracting the at- tention of everyone. He left a farm of sixty- two acres. Tlie father of our subject resided in Kentucky until 1835, when he emigrated to Illinois, and settled on that part of Schuy- ler county now included in Brown county. He had a tract of land in what is now Mis- souri township, but at that time they were included in Schuyler county. Here he re- SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 231 sided until his death in 1891. His wife, whose maiden name was Caroline Stubble- field, was born in Kentucky, in 1819, and died in 1870. He was a firm member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Cliurch, but after coming to Illinois he united with tlie Chris- tian Churcli, and served as an Elder seven years; and also preached. He was a great bible student, and a Democrat in politics. He also served as Justice of tiie Peace for seven years. George S. Campbell was educated at the Mt. Sterling schools. He lived with his father until 1872. At that time he began to learn the printer's trade in the office of the Gazette of Mt. Sterling, and tliis has been his business ever since. He has worked at his trade in different places, and in 1878 purchased the Examiner^ a weekly paper devoted to the interests of tlie people in gen- eral, and the Democratic party in particular. fie was married, in 1886, to Miss Alta M. Larkin, born in Brown county, dauj^hter of John and Mary Larkin. They liave had two children. Earl and Elsie. Mr. Campbell is a Democrat in politics, and is a member of Jeph^ tha Lodge, No. 100, 1. O. O. F., and also the Encampment of the I. (). O. F., the \. O. M. A. and Modern Woodmen. ffOHN W. SEAMAN, an qld represent- ative citizen and successful stock raiser, was born in Jefferson county, Virginia, six miles north of Harper's Ferry. Septem- ber 21, 182Q. His father, Joseph, was also a native of Jefferson county, and was en- gaged thpre for years as a boatman on the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers, and kept a public inn for some time. His parents, who lived and died there, were American born, buf of German ancestry, the father being in la the Revolutionary war. Joseph J. was a soldier in a Virginia reo-iment, was in many engagements, and for some time was stationed at Baltimore, Maryland. His wife was Nancy Deaver, who was born and reared in Jefferson county, and came of similar ancestry as her husband. After the birth of their children, of whom our subject is the youngest, Joseph Seaman and wife, in the spring of 1832, came West, taking a boat at Wheeling, and came down the Ohio, and up the Mississippi and Illinois rivers, and landed at Beardstown when it was a hamlet of a few houses. There the family lived for some years, Mr. Seaman fol- lowing the trade of carpenter. He later went to Frederick, Schuyler county, and there died when sixty years of age. His wife died the next day, at about the same age. They had rnany acquaintances among the pio- neers of Cass county. John is the on|y surviving member of the family that came from Virginia to Illinois. He came hpre in 1832, found it new and un- broken, and has lived to note the many changes that have taken place during the past thirty years. He reached here about the time the Indians left the county, and hence has been closely connected with all pioneer his- tory. He has seen the county settled, all the roads laid out and built, all the school houses built, all the railroads and all the other im- provements made that have made this the garden spot of Cass county. His farm of about 500 acres, highly improved and well stocked, is located in section 16, township 18, range 11 west. He can boast of the character of his soil, except 100 acres on a sand ridge, and sixty-live acres in the bluffs. He purchased the place in 1852, and its present substantial condition is due to his perseverance and industry. 223 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, He was married in this county, to Mary E. Thuuipson, born in New York, in 1828. She came to this county witli her parents, George B. and Hannah Thompson, late in the '30s. Both lived and died in the county, Mr. Thompson being a farmer, and at one time a merchant in Beardstown. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson were quite well known as pioneer settlers of this county, the former dying in Beardstown, about seventy years of age, and the latter in 1850. Mrs. Seaman was one of five children. A brother, Seth Thompson, now at the soldier's home at Quincy, Illinois, and Mrs. Seaman, are the only remaining members of the family. Mr. and Mrs. Seaman are members of no church, but are good, moral people, and are beloved by all who knew them. He is not an office seeker, but is £i decided Democrat in politics. They are the parents of eleven children, four of whom are dead: Frank, Harriet, Charles and an infant. Those living are: John, a farmer on the old homestead, mar- ried Ida Kruse; George, a machinist living in Cass county, married Susie Kelket; Fred, at home helping on the farm; Hannah Bea- ton, living in Washington, on a farm; Cora, wife of James Heaton, also lives in Wash- ington; Anna S. Pearn, near Virginia, Illi- nois; and Bertha S. Hale, of Springfield, Illinois. The entire family are excellent people, and excellent representatives of Cass county. iZARIAH LEWIS, a prosperous and influential farmer of Cass county, Illi- nois, residing in township 18, range 9 west, was born in Washington county, Ken- tucky, March 15, 1813. and is a son of Will- iam and Elizabeth (Bui'ns) Lewis. The Lewis branch of the family is of Welsh ancestry, while that of Burns descended from German ancestry. The father of our subject par- ticipated in the war of 1812, for which he also received a pension and a soldier's war- rant, which were contined to his widow. He was born in Virginia, and accompanied his parents to Kentucky at an early day. He continued to reside in the latter State until 1828, and then, with his wife and seven chil- dren, started for Illinois, at that time the ex- treme frontier. They made the journey with a two-wheeled cart, which was drawn by a pair of small oxen, preceded by horses. They were four weeks on the journey, and most of the family came on foot. They were anaong the very earliest settlers of Illinois, the country being then wild and abounding with game. On their arrival in Morgan (now Cass) county, they had only fifty cents between them; and all who were able went out to work by the day and month — worked on farms, split rails, and did whatever they found to do. The honest, hard-working father was finally enabled to enter forty acres of Government land, in Mason connty, where he built a small cabin, in which he resided until his death in 1844, at the age of fifty-five years. His de- voted wife survived him many years, dying at the age of seventy-eight years, on the original forty acres which she had assisted in reclaiming from a wilderness. By her careful management she had accumulated a nice little proj)erty. She was the mother of eleven children, of whom, as far as known, five now survive. The subject of this sketch attended a sub- scription school for a short time in his youth, but owing to his father's limited means and the scarcity of schools he had but few educa- tional opportunities. He continued to reside at home until his marriage, working on farms SGBUTLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 223 in his vicinity by the day and month. After his marriage, he settled on a farm in the eastern part of Cass county, which lie rented and worked on shares by the month, where he ctintinued for four or five years. Ho then bought forty acres of fertile farming land, on which he built a log cabin, 16 x 16 feet, into which he and his family moved. Here he continued to live and industriously improved his farm, for two years. At the end of this time, he sold out and again rented land, on which he lived for about live years. He then bought forty more acres of partly im- proved land, which he continued to work for seven or eight years, when he again sold out and boutrht 110 acres in tlie immediate vicinity. On this latter place, he continued to live until 1856, at which time he pur- chased his present farm. Here he now has 120 acres, which he has carefully cultivated to mixed farmingf, besides whicli he has made a specialty of stock-raising, having now some very tine specimens of cattle. By unremit- ting industry, able management and careful economy, he lias prospered, and is now vir- tually retired from active business, and is en- joying in comfort the fruits of his early toil. Mr. Lewis first was married in February, 1832, to Miss Sarah Graham, an intelligent lady, who was an orphan, and a native of Green county, Kentucky. By this marriage, there were seven children, five of whom are yet living: the elder, Elizabeth, is married and has seven children and ten grandchildren; Nancy Jane W. is married and has eleven children and sixteen grandchildren; Mary A. married, has four children and two grandchil- dren; Caroline, married, has five children and one grandchild; Kilbourn, married, has eight children. The devoted wife and mother died in 1863, aged forty-six years, leaving her fam- ily and many friends to mourn her loss. October 4, 1864, Mr. Lewis was again married, his second wife being Mary E. Clark, an estimable lady, who was born in Marietta, Ohio, August 28, 1828. Her parents were John S. and Mary E. (Pearse) Clark, both natives of Ohio. Grandfather Pearse was a brave soldier in tlie Revolutionary war, and drew a pension for his services in that struggle. Her father was born in Cincin- nati, and was an old sailor and river boat- tnan. In 1826 he brought a boat load of saltto Illinois, hmdincr at Beardstown. Thence he proceeded to Morgan county, where he settled on a farm, on which he continued to live until three years previous to his death. He then sold out and bought property in town, where he resided, retired from business pursuits, until his death, at the age of seventy- three years. He was a very energetic man and was popular among his associates, being widely known throughout this State. Ilis wife died at the same place as her husT)and, aged sixty-five years. She was an intelligent woman of kindly impulses, and much beloved by those who knew her. Tliev were the pa- rents of fourteen children, of whom, as far as known, three or four now survive. By the second marriage Mr. A. Lewis has one son, Charles, born July 4, 1868, who is now married and has one child. Whatever success has blessed Mr. Lewis' efforts is entirely due to his own persistence and intelligence, and he richly deserves the prosperity which he now enjoys. I^ORMAN PARSONS, now retired and living quietly at his home at the corner '%, of Fifth and Washington streets, is one of the old settlers, having come here in 1854. He was born in Hartford, Connecticut, No- vember 6, 1811, and was a child only a few 224 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, years old when his parents, Moses andElsiby (Pease) Parsons, with a colony of twenty families, during the war of 1812, came over- land with teams to Geauga county, Ohio. They arrived in June, 1814, and made a set- tlement in the heavy timber of that new, un- broken country, surrounded by Indians and plenty of game. He there lived until the country was well improved, when he died some years ago at the advanced age of eighty- seven years. His wife had died some five years before. They were Methodists, and the father and seven sons were all Republicans. Norman Parsons served witli his State militia, went through all the promotions from First Lieutenant to Colonel of his regiment. He was one of the organizers of the G. A. R. at Beardstown. After his arrival in Beardstown he became a member of the lirra of Fischer & Parsons, wagon manufacturers, who did business for two years. A company was then established known as Putnam & Parsons, doing a general tombstone business. This continued for two years, and at this time Mr. Parsons bought a stock of goods at Falls City, Nebraska, where he lived for one year, and then returned to this county, where he secured and began to improve 175 acres of land near Beardstown. Here he continued until 1861, when he en- listed in the Third Illinois Cavalry and was soon after made Sergeant of Company C. He served three years in the army of the West. At Germantown, Tennessee, he veteranized and was made First Sergeant of Company F. of Third Illinois Cavalry, re-organized, and served until the fall of Richmond. He returned to St. Louis, Missouri, with his regiment in 1865, and later was sent to Fort Snelling, Minnesota, to protect the whites against the Indians. He was honorably dis- charged at St. Paul, Minnesota, June 20, 1865. He was in all the great battles of his division of the army, and had many narrow escapes, and at one time was surrounded by General Forrest's men and made his escape only by his military tactics. He was a man of daring and bravery. He returned to Beardstown in 1865, made a trip to Nebraska on horseback, and spent some time there look- ing after his real-estate interests. He was appointed Postmaster of this place by President Grantin his first term, and held it for eighteen years consecutively, and had in the meantime served as Justice of the Peace. He was one of the organizers of the Republican party in Geauga county, Ohio, and was vice-president of the first anti-slavery society organized in that section. He was first married in Ohio, to Amanda F. King, who died in 1852, aged thirty-four. She left two sons: Melbourne, living in Beardstown, and William; both of these gen- tlemen made very fine records indeed in the war of the rebellion. Mr. Parsons was mar- ried a second time to Mrs. Catherine Saun- ders. She has three children by a former marriage, namely: John, a mercantile book- keeper; George, who was a member of Bat- tery B, Second Illinois Light Artillery, in the late war; and Elva J., a lady of superior talent, and a teacher in the high school, and is now the wife of Mr. Saunders. QUIRE JAMES M. AVATKINS, a popular Justice of the Peace and one of the most prosperous farmers of Cass county, Illinois, residing in township 18, range 9, was born in Richmond precinct, same county, February 5, 1839. His parents w^ere Elijah and Lydia A. (Montgomery) Watkins, both natives of Ken- SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 225 tucky, the former born in Green county, in 1797, and the latter a native of Hart county. His father's parents were Samuel and Mary (McClnre) Watkins, the former a native of Wales and the latter of Maryland. Samuel Watkins came to America when a very young man and settled in Maryland, where he was married, and whence he removed to Ken- tucky. He was a prominent pioneer of the latter State, in which he made his home for many years, and where he died at the age of eighty-five years. His wife also died in that State, aged sixty-five or seventy years. They were the parents of twelve children, eleven of whom survive. Two of these, Lewie and Hank, were brave and efficient soldiers in the war of 1812. The mother of this subject was a daughter of Simpson and Salie (Gum) Montgomery. She was one of five children, two of whom were half brothers. Her father was of Scottish descent, his parents never com- ing to America, and her people were mostly farmers. Her father was a boatman, and lost his life by being struck on the head with a gun. Tlie father of the subject of tiiis notice re- sided at home until he attained the age of nineteen. He then worked for a while by the day and month in Kentucky until he had ac- cumulated some means, and when, about the year 1833-'34, he emigrated with his wife to Illinois, at that time the frontier of civiliza- tion. They came overland with one wagon, drawn by oxen, and brought some stock. They first located in Wayne county, but shortly afterward removed to Menard county, where he continued to live until 1838, when he sold out and came to Cass county. Here he first rented land for five or six years, then bought eighty acres, a few of which were broken, and the place having an old log house on it. This house served as tiieir home for about a year, when it was replaced by a better one. The father was an exceedingly energetic man, and his success in this new country was a foregone conclusion. He added, from time to time, to his original pur- chase, until he possessed 300 acres of choice farming land, 160 of which was received from the Government. His death occurred on the old homestead in 1881, to the great sorrow of many friends, who esteemed him for his ability, industry and uprightness of character. He and his worthy wife were earnest and useful members of the Primitive Baptist Church, and he helped to build the first church in his locality. He displayed his usual activity in church and all good work, and acted as a Deacon for many years. The subject of this sketch was reared to farm work and attended subscription school during the winters, working on his father's farm in the summer. Owing to his busy life, his education was limited, and he is es- sentially a self-educated and self-made man. Extensive reading, supplemented by excellent judgment and an active mind, have combined to render himstdf successful in life and a leader among men. He lived at home until after his marriage, and the following year moved to his father-in-law's farm, on which he remained until the next year. He then bought twenty-five acres, a few of which were broken, and built on it a box house, 16 x 18 feet. He and his family lived in tliis house for twelve or fourteen years, when he erected his present substantial and comfortable home. He has lived on the same place ever since, which now contains 120 acres, devoted to mixed farming, and is one of the finest farms in the county. He was married June 14, 1859, to Miss Nancy Jane Lewis, an estimable lady and a daughter of Azariah and Sarah Lewis, a 206 BIOORAPHICAL REVIEW OF GASS, sketch of wliom appears in this work. Slie was born April 4, 1842. Tiiey have eleven children, as follows: Sarah E., born March 10, 1860, married II. Speulda, and they have seven children; they live in South Dakota; Charles L., born October 16, 1861, married Susan McNeil, a native of this county; they have three children; Simpson Lee, born November 13, 1863, married Ida Taylor, and lives in Chandlerville; William B., born De- cember 28, 1867, married Belle Miller, and they have two children; he lives in this neighborhood; Laura, born December 15, 1865, married James Cooper, and they have three children; John R., born March 29, 1870, married Dora Lucas, and they have one child; Azariah, born August 20, 1872. Stella M., born December 19, 1874; Miamia B., born June 16, 1877; Josephine, born August 28, 1880; Casper, born June 25, 1884. All of Mr. Watkins' children have had educational advantages. Mr. Watkins is an old Andrew Johnson Democrat, and cast his tirst vote for Stephen A. Douglas. With the exception of his vote cast for General Weaver for President, he has voted a straight Democratic ticket ever since. Acknowledging his ability, his con- stituents have sought the advantage of his judgment and experience by electing hiiu to various local offices. He went from the school room to tiie position of school director, in which capacity he has served ever since. He has held the responsible position of Justice of the Peace for twenty years, dis- charging his duties with justice and impar- tiality. His wife is a faithful member of the Prim- itive Baptist Church, and, both by her in- influence and means, contributes to its sup- port. Mr. Watkins' life is a brilliant example of what may be accomplished by intelligent and persistent effort, which not only insure ma- terial prosperity but also crown their vota- ries with honor and happiness. tDAM P. SEASLY, a progressive and enterprising young farmer of Oakland township, was born in Carroll county, Maryland, in 1860. His father, Adam Seasly, now a resident of Adams county, Pennsyl- vania, is a native of Germany, but emigrated to America when a young man; he was reared to the life of a farmer, and also mas- tered tiie blacksmith's trade in liis own country. After arriving in this country he went directly to Pennsylvania, and there was married to Elizabeth Cook, a daughter of Benjamin Cook; she died in early woman- hood in Pennsylvania, leaving two sons and a daughter: Mary, Adam P. and George; Mary died in infancy, and (ieorge lived only a few years. At the age of three years Adam P. was taken by Plenry liitHe, and under his care was reared to manhood. In the spring of 1869 Mr. Riifle came from Pennsylvania to Illinois, and located at Ver- mont, Fulton county; he was a plasterer by trade, and followed that calling in connec- tion with farming. Mr. liiffle had no chil- dren of his own, but adopted a son and daughter, for whom he carefully provided. Adam P. Seasly, the son, was given a good education, and was taught the printer's trade. Mr. Seasly was married in 1881, to Miss Rebecca E. Kost, of Fulton county, Illinois, a daughter of John and Catherine Kost, natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. Kost is a car- penter and farmer, and in 1850 he emigrated tt) Illinois and settled in Fulton county. He is now one of the wealthiest resident land SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 227 owners in this section, but is retired from active business pursuits. Mr. Seasly engaged in agricultural pursuits in Fulton county, which he continued until 1885, when he re- moved to his present farm of eighty acres; he rents an additional eighty acres, and is carrying on a successful business. To him and his wife have been born three children: Ross H., Edgar and Kuth. Politically our subject affiliates with the Democratic party; he has served as School Trustee, and has always been a liberal sup- porter of home industries and enterprises. ^^e^ ^ i5||^H0MAS P. PARROTT, an intelligent and public-spirited citizen of Buena Vista township, is a pioneer of 1831, since which time his interests have been identified with those of his favorite county. He is a native of Kentucky, having been born in Glasgow, that State, on September 3, 1825. Ilis father, Josiah Parrott, was a native of Maiyland, having been born in Talbot county, that State, on July 20, 1800. He had no school advantages, but acquired an excellent business education in Glasgow, Kentucky, to which place he early removed. He was pos- sessed of unusual financial ability, and had a remarkable aptitude for mercantile pursuits. In time he became the ovvner of three stores, one at Glasgow, one at Thompsonville, and another at Gainesboro, Tennessee. He was married in Kentucky, to Nancy G. Pransford, a native of Rockingham, Virginia, in which place she was born on July 27, 1807. She was a daughter of Thomas Bransford, a promi- nent citizen of that place. In 1830 Mr. Parrott came to Rushville, Illinois, which was then a new and sparsely settled country, and opened a store at that place. He had at that time 560,000 and a large stock of goods. After starting his store, he returned to Kentucky, and in the spring of the following year, 1831, he removed his family to Rushville, where he continued in business for more than forty years, being the oldest merchant of that place. He also started several other stores at the same time, in difl:erent towns, one at Beardstown, and another at Princeton, while he had still another at Pulaski. All were general stores and all carried large stocks of goods. He possessed very great energy and excellent financial ability, and was eminently success- ful in business. He invested largely in land, and became the owner of thousands of acres of the richest land of Schuyler county. He voted with the Whig party, and later with the Republican, but never desired to hold oflice. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, being one of the charter members of the lodge in Rushville. He was a promi- nent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of wiiich he was a liberal supporter. He helped to build the first Methodist church in Rushville, and contributed toward the erection of the present handsome edifice. Mr. Parrott's first wife died on July 26, 1835, leaving four children to the care of her husband, and many friends to mourn her loss. She was a woman of intelligence ans, one side hewn smooth, and wooden pins for legs. There were no desks, but holes bored in the wall, pins inserted, and a plank laid on them served as a desk for the larger pupils. He continued to reside with his mother on the farm till 1862, when, August 8, he en- listed in Company D, One Hundred and Nineteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. The regiment was organized at Quincy, in Octo- ber, and was one of the most active regi- ments in the army. He was with the regi- ment in all its various marches, campaigns 80HUTLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 241 and battles. The most important battles were the siege and capture of Fort de Kus- sey, Pleasant Hill, Yellow Bayou, Nashville, Tennessee, and Forts Spanish and Blakely. He was discharged with the regiment and returned home, and resumed farming till 1882, on the lot where he now resides in section 1, Mount Sterling. He was married May 10, 1861, to JVarcis- sa Wilson. She was born in Brown county, Illinois, daughter of James L. Wilson. She died August 9, 1886. He was ilgain mar- ried on October 23, 1887, to Miss Nancy Sullivan; she was born in Scotland county, Missouri. He has one child living by first marriage, Julia E., and by second marriage, one daughter, Calista. Julia E. married Wm. Jones, of Scott county, and has one daughter, Ethel. Our subject is a Republican in politics. He and his wife are both members of the Christian Church, as also was his first wife. ^.ENRY C. KEIL, a large and very suc- illi)) °^®^*'"^ dealer in all kinds of hardware, TSi* stoves and tinware, was born in Hesse- Darmstadt, Germany, November 7, 1848. He grew up, attained his education and learned his trade of tinner in his native country. His father, Johanas Keil, is yet living in Germany at his old home, and is seventy years of age. He has been all his life a farmer. He had married a Miss Eliza- beth Moell, a native of his own province. She died at the age of si.Kty years. She and her husband had belonged all their lives to the German Lutheran Church. Henry Keil is the eldest of four children. After coming to this country and locating in Beardstown in 1867, he went back by way of Hamburg, Germany, in 1873; he returned to Beardstown in the spring of 1874, and has since lived here. He followed the tinner's trade for some time. He began business for him- self in 1876, and has from that time on been increasing his stock and his trade. He car- ries a full line of first-class goods in a tine brick store of his own building, which he erected on Main street in 1890. He is a live man, full of business, and one who works for the best interest of his city and county. He has been a stockholder in the First National bank since it was started, first as a private bank in 1877, and later a national bank in 1887. He was married in Beardstown, to Sophia Weis. She was born at Hamilton Station, Cass county, and was there raised and edu- cated. She is the daughter of John and Catherine Weis, who both died on their old farm in Cass county. They were pioneers in Cass county, having come atjout 1840. Mr. and Mrs. Keil are members of the Lutheran Church, as were their parents. Tiiey have three smart children: Alma, Arthur and Ed- win, all still at home. Mr. Keil is a Republican in politics, has been Alderman of the city for several terms, and is a fine man in every way. If CH A BOD PERRY, one of the early set- In tiers of this county, residing in Mount W Sterling, was born in Claiborne county, Tennessee, July 18, 1815. His father, Ed- mond Perry, was a native of North Carolina and served in the war of 1812, receiving a land warrant for 160 acres; but it is not known that this was ever located. His father came from the same State, and re- moved from there to Claiborne, Tennessee, where he purchased land and carried on farming until 1831, when he came to Illinois 243 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, He spent his last years in Brown county. The maiden name of his wife was Rebecca Yarberry, also a native of North Carolina. Siie died in Brown county, also. Their son, Ediuond, was a natural mechanic, but never learned a trade, and as he was very fond of hunting, he put in a good deal of time in that way. He resided in Tennessee until 1831, when, with his parents and others and wife and ten children, he emigrated to Illi- nois, and after four weeks overland travel landed in Morgan county. He rented a log cabin, three quarters of a mile from Jackson- ville, and there spent the winter, and in the spring of 1832 came to that part of Schuyler that has been included in Brown county. He settled on a tract of vacant land in what is now Cooperstown township, and at once built a log cabin in the usual manner of the settlers, with rough hewn logs and puncheon floor. He lived in that place for about a year when he found out that he had built his house on the wrong la!id. He then moved to the adjoining quarter and put up a log cabin there, and later purchased this land, paying therefor $200, mostly in prop- erty. It was military land. This included the southwest quarter of section thirty, and he turned his attention to the improvement of the land, and resided in this locality until his death. The maiden name of his wife was liachel Bridges, daughter of William and Sarah Bridges, who moved from Tennes- see to Missouri in 1831, and spent the rest of their days there. Ichabod was sixteen years old when he came to Illinois with his parents. The country was sparsely settled and but little improvement has been made anywhere. For some years the people lived on the pro- duce of their farms and on the wild game that abounded in the forests. His mother used to card, spin and weave, and dressed her children in home^^pun made by her own hands. The father, being a skilled hunter, used to kill a great many deer. He dressed the skins, and in tlie winter the l)oys used to weai- pants made of that material. Ichabod received his early education in the public schools of Tennessee. These were taught on the subscription plan, each family paying according to the number of children sent. He made the best of his opportunities, and in later years has improved his mind by ex- tensive reading. He remained with his par- ents until he was twenty one and then began life for himself. In 1S36 he went to tlie Territory of Iowa. At the time of his mar- riage he located on wild land in section 24, of Mount Sterling township, which he oc- cupied for tifty-three years. He bought other tracts of land at various times, and at one time was the owner of 800 acres. He has assisted each of his children to homes, and now lives with his daughter, Mrs. Ward. In 1838, he married Martha Bell, born in Kentucky, January 1, 1818, daughter of Robert and Jennie Bell. She died January 7, 1892. He has four children living: Oliver H., married to Martha McMillian; Lewis 0,, married first to Columbia Sharon, and for his present wife, Julia Dennis; Ethan Allen, married Delia Sharon; and Mary, married to William Ward. Mr. Perry is an ardent supporter of Republican princi- ples. In 1846, etc., when he was a Democrat, he was Justice of the Peace two terms. fRANKLIN A. HAMMER, of the firm of Beatty & Hammer, dealers in all kinds of hardware and farmers' imple- ments, was born on the banks of the Shenan- SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 243 doah river, in Buckingham county, Virginia, April 10, 1829. He is tlie son of John Hammer, who, with two other brothers, had come from Germany prior to the Revolution. The family was started in this country by the grandfather of Mr. Franklin Hammer, who settled in Virginia, and lived and died there at an advanced old age. His son grew to manhood in Virginia, and participated in the war of 1812. After that war was over he moved to the Shenandoah valley and farmed in Rockingham county for some years, when he went to Morgan county, Illi- nois, and started his life in that State as a general mechanic and blacksmith and wagou- maker. In 1843, he removed to Reardstown and opened up a livery stable and hotel, which he ran until 184S, when he sold out and bought a farm six miles from Heards- town, and lived on it for some years, farm- ing and improving it to a great extent. At the end of that time he again moved to Beardstown, and died at the age of eighty, in 1868. He was a good man and citizen and well known pioneer. He was a Methodist in religion, and a Democrat in politics. He married in his native county, Miss Elizabeth Marica, of Virginia. She died on the farm in Cass county, at the age of forty-si.v. She was a member of the Lutheran Church. He was married a second time, to Cynthia Dal- ton. She died on the farm in Cass county, without issue, when quite old. Franklin is the only surviving member of his father's three children. He came to the State of Illinois in 1835, when but a small boy, with his parents, settling in Arcadia, Morgan county, Illinois; and later, in 1848, the family came to Beardstown, and his father settled on a farm in Cass county. Our sub- ject returned to Beardstown and was con- nected for many year.s in the livery business. buying and selling horses and preparing them for fancy roadsters. He was a true ad- mirer of the noble, intelligent animal, and his judgment in regard to the worth of a horse was very good. In the old days he could drive four-in-hand as well as a western stage driver. He still retains his fondness for them, and has all his old j^ower of judg- ing them. In 1874, he sold out his livery and horse business, except as a breeder of the Hambletonian horses, that he continued until 1877, when he became president of the old Cass County Bank. He continued in this capacity until 1883, when he resigned in or- der to enter into a partnership with Mr. Beatty, he buying the stock of Mr. Rearick. He had been a stockholder in the Cass county bank ever since its organization in 1866. It had been previously an insurance business. The present firm of Beatty & Hammer is noted for the full line of reliable goods they carry. They are located on Main street. Mr. Hammer has always taken an active part in all the affairs of the town. He has made ju- dicial investments in various ways, and has made considerable money. Mr; Hammer was married in Cass county, to Miss Margaret A. Lee, of the same county of Cass. Her parents, Caleb and Matilda (Iliggins) Lee, were natives of Maryland, and after marriage came, in 1828, to Cass county, Illinois, and settled there. He was a farmer, and spent the remainder of his life on the farm that he purchased upon coming to the county. Mrs. Hammer is the youngest of four children, and all were born in Cass county. She and her husband are the parents of two children living: John, in business with his father; and Nellie, wife of Charles Ireland, a conductor on the Ohio & Mississippi rail- road. Mr. Hammer is a Democrat in pol- 244 BIOORAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, itics, and he and liis wile are meinbers of the Congregatiunal Cliurch. He has been tlie Treasurer and Assessor of the county one term. i^^^TLLlAM T. ADAMS was born in -; 1/ )/ , Lo^an county, Kentucky, March 7, l^'Sjte^ 1831. His father, Benjamin Adams, was born in Maryland, and his father was also from Maryland. He was also a farmer, who left Maryland for Kentucky about 1815, settled in Logan county and resided on his farm until his death. His wife's name was Sarah Bell, and she also died in Logan county. Benjamin Adams was about ten years old when his parents moved to Kentucky, and there he was reared, married and lived until 1830, when he came to Illinois and settled in what is now Brown county. He was accom- panied by his wife and three children. He made the entire journey by team, making it in three weeks. He rented land a mile north of Mount Sterling for one year, and then bought timber land in sections 2 and 3 of the same township. Heat once built a log cabin, making a comfortable home, although he had to hew the logs and build it himself. He lived upon the same farm until his death in 1873. His wife's name was Perneta Clark, born in Logan county, Kentucky, whose father, Abner, came from North C'arolina, an early settler of Logan county, where he lived until 1835. Pie then sold out and came to Illinois, and bought in what is now Missouri town- ship, improved his farm and resided there , until his death. His wife's name was Nancy Goi'ham, of Kentucky. The mother of our subject is still living at the old home, aged eighty-six. He was two years old when he came with his parents to Illinois. Of course, in those days the people were obliged to live on game, tish and the product of their land. He, as many otlier pioneer boys, went to school in a log hut with seats of slabs. Holes in the side of the building served for windows. He resided witli his father until his marriage, when he settled on the farm where he now resides. He married, September 21, 1854, Ann Eliza Buvinger, of Martinsljurg, Virginia, born November 15, 1853. Her father was born in Maryland, and her grandfather in Germany. The latter located in Baltimore when he came to America, and contiiiued there until his death. The father of Mr.s. Adams was a hatter. He went when a young man to Virginia, and there married Margaret McCorniick, and in 1834 moved to Cham- paign county, Ohio, and in 1852 came to Illinois. He purchased a home in Mount Sterling, and here resided until his death. Mr. and Mrs. Adams have four living chil- dren: Charles B., who married Sarah Briggs; Sarah, married to William Briggs; Thomas, married to Julia Harris; and William E. fS. NICHOLSON, editor of the Beards- town lUinoian, was born in Oldham, * Lancashire, England, in 1832. The family left Liverpool on the anniversary of the Queen's marriage, and, like so many emi- grants, had a slow passage to New Orleans, thence up the Mississippi river, settling at last, after a journey of eleven weeks with teams, at Jacksonville. In 1850 the family settled on improved lands near Beardstown. They farmed this land. Part of the family moved to Kome, Peoria county, where the father died, aged seventy-three years, four months and twenty-eight days. He had been a good, quiet citizen. The war of the Rebellion changed his politics and he became a decided SGHUTLBB AND BROWN COUNTIES. 245 Republican in his old age. His wife, for- merly Miss Mary JS'eedhain, died February 9, 1881. She had been a good, kind wife and mother, and both she and her husband were consistent members of the Methodist Church, having been so connected for thirty- live years. The subject of our sketch commenced life here as an office boy at tlie office of a paper of which he later became the proprietor and editor. The history of journalism in Beards- town began as early as 1834, when F. Arenz, the brother of Judge Arenz, became the editor of the Beardstown Chronicle and Illinoian. a kind of land advertiser. The next paper was started by Judge Emmons in 1845, and tills was later owned by C. U. Dickinson, and he was followed by J. M. Sherman. Soon after it became the property of B. C. Drake, who ran it under the name of the Central Jllirtoian. When the war broke out the of- fice was closed and the editor enlisted. The paper was re-organized by K. S. Mitcliell, tlie property becoming owned by a stock company. Following the election of 1863 it became the property of L. W. lleavis, who continued to be the owner until 1866. The next year the paper was the property of A. J. Miller and was edited by Judge Emmons, and in 1877 Mr. Nicholson became the manager and pro- prietor. He was his own editor, and except for a short interval in 1883, has continued to run it successfully as a semi-weekly, under the name of the Illinoian. He is a thorough and practical newspaper man and the columns display his ability. His paper is rnn in the interests of the Republican party, and he has taken hold of all matters that tend toward reform. He has always been agreat admirer of Abraham Lincoln and relates Mr. Lincoln's early experiences here with an especial pride and enthusiasm. He was married in this city, in 1860, to Miss J. D. C. Harris, who came from Eng- land with her parents when a young woman. She died herein 1873, leaving four children, of whom but one is still living, Charles B., a member of the firm of Merry & Nicholson of St. Louis, Missouri. Mr. Nicholson was married for the second time, in this city, to Miss E. J. Buck. She was born, reared and educated in Cass county, and she has been a good wife and mother, and is an intelligent lady. Her one child is a son named Edgar E., a bright lad of twelve years. Mr. and Mrs. Nicholson are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a Republican in every sense. He has frequently been a dele- gate to the State and District Conventions and once a member of the State Central Com- mittee. ^ '^ ILLIAM W. GLAZE was born Feb- ruary 18, 1825, in Scioto county, Ohio. His father, Jacob Glaze, was born in the same county, but his father was a native of Virginia, although he died in Scioto. Mr. Glaze, Sr., was a farmer all his life, and died in the county where his entire life was spent, in 1844. His wife was a member of the Reardin family, a native of the same county as her husband, and she lived until 1891. She left three children livins. William Glaze moved to Brown county in 1856, by team, with his family. Here he has remained ever since on the land he bought when he came to the county. He built a house when he brought his family, as the old one-story house that was on the place when he bought it burned down. Times were hard after his arrival in Illinois. The banks of the State were in bad repute and money was scarce. Mr. Glaze had a great deal of 246 BIOGRAPHICAL BBVIMW OF OASS, difficulty in paying his taxes the ttrst year. He served as Supervisor two terms. He married Miss Elizabeth M. Coleman, a native of Scioto county. They have six child- dren; May J., Maggie F., Carrie F., Julia H., Thomas H. and A. J. Mr. Glaze has been a member of the It O. O. F. for twenty-six years and has tilled all the important offices in the order. He once represented the order at the Grand Lodge. Two of his children live at home. ^HARLES BOCKEMEIER, general farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Prussia, not far from the river Rhine, August 16, 1835. His father, Charles, lived and died in Prussia, a blacksmith by trade. His wife came to the United States six months after his death, joining her sons in Cass county, dying at the age of eighty-two. She and her husband were life-long members of the Lutheran Cliui-ch. Charles was a young single man when in 1854 he set out for the United States. He took the usual route via New Orleans, Mississippi, Ohio and Dlinois rivers, to Beardstown, and joined his brother Casper, who had come here two years before. He has been in the county for more than thirty years, and what he now owns he has made by his own efforts. He has owned his present place for fourteen years. It consists of 160 acres, some well improved, and some very tine pasture land. He is at present Commissioner of road district JSfo. 3, of Cass county. He was first married to Miss Barbara Gemming, of Germany, who came to the United States when a young woman. At her death she left three children: Mrs. Anna Flamme, of Pekin, Illinois; Mrs. Lena Her- ety, wife of a railroad employe, and Mrs. Emma Nortrup, of Scott county, Illinois. He was married a second time, near Beards- town, to Mrs. Loise Wubker; her maiden name was Loise Schewe. She was born in Prussia, came here when a young woman, was first married in Cass county, to Henry Wubker, and by that marriage had seven children. Mr. and Mrs. Bockeraeier have two sons, Charles and William. They attend the Lutheran Church, and are highly re- spected members of it. Mr. Bockemeier is a sound Democrat and an excellent man. ^HOMAS L McDANNOLD, anexten- sive farmer of Pea Ridge township, was born in Bath county, Kentucky, Jul}' 5, 1826. His father, John, was born in Montgomery county, Kentucky, in 1797, and his father, Reuben, was born in Culpeper county, Virginia, in 1750; and his father, Alexander, was born near Aberdeen, Scot- land, coming to America in colonial times, and settled in Culpeper county, Virginia, where he spent the rest of his days. Reuben emigrated to Kentucky at an eaidy day, secured a large tract of land, which he im- proved with slave labor, and resided there until 1834, then sold out and emigrated to Pike county, Missouri, settled near Clarks- ville, bought a farm and resided there until his death in 1854. John learned the trade of tanner and conducted the business in * Owensville, Kentucky, and in connection with it engaged in the mercantile busiue'^s. He resided there until his death in 1834. He was a Whig in politics, and served several years as Sheriff of the county. In 1834 the mother of our subject emigrated to Illinois, making the journey in a two horse wagon. She located at Springfield, where two brothers lived. Her father gave her some land, a part SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 247 of which is now included in the land in Springfield and the rest at Bnffalo Heart Grove. She married a second time, and lived near Springfield for a season, and then moved to Jacksonville and spent her last days there. Thomas was in his eighth year when they came to Illinois, and remembers many of the incidents of the journey. At that time Van- dalia was the capital of the State, and Spring- field was only a village of 2,000 inhabitants. There was no railroad in Illinois, and St. Lonis and Beardstown were the nearest mar- kets for supplies. He went to school at Springfield, and resided there until 1844, and then went to his grandfather's in Pike county, Missouri. He remained with his grandfather one year, and in 1845 came to Mount Ster- ling, and in the next year, in company with his brother-in-law, General Singleton, pur- chased a tract of land in Missouri township, which he occupied two years, and in 1848 purchased the place where he now resides. He is well known as a practical and success- ful farmer, and has purchased land at different times, and now owns some 400 acres. His improvetnents rank with the best in the county. He was married in March, 1849, to Mary Elizabeth Means, born in Lewis county, Ken- tucky, January 1, 1828. Her father. Major John Means, was born in the same county, and his father, John Means, born in Penn- sylvania, went from there to Kentucky with his family and was one of the pioneers of Lewis county. The removal was made with pack-horses. He secured a tract of land on which he engaged in farming, and on which he remained until his death. His wife's name was Elizabeth Elton, born near Phila- delphia, and she died in Lewis county, at the age of ninety-si,x. The father of Mrs. Mc- Daunold learned the trade of a blacksmith, which he followed in Lewis county until 1835, and then with his wife and three chil- dren came to Illinois. He settled in that part of Schuyler county now included in Mount Sterling, and bought a tract of land one mile east of the city, and remained there until his death in 18B3. • The name of his wife was Martha Parker, born in Culpeper, Virginia, and died in Mount Sterling in 1884. Mr. and Mrs. McUannold have four living children: John J., Thomas R., George K. and Clara L. They are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. McDannold was formerly a Whig, but has been a stanch Re- publican ever since the formation of the party. For seventeen years he has been director on the County Agricultural Board, and for six years has been its vice-president. EORGE W. WILLIAMS was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, March 17, 1826. He was the son of Thomas and Margaret (Young) Williams. The former was a native of New York, and died in St. Louis, Missouri, when George was about four years old. Mrs. Williams was born in Penn- sylvania, and died in Brown county, at the home of her son, aged seventy-eight. George W. Williams was bound out to the trade of saddler at the age of eight, and re- mained there until he was seventeen, working for his board and clothes. At the expiration of his apprenticeship, he hired out at ten dol- lars a month, and worked for six months be- fore he went to St. Louis, and worked under instructions for two years, and then traveled for two years. In 1849 he started a shop in St. Charles, Missouri, and continued there until the next year, when he started for Mt. Sterling. He remained there only one sum- mer, and then opened a shop in Versailles. 24S BIOGBAPHIGAL REVIEW OF CASS, In 1852 he sold out and crossed the plains to California with a team of oxen. He engaged in mining at Michigan Bar, and followed it for several months, when the city was burned. He then went to the mines, but that fall opened a shop in Red Bluff, and managed it until 1858. He then returned by way of New Orleans to Versailles, and again opened a shop. In a year or two he went on a farm, which he had bought previously, of 240 acres, partly improved. He built a log cabin 16 by 18 feet and lived there until 1863, when he built a two-story frame house and various farm buildings. Mr. Williams retired from farm work in the spring of 1891, and bought a nice house with twelve acres surrounding it ^u Mt. Sterling, just out of the city limits. He has been Assessor and School Director. He is a strong Democrat, though he cast his first vote for Taylor. Mr. Williams was married in Versailles, Illinois, October 11, 1858, to Miss Juliet Eoss, of Kentucky. She was the daughter of Kichard Ross. Mr. Ross is still living, but his wife is dead. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have four children yet living, three being dead. Those still living are: Frank, married and having a bag works at the old home; Lydia, married; Charley and Edith are at home. Both Mr. and Mrs. Williams are very esti- mable people, and are very influential among their large circle of friends. :ILLIAM B. MANLOVE was born in Schuyler county, December 28, 1830, near the town of Rushville- He is the son of Jonathan and Charity (Bo. denhamer) Manlove. The former was a far- mer of North Carolina, and came to this county in the fall of 1830, traveling over laud all the way, and settled near Rushville, where he stayed the first winter. The next spring he went south and settled near Sugar Grove; and in 1834, he sold and moved to Birminghan township, and bought a farm where our subject still lives, of eighty acres. He put up a log house, in which the family lived. During the building of this house the father died, at the age of twenty- eight, leaving a wife and three children, of whom William was the eldest. The mother wove cloth for a living, and kept the old farm, and later married a second time, dying at the home of her son, William. William Manlove, Sr., was of English descent. The family were all farmers as well as can be ascertained. They left North Carolina on account of slavery. William stayed at home until he was nine- teen years old, assisting his mother atid at- tending school in winter. After he became nineteen, he engaged to work for a neighbor at 50 cents a day, but worked for him only two months, and then went to his first free school, the other being a subscription school. He worked out by the month for a year, and then returned home, and buying out the heirs . settled there. He had one yoke of oxen at that time. He was married in 1853, to Miss Abigail Swisegood, who was born in North Carolina, and came with her parents to Illinois in 1846, being the daughter of John and Elizabeth Swisegood. She was one of six children, five yet living. At his marriage he had oidy a small farm, but by dint of hard labor he has increased it to 900 acres of as fine land as there is in the county. He commenced work, plowing corn at 25 cents a day, taking his pay in bread and meat, which he carried to his mother who hired him out. He never went into del)t for anything, but by great economy and much SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 249 self-denial he succeeded in buying some land, and afterward Btock. He feeds two or three cars of cattle and hogs, and has always been a man devoted to his home. He voted the first time for Fillmore and the Republican ticket ever since, as his father was an old-line Whig. The whole family are considered good, honest people, and highly re- spected by everybody, making no pretensions. He built his present home in 1805, and was visited by the soldiers returning from the war. All of his land is in this township, and 600 acres of it is highly cultivated. He had six children, five living, namely: Eli, the eldest, is deceased; Laura A., John J., Isabell V., Tad J. and Em berry J. A grandson, William, a son of his oldest son, lives with them. [EORGE I. FIELDS was born in Wythe if county, Virginia, May 16, 1837. His father, John D. Fields, was born in Rap- pahannock county, Virginia. His grandfather •was a native of Scotland and came to this country at an early date and settled near Richmond, Virginia. Here he died at the advanced age of 100 years. Mr. John D. Fields was a brick mason and a farmer. He attended to his trade and had his sons work the farm. He lived on his farm until his death in October, 1868, when he was ninety- six years old. He was a Sergeant in the war of 1812, and made a fine record in the naval service, especially at Norfolk, Virginia. He was honorably discharged. He received his land warrant for 160 acres, which he sold. His wife's name was Nancy E. Williams, a native of Culpeper county, Virginia. She died in Wythe county, Virginia, after a happy iijarried life of sixty years. Mr. and Mrs. John D. Fields had seven children, three of whom are still living. Mr. George I. Fields is the youngest of the family. He left his home in 1867 and settled in Versailles, Brown county, Illinois. Until that time he had been a farmer, but from then until 1884 he was engaged in milling. Since then he has engaged in news- paper work as editor and publisher of the Versailles Enterprise. He was married to Ellen P. McWane April 16, 1865. She was born in Nelson county, Virginia, and is still spared to her family. They have had nine children, six of whom are still living, namely: Maggie V. Nancy E., Emma J.. Addie D., Louie and Stella May. Mr. Fields has Ijeen elected Tax Collector for the township seven times. Pie is a Re- publican in politics and is the Chaplain of the blue lodge, A. F. &, A. M. He connected himself with the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1870, and has been a Class-leader and ex- horter most of the time. Mr. and Mrs. Fields are worthy members of society and are greatly esteemed by their host of warm friends. IWIIOMAS RYAN, Supervisor of Buena •m\ Vista township, resides on section 20, ^ Schuyler county, Illinois. He was born October 20, 1845, and raised in this county. His parents were Charles and Mar- garet (Strong) Ryan. His father was born in Ohio, but removed with his parents to Frederick, Illinois, where he married, and settled in Buena Vista township in 1833. He was a brickmaker, and burnt the first brick ever made in Rushville. He also worked at the shoemaker's trade. He finally located on land in section 21, where he im- 250 BIOGRAPHICAL HE VIEW OP CASS, proved this fai'in of 120 acres, besides which he owned 320 acres more. He erected good substantial linilditigs on this place and otherwise improved and cultivated the land. Here he resided until the time of his death, which occurred January 9, 1891. His wife, mother of our subject, died December 16, 1879. They liad eight children, five sons and three daughters: John, deceased; George, DOW residing in Te.xas (Grapevine); Cathar- ine, wife of Thomas Armstrong; Louisa, wife of Alexander Young; Charles, deceased; Thomas, the subject of our sketch; William; and Margaret E., wife of Thomas Stoughel. The subject of our sketch was reared on the home larni, and received his education at the country schools of that district, residing at home until he was twenty-three years of age. In 1868, he was married to Ellen Shields, daughter of Joshua and Julia (Fut- ler) Shields. She was born in Ohio, June 16, 1847. Her parents were natives of Pennsyl- vania and New York, who came to Illinois in 1857, locating in Rushville. Mr. Shields served in the late civil war, being a member of the One Hundred and Nineteenth Regi- ment, and died while in the array. His wife, mother of Mrs. Ryan, is still living, in Can- ton, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Ryan have had twelve chil- dren, eight of wliom are living, the latter be- ing Martin, Josie, Homer, Minnie, Herman, Clarence, Lula and Lena, the last two being twins. Mr. Ryan is one of the most successful farmers of the county, owning 160 acres of highly improved and cultivated land, devoted to mixed husbandry. He has a comfortable home and large barns for his grain and stock, besides other modern improvements. Politically, he affiliates with the Demo- cratic party, and has been honored by his con- stituents by being elected to the otBce of Supervisor of his township. He is a respected member of the commun- ity on account of his many admirable traits of character, and has the good will of a large circle of acquaintances. ^ ^ENRY D. RITTER was born August 6, 1819, son of Michael and Barbara E. (Schafer) Ritter. The former was born in 1795, being of German ancestry. IJy occupation he was a stone mason, and in 1812 he went to the German and French war and served as a soldier for nineteen or twenty years, and was an officer at the time of his death, at the age of fifty-one years. He was the son of Reinhart Ritter, who were natives of the same place. They were farmers. Sub- ject's mother was born in Germany in 1796, and died when about sixty-five. Her parents lived to lie very old people. Henry was one of seven children, two of whom are living, and he is the eldest. He remained at home until he was twenty-five years old and worked as a clerk. He sailed in the Mentor for America from Bremen, Prussia, and arrived in New York after a voyage of six weeks. Here he remained for eighteen months, engaged in painting and the manufacture of parasols and umbrellas. From there he went to Virginia and followed the business of painting houses for three years, when he married and came to Ohio, settling in Fayette county, where he bought a house and four acres of land, and there lived until 1854, when he sold and came to Illinois in the fall, settling where he now lives. Here he bought 120 acres of land, which he im- proved, and in the same winter he added eighty acres to the farm. There was a log SCHUYLER AND BkOWN COUNT I ES. 251 house on the land in which tliey lived until 1861, when he built his present house. He later bought 120 acres, and then eighty acres more, making in all 400 acres. He rents al- most all of his land, and has practically re- tired from active business. Mr. Ivitter has always been a Democrat, and has tilled nearly every office in the county. He was School Trustee and Assessor for twenty years, Jus- tice of the Peace for twelve years. Constable and Coroner four years. Sheriff two years, Commissioner two years. Supervisor eight years, and was chairman of the Board of Su- pervisors for a time, and he is considered one of the most prominent men in the county. He was married April 24, 1848, by Rev. William N. Scott, near Petersburg, Hardy county, Virj^inia, to Miss Lucinda E. Hall, born in Virginia on the south side of Blue Ridge mountains, April 13, 1823. She was a daughter of James and Judy (Taylor) Hall. James Hall was a native of Virginia, and fol- lowed farming. When Mrs. Ritter was three years old the family moved to Rockingham county, Virginia, where they lived several years and then moved to Hardy county, and bought a farm, on which he erected a log house, where he lived a year or two, and then built a new and better hewn-log house in another neighborhood, about a mile from the first one. Here he spent the remainder of his life, dying at the advanced age of one hundred and two years, on his birthday. He was the father of eighteen children, seven boys by his first wife and eleven children by the second one, Judy Taylor. Seven of the latter are still living. One of the sons, Henry, by the latter marriage, was starved to death in one of the prisons of Richmond, Virginia, during the war of the Rebellion. Mrs. Judy Hall was a native of Virginia, and a daughter of George Taylor. She died in Hardy county, aged seventy years. Mrs. Ritter and her brother went to school in the old subscription schools where the parents paid according to the number of children sent; and Mr. Hall had so many children he could not afford to send more than two or three at a time. Mrs. Ritter remembers her first teacher, a Mr. Nick Hawk, who managed to keep school the entire year in a log house with benches of slabs, without backs. Their slates and pencils were pieces of soapstone and slate that they could find in the neighborhood of the school. Mr. and Mrs. Ritter have had eleven chil- dren, nine yet living: Mary E., married Cal- vin Hill; Judy V. married Henry C. Hill, seven children, si.x yet living; Justina C. married Calvin S. Hill, eight living children; Calvin Z. married Viola Weatherby; George W. married Sylvina Weatherby. one child; Douglas J., at home with his father at work on the farm; Elisa Jane, married William H. McDaniel, five children; James H. S. mar- ried Mattie Shelton, four children; Franklin W. living at home; Martha O. and Martha Ann died when small. Mr. Ritter is a member of A. F. & A. M. Lodge, No. 108, at Versailles, and the Mere- dosia Chapter and Council, No. 56, and also of I. O. O. F., Irene Lodge, No. 72. of Ver- sailles, and Encampment of L O. O. F. He follows general mi,\ed farming and is a well educated man, being educated in Ger- many. P^EN KY F. WITTE, a practical farmer and stock-raiser, lives on a good farm in section 3, township 18, range 11, where he owns 120 acres of fine prairie land and forty acres of timber. He bought this 253 BIOORAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, land in 1862 and has since been successful as a farmer. He was born in Harford, Men- den, Westplialia, Prussia, Germany, on August 9, 1824. He is the son of Fred and Minnie (Isserman) Witte, natives of Prussia, Germany, where they married and began life as farmers. There, too, all the family was born, and in 1855 the parents, with three children, set out for this country, taking passage on a sailing vessel, the Berker, from Bremen, leaving September 8, 1856, and landed in New Orleans after a voyage of nine weeks and two days. From there they came up to Beardstown on a steamer, landing here November 24, 1855. Here the parents lived and died, the father when about seventy years old and the mother when ten years younger. They were members all their lives of the Lutheran Church. Henry had two brothers and a sister that finally came to this country, Henry being the only erne now living. He was a single man when he made the voyage and worked for two years in the Park House and brick yards in Beardstown. In 1856 he was married in Beai-dstown to Minnie Vette, born near the birthplace of her husband. Her mother had died in Ger- many, and her father, Fred Vette, followed his daughter to the United States and spent his last years, dying in Cass county when nearly eighty years old. He and his wife were life-long members of the Lutheran Church. Mrs. Witte had come to the United States when a young woman, in 1855, on tlie same vessel that brought her future husband. They were married about eighteen montlis after landing. They have lived and labored to build up a good home. They have reared a large and intelligent family of eight chil- dren, two deceased, Carrie and Edward, aged eight years and one month, respectively. Those living are: William H., a farmer in Arenzville, married Sophia Roegge of this county; Bertlia, wife of Ed. Krohe, in Hickory precinct; Anna, wife of Frank Lebknecher, farmer in this county; Mariah, wife of Albert Krohe of Hickory precinct; Lizzie, wife of William lioegge, a farmer near Arenzville; and Minnie, who is still at home and cares for her parents. She is an intelligent and accomplished young lady and is greatly beloved by her parents. The entire family are members of the German Lutheran Church, and Mr. Witte is a stanch Re- publican. When Mr. Witte was a young man he traveled extensively in Germany, and was in the regular German army from 1845 to 1847, but was not in the Revolution of 1848. He and his family are highly respected by all who know them. ^^uxnj -^inyi^^ fllOMAS KNIGHT was born in Corn- wall county, near Land's End, England, August 14, 1836. His father, Thomas Knight, was also born in Cornwall, of Cor- nish parents, and followed the trade of cooper until he came to this country in 1846. He first settled in Meredosia and then came into Cass county, where the family has since made their home. The father had brought a little money with him and was able to buy forty acres of land. He became a farmer, which business was entirely new to him. He was very industrious and had good judgment and all the family became well otf. The father died there, after having increased his property to 264 acres. His wife survived him some years, and died when past four-score years. She was remarkable for being a very beautiful old lady and a very consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. .m ^^ ^^ '^ n<^<:^^ SCHUYLER AJSTD BROWN COUNTIES. 253 Mr. Knight is one of a family of six, of which all are still livincr. He is one of the wealthy and influential men of Beardstown, and is now living at the corner of Eleventh and Washington streets, where he recently purchased a fine lioine, and has lived here ever since he retired from active life on his farm. He has been a successful farmer aud stock-raiser in Hickory precinct. He was a progressive farmer and kept ap with the times. His possessions amount to 520 acres, most of it under the j)low and suppled with the finest improvements. As he was only ten years of age when he reached Cass County, he is one of the oldest settlers of the county. Mr. Knight was married in Beardstown, to Emma Dunn of Cornwall, England, where she was reared. She came to Illinois with her brothers when yet a young girl and set- tled in Cass county, where she and her brother John still reside. Mr. and Mrs. Knight have six children. Robert, who married Delia Thiveao;ht, dauijhter of a farmer of Monroe, Illinois; Minnie married Fayette Post, a railroad conductor on the Ohio & Mississippi, living in Beardstown; Myrtle married L. W. Berry, train dispatcher on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad; Al- bert and Eddie are at home, as is also the youngest, Clarence Lloyd. Mrs. Knight and some of the children are member^ of the Methodist Episcopal Churcl^. i^r. Knight, since he became of age, l^as become a Democrat, and his party elected him to the oflSce of County Commissioner. He is a strong local wqrker for his party. tlCIlARD WATSON MILLS, one of the leading attorneys of Cass county, Illi- nois, was born in Jacksonville, Morgan county, this State, August 3, 1844. 18 His father, Chesley Mills, was born near Lebanon, Tennessee, son of James Mills, a native of the eastern shores of Maryland. James Mills was born during Revolutionary times, a son of John Mills, who lost his life in the Revolutionary war, and in Maryland he was reared. When a young man he went to Tennessee, married the daughter of Isaac Lindsey, located a few miles from the Her- mitage, and resided there until 1808. That year he removed to the Territory of Missouri and located three miles from Hannibal, being one of the earliest settlers there. He im- proved a large farm and resided on it till the time of his death. Isaac Lindsey, his father- in-law, was a resident of Eastern Maryland at the breaking out of the Revolutionary war, He was loyal t(j the crown, but preferred not to fight on either side; so he sought the furtherest bounds of civilization, taking up his abode in the wilderness eitjht miles from the Hermitage. At that time the Indians were numerous and often there was trouble with theff|. For a long time the settlers all lived in block houses. He improved a farm in the locality which is still known as Lind- sey's Bluff, and resided there till his death. Chesley Mills learned the trade of plasterer and bricklayer, which he followed till his death, in 1844. He married Harriet Cadwell, a native of Edwardsville, Madison county, Illinois, born on January 10, 1814, daugh- ter of Dr. George Cadwell. Dr. Cadwell was born and reared in Vermont, and in 1799 went to Kentucky with his father-in-law, Matthew Lyon. He objected strenuously to the institution of slavery, and in 1804 came to the Territory of Illinois, becoming one of the original settlers of Madison county. He re- sided there till 1820, when he went to Mor- gan county with his wife and children, mak- ing the journey with flatboats via the Missis- 354 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, sippi and Illinois rivers to Naples. He located near Lynnville, being the lirst physi- cian to settle in Morgan county, and continued practice there till the time of his death. The maiden name of his wife, grandmother of the subject of our sketch, was Parmelia Lyon. She was born in Vermont. Her father, Matthew Lyon, was born in Ireland, of Scotch ancestry, and when a young man came to America and located in Vermont, where he married the daughter of Governor Chitten- den, the first governor of Vermont. He took part in the Revolutionary war and attained the rank of General. After the war, he repre- sented Vermont two terms in Congress. He was the first victim under the Sedition Act, the charge being that of speaking disrespect- fully of John Adams, the President of the United States. He was sentenced to six months' imprisonment and lined $1,000; served his time in jail and paid his fine. In 1799, he emigrated to Kentucky and located in Lyon county, which is named in honor of him. He founded the town of Eddyville, the county seat of Lyon county, and became a prominent and wealthy man. He was a slave owner and trader. While residing there he was sent as a representative to Congress. He removed from Kentucky to the Territory of Arkansas, was among the pioneers of Helena, and soon after his arrival there was sent as delegate to Congress. He died in Arkansas about 1825. The mother of our subject now resides in Jacksonville. She reared live children: Thomas, spent his last years in Dakota; Emily, married Thomas W. Jones, of Ritchie, Will county, Illinois; Martha, married Henry Demarest; George, resides in San Francisco, California, and is a member of the Judson Manufacturing Company of Oakland. Richard W. Mills received bis early educa- tion in the district schools. He was in his seventeenth year when the war broke out, and he enlisted in Company B, Tenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and went with the com- pany to Cairo. He was there rejected on ac- count of his age, and returned home. He had been at home, however, only a few days when he again enlisted, this time in Company F, Nineteenth Illinois Volnnteer Infantry, and was accepted. He went South with his regi- ment and remained with it till after his term of service had expired. He participated in the battles of Stone River and Mission Ridge, and was in the reserve at Cliickaraauga. After his return home he received an academic edu- cation at Jacksonville, after which he taught school four years. During that time he com- menced the study of law with Judge Cyrns Epler, and in May, 1870, was admitted to the bar. He practiced with Judge Epler till 1871, and January 6 of that year he came to Virginia, where he has since been engaged in a successful law practice. February 4, 1873, he married Matilda A. Tate, a native of Cass county, Illinois, and a daughter of Dr. Harvey Tate. She died March 26, 1884. His second marriage was consummated November 29, 1889, with Nellie W. Epler, a native of Cass county, lier parents being William and Jennie Epler. Mr. Mills is a member of Virginia Lodge, No. 544, A. F. & A. M.; Clark Chapter, No. 29, R. A.M.; Hospitaller Commandery, No. 31, K. T. Politically, he has always affilia- ted with and been an ardent and efficient worker in the Republican party. He has served as Master in Chancery. Mrs. Mills' father, William Epler, a resi- dent of the city of Virginia, was born in what is now Princeton precinct, Cass county, Illi- nois, April 15, 1835. His father, John Ep SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNT IB 8. 255 ler, was horn in that part of Lancaster now incluileil in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, April 15, 1795. His father, the great-grand- father of Mrs. Mills, Abram Epler, was born in the same locality. His father, great-great- grandfather of Mrs. Mills, John Epler, was born in Germany, and was reared there to young manhood, and in 173-1:, with his brotlier Peter, came to America. They located near Reading, Berks county, Pennsylvania. They were Lutherans and established a church of that denotnination there. Peter's de.scendants removed to Northumberland county; John's removed to that part of Lancaster now in- cluded in Dauplin county in 1768. He pur- cliasod a tract of latid there, which he occupied till his death in 1782. A natural bowlder niarks his resting place, upon which is in- . scribed a shield, his name and the date of his death. The farm which he owned is now in possession of his great -great-grandson. He reared three sons and one daughter. Abram Epler was reared and marrieil in Pennsylvania, and resided there till 1798. Then, with his wife and three children, he re- moved to Kentucky, making the journey across the mountains with teams, down the Ohio river on flatboats to the Falls of the Ohio, landing at the site of tlu; present city of Louisville. He remained there two years; then crossed the river into Northwest Terri- tory, and located in what is now included in Clark county, Indiana. There he erected a log cabin in the wilderness. In 1807 he built a stone house there, which is still stand- ing, it being the oldest stone house, in a good state of preservation, in the State of Indiana. He resided there until 1832, when he came to Illinois. He died in Cass county in 1837. The maiden name of his wife was Anna Old- weiler. She was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, October 26, 1768, and died at the home of her son George, May 3, 18-17. There were eleven children born to them, all of whom reached adult years: Elizabeth Nor- ris, John, Nancy Austin, Abram, Catherine, Blizard, Jacob, David, Sarah W^eir, Isaac, George, Mary Short. John Epler, grandfather of Mrs. Mills, was but three years old when his parents moved to Kentucky, and five years old when they moved to the Northwest Territory. There he was reared and married. He resided in Clark county till 1831, when with his wife and six children, he came to Illinois; made the journey with teams, and after three weeks' travel landed in Cass county. He bought a tract of land on which he enijaijed in i'arm- ing and was very successful in his operations. From time to time lu purchased other lunds until he became the owner of 1.200 acres in Cass and Morgan counties. He spent the last years of his life in Virginia ami died May 25, 1876. The maiden name of his wife was Sarah Beggs. She was born in what is now Clark county, Indiana, April 28, 1800. Her father, Charles Beggs, was born in Rock- ingham county, Virginia, October 30, 1775, and his father, Thomas Beggs, was born in the same county. He took part in tlie Rev- olutionary war and died in the service. Charles Beggs was reared and married in Vir- ginia, and resided there till 1798, when he moved to Kentucky. In 1799 he removed to the Northwest Territory and settled in that part now included in Clark county, Indiana. He served in the war of 1812, and fought with Harrison at the battle of Tippecanoe; was an old Whig, and personal friend of Gen- eral Harrison; served in both the Indiana Territorial and State Legislatures; resided in Clark county till 1829. In 1829 he came to Illinois and was one of the pioneers of Mor- gan county. He bought a tract of land and 256 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF OASS, resided on it till his death, October 21, 1869. The maiden name of his wife was Martha Trnnibo. Slie was born in Rockingiiain county, Virginia, March 16, 1778, and died May 12, 1811. Fonrof her children grew to maturity: Elizabeth, Sarah, Mary and George. The grandmother of Mrs. Mills died January 11, 1882. Twelve of her children were reared: Charles, Abram, Cyrus, Mary A. Barrett, Sarah Fairbank, Elizabeth Hall, John M., William, David, Myron L., Ellen Prince, and Albert G. William Epler, father of Mrs. Mills, was reared in bis native county, and received his early education in the pioneer schools here, and subsequently attended Illinois College, Jacksonville. He has been prominently iden- tified with the business interests of Virginia many years. The maiden name of Mrs. Ep- ler, wife of William Epler, was Jane Abigail Woodman. She was born at Paw Paw, Mich- igan, March 6, 1838. From a genealogical record of the Woodman family, compiled by Jabez H. Woodman, we learn that there \vere two brothers, Edward and Archalaus Wood- man, natives of Christian Malford, a parish in Wiltshire, England, came to America in 1635, and settled in Newbury, Massachusetts. There descendants are numerous and are scattered in various parts of tlie United States. It seems from this that Mrs. Mills is a descend- ant of Edward. The second in line was his son Edward, the third in line his son Archa- laus, the next in line Archalaus' son Joseph, born May 4, 1714. He married Bridget Wil- ley in 1762. He died in Wheelock, Vermont, November, 1807. His son John, great grand- father of Mrs. Mills, married Sarah Foy. He died at Lyndon, Vermont, December 6, 1853, aged ninety years. His son, David Wood- man, grandfather of Mrs. Mills, was born in New England, July 27, 1793. He removed from New England to New York State, thence to Michigan, and from there to Oketo, Kan- sas, where his death occurred August 28, 1892, aged ninety- nine years and one month. His wife, grandmother of Mrs. Mills, was Abigail Gray. The mother of Mrs. Mills died in the State of Nebraska, October 2, 1863, in the twenty-sixth year of her age. Mr. Epler, father of Mrs. Mills, now has a piece copied from an English history, that was published in 1615, that gave an account of the trial and burning at the stake at Lewis, in Sussex, England, of Richard Woodman, June 22, 1557, on account of his religious convictions. He was tried before the Bishops of Chiches- ter and Winchester. He was very tenacious of his opinions, as are said to be some of the Woodmans of the present day. The parents of Mrs. Mills were married at the home of the bride's brother-in-law. Colonel John B. Cul- ver, at Dulutli, Minnesota, April 12, 1859. At that time Duluth was an Indian tradincr post, and they were the first white settlers ever married there. Mr. Epler was there in the employ of the United States Government ^IRAM JAQUES was born in Schoharie county. New York, August 17, 1814. He was the son of Jesse and Maria (Boice) Jaques. They both died in New York. They had twelve children, but only one or two are living. Hiratn remained at home with his parents until their death, when he worked by tlie montii nntil the spring of 1837, when he came to Illinois by the Ohio, Mississippi and Illinois rivers, with one of his brothers and two neighbors. They first built a mill race, working it by day, month or job for two years, and then took an interest SCHUYLER AND SHOWN COUNTIES. 257 in a saw and grist mill, and later boiiglit it all and 200 acres of land. Mr. Jaques was married in 1838Jor 1839, to Nancy Reeves of Kentucky, where her father and mother were early settlers. They had very few neighbors, but there was an abundance of wild game. Mr. Jaques has lived on the farm he first purchased ever since his marriage, except two or three years. He first built a log house in which they lived until the present one was built. They have had nine cliildren, four of whom are yet living: Louisa, wife of Dr. Scanlund (see sketch); Alma, married, and has one child; he served four years during the late war, was wounded three times, and now re- sides at Colorado Springs; Nephi Jacjues served in the Tenth Illinois Cavalry two years and has since died, leaving two children ; Rachel, who married Mr. Scanland, and has three children living; George, married, and has two children ;Walace W., married. Mr. Jaques has always been an Andrew Jackson Democrat, and now votes the People's ticket, as he is now a member of that party, although he voted for Andrew Jackson. He has been engaged in general farming all his life, and he and his wife are greatly respected by all who know them. lEORGE D. UTTER, a prosperous farmer and stock-raiser of Frederick, Schuyler county, Illinois, was born in that place on November 13, 1846, the youngest child of John and Charlotte (Brines) Utter. Both of his parents were natives of Allegany county, New York, where the father was born No- vember 11, 1810, and the mother April 11, 1807. In 1815, when five years of age, his father came to Palmyra, Illinois, where his youth and earh' manhood were spent. He was there married to Charlotte Brines, De- cember 5, 1834, and in 1839 removed with his wife and family to Schuyler county, same State, settling on the Rushville road, near I 'leasant View. There he and his worthy wife spent their remaining days, rearing six chil- dren, two boys and four girls, of whom two boys and one girl now survive. October 15, 1887, the family were called upon to mourn the loss of the devoted wife and mother, who had unselfishly watched over their interests for so many years. On February 14, of the following year, the honest, hard-working father also departed this life, as if unable to endure separation from his beloved com- panion. Both of these worthy people enjoyed the esteem of their entire community. George, whose name heads this biography, was the baby of the family, and now weighs 240 pounds, which shows what Illinois can produce under favorable circumstances. He was trained to farui life and educated in the public schools of his native county, and now resides within one mile of his birthplace. By industry, economy and careful manage- ment, he has accumulated a competence for himself and family. He owns an excellent farm of 240 acres, which was originally pur- chased by his father, and is numbered among the successful farmers of Schuyler county. March 14, 1867, he was married in Schuy- ler county, to Miss Priscilla J. Ward, who was born in Bainbridge, that county, April 10, 1848. Her parents, ApoUos and Jane (Bramble) Ward, were among the first settlers of Schuyler county. Her father was a native of Hamilton county, Ohio, where he was born July 29, 1805. Her mother was born Feb- ruary 28, 1815, and their marriage occurred June 23, 1835. Her mother still survives, and is universally respected. 258 BIOOBAPEICAL REVIEW OF CASS, Mr. and Mrs. Utter have seven children: Arthur Frank, born January 9, 1868, iriarried Clara Eradman February 27, 1889, and lives on a farm near by; Albert Marion, born Oc- tober 29, 1870; Alice May, born September 4, 1873; Pulaski, born November 30, 1876; Amy Florence, born January 10, 1880; Mary Viola, born October 21, 1883; and Cora Minnie, born October 80, 1889. Allot' these are under the parental roof, and form a typi- cal happy family. Politically, Mr. Utter affiliates with the Democratic party. Religiously, he and liis wife are prominent members of the Method- ist Episcopal Church South. Mr. Utter's prosperity is due to his per- sistent efforts and honoral)le dealings in all the walks of life. He is one of the repre- sentative men of his county, and deservedly enjoys the esteem of his fellow men. fRANKLlN L. ANGIER, chief clerk of the Locomotive and Oar Department of the St. Louis Division of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad, was born in Vermont at Waterbury, where he was reared until twelve years of age. He was the son of Aaron Angler of New Hampshire. His father was American of French ancestry. Aaron was a Baptist clergyman and married in Vermont, Miss Eliza Luther. She came of good family of Scotch descent. After marrying, Rev. Mr. Angler continued his work in the church of his faith until 1850, when he moved to New York State, and after four years moved to Illinois in 1854. He died a few months after his arrival in this State, in Bureau county, while yet in active work, being then only forty-seven. He was a hard-working, logical preacher, fluent talker and a worthy citizen. His wife survived him until 1863, and then died at the age of fifty- four. They had ten childi'en. When Franklin Angler was twelve they removed to Elbridge, New York, and here he was educated until he was sixteen, when the family removed to Illinois, where he has since resided. Except three years in the army, he has been engaged in clerical work. He enlisted from Geneva, Illinois, in Sep- tember, 1861, in Company B, Fifty-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Captain E. A. Bowen and Colonel Wilson in command. The latter named official did not retain his command very long, but was succeeded by Colonel T. W. Sweeny. The regiment was in the Fifteenth Army Corps of the Army of the Tennessee. They fought their first battles at Fort Donelson, Shiloh and siege of Cor- inth and battle of Corinth under General Rosecrans, and in October, 1863, Mr. Angier was discharged, and in May, 1864, re-enlisted and joined Company G, (^ne Hundred and Thirty-ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, remaining until expiration of service, Octo- ber 28, 1864. They were garrisoned at Cairo, jllinois. He served in the capacity of First Lieutenant all the time he was m the One Hundred and Thirty-ninth Regiment. After coming to this State Mr. Angier lived in Bureau county for a short time, and was married there to Adaline Smith, born in Rochester, New York, in 1838, but was reared in Illinois, where her parents had moved when she was young. Her father, Alonzo Smith, was a farmer and died in Bureau county in 1865, when in middle life. His wife is still living and resides with her daughter Mrs. Angier. She is eighty-four. She has been a worthy member of the Baptist Church for years. SGHUTLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 359 Mr. and Mrs. Angier are members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Angier is a Republi- can in politics, and a Master Mason, being a member of" Cass Lodge, No. 23, and Clarke Chapter, No. 29, of Beardstown. He has been Master and is now Secretary of the lodge. Is a member of McLane Post, No. 97, Grand Army of the Republic. Thej have seven children: Mary, wife of C. E. Sperry, a painter of Aurora, Illinois; Frank is a clerk under his father and married Maude Foster; Plorence is at home; Carl and Earl (twins), and Charles and Dana are all. four at home. They all have received the advantage of a good education and are refined, intelligent young people. fRED KROIIE was born in Cass county, September 30, 1849, and was reared in Beardstown, which has been his home. He is the son of Fred Krohe, Sr., who was born in Saxony, Germany, May 8, 1809, and who died November, 1880, in Beardstown. He was a young man when with his parents he came to the United States. He married in Cincinnati, Sophia Hoverkluf, who was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1816, and died March 20, 1888. She had come with her parents to the United States to Cass county, both dying there. She had a family of six children, of whom three are living. Mr. Krohe is a man who has devoted his time to his business and the amassing of a fortune. He has now retired and is living in o Beardstown, and is living on the corner of Washington and Third streets. He has made a fortune and owns some very valuable prop- erty, and is owner of the opera-house block and some fine property in the county. He has lived in this county all his life, except three years in Omaha, Nebraska, where he has some property interests. He was married in Beardstown, to Elizabeth Stock of Cass county, a native of the same ounty. She was born February, 1846. She cwas reared and educated in this county and is the daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Stock, natives of Prussia. Mr. and Mrs. Stock, were wealthy and well-known members of the county, and were members of the Lutheran Church. Mrs. Krohe died at St. Louis, May 9, 1892; she was a good and worthy woman, who had always lived in Cass county and was associ- ated with its history. Since her death Mr. Krohe has lived in his home at Beardstown. HOMAS H. CARTER was born in Little York, York county, Pennsyl- vania, October 11, 1823. His father, Bushnell Carter, a native of Connecticut, came when a young man to Pennsylvania, where ho married Julia L. Barber, an esti- mable lady. lie was an educated man, a suc- cessful lawyer, and died in early manhood. After the death of his mother our subject was taken by his father to an uncle in Connecti- cut, and there he grew to manhood. When twenty years of age he became a school teacher, and so continued until 1847, when he went to Canfield, Ohio, where he began the study of law under J.udge Newton. He was admitted to the bar in 1852, after grad- uating from Ballston, New York. About this time, with a young wife, he made his way to Beardstown, and engaged in partnership in a general law business with a cousin, Car- ter Van Vleck, who had come here some years before. In later years he was connected in a legal way with Henry Philips, of Virginia, Illi- nois, but after some years he had sole charge 260 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, of tlje hiisiness liiiiiself. He beeaine well- known tliroiio;li the State as one of the legal licrhts of the day, and has figured in it promi- nentlj. He has amassed a good farm prop- erty in Missouri, which is still in the family. He was not a politician, but he had been City Attorney of Beardstown, and from 1858 to 1861 he was Postmaster of the place. He was held in high esteem for his upright char- acter and good qualities. He was a Demo- crat, a Master Mason, a good moral man and a great lover of home. He was married to Miss Maria L. Peck, in AVarren, Litchfield county, Connecticut, where he was reared. She was born in the same place December 13, 1825, and was a daughter of Phineas and Phoebe (Taylor) Peck, l)oth of Litchfield. Mr. Peck was a farmer and purchased the old Peck home- stead, which is yet in the family. His death occurred July 11, 1870, at the age of seventy- seven. He was a strong, active man, and both he and his wife were members of the Con- gregatioual Church, as are also their children. Mr. and Mrs. Carter had one son, Augustine P., now chief clerk of Superintendent John- son of the Montana Central Railroad of Helena, Montana. He married Miss Frances B. Henderson, of Monmouth, a daughter of Colonel Henderson, a prominent man of "Warren county. Mr. and Mrs. Augustine Carter and wife have one bright daughter, Marcia P., named for her grandmother. Mr. Carter died while in Peoria, Illinois, for treatment, on March 19, 1886, leaving to bis many friends a memory most pleasing to cherish. lEORGE HENRY EI PERT settled in Schuyler county, January 13, 1857. He was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Ger- many, February 11, 1823. He had five broth- ers and two sisters; the former all came to the United States, w'here the brother, John, died in Schuyler county; George also died there, while Ludwig died in this county; Valentine went away during the civil war, and was never heard from again. George was the youngest, but his father died when only forty-one years old, so he had to work very hard, as there were nine small children left. He came to the LTnited States and first stopped in Maryland with a Dunkard preacher two years, when the minister sent him to Ohio. He went to Preble county, Ohio, and in 1851 he sent to Germany for Margaret Roth. She came to America from Hesse-Darmstadt in 1826, June 21, all by herself. When she arrived in Ohio she and Mr. Eifert were married. In 1855 they came to Illinois and rented land in Schuyler county, which was but little improved. Here he passed his remaining 3'ears. Before his death he became the owner of 417 acres of land and put up fine buildings on the land, and he also raised stock. His death oc- curred November 17, 1881. His wife is still living on the homestead. They had four children: George, Charles W. and two who died in infancy. Mr. Eifert was a Democrat in politics, a Methodist in religion, and was an earnest, good man, dying happy and satisfied. When he was married he borrowed $50, and that was all he had. When he came to Illinois he was worse off yet, as he then had only $20. He purchased a stove and wash- tub, and they began housekeeping without a chair, table, knife or fork, and slept on the floor a whole month before they could afford to buy a bedstead, but they worked hard and prospered. George Eifert is the elder son of George and Margaret Eifert. He was born in Preble SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 261 county, Ohio, An^nst 6, 1856. The family came to Illinois, and he has since resided here, where he has followed farming. lie was married, November 17, 1878, to Sarah Hale, daughter of William and Mar- garet Hale (see sketch). She was born in Schnyler county, Illinois, in 1858. They have two children: Carl and Warren. Mr. Eifert has part of the old homestead, where he follows stock-raising. He is a Democrat in politics and a member of the Methodist Church South. He and his wife are highly respected citizens of their section, and are admired by every one who knows them. ^ I APTAIN SYLVESTER D. NOKES was born in Franklin county, New \ ork, February 11, 1835. His father was John Nokes, born March 20, 1809, and his grandfather was Jacob Nokes, of New Eng- land. He was a farmer who died at an ad- vanced age in IJrown county, Illinois, and his wife's name was Mary — , who bore him seven children. Slie died in P)rown county about ten years after her husband, aged eighty years. John Nokes came West from New York in 1842, and settled in Brown county on 160 acres of new land, it being part of his present farm. He brought his wife and six children with him in a covered wagon. He rented for several years and then built a hewed-log house. Much of his land was prairie of the most productive kind. He resided on this farm about twenty years. The Captain was a volunteer in the One Hundred and Nineteenth Illinois Infantry, Company E, enlisting August 9, 1862. He went as Second Lieutenant, and was mustered out as Captain, to which post he was pro- moted in 1864, in the place of Captain Mun- ford, resigned. He was absent from his com- mand on account of a gunshot wound in the thigh received on the Ked river. He was all through that cam])aign, was in the two days' light before Nashville, Tennessee, and in the charge on Fort Blakely. He has sixty acres of orchard land, apples, peaches and grapes. He keeps ten to twelve horses, fifteen to twenty head of cattle and fattens about fifty hogs per year. His orchards return him the best interest on his money. He built their fine brick farm house in 1881. The school- ing of the Captain is limited, but he is well inf'iirmed and a great reader. He was married about tlie age of twenty, to Anna J. Dodd, who was nearly sixteen. She was the daughter of William and Julia Ann liichardso!) Dodd. Her father was of Green county, Illinois, and her mother of Bradenburg, Kentucky. The living children of Captain and Mrs. Nokes are: Mrs. Carrie Bradney, living in Missouri; Mrs. Mary V. Wright, at home; Oscar E., living at the Mounds; Birdie May, a young lady at home; Irwin Grant; and Jessie. The Captain has been a Republican, but now is an Alliance man. He is justly proud of his war record. R. SIDNEY W. SCANLAND was born in Carroll county, Kentucky, October 13, 1834. He was the son of Thomas B. and Agnes W. (Searcy) Scanland, who were also born in Kentucky. Thomas followed the trade of cooper when a young man, and was married at the age of twenty- six, in Kentucky. In 1840 he came to Illi- nois. He settled first in Elkhorn township, and lived there two years on his first farm. 262 BIOGRAPBIGAL REVIEW OF CASS, He built a frame house, but in 1842 he bought in section 16 120 acres, and still later bought more land, until he had acquired nearly 400 acres, lie improved his farm, built several houses and barns, and died Octo- ber 14, 1885, aged seventy-seven years, re- spected by all who knevi^ him. He was the son of William Scanland, a native of Ken- tucky. William had come to Illinois in 1846, and settled in Pike county, where he and his wife lived and died very old people. They spent their last days in Pittsfield, Illinois. Our subject's mother was born in Carroll county, Kentucky, May 3, 1812, and died in Versailles, January 20, 1888, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Susan McCoy. Her par- ents died when very old people in Kentucky. Sidney was one of six children: four are yet living. One brother, George, was taken prisoner in the late war, and died live months later at Macon, Georgia. Our subject is the only professional man in the family now liv- ing, but some of his father's brothers were prominent physicians. He remained at home until eighteen years of age, attending school, and after that taught school for some time, and during this time was obliged to board around among the neighbors, as they did in those times. During the years of his teaching he was educating himself, and when about twenty-six years of age, began to study medi- cine. After marriage, in 1860, he settled on the old farm where he had always lived, and in December, 1863, he enlisted in Company K, Tenth Illinois Cavalry, and remained in the service until January, 1866. Before this time he had attended lectures at Hush Medical College. After the war he set- tled in Chambersburg, Pike county, and prac- ticed for seven years. He then came to this county, taught school one winter, then bought a little farm in 1875, and has practiced medi- cine ever since. He has 100 acres of the old homestead and takes life very easy. He has taken an active part in everything that has taken place in the county, and has contributed time and money to advance the interests of the People's party. He is a prominent member of the G. A. R. in Isaac McNeil Post, also a lecturer in the Farmers' Alliance, and Presi- dent of an Anti-horse-thief Association. He was married to Louisa L. Jaques of this county (see sketch of Hiram and JNancy Jaques). They have four children: Sidney H., George A. and Birdie C. are in Califor- nia; and Florence Z. is the wife of Oscar McCoy still living at home. Dr. Sidney W. Scanland lias always been a representative man of Elkhorn township; has twice been elected Justice of the Peace, and is at present acting as Notary Public. !,EV. JAMES DE WITT was born at Hope, Warren county. New Jersey, No- vember 5, 1817, a son of James and Anna (Coates) De Witt; the father was born in Sussex county. New Jersey, and about the year 1842 emigrated to Michigan; he located on a farm in Oakland county, and there passed the remainder of his days; he died at the age of eighty-six years; the mother was also a na- tive of New Jersey, and died in Michigan, at the age of seventy years. They reared a family of eight children, seven of whom are living: one son was a merchant, another a tanner, and a third was a millwright, but they are now engaged in agricultural pursuits. James De Witt, Jr., remained at home with his parents until he was thirteen years of ase, and then began clerking for an older brother; at the end of two years he secured a position as clerk in a general store, and three 8GHUTLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 263 years later he went to Pennsylvania, where he was employed as a clerk by his brother. In the spring of 1838, he left the Keystone State, and came by rail, canal and river, to St. Louis; the jonrney was continued by water to Warsaw, where he disembarked, and from that point he walked to Schuyler county. The first summer of his I'esidence here he clerked for Dr. Benjamin V. Teel, and then returned to New Jersey, where he spent the summer of 1839, and in the fail of 1839 he came again to this county and secured a po- sition with the firm of Wilson & Greer, which he held until 1842. Mr. De Witt was united in marriage, Jan- nary 25, 1842, to Miss Ellen Little, a native of Columbia, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania; she died in this county at the age of sixty- one years; seven children were born of this union, six of whom are living: James L. is married and has three children; ,fohn M. is married and has three children; George W. ; Elizabetli is married and the mother of four children; Cyrus L. is married; William A. is the youngest. Mrs. IJe Witt was a daughter of James and Rebecca Little, natives of Ire- land, who emigrated to the United States in 1801, and died in Schuyler county, Illinois, the father, at the age of seventy, and the mother at eighty-four years of age. Mr. De Witt was married a second time, October 3, 1883, to Mrs. Catharine M. (Pittinger) Waddell. She was born in Hancock county, West Virginia, April 30, 1837, a daughter of Nicholas and Elizabeth (Matthewson) Pit- tinger, natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania re- spectively; the father died at the age of sev- enty-two years, and the motherat eighty-five; they removed to Illinois in 1838, and settled in Fulton county, where they resided two years, thence they came to Schuyler county, and here passed the last days of their life; the Matthewson family is of Irish descent. Mrs. De Witt's first marriage was to Will- iam Waddell, and of this union was born one child, Clementine. Mr. Waddell died in Fulton county, Illinois, at the age of thirty- three years. After his first marriage, Mr. De Witt set- tled in.Rushville, and clerked for his father- in-law until 1844, wiien he engaged in busi- ness for himself, his partner being Mr. Greer; he conducted the business with differ- ent partners until 1850, when he sold out and removed to Littleton township, wiiere he and his brother-in-law conducted a general store for four years; the firm was then changed, Mr. De Witt retaining his interest for another period of four years; the old firm then resumed business, and in 1862 he sold out. He now resides on the farm which was given his wife by her father, and devotes much of his time to agriculture; he has added to the original tract, and built the residence they now occupy. Mr. DeAVitt received his elementary edu- cation in the district school, but it was through his own efforts that his advanced studies were carried on; he was under theo- logical instruction only one year, but during that time made great attainment. For more than fifty years he has been a local minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and during that half century he has accomplished much work for the Master. He has per- formed the marriage ceremony 130 times, and has as often been called to administer the last sad rites of burial. In the affairs of the State, as well as of the church, he has taken a prominent part; he has been Post- master, Collector, and Deputy Marshal, to take the census of one-half of the county, in 1870; and in 1874-'75, he was a member of the State Legislature from Schuyler county, 264 BIOORAFHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, represeiitino; the people with great credit to himself and to their best and highest inter- ests. Politically, he adheres to the princi- ples of the Republican party. In all the walks of life he has borne himself with that dignity and rectitude worthy of his calling, and has made a record that will bear the scrutiny of ages. ^ > iANCY r. SECKMAN was born in Harrison county, Kentucky, August 18, 1814. Her father, James Taylor, and her mother, Katie Bishop, were both born in Maryland, near Snow Hill. They went to Kentucky, when young, were married there, and were well-to-do farmers. They moved to Illinois in the fall of 1832, when this daughter was nineteen years old. They brought ten children with them in a prairie schooner, being twenty-one days on the route. They hired a man to bring them with his five-horse team, and they brought three horses and saddles of their own. They had a most delightful time, a continual picnic of twenty-one days, from the time they left the old Kentucky home until they arrived at grandfather Taylor's in Morgan county. They bought 160 acres in what is now Scott county, and this they made their permanent home. They had two more children in Illinois, making twelve in all, and all but two grew to adult age, Mrs. Seckman being the eldest. The mother died at the age of sixty-five, on the farm in Scott county; the father lived many years after, but finall}' passed away at the ripe old age of eighty-five years, leaving a tine estate to the ten remaining children. Mrs. Seckman had very little schooling in the every-day school, as they were then termed. She was married in her twenty- second year to Jonathan W. Seckman, born near Chillicothe, Ohio, in 1810. His father was William Seckman, and his mother, Su- san Wright, both from farmer families of Ohio. They came to Illinois after this son came. Jonathan came here a poor young man, and began working for the low wages of those times. He drove teams and bioke prairie, and worked and earned and saved, until in his thirtieth year he had two horses, six oxen, and several head of horned cattle, and some hogs. He was married to our sub- ject, March 31. 1844, and began domestic life on an island in Menard county, on lands his father owned. They purchased forty acres in 1842, in Cooperstown township, near the present home of Mrs. Seckman. He traded a sood house and his last horse for it. He worked out by the day and paid for the use of a six-horse team, with which he tilled the land for the first crop. Their life on the island for the three years they were there, was a living death from fever and ague, and when they left for Brown county they were reduced in means, ha.ving Init §40. They bought a log house on an adjoining claim, which they moved on their small farm. The timber was large and dense on this land, and he built his old house on and over several large stumps. They moved into this abode, January 1, 1842, and in about two years he bought eighty acres adjoining. In 1865, they built the present commodious frame house in which Mrs. Seckman now resides. Here he died, August 8, 1885, aged seventy- five, leaving his widow with seven living chil- dren. They had buried one daughter when an infant, and one son, John William, aged twenty-eight. He left a wife and son. Mr. Seckman owned at his death 720 acres of land, and several lots in Mount Sterling. These lands are well-stocked and well- SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 265 improved. He was well ahd favorably known in this section. His liPe of toil was not only successful financially, but he left a good record to his devoted wife. His father had been a preacher among the United Brethren, and he also left a large estate to a large and honorable posterity. The names of Mrs. Seckman's living chil- dren are: James K., a farmer of Nebraska, lias five children; Kittle J., wife of William Shiiltz, of Nebraska, has twelve ciiildren; Charles H., farmer on part of the old home- stead, has six children; George D., also a farmer on the homestead, ten children; Jon- athan, farmer in Brown county, eight chil- dren; Joseph L., also on tiie homestead, seven children; Archie, also on the homestead, in the house with his mother, four children. Mrs. Seckman says that she is a monu- ment of God's mercy and love. She has had great health and strength during life, has ■worked hard in the house and field, has helped make fence-, stack grain, and has done every- thing in the house from rocking the cradle to spinning and weaving. She is now as strong and vigorous as ever, and her mind is as strong as ever, and in every respect she is a remarkable old lady. ^AKIUS N. WALKER, ex- Judge of CasB county, Hlinois, and a resident of Virginia, is a native of the (Jld Do- minion, born in Fauquier county, February 16, 1834. Of his life and ancestry we re- cord the following facts: Solomon Walker, junior and senior, father and grandfather of the Judge, were also Vir- ginians by birth, and the former was a na- tive of Fauquier county. The latter suffered privations and hardships in the various cam- paigns of the Revolutionary war, being in the service seven years, and never fully re- covered his health afterward. He spent his last years in Culpeper county, Virginia. The maiden name of Grandmother AValker was Frances Taylor. Her father was a na- tive of England, and when but a small boy was kidnaped by sailors, hronght to America and bound out until twenty-one years of age. He spent his last years in the State of Virginia. Solomon Walker, Jr., learned the trade of tanner, and followed his trade in connection with farmincr in Fau- quier county, remaining a resident of that place until 1855. Then he sold his inter- ests there and came to Illinois, locating in Virginia precinct, Cass county, on a farm he purchased a mile and a half east of the present courthouse site. He engaged in agricult- ure and remained a resident there till after the death of his wife. He spent his last years at the home of his son, Judge Walker, where he died, in 1889, in the eighty sixth year of his age. His wife, Emma Wilkins, was born in Prince William county, Virginia, daughter of Thomas Wil- kins. She died on the home farm in 1879. Nine of her children reached adult years. Judge Walker was reared and educated in his native State, and when a mere lioy he commenced to assist his father in the tanyard and on the farm. He is a natural mechanic, and while a resident of Virginia worked a portion of the time at the millwriidit trade. He came to Cass county with his parents in 1855, and lived at home until he was twenty- three years old; was then employed at farm- ing and carpenter work. April 15, 1862, he started with others for Oregon. They went by rail to St. Joseph, at that time the ter- minus of the railroad, and thence by boat to 366 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, Sonora, ' Missouri. There tliey equipped themselves with ox teams and provisions, and on the 12th of May started on their journey across tiie plains, arriving at the present site of Baker City, Oregon, August 23. He remaioed at Auburn, near Baker City, till February, when he went to Placer- ville, Idaho Territory, and engaged in min- ing, i-emainii)g tliere until the fall of 1864. Then he went to San Francisco, and from there went to New York, via Panama; thence to Cass county, Illinois. Soon after- ward he bought a farm in Virginia precinct, which he sold the following fall, came to Vir- ginia and engaged in work at the carpenter's trade. In the fall of 1868 he purchased a tin and stove store, and carried on that business until 1873, wiien he was elected Police Magistrate of Virginia, and devoted his at- tention to the duties of that office. In 1880 he visited the Rocky mountains. He went as far as Western on the railroad and thence by stage to Leadville, Colorado. Five months later he returned to Virginia and has since resided there. Judge Walker was married in the fall of 1861, to Elizabeth Adams, who was born in Morgan county, Illinois, daughter of Will- iam and Mildred (Bryant) Adams. She died in 1873. In January, 1876, he married Martha E. Clark, a native of Schuyler county, Illinois, her parents being Thomas and Annie Clark. He has two children liv- ing by his first marriage: Emma E. and John L. Politically, the Judge has always affiliated with the Democratic party. He served as Police Magistrate from 1873 to 1882; has also served as Alderman and Mayor. In 1882 he was elected County Judge, was re- elected in 1886, and served two full terms. He is a member of Saxon Lodge, JSo. 68, I. O. O. F., and Washington Lodge of Mutual Aid. Mrs. Walker is a member of the Presbyterian Church, while the Judge is a Baptist. H-E ^¥«- |ILLIAM T. TYSON, a widely an( ||\''M1| favorably known citizen of Bain- ■~^d^ bridge township, Schuyler county, Illinois, an honored veteran of the late war, and one of the most prosperous farmers ,NDREW SCHAAD, who for many years has been identified with the agri- cultural interests of Cass county, Illi- nois, and who is a resident of Hickory pre- cinct, was born in Hesse- Darmstadt, January 4, 1836. John Sehaad, his father, was a son of John Schaad, and both passed their lives and died in Germany, the former in 1852. Grand- father Schaad was all his life engaged in agri- 276 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OE CASS, cultural pursuits. His son, John, hecatne a civil engineer, and was engaged in surveying for canals, railroads and turnpikes. His wife, nee Katherine Haniel. was born in the same locality as her husband, she being the daugh- ter of Christian Haniel. She came to Amer- ica in 1853, the year following Mr. Schaad's death, and spent her last years in Cass county, Illinois. She reared four children: Thomas, Charles, Andrew and Mary. Thomas and Charles both married and reared families, and spent their last years in Cass county. Mary is the wife of Henry Walter, and lives in Arenzville. The .subject of our sketch attended school in Hesse- Darmstadt until 1853, when he accompanied other members of the family to America. They set sail from Havre de Grace September 15, 1853, on the sailing vessel Farera, and landed at New Orleans after a voyage of forty-five days. There was cholera on board the vessel, which rendered the voyage an unpleasant one. From JSew Orleans they came north by river to Eeardstown. Andrew and liis brothers rented land and farmed to- gether, being successful in their operations. Subsequently Andrew and Charles bought a tract of land on sections 6 and 7, township 18, range 10, and farmed together a few years. The former has been a resident of what is now Hickory precinct since 1858, and is now the owner of 320 acres of land, 177 acres of which are the finest tillable land, located on sections 6, 7, and 8, township 18, range 10. He has erected a nice set of frame buildings, and is comfortably situated to enjoy life. In 1866 Mr. Schaad married Miss Miza Tay- lor, a native of Scotland, and a daughter of Neill Taylor. He and his wife are the parents of three children Robert, Kate and Maud. Politically Mr. Schaad is a stanch Repub- lican. He is a member of the County Cen- tral Committee, Highway Committee in Dis- trict Xo. 2, and lias served as a member of his District School Board for thirteen years. Both he and his wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. PAVID I). WILSON, a popular and suc- cessful business man of Virginia, Cass county, Illinois, dates his birth in Old- ham, Lancashire, England, November 23, 18-il. His father, James Wilson, was born in the same shire, his parents having passed their lives in England. James Wilson and his brother, Thomas, and three sisters, were the only members of the family who came to America. Thomas settled in Cass county in 1841, and has since made his home here. James Wilson was reared and married in Oldham, and was there employed in a cotton factory till 1842, in the spring of which year he sailed for America, embarking at Liver- pool and landing at New Orleans. He came up the Mississippi and Illinois rivers into Illinois, and located in Cass county. He subsequently moved to Jacksonville, and five years later to Springfield, his death occurring at the latter place in 1850. Plis wife was, before her marriage, Miss Amelia Taylor, and she, too, was a native of Lancashire. Her death occurred in Cass county a few months after their arrival in this county. After the death of his father, David D. was taken in charge by a family in Sangamon county, and with them he lived until he was fourteen. From that time lie cared for him- self. He found employment with his bro- ther-in-law till 1860, and at that time com- menced to learn the trade of carpenter. His employer soon emigrated to Iowa, and in 1861 young Wilson turned his attention to the trade SCHUTLEU AND BROWN COUNTIES. 277 of printer, at which he worked in the office of the Jacksonville Journal. In 1862 he enlisted in the One Hundred and First Illinois Eegiment Volunteer Infan- try, and was in the State service one month. When the regiment was mustered in, he was rejected on account of a crippled hand. In 1864 he enlisted in Com])any B, One Hun- dred and Thirty-third Retriment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, this time being accepted. He served till the term of his enlistment ex- pired, when he was honorablv discharged. He then went to Nashville, Tennessee, ex- pecting to work at his trade, but was taken sick and soon afterward returned to Illinois. After his recovery he farmed in Morgan county one year. Then he worked at his trade in Jacksonville for a time. In 1875 he came to Virginia, being employed in the office of the Gazette from March till July of that year. Next we find him engaged in the grocery business, which lie still continues, and in which he has been eminently successful. He began with a small stock of goods, his natural business ability secured him a good trade, and he is now ranked with the success- ful business men of the town. Mr. Wilson is a man of family. He was married, in 1866, to Martha Taylor, a native of Morgan county, Illinois, and their union has been blessed by the birth of four children: Mamie, Ella G., Herbert S. and Mabel. He and his wife are members of the Chris- tian Church. Politically he is a Repnljlican, favoring prohibition. -«fe lEOEGE KUHL was born in Hesse- Darmstadt, Germany, in 1807. His parents, Christian and Elizabeth (Ganz) Kuhl, were very old when they died, the father at the age of eighty-three, the mother at the age of eighty-tive and one-half years. They were members of the Lutheran Church. When George was yet a young man he em- barked for America in the ship Baltimore in 1833. After a voyage of eight weeks he landed in Baltimore and went from there to Richmond, Virginia, and followed his trade of baker. He soon left that city, however, and came to Beardstown, Illinois. He was the first of his family to venture across the ocean, but was later joined by his parents and other brothers and sisters. He is the eldest of a large family that comes of good German stock. His youngest brother is a Lutheran clergyman of Carthage, Illinois, and he and George Kuhl are all that are left of the family. When Mr. Kuhl came to Beardstown in 1835 he had but twenty-five cents in his pocket. The city was then very small, and the country was new. He began his business career in Beardstown as a baker. He soon gained a footing and found a sale for his wares, both in the little town and on the boats that were on the river. He made money and after twelve years established a large grocery store. Later he made it a general store, and added to it all the time un- til he became a large pork packer and grain dealer. Those were the times to make money, and during the war times he was one of the largest dealers on the Illinois river. He had two large grain houses that were destroyed by fire, and he lost some §4,000 in a paper mill. This made no difference to Mr. Kuhl's business enterprise. In spite of his losses he has made a large amount of money, and he now enjoys it in a beautiful home that he erected, that cost him some $15,000 when completed. It is furnished with every mod- ern improvement. He has always had the 278 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, best interests of the city at heart, and has done everything he could toward building it up. He has been a hard worker, and is the best kind of a citizen, and one tliat has a good deal of influence with all classes not only in the city but all over the county. He has been a leader in all tending to improve the city. lie was one of the originators, and is one of the principal supporters of the Ger- man Church, and has contributed liberally to its support. His party (Republican) has rewarded his faithful services by making him Alderman of the city. He is a very temper- ate man and one that scorns anything mean or low. He has now retired from business, and is taking a merited rest, but he still takes a strong and deep interest in all that occurs in the city's history. He was married for the lirst time to Chris- tanna Belger, who was born in Saxony and came to this country when young in 1836. She died at Beardstown when about thirty years of age. She left four cliildren, one of whom is dead. Mrs. Lizzie Rearick died after her marriage. The three living ones are: William P., who is in the grocery business, married Mary Shepherd; George S., a dry- goods merchant, married Julia Buck; Philip, a successful dry-goods merchant of Beards- town, married Mamie L. Arenz. Mr. Kuhl was married for the second time in this city to Mary E. Hemminghouse, nee Mashmeier. She was a German by birth and came to the United States with her parents in 1834. Landing in New York city they came by water route to Beard.^town. Ten days after their arrival her father died, and her mother died some six months later. Mrs. Mary Kuhl was first married in her native country to the Rev. William Hemminghouse. He had charge of a German Lutheran mission; after some ten years he liecame a Methodist, and was a missionary through the West. He died when he was forty years old. He left six children, all dead but two dauo-hters: Minnie, wife of George Schultheis; Henrietta, wife of Chris Kuhl. By their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Kuhl have four cliildren: Louis, a clerk for Philip Kuhl in Beardstown, and married to Emma McVey, now deceased; Henry E., a clerk in Nashville, Illinois, mar- ried Allie Means; JMary, a teacher in the High School of Springfield, and she is an accom- plished lad J, and a graduate in English and German; Lydia, wife of Rev. M. D. Horn- beck, a minister of the Methodist Church. fAMES B. MOORE, a soldier in the late war, was born in Newark, Delaware, November 26, 1819. His father, John, was born in the same place, October 9, 1791, and his grandfatiier, Archibald, was a native of Jamestown, Virginia. The great-grand- father of our subject was born in Ireland, of Scotch ancestry, and came to America and settled in Virginia, where he spent his last years. Archibald moved from Virginia to Newark, Delaware, bought land from Joseph Eagle, and there spent his last years as a far- mer. The farm is still owned by his descend- ants. The name of his wife was probably McDonald, and as far as known, she spent her entire life in Newcastle county. John always followed agricultural pursuits, and the house where he was born was his home throughout his entire life. His wife was Mary Webb Temple of Chester county, Pennsyl- vania, whose father, Samuel, was born in the same locality, and whose grandfather, Caleb, was also a native of Pennsylvania. He was a Magistrate for several years under King James. He was an extensive land owner. SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 279 owning the land, including Chad's Ford and Burningliain in Chester county, where the battle of Brandywine was fought. He spent his last years in Chester county, was a Quaker, and reared his family in the same faith. The grandfather of our subject was an extensive farmer and stock-raiser, and spent his last days in Chester county. His wife was Elizabeth Clements. The mother of James died near Newark, J)elaware, October 1883, aged eighty-three. James was reai'ed and educated in Newark, attending school quite steadily until twenty years of age, when he engaged in farming for five years. He then became a merchant for one year, but sold out and turned his atten- tion to the study of law in the office of John M. Clayton, and in 1848 was admitted to the bar, and the same year came to Mt. Sterling. He practiced here until his enlistment, July 15, 1861, in Company G, Third Illinois Cav- alry, and served eight months. He was hon- orably discharged on account of disability incurred in the service. He then accepted the position of I'rovost Marshal of the Ninth Illinois District, and served in that capacity two and one-half years. On account of fail- ing eyesight, he resigned and returned home. Although not totally blind, he is so nearly so as to incapacitate him for the practice of his profession, and he lives retired in his pleasant home he has built in Mt. Sterlino-. He married Cordelia Merritt on September 8, 1851. She was born in Naples, Illinois. Her father, Joseph, was born in Sussex county, Delaware, July 16, 1803. When he was eight years old his parents went to Ohio. The removal was made with two horses at- tached to a cart. They located in Pickaway county, where they lived until 1828, and then moved to Illinois, and were amon^ the first settlers of Morgan county. Later they bought land in Pea Ridge township, lived there until 1850, when they came to Mt. Sterling, where they continued to reside for the re- mainder of their days. Mr. Merritt died in 1890. His wife died in Mt. Sterling in 1875 She was Kebecca Drew and was born in Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Moore have had ten children: Joseph, James B., Kate, Will, Eugene, Annie, Sladie, Lottie, Jennie and George. Mr. Moore has been a member of the Republican party since its formation. Mr. and Mrs. Moore are among the best people of Pea Ridge and are greatly respected by all who know them- fACKSON HIGGINS, of Brooklyn, Illi- nois, was born in Morgan county, Ohio, in 1832. His father, Daniel, was born in Green county, Pennsylvania, January 20, 1807, and his father, Joseph, was born near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and was engaged in farming. He was born in 1777, and died in 1840, marrying Polly Henderson, and raising a family of twelve children. He was drafted into the war of 1812, but sent a sub- stitute. Daniel was married February 28, 1828, in Green county, Pennsylvania, to Sarah Brewer. They moved from there to Morgan county, Ohio, about 1830. In the fall of 1838, they came to Illinois with a small horse and wagon, bringing four small children, being twenty-six days on the road. There were six families m the party. The trip was a pleasant one, and the winter following was mild. They found the grass very tall, gone to seed, all kinds of game, and very recent marks of the buffalo remaining. Agues and fevers were universal. Mr. Higgins is the oldest resident in this part of Schuyler county. He took up eighty 280 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, acres of school lands, and soon obtained a deed, which he has lield until lie came to live with his son. He was a tailor by profession, hav- ing learned his trade in Waynesburg, Penn- sylvania, when a young man, having worked at it much of the time. In those early days the wives carded, spun and wove wool and flax, and Mr. Ilig^ins in his trade, served the neigliboi'hood well. His wife died, No- vember, 1880, aged seventy-four years, leav- ing four living children, ten having been born. Mr. Higgins, in his eighty-sixth year, is bright and active. Jackson has been a farmer all his life. He started on forty acres, and has from time to time added to it until his farm is now 227 acres, all fenced and more than one-half under the plow. There is some timber and large pasturage. He was married in 1858, to Sarah, daughter of William and Polly, (Fowler) Burnett of England, but who have been residents here for many years. They have two sons, William Harrison, married, residing on the home farm, and John R., married, and also on the farm. They are all Democrats and Methodists. Mr. Higgins has been Justice of the Peace for four years and has served the county as Road Commissioner. ^ARON MILLER was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, March 27, 1837. He was the son of Warwick and Mary (More) Miller of the same place. He was the son of William and Rebecca Miller, both of whom died at a good old age. Mr. Will- iam's mother was the daughter of Aaron and Mary (Hanney) More, who were natives of Pennsylvania, where they spent their lives and died at a good old age. " Warwick was one of nine children, seven of whom are still living, and his wife is one of six children, one of whom alone survives. Aaron Miller is one of seven children, all living. He rensained at home until twenty- eight years of age, having spent his time in attending school, farming and wagoning. After his marriage Mr. Miller lived in Penn- sylvania on his father's farm, but in 1869 he came to Illinois and bought eighty acres of land, later adding to it 360 acres. He has been a general mixed farmer and very suc- cessful. He was married January 6, 1866, to Mar- tha Robinson, born in 1886, daughter of William and Elizabeth (More) Robinson. The Robinson ancestors came from Ireland. Elizabeth More was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, and died there, aged tifty-seven years. She was a daughter of Colonel More, who was in the war of 1812. The Mores were of Scotch descent and first settled in Maryland, and all were honest mechanics or farmers. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have three children, Robert W. and Ruth, living at home, and Mary, a teacher of music, all graduates of the Plymouth school. Mr. and Mrs. Mil- ler are members of the Congregational Church of Plymouth. Mr. Miller is a Republican and voted for Abraham Lincoln for his flrst term. ^ON. ROBERT BROWN was born at Rushville, Schuyler county, Illinois, October 19, 1835, a son of John and Jane (Beckett) Brown; the father was a na- tive of Fayette county, Kentucky, and emi- grated to this State about 1831, settling at Rushville; he was a carpenter by occupation, and followed this calling until his death at the age of fifty-eight years; the mother was SCHUTLEB AND BROWN COUNTIES. 281 born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, and died in this county at the a^e of sixty-six years; they had born to them a family of ten chil- dren, live of whom are living. Robert Brown remained at home until he was thirty-one years of age, when he was married. At the age of twenty-four he was practically at the head of a large family, but lie early developed remarkable business ability, and was quite equal to the cares that devolved upon him. He was united to Miss Mary M. S. Hoff- man, October 31, 1866. She was born in Woodstock township, Schuyler county, Illi- nois, September 7, 1845, a dangliter of Sam- uel and Margaret C. (Narding) Hoffman: Samuel Hoffman was a native of Berks county, Pennsylvania, and emigrated to Illi- nois in 1838, and here spent the remainder of his life; he was a soldier in the Mexican war, and died of a fever contracted in the ser- vice, at the age of twenty-eight years; he was a sou of Joseph and Mary (Meyers) Hoffman, natives of Pennsylvania; Margaret C. Nard- ing was born in France, October 20, 1822, and emigrated with her parents to America in 1823; they first settled at Cincinnati, Oliio, and in 1839 came to Illinois a!id lo- cated in Woodstock township, Schuyler county. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have had born to them live children, four of whom are liv- ing: Robert W., born October 26, 1868; Lilly J., born April 28, 1870; Herman H., born June 14, 1875; Edward C, born Au- gust 24, 1880. After his marriage Mr. Brown bought eighty acres of land, a portion of the farm he now owns; as his means increased he invested in land, and now has 400 acres in a body in Woodstock township. In 1881 he replaced the old lo2 house which had been a home for so many years with a modern structure, and he has made many valuable improvements upon the place; he does a general farming business, but makes a specialty of high grades of blooded stock. Politically, Mr. Brown was identified with the Democratic party, but was elected to the State Senate by Democrats and Grangers by a majority of 1,476; he served four years, giving entire satisfaction to his constituency; he was a meml>er of several important com- mittees, and always showed a wise considera- tion of the subject in question. He was a member of the School Board for fiteen years, and has favored elevating tlie educational standards, and has filled the office of Super- visor. He is a member of the Masonic fra- ternity, and belongs to the State Grange. In addition to the business interests mentioned, Mr. Brown is a stockholder in the Bank of Rushville. He is a man of excellent business ability, his judgment carrying great weight. He has accumulated his property throuo-h his own unaided efforts, and he is in every way worthy of the esteem in which he is held. fOHN F. ROBINSOX, County Clerk of Cass county, is one of the prominent and influential men of the county. He is eminently a self-made man. Beginning life a poor boy, he has worked his way up to his present position of wealth and influence, being now classed with the leading citizens of his county. A review of his life gives the fol- lowing facts: John F. Robinson was born in Crawford county, Ohio, May 31, 1851. His father, Andrew D. Robinson, was a native of the same State, and a son of James Robinson, one of the pioneers of Ohio. Andrew D. was quite young when his father died, and he was reared by his mother. He married in Ohio, and resided there till 1852. That BIOORAPHIOAL REVIEW OF CASS, year, leaving his wife with lier parents, he started for California, making the journey with teams across the plains. At that time there were no white settlers between the Missouri river and California, except the Mormons. After his arrival in the Golden State, he engaged in packing provisions to the mines, and subsequently assisted in operating the lirst threshing-machine in that State. He remained there till 1856, when he returned East via the Isthmus route, and located in Linn county, Iowa, on a rented farm between Marion and Cedar Rapids. A year later he bought a partially improved farm in Spring Grove, two miles and a half west of Paris, where he lived till 1887. Leaving his son James in charge of tlie farm, he then removed to Center Point, where he now lives retired. The maiden name of his first wife, mother of John F., was Elizabeth E. Wachtel. She was born in Ohio, and her death occurred in Iowa, in 1865. The maiden name of his second wife was Eva L. Putney. He reared five children by his first wife, and of those born to his second wife three are living. The subject of our sketch was an infant when his father went to California. In 1854, when he was three years old, he was taken by his mother and her parents to Iowa, making the journey with a horse and buggy. Iowa at that time was thinly settled, and there were no railroads in the State for two years afterward. Young Robinson attended the common schools, and advanced his edu- cation by attendance at tiie State University. In 1871 he came to Cass county, Illinois, to seek his fortune, landing here with no capital save a willing hand and a determination to succeed in life. He found employment on the farm, working by tiie month in summer, and during the winter of 1871-'72 he at- tended school in Chandlerville. The follow- ing ten years he taught school a part of each year. In 1874, he made his first purchase of real estate — a farm of 120 acres in Rich- mond precinct. Since then he has been an extensive and successful dealer in both farm and city property. He now owns four farms in Cass county, and a half interest in five other farms here. He is also interested in farm land in Clarke county, Iowa, and has city property in Kansas City, Missouri, and Eureka Spi'ings, Arkansas. In March, 1873, Mr. Robinson married Caroline (^Houghton) Davis, who died April 19, 1874, leaving one child, Ada L. In August, 1879, he was united in marriage witii Mary J. Witty, by whom he has two children, Lavina E. and Lee E. Politically, he has always affiliated with the Democratic party. He cast his first vote for Horace Greeley. While teaching school he devoted a portion of his spare time to the study of law. In 1882, Mr. Robinson was elected to the office of County Clerk of Cass county, for the legal term; was re-elected in 1886, and again in 1890. Fraternally, Mr. Robinson is associated with Virginia lodge. No. 544, A. F. & A. M. ; Clark Chapter, No. 9, R. A. M.; Hospitaller Commandery, No. 32, K. T. ; Ashland Lodge, No. 341, I. O. O. F.; and Virginia Camp, M. W. A. -*« lg.-^ENRY W. KROHE was horn at Beards- town, Illinois, November 27, 1841, and died suddenly at his home in that city, of heart failure, December 19, 1889. He grew up here, and in 1862, when just about of age, he started for Calfornia, with an uncle and aunt. Going to New York, they took a SOHUlLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 283 steamer to Aspinwall, crossed the Isthmus of Panama, and was landed by a Pacific steamer at the city of San Franc-isco, where Mr. Krohe remained for some time. Later, he went to Portland, Oregon, Dmatillia, Vancouver Is- land, etc., and thence up to British Columbia, and back again into California. He was amongst the Cherokee Indians, whose lan- guage he learned to speak well. He spent four years as a miner, and had a varied ex- perience, making and losing money. In 1866, he returned to Beardstown, and shortly afterward he went in partnership with his brother-in-law, George Schneider, into the saloon business, and together built the opera-house block, in 1873; but when it was nearly completed it was blown down by a terrible storm, July 4, 1873. It was re- built by them the same year. About eight years ago, Mr. Krohe sold his share of the opera-house block to his brother, Fred Krohe, who is still the proprietor of the same, with his brother-in-law, George Schneider, now of Omaha, Nebraska. In 1869, he engaged in the manufacture of mineral and soda water, in which business he continued until the time of his death. He was well known as a hard-working business man. He built several nice dwelling houses, which became the property of his widow. He was married at Jacksonville, Illinois, February 11, 1875, to Miss Bertha A. Eber- wein, a native of Cass county, born Decem- ber 2, 1846, daughter of J. C. H. and Maria Eberwein, who were born in Germany, and came to the United States when very young. Mrs. Eberwein died in 1847, leaving two lit- tle girls, Caroline and Bertha, both having good homes at the time they were married. Mr. Krohe and wife were reared in the faith of the Lutheran Church. He was a genial and pleasant man, a Democrat in poli- tics, but not an office seeker. He leaves no children, but a widow, to mourn his early death; and Beardstown lost one of its best citizens when Mr. Krohe died. ^lEPJC E. CADY resides at Camden, and is numbered among the respected pioneers of Schuyler county. He was born in Tolland county, Connecticut, Jan- uary 22, 1828, being a son of Isaac F. and Sarah (Chapman) Cady, natives of Connec- ticut. Isaac F. Cady in early life learned the trade of a carpenter, and, being a natural me- chanic, also worked at the blacksmith trade. He could make anything in iron or other work in his line. He first married Clarissa Hunt, who died, leaving seven children, five girls and two boys. He then married Sarah Chapman, and after two children had been born, he with his family came to Illinois, in 1835, via canal. Lake Erie and canal, to the Ohio river, where he purchased a boat, and came to Quincy, Illinois, and in the fall of 1835 he settled in Camden township, where he entered several hundred acres of land, and resided there till his death, which occurred in 1847, aged seventy-two years, six months and two days. By his first marriage there were seven chil- dren, namely: Isaac G., II. H. Franklin, An- geline, Caroline, Emaline, Adaline and Mffl-y Ann. By his second marriage, he had Fran- cis E. and Meric E. The mother of our sub- ject, by former marriage to 1. A. Jones, had five children; Austin, Alonzo, Revilo, Charles W., and one died young. All the children were born in Connecticut, and the parents and fifteen children came to Illinois. The mother of our subject died aged eighty-one years. Meric E. Cady was reared on the farm, and beincr a natural mechanic he worked some- 284 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, what in that line. In 1850, he crossed tlie plains to California, where he worked in the mines for one year, and then went on a ranch. In 1853, he came home via the Isthmus and New Orleans, and took 124 head of cattle and thirteen head of horses across the plains to California, and remained there till 1855, when he returned home via New York. He was successful while in California, and on his return home he resumed farming, till 1882, becoming the owner of 268 acres, on which he made many improvements. When he removed to Camden village, he built a store, and with his son engaged in general mercantile business, and so continued ten years; since then he has lived a retired life. He sold his farm in 1891, and purchased an- other of 130 acres, in Camden township. Jn March, 1856, he married Eliz'i A. Mel- vin. She was born in Maine, in the town of Keidtield, 1835, daughter of John and Eunice Melv'in, who settled in Schuyler county, in 1851. Our subject continued farming till 1882. Mr. and Mrs, Cady have three children living, and one dead. Everett F. is a farmer in Camden township; Charles "W. died at the age of nineteen years; Eugenia and Addie. In politics, Mr. Cady is a Democrat, and has held local offices. Mr, and Mrs. Cady are members of the Christian Church. Mr. Cady is a Royal Arch Mason, being the Master of the Cam- den Lodge, No. 648, A. F. & A. M., a posi- tion he has held for several terms. -4= ^^ fOHN UNLAND, of P>eardstown,a prac- tical farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Hanover, Germany, July 80, 1833. He was young when he came to this country with his father. Rev. Casper H. Unland. The latter grew up a farmer, was well educated and became early in life interested in religion and while yet a young man began to exhort and preach e.xperimental religion. For this he was persecuted by the State church. He married Maria Calres in Hanover, and, after the birth of eight children, to better their condition they set out for the United States. They left on a sailing vessel October 20, 1844, and landed in New Orleans after a journey of eleven weeks. They landed in Beardstown in the latter part of January, 1845, which was very remarkable, as the river is usually frozen at that time. They settled near Blutf Springs, on what is now known as the Tom Clark farm. After five years Mr. Unland sold, and purchased land live miles northwest of Arenzville, where he lived and died at the age of eighty- one years, his death occuring March 8, 1890. He was prominent in Cass county as a farmer and Methodist preacher, a good, noble man, a Republican, and the only one of his family who came to this country. John is the second child of a family of thirteen, of whom nine are married and all have families. He remained at home until he became of age and was married in this county to Elizabeth Christinaner, born in Germany. She came with her parents when but three years old to Beardstown. Her father, Yost Christinaner, died at the age of eighty, and her mother died about the age of eighty, also. The name of the latter was Gustling. She and her husband were mem- bers of the Methodist Church and old settlers and good people of Cass county. Mrs. Un- land was carefully i-eared by good parents. She is the mother of seven living children: George married Nancy Henners and is a far- mer in Morgan county; Lucinda, a widow SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 285 with two children, lives with her father; Mary Higginson lives near Philadelphia, Cass county; and Nattie, Frank, Henry and Will- iam (the twins) live at iiotne. Mr. Unland has lived in this county since 1845 and has been one of its good citizens. He has lived on the farm, except three years, and he has put in all the improvements. He purchased it in June, 1860, and settled there in 1861. He has 200 acres in section 17, township 18, range 11, and his good farm buildings and fine improvements show that he thoroughly understands his business. He and his wife are both active members of the Methodist Church, of which Mr. Unland has been Class-leader since his twentieth year. He is a licensed exliorter. He is a sound Republican, but no office seeker. fllOMAS R. VAN DEVENTER, a pros- perous farmer and stock-raiser and es- teemed citizen of Brown county, Illi- nois, for the past fifty-five years a resident of section 15, Versailles township, was born in Fayette county, Ohio, in 1819. His parents were Jacob and Jane (Rogers) Van Deventer, the former a native of old Virginia, and the latter of Paris, Kentucky. His father's parents were Jacob and Mary (Slater) Van Deventer, the former born in Holland in 1743, and tlie Utter a native of Glasgow, Scotland. The young Hollander was a powder-maker by trade, and came to America in early manhood. He was married in New Jersey, on tlie Delaware river, and soon after went to Virginia, where lie and his young wife located on a farnj, which was situate^ on the south branch of the Potomac river. He engaged in farming, and having an excellent water-power in the river, 30 also manufactured gun-powder. It was in the latter capacity that he rendered signal service to the patriots at the time of the Revolutionary war, providing them with powder with which to blaze their way into independence. He served for a short time in the regular army in that memorable con- flict, and participateil in tlie battles of York- town and Valley Forge. He was also a mem- ber of the Home Guards, although he did not take part in the engagement in whicii they distinguished themselves for bravery and efficiency. This worthy patriot and his wife were the parents of eight children, five sons and three daughters: William; Isaac; Jacob; Peter; Cornelius; Sarah, who mar- ried Jacob Judy; Mary, wife of George Tim- mons; and Peggy, wife of Daniel Tiramons brother of George. The mother of this fam- ily died, aged eighty years, while the father expired four years later. They had met with many financial losses, and left only a small estate in worldly goods, although a rich heritage of honor and good deeds fol- lowed and influenced their children throuirh life. Some of this family were of small stature, like the oentleman whose name heads this notice, but the majority of them, both men and woman, were large, erect and finely formed. Sarah was six feet tall, while Jacob, the father of the subject of this sketch, was a veritable giant, standing six feet six inches in his socks and weighing 240 pounds. Although possessing great strength and un- daunted courage, he was most peaceable and kind. He was twice married. His first wife was Magdalene Bufl'enbarger, a member of a wealthy Ohio family. She died early, leaving two children — a son, Jethero, and a daughter, Elizabeth. The former now lives in Versailles, Illinois; and the latter resides in Indiana. Late in the fall of 1815 the 286 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, father remarried, his second wife being the mother of the subject of this biography. A short time afterward, he and his brother, with their families, six persons in each household, came from Fayette county, Ohio, to Schuyler, now Brown county, Illinois. This journey of more than 400 miles was made in three weeks, with two large covered wagons and eight horses, four animals under sad- die. The father of our subject brought some means with him, realized from the sale of his farm in Ohio. He first settled in Schuy- ler, now Brown county. Eight years earlier Cornelius Van Deven- ter visited the Illinois bottoms, where he se- cured a claim. Five acres of this he fenced and planted to corn and pumpkins, and after completing their cultivation returned to his family. On his return in the fall, great was his surprise to find his crop intact, not an ear of corn or a pumpkin being missing. The stalwart and much beloved pioneer, Jacob Van Deventer, died in 1833, aged fifty-three years, leaving a bereaved family and many sorrowing friends. His worthy wife survived him nine years, dying aged about forty-eight years. They were the par- ents of six boys and two girls, to-wit: T. R., J. F., H. D., and B. B., boys; girls, Caroline and Duan; one child, Pembrook Berbeck Van Deventer, died when small; the others were the subject of this notice, J. P., H. D. and B. B. In 1838, she bought fifty-three acres of heavily tinibered land, which had a small enclosure cleared, in the center of which was a hewed-log house, for which she paid ^600. This fornas part of the present large farm of the subject of this sketch. He and his brothers formerly owned this farm of 800 acres in partnership, but J. F. Van Deventer, of Mount Sterling, now owns another farm of 2,200 acres near by. which he is farming on a large scale. Their specialty is stock-raising, including horses, cattle and hogs. On the land cultivated by our subject and his other brother, there is now a substantial farm residence, which they erected in 1866, besides which there are large barns and an excellent granary, which they built in 1880, all of which are models of their kind. They breed and raise from fifty to sixty head of dehorned short horn cattle annually, and have fed each year, for some thirty-five years, about 250 head, which they ship to market, together with many which they buy to sell. They now own ninety head of horses, and bi-eed and raise ten to twelve head a year, most of which are draft horses, but some are for the saddle. They send to market from 200 to 300 hogs a year, beside shipping of their own stock from eight to ten car loads annually. Thus will be seen what a prominent part they take in the development of this country, which re- sults in their own prosperity and provides work for numerous attendants. In politics, Mr. Van Deventer affiliates with the Republican party, the principles of which he has endorsed for many years. Notwithstanding his marveloiis achieve- ments in life, we have yet to chronicle the most wonderful feat of his existence, namely, his abstaining from matrimony. How he has escaped tlie wiles of the fair sex is truly phenomenal, unless we revert to his other superior accomplishments. However, we will not confratnlate him yet, remembering he will not be free from danger until he has left this mundane sphere. His early educational opportunities were limited, but he inherited a clear and strong in- tellect, as well as superior physical strength, and, by much reading and refiection, has over- come these early disadvantages. Besides being SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 287 one of the most successful of men finacially, he enjoys, by reason of his integrity of char- acter and uniform courtesy, the universal friendship of liis fellow men. |^||ILLIAM A. BROKER was born in Wk Lippe-Detmold, Germany, ]\Iarch 19, 1837. He was a boy of eleven years of age when his parents, Samuel and Sophia (flaupfer) Broker crossed the Atlantic in the spring of 1849, to New Orleans, and thence up the Mississippi river to St. Louis. This was during the year of the great cholera epidemic in that city, and within a few days the father and three of the children died, the mother and William having it severely, but recovering. When they were able to leave, the mother and her four small children moved to a farm near Watertown, Wisconsin. About one year later the mother died of cholera morbus, she being then tifty years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Broker had always been members of the German Reformed Church. Mr. William Broker is the youngest of the children yet living. He is now pattern- maker for the St. Louis division of the Qiiincy railroad, which is located at Beardstown. He has been a resident of the same city since 1851. He was only fourteen years old wlien he arrived at Beardstown, and learned the tr^de of a practical carpenter mechanic under 0. A, Bushman. After learning his trade he worked on his own account, and later became a carpenter for the old Rockford company. In 18G9, when the railroad was bought up by the Quincy company, he became their pattern-maker in 1879. He has ever since been regarded as a good, reliable workman, and a true, straightforward man, and his long association with the railroad company is a recommendation of him as a citizen. He was married in Beardstown to Miss Dorothea Kratz, who was born in Hesse- Darmstadt, Germany, in 1844, and was twelve years of age when her parents emi- grated to this country. They have seven children: Frank, living at home, is a ma- ciiinist; So{)hia and Katie are at home, they having been well educated in the high school of the city; William is learning the ma- chinist trade; Minnie, Amelia and Samuel are at home. Mr. and Mrs. Broker attend the Lutheran Church. Mr. Broker is a Re- publican, and a member of the A. O. U. W. He is highly respected by all. ffAMES N. RIGG, of the tirm of Rigg & Smith, merchants of Camden, one of the wejl-known pioneers of Brown county, settled in 1869 at Camden. He was born in Anderson county, Kentucky, January 18, 1826, being a son of Richard and Margaret (Utterback) Rigg, natives of Virginia. Each removed with their respective families to Kentucky, where they were married. In 1831 they emigrated to Illinois and settled in what is now Brown county, but was then a part of Schuyler. Mr. Richard Rigg pur- chased land near Mount Sterling, and entered land, and then became the owner of 400 acres of land on which he made many improve- ments. His death occurred in 1879, aged eighty-four years. His wife died in 1877, aged eighty-four years. They were members of the Baptist Church, of which Mr. Rigg was a Deacon. He had already made money when he started farming in Illinois, and added to his fortune in this State. He and his wife had three sons and four daughters: 288 BIOGRAPSICAL REVIEW OF CASS, Elizabeth, married to John B. Aiiumos, de- ceased: Susan A., married to J. P. Singleton, of Mount Sterling; Eliza married James A. Parker, who died in Brown county; James N.; Peter, a farmer; and John J. died in Brown county. By a former marriage Rich- ard had two children, William T. and Sarah. James was only five years of age when the family came to Illinois. He was reared on the farm and resided there until he grew to manhood, attending school in the loa; school- houses of the section, where the teaching was as rude as the furniture. After his marriage James purchased a farm in Brown county, and continued on it until he came to Camden in 1869, when he sold his farm of 160 acres and with his father-in-law, Willis Watts, en- gaged in general merchandising in Camden, under the firm name of Watts & RiiTg, and continued business for ten years. Mr. Iligg continued alone some years, until 1881, when the cyclone passed through the town; his store and dwelling-house were badly injured, and his family were badly hurt. He subse- quently associated with his son-in-law in business, under the firm name of Rigg & Donnell. This firm continued two years. At the end of that time his present partner purchased an interest in the business, and the name was changed to Rigg & Smith. He was married in 1849, to Emily 1. Watts, daughter of Willis Watts. (For fam- ily history see history of Dr. B. P. Watts.) Mr. and Mrs. Rigg have five children: John J., of Keokuk, Iowa; Richard W. is a physi- cian of Pulaski, Illinois; Francis M. is in the insurance business at Qnincy, Illinois; Olie married John Donnell, a fanner of Iowa; and Gertrude, at home. In politics he is a Democrat. He has been Supervisor of Camden township, until he declined to accept the office, and during this time was chairman of the Board of Su- pervisors of Schuyler county for four con- secutive years. He has held many of the offices of the township. He has been Justice of the Peace for seven years, and been promi- nent in local politics, frequently having been a delegate of the county and district conven- tions. Mr. Rigg is a member of the Baptist Church, and his wife of the Christian Church. He has devoted his attention to merchandise, and is one of the oldest merchants in the county. He and his wife are respected throughout the county, where they are well known, and Mr. Riffg is regarded as a reli- able, honest business man. Ijs^ILLIAM L. ALEXANDER, ofsec- Wfjmn tion 30, Iluntsville township, sel- ,-^Jfe^) tied in the county in 1861. He was born in Russell county, Virginia, December 19, 1836. His parents were William and Mary (McReynolds) Alexander. The grand- father of our subject was John Alexander, born in the north of Ireland. He came to the United States, where he settled and pursued farming. lie married and reared a large family. His son William was born in 1802 and was a farmer, iTiarrying in Virginia. In 1840 he came to Illinois and settled in Adams county, North East township, whei-ehe became the owner of 400 acres of land on which he made good improvements. He died in 1887, his wife having died a few years previously. They were members of the Presbyterian Church and the father was a Democrat in poli- tics. He waspoorwhen he settled in Illinois, owning only a horse and wagon. They had thirteen children, all of whom attained their majority: Nancy, John, Mary, Rachel, Mar- garet, William L., Davis, Daniel. Mitchell, Martha, Samuel, Robert Wilson and Rebecca. SGEUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 289 William L. was reared on the farm. In 1S63 he enlisted in Company I, Eighty- fourth Illinois Infantry, and served until the close of the war. lie was in the battles of Perry ville, Kentucky, Stone river and Chicka- mauga, Tennessee, and the Atlanta Campaign. He returned with General Thomas and par- ticipated in the fight at Franklin and Nash- ville. He was mustered out at Camp Har- ker, Tennessee. He was a non-commissioned officer. At the battle of Kenesaw Mountain he received a gunshot wound in the head, for which he now receives a pension. After the war he returned to Schuyler county, where he owned sixty acres of land, purchased in 1864. He has since pursued farming and now owns 541 acres of land and has two good sets of farm buildings. In ad- dition to his farming he has raised stock and dealt in the same. Since 1889 he has rented all his land. He was married in 1861 to Rachel J. Derry, daughter of Basil and Sarah Derry. She was born in Adams county, near Quincy. Mr. and Mrs. Alexander have four children: Mar- tha A., wife of "William H. Naylor, resides in Baxter Springs, Kansas; Edward died, aged nineteen; Emma, wife of Edward Straub of Galesburg, Illinois; Keely L. is at home. In politics Mr. Alexander is a Democrat and has been a member of the School Board. His wife is an earnest Christian lady, but not a member of any sect. Mr. Alexander has made his property and is a well-to-do man, richly deserving the respect in which he is held by all who know him. -^^x/xnjh- _^^ ■in/i/^^^ [ROVE CONINGHAM, deceased, was a native of New York city, born Decem- ber 27, 1816. His father. Grove Con- ingham. Senior, was born in Londonderry, Ireland, about 1766. He emigrated to New \ ork city at an early age and married Betsy Baldwin, of Putnam county. New York. They had nine children, oi whom the subject of this sketch was the eighth. The father died in December, 1831, in New York city. His wife survived him thirty-eight years. Our subject received his education in New York and at the age of sixteen came to Schuy- ler county, Illinois. In 1843 he returned to his native city and lived there for three years, then returned to Illinois and settled in Schuy- ler county in 1851. He made atrip to Cali- fornia in 1851 and remained for two years employed in the custom house. This was his business and had been from his youth, as he had been associated with his father in the same for years. In 1853 he returned to his old home in Frederick and settled there. There he resided until his death in 1891, Feb- ruary 21. Mr. Coningham was a business man for many years as a member of the firm of Farwell & Company, which lasted from 1855 to 1870. He was a stanch Republican in politics and an ardent supporter of the war and a friend of the soldiers. For two yiears after the dissolution of the firm of Farwell & Company he served as steamboat agent, and subsequently as Tax Collector, and held other positions of trust and responsibility. In 1866 he was appointed Postmaster at Frederick, which position he held for over twenty years. Mr. Coningham was a man of sterling worth and integrity. He was of a jovial disposition that made him friends wherever he was. He was noted for his firm adherence to the right whatever the cost might be. He was a worthy communicant of the Episcopal Church. He was married in Frederick, Illinois, to Sarah H. Beal, in 1856. She is the daughter of Jesse O. and Sarah (Vail) Beal, born in 290 BIOQRAPHWAL REVIEW OF CASS, Coshocton comity, Ohio, March 21, 1836. Her father came of German ancestry, and her mother traces her genealogy back to the Vails who came to Plymouth. Of a family of nine only three are now living. Her brother Fos- ter was a soldier in the Mexican war and is buried on Mexican soil. Samuel now resides in Frederick, a farmer; Julia resides in De- Witt, Iowa, and Mrs. Coninghani is the third living one of that once large family. Mr. and Mrs. Coningham had seven child- ren, namely: Charlie, married, and lives in St. Louis, a telegraph operator; Grove, un- married, located at San Francisco, in the in- surance business; Jesse is employed in the registry department of the St. Louis post- office, a position he has held for eight years; Betsy, now Mrs. Moses, resides in Pueblo, Colorado; Grant, the yongest, named for the noted general, is married, employed in a saw mill and resides with his mother. Mrs. Con- ingham is a worthy member of the Christian Church, and has always been respected and liked bv her large circle of friends. fOHN S. DODGE, one of the most prom- inent farmers of Littleton township, Schuyler county, Illinois, was horn in Bloomington, McLean county, this State, March 14, 1837. His parents, Solomon and Betsey (Springer) Dodge, were both natives of Ohio, his father Ijeing a carder and tiller by trade. His mother's ancestors were originally from Cork, Ireland. In 1833, his parents came by way of the Ohio and Missis- sippi rivers to Bloomington, Illinois, where our subject was born in his father's hotel, which was the first in that town, called the Caravansary. His father retired aijout twenty- five years before his death, he being ninety- one years of age and his wife seventy-two' when they died at the home of their son, the subject of our sketch. His godfather, Israel Dodge, was from Scotland, and died in Mari- etta, Ohio, aged seventy-five years. Our subject came to this county in 1846, and bought the farm on which he at present resides, which he has since much improved by the erection of a substantial residence and barns, and has the land well cultivated. He is one of ten children, five of whom are now living, two boys and three girls. He is the only farmer, all the others being mer- chants and mechanics. Mr. Dodge remained at home until he was eighteen years of age, attending district school and helping his father. He then herded cattle for a couple of years, after which he worked around at different places until he was twenty-one years of age. He was, at the end of this time, married to Miss Emily Hoyt, on December 24, 1855, a native of Detroit, Michigan, where she was bora November 2, 1836. Their happy married life was doomed to be of short duration, for three years later his wife died in Wahpeton, Min- nesota, aged twenty-two years. She was an intelligent woman, with many charms of per- son and character, and was much regretted by all who knew her. Her people were from New York State. Mr. Dodge, after about eight years, mar- ried Miss Pachel Moore, on January 11, 1866, who was born in Buena Vista town- ship, this county, June 15, 1838. Her par- ents, Thomas and Mary Moore, were pioneers of this county, and highly respected people. They are now both dead, her mother surviving her father by several years. She was one of twelve children, nine of whom are now living. After his marriage Mr. Dodge rented a farm in this county, which he cultivated until 8GHUTLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 991 the time of the war; when, on February 1, 1862, he enlisted in Company I, Sixty-second Illinois Infantry, under Captain Joseph Mc- Lean, and served for three years and four months in the army, and was on detached duty for two moutiis. He was sick in 1864, and was in the regimental hospital. lu 1865, on May 2, he was honorably discharged at Smithfield. Mr. Dodge and D. Wheat are the only ones left in Springfield township, who were members of that company. After the war Mr. Dodge bought his pres- ent farm, which at that time was unimproved and had only a log house on it. It hardly resembles the same farm now, for he has erected a substantial residence, besides com- modious barns for his grain and stock, be- sides other modern conveniences for the facilitating of agricultural pursuits. He has bought eighty more acres of land, making his present possessions 2-40 acres, all of which is under a good state of cultivation. Besides his farming interests, he is largely interested in stock-raising, making a specialty of cattle, in which he is very successful. Our subject and wife have had eight chil- dren, six of whom still survive: Avey E., born in this county, was educated at Bush- nell College, and studied music at Shenandoah, Iowa, and is now teaching music; Homer P. is at home; he was educated at Bushnell College; Fannie T. is at home, and was also educated at Bushnell College; Adda A.; Ruby J. and True; the last three are living a home with their parents. Mr. Dodge is at present a Republican, al- thouorh he went to war as a Douglas Demo- crat; after that international struggle he voted with the Republicans. His first vote was cast for John C. Fremont. His con- stituents have seen fit to honor him with public office, and he has served as Assessor and Commissioner of Highways, in which capacity he has rendered eminent satisfaction to all. He is a member of George Brown Post, of Brooklyn, also of No. 320, G. A. R., and aflSliates with the A. F. & A. M., No. 766, of Littleton, of all which societies he is a prominent and esteemed member. Of superior ability, high integrity and morality, he also adds the gentler virtues of Sociability and amiability, thus commanding the respect and affection of all alike. :f*'f ILLIAM BADER, proprietor of the '/ >H village of that name, was born in ^■=^>^ Preble county, Ohio, in 1826. His parents were Jeremiah and Sarah (Thompson) Bader. The father was a native of Germany, and the mother of Pennsylvania. They had eleven children, of whom eight are now liv- ing, namely: Mary, now Mrs. Hopkins, re- siding in Mason county; Sarah A., now Mrs. Gibbs, residing in Hancock county; Rosanna, now Mrs. Bleeker, of Pasadena, California; Margaretta, now Mrs. Doane; Jeremiah died when seventeen; John L., now residing in Kansas; Benjamin F., residing at Vermont, Illinois; Henry 0., residing on a farm near Bader. The family moved from Ohio to Broom- ing township, Schuyler county, in 1846, and the parents botii died on a farm near what is now known as Baders. The early life of our subject was passed on the farm, and later he learned engineering and operated a saw and grist mill for many years. He then went into the lumber busi- ness in Ohio, where he conducted a mill before he removed to Illinois, he not coming until 1857. Here he continued his business in the lumber mill, and accumulated a large for- tune. He and his wife have been enjoying 292 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, .some of their irn>iiey by spending a year in California, on account of lier failing health. lie was njarried November 9, 1856, in Randolph connty, Indiana, to Miss Mercy A. Hunt, a daughter of Rev. AV^illiam Hunt, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, a pioneer of Randolph county, Indiana, although he was a native of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Bader have no children of their own, but they have reared two as their own; the first one died, but the present one is still living, and is a young lady of seven- teen. Mr. Bader is extensively engaged in the grain business, and owns 160 acres of land, a warehouse, several residences and two- thirds of a brick l)uilding in Baders. His wife is a member of the Christian Church and he is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of I. O. O. F. He is a Democrat in politics and has served three terms as a member of the Board of Supervisors of his county. He has been School Treasurer for fifteen or sixteen years, and has held various positions of trust and responsibility. [AMUEL M. SCHRODER, arising young business man of Oakland town- ship, and one of the most progressive agriculturists of Schuyler county, was born in McDonough county, Illinois, in 1860, on the 27th day of April. His father, Nicholas Schroder, was a native of Germany, but eini- grated to America with his mother when a lad of eleven years, in 1837; his father, John Schroder, died in the Fatherland about the year 1830, leaving a widow and three sons in very humble circumstances; the namesof the sons are Christopher, Carson and Nicholas. They sailed from Bremen to New York, land- ing after a voyage of six weeks; they came direct to Pennsylvania, and from there to Schuyler county, and settled on a tract of Government land which the brave mother and stanch, energetic sons converted into a farm of great fertility and value. Nicholas went to California, taking the overland route; he mined for seven years, meeting with fair suc- cess, and then returned to Illinois, purchasing a farm of 160 acres in McDonough county. He was married in 1858 to Liicinda Phillips, a daughter of Samuel and Amy Philips, who were settlers in Illinois as early as 1840; they had a family of two daughters and a son: Amy Ann, wife of John W. Danners; Ada L., wife of Robert Robertson; and Samuel M., the son, is the subject of this notice. The parents came to Schuyler county in 1864:, and purchased 220 acres of land in Oakland town- ship, on which they lived until 1889, when they went to Vermont; here they bought a home in which they are now living in quiet enjoyment of the reward of their labors. Samuel M. Schroder was reared to the life of a farmer, and received his education in the common schools. His opportunities were somewhat limited, but this lack has been more than overbalanced by wide reading and clear thinking upon all the topics of the day. Mr. Schroder was united in marriage, in 1880, to Miss Sarah E. Smith, a native of Fulton county, Illinois, and a daughter of John and Rebecca (Barcus) Smith, natives of Pennsylvania and Illinois, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Schroder have buried an infant daughter, and have three children living: Harry W. was born December 22, 1882; Cleveland B. was born March 3, 1884; and Maud, November 2,1889. Mr. Schroder first settled on eighty acres of land, and has since bought the eighty acres adjoining it; he also owned 280 acres in Schuyler and McDonough counties, which he SGHUTLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 293 recently sold at a handsome profit, after cul- tivating it four years. He does a general farm- ing; business, making a specialty of corn and wheat in the cereal line, and cattle, horses and hogs in livestock. He has represented the people of his township in various local offices, and has always been a stanch supporter of home interests and home industries. He was elected vice-president of the J. Wershon Hank in June, 1892, and is a stockholder of this corporation. He is possessed of excellent business qualifications, and has met witli marked success in all his undertakings. Al- ways employing the most honorable methods, he has the hij^hest regard and esteem of the entire community. If HOMAS WILSON, President of the Schuyler County Bank, and a leading financier and business man of Rush- ville, Illinois, was born near Five-Mile Town, in county Tyrone, Ireland, in March, 1812. Both his grandfather, Thomas, and father, Thomas, were natives of the same county. They were of well-known and esteemed Scotch ancestry, who were sturdy, rugged farmers, and passed their entire lives in their native laud. His father was reared to man- hood in his native county, where he married Jane Greer, also a native of the Emerald Isle. They resided in Ireland until 1843, when they commenced the long journey to America. Unfortunately the wife and mother died in England while en route, leaving six children and a bereaved husband. These children were: AVilliam, Thomas, Joseph, George, Jane and Robert, all of whom came to America, except George, and located in Illinois. The father settled first in Schuyler county, Illinois, where he remained four years, after which he removed to Hancock county, locating near Nauvoo, where he re- sided until death. He was an intelligent, pious, good man, and was greatly esteemed by all who knew him. The subject of this sketch was reared and educated in Ireland, where he continued to live until 1832, when, at the age of twenty years, he emigrated to America, sailing from Derry in the sail vessel William Evving. He laTided in Philadelphia after a tempestuous voyage of seven weeks, a stranger in a strange land. He found employment in the City of Brotherly Love, at the weaving trade, and continued to operate a loom until the fall of the year of his arrival. lie then removed to Lancaster county, that State, where he ob- tained employment on the farm of his uncle. James Little. He continued there until 1834, when he removed to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, securing employment on a farm near that city. Three years later he went to Illinois, going via the Ohio, Mississippi and Illinois rivers, to Rushville, Schuyler county. At that early period the country was sparsely settled, and some of the land was still owned by the Government. Rude log houses dotted the country. At that time Rushville was an insignificant village, with nothing like its present pretentious appearance. Mr. Wilson immediately engaged in merchandising in a small way, buying his goods in St. Louis and transporting them by way of the river in summer and by wagon in winter. His busi- ness gradually increased until he became, in time, a prominent merchant of the town. Since 1872 he has been interested in bank- ing, and upon the organization of the Schuy- ler County Bank he was elected its president, bringing to this position unusual financial ability and extended experience. 294 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, He was married September 18, 1834, in Pittsburi^, Pennsylvania, to Miss Susan Clark, an estimable lady, a native of Lancaster county, that State, and a daughter of John and Eleanor (Greer) Clark. They have three children: Anne Jane, wife of James P. Clark; John; and Lorinda, wife of John T. Sweeney. Eleanor and Sarah Elisa are deceased. Eleanor died in December, 1860, after finish- ing her education at Monticello in 1857; and Sarah died in February, 1883, leaving three children; she was tlie wife of Hiram Graff. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are earnest and useful members of the Methodist Church, and are prohibitionists in principle. They are worthy people, and enjoy the esteem of the entire community. [UNCAN REID was born in Forfarshire, Scotland, August 12, 1809, son of Will- iam and Grace (McKenzie) Keid. His parents were natives of Scotland, and passed their lives there. Reared and educated in his native land, Duncan Keid then learned the trade of tailor. On account of ill health, however, he sought out-door employment, turning his attention to the stone-mason's trade. He resided in Scotland till 1855. October 10, 1839, he married Jane Wilkie, who was born in Fifeshire, Scotland, Novem- ber 19, 1818, daughter of William and Eu- pbemia (Gaul) Wilkie. Their union was blessed by the birth of six children: Will- iam, Jean, Susan, Margaret, Stuart and Dun- can. Mrs. Eeid and her two oldest children are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, her son being a ruling Elder in the church. Miss Susan Reid is a teacher in the Kensington school, Chicago. In 1855, accompanied by his wife and four children, he came to America, setting sail from Liverpool in May in the Aurora, and landing at New York after a voyage of five weeks. He came directly to Illinois and set- tled in Cass county. For six years he culti- vated rented lamd, and during that time, by his energy and good management, not only supported his family but also laid by a snug little sum. He then purchased the property on which his family now i-eside, it being at that time a tract of wild land, covered with timber and brush. Here he built his cabin, which served as the family home until further prosperity enabled him to erect a comfortable frame residence. His death occurred here on the 14th of April, 1883. Mr. Reid was a self-made man, and one who was held in high esteem by all who knew him. fHARLES F. JOHNSON, practical farmer and truck-raiser of Beardstown, was born in Salens county. New Jersey, April 7, 1863. He lived in his native State until thirteen, when his parents came to Cass county, settling in Beardstown. The father, Chalkley Johnson, followed his trade as a carpenter until February, 1884, when he and all their children, but one, Charles, went to Sedgwick county, Kansas, and settled on a farm, where the father and mother both live. The latter's maiden name was Luwesia Lip- pencott. Both were natives of Salem county, New Jersey, where they were reared, mar- ried and all their children were born. They had four, of whom our subject is the young- est, and of whom three are yet living, — Charles and two sisters, Mrs. Mary McKeu- nel, of Sedgwick county, Kansas, and Mrs. Ella Crater, now living in Beardstown. SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 295 Mr. Johnson lias a iine farm of 238 acres, most of it located in township 18, range 11. He has owned it for four years, having man- aged it on his own account for two years pre- viously. Since he bought it he has made considerable improvement in the buildings. When lie was twenty-one years of age he be- gan to raise truck, making a specialty of sweet potatoes. He has been a hard worker and is very successful in everything he undertakes. He has made his large property by bis own efforts. He was married in this county, to Amelia Shuman, born in Hagener Station, Cass county, in 1866. She was reared and edu- cated here, and is a good woman. She is the daughter of John Shuman, who was a native of Germany, coming to America when a young man and settling in Cass county, where he spent his last days as a farmer, dying in 1888, aged sixty-eight. He was a good man and a member of the German Methodist Episcopal Church. He was a Democrat in politics. His wife died in 1867, after the birth of five children, of whom Mrs. Johnson is the youngest. All the other chil- dren are now married. Mrs. Shuman was born in Germany, and her maiden name was Kate Loeb. She was a good wife and mother, and a member of the German Methodist Epis- copal Church. Mr. Johnson and wife have three children, — Viola, Gurtre and Nettie. They are mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Johnson is a Republican in politics. They are worthy, good people. jNTON RINK, a successful brewer of Beardstown, was born on the river Rhine, August 9, 1833. He is the only member of his family now living in this country. His mother died in Germany when he was only two years of age. In 1850, and after his father's second marriage, he left the old country, and after a long and weary trip finally settled in Perry county, Missouri, where the father died four years later. His wife married a second time, and continued to live in Perry county until her death in 1890. Mr. Rink came here from Missouri after he had spent ten years on a farm and had made some money to put into a business. He then was poor, but is now very wealthy, and has become so by his own efforts, and has been a real benelit to the town in which he lives. He arrived in 1864 and purchased a part in the brewery run under the name of A. Rink & Co. In 1867 he built a large brick brewery, with a capacity of 5,000 bar- rels per annum. The business has been suc- cessful, being represented on the road by himself and son in a commercial way. He is also a wholesale liquor dealer, running other places of business in the city. He is a stockholder, a promoter and original director of the First State Bank of Beardstown. He has been interested in all local matters af- fecting the good of the city ever since he came here, including the building of a wagon bridge across the Illinois river. He has been City Treasui-er, and is a Democrat in politics. Mr. Rink, a sincere man, has not only been ambitious, but is also successful in earning a good reputation for ability, honesty, industry and executiveness. He was married, in 1865, to Margaret Schultz, who was born in the same province and near her husband in Bavaria, Germany, and came, when twelve years of age to Me- nard county, Illinois. Her parents lived and died in Germany. They were members of the Catholic Church. Mr. and Mrs. Rink BIOQRAPEICAL REVIEW OF CASS, were the parents of eight children, five of whom are living: John and Amil assist their father in his husiness; Jessie is a teacher of music and has been well educated; Clara, now at home, was educated at Quiucy, Illi- nois; and Arthur is in the deaf and dumb in- stitute at Jacksonville, he being a deaf mute. Mr. and Mrs. Rink and family are members of the Catholic Church and take an interest in social matters. fOllN H. BLACK, a prominent citizen of Woodstock township, is a representa- tive of one of the earliest families of Schuyler county, and is entitled to a space in this history. He was born in Woodstock township, August 2, 1842. His father, James P. Black, was a native of Mecklen burgh county, North Carolina, a son of Richard S. Black (see sketch of Isaac Black). James P. Black removed to Indiana at the age of four- teen years, and resided there until 182(3. Then, with his bride, be came to Illinois; the " wedding journey " was accomplished with a yoke of oxen, the bridegroom walking most of the distance. He located in Wood- stock township, and there entered a tract of Government land which he began to improve. It was in this year that the county was or- ganized; there were few white settlers. In- dians were numerous, and the frontier was not far removed toward the setting sun. Mrs. Black's maiden name was Mary Pad- gett; she was born in Kentucky, a daughter of John and Eleanor Padgett, and died on the home farm in 1851. Our subject, John H. Black, received his education in the com- mon schools of Woodstock township, and at the Western Seminary, Rushville. At the age of nineteen years he began teaching in Woodstock township, and was actively en- gaged in educational labors for more than twenty years. In 1867 he removed to Richfield, Adams county, and there purchased a home in which he lived for a few years; his next change was to Quincy, where he bought city property, and thence he removed to Camp Point, where he lived five years; at the ex- piration of that period he returned to Quincy and made his home there until 1878, when be sold out and bought the farm he now oc- cupies on section 12, Woodstock township. Mr. Black was united in niarriaore in 1862, to Telitha Parke, a native of Brown county, Illinois, and a daughter of Oliver H. F. and Mai-y (Logsdon) Parke, natives of Kentucky, and pioneers of Brown county, Illinois. Of this union five children have been born: Mary, Nettie, John Ri, Lelia and J. Charles. The father and mother are members of the Church of God. Mr. Black has held various ofiicesof trust, and has represented Woodstock township on the county Board of Supervisors for three terms. For twelve years he was Superintendent of Schools in Adams county, and did much to elevate the educational standard. He is a man of rare force and uprightness of character, and has the re- spect and confidence of the entire com- . m unity. ^^ARQUIS L. CRUM, of township y^Win ^^ north, range 10, section 32, was *^^4- born aijout two and one half miles from his present location, January 16, 1851. His parents were James and Christina (Ream) Crum. The father was born in Indiana, in 1806. His mother came from Ohio, and married in this county, in 18.33. The father SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 297 came to the county in 1832, the mother with her parents, who settled in this neighborhood. Tlie father was of Gerniaii descent, and was the father of twelve children. His wife died May 1, 1878, and the father has since mar- ried again, and resides on the old homestead. Marquis was educated in the public schools, and then attended the State Normal school for two years, and the Illinois Wesleyan University four years, graduating in the scientiflc course in 1874, receiving the de- gree of B. S., and three years later the de- gree of M. S. was conferred upon him. Being in very poor health at this time, he re- sumed farming, and this has proven so benefi- cial, under the favorable circuinsfances sur- rounding him, that he has continued to fol- low it. He was married, March 30, 1875, to Fan- nie Stubblefield, of Funk's Grove, McLean county, born there September 17, 1858. They became acquainted while attending the university, which she attended about three years. Her family are old settlers in that county. Mr. and Mrs. Crura have four chil- dren: Edith, the eldest, now sixteen, has been attending the Illinois College at Jack- Bonville, and expects to complete a course in one of the higher institutes of learning; Arthur E. and Oral C. are bright boys; and Rena F., now three years old, is tiie pet of the family. Mr. Crum owns a farm of 700 acres, principally devoted to stock. He breeds shorthorn cattle, and uses the Percheron- Norinan horses, his father-in-law being an importer of this breed of horses in Bloom- ington. He also owns a stock farm of 240 acres near Kirksville, Missouri, and usually buys his stock in Missouri and ships here. They are members of the Methodist Episco- pal Church, and Mr. Crum belongs to the A. O. U. W. He is a Democrat. He has been associated with the Farmers' Alliance, and was the State president of it for eighteen months. He declined a re-election. He was a delegate from Illinois to the national convention at Ocala, Florida, and Mr. Crum describes this trip as the finest he ever made. He has three nice tenement houses on his extensive farm where his employees reside. He hires four or five men by the year, usually married men, and furnishes them with house, fuel and garden. fOSEPH MESEEVEY, of Elkhorn town- ship, was born here, June 22, 1841. He is the son of Joseph and Eliza Meservey. Joseph was the son of Nathaniel, both of Vermont. He spent his life there and died when nearly ninety years of age. Joseph followed the business of shijjping horses for nine years, and then went into a distillery, and then sold out and came to this State at an early date. He continued at home until his mar- riage, worked with his father, and attended the subscription school when able. When he married he had a little farm, and after- ward he bonght more land. He now owns 760 acres, which he earned himself. He carries $10,000 life insurance. He rues a large quarry by machinery. This is a new industry, and will employ fully thirty men, and the machinery will require an outlay of nearly §8,000. He is a Republican in poli- tics, and voted first for Abraham Lincoln. He was married, June 15, 1865, to Mel- vina Jane Wilson, born in Pike county, Illi- nois. (See sketch of George Wilson for history of Mrs. Meservey's family). Mr. and Mrs. Meservey have nine cliildren: Clara M., Warren ll., George O., Maggie B., El- 298 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF GASH, wood, Lorena E., Plerbert H., Herman H., and Amy A. Warren R. married Cora V. Moore, of Brown county, and has two chil- dren: Estel V. and Nina. The family belong to the Methodist Epis- copal Church, and the daughters are mem- bers of the Epwortli League. They are a family that commands the respect and esteem of their host of friends. mOUIS F. KLOKER, a practical and nfa extensive farmer, occupyintr his fine "^^ farm in section 30, township 17, range 11, was born in Beardstowu, May 20, 1836. Here lie was reared and educated and has always been a resident. His father was Louis Kloker, Sr., a native of Hanover, Germany, belonging to an old German family. He had been a wagon maker, the only son of his father's family, and after growing up, about 1832, he came to the United States on a sailing vessel. After a voyage of thirteen weeks he lauded in New Orleans, and came on to Beiirdstown, via the Mississippi river. He began work as a mechanic, and died about 1839. He was known as a hard-working young man of good habits, and was a mem- ber of the Lutheran Church. He left two sons, our subject and a brother Henry, who died when thirteen years of age. He mar- ried Mary Raube, also a native of Hanover, who had come to America in the same ves- sel with Mr. Kloker. They married soon after landing in Beardstown. She is the only member of her family in this country. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Kloker was married again to Fred Wedeking, w'ho had come on the same vessel and at the same time as Mr. Kloker. After her second mar- riage they lived in Beardstown until 1844, when they settled on a farm southeast of Beardstown, and there Mrs. Wedeking died, December 25, 1857, aged forty-two. Mr. Wedeking died there also in 1887, aged seventy-si.x. He and his wife were good Lutherans, and very honest people. After the death of his father, Louis was carefully reared by his mother and step- father, and since their death he has been taking care of himself. Mr, Kloker form- erly lived in township 17, range 12. He has made the most of his property by his own efforts, and now owns 280 acres, which is highly improved, and has upon it good farm buildings. He also owns forty acres in tim- ber land. He was married in this county to Mrs. Minnie Yost, nee Soheide. She was born in Prussia, in 1833, and came to Cass county, Illinois, with her mother. Her father died in Germany, in the prime of life. After they had come to this country they first set- tled in St. Louis, and there Miss Soheide was first married. She outlived all her hus- bands, and died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Kloker. May 20, 1888. She was born February 8, 1794, and hence was ninety-four years of age: she was a strong, stout wo- man all her life. She and her people were Lutherans. Mr. and Mrs. Kloker are working mem- bers of the St. Peter's Lutheran Church, near Arenzville, of which he has been Trustee for some years. For thirty years he has been active in school work in the township. In politics he is a Republican. They are par- ents of six children: Henry, farming on the home place; John A., a farmer in this county; Edward, also a farmer in this county; Lena, wife of William F. Duval, a farmer of this county; Herman and Fred are at home on the farm. SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 299 Mrs. Kloker had three children by a for- mer marriage with Ernest F. Yost, formerly a successful farmer of this county, and a na- tive of Germany. They are: Mary, wife of Ernest J. Boes, now of Beardstown; Louisa, wife of Henry H. Meyer, a family in this county; and Minnie, deceased, dyincr at the age of thirty-two, after her marriage with Henry W. Meyer. fOHN SANDIDGE, oneof the most intel- ligent and prosperous farmers of Oak- laud township, Schuyler county, was born in the State of Kentucky in 1829. His father, Daniel Sandidge, was a native of Vir- ginia, born in 1804; there he married Pa- melia Tate, born in the same place in 1803. The paternal grandfather of our subject, John Sandidge wasa Virginian by birth; he married a native of Virginia, and in an early day re- moved to Kentucky, settling in Lincoln county; he became a wealthy planter, owning a large number of slaves. They had a family of nine sons and four daughters: Daniel, Clay- ton, Joshua, James, Larkin, John, Wyatt, Madison, PuUum, Emily, Patience, Amanda^ and Leanta; all grew to adult age and had families excepting Emily, who died in early childhood. The father met with death by accident, his team running away and throw- ino-him from the carriage. He was an octo- genarian, and his wife died seven years later, nearly eighty years old. The eldest son, Daniel Sandidge, removed from Kentucky to Illinois in 1831, bringing his wife and live children; they first located at Canton, and removed thence to Industry township, Mc- Donough county; here Mr. Sandidge took up 160 acres of Government land which he im- proved for two years, selling it at the end of that time; he moved to Eldorado township and bought a claim to 160 acres, on which he lived until 1840; he again sold, and pur- chased another tract of the same number of acres, and lived on this until 1850, when he sold and bought 160 acres in Oakland town- ship, Schuyler county. His wife died in Eldorado township, at the age of forty- two years, leaving a family of ten children. He married a second time, the union being to Cynthia Phillips, who bore him a daughter and son. He died in 1882, aged seventy-eight years; the wife died in June, 1891, at the age of eighty-four years. The surviving members of this family are named as follows: Lucy J., John, Mrs. Jonah Lindsey, Harriet, wife of Elisha Goruch, Mrs. Nathan Lindsey, Daniel, Charles, Larkin, Ellen, wife of Mike McCarty. John Sandidge, our worthy subject, was reared to the life of a farmer, but in his twenty-first year left home and went to Cali- fornia; the trip across the plains proved a very enjoyable as well as novel one, and he spent ten years in the Golden State, engacred in mining and raising live-stock. In 1860 he returned to Illinois via the Isthmus, re- mained one month, and then went back to California. In 1871 he came home via the Union Pacific route, the object of this visit being to claim his bride. He was married November 19, 1871, to Miss Emma Stockton, and they returned to California by rail. It proved a pleasant trip for her, and Mr. Sandidge sold his inter- ests there, and came back to Illinois in 1873. He has lived much of his time since 1873 in Vermont, Illinois, where he owns a pleasant home. He bought a farm of 400 acres re- cently, and owns 200 acres in McDonough county. Mr. and Mrs. Sandidge have one son and a daughter: John F. is nineteen and Ida 300 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, Leah is fifteen; both are receiving excellent educational advantages. The son has a de- cided taste for agriculture, and intends mak- ing that his life occupation. Mr. Sandidge had the severe misfortune of losing his sight in 1882, the cause being brought about by his becoming overheated. Mrs. Stockton, mother of Mrs. Sandidge, is now eio'hty-five years of age, but is bright and vigorous; she is a native of Fayette county, Pennsylvania, but came to Illinois in 1839; she was married to Daniel Stockton in 1842; he died in January, 1883, aged eighty- three years. She well remembers the first steamer of the Ohio river, named the Adven- ture, and relates many interesting anecdotes of early days. Mr. Sandidge is a Prohibitionist, but in former days was a Democrat, casting his vote for Horace Greeley, whom he esteemed one of the oreatest men and most gifted writers. He carries on a general farming business, but makes a specialty of raising live-stock, giving his preference to short-horn cattle. He plants from forty to seventy acres of corn, gathering as hio-has eighty busiiels to the acre; he -sows from thirty to seventy acres of wheat, but one of his practices is the rotation of crops, and he seeds to clover every third year. He is a man of good, sound judgment, and has made a marked success of every industry to which he has turned his attention. ^ ^OLUAIBl'S T. WALKEPt, of Virginia TOK precinct, is a native of Fauquier county, Virginia, born May 12, 1838. His par- ents were Solomon and Emma (Wilkins) Walker. Both were natives of Virginia, father born in 1804, and the mother four years later. They removed to Cass county, Illinois, in 1855, and located on a farm near Virginia; liere thej' both died, the mother in 18S1. and the father in 1890. They had nine children: William W., Darius N., Peter L., Columbus T.. Mary F.. Churchill A., David T., Jennie E. and James T. Columbus T. was nineteen years old when he came to this county, and has resided here ever since. He attended the schools in this precinct after arriving in the county. He first learned the tanner trade, and also learned to be a leather dresser, but did not follow the business after leaving Virginia. He has been a farmer all his life. He has a farm of 100 acres, on which he has excellent improve- ments. He is a Republican in politics, although all his brothers are Democrats. He has held all the township offices, and has been School Director for fifteen years, also Road Commissioner and Judge of Election, etc. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, of which he is a Deacon, havintr held that office for twenty years. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and has been since 1859, and now is a Past Grand of Saxon Lodge, No. 68. He was married in Cass county, February 8, 1866. to Emma J. Angier, a native of Cass county, born October 10, 1846. Her parents were Addison G. and Annie E. (Wilson) Angier of Ohio. They were among the ear- liest settlers in Cass county: mother is still living in the county, but father died April 7, 1890. Mrs. Walker died March 16, 1889, leaving seven children. She was aged forty-two at her death. The children are: Ella G., born December, 1865, married Edward Tink, and died in 1892, leaving two children; Edward A., born in December, 1868, married and re- sides in Kansas City; Hattie M., born May, 1871, married Charles Etchison, and resides in Virginia precinct; Louie F., born August, SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 301 1875; Charles H., born April, 1878; George R., born April, 1881, and Dollie, born March, 1884. He married for his second wife, Mrs. Leona Walker. She was a native of Cass county, and tlie daughter of George and Per- melia (Freeman) Arenat. Mrs. Walker is a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Walker is a man of representative type, — a distinction among his fellows at- tained by his honest, straightforward busi- ness methods and fine social qualities. His successes in life justly merit for him the ap- probation of business associates and compet- itors, and from the same source he receives warm sympathy for the late reverses wliich in a degree have temporarily checked his usual flourishing condition. 4^ ^ fOHN F. HUSS, general farmer and stock raiser in section 1, township 17, range 11, has entire ciiarge of his fath- er's homestead of more than 300 acres of tine land, under good improvement. The build- ings are large and comfortable, and the place is well stocked. Mr. IIuss lias had the place under his personal control for nearly three years; and has shown himself to be a very successful farmer. He was born in this county. May 27, 1866. He was reared and has always lived on the farm where he was born. He received his education in the country schools. He is the fourth son of Christian Huss, who was born in Germany of German parentage, and came to the United States alone. Mr. Huss, Sr.. emigrated to this country in the '50s, settling in Beards- town. He purchased two other farms before he obtained liis present liomestead. The lat- ter he conducted himself, until the spring of 1889. He is now about sixty years of acre, hale and hearty, has made all of his large property since he has come to this country. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and a stanch Democrat. (For further family history, see biography of C. J. Huss.) Our subject is one of nine children, seven of whom are still living. Mr. Huss, of this notice, was married in this county to Miss Minnie Buck, born in this county, in 1868, daughter of Jasper J. Buck. (See biography of Mr. Buck for history.) She has no family, is a very smart, intelligent woman, and is one of the kind women of the commu- nity, and is so known everywhere. She and her husband are popular young people, and highly respected by all their neighbors. Mr. Huss takes quite an interest in local politics, and it may be predicted that he will be elected by the Democratic party to fill many of the offices of the counly. >LFRED M. THOMPSON, a farmer I and stock raiser of township 17 north, range 11 west, section 36, Virginia post office, was born on the farm where he now lives, February 27, 1850. His parents were Oswell and Elizabeth (Henderson) Thompson. Botji were born near Chillicothe, Ohio, the father in 1806, and the mother, September 32, 1813. They came to Illinois with their parents in the same year, 1827. The father's parents located on the farm which Alfred now owns, and the mother's people located near Arcadia, Illinois. They were married here, in 1829. They had eight children: Ada, wife of I. J. Swibling, a well- to-do farmer and stock raiser near Ashland, Illinois; Mrs. Mary J. Black, the eldest, re- sides in Virginia; she has been married twice, her first husband being Mace Skiles; W. 303 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, Howard resides in Jacksonville, Illinois, and runs a feed and sale stable; be also owns a fine tract of land near tliat of the subject; Sarah Ellen married Jacob Epler, who died soon after, and she married Mr. Andrew App; her home is now at Seattle, Washington, where she married her second husband; she is now in Europe; Alfred; David; Albert and Abigail; the two latter deceased, the former in childhood, the latter in middle life, leaving a family. The youngest of the family is the first child mentioned, Ada. Alfred was reared and educated in his na- tive county, and at the State Normal School, which he attended two years. He returned home and resumed farming. He was married in this county, September 10, 1872, to Meranda L. Payne, daughter of W. B. and Esther (Stevenson) Payne, natives of Kentucky, where Mrs. Thompson was born June 25,1854. They have had five children: Howard, born in 1876, died in 1883, from scarlet fever; David, born in 1878, at liotne; Nellie died at the age of three months; Edith, born in 1881, at home; Everett, born in North Dakota, and died in infancy. In the spring of 1883, Mr. Thompson leased his farm and went to Bismai-ck, North Dakota, for the purpose of recuperating his health. There he remained seven years, re- turning in a greatly improved condition. He again took possession of the farm upon which he was born, and still operates it with hired assistance. He owns a fine farm of part timber and part prairie, upon which he has made many improvements. He lives in the house in which he was born, which is in a good condition and is a building that does credit to the neighborhood. Mr. Thompson is a Democrat in politics, and has been School Director and Road Com- missiooer. Served one year as County As- sessor of Burley county. North Dakota, re- signing that office when he decided to return to Illinois, two years ago. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he takes a deep interest, and also in the Sunday-school work, and he subscribes liberally to the support of same. The Thompson family were among the first settlers in the count}'. Few indeed can go back as they, in their residence here. The family were of German origin, though long since established in America. Mr. Thompson owns 800 acres of land in Burley, North Dakota, winch he rents, has 320 acres of wheat on it this year (1892), he furnishing the seed and receiving one-half of the threshed grain. iPEOPvGE GREER was born near Five- nW mile town, county Tyrone, Ireland, Au- "^ crust 1, 181-4. His father was also a native of Ireland and was named Robert. The grandfather, George Greer, it is thought, was born on the same farm, and all were of Scotch ancestry. The grandfather was a farmer by occupation, and was also a promi- nent contractor of public works and improve- ments. He passed away in his native county. His wife, whose maiden name was Jane Mar- tin, was born in county Fermanagh, and was also of Scotch stock. Both were members of the Methodist Church. The grandfather was an eccentric but able man, with independent views, and erected a stone church in his own yard. The father of our subject was also a farmer and a successful contractor and spent his en- tire life on the farm where he was born. His wife was Catherine Lendrum, who was born in the same locality, and was the daughter of SCHUTLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 303 Jolin and Elizabeth (Erskine) Lendrmn, also of the same county and also of Scotch de- scent. The Erskines were very prominent people, not only in Ireland but in England also, where they were connected by ties of blood with nobility and royalty, and boasted a coat of arms, a motto, and an honored name. Both the parents of our subject were Methodists. The mother came to America at the age of forty-six years, and passed her last days at her home in Riishville. She reared a large family of thirteen children as follows: George, John, P]lizabetli, Jane, Joseph, James, Robert, Eleanor, Erskine, Leiidrum. Lncinda, Andrew and Alexander. All the members of this family were born in Ireland, and our subject was the first to cross the ocean, sailing from Derry on the 14th of April, IS32, in the vessel William Ewing, and landing in Philadelphia on the 7th of June. AVhen our subject reached Philadelphia he was a stranger and in limited circumstances. He soon found em])loyinent in that city, but the cholera iiroke out with great violence, whereupon he went to Lancaster county and engaged in farming, and there resided until the 13tb of February, 1836, when lie went by stage to Pittsburg, thence down the Ohio by the steamer Ben Bolt (her first trip), and up the Mississippi and Illinois rivers to Beards- town. Soon afterward he located at Rush- ville, and for some time was engaged in ex- ploring the surrounding country. In the fall of 1836 he returned to Pennsylvania, and in July, 1837, again came to Rushville, where he has since resided. For many years he was a snccessful merchant and was associated in business with Thomas Wilson, but is now re- tired. He has been one of the most substantial and upright of Rushville's business men. Oil the 6th of April, 1837, he was united in marriage to Miss Ann J. Clark, a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. Her par- ents were ,lohn and Eleanor (Greer) ('lark. Mr. and Mrs. Greer have two children living, Susanna and Almira D. The former is the wife of Henry Brown, and has three living children: Olie, Eleanor and Lynn; Almira is the wife of Edwin P. McClure, and has two children, George H. and Margaret M. Mr. and Mrs. Greer are Methodists, and he is a straight Republican. fESSE WIGHT, farmer of township 17, range 10 west. Little Indian post office, was burn in Delaware county, New York, February 13, 1828. His parents were Har- vey and Judith (Jenkins) Wight — father born in New Jersey and the mother near Bunker Hill, Massachusetts. Both died the same week in New York State. Of a family of twelve, Jesse was the second youngest. The family has been scattered, some to Michigan, others to Pennsylvania and one to Illinois. Jesse came to Beardstown on May 1, 1846, and hired out to work on a farm in this pre- cinct, where he continued to work in that way for four or live years. He then rented land for several years, and about thirty yi'ars ago purchased his first real estate in Illinois. He was raised and educated in New York, and left there at twenty-two. Mr. Wight, by industry and economy, has accumulated a snug property, where he now lives in com- parative ease. He owns a tine farm of 107 acres in a good state of cultivation, and raises grain and stock. Mr. Wight has never seen any of his father's relations, and hence knows but little of his familj-'s genealogy. He was married here in 1851, to Margaret Taylor, of Moutocomery county, (_)liio, who was born in 1826. Mr. and Mrs. Wight have 304 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF OaSS, eight children: Abigail, the eldest, married Taylor Berry, aud lives in Morgan county; William is a farmer and lives in Nebraska, where also lives John I.; Amos Harvey lives on bis father's farm; Lizzie J. Parker is now a widow and resides at home with her father; Mollie is still unmarried and lives at home. Mr. and Mrs. Wight are ineml)ers of the Presbyterian Church, and Mr. AVight is a member of the Kepublican party. He has held various positions of trust in the pre- cinct. Amos Harvey, the youngest son of the above, now managing his father's farm, was born in this precinct, February 14, 1859. He grew to manhood on the farm and at- tended the public schools. He was a farmer one year in Dakota and was otherwise employed there for one year. He was also one season in Nebraska, herding cattle and running a threshing machine. He was married, January 15, 1891, to Ollie Gilpin, born in Morgan county, Illinois, June 9, 1871. Her parents were James and Becky Gilpin. Her father was a soldier dur- ing the late war and is a pensioner. Mr. and Mrs. Wight have one child, Nettie May, born January 9, 1892. Mrs. Wight died at their home August 24, 1892. Mr. Wight is a member of the I. O. O. F., and in ]iolitics is a Republican. IP^AMUEL E. ELLIS, a citizen of Little- ton township, is so closely identified with the history of Schuyler county that this volume would not be complete were an outline of his career omitted from its pages, lie was born in Oakland township, Schuyler county, Illinois, April 3U, 1846, a son of James and Nancy (Harmon) Ellis. James Ellis was a native of Mason county, Kentucky, a son of Elijah and Phcebe (Pay- ton) Ellis, natives of Virginia; his parents emigrated, to Kentucky at an early day and engaged in agricultural pursuits; later they came to Illinois, where they passed the re- maider of their days; both lived to be eighty- four years of age. Their son, James, was reared to the occupation of a farmer, and in 1844 he came to Illinois and settled on the land where Samuel E. was born ; he purchased a quarter section for $1,200, and undertook the task of placing it under cultivation ; there were few improvements, and the dwelling was a small log-cabin; this furnished them shelter four years, when a frame building was erected, in which Mr. Ellis lived until he passed from this life at the age of seventy-seven years. Politically he supported the Republican party, and took an active part in local affairs; he was Assessor and Collector, and a member of the School Board for many years. He was one of the leading members of the Christian Church, and did the work of a pioneer in the cause of Christianity. He and Simon Doyle were Trustees of the society. Mr. Ellis was twice married: his tirst wife, Nancy Harmon, bore him seven children, of whom Samuel E. is the youngest; she was born in Bracken county, Kentucky, and died in Schuyler county, Illinois, at the age of thirty-four years. Her parents, Samuel and Elizabeth Harmon, were natives of Kentucky, and passed their lives in the Blue-grass State. The Harmon family is of German descent, and the Ellis family is of Scotch lineage. Samuel E. Ellis had superior educational advantages in his youth, and made the most of his opportunities; he attended the district school, and was a student at Abingdon Col- lege, Knox county, Illinois, after which he entered the teacher's profession, which he SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 305 followed for more tliaii twenty years. He was united in marriage to one of his pupils, March 12, 1874; her maiden name was Julia E. Jones, a native of this county, and a daugh- ter of James W. and Harriet E. Jones; her parents removed from Ohio to Illinois in 1854, and settled in Schuyler county at Pleasant View; the father died at the age of fifty-nine years, but the mother still survives; they had born to them a family of ten chil- dren, only three of whom are living. The father and a son, George W., were soldiers in the late war, and died of disease contracted while in the service. Mr. Ellis enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Illinois Volun- teer Infantry, in 1864, and re-enlisted in February, 1865, in Company I, One Hundred and Fifty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Although the period of his service was com- paratively short he was in many important engagements, and at Memphis lost an ear; he receives a small pension, which is totally inadequate, in consideration of the injury received. The family of Mr and Mrs. Ellis consists of eight children: Jessie H., Lulu M., Laura G., Emma Z., Fannie L., Anna Belle, Ida M. and Carrie B.; Virgil died in infancy. The parents are members of the Christian Chai-ch, and since 1867 Mr. Ellis has been an Elder of the sanie; for twelve years he has been superintendent of the Sabbath-school. He and Simon Doyle were the principals and furnished most of the money to build the Christian Church in 1871-'72 He is a member of Colonel Horney Post, G. A. R., and has been an active worker in the organ - issation for years; he belongs to Lodge No. 24, I. O. O. F. Politically he adheres to the principles of the Kepuljlican party, and cast his first vote for General Grant's first term. He was once elected Justice of the Peace, but did not serve. In 1888 he purchased the farm on which he now lives with liis family; the tract con- tains over 200 acres, and is one of the most desirable in the township. Of late years Mr. Ellis has abandoned the profession of teach- ing, having made an admirable record as an educator. He now devotes his time to agri- cultural pursuits, and is meeting with gratify- ing success. 'ILLIAM T. PRICE, a progressive i\iM farmer of Virginia precinct, Cass county, Illinois, was born in Mor- gan county, same State, November 6, 1840. His parents wereAdam and Susan (Ros- enberger) Price, both of German descent, and natives of Rockingham county, Virginia, where they lived to maturity and were mar- ried. In 1833 they removed to Morgan county, Illinois, where the father entered and improved a large tract of Government land. In 1852 they moved to Virginia precinct, Cass county, where they settled on a farm on which they passed the remainder of their lives. The greatly esteemed and la- mented father passed away February 1, 1875, his worthy wife surviving him until Septem- ber, 1881. They, with five infant children, are interred in Bethlehem cemetery, the ground of which was donated by them for a public burial place. They were both devout Christians, who rendered valuable service for many years to the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which the father filled, at differ- ent times, all the offices ever conferred on lay members. "Uncle Adam," as he was familiarly known, was a person of marked individuality and strong convictions, whose 306 BIOOBAPBIGAL REVIEW OF CASS, sterling integ7-ity and earnest advocacy of all principles of justice won i'or him many friends wliere he was so well known. Of their twelve children, seven attained ma- turity, six now living (1S92). John W., the eldest son, is a lartre landowner in Wilson county. Kansas. He married Maria Ganse, an fstimaMe lady, and both are prominent in L'huri-li and social circles. William T., whose name heads this biography, is the next in order of birth; Anna Eliza married James V. Eawlings, a prosperous farmer of Virginia precinct; Adam C. is a successful farmer of Douglas county, Illinois; Mary E. married Charles E. Strickler, of Sibley, Iowa; Amanda J., unmarried, resides in Virginia; and Sarali E., the youngest, married Alfred Griffin, of Nokomis, Illinois, and died in 1885. ihe subj( ct of this sketch spent his boy- hood and early manhood on his father's farm and obtained a rudimentary education in the public schools. Amid tiiese rural, peaceful scenes, he passed his time in the companion- ship of parents and friends until he attained his majority, when this happy state was rudely broken by the discordant notes of war. With youthful enthusiasm and patriot- ism, he enlisted in Company D, One Hun- dred and Fourteenth Illinois Volunteer In- fantry for three years. He participated, with his command in the siege of Vicksburg and in many of the numerous battles which occurred in and around that almost invulner- able stronghold. In the engagement at Guntown, Mississippi, Iiis regiment suffered severely, many being killed or wounded, while the remainder, including the subject of this notice, were captured and incarcer- ated in the prison at Andersonville, where Mr. Price was confined four months. He was eventually transferred to Millen, Georgia, via Savannah, that State; and, a month later, was sent to Florence, South Carolina, arriv- ing there November 28, and remaining there until I'^ebruary of the following year. He was then sent, with other prisoners, to Richmond, Virginia, there paroled and sent North, and on arriving in St. Louis was granted thirty days' furlough. When in prison, Mr. Price gladly exchanged a valu- able watch for an old, ragged blanket, consid- erintr it one of the best trades of his life. He was in the prison at Andersonville when five comrades were iiung for stealing from their mates, wliom they murdered to con- ceal their theft. A court, organized from among the prisoners, passed sentence on them and witnessed the execution. It was also while he was in prison that the ''Provi- dence" spring burst forth, originating as if by magic and yielding to the fariiishing prisoners an abundant supply of cold water of clearest crystal. On the expiration of his furlough, he re- turned to Montgomery, Alabama, and three weeks later the war closed and he returned to his home, resuming the duties which had been interrupted three years before. On December 29, 1870, he was married to Augusta R., daughter of William and Eliza- beth (Clutch) Marshall, pioneers of Cass county, James Marshall, her grandfather, having located in the county as early as 1825. Her father was of Scotch descent; while her mother was of Welsh ancestry, who emigrated to America in Colonial times, was in Waynesville, Ohio, and reared a Quakeress. Her father entered and im- proved the land on which Mr. Price's house now stands, while the beautiful, towering, maple trees which adorn the place are at- tractive memorials of his taste and enterprise, being planted half a century ago by his 8UHUYLEB AND BROWN COUNTIES. 307 hands. This was his home until death, when his widow and tliree chihh-en removed to Jacksonville, this State, where Mrs. Price was married. Her mother remained there until her death in 1874. In 1883, Mr. Price was called upon to mourn the death of Ilia wife, which occurred on the old home- stead. tural pursuits. ex perience, Mr. Price has followed agricul- With the exception of his three years' war Politically he affiliates with the Kepubli- can party. Religiously, he is an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and contributes liberally to the advancement of that and all other worthy objects. fAMES A. DAVIS, farmer and stock- grower, post office, Virginia, Illinois^ was born one and one-half miles south Ashland, Cass county, Illinois. Octo- 29, 1824. His parents, James and Elizalieth (Foster) Davis came to Cass county in 1822. The father settled on Indian creek, where he improved a little farm, which he afterward lost by another man " entering him out." He was born in Kentucky in 1796, coming here from Monroe county, and died, March 6, 1856, in this county. Mother was born in Cumberland county, Tennessee, in 1800, and is still living. She resides with her son George, who owns the old homestead in township 17, range 11. She was the mother of fourteen children, eight of whom are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Davis, Sr, moved from Ashland to the place where the mother now lives, when James, Jr., was four years old. Here he grew to manhood, was taught in the subscription schools of that day and was reared a farmer. At twenty years of age he learned the house carpenter trade which he followed until seven years ago. He worked five years in Beardstown, afterward returned to his home neighborhood, where he worked fifteen years inside five miles of his home, and was never out of a job. He was married in Beardstown in 1849, to Martha A., daughter of Philip Schaeffer, a farmer who had come from Montgomery, Ohio, in 1832. Her birth was September 16, 1830. Mr. Davis has witnessed a won- derful development in Cass county during his sixty-eight years' residence here. His first memory of the country is as a vast wilder- ness, the settlers few and far between, with only occasionally a horse power mill where the farmers had their grists ground by turns, often remaining all day to get one sack of corn ground. Mr. Davis has seen men reap- ing wheat on ground which is now covered with heavy timber, the early settlers prefer- ring to clear up the timber land, some of which has since gone back to its primitive state. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have six children: Minerva, wife of Kichard Way, residing in Cass county; Valentine, residing in Butler county, Nebraska, a farmer: Sarah Ellen, who wedded A. C. Robinson, living near Virginia, Illinois; James Philo, residing three miles south of Virginia; Cyrus Ed- ward resides six miles east of the same place, and Charles L., a farmer living in Douglas county, Illinois. On July 21, 1884, Mr. Davis suffered the loss of his estimable wife, to whom he had been married thirty-eight years. A glowing tribute to her memory, as a lady of great worth, appears in a clipping in the local paper, in which appeai-s the ac- tion of the I. O. O. F. lodge in the premises, of which she and her husband were valued members. She was a worthy member of the 303 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CMS, Union Baptist Chnrch. Mr. Davis was mar- ried to his second wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Smith, March 16, 1887. Her maiden name was Thompson, and she was born in Ohio in 1840, They are both members of the Union Bap- tist Church, in Virginia, and takes an active interest in Sunday-school and church work. He is a member of Saxon Lodge, ^No. 68, 1. U. (). F., and of Advance Encampment, both located at Virginia. He has held vari- ous official positions in this town. He voted the Democrat ticket until the nomination of Tilden. when he voted the Greenback ticket for several years, but is now a Prohibitionist and has always advocated temperance and sobriety, and the legal control of the liquor traffic. He joined the Sons of Temperance in 1849, and has worked for the cause all his life. He uses neither tobacco uor liquor, and is one of the representative men of Cass county, and his family is one of the first established here. -^^^^^^^ IIEILLIAM I. LARASH, editor and ll proprietor of the Rnshville Citizen, t=3p?S a weekly newspaper devoted to the interests of the people, is a native of Penn- sylvania, born at AUentown, Lehigh county, October 2, 1851. His father, Isaac Larash, was also a native of the Keystone State, and his grandfather was descended from the French Huguenots; the latter was a planter by -oc cupation, and passed his life in Pennsylvania; the fatiier learned the tailor's trade, and car- ried on that business at Catasauqua, Penn- sylvania; thence he removed to Hlinois in 1S52, and followed his trade in this State for several years. He finally purchased a farm in Sjiring Lake township, Tazewell county, and still resides there. He married Esther Ann Kildare, a native of Pennsylvania, who still survives. They are the parents of nine children: John, Elizabeth, Lucinda, William 1., Mary, Charles, George, I., Addie M. and Walter. Our subject was the infant when ihe family began their life upon the frontier. He was reared and educated in Pekin, Taze- well county, and at the age of fourteen years went to learn the printer's trade; he served an apprenticeship of two years in the Repuh- liean office, never losing a half day's time. In 1869 he went to Omaha, and there found employment in a job and commercial print- ing office; this occupied him four or five months, and then he made a journey to the plains on a buffalo hunt. He was next lo- cated in Nebraska, where he followed his trade for a time; thence he went to St. Louis, and then home. He devoted some time to agri- culture, and afterwards returned to his trade; he was on the Peoria Review until the paper changed hands. Then, with three other prin- ters and two editors, one of whom was R. J. Burdette. he assisted in the founding of a paper which was named the Peoria Evening Review, an injunction was served upon them, and the name was changed to the Peoria In- junction. Mr. Larash was connected with with this paper a short time, and then was in different cities until 1875, when he came to Rnshville, and took charge of the Citizen of- fice. In 1879 he purchased the entire outfit with the good will of the paper, and has since managed its publication. He has a job- office in connection, and has won a wide pat- ronage. Mr. Larash was married March 21, 1878, to Emilia Ann Horney who was born in Little- ton township, Schuyler county, Illinois, July 16, 1857, a daughter of Lenodias and Jane (Crawford) Horney. To them three children have been born: Lenodias H., Lizzie H. and SGHUTLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 309 Winnie J. Folitically, Mr. Larash affiliates with the Republican party, and was adelegate to the State Convention in 1880. He is a member of Kushville Lodge, No. 9, A. F. & A. M., Riishville Chapter, No. 184, R. A. M., and to Rushville Coinmandery, No. 56, K. T. He and his wife are earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal Chnrch, joining that so- ciety in 1877, since which time he has been a Class-leader. ITILLIAM A. WAY, farmer and stock- j grower, section 6, range 10, township t'=ej^ 17, post office. Virginia, was born in Morgan county, Illinois, October 5, 1842 He was the son of Jesse and Melinda (Guin) Way, early settlers in Morgan county. Tlie father came to the county in 1832, and has been a resident of either Morgan or Cass connty ever since, and now resides in Vir- ginia city. The mother died in Virginia in 1880, leaving six children: Elizabeth, the eldest, married T. H. Williams and died in Nebraska; Mary died when twelve years of age; Richard is a farmer, residing in Cass county, Virginia precinct; Stephen is the same, and John died at the age of twenty-six years. William attended the public schools and then learned the carpenter trade, inter- mingled with farming. He enlisted August 11, 1862, in Company I, One Hundred and Fifteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was assigned to duty in the army of the Cumber- land. A few davs after the battle of Chick- amauga, while on a scouting expidition, composed of details from the diflerent regi- ments, he was taken prisoner with several others. He was sent to Richmond, via Atlanta, and was kept there about six weeks. quartered in the Smith building, near Libby prison. He was then taken to Danville, Virginia, kept there five months, and then to Andersonville, where he remained about eight months. From there he was sent to Charleston, and on from there to Florence. At this place he was paroled December 7, 1864, after fourteen months and thirteen days im- prisonment. To say that he suffered a thou- sand deaths during this long confinement is no exaggeration. He was attacked with scurvy while in Andersonville and suffered greatly from that cause. Even to this day his limbs are scarred and measurably de- formed. After this he was sent to Annapolis, Maryland, and then home, remaining there three months luuler treatment. He rejoined the regiment at Shield Mill, and remained there until the end of the war. He was dis- charged June 11, 1865, and returned to Vir- ginia, Illinois. He was married December 24, 1868, in Cass county, to Hattie Davis, daughter of Julia Ann and Edward Davis, old settlers of Cass connty. Mr. and Mrs. Way ,have four children: Lenora married D. J. Parkison, a railroad employe; Walter, Linnie and John L. are all under the parental roof. Mr. Way's grandfatlier was a soldier in the war of 1812. Mr. Way is independent in politics, voting for men rather than for par- ties. He is one of the men that a grateful country would delight to honor. KgjET E R R I G G, a prominent farmer of ¥ Missouri township. Brown county, is a native of Anderson county, Kentucky, having been born there, March 11, 1830. His grandfather, also Peter, came from England 310 BIOORAPEICAL REVIEW OF CASS, and settled iu Virginia when it was yet a colony of Great Britain, serving in tlie Revo- lutionary war. lie resided on the banks of the rotoinac river for many years, but finally re- moved, at an early period, to Bourbon county, Kentucky, and later resided twenty years in Anderson county, Kentucky. From there he removed to Shelby county, Kentucky, where he died. He reared an interesting fam- ily of six children, of whom Richard AVatson, father of our subject, was the second. Ricliard was Ijorn in Virginia in 1789, and grew to maidiood in that State, but was married in Anderson county, Kentucky, to Elizabeth George, a native of Kentucky. Her father came from the Carolinas. This marriage ceremony took place in the early part of 1812. Mrs. Rigg died, and in the fall of 1830 Mr. Ricrg married Peggy Utterback. By his first marriage he had two children: William T., an honored citizen of Missouri township; and Sarah, who married Henry Ausmus, but died April 17, 1852. By the second marriage he had seven children: Elizabeth, wife of John B. Ausmus, of Texas; Susan, wife of Joshua B. Singleton, of Missouri township; Eliza J. married James M. Barker and died August 13, 1855; James N. (see sketch;) Margaret, wife of Abner Cogburn, of Hancock county; our subject; and John, who died November 24, 1852. In the fall of 1831 Mr. Rigg moved from Kentucky to Illinois, first stopping in Morgan county. He then settled in Schuyler county, in that part which is now in Brown connty, on section 20, Missouri township. Here he improved a farm, where he resided until his death, Octoljer 23, 1869. Mr. Peter Rigg was reared on a farm un- til niaidiood and remaineil at home until his marriage in 1852, when he was united to Mary E. Clark, daughter of William A. Clark. She was born in Logan county, Kentucky, March 7, 1833. Mr. Rigg continued to reside on the home- stead, of which lie became owner. He now has 190 acres of laud and carries on mixed farming, to which he has given his entire attention. Mr. and Mrs. Rigg have had nine children, three of whom grew up. They are: William C, born December 14, 1863, married Febru- ary 4, 1890, to Nettie Miller, and they have one da\ighter, Myrtle, born in 1891; Melissa born August 22, 1871, married March 15, 1892, to Eldred Yowell, resides in Monroe county, Missouri; Richard W., born July 8, 1874. Mr. Rigg is a stanch Democrat in politics and has served his township as School Treas- urer and Commissioner of Highways. He is an old regular Baptist in religion. He has been a hard-working man all his life and richly deserves all the prosperity that he now enjoys. PSENRY C. KROHE, a practical farmer Wi living on a fine farm, a part of the old, Jokisch homestead, was born in Beards- town March 3, 1848. This farm was secured by Henry's grandfather and consists of sixty acres, all well improved with good farm buildings. Mr. Krohe also owns twenty acres more. He has lived on this farm for many years and also operates many other lands. He is the third son of seven children. He obtained his education in the public schools. His father, August Krohe, a native of Germany, was the son of Godfred and Rosena Krohe, and the family all left Germany in 1835 and after a trip of some months landed in New Orleans, and some weeks later in Beardstown. SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 311 They obtained land in the valley of Bluif Springs and here the grandparents died when past eighty. They were well known people and good Lutherans. August Krolie came here as a young man with his parents as above noted. He became of age here and a farmer, and is now living at home, having retired from active work. He was married here, to Christiana Jokisch, who came to this country on the same vessel as her husband. She was a worthy wife for more than fifty years and died in April, 1889. Mr. Henry C Krohe was married, near his present residence, to Christina Menge a na- tive of Germany, born in 1852. She was only one year old when her parents came to Cass county in 1853. Here the father died fourteen years ago, but the mother is still living. They have always been Lutlierans, as are Mr. and Mrs. Krohe of this notice. Mr. Krohe is a Democrat, but h&s never been an office holder. They have six children: Ber- tha C, Lydia S., Rosa A., Felix J. A., Paul- ina W. and Matilda L. They are excellent people and are con- nected with some of the best famlies of Eeardstown. fOHN B. WETZEL, of section 5, Brown- ing township, was born within three miles of his present home, July 7, 1843. His parents, Christopher and Sarah (Cook) Wetzel, came to P^ulton county, Illinois, in 1836, settling on the farm where the father now lives. He was born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in 1818, and in the same year his mother was born in Augusta county. Virginia. The lat- ter died in Fulton county, Illinois, March, 1889. The Wetzel and Cook families were both of German origin. Mr. Wetzel received his education in the public schools of the district and grew to manhood on the farm and has always been a farmer. He owns 282 acres of land in sec- tions 4 and 5, Browning township. This land is highly improved, his residence, erected in 1888, being a very handsome build- ing of modern architecture. On his south farm he also has a good residence, comfort- able surroundings, and he takes pride in his fine stock, and usuallj' purchases from the stock yards in CJhicago such cattle as lie de- sires to feed: he also deals in hogs. He mar- kets fruit by the car-load. The entire family are members of the TTnited Brethren denom- ination and all are active in Sunday-school and church work. He has been a Class-leader and a Sunday-school siipei-intendent for many years. He was married in Astoria, in December, 1866, to Amanda E. Bryan of Virginia, whose parents, Thomas and Emeline (Lutz) Bryan, removed to Fulton county about 1853. Mr. and Mrs. Wetzel have tliree children, all liv- ing; Nettie F., Willard P. and Ina J., the first two living on the old Wetzel homestead. Ina J. is the wife of William Dean, a farmer, The two daughters have enjoyed the advan- tages of two years' attendance at the Rush- ville Normal School taking this after their public-school course, but do not care to teach. Mr. Wetzel is a Republican and has served as member of the County Central Committee. He is active and energetic in political work. AMUEL DE COUNTER, one of the largest land-owners in Woodstock town- ship, was born in Brown county, Illi- nois, October 4, 1827, a son of Peter Freder- 312 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, iek and Nancy (Seounts) De Counter. Thej were married in 1824, near Boon's Lick, Mis- souri. The father was a native of France, and emigrated to the United States in 1820; live years hiter lie came to Brown county, and the following year brought his family here; he bought land which he converted into a fertile farm, residing upon it until his death at the age of eighty-four years; his wife also died in the county, at an advanced age; she was a Virginian by birth. Two children were born to them : a daughter, now deceased, and the subject of this sketch. Samuel re- mained at home until he was twelve years old, and then his father married Mary Manser, who (lied ten years later. Samuel engaged in driving a peddling wagon until he was twenty-tive, and then began his career as a farmer. He has been twice married; his first union was to Miss Catharine Miller, a native of Summit county, Ohio; she died in Brown county at the age of thirty-one years, leaving three children. Frederick is married and the father of five children; Morris L. is married and has seven children; Emma is married and the mother of seven children. Mr. De Counter was married a second time in 1860, to Mas Harriet Stubbs, who was born in Floyd county. May 17, 1826, and was the mother of two children. Her parents, William and Jane (Gailey) Clark, father a native of Kentucky and the mother of Pennsylvania, emigrated to Illinois in 1852, and died in this State at an advanced age; they have ten children, two of whom are now living. By his second marriage Mr. De Counter had one daughter, who died at the age of twenty-one years, leaving one boy, Clarence Southey. Politically, he adheres to the principles of the Democratic party, but takes no active in- terest in the movements of that body. He has been one of the most energetic and en- terprising of farmers, and has amassed a handsome estate. He has always pursiied strictly honorable methods, and has an envi- able reputation wherever his name is known. fHOMAS J. CRUM, of Virginia, Illi- nois, was born within one mile of his present residence, July 9, 1835. He is the eldest living son of James and Chris- tina (Ream) Crum. (Parental history is given in the history of James Crum else- where in this book.) Thomas was raised to manhood on a farm and attended the subscription schools of the neighborhood. He has always lived on the farm given him by his father upon attaining his majority. To this he has added until he now has 450 acres in this farm, besides 800 acres of land in Burleigh county, North Dako- ta. He has been a resident here for over fifty years and has witnessed wonderful changes in the country. He remembers very well when there was but very little improved, land near him. He is a Democrat in politics. He was married March, 1857, to Miss Sarah A. Henderson, daughter of William and Lucinda Henderson, who were amoncf the early settlers in this, then Morgan county. She was the eldest of twelve children, seven of whom are now living. The mother died in Morgan couuty and the father in Henry county. Mr. and Mrs. Crum have had eleven chil- dren, nine of whom are still living, namely; Charles, married, operating the Dakota farm; Theresa M., wife of Edward D. Sommers, resides at Colorado Springs, Colorado; Oscar M. is in the publishing business at Jackson- ville, Illinois; William S., wholesale grocer SCHUYLER AXD BROWN COUNTIES. 313 in Joliet, Illinois; Ollie, now Mrs. Strong, resides at Winfield, Kansas, husband a farm- er; Eben Ross, Mary L., Henry Obed, and Thomas Austin are still at home. A pair of twins died in infancy. The family are mem- bers of the Protestant Methodist cliurch. Mr. Crum is an Ancient Odd Fellow, lodge having surrendered its charter dur- ing the late war. The Crum family is quite extensively represented in this county, where they are well and favorably known citizens who have by their industry accumulated a comfortable property. The aged father, now in his eighty-sixth year, is one of the solid landmarks of early pioneer days in Cass county. tEWIS CASS CAMPBELL, a prominent and esteemed resident of Camden village, Illinois, was born on a farm in Camden township, February 23, 185L His father, John Milton Campbell, was born in Harrison county, Kentucky, March 30, 1807, and was a son of James and Jane (Campbell) Camp- bell, natives of Scott county, Kentucky. Both of the grandfathers of John Milton Campbell bore the name of Campbell and were born in Scotland, but emigrated to America and died in the Colonies in the de- cade of 1700. John Milton's maternal grand- mother was a Cellars. His maternal uncle, Lindsey Campbell, married a widow by the name of Graham. Her son, Furgerson Gra- ham, died in Schuyler county, Illinois, at the residence of his son-in-law. Singleton Wright, deeply lamented for his many sterling quali- ities of character. William Campbell, an own cousin of John Milton Campbell, on his father's side, married a sister of Furgerson Graham. John Milton's father, James Campbell, was a skilled mechanic, who passed nearly all of his life in Kentucky, and died in Pendleton county, that State, aged eighty-six years. He was twice married, having by the first marriage five children, and one child by his second. John Milton was the oldest of the family, and his early life was spent on his father's farm. He received a fair education, and, under the instruction of his father, be- came a good mechanic. He afterward taught school and worked at his trade. He was mar- ried in Kentucky, to Ann Lake, and, in 1832, came to Illinois to look over the country. Being favorably impressed, he removed to the latter State in November, 1835. He en- tered and settled on land located on the southwest quarter of section eight, in Camden township, Schuyler county, where he in)- proved a farm. His health failincr in 1845 he passed a few years in the South, afterward returning to his farm. His first wife died in Kentucky, leaving one child, Thomas J. In 1850, Mr. Campbell was again married, his second wife being Miss Mary A. E. Aldrich, of Putnam county, Indiana, born June 8, 1826. She was a daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Strupp) Aldrich, natives of North Carolina, of English and German ancestry, respectively. She accompanied her sister to Illinois in 1847, and lived in Schuyler county. John Campbell died December 20, 1880, sincerely mourned by all who knew him. A Democratic in politics, he took an active part in all local affairs of importance. He frequently held office, being elected at various times to all positions in the gift of the county; he served one term as County Surveyor, and for many years as Deputy Sur- veyor. He was the clerk of his party, and, being a fine penman, the records of the county are remarkable for their neatness and legibil- ity. He was a devout member of the Chris- 3tt BIOGRAI'UICAL REVIEW OF' CASS, tian AdventistCliurch. His worthy wife sur- vives him and resides in (/iiiiiden. She also is an earnest and useful Tiieinher of the church to which her husband belonged. This estimable couple were the parents of four cliiidren: Lewis, Stephen, James I. and Eniina J. Lewis was reared a farmer and educated in Camden township. After his marriage lie resided on the farm of his father-in-law, but upon the death of his wife he returned to his mother's farm and managed it for some years, until 1885, when he married again and settled in Camden village and opened a hotel. He also engaged in farming and the carpen- ter trade, putting up some of the best build- ings in the county, outside of Rushville. He afterward sold the hotel and devoted his at- tention to his trade. He has 240 acres of land and some valuable property in Camden village. Hard as Mr. Campbell has worked, it is nothing to tiie privations that his father had to endure. He was the pioneer school teacher of tlie county, and besides pursuing that occupation he made maple sugar and split rails to get the mont!}' with which to enter his laud and purchase saddle-bairs to carry his surveying tools in. What farmer of to-day has to endure such hardships? He was married to Alice Callison in 1875, the daughter of John L. and Eliza (Smith) Callison. She was born in 1857, and died April, 1879. Mr. Campbell was again mar- ried in 1S85, his second wife beintr Alice L. O Irvin, a initive of Littleton township and a daughter of Osburn and Martha Irvin. They have had one child, Paul Irvin, horn Jidy 2(3, 18'J1. Mr. Camjihcll is independent in politics, being a supporter of the Farmers' Alliance, and has filled the office of Town Clerk. He is a member of Camden Lodge, No. 648, A. F. & A. M., of which he is Senior Warden. He is also correspondent for the Rushville Times, editing the Camden department. He was for many years an active member of the L*atrons of Husbandry. ^ONRAD MAYKEIS, of Beardstown, M& ^^^^^ born in Llesse-Darmstadt in 1842. W^ His parents lived and died in the same place. He was given a common (Terman schooling and when fifteen years of age came to this country and came on at once to Beardstown, HIinois, having left a sister, Sophia, in New York city, who had been the first of the family to cross the ocean. Sophia has been employed by the same family for the last forty years. Their family is represented by two other sisters, Caroline and Mary and brother John. Mr. Mayreis came here in 1857, learned the trade of boot and shoo maker and followed it until 1861. He then enlisted in Company K, Fourteenth HIinois Volunteers, Captain Reynolds in command, the regiment being known as the Springfield I'egiment, Colonel Palmer (e.x-Governor) in command. Mr. Mayreis served with his regi- ment as Corporal of iiis company for two years and three months, in the Army of the Tennessee, and fonjjht in the battles of Fort Donelson, Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, siege of Pittsbui-nty, Kentucky, February 6, 1823. His father, Abner Clark, was born in North Carolina. He removed to Kentucky when a young man and became a farmer. He married Nancy Gorum, of Kentucky. In 1835 he came to Illinois and settled in what is now Missouri township. Brown county. He entered land and resided there until January, 1847, when his wife died, and in consequence he moved to Schuy- ler county and lived with a son until his death in August, 1849, He had entered considerable land, and at his death still owned 240 acres of land. He had been a Whig in politics and Presbyterian in religion for many years prior to his death. He had ten children: Calvin, born May 30, 1805, died March 14, 1880; Perneta, born December 10, 1806; William, born March 1, 1809, died March 7, 1855; Harrison, born February 15, 1811, died March 18, 1883; Inetta, born August 26, 1813. died June 1, 1838; Terlina, born October 26, 1815, died January 15, 1890; Delila, born October 26, 1815; Catherine, born June 19, 1818, died June 7, 1841; Francis A,, born September 11, 1820; and Abner A., born February 6, 1828, Abner was reared on the farm and attended such schools as the newly settled locality offered. After the death of his mother he resided with a brother until 1847, when he settled where he now resides, on 160 acres of land. He began housekeeping in a log cabin, which in time was supplanted by the present residence, which is a comfortable frame struct- ure. He now owns 440 acres of land. His home contains 320 acres, he having added to the original 160. He has been a stock-raiser as well as a farmer, but now has all his land rented. He was married, May 27, 1847, to Elizabeth J, Sims, daughter of David and Sarah E, Sims. She was born in Sangamon county, Illinois, February 6, 1832. Mr. and Mrs. Clark have had five children, namely: Fi-ancis M., born in 1849, died February 25, 1853; Luticia, born 1851, died March 8, 1853; Nancy P., born in 1852, married Daniel M. McCaskill of Brown county, two children, Carrie and Koy A.; Levi G„ born 1857, married Lizzie R, Bond April 20, 1880, her death occurring November 13, 1882; was 3?4 BIOOBAPEICAL REVIEW OF CASS, married to Amanda Cady, daughter of Henry Cady, resides in Scliiiyler county, three chil- ilren: Asa A., Alta and Frank F.; Fred D., born 1868, resides at home. Mr. Clark is a Kepuljlican in politics and a Baptist in religion, being Moderator of the society. He and his wife are respected by all who know them. kOBEKT NELSON McFARLAND, the oldest settler of JJrown county, is now residing in Versailles. He was born in Harrison county, Kentucky, April 1, 1818. His father, William McFarland was born in the same county. There is little known of his grandfather except that he spent his last years in Harrison, Kentucky. His father was reared and married in Ohio, but resided in Kentucky until 1819, when his nearest neiglibor was ten miles distant. He next moved to Green county, Ohio, and was one of the earliest settlers there. He lived there \ititil 1822, when, with his wife and four children he made the journey to Hlinois, cooking and camping by the way. He located in Sanaamon and died there. At the time of their location there, this county was sparsely settled. The greater portion was owned by the Government. Springfield was but a hamlet, the capital of the State then being Vandalia. His mother continued to live in Sancra- mon county until 1824. She accompanied her sister and her sister's liusband, Cornelius Van Deventer, whom she afterward married, to what is now Brown county, where she resided until her death. Mr. McFarland was six years old when he came to Brown county, and remembers well many of the incidents of its settlement. At that time their nearest neighbors, the Indians, were more numerous than the white people. When Mr. Van Deventer came he laid claim to a tract of Government land, two and one half miles east of the present site of Versailles, and there built a log cabin in which was tanght the first school in Brown county, Hannah Burbank being the teacher. For some years after they came here there were no mills convenient, and during one winter the family subsisted almost entirely on lye hominy. In time there was a mill, operated by horse-power, introduced into the county, and Mr. McFarland used to go, in common with others, and during the long ride would subsist on parched corn, wild game and wild honey. There were no railroads, no steamers on the Illinois river and no markets. Of course our subject was reared to agri- cultural pursuits. His first farm was a tract of 100 acres, which he occupied until 1865, when he sold and purchased a farm of 210 acres, and at the present time he is living re- tired in the pleasant village of Versailles. He was married December 31, 1839, to Margaret W. McFarland, who died in 1879, leaving four livins children; Lucinda Van Deventer; Mary Whitehead; Robert N.. who married Ann Augusta Van Deventer; and Louis, who is still single. ^ Ef ^OHN D. HORTON, one of the progres- '^1 sive and enterprising farmers of Littleton ^^ township, was born in Schuyler county, Illinois, September 21, 1845, a son of Lewis and Priscilla (Christman) Horton. His father was a native of Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, and there grew to be mature SCHUYLER ASD BROWN COUNTIES. 825 years; he drove a stage until 1842, when he made a trip to Illinois, coming via tlie rivers to La Grange; he settled on the farm, now occupied by our subject, purcliasing the tract of 160 acres for $350; he erected a log honse which was a comfortable home until 1866, when the present structure was built. In 1852 he crossed the plains to California, returning in 1856 by way of New York city; he was accompanied by liis son Fred, who afterward went to Texas, where he died. His life was devoted to the pursuit of agri- culture; in politics he was a Democrat until 1856 when he cast his suffrage for Lincoln, but he was not actively interested in the movements of the party. His wife died in Schuyler county at the age of eighty-six years; before his death she made a trip to California, visiting a daughter residing there. John D. Horton is one of a family of ten children, four of wiiom are living, He was first married September 2, 1869, to Miss Mary E. Foster, of Schuyler county, who died July 8, 1870. He was again united in marriage February 17, 1875, to Miss Eliza- beth Nichols. Slie is also a native of this county, born in Littleton township, July IB, 1856, a daughter of Reuben and Elizabeth (Agnew) Nichols. (See sketch of James (Agnew.) Mr. and Mrs. Hortou are the parents of four children, all of whom are living: Lewis R., born February 24, 1879; Warren, born March 22, 1881; Craig C, born May 14, 1884, and Jessie C, born January 17, 1890. Mr. Horton received his education in the common school at Rushviile and remained under the parental roof until his marriage; after this event he settled on the homestead, and has since that time been eno-ao-ed in ac^ri- culture. Politically he is identified with the Republican party; he has represented the people of his township in various local of- fices, discharging his duties with much abili- ty and admirable fidelity. His wife has been tor many years a member of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church. They are both peo- ple of great stability of ciiaracter and enjoy the respect of all wiio know them. Their ancestors for generations have been men and women of brave hearts and undaunted cour- age, have served in the wars of the country, and have been reliable, industrious and pros- perous citizens of the Republic which they aided in founding. fO H N S. STUTSMAN, an honored pioneer of Schuyler county, has been closely identified with its history for many years, and it is fitting that a sketch of his life sliould appear in tiiese pages. He was born in Dubois county, Indiana. April 10, 1827, a son of Alexander D. and Rhoda (Seybold) Stutsman. Alexander D. Stutsman was a native of Kentucky, a son of Jacob and Mary (Berkey) Stutsman, natives of Peimsyl- vania; his father died in Dubois county, In- diana, at the age of eighty years; the mother died in the same ])iace, aged seventy years. The Stutsman family is of German origin, the great-grandfather of our subject having emigrated from the fatherland to America. Both Mr. and Mrs. John S. Stutsman had an- cestors that served in the wars of the Revo- lution and 1812. Rhoda Seybold, the mother of John S. Stutsman, was born in Georgia, and was one of a family of seven children; she became the mother of a family of eleven, eicht of whom are living. The father died on the old homestead, now occupied by his son, at the age of seventy-eight years. He was one of the early pioneers of the State, 326 BIOORAPHICAI. REVIEW OF CASS, emigrating to Schuyler county in 1834, and bravely bore the privations of life on the frontier that the way might be paved for the coming of an advanced civilization. He was accompanied by his wife and tive children, and made the journey with a four-horse wagon; he purchased a farm of 148 acres, partially improved; for twelve years the family lived in a log cabin that had been built before their comijig; this was in time re- placed by one of black-walnut logs, which was the home of the parents until death. The mother lived to be eighty years old. John S. remained under the parental roof until he was twenty-three years of age; he attended the district school, and although his opportunities were meager he laid the foundation of a thorough education, and has since come to be recognized as an authoi-ity on all historical subjects. Many were the evenings he read to his mother by the light of the flickering candle, as she sewed upon clothing, either for her own or the neighbor's boys. Mr. Stutsman was united in marriage, March 21, 1850, to Miss Sarah Howell, who was born in Monroe county, Indiana, January 24, 1831. Her parents, Jonathan and Nancy (Gilhamj Howell, emigrated to Indiana in 1822, and thence to Brown county, Illinois, in 1838, where they passed the remainder of their lives; tlie father died at the age of sixty-nine, and the mother at the age of eighty years. They reared a family of ten children, tive of whom survive. They had three sons in tlie Union army in the late war, two of whom (lietl in the service of their country. Mrs. Howell's parents were natives of North Carolina, as were also Mr. Howells. Mr. and Mrs. Stutsman have had born to them a family of ten children, six of whom are de- ceased; those living are named as follows: Nancy J. is married and the mother of seven children; Mary E. is at home; Robert W. is married and has two children; Joim E. is on the old homestead; Mary has taught school very successfully for several years. The family are members of the Methodist Episco- pal Church South, and are actively engaged in the good work of this society. After his marriage Mr. Stutsman lived near his present residence for three years, and then purchased the property lie still owns; he first occupied a log cabin, which he replaced in time with a substantial brick structure. His first tract consisted of forty acres of wild land, to which he added as his means would permit,until he now has 195 acres. He does a general farming business, and is more than ordinarily successful and prosperous. It is entirely through his own efforts that he has accumulated his property, as he had no capital excepting that with which nature had endowed him. Politically, he affiliates with the Demo- cratic party, which he has represented in various positions of trust and honor. He was County Treasurer four years from 1886 to 1890, has been Supervisor seven years, and Tow-nship School Treasurer twenty-seven years, holding the latter position at present; he has for many years been a member of the School Board. He is one of the most widely known men in the county, and none is held in higher esteem. tIBERTY G. PERSINGER, one of thg most prominent farmers of Woodstock township, was born in Alleghany county, Virginia, June 6, 1831, a son of Allen and Paulina (Peters) Persinger. Allen Persinger was a native of Virginia, born in Alleghany SCHUYLER AND SHOWN COUNTIES. 327 county, and resided there until he was twenty- three years of age. He then emigrated to lUinois, accompanied by his wife and one child; the journey was made from Virginia in a one-horse wagon, and when he arrived liis capital amounted to S25 in cash. He went to work with a will, and began the task of placing a tract of wild land under cultiva- tion. He afterward sold this, and entered eiglity acres on another section; to this he added as his means increased, until at one time he owned several Imndred acres. He built a log cabin in which he lived four yearS) and then erected another one of more preten- tions size, in which he died at the age of sev- enty-four years; his wife passed her last days in the same house. Politically, he was closely identified with the early history of the county and State; he held many local offices, and represented his county in the Illinois State Legislature. Liberty G. Persiiiger, who is named for the old Revolutionary General, Liberty Green, remained with his parents until he was twenty-one years of age. He was then married to Elizabeth Tharpe, a native of Illinois, and a daughter of Jonathan and Anna Tharpe, who were born in North Car- olina and were early settlers of Schuyler county. To Mr. and Mrs. Persinger have been born eleven cliildren, ten of whom are living; all are married: William L. has live children; Paulina has five children; Anna C. has three children; Cornelia J. is the mother of three children; iSlaomi has two children; Louis M. is the father of two children; Allen J. has a family of two children; Elmer E. and Edward have no children; Estella is the mother of one child. After his marriage, Mr. Persinger rented the land which he now owns; he lived in a little log cabin for a year, and then erected another in which he resided eight years; he then built his present home. Pie has 300 acres under good cultivation. 111 of which he inherited from his father's estate. He carries on a general farming business, and has met with more than ordinary success. The land was originally heavily timbered, and has required no small amount of energy and labor to reduce it to a state of culti- vation. Mrs Persinger is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our sub- ject takes no active interest in politics further than to discharge his duty as a citizen by casting his suffrage, which is with the Re- publican party. He is a man of superior business qualifications and unquestioned honor and integrity. ATHAN SUTTON, one of the most prominent citizens of his county was born in Sussex county. New Jersey, January 22, 1819, son of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Robe) Sutton, the former of the same place as his son, where he kept a store for many years, but sold out in 1823 and went to Washtenaw county, Michigan, where he took up land to the amount of 160 acres and improved it. He then sold it to his father, also Nathan, who was born in the same county and State as his son and grand- son. This gentleman died Michigan when about seventy-five years of age. His wife, subject's grandmother, was Sarah Sutton and she died on the farm when about seventy-six. The entire family were farmers by occupa- tion. Mr. Nathan Sutton, Sr., was a teamster in the war of 1812. Benjamin Sutton arrived in Illinois July 29, 1833, and settled near the present home of subject, where he entered and bought land to such an extent that he had 2,200 acres at his death, 328 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OP CASS, beinjj one of the largest land-owners in ceutral Illinois. He died in October, 1837, aged about forty-live and his wife, who was born in, the same place as her husband, died on tlie old farm, aged about forty-seven. The Sutton family were of English descent, the Robes of German ancestry. Our subject was one of nine children, five of whom are yet living, and his father was one of six chil- dren. His mother's people never came West, but died in New Jersey, when very old : they were farmers. The Sutton family figured largely in the politics of Michigan, several of them serving as Justices of the Peace one was a ineinl)er of the State Legislature, while another served as Mayor of Ann Arbor, Michigan. The prominence of Benja- min Sutton was not confined to Michitjan by any means, as he was one of the most prominent men of his county, in Illinois. He erected the first gristmill in the locality and in order that the children of the section should have the benefit of the subscription schools he paid one half of the teacher's fees for five months. This family did not come West in the moneyless condition that so many were in, as they had nearly §7,000 in cash be- sides personal effects which had been l)rought across the country in wagons, the only means of transportation in those days. Mr. Sutton, Sr.. was a Deacon in the Baptist Church and for a time Clerk, and a member of the order of A. F. & A. M. Our subject remained upon the home farm until his marriage, when he rented for a year and then liought seventy-five acres of wild land, on which he built a log house 16 x 18 feet, in which he and his wife lived until he built his present house, in 1856. Mr. Sutton kept adding to his farm until he now has 500 acres of fine land and has given each of his children a fine farm. A son of Nathan Sutton enlisted in the late war, and while in service he was captured and sent to Anderson ville, where he remained five months. His health was so impared by confinement that he was obliged to be in the St. Louis hospital, but with these exceptions he served throughout the entire war. One of his brothers was in the same company for one year, responding to the last call for men. Mr. Sutton was married August 4, 1842, to Miss Elizabeth A. Lemar, born in Mason county, Kentucky, July 9, 1823, daughter of Richard and Elizabeth H. (Merrell) Lemar. The former was a native of New Jersey, who came from Kentucky, which had been his home for some years, to Illinois, in 1840, and after marrying a second time settled in Petersburg, Illinois, where he bought eighty acres of land, five miles from present home of subject. His first wife died when her daugh- ter, Mrs. Sutton, was thirteen months old. The family was of French descent. The mother of Mrs. Sutton was a daucrhter of Andrew and Elizabeth (Hyde) Merrell and and the Hyde family were the legal heirs to a large estate in England, but which they have never been able to obtain, although they have sutficient proof to establish their claim to it. Mrs. Sutton one of five children, two yet living and also two half sisters are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Sutton have had eight children, as follows: William Sylvester, born April 21, 1844, married Mary E. Severs three children: Alonzo, born September 9, 1846, married Miss Martha Dick (see sketch of Levi Dick); John H., born August 21, 1848, married Hannaii Ogden, deceased; mar- ried second time Mary I. Garder, two chil- dren; David L., born July 28, 1850; Win- field S., born August 19, 1852, married Levina Samuels by whom he had six children, and after her death he married Lucretia Lynn SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 329 by whom lie had four children; Clara J., born October 14, 1854, inarried Joshna Conjers, and has five living children, one de- ceased; Benjamin R., born March 24, 1857, married Jennie Morgan, has three children, Stella, Ernest and Ella, the oldest one having died in infancy and another, also an infant, is deceased; and Ella E., born September 8, 1858, married James Odgen, two children. Mr. Sutton is an ardent liepiiblican, having been an old-line Whig, casting his first vote for General "William H. Harrison. Mr. and Mrs. Sutton, with their family are members of the Baptist Church, in which Mr. Sutton has been a Deacon for many years. Tb.is is a brief sketch of one of the most prominent families in the county, and we regret that space forbids a more extended notice of such a well known and influential family. iENRY C. MEYER, a successful brick and tile manufacturer and ice dealer of Beardstown, Illinois, was born in West- phalia, Prussia, September 20, 1835. His parents were Henry C. and E. (Ilildabrandt) Meyer. His father was an efficient soldier for fifteen years under the general command of the first Emperor William, wlien they were both young men. His father partici- pated in many active engagetnents, and was highly respected by his superior officers. In 1843, the family emigrated to the United States, arriving, after a voyage of fifteen weeks, in New Orleans, from which place they were nearly as long in reaching Evansville, In- diana, by the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. They settled in Knox county, Indiana, where, in 1857, the devoted wife and mother died. Some years later, the father came to Beards- town to visit his son, who had gone to that place some time before. He subsequently died at his son's home in 1878, at the age of seventy years. He was a man of sterling qualities of mind and heart, and enjoyed, with his wife, the heartfelt esteem of all who knew them. Botii parents were devout members of the Evangelical church. The subject of this sketch came to Beards- town in 1857, when a poor, young man, hav- ing at tliat time only $5 in his pocket. He commenced, in a primitive manner, to work at his present business, moulding brick with his hands, which was then tlie usual way. He was thus employed when the Civil war broke out, and in 1861 lie volunteered liis services to the Government, but the quota having been filled he was not accepted. He pur- chased his first land in that year, near Arenz- ville. By unremitting industry and careful economy, he gradually accumulated means, which he invested in the best improvements obtainable for the manufacture of brick and tile, besides branching out in other direc- tions. He now makes about 1,000,000 brick and many thousand rods of tile annually, l)e- ing the largest manufacturer in that line in his county. He is also extensively engaged in the ice business, which he has successfuiy conducted for the past twenty years, his ice houses now having a capacity of 12,000 tons. He has gradually added toliis first purchase of land, until he now owns 1,000 acres of choice realty in Cass county; 900 of wiiich are well improved and cultivated, and 300 being under his own management. He was married about 1862, to Miss Mollie Boy, who was born and raised near Arenzville, of which vicinity her people were early and respected pioneers. Both of her parents are now dead. Mr. and Mrs. Meyer have had eight children, seven of whom sur- vive: Louis, who married Tilla Piehler; 330 BIOORAPHICAL REVIEW OF OASS, Elizabeth, wife of A. E. Cameron, a success- ful jeweler of Beardstowu; Albert, assisting his father at home; Lydia, wife of Charles Lebkucher, a properous farmer of this county; MoUie, Herold and Adalaide, living at home. Politically, Mr. Meyer supports the issues of the Democratic party, and, while being no office seeker, takes an interest in all local and public affairs of importance. Both he and his worthy wife are useful members of the Fourth Evangelical Lutheran Church. Mr. Meyer has not attained his success without earnest and persistent endeavor; wholly unaided, he has, by industry and economy, acquired his present prosperity; while by upright dealings and uniform court- esy he has secured the universal esteem of his fellow men. ^ON. ARTHUR A. LEEPER, attorney at law, Virginia, Illinois, was born at Chandlerville, Cass county, this State, August 21, 1855, son of William D. Leeper, a native of Edmonson county, Kentucky. Rev. Robert Leeper, grandfather of Hon. Arthur A. Leeper, is supposed to have been a native of Kentucky. He retnoved from that State to Illinois in 1829, and en- tered a tract of Government land, a portion of which is now included in the villaofe of Chandlerville, being one of the first settlers there. He at once built a log house, and be- gan the improvement of his land. He erected the first gristmill ever built in that locality. He operated the mill, superintended the im- provement of his land, and resided there until his death. William D. Leeper was twelve years old when his parents moved to Illinois. The greater portion of the State was at that time unsettled, and deer, wild turkeys and other game were plentiful in this vicinity. It was long before the railroads entered this section of the country, and for many years Beards- tovvn was the market and depot for supplies for miles around. He entered a tract of Gov- ernment land that joined his father's farm on the east, located on it at the time of his mar- riage, and passed his life there, dying in 1866. The maiden name of his first wife, mother of the subject of our sketch, was Mary Runyan. She was born in Kentucky, and died in 1857. His second wife, previously Maria Ilermeyer, was born in Germany. In the public schools of Chandlerville, Arthur A. received his early education. At the age of sixteen he entered Eureka College, and graduated with the class of 1874. He then entered the law department of Iowa University, graduating in 1875. Returning to Chandlerville, he opened an office and practiced his profession there until the fall of 1876, when he came to Virginia, where he has since practiced. September 18, 1878, he married Eva Howe, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of Rufus and Eva (^Miller) Howe. They have two chil- dren: Mabel and Alice. Politically, Mr. Leeper is a Democrat. He cast his first vote for Samuel J. Tilden. In 1876, he was elected State's Attorney for Cass county, and tilled that position until 1880. He has served as City Attorney three years, and was School Director tliree years. In 1885 he was the nominee of his party for member of the House of Representatives. This was the time of the memorable contest which finally resulted in the election of John A. Logan to the United States Senate. The Republicans made a still hunt in this cam- paign, i^nd Ml". Leeper was defeated. He bCHUTLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 331 was re-nominated, however, in 1888, for State Senator, and was elected, serving through two sessions. He was one of the 101 who voted continually for John M. Palmer. Among the various committees on which he served, we mention the following: Special Drainage, Insurance and Judiciary, Highwaj's and Bridges, Judicial Department, Corporations, Canals and Rivers, Labor and Manufactures, Rules, State Charities, License and Miscellaneous, and County and Town- ship organizations. lie faithfully performed the duties of his responsible position, his efficient work being recognized and highly appreciated by his constituents. He was re-nominated for Senator in April, 1892. Fraternally, he is a member of Virginia Lodge, No. 554, A. F. & A. M., and Saxon Lodge, No. 68, I. O. G. T. '^^^^^i^t^^^^ WILLIAM K. SIIUPE, one of the most intelligent and enterprising agricult- urists of Woodstock township, is a native of the State of Virginia and a son of Peter and Sarah (Wright) Shiipe; the date of his birth is October 9, 1824. The father was also born in Virginia and emigrated to this county in 1843; later he went to Iowa, and died there in his fifty-tourth year; his wife was born in Virginia and died in Iowa; they had born to them a family of fifteen children, six of whom are now living. The family is of German lineage, the first ancestors in this country emigrating previous to the war of the Revolution. William K. remained at home until he was twenty years of age, and then worked at the cooper's trade several years. He was united in marriage October 19, 1846, to Miss Mary A. Hoffman, a native of Ohio and a daughter of Joseph and Mary A. (Myers) Hoffman; her parents removed to this county about 1837, and here passed the rest of their lives; they reared a family of eight children, five of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Shupe are the parents of si.x chil- dren: Samuel L. is married and has one son; Sarah A. is married and the mother of four children; George H. is married and has eight children; Mary F. is married and the mother of four children; Martha M. is married and has five children; William J. married and his wife died leaving two children. After his marriage Mr. Shupe settled on the farm he now occupies; he has 120 acres, which he has improved and brought to a high state of cultivation. For many years he lived in a little log cabin, but in 1862 erected his present comfortable dwelling. He carries on a general farming business, manages all branches with much wisdom, and reaps the reward of success. Peter Shupe, father of William K., was in the war of 1812, and several members of the family participated in the late Civil war. Formerly Mr. Shupe was identified with the Democratic party, but now casts his suffrage for the man rather than the party. He has been Assessor for a number of years, and has held other positions of trust and responsi- bility. He has given attention to the matter of public education, and has served on the school board. He is now practically retired from active business pursuits, the care and management of the farm being in the hands of the younger son. The first years our subject spent in this section of country were fraught with trials and hardships, such only as are possible in a new and undeveloped community. The jour- ney from the East was made overland; the funds of the family being exhausted, they stopped and the sons split 1,000 rails 333 BTOGBAPHICAL REVIEW OF OASS, to secnii'i^ monu\' to continue the trip which consumed two months. Mr. Shu]ie is a self- made man in every sense of the word: he has never received financial aid, and his present property has been accumulated entirely' tliroucrh his own efforts. It was through the influence of Mormon preachers that tiie father was induced to come to the West, and two of his sons pushed their way to Salt Lake, and pitched their tents on the present site of Salt Lake City, July 24, 1847; one of them still lives there, and celebrates the twenty- fourth day of July. Mr. Shupe is a man who is fully posted upon current events, is a wide reader, and thoroughly loyal to tiie in- terests of his county and State. fAMES D. MATTHEW was born near the present site of Columbus, Franklin county, Ohio, in 1813, November 24. His father, Simon Matthew, was born in Fauquier county, Virginia, and his father, Nathan Matthew^ was, as far as is known, born in the same State. The great-o-randfather of subject, Edward Matthew, was born in Wales and came to America, settling in Virginia in colonial times. He was a miller by trade, and his son was also a miller, anil he erected a mill in Virj^inia durino; tlie Revolutionary war. lie resided in Virginia until about 1817, when he went to Washington county, Indiana, and was a resident there until his death. His son was reared in Virginia and went to Ohio when he was twenty-six years of age. He settled in Frankliri county and was one of the first settlers there. He as- sisted in cutting the logs to build the peni- tentiarv at Columbus. In 1818 he eniicrrated to Indiana, settling in Washington county. whicl) was a heavily titnbered country at that time. He rented a tract of timber land ten miles west of Salem, and erected a log house in the wilderness. There w^ere no railroads in the State at that time, and the nearest market was fifty miles away. He lived in Indiana until 1832, and during that time cleared quite a tract of his land. In 1832 he sold that and came to Illinois, settling ten miles southeast of Springfield, where he re- sided until his death. The maiden name of his first wife, the mother of our subject, was Ann Dearderff, borji near New Castle, of German ancestry. She died in Sangamon county, after the arrival of the family. James came with his parents to Sangamon county, Illinois,'and was nineteen the day he reached there. At that time the eapitol of the State was Vaiidalia, Springfield being but a hamlet, and the nearest market for farm- ers in Sangamon county was St. Louis or Beardstown. He resided there until 1838, and then came to Cass county. He had visited this section and entered forty acres of land in 1837, in section 32, township 18, and forty more acres in section 19 of the same township. In 1838 he built a hewed-log cabin and commenced at once to clear the land. At that time deer and other kinds of wild game supplied the table with meat. Wheat sold from thirty to forty cents a bushel, and corn for ten cents a bushel. The wife dressed the children in homespun of her own raising, carding and weaving. He added to his farm until it is now about 365 acres, the greater part improved. He was married March 27, 1834, to Dorcas Hamilton, born in Virginia, daughter of Pressley and Susana Hamilton. Mr. and Mrs. Matthew have had the following chil- dren: Simon P., Ann, Charles, Jane Ruth, Rodney, Nettie, Henry L. and Lincoln. ■W^' ' f^m- '^o/u/'^yz ^=^J^>^- ■-^^>^^ SCnUTLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 333 Mr. Matthew was a member of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, as is his wife. He was a Whig and liepublican, and was a good and honorable man. He died April 7, 1892, at his home. Tims one of the oldest settlers and a man respected for his sterling integrity has passed away, and the family and large circle of friends and acquaintances are left mourning. He died a firm believer in the Christian religion. His aged wife of tifty- six years, standing, still occupies the old home where they settled in 1838. Tney celebrated their golden wedding March 27, 1884. They were married in Indiana. fDWIN DYSON is the editor and pro- prietor of the Rush vi lie Times, a weekly paper devoted to the interests of the Democratic party. It is ably edited and well conducted, and reflects great credit upon the management. Mr. Dyson is an American citizen by adoption, his native land being England; he was born in Lancas- tershire, July 28, 1838, a son of James Dy- son, a native of the same country; there the father was reared and married, his wife's maiden name being Hannah Wilson. He was employed in the cotton-mills until 1841, when accompanied by his wife and four chil- dren, he emigrated to Ai^erica: they sailed from Liverpool and landed at the port of New Orleans after a stormy voyage of nearly three months; they continued their journey to Illinois, and located at Rushville, where Mr. Dyson died a few months later. A few years after her husband's death, Mrs. Dyson married Thomas Hampton, and still lives in Rushville. Edwin Dyson was a child of three years when the family arrived in Schuy- ler county. Illinois. Here he was reared and 23 educated, and at the age of sixteen years began to learn the printer's trade. He was first in the ofhce of the Schuyler Democrat, and served there nearly three years; he then worked in Rushville as a journeyman until 1864, when he went to St. Louis; he was in the office of the Republican of that city for four years. At the end of that time he re- turned to Schuyler county, aiul purchased the Rushville Times, which he has since edited. He has made the Times one oi the leading papers of the military tract, having a circula- tion far above the average of county papers. In connection with the publication of the paper he runs a job printing office which turns out work of a very high class. Mr. Dyson was married in 1861, to Mary F. Irvin, who was born near Danville, Ken- tucky, and of this union three childreti have been born: Jennie L., Orean E. and Howard F. Our subject has been prominently iden- tified with the political movements of the Democratic party in this county aside from his editorship of their organ. He has been County Treasurer two terms, and wasamem. her of the Hoard several years, and has served as n delegate to the various county, district and State conventions. He belongs to Rush- ville Lodge, No. 9, A. F. & A. M. fOHN ELLIOTT, a retired farmer, living at the corner of Jackson and Seventh streets in Beardstown, Illinois, was born in county Antrim, Ireland, November, 1820. He came of Scotch ancestry, of a very old family of pure blood, not mixed with Irish by marriage. He is the son of William Elliott of the same place, a farmer and a keeper of a public inn, who lived and died in that county at the age of forty years. His grandfather was 334 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, David Elliott, a farmer of Scotland, who died when quite old. William Elliott was married to an Antrim lady of Scotch blood, whose name was Mary Thompson. She was the daughter of Robert and Mattie (Kichie) Thompson, who were county Antrim farmers, and there Ro- bert 'I'liompson spent his last years, but his wife came with lier son at an early day to Virginia, Cass county, Illinois. John Elliott came of a. large family, grew up in his native county, learned the tailor trade and afterward with his mother and brothers, in 1841, came to America and joined other brothers in Connecticut. In 1845 tlie mother and son came on to Cass county. Some worked the farm, and others followed their trade. The mother made her horn with her cliildren until her death, which oc- curred in 1877, aged eighty-four. She was a noble-hearted woman and had done mucii to help and encourage her children. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church, a great student of Scotch history and literature, a line reader of the Scotch dialect and a writer of some local repute. She also composed some music, which has been considered very fine. She is remembered as a noble, gener- ous woman. lie lived for some years in Beardstown svorking at his trade and with the money he made and saved, with his brother, David, he bought 160 acres of land near Virginia, later sold it and then purchased the 160 acres that became his home until his retirement. His farm, the scene of his labors, lies near the city of Beardstown. Tlie land is highly improved and has good buildings, and as he now enjoys the comforts of life he can remember that they have been obtained by his own efforts. He was married the first time in Connecti- cut, to Margaret Frey of Ireland, wlio came to the United States in 1841, and after forty- eight years of married life left a bereaved husband, in 1890. The living children are: William W., of San Francisco, California; Thomss F., of Jewell county, Kansas; George W. of HoUiday, Kansas; Robert S. of St. Louis, Missouri: Lucy A., wife of John Thompson, of Jewell county, Kansas; and David II., now runnintr his father's farm. Mr. Elliott was married a second time in this county, to Mrs. Ann E. Johnson, formerly, Hiles. She was born in New Jersey, December 12, 1823. She and her first husband came to Macoupin county in 1856, and he died there. Mr. and Mrs. Elliott are members of the Congregational Church. Mr. Elliott is a Re- publican in politics and was a Whig. -^■^hnyiro- — Q/inrxy^ ILLIAM McKEE, one of the oldest md most prominent citizens of I' "^'i Schuyler county, was born in Craw- ford county, Indiana, January 22, 1813, a son of William McKee, who was a native of Ken- tucky. The paternal grandfather, James Mc- Kee, emigrated to Kentucky during the war of the Revolution, and thence removed to In- diana, where he passed the remainder of his days. William McKee, Sr., was reared in the Blue-grass State, and there was married; he removed to Indiana when it was yet a Terri- tory, and was a pioneer of Crawford county. He purchased land and made it his iiome until 1826, when, accompanied by his wife and ten children, he removed to Illinois. The journey was made by teams, which was not devoid of interest. Mr. McKee had visited this section the year previous, making the trip on horseback; he purchased a land war- rant which called for 160 acres, paying there- for $100; on his return to Indiana he stopped at Springfield and cleared his title at the 8CHUTLER ANL) BROWN COUNTIES. 335 Government office. It was, indeed, a courage- ous heart that looked at such a future calmly; the country was thinly settled, the poles of the Indian wigwams still stood in the ground, market towns were far distant and provisions were high. Mr. McKee erected a double log cabin, using wooden pegs instead ot'nails; the door was constructed of puncheons, and was furnished with the historic latch-string. James Vance built the first horse-mill operated with a rawhide liaml. This was built when the subject of this sketch came to the county. Calvin Hobart built one in the fall of 1836, then William McKee, father of our subject, built a horse-mill in 1828, it being the third in that section of the country. People came to the mill from as far north as Rock Island. Mrs. McKee manufactured cloth from the flax and cotton that her husband raised, with which to clothe the family. Mrs. Mc- Kee's maiden name was Cassie Frakes; she was a native of Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Henry and Hannah Frakes; her death occurred at the house of her daughter, which is situated close to the old home farm. The subject of this sketch was thirteen years and four months old when he came to Illinois; on the journey he drove a four- horse team with a jerk line. He has a vivid recollection of many of the experiences which fall only to the lot of the pioneer. He re- mained in this State until 1839, and then started on a missionary tour among the In- dians in the far West; he crossed the plains to Oregon, and spent one year among the savao-es; at the end of twelve months he re- turned to Illinois and resumed farming, con- tinuing this occupation until 1847; then he again crossed the plains to Oregon, and dur- ing that year the Indians attacked the mis- sion twenty-five miles from Walla Walla and murdered Dr. Whitman and others; he volunteered to assist in subduing the red- skins, and was six months in the service. He was ill Orecron until 1840, and then went to California; he was suffering from ill-health, and his funds were limited compared with the extremely high price of piovisions, flour selling as high as §2.50 a pound. In 1852 he returned to his home and located on the old homestead which he now occupies. Mr. McKee was married in 1853, to Sarah C. Wilmot, a native of Steuben county. New York. Mrs. McKee was educated in the pioneer schools and at the age of twenty be- gan to teach. Only one of the directors who examined her could read and write; she re- ceived for her services the magnificent sum of $2.50 a week- Mr. and Mrs. McKee are the parents of five daughters: Amanda, wife of Henry Ilite, died in February, 1883, leav- ing an infant son, Archie M., who is being reared by his grandparents; Mary C, died in infancy; Ida S., wife of Samuel D. Wheel- house, died in April, 1880; Bertha, wife of Cyrus L. DeWitt; and Meta, who died in October, 1889, aged fourteen years. Puliticallv Mr. McKee afliliales with the Democratic party, although in former times he was a Whig. He is a man of wide ex- perience, having passed through all *he phases of life on the frontier. He has always been loyal to the interests of Sciiuyler county, and has the entire confldence and respect of his fellow-men. fACOB RITCHEY, an honored pioneer, resides on section 12, Buena Vista town- ship, and was born in Dayton, Mont- gomery county, Ohio, on December 5, 1821. When but two years of age his mother died, 336 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, and iive years later he had tlic misfortune to lose his father. There were six children, five sons and one daughter. The oldest, John, died in Schuyler county, Illinois; George F. died in liushville, in the same State; Charles is now residing in Rushville; William G. died in Schuyler county; Susan married Jasper Patton, and died in Ohio; our subject was next in birth to the youngest, and on her death-bed his mother gave him to her brother, Jacob Sawyer, with whom he re- mained Hve years. He then accompanied his brother George to Illinois, living with him until he grew to manhood. He attended school but little, as his time was engaged in hard work on the farm. When twenty years of a<);e he was hired by a widow to work her farm on shares, which he did for one year. Later, his brother George married the widow, and our subject rented his brother's former farm, which he tilled until 1845, when he rented eighty acres of William McKee, which he cultivated for himself. While thus en- gaged, he met Clara Ann, daughter of the owner of this land, and their acquaintance ripening into nuitual attection, they were married in 1840, when his father-in-law pre- sented to him the eighty acres he had been tilling, and on which he and his wife still reside. He has made substantial improve- ments on his land, in the way of buildings, having a coint()rtable home and barns for his grain and stock, besides other modern appli- ances, to facilitate the sowing, harvesting and garnering the products of the farm. Besides this eighty acres, which is under a good state of cultivation, he has purchased 167 acres more in Rushville township, which he is also farming. Mr. and Mrs. Ritcheyhave seven children: William Thomas, residing in Rushville town- ship; Charles R., residing in Camden town- ship-; James, residing in liuntsville township; Georgia Ann, living at home; Susan C, wife of F. E. Moore; living in Cowley county, Kansas; Amanda and Mary, living at home. Mr. Ritchey is a member of the Republi- can party, but takes no active part in politics other than desiring the advancement and welfare of the community. He is not a mem- ber of any civic or religions society, but is lib- eral in his views. He is a thoroughly honest and industrious man, a good neighbor, kind husband and indulgent father, and enjoys the esteem of the community and the affection of his family anel friends. ^ fflARLES A. SCIiAEFFER, County Superintendent of Schools of Cass county, is thoroughly identified with the educational interests of this county, and is as popular as he is well known. A resume of his life is herewith presented, Mr. Schaeffer was born in what is now Bluff Spring precinct, Cass county, Illinois, May 24, 1855. His father, Calvin S. Schaef- fer, was born in Monroe precinct, same county, son of Phillip Scliaeffer, a native of Oiiio. Phillip Schaeffer's father, John Scliaef- fer, was, it is supposed, a native of Pennsyl- vania, and the family are descended from German ancestry. John Schaeffer removed to Ohio at an early day and was one of the pioneer settlers of that State. He continued his way westward in 1818 and took up his abode in Cass county, Illinois, where he passed his life. He and his worthy com- panion reared six sons and six daughters. Phillip Schaelfer was reared and married in in Ohio, and moved fi'om tiiere to Illinois, becoming one of the first settlers of what is now Monroe precinct, Cass county. Here SCHUTLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 337 he entered a tract of Government land and on it erected a cabin which served as the family home for a number of years. Subse- quently he built a frame dwelling. At that time Beardstown, Jacksonville and Spring- field were the principal markets iu this part of the country. There were no gristmills in this vicinity, and on his farm he erected a mill that he operated by horse power. People came for many miles to get their corn ground here. On this place he made his home until the time of his death, in 1854. The maiden name of his wife was Highly Carver. She was born in Ohio, of English descent. Her death occurred at the home place in 1880. The names of their six children are Wash- ington, Valentine W., Calvin S., Cyrus J., Martha A. and Elizabeth. Calvin S. was reared on the farm and remained with his parents until his marriage, soon after which he moved to Petersburg and was engaged in farming there for a time. He then came back to Monroe Precinct and leased a part of his father's estate, built a log house, and lived there about ten years. From there he moved to his present farm, which includes a part of his father-in-law's homestead in Hick- ory precinct. His wife was before her mar- riage Miss Mary Schafer, she being a daugh- ter of Christopher and Hachel (Emerick) Shafer. Calvin S. Schaeffer and his wife reared six children, viz.: Charles A.; George W.; Winters L.; William D.; Kachel A.; and Jennie. Charles A. Schaeffer received his early education in the district schools, afterward attending the Virginia High School and the State Normal School at Normal, Illinois. At the age of twenty-two he commenced teaching, and taught and attended school for nine years. On the thir4;y-first anniversary of his birth he received the nomination for County Superintendent of Schools, and was elected at the ensuing election. Four years later he was nominated by acclamation, and elected by a largely increased majority. In November, 1890, he bought an interest in the Virginia Enquirer, in company with his cousin, William A. S. Schaeffer (since de- ceased), and soon afterward bought the re- maining interest. He was then sole pro- prietor of this paper until September, 1891, at which time he sold the entire interest in said paper to F. E. Downing. Mr. Schaeffer was married, in 1882, to Nellie M. Garner, a native of Oregon pre- cinct, Cass county, Illinois, a daughter of William S. and Nancy M. (Crews) Garner. Two children have been born to them: Ledru G. and Edna Belle. Mr. Schaeffer's political views are in har- mony with Democratic principles. He cast his first vote for Samuel J. Tilden. Frater- nally, he is associated with Virginia Lodge, No. 544, A. F. & A. M.; Saxon Lodge, No. 68, I. O. O. F.; and Virginia Camp, M. W. A. ,,l^-^IRAM BENNETT BAXTER, an intel- ligent and progressive farmer and stock- raiser of township 17-9, near Ashland, Illinois, was born and reared in Jefferson county, Indiana. His parents were William and Jane (Kerr) Baxter, both natives of Ohio, his father hav- ing been born in Dayton. His father's father was a native of Ireland, who came to America and settled in Pittsburg, Pennsyl- vania, where he married a German lady, named Rebecca Riddle. Mr. Baxter's ma- ternal grandfather was Josiah Kerr, a native ot Scotland. Thus he is ol Irish, German 338 BIOORAPHICAL REVIEW OF OASS, and Scotch ancestry, three of the most intel- ligent and progressive nationalities on the face of the earth, and he wonld be a sad renegade were he not likewise constituted. His parents had ten sons and two daughters) of whom the subject of tliis sketch was the sixth in order of birtli. James Kiddle, the, eldest brother, is an attoi-ney of Bloomfield Greene county, Indiana; Josiah Xerr is a retired physician of SJiarpsville, Indiana; Daniel Thomas, a mechanic, died in early manhood, leaving a wife and two children^ all now deceased; Oliver H. P. was one of the tirst white settlers in Pueblo, Colorado, where he engaged in mining and speculating in cattle, in which occupations he has been very successful, having accumulated a fortune of great wealtli. He is now retired from active business, and spends most of his time in traveling, has been twice to Europe, and last summer was in Alaska. William Alex- ander died in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1877; the next in order is the subject of this sketch; George W. is a resident of Indianapolis, In- diana; Hayden Hayes is in the cattle busi- ness, near Pueblo, Colorado; Edward Arthur is in the livery and undertaking business in Sangamon county, Illinois; Leonidas Napo- leon is farming the old Indiana homestead; Ilavanna Siloam married Robert Williams, a merchant of Madison, Indiana; Irena Hazel- tine died in early childhood. In 1854 the family were called upon to mourn the loss of the devoted wife and mother, whose life had been one of self abnegation and subservience to her family's welfare. The father afterward married her sister, and to this union one son, Virgil, was born, who died in 1861. The father died in August, 1861, and was interred by the side of his tirst wife, near the old home in Indiana. He was a prominent man in his community and was very popular among his associates, always headingevery movement for the moral and material improvement of his locality. The second wife lives on the old homestead. She is a lady of much cul- ture and refinement, and is universally be- loved. The subject of this sketch was educated in Indiana, and was reared to farm life, and in the peaceful pursuits of rural and home life spent his earlier days. This happy routine was interrupted by civil discord, which rent the country, and on July 14, 1861, he en- listed at Madison, Indiana, in Company K, Twenty-second Indiana Infantry. He par- ticipated in the Missouri campaign, the first encounter taking place at Glasgow, that State, where Major Tanner was killed; and also took part in the fight at Blackwater, where the Union forces took 1,300 of the enemy prison- ers. Thence he accompanied his reo-iment, under the supervision of General Fremont to Springfield, Missouri. General Hunter superseding General Fremont, they were re- turned to their old quarters, under the imme- diate command of General Curtis, with whom they marched to Springfield and thence to the battle at Pea Ridire, where the ritrht flank suffered severely. Thence they went to Cor- inth, Mississippi, wjiere they participated in the siege of Corinth, after which they returned to luka, that State, going from there to Flor- ence, Alabama, and back again to Louisville, marching 400 miles in August and September, 1862. After this they went to Perry ville, Ken- tucky, where there was an engagement, in which Mr. Baxter was shot through the left knee, lying on the battlefield all night after being wounded. There were thirty-five men in his company on going into battle, and on emerging there were but eight unharmed, ten having been killed, thirteen wounded and four taken prisoners. Mr. Baxter was sent to the SGHUTLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 839 hospital at Louisville, where he remained from October 8, 1862, to February of the following year. He rejoined his regiment at Mur- freesboro, Tennessee, and tiiere received his commission as First Lieutenant, being pro- moted from Duty Sergeant to tiiat rank. In the absence of the captain, who had been wounded, Mr. Baxter at once assumed com- mand of the company. His regiment re- mained in Murfreesboro until June, and then went on the Tuliahoma campaign, following the enemy as far as Chattanooga, and par- ticipated in the historic battle of Chicka- maufTii. It then fell back to Chattanooga, and engaged for a time in building fortitica- tions. It next took part in the sanguinary battle of Missionary Ridge, at which it was in Sheridan's division, and fought in the center. The following morning it started on a forced march for Knoxville, to relieve Burn- side, who was surrounded by Longstreet. During this rapid march, the regiment was short of rations and had no tents. It was encamped on Strawberry Plains for six weeks, while the ground, the greater part of the time, was covered with snow. At this place the regiment re-enlisted for three years, and then returned to Chattanooga, after which the men were given a veteran furlough. At the ex- piration of their leave of absence, they re- joined their command at Chattanooga, whence they started with General Sherman on his memoral)le march to the sea, the Twenty- second Indiana being in the advance brigade. The enemy were met in force at Tunnel Hill and Rocky Face Ridge, and next at Resaca, Georgia, whence the Union forces proceeded to Snake Creek Gap, where Mr. Baxter's di- vision was separated from the main army, and sent, under General Jefferson C. Davis, via Rome, Georgia. Here an engagement was fought, at which Mr. Baxter was again wounded in the left leg, the same as before. He remained about a month in Rome, when he secured a leave of absence for forty days, finally reporting to the officer's hospital, in Cincinnati, where the board of examiners ordered his discharge, General Slemmer being the chief of the board. On being discharged, August 29, 1864, he was granted $8.50 a month, that being half of a first lieutenant's pension. In February, 1865, Mr. Baxter assisted in raising a comjiaiiy for the One Hundred and Forty-eightii Indiana Regiment, of which company he became First Lieutenant and af- terward Captain. This regiment was sent to Columbia, Tennessee, where it did patrol duty until September 6, 1865, when it was mus- tered out of service. Mr. Baxter then returned to his home in Indiana, and was subsequently employed for a time in the railroad business in Indianapo- lis. December 15, 1866, he reached Jack- sonville, Illinois, near which place he taught school two years; later, he taught school for another two years at Literberry, same State. He was afterward engaged in selling goods in the latter place, where he acted at various times as railroad agent. Postmaster and Jus- tice of the Peace, his residence there extend- ing over a period of nine years. In 1876 he was married, and included the Centennial Exposition in his wedding tour, visiting in old Virginia and spending a week in Washington city. Miss Lydia Ellen Crum was the lady of his choice, a daughter of Abram A. and Sarah (Buchanan) Crum, old and highly respected residents of the vicinity of Literberry, Illinois, where they still reside. Mr. and Mrs. Baxter have two sons, — Albert, born October 9, 1880, and William Abram, born September 18, 1887. 340 BIOGRAPHWAL EEyiEW OF CASS, In 1881, Mr. Baxter sold obut is mercan- tile interests in Literberry and removed to his present farm, five miles west of Asliland, where his father-in-law had given him |20,- 000 worth of hind. lie owns a farm of 760 acres on tlie garden spot of IlTinois, and, as for that niatter, of tlie world, inasmnch as there is no more fertile country on the globe than that included in the Prairie State. This season (1892), he has 260 acres of corn, 180 of wheat, and eighty of oats, the balance being meadow and pasture land. He has here a sulistantial farm residence, neatly and com- fortably arranged; large barns for his grain and stock; and many other valuable improve- ments. Mr. Baxter is a standi Republican and takes an active interest in political matters. He has been a candidate for various offices, bat his party being in the minority he was never elected, yet succeeded in helping to hold the party organization together. He belongs to the G. A. R. and was the first commander of John L. Douglas Post, No. 591, at Ashland, having served two terms in that capacity. Seven of Mr. Baxter's brothers were in the army, no two of whom were in the same regi- ment, and all returned home, and still sur- vive. Dr. Josiah was a Surgeon in the army ; and Hayden was taken prisoner, stripped of his clothing and other valuables, paroled and turned loose, walking all the way home from Arkansas Post. Of this family there were one Surgeon, two Captains one Lieutenant, and three privates in the service. The sub- ject of this sketcii received three commissions, two as First Lieutenant, and one as Captain, all from the hands of the famous war Gover- nor Oliver P. Morton. Mr. Baxter received two wounds at the hands of the rebels, which compelled him to spend some eight months in the hospital. During the total period of three years and eight months he served two years in command of his company; and, while he was one of the youngest soldiers in it, he thinks he did his part. Had this family lived in Napoleon's time, they would have been greatly honored, inas- much as he valued families only in proportion to the number of sons contributed to the in- satiable monster of war. It is the disadvan- tage of republican forms of government, that they bestow no special privileges for services rendered by their inhabitants other than the universal gratitude of millions living and unborn, which is supplemented, in the breasts of those champions of liberty in the late war, l)ya deep sense of duty done, which soothes the wounded spirit and begets a peace which passeth understanding. fREDERICK C. LANG, a self-made man and one of the prominent merchants of ^^ Virginia, Illinois, belongs to that race of people — the Germans — noted this world over for theirenergy and thrift. By his own well-directed efforts he has risen to a position of prosperity, and at the same time has won the conhdence and respect of all with whom he has had dealings, being now classed with the substantial business men and highly respected citizens of Virginia. It is with pleasure that we present the following facts in regard to his life and ancestry. Frederick C. Lang was born on the river Tech, village of Omden, in the Kingdom of Wiirttemburg, Germany, September 7, 1848. His father, Christopher Frederick Lang, was born in the same locality. His grandparents, as far as known, spent their entire lives in Wiirttemburg. Christopher F. Lang was SCHUTLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 311 reared and educated in hi? native land and there served an apprenticeship to the trade of a weaver, weaving at that time being chiefly done on the liand loom. He followed that trade in Germany till 1855, in the early part of which year he set sail from Havre de Grace, with his wife and three children, and landed in America in March, after a voyage of nearly three months. He went direct to Indianapolis, where he was employed at va- rious kinds of work. Finally he secured a position as porter in a wholesale drug store, and was thus engaged for a number of years. He resided in Indianapolis until his death, in 1887. The maiden name of his first wife, mother of Frederick C, was Mary Liebrich. She was also a native of Wiirttemburg. She reared three children: F'rederick C, George and Mary. Mr. Lang, being only six years old when he came to America, remembers little of any other save his adopted country. He was educated in the public schools of Indian- apolis, was reared to habits of industry, and at the age of fifteen was apprenticed to Jacob Va?gtle, a tinsmith, of Indianapolis, and served four years. He did "jour'' work in Indian- apolis one year, after which he went to Jack- sonville, Illinois, and was employed in the same kind of work six years. He was very industrious, saved his money, and in 1874 came to Virginia and began busines for him- self. He first opened a stock of stoves and tinware, and in 1885 added hardware. He now carries a full line of shelf hardware, stoves, tinware, etc. In connection with his store he also conducts a repair shop, having first-class machinery for doing all kinds of job work, tin roofing and the like. In 1877 Mr. Lang; was united in marriage with Mary Tendick, a native of Jacksonville, Illinois, and a daughter of Deidrich and Sib- illa Tendick. natives of Germany. They have four children: George, Clara, Flora and Willie. Mr. and Mrs. Lang are members of the Presbyterian Church. Politically, he is a Republican. K. GEORGE A. EYRNS was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, September 30, 1829. His father, John, was born in Pennsyl- vania, and his father, Michael, was born in Ireland, of Scotch ancestry. He came to America a young man and fdllowed his ti'ade of paper maker, and he met his death in 1825, by an accident in the mill in which he was working. John learned the same trade, fol- lowed the trade in Cincinnati for a few years and then began clerking on a steaml)oat run- ning on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. In a very early day he came to Illinois as a mem- ber of a surveying party and assisted in mak- ing surveys in the middle of the State. In 1840 he emigrated thither with his family and settled four miles north of Mt. Sterling, boucrht a farm and followed farming until 1849. He then started with others for Cal- ifornia, and after six montlis' travel with ox teams, landed there safely. He engaged there in mining for seven years and then re- turned to Mt. Sterling and lived retired until his death, in 1865. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. His wife was Harriet E. Hobbs, born in Scott county, Kentucky, daughter of Joseph Hobbs. She still lives in Mt. Sterling at the advanced age of eighty-six years. George was in his eleventh year when he came to Illinois with his parents. He re- ceived his early education in the schoools of Cincinnati, advanced by attendance in the 342 BIOGRAPHICAL BE VIEW OF GAS 8, schools of Brown county, Illinois. At the age of eiirhteen he began teaching, and three years later began the study of medicine. In the winter of 1851-'52 he attended lectures at Rush Medical College. He then com- menced practice at Cooperstown. In 1854 he returned to Rush Medical College and graduated in the class of 1855, then resumed practice at Cooperstown until 1862. In No- vember of that year he entered the United States service as Assistant Surgeon of the One Hundred and Nineteenth Illinois Infantry, continuing in service until after the close of the war, participating in all the marches and campaigns of his regiment. He was honor- ably discharged and returned home and was in active practice at Cooperstown, with the e.xception of two years, 1866 to 1868, when he was in Mt. Sterling, until 1891, when he came to Mt. Sterling and has practiced here since. He married in 1854, Cynthia A. Henry, born in Cooperstown, Brown county, Illinois. She was the daughter of Orris M. Henry, one of the pioneers of Brown county, and for many years one of the most extensive busi- ness men. Dr. and Mrs. Byrns have seven living children: John II., Robert A., Elmer, Susan, Candace, Kate and Hattie. William, the second son, died at the age of thirty- three years. The Doctor is a member of Isaac McNeil Post, No. 289, G. A. R., and of Hardin Lodge, No. 44, A. F. & A. M. jBNER LEGRAND NOBLE has been for many years prominently identified with the history of Schuyler county, and is entitled to the following space in this volume. He is a native of Madison county, Kentucky, born June 12, 1822, a son of Will- iam Noble of Lexington, Kentucky; the fa- ther was born, reared and married in the Blue- grass State, and there learned the trade of house painting, which he pursued many years. He resided in Kentucky until 1835, and then with his wife and six children re- moved to Illinois; they made the journey with teams, camping along the way. Mr. Noble located in what is now Bainbridge township, where he purchased a tract of tim- ber land; a few acres had been cleared and a two-story house had been built of hewn logs; here he lived several years, and finally sold the place and purchased another near by, on which he lived until death. He married Eleanor Ransom of Virginia, and a daughter of Ignatius Ransom, also a Virginian by birth. Abner Legrand Noble was a lad of twelve years when he came with his parents to Illinois, and remembers well many of the privations and hardships endured by the fam- ily. He received a limited education, and in early youth began to assist his father on the farm. He has been for years an exten- sive reader, and has made up for the deficien- cies of his early training. He remained with his parents until attaining his majority; he then learned the cooper's trade, and opened a shop in Rushvilie, manufacturing and selling to the trade for several years; he was com- pelled to close out the business on account of ill health. In 1847, Mr. Noble was elected Constable, and for more than thirty-five years attended to the collections of this office; during this time he served three terms as Deputy Sheriff, one term as County Clerk, and one and a half terms as a member of the County Board of Supervisors. He was a very efficient offi- cer, and gave entire satisfaction to the public. He was married October 28, 1845, to Catherine Serrot, a native of Ohio, and a SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 343 daughter of Peter and Nancy (Patton) Serrot. Of this union tour children were born, two of whom survive: Phcebe Jackson, Dora and Ruth Tetrick; tlie only son, William H., died at the age of eighteen years; Mary J., the oldest, married William D. Sparry: her death occurred in 1890. Mr. and Mrs. No- ble are members of the Methodist Episcopal Ciiurch. In early days Mr. Noble was a member of the Whig party, and cast his suf- frage for Lincoln; latterly he has voted with tlie Democratic party. For sometime he has held the office of Police Magistrate. tNDREW CUNNINGHAM, of town- ship 17, range 9, section 6, Virginia ,.- post office, Illinois, was born near Edin- borough, Scotland, December 17, 1806. His parents were James and Marion (Wright) Cunningham, natives of Scotland, where they lived and died. His father was a baker and miller by occupation and owned and operated a flouring mill in the village of Boniiington, a suburb of Edinborough. They had eight ciiildren: Archibald, John, Charles, George Andrew, Margaret, Jeanette and Mary, now Mrs. liussell, living at Edinborough. The eldest brothar died in Scotland. Charles, who was British Consul to Russia and died at Gal- atz, on the Black sea. John and George died in Cass county, Illinois, leaving families. Margaret was Mrs. Blair and died in Edin- borough. Jeanette became Mrs. Shaen and died in England. Mr. Cunningham was educated in his own country, where he learned the baker trade, and sailed for America March 14, 1834. He was married in Canada, in 1836, to Ellen Allen, who was also born in Scotland, in 1812. She died in 1880. In 1835 he came to Cass county to look up a location and in the be- ginning of 1837 settled on his present farm. He entered about 700 acres of land, to which he has since added by purchase until he owns about 1,000 acres all. adjoining his present home. On locating here he started a tannery on his farm and followed that business until after the war. He has since superintended his large estate and taken life more easily. He is a literary man, keeps himself surrounded with newspapers and books and has a valuable library where he spends most of his time. Mr. and Mrs. Cun- ningham have five children: William went into the army in 1862 in the Third Illinois Cavalry, Company C, and died at Helena, Arkansas, Decmber 12, following; Andrew died in infancy; Margaret married Dr. Al- fred S. Dodds of Andrew county, Missouri; James A. lives with his father and superin- tends tiie farms; Florence married a lawyer, A. G. Jones, at Mt. Pulaski, Illinois. She attends the college at Lincoln, Illinois, but Margaret finished her education in England. The boys all had good school education. An- drew afterward attended a business college at Chicago. Mr. Cunningham is a Unitarian in religious belief, a Republican in politics and was a Whig before the organization of the Republican party. His first presidental vote was cast for Clay. He has been a School Trustee and Director. Both he and his son James are mechanically inclined. He has given a portion of his leisure time to sculpt- ure, having now on exhibition two very fine ideal images of Venus and Hercules, besides other articles of animal sculpture. James Cunningham settled in Charlestown, South Carolina, previous to the breaking out of the Revolutionary war. He at first served in the militia, undo' King George, and sub- 314 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, sequently joined with tlie Colonial forces, with which he remained during hostilities. Mr. Wright, the father of Marion Wright, also served in the war with the mother country. fOSHUA IIEDGCOCK was born in Schuyler county, Illinois, February 2, 1843, onthe place where he now resides, a son of John and Temperance Hedgcock. He received his education at the public schools, remaining at home until August, 1862, when he enlisted, at the age of twenty, as a private in Company G, Seventy-second Regiment Illinois Volunteers, Captain H. D. French commanding the company. His was the first Board of Trade regiment made up in Chicago, commanded by Colonel F. A. Starring. He was in the battles of Champion Hills, Big Black, Benton, Mississippi; siege of Vicks- burg; Columbia and Spring Hill, Tennessee; Nashville, December, 1864, and Spanish Fort, Alabama, in April, 1865. He was discharged as Second Sergeant at the close of the war, with the record of which he is justly proud. He returned home in August, 1865, and lived with his father until his death. May 20, 1877, aged seventy-four years, and now occu- pies the old Spriiig Hill home of seventy- eight and one- half acres, which his father first bought and settled on in this country. He has now 230 acres. Joshua was married first January 9, 1870, to Miss Susan E. Glover, born in Haucock county, and died here January 9, 1872, aged twenty-six years. She left one son, who sur- vived her eight months. Joshua was mar- ried for the second time, to Miss Anna M. Totten, April 10, 1879, who was born in Adams county, September 26, 1854, and by this marriage there are six children. Mr. and Mrs. Hedgcock attend the Methodist Protestant Church. He is a uiember of Post No. 302, G. A. R., at Augusta, Illinois; has been Assessor of his township. His first vote was cast while home on furlough, for Lincoln, and every president he has since voted for has been elected, except one. EORGE W. McCOY, an extensive farmer of Mt. Sterling, Illinois, was l)orn in Adams county, Ohio, January 1, 1831. His father, Samuel McCoy, was born in Cecil county, Maryland, in 1796. The grandfather of our snbjeet, Alexander McCoy, was born in Ireland, of Scotch an- cestry. His parents were poor and he com- menced very early to earn his own living, being brought up to work in a factory. He was a lad in his 'teens when he came to America and located in Maryland, where his parents who had preceded him to America were then living. He learned the cooper's trade, which he followed for some time. He was twice married but lost both of his wives before coining to Ohio. After the death of his second wife he removed with his children to Ohio and lived in that State some years, and then spent his last years in Brown county. The father of our subject died in 1882, in the eighty-fifth year of his age. He was about eighteen years old when he went to Ohio. He was very industrious, saved his earnings and finally purchased land in Adatns county. He then turned his atten- tion to agricultural pursuits but still fol- lowed his trade a portion of each year. He resided in Adams county until 1839, and then sold his farm there and came to Illinois. He was accom])anied by his wife and three chil- SCHUYLER AND BHOWN COUNTIES. 3« dren, and tlie entire jonriicy was made over- land. After about fifteen days' travel they landed in Brown couHty. He purchased a tract of land near Versailles, and there de- voted his time to farming. Re was a resi- dent of Brown county until his death, which occurred as before stated. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Sarah Bilston. She was born in in Virginia, a daucrhter of William and Easter Pilston. Slie died in Oliio in 1834. The subject of tiiis writing was in his ninth year when he came to lUinuis with his parents. At that time the country was wild and deer, wild turkeys, and other game were quite plentiful. Farming was conducted in the most primitive manner. All the grass was cut with a scythe, and the grain was either cut witJi a reap hook or a cradle and trampled out with horses or witli a flail. There were no fanning-milis, and in order to clean the grain one man would take it in a seive and hold it high and two others would stand by with a sheet witli which they fanned the air and in that manner separated the grain from the chaff. Mr. McCoy remained with his fathtu- until nineteen years of age, then commenced farm- ing on rented land. When he attained his majtirity his father gave him §250, and with that and his earnings he had enough to pay cash on 120 acres of land, which is now in- cluded in the farm he now occupies. The whole price of the farm was §680, and he paid six per cent, interest on the balance. He lived in a log cabin and in that humble abode himself and wife commenced house- keeping. They occupied that dwelling about eighteen months and then built a brick house. Since that time he has erected a commodious frame house and other build- ings, planted fruit and shade trees and placed the land in a high state of cultivation. He has been very successful as a farmer and has purchased other land at different times and is now the owner of about 500 acres, all in Brown county. The marriage of Mr. McCoy took place Janiuiry 27, 1853, to Sarah Harper. She was born in Ohio, August 29, 1835, and was the daughter of Elder James Harper. Mrs. McCoy died November 2, 1868, and Mr. McCoy subsequently married Lucinda, a sister of his former wife, October 28, 1869. She was born in Brown county,- Illinois, April 17, 1847, and died May 7, "l890. He was married to Laura J. Putman, October 28, 1891. She was born in Ohio, August 7, 1841. Her father, AVilliam Putman, was born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, October 16, 1797, and was the son of Zachai-iah and Winnifred (Collins) Putman. The parents of Mrs. McCoy moved to Ohio and resided in Champaign county for some years, com- ing from there to Illinois in 1841, at which time the father purchased a farm in Mt. Sterling township, which he occupied until his death, July 24, 1880. Mr. McCoy has five childreri by his first marriage: Elvira, Mahala, Mary Jane, Turner and Martha. Of his second marriage there are William and Arthur. Mr. and Mrs. McCoy are members of the Primitive Baptist Church and are good pious people. In politics he affii Hates with the Democratic party. He has served long as Supervisor and has been Chairman of tlie Board. fOHN DIRREEN, ex-Sheriff of Cass county, was born in Virginia precinct, Cass county, Hlinois, July 29, 1840. He is one of the representative men of his 346 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, county, and as such merits biograpliical men- tion in this work. Briefly given, a review of his life is as follows: While tradition says that the Dirreen fam- ily originated in France, their ancestry is traced hack only to the grandfather of John Dirreen, who was l)orn in Ireland. Three of his children came from the Emerald Isle to America, and located as follows: John set- tled in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where lie was a customhouse otiicial upwards of forty years, at the end of that time retiring on lialf-pay. He died there, aged ninety-three years. Michael bought a farm in New York State, and still resides on it. Edwai-d Dirreen was born in county Callan, Ireland, and was there reared. He came to America when a young man and settled in Philadelphia, where he married. He subsequently moved to St. Louis, and from there came to Cass county, Illinois, about 1835, settling in Vir- ginia precinct. Here he entered a tract of Government land, four miles from the site of the present courthouse, and built the log cabin in whicli the subject of our sketch was V)ori). At that time the country was thinly settled and deer and wild turkey were plenty in this region. The whistle of the locomo- tive had not sounded here, and Beardstown was the market seat for the surrounding country. In 1855 he sold his farm and bought another in the same locality, where he resided until his death. His widow, whose maiden name was Jane Henphey, still re- sides on the old homestead. They were the parents of seven children: Catherine, Eliza, Alice, John, Richard, Edward and Michael. Eliza antl Richard are deceased. John Dirreen received his education in the primitive log schoolhouses of his native county. As soon as he was old eiioucrh he assisted his father on the fan under the parental roof until he was twenty- one. He was then employed for three years by others, at the end of which time he en- gaged in farming on his own account. In the fall of 1877, on account of the ill health of his wife, he went to Texas, remaining there till January, 1878, when he returned to Illi- nois. That spring he was made a Deputy Sheriff, and has l)een connected with the ottice of Sheriti' continuously since. In 1886 he was elected Sheriff, and served one term, which is the limit prescribed by law. At the expiration of his term he was again ap- pointed deputy, which position he still holds. Mr. Dirreen was married in 1871, to Mary Cunningham, a native of Kentucky, and a daughter of George and Maria (Lind- sey) Cunningham, natives of Scotland and Kentucky respectively. Mrs. Dirreen died in February, 1878, and in November, 1886, he married Alice Burrows. By his first wife he has one daughter. Josephine, and l)y the second, a son, Edward. Mr. Dirreen is a member of Virginia Lodge, A. O. U. W. ILLIAM JOCKISCH, a retired II farmer, of Beardstown, was born in *""^!^ Liepsic, Saxony, (Torinany, in 1829. His parents, Carl G. and Eliza (Jacob) Jock- isch, were born in Saxony. Mr. Jockisch, Sr., was a farmer and distiller for some years before he and his fatnily embarked for the United States in 1834. They went to New Orleans, and then worked tiieir way up the Mississippi river to St. Louis, and there the mother died at the birth of her tenth child. Mr. Jockisch was left with his small children to make the rest of the trip alone. He stopped in Cass county for some time, and SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 347 then was married a second time to Mrs. Christina Lung, of Germany. Mr. Jockisch died in tliis oounty, and liis wife followed him some ten years later. They were at first Lutherans, and later Methodists. William Jockisch is the youngest but one of nine children that grew to niatiirity. Two of his brothers are in the same county. He began farming at an early age, and by his good management has amassed a small for- tune, which he now enjoys in retirement in his comfortable and pleasant home on the corner of Sixth and Edwards streets. lie owns 300 acres of good, tillable land, be- sides other lands wliich lie southwest of Beardstuwn. The building of the railroad has aided him greatly in making his fortune, as much of the land he owned was increased by the building of the road. He was married to Elizabeth Ilohn, of Eeardstown, Illinois. She was born in 1839, in Beardstovvn, and lived there till 1855. She was the daughter of John and Catharine (Stier) Rolin, of Hesse- Darmstadt. They came to the northwest early in life, and were married in Beardstovvn. Mrs. Rohn is still living, and is nearly eighty-nine years of age. Mr. Rohn was a plasterer by trade, and was the proprietor of the ferry at Beardstown at the time of his death. He was a Repub- lican in politics, and a Lutheran in religion. Mrs. Jockisch is the eldest of four children. Mr. and Mrs. Jockisch have had seven chil- dren, two of whom are dead. Mary A. and Rosena A. Those living are: Elizabeth, now the wife of J. T. Brines, a farmer in Schuyler county; J. Victor, at home, and clerking I'or Phil Kuhl; Anna A., now Mrs. Cad AUard (see biography); Rosa, now Mrs. Dr. J. C. Henny, of Beardstown, the leading dentist; Rudolph, deputy clerk in the post office of Beardstown. The children have all been well educated. They are all members of the Methodist Church, uf which Mr. Jockisch has been Trustee for four years, and a mem- ber of the building committee of the new church that has just been erected. Mr. Jockisch is one of the promoters and a director of the First National Bank of Beardstown, as well as one of the heaviest stockholders in the same. He was appointed Public Administrator in and for the county of Cass September 13, 1892. He is a worthy citizen of this thriving place, and as he has lived in the county since his fourth year, and in the town for the last twenty years, he is one of tlie pioneers of the place and is a pio- neer of whom Illinois may well be proud. IfSENRY VENTRES was bora in Smith county, Tennessee, January 25, 1812. His parents, Asa and Nancy (Wake- field) Ventres, were of Welsh and English ancestry respectively. The former was born December 24, 1793, and the latter was born about the same time. Soon after the war of 1812, in which he was a soldier, he located in St. Clair county, Illinois, where he died about 1818. Henry was the eldest of a family of four children, three of whom are still living. He learned the brick-making trade in early man- hood, and worked at that and brick-laying up to the time he came to Illinois, and has engaged in it since coming to this State. Coming to Illinois at such an early date, the family have witnessed a wonderful growth in the country. The Black Hawk band was located on Rock river, and frequently infested the settlers. Mr. Ventres has held the vari- ous township offices, and given satisfaction in every one. He settled on his present 348 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF OASS. farm in 1834, and is one of the oldest settlers of the county. There was only an occasional log cabin in the county. The land which he took up was a military tract, which he pur- chased, consisting of 160 acres of land, to which ha lias added forty acres since. He was married in Monroe county, Ken- tucky, to Miss Elizabeth Jones, January 27, 1833. In 1883 they celebrated their golden wedding, and are looking forward to the cele- bration of a diamond one. They have had nine children, of whom five are still living, namely: William C, a miller and merchant, located in Kansas; Ophelia, now Mrs. A. R. Marshall, of Gove county, Kansas: her hus- band is a farmer and stock-raiser; Sarah, now Mrs. T. Shippy, of Plymouth, Illinois: her husband is a teacher by profession; Lucy A., now Mrs. Beck, of PueiJo, Colorado; her husband is a merchant; Walter Maro resides on a farm adjoining his father's: he married Miss Maggie Diamond. Mr. and Mrs. Ven- ters have been consistent members of the Cliristian Church for si.xty years. Mr. Ven- ters has been a life-long Democrat, but is disgusted with both the old parties. He has been a man of exemplary habits, not using any kind of intoxicants or tobacco in any form. Mr. and Mrs. Venters are comfort- ably situated, and are enjoying the fruits of their early labors. jRS. SALLIE (BRYANT) LUT- fi®l\ '^'^^^E^^f-'' <^f section 9, Browning '«&T- township, was born in Virginia in 1792. She is the oldest person in Schuyler county, and there are very few in the State who can boast of being 100 years old. Should she live until the 25th of June she will be 100 years old. She came to Schuyler county in 1830, and has been a resident of the county ever since. Her husband, Shelton Luttereil, was a soldier in the war of IS 12, and fought at the battle of Horse Bud and various other points. They were married November 13, 1813, and their married life lasted for sixty- nine yeai's, four months and seventeen days, when Mr. Luttereil died, in the house where his widow still resides. He w;ts born Ma}' 12, 1794. They were among the first settlers of Browning township, where Mr. Luttereil owned a farm. Mrs. Luttereli's parents were natives of Patrick county, Virginia. Mrs. Luttereil raised a family of twelve children, and she has survived all l)nt three of them, — Sarah Skiles, Nancy AVright and OUie Thorn- ton. Mrs. Luttereil has lived with her daugh- ter, Mrs. Thornton, since the death of her husband. Mr. Thornton, the husband of her daughter, was born in Jackson county, Ten- nessee, September 10, 1819, and he was the son of Felix and Celetha (Holly) Thornton. They were born and reared to maturity in Raleigh, North Carolina, but came to this county in 1829, and located on a farm near Mr. Luttereli's. They had five sons and the same number of daugliters, but o/ily five of them are living. Mr. Thornton was married in l)rowning township. June 23, 1844, to Miss OUie Luttereil. They have eight chil- dren, but only four are living: William L, deceased; Sarah C, wife of John Flemming, and lives in Brownina; villao-e; Delilah J., deceased; Patsy Ann, wife of ])avid Stead- man, and lives in Browning township; Mar- tha Ellen married William Thornton, and lives in the same place; John A. lives in Browning. Two children died in infancy. A grandson, Chester R., lives with his grand- mother. Mrs. Luttereli's fixther was a John Bryant, and was the son of another John Bryant. SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 849 Her mother was Judy Weutfrey. She is a member of the Oliristiaii Cliiirch, as are Mr. and Mrs. Tliorntoii, ami she has been one for fifty years. Mr. Thornton has been a resi- dent of the township for sixty-tliree years, and he has seen many wonderful changes take place in the county. He has traveled in the States of Kentucky, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana and Illinois. He has always been a farmer by occupation. He is a Democrat in politics, and his sons are Democrats in their political views. iVEIlTON PARKE, a substantial farmer and influential citizen of Woodstock township, Sclinyler county, Illinois, was born in Brown county, of the same State, October 8, 1841. His parents were Perry and Mary (Logsdon) Parke. (See sketch of Perry and Josepii Logsdon for history of the Logs- dons.) They were both natives of Kentucky, and came to Illinois at an early day, and still reside in Woodstock township, near the liome of our subject. The subject of our sketch was reared on the home farm and attended the country schools of his district during the winters. He re- niained at home until he was twenty years of age, assisting his father and going to school, when, on August 11, 1862, he enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Fifteenth Illinois Infantry, serving in the Civil war un- til its close, with the exception of a few weeks, during which he was in the hospital at Louisville, Kentucky. With the excep- tion of these few weeks he served with his regiment through every skirmish and battle until the great conflict was over. After the war he returned to his home in Schuyler county, where he rented a farm for a year, 24 ■' when, in the fall of 1866, he was married to Miss RosHima C. Reddick. She was a native of Woodstock township, Schuyler county, Illinois, where she was born April 25, 1851, her parents being pioneers and prominent people of this county, viz.: John J. and Mary (Clark) Reddick. (See sketch of John Clark for history of Clark family.) John J. Red- dick was a son of Jonathan Reddick, and came to this county with his parents when he was only about one or two years of age. His parents came from Kentucky about 1830 and located in Schuyler county, being among the earliest settlers of that county, where they resided until their death. They were among the most prominent and successful agricult- urists of their vicinity, and highly respected by all who knew them. It is on their home- stead that our subject now resides, which is one of the finest farms in the country, well improved with substantial house and large barns for grain and stock, while the land is highly cultivated, and supplied with all the modern machinery and appliances for tlie sowing and harvesting of their products. But, immediately after his marriage, Mr. Parke had no such splendid home, living for several years on a part of his father's farm, which he rented. He and his wife resided here until the death of her parents, since wlieti they have lived in the present home, which through the energy and enterprise of our subject has been greatlj' improved, and which comprises, at the present writing, more than 300 acres of the finest agricultural land in the country. Mr. and Mrs. Parke have had eleven chil- dren, five of whom are now living, viz.: John E., Maggie A., Elizabeth, Nettie C. and Rosanna C. Politically Mr. Parke is a Republican, and ever since his first vote for General U. S. Grant he has voted the straight Republican 350 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CaSS, ticket. lie is a member of the G. A. R. Post at Rushville, Illinois. He and his estimable wife are members of the church, for the cause of which they are earnest workers, as, indeed, they are in every worthy cause. Both are ardently interested in the advancement and welfare of their county and the country at large, and both enjoy alike the respect and esteem of the community in which they live. -«?»= I'K^^^- fllANCIS MARION STOUT, a large land-owner of Mount Sterling, was born near Georgetown, Scott county, Ken- tucky, January 29, 1833. His ancestors were English, his great-grandfather coming from England, settling in New Jersey at a very early date. His grandfather, Eli Stout, came from New Jersey to Kentucky at the begin- ning of the present century. He journeyed down the Ohio river, exposed to considerable danger from the Indians, on the banks of the stream. He was a pioneer of Fayette county, Kentucky, and died in Owen county, same State. Isaac Stout, father of subject, was born in Scott county, Kentucky, where he was reared, educated and married. The latter event occurred when he led to the altar Miss Lydia Baxter, native of the same State. He died in Leesburg, Harrison county, Kentucky, of cholera, in 1833, his wife hav- ing died a few days previous. Francis M. Stout was the oldest of four children, and was only ten years old when his parents died. He was reared by his paternal grandfather and grew to manhood in Scott county, Kentucky, and in Owen county where he attended the subscription schools, and liigh schools, at Owenton, Kentucky. In 1844 he came to Illinois, landing in Brown county in June of that year. He first taught school a few years and then began the pot- tery business, in Ripley, in which he con- tinued for over thirty years. He also em- barked in mercantile pursuits and continued in that busines for about tiie same length of time. He ha.s now retired from these pur- suits and resides on his fine farm in Ripley, where he is a large landowner. Mr. Stout was married, the first time to Margaret Alexander, native of Tennessee, and this event took place December, 1846. Tins wife died, September, 1851, and in January, 1853, he married Nancy 0. Alex- ander, a sister of his first wife, who has proven herself a good, faithful wife. Mr. Stout cast his first vote for Zachary Taylor, and has been a Republican since the formation of the party. He is a devout fol- lower of the teachings of Alexander Camp- bell. This gentleman is a representative citizen of this part of the great State of Illinois, and he enjoys the respect and esteem of all his neicrhbors and friends. ^. ^ fOSEPII L. COSNER, one of the lead. i:ig merchants of Virginia, was born on a farm in Philadelphia precinct, Cass county, Illinois, June 26, 1855. Of his life and ancestry we record the following facts: Thomas Jefferson Cosner, his father, was born in Lincoln county, North Carolina, July 31, 1815, son of Henry Cosner, who is sup- posed to have been a native of the same State. The latter was a blacksmith by trade, at which he w'orked in Lincoln county till about 1830, when he went to Indiana, being accompanied by his wife and six children, camping along the way and being six weeks in making the SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 351 journey. He became one of the early settlers of Monroe county; bought a claim amJ en. tered a tract of Government land two and one-half miles west of Mt. Tabor. There was a log house on the place and a garden spot cleared. He worked at his trade, devoted his spare time to the improvement of his land, and lived there until his death. The maiden name of his first wife, grandmother of Joseph L., was Elizabeth Isahower. She was born in North Carolina, and died in Monroe county, Indiana. She reared seven children, viz.: Elizabeth, Sally, Joseph, Thomas J., Andrew, Lewis and Maria. Thomas J. was fifteen years old when his parents moved to Indiana, and he remained thei-e with his fatlier till 1830, when, in company with his brother-in- law, Martin Goble, he came to Illinois, mak- ing the journey by team. Here he was em- ployed at farm work, first receiving $9 per month, and later $13. lie continued to work for one man, Jacob Epler, the greater part of the time for a dozen years. He then purchased 120 acres of raw prairie land, built a small frame dwelling, and commenced housekeeping. He was successful as a farmer, bought other lands, and is now the owner of 436 acres, all in township 17. He erected a good set of frame buildings on his farm, and continued his residence there, with the exception of short periods spent in Virginia, until 1887, when he removed to Virginia, and now lives retired. He was married in 185Q, to Emily (Stevenson) Beard, who was born one mile from Lexington, Fayette county, Kentucky, December 20, 1827. Her father, Thomas Stevenson, is supposed to have been a native of the same county, his father having been a pioneer of Fayette county, where he spent liis last years. Thomas Stevenson spent his life on a farm, and died near Lexington in 1831. The maiden name of his wife was Lucy Wyatt, she being a native of Kentucky and a daughter of Walter Wyatt. Her father was a Virginian by l)irth. He was one of the pioneers of Fayette county, and from there, in 1835, moved to Illinois, settlingon Indian creek in Morgan county, where he bought land, improved a fai'm, and resided there till his death. The maiden name of his wife was Julia Bliss. She, too, was a native of Vir- ginia, and died in Morgan county, Illinois. After the death of Mr. Wyatt she was mar- ried to John Creel, and came to Illinois in 1837, settling ten miles northeast of Jackson- ville, where she resided till her death. The mother of our subject was ten years old when she came to Illinois with her parents, and re- members well the incidents of the overland journey and of pioneer life here. She assisted her mother in the household duties when quite young, and learned to card, spin and weave. After the death of her mother she went to live with her sister, with whom she made her home until her seventeenth year, when she was married to Maston I3eard. He was a farmer of Morgan county, f>nd died there. The parents of Mrs. Cosner are both members of the Methodist Episcopal C'liurch, They reared seven children, viz.: John T.and Jacob deceased; Henry, Joseph L., Lucy, George and Mollie. Joseph L. Cosner was reared on a farm. He attended the district school a portion of each year, and subsequently advanced his edu- cation by a two years' course at Virginia. In 1874 he commenced his mercantile career as a clerk in the store of William B. Payne, and clerked five years. In 1879 he started for the gold fields of Colorado; prospected and mined about a year; had little success in finding gold, and returned home and engaged in farming. A year later he formed a part- nership with J. J. Bergen, with whom he was 352 BIOORAPUICAL REVIEW OF CASS, associated in the inereaiitile business three years, after which the partnership dissolved, lie then bought out the lirm of Bero-slesser & Jones, and has since conducted business alone. He carries an extensive stock of dry goods, clothing, hats, boots and shoes, fancy goods, etc., and does a large business. Mr. Cosner has an inherent love for tine liorses, and, in company with his brother George, is engaged in breeding the same. He was married June 26, 1S88, to Mary Gale Armentrout. who was born in Rood- house, Illinois, daughter of Adam C. and S. E. Armentrout. She departed this life January 8, 1892, at the age of twenty-tive years, six monllis and twenty-two days. Mrs. Cosner was a member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church. fXj^|ARTHA J. HARBISON, the esti- •T'Mil '"^t)l6 lady whose biography it is our *^s*^^ pleasure to present to our readers, was born in Greenbriar county, Virginia, November 29, 1844, daughter of John and Emily (Milliner) Mason. The former born in Virginia, came West in 1853, by wagon and boat, landing at Keokuk, Iowa. There he obtained teams and went to Mount Pleasant, whei'e he only remained a short time, and tlien came to Illinois, by team, settling where his daughter now lives. He bought 120 acres of wild timber land, on which he built a log-house, and there the family lived for many years, then sold and then rented and finally removed to Kansas, where he now re- sides. The subject's mother died in Mis- souri, when about seventy years of age, hav- ing been a native of Virginia, also. All the family on both sides were farmers, as far as can be discovered, except one member of the family, who operated a woolen mill in Vir- ginia. Mrs. Harbison's grandfather, Milli- ner, was in the war of 1812. Our subject remained at home until her marriage, which occurred September 23, 1863. After marriage her husband settled on the farm where she now resides in a tine brick residence that her husband built prior to his death, which occurred August 28, 1890. Mr. Harbison was born September 5, 1837, brother of Moses Harbison (see sketch). Mr. and Mrs. Harbison had four children, one of whom they lost, a daughter, Dolly, at the age of one year and sis months. The living ones are: John W., born August 16, 1864, at home renting the old farm, married to Maggie Smith, in 1889. She was born February 26, 1871, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Lindsay) Smith. They have one child, James, born October 10, 1890. Mrs. Harbison's second child, Ella M., was born July 9, 1867, and married Frank Wood, February, 1890, have one girl, Lena, born March 8, 1891. The third child, Ida F., was born February 24, 1870, and she married Fred Lippert, and they have one child, Ernest E., born March 16, 1891. Mr. and Mrs. Harbison were members of the Christian Church and all the family are church people. The son, James, is a strong Democi-at. This lady is one of the best known and well liked in the county and well deserves a place in these pages. l^J^ElTBEN LANCASTER was born on a farm twelve miles north of George- town, Kentucky, June 14, 1842. His father, Lewis Lancaster, was a native of same locality, and his grandfather, Reuben Lancas- ter, for whom the subject of our sketch was SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 363 named, was born in the State of Virginia, was reared and married in the Old Dominion and from there removed to Kentucky, locat- ing in Scott county, where he purchased a tract of timber land, and out of the wilder- ness developed a line farm. At the time of his settlement on it there were no railroads in Kentucky, and (!incinnati, sixty miles dis- tant, was the nearest market and depot for sujiplies. Lewis Lancaster was reared to agricultural pursuits. After reaching his majority he bought a tract of partially cleared land near the old home, and at the time of Ills death, which occurred in September, 1852, had amassed quite a fortune in lands and negroes. His wife, Jane Mallory, was born in Scott county, Kentucky, the daughter of Charles and Mary Mallory, and died in Au- gust, 1852, about one month prior to the death of her husband, leaving seven children: Eliza, John, i3ettie, Reuben, Thomas, James and Sylvester. After the death of his parents, the subject of our sketch lived with an uncle, Abram Mallory, one year after that with another uncle. Green Mallory, three years. He then chose as his guardian Aaron Dills, of Har- rison county, Kentucky, with whom he lived until September, 18G1, when he enlisted as a private in Company B, Sixth Kentucky Cav- alry, in the service of the Union. In 1864, he was commissioned Captain of his com- pany, and remained in command until after the close of the war. He participated in the battles of Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, siege of Atlanta and all of the principal en- gagements of the Army of the Cumberland After the surrender of Lee, he was detached with his company to capture Jefferson Davis, and was only five miles distant when the rebel chieftain was captured, and saw him taken into Macon, Georgia, a prisoner. Captain Lancaster was honorably discharged with his regiment at Louisville, Kentucky, in Septem- ber, 1865, and returned to his home in Har- rison county, Kentucky. In February, 1866, he came to Cass county, Illinois, and engaged in farming near Ashland, continuing there till December, 1874, when he was appointed Deputy by Sheriff William Epler, and con- tinued as such till December, 1876, the expiration of Mr. Epler's term of office. From that time till February, 1890, he was engaged in the livery business. In 1890, he received the appointment of Postmaster, at Virginia, which position he now holds. In March, 1880, Captain Lancaster mar- ried Miss Sue Heatoii, a native of Cass county, Illinois, and a daughter of John and Mary J. Heaton. They have two children. Earl and Iva. Politically, he has always been a stanch Republican. He is a member of Dawning Post, No. 321, G. A. R., Department of Illi- nois. Mrs. Lancaster is a member of the Christian Church. fHOMAS JONES, a retired farmer of Schuyler county, residing at Rushville, was born in Herefordshire, England, October 7, 1825. His father, John Jones, was a native of Radnorshire, Wales, and when a young man removed thence to Here- fordshire, England, where he was married. He remained there until 1850, when he emi- grated to America; for a few months he lived in Pennsylvania, and thence came to Illinois and located in Brown county; he purchased forty acres of land near Mount Sterling, and for a number of years was engaged in agri- cultural pursuits; later he moved to Mount Sterling, and died there, in the ninetieth year 354 BIOOBAPHICAL REVIEW OF GASS, of his age. His first wife, the mother of the subject of this notice, was Lydia Trull, a na- tive of Herefordshire, England; she died in iJrown county, Illinois, having reared a fam- ily of four children, — Eliza, Thomas, John and William, — all of whom emigrated to the United States. Thomas Jones was reared in Herefordshire, and at the age of sixteen years went to learn the carpenter's trade, serving an apprenticeship of tliree years. In 1850 he crossed the sea to America with his fam- ily; they sailed from Liverpool in March, on the vessel William Rathbun, and landed at New York city after a voyage of two months. Mr. Jones went directly to Newcastle, Penn- sylvania. His means were exhausted, in fact were worse than exhausted, as he had bor- rowed the money for his passage to America. He worked at his trade in this place until the following year, and then came to Illinois; he traveled by stage and canal to Pittsburg, and thence via the Ohio, Mississippi and Illinois rivers to Meredosia, and thence by team to Mount Sterling. He purchased eighty acres of land in Brown county, the greater portion of which was heavily timbered; there he be- gan his career as a farmer, and has met with more tlian ordinary success; he rented a a house for a time, but finally built on his own place, and as his means increased made additional investments in land until he is now the proprietor of 430 acres; he also owns a residence in Rushville, built after a modern style of architecture and surrounded by beau- tiful grounds. Here Mr. Jones lives a re- tired life, having earned the repose due his years. He has been three times married: In Here- fordshire, England, at the age of twenty-two years, he was united to Jane Preece, a native of that shire; she died March 27, 1871. The second wife was Minerva Gillenwaters, of Schuyler county, Illinois, a daughter of Joel and Margaret Gillenwaters, pioneers of the county; she died January 3, 1890. In Sep- tember, 1890, he was united to Ann J, (Nail) Ford, who was born in Rushville township, July 24, 1835, a daughter of Gabriel Nail. Mr. Jones has eleven children living: by the first marriage were born; Anierica J., wife of Henry Bartlett; Elmina A., wife of Henry Henhoff; Henry Clay; Walter W. ; Thomas P.; Orvilla A.; Susan W. and Lilly May; the children of the second union are, Robert W., John P. and Margaret M. Mrs. Jones has one child by her first marriage, George Will- iam Tutt. Mr. Jones was reared to the faith of the Metliodist Episcopal Church, but in later life he joined the Presbyterian Church. In early days he was a Whig, but for many years past he has affiliated with the Demo- cratic party. Gabriel Nail, father of Mrs. Jones, was born in Scott county, Kentucky, December 23, 1811, a son of Lewis Nail, a native of Virginia, who was a pioneer of Scott county, Kentucky. Her grandfather purchased land nine miles west of Georgetown, and there passed the remainder of his days; his wife's maiden name was Jane Nail, also a Virginian by birth. Gabriel Nail emigrated from Scott county, Kentucky, to Illinois, in 1835, and engaged in agricultural pursuits; he owned difl:erent tracts of land, and was very successful; in 1887 he retired from active pur- suits and came to Rushville to live. He was married in 1834,- to Catherine Curtis, who was born in Harrison county, Kentucky, April 25, 1818. Four children were born to them: Ann, Drusilla, Marietta and William F. They have twenty-six grandchildren and six ereat-grandchildren. Mrs. Jones has been married three times; her first husband was George W. Tutt, a native of Kentucky; he SCHUYLER AJ^D BROWN COUNTIES. 355 died in 1852; the second marriage was to Jared P. Ford, a native of Indiana, who came to Illinois in 1857; he died in 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Nail are consistent and worthy members of the Missionary Baptist Church, ^ENRY S. SAVAGE was born in Mor- gan county, Illinois, April 22, 1824. His father, John Savage, was a native of New ^'ork State. He emigrated from there to Illinois, making the journey with teams, and becoming one of the first settlers of Morgan county. He located at Diamond Grove, near Jacksonville, and worked at the trade of carpenter for some time. He built the first frame house ever erected in Jackson- ville. From Morgan he came to Cass county, and settled six miles southwest of the present site of Virginia. Here he bought a tract of iaiul, built a log house, and subsequently a fraine one, and passed the rest of his life on this farm. In politics he was a Whig until the organisation of the Republican party, when he identified himself with it. He served as Sheriff of the county. His wife, Elizabeth Smith, daughter of Guy Smith, Esq., was a native of New York. She died on the home farm. The names of their seven children are as follows: Emily, wife of Hon. John W. Pratt; Spencer; George; Henry; Harriet, wife of O. J. Silverthorn; John W.; and Charles W. Henry S. was reared and educated in Cass county. He remained on the farm till he was sixteen, when he engaged in clerking in Virginia. He clerked here some years and was then employed in the same capacity in Beardstown. He subsequently purchased a farm south of Virginia, and devoted his time to farming, residing thereat the time of his death, March 29, 1865, meeting death by accident, having been thrown from a horse. Like his fatlier, he was first a Wliitj and after^ ward a Republican. / January 10, 1844, he married Sarah Frances Ward, who was born in Scott county, Kentucky, August 8, 1828. Her father, Jacob Ward, was born in Kentucky in 1800, his pareilts being natives of Virginia and pioneers of Scott couiitj, Kentucky. Grand- mother Ward died in Scott county, and grandfather Ward afterward moved to Mis- souri, where he spent his last years. Jacob Ward was reared and married in Kentucky, and came to Illinois in 1830, making the journey overland with teams. He located near the present site of Arcadia, where he engaged in farming for a short time, after which he moved into the village of Arcadia and opened a dry-goods and grocery store, at the same time operating a blacksmith and wagon shop and conducting a hotel. Indeed, he was the proprietor of the greater portion of the business there. A number of years later he moved to Cass county, and bought a farm three miles south of the city of Vir- ginia. From this he subsequently moved to a farm on the State road, near Virginia, and was a resident there at the time of his death. He was a prominent and influential man. He served as Associate Judge of the county, having been elected in 1851. The maiden name of his wife was Eliza J. Stevenson. She was born in Kentucky, in 1807, spent her last years in Cass county, Illinois, and died on the farm near Virginia. Mrs. Savage was small when her parents moved to Illinois. She remembers well the incidents of their pioneer life here, and vividly describes the primitive log school houses with their rude furnishings. She resided with her parents till her marriage, 356 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, and for some years past has occupied a beauti- ful home in Virginia. She has live children living, viz.: Charles W., Edward E., Lewis L., Ella Belle and Henry S. Charles W. married Kittie Kelly and has live children; Louise, Bertha May, Harriet, Katie and Chase. Edward E. married Alice Heaton and has four children: Henry H., Walter W., Bessie and Zella. Lewis L. married Emma L. Stribling and has five children: Ada F., Charles J., Fred D., Lewis L. and Tom. Ella Belle is the wife of Henry W. Collins. her children being G. Ward and Elizabeth. Mr. and Mrs. Savage both joined the Christian Church before their marriage. .EV. FATHER MERSCHER, the pop- 'S ular and efficient pastor of St. Angus- tine's Catholic Church, Ashland, Hli- nois, was born in Clinton county, this State, December 4, 1858. His parents were natives of Hanover, Germany, who came to America in 1845, landing in New Orleans, in January of that year. From there they came to Clin- ton county, Illinois, where they located on a farm which the Rev. Merscher's father con- tinued to conduct until ai)out 1882, when he removed to Nodaway county, Missouri, where he lived until his death, ten years later, Jan- uary 14, 1892. It may be truly said of him that he inherited all of the good qualities for which the iidiabitants of the Fatherland are noted, being thoroughly industrious, hon- est, intelligent, and extremely kind-hearted, in consequence of which he was universally esteemed by his associates, who greatly la- mented his death. Three years previous to his death, the family were called upon to mourn the loss of the devoted wife and mother, who e.xpired February 2, 1889. Her devout spirit, loving heart, and rare Chris- tian virtues, deeply impressed all who knew her, and she enjoyed the esteem of a wide circle of acquaintances and friends. The only brother of the subject of this sketch, B. Henry Merscher, died six months after his mother's death, August 24, 1889, in the same place, Nodaway, county. Our subject, whose Christian name is John William, obtained his elementary education in the public schools of Clinton county. He then went to St. Joseph's College, at Tentop- olis, Illinois, entering in 1866, and attend- ing four years. After this, he attended St. Francis' Seminary, at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, graduating at that noted institution in 1876. While at this latter center of learninof, he enjoyed the tutorage of some of the most distinguished men of the Catholic world, among whom were the late lamented Bishop Flasch, of LaCrosse, and Archbishop Katzer, of Milwaukee. Thus fully equipped, both by instruction and example, he began his ministerial duties in January 12, 1877, at Olney, Illinois, and conducted the services in three churches in that vicinity, at Olney, Stringtown and Bridgeport, continuing in their chai-ge until February, 1884. He was then transferred to Petersburg, of the same State, and con- ducted services there and at Ashland, with his residence at the former place. In 1885, these churches were placed in separate juris- dictions, and Father Merscher removed to Ashland, where he has since remained, hav- ing taken charge of the church in February, 1884. Here he has everything to encourage him in his work, a beautiful church and an attractive parsonage, of modern architectural design, both of which are handsomely finished and neatly furnished. He has charge of a large and intelligent congregation, number- SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. R57 ing some eighty-five or ninety families, among whom lie has many sincere friends and well wishers. Thus pleasantly situated, and in the steady pursuance of the path of duty as spread out before him, iiis time is usefully and happily passed, finding in good works a companion- ship for his otherwise lonely life. HLLIAM II. BRACKEN RIDGE. The subject of this sketch was born in Wasliington county, Ohio, Novem- ber 28, 1885. His father, William, was born in Scotland, in 1805, and came from his na- tive land to Illinois, in 1829, when twenty- four years of age. He was a farmer, and was married to Margaret Harvey, who died, Feb- ruary 11, 1845, leaving our subject, the only child. She was a native of Scotland, and made a good, faithful wife the short time she lived. Her husband was married a second time, to Ellen Reid, of Virginia, by whom he had three children. W. H. was reared on the farm, and like hundreds of other farmer boys he received a common-school education. At the age of twenty-two he entered a store in Missouri, as a clerk, where he remained four years, and then catne to "Versailles, May, 1861. Here he volunteered in defense of his country, August, 1862, entering the One Hundred and Nineteenth Illinois Infantry, Company D, as a Second Lieutenant, being honorably dis- charged after two years and four months of service, on account of failing health. He then returned to Versailles and resumed his clerking, after he had recovered his health. Mr. Brackenridge was married, October, 1865, to Amanda C. Vandeventer, daughter of Jethro Vandeventer and Jane Olford, natives of Virginia. Mr. Brackenridge began the mercantile business for himself, in 1866, and has con- tinued doine; a thriving business most of the tiine since. In 1884, he was elected to the Legislature, and was one of the immortal 103 who supported John A. Logan, whom he admired extremely and whose memory he re- veres. It is hardly necessary to add that Mr. Brackenridge has been a Republican of the first order, maintaining the principles of that party through thick and thin. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, being a Blue Lodge Mason. He and his estimable wife are highly respected and esteemed throughout Versailles. 4^ 4(D^ ff HRISTIAN DUCHARDT was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, June 25, 1818. Both his parents and grandpar- ents were natives of that country and passed their lives there. His father, Karl Duchardt, was a butcher by trade and carried on that business. Of his eight children, four came came to America, viz.: John, who settled in Beardstown and died there; Christian; William, a resident of Beardstown; and Mary who was married and died in that place. Christian Duchardt attended school until he was seventeen years of age, at which time he came to America; sailed from Hamburg in September, 1836, on the Franklin, and six weeks later landed at New York, from whence he came direct to Beardstown, Illinois, land- ing here a poor boy. The journey from New York to this place was made via the Hudson river, Erie canal, the lakes and canal, and the Ohio, Mississippi and Illinois rivers. At that time Beardstown was a small place and 358 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OP CASS, Cass county was sparsely settled, much of the land being owned by the Government and for sale at $1.25 per acre. Mr. Duchardt worked at his trade, that of butcher, until his marriage, when he bought eighty acres of land, in section 22, township 18, range 10, covered at the time of purchase with a growth of brush. He bought a log cabin in Virginia, moved it to this place, and commenced at once the work of clearing and improving his farm, and here he has since lived. He has bought other land at differ- ent times, prosperity has rewarded his efforts and he is now regai-ded as one of the substan- tial men of his vicinity. Nor has his whole time and attention been given to making money. He devotes much time to reading and is well posted on the general topics of the day; is public-spirited and generous, always supporting those measures that tend to ad- vance the best interests of the community where he lives. In 1846 Mr. Duchardt married Mary A. Nellsch, a native of Wittenberg, Germany. They have two children, John and Lizzie. John was born February 28, 1851. He has the management of the home farm. Lizzie was married March 21, 1882, to William Needham, and has one child, Mary Ann. Mr. and Mrs. Duchardt and their daughter^ Mrs. Needham, are members of the Method- ist Episcopal Church. -/?/^^■^^«/^^ |AUL P. PHILIPPL one of the leading ™> and successful young farmers of Cass county, lives on a farm consisting of 200 acres on sections 8 and 5, township 17, range 11, where he was born October 16, 1854. He was reared here by good parents and educated in the public schools and at a German institute in St. Louis. He has al- ways been a farmer and also very industrious, and as he is yet a young man the prospect looks very bright for him. He is the young- est of a family of ten children, five yet living. One, Louisa, wife of John E. Euhr, a farmer of Christian county, Missouri. The eldest, Mrs. Annie Bohema, is now deceased, and one brother, Victor, fought through the Rebellion for over four years as a private volunteer. He was never wounded or captured, but had a sunstroke in battle and is now dead, leaving a wife and eight children. Herman, a farmer in this county, married. Mary Winhold; Bertha is the wife of Ferdinand Winhold, a farmer in this county; Armeda now lives with Paul. Bertha Amelia died when small, and (Jharles died aged twenty-four. The father, Pompeius Philippi, was a native of Hamburg, being the eldest of the family of whom the mother and all the children came to the United States, the father having died in Germany. Pompeius Philippi was the inventor of several improvements, which were patented. The last patent issued to him was dated January 24, 1882, for what is now the leading automatic straw-stacker. The family left April 24, 1834, and after a jour- ney of sixty-two days landed in New York. The mother had her three sons, Pompeius, Julius and Victor and her one daughter, Louisa. From New York they came to Cin- cinnati, Ohio, and later joined the twin brothers, CsBsar and Alexander, at Hamilton, where they had settled when they came over some time before. The family all came West in 1834. Cfesar went to New Or- leans, where he was married and where he has since lived, being a book-keeper in the Con- sumers' Ice Company. He is now eighty years old. The other living children are Dr. Julius, who is a widower with two sons and SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 359 is eighty-four years old, and is yet smart and active. Another brother, Alexander, is now eighty years old, is married and in St. Louis. The family is remarkable for its health and activity. They all are free- thinkers. One brother, Victor, noted for civil engineering, died in year 1842. Ttie mother died when an old lady at Arenzville. The father of our subject was a faithful man. He was married in Germany to Caro- line Richelman of Hamburg, Germany. She was a very beloved woman in all respects, who came with her husband to the ITnited States in 1834 and afterward lived in Cass county. Here she and her husband improved a large farm of 200 acres, now owned by our subject and named Fair View. "Here the father and mother dieil, the former in 1887 and the latter eleven months later. The father was eighty-one years old at death. They had been married lifty-four years and the wife was seventy-seven years old at her death. They were good })eo])le and Freethinkers. Mr. Philippi was a Re- pnblican, but not an office seeker. They were recognized as pioneers who helped build up the county. Our subject and brothers are all Republi- cans in politics. He has never married and is a reliable good fanner of the county. 3|fSRAEL HILL, one of the pioneer farmers |0 of Oakland township, was born in Indi- ^ ana, in 1827, a son of Ishmael Hill, a native of North Carolina, born in October, 1808; when the latter was a child of seven years he was taken to Tennessee, where he lived until a youth of seventeen. The paternal grand- father, Ephraim Hill, was a prosperous farmer and distiller in Tennessee. He re- moved to Indiana about 1825, and here his son, Ishmael, was married to Miss Elizabeth Wright, a native of Kentucky and a daugh- ter of William and Catherine (Rusher) Wright. This young couple emigrated to Illinois in 1828 with their infant son, Israel; they made the journey overland in the early spring, and came directly to Rushville where they settled on a squatter's claim of 160 acres, eight miles north of the village. Some years later Mr. Hill bought a farm of one liundred and twenty acres in Oakland township. It was wild and heavily tim- bered, but he went to work with a will, and, assisted by hie son, succeeded in making one of the most desirable farms in this section. i He resided here until 1878, when he sold the farm to his son, and bought another tract south of Macomb in McDoiiough county, where he spent the last years of his life. His wife died in 1875, leaving him with a family of eight children; they buried two infant sons; the names of the other children are as follows: Rhoda, Mary, Sarah, Martha, Margaret, Millie A. and Nancy; all are married and have families. Mr. Hill is the only son. He was married April 4, 1850, to Miss Louisiana Pemberton, a daughter of Thomas Pemberton of Kentucky; the mother's maiden name was Deborah Moore, and she was a daughter of Ephraim Moore, also of Ken- tucky. Mr. and Mrs. Hill have had a family of ten children, two of whom died in in- fancy; Minerva J., wife of Thomas Schroder, died at the age of twenty-one years, leaving one daughter; Amanda is now the wife of Thomas Schroder; Eliza married A. J. Heaton; Columbia A. is at home; Deborah, wife of George W. Young; Cora and John are at home; J. N. married a Miss Smith, and they have three children, Wilmar, aged 360 BIOGBAPSICAL REVIEW OF OASS, six years, Myrtle, aged four, and Koscoe, ao-ed thirteen months. Mr. Hill bought 120 acres in 1858, to wliich he added 80 acres in 1871; in 1878 he purchased his lather's farm and later added eighty-six acres to the original purchase of 120 acres. InNovember, 1891, lie bought a home in Vermont, where he lives retired from active life. He lias served his town as Supervisor sev- eral terms, and has held other minor ofhces. He was in his early days a Whig, but now affiliates with the Democratic party. He has been very successful in business, and from a small beginning he has accumulated a large estate: he owns 415 acres of good [and, well improved, and by a life of honor and integrity has attracted to himself a large number of warm friends, and has won the confidence of the entire community. flELDS E. DAVIS, who has been for many years identified with the leading farmers of Schuyler county, is a native of the State of Tennessee, born in Greene county, in 1827, a son of Paul Davis; the paternal grandfather was Fields Davis. Paul Davis was reared in Tennesseee, and there married Sarah Huff, a daughter of Elias Huff. In 1827, accompanied by his wife and child he emigrated to Illinois, and located in what is now Rushville township. He re- mained here a few months and went to In- diana, and lived near New Albany until 1837, and then returned to Schuyler county, and rented land on which he passed the last days of his life. Elias Huff removed from Ten- nessee to Illinois in 1827, and settled in Schuyler county; after a few years he re- moved to McDonough county, Illinois, where he died. Mrs. Sarah H. Davis died in Hancock county, Illinois. Fields E. Davis was an infant when his parents first pene- trated the wilds of Schuyler county, and was a lad of ten when they returned to the State. He received his education in the pioneer schools, and has a vivid recollection of the puncheon floors, puncheon seats and punch- eon desks, the finishings and furnishings be- ing of almost the same pattern. He re- mained under the parental roof until he was seventeen years old, when he went to learn the cooper trade; this he followed until 1846, when he enlisted in the Mexican war. He soon fell ill, and was discharged on account of disability; he was in Texas at this time, but returned to his home, and resumed his former occupation. This he pursued until 1851, when he took a trip to the Territory of Minnesota, going via the river to St. Paul which was then a rather straggling village. He returned in the autumn of the same year, worked at his trade, and in the spring of 1855, started for California. This long and weary journey was made across the plains with ox teams, when there were no settle- ments between the Missouri river and the Pacific coast, excepting tlie military posts and the Mormons at Salt Lake. He started in March, and reached the Golden State in the following August. He first engaged in min- ing, the all-absorbing occupation, and after- ward followed farming. In 1857 he returned CD to the East, coming via the Isthmus of Pan- ama. He worked at his trade for two years, and then purchased a farm consisting of 160 acres; this he has by industry and toil brought to high state of cultivation, and he has made many valuable improvements; he has erected good, substantial buildings, all conveniently arranged for farming purposes. He is a thoroughly self-made man, and it is through SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. mi his own efforts that he has arisen to a pos- ition of financial independence. Mr. Davis was united in marriage April 1, 1860, to Miss Lydia E. Smith, a native of Schuyler county, Illinois, and a daughter of Jonathan and Nancy Smith, whose history appears elsewhere in this work. Eight chil- dren have been born of this union: Charles J., Mary, Virginia E., William, Margaret, Sam- uel, Fanny and John. Mr. Davis is a con- sistent member of the Missionary Baptist Church, and is highly respected by the cit- izens of his county. mOMAS M. REDFIELD was born in Cayuga county, New York, August 27, 1816. His father was Richard lledfield, born in Connecticut in 1768. ITe was a blacksmith all his life. He had but one brother, Reuben. Richard was married twice and Thomas was a child of the second marriage. His mother's name was Mrs. Lucy Brown, nee Main, daughter of Thomas and Lucy (Taylor) Main, of Connecticut, where she was born. Mr. Redfield had one brotlier, Charles, who died young, and a sister, Mrs. Charles Hulett, the mother of ten children who dierl in Hrown county, aged forty-six: only two of these now survive. The father and mother of Thomas came to Illinois from Indiana with a hired team and wagon in the fall of 1830. They lived about a year at Rushville, where in 1827 he had bought eight lots. He sold these off and moved five miles southwest of Rushville and cleared up a farm on school lands. They moved from tliese lands to a new place in La (irange, then in Schuyler, but now in Brown. In 1836 they came to Brooklyn and obtained forty acres of Government land. Thomas lived at home until he was married, in 1839, to Mary Pyle, daughter of Nicholas and Mary Pyle, who came from Kentucky to Illinois about 1882. Mr. Redfield began married life on a farm of forty acres about one mile northeast of the village site, and in 1852 he moved to the village where they lived until 1869, when they sold the home and moved to his present place, September 15. He bought 120 acres of land at S3 an acre. Mr. Redfield lost his wife February 17, 1881. She was in her si.xty-sixth year and left five living children. They buried four, Nancy, an infant; Lucy; Mrs. George W. Logan, who died in early married life, and her infant with her; and Melissa, who was Mrs. Daniel Gross; she was first married to George A. Brown, who was Lieutenant of Company A, Seventy-eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was killed during the war. Her second husband was also a soldier in the army. She died in 1873, aged about thirty-three, leaving five children. Sarah, Mrs. John Krieble, died at the age of twenty-seven, leaving two chil- dren. The living children are: Ovandea, at home with her father; George, in McDonough county; Lovisa D. Camp, a widow. Mr. Redfield has been School Director, a life-long Republican and he is a Universalist. Mary, another of his daughters, now Mrs. Logan, lives in Sacramento, California; and Thomas, Jr., lives on part of the farm. Mr. Redfield has twenty-five grandchildren and four great- grandchildren. T^.T;ILLIAM H. BURNSIDE, one of the ■;.w\|| most substantial farmers in Schuy- 1*=^^ ler county, resides on section 29, l^uena Vista township. He was born in Bainbridge township, this State, on July 3, BIOORAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS. 1848, his parents being Tliomas and Sarah J. (Henry) Burnsitle, natives of Ireland and Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, respectively. The father of our subject was born in Ireland in 1816, coming to the United States when sev- enteen years of age. He was one of a family of si.x children, three sons and three daugh- ters, named Williani, James, Thomas, Mary, Li I lie and Margaret. On arriving in the United States, he went to Pittsburg, Penn- sylvania, where he worked at the trade of cabinet-maker, afterward going into business for himself in that city, but later lost every- thing, and in 1843 came to Illinois, a poor man. lie worked for a time at his trade in llushville, this State, and afterward engaged in farming, in which he was very successful, eventually becoming the owner of 345 acres of land, highly improved with good house and barns, the land being well cultivated and de- voted to mixed farming. He died in 1876, his wife dying a few months previous. They bad seven childi-en: Lillie, who mari'ied Wasliington Lawler, of Woodstock township; "William 11. , the subject of our sketch; Sarah, who resides on the homestead ; James, also a resident of the homestead; Thomas, living in Buena Vista township; Robert, a resident of Bainbridge township; and Margaret, living on the homestead. The subject of our sketch was reared on a farm, and attended the country schools. He resided at home until 1883, when he located on the farm on which he now resides. This land he purchased in 1882, whicli then com- prised 320 acres, to which he has since added fifty acres more, making altogether 370 acres of well improved land, which he now owns. He has erected good buildings, a residence and barns for grain and stock and other mod- ern improvements, and lias put his land un- der a high state of cultivation. Besides agriculture, he also raises stock, principally short-horn cattle, in which latter pursuit he is very successful. He affiliates with the Republican party, but is not an office-seeker, taking only such interest as all good citizens feel in the ad- vancement and welfare of their native county and State. Beginning life with only such means as his father conld spare from the care and support of a large family, he has by economy and thrift become one of the largest land- owners and stock-raisers of the county. Honest in dealings, courteous in manners and cordial to all. he enjoys the respect and esteem of the community and has a host of warm personal friends. tLP'RED M. SMITH, a well-known citi- zen and an honored veteran of the late war, now residing in Ashland, Illinois, was born in Brown county, Ohio, June 30, 1849. His parents were Wesley and Mary M. (Moore) Smith, both natives of Ohio, the former of Chillicothe and the latter of Fees- burgh. They had nine children, five now living: Margaret C., wife of Charles Wig- gins, resides in Ashland; James Monroe served four years and three months in the Union army, enlisting in the Twenty-third Kentucky Regiment, and participated in all the principal engagements in which the Twenty-fourth Corps took part; he died, un- married, of smallpox, in Hamilton county, Ohio, in 1876. Joiin Wesley served in the Fifty-fourth Kentucky (Union) Regiment, is married, and lives in Tallula, Menard county, Illinois; the next in order of birth is tiie subject of this sketch; William Henry is married, and is a Methodist Episcopal minis- 8CHUTLER AJSD BROWii COUNTIES. 303 terin Akron, Ohio; Alice Virginia married John R. Hull, and live.s in Bracken county, Kentucky; Mary, Joseph and Eliza died in childhood. In 1858, the parents removed to Kentucky, where the father died in 1861, leaving a large family of children to the care of the mother. She afterward married Sove- reign Greene, who also died in Kentucky. She then removed with her children to Fred- erick, Illinois, where she married Martin Bridgnian, surviving her marriage only about a year, dying in Frederick in 1874. The subject of this sketch was but nine years of age when his parents moved from Ohio to Kentucky, at that time a new and sparsely settled county. He was reared on a farm, and followed that vocation until the breaking out of tiie war. Tiiose liappy, peace- ful days, spent in rural scenes and homely duties and pastimes, were interrupted by his enlisting, at the age of si.xteen years and seven months, in Company K, One Hundred and Ninety-sixth Ohio Infantry, for the period of one year, which he served in lull, being un- der the command of General Hancock, in the Second Army Corps. He took the measles while in Camp Chase, Ohio, atid was dis- ciiarged from the hospital to accompany his regiment to the front, when he took cold, and the disease settled in his eyes and lungs, de- stroying tlie sight of his right eye, severely injuring the other, and superinducing neu- ralgia, from which he greatly suffered. He now receives a pension for these disabilities. On September 11, 1805, he was honorably discharged at Baltimore, Maryland, where- upon he returned to his widowed mother in Pendleton county, Kentucky, where he ex- perienced some exciting scenes, caused by the return of the disbanded rebel army of that vicinity. It was while he was at home that his mother became a widow a second time. after which Mr. Smith accompanied her to Frederick, Illinois, where she spent the rest of her life. She is now buried in the Messer cemetery, near Frederick. Mr. Smith was married in Springfield, Illinois, April 1, 1878, to Miss Anna Ratlifl, an estimable lady, and a native of Morgan county, Illinois. She is a daugiiter of Rich- ard and Mary (Bridgman) Ratliff, both of whom had been previously married, the father having one son and three daugliters: Lucy J., Mary Ellen, Isaac Wesley, and Lucretia. The mother was formerly married to a Mr. Houston, to which union three children were born: llezekiah, Isaac and William Thomas. All of these cliildreii of both marriages are now living, except Lucy J., and all are married. To the marriage of Mrs. Suiith's parents, four children were born, of whom she is the eldest: Anna Nancy J., now Mrs- E. T. Welch, resides in Amarillo, Texas; Mary M., married James Allen, of Ashland, Illinois; James Albert, unmarried, is a farmer. The mother still lives, at the age of seventy-one years, and is comfortably situated in Ashland. The father, llezekiah Bridgman, was a prominent citizen and esteemed pio- neer of Morgan county, Illinois, who died in Concord, that county, in 188i. He was was widely known throughout tliis vicinity and was deeply mourned by a large com- munity. Since the war, Mr. Smith has been in rather poor health. Thinking a change might prove beneficial, he traveled through the South for two years, visiting Texas, New Mexico, Mis- sissippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama. Some of the time he is able to work, while often he is incapacitated for active pursuits. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have five children: Jessie, Clarence, Randolph, Mary Alice, 364 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, William Ellsworth and Ada Belle, all at home with their parents. Miss Jessie Smith is particularly intelligent and active. She is now at that age commonly known as " sweet sixteen," and is attending the high school in Ashland, hoping some day to become a teacher. She is an earnest member of the Christian Church, and takes an active part in church and Sunday-school work, never having missed a session of Sunday-school for two years. Mrs. Smith is also a most devoted and ueefiil member of the same church. Mr. Smitli is Democratic in his political affiliations, and takes a deep interest in the affairs of his State and county. He is a member of Dick Johnson Post, No. 381, of Tallula, Illinois, and of the Brotherhood of United Friends, as well as of the I. 0. O. F. Having followed his career thus far, which has been most honorable, it is reasonable to prognosticate a fitting close, as, surrounded by sympathetic friends, to whom his many sterling qualities have endeared him, and vindicated at the tribunal of his own search- ing conscience, he peacefully pursues his pathway through life. |REGORY WAGNER, Jr., farmer and resident of Mt. Sterling township, was born in Owen county, Indiana, March 24, 1853. His father, Gregory, was born at Baden, Germany, February 24, 1820, and his father was also born in Baden, where he learned the trade of a weaver and thei-e fol- lowed it. He came to America about 1827, accompanied by his wife and six children. He lived in New York, Philadelphia and Pitts- burg, where he worked in the iron works for some years. From there he went to Co- shocton county, Ohio and was one of the early settlers there. He continued on the land he then bought until his death in 1837. This was occasioned by the i)ite of a rattle- snake. His wife's name was Magdaline Ril- ing, also of Baden. After her husband's death she came to Brown county and died here about 1862. Gregory, Sr., was seven years old when he came to America. While the family lived at Pittsburg he worked in the iron works and after their removal to Ohio he assisted his father on the farm. He in- herited a part of his father's land and bougth forty acres more from his brother and lived there niitil 1851. He then moved to Indi- ana, traded his farm in Ohio for land in Owen township, Indiana, remained there two years, then sold and came to Illinois, and settled in Mt. Sterling township, buying land in sections 1 and 2. There was only a log cabin on the place, but he shortly began improving; later he bought another tract and engaged in farm- ing until 1878, when he moved to Mt. Ster- ling, where he now resides. He was married November 18, 1840, to Miss Agatha Lash, born in Alsace, Germany, February 5, 1821. Her father was a carpenter of Baden, who came to America in 1827 with his wife and six children. The parents of our subject have ten living children. Gi-egory, Jr., was but an infant when he came to Illinois with his parents. He began when very young to help on the farm, was reared to habits of industry, received the benefits of the district schools, and continued to reside with his parents until twenty-one, since when he has been engaged in farming and threshing on his own responsibility. He now owns and occupies a portion of the old homestead, where he has erected a good set of frame buildings and has otherwise improved the place. SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 365 He was married January 15, 1878, to Miss Mary Factor of Ohio, daughter of Benjamin Factor, she being one of eleven children. The family are hicrhly regarded members of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church. He is a Democrat and the whole family is greatly re- spected. Mr. and Mrs. Wagner have seven children,— four sons and three daughters. --OTXJ/7/2, _^^ ■^l/irir^^ H. DUNN, dealer in all kinds of iiard- ware, stoves and gardening imple- \^ inents, in Beardstown, was born in this county. He attended school at home and in Jacksonville College. His father, Luke Dunn, was a native of Cornwall, En- gland. He followed the business of fanner. He married Elizabeth Jasper, of the same place, and soon after, late in the '40s, they reached the United States and settled on the Sangamon bottoms in Cass county, Illinois, upon unbroken land. After making some improvements, he sold the land and took np more land, and still later moved into the. city of Beardstown, retiring from active labors. Mr. Dunn still lives, being sixty-eight years of age, but his wife died in 18^2, at the age of sixty-six years. She was a good wife, mother and neighbor, o| Christian spirit, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Dunn is an active politician and hf^s been County Commissioner twice, and has held other local ofl^ces. He is a well-known, good citizen. Our subject is the eldest son and second child of seven children, all yet living. He was for some time engaged in farming, and was also at one time a clerk for Colonel B. G. Wheeler & Co., of Missouri. His present business was established by an old settler, Abner Foster. Except for six months, when as Mr. Dunn had associated with M. T. Dunn, Mr. Dunn has been the sole proprietor since 1882. He is a live young man, and* is sure of making his business succeed. He was married in this county, to Miss Lizzie Miller, who was born, reared and edu- cated and taught school in this same county. Her father, E. P. Miller, was born in Ken- tucky, but married in Beardstown. Mr. Miller was engaged in the livery business when he died in 1884. He was born in 1818; was a sound Republican, but not an office-seeker. His wife, born in Illinois, is yet living and is quite an old lady. Mrs. Dunn is a bright, intelligent lady, and the mother of two children, Edna and E. Miller. She is a member of the Methodist Church. m^. ILLIAM CAMPBELL was born in '■■ \7'\1} county Tyrone, Ireland, April 18, "•^^ 1818, on the same farm on which his father, Archibald Campbell, and his grand- father, William Campbell, were born. This farm was owned by his grandfather, who passed his entire life on it. William Camp- bell, Sr., wa§ a meinber of the Episcopal Chnrch, and in that faith reared his family. Archiljald Campbell, like his father, spent his whole life on the farm on which he was born. He lived to the ripe old age of eighty-nine years. The maiden name of his wife was Elizabeth Stewart, she being a native of the same vicinity, and a daughter of James Stewart, who was a native of Ireland and a descendant of Scotch ancestry. Mrs. Camp- bell died in Ireland, aged seventy-eight years. The names of their six children are: Mary, William, Catherine, James, Archie and Ann. James and Archie are deceased. Mary is the wife of Samuel Shaw, and re- BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, sides in Dixon, Illinois. Catherine married Hugh Gibney, and lives in Canada. Ann still makes her home in Tyrone, Ireland. William Campbell, the subject of our sketch, was reared and educated in Ireland, and as soon as he was old enough aided in the farm work. In 1840, bidding farewell to the Emerald Isle, he sailed from London- derry, May 10, and landed at New York after a voyage of thii'ty-one days. From New York he came direct to Illinois, making the journey via water, rail and stage, to Pittsburg, and thence by way of the Ohio, Mississippi and Illinois rivers to Beardstown. Then he came by team to the vicinity where he now lives. At that time Cass county was sparsely settled, some of the land still being owned by the Government. He spent a few months with his brother-in-law, Samuel Shaw, and at this time was taken sick with ague. Seeking a change of climate, he went to St. Louis and took cliarge of a livery stable, remaining tliei-e three years. At the end of that time he came back to Cass county and bought a farm three miles and a half west of Virginia. This farm, consisting of 100 acres, he purchased for $5 per acre, a log house and stable and fifty acres under cultivation comprising the improvements on it. Five years later he sold out at an ad- vance, and liought the farm on which he now resides, two miles west of Virginia. The improvements on this place at the time of purchase were a log house with a frame addi- tion, and a frame stable. He has since re- placed them with a good set of frame build- ings, has purchased other lands at different times, and is now the owner of upwards of 1,000 acres in Cass county. Mr. Campbell was married in 1845, Octo- ber 10, to Mary D. Sudbrink, daughter of Frederick and Catherine Sudbrink. She was born in Germany, and came with her parents to America when young. Their four children are Henry I., Alfred, Emma Ann and Edwin. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Po- litically he affiliates with the Democratic party. He has served as a member of the Board of County Commissioners. -^^lyzriy:,- -^ifirir^-^ R. ARCIIIBLE R. ALLEN located in Huntsville in 1882. He was born in Bainbridge township, Schuyler county, Illijiois, September 22, 1851, being a son of William J. and Mary G. (Edmondston) Allen, natives of North Carolina and Indiana. The father of our subject was reared in Indiana and in 1844 came to Illinois and settled in Bainbridge where he married; and in 1852. Having some land in Missouri, he left his wife and children with her parents and went to that State. From there lie went to Oregon and later to California, where he died. His wife died in Adams county, Illinois. They had two sons, Archible and James E. Archible is the older, and resided with his grandfather in Schuyler county ; but when he was ten years old he removed to Adams county. In 1869. after the death of his mother, he went to Fandon, McDonough county, where he lived with an uncle. Colonel Samuel Wilson, and attended school. In 1874, he commenced the study of medicine with Dr. N. E. Wilson. He subsequently attended college at Keokuk, graduating in 1886. He located in practice at Huntsville. He was married in May, 1882, to Maggie R., daughter of Marshall and Rebecca Spon- denburg) Wells. She was born in Brown county, Illinois, January 8,1870. They have one child, Bessie May. aCHUTLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 307 The Doctor was in the drug trade from 1874 to 1876, at Birmingham, Illinois. He was quite successful at it. Dr. Allen is a stanch Republicaa in poli- tics and a member of the Iluntsviile Lodge, No. 465, A. F.& A. M.. and Cyclone Lodge, I. O. O. F. He and bis wife are among the best people of that section, and are highly respected by their large circle of friends. lEORGE CONOVER, of the firm of Petefish. Skiles & Co., bankers, Vir- 1*1 ginia, Hliiiois, was born in Princeton precinct, Cass county, this State, September 11, 1846. Of hi? life and ance.^try we pre- sent the following facts: Doniinicns Conover, great-grand father of George Conover, was born in Holland and came to America in Colonial times, settling in New Jersey, where his son, Levi, was born. The latter served in a cavalry reginient for five years during the Revolutionary war. In In 1790 he moved to Kentucky and settled near Lexington. Five years later he moved to Adair county, where he spent the residue of his life. The maiden name of his second wife, grandmother of our subject, was Jane Galbraitli Turiihow. Their soti, Levi Cour over, Jr., was born in Adair county, Ken- tucky, and was there reared to manhood. At the age of twenty-two years he came to Cass county, Illinois, arriving here without any means other than the horse he had ridden. He found employment of various kinds, earn- ing his iirst money by splitting rails at fifty cents per hundred. In 1834 he went to Galena and worked in the mines of that vicinity till fall. He then returned and went to the territory of Iowa, where he took a squatter's claim to Government land. He came back to Illinois and spent the winter, and in the spring returned to Iowa, in com- pany with a friend, making the journey with oxen and wagon. He at once began the work of improving his claim, and soon had his log cabin built. In 1836 he returnedto Illinois, married Elizabeth Petefish, and took his bride to their frontier home. In 1837, while they were on a visit to Cass county, this State, Mrs. Conover died, and soon after her death Mr, Conover sold his Iowa claim and settled in Cass county. In 1841 he the Peter Conover homestead, on which he was engaged in farming for some years. From there he moved to the town of Virginia, where he spent the last years of his life. The uiaiden name of his second wife, mother of George, was Phcebe A. Rosenberger. Her father, John Rosenberger, was born of German parents. George Conover was reared on his father's farm, attending the district schools a portion of each year. He advanced his education by one term at Beardstown high school and one term at Wesleyan University qt Blooming- ton, after which he entered Bryant and Strat- ten's Business College at Chicago. After his niarriage he located on a farm, owned by his father, two miles and a half southeast of Virginia, which farm his father deeded to him soon afterward. He continued to reside there till 1876, when he came to Virginia to accept the position of book-keeper in the bank of Petefish, Skiles & Co. The same year he became a partner, and so remains, and since 1884 has been cashier. He still owns his farm. In February, 1870, he married Virginia Lee Bone, a native of Rock Creek, Sangamon county, Illinois, daughter of William and Farinda (Osborn) Bone. To them have been born four children: William B., Ernest B., George B. and Virginia Louise. 368 BIOOliAPHlCAL REVIEW OF CASS, Politically Mr. Conover affiliates with the Democratic party. He has served two terms as Mayor and si.x years as a member of the Board of Education. Though not a third party man, he is a prohibitionist in prin- ciple. He was elected Mayor on the tem- perance issue, and it was during hia first term that the saloons were closed in Virginia. They have since remained closed. He is a director in the Virginia Building and Loan Association. tUAKLES M. TIXNEY was born in Marion, Grant county, Indiana, Nov- >^i ember 11, 1S52. His father, John M. Tinney, was born in AVashington county, Kentucky, son of Nathaniel Tinney, a native of Virginia and a soldier of the Revolution- ary war. Grandfather Tinney moved to Kentucky aliout 1800, and became one of the pioneer farmers of Washington county. He was by trade an architect and builder, but he spent his last years on the farm, and died in his Kentucky home. Grandfatlier Tinney's maiden name was Caroline Marshall. She was a native of Virginia: spent her last days and died in Tazewell county, Hlinois. John M. Tinney was reared in Kentucky and learned the trade of tailor in Cincinnati. He carried on business in that city for a time, and from there went to Dayton, Ohio. In 1859 he moved to Pekin, Illinois, where he engaged in hotel-keeping. He continued liis residence at that place until the time of his death. His widow, a native of Dayton, Ohio, was before her marriage Miss Sarali Kaugh- man. She now makes her home with her children. Charles M. Tinney was reared and educated jn Pekin, Illinois, being a graduate of the high school of that place. He also attended college one year at Oskaloosa, Iowa. After that he studied law in the office of W. D. Maus, of Pekin, being admitted to the bar in 1873. He then commenced the practice of his profession in Virginia, where he has since resided. He conducted a law practice until 1880, when he bought the office and good will of the Virginia Gazette, a weekly paper. He has since had charge of this paper, and in connection with it has a job printing office. Politically he is a Republican. Mr. Tinney was married in November, 1886, to Annie E. Craft, a native of Penn- sylvania and a daughter of J. B. and Phebe (Duuanay) Craft. y^HRISTIAN PILGER, a live man and old citizen of Beardstown, was born in Waldeck, Prussia, in 1836, and came of a good old German family. His father, Fred Pilger, was at one time city Mayor, as had been his father and grandfather before him. The same office is now held by one of the sons in the town of Berich, where the family has lived. The father and mother of our subject, were good Lutlierans and lived and died- in their native country. They had a family of eleven children, five of whom came came to this country, three of whom are yet living. He came to Beardstown in June, 1855, a young man twenty years of age. He was engaged as a bench tailor for some years, when in 1873, he, with Henry Garm started in business as merchant tailors. He enlisted in August, 1862, in Company A, One Hundred and Fourteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Captain John M. John- son and Colonel James W. Judy, command- ing. He was engaged in the battles of SGHUTLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 369 Vicksburg, Jackson, Mississippi, Nashville, thence down to New Orleans, across the Gulf of Mexico to Mobile, and was in all the bat- tles of that section. In all this military duty our subject escaped wounds or capture, but twice suffered sunstroke. He was Cor- poral of his company when discharged, August 13, 1865. Since his return he has been a live member of the place. In 1882, Mr. Pilger's business was carried on for two years under the name of Pilger & Huge, at which time Mr. Pilger assumed sole charge of the business until 1889. Mr. Pilger is now engaged in the real-estate business, is a Notary Public, and carries a number of lines of insurance. He is agent for the Equitable Building & Loan Society, of Peoria, and is City Clerk of Beardstown. He has been very successful in life, and has amassed a good property in this city. The spot on which his othce now stands was formerly the old house site of Mr. Thomas Beard, who first settled here, established the ferry, and later laid out the town. Mr. Pilger was for years the proprietor of the Pilger block on the corner of State and Main streets. He is a worker for the Boys in Blue, and is a char- ter member of the McLane Post, G. A. R.. No. 97, of Beardstown, was its hrst Quarter- master, and has held the position nearly ever since. The Sons of Veterans of this place also named their camp in his honor. He has been for many years a member of Cass Lodge, No. 25, A. F. & A. M., and has taken an act- ive part in it. He was married in this city to Miss Mar- garet Schuman, born in Baden, Germany, and came to this country when eighteen years of age. Her parents also came to Beards- town and died here consistent members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. and Mrs. Pilger are parents of but one daughter, an accom- plished young lady, a leader in social circles and now the wife of William F. Stanley, foreman in the paint shop of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company of this city. < '^ RYSON M. BLACKBURN was born in Ohio, on the line between Butler and Hamilton counties in 1828. His father was James Blackburn, of the same place, born in 1805, and his father, Bryson Black- burn, came to Ohio from Pennsylvania at an early day, with his wife. Three brothers had preceded him, and the oldest of the fam- ily had been killed by the Indians in the same State. The latter left a family. One of the re- maining brothers sought to avenge the blood of his brother, named Patterson Blackburn. He was finally lost in the West, after having been iu the Lewis and Clark expedition. James Blackburn, the father of our subject, was one of three children. His brother, Hamilton, and his sister, Polly, who mar- ried John Mattson, a nephew of William Henry Harrison. The mother of our subject was Neppie Sparks, of Maryland, though born in Kentucky. She was a daughter of Matthew and Prudence (Conway) Sparks. They were farmers who came to Schuyler county in 1830, when Rushville was a very small hamlet. Mr. Blackburn was a tanner and currier, who started a small tannery and soon built up a good business, which he sold out in a few years at a handsome profit. He again embarked in business with a partner who proved a rascal and bankrupted him. He then started anew by taking up eighty acres of land near Plymouth. This was mili- tary land, and after making a home and im- provements here he found that his title was 370 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, not good ; so lost it. Having stuilied medicine under tlie then famous Dr. Thomas, of Cin- cinnati, lie began practicing and soon had a large practice. In 18.35-'36 the cholera became epidemic, and lie returned to Rnsh- ville, against the wishes of liis wife and chil- dren, to assist the sick. Mr. Blackburn was one of eleven children: Robert, Bryson, Prudence, Orville, John, Amanda, Amelia, Ann and Thomas: the other two died in infancy. Mr. Blackburn had but a limited district schooling, but he endeavored to improve himself and taught school one winter. He has followed farming and car- pentering all his life, for which he had a natural talent. Pie was married in Iluntsville, Illinois, in 1852, to Susan Brumlield Overstreet, a daughter of Buckley and Nancy Overstreet. Her parents came from Kentucky and Vir- ginia. She was born in Kentucky in 1829, and came to Illinois in 1886. Her parents died in Iluntsville, he aged sixty-eight, and she seventy years. Mr. and Mrs. Blackburn have buried four children in early childhood. They have six still living: Kate, wife of Warren Whitson, of Brooklyn; Frances A., a maiden at home; Fred W. married Sophia Wells and resides near Brooklyn, on a farm of 500 acres; Nep- pie, wife of Elmer Brown, resides at Brook- lyn; Mary M., the wife of George Kruter, lives in McDonough county; and R. H. is a young man at home. Mr. Blackburn bought his present house and farm in 1854. He has 110 acres of very fertile land. He considers himself a poor financier, although an industrious man. He voted with the Democrats until the Civil war, and did not vote for president until Hayes. He is a stanch Prohibitionist now. He has served the town in some of the minor offices. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Church, and are well known and and influential citizens. jICHARD J. OSBORN, of Lee town- M ship, was born in Adams county, Illinois, % November 2, 1838. His father, David N., was born in Connecticut in 1806, and his father died in early life. David learned the shoemaker trade, and worked at it many years in the East. He married Martha Stafford, of Maryland, in Ohio, whither he had come by degrees, working at his trade as he went from town to town, always in a westerly direction. They came with one child to Adams county, Illinois, in 1837. They possessed some means and bought 160 acres of unimproved land, on which they built a small log house, and in which Richard was born. They re- sided in Adams county fourteen years, and then sold and came to Lee township, Brown county. When they built their first home the near- est neighbors were five miles, and Mr. Osborn had never seen them, but that did not pre- vent them from coming to help him. When they reached Lee township, they bought 160 acres of prairie and eighty of timber. They paid 12,400 for these lands, which included a cabin and seventy-two acres broken. This was his life-long home, though he died at Mound Station in 1883, in his seventy eighth year. He left a widow and six children. She still survivesjhim,makingher home with Rich- ard. The latter has been reared to farm life, and obtained only a fair amount of schooling. After Mr. Osborn married he settled here, where he has 198 acres of prairie land and forty of timber. He grows a mixed crop, — SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 371 corn, wheat and grass. He keeps about fif- teen head of horses and thirty of cattle. He turns off about seventy hogs a year, and has a small dairy in operation. He bought his first eighty acres in 1879, and has added to it from time to time. In 1860 he went to Denver, Colorado, and on to the ^o\(\ mines forty miles west. He went with an ox team over the plains and followed mining in com- pany with one other. While there he met with a sad accident, by which he lost his left hand and his left eye. It was caused by an accidental discharge of powder, February 11, 1861, hence his trip was not a financial suc- cess. He was married in 1882 to Ella Long, of Brown county, Hlinois. She was the daugh- ter of Andrew and Elizabeth (Buxton) Long. They are both natives of Illinois and farmers of this township. Mr. and Mrs. Osborn have two daughters, Edith M. and Alta P. Mrs. Osborn is a member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church. Mr. Osborn is a Republican, first, last and all the time. He is School Treasurer of Lee township, and has been Town Clerk. He and his wife are worthy people, and are highly esteemed by all who know them. iAVID DODDS was born in county Down, Ireland, January 15, 1829, a son of John Dodds, a native of the same county and a descendant of Scotch an- cestors; the father was a farmer by occupa- tion, and spent his entire life in his own country; he died in 1863. The mother of our subject was Martha McElroy Dodds, a native of the same county as her husband, and a daughter of John McElroy, of Scotch extraction; she died in 1866, in county Down. They had a family of thirteen children, eleven of whom grew to maturity, and five of whom came to America; Betty, Sallie, Ann, Mar- tha, John, William, James, Samuel, Robert, Thomas and David; John, James, Samuel, Thomas and David came to the United States. Our subject was reared and educated in the county of his birth, and in his youth began to assist on the home farm. He remained with his parents until 1851, when he bade farewell to home and friends and native land, and sailed across the seas to the New World; the voyage consumed five weeks, and after landing at New York he continued his jour- ney to Ohio, and located in Mahoning county. He remained there, wovking by the month, for more than eight years, and then came to Schuyler County and settled in Bainbridge township. When the great Civil war arose, Mr. Dodds espoused the cause of his adopted country, and August 5, 1861, enlisted in Company O, Twenty-eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He was with his regiment until April, 1866, and participated in the capture of Forts Ily- man and IJenry, and in the engagements at Shiloh; Grand Gulf, Champion Hills, the Hatchie, Vicksburg, Forts Beauregard and Blakely and Spanish Fort, and some others of less note. He was honorably discharged, and returned to his home, where he resumed farm- ing. In 1867 he bought the land he now oc- cupies. Mr. Dodds was married in 1874, to Mrs. Martha Herron Collister, a native of county Down, and a daughter of James and Nancy (Murray) Herron. Mrs. Dodds was first married in Ireland, to Joseph Collister; they emigrated to America in 1856, and the fol- lowing year came to Schuyler county. Mr. Collister became a member of Company D, One Hundred and Fifteenth Illinois Volun- 372 BIOGBAPHIGAL REVIEW OF CjVSS, teer Infantry, and after the war settled in Bainbridge township, where he lived until his death, in 1873; they had one daughter, Maggie, who married Thomas Suddith. Mr. and Mrs. Dodds were Ijoth reared to the faith of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Dodds is a member of the Republican party, and is an ardent supporter of its principles; he belongs to Colonel Henry Post, No. 131, G. A. R. -^. ^ lAMUEL H. PETEFISH was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, April 30, 1824. son of Jacob Petefish, a na- tive of the same State. His grandfather, Christian Petefish, was born in Germany. When a young man, Christian Petetish en- tered the army. He came to America as a Hessian soldier during the time of the Revo- lutionary war. His sympathies, however, were not with the British Government, and after the battle of Princeton he joined the Colonial ranks and fought for independence until peace was declared. He then settled in Virginia, where he reared his family and spent the remainder of his life. Jacob Petefish was reared and married in tlie Old Dominion, and resided there until 1835. That year, with his wife and eight children, he started for Hlinois. They made the journey with a four-horse team, brought their cooking utensils along, cooked and camped on the way, and arrived in what is now Cass county in October. Mr. Petetish purchased a tract of land in what is now Vir- ginia precinct, engaged in farming, and re- sided here till the time of his death, in 1849. The maiden name of his wife was Elizabeth Price, she, too, being a native of Virginia. Her death occurred in 1854. They reared a family of eleven children. The names of the sons are as follows: William, Jacob, Sam- uel H., John A., Andrew J. and Thomas B. Andrew J. was a soldier in the late war, and died in the service. Of the daughters we re- cord that Mary wedded Reuben Fultz; Sarah married Robert Maxtield; Elizabeth was the wife of Levi Conover; Ellen married Joseph Crura; and Diana became the wife of Daniel Short. Samuel H. Petefish was eleven years old when he came to Illinois with his parents, and has witnessed almost the entire growth and development of the county. At the time they settled here, much of the land was owned by the Government; it was many years before the whistle of the locomotive sounded in Cass county; the people lived chiefly on wild game and the products of their own land. The pioneer wives and mothers cooked by fireplaces, they dressed their families in homespun manufactured by their own hands, and many were the hard- ships and privations they endured. In the primitive log schoolhouses, with their rude furnishings, the children of these pioneer families conned their lessons in the three R's. The subject of our sketch attended school in the winter and worked on the farm in sum- mer. When he was twenty-one his father gave him and his brother, Jacob, a tract of unimproved land, upon wiiich they com- menced life ;is independent farmers. The father furnished them a team and they at once set about the improvement of their land. A year later they made a contract with a neighbor for 350 acres of land near by, the greater portion of it being improved. Tlie contract price was §3,500. They were to take possession one year later, at which time they were to pay $1,000, and then yearly payments of $500, with interest at six per 8G SUTLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 373 cent. After farming together three years' thej divided iheir land. Samuel H. was very successful, made his payments as they became due, and continued farming till 1857, when he rented his land and went to the Ter- ritory of Kansas, going via the Illinois, Mis- sissippi and Missouri rivers. He resided in Leavenworth and Atchison about one year, and in April, 1858, returned to Cass county. In 1859 he located on his farm, and there resided, engaged in agricultural pursuits, un- til 1867, since wiiich time lie has made his home in Virginia. He is still, however, in- terested in agricultural pursuit.-, being now one of the largest land-owners in the county, owning upwards of 1,500 acres. The business career of Mr. Petefish has been a remarkably successful one. He tirst became interested in banking in 1804, being one of the original stockholders in the Farm- ers' National Bank. In 1870, the tirra of Petefish, Skiles & Co. was formed, which firm has since conducted a banking business in Virginia. He is also a member of the firm of Petefish, Skiles &, Mertz, of Chandler- ville, this company having been formed in February, 1881 ; the firm of Skiles, Rearich & Co., bankers of Ashland, established there in August, 1881; the firm of Bloomfield, Skiles & Co., Mount Sterling; and is a stock- holder in the Schuyler County Bank, of Rush- ville. He is the owner of several business blocks in Virginia, and it was he who platted and named the addition to Virginia, known as Grand Villa. Besides his farms in Cass county, he owns 200 acres of fine farming land in Crawford county, Iowa, also 778 acres in Decatur county, Iowa. Politically, Mr. Petefish was for many years a Democrat. At present he is a Pro- hibitionist in principle and practice, and votes with that party. Mr. Petefish is a man of family. March 18, 1848, he wedded Nancy M. Hudson, daughter of Peter and Melinda (Huffman) Hudson. They have two children living, Mary E., wife of E. D. C. Woodward of Vir- ginia, and Louis A. Such is an epitome of the life of one of Virginia's most prominent and popular citizens. '^^'xnjTJl,- -^l/irm^^ ILLIAM STEVENSON, of township ,, ,,„ 17, rauare 10, section 26, Little In- l*^^^ dian post office is an honored pioneer of Cass county. He was born in Scott county, Kentucky, December 2, 1813, a son of James and Mary (Elliott) Stevenson, the former a native of Ohio, and the latter of Kentucky. To them were born nine children, of whom three are living at this writing (1892), viz.: Sarah, now Mrs. W. A. Bennett, of Spring- field; Louisa, wife of Mr. Anthony Boston^ residing near Jacksonville, Illinois; and Will- iam of this notice. Those deceased are Wesley, Eliza J., Harriet, James, Robert and Augustus. In 1829, Mrs. Stevenson died, and the same year Mr. Stevenson brought his family of children to Illinois, settling in Morgan county, on the three-mile strip that afterward became a part of Cass county. Our subject spent his boyhood in his native State, and there received such educational ad- vantages as the common schools of the time afforded, which was supplemented by a few months' schooling after coming to Illinois. While a resident of Kentucky he was well acquainted with that somewhat noted soldier and philaiithropist. Colonel Richard Johnson, who claimed the honor of having slain the celebrated Indian chief and warrior, Tecumseh, at the battle of Moraviantowu in 1814. William Stevenson was reared on a farm and farming has been his occupation all 374 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, through life. On February 11, 1836, he was united in marriage to Miss Frances, daughter of William ami Rachel (Roe) Berry, who came from Virginia to Gass county in 1832, and settled on a farm near the Stevenson homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson were the parents of seven children, four of whom are still liv- ing: Mary Eliza, died in 1838; Thomas, in 1839; Rachel became the wife of William E. Martin, and died in 1879; Robert Roe, married Mary J. Scott, and resides in Jack- sonville, Illinois; Sarah Cornelia is the wife of John J. Bergati, a prosperous merchant of Virginia city, Illinois; Joseph B. wedded Dora Vandeventer, and lives in Springfield, Illinois; and Charles married Mary Epler, and resides on the home farm. Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson also reared two orphan chil- dren. In 1884, when in his seventy- first year, Mr. Stevenson contested for the prize of a gold-headed cane oflered by the county fair association for horse-back riding, which he won, and shows with a commendable pride. On February 11, 1886, Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson celebrated the liftieth anniversary of their married life, which joyous event was participated in by all the living relations. Many handsome and valuable testimonials of affection were presented to them on this oc- casion by their admiring friends. Mrs. Stevenson died at her home July 13, 1891, after a happy married life of fifty-five years, being in the eighty-eighth year of her age. She was a woman possessing many excellen- cies of character, a faithful wife, loving mother, kind neighbor, and devout Christian, whose many acts of kindness endeared her to a large circle of friends. By reason of a ro- bust constitution and good habits she attained nearly fourscore years, and passed away as peacefully as the coming dawn, in the full consciousness of an immortality beyond the grave. Mr. Stevenson has been a resident of Cass county for sixty-three years, and has resided on the same section of land since 1829. He has not only witnessed the wonderful change in the country but has actively participated in transforming the wilderness and unbroken prairie into fertile farms. Every enterprise for the material or moral advancement of the community has received his cordial support. He and his family are Presbyterians, and have contributed liberally in support of the church. He was a Whig until the forma- tion of the Republican party, when he joined that organization and has since supported its principles. He has never sought public of- fice, preferring the quiet pursuits of farm life. By honest industry he has been success- ful in acquiring a handsome competence. He has assisted his children to good starts in life and still owns a line farm of 375 acres, which which is supplied with good buildings and all modern conveniences. In addition to his duties of superintending his farm, he was until recently agent for the Jacksonville Southeastern Railroad which runs through his farm, on which Little Indian station is lo- cated. He was for twenty-four years agent for the AVabash, Peoria, Pekin & Jackson- ville and the Jacksonville & Southeastern Railroad Companies, but resigned that posi- tion in August, 1892. fOHN LISTMANN, of the lirm of Rup- pel & Listmann, extensive dealers in boots and shoes, located at 108 State street, Beardstown, Illinois, was born in Frischborn, Kreis Lauterbach, Hesse-Darni- SGHUTLBR AND BROWN COUNTIES. 375 stadt, Germany, October 26, 1853, and grew up in his native place, and passed a full course in the public schools. In 1867 he and a sister with their parents started from Bremen for America, lauding in New York city after a safe trip on the steamship At- lanta. The little family came on and made a settlement at Springfield, Illinois, where an elder son and two daughters had preceded them. The family settled at the capital for some time and then the parents located near Burlington, Iowa, where they both died, at the age of about sixty-seven and sixty-eight years respectively. The father who was a native of Hesse- Darmstadt and tiller of the soil died in the fall of 1878; and the mother, whose maiden name was Wienold, lived a few months after her husband's death; then she too died, in the early part of the year 1879. Our subject is the youngest of a large family of whom but four are living. He con- tinued to perfect his education, principally by self-study, and succeeded in attaining the ability to speak and write both the German and English with fluency. He learned the trade of shoemaker and formed a partnership in February, 1879, with Adam Ruppel, also a practical boot and shoemaker by trade, and these two gentlemen have carried on the busi- ness successfully ever since. Mr. Listmann had been in the employ of H. Fayart, Spring- field, Illinois, and iiuppel Bros, and Adam Rupple, Beardstown, for some time before entering into the partnership above referred to. He is a stockholder in several building and loan associations, and is identified with the growth of the city. He has a host of friends. He is a Republican in politics and is an active member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church (Fourth Street), and was a delegate to the General Synod of the Lutheran Church, when it held its session at Altoona, Pennsylvania, in 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Listmann take great interest in the social and religious work of their church. He was married in Beardstown, to Marie Laramers, October 20, 1881. She was born, reared and educated in Beardstown. She was the daughter of Alexander and Henrietta (Christianer) Lammers, natives of Prussia and Hanover, Germany. They were married in Beardstown. They are now both deceased Mr. Lammers died in February, 1879, and was eighty years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Listmann have three chil- dren, Cora, Alice and Phoel)e. ^. ^ [SWELL SKILES, capitalist, Virginia, Illinois, was liorn in Ross county, Ohio, October 26, 1828. His father, Harmon Skiles, a native of Pennsylvania, went to Oiiio when a young man and settled on Picka- way Plains, being one of the early settlers of that section of the country. In those days many of the more extensive farmers had dis- tilleries on their farms, and made their own corn into whiskey, it being much more easily transported to the distant markets in that way. Mr. Skiles had a large distillery on his farm. He removed from Pickaway Plains to Wash- ington Court House, where he died in 1851. He was twice married. His first wife, nee Mary Thompson, died in January, 1829, leaving two sons, Ignatius and Oswell. By his second wife he had two daughters, Elea- nor and Susan. Oswell Thompson, grand- father of the subject of our sketch, was one of the pioneer settlers of Pickaway Plains. In 1827, he started westward and came to Cass county, Illinois. He located on North 376 BIOOBAPHIOAL REVIEW OF CASS, Prairie, where he secured a farm and resided until his death. Oswell Skiles was an infant when his mother died, and he was reared by a family named Smith. Mr. Smith was a poor man, had ten children of his own, and lived on a rented farm. In addition to his farming operations he also had a contract to carry the mails between Washington Court House and Columbus, a distance of thirty-seven miles, and to Ciiillicothe, twenty-five miles. As soon as he was large enough, young Skiles com- raenced to earn his living by assisting on the farm, and when about fifteen years old he carried the mail, making the journey on horse- back. They used to make two trips a week to Colunilius. Many of the streams were not bridged, and during high water he had either to swim his horse or wait until the water subsided. When he was about twenty years old he began to learn the trade of harnessmaker. He continued work at that trade, in Ohio, until the fall of 1851, when became to Illinois, making the journey with a horse a«d buggy, to Springtield. He rode on the cars from there to Jacksonville, that being the first railroad he had ever seen. He landed in Jacksonville with $5 in his pocket; hired a horse and rode to Arcadia, from which place he walked to the home of his uncle, Oswell Thompson, having sent the horse back. On his arrival at his uncle's he received $'100 which he had inherited from his grandfather's estate, and with that he bought a horse, saddle and bridle. Thus equipped, he made the journey on horseback the following winter to Iowa, where he joined another uncle residing in Louisa county, for whom he worked about one year. Then he returned to Cass county, and in April, 1853, started for California. A man named Welch had fitted out a train of ox teams, and Mr. Skiles paid him $75 to carry his provisions, clothing, etc., and he assisted in driving the oxen and loose stock. They crossed the Illinois river at Beardstown, on the 6th of April, and continued their way westward over rivers, plains and mountains, arriving in the Sacramento valley in October. At that time there were no white settlers between the Missouri river and California, except the Mormons at Salt Lake, and the country abounded in game of all kinds. Mr. Skiles had only about $2 left when he reached California. He engaged to work for Mr. Welch on his ranch for §75 per month and Ijoard, and the two lived together in a cabin, keeping bach. Mr. Skiles was soon taken sick, however, and had to seek quarters where he could receive better attention, and for which he had to pay $9 per week. With the first money he earned after his recovery, he paid his board. He remained with Mr. AVelch about one year, and then went to Forbestovvn, Butte county, where he bought an interest in a mining claim, for which he paid $100. He was successful in his mining operations that winter. In the spring he sold out and went to Sierra county, prospected for a time, and then for some months was engaged in preparing a tunnel for deep diggings. The winter was very severe, the snow falling to the depth of ten feet. In the spring he engaged in mining, being thus occupied there for two years, at the end of which time he sold his interest for §1,000. He then worked by the day about three months, for $5 per day. Next we find him in the Sacramento valley, eno-affed in farming and stock raising, he having pur- chased an interest in a claim to a tract of Government land near Marysville. In 1858 he took passage on the steamer Oregon and went to Victoria; but, instead of being en- SC BUTLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. conrajring, the reports from the uiiiies in the British possessions were the opposite, and consequently lie returned to his ranch, wliere he remained till 1862. Then, with four yoke of oxen he started to take a load of flour to Virginia City, Nevada. On his arrival there, he sold his load and engaged in draw- ing cord wood to the qnartz mill, receiving $15 per cord. In the fall he returned to his ranch and spent the winter, and the follow- ing spring went back to Virginia City. The next autumn he took a load of shakes to Austin, Reese river, 150 miles distant from Virginia City, selling them for §150 per 1,000. He spent the winter there, and in the spring sold his oxen and wagon, and started on his return East. He journeyed by stage, via Austin and Salt Lake City, to Atchison, Kansas, thence by steamer and rail to Jack- sonville, arriving at his uncle Oswell Thomp- son's on the 4th of July, 1864. His suc- cess in California was not unlike that of many others who sought their fortunes in the Golden State — sometimes successful and at other times in hard luck. On his arrival in Cass county, he had about $1,000. He formed a partnership with his brother Igna- tius, and engaged in buying and shipping stock, in which he was very successfully en- gaged for a number of years. For the past few years, iiowever, he has devoted his atten- tion to banking and farming. He is a mem- ber of the firm of Petefish, Skiles & Co., of Virginia; of Skiles, Rearick & Co., of Ash- land; and of Mertz, Skiles & Co., of Chand- lerville; and Bloomfield, Skiles & Co., of Mt. Sterling. He owns farms in different parts of Cass county, some of which he rents and some of which he superintends. Mr. Skiles has been twice married. In July, 1870, he wedded Miss Ann Conover, a native of Cass county, Illinois, a sister of George Conover (a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume). She died in 1877, and in 1879 he married Eliza J. Epler. He has one child living, by his first marriage, Lee Harmon, who is in the bank at Chand- lerville. The children of his present wife are Louis Oswell and Stella. Politically, Mr. Skiles is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Presby- terian Church. jg^jmlilLIP JOKISCH, a practical young farmer, living on a beautiful farm of 140 acres almost all highly improved, and the same supplied with good farm build- ings, was born on the Jokisch homestead belonging to his father, Charles G., in this township January 26, 1854. He was reared and educated in his native county. When arrived at manhood's estate he besan farming on his own account. He is the second son and third child of his father, Charles Jokisch (see his biography). Mr. Philip Jokisch had but limited opportunities for acquiring an education, but is a bright, intelligent man, and has been very prosper- ous. His present farm has been improved by him and lies in the valley of the Illinois river. He has owned this tine farm about ten years and in that time has built the nice residence they occupy. The land has ad- vanced in value since he bought it, and is now very valuable, and he has made his money by hard work. He was married in this county, near Arenz- ville, to Miss Sarah Hackman, born in this county on her father's old homestead, near Arenzville, October 28, 1869. She was care- fully reared by good parents and received a good education in the schools of the section, 378 BIOOBAPHIGAL REVIEW OP CASS, and at tliose of Jacksonville, Illinois. She is the fifth child and fourth daugliterof Fred and Minnie ]\[. (Meyer) Tlaeknian, natives of Hanover. Germany. They grew up in that country, but came to this country when young and single, and were afterward married in Cass county where they began their married life near Arenzville. Here they accumulated a tine property of 400 acres of land. They are still living there and now enjoy the fruits of their labors. Mr. Ilacknian is not in good health, hut Mrs. llackman is as well as one of her age and after her life of hard work could expect to be. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. and Mrs. Jokisch are members of the German Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a Rejiublican in politics. They are the par- ents of four children: Oswell, Orin P., Viola E. and Verna M. Mr. and Mrs. Jokisch are good, reliable farmers, and are highly re- spected by all who know them. tEWIS T. BARRY, a prominent and es- teemed citizen of Mount Sterling, Illi- nois, was born in Tippecanoe county, Indiana, on a farm four miles northeast of La Fayette, September 29, 1827. His iiarents were John and Priscilla (Richards) Barry, the former a native of Pennsylvania. Ills father removed to Ohio in an early day, where he married his first wife, and continued to reside in Scioto valley, that State, until her death. He then removed to Kentucky, where lie was again married, his second wife being the widow of Mr. Reynolds and became the mother of the subject of this sketch. About 1826, he and his wife re- moved to Indiana, at that time the frontier of civilization. They were pioneers of Tippe- canoe county, that State, where the Indians were then more numerous than the wiiites. The father here secured a large tract of Gov- ernment land and built a log house, in the construction of which no sawed lumber was used. The floor was of puncheon and the roof was covered with rived boards, lield in place by weight poles, while the chimney was made of earth and sticks, called in those days a " cat-and-stick chimney." Both par- ents resided here until their death, the mother expiring in 1830 and his fatlier in 1836. They both enjoyed the universal es- teem of their community and were widely and sincerely lamented. Thus the subject of this sketch was left an orphan at the tender age of nine years, and early became self-supporting. He attended a pioneer subscription school which was tautcht in a loi; house, the furniture being of the most primitive kind. Rough slabs, sup- ported by wooden pins for legs, formed the seats, which iiad neither backs nor desks; holes burned in the wall, on which a plank was laid, served as a desk for larger scholars to write on. The country was without rail- roads or canals for many years, and La Fay- ette was the nearest market. People used to team wheat to Chicago, a distance of about 150 miles, lie thus continued to live on the home farm and attended school until he attained the age of eighteen years. He then commenced to clerk in Carroll county, Indi- ana, where he remained for about five years. After this, he engaged in tanning and the manufacture of boots, shoes and harness, at which business he continued four years. At the end of this time, he sold out, and for a couple of years served as Deputy County Auditor, after which he did bookkeeping in Delphi, Carroll county. In 1861, he came to Mount Sterling, where he engaged in the SC HUT LEU AND BROWN COUNTIES. 379 boot and shoe business, besides which, for some years, he made harnesses and saddles. Hs is still engaged in the boot and shoe trade, and is the only exclusive dealer in that line in the city, being one of the few successful merchants of the place. He was married in Delphi, Indiana, in 1850, to Ann L. Richardson, an estimable lady, a native of Carroll county, that State, and a daughter of John Kichardscin, a highly respected citizen. To this union tive chil- dren were born, all living: A. Priscilla, wife of E. W. Reid, a prosperous resident of Los Angeles, California; Ellen E., wife of Isaiah Price, living in Springfield; Kate L., wife of William Mutnford, of Pittsfield, who have one son, named Barry; John 11. and Pert. Mr. Barry is a member of llaniin Lodge, No. 44, A. F. & A. M., and in politics sup- ports the issues of the Democratic [)arty. Whatever success Mr. Barry has achieved in life has not been acquired without effort, as might lie inferred. On the contrary, his prosperity and popularity is directly traceable to his unremitting energy and careful super- vision of all the details of his various occu- pations, and to his uniform integrity and courtesy, thus deservedly attaining success and esteem. (APTAIN JOHN HEATON, a retired farmer residinij in Virginia, Cass IT) O county, Illinois, was born in Wigan, Lancashire county, England, January 1, 1810. Dennis Heaton, his father, and Bartley Heaton, his grandfather, v^ere also natives of AVigan, the family as far as known being of English ancestry. Grandfather Heaton was a Colonel in the Life Guards. He spent his whole life in England. Dennis lleatou was engaged in the mercantile business in Wigan, where he died about 1816. The maiden name of his wife was Kate Hartley, and she, too, was a native of Wigan. After the death of Mr. Heaton she married James Richardson. Her death occurred in Yorkshire about 1852. By her first husband she had nine children, all of whom reached adult years; by her second husband she reared four children. The subject of our sketch was reared in Manchester. He was six yeais old when his father died, and from the time he was seven he earned his own living. From his seventh year till his thirteentli he worked in a cotton factory, after which he began learning the trade of tin and coppersmith with Mr. Moon in Oldham street, Manchester, with whom he worked seven years. lie now has a kettle which he made in 1827 and presented to his mother. At the time of his marriagre she gave it back to him, and it has been in daily use in his family ever since. At the age of twenty-one Mr. Heaton en- listed in the Thirty sixth Begiment of In- fantry, and was soon transferred to the Fifty- ninth Regiment, and marched across Ireland to Dublin, joining the regiment at Port Aa Bella Barracks, and served two years and eight months. He was in different parts of Ireland ten months and then made a forced march to Oldham, England, to quell a riot there; thence to Liverpool, where he embarked for Gibraltar, a year later to Malta, then to Carfew, and from there back to Gibraltar, where his discharge and that of nineteen others was purchased, supposed to have been by the Spanish Government. He then be- came a member of Shaw's brigade for the Spanish army during the war between Don Carlos and the Queen; was commissioned Captain of the Light Company and com- manded that company in the different 380 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, inarclies, battles, etc., incident to that war. He served a little inore than seven years. When peace was declared Captain Heaton was honorably discharged and returned to Manchester. Thei-e he began business on his own account as a tin and copper smith, remaining thus occupied until 1850. That year he came to America, sailing from Liver- pool on the 27th of May and landing in Quebec after a voyage of seven weeks and three days. His father-in-law was at that time living four miles from Streetsville, On- tario. He joined him, and from there visited the Queen's Bush, a tract of timljer land set aside for the soldiers. Not caring to have a farm in the wilderness, he came to the United States. After residing in St. Louis a few weeks, he sought a home in Cass county, Illinois, taking up his abode seven miles from Virginia, where he entered a tract of Govern- ment land. He erected a log house and com- menced at once to improve his land. This was before the coming of the railroad and when Beardstown was the principal market for this section of the country. Deer and various kinds of wild game were plentj' here. Captain Heaton improved fifty acres of land, and in 1854 sold it to John Fravey. He then moved to Beardstown in order to o-jve his children the benefit of schools. He was employed by Horace Billings in his pork house for a time, and later was in the em- ploy of Mr. Crea and Henry Chatsey. While a resident of that place he was sent for from Brooklyn, New York, to superintend a pork-packing establishment there for a Mr. Arris. He remained in Brooklyn one season. In 1863 he went to Uecatur, Illi- nois, and established a packing house for Mr. Plato. He subsequently purchased a farm of Major Arnold, in Monroe precinct, and re- sided on it till 1870. The following two years he lived in Beardstown. His next move was to Virginia. He bought property on Gospel Hill, built a house, and resided there till 1884. He then rented that place, and bought and moved to his present home. Captain Heaton was married at Bolton, Lancashire, England, November 2, 1840, to Mary J. Fullerton. She was born in the Tovver of London, February 29, 1820. daugh- ter of Major James Fullerton, a native of England. When a young man, her father enlisted in the Seventh Battalion, and was commissioned Major. He was in command of the tower at the time of her birth. He served in the army about twenty-two years, after which he was retired on half pay. He then emigrated to Canada, and settled twenty miles from Toronto, Ontario, where he bought a farm and resided till his death. The maiden name of his wife was Martha Glen. She was born in England and died in Canada. To Captain Heaton and his wife eleven children liave been born, viz.: Noble John, who was married by W. R. Whitehead to Havila Yaple, December 24, 1873, and has three children, Charlie, Alford and Noble John; Catharine, who was married by R. C. H. Heimerling to Charles Caldwell, Decem- ber 12, 18(30, and has seven children, Pat- rick, John, Emma, Jennie, who became the wife of James Mead, of Virginia; Lizzie, Katie and Edwai-d; Edward, who lost his life in a railroad accident on the Central Pacific Railroad; James, who was married in November, 1873, to Cora Seaman, has one child, Florence; Mary Jane, who was mar- ried by Benjamin Williams to W. B. Will- iams, August 7, 1871, and has two children, Eddie and Henry; William, who was mar- ried by John W. Shaj to HannaJi E. Sea- man, November 10, 1875, and has five chil- SCHUYLER A^'D BROWN COUNTIES. 381 dren, Mary, John, Willard, George and Eva; Charles, who was married January 5, 1885, to Sadie Bohman; Susan, who was married by John W. Allen to Reuben Lan- caster, March 11, 1880, and has two chil- dren. Earl and Iva; Alice, who was married by John W. Allen to Edward Y.. Savage, May 10, 1877, and has four children, Henry, Walter, Bessie and Zella; Martha, who was married by J. E. Roach to Richard H. Payne, November 20, 1884, and has four children, Carey, Inis, Hazel and Irine; and Thomas, who is unmarried. They have twenty-nine grandchildren and three great- er randchildrcn. The Captain and his wortliy companion are devout members of the Catholic Church. The sword which this veteran carried in Spain he has presented to his son, Noble John, who values it beyond price. Such is a brief record of one of Virginia's pioneers and highly respected citizens. WILLIAM L. DEMAREE is a native of Rushville township, ha^'iug been born there June 7, 1858, and while a ycHing man is a successful fanner, aqd one who enjoys the confidence and the respect of his friends and neighbors. His fatl^er, Lud- well H. Demaree, w^s born in ^ercer county, Kentucky, and his grandfather spent the last years of his life \r\ that State. Ludwell Demaree, after mf^rrying in Kentucky, a lady by the name qf Martha J. Yankee, of Wash- ington county, that State, removed to Illi- nois in 1857, buying a farm in section 16, Rushville township, where he lived until his death, in 1872. He was one of the founders of the Methodist Episcopal Chnrch South, in this county, and spared neither time nor 26 means for its advancement. His wife sur- vived him by sixteen years. Si.x of her eight children are living, viz.: Belle, married to Leonidas Scott; Laura, married to Alexander Acheson; William L. ; John H.; Nora, mar- ried to J. C. Harrison; and George L. Williatn L. Demaree received his educa- tion in the schools of his native town. Ap- preciating the importance and value of a good education, besought to improve every oppor. tnnity. He was but fourteen years of age when his father died, and he continued as be- fore to reside at the home place, only leaving it at tiie time of his marriage, in 1883. This event took place very happily in that year, to Rebecca Hamilton, daughter of a wortliy and esteemed couple, John and Margaret Hamil- ton, and he then settled upon the farm where he now resides. In 1891, Mr. Demaree added to his possessions by buying another farm in section 22, Rushville tow-nship, so that he now owns 4(50 acres of land, all in the township named. He carries on general farming and stock raising. Mr. and Mrs. Demaree have two children, Dwight E. and 'VY^illiam P. They are earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, Mr. Demaree being the builder of the McTyeire chapel in 1890. In politics, Mr. Demaree is a Democrat. HRISTIAN KUHLMANN, one of the substantial farmers and higlily respected citizens of Monroe precinct, Cass county, Illinois, was born in the kingdom of Eilstad, Germany, in April, 1827. His parents were natives of Hanover, and passed their lives there. When Christian was three years old his father died, leaving a wife and three children. asi BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, Mr. Kuhlraann attended school until he was fourteen, when he began to earn his own living, working by the year on a farm. The first year he received only $3 and his board. In 1S51 he came to America. Settincr sail from Bremen in April in the sailing vessel Capanica, he landed at New York after a voyage of forty-two days. He there found employment in a sugar refinery at $26 per month, and thus earned the money to pay his way to the West. In 1852 he came to Illinois, comina; via the Hudson river to Albany, Erie canal to Buffalo, the lakes to Cleveland, canal to Portsmouth, and the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to St. Louis. He found employment on a farm in St. Louis county, and remained there till 1854. That year lie came to Cass county anance; Sarah Ann, wife of George Eeghtol; and Rosa. In politics Mr. Heaton votes for the man best suited, in his estimation, for the otiice in question, bnl favors the principles of the Democratic party. He carries on a general farming business, raising grain and live- stock. He began life without capital, except that with which nature had endowed him, and by industry and wise management has accumulated a competence for coming age. The parents of Mrs. Heaton are both de- ceased, the father at the age of seventy, and tiie mother at seventy- two years of age. pOLPH KALLASCH, a prominent farmer of Elkhorn township in Brown county, is a native of Germany, having been born in that country, February 16, 1840. He is the son of Frederick and Fred- rica (Kuntz) Kallasch, natives of the same country, who, in 1852 came to America in a sailing vessel, making the voyage in six weeks and landing in Quebec, where they remained but a short time, comins from there to Chicago, by the lakes and railroad. From that great city they came to this coun- ty and settled near where the subject now lives, buying ninety acres of land, partly im- proved, on which had been erected a little log cabin. This cabin they replaced later by a frame house and here died both the father and the mother, when about seventy-six and fifty-six, respectively. They were the par- ents of seven children, two yet living. The The father was a carpenter by trade and a stanch Democrat in political faith. Both he and his good wife were earnest Christians, both in life and teachings. Under the guidance of these good parents our subject remained until 1862, when his country called him from the peaceful occu- pation of a farmer and he enlisted in Com- pany B, Ninety-ninth Hlinois Infantry, Cap- tain Fee in command, in which he remained all through the war, being mustered out at Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and discharged at Springfield. From there he returned home. After his return home he was married, about Christmas, to Miss Mary Lipkaman, born in Pike count}', Illinois, daughter of I rederick and Barbara Lipkaman, who came to this country from Germany at a very early day, renting in Pike county, in the '30s. The father died when alx)ut seven- ty-six, but his wife still lives, on the old farm. The family principally carried on farming, but a few were mechanics. Mr. and Mrs. Kallasch have had seven children, five yet living, namely; Henry, married Minnie Wood, has one boy; Louis, at home running the old farm for his father; Harvey, is also at home; Emma, married Andrew Kelinlein, and they have one child; and Anna, at home. After his marriage our subject bought seventy acres just across from his father's farm, later adding eighty more acres, 108 acres of which he sold to his son Henry. He first lived in an old log cabin, but now has as fine a house as there is in the county. This gentleman is a stanch Republican, casting his first vote for General Grant. He and his estimable wife are members of the Lutheran Church, attending at Perry post ofiice. Pike county, where they are regarded SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 403 as highly respected members of that body. Tliey have always been church members since reaching years of maturity and lead good, earnest lives. Mr. Kallasch has al- ways carried on general farming, at which he has been very successful and can be said to be one of the leading influential men of the township. ^ARCELLUS M. CLEEK, resident of Camden, dating from September, 1836, he was born in Boone county, Kentucky, August 27, 1829. His father, Benjamin Cleek, was also born in Kentucky in 1800, and his father John Cieek was a na- tive of Germany, where he married, and came to America, settling at Big Boone Springs^ Boone county, Kentucky, where he was one of the pioneers. He engaged in the manufact- ure of salt and there passed his remaining days, dying at the age of eighty years. He had eight children: John, Benjamin, Jacob, Esau, Sarah, Margaret, Eliza and one other. Benjamin Cleek was the second child and he was raised a farmei-, marrying in 1826 Mar- tha Harris of Lexington, Kentucky, daughter of Richard Harris of the same State, who was killed in the Black Hawk war. In 1812 the father with his wife and four children came by boat to Frederick, Illinois, and from there to Rushville, settling on section 7, Camden township, where he purchased 160 acres of land and also entered about as much more. In 1844 the season was very wet and the following year there was so much sick- ness that he became dissatisfied with the country and so returned to his native State, although he did not sell his land. He re- mained in Kentucky seven years and then re- turned to Illinois, settling on iiis land where he died in 1867. His wife died in 1873. They had eleven children: John, deceased; Marcellus; M. M.; Samiiel, deceased; Ben- jamin, farmer on part of the old home farm; Jacob of Camden; Richard, also on part of the old farm; Mary, deceased, wife of J. J. Yocum; Elizabeth, wife of Henry Price of Pluntsville; Lovina, wife of J. J. Yocum of Chariton county, Missouri; Ann, wife of J. H. Hendricks of Camden township; and Mar- tha, wife of Levi Welty, also of Camden township. Marcellus lived with his parents and on the return from Kentucky pursued the trade of carpenter, which he had learned in Ken- tucky. He did not retiii-n to Illinois until 1854. He continued his trade for four years, when he engaged in farming, purchasing 160 acres, which he farmed until 1861, when he resumed his trade, but also carried on his farm. In 1884 hb removed to Kansas and located in Kiowa co'anty, where he pre-empted 160 acres of land and also purchased 160 more. He worked his farms for two years and then returned to Camden. He owns 185 acres of land in Camden townshij> and 160 acres in Kansas, also valuable property in Camden, all of which he and his wife accumulated. He was married in 1863, to Lydia A. Welly, daughter of Jacob and Mary Welly, born in Highland county, Ohio, in 1814. Mr. and Mrs. Cleek have eight children, six of whom are still living: Manora, deceased; James, on his father's farm; William, on sec- tion 6; Charles, in Camden; Emma, married Presley Price of Huntsville, Schuyler county, Illinois; Alma married G. Alters of Hunts- ville township: Sadie, deceased; and Clara, at home. Mr. Cleek is a Democrat in politics. He has been Supervisor and during his term the 404 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, courthouse was built. He has held nearly all the mi 1101- offices in the township. lie is a meniher of the Christian Church and is one of the lirst members in Camden. >i> ^ f^EEMAN H. ROGGE, a successful farmer of section 19, township 17, range 11, was born in Hanover, Ger- many, September 30, 1843. He is the young- est son of the family, one sister of which yet lives in Germany. The other members are four brothers now living in this country. The father, Fred, was a native of Hanover, Germany, and there died an old man, eighty- five years of age. He was a farmer and a butcher. His wife, whose maiden name was Anna Strube, died after her husband, but at a younger age. She and her husband passed their entire lives in Hanover and were members of tlie Lutheran Church. Herman was a butcher by trade, and he en- gaged in that business until he came to Amer- ica in the spring of 1867 from Bremen to New York city. He went to Peoria, Illinois, and thence down the Illinois river to Beards- town, where four brothers had preceded him, and he was the last to leave for this country. They are all living and are prosperous citi- zens. He began here as a day laborer and worked in this way for a year, then started for himself, and in 1877 located on his present farm. He has improved it in a wonderful dei£ree and owns IGO acres. It is now a fine farm. He was married in Cass county, to Mary Schnelle, born in Beardstown, Illinois, Sep- tember 26, 1854. She has since lived in this county and is an intelligent wife and mother. She is the daughter of Charles and Mary (Goestereng) Schnelle, natives of Prussia, where they were reared and married, coming to the United States in the '40s, and their father, who was a carpenter died in 1862, aged forty-one years. He is a good, prosper- ous German. Ills wife, who yet lives, resides with her daughter, Mrs. Rogge, and she is now seventy-one years old. She has been a mem- ber of the Lutheran Church all her life and the same was true of her husband. Mrs. Rogge is the elder of three daughters born to her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Rogge are the parents of seven children: John H., Charles G., Henry F., Louis W., Lena M., Aurelia T. and Theo. H; and they are all at home. Mr. Rogge and his wife are Lutherans and Mr. Rogge is a Democrat, has been School Trustee for fif- teen years and Road Commissioner for five years. He is a public-spirited man and a 2ood citizen. -^4 Soist-sexs "^%^* APTAIN WILLIAM N. MUMFORD |uc. of Mound Station, Illinois, was born in Nova Scotia, January 24, 1824. His father, William, was a farmer of that country who lived and died there, having reared nine children. The mother of these was Jane McHattie, of Scotch parentage. The grand- father of the subject was George Mumford of Rhode Island, who died at an advanced age in Nova Scotia. The Captain grew up a farmer boy with only the common schooling of the period. In his twenty-third year he left home and came to New York city, and from there went on to Alpine depot on the Baltimore & Ohio in Morgan county. West Virginia, where he taught in the public schools. He had experience in his own neighborhood and after that as assistant in a grammar school SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 405 at Halifax. After closing his three months' term in Morgan county he engaged in a general store as salesman. He brought lit- tle money with him, hoping to improve his financial condition. He remained two years in the store, then went to St. Louis and on to Mount Pleasant, Illinois, where he en- gaged as clerk for S. C. Raymond. AVhile here he was married to Mary Jane Davis, daughter of John and Charlotte (Sears) Davis, both natives of Hiinois. In 1861 they moved to Mound Station, then just started, the railroad being just completed. He clerked here until August, 1802, when he enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Ninteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, being unanimously chosen Captain. In September his regiment was organized. Colonel Kinney commanding. The Captain remained on duty for two years, when he was discharged for physical disability at Memj)his, Tennes- see, and came home to his wife and two little boys at this place. He and his family went on a visit to his Nova Scotia home, but be- fore he reached there his father had died, aged eighty-two years. A striking coinci- dence in this family is that six of his fa- ther's brothers and sisters, including himself, died at the age of eighty-two years. The mother died at the age of eighty-four years. They have three children, Augustus, now practicing physician at Kendall, Minnesota; William, a lawyer at Pittsfield, Illinois, and Charlotte, a wife of J. W. Moore, now resid- ing in Chicago, conducting a stock and commission business. The Captain was Post- master here under Presidents Arthur and Harrison, but as he is in failing health his step-daughter, Mrs. Deering, acts for him. He buried his first wife June 16, 1868, and was married April 4, 1869, to Mrs. Rebecca Poe, the widow of T. J. Poe and the daugh- ter of the Rev. Granville Bond, a Methodist preacher, well and favorably known in this county. Mrs. Mumford was the widow of T. J. Poe. The Captain is an Episcopalian, but both his wives attended the Methodist Episcopul Church of which the present wife has been an active member for fifty years. Mrs. Mumford has three children of her own and all the family relations are most harmo- nious and affectionate. A better citizen, neighbor, father or husband could not be found. INTSON ANDERSON of section 13, Huntsville township, came here in 1835. He was born in Clermont county, Ohio, in 1833. His father, William Anderson, was born in Mason county, May 14, 1800. He was a son of Andrew Ander- son, who was born in Virginia and was of Irish descent. The family has resided in America for several generations. William Anderson was reared a farmer, and married in Kentucky in 1824, a Miss Prudence Wal- lansford, born in Kentucky, August 15, 1806. They migrated to Ohio in 1832, and resided there at Cincinnati, and in Clermont county, for three years and then came to Illinois and located in Schuyler county. In the spring of 1836 Mr. Anderson purchased a claim on section 13, in which is now Huntsville, and here he passed the remaining years of his life. He entered land and purchased more, until his real estate possessions amounted to 600 acres. He was a cautious man and never went into debt. He was a hard-working man, and in those days when the sickle was used to cut grain, he was an expert in the use of the same, and still continued to use the hook after the cradle came into use. He died 406 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, August 16, 1887. Ilis wife is still living and is a member of the Christian Church. The two came with about |200 in capital, and in the time they lived in Illinois became rich and influential people. They had ten * children, seven of whom grew up, namely: Jane Cady, Cyrus, Andrew, Vintson, Frank, Sarah Mcllatten and John. Subject was two years old when the family settled in Schuyler county, and he resided at home until he attained his majority. His school advantages were limited. At the ao;e of twenty-one he went to Fort Snelling, Min- nesota, and broke prairie and engaged as cook to a gang of men who were cutting hay for the Government. At that date Min- neapolis consisted of a sawmill and a few houses. He remained in Minnesota about six months and then returned to Illinois and engaged in making brooinsat Clayton, Adams county, Illinois. He followed this business four years and then removed to Brown county, but after a tew years residence there, removed to Schuyler county and settled where he now resides on land entered by his father. He has a farm of 105 acres. He is a Democrat in politics, and has been Road Commissioner for many years. He has fllled that office with great credit to himself. He was married in 1858 to Jane McDonald of Brown county, born October 15, 1840, daughter of John B. and Sarah C. (Orr) Mc- Donald. The former was born in county Antrim, Ireland, and came to the United States when a young man, and resided in the Southern States for a short time, but finally settled in Brown county in 1833, and soon after married Sarah C. Orr, who was the daughter of Mr. G. Orr, a settler of Brown county in 1831. She was born in Tennessee in 1810. Mr. and Mrs. McDonald had four children, all of whom are now married and well settled. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have had seven children: Carrie, wife of William Nelson of Hunts ville township; Cora, at home; Will- iam J. died in infancy; Frank C. at home; Pearl at home; ^fyrtle died at the age of four; and Nina E., at home. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are members of the Christian Church. Mr. Anderson is a member of Camden Lodge, No. 648, A. F. & A. M., in which he is the Junior Warden. HOMAS BARTON was born in Brown county, Illinois, October 15, 1889. His father, Thomas, was born in Ken- tucky, in 1809, and died in Brown county in 1878, aged seventy years. His father was David Barton, who was born in Maryland, and taken to Kentucky when but a lad. He was a teamster when a yonng man, and later a landholder. His wife was Elizabeth Marsh. They reared five children, Thomas being the second child. The mother of these children died, and the father married again and had five more children. The mother of our sub- ject was named Clarissa Ingles, of Bourbon county, Kentucky, daughter of James Ingles, a large planter and distiller, largely engaged in the manufacture of Bourbon whisky. Thomas came direct to Brown county upon reaching Illinois in 1835. He brought his wife and daughter with him. He bought eighty acres of land at the Government price. They began life in a log cabin. They received their Government deed in 1837, and Mr. Barton was appointed Justice of the Peace. Sixteen children were born to them, many of them dying in infancy, but six of aOHUTLEB AJSTD BROWN COUNTIES. 407 them growing to adult age; three of them are now living. The father and mother now rest in the Huffman graveyard. Thomas had very limited school advantages, barely learning to read and write. He left bis home at twenty-one, and enlisted August 8, 1862, in the Eighty-fourth Illinois Infan- try, Company D. lie was very soon pro- moted to be Second Sergeant. He was on duty and at his post every day during his term of nearly three years. lie received slight wounds in his left hand and right shoulder, both flesh wounds. He was mus- tered out at Camp llarker on June 8, and discharged at Camp Butler in Illinois, Juno 17. He returned to civil life in Brown county in broken health, and paid large doc- tor bills for six months. He was married April 30, 1866, to Matil- da, daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Briggle) Fry, both of Ohio, coming to Illinois in 1840. He died on the farm in middle age, and left his widow with eight children. His wife survived him and died when about sixty years old. Mrs. Thomas Barton died Octo- ber 24, 1890, leaving eight children: Charles W., farmer of this county; Nina, prepared at Rushville Normal School for teaching; Edna lias had the same advantages; Idalla and Charlotte are prepared to teach; Law- rence Arthur is at home, going to school; James Edgar is a rugged farmer lad, and Jessie H., a bright lass for her years. Mr. Barton is giving his children a good educa- tion, and inculcating habits of honesty and industry. Mr. Barton voted for Lincoln and Grant, but has since been a reformer. Religiously he is free, and does his own thinking for himself, regardless of consequences. He was a candidate for the State Senate in 1888, and for Congress in 1890, on the reform ticket. and is the People's party candidate for the State Senate. He began life barefooted, and owns now 390 acres of good farming land, worth $40 an acre. He built his barns in 1884, and his house which he lives in was built on the ruin of the first. He does a diversified farming, mostly grain. He also raises a number of cattle and sheep, and yearly turns off from forty to flfty hogs. -^ 'rO^^^ EORGE W. LUCAS was born in Lee township, near Mount Sterling, in J une, 1845. His father was a native of But- ler county, Ohio, named Daniel R. J^ucas, born in 1810. His father, John Lucas, was a native of Virijinia, a soldier of the Revolu- tionary war, and emigrated to Ohio, where he died at ati advanced age, having reared a large family, of whom our subject's father was the youngest. He was reared on the farm to that kind of life, and was educated in the Englisii branches. After he readied manhood he obtained a medical education by his own efforts.* He came to Mount Sterling when quite young, from Crawfordsville, In- diana, and began the practice of medicine. He bousht 160 acres of land two and one- half miles southwest of Mounds, and sold it in 1851, three years after he had bought it. From there he went to Texas. Prior to this he and his brother-in-law, Dr. King, practiced medicine together in Clayton, Adams county. He remained in Texas only one summer, and then returned to Lee township and bought a farm of 160 acres one and one- half miles south of this village, on which he settled and where he died in 1884. He bought other lands, amounting in all to over 1,000 acres. He died January 26, 1884. He began life 408 BIOOBAPHIGAL REVIEW OF CASS, witliont any money, but the handsome estate he left at his death was wortli at least $30,- 000. His wife was Sarah Ann Keith, of Kentucky, to whom he was married in 1836. They had twelve children, of whom nine are still living, and all are married e.xcept one. Mrs. Lucas died in 1890, six years after her husband. His son, George W., followed his father in the choice of a profession, and graduated from tlie College of Pliysicians and Surgeons at Keokuk in 1S78, and began his practice in the fall of the same year. The Doctor takes a great interest in the affairs of his State and county. In 1862, although only a boy of seventeen, he enlisted in the Third Missouri Cavalry, and served three years without receiving any wounds, although his health was impaired by the hardships of camp life. His bravery was rewarded by a medal from Congress. He is a member of the G. A. K., the E. K. McCoy Post, No. 311, of Clayton, Illinois. He has never souglit after public HARLES KENNEDY, the subject of the AWa following sketch, was born in Hardin county, Kentucky, May 31, 1810. His father, Peter Kennedy, was an old settler of Kentucky, and like many others of that date went through some very thrilling experiences. He was made a prisoner by the Indians when but thirteen years of age, and for nine years was kept captive among them. Finally, mak- ing his escape, he managed to reach Louis- ville, that beautiful city being then but a trading fort. In those days acquaitance- ship grew fast, and ere long, Mr. Kennedy married Rachel Colvin, a Kentuckian, and settled on a farm in Hardin county, where they both remained during life. A younger son still occupies the old home which he owned. Charles Kennedy was married to Sarah Phillips, September 19, 1833, and he and his SCBUTLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 427 wife removed Schuyler county, Illinois. In 1835, he purchased a larm and erected neat buildings; here they lived until May 21, 1853, when Mrs. Kennedy died. To them were born tour children: Jesse, Francis, John Q., and Charles C, two of whom are still living, Jesse and John Q. The latter served in the One Hundred and Nineteenth Illinois Infantry, under Captain R. L. Greer. Mr. Kennedy's second marriage occurred March 8, 1854, to Miss Nancy La Master, a daughter of Abraham and Orpha La Master. Mr. La Master was born in Maryland, and his wife in Virginia, of French extraction. They were married in Kentucky. Mrs. Kennedy was but three years old when her parents removed to Illinois. She being an early settler has witnessed the entire development and growth of the coun- try; Mrs. Kennedy is still living. Mr. Ken- nedy died May 16, 1883; to them were born two children: Leander and Mary, Leander married Ellen Malcomson and has three chil- dren: Bessie, Ruby and James; Mary mar- ried S. R. Carey. Mrs. Kennedy has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for more than fifty years, Mr. Kennedy was a Baptist in be- lief, and was a life ineml)er of that denomi- nation. tOBERT TAYLOR, a pioneer of Illinois, and a prominent citizen of Cass county, dates his birth in Scotland, ten miles south of Campbeltown, Argyleshire, Novena- ber, 27, 1816. His father, Robert Taylor, a native of same place, was a son of Angus Tay- lor^ who was also born in that locality. Both passed their lives and died there. The father of our subject was a farmer by occupation. He married Miza McCoy, a native of the same shire, and a daughter of Neill McCoy, also a native of that place. Mrs. Taylor survived her husband some years. She came to Amer- ica in 1837, spent the rest of her life in Cass county, Illinois, and died here in 1845. She reared eight sons and one daughter, namely: Angus, Neill, Alexander, Archibald, Flora, Duncan, John, Robert and William. All came to America. Robert Taylor was reared and educated in in his native land. When he was three years old his father died, and until he w^as eight he lived with his mother. He then found a home with his uncle, Archibald Taylor, with whom he remained three years. Returning to his mother, he lived with her till his eigh- teenth year, when he came to America. He set sail from Greenock May 16, 1835, in the John Hale, accompanied by his brother Angus, and landed in New York on the 4th of July following. His uncle, Alexander Taylor, was a resident of Champaign county, Ohio, and to that place he directed his course. In Urbana he found a home with Douglas Luce, learned the trade of tanner and cur- rier, and remained their four years. In Oc- tober, 1839, he came to Illinois, accompanied by his four brothers, making the journey with a team. They settled in Cass county and bouirht a tract of land four miles north- west of Virginia. At that time this county was sparsely set- tled. Deer, wild turkeys and other game were plentiful, and for several years tiiere was not a railroad in the country. In 1840 Mr. Taylor made a visit to Chicago, going by the most convenient and expeditious route at that time, namely, by team to Beardstown, steamer to Peru, and stage to Chicago. Chi- cago's population was then about 5,000. A hotel and a few slab shanties were the only 428 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASH, buildings on the north bank of the river. He put up at the Mansion House, wliich then stood opposite tlie Tremont, after six weeks spent in the city returned to Cass county. From Chicao;o to Bureau county he rode with a farmer who had been to the city to market his grain. Tiieu he walked to Peru, where he took a steamer for Beardstown. For si.xteen years he lived on the land he and his brothers purchased. At the e.xpira- tion of that titne he rented it and purchased the farm he now owns and occupies in the Sangamon river bottoms, located in section 18 of township 18, range 10. He has been very successful as a farmer, has purchased other lands at different times, and is now the owner of upward of 1,000 acres. Mr, Taylor and his wife are nieml)ers of the Cumberland Presbyterian Cliurch, Tliey were among the original members of the San- gamon Bottom Church. The first meeting of this society was held on the fifth Sunday in July, 1848, and was organized late in the month of August following Ijy Rev. Nathan Downing and by Rev. James White. Politically, Mr. Taylor was reared a Whig, but joined the Republican party when it was formed. He has always been a Prohibition- ist in principle, and of late years has voted with that party in national elections. irSAAC NEWTON PEVEHOUSE was 1^ born on the farm on which he now re- ss- sides, November 1, 18-49. His father, John J. Pevehouse, was born in Kentucky in 1818, and his father, John, also was born in Pennsylvania, while his father was a native of Germany and came to America in colonial times and served in the Revolutionary war. He was a farmer and lived in Washington county, Pennsylvania. John served in the war of 1812 and removed to Kentucky di- rectly after the war, being a pioneer of Wayne county. He has served as County Com- missioner several terms. In 1833 he removed to niinois and settled in Adams county, where he bouglit land in Honey Creek township, residing there until liis death. The maiden name of his wife was Mary Beeson. She survived her husband a few years and died at her home in the house of her son. John, Jr., in Pea Ridge township. The father of our subject, John, Jr., was sixteen years old when lie c:ime to Illinois with his parents. He made the entire journey overland with teams. At that time the county was but sparsely settled and Quiiicy was hut a hamlet. He bought eight acres of unimproved land on time, paying $80 for the tract. He bought it at a public sale and did not liave the money to pay for it with. He soon found a pur- chaser for his bargain at a small advance. He married in Brown county and lived there on a farm of 147 acres that he bought at a big bargain, and also bought other tracts of land. He was very successful. Here Isaac was bora and when his father died he left 800 acres for his heirs. His death occurred March 17, 1891. The maiden name of his wife was Susanna Pevehouse, born in Wayne county, Kentucky, Her father, Joseph Peve- house, was well known in Kentucky from which he removed to Illinois, settliuo- in Scott county, where he resided in that part which was Morgan county at that time. He was one of the first teachers of the countj. He bought land and followed farming and mercantile business in Clayton and resided there until his death in 1863. The maiden name of his wife was Mary Slagle. She was born in Kentucky and died on the farm. The mother of our subject is still living on the SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 429 home farm. She reared five children, Thersa A., Elizabeth J., Isaac N., Martha E. and Sarah E. Isaac was reared and educated in his native township and has always been cngaojed in agricultural pursuits and still occupies the old homestead wiiere he has always lived. Politically he has always been identified with the Democratic party. His parents were firm members of the Methodist Episco- pal Church. Mr. Pevehouse is an upright gentleman and is greatly respected by all who know him. fllAN K LAWRENCE, a higiily respected citizen of Oakland township, was born in Winnebago county, Illinois, in 1851, a son of Tiiomas Henry Lawrence. Ilis father removed to Illinois about 1848, and settled near Rockford, where he bought a farm on which he passed the remainder of his days; he died in 1853, in the prime of a prosperous life, leaving a widow and eight young children. Soon after his death his wife disposed of the estate, which was valued at $1,300, and returned to Orange county, New York. Her maiden name was Sarah Randle, and she was a daughter of Jesse Randle; she now resides in Warwick, New York, and is still vigorous both in mind and body. Five of the children survive. Thomas H., Jesse R. and A. P. were volunteers in the bite war; they all came out alive, but all were wounded; Thomas H. and Jesse R. are both deceased. Mr. Lawrence came to the AVest in 1871, his objective point being Council Bluffs, Iowa. In the spring of 1873 he went to Colorado, making part of the journey by rail, and the rest overland by pack train. In 1882 29 he returned to the East, and then came to Ray, Schuyler county, where he has since re- sided. He was united in marriage to Mary E. Baxter Sumner, in 1885; Mrs. Lawrence died July 15, 1889, leaving one son, Thomas H. Lawrence, born in August, 1888. Mr. Law- rence was married a second time, February 8, 1891, when he was united to Josie Glimpse, a daughter of James and Sarah (Shirley) Glimpse, natives of Illinois; the Shirley family is from New Jersey, and the Glimpse family came from Indiana. James Glimpse died in 1891, at the age of forty-five years, leaving a family of five children. Mr. Lawrence occupies a pleasant home in Ray, which he erected in 1891; he owns about sixty acres of land. He has had charge of the Ray tile works as superintendent and fore- man; he has filled the position with marked ability. Politically he afliliates with the Democratic party. He is a member of the Masonic order, and belongs to the blue lodge, chapter and commandry. ^ENRY STARK, of Mt. Sterling, was W\ born in Prussia, in 1848. His par- ents were Peter and Elizabeth Stark, both of Prussia. The father spent his entire life there, and after his death the mother and children came to America, and settled in Mt. Sterling, where she spent her last days. Henry attended school quite steadily, until he was fourteen years old, and then com- menced work in the mines for three years, and worked in the rolling mills until 1869, when he concluded to come to America to try and better his condition. He came di- rectly to Rushville, where he landed with empty pockets. He at once found work in 430 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OP CASS, the mines, where he contmned about three months, went from there to Beardstown, and worked on the railroad for nearly a year, and then went to Peoria and entered the coal mines. A short time after his employer failed and left him with no money. He went from there to Rochelle, and from there to Mt. Sterling, and entered the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company. He then worked two months in a pork-packing estab- lishment, in a brick-yard one summer, then went to St. Louis, in order to learn a trade, and finally back to Mt. Sterling, where with a partner he tinally opened a market. He very soon failed again, but a friend lent him money and thus far he has met with remarkable suc- cess. In the meantime he has engaged in various lines of business. He was in the junk business, and for two years he ran a skating rink. He was the first ice dealer in the town, and for about twelve years engaged in that business. He continued in the butcher- ing business for eight years, and then entered into his present business. He is one of the largest real-estate owners in the city. In 1890, he erected a liandsome business block on Main street, with a forty-foot front, and he owns another block on the same street, 40x100 feet, seven dwelling houses, besides vacant property. He married in 1877, Sarah Ward, of Mt. Sterling, daughter of Nicholas Ward, of Ireland. He learned the trade of wheel- wright, came to America a young man, and carried on his business in Mt. Sterling, where he died as the result of an accident by fall- ing backward fi-om the upper story of his wagon shop, lireaking his neck in the fall. He had four daughters. This death left the family in rather straitened circumstances, but by their industry, all learning the dress- makers' trade, they managed to keep the family together. One of Mrs. Stark's sisters, Kate, is married, and lives in Rushville; the other two still continue to carry on the dress- making trade, in Mt. Sterling. Their mother, nee Bridget McCabe, a native of Ireland, is still living. The only child of Mr. and Mrs. Stark died in infancy. They both are members of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church. Mr. Stark is a popular and well-thought-of man, he is very liberal to the poor, and is recog- nized as a good citizen. fOSEPH ALLISON was born near Dover, Tuscarawas county, Ohio, October 17, 1828. Joseph Allison, his father, was supposed to have been born in Pennsylvania, as he was reared and married in that State, and moved from there to Ohio. He bought a tract of timber land in Tuscarawas county, built a lour cabin in the wilderness, settled on his frontier farm and began the work of clear- ing it. He lived there till 1840, when he came Illinois, being accompanied by his wife and eight children. He made the journey overland with teams, working and camping on the way. After a month's travel in this way, they landed at Jacksonville, Morgan county. At that time Jacksonville was a hamlet and Springtield only a small place, the surrounding country being thinly settled. Renting land in Morgan county, he lived there four years. Then he moved to Cass county, and in 1847, after renting land here three years, bought a farm in section 23, of township 18, range 9, it being unimproved at the time of purchase. He brougiit a log house from Morgan county and erected it on this place. It was years before there were any railroads here. Settlers were few and 8GHUYLER AND BSOWN OOUNTIES. 431 wild game was plentiful. Beardstown was the cliiet market for supplies. Mr. Allison resided on this place till his death, February 11, 1859. He spent years of toil here, im- proving and beautifying his farm, and at the time of his deatli had it in a flourishing con- dition, with good frame buildings, etc. The maiden name of his wife, mother of the sub- ject of • our sketch, was Elizabeth Spawn. She was born in Pennsylvania, and died on the home farm, February 18, 1859. They were married in 1812. Following are the names of their eight children: Mary, Mar- garet, Jane, John, Elizabeth, Martha, Joseph and Catherine. Joseph was twelve years old wiien his par- ents came to Illinois, and he well remembers the incidents connected with their pioneer life here. Ills mother used to card, spin and weave, and dress her children in honiespun. He resided with his parents until their death, and now owns and occupies a part of the old homestead. The farm contains 137 acres and is well improved with good buildings, etc. Mr. Allison was united in marriage, De- cember 26, 1849, with Cecelia E. Logue, who was born in Warren county, Tennessee, April 26, 1829. Her father, Oliver Logue, was born in the same county, January 17, 1805, son of William Logue, thought to have been a native of Georgia. William Logiie was a farmer and teacher, and served as a Justice of the Peace in Warren county, Tennessee, where his death occurred. The maiden name of grancimother Logue was Hannah Sturgis. She, too, died in Warren county. Oliver Logue was reared and married in Warren county, and from there moved to Illinois, in 1829, becoming one of the first settlers of what is now Menard county. About a year later he moved to that part of Morgan county now included in Cass. Here he entered a tract of Government land, improved a farm, and resided till his death. Mrs. Loijue, nee Rebecca Cole, was born in Warren county, Tennessee, January 12, 1805, daughter of James Cole. Mr. and Mrs. Allison have three children: John Wesley, who was born March 3, 1851, and married Mary Mellstead, and has two children, Bessie and Cassie; James E., born in 1857, who married Lillie Wyatt, has one child, Etta; and Arthur, born August 11, 1868, who married Sarah Morgan; Elizabeth E., born June 1, 1854, died December 30, 1854. Politically, Mr. Allison is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church. Mr. Allison has disposed of his farm and intends to retire from active business pursuits. ^ '^ jANIEL G. SxMITH, M. D., who resides ''^" on a farm in Hickory precinct, Cass county, Hlinois, is well- known as a prominent and successful physician of this vicinity. Briefly given, a sketch of his life is as follows: Daniel G. Smith was born a mile and a half east of Scottsville, Macoupin county, Dlinois, October 8, 1847. His father, Sam- uel Smith, one of the pioneers of Macoupin county, was boi'n in Clinton county, North Carolina. Grandfather Smith removed with his family, from North Carolina to Kentucky, where he spent his last years and died. Sam- uel Smith was reared in Kentucky, and re- sided there till 1835, when he moved to Illi- nois, tirst locating in Morgan county. At that time much of tiie land in Morgan county belonged to the Government, and he entered land near Woodson, and resided there a few 433 BIOORAFSJCAL REVIEW OF CAJiS, years. He then sold out and moved to Ma- coupin county, where he bought a tract of land near Scottvillo. a part of it being prai- rie, and a part timber. After improving this land, and re.'iiding on it some years, he sold out and moved to Franklin; thence to Waverly, where he lived retired from active business until the time of his wife's death. He then went to Franklin, and spent his last days with his daughter. His wife was be- fore her marriage Miss Dorothy Hull, a na- tive of Tennessee, and a daughter of Jesse Hull. They reared eight of their eleven children. Dr. Smith first attended the district schools and afterward the Scottville high school. At the ao-e of eighteen he commenced teach- inff, and taught and worked on the farm for four years. He then began the study of medicine with Dr. G. W. Bradley, of Wa- verly. He attended one course of lectures at the Cincinnati E. M. Institute, and two courses at the American Medical College at St. Louis, graduating at the latter institution with the class of 1877. He began the prac- tice of his profession in Franklin, and after remaining there four years removed to Vir- ginia. Here he acquired a lucrative practice, and remained a resident till 1889. That year he bought a tract of land in section 1, township 18, range 11, tnoved upon it, and has since conducted farming operations. He still, however, continues his medical practice, being equally successful in each. In 1866, Dr. Smith was united in mar- riage witli Melinda J. Thompson, a native of Wayne county, Illinois, and a daughter of William C, and Amelia Thompson. Dr. and Mrs. Smith have live children living: Charles W., Fred M., Dottie E., Lois and Zella F. Myrtie, the first-born, died in her fourth year, and Katie, the fourth, died in her tenth year. Politically, the Doctor is a Democrat. He ' and his wife and three oldest children are members of the Christian Chui-ch. JkYMAN HAGER, a successful farmer '*W{i and stock-raiser living near Beardstown, ^^ was born in Sullivan county, New Hampshire, August 30, 1828. His father, Reuben Hager, was also a native of New Hampshire, and died in 1871. His parents had died when he was fourteen years of age. He was afterward reared by a Mr. Town until he was of age. While yet in Sullivan county he had become owner of a small farm, which he sold in 1835, and with his wife and children came West, by canals and rivers, until he landed in Beardstown. He made a settlement on a farm consisting of Govern- ment land, and later added to it from time to time until he owned a farm of several hundred acres. He spent his last years in quiet comfort in Beardstown. He was a genial, good man, well known for his good judgment. He had been for years a member of the Grand Jury of Beardstown, and was often called upon to arbitrate in difficulties. His wife, who had died in 1846, was named Sarah Reed, and was born in New Hamp- shire. She had been a good woman, and a consistent member of the Methodist Episco- pal Church. Mr. Lyman Ilager could not help being the fine man he is, after having such a good father and mother. He has lived in this county since he was six years of age, and has spent his entire life since then near where he now lives, with the exception of five years spent in California during the '50s. Since SCHUTLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 433 early boyhood days lie has been a hard worker and he has been fairly successful. He was not able to obtain much early education in the new country. He was married in this county, to Cordelia Spaldincr, of Posey county, Indiana. She died at her home, December 23, 1878, at the age of thirty- eight years. She was the mother of seven children. They are: Rose Phelps, living in this county; Douglas, a farmer near this city; Clara Phelps, of this township; Emma Crum, of this county; Christina Red- shaw, also of this county; Mary Thompson, of the same; and Joseph at home helpino; on the farm. Mr. Hager was a second time married, in Eeardstown, to Mrs. Annie Coort. She was born in 1847, in Dublin, Ireland, and came to the United States in 1853, with her par- ents, who are not living at the present time. Mr. and Mrs. Hager have three children. One, William was fatally scalded when five years old. The living ones are Charles and Eva. Mr. and Mrs. Hager are good and intelli- gent people, and she is of the Catholic faith. Mr. Hager is a Democrat. T^ARRISON HINES, foreman in the car sjjj|j\ shops of the Quincy Railroad, St. Louis ^^l division, was born in Montgomery county, JSlew York, February 19, 1841. His father, Henry, and grandfather, John Hines, were natives of New York, but came of Hol- land ancestry. The latter lived and died in the Empire State a very old man. He had married a kinswoman of Commodore Perry and she also lived and died in New York. Henry Hines grew up in his native State as a carpenter and mechanic. After be came to Illinois he engaged in contracting and build- ing and helped build the Chicago division of what is now the Quincy railroad main line. He lived in Aurora and spent his last years there, dying some fourteen years ago, over eighty years of age. His wife's maiden name was Betsey Howard, who was born and reared in New York, also. The old stock of Hines were Methodists. Harrison is one of eight children, all living, and was only one year old when his parents came to Aurora, Illinois. • He learned his trade as a mechanic under his father and be- came a skilled artisan. Mr. Hines en- listed in 1861, in tbe Forty-fifth Regiment, known as Washburn Lead Mine Regiment, Colonel John E. Smith and Captain Hol- comb, commanding. He served through three years and six months, being in the First Division of the Third Brigade of the Seven- teenth Army Corps, and was in all the ter- rible battles that that brigade took part in. He received a gunshot wound in his left leg at Shiloh, and at Vicksburg he was wounded in the head by the bursting of a shell. He saw much hard lighting and for meritorious conduct while running tlie batteries at Vicks- burg, he received from General Grant, through General Rawlins, a grant of leave home and a free transportation. He is justly proud of his war record. He was all through the Sa- vannah campaign, march of Sherman to the sea, and finally was honorably discharged at Louisville, Kentucky, July 12, 1865. He has been in his present position at Beards- town for the past twelve years. He came from Ottumwa, Iowa, where he was foreman in a car shop for nine years. In 1866 he be- gan with the Quincy Railroad at Aurora, Illinois. He was there for some years in the building department until 1869, when he was sent to Burlington, Iowa, and was there in 434 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, the building department from Galva to Keithsbure, Illinois, until 1871, when he be- came connected with the car-building depart- ment and has been a foreman most of the time. He has grown very popular as a citizen. He was married in Chicago, Illinois, to Miss Xettie Thompson, who was born, reared and educated in Wisconsin. Her parents, now old people, live in Brookings, Dakota. Mr. and Mrs. Hines of this notice are prom- inent citizens of Beardstown and members of the Congregational Church. They are parents of seven children: Russel, Edgar, Nettie, Augustus, Grace, Mabel and Ralph M. Mr. Hines is a member of the Board of Education and is a Republican. He is a member of the MacLane Rost, No. 91, G. A. R., of Beardstown; of the Masonic chap- ter, of the Odd Fellows encampment of this place, and of the commandery at Rushville. Mr. Hines' record witli the Chicago, Burling- ton & Quiucy Railroad is an excellent one; for bis fifteen years of service he lias never missed a month's salary. He is a refined gentleman. ^5#sf ILLIAM MORRELL, a prominent ■ ,1/ \ I , farmer of Elkhorn township, was born Njfe^ September 28, 1825, in Clermont county, Ohio. He was the son of Elmore and Nancy (Wright) Morrell, born in Maine, son of David Morrell, of Portland, that State. The subject's father was reared on a farm and came to Fort Washington, now Cincinnati, in 1812, with his parents and was one of the pioneers who in 1832 came into Illinois. The journey into the wilderness was made by ox team and they suffered all the hardships of that early date. He was married in Camp- bell county, Kentucky, where his wife was born. He brought his wife and three chil- dren to Illinois and settled first in Morgan county, where he bought eighty acres and im- proved that, and three years later sold this out to buy the farm where our subject now lives and there he spent his life, dying in 1891, aged eighty-six years. He left his original purchase of 100 acres on which he first built a house, the lumber for which was first sawed with an old-fashioned whipsaw. That was the first lumber sawed in this part of Illinois. The father of our subject was one of the first and most active pioneers. He was a Democrat politically. His wfie was a Universalist and her life ended on the old farm when she was about sixty-two. She was liorn in 1806. The father was born in 1803. Our subject was one of seven children, three of whom are yet living. He remained at home until his marriage and was employed as are all the sons of farmers. After marriage o he picked up the wagonmaking trade and rented the farm where he now lives. He lived there from 1853 to 1876, when he moved into his present home. He first bought forty acres and later bought more until he now has as fine a farm of 154 acres as there is in the country. He also has a fine farm in Buckhorn township, and is one of the most successful farmers in the State. He has carried on a mixed farming. The marriage of Mr. Morrell took place February 6, 1846, to Miss Abigail .Smith, who was born in Ashtabula county, Ohio, July 18, 1826, and was a daughter of Ben- jamin and Abigail (Hackett) Smith. He was born in New Hampshire and she in Vermont, and after their marriage in Ohio they came as pioneers to Illinois, and in 1889 rented land in Morgan county for two years, and then went over into Brown county and re- 8CHUTLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 435 inained there a year, and then finally settled in Cass county, where Mr. Smith, died at the age of forty- six. He has always followed farming. The mother died in Cass county, Illinois, aged about forty-four. Ueorge Haek- ett, an uncle of Mrs. Morrell, came to the county about 1824, and was one of the first settlers in central Illinois, and the owner of the first tanyard west of the Illinois river. Our subject is a strong Democrat, having given his first vote for Franklin Pierce. He and his wife are both church-going people and are highly esteemed in their neighbor- hood. They have had seven children: four yet living. Kosalie is a widow and has one grandchild and five children. Delah is mar- ried, with four children; William -T. is a married man; Henry has two children and rents all the old farm. The whole famil}' are good, quiet people, and these are the citizens whose names properly appear in a record of this kind. |OBERT RICH was born in Germany on the Rhine, in Baden, in 1852. He is the son of Matthias Rich of the same place, who came to the United States in 1855, settling in St. Louis with his wife and two children, where he pursued the trade of cooper, which he had learned in Crermany. From there he came to Brown county in the fall of 1858, and there continued his trade. He bought 100 acres of timber land that had been cleared, although there was plenty of brush. This farm is Mr. Rich's (Sr.) hdme at present, and is east of Cooperstown. Al- though Mr. Rich, Sr., had barely enough to come to this country with, he now owns 300 acres of good land in this county with fine farm buildings on it. He raises a good strain of cattle. Beside this he has 500 acres in the bottoms of Illinois. He is now worth about §35,000. His wife is named Parthiua. They buried one iiifant son, and have ten living children, namely: Robert; Julius, a farmer of this township; Emma, now Mrs. Charles Petei, fanner in this township; Joseph, a farmer in this township; Louisa, wife of Newton Quinn, farmei- of Cooperstown; Sophie, wife of J ohn Snyder, farmer; Matthias, farmer; Henry, farmer; Ellora, wife of Charles Barton, farmer of this county; Perfina is at home and brightens up the home circle with her merry presence. Robert Rich lived on the home farm until he was twenty-one, when he went into a store as a clerk, as he was in falling health and found the farm work too wearing on him. This work did not suit him, either; so a year later he went to California by rail, in the summer of 1873. There he worked out of doors, doing farming, and this proved of great benefit to him. He was there until the win- ter of 1875, when he returned to Brown county to his old farm. Here he worked on the farm again for two years, and then farmed on his father's bottom lands for three years. He then bought 160 acres of his present place, buying it at a low price, $6,000 in all for the worked land. He moved his wife into a shanty, where they lived until the farm was paid for. In 1888 he built their present comfortable two-story frame house, one of the best in the township, costing nearly |2,000. In 1891 Mr. Rich built a fine new barn, 40 X 60 feet, costing $1,200. This, too, is one of the best in the section. Twenty-four to thirty fine horses or cattle can be housed in the large basement. Mr. Rich devotes him- self chiefly to hogs, although he does other farming also. He generally grows an equal amount of corn and wheat, but has eighty BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, acres of wheat this year, which will yield about twenty bushels per acre. On the third year he grows clover about even. Mr. Rich makes money, making about $1,800 clear of expenses. He also has a great deal of fine stock. Mr. Rich was married to Elizabeth Qninn, in 1877. Mr. and Mrs. Rich have four liv- ing children, having buried an infant son. Those living are: Delia E., twelve years; Nellie Pearl, ten years; Matthias Benjamin, eight years, and Robert, si.x years. Their father is giving. these children a good educa- tion, and he is a School Director. Mr. Rich has been a very successful man of one of his age, forty. He has made all his money him- self, making a bea;inning in California when he saved up $1,000. fAMES CRUM, of township 17 north, range 11 west, postotfice Arenzville, Illinois, was born in Clark county, In- diana, September 22, 1806. His parents were Matthias and Margaret (Spangler)Crum, the former born in Montgomery county, Vir- ginia, of German ancestry, and the latter in Louisville, Kentucky, in the fort there. Her father was killed there by the Indians. They had twelve children, of whom James was tiu! fourth. Only live of the family are living: Joseph lives at Paxton, Ford county, Illinois, and is a retired farmer; Isaac N. lives in Iowa, a merchant, farmer and preacher; Abraham A. lives in Morgan county, Illinois, farmer and wealthy citizen; John W. owns property in Jacksonville, a widower and well-to-do citizen; William died in Indiana; Christian died at Ashland; David died in Missouri; Samuel died from an accident received in California; Mary married Leander E. Cobb, killed by a horse in Greene county, Illinois; Elizabeth was the widow of Lonis O'Neil, and she died in 1892, of the grippe. James came to Cass county in 1830. The next year his father and mother came and took some land near that of their son, where both parents died. On coming here Mr. Crum and his brother. Christian, entered 160 acres and l)Ought 240, which they divided equally. He was married to Christine Ream, Jan- uary 31, 1833. Her parents were Pennsyl- vanians who moved to Ohio, where she was born. They had a large family. David, de- ceased, was the eldest; Thomas Jefferson (see biography); James F., a Dakota farmer; Sarah Margaret, wife of Dr. J. F. Wilson, of Tullula, Illinois; Mary Elizabeth, wife of William Howard Thompson, lives in Jackson- ville; William Marcellus resides on a farm near Virginia, Illinois; John went to Iowa and Kansas and returning settled in Chapin, Illinois; Amanda C, wife of William Henry Thompson and now lives in Kansas; Mar- quis L. (see sketch); Charles was killed on the railroad near Keoknk, Iowa, it being a very sad affair; he was a teacher in the hicrh school and left a wife and five children. Mr. Crum lost his first wife May 1, 1878. He since married Mrs. Eliza Bean, whose husband died in the army. She had two daughters by her tirst marriage. Mr. Crum has divided liis property liberally between liis children: most of them have received 110,000 and some a greater amount. Mr. Crum still owns a section of land where he lives, besides having extensive interests in personal property. Few men have been as successful as he in the accumulation of wealth. He has always lived well and endeavored to enjoy life as it came. He is a liberal in re- SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 437 liffions views and a believer in the Christian religion, to the support of vrhich he has donated liberally out of his means. He has been a life-long Democrat, has voted twice for General Jackson, first in 1828 and again in 1832. Very probably there is not anotlier man in this part of the State that can say as much. He has held various ofBces of respons- ibility and trust. The ancestral history indicates that the Crum family have generally been tillers of the soil, of a hardy, long-lived family, usually successful in anything they under- took. An event transpired September, 1891, which Mr. Crum will never forget, it being the occasion of their eighty-first birthday. The relatives from far and near came and en- joyed the jubilee. Photographers and news- paper reporters were in demai}d, as over one hundred relatives were present. Mr. Gruni came here poor and was sur- rounded by neighbors who were well-to-do at that time. Since then he has outstripped them all in accumulation of wealth. He has given his children more than 1100,000 and still owns about $75,000 worth of property. "When eighty years of age Mr. Crum com- peted at the Cass county fair for the old- gentleman's prize for best horseback riding and won it. The prize was a gold-lieaded cane, inscribed: >' Presented to James Crum for the best old-gentleman riding, August 6, 1886." JRAM EVANS is a native of the Old Dominion, where he was born, in Wash- ington county, November 4, 1810. His father was Robert Evans, an industrious and uprifht man, a native of the same State, and was there reared to manhood, and married and there resided until 1811, when he re- moved to Kentucky, and settled in the fa- mous Rock Castle county, where he contin- ued to reside for several years. He then removed to Woodford county, of the same State, and followed his trade, that of a car- penter, until the year 1853, when he sold out and moved to Missouri, and spent the reniainder of his days in Ralls and Monroe counties. His wife, the mother of our sub- ject, was formerly Sarah Peoples, a native of Washington county, Tennessee, who died in Rock Castle county, Kentucky, in 1813, while the family resided there. After the death of his mother, Hiram Evans went to live with his cousin in Rock Castle county, and resided there until the age of fourteen years. He was then large enough and strong enough to be able to do something for himself, and accordingly joined his father and under his directions commenced to learn the carpenter trade. Thus he continued until the age of twenty years, when he started out on his own responsibility even with the world. He went to Louisville, Iventucky, and secured work at his trade, receiving one dollar and twelve anil a half cents per day for his services, working from sunrise to sunset. Thus he continued at hard work for eleven months, when he went to Vicksburg, Missis- sippi, whej-e he found employment at |60 per month and board. He followed the car- penter trade in Mississippi and Kentucky until 1836, when in June of that year he came to Bushnell, Illinois, and has here since resided. Illinois at that time was very wild, and deer and other wild animals roamed over the prairies. Mr. Evans entered a tract of 200 acres in Henderson and McDonough counties, but did not settle there. He com- uicnced the business of contracting and build- 438 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, ing, at which he continued puccessfiillj for many years; but finally turned his attention to loan and general brokerage. His business life was successful throughout, and was char- acterized by industry and honesty. He is now well-to-do, and for the past few years has lived a retired life, enjoying the fruits of his labor, and well earned reputation. In 1845, he was united in marriage to Miss Susanna Carrick, a native of Scott county, Kentucky, and daughter of William and Jennie (Campbell) Carrick. To Mr. and Mrs. Evans were born two children, both of whom died in childhood. Mrs. Evans died in 1849. Mr. Evans has been a useful citizen, and was formerly a Whig, but since the formation of the Republican party has served faithfully in its ranks. The following interesting incident of early times is related in this vicinity. At that early day little or no attention was paid to the style of dress worn by either women or men. In fact it not uncommonly occurred that when a person attempted to assume a little extra style he was laughed at, if he was not absolutely jeered. On one Sunday a party of civil engineers, unusually well dressed and stylish, attended preaching at one of the Cumberland Presbyterian churches. It 80 happened on that day that the minister preached on the subject of the sinfulness of dress, and was so severe in his remarks that the party of engineers supposed he intended to be personal, and accordingly became very ano-ry. They thereupon determined to have revenge. The following Saturday, provided with a goodly-sized bag of salt, they went to the church and thoroughly filled the corners and crevices of the same with salt, rubbing it thoroughly upon the steps and around the sides of the building, The next morning about the time services were to begin, all the cattle of the neighborhood seemed to have assembled around the church for a picnic. The people gathered and drove away the cows, but no sooner had they gone inside and begun services than the cattle returned ap- parently wilder than ever. It is needless to say that very little real devotion was shown in that church on that Sabbath-day. The engineers had tlieir revenge. lORNELIUS L. ATEN, proprietor of lie Browning Roller Mills, was born in Astoria, Fulton county, July 28, 1845, his parents being Richard and Ann (Peter- son) Aten, both natives of Hancock county. West Virginia. He was raised on a farm and continued there until 1888, when he purchased an interest with Mr. Nagel in the Browning Roller Mills. Recently Mr. Nagel has withdrawn and Mr. Aten has become the sole owner of the mills, which are very valuable, being estimated at several thou- sand dollars. These mills have a capacity of seventy-five barrels, and Mr. Aten does an ex- change business, dealing in grains of all kinds, for which he pays the highest market price. The products of these mills have such an excellent reputation that it keeps Mr. Aten very busy to till his orders for flour, meal and feed. In addition to the mill property in Browning, Mr. Aten owns a farm of 140 acres in Astoria, and also at Summum, Fulton county, he owns the Home Roller Mills. Mr. Aten is a Republican in politics, has been a Class-leader and Sunday-school Super- intedent for many years, and the whole fam- ily take an active interest in the Methodist Episcopal Church and Sunday-school work. SCHUTLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 439 He was married in P^iltou county, Novem- ber 19, 1868, to Susan M. Bryan, of that county. They liave nine children, all livincr: Henry W., Mary Edith, Alta Emeline, Car- rie Samilda, Tliomas Kichard, Sabina Mabel, Jeanette Ann, Chester Arthur and Waiter Wayne. Mary E. is a teacher in the public school and all have enjoyed excellent advan- tages in the public schools. 't:^^ — :e■^^^ fKANCIS ASBURY CLARK, a promi- nent farmer of section 32. Missouri township, has been a resident of Brown county since 1835. He was born in Logan county, Kentucky, September 11, 1820, and is of Scotch-Irish extraction. His father, Abner Clark, was the son of Thomas Clark, who came to this country some time before the Revolutionary war and died at Orange- burg, North (.'arolina, near tiie close of that struggle. A copy of his will declares him to have been a yeoman, and the document attests his strength of character and sterling integ- rity. His widow was left with six children exposed to the ravages of war and the small- pox. She was equal to tlie emergency. Abner, her youngest son, described her as tall and muscular, with great strength and unllinching courage. To a British otiicer who rudely demanded to know her political prin- ciples she replied : "Sir, I am a helpless widow with six children, but I am an American." She seems to have impressed the stamp of her character upon the family, which is distin- guished for simple integrity and resoluteness. The date of her death is unknown, but it must have occurred soon after the death of her husband, for Abner was raised by a Qua- ker family, and further developed those habits of blunt frankness toward which he had a natural proclivity. In early life he came to Logan county, Kentucky, where he married Nancy Coram, and might have been rich in slaves had he not resolutely chosen free soil and set his face toward the forest and privations of Illinois. In 1835, bringing Francis A., the subject of this sketch, with him, he came to this county; "Dick," as Fran- cis is still familiar known, drove a four horse team across the lire-swept prairies and bridge- less streams of western Kentucky, and central Illinois to Brown county. The family, composed of the parents and ten children, settled in Missouri township, and soon succeeded in making a home whence the children went out to feather the nests of their own. In 18-13 Francis took his new bride, Eliza, nee Rankin, into the woods of Pea Ridge township, and they set up in a log-house with a work bench for a table and other things in harmony. Industry and economy, inside and outside, soon transformed the wilderness into a beautiful field, and their empty house to a luxurious home, in which were born nine children, seven of whom are still living. The mother was Irish by birth, having come from Ireland to Philadelphia in her second year. In that beautiful city she resided until her thirteenth year, and acquired the rudiments of education. At this eai-ly age she was taken from school and carried to section 36, Pea Ridge township, where, surrounded with a waste of almost tractless forests on the one side and a sea of prairie grass on the other, she wept in childish grief for the scenes and playmates from whom she was forever sepa- rated. She was united in marriage to Mr. Clark July 10, 1843, and the "heart of her husband safely trusted in her, and she did him good and not evil all the days of her life." " Her own works praise her in the gates, and her children rise up and call her blessed." 440 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OP CASS, She died the 15th of February, 1867, leaving her husband with a family of children, some of whom were small, to mourn his bereave- ment. He soon after luarried Sarah E. Burk, a widow, with one lovely dauojhter, Alta Vir- ginia, who, in her nineteenth year when bloomine into beautiful womanhood was attacked by fever, to which her frail constitu- tion succumbed. Mrs. (Burk) Clark is an estimable lady, and has been a kind mother and faithful wife. Soon after his second marriage Mr. Clark came to his present home two miles and a half northwest from Mount Sterling, a farm which he had purchased some ten years before, and which he has finely improved. His business life, whicli was " about cattle '' rather than farming, though he did and had done much of the latter, has been one of almost uninterrupted success. Beginning while yet a boy by buying a heifer he con- tinued until he became the largest stock dealer of the county and rarely handled either cattle, sheep, hogs, or horses without realizing fair profits. Careful trading with apprecia- tion of values 7nade liim a handsome fortune, which he has carefully and equitably distrib- uted by gift or will to his wife and children. In character he is a man afiable in manner, sound in judgment, resolute in purpose, sincerely honest and reliable, proud that his paper is always at par. This quality, con- nected with large descretion and shrewd busi- ness instincts, is the key to his success in what he has undertaken. He never tried to succeed by being sharp, though he might have gained temporary advantage by shrewd- ness, but by being square. In politics he has been anti-slavery from the first, believes in moderate tariff and to- day tends to the principle of prohibition as a means of dealing with the liquor-traffic. In theology he is a Cumberland Presby- terian, but has never been identified with that church or any other. His children are like himself, prosperous, and are gathered round about him: Ale.xander H., well-known in the county, lives two miles northwest of the county seat; Catherine M. McMurry, his eldest daughter, just outside the corporation; William A. West, of town, one and a half miles; Abner and E. E. are members of the faculty of Ghaddock College, Quincy, Illinois; Lydia McDonald, the youngest daughter, with her husband resides in section 36, Pea Kidge township, while Benjamin F. is still on the homestead. Few men sitting in the twilight of life have greater reasons for grati- tude than Mr. Clark. EORGE W. ZIMMERMAN was born in Pike county, Illinois, August 5, 1837. He was the son of George and Mariah (Lutz) Zimmerman, of German de- scent. They came to America when young, and to Illinois in 1837, and settled in Pike county and built a frame house on a bit of wild land. He is still living on his farm as is also his wife. Mr. George Zimmerman remained at home until married, in 1859, and helped his father on the farm. He received a fair business education in a neighboring school. After his marriage he rented a farm in this county, of his mother-in-law. He remained here for two or three years and then bought 100 acres, on which there were no improvements. He built a small frame house and lived in it for fifteen years, and then built a good farm house, in which he still lives. He has added to his farm until now he has 300 acres, while all he had to start with was one pair of horses. SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 441 He has held local offices. He voted iirst for Stephen A. Douglas on the Democratic ticket. When the Greenback movement started he took an active part in it, and still advocates its principles. He was a delegate to the State convention at Danville. He was made a delegate to the People's party Congressional convention at Roodhonse, as for several years he has been giving close and careful attention to their movements. He was elected from Rood house in the spring of 1892, to the national convention held at Omaha, July 4, 1892. Mr. Zimmerman is a very important man in politics in this part of the county. He has faith in his convic- tions and is not afraid toe.xpress them upon all occasions. Pie is president of the Alli- ance in this township. He was married in 1859, to Miss Elizabeth Winters, born in Calhoun county, Illinois, a daughter of Peter and Willmina (Shaffer) Winters, who also came from Germany and died on the old farm in Brown county. Mr. and Mrs. Zimmerman have three children, William P., George H. and Nettie, all mar- ried. Mr. Zimmerman and his wife are jiieinbers of the Methodist Church. ;R. CHARLES N. IRWIN, a resident of Mount Sterling, was born in Fayette county, Kentucky, August 30, 1827. His father, John M. C. Irwin, was born in the same county, and his father, William Irwin, was born in Virginia, although his father was born in the north of Ireland, of Scotch ancestry. He came to America in Colonial times and settled in Virginia, where he spent the remainder of his days. His son, William, was reared in Virginia, and after marriage emigrated to Kentucky with his family. The removal was made with pack horses. He located in Fayette county, which was at that time very sparsely settled. When about to trade some horses for some land the horses were stolen from him by the Indians, who were numerous and sometimes hostile. He purchased a tract of land eight miles from Lexington, on the Lexington and Frankfort road. There was a fort in the neighborhood, where the people used to repair for safety. He improved his farm with hard labor, and resided there until his death. The maiden name of his wife was Catharine McClay. She was born in Penn- sylvania, of pure Scotch ancestry. She died on the farm in Fayette county. Their sou, John, followed agricultural pursuits, and spent his entire life in his native county. He died in 1857. The maiden name of his wife was Martha Nourse, born in Mercer county, Kentucky. Her father, William Nourse, was born in England, where his parents spent their entire lives. He came to America in Colonial times, and was one of the pioneers of Mercer couilty, Kentucky, where he spent his last years. Mrs. Irwin died on the home farm in Fayette county. She was the second wife of her husband and reared three of her live children, Martha, Charles N. and George. Charles was reared in his native State, re- ceiving his early education there. In 1846 he came to Illinois, settling in Jacksonville, where he remained a short time and then came on to Mount Sterlintj, and commenced the study o^ medicine with Dr. Witty. He attended lectures at Jefferson Medical Col- lege in Philadelphia, and in June, 1850, commenced practice in Mount Sterling, w-hich he continued until 1862, when he entered the United States army as Assistant Surgeon of the Third Illinois Cavalry, joining the regi- 442 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, iiu-iit at Helena, Arkansas. They were with Sheriiiiui at tlie first attack on A'^icksbur^, and at tlie tmttli' of Arkansas JPost, in Grant's coniniaiid at the l)attle of Millikeu's Iiend. Soon after this the reii'inient was detailed to do garrison duty on the Memphis & Ciiarles- ton railroad, guarding different points. During that time the regiment made frequent raids into Mississippi. He continued with the resinient until he was honorably dis- charged in 1864. He then liecame Assistant Surgeon in the Provost Marshal's office of the Ninth Hlinois District. Upon the resig- nation of Dr. "Worthington as Surgeon, he was appointeil iiis successor, continuing in tliis offiee until the close of the war. In 1865 he bought an interest in the drug and hardware store of Dr. Stone. Dr. liurch being his partner. One year later Dr. Burch sold his interest to George Irwin. In 1877 Martin O'Neil purchased the interest of George Irwin, and the firm became Irwin & O'Neil, and have so continued until the pres- ent time. Tiiey carry a full line of drugs, agricultural implements, hardware, etc. Since the Doctor engaged in the drug business he has abstained from practice as inuch as possi- ble. He is treqiiently called in consultation, besides being called in by former patrons. He was married in 1851 to Isabella C. Dunlap, l)orn in Fayette county, Kentucky. Her father, Kev. Latin W. Dunlap, was a native of New Jersey, but resided somej-ears in Fayette county, iventucky, from whence lie came to Mount Sterling, and was the pio- neer Presl)yterian preacher here. He organ- ized the first Presbyterian society here, where he was a resident until his death in 1889. Dr. and Mrs. Irwin have one child. Nellie K. Their only son, Ciiarles D.,died in 1890. Thcyare membersof the Presbyterian Church, of which the Doctor is an Elder, and has been for many years. He is an ardent worker and takes a prominent part in the Sunday-school. He formerly was a Whig, and has been a Re- publican ever since the commencement of the Civil war. -«fe ^^ ||*,ENRy GAKM, of the firm of Garm & Son, was born in Altenburg, Germany, in 1830. He was but a small child when his parents landed in New York city- From there they proceeded to Washington city, l)ut had not been there long when the father, John Garm, was killed by a horse on the roads of the county. He had been a hard- working man and his family felt his loss in a great degree. After some time Mrs. Garm left Washington city and proceeded westward and settled in Beardstown, Illinois, wliere she resided until the day of her death, at the age of sixty-three. She, like her husband, was a consistent member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Garm first engaged in farming when he came to Beardstown. The country was very new and uncultivated. After twelve years spent in farming he went into town, and in company with John H. Harris, now president of the First National Bank of" Beardstown, purchased a large stationary saw- mill and for six years manufactured lumber, also engaged in the pine lumber trade with Mr. C. Hagener. He then sold liis milling plant and engaged in the ice business with Captain George W. Goodell; after two years Mr. Garm organized a grain and transporta- tion company and carried on an extensive trade in shipping grain to St. Louis, that he purchased in Beardstown and vicinity. This business lasted for four years, and then Mr. Garm entered the merchant tailoring aOHUTLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 443 business with his two sons. Robert H. at- tends to all the financial part of the business as well as being chief salesman, and John T. does the cutting. Mr. Garni is also inter- ested in other local enterprises. He was one of the promoters of the Fir.-^t State Bank, and and is now vice-president and director, as well as an extensive stockholder. This bank was organized in 1889, and was the first bank chartered under the State law providing for the organization of State banks. He is a stockholder as well as a director in the Elec- tric r.ight Company, is also a director of the Mutual Loan & Savinix Association. When the wagon bridge was built across the Illinois river he took an active part in this improve- ment. Up has been an active politician and the Democratic party has rewarded him in many otHces for his zeal and work in the interests of the party. He was twice elected County Commissioner, and is now serving a four- year term as County Treasurer, and he is also the County Assessor of Cass county. It has not been in county offices alone that he has served his party, but he has been extremely useful in the City Council for two terms. As he is one of the leading Democrats in the county, he has been chosen delegate to the State and local conventions a number of times. Mr. Garm was married in Beardstown, to Mary D. Harris. She had come to the State of Illinois from England, when yet quite young, with the relatives of her parents. They settled in Cass county, and she has been since a resident of Beardstown. Mr. and Mrs. Garm have eight children three of whom are dead. Those still surviving are, Kobert H., who married Tillie Dutch; John T., married to Minnie Lamoreux of Mason City, Illinois; Mamie, now the wife of Dr. Norbury, the head of the wards at the in- sane hospital at Jacksonville, Illinois; Joe E., completing his education at the Depauw University at Greeiicastle, Indiana; Frank, a graduate of the I'eardstown high school, and still at home. Mr. Garm and the oldest son are members of the blue odge and chapter, A. F. & A. M. The latter is present Master; the former has also served in the same capacity for three tei-ms previously. Mr. and Mrs. Garm are regular and con- sistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Garm is a man of which his town feels proud, as well it may, for he is one of the representative men, not only of his town and county, but of the State to which he came so many years ago. ^AKKY J. CRUM, of township 17 north, range 11 west, section 24, post office Virginia, was born in Morgan county, near Prentice, November 24, 1863. He is the son of William A. and Nancy (McIIenry) Crum. The McHenry family were among the first settlers of the county. Mr. Crum came here about 186U, and was married. They first lived in Morgan county, and then re- moved to the eastern part of the State, where he now resides. Harry is the eldest of a family of eleven children, nine of whom are still living. The grandfather was William Crum, brother of James Crum (see biography of James Crumj. Harry was educated in Mattoon, Illinois, in the high school of the place. He lived most of his life in Coles county, but came to this county in 1883, locating on the farm where he now lives. 444 BIOGRAFHICAL REVIEW OF OaSS, He was married February 26, 1890, to Mrs. Ida C. Bowers, wliose maiden name was Orum, daughter of Robert Cnim, and third cousin of Mr. Harry Crutn. They liave one child, K.jbert A., born December 30, 1890. Mr. Crum is a Democrat in politics, and his wife is a member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church. He is a young man of intelli- gence and progressive ideas. He had a good financial start in the world, which, combined with liis industrious habits, will make him one of the foremost men in the county. A maiden sister of the mother of Mr. Crum resides with him. Miss A. M. McHenry. She is a lady who is a fair representative of the settlers of Cass county. She owns 300 acres of land adjoining the farm of Mr. Crum, which is highly cultivated. Mr. Crum's farm consists of 160 acres in a high state of cul- tivation. ^n.DEROY SETTLES, one of the larg- est landowners in Schuyler county and a man of great force and integrity of character, is the subject of the following bio- graphy. It is fitting that the history of such men be preserved to the coming generations, that they may have some idea of the vicissi- tudes and privations and trials which beset the path of those sturdy pioneers which pre- pared the way for the onward march of prog- ress. To this worthy band belongs Gilderoy Settles, who was born in Fulton county, Illi- nois, November 14, 1837; one of seven chil- dren: Polly Ann, Gilderoy, David J., Serena, Fenina, Nancy and Josiah. His father, William Settles, was a native of Ten- nessee, and emigrated from that State to Illinois, becoming a ])ioneer of Fulton county; there he was united in marriat^e to Fego-y Carloek, a daughter of Abraham and Mary A. Carloek; he spent more than fifty years in Fulton county, but died in Morgan county, Illinois; his wife died in Fulton county; their son Gilderoy was reared to the occupa- tion of a farmer, and remained under the pa- rental roof and guidance until he was twenty years of age; he then began to face the world laying the foundation of the fortune which has since attended his path. He rented land, as he had no capital to invest, and managed in this way until 1859, when he made his first purshase of eighty acres, at $10 per acre; there was a log cabin on the place, and this was the extent of the improvements, but it was truly a home, the first he could call his own. Mr. Settles was occupying this quiet little place, when in March, 1865, he enlisted in Company I. Third Illinois Cavalry; he joined the regiment at Springfield, and did garrison duty until October of the same year; he was then honorably discharged, returned to his home, and resumed the pursuit of agriculture. The following year he bought another farm in the same township, and afterward sold the farm he had first purchased; he resided in Browning township until 1871, and then re- moved to land he had boueht in Frederick township; this was his home until 1884 when he bought the farm on which he now lives; this tract consists of 204 acres in an advanced state of cultivation and improved with excel- lent buildings; besides this Mr. Settles owns another farm of 200 acres in the same town- ship, 120 acres in Oakland township, and 160 acres in Clark county, Kansas. In 1857 he was united in marriage to Miss Penina Tracy, who was born in Fulton county May 24, 1835, one of the eight children of her parents: Perry, Leonard R., Mary A., Thomas C, Penina A., Minerva, Armiuda SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 445 and Cynthia A. Her father, Lyman Tracy, was born in the State of New York, and catiie to Illinois when a young man; he was one of the early settlers of Fulton county, lived there a few years, and then removed to Missouri; at the end of seven years he came to Schuyler county, and settled in Browning township, where he passed the remaitider of his days; his wife, Annie Carlock, died on the farm in Browning township. Mr. and Mrs. Settles are the parents of si.if children: Leander, Florentine, Logan, Doran, Charles and Orpha. Politically Mr. Settles affiliates witl^ the Republican party. (DWARD GUINN HALL, deceased, 1. was born in Baltimore, Maryland, Sep- tember 10, 1810. His father, Wash- ington Hall, whose parents were Dutch, was uncertain whether his birthplace was in Eng- land or Maryland. He was engaged for a number of years in the wholesale mercantile trade, at the end of which period he removed to Cecil county, same State, where he resided upon a farm for fifteen years, when he re- turned to Baltimore, where retired from the cares of trade he enjoyed in tranquillity the fruits of a well spent life, dying a good old age, respected by all who knew him. His wife, whose maiden nanie was Quinn, bore him seven children, namely: Edward, Wash- ington, Samuel, Charles, Richard, Aim R. and Achsah. Edward Gninn Hall was reared and edu- cated in Baltimore. He graduated when he was seventeen years old and was admitted to the bar before he attained his twenty-first year. Soon thereafter he settled upon a 600- acre farm owned by his father in Cecil county, living there until the year 18B8, in which 80 year he removed to Illinois and took up his residence in what is now known as Rusliville township, on land which he inherited from his father. He continued to reside there un- til his death, which occurred July 28, 1857. He was a man of good, strong sense and excellent judgment. A souml patriot, he took active interest in the affairs of his country. An admirer of old "Tippecanoe" and "Harry" Clay, each of whom received his vote for President, the defeat of the latter sat heavily upon him. He was an ardent Whig and at the organization of the Republi- can party in 1854 he identified himself with that organization, continuing a faithful mem- ber of it to his death. Being educated him- self, and thoroughly appreciating the advan- tages of knowledge, he desired his ciiildren should have tlie benefit of a liberal education, which wish his widow carried out. He was married, August 26, 1845, to Pris- cilla Baker, born in Flemingsburg, Fleming county, Kentucky, April 9, 1825. Her father, Francis Baker, was a native of Maryland, having been born near Baltimore. When a young man he rernoved to Kentucky, engag- ing in farming in Fleming and Maysville un- til 1837, when he emigrated with his wife and four children to Illinois, making the en- tiro journey overland. During that winter he visited in Indiana, and in the following spring settled in section 7, Rushville, where he bought a tract of land. At that time the country was sparsely settled and frame houses were the exception, the people being well satisfied to own log cabins. Wild turkeys and other game were abundant and the trusty rifles of the neighbors kept their tables well supplied with this kind of food. Mr. Baker died there in 1844, aged eighty-seven years, universally mourned. He was a soldier dur- ing the war of 1812. 448 BIOOUAPUIGAL REVIEW OP CASS, The maiden name of Mrs. Hall's mother was Mary Magdalene Brandenburg, who was born in Berlin, Germany, and who died at the home of her son, Dorsey Baker, while on a vis:it, February 16, 1858. Her home was at Mrs. Hall's. When a girl Mr^. Hall attended the Black Jack school, a house built of logs resting upon underpinning of logs, with slab seats and heated with a tireplace. She re- sided with her parents until her marriage. Mrs. Hall is the mother of seven children, namely: Aclisah A., Washington, Charles, Meliiichi, Mary, George Edward and Richard. Mrs. Hall is a lady of intelligence and great worth and is held in great esteem by all who know her. Her days pass peacefully and she is liappy in the consciousness of having done well the duties and responsibilities of her .station. iAVID CAIIR was born on a farm in township 18, range 10, Cass county, Illinois, February 21, 1842. As one of the prominent and highly esteemed citizens of this county, and as the son of an early pio- neer, biographical mention of him is appro- priate on the pages of this volume. We ac- cordingly present the following facts in re- gard to his life and ancestry: John Carr, grandfather of Uavid Carr, was born (tradition says) in Ireland, his parents having come from Ireland to America and located in Philadelphia, where they died soon afterward. Thus, left an orphan at an early age, he was reared by strangers. He located in Ohio, and resided there till 1825. In that State his sou, David Carr, father of the sub- ject of our sketch was born. In 1825 the Carr family started for the far West. It is said Mr. Carr's destination was the Platte Purchase. He was accompanied not only by his wife and seven children, but also by his son Elisha's wife and two children, and Pe- ter's child, its mother having died in Ohio. They took passage on a keel- boat down the Ohio river to Shawneetown, and from there wended their way northward with teams. They struck the Sangamon river bottom in the locality known as Bluif Springs. At- tracted by the natural beauty of the country, they concluded not to go further; selected a site about six miles up the river, and made permanent settlement. At that time there were very few families residing in the present bounds of Cass county, Indians being much more numerous than whites, and all the land was owned by the Government. Mr. Carr at once made claim to a tract of Government land on section 6, township 18, range 10. It is said that the family had but seventy-live cents in cash among them on their arrival here. The first thing he did was to build a log house. No nails whatever or sawed lum- ber were used in its construction. He rived boards to cover the roof, and they were held in place by poles which were laid lengthwise of the cabin. He made a puncheon floor, and built his chimney of earth and sticks on a rock foundation. For some time there were no flouring mills nearer than St. Louis. Mr. Carr took a section of a log, hollowed out the top, and in that pounded his corn, using the flner part for bread and the coarser for mush. Corn meal, wild game and flsh constituted their chief living. As there was no impi'oved land here and no market for grain even if they had it to sell, the question was how to raise the money to pay for the land, even at $1.25 per acre. The lead mines of the vicin- ity of Galena were tlien attracting attention, and in the fall of the year some of the male members of the family walked to Galena, and SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 447 worked in tlie mines through the winter. In the spring tliey returned and continued the improvements they had commenced on the land, afterward working several seasons at Galena. In this way the father and sons earned money with which they acquired large tracts of land in the Sangamon river hottoms. Tiie grandfather resided here until the time of his death. The maiden name of his wife was Sarah Wolliver. She was born in Penn- sylvania, of German ancestry, and died on the home farm. She reared seven children: Elisha, Peter, William, James, Penjamin, David and Jemima. David, the youngest son, came with them to Illinois in 1825, and resided in the parental home until the time of his marriage, when he located on tiie place where his son David was born and now resides. Here he passed the rest of his life. Ilis wife was before her marriage Julia A. Wells. She was born in Wheeling, Virginia, and ilied on the home farm. David Carr, the subject of our sketch, re- ceived his education in the pioneer log school houses, the schools being taught on the sub- scription plan, each family paying according to the number of pupils sent. When a mere lad he commenced to assist in the farm work, and was actively engaged in agricultural pur- suits till the breaking out of the war. At the first call for troops he enlisted in the State militia, served one month, and then enlisted in Company A, Fourteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, serving until June 24, 1864. During his time of service he was in Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. He took part in nine- teen diflferent engagements, the most import- ant of which were the battle of Shiloh and the siege and capture of Vicksburg. He was honorably discharged June 24, 1864, his term of enlistment having expired, and re- turned home. After his return he located on that part of the homestead which he now owns and occupies. He has bought other land and is now the owner of 305 acres, the home buildings being located on section 8, township 18, range 10. December 11, 1867, Mr. Carr married Mag- gie McNeill. She was born in Cass county, Illinois, daughter of Lachlan McNeill; their union resulted in the birth of si.\ children: Florence N., Julia, William D., Lizzie J., Carrie E. and Chalmer M. Mrs. Carr died May 25, 1890. Mr. Carr is independent in his political views. He is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, of which he has been Ruling Elder for a number of years. FTER THOMAS, Supervisor of Coopers- town, was born in Brown county, in "~'i. 1842. His father, William, was born in Fayette county, Ohio, in 1809, and came to Illinois October 1, 18 — ., bringing his wife and one daughter. He and his brother-in- law joined teams, and they came emigrant fashion, being four weeks on the way. He took possession of a log cabin in Brown county, in what was then Schuyler. Here he lived four years, making some improvements, which land he solil and then entered 120 acres of Government land. This was wild land, on which he built a rough house, went to work and cleared up a fine farm, where he lived until 1860. He came with but enough means to reach here, and had three bits left when he crossed the Illinois river at Beards- town. Before long he had made enough to obtain a deed for his land, which was in 1837, and he moved on it in Feliruary, 1838. His 448 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OP CASS, wife was Julia, daughter of Morton and Sarah (Stivers) De Witt, hotli natives of Kentucky, where this daugliter was born. They came to Ohio in 1815. Mr. DeWitt died in Texas in 1836 or 1837, and was no doubt killed. His wife died in Brown county in 1857, aged seventy-five. She was the mother of six children. Mr. Peter Thomas left home for the battle- fields in July, 1862, in Company D, Ei.ojhty- fourth Illinois Infantry (Captain Davis), at nineteen years of age. He enlisted as a Corporal, served three years and then was promoted to be Sergeant. His first engage- ment was at Perryville, where he had the usual experiences of a raw recruit, and the ne.xt enaiairement was Stone iiiver. Here over one-half of the regiment were killed or wounded. The next battle was at Chieka- mauga, where the loss was heavy. During his three years' service he was confined in the hospital three weeks, and detached some eight months, guardiiig prisoners at Nash- ville, Tennessee. They were active in the Cumberland campaign, and the last fight of note of their regiment was in front of Nashville, Tennessee, December, 1864. Mr. Thomas was mustered out at Springfield, June, 1865, and arrived home soon after. He was married December, 1868, to Irene, daughter of Fielding and Amanda (O'Neil) Glenn. She was born in Drown county, although her parents were Kentuckians, who came to Illinois in 1830. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas began married life in a log cabin on his father's farm, but at the expiration of three years he bought fifty-five acres, part of his present home, which is now 220 acres. He paid |825 for the fifty-five acres. His next purchase was 152 acres in 1878, costing §1,800; later he bought fifteen acres for $325. He built his present com- fortable frame house in 1886, and one barn in 1878, and the second one in 1887. He has under the plow 115 acres, and the bal- ance is in woodland and pasture, tie grows wheat, corn and hay, and raises horses, cattle and sheep. He keeps fifteen to forty head of cattle, good stock of dehorned and Short- horns. He has fifteen head of draft horses which he has bred, and has also a fine Perch- eron stallion. They have buried an infant son, and four children are living: Charles S., Oliver O., Daisy E. and James W. They have enjoyed good schooling and are very intelligent. Mr. Thomas has served the township as Road Commissioner and Town Clerk, and was elected Supervisor in 1S91, which office he is filling to the satisfaction of his county. He is a member of the Farmers' Alliance and Industrial Union. ^ tEONARDSERRUT, who is well-known throughout Schuyler county as a pro gressive and intelligent agriculturist was born in Scioto county, Ohio, September 12, 1832, son of Peter F. and Nancy (Patton) Serrot. The paternal grandparents were born in the city of Paris, France, and emi- grated to America to take up part of a tract of land that was granted to La Fayette, near Portsmouth, Ohio; there they settled and passed the remainder of their lives. Peter F. Serrot lived in Ohio until 1835, and in the fall of that year removed to Hlinois; he made the trip with four horses and a wagon, and was accompanied by his wife and eight children. He first settled in the village of Rushville, and the following spring bought the land on which Leonard Serrot now lives; the tract consisted of 160 acres, and the con- SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 449 sideration was $300; there were no improve- nients, and the land was heavily timbered. He, Peter F., erected a log house which was then regarded as a very superior structure, and which furnished a shelter several years, when it was replaced by a more modern edi- fice. Mr. Serrot was an old-time Whig, but joined the Republican ranks upon the for- mation of that party. He died at the home of his son, John, aged seventy-six years; his wife, Nancy Patton Serrot, was born in Ohio, and died at the old homestead, at the age of fifty-six years. Leonard Serrot spent his boyhood and youth at home with his parents. He was married January 4, 1855, to Miss Evelina Thompson, who was born in Cecil county, Maryland. April 6, 1834, a daughter of Ezekiel and Mary (Thompson) Thompson; her father was a native of Pennsylvania, and emigrated to the AVest at an early day, and was one of the honored ])ioneers of Schuyler county; he died at the age of eighty -two years, and his wife survived to the age of eighty-four years; they reared a family of seven children. Mr. and Mrs. Serrot eacli received a fair education in the common schools, and are the parents of two children: Millard F. was born December 24, 1855; he is one of the prominent teachers of the county, and has followed the profession ten years; Mary E. was born May 4, 1860. After his marriage, Mr. Serrot lived on the home place for thirteen years, and then embarked in the grocery trade in Ripley, Brown county, conducting the business from 1868 to 1871. He is now engaged in gen- eral farming. For more than forty years he has been a member of the Methodist Episco- pal Church, and has lived a life consistent with its teachings. In politics, he adheres to the principles of the Republican party. He is a member of the Grange, and in all movements for the benefit of the public he takes a deep interest. He has always em- ployed strictly honorable methods in his business relations, and enjoys the highest regard of his fellowmen. Six years ago he erected one of the handsomest houses in the county. The paternal great-grandfather of Mr. Serrot was Captain of a French man-of-war, and was very prominent among the seamen of his day. fDWARD S. FRANK, for many years a prominent resident of Brown county, and identified with the busines inter- ests there, was born in Davidson county, North Carolina, May 23, 1848, His father, William FraTik, was born in the same county, and his grandfather, Peter, was born in Pennsylvania of German ancestors. He emi- grated to North Carolina and was an early settler of Davidson county. He bought a tract of land on the Yadkin river and en- gaged in farming there, where he spent the rest of his days. William Frank was reared and married in North Carolina, and came from there to Hlinois in 1852. The re- moval was made overland by teams. He lo- cated at Buckhorn and there established the post office of which he was the efficient Post- master. It was kept in his house at that time. His house was in section 33, of what is now Lee township. He followed his trade of gunsmith and resided there eight years, and then removed to the locality known as Mt. Pleasant and still lives there. His wife's name was Sarah, daughter of Godfrey and Martha (Merrill) Winkler. Edward S. Frank was four years of age when his parents brought him to Illinois. 450 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OP CASS, He was reared and educated in Lee township, and at the early acre of fourteen he began to assist his father in the shop, being a natural mechanic, he soon developed into a first-class workman. He finally established himself in the blacksmith business at Mt. Pleasant and continued there nine years, then closed out that branch of the business. In it he lost less than one hundred dollars on account of bad hills, and never sued a customer. He was married in 1878, to Martha J. Morehead of Butler county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of James and Margaret (Monks) Morehead. She is a member of the Baptist Church, and they are the parents of two children, Nona Ruth and Jama E. He saw the need in that section of a reg- ular undertaking business, and he opened a business ot that nature and continued in it successfully for thirteen years. In 1891, failing health compelled him to change his occupation and he sold out this business and bought the farm where he now resides, one mile southeast of Clayton, where he is now engaged in raising sheep, breeding recorded Shropshire sheep. Sheep-raising is not a new business to him. While he was in the black- smith business he bought a tract of rough land and in clearing it up he stocked it with sheep, so that lie has been in the sheep busi- ness for upward of twenty years. While in the undertaking business he found it neces- sary to divert his mind in someway. In this way he began in his leisure hours to make a study of sheep, and he is now thoroughly acquainted with the subject of sheep farming and breeding for vitality. He has raised dif- ferent breeds, including Merinos, Cotswold, Southdown, O.xforddown and Leicester, and has proven that the Shropshire are l)y far the superior all-around sheep. Mr. Frank is a Republican in politics. He has one of the most beautiful homes in the east side of Adams county. It is located on an eminence and is partially surrounded by a beautiful glade. From the natural scenery his home takes tiie name of the Crescent Glade. Mr. Frank is one of the most prom- inent men of this section. He is a thorough business man and all his enterprises, which have been many, and has been entirely suc- cessful. It would be well if all the men in the county were as well informed, honest and reliable as is Mr. Edward S. Frank. tMOS HARSHEY, who is well known throughout Schuyler county as a lead- ing farmer of Littleton township, was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, October 13, 1847, a son of Jacob and Be- thiah C. (Barnes) Harshey. His father was a native of the same county, and in 1858 he emi- grated to the West, locating near Rushville, Schuyler county, Illinois; after seven years he sold the land he had taken up at that time, and bought the farm now occupied by our subject; here he passed the remainder of his life, his death occurring at the age of forty- nine years; his wife is a native of Westmore- land county, Pennsylvania, and is still living, a resident of Littleton township. Her par- ents emigrated to Schuyler county in 1859, and were living here at the time of death. The youth of Mr. Harshey was a quiet, un- eventful one, and he was at home until after his marriage. He was united to Miss Marissa R. Prather, September 10, 1872, and they are the parents of one child, Ethel G., born January 24, 1877. Mrs. Harshey was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, April 5, 1848, a daughter of James and Bar- 8CHUTLER ASfD BROWN COUNTIES. 4S1 bara (Young) Prather; the parents removed to this county in 1851, and tlie father died here at the age of eighty years; the mother is still living. After his marriage Mr. Harshey engaged in farming on his own account, renting land for a period of five years; at the end of that period he bought his present home, which he has occupied since. He has 130 acres of fer- tile land in a high state of cultivation. He carries on a general farming business, and by good management and industry makes the business prolitable. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party; his father and grandfather were Whigs before the organi- zation of the Republican party, but after its formation they joined its ranlvs. In 1892 he was elected Supervisor for a term of two years. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Cluirch, and are actively inter- ested in the work of this society; he is an Elder, and for many years has been superin- tendent of the Sabbath-school. He belongs to Friendship Lodge, No. 24:, I. O. O. F. [HARLES HILL, a retired farmer of Mt. Sterling, Illinois, was born in Coopers- town, Brown County, Illinois, Novem- ber 14, 1834. His father, Robert Hill, was born in North Carolina, and was at the battle of New Orleans in the war of 1812. He was the son of John Hill, who was a General in the Revolutionary war. He was reared and married in his native State and resided there until about 1825, then came to Illinois and was one of the first settlers of Schuyler county. He resided near Rushville for eight years and then moved to that part of Schuy- ler, now included in Brown county, where he bought a tract of timber land. The log cabin in wliich our subject was born was the same in which the father resided until his death. The maiden name of his wife was Elizabeth Angel, who lived in North Carolina and was the daughter of John Angel and died at the home of her son-in-law, in Cooperstown. Our subject was reared in his native State, where he married. He attended the pioneer schools, taught in the log house. In his youthful days there were but few improve- ments in the county and deer and other kinds of game were plentiful. He resided with his parents until his marriage, and then engaged in farming on his own account and was an act- ive and successful farmer for many years and now lives retired in a beautiful home in this city. Mr. Charles Hill has been married three times, the first time to Miss Farrino-ton, and she died on the home farm in Cooperstown township. His second marriage was to Mrs. Ella Crooks, and she died at the age of thirty- two years; and his third marriage was with Miss Lizzie Irwiu. This lady was born in Mt. Sterling, September 6, 1850. She was tiie daughter of Willam and Mary A. (White) Irwin. Her grandfather, John Irwiu, was a native of Fayette county, where he spent his entire life and died at the age of eighty years. The father of Mrs. Irwin was born in Wood- ford county, Kentucky, April 15, 1840, and reared and married in his native State. He came from there to Illinois, in 1839, and was one of the pioneers of Brown county. He settled on section 1, of what is nowMt. Stor- ing township. Here he improved a farm and lived until his death, July 30, 1887. His wife returned to Maysville, Kentucky, in 1830 and died August 12, 1870. The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Hill were James and Elizabeth (Browning) White, na- tives of Kentucky and pioneers of Pike 453 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, county: later they moved to Macoupin county and died tliere. In politics our subj(H-t is a firm supporter of the principles of Democracy and upholds tlie party measures upon all occasions. In religions matters Mrs. tlill is an active and zealous member of the Presbyterian Church. 4^ ^ |AKIUS KUNKLE was born in Cham- pagne county, Ohio, February 10, 1813. He was the son of William and Mary (Pence) Ilunkle. William vpas born in Vir- ginia and went to Oiiio in an early day, fol- lowing his trade of tanner until about 1850, when he came to Illinois, rented a farm in Morgan county and lived there until the close of the war. He then came to near where his son now lives, and died, aged eighty-four. His wife, also born in Virginia, died at the same place, aged eighty-six. The Runkles came from Germany, and the grandparents of Darius lost their parents on the trip over to this country. Darius is one of ten children, four of whom are yet living. He remained at home until twenty-one years of age, working at the tanning business and farming. He had very limited schooling and is entirely a self-made man. After he was twenty-one years old be worked for $10 a month for two years and then clerked for a brother-in-law in a general store in Sidney, Ohio, for two years more. He then started for Illinois, coming to Beards- town, and then walked over to Doddsville, wading two miles in water. This was in the spring of 1837, and he came to take charge of Samuel Dodd's general store. Ho con- tinued in that for a year and one-half, and during that time entered eighty, acres which later he sold and tiien bought 160 acres of wild land where he now lives. He also bought another eighty acres in the timber. In the fall of 1838, he returned to Ohio and remained with his father working in the tan yard for two years, and then came back here and Commenced improving his farm. He broke forty acres, built a story-and-a-half house, and on October 13, 1840, he married Ann Maria Walker, who was born in Adams county, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of Andrew Walker of Adams county, Penn- sylvania, who came here in 1840, and settled on Mr. Dodd's farm. Mrs. Runkle was one of nine children. Mr. and Mrs. Runkle have ten living children. The sons are: James J., William, Charles W., Joseph C. and Steplien A.; and the daughters: Mary A., Laura, Liny and Clara J. Mary A. had two sons and four daughters: Clara J. two daughters and two sons; both the mothers are deceased. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Runkle moved into the log house he had built, and remained there until 1866, and then moved into his present fine home, which is one of the best in McDonough, having cost $10,000 and being first-class in every particular. Mr. Runkle has built four or live different times where his sons live, and has bought thee farms with houses npon them. He commenced with 100, and had to borrow $10 to enter his first eighty acres. Pie now has 3,000 acres of land, 970 in Schuyler county and 1,940 in McDonough county, and he has given each son a tine farm. He makes a specialty of fine stock, and has been engaged in various kinds of business during his life. In 1841 he bought a stock of goods, and was a merchant for two or three years, and was Postmaster in 1848- '44: he also kept a stage. He was Super- visor of School Boards for years, and he with two others built the first schoolhouse in this SGHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 453 district, and it also served as a church. He also loaned money to bnild a pioneer mill and tried to get a railroad through this section. He has helped many a deserving and worthy object. His wife has been a chnrch member ever since their marriage, being one of the first to take an active interest in church and Sunday-school work in the place. She was very active in everything tending toward the building of churches and schools, and was a most worthy companion to as public-spirited a man as Mr. Runkle. Her death occurred in 1889. Mr. Runkle can count his friends by tlie number of his acquaintances and his enemies arenot known. He treats every one well, and the deserving are never turned away without help and words of cheer. Politically he has always affiliated with the Whig and Republican parties. He voted first for Henry Clay, and at the birtii of the Re[)ub- lican party voted for Fillmore. He is very well satisfied with Republican principles. ^ ^B^^ lOEERT NEWMAN, an extensive farmer of Cass county, Hlinois, dates his birth in that part of Grayson county now included in Carroll county, Virginia, August 31, 1834. Jesse Newman, his father, was born in Botetourt county, Virginia. He learned and followed the trade of cooper, and in connection with his trade also operated a sawmill. He resided in what is now Carroll county for a number of years. From there he came to Hlinois, resided in this State twelve years, and then went back to Virginia, where he is still living. His wife, the mother of Robert, was before her marriage Miss Nancy Bedsall. She was born in Virginia, and spent her whole life in that State. She reared six children. The subject of our sketch was reared in his native State, and was there married when he was nineteen years old. Accompanied by his bride, he came to Illinois the fail after their marriage, making the western journey via the Ohio, Mississippi and Illinois rivers, at that time the most expeditious route, and landed at Beardstown. He was in very lim- ited circumstances at that time, being unable to go to housekeeping for want of means. He was industrious and persevering, however, and at once found work on the farm, at $15 per month. Little of the land in this section of the country was then improved, most of it being owned by the Government. It was not long after his arrival here till Mr. New- man purciiased a squatter's claim to eighty acres of land, in section 9, townsiiip 18, range 9, for which lie paid $8 per acre. There was a rude log cabin on tliis place, the cover of which was made of boards rived by hand, tiiere being no floor at all. They at once took possession of tlie place, and as soon as Mr. Newman could get the money, bought from the Government, under the graduation law, paying twelve and a half cents per acre. As there were no improvements on tiie land and he had no team, he continued working by the month a portion of the time, putting in his spare hours in grubbing on his own land. This he continued for twelve years. At the time he located on it. his land was covered with a heavy prairie grass, prairie fires hav- ing run over it every year and checked the growth of timber. Deer and other wild game abounded here. There were no railroads in the county for some years, and all produce was marketed at Beardstown. The price of grain was low, corn selling as low as ten cents per bushel. Mr. Newman has been very successful as a farmer, has purchased other tracts of land at different times, and is now 454 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CMS, the owner of 554 acres. Of this amount 245 acres are in Mason county, the rest being in Cass county. The maiden name of Mrs. Newman was Mary Mangus. She was born in Roanoke county, Virginia. Their union has been blessed hy the l)irth of two children, viz.: Sarah, who married Thomas Wortman, and has seven children; and Alexander, who wedded Kllen Cunningham, and has six chil- dren. -^©^ ^ fOIIN GLANDON was born in Harrison county, Ohio, February, 1834. His father, William, was born in 1780 and moved to Harrison county, Ohio, where he bought a small farm. His wife was Mary Magdalene Peacock, of German descent, probably born in Maryland. Her father was Robert Peacock, a soldier of the Revolution and he laid his land warrant for 160 acres on tiie historical Mt. Vernon home. She was one of tive children, and her parents were stirring farmers of that time and died in Ohio, at an advanced age. Mr. Glandon is one of eleven children, all of whom came to an adult age and became heads of families, but all have passed away except five. The father was an honest, hard working man, but did not accumulate much wealth and died at the age of seventy. His wife was much younger than he and survived him many years. She spent her last years at the home of this son, l)ut while on a visit to McDon- ougii county, in 1S6G, siie died there, aged seventy-two. Mr. Glandon had but very limited school- ing, as he had to work|hard in early boyhood. At the age of twelve he carried the mail for one year for liis uncle from Cadiz, Ohio, to Cambridge, a distance of forty-two miles. This he continued daily, except Sunday, and this year's experience will never be forgotten. He worked on the home farm from the age of thirteen to sixteen, when he engaged as sales- man, on the road in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia, in the fanning-mill business. He was a success at this for two years. He then returned to the home farm, where he re- mained until the death of his father. He then took the contract to build two miles of railroad in Harrison county on the Pan Handle road. He next went to Kentucky at the mouth of the Big Sandy river, where he builttwo miles of road on the Lexington & Big Sandy. This, however, was not very profitable. He had married in Harrison county and with his wife and one child he came to Hlinois. His wife was Delilah, daughter of Joseph and Catherine (Wood) Banister, both of whom were from Maryland. They first bought 125 acres, at $13 dollars an acre in 1855. Upon this place there were a small log house and a rude stable. Since then from time to time they have added ten to twenty acres at a time, until he now owns 985 acres, all fenced in and 700 acres under culture. Nearly all of this is good, arable land. Much of it is very fertile and is very desirable as it is all in one body. When he built his first large barn, 40x70, with base- ment, it cost him $25,000. It is one of the best barns of the section, with solid stone basement. About six years later he built his second barn in which he can stall 100 head of cattle and ten head of horses. He built his present large farm house in 1885. These buildings are on an eminence, nearly 100 feet above the bottom lands and com- mands a view of over 500 acres. He grows from 400 to 500 acres of corn, yielding sixty bushels to the acre. He rents much of this SC SUTLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 455 land to small farmers, for twenty bushels to the acre. He believes in a rotation of crops and has for twenty-five years fed from ilfty to 150 head of cattle. Of late years he feeds less and sells his corn. Daring the war he kept sheep, as high as 1,700 of the Merinos, and sold his clippings one year for $1 per pound. In 1882 he bought the Brooklyn Water Gristmill of which he had to rebuild the lower portion and put in the roller sys- tem. This cost a great deal of money, but proved a great succes for three years- Cus- tom came from far and near, and they had more than they could attend to, as there was no other mill like it nearer than Quincy; but other mills of this kind sprang up and Mr. Glandon moved his machinery to Walker, Ellis county, Kansas, in 1888, but within two years he exchanged it for property in Denver, Colorado. The result of this invest- ment is yet to be seen. Mr. Glandon has all he can do to look after his tenants and busi- ness, but he has often followed the plow and swuncc the ax. lie has served as Commis- sioner and has tilled all tlie minor ofSces. He always votes the Republican ticket. In 1865, he, in company with William Hornley, went toGraystone, Texas, by teams for an aged couple who had been stranded there. This journey of about 2,000 miles took from October 4 to December 1. It was an arduous, dangerous journey at this time of civil strife, and strong and resolute as they both were they were glad to land here safely with those dear old people, and the two sons of Mr Hornley who had been left in the South. Mr. and Mrs. Glandon have four children: Belinda Jane McKelvie, of Clay county, Nebraska; James William, residing in Den- ver, Colorado; Mary Alice Fowler, on a farm close by; and Edgar Denis, now taking a course at the Eureka College, Illinois. He took one term at Knox College, where his brother John was educated. Mrs. Glandon has always been frail in health, but still superintends and does much of her house- work. There are but few finely located homes as this one. ,ENRY W. OETGEN, farmer and stock- raiser of Frederick, Illinois, was born near Beardstown, March 10, 1849. His parents, William and Katherine (Middle- busiier) Oetgen, were natives of Hanover, I'russia. The father was born May 31, 1817, the mother December 23, 1823. Jhey came to America witii their parents ^hen quite young, the paternal grandparents locating in Pennsylvania, and the maternal grandparents came straight to Beardstown. Our subject was the third child of his par- ents, lie received his education in the pub- lic schools of Cass county. He then engaged in farming, which has been his life work. In the fall of 1882 Mr. Oetgen purchased the farm on which he now resides and moved there the following spring. He owns a stock and grain farm of 260 acres, besides some town property in Frederick, all very valuable. His residence is a modern cottage, beautifully located and nicely furnished. He was married in Cass county, March 13, 1879, to Miss Augusta C. Hansmier_, daugh- ter of Henry and Kate (Smidt) Hansmier. Her parents were natives of Germany and both came to America with their parents prior to marriage. The paternal grandmother and two daughters died on the voyage. The grandfather located in Wisconsin, where he remarried, afterward coming to Beardstown, 456 BIOOBAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, where the father of Mrs. Oetgen married and now resides. Mr. and Mrs. Oetgen are members of tlie German Lutheran Church. They have two children: Arthur H. and Inez Hallie. Mr. Oeto-en is of straight Republican faith. He has served one term as Tax Collector of Fred- erick township and is a member of the M. AY. of A. frTlLLIAM SEVVALL, one of the earli- \1'; est settlers of Casa county, Illinois, l-cjjiii was a son of Major-General Henry Sew-all. He was born January 17, 1797, in Augusta, Maine; received a good business education at home, and also took a short academic course. In 1818, at the age of twenty-one, he obtained a clerkship in Wash- ington, but on his way thither was ship- wrecked, which event entirely changed his plans, for, in working the ship's pumps his hands were so badly frozen as to render it impossible for him to till the position. He then spent a year teaching school in Mary- land, Virginia and West Virginia, when, in addition to the common branches he taught also bookkeeping and tlie higher mathematics, including astronomy, navigation and survey- ing. To illustrate these he used the best brass-mounted terrestrial and celestial globes, with ma[)s, charts and other appliances. He was married August 9, 1821, to Mrs. Elizabeth W. Adams, who was born in Charles county, Maryland, July 27, 1795, a daughter of Samuel W. Middleton, an exten- sive planter. Mr. Sewall removed with his family to Jacksonville, Illinois, in the fall of 1829, and while residing there he ao-ain taught school. He was present at the or- ganization of the First Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville, and he and his wife were among its first members. In the S])ring of 1833 he removed to his farm of 640 acres, entered from the Govern- ment and partially opened a short time be- fore. It was in the Sangamon bottom, near the present site of Chandlerville. At that time it was a wilderness which the Indians had not yet wholly abandoned. Here, as was his custom, he zealously engaged in Sabliath- school and other Christian work, and exerted on the new and growing community an in- fluence for good difficult to estimate. Within a radius of eight or ten miles he organized three or four Sunday-schools, one of which was at his own house, where he conducted it for a considerable time, with only the assist- ance of his wife. They furnished free to each family a large cloth covered Testament for use in this work. Afterward, in the -secular schools, these became the only reading books for many of the children for a number of years. By their constant zeal and Christian labor they were instrumental in preparing tlie way for the first church organization in the vicinity, the First Presbyterian, but after- ward a Congregational Church, and located at Woodstock, now Chandlerville. Mr. Sew- all was elected its first ruling Elder and Sunday-school Superintendent, and these offices he continued to fill with efficiency as long as he lived. He was a man of exten- sive reading, and rather in advance of his time — a pioneer in material improvements as well as morals. He had the first washing- machine, the first cook-stove and the first threshing-machine ever used in the county. He also lirought the first Durham stock of cattle into his neighborhood, and made the first brick, which were of unsurpassed qual- ity. Shortly after his death his widow I bought the first harvesting-machine ever SCHUYLER Ay I) BPMWN COUNTIES. 457 used in Cass county. He also was a good singer and performed on the flute. He lived a very useful life in all respects; and al- though called from his labors in the prinre of life, he won the contidence, respect and es- teem of all who knew him, and succeedinl in laying the foundation for i^ competency for his family. Politically, he was a Whig, but never prominent in public affairs. He was thor- ougly posted, however, on the political ques- tions of the day, and prompt to express his opinion through the ballot-bo.\. He died at his residence near Chandler- ville, Illinois, April 7, 1846, at the age of forty-nine years. His widow survived him about thirty years, and to her was left the task of educating a large family of children, and of managing the many interests of an extensive farm. She was successful in set- tling up the estate to advantage, showing great energy and executive ability. She removed an incumbrance on the farm in a very short time, and thus succeeded in saving the place intact for the family. Two or three years after the death of her husband she removed to Jacksonville, Hlinois, to educate her children, where they received a good training. A short time before her deatli she changed her resi- dence to her daughter's, Mrs. J. H. Goodell, at Chandlerville, where she died October 5, 1874, aged seventy-nine years. Mr. and Mrs. Sewall had two sons and four daughters, as follows: Henry M., born near Warrenton, Virginia, March 6, 1823, educated at Illinois College, Jacksonville, married Mrs. Ann E. Clark, formerly Miss Higgins, November 22, 1849, and settled on a part of his father's farm, where he died May 3, 1850, aged twenty- seven years. At his father's death, although a Methodist, he was chosen Superintendent of the Congregational Sunday-school, at the age of twentj^-three, to fill his father's place. After tilling that place for a year or two he was appointed Class-leader in his own church, which position he filled until his death. He had one son. Catharine T. II., born near Warrenton, Virginia, November 6, 1825, educated at Monticello Seminary, married Robert Cole, a farmer of Cass county, and died Novembers, 1854, having had three sons and two daugh- ters. Susan E., born in Harrison county, West Virginia, July 29, 1829, graduated at Jack- sonville (Illinois) Female Academy in 1851, married in 1867 Abiel Fry, Sheriff of Mus- catine county, Iowa, and after his death mar- ried, in 1878, Rev. William llatiies of Jack- sonville, at one time pastor of the Congre- gational Church at Chandlerville; she is now a widow, residing at Jacksonville, with no children. William W , born in Jacksonville, Feb- ruary 11, 1832, graduated at the Illinois College, same city, in 1856, and from that time until 1885 made his home at Virden, this State, where he married Susan E. Cox, in 1858. Enlisting in the Union army during the last war, he served three years, engagino- with his regiment in a number of important battles; was severely wounded at the capture of Mobile. After the war he established the North Star Flouring mill, and was for seven- teen years a joint proprietor of the same. For many years he was successively Deacon, Trustee and Ruling Elder of his church, the Presbyterian. He now resides at Carthage, Missouri, having two sons and two daughters. Mary M., born near Chandlerville, July 15, 1834, educated at Jacksonville Female Academy and married Addison L. Cole, in 1853. She resided on a part of her father's 45S BIOOBAPBIVAL REVIEW OF CASS, She lann, where she died April 10, 1857. had rive ;ioii<. Harriet A., born near Cliandlerville, April 4, 1838, educated at Jacksonville Female Academy, married in 1805 John H. Goodell, a lumber merchant of Chaiidlerville, where she still resides, having three sons and three dauifhters. fOHN HENRY CARLS is a general farmer and stock-raiser, living on sections 24 and 25, township 17, range 12. He was born In Hanover, Germany. December 23, 1831. He grew up in his native prov- ince, a farmer boy, but at last decided to come to America. Not wishing to cross the sea alone to the new country, jnst before he sailed he was married to a neighbor girl whose maiden name was Mary Yoost. She came of a good German family, and proved to him a good wife. Immediately after marriage they took passage at Bremen on the sailing vessel Theodore Connor, and landed in New Orleans after a passage of eleven weeks. From there they went up the Mississippi river to St. Louis and thence to Beardstown. Mr. Carls' aml)ition was to become a farmer, and he and his wife began in a small way have been very successful. In 1845 he first purchased forty acres of land, and has since increased his possessions until he has now 240 acres here, and 200 acres in an adjoining township. He has im- proved tlie land very much, and has erected excellent buildinijs. Mr. and Mrs. Carls are members of the Lutheran Church, and are regarded as very excellent citizens. Mr. Carls is a Republi- can in politics. He and his wife have ten children, two deceased. Lizzie was the wife of Charles Meyer, but died in the prime of life, and Henry died when two years old. The livino- children are: William, a farmer in Morgan county, married to Anna Hagener; Mary, wife of William Talkomeyer, of this township; Lena married Gustaff Anoldi, a farmer in this county ;Anna married William Uush, a farmer in Morgan county; Harmon, a farmer in Cass county, married Katie Uush; Tilda married William Jockisch, a farmer in Morgan county; George, farmer in this county, married Dora Linker; and Carrie married William Lovecamp, a farmer in Cass county. They are among the best of our German citi- zens, and are highly respected by all who know them. IPSIRAM M. BACON of HuntsviUe set- tled in Schuyler county in 1863. He was born in Hancock county, August 12, 1836. He was a son of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Brevard) Bacon, natives of South and North Carolina. Mr. Bacon. Sr., came West in an early day, and first went to Missouri and then to Illinois and settled in Hancock county in 1835, being one of the pioneers of Augusta. lie was a merchant at an early day at Pulaski, later entered land and engaged in farming. He had over 1,000 acres of land. His death occurred in 1860, aged sixty-live years. His wife survived him some twenty years, and was over eighty years old when she died. They had nine children: Alvin G.; Robert; Lam ira, deceased; Lois E., deceased; lienjamin F., deceased; Margaret C, Hiram, William H. and Marj' E. He was reared on a farm in Pulaski, and followed farming as his occupation. In 1863 he settled in Birmingham, and has since resided there, and at HuntsviUe. He fol- SOHUYLEIi A^D BROWN COUNTIEa. 459 lowed farming until 1885, then engaged in business at Iliintsville, wliich he continued three years. Since which time he has uot been engaged in active business. He owns 180 acres of land. He was married at Hnntsville in 1861, to Miss Emily Louisa Everson, a daugliter of Natiian and Cynthia (Cooley) Everson, of [New York State. She was born in New York. Mr. and Mrs. Bacon have one daugh- ter, Hila L., married to David E. McCreevy, of Hnntsville. They are Methodists in re- ligion, and Mr. Bacon is an ardent Republi- can in politics. He and his wife are valuable members of society. ^ ILLIAxM TALKEMEYEE is a suc- cessful farmer of Arenzville, now liv- -'^.~"- ing on bis own fine farm, section 23, township 17, range 12. He was born near Arenzville, this county, in 1849. He grew up and obtained all the education possible in the common school. His father, William Talkemeyer, was a native of Prussia, Germany, and was the tirst member of bis family to come to this country. He came some time in J;he '30s, landing in New Orleans, and was engaged as a Mississippi boatman. Later he came to Beardstown and engaged in farm- ing, purchasing his first land in Arenzville. About 1855 he purchased a good farm, the same now occupiedby our subject. Here Mr. and Mrs. Talkemeyer, Sr., lived and worked hard, and by honest, economical living, man- aged to obtain 240 acres. Here they spent their last years, Mr. Talkemeyer dying in 1878, aged seventy, and his wife about 1850, when our subject was only a year old. She was a Miss Duvall, who was born and reared in Germany, but came to the United States when a young woman. She and her husband were both members of the Lutheran Church, and he had been a Republican. William was one of four children: himself and a Mrs. Lizzie Crone, of this county, are all that are now living. He was married, near Arenzville, to Miss Mary Carles, who was born, reared and edu- cated in Cass county, and was the daughter of J. Henry Carles (see biography). Mrs. Talkemeyer is a line woman, and has proved herself a good wife and mother, and is very higlily respected throughout the community. They have five children; one, George, having died when young; Elizabeth, wife of Henry Bill Smith, a farmer in Morgan county; Lucy, William Henry, H. Robert and Harry are at home. The political faith of Mr. Talkemeyer is Republican, and he and his wife are highly regarded members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Talkemeyer's present farm consists of 600 acres, very well improved and watered by Indian and Bear creeks. He has been very successful, and has everything in first-class order around him. IfSAAC MEATS was born in England, H in 1836, December 9, in Herefordshire, W son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Lawford) Meats. Isaac, Sr., was born in 1812 and was a farmer. Marrying in 1842, he turned his face for the United States, sailing from Liver- pool. Landing in New York he went from there to Cliicaijo, and from there to the Mis- sissippi river, down which be sailed until he came to St. Louis and landed at Griggsville. The trip from Liverpool to New York took live weeks. Mr. Meats brought his wife and four children with him and live more were 4C0 BIOORAPUICAL REVIEW OF CASS, added to the family after arrival in this country. Mr. Meats first rented in Elkhoru towiit^iiip until IS63 and then bought ninety acres in Hancock county, where he lived uu- til 1808, and then sold out and moved to Woodford county, Kansas, aitd bought 300 acres of land partly improved. He later sold that and traveled in California for a month or two, then went to Benton county, Oregon, and bought a small farm, where be liveil in retirement until bis death, at the age of seventy-four years. His wife was born in the same place as he, and she still lives in Benton county, Oregon, with her son, Will- iam. Mr. and Mrs. Meats, Sr., were mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church for years. Mr. Meats was an old-line Whig and later a Republican. He first voted the Re- publican ticket for John C. Fremont. Isaac C. Meats, -Tr., lived at home until he was twenty-six years old, working on the farm. He enlisted in 1861, September 5, in Company I, Thirty-third Illinois Infantry. He was mustered out November 24, 1865, at Vicksburg. Mr. Meats receives a pension for injuries received which confined him in a hospital and from which ho has never re- covered. Part of the time Mr. Meats served in special detached service. After he was disciiarged at Fort Butler, in 1S65, he re- turned home and spent the winter visiting. In tile next spring he went to Hancock and resided there for two years, and in 1869 moved to his present farm and rented for several years. He was so well satisfied with the land that be bought 185 acres, known as the old Winslow farm. Here lie has lived ever since. He has been a Com- missioner for six years, succeeding Mr. Mc- Donald. He has also held various other of- fices, among whicli was Trustee for several years. He was married, March 4, 1866, to Mar- tha Ingram, born in "ike county, April 17, 1842, a daughter of Henry and Paulina (Kingston) Ingram. The former was born in Smith county, Tennessee, December 1, 1815. He came with his parents to Illinois and settled in Pike county, in 1856; from there he moved to Brown county and bought a farm in Elkhorn township, of 200 acres. Here he died, January 7, 1890. He was a son of John and Rachel Ingram, also of Tennessee, who came here in 1850 and died when very old people. Mrs. Meats was one of six children. The family were all me- chanics. Mr. and Mrs. Meats had eight children, Mary E. residing in Hancock county ; George is at home; Fred J. is also at home; Jessie, deceased; Nellie; Francis; Dollie and Ralph. Mr. Meats is a member of the G. A. R. of Versailles. The family are attendants of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Meats is a member of the I. O. O. F., Irene Lodge, No. 72, at Versailles, and has held different offices in the order. He is a Democrat in politics and voteil for S. A. Douglas. He and his wife are highly respected members of the township in which they live. HEODORE SCHAAR, dealer in guns ^ and manufacturer of adjustal)le screens of his own patent, doing business in Beardstown, Illinois, was born in the Prov- ince of Posen in Prussia, where be grew up and was educated. From the time he was a small boy, he began to be educated in his native language, and also in that of Latin, French and English in the college of his native town, graduating from it when he was seventeen years of age. He is the son SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 461 of Carl Schaar, also a native of Posen, who spent Lis life there and died when an old man. He was a skilled musician and a manufacturer of all kinds of musical instru- ments, being so known in his native countrj*. lie had taught his children the art of music, and our subject has been a successful and skilled teacher on different instruments. His mother, whose maiden name was Willhel- mina Borkenliageii, lived and died in her Prus- sian home, having been a good wife and mother. Theodore was the tirst of tlie family to come to this country, but he has since been joined by his brother, Charles, now a music- dealer on State street, Chicago. He came to this city in 1861 and has since been a resi- dent of the place. His adjustable screens are sold extensively to the trade and he employs some eiglit or ten men all the time. This business was established two years ago and has been built up successfully. He is one of the leading public-spirited men of Beards- town, holding the office of Alderman, with which he has before been honored. He is a member of the Board of Equalization of the Twelfth Congressional district, and he has filled that office with credit to himself and ac- ceptably to his CQnstituents. 1\g has taken an active part in local politics, having been a delegate to th^j Congressional and county con- ventions. He returned to his native land in I87I, ar(d catne back to Beardstown after a pleasant visit. He was married in 1870, to Miss Johanna ^^ulhen. §he was born in Posen and was there reared and educated. She and her brother Fred, a farmer in Colorado, are the pnly members of the family now living in this country. Mr. and Mrs. Schaar have two cliildren: Clara, wife of W. T. Quirk, now a train dispatcher of Jacksonville, on the Jack- Si sonville Southeastern railroad. Mrs. Quirk was educated in music in a conservatory in Chicago, and was a teacher until her mar- riage. Martha, a recent graduate of the high school at Beardstown, is the other daughter. Mrs. Schaar and the children are members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Schaar has stood by the Democratic party, in whose ranks he has been a leader ever since he came to the United States. ^ON. LEWIS D. ERWIN, formerly of the Illinois State Legislature, now liv- iiitj in retirement in Riishville, was born in Plattsburg, New Vork, -luly 1, 1815. His parents were Cornelius l{.and Lucinda (Fair- man) Erwin, both natives of Vermont, the former having been born in Fairhaven, Rut- land county, and the latter being a daughter of James. Fairman, a man of some promi- nence in his State. David Erwiu, paternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a native of New- ark, New Jersey, and was an able soldier in the Revolutionary war. He was with General Washington at the second crossing of the Delaware river and at the retaking of Tren- ton. He afterward went from his native town to Fairhaven, Vermont, where he estab- lished a nail factory. In 1804, he removed to Franklin county, !New York, engaging in the lumber business near Westville, and there spent the rest of his days. His wife, formerly Catherine Munson, and a native of New Jersey, also died in Franklin county. Cornelius M. Erwin removed with his par- ents to New York State, and was engaged with his father in the lumber business in Franklin county. He was a resident of Plattsburg until the breaking out of the war 463 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, of 1812, when he entered the service and was assigned to the Quurtermaster's Depart- ment. In 1830 he removed to Ohio, then the frontier of civilization, locating in Birming- ham, wliere he operated a sawmill, the coun- try abounding with excellent timber. Four years later he went to Toledo, then a mere village, where he worked at black.smithing for a short time, later engaging in the gro- cery business, in which latter occupation he continued until his death in Marcii, 1837. Ilis devoted wife died in Birmingliam, Ohio, in August, 1833. They were the parents of six cliildren: Catherine, David, Eliza, Lewis D., George W. and Phoebe. Lewis D., whose name heads this bio- ■" grapy, remained witli his father, assisting him at the forge until lie was twenty-one years of age, when he oonunenced life on his own account, engaging in clerking. He re- sided in the Buckeye State until 1839, when he removed to Illinois, making the journey by team, through a wild and sparsely settled country. He secured a position as clerk in Erie, then a small town ou the Illinois river, in Schuyler county, wliich was quite a thriv- ing little center. In 1841 he purchased his land in Schuyler county, near Littleton, on which he engaged in farming. Ten years later, he came to Rusliville, which has ever since been his home. Mr. Erwin was married in 1843, to Elvira Wells, an estimable lady, and a daughter of Charles and Elizabeth Wells. They had eleven children: David D.; Catherine; Ma- tilda; Eliza; Elizabeth L.; Emma; Lewis D., born in 1859 and died in 1887; George L.; Anna C; So})hie B.; and Edwaid, who died in infancy. In 1875 the family was called upon to mourn the loss of the devoted wife and mother, who had subordinated her interests to their welfare. She was a woman of rare Christian character, and much es- teemed in her community. The subject of this sketch cast his first vote for Martin Van Buren, ever since which time he has supported the principles of the Democracy. Being a leading man his constituents have conferred upon him various offices of trust and honor, the duties of which have been discharged with ability and fidelity. In 1844 he was appointed Deputy Sheriff, and in 1850 was elected Sheriff. In 1852, he was made Circuit Clerk, to whicli position he was re-elected in 1854. In 1846 he was elected a member of the Illinois State Legis- lature, his efforts in that body receiving uni- versal commendation, as shown by his re- election to the same position in the years of 1856, 1858 and 1860, thus serving five ses- sions, including the extra session at the breaking out of the war. Such universal endorsement makes further encomiums on his character aud qualifica- tions unnecessary, as they are so plainly in- dicated that " he who runs may read." ARCUS WHETSTONE was born in Adams county, Illinois, March 6, ¥^5^ 1838, son of Abija and Lucinda (Brunton) Whetstone, the former born in 1804, in Ohio, near Cincinnati, following farming when a young man. His father ran a distillery near Cincinnati, where he died. Abija was married in 1832 and then moved to Indiana, where he worked on a farm for twenty-four years. In 1834 he sold out and came to Illinois and rented in Adams county and later bought wild land on which stood a log cabin, where they lived until three years later, when he built a frame house. He lived there until 1853 and then came to this county 8CHUTLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 463 for three years, returning to Adams at the end of that time. He hoiight the farm where Marcus now lives, in 1850. He died in Mis- souri, at the home of a daughter, aged eighty- one years. His father, Nathan, was in the war of 1812. Subject's mother was born in Pennsylvania and came with her parents to Ohio at an early date, and later to Indiana. In 1834 she came to Illinois and settled in McDonough county, later, moved to near Quincy where her motlier died, aged eighty years, her father dying at her liome. aged ninety years. Mrs. Whetstone is still living with her oldest child in Augusta, Illinois. She and her husband had eleven children, seven yet living. AH are farmers as far as known, although one of her brothers is a school teacher, having followed that profes- sion all his lite, and one of her daughters fol- lows the same profession. Marcus' people came overland to this State with teams and four yoke of oxen. Mr. Whetstone, Sr., bad but very little cash when he came to Illinois, but he was industrious and soon had his farm paid for. He and his wife were church going people and active in any good work, he being instrumental in building several churches and schoolhouses. He started with eighty acres of land, but kept buying more until at his death he had nearly 1,300 acres. He was a good, hard-working man. Marcus remained at home until twenty years of age, working on the farm, driving oxen and attending the district school in the winter. When he was nine years old he broke prairie and has been one of the hardest- working men in this county. When he had reached the age of twenty he rented the farm on which he now lives, from his father. There were no improvements but the iiouse which was built in 1854. He originally had 160 acres whicii his father gave him, and he has added to this farm until he has 740 acres of as tine land as there is in central Illinois. He has made numerous improvements on this land. He was married in 1863, to Clara Tare, who was born in Schuyler county, daughter of Jacob and Nancy (Buck) Tare, natives of Ohio, who came to Illinois in 1834, and died in this county. Mrs. Whetstone was one of eight children, seven yet living. Her family were generally farmers, except a few who were mechanics. Mr. and Mrs. Whetstone have h»d eight children, four living, Mary E., married to W. E. Melviu and they have three children: Mattie F., Hattie E. and James G. at home. They are all well educated and graduated from the Augusta and Bushnell schools. Mr. Whetstone cast his lirst vote for S. A. Doug- las and his next one for Al)raham Lincoln. He is a Republican and his family were of the Democratic faith, being old-line Andrew Jackson men. He has tilled the ottjce of Supervisor for nine years and has also held other offices, among which are Justice of the Peace and Assessor, the former for eight years and the latter for three. He also has been a School Director. Both Mr. and i^rs. Whet- stone are attendants at the JJethodist CMiurch, of which she is a member. The family are amoiig the most respected and honored in the county, and the entire faipily are upright in their dealings, commanding the respect of ail who know them. •IIOMAS W. WATTS, the oldest and leading merchant of Huntsville, is numbered among the pioneers of 1838. He was born in Scott county, Kentucky, No- vember 5, 1834. His father, Simeon Watts, 4(i4 BIOORAPEIUAL REVIEW OF CASS, was also a native of Scott county, being born ill 1806. lie was a farmer, and in 1820 married Harriet D. Scott, and resided in Ken- tucky until 1838, when he removed to Illi- nois and settled on a farm near Rushville. where he purchased land, and resided there about live years, and then removed to Brown county and settled on a farm, four miles north of Mt. Sterling, where he pursued farm- ing until 1878, when he removed to Hnnts- ville, where he passed his remaining years and died in 1886. His wife died in Hunts- ville in 1890. They had nine children, of whom eight grew up. Mary Smith resides in Huntsville township; .lohn F. also resides there; Horace W. resides in Greensbnrg, Kansas; Simeon was a member of the Chris- tian Church and his wife was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. He was a poor man when he left Kentucky, but be- came a successful farmer in Illinois. He had a well improved farm of 240 acres and dealt considerably in real estate. Thomas was reared and educated in Illi- nois. He was raised a farmer, but in 1859 he engaged as a clerk in a store in Rushville, where he stayed live years. He then went to Des iVIoines, Iowa, where he loaned money and also operated a shingle and lath mill, and while thus engaged lost one linger of his right hand. He then went to Mt. Pleasant, Brown county, Illinois, where he became a merchant, but in 1866 he resumed his busi- ness in Huntsville, where he has since con- tinued. His brother, Horace, was his partner for some ten years in a large general store. He owns eighty acres of land near Hunts- ville, also 320 acres in Hall county, Ne- braska, 160 in Kiowa county, Kansas, and 160 in Grant county, Kansas. He also is the owner of good property in Huntsville at Wood river, Nevada, at Ford City and Hunt- ington, Indiana, most of which is well im- proved, and he has made all of this himself. He was married in 1859 to Nancy A., daughter of Isaiah and Mary (McCarl) Lew- ton, who were pioneers of Huntsville town- ship. Mr. and Mrs. Watts have five children: William O., Secretary of the Building and Loan Association of Huntington, Indiana; Laura Snyder of Caldwell, Kansas; Fred L., at home; Salena Denny, of Augusta, Illinois, and Frank, still at home. In politics Mr. Watts is a Democrat and has held local oflBce, but only takes enough interest in polities to perform duty as a citizen. His business re- quires all his time. He is a prominent mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a very successful man in every way. tAULIN CAMPBELL, a successful farmer and truck raiser, was born in ^ Gloucester county, New Jersey, Octo- ber 14, 1849. His father, David, was a native of New Jersey, who was the son of Thomas, who was born, lived and died in the same State. He was a successful farmer and he had built up a large property and had given bis children all a farm together, and the place was known as Campbelltown. David grew up in his native State and became a promi- nent man in a local way. He was successful in life as a farmer, truck grower and lumber man, furnishintr lumber to house builders in that community. He gave liberally toward the upbuilding of the Methodist Church and was Steward in it for many years. He died at his home about twelve years ago. His wife had been Ann E. Nelson. Her ancestry was similar to that of her husband's and she lived and died at her home, her death occurring in SGHVTLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 465 1870. She was a good wife and mother and was devoted to the Methodist Church. Panlin is one of six Children and grew up in his father's business. When twenty-one years of age he came to Illinois and has since lived in Cass count}-; Mr. Campbell makes a specialty of sweet potatoes. lie owns a good farm of 120 acres, iti section 7, town- ship 18, range 11. He has been in the county since 1872, has lived on his farm since 1880, and has owned it since 1882. He was married in this county, to Miss Jen- nie Johnson, born near Brighton, Illinois. She was educated chiefly in New Jersey. Her father was Samuel Johnson, who grew up a farmer in New Jersey, and soon after his marriage to Ann E. Hiliss, who Came to Illinois and settled on a farm near Brighton. He there engaged in farming, but was aie- cidentally killed while pressing hay. His wife is yet living, the wife of John Elliott. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell are prominent yoiiDg people, the parents of one bright boy of eleven, named Roy. SRANS H. D. KRUSE was born in Eilst Friesland, Germany, in 1821. His father, Dierk Kruse, son of George Krnse, was born in the same place. The father of the present subject learned the trade of millwright and followed it in his flative land. He bought several important mills-ites erected mills and set them in successful opera- tion, and sold them. In 1835, he came to America, in the Virginia, a ship sailing from Bremen, bringing with him his sons, Frans H. D. and Sunke M., and landed in New York, July 4. From there he went to Albany, by way of the Hudson river, thence across to Schenec- tady, and by Erie canal to Buffalo, thence by lake to Cleveland and from there by land and the Ohio river to Cincinnati. He afterward went West into Illinois to Beardstown, and a few months afterward bought a mill on Sugar creek, ten miles east of Rushville. Six months later he sold the mill and bought a small farm two and one half miles east of Rushville and turned his attention to farming. Here he resided for eight years, when he re- turned to the old country. Some years after- ward he returned to America and settled in Texas, remaining there live years. He after- ward came to Illinois and bought a farm in McDonough county. This farm was ex- changed for a farm five miles southwest of Rushville in Woodstock township, where he lived until his death in 1860. The mother of the subject of this sketch was Iliske J. Miller. She was a native of the same country as her husband, and spent her entire life there. She had five children, all of whom grew to manhood, the present subject being the youngest, who was in his fourteenth year when he came to Illinois with his father. The country was but sparsely settled at that time, and some of the land was still owned by the Government. Frans assisted his father at the mill and afterward in cleaning out the farm. As the land was heavily timbered they were able to build a small frame house on it. In 1843 he bought the farm of his father and has had his residence here ever since. Good, substantial buildings have since been erected upon it, and the farm is in a high state of cultivation. He married, in December, 1848, Elizabeth C. Garrett, who was born in Georgetown, Scott county, Kentucky, in April, 1824. Her father, Thomas Garrett, was born in Delaware and was the son of David Garrett, who lived for many years on the line between that State and 466 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, Pennsylvania and spent his last days there. The father of Mrs. Kruse went to Kentucky when a young man, and married in Lexing- ton, Snsanah Wigert, who was born in Mary- land and went with her parents to Kentucky, while she was an infant. After her marriage she removed to Georgetown with her hus- band, and some years later again removed with him to Illinois by way of the Cumber- land, Ohio and Mississippi rivers. Mr. Gar- rett made several removals in Illinois and spent the last few years of bis life near Browning, Schuyler county. The mother of Mrs. Kruse survived her husband for many years, and died at the residence of a younger daughter, who was a resident of Nebraska, at the advanced age of ninety-one years. ^ '^ fACOB 1). GERRISII, born in Brown county, Illinois, March 12, 1861, is the son of Sewall and Elizabetli (Grove) Gerrish. He owns part of his father's farm, and lives with ins mother. In politics he is a Democrat. His father, Sewall Gerrish, was born in Hoscawen, New Hampshire, March 18, 1809; came to Brown county Sep- tember 8, 1836; ran a sawmill on McGee creek, and later was a farmer. He was a Democrat in his political faith, and held several townsliip offices. He tvas married January 8, 1846, to Elizabeth Grove, who was born in Virginia, February 22, 1825. Sewall Gerrish died May 17, 1879. He was the son of Lieutenant Stephen and Hannah (Ames) Gerrish. His father, born April 16, 1770, died November 11, 1815. He in- vented the first practical auger for boring logs and pumps, also tlie attachment of the screw to the potl auger. With his father he used to make the mill saws and cranks on the common forge. He was one of the first in New Ilampsliire to make cut nails. February 7, 1796, he married Hannah, daughter of Lieutenant Samuel Ames; she was born January 14, 1776, and died Novem- ber 18, 1834. Stephen Gerrish was the sou of Colonel Henry and Martha (Clough) Ger- rish. His father, born May 3, 1742, died May 16, 1806; married Martha, daughter of Jeremiah Clough, November 10, 1763. She was born November 10, 1742, and died October 15, 1826. Henry Gerrish was the son of Captain Stephen and Joanna (Hale) Gerrish. His father, born January 22, 1711, died in 1788, in Boscawen, New Hampshire. He married Joanna Hale, July 15, 1741, who was born in June, 1715, and died in 1792. Stephen Gerrish was the son of Colonel Joseph and Mary (Little) Gerrish. Colonel Joseph lived in Newbury, Massachusetts, and was a member of the Colonial Legislature twenty years. He married Mary Little, February 26, 1703. She was born March 20, 1682, aiid died January 1, 1765. Joseph Gerrish was the son of Colonel Moses and Jane (Sewall) Gerrish. Colonel Moses Gerrish, born in Newbury, Massachu- setts, May 9, 1656, married Jane, daughter of Rev. Henry Sewall, September 24, 1677. She was born in Badesly, England, October 25, 1658, and died in January, 1717; he died in 1694. Colonel Moses Gerrish was a son of Captain William and Joanna (Oliver) Gerrish. Captain William Gerrish was born in Bristol, England, August 20, 1617; came to New England in 1689, and settled that year in Newbury, Massachusetts; was the tirst captain of the military band in that town, and representative in 1650-'54; mar- ried Joanna Oliver, of Newbury, April 17, SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 467 1645, who died June 14, 1677, and he moved to Boston in 1678. A.t the semi-centennial anniversary meeting of Boston, March 14, 1686, Captain Gerrish opened and closed the exercises with prayer. He died in Salem, Massachusetts, August 9, 1687. Elizabeth (Grove) Gerrish, daughter of Joseph and Catharine (Staley) Grove, — he of Baltimore, Maryland, and she of Lynchburg, Virginia, — came to Illinois in 1826, settling in Sangamon county in 1828; came to Elk- horn township and entered land. She died in 1846, and he was married a second time, to Elizabeth (Hunter) Clamp in 1851, and died in October, 1858. Mrs. Gerrish is one of twelve children. All are prosperous farm- ers, mostly in Missouri. Grandfather Jacob Grove was born in Pennsylvania, and died in Virginia. His wife, Margaret (Garinger) Grove, was born in Virginia, and died in Maryland. Grand- father Stephen Staley died in Virginia, and his wife, Barbary (Yeasley) Staley, died in Virginia. She was born in Germany. Mrs. Gerrish was the mother of ten chil- dren; eight are yet living. Hannah marrietl Fred Wenneker, and has four children, — Fratik F., Henry G., August X3. and Katie M. Harriet married Samuel C. Gerrish, and has three children, — Nettie M., Harry E. and Carlos A. Martha married George E. Rich- ardson, and has five children, — Otis E., Josie L., Sewall H., George E. and Nina L. Samuel S. married Addie Hargus, and they have two children, — Myrtle C. and Loren E. Jose- phine married Joseph J. Moore, and they have six children, — Joseph G., Edith M., Frank G., Harlan E., Dallas J. and Mabel C. Mary E. married P. C. Sweeny, and has one child, — John. Jacob D. and Cynthia are at home. Her people came to America in 1717, and settled in Pennsylvania. The first was John Grove, who came from Holland, — a Quaker. Some were in the Revolntionary war. The family belong to the Presby- terian Church, and are highly regarded in the county. HPJSTIAN S. KRUEGER, a farmer of sections 22, 3, and 14, township 17, rang6 12, was born on the farm he now owns in 1846. He was reared on this farm, and has since lived on it. His father, John, was a native of Hanover, Ger- many, who grew up and was married there to Mary Hendricker, of the same place. After the birth of two children, in 183'J tlie family decided to come to America. They came from Bremen, and after many weeks, landed in New Orleans, coming from thence to Heardstown. He purchased the land where he lived and died, the latter event occurring August 11, 1873, in the seventy-fifth year of his age. He was a good, hard-working man, always \er3' quiet and peaceable. He was a Lutheran, and embraced the Republican po- litical faith. His wife, who was also a good Lutheran, died at the age of sixty. Our subject is the younger of four living sons, a sister having died young. The chil- dren are: Henry, a farmer in Morgan county; John and Fred are farmers in Nemaha county, Kansas. Christian was married in Cass county, to Elizabeth Meyer, who was born May 10, 1853, in this county, and was reared and educated here. She was the daughter of Charles and Minnie (Rusch) Meyer, natives of Prussia, Germany, who came to the United States in the '40s, and made a settlement on a farm in section 17, Cass county, afterward selling that and buying land in range 17, township 468 BIOGRAPHICAL BE VIEW OF CASS, 12, where tliey (lied, both past the age of sixty years. Mrs. Krnegei' is the youngest of lier fatlier's children, and slie with tlie eldest, a hrother, Charles H., a fanner in this county, are the only members of the family living. Mr. Ivrueger is a l\epul)lican, and he and his wife are active members of the Lutheran Church. They liave eight children: Chris- tian v., Minnie K., Henry E., Charles F., Lydia N., John F., Amelia M. and Benj. PI. Mr. Krueger now owns 160 acres of land, which he purchased from the heirs of his father's estate, having owned it eighteen years. He has improved it, and is considered one of the most success ful farmers of the county. fAMES M. KEAD was born in Birming- ham township, October 2, 1842. He was the son of Amasa Read, who was born in Massachusetts, and Jane, wet? Hender- son of Ohio. The grandfather, with two brothers, came to America from Entrland when they were young men, and followed farming. Amasa and two brothers came to Ohio at a very early day, and settled at Xenia. In 1837 Amasa sold out his land, and with a wagon came overland to this county. He traded his team to some men to build him a house. In 1837 he went hack and brought his family and settled on the farm where our subject now lives. When he came back the house was not finished, and he was obliged to rough it for nine months without doors or windows. The most of the children were born in this old log house. James was one of six children, three yet living, llis father died in the old log liouse live years after coming here at the age of sixty-si.\ years, and his wife died in 1890, aged eighty years. Amasa Read ran a clock factory in Ohio, and when he first came to Illinois he started a nursery. He was an old- line Whig, and voted for William Henry Harrison. James remained at home until his mar- riage, January 3, 1871, to Sophia King, daughter of Louis and Harriet King, who came to Huntsville, Illinois, in 1838 or 1839, and are still living. Up to the time of his marriage, James worked at home, attended tlie district school, and went one year to Abingdon Seminary. John Brown, of Harper's Ferry fatne, was an own cousin of Mr. Read. Mr. and Mrs. Read have five children: Efhe M., Ellen J. and Eliza S., now in school at Augusta, and preparing for col- lege; George M. and James M., are both at home. After his marriage he still lived on the old farm where he had bought out all of tlie heirs. Later he sold eighty acres, leaving him 240 at present. He has built a fine house and barn, and has as good a farm as is in the county, on which he raises a good deal of stock. He voted first for Lincoln, and has been a Re- publican ever since. Mr. and Mrs. Read attend the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Read joined the Methodist Episcopal Church at the age of nineteen. His sister, Eliza J., at the age of twenty-six taught kindergarten in Chicago, and is now the wife of Rev. J. T. Sunderland. Mr. Read has a delightful family and a very fine liome. DHN SCHULTZ, of the firm of Schultz & Baujan, proprietors of the Home Mills and Elevator, located on the south bank of the Illinois river, where they do a large business, was born in Bavaria, in the Rhine province, on the river Rhine, June 1, 1849. SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 4G9 He learned his trade of wagon and carriage maker before he left for America in the sum- mer of 1860. He proceeded to Beardstown, joining his sister, Mrs. Anton Kink, who had come before. The father of our subject was a native of Germany, and died there when 8i.\ty. He was a fanner and small land-owner, and married a German lady, Miss Margaret Caalmann, who died when forty-eight. She had six children. Mr. Schultz began in Beardstown as a car- riage and wagon maker. He tlien became a dealer in wines and liquor.s for three years. His present business is successfully carried on by himself and the two sons of his old partner, Mr. Baujan, who took their father's place when he died in 1S90. Their l)rands of flour are represented by traveling men and they do business all over the State. The mills have a capacity of 200 barrels per day, and the elevator of 80,000 bushels. They have warehouses also at Spring Bluffs and other places. The nulls have nine sets of rollers and are run by steam power. Their main brands are Sunbeam and Sea Foam. It was started in 1875, under the firm name of Bau- jan & Company. Mr. Schultz is also connected with other local enterprises, being a stockholder in the First National Bank and the Beardstown Electric Light & Tower Company, and a director in both. He has been a leader in many other enterprises that have affected the welfare of the city. He was married in Beardstown to Miss Rosa A. Baujan, who was born and reared in Casscounty. They have four children: Harry, now dead; Olive A., Etta A., Alfred C. Mrs. Schultz is a member of the Roman Catholic Church. Mr. Schultz is a strong Democrat and has been Alderman of the city, and also delegate to the State Congressional Commit- tee. He is a member of the order A. O. U. W., and has tilled the chairs. He has been sent to the Grand Lodge. AYLOR L. SMITH, Superintendent of tlie Railroad Round House at Beards- town for the St. Louis & Rock Island di- vision of the Chicago Burlington & Quincy, was born near Zanesville, Ohio. His father, James Smith, was a native of Pennsylvania, of Dutch ancestry. He had grown up in his native county of Washington, at which place his father, William Smith, had followed the occupation of butcher. Later he came to Ohio and there lived and died at Newark, Licking county. It was there that his son James had settled and engaged in the butcher business. He had married Miss Elizabeth Leggett in Pennsylvania. After settling in Newark they became prominent in society, and Mrs. Letrcrett died there when she was forty-three. Mr. Smith was married a sec- ond time to Miss Lotta Frink, in Ohio, and in 1887 moved to Butler, Bates county, Mis- souri, and are now living there, Mr. Smith still actively engaged in the meat-market busi ness. They are good, hard-working people. Taylor L. is the third child of six chil- dren, all married and prominent persons in life. He grew up an industrious, hard-work- ing boy, and earned his bread by his own per- sonal endeavors. He was reared near the place of his birth, and later became an appren- tice to a firm selling portable and stationary engines at Newark, Ohio. Three years after- ward, he became connected with the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. He came to Beardstown a number of years ago, began in the machine shops and being a practical machinist and 470 BIOGRAPEWAL REVIEW OF C^iSS, good workman, soon became overseer of the engine repair siiops. Ilo was engaged there for more than three years, when he was pro- moted to the round house and has since been thus connected, having some twenty- live men under him, besides having to direct about one hundred engineers. He has held this office for two years. He has been very successful, and owns a comfortable home in Reardstown. He was married in Newark, Ohio, to Miss Mary Dalton of Newark, a very intelligent lady, the daughter of Michael and Mary Dal- ton, now living in Newark, both in the 60s. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the parents of four children: Maybell, Edith, Anna and Warren, all at home. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are promi- nent in Beardstown society. Mr. Smith is a Master Mason and is a member of Arch Lodge No. 16, I. O. Q. F., also of the Knights of Pythias lodge, No. 207. He is a Republican in politics and a genial, pleasant gentleman. &jOSES HARBISON, an intelligent •' and progressive farmer of Cass ^!S^ county, Illinois, numbered among the substantial men of this section, was born in Barren, now Metcalfe county, Kentucky, September 8, 1831. His parents were Adam B. and Hannah (Rhea) Harbison, the former a native of Vir- ginia, who, when a young man, operated different mills and also did teaming. In 1831. he came to Illinois with his wife's people, altliough at the time unmarried, his union taking place in the latter State. Accom- panied by his wife, he shortly afterward re- turned to Kentucky, where they resided for a year or two, after which they removed to Washington county, Mis.souri, in which place he farmed for about five years. He then sold out and returned to Illinois, settling in Mason county, where he entered 200 acres of good land, and built a log house. Here he died two years later, at the comparatively early age of forty-four years. He was twice married, his first wife being the mother of the subject of this sketch. She died on the farm in Missouri, at the early age of twenty-three years, leaving three small children to the care of her bereaved husband. The subject of this sketch is the only sur- vivor of these children. He lived at home until his father's death, after which his stepmother bound him out to a farmer. Two years later, however, at the age of thirteen years, he took " French leave," and started out in life for himself. He first worked for $2.50 a month, which was in 1845. At the end of five months, he bought a sow and pig, which was his first speculation in pork. Out of his small income, he provided them with corn, and, like Jacob's kine, they waxed strong and beautiful. This was only the beginning of his schemes for advancement. In 1848 he rented sixteen acres of land, which, with one horse, he started to improve. The following year, he bought another horse, and thus continued to rent land and work it until 1853, wlien he and a brother came to where our subject now lives, and bought 160 acres of land. An old house was on the place and ninety acres were under cultiva- tion. This land they industriously improved, and, in 1868, Mr. Harbison erected on it his present substantial farm house. He has re- cently sold some of his land, but still re- tains 342 acres, most of which is under culti- vation. He was first married, January 7, 1857, to Miss Mary A. Davis, an intelligent and energetic lady, and a native of Cass county. SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 471 This union was destined to be of short dura- tion, the devoted wife and mother djung at the age of twenty-three years, leaving a child to the care of her l)ereaved husljand, which afterward died, aged nineteen months. Her people were very old and esteemed settlers of this State. March 13, 1863, Mr. Harbison was again married, his second wife being Miss Lydia F. Mason, an estimable lady, and a native of Culpeper county, Virj^inia. She was a daughter of John and Emma (Milliner) Mason, also natives of the Old Dominion. They came to Dlinois in 1856, settling first in Cass county, whence they removed to Jopliii, Missouri, where the mother died, aged seventy years, the father still surviving. This worthy couple were the parents of eleven children, ten of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Harbison have ten children: Virginia S., married and has one child, a daughter; Charles C, who is at home; Mary C. is married and has one son. The other children are still at home and are as follows: Arthur J., Robert F., Estella, Alice, Martha C, Emma and Nancy A. Politically, Mr. Harbison is a Democrat, and cast his first presidential vote for Gen- eral Pierce. His constituents have recog- nized his ability and integrity of character, and have sought to gain the benefit of these traits by electing him to various local offices, in all of which he has served the best in- terests of the community. He has been an efficient member of the school board for twenty-two years, which fact of itself speaks volumes in favor of his excellent judgment and moral force of character. Mr. Harbison's life would furnish an in- spiration to many poor, young men, who, alone and unaided, are starting in life, with no compass by which to guide their course. Happy are they, if, like the subject of this sketch, they keep their eyes stedily fixed on the North Star of Truth, while industriously spreading their sails to the breezes of pros- perity, which will eventually waft them to 'he desired haven of comfort and happiness. ^ '^ iATHANIEL H. BOONE, M. D.— This gentleman was born in Troup county, Georgia, June 6,- 1836, and was the son of William and Elizabeth (Bradford) Boone. He was a farmer in South Carolina, and died in Mississippi, aged forty-nine years. The mother of our subject was also born in South Carolina and died at the same place, aged seventy-four. The subject of the present notice was one of ten children, three of whom are yet living. He remained under the parental roof until he was sixteen years of age, when occurred his father's death. He then was sent to an academy for several years at College Hill, and then to medical college at Nashville. He graduated at this college in 1860, and in 1861 he married Miss Cornelia Blackwell of Georgia, but Dr. Boone had met her at Pine Bluff, where he had gone to practice. Her life was short, as her death occurred at the the age of twenty-three. Her two children died also. She was the daughter of James and Mary Blackwell of Georgia, who later removed to Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and there died, he at the age of fifty-five or sixty, and she about fifty years old. Our subject was mar- ried a second time September 25, 1870, to Miss Harriet H. Codington, who was born in Me- nard county, Hlinois, December 21, 1838, and was the daughter of Joseph and Jane (Leeper) Codington. They were natives of Barren county, Kentucky, and he followed black- 472 BIOOBAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, smithing until in 1829 or 1830 he came to Illinois. He drove his stock and wagon and a carriage for the family, and first settled in Menard county, and took up Government land ami then built a log cabin upon it. Here they lived fortjuite a time in a tent and in the log house, probably eight years. The father, Mr. Codington, brought three chil- dren with them and seven more were born here, and six of this family still live. His life extended to seventy-two years, and that of his wife to sixty-four years. The Coding- tons were of German ancestry, and on the mother's side a little Irish. Mrs. Boone says of those early times that the country was sparsely settled and wild game was abundant. Dr. Boone practiced medicine in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, about three years, and in 18()4, he sold out there and came North and settled in Chandlerville, this county. Later, he bought laud and kept on adding to it until now he farms over 1,700 acres in this State and in Kansas, and rents the most of it. Me works a host of men and presents the unusual spectacle of a suc- cessful professional niau who is also a success- ful farmer. Dr. Boone has taken no active part in poli- tics, but his first vote was for Bell, and since he has been a Democrat and a Prohibitionist. He has served tlie town for years in the town Council. He and his wife are members of tiie Christian Church, and the Doctor has been Superintendent of the Sunday-school for many 3'ears. Living with the subject, is his nephew, Howard B. Boone, who was born in Fayette county, Mississippi, May 30, 1870. He was the son of William Sanford and Ophelia (Watson) Boone. William S. Boone was born in the same place as our subject, March 6, 1841, and there died aged about thirty- five or forty years. His wife Ophelia still lives in Mississippi, on the old homestead. Howard B. is a very promising young man and medical student, and will receive every advantage the best medical colleges afford. ^>- E. NIEMANN, a successful dealer in wines and liquors at the corner of ® Washington and Main .streets, in Beardstown, was born in West Darling, Prussia, Germany, April 17, 1832. He lost his father, Casper Niemann, who lived and died in his native province in Prussia. His death occurred in his sixty-seventh year. He had been a live-stock dealer and trader. His mother lived to come to this country with her children in 1859, where she spent her last days. She and her husliand were consistent members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Niemann came to Beardstown in 1859 and began as a poor man aud has for twenty years been steamboating on the Mississippi river and for the last few years as mate. He has, however, always lived in Beardstown and been closely connected with the town in its growth. Since he came from Prussia, land- ed ' ing at New Orleans, he has lived to see the great changes come over the steamboating of the great rivers. He has been in his present business fourteen years. He was married in this city to Miss Eliza- beth Howard. She was born in Hanover, Germany, and was twenty years of age when she came to the United States. Her parents and relatives all died in her native country. Mr. and Mrs. Niemann have had eleven chil- dren, of whom only four are now living. They were among the first members and or- ganizers of the Lutheran Church at this SGHUTLEB AND BROWN COUNTIES. 4'; 3 place, to which they have always subscribed. He has always been a Republican in politics, but in no sense is he an office-seeker. He has many warm friends among his large circle of acquaintances. lEODORE FKANKENFIELD.— The -j,[ & subject of this sketch was born Decem- W^ ber 28, 1850, in Prussia, and was the son of Adolph and Johannes (Fielden) Frank- enfield, who were natives of the same place. The father was a soldier for thirty years. Our subject came to America when twenty- five years of age and was seventy-five days on the trip, and landed in the city of New York. He was a blacksmith by trade and worked at this business until he came to Illinois. His first change in this new country was from New York to Pennsylvania, and from there he went to various places until in 1861 he settled near where he now lives. He worked by the month and at his trade, and in June, 1863, he was married to Miss Catherine C. Morris, who was born on the farm where our subject now lives. She was born April 28, 1846, and was a daughter of Joshua and Nancy (Hickey) Morris. Her father came from Kentucky and settled here about 1830, locating in this township with his father and mother, Henry and Mary Morris, and lived and died here, aged about seventy years. The father of Mrs. Frankenfield was born in the year 1801 and lived until 1881. He was of Irish ancestry, and was proprietor of a frontier grocery store. He was one of the first of the pioneers of this section and lived in a primitive log house, but at his death he owned 700 acres of land to bequeath to his family. He built the present home about eighteen years ago. He was a kind- hearted man, was very active in politics and was an ardent Republican. The gentleman of whom we write was one of five ciiildren, of whom he is probal>ly the only survivor. He served four years in the German army and soon after his discharge came to America, where he has been a very successful man. He and his good wife have four living children, as follows: Joshua T. was born April 16, 1864, and is now married and the father of one boy; William E. was born Septeinljer 28, 1866, and a girl is now the comfort of his home; Matilda C. was born May 1, 1869, and now in her home has a boy and girl of her own: Henry P. was born Sep- tember 27, 1876; and Frank, a lad of eleven years is dead. All the children received an education in the district school. Mr. Frankenfield l)elieves in the principles of the Democracy and cast his first vote in this country for James Buchannan. He and all of his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and he has been very active in work in the church and Sunday- school. He has carried on a system of mixed farming and has 300 acres of land. He is a man who commands the respect of the whole neighborhood, and the family is one which has been very prominent among the pioneers of this grand old county. fOHN W. MORRIS, a contractor and builder of Rushville, was born in Rock- ingham county, Virginia, April 8, 1832. His father, William Morris, was a native of Augusta county, the same State, and the father of the latter was a life-long resident of the Old Dominion. The father of John W. Morris was reared in Virginia, where he 474 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OP CASS, learned tlie trade of a carpenter, a calling he followed there until 1833, when he emigrated to Ohio accompanied by his wife and six children, making the journey with teams. A year was spent at Lancaster, Fairfield county, when another migration was made, this time to Franklin county, where he purchased a tract of timber land near (iroveport, where he resided ten years, all the time carrying on the Inisiness of contractor and builder, besides superin- tending the improvement of his farm. Sell- ing out again, he again took his family with him, settling in Delaware county, purchasing a farm near Oentreville. He pursued farming until 1862, wlien the spirit uf change again came over him, and he found a home in Grand View, i^dgar county, Illinois, where two daucrhters and one son continued to reside. He lived there, retired from business, until his death, which came peacefully in May, 1879, when he was seventy-seven years old. llis wife's death preceded his a few months, she liaving passed away in February of the same year. Her maiden name was Eliza Palmer, and siie was born in Virginia, and was the daughter of Robert and Martha Palmer. She reared eight children: Harriet Stevenson, George, Charles L., James H., William H., .Jolm W., Jane F. and Caroline Cavendisii. Joiin was so young when bis parents left Virginia that he has no recollection of his native place. He attended the public schools of Franklin and Delavan counties, and when not in school assisted his father at his trade and on the farm. He was a natural mechanic and gave evidence of skill with edcred tools at a very early age. He did journeyman's work in Ohio until 1856, when he went to Grand View, Edgar county, where he re- mained until 1802, when he removed to Ful- ton county, following his trade at Marietta for two years. Mattoon, Coles county, was next his hoilie, and then, in 1866. he removed to Rushville, where he engaged in mercantile pursuits for two and a half years; tiring of this he followed farming for two years, when, settling in Rushville, he began the business of contractor and builder, which he has con- tinued ever since. The principal business blocks of Rushville were erected by hiuj, and they are so many monuments to his skill and to the fidelity of his work. Mr. Morris was married in 1860, to Eliza- beth Gary, who was born in Ohio in 1840. His married life has been a happy one, and three living children bless their union, viz.: Mary C, Annie E. and Alice G. Two, Gary and (Charles L., are deceased. Mr. Morris united with the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1859, and has continued since that time to be a consistent member of that body. In politics Mr. Morris is a Re- publican, earnestly advocating the measures of that party. EV. DANIEL A. BL08E, pastor of the E^irst Congregational Church of Beards- town, was born in Indiana county, Pennsylvania, May 23, 1854. He was reared on his father's farm, and there remained until seventeen years of age, when he entered Covode academy in the same county, and a year later attended an academy in Armstrong county, and graduated in the class of 1875, and then entered the University of Lewis- burg, now known as Bucksnell University, and graduated there with the class of 1878, receiving 100 per cent, in all class examina- tions, also the first honors with the oration in the scientific course. He entered in the fall of 1878, the Auburn Theological Semi- nary of Auburn, New York, and graduated SCHUYLER AND BUOWN COUNTIES. 4;5 with the class of 1881. He was theu li- censed by the Kittatniing Presbytery of the synod of Pennsylvania, that being their cus- tom. He was ordained by the Geneva Pres- bytery of the synod of New York, January 12, 1882, and soon after became pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Dresden, New York. In 1886 he became connected with the Congregational Church, and has since beei an earnest worker. It was in De Kalb, Illinois, tliat he did his first work as a Con- gregational minister, and the beautiful stone church edifice of that place stands as a silent monument to iiis labors. Being overworked lie was ol)liged to resign his position against the unanimous protest of the people. He was immediately called to the church at Tonica, Illinois, whicii he accepted under the promise of being able to rest. During his one year there the membership was doubled. At the close of the year an anti-Masonic fac- tion caused a lack of harmony in the church, and the Rev. Blose resigned against the united request of the congregation. He im- mediately received a call from four churches, and decided to accept theone from La Ilarpe, Illinois, where he remained fifteen months, and increased the membership by fifty metn- bers. He was then unanimously called to the church at Beardstown, which he accepted much against the wishes of his congregation at La Ilarpe. He was married May 1, 1881, at Burns, Alletrany county, New York, to Mamie E. Coray, born December 15, 1857, educated in the Union High School of Canaseraga, New York, graduating in 1879. She is an ac- complished lady, an enthusiastic worker in the church and in all the avenues where good may be promoted, and is the devoted mother of two very bright children: Minnie Coray and Charles A. Mr. Blose is a sound Republican, his faith being born of intelligence vitalized by right- eousness and patriotism. He feels that he has a riaht to spread his principles and advo- cate his political faith from the rostrum as he preaches his religion from the pulpit. fSENRY VETTE,a general fanner, was born in Prussia, May 10. 1861. His ^i^ father, William Vette, was a brick ma- son, and died when he was thirty-eight years old. His wife had died the preceding year, and they both were members of the German Lutheran Church. Henry was left an orphan at the age of tea, and grew up as a maker of cigar boxes in his native province until seventeen years of age, and then he and a friend set out for this country. They set sail from Bremen in 1882, landed in New York city in the same year and then came to Illinois, reaching Beards- town with $1.10 in his pocket. He began work first as a laborer with his uncle, Henry Vette, and after some years of economy he was able to purchase the large farm he is now rapidly paying for. The farm consists of 125 acres, well improved, and other land that is not under plow, amounting to 372 acres. He is a young man of good judgment, and has shown what he can do and is bound to succeed. He was married in Cass county, to Anna Shave, who was born in Beardstown, March 22, 1867, and was reared and educated in this county. She is the daughter of William and Ingle (Shave) Shave. They are now living in this county, successful farmers, owning tine property. Mr. and Mrs. Vette are members of the Sixth Street Lutheran Church in Beardstown. They are the parents of 476 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, three children, Hilda 1., William H. and Edna L. Mr. Vette is an ardent Republican, and Ijoth he and his wife are highly esteemed by all who know them. iARON LOGSDON was born in Madi- son county, Kentucky, May 7, 1821. ^^ Ilis grandfathei- was Edward Logsdon, a native of Maryland, who moved to Ken- tucky in early life, where the thirteen chil- dren were horn. These all j^rew to adult age an Lawler have eleven children, nine of whom are living. Margaret E.. mar- ried and has seven children; Henry W., mar- ried, having three children; Silas E., mar- ried, has four children; Albert C, married, has five children; Simon A. and Jane A., twins; Simon, a school teacher; and Jane, married, and has two children; Nancy E., married, with two children; Hattie E., mar- ried, and has one child; and Thomas A., at home, and works the farm with his father. Onr subject and wife are consistent mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and contribute liberally towards its support. Mr. Lawler and family are highly re- spected by people of the community on ac- count of their many admirable traits of char- acter. .LEXANDER MOORE, the prominent citizen of Buck Horn township, whose biography it is our pleasure to present to our readers, was born in Harrison county, Ohio, December 23, 1821, son of Alexander and Sarah (Smith) Moore. Alexander Moore Sr., was born in Maryland, but came to 482 BIOGRAPHICAL HEVIEW OP CASS, Ohio with liis parents, wlien very young, settliiir!; in Harrison county. lie was one of eiu;lit children, and learned the niillwriglit and carpenter trade, l)iit followeil fanning princi- pally, and ran a horse-power mill for many years, lie and his parents took up land in Ohio, tliat was wild and unimproved, and here he lived in a log cabin all his days, dying on the tirst farm taken up of Government land, in that section, aged eighty-five years. His wife died on the same place when about eighty-eight, she being a native of Tennes- see. The suliject's father on the father's side of the family was Alexander Moore, who married, and spent his last days in Oliio, dying when full of years. The father of our subject was a Justice of the Peace, and an old Andrew Jackson Democrat, and filled the different township offices, and was active in church and other good work at an early day. He helped to build the first church in that part of Ohio, a Methodist house of worship, and his family were members of it to the close of their lives. There is a record that some of the ancestors of Mr. Moore were on the way to join in the war of 1812, but peace was declared before they reached their destination. The father of Mr. Moore started out as a fifer, and his uncle as a drummer. Our subject remained at home until he was seventeen years old, worked summers, and attended school winters, in the old log tem- ples of learning of that day, which were erected within a bit of clearing. At the age of fourteen he went to learn the cabinet- maker trade, and served three years for his board and clotiies. At the age of twenty he commenced work at tiie lucrative trade of a carpenter, and continued at this for fifteen years. Our subject was married November 30, 1841, to Elizabeth !'. Johnson, who was born in the same place as was her husband, and was the daughter of Nathan and Jane (Aul) Johnson, who were natives of Maryland, and spent their last days in Ohio; the mother died at the age of thirty-five years. Mr. Moore, of this notice, was one of five children, but one of whom is yet living. The first wife of our sul)ject died where he now lives, aged forty-four years, and left five living of her twelve children. They are as follows: Martin L. has five children; Margaret J. has five chil- dren; Aman(ia has but two little ones, as also has Lizzie; John C. is unmarried. Our subject was married a second time in Novem- ber, 18 — , to Mrs. Mary E. (Gregory) Ayers, wlio was l>orn in Pike county, Illinois, November 23, 1842, and was the daughter of John J. and Samantha (Barrett) Gregory. He was born in Tennessee, in 1814, and came to Illinois at a very early day, and died in Pike county, aged forty-seven years. His wife also died in the same county, about forty- four years of age. Mrs. Moore's first mar- riage was November 7, 1858, to Francis M. Ayers, who was born in Ohio, and enlisted in the early part of the war, and died from wounds received at Ilartsville, Missouri. He was thirty-five years old when he died, and was a member of Company B, Captain Math- ews. She drew a pension from the Govern- ment until her marriage. She had three chil- dren, one of whom is William A., who has a family of three children. After his first marriage our subject first followed the carpenter trade until 1856, when he sold his houses and lots and went to Kan- sas, but the next year he returned to Ohio, and that fall came back to Illinois, and bought eighty acres of land where he now lives. He first built a log house, and then built a per- manent dwelling. SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 483 Mr. Moore has been a Republican ever since the formation of the party, and always votes that ticket. He was a Free Soiler until 1856. He and his wife attend the Methodist Episcopal Church, where they hold their membership. This large and prosperous family are much respected in their neighbor- hood. fOHN MERZ, general farmer and stock- i-aiser, was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, March 21, 1829. He lost his mother when he was fourteen years of age. Her name was Margaretta Darmor, and her husband was John Merz, who lived and died in his native province, at the age of sixty- seven. He was a shoemaker, and followed that trade in connection with his farming. He and his wife were long members of the Lutheran Church. Our subject is the eldest of three children. He grew u[) as a farmer boy and linen-weaver, and did not come to this country until he was twenty-five years of age. He landed in New York city in 1855. and came right on to Beardstown, and three days later engaged as a farm laborer and has been a tiller of the soil ever since. He has been very economical, like the most of his race, and has acquired a large property by real hard work. He is the only member of his family who has ever come to this country. He now owns 240 acres of very fine land, and has good farm buildings, having owned this since 1858, and strange as it may seem he has made every bit of his fortune by earnest, hard work, receiving help from no one. He was first married in Beardstown, to Louisa Rohn, who was born and reared at her father's hotne, not far from Beardstown. She died after five years of married life, being then only twenty-two years of age. She left one daughter, Louisa, who died at four- teen years of age, having been a very intelli- gent child. Mr. Merz was married in Beards- town a second time, to Miss Louisa Folks, born in Baden, Germany, who came to this country with her parents when very small. Her parents died in Schuyler county. Mr. Folks was a cooper by trade, and followed it all his life. Mr. and Mrs. Merz have six children: Louisa, Etta afid Henry are married; Mar- garet, Charles and Nora are still at home. They are Lutherans in religion, and Mr. Merz is a Republican. They are among the ])est of Beardstown's German citizens. ILLIAM ROHN, a practical farmer (/7a|1| and stock-raiser, was born in Cass ■^1^ County, September 27, 1854. His father, Henry, came to the county in 1835, took up Government land near Beardstown, and here lived, labored, and died April 21, 1891. He was then eighty-six years of age. He was a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, of good German blood, came to this country in 1835 with his brother John, and they began life as farmers. Here this brother died when he was seventy years old. (For further family history, see biography of Henry Rohn in this book.) AVilliam's mother is yet living, very smart and active, and on her eighty-lirst birth- day, November 21, 1891, enjoyed the kind hospitality of her neighbors in the form of a surprise party. William Rohn owns 160 acres in Home- stead, and eighty acres of bottom land. He has always lived on this farm. He is famous as a local Nimrod, having killed more ducks than any other man in this part of the State. iSi BIOOUAI'HICAL liEVIEW OF CASS, He has been a hunter all his life, and has made some wonderful scores. In the spring of 1885 he killed 165 ducks in three and one- half hours, llis shots are always on the wing, he always giviiiir his game a chance, lie has always carried otl' the prizes in the pigeon and other shooting matches. He takes great interest in these pursuits, and keeps a line pack of hunting dogs. He was married in Beardstown, to Grusta Maiian, horn and reared in this county, and died, after fourteen years of married life, in 18U1. She was thirty-two years of age. She was a good, worthy woman, and the mother of six children, those living being Edwin, Anna and Fred. He was married for the second time, to Anna Mann, who was born, reared and educated in Cass county. Her father, John, died some years ago, but her mother is still living in Beardstown. Both wives, as well as Mr. Rohn, have been worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal Church- Mr. liolin is a Republican in politics. They are very successful people, hard workers, and much esteemed by the whole neighborhood. ..M. LANE, a successful wholesale and retail dealer in wines and liquors, lo- l** cated on East Main street, was born in I'ennsylvania, and was but four years of age when his people came to Illinois. His fa- ther, S. R Lane, was born in New York, and was married in Pennsylvania, and later came to Winnebago county, Illinois, where he died, in April, 1869. Mrs. Lane still survives him and now lives in Cadillac, Michigan, and is sixty-seven years old. Her maiden name was Mary E. Finn, of Pennsylvania, of CTcrmau ancestry. She came of a long-lived family. her grandmother being at her death 105 years old, her mother eighty-tive and her father ninety-tive years of age. Our subject was never married, but has devoted all his energies to his business. He has been engau'ed in it for more than ten years and by his own efforts has made his place headquarters for the best people in the city. He has lived in this city since 1871. He was engaged as a miller for some years. He enlisted from Cook county vflien only tit'- teen years of age, as a member of the Seven- teenth Illinois Cavalry Regiment. He en- tered the army in 1863 and served until the close of the war, and also spent more than two years serving on the frontier. He es- caped unhurt, but saw considerable hard service and received his honorable discharge as a brave soldier. He is known in Beards- town as a great hustler and is a Republican in politics. •?#*' fAMES NEELEY, foreman of the store house of the St. Louis division of the Quincy Railroad, was born in Philadel- phia, Pennsylvania, March 20, 1857. He was the son of James Neeley, a Pennsylva- nian who still lives in Philadelphia, over sev- enty five years of age. His business has been that of architect. His wife died when James was a few hours old. He was only twelve years of age when he came all alone to Beardstown in 1869, and has lived here ever since. He has gained the knowledge of the business of growing sweet potatoes and that industry was just being developed here. He received §20 dollars a month for his ser- vices. He was afterward variously engaged until he became of age and then connected SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 485 himself with tlie Quincy Railroad. This took place in 1879, and he was engaged as car inspector for six years and afterward for four years. He was foreman of the lumber yard, which position was similiar to the one which he now holds. He has been the fore- man of the store- house for three years and has charge of the receipts and distribution of all store house supplies. He was married in Beardstown to Mary G. Fulks of Beardstown and a sister of R. B. Fulks (see biography for family history). Mr. and Mrs. Neeley attend the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which Mrs. Neeley is an active member. Mr. Neeley is a mem- ber of the subordinate and encampment lodo-es I. O. O. F., the former Ark Lodge, No. 7, and the latter Mt. Vernon Lodge, No. 7, and has tilled the chairs of both lodges. They have no family. Mr. Neeley is a Re- publican in political, but is no office seeker, having no time to spare from his business. fOHN GEORGE FREY, who has retired from active business, and living in Beardstown in a pleasant home, was born in Wiirtemburg, Germany, March 9, 1827. He grew up and worked on his father's farm iintil twenty-eight years of age. In February, 1854, he took passage on a sailing vessel to New York city, making the trip in thirty days. He then settled at Lancaster, New York, but left that place in six months, and came to Beardstown, which he has since made his home, and has been fairly successful in life. His father, John Frey, died in Ger- many when eighty years of age. His wife had died many years before, they both being members of the German Lutheran Church. What Mr. Frey possesses he has made by his own etibrts. When he arrived in this city in 1854, he began as a laborer, and was variously engaged for two years. In 1856 he became connected with Mr. Bohlman, and continued with him four years, until he en- gaged with Mr. Anton Ruck and continued there until he retired from active business. He was married in Lancaster, New \ ork, to Miss Mary Hoearsch. She was born in Wiirtemburg, Germany, August 13, 1824. She was a daughter of Mathias and Sarah Hoearsch, who lived and died in Wiirtemburg. They were birthright members in the Luth- eran Church. She was the only member of her family, who came to this country, com- ing on the same vessel that brought her husband. She died at her home in this city January 26, 1888, having been a member of the Fourth Street Church. Mr. and Mrs. Frey have had four children. Two are living: William, a turner in this city, and is a success- ful busi ness man; and Mary, who is house- keeper for her father. She is a dutiful girl and an intelligeut young woman. Mr. Frey and family are members of the Fourth Street Lutheran Church, and he and his sou are Democrats in politics, good quiet citizens and upright, straightforward men. EORGE J. SCHMITT, a retired busi- ness man living on Sixth street, Beards- town, was born in Bavaria, Germany, May 14, 1828. His parents were Casper and Mary Schmitt, who were l)orn, reared, married and died in their native country. They were members of the Catholic Church and died in middle age. Our subject was yet a young man when, in 1854, he came to this country and spent 4S6 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, one year in New York city, working at his trade of cabinetmaker. After that he jonr- neycd around to many places, seeing the country, hefore lie settled in Beardstown. lie reached here in 1861, established a furni- ture business with his brother, Casper Schniitt, and by good judgment and honest dealing made money and retired from labor in 1882. He was married to Miss Mary Stoner, who was born in J^eardstown, No- vember 3, 1837. When she was six weeks old the fanniy moved to Texas, settling in Montgomery county upon a farm and there her father died a few j'ears later. His par- ents had both come from Germany and set- tled in Cass county, and were among the old- est settlers of the county. Mrs. Stoner is still living and makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Schmitt. Although nearly eiglity-two years of age she is very bright aiul active. Her father was Fred Krohe, who came to Illinois very early and died here. Mr. and Airs. Selimitt have two liv- ing children, George J., Jr., now in charge of a drug store, No. 34 Washington street, Chicago: and Victor, who is connected with tlie same house. IJEYTON R. KEITH, a prominent farm- er of section 29, Missouri township, is a native of that same township, having been born here, July 26, 1856. His father, Peyton A. Keith, was born in Kentucky, January 15, 1824, was a son of Peyton R., who reared a family of tlie following children : Isham, James, John, Alexander, Peyton A., Mary, Eliza A., America, Susan, Caroline and Mary J. Tiie grandfather of our sub- ject lost his wife in Kentucky, and in the fall of 1837, came to Illinois and passed the winter of 1837-"38 in Missouri township. He then rented land in Mt. Sterling town- ship and later purchased land in the same place, becoming the owner of a good farm, where he finally died. His body rests in Mt. Sterling. His son, father of sul)ject, was only a boy of thirteen when he came to Illinois, and continued to live at home dur- ing his father's life, settling his estate after his death. He married Mary Moses, a na- tive of Ohio, born in September, 1830, daughter of William and Rhoda Moses, pio- neers of 185-. After his marriage, the fa- ther settled on section 33, Missouri township, where he beeame the owner of 320 acres, im- proving it considerably. He lived here for many years, dealing in live stock, but the last fifteen years of his life he was an invalid and so was unable to carry on the work of his farm. Ilis death occurred January 12, 1887, but his wife is still living, on the old homestead. He was a stanch Republican, but was no office seeker. He lived and died in the faith of the Christian (Jhurch. He and his good wife had eleven children, as fol- lows: Peyton; John A., resident of Pea Ridge township; Joseph D. is on part of the old homestead; Francis Maribn is on the old homestead with his mother; Charles I. is also with his mother; Mary J. is the wife of John W. Pell, and they are residents of Mis- souri township; and the other children all died in childhood. Peyton, the namesake of his grandfather, was reared in his native county, where he at- tended the tlistrict schools and learned the vocation iif farming. He remained at home nntil his marriage, when he settled on his present farm, where he owns 100 acres of fine land and carries on mixed farmino-. Mr. Keith was married January 5, 1880, to Mary E. Bell, daughter of Ira and Emeline 8CBUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 487 Bell. Mr. and Mrs. Keith have three chil- dren, Eertie Arthur, William Austin and Ira Anderson. Mrs. Keith has nine brothers and sisters, namely: [sham died in Columhus, Indiana; James died in Missouri; Alexander, resident of California; Mary married James Kirk and died in Iowa, 1891; Mary J. married Richard Bruce and died in Iowa ; Eliza died in Mt. Sterling; America and Susan, married, are both deceased ; and Caroline, who married General II. Roberts and died in Missouri township. Mr. Keith is a strong Republican in poli- tics and always supports the principles of his T)arty. lie is a worthy member of the Ciirist- ian Church, and lie and his estimable wife enjoy the respect and esteem of all their fel- low citizens. fOHN W. WEBB representative engineer of the Quincy Railroad, livingat Beards- town, was born in Estill county, Ken- tucky, January 22, 1858- He was reared there until twelve years of age, when his par- ents moved to Daviess county, Missouri, and settled on a farm. Here he grew up on the farm with only ordinary school advantages. His father is Elijah Webb, son of Richard Webb, of North Carolina. The family came of old Maryland stock, and Richard was brought to Kentucky when eight years old by his parents, who settled on a farm. Here they died after improving the land to a con- siderable extent. Here Richard grew up and married Miss Clemy Tipton, born in Ken- tucky, in 1804. After their three children were grown up they removed to Daviess county, Missouri, and joined their son Elijah. They both died in this place, the wife in 1872, her husband ten years later. They both were Baptists. Their son Elijah, born in 1827, was a farmer in Kentucky and followed that profession all his life. He married Sal- lie A. Brinegar, born in 1841 in Kentucky. They now live in Harrison county, Missouri. Mrs. Webb is a member of the Christian Church, but Mr. Webb is a member of an- other organization. John AVebb is one of twelve children, of whom nine are yet living. He began his career in the railroad service in 1876 as a brakeman on the Iowa division of the Quincy road. He was then living in Iowa. When he was located at Eldon, Iowa, he was brakes- man and extra conductor. Later he was a farmer in DeKalb, Missouri, for two years, and from there returned to the Quincy road, and has been employed by them ever since. He has gained the confidence of the road by his faithful service and good habits. He has been associated with tlie St. Louis division since June 10, 1886. He was a conductor of local and through freight trains and extra passenger conductor, and only had one wreck. That occurred in the winter of 1884, when engine 194 and eleven cars left the track at Vermont, Illinois. He is a practical man and has made money at his business. He was married in Wapello county, Iowa, to Miss Hattie Smock, who was born in the same county and was there reared and edu- cated. She is the daughter of Archibald and Hannah (More) Smock, natives of Ohio. They were married near Indianapolis, where Miss More and her parents had settled when slie was a small child. Mr. Smock followed his vocation of farming, first in Indiana and then moved to Iowa, and, settling on a farm in Wapello county, remained there the rest of his life with his wife. They were both 488 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, faithful members of the Baptist Church and were esteemed by all wiio knew them. Mr. and ]\Irs. Webb have had four children, two of wliom are dead. Those living are: iMaude and Ernest E., two bright little chil- dren. Mr. and Mrs. Webb are attendants on the services of the Christian Church, of which Mrs. Webb is a member. Mr. Webb is a K. of P., being a member of the Beardstown Lodge, and he is a Democrat in politics. He and his wife are worthy citizens and are greatly liked for their many good qualities. Mr. Webb is a srenial, warm-hearted man, with hosts of friends, and liis o;ood natured wife is equally esteemed. S. COIL, editor and publisher of the Beardstown Enterprise, was born in '<» Lincoln county, Missouri, October 24, 1860. His father, Jacob V. Coil, was a na- tive of Kentucky, came of southern parents, wdio were a stout and long-lived people. Jacob Y. Coil had moved into Missouri after the birth of one child, became a farmer and was thus engaged iu Lincoln county until his deatii in 1873, aged forty-two. He was a kind man to his family, a good neighbor, a prominent Mason and a Democrat in politics- He had offered his services in 1861, but was refused on account of disabilities. Mrs. Jacob CoiTs maiden name was Viola Olive Durough of Ohio, and she is yet living, in Mexico, Missouri, the mother of ten children, nine boys and one girl, of whom six are living. Mr. Coil is the only one of his family in Illinois. His paper is a forty-eight column quarto weekly, published in the interests of the Democratic party. It was started under its present title in Meredosia by F. W. Schierbaum & Company, and in 1879 the plant w^as moved to Beardstown and con- tinued under the same title. It was run as a daily and weekly. Mr. Schierbaum died in 1886 and C. H. Curamings took the paper as administrator, until Mr. Coil purchased the property in 1888. He is a practical news- paper man and has gone through all the ex- periences from printer's devil to his present position of editor-in-chief and publisher. He had many discouragements, but by dint of hard work he has been successful iu clearing himself from debt and in running the paper successfully. The same perseverance which enabled him to gain a great part of his edu- cation by lamplight has served him well iu his business. His paper has a good circula- tion and is ably edited. He is now making it a paying investment and by his own efforts has made it the principal Democratic paper of the county. He was married in Perry, Pike county, Illinois, to Miss Dora Braudom of Indiana, in June, 1880. She came when young to Quincy, Illinois, with her parents, and her father now resides in Beardstown. Mr. and Mrs. Coil have six bright children: May bell M., Grace, Arthur L-, Harry. Bessie L. and Kuth M., — all at home with their parents. They attend the Methodist Church. Mr. Coil has been a delegate to local conventions as he is a strong man in his party. -^ =^^ RNEST H. BOLLE, now running a suc- cessful meat market on Second street, was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, near Hesse- Cassel, March 26, 1832. He is the son of John and Keshling Bolle, natives of Hesse, where thej were married and their children were born. The family set out for the United States in 1845, landing after five weeks' voy. aCHlTTLER AlfB BROWN COUNTIES. 489 age. They settled in Beardstown in the same year that they came to tlie country, and here the father died when sixty-eight years of age, and the mother died some time later. They had both been members of tlie Lutheran Church. Mr. Bolle has resided in Beardstown ever j since he arrived here in 1845. For some years he was a mechanical engineer for the Quincy Railroad. In 1885 Mr. Bolle went into business on his own account and has been quite successful as a dealer in live stock. His present business was established in 1879, under the tirm name of Bolle, Ortwine & Co. He was married in this city to Helena Nice. Siie was born in Hesse, Germany, and there her parents lived and died. She came with some old friends to this country and lived in this city until her death. December 5, 1887. She was born in 1833 and was a good wife and faithful mother, and bore her husband seven children, five of whom are yet living: Mary, wife of Henry G. Mohlman; Lena, wife of Zenas Sexton, a railroad bridge car]ieiiter now at Galesbiirg; John is a clerk in the Quincy office in Beardstow n, and mar- ried to Ida French ; George and Bertha still live at home. ■ILLIAM "WOOD, a prominent pio- neer of 1827, resides on section 17, l^^^J^ Huntsville township. He is the son of Mitchell and Nancy (Skiles) Wood, and was born in Wayne county, Missouri, Marcli 8, 1824. His mother was born on the 27th of May, 1802. Her father, William, lived in Maryland and was the son of John and Lizzie Skyles. He was married in North Carolina, and went from there to Jasper county, Ten- nessee, resided there a few years and then moved to within forty miles of Nashville. There he lived until 1817 and then moved to the Territory of Missouri, remaining there until 1827, when he came to Schuyler county, Illinois, and became one of the first settlers of Kushville township. He resided there until 1844, when lie went to Madison, Iowa, and remained there with his sons until his death in 1845. His wife's name was Lydia Chaddick, of North Carolina, and she also died in 1845. Mr. Wood's mother was first married at nineteen years of age, to Mitchell Wood of Kentucky. They were married in Missouri, went from there to Arkansas, but after his death in 1825 she returned to her parents in Missouri. In 1827 siie married Jonathan Smith. They lived in a log cabin near Kushville. At that time Rushville con- sisted of three log houses. She now resides with her daughter, Mrs. Teel. During her married life she dressed her children in home- spun, and she raised the flax and spun and wove the cloth out of which they were made. In 1827 Mr. Wood came with the family to Illinois and grew to manhood in the vicin- ity of Rushville. He was raised a farmer and embraced all the advantages for learning that was possible in those early days. In the fall of 1848 he married Hulda Ann Teel (see sketch of James A. Teel in this book). After his marriaije he continued to live on the home farm. In 1853 he crossed the plains to California and engaged in mining. After an absence of fourteen months he returned via Isthmus of Panama and New York city. In 1854 he purchased eighty acres of his present farm and settled on same. In August, 1862, he en- listed in Company F, One Hundred and Niuteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served three years, going through many seri- ous battles, and was mustered out with the 490 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, rank of Corporal. After the war he resinned business on hi? farm and now owns 240 acr^ of land and follows stock-raising. Mr. and Mrs. Wood have seven children: William H., Ann Elizabeth Wilson, Mitchell C, Dora Josephine, John R., Calvin Mead and Ella Alice. Mr. Wood is a Republican in politics and has been honored with all the local offices and is a member of Cyclone Lodge, I. O. O. F. lACHARIAH HASH, a widely known and esteemed pioneer of Cass county, Illinois, now one of the most prosper- ous farmers of this section, residing in town- ship 19, range 9, was born in Green county, Kentucky, April 6, 1812. Became of a family of patriots and suc- cessful agriculturists, many of whom held re- sponsible positions, in the service of their country, and a few were noted hunters in pio- neer days, being unerring marksmen and skillful trappers. His parents were Philip and Sarah (Nance) Hash, both natives of Virginia, who emigrated with their parents to Kentucky in an early day, when they themselves were quite young. The paternal grandparents of the subject of this sketch were Thomas and Ruth (Sturgeon) Hash, also natives of the Old Dominion, who spent their last days in Kentucky. The grand- father was a brave and efficient soldier in the Revolutionary war. The Hash family were of English ancestry, while the Sturgeons were originally from Ireland. The maternal grandfather was Zachariali Nance. Grand- father Nance served all through the Revolu- tionary war, and was a distinguished soldier. He drew a pension for his services, drawing at one time as high as S700. Others of the family were distinguished soldiers in the old wars of this country, who sought to defend their land in her hour of need. The Nances were mostly mechanics, being skilled in their various callings, and all lived to an advanced age. Our subject's parents and paternal grandparents were pioneers in three different States, and were hardy and energetic men and women, inured to hardship and toil. His father was an extensive traveler in pioneer days throughout the frontier, and visited nearly every settlement in the West during the '30s. He was an old Andrew Jackson Democrat, and took an active interest in pio- neer politics. He was for forty years an effi- cient Justice of the Peace in this section of Illinois, discharging his duties with judg- ment and impartiality. He was born Janu- ary 31, 1790, and died August 5, 1849; his wife was born October 24, 1791, and died February 27, 1847. Both e.xpired in south- western Missouri, wliithei- they had removed from Illinois. They were the parents of fif- teen children, six or eight of whom now sur- vive, as far as knov.'u. Some of these are prominent men in Indiana. The subject of this sketch worked on his father's farm in Kentucky and Illinois until he was married. On account of the new- ness of the country and his busy life, his educational advantages were neglected, and he attended school for the first time when lie was twenty-one years of age. He is essen- tially a self-made man, and having inherited a good intellect and robust constitution, has applied himself with such persistency that he is now a well informed and progressive mat), interested in everything that pertains to the welfare of his county, and takes a prominent part in all movements tending to the advance- ment of the community. SCaUYLER A2iD BROWN COUNTIES. 491 When lie tirst came to this State it was M'ild and sparsely settled, game and wild fowl abounding in great profusion. lie lirst located on Government land a short distance from where he now lives, on which he erected a log cabin. He lived there only two or three years, when lie sold out and bought his present farm. He purchased 220 acres, which is now as tine a farm as can be found in Sangamon valley, or in the State. He paid twenty-five per cent interest on money with wliich he entered his land, but his in- dustry and careful management soon enabled liim to pay all indebtedness, and left him a comfortable income. He raises flourishincr crops, has erected a comfortable farm house, and has large barns for his grain and stock, and is numbered among the prosperous fann- ers of the county. He was first married, June 2f), 1834, to Miss Polly Dick, who was born in Kentucky, February 16, 1817, an intelligent and worthy lady, and a daughter of Peter and Christina (Shutt) Dick, well known and highly re- spected people. By this marriage there were seven children, two of whom survive: Peter, born May 19, 1853; and Martha, born January 11, 1856, who married John Plun- kett, a successful farmer, and they have five children. Two of our sul)ject's children were married before their death: Philip, who had a son and daughter; and Sarah J., married to Benjamin E. Bowman, left two children, one of whom, Orpha, was born November 14, 1872, and has been at the home of the snbject of this sketch ever since her birth. Mr. Hash's first wife died where he now lives, June 22, 1857, leaving her family and many friends to mourn her loss. On April 3, 1862, Mr. Hash was again married, chosing for his second wife Miss Bowman, an estimable lady, who was born in Rutherford county, Tennesssee, March 17, 1825, Her parents were Daniel anil Katie (Horn) Bowman, natives of Maryland and Tennessee, respectively. They were the par- ents of ten children, of whom, as far as known, only four are now living. The Bowmans were originally from Germany. Grandfather, Daniel Bowman, was an old Revolutionary soldier, and drew a liberal pension for his services. Most of Mrs. Hash's people are successful farmers. Mr. Hash, like all of his people before him, is an Andrew Jackson Democrat, and al- though not actively engaged in political mat- ters, takes an interest in all public affairs of importance. He is more of a home man, and his private affairs absorb most of his at- tention. He and his wife have been earnest and use- ful members of the Christian Church for many years. Whatever success in life has been obtained by Mr. Hash, is entirely due to his own ex- ertions; and many a poor young man, just starting in life, wonhl do well to read his history, and adopt the methods pursued by the subject of the sketch. These metlujds are unfailing, and are persistent industry and caretul economy, supplemented by intelli- gence and uprightness of character. ElARLES M. DUNLAP, who was for many years engaged in the lumber buusiness in Mt. Sterling, was born in Lexington, Fayette county, Kentucky, in 1836. His father. Rev Latin W. Dunlap was bora in Xew Jersey and went from there to Kentucky when quite young. He was converted in his youthful days and joined the Baptist Church, but later ideiitideJ himself with tlie Pres- 492 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, byterian Chureli. He came to Illinois in 1837, landing at La Grange and then located in Mt. Sterling, and here orcranized the tirst Presbyterian Church in the county and was its pastor for many years. He was a resident of this place almost continuously from 1837 until he died in 1889, aged eighty-seven years. His wife's name was Rebecca M. Bell, born in Lexington, Kentucky, and died at the age of lifty-four. Charles Dunlap was but one year old when he came to Mt. Sterling with his parents. lie received his education in the pulilic schools of this city, and when he had reached manhood's estate he engaged in the lumber business and so continued for twenty years. For about fifteen years of this time he was connected with F. W. Rottger. In 18 — he sold out his lumberyard to his partner and moved to the farm which he now occupies. This contains 400 acres, located one and one half miles east of the courthouse. The build- ings which he has erected compare favoralily with the best in tiie county. For his wife he married Helen McCreery, liorn in Rushville, Schuyler county, daughter of James and Hannah McCreery. Mr. and Mrs. Dunlap have four children: Helen, George, Latin and Annie. lie is a Demo- crat and a member of Unity Lodge, I. O. O. F. INGLETON G. WRIGHT is numbered among the honored pioneers who have |iassed away. He was born in Hardin county, Kentucky, January 12, 1816, and died in Huntsville township, February 24, 1886. He has four brotlmrs, Richard, James, Edmund and William. He came to Illinois on horseback in 1836 and when he arrived in Schuyler county his saddle horse constituted his entire property. He worked as a farm hand for Williau) McKee, near Rushville, and while thus engaged made the acquaintance of Sarah E. Graham, who afterward became liis wife. She was born in Kentucky, a daughter of Fergus and Martha (Tyree) Graham, who settled in Schuyler county in an early day. About two years later Mr. Wright settled on section 17, Huntsville, where he purchased 320 acres of land. He was industrious and observed due economy, and thus soon paid for his land and had money to loan. He carried on stock-raising in addition to his farming. He was an active man until 1880, when he was taken sick with softening of the brain, which caused his death six years later. He was a Democrat in politics and a warm friend of public schools, being elected as School Trustee several terms. He donated the land occupied by the schoolhouse in the district. Mrs. Wright still survives her husband and still resides on the old homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Wright had four children: Frances, the wife of William Wood, Jr. ; Martha and Columbia, who carry on the home farm; and Alice, the wife of R. Ackley. When Mr. Wright's health failed the work of carrying on the farm devolved on his two daughters, Martha and Columbia, as did the other business. These two girls have carried on the work of the farm successfully, not only superintending the work but also doing much of the outdoor labor themselves. When their father died the two girls pur- chased the interest of the others and now owr, the farm with the exception of their mother's dowi-y. Martha attended college at Abingdon, Illinois, and taught school for thirteen terms. She was a close student, SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 493 rising at four iu the morning in urder to study. She is very systematic in ail her worli. The two are always willing to exert their influence for the Democratic party. ,, ILLIAM P. GAUT, the subject of \\ this notice, was born in Jefferson i'"^i>STi county, Tennessee, April 16, 1862. His father was Robert Gaut, born in the same place, in 1800, and his father, the grandfather of our subject, was George Gaut, born in Pennsylvania, who went to Tennes- see when a young man. This family is of Huguenot origin. He had by one wife thir- teen children, of wliom ten grew to adult age. One of these, James Gaut, lived to the age of ninety-seven years, and the average of these ten were over eighty, and the onp still living, George Gaut, is on thp ojd home farm. The father of our present subject was reared to farm life and has good common schooling. He married Mary P. Woods in Tennessee, who was born there in 1799. She was of a family of ten children: James, Mary P., Lutetia, John C, Martha J., W. P., E. Flora, Mary E., Sarah P. and Julia Ann M., the last two twins. Some of these cl(ildren died in infancy. Of the six that came to ^dult age, five are still living. The mother of this family died in her forty-seventh year and the father lived nineteen years a widower. He died in 1864, in big sixty- fifth year, still mourning his wife. William P. Gaut is a photographer. At the age pf spventeen years he went to work in a blast furnace in Monroe county where he was reared and at this place he worked for six years at low wages. He had the promise of $20 a month, but at that time fifty cents a day was average wages 88 when six cords of wood, pine and chestnut, could be bought for a dollar. He next went to Work at the trade of carpenter and mill- wright and for six years this claimed his at- tention. From 1861 to 1886 he became a photographer, and he worked at this through Knoxville, Tennessee, and New Orleans. Our subject was married in Versailles, in 1866, to Miss Elizabeth E. Reily, of Davidson county, North Carolina, who was born there December 21, 1840. She was the daughter of Solomon and Polly (Williams) Reily, both natives of North Carolina. She came to Illinois in 1850 with her mother, in a cov- ered wagon, emigrant style, and were four weeks making the trip. They camped out all but two nights, when the weather was stormy. She was an only child and lived with her mother until her marriage. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Gaut lived in Mount Sterling lor a few mouths and then moved to Marietta, Georgia, where they remained about nint; years when they re- turned to Mount Sterling and Mr. Gaut con- tinued the old business which he had started during the war. They bought their present farm of 611 acres, all bottom land except eighty acres, where they reside on the Bluffs, paying §8,000 for it. They have buried two sons and two daughters, all in infancy, but have four of the finest boys left that can be found in the township. R. Eugene is twen- ty-one, James' B. is nineteen, Charles W. is fourteen and George Lea is a bright lad of ten years. All are at home in the sense of not having thought of any separate home; Eugene is attending college at the State Uni- versity at Champaign; and James B. is fol- lowing his fancy by learning the carpenter's trade. Mr. Gaut tnakes a special crop of his corn, and raises many hogs. He has his hill land 494 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, for afniit farm and has it planted mostly in apples and peaches. The native products of uplands are pawpaws and of the bottoms are pecans. He expects his land to yield from fifty to 100 bushels of corn to the acre. Mr. Gaut is an ancient Odd Fellow and is a Royal Arch Mason and is a Democrat in politics. He was in the Confederate army from 1861 to 1863, and although he was not wounded he lost his health. He was made a prisoner at Knoxville. He has voted for every President since 1861 and has been active in his party. The ao-ed mother of Mr. Gaut lives with liiiri and is strong and vigorous still. J^ILLIAM H. McCREERY is a resi- 1 dentof Huntsville township, residing t>=^l on section 6, having settled here in 1834. His father, William McCreery, was born in Gnlpeper county, Virginia, March 1; 1802, being a son of John McCreery, who was also a native of Virginia and a planter. He married Sarah Rousseau, of French an- cestry. William McCreery, Sr., was reared on a farm and when seven years of age, the family removed to Kentucky, where he grew to manhood in Pulaski county. Here he entered the ministry of the Methodist Epis- copal Church as an itinerant preacher. His work was in Kentucky and Tennessee. In 1827 he preached in Orange county, In- diana. From there, in 1829, he went to Mis- souri and stayed for a few years, and an account of his work in this State may be found at length in Dr. McNally's History of Method- ism in Missouri. In 1832, in Cape Girar- deau county, Missouri, he married Harriet E. Long, and two years later they came to Rnshville, Schuyler county, Illinois. The next year they settled on section 6, Hunts- ville township, where Mr. McCreery had purchased a claim August, 1834, and here he resided until his death, November 2, 1884. He was a local preacher and was assigned a circuit in 1848, the Columbus circuit, Adams county. He continued his religions work until within a few weeks of his death. His wife died two days before her husband. He died within two hours after returning from her funeral. Mr. McCreery was a good man and was greatly opposed to slavery, refusing to receive any portion of them from his fath- er's estate. He was an ardent Whig and Re- publican in politics. They had thirteen children, nine of whom grew up to manhood, namely: James N. and John F., twins: the former was drowned in the Missouri river while working on the bridge at Kansas City; the latter died in Taylor county, Iowa; Wil- liam H.; Sarah married Robert Ellis and re- sides at Saline county, Misspuri; Eliza mar- ried William Kirk- and resides in Lincoln county, Washington; Benjamin B. is a mer- chant and resides in Augusta, Illinois; Henry C. is also a merchant and resides in Illinois; Edward M. resides in Henry county, and Mary married to Quincy Allphin and residing near Andover, Kansas. Our subject was born in Cape Griardeau county, Missouri, June, 1834, and was only six months old when the family settled in Illinois. He was reared on the farm and at- tended the country schools two or three miles distant from his iiome until he was twenty- one. He then'actended Rode River seminary one year. He then rented a farm from his father and in 1863 settled where he now re- sides, and in 1868 became the owner of 160 acres of land. He jiow owns 333 acres of land and follows stock-raising. He is a good Republican and has always supported the SCBUTLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 495 straicflit ticket. He is interested in ;ill matters tending to improve ttie welfare of tiie connty or township. He has run for several of the local offices, but, owing to the Republican party being in the niinoritj, he has been de- feated. He is a charter menil)er of the Hunts- ville Lodge, No. 465, A. F. and A. M., and has been Master of the same lodge. He was married in 1881 to liachel Baxter, daucpjiter of James and Eiizabetii (Cooper) Baxter of Ohio. The Baxter family came to Schuyler county in June, 1857. and settled in Huntsvilie. Mr. and Mrs. McCreery have had ten children, six grown up, namely: Will- iam Morris, tor fourteen montiis in the cen- sus office at Washington, is now in Augusta, Illinois; Frank M. and Fred H., twins, the former at home and the latter dealing in im- plements in Augusta, Illinois; Harry, Ralpl^ and Mary are at home. Mr. and Mrs. Mc- Creery are members of the Methodist Episco- pal Church, in which they are earnest work- ers. •^1 IDWARD HAGENER, one of the firm of Hagener & Schuman, dc-^lers in wines and liquors, located at the corner of State and Main streets, Beardsfown, was born here in 1855, and was reared and educated in this same city, s^nd he has always resided here. He is the youngprof three sons, all of whom are excellent business men. Their father, William Hivgener, now deceased, was for m^n^' years prominent in the history of Bea^•dstpwn. He was a man liked and re- spected by every one. He was a Republican ill politics, and a member of the Lutheran Church. His wife yet living, aged seventy- three years, is one of the best old ladies in the city. Mr. Hagener established a wood and coal yard in 1877. He also dealt in farm imple- ments, and also managed a farm for some time in Hitchcock county, Nebraska, and spent some time in Colorado and California. His present business was established in Feb- ruary, 1890. He was married in this city first to Miss Carrie Nieman. She was born in this city, and died at her home in this city, wiien only twenty-three years of age. She left one child, John, now a clerk for his grandfather, Fred Nieman. ^Ir. Hagener Wc.s married a second time, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Miss Mollie Harmon, January 29, 1889. She was born and reared in Astoria, and she is aji excellent housekeeper and the mother of two children, Qeorge E. and I'earl. Mr. and Mrs. Hagener attend the Lutheran Church, and Mr. Hagener is a member of the I. O. O. F., Arch Lodge, No. 16. It it? an old and very strong lodge. He has been a public^spirited man, and a worker for everything of value for his city and county. He takes no par- ticular part in politics, but votes the Repub- lican ticket. fOSEPH J. SMITH, of section 8, Pea Ridge township, is a native of North Carolina, having been born in that State, Chatham county, February 25, 1843. His father, Rellifl" Smith, was also born in the same county, December 4, 1810, being a son of Jonah and Patsy Smith. He married Nancy Dorsett, came to Illinois in 1851, and settling in North East township, Adams county, where he purchased land, becoming the owner of 180 acres of good land. He later removed to a farm near Clayton, and resided there until 1890; then as he had sold 496 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, his farm to our subject, lie began to make his home with his son, and has continued witli him ever since. Ilis wife died in 1875. They had tliree children. Joseph was reared on a Itirm, and resided at homo until he grew to manhood. He was married in the fall of 1861, to Elizabeth May, daughter of Benjamin May. She was a native of North Carolina. Mr. May and his wife, Mary (Harris) May, were natives of the same State as their daughter, Mrs. Smith. They came to Illinois in the fall of 18-16, settlinor, tir.-t in Mt. Sterling, where the father rented land for three years. He then removed to Tea llido;e township, where he lirst rented land and then purchased ninety acres in sec- tion 16, which was partially improved. Here he has since resided, becoming the owner of 280 acres of land. He still owns 150 acres. He dates his birth back to 1818. He had ten children, eight of whom gi'ew np. Josepli resided at home after his marriage until the death of his mother. In the fall of 1889, he removed to Brown county, and pur- chased his present farm of 159 acres of land, fifteen acres of this is planted with as fine an orchard as is in this part of the State. This farm is a very good one in every way, as it ought to be, as Mr. Smith has always followed farming, and so ought to know liow to de- velop his land. He deals largely in the cult- ure of small fruits and has been very suc- cessful with them. Mr. Smith's father was a blacksmith by trade, and pursued his trade in his native State. This work had no attraction for Jo- seph, however, and so he turned his atten- tion to farming, with very satisfactory re- sults, as his nice farm with the two sets of farm buildings testifies. Ml-, and Mrs. Smith have no children. Mr. Smith is a Republican, but like his father before him he has refused any office. He and his wife are members of the Presbytei-ian Church, of Clayton. They are very estima- ble people, and enjoy the respect of the whole community. flOIIN BAITJAN, deceased, who died at , his home at Beardstown, July 4, 1889, at the age of sixty-nine years, was born in Siegbei-g, Germany, April 6, 1820. He came of pure German stock and had grown up to the trade of stone and brick mason. He left Antwerp with two of his fellow towns- men, AVilliain and Philip Frisbaugh, in the spring of 1849. They landed in New Orleans and came up the river in one of the old river boats to St. Louis. The cholera was raging there at this time and he came on to Arenz- ville, Cass county, Illinois, and was engaged there for some years at iiis trade of making brick, building several houses at that place. He then lived one year on a farm three miles from xVrenzville, and in 1856 came to Beards- town and made this place his home until his death. He followed his trade and later he with Philip Frisbaugh, put up a sawmill and ran it two years. After that, with John Schultz, he j)urchased the gristmill at this place under tlie tirm name of Baujan & Schultz. They did a very large and success- ful business here. At his death the mill in- terest went to his two sons, Louis and Edward. Mr. Baujan was a good, upright man and one of the city's best and most successful citizens. He was a Democrat in politics and a Roman Catholic in religion. He was an Alderman of Beardstown city and served in that capacity in a faithful manner. He was married in 1852, to Catharine Yock of Wiirtembui-g, Germany, born September 8GHUTLEB AND BROWN COUNTIEH. 497 10, 1828. She was the daugliter of Jacob and Christina (Trouth) Yock, who lived and died at Wiirtemburg. They were members of the Lutheran Church and were worthy, hard- working people. Mrs. Baujan came of a large family, who now reside here. She has been a true, good wife and mother, and is a much respected lady of this county and a most con- sistent member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. and Mrs. Baujan had eight children, one, Philipena,died young. Those living are: John of the grocery firm of Baujan Brothers, on Fourtii street, this city; Kosa, wile of John Schultz, a miller of this city; Henry, who is a liveryman and blacksmith; Kate, wife of Charles Rupple, with his father, Henry Rup- ple, in the shoe business; Louis and Edward, of the firm of Baujan Brothers, millers; and Otto, of the firm of Baujan Brothers, grocery merciiants. fAMES L. DE WITT, a son of the Kev. James De Witt, whose biography ap- pears on another page of this history, was born in Rushville township, Schuyler county, Illinois, April 30, 1845. He remained at home and led the life which usually falls to the pioneer farmer's son, until twenty-five years of age, when he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah F. Ross, who was born in this township and county, October 6, 1850. Her parents, Talbart and Catharine (Snyder) Ross, were natives of Kentucky and Virginia respectively. The father emigrated to Illi- nois about the year 1830, and died here at the age of forty-five years; he purchased land and left one of the finest farms in this locality. His wife was a native of the Shen- andoah valley, and died in Adams county, Illinois, at the age of fifty-si.\ years. They had born to them a family of nine children, eight of whom are living. In his political opinions Mr. Ross attiliated with the Demo- cratic party until 1844; he then united with the Whigs, to whom he gave his support un- til 1856; he then cast his suffrage with the Republican party. He and his wife belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and were members of the Rev. James De Witt's con- gregation, in Littleton township; they were zealous workers in the Sabbath-school, and were among tiie pioneers in establishing and keeping up organizations. Mr. De Witt has been a citizen of this community all his life. He has represented the people in the various local otfices; has been town Clerk. Justice of the Peace, and Collector, rendering entire satisfaction in his methods of conducting the business of these offices; it should not be omitted that he has filled the position of Supervisor three terras, giving the same faithful service that has characterized his transaction of business, both public and private. Mr. and Mrs. De Witt are the parents of two children: Jessie R. was born February 26, 1875; Clyde L. was born January 1, 1882. laci'HOMAS J. CH ALFANT, a well-known and influential citizen of Beardstown Illinois, was born in West Virginia in 1823. His parents, William and Helen (Adams) Chalfant, were natives of Pennsyl- vania. Here they were reared and were married, after which they moved into West Virginia, and Mr. Chalfant followed his trade of ship carpenter until his death, which occurred when he was sixty-five years old. His wife had died previously, in 1832, leaving six children, three of whom are yet living. 498 BIOGRAPHICAL BE VIEW OF CASS, Thomas Clmlfant is the only one of the fiuiiily ill this State. He came to the State when but twelve years of age, with a family by the name of Clark. He had lived with tills family after tiie death of liis mother. He assisted in farming until he was tweuty- fonr, and then learned the trade of machine carpenter and pattern-maker, and after learn- in"- was three years in a foundry. At last be went to work on his own account, and started to makinji; wagons. For years he made a greater number of the wagons than were made in the whole surrounding country, but in time he was obliged to give way to the larger manufactories, and he then did repair- ing until six years ago, when he turned the business over to his son Walter, who now cari-ies on the Imsiness with his partnei', Mr. Doesser. Mr. Ohalfant has lived in the town of Beardstown so long that he has seen it change from a wilderness to the growing, prosperous place it now is. He has lived here ever since coining to the State, with the exception of a trip lie took in 1859. He started in that year for Pike's Peak, but be- camediscouraged and returned home. Beards- town was the chief t6wn for conveying goods from St. Louis to. inland places, and oxen were used to draw tiie wagons from one place to the other, and this slow and laborious mode of travel was continued some time after Mr. Ohalfant came to the State. He was married in Beardstown, to Miss Anna E. Norton, of Wheeling, West Vir- ginia, and the daughter of Thomas P. Nor- ton, a worthy pioneer of Hlinois. He started tlie first store and hardware shop of Beards- town. Two of their children are deceased. Their living children are: Helen, now Mrs. David B. Tread way, of Butler county, Ne- braska; Matilda, now Mrs. William Banner, of Kansas; Walter S., who carries on his father's old business, married Louisa Looken, and resides in Beardstown; Gertrude, now Mrs. James McClure; Anna, now Mrs. Edwin Stribbs, of Beardstown. Mr. Ohalfant is one of Beardstown's most honored and respected men. He has worked his way up from a poor boy to the position he now enjoys. He has retired from busi- ness, and is now reaping tJie benefits of his years of toil and labor. fEPTHA PLASTER., an esteemed pioneer of Oass county, Illinois, for four years Associate Justice, and a prominent citi- zen of Chandlerville, was born in Robinson county, Tennessee, March 19, 1827. His parents, Thomas and Elizabeth (Batts) Plaster, were also natives of Tennessee, the families on both sides being prominent in the State, many members holding responsible public offices. Thomas and Mary Plaster, the paternal grandparents, were natives of North Carolina, who accompanied their son to Hlinois in an early day. The grandfather was a devout and able Baptist minister, who, besides successfully conducting a farm, preached throughout Cass and adjacent counties, doing much good in the dissemina- tion of moral and religions knowledge. No opportunity escaped him of enlightening the people in regard to their obligations, and urging upon them a conscientious fulfillment of tlieir duties. On one occasion, when the subject of this sketch and his grandfather were on their way to the mill, the old gentle- man, seeing a gi-oup of people, addressed them in an impressive discourse, after which he and his grandson resumed their journey. The grandparents lived to a very old age, and were the recipients of wide-spread and uni- SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 499 versal esteem. The maternal grandparents, Jeremiah Batts and wife, were life-long and respected residents of Tennessee, where they died at an advanced age greatly mourned by a large circle of friends. The father of the sub- ject of this sketch grew to manhood in his native State of Tennessee, and was there mar- ried. A few years after marriage, in the spring of 1828, leaving his family in Ten- nessee, he came alone to Illinois, and located Government land. In the fall of the same year, he returned after his family, who, with his parents, accompanied him on liis removal to tlie Prairie State. The journey was made overland with an ox team and cart, several weeks being consumed on the way. Once, their cart broke down, and they were obliged to trade a horse for a wagon with which to proceed. On their arrival in Illinois, the grandfather settled on Government land in Morgan county, which then embraced what is now Cass county, the latter having been formed out of Morgan county territory in 1835. The father continued to live on rented land for a year or two, when he removed to his own farm. For twelve or fourteen years, he and his family occupied a little log cabin. This was subsequently replaced by a better log and frame house, which, in 1853, gave place to a substantial farm residence. His father purchased all his early supplies in Beardstown, which then boasted of but one log store. The country abounded in wild game, such as deer, squirrel, rabbit, tur- key, prairie chicken, etc., which, supple- mented by the products of the farm, formed the diet of the frontiersman. Thus, industri- ously and happily, the parents passed their lives on the old homestead, which they had reclaimed from the wilderness. It was in this home, made sacred by many ties, that the beloved mother expired at the age of fifty-five years. The father survived her but a short time, dying in 1858, aged fifty-six, as if unable to endure separation from his life-long companion. This worthy couple had nine children, three of whom survive: the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Richard M. Johnson, living in Chandlerville precinct, Cass county, Illinois; and Mrs. Elizabeth Layman, residing in Lincoln, Logan county, same State. Jeptha Blaster, whose name heads this memoir, spent his early days on the old hom.estead, and received his education at a subscription school and from private instruc- tion at his teachers home. In those days, it was customary for the teacher to board ai-ound in the various families of the neighborhood, each person subscribing toward the support of the school, according to the number of children sent. Our subject's father agreed to send two pupils, but usually sent and paid for three. When twenty- one years of age, Mr. Blaster rented land from his father, which he farmed until 1852, at which time, induced by the gold excitement in California, he went over- land to that State, where he spent a year and a half prospecting and mining. He then returned to his old home, and worked on his father's farm. On October 14, 1858, he married Miss Elizalteth Johnson, an estimable lady, and a- native of Morgan, now Cass, county, where she was born March 15, 1838. She was a daughter of John and Rosanna (Adkins) Johnson, both natives of Tennessee, who were early settlers and esteemed residents of this section of Illinois. Mr. Blaster continued to fellow agricultural pursuits until 1880, when he bought his valuable city property, on which he erected his present comfortable residence, and retired 500 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, from farm life. His father left at his death about 1,000 acres of land, of which Mr. Plas- ter now owns about 600 acres, a good share of which he bought. Coniintr of a family of lifetime Democrats, Mr. Plaster has followed in their footsteps, casting his first vote in 1848 for Lewis Cass and William O. Butler for president and vice-president. His constituents have em- phasized their appreciation of his abilty and worth by electing hiu) Associated Justice of Cass county in 1869. He is also a member of the School Board, his election to the latter position having been non-partisan atid un- sought, although he appreciates the honor. Such unanimous endorsement of Judge Plaster's worth renders further remarks on the subject not only unnecessary but imper- tinent. He has brought to his office a varied and extended experience, unusual acumen, and sustained powers of thought and reason as well as a reputation above reproach, to- gether with a kindly disposition, which can sympathize while condemning, thus winning the hearts of his fellow-men. ^APTAIN ROBERT E. WILLIAMS, Postmaster and druggist, of Camden, has been one of the most prominent of "its residents since 1850. He was born in Montgomery county, Kentucky, April 14, 1829, being a son of Robert P. and Christina A. (Urquhart) Williams, both natives of Kentucky. The family came to Illinois in 1830, and first settled in Hancock county, but soon removed to (Juincy. Robert Will- iams was a lawyer and practiced law the re- mainder of his life at Quincy. He died in 1840. He was an ardent Whig, and hehl local ofKces. He was also a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, being an earnest worker. When he died he was only thirty- five years old. His wife died in 1833, aged thirty years. They had three children, of whom Robert is the only surviving member. The father of Robert P. was John, and he married Amelia Gill. They came to Illinois, and died in Pike county. They had a large family of twelve children which they raised. They were widely known and respected. Robert E. received a fair education, and then clerked in several stores until he came to Schuyler county in 1850 and engaged in farming, in Birmingham township, where he purchased 340 acres of land. Three years later he removed to Rushville and engaged in saddlery and harness, continuing in the same nearly twenty years, and was also en- gaged in the drug trade. In 1879 he came to Camden, and has since represented the drug trade in Camden. In the time of his country's need he enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Illinois Volunteers, going as Captain. They were stationed at Memphis. Captain Williams raised this company and served 100 days, the time of the enlistment. On his return he assisted in raising Company K, One Hundred and Fifty-first Illinois Vol- unteer Infantry, of which he was made First Lieutenant. They were ordered to Nashville, and from there to join Sherman in Georgia, at Columbus. Here the company was mus- tered out of service. In the cyclone of 1887 Mr. Williams lost his building and a fine stock of goods. He was caught up aTid lodged in the branches of an apple tree, some distance from where he was. He was married in 1851, to Mary E. Baker, born in Missouri, a daughter of George Baker. She died in Rushville in 1877, leaving one SCHUYLER AJS^D BROWN COUNTIES. 501 son, Emory, now with bis father. In 1879 Captain Williams was married to Nanej Allen, who was born in Ohio. They have two children, Ellen M. and Myrtle A. He is a Republican in politics, and has been one since the formation of the party, and has held the position of Postmaster since 1880, with the exception of about ten montiis during the Cleveland administration. He is a member of Riishville Lodge, No. 9, A. F. & A. M., and Royal Arch and Chapter, at the same place, fie was Master of the lodge two terms, and has held many of the minor offices. He is now Secretary of the lodge. He and his wife are worthy members of society, and are highly esteemed by all who know them. (EORGE EDWARD SNYDER, a prominent farmer and respected citizen of section 15, Buena Vista township, Schuyler county, Illinois, was born in the same section on which he now resides, the date of which event was October 7, 1836. His parents were Jacob and Margaret (Hughes) Snyder, natives of Virginia, who located in Schuyler county, Octobers, 1835. His father ■was born August 9, 1798, and died Septem- ber 28, 1865, aged sixty- seven years. His mother was born March 23, 1798, and died November 7, 1849, aged tifty-one years. She was a woman of many admirable traits of character, much beloved, and lamented by her family and friends. His parents were married February 10, 1822, and located in Schuyler county, Illinois, October 5, 1835. They had four children: John W., born in Frederick county, Virginia, June 4, 1823; James W., born June 14, 1830, now residing on a farm near Hamilton, Illinois; Joseph W., born July 9, 1833, resides in Littleton town- ship, same State; and the subject of our sketch. Our subject was reared on a farm, and at- tended the district schools. He lived at home and assisted on the farm, until he was mar- ried, on October 25, 1859, after which he farmed for himself. He married Margaret McCreary, daughter of Robert and Fannie McCreary. After his marriage, he rented land in Buena Vista township, on which he remained for two years, and then purchased 320 acres in Huntsville township, where he lived until the death of his father, in 1865, when he sold his farm and returned to the old homestead, where he has since resided. He owns 162 acres of land and has good improve- ments. Besides agriculture, be deals largely in live-stock, in which he is very successful. His wife died March 16, 1877. She was a woman of ability and was tuuch lamented by her family and friends. She left si.x children: Roland M., who was born September 9, 1862, now a farmer of Buena Vista township; Charles died at the age of seven years, four months and twenty-seven days; Florence was born April 10, 1867, and married P. Bartlow, now residing in Littleton township; Fannie was born August 8, 1870; Dwight C. was born May 27, 1874; and Carl C. was born September 14, 1876. Our subject married a second time Sep- tember 26, 1877, his choice being Mrs. Eva Ann Boyles, nee Krieole. She was born in Clarion county, Pennsylvania, March 16, 1845. Her parents were David and Mary Krieole, both natives of Pennsylvania, who re- moved to Ohio about 1846, locating in Benton county. Here their daughter, Eva Ann, married John H. Boyles, October 6, 1861, who in 1869 removed to Illinois, locating in Augusta, Hancock county, later removing to 503 BIOORAPBIOAL REVIEW OF CASS, Scbnyler county, where he died September 19, 1873. He was a soldier in the Civil war, a member of Company D, Ninetieth Ohio, and served for tiiree years, dying from the ef- fects of disease contracted during his service. He left live children: Mary E., born Novem- ber 2, 1862, who died aged sixteen years and three months; Martha Ann, wife of William Krieole, resides in Maeomb, Illinois; Nora J. was born April 9, 18(58, and died in 1873; Daniel H. was born March 12, 1870, now re- siding in Littleton township; Viola M. was born December 16, 1872, and died in May, 1«74. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder liave two children: Lee Edwin, who was born January 29, 1878, and Eva Lena, born June 22, 1882. Politically, Mr. Snyder aiBliates with the DcMuocratic party, and has l»een honored by his constituents by an election to a member- ship of the School Board, in which capacity he has served for twenty-one years, and has also served as Koad Commissioner for a period of three years. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which they are respected members. Upriglit in his dealinirs, of high morality, and great industry, he has accumulated a comfortable supply of this world's goods, and what is best of all, enjoys in addition thereto the hearty good-will of his fellow citizens. fOHN P. MURPHY, of the firm of Murphy & Co., proprietors of the Cam- den Koller Mills, at Camden, Illinois, has been a resident of Schuyler county since 1886, born in East Tennessee, August 18, 1833. being a son of William L. and Matilda (Hill) Murphy, natives of Virginia and North Carolina. William's father was a na- tive of Scotland and came to the United States, settling in Virginia. He was a mer- chant of Richmond, Virginia. William, born in 1805, went to Sullivan county, Ten- nessee, when a young man, and there mar- ried, and still resides there, a farmer. His wife is deceased. They had nine children: Preston W., John, Robert E., William B., David W., James J., Martha Josephine, Mary and Caroline. John was reared on a farm and received a limited education. AVhen he grew up he learned the trade of a blacksmith. When the war l^roke out he was exempted from serving, although he was conscripted. He worked for the Confederate Governinent at his trade at Knoxvilie. When Burnside captured the city John remained with the Union forces. In March, 1864, he engaged as engineer in a mill. In 1868 he returned to East Tennessee and worked as engineer for four years. In 1872, he returned to Brown county and continued his trade until 1886, when he came to Camden and pur- chased the Camden Roller Mills. He made many improvements, putting in the newest machinery, and has made it one of the finest mills of its kind in the vicinity. He has a flour, feed and exchange at Mount Sterling. He was married to Flora Gault, who was born in East Tennessee, a daughter of Robert Gault. She had one child, deceased. She died at Knoxvilie, Tennessee. Mr. Murphy was married at Mount Sterling, toMivina M. Black, daughter of Judge Samuel Black. He is a Democrat in politics, but takes very little interest in such matters. Mr. and Mrs. Murphy are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Murphy is a mem- ber of the Hardin Lodge, A. F. & A. M., No. 44, and also Chaplain of the R. A. M., SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 503 at Mouut Sterling, of which he was a promi- nent member for many years. He is also a member of Unity Lodge, No. 310, I. O. O. F., and has passed all the chairs in the 4^ ^m ^ |EV. WILLIAM WEIGAND in charge of St. Alexi.s' Catholic Church, Beards- town, was l)orn in Zanesville, Ohio, April 12, 1852. He was reared in Brown county, Illinois, where his parents moved when he was a child. His parents were John and Elizabeth (Leisen) Weigand, natives of Hesse- Darmstadt, Germany. Tlie father was a soldier in the regular German army and he came to the United States after his discliarge and married his wife in Baltimore, where she had lived after coming to America with her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Weigand settled in Philadelphia and afterward moved to Zanes- ville, Oiiio, and from there to Brown county, Illinois, in 1864, and settled on a farm. Farming was the vocation of Mr. Weigand. He died soon after coming to Illinois when he was fifty-four years of age. His wife is still living, aged seventy-six years, and is the housekeeper for her son, the subject of this notice. She has eight children, forty- eight grandchildren and twenty-two great- grandchildren. The entire family are good Catholics and are successful in whatever pro- fession they have adopted, making hosts of friends. Mr Weigand was thirteen years old when he was sent to St. Francis College, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Later he was sent to St. Joseph College and finished his course at a college in Ohio. The church at Beardstown is the first charge he has had since he graduated in the spring of 1878. He was ordained by the Right Rev. Father P. J. Baiters, now de- ceased, then of Alton, Illinois. The church has grown under Father Weigand in a won- derful degree. When he came there four- teen years ago he found the church bending under the weight of a heavy debt. He has not only cleared off the debt, but has recently finished a new church euitice that is one of tlie finest buildings in the county. The cor- ner stone was laid July 7, 1889. It is of brick and all the appointments, both inside and out, are of the most beautiful design. The altar furnishings are in keeping with the general tone of tlie whole l)uilding, and the whole taken together far surjiasses any of the buildings used for religious purposes in Beardstown. The history of the church dates back to the '40s, when a priest from Quincy, Illinois, came to start the church in Beardstown. He built and added to the edifice. There are now about 100 heads of families in the church and it is in a growing condition, although the railroad strike of 1887 caused a decrease of twenty-five families. Father Weigand is a worker and is a man greatly be- loved by all his people, having studied their wants. He has charge of the parish at Arenzville. He had a parish school at Beardstown for a time, under his supervision. Father Weigand is a man of true Catholic spirit. HRISTIAN BROCKSCHMIHT, a It", general farmer and stock raiser in Beardstown precinct, was born in Washington county, Illinois, January 80, 1852. His father's name was Henry, who was a native of Hanover, Germany, grew up 504 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OP CASS, a blacksmith and came to the United States iu 1828. Lie settk^d in St. Louis, Missouri, and later his father and stepmother, through his help, also came to America. After Henrj came to this country he worked with the Eagle foundry of St. Louis, but losing his healtii he settled with his family on a farm in Washington county, Illinois. His wife died some years later and he afterward went hack to St. Louis and spent his last years there, dying in 1877 at the age of sixty- three years. He was a skilled mechanic, an active citizen and a worthy member of the Lutheran Church. He was a Democrat in politics. His wife was named Katharina Helmick, a native of Prussia, who came to St. Louis when a young girl. She was a mother of nine children and died in 1866, at the age of fifty-seven. She was a good, kind woman and a member of the Lutheran Cliurch. Christian is the youngest of a family of nine. He came here from St. Louis, where he had lived since he was fourteen years. He had been engaged as a teamster for many years. He came to Cass county, February 1880, first rented his land and then pur- chased his present farm, August 12, 1890. It consists of 244 acres in what is known as bottom lands, and 120 acres are under the plow. Tiiis is considered a tine piece of tanning land and is located in township 19, range 11. He was married in St. Louis, Missouri, to Louisa Shave, who was born in Prussia in 1850 and came to the United States when fourteen years old, located at St. Louis, Mis- souri, where her father, William died in 1877. He was thrice married. His first wife, the mother of Mrs. B., died in Germany when the latter was very young. Mr. and Mrs. B. have three children: Ida E., Fred W. at home, and Minnie, deceased. They are members of the Sixth Street Lutheran Church. He is a Republican. They are excellent people and highly respected. -^^lican, being always prominent in poli- tics. His father, also Peter Brumback, was a German and came to the United States when sixteen years of age. He served seven years in the Revolutionary war, being present at the surrender of Cornwallis. His brother, John, also came to America. The two were sons of a ship-builder in Germany. Mr. Peter Brumback, Jr., was an earnest mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church. William was reared on a far:n and tilled the soil until 1881, when he engaged in SCHVTLfSR AND BROWN COUNTIES. 505 mercantile business and still continues it. lie is a stanch Republican in politics. The a])pointrnent of Postmaster was conferred on him during Arthur's administration and he served nearly live years. In 1889 he was again appointed and now holds the office. He is also a Notary Public. He was married, July 8, 1889, to Mary E., daughter of Budley and Nancy Overstreet. She was born in Huntsville. Mr. Brum, back is a member of Huntsville Lodge, No. 465, A. F. & A. M. Mr. and Mrs. Brum- back are highly esteemed citizens of Hunts- ville. 'T^^ILLIAM HALE, au honored pioneer ■;AM]| of Schuyler county, Illinois, who has l*=^ffr5 contributed materially to the phe- nomenal advanceaient and prosperity of this section by his superior e.xecutive ability, unremitting energy ami progressive dis- position, enjoys a well-earned repose in retire- ment at Rushville. He is a native of New Madrid county, Missouri, where he was born May 18, 1833. His parents were James and Charlotte (Briggs) Hale, the former a native of Georgia and the latter of Vermont. Joshua Hale, paternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was also a native of Georgia, wliile his father was a native of England, who emigrated to this country at a very early day, and located in the South. Joshua Hale moved to Missouri previous to the war of 1812, and was one of the pioneers of that territory, which at that time included a very large area, out of which many States have been formed, but which was then the frontier of civiliza- tion. Joshua Hale was a farmer by occupa- tion and secured a large tract of Government land in this new and fertile territory, but spent the last years of his life in New Mad- rid. James Hale was but a child when his parents removed to Missouri, where he was reared, educated and married, his wife being a lady of superior attainments and culture. She was a daucrliter of Asa Briggs, a brave and efficient soldier of the Revolutionary war; and widow of John Smith. In 1837, the family, consisting of father, mother and ten children, removed to Illinois. Here, al- though laud could then be purchased for fl.25 an acre, ttie father, on account of limited means, was obliged to rent a farm for a few years. By industry and economy, he accumulated in time sufficient means to pur- chase a farm, and bought some choice agri- cultural land in Buena Vista township, on which he and his family located. This he as- siduously cultivated and made on it many valuable improvements, continuing to reside there until his death, his wife also dying on the old homestead. He was a man of ster- ling qualities of mind and heart, and enjoyed with his worthy wife the highest esteem of all who knew them. Their death was greatly lamented, not only by their immediate fam- ily and friends, but by the whole community. Tiie subject of this sketch was only four years of age when his parents removed to Illinois, but he lias a vivid recollection of the privations and vicissitudes of the lono- and toilsome journey, made in those pioneer days. The country wa-t wild and sparsely settled, wliile game and wild fowl abounded in great profusion, such as deer, turkey, prairie chickens, etc., while the streams were full of e.Kcellent fish. People lived on the products of their land and wild game, while the subject of this biography and tlie rest of the family were clothed with homespun, manufactured by the unremitting toil of his mother's patient and skillful hands. 506 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, Mr. Hale received the limited education afforded by the pioneer schools, and was reared to agricultural pursuits, early becom- ing accustomed to the hard labor incidental to farm life. Previous to his father's death he had investel in laud, to which he subse- quently adderl, until he now owns -iSO acres in a body in Buena Vista township, com- prising some of the best realty in that vicin- ity, [le continued to reside on this farm, which he brought to a high state of cultiva- tion and greatly improved, until 1892, when he moved to his present home in Rushville. Here he lias a substantial home with attract- ive and tasteful surroundings, all the ap- pointments of which suggest comfort and re- finement, where he and his worthy wife are enjoying in ease the fruits of their early in- dustrious efforts. Mr. Hale was marriei] in 1855, to Miss Margaret Priscilla Sponamore, an estimable lady, a native of Schuyler county, Illinois, and a daughter of William and Mary (Green) Sponamore, pioneers and prominent residents of this county. They have had nine children, seven of whom now survive: Mary F. ; Sarah Malinda;, James F., Hester A., William C., Lydia Belle, and John Martin, — all of whom fill positions of honor in business and society. The parents are earnest and useful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, to the support of which they contribute liber- ally of their means and influence. Politically, Mr. Hale affiliates with the Democratic party, and although not a poli- tician in the modern acceptance of the word, takes an actiye interest in all public affairs of importance. He is public-spirited and is al- ways ready to assist any worthy enterprise, tending to the moral, educational or material advancement of his vicinity. Whatever prosperity Mr. Hale has attained is entirely due to his own unaided efforts. By persistent industry, careful economy and intelligent management he has accumulated a competency, while his unimpeachable in- tegrity, unwavering fidelity and uniform courtesy have gained for him the universal esteem of his fellowmen. ir^^ILLlAM PILGER was born in the fi'/l"]! ^^'""® province, Prussia, Germany, in i-*"W^ 1832. He remained with his father in farming until 1853, when he took passage for the United States on the ship Yaeger which was making its first voyage. He landed in New Orleans after a six weeks' voyage, and then came up to St. Louis by way of the Mississippi, and from there came on to Beiirds- town. He spent the first five or six years liere as a laborer. He was the first son of the family to come to this country, one sister having preceded him, another brother and two other sisters came over and settled in St. Louis. Here one died. Mr. Pilger came here a poor young man just twenty-one years of age. He began to farm here in 1858, and was actively engaged in farming and stock- raising from 1858 to 1891, when he retired to Beardstown. He owns 240 acres of very good land, forty being in timber, the rest im- proved and supplied with good buildings. He has made money by his own efforts and is now enjoying the result of those efforts. He has been a hard-working citizen and is well known in the county, and now resides on the corner of Eleventh and Adams streets. Mr. Pilger was married to Elizabeth Schmidt, who was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, October 20, 1830, and she died at her home on the farm, March i, 1881. She SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 507 was joung, when, with her mother and other children, she came to the United States and settled in Cass county, where her father had preceded them two years. Mr. and Mrs. Pilger liad six children, four of whom are living, viz.: Louis, a team.^ter in Beardstown, married Mary Stock; Lena, is the wife of Marshall J. liatineau, a painter by trade; Henry C, is a farmer; William is also a farmer on his fatlier's homestead, and married Mary Ilolbrook. Mr. and Mrs. Pil- ger and family are members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Pilger is a Republican in politics, and is a man of influence in the city in which he has made his present wealth. He is great respected by all who know him. fRANCIS EUGENE CADY is one of the prominent pioneers and substantial farmers of Schuyler county, born in Stiiftbrd coutity, Connecticut, Decemher 4, 1825, being a son of Isaac and Sarah (Chap- man) Cady. Francis was ten years old when the family came to Illinois, landing June 12, 1835. The family soon settled in Camden township, entering the northwest one quarter, section 18. Here he grew to manhood. He was reared on tlie farm, but learned the trade of bricklaying and plastering. After he was married he settled on section 18, on eighty acres of land, entered by his half brother, Alonzo Jones. Mr. Cady gave his attention to his trade for awhile, and then went to California in April, 1853, crossing the plains with an ox team most of the way. He was accompanied by his brother, M. E. Cady, and they took 150 head of cattle and thirteen head of horses. He remained two years and pur- sued mining, being successful at that occupa- tion. He returned via the Isthmus and New York city. He now owns 160 acres of land, which he has well improved and on which he has erected a nice set of farm buildings. He was married in 1855 to Percilla Nor- vall, of Claiborne county, Tennessee, a daugh- ter of William and Mary (Jenkins) Norvall, of Scotch parentage, the former born in Vir- ginia, the latter in North Carolina. Mr. JS'orvall received a good education and was a lawyer by profession, and was married twice, his second wife being Mrs. Cady's mother. He died at the age of sixty-tive years, in 1825. Mrs. Cady was one of eleven children. A part of the family came to Illinois and settled in Iluntsville in 1835, and Mrs. Cady was among the number. Here the mother died in 1858, aged seventy-two years. IJer brothers and sisters are: William, Timothy, Ralph, John, Sarah, Henry, Nancy, Rufus Audren and Mrs. Cady. Mr. and Mrs. Cady have had four children: Mary, wife of Henry King, of Huntsville township; Isaac N., a rancihman in (California; William E., farmer of Iluntsville township; Francis E., at home. He is a Democrat, but has never sought public office. He is a mem- ber of Camden Lodge, No. 668, A. F. & A. M. fAMES M. EDWARDS, of the lirm of Edwards & Cavens, Camden, Illinois, general merchants, was born in the northern part of Greene county, Illinois, Sep- tember 12, 1839. He was the sou of Isham B. and Sarah (Day) Edwards, natives of Vir- ginia and Kentucky. The father of our sub- ject went to Kentucky when a young man, where he married and in the winter of 1830 came to Illinois and settled in Greene county, entering land and engaging in farming, and he there passed his remaining years. He 508 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, died in February, 1882, aged seventy-nine years. His wife died at the age of sixty- two years. Kutlier of subject owned over 1,000 acres of land, and at one time he was a large stock- raiser. They had thirteen sons and three daughters; twelve of whoni grew up. Tlie subject was the thirteenth child. He was raised on the farm, and in August, 1857, was married to Miss Melinda E. Hoots, dauditer of David Hoots, of Scott county. Our subject, after his marriage, purchased land and pursued farming in Greene county until 1862, in August, of which year he enlisted and was mustered into service with Company H, Ninety-first Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served for two years atid nine months as a private soldier. He was in the battles of Elizabethtown, JIabeto, UichmonJ, Red River expedition and many other battles. After the war he resumed farming in Greene county for one year, and then sold out his farm and went to the Ciierokee lands in Indian Nation, and one year later he returned to Greene county, and two years later catne to Schuyler county, and purcliased 1(50 acres of land, which he improved further and sold. He has since improved ten farms in Schuyler county, numbering at least 2,000 acres. He has been a hard worker and has improved more farms tl.nm any other man in Schuyler county. lie owned a sawmill for eicrht years, and for thirty-two years has run the mill for threshing machines. He has at all times been ready to engage in any business which would promise to make any money. He has been at all times very successful in all of his enterprises. He now owns 160 acres of land, and property in Camden. In 1891, he engaged in his present busi- ness. He dealt in live stock for twenty years. Mr. and Mrs. Edwards have had eight children, six are living: Sarah J. mar- ried Harvey Bleckledge of Henderson county, Illinois; Etta married George Watt and re- sides in Camden township; Trissie married Nicholas Notson of Schuyler county; OUie Belle married Amos Cavens, her father's partner; Mary Emeline and Daisie D. In politics, Mr. Edwards is a Republican. He has lieen Justice of the Peace and other local offices. He is a member of the Cam- den Lodge, No. 648, A. F. & A. M- He is also a member of the G. A. R. Post in Brooklyn. ^ENRY J. BAUJAN, a successful liv- eryman, blacksmith, dealer in imple- '%M ments and buggies and owner of the Palace Hotel, \vas born December 20, 1859, in this city, and was here reared and edu- cated. He is the second son of John Baujan, who was born in Germany and who, when he was twenty-nine years old, came to the United States. He followed his trade of brick ma- son in St. Louis for one year and then came to Cass county, and was married at Arenz- ville, and later came to Eeardstown. Here he established a brick-yard, did a manufact- uring business for some time and later be- came connected with the gristmilling business under the firm name of J. Baujan & Co., until his death, in July, 1889. He was over sixty-nine years of age when he died and was a well-known and popular German of this city. Our subject is one of seven children. He has always lived in this city and here learned his trade of blacksmith, before which he worked in his father's mill. He has been in the livery business for one year and carries a SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUMVJES. 509 fine class of outfits and good horses. He has been a blacksmith and farm implement dealer for nine years, and has always made money. JSIo doubt a great deal of it is owing to his good habits and his energy as a business man. He was married to Kosa Milner, born in this city August 23, 1861. She was here educated, although she completed it at St. Louis, and she is an intelli HOMASEDWARDCUNNINGHAM, f a highly respected citizen of section 30, Buena Vista township, Schuyler county i Illinois, was born in Rushville, of this State, on May 2, 1860. His paternal grandfather, William Cun- ningham, was a native of Kentucky, in which State he was married, and in 1837, came to 514 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, Rushville, near which place he was for some jears engaged in farming. Later, he has kept a liotel, and still later, removed to Mt. Sterlins, where he continued in the hotel business until the time of his death, which occurred in February, 1871. He was twice married. His first wife, the grandmother of our subject, died, leaving nine children. He had no children by his second marriage. The nine children were as follows: William, born on October 31, 1816, died in Schuyler county; Nancy J. was born on October 31, 1818, and married William Cooney, who died in Canton, Illinois; Woodson was born on Septeuiber 23, 1820, and died in Brown county; Caleb was born on August 22, 1822, and died in California; Joseph was born on October 17, 1824, and died in Brown county; Ellen was born on November 17, 1826, and married William Bowling, who died in Schuyler county; John was born on November 30, 1828, and died also in Schuyler county; Thomas was the father of our subject; Lu- cinda, the only surviving member of the family, was born on October 16, 1834 ; she married Isaac Warrington, and resides in Camden township, Schuyler county. The father of our subject was born on De- cember 23, 1830, and removed with his parents to Illinois. He was reared in Rush- ville, where he was married on March 16, 1859, to JMancy Ann, seventh daughter of Edmund and Lucy Ann Smith. She was born in Kentucky, on February 23, 1833, and came to Illinois when sixteen years of age. The father of our subject resided in Rush- ville, until the close of the Civil war, and owned and operated the stage route between Kushvill(! and Mt. Sterling, for many years. In 1866, he settled on a farm in Buena Vista township, where he purchased 160 acres of mm], where ho passed his declining years. On this property he built a large, handsome brick residence, and made other substantial improvements. He died at his home on September 22, 1882, leaving a wife and family to mourn his loss. His faithful wife survived him seven years, passing away on March 30, 1889, lamented by all who knew her. They were consistent members of the Christian Church, contributing liberally to- ward its support. Politically, he was a Democrat, and was elected by his constituents to the office of Supervisor of Buena Vista township, serving in that capacity for several years. They had eight children: William, born on February 17, 1885, married Margaret Green; Charles D., born on August 5, 1857, married Mary C. Unger; Thomas E., born on May 2, 1860, married Clara A. Wilmott; Lucy A., born on July 30, 1863; Amanda E., born on May 19, 1866; Nancy J. was born on April 2, 1869, married Charles Hes- ter; Woodson J., born on July 19, 1873; John M., born on July 9, 1876, died on July 10, 1876. Of these, seven are still living, all being residents of Schuyler county. Thomas Edward, the subject of our sketch, was reared on the home farm, and attended the district schools. In 1881, he was married to Miss Clara A. Wilmott, a native of Schuyler county, where she was born on June 3, 1859. She was a daughter of Morris and Dorotha Wilmott, highly re- spected citizens of that county. She died on September 30, 1890, leaving a husband and three children to mourn her loss, be- sides a large circle of friends. They had three children: Reverda, who was born on March 13, 1884; Bertha, born on November 9, 1885; Raymond, born on November 13, 1887. SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 515 Mr. Cunningham carries on the homestead, besides which he owns forty acres of his own, all of which is under a high state of cultiva- tion, and which is applied with all modern improvements, of machinery and buildings, to facilitate the planting and gathering of his crops. In politics, he follows in the footsteps of his fathers, affiliating with the Democratic party. Of high integrity and morality, courteous and cordial in manner, and interesting in conversation, he enjoys the esteem of his fellow citizens and the affectionate regard of his family and friends. -^ ISAAC MISEXIIJMER, farmer and stock- a| raiser of Frederick township, was born in ^ Clay county, Illinois, September 28, 1839. His parents were Jacob and Elizabeth (Mc- Grew) Harris. Mr. Harris was a native of Pennsylvania and his wife of Indiana. They were married in Clay county, Illinois, where their parents had moved, being among the first pioneers of that county. Mr. Harris died in 1843, and his widow survived him some ten years. The family moved to Schuy- ler county when Isaac was about nine years old. He was educated in Schuyler county and was reared on the farm, and he has fol- lowed that business ever since. He enlisted in Company I, First Illinois Infantry, and served three years in the Western army. He participated in the battles of Shiloh, Britain Lane, siege of Vicksbnrg, and was present at the capture of Little Rock, Arkansas. When he returned from a furlough the regiment was back in Tennessee and he there re-enlisted and was in Tennessee until he was mustered out in March, 1865. Returning home after this, ho settled down to farminir. He owns 223 acres of land in excellent farming condi- tion^ and two years ago he built one of the most commodious and comfortable houses in the county. He has large barns, and alto- gether his farm is among the best in the county. His grade of stock, too, is very tine and he is among the most prosperous of the citizens of this section. He was married, September 27, 1867, to Miss Penelope G-illet, of Schuyler county. Her parents were Elijah and Eliza Gillet, who were among the very tirst settlers of the county. She was the youngest of seven chil- dren. Mr. Misenhimer was one of five chil- dren, only two of whom are living. They have one child, Jennie, born December 28, 1874, and is still at home. S!ie is a young lady of tine attainments and holds a teacher's certiticate. She is a tine musician, also. Mr. Misenhimer is i. Democrat in politics. tEWIS SCHISLER, Je., son of Lewis Schesler and Anna Schisler, was born in York county, Penn.sylvania, April 14, 1851. His parents were natives of the same State, but came to Illinois among the first settlers and located near Astoria. Here Mr. Schisler died when only twenty-seven. His widow married again, but her second husband died in Iowa when out there visiting. Mrs. Schisler bore her husband fifteen children and ail are living. Of this large family, Louis was next to the youngest. He was educated in the country schools and worked on the farm. His father was a miller, and worked at his trade until the time of his death, but afterward his widow bought a farm and removed there with her family. Mr. 516 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CMS, Schisler still resides on this farm with his mother ami attends to all the management of it for her. He was married to Miss J ulia Coldrider, of York cinnity, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Schisler have eight children, all of whom are living: Ananias, John, Josephine, Sarah, Anna, Daniel, Noah and Harry. The family of Schislers is of German ori- gin, although remote, as the family has been established in America forseveral generations. Mr. Schisler is a Kepublican in politics and he belongs to the United Brotherhood Church, known as Diinkards. Tlie 160 acres that he farms for his mother are in splendid condi- tion, and speak well for his management and thrift, for whicli the well cultivated tields and comfortable farm buildings the place is one of the finest in the county. ;^^ESLEY M. GRIMWOOD, merchant ■;,\7 \n of Frederick, Illinois, was born at l*^riS Akron, Ohio, February 7, 1855. He is the only surviving member of a family of four ciiildren. The father was a mechanic by profession and a native of England, where he was born February 18, 1816. His father was also born in England and married Maria Clapper, daughter of Daniel Clapper. He started for America with his family in 1830, but was wrecked off the coast of Prince Edward's Island, and he and his family re- sided there for two years and then removed to Providence, llhode Island. In 1858 he moved to Akron, Ohio, where he died in 1864. His wife died at Akron, Oliio, in 1876. The father of our subject was born, reared and educated in England and came to America with his parents in 1833. He was aboard the steamship Royal William on her first trip across the Atlantic, thus demonstrat- ing the feasibility of steam navigation. In the fall of 1837 he removed fron) Rhode Is- land to Pekin, Illinois, where he married Miss Anna Eliza Brewingam. In 1859 he removed to Schuyler county, where his wife died, in 1868. He was a stanch Abolitionist and later a Republican. During a political riot at Alton, Illinois, he was struck on the head with a club, and almost killed by a member of the mob, who afterward killed that honored patriot Elisha P. Lovejoy. He served his county as Supervisor, Justice of the Peace and various other offices of respon- sibility. He was an honored and respected citizen. He married Miss Alice A. Bartho- low. of Astoria. She was a daughter of Jasper and Olive Bartholow, natives of Ohio. Both are now dead. They were pioneers of Fulton county. They had four children. Mr. Grimwood was educated in the com- mon schools of Schuyler county, and at Wa- bash College, at Crawfordsville, Indiana. He learned the wagonmaker's trade with his father, and followed it for about twenty years, when he engaged at merchandising at Fred- erick, here he carries on a general store. Mrs. Grimwood is a memberof the Christian Church, and Mr. Grimwood is a member of Browning Lodge. No. 389, I. O. 0. F.. and of the M. W. of A., a beneficial order. Mr. and Mrs. Grimwood have three living chil- dren: Charles L., Ferol Fern and Don Wes- ley. Mr. Grimwood is a stanch Republican, and has been Clerk of Frederick township for the last twelve years. He is the candidate of his party from the Thirty-fourth District, for Senator. He did not seek this honor, but when notified of his selection, consented to allow his name to appear on the ticket. SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 517 This is a genuine case of the office seeking the man. He stands very high in the esti- mation of the people. ^^ fOHN T. HILLS was born in Oakland township, Schuyler county, Illinois, in 1S41, a son of Jackson Hills, who was born in 1812; his father died in June, 1842, so that in infancy he was deprived of his guidance and care. The paternal grand- father, Ephraiin Hills, was a native of Penn- sylvania; lie was a farmer by occupation, and came to Oakland township from Indiana when Jackson Hills was a lad of twelve years; he settled on a farm of 160 acres, on which he lived until death during the war; he had attained near four-score years of age. His first wife died, leaving a family of five chil- dren, but his second wife survived him; one son, James, died at the age of twenty-four years, leaving a wife and one son; Ephraim is a farmer, residing in Missouri; Jackson, the father of our subject, died at the age of twenty-five years, leaving a widow and two sons, William Henry and John T.; his wife's maiden name was Delilah Fowler, a daughter of Thomas Fowler, of New York, who came to Illinois as early as 1825. John T. Hills was reared from his twelfth year by his uncle, Henry Hills: his mother was married a second time to William Schroder. He had just attained his majority when the great war of the Kebellion arose, and he offered his service in defense of the old flag. He went to the front a member of Company C, Seventh Missouri Cavalry, and served three years and three months as a private. He was mustered out at St. Louis, after which he returned to Oakland township; he was held a prisoner at Fort Smith, Arkansas, for three months, at the end of whicli time he was exchanged; he experienced many of the horrors of prison life, but was fortunate in being released before the confinement iiad sapped his life away. Mr. Hills was united in marriage the first day of the year 1866, to Miss Mary E. Chock ley, of McDonougli county, Illinois, a daugh- ter of Benjamin and Sally (Du Wese) Chockley, natives of Kentucky, who settled in Illinois at an early day. He then settled in Littleton township, on 160 acres of land, which he sold at the end of the first year; he rented one year of his wife's father, and then purchased a tract of forty acres; here he re- sided three years, returning to his wife's home where they passed six years. In 1880 he bought eighty acres of his present farm, paying therefor §700; he has sixty acres un- der excellent cultivation, and lie has made many valuable improvements. He carries on a general farming business, raising corn, wheat and clover, and some live-stock; twenty acres have been set to timber, which is in a flourishing condition. Mr. and Mrs. Hills have buried three infant children, two sons and a daughter, and four children survive; the mother died in 1882. Mr. Hills was married a second time to Mrs. Martha Fowler, nee Chockley, sister to his first wife. The children of the first marriage are: Delilah I., wife of Hiram Fow- ler; Genevra; Lilladocia, wife of William O'Donuell; and Tennessee; the children of the present wife are: Eldow C, aged eight years; Inez L., five years old; and Perry E., an in- fant of two years. Mr. Hill has a foster son, a nephew, named Alvin E. Toland, aged twenty- three years, now a resident of Mc- Donough county. He is a member of Fre- 518 BIOORAPRIGAL REVIEW OF CASS, inont Post, No. 33, G. A. R. He is a man of good business ability, has been fortunate in all his undertakings, and enjoys the respect and esteem of his fellow men. |EV. HARVEY A SKILES, pastor of the Union Baptist Churches at Browningand JJenver, in Hancock county and Spring Creek in Sangamon county, is one of the very early settlers of Schuyler county, born here August 29, 1829. His parents were William and Sarah (Perkins) Skiles, who lo- cated in Schuyler county after their marriage sixty-eight years ago. The grandfather was a farmer in Riishville township, where he set- tled in his early manhood and died. The mother died during the cholera epidemic in 1852. Harvey A. Skiles says that he received his education in the backwoods seminary, to which he walked two and one-half miles night and morning. Later in life he applied him- self to sludy in the line of theology. Thirty- nine years ago he was ordained a minister in the Union Baptist Church, and has been con- stantly in the ministry to the present time. He iias on ten or more occasions walked forty miles in a day and preached at night. His labors in those days were not pathways lined with roses, by any means. The pay consisted largely in provisions and necessaries, and they were not always in very liberal quantities. He preached two years in Fulton county for a wagon load of frost-bitten corn. It is cer- tain Mr. Skiles did not preach for the emolu- ments derived from it. In late years his pay lias been satisfactory and work not arduous. He worked on a farm in his early manhood, and continued until the last twenty years, thus securing a livehihood for his family, giving his services in the ministry for the good of humanity. Little was expected in return for his labors except the satisfaction of duty well done; certainly, little was realized in a temporal sense. Mr. Skiles spent four- teen years preaching in Iowa, and has preached two years at Keokuk since locating at Browning, going from here to his appoint- ments. He married, September 15, 1854, Mary A. Wright, daughter of William and Rebecca Wright, who came to Schuyler county in 1835. Mrs. Skiles was born October 31, 1836. She was the eldest of a family of nine children, eight of whom are still living. Her father died August 15, 1884, and the mother died March 13, 1891. Mr. and Mrs. Skiles were born within one and one-half miles of each other, attended tlie same school, grew to maturity as young acquaintances and friends, which resulted in matrimony. They have had si.v children, but only one is living, Bele, now Mrs. Billingsley, and resides near Camden, Illinois, her husband a farmer. Mr. Skiles is a stanch Republican, and takes a lively interest in political matters. The family owns a pleasant home, located in Browning. EORGE AV. CAMPBELL was born in Richland county, Ohio, October 30, 1827. He was the son of Peter L. Campbell, a native of Virginia. He was of Scotch ancestry, and his father and he re- moved from Virginia to the Northwest Ter- ritory about 1797. As the Indians at that time were hostile, he returned to Virginia and resided there for a short time, but in 1800 he concluded that he was much more likely to gain a fortune in the new West than in the old East, so he returned to his western so SUTLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 519 home and settled on the west bank of the Ohio river, and remained tliere a few years. He then wandered to Kichhuid, and from there to Crawford county. Mr. Peter Camp- bell learned the trade of tanner, and followed it till 184.3, and then came to Illinois in the fall of 1844. He was accompanied by his wife and eight of his twelve children. They made the entire journey overland with teams. He settled in what is now liainbridge town- sliip, where he had previously bought a tract of land in section 4, the northwest quarter. Like all the land of that date, there were no improvements, and they resided with another family for a short time after their arrival. The following year he built a cabin on his own land, where he lived to the day of his death. He made many improvements on the farm and erected tasteful buildings. His death occurred August 19, 1881. His wife's name before her marriage was Agnes Jones, and she was born in Virginia, July 6, 1801. She was the daughter of Oliver Jones. Mr. Campbell was a Democrat in politics, and served as County Assessor for two years, and several terms as Justice of the Peace of the township, and County Treasurer. He was a strict Predestinarian Paptist, of which de- nomination he was an Elder. The subject of this sketch was seventeen years old when he came to Hlinois. He did not come until the following year after his parents came. He came with a team. Coming here as he did when there were so few settlers, and about the only inhabitants were the wild game, he had a good opportunity to watch the growth of the country, as he has been a resident of this township ever since. He has occupied the farm he now resides upon since 1870. He married, January 20, 1853, Laura A. Neill, the daughter of James Neill. She was born in Weathertield township, Trumbull county, Ohio. Her father was a native of Tyrone, Ireland. His first wife was a native of the same county, and he and she died there. After her death he came to America, bringing his only child with him, and settled in Trumbull county, and bought timber land and erected the log house in which Mrs. Campbell was born. Here he lived until 1846, and then moved to Illinois, accom- panied by his live children, and settled in Rushville. Here he bought land and pur- sued the occupation of farming until his death in 1864. The maiden name of his second wife was Mary Stewart, daughter of Archibald Stewart, a native of Ireland, and of Scotch ancestrj'. She was a native of Ohio, and died in Trumbull county about 1843. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell have ten children living, namely: James N., Agnes M., C. Stewart, Edward L., Mary W., Lewis E., Jonathan, Milton, Amy L., Delia K. ; L. Jen- nie and Lucy M. died in infancy. Mr. Campbell is a Democrat and cast his first vote for Lewis Cass. He has served twelve years as Justice of the Peace, and seven years as Assessor. He also served several terms as Supervisor, and one term as Sheriff. fAMES GHOVER, farmer of Mt. Ster- ling township, was born in 1841. He is the son of Henry P. Grover (see this book). James attended the pioneer school, and afterward taught in a log house where the furniture was of the most primitive kind, — seats made of rough slabs, with wooden pegs for legs. He worked for his father until twenty-one, and then rented some land from him for two years. He then bought 520 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, some land in Mt. Sterling township, and there built a log house, 16 x 18 feet. The log house gave place in time to ueat buildings of all kinds, and he resided here until 1882, when he traded with his father for the old home- stead. His present farm contains 160 acres, highly improved, with farm buildings tliat compare favorably with any in the township. He married, August 13, 1863, Miss Mar- garet C. Putnam, of Brown county, Illinois. She is the daughter of William and Martha Putnam. Mr. and Mrs. Grover have tliree bright, intelligent children, — Minnie, Arthur and Oscar H. Mr. Grover and wife are members of the Primitive Baptist Church. Mr. Grover is a stanch Deimx-rat in politics. (DWARD BERTH (3 LF has been so |L closely identified with the early politi- cal history of Schuyler couuty that this volume would not be complete without an extended review of his career, which began here May 1, 1836. He is a native of Orange county, New York, born April 9, 1816, a son of Jolm and Elizabeth (Perry) Bertholf, na- tives of New York and New Jersey respect- ively. The family is descended from the Hollanders, who emigrated in colonial days to New York. The father was a farmer by occupation, and resided all his life in the Empire State. They had a family of thir- teen children, twelve of whom grew to ma- turity; ten married and reared families. Ed- ward grew to manhood amid the scenes of farm life, and attended the common schools; at the age of sixteen he began to teach school; and followed this profession until he was twenty. At that age he removed to Illinois and located at Rushvilie, Schuyler county, his older brother, Henry B., having settled here previously; here he taught a school and assisted his brother, who was Judge of the probate court, deputy Clerk and county Re- corder; he was thus introduced into court- house work, and has since passed one-half of his time in various offices. In 1848 he was appointed Treasurer of the school fund, and held the office until 1869; he continued teach- ing, served as deputy for other offices, clerked and kept books for the merchants of Rush- vilie. In 1848 he was also elected Justice of the Peace, and retained the office for more than twenty years; he finally resigned both this and the office of school trustee. In 1847-'48 he was deputy Sheriff and Collector of Taxes; he was elected deputy Clerk in 1855, and six month later, on the death of the Clerk, Nathan Moon, he was appointed to the office of county Clerk. In 1860 he was elected Sheriff and served one term; two years later Thomas J. Kinney, went into the war, and he took charge of the office of Cir- cuit Clerk, which Mr. Kinney had previously filled, and continued to transact the business during the remainder of the term; he was then deputy County Clerk, and is still in the office of Circuit Clerk during court. Mr. Bertholf was married in November, 1838, to Mary E. Jackson, a daughter of Levi and Lydia (AVilcoxen) Jackson ; nine chil- dren have been burn to them; one died in infancy and the eldest, William H,, died at the age of twenty-one years; Horace is a resi- dent of Cherokee county, Kansas; Frank E. is a citizen of Rushvilie; Fred L. is a farmer of this county; John Jesse is also a farmer; Emily Ann married Thomas W. Moon; Har- riet E.; Mary E. is the wife of E. W. Bick- ford of Plymouth, Illinois. In his political convictions Mr. Bertholf adhered to the principles of the Whig party until 1856, and since that time has been a SCHUTLBB AND BROWN COUNTIES. 521 Democrat. He is a member of the Metliod- ist. Episcopal Chureli, and lias been a liberal supporter of the society. In 18G2 he pur- chased the farm on which his father settled, and owned this land until March, 1891. He has never been connected with any civic society except the Sons of Temperance. Levi Jack son, father of Mrs. Bertholf, was a native of Connecticut, and was there reareJ and nia"-- ried; he removed from that State to Ohio, and thence in 1836, to Schuyler county, Illi- nois; he died in July, 1868; his wife died in 1839; they reared a family of four daughters and three sons. Mr. Jackson was a shoe- maker by trade, but followed farming from the time he settled in Ohio until his death. He was married a second time, bnt had no children by this union. Politically he atttli- ated with the Republican party. jTEPHEN BRANNAN, deceased, hav- ing died at his home in i'eardstown, ^^ Illinois, September 16, 1875, was born in Queen's county, Ireland, about seventy-two years ago. He came of pure Irish ancestry. His mother had died in her native country, when in middle life. Her name was Anorah Brannan. His father later came to this country, joined his son in Cass county, and after having lived here twelve years, died at his home, aged eighty- four. He and his wife were all their lives Roman Catholics. Mr. Brannan came to Cass county a poor man in 1849. He had given up a farmer's life in Ireland and when twenty-three years of age went to England, spent three years in Liverpool and in 1849 reached the United States. He had been nine weeks in the city of New York before he came on to Beardstown and here the scenes of his active life began. He was a hard-workinir farmer and stock- raiser and became prominent as such in the county. He was successful in accumulating land, having worked around for seven years; he then purchased and began to farm for him- self. He first bought eighty acres, which be- fore his death he had increased to 380, and 340 of it is still in the family. This land is in Indian precinct. He was married, in Beardstown, to Eliza- beth A. Riley, who was born in Londonderry, Ireland, August 7, 1835. She was the daughter of John and Margaret (Kenan) Riley, natives • of Dublin, Ireland. Mr. Riley and his wife had both come to England when young people, were married in Ashton, England, and there Mr. Riley followed for a time the trade of a baker and was so engaged throughout England until 1836, when he came to the United States and located in Beardstown. Four years later his wife and children came over on the same ship with Mr. Brannan of this notice. Mr. Riley ob- tained land in Indian precinct, about 650 acres, and it was upon this place that John Riley and wife labored, successfully, and died about the age of fifty- five years, having been all their lives good Roman Catholics. Mrs. Brannan washer parent's only child. Sliehas kept the property together and is a good manager. They had thirteen children, four of whom are dead. Nicholas is now a farmer on the old homestead; John Jr., is also a farmer at the same place; R. Edward is a partner with his brother in farming; Mary A., at present housekeeper for her l)rother8 on the farm ; Nora is at home with her mother; Thomas is a clerk for Werner & Stoneagle; Lizzie is at home, while William and Stephen work for their brothers on the farm. 522 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, Mr. Bratinan was a good neighbor, a kind father and husband and a consistent member of tlie Roman Catholic Church. ^ ^ LIAS CLARK, a prosperous retired fanner and an esteemed pioneer citizen of Cooperstown, Illinois, was born in Viro-inia in 1808. Ilis parents were Josiali and Jane (Adams) Clarlc, botii natives of the Old Dominion. The latter was a daughter of John Adams, a native of Maryland, wlio removed to Vir- ginia in an early day, but who later re- turned to his native State. By tliis marriage there were ten children, six sons and four daughters. The devoted wife and mother died in middle life, and was buried on the old farm in Virginia. The father afterward married again, his second wife being Lucy Menifee, a native of Pennsylvania, who be- longed to a large and prominent family of that State. By this marriage there were also ten children, eiirht sons and two danfrh- ters, most of whom are still living and reside in Ohio. The subject of this sketch spent his boy- hood on the home farm in Virginia, and had bat few educational advantages, havincf at- tended the subscription schools but for a short time. Ho was trained to drive four and five horses by one line, ridincr one of the wheel horses, and in this manner made many long trips to Washington, District of Columbia, Fredericksburgh and Falmouth, on the Potomac. He made one trip to P)alti- inore, a distance of 100 miles, with ten bar- rels of flour, and returned with merchandise. He counts these as among his happiest days, when, in company with other teamsters, he would camp out in his wagon at uio-ht. In 1835, he and his father and family moved from Virginia to Ohio with a covered wagon and a team of horses, the party num- bering thirteen persons. His father and family settled on eighty acres of timbered land, the timr)er being mostly chestnut and dogwood. Here they resided until the venerable man died. He was well into the nineties at the time of his death, about 1850. In the fall of 1851, Mr. Clark sold his Ohio farm and removed to Illinois, which was then the frontier of civilization. He was ac- companied by ills wife and eight children, six sons and two daughters. The long jour- ney was made overland with two lumber wagons and two double teams of horses, and was rendered exceedingly tedious on ac- count of bad weather and miserable roads, in addition to which his children were taken sick with the ague. He inquired on the way for a healthy location, and was directed ta Adams county, Illinois. Before reaching there he rented a house east of Mt. Sterling, where he and his family remained until the following spring. He then rented the farms of two brothers, Henry and Mike Huffman, who were eoinj); to California. He was to reap the wheat, which was then half grown, and this helped him to a good start, as he realized therefrom 250 bushels as his share. This was a windfall to him, as he had little or no means, and it secured for him bread and seed for the following year. One of his sons worked in a tanyard and earned the the price of two cows, which then cost $10. His other son took a job of clearing timber from some land, and drew the wood to market. Thus all put their shoulder to the wheel until brighter days dawned upon them. Mr. Clark afterward rented an old farm of 160 acres, which was a part of his present place. He lived there two years, when he 8GHUTLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 523 built a good brick bouse on his own farui, his iinuse having an excellent cellar under the whole of it. He paid $1,000 for 160 acres, and most of it was wild and covered with brush. He now has 140 acres of this under good cultivation, while twenty acres are of timber, which is planted with blue grass, which makes good pasture. He has fertilized his land witli clover, and grows about forty acres each of corn and wheat, realizing as high as forty bushels of wheat to an acre, and sixty and seventy bushels of corn. He has ceased, for some years, from active labors on his place, although still en- joying fair health. His tirst wife died, aged nearly seventy years, and is buried on the farm. They had seven children, three of whom are living: Joseph AV. died May 81, 1859, leaving a wife and three children; Elias died in Ohio, when an infant, in January, 1842; Jonah was stabbed at Cooperstown, Virginia, when twenty-one years of age, and died November 2'J, 1859; Moses wasva volunteer in the Civil war, and died March 7, 1871, aged twenty- eight years; Martin, also a volunteer in the late war, passed through the conflict in safety to return home and meet with an ac- cident by which he lost a leg in a threshing machine. He is now farmincr on his father's land. This son and two daiicrhters are the only living children. One daughter, Tabi- tiia, now Mrs. George Kendrick, lives on a farm near Mt. Sterling, and has four chil- dren; Massy J., the other daughter, is the wife of George Hollis, a prosperous farmer, who lives in Gibson City, this State; they have eight sons. Mr. Clark's present wife, with whom he has lived ten years, was the widow of Will- iam Lozden. Her maiden name was Eliza Curlew, and she was born in Kentucky, in 1885, and was reared on the frontier in Missouri, when the aborigines were plenti- ful. She had seven children by her former marriage, four sons and three daughters. Politically, Mr. Clark has been a Demo- crat until recently, and now votes independ- ently, regardless of politics. Religiously, his faith for twenty-five years has been that of the Methodist Church, to which he renders much valuable assistance. These are a few of the most prominent events of an eminently busy and uteful life, which is deservedly crowned with prosperity and the esteem of his fellow- men. fAMES W. BLEYER was born near Franklin, Franklin township, Pennsyl- vania, June 17, 18G0. His father, Sam- uel Bleyer, was born in Connecticut, and his father, Alex. Bleyer, was a native of the New England States. The ancestry of the family is Scotch. Mr. Alex. Bleyer removed from Connecticut to Pennsylvania, and died in that State, and his son was reared in the State of his birth. Here he followed farming until he removed to Williamsport and re- mained a few years, and then returned to Franklin county, and still resides on a farm. The maiden name of his lirst wife was Bar- bara Kane, and she was the mother of James. She was a native of Connecticut, and she died in Franklin county, Pennsyl- vania, in 1875. James was reared and edu- cated in his native State. He was fifteen years old when his mother died, and from that time he cared for himself. He had learned the printer's trade in the office of the Press at Chambersburg, at the age of four- teen, worked there one year, and with the exception of a few months has followed the 524 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASH, trade ever since, and has ?et type in the principal offices east of the Mississippi river. In May, 1891, he bought the office and good will of the Brown County Repuhlican, a weekly paper devoted to the interests of the Republican party. He was married in 1890, to Ilattie May. She was born in St. Louis, Missouri, the daughter of David and Alice May. Mr. Bleyer is a member of Cincinnatus Lodge, No. 287, K. of P., and of the National Tele- graph Union. He has always been a sound llepublican. 4^ ^ fACOB HOWELL is one of the oldest settlers of the county now living in Bainbridge, he having been born in what is now Woodstock township, Schuyler county, Illinois, April 23, 1833. His father, John Howell, was a native of Guilford county, North Carolina, where he was reared and where he married. He emigrated to Hlinois across country with teams, accompanied by his wife and five children, locating in what is now Woodstock township. It was a wild and cheerless country, that in which the pioneer North Carolinian and his family settled. The cry of the wolves startled the children by night. Deer and turkeys haunted the big woods. Most of the land was owned by the Govern- ment. Neighbors lived far apart. Yet he went to work with a stout heart upon a tract of land, sixteen acres of which had been cleared. A log cabin stood upon the tract and there the subject of this sketch was born. The father resided there until his death, in August, 1833. The maiden name of the mother of Jacob Howell was Sarah Manlove, daughter of William Manlove, born in North Carolina. After the death of her husband she married a second time, a man named Stephen Frazer. She died on the home farm in 1842. But an infant when his father died he was doubly an orphan when but nine years old. From that time onwai-d the brave and per- severing lad was made to care for himself. He was able to attend the primitive school of his youth — the conventional log cabin with its splintered seats and puncheon floors, where, somehow, boys did manage to pick up knowledge nearlj', if not altogether, as good as that of the present date, when the pupils are given the advantages of culture, aesthetic furnishings ancj scientific appli- ances. He began work upon the farm at $5 per month, continuing to work out until 1853. In February of that year he started out with others to make the overland journey with ox teams to California. It was a peril- ous undertaking for this inexperienced lad of less than twenty. The only white settle- ment between the Alissouri river and Cali- fornia was the Mormon one in Utah, which report declared was to be nearly as much to be dreaded as the hostile Indians who scoured the plains in search of victims. lieaching California he first engaged as cook for a threshing party, receiving $3 per day. A few weeks of this life sufficed and he under- took mining, which disagreed with him and he went to southern California, where he en- gaged in the raising of hogs. In 1859 he re- turned to Schuyler county, and bought the farm he now owns and occupies. Since that time he has devoted himself to agricultural pursuits. In the following year, 1860, he was united in marriage to Rachel Parker, who has borne him four children: Emma, Addie, John and Fred. Mrs. Howell was born in Bainbridge SC BUTLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 5'-5 township, and is a daughter of John and Etnily Parker, who are natives of Nortli Carolina and pioneer settlers of Schuyler county. Mr. and Mrs. Howell are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Howell is a llepublican in politics. I AVID THRON, an old re.sident and well-to-do farmer, now living at his old home on section 27, township 17, range 12, was born in Baden, near Heidelbercr, Germany, June 3, 1823. He was only twelve years old when his father, Michael, died, at the age of forty-four. For eleven years he had been a soldier in the Spanish provinces, and had seen much hardship and had many unpleasant experiences. He is remembered as a brave German soldier. His wife, who survived him, came to the United States shortly after the death of her husband, bring- ing with her five children, two having come before. She sailed from Bremen and came via New Orleans, being fifty-six days on the water. The family, including the mother and seven children, settled in Cass county, except one who died in New Orleans. The mother died at the home of our subject in 1880, aged eighty-four. She had spent her last years with him. She had been a good woman all her life, and she and her husband were consistent members of the German Lu- theran Church. David ^came to this county in 1844, and began life as a laborer in Beardstown. He then decided to become a farmer, after hav- ing worked and saved his money for nine years. He rented one year and then bought the farm where he now lives. His first pur- chase was of eighty acres, and he afterward 86 entered forty acres of Congress land, adjoin- ing his first purchase. He afterward im- proved this and added to it until he owned 200 acres. He disposed of part of his land to August Hausmeyer, and expects to retire and move into Arenzville after the spring of 1893. He added buildings to his farm and made it comfortable in every way. He was married in Beardstown to Maria A. Eradt, who was born in the same town and I'province as himself, coming to Amer- ica on the same vessel with him, and they were married soon after landing. Her par- ents came to this country a few years later and settled in Bellville, where they continued until the end of their lives. They are mem- bers of the Lutheran Church. Mr. and Mrs. Thron are honored and re- spected members of the Lutheran Church, and he is a Democrat in politics, and they are the parents of seven children. They ex- perienced a great grief in the loss of four of them in a few weeks, in the fall of 1863, of diptheria. Their names were: Yalentine, fifteen years old ; Henry, thirteen years old; David, Jr., nine years old; and Anna M., seven years old. The living are: Michael, a workman on the Quincy Railroad, who mar- ried Elizabeth Garrick; Elizabeth, wife of Henry Kneke, a farmer in this county; and Louis, a farmer in Cass county, who married Dora Fellow. Mr. and Mrs. Thron are among the best of our German citizens, and are highly respected by all who know them. FORGE W. FRISBY, a prosperous ^ farmer of Schuyler county, was one of the pioneers of this section, and is justly entitled to the following space in this his- tory. He was born near Watertovvn, Jeffer- BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW UP OASS, son county, New York, June 21. 1821, a son of Spari'ow Frisby, a native of the same State; tlie maternal granilfatlier emigrated to the United States from Wales; he resided in New York for some years, and then re- moved to Connecticut, where he passed the last years of his life. The father of George W. was but an infant when his mother died, and he was then taken into the family of Dr. Wesley Willoughby, of Herkimer county. New York, and there grew to mature years. In tlie spring of 1837 he made a trip to Illi- nois in search of a permanent location; he came to Schuyler county, and selected a tract of land in what is now Woodstock township; he built a log house in the midst of the wilderness, and in the fall was joined by his family; after a few years he sold this place and removed to Rushville, where he worked at the trade of painting and paper-hanging; he was a resident of tliat place at the time of his death. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Lydia Willoughby, a na- tive of Herkimer county, New York, and a daughter of James and Lydia (Cook) Wil- loughby, natives of Connecticut and pioneers of Herkimer county; the last years of her life were spent in Rushville. George W. was sixteen years old when he catne to Illinois in the fall of 1837; the journey was made by the most convenient route at the time; via team to Utica, thence via the Erie canal to IJuffalo, thence by steamer to Cleveland, thence by canal to Zanesville, thence by team to Portsmouth, thence via the Ohio, Missis- sippi and Illinois rivers to Schuyler county, landing at a point then known as Erie. Mr. Frisby had attended the schools in New York State quite regularly, and after coming to Schuyler county was a ]ni])il one term in the primitive school of the frontier. He lived at home with liis parents until he was twenty- one years of age, and then he worked at the shoemaker's trade for two years. He next took up the cooper's trade, which he followed live years, and then engaged in farming. In 1860 he settled on the place he now owns and occupies, section 8, Bainliridge town- ship. Mr. Frisby was married in 1845, to Eliza- beth Thompson, who was born in Greene county, Pennsylvania. They have five chil- dren living: Ann Elizabeth, William V., Mary C, James and Serilla H. The parents are members of the Free Methodist Church. Politically our subject is identified with the Republican party, and has represented the people of his township in many offices of trust and honor; he has been School Trustee and Director, Collector, Town Clerk, Con- stable, Magistrate, and at the present time is School Treasurer, an office he has held more than twenty-five years. He has dis- charged all the duties devolving upon him with rare fidelity, and has the utnjost con- fidence of his (ellow-men. N D R E W L O G S D O N , aprominent SliM ^^i'™**'" o^ Bainbridge township, has s^* been a resident of Schuyler county, Illi- nois, since he was a child of seven years. He was born in Cooperstown township. Brown county, Illinois, March 13, 1858. His father, Joseph Logsdon, was a native of Kentucky, born in Madison county, September 6, 1809, and the grandfather, William Logsdon, was also born in Madison county, Kentucky; he was a planter by occupation, and spent all his life in the county of his birth. He married Elizabeth Beheimer, a Virginian by birth; after the death of her husband she emigrated from Kentucky to Illinois., and died in Brown SCH07LBR AND BROWN COUNTIES. 537 county, at the age of eighty-four years. Jo- seph Logsdon was reareiJ in Kentucky, and was there married. In 1844 lie came to Illi- nois and located in Brown county, where he purchased sixty acres of unimproved land in Cooperstown township; there he resided un- til 1805, when he removed to Woodstock township, Schuyler county; here he bought a tract of land that had been improved, and on it he has since lived. He was married to Lucy Parker, who was born in Madison county, Kentucky, May 1, 1815, a daughter of Jonathan and Patsey (Everson) Parker. Of this union were born eight children, seven of whom lived to mature years. Andrew Logsdon, the subject of this no- tice, was reared from his seventh year in Woodstock township, and received his educa- tion in the common schools of that neighbor- hood. At the age of twenty years he assumed the responsibilities of life, and began his career as a farmer on rented land. In 1882 he purchased the land which he now occupies, located on section 0, Painbridge township. He is enijaeed in general farming, and has been quite successful in his operations. He was united in marriage in 1879, to Ro- hamah Terrill, a native of Bainbridge town- ship, and a daughter of Jackson and Elizabeth Terrill. To them have been born four children; Maude, Hugh, Lucy and Elizabeth. Politi- cally Mr. Logsdon has always been inde- pendent, and is now identified with the Peo- ple's party. ^ ^ lEORGE H. KIKKHAM, a prominent ''^— farmer and progressive citizen of Little- ton township, Schuyler county, was born in Brooklyn township, this county, April 22, 184^. His parents were Henry and Elizabeth Kirkham, his father still living in Buena Vista township, this county. Our subject received his education from a private teacher, who boarded about at the different homes, teaching in the various families, his facilities were thus necessarily limited, all of which have been supplemented by subsequent endeavor and self instruction. At the age of twenty, he enlisted in the war on August 15, 1861, serving in Company G and Bf, Twenty-eighth Illinois Infantry for four years, under the command of Captain B. C. Gillara. lie was with his regiment all through the war, with the exception of about four months, when he was sick ami in the hospital at Mcmterey, and went through the international struggle without receiving so much as a scratch. He was mustered out of the service in Brownsville, Texas, and honor- ably discharged in March, 1866. He had a brother and two step-brothers also in the late war, his brother in the san^e regiment as himself, while his step-brothers served in the Fiff;ieth Illinois Infantry. His brother served for three years, at the end of which time he went as a substitute, serving until the close of the. war. Both of his step-brothers were re-enlisted. After the war he returned to Schuyler county, and on November 6, 1870, was mar- ried to Anna E. Garrison, who was born in this township and county, July 31, 1846. She was a daughter of George and Sarah Garrison, prominent pioneers of this county, who both died here, her father at the age of seventy-seven years. She was one of eleven children, ten still living. Our subject is one of six children, five living, all of them farmers. After marriage, he located where he now resides, on a part of the old Garrison farm, he havino- made all the improvements at present noticeable on the place. He built, 52S BIOGUAPUICAL REVIEW OF CASS, in 1882. his present large and comfortable home, and now has good barns for his grain and stock, besides various other modern con- veniences, facilitating the handling of the various products of his farm, which is devoted to mixed agriculture. He has recently added to his original farm by purchasing 160 acres, and now has one of the largest and best farms in the county, having more than 800 rods of tiling on his place. Mr. and Mrs. Kirkham have ten children: Charles L., at Normal school, l)orn January 6, 1872; Elizabeth, born March 27, 1873, wife of William Blodgett; Ida F., born No- vember 16, 1874:, now attending the Normal school; William R., born December 14. 1876; Margaret G., born August /4, 1878; George H., born May 16, 1882; Anna B. M., born September 4, 1884; James O., born January 4, 1888. Politically, Mr. Kirkham is a Republican, and cast his lirst vote for General Grant's first term. He served as Collector of his town- ship during 1890. doing in that capacity creditable and satisfactory work. He is a member of Colonel Horney Post, G. A. R., No. 131. He and wife are consistent members of the Christian Church, of which Mr. Kirkham is Deacon, and for the support of which he and ■wife are ardent workers and liberal contrib- utors. Intelligent, honest and p\iblic-spirited, he commands the respect of all, while his more amiable virtues have won the affectionate re- gard of his fellow citizens. Henry Kirkham, one of the oldest living pioneers and most highly esteemed citizens of Schuyler county, dates his first appearrnceon the stirring scene of this locality on January 4, 1885. He is a native of Ohio. His father, Henry Kirkham, was born in Virginia, Sep- tember 2, 1769, while his grandfather, Michael Kirkham, came from Ireland, where he was married, to the United States, locating first in Virginia, and later moved to Kentucky, residing in Lexington, that State, for seven years, during the Indian troubles. He died in Kentucky in 1835, aged ninety-six years. His wife died on the same day. aged ninety- four years, both ilying of cholera. The fatlier of our subject removed from Virginia when a boy, accompanying the family to Kentucky, where he was married to Mary Gay. She was a native of Kentucky, liavino; been born in that State in 1773. She died September 9, 1820. The parents of our subject removed from Kentucky to Ohio, coming in 1834 to Illinois, locating in Rush- ville township. Here his father died April 12, 1840. His parents had ten children: Agnes, born February 3, 1794, married John Patterson, and died in Ohio; Sarah, born February 15, 1796, married John Kaze, and died in Mis- souri; Margaret, i)orn January 6, 1798, was married, and died in Bloomfield Illinois; James, born January 11, 1800,diedin Ohio; John, born September 6, 1802, died in Schuyler county, Illinois; Michael, born February 20, 1805, died in Schuyler county, Illinois; Mary, born August 7, 1808, married Martin Huffstetter, and died in Iowa; Rebecca, bom F'ebruary 20, 1810, married Peter Wempler, and died in Schuyler county, Illinois; the subject of our sketch, was born in Ohio; William, born August 1, 1815, died in California. At the age of five or six years, our subject removed with his parents to Monroe county, Indiana. Here he was reared on a farm, at- tending the district school, but receiving but little instruction. On January 4, 1835, he married Elizabeth Hinkle, and at once came to Illinois, locating in Schuyler county. He SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 529 was poor, consequently rented land for some years, finally purchasinu; land in Woodstock township, Schuyler county, where ho re- mained until the close of the war, when he removed to Buena Vista township, where he now resides. Here he owns eighty-two acres, which he has vastly improved, having erected a substantial residence and barns for grain and stock, besides numerous other modern conveniences for the pursuit of farming. His land is under a good state of cultivation, being devoted to mixed agriculture. It was here that his wife died, September 20, 1847, leav- ing six chiltlren to his care. She was a lady of much intelligence and many admirable traits of character, and was greatly regretted by her family and friends. The children were: James, born February 13, 1836, still residing with his father; William, born Sep- tember 26, 1S37, was a soldier in Company G, Twenty-eighth Hlinois, serving three years in the array, then re-enlisted and did duty until the close of the war, and now resides in Portland, Oregon; Mary, born September 4, 1839, married Jabez Vatters, residing in Macomb, Illinois; George H., born April 22, 1841, was a soldier in the Twenty-eighth Illinois, serving until the close of the war, now residing in Littleton township, Illinois^ Sarah E., born March 20, 1843, married, and now resides in Springfield, Illinois; Margaret, born December 7, 1844, married Amos Burgee, and resides in Portland Oregon. Our subject was married a second time, March 26, 1846, his second wife being Frances Swan, born in 1803. They had one son: Robert' John, born December 28, 1849. By a former marriage to Morris Swan, she had had six children: Martha, Matilda, Mary Ann, James, Jason W. and one that died in infancy. His second wife died in 1875, much lamented l)y all who knew her, as a worthy woman, a faithful wife and devoted mother' Politically, our subject first voted the Whig ticket, and is now a Republican. His constituents have honored him by;electing him to one of the most responsible positions in their power to bestow, he having Served as School Treasurer for forty years, which is the only office he would accept. The Kirkhams are Presbyterians, although our subject is not a member of any church. He is, however, a believer in the Christian religion, and has never used a profane word, or tasted intoxicating liquor in his life. A kind of rara avis, sometimes heard of but seldom seen. His endorsement by the community, and his conduct of life, make further remarks un- necessary. His integrity and fidelity are noticeable in this day of uncertainty in such matters, and are as refreshing as they are rare, and appear to be fully appreciated by his community. Would that the world might have more of such men, that the millennium might bo hastened! m-^ fOHN H. CLARK was born in West- moreland county, Pennsylvania, Septem- ber 8, 1815, a son of William and Rosana (Hurst) Clark. The father was a na- tive of Ohio, and in 1838 penetrated the frontier to Illinois, and located in Schuyler county. He erected a sawmill, which he operated for eight years, and then disposed of the property, retiring from active labor; he died at the home of John J. Redick, aged seventy four years; his wife was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and died at the old homestead in Schuyler county, aged sixty-four years. John H. is one of a 5;)o BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, family of eight children, and the only sur- viving ineinber. He remained under the parental roof until his marriage, which oc- curred March 1, 1852, when he was united to Miss Kena Black; she was born in Schuyler county, Illinois, and died here in early wotnan- liood; she was the mother of four children, two of whom are living: Mary E. is married and lias four children; Lorena is married and the mother of one child. Mr. Clark was married again in 1858, to Miss Mary Carter, a native of Ohio, who died in Schuyler county, Illinois, at the age of forty years. The third union was in 1870, when Mr. Clark was married to Miss Sarah E. Lawler; she was born in Fauquier county, Virginia, October 22, 1821, a daughter of James and Nancy (Harris) Lawler. In 1870, Mr. Clark settled on a farm near his father's home, and began the task of clearing a heavily timbered tract; there he labored industriously for eight years, and then sold the place; he bought the farm he now owns soon afterward, but only eleven acres were cleared, and a log cabin was the only place of habitation. Since then he has witnessed the many changes that have been wrought by the hand of progress, and has done his share in making the path clear for the advance of civilization. His dealings with his fellow-men have been characterized by a slrict integrity and keen sense of honor that iiave won the highest respect of all who know hira. The parents of Mrs. Clark, James and Diana (Thomas) Lawler, reared a family of five children, four of whom survive; the maternal ancestors came from Ireland, and the father participated in the war of the Revolution; he died at the age of seventy- five years, and she survived to the age of sixty. Politically the subject of this sketch affili- ates with the Democratic party, and has always supported its issues. He and his wife are consistent members of the Christian Church. gsENRY r. GR07EE, Mount Sterling, Illinois, one of the oldest settlers of the county, was born in Mason county, Ken- tucky. His father, Joseph, came from Vir- ginia, and the grandfather, Jonathan, spent his last years in Lewis county, Kentucky. Joseph was a farmer in Mason county, where he spent the last years of his life. His wife was named Sarah Putnam. She was the daughter of Elizabeth and Henry Putnam, who came from Kentucky to Illinois in 1836, and she spent her last years in Brown county. Henry was ten years old when his father died, and when he was sixteen years old his mother and her family moved to Ohio, and settled in Champaign county, where they were pioneers. They lived there until 1836, when Henry concluded to go West and try to better his fortune in a new country; con- sequently he came by teams as did other emigrants, and after eighteen days of travel landed in that part of Schuyler now included in lirown county. His means were very limited, and therefore, although there was plenty of Government land to be had for $1.25 an acre, he was not able to secure any for a time. He rented for two years, and then entered a Government tract, near Mount Sterling township. It was timber land, and he built the usual log hut, and existed for a long time upon the game that at that time was very plentiful. It was many years be- fore there was any railroad through that sec- tion. He made frequent trips to Quincy, SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 531 forty miles distant with wheat. Those were days of privations, but are now looked back upon as being very happy ones. His first wife was very industrious, was able to card, spin and weave and dressed her entire family in homespun, made entirely by her own hands. Mr. Grov^er cleared the land and built a brick house and lived there until 1882, and traded with his son James for the farm he now owns and occupies. He married first in 1833, Lucinda Putnam of Champaign county, Ohio, a daughter of William and Mary Putnam. She died about 1860. His second wife was named Martha Putnam. He has seven children, who were all born l)y his first marriage, and are named: Erwin, Caroline, John G., Marion, James, Joseph and Angeline. Mr. Grover is a member of the Regular Primitive Baptist Church, and is a Democrat in politics. He has served two terms as a member of the County Board of Supervisors. fOSEPH LOGSDON, a venerable pioneer of Schuyler county, has been a resident of the State of Illinois since 1844. He was born in Madison county, Kentucky, Sep- tember 6, 1809, a son of William and Eliza- beth (Beheimer) Logsdon; his father was a native of the same county, and died there, at the age of fifty-five years; the mother sur- vived until her eighty-fifth year, and died in Brown county, Illinois. The paternal grand- parents, Edward and Polly Logsdon, also lived to a good old age. Joseph Logsdon is one of a family of eleven children, four of whom are yet living. He spent his youth at home, and in 1837 was united in marriage to Miss Lucy Parker, a native of his own county, born May 1, 1815. Her parents, Jonathan and Patsey (Everson) Parker, were horn in Madison county, Kentucky, and were pioneers of Ohio. After his marriage Mr. Loy-sdon settled in Kentucky and followed agricult- ural pursuits there until 1844, when he came to Brown county, Illinois; he purchased sixty acres of wild land, and made it his home until coming to Schuyler county, when he bought a tract of 184 acres, which was well improved. He has done a general farming business, and has met with merited success. Mr. and Mrs. Logsdon have had born to them nine children, seven of whom survive; they are all married and the heads of families, excepting one: Elizabeth K. has seven chil- dren-. Perry is the sul)ject of a sketch which will be found elsewhere in this volume; Sarah is the mother of seven children; Ellen has a family of six children; George is married, but has no children; Jacob has two children; Andrew is the father of a family of four; the two who are deceased were twins. The an- cestors have been people of long lives, noted for their honor and uprightness, respected by all who knew them. iHARLES H. PHELPS was born in Dutchess county. New York, January 25, 1836. He is the son of E. B. and Jane (Wright) Phelps, the former born in New Medford, Connecticut, taught school for twenty-six years, and also ran a tile factory, working at diQ"erent trades. He died at the age of fifty-five, in Dutchess county, New York. His wife was born in Fishkill, New York, and died in Hancock county, aged fifty-five years. Her family were from the New England States, where they followed the occupation of farmers. 532 BIOQRAFHIGAL REVIEW OF CASS, Charles remained at home until he was twenty-three years of age, when he came to Illinois in 1857 and settled near Huntsville on a rented farm. He then rented in Birm- ingham township for five years, and two years in Hancock county. He then bought a farm in Hancock county, and lived there for ten years, then sold and bought in this county, in Huntsville, 240 acres of improved land, where he lived for four years, and then sold and rented a farm in Adains county, and in 1887 bought his present farm of 200 acres, partly improved, near the geographical center of the township. He has also been engaged in threshincr. Until Lincoln's second term he was a Democrat, but since that has been a stanch Republican. He has been Supervisor for four years, being first elected in 1888. He succeeded Marcus Helston. He was married February 3, 1859, to Nancy Scott, of Carroll county, Ohio, who came here with her parents when two years old. She was the dauirhter of William and Klizabeth (Hunter) Scott, the former a son of John Scott, of Ireland, who came with his wife and son to the United States when Will- iam was only eight years old. He rented in Carroll county, Ohio, in 1817, and came from there to Illinois in 1842, settling in Huntsville, Schuyler county. John Scott was seventy years old at his death, and his wife, Isabel, died on the old farm. Eliza- beth Hunter was born in Maryland, but her father was a native of Ireland. She died on the old farm, aged sixty-five years. She and her husband had five children, four yet living. Mr. {'helps was one of fourteen children, but he himself has only nine, as follows: Sarah Alice, wife of B. Craft, and they have three children; William E., married to Nana Tyree, four children; Charles F., married to Josephine Farewell, two children; Eliza May, married to George Burnett, one child; Ervin is at home, as are also George B., John K., Bert R. and Clara Belle. Mr. and Mrs. Phelps are niembers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Phelps lias been the Master of tiie Masonic lodge. No. 465, of Huntsville, for eighteen years. He was once a member of the I. O. O. F. He is a Granger, and was Master and State Deputy in same, and no one has been more popular, both in the offices he has held and in the various business dealings he has had with his fellow-men. He was one of the men who put John A. Logan in the United States Senate. He worked for him personally, and as long as the history of the Thirty-fourth Illinois Congressional District contest, which put J. A. Logan in the Senate, is preserved, just so long will the biography of Charles H. Phelps be on record as one of the workers, if not the hardest worker, in that cause. He knew no such word as fail, and much of the enthusiasm of that time was due to his ef- forts. He is a man of honor and upright- ness, and is loved by every one, regai'dless of party affiliations. -<^ ^^»- BRAHAM LINCOLN STOUT was born in Ripley township. Brown county •^f^- Illinois, November 9, 1860. He is the fifth son of Francis M. and Catherine Stout (see biography of same). He was reared and educated at Ripley. In his youthful days he attended school and helped his father on the farm. He lived with his parents until his marriage and then settled on the farm he now owns and occupies. This contains 180 acres, pleasantly located on the Rushville SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 533 road one mile east of the courthouse. He has erected a good set of farm buildings, planted fruit and shade trees and otherwise improved the farm. He was married in November, 1884, to Miss Louisa Lanning. She was born in Cooperstown township and was tlie daughter of Isaiah and Ellen Lanning. They have three children: Ethel, Eleanor Lottie and Helen. Mrs. Stout is a member of tiie Christian Church. Mr. Stout is a liepublican in poli- tics. Both he and his wife are good, hard- working farmers and are greatly esteemed by all who know them. ^ ^ |ICHAKD BUSH, of Mt. Sterling, a successful manufacturer of tile and brick, was born in Zanesville, Ohio, December 20, 1827. His father, Thomas, was born near Easton, Pennsylvania, in 1802, and his father, Richard, was born in the same State. He removed from there to Ohio and was one of the pioneers of Muskingum county. The removal was made on pack horses in 1801. He secured Government land on Meig's creek. At that time the In- dians were more numerous than whites, but all of them were friendly. For many years there were no railroads, no canals, no markets, and the people lived on the products of their lands. His wife's name was Dorothy Rjman, born in Pennsylvania of German ancestry. Thomas was eight years old when his parents made this move to Ohio, and there he was reared and married. He learned the trade of carpenter, and in his early life would hew all the timber and then saw all the lumber with a whipsaw to build a barn. He remained in Ohio until 1834, and then with his wife and nine children came to this State. This removal was made by team, cooking and camping by the way. Mr. Bush entered Government land, one and one-half miles east of Exeter. There was a small cabin on the land. As soon as he could well do so he erected a frame house with two rooms, and that was one of the live houses of that sec- tion. At the time he settled there the county was but sparsely inhabited and much of the land was still owned by the Government. He remained there until 1849, when he sold and came to Brown county and settled in Lee township, and bought land and lived there until his death. The name of his wife was Elizabeth Morrison, born in Virginia, daugh- ter of Alexander Morrison, who had come from Ireland. He had settled in Virginia and from there had moved to Muskingum county, Ohio, and died near Zanesville, his wife being also from Ireland. She reared seven children and finally died on the home farm. Richard was six years of age when he came to Illinois with hie parents and attended the log schoolhouse. He remained with his par- ents until 1848 and the same fall he moved to Brown county, and settled in Lee town- ship. There he bought eighty acres of land, all wild, part timber and part prairie. He improved the farm and resided there until 1856, and then sold out and moved to Texas, making the journey with teams. He bought 400 acres of land in Lamar county at §5 an acre, and engaged in farming and stock-raising, and lived there until 1860, and then sold out, for $10 an acre. He had in the meantime accumulated quite a stock of cattle, so that his investment there had proved very profitable. On selling out he returned to Lee township and bought 200 acres of land, three miles west of Mt. Sterling, and 534 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, coiitiiiTied farming there until 1889, when lie sold tlie farm and moved into Mt. Sterling. He then engaged in the manufacture of tile and brick. The most solid and enduring brick in existence is made by Mr. Bush at his yards. It is exclusively used for the paving of Jack- sonville and Qnincy. He introduced the first portable steaui sawmill into Brown county, and owned and operated the first mower and reaper combined, the first twine binder and the first thresher in that part of the State. Mr. Bush is an intelligent man, he has pro- gressive ideas and he is not afraid to put them into practice. He was married in 1848, to Lucinda Stayle, born in that part of Morgan now included in Scott county, a daughter of Peter and Par- thena Stayle, natives of Kentucky and pio- neers of Morgan county. Mr. and Mrs. Bush have eight children: Elizabeth A., Peter T., Emma J., Alexander J., Parthena S., Asenath, Minnie and R. Arthur. He is a Republican in politics. r^ILLIAM J. LAMBERT, a promin- 1 ent citizen of Schuyler county, has l"""^^^ been a resident of the State of Illi- nois since his childhood, and has aided in de- veloping the wild, uncultivated land into one of the most fertile farming sections in the United States. He is a native of Washing- ton county, Kentucky, born January 21, 1832, a son of William and Catharine (Den- nis) Lambert. William Lambert, Sr., was born in Washington county, Kentucky, and was reared to the occupation of a farmer, which he followed all his life. He emi- grated to Illinois in 1836, and settled at Rushville, where he operated a pioneer hotel until 1844; he died in that year, at the age of forty-five years. The trip to Illinois was made with a covered wagon and four horses, and the trials and hardships endured by the family were many, and such as are incident to life on the frontier. The mother of our subject was born in Mercer county, Ken- tucky, and died at Rushville, Illinois, at an advanced age; she was married a second time, this union beiucr to Cliarles AVells; she reared a family of three children, two of whom sur- vive, Mrs. M. O. Snyder and William J., the subject of this notice. He was a youth of fourteen years when he left the home of his childhood, and went out to meet some of the responsibilities of life; he first worked for his brother by the month, and in 1847 he came to Littleton township, and bought a tract of wild prairie land, which he undertook to improve and place under cultivation. Here he was married April 18, 1852, to Miss Josephine Rose, who was liorn on the farm which is now her home, June 29, 1833. Her parents, Randolph and Sarah Rose, were natives of Kentucky, but emigrated to Illinois and settled in Schuyler county in 1826; they had to undergo all the hardships of pioneer life, and did their share in the development and improvement of the country; they had a family of three children. Mr. and Mrs. Lambert are the parents of eight children, six of whom are living: Mabel is the wife of George Little, and has two children; William L. is married and has two children; Ellen, a talented artist, is a pupil in the Art Institute, Chicago; Edward is on the home farm; Josephine is a teacher in the Littleton schools; Fannie is at home. The family have had excellent educational advan- tages, and are among the most prominent citizens of the county. Mr. Lambert in his youth enjoyed only such educational facilities as were afforded in the SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 5'S5 district schools, but he improved his time and secured a fund of information that fitted him for the ordinary duties of life. After his marriage he settled on a farm which he oc- cupied for some time and then sold; he now owns nearly 500 acres of as choice land as lies within the borders of the county. He is engao^ed in general farming, but gives especial attention to the raising of high-grade cattle. Politically he affiliates with the Demo- cratic party. For more than twenty years he has been School Director, and has always given a liliei'al support to those movements which tend to advance the interests of the county and State. In his religious faith lie is a l>aptist, and has i)een a member of that churcli for many years. The children being reared to this faith, are also members of the church. II ARLES H. J lIETT,a well-known farmer of Woodstock township i.s the subject of the following biographical sketch. He is a native of the State of Ken- tucky, born in Fayette county, June 7, 1831, a son of John and Catharine (Hoffman) Juett; the parents were natives ef the Blue- grass State, and there passed all their days; they had born to them a family of nine chil- dren, two of whom died in infancy, and four of whom are yet living. Charles H. was married February 22, 1859, to Miss Mary Jane Hoffman, a native of Fayette county Kentucky, and a daughter of Michael and Syba Hoffman. Nine children have been born of this union, two of whom died in in- fancy: John M.; William, who is married and has one child; Anna M., married and the mother of two children; Catharine A., married and the mother of three children; Eliza E. ; Charles II.; Benjamin D.; EfKe S. and Francis M. After his marriage Mr. Juett removed to Illinois, and settled in Brown county; later he came to Schuyler county, and here he purchased 160 acres of timber land; he then undertook the task uf clearing this and plac- ing it under cultivation; he erected a log cabin, 16 x 18 feet, which was afterward de- stroyed by fire. As his means increased he made additional investments in land, and now owns 320 acres, all under cul- tivation. He is engaged in general farm- ing, and has been very successful. He has filled various local otticcs, and in both public and private life he has made a record for honorable and correct methods of dealing that command the confidence of the entire comtuunity. In politics he was allied with the Whig party until its dissolution, and since that time he has voted the Democratic ticket. ENRY MEYER, an old and retired Ger- man farmer of section 19, township 17, range 11, was born in Prussia, Germany, in 1814. His parents lived and died in Prus- sia, when quite old. The father, Conrad, was a small farmer, and he and his wife were members of the Lutheran Church. Henry is the youngest but one of the family. He and a brother Fred are the only surviving members of the family. Henry has earned his own living since he was eight years old and has made his present large fortune entirely by his own efforts. He was yet a young man when in the spring of 1833 he sailed from Bremen, on a sailing vessel, arriving at New Orleans after a voyage of nine weeks. He came up the Mississippi river and spent some few months 536 BIOORArniCAL REVIEW OF CASS, in Missouri, but not liking it he came on to Beardstown, Illinois, and settled here, being among the first settlers of the locality. They were all strangers to him. He is now the old- est settler now living in the county, which was all unbroken when lie came to it in the spring of 1833. Arenzville was a small town indeed when he settled there, consisting of two log houses. Beardstown and Virginia were ham- lets, and no roads marked out the sectional and township lines. In fact there were no improvements in the county to amount to anything. As there were no railroads the pioneers had but lew advantages to sell their produce when they had raised it. Mr. Meyer has lived to see all this changed, doing his full share to effect this change. He has worked hard to increase his oricrinai 186 acres to his o present number of 380 acres, of which 250 are highly improved. The 380 acres are di- vided into two separate farms, each supplied with a complete set of farm buildings. Un- til about live years ago Mr. Meyer worked hard, but then, as advancing age told upon him, he retired, and has l)een living quietly ever since, enjoying the fruits of his labors. He is now seventy-eight years old, and can point to a lite of usefulness that would put to shame many an idle man. He was married in this county to Eliza- beth Talkemeyer, born near the old home of her husband in Prussia, Germany. She came to America with a brother, Frederick, in the '-lOs, their parents having died in Germany. After they landed in New Or- leans, they came north to Beardstown, and here they both lived and died. Mrs. Meyer died at her home where her husband yet lives, September, 1884, aged sixty-seven. She was a good wife, a devoted mother, and a kind neighbor. Mr. and Mrs. Meyer were the parents of four children: Caroline Keane, of Arenzville; Mary, wife of William Duvel- meier, of Beardstown; Henry manages the farm, and married Caroline Baujan, of Arenz- ville; Louisa, wife of Fred Wienkencman, a farmer on one of Mr. Meyer's farms. Mr. Meyer has been a leading man for many years in his section, and one of the most prominent members of the Lutheran Church in Beardstown, and one near Arenz- ville. Hs is an ardent Republican in poli- tics. -^^iy-LPJTj- —^2/inyx^^ NGUS McPHAIL was born in Glasgow, Scotland, April 25, 1810. His father, Angus, was born on the island of Mull, and served an apprenticeship in Glasgow, to the trade of haberdasher. He then went into business for himself, but was not suc- cessful, losing all he had. He then decided to come to America, and try his fortune in tiie new world. His son, Angus, sent money to defray the expenses of his parents to America in 1844. He spent his last days in Lee township, and died aged eighty-four years. His wife's name was Jane, daughter of James and Flora (McVicker) Crawford. She was born in Argyleshire, Scotland, and died at the home of our subject. Her father was born in Renfrewshire, Scotland, and descended from the early settlers of that place v,"ho fled from France during the time of the persecution by the Roman Catholics. He was a sailor, and followed the sea many years. He fell from the mast, finally, and was killed. His wife passed her entire life in Scotland. The mother of our subject reared seven children: Archibald, Jane, and our subject, were the only ones that came to America. Angus was reared in Glasgow, and served six years' apprenticeship to the tailor's trade, SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 537 and then did journey work in different parts of Great Britain. He came to America in 1835, and stopped in New York a few weeks, and then made his way to Toronto, there bought property and opened a shop, continu- ing at his trade until 1837. Early in the spring of 1838, he left for the States by a roundabout route, and at last reached St. Louis, which then contained but 2,000 peo- ple. He stopped there a short time, and then came on to Beardstown, and from there to Uushville, and here opened a shop where he conducted his business until 18-iO, and then went to Mt. Sterling, and there opened a shop and continued until 1850. lie then moved to the farm he now owns, and has since been engaged in farming. He was married in Glasgow, in 1833, to Mary Crawford, born in Scotland, who died in 1852. He was married a second time in 1855, to Jane McCaskiil, born in Sangamon county, niinois, February 26, 1828. Her father, Daniel, was born in North Carolina, and his father, John, was born in Scotland, and coraincr to America settled in North Carolina, and then went to South Carolina, where he died. The father of Mrs. McPhail went to Indiana when a young man, and studied medicine, and continued practicing there. He then became one of the pioneers of Sangamon county, Illinois. He practiced medicine in that county until 1835, and then took eighty acres of Government land in Pea Ridge township, and bought 240 acres more in the same township. He remained there until his death, at the age of fifty- nine. The maiden name of the mother was Esther Turner, the daughter of Archibald Turner, a native of Ireland, who died at the home of the family in Pea Ridge township. Mr. and Mrs. McPhail have four living children; Daniel, William, Archibald John and Flora Ellen. He has also four living children by his first wife: Mary, Catherine, James and Scotland. They are members of the Presbyterian and Methodist Churches, and he is a Republican. ^^ENRY A. HIERMAN, a young and %^\j energetic farmer, living on section 12, *^§a| township 17, range 12, was born on this farrm on June 6, 1865. He was educated in the public schools, and lived at home until the death of his father, since which time he has farmed on his own account. He is the fourth son of nine children born to his parents, Beridiardt and Mary (Legermeier) Ilierinan, natives of Germany, whose parents both lived and died in the fatherland. The father was yet a young man, about twenty years of age, when he came to the United States in the '50s and made a settlement at Beardstown. lie there followed his trade of ])ainter, which he had learned in Germany. He afterward decided to go to farming, and purchased land six miles from Beaidstown, in township 17, range 11. He here improved a large and beautiful tract of land embracing more than 300 acres. There are eighty acres of timber. He put up good farm buildings and made everything pleasant around him. Here he died, November 16, 1887, in the fifty- sixth year of his life. He was a good man, well known throughout the community. He was a Republican, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His wife, who survives him, had come to the United States when a young woman. She married Mr. Hierman in Beardstown, and after his death married a second time, Fred Housmier, a re- tired farmer. His first wife had died here. Mr. and Mrs. Housmier are members of the 538 BIOORAPHIOAL REVIEW OF CASS, Methodist Episcopal Clinrcli, and Mr. Hons- mier is a Republican in politics. Mr. Hierman now conducts a large farm of 320 acres, belonging to liis mother. He has been operating it for the past three years very successfully. It is in a high state of cultivation and is one of the substantial farms of the township. Tlie brothers of our subject are: William A., a farmer of Schuyler county, married to Mary Winklehack; Edward, a dealer in agricultural implements in Arenz- ville, married Josie Beard; Thedora married Cinda Hacknian, and they are fanners in Morgan county; our subject married Lizzie Nordsick, who was born and reared in Cass county, and is the mother of one child, Inas; Frank lives with his brother Edward, in Arenzville; George lives with his brother Theo, in Morgan county; Louis and Al- bert, twins; and Charles is with his brother Henry. Mr. Hierman is a Lutheran, but his wife is a Methodist. Mr. Hierman is a Republi- can, and both he and his wife are highly re- spected throughout the community where tliey live. ION RAD BECKER, now a retired farmer living iu section 32, township 17, range 11, near Arenzville, was born in Hesse- Darmstadt, Germany, August 18, 1826. He grew up and was educated in his native province, being twenty-one years old when he came to the United States, sailing from Bremen on a sailing vessel that landed him in New Orleans after an eight weeks' voyage. He came from there up the Mississippi river to St. Louis, and from there to Beardstown, taking five weeks to make the trip. He set- tled in the last named city, February, 1847. He was a poor man at that time and among strangers, but by hard work and economy he has accumulated a fortune. He is the only member of his family who came to the United States. The parents of Mr. Becker died in Germany, and were farmers, as were their parents before them, and they were Lutherans iu religion. Mr. Becker has lived in Cass county for forty years, and has been a successful farmer and stock-raiser. His property embraces some very fine land, besides his line residence and a large number of Government bonds. Mr. Becker was married in Arenzville in 1851, to Miss Sarah Hakes, born in Notting- hamshire, March 7, 1828, daughter of Will- iam and Elizabeth (P^reeman) Hakes, natives of Nottinghamshire, England, where they lived and died. Mrs. Becker lost her mother when quite young, and so was obliged to take care of herself. She is the only member of her family who came to the United States, and she made the trip in 184-8, sailing from Liverpool, England. She landed in New York city alter a voyage of some weeks, and came thence to Morgan coimty, Hlinois, where she remained a few weeks, and then came on to Arenzville, which has since been her home. She has proved herself a true wife and mother, always willing to do any amount of hard work. Mr. and Mrs. Becker have three children: Henry married Mattie Boyer, and resides in Arenzville; Mary died in 1882, at the age of twenty-four, being the wife of Herman Weber; Lizzie, wife of Ed. Peteiish, farmers of Virginia, this county. fOHN H. WALKER was born in Gray- son county, Kentucky, October 5, 1831. His father was Feli.x, born in Brecken- ridge county, Kentucky, November 14, 1804. SGBUYLBR AND BROWN COUNTIES. 539 He was a farmer whose fatlier, William Walker, was a farmer who lived and died in the same county. He owned a good home and raised a larj^e family. Felix Walker came to Kiishville and settled four miles north of Buena Vista township, in 1837. He rented lands for some years, but in 1844 he bought forty acres in Brooklyn township. This was wild land, on which lie lived for only a short time. He had but a few hundred dollars and soon moved to the hamlet of Brooklyn, where he died November 14, 1845. He left a wife, live daughters and his only son, John. Soon after his death, his daughter Harriet died, in her sixteenth year. The mother of the^'e children was Rachel Watts, of Hardin county, Kentucky. She died January 22, 1884, aged eighty years. She was lame many years from a dislocated hip caused by a fall, but other than that she was well and bright to the last. There are four of her children still living: Mr. Walker: Sarah Blackburn, livlnjj^ in i>rooklyn town- ship; Catherine Hine, also of Brooklyn; Gallie Shaler, living in Adams county, Iowa. Mr. Walker grew up on the farm and re- mained at home until thirty-one years of age, when he enlisted, August 11, 1862, in Com- pany A, Seventy-eighth Illinois Infantry. He served nearly three years, and was in but one general engagement, and that against Hood at Nashville, Tennessee. He was in seven skirmishes, but was confined to the hospital most of the time. He returned to Brooklyn and resumed farming the forty acres his father had left. In 1866, with his brother-in-law, Orville Blackburn, he bought eighty acres on section 29, for $1,700. They farmed this in company for three years. In 1869 he was married to Lydia McAllis- ter, born in Shelby county, Kentucky, daugh- ter of Enoch and Elizabeth (Smiley) Mc- Allister, who came to Illinois in 1854. The father died in the Confederate army, at Cor- inth, Mississippi, in 1862, aged fifty-one. His wife is living near Huntsville, eighty- one years of age, and is still well and active. Mr. and Mrs. Walker have buried one child, but they have live living: Felix, Adolphus, George A., Maude A. and an unnamed baby. Mr. Walker has eighty acres in his home farm and 120 elsewhere. He r.-tises horses, cattle and hogs, buying and selling them. He has been Road Commissioner many years. Super- visor live years and is also Assessor. He is a Republican, member of G. A. R., George A. Brown Bost. and is a Master Mason. fOUN W. McCLINTOCK was born in Ireland, August 12, 1812. His father was also John, a farmer in Ireland, who died there in middle life, when his son was a youth. His wife was Jane Thompson, the mother of lifteeu children. She lived to be quite aged. Of this family, Isabella came to this country tirst, when a young lady and her sister, Margaret, joined iier. Our subject came next, when twenty-eight years of age, brintrincr his wife and two children. His wife was Eliza Hebron. They came in 1840 on the sail ship, Sardiana, and were six weeks and three days between Liverpool and New York. They encountered a great storm, and for two nights they were nailed below the decks. Mr. McClintock had $100 after pay- ing his way. They lived tirst with a farmer of Chester county, named William Webb, a grand, good man, a Quaker. Mr. McClin- tock lived with him for live years, in which he had house rent, cow and feed, free. In 1846 they to Ohio, and two years later he bought two acres of land, for $200, at 540 BIOGBAPEIOAL REVIEW OF CASS, Youngstown, Ohio. He lived here five years, farming, and within five years he bought eight acres in the suburbs of that village, for $166 an acre, and brush at that! At this time there were eight railroads there. This eight acres brought him $500 in money and 120 acres of land here in Brooklyn township. His two acres brought him $500, aud he came to his present farm home in the fall of 1871. They have buried one son, John, who dred in 1882, aged thirty-three years. The living ones are: William, a farmer on the old home- stead; Andrew, at home; Sarah, now Mrs. James Henderson, farmers in this township; Hugh, on an adjoining farm. Mr. McClintock has voted the Republican ticket since Horace Greeley ran for President. They are members of the Baptist Church, and have given their children a good educa- tion. Although Mr. McClintock liad only $100 when he landed in this country, he and his family now have 300 acres of land, worth 330 an acre, with no mortgage upon it. They are worthy people and are justly proud of their success. 4^ ^ lICHARD BOYD, a farmer on section lp\lK 34, Oakland township, Schuyler county, is a native of county Donegal, Ireland, born in 1858, the son of James and Cather- ine Boyd; the parents of both died on the Emerald Isle, the father at the age of sixty years, and the mother at the age of ninety- nine. At the age of sixteen years Richard Boyd bade farewell to his home and friends and native land, and crossed the sea to America; he landed at the port of New York, and continued his journey to Pitts- burgh, Pennsylvania, to which point his ticket carried him. He soon secured em- ployment at $2 a day, and worked until he had paid back his passage money which he was obliged to borrow; he remained in Pitts- burgh three years, and at the end of that time came West with his brother James, who had preceded him to America. He was in the employ of John Young for three years, at $16 a month; he then spent a year in prospecting, and ended his observations by purchasing a tract of eighty acres, a part of his present farm, the consideration being $600; he has since added forty-three acres, and has made many improvements, develop- ine: one of the most desirable farms in the township. Mr. Boyd was married in March, 1891, to Miss Jessie Ackman, a daughter of Isaac and Nancy (Harmon) Ackman. Mrs. Ack- man died when Jessie was a child of six years, and Mr. Ackman married a second time to Miss Maria Hay, of Ohio; he died May 26, 1886. He was a farmer by occu- pation, and was one of the pioneers of this county, settling here in 1842. There were nine children of the first marriage, and to these the second wife was a sood and kind mother; she was as deeply and truly mourned as was the father: David Ackman lives in northern Kentucky; Georgiana is the wife of Edward Garrett, and lives in Kansas; Mary married Blair Simpson, a farmer of nortii- ern Wisconsin; the rest of the family live in Schuyler county. Mr. Boyd does a general farming business, raising grains and live- stock; his preference in the latter is Short- horn cattle and Poland- China hogs. Mr. and Mrs. Boyd are both members of church, and are liberal supporters of the re- ligious denominations. Politically, he affili- ates with the Republican party. Two of his brothers and two of his sisters are living in SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 541 the United States, but tlie remainder of the family are in Ireland. Mr. Boyd is a man of (nany sterling traits of character, and has the respect of his adopted countrymen. AMU EL W. COOK, a highly respected member of the farming community of Oakland township, was born in Marion county, Ohio, in 1833, a son of Peter L. Cook. Tiie father was born in 1808. and died May 2, 1892, aged eighty-four years; ho enjoyed excellent iiealth until about three weeks previous to his deatii. The paternal grandfather of our subject, .John Cook, was a blacksinith by trade, and also carried on fanning in Marion county, Ohio; he was sixty-two years of age at the time of his death, and left his second wife a widow. His first wife was Susan Loudei'back, a na- tive of Pennsylvania, and in that State tiiey were married; thence they removed to Ohio, when Peter L. was a small lad; he is one of a family of nine children, seven of whom grew to adult age. He married Hatinah Hankie, a native of Bucks county, Pennsyl- vania, and a daughter of Henry Hankie, who died at the advanced age of ninety-six years. Eleven children were born of this union; the mother died in the fall of 1887, in her seventy-sixth year; one son died in the summer of 1859, aged twenty-eight years; he left a wife and five children; the other members of the family are living, all are married and have families, the first, second and third generations numbering about 125 souls. Samuel W. Cook, our worthy subject, was married in 1857, to Elizabeth Lovell, of Schuyler county, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Seaver) Lovell; Mrs. Cook's father was a native of Kentucky, and her mother was of German extraction; the maternal grandmother lived to the extreme old age of 104: years: Mrs. Cook was born in 18-40. They began their married life here in Schuyler county, and with the exception of a legacy of $3,000, which was recently received by Mrs. Cook, have accumulated their property through their own efforts. They own a line, fertile farm of 110 acres, and Mrs. Cook has a tract near by which consists of fifty-six acres. They are the parents of eleven children: one son and two daughters dieil in infancy; Charles E. died at the age of nineteen years, in 1885; Mary E. is the wife of Thomas Chalkley; William T. married Laura Straus- baugh, and has two children; Lizzie is the wife of Harry Smith; Hannah married James Lybarger, and is the mother of one child; Inez L., Samuel W. and Wilmar F. are at home. In his political opinions Mr. Cook adheres to the principles of the Democratic party; he has represented his township in some of the local offices, and has discharged his duties with great credit to himself. Mrs, Cook is a, consistent member of the Church of the Disciples. |OAH W. BAKEK was born in Summit P/f county, Ohio, June 25, 1835. He was the son of James M. and Eliza (Taylor) Baker. James M. Baker was of New York, and came from there to Ohio, and rented in Summit county, and soon after bought and l)egan farming. In 1840, he sold his Ohio property and drove of oxen and one wagon, and settled in Pike county, near Griggsville, and lived there eight months. He then came 542 BIOOBAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, to this county and bought forty acre:? and l)uilt a log house in which thej lived. He then bought sixty acres more, and he lived there till his death, which occurred when he was eighty-six years of age. Our subject's father was one of five chil- dren. Our subject's mother was born in Connecticut and came West to Ohio with her people, and she died here about seventy-one years of age. Noah W. was one of eight children, four yet living, and all in thig neighborhood but one. The subject of this sketch is a Democrat, and was from his tweiity-first year. His people all belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was at home till he was of age, and then worked out by the month. He was married February 21, 1867, to Miss Margaret Greenleaf, who was born in Elkhorn township, July 10, 1843. She was the daughter of Peter and Mary (Furguson) Greenleaf, she being of Ohio, and he came from Canada to Illinois. Their daughter Margaret, was one of four children, and all are living. Margaret's father and mother died in Elkhorn township and had about 160 acres of land at his death. He went to Cali- fornia overland and part of the way he walked and rode. He staid there four years, and while there he practiced the trade of a tanner. He returned by land. Our sul)ject's wife had nine children, seven of whom are living: Hattie M. was born De- cember, 1869; Perry was born February 4, 1870; Susie was born October 22, 1873; Nellie was horn September 6, 1875; Fred was born November 16, 1878; Carson was born October 13, 1883, and Mart was born April 13, 1885. After his marriage our sub- ject settled on the forty acres he had !)0ught and built a log house and then a frame one. He lived there till 1888. He has now in the neighborhood, over 480 acres and eighty un- der cultivation. Subject's children are all cultivated and in- tellectual. One of them is teaching, two are musical, and the others are more or less gifted. He himself is a Democrat and voted for Stephen A. Douglas. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is also a member of the 1. O. O. F. He is a fine man, and very much respected by all of his fellow citizens. >LLEN WEBB was born in Madison I county, Kentucky. July 25, 1820. He was the son of Joshua and Letta (Haw- ard) Webb. The former was born in Vir- ginia and came with his parents at an early day to Kentucky, where he lived and died at the age of eighty years. He was in the war of 1812 and drew a pension, having been a brave soldier. He was the son of Jolm and Millie Webb, who were both natives of Vir- ginia and died in Kentucky, the former at eighty-five, the latter at 103. All the family were farmers. Mrs. Letta Webb was born in Virginia and died in the same State as her husband when she was fifty-live. She was a daughter of John and Nancy Haward. A brother of Joshua Webb was in the Revolu- tionary war and was at the Cornwallis sur- render. Allen Webb was one of five children and remained at home until nineteen years of age, working on the farm. He then hired himself out to a man as blacksmith's apprentice and stayeil with him two years, and then started a business for himself in Clark county, Ken- tucky. He continued working at his trade until 1851, and then started by wagon for Illinois. He first located at Mt. Sterling SCHUYLER AND SHOWN COUNTIES. 543 His original farm was 160 acres, worth but little at that time, and he lived in a log house for some time. He then sold that farm for 100 per cent, profit and bought another farm of 225 acres. He built a o-ood farm house and soon had one of the best farms in the county. This farm he sold also, and moved to another place for a year. He then settled on the old Dennis farm and lived there for three years, when he again sold out and moved back to Mt. Sterling and retired from active business, having been an extensive stoek-crrower. He now has a fine town house and tiie old General Signtetan farm of twenty acres. He was an old Whig and voted first for Henry Clay and in 1856 for John Fre- mont. He has voted the Republican ticket ever since. Mr. Webb had only six month's schooling in liis entire life, but he lias edu- cated himself and is a well-read man. Mr. Webb now enjoys life in an easy way looking after his property and real estate interests. He was married for the first time to Emily Oliver, of Madison county. She died in Lee township aged forty- eight years. She bore her husband ten children, four now living, namely: Jennie, Jolin A., Emelineand Isaac. Mr. Webb was married for tiie second time to Miss Martha Harper of Ohio, daughter of Stephen and Martha Harper, wiio came here at an early day. Mrs. Webb die RS. ALMIRA YOUNG, widow of John Young, is tlie daughter of Will- "^^f^ iam and Elizabeth (Seaver) Lovell, natives of Ohio. Her parents emigrated to Illinois in the fall of 1836, when she was an infant of two years; they made the journey overland with horses and a prairie schooner, being five weeks on the way; the family con^ sistcd of the parents and tlii-ee cliildren. They first settled on the Illinois river, but shortly afterward removed to the present home of Mrs. Young. The mother died in 1841, leav- ing a family of six children, four sons and two daughters; she was forty-two years of age; the father survived her forty-nine years, and died at the age of eighty-six years. Mrs. Young was married in 1849 to Ladon Beghtol, a native of Kentucky, a son of Peter Beghtol, who emigrated to Illinois about 1840; they lived here until the death of Mr. Beghtol, which occurred in 1857; he left a family of three children: Mary Eliza- beth, Sarah Melvina and William Levi. Mrs. Beghtol was then married a second time, this union being with John Young; he was a na- tive of Pennsylvania, was reared in the State of Ohio, and removed to Illinois with his first wife and four children in 1855; the wife died soon after their arrival in this State. Mr. and Mrs. Young were married in 1859, and seven years later they moved to Hamil- 544 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF OASS, ton county, Iowa, where they settled on a small fai-ni; tliere they resideil until the death of Mr. Youncr, which occurred March 20, 1870, at the age of fifty- seven years. Nine children were born of this union: John died in infancy; Oscar was accidentally killed in childhood; Ju.stine is the wife of Marion Stockton; William, Eli, George, Nola, Mar- ion, Joseph; Nola is married to Webster Aten of Schuyler county. fOSEPU PARKE was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, in 1818. His father, Jonathan, was born in the same place and died at an advanced age, when his Son was so small that he !\as no recollection of him. There were ten sons and the same number of daughters in this family, all com- ing to adult years, but all have now died. The mother of this remarkable family was Marjory Woodward of the same county. She lived some fourteen years after her husband's death and they both now rest in the Marshall- town cemetery, a large Quaker cemetery. These parents were well-to-do and gave the family a good education. Joseph was sent to a Quaker school at Western Academy. He was reared to farm life, but at twenty-one he began school-teach- ing, taught two years in Pennsylvania and four years in Ohio. At his mother's death he was put under a guardian, who gave him additional educational advantages. He was married in Logan county, Ohio, in his twenty-sixth year, to Mary Ann Wilson, She was a daugther of Robert and Elizabeth (Holt) Wilson. They, Mr. and Mrs. Parke lived for live years in this county and taught school. In October, 1840, they came West, overland, and settled in Brooklyn township, entering 160 acres. This was wild and they made the first improvements, building a log cabin with a sod chimney. Mr. Parke still has the cabin as a part of his present dwelling but the sod chimney is now a brick one and the cabin is weather-boarded externally and lathed and plastered inside. He has 300 acres, a part of which he has deeded to his daughter. About 1865 they buried one son, Jonathan, aged twenty. They ne.xt buried Elizabeth, Mrs. Taylor Gray, at the age of twenty-six; in 1885 their daughter, Ada Sario, aged about eighteen years old, died at Dr. Prince's establishment at Jacksonville. His wife had fits for some twenty years and in March, 1891, fell into the fire and died the same day. He has only one living daughter, Eliza, second wife of Taylor Gray. She has four children: George W., Mary Florence, Estelle and Kellie Jane. She has buried one infant son. She and her husband are operating the farn^l for her father, who lives with them. Mr. Parke has been a constant toiler since 1840, when he came to this home. He has served in some of the township offices and taught school one year. He has been a general farmer, although he has made the most out of wheat, growing from fifteen to thirty bushels per acre. Hogs have been the best- paying stock and horses have paid well in a small way. He has voted the Democratic and Repub- lican tickets, but is now a Farmers' Alliance man. He and his family have been Univer- salists, although he has been reared a Quaker. -^^urnyh- -^irmn^^ fAMES E. NEELEY, a prominent farmer and dealer in live-stock, Littleton town- ship, was born at Fort Earned, Kansas, March 3, 1864, a son of John and Lucinda SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 545 (Snyder) Neeley. The father was a native of Pennsylvania, but emigrated to Kansas, where he engaged in fanning. James E. is the only child of the first marriage; the mother died April 8, 1864, at Larned, Kansas. Mr. Neeley married a second time, and had one child by this union. After the death of his mother our subject was taken to the home of Major Wheeler, where he was reared with all the aflectionate care that could be bestowed upon him. The farm he i>ow occupies was inherited from the Major, and he is engaged in general agriculture. Mr. Neeley made a specialty of breeding and raising line, thorouglihred liorses, and fine stock of excellent pedigree; Roan Dick is an animal of good record, and a colt that he is now raising promises to be one of the fastest horses in the State. He has managed all branches of farming with keen intelli- gence, and has met with merited success. In 1886, November 25, he was united in marriage to Miss Rachel A. Greer. Mr. and Mrs. Neeley are the parents of one child: John F., born March 13, 1891. Politically, our subject adheres zealously to the principles of the Republican party, having cast his first presidental vote for James G. Blaine. He is a young man of superior business qualifica- tions, and his judgment carries due weight throughout the agricultural district of this section of Illinois. -«fe ^iENRY FISCHER, a successful and Wm)j practical farmer, living on section 24, ■t^ township 17, range 11, was born November 1, 1854. and is the son of Henry Fischer, a native of Hesse- Darmstadt, where he learned the trade of shoemaker. There he was married to Miss Margaret Kraft, a native of the same province. After the birth of two daughters and a son, the family em- igrated, in the '40s, to the United States, settling in Beardstown, Illinois, where Mr. Fischer established a shoemaking business, and ran it for some years with the assistance of his son, our subject; but when the latter beean to farm the father withdrew from his trade and is now retired. Although now quite an old man he is still very active and energetic, and is'a Lutheran in religion and a Democrat in politics. His mother is still living, in Beardstown, M'ith her daugiiter, Mrs. Elizabeth Bohrnman, and is over ninety years old. The excellent wife of Henry Fischer is yet living, about seventy years old. She has been a valued member of the Luther- an Church for many years. Our subject and two sisters are yet living: the latter are Mar- garet, widow of Martin BoUe, deceased, having died from the effects of an accident on the Quincy railroad; and Sophia, wife of George Speaker, who is now foreman of the wrecking department of the Quincy railroad. Our subject has been a farmer for eleven years. He enjoys it more than his former trade of shoemaker. He is now located on section 24, and the land of which he owns one-half interest is known under the firm name of Keil & Co. They purchased to- gether the old John Weiss homestead, em- bracing 500 acres of land, mostly well im- proved with good farm buildings. On this land is Hagener station, and besides this they own 200 acres in this township, known as pasture land, and forty acres of timber in township 17, range 11, which is very valuable. He has, for the last eleven years, had the management of this land and is a practical man and an excellent farmer. Mr. Fischer was married to Miss Mamie Weiss, who was born on the farm where she 546 BIOOBAPHIGAL REVIEW OF CJSS, now lives, April 26, 1856. She is the youngest child of Jolm and Katharine (Ilahn) Weiss, natives of Gerinatiy. They married immediately before sailing to the United States, in 1842, and on reaching here made a settlement on a farm in town- ship 17, range 11, which is now the home of Mr. Fischer. They began to make improve- ments and Iwnght more land, and in time Mr. Weiss' possessions increased until he owned 900 acres of valuable land. Here they remained the rest of their lives. Mr. AVeiss died in 1876, aged seventy-two years. He had been an active, hard-working man all his life and was regarded by his neighl)ors as an upright citizen, worthy of their respect and regard. He was a member of the Lutheran Cliurch and was a Republican. His wife died some years later, at her old home, in 1887, aged sixty-two years. She had been a member of the Lutheran Church all her life. Of the family of four children left by Mr. and Mrs. Weiss, all were daugh- ters: Lizzie, wife of Christian Meyer, died at the age of forty, leaving a family of eight children; Katie is the wife of William Hack- man, grocer of Jacksonville; Sophia is the wife of Henry C. Keil (see sketch of same). Mr. and Mrs. Fischer are the parents of five children: Adelaide, Ervin L., Ray H., Rena K. and Albert H.. who died when an infant. This is one of the wealthy and greatly respected families of the township with whom it is a pleasure to become acquainted. -y-^ux/UTy- ■^tTtnn^^ ^HARLESD. RITCHEY, a substantial farmer and influential citizen of Little- ton township, Schuyler county, was born in tiiis county on June 11, 1862. His father, Addison R. Ritchey, is a prominent pioneer of Schuyler county, and a sketch of his life is subjoined. Our subject was reared on a farm and was educated at a college in Vaparaiso, Indiana, from which institution he graduated with honor. He was married June 13, 1889, to Miss Dena Saunders, a native of Atlanta, Macon county, Missouri, in which place she was born June 15, 1864. She was a daughter of James W. and Martha A. (Stone) Saunders. Her father was born in Kentucky, and accom- panied his parents to Missouri when he was but nine months old. His father, Woodvvard G. Saunders, is also a native of Kentucky, and is still living, at an advanced age, in Mis- souri. George W. Saunders, father of Wood- ward G., was a scliool teacher, and died in Missouri a number of years ago. Woodward G. Saunders located on a farm in Missouri, where he and family began the life of pio- neers, experiencing all the inconveniences and hardships incident to those similarly circum- stanced. Here, James W. Saunders was reared, and was educated at the William Jewell College, located at Liberty, Missouri, and was for twenty years a Baptist minister. It was in Missouri that lie met and married Martha A. Stone, a very attractive lady, and daughter of Hiram and Laura J. (De Freire) Stone, both natives of Tennessee, the father still surviving in Macon county, Missouri, a graduate from the high school in Elletts- ville, Monroe county, Indiana. Our subject's wife was a school teacher for more than six- teen years, and is a highly educated and in- teresting lady, of superior ability and culture. After his marriage, Mr. Ritchey went into business with Mr. De Witt, in a general store, where he remained for some time. He was later elected Clerk of Littleton township, in which capacity he served for one year. He was afterward elected Collector of that SGHUTLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 547 township, serving for two years in a biglily creditalile manner. Mr. and Mrs. Ritchey have one child: Edna M , who was born December 25, 1890. Mrs. Ritchey is a member of the Baptist Church, to which she contributes liberal aid. He is a Republican, and cast his first vote for James G. Blaine. His constituents have demonstrated their esteeein by electing him to two of the most responsible positions in tlieir power to bestow. Of unswerving fidelity and integrity, and high morality, together with generous im- pulses and cordial manners, he enjoys the re- spect and esteem of his fellow citizens. Addison B. Ritchey, one of the oldest pioneers of Schuyler county, is a native of Ohio, and was born in Green county, of that State, September 17, 1817. His parents were John and Elizabeth (Reed) Ritchey. His father, a native of I'ennsylvania, was born in Alleghany, that Slate, and was a farmer all his life. He went to Ohio in 1816, and in 1824 came all the way to near Rushville with a four-horse wagon. All the worldly posses- sions of the family were in the wagon and they had very little money besides, as they paid their last fifty cents for being ferried across the river at Beardstown, then known as Beard's Ferry. He had come out for the purpose of taking land, for which he had a patent, but after camping on the land, for one night, he would not remain, and moved to near Rushville, where he located on a quarter section, building there a small log cabin about 16 x 18, in which they lived for several years. His was the thirteenth family in the county. In 1826, he traded his claim for 160 acres of land in Littleton township, in section 35, on which he built another log house, where they lived for one season, then rented land and removed to his former farm. where on account of some trouble about trade, he moved to Rushville, buying there 160 acres adjoining the town, on which he built another log house, in which he and family lived for about eight years. He then sold and came back to Littleton township. Dur- ing all this time our subject was employed in various pioneer work, splitting rails, plowing and doin l^EUMAN U. LOVECAMP, one of the most successful farmers and stock- raisers of township 17, range 11, near Arenzville. Illinois, was born in this county in 1840. He has paf.sed his life in this sec- tion and is the sc>n of Katherine and Fred Lovecarap, both natives of Germany, born and reared in Hanover, and married after they came to St. Louis. They were early settlers of Cass county, coming to Cass county about 1835. They were both industrious and economical, and bravely contended against all the trials that beset the early settlers. They spent their last days on the large farm which their united efforts had earned. Mr- Lovecamp only lived to be forty-iive years old, but his wife survived him until she was seventy-eight. They had both been Luther- ans, and Mr. Lovecamp was a Repulilican. a Worthy, good citizen and his wife was one of the best and kindest women in the world. Herman grew up under his mother's care and became a farmer also. He was married in this county to Mary Peters, born in Han- over, Germany, December 19, 1843. She came to the United States and to Beardstown with her parents, Mary and Fred Peters, in 1845. Mr. Peters was a blacksmith by trade, a good mechanic and had always been a hard- working man until the time of his death. He was a Democrat and belonged to the Lutheran Church. He died in 1877. acred si.xty-tive. His wife is still living in Beards- town, and upon her last birthday, August 13, 1892, was seventy-three years old. She is still active and has been a member of the Lutheran Church all her lite. ilrs. Love- camp is one of nine children, three yet living. She is one of the good, German women where she resides and she has the respect of the whole neicrhborhood. She is the mother of twelve children: Emma and Cora died young; John is a harnessmaker in Arenzville; Will- iam, a farmer in Cass county, married Miss Caroline Carls; Henry assists in running the home farm; Mary. Christina, Lucinda, Louisa, Alma Albert and Julius all are at liome. They are Lutherans and they have had the pleasure of seeing their children confirmed in the same laith. Mr. Lovecamp and his grown sons agree in their political faith, being members of the Democratic party. Mr. Lovecamp owns over 240 of well im- proved land, and has been the possessor of it for the past fifteen years. He has made a great many improvements on the place and now resides very comfortably in his nice home with his family around him. -^^ Sh^ I'^lDWARD T. MILBY was born in Sus- l. sex county, Delaware, August 4, 1835. His father, Nathaniel J. Milby, emi- grated with his wife and four children to Illinois in 1840, settling in Rushville town- ship. The journey was made by canals and rivers and proved a tiresome one. The father bought a tract of land and hastened to make it ready for settlement. Two acres of the land had been cleared and a plain log cabin had been built. This was all. But deft and will- ing lingers soon made things assume a fairly comfortable shape, and western life was fairly under way. This log cabin, by the way, was SCHUrLEE AND BROWN COUNTIES. 555 the lirst permanent house of its kind in Illi- nois. Mr. Milby, Sr., occupied the farm to the day of his death. The maiden name of the mother of the subject of this sketch was JMary Wilson, born in Sussex county, Dela- ware. She died on the Schuyler county home farm. In those days nearly every one lived in log cabins of one room. The housewife spun and wove the cloth used for the clothes for both sexes. She also had many other duties to which the wives of farmers now are strangers. Edward attended school attired in home- spun tliat his mother had made for him with her own hands. Notwithstanding his school duties he assisted on the farm and continued to do so until his marriage, when he began for himself on rented land in Iluntsville. lie continued to pay rent for land for about ten years, when he boun;ht two and a half acres in Euena Vista township. He lived in the latter place but two months as he went to his father's farm, where he stayed for seven years and then bought eighty acres in section 23. After ten years' residence there he sold out and bought the place where he now resides. On his farm of 223 acres he does general farm- ing and stock raising. Mr. Milby has been married thrice. The first time he was twenty-three years of age when he married, and the lady who honored him with her hand was Lydia Hillis, of Rush- ville, the daughter of John and Jane Ferres Hillis. She died in 1865 and Mr. Milby re- mained single until 1872, when he again en- tered the married state. The second lady was Lizzie J. Davidson, of Kentucky, and she died in 1879. Mary A. Bauer, of High- land county, Ohio, the daughter of Valentine Bauer, was the lady to whom he was married January, 21, 1886. Mr. Milby has had six children, all of which save one, are living. Three of the children are the issue of the first marriage: Frank, Clement and Lizzie, and the other three are the issue of the second marriage. The second child of the second marriage. Heme, died when three years old, but the other two, Walter and Ida, are living. Mr. Milby is an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, while the present Mrs. Milby is a member of the same church in the North. In politics Mr. Milby is a disciple of " Old Hickory," he being a Democrat. ,ATIIERINE SAUNDERS, who has kept a little store for years at La Grange, Brown county, Illinois, is the widow of John Saunders, and was ijorn in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, in 1826. Iler father, John Whited, and her mother, Mary Sheckler, were of the same place in Pennsylvania. Her husband was from Maryland. Mrs. Saunders is the fourth child of a family of eleven. As her parents were poor, Mrs. Saunders has had no educa- tional advantages, but has worked hard from early childhood. She was married at the age of twenty- three to William Thomas, with whom she lived ten years, bearing him four children, all of whom have died. In 1855, she came West to this part of Brown county, where she has lived the most of the time. She was married a second time when she was thirty- four years old, to George Wei bourn, of En- gland. By this marriage, there were two children, one of whom died in infancy, the other at eighteen years of age. Mr. Wel- bouri) died in 1862, aged thirty-two years, 556 BIOORAPHICAL REVIEW OF OASS, of congestive chills. She was married to her last husband, John Saunders, of Virginia. By this husband, she had one dau£;hter: Liz- zie, now Mrs. John Cisco. Her husijand is a native of Ohio, and a farmer by occupation, working by the day. They live at home with her mother. She received a good education at the public schools, and now conducts the store for her aged mother. Mrs. Saunders ha.s seen some hard times in her life, but she has bravely met her troubles and conquered them. She owns her little home and store, which are nestled under the hill on the banks of the Illinois river, where she has done a snug little business, paying as she went. Mrs. Saunders is not wealthy, but she owes no one, and expects to finish lier days here happily. She is a good and worthy woman, and deserves much praise for the way in which she has supported her- self, keeping out of debt as she has. lear her present farm home, January ^ciSs^ 2, 1832. Her father was Ralph Alexander, and her mother, Elizabeth Fields. She was born in Indiana, and he in Hillsboro, Ohio, in 1808. Elizabeth Fields was left an orphan at eight years, was reared by a Mr. Scott, of Indiana, who gave her a good school- ing for that period. She was married in Indiana, at sixteen years of age, to Ralph Alexander, when he was twenty-six. He was a tanner and currier by trade, and followed that business until they came West to Brown county, in 1829. They came as other emi- grants did, and made their first stop in this neighborhood, at the home of Ezekiel Rosses, who had come here about six months earlier. The two families dwelt in this one log house during that memorable winter of deep snow, and it was not a large cabin, either. With his good span of horses, Mr. Alexander helped Mr. Rosses harvest his first crop of grain and hay. He took a half section of land close by, to which they moved in the spring of 1830, and lived in the rough log cabin on the place. It was in this mansion that our subject first saw the light. Eight years later they moved into the two-story hewn-log house, and in this very good dwell- ing the father died, in 1846. He died a com- paratively young man, leaving his wife, who survived him some thirty years, and died in Kansas, aged seventy. She was the mother of twelve children, many of whom have also passed awaj'. The living ones are: Tliomas M., a ranchman in Arizona, now sevent^'-one years old, who killed two mountain lions at this age; Milton H., living at Versailles, Illinois; Mrs. Hininan; James, now in Ari- zona, and the youngest of the family; John P., pastor of the Baptist Church at Auburn, Illinois. Mrs. Ilinman was married in this county, in 1851, to Gideon Hinman, who was a widower with three sons. They have had eight children: Clara, Otis, Ralph and Hes- ter have died. The living are: Minerva J. Withrow, of Cooperstown; Nellie Swenson, wife of a farmer at Mound Station; Abra- ham Lincoln, the unfortunate son, crippled and nervous from infancy from whooping- cough. He is very bright in some things, especially in figures. He cannot express himself. Elizabeth is the next child, and is known as Dolly, a young lady at home, who graduated at the Rushville Xormal College, being the valedictorian. Two of the sons of Mr. Hinman's first marriasre are still livino;, large farmers and stock dealers. SCHOYLBR AND BROWN COUNTIES. 557 Mr. Iliiunan left his wife this tine estate of IfiO acres of rich farm land with good huildinss, well stocked. She has made a sue- cess of conducting it, pays taxes like her male neighbors, even if she cannot vote. She believes in a rotation of crops and clover. She grows from forty to sixty acres of corn, yielding from fifty to sixty bushels per acre, and feeds the most of it to hogs, of which she sells from fifty to sixty-five per year. She has colts, and about thirty iiead of cattle raised on the farm. The farm it; in a finer condition than ever before. Mr. Hinmaii came here about 1840. He was a school teacher, and he soon settled on eighty acres south of Cooperstown, and two years later he entered 160 acres. He started with no means at all, but by his industry he accumulated a large property. He was in ill health some time before his death, and Mrs. Ilinman had the experience that has proved so valuable to her in the management of the farm. f-TT 'Sr;iARO HARRIS was born iii Schuyler JJM frj 'bounty, Illinois, Noyemiber 10, 1864. ^^i^ His parents were F. Marion and Arthusia (Hollingswqrth) Harris. Mr. Har- ris, Sr., was bqri^ on the farm, on wliich his son now lives, in 1844, and he died March 27, 1892. Maro Harris is the only surviving child, and he was educated in Schuyler county. "When about fourteen he decided to see some- thing of the world outside of Illinois; so visited Pikes Peak, Denver, etc. He is a fine musician, and there is a great demand for his talents. He enjoyed himself to such a deo-ree during his trio that he -did not re- turn until three years ago. He tried farming 87 when in the West, and was successful in his undertakings. lie lias inherited a fine farm of 320 acres in Schuyler county from his father, and owns valuable property in the vicinity of Beardstown, besides the fine farm in Colorado. He was married about three years ago to Miss Melinda Betville, of Arkansas. They have one child. Mr. Harris is a Republican in politics, and is a good business man, and is respected by all who know hitn. ILLIAM PERRY.— The gentleman 1\/| whose sketch it is our pleasure to 'Ct^\ present to our readers, was born in Cooperstown township, at tho present home of his father, March, 1844:. His father, James Perry, was born on Pov^el's river, in Tennessee, in 1808, poniing to Illinois in 1830. William Perry was reared to farm life, and w^s well educated in the common schools, teaching several terms after finishing his education. His marriage occurred, in 1866, when he was only twenty-two to Miss Mary E. Grover, daughter of W. P. Grover, and his wife, a Miss Patterson, both natives of Ohio, but residents of Brown county. Mr. and Mrs. Perry first rented the old home farm, and in 1876 bought eight acres for §3,200, which he sold two years later, buying his present farm of eighty acres on section 32, paying the same price for it. By this marriage Mr. Perry had six chil- dren, one of whom died when an infant. Mrs. Perry died in 1878, leaving three sons and one daughter, namely: Oscar, twenty- four; Elmer, twenty-two; Scott, eighteen, and Hattie, fourteen. He was again married in 558 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OP CASS, 1882, to Miss Anna Whitehead, of this county, daughter of Dr. Jolin and Mary (Gilford) Wliitchead. Mr. and Mrs. Perry have one living eiiild, Orpha, aged six. Mr. Perry was Town Collector, at twenty- two years, and served as Assessor for two years, from the time he was twenty-three un- til he was twenty-five. He next served as Township Treasurer for twelve years. Until 1876 he was a Democrat, l:)ut since that time he has been an advocate of reforms, being now a member of the Farmers' Alliance, or People's Party. Mr. Perry carries on general farming on his beautiful farm, where he resides, sur- rounded by his children and his loving wife; and if ever a man had canse to bo proud of his past life, it is the subject of this sketch, William Perry. ^. "^ ; WILLIAM H. GPJFFITH is a native ') son of the State of Illinois, born '\ in Woodstock township, Schuyler county, April 5, 1847. His father, Joshua Griffith, was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, and was there reared to the occupation of a farmer. In 1837 he accompanied his father to Iowa, and three years later he came to Schuyler county, Illinois, .and pnrcliased forty acres of wild, timber land. He built a log-house, which was his dwelling for fifteen or twenty years. In connection with his agricultural pursuits he had mastered the cooper's trade, which he followed after com- ing to this county. His father was Nathan Grittith, and he died in this county at the residence of his son, Joshua, aged ninety-three years; he was a soldier in the war of 1812, and drew a pension from the Government in recognition of his service. Joshua Griffith married Margaret Hoffman, who died at the age of fifty-seven years; they reared a family of eleven children, all of whom are living. Mr. Griffith is living; a retired life at Lewis- town, Fulton county, Illinois. He has a few acres of land, and is devoting his energies to fruit culture. Politically he is identified with the Republican party, and while a resi- dent of Schuyler county was Justice of the Peace for many years. He is a self-made man, and has accumulated his entire property since coming to the State; he has been very successful in his farming operations, but has relinquished the care and management of his land to his son, William H. He has bravely done his share in the development of the re- sources of Schuyler county, and the present prosperity of the commonwealth is due to the men of his type. William H. Griffith was married October 9, 1870, to Miss Susanna Custer, a native of Washington county, Iowa, born August 12, 1852. Her parents, Abraham and Susanna (Antrim) Custer, were natives of the State of Ohio; the father died in Iowa, but the mother survives, and is a resident of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Griffith are the ])arents of four children: Elmer E. was born September 17, 1871; Wilmer E. was born January 26, 1877; Edith L. was born February 26, 1880; Myrtle was born March 22, 1888. After his mar- riage Mr. Griffith settled on a farm with his grandfather, renting for a year; he then pur- chased forty acres, to which he removed, and later bought an additional forty; he has the management of the entire farm, which con- sists of 200 acres. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party, having cast his first vote for General Grant's second terra. The paternal grandfather of our subject was one of the pioneers of the county; he SGHUTLER ASD BROWN COUNTIES. 559 made the journey to the frontier when the distance was wearily covered by driving or walking, and met the privations and liardships unflinchingly, as became tiie sturdy soul who undertook to rescue tliis wilderness and con- vert it into one of the most fertile States of the Union. Let the coming generations never forget the debt of gratitude they owe their worthy forefathers. fAMES M. PATTERSON, one of the successful fanners of Cooperstown, re- siding on section 21, was born in this county, June, 1849. His father was Joseph Patterson, a native of Highland county, Ohio, who lost his father when very young and was reared by an uncle, learning the wool- carding business. He came to Brown county, when young, in company with the family of James B. Russell, making the journey by team, in 1830. The gentleman with whom he came brought his family of seven. Mr. Patterson married one of the daughters of Mr. Russell, Phcebe, whose mother had bepn a Miss Sarah Lincoln, a native of Pennsyl- vania. Her husband, however, liailed from the State of Vermont. They were married in Fulton county, between 184^^ and 1845, and Mr. Pattersoq pursued his trade at the Cardie mills, near Versailles, and then in Versailles. Their next place of settlement was in Elkhorn township, and later they moved to this county, where he worked in a flouring mill. He also cleared a fine farm of heavy tiinljer. The gentleman whose name appears at the heading of this sketch was reared to farm life, and was oflered plenty of opportunity for improvement, but like many boys of that age he did not appreciate nor take advantage of his opportunities. When twenty-one he began working by the day and month. Mr. Patterson was married, January 16, 1879, to Miss Sarah Howell, born May, 1856, daughter of Thomas and Jiebecca (Bearel) Howell, natives of Indiana and North Caro- lina, respectively. Mr. Howell came to Illi- nois when he was eleven or twelve years old, in 1832, and was there married, twelve years later. They bought eighty acres of land, built a log house, where they spent the first year of their married life, and then moved to a much bettei- piece of land on which they built a permanent house, and lived therefor twenty-one years, when they moved one half a mile away. Mrs. Howell died November, 1878, aged fifty-three years and fourteen weeks; on February 14, the husband followed the |)artner of his joys and sorrows, dying at the age of fifty-seven. They had ten children, but lost all but three, they all dying at the farm, spn)e in infancy and others later. These good people had been extremely poor when they were married, hut when they died they had 100 acres of fine land and a property worth about .§30,000. They were good, worthy people who richly deserved their good fortune. Mr. and Mrs. Patterson began their mar- ried life on the old homestead, where they remained for one and one half years, then, in 1881 bought their present farm of 160 acres, paying $8,000 for it. On this farm was the present fine frame farm house, built by the former owner, .L Stiles. They built their large, ornamental barn in 1885. It is a fine structure, 40x60 feet, with eighteen-foot posts and a shed 12 x 60, and they can house sixteen horses. These good people have buried one infant son and still have two living: Otho T. and Lee K., the former twelve years old, the lat- 560 BIOORAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, ten nine. They are intelligent little lads, who are fond of their books. Mr. Patterson is pursuing general farm- ing. cci"owincr corn, wheat and hay, of which he has just cut a tine crop, tilling both barns. He engages in stock-raising, having some forty to sixty head of cattle, hogs, and now feeds sixteen head of horses, three of whom he has raised. Mr. Patterson is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and adheres strictly to the princi- ples of the Democratic party. Mrs. Patter- son is a devout member of the Christian Church, and she and her husband are worthy members of the society of Cooperstown. -rtte jRTIlUR A. McCABE, M. D., one of the most pi'ominent physicians of Ver- sailles, was born in Macomb, Mc- Donougli county, Illinois, December 17, 1856. His father, John McCabe, was a na- tive of Ohio, and his father, also John Mc- Cabe, was a native of the same State. The latter gentleman was a blacksmith who came to Fulton county, Illinois, about 1849, where lie followed his trade until he went into the army, in 18(32. He had a family of seven sons and one souin-law when he went to the defense of the old flag. Four of his sons, he, himself and the son-in-law, all perished in the army. Mr. McCabe dying from the effects of poison in a mince pie, which was bought of a Confederate and contained poison. The names of his sons who fought in the late struggle, were: John, father of subject; Miles, James, Marion, Westley and the son-in-law, James W. Jefferson, who married the daughter, Mary McCabe. There were four other brothers, also. Miles survived the war, but died of consumption, contracted in the service. John was a volunteer in the Eighty-fourth Illinois Infantry, entering as a private and coming out as an Orderly of Company A, after a service of three years. He was wounded at the battle of Lookout Mountain, a ball passing through his ankle. He received a furlough, but on his way back to Washington he was hurt by jumping from the cars; so badly was he injured that he was obliged to delay joining his command for some weeks. While waiting he joined the Masonic fraternity, and while sick in a strange city proved the worth of the order. When he returned, he was given a commissary position, and served his time out. His brother James was in tlie service three years and came out of the war sound and hearty, and is now a resident of Texas, in the employ of the railroad. He had quite a romantic accident some time since. He was injured by an explosion in Ohio, and he was nursed back to life in a Catholic hospital by the Catholic Sisters. So impressed was he liy their sweet faces and kind, skillful treatment that he declares that if he ever marries, one of those sisters will be his wife! John McCabe was married, at Indian- apolis, Indiana, to Mary Ann Clark of that city, when twenty-two years of age. They came to Illinois soon after marriage, and made their home on a farm in Littleton township, Schuyler county, moving from there to Macomb, and from there to Kush- ville, where they have lived ever since. Here Mr. McCabe has carried on a successful busi- ness in the manufactury of brick and tile, in connection with his son, James. Mr. Mc- Cabe has three sons and one daughter, namely: James; Arthur, subject; Howard C; Cora May, wife of Allen Walker, of Rushville. Two sons and one daughter died in infancy. SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 561 Dr. McCabe was educated at the Rushville high school, and in the College of Physi- cians and Surgeons of Keokuk, Iowa, grad- uating in the class of 1878. He began his practice in Bath, Mason county, where he re- mained for two years, then removing to Lit- tleton, Schuyler county, where he remained for two years, when he finally removed to Versailles. Here he practiced for four years and then removed to Mt. Sterling and re- mained for one year, returning to Versailles, where he has remained ever since, enjoying a good practice. The Doctor was married, January 1, 1879, to Carrie E. Seely, of Kushville, daughter of James Seely and Mary Sanford, born in New York. They have one daughter, Myrtle Isabelle, a promising, beautiful child of ten years of age, whose musical attainments on tlie piano are wonderful for one of her tender years. The Doctor is a Master Mason, and a mem- ber of the fraternity of Modern Woodmen. He has been a llepublican since the start of the party, and has always voted according to the principles of that party. He has served on the central committee for some time. The Doctor has gained the conlidence and respect of all who know him, and his large practice testifies to the appreciation in which his services are held. He and his estimable wife hold an enviable position in Versailles society. ^ '^ S. GLOVER, of Beardstown, was born about thirty years ago at I* Winnemac, Indiana, and was there reared and partly educated, but desiring to to improve his knowledge of books he at- tended a college at Valparaiso, Indiana. Upon completing his course there he became a telegraph operator there, working in the city of his birth for some time and later at Logansport, Indiana, for the Pittsburg, Chi- cago & St. Louis Railroad. He remained here three years and then went to Nickerson, Kansas, in a similar position on the Santa Fe road. He was in active service there as a train dispatcher until he came to Beards- town and the Quincy system, February, 1882. Like most railroad men, he has since that time seen very active service. Mr. Glover's personal appeai-ance and jovial manner are sufficient to make friends for him everywhere. He comes of a respectable line of ancestry, who date their first settlement in this coun- try prior to the Revolutionary war. His gi-andparents lived and died in Ohio, where his father, Samuel Glover, was born, at Ports- mouth, Ohio. He came to Winnemac when young and there became a successful me- chanic, and was thus engaged when the Re- bellion broke out. He enlisted in the Eighty- First Indiana Infantry, but was transferred later to the Ninth Indiana Cavalry, and con- tinued in the service for three years, seeing much hard fighting He was neither cap- tured nor wounded, but he contracted a terri- ble camp malady, from the efi'ects of which he died in 1866. He married in Winnemac, Indiana, Hannah Hawes, of Kentucky, who had been brought to Indiana by her parents in the '408, where they lived and died, re- spected by all. Mrs. Hannah Glover is still living, and is very active in spite of her fifty- seven years, and makes her home with her son, W. S. Glover. She is a Christian lady and has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for years. Septembers, 1886, Mr. Glover received the promotion of chief train dispatcher for the St. Louis & Rock Island Division of 562 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, the Chicago, Burlington & Qninc.y, affecting 285 miles of line and railroad and places him over several men. His energy and tidelity to business is what brought hiiu this promotion. While in Nickerson, Kansas, Mr. Glover met and married Sarah Van Arnsdale, a lead- ing lady of that place. She received a prac- tical education in Ohio, that being her place of nativity. She has no children, but is known as a worthy wife and kind neighbor, and she and her husband take an interest in bettering humanity. They affiliate with no particular church creed. They are interested in everything that benefits Beardstown, and have recently built a fine residence with all modern improvements in the best part of the city. Mr. Cllover is a sound Repnbli- can, and is interested in local politics. He is a prominent member of Beardstown Lodge, No. 107, Knights of Pythias, and has tilled all the chairs. jUGUST KROHE, an old settler and well-to-do farmer, was born on Saxony, Germany, on August 19, 1812. He came of good German blood and good fam- ily. He is the son of Christian and Kosina (Reicker) Krohe, natives of Saxony, where they grew up and lived until the family of children were all born and part of them grown up. They then took passage on a sailing vessel in August, 1835, and after a seven weeks' voyage landed in New Orleans, coming thence up the Mississippi and Illinois rivers to Beardstown. From there they soon went to Spring Bluff, and here they bought and improved new lands, part of which was Government land. It was on this farm that the father and mother spent their last days. the former dying at the age of seventy-nine years; the latter was eighty-eight when she died. They were a healthy and prosperous family, and the same quality is in their son, August, wdio is as bright and healthy at eighty years as he ever was. The father and mother of our subject were members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Krohe has a fine farm with good build- ings on it, on which he has lived since 1840. It is in section 8, township 17, range 11. He has always been identified with the best in- terests of the county, and has lived to see wonderful improvements here. He was married in this county to Miss Christianna Jockiseh, born near the farm of her husband in Saxony, Germany, in 1810. She was yet a young woman when her par- ents and grandparents came to the United States, in 1835, on the same vessel that the Rrohes came on, and they, like the latter, found good homes in Cass county. Soon after com- incr here, Mr. Krohe and Miss Jockiseh were married, and lived together until 1889, when Mrs. Krohe died. She was a good mother and wife and was a faithful member of the Lutheran Church. She was the only daugh- ter of Gottlieb and Christianna (Jacob) Jock- iseh. Grandfather Jockiseh died here in 1836. after he had Ijeen here about a year. He was then about sixty-four and was a good, reliable old man. His name was Gottlieb Jockiseh, and he was the founder of the fam- ily in this country. Mr. and Mrs. Krohe had six living chil- dren: Louis, a farmer in Schuyler county, married to Sophia Korte; Minnie, wife of Henry Korte (see biography); Louisa, wife of a farmer of Morgan county; Henry (see biograi)hy); Amelia, wife of Henry Rupel, a farmer on Mr. Krohe's homestead. SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 5G3 Mr. Krohe, wife and all the family have been members of the Lutheran Ciiurch, and Mr. Krohe and hie sons are Democrats. Thej are all worthy people. NATHANIEL r. MESERVE, a resident fanner of section 30, Lee township, was born in Caledonia county, Vermont, March 25, 1825. His father, Nathaniel, was a native of Barnstable, New Hampshire, born about 1794, and died at the age of ninety-two, in Vermont. The subject of this sketch was educated in the best New England schools for a teacher, which profession he followed for over twenty years, in the East and West. He taught sev- eral years in Illinois, both before and after his marriage. He married Mary J. Meserve, a cousin who was born in 1839. She was a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Meserve, wlio were English people. The peculiar in- cident that led to this marriage was romantic. After Mr. Meserve had been in Illinois some time, he was shown a letter from this young miss, and he said to his friend who showed it to him, "That girl shall be my wife;" and sure enough, when she came West she became his wife. They were married in Brown county, in 1856, and settled on their present farm two years later, first buying eighty acres and later 100 more. In 1870 they went to Colorado Springs, where they remained six years. This move was made partly on ac- count of Mr. Meserve's failing health. While there he invested in silver mines, and now owns one mine and has an interest in another. They returned to their Hlinoian home. They have two children, Ai Meserve, born in 1857, and Rosabelle, born in 1871. The son is a farmer, and both are at home where the}^ have enjoyed every advantage and have im- proved every opportunity. Mr. Meserve is not strongly partisan, but votes the Republi- can ticket. His wife is a Presbyterian, and is an interesting lady. He is in failing health and strength, and has retired from all business. They are both admirable people, and are greatly esteemed by all who know them. HiO X.WILLIAM C. RENO, of Browning, Illinois; dealer in grain and stock, is a native of this township, born in 1838. He is the son of Jonathan and Louisa (Thorn- ton) Reno, both natives of east Tennessee, father born in 1811, the mother in 1813. The paternal grandfather, also named Jonathan, came to Schuyler county in 1825, and was accompanied by his son, Jonathan. The lat- ter was married in 1834. AVilliam Reno grew to manhood in Brown- ing township, spent a year traveling through Kansas, Nebraska and Colorado, and on his return was married to Rebecca A. Wallace of Browning township, in 1860. She was born in 1841, grew up in the same neighbor- hood, as her parents were very early settlers in this county. Mr. Reno was raised on a farm and followed that occupation until nine years ago, \*^hen he went into his present busi- ness. He has been an active man all his life. In 1880, he was elected Representative to the State Legislature, and served one term of two years, having been elected on the Demo- cratic ticket. For many years he has been an active worker in political affaii's, and on the national and State issues has always affil- iated with the Democrats, but in county and township affairs he has voted for men rather than measures. Mr. Reno is a man of ster- ling integrity, having the esteem of all with 564 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, whom he has l)een associated, either socially or in business capacity. He has been Justice of the Peace for JJrowning township for the last sixteen years, and has represented his township on the Board of Supervisors for live or six years, and has held the various offices of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Reno have seven living chil- dreii, having lost one, namely: Samuel F. is cashier of the bank at Rushville, Illinois; Sa- lina and Jennie are at home, the former a teacher in the public schools; Mark M. is a telegrapii operator at Creston, Iowa; Minnie M. is a teacher in the public schools; Jay and Fred are still at home. Mrs. Reno belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. The Reno family are of French ancestry on the father's side and of Welsh and Dutch on the mother's. The family was established in America five generations ago and all were given to agri- cultural pursuits. His father was a soldier in the Black Hawk war. ULENDON L. ROWLAND, one of the most prominent citizens of Versailles, Hlinois, was born in Newark, Ohio, De- cember 5, 1856. His father, Thomas Jack- son Rowland, was born near Winchester, Virginia, about 1826, and his father, grand- fatherof subject, was iiamed Martin Rowland who was a farmer of Virginia, who died therein 1830, in early manhood, of consump- tion. He was married and had four children namely: Julia Ann, wife of Mr. McCapp; Abner died near Jacksonville, Illinois, leav- ing four children; Thomas, father of subject; Lucinda, wife of Henry Lybarger, died in middle life, 1 eaving two children. Thomas Rowland married Leonora Barney of Sackett's Harbor, New York, daughter of Thomas J. and Louisa (Wells) Barney, of Wellsville, New York. The latter died in Watertown, New York, and the mother of subject was reared by an uncle, James Barney, who moved to Newark, Ohio, when she was a small child. Here she was married to the fa- ther of subject, who was a harnessmaker and worked at his trade at Newark, Millwood and Spring Mountain, Ohio. He and Senator Joseph AVilson were shopmates and warm friends. They came West in 1864, to Keokuk, Iowa, but three years later landed in Ver- sailles. They were in humble circumstances and had only $200 when they arrived in Ver- sailles. Mrs. Rowland bore her husband eleven children, three of whom died in in- fancy, and another, Emma, died when seven years old. The adults, seven in number, are as follows: Blendou L., of this notice; Anna, wife of Charles W. Wainnon, of Rushville, Illinois; Lucinda C, wife of Oscar Van De- venter; Abner C, of the mercantile firm of Rowland Brothers, hardware and farm im- plements; Love Augusta, of Versailles; Bes- sie, wife of J. C. Cleveland of Versailles; and Homer M., bookkeeper and salesman for the firm of Rowland Brothers, a promising young man of twenty. These children all received a good common-school education and are all well informed, intelligent people. The parents, while not wealthy, were able to give them a good start in life. The mother died in 1884, but the father is still living a retired life in Versailles, making his home with Abner C. The maternal grandfather, Thomas J. Barney, died in St. Paul, in his seventy-eighth year, leaving an estate of $100,000, which he willed to his nephews and nieces, making no mention of this daugh- ter. This injustice was too great, so Blendon broke the will and recovered $40,000 to the family, showing great ability in the contest, aGEUTLEB AND SHOWN COUNTIES. 565 although he liad received no education in this direction. He persistently worked at the case in the face of much discouragement from a prominent lawyer, who told iiim that there was nothing in the case. His efforts were richly rewarded and much credit is due him. Mr. Blendon Rowland left the harness trade, in 1884, having worked at it for twenty years, and embarked in his present business, with his brothers. They do nearly all of the business in this line, and he is the leader in this line, as he always was in the harness business. Mr. Rowland is chairman of the Demo- cratic Central Committee of Brown county, and has tilled all the township offices, being School Director for ten years and the Super- visor from this township. He is a Master Mason, and is a very influential man in his township. He and his charming wife have four cliil- dren, Dollio Rowland, a young lady of twenty; Nellie, wife of A. R. Groves of Versailles; Nettie, fourteen; and Ethel, eight. Mrs. Rowland is a Methodist and her hus- band is favorably inclined toward that church. jATUANIEL G. SLACK, M. D., de- \fm i/OT ceased, stood at the head of his pro- fession in Schuyler county, and it is fit- ting that his name should be recorded in this history as one of the most skillful and be- nevolent practitioners. He was a native of England, born April 9, 1830, a son of John and Ann Slack; the father spent all his life in England, but after his death the mother emigrated to America and settled in Fulton Illinois; she had married a second time, a Mr. Fotts, who died a few years after they came to this country. Nathaniel G. was a mere lad when his father died, and still in his youth when he came to the United States with an older brother; he first settled in Rliode Island, and thence removed to Fulton county, Illinois. He attended Farmington Academy, and afterward went to Cedar Rap- ids; but the funds to defray his expenses were raised through his own efforts; possess- ing a natural talent for painting, he secured pupils in this art, and taught until he had saved sufficient means to carry him through his literary course; he then taught school for a time, and choosing the profession of den- tistry he was in due time engaged in prac- tice. All his leisure time, however, was given to study, and he attended medical lectures at Keokuk later on; he finally abandoned the profession of dentistry, and began practicing medicine in Fulton county, Illinois. In 1859 he removed to Rushville, Schuyler county, and in November of that year entered upon a career, every action of which reflected honor upon his name. He was very successful in the practice of medicine and was a skillful surgeon. The poor found in him the truest and kindest of friends, and the best knowl- edge was as freely given to them in their distress as was expended in the care of the wealthiest patient. In addition to his professional duties, Dr. Slack found time to engage in mercantile pursuits, and was also interested in the woolen mills here. He was united in marriage November 12, 1858, to Eliza C. Berry, a native of Fulton county, Illinois, and a daughter of Henry (3. Berry, who was a native of Berkshire, En- gland; the grandfather, Joseph Berry, also a native of England, emigrated to America, accompanied by his family, and settled in Canada; he removed from the Dominion to 568 BIOORAPEICAL HE VIEW OF 0AS8, Fulton county, Illinois, about 1839; he pur- chased a tract of land there on which he re- sided \intil his death; his wife's maiden name was Elizabeth Blanche; her death occurred in Fulton county. Henry C. Berry was a miller by trade, having mastered this vocation in England; he followsd this pursuit after coming to America, and also engaged in farm- ing. Later he disposed of his land and em- barked in mercantile business in Fulton county, Illinois. Thence he removed to Cali- fornia, and lived in Santa Ana for a number of years; his death occurred there, lie married Elizabeth Temple, a native of En- gland, who emigrated to this country with an uncle. Dr. and Mrs. Slack had born to them six children: Clement L., Sheridan Grant, Flora M., Bessie, Clara and Henry. • Politically, the Doctor affiliated with the Kepublican party. During the war he was United States Marshal, and passed through many dangers and perils in the discharge of his duty. He was a member of the Rush- ville Lodge, 1. O. O. F., and also belonged to the Encampment. He continued in the active practice of his profession until overtaken by death, August 9, 1887. The country lost a loyal, noble-hearted citizen, the medical pro- fession a skilled practitioner, and the family a beloved husband and indulgent father. •%^i 'r^' [AMUEL A. MOORE, of Lee township, was born in the State of North Caro- lina, in 1820. His father was William Moore, a farmer and blacksmith, who emi- grated from North Carolina to Indiana when about sixty years of age. He settled on a farm in Monroe county, where he re- sided some fifteen years, when he again sold and moved to Illinois, in the fall of 1852. He died on his farm near Kingston, when about eighty-five years old. His wife was Margaret Summers, born near Baltimore, and died when nearly eighty years old. They left what was considei-ed a good estate at that time. Samuel had but little schooling, as there were no public schools where he was reared. His parents had but a small farm, but did the best they could for their children. He worked by the day and month for some years, and was married at twenty-six years of age, in Indiana, to Sarah, daughter of John and Agnes (Jones) Goodnight. They were farm- ers and moved to McDonough county, Illi- nois, about two years after Mr. and Mrs. Moore came to Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Moore started with no means when they were mar- ried and they worked rented lands three years near Bloomington, the county seat of Monroe county. They then started with a pair of horses, a covered lumlier wagon, bedding, furniture and clothing, all that they could draw for a new home. They camped nights in their tent, which they brought along. They drove two milch cows, and had a pleasant journey of some three weeks. They settled in Adams county, where they now have a good farm of 21:0 acres and other lands there, making 720 acres in this part of Illinois. They have seven living children: A. W., of Chicago, a stock-dealer in the Exchange building; Elizabeth, at home with her parents; Esther Ann, wife of J. H. Ainran, a farmer of Lee township; Sarah M., wife of I. M. Sout, of Ripley, Illinois; Paris D. is on the old homestead; S. D. remains on the old farm, and Mary E. is still at home. Mr. and Mrs. Moore, with most of the chil- dren, are professors of the Christian faith. SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 567 Mr. Moore is a Democrat. He never souglit office, but was made Supervisor of the town- ship, and for sixteen years a director of the County Agricultural Society. ^ENRY R. SUTHERLAND was born in Knox county, Ohio. His father, Joseph B., was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, and his father, Benjamin, married Jane Beard, of Pennsylvania. They were farmers and spent the most of their lives in that county. Joseph Sutherland married, in Ohio, in 1834, Jane, daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Crider) Eaton both of Pennsylvania. They were married in Ohio, where the father died, in middle age, and the mother died in Little- ton, Illinois, aged tifty. Mr. Joseph Suther- land died in Ohio, aged twenty-four, leaving his widow and tiiis one son. She was mar- ried again, to Henry Schoonover, of Ohio, by whom she had two children, both dying young. They came to Illinois in 1858, and settled near the present home soon after com- ing. They bought 140 acres first, paying §800, and they have lived here since, where Mr. Schoonover died, aged forty-four years. Mrs. Schoonover and her son, Henry R. Sutherland, have added to the original pur- chase of eighty acres, making 220. All of this, except twenty acres, is under good culti- vation, and these twenty are in pasture and timber. They were left in good circum- stances, and by good management have prospered since. Henry married Ella R. Pratt, of Licking county, Ohio, daughter of Hector and Susan E. (Reed) Pratt. They have two children: Twilie D., born July 3, 1887, and Glen C, born August 30, 1889. Mr. Sutherland has been a School Director for many years. He has a good education, and is an intelligent, reading man. He is a Democrat. They have one a general fanner, raising the usual crops, but he sells no grain but wheat. He has six cows and the same number of horses, and fattens forty to sixty hogs, also feeding some cattle. They raise a great plenty of orchard and small fruits. Mrs. Sutherland is a Baptist, and the whole family are greatly esteemed by their large circle of admiring friends. ,DAM L. HAGEMAN was born P'eb- ruary 26, 1857, on the farm which he now owns. Here he grew to man- hood, and was educated. His father, Isaac Hageraan, was born in Schuyler county, Pennsylvania, in 1809, of English and Scotch ancestry. His wife was Susanna Lischy, born in York county, Pennsylvania, in 1813, of German and Scotch ancestry. They were married in 1837, in Ohio, and removed to Illi- nois in 1839. They settled on the farm where their son now lives in Monroe precinct, Cass county, Illinois, where both died, the father in 1873 and the mother in 1883. They had eight children: Jesse, William, Emanuel, Noah, Miller, Adam, Amanda and Sarah. All the children except Jesse were born on the old homestead in Monroe pre- cinct. He was born in Ohio. Mrs. Hageman was raised in the Lutheran faith, but after marriage she joined the Methodist Episcopal Church with her husband. Both were con- sistent members of that church at their death and were respected by all. Adam bousi't out the other heirs and now owns the old homestead. The farm comprises 422^ acres of farming land well adapted to 5G8 BIOORAPHIC'AL REVIEW OF CASS, stock-raising. There are sixty acres of tim- ber on the land. Ue has rented the farm for live years. Next year he purposes moving his family to Virginia to live in comfort and ease. lie is a Republican in politics. He was married to Miss Lizzie Jockisch of Bluff Springs, Cass county, Illinois, bom May 20, 1865, he being thirty years of age. Her parents were Charles T. and Eleanora (Carls) Jockisch, who were very early settlers of Blulf Springs. To Mr. and Mrs. Hageman have been born four children, three of whom are living: Mary Eleanora, Emma Madora, Ettie Cornelia and a son who is yet un- named. Effie C. is the one not living. Mrs. Hageman is a member of the Method- ist Episcopal Church and both she and her husband are worthy ])eople. ■i^^ ^ fOHN J. BEATTY, Sheriff of Cass county and a member of the firm of Beatty & Hammer, formerly Ivearick & Beatty, was born in Franklin county, Penn- sylvania. He lost his father when very young. The latter was of Irish descent and died in the prime of life. He was a miller by trade. His mother died soon after and he was reared by Jacob Kearick and wife, who brought him to Cass county, when lie was six years old. They were early settlers of Cass county and here they lived and died, leaving three sons. The latter were very prominent in politics for many years. Mr. Beatty, after he had grown up, started out to seek his own fortune, always with the love and respect of his foster parents. He came to Beardstown in 1856, and afterward spent some five years in Missouri, engaged in the hardware business. His present business is dealing in farm implements and hardware. He is located on Main street and the present firm has been in business seven years. The store is an old one and was first started in the '40s and has been considered one of the leading stores of the city since it was started. Some years ago he was elected Mayor and held that office five terms. In 1980 he was elected Sheriff of the county, and has held this office with great credit to himself and satisfaction to the people. Being an ai'dent Democrat, he has taken an active part in local politics and has been a delegate to the Congressional conventions. He was married in Canton, Missouri, to Miss Mary Francis Pickering, of Boston, Massacluisetts. Her father, John, was born in New England, and came from there to Chicago, and at one time was well-known as a railroad contractor and builder and now lives retired in Portland. His wife is yet living and is also quite old. They are both quite intelligent and are highly respected by all who know them. Mrs. Beatty was carefully educated and is the devoted mother of two bright young sons, William P. and Edward L. Mr. and Mrs. Beatty are prominent people of Beards- town and leaders in society. Mr. Beatty is a leading Mason, member of the blue and chapter lodges in Beardstown. f HO MAS ARMSTRONG, a retired farmer now residing in Bainbridge i^' township, was born in county Mona- ghan, Ireland, in March, 1837. His father, Robert Armstrong, was a native of the same county, but unquestionably of Scotch ex- traction ; he was a farmer by occupation, and passed his life in his own country. He married Jane Crozier, a native of county SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 569 Tyrone, Ireland, and a daiiijhter of William Crozier; she emigrated to America in 1852, resided in the State of New York four years, and then came to Illinois, where she spent the remainder of her days; she was the mother of sixteen children. Thomas Armstrong was a youth ot sixteen years when he came to America; he sailed from Dundalk to Liver- pool, and there embarked upon an American vessel; he landed at the port of New York after a voyage of live weeks and three days. He now fonnd himself a stranger in a strange land, without money. After a time he found work at the cabinetmaker's trade which ho followed about a year and a half, and then turned his attention to marble-cutting. Times were hard, business dull, and he could earn but little more than a living. He there- fore determined to emigrate to the West, and try his fortunes on the frontier. He lo- cated at Rushville, Illinois, and worked by the day, month or job for three years. He then rented land for a time, aad a little later, purchased forty acres in ]5ainbridge town- ship; there was a small house on the place, and seven acres had been cleared ; this con- stituted the improvements. Mr. Armstrong lived here four years, and at the end of that time sold at an advance; he then bought seventy-live acres in the same township, made many valuable improvements, occupy- ing the place two years; he disposed of this farm and purchased 106 acres, which are in- cluded in his present farm. He has erected a nice set of frame buildings, has invested in other lands as his means increased, and now owns 285 acres. He was actively engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1892, when he removed to the home he now occupies; he erected this dwelling in 1891, and is sur- rounded with all the comforts which his years of industry have secured. Mr. Armstrong was married, in 1859, to Catherine Ryan, who was born in Buena V^ista township, February 1, 1840, a daugh- ter of Charles and Margaret Ryan (see sketch of Thomas Ryan). They have six children living: John, Mary, Charles, Rob- ert, Samuel and Frank. The parents are consistent members of the Protestant Meth- odist Church. Mr. Armstrong is a sup- porter of the principles of the Democratic party. He is a man of strict integrity, and has the respect of the entire community. ILLIAM SCHEWE, a large farmer and stock-raiser living in section 5, range 18, has a large farm of 160 acres. He owns in other parts of the county large amounts of land. He has altogether 680 acres, mostly in the Sangamon bottoms, and is unusually well improved. He has lived in this county ever since 1866. He has always been a farmer on his own account since 1869, having spent the first two years in Beardstown. He was born in Westphalia, Prussia, Ger- many, in 1839, and was reared and educated in his native country. When he was of age he set out for the United States, being the first of the family to come. He left Bremen in 1859, crossing on a sailing vessel to New Orleans, and thence up the Missis- sippi river to St. Louis. After spending some years in the southern part of Illinois and around St. Louis, he came on to Beards- town, and has since been a tiller of the soil in Cass county. He was joined, some years after his comiug to this country, by his father, William Schewe, who died in Cass county when forty-four years of age. He had lost his wife in Ger- 570 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, many, when she was in middle life. Her maiden name was Louisa Meyer. She and her husband were members of the Lutheran Church all their lives. Our subject and a sister, Mrs. Charles Brokemeier, are all tliat are living of tiie children born to their parents. Ou'" subject was married in St. Louis county, Missouri, to Miss Ingra Otschwe. She was born and reared in Prussia, Ger- many, and came to the United States when twenty Y^ars of age, and since her inarriacre has been a hard-working woman, and has borne iier husband eight children: Anna, wife of Henry Wette; Louisa, wife of Henry Merz, a farmer in this county; William, Charles, Herman, Minnie, Henry and Emiel are at home. Mr. and Mrs. Schewe are members of the German Lutiieran Chnrcli. Mr. Schewe is a Kepublican. 4^ ^ iAYID C. LINN, who ably represents Frederick township on the County Board of Supervisors, was born in Franklin county, Indiana, March 29, 1834, a son of John Linn, a native of Sidney, Ohio. The father was a carpenter and wheelwright by trade, and was engaged in the manufacture of hirge spinning and small flax wheels. He removed to Indiana when a young man, and followed his trade in Franklin county until 1839, when he started westward with his family, his objective point being Illinois; the entire journey was made overland, and after about five weeks of travel he landed in Adams county. At first he rented land near Camp Point, and two years later he bought a tract of land; here he erected a log house and a shop, and worked at his trade, at the same time superintending the cultivation of his farm. He made many valuable improve- ments, and resided on the place until his death in 1881. His wife's maiden name was Nancy Gant; she now resides at Camp Point, at the advanced age of eighty-three years. David C. is one of a family of eleven chil- dren, and was but six years of age when he came to Illinois with his parents. At tliat time Adams county was sparseh' settled; deer, wild turkeys and other game abounded, and the iron horse had not yet penetrated tlie frontier. Quincy was the nearest market tow'n, and was the depot of supplies for many miles around. Dr. Linn received his eai-ly education in the primitive schools which were taught in the log schoolhouse. At the age of eighteen he began the study of medicine under tlie preceptorship of Dr. Ashton, of Cincinnati; he also attended lectures at the Eclectic Medical College, and in 1857 began the practice of his profeesion at Birmino-ham; he had been there but a short time when he went to Plymouth, wdiere he practiced until 1859. In the spring of that year he was graduated from the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati, and then located in Frederick townsliip, where he has practiced continu- ously since. He has been a close student of his profession, and has availed himself of every opportunity of improvement. In 1883 lie attended a course of medical lectures at Bellevue Hospital Medical College, and in 1888 he was graduated from the Ohio Medi- cal College at Cincinnati. In the month of March, 1865, Dr. Linn entered tlie service of the United States, as Assistant Surgeon of the One Hundred and Forty-eighth Volunteer Infantry, and was on duty until the following September, when he SCHUYLEM AJS!D BROWN COUNTIES. 571 was honorably discliarged, the war being ended. He \Vi.s married in March, 1861, to Ada Folsoni, a native of Illinois; she died in Au- gust, 1862. Tlie Doctor was married again in 1863, to Delia Truett, of Baltimore. Po- litically he is a Republican, and a stanch supporter of the principles of tliat party. He was first elected Supervisor in 1886, and has served continuously since that time. He has been a capable and efficient officer, work- ing always for the best interests of the county. He has been successful in his pro- fession, and lias a large and appreciative practice. ^-tTJILLIAM THOMAS was born in Fay- li'&'P ^^^^ county, Oliio, January 9, 1809. 1*=^^ His father was John, a Virginian, who came to Ohio while the Indians were still plentiful on Paint creek. His first wife was Nancy Putnam of Pennsylvania, who died in early life, leaving six young children. Four years later he was married again, but she was drowned about one year later, while trying to save the life of his child. Some years later he was married again, and by this marriage he had six children, making in all thirteen. He died at eighty years, on his farm. These children have all passed away but our subject and Benjamin Thomas, a farmer in his eighty-fifth year, living in Iowa. William has been a farmer all his life and had very little schooling. He was married in Ohio, to Julia DeWitt, and came West in the fall of 1831, with wife and one child. They came in a four-horse wagon and with three loose horses, which they rode part of the time. In eood weather his wife rode his little pacing mare and carried the baby. He had very little money left when he crossed the river at Beardstown . He took up a homestead, and, not being able to deed it, sold out his im- provements and then had enough to enter 120 acres, for which he obtained a Govern- ment deed, and then had eighty acres under the plow and an orchard and two good hewed-log houses. Tlierehe lived from 1837 to 1860. He traded it for 160 acres of his present farm and moved upon it. There was an old log house into which he moved until he could build a good log house, and in 1866 or 1867 he built a part of his present frame house. In 1882 he built iiis good barn, and in 1884 lie built the frame addition to his house. There is not a man living in this section that waslivinij here when Mr. Thomas first came. Mr. Thomas lost his first wife in March, 1855, by whom he had seven children, Dru- silla Shield, deceased; John M., deceased; James, deceased ; Sarah C, a maiden lady at home with her parents; William A., a mer- chant in Cooperstown; Peter A., farmer close by; Parmelia Ann Gibson, living on the homestead; Eliza Jane Garnett, in Arkansas. Mr. Thomas was married again, to Mrs. Nancy Brown, nee Clayton. She died, aged seventy-eight years, in 1884, after having been his faithful wife for twenty-four years. He is a Master Mason and organized the Ver- sailles Lodge, of which he is the last living member. He believes in moral reform in politics. ^^ ^55^J^^NUEL LEIB, deceased, was one of .,,^-. the most highly respected fanners of ^^^ Schuyler county, and it is fitting that his name should be preserved to the coming generations as an honored citizen of the 570 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, great commonwealtli of Illinois. He was born in York county, Pennsylvania, August 26, 1808, a son of AKraham Leib, a native of the same cdunty; the paternal grandfather spent his entire life in York county, and there Abraham Leib was reared to agricultural pursuits; he, too, remained in York county until the day of hia death. He married Matilda Ziegler of the same county, and she died on the homestead. Emanuel Leib grew to maturity, surrounded by rural scenes and occupations; he remained in the place where ho was born until 1865, when he em- igrated to Illinois and settled in Rushville township, Schuyler county; he purchased a farm and spent the remainder of his life. He was an intellii;ent, successful farmer, and developed one of the most desirable tracts of land in Schuyler county. He was united in m'arriage to Miss Mary Ann Kimmel, a nativeof York county, Penn- sylvania, and a daughter of Philip and Eliz- abeth (King) Kimmel. Three children were born to tliem: Henry E , who married Addie Wells, is a resident of Chicago; Alice Leota, a stenographer, is also in Chicago; and John Robert resides with his mother. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Leib remained on the farm for three years, man- aging it with marked success; in 1890, how- ever, she rented the land, and is now making her home in Rushville. fW. ORWIG. of the firm of Orwig Brothers, successful house painters of * Beardstown, is one of the prominent men of the city. The firm employs from two to ten men and are noted for the excellence of their work. They make a speciality of fine graining. The firm includes J. W. and a brother, George. They have been doing business nnder the present firm name for the past twenty- two years: formerly the firm was known as William D. Orwig & Sons. Mr. Orwig started the business as early as 1857. He was engaged in business with them as journeymen workmen for two years, coming to Beardstown in 1867. Here he died in 1875, aged si.xty-three. He was born in Pennsylvania of Pennsylvania Dutch parents. He grew up in his native State, following in his trade of distiller, and was yet a young man when he came to Illinois, settling in Morgan county. Here he was married to Jane Whipp born in Yorkshire, England. She emigrated to this country with her parents, settling in Morgan county in the '30s. Mrs. Orwig remained with her parents nntil her marriage, and she made her husband a most faithful wife until his death. For some time after his marriage Mr. (Jrwig engaged in the mercantile business in Morgan county, but later went to Rushville, Schuyler county, where he was engaged in the same business for a time. In 1857 he entered the jiainter's trade, having learned iiis trade in Sandusky, Ohio. He was a good citizen and his loss was felt by all who knew him. He was a Republican in politics from the formation of the party. He was a sound friend and acquaintance of Mr. Lin- coln's, having formed his acquaintance while he, Mr. Orwig, was a clerk in the treasury department at Springfield. His wife is still living with her son, George L., at Beardstown and, although she is in her seventy-first year she is very active for her years and is a devoted Methodist and a good Christian woman. Her husband was of the same religions faith. Our subject is the eldest of two sons and three daughters, namely: Lizzie, wife of John Shaw, retired farmer of Beardstown; Mary, SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 573 wife of Charles Fulks, wholesale grocer of Peoria, Illinois; Rosa I., wife of Milton Mc- Clnre of Eeardstowu; J. W., born in Rush- ville, Illinois, November 12, 1845, and George. o Our subject was reared and educated in this city and was married here to Ann Sum- mers of Rochester, New York, born in 1869. She came to Beardstown when youncr with her parents. They are still living in this place and are past middle life. They are well known and highly respected people. Mr. and Mrs. Orwif; are parents of one child: Charles AVilliam. The are prominent young married people and are greatly liked by their large circle of friends. l^EWIS ZIMMER is now retired from act- Mrji i^'e labor as a farmer and is living at the ^^ corner of Jefferson and Twelfth streets in Beardstown. He was born in Frankfort- on-tiie-Main in Hesse-Darmstadt, July 28, 1819. He came of Hesse-Darmstadt parents, his father, John Ziinmer being a German farmer in a small way and died when ninety- two years of age. He was an active old man to the last, and when seventy-live thought nothing of walking twelve miles. He was a tried and loyal soldier and served his country for six years as one. His wife, whose maiden name was Margaret Snyder, died at the age of eighty, at the same place as her husband. She came of a long lived-family. They were both members of the State Church of Hesse- Darmstadt. Lewis is the youngest, but one of nine children born to his parents. Several of the family are still living and married, but Lewis is the only one who came to the United States. He grew up on the farm in his native country 88 and after he became of age he enlisted as a soldier in the regular Germany army, serv- ing six years; when he received his honorable discharge became to the United States, leav- ing in August, 1846. He sailed from France on a three-mast sailing vessel, landing in New York city after thirty-one days' passage. He came thence to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, locat- ing fourteen miles west of that city and be- gan life in the new country as a day laborer. After about three years he came to Cass county, Illinois, tiirough the intiuence of a German friend who lived there. Here he has lived ever since. He has a nice farm of 200 acres, a good portion of which is well improved and the soil is as fine as any in the county. The farm lies against Bluff Springs, in the valley of the same name. lie came to the county a poor man, renting his farm, but in 1859 he purchased sixty-eight acres and on this began to farm on his own account. He added to this original farm until he had ac- cumulated a tine property and fortune, and this without assistance from anybody but his faithful wife. He was married in Beardstown to Mrs. Catharine Price, 7iee Keil. She was born in Hesse- Darmstadt and after growing up was married to Conrad Price, a gentleman of the same province. After marriage Mr. Pric® with his parents and young wife came, in 1845, from Bremen to Baltimore and tlience to Beardstown, Illinois, and here a few years later he died very suddenly from paralysis, leaving his widow with quite a family, two sons who are now grown up and prosperous, Henry and John, The parents of Mrs. Price died in Beardstown when old people, their names were Conrad and Catherine (Shelman) Price. They were both natives of Hesser Darmstadt and were all Lutherans. 574 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, Mr. and Mrs. Zimruer are the parents of two children: Lewis, Jr. (see biocrraphy), and Marj^aret, wife ofTlieo. Krohe, an implement dealer in the city. Mr. Zimmer moved into the city in 1888 and is now enjoying the fruits of his early lal)ors. He is a Democrat in politics and he and his wife are members of the Lutheran Ghurch. -^ 3-t\g IfeOBERT LITTLE was born in county Tyrone, Ireland, August 8, 1808. He was the son of William and Jane (Cro- zier) Little, who were both born in Ireland, where he died, at the age of sixty years, but she, surviving, came to Pittsburg, where she died, at the age of sixty-five years. William L. came to this country in 1831, in a sailing vessel, Captain Haines, command- ing. They were nearly six weeks on the trip and first landed at Quebec, Canada, and re- mained there that summer. He worked in Queen Victoria's works for about three months at dry masonry, and he was injured there by a large stone falliiig upon him which laid hira up for about two months. He seems to have had a good deal of sickness and mis- fortune, and it was not until that fall that he was able to go to Eastern Canada, where he worked for two years. The next spring he came to Pennsylvania, and went into a boot and shoe store with his uncle. He left Canada against the wishes of the English company by whom he was employed, who offered to make him an officer and deed him a large tract of land. He remained in Pennsylvania twelve to fifteen years, engaged for the most part in superintending the construction of railroads. lie was married the day before he left Ire- land, and his wife came with him. He, his wife and eight children left Pittsburg for Illinois via St. Louis and Fredericktown, and from there came to Rushville. In 1844 he rented a farm for three years, and then bought a farm oi partly improved land in Littleton township. The next spring he moved to this farm, into a little log house about ready to tumble down. The next year he built a substantial log house, and then built a frame addition and otherwise impi'oved the entire house. He has now over 600 acres of fine land and two houses, and several lo*8 in Littleton. About eleven years ago he re- tired from farm work, and rented his land to his boys. His wife was named Eliza Cun- ningham, was born in 1814, on the estate of Lord Mt. Joy, in Tyrone county, Ireland, Easter Monday. She was the daughter of Ilenrv Cunningham, who came to Quebec, and the father, who was pensioner of the Brit- ish army, died at the age of sixty, and his wife at the age of sixty-five. Mr. Little's wife died in 1890, at home where he now lives. Mr. and Mrs. Little had ten children, seven of whom are yet living. EORGE E. RICHARDSON of Elkhorn township was born in St. Louis, Mis souri, in 1846. He was the son of Rob- ert H. and Sophia (Armbrewster) Richard- son. He came with his pai'ents to Illinois when a boy, and before he was of age went on the river and learned to be an engineer and followed that business until 1864, when he died. His father's family were farmers and mechanics. George remained at home until he was nineteen years old, having remained at school until fourteen. He entered an office in St. Louis as shipping clerk, and afterward came SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 575 to this count}' and settled in Mt. Pleasant, and worked for an uncle one year on a farm. He then took to running a portable sawmill. Since then he has farmed and continued his business in the sawniill. He has been As- sessor and Collector, and is now a Democrat, although he first voted the Republican ticket. He was married April 22, 1875, to Miss Martha J. Gerrish, who was born in this county April 9, 1854. She is the daughter of Sewall and Elizabeth (Grove) Gerrish. Mr. and Mrs. Richardson have five children, namely: Otis E., Josie L., Sewall H., George Everett and Nina L. Mr. Richardson and family are prominent people in the township and they are steady church-going people. »ENRY Y. NEWBOLD, now deceased, was born in Lippe-Detmold, Prussia, Germany, September 22, 1828. He came of a respectable family and his mother died in her native province when he was eight years old. His father, Henry, who was a small German farmer, came with his four children, in 1850, to New York city, and from thence to Stephenson county, Illinois, where they all settled for a time, and where a part remained. The father continued there with one of his eons until his death. He and his wife were Lutherans all thei'- lives. Henry Y. came to Eeardstown in ^854, and two years later was married, and after a few years purchased a good fartn, live miles east of Beardstown, where he lived and died. He was a practical farmer, improved his land nicely, put up a line residence and good out- buildings. At the time of his death he owned 152 acres of good, improved land in the bot- toms. He was a much respected citizen and a working member of the Lutheran Church. His wife, who still survives him, and is managing the farm with retnarkable success, is a very capable woman. Her maiden name was Mary Mohlman, and she was born in Westphalia, Prussia, September 25, 1838. She was twelve years of age when her parents came to the United States and to Beardstown. There the father, Henry Mohlman, died, be- ing nearly sixty years old. He was a good mechanic and operated a large planing-mill, and also did business as a merchant. He was a well-known and worthy citizen, a Repub- lican, and an active member of the Lutheran Church. His wife is yet living, and bears her eighty years as well as can be expected. She has always been a consistent Lutheran. Mrs. Newbold lived with her parents until her marriage. She is the mother of six intelligent children, all living: Henry A., a farmer of Christian county, Illinois, married to Phoebe Livergood; Ellen, wife of Herman Drawer, a farmer of Christian county \ Charles, also a farmer, married Amelia Tribs- water; William runs his father's old farm ; Emma is the wife of Parker Hammer and Lily M., a charming young lady, is at \\o\\\^ with her mother. The children are all well educated, and are highly re,sp.ected through- out this county. MASA HILL was born two and a half miles from Friendship, Allegany county, New York, July 1, 1830. His grandfather Hill, a pioneer of Allegany county, and a farmer by occupation, died in 1832. His father, Nathaniel Hill, was born in Delaware county. New York; removed from there to Allegany county, bought a tract of timber land, and from the wilderness de- veloped a farm. He spent his life there, and 576 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, died in 1838. The maiden name of tlie wife of Nathaniel Hill and the mother of Amasa was Rlioda Tiifney. She was born in Dela- ware county, New York, daughter of Horace Tiffney. She came to IlliTiois, and died at the home of her sou, Amasa, in 1875. Mr. and Mrs. Hill reared tbnr children: Chancey, Horace, Mary and Amasa. Chancey now lives at Fredericktown, Knox county, Ohio. Horace and Mary are deceased. The subject of our sketch attended the primitive schools of Allegany county, which were held in log sclioolhonses, with greased paper for windows and the seats made of slabs witli wooden pins for legs. When he was nine years old liis mutiier sold the farm, his fatlier having died the previous year, and emigrated to Ohio, the western journey being made in a two-horse wagon. They settled in Knox county. There were no railroads in Ohio then, and the people lived off the prod- ucts of their farms and wild game. The mother bought fifty acres of land, eight miles from Mount Yernon, and there Amasa Hill was reared to manhood. At the age of four- teen he began to make his own way in the world, starting out from home with all his possessions tied up in a handkerchief. He went to Fredericktown, and there served a three years' apprenticeship to the trade of wagon and carriage maker. After learning his trade he did journeyman work there one year. In 1846 he came to Illinois, landing in Cass county, September 20. tie found employ- ment in a carriage shop at Beardstown, where he worked four years. He then started in business in company with Kichard Miller, and together they conducted a carriage shop four years. At the end of that time he and his brother, Horace, bought a farm and en- gaged in agricultural pursuits. They farmed together till the latter's death, April 13, 1877. Since then Mr. Hill has operated it alone. He was married, in 1850, to Mary A. Streeter, who was born in Pennsylvania, August 11, 1832, daughter of Andrew J. and Diana Streeter. Mr. and Mrs. Hill had three children: Chancey, Amanda and Will- iam. Chancey married Lucy Schaeffer, and Amanda is the wife of J. Theirget, and has one child, Nettie. Mrs. Hill died Decem- ber 3, 1885. She was a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, of which her children are also members. -^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ■■^NGLEBERT CPvAMER, farmer on ■>a"i. section 33, township 18, range 11, was born in Beardstown, November 7, 1856. He was reared and educated iu his native city. He is the son of Jacob H. Cramer, a native of Hanover, Germany, who came to America when a young, single man. He set sail from Bremen, on a sailing vessel, and after a long and stormy passage he landed in this country, and coming up the Missis- sippi river he located at Beardstown, Illinois. This was in the spring of 1848. He was a cabinetmaker, and had no difficulty in ob- taining work, as he was a skilled workman. He later engacred as mechanic, and house- builder, and carpenter. He was thus engaged the remainder of his life, dying at his home in Beardstown, in 1874, when he was tifty- four years of age, having been born in 1820. He was a Republican in politics, and a mem- ber of the German Methodist Episcopal Cliureh, and a good substantial citizen. He was married in Beardstown, to Charlotte Frankle, born in Prussia, Germany, coming to this country with a sister. They settled in St. Louis, where they remained for a time SCnUTLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 577 She was a true wife and good mother, and a worthy woman, djing in 1888, being about sixty years of age. Slie was a member of the German Methodist Episct)pal Church. She was tlie mother of ten children, seven yet living, three of them being married. Euglebert grew to manhood in this county. He has a fine farm of 160 acres, which lies in the Illinois valley, and is well improved. He has good buildings on it, and also very good stock. Lie is a practical farmer, and a good manager. He was married to Paulina M. Hackman, born in this county, in 1858, where she was reared and educated. She is a very intelli- gent woman and good housekeeper. She has proved herself a kind and devoted wife and mother. She is the daughter of John H. and Louisa (Jockisch) Hackman. Mr. Hackman ■was born in Hanover, Germany, and came to the United States when thirteen years old with his parents, John E. and Mary E. (Stu- ben) Hackman. The family located in Cass county, in the early '40s. They bought a farm on which the father died soon afterward, and the mother some years later. John Hack- man was reared to manhood on a farm in this county, and was married here. After marriage he purchased land in township 17, range 11 (which is the home of our subject) and here Mr. Hackman and wife worked and built up a tine home and large farm of 320 acres in one body, and here they both died, the former April 18, IST-t, aged fifty. He was a prominent man, a Republican in poli- tics, and was one of the builders and lead- ing members of the Zion Methodist Episco- pal Church. His wife died July 26, 1877. She was born in this county, in 1837. (For full l)iography of her family see history of William Jockisch). She was a kind and good neighbor, a worthy wife and mother, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. She was the mother of four children, yet liv- ing. Mrs. Cramer is the eldest; Frank J. R., a farmer in this county, married Rosa Wag- oner; Ly dia C, wife of Henry Sitter, now a farmer in Petersburg, Illinois; Julius H. is single and lives with his brother, Frank. Mr. and Mrs. Cramer have four children: Louisa B., Jacob H., Julius W. and Engle- bert C. ilr. Cramer is a stanch Republican, and takes a very prominent part in politics, having held all of the precinct offices. He and his wife are leading people in the county. II. DRUSE, passenger and freight agent at Beardstown for the Chi- '* cago, Burlington &, Quincy Rail- road since 1886, was born in Henry county, Illinois and was reared, educated and has al- ways lived in this State. His father lived on a farm when he was born and reared in that calling; later he learned the trade of a carrriage painter, but after pursuing the trade for a short time he found it was not congenial and so did not continue it. He then entered into the employ of the railroad. Since then he has been successful and has saved part of his income, with wliich he has purchased various pieces of real estate: in this is the valuable farm in Clay county of 160 acres. It was uncultivated when he pur- chased it, but he has improved it until it is one of the best farms in the county. He has put a good farm house and farm building on it and has planted a large number of fine trees. Mr. Druse comes of Eastern people, his parents being from Kentucky. His father, Stephen Druse, was a farmer in Illinois and finally ended his days with his son in Leland, 57S BIOOBAPHICAL REVIEW OP CASS, Illinois. His wife, whose maiden name was Driggs, is still living and makes her home with Mr. Druse. She is now an old lady and holds to the doctrines of the Presbyterian (Jlmrch. She has only live living children, all of whom, excepting Mr. Druse, are resi- dents of Nebraska. Mr. Druse came to Beardstown in 1882 and has not lost at single day since from the pur- suit of his duty. He has exclusive charge of the passenger and freight depots and has always proved himself worthy of the trust imposed in him. There are from twelve to twenty-tive men under him all the time. He is a popular young man in his city and has the contidence of his employers. He has a thorough knowledge of his business and is a man of good habits. Wiien he first came to the city he was clerk and night agent for the Quincy Railroad until 1886. He was also connected with the mainline, with head- quarters at Leland for some time. When he was first employed he was the youngest man in the employ of the load. He was married in Beardstown, to Miss Bertha Boehme of Williamsville, Illinois. She was yet young when her parents came to Beardstown and here she was reared and edu- cated. Her father, Julius Boehrae, was a na- ive of Germany who settled in Illinois and was engaged as a mechanic until his death. His wife followed her luisbaud some years afterward and was about the same age when she died. Her maiden name was Anna Phil- lipi and she also was a native of Germany. She came to this country with her husband and they became pioneers of Beardstown. Here they spent the remainder of their days. Tliey were people quite well known to the people of this city and county and can be properly associated with the history of this place. Mr. and Mrs. Druse have a close social re- lation with the better class of Beardstown so- ciety, and are prosperous, progressive young people who will make life a success. They ad- here to the moral principles of lite, but hold to no church creed. Mr. Druse is a stanch Democrat, but is no office seeker. He is an active worker for the principles of his party in a local way. He is a working member of the Masonic order, Cass Lodge, No. 23, and takes a live interest in public matters tending to benefit the city and county. fz\MES L. GREER, who was for more than twenty years the popular landlord of one of the best hotels in Rushville, was born near Five Mile Town, county Ty- rone, Ireland, January 14, 1820, the son of Robert and Catherine (Lendrum) Greer. (See sketch of George Greer.) He was a lad of nine years when his parents left the beautiful Emerald Isle and crossed the sea to America. When thirteen years of age he was sent to sea as a cabin boy on a cruising vessel, mak- ing the principal ports of both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. A portion of the time he was drillmaster, and after seven years he was discharged as an able-bodied seaman. In 18-41 he removed to Rushville and there engaged in the manufacture of brooms for a few years. During the war he was engaged in buying horses under contract from the Government. Previous to the war he had bought a farm in Littleton township, on which he resided until 1869, when he sold out and came to Rushville. He purchased the prop- perty which has lieen used as a hotel, and be- came the proprietor of a hotel which he man- aged with rare ability; he had a Large and en- thusiastic patronage, and a reputation that reached as far as his guests traveled. SOHUTLEB AND BROWN COUNTIES. 579 Mr. Greer was married in 1841, to Nancy- Wilson, who was born in Nelson county, Kentucky, a daughter of Elijah M. and Jane (Hawley) Wilson. Six children have been born to this union, who are stillliving: Em- ily, now Mrs. McCreery, Robert, George, Charles and Milton. Robert and Charles are enojaged in the mercantile business at Kear- ney, Nebraska; George is a carpenter, and Mil- ton is in the livery business at RushviUe. Mr. Greer and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. lie assisted in organizing the first Methodist Episcopal class in Littleton, and aided very materially in the building of the church. For a number of years he was superintendent of the Sabbath- school, and has always been a devoted worker in the cause of the Master. lie is a man of excellent traits, and has the respect of all who know him. 4^ ^^ pjEV. JOHN W. HAYES, general farmer ^ on section 7, township 17, range 11, was born in Clark county, Missouri, but was reared in Schuyler county, Illinois. He is the son of George W. Hayes, a native of Kentucky, and own cousin of ex-President Hayes. His mother was a relation of J. Q. Adams. Mr. George Hayes came to Indi- ana when a young man, and followed his trade of general mechanic and cooper carpenter. Here he was married to Martha Fitter, of Jennings county. Here he lived for a few years, and then moved to Missouri, coming to Schuyler county, Illinois, in 1862, and began life as a farmer. Later he settled in RushviUe, and there the wife and mother died, in 1886, when in middle life. Mr. Hayes still lives in RushviUe, and is sixty- six years of age. He is a Methodist, as is his wife. He was a Democrat. He has three living children; Nancy, wife of Mr. Lee of RushviUe; L. Jennie, wife of M. B. Woods, living at Havana, Illinois, and John W. John W. Hayes has been in this place only a short time, formerly living in Schuy- ler county, Illinois, where he had lived the most of his life after he was five years old. He was married in Schuyler county, to Annie Horton, who bore him no children. He was married a second time, in Cass county, to Mrs. Martha E. Buck, 7iee Wegle, born in Cass county, where she has since lived. She is the daughter of Jeptha and Phebe (Tood) Wegle, natives of Kentucky, where they were reared and married. They came to Illinois in the '30s and settled in Brown county. Later they came to Cass county, and settled on a farm, where Mr. Wegle died, in 1861, in middle life, being born in 1812. He was a farmer, a Republi- can, and a member of the Union Baptist Church. His wife makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. John Hayes. She is quite old, being born in 1812. She is a Baptist, and was the mother of twelve children. Mrs. Hayes is the youngest of the nine now living, all married with families. Mrs; Hayes was married for the first time in Cass county, to Stephen D. Buck, who was born on the farm he lived to own and im- prove. Here he died, September 16, 1890. He was then fifty-seven years old, being born of a family of pioneers, who came here at an early date from North Carolina. Mr. Buck was a kind husband and a good citizen, a Democrat in politics, but not an office seeker. He was the father of ten children, two de- ceased. Those living are: Flora, wife of Elza Merrot, of Cass county, a farmer; Julius H. works for a farmer in this county; Ste- phen D. and Ella, at home. Edith M., Lillian 580 BIOOR^iPHICAL REVIEW OF CASS, M., and Walter A. are triplets, and are bright healthy children. Mr. Hayes is a minister of the Church of God, and has been the pastor of the church for several years. He is a forcible speaker, and prominent minister. His wife is a member of the Baptist Church. Both are worthy people. lEORGE W. BARNEYCASTLE, Alder- man of the First Ward, Beardstown, and blacksmitli for tiie Quincy railroad, was born in Bertie county. North Carolina, October 1, 1844. His father, George W. Barneycastle was born and spent all his life in Bertie county. He spent his life in farm- ing, and died at the age of seventy years. His wife died when little George was twelve years old. At the death of his mother, little George was taken by an uncle and aunt, James and Sarah Wilson, and taken by them to Cass county, niinois. They settled on a farm in Arenzville precinct. Here George was raised and his uncle and aunt lived and died. He learned his trade in Beardstown under the oldest firm in the city, John Webb & Co., and completed his trade a little before he was twenty-one. He then tried his hand at farming for three years, but finally entered the Qaincy shops, and has since been engaged there. He has been on their pay rolls ever since 1878. When George was eighteen, he enlisted in Company I, Third Illinois Cavalry, Captain Samuel Shelenberger in command. They went as a regiment to the front in 1864, and engaged in many small battles in the Cum- berland mountains and Mississippi, under General Hatch. After serving for about one year he was mustered out at Snelling, Min- nesota, October 20, 1865. He escaped un- hurt and was never captured. He was always on duty and never was sick. Since the war he has lived in Beardstown most of the time and has been an enterprising citizen. He is a member of the G. A. R., McLane Post, 97, also a member of the subordinate lodge I. O. O. F., and is Past Grand Commander, having tilled all the chairs. He takes an act- ive part in local politics and serves his party. Democratic, in a very proficient manner. He has been closely associated with the best in- terests of the city. He was married in this city, to Miss Eliza- beth Dengler of Schuylkill county, Pennsyl- vania, born in 1845. She came West with her parents when very young, the family set- tling in Bath, Mason county. Her father and mother died when quite old, Mr. Deng- ler being an engineer. Mr. and Mrs. Barneycastle attend the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which Mrs. Barneycastle is a member. They have three children besides the one child, AVilliam, who died when young. The living children are: Lillie M., a type- writer in the office of the " Star of the West;" Clyde, at home. j^OBERT ANDERSON, the capable and I enterprising manager of the lumber business of J. S. & G. S. Russell, and a popular citizen of Ashland, Hlinois, was born in county Tyrone, Ireland. December 22, 1842. His parents were William and Mar- tha (Kimpston) Anderson, both of whom were natives of county Tyrone, where they were married and where all of their children were born. In 1847, they came to America, and located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where both parents afterward died. This worthy couple were the parents of live chil- SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 581 dren, of whom the subject of this sketch was the first son. Jane, the first in order of birth, died in yonng womanliood, in Piiiladelpliia; next in order was our subject; Kate, the third child, resides in Bucks county, Pennsylvania; Sarah, now Mrs. Finlej, lives in Philadelphia where her husband is a carpet manufacturer; Willie was born in Philadelphia, but died in infancy. Mr. Anderson lived with his maternal grandfather in Ireland, until he was twenty- two years of age, when, in June, 1865, he came to Philadelphia. He remained in the city of Brotherly Love until the fall of 1872, and was, in the meantime, on May 2, 1868, married there, to Miss Mary A. Lucas, who was horn in his lUitive county, in Ireland, and who had been a schoolmate of his in the beautiful Emerald Isle, in which country her parents spent their entire lives. In 1872, Mr. Anderson came to Jackson- ville, Illinois, where he entered the employ of Russell Brothers, with whom he has been connected ever since. In 1876, he started the business in Ashland, which he now oper- ates, which is the only lumber-yard in that city, and they enjoy a large and lucrative trade. The entire management of this large enterprise is vested in Mr. Anderson's hands. It is he who pays the men, does all the col- lecting, and handles all the money, and is, in fact, a trusted employee, whose integrity is unimpeachable and his faithfulness unsur- passed. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have four children: Robert L.,twenty-fouryearsof ageand unmar- ried, is the manager of a lumber business in Virginia, Illinois; Henrietta, is the wife of Ferdinand L. Strawn, a prominent and suc- cessful young farmer near Jacksonville, Illi- nois, to whom she was married January 6, 1892; Sarah E. and Willie Johnson are still under the parental roof: the former, now past eighteen years of age, is an efficient teacher in the public schools of Sangamon county; the latter is employed, during vacation, about the lumber-yard or on the farm belonging to the Russell Brothers. All of the children have had excellent educational opportunities in the common and high schools of Ashland. Robert L., the oldest son, is a graduate of the Jacksonville Business College, and Henrietta graduated in music at the Jacksouville Con- servatory of Music, and taught that beautiful art in Ashland for several years, being very successful. In his political affiliatious, Mr. Anderson is a stanch Republican, advocating most thoroughly the principles of that party. He abhors free-trade England, and deeply sym- pathizes with his oppressed countrymen across the water. Socially, he afiiliates with the I. O. O. F., Knights of Pythias and with the A. O. U. W. The entire family are earnest and useful members of Pleasant , Plains Presbyterian Church, contributing liberally to its support and advancement. Ireland and America being such friends, it is natural that their respective countrymen should entertain the kindest regard for each other, especially if, as in Mr. Anderson's case, they are irreproachal)le in business and social life, inspiring all worthy men with the deepest respect and esteem. 5SAAC R. GARNER, a prominent and esteemed citizen of Ashland, Illinois, and an honored veteran of the late war, was born in Cass county, Illinois, February 21, 1846. His parents were Greenberry and Mary J. (Redman) Garner, his father being a na- tive of Indiana, while his mother was born in 582 BIOQSAPSIC.LL BE VIEW OF CASS, Morgan county, Illinois, in which latter county their marriage took place in 1837. The father was a prominent and useful min- ister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was an active member of the Illinois confer- ence for more than forty years. The paternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch, Rev. James Garner, was also an able minister of the same denomination, while four brothers of our subject's father were also ministers of the same ch^irch. The family was originally from lloUaad, but have been established in America since an early day. The subject of this notice was one of ten children, seven of whom are now living. Hannah E., the old- est, is the wife of Rev. G. B. AVolfe,an itinerant minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church in the Illinois Conference; Charles W., mar- ried, is a farmer in Pike county, Illinois; Isaac R., the subject of this biography; Mary A., widow of J. Bagby, resides in Ashland; Hattie E., wife of Koss Ister, lives on a farm in Pike county, Illinois; George, unmarried, is a horse trainer in Virginia, Illinois; Min- nie Lee, wife of Jerry Hitter, lives in Ash- land; James died in childhood; William N. died aged eight years; and Elina Bell aged thirteen. The early life of our subject was spent in school and in working in a store, up to the time of his enlistment in the array. He offered his services to the Twenty-first Illi- nois Regiment, under General Grant, but was rejected on account of his youth; a year later, however, he was accepted in Company I of the Sixty-second Illinois Infantry, and was assigned to duty in the Army of the West. For a time he served in the Sixteenth Army Corps, and was afterward under Gen- eral Steele in the Seventeenth Corps. Mr. Garner was appointed Drum-major of his regiment, serving in that capacity most of his army life. His duties were to drill his own band, and he was afterward detached and placed in charge of the bands of new regi- ments as drillmaster. He participated with his regiment in several skirmishes, and took part in the battle of Little Rock. It was while on board a boat, in the spring of 1864, that he met witli a distressing accident, which destroyed his sight, and he has been totally blind since the spring of 1866. The anguish occasioned by the deprivation of sight has been intense, and for twenty-six years he has never looked upon the face of his wife and children. On May 2, 1865, he was honor- ably discharged, and at once returned to his parental home in Cass county, Illinois. He afterward entered the Blind Institntion at Jacksonville, where he remained four years, taking the entire five years' course. He then engaged in selling musical instruments, in which business he continued for seven years. After this, he was for two years in the livery business at Plymouth, Hancock county. Later, he followed trading for a time, but, since coming to Ashland, about twelve years ago, he has retired from active business. He receives a liberal pension on account of his misfortunes. Mr. Garner was married November 10, 1885, to Miss Grace E. Douglass, "a highly es- teemed lady and a daughter of W. S. and Vir- ginia (Job) Douglass, honored pioneers of Cass county, Illinois, who now own and operate tlie Central Hotel, in Ashland. Mrs. Garner is the second of live children, of whom Charles, tiie eldest, is unmarried, and is in the insurance business in Ashland; Edward, died in infancy; Ellen is the wife of Dr. William Bane, a practicing physician of Springfield, Illinois; William is employed in a drug store in Ashland, and is unmarried. Mr. and Mrs. Garner have two children. SCHUYLER AND BROWN COUNTIES. 583 Harold D., born in Ashland, September 10, 1886; and Helen Lee, born September 2, 1888. Politically, Mr. Garner is a straight Ke- publican, and takes a deep interest in the affairs of his country. Socially, he is a prom- inent member of Doiiglass Post, No. 592, G. A. R., in Ashland. He is a devout and useful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is active in forwarding the interests of the churcli, Sun- day-school and other religious and charitable enterprises. Thus, notwithstanding his deep affliction, he does more for his fellow-men than many others who have nothing of that kind with which to contend. In tlie midst of all his sorrow, he is buoyed up with the sense of a duty done by which he is assisted in liberat- ing thousands of suffering humanity, who might yet be groaning in bondage. This and the universal esteem of his associates and friends tend to brighten his otherwise dark pathway through life. !ILLIAM HARVEY McCASKILL is one of the oldest of the native-born citizens of Hlinois now residing in Brown county. He was born in Sangamon county, Illinois, July 23, 1826. ' His father, Daniel McCaskill, was born in North Caro- lina, and his father, John McCaskill, was born in Scotland, coming to America when a young man, locating in North Carolina, where he married a lady of Scotch birth, and spent the remainder of his days there. His son was reared and educated in his native State, but came North when a young man and engaged in teaching. He married in Indi- ana, at the age of thirty-four, and either in the fall of 1825 or the spring of 1826 came to Illinois, making the journey overland with teams. lie located in Sangamon county. At that time the State capital was at Van- dalia; Springfield was but a hamlet, and the surrounding country was sparsely settled. He engaged in teaching, and resided there until 1834, when he emigrated to Schuyler county, settling in that part now included in Pea Kidge township, Brown county. He entered a tract of Government land, and at once built on the place. He was one of the first teachers in the county, and followed his profession for many years. He superin- tended the improvement of his farm, which he occupied until his death in 1851. His wife was Esther Turner, daughter of Archi- bald Turner, of Ireland, of Scottish descent. William has been a resident of this county since his eighth year, and has witnessed the improvement and development of this sec- tion of country. Deer, wild turkeys and other game were plentiful. There were no railroads for years, and the people were obliged to convey their grain by team to a distant market. The people lived principally of!" of the products of their own farms. His father used to raise flax and sheep, and his mother manufactured all the cloth used in the family, dressing the children in home- spun made by her own hands. William received an ordinary education, but began when very young to assist his father on the farm. After his marriage he settled on a farm on section 1, where he re- sided until 1864, when he settled on the old homestead, which he had bought from the other heirs. The farm, which is well im- proved, contains 240 acres; besides this he has a farm of ninety acres in Bates county, Missouri. He was married in October, 1851, to Jane 584 BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OP CASS, Crooks. She was born in England, and came to America with her parents when an infant. Mr. and Mrs. McCaskill have eight children living: Daniel Morgan, Mary, William H., Thomas L., Ella, Esther, Cora and Kate. Mr. McCaskill is a Republican in politics, and he and his wife are highly respected members of society. flNIS E. DOWNING, the present Clerk of the Circuit Court, and a resideiit of Virginia, was born in Virginia, Cass county, Illinois, August 24, 1846. Of his life and ancestry we record the following facts : Rev. Nathan H. Downing, his father, was the son of John Downing, son of William Downing. The father of William was a native of Scotland or Ireland, of Scotch an- cestry, and was one of three brothers who came to America in early Colonial times. He settled in Virginia and there spent his last years. William Downing was born, reared and married in Virginia, and about 1784 moved to Kentucky, becoming one of the first settlers of Garrard county. For some years after his settlement there the Indians were numerous and troublesome, and the whites lived in blanks, and with the movements at Nashville under General Thomas. He was engaged in all the arduous duties, campaigns and battles participated in by his regiment, passing through it all with gallantry and patriotism until he was dischargeil in August, 1865. Upon his return home he secured employment as bookkeeper for the lirra of Little & Ray, anorn in Ohio, died in Brown county, in 1877, unmarried. Susan, born in Indiana, married Silas Campbell in 1868, and died in 1878; they had three daughters, two of whom survive. Hester, born in Indiana, married Dr. T. J. Norvell, and died in 1885. James M., born in Indiana, died in 1847, in boyhood. Sarah Ann, born in Adams county, Illi- nois, married Arthur Newenhan, in 1872; she died in Missouri, in 1879; they had two sons, one of whom is now living. George W. Wilson, senior partner of Wil- son & Brother, was born January 19, 1837, on the west half of section 32, township 1 south, 3 west. Brown county, Illinois, where lie has resided continuously ever since. He was educated in the country schools, which were crude at that time, attending usually for three months during the winter. He soon learned that it was a virtue to be in- dustrious. The chief occupations were: cul- tivating and harvesting the various crops; attending and feeding stock; clearing off new land; splitting rails and Iniilding fence. There was ample recreation in the hunting of wild game, with which the prairies and woods on the streams abounded, especially wild turkey an