2HSM»!«ii»S!B;:; Cornell University Library F 547L5 PBS Portrait and biograph cal record,, of Lee 3 1924 028 805 542 olin Overs Cornell University Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924028805542 4^ ~ X ^ "7 8*^^-3- -^V-«>- 8+. ^ OC^^- AlA if 1#\ M f ^ i record! —OF— LEE COUNTY, ILLINOIS, lJ 15- a p CONTAINING Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Together with Biographies of all the ^overiiors of the itate, and of the Iresideiits OP THE UNITED STHTES. CHICAGO: BIOGRAPHICAL PUBLISHING CO. 1892. F ^y-?7/^ pF^Ep/li^E. iHE greatest of English historians, Macaulat, and one of the most brilliant writers of the present century, has said: "The history of a country is best told in a record of the lives of its people." In conformity with this idea the Portrait and Biographical Album of tj^jg county has been prepared. Instead of going to musty records, and taking therefrom dry statistical matter that can be appreciated by but few, our corps of writers have gone to the people, the men and women who have, by their enterprise and industry, brought the county to rank second to none among those comprising this great and noble State, and from their lips have the story of their life struggles. No more interesting or instructive matter could be presented to an intelli- gent public. In this volume will be found a record of many whose lives are worthy the imitation of coming generations. It tells how some, commencing life in poverty, by industry and economy have accumulated wealth. It tells how others, with limited advantages for securing an education, have become learned men and women, with an influence extending throughout the length and breadth of the land. It tells of men who have risen from the lower walks of life to eminence as statesmen, and whose names have become famous. It tells of those in every walk in life who have striven to succeed, and records how that success has usually crowned their efforts. It tells also of many, very many, who, not seeking the applause of the world, have pursued "the even tenor of their way," content to have it said of them as Christ said of the woman performing a deed of mercy — "they have done what they could." It tells how that many in the pride and strength of young manhood left the plow and the anvil, the lawyer's ofHce and the counting-room, left every trade and profession, and at their country's call went forth valiantly "to do or die," and how through their efforts the Union was restored and peace once more reigned in the land. In the life of every man and of every woman is a lesson that should not be lost upon those who follow after. Coming generations will appreciate this volume and preserve it as a sacred treasure, from the fact that it contains so much that would never find its way into public records, and which would otherwise be inaccessible. Great care has been taken in the compilation of the work and every opportunity possible given to those represented to insure' correctness in what has been written, and the publishers flatter them- selves that they give to their readers a work with few errors of consequence. In addition to the biograph- ical sketches, portraits of a number of representative citizens are given. The faces of some, and biographical sketches of many, will be missed in this volume. For this the publishers are not to blame. Not having a proper conception of the work, some refused to give the information necessary to compile a sketch, while others were indifferent. - Occasionally some member of the family would oppose the enterprise, and on account of such opposition the support of the interested one would be withheld. In a few instances men could never be found, though repeated calls were made at their residence or place of business. April, 1892. Biographical Publishing Co. te/34, » V^%f' OF THE Governors of Illinois, AND OF THE Ml /#il©ilBff OFTHE J^^^Mif^jT FIUST PRESIDENT. i^(:^»^i^t^t^(^.^.^(%J(i^,^iiS3i!gi'^'^';iSit^t^t^t^t^«^^t^v:^»^t^»^«^ HE Father of our Country was born in Westmorland Co., Va., Feb. 22, 1732. His parents were Augustine and Mary (Ball) Washington. The family to which he belonged has not been satisfactorily traced in England. His great-grand- father, John Washington, em- igrated to Virginia about 1657, and became a prosperous planter. He had two sons, Lawrence arid John. The former married Mildred Warner and had three children, John, Augustine and Mildred. Augus- tine, the father of George, first married Jane Butler, who bore him four children, two of whom, Lawrence and Augustine, reached maturity. Of six children by his second marriage, George was the eldest, the others being Betty, Saniuel, John Augustine, Charles and Mildred. Augustine Washington, the father of George, died in 1743, leaving a large landed property. To his eldest son, Lawrence, he bequeathed an estate on the Patomac, afterwards known as Mount Vernon, and to George he left the parental residence. George received only such education as the neighborhood schools afforded, save for a short time after he left school, when he received private instruction in mathemat'cs. His spelling was rather defective. Remarkable stories are told of his great physica, strength and development at an early age. He was an acknowledged leader among his companions, and was early noted for that nobleness of character, fair- ness and veracity which characterized his whole life. When George was 14 years old he had a desire to go to sea, and a midshipman's warrant was secured for him, but through the opposition of his mother the idea was abandoned. Two years later he was appointed surveyor to the immense estate of Lord Fairfax. In this business he spent three years in a rough frontier life, gaining experience which afterwards proved very essential to him. In 1751, though only 19 years of age, he was aiJpointed adjutant with the rank of major in the Virginia miliua, then being trained for active service against the French and Indians. Soon after this he sailed to the West Indies with his brother Lawrence, who went there to restore his health They soon returned, and in the summer of 1752 Lawrence died, leaving a large fortune to an infant daughter who did not long survive him. On her demise the estate of Mount Vernon was given to George. Upon the arrival of Robert Dinwiddle, as Lieuten- ant-Governor of Virginia, in 1752, the militia was reorganized, and the province divided into four mili- tary districts, of which the northern was assigned to Washington as adjutant general. Shortly after this a very perilous mission was assigned him and ac- cepted, which others had refused. This was to pro- ceed to the French post near Lake Erie in North- western Pennsylvania. The distance to be traversed was between 500 and 600 miles. Winter was at hand, and the journey was to be made without military escort, through a territory occupied by Indians. The GEORGE WASHINGTON. irip was a perilous one, and several limes lie came near losing his life, yet he returned in safety and furnished ,a full and useful report of his expedition. A regiment of 300 men was raised in Virginia and put in com- mand of Col. Joshua Fry, and Major Washington was commissioned lieutenant-colonel. Active war was then begun against the French and Indians, in which Washington took a most important part. In the memorable event of July 9, 1755, known as Brad- dock's defeat, Washington was almost the only ofificer of distinction who escaped from the calamities of the day with life and honor. The other aids of Braddock were disabled early in the action, and Washington alone was left in that capacity on the field. In a letter to his brother he says : " I had four bullets through my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet I escaped unhurt, though death was levelino my companions on every side." An Indian sharpshooter said he was not born to be killed by a bullet, for he had taken direct aim at him seventeen times, and failed to hit him. ' After having been five years in the military service, and vainly sought promotion in the royal army, he took advantage of the fall of Fort Duquesne and the expulsion of the French from the v-alley of the Ohio, to resign his commission. Soon after he entered the Legislature, where, although not a leader, he took an active and important ^art. January 17, 1759, he married Mrs. Martha (Dandridge) Custis, the wealthy widow of John Parke Custis. When the British Parliament had closed the port if Boston, the cry went up throughout the provinces that "The cause of Boston is the cause of us all." tt was then, at the suggestion. of Virginia, that a Con gress of all the colonies was called to meet at Phila- dblphia.Sept. 5, r774, to secure their common liberties, peaceably if possible. To this Congress Col. Wash- ington was sent as a delegate. On May 10, 1775, the Copgress re-assembled^when the hostile intentions of ' England .were plainly apparent. The battles of Coii- to'rid and Lexington had been fought. Among the first acts of this Congress was the electioji of a com- mander-in-chief of the colonial forces. This high and responsible office was conferred upon Washington, who was still a memberof the Congress. He accepted it on June 19, but upon the express condition that he receive no salary. He would keep an exact account of expenses and expect Congress lo pay them and nothingmore. It is not- the object of this sketch to trace the military acts of Washington, to whom the fortunes and liberties of the people of this country were so long confided. The war was conducted' by him under everj- possible disadvantage, 'and while his forces often met with reverses, yet he oVercatae every obstacle, aiid after seven years of •■ heroic devotion and matchless skill he gained liberty for the greatest lation of earth. On Dec. 23, 1783, -Washington, in 1 parting address of surpassing beauty, resigned -his commission as commander-in-chief of the army ij to the Continental Congress sitting at Annapolis. He retired immediately to Mount Vernon and resumed his occupation as a farmer and planter, shunning all connection with public life. In February, 1 7 89, Washington was unartimously elected President. In his_presidential career he was subject to the peculiar trials incidental to, a new government ; trials from lack of confidence on the part of other governments; trials from want of harmony between the different sections of our own country; trials from the impoverished condition of the country, owing'to-the war and want of credit; trials from the beginnings of party strife. He wasmo pa-ttisan. His clear judgment could discern the golden mean ; arid while perhaps this alone kept our government from sinking at the very outset, it left him exposed to attacks from both sides, which were often bitter and very annoying. At the expiration of his first term he was unani- mously re-elected. At the end of this term many were anxious that he be re-elected, but he absolutely refused a third nomination. On the fourth of March, 1797, at the expiraton of his second term as Presi- dent, he returned to his home, hoping to pass there his few remaining years free from the annoyances of public life. Later in the year, however, his repose seemed hkely to be interrupted by war with' France. At the prospect of such a war he was again urged to take command of the armies. He chose his sub- ordinate officers and left to them the charge of mat- ters in the field, which he superintended from his home. In accepting the command he made the reservation that he was not to be in the field until it was necessary. In the midst of these preparations his life was suddenly cut off. December 12, he took a seveie cold from a ride in the rain, which, settling in h's throat, produced inflammation, and terminated fatally on the night of the fourteenth. Oti the eigh- teenth- his body was borne wi'h military honors to its final resting place, and interred m the famhy vault at Mpunt;Vernon. .Of the character of Washington it iS. impossible to speak but in terms of the highest respect and ad- miration. The more we see of the, operations of C'^^ FIFTH FRESmENT. 35 1JW& wmm- AMES MONROE, the fifth President of The United States, was born in Westmoreland Co., Va., April 28, 1758. His early life was passed at the place of nativity. His ancestors had for many years resided in the prov- ince in which he was born. When, ,, at 17 years of age, in the process P*> of completing his education at William and Mary College, the Co- lonial Congress assembled at Phila- delphia to deliberate upon the un- just and manifold oppressions of Great Britian, declared the separa- tion of the Colonies, and promul- gated the Declaration of Indepen- dence. Had he been born ten years before it is highly probable that he would have been one of the signers of that celebrated instrument. At this time he left schpol and enlisted among tlie patriots. He joined the army when everything looked hope- less and gloomy. The number of deserters increased from day to day. The invading armies came pouring in ; and the tories not only favored the cause of the mother country, but disheartened the new recruits, who were sufficiently terrified at the prospect of con- tending with an enemy whom they had been taught to deem invincible. To such brave spirits as James Monroe, who went right onward, undismayed through difficulty and danger, the United States owe their political emancipation. The young cadet joined the ranks, and espoused the cause of his injured country, with a firm determination to live or die with her strife for liberty. Firmly yet sadly he shared in the mel- ancholy retreat from Harleam Heights and White Plains, and accompanied the dispirited army as it fled before its foes through New Jersey. In four months after the Declaration of Independence, the patriots had been beaten in seven battles. At the battle of Trenton he led the vanguard, and, in the act of charg- ing upon the enemy he received a wound in tlie left shoulder. As a reward for his bravery, Mr. Monroe was pro- moted a captain of infantry ; and, having recovered from his wound, he rejoined the army. He, however, receded from the line of promotion, by becoming an officer in the staff of Lord Sterling. During the cam- paigns of t777 and 1778, in the actions of r>randy wine, Germantown and Monmouth, he continued aid-de-camp ; but becoming desirous to regain his position in the army, he exerted himself to collect a regiment for the Virginia line. This scheme failed owing to the exhausted condition of the State. Upon this failure he entered the office of Mr. Jefferson, at that period Governor, and pursued, with considerable ardor, the study of common law. He did not, however, entirely lay aside the knapsack for the green bag ; but on the invasions of the enemy, served as avolun teer, during the two years of his legal pursuits. In 1782, he was elected from King George county, a member of the Leglislature of Virginia, and by that body he was elevated to a seat in the Executive Council. Pie was thus honored with the confidence of his fellow citizens at 23 years of age ; and having at this early period displayed some of that ability and aptitude for legislation, which were afterwards employed with unremitting energy for the public good, i6 JAMES MONROE. lie was in the succeeding year chosen a member of ihe Congress of the United States. Deeply as Mr. Monroe felt the imperfections of the old Confederacy, he was opposed to the new Constitution, ihinkiug, with many others of "ihe Republican party, ^hat it gave too much power to the Central Government, and not enough to the individual States. Still he re- tained the esteem of his friends who were its warm supporters, and who, notwithstanding his opposition ■ secured its adoption. In 1789, he became a member of the United States Senate ; which office he held for four years. Every month the line of distinction be- tween the two great parties which divided the nation, the Federal and the Republican, was growing more distinct. The two prominent ideas which now sep- arated them were, that the Republican party was in sympathy with France, and also in favor of such a strict construction of the Constitution as to give the Central Government as little power, and the State Governments as much power, as the Constitution would warrant. The Federalists sympathized with England, and were in favor of a liberal construction of the Con- stitution, which would give as much power to the Central Government as that document could possibly authorize. The leading Federalists and Republicans were alike noble men, consecrating all their energies to the good of the nation. Two more honest men or more pure patriots than John Adams the Federalist, and James Monroe the Republican, never breathed. In building up this majestic nation, which is destined to eclipse all Grecian and Assyrian greatness, the com- bination of their antagonism was needed to create the light equilibrium. And yet each in his day was de- nounced as almost a demon. Washington was then President. England had es- poused the cause of the Bourbons against the princi- ples of the French Revolution. All Europe was drawn into the conflict. We were feeble and far away. Washington issued a proclamation of neutrality be- tween these contending powers. France had helped us in the struggle for our liberties. All the despotisms of Europe were now combined to prevent the French from escaping from a tyranny a thousand-fold worse than that which we had endured Col. Monroe, more magnanimous than prudent, was anxious that, at whatever hazard, we should help our old allies in their extremity. It was the impulse of a generous and noble nature. He violently opposed the Pres- ident's proclamation as ungrateful and wanting in magnanimity. Washington, who could appreciate such a character, developed his calm, serene, almost divine greatness by appointing that very James Monroe, who was de- nouncing the policy of the Government, as the minister of that Government to the Republic of France. Mr. Monroe was welcomed by the National Convention in France with the most enthusiastic demonstr/>.tions. Shortly after his return to this country, Mr. Mon- roe was elected Governor of Virginia, and held the office for three yeais. He was again sent to France to co-operate with Chancellor Livingston in obtaining the vast territory then known as the Province of Louisiana, which France had but shortly before ob- tained from Spain. Their united efforts were suc- cessful. For the comparatively small sum of fifteen millions of dollars, the entire territory of Orleans and district of Louisiana .were added to the United States, This was probably the largest transfer of real estate which was ever made in all the history of the world. From France Mr. Monroe went to England to ob- tain from that country some recognition of our rights as neutrals, and to remonstrate against those odious impressments of our seamen. But Eng- land was unrelenting. He again returned to Eng- land on the same mission, but could receive no redress. He returned to his home and was again chosen Governor of Virginia. This he soon resigned to accept the position of Secretary of State undei' Madison. While in this office war with England was declared, the Secretary of War resigned, and during these trying times, the duties of the War Departmen; were also put upon him. He was truly the armor- bearer of President Madison, and the most efficient business man in his cabinet. Upon the return of peace he resigned the Department of War, but con- tinued in the office of Secretary of State until' the ex- piration of Mr. Madison's adminstration. At the elec- tion l\eld the previous autumn Mr. Monroe himself had been chosen President with but Uttle opposition, and upon March 4, 1817, was inaugurated. Four years later he was elected for a second term. Among the important measures of his Presidency were the cession of Florida to the United States ; the Missouri Compromise, and the " Monroe doctrine.' This famous doctrine, since Ifnown as the " Monroe doctrine," was enunciated by him in 1823. At that time the United States had recognized the independ- ence of the South American states, and did not wish to have European powers longer attempting to sub due portions of the American Continent. The doctrine is as follows: "That we should consider any attempt on the part of European powers to extend their sys-. tem to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous to our peace and safety," and "that we could not view any interposition for the purpose of oppressing or controlling American governments or provinces in any other light than as a manifestation by Europear. powers of an unfriendly disposition toward the United States." This doctrine immediately afTected the course of foreign governments, and has become the approved sentiment of the United States. At the end of his fecond term Mr. Monroe retired to his home in Virginia, where he lived uniil 1830 when he went to New York to live with his son-in law. In that city he died.on the 4th of July; 1831 ■ I ^-t-^JSV^fJV^ X 5, At <' x'otaining their exchange, and took her sick boys home. After a long illn JSi. Andrew recovered, and the death of his mother «oon left him entirely friendless. Andrew supported himself in various ways, s i;h as working at the saddler's trade, teaching school and clerking in a general store, until 1784, when he entered a law office at Salisbury, N. C. He, however, gave more attention to the wild amusements of the times than to his studies. In 1788, he was appointed solicitor for the western district of North Carolina, of which Tennessee was then a part. This involved many long and tedious journeys amid dangers of every kind, but Andrew Jackson never knew fear, and the Indians had no desire to repeat a skirmish witn the Sharp Knife. In 1791, Mr. Jackson was married to a woman who supposed herself divorced from her former husband. Great was the surprise of both parties, two years later, to find that the conditions of the divorce had just been definitely settled by the first husband. The marriage ceremony was performed a second time, but the occur- rence was often used by his enemies to bring Mr. Jackson into disfavor. During these years he worked hard at his profes sion, and frequently had one or mote duels on hand, one of which, when he killed Dickenson, was espec- ially disgraceful. In January, 1796, the Territory of Tennessee then containing nearly eighty thousand inhabitants, the people met in convention at Knoxville to frame a con- stitution. Five were sent from each of the eleven counties. Andrew Jackson was one of the delegates. The new State was entitled to but one member is the National House of Representatives. Andrew JacTc- son was chosen that member. Mounting his horse he rode to Philedelphia, where Congress then held its 44 ANDRE W J A CKSON. sessions, — a distance of about eight liLindred miles. Jackson was an earnest advocate of the Demo- cratic party. Jefferson was his idol. He admired Bonaparte, loved France and hated England. As Mr. Jackson took his seal, Gjn. Washington, whose second term of office was then expiring, delivered his last speech to Congress. A committee drew up a complimentary address in reply. Andrew Jackson did not approve of the address, and was one of the twelve who voted against it. He was not willing to say that Gen. Washington's admlnstration had been " wise, firm and patriotic." Mr. Jackson was elected to the United States Senate in 1797, but soon resigned and returned home. Soon after he was chosen Judge of the Supreme Court of his State, which position he held for six years. When the war of 1812 with Great Britian com- menced, Madison occupied the Presidential chair. Aaron Burr sent word to the President that there was an unknown man in the West, Andrew Jackson, who would do credit to a commission if one were con- ferred upon him. Just at that time Gen. Jackson jffeied his services and those of twenty-five hundred volunteers. His offer was accepted, and the troops were assembled at Nashville. As the British were hourly expected to make an at- tack upon New Orleans, where Gen Wilkinson was in command, he was ordered to descend the river with fifteen hundred troops to aid Wilkinson. The expedition reached Natchez; and after a delay of sev era] weeks there, without accomplishing anything, the men were ordered back to their homes. But the 'energy Gen. Jackson had displayed, and his entire devotion to the comrfort of his soldiers, won him golden opinions; and he became the most popular man in the State. It was in this expedition that his toughness gave him the nickname of "Old Hickory." Soon after this, while attempting to horsewhip Col. Thomas H. Benton, for a remark that gentleman made about his taking a part as second in a duel, in which a younger brother of Benton's was engaged^ he received two severe pistol wounds. While he was lingering upon a bed of suffering news came that the Indians, who had combined under Tecumseh from Florida to the Lakes, to exterminate the white set- lers, were committing the most awful ravages. De- cisive action became necessary. Gen. Jackson, with his fractured bone just beginning to heal, his arm in a sling, and unable to mount his horse without assis- tance, gave his amazing energies to the raising of an army to rendezvous at Fayettesyille, Alabama. The Creek Indians had established a strong fort on one of the bends of the Tallapoosa River, near the cen- ter of Alabama, about fifty miles below Fort Strother. "With an army of two tho'isand men, Gen. Jackson traversed the pathless wilderness in a march of eleven days. He reached their fort, called Tohopeka or Horse-shoe, on the 27th of March. 1814. The bend of the river enclosed nearly one hundred acres of tangled forest and wild ravine. Across the narrow > neck the Indians hadconsiructed a formidable breast- work of logs and brush. Here nine hundred warriors, with an ample suplyof arn.s were assembled. The fort was stormed. 'l"he fight was utterly des- perate. Not an Indian would accept of quarter. When bleeding and dying, they would fight those who en- deavored to spare their lives. From ten in the morn- ing until dark, the battle raged. The carnage was awful and revolting. Some threw themselves into the river; but the unerring bullet struck their heads as they swam. Nearly everyone of the ninehundred war- rios were killed A few probably, in the night, swam the river and escaped. This ended the war. The power of the Creeks was broken forever. This bold plunge into the wilderness, with its terriffic slaughter, so appalled the savages, that the haggard remnants of the bands came to the camp, begging for peace. This closing of the Creek war enabled us to con- centrate all our militia upon the British, who were the allies of the Indians No man of less resolute will than Gen. Jackson could have conducted this Indian campaign to so successful an issue Immediately he was appointed major-general. Late in August, with an army of two thousand men, on a rushing march. Gen. Jacksoii came to Mobile. A British fleet came from Pen sacola, landed a force upon the beach, anchored near the little fort, and from both ship and shore commenced a furious assault The battle was long and doubtful. At length one of the ships was blown up and the rest retired. Garrisoning Mobile, where he had taken his little army, he moved his troops to New Orleans, And the battle of New Orleans which soon enshed, was in reality a very arduous campaign. This won for Gen. Jackson an imperishable name. Here his troops, which numbered about four thousand men, won a signal victory over the British army of about nine thousand. His loss was but thirteen, while the loss of the British was two thousand six hundred; The name of Gen. Jackson soon began to be men- tioned in connection with the Presidency, but, in 1824, he was defeated by Mr. Adams. He was, however, successful in the election of 1828, and was re-elected for a second term in 1832. In r829, just before he assumed the reins of the government, he met with the most terrible affliction of his life in the death of his wife, whom he had loved with a devotion which has perhaps never been surpassed. From the shock of her death he never recovered. _ His administration was one of the most rac-morabie m the annals of our country; appiaude/d oyone party, condemned by the other. No man had more bitter enemies or warmer friends. At the expiration of his two terms of office he retiretj to the Hermitage, where he died June 8, r845. The last years of Mr. Jack- son s life were that of a devoted Christian maii. •^s^"- '■n^... i,*^\''--'^"i y 7 'i-z^a^,. ^^-i^yu^c.^ EIGHTH PRESIDENT. ARTIN VAN BUREN, the eighth President of the United States, was born at Kinderhook, N. Y., Dec. 5, 1782. He died at the same place, July 24, 1862. His body rests in the cemetery at Kinderhook. Above it is a plain granite shaft fifteen feet high, bearing a simple inscription about half way up on one face. The lot is unfenced, unbordered or unbounded by shrub or flower. There is but Uttle in the life of Martin Van Buren ,of romantic interest. He fought no battles, engaged ; in no wild adventures. Though his life was stormy in ' political and intellectual conflicts, and he gained many signal victories, his day? passed uneventful in those incidents which give zest to biography. His an- . cestors, as his name indicates, were of Dutch origin, , and were among the earUest emigrants from Holland to the banks of the Hudson. His father was a farmer, residing in the old town of Kinderhook. His mother, also of Dutch lineage, was a woman of superior intel- ligence and exemplary piety. A& was decidedly a precocious boy, developing un- rusual activity, vigor and strength of mind. At the "age of fourteen, he had finished his academic studies ■nk, internal improvements by the General <^vsrn- ment, a protective tariff, and advocatmg a strict con- struction of the Constitution, and the most careful vigilance over State rights. His labors in Congress were so arduous that before the close of his second term h; found it necessary to resign and retire to his estate in Charles-city Co., to recruit his health. He, however, soon after consented to take his seat in the State Legislature, where his influence was powerful in promoting public works of great utility. With a reputation thus canstantly increasing, he was chosen by a very large majority of votes, Governor of his native State. His administration was signally a suc- cessful one. His popularity secured his re-election. John Randolph, a brilliant, erratic, half-crazed man, then represented Virginia in the Senate of the United States. A portion of the Democratic party was displeased with Mr. Randolph's wayward course, and brought forward John Tyler as his opponent, considering him the only man in Virginia of sufficient popularity to succeed against the renowned orator of Roanoke. Mr. Tyler was the victor. \\\ accordance with his professions, upon taking his seat in the Senate, he joined thi ranks of the opposi- tion. He opposed the tariff; he spoke against and voted against the bank as unconstitutional ; he stren- uously opposed all restrictions upon slavery, resist- ing all projects of internal improvements by the Gen- eral Government, and avowed his sympathy with Mr. Calhoun's view of nullification ; he declared that Gen. Jackson, by his opposition to the nullifiers, had abandoned the principles of the Democratic party. Such was Mr. Tyler's record in Congress, — a record in perfect accordance with the principles which he had always avowed. Returning to Virginia, he resumed the practice of his profession. There was a cplh in the Democratic 56 JOHN TYLER. J,arty. His friends still regarded him as a true Jef- fersonian, gave him a dinner, and siiowered compli- ments" upon him. He had now attained the age of forty-six. His career had been very brilliant. In con- sequence of his devotion to public business, his pri- vate affairs had fallen into some disorder; audit was not without satisfaction that he resumed the practice of law, and devoted himself to the culture of his plan- tation. Soon after this he removed to Williamsburg, for the better education of his children ; and he again took his seat in the Legislature of Virginia. By the Southern Whigs, he was sent to the national convention at Harrisburg to nominate a President in T839. The majority of votes were given to Gen. Har- rison, a genuine Whig, much to the disappointment of the South, who wished for Henry Clay. To concili- ate the Southern Whigs and to secure their vote, the convention then nominated John Tyler for Vice Pres- ident. It was well known that he was not in sympa- thy with the Whig party in the No:th: but the Vice President has but very little power in the Govern- ment, his main and almost only duty being to pre- side over the meetings of the Senate. Thus it hap- pened that a Whig President, and, in reality, a Democratic Vice President were chosen. In r84i, Mr. Tyler was inaugurated Vice Presi- dent of the United States. In one short month from that time, President Harrison died, and Mr. Tyler thus -cund himself, to his own surprise and that of the whole Nation, an occupant of the Presidential chair. This was a nevv test of the stability of our institutions, as it was the first time in the history of our country that such an event had occured. Mr. Tyler was at home in Williamsburg when he received the unexpected tidings of the death of President Harri- son^ He hastened to Washington, and on the 6th of April v/as inaugurated to the high and responsible office. He was placed in a position of exceeding delicacy and difficulty. All his long life he had been opposed tc the main principles of the party which bad brought him into power. He had ever been a con- sistent, hont;:t man, with an unblemished record. Gen. Harrison had selected a Whig cabinet. Should he retain them, and thus surround himself with coun- sellors whose views were antagonistic to his own ? or, on the other hand, should he turn against the party which had elected him and select a cabinet in har- mony with himself, and which would oppose all those views which the Whigs deemed essential to the pub- lic welfare? This was his fearful dilemma. He in- vited the cabinet which President Harrison had selected to retain their seats. He reccomm:nded a day of fasting and prayer, that Gcrd would guide and bless us. The Whigs carried through Congress a bill for the incorporation of a fiscal bank of the United States. The President, after ten days' delay, returned it with nis veto. He suggested, however, that he would approve ol a bill drawn up upon such a plan as he proposed. Such a bill was accordingly prepared, and privately submitted to him. He gave it his approval. It was passed without alteration, and he sent it back with his veto. Here commenced the open rupture. It is said that Mr. Tyler was provoked to this meas- ure by a published letter from the Hon. John M. Botts, a distinguished Virginia Whig, who severely touched the pride of the President. The opposition now exultingly received the Presi- dent into their arms. The party which elected him denounced him bitterly. All the members of his cabinet, excepting Mr. Webster, resigned. The Whigs of Congress, both the Senate and the House, held a meeting and issued an address to the people of the United States, proclaiming that all pplitical alliance between the Whigs and President Tyler were at an end. Still the President attempted to conciliate. He appointed a new cabinet of distinguished Whigs and Conservatives, carefully leaving out all strong party men. Mr. Webster soon found it necessary to resign, forced out by the pressure of his Whig friends. Thus the four years of Mr. Tyler's unfortunate administra- tion passed sadly away. No one was satisfied. The land was filled with murmurs and vituperation. Whigs and Democrats alike assailed him. More and more, however, he brought himself into sympathy with his old friends, the Democrats, until atthe close of his term, he gave his whole influence to the support of Mr. Polk, the Democratie candidate for his successor. On the 4th of March, 1845, he retired from the harassments of office, to the regret of neither party, and probably to his own unspeakable relief. His first wife. Miss Letitia Christian, died in Washington, in 1842; and in June, 1844, President Tyler was again married, at New York, to Miss Julia Gardiner, a young lady of many personal and intellectual accomplishments.' The remainder of his days Mr. Tyler passed mainly in retirement at his beautiful home, — Sherwood For- est, Charles city Co., Va. A polished gentleman in his manners, richly furnished with information from books and experience in the world, and possessing brilliant powers of conversation, his family circle was the scene of unusual attractions. With sufficient means for the exercise of a generous hospitality, he might have enjoyed a serene old age with the few friends who gathered around him, were it not for the storms of civil war which his own principles and policy had helped to introduce. When the great Rebellion rose, which the State, rights and nullifying doctrines of Mr. John C. Ca\- houn had inaugurated. President Tyler renounced his allegiance to the United States, and joined the Confed- erates. He was chosen a member of their Congress; and while engaged in active measures to destroy, by force of arms, the Government over which he hai once presided, he was taken sick and soon died. ELEVENTH PRESIDENT. 59 AMES K. POLK, the eleventh aPresident of the United States, was born in Mecklenburg Co., N. C, Nov. 2, 1795. His par- ents were Samuel and Jane (Knox) Polk, the former a son of Col. Thomas Polk, who located at the above place, as one of the first pioneers, in 1735. In the year i3o6, with his wife and children, and soon after fol- lowed by most of the members of the Polk famly, Samuel Polk emi- grated some two or three hundred miles farther west, to the rich valley of the Duck River. Here in the midst of the wilderness, in a region which was subsequently called Mau- ry Co., they reared their log huts, and established their homes. In the hard toil of a new farm in the wil- derness, James K. Polk spent the early years of his childhood and youth. His father, adding the pur- suit of a surveyor to that of a farmer, gradually increased in wealth until he became one of the leading men of the region. His mother was a superior woman, of strong common sense and earnest piety. Very early in life, James developed a taste for reading and expressed the strongest desire to obtain a liberal education. His mother's training had made him methodical iti his habits, had taught him punct- uality and industry, and had inspired him with lofty principles of morality. His health was frail ; and his fether, fearing that he might not be able to endure a sedentary life, got a situation for him behind the counter, hoping to fit him for commercial pursuits. This was to James a bitter disappointment. He had no taste for these duties, and his daily tasks were irksome in the extreme. He remained in this uncongenial occupation but a few weeks, when at his earnest solicitation his father removed him, and made arrangements for him to prosecute his studies. Soon after he sent him to Murfreesboro Academy. With ardor which could scarcely be surpassed, he pressed forward in his studies, and in less than two and a half years, in the autumn of 1815, entered the sophomore class in the University of North Carolina, at Chapel Hill. Here he was one of the most exemplary of scholars, punctual in every exercise, never allowing himself to be absent from a recitation or a religious service. He graduated in 1818, with the highest honors, be- ing deemed the best scholar of his class, both in mathematics and the classics. He was then twenty-, three years of age. Mr. Polk's health was at this time much impaired by the assiduity with which he had prosecuted his studies. After a short season of relaxation he went to Nashville, and entered the office of Felix Grundy, to study law. Here Mr. Polk renewed his acquaintance with Andrew Jackson, who resided on his plantation, the Hermitage, but a few miles from Nashville. They had probably beer' slightly acquainted before. Mr. Polk's father was a Jeffersonian Republican and James K. Polk ever adhered to the same politi-. cal faith. He was a popular public speaker, and was constantly called upon to address the meetings of his party friends. His skill as a speaker was such that he was popularly called the Napoleon of the stump.' He was a man of unblemished morals, genial and 6o JAMES K. POLK. courterus in his bearing, and with that sympathetic nature in the joy s and griefs of others which ever gave him troops of friends. In 1823, Mr. Polk was elected to the Legislature of Tennessee. Here he gave his strong influence towards the election of his friend, Mr. Jackson, to the Presidency of the United States. In January, 1824, Mr. Polk married Miss Sarah Childress, of Rutherford Co., Tenn. His bride was altogether worthy of him, — a lady of beauty and cul- ture. In the fall of 1825, Mr. Polk was chosen a member of Congress. The satisfaction which he gave to his constituents may be inferred from the fact, that for fourteen successive years, until 1839, he was con- tinue(?^ in that oflfice. He then voluntarily withdrew, only l^iat he might accept the Gubernatorial chair of Tennessee. In Congress he was a laborious member, a frequent and a popular speaker. He was always in his seat, always courteous ; and whenever he spoke it was always to the point, and without any ambitious rhetorical display. During five sessions of Congress, Mr. Polk was Speaker of the House Strong passions were roused, and stormy scenes were witnessed ; but Mr. Polk per- formed his arduous duties to a very general satisfac- tion, and a unanimous vote of thanks to him was passed by the House as he withdrew on the 4th of March, 1839. In accordance with Southern usage, Mr. Polk, as a candidate for Governor, canvassed the State. He was elected by a large majority, and on the 14th of Octo- ber, 1839, took the oath of office at Nashville. In 1841, his term of office expired, and he was again the can- didate of the Democratic party, but was defeated. On the 4th of March, 1845, Mr. Polk was inaugur- ated President of the United States. The verdict of the countryin favor of the annexation of Texas, exerted its influence upon Congress ; and the last act of the administration of President Tyler was to affix his sig- nature to a joint resolution of Congress, passed on the 3d of March, approving of the annexation of Texas to the American Union. As Mexico still claimed Texas as one of her provinces, the Mexican minister, Almonte, immediately demanded his passports and left the country, declaring the act of the annexation to be an act hostile to Mexico. In his first message; President Polk urged that Texas should immediately, by act of Congress, be re- ceived into the Union on the same footing wi'th the Other States. In the meantime. Gen. Taylor was sent with an army into Texas to hold the country. He was sent first to Nueces, which the Mexicans said was the western boundary of Texas. Then he was sent :nearly two hundred miles further west, to the Rio Grande, where he erected batteries which commanded the Mexican city of Matamoras, which was situated on the western banks. The anticipated collision soon took place, and wa: was declared against Mexico by President Polk. The war was pushed forward by Mr. Polk's administration with great vigor. Gen. Taylor, whose army was first called one of "observation," then of "occupation,' then of " in vasion, " was sent forward to Monterey. The feeble Mexicans, in every encounter, were hopelessly and awfully slaughtered. The day of judgement alone can reveal the misery which this war caused. It v/as by the ingenuity of Mr. Polk's administration that the war was brought on. 'To the victors belong the spoils." Mexico was prostrate before us. Her capital was in our hands. We now consented to peace upon the condition that Mexico should surrender to us, in addition to Texas, all of New Mexico, and all of Upper and Lower Cal- ifornia. This new demand embraced, exclusive of Texas, eight hundred thousand square miles. This was an extent of territory equal to nine States of the size of New York. Thus slavery was securing eighteen majestic States t6 be added to the Union. There were some Americans who thought it all right : there were others who thought it all wrong. In the prosecution of this war, we expended twenty thousand lives and more than a hundred million of dollars. Of this money fifteen millions were paid to Mexico. On the 3d of March, r849, Mr. Polk retired from office, having served one term. The next day was Sunday. On the 5th, Gen. Taylor was inaugurated as his successor. Mr. Polk rode to the Capitol in the same carriage with Gen. Taylor; and the same even- ing, with Mrs. Polk, he commenced his return to Tennessee. He was then but fifty-four years of age. He had ever been strictly temperate in all his habits, and his health was good. With an ample fortune, a choice library, a cultivated mind, and domestic ties of the dearest nature, it seemed as though long years of tranquility and happiness were before him. But the cholera— that fearful scourge— was then sweeping up the Valley of the Mississippi. This he contracted, and died on the isth of June, 1849, in the fiftv-fourth year of his age, greatly mourned by his countrymen. 7^<^^<:'<^:??^^c::;^i.-<>''^^''^^^ TWELFTH FRESWENT. 63. %^%n.^%^ f^inf 1. ACHARY TAYLOR, twelfth President of the United States, was born on the 24th of Nov., 1784, in Orange Co., Va. His father. Colonel Taylor, was a Virginian of note, and a dis- tinguished patriot and soldier of the Revolution. When Zachary was an infant, his father with his wife and two children, emigrated to Kentucky, where he settled in the pathless wilderness, a few miles from Louisville. In this front- ier home, away from civilization and all its refinements, young Zachary could enjoy but few social and educational advan- tages. When six years of age he attended a common school, and was then regarded as a bright, active boy, father remarkable for blunlness and decision of char- acter He was strong, feailess and self-reliant, and manifested a strong desire to enter the army to fight tTie Indians who were ravaging the frontiers. There is little to be recorded of the uneventful years of his childhood 0:1 his father's large but lonely plantation. In 1808, his father succeeded in obtaining for him the commission of lieutenant in the United States army ; and he joined the troops which Were stationed at New Orleans under Gen. Wilkinson. Soon after this he married Miss Margaret Smith, a young lady from one of the first families of Maryland. Immediately after the declaration of war with Eng- land, in 18 r 2, Capt. Taylor (for he had then been promoted to that rank) was put in command of Fort Harrison, on the Wabash, about fifty miles above Vincennes. This fort had been built in the wilder- ness by Gen. Harrison,on his march to Tippecanoe. It was one of the first points of attack by the Indians, led by Tecumseh. Its garrison consisted of a broken company of infantry numbering fifty men, many of whom were sick. Early in the autumn of 1812, the Indians, stealthily, and in large numbers, moved upon the fort. Their approach was first indicated by the murder of two' soldiers just outside of the stockade. Capt. Taylor made every possible preparation to meet the antici- pated assault. On the 4th of September, a band of forty painted and plumed savages came to the fort, waving a white flag, and informed Capt. Taylor that in the morning their chief would come to have a talk with him. It was evident that their object was merely to ascertain the state of things at the fort, and Capt/ Taylor, well versed in the wiles of the savages, kept them at a distance. The sun went down ; the savages disappeared, the garrison slept upon their arms. One hour before, midnight the war whoop burst from a thousand lips in the forest around, followed by the discharge of musketry, and the rush of the foe. Every man, sick and well, sprang to his post. Every man knew that defeat was not merely death, but in the case of cap- ture, death by the most agonizing and prolonged tor- ture. No pen can describe, no immagination can conceive the scenes which ensued. The savages suc- ceeded in setting lire to one of the block-houses- Until six o'clock in the morning, this awful conflict continued. The savages then, baffled at every point, and gnashing their teeth with rage, retired. Capt. Taylor, for this gallant defence, was promoted to the rank of major by brevet. Until the close of the war. Major Taylor was placed in such situations that he saw but little more of active service. He was sent far away into the depths of the, wilderness, to Fort Crawford, on Fox River, which empties into Green Bay. Here there was but littlfe to be done but to wear away the tedious hours as one best could. There were no books, no society, no in- 64 ZACHARY TAYLOR. tellectual stimulus. Thus with him the uneventful years rolled on Gradually he rose to the rank of colonel. In the Black-Hawk war, which resulted in the capture of that renowned chieftain, Col Tayl6r took a subordinate but a brave and eflScient part. For twenty-four years Col. Taylor was engaged in the defence of the frontiers, in scenes so remote, and in employments so obscure, that his name was unknown beyond the limits of his own immediate acquaintance. In the year 1836, he was sent to Florida to compel the Seminole Indians to vacate that region and re- tire beyond the Mississippi, as their chiefs by treaty, iiac" promised they should do. The services rendered heie secured for Col. Taylor the high appreciation of the Government; and as a reward, he was elevated tc ohe rank of brigadier-general by brevet ; and soon after, in May, 1838, was appointed to the chief com- mand of the United States troops in Florida. .After tv/o years of such wearisome employment amidst the everglades of the peninsula. Gen. Taylor obtained, at his own request, a change of command, and was stationed over the Department of the South- west. This field embraced Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. Establishing his headquarters ?t Fort Jessup, in Louisiana, he removed his family to a plantation which he purchased, near Baton Rogue. Here he remained for five years, buried, as it were, from the world, but faithfully discharging every duty imposed upon him. In 1846, Gen. Taylor was sent to guard the land -between the Nueces and Rio Grande, the latter river being the boundary of Texas, which was then claimed by the United States. Soon the war with Mexico was brought on, and at Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, Gen. Taylor won brilliant victories over the Mexicans. The rank of major-general by brevet was then conferred upon Gen. Taylor, and his name was received with enthusiasm almgst everywhere in the Nation. Then came the battles of Monterey and Buena Vista in which he won signal victories over forces much larger than he commanded. _ His careless habits of dress and his unaffected simplicity, secured for Gen. Taylor among his troops, the sobriquet of " Old Rough and Ready.' The tidings of the brilliant victory of Buena Vista spread the wildest enthusiasm over the country. The nanie of Gen. Taylor was on every one's lips. The Whig party decided to take advantage of this wonder- ful popularity in bringing forward the unpolished, un- " :^red, honest soldier as their candidate for the Presidency. Gen. Taylor was astonished at the an- nouncement, and for a time would not listen to it; de- claring that he was notatal! qualified for such an office. So litrie interest had he taken in politics that, for forty years, he had not cast a vote. It was not without chagrin that several distinguished statesmen who had been long years in the public service found their claims set aside in behalf of one whose name had never been heard of, save in connection with Palo Alto, Resaca de la Palma, Monterey and Buena Vista. It is said that Daniel Webster, in his haste re- marked, "It is a nomination not fit to be made." Gen. Taylor was not an eloquent speaker nor a fine writer His friends took possession of him, and pre- pared such few communications as it was needful should be present-ed to the public. The popularity of the successful warrior swept the land. He was tri- umphantly elected over two opposing candidates, — Gen. Cass and Ex-President Martin Van Buren. Though he selected an excellent cabinet, the good old man found himself in a very uncongenial position, and was, at times, sorely perplexed and harassed. His mental sufferings were very severe, and probably tended to hasten his death. The pro-slavery party was pushing its claims with tireless energy ; expedi- tions were fitting out to capture Cuba ; California was pleading for admission to the Union, while slavery stood at the door to bar her out. Gen. Taylor found the political conflicts in Washington to be far more trying to the nerves than batdes with Mexicans or Indians In the midst of all these troubles. Gen. Taylor, after he had occupied the Presidential chair but little over a year, took cold, and after a brief sickness of but little over five days, died on the 9th of July, 1850. His last words were, " I am not afraid to die. I am ready. I have endeavored to do my duty." He died universally respected and beloved. An honest, un- pretending man, he had been steadily growing in the aff'ections of the people ; and the Nation bitterly la- mented his death. Gen. Scott, who was thoroughly acquainted with Gen. Taylor, gave the following graphic and truthful description of his character: — " With a good store of common sense. Gen. Taylor's mind had not been en- larged and refreshed by reading, or much converse with the world. Rigidity of ideas was the conse- quence. The frontiers and small military posts had been his hortie. Hence he was quite ignorant for his' rank, and quite bigoted in his ignorance. His sim- plicity was child-like, and with innumerable prejur dices, amusing and incorrigible, well suited to the tender age. Thus, if a man, however respectable, chanced to wear a coat of an unusual color, or his hat a little on one side of his head ; or an officer to leave a corner of his handkerchief dangling from an out- side pocket, — in any such case, this critic held the offender to be a coxcomb (perhaps something worse), whom he_ would not, to use his oft repeated phrase, ' touch with a pair of tongs.' "Any allusion to literature beyond good old Dil- worth's spelling-book, on the part of one wearing a sword, was e\?idence, with the same judge, of utter unfitness for heavy marchings and combats. In shori- few men have ever had a more comfortabie, '"^iAt. saving contempt for learning of every kind.'' J-^C^ U: THIRTEENTH PRESIDENT. 6r 111,. , ^ s!4 ^' ffllLLflHn FILLfflnHE, <^ jfe ?ie««g-*«&*S;g-#?)!S^$;;C$#$:;g-<»3:&»3i&^$:!e*^ig#3ie*3ig»SSe#Sig-^S:&4 ■^^ iff •f^ ILLARD FILLMORE, thir- t(?enth President of the United States, was born at Summer Hill, Cayuga Co., N. Y ., on the 7th of January, 1800. His father was a farmer, and ow- ing to misfortune, in humble cir- cumstances. Of his mother, the daughter of Dr. Abiathar Millard, of Pittsfield, Mass., it has been said that she possessed an intellect of very high order, united with much personal loveliness, sweetness of dis- position, graceful manners and ex- quisite sensibilities. She died in 1831 ; having lived to see her son a young man of distinguished prom- ise, though she was not permitted to witness the high dignity which he finally attained. In consequence of the secluded home and limited means of his father, Millard enjoyed but slender ad- vantages for education in his early years. The com- mon schools, which he occasionally attended were very imperfect institutions ; and books were scarce and expensive. There was nothing then in his char- acter to indicate the brilliant career upon which he was about to enter. He was a plain fanner's boy ; intelligent, gaod-looking, kind-hearted. The sacred influences of home had taught him to revere the Bible, and had laid the fourdations of an upright character. When fourteen years of age, his father sent him some hundred miles from home, to the then wilds of Livingston County, to learn the trade of a clothier. Near the mill there was a small villiage, where some enterprising man had commenced the collection of a village library. This proved an inestimable blessing to young Fillmore. His evenings were spent in read- ing. Soon every leisure moment was occupied with books. His thirst for knowledge became insatiate and the selections which he made were continually more elevating and instructive. He read history, biography, oratory , and thus gradually there was en- kindled in his heart a desire to be something more than a mere worker with his hands; and he was be- coming, almost unknown to himself, a well-informed, educated man. The young clothier had now attained the age of nineteen years, and was of fine personal appearance and of gentlemanly demeanor. It so happened that there was a gentleman in the neighborhood of ample pecuniary means and of benevolence, — Judge Walter Wood, — who was struck with the prepossessing ap- pearance of young Fillmore. He made his acquaint- ance, and was so much impressed with his ability and attainments that he advfeed him to abandon his trade and devote himself to the study of the law. The young man replied, that he had no means of his own, r.o friends to help him and that his previous educa- tion had been very imperfect. But Judge Wood had so much confidence in him that he kindly offered to take him into his own office, and to loan him such money as he needed. Most gratefully the generous offer was accepted. There is in many minds a strange delusion about a collegiate education. A young man is supposed to be liberally educated if he has graduated at some col- lege. But many a boy loiters through university hall -, «ind then enters a law office, who is by no means as 06 MILLARD FILLMORE. well prepared to prosecute his legal studies as was Millard Fillmore when he graduated at the clothing- mill at the end of four years of manual labor, during which every leisure moment had been devoted to in- tense mental culture. In 1823, when twenty-three years of age, he v;as admitted to the Court of Common Pleas. He then went to the village of Aurora, and commenced the practice of law. In this secluded, peaceful region, his practice of course was limited, and there was no opportunity for" a sudden rise in fortune or in fame. Here, in the year 1826, he married a lady of great moral worth, and one capable of adorning any station she might be called to fill, — Miss Abigail Powers. His elevation of character, his untiring industry, his legal acquirements, and his skill as an advocate, gradually attracted attention ; and he was invited to enter into partnership under highly advantageous circumstances, with an elder member of the bar in Buffalo. Just before removing to Buffalo, in 1829, he took his seat in the House of Assembly, of the State of New York, as a representative from Erie COiinty. Though he had never taken a very active part in politics, his vote and his sympathies were with the Whig party. The State was then Democratic, and he found himself in a helpless minority in the LegislatuVe , still the testimony comes from all parties, that his courtesy, ability and integrity, won, to a very unusual degn e the respect of his associates. In the autumn of 1832, he was elected to a seat in the United States Congress He entered that troubled arena in some of the most tumultuous hours of our national history. The great conflict respecting the national bank and the removal of the deposits, was then raging. His tettn of two years closed; and he returned to his profession, which he pursued with increasing rep- utation and success. After a lapse of two years he again became a candidate for Congress ; was re- elected, and took his seat in 1837. His past expe- rience as a representative gave him stiength and confidence. The first term'of service in Congress to any man can be but little more than an introduction. He was now prepared for active duty. All his ener- gies were brought to bear upon the public good. Every measure received his impress. Mr. Fillmore was now a man of wide repute, and his popularity filled the State, and in the year 1847, he was elected Comptroller of the State. Mr. Fillmore had attained the age of forty-seven years. His labors at the bar, in the Legislature, in Congress and as Comptroller, had given him very con- siderable fame. The Whigs were casting about to find suitable candidates for President and Vice-Presi- dent at the approaching election. Far away, on the waters of the Rio Grande, there was a rough old soldier, who had fought one or two successful battles with the Mexicans, which had caused his name to be proclaimed in tiumpet-tones all over the land. But it was necessary to associate with him on the same ticket some man of reputation as a statesman. Under the influence of these considerations, the namesofZachary Taylor and Millard Fillmore became the rallying-cry of the Whigs, as their candidates for President and Vice-Peesident. The Whig ticket was signally triumphant. On tlie 4th of March, 1849, Gen. Taylor was inaugurated President, and Millard Fillmore Vice-President, of the United States. On the 9th of July, 1850, President Taylor, but about one year and four months after his iriaugura tion, was suddenly taken sick and died. By the Con- stitution, Vice-President Fillmore thus becanje Presi- dent. He appointed a very able cabinet, rf which the illustrious Daniel Webster was Secretary of State. Mr. Fillniore had very serious difficulties to contend with, since the opposition had a majority in both Houses. He did everything in his power to conciliate the South; but the pro-slavery party in the South felt the inadequacy of all measuresof transient conciliation. The population of the free States was so rapidly in- creasing over that of the slave States that it was in- evitable that the power of the Government should soon pass into the hands of the free States. The famous compromise measures were adopted under Mr. Fillmcre's adminstration, and the Japan 'Expeditiort' was sent out. On the 4th of March, 1853, Mr. Fill- more, having served one term, retired. In 1856, Mr. Fillmore was nominated for the Pres- idency by the " Know Nothing " party, but was beateii by Mr. Buchanan. After that Mr. Fillmore lived in retirement. During the terrible conflict of civil war,' he was mostly silent. It was generally supposed that his sympathies were rather with those who were ■ en- deavoring to overthrow our institutions. President Fillmore kept aloof from the conflict, without any cordial words of cheer to the one party or the other. He was thus forgotten by both. He lived to a ripe old age, and died in Buffalo. N. Y., March 8, 18J4. 6 ^- c>Z^f , FOURTEENTH PRESIDENT. 71 fcrifiaa^^ ~>^S: .-^aL^^ iflj feT5Pi:'S|ii»(f81?«fW(?s«<«i?^^ ttffcQ^: IP# ^FRANKLIN PIEREE.<4 =5^— ' "^4'i"^^( RANKLIN PIERCE, the fourteenth President of the ^ United States, was born in Hillsborough, N. H., Nov. 23, 1804. His father was a Revolutionary soldier, who, with his own strong arm, hewed out a home in the. wilderness. He was a man of inflexible integrity; of strong, though uncultivated mind, and an uncompromis- ing Democrat. The mother of Franklin Pierce was all that a son could desire, — an intelligent, pru- dent, affectionate. Christian wom- an. Franklin was the sixth of eight children. ■Franklin was a very bright.and handsome boy, gen- erous, waim-hearted and brave. He won alike the love of old aHd young. The boys on the play ground loved him. His teachers loved him. The neighbors looked upon him with pride and affection. He was by instinct a gentleman; always speaking kind words, doing kind deeds, with a peculiar unstudied tact which taught him what was agreeable. Without de- veloping any precocity of genius, or any unnatural devotion to books, he was a good scholar; in body, iii mind, in affections, a finely-developed boy. When sixteen years of age, in the year 1820, he entered Bowdoin College, at Brunswick, Me He was one of the most popular young men in the college. The purity of his moral character, the unvarying courtesy of his demeaner, his rank as a scholar, and genial nature, rendered him a universal favorite, There was something very peculiarly winning in his address, and it was evidently not in the slightest de- gree studied : it was the simple outgushing of his own magnanimous and loving nature. Upon graduating, in the year 1824, FrankUn Pierce commenced the study of law in the office of Judge Woodbury, one of the most distinguished lawyers of the State, and a man of great private worth. The eminent social qualities of the young lawyer, his father's prominence as a public man, and the brilliant political career into which Judge Woodbury, 'was en- tering, all tended to entipe Mr. Pierce into the faci- nating yet perilous path of political life. With all the ardor of his nature he espoused the cause of Gen. Jackson for the Presidency. He commenced the practice of law in Hillsborough, and was soon elected to represent the town in the State Legislature. Here he served for four years. The last two years he was chosen speaker of the house by a very large vote. In 1833, at the age of twenty-nine, he was elected ' a member of Congress. Without taking an active part in debates, he was faithful and laborious in duty and ever rising in the estimation of those with whom he was associatad. In 1837, being then but thirty-three years pf age, he was elected to the Senate of the United States; taking his seat just as Mr. Van Buren commenced , his administration. He was the youngest member in the Senate. In the year 1834, he married Miss Jane ■ Means Appleton, a lady of rare beauty 'and accom- plishments, and one admirably fitted to adorn every station with which her husband was honoied, Of the' 72 tRANKLIN FIERCE. three sons who were born to them, all now sleep with their parents in the grave. In the year 1838, Mr. Pierce, with growing fame and increasing business as a lawyer, took up his residence in Concord, the capital of New Hampshire. President Polk, upon his accession to office, appointed Mr. Pierce attorney-general of the United States; but the offer was declined, in consequence of numerous professional engagements at home, and the precariuos state of Mrs. Pierce's health. Fie also, about the same time declined the nomination for governor by the Democratic party. The war with Mexico called Mr. Pierce in the army. Receiving the appointment of brigadier-general, he embarked, with a portion of his troops, at Newport, R. I., on the 27th of May, 1847. He took an important part in this war, proving him- self a brave and true soldier. When Gen. Pierce reached his home in his native State, he was received enthusiastically by the advo- cates of the Mexican war, and coldly by his oppo- nents. He resumed the practice of his profession, very frequently taking an active part in political ques- tions, giving his cordial support to the pro-slavery wing of the Democratic party. The compromise measures met cordially with his approval ; and he strenuously advocated the enforcement of the infa- mous fugitive-slave law, which so shocked the religious sensibilities of the North. He thus became distin- guished as a " Northern man with Southern principles.'' The strong partisans of slavery in the South conse- quently regarded him as a man whom they could iafely trust in office to carry out their plans. On the i2th of June, 1852, the Democratic conven- tion met in Baltimore to nominate a candidate for the Presidency. For four days they continued in session, and in thirty-five ballotings no one had obtained a two-thirds vote. Not a vote thus far had been thrown for Gen. Pierce. Then the Virginia delegation brought forward his name. There were fourteen more ballotings, during which Gen. Pierce constantly gained strength, until, at the forty-ninth ballot, he received two hundred and eighty-two votes, and all other candidates eleven. Gen. Winfield Scott was the Whig candidate. Gen. Pierce was chosen with great unanimity. Only four States — Vermont, Mas- sachusetts, Kentucky and Tennessee — cast their electoral votes against him Gen. Franklin Pieice was therefore inaugurated President of the United States on the 4th of March, 1853. His administration proved one of the most stormy our country had ever experienced. The controversy be tween slavery and freedom was then approaching its culminating point It became evident that there was an " irrepressible conflict " between them, and that this Nation could not long exist " half slave and half free." President Pierce, during the whole of his ad- ministration, did every thing he could to conciliate the South ; but it was all in vain. The conflict every year grew more violent, and threats of the dissolution of the Union were borne to the North on every South- ern breeze. Such was the condition of affairs when President Pierce approached the close of his four-years' term of office. The North had become thoroughly alien- ated from him. The anti-slavery sentiment, goaded by great outrages, had been rapidly increasing; all the intellectual ability and social worth of President Pierce were forgotten in deep reprehension of his ad- ministrative acts. The slaveholders of the South, also, unmindful of the fidelity with which he had advo- cated those measures of Government which they ap- proved, and perhaps, also, feeling that he had rendered himself so unpopular as no longer to be able acceptably to serve them, ungratefully dropped him, and nominated James Buchanan to succeed him. On the 4th of March, 1857, President Pierce re- tired to his home in Concord. Of three children, -two had died, and his only surviving child had been killed before his eyes by a railroad accident ; and his wife, one of the most estimable and accomplished of ladies, was rapidly sinking in consumption. The hour of dreadful gloom soon came, and he was left alone in the world, without wife or child. When the terrible Rebellion burst forth, which di- vided our country into two parties, and two only, Mr. Pierce remained steadfast in the principles which he had always cherished, and gave his sympathies to that pro-slavery party with which he had ever been aUied. He declined to do anything, either by voice or pen, to strengthen the hand of the National Gov- ernment. He continued to reside in Concord until the time of his death, which occurred in October, 1869. He was one of the most genial and social of men, an honored communicant of the Episcopal Church, and one of the kindest of neighbors. Gen- erous to a fault, he contributed liberally for the al- leviation of suff'eringand want, and many of his towiis people were often gladened by his material bounty '1:z^y7z^^ (2^^,Pu^^;^z^^z^. I'IFTEENTH PRESIDENT n -^«« >-• -« W^^ raw«\=«f^i^ Ilk -«««- •-< »^- AMES BUCHANAN, the fif- teenth President of the United States, was born in a small frontier town, at the foot of the eastern ridge of the Allegha- nies, in Franklin Co., Penn., on the 23d of April, 1791. The place where the humble cabin of his father stood was called Stony Batter. It was a wild and ro- mantic spot in a gorge of the moun- tains, with towering summits rising grandly all around. His father was a native of the north of Ireland ; a poor man, who had emigrated in 1783, with little property save his own strong arms. Five years afterwards he married Elizabeth Spebr, the daughter of a respectable farmer, and, with his young bride, plunged into the wilder- ness, staked his claim, reared his log-hut, opened a clearing with his axe, and settled down there to per- form his obscure part in the drama of life. In this se- cluded home, where James was born, he remained for eight years, enjoying but few social or intellectual advantages. When James was eight years of age, his father removed to the village of Mercersburg, where his son was placed at school, and commenced a course of study in English, Latin and Greek. His progress was rapid, and at the age of fourteen, he entered Dickinson College, at Carlisle. Here he de- veloped remarkable talent, and took his stand among the first scholars in the institution. His application to study was intense, and yet his native powers en- abled him to master the most abstruse subjects wi ' facility. In the year 1809, he graduated with tlie highes\ honors of his clast. He was then eighteen years of age; tall and graceful, vigorous in health, fond of athletic sport, an unerring shot, and enlivened- with an exuberant flow of animal spirits. He immediately commenced the study of law in the city of Lancaster, and was admitted to the bar in 1812, when he was but twenty-one years of age. Very rapidly he rose in his profession, and at once took undisputed stand with the ablest lawyers of the State. When but twenty-six years of age, unaided by counsel, he suc- cessfully defended before the State Senate 01 e of the judges of the State, who was tried upon articles of impeachment. At the age of thirty it was generally admitted that he stood at the head of the bar; and there was no lawyer in the State who had a more lu- crative practice. In 1820, he reluctantly consented to run as a candidate for Congress. He was elected, and for ten years he remained a member of the Lower House. During the vacations of Congress, he occasionally tried some important case. In 1831, he retired altogether from the toils of his profession, having ac- quired an ample fortune. Gen. Jackson, upon his elevation to the Presidency, appointed Mr. Buchanan minister to Russia. The duties of his mission he performed with ability, which gave satisfaction to all parties. Upon his return, in 1833, he was elected to a seat in the United States Senate. He there met, as his associates, Webster. Clay, Wright and Calhoun. He advocated the meas- ures proposed by President Jackson, of mrtUng repri- 76 JAMES BUCHANAN. sals against France, to enforce the payment of our claims against that country ; and defended the course of the President in his unprecedented and wholesale removal from office of those who were not the sup- porters of his administration. Upon this question he was brought into direct collision with Henry Clay. He also, with voice and vote, advocated expunging from the journal of the Senate the vote of censure against Gen. Jackson for removing the deposits. Earnestly he opposed the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia, and urged the prohibition of the circulation of anti-slavery documents by the United States mails. As to petitions on the subject of slavery, he advo- cated that they should be respectfully received; and that the reply should be returned, that Congress had no power to legislate upon the subject. ' Congress," said he, " might as well undertake to interfere with slavery under a foreign government as in any of the States where it now exists." Upon Mr. Polk's accession to the Presidency, Mr. Buchanan became Secretary of State, and as such, took his share of the responsibihty in the conduct of the Mexican War. Mr. Polk assumed that crossing the Nueces by the American troops into the disputed territory was not wroirg, but for the Mexicans to cross the Rio Grande into that territory was a declaration of war. No candid man can read with pleasure the account of the course our Government pursued in that movement Mr. Buchanan identified himself thoroughly with the party devoted to the perpetuation and extension of slavery, and brought all the energies of his mind to bear agdinst the Wilmot Proviso. He gave his cordial approval to the compromise measures of 1S50, which included the fugidve-slave law. Mr. Pierce, upon his election to the Presidency, honored Mr.' Buchanan with the mission to England. In the year 1856, a national Democratic conven- tion nominated Mr. Buchanan forthe Presidency. The political conflict was one of the most severe in which our country has ever engaged. All the friends of slavery were on one side; all the advocates of its re- striction and final abolition, on the other. Mr. Fre- mont, the candidate of the enemies of slavery, re- ;;-eived 114 electoral votes. Mr. Buchanan received 174, and was elected. The popular vote stood 1,340,618, for Fremont, 1,224,750 for Buchanan. On March 4th, 1857, Mr. Buchanan was inaugurated. Mr. Buchanan was farr advanced in life. Only four vears were wanting to fill up his threescore years and -ten. Hisovyn friends, those with whom he had been allied in political principles and action for years, were seeking the destruction of the Government, that they ' might rear upon the ruins of our- free institutions a nation whose corner-stone should be human slavery In this emergency, Mr. Buchanan was hopelessly be- wildered He could not, with his long-avowed prin- ciples, consistently oppose the State-rights party in theii" assumptions. As President of the United States, bound by his oath faithfully to administer the laws. he could not, without perjury of the grossest kind, unite with those endeavoring to overthrow the repub- lic. He therefore did nothing. The opponents of Mr. Buchanan's administration nominal ed Abraham Lincoln as their standard bearer in the next Presidential canvass. The pro-slavery party declared, that if he were elected, and the con- trol of the Government were thus taken from their hands, they would secede from the Union, taking with them, as they jetired, the National Capitol at Washington, and the lion's share of the territory of the United States. Mr. Buchanan's sympathy with the pro-slaverj' party was such, that he had been willing to offefthem far more than they had ventured to claim. All the South had professed to ask of the North was nor»- intervention upon the subject of slavery. Mr. Bu- chanan had been ready to offer them the active co- operation of the Government to defend and extend the institution. As the storm increased in violence, the slaveholders claiming the right to secede, and Mr. Buchanan avow- ing that Congress had no power to prevent it, one of the most pitiable exhibitions of governmental im- becility was exhibited the world has ever seen. He declared that Congress had no power to enforce its laws in any State which had withdrawn, or which was attempting to withdraw from the Union. Thif was not the doctrine of Andrew Jackson, when, with his hand upon his sword hilt, he exclaimed. "The Union must and shall be preserved!" South Carolina seceded in December, i86o; nearly three months before the inauguration of President Lincoln. Mr. Buchanan looked on in listless despair. The rebel flag was raised in Charieslon; Fort Sumpter was besieged; our forts, navy -yards and arsenals were seized ; our depots of military stores were plun- dered ; and our custom-houses and post-offices were appropriated by the rebels. The energy of the rebels, and the imbecility of our Executive, were alike marvelous. The Nation looked on in agony, waiting for the slow weeks to glide away, and close the administration, so terrible in its weak- ness At length the long-looked-for hour of deliver- ance came, when Abraham Lincoln was to receive the scepter. The administration of President Buchanan was certainly the most calamitous our country has ex ■ penenced. His best friends cannot recall if with pleasure. And still more deplorable it is for his fame, that in that dreadful conflict which rolled its billows of flame and blood over our whole land, no word came from his lips to indicale his wish that our country.'s banner should triumph over the flag rf the rebellion He died at his Wheailand retreat, June i. 1868. ■t <»-r (2-1- e„.-v^^^ '■^"Z^Mx SIXTEENTH PREi^/DENT. 79 ^ti D^tXilEi < ABRAHAM > gi^f^ J LINCOLN. ! > I BRAHAM LINCOLN,- the sixteenth President of the United States, was born in Hardin Co., Ky., Feb. 12, i8og. About the year 1780, a man by the name of Abraham Lincohi left Virginia with his family and moved into the then wilds of Kentucky. Only two years after this emigration, still a young man, while working one day in a field, was stealthily approached by an Indian and shot dead. His widow was left in extreme poverty with five little children, three boys and two girls. Thomas, the youngest of the boys, was four years of age at his father's death. This Thomas was the father of Abraham Lincoln, the President of the United States must henceforth fo'-ever be enrolled whose name with the most prominent in the annals of our world. Of course no record has been kept of the life of one so lowly as Thomas Lincoln. He was among the poorest of the poor. His home was a wretched log-cabin; his food the coarsest and the meanest. Education he had none; he could never either read or write. As soon as he was able to do anything for . himself, he was compelled to leave the cabin of his starving mother, and push out into the world, a friend- .ess, wandering boy, seeking work. He hired him- self out, and thus spent the whole of his youth as a )iborer in the fields of others. When twenty-eight years of age he buill a log- cabin of his own, and married Nancy Hanks, the daughter of another family of poor Kentucky emi- grants, who had also come from Virginia. Then- second child was Abraham Lincoln, the subject of this sketch. The mother of Abraham was a noble woman, gentle, loving, pensive, created to adorn a palace, doomed to toil and pine, and die in a hovel. "All 'hat I am, or hope to be," exclaims the grate- ful son " I owe to my angel-mother. " When he was eight years of age, his father sold his cabin and small farm, and moved to Indiana. Wher- two years later his mother died. Abraham soon became the scribe of the uneducated community around him. He could not have had a better school than this to teach him to put thoughts into words. He also became an eager reader. The books he could obtain were few ; but these he ead and re-read until they were almost committf^ tc memory. As the years rolled on, the lot of this lowly familj was the usual lot of humanity. There were joys anfl griefs, weddings and funerals. Abraham's sisto* Sarah, to whom he was tenderly attached, was mai ried when a child of but fourteen years of age, and soon died. The family was gradually-scattered. Mr Thomas Lincoln sold out his squatter's claim in 1830 and emigrated to Macon Co., 111. Abraham Lincoln was then twenty-one years of age. With vigorous hands he aided his father in . rearing another log-cabin. Abraham worked diligently at this until he saw the family comfortably settled, and theii small lot of enclosed prairie planted with corn, when he announced to his father his intention to le^ve home, and to go out into the world and seek his for- tune. Little did he or his friends imagine how bril- liant that fortune was to be. He saw the value oi education and was intensely earnest to improve his mind to the utmost of his power He saw the ruin which ardent spirits were causing, and becam^e strictly temperate; refusing to allow a drop of intoxi- cating liquor to pass his lips. And he had read in God's word, "Thou shalt not take the name of th& Lord thy God in vain ;" and a profane expression ha was never heard to utter. Religion he revered. Hisi morals were pure, and he was uncontaminated by a single vice. Young Abraham worked for a time as a hired laborei among the farmers. Then he went to Springfield, where he was employed in building a large flat-boat In this he took a herd of swine, floated them down (he Sangamon to the IlHnois, and thence by the Mis- sissippi to New Orleans. Whatever Abraham Lin- coln undertook, he performed so faithfully as to give great satisfacticn to his employers. In this adven 8o ABRAHAM LINCOLN. ture his employers were so well pleased, that upon his return tiiey placed a store and mill under his care. In 1832, at the outbreak of the Black Hawk war, he enlisted and was chosen captain of a company. He returned to Sangamon County, and although only 23 years of age, was a caudidate for the Legislature, but was defeated. He soon after received from Andrew Jackson the appointment of Postmaster of New Salem, His only post-office was his hat. All the letters he received he carried there ready to deliver to those he chanced to meet. He studied surveying, and soon made this his business. In 1834 he again became a candidate for the Legislature, and was elected Mr. Stuart, of Springfield, advised him to study law. He walked from New Salem to Springfield, borrowed of Mr. Stuart a load of books, carried them back and began his legal studies. When the Legislature as- sembled he trudged on foot with his pack on his back one hundred miles to Vandalia, then the capital. In 1836 he was re-elected to the Legislature. Here it was he first met Stephen A. Douglas. In 1839 he re- moved to Springfield and began the practice of law. His success with the jury was so great that he was soon engaged in almost every noted case in the circuit. In 1854 the great discussion began between Mr. Lincoln and Mr, Douglas, on the slavery question. \\\ the organization of the Republican party in Illinois, in 1856, he took an active part, and at once became one of the leaders in that party. Mr. Lincoln's speeches in opposition to Senator Douglas in the con- test in 1858 for a seat in the Senate, form a most notable part of his history. The issue was on the ilavery question, and he took the broad ground of :he Declaration of Independence, that all men are created equal. Mr. Lincoln was defeated in this con- test, but won a far higher prize. The great Republican Convention met at Chicago on the i6th of June, i860. The delegates and strangers who crowded the city amounted to twenty- five thousand. An immense building called "The Wigwam," was reared to accommodate the Conven- tion. There were eleven candidates for whom votes were thrown. William H, Seward, a man whose fame as a statesman had long filled the land, was the most orominent. It was generally supposed he would be the nominee. Abraham Lincoln, however, received the nomination on the third ballot. Little did he then dream of the weary years of toil and care, and the bloody death, to which that nomination doomed him : and as little did he dream that he was to render services to his country, which would fix upon him the eyes of the whole civilized world, and which would give him a place in the affections of his countrymen, second cnly, if second, to that of Washington. Election day came and Mr. Lincoln received 180 electoral votes out of 203 cast, and was, therefore, constitutionally elected President of the United States! The tirade of abuse that was poured upon this good and merciful man, especially by the slaveholders, was greater than upon any other man ever elected to this high position. In February, 186 1, Mr. Lincoln started for Washington, stop[)ing in all the large cities on his way making speeches. The whole journey was frought with much danger. Many of the Southern States had already seceded, and several attempts at assassination were afterwards brought to light. A gang in Balti- more had arranged, upon his arrival to "get up a row," and in the confusion to make .sure of his death with revolvers and hand-grenades. A detective unravelled the plot. A secret and special train was provided to take him from Harrisburg, through Baltimore, at an unexpected hour of the night. The train started at half-past ten ; and to prevent any possible communi- cation on the part ot the Secessionists with their Con- federate gang in Baltimore, as soon as the train haa started the telegraph-wires were cut. Mr. Lincoln reached Washington in safety and was inaugurated, although great anxiety was felt by all loyal people In the selection of his cabinet Mr. Lincoln gave to Mr. Seward the Department of State, and to other prominent opponents before the convention he gave important positions. During no other administration have the duties devolving upon the President been so manifold, and the responsibilities so great, as those which fell to the lot of President Lincoln. Knowing this, and feeling his own weakness and inability to meet, and in his own strength to cope with, the difficulties, he learned early to seek Divine wisdom and guidance in determining his plans, and Divine comfort in all his trial?, bo'-.h personal and national Contrary to his own estimate of himself, Mr. Lincoln was one of the most courageous of men. He went directly into the rebel capital just as the retreating foe was leaving, with no guard but a few sailors. From the time he had left Springfield, in 1861, however, plans had been made for his assassination.and he at last fell a victim to one of them. April 14, 1865, he, with Gen. Grant, was urgently invited to attend Fords' Theater. It was announced that they would Le present. Gen. Grant, however, left the city. President Lincoln, feel- ing, witii his characteristic kindliness of heart, that It would be a disappointment if he should fail them, very reluctantly consented to go. While listening to the play an actor by the name of John Wilkes Booth entered the box where the President and family were seated, and fired a bullet into his brains. He died the next morning at seven o'clock. Never before, in the history of the world was a nation plunged into such deep grief by the death of its ruler. Strong men niet in the streets and wept in speechless anguish. It is not too much to say that a nation was in tears. His was a life which will fitly bfecome a model. His name as the savior of his country w:ll hve with that of Washington's, its father; hiscf-untry- men being unable to decide whi. h Is tKe ereatet '^:^5^'^tZt5Z;^. SEVENTEENTH PRESIDENT. 8.1 NDREW JOHNSON, seven- teenth President of the United States. The early life of Andrew Johnson contains but the record of poverty, destitu- tion and friendlessness. He was born December 29, 1808, in Raleigh, N. C. His parents, belonging to the class of the "poor whites " of the South, -were in such circumstances, that they could not c?nf;r _ .-ei'i the slight- est advantages of education upon their child. When Andrew was five years of age, his father accidentally lost his life while herorically endeavoring to save a friend from drowning. ''Jnui teii years of age, Andrew was a ragged boy about the streets, supported by the labor of his feiother, who obtained her living with her own hands. He then, having never attended a school one day, and being unable either to read or write, was ap- prenticed to a tailor in his native town. A gentleman was in the habit of going to the tailor's shop occasion- ally, and reading to the boys at work there. He often read from the speeches of distinguished British states- men. Andrew, who was endowed with a mind of more than ordinary native ability, became much interested in these speeches ; his ambition was roused, and he was inspired with a strong desire to learn to read. He accordingly applied himself to the alphabet, and with the assistance of some of his fellow-workmen, iearned his letters. Jle then called upon the gentle- naan to borrpw the book of speeches. The owner. pleased with his zeal, not only gave him the book but assisted him in learning to combine the letters into words. Under such difficulties he pressed o\- ward laboriously, spending usually ten or twelve hours at work in the shop, and then robbing himself of rest and recreation to devote such time as he could to reading. He went to Tennessee in 1826, and located at Greenville, where he married a young lady who pos sessed some education. Under her instructions he learned to write and cipher. He became prominent in the village debating society, and a favorite with the students of Greenville College. In 1828, he or- ganized a working man's party, which elected him alderman, and in 1830 elected him mayor, which position he held three years. He now began to take a lively interest in political affairs ; identifying himself with the working-classes, to which he belonged. In 1835, he was elected a member of the House of Representatives of Tennes- see. He was then just twenty-seven years of age. He-became a very active member of the legislature gave his adhesion to the Democratic party, and iti 1840 "stumped the State," advocating Martin 1"at] Buren's claims to the Presidency, in opposition to thosv. of Gen. Harrison. In this campaign he acquired much readiness as a speaker, and extended and increased his reputation. In 1841, he was elected State Senator; in r843, he was elected a member of Congress, and by successive elections, held that important post for ten years. In 1853, he was elected Governor of Tennessee, and was re-elected in 1855. In all these resiionsible posi- tions, he discharged his duties with distinguished abi. 84 ANDRE W JOHNSOlf. ity, and proved himself the warm friend of the work- ing classes. In 1857, Mr. Johnson was elected United States Senator. Years before, in 1845, he had warmly advocated the annexation of Texas, stating however, as his reason, that he thought this annexation would prob- ably prove " to be the gateway out of which the sable 50ns of Africa are to pass from bondage to freedom, jmd become merged in a population congenial to themselves." In 1850, he also supported the com- promise measures, the two essential features of which were, that the white people of the Territories should be permitted to decide for themselves whether they would enslave the colored people or not, and that the ^'ree States of the North should return to the South persons who attempted to escape from slavery. Mr. Johnson was neverashamedof his lowly origin: on the contrary, he often took pride in avowing that he owed his distinction to his own exertions. " Sir," said he on the floor of the Senate, " I do not forget that I am a mechanic ; neither do I forget that Adam was a tailor and sewed fig-leaves, and that our Sav- ior was the son of a carpenter." In the Charleston-Baltimore convention of i8i«3, ne was the choice of the Tennessee Democrats for the Presidency. In i86r, when the purpose of the South- irn Democracy became apparent, he took a decided •stand in favor of the Union, and held that " slavery must be held subordinate to the Union at whatever cost." He returned to Tennessee, and repeatedly imperiled his own life to protect the Unionists of Tennesee. Tennessee having seceded from the Union, President Lincoln, on March 4th, r862, ap- pointed him Military Governor of the State, and he established the most stringent military rule. His numerous proclamations attracted wide attention. In t864, he was elected Vice-President of the United States, and upon the death of Mr. Lincoln, April 15, 1865, became Presideat. In a speech two days later he said, " The American people must be taught, if fhey do not already feel, that treason is a crime and must be i;unished; that the Government will not always bear with its enemies ; that it is strong not only to protect, but to punish. * * The people must understand that it (treason) is the blackest of crimes, and will surely be punished." Yet his whole administration, the history of which is so well known, was in utter inconsistency with, and the most violent opposition to, the principles laid down in that speech. In his loose policy of reconstruction and general amnesty, he was opposed by Congress ; and he char^ acterized Congress as a new rebellion, and lawlessly defied it, in everything possible, to the utmost. In the beginning of 1868, on account of "high crimes and misdemeanors," the principal of which was the removal of Secretary Stanton, in violation of the Ten- ure of Office Act, articles of impeachment were pre- ferred against him, and the trial began March 23. It was very tedious, continuing for nearly three months. A test article of the impeachment was at length submitted to the court for its action. It was certain that as the court voted upon that article so would it vote upon all. Thirty-four voices pronounced the President guilty. As a two-thirds vote was neces- sary to his condemnation, he was pronounced ac- quitted, notwithstanding the great majority against him. The change of one vote from the not guilty side would have sustained the impeachment. The President, for the remainder of his term, was but little regarded. He continued, though impotent!--, his conflict with Congress. His own party did not think it expedient to renominate him for the Presi- dency. The Nation rallied, with enthusiasm unpar- alleled since the days of Washington, around the name of Gen. Grant. Andrew Johnson was forgotten. The bullet of the assassin introduced him to the President's chair. Notwithstanding this, never was there presented to a man a better opportunity to im- mortalize his name, and to win the gratitude of a nation. He failed utterly. He retired to his home in Greenville, Tenn., taking no very active part in politics until r 87 5. On Jan. 26, after an exciting struggle, he was chosen by the Legislature of Ten- nessee, United States Senator in the forty-fourth Con- gress, and took his seat in that body, at the special session convened by President Grant, on the 5th of March. On the 27th of July, 1875, the ex-President made a visit to his daughter's home, near Carter Station, Tenn. When he started on his journey, he was apparently in his usual vigorous health, but on reach; ing the residence of his child the following day, was stricken with paralysis, rendering him unconscious; He rallied occasionally, but finally passed away at 2 A.M., July 3T, aged sixty-seven years. His fun- eral was attended at Geenville, on the 3d of August, with every demonstration of respect. '/- c^ .- J^ EIGHTEENTH FUESIDENT. 87 LYSSES S. GRANT, the eighteenth President of the 'United States, was born on the 29th of April, 1822, of Christian parents, in a humble home, at Point Pleasant,. on the baftks of the Ohio. Shortly after his father moved to George- town, Brown Co., O. In this re- mote frontier hamlet, Ulysses received a common-school edu- cation. At the age of seven- teen, in the year 1839, he entered the Military Academy at West Point. H!ere he was regarded as a solid, sensible young man of fair abilities, and of sturdy, honest character. He took respectable rank as a scholar. In June, 1843, he graduated, about the middle in his clasSj and was sent as lieutenant of in- fantry to one of the distant military posts in the Mis- souri Territory. Two years he past in these dreary solitudes, watching the vagabond and exasperating Indians. The war with Mexico came. Lieut. Grant was sent with his regiment to Corpus Christi. His first battle was at Palo Alto. There was no chance here for the exhibition of either skill or heroism, nor at Resaca de la Palma, his second battle. At the battle of Monterey, his third engagement, it is said that lie performed a signal service of daring and skillful horsemanship. His brigade had exhausted its am- munition. A messenger must be sent for more, along a route exposed to the bullets of the foe. Lieut. Grant, adopting an expedient learned of the Indians, grasped the mane of his horse, and hanging upon one sfde of the anjpvil, ran the gauntlet in entire safety. From Monterey he was sent, with the fourth infantry, 10 aid Gen. Scott, at the siege of Vera Cruz. In preparation for the march to the city of Mexico, he was appointed quartermaster of his regiment. At the battle of Molino del Rey, he was promoted to a first lieutenancy, and was brevetted captain at Cha- pultepec. At the close of the Mexican War, Capt. Grant re- turned with his regiment to New York, and was again sent to one of the military posts on the frontier. The discovery of gold in California causing an immense tide of emigration to flow to the Pacific shores, Capt. Grant was sent with a battalion to Fort Dallas, in Oregon, for the protection of the interests of the im- migrants. Life was wearisome in those wilds. Capt. Grant resigned his commission and returned to the States ; and having married, entered upon the cultiva- tion of a small farm near St.' Louis, Mo. He had but little skill as a farmer. Finding his toil not re- rhunerative, he turned to mercantile life, entering into the leather business, with a younger brother, at Ga- lena, 111. This was in the year i860. As the tidings of the rebels firing on Fort Sumpter reached the ears of Capt. Grant in his counting-room, he said, — "Uncle Sam has educated me for the army: though I have served him through one war, I do not fee(that I have yet repaid the debt. I am still ready to discharge my obligations. I shall therefore buckle on my tword and see Uncle Sam through this war too." He went into the streets, raised a company of vol- unteers, and led them as their captain to Springfield, the capital of the State, where their services were offered to Gov. Yates. The Governor, impressed by the zeal and straightforward executive ability of Capt. Grant, gave him a desk in his office, to assist in the volunteer organization that was being formed in the State in behalf of the Government. On the isth of 88 U-ZVSSES S. GRANT. June, 1 86 1, Capt. Grant received a commission as Colonel of the Twenty-first Regiment of Illinois Vol- unteers. His merits as a West Point graduate, who had served for 15 years in the regular army, were.such that he was soon promoted to the rank of Brigadier- General and was placed in command at Cairo. The rebels raised their banner at Paducah, near the mouth of the Tennessee River. Scarcely had its folds ap- peared in the breeze ere Gen. Grant was there. The rebels fled. Their banner fell, and the star and stripes were unfurled in its stead. He entered the service with great determination and immediately began active duty. This was the be- ginning, and until the surrender of Lee at Richmond he was ever pushing the enemy with great vigor and effectiveness. At Belmont, a few days later, he sur- prised and routed the rebels, then at Fort Henry won another victory. Then came the brilliant fight at Fort Donelson. The nation was electrified by the victory, and the brave leader of the boys in blue was immediately made a Major-General, and the miHtary iistrict of Tennessee was assigned to him. Like all great captains. Gen. Grant knew well how to secure the results of victory. He immediately pushed on to the enemies' lines. Then came the terrible battles of Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, and the siege of Vicksburg, where Gen. Pemberton made an unconditional surrender of the city with over thirty thousand men and one-hundred and seventy-two can- non. The fall of Vicksburg was by far the most severe blow which the rebels had thus far encountered, and opened up the Mississippi from Cairo to the Gulf! Gen. Grant was next ordered to co-operate with Gen. Banks in a movement upon Texas, and pro- treeded to New Orieans, where he was thrown from his horse, and received severe injuries, from which he was laid up for months. He then rushed tj> the aid of Gens. Rosecrans and Thomas at Chattanooga, and by a wonderful series of strategic and technical meas- ures put the Union Army in fighring condition Then followed the bioody battles at Chattanooga, Lockout Mountam and Missionary Ridge, in which the rebels were routed with great loss. This won for him un- bounded praise in the North. On the 4th of Febru- ary, 1864, Congress revived the grade of lieutenant- general, and the rank was conferred on Gen Grant He repaired to Washington to receive his credentials :nd enter upon '.bp duties of his new office Gen. Grant decided as soon as he took charge of the army to concentrate the widely-dispersed National troops for an attack upon Richmond, the nominal capital of the Rebellion, and endeavor there to de- stroy the rebel armies which would be promptly as- sembled from all quarters for its defence. The whole conrinent seemed to tremble under the tramp of these majestic armies, rushing to the decisive battle field. Steamers were crowded with troops. Railway trains were burdened with closely packed thousands. His plans were comprehensive and involved a series of campaigns, which were executed with remarkable en- ergy and ability, and were consummated at the sur- render of Lee, April 9, 1865. The war was ended. The Union was saved. The almost unanimous voice of the Nation declared Gen. Grant to be the most prominent instrument in its sal- vation. The eminent services he had thus rendered the country brought him conspicuously forward as the Republican candidate for the Presidential chair. At the Republican Convention held at Chicago. May 21, 1868, he was unanimously nominated for the Presidency, and at the autumn election received a majority of the popular vote, and 2r4 out of 294 electpral votes. The National Convention of the Republican party which met at Philadelphia on the 5th of June, 1872, placed Gen. Grant in nomination for a second term' by a unanimous vote. The selecrion was emphati- cally indorsed by the people five months later, 292 electoral votes being cast for him. Soon after the close of his second term, Gen. Grant started upon his famous trip around the world. He visited almost every country of the civilized world, and was everywhere received with such ovations and demonstrations of respect and honor, private as well as public and official, as were never before bestowed upon any citizen of the United States. He was the most prominent candidate before the Republican National Convention in 1880 for a re- nominatiori for President. He went to New York and embarked in the brokerage business under the firm nameof Grant & Ward. The latter proved a villain, wrecked Grants fortune, and for larceny was sent to the penitentiary. The General was attacked with cancer m the throat, but suffered in his stoic-like manner, never complaining. He was re-instated as General of the Army and retired by Congress. The cancer soon finished its deadly work, and July 23, 1885, the nation wenf in mourning over the death of the illustrious General. 5'. L^^ '(U- X %-J NINETEENTH PR-ESIDENT. 91 j^t^t^t^t^t^t^t^t^i^i^ti^ias'i^^'^'^t^'^'^tgat^'^t^'^'^'^'ig^'^} MtJTHEM¥®MD B* HJI.TES. m UTHERFORD B. HAYES, the nineteenth President of the United States, was born in Delaware, O., Oct. 4, 1822, al- most three months after the death of his father, Rutherford Hayes. His ancestry on. both the paternal and maternal sides, was of the most honorable char- acter. It can be traced, it is said, as far back as 1280, when Hayes and Rutherford were two Scottish chief- tains, fighting side by side with Baliol, William Wallace and Robert Bruce. Both families belonged to the nobility, owned extensive estates, and had a large following. Misfor- tane ovfertaking the family, George Hayes left Scot- land in 1680, and settled in Windsor, Conn. His son George was; born in Windsor, and remained there during his life. Daniel Hayes, son of the latter, mar- ried Sarah Lee, and lived from the time of his mar- riage until hJs death in Simsbury, Conn. Ezekiel, son of Daniel, was born in 1724, and was a manufac- turer of scythcij at Bradford, Conn. Rutherford Hayes, son of Ezekiel and grandfather of President Hayes, was born in New Haven, in August, 1756. He was a farmer, blacksmith and tavern-keeper. He emigrated to Vermont at an unknown date, settling in Erattleboro, where he established a hotel. Here his son Ruth- erford Hayes the father of President Hayes, was bom. He was married, in September, 18 13, to Sophia Birchard, of Wilmington, Vt., whose ancestors emi- grated thither from Connecticut, tliey having beeri among the wealthiest and best famlies of Norwich. Her ancestry on the male side are traced back to 1635, to John Birchard, one of the principal founders of Norwich. Both of her grandfathers were soldiers in the Revolutionary War. The father of President Hayes was an industrious frugal and opened-hearted man. He was of a me. chanical turn, and could mend a plow, knit a stock- ing, or do almost anything else that he choose to undertake. He was a member of the Church, active in all the benevolent enterprises of the town, and con- ducted his business on Christian principles. After the close of the war of 181 2, for reasons inexplicable to his neighbors, he resolved to emigrate to Ohio. The journey from Vermont to Ohio in that day when there were no canals, steamers, nor railways, was a very serious affair. A tour of inspection was first made, occupying four months. Mr. Hayes deter mined to move to -Delaware, where the family arrived in i8t7. He died July 22, 1822, a victim of malarial fever, less than three months before the birth of the son, of whom we now write. Mrs. Hayes, in her sore be- reavement, fo.und the support she so much needed in her brother Sardis, who had been a member of the household from the day of its departure from Ver- mont, and in an orphan girl whom she had adopted some time before as an act of charity. Mrs. Hayes at this period was very weak, and the 92 RUTHERFORD B. HAYES. subject of this sketch was so feeble at birth that he was not expected to live beyond a month or two at most. As the months went by he grew weaker and weaker, so that the neighbors were in the habit of in- quiring from time to time " if Mrs. Hayes' baby died last night." On one occasion a neighbor, who was on fimiliar terms with the family, after alluding to the boy's big head, and the mother's assiduous care of nim, said in a bantering way, " That's right ! Stick to him. You have got him along so far, and I shouldn't wonder if he would really come to something yet." " You need not laugh," said Mrs. Hayes. "You vait and see. You can't tell but I shall make him President of the United States yet." The boy lived, in spite of the universal predictions of his speedy death; and when, in 1825, his older brother was drowned, he became, if possible, still dearer to his mother. The boy was seven years old before he w^nt to school. His education, however, was not neglected. He probably learned as much from his mother and fister as he would have done at school. His sports were almost wholly within doors, his playmates being his sister and her associates. These circumstances tended, no doubt, to foster that gentleness of dispo- sition, and that delicate consideration for the feelings of others, which are marked traits of his character. His uncle Sardis Birchard took the deepest interest in his education ; and as the boy's health had im- proved, and he was making good progress in his studies, he proposed to send him to college. His pre- paration commenced with a tutor at home; but he was afterwards sent for one year to a professor in the Wesleyan University, in Middletown, Conn. He en- tered Kenyon College in 1838, at the age of sixteen, and was graduated at the head of his class in 1842. Immediately after his graduation he began the study of law in the office of Thomas Sparrow, Esq., in Columbus. Finding his opportunities for study in Columbus somewhat limited, he determined to enter the Law School at Cambridge, Mass., where he re- mained two years. In 1845, after graduatmg at the Law School, he was admitted to the bar at Marietta, Ohio, and shortly afterward went into practice as an attorney-at-law with Ralph P. Buckland, of Fremont. Here he re- mained three years, acquiring but a limited practice, and apparently unambitious of distinction in his pro- fession. ""oi 1849 he mdved to Cincumati, where his ambi- tion found a new stimulus. For several years, how- ever, his progress was slow. Two events, occurring at this period, had a powerful influence upon his subse- quent 'ife. One of these was his marrage with Miss Lucy Ware Webb, daughter of Dr. James Webb, of Chilicothe ; the other was his introduction to the Cin- cinnati Literary Club, a body embracing among its members such men as'^hief Justice Salmon P. Chase, Gen. John Pope, Gov. Edward F. Noyes, and many others hardly less distinguished in after life. The marriage was a fortunate one in every respect, as everybody knows. Not one of all the wives of our Presidents was more universally admired, reverenced and beloved than was Mrs. Hayes, and no one did more than she to reflect honor upon American woman hood. The Literary Cluo brought Mr. Hayes into constant association with young men of high char- acter and noble aims, and lured him to display the qualities so long hidden by his bashfulness and modesty. In 1856 he was nominated to the office of .Judge of the Court of Common Pleas ; but he declined to ac- cept the nomination. Two years later, the office ot city solicitor becoming vacant, the City Council elected him for the unexpired teim. In 1 861, when the Rebellion broke out, he was at tne zenith of his professional Iff,. His rank at the bar was among the the first. But the news of the attack on Fort Sumpter found him eager to take ud arms for the defense of his country. His military record was bright and illustrious. In October, 186 1, he was made Lieutenant-Colonel, and in August, 1862, promoted Colonel of the 79th Ohio regiment, but he refused to leave his old comrades and go among strangers. Subsequently, however, he was made Colonel of his old regiment. At the battle of South Mountain he received a wound, and while faint and bleeding displayed courage and fortitude that won admiration from all. Col. Hayes was detached from his regiment, after his recovery, to act as Brigadier-General, and placed in command of the celebrated Kanawha division, and for gallant and meritorious services in the battles of Winchester, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek, he was promoted Brigadier-General. He was also brevetted Major-General, "forgallant and distinguished services during the campaigns of 1864, in West Virginia." In the course of his arduous services, four horses were shot from under him, and he was wounded four times. In 1864, Gen. Hayes was elected to Congress, from the Second Ohio District, which had long been Dem- ocratic. He was not present during the campaign, and after his election was importuned to resign his commission in the army ; but he finally declared, " I shall never come to Washington until I can come by the way of Richmond." He was re-elected in 1866. In 1867, Gen Hayes was elected Governor of Ohio, over Hon. Allen G. Thunnan, a popular Democrat. In 1869 was re-eleoted over George H. Pendleton. He was elected Governor for the third term in 1875. In 1876 he was the standard bearer of the Repub- lican Pnrty in the Presidential contest, and after a hard long contest was chosen President, and was in aui;urated Monday, March 5, 1875. He served his lull term, not, hcwever, with satisfaction to his partyi but his admiiristration was an average o.-ys ^^,C^^/h<~^^^:^S^^^ [ettelattfi* Si&#SiS#3^*3ig»3ig^3i&s&3;C$#$>:&«$:i&*S;&#«ie*$^«3J^*Si&^ TEPHEN GROVER CLEVE- LANDjthe twenty-second Pres- ident of the United States, was born in 1837, in the obscure '}!■ 7b^.dV\y^'t, town of Caldwell, Essex Co., '"t *^*.r " ' ' N. J., and in a little two-and-a- half-story white house which is still standing, characteristically to mark the humble birth-place of one of America's great men in striking con- trast with the Old World, where all men high in oflSce must be high in origin and born in the cradle of wealth. When the subject of this sketch was three years of agfe, his father, who was a Presbyterian min- ister, with a large family and a small salary, moved, by way of the Hudson River and Erie Canal, to Fayetteville, in search of an increased income and a larger field of work. Fayetteville was then the most straggling of country villages, about five miles from Pompey Hill, where Governor Seymour was born. At the last mentioned place young Grover com- menced going to school in the " good, old-fashioned way," and presumably distinguished himself after the manner of all village boys, in doing the things he ought not to do. Such is the distinguishing trait of all geniuses and independent thinkers. When he arrived at the age of 14 years, he had outgrown the capacity of the village school and expressed a most emphatic desire to be sent to an academy. To this his father decidedly objected. Academies in those days cost money; besides, his father wanted him. to become self-supporting by the quickest possible means, and this at that time in Fayette/ille seemed to be a position in a country store, where his father and the large family on his hands had considerable influence; Grover was to be paid $50 for his services the first year, and if he proved trustworthy he was to receive $100 the second year. Here the lad com- menced his career as salesman, and in two years he had earned so good a reputation for trustworthiness that his employers desired to retain him for an in- definite length of time. Otherwise he did not ex- hibit as yet any particular " flashes of genius " or eccentricities of talent. He was simply a good boy. But instead of remaining with this firm in Fayette- ville, he went with the family in their removal to Clinton, where he had an opportunity of attending a high school. Here he industriously pursued his studies until the family removed with him to a point on Black River known as the " Holland Patent," a village of 500 or 600 people, r5 miles north of Utica, N. Y. At this place his father died, after preaching but three Sundays. This event broke up the family, and Grover set out for New York City to accept, at a small salary, the position of " under-teacher " in an asylum for the blind. He taught faithfully for two years, and although he obtained a good reputation in this capacity, he concluded that teaching was not his Id 5. GROVE R CLEVELAND. calling for life, and, reversing the traditional order, he left the city to seek his fortune, inste^t? o*' eoing to a city. He first tnougnr oi Cleveland, Ohio, as there was some charm in that name for him; but before proceeding to that place he went to Buffalo to isk the advice of his uncle, Lewis F. Allan, a noted stock-breeder of that place. The latter did not speak enthusiastically. " What is it you want to do, my boy ? " he asked. " Well, sir, I want to study lav," was the reply, " Good gracious ! " remarked ih« old gentleman ; " do you, indeed .' What ever put that into your head? How much money have you got?" "Well, sir, to tell the truth, I haven't got any." After a long consultation, his uncle offered him a p!a.ce temporarily as assistant herd-keeper, at $50 a year, while lie could "look around." One day soon jifterward he boldly walked into the office of Rogers, Bowen & Rogers, of Buffalo, and told ;;hem what he wanted. A number of young men were already en- gaged in the office, but Grover's persistency won, and he was finally permitted to come as an office boy and aave the use of the law library, for the nominal sum of $3 or $4 a week. Out of tliis he had to pay for his board and washing. The walk to and from his uncle's was a long and rugged one; and, although the first winter was a memorably severe one, his shoes were out of repair and his overcoat — he had none — yet he was nevertheless prompt and regular. On the first day of his service here, his senior em- ployer threw down a copy of Blackstone before him with a bang that made the dust fly, saying "That's where they all begin." A titter ran around the little circle of clerks and students, as they thought that was enough to scare young Grover out of his plans ; Out in due time he mastered that cumbersome volume. Then, aS ever afterward, however, Mr. Cleveland exhibited a talent for executiveness rather than for chasing principles through all their metaphysical possibilities. " Let us quit talking and go and do it," was practically his motto. The first public office to which Mr. Cleveland was elected was that of Sheriff of Erie Co., N. Y., in which Buffalo is situated; and in such capacity it fell to his duty to inflict capital py'-.ishment upon two cainiinals. In 1881 he was elected Mayor of the City of Buffalo, on the Democratic ticket, with es- pecial reference to the bringing about certain reforms in the administration of the municipal affairs of that c-'t" Tr. this office, as well as that of Sheriff, his penormance of duty has generally been considered fair, with possibly a few exceptions which were fer- reted out and magnified during the last Presidential campaign. As a specimen of his plain language in a veto message, we quote from one vetoing an iniqui. tons street-cleaning contract : " This is a time fot plain speech, and my objection to your action shall be plainly stated. I regard it as the culmination of a mos bare-faced, impudent and shameless scheme to betray the interests of the people and to worse than squander the people's money." The New York Sun afterward very highly commended Mr. Cleve- land's administration as Mayor of BuflFalo, and there- upon recommended him for Governor of the Empire State. To the latter office he was elected in 1882, and his administration of the affairs of State was generally satisfactory. The mistakes he madCj if any, were made very public throughout the nation after he was nominated for President of the United States. -sSox this high office he was nominated July It, i884,.J)y the National Democratic Convention at Chicago, ' when other competitors were Thomas F, Bayard, Roswell P. Flower, Thomas A. Hendricks, Benjamin F. Butler, Allen G. Thurman, etc.; and he was elected by the people, by a majority of about a thousand, over the brilliant and long-tried Repub- lican statesman, James G. Blaine. President Cleve- land resigned his office as Governor of New York in January, 1885, in order to prepare for his duties as the Chief Executive of the United States, in which capacity his term commenced at noon on the 4th of March, 1885. For his Cabinet officers he selected the following gentlemen: For Secretary of State, Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware ; Secretary of the Treasury, Daniel Manning, of New York ; Secretary of War, William C. Endicott, of Massachusetts ; Secretary of the Navy, William C. Whitney, of New York ; Secretary of the Interior, L. Q. C. Lamar, of Mississippi; Postmaster-General, William F. Vilas, of Wisconsin ; Attorney-General, A. H. Garland, of Arkansas. The silver question precipitated a controversy be- tween those who were in favor of the continuance of silver coinage and those who were opposed, Mr. Cleveland answering for the latter, even before his inauguration. ^cdi2yoc/ C^^ TWENTY-THIRD PRESIDENT. -J07 "0»0..©J^'^^"I>*01" Benjamin harrison, the uwenty-third President, is the descendant of one of the historical families of this country. The head of tlie family was a Wnjor General Harrison, one of Oliver Cromwell's trusted follow- ers and fighters. In tlio zenith of Crom- well's power it became the duty of this Harrison to participate m tne trial of Charles I, and afterward to sign the death warrant of the king. He subse- quently paid for this with his life, being hungOct. 13, 16G0. His descendants came to America, and the next of the family that appears in history is Benja- n;in Harrison, of Virginia, great-grand- father of the subject of this sketch, and after wliom he was named. Benjamin Harrison was a member of the Continental Congress during the years j. 774-5-6, and was one of the original signers of the Declaration of Independence. He wa- three times elected Governor of Virginia, Gen William Henry Harrison, the son of the distinguished patriot of the Revolution, after a suo- cessful career as a soldier during the War of 1812, and with -a clean record as Governor of the North- western Territory, was elected President of the United States in 1840. His carser was cut short by death within one month :ifter .lis inauguration. President Harrison war. bcrn at ^Toutl^ Bond, Hamilton Co., Ohio, Aug. TO, 18a3. His life up to the time of his graduation by the Miami University, at Oxford, Ohio, was the uneventful one of a coun- try lad of a family of small means. His father was able to give him a good education, and nothing more. He became engaged while at college to tho daughter of Dr. Scott, Principal of a female schoo at Oxford. After graduating he determined to en- ter upon the study of the law. He went to Cin cinnati and then read law for two years. At tht expiration of that time young Harrison received tb'. only inheritance of his life ; his aunt dying left iiim a lot valued at 1800. He regarded this legacy as s fortune, and decided to get married at once, talis this money and go to some Eastern town an ', be- gin the practice of law. He sold his lot, and with the money in his pocket, he started out witu his young wife to fight for a place in the world. Ee 108 BENJAMIN HARRISONt decided to go to Indianapolis, which was even at that time a town of promise. He met with slight encouragement at first, making scarcely anything the first year. He worked diligently, applying him- self closely to his calling, built up an extensive practice and took a leading rank in the legal pro- ression. He is the father of two children. In 1860 Mr. Harrison was nominated for the position of Supreme Court Reporter, and then be- gan his experience as a stiiimp speakei He can- vassed the State thoroughly, and was elected by a handsome majority. In 1862 he raised the 17th Indiana Infantry, and was chosen its Colonel. His regiment was composed of the rawest of material, Dut Col. Harrison employed all his time at first mastering military tactics and drilling his men, when he therefore came to move toward the East with Sherman his regiment was one of the best drilled and organized in the army. At Resaca he especially distinguished himself, and for his bravery at Peachtree Creek he was made a Brigadier Gen- eral, Gen. Hooker speaking of him in the most somplimentary terms. During the absence of Gen. Harrison in the field he Supreme Court declared the ofHce of the Su- preme Court Reporter vacant, and another person was elected to the position. From the time of leav- ing Indiana with his regiment until the fall of 1864 he had taken no leave of absence, but having been nominated that year for the same office, he got a thirty-day leave of absence, and during that time made a brilliant canvass of the State, and was elected for another term. He then started to rejoin Sher- man, but on the way was stricken down with scarlet fever, and after a most trying siege made his way to the front in time to participate in the closing incidents of the war. In 1868 Gen. Harrison declined -. re-election as reporter, and resumed the practice of law. In 1876 he was a candidate for Governor. Although de- feated, the brilliant campaign he made won i'or him a National reputation, and he was much sought, es- peciaLy in the East, to make speeches. In 1880, as usual, he took an active part in the campaio-n, and was elected to the United States Senate. Here ue sei-ved six years, an(! was known as one of the *blest men, best lawyers and strongest debaters in that body. With the expiration of his Senatorial term he returned to the practice of his profession, becoming the head of one of the strongest firms in the State. The political campaign of 1 888 was one of the most memorable in the history of our country. The convention which assembled in Chicago in June and named Mr. Harrison as the chief standard bearer of the Republican party, was great in every partic- ular, and on this account, and the attitude it as- sumed upon the vital questions of the day, chief among which was the tariff, awoke a deep interest in the campaign throughout the Nation. Shortly after the nomination delegations began to visit Mr. Harrison at Indianapolis, his home. This move- ment became popular, and from all sections of the country societies, clubs and delegations journeyed thither to pay their respects to the distinguished statesman. The popularity of these was greatly increased on account of the remarkable speeches made by Mr. Harrison. He spoke daily all through the summer and autumn to these visiting delega- tions, and so varied, masterly and eloquent were his speeches that they at once placed him in the foremost rank of American orators and statesmen. On account of his eloquence as a speaker and hir power as a debater, he was called upon at an un- commonly early age to take part in the discussion of the great questions that then began to agitate the country. He was an uncompromising anti slavery man, and was matched against some of tl^e most eminent Democratic speakers of his State. No man who felt the touch of his blade decired tc be pitted with him again. With all his eloq^'ence as an orator he never spoke for oratorical effect, but his words always went like bullets to the mark He is purely American in his ideas and is a splec did type of the American statesman. Gifted witii quick perception, a logical mind and a ready tongue, he is one of the most distinguished impromptu speakers in the Nation. Many of these speeches sparlded with the rarest of eloquence and contained arguments of greatest weight. Many of Ms terse statements have already become aphorisms. Origi- nal in thought, precise in logic, terse in statement, yet withal faultless in eloquence, he is recognized as the sound statesman and brilUan*; orator o" tnc day '^(>&~t.c^cyHy GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS. r.il HADRACH BOND, the first Governor of Illinois after its organization as a State, serving from 1818 to 1822, was born in Frederick County, Maryland, in the year 1773, and was raised a farmer on his father's plantation, receiving only a plain English education. He emigrated to this State in 1794, when it was a part of the "Northwest Territory," continuing in the vocation in which he had been brought up in his native State, in the " New Design," near Eagle Creek, in what is now Monroe County. He served several terms as a member of the General Assembly of Indiana Territory, after it was organized as such, and in 18 12-14 he was a Delegate to the Twelfth and Thirteenth Congresses, taking his seat Dec. 3, r8r2, and serving until Oct. 3, 1814. These were the times, the reader will recollect, when this Gov- ernment had its last struggle with Great Britain. The year 181 2 is aiso noted in the history of this State as that in which the first Territorial Legislature was held. It convened at Kaskaskia, Nov. 25, and adjourned Dec. 26, following. While serving as Delegate to Congress, Mr. Bond was instrumental in procuring the right of pre-emp- tion on the public domain. On the expiration of his term at Washington he was appointed Receiver of Public Moneys at Kaskaskia, then the capital of the Territory. In company with John G. Comyges, Thomas H. Harris, Charles Slade, Michael Jonae, Warren Brown. Edward Humphries and Charles W. Hunter, he became a proprietor of the site of the initial city of Cairo, which they hoped, from its favor- able location at the junction of the two great rivers near the center of the Great West, would rapidly develop into a metropolis. To aid the enter- prise, they obtained a special charter from'the Legis- lature, incorporating both the City and the Bank of Cairo. In 1818 Mr. Bond was elected the first Governor of the State of Illinois, being inaugurated Oct. 6 that year, which was several weeks before Illinois was actually admitted. The facts are these: In January, r8i8, the Territorial Legislature sent a peti- tion to Congress for the admission of Illinois as a State, Nathaniel Pope being then Delegate. The petition was granted, fixing the northern line of the State on the latitude of the southern extremity of Lake Michigan; but the bill was afterward so amend- ed as to extend this line to its present latitude. In July a convention was called at Kaskaskia to draft a constiturion, which, however, was not submitted to the people. By its provisions, supreme judges, pros ecuring attorneys, county and circuit judges, record- ers and justices of the peace were all to be appointed by the Governor or elected by the Legislature. This constitution was accepted by Congress Dec. 30. At that time Illinois comprised but eleven counties, namely, Randolph, Madison, Gallatin, Johnson, Pope, Jackson, Crawford, Bond, Union, Washington and Franklin, the northern portion of the State be- ing mainly in Madison County. Thus it appears that Mr. Bond was honored by the naming of a Ill SHADRACH BOND. county before he was elected Governor. The present county of Bond is of small limitations, about 60 to 80 miles south of Springfield. For Lieutenant Governor the people chose Pierre Menard, a prominent and worthy Frenchman, after whom a county in this Stat6 is named.' In this election there were no opposition candidates, as the popularity of these men had made their promotion to the chief offices of the Slate, even before the constitution was drafted, a foregone con- clusion. The principal points that excited the people in reference to political issues at this period were local or "internal improvements," as they were called. State banks, location of the capital, slavery and the personal characteristics of the proposed candidates. Mr. Bond represented the " Convention party," for introducing slavery into the State, supported by Elias Kent Kane, his Secretary of State, and John Mc- Lean, while Nathaniel Pope and John P. Cook led the anti-slavery element. The people, however, did not become very much excited over this issue until 1820, when -the famous Missouri Compromise was adopted by Congress, limiting slavery to the south of the parallel of 36° 30' except in Missouri. While this measure settled the great slavery controversy, so far as the average pubUc sentiment was tempor- arily concerned, until 1854, when it 'was repealed under the leadership of Stephen A. Douglas, the issue as considered locally in this State was not decided until 1824, after a most furious campaign. (See sketch of Gov. Coles.) The ticket of 1818 was a compromise one, Bond representing (moderately) the pro-slavery sentiment and Menard the anti-slavery. An awkward element in the State government under Gov. Bond's administration, was the imperfec- tion of the State constitution. The Convention wished to have Elijah C. Berry for the first Auditor of Public Accounts, but, as it was believed that the new Governor would not appoint him to the office, the Convention declared in a schedule that " an auditor of public accounts, an attorney general and such other officers of the State as may be necessary, may be appointed by the General Assembly." The Constitution, as it stood, vested a very large appoiiit- ing power in the Governor ; but for the purpose of getting one man into office, a total change was made, and the power vested in the Legislature. Of , this provision the Legislature took advantage, and de- clared that State's attorneys, canal commissioners, bank directors, etc., were .all " officers of the State" and must therefore be appointed by itself independ- ently of the Governor. During Gov. Bond's administration a general law was passed for the incorporation of academies and towns, and one authorizing lotteries. The session of 1822 authorized the Governor to appoint commis- sioners, to act in conjunction with like commissioners appointed by the State of Indiana, to report on the practicability and expediency of improving the navi- gation of the Wabash River ; also inland navigation generally. Many improvements were recommended, some of which have been feebly worked at even till the present day, those along the Wabash being of no value. Also, during Gov. Bond's term of office, the capital of the State was removed from Kaskaskia to Vandalia. In 1820 a law was passed by Congress authorizing this State to open a canal through the public lands. The State appointed commissioners fo explore the route and prepare the necessary sur- veys and estimates, preparatory to its execution; but, being unable out of its own resources to defray the expenses of the undertaking, it was abandoned until -some time after Congress made the grant of land for the purpose of its construction. On the whole. Gov. Bond's administration was fairly good, not being open to severe criticism from any party. In 1824, two years after the expiration of his term of office, he was brought out as a candi- date for Congress against the formidable John P. Cook, but received only 4,374 votes to 7,460 for the latter. Gov. Bond was no orator, but had made many fast friends by a judicious bettowment of his gubernatorial patronage, and these worked zealously for him in the campaign. In 1827 ex-Gov. Bond was appointed by the Leg- islature, with Wm. P. McKee and Dr. Gershom Jayne, as Commissioners to locate a site for a peni- tentiary on the Mississippi at or near Alton. Mr. Bond was of a benevolent and convivial dis- position, a man of shrewd observation and clear ap- preciation of events. His person was erect, stand- ing six feet in height, and after middle life became portly, weighing 200 pounds. His features were strongly masculine, complexion dark, hair jet and eyes hazel ; was a favorite with the ladies. He died April II, 1830, in peace and contentment. c h/y^ r^y-u:) (x/\J^ GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS. "5 ]£t)war& Coles* ^^WiM®-^^^— ■•- DWARD COLES, second Governor of Illinois, 1823- 6, was born Dec. 15, 1786, in Albemarle Co., Va., on the old family estate called "Enniscorthy," on the Green Mountain. His fath- er, John Coles, was a Colonel in the Revolutionary War. Having been fit- ted for college by private tutors, he was sent to Hampden Sidney, where he remained until the autumn of 1805, when he was removed to William and Mary College, at Williamsburg, Va. This college he left in the summer of 1807, a short time before the final and graduating examination. Among his classmates were Lieut. Gen. Scott, President John Tyler, Wm. S. Archer, United States Senator from Virginia, and Justice Baldwin, of the United States Supreme Court. The President of the latter college. Bishop Madison, was a cousin of President James Madison, and that cir- cumstance was the occasion of Mr. Coles becoming personally acquainted with the President and re- ceiving a position as his private secretary, 1809-15. The family of Coles was a prominent one in Vir- ginia, and their mansion was the seat of the old- fashioned Virginian hospitality. It was visited by such notables as Patrick Henry, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, the Randolphs, Tazewell, Wirt, etc. At the age of 23, young Coles founa himself heir to a plant- ation and a considerable number of slaves. Ever since his earlier college days his attention had been drawn to the question of slavery. He read every- thing on the subject that came in his way, and listened to lectures on the rights of man. The more he reflected upon the subject, the more impossible was it for him to reconcile the immortal declaration "that all men are born free and equal " with the practice of slave-holding. He resolved, therefore, to free his slaves the first opportunity, and even remove his residence to a free State. One reason which de- termined him to accept the appointment as private secretary to Mr. Madison was because he believed that through the acquaintances he could make at Washington he could better determine in what part of the non-slaveholding portion of the Union he woulc prefer to settle. The relations between Mr. Coles and President Madison, as well as Jefferson and other distinguished men, were of a very friendly character, arising from the similarity of their views on the question of slavery and their sympathy for each other in holding doc- trines so much at variance with the prevailing senti- ment in their own State. In 1857, he resigned his secretaryship and spent a portion of the following autumn in exploring the Northwest Territory, for the purpose of finding a lo- cation and purchasing lands on which to settle his negroes. He traveled with a horse and buggy, with an extra man and horse for emergencies, through many parts of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri, determining finally to settle in Illinois. At this time, however, a misunderstanding arose between our Government and Russia, and Mr. Coles was selected to repair to St. Petersburg on a special mission, bear- ing important papers concerning the matter at issue The result was a conviction of the Emperor (Alex- ii6 EDWARD COLES. ander) of the error committed by his minister at Washington, and the consequent withdrawal of the the latter from the post. On his return, Mr. Coles visited other parts of Europe, especially Paris, where he was introduced to Gen. Lafayette. In the spring of 1819, he removed with all his negroes from Virginia to Ed wards ville, 111., with the intention of giving them their liberty. He did not make known to them his intention until one beautiful morning in April, as they were descending the Ohio River. He lashed all the boats together and called all the negroes on deck and made them a short ad- dress, concluding his remarks by so expressing him- self that by a turn of a sentence he proclaimed in the shortest and fullest manner that they were no longer slaves, but free as he was and were at liberty to proceed with him or go ashore at their pleas- ure. A description of the eifect upon the negroes is best described in his own language : " The effect upon them was electrical. They stared at me and then at each other, as if doubting the ac- curacy or reality of what they heard. In breathless silence they stood before me, unable to utter a word, but with countenances beaming with expression which no words could convey, and which no language can describe. As they began to see the truth of what they had heard, and realize their situation, there came on a kind of hysterical, giggling laugh. After a pause of intense and unutterable emotion, bathed in tears, and with tremulous voices, they gave vent to their gratitude and implored the blessing of God on me." Before landing he gave them a general certificate of freedom, and afterward conformed more particu- larly with the law of this State requiring that each individual should have a certificate. This act of Mr. Coles, all the more noble and heroic considering the overwhelming pro-slavery influences surrounding him, has challenged the admiration of every philan- thropist of modern times. March 5, iSrg, President Monroe appointed Mr. Coles Registrar of the Land Office at Edwardsvihe, at that time one of the principal land offices in the State. While acting in this capacity and gaining many friends by his politeness and general intelli- gence, the greatest struggle that ever occurred in Illinois on the slavery question culminated in the furious contest characterizing the campaigns and elections of 1822-4. In the summer of 1823, when a new Governor was to be elected to succeed Mr. Bond, the pro-slavery element divided into factions, putting forward for the executive office Joseph Phillips, Chief Justice of the State, Thomas C. Browne and Gen. James B. Moore, of the State Mil- itia. The anti-slavery element united upon Mr. Coles, and,_ after one of the most bitter campaigns, succeeded in electing him as Governor. His plural- ity over Judge Phillips was only 59 in a total vote of over 8,000. The Lieutenant Governor was elected by the slavery men. Mr. Coles' inauguration speech was marked by calmness, deliberation and such a wise expression of appropriate suggestions as to elicit the sanction of all judicious politicians. But he compromised not with evil. In his message to the Legislature, the seat of Government being then at Vandalia, he strongly urged the abrogation of the modified form of slavery which then existed in this State, contrary to the Ordinance of 1787. His posi- tion on this subject seems the more remarkable, when it is considered that he was a minority Governor, the population of Illinois being at that time almost ex- clusively from slave-holding States and by a large majority in favor of the perpetuation of that old relic of barbarism. The Legislature itself was, of course, a reflex of the popular sentiment, and a majority of them were led on by fiery men in denunciations of the conscientious Governor, and in curses loud and deep upon him and all his friends. Some of the public men, indeed, went so far as to head a sort of mob, or " shiveree " party, who visited the residence of the Governor and others at Vandalia and yelled and groaned and spat fire. The Constitution, not establishing or permitting slavery in this State, was thought therefore to be defective by the slavery politicians, and they desired a State Convention to be elected, to devise and sub- mit a new Constitution ; and the dominant politics of the day was " Convention " and "anti-Conven- tion." Both parties issued addresses to the people. Gov. Coles himself being the author of the address published by the latter party. This address revealed the schemes of the conspirators in a masterly man- ner. It is difficult for us at this distant day to esti- mate the critical and extremely delicate situation in which the Governor was placed at that time. Our hero maintained himself honorably and with supreme dignity throughout his administration, and m his honor a county in this State is named. He was truly a great man, and those who lived in this State during his sojourn here, like those who live at the base of the mountain, were too near to see and recognize the greatness that overshadowed them. Mr. Coles was married Nov. 28, r833, by Bishop De Lancey, to Miss Sally Logan Roberts, a daughter of Hugh Roberts, a descendant of Welsh ancestry, who came to this country with Wm. Penn in 1682. After the expiration of his term of service. Gov. Coles continued his residence in Edwardsville, sup- ermtendmg his farm in the vicinity. He was fond of agriculture, and was the founder of the first agri- cultural society in the State. On account of ill health, however, and having no family to tie him down, he spent much of his time in Eastern cities. About r832 he changed his residence to Philadel- phia where he died July 7, 1868, and is buried at Woodland, near that city. 'Oc^^-uyG^^^ GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 119 INIAN EDWARDS, Governor from 1827 to 1830, was a son of Benjamin Edwards, and was born in Montgomery County, Maryland, in March, 1775. His domestic train- ing was well fitted to give his mind strength, firmness and honorable principles, and a good foundation was laid for the elevated character to which he afterwards attained. His parents were Bap- tists, and very strict in their moral principles. His education in early youth was in company with and partly under the tuition of Hon. Wm. Wirt, whom his father patronized^ and who was more than two years older. An intimacy was thus formed between them which was lasting for life. He was further educated at Dickinson College, at Car- lisle, Pa. He next commenced the study of law, but before completing his course he moved to Nelson County, Ky., to open a farm for his father and to purchase homes and locate lands for his brothers and sisters. Here he fell in the company of dissolute companions, and for several years led the life of a spendthrift. He was, however, elected to the Legis- lature of Kentucky as the Representative of Nelson •County before he was 21 years of age, and was re- jected by an almost unanimous vote. In 1798 he was licensed to practice law, and the folio wirtg year was admitted to the Courts of Tennes- see. About this time he left Nelson County for Russellville, in Logan County, broke away from his dissolute companions, commenced a reformation and devoted himself to severe and laborious study. He then began to rise rapidly in his profession, and soon became an eminent lawyer, and inside of four years he filled in succession the offices of Presiding Judge of the General Court, Circuit Judge, fourth Judge of the Court of Appeals and Chief Justice of the State, — all before he was 32 years of age! In addition, in 1802, he received a commission as Major of a battal- ion of Kentucky militia, and in 1804 was chosen a Presidential Elector, on the Jefferson and Clinton ticket. In 1806 he was a candidate for Congress, but withdrew on being promoted to the Court of Appeals. Illinois was organized as a separate Territory in the spring of rSog, when Mr. Edwards, then Chief Justice of the Court of Appeals in Kentucky, received from President Madison the appointment as Gover- nor of the new Territory, his commission bearing date April 24, 1809. Edwards arrived at Kaskaskia in June," and on the i ith of that month took the oath of office. At the same time he was appointed Superin- tendent of the United States Saline, this Government interest then developing into considerable proportions in Southern Illinois. Although during the first three years of his administration he had the power to make new counties and appoint all the officers, yet he always allowed the people of each county, by an informal NINIAJSI ED WARDS. vote, to select their own officers, both civil and mili- tary. The noted John J. Crittenden, afterward United States Senator from Kentucky, was appointed by Gev. Edwards to the office of Attorney General of the Territory, which office was accepted for a short time only. The Indians in i8io committing sundry depreda- tions in the Territory, crossing the Mississippi from the Territory of Louisiana, a long correspondence fol- lowed between the respective Governors concerning the remedies, which ended in a council with the sav- ages at Peoria in 1812, and a fresh interpretation of the treaties. Peoria was depopulated by these de- predations, and was not re-settled for many years afterward. As Gov. Edwards' term of office expired by law in i8r2, he was re-appointed for another term of three years, and again in 18 15 for a third term, serving until the organization of the State in the fall of 18 r 8 and the inauguration of Gov. Bond. At -this time ex-Gov. Edwards was sent to the United States Senate, his colleague being Jesse B. Thomas. As Senator, Mr. Edwards took a conspicuous part, and acquitted himself honorably in all the measures that came up in that body, being well posted, an able de- bater and a conscientious statesman. He thought seriously of resigning this situation in 1821, but was persuaded by his old friend, Wm. Wirt, and others to continue in office, which he did to the end of the term. He was then appointed Minister to Mexico by President Monroe. About this time, it appears that Mr. Edwards saw suspicious signs in the conduct of Wm. H. Crawford, Secretary of the United States Treasury, and an ambitious candidate for the Presi- dency, and being implicated by the latter in some of his statements, he resigned his Mexican mission in order fully to investigate the charges. The result was the exculpation of Mr. Edwards. Pro-slavery regulations, often termed "Black Laws," disgraced the statute books of both the Territory and ±6 State of Illinois during the whole of his career in ihis commonwealth, and Mr. Edwards always main- tained the doctrines of freedom, and was an important actor in the great struggle which ended in a victory for his party in 1824. In 1826-7 the Winnebago and other Indians com- mitted some depredations in the northern part of the State, and the white settlers, who desired the lands and wished to exasperate the savages into an evacu-. ation of the country, magnified the misdemeanors of the aborigines and thereby produced a hostility be- tween the races so great as to precipitate a little war, known in history as the " Winnebago War." A few chases and skirmishes were had, when Gen. Atkinson succeeded in capturing Red Bird, the Indian chief, and putting him to death, thus ending the contest, at least until the troubles commenced which ended in the " Black Hawk War " of 1832. In the interpre- tation of treaties and execution of their provisions Gov. Edwards had much vexatious work to do. The Indians kept themselves generally within the juris- diction of Michigan Territory, and its Governor, Lewis Cass, was at a point so remote that ready cor- respondence with him was difficult or impossible. Gov. Edwards' administration, however, in regard to the protection of the Illinois frontier, seems to have been very efficient and satisfactory. For a considerable portion of his time after his re- moval to Illinois, Gov. Edwards resided upon his farm near Kaskaskia, which he had well stocked with horses, cattle and sheep from Kentucky, also with fruit-trees, grape-vines and shrubbery. He estab- lished saw and grist-mills, and engaged extensively in mercantile business, ha ving no less than eight or ten stores in this State and Missouri. Notwithstanding the arduous duties of his office, he nearly always pur- chased the goods himself with which to supply the stores. Although not a regular practitioner of medi- cine, he studied the healing art to a considerable ex- tent, and took great pleasure in prescribing for, and taking care of, the sick, generally without charge. He was also liberal to the poor, several widows and ministers of the gospel becoming indebted to hira even for their homes. He married Miss Elvira Lane, of Maryland, in 1803, and they became the affectionate parents of several children, one of whom, especially, is well' known to the people of the " Prairie State," namely, Ninian Wirt Edwards, once the Superintendent c< Public Instruction and still a resident of Springfield Gov. Edwards resided at and in the vicinity of Kas- kaskia from i8o9tor8i8; in Edwardsville (named after hira) from that time to 1824; and from the lat- ter date at Belleville, St. Clair County, until his death, July 20, 1833, of Asiatic cliolera. Edwards County is also named in his honor. GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. izj jjOHN REYNOLDS, Governor 1831- 4, was born in Montgomery Coun- ty, Pennsylvania, Feb. 26, 1788. His father, Robert Reynolds and his mother, nee Margaret Moore, were both natives of Ireland, from which country they emigrated to the United States in 1785, land- ing at Philadelphia. The senior Reynolds entertained an undying hostility to the British Govern- ment. When the subject of this sketch was about six months old, his parents emigrated with him to Tennessee, where" many of their relatives had already located, at the base of the Copper Ridge Mountain, about 14 miles northeast of the present city of Knoxville. There they were ex- Dosed to Indian depredations, and were much molest- ed by them. In 1794 they moved into the interior of the State. They were poor, and brought up their children to habits of manual industry. In 1800 the family removed to Kaskaskia, 111,, with eight horses and two wagons, encountering many Hardships on the way. Here young Reynolds passed the most of his childhood, while his character began to develop, the most prominent traits of which were ambition and energy. He also adopted the principle and practice of total abstinence from intoxicating liquors. In 1807 the family made another removal, this time to the " Goshen Settlement," at the foot of the Mississippi bluffs three or four miles southwest of Edwardsville. On arriving at his 20th year, Mr. Reynolds, seeing that he must look about for his own livelihood and not yet having determined what calling to pursue, concluded first to attend college, and he accordingly went to such an institution of learning, near Knox- ville, Tenn., where he had relatives. Imagine his diffidence, when, after passing the first 20 years of his life without ever having seen a carpet, a papered wall or a Windsor chair, and never haying lived in a shingle-roofed house, he suddenly ushered himself into the society of the wealthy in the vicinity of Knoxville! He attended college nearly two years, going through the principal Latin authors; but it seems that he, like the rest: of the world in modern times, had but very little use for his Latin in after life. He always failed, indeed, to exhibit any good degree of literary discipline. He commenced the "Study of law in Knoxville, but a pulmonary trouble came on and compelled him to change his mode of life. Accordingly he returned home and re- cuperated, and in 18 12 resumed his college and law studies at Knoxville. In the fall of 181 2 he was admitted to the Bar at Kaskaskia. About this time he also learned the French language, which he practiced with pleasure in conversation with his family for many years. He regarded this language as being superior to all others for social intercourse. JOHN REYNOLDS. From his services in the West, in the war of i8i 2, he obtained the sobriquet of the " Old Rangen" He was Orderly Sergeant, then Judge Advocate. Mr. Reynolds opened his, first law office in the winter and spring of 1814, in the French village of Cahokia, then the capital of St. Clair County. In the fall of 1818 he was elected an Associate Justice upon the Supreme Bench by the General Assembly. In 1825 he entered more earnestly than ever into tlie practice of law, and the very next year was elected a member of the Legislature, where he acted independently of all cliques and private inter- ests. In 1828 the Whigs and Democrats were for the first time distinctively organized as such in Illi- nois, and the usual party bitterness grew up and raged on all sjdes, while Mr. Reynolds preserved a mdicial calmness and moderation. The real animus jf the campaign was " Jackson " and " anti- Jackson," 'he former party carrying the State. In August, 1830, Mr. Reynolds was elected Gov- anor, amid great excitement. Installed in office, he did all within his power to advance the cause of edu- cation, internal improvements, the Illinois & Mich- igan Canal, the harbor at Chicago, setding the coun- try, etc.; also reccmmended the winding up of the State Bank, as its affairs had become dangerously complicated. In his national politics, hf was a moderate supporter of General Jackson. But the most celebrated event of his gubernatorial admin- istration was the Black Hawk War, which occurred in 1832. He called out the militia and prosecuted the contest with commendable diligence, appearing in person on the battle-grounds during the most critical periods. He was recognized by the President as Major-General, and authorized by him to make treaties with the Indians. By the assistance of the general Government the war was terminated without much bloodshed, but after many serious fights. This war, as well as everything else, was materially re- tarded by the occurrence of Asiatic cholera in the West. This was its first appearance here, and was the next event in prominence during Gov. Reynolds' term. South Carolina nullification coming up at this time, t was heartily condemned by both President Jackson t.nd Gov. Reynolds, who took precisely the same grounds as the Unionists in the last war. On the termination of his gubernatorial term in ,834, Gov. Reynolds was elected a Member of Con- gress, still coiisidering himself a backwoodsman, as ^e had scarcely been outside of the State since he became of age, and had spent nearly all his youthful iays in the wildest region of the frontier. His first move in Congress was to adopt a resolution that in all elections made by the House for officers the votes should be given viva voce, each member in his place naming aloud the person for whom he votes. This created considerable heated discussion, but was es- sentially adopted, and remained the controlling prin- ciple for many years. The ex-Governor was scarcely absent from his seat a single day, during ei^ht ses- sions of Congress, covering a period of seven years, and he never vacillated in a party vote; but he failed to get the Democratic party to foster his " National Road " scheme. He says, in " My Own Times " (a large autobiography he published), that it was only by rigid economy that he avoided insolvency while in Washington. During his sojourn in that city he was married, to a lady of the place. In 1837, while out of Congress, and in company with a few others, he built the first railroad in the Mississippi Valley, namely, one about six miles long, leading from his coal mine in the Mississippi bluff to the bank of the river opposite St. Louis. Having not the means to purchase a locomotive, they operated it by horse-power. The next spring, however, the com- pany sold out, at great sacrifice. In 1839 the ex-Governor was appointed one of the Canal Commissioners, and authorized to borrow money to prosecute the enterprise. Accord' ngly, he repaired to Philadelphia and succeeding in obtaining a million dollars, which, however, was only a fourth of what was wanted. The same year he and his ■wife made at our of Europe. This year, also, Mr. Reynolds had the rather awkward little responsibility of introducing to President Van Buren the noted Mormon Prophet, Joseph Smith, as a " Latter-Day Saint!" In 1846 Gov. Reynolds was elected a member of the Legislature from St. Clair County, more particu larly for the purpose of obtaining a feasible charter for a macadamized road from Belleville to St. Louis, a distance of nearly 14 miles. This was immediately built, and was the first road of the kind in the State. He was again elected to the Legislature in 1852, when he was chosen Speaker of the House. In i860, aged and infirm, he attended the National Democratic Convention at Charleston, S. C , as an anti-Douglas Delegate, where he received more attention from the Southern Delegates than any other member. He supported Breckenridge for the Presidency. After the October elections foreshadowed the success of Lincoln, he published an address urging the Demo- crats to rally to the support of Douglas. Immedi- ately preceding and during the late war, his corre- spondence evinced a clear sympathy for the Southern secession, and about the first of March, 1861, he urged upon the Buchanan officials the seizure of the treasure and arms in the custom-house and arsenal at St. Louis. Mr. Reynolds was a rather talkative man, and apt in all the Western phrases and catch- words that ever gained currency, besides many cun- ning and odd ones of his own manufacture. He was married twice, but had no children. He died in Belleville, in May, 1865, just after the close of the war. GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 127 it. '%. ®, ^lyfF ILLIAM LEE D. EWING, (^ Governor of Illinois Nov. 3 to 17, 1834, was a native of Kentucky, and probably of Scotch ancestry. He had a fine education, was a gentle- man of polished manners and refined sentiment. In 1830 John Rey- nolds was elected Governor of the State, and Zadok Casey Lieutenant Governor, and for the principal events that followed, and the characteristics of the times, see sketch of Gov. Reynolds. The first we see in history concerning Mr. Ewing, in- forms us that he was a Receiver of Public Moneys at Vandalia soon after the organization of tftib State, and that the public moneys in his hands v;ere deposited in various banks, as they are usually St the present day. In 1823 the State Bank was obbed, by which disaster Mr. Ewing lost a thousand- dollar deposit. The subject of this sketch had a commission as (olonelin the Black Hawk War, and in emergencies ne acted also as Major. In the summer of 1832, ^'/hen L Tras rumored among the whites that Black Hawk and jiis men had encamped somewhere on Rock River, Gen. Henry was sent on a tour of reconnoisance, and with orders to drive the Indians from the State. After some opposition from his ;ubordinate officers, Henry resolved to proceed up Rock River in search of the enemy. On the 19th of iuly, early in the morning, five baggage wagons, camp equipage and all heavy and cumbersome arti- cles were piled up and left, so that the army might make speedy and forced marches. For some miles the travel was exceedingly bad, crossing swamps and the worst thickets; but the large, fresh trail gave life and animation to the Americans. Gen. Dodge and Col. Ewing were both actmg as Majors, and composed the " spy corps " or vanguard of the army. It is supposed the army marched nearly 50 miles this day, and the Indian trail they followed became fresher, and was strewed with much property and trinkets of the red-skin-; that they had lost or thrown away to hasten their march. During the following night there was a terrific thunder-storm, and the soldiery, with all their appurtenances, were thor- oughly drenched. On approaching nearer the Indians the next day. Gen. Dodge and Major Ewing, each commanding a battalion of men, were placed in front to bring on the battle, but the savages were not overtaken this day Forced marches were continued until they reached. Wisconsin River, where a veritable battle ensued, resulting in the death of about 68 of Black Hawk's men. The next day they continued the chase, and as soon as he discovered the trail of the Indians leading toward the Mississippi, Maj. Ewing formed his battalion in order of battle and awaited the order of Gen. Henry. The latter soon appeared on the ground and ordered a charge, which directly resulted in chasing the red warriors across the great river. Maj. Ewing and his command proved particularly efficient in war, as it seems they were the chief actors in driving the main body of the Sacs and Foxes, in- 128 WILLIAM L. D. EWING. eluding Black Hawk himself, across the Mississippi, while Gen. Atkinson, commander-in-chief of the ex- pedition, with a body of the army, was hunting for them in another direction. In the above affair Maj. Ewing is often referred to as a " General," which title he had derived from his connection with the militia. It was in the latter part of the same year (1832) that Lieutenant Governor Casey was elected to Con- gress and Gen. Ewing, who had been elected to the Senate, was chosen to preside over that body. At the August election of r834. Gov. Reynolds was also elected to Congress, more than a year ahead of the time at which he could actually take his seat, as was then the law. His predecessor, Charles Slade, had just died of Asiatic cholera, soon after the elec- tion, and Gov. Reynolds was chosen to serve out his unexpired term. Accordingly he set out for Wash- ington in November of that year to take his seat irl Congress, and Gen. Ewing, by virtue of his office as President of the Senate, became Governor of the State of Illinois, his term covering only a period of 15 daySj namely, from the 3d to the 17th days, in- clusive, of November. On the 17th the Legislature met, and Gov. Ewing transmitted to that body his message, giving a statement of the condition of the affairs of the State at that time, and urging a contin- uance of the policy adopted by his predecessor ; and on the same day Governor elect Joseph Duncan was sworn into office, thus relieving Mr. Ewing from the responsible situation. This is the only time that such a juncture has happened in the history of IIH- nois. On the 29th of December, 1835, Gen. Ewing was elected a .United States Senator to serve out the unexpired term of Elias Kent Kane, deceased. The latter gentleman was a very prominent figure in the early politics of Illinois, and a county in this State is named in his honor. The election of Gen. Ewing to the Senate was a protracted struggle. His competi- tors were James Semple, who afterwards held several important offices in this State, and Richard M. Young, afterward a United States Senator and a Supreme Judge and a man of vast influence. On the first ballot Mr. Semple had 25 votes, Young 19 and Ewing 18. On the eighth ballot Young was dropped ; the ninth afid tenth stood a tie ; but on the 1 2th Ewing received 40, to Semple 37, and was accordingly declared elected. In 1837 Mr. Ewing received some votes for a continuance of his term in Congress, when Mr. Young, just referred to, was elected. In 1842 Mr. Ewing was elected State Auditor on the ticket with Gov. Ford. Gen. Ewing was a gentleman of culture, a lawyer by profession, and was much in public life. In person he was above medium height and of heavy build, with auburn hair, blue eyes, large-sized head and short face. He was genial, social, friendly and affable, with fair talent, though of no high degree of originality. He died March 25, 1846. ^'^'■^-■7-^..-0-tZ.-i^^i,^__^ GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS. OSEPH DUNCAN, Governor 1834-8, was born at Paris, Ky., Feb. 23, 1794. At the tender age of 1 9 years he en- listed in the war against Great Britain, and as a soldier he acquitted himself with credit. He was an Ensign under the daunt- less Croghan at Lower Sandusky, or Fort Stephenson. In Illinois he first appeared in a public capa- city as Major-General of the Militia, a position which his military fame had procured him. Subsequently he became a State Senator from i Jackson County, and is honorably mentioned for introducing the first bill providing for a free-school system. In 1826, when the redoubt- able John P. Cook, who had previously beaten such men as John McLean, Elias Kent Kane and ex- Gov. Bond, came up for the fourth time for Congress, Mr. Duncan was brought forward against him by his friends, greatly to the surprise of all the politicians. \s yet he was but little known in the State. He was an original Jackson man at that time, being attached to his political fortune in admiration of the glory of his military achievements. His chances of success against Cook were generally regarded as hopeless, but he entered upon the campaign undaunted. His speeches, though short and devoid of ornament, were full of good sense. He made a diligent canvass of the State, Mr. Cook being hindered by the condition of his health. The most that was expected of Mr. Duncan, under the circumstances, was that he would obtain a respectable vote, but without defeating Mr Cook. The result of the campaign, however, was a source of surprise and amazement to both friends and foes, as Mr. Duncan came out 641 votes ahead! He received 6,321 votes, and Mr. Cook 5,680. Un- til this denouement, the violence of party feeling smoldering in the breasts of the people on account of the defeat of Jackson, was not duly appreciated. Aside from the great convention struggle of 1824, no other than mere local and pergonal considerations had ever before controlled an election in Illinois. From the above date Mr. Duncan retained his seat in Congress until his election as Governor in .\ugust, 1834. The first and bloodless year of the Black Hawk War he was appointed by Gov. Rey- nolds to the position of Brigadier-General of the volunteers, and he conducted his brigade to Rock Island. But he was absent from the State, in Wash- ington, during the gubernatorial campaign, and did not personally parricipate in it, but addressed circu- lars to his constituents. His election was, indeed, attributed to the circumstance of his absence, be- cause his estrangement from Jackson, formerly his political idol, and also from the Democracy, largely in ascendency in the State, was complete; but while his defection was well known to his Whig friends, and even to the leading Jackson men of this State, the latter were unable to carry conviction of that fact to the masses, as mail and newspaper facilities at that day were far inferior to those of the present time. Of course the Governor was much abused afterward by the fossilized Jackson men who re- garded party ties and affiliations as above all other issues that could arise; but he was doubtless 132 JOSEPH DUNCAN. sincere in his opposition to the old hero, as the latter had vetoed several important western measures which were dear to Mr. Duncan, In his inaugural message he threw off the mask and took a bold stand against the course of the President. The measures •le recommended in his message, however, were so desirable that the Legislature, although by a large majority consisting of Jackson men, could not refrain from endorsing them. These measures related mainly to banks and internal improvements. It was while Mr. Duncan was Governor that the people of Illinois went whirling on with bank. and in- ternal improvement schemes that well nigh bank- "upted the State. The hard times of 1837 came on, and the disasters that attended the inl.uguration of Ihese plans and the operation of the banks were mu- tually charged upon the two political parties. Had any one man autocratic power to introduce and carry on any one of these measures, he would proba- bly have succeeded to the satisfaction of the public ; t)ut as many jealous men had hold of the same plow Handle, no success followed and each blamed the other for the failure. In this great vortex Gov. Duncan was carried along, suffering the like derogation of character with his fellow citizens. At the height of the excitement the Legislature " provided for " railroads from Galena to Cairo, Alton to Shawneetown, Alton to Mount Carmel, Alton to the eastern boundary of the State in the direction of Terre Haute, Quincy via Springfield to the Wabash, Bloomington to Pekin, and Peoria to Warsaw, — in all about 1,300 miles of road. It also provided for the improvement of the navigation of the Kaskaskia, Illinois, Great and Little Wabash and Rock Rivers ; also as a placebo, $200,000 in money were to be dis- tributed to the various counties wherein no improve- ments were ordered to be made as above. The estimate for the expenses for all these projects was jlaced at a little over $10,000,000, which was not more man half enough ! That would now be equal to saddling upon the State a debt of $225,000,000 ! It was sufificient to bankrupt the State several times over, even counting all the possible benefits. One of the most exciting events that ever occurred in this fair State was the murder of Elijah P. Love- ioy in the fall of 1837, at Alton, during Mr. Duncan's term as Governor. Lovejoy was an " Abolitionist," editing the Observer at that place, and the pro- slavery slums there formed themselves into a mob, and after destroying successively three presses be- longing to Mr. Lovejoy, surrounded the warehouse where the fourth press was stored away, endeavoring to destroy it, and where Lovejoy and his friends were entrenching themselves, and shot and killed the brave reformer ! About this time, also, the question of removing the State capital again came up, as the 20 years' limit for its existence at Vandalia was drawing to a close. There was, of course, considerable excitement over the matter, the two main points competing for it be- ing Springfield and. Peoria. The jealousy of the lat- ter place is not even yet, 45 years afterward, fully allayed. Gov. Duncans term expired in 1838. In 1842 he was again proposed as a candidate for the Execu- tive chair, this time by the Whig party, against Adam W. Snyder, of St. Clair County, the nominee of the Democrats. Charles W. Hunter was a third candi- date for the same position. Mr. Snyder, however, died before the campaign had advanced very far, and his party substituted Thomas Ford, who was elected receiving 46,901 votes, to 38,584 for Duncan, and 909 for Hunter. The cause of Democratic success at this time is mainly attributed to the temporary support of the Mormons which they enjoyed, and the want of any knowledge, on the part of the masses, that Mr. Ford was opposed to any given policy en- tertained in the respective localities. Gov. Duncan was a man of rather limited educa- tion, but with naturally fine abilities he profited greatly by his various public services, and gathered a store of knowledge regarding public affairs which served him a ready purpose. He possessed a clear judgment, decision, confidence in himself and moral courage to carry out his convictions of right. In his deportment he was well adapted to gain the admira- tion of the people. His intercourse with them was both affable and dignified. His portrait at the Gov- ernor's mansion, from which the accompanying was made, represents him as having a swarthy complex- ion, high cheek bones, broad forehead, piercing black eyes and straight black hair. He was a liberal patron of the Illinois College at Jacksonville, a member of its Board of Trustees, and died, after a short illness, Jan. 15, 1844, a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church, leaving a wife but no children. Two children, born to them, had died in infancy. (J^^-rYoAj^'^^^^^ GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 135 4^f^^#_]> m|; ^^= IHOMAS CARLIN, the sixth Governor of the State of Illinois, serving from 1838 to 1842, was also a Ken- tuckian, being born near Frankfort, that State, July 18, 1789, of Irish paternity. The opportunities for an education being very meager in his native place, he, on approaching years of judoment and maturity, applied himself to those branches of learn- ing that seemed most important, and thus became a self-made man ; and his taste for reading and study remained with him through life. In 1803 his father removed (0 Missouri, then a part of " New Spain," where he died in 1810. In 1812 young Carlin came to Illinois and partici- pated in all the "ranging" service incident to the war of that period, proving himself a soldier of un- daunted bravery. In 1814 he married Rebecca Huitt, and lived for four years on the bank of the Mississippi River, opposite the mouth of the Mis- souri, where he followed farming, and then removed to Greene County. He located the town site of Car- rot 'ton, in that county, and in 1825 made a liberal donation of land for county building purposes. He was the first Sheriff of that county after its separate organization, and afterward was twice elected, as a Jackson Democrat, to the Illinois Senate. In the Black Hawk War he commanded a spy battalion, a post of considerable danger. In 1834 he was ap- pointed by President Jackson to the position of Receiver of Public Moneys, and to fulfill the office more conveniently he removed to the city of Quincy. While, in 1838, the unwieldy internal improvement system of the State was in full operation, with all its expensive machinery, amidst bank suspensions throughout the United States, a great stringency in the money market everywhere, and Illinois bonds forced to sale at a heavy discount, and the " hardest times" existing that the people of the Prairie State ever saw, the general election of State officers was approaching. Discreet men who had cherished the hope of a speedy subsidence of the public infatua- tion, met with disappointment. A Governor and Legislature were to be elected, and these were now looked forward to for a repeal of the ruinous State policy. But the grand scheme had not yet lost its dazzling influence upon the minds of the people. Time and experience had not yet fully demonstrated its utter absurdity. Hence the question of arresting its career of profligate expenditures did not become a leading one with the dominant party during the campaign, and most of the old members of the Leg islature were returned at this election. Under these circumstances the Democrats, in State Convention assembled, nominated Mr. Carlin for the office of Governor, and S. H. Anderson for Lieuten- ant" Governor, while the Whigs nominated Cyrus Ed- wards, brother of Ninian Edwards, formerly Governor, and W. H. Davidson. Edwards came out strongly for a continuance of the State policy, while Carlic remained non-committal. This was the first time that the two main political parties in this State were unembarrassed by any third party in the field. The result of the election was: Carlin, 35,573 ; Ander- son, 30,33s ; Edwards, 29,629 ; and Davidson, 28,- 7I.S- Upon the meeting of the subsequent Legislature (1839), the retiring Governor CDuncan) in his mes- 136 THOMAS CARLIN. sage spoke in emphatic terms of the impolicy of the internal improvement system, presaging the evils threatened, and uiged that body to do their utmost to correct the great error ; yet, on the contrary, the Legislature not only decided to continue the policy but also-'added to' its burden by voting more appro- priations and ordering more improvements. Although the money market was still stringent, a further loan of $4,000,000 was ordered for the Illinois & Mich- -gan Canal alone. Ctiicago at that time began to loom up and promise to be an important city, even the great emporium of the West, as it has since in- deed came to be. Ex-Gov. Reynolds, an incompe- tent financier, was commissioned to effect the loan, and accordingly hastened to the East on this respons- ible errand, and negotiated the loans, at considera- ble sacrifice to the State. Besides this embarrassment ic Carlin's administration, the Legislature also de- clared that he had no authority to appoint a Secretary of State until a vacancy existed, and A. P. Field, a Whig, who had already held the post by appointment through three administrations, was determined to keep the place a while longer, in spite of Gov. Car- lin's preferences. The course of the Legislature in this regard, however, was finally sustained by the Supreme Court, in a quo warranto case brought up before it by John A. McClernand, whom the Gov- ernor had nominated for the office. Thereupon that dignified body was denounced as a "Whig Court!" endeavoring to estabhsh the principle of life-tenure of office. A new law was adopted re-organizing the Judici- ary, and under it five additional Supreme Judges were elected by the Legislature, namely, Thomas Ford (afterward Governor), Sidney Breese, Walter B. Scales, Samuel H. Treat and Stephen A. Douglas — all Democrats. It was during Cov. Carlin's administration that the noisy campaign of " Tippecanoe and Tyler too " oc- curred, resulting in a Whig victory. This, however, did not affect Illinois politics very seriously. Another prominent event in the West during Gov. Carlin's^term of office was the excitement caused by the Mormons and their removal from Independence Mo., to Nauvoo, 111., in 1840. At the same time they began to figure somewhat in State politics. On account of their believing — as they thought, accord- ■ ing to the New Testament— that they should have "all things common," and that consequently "all the earth " and all that is upon it were the" Lord's " and therefore the property of his " saints," they were suspected, and correctly, too, of committing many of the deeds of larceny, robbery, etc., that were so rife throughout this country in those days. Hence a feeling of violence grew up between the Mormons and "anti-Mormons." In the State of Missouri the Mormons always supported the Dem- ocracy until they were driven out by the Democratic government, when they turned their support to the Whigs. They were becoming numerous, and in the Legislatureofi84o-i, therefore, it became a matter of great interest with both parries to conciliate these people. Through the agency of one John C. Ben- nett, a scamp, the Mormons succeeded in rushing through the Legislature (both parties not daring to oppose) a charter for the city of Nauvoo which Ax- tually erected a hierarchy co-ordinate with the Fed- eral Government itself. In the fall of 184 1 the Governor of Missouri made a demand upon Gov. Carlin for the body of Joe Smith, the Mormon leader, as a fugirive from justice. Gov. Carlin issued th 3 writ, but for some reason it was returned unserved. It was again issued in 1842, and Smith was arrested, but was either rescued by bis followers or discharged by the municipal court on a writ of habeas corpus. In December, 1841, the Democratic Convention nominated Adam W. Snyder, of Belleville, for Gov- ernor. As he had been, as a member of the Legisla- ture, rather friendly to the Mormons, the latter naturally turned their support to the Democraric party. The next spring the Whigs nominated Ex- Gov. Duncan for the same office. In the meanrime the Mormons began to grow more odious to the masses of the people, and the comparative prospects of the respective parties for success became very problematical. Mr. Snyder died in May, and Thomas Ford, a Supreme Judge, was subsrituted as a candidate, and was elected. At the close of his gubernatorial term, Mr. Carlin removed back to his old home at Carrollton, where he spent the remainder of his life, as before his ele- vation to office, in agricultural pursuits. In iS/.g he served out the unexpired term of J. D. Fry in the Illinois House of Representatives, and died Feb. 4. 1852, at his residence at Carrollton, leaving a wife and seven children. Oi ''ty^-'^i'V^CiLyf GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 139 m^m ;=5fr— ''^«'*w.i^i i=4 -f3=f=f= '=H=e5- 5H0MAS FORD, Governor from 1842 to 1846, and au- thor of a very interesting history of Illinois, was born at Uniontown, Pa., in the year 1 800. His mother, after the death of her first hus- band (Mr. Forquer), married Rob- ert Ford, who was killed in 1802, by the Indians in the mountains of Pennsylvania. She was conse- quently left in indigent circum- stances, with a large family, mostly girls. With a view to better her condition, she, in 1804, removed to Missouri, where it had been cus- tomary by the Spanish Govern- ment to give land to actual settlers ; but upon her arrival at St. Louis she found the country ceded to the United States, and the liberal policy toward set- tlers changed by the new ownership. After some sickness to herself and family, she finally removed to Illinois, and settled some three miles south of Water- loo, but the following year moved nearer the Missis- sippi bluffs. Here young Ford received his first schooling, under the instructions of a Mr. Humphrey, for which he had to walk three miles. His mother, though lacking a thorough education, was a woman of superior mental endowments, joined to energy and determination of character. She inculcated in her children those high-toned principles which dis- tinguished her sons in public life. She exercised a rigid economy to provide her children an education ; but George Forquer, her oldest son (six years older than Thomas Ford), at an early age had to quit school to aid by his labor in the support of the family. He afterward became an eminent man in Illinois affairs, and but for his early death would probably have been elected to the United States Senate. Young Ford, with somewhat better opportunitiesr, received a better education, though limited to the curriculum of the common school of those pioneer times. His mind gave early promise of superior en- dowments, with an inclination for mathematics. His proficiency attracted the attention of Hon. Daniel P. Cook, who became his efficient patron and friend. The latter gentleman was an eminent liiinois states- man who, as a Member of Congress, oDtained a grant of 300,000 acres of land to aid in completing the Illinois & Michigan Canal, and after whom the county of Cook was named. Through the advice of r40 THOMAS FORD. this gentleman, Mr. Ford turned his attention to the study of law; but Forquer, then merchandising, re- garding his education defective, sent him to Transyl- vania University, where, however, he remained but one term, owing to Forquer's failure in business. On his return he alternated his law reading with teach- ing school for support. In 1829 Gov. Edwards appointed him Prosecuting Attorney, and in 1831 he was re-appomted by Gov. Reynolds, and after that he was four times elected a Judge by the Legislature, without opposition, twice a Circuit Judge, once a Judge of Chicago, and as As- sociate Judge of the Supreme Court, when, in 1841, the latter tribunal was re-organized by the addition of five Judges, all Democrats. Ford was assigned to the Ninth Judicial Circuit, and while in this capacity he was holding Court in Ogle County he received a notice of his nomination by the Democratic Conven- tion for the office of Governor. He immediately re- signed his place and entered upon the canvass. In August, 1842, he was elected, and on the 8th of De- cember following he was inaugurated. All the offices which he had held were unsolicited by him. He received them upon the true Jefferson- Jan principle, — Never to ask ,ind never to refuse office. Both as a lawyer and as a Judge he stood deservedly high, but his cast of intellect fitted him rather for a writer upon law than a practicing advo- cate in the courts. In the latter capacity he was void of the moving power of eloquence, so necessary to success with juries. As a Judge his opinions were <^ound, lucid and able expositions of the law. In (practice, he was a stranger to the tact, skill and in- •inuating address of the politician, but he saw through ;he arts of demagogues as well as any man. He was plain in his demeanor, so much so, indeed, that at one time after the expiration of his term of office, during a session of the Legislature, he was taken by a stranger to be a seeker for the position of door- keeper, and was waited upon at his hotel near mid- night by a knot of small office-seekers with the view of effecting a " combination ! " Mr. Ford had not the "brass" of the ordinary politician, nor that impetuosity which characterizes a political leader. He cared little for money, and hardly enough for a decent support. In person he was of small stature, slender, of dark complexion, with black hair, sharp features, deep-set eyes, a pointed, aquiline nose having a decided twist to one side, and a small mouth. The three most important events in Gov. Ford's administration were the establishment of the high financial credit of the State, the " Mormon War "and ;he Mexican War. In the first of these the Governor proved himself to be eminently wise. On coming into office he found the State badly paralyzed by the ruiaous effects of me notorious " internal improvement " schemes of the preceding decade, with scarcely anything to show by way of "improvement." The enterprise that seemed to be getting ahead more than all the rest was the Illinois & Michigan Canal. As this promised to be the most important thoroughfare, feasible to the people, it was well under headway in its construction. Therefore the State policy was almost concentrated upon it, in order to rush it on tc completion. The bonded indebtedness of the State was growing so large as to frighten the people, and they were about ready to entertain a proposition for repudiation. But the Governor had the foresight to recommend such measures as would maintain the public credit, for which every citizen to-day feels thankful. But perhaps the Governor is remembered more for his connection with the Mormon troubles than for anything else; for it was during his term of office that the " Latter-Day Saints " became so strong at Nauvoo, built their temple there, increased their num- bers throughout the country, committed misdemean- ors, taught dangerous doctrines, suffered the loss of theirleader, Jo Smith, by a violent death, were driven out of Nauvoo to the far West, etc. Having been a Judge for so many years previously, Mr. Ford of course was noi-committal concerning Mormon affairs, and was ilierefore claimed by both parties and also accused by each of sympathizing too greatly with the other side. Mormoiiism claiming to be a system of rehgion, the Governor no doubt was "between two fires," and felt compelled to touch the matter rather " gingerly," and doubtless felt greatly relieved when that pestilential people left the State. Such compli- cated matters, especially when religion is mixed up with them, expose every person participating in them to criticism from all parties. The Mexican War was begun in the spring of 1845, and was continued into the gubernatorial term of Mr. Ford's successor. The Governors connection with this war, however, was not conspicuous, as it was only administrative, commissioning officers, etc. Ford's " History of Illinois " is a very readable and entertaining work, of 450 small octavo pages, and is destined to increase in value with the lapse of time. It exhibits a natural flow of compact and forcible thought, never failing to convey the nicest sense. In tracing with his trenchant pen the devious operations of the professional politician, in which he is inimit- able, his account is open, perhaps, to the objection that all his contemporaries are treated as mere place- seekers, while many of them have since been judged by the people to be worthy statesmen. His writings seem slightly open to the criticism that they exhibit a little splenetic partiality against those of his con- temporaries who were prominent during his term of office as Governor. The death of Gov. Ford took place at Peoria, 111., Nov. 2, 1850. GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 143 ^^^si&^s^^^^sg^^^^ai&^^^ig^^ie^sis^sis^^ig^sie^sig^si^*^!^* MStUS O. AUGUSTUS C. FRENCH, Governor of Illinois from 1846 to 1852, was born in the town of Hill, in the State of New Hampshire, Aug. 2, 1808. He was a descendant in the fourth generation of Nathaniel French, who emigrated from England in 1687 and settled in Saybury, Mass. In early life young French lost his father, but continued to receive in- struction from an exemplary and Christian mother until he was 1 9 years old, when she also died, confiding to his care and trust four younger broth- ers and one sister. He discharged his trust with parental devotion. His education in early life was such mainly as a common school afforded. For a brief period he attended Dartmouth College, but from pecuniary causes and the care of his brothers and sister, he did not graduate. He subsequently read law, and was admitted to the Bar in 183 1, and shortly afterward removed to Illinois, settling first at Albion, Edwards County, where he established him- self in the practice of law. The following year he removed to Paris, Edgar County. Here he attained eminence in his profession, and entered public life by representing that county in the Legislature. A strong attachment sprang up between him and Ste- phen A. Douglas. In 1839, Mr. French was appointed Receiver of the United States Land Office at Palestine, Craw- ford County, at which place he was a resident when elevated to the gubernatorial chair. In 1844 he was a Presidential Elector, and as such he voted for James K. Polk. The Democratic State Convention of 1846, meet- ing at Springfield Feb. 10, nominated Mr. French for Governor. Other Democratic candidates were Lyman Trumbull, John Calhoun (subsequently of Lecompton Constitution notoriety), Walter B. Scales, Richard M. Young and A. W. Cavarly, — an array of very able and prominent names. Trumbull was per- haps defeated in the Convention by the rumor that he was opposed to the Illinois and Michigan Canal, as he had been a year previously. For Lieutenant Governor J. B. Wells was chosen, while other candi- dates were Lewis Ross, Wm. McMurtry, Newton Cloud, J. B. Hamilton and W. W. Thompson. The resolutions declared strongly against the resuscita- tion of the old State Banks. The Whigs, who were in a hopeless minority, held their convention June 8, at Peoria, and selected Thomas M. Kilpatrick, of Scott County, for Governor, and Gen. Nathaniel G. Wilcox, of Schuyler, for Lieutenant Governor. In the campaign the latter exposed Mr. French's record and connection with the passage of the in- ternal improvement system, urging it against his election ; but in the me-^ntime the war with Mexico broke out, regarding which the Whig record was un- popular in this State. The war was the absorbing and dominating question of the period, sweeping every other political issue in its course. The elec- tion in August gave Mr. French 58,700 votes, and Kilpatrick only 36,775. Richard Eells, Abolitionist candidate for the same office, received 5,152 vot«». 144 AUGUSTUS C. FRENCB. By the new Constitution of 1848, a new election for State officers was ordered in November of that year, before Gov. French's term was half out, and he was re-elected for the term of four years. He was there- fore the incumbent for six consecutive years, the only Governor of this State who has ever served in that capacity so long at one time. As there was no organized opposition to his election, he received 67,- 453 votes, to 5,639 for Pierre Menard (son of the first Lieutenant Governor), 4,748 for Charles V. Dyer, 3,834 for W. L. D. Morrison, and 1,361 for James L. D. Morrison. But Wm. McMurtry, of Knox County, was elected Lieutenant Governor, in place of Joseph B. Wells, who was before elected and did not run again. Governor French was inaugurated into office dur- ing the progress of the Mexican War, which closed during the summer of 1847, although the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was not made until Feb. 2, 1848. The policy of Gov. French's party was com- mitted to that war^ but in connection with that affair he was, of course, only an administrative officer. During his term of office, Feb. 19, 1847, the Legisla- ture, by special permission of Congress, declared that all Government lands sold to settlers should be im- mediately subject to State taxation; before this they were exempt for five years after sale. By this ar- rangement the revenue was materially increased. About the same time, the distribution of Government jand warrants among the Mexican soldiers as bounty threw upon the market a great quantity of good lands, and this enhanced the settlement of the State. The same Legislature authorized, with the recom- mendation of the Governor, the sale of the Northern Cross Railroad (from Springfield to Meredosia, the first in the State and now a section of the Wabash, St. Louis 8z: Pacific). It sold for $100,000 in bonds, although it had cost the State not less than a million. The salt wells and canal lands in the Saline reserve in Gallatin County, granted by the general Govern- ment to the State, were also authorized by the Governor to be sold, to apply on the State debt. In T850, for the first time since 1839, the accruing State revenue, exclusive of specific appropriations, was sufficient to meet the current demands upon the treasury. The aggregate taxable property of the State at this time was over $too,ooo,ooo, and the population 851,470. In 1849 the Legisiature adopted the township or^ ganization law, which, however, proved defective, and was properly amended in r 851. At its session in the latter year, the General Assembly also passed a law to exempt homesteads from sale on executions This beneficent measure had been repeatedly urget] upon that body by Gov. French: In 1850 some business men in St. Louis com- menced to build a dike opposite the lower part of their city on the Illinois side, to keep the Mississippi in its channel near St. Louis, instead of breaking away from them as it sometimes threatened to do. This they undertook without permission from the Legislature or Executive authority of this State ; and as many of the inhabitants thera complained that the scheme would inundate and ruin much valuable land, there was a slight conflict of jurisdictions, re- sulting in favor of the St. Louis project; and since then a good site has existed there for a city (East St. Louis), and now a score of railroads center there. It was in September, 1850, that Congress granted to this State nearly 3,000,000 acres of land in aid of the completion of the Illinois Central' Railroad, which constituted the most important epoch in the railroad — we might say internal improvement — his- tory of the State. The road was rushed on to com- pletion, which accelerated the settlement of the in- terior of the State by a good class of industrious citi- zens, and by the charter a good income to the State Treasury is paid in from the earnings of the road. In 185 1 the Legislature passed a law authorizing free stock banks, which was the source of much leg- islative discussion for a number of years. But we have not space further to particularize concerning legislation. Gov. French's administra- tion was not marked by any feature to be criticised, while the country was settling up as never before. In stature, Gov. French was of medium height, squarely built, light complexioned, with ruddy face and pleasant countenance. In manners he was plain and agreeable. By nature he was somewhat diffident, but he was often very outspoken in his con- victions of duty. In public speech he was not an orator, but was chaste, earnest and persuasive. In business he was accurate and methodical, and in his administration he kept up the credit of the State. He died in r86s, at his home in Lebanon, St Qair Co., HI. GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS. HI liOEL A. MATTESON, Governor 1853-6, was born Aug. 8, 1808, in Jefferson County, New York, to which place his father had re- moved from Vermont three years before. His father was a farmer in fair circumstances, but a com- mon English education was all that his only son received. Young Joel first tempted fortune as a small tradesman in Prescott, Canada, before he was of age. He returned from that place to his home, entered an academy, taught school, visited the prin- cipal Eastern cities, improved a farm his father had given him, made a tour in the South, worked there in building railroads, experienced a storm on the Gulf of Mexico, visited the gold diggings of Northern Georgia, and returned via Nashville to St. Louis and through Illinois to his father's home, when he mar- ried. In 1833, having sold his farm, he removed, with his wife and one child, to Illinois, and entered a claim on Government land near the head of Au Sable River, in what is now Kendall County. At that time there were not more than two neighbors within a range of ten miles of his place, and only three or four houses between him and Chicago. He opened a large farm. His family was boarded 12 miles away while he erected a house on his claim, sleeping, during this time, under a rude pole shed. Here his life was once placed in imminent peril by a huge prairie rattlesnake sharing his bed. In 1835 he bought largely at the Government land sales. During the speculative real-estate mania which broke out in Chicago in 1836 and spread over the State, he sold his lands under the inflation of that period and removed to Joliet. In 1838 he became a heavy contractor on the Illinois & Michigan Canal. Upon the completion of his job in 1841, when hard times prevailed, business at a stand, contracts paid in State scrip ; when all the public works except the canal were abandoned, the State offered for sale 700 tons of railroad iron, which was purchased by Mr. Mat- teson at a bargain. This he accepted, shipped and sold at Detroit, realizing a very handsome profit, enough to pay off all his canal debts and leave him a surplus of several thousand dollars. His enterprise next prompted him to start a woolen mill at Joliet, in which he prospered, and which, after successive enlargements, became an enormous establishment. In 1842 he was first elected a State Senator, but, by a bungling apportionment, joiSn Pearson, a Senator holding over, was found to be in the same district, and decided to be entitled to represent it. Mat- teson's seat was declared vacant. Pearson, howevet with a nobleness diflScult to appreciate in this day of 14$ JOEL A. MATTESON. greed for office, unwilling to represent his district under the circumstances, immediately resigned his unexpired term of two )rears. A bill was passed in a few hours ordering a new election, and in ten days' time Mr. Matteson was returned re-elected and took his seat as Senator. From his well-known capacity as a business man, he was made Chairman of the Committee on Finance, a position he held during this half and two full succeeding Senatorial terms, discharging its important duties with ability and faith- fulness. Besides his extensive woolen-mill interest, when work was resumed on the canal under the new 2oan of $r, 600,000 he again became a heavy con- tractor, and also subsequently operated largely in building railroads. Thus he showed himself a most energetic and thorough business man. He was nominated for Governor by the Demo- cratic State Convention which met at Springfield April 20, 1852. Other candidates before the Con- vention were D. L. Gregg and F. C. Sherman, of Cook ; John Dement, of Lee ; Thomas L. Harris, of Menard; Lewis W. Ross, of Fulton ; and D. P. Bush, of Pike. Gustavus Koerner, of St. Clair, was nom- inated for Lieutenant Governor. For the same offices the Whigs nominated Edwin B. Webb and Dexter A. Knowlton. Mr. Matteson received 80,645 votes at the election, while Mr. Webb received 64,408. Mat- teson's forte was not on the stump; he had not cul- tivated the art of oily flattery, or the faculty of being all things ta all men. His intellectual qualities took rather the direction of efficient executive ability. His turn consisted not so much in the adroit manage- ment of party, or the powerful advocacy of great gov- ernmental principles, as in those more solid and enduring operations which cause the physical devel- opment and advancement of a State, — of commerce and business enterprise, into which he labored with success to lead the people. As a politician he was just and liberal in his views, and both in official and private life he then stood untainted and free from blemish. As a man, in active benevolence, social rirtues and all the amiable qualities of neighbor or citizen, he had k-^ superiors. His messages present a perspicuous array of facts as to the condition of the State, and are often couched in forcible and elegant diction. The greatest excitement during his term of office was the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, by Con- gress, under the leadership of Stephen A. Douglas in 1854, when the bill was passed organizing the Tern- tory of Kansas and Nebraska. A large portion of the Whig party of the North, through their bitter op- position to the Democratic party, naturally drifted into the doctrine of anti-slavery, and thus led to what was temporarily called the " And- Nebraska " party, while the followers of Douglas were known as " Ne- braska or Douglas Democrats." It was during this embryo stage of the Republican party that Abraham Lincoln was brought forward as the " Anti-Nebraska '' candidate for the United States Senatorship, while Gen. James Shields, the incumbent, was re-nom- inated by the Democrats. But after a few ballotings in the Legislature (1855), these men were dropped, and Lyman Trumbull, an Anti-Nebraska Democrat, was brought up by the former, and Mr. Matteson, then Governor, by the latter. On the nth ballot Mr. Trumbull obtained one majority, and was ac- cordingly declared elected. Before Gov. Matteson's term expired, the Repubhcans were fully organized as a national party, and in 1856 put into the field a full national and State ticket, carrying the State, but not the nation. The Legislature of 1855 passed two very import- ant measures, — the present free-school system and a submission of the Maine liquor law to a vote of the people. The latter was defeated by a small majority of the popular vote. During the four years of Gov. Matteson's admin- istration the taxable wealth of the State was about trebled, from $137,818,079 to $349,951,272; the pub- lic debt was reduced from $17,398,985 to $12,843,- 144; taxation was at the same rime reduced, and the State resumed paying interest on its debt in New York as ,fast as it fell due ; railroads were increased in their mileage from something less than 400 to about 3,000; and the population of Chicago was nearly doubled, and its commerce more than quad- rupled. Before closing this account, we regret that we have to say that Mr. Matteson, in all other respects an upright man and a good Governor, was implicated m a false re-issue of redeemed canal scrip, amount- ing to $224,182.66. By a suit in the Sangamon Cir- cuit Court the State recovered the principal and all the interest excepting $27,500. He died in the winter of 1873-3, at Chicago. ^^^^.^--<^u^^2e_ GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 151 .t^c^t^<^t^c^(^i^'£iJi^<^i^iig;»i^t^^c^t^»^tjgi'^t^'^'^'^'^'^'^'^'^, . Bi^^f 11. t^'^«^'^'^'^t§^'^'^'^'^'^'^t^;»:t^ti^t^t^«^t^<^'i^»^t^^>^t^t^c^ ILLIAM H. BISSELL, Gov- ernor 1857-60, was born April 25, 1811, in the State of New York, near Painted Post, Yates County. His parents were obscure, honest. God-fearing people, who reared their children under the daily example of industry and frugality, accord- ing to the custom of that class of Eastern society. Mr. Bissell received a respecta- ble but not thorough academical education. By assiduous application he acquired a knowledge of medicine, and in his early manhood came West and located va. Mon- roe County, this State, where he engaged in the practiceof that profession. But he was not enam- ored of his calling; he was swayed by a broader ambition, to such an extent that the mysteries of the healing art and its arduous duties failed to yield him further any charms. In a few years he discovered his choice of a profession to be a mistake, and when he approached the age of 30 he sought to begin anew. Dr. Bissell, no doubt unexpectedly to him- self, discovered a singular facility and charm of speech, the exercise of which acquired for him a ready local notoriety. It soon came to be under- stood that he desired to abandon his profession and take up that of the law. During terms of Court he would spend his time at the county seat among the members of the Bar, who extended to him a ready welcome. It was not strange, therefore, that he should drift into public life. In 1840 he was elected as a Dem- ocrat to the Legislature from Monroe County, and was an efficient member of that body. On his re- turn home he qualified himself for admission to the Bar and speedily rose to the front rank as an advo- cate. His powers of oratory were captivating. With a pure diction, charming and inimitable gestures, clearness of statement, and a remarkable vein of sly humor, his efforts before a jury told with irresistible effect. He was chosen by the Legislature Prosecut- ing Attorney for the Circuit in which he lived, and in that position he fully discharged his duty to the State, gained the esteem of the Bar, and seldom failed to convict the offender of the law. In stature he was somewhat tall and slender, and with a straight, military bearing, he presented a dis- tinguished appearance. His complexion was dark, his head well poised, though not large, his address pleasant and manner winning. He was exemplary in his habits, a devoted husband and kind parent. I He was twice married, the first time to Miss James, '52 WILLIAM H. BISSELL. of Monroe County, by whom he had two children, both daughters. She died soon after the year 1840, and Mr. B. married for his second wife a daughter of Elias K. Kane, previously a United States Senator from this State. She survived him but a short time, and died without issue. When the war with Mexico was declared in 1 846, Mr. Bissell enhsted and was elected Colonel of his regiment, over Hon. Don Morrison, by an almost unanimous vote, — 807 to 6. Considering the limited opportunities he had had, he evinced a high order of military talent. On the bloody field of Buena Vista he acquitted himself with intrepid and distinguished ability, contributing with his regiment, the Second Illinois, in no small degree toward saving the waver- ing fortunes of our arms during that long and fiercely contested battle. After his return home, at the close of the war, he was elected to Congress, his opponents being the Hons. P. B. Fouke and Joseph Gillespie. He served two terms in Congress. He was an ardent politician. During the great contest of 1850 he voted in favor of the adjustment measures; but in 1854 he opposed the repeal of the Missouri Compromise act and therefore the Kansas-Nebraska bill of Douglas, and thus became identified with the nascent Republican party. During his first Congressional term, while the Southern members were following their old practice of intimidating the North by bullying language, and claiming most of the credit for victories in the Mexican War, and Jefferson Davis claiming for the Mississippi troops all the credit for success at Buena Vista, Mr. Bissell bravely defended the Northern troops ; whereupon Davis challenged Bissell to a duel, which was accepted. This matter was brought up against Bissell when he was candidate for Governor and during his term of office, as the Constitution of this State forbade any duelist from holding a State office. In 1856, when the Republican party first put forth a candidate, John C. Fremont, for President of the United States, the same party nominated Mr. Bissell for Governor of Illinois, and John Wood, of Quincy, for Lieutenant Governor, while the Democrats nomi- nated Hon. W. A. Richardson, of Adams County, for Governor, and Col. R. J. Hamilton, of Cook County, for Lieutenant Governor. The result of the election was a plurality of 4,729 votes over Richard- son. The American, or Know-Nothing, party had a ticket in the field. The Legislature was nearly bal- anced, but was politically opposed to the Governor. His message to the Legislature was short and rather ordinary, and was criticised for expressing the sup- posed obligations of the people to the incorporators of the Illinois Central Railroad Company and for re- opening the slavery question by allusions to the Kansas troubles. Late in the session an apportion- ment bill, based upon the State census of 1855, was passed, amid much partisan strife. The Governor at first signed the bill and then vetoed it. A furious debate followed, and the question whether the Gov- ernor had the authority to recall a signature was referred to the Courts, that of last resort deciding in favor of the Governor. Two years afterward another outrageous attempt was made for a re-apportionment and to gerrymander the State, but the Legislature failed to pass the bill over the veto of the Governor. It was during Gov. Bissell's administration that the notorious canal scrip fraud was brought to light implicating ex-Gov. Matteson and other prominent State officials. The principal and interest, aggregat- ing $255,500, was all recovered by the State except- ing $27,500. (See sketch of Gov. Matteson.) In 1859 an attempt was discovered to fraudu- lently refund the Macalister and Stebbins bonds and thus rob the State Treasury of nearly a quarter of a million dollars. The State Government was impli- cated in this affair, and to this day remains unex- plained or unatoned for. For the above, and other matters previously mentioned. Gov. Bissell has been severely criticised, and he has also been most shame- fully libelled and slandered. On account of exposure in the army, the remote cause of a nervous form of disease gained entrance into his system and eventually developed paraplegia, affecting his lower extremities, which, while it left his body in comparative health, deprived him of loco- motion except by the aid of crutches. While he was generally hopeful of ultimate recovery, this myste- rious disease pursued him, without once relaxing its stealthy hold, to the close of his life, March 18, i860, over nine months before the expiration of his gubernatorial term, at the eariy age of 48 years. He died in the faith of the Roman Catholic Church, of which he hart been a member since 1854. GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 155 •9- #^ -9— j:OHN WOOD, Governor 1 860-1, and the first settler of Quincy, III., was born in the town of Sempro- nius (now Moravia), Cayuga Co., N. Y., Dec. 20, 1798. He was the second child and only son of Dr. Daniel Wood. His mother, nee Catherine Crause, was of German parentage, and died while he was an infant. Dr. Wood was a learned and skillful physician, of classical attain- ments and proficient in several modern laiiguages, who, after serving throughout the Revolu- tionary War as a Surgeon, settled on the land granted him by the Government, and resided there a re- spected and leading influence in his section until his death, at the ripe age of 92 years. The subject of this sketch, impelled by the spirit of Western adventure then pervading everywhere, left his home, Nov. 2, 18 18, and passed the succeed- ing winter in Cincinnati, Ohio. The following sum- mer he pushed on to Illinois, landing at Shawneetown, and spent the fall and following winter in Calhoun County. In 1820, in company with Willard Keyes, he settled in Pike County, about 30 miles southeast of Quincy, where for the next two years he pursued farming. In 182 1 he visited " the Bluffs " (as the present site of Quincy was called, then uninhabited) and, pleased with its prospects, soon after purchased a quarter-section of land near by, and in the follow- ing fall (1822) erected near the river a small cabin. 18 X 20 feet, the first building in Quincy, of which he then became the first and for some months the only occupant. About this time he visited his old friends in Pike County, chief of whom was William Ross, the lead- ing man in building up the village of Atlas, of that county, which was thought then to be the possible commencement of a city. One day they and others were traveling together over the country between the two points named, making observations on the com- parative merits of the respective localities. On ap.. preaching the Mississippi near Mr. Wood's place, the latter told his companions to follow him and he would show them where he was going to build a city. They went about a mile off the main trail, to a high point, from which the view in every direction was most magnificent, as it had been for ages and as yet- untouched by the hand of man. Before them swept by the majestic Father of Waters, yet unburdened by navigation. After Mr. Wood had expatiated at length on the advantages of the situation, Mr. Ross replied, " But it's too near Atlas ever to amount to anything!" Atlas is still a cultivated farm, and Quincy is » city of over 30,000 population. In 1824 Mr. vC'ood gave a newspaper notice, as the law then prescribed, of his intention to apply to the General Assembly for the formation of a new county. This was done the following winter, result- ing in the estabhshment of the present Adams County. During the next summer Quincy was se- lected as the county seat, it and the vicinity then containing but four adult male residents and half 15" JOHN WOOD. that number of females. Sinoe that period Mr. Wood resided at the place of his early adoption un- til his death, and far more than any other man was he identified with every measure of its progress and history, and almost continuously kept in public posi- tions. He was one of the early town Trustees, and after the place became a city he was often a member of the City Council, many times elected Mayor, in the face of a constant large opposition political majority. In 1850 he was elected to the State Senate. In 1856, on the organization of the Republican party, he was chosen Lieutenant Governor of the State, on the ticket with Wm. H. Bissell for Governor, and on the death of the latter, March 18, i860, he succeeded to the Chief Executive chair, which he occupied until Gov. Yates was inaugurated nearly ten months after- ward. Nothing very marked characterized the adminis- tration of Gov. Wood. The great anti-slavery cam- paign of i860, resulting in the election of the honest Illinoisan, Abraham Lincoln, to the Presidency of the United States, occurred during the short period while Mr. Wood was Governor, and the excitement and issues of that struggle dominated over every other consideration,^ndeed, supplanted them in a great measure. The people of Illinois, during all that time, were passing the comparatively petty strifes under Bissell's administration to the overwhelming issue of preserving the whole nation from destruction. In 186 1 ex-Gov. Wood was one of the five Dele- gates from Illinois to the " Peace Convention " at Washington, and in April of the same year, on the breaking out of the Rebellion, he was appointed Quartermaster-General of the State, which position he held throughout the war. In 1864 he took com- mand as Colonel of the 137th 111. Vol. Inf., with whom he served until the period of enlistment ex- pired. Politically, Gov. Wood was always actively identi- fied with the Whig and Republican parties. Few men have in personal experience comprehended so many surprising and advancing local changes as vested in the more than half century recollections- of Gov. Wood. Sixty-four years ago a solitary settler on the "Bluffs," with no family, and no neighbor within a score of miles, the world of civilization away behind him, and the strolling red-m.an almost his only visitant, he lived to see growing around him, and under his auspices and aid, overspreading the wild hills and scraggy forest a teaming city, second only in size in the State, and surpassed nowhere in beauty, prosperity and promise ; whose people recog- nize as with a single voice the proverbial honor and liberality that attach to the name and lengthened life of their pioneer settler, "the old Governor." Gov. Wood was twice married, — first in January, 1826, to Ann M. Streeter, daughter of Joshua Streeter, formerly of Salem, Washington Co., N. Y. They had eight children. Mrs. W. died Oct. 8, 1863, and in June, 1865, Gov. Wood married Mrs. Mary A., widow of Rev. Joseph T. Holmes. Gov. Wood died June 4, 1880, at his residence in Quincy. Four of his eight children are now living, namely: Ann E., wife of Gen. John Tillson; Daniel C, who married Mary J. Abernethy; John, Jr., who married Josephine Skinner, and Joshua S., who married Annie Bradley. The last mentioned now resides at Atchison, Kansas, and all the rest are still at Quincy. >S9 IICHARD YATES, the "War Governor," 1861-4, was born Jan. 18, 1818, on the banks of the Ohio River, at Warsaw, Gallatin Co., Ky. His lather moved in 1831 to Illinois, and after stopping for a time in Springfield, settled at Island Grove, Sangamon County. Here, after attending school, Richard joined the family. Subsequently he entered Illinois College at Jacksonville, where, in 1837, he graduated with first honors. He chose for his pro- fession the law, the Hon. J. J. Har- din being his instructor. After ad- mission to the Bar he soon rose to distinction as an advocate. Gifted with a fluent and ready oratory, he soon appeared in the political hustings, and, being a passionate admirer of the great Whig leader of the West. Henry Clay, he joined his political fortunes to ..he party of his idol. In 1840 he engaged with great irdor in the exciting " hard cider " campaign for iiarrison. Two years later he was elected to the Legislature from Morgan County, a Democratic stronghold. He served three or four terms in the Legislature, and such was the fascination of his ora- -nry that by 1850 his large Congressional District, extending from Morgan and Sangamon Counties i.orth to include LaSalle, unanimously tendered him tne Whig nomination for Congress. His Democratic opponent was Maj. Thomas L. Harris, a very pop- ular man who had won distinction at the battle of Cerro Gordo, in the Mexican War, and who had aeaten Hon. Stephen T. Logan for the same position, two years before, by a large majority. Yates way elected. Two years later he was re-elected, over John Calhoun. It was during Yates second term in Congress that the great question of the repeal of the Missouri Com- promise was agitated, and the bars laid down for re- opening the dreaded anti-slavery question. He took strong grounds against the repeal, and thus became identified with the rising Republican party. Conse- quently he fell into the minority in his district, which was pro-slavery. Even then, in a third contest, he fell behind Major Harris only 200 votes, after the district had two years before given Pierce 2,000 majority for President. The Republican State Convention of i860 met at Decatur May 9, and nominated for the office of Gov- ernor Mr. Yates, in preference to Hon. Norman B. Judd, of Chicago, and Leonard Swett, of Blooming- ton, two of the ablest men of the State, who were also candidates before the Convention. Francis A. Hoffman, of DuPage County, was nominated for Lieutenant Governor. This was the year when Mr. Lincoln was a candidate for President, a period re- membered as characterized by the great whirlpool which precipitated the bloody War of the Rebellion. The Douglas Democrats nominated J. C. Allen cf Crawford County, for Governor, and Lewis W. Ro?s, of Fulton County, for Lieutenant Governor. The Breckenridge Democrats and the Bell-Everett party had also full tickets in the field. After a most fear- ful campaign, the result of the election gave Mr. Yates 172,196 votes, and Mr, Allen 159,253. Mr. Yates received over a thousand more votes than did Mr. Lincoln himself. Gov. Yates occupied the chair of State during the i6o RICHARD YATES. most critical period of our country's history. In the fate of the nation was involved that of each State. The life struggle of the former derived its sustenance from the loyalty of the latter; and Gov. Yates seemed to realize the situation, and proved himself both loyal and wise in upholding the Government. He had a deep hold upon the affections of the people, won by his moving eloquence and genial manners. Erect and symmetrical in person, of pre- possessing appearance, with a winning address and a magnetic power, few men possessed more of the ele- ments of popularity. His oratory was scholarly and captivating, his hearers hardly knowing why they were transported. He was social and convivial. In the latter respect he was ultimately carried too far. The very creditable military efforts of this State during the War of the Rebellion, in putting into the field the enormous number of about 200,000 soldiers, were ever promptly and ably seconded by his excel- lency ; and the was ambitious to deserve the title of "the soldier's friend." Immediately after the battle of Shiloh he repaired to the field of carnage to look after the wounded, and his appeals for aid were promptly responded to by the people. His procla- mations calling for volunteers were impassionate appeals, urging upon the people the duties and re- quirements of patriotism ; and his special message in 1863 to the Democratic Legislature of this State pleading for material aid for the sick and wounded soldiers of Illinois regiments, breathes a deep fervor of noble sendment and feeling rarely equaled in beauty or felicity of expression. Generally his mes- sages on political and civil affairs were able and com- prehensive. During his administradon, however, there were no civil events of an engrossing character, although two years of his dme were replete with partisan quarrels of great bitterness. Military ar- rests, Knights of the Golden Circle, riot in Fulton County, attempted suppression of the Chicago Times and the usurping State Constitutional Convention of 1862, were the chief local topics that were excidng during the Governor's terra. This Convention assem- bled Jan. 7, and at once took the high position that he law calling it was no longer binding, and that it -ad supreme power; that it represented a virtual assemblage of the whole people of the State, and was sovereign in the exercise of all power necessary to effect a peaceable revolution of the State Government and to the re-establishment of one for the "happiness, prosperity and freedom of the citizens," limited only by the Federal Constitution. Notwithstanding the law calling the Convention required its members to take an oath to support the Constitution of the State as well as that of the general Government, they utterly refused to take such oath. They .also as- sumed legislative powers and passed several import- ant " laws ! " Interfering with the (then) present executive duties, Gov. Yates was provoked to tell them plainly that " he did not acknowledge the right of the Convention to instruct him in the performance of his duty." In 1863 the Governor astonished the Democrats by " proroguing " their Legislature. This body, after a recess, met June 2, that year, and soon began to waste timt upon various partisan resolutions ; and, while the two houses were disagreeing upon the question of adjourning sine die, the Governor, having the authority in such cases, surprised them all by adjourning them " to the Saturday next preceding the first Monday in January, 1865 ! " This led to great excitement and confusion, and to a reference of the Governor's act to the Supreme Court, who decided in his favor. Then it was the Court's turn to receive abuse for weeks and months afterward. During the autumn of 1864 a conspiracy was de- tected at Chicago which had for its object the liber- ation of the prisoners of war at Camp Douglas, the burning of the city and the inauguration of rebellion in the North. Gen. Sweet, who had charge of the camp at the time, first had his suspicions of danger aroused by a number of enigmatically worded letters which passed through the Camp postoffice. A de- tective afterward discovered that the rebel Gen. Marmaduke was in the city, under an assumed name, and he, with other rebel ofEcers— Gfenfell, Morgan, Cantrell, Buckner Morris, and Charles Walsh— was arrested, most of whom were convicted by a court-martial at Cincinnati and sentenced to imprisonment,— Grenfell to be hung. The sentence of the latter was afterward commuted to imprison- ment for life, and all the others, after nine months' imprisonment, were pardoned. In March, 1873, Gov. Yates was appointed a Gov- ernment Director of the Union Pacific Railroad, in which office he continued until his decease, at St. Louis, Mo., on the 27th of November following. ."■^^ GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 163 Michard J. Ogles ;-&-!► 4-^^ aCHARD J. OGLESBY, Gov- ernor 1865-8, and re-elected in 1872 and 1884, was born July 25, 1824, in Oldham Co., Ky., — the State which might be considered the " mother of Illinois Governors." Bereft of his parents at the tender age of eight years, his early education was neglected. When 12 years of age, and after he had worked a year and a half at the carpenter's trade, he removed with an uncle, Willis Oglesby, into whose care he had been committed, to Decatur, this State, where he continued his ap- l>renticeship as a mechanic, working six months for Hon. E. O. Smith. In 1844 he commenced studying law at Spring- field, with Judge Silas Robbins, and read with him one year. He was admitted to the Bar in 1845, and commenced the practice of his chosen profession at Sullivan, the county seat of Moultrie County. The next year the war with Mexico was com- menced, and in June, 1846, Mr. Oglesby volunteered, was elected First Lieutenant of Co. C, Fourth Illinois Regiment of Volunteers, and participated in the bat- tles of Vera Cruz and Cerro Gordo. On his return he sought to perfect his law studies by attending a course of lectures at Louisville, but on the breaking out of the California "gold fever " in 1849, 'is crossed the plains and mountains to the new Eldoraiio, driving a six-mule team, with a com- pany of eight men, Henry Prather being the leader. In 1852 he returned home to Macon County, and was placed that year by the Whig party on the ticket of Presidential Electors. In 1856 he visited Europe, Asia and Africa, being absent 20 months. On his return home he resumed the practice of law, as a member of the firm of Gallagher, Wait & Oglesby. In 1858 he was the Republican no.ninee for the Lower House of Congress, but was defeated by the Hon. James C. Robinson, Democrat. In i860 he was elected to the Illinois State Senate ; and on the evening the returns of this election were coming in, Mr. Oglesby had a fisticuff encounter with " Cerro Gordo Williams," in which he came out victorious, and which was regarded as " the first fight of the Rebellion." The following spring, when the war had commenced in earnest, his ardent nature quickly responded to the demands of patriotism and he enHsted. The extra session of the Legislature elected him Colonel of the Eighth Illinois Infantry, the second one in the State raised to suppress the great Rebellion. He was shortly entrusted with important com- mands. For a time he was stationed at Bird's Point and Cairo; in April he was promoted Brigadier Gen- eral ; at Fort Donelson his brigade was in the van, being stationed on the right of General Grant's army and the first brigade to be attacked. He lost 5 00 men before re-inforcements arrived. Many of these men were from Macon County. He was engaged in the battle of Corinth, and, in a brave charge at this place, was shot in the left lung with an ounce ball, and was carried from the field in expectation of im- 164 RICHARD J. OGLESBY. mediate death. That rebel ball he carries to this day. On his partial recovery he was promoted as Major General, for gallantry, his commission to rank from November, 1862. In the spring of 1863 he was assigned to the command of the i6th Army Corps, but, owing to inability from the effects of his wound, he relinquished this command in July, that year. Gen. Grant, however, refused to accept his resignation, and he was detailed, in December follow- ing, to court-martial and try the Surgeon General of the Army at Washington, where he remained until May, 1864, when he returned home. The Republican, or Union, State Convention of 1864 was held at Springfield, May 25, when Mr. Oglesby was nominated for the office of Governor, while other candidates before the Convention were Allen C. Fuller, of Boone, Jesse K. Dubois, of Sanga- mon, and John M. Palmer, of Macoupin. Wm. Bross, of Chicago, was nominated for Lieutenant Governor. On the Democratic State ticket were James C. Robinson, of Clark, for Governor, and S. Corning Judd, qf Fulton, for Lieutenant Governor. The general election gave Gen. Oglesby a majority of about 31,000 votes. The Republicans had also a majority in both the Legislature and in the repre- sentation in Congress. Gov. Oglesby was duly inaugurated Jan. 17, 1865. The day before the first time set for his installation death visited his home at Decatur, and look from it his only son, an intelligent and sprightly lad of six years, a great favorite of the bereaved parents. This caused the inauguration to be postponed a week. The political events of the Legislative session of 1865 were the election of ex-Gov. Yates to the United States Senate, and the ratification of the 13th amendment to the Constitution of the United States, abolishing slavery. This session also signalized itself by repealing t'13 notorious " black laws," part of which, although a dead letter, had held their place upon the statute books since 1819. Also, laws re- quiring the registration of voters, and establishing a State Board of Equalization, were passed by this Leg- islature. But the same body evinced that it was cor- ruptly influenced by a mercenary lobby, as it adopted some bad legislation, over the Governor's veto, nota- bly an amendment to a charter for a Chicago horse railway, granted in 1859 for 25 years, and now sought to be extended 99 years. As this measure was promptly passed over his veto by both branches of the Legislature, he deemed it useless further to attempt to check their headlong career. At this session no law of a general useful character or public interest was perfected, unless we count such the turning oyer of the canal to Chicago to be deepened. The session of 1867 was still more productive of private and special acts. Many omnibus bills were proposed, and some passed. The contests over the location of the Industrial College, the Capital, the Southern Penitentiary, and the canal enlargement and Illinois River improvement, dominated every- thing else. During the year 1872, it became evident that if the Republicans could re-elect Mi:. Oglesby to the office of Governor, they could also elect him to the United States Senate, which they desired to do. Accordingly they re-nominated him for the Execu- tive chair, and placed upon the ticket with him for Lieutenant Governor, John L. Beveridge, of Cook County. On the other side the Democrats put into the field Gastavus Koerner for Governor and John C. Black for Lieutenant Governor. The election gave the Republican ticket majorities ranging from 35>334 to 56,174, — the Democratic defection being caused mainly by their having an old-time Whig and Abolitionist, Horace Greeley, on the national ticket for President. According to the general understand- ing had beforehand, as soon as the Legislature met it elected Gov. Oglesby to the United States Senate, whereupon Mr. Beveridge became Governor. Sena- tor Oglesby 's term expired March 4, 1879, having served his party faithfully and exhibited an order of statesmanship beyond criticism. During the campaign of 1884 Mr. Oglesby was nominated for a "third term" as Executive of the State of IlUnois, against Carter H. Harrison, Mayor of Chicago, nominated by the Democrats. Both gentlemen !' stumped " the State, and while the peo- ple elected a Legislature which was a tie on a joint ballot, as between the two parties, they gave the jovial " Dick" Oglesby a majority of 15,018 for Gov- ernor, and he was inaugurated Jan. 30, 1885. The Legislature did not fully organize until this date, on account of its equal division between the two main parties and the consequent desperate tacrics of each party to checkmate the latter in the organization of the House. Gov. Oglesby is a fine-appearing, affable man, with regular, well defined features and rotund face. In stature he is a little above medium height, of a large frame and somewhat fleshy. His physical appear- ance is striking and prepossessing, while his straight- out, not to say bluff, manner and speech are well calculated favorably to impress the average masses. Ardent In feeling and strongly committed to the pol- icies of his party, he intensifies Republicanism among Republicans, while at the same time his joviaL and liberal manner prevents those of the opposite party from hating him. He is quite an effective stump orator. With vehe- ment, passionate and scornful tone and gestures, tremendous physical power, which in speaking he exercises to the utmost ; with frequent descents to the grotesque; and with abundant homely compari- sons or frontier figures, expressed in the broadest vernacular and enforced with stentorian emphasis, he delights a promiscuous aidience beyond measure. (LS^^, GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS. loy John M. Pal mem i-:OHN Mc AULEY PALMER, Gov- ernor 1869-72, was born on Eagle Creek, Scott Co., Ky., Sept. 13, 1817. During his in- fancy, his father, who had been a soldier in the war of 181 2, re- moved to Christian Co., Ky., where lands were cheap. Here the future Governor of the great Prairie State spent his childhood and received such meager school- ing as the new and sparsely set- tled country afforded. To this he added materially by diligent reading, for which he evinced an eaily aptitude. His father, an ardent Jackson man, was also noted for his anti-slavery sentiments, which he thoroughly impressed upon his children. In 1831 he emigrated to Illinois, setriing in Madison County. Here the labor of improving a farm was pursued for about two years, when the death of Mr. Palmer's mother broke up the family. About this time Alton College was opened, on the "manual labor " system, and in the spring of 1834 young Palmer, with his elder brother, Elihu, entered this school and remained 18 months. Next, for over three years, he tried variously coopering, peddling and school-teaching. During the summer of 1838 he formed the ac- quaintance of Stephen A. Douglas, then making his first canyass for Congress. Young, eloquent and in political accord with Mr. Palmer, he won his confi- dence, fired his ambition and fixed his purpose. The following winter, while teaching near Canton, he be- gan to devote his spare time to a desultory reading of law, and in the spring entered a law office at Car- linville, making his home with his elder brother, Elihu. (The latter was a learned clergyman, of con- siderable orginality of thought and doctrine.) On the next meeting of the Supreme Court he was ad- mitted to the Bar, Douglas being one of his examiners. He was not immediately successful in his profession, and would have located elsewhere than Carlinville had he the requisite means. Thus his early poverty was a blessing in disguise, for to it he now attributes the success of his life. From 1839 on, while he diligently pursued his profession, he participated more or less in local politics. In 1843 he became Probate Judge. In 1847 he was elected to the State Constitutional Con vention, where he took a leading part. In 1852 hd was elected to the State Senate, and at the special session of February, 1854, true to the anti-slaverj sentiments bred in him, he took a firm stand in op- position to the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, and when the Nebraska question became a partj issue he refused to receive a re-nomination for th( Senatorship at the hands of the Democracy, issuin| a circular to that effect. A few weeks afterward, i68 JOHN MC AULEY PALMER. however, hesitating to break with his party, he par- ticipated in a Congressional Convention which nomi- T. L. Harris against Richard Yates, and which unqualifiedly approved the principles of the Kansas- Nebraska act. But later in the campaign he made the plunge, ran for the Senate as an Anti-Nebraska Democrat, and was elected. The following winter ne put in nomination for the ],United States Senate Mr. Trumbull, and was one of the five steadfast men who voted for him until all the Whigs came to their support and elected their man. In 1856 he was Chairman of the Republican State Convention at Bloomington. He ran for Congress in 1859, but was defeated. In i860 he was Republican Presidential Elector for the State at large. In 1861 Ae was appointed one of the five Delegates (all Re- publicans) sent by Illinois to the peace congress at Washington. When the civil conflict broke out, he offered his services to his country, and was elected Colonel of the J4th 111. Vol. Inf , and participated in the engagements at Island No. 10 ; at Farmington, where he skillfully extricated his command from a dangerous position ; at Stone River, where his division for several hours, Dec. 31, 1862, held the advance and stood like a rock, and for his gallantry there he was made Major General; at Chickamauga, where his and Van Cleve's divisions for two hours maintained their position when they were cut off by overpowering numbers. Under Gen, Sherman, he was assigned to the 14th Army Corps and participated in the Atlanta campaign. At Peach-Tree Creek his prudence did much to avert disaster. In February, 1865, Gen. Palmer was as- signed to the military administration of Kentucky, which was a delicate post. That State was about half rebel and half Union, and those of the latter element were daily fretted by the loss of their slaves. He, who had been bred to the rules of common law, trembled at the contemplation of his extraordinary power over the persons and property of his fellow men, with which he was vested in his capacity as military Governor ; and he exhibited great caution in the execution of the duties of his post. Gen. Palmer was nominated for Governor of Illi- nois by the Republican State Convention which met at Peoria May 6, 1868, and his nomination would probably have been made by acclamation had he not oersistently declared that he could not accept a can- didature for the office. The result of the ensuing election gave Mr. Palmer a majority of 44,707 over John R. Eden, the Democratic nominee. On the meeting of the Legislature in January, 1869, the first thing to arrest public attention was that portion of the Governor's message which took broad Slate's rights ground. This and some minor points, which were more in keeping with the Demo- cratic sentiment, constituted the entering wedge f jr the criticisms and reproofs he afterward received from the Republican party, and ultimately resulted in his entire aleniation from the latter element. The Legislature just referred to was noted for the intro- duction of numerous bills in the interest of private parties, which were embarrassing to the Governor. Among the public acts passed was that which limited railroad charges for passenger travel to a maximum of three cents per mile ; and it was passed over the Governor's veto. Also, they passed, over his veto, the " tax-grabbing law " to pay r^ilroed subscriptions, the Chicago Lake Front bill, etc. The new State Constitution of 1870, far superior to the old, was a peaceful " revolution " which took place during Gov. Palmer's term of office. The suffering caused by the great Chicago Fire of October, 1871, was greatly alleviated by the prompt responses of his excellency. Since the expiration of Gov. Palmers 's term, he has been somewhat prominent in Illinois politics, and has been talked of by many, especially in the Dem- ocratic party, as the best man in the State for a United States Senator. His business during life has been that of the law. Few excel him in an accurate appreciation of the depth and scope of its principles- The great number of his able veto messages abun- dantly testify not only this but also a rare capacity to pomt them out. He is a logical and cogent reasoner and an interesting, forcible and convincing speaker, though not fluent or ornate. Without brilliancy, his dealings are rather with facts and ideas than with appeals to passions and prejudices. He is a patriot and a statesman of very high order. Physically he is above the medium height, of robust frame, ruddy complexion and sanguine-nervous temperament. He has a large cranial development, is vivacious, social in disposition, easy of approach, unostentatious in his habits of life, democratic in his habits and manners and IS a true American in his fundamental principle- of statesmanship. GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. fjt .^e. fel^i^ (f¥f iifidgif , oeing date OHN LOWRiE BEVER- IDGE, Governor 1 87 3-6, was born in the town of Green- wich, Washington Co., N. Y., July 6, 1824. His parents were George and Ann Bever- idge. His father's parents, An- drew and Isabel Boveridge, be- fore their marriage emigrated from Scotland just before the Revolutionary War, settling in Washington County. His father was the eldest ofeight brothers, the youngest of whom was 60 years of age when the first one of the num- ber died. His mother's parents, James and Agnes Hoy, emigrated from Scotland at the close of the Revolutionary War, settling also in Washington Co., N. Y., with their first-born, whose " native land " was the wild ocean. His parents and grandparents lived beyond the time allotted to man, their average age over 80 years. They belonged to the " Asso- Church," a seceding Presbyterian body of America from the old Scotch school ; and so rigid was the training of young Beveridge that he never heard a sermon from any other minister except that of his own denomination until he was in his 19th year. Later in life he became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, which relation he still holds. Mr. Beveridge received a good common-school ed- ucation, but his parents, who could obtain a livelihood only by rigid economy and industry, could not send him away to college. He was raised upon a farm, and was in his i8th year when the family removed to De Kalb County, this State, when that section was very sparsely settled. Chicago had less than 7,000 inhabitants. In this wild West he continued as a farm laborer, teaching school during the winter months to supply the means of an education. In the fall of 1842 he attended one term at the academy at Granville, Putnam Co., 111., and subsequently several terms at the Rock River Seminary at Mount Morris, Ogle Co., 111., completing the academic course. At this time, the fall of 1845, his parents and brothers were anxious to have him go to college, even though he had not money sufficient; but, njt willing to bur- den the family, he packed his trunk and with only $40 in money started South to seek his fortune 172 JOHN L. BE VERIDGE. Poor, alone, without friends and influence, he thus entered upon the battle of life. First, he taught school in Wilson, Overton and Jackson Cos., Tenn., in which experience he under- went considerable mental drill, both in book studies and in the ways of the world. He read law and was admitted to the Bar, in the South, but did not learn to love the institution of slavery, although he ad- mired many features of Southern character. In De- cember, 1847, he returned North, and Jan. 20, 1848, he married Miss Helen M. Judson, in the old Clark- Street M. E. church in Chicago, her father at that time being Pastor of the society there. In the spring of 1848 he returned with his wife to Tennessee, where his two children, Alia May and Philo Judson, were born. In the fall of 1849, through the mismanagement of an associate, he lost what little he had accumu- lated and was left in debt. He soon managed to earn means to pay his debts, returned to De Kalb Co., 111., and entered upon the practice of his pro- fession at Sycamore, the county seat. On arrival from the South he had but one-quarter of a dollar in money, and scanty clothing and bedding for himself and family. He borrowed a little money, practiced ^aw, worked in public offices, kept books for some of the business men of the town, and some railroad en- gineering, till the spring of 1854, when he removed to Evanston, 12 miles north of Chicago, a place then but recently laid out, under the supervision of the Northwestern University, a Methodist institution. Of the latter his father-in-law was then financial agent and business manager. Here Mr. Beveridge prospered, and the next year (1855) opened a law office in Chicago, where he found the battle some- what hard; but he persevered with encouragement and increasing success. Aug. 12, 1861, his law partner. Gen. John F. Farnsworth, secured authority to raise a regiment of cavalry, and authorized Mr. Beveridge to raise a company for it. He succeeded in a few days in rais- ing the company, of course enlisting himself along with it. The regiment rendezvoused at St. Charles, 111., was mustered in Sept. 18, and on its organiza- tion Mr. B. was elected Second Major. It was at- tached, Oct. II, to the Eighth Cavalry and to the Army of the Potomac. He served with the regiment until November, 1863, participating in some 40 bat- tles and skirmishes : was at Fair Oaks, the seven days' fight around Richmond, Fredericksburg, Chancellors- ville and Gettysburg. He commanded the regiment the greater part of the summer of 1863, and it was while lying in camp this year that he originated the policy of encouraging recruits as well as the fighting capac- ity of the soldiery, by the wholesale furlough system It worked so well that many other officers adopted it. In the fall of this year he recruited another cora- pany, against heavy odds, in January, 1864, was commissioned Colonel of the 17 th 111. Cav., and skirmished around in Missouri, concluding with the reception of the surrender of Gen. Kirby Smith's army in Arkansas. In 1865 he commanded various sub-districts in the Southwest. He was mustered out Feb. 6, 1866, safe from the casualties of war and a stouter man than when he first enlisted. His men idolized him. He then returned to Chicago, to practice law, with no library and no clientage, and no political experi- ence except to help others into office. In the fall of 1866 he was elected Sheriff of Cook County, serving one term; next, until November, 1870, he practiced law and closed up the unfinished business of his office. He was then elected State Senator ; in No- vember, 187 1, he was elected Congressman at large; in November, 1872, he was elected Lieutenant Gov- ernor on the ticket with Gov. Oglesby ; the latter be- ing elected to the U. S. Senate, Mr. Beveridge became Governor, Jan. 21, 1873. Thus, inside of a few weeks, he was Congressman at large. Lieutenant Governor and Governor. The principal events oc- curring during Gov. Beveridge's administration were: The completion of the revision of the statutes, begun in 1869; the partial success of the "farmers' move- ment;" " Haines' Legislature " and Illinois' exhibit at the Centennial. Since the close of his gubernatorial term ex-Gov. Beveridge has been a member of the firm of Bever- idge & Dewey, bankers and dealers in commercial paper at 71 Dearborn Street (McCormick Block), Chicago, and since November, 1 881, he has also been Assistant United States Treasurer: office in the Government Building. His residence is still at Ev- anston. He has a brother and two sisters yet residing in De Kalb County — James H. Beveridge, Mrs. Jennet Henry and Mrs. Isabel French. GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS. I7S 8HELB Y M.. CULLOM. HELBY M. CULLOM, Gover- nor 1877-83,13 the sixth child of the late Richard N. CuUom, and was born Nov. 22, 1829,111 Wayne Co., Ky., where his fa- ther then resided, and whence both the Illinois and Tennessee branches of the family originated. In the following year the family emi- grated to the vicinity of Washington, Tazewell Co., 111., when that section was very sparsely settled. They lo- cated on Deer Creek, in a grove at the time occupied by a party of In- dians, attracted there by the superior hunting and fishing afforded in that vicinity. The following winter was known as the " hard winter," the snow 'being very deep and lasting and the weather severely cold; and the family had to subsist mainly on boiled corn or hominy, and some wild game, for several weeks. In the course of time Mr. R. N. Culloro became a prom- inent citizen and was several times elected to the Legislature, both before and after the removal of the capital from Vandalia to Springfield. He died about '873- Until about rg years of age young Cullom grew up to agricultural pursuits, attending school as he had '>ppoTtunity during the winter. Within this time, i)v/?ver, he spent several months teachin" =f.hool. and in the following summer he "broke prairie "with an ox team for the neighbors. With the money ob- tained by these various ventures, he undertook a course of study at the Rock River Seminary, a Methodist institution at Mt. Morris, Ogle County; but the sudden change to the in-door life of a stu- dent told severely upon his health, and he was taken home, being considered in a hopeless condition. While at Mt. Morris he heard Hon. E. B. Washburne mate his first speech. On recovering health, Mr. Cullom concluded to study law, under the instruction of Abraham Lincoln, at Springfield, who had by this time attained some notoriety as an able lawyer ; but the latter, being ab- sent from his office most of the time, advised Mr. Cullom to enter the office of Stuart & Edwards. After about a year of study there, however, his health failed again, and he was obliged to return once more to out-door Ufe. Accordingly he bought hogs for packing, for A. G. Tyng, in Peoria, and while he re- gained his health he gained in purse, netting $400 in a few weeks. Having been admitted to the Bar, he went to Springfield, where he was soon elected City Attorney, on the Anti-Nebraska ticket. In 1856 he ran on the Fillmore ticket as a Presi- dential Elector, and, although failing to be elected as such, he was at the same time elected a Representa- tive in the Legislature from Sangamon County, by a local coalition of the American and RepubUcan par- ties. On the organization of the House, he received the vote of the Fillmore men for Speaker. Practicing 176 SHELB Y M. CULLOM. law until 1 860, he was again elected to the Legisla- ture, as a Republican, while the county went Demo- cratic on the Presidential ticket. In January follow- ing he was elected Speaker, pjrobably the youngest man who had ever presided over an Illinois Legis- lature. After the session of 186 1, he was a candidate for the State Constitutional Convention called for that year, but was defeated, and thus escaped the disgrace of being connected with that abortive parly scheme to revolutionize the State Government. In 1862 he was a candidate for the State Senate, but was defeated. The same year, however, he was ap- pointed by President Lincoln on a Government Commission, in company with Gov. Boutwell of Massachusetts and Cnarles A. Dana, since of the New York Sun, to investigate the affairs of the Quartermaster's and Commissary Departments at Cairo. He devoted several months to this duty. In 1864 he entered upon a larger political field, being nominated as the Republican candidate for Congress from the Eighth (Springfield) District, in opposition to the incumbent, John T. Stuart, who had been elected in 1862 by about 1,500 majority over Lepnard Swett, then of Bloomington, now of Chicago. The result was the election of Mr. Cullom in Novem- ber following by a majority of 1,785. In 1866 he was re-elected to Congress, over Dr. E. S. Fowler, by the magnificent majority of 4,103! In i868 he was again a candidate, defeating the Hon. B. S. Edwards, another of his old preceptors, by 2,884 votes. During his first term in Congress he served on the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Expenditures in the Treasury Department; in his second term, on the Committees on Foreign Affairs and on Territories ■ and in his third term he succeeded Mr. Ashley, of Ohio, to the Chairmanship of the latter. He intro- duced a bill in the House, to aid in the execution of law in Utah, which caused more consternation among the Mormons than any measure had previously, but which, though it passed the House, failed to pas's the Senate. The Republican Convention which met May 2 c 1876, nominated Mr. Cullom for Governor, while the other contestant was Gov. Beveridge. For Lieuten- ant-Governor they nominated Andrew Shuman, editor of the Chicago Journal. For the same offices the Democrats, combining with the Anti-Monopolists, placed in nomination Lewis Steward, a wealthy farmer and manufacturer, and A. A. Glenn. The result of the election was rather close, Mr. Cullom obtaining only 6,800 majority. He was inaugurated Jan. 8, 1877. Great depression prevailed in financial circles at this time, as a consequence of the heavy failures of 1873 and afterward, the effect of which had seemed to gather force from that time to the end of Gov. Cullom's first administration. This unspeculative period was not calculated to call forth any new issues, but the Governor's energies were at one time put to task to quell a spirit of insubordination that had been begun in Pittsburg, Pa., among the laboring classes, and transferred to Illinois at Chicago, East St. Louis and Braidwood, at which places laboring men for a short time refused to work*or allow others to work. These disturbances were soon quelled and the wheels of industry again set in motion. In May, 1880, Gov. Cullom was re-nominated by the Republicans, against Lyman Trumbull, by the Democrats; and although the former party was some- what handicapped in the campaign by a zealous faction opposed to Grant for President and to Grant men for office generally, Mr. Cullom was re-elected by about 314.565. to 277,532 for the Democratic State ticket. The Greenback vote at the same tmie was about 27,000. Both Houses of the Legislature again became Republican, and no representative of the Greenback or Socialist parties were elected. Gov. Cullom was inaugurated Jan. 10, 1S81. In his mes- sage he announced that the last dollar of the State debt had been provided for. March 4, r883, the term of David Davis as United States Senator from lUinois expired, and Gov. Cul- lon was chosen to succeed him. This promoted Lieutenant-Governor John M. Hamilton to the Gov- ernorship. Senator Cullom's term in the United States Senate will expire March 4, 1889. As a practitioner of law Mr. C. has been a member of the firm of Cullom, Scholes & Mather, al Spring- field ; and he has also been President of the State National Bank. He has been married twice,— the first time Dec. II!, 1855, to Miss Hannah Fisher, by whom he had tv*o daughters; and the second time May 5, 1863, to Julia Fisher. Mrs. C is a member of the Method- isl Episcopal Church, with which religious body Mr. C. is also in sympathy. ' f--! GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 179 OHN MARSHALL HAMIL- TON, Governor 1883-5, was born May 28, 1847, in a log house upon a farm about two miles from Richwood, Union County, Ohio. His father was Samuel Hamilton, the eldest son of Rev. Wm. Hamilton, who, to- gether with his brother, the Rev. Samuel Hamilton, was among the early pioneer Methodist preachers in Ohio. The mother of the subject of this sketch was, before her marriage, Mrs. Nancy McMoiris, who was born and raised in Fauquier or Lou- 1 doun County, Va., and related to the two large families of Youngs and Marshalls, well known in that commonwealth ; and from the latter family name was derived the middle name of Gov. Hamilton. In March, 1854, Mr. Hamilton's father sold out his little pioneer forest home in Union County, O., and, loading his few household effects and family (of six children) into two emigrant covered wagons, moved to Roberts Township, Marshall Co., Ill, being 21 days on the route. Swamps, unbridged streams and innumerable hardships and privations met them 1)11 their way. Their new home had been previously ■elected by the father. Here, 3,fter many long years af toil, they succeeded in paying for the land and •making a comiorfa^'i'' home. John was, of cpurse. brought up to hard manual labors with no schooling except three or four months in the year at a common country school. However, he evinced a capacity and taste for a high order of self-education, by studying or reading what books be could borrow, as the family had but very few in the house. Much of his study he prosecuted by the light of a log fire in the old-fashioned chimney place. The financial panic of 1857 caused the family to come near losing their home, to pay debts ; but the father and two sons, William and John, "buckled to'' and perse vered in hard labor and economy until they redeemed their place from the mortgage. When the tremendous excitement of the political campaign of i860 reached the neighborhood of Rob- erts Township, young Hamilton, who had been brought up in the doctrine of anti-slavery, took a zeal- ous part in favor of Lincoln's election. Making special efforts to procure a little money to buy a uniform, he joined a company of Lincoln Wide- Awakes at Mag- nolia, a village not far away. Dijrectly after the ensuing election it became evident that trouble would ensue with the South, and this Wide-Awake company, like many others throughout the country, kept up its organization and transforrned itself into a military company. During the ensuing summer they met often for drill and became proficient ; but when they offerecj themselves for the war, young Hamilton was rejected on account of his youth, he being then but 14 years of age. During the winter of 1863-4 he attended an academy at Henry, Marshy.!} County. r8o JOHN MARSHALL HAMILTON. and in the following May he again enlisted, for the fourth time, when he was placed in the 141st 111. Vol.. Inf., a regiment then being raised at Elgin, 111., for the 100-day service. He took with him 13 other lads from his neighborhood, for enlistment in the service. This regiment operated in Southwestern Kentucky, for about five months, under Gen. Paine. The following winter, 1864-5, ^''- Hamilton taught school, and during the two college years 1865-7, he went through three years of the curriculum of the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio. The third year he graduated, the fourth in a class of 46, in the classical department. In due time he received the degree of M. A. For a few months he was the Principal of Marshall " College " at Henry, an acad- emy under the auspices of the M. E. Church. By this time he had commenced the study of law, and after earning some money as a temporary Professor of Latin at the Illinois Wesleyan University at Bloomington, he entered the law office of Weldon, Tipton & Benjamin, of that city. Each member of this firm has since been distinguished as a Judge. Admitted to the Bar in May, 1870, Mr. Hamilton was given an interest in the same firm, Tipton hav- ing been elected Judge. In October following he formed a partnership with J. H. Rowell, at that time Prosecuting Attorney. Their business was then small, but they increased it to very large proportions, practicing in all grades of courts, including even the U. S. Supreme Court, and this partnership continued .1.:; broken until Feb. 6, 1883, when Jtlr. Hamilton was sworn in as Exacitive of Illinois. On the 4th of March following Mr. Rowell took his seat in Con- gress. In July, 187 I, Mr. Hamilton married Miss Helen M. Williams, the daughter of Prof Wni. G. Williams, Professor of Greek in the Ohio Wesleyan University. Mr. and Mrs. H. have two daughters and one son. In 1876 Mr. Hamilton was nominated by the Re- publicans for the State Senate, over other and older competitors. He took an active pau '■ on the stump " in the campaign, for the success of his party, and was elected by a majority of 1,640 over his Democratic- Greenback opponent. In the Senate he served on the Committees on Judiciary, Revenue, State Insti- tutions, Appropriations, Education, and on Miscel- lany ; and during the contest for the election of a U. S. Senator, the Republicans endeavoring to re- elect John A. Logan, he voted for the war chief on every ballot, even alone when all the other Republi- cans had gone over to the Hon. E. B. Lawrence and the Democrats and Independents elected Judg? David Davis. At this session, also, was passed the first Board of Health and Medical Practice act, of which Mr. Hamilton was a champion, again:'; lo much opposition that the bill was several times "laid on the table." Also, this session authorized the location and establishment of a southern peni- tentiary, which was fixed at Chester. In the sessioc of 1879 Mr. Hamilton was elected President /wi'^»?. of the Senate, and was a zealous supporter of John A. Logan for the U. S. Senate, who was this time elected without any trouble. In May, 1880, Mr. Hamilton was nominated on the Republican ticket for Lieutenant Governor, his principal competitors before the Convention being Hon. Wm. A. James, ex- Speaker of the House of Representatives, Judge Robert Bell, of Wabash County, Hon. T. T. Fountain, of Perry County, and Hon. M. M. Saddler, of Marion County. He engaged actively in the campaign, and his ticket was elected by a majority of 41,200. As Lieutenant Governor, he presided almost continuously over the Senate in . the 32d General Assembly and during the early days of the 33d, until he succeeded to the Governorship. When the Legislature of 1883 elected Gov. Cullom to the United States Senate, Lieut. Gov. Hamilton succeeded him, under the Constitution, taking the oath of office Feb. 6, 1883. He bravely met all the annoyances and embarrassments incidental upon taking up another's administration. The principal events with which Gov. Hamilton was connected as the Chief Executive of the State were, the mine dis- aster at Braidwood, the riots in St. Clair and Madison Counties in May, 1883, the appropriations for the State militia, the adoption of the Harper high-license liquor law, the veto of a dangerous railroad bill, etc. The Governor was a Delegate at large to the National Republican Convention at Chicago in June,. 1884, where his first choice for President was John A. Logan, and second choice Chester A. Arthur; but he afterward zealously worked for the election of Mr. Blaine, true to his party. Mr. Hamilton's term as Governor expired Jan. 30, r885, when the great favorite "Dick" Oglesby was inaugurated. '-^-^^ GOVEBJSrOES OF ILLINOIS. 183 oc ^^^ 20_ 9 i^ife^. '-^^^ 5o" JOSEPH WILSON FIFER. This distinguished gentleman was elected Governor of Illinois November 6, 1888. He was popularly known during the campaign as "Private Joe." He had served with great devotion to his country during the Re- bellion, in the Thirty-third Illinois Infantry. A native of Virginia, he was born in 1840. His parents, John and Mary (Daniels) Fifer, were American born, though of German de- scent. His father was a brick and stone mason, and an old Henry Clay Whig in politics. John and Mary Fifer had nine children, of whom Joseph was tlie sixth, and naturally, with so large a family, it was all tlie father could do to keep the wolf from the door, to say nothing of giving his children any- thing like good educational advantages. Joseph attended school for a while in Virgina, but it was not a good school, and when his father removed to the West, in 1857, Joseph had not ad- vanced much further than the "First Reader." Our subject was sixteen then and suffered a great misfortune in the loss of his mother. After the death of Mrs. Fifer, which occurred in Missouri, the family returned to Virgina, but remained only a short time, as during the same year Mr. Fifer came to Illinois. He settled in McLean County and started a brickyard. Here Joseph and his brothers were put to work. The elder Mr. Fifer soon bought a farm near Bloomington and began life as an agriculturist. Here Joe worked and attended the neighboring school. He alternated farm- work, and brick-laying, going to the district school for the succeeding few years. It was all work and no play for Joe, yet it by no means made a dull boy of him. All the time he was thinking of the great world outside, of which he had caught a glimpse when coming from Virginia, yet he did not know just how he was going to get out into it. He could not feel that the woods around the new farm and the log cabin, in which the family lived, were to hold him. The opportunitj' to get out into the world was soon offered to young Joe. He traveled a dozen miles barefoot, in company with his brother George, and enlisted in Company C, Thirty-third Illinois Infantry, he being then twenty years old. In a few days, the regiment was sent to Camp Butler, and then over into Missouri, and saw some vigor- ous service there. After a second time helping to chase Price out of Missouri, the Thirty-third Regi- 184 JOSEPH W: FIFEB. ment went down to Milliken 's Bend, and for several weeks "Private Joe" worked on Grant's famous ditch. The regiment then joined the forces oper- ating against Port Gibson and Vicksburg. Joe was on guard dutj^ in the front ditches when the flag of surrender was run up on the 4th of July, and stuck tlie bayonet of his gun into the embank- ment and went into the city with the vanguard of Union soldiers. The next da^', July 5, the Thirty-third joined the force after Johnston, who had been threatening Grant's rear; and finally an assault was made on him at Jackson, Miss. In this charge "Private Joe" fell, terribly wounded. He was loading his gun, when a minie-ball struck him and passed entirely through his body. He was regarded as mortally wounded. His brother, George, who had been made a Lieutenant, proved to be the means of sav- ing his life. The Surgeon told him that unless he had ice his brother could not live. It was fifty miles to the nearest point where ice could be obtained, and the roads were rough. A comrade, a McLean County man, who had been wounded, offered to make the trip. An ambulance was secured and the brother soldier started on the journey. He re- turned with the ice, but the trip, owing to the roughness of the road, was very hard on him. Af- ter a few montlis' cardf ul nursing, Mr. Fifer was able to come home. The Thirty-third came home on a furlough, and when the boys were ready to return to the tented field, young Fifer was ready to go with them, for he was determined to finish his term of three years. He was mustered out in Oct- ober, 1864, having been in the service three years and two months. "Private Joe" came out of the army a tall, tan- ned, and awkward young man of twenty-four. About all he possessed was ambition to be some- body — and pluck. Though at an age when most men liave finished their college course, the young soldier saw that if he was to be anybody Ue must have an education. Yet he had no means to ena- ble him to enter school as most young men do. He was determined to have an education, however, and that to him meant success. For the following four years he struggled with his books. He en- tered Wesleyan University January 1, 1865. He was not a brilliant student, being neither at the head nor at the foot of his class. He was in great earnest, however, studied hard and came forth with a well-stored and disciplined mind. Immediately after being graduated, he entered an office at Bloomington as a law student. He had previously read law a little, and as he continued to work hard, with the spur of poverty and prompt- ings of ambition ever with him, he was ready to hang out his professional shingle in 1869. Being trustworthy, he soon gathered about him some in- fluential friends. In 1871 he was elected Corpora- tion Counsel of Bloomington. In 1872 he was elected State's Attorney of McLean Count}-. This office he held eight years, when he took his seat in the State Senate. He served for four yeai-s. His ability to perform abundance of hard work made him a most valued member of the Legislature. Mr. Fifer was married in 1870 to Gertie, daugh- ter of William J. Lewis, of Bloomington. Mr. Fifer is six feet in height and is spare, weighing only one hundred and fifty pounds. He has a swarthy com- plexion, keen black eyes, quick movement, and pos- sesses a frank and sympathetic nature, and natur- lly makes friends wherever he goes. During the late gubernatorial campaign his visits throughout the State proved a great power in his behalf. His faculty of winning the confidence and good wishes of those with whom he comes in personal contact is a source of great popularity, especially during a political battle. As a speaker he is fluent, his lan- guage is good, voice clear and agreeable, and man- ner forcible. His manifest earnestness in what he says, as well as his tact as a public speaker, and his eloquent and forceful language, make him a most valuable campaign orator and a powerful pleader at the bar. At the Republican State Convention, held in May, 1888, Mr. Fifer was chosen as its candidate for Governor. He proved a popular nominee, and the name of "Private Joe" became familiar to everyone throughout the State. He waged a vigorous campaign, was elected by a good majority, and in due time assumed the duties of the Chief Executive of Illinois. i. ■■^^ 4^ IK"rRODUQT:"ORY. '^. JHE time has arrived when it becomes the duty of the people of this county to per- petuate the names of their pioneers, to furnish a record of their early settlement, and relate the story of their progress. The civilization of our day, the enlightenment of the age and the duty that men of the pres- ent time owe to their ancestors, to themselves and to their posterity, demand that a record of their lives and deeds should be made. In bio- graphical history is found a power to instruct man by precedent, to enliven the mental faculties, and to waft down the river of time a safe vessel in which the names and actions of the people who contributed to raise this country from its primitive state may be preserviid. Surely and rapidly the great and aged men, who in their prime entered the wilderness and claimed the virgin soil as their heritage, are passing to their graves. The number re- maining who can relate the incidents of the first days jf settlement is becoming small indeed, so that an actual necessity exists for the collection and preser- vation of events without delay, before all the early settlers are cut down by the scythe of Time. To be forgotten has been the great dread of mankind from remotest ages. All will be forgotten soon enough, in spite of their best works and the most earnest efforts of their friends to perserve the memory of their lives. The means employed to prevent oblivion and to perpetuate their memory has been in propor- tion to the amount of intelligence they possessed. ThT pyramids of Egypt were built to perpetuate the names and deeds of their great rulers. - The exhu- mations made by the archeologists of Egypt from buried Memphis indicate a desire of those people to perpetuate the memory of their achievements The erection of the great obelisks were for tl:;e same purpose. Coming down to a later period, we find the Greeks and Romans erecting mausoleums and monu- ments, and carving _out statues to chronicle their great achievements and carry them down the ages. It is also evident that the Mound-builders, in piling up their great mounds of earth, had but this idea — to leave something to show that they had lived. All these works, though many of them costly in the ex- treme, give but a faint idea of the lives and charac- ters of those whose memory they were intended to perpetuate, and scarcely anything of the masses of the people that then lived. The great pyramids and some of the obelisks remain objects only of curiosity; the mausoleums, monuments and statues are crum- bling into dust. It was left to modern ages to establish an intelli- gent, undecaying, immutable method of perpetuating a full history — immutable in that it is almost un- limited in extent and perpetual in its action ; and this is through the art of printing. To the present generation, however, we are in- debted for the introduction of the admirable systeii) of local biography. By this system every man, thougV he has not achieved what the world calls greatness, has the means to perpetuate his life, his history, through the coming ages. The scythe of Time cuts down all ; nothing of the physical man is left. The monument which his chil- dren or friends may erect to his memory in the ceme- tery will crumble into dust and pass away; but his life, his achievements, the work he has accomplished, which otherwise would be forgotten, is perpetuated by a record of this kind. To preserve the hneaments of pur companions we engrave their portraits, for the same reason we col- lect the attainable facts of their history. Nor do we think it necessary, a j we speak only truth of them, to wait until they are dead, or until those who know them are gone: to do this we are ashamed only to publish to the world the history of those whose Uve? are unworthy of public record. gON. SAMUEL DYSART, World's Fair Commission- er, representing the Sev- enth Congressional Dis- trict of Illinois, and Vice- , President of the Illinois State Board of Agricul- ture, is one of Lee County's most , eminent citizens, whom she delights to honor. For many years he has done conspicuous service in promot- ing her progress, and is a well-known figure in her public, political and social life, as well as one of her fore- most agriculturists and stockmen. He was one of the first to introduce thoroughbred stock in Lee County, and is con- ducting an extensive business as a breeder of horses, cattle and swine of the highest standards on his finely appointed stock farm on section 14, China Township. A native of Huntingdon County, Pa., our sub- ject was born September 14, 1834. His father, James Dysart, was also a Pennsylvanian by birth, and was born in Lancaster County, in 1788. He was married to Elizabeth Roller in Huntingdon County, of which she was a native, and they passed many years of their wedded life there. In 1855 they came to Illinois and settled among the pio- neers of Lee County in the vicinity of Franklin Grove, where they lived greatly respected until they passed from life. They were th6 parents of ten children, eight sons and two daughters, and our subject was their seventh child in order of birth. The father was a man of forceful charac- ter, who had decided opinions of his own, and was strongly imbued with the principles of right, truthfulness and honesty. His face was set against oppression of any kind; he championed all good causes, and was one of the pioneer abolitionists of his day. With other leaders in the anti-slavery moveihent he organized the Free Soil convention at Buffalo, N. Y., in 1848, and nominated John Van Buren for the Presidency. Our subject is of mingled German and Irish an- cestry, and comes of a long-lived, vigorous race, from whom he inlierits a strong constitution and a fine physique. He passed the first twenty years of his life in his native State, whence he came to Lee County in the spring of 1855, and has ever since been closely identified with its highest interests. He has made farming and stock-raising his chief occupation. Always a great admirer of fine stock, he early learned to distinguish the good points of a horse and to judge of the merits of cattle and swine, and even in boyhood had a keen desire to raise thoroughbred stock. In 1855 he settled on section 14, China Township, where he has devel- oped a farm of four hundred acres, widely known as the "Pines Stock Farm." The improvements that he has made are of a high order and include a well-arranged set of buildings, of an appropriate and handsome style of architecture. Mr. Dysart has had a wide exi)erience in breed- 192 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. ing stock of all kinds, has made a careful study of the subject, and perhaps no man in this section is more thoroughlj^ posted in regard to stock matters than be. To him and other leading stockmen Lee County is indebted for raising the standard of horses, cattle and hogs now grown within its limits, as he was among the first to introduce thorough- breds here. He has given much attention to the breeding of Berkshire and Poland China swine and Short-horn cattle, and has a fine herd of Short- horns, from which he derives a neat income. From one cow and her descendants of that breed, which cost him 1250, he sold $11,000 worth of stock in fifteen years. Mr. Dysart has always been \cry much interested in forestry, and is an enthusiastic advocate of preserving the forests now standing as far as possible, and of extending the area of growing timber by constantly i)lanting trees. He has carried out that idea in his own domains, and beautiful ornamental, shade and fruit trees, singly, in groups, or in groves, adorn his farm, and furnish more wood and timber than he can use. The first two or three years after !Mr. Dysart came to this county he lived in single blessedness, but at the end of that time he returned to Ills na- tive State to claim his promised bride. Miss Mar- garet J. Henderson, and on the 24th of February, 1858, they were wedded. They were friends of long standing, their parents being neighbors. In babyhood they liad often been rocked in the same cradle, had played together as boy and girl, and as they grew up side by side had learned tlie old, old story which resulted for them in a true marriage. Among its blessings are the nine children born to them as follows: Harry W., who married JNIiss Etta Crirton; Lilly V., who died when twelve years old; Lola W., who died at the age of three 3'eais; U. Grant, who married Miss Eliza Xclles; Drusilla D.; Horace II.; Jesse R.; Birdie B.; and Mary Jeanette. Mrs. Dysart was born in Huntingdon County, Pa., September 11, 1834, the seventii of the nine children, five sons and four daughters of David and Margaret (Conrad) Henderson. Her father was born in Center County, Pa, .June 30, 1797, and died October 7, 1882. Her mother was born in Huntingdon County, I'a,., in 1800, and died in April, 1878. His frank and genial manner and courteous treatment of all with whom he comes in contact lender Mr. Dysart very popular, and be numbers among his friends men in all walks in life. He is a man of progressive spirit, practical mind, keen and critical knowledge of men and affairs, and his business tact, administrative and executive ability have gained him prominence both as a civic official and as a private citizen. Although from time to time he has accepted important public positions, he is not an office seeker, and has refused legislative honors, as well as nominations to various other offi- ces. From the first he identified himself with the educational interests of China Township, and dur- ing thirtj-five of the thirty -seven years that he has lived here has held some school office, as that of director or trustee. We have referred to Mr. Dysart's activity in advancing the farming interests of Lee County, and we find that he was one of the first members of the Lee County Agricultural Association, which he has also served as President. In 1874 he was elected ^'ice-President of the State Board of Agri- culture, and has been a continuous member of the Board since that date. In the fall of 1886 he was elected President of the Board, acted in that ca- pacity two years, 1889 and 1890 served as ex-Pres- ident, and in the fall of 1890 he was again made its Vice-President, which position he still holds. His influence and zeal have been potent in making this organization useful in advancing the interests of the farmers of Illinois by diffusing a more scientific knowledge of agriculture among the people and en couraging the adoption of the most approved mod em methods of tilling tlie soil and raising stock. In the summer of 1888, as President of the Board of Agriculture, he visited Europe in its interesst, and was absent about four months, his time being spent mostly in France investigating the breeding of French draft horses. He had previously gone thither as Live-stock Commissioner to the Paris Exposition of 1878. having been appointed by President Hayes in Feliruary of that year, and sailing m the month of May, spent six months \cry profitably in various European countries. Besides attending to his numerous interests, pub- lic and private, Mv. Dysart has been Secretary of PORTEAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 193 the Bradford Mutual Fire Insurance Company, for twenty years, and has enhanced the prosperity of the company by his connection with it. He has a thorough knowledge of the political issues of the day and has followed the fortunes of the Republi- can party since its organization, steadfastly sup- porting its principles by voice and vote. He is a leading member of the Masonic fraternity, having joined that order July 2, 1858. He has served as Master Mason, has been a Chapter Mason for twenty years, and High Priest of Franklin Grove Chapter and has belonged to the Scottish Rite Consistory since li'ebruary 22, 1867. He has been a member of the Dixon Commandery, Knight Templars, since 1878. July 1, 1891, Governor Fifer appointed Mr. Dy- sart one of the Illinois World's Fair Commissioners for the Seventh Congressional District. His friends and constituents are highly gratified at his selec- tion for this important office, for which they deem him eminently fitted, and they know that he will devote his whole energies to the work before him, sparing neither time or labor to insure a successful representation of the varied interests of this sec- tion at the Columbian Exposition of 1893. Since receiving his commission he has been made Chair- man of the Committee on Architecture, Drawings, Topograpical Surveys, Maps, etc. He is also one of the Committee on Grounds and Exterior Orna- mentation, the Printing Committee, and the Com- mittee for Collecting Exhibits for the Seventh Congressional District. The lithographic portrait of Mr. Dysart accom- panies this sketch. THOMAS J. BUCKALOO, who owns and operates one hundred and forty-one acres _ of land on section 15, Dixon Township, is a worthy representative of one of the honored pio- neer families of the county. His parents here lo- cated in an early day, more than half a century having passed since they became residents of Dixon Township. His father, Joseph Buckaloo, was born in the Keystone State, Pennsylvania, of Dutch parentage, and after attaining to mature years, wedded Miss Eliza Kerr, who was born in the same locality as iier husband, but was of Irish descent. In 1889, with their two children, they emigrated Westward by way of the water route to Savanna, 111., and from thence came to Lee County. A few years after their arrival Mr. Buckaloo purchased the farm on which our subject now resides, and it continued to be his home until his death in 1852, at the age of forty years. His widow died Janu- ary 11, 1892, being seventy-six years of age. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church. The surviving members of the family are T. J., of this sketch; and Amanda H. and George W., who are living in Dixon. Mr. Buckaloo, whose name heads this sketch, has spent las entire life in this locality. He was born near his present farm on the 17th of March, 1842, and has ever followed agricultural pursuits with the exception of two years, when he worked at the trade of a carpenter. He was only ten years old when his father died, but with his mother he re- mained until his marriage. In Ogle County he formed a matrimonial alliance with Miss Maggie A. Craddock, a native of Hagerstown, Washing- ton County, Md., and a daughter of John and Amelia Craddock, the former born in England, and the latter in Maryland. About tlie time he at- tained his majority, her father crossed the briny deep to this country, and as a farmer began life in America. After his marriage he determined to try his fortune in the West, and with his family located in Ogle County, III., settling in Pine Creek Town- ship, where he established one of the first mills in that section. He was doing a good business when he went to Peru, where he contracted the cholera, which was then epidemic. He had barely time to reach liome before his death occurred. Mr. Crad- dock was an industrious and. energetic man, and had tlie respect of all who knew him. His wife survived him some time, and died about the close of the war in^July, 1865, in Buffalo Grove'Town- ship. Her only son that lived to be grown, was a soldier of the late war, and died in Cliicago, in July, 1890. Three daughters are yet living, one of the number being the wife of our subject. Five children have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. 194 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Buckaloo, Clinton C, who was educated in the Dixon schools and the Nonrial College, and is now- teaching; Mabel E., who is successfully engaged in teaching; Grace A., Libby and Allen T., are at home. Mr. Buckaloo and his wife have many friends throughout the community, who esteem them highly for their sterling worth, knowing them to be upright people, possessing man}' excel- lencies of character. In politics he is a Repub- lican, but takes no active part in public affairs, preferring to give his entire attention to his busi- ness. He has made of his life-work a signal suc- cess, and is now the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and forty-one acres, improved with all the necessary buildings, and stocked with good horses and cattle, while its fields are well tilled and yield to him a golden tribute. j^^ CHUYLER RANSOM located in the town- ^^^ ship of Nelson more than a quarter of a |jl/_jj) century ago, and since that time has worked his way up to a leading position among its farmers and stock -raisers. Coming here in poverty, and by his untiring labors, conducted systematically, with business tact and foresight, gathering together a valuable property, the pos- session of which makes him one of the solid mon- eyed men of this vicinity. He owns a quarter of section of land that he has transformed into one of the finest and best appointed farms in the State. Mr. Rausom was born .June 25, 1H22, in Meuna Township, Oneida County, N. Y., a son of Elijah Ransom, who was a native of Washington County, that State. His father was reared to the life of a farmer, and when a young man went to Oneida County, where he was married to Miss jMary Dunton, a native of Massachussetts. She was of Massachusetts parentage, while he was of ^\'elsli descent. After marriage they began life on a small farm in that county, living for many years in Camden Township, and when elderly peoi)le came to Illinois, settling in Ogle Cuunty, where the wife died a few years later when a little past fifty years old. Her husband afterwards went to Kansas, and died there when upwards of eighty years of age in the home of his son, Bradley V., who had resided in the Sunflower State since the days of the excitement over the discovery of gold on Pike's Peak. The parents of our subject were strong Presbyterians in their religious faith and members of the church. Schuyler Ransom early became acquainted with the pioneer life of Northern Illinois, as he left home when twenty years old to seek fortune's favors in what was then regarded as the " Wild West." He was by no means a capitalist at that time, as he did not have money enough to leave the State. But his cousin kindly made up the defic- iency by lending him some cash. He arrived in Chicago September 26, 1842, and from there went to Rockford with a teamster. Fifty cents was all the money that he had left when he got there. He, however, made his way to Byron, in Ogle County, nothing discouraged by his lack of funds, and there worked for a j-ear at $10.00 a month. He managed to get together a team of oxen, with which he began to break raw prairie, and he turned many hundred acres of sod, working hard to obtain the means to get a good start as a farmer. He also drove a team all over the northern part of the State, his principal route being from Chicago to Galena and to Dubuque, Iowa. He thus had a good opportunitj' to see the country while much of it was still in its primitive wildness, with but few signs of the coming civilization, and he can compare its past with its present condition as a witness of the wonderful change that has been effected by the hand of man since he first trod tliese prairies. The land over which he rode when engaged as a teamster was then wild and often swampj', where are now smiling farms and thriving cities. Frequently on his journeys the roads would be so bad that he would get stuck in some mud hole, and at times would have to work two Iroui-s to extricate his team. Our subject experienced all the hardships and trials of pioneer life in a newly settled country, but his struggles with the advei-se forces of nature were at length crowned with success. In 1863 he rented a farm in Nelson Township, and by cai-eful PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 195 economy was able, in a few j'-ears, to purchase the farm that he had rented, but did not have cash CHOUgh to pay the whole price at once. IK- now has nearly the whole of it under a high state of cultivation, has cleared off the encumbrance, free- ing himself entirely from debt, and has made many line improvements, including a very large barn, built in 1885, and a handsome residence, erected in 1883. His farm is one of the most attractive places in this vicinit}^, everything about it being kept up to a high standard, showing tlie presence of a master mind and hand. y>ILLIAM H. ACItER, one of the farmers whose place, by virtue of its well-tilled acres, its neat buildings and general appearance of prosperity, proclaims him to be a man who is not satisfied with mere existence, is the gentleman whose name heads this sketch, and who is at the present time making his home on section 11, Amboy Township. He was born in Rens- selaer County, N. Y., January 2, 1832, where he remained until reaching his fifth year, when his parents removed to Orleans County. In the latter named place our subject received his education and grew to man's estate, being of great help to his father while remaining under the parental roof. When reaching his majority William II. Acker determined to see what fortune would do for him in the West, and accordingly came to Fayette County, Ind., where he made his home for the succeeding three years, and thinking that he could still better his prospects, made his advent into the Prairie State and located in this county, choosing May Township as his abiding place. This was in 1857, and he remained in that township for four- teen years when ho made another removal, this time moving into Amboy Township, where he has been a resident since the spring of 1871. The gentleman whoso ^ name heads this sketch was united in marriage March 27, 1871, soon after his removal into this township, the lady of his choice bearing the maiden name of Miss Mary Calkins, a native of Palmer, Mass., her birth occur- ring there February 23, 1^19. Iler union with Mr. Acker has been prtiductive of four children, only two of whom are living, namely: — GeOrge II. and Maiy Eunice. Those deceased are Bertha and Emma, both of whom died in childhood. IMrs. Acker is a very worthy ladj^ and is much esteemed in her neighborhood. William H. Acker has always been interested in educational affairs, which fact is manifested by his having been elected to serve his township on the School Board for several years. In politics the Republican party considers him as one of its most active members. Mrs. Acker worships with the members of the Baptist Church where she is a regular attendant. Our subject's father was Frederick Acker and a native of the Empire .State, while the mother, who bore the maiden name of Miss Hannah Green, was born in Rhode Island. The former passed from this life in Fayette County, Ind., and the mother died in May Township, this county. They were aged respectively seventy-iive and sixty years. The father of Mrs. ]Mary Calkins, bore the name of Dudley Calkins and claimed Massachusetts as his native State. Her mother was Marj' E. (Shaw) Calkins, also a native of Massachusetts. On com- ing West her parents first located in Will County, this State, but later came to this county, settling in 1865 in May Township, which they made their home until 1871, when they came to Amboy Township. 'In the spring of 1882 they wont to Holt County, Neb., and there spent their last days, dying greatly esteemed by all who were honored with their acquaintance. ^Hil-^'^^S^^^^^^ """02- ON. GEORGE RYON, M. D., of Amboy, was born at Elkland, Tioga County, Pa., June 5, 1827. • He traces his ancestry to ^ Ireland, whence his great-grandfather, John Ryon, emigrated to the United States and settled in New England. His grandfather, also named John, was born in Coiiiieciicut and was a soldier in 196 POETRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. the Revolutionarjr Wfir, serving during the entire eight years of the conaict and being mustered out with the ranlc of Orderly Sergeant of his company. James Ryon, fatlier of our subject, was born in Luzerne County, Pa., and was a farmer by occupa- tion. In his native State he was married to Miss Sarah Place, and in 1837 with his young wife re- moved to Illinois, settling in that part of La Salle County which now forms Kendall County, and there improved a farm. In the home he there made his wife died in 1848. In 1861 James Ryon removed to Woodland, in the Sacramento Valley, Cal.,and there resided with a son until 1866 when he returned to this State and passed his remaining years with his children at Streator. His death occurred August 8, 1872, when he was seventy years of age. In early life he was a Democrat in his political principles, but when the Republican party was formed he became its stanch supporter. He and his wife had a fam- ily comprising ten children, all of whom attained to years of maturity. Our subject, who was the fifth in order of birth, was a mere lad when he ac- companied his parents to Illinois; lie assisted on the farm during the summer season, while in the winter he was a pupil at an acadeiiiy in Kendall County. Later he utilized his excellent education as a te.acher in the district schools during one winter. The profession of medicine earlj' engaged the attention of Mr. Ryon, who, having made it his choice for a life work, studied with Dr. Isaac Ives, of Pavilion, 111., as preceptor, and later read with Drs. Wheeler and Holden, also of Kendall County. He took two courses of lectures at Rush Medical College, Chicago, after which, his funds being ex- hausted, he engaged in teaching school one win- ter to replenish his depleted account and then com- menced the practice of his profession in Paw Paw, this county. Subsequently' he was graduated from the Rush Medical College and thus thoroughly equipped for his profession, engaged in the prac- tice of the same with considerable success. Six or seven years after Gommencing the prac- tice of medicine, the Doctor was seized with a de- sire to become a lawyer and, in pursuance of that wish, he took up the study of Coke and Black- stone. In 185.S he was admitted to the bar at Dixon and while engaged in legal practice was drawn into politics. In 1860 he was chosen to represent Lee and Whiteside Counties in the Leg- islature, and in that responsible position did all in his power to advance the interest of his constitu- ents. After the breaking out of tiie Civil War, he raised a company of volunteers, in August, 1862, for the Seventy-fifth Illinois Infantry and at its organization was elected Colonel. However, he had served but a short time when on account of ill health he was obliged to resign his commission after the battle of Perryville. On his return to Paw Paw, the Doctor resumed the practice of medicine which he continued until 1866. At that time he was again elected to the State Legislature, his district embracing Lee County alone, and he served with credit to himself and constituents. The year 1869 marked his arrival in Amboy and the organization of a private bank which he continued to manage until 1873. Remov- ing then to Streator, he formed a partnership with his two brothers, Hiram N. and Francis M., and or- ganized the Streator Coal Company, with a capital stock of 1200,000. The company developed the coal business of that city and maintained a credit- able reputation as reliable and successful financiers. The Doctor removed from Streator to Chicago in 1876 and, associated with Dr. F. B. Ives, resumed the practice of medicine. Three years later he re- turned to Amboy where he has since continued to reside, engaged in the practice of his first chosen profession — medicine. The Doctor was married in 1852 to Ruth A., the daughter of Isaac and Mehetable Ives, of whom further mention will be found in the sketch of W. E. Ives, on another page. Dr. and Mrs. Ryon were blessed in their union bj' the birth of one daughtar, named Carrie S., who early gave promise of an un- usually brilliant womanhood. Her parents spared no pains in giving her good advantages and at the age of nineteen, in the Class of '80, she was grad- uated from the Chicago University. She died August 31, 1886, greatly mourned by the host of warm friends to whom she had been deeply at- tached, but especially is her loss mourned by the loving and devoted parents who idolized their only child. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 197 In his political belief the Doctor is a thorough Republican, using his influence in behalf of that party. Besides the ofBces above mentioned, he lias served on the Board of Supervisors several years and has been Mayor of Amboy several terms. His wife is a member of the Baptist Church, and he gives liberally of his means to the support of wor- thy measures. He has written occasional articles for meihcal periodicals, reporting such cases as come under Iiis notice which he deems of interest to the fraternity. Besides his pleasant home in Amboy he own two fine farms, comprising three hundred acres, all of which represent his unaided efforts since he came to this State. ■ ^ ■* i * i > i /^ ORXELIUS VROOM is contributing to the (li n continued prosperity of Nelson Township ^^:/' as an industrious farmer, who is profitably carrying on his calling on his well-tilled farm of eighty acres of land, which is provided with good improvements, and is in a pleasant locality, ad- vantageously situated just east of Nelson Station, on sections 16, 17 and 20, his residence being on the first mentioned section. Mr. Vroom was born on Staten Island, April 28, 1840, coming of the old Dutch stock that peopled New York in Colonial times. His father, Henry Vroom, was a native of New York, and spent the most of his long life on Staten Island, dying thei-e in 1889, at the age of eighty-five years. He was a shoemaker and a farmer, devoting his latter years to agricultural pursuits. His wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Christopher, survives him, and is still living on the old homestead. She is now eighty-three years of age, and her life has been wholly spent on the island where she was born. She is a devoted member of tiie Methodist Episcopal Church, as was her husband. He was an old-line Whig in his politics until the formation of the Republican party, when he transferred his allegiance to that great political organiza- tion. The paternal grandfather of our subject, Henry Vroom, Sr., was a native of the Empire State, and the blood of Holland ancestry ran in his veins. He always lived in the State of his nativity, the most of his life being passed as a small farmer on Staten Island, where he died at the home of his son Henry, at the age of eighty-three years. His wife was also a native of New York, and she died on Staten Island when very old. Both were strong Methodists in religion, and he was a Whig in politics. > Oar subject is the third child of a family of four sons and a like number of daughters, of whom seven are yet living, and are all married. He is the only one residing in Illinois. He was reared under wholesome home influences, principles of right doing being early instilled into his mind, and when he went forth into the world, a youth of nineteen years, he was well-equipped for life's battles. It was then, in 1859, that he came to this county, and has since lived in Nelson Township. He was poor in purse, but his sturdy spirit, ability to work, and thrifty habits have placed him in an independent position. In 1869 he had sufficient means to purchase his present farm, and then began farming and stock-raising on his own account. He has placed every foot of his land under a high state of cultivation, and has his place fitted up with every convenience for carry- ing on his operations successfully. He is a man of steady habits and stable character, always strictly honest in money matters, and his neighbors and associates have a high opinion of him. He and his wife are attendants at the Methodist Church, giving liberally of their means to its support, and heartily co-operating with its pastor and other members of the congregation in promoting all plans for social or moral improvement of the com- munity. In politics, he is a Republican. By his marriage in Union City, Branch County, Mich., with Miss Libby, daughter of Henry and Harriet (Swift) Trear, our subject secured a wife who is devoted to his interests, and is a cheerful and capable helpmate. She was born in Erie County, Ohio, April 27, 1840, but she was mostly reared and educated in Branch County, Mich., whither her parents removed when she was a child of six years. Her father was born in Germany, and came to the United States when twenty-seven 198 PORTEAIT AND BIOGEAIHICAL RECORD. yeai-s of age. He was married after coming to this country, his wife being a native of New York. After the birth of all their children, they left the home that they had established in Ohio, and set- tled on a farm in Branch County, Mich., where they lived until death removed them from tlie scene of their labors at a ripe age, he being seventy- one and she seventy-four when they passed away. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and were truly good people. He was a Republican in his politics. Mrs. A^room is the fifth of the family- of four sons and three daugh- ters born to her parents, of whom but one, the youngest son is dead, all the others, with the ex- ception of Mrs. Vroom, still living in Michigan. /p^EORGE E. STAI.XBROOK, the efficient (if '^ County Sheriff of Lee County, is one of ^^^ the wide-awake and ambitious young men of Dixon who will undoubtedly make of life a success, as he is possessed of energy, industry and a perseverance that overcomes all obstacles. He claims the honor of being a native of the county, his birth having occurred in Viola Township, Sep- tetfiber 11, 1858. His father, Isaiah Stainbrook, a native of Meadville, Crawford County, Pa., comes of an old Pennsylvanian family of German origin. His grandfather, Fred Stainbrook, was born and reared in the Keystone State, and is yet living in PawPaw, 111., at the advanced age of ninety years. The infirmities of age, however, rest lightly upon him, he still retaining much of the physical and mental vigor of middle life. His father, the great- grandfather of our subject, a Revolutionary hero, lived and died in Pennsylvania, and was a son of the fonnder of the family in America, a German emigrant who on leaving the Fatherland crossed the Atlantic and settled in Crawford County, Pa. where his descendants have now lived for several generations. The family have been a farming people. In the usual manner of farmer lads, Isaiah Stainbrook was reared to manhood, and in an early day accompanied his parents to Illinois, the family locating in Willow Creek Township, Lee County where he attained his majority. In Viola Township, ho fornled a matrimonial alliance with Isabel Davidson, who was born in Canada. On her father's side she was of Scotch descent, and on her mother's side was of Scotch-Irish lineaffe. . During her girlhood she accompanied her parents to New York, and from thence the family came to Illinois, locating on a farm in Viola Township, where both her father and mother spent their remaining days. They were members of the Pres- byterian Church. After his marriage Isaiah Stain- brook enlisted for the late war in August, 1864, as a member of the Seventy-fifth Illinois Infantrj', and was assigned to Company F. The regiment served with the armies of the Cumberland and Tennessee, and Mr. Stainbrook was with his com- mand in all the engagements in which it partici- pated, lie was never wounded or taken prisoner, but still suffers from rheumatism caused by exposure. When the war was over he was hon- orably discharged, and at once returned to his home in Viola Township, where he has since engaged m agricultural pursuits. He is one of the successful farmers and well-known citizens of that community, and exercises his right of franchise in support of the Republican party. His parents were members of the Methodist Church, and he and his wife attend its services. Our subject is the eldest of their four children, two sons and two daughters. The second son, William, wedded Rosa Johnson and is a resident farmer of A'iola Township; Mary is the wife of Charles Stout, also a farmer of that township; and Jennie mar- ried William Phillips, an agriculturist of Viola Township. George F. Stainbrook acquired a good practical education in the public schools, and early became acquainted with the labors of the farm from whence his experiences of life in early yeai-s were all obtained. He possesses a nature extremely practi- cal yet progressive, and is ambitious. To farm work he devoted his energies until a little more than eight years ago when he was made Deputy Sheriff of Lee County, and removed to Dixon. He i)roved one of the most faithful and efficient PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 199 public servants, and for eight years iilled that oflOiee. In 1890 he was elected Sheriff, and is now discharging the duties of that position with prompt- ness and fidelity. He is the j'oungest Sheriff that Lee County ever had, a fact which spealis well foi- the confidence reposed in him by his fellow citizens and also for his personal popularity. A man-iage ceremony, performed in Dixon on tUe 16th of October, 1890, united the destinies of Mr. Stainbrook and ]Miss Anna B. jMulkins. Her parents, Lemuel and Helen Mulkins, are residents of this city, where their daughter was born on the 6th of September, 1863. She is an intelligent and cultured lady and possesses no small artistic skill, her landscape and portrait paintings both being worthy of high commendation. Mr. and Mrs. Stainbrook attend the Methodist Church. He is connected with several civic societies, being a member of the United Workmen, the Modern Woodmen, and the Illini Tribe of Red Men. -In politics he is a stalwart Republican, and takes considerable interest in political affairs, keeping himself well informed on the. issues of the day. 1^ ]i^ENNIS C. HARDEN farms, raises stock I Jj) and carries on a profitable dairy business (aJ^ in Nelson Township, of which he is a leading citizen. His farm comprises a quarter of a section of land, which is well im- proved, is supplied with a good set of buildings, convenient in their arrangements and roomy in dimensions, and it is fully stocked with cattle, horses and swine of excellent breeds. Bom October 4, 1849, our subject first took up the burden of life in the State of Pennsylvania. His father, Jacob Harden, a well-known pioneer and honored citizen of Nelson Township, is like- wise a Pennsylvanian by birth, born and reared in Somerset County, his parents being also natives of Pennsylvania. After attaining manhood Jacob Harden selected a wife in the person of Miss Cath- erine Cook, who has since shared his fortunes and has been of real help to him in securing the com- fortable competency which they are now enjoying together, in the declining years of lives well spent. Catherine Cook was a daughter of one of the re- spected old families of the Keystone State, where she had her birth and up-bringing. After four children had been born unto them, of whom our subject is the eldest, Mr. and Mrs. Harden emi- grated to this State to begin life anew on its wild prairies. They located on a tract of Government land on section 23, Nelson Township, and Mr. Harden labored long and hard to transform it into the fine farm that it is to-day. He and his good wife still make ii their home and are surrounded bj' every comfort that heart can desire. They are Christians of the stanch Lutheran type and are members of that clairch. Dennis C. Harden was a child of four years when his parents brought him to this county in 1853, and he has ever since lived in Lee County. His boyhood days were passed on his father's farm, where he learned many a useful lesson that after- ward helped him to success when lie began the life of a farmer on his own account. In 1873 he pur- chased the farm which is still his home, and has greatly increased its value by the fine improve- ments he is constantly making. He is systematic in carrying on his work, eraploj^s the methods of cultivation best adapted to the soil, wherein lies the secret of his success in a great measure, and he understands how to handle his stock to the best advantage. He is well fitted out for the dairy bus- iness, which is a source of profit as he conducts it. Mr. Harden was married in this township to Miss Kate McCleary, a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of William and Sal in da (More- head) McCleary,who were pioneers of Lee County. Her parents were born in Pennsylvania but were of Scotch lineage. They came hither when she was young, and at first lived on a farm in Nacliusa Township. Later the father purchased a farm in Nelson Township, to which he removed his family and here he died in 1884 at the age of three-score years and ten. Religiously, he was a Presbyterian and, politically, he was a Democrat. Mrs. Harden was fourteen years old when the family came to this State, and she remained one of the parental household until her marriage. She died here in the home in whose upbuilding she had assisted her 200 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. husband, December 3, 1889, at the age of thirty- eight, and was mourned far beyond the home cir- cle, as she was a woman of rare merit, of a sweet and wholesome nature, and all who came under her influence found her to be kind and true.' By her death the Lutheran Church lost one of its most esteemed members. She was a devoted wife and fond mother, and her happy marriage with our sub- ject that was saddened only by herdeath,was blessed to them by three children: Eva J., at home with her father; William J., and Lawrence D., who is being reared by an aunt. Mr. Harden is a whole-souled, warm-hearted, genial man, of generous impulses and frank, even temper, who is a general favorite throughout the township where he is well known; and not only this but he is honorable and manly, and irreproach- able in his personal habits. He has held the vari- ous local offices, and always manifested proper public spirit in regard to all feasible plans for the improvement of township or countJ^ In religion he is a Lutheran. His political S3'mpathies are with the Republican party. j^^ TEWART WILSON, who is engaged in ^^^ general farming and stock-raising on sec- (fl/^j tions 29 and 30, Palmyra Township, is a native of the Keystone State. Blair County was the place of his birth and the date January 14, 1849. His paternal grandfather, James Wilson, was also born in Pennsylvania, and was of Scotch lineage. He became a well-to-do farmer and spent his entire life in Blair County, reaching the allotted years of three-score and ten. His wife died when Franklin Wilson, father of our subject, was born. There were only two sons in the family, and the brother died in Pennsylvania. In the county of his nativity Franklin Wilson was reared to manhood and married Miss Susan, daughter of Philip and Mary Bridenbaugh. Her parents were of German descent and were members of the Ger- man Reformed Church. The Wilsons were Presby- terians in religious faith. Five children, three sons and two daughters, were born unto Franklin Wilson and his wife during their residence in Altona Township, Blair County, Pa. They left the East in 1856, and- with their family came to Lee County, HI., spending the first two years after their arrival in Dixon Township The father then purchased a farm in Palmyra Township, which is now the property of our sub- ject, and began its development. By his labors, the once barren tract was transformed into rich and fertile fields, which yielded to him a golden tribute. In politics, he was a supporter of Democratic prin- ciples, and was a member of the Presbyterian Church. He passed from this life November 4, 1870, at the age of forty-six yeai-s. His widow still survives him and is now living with her daughter, Mrs. C. C. Fisk. of Sterling, at the age of sixty-three years. She, too, is a mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church and is a lady whose upright and consistent life has won her the warm regard of all with whom she has come in con- tact. The first eleven years of his life, Stewart Wilson spent in the county of his nativity. It was in 1860 that he came with his parents to Illinois, since which time he has made his home in Lee ^ County. In 1870, on attaining his majority, he purchased his present farm, which comprises one hundred and eighty-eight acres of productive land. The entire amount is under a high state of cultiva- tion, with the exception of about twenty-eight acres, and bounteous harvests reward the care and labor he bestows upon it. In many respects this is a model farm. The home is a comfortable brick residence, and good barns and outbuildings afford shelter for his stock which is all of superior grades. He is now engaged quite extensively in the breed- ing of Shetland ponies and m.any fine specimens niaj' be seen in his stables. In Palmyra Township, Mr. Wilson formed a matrimonial alliance with ]MissEmma A. Fisk, one of Lee County's fair daughters, born in that town- ship in 185:'). Her parents were E. 11. and Amelia (Sprout) Fisk, natives of Alassachusetts, where the days of tluir childhood were passed and their mar- riage was celebrated. On coming to Illinois, they took up their residence on a farm in Palmyra Township, where Mr. Fisk passed away in 1888, at POETRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 201 the age of sixty-six years. His widow, now sixty- three years, is living with her (laughters. Both were well known people in this community, being highly respected by their many friends and ac- quaintances. The home of Mr. and Mrs. "Wilson has been brightened bj?^ the presence of a daughter, Lorena A., who is now fourteen years of age. The parents are both members of the Presbyterian Church in Sterling. In politics, our subject is a Democrat and is now filling the office of Road Commissioner. Fair and honest in all his dealings, he has not only won the confidence of those with whom business relations have brought him in contact, but has also made a handsome property and is ranked among the well-to-do citizens of the community. _y ACOB ASCHENBRENNER, who is a dealer in coal in Amboy, dates his residence in this county from July, 1855. He was born in Hesse-Cassel, Germany, August 6, 1825. His parents, Jacob and Caroline Aschenbrenner, were natives of Germany, and spent their entire lives in their native country. They had a family of four children as follows: Conrad, who died in Bradford Township, this county, leaving a family; Carl died in Germany; Mena, who became the wife of George Schaffer, died in this county; and our subject, Jacob, who is the only survivor. The father was married a second time by which union six children were born, namely: John, George, Elizabeth, Eliza, Frederick and William, all of whom came to the United States and settled m Iowa, where the eldest, John, is a clergyman in the Evangelical Church. Our subject learned the trade of a plasterer in his native land, and served in the German army for ten years, four years in active service, and six on the reserve force. During this time he participated in engagements in the Revo- lution of 1848, and in the year 1849 in IIol- stein. He came to the United States in the year 1855, settling in Lee County, in July of that year, in which place he rented land and carried on farming until 1862, then removing to Amboy, where he worked two years for the Illinois Central * Railroad. After this he followed draying for two years, since which time he has been engaged in his present business. Our subject has been twice married, his first wife being Miss Elizabeth Dehnhalt, to whom he was united in 1853. She died in 1860, leaving three children: Christina was married to Jacob Thiel, of Amboy; Conrad married Miss Bertha Fickensher, and resides in Amboy; Elizabeth was married to Frank Estie, and died at Amboy. Mr. Aschenbrenner was a second time married in 1861, the maiden name of his wife being Frede- ricka Hess. She was born in Baden, Germany. She emigrated to the United States in 1856, and resided in Chicago until her marriage. No chil- dren have been born to this union. Mr. Aschen- brenner is a Democrat, and has held a prominent place in local politics. His fellow-citizens have shown their confidence in him by the gift of vari- ous offices, he having served as Alderman two terms, and for nine years as a member of the Board of Education. The family attend the Lutheran Church, of which he was one of the organizers, and are highly respected members of society. "^ ACOB HEPPERLIN left the German Father- land in the prime of early manhood to seek a new home in America, and after journey- ing thousands of miles over sea and land, found himself in the heart of a strange country, among an unknown people, with but little in this world that he could call his own. He, however, had that within him that would overcome all diffi- culties in his pathway, as was proved by liis subse- quent career, and to-day he is living retired from farming or other active business in his comfortable home in Paw Paw. Mr. Hepperlin was born in the village of Neid- lingen, near Wurtemberg, Germany, July 26, 1827. His father, John Hepperlin, was also born in that place [and was the son of an- other John Hepperlin, who was a farmer 202 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. and a life-long resident, of that locality. Tiie father of onr subject wns lired to the life of a^ farmer and always followed that occupation, with the exception of the time when he was serving in the German army, in accordance with the laws of the land. He accompanied Napoleon in the cam- paign agamst ]Moscf)w, and suffered some of the terrible horrors of the retreat from that Russian city. He died in the land of his nativity in 1856. He was the father of seven children, of whom only two came to America, his daughter Katherine Gsel- ler and our subject, and three of his grandsons and two of his granddaughters. The subject of this sketch passed his early life in his native land and received a very good edu- cation in its schools. He at last decided to emi- grate to America, whither so many of his country- men had gone to seek the competence denied them at home, and in 'SLa.y, iwr)4, he set sail from Havre, and thirty-seven days later disembarked in New York CitJ^ He came directly to Illinois, and at Princeton found work on a farm, being employed by the month. He had but little spare cash when he went there, but he worked hard, and in time saved money enough to buy a farm seven miles northwest of that town. In 1«74 he sold that place, and coming to Paw Paw, bought village property and established himself in the furniture business. He was thus engaged until 1877, when he resumed farming. Six years later he abandoned agricultural pursuits, and has since lived retired, in the enjoyment of an income amply sufficing for all his wants. He has a comfortable property, iji- cluding a double brick block in Paw Paw, which came into his possession in 1882, through his ex- changing land that he owned in Iowa for it, and he has a farm of two hundred and thirty-four acres in Willow Creek Township, that is well improved. Mr. Hepperlin was first married in Bureau County in 1859, to Miss Rebecca Duestin, a native of Ohio. She departed this life in 1865. His second marriage was in 1867 to Miss Maggie Mercer, a na- tive of Bureau County. She died in 1868. In 1869 our subject was wedded to Mrs. Cynthia (Mercer) Baker, widow of the Rev. D. S. Baker, and unto them has been born one son, Jesse Ellis. Mrs. Hepperlin by her former marriage had one daughter, l^eonora. She married J. A. jMcCuUoch, and they have one child, Ada C. Mr. and Mrs. Heppeilin are among the most worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are held in high consideration in the community. Mis. Hepperlin comes of the pioneer stock of this State. Slie is a native of Belmont County, Ohio, and a daughter of Ellis Mercer, who was born in Yiiginia, and was a son of the Rev. Ed- ward ]\rei'cer, who was also a Virginian. The father of the latter, who was of Sctjttish birth and ances- try, came to America at the time of the Revolution and secured quite a large tract of land near Will- iamsport, Va., and ended his days there. He was a Quaker in religion. Mrs. Hepperlin 's grand- father was reared and married in the Old Domin- ion, and subsequently went from there to Greene County, Pa., and a few years later went to Bel- mont County, Ohio, making the removal with a team. He was a millwright and carpenter by trade, but after marriage he studied medicine, and became a practicing physician. He was also somewhat noted as a preacher of the Methodist Protestant Church, and did good service as a missionary in Belmont County. After his arrival in, that section he had bought land ten miles from Clavesville, and lived there until 1836, when he again became a pioneer, journeying to Illinois through tlie inter- vening wilderness, and locating at Princeton, where death found him at a ripe age. Mrs. Hepperlin s father was very young when his parents went tol'ennsylvania,and he was four- teen years of age when he accompanied them on their migration to Ohio. He worked at the trades of millwright and carpenter in that State until he came to this one in 1836. He was accompanied by his wife and four children, and thej^ traveled to their destination on the waters of the Ohio, Missis- sippi and Illinois Rivers to Hennepin, and thence by team to Bureau County. At that time North- ern Illinois was sparsely settled, and the greater part of the land was owned by the Government, and has since been sold at $1.25 an acre. Mr. Mercer entered two hundred and forty acres of land three miles southwest of Princeton, and he bought a s(iuatter's claim to a part of a grove, in which there was a set of log buildings and wig- AMANDA M.POWER5. *w- ABIJAH POWERS. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 207 warns still standing tliei-c, showed the recent pres- ence of the Indians, wliile deer and other kinds of game denoted that the country' w.is but little ad- vanced in civilization. Mr. Mercer improved his land, and after living on it a quarter of a century he sold it, and passed his remaining years in Web- ster County, Iowa. The maiden name of his wife was Nancy Busli, and she was a native of Penn- sylvania. Her father, William Bush, was a native of Eugland; and her mother, Mary (Larwood) Bush, was born of English parents in the State of Delaware. Mr. Mercer died in Bureau County. Mrs. Hepperlin was nine years old when she came to Illinois with her parents, and she made her home.with them until her first marriage in her twenty-first j'ear to the Rev. Dennis Stephen Baker. Mr. Baker was a native of New York, and was educated for the ministry of the Methodist Protestant Church. On account of ill health he had to abandon his profession, and he turned his attention to farming in Bureau County, where he died in 186.5. ABIJAH POWERS, was for many ''^ years one of the most prominent citizens of Palmyra Township. He died at his home on the 24th of July, 1891, aged seventy-six years, and no death in the community has been more deeply regretted on the part of many friends, for he was widely and favorably known throughout the entire county. He has here resided since the spring of 18.S8, and in the long years had formed an extensive acquaintance and secured the regard of all with whom he came in contact. Born in Greenwich, Hampshire County, Mass., December 16, 1814, Mr. Powers belonged to that family of which Hiram Powers, the sculptor, is a member. His grandfather, Col. Thomas Powers, was also born in the Bay State and was quite prominent in public affairs in Hampshire County. He lived and died in Massachusetts, passing away at the advanced age of four score years. His busi- ness through much of his life was that of the con- structton of turnpikes. He married n Massachu- 9 setts lady, Miss Ilines, who was of Irish descent, although her parents were born in America. She died in Massachusetts at an advanced age. The father of our subject, Joseph Powers, was one of the 3'ounger members of a large family, and in the usual manner of farmer lads was reared to manhood. While residing in Hampshire Count}', ]Mass., he had the misfortune to lose his property bj' signing notes for supposed friends and this led him to seek a home in the West. In the county of his nativity he married Sallie Powers, who was descended from the same family as her husband, al- though the relationship was not very near. In the spring of 1838, .Toseph Powers, and his son, Abijali, our subject, started to the West together, and the expenses of the journey were paid with the money which the latter had earned as a day laborer. His father having lost his property, it was in the hope of retrieving in a measure his lost possessions that they left their old home. Together they traveled to Milwaukee, Wis., and then separated, the father going to Chicago with their baggage, while the son traveled through vSouthern Wisconsin and down the Rock River. The}' later met in Rock Island, and thence came up the river to Dixon's Ferry, now the city of Dixon, where they decided to locate. In the wilds of Palmyra Township they took up their residence and with their sou, Josepli Powers and his wife re- sided until called to their final rest. His death occurred April 28, 18.5.3, at the age of sixty seven years. His wife survived him some time and died •at the age of seventj'-six. They were industri- ous people, upright and honorable in all things, but in later life misfortune overtook them. With the Congregational Church they held membership, and in the early d.iys, Mr. Powers was a ^^'hig. Ever a strong opponent of slavery, on its organiza- tion he joined the Republican party, which was formed to prevent the further extension of that institution. Generous and kind-hearted, he was a friend to the poor and needy and wherever known was held in warm regard, lie made friends wherever he went, and few indeed were his enemies. The last of the family, a son, who re- sided in Worcester, Mass., died in February, 1892. Abijah Powers had only $5 in his pocket when 208 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. he reached Luo County. He thus hegaxi life in the West a very poor man, and for some time worked by the month as a farm hand. He entered land in the fall of 1838, and when it came into market was enabled to purchase it, having by his industry and economy acquired a sufficient sum, but it was some time afterward ere he located upon it. All unbroken was the tract, not a furrow having been turned or an improvement made, but with charac- teristic energy he began its development and in course of time had one of the finest farms in the connty. It is situated on section 31, ralm3'^ra Township, and comprises three hundred acres of valuable land, whereon might be found the im- provements of a model farm. At the time of his death he also owned five hundred and sixty acres in Jordan Township, Whiteside County, whicli yielded to him a golden tribute. After making some preparations for securing a home, Mr. Powers returned to his native county in the fall of 1839, and in September wedded Miss Amanda M. Sprout, who was bom in Greenwich, Mass., in 1819, and is a daughter of Ezra and Dency (Newland) Sprout, who were farming peo- ple of the Bay State. Her father died in Green- wich, Mass., after which Mrs. Sprout came to Illi- nois and died at the home of her daughter in Sterling at the age of nearlj' ninety years. She was a member of the Baptist Church and lier hus- band held membership with the Congregational Church. In politics, he was a Whig, and after- ward a Republican with strong anti-slavery views. Two of his sons served in the War of the Rebellion and Elmer was killed at the battle of the Wilder- ness. Three others are still living in Massachusetts. Mrs. Powers spent the days of her maidenhood in her parent's home, and has become one of the faithful and noble wives and mothers whom all de- light to honor. In the familj' were six children, but two are now deceased — Alfred A., who died at the age of six years; Helen became the wife of Anson Thummel, of Palmyra Township, and died in 1889, leaving five children. Of the survivino- members of the family, Elvira is the wife of Capt. Charles Eckles, who wore the blue in the late war and is now a prominent farmer near Marshalltown Iowa; Mary is the wife of J. C. Nickerson, a com- mission merchant at No. 91 South Water Street, Chicago; Warren F., who wedded Mary Miller, of Whiteside County, now operates the farm in that county which was owned by his father; Austin, who married Adella Tallman, operates the home farm and completes the family. In politics, Mr. Powers was a Re[)ubliean and held a number of local offices, including that of Town Supervisor, which he filled for five years. In 1876, he was elected to represent his district in the Tliirtieth General Assembly of Illinois, where he proved an able officer, discharging his duties with promptness and fidelity. His public .and private life were alike above reproach. Genial by nature and kindly in disposition he easily won friends and their high regard was never forfeited by an unworthy act. He was a faithful member of the Congregational Church, of Prairieville, and was its Deacon at the time of his death, having filled the office for some years previous. Mrs. Powers is also a member of that church. She still resides ui)on the farm where she has made her home for more than half a century since she was brought there a bride by her honored husband. Our readers will be pleased to notice in connec- tion with this sketch the lithographic portraits of the late Mr. Powers and his estimable wife, as well as a view of the pleasant homestead where Mrs. Powers is quietly passing the twilight of her life. u- ^ILLIAM H. HILLES, deceased, was born in Western Pennsylvania, and died at his home in Dixon, on the 7th of November, 1882, at the age of seventy-three years. His father, Hugh Hilles, came of a very intelligent Quaker family of the Keystone State. He followed the trade of milling throughout the greater part of his life. From Pennsylvania he removed to Ohio, and in later j-ears was a resident of Jay County, Ind., where he owned large tracts of land. His death occurred in that county when past the age of sixty years. His life had been a busy and useful one and his efforts met with a just reward in the shape of a handsome competence. Hi# wife, PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, 209 who was also descended from a highly respected family belonging to the Friends Society, also died in Indiana. Our subject was an infant when, with his parents, he removed from the Keystone State to Colum- biana, Ohio, where he was reared to manhood and acquired his education. ]\Iost of his life was spent in his father's mill, and in the early '40s he emi- grated westward, locating in LaSalle County, 111., where he improved a good farm, making it his home for about ten years. _ He was there residing at the time of the great storai, never to be for- gotten, which visited that section. The storm con- tinned for about two months and was a blizzard the greater part of the time. As many people in the community had built only temporary houses, ex- pecting to erect better ones later on, they w^ere ill protected from the cold and there was considerable loss of life. Much stock was also frozen, and that long period of stormy weather was one which will never be effaced from memory by those who exper- ienced it. Returning to the State of Ohio, Mr. Hilles wedded Miss Mary A. French, who was born among the beautiful hills surrounding Gillhampton, N. H. She came of one of the old and highly respected New England families. Her parents were .Toseph and Mary (Stewart) French, also na- tives of New Hampshire. The grandmother of Mi-s. French was a sister of President John Adams, but her father was of Scotch descent. Amidst the hills of their native State, Joseph French and his wife were reared to manhood and womanhood, and ' in the vicinity of Newburyport their marriage was celebrated. Tliere, and at Concord, X. H. they spent the greater part of their lives but in their declining years followed their children to the West and passed their last days in the town of Painesville, Ohio. Throughout his life, Mr. French was a member and an active worker in the Con- gregational Church, and for many years filled its offices. The upright, honorable lives of himself and wife won them the highest regard of all with whom they came in contact and, when called to their final home, their loss was sincerely mourned by many friends. Mrs. Hilles, wife of our subject, received good practical educational advantages and is a lady of marked individuality. She inherits some of the best characteristics of her New England ancestors and is a refined and accomplished lady- In early years slie was zealous in church work and her labors in its behalf have been productive of much good. But on account of conflicting views she withdrew from the church in 1835, and since that time has been connected with no religious organization. In her early life, she was much interested in the cause of abolition and bent her whole energies to aid in the work. When onlj' eighteen years of age, she be- came identified with the movement, although it was in opposition to the stand which her church had taken, and from that time forward worked untir- ingly in the Interest of tiie slaves until their free- dom was declared. She possesses a remarkable memory and can recall manj' incidents of early history in tliis community which are very enter- taining. Out of the kindness of her heart she has reared and educated several children and aided others in starting in life. Kindness, generosity and warm-heartedness have won her many friends whose high regard she will retain to the last. In 1853, Mr. Hilles sold his farm in LaSalle County and came to Lee County, where he pur- chased the farm he owned at his death. In every instance he set out good orchards as he was a lover of horticultural work. At the time of his death, he owned four hundred acres, highly cultivated land, and was quite well-to-do. Although he be- gan life empty-handed, he worked his way upward, overcoming all obstacles until he had gained a competencj-. Mr. Hilles was a man of superior intelligence and was always well informed on the questions of the day. He was reared under the auspices of the Society of Friends and in accord- ance with its teachings lived an honest, upright life. His influence was great and he exerted it ever in the cause of right. During slave days, he spent many hundred dollars in the cause of free- dom, and when the war broke out, in every pos- sible way supported the cause of the Union and the administration. He lived to see much improve- ment in Lee County and not a little of the growth and development was due to his efforts. His life was well and worthily spent and he left 210 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. behind hiin many friends to mourn lii.s deatli. At tlie age of seventy-three, wishing to live re- tired, he removed to Dixon and on the following daj' died from a stroke of paralysis. \i] RA S. SMITH. Were mention to be made of |! the farmers of Amboy Township without giv- /t ing a prominent place to this gentleman, cer tainly an injustice would be done both to himself and the community. His fine farm, comprising one hundred and sixtj'-three acres, is located on section 26, and contains a fine set of farm buildings, well adapted to their varied uses. Although he has resided on the place but a short time, he lias already introduced many improvements, and evi- dences of his thrifty management may be seen on every hand. A native of New Hampshire, Mr. Smith was born in Enfield, Grafton County, March 11, 1829. His parents, Clement and Lucy (Farnham) Smith, were natives of the Granite State, where both died in Enfield. Their family consisted of eleven children, of whom Ira S. was the eighth in order of birth. He was reared to manhood upon a farm in Grafton County, where he resided until 1848. At that date he removed to Boston, Mass.; and secured employment as a clerk in a grocery store, where he remained several years. When the gold fever was raging at its height, he. went to the Pacific Slope, in the fall of 1851, and engaged in mining in Cali- fornia. After an absence of about one year, he returned to Boston, having met with fair success in his mining operations. Soon after his return to the East, Mr. Smith once more started on a prospecting tour, this time coming to Illinois, where in Springfield he found employment as a. fireman on what is now the Wabash Railroad, eighteen miles east of the city. While thus engaged, on December 21, 1854, the boiler exploded and he was blown into the air, alighting two hundred feet in the rear of the place where the explosion occurred. He was badly scalded and injured, his left shoulder and the ribs on his right side being broken. It was some time before he recovered from the effects of that terri- ble accident, and when he did so he removed to Iowa and purchased a farm in Madison County, there engaging in agricultural pursuits for six years. Then selling the place, which he had greatly im- proved, Mr. Smith returned to Illinois and for nearly a year lived in Bureau County, whence, in the spring of 1863, he removed to Amboy, and procured employment jn the machine shop of the Illinois Central Railroad. After following that business ten years, he next opened a meat market in Amboy and continued thus engaged for six years. His fellow-citizens about that time elected him City Marshal and retained him in that place three years, after which he sold his interests in the city and removed to Morton County, Kan., there engaging in farming. For a time he was also em- ployed as a machinist in the St. Louis & San Fran- cisco shops in Anthony, Harper County, Kan., where he resided two years. In June, 189( , Mr. Smith returned to Lee County, purchased his present estate and has since engaged exclusively in farming pursuits. During his resi- dence in Springfield, 111., he was married, April 19, 1853, to Miss Elizabeth Pearl. This lady was born in Oxford County, Me., July 8, 1831, and is the daughter of Benjamin and Susan (Otis) Pearl, na- tives respectively of Maine and Now Hampshire, both of whom died in Porter, Me. They had a family of seven children, Mrs. Smith being the * youngest. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, two children have been born: Winslow C. and Edgar Otis. The former married Ella Spencer and they have five children: Pearl E., Henry W., Carrie D., Hollis S. and Edna B. The latter mar- ried Julia Duffey, and three children have been born of their union: Ada I., Minnie E. and Hazel P. In the public life of the community Mr. Smith has always been greatly interested and has con- tributed as much as possible toward its success. For several terms he served as Collector, and while a member of the School Board for nine years, pro- moted the educational interests of the district. As a member of the Amboy City Council, he aided PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 211 in its deliberations and assisted in the plans for promoting the progress of the place. He has talten considerable interest in political affairs and is adecided Republican. His wife is a mem- ber of the Advent Church, while he contributes in that direction liberally of his means. Socially he holds membership in the Masonic fraternity. Ili'^-i^l ,^i^EORGE S. AND ELLIOTT 8. McCLEARY are profitably engaged in business as dairy- men and farmers, and each has a well- stocked and finely equipped dairy farm in Nelson Township. These gentlemen are natives of Law- rence County, Pa., the first-mentioned born Feb- ruary 15, 1848. George McCleary's farming inter- ests are centered on section 13, where he owns one hundred and thirty-eight acres of excellent farm- ing land, that is finely adapted to stock-raising purposes, and is one of the best dairy farms of the neighborhood. It is stocked to its fullest capacity with cattle of good breeds, and for the past two years Mr. McCleary has kept a herd of thirty dairy- cows and by his able management has made this branch of agriculture a paying business. He and his brother came to this countj- with their parents and other members of the family in the. spring of 1865 and have since been numbered among its most desirable citizens. He spent the first eigh- teen months aft«r his arrival in Dixon Township, and since then has been a resident of Nelson Town- ship, becoming the owner of his present farm in 1876. The marriage of George McCleary with Miss Mary A. Alcorn was solemnized in his native county. She was also a Pennsy] vanian by birth, born in Beaver County, in 1855, and was ten years old when her parents, Henry and Catherine (Baker) Alcorn, removed to Lawrence County, where they now live retired, having formerly been engaged in farming. May 29, 1889, death crossed the threshold of the home of our subject and took from him his beloved wife, who had filled in a per- fect measure her position as daughter, wife and mother, and was truly a home-maker. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and her Christian spirit was evinced in her daily life. Four children were born of her marriage with our sub- ject, all of whom are with him and are named as follows: Edna, Iva P., Charles N. and Frances C. Elliott S. McCleary has won a fine reputation as a farmer of much ability, who employs modern methods in conducting his operations, keeps his farm up to a high standard in point of cultiva- tion and improvement, and is raising first-class stock. His homestead lies on sections 12 and 13, Nelson Township, and here he and his family live very pleasantly. He gives much attcsntion to the dairy business and has thirty-five cows of the finest breed for that purpose, which net him a good yearly income. He has found in his wife, formerly Miss Melinda Gruver, a capable coadjutor in the making of a home. Their marriage was celebrated in Nelson Township, where Mrs. McCleary was reared and educated, coming here with her parents when a child. She, like her husband, is a native of Penn- sylvania, born in Columbia County in 1853, and is a daughter of Uriah Gruver, a wealthy farmer, living in Dixon. Our subjects are sons of William McCleary, who was a native of the same Pennsylvania county in which they were born. He in turn was a son of Samuel McCleary, who was a native of the North of Ireland, and came to this country when he was twelve years old, with his parents, who were of ^ Scotch-Irish stock. The family first settled in Westmoreland County, Pa., and when Samuel was a young man removed from there to what is now New Castle, the county seat of Lawrence County, that city now being built upon the farm that the grandfather of our subjects developed from the dense growth of primeval forest that then pre- vailed in that section of the country. Samuel Mc- Cleary spent his remaining days in the home that he made there, dying at the age of fifty-six. He was prominent in promoting the growth of New Castle and lived to see it a flourishing town. He was one of its pioneer merchants and one of its principal business men in his day. Besides run- ning a mercantile establishment he did an exten- sive business as a drover, taking stock to Philadel- 212 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. phia, and with the pi-oceeds of the sales buying goods to sell at home. He and his wife were great workers in church matters, and they helped to or- ganize the Presbyterian Clmrch in their town. Samuel McCleary was married in New Castle to Nancy frorden, who was born on the Atlantic Ocean when her parents were emigrating to this country from tlieir ancestral home in Scotland. They were a branch of the celebrated Gorden fam- ily so well known in the history of .Scotland. Tliey settled first in Westmoreland County, Pa., after their ariival in America, and thence removed to Mercer County in the early days -of its settle- ment, and were pioneers of the country around New Castle, where they hewed out a farm from the wilderness. Some of them served as privates in the War of 1812. They were stanch Presbyterians in religion and were Whigs in politics, while the old stock of McClearys were Democrats. Mrs. Samuel McCleary survived her husband many years and died during the Rebellion when nearly eighty years of age. She was a large woman, of fine physique, and retained her bodily and mental faculties to the last. William McCleary, as the eldest of ten children, looked after the large farm, owned by his father, after he attained manhood. He was married in New Castle to Miss Selinda Moorehead, who was born and reared at that place, her parents, who were of Pennsylvania birth and of Scotch-Irish blood, having been early settlers of Lawrence County, moving there from Westmoreland County. Mr. and Mrs. McCleary lived in New Castle many years after their marriage, and there all tlieir chil- dren were bom. In 1865 they came to Illinois and established a new home in Lee County, in which the father passed the rest of his days. He died in the fall of 1880, at the age of sixty-seven, leaving behind him the record of a well-filled life and the legacy of a good name, which his children and children's children hold in reverence. He was an active member ^f the Presbyterian Church and was deeply interested in every movement for the moral uplifting of the community. In politics he was thoroughly in sympathy with the Demo- cratic party. His wife, who survives him and makes her home with her children, was born June 30, 1816, yet old age has not dimmed her faculties. She is a noble Christiah woman and is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Of the seven daughters and two sons born to the McClearys, one daughter and two sons are now dead. .Tames enlisted in October, 1861 in Com- pany B, of the famous Cooper's Battery, in the First Pennsylvania Artillery, and fell while bravely fighting for his country at the battle of Gettys- burg; John C, the eldest son, a farmer in Palmyra Township, married .Alary Gruver, of Nelson; Mary is the wife of Jerry Iletler, a farmer of Dixon Township; George S. is the third son of the fam- ily; Kate, now deceased, was the former wife of D. C. Harden, of whom a biography appears in this work; William, a farmer in Carroll County, mar- lied Amanda Mason; Elliott S. is the next in order of birth; .Toseph, who married Ida Long, is a mem- ber of the firm of McCleary & Long, boot and shoe merchants of Dixon. All the brothers are very successful in business. All but two of them are Presbyterians, and all of them are stalwart Demo- crats in politics. ylLLIAM BURD, though not one of the earliest settlers of Lee County, may well WW be classed among its pioneei-s, as he has done valuable work in helping his fellow-farmers to redeem the rich, virgin soil of this part of Illi- nois from its former wild condition, since he set- tled within its precincts not far from forty years ago, and he has a farm that compares with the best in its equipments and improvements, its fer- tile fields neatly fenced, its buildings well-kept and conveniently arranged, and its surroundings made attractive by the beautiful shade and choice fruit trees carefully planted by his own hands. Our subject was born May 17, 1827, in Hamp- shire County, W. Va. His father, whose name is Peter Burd, was born in Hunterdon County, N. J., and when a young man went from his native Stale to that part of Virginia now included in Hampshire County, W. Xa. He bought a tract of wild land seven or eight miles from Romney, PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 213 built a log cabin on his place and entered lieartilj- into the hard pioneer task of improving his land, on which he made his home until his untimely death, in 1839, when his community lost a good citizen, the people among whom he had lived a kind neighbor, and his familj' a good husband and father. His widow, whose maiden name was Julia Ann Willard, and who was born in Bucks County, Pa., a daughter of Jacob Willard, was left with seven children to care for. Nobly did she perform her duty, and kept her offspring together on the old homestead until they were grown to manhood and womanhood, and then came to Illi- nois and spent her last years a welcome inmate of their homes. Four of her children are still liv- ing. Our subject was a strong, self-reliant lad of twelve years when his father died, and was al- ready of much use on the farm. At the age of fourteen he was bound out to learn the trade of a tanner, and received his board and clothes in rec- ompense for his services. At the end of seven years he was given $50, and with that, and a good knowledge of his trade, he began life on his own account. He went to Bucks County, Pa., and car- ried on the tannery business there the ensuing three years. He then went back to- his native State, and was a resident of West A'^irginia until the fall of 1852, when he came to Illinois, travel- ing by the most convenient route at that time, and journeying by rail, by stage, or on foot. After ievHn days ho arrived at Twin Grove, in what is now Willow Creek Townsiiip. At tliat time Nature had it pretty nearly her own way in this part of the country, as but few settlers had ventured here. There was no railway in this part of the State for two years after he came here, and deer and other kinds of wild game were plentiful, and furnished an agreeable addition to the fare of the pioneers. Mr. Burd began life here on a farm in some one's else employ for a year, and then bought a land warrant for a quarter of a section of land, which comprises his present farm in Willow Creek Town- ship. The warrant cost him $150, and there was an additional expense of $4, making the total cost of the homestead $154. Buying the land ex- hausted his finances, so he was obliged to resort to renting improved land for the next two years in order to earn his livelihood. At the expiration of that time he entered vigorously upon the work before him of reclaiming a farm from the wilder- ness, and tlie success that has met bis efforts has been recorded in the first part of this biography. Our subject is eminently a self-made man, and through the sheer force of industrious habits, close attention to his work, and by exercising close cal- culation in the management of his affairs, no less than by fair and honest dealings in all his transac- tions, he has risen to be one of the substantial farmers of the township with whose interests his own have so long been identified. Since 1867, when he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Frances Thompson, he has had the active co-operation of a wife who is a true help- mate. Mrs. Burd is also a native of Hampshire County, W. Va., and is a daughter of Robert and Zulirama Thompson, of whom an account appears in the biography of R. J. Thompson. Three chil- dren have blessed the union of our subject and his wife: Mary F., .James W. and Nettie May. r JETER KREITER. « The life of Mr.Kreiter Jjj affords a splendid illustration of the power of patience and perseverance in promoting Jl\ the prosperity of the individual and crown- ing his labors with complete success. He is one of the most influential citizens of Amboy Tow^nship and the owner of one hundred and seventy-five acres in this county. His farm, with its neat build- ings, well-kept fences and cultivated fields, pre- sents an air of thrift and prosperity. The super- vision and cultivation of the place devolves largely upon Mr. Kreiter's sons, for his attention has been principally occupied as a machinist and miller. The native home of Mr. Kreiter was on the Riiine in Germany, and the date of his birth Nov- ember 4, ] 824. He was reared to mature years m the Fatherland and after the good old custom of that country, which renders it necessary for every 214 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. lad to leam a trade, he served an apprenticesliip at tlie trade of a machinist, following it until lie came to America in 1847. When about twenty- three years old, having decided to seek a home in the United (States, he loft his native land, and crossing the ocean, landed in New Orleans. Thence Mr. Kreiter proceeded up the Mississippi to Memphis, Tenn., where for one year he was em- ploj'ed in a machine shop. From that place he re- moved to St. Louis and carried on business in a machine shop and brass foundry between five and six years. Then coming to Illinois, he followed his trade in Peoria about a year and for perhaps the same length of time was employed in a small place in Tazewell County on the Mackinaw River. Next he was employed in Bloomington, this State, and there worked at his trade. After being unable for two years to engage in business on account of ill health, he entered the employ of the Chicago A' Alton Railway Company and was for nineteen years in their employ as a machinist. Upon leaving Bloomington, Mr. Kreitjr came to Lee County and purchased a farm in Atnboy Town- ship, on section 25, where he has since resided. However, he has not engaged in farming pursuits, but has always followed his trade of a machinist, and the farm has been operated by his sons. Mr. Kreiter was married in St. Louis to Miss Augusta Wenzel, who was born in Germany, October 22, 1830. They have become the parents of eight children, namely: Amila, who was the wife of Frank Moellex and died in Chicago; Louis, who mai-ried Louisa Bach and resides in Chicago; Anna, wife of James Guard; Gussie, who is the wife of John Stilz; Theodore, a member of the lirm of Kreiter Bros., millers in Binghampton; William, who married Carrie Naglesmith and Ijelongs to the firm of Kreiter Bros.; Minnie, the wife of A. Tuttle; and Edwin, who is one of the firm. In politics, Mr. Kreiter and his sons maintain an independence of belief and cast their ballots for the candidates whom they believe best fitted for the office in question, irrespective of party ties. Mr. Kreiter and his wife are members of the Kvanoelical Chuich, but their children are identified with the Metiiodist Church. When the mills were started at Binghampton, they were operated by Kreiter lVt Sons for one year, after which they were given in charge of Kreiter Bros., who have operated them since March, 1889. >Ir. Kreiter has filled the office of School Director, as well as other positions of lo- cal importance, and has contributed his quota to- ward the progress of the community. 1^^- rLIJAH WALKER enjoys a good reputation as an honorable, hard-working farmer, who 1^^ — ^ is profitably engaged in agriculture, and the fine condition of his farm on sections 24 and 25, Nelson Township, with its substantial build- ings and • well-tilled acres, gives ample proof of his thorough acquaintance with the best methods of carrying on his calling. He is a Pennsylvanian by birth, and in the township of Summit, .Somer- set County, he was born March 19, 1832, a scion of the old stock of that vicinity, the old farm upon which he first opened his eyes to the light of the world having been the native place of his father, Peter P. H. Walker, and of his grand- father, Philip Walker, his great-grandfather, Henry Walker, a native of the Keystone State, having purchased it from the Government in Colonial times, when it was a part of the primeval forest. He died thereon when an old man, having spent his life as a frugal, thrift}- farmer. His father was a German who had come to this country and had located in Pennsylvania in the earlj- days of its settlement. The old homestead is still in pos- session of the family, a brother of our subject being its present owner. Philip Walker spent his entire life on the old home farm, dying at the age of sixty-six, his wife, who was a Somerset County lady, also dying there when past seventy years of age. Both were Lutherans in religion, and he was a Democrat in politics. They were the parents of six children, four sons and two daughters, all of whom are now deceased. Their son Peter inher- ited the old homestead, and lived on it until he closed his eyes in death eighty-one years after his liirth thereon. He was a very successful farmer, a prominent man in his community, to whom his felloM'-citizens often looked for guidance and PORTKAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 217 counsel. He was a sturdy Democrat in his poli- tics, and a sound Lutheran in his religion. His wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Will, and who was born in Somerset Township in October, 1800, died on the old farm May 11, 1889, their wedded life having been of more than half a century's duration. " She, too, was a faithful Lutheran. Our subject is one of a family of eight sons and three daughters, of whom six sons and one daughter are still living, and all married and prospering. He was educated in the common schools, grew to a stalwart manhood in the place of his birth, and in due time selected a wife to help liira in the making of a home, marrying in his native township Miss Joanna Frickey. She was born in the Kingdom of Hanover, Germany, July 29, 1832, and was ten years old when she came to this country with her mother and stepfather, Fred Haupt. They settled first in Somerset County, Pa., living on a farm there for some years, and then came to Lee County, locating in Nelson Township, where Mr. Haupt died December 29, 1863, aged sixty-seven years. He was a Lutheran in religion. His wife, whose maiden name was Doretta Just, died in this, township November 5, 1875, when past sixty-eight years old. She was a truly good woman, a kind wife and loving mother, a sincere Christian, and a member of the Ijuttieran Church. Her father was Frederick Just, who died in the Kingdom of Hanover while yet in life's prime. Mr. and Mrs. Walker are blessed in their happy marriage by these three children: Hiram P., a farmer in York County, Neb., who married Miss Ella Troutman; Sadie E., wife of J. G. Winter, an expressman in Davenport, Neb.; and Minerva, who is the comfort and stay of her parents at iiome. Mr. Walker made his first purchase of land in . this county in 1860, buying at that time eighty acres of his present farm, to which he has since added more land, and now has two hundred and forty acres, or which nearly the whole is highly improved. It is supplied with a good class of buildings and fine farming machinery, and has all the facilities for carrying on farming advanta- geously, and besides is well stocked with cattle, horses and hogs, which are the source of a com- fortable income. Our subject has not only con- tributed to tiie material well-being of his adopted township by his good work as a farmer during the last thirty and more years, but he has taken a keen interest in its welfare in other directions. He has been Assessor for over twelve years, and has held other local offices. In politics he is an intelligent follower of the Democratic party. In religion he has not departed from the faith of his ancestors, and both he and his wife are valued members of the Lntheran Church. r^ fc ••• <. ^*l*- -^ ■^IJ OHN L. GEIGER has played an important part in the development of the agricultural . resources of this county, and while thus add- ing to its wealth has acquired a handsome property, whereby he is enabled to live retired, although he still retains his beautiful and well- ordered farm, on section 14, Nelson Township, and makes it his home. Mr. Geiger was born in Somerset County, Pa., January 21, 1826, coming of the old Dutch stock of that State. His father, Richard Geiger, spent his whole life in, Pennsyl- vania, dying there on the farm on which he had settled after attaining manhood, and which he had improved, his age at the time of his death be- ing sixty-six years. He was sound in his religion and in his politics, a true Lutheran as regards the former, and a Republican in respect to the latter. He married a Somerset County lady, Mary Hess by name, who was descended from some of the early settlers of that part of Pennsylvania. Shesurvived her husband some years, rounding out a useful life at the age of three-score years and ten.. She too was a member of the Lutheran Church. Our subject is one of eleven children, all but one of whom grew to maturity, and six of whom are still living. He lived on his father's farm until he became of age, and the experience that he gained, in all kinds of farm work was of value to him in his after career. He was ambitious and energetic by nature, with a faculty for hard and unremitting work, and wisely thinking that the broad prairies of Illinois, with their rich virgin 218 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. soil, would afforci an excellent field for his labors, he came hither in the fall of 1853 and identified himself with the pioneers who had previously settled in Lee County. He entered eighty acres of wild, uncultivated land, improved it and sold it advantageously, and then purchased his present farm, or a portion of it, afterward increasing it to its present size by buying additional land. In the busy years that followed, he made it into one of the best landed estates in Nelson County. It has an area of two hundred and eighty acres, but very little of which is not under the plow, and two good sets of comfortable and roomy farm buildings ' adorn the place. Mr. Geiger has gained his wealth since he came to this county, and has earned for himself a place . among our moneyed men. Besides his farm he has a valuable property on the corner of Henne- pin and Ninth Streets, in Dixon, and recently spent four years in his residence in that pleasant localit3^ lie is looked up to with great respect by his neighbors and all who know him, as his whole life bespeaks him to be a man of steadfast purpose, of good principles, and one who has kept his reputa- tion unspotted in all his financial transactions. The Republicans of this section claim him as one of their number, while his religious alHli- ations are with the Lutheran Church, whicli he and his wife attend regularly. Mr. Geiger was married after coining to this vState in the town of Sterling to Miss Anna Greg- ory, and in her he has a wife who fills in a perfect measure the office of helpmate, companion and friend. Three children have added to their wedded happiness and make their home attractive by their presence, namely: Nellie E., a bright and well educated young lady; and two sons, Thomas L., and Walter W. Mrs. Geiger was born in Sullivan County, N. Y., March 9, 1852, a daughter of Ives and Mar>' (Davidge) Gregory, natives respectively of Hart- ford, Conn., and of England. Her mother had come to the United States when five years of age with her parents, who settled in Sullivan County, where she grew to womanhood and married. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Gregory lived in that county on a farm near Lihei'ty for thirt>- five years. At the end of that time, in 1869,. they migrated to Illinois, and lived in Whiteside County, near Rock Falls, and there the father died February 21, 1881, when nearly seventy-five yeare of age. He was a Democrat in politics, and a Baptist in religion, as was his wife who survived him, dying in November,1891, and notwithstanding her advanced age, still took a deep interest in the affairs of the church. She was eighty years old March 31, 1891, and was at the time of her death quite sound physically and mentally. She made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Winfleld Cone, at Thompson, Whiteside County. Mrs. Geiger is the youngest of nine children, of whom six are living, and all are married. She has four sisters, all of whom have been teachers, and one sistei-, Avho is a graduate of the Illinois State Normal School, was prominent in her profession in this State some years prior to her marriage. Mrs. Geiger was finely educated in the New York Nor- mal School at Liberty, near her birthplace, and is a woman of superior culture. She,too,was successfully engaged in teaching before her marriage, entering upon her professional career at the age of seven- teen yeai's. f ERRITT MILLER, of the firm of Miller A Emmett, dealers in grain and agricul- |\ tural implements in the village of Steward, is not only prominent as a business man, but he has a high record as one of the successful farmers of Lee County, and the proprietor of one of its finely improved farms. He is also honored as one of the liravo citizen-soldiers of the late war, who devoted the opening years of his manhood to . his country's service. Our subject was born in Lackawanna Township, Luzerne County, Pa., October 4, 1842, and is the oldest son of Adam and Mary (Neyhart) Miller, of whom a sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. His early education was conducted in the public schools of Wyoming County, in his native State. Ho was reared to habits of industry, commencing PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 219 when very young to be self-supporting, working out by the month on a farm, and hiter assisting his father in the mill. He came to Lee County with his parents in 1857, and resided with them until 1862. He watched with eager interest the course of the Rebellion, and August 14, of that year, though he had not then attained his major- ity, he was allowed to enlist, and he became a member of Company K, Seventy-fifth Illinois In- fantry. He served faithfully until after the close of the war, and in the engagements in which he fought he showed that he had in him the stuff of which true soldiers are made. He took an active part in the battles of Perry ville and Stone River, and soon after the latter was placed in detached service as head clerk to the Assistant Adjutant-General, a position for which he was peeuliarlj- fitted by rea- son of his quick insight into business, despatch in the discharge of his duties, and promptness in obeying orders. He went with the command in Sherman's Atlanta campaign, and after the fall of Atlanta returned to Nashville, where he became clerk at headquarters in the Quartermaster's depart- ment. He was honorably discharged with his reg- iment at Chicago, in June, 1865. After he left the army, Mr. Miller returned to this county and purchased two hundred and forty acres of prairie land on sections 16 and 2 1 , of Alto Township. The place was but very little improved, but he wrought a great change in a few years, placing the land in a high state of cultivation, planting choice fruit and shade trees, and erecting a fine set of frame buildings; he has added to his landed estate, and his farm now contains three hundred and twenty acres of land, constituting one of the best places in this part of the county. Our subject continued to carry on general farming and stock-raising until 1886, when he formed a partnership with W. H. Emmett, and thej' have since engaged in the grain business together, and also in the sale of agricultural implements, and are conducting a large and profitable trade in both lines. In 1866 Mr. Miller married Miss Carrie Norton, a native of Conneaut, Ohio, and a daughter of Sprowell Norton. Mrs. Miller is a member of the Congregational Church, and is one of its most ear- nest Christian workers. She is a true homemaker, and coziness and comfort reign in the 'home over which she presides. Mr. Miller is well known and popular, as he is frank, generous and manly in his intercourse with others, and always ready to do any one a kindness or to help any one in trouble. He is a member of the following organizations: Horicon Lodge, No. 244, A. F. & A. M.; Rochelle Chapter, No. 158, R. A. M.; Crusader Commandery, No. 17, K. T.; Steward Camp, No. 294, M. W. A.; Garrison Lodge, No. 16, Knights of the Globe; and of Ro- chelle Post No. 546, G. A. R. He joined the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows at Rochelle, and was demitted to Steward Lodge, of which he re- mained a member until it was dissolved. In poli- tics, he is a Republican and is unswerving in his allegiance to his party. ^>^ '49ers who sought wealth in the gold fields [\ of California after the discovery of the piecious metal in that State, and who afterwards made his fortune as a lumberman in tlie forests of Washington, near Puget Sound, where he formerly carried on an extensive business in his line, has been identified with the farmers and stockmen of this county since 1881. In that year he purchased a tract of more than two hundred acres of valua- farming land on section 16, Nelson Township, and has placed upon it substantial modern improve- ments, and stocked it with fine herds of horses, cattle and swine of standard breeds. Our subject was born on Staten Island, in New York Harbor and passed the early years of his life amid its pleasant scenes. His father, William King, was a native of England, and was reared and mar- ried in the land of his birth, Miss C^atherine Sim- mons becoming his wife. In his youth he becaue a mechanic, and acquired great skill in his voca- tion. He was in the prime and vigor of a stalwart 234 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. manhood when he decided that the United States promised to be a better field of labor than his old home, and he migrated to this country with his wife and the two children that liad previously been born to them. He settled on Staten Island, where he found employment at his ti'adc, and there he passed the remainder of his life in peace and contentment. His wife survived him some years, and was quite aged at the time of her death. She was a woman of true Christian character, and a devoted member of the Church of England. Our subject is one of twelve children, seven of whom are living, and all are well-to-do, although their sole inheritance from their parents was an untarnished name and thrifty habits. He of whom we write was young when his fatlier died and he has since made his own way in the world. He was a bright manly lad full of spirit and resolution, and though thus early thrown on his own resources made a brave struggle against heavj* odds, and ere long was independent. He was but a boy when he left his island home to join the adventurers who were going to cruise to Cahforuia in search of gold. He secured passage on a vessel bound around Cape Horn to the Golden State, obtaining a situation as cabin boj', and on August 8, 1849, entered the Golden Gate at San Francisco. After landing he accepted a good ofiice to go to the gold fields as a driver of an ox-team up the valley of the Yuba River. He mined some, and afterwards drove team for some time. He had a full experience of all the various phases of frontier life in the min- ing camp and elsewhere, and during his residence on the Pacilic coast occasionally revisited the J^ast returning once by the Isthmus, and making three trips across the plains. He eventually went into the lumber regions in Kitsap County, Wash., near Puget Sound, and for twenty-two years was in the lumber business in that and other counties. He made money by his transactions, and desirous of locating permanently in some more eastward lo- cality, he came to Illinois, and selecting Lee County as the seat of his future home, bought the fine farm that he now occupies in Nelson Town- ship, and IS very pleasantly situated lu're. His farm consists of moi'e than two hundred acres of land that is exceedingly fertile, and under his able management it has become one of the most valua- ble estates in the vicinity, and it is also a fine stock farm. Mr. King is a man of high personal stand- ing, and his many genial social qualities have gained him the good will and friendship of the people among whom he h.as come to make his home. He is a Republican of no uncertain tone, who takes a genuine interest in local politics and he is regarded by his fellow-townsmen as a decided acquisition to the citizenship of this locality. ♦^^1 ^/OSIAH L. GRAY, Deputy Sheriff of Lee County, is now a resident of Dixon, and has made his residence here since December, ^ 1890, when he came here to serve in his piesent position. He had been living in Lee Center for forty-two years, and was only five years old when he went with his parents to that place. He was born at Leaf River, Ogle County, this State, October 24, 1844, to John and Mary (Powell) Grajr, natives of Ireland and "Wales respectively. He was variously engaged as a farmer and mechanic at Lee Center, and was a successful house building mechanic for a good many years. The gentleman of whom we write enlisted in the War of the Rebellion in Company D, Fifteenth Illinois Infantry, and fought with his regiment in Sherman's Army and was with him when he was driving Johnson's Array North and was with him at the Grand Review at Washington City. He was then sent West to Kansas and Nebraska to sup- press the Indian troubles, the regiment being stationed at Kearney, and on September 26, 1865, was honorably discharged at Leavenworth, Kan. Since that time he has lived in this county, with the exception of a four 3'ears' residence in Iowa. Mr. Gray is the youngest of ten children, born to his worthy parents, all of whom are yet living but two. The father although born in Ireland, came of English parents, his father, Henry Gray, having been sent there from England as a col- lecting agent and died there. John Gray had come to Canada when a young man and there •«i.5!S t/lOLii PORTRAIT AND BlOGRAl'IIJCAL RECORD. 237 married his wife and helpmate. In 1841 they came to Ogle County, this State, and in 1849 came to Lee County and bought a farm in Lee Center Township, and there the father passed away in 1889, at the age of ninety-eight j^ears, and the wife died in 1868 at the age of sixty-two years. They were valued and consistent members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Gray served in the War of the Canadian Rebellion while in Canada, and in politics was a sound Republican. The subject of this notice was a stalwart adherent to the Republican party, as were also his five brothers, three of whom served bravely in the late war. John C, of the Seventy-fifth Illinois Infantry, served about one year; William II. was in the Seventh Illinois Cavalry for the same length of time; and James was in the Thirteenth Illinois Infantry, in which he served for three years and four months, re-enlisting in the Seventh Illinois Cavalry for one year more. He was badly wounded by a bursting shell and left on the field for dead. He was found and taken care of, and is at present Postmaster at Lee Center. Our sub- ject is one of the prominent and leading members of the Grand Army of the Republic, No. 229, of Dixon, a society in which all old soldiers like to meet their comrades. eOL. ALEX. P. DYSART, who resides on the outskirts of the village of Nachusa, is one of the most widely and favorably known men of this part of the State. His public life as a military ofHcer and a legislator has gained him a wide acquaintance among some of the best and most prominent men of our country. We there- fore append his sketch and present his portrait, knowing they will be received with interest by our readers. The Colonel was born in Huntingdon County, Pa., February 3, 1826, and there resided until his removal to Illinois in 1845. His paternal grand- father, Joseph Dysart, was born in Londonderry Ireland, of Scotch-Irish parentage, and came of a family that figured prominently in public affairs, members of which are yet associated with the poli- tics of that country. His ancestors belonged to the nobility of France and Scotland. When a young man, Joseph Dysart came to America, lo- cating in Lancaster County, Pa., were he married. A few years later he went to Mifflin County, and improved a farm at Newton Hamilton, where he and his wife spent their last days. They were Presbyterians in religious belief. Of the four children left to mourn their loss, James, the father of our subject was the eldest. A native of J^ancaster County, he was reared in Mifflin County, Pa. When a young man he went to Huntingdon County, where he wooed and won Elizabeth Roler, a native of the Keystone State, and a daughter of Philip Roler, who was born in Berks County, of German descent. He married a Scotch lady and they settled in Huntington County in an earlj' day, ere the Indians had left that region. In fact, two of the brothers of Philip Roler were killed by the red men. He and his wife continued to reside in Huntingdon County until called to their final home. They too, were Presbyterians. During the residence of James Dysart and his wife in that county seven sons and two daughters were boin unto them and were there reared to mature years. In 1858, the parents followed their children to Illinois and spent their last days in Franklin Grove, Lee County, where Mr. Dysart died at the age of eighty-four years and his wife in her seventy-ninth year. She was a Presbyter- ian in religious belief and i\Ir. Dysart was a stanch Whig in politics. He entertained strong abolition principles, and when the Republican party sprang into existence to prevent the further extension of slavery, joined its ranks. He had an uncle who served as colonel in the War of 1812, and three of his sons were numbered among the boys in blue, namely: our subject; Lieut. B. F., who is now Post- master at Franklin Grove; and Corporal James, who died from disease contracted in the service. Another brother, Joseph, now living in Dysart, Tama County, Iowa, is ex-Lieutenant Governor of that State. Samuel, ex-Commissioner to Paris, is a member of the State Board of Agriculture and resides in China Township. 238 POETRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Col. Dysart was nineteen years of age when lie came to Illinois. Fanning he has made his life work and has been most successful as an agricul- turist and stock-raiser. His first land he pur- chased from the Government on section 7, Nachusa Township, and thirty acres of this was platted into the village of that name in 1852. He had entered the north half and the southwest quarter of section 6, upon which his home is also located, he having there resided since 1847. Mr. Dysart lias also been prominent in official life. He has held all the local offices and for some years prior to the war was Supervisor of China Township, before the town of Nachusa was set off from it. Since the di- vision he has been Supervisor ot the latter for . about ten years. He was also Justice of the Peace for some years and for two years has been Assessor of his town. In 1879, he was nominated and elected on the Republican ticket as Representative from the Twelfth District to tlie Thirty-First General As- sembly, and in 1881, was re-elected at which time Lee and Ogle Counties comprised the district. During the former term he was made Chairman of the committee on agriculture, and during the latter was Chairman of the committee on continued ex- penses, also serving on several other important committees. The drainage law was passed during his first term. So well did he demonstrate his ability as a legislator that the people returned him to office where be faithfully served his constituents and labored earnestly for the best interests of the people in general. Of his war record Col. Dysart may be justly proud. He had watched with interest the progress of events in the South, and when the blow was struck against the Government in '1861, he raised a company of volunteers, which was mustered into service September 7, 1861, as Company C, of the Thirty-Fourth Illinois Infantry. He was commis- sioned Captain by the War Governor, Dick Yates, and went at once to the front, joining the com- mand of Gen. Buell, of the Army of the Cumber- land. With his troops he participated in the battle of Pittsburg Landing, April 7, 1862, and when the Major was killed early in the day he filled the place of that officer. After the engagement he was commissioned to that rank and as the result of his efficient service and courage displayed at the battle of Stone River in January, 1863, was pro- moted to the rank of Colonel, serving as sucli until the ninth of August following. A special order had been issued requiring a reduction of some of the commissioned officers and it fell upon Col. Dysart to change his place. He was offered a cavelry regiment by Gov. Yates, but not wishing to be stationed where no active interests were looked for, he declined and was honorably discharged. Returning home, he then aided all he could in a local way to further the progress of the war and bring it to a successful termination. He had won for himself much honor and credit as a brave soldier, prompt and fearless m the discharge of duty. In Huntingdon Count}', Pa.,Col. Dysart married Catherine Grazier, who was born and reared in county, her birth occurring in July, 1826. Her parents were Henry and Margaret (Beck) Grazier, who spent their entire lives in Huntingdon County as farming people. They were members of the German Baptist Church and her brother was a preacher of that society. In the family were four sons and six daughters, five of whom are yet living and are married. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Dj'sart were born seven children, one of whom is now deceased — Dr. Joseph W., who died in the prime of life in Omaha, Neb., where he had gained a position in the front ranks of the medical profession. James H.. who wedded Emma Bender, is a well-known passenger engineer on the Chicago ct Northwestern Railroad and resides in Chicago; Allison A., mar- ried Amanda Miller and their home is in Belvi- dere. 111.; he is engineer on the Chicago & North- western Railroad; Ida M., is the wife of Jesse R. Whitney, a real-estate dealer of Carroll County, Iowa; Carrie J., is the wife of Frank Miller, of Chicago, an engineer on the Northwestern Rail- road; Frank E., who wedded Carrie Thorp, is also employed as an engineer on that road, and himself and wife make their home in Chicago; Emma C, the youngest, presides over her father's home. The Colonel was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife in 1877, her death occurring at her PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 239 hora6 in Nacliusa Township. He still resides on section 6, where ho located so long ago and where lie has one of the flnest homes in the oount\-. A commodious and substantial residence, supplied with all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life, is situated in the midst of a beautiful ever- green grove, containing more than one thousand trees, all of which were planted by Mr. Dysart. The effect is most beautiful and renders tlie home one of the most attractive places in this part of the State. In summing up the life of our subject we would say that it has been an honorable one of which he may well be proud. His public and private record are alike above reproach, and in his military career he displayed many of the best qualities of his character. Wherever known he is held in high regard. His intelligence and ability well (it him to be a leader of the people, yet he never assumes that arbitrary power which so often rests upon those who have command of others. -=1^+^P— -=^' ^^ HARLE8 F. PRESTON, President of the (if Village Board of Trustees of Paw Paw, is ^^^ a young man of talent and energy who has already won a fine reputation as a lawyer, and is prominent in the public life of the community. He is a representative of the native-born citizens of this county, who, as professional or business men, and in the various walks of life, have come to the front of late years and given a new impetus to its growth,adding to its wealth and elevating its status. He was born in Marion Township, January 20, 1860, and is a son of James H. Preston, the well- known editor of the Amboy News. His father was born in New York, grew to manhood in his native State, and was there married to IMiss Nancy A. Maydole, who was also born in the State of New York. He was well educated, and began teaching when quite young. In 1855 he left his early home and coming to Illinois, located at Amboy in the early years of its settlement. He was for a time manager of a corporation store, but having n taste for agricultural pursuits, he soon rented a farm in Marion Township, and engaged in farming there for four or five years. Removing to Sublette Township, he carried on the same occupation there until IHGf), and then bought an improved farm two and one-half miles from Amboy. In 1879 he took up his residence in Amboy, and has ever since made that city his homo. In 1884 he bought the Amboy News, and still owns and edits the paper, which under his able management has become one of the leading papers of the county. He and his wife are pleasantly situated in a cozy home. Sorrow has come to them in their wedded life in the death of two of their children, Albert W. and Frances A. Two children remain to bless their declining years — their daughter Addie M., wife of William F. Wolcott, of China Township, and our subject. Charles F. Preston was given every advantage to secure a liberal education, of which he laid the foundation in the district schools of this, his na tive count3^ He attended the State Normal School, at Normal, 111., pursuing a thorough course of study in that one of the most excellent and practi- cal institutions of learning in this State, of which he was a student two years. After leaving the Normal he did as so many others have done from time immemorial who are now famous as lawyers, doctors, statesmen, etc., began teaching, making that a stepping stone to the profession of law. He taught in Marion Township two years, and then commenced his legal studies in the Weslej'an Law School at Bloomington, 111., where he remained three months. At the end of the term he entered the office of Charles H. Wooster, of Amboy, and under his instruction made rapid progress, and was admitted to the bar in May, 1882. In June, 1883 he opened an office at Paw Paw, and has gradually built up a lucrative practice, that is by no means confined to the village. He has won the confidence of his clients by his careful attention to affairs entrusted to his hands, by his skill in con- ducting their law suits, and because they know him to be a man of scrupulous honor. A good wife and true has much to do with a young man's success in life, and our subject has been fortunate enough to secure such an one in his marriage October fi, 1886, to Miss Ida A. Hender- schott, a native of Lee County, and a daughter of 240 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Jacob and Jane M. Henderschott. Two children complete tlieiv charming home circle, Frances II. and Hazel J. Mr. Preston's energies and well-known capacity for affairs have been called into requisition by his fellow-citizens to help administer the local govern- ment, and he is recognized as one of our best equipped civic officials. He was appointed Post- master of Paw Paw by President Cleveland, and served until after the change of administration. As before mentioned, he is President of the Vil- lage Board of Trustees, and in that position, and as a citizen of true public spirit, he loses no op- portunity to do all that he can to push forward all schemes for the benefit of Paw Paw or the county at large. He is actively interested in politics, and is a leading spirit among the young Democrats of this part of the State. _y '\f| OHN SHANK, one of the most extensive I landowners of Lee County, now living a retired life in the village of Nachusa where he has made his home for the past sixteen j'ears, came to Illinois from Pennsylvania, his na- tive State. Lebanon County was the place of his birth and the date was 1835. The Shank family is of German origin and in Colonial days was estab- lished in America. Joseph Shank, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Lebanon Count}', Pa., of German parentage and became one of the early settlers of Heidelberg Township, that county, where he spent the remainder of his life, dying at about thd age of eighty years. His wife, whose maiden name was Fannie Over, was also born in Lebanon County and was of German descent. Both were members of the Mennonite Church. Their familv numbered eighteen children, two sons and sixteen daughters, all of whom reached very advanced ages, while one son and five daughters are still resi- dents of the Keystone State. One of this family, Jacob Shank, became the father of our subject. He was born in Heidelberg Township, where he was i-eared tf> farm life and after reaching manhood married Miss Mollie Miller, also a native of that locality. Her parents were Henry and Susan (Troutman) Miller, who were born and spent theii- entire lives in Lebanon Coun- ty, passing away when well advanced in years. They died on the same day and wore buried in the same grave. They had lived upright lives as farming people and were members of the German Reformed Church. Their families were both of Ger- man origin and located in Lebanon County at an earlj' day. After his marriage Jacob Shank and his wife began their domestic life upon a farm near the old homestead, to which they afterward re- moved and there spent tlieir last da3'S. Both were about three-score years of age when they passed away. jMrs. Shank was a life-long member of the German Reformed Church, and won friends wherever she went by her goodness of heart. In politics Mr. Shank was first a Whig and afterward a Republican. Our subject is the fourth in order of birtJi of their six sons and two daughters, all of whom are married, with the exception of the eldest daughter. In their various careers they have been successful and the sons of the family have generally engaged in merchandising in Pennsylvania. John Shank, however, has followed the occupation to which he was reared. In the usual manner of farmer lads he spent the daj's of his boyhood and youth and his education was acquired in the common schools. In the township of his birth he was united in mar- riage with jNIissMalinda Grove, who was also born in Heidelberg Township, Lebanon Countj-, Pa., and is the seventh in a family of four sons and four daughters. The children were all married and with one exception are all yet living. Their parents, Abraham and Sarah (Strickler) Grove, were natives of Lebanon County, as were their parents before them, and doubtless the ancestry had there resided for many years previous. Farming was the occu- pation of both families and that pursuit Mr. Grove followed. Himself and wife were membere of the Lutheran Church and were quite prominent in that community. His death occurred at the age of eighty-one years and his wife was called to her final rest when seventy-three years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Shank continued to make their PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 241 home in Pennsylvania until 1867, which year wit- nessed their emigration to the West. They located in Illinois and a few years later came to Lee Coun- ty, where they have since resided. Their home has been blessed by the presence of five children: Mary A., Sarah Y., Ida jNL, Minnie M., and John, Jr. The family circle \ et remains unbroken and all are still under the parental roof. They are in- telligent and well educated and the family is one of which the parents may well be proud. They now reside in Nachusa and Mrs. Shank is a mem- ber of the Lutlieran Church. For many years after coming to this county, Mr. Shank engaged in agricultural pursuits and in his undertakings met with most excellent success. He is one of the large landowners of the com- munity, his landed possessions aggregating eight himdred and thirty acres. Of this amount five hundred and fifty-four acres lay in Nachusa Town- ship, one hundred and sixty acres in Nelson Town- ship and a one hundred and twenty acre tract is located in Cherokee County, Iowa. All of this land is improved. It is divided into five farms, each of which is well supplied with good farm buildings and all other necessary accessories. In- dustry and enterprise have characterized Mr. Shank throughout life and have been potent factors in his successful career. Fair and honorable in all his dealings he has won the confidence of all with whom he comes in contact and has secured their warm regard. In politics he is a stalwart Republi- can, and has held a number of local offices of honor and trnst. ^^nHARLES a. BP:CKER, now deceased, was (l(^ one of the honored pioneer settlers of Pal- ^^i' myra Township, where he located in 1839. Upon the farm which lie there developed he con- tinued to make his home until his death, which occurred February 27, 1859. He was born m Nordhausen, Prussia, Germany, January 7, 1810, the city being that to which Martin Luther once fled to escape from his enemies. There Charles was reared to manhood and learned the jeweler's trade under his father, John Becker, a jeweler who was also born, reared, lived and died in Nord- hausen. Our subject was the second child of the family numbering four sons and two daughters. He had acquired an excellent collegiate education and just before attaining his majority, knowing that he would have to enter the German Army or escape to this country, he decided on the latter step, and after securing the consent of his parents, bade them adieu and sailed from Bremen to Philadelphia, Pa. He first located in what was then New Holland, Lancaster County, Pa., from whence he removed to Reading, that State, where he followed his trade as a jeweler and clock-maker. It was while in Reading that Mr. Becker was joined in wedlock with Miss Mary Kessler, a native of that city, born January 30, 1813. Her parents, Charles A. and Catherine (Ritter) Kessler, were natives of Saxony, Germany, and Berks County, Pa., respectively. The father .acquired a university education in his native land and when a young man crossed the Atlantic to the United States. He traveled through the South for some time and after locating in Reading married Miss Ritter. In the War of 1812 he fought for the flag of his adopted country. In connection with his brother- in-law, John Ritter, he established the first German newspaper in Reading, known as the Reading Adler, which paper is still in existence, being now carried on by a kinsman. For sixty-five years it was con- ducted under the firm title of Ritter & Co. Both Mr. and Mrs. Kessler died in Reading, Pa., the former when his daughter, Mrs. Becker was only ten years old. His wife reached a very advanced age and died in the faith of the Lutheran Church, to which Mr. Kessler also belonged. On leaving the East, Charles Becker located in Cleveland, Ohio, where he engaged in business as a jeweler and watch-maker for some time. Many of the watches which he sold in those days were imported from Switzerland. He came to Lee County in 1839, and made a claim of one hundred and sixty acres on section 9, Palmyra Township, for which he paid $650. The land was in its prim- itive condition but the site which He selected was a favorable one and is bordered on the south by the Rock River. With characteristic energy he 242 PORTRAIT AND BIOC^EAT'HlCAL RECORD. began tlie development of the land and at the time of his death had a fine farm, well cultivated and improved, and a comfortable and commodious resi- dence. He had brought with him to the county 7nany of the appliances of his trade and in the early days followed that vocation for some time. For two years he engaged in business in Dixon. He was the first watch-maker and jeweler west of Chicago and as he had no competition all work in his line was brought to him, his income thereby being materially increased. He was a successful business man, enterprising and progressive, and won a well deserved prosperity. With his fellow- townsmen he became quite popular and at his death left many warm friends. He took an active interest in all public affairs and the community found in him a valued citizen. Mrs. Becker acquired hei- education in her native city and is a lad}' of much force of character, capable and energetic. Since the death of her husband she has carried on the farm successfully with the aid of her children and has also increased it in extent bj' the additional purchase of a sixty- four acre tract. She is a consistent member of the Lutheran Church, to which Mr. Becker also be- longed. Their family numbered eleven children but Francis and Elizabeth are now deceased. Charles has also passed away. He was a Corporal in the service during the late war and at the first attack on Vicksburg was shot. A few days later he died on the 8th of January, 1862, at the age of twenty-three years and was buried opposite White River on ■ the bank of the Mississippi. He was a brave young soldier and his death was sincerely mourned by many friends. The other members of the family are Mary, wife of James McGinnis, a farmer of Palmyra Township; vSarah, widow of William Briner, who served in the late war as a Major and was an insurance agent of Reading, Pa., where he died in 1891, and where his widow still resides; Julia, wife of Christian Kauffman, a drug- gist of Avoca, Neb.; Cecelia, wife of Patrick Hall, a farmer of Cass County, Neb.; Francis, who mar- ried Ella Heaton and operates the home farm; Fannie, wife. of James BrooliS, a grain merchant of Avoca, Neb.; Pauline, who lives with her mother, and Lizzie, wife of Dr. David Meesp, a })hysician j of Xorth Auburn, Neb. The Becker family is one of the worthy families of Lee County, its members being hold in high regard by all who know them for they are men and women of sterling worth and integrity of character. -^^ "f^ ^^EORGE \V. HILL, Postmaster at Hai-mon, //[ is the oldest settled merchant in the town, ^0[) carrying on a well-conducted general mer- chandise business, and is a prominent figure in the political and public life of the place. He is a na- tive of JNIassachusetts, Fall River his birthplace, his father's residence being on the State line of Rhode Island, and he was born October 18, 1848, to George and Margaret (Whittle) Hill. His ances- tors were originally from the North of Ireland and settled in New England in earl 3- Colonial da\s. His father was a soap manufacturer and pursued that occupation .all his life. He was twice married.- His first wife, mother of our subject, died in 1850, leaving these three children — William J., a resi- dent of Belfast, Ireland, where he represents a wholesale hardware firm as general salesman; Thomas, who is a postal clerk at Frostburg, Md.; and our subject, who is the youngest of the three. The father married a second time and reared a family. Our subject was less than three years old when he suffered the sad loss of his mother. He contin- ued to live in his native city until he was twelve years old, and .at that early age went out into the world to fight the battle of life single-h.anded. He accompanied his brother Thomas to Monongahela City, Pa., and there his brother subsequentl}^ en- listed as a soldier to help fight for the preservation of the LTnion in the Civil War. George, who had previously worked in the coal mines of that city, then went to Frostburg, Md., whence he came to Illinois at a later date. He first stopped near El- dena, where ho worked as a farm hand two seasons. The following two seasons he was employed in the same capacity near Harmon. After that he worked at tiic trade of a carpenter until 1877. In the month of April, that year, he took a new dep.arture PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 243 by establishing himself as a general merchant at Harmon, and is still carrying on a ttourishing busi- ness at this point, which has contributed in no small degree to the good fortune of the village in its steady growth. Mr. Hill, although he began life with no mon- eyed capital, is one of the substantial men of this section. He has besides a goodly amount of prop- erty in the village, including his store building and residence, one hundred and sixty acres of fine land on section 25, and eighty acres on section 23, Harmon Township, and all this he has accumulated since he entered business in 1877, scarcely fourteen years ago. He is likewise self-educated principally, as his school-days were limited in his boyhood, but he subsequently made up for his early deficiencies in that line bj' studying sedulously at evening schools. Besides his present business, he was at one time partner in a hardware concern at Har- mon. Mr. Hill was married November 1, 1871, to Miss Gula Elma, daughter of James Porter, Jr., one of the early settlers of Lee County. She was born at Dixon February 9, 1850. The following is the record of the six children that have blessed her marriage with our subject — Elmer, who was born October 6, 1872, was graduated from the business college at Dixon, in 1889, and is now in the store with his father; George M. was born Febi'uary 26, 1874; Gertrude I., June 17,1876; Arthur, July 31, 1880; Clarence, January 29, 1882; and Gula Elma, born October 19, 1891. Our subject's fellow-citizens, rightly judging that a man of his metal possesses sound qualifica- tions for responsible offices, have often called him to assist in the management of public affairs. Thus he has been Secretary of the Committee of Harmon Township; he has been Collector three terms, and one term represented his township on the County Board of Supervisors. He has always been a stead- fast advocate of the policy of the Republican party and has frequently taken part in the coun- cils of his fellow Republicans as a delegate to county, district and State conventions. He was Postmaster at Harmon during the administrations of Haj'es, Garfield and Arthur, stepped out when Cleveland was in the Presidential chair, but was I'e-instated when Harrison became the head of the Government aud is now and has been since 1889, Notary Public, receiving the appointment from Gov. Fifer. He is a man of correct habits and up- right principles, but is not a member of any relig- ious denomination, and neither is he connected with any secret society. Mrs. Ilill, who shares the respect in which her husband is held, is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. e HESTER HARRINGTON, who resides on section 13, Nachusa Township, is numbered among the honored pioneers of the county where he has made his home since 1837, or for a period of about fifty-five consecutive years. At the time of his arrival here the county was but sparsely settled, in fact it was an almost unbroken wilder- ness and gave little promise of the transformation and change which would occur and make it what it is to-day. He had come to Illinois from Chau- tauqua County, N. Y., but .was a native of Wash- ington County, that State, where his birth occurred August 22, 1813. His father. Rev. Ebenezer Har- rington, a prominent Baptist preacher and a well- known man in the Empire St.ate, was born in the village of Adams, Mass. The grandfather of our subject, Jeremiah Har- rington, was also a native of the Bay State and was descended from English ancestors who came to America in Colonial days and were prominent in public affairs in Massachusetts during the earlier history of our country. Members of the family also aided the colonies in their struggle for inde- pendence. The grandfather wedded a Massa- chusetts lady, and when their son Ebenezer was nine years old they removed to Warren Countj', N. Y., where they spent the remainder of their lives. By occupation Mr. Harrington was a farmer and in poHtics he was a Whig. Ebenezer Harring- ton spent liis boyhood days under the parental roof and after attaining to mature years entered the ministry of the Baptist Church. He married Paulina Doolin of vSaratoga, N. Y., wlio was also 244 POSTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD: born in the Empire State and came of a respected family among the early settlers of the Butternut Valley. Rev. Mr. Harrington died in Washington Grove, Ogle County, 111., at the age of sixty-five years, having taken up his residence in that locality some years previous. He was a man of strong character, possessed superior intelligence, was gifted as a preacher and his life work was one of good. His wife, who was also a consistent member of the Baptist Church, died at the age of sixty years, while visiting in Ohio. There were eight children in their family, of whom two sisters are now liviug in Wisconsin. The only other surviving member is Chester Harrington of this sketch. He was the fifth in order of birth. In his youth he acquired a good education and when he made choice of a life work he determined to follow the occupation to which he was reared, that of farming. When a young man he started Westward and cast his lot with the pioneer settlers of Lee County, 111., which has since been the' scene of his labors. Before leaving New York, however, he had engaged for some four years in the lumber business and had also taught school for many years during the winter season. He followed the same profession for one term in Lee County but his energies have mainly been devoted to agriculture. He entered land from the Govern- ment which lies near the junction of Franklin Creek and Rock River and at once began its de- velopment. It was all wild prairie, not a furrow having been turned or an improvement made, but he plowed and planted it and in course of time abundant harvests were garnered as the fruit of his labors. He now owns three hundred and twenty acres, most of which was improved by himself, but as he has laid aside business cares and is now living a retired life, his children operate the farm. In this county Mr. Harrington was united in marriage with Miss Zerna Chamberlain, who was born in Eva Township, Genesee County, N. Y., in 1821, and came West in 1836 with her parents, Silas and Pluma (Burton) Harrington. They were farming people and died in tliis locality, the father being eighty-one years of age at the time of his death. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Harrington were born three children, but Cyrus died when about twontv- one years of age. Inez I. resides in Ogle County and Chester wedded Emma Brautigan, of Dixon, and operates the old homestead. The young couple have two children — Claude J. and Pearl E. The mother of this family was called to her final rest in March, 1891, and left behind her many friends who sincerely mourned her loss. In politics ^Ir. Harrington and his son are stanch Republicans and inflexible adherents of the party principles. He has been honored with a number of local offices, having served as Supervisor, Asses- sor, Road Commissioner, etc. Every trust reposed in him has been faithfully executed and in his official career he won the commendation of all con- cerned. A self-made man, by his own efforts he attained a handsome competence and he is now spending his declining years in the enjoyment of a rest which he has so well earned and richly de- serves. OSES C. WEYBURN, represents the Amer- ican Express Company at Dixon, having been its agent at this place since 1869. His connection with the company covers a period of more than twenty-two years, he being one of its trusted employes. A native of Geneva, N. Y., he was born in 1845, and is descended from an old and highly respected family of the Empire State, of Scottish origin. His paternal grand- father, Samuel Weyburn, was a native of Tomp- kins County, N. Y., where he engaged in farming for many years. He was a highly educated man and also followed the profession of teaching. During the time the British made their raid into the State in the War of 1812, he was a member of the home militia. Dr. Edward Weyburn, father of our subject was born on the shores of Seneca Lake, in New York, in 1817, and became a physician and surgeon of prominence, extensively engaging in practice in Geneva. He died in that city' from injuries sus- tained by falling from a horse when sixty-two years of age. Near the home of his childhood he / \ ?f / PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 247 had married Elsie Wooden, who was also born in that locality, and was descended from a New Jersey family that in an early day became pioneers of Central New York. Its members there resided for several generations and were generally farming- people. Mrs. Weyburn, mother of our subject, died in Geneva, at the age of flfly-three years. She held membership with the Baptist Church, and was an untiring worker in its interests. The family of the Doctor and his wife numbered eight chil- dren, five of whom are yet living and are married. They are intelligent and prosperous people who occupy prominent positions and move in the best circles of societ}" in the various communities where they reside. Moses "Weyburn, the subject of this notice, was the third in order of birth. Under the parental roo^ the days of his childhood were passed, and in Gepeva he began his school life, his education be- ing completed in New Haven, Conn. His advan. feiges in this direction were liberal and he was J;hus well fitted for the practical duties of life. On attaining his majority he started out for him- self, and the autumn of 1866 witnessed his ar- rival in Illinois. The following year he was engaged by the American Express Company in Rockford, where he remained for two years, when in 1869, he was transfeired to Dixon and has since represented the company in this place. His long service in the one employ is the highest testimonial of his fidelity and faithfulness that could be given. We know that he has been a trusted employe and that the interests of the company have not suffered at his hands, else he would liave long since been discharged. Mr. Weyburn was first married to Mrs.Mary Broom nee Noble. By her first union she had one child, Charles A. Broom, who is now living in Norwich, Conn. Her death occurred at her home in Dixon, at the age of thirty-seven years and Mr. Weyburn was a second time married, the lady of his choice being Miss Eva Dunning. Again he was called npon to mourn the loss of his wife, who at her death left two children to mourn her loss — Elsie and Florence. The present wife of Mr. Weyburn W!is in her maidenhood Miss Minnie Weibezahn. She was born in Akron, Ohio, and with her parents, 11 when a child, came to Dixon, where she grew to womanhood and was married. One son graces this union, Edward. Mr. Weyburn is a member of the Methodist Church and also takes considerable interest in civic societies. He belongs to Dixon Lodge, No. 139, I. O. O. F., in which he has filled all the offices, and is also a member of the Encampment, in which he likewise served in the variovis official positions. Of the Ignited Workmen Lodge of Dixon, he is a charter member and was its first presiding officer, and is also connected with tlie Modern Woodmen. Among his lodge associates and business acquaint- ances he is held in high esteem for his sterling worth, and both he and his estimable wife have a host of friends throughout this gommunity. =^>-^^<- 'Cov— n THIEL A. HORTON, of Reynolds Township, has acquired a goodly amount of property by years of hard labor, notwithstanding the many discouragements that he had to encounter in the early years of his settlement in Northern Illinois. He is now enjoying the fruits of his labor in his comfortable home in company with his wife, who was so helpful in its upbuilding. In connection with the following biographical outline, his por- trait is presented on the opposite page. Mr. Horton was born in Sheshequin Township, Bradford County, Pa., April 17, 1817. His father, Joshua Horton, was born in a settlement ^on the Jersey side of the Delaware River, and located in Pennsylvania before marriage. He had been reared on a farm and made farming his occupation. He bought a tract of timber land in Sheshequin Town- ship, and the log cabin that he built in the forests was the birthplace of his son, of whom we write. There were no railways for many years, and before there were any public roads the father used to go in a canoe to Tanquelianie, on the Susquehanna River, which wg,s the nearest market. He cleared a good farm, and made it his home until his death in 1870, in his nmetieth year. Tlie maiden name of his second wife, mother of our subject, was Lu- cinda Ellis. She was a native of Massachusetts, a 248 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. daughter of Eleazev Ellis, and died on the old homestead in 1850. The early years of our subject were spent amid the pleasant scenes of his birth, and his education was obtained in the subscription schools of that day, each family paying according to the number of scholars sent. Tlie schools were held in primi- tive log houses, furnished with slab benches that were supported by wooden pins for legs. Our subject commenced to help in the labors of the farm when quite young, and continued to give his father the benefit of his services until he attained his majority. He then started out in the world with no other capital than brawn and muscle, re- enforced by sound sense and excellent habits. After working out by the month for two years, with the earnings which resulted from his steady industry, our subject purchased a farm of one hun- dred acres, in company with his brother I'lysses. They farmed together for 'a time and then our sub- ject sold his share of that place and Iwught sixty acres of land near by in his native township. He was busily engaged in its cultivation until 1854, and then disposed of that farm at a good price in order to avail himself of the many privileges of- fered to a farmer by the rich soil of this (State. After his arrival in Illinois he purchased one hun- dred and twenty acres of wild prairie, located in Ogle County five miles northwest of Rochelle, pay- ing for it at the rate of $5 an acre. He built upon the place and lived there three j'ears, at the expiration of which time he sold it at $20 an acre, and invested the money thus made in adjoining land. This investment did not prove a fortunate one, as on account of poor crops and other misfortunes Mr. Ilorton lost that farm. He did not, however, despair, but came to Reynolds Township to begin life anew on rented land. He did well by that venture, and a year later bought eighty acres of prairie land in the same township and occupied it twenty years. Then selling that farm, he bought the one upon which he now resides, which com- prises two hundred acres of land of exceeding fer- tility, under fine cultivation, and supplied with good modern improvements. Since settling here he has sold one hundred and sixty acres of the farm to his son, I'ctaining forty acres for his own use. April 22, 1840, was the date of the marriage of our subject to Miss Polly Brink, who was born in the same Pennsylvania township as himself, and is a daughter of Daniel and Rachel Brink. Their wedded life has been of unusual duration, having already passed the golden milestone that marked its fiftieth anniversary. It has not been without its sorrows, but it has held many joys for them, and among their blessings may be counted the six chil- dren spared to comfort their declining years, namely — Alonzo, Rachel, Albert, Theodore, Daniel and Emma. Mr. and Mrs. Horton are people of sincere practical piety and are valued members of the Free-will Baptist Church, which they joined some years ago. In [)olitics he is a Republican, and stands stanchly by his party. WIULES BRECHON. Lee County has a large percentage of citizens of foreign .-^ . birth among her population, who arc potent ^^^^' in developing, sustaining and carrying for- ward the great industries that flourish within her borders. Our subject, although reared and educa- ted in this country, and has known no other home, is one of this class. His business is that of a far- mer and stock raiser, and his farm of eighty acres on section 33, South Dixon Township, gives abundant evidence of the skill and intelligence with which everything about the premises is managed. Our subject is of French extraction and birth, born February 20, 1862, in the province of Alsace when it formed a part of France. He is a son of Joseph and Margaret (Blanc) Brechon, the father late a prosperous farmer of this section who was for many years closely identified with the ag- ricultural interests of this county, which lost in his death a valuable citizen. Both he and his wife were of pure French blood, and they were natives of Alsace. After the birth of all their children, they decided to emigrate to this country in 1864, PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 249 and took i^assage from Havre do Grace on a ship bound for New York, where they landed twenty days later. They came direct to Lee Coimty, and settling in Bradford Township on a farm that was mostly improved, began life there as farmers. They made further improvements, and nine years later sold the place in order to remove to South Dixon Township, there Mr. Brechon had pur- chased a quarter of section .33, which was then only slightly improved. After he had made it into a pleasant home with the assistance of his wife and children, he rested from his labors in the sleep of death, which fell to him October 4, 1886, sixty- one years having passed since his birth in the land of his fathers across the sea. He was ever a con- sistent Christian, and the Catholic Church under whose teachings he had been reared found in him a worthy member. In politics he was a Democrat. His good wife survives him, making her home with her children. Three score years and ten mark her age, but in her activity and retention of all her faculties she gives but little sign of being elderly. She too has been a life-long member of the Catholic Church. Our subject is the second child and the second son of the three children born to his parents. His brother Gustave, owns and occupies eighty acres ot the parental homestead. The sister, Mary, is the wife of Thomas Ford, a thrifty young farmer pccupying the Dan McKenney farm in Dixon Township. Jules Brechon received the benefit of a common-school education in the district schools of this county, where he has lived ever since he was two years old, nine years of his boyhood bc- mg passed in Bradford Township, and the remain- der of his life he has been a resident of South Dix- on Township. He has devoted himself to farming from his youth to good purpose, and has owned his present farm two years. It is well supplied with buildings and with modern machinery for carrying on the various operations of farming, and it is well stocked with fine breeds of cattle, horses and hogs, which bring him a good yearly income. The marriage of Mr. Brechon with Miss Marga- ret Dlrich was duly celebrated in Marion Town- ship. Among the blessings it has brought them is the little daughter, born August L5, 1890, to whom they have given the sweet, old-fashioned name of Mary Margaret. Mrs. Brechon is a native of this State, having been born at Sandwich, in De Kalb C'ounty, April 20, 1869. She was chiefly reared, however,^ in this county, her parents, Joseph and Margaret (Hunt) Ulrich, removing to Marion Town- ship and settling there on a farm when she was a child. They are yet living in that place, and have a comfortable home. They are members in high standing of the Roman Catholic Church. Mr. Ulrich was born in Alsace, and came to this country when a young man. In De Kalb County he met and married his wife. Mr. and Mrs. Brech- on are connected with the Catholic Church at Dixon, and are generous in their contributions to its support. In his political affiliations Mr. Brechon is a Democrat. m m^mi L^^- ?OHN M. STERLING. The name of Ster- ling has been connected with the rise and ^^1 progress of Lee County since the early ^^f/ years of its settlement. Maj. Sterling fig- ured prominently as a pioneer merchant and farmer and as a public- spirited citizen, and in later years, his son, of whom we write, has come to the front as one of the foremost men of this section. He is an enterprising and successful farmer and dairyman of Nelson Township, his farming inter- ests and home lying on section 15, and he is one of our most valued civic officials, representing said township as a member of the County Board of (Supervisors. Our subject is a native of this county, his fath- er's old homestead in Palmyra Township being the place of his birth, and November 26, 1849 the date on which he first opened his eyes to its pioneer surroundings. His father, ISIaj. James Sterling, was born in Braintrim, Luzerne County, Pa., in May, 1805, and came from an old family that had lived in America since early Colonial times, being promi- nent in the annals of Pennsylvania and New York, especially of the latter State, embraced in Wyoming County, in whose early history much mention is made of them, as well as of the Suttons, who were 250 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. kinsmen of theirs, both families bearing a gallant part in the Indian wars of this section of the country. Maj. Sterling was a son of Daniel Ster- ling, who was a native of Wyoming County, but became a resident of Luzerne County, Pa., where he was prominent in various capacities. He was a public man, active in business, managed a hotel, sold goods and did farming. In his last years he came to Illinois and a short time afterward died in Rock Island at an advanced age. He had visited the new State of Illinois soon after its admission to the Union, and had seen the country when it was for the most part a literal wilderness. Maj. Sterling passed his boyhood amid the [Aorm- aut scenes of his birth. He inherited in a remark- able degree the active temperament of his father, together with his versatile talent and business acumen. He had scarcely attained manhood when he achieved prominence in various directions, as his executive ability and genius for affairs were early recognized bj' his fellow-citizens who pushed him to th3 front. He obtained his title of Major through his being an officer of the State Militia. While a resident of Pennsylvania he took a promi- nent part in public works, and he afterward be- came interested in the improvement of the Rock River. This was what first led him to Illinois in 1838, whither he came to attend to the letting of contracts by the State Commission, for carrying on the said improvements, which were to be con- ducted under what was known as the Internal Improvement System. The Major was in partner- ship with Smith Gilbraith for the purpose of im- proving the navigation of the aforementioned river, but the State failed to carry through this gigantic scheme of internal improvements, and Maj. Sterling returned to Pennsylvania, and was engaged partly there and partly in the West for some years after that. In 1847, became here with his family to locate permanently, and for a few years had a mercantile establishment at Dixon. Later he removed to a large tract of land in Palmyra Township, which was in all its original wildness when it came into his possession, but under his supervision it became a well-improved farm. He erected substantial buildings, drawing the lumber from Chicago for the purpose, and in other ways he made of It a val- uable place and attractive home. Here death rounded out his life November 15, 1860, when it was scarcely past the noon-tide, although it was one of unusual completeness as regards what he had accomplished. This county then lost a citizen whom it held in high honor, and who had been noted for his public spirit, push and enterprise in matters of moment that concerned the welfare of the community at large. He was a man of de- cided moral character who was always to be found on the side of the right in all the great questions of his day. He was a strong Whig and anti-slavery man, and was ever ready to champion the cause of the weak and oppressed. Maj. Sterling's first wife, to Whom he was mar- ried in Luzerne County, Pa., was Kezia M. Can- field. She was born and reared in Pennsylvania, and died in Luzerne County in the prime of life, leaving three children — a daughter, Amanda, who died after her marriage; and Edward and Edwin, twins, the former a farmer in Huron,8. Dak. ; and the latter now a resident of San Francisco, who went to California in 1849, and was a miner for some years. The Major was a second time married in Luzerne Counter, Pa., Miss Eliza Passmore be- coming his wife. She was born in Auburn, that State, and was there reared and educated. Her father was a Rhode Island man, who spent the lat- ter days of his life in the Keystone State. Mrs. Sterling accompanied her husband to Illinois when he came here to locate, and she helped him to make a good home, in which she reared a family of five children, of whom our subject is the youngest and is now the only survivor. The mother was a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and was a conscientious Christian to the last. She died at the home of her son, our subject, Oc- tober 13, 1889, aged eighty years, she having been born August 14, 1809. John M. Sterling received his education in the pioneer schools of this and his native county, where his entire life has been passed thus far, and he has risen to a position of prominence among his fellow- citizens, as he is progressive in his views, is saga- cious and politic in council, and is discriminating and clear-sighted in his judgment of men and PORTEAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECOED. 251 affairs. These traits have made him successful in business and brought him into public life. Thus he has held civic offices with great credit to him- self and to the benefit of the community. He has been Assessor for four years, and has represented Nelson Township as a member of the County Board of Supervisors for the last two terms. He has lived in Nelson Township since 1870, and he has here a good farm, which is equal in its appoint- ments and improvements to any in its vicinity, and he devotes it to general farming and dairj"^ purposes, having a fine, well-kept herd of milch cows on the place. Our subject was happilj' married in Nelson Township to Miss Dora Rickey Fassmore, who is to him all that a wife can be to her husband. She manages the affairs of her liousehold intelligently, and so as to make its inmates contented nnd com- fortable, and cordially seconds her husband in ex- tending hospitality to all who enter their door. Three children complete their home circle — John, Robert and James. Mrs. Sterling was born in Penn- sylvania in 1851, and received her education in that State. She had attained womanhood when she came to Lee County. In her the Presbyterian Church has an earnest, working member. ' > ' ) ' I ' j m* m *\ '- ylLLIAM S. BRIERTON. In the early days of the settlement of Lee County there came hither from his old home in Penn- sylvania one Joseph Brierton, who was among the first to settle in Nachusa Township, and from that time the name of Brierton has been linked with the history of the development and welfare of this section of Illinois. The gentleman who is the subject of this biographical review is a son of that honored pioneer of whom mention has just been made, and he has risen to an honorable place among the intelligent, progressive farmers of his native county, his agricultural interests being com- prised in a well stocked, finely improved farm, ly- ing on sections 16 and 17, Nelson Township. Our subject was born November 25, 1839, on his father's homestead in Nachusa Township, and w.as reared and educated under the pioneer conditions that prevailed in this counter during his youth. He early adopted the calling to which he lias been bred, and at first engaged in it in his native town- ship, of which he remained a resident until 1874. He purchased his present farm in Nelson Town- ship sixteen years ago, and has since busied himself with its cultivation and improvement. He owns nearly a quarter of a section of land, which is finely tilled, and is amply supplied with modern improvements, neat and well appointed buildings adding to the attractiveness as well as to the value of the place, and on all sides are evidences of well- considered and systematic arrangements for con- ducting agriculture in an enlightened manner, thoroughly in keeping with the advanced methods of farming in use by the most progressive and thoughtful farmers of to-daj'. Joseph Brierton, the father of our subject, was born in Luzerne County, Pa., of foreign parent- age. His father was a native of England, who had come to this country when a young man, had mar- ried a Pennsylvania lady of Dutch descent, and they had lived and died in Luzerne County when past middle life. The father of our subject grew up in the county of his nativity, and learned the trade of a brewer, which he followed for a time, and then abandoned that to fit himself for a black- smith, which calling he pursued for awhile in the county where he was born. He was in the prime and vigor of -a stalwart, active manhood, when he decided to improve his fortunes by migration to the wilderness of Illinois, where land was cheap, and there were other advantages to compensate for the rough, rude life on the frontier, with which he was well fitted to cope. He set forth from his old home with his family in 1836 or 1837, and traveled over the intervening country to his destinatson. with teams. After Joseph's arrival here, he purchased a squatter's claim on section 26, Nachusa Township, and was one of the original settlers of that place. He at once began to improve his land, and also es- tablished a smithy, which he operated in connection with farming for some years. He built up a com- fortable home, in wliich he rounded out a life of unusual length, he being past ninety-six years of 252 POETKAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. age when lie died, and the eldest but one man in the county. He was of a quiet, thoughtful dispo- sition, of an even temperament and irrei)roachable habits, and was reverenced by all who knew him. He was a strong Methodist in religion, and in poli- tics he was a downright Republican to the day of his death. As one who witnessed almost the en- tire growth of this county, actively aiding his fel- low-pioneers in their great work of redeeming it from the hand of nature; and as one of the origi- nal settlers of Nachusa Township his memory will always be cherished by all who take an interest in this section of the State. Mr. Brierton's wife died in 1872, at the age of three-score years and ten. She too was a native of Luzerne County, her parents also being of Penn- sylvanian birth, and living and dying in that county, and her maiden name was Elizabeth Gar- rison. She was a noble tj'pe of the pioneer women who assisted their fathers, brothers and husbands in the making of comfortable homes and in the upbuilding of Lee County, where she liad many warm friends. She was a consistent Christian and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject is one of twelve children, five of whom are living, all married and residing within the borders of this county. After attaining his majority he was first married in Nachusa, his na- tive township, to Miss Mar^- E. Stetler, a native of Pennsylvania, who came to this county when a child with her parents. Her death occurred in Nel- son Township, August :^, 1886, when she was still in life's prime, and she left behind her a beautiful memory as a daughter, wife and mother. Four chil- dren were born to our subject by that marriage, namely: .Joseph, a farmer in Amboy Township, who married Miss Silvie Collins; Charles, a farmer in Nelson Township, who married Miss ]\I ay Poor- baugh; Alva and Rhoda A., who are at home. The second marriage of our subject, which took place in Taylor Township, Ogle County, was with jNIiss Anna Hewitt. Mrs. Brierton was born in Ireland, in the County of Downe, March 24, 1860. Her parents are yet living at their old home in that Irish county. She came to the United States in December, 1885, ambitious to make nuire of her life than was possible in her native land. Our subject has in her a true wife, and the Presbyterian Church a good working member. Mr. Brierton is an earnest thinker, with a mind well stored with facts, and with opinions of his own on all subjects with which he is familiar. He has no faith in re- ligious creeds, but his principles are high, and his conduct in all the affairs of life is irreproachable. He cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln, and has ever since been loyal to the Republican party. Mr. Joseph Brierton left an estate of over llOO,- 000, and the division of the estate was made with- out an administrator, with the help of one man outside the family — Jason C. Ayers — and each heir was entirely satisfied with the division, and the whole cost amounted to $100 only; something re- markable in the history of settling up large estates. ^i. ^-^ [=_ [S~ VMLLIAM B. PAGE, a son of one of the III earliest pioneer settlers of Lee County, {i represents the Anglo-Swiss Condensed ]MilkCo., which is of world-wide fame, having several branch establishments in Europe as well as the United States, and its products are sold in various countries. The manufactur* of this ar- ticle at Dixon is one of the most important in- dustries in Northern Illinois, and under our sub- ject's able management the works are in a perfect condition. Mr. Pago is a native of this countj-, born in the pioneer home of his parents in the township of Palmyra, in 1854. His father, John H. Page, was one of the first to settle in this part of the State, and was well known here for many ^ears. He was born in the town of Rochester, Stafford Coun- ty, N.H., in 1806, a son of David Page,, and a grand son of Joseph Page. He was reared on a farm in the town of Sandwich, and was educated in the common schools. He early acquired a taste for farming, and in due time adopted that honor- able calling for his life-work, engaging in agricul- ture on the rugged soil of his native State imtil 1 83 1. In the spring of that year he boldly set his face Westward, determining to brave the unknown perils of life in the wilderness on the frontier so PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 253 as to profit by the cheap and rich lands of tlie great State of Illinois, wliieh was still in the hands of the pioneers, with bnt little of its wonderful resources developed. He located in what is now Palmyra Township, Lee County, where but two or three had ventured to make a settlement before his arrival, the land being still held by the Government, and the survey incomplete. Mr. Page made a claim to a tract of land, and the log house that he erected upon it was the second or third dwelling built in the township. At that time deer, wolves and other wild animals were numerous, and were often troublesome to the set- tlers. There were no railways and the farmers had to carry their grain and other produce way to Chicago to obtain a market, and to get needed sup- plies. Mr. Page resided on the farm that he im- proved by hard and persistent labor until 1869, when he sold it and made his home at Menlo, Iowa, the few remaining years that were left to him, his death occurring there in 1870. He was first married in 1830 to Miss Julia M. Fellows,daugh- ter of Stephen Fellows. She died in Palmyra in 1856. He was married a second time in 1858, Mrs. Sarah (Jenness) Wiggin becoming his wife. By the first marriage there were eight children, of wliom these five are now living, — George H., Charles A., David S., William B. and Julia M. As the foundation of the industry with which our subjjct is connected was due to the far-reacli- ing enterprise and wonderful executive ability of his brothers, a brief resume of their lives will not be out of place in this biographical sketch. The eldest George H. Page, was born in Palmyra Township, May 16, 1836. He received a liberal education at Iowa City College, of which his uncle Stephen N. Fellows was one of the founders and the first principaL After leaving he engaged in farming for a time, but soon after the war broke he was appointed to a clerk- ship in the War department at Washington, and did good service for the Government the ensuing three years. In 1866 he went to Switzerland, and in company with his brothers Charles S. and David S., emb.nrked in the business of condensing milk, the first undertaking of the kind in Europe, and under their skillful manaarement it has grown to immense proportions. The business proved such a success that a stock company was eventually formed, with a capital of 12,000,000 and now eight factories are in operation — three in England, two in Switzerland, one in Germany, and two in the United States. In 1868 the plant at Dixon was started, and upwards of a half million dollars expended on the grounds, buildings, fixtures, etc. One hundred and thirty five hands are employed in the factory, and the milk of three thousand cows is consumed each day. Mr. George Page is the general manager of the busi- ness, and resides at New York City. He was mar- ried in 1875 to Miss Adelheid Schwerzmann, of Zug, Switzerland, and they have one child. Charles A. Page, the second son of the family, was born in Palmyra Township May 22, 1838. He was graduated from Cornell College, at Mt. Ver- non, Iowa, and after that he edited a paper in that town for one year. He was then appointed clerk in the fifth auditor's office in the Treasury Depart- ment at Washington. He held that position, for three or four years, and during the war turned his attention to journalism, and became famous as a war correspondent of the New York Tribune. He accompanied the aim}' of the Potomac in its var- ious campaigns, and his vivid descriptions and graphic delineations of the marches and battles, and the defeats and triumphs of that heroic armj', published in the Tribune over the initials C. A. P., were read with intense interest by thousands of anxious ones at home all over our broad land wherever that newspaper circulated, and are re- membered to this day by the old readers of the Tribune. He was one of the party that had the honor of accompanying the remains of President Lincoln to their last resting place at Springfield. In 1866 he was appointed Consul of Zurich, Swit- zerland, in recognition of his services as war cor- respondent, and he held that office four years. At the expiration of that time he became the man- ager of the London office of the Anglo-Swiss Con- densed Milk Co., of which he was one of the ori- ginators. He resided in that city until his un- timely death May 26, 1873, deprived tlie company of his valuable services, and closed a career in which he had already accomplished much though 254 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. still in the prime of life, and which had given every promise of a brilliant future as a business man of more than ordinary talent, lie liad been married in 1868 to Miss Grace D. Cowes, of Wash- ington, D. C, who now makes her home in Boston, Mass. By their marriage were four children. David S., tlie fourth brother of our subject, was born on the old family homestead in Palmyra Township. He was given excellent educational advantages, and in his career has displayed the same energy and genius for business that marks his brothers. He is the assistant general manager of the company, and resides in Europe. He married Miss Martha Stulz, a native of Cham, Switzerland, and they h.ive four children. William B. Page, tlie ))rincipal subject of this biography,passed his early years in his native town- ship, and in the local schools laid the solid foun- dation of his education which he completed at Cornell College in Iowa. His connection with the business founded by his brothers began in 1872, when lie went to England to enter their employ in their factory at Chippenham Village, Wiltshire. During the eight years that he remained there he- became thoroughly conversant with the art of manufacturing condensed milk, and at the end of that time he went to the Canton of Zug,Switzerland, and was connected with the management of the factory there until 1888. In that year he returned to America to take cliarge of the works at Dixon, which under his energetic management is in a flourishing condition. He is certainly "the right man in the right place," as no detail of this large business escapes liis watchful eye, and under his careful supervision everything is kept in good order, and the enormous amount of condensed milk turned out daily by this establishment lias no superior for excellence of quality in any country. This is one of the institutions of which Dixon is justly proud, as not only has it brought much capital into the city, and has increased materially the wealth of city and countj^, but its fine buildings, of a pleasing and appropriate style of architecture, and its handsome, well-laid out grounds are an ornament to the locality, an air of exquisite neatness and cleanliness pervading the whole place, adding greatly to its attractiveness. Mr. Page was married during his residence in England to Miss Catherine Buckle, of London, their marriage being celebrated in 1876. They have established a handsome home in Dixon, the centre of a charming hospitality, and whoever crosses its threshold is sure of a pleasant welcome from courteous host and amiable hostess. Their household circle is coiBpleted by the four children born unto them, whose names are Carl, Roland, Henry and Walter. rMRICH WEISHAAR. The qualities of thrift of perseverance which almost invari- Jks^ ably characterize the Germans, have crowned their efforts with prosperity in whatever portion of the world their lot may be cast. Nor does the life of Mr. Weishaar furnish an exception to the usual rule, for he is numbered among the most prosper- ous citizens of this county. For many years he devoted his attention assiduously to agricultural pursuits, but has now retired from the active duties of life and makes his home in Ashton, where in tranquil and cheerful intercourse with his family and friends he hopes to pass his declining years. As has already' been indicated, the native home of Mr. Weishaar is in Germany and the date of his birth February 3, 1834. During his childhood he was given excellent advantages in the schools of the Fatherland and upon starting out in life for himself, secured employment as a laborer in the vicinity of his early home. Having resolved to seek a home in the New World, he emigrated to this country in the fall of 1856 and landed in New York, whence he came direct to this county. At first he worked out as a laborer in Bradford Township, where he was married March 9, 1861, to Miss Anna B. Merbach. Mrs. Weishaar, who was a native of Germany, died in Bradford Township. She was the mother of ten children, four of whom are now living, namely— Ernest,.John, Henry and Caroline. On January 10, 1884, Mr. Weishaar- was again married, choosing as his wife Miss Anna Bech, an 5 'v X^ Mk H. oJ. %:/^^Mnj-^St. Johnsville, in the same county, and dwelt there until they came to this State in 1846, and cast in tlieir lot with the early settlers of Kane County, of which they are still residents. In this life-record of our subject enough has been written of what he has accomplished to indi- cate that he possesses strength of mind aad char- acter and other inherent endowments that are essen- tial to true success in any walk in life, and we may add that his personal attributes, such as frankness and generosity, are such as to make his neighbors and all with whom he associates esteem him highly. He is liberal in his religious views, cheerfull3' gives of his money to support the churches, and, with his wife, is a consistent member of the ^Evangelical Church. In his political sentiments he is in full accord with the principles promulgated by the Re- publican party. ♦=^^='r _y r ON. SHERWOOD DIXON, the present Re- presentative of the Nineteenth District, and a worthy member of one of the most ^ honored pioneer families of Lee County, is now engaged in the practice of the legal profes- sion in the city which bears his name, as a member of the firm of Dixon & Bethea. He was born in the city which is still his home, November 15, 1847, an honor to which few of his age can lay claim. His father, James P. Dixon, was a native of New York City, and a son of John Dixon, the founder of the county seat of Lee County. The latter emigrated with his family to Illinois at an early day and amid the wild scenes of pioneer Jife James Dixon was reared to manhood. In Buffalo Grove, Ogle County, he married Miss Fannie Reed, a native of Delaware County, N. Y., where her father, Samuel Reed, was also born. After his marriage he came with his family to Illinois at a very early day and located at Buffalo Grove, upon land which he obtained from the Government. The Indians were still numerous in the settlement and the work of civilization seemed scarcely begun. Samuel Reed and his wife there resided until death and were prominent people of the communit}'. During the Black Hawk War they had to flee to the fort at Dixon for protection from the red men. The parents of our subject began their domestic life on a farm near this city, and in public affairs James Dixon was quite prominent. He l)ecame agent for the Fink ■" OSHUA E. LAHMAN, who is prosperously engaged in agricultural pursuits on section 12, just south 01 Fianklin Grove, where he has a good farm, was a soldier in the late war whose bravery and efHciency raised him from the ranks to an official position, and it gives us pleasure to place the record of the life of this rep- resentative of the Grand Army of the Republic on these pages. Mr. Lahman is a native of Washington County, Md., bom June 16, 1839, to Christian and Eliza- beth Lahman, who were pioneeis of Illinois. Our subject was a child of live years when the family came to this State, and here he was reared on a farm. He was in the full prime and vigor of man- hood when the war broke out, and as soon as he could he went to the front to help fight his coun- try's battles. He enlisted in September, 1861, and was mustered into the service as a member of Company C, Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantiy. F'or two years he was with his regiment in various battles and skirmishes, and at the end of that time he was hon- orably discharged on account of disabilitj- caused b3' a gun-shot wound received while he was in the heat of that fearful battle at Murfreesboro. He was also present at the battle of Shiloli and did some hard fighting there. He retired from the army with a fine military record and with the well-earned title of Sergeant. He had displayed coolness and daring in the face of the enemy, promptness and readiness of resource in emei'gen- cies, and his superior officers felt that they could rely upon him whether in camp or on the field. The suffering that he endured from the wounds received for his country's sake incapacitated our subject for active work in his calling as a farmer and, fearing that he would be permanently crippled and not liking to be idle, he learned the trade of harness-maker as soon as he was able to do any- thing. And in 1865 he went to Guthrie County. Iowa, where he was engaged in business as a har- ness manufacturer the ensuing three years. While there it was his good fortune to secure the hand of Miss Hannah M. Batschlett in marriage the ceremony that made them one being performed December 20, 1867. Of the five children born to them four are living, namely: Edgar R,, a resident of Rockford, 111.; Clifford, who died when twelve years of age; Elizabeth, Clara and George W. Mrs. Lahman is a 'daughter of Peter and Eliza Batschlett and she is a native of this Stite, born in Knox County. In 1868 Mr. Lahman returned to Franklin Grove and having recovered from the wounds 'in his arm and leg received in battle, he resumed his old oc- cupation, buying at that time eighty acres of his present farm. He made excellent improvements, including a good class of buildings, stocked his farm with good breeds of cattle, horses and hogs, and has done well in his enterprise. He has ac- PORTRAIT AND lUOGKAPHlCAL RECORD. 271 cumulated a goodly amount of property, and has increased his landed estate to two hundred and forty acres of choice land. Ho is energetic and en- terprising, has strength of mind enough to carry out Ills plans under difliculties, as we have seen, always maintains good credit in regard to money matters, and the value of his citizenship has been proved not only when his country was in need of good soldiers, but in less trying times as a member of a law-abiding communitj'. In politics, he is loyal to the Republican party, and socially he is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. '\f?OHN MENSCH was scarcely more than a boy when he enlisted in an Illinois regiment during the war, but not withstanding his youth he did good service as a soldier. He is now making himself useful as a general farmer and stock-raiser, who holds an honorable place among the men of his class in Palmyra Township, where he has a good farm of eighty acres of exceed- ingly fertile land, lying on section 23. Born May 29, 1846, our subject's home during the first eight years of his life was in Columbia County, Pa. His parents were Cliristian and Peggy (Cromley) Mensch. They came to Illinois in April, 1854, and located in Jordan Township, Whiteside County, on a farm, which they made their home until death sealed their eyes in tho sleep that knows no waking, the father dying in 1887 at the age of sixty-four years, the mothei having passed away two years previously at thi age of three-score. They were firm Christians, and devoted members of the Lutheran Church. Oui subject was the second of their eight children, all of whom are living but one daughter, who died at the age of twenty-three. tlohn Mensch of this notice was reared to the life of a farmer on his father's farm in Whiteside County, and every day was adding to his exper- ience in that line when the rebellion broke out. He was a boy too y<^ung to take up arms in defense of his countr3-'s honor, but he longed to do so with all the ardent patriotism of youth, and at length when he was seventeen years old, he was permitted to enroll his name among those of the soldiers that formed the One Hundred F'ortieth Illi- nois Infantry he being assigned to Company A, which was organized at the last call for troops in 1864. Our subject went with his comrades to the front, and served nine months. He saw no active fighting, but did full^' as important work in keeping guard, for which his regiment was detailed .and he was honorably discharged at the close of the war, with a good record for fidelity to duty and unfaltering devotion to the cause, which would well have become a veteran. When he left the army Mr. Mensch returned to his old home, and was a resident of Whiteside County until 1879. In the month of September, that year he purchased the farm that he now oc- cupies in Palmyra Township, and settled on it in the spring of 1880. He is constantly adding to its improvements, has it under a high state of tillage, and the cattle, horses and hogs that he raises upon it are of excellent stock. Our subject is a man of sturdy round-about common sense, has an even temper, is thoroughlj' reliable in all respects, an up- right man, an honorable citizen, a husband kind and true, a tender father and a pleasant neighbor. His political creed is that of the Democratic party, and in religion he is a Lutheran, both he and his wife belonging to the church of that denomination and they have had their children baptized, dedicat- ing them to the church. Mr. Mensch and Miss Lydia Clruver were married in Nelson Township. She also is a native of Col- umbia County, Pa., and a daughter of Uriah Ciruver, a Pennsylvanian bj' birth, who was one of the pio- neers of Lee County. After living some twelve years in Naschusa Township he bought two hun- dred and fort}' acres of land in Nelson Township. He lived upon that farm some years and then re- tired to Dixon to enjoy the competence that he had accumulated at his leisure. His first wife, mother of Mrs. Mensch, died during their residence in Nachusa Township when she was only forty- two years old. .She w.i.s a member of the Lutheran Clhurch and left behind. her the memory of a true Christian womanhood. Mr. Gruver is a faithful 272 PORTRAIT A>'D BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. follower of the Republican party in politics. Re- ligiously, he is of the Methodist Episcopal faitli, and he and his present wife are members of that church. Mr. and Mrs. Menscli liave been abundantly bles- sed in their married life, and eight children add to their happiness, named as follows — Charles, Mary, Harry, Mabel, Kate, Eidward, Evaline and a ))aby named Iva. "oS- ELI LLOYD is widely known and hon- ored as one of the first pioneers in that , part of Lee County of which he lias been a resident for more than half a century, making his home a part of the time in tlie city of Dixon, and the remainder of the time on his farm on section 13, Nelson Township, which he purchased of the Government in 1837. On tliis beautiful place which has been made attractive by his labors he is now serenely passing the declining years of a life well spent, in retirement from active business. The birth-place of our subject is near the seat of the court of justice in the County of Huntingdon, Pa., where he first opened his eyes to tlie light on the glorious Fourth of July in the year 1823. His father, whose given name was Henry, was also a native of that county, and was a son of Henry Lloyd, Si'., who was of Welsh descent, but was a native and life-long resident of Huntingdon County, wliere lie died when i^ast eighty years of age. His wife, who was also a Pennsylvanian by birth, lived to be very old. The elder Lloyds were stanch Baptists in religion. Henry Lloyd, Jr. grew up on the old Lloyd estate, and was married in his native county to Miss Jane Schwapish, who was born and reared in the same county as liimself, and came of the high Dutch stock that had settled in that part of Pennsylvania in Colonial times. After their marriage the Lloyds moved to Cambria County, and there they spent their remaining days on a farm, dying full of years. They were mem- bers of the Baptist Cliurch. Our subject is the sixth of a family of twelve children. He was reared in a good Jiome b\- worthy parents, whose instruction, no less than their example, led him to form good habits and principles of right living early in life. He grew to manhood in his native county, but was subse- quently married in Blair County. He was in the full flush and vigor of the prime of life when he came to Lee County in 1837. He was one of the first to perceive the fine natural advantages of this part of the State and to avail himself of them. He saw the country when it was in all its original wildness, and has been lost on the praix-ie when it was so new that there were no roads to travel by, and when there were but verj- few settlements within a radius of many miles of the site which he selected for his future home on what is now sec- tion 13, Nelson Township. He may well be proud of the fact that he has done his share of the hard labor necessitated in bringing about the wonder- fnl change that has been wrought by the hand of man within half a century whereby this has become one of the richest and best improved farming reg- icins in Illinois. It contains two hundred acres of arable land, which is now highly cultivated, and is complete in its appointments as regards build- ings and machinery, and its fertile soil is capable of supporting a great deal of stock. Mr. Lloyd himself has retired from farming, and his son now operates the farm, keeping it up to the same high standard it had attained before it came under his care. Besides his homestead Mr. Lloj'd owns a fine property in Dixon, and is one of the wealthy men of the community. He has spent much of his time for the last twenty years in that city and has done conspicuous service in the line of public improvements during his incumbency of the office of Street Commissioner and in other civic positions. He has also been prominent in the political life of the cit3' and township, and has exercised a favor- able influence on tlie fortunes of the Republican party in this section. April r>, 1891, the wife of our subject passed away from the home that had been blessed and sanctified )>y her presence for so many years, her death, which occurred very suddenly at their res- idence in Dixon, being caused by the rupture of an artery. ^Irs. Lloyd's maiden name wasAdveanna Anderson. She was born in 1812 in the town of PORTEAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 273 Phoenixville, Chester County, Pa., and was there reared to womanhood. Her father, Julius Ander- son, lived and died a fanner in Pennsylvania, dying in the prime of life of consumption con- tracted while serving as a soldier in the War of 1812. Mrs. Lloyd came to Illinois with her hus- band, and was his helpmate, companion, counselor and comfort in the hardships of the rough pio- neer life that they shared together in the found- ing of a new home. She was- a woman of more than ordinary intelligence, her mind ripened by culture and much reading of the best literature, she being well known as a scholar and historian, and her death was mourned by many friends she and her husband had gathered around them during their many years sojourn in this countj'. .She was possessed of a lovely Christian spirit, and as one of the earnest and active members of the Baptist Church she is greatly missed. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd, of whom two are deceased, — Anna M., who died at the age of six years, and Catherine, who was twenty-eight years old when she died. Their son Julius, an enterprising and successful farmer, residing on and managing the old homestead, mar- ried Miss Harriet Goodyear, and they have five children. ^^ IMON RHODES. No member of the farm- ^^^ ing community of this county is more 1vL3) worthy of representation on these pages than Mr. Rhodes, who has shown the value of his citizenship, as an intelligent and practical farmer; by helping in the great work of carrying on the agricultural industries for which this State is noted; and as a patriotic and useful soldier during the late war who nobly did his part in saving our country from disunion and dishonor. Our subject was born in Somerset County, Pa., January 12, 1839. His father, David Rhodes, was also a native of that county, coming of the old German stock that were early settlers of that por- tion of Pennsylvania, and there his fatlier and mother lived and died on their farm. They were pious people and members of the Lutheran Church. David Rhodes became a farmer himself, and oper- ated a small farm in his native county until he died, and was gathered to his fathers in 1889, at the venerable age of four-score years. He too was a Lutheran, and his politics were of the Dem- ocratic order. He married Miss Netta Snopsnyder, who came of similar parentage, and died in their old home in 1886 when full of years. Simon Rhodes passed, his boyhood amid the scenes of his birth, and as he was early set to work, he could not obtain the education for which he craved which has afforded him life-long regret. He has in a measure made up for it, however, as he has an intelligent, receptive mind, and he is very well informed on current topics. Being thrown on his own resources when he was young, he soon acquired self-reliance, steady habits and a manli- ness beyond his years that well fitted him to cope with the hardships to be encWntered in a hand to hand struggle for independence in any walk in life. Manhood was just opening before him when he first made his appearance in this county in 1861. He did not tarry here many months at that time, but returned to his native county to join Ills old associates who were forming the One Hundred and Thirty-third Pennsylvania Infantry, and were going forth to help fight their country's battles. His name was enrolled in June, 1862, as a member of Company E, of that regiment, which was commanded by Capt. Bear and Col. Schock, and was assigned to the Army of the Potomac. Our subject and his comrades did their share of the fighting in the hotly contested battles of Antietam, Fredericksburg, and in numerous other engagements. Our subject had enlisted for nine months, but he served faithfully for a year, and his military record for soldierly bearing and fidel- ity to duty was equal to that of any veteran of them all. Mr. Rhodes was honorably discharged from the army and returned to Pennsylvania, whence he again came to Lee County in 1865, and he has ever since lived and labored here. Me purchased his faim on section 31, South Dixon Township, in 1868, and applying liimself to its improvement early and late, he has brought it into a fine condi- 274 PORTEAIT AND BIOGRArHICAL EECORD. tioii, nearly the whole of its one hundi'ed and twenty aci-es being under good cultivation; it is well provided with suitable buildings, and is com- pletely stocked with cattle, horses and swine of high grades. He has won for himself an honor- able place among our best citizens by keeping his credit sound, his reputation unspotted, and by fairness and honesty in all his dealings. He and his wife attend the Evangelical Church, contri- buting liberally of their means toward its support. In politics he is a stanch advocate of the Republi- can party. Our subject was married at the bride's home in this township to Miss Mary Moore, who was born in Cumberland County, Pa., and was but a child when she came to Illinois with her mother and step-father, Frederick Bollman, (of whom see sketch), who settled in South Dixon Township, where she was reared and educated. .Six children have been born to our subject and his wife, of whom one — George, died young. The others are Emma, wife of Thomas Parker, a farmer in this township; William, a resident of Wliitesidc County, who married Mattie Parker, who is now dead; Hatlie, who makes her home with her parents, and is a bright and successful teacher, having been educated for her profession at Dixon College; Fred and Frank, both of whom are at home with their parents. ^OHN D. SITTS, an old resident of Lee Count\', has been engaged in the grocery business at Franklin Grove many j-ears and is numbered among the pioneer mer- chants of this section. He was born in (Jneida County, N. Y., January 23, 1831, and is of sturdy Teutonic and Revolutionary stock, he being one of the fourth generation of the American branch of the Sitts family that settled in this country inolonial times. His grandfather, Henry Sitts, was born either in New York or New England, and was a gallant soldier of tlie Continental .\rm\- throughout the struggk' of the colonists for free- dom from the mother country. He died in Mont- gomery Count\', N. Y. many years after at the venerable age of ninety-three years. Tlie parents of our subject were (ieorge and Harriet (Bartlett) Sitts, who were natives of the Mohawk Valley, in the Empire State. His mother died when he was fourteen years old. His father was a contractor on the Erie Canal in Ms early life. He came to Chicago in 1K49, and was pros- perously engaged in the grain and lumber trade in tiiat city until his death in 1863 in the midst of his busy career at the age of sixty-three years. He had six children, four sonsand two daughters, who came to Illinois, namely (ieorge, who died in Chicago, in April, 1891 ; Joseph, who died in Cleve- land, Ohio; Benjamin F., a resident of Chicago; Elizabeth A., who married John M. Wandell, of Chicago; John D; and ^Margaret H., who married Cyrus Thomas, of Columbus, Ohio, and died at Franklin Grove in November, 186,5. Our subject learned the trade of an iron moulder when he was j^oung, and pursued it in Monroe County. N. Y., for some years. He came from there to Illinois in 1854 and for three years was engaged inVailroading. He subsequentU- became interested in the lumber trade at Franklin Grove, forming a partnership with others under the firm name of Sitts, Thomas tt Co., and continued in that line six years. At the end of that time he be- gan farming in Bradford Township, but four years later he abandoned agricultural pui-suits. and returning to Franklin Grove, has exor since been engaged in the grocery business at this point, and is one of the oldest and most experienced Inisiness men in this part of the State. He has his store well fitted up, and carries a good and varied stock of everything that the market affords in his line that is demanded by liis custom. He has acquired a comfortable property, and liesides his possessions in this village owns a farm near by in the southern part of Ogle County, llis political sentiments are in accord with the policy of the Republican party, of which he is a tried and true member. He has held several local offices, filling them satisfactorily and alw.iys with an eye single to the public good. He has been a member of the County Board of Sujjer visors, and did all that he could in that Slies and sewer pipes, established his present business in 1867. The following year, in February, Mr. Anderson was admitted to partnership but the present firm title was not assumed until the 1st of Januarj', 1891. Business is carried on on Water Street between First and Second Streets and the firm has an extensive trade. Mr. Emerson was born in the old historical town of Castine, Me., on the Penobscot River, August 28, 1828, and comes of an old Scotch famih- of the same clan from which the late Ralph W. Emerson was descended. His father, Henry Emerson, a na- tive of York, Me., learned the trade of a blacksmith in the Navy Yards at Kittery, where he was em- ployed between the ages of fourteen and twenty- one years, during the time the War of 1812 was fought. He afterward established a smithy in Castine, where he spent his entire business life and died at the age of seventy-six years. Two of his sisters, l)oth of whom are Mrs. Thompson, are widow ladies residing in Ypsilanti, Mich., and both have passed their ninetieth birthdays. The mother of our subject was in her maidenhood Nancy Hutch- PORTRAIT AND BIOORAPHICAL RECORD. 281 ing, a native of Kenuebunk, Me. She survived her husband some fifteen years and died in her ninetieth year. Both Mr. and Mrs. Emerson were strong be- lievers in the Universalist faith and in early life he was a Democrat in politics. On that Licket he was elected to the State Legislature of Maine, but when the Republican party sprang into existence, as the outcome of the slavery question, he joined its ranks, being stanch advocate of abolition prin- ciples. Hamilton Hampton, late United States Senator, was one of the warm personal friends of Henry Emerson. C. F. Emerson, whose name heads this sketch, was the third in a family of five children, four of whom are yet living, although he is the only one residing in the West. He grew up as did most of tlie boys of his day in the Pine Tree State and with his father learned the blacksmith's trade. After he had attained his majority, he shipped before the mast and became engaged in the coasting service from Bangor, Me., to the south coast of Florida. He also made trips to the West Indies and fished from the smacks off the Grand Banks of New- foundland. For seven years he followed a sea- faring life and then turned his attention to other pursuits. He sought a home in the West in 1855, and since that time has been a I'esidcnt of Dixon. Ere locating in Illinois, however, Mr. Emerson was married in Boston, on the 4th of December, 1855, to Hannah £. Avery, who was born and reared in Castine, Me., but when a maiden went to Boston where she lived until her marriage. Her parents and grandparents were both natives of the Pine Tree State, and the home of the latter was occupied by the British during the War of 1812. Her father, John A. Avery, was a sea-faring man and merchant and died in Castine, Me., at an advanced age, hav- ing survived his wife some fifteen years. They were parents of eleven children, six of whom are now living. Mr. Emerson brought his bride to Dixon where they liave since formed a wide acquaintance and won many friends. Their social status is high, and in religious belief both Mr. Emerson and his wife are Universalists. He embarked in the lumber busi- ness in 1867, and carried it on until 1876, when he retired but five years later he again resumed oper- ations in that line and has since continued to be one of the leading lumber merchants of this city. By his fair and honest dealing he has won unlim- ited confidence and the liberal patronage accorded him is but the just reward of his labors. Mr. Emer- son is a public spirited and enterprising citizen and for four years has served as Alderman. He is also one of the Nachusa House directors, and in politics supports the Republican party by his ballot. Socially, he is a member of the Odd Fel- lows Lodge, belonging both to the subordinate lodge and encampment. l^****!: ♦•{••{•♦I- ^^HOMAS W. BROWN, an old and honored ff^^. citizen of Lee County, and one of its pio- ^^^ neers, is one of the wealthy residents of Franklin Grove, where he has a beautiful home, and is conducting a good business as a grower of small fruits. His native place is the fine old city of Newport, R. I., and the date of his birth, Au- gust 14, 1820. His parents, Thomas W. and Re- becca (Vial) Brown, were also natives of Rhode Island, and were life-long residents of that State. They reared a family of six children, as follows: Louisa, who died unmarried; Mary, who became the wife of Thomas H. Kirtly, a banker of Phila- delphia, in which city she died; Harriet, the wife of R. P. Lee, cashier in a bank at Newport, R. I.; Charlotte, now Mrs. Richard E. Hamlin, of Provi- dence, R. I.; Elizabeth B., wife of William M. Steadman, a wholesale merchant, of Boston, M.ass.; and our subject, the only son. He of whom we write learned the trade of a mer- chant tailor under his father's instruction in his youth, and at nineteen years of age started West- ward to grow up with the country in some pioneer settlement, where he would have a broader field for the exercise of his energies, as he did not by any means propose to confine himself to his trade if he found that he could do better in another di- rection. After his arrival in Lee County he took up and improved a claim, although the land was not then in the market, and subsequently selling it at a good price, he removed to Inlet, (a village 282 POETRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. now defunct) and did business as a merchant tailor and as a daguerrean. It is worthy of note in con- nection with the latter that he made daguerreo- types of many of the early settlers, which are now probably preserved in many households as precious lieirlooms. In 1856 Mr. Brown removed to Franklin Grove, and in 1860 he settled where he now resides, which place had been purchased that year bj^ his brother- in-law. He continued in the same business as be- fore until 1871, wlien he sold medicme for three years. In 1875 he began to engage in the culture of small fruits, and in 1885 purchased the place on which he resided. He then erected his handsome residence, which is finely located at the head of Main Street in the south part of the village cif Franklin Grove, where he has a home replete with nil the comforts and luxuries necessary to the best social life. His dwelling is a large brick house, sec- ond to none in the village in beauty of architect- ure and the convenience of its interior arrange- ments. It is supplied witli the modern improve- ments, heated by a furnace, and has hot and cold water in all parts of the house, besides a well ap- pointed bath room. Among the most pleasant features of this elegant home is the good cheer always to be found within its walls, its inmates un- derstanding well the art of true hospitality that " welcomes the coming and speeds the parting guest." Although Mr. Brown is a man of wealth his act- ive temperment is intolerant of a life of leisure, and, as before mentioned, he devotes his time to the culture of small fruits, for which his forty acres of land is well adapted. He is well versed in the best methods of fruit culture, having made a careful study both from observation and from the perusal of the works of the best authorities on the subject, and he has a large and constantly growing business under his supervision, as he has acquired a wide reputation for the superior qual- ity of the fruit that he raises, which always finds a market and sells at good prices. On April 10, 1841, in his native city, Newport, R. I., Mr. Brown and Ruth F. Simpson were united in marriage. She, too, was born in that beautiful seaside resort, her birth ououiring February 12 1819, and she is a daughter of Samuel and Harriet Simpson. P^or fifty years she and our subject have shared the vicissitudes of life together, and the joys and sorrow that have fallen to their lot dur- ing that half century of time have but strength- ened the tie that binds them. Nine children have been born to them, of whom these four have passed from life to death: Matilda, who died at the age of sixteen years; Ella, who died when six years old; and two who died in infancy. The five children living are Thomas W., a resident of Frank- lin Grove; Robert, a resident of Sioux Rapids, Iowa; !Mary E.; Harriet, now Mrs. Blair; and Lot- tie; the three daughters live at home with their parents. Mr. Brown was in early life a Whig, but he was heartily in sympathy with the movement that led to the formation of the Republican party, and from its birtli he has been one of the most stanch sup- porters of its principles. He was the first Town C'lerk of Lee Centre Township, and his record as a citizen shows that he has always contributed to lo- cal improvements, and all measures to advance the growth and well-being of his adopted county have met with his cordial approval and material sup- port. 4^ ^^ LIJAH H. AM) DANIEL B. RAYMOND, who are well-known and prominent citizens of this county, are conducting farming and stock-raising in partnerehip, owning and operating a good-sized, well-equipped farm on sections 21 and 22, South Dixon Township, that is in all respects one of the finest estates in this part of Illinois. The Kayinoud brothers are scions of the sturdy pioneer stock of Southern ^Michigan. The elder brother, liowever, was born in Steuben County, N. Y., prior to the removal of the family to the pri- meval wilds of that ticction of the country in terri- torial days, the date of his birth being May 14, 1821. Daniel B., the youngest member of the household, was born November 2, 1833, in the primitive pioneer home of his parents in the town- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 283 ship of Rfiisin, Leiia^v'oe County, shortly after they had made settlement in that region. Our subject's ancestors were Englishmen, of the same blood as the Pilgrim Fathers of the Mayflow- er, and some of them were among the colonists of New England, and made their homes in the quaint old city of Salem and in the town of "Wareham, Mass., and representatives of the family ma}^ still be found in that section of the country. The first to avail himself of the privileges of religious freedom in America was John Raymond, who came hither in 1636. F'oUowing him in line of descent were William Raymond Sr., William Raymond Jr. and then in succession three of the name of Daniel, the latter of whom was the father of the gentlemen of whom we write. The grandfather of our subjects was a native of Richmond Town- ship, Greene County, N. Y., whither his father had removed after marriage from his old Massachusetts home to found a new one in the wilderness. He and his wife were also pioneers of Steuben County and hewed out a farm in Cohooton Township, where they died. He had been a patriotic soldier during the Revolution, serving throughout the war, and lived. to be nearly ninety years old. The father of our subjects was reared in his native State, and when the War of 1812 broke out he showed himself a worthy son of his sire by enlist- ing in the service of his country in a New York regi- ment, in which he held the rank of Orderly Sergeant. He was married in Steuben County with Miss Lucy A. Woodrdff, who was born in Berkshire County, Mass., coming of a long line of New England an- cestry, and her parents were also of Massachusetts birth. After the birth of seven children, Daniel Ray- mond and his wife set out for the Territory of Michigan in the spring of 1833, traveling with an ox-team, and journeying by the lakes and over- land until they had penetrated the forest wilds of Lenawee County as far as the present site of Rai- sin Township, where they determined to found their new home. Mr. Raymond selected a suitable location in the woods, on section 24, of said town- ship, two and one half miles from the Raisin River buying a part of it from the Government. He toiled hard, and had already hewed out a goodlj^ farm, when he was attacked by a malignant epi- demic that then prevailed in that section, and died at the age of fifty-four years, twelve years after settling there. His community was thus de- prived of one of its most highly prized citizens, who was a man of rare virtue, of force and dignity of character, and was associated with all that was good in his township. He was a Whig in politics and religiously, was a member of the Congrega- tional Church, as was his wife, who died on the old homestead in Michigan, in 1858, at the age of six- ty-five years. She was the mother of eight chil- dren, of whom six are yet living, two in Michigan, and the others in Illinois. All are married but two, Elijah II., of this notice, and Hannah. They have all lived together under one roof since thej' came to this State in 1865, and settled on the farm where they have since made their home, and which was purchased the year before they took possession of it. Our subjects have made of it a very fine place bringing it to a high standard of cultivation and improvement, erecting commodious and well fitted up buildings of the most approved modern class, and stocking its pastures with cattle, horses and swine of superior breeds. The farm contains two hundred and forty acres of land of exceeding fer- tility. The brothers had previously had a good training in farming on the old homestead where thej' had passed their boj'^hood days, and thej' were well educated in the public schools of Adrian and Lenawee County. Daniel B. Raymond was married at the old home in his native State to Miss Maria S. Clark, who was born in Berkshire County, Mass., January 29, 1834. Her parents were also natives of Massa- chusetts, and came of some of the old Colonial families of New England. Her father died in the old Bay State while yet in the prime of life. Her mother was middle-aged when she died in Michi- gan. Mr. and Mrs. Raymond have been blessed in their pleasant wedded life by the birth of three children, — Daniel E., Agnes C, and Florence M. All- are accomplished and highly educated, having attended Dixon College, and the daughters have . taught in the South-Side public schools of Dixon. The son assists his father and uncle in the management of the farm. All the family are mem- 284 POSTRAIT AND BIOORAPHICAL RECORD, bers of the First Presbyterian Cliurch of Dixon. Mr. Raymond has borne a conspicuous part in the management of public affairs in township and county for several years. He was the first Cleric of the Township, holding that ottice for fourteen years and has represented it as a member of the County Board of Supervisors. He and his brother l<;iijah are representative Republicans, and are generous, public-spirited, high-minded men, whose citizenship carries weight and influence for good in the cominunitv where their lot has been cast. '^ OHN F. BOSSEMEYER was a man of intel- ligent mind and superior character, exem- plary in his habits, manly and straightfor- ward in his dealings, and true in the vari- ous relations that he sustained towards others as son, husband, father, neighbor, and steadfast in his friendships. And the death of such an estimable citizen was a serious loss to his community. I'or several years he had been busily engaged in im- proving a farm on section 22, South Dixon Town- ship, and in general agricultural operations, and there, while yet in life's prime, with a promising future before him, his hand was stayed from its labors, and he passed from the scenes of earth April 1, 1888. Mr. Bossemeyer was born in the State of Mary- land, May 24, 1849. His father, whose given name was Frederick, was of German birth and an- cestry. He was a young man when he came to the United States and settled in Maryland, where he met and married Miss Hannah Gammer, a native of that State. Thej^ continued to live in that commonwealth until after the birth of their eldest children and then they came to Illinois and cast in their lot with the pioneers of Lee County. They located on a tract of wild, unbroken land on sec- tion 24, South Dixon Township, where they estab- lished a little home, which was afterward replaced by a more commodious dwelling, and in the course of time Mr. Bossemeyer opened up a valuable farm of two hundred and fifty acres. In 1880, he retired from active business with his wife to the city of l^ixon, and they quietly passed their remaining days in their residence on (Jalena Street, his death occurring in 1886, at the age of three-score and ten years, and hers in 1889, when she was well ad- vanced in 3'ears. She was a woman of many vir- tues, of a warm and tender heart, and was re- garded with great affection by all about her. Mr. Bossemeyer, Sr.. was considered one of the leading German farmers of his day, and was well and fav- orably known. lie was a prominent Republican, taking an active part in local politics, and he was a great worker in the church; both he and his wife belonged to the Lutheran Church of Dixon. A boy of ten or eleven years when his parents brought him to this county, our subject grew to man's estate on his father's farm, and there re- ceived the practical training that was to make him successful as a farmer on his own account. He re- mained on the paternal homestead until he at- tained, his majority, and after his marriage he pur- chased a farm of one hundred and seven acres on section 22, South Dixon Township, and made many improvements in the shape of good farm buildings, etc. He was a young man of much ability, was remarkably industrious, was progressive in his ideas, and was ambitious to make a pleasant home for his family, to whom he was devoted. He was a student and a thinker, and seemed to have an aptitude for inventions, which might have made him famous one day had he lived. He was well educated, and made his mark as a teacher, engag- ing in that profession in this county some three years. His religion was that of the Lutheran Church, of which he was a member. In pohlics, he was a decided Republican. , September 4, 1874, the marriage of our subject with Miss Fannie A. Smith was duly solemnized in Dixon Township,and in her he found an affectionate and devoted wife, who made his interests her own, and materially added to his success in life and to his comfort and happiness. She was born in this township on her father's homestead Mareii lo, 1858. She was carefully reared under wholesome home influences, and was educated in the public schools. At 1km- husband's death she bravely took up the work that he laid down, and is managing PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 287 the farm with consummate skill, (iisplayiug an un- doubted talent for business. She is the mother of four children, who arc at home with her; their names are as follows: Arthur J., EtUi L., Lester O. and Nellie H. For Mrs. Bossemeyer's parental his- tory see sketch of Joseph Smith on another page. "52- ^^S^-i^H^ii ■20_ ■5o- /^ 'JI/AMES SNEED, whose sketch now invites attention, is one of the prominent men of Lee County, having in the course of his long life witnessed many changes and an immense amount of progress in the State, and also having accumulated a considerable fortune. He is now engaged in general farming on sections 20 and 29, of Palmyra Township, where he owns and operates a large estate of two hundred and thirty- seven acres, on which, besides farming, he carries on the stock trade. He has lived on this farm since 1871, having come to the State in 1854. He was for a while in Morris County, Kan., and then re- moved to Carroll County, where he remained four years. Since that time he has lived_ continuously on his present homestead. Mr. Sneed's birth occurred in Pulaski County, Ky., near Somerset, on the 15th of January, 1827, being the son of dearies and Elizabeth (Dalton) Sneed. When just a small boy our subject moved with his parents to Indiana, the family leaving the beautiful Blue Grass country for no other reason than that the idea of slavery was distasteful to them, and as that custom prevailed everywhere south of "Mason and Dixon's line", they were forced to seek a Northern home. Tliey first located in Washington County, and began life there as far- mers, and later lived for a time in Jackson County soon returning to Washington County, where they spent their last years. The father died when about seventy and the mother when about sixty years of age. They were both born iind. reared in Kentucky and were there married. To them were born thirteen children, four sons and one daughter yet surviving, our subject being the only one of the faWiily in Illinois. Our subject was reared in Washington County, 13 Ind., and while there attained his majority, at which time he came to Lee County and was mar- ried in this township to IMiss Sarah V, Toliver, who wMs born in Lawrence County, Ind. She was yet (juite young when her parents removed to Richland County, Ind., and a short time afterwards she was deprived of a mother's loving care and protection. She was taken care of by her grandparents who lived in this township, and it was here that she re- ceived her education. She was always quite stud- ious and gained a good education with what ad- vantages she had. She has made our subject a true and faithful helpmate, and is held in high re- pute for her intellectuality and her many excellent traits of character. This lady was called to her eternal home the 14th of August, 1891. The marriage of our subject and his estimable wife has been blessed by the advent of seven chil- dren, two of whom are now deceased. The living are: Franois j\I., who took to wife Alice Schultz, a resident of Dixon; Alice M., wife of E. H. Hughs, a farmer in Ogle County, this State; James B., a farmer, who resides at home; and William F. and Minnie L., who are also at home. Mr. Sneed has held several township and county offices, among them being the office of County Collector, and is at present the incumbent of the office of Justice of the Peace, which he holds with satisfaction to his constituents. In his politics he affiliates with the Republican Party. ■~^: \>^l^- '^1 OHN M. TROSTLE is an enterprising and successful business man, the owner and op- erator of the East Elevator at Ashton. He was born in Frederick County, Md., Nov- ember 1, 1855. He was reared on a farm in his native county until he was eighteen years of age, when he came to Franklin Grove, 111., where he learned the carpenters' trade under J. L. Strock and J. C. Spangler, working at it for twelve years. He then came to Ashton and rented the East Ele- vator which he operated for three years, at the end of that time becoming its purchaser. It has a capa- city of fifteen thousand bushels and has provpd a 288 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. great convenience to the fanneis in tlie ilisposri! of tlieii' grain. In tlie hands of such a competent beslness man as Mr. Trestle, the business has be- come one of importance and has proved a financial success. Mr. Trostle was married in Nachusa, December 3, 1877, to Miss Minerva A. Brierton, who was born in this county, in February, 1856. They liave one adopted child, Lottie M. Tlie parents of our subject, Jacob D., and Sarah (Pfoutz) Trostle, were natives of Adams County, Pa., and are now residing in Dickinson County, Kan. They have had twelve children, of whom John M. was fifth in the order of birth. Mr. Trostle is a stanch Republican and has always been very active in political affairs and, in fact in whatever relates lO the welfare of his community. He is Cliairman of the Ashton Township Republican Committee, and was for four years a member of the Milage Board in Franklin Grove. At present he is serving as Mayor of Ashton, which ofHce he has held for two terms, being first elected in the spring of 1889, and re-elected in the spring of 1891. Under his wise supervision the affairs of the town are in a flour- ishing condition, he giving much attention to the various projects which tend to the upbuilding of the community. Socially he is a member of the Masonic fraternity. ENRY BOLLMAN owns one hundred and twenty acres of fine farming land on sec- tion 22, Nelson Township, and is conduct- ing a profitable business as a general farmer. He was born in Prussia, Germany, March 27, 1833, to Gotlieb and Elizabeth Bollman, who were also natives of Prussia, and passed their en- tire lives there on a farm, the father dying at the age of forty-nine, when scarcely past the prime of life, and the mother was not much older when she died. They were most excellent people, true Christians and members of the Lutheran Church. Our subject is one of eight children, of whom two are living in the United States, he and his hiothei' Fred, tlie latter a prosperous farmer of South l-)ixon Township. He came to this country ten years before Henry came, being scarcely more than a boy when he ventured to try his fortunes in a strange land. Amid the quiet scenes of his birthplace our subject grew apace, and in tlie local schools conned his lessons diligently, tlius securing a good prac- tical education, and he also received a useful training in agriculture on his father's farm. He was but fifteen j^ears old when he determined to follow his brother Henry to the far-away country across the sea, and witli a courageous spirit and the high hopes of youth, he set out on the long voyage in the good ship "Baltimore," from which he disembarked six weeks later in the city of that name in the State of Maryland. From there he made his way to Pennsylvania, and upon his ar- rival in Somerset County, found he had but two dollars in money left. He, however, was nothing daunted as long as he could secure employment, and he worked for different people until he ob- tained a good start in life. He then came to' Illinois to invest his earnings where he could get rich farming land comparatively cheap, and could profit by numerous other advantages which this region offers to a skillful, industrious farmer. He made his first purchase of -realtj'^ in South Dixon Township, and while he held it made many good improvements upon it. He finally disposed of that farm at quite an advance on the cost price, and bought the farm that he now occupies in Nelson Township. He has the land under ex- cellent tillage, the productive soil yielding abund- ant harvests in repayment of the care and toil expended upon it, and he raises a good class of stock. He is verj^ comfortably situated here, keeps his place in a good condition, everything about it denoting thrifty management. Mr. Bollman was wedded to Miss Christina Grobe in this township, and their domestic life has been productive of much real happiness, among its blessings being the six children born to them, of whom these five are still inmates of their home — Anna, Alvena, William, Henry and Gertie. Their eldest daughter, Mary, is the wife of Milt Hax. Mrs. Bollman was born in Saxon- Weimar, Germany. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 289 Her father died when she was very .yoiing, and she afterwards came to the United States and to Illinois with her mother and four brothers, the family locating in Lee County. The mother lived to be an old lady, and died in Nelson Township. Mi-s. BoUman was seventeen years old when she eapie to this country, and here met and married our subject a few years later. She shares with him the respect accorded to his genuine worth, and both are very much liked liy their neighbors for their friendliness and readiness to help an^' who are suffering or 'needy if it is possible for them to do so. In them the Lutheran Church has two of its truest Clu-istian members. Mr. Bollmau fli-st exercised the right of suffrage by casting liis vote for James Buchanan for the Presidency, and he has ever since- given the Democratic party- sturdy support. Il@^ ■m 1,^^ ^1' OHN H. ABBOTT", who is engaged in gen- eral farming and stock-raising on sections 29 and 30, Nachusa Township, is a native of Columbia County, Pa. He traces his ancestry back to the middle of the eighteenth cen- tury, when members of the Abbott family of Eng- lish birth came to America in the British service to fight in the French and Indian War. Making permanent locations in this country their children became American citizens and turned against the mother cOuntrj'- when the Colonies revolted. Jacob Abbott, Sr., the paternal grandfather, was a native of New Jersey, and throughout the Revolutionary War was a member of Gen. Sullivan's regiment, serving through six campaigns and participating in the battles of Monmouth and Brandywi'ne and muny others of importance. The Abbott family lias an excellent military record. In every war in which the United States has been engaged, its re})- resentatives were found. Jacob Abbott, father of our subject, served in the War of 1812, and to the War of the Rebellion he sent his son William to defend the stars and stripes. In times of peace the Abbotts were farming people and were promi- nent in the various localities where they resided. They weie also usually of a religious turn of mind and tlie INIethodist Church received many members from ite ranks. Jacob Abbott Sr. removed from New Jersey to Pennsylvania, being accompanied by his f.imily, one of which, .Jacob Jr., became the father of our subject. He was then a lad and in Columbia County grew to manhood. He there wedded Mary Tomlinson, a lady of English descent, born and reared in the Keystone State, where her parents were early settlers. She died in middle life and Jacob Abbott passed away at the age of sixty-four. Our subject lost his mother when he was a lad of eleven years and by his father and stepmother he was reared. In his native county he found a ma- trimonial alliance with Miss Ellen Shoemaker, who was born in Columbia County, Pa., in November, 1827. Her parents, however, were natives of New Jersey, but spent their last years in Pennsylvania. Andrew Shoemaker, the father, carried on a public inn for many years and was quite a prominent character in the community where he resided. In the family were three sons and three daughters. Mrs. Abbott spent the days of her maidenhood under the jjarental roof until she gave her hand in marriage to our subject. Seven children grace their union, the eldest of whom, Amzy, wedded Martha W. Miller and now resides in Nachusa; IClizabeth is the wife of Samuel Becktleheimer, a lumber dealer, residing in Polien, Adams County, Xeb.^ Robert R. follows the occupation of farming and resides at home; William wedded Ida Shoe- maker and they reside in Nacliusa Township; Martha is tlie wife of M3a-on Trivelpeace and their home is in Frontier County, Neb.; Charles is a dealer in lumber and coal in Ayers, Neli.; and Mary, at home, completes the family. The parents are both members of the iMethodist Church and are active workers in tlie ISIaster s vineyard. For many years Mv. Abbott has been a stalwart sup- porter of tlie Republican party and does all in his power to promote its growth and insure its Suc- cess. He is a well-informed man, both on politi- cal questions and otherwise, and is recognized as one of the leading citizens of the community. To gener.ll farming and stock raising Mr. Abbott devotes his energies, his home being in Nachusa 290 POKTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Township, wliere he located March 28, 1864. Since that time he has improved two good farms and is also the owner of eighty acres of land in Nebraska. The well tilled fields on sections 29 and 30, which pay to him a golden tribute, attest the fact of his thrift and enterprise and his neighbors add their testimony by speaking of him as one of the practi- cal and progressive agriculturists of the com- munity, ^AVID MURRAY, an honored resident of Nelson Township, is a noble type of the vigorous Scotch race, many of whose sons have sought homes in the United States, and are to-day among the most valued and loyal citizens of this country. Mr. Murray has for a long time been counted as one of the most sagacious and well-to-do of the general farmers and stock- raisers of this section of the county, where he owns two fine farms, which are complete in their appoint- ments, one located on sections 26 and 27, Nelson Township, comprising one hundred and sixty acres of land, and the other situated on section 33, Harmon Township, consisting of one hundred and twenty acres. Our subject was born in Ayreshire, Scotland, not far from the home of the poet Burns, December 5, 1838, and is a son of Gilbert and Jennett (Mulrick) Murray. His parents were born and bred in Ayre- shire, being of pure Scotch blood, and were descen- dants of some of the old families of their native land. They inherited the superior qualities of their race and were earnest, honorable and hard- working people. They reared a large family of children, but as they shared the poverty of their countrymen, much was required of their offspring, who were early sent away from home to look alter themselves, and never but twice were they alto- gether under one roof tree. The first of the fam- ily, of whom there were eight sons and five daugh- ters, to come to the United States, were the two older boys, John and Gilbert. They came hither in 1853 and settled in Connecticut, where they were joined by their parents and other members of the family in 18.55, after a voyage of five weeks and four days on the ocean in a sailing vessel. The father and mother passed their remaining days in that New England State, living to be old peo- ple, the former dying in New London County, in the town of Norwich, in 1886, at the age of eighty- one; and his wife dying in June, 1891, aged eighty-two years. They were strong in their re- ligious beliefs, clung tenaciously to the Presbyte- rian faith, which was so dear to their fathers from the days of John Knox, and they were active workers in the church. Of their thirteen children but one son and one daughter are dead. David Murray was but a boy when the family came to dwell in the United States, and though "Auld Scotia" is still dear to his heart, as it is to every true-born son of its rugged soil, he has come to love the land of his adoption with an ardor scarce surpassed by those native and to the manor born, holding its institutions and form of govern- ment in profound admiration, and speaking of it as "the most glorious country on earth," to quote from one of his talks on the subject when he re- ferred with pride to the good fortune that had at- tended the family since they landed, on these shores. Our subject left Connecticut, where he had spent the first few years of his life in this country, in 1858, with a determination to establish himself in the great and growing State of Illinois, and since then has lived in the townships of Harmon and Nelson, in this county. Good fortune has smiled upon his venture, and as we have seen, he has acquired a handsome property. He fii'St lo- cated in Harmon Township, and in time became the proprietor of a well-improved farm of one hundred and twentj- acres in that place, upon which he lived sixteen years. In the fall of 1888 he purchased the farm in Nelson Township, which has since been his home. Mr. Murray- was unmarried when he came to this county, but he was subsequently wedded in Dixon to Miss Helen Burnham. She is a native of New Hampshire, born, reared and educated among the beautiful hillsof the old Granite Stale, and she is well endowed with the fine virtues of the good old New England stock from which she is de- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 291 seended. She came to Illinois in young woman- hood with her parents Samuel and Mary (Godfrey) Burnham, who made their home in Dixon until they passed from the scene of earth when full of years. The household of our subject and his ami- able wife is completed by their two children, Frank B. and Hattie F., who are bright and well-educated young people. Mr. ]Murray is just, fair-minded, thoughtful and frank in his disposition, and, with his wife, enjoys the cordial good-will and friend- ship of the entire community. The}- are atten- dants at the Lutheran Church, all good causes finding in them generous support. In his politi- cal relations our subject is a Republican, who is stanch in his fealty to his part^-. He has been an incumbent of local offices, and has always en- couraged public improvement. -^4+^^-= THOMAS DOLAN, a merchant tailor of Dixon, doing business in the Dolan Block, on Galena Avenue, located permanently in this city in 1871, but had resided here previously, the date of his coming being 1841. He was born in County Longford, Ireland, Novemi)er, 14, 1827, and is a son of Michael and Ellen (Phiney) Do- lan, who spent their entire lives in County Long- ford, on the farm which had been the family homestead for three generations. Tlie death of the father resulted from an accident incurred at the age of fifty-four years, and his wife only sur- vived him about six months. They both adhered to the faith of the Roman Catholic Church. Only two of their children are yet living — Thomas, of this sketch, and Mary, wife of James Carroll, who for thirty-seven years has been foreman of the water works of Jersey City, N. J. Our subject is one of the self-made men of Lee County, having made his own way in the world from the age of fourteen years. Prior to that time .he remained under the parental roof, but in the spring of 1841 bade good-by to home and na- tive land, and accompanied by a brother as far as Liverpool, England, whence he cros.sed the At- lantic in the sailing-vessel "Kilber," lauding at New Orleans several weeks later. He then pro- ceeded up the Mississippi River to Peru, 111., and the same year joined another brother, William, in Lee County. Empty-handed he began life in the New World, and for the success which has crowned his efforts be deserves all the credit. Nat long after his arrival he met with a sad accident. While working in a dye house his right leg was scalded and fears were entertained for his life, but through the kind treatment he received in the Sisters' Hospital, of St. Louis, he ultimately re- covered after two years of illness, but was left a cripple. In the fall of 1843 he began learning the tailor's trade in Joliet, 111., where he remained until 1846, when he went to Chicago, and in that city spent fourteen years in the line of his chosen profession. He was also employed as a journey- man in a tailoring establislimcnt in Morrison, III., for five years, and for six j'ears engaged as cutter with. Wilson Allen in Polo, this State. In the meantime he had spent the years 1852 and 1853 "In Dixon, and now returned in 1871, making a per- manent location. For more than twenty yesh'S he has carried on his tailoring establishment in Lee County with good success. While in Chicago Mr. Dolan wedded Miss RcSse Crawford, who was born in Ireland, and in 1851 came with an uncle to this country. Her mother had died in the Emerald Island and subsequently her father, Nicholas Crawford, crossed the At- lantic to America, joining his daughter in Chi- cago. In after years he went to Kankakee, 111., where he is still living at an advanced age. He belongs to the Catholic Church, as did also his wife. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Dolan have been born six- teen children, among these being triplets and twins. Ten of the number are yet living — Lucy, wife of John McBride, a publisher of periodicals in New York City; Thomas F., who wedded Maria O'Con- ner, is engaged in merchant tailoring in Chicago, an a partner with his twin brother, Joseph M.; Minnie, Nina and Maggie are all stenographers of Chicago, one being employed as a court reporter, another in the Leland House, and the third in the Palmer House; William, who is a tailor by trade, but is now employed as a salesman in a wholesale grocery house of Chicago; Agnes, who attends 292 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. the Normal College of Dixon, where she is study- ing elocution; and Lizzie and John, both of whom are High School students. Mr. Dolan, his wife and children are all active members of the Roman Catholic Church, and in politics he is a supporter of the Democratic party. While in Chicago he took quite an active part in local military affairs and was First Lieutenant of the Emmet Guards from 1856 until the late war broke out. With Capt. Pat O'Conner and First Lieut. D. M. Ward, he organized a company for service in the Rebellion, and out of the eighty-five men he was the only one not accepted, his rejection being due to his lameness. He has been quite a prominent citizen in Dixon for many years, and in 1883 and 1884 served as City Alderman. Dur- ing this time the city waterworks wei-e put in and the cemetery also laid out. Mi'. Dolan acting as Chairman of the Cemetery Committee. It was largely through his influence that the Protestants and Catholics joined in making this burial city for their dead. Mr. Dolan has led a busy and useful life, and by his industry and perseverance has acquired a comfortable property, being now well-to-do. ENRY MILLER. The German citizen of the United States, as a rule, brings with him from the Fatherland tlu-ee traits of character which may almost be termed na- tional, namely, industry, economy and persever- ance, and in the broader flehls of labor, and wider opportunities offered him in this countrj^, so uses these qualities, as not only to secure for himself and family a competency, but also to leave his im- press on the community in which he lives, in all that tends to the betterment of its institutions and enterprises. The subject of this sketch, who is a good exam- ple of the class of men spoken of, is a well-to-do farmer, owning a fine tract of two hundred and seventy acres on sections 30, 31 and 32, Palmyra Township, on the latter of which is situated the residence; he at present makes his home in Sterling, 111., where he is living retired. The land was pur- chased from the Government at an early day, and he with the assistance of his brothers, improved it from the raw prairie into the fine farm which it is to-day. He has been eminently successful, as the appearance of the place indicates, it being well supplied with fine farm buildings and a good brick residence. ]\Ir. Miller was born in Oldenburg, Germany, November 13. 1822, and is the youngest son of Pope and Theda (Remmers) Miller, natives of Oldenburg, where they were reared and married. The family resided in this city until all their fam- ily of five sons and two daughters were born and reared, when they emigrated to the United States in May, 1837, sailing in the vessel "Charlotte" and after a voyage of forty days landed in New York City. From that place they came to Illinois and began life again in the wilds of the Prairie State. They were poor in purse, but possessed of true Ger- man thrift and energy, and here laid the founda- tion of the comfortable fortune which each one at present possesses. They first settled in Cass County, this State, and about one year later the father died there, aged fifty-eight years. In the fall of 1838 the widow with her children came to Palmyra Town- ship, this county, remaining there until the spring of 1850, when she returned to Germany with one of her sons, Fred, and about ten years later died there in her native town of Oldenburg in the sev- enty-third year of her age. She as well as her hue- band and children, was a member of the Lutheran Church, and was a most estimable woman. Henry ^liller was married in this township to Miss Fredricka A. Klostermann, also a native of Oldenburg, Germany, born in 1832. She is a daughter of Ernest E. and Alma Klostermann, na- tives respectively of Saxony and Oldenbui-g, who were married in that country, and with their fam- ily came to the United States in 1845, settling on a farm in Palmyra Township. Here both the par- ents died, the father in 1890, at the age of eighty- four years, and his wife a few years previously, aged seventy-eight years. They were worthy mem- bers of the Lutheran Church. ]Mrs. Miller was mar- ried after coming to this country, and has proved PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 293 a worthy wife, assisting ber husband in every way possible. She is the mother of nine children, as follows: Mary is the wife of Warren Powers, a farmer in "Whiteside County; Charles lives in Monte Christo, Tex.; Rena is the wife of Mathias Rikert, and they live on a farm in this township; Lucy married Henry Lampkin, and they reside on a farm in Grundy County, Iowa; Alma married David Brightweizer, who is a farmer in Adams County, Neb.; Frank married Addie Martin, and resides on the old homestead; Nellie is a teacher in Sterling and resides with her parents ; Katie is the wife of Joseph Crorabie, and they aro farmers in Grundy County, Iowa; and Minnie became the wife of Frank Snyder, and lives in Hitchcock County, Neb. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are of the same religious faith as their parents and prominent members of the Lutheran Church. In politics Mr. Miller is a Republican, and has held several local olHces in the township. ^-^-^^^ /p^EORGE L. KLOSTERMANN, a well-to-do III g-. farmer i-esiding on section 18, Palmyra ^^S! Township, is a worthy representative of one of the pioneer families of Lee County. His father, Ernest F. Klostermann, came to Illinois in 1845, and settled in this township. He was a na- tive of Saxony, Germany, and came of a good family, m fact royal blood flowed m his veins. He was highly educated and when a young man start- ed to make a tour through Germany. During his travels he married Miss Alma Klustermann, who was below him in social station and for this reason he was ostracized by his family. He then went to Oldenburg and there began life anew with his young bride who proved a true helpmate and faithful companion to him. Some years later with their children they sailed from Bremen to Amer- ica reaching New York City after a voyage of six weeks. Thence they came to Dixon 111., and the family has since made Lee County their home. Mr. Klostermann was then in limited circum- stances and they had to endure many of the hard- ships and privations of pioneer life. F'or a number of years before they got a foothold, they lived in a log cabin, but at length the father, as the result of his ceaseless activity and industry, was enabled to purchase a tract of land in Palmyra Township- thesame on which our subject now resides. It con- tinued to be the home of hiuiself and wife until they were called to their final rest. The mother died in 1885, at the age of seventy years and Mr. Klostermann passed away April 25, 1890, at the advanced age of eighty-four years. They were members of the Lutheran Church and were good Christian people. Mr. Klostermann was quite prominent in this community and was a well-read and well informed man. In politics he was a sup- porter of the Republican principles. Of the family three sons and a daughter are yet living, but one child died in Germany and two after coming to this country- The daughter, Mrs. Henr3'^ Miller, is represented elsewhere in this work; Fred is a stock- dealer of Sterling; and Henry is a successful barber of Tipton Iowa. George L. Klostermann was born in Java, Ger- many, March 29, 1845, and was therefore only six months old when his parents crossed the Atlan- tic to America. Practically, his entire life has been passed in this county. Under the parental roof he was reared to manhood and his education was ac- quired in the public schools. After attaining to mature years he chose as a companion on life's journey Miss Rebecca Lamcken, the wedding cere- mony being performed in Prairieville. The lady was born in Blumeuthal, Germany, April 2, 1848, and is a daughter of John and Katie (Faler) Lamc- ken, natives of Hanover, German J^ In early life her father was engaged as manager of a sugar re- finery in London. He afterwards returned to Oldenburg, where lie married Miss Faler who was his second wife. She survived her marriage some fifteen years and died at the age of forty-eight in the faith (if the Lutheran Church, of which she was a member. Some years later Mr. Lamcken departed this life near Bremen, at the age of seventy years. He was a prominent and successful farmer and was a leading member of the Lutheran Church. Mrs. Klostermann with her two brothers and two sisters came to the United States in 1866, locating in Lee 294 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. County. Her brothers, George and Henry are now resident farmers of Grnndy County, lowa;one sister is now deceased; and the other returned to the Fatherland. Mrs. Klostermann was liberally educated in (ier- many and in addition to her literary studies at- tended a cooking school in Oldenburg. By her marriage she has become the mother of seven chil- dren but lost two, Fred and Harry. Tiie living are P^rnest H., Julia F., Edward W., Herbert L. and Nellie A., all yet at home. The children have been provided with good educational advantages and Miss Julia has attained an enviable reputation as a successful school teacher. Mr. Klostermann, his wife and children are members of the Lutheran Church and in political sentiment he is a Prohibi- tionist. The home of this family is situated on section 18, Palmyra Township, where our subject owns one hundred and sixty acres of highly improved land that constitutes one of the best farms in the community. A comfortable and substantial resi- dence and good outbuildings arc among the im- provements and the place is well stocked with high grades of horses and cattle, in fact it is com- plete in all its appointments and Mr. Klostermann is regarded as a model farmer. He has made of his life a success and his prosperitj^ is certainly is cer- tainly well deserved. ^= i^ EVl KAFEXSPERGER, now living in re- rement in one of the attractive homes of ^ranklin Grove, though not one of the earliest settlers of Lee County, may be considered one of its pioneers, as his work as a shrewd, prac- tical farmer when in active business, was a help in developing the soil and making this a prosperous agricultural communit3^ Our venerable subject was born in Franklin County, Pa., April 4, 1818, a son of Jacob and Magdalena Rafensberger, who were natives of Adams County, Pa. The paternal great-grandfather of our subject was a Swiss emigrant wlio settled in this country in Colonial times. In early life Mr. Rafensperger learned the trade of a shoemaker but when he attained the age of twenty-seven years he turned his attention to farming, which he carried on in his native State for some years. In 1851 he determined to avail himself of the golden opportunities afforded by the rich virgin soil of the great Prairie State and came here to locate perma- nently, he being the only member of his father's family to settle in any part of tha West. After his arrival in Illinois Mr. Rafensperger selected ninety acres of land that was but little im- proved, lying near the village of Nachusa, for which he paid |1,000. He had but little money with which to begin his new life amid pioneer scenes, but he had that within him that .amply fitted him to cope successfully- with the hardships and privations that are sure to follow settlement in a comparativeh- new and not very thickly pop- ulated region. He was strong and active, worked with vigor, making every stroke tell, and he has received ample compensation for his labore. He increased the size of his farm by an additional pur- chase of one hundred and sixty acres of land near by. He continued to cultivate ihe soil assiduously and to raise stock until 1883, when he rented his farm to his sons and retired from active buaness to Franklin Grove where he purchased a fine property and has a home replete with all the com- forts of life. Our subject was married in bis native State to ^liss Sarah Christman, who was also of Pennsylva- nia birth, and in her cheerful co-operation he has '.lad needed assistance in the making of a home. They are the parents of seven children, of whom six are living: Jacob, the eldest son, a farmer in Western Iowa; Henry, Lydia, Leah, Ira and Lin- coln, the two latter being twins. A perusal of this brief biography- of our subject will show that he 'is a self-made man and his career illustrates what may be accomplished by determin- ation, persevei-ance, a capacity for hard work, sec- onded by native shrewdness and a good insight into business matters. He stands high in his com- munity as a man of thorough honesty and unques- tioned integrity, as an obliging neighbor, as a true husband and faithful fatiier. He is a Christian and an active member of the German Baptist ?/^. THOMAS CLAYTON PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 297 Church, although he was reared in the Lutheran faith. He is independent in his politics, usually, however, giving his support to the Republican party. THOMAS CLAYTON, the gentleman whose portrait appears on the opposite page was for manj' years a leading farmer of Nelson Township and improved one of its finest farms. He was also prominent in its public life, and his memory will ever be held in reverence for his ser- vice in its upbuilding, as well as for his good in- fluence in promoting the spiritual welfare of the community, where he was well known and honored. Mr. Clayton was bom in Columbia County, Pa., April 19, 1814. His parents were Penns3'lvanians by birth, but his grandparents were English, who coming to this country in Colonial times, settled in his native county on a farm, which was their home during their remaining years, the grandfather being nearly one hundred years old when he died. William Clayton spent his entire life on the old homestead as a successful farmer, dying when nearly eighty. He married Miss Elizabeth Metz, who was a native of New Jersey, her pa- rents, who were of Dutch stock, also having their birth in that State, going from there to Pennsylvania when she was young. After the death of her husband she removed with a daugh- ter to Ashland, Schuylkill County, Pa., and there died at the age of seventy-two. Both she and her husband were reared in the Quaker faith, and adhered to it all their days. Our subject passed his boyhood in his native township, Catawissa,and in the village of the same name learned the trade of a blacksrrflth, which he followed in addition to carpentering until he came to Illinois in 1856. He was then in the prime of a vigorous life, and had determined to try farming on the rich virgin soil of this part of the country. His means would not admit of his buying land at first, so he farmed as a renter a few years, until he had gathered together enough money to purchase the farm on section 29, Nelson Township in 1(S59, on which he made his home until his untimely death February 6, 1885. Devoting himself assiduously to the improvement of his farm, Mr. Clayton placed its two hundred acres under fine tillage, erected good barns and a commodious residence, and had a well ordered place entirely free from debt. He left a small fortune, and what is better than riches, a good name, which will ever be honored as belonging to a man who was promi- nent in the development of the township and county, active in their public life, and devoted to the good of his commmiity both materially and morally. He was greatly missed, as he had made himself useful in various ways as a citizen. He was Supervisor for a number of years, represent- ing Nelson Township on the County Board, and once sat on the United States jury in Chicago for one month. He was sensible and sound in Ids \>o- litical views, and always stood firmly by the Re- publican party. After coming to this State he united with tlie Lutheran Church, and died in that faith. Mr. C'laj^ton was married to Miss Mary Wright in Columbia County, Pa., at the bride's home on the banks of the beautiful Susquehanna River. Mrs. Clayton was born near AUentown, Pa., April 9, 1817, a daughter of .John and Mary E. (Fry) Wright, natives of Pennsylvania, who lived and died in that State, spending the most of their lives on a farm in Columbia County. JNIr. Wright died from injuries received some j'^ears before in falling from a loft in his barn when it was dark. He was sixty-seven at the time of his demise, while his wife, who survived him, lived to the ad- vanced age of eighty-eight years. They were botli members of the' Lutheran Church, and prominent in their community, where they were greatly re- spected for their many virtues. Mrs. Clayton's grandfather was a Scotchman, who coming to the United States when young died on his farm in Pennsylvania many years later, at the age of eighty years. He is remembered by his granddaughter as being a very bright, active man of his year^, who took a prominent part in the affairs of his township. Since the deatli of her husband Mrs. Clayton, assisted by her son, has had charge of the farm, 298 POKTRAIT AND BIOGEAPHICAL RECORD. and it is kept up to the same high standard it had attained under her liusband's supervision. She is a very capable manager, understanding how every- thing ought to go on a well-regulated farm, and having a clear comprehension of all business mat- ters pertaining to it. She is also an excellent housewife, and under her supervision her house- hold matters always go smoothly-. She is a moth- erly, noble-hearted woman, and has many friends in Nelson Township. She is a member of the Lu- theran Church, in which her husband was promi- nent as an official member during his life. Mrs. Clayton is the mother of six children, of whom but one survives, her son Owen L., who is a fine young, man, a hard worker and an intelligent far- mer, assisting his motlier in operating his father's homestead. He married Miss Mary C. Mensch, who was born, reared and educated in Pennsylvania. She is a daughter of Michael and Margaret Mensch, who were also Pennsylvanians, and Michael Mensch died' in his native state some years ago. The mother is yet living, at a venera- ble age. She is a member of the Lutheran Church, as was her husband. Mr. and Mrs. Owen Clayton have five children, all at home with them except Hattie E. and named as follows: — Hattie E., Thom- as, Charles, Clark and Harry A. Hattie E. married Alonzo Birdsalland lives m Whiteside County; she has one son named Orrin. The children of our subject who are deceased are Delilah, John, Lafay- ette, and M.Alice, who died in childhood; and Charles, who died of diphtheria at the age of twenty-two. l!/_^ON. AVH.LIAM ELLERY 1\'ES. The best )] biography of an honorable and influential man is sure to be his own works. The simple recital of prominent events in the life of Mr. Ives needs not to be elaborated by the biographical writer, and the personality of names, places and dates is important only as they enable the reader to trace the steps of his mental growth. He is -widely known .as an eminent attornev-.nt-law and is the pioneer lawyei' of Amboy, where his shingle has been hung to the breeze since 1854. He has been foremost in all important measures for the development of the city, and was the prime mover in founding and carrying on the first news- paper ever published here. Ellery, Chautauqua County, N. Y., was the native place of Mr. Ives, and May 24, 1821, the dale of his iiirth. His parents, Almon and Nancy (Tomblin) Ives, were natives respectively of Ver- mont and New York, and the former was engaged as a farmer and civil engineer. At Malone, a town on the St. Lawrence River in New York, he mar- ried, and in 1816 settled in the western part of that State when it was an unsettled country. In 1834 he migrated to Illinois under promise to sur- vey the public lands, but when he came West Andrew Jackson, then President, concluded that to the "victor belongs the spoil," and as Mr. Ives was a Whig, his services were not desired. He settled in that part of La Salle County which in 1840 became Kendall County, and improved a farm. In the public affairs of the county he be- came quite prominent, serving as the first Re- corder of Deeds, and afterward becoming Judge of the County Court, which office he held several terms. In 1854 the father of our subject removed to Bloomington, this State, and a year later came to Amboy, where he died March 5, 1864, aged seventy-five years and eight months. During the last years of his life he was a stanch supporter of the Republican party, and in his religious senti- ments he was an earnest member of the Baptist Church. The mother of our subject died at Amboy, April 22, 1862. There were nine chil- dren in the family , of which our subject was a member, as follows: — Almond B., a lawyer at Bloomington, 111., where he died; Simeon P., a n.inister in the Baptist Church, now residing in Missoula, Mon.; William E., of this sketch; Frank- lin 1)., a physician, whose home is in Chicago; Isaac S., formerly a physician at Oswego, 111., where he died in 1852; Sarah M., who married Alfred Tucker and resides at Ottawa, 111.; Enos J., ' a member of the Board of Trade at Chicago, and a resident of Woodlawn; Ruth A., who married Willis Haw-thorn, and died in Amboy; and Nancy, PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 299 who became the wife of Warren C. Sears, and makes her home in Burlington, Kan. When the Ives family moved to Illinois William E. was but a boy entering upon his teens. His youth was passed upon a farm, and he received a good education at Grandville Academy. Having resolved to enter upon the practice of law, he attended the National Law School at Balston Spa, N. Y., where he graduated in 1852. He first located for the practice of law in Oswego, 111., whence he came to Amboy, becoming first attorney here, and now enjoying the distinction of being the oldest lawyer in Lee County. Besides attend- ing to his large practice, he manages a stock farm which he owns, located near Amboy and compris- ing one thousand acres. On December 8, 1841, occurred the marriage of Mr. Ives to Miss Susan R., daughter of James Ryon, and sister of Dr. Ryon, of Amboy, whose sketch is presented in another portion of this volume. Mrs. Ives was born April 17, 1821, in Tioga County, Pa., and her union with Mr. Ives has been blessed by the birth of Ave children, two of whom died in childhood. The survivors are — Charles E., a lawyer of Amboy; Esther N., wife of Elijah A. Winn, of Amboy; and James R., of Denver, Col. The latter is a graduate of Roches- ter University, N. Y., and a lawyer by profession, having practiced for a time in Dixon, this State. Thence he removed to Denver in 1881 and there published a paper called the Mining Revimv. He has devoted considerable attention to literary pursuits, and as a writer possesses more than ordi- nary ability, wielding a ready pen and being known as a forcible illustrator of truths. Finan- cially^ he has been very successful and is now devoting his energies mainly to real estate, al- though he was recently interested in the Colorado Business Director}^ as its publisher. During his earlier years Mr. Ives was a stanch adherent of the Whig party, but has been a member of the Republican party since he served as delegate to the convention which organized the party in this State. In 1860 he made ''stump" speeches for Abraham Lincoln for the Presidency, and has contributed his influence to the success of tlie party. E'requently he is called upon to serve as delegate to District and State conventions, and in many positions of trust and responsibility he has served, always with distinguished ability. As Mayor of the city of Amboy he served creditably for four years and contributed no little to the development of the resources of the place. He was also States Attorney for six years. He is serving as Treasurer of the Baptist Church, of which he is a consistent member. Socially, he be- longs to the Royal Arch Masons. His home is one of the most elegant in Amboy and is the only i-esidence here which is heated by hot water. His success has not been attained without great effort on his part, for when he came here he was quite poor, and it has been only by the exercise of great industry and shrewd judgment that he has become well-to-do. 1— ^^— ^— ^^^ ARDI AS VOSBURGH is a prominent mem- ^^^ ber of the farming comrnunity of this %£^ county, who has not only been active in its agricultural development, but has borne a conspicuous part in its public affairs. He is one of the principal men of his calling in Willow Creek Township, which he ably represents on the County Board of Supervisors. Mr. Vosburgh was born in Lackawanna Town- ship, Luzerne County, Pa., July 8, 1836. His fa- ther was Charles Vosburgh, and he was a native of Livingston County, N. Y., a son of Cornelius Vosburgh, wlio is supposed to have been born in the Empire State, where he carried on business as a farmer until his removal to Pennsylvania. He became an early settler of Lackawanna Township. He bought a large tract of land in the wilderness, cleared a farm, and resided there until the fall of 1854, when he came to Illinois. He purchased a farm in La Salle County, a half mile north of the village of Earlville, in Earlville Township, and made that his home until he closed his eyes in death in 1864. The maiden name of his wife was Permelia Pulver. She died on the Earlville farm in tJie fall of 1877. The father of our subject" was young when his parents removed to Pennsylvania, and there he 300 PORTRAIT AND BlOCillArHICAL RECORD. grew to a vigorous manhood, and in due time took unto himself a wife in tiie pei-son of Miss Vanluvanee E. Millesant, a native of the State, and a daughter of Israel and Rachel Millesant. After marriage he settled ou a part of his father's old homestead, and resided there until 1854, when he sold his property there and took up his abode at Clark's Summit, Lackawanna County, the same State. He made his home there until his life was rounded out in death in February, 1890. His wife also died on that farm, her demise occurring in the fall of 1881. The subject of this biographical review was leared in his native county amid its pleasant scenes, and obtained a sound, practical education in the district school, which was supplemeuted by one term's attendance at Kingston Seminarj'. In April, 1855j at the age of nineteen, well-equipped for the battle of life, and ambitious to make some- thing of himself, he left the shelter of the parental roof to start out in the world on his own account. He turned his face towards the boundless prairies of this State, as his father owned land in Shabbona Township, DeKalb Covinty, and he shrewdly fore- saw that a young man of energy, enterprise and tenacity of purpose must of necessity do well in tilling the rich soil of this section of the country. He rented his father's land until 1867, and did well in its cultivation. In that year he invested a part of his money in one hundred and twentj' acres of wild prairie that is included in his present farm in Willow Creek Township. He set to work with his customary vigor, and in the years that have elapsed has wrought a great change by the many substantial improvements that he has made, so that he has here one of the linest pieces of prop- erty in Ihis locality. He has erected a commo- dious set of buildings, has placed his land under fine cultivation, has planted an abundance of fruit and shade trees, and everything about the place betokens the presence of one who fully under- stands his business, and carries it out in a systema- tic and well-ordered manner, so as to reap the best results by applying only the most approved meth- ods of conducting agriculture. Mr. N'osbui'gh has been fortunate in his farming operations, has made them icniuiierativc, and has Ijeen enabled to add more land to his original purchase, so that he now has two hundred and forty acres of well-improved realty. Mr. ^'osblll•gh was married in 1864, U> Miss Ellen Atherton. a native of J.,ackawannaTown,«liip, Luzerne County, Pa., and a daughter of Joseph Atherton. She under.=tands well the art of mak- ing a home cozy and cheerful, and co-oi)erates with her husband in dispensing a pleasant hospitality to whomsoever of their numerous friends crosses their threshold, or to any stranger that may liap- pen within their gates. They have three children — William, Fannie and Ts'ellie. Fannie is the wife of William Fleming, of A\^llow Creek Township. A man of our subject's calibre, high standing, and well-known business tact possesses in an emi- nent degree those qualifications that fit one for public life, and his fellow-citizens, recognizing this fact, have frequentlj- called him to important civic stations. Thus in 1883 he was elected Super- visor to represent Willow Creek on the County Board of Supervisors, was re-elected to that ollice in 1884, and in 1885 was elected Assessor, to whicli position he was re-elected in 1886. In 1887 he was again honored by election to his former otlice as Supervisor, and has served continuously since, proving to be a valuable official, and his influence is felt in the enactment of all measures that have accrued to the public good from the time he en- tered upon the duties of his position. He has al- ways been a Republican in politics, and his party has no firmer advocate in the township. BARREN DE F. HOLLY, who represents f/ the dairy interests of Palmyra Township, he being extensively engaged in t.-.at line, as well as in general farming and stock-raising, is a native born son of Lee County, coming of one of its oldest pioneer families, and the homestead that he operates and occupies on section 36, of tl.e aforementioned township is his birthplace. Here he was born June 22, 1849, and this has always been his home. He attended the local schools PORTRATT AND BIOGRAPIFCAL RECORD. 301 during his boyhood and gained a practical educa- tion, and since arriving at years of discretion has devoted himself to farming and the dairy business, for which the farm is in every way admirably adapted. Its two hundred acres of well-tilled soil affords ample pasturage for a fine herd of forty cows, the farm also being otherwise well stocked, and its equipments are complete as regards com- modious buildings, etc. Our subject is a son of the venerable James N. Holly, a retired farmer of this township, whose name will always occupy an honorable place in the history of Lee County as one of its early settlers who did a good work in redeeming a portion of its soil from the wilderness. He was born in the Province of Ontario, Canada, September 15, 1806. His father, Jesse Holly, who was a son of Noah Holly, was a native of Orange County, N. Y., where he grew to manhood, and was married to Miss Anna E. DeSharrar, who is supposed to have been a native of York State. Jesse Holly and his wife went to the Province of Ontario, Canada, to live, and after the birth of their children returned to the States, ahd took up their residence in Illi- nois, spending their remaining days amid the pio- neer scenes of Franklin Grove in this township, wliere Mrs. Holly died when about sixty years of age, and Jesse Holly when past ninety-six, leaving behind them good records as two of our most worthy pioneers. James N. Holly grew to manhood in his Cana- dian birthplace and subsequently crossed the bor- der to this country and settled among the pioneers of Ohio. He was married in that State to Miss Sophronia Harrison, their marriage taking place near Bellville. She was a native of Ohio, and was ' a daughter of Norman and Deliverance (Standish) Harrison, who were also born in that State, coming of some of its earliest families, and they were of distingnished ancestry, Norman Harrison belong- ing to the Harrison family that has figured so con- spicuously in the history of this countrj-, he being a cousin of General William Henry Harrison, the President and grandfather of our present ruler; while his wife was a direct descendant of Captain Miles Standish, one of the Pilgrim fathers. Nor- man Harrison and wife left Ohio several years after their marriage and going to Clinton County, Iowa, died there when full of years. They were farmers by occupation, and were well and favora- bl}^ known. The parents of our subject lived on a farm in Ohio until after the birth of their first two chil- dren, and then they came across the intervening country with wagon and teams to Illinois. They located on a settler's claim in Franklin (irove, Mrs. Holly being the first white woman to live there, and lier brother Charles Harrison took the first claim that was taken in that grove or in that re- gion for a distance of many miles. They made some slight improvements, but two years later sold their claim and moved still further Westward, crossing the Mississippi, and taking up a claim on the west bank of that river on the site of the present city of Clinton, Iowa. Mr. Holly, with a man by the name of Murray, and possibly one or two others, laid out a town on his claim, and gave it the name of New York. The town, however, never materialized to any great extent, as during the two years that the Hollys remained there its population never exceeded fifteen whites. The Indians, who were generally peaceable, were nu- merous in that region, ranging up and down the river at will, and occasionally gave our friends a call. One fall night they were roused from their slumbers by some fifteen of these dusky visitants creeping under the quilts which served as a door to their primitive dwelling and arranging them- selves comfortably around the fire in the rude fire- place. After some two years* residence in Iowa, the father of our subject decided to return to his for- mer settlement at Franklin Grove, and locate in this county permanently. After a time he came into Palmyra Township, and secured a desirable tract of land from the Government, which has since been transformed into the fine farm which is now owned by his- son. After living on it to make a home, he went to Dixon to keep a hotel, but was very unfortunate in that venture, as the very first night that the establishment was opened it was burned to the ground. About this time he also lost heavily by having to pay a bail bond, which amounted to $1,000 for his share, for tlie laud 302 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. office agent at this point. lie afterward devoted himself exclusively to farming with good success until the infirmities of age obliged him to abandon the arduous labors connected with his calling. September 15, 1891, was his birthdaj', and marked for him a long and honorable life of eighty-five j-ears' duration, and during [that time he had wit- nessed the wonderful progress of the countr\' at large, which has been made through discoveries and inventions that have revolutionized the world; he had been an eye-witness of that which more nearly concerns liim, the remarkable growth of this county, which he has aided by his work, and which has been his home for so many years. He was formerly a Republican in politics, but later a Democrat. His first vote was cast for his kinsman. Gen. William H. Harrison, and he also supported Stephen A. Douglas at the polls, he having been j his schoolmate in his boyhood davs. His wife is yet living, and is nearly eighty-three years' old, ] having been born February 15, 1809. Both have j long been connected with the Christian C'liurch. James N. Holly died September 16, 1891. i Warren Holly is one of eight children, the youngest son, and the youngest but one of the family, three of whom are now dead. He was married in this, his native township, to Miss Mary Catherine Carpenter. One daughter. Belle A., a l)right and accomplished young lady, completes their pleasant home circle. Two other children have been born to tliem who are now dead, James E., and a child who died in infancy. Mrs. Holly is a native of Bradford County, Pa., born October 4, 1850, and one of the three daughters, all of wliom are living, of Edward and Eliza (Goodwin) Carpenter. Her parents were natives respectivelj- of Pennsylvania and New York, and were married in tlie former State. Mr. Carpenter was a carpen- ter by trade, and carried on his calling in Pennsyl- vania until after the birth of his children, when he emigrated with his family to Dixon, in this county, in 1854. He pursued carpentering in that city until his death in 1864 when only forty-two years' old, he having in the meantime spent six years in Minnesota. His wife died January 16, 1890, aged sixty-four years. Both were consistent christians of the Methodist persuasion. In politics, Mr. Car- penter was a Republican. Mr. H0II3' and his amia- ble wife are progressive people, who occupy a high place in theii' community where they are so well known, and their cordial, unaffected, hospitable manners have won thera the warm regard of all with whom they associate. Mr. Holly is a Repub- lican, and as a loyal citizen should, has always manifested a keen interest in his native township, and has done all in his power to promote its wel- fare. He has held the office of Township Collector, and performed the duties thus devolving upon him" to tlie entire satisfaction of all concerned. ENRY UIIL. This gentleman is one of the well-informed and progressive men of this county, who, from a small beginning has ■jj built up a comfortable fortune, and is now enjoying tlie result of his industry and enterprise. He resides in Dixon, where he owns a good home on Hennepin Avenue, removing to this city in the spring of 1882, from his farm on section 12, South Dixon Township, on which he had resided for many years. In 1852 Mr. Dixon took up a tract of raw prai- rie land which he cultivated and improved until now it is an excellent farm of two hundred and sixty acres. He came to this county a poor man, and in 1853 began the l)usiness of general farming, in which he has since been engaged. He was a na- tive of Allegany County, Md., his birth taking place November 19, 1827, and continued a resi- dent of that county until coming to Illinois in •1852. His father, Peter Uhl, was born in 1794, and a native of the same county as his son, his father, Charles Ihl. having settled there about 1785. The latter gentleman was born in (Germany and was only one year old when his fatiier, Michael Uhl, emigrated to tiiis country and in Colonial days, and some years prior to llie Revolutionary War, settled in Pennsylvania, Somerset County, where he and his wife both died when quite aged. Tliey were members of the Lutheran Church, and weie estimable jjeople. Cliarles Uhl, the grandfa- tlier of our subject, w.is one of a family of thuee PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 303 sons and one daughter, and when sixteen years of age enlisted in the Revolutionary Army, and served during the last year Of that struggle. Af- ter his marriag-e in Pennsylvania to a lady of Gor- man birth, they settled on a new farm in Allegany County, Md., and there lived and died when about sixty years old. They were worthy members of the Lutheran Church. Their large family consisted of twelve sons and three daughters, of wliom Peter was one of the elder ones. All are now deceased, most of them having lived to maturity, and be- coming heads of families. Peter Uhl, when a young man, learned the trade of a hatter under Mr. Johnson, in Berlin, Somerset County, Pa., following that business until in the '40s, when trade becoming dull, he quit the busi- ness and became a farmer, following that occupa- tion until 1852, when he left the East and came with his wife and family to Illinois, locating on a farm in South- Dixon Township, and there lived until his death in 1871, at the age of seventy- eight years. He was originally a Whig, and later a Republican in politics, and was a good and worthy citizen, making many friends in the com- munity where he resided. He was for many years a Justice of the Peace, and held other local offices. His wife died in 1876. She was born in Balti- more County, Md., in 1791, her maiden name be- ing Hager. Her parents were born in this coun- try, and were of German and Scotch aiicestrj'. Both she and her -husband were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Henry Uhl, our subject, is the youngest but one in a family of five children. One son, Samuel IL, was a soldier in the War of the Rebellion, and died as a result of his services in that struggle. Oui- subject and a sister, Mrs. Susan Beall, now of Alle- gany County, Md., are all the children now living. Mr. Uhl was married in his native county to Miss Susan Wilhelm, who was born in Somerset County, Pa. Her father died when she was quite young, and her mother spent her last years in Marion, where she died in 1872, at a ripe old age. They were the parents of three sons and three daughters. Mr. Uhl is a prominent man in his community, being much interested in polities, and is a stanch member of the Republican party. He has hold a number of local offices, is well-informed on all the issues of the day, and takes a lively interest in everything pertaining to the growth and welfare of liiis county. ^= ^^ /^ HARLES TRAINER. All honor is due to (l( „ the brave veterans of the late war, who ^^7 have since done good service in peaceful pursuits in various walks of life, and have helped to increase the wealth and prosperity of the coun- try saved by their valor. Our subject was one of that great and glorious army that preserved the Union, devoting some of the best years of his early manhood to fighting for the Government under whose flag he has spent the most of his life. He is a farmer by occupation, and has a farm on section 22, Ashton Township, that compares in all respects with the best in its vicinity. Mr. Trainer was born in Lower Canada, July 4, 1839, a son of .lohn Trainer, who was a native of Ireland. After coming to this country, he had set-. tied in that part of Canada where his son was born, and he subsequently started for California in the days of the excitement over the discovery of gold, and it is supposed that he died on the way, as he was never heard from again. His wife, whose maiden name was Ann Hagan, and who was also of Irish birth, died in Brandon, Vt. Our subject passed his boyhood in his Canadian home, whence in 1856 he crossed the border into New York, and when the Civil War broke out he was living in St. Lawrence County. In October of that year he offered his services to his adopted country, enlisting in Company H, Sixtieth New York Infantry, and he served with credit through- Out the remainder of the strife, a period of nearly four long and weary years. His efficiency as a soldier and his courage were put to the test in the big battles of Gettysburg and Chancellorsville, in many skirmishes with the enemy, and in the num- erous engagements in Gen. Sherman's famous "March to the Sea." He was often on detached service in the brigade pioneers, and from Atlanta to the sea was a brigade forager. 304 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. After his experience of life on Southern battle- fields, Mr. Trainer returned to St. Lawrence County, N. Y., and after remaining there a few months, came to Ogle County, 111., in the spring of 1866. A year later he removed to Lee County, and has hinee been a resident of Ashton Township, with the exception of four years spent in Ogle (Jouiity. Ilis hfe-work has always been farming, and he has made a success of it. He has two hfindred and forty acres of excellent land, which is in a fine con- dition .as to tillage, and is amply provided with suitable buildings, and all the conveniences for carrying on agriculture. He is a Imsy man, is pro- licient in his calling, is a good manager, and stands well in his township as to his credit in money mat- ters and his reputation in general. He has taken nn active part in political affairs since he came here to make his home, and has thrown his in- fluence on the side of the Republican party. His war record is commemorated by his connection with the Gen. Hewitt Post, G. A. R., of Franklin (irove, as one of its most respected members. He has taken part in the management of local affairs as Highway Commissioner of Ashton Township. During his residence in Ogle County, it was Mr. Trainer's good fortune to secure a most excellent wife by his marriage with Miss Emily L. Plantz, a native of Nashua Township, Light House Point, Ogle County, 111., and a daughter of one of its pioneer families. These five children have been l)orn of their pleasant wedded life: John E., Ruth E., Frank (who died when about three years old), Minnie A. and Nellie A. 'd\ 'ifOHN W. WINGERT is one of the enter- prising and well-known farmers of the count}^ His home is on section 29, Nach- usa Township, where he owns a valuable farm of two hundred acres under a high state of cultivation, well-watered by Franklin Creek and complete in all its appointments. There is a good residence, (view of which will be noticed on another page) as well a,s the necessary outbuildings, and the farm is well stocked with horses, cattle and hogs. It has been the jiroperty of our subject since 1877, but his residence in the county covers a much longer period, the date of his arrival being Octo- ber 1, 1852. Mr. Wingert was born in Greencastle, Pa., July- IB, 1831. Record says that the family was of Ger- man origin and its members were early settlei-s of Franklin County, Pa. Jacob Wingert, the grand- father of our subject, was there reared to man- hood upon a farm and spent his entire life near Greencastle, dying at the ripe old age of eighty- seven yeai's. He is one of nature's noblemen and the upright life which he lived won him the es- teem of all. He was long a minister of the I'nited Brethren Church, with which his wife was also connected as a faithful member. They had a fam- ily of eleven children, nearly all of whom reached mature years, were married and left families. Only one yet survives — Daniel, who is now living in Iowa at the age of seventy-five years. • The father of our subject, Henry Wingert, a native of Franklin County, Pa., learned the tan- ner's trade in liis youth. In the Keystone State he married Anna Bentz, who was also born in that locality, her parents being natives of Pennsylvania, of German lineage. After the birth of three chil- dren, Henry Wingert emigrated with his family to Preble County, Ohio, where for five years he car- ried on a tannery. He then purchased eighty acres of land, upon which he made his home until 1852, when selling out he emigrated to Illinois, and cast his lot with the early settlers of Lee County, where lie arrived on the 1st of October. Upon a farm of one hundred and sixty acres which he soon afterward purchased they began life in the West and continued to reside there until called to their final home. Mr. Wingert, who was born Feb- ruary 23, 1804, died on the 24th of August, 1891. His wife had previously Keen called home, dying suddenly December 24, 1877. Her birth occurred May4, 1-v- *; -»^ « ^■> RESlDEHCEOr JOHM V7. VVINGERT, SEC? 28.&29., N ACHUSA TP.,LEE C0,1LL. RESIDENCE OF WILLIAM LAN D AU , 5EC.G.,LEE CENTER TP, LEE CO, I LL, PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 307 daughter. fSuccess lias* attended them in hfc iind they are now well-to-do people. John Wingert was the tUird of the family. In his youth he was inured to hard labor and his edu- cational advantages were those of the common schools. After coming to Illinois he became ac- quainted with Jliss Hannah M. Hittle and they were married in Nachusa Township, .Tanuary 28, 1869. The lad}^ is a native of Columbia County, Pa., and in lK'42,when a young maiden, accompanied her par- ents to I llinois,the family: settling in Nachusa Town- ship upon a new farm. Her father, Jacob Ilittle, died at the age of sixty-nine yeais, and his wife, whose maiden name was Nancy Culp, departed this life when seventy years of age. He was a member of. the Christian Church and his wife held the religi- ous views of the Dunkards. After the breaking out of the late war, ]Mr. Win- gert responded to the country's call for troops, en- listing on the 13th of August, 1862, as a member of Company G, Seventy-fifth Illinois Infantr}', under Capt. Williams. Col. Ryan commanded the regiment, which was assigned to the Array of the Tennessee and was first under fire at the battle of Prairieville, October 8, 1862. In January, 1863, the troops participated in the battle of Stone River, where the Seventy-fifth sustained heavy losses; later were in the battles of Lookout Mountain and luka, and in many other engagements followed the stars and stripes. Mr. Wingert was lionorablj^ discharged from the service at the close of the war June 28, 1865. He went to Washington and at- tended the theatre on the night that President Lincoln was assassinated and saw the shot fired. His health was seriously impaired from exposure during the service and the hardships of army life. Returning to the North, Mr. Wingert resumed farming to which he has since devoted his energies. Six children have been born to him and his estim- able wife, five yet living — William 1!., Fred A., Adelbert G. and Burton B. and Bertha B., twins. They lost one son, Charles II. ^Ir. and Mrs. Win- gert are members of the Methodist Church, contri- bute liberally to its support and in its work take an active interest. In politics, he is a Republican, but has never sought public office. He is a mem- ber of George W. Hewitt Post, No. 398, G. A. R., '14 of Franklin (irove. Throughout the community he is recognised as a successful farmer and an in- rtnential citizen who is true to every duty as he was to the country in her hour of peril. ' -^ ylLLIAJr LAND AIT. The German-born citizens of our country are always in the fi-ont ranks of progress and enterprise, loyal to their adopted land and forming an intelli- gent an industrious class in every community in which they make their homes. Among this class may be mentioned the subject of this sketch, who is a farmer residing on section 6, Lee Center Township. Mr. Landau was born in the northern part of Germany January 4, 1836. He was. reared to manhood in his native country remaining there until twent^'-flve years old. He then emigrated to America landing in New York City and at once came to Illinois, settling in Sterling where he re- mained six weeks. He then came to Lee County, where he worked out by the month for one year in China Township, then removing to Lee Center Township where. he worked as a day laborer for some four or five years. Afterward he rented land ill Lee Center Township for two years and having saved sufficient money, became the owner of a farm where he lived some twenty years. At the expiration of that time, having been prosper- ous in his worldlj^ affairs, he purchased his present place on section 6, where he has since resided. That he has been energetic, industrious and per- severing, is evinced l>y the fact that from a very small beginning he has acquired his present large property of seven hundred and sixteen and a half acres, where he is carrying on farming and stock- raising to a large extent. July 16, 1861, Mr. Landau was married in China Township, Lee County, to Martha E. MoUer. Mrs. Landau was born in Germany March 30, 1838, and departed this life at her residence in Lee Center Township, March 25, 1890. To this couple, were born a large family comprising eleven children, as follows: Christena, deceased; John; Christena; 308 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Katie; Annn; Ilcnry; William; Lizzie, ALary, Chris- tie, JMinuie. In politics Mr. Landau is a Republican, but has been too nmcli occupied in liis own affairs to become an office seeker. He is a member of the Reformed Cliurcli to which his wife also belonged. The fam- ily are well and favorably known. They occupy a comfortable residence, a view of which with its rural surroundings is presented on another page. -T^ |,P:NJAMIN F. SHAW, the well-known edi- tor and proprietor of the Telegraph, the leading Republican organ of Lee County and one of its best newspapers in every way, has long exercised a marked influence on the affairs of this section of the county, not only pro- fessionally but as a citizen of progressive views aiid notable public spirit, who has the dearest in- terest of his country at heart, is influential in its political life and in all that tends to promote the social, moral and educational condition of his com- munity. In connection with the weekly newspaper is the evening Telegraph, a leading daily newspaper of this section of the State. Mr. Shaw was born in Waverly,]Sf. Y., March 31, 183L His father, Alanson B. Shaw, was born in Bradford County, Pa., in 1801, and was of Scotch blood, his father being one of four brothers who came to this country from their native Scotland in the days before the Revolution and one of the brothers, for whom our subject was named, fought in that great struggle of the American Colonies for freedom. The father of our subject married Phil- omela, daughter of Zephon Flower, an early settler of Athens, Pa., going there from Connecticut. He was a Revolutionary soldier and was one of the last on the Revolutionary pension rolls, living to the advanced age of ninety-six years. When he started out in the world in his youth- ful days Benjamin F. Shaw made his way from his native State to Iowa,which at that lime was a Ter- ritory. He remained there for a period of two years, and then recrossing the Mississippi River to Rock Island, he took the first steps that have led iiim to a liiiili position in the editorial profession by acquiring, in that then,village,agoo(i knowledge of the printing business. In the fall of 1851 he came to Dixon to take charge of the printing of- fice of the Dixon Telegraph, of which he subse- quently became the owner by purchase, tmd has since edited it with marked success, devoting his energies to making a newspaper that should edu- cate its constituency and be a potent factor in the upbuilding of city and county. This he has ac- complished and the journal,which owes its strength and high reputation to his genius, takes the lead in advocating whatever will be for the highest good of the community. In all matters pertaining to the advancement of society, education and pol- itics, our subject takes a keen and discriminating interest, and through the columns of his paper, which has a wide circulation both in Dixon and the neighboring districts, he has many times been instrumental in securing for the city various advan- tages of a nature more or less important. As be- fore mentioned the TfeZeg'T'apTi is one of the accepted organs of the Republican party, whose policy is set i forth in a clear and able manner in its editorials, which are noted for their vigor and independence, although they are never offensively partisan. Mr. Shaw has by no means confined his talents to his profession but he has taken a conspicuous part in public life, and has iield various prominent of- fices with honor to himself and to his constituency. Lie has been a leader in the councils of the Repub- licans of this section since the organization of the party. He was one of the editors that met at De- catur in the winter of 1856, to call the first Re- pubhcan State Convention, and on that occasion he was in consultation with Abraham Lincoln on tiie Committee on Resolutions. In 1860 our sub- ject was elected Clerk and Recorder of Lee County Circuit Court, was re-elected to the same office in 1864 and served until 1868, eaiTying the same en- ergj' and business acumen into the administration of the affairs of that office that have ever charac- terized his management of his newspaper. In 1876 Gov. Cullom appointed him State Canal Commis- tioner, and he served six years as one of the Board of three Commissioners who had charge of the Illinois and Alichigan Canal, the Illinois River PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RP]CORD. 309 Improvements and other Illinois public works. Ho has always been a warm friend of tlio city of Dixon and has been most earnest and liberal in advancing its interests, both personally and tlirongh his paper. When the late Col. Xoble was appointed one of the commissioners to locate a soldier's home in Illinois he requested Mr. Shaw to accompany him to the meetings of the commissioners in Springfield and Chicago to act in behalf of Dixon's claims as a suitable site for the proposed building. Mr. Shaw has always been an earnest worker in the Hennepin Canal enterprise, and was, indeed, the Secretary of the first Hennepin Canal meeting ever held,whieh was nearly a quarter of a century since in Rock Island. Unsolicited on his part he was in December, 1891, appointed Postmaster at Dixon. ON. JOHN DAWSON CRABTREE, Judge of the Thirteenth Judicial Court, has dis tinguished himself in various walks of life — as a soldier, who obtained militarj' honor during the Civil War; as a statesman; and as a lawyer of unusual ability, whose legal talents have raised him to an important position on the bench of this State. He was born m the city of Nottingham, England, November 19, 1837. His father, Jonathan Hcward C'rabtree, was a native of the same city and was a son of Samuel Crabtree, who was a solJier in the British army, and with the exception of the time when lu was with his regiment in the East Indies, he spent his entire life in England. The maiden name of his wife was Heward. She was born in Yorkshire, and passed her last days in Nottingham. The father of our subject was one of ten chil- dren, and was the only member of the family who came to America. He lived in his native land until some time after his marriage, and was en- gaged as a manufacturer of bone buttons in the city of Nottingham. He was a man of an ambi- tious, progressive spirit, and believing that he could better his fortunes in the New World, he resolved to emigrate to these shores, and January 8, 184 8, witli his wife and five children, he em- barked at Liverpool in a sailin^vessel, and after a voyage of seven weeks and thi'ee days landed in New '^'ork City. The family remained in Troy until November of that year, and then came to Illinois liy the way of Erie Canal to Buffalo, and from there by the lakes to Chicago. Mr. Crab- tree bought a tract of Government land nearPeca- tonica, and he and his wife and children occupied a log house there until 1860, when they went to ■ Beloit, Wis. In 1852 they removed from that i place to Rockford, 111., and the father became a I contractor on the Chicago & Galena Railway, I now known as the Northwestern. In February, 1853, Mr. Crabtree came with his family to Dixon and took the contract to grade the first three miles of the Illinois Central Rail- way, extending north from the river. Later he engaged in agricultural pursuits, and was an hon- ored resident of Dixon until his death in 1884. His faithful wife, wlio had accompanied him across the waters to help him build up a new home in a strange land, had preceded him to that "'undiscov ered country from whose bourne no traveler re- turns," dying at Dixon in November, 1878. She was also a native of Nottingham, England, and her maiden name was Ann Dawson, she being a daughter of John Dawson. She was the mother of these five children : Eliza, who married E. H. Brookner and is now deceased; Jonathan, who served his adopted country in the late war for three years, and is now a resident of Rogers, Den- ton County, Ark.; Henr^^, who resides at Dixon; and Lucy (i., the wife of Cja-us Williams, of Brookfield, Mo. The subject of this biography was in his eleventh year when he came to this country with his par- ents, and still retains a pleasant recollection of his old home and of tlie momentous journey across the ocean to the new one. He received his early education in the common schools, supple- mented by a course at the Dixon High School, and finally entered the ofiSce of J. K. Edsall to pre- pare himself for the legal profession. His studies were interrupted by the breaking out of the Re- bellion, and throwing aside his books, he was among the first to spruig to the defense of the 310 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Union in response to the first call for troops, and for four long and weary years he nobly served his adopted country with all the fervor, self-sacriflcc and patriotic devotion of a native-born citizen, and won imperishable laurels on a many hard- fought battle-field. His name was enrolled as a private in Company A, Thirteenth Illinois Infan- try, April 17, 1861. He soon began to make a record for himself as a valiant and fearless sol- dier, and September 25, 1861, he was commis- sioned Second Lieutenant of Company D, of Bowers Battalion, Missouri Cavalry. November 5, 1862, our subject was promoted to be Captain of Company II, Ninth Missouri Cavalry, which company was afterward transferred to tlip Third Rlissouri Cavalry and designated as Company M. He was at the fj-ont until he was honorably discharged August 16, 1864, and dur- ing that time had been brevetted JNIajor for con- spicuous merit. In the reports of his superiors to the War Department he was several times men- tioned in complimentary terms, of which he was highly deserving, as his intelligent knowledge of military tactics, his firmness in maintaining dis- cipline among his men, whom he inspired to fol- low wherever he led, and his promptness and efficiency in obeying orders made him a valuable officer. After he gave up his command on the field the Major's services were required at Spring- field, 111., in the mustering in of troops and de- spatching them to the front, and he remained on duty there until the last of October, 1865. Returning to Dixon at the close of his niiilitaiy career, our subject allowed only a few days to elapse before he resumed his studies, November 3, in the office of Mr. Edsall. He was admitted to the bar in September, 1866, well equipped for his work, and the following October formed a part- nership with Mr. Edsall, with whom he continued to practice until 1869. In that year so rapid was his rise in his profession, he was elected County Judge, was re-elected in 1873, and served until 1877, when he refused the renomination. In 1878 he entered the land office of the Chicago & North- western Railroad Company, at Chicago, as Assist- ant Land Commissioner, and filled that position very acceptably one year. Returning to Dixon again, he icsumed his law practice, and only gave it up to accept the office of Circuit Judge to suc- ceed Judge Bailey in 1888, the latter having been elected to the Supreme Bench. Our subject was re-elected to his high position on the bench in .June, 1891, without opposition, so valuable were his services considered in the ad- ministration of justice, and so popular is he throughout the county and district, and, in fact, wherever known, as he possesses in a rare degree those pleasing personal traits and fine attributes of character that inspire confidence and friend- ship. He is fully equal to the weighty responsi- bilities that devolve upon him, his whole genius and character fitting him for his work. He has a generous, even temper, is tolerant and fair-minded, and }''et is firm and decided when necessary, hav- ing the courage. of his convictions. His rulings are sound, sensible and marked by a thorough comprehension of the great fundamental princi- ples of the law as applicable to all cases coming under his jurisdiction. His charges to the jury are put in plain, forcible and concise language, and there is never a question as to the equity and wisdom of his decisions. The Judge is a fine con- versationalist, and as a lawyer when practicing be- fore the bar his eloquence, ready wit and logical arguments won him man\' a ease. Judge Crabtree was first married March 4, 1863, to Miss Mary C. Huntington. She died in 1872, leaving two children — Hariy Huntington and Edwin Heward. September 28, 1875, the Judge was again married, taking as bis wife Miss Anna INI. Fargo, a native of Rockford, 111. They have five children — John B., Charles D., Mary C, Phoebe M. and Ruth I. Politically the Jndge is an uncompromising Re- publican, and has been the recipient of oflBce at the hands of his party, who honored him and themselves by electing him, in 1888, State Sena- ator in the Thirty-fifth General Assembly for a term of four years, but he resigned the position the same year on being elected to the bench. While in the Senate he voted for C. B. Farwell for United States Senator, being one of his most steadfast champions. Our subject is prominent sociallj' as a member of Friendship Lodge N. 7, PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 311 A. F. ears old. At that age he began teaching in \'iola Township, and taught school seven years. In 1877 he was called to public life by his appointment .as Deputy Sheriff by J. N. Hill. He came to Dixon to assume the duties of his position, and soon commenced the study of law with A. C. Bard well. He was admitted to the bar in 1879, and formed a partner- ship with Mr. Bardwell, with whom he practiced until 1882. He rose rapidly in his profession be-. coming in a few years a leading lawyer of this section of the State, and in 1882 he was elected County Judge, was re-elected in 1886, and again in 1890, and is now serving liis third term in that office. He was selected for this high position, as a lawyer possessing an accurate knowledge of the common law, and as being richly endowed with those elements of character that peculiarly fit him to preside over a court of justice. And thus when he was scarcely thirty years of age he had won his way to the bench, and has since gained recognition as one of our ablest judges. Other honors have been conferred upon him, and at one time he was elected Mayor of Dixon. Politically, he is a Republican. In his social relations he is a member of Brooklyn Lodge, A. F. •S: A. i\l.; of Nachnsa Chapter, No. 56, K. A. M.; Lodge No. 137, A.O.U. W.; and of Camp No. 56, M. W. A. Judge Farrand and Miss C. J. Marsh were united in marriage in 1873. They have an attractive home wherein tliey dispense a charming hospitality with true courtesy and a kindly consideration for others that mark their intercourse with all, whether friend or stranger. They have one son living, Ernest W. Their son, Wilbur A., died at the age of ten years. Mrs. Farrand is, like her husband, a native of Indiana, .and she is the daughter of Harry Marsh. ON ATHAN DEPUy. This well-known and highly respected citizen of Nachusa Town- ^ji^l I ship died at his pleasant home on section 36, ^^^ June 16, 1891. He made this county his home in 1844, hence was one of the very earliest settlers and has witnessed the marvelous growth'^ of the country from a vast wilderness into beauti- ful and productive farms and thriving villages. He has improved two good farms and was a hard- working and intelligent farmer. Mr. Depuy was born October 2, 1816, in Delaware, and accompanied liis parents on their removal to Luzerne County, Pa., being at that time only four years of age. The father engaged in agricultural pursuits and with his wife, passed his last days in the Keystone State, dying at an advanced age, greatlj' respected by all who knew him. Our subject was reared to the life of a farmer and educated in the common schools of his neigh- borhood. When establishing a home of his own, he was married in July, 1837, to Miss Sallie A. Klintop, a native of Luzerne County, Pa. Mrs. Depuy was of German ancestry but of American parents, and received a good education in Penn- sj'lvania. She became the mother of eight children. On their removal to Illinois they settled in Nachusa, this county, where they labored industriously until November 30, 1866, when Mrs. Depuy was called to her long home. She was born January 19, 1816, and during her life was an active worker in the Lutheran Church. Jonathan Depuy was a second time married, December 12, 1867, to Miss Tena Baum.an, who was born in Somerset County, Pa., May 9, 1826. Their marriage was celebrated in Nachusa Township, where they still make their home. Mrs. Depuy was the daughter of Daniel and Katie (Poorbaugh) Bauman, natives of the Keystone State and of 322 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRATHICAL RECORD. German ancestry. They followed the life of far- mers in Luzerne County, Pa., and died in Somerset C'ounty, near Berlin, when past thrcc-scorc and ten years. In their religious connection tliey were members of the German Reformed Church. jAIr. Bauman was a patriot in the War of 1812, and in his death the county lost one of her best citizens. ]\Irs. TenaDepuy was the ninth in order of birtii in a family of twelve children born to her parents, all of whom are living with the exception of four, and most of them make their homes in .Somerset County, Pa. Our subje(!t's wife remained at home until her marriage with Mr. Depuy, in the mean- time receiving a good education and being trained in all those duties which go to make a first-class housekeeper. Since the death of her husband she has come into possession of the beautiful estate of eighty acres where she makes her home. She is a member of the Lutheran Church as was also her husband. By his former marriage our subject became the father of eight children, four of whom were born prior to their removal to Illinois. Three are now deceased, two dying in infancy unnamed. We make the following mention of those living: Alex makes his home in Dixon, where he is janitor of the courthouse and Presbyterian Church. Remar- ried Mary Bittner. a native of Somerset County, Pa.; Rosanna is the wife of John Heller, a farmer of Ilenson County, S. Dak.; Fidelia is Mrs. RobinsOn, and makes her home in Chicago; Jane is the wife of Fred Eggert, and they reside on a farm in ]\Iis- souri; Miriam is the wife of Charles Hess, and they reside in Pennsylvania. I^DWARD B. KNIGHT, Jr., has made himself a thorough master of his calling as a farmer, V conducts his farming interests in a system- ff atic and business like way, and his farm on sections l.") and 22, South Dixon Township, compares favor- ably with other fine farms in its vicinity. In him we have a representative of the vigorous New England stock that has done such conspicuous service in reclaiming the Western wilds. His ances- tors wei-e among the colonists of Massachusetts and Connecticut, and the city of Worcester, in the old Bay State, is Ids birthplace, December 21, 1850, being the date of his birth. Our subject's father, who bears the same name as himself, was born in Worcester Count}-, Mass., and IS a son of John Knight, who was also a native of that State, and for many j-ears was a prominent citizen of Worcester, where he held a position as secretary and clerk of a railway company, and he died in that city at an advanced age. Edward B. Knight, Sr., grew up in the city of AVorcester, wiiere he was given good educational advantages. He was married in Woodstock, Conn., to Miss Mary A. Stone, who is a native of that State, of which her parents were life-long residents, and she also traces her ancestry back to some of the old Colonial families of New England. After the birth of their only two children — our subject and his sister, Clara J., widow of Joseph B. Peacock, now residing at Dixon — Mr. and Mrs. Knight came to this county from their old home in Wor- cester in 18,54, and after a short residence in Am- boy Township, located in the township of South Dixon. Later they removed to Dixon, where they are still living an active life, and are well known and honored for their sterling merits. They are members in high standing of the Presbyterian Church, and their names are associated with all who are an influence for good in their con) ra unity. The first five years of the life of our subject were spent in his native city, and in its public schools he laid the foundation of a practical edu- cation. After the family came to this county he acquired that knowledge of farming and that true interest in agriculture that led him to adopt it for his life-work. In 1884 he bought the farm in South Dixon Township upon whlcli he has since lived. It has an area of one hundred and thirty acres of soil that is very fertile, and produces abundantly- all the crops that are commonly raised in this climate, besides affording pasturage for a goodly amount of stock, and its improve- ments are first-class. To the lady who presides over his home, for- merly Miss Emma B. Woodruff, Mr. Knight was married in this township. Mrs. Knight was born PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 323 in Grtuit County, Wis., January 1^, 1855, and is a daughter of E. J. and Adaliue (Doty) Woodruff, who are highly respected residents of Dixon. Mr. Woodruff is a native of New York, born of Massa- chusetts parentage, and is a lineal descendant of Pilgrims of the "Mayflower. " He and his wife were married in Wisconsin, whence they came to Illinois in 1865. They lived in Lee County until 1883, and then spent a few years in South Dakota. Returning to this county they have since made their home in Dixon, where they are serenely pass- ing their old age. Mr. Woodruff is a farmer. He holds to the Republican party in politics, as docs his son-in-law, of whom we write. The pleasant home circle of our subject and his wife has not been exempt from the sorrows that falls to the lot of all, as death has taken from them two of their children, Frank L., and Georgia L. Three children still gladden their household by their presence- — Lucy E., Laura E., and Olive A. ^T' OHN F. STAGER. It is sometimes thought by superficial people who know nothing of agriculture, that no speciaL intelligence is required to till the soil, and indeed, if the mechanical work were all that is necessary this would be so, but, as in every branch of industry, the thoughtful and logical carry out theories tliat have been proved by experiment and science to be advantageous and to the profit of the farmer. He of whom we write is of the class who believes in progress and advancement. He is the owner of a fine farm of three hundred and sixteen acres, on section 22, Palmyra Township, where he is living a retired life from the active duties of farm work. The estate of Mr. Stager is supplied with all needful farm buildings which are the work of his own hands, he being a mechanic as well as a farmer. He began his active life as an agricultur- ist in Palmyra Township in 1861 or 1862, and since that time has been wonderfully successful, having started for himself a poor man, and his possessions are the direct result of his good man- agement and perseverance. He came to Dixon in 1856, and to the State in 1852, locating first at Cedarville, Stephenson County, where he learned the trade of a carpenter. He worked at his trade there until 1855, when he went to Iowa, but only remained there a few months, however, when he returned to this State and located in Lee County. Our subject was born in Lebanon Countj^, Pa., in 1833, and is the son of John and Sarah (Fensler) Stager, also natives of the Keystone State, the for- mer tracing his ancestry back to Switzerland and the mother to England. The parents were far- mers by occupation, in Lebanon County, and lived and died in Shaffertown, Heidleburg Township, at the respective ages of eighty-three and seventy- five j'ears. They were active members of the German Reformed Church, and were highly es- teemed by all who knew them. Ten children were included in the parental family, of whom John F. was the fourth in order of birth. He was married in Palmyra Township, this County, in 1859, on the farm he now owns, the lady of his choice being Miss Harriet Sesi\ey. Mrs. Stager was born in Sandwich Township in 1839, and was brought by her parents, Jesse and Sarah (Norris) Seavey, to this county early in the '40s, where they located on an unbroken tract of land which had been taken up from the Govern- ment, and which the father brought to a good state of cultivation. They made that their home until 1862, when the father died in middle life. The mother is still living at the advanced age of seventy -eight years, and makes her home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with a daughter,' Mrs. Joseph Renchin. Mrs. Harriet Stager passed from this life Decem- ber 1, 1887, at Pasadena, Cal., whither she had gone hoping to regain her health. Mr. Stager realizes that he owes much of his success in life to the good management and advice of his faith- ful wife. She had become the mother of four children, only one of whom is living at the present time. Lillian became Mrs. E. B. Smith, and died when young; John died when sixteen years of age ; Lloyd when two years. Hattie L., who was born January 30, 1884, is residing with her father. 324 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. In politics, Mr. Stager is a true-blue Republican, and his influence for good is felt in the eommvm- ity, where he is respected for his sterling character and true kindness. ENRY SANDERS is one of the pioneers of Lee County, -whose wise forethought, active enterprise and practical skill in conducting ^j the business of farming and stock-raising made him a valuable agent in developing the rich agricultural resources of this part of Illinois. He is now living in honorable retirement at Franklin (-irove, although he s'till retains large landed in- terests. Mr. Sanders was born in Adams County, Pa., March 6, 1826, to Henry and Mary (Buck) Sanders, who were also natives of the Kej'stone Stale and were of German ancestry. His paternal grand- father was wealthy, but his estate was squandered by administrators, and the father of our subject was left a poor orphan to struggle with adversity as best he might.. While yet in the prime of life his useful career was cut short by his death in Adams County, May 24, 1834. He was tlie father of five childi'en, as follows: Peter, who died in this county; Frank, who resides in Harrisburg, Pa.; Henry; Elizabeth, wife of James Toper, of Adams County, Pa., and Christina, wife of Mr. Hodeyschell, of Adams County, 111. The mother of our subject married a second time, becoming the wife of Jesse P. Toper, and she died in Penn- sylvania May 24, 1874. She had two children by lier second marriage — Mary A., wife of Joseph Smith, of Adams County, Pa., and Kate, wife of Frank Ackenrode, of Adams County, Pa. Our subject was reared on a farm in his native State. At the age of nineteen years he set out in the world to try life on his own account, beino- well-equipped to make his own way, as he was active, independent, frugal and prudent, and pos- sessed, withal, an enterprising spirit, seconded by good habits and a capacity to do well wliatever he undertook. It was at that time, in the year 1845 that he paid his first visit to this State and county, lie staid liere a year, and then returned to Penn- sylvania whence he went to Washington County, JNld., where he worked for a time. Coming back to Lee County in the spring of 1848 he took up his residence in a cabin at Franklin Grove, and when the land carae into market in 1852, he pur- chased a quarter of section 29, Ashton Township, of which he thus became an early settler, and he played an important part in its upbuilding. He assiduously tilled the soil and raised stock exten- si>ely for manj' years. ^Vs the years passed by his property increased both in amount and value, and he became one of the wealth}- men of his township. In November, 1888, he abandoned farm- ing to spend his remaining years in well-earned retirement in the enjoyment of a handsome income, and since then has made his home in his substan- tial, well-appointed residence in the town of Frank- lin Grove. During his active business life he in- vested his money judiciously, and, still owns over six hundred acres of land on which he has made good improvements. When he was married in 1851 to Rachel C. Morgan, it was our subject's good fortune to secure one of life's choicest blessings, a true wife, who has been to liim a faithful helpmate. She is an exemplary Christian, and for thirty years has been a consistent member of the ^Methodist Episcopal Church. Her marriage with Mr. Sanders has brought them six children, of whom the following is the record: Win field B., born August 27, 1852, is a resident of Ida County, Iowa; Joseph was born March 9, 1H55; Alice, bom October 3, 1856, mar- ried Wilton Buck, and died August 26, 1879; Milton J., born November 11, 1857, died December 31, 1880; Samantha J., born November 16, 1859, is the wife of Cornelius Sanders; John was born July 4,1861; Edward, July 27, 1867, and Lucy May 29, 1870. iNIrs. Sanders comes of one of the old pioneer families of Illinois, and is a native of the State, born in N^ermilion County. IMarch 12, 1835. Her parents, Edward and N.incy (StuU) Morgan, were early settlers of that county, where they located in 1829, coming to this State from Ohio, of which they were natives. In 1836 they removed to Lee Jk,&. //.^.^e^z^cM Sa^.&^ik^ /^>^w^ PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 329 County and were pioneers of Franklin Grove. where Mr. Morgan improved a elioice farm. He was yet in life's prime wlien he died November 2, 1847, at tlie age of forty-two years. His wife survived him until April 10, 1863, and then passed away at tlie age of fifty-eight years. Of their nine children, these six are living — Williomine, Martin, Rachel C, John "W.,Mary K. and Sarah J. All honor is due to our subject as a self-made man, who can point with true pride to what lie has accomplished, and it gives us pleasure to place this brief record of his life on these pages, as it should be preserved for the benefit of liis children and children's children unto the latest generation. He was but a boy when he began to earn his own living, and though his wages were only $7 a month by the time he was twenty years old he had saved $200. He attained success in his chosen career by fair means, and during his many yeais' residence in this county has always shown himself to be entirely worthy of the high estimation in which he is held by his many friends and acquain- tances. Mr. Sanders is possessed of an abundance of sturdy common sense, his judgment is sound and clear, and he is perfectly able to form opinions of his own on all subjects, with which he is conver- sant. He was formerly a Republican as regards his politics, but he is now independent, giving his support to whichever party or candidate for offlce that he deems best. He is public-spirited, and is always heartily in favor of wliatever scheme is ad- vanced to promote the interests of his adopted country. D1 i,ATHANIEL G. H. MORRILL. This name is widely known and honored throughout /iyi^i Lee and adjoining counties as that of a prominent pioneer of this part of Illinois, who was long and intimately associated with the rise and growth of Dixon. E'or nearly half a century he made this city his home, and was a conspic- uous figure in the annals of the city from that day, far back in its past history, when first he settled within its borders, until death stayed his busy 15 hands and stilled his active brain, while nature all around him was awakening into renewed life that seemed to whisper in every spring breeze of the life immortal, in wliich he had such abiding faith. Mr. Morrill wa.s born October 6, 1808, in Massa- chusetts, a son of Joseph Morrill, who is supposed to have been a native of the old Bay State. He was there married, and when our subject was in his childhood removed with his family to Contoo- cook, N. H., where he and his wife passed his re- maining days on a farm, and died when full of years. Onr subject grew to manhood on that pleasant New England farm set among the eternal hills of the Granite State. He earlj' displayed a mechanical genius, which was cultivated, and he became v^ry skilful in that line. He was in due time married, but having the misfortune to lose his wife after a brief wedded life of a few years' duration, tlie j^ear foUowini;- her death he decided to try life on the frontier, and in 1838 came to Illinois, which was then regarded as in the far West, being accompanied on his journey by his younger brother, Jacob, and by the families of John Lord, S. S. Growell and Gilbert Messer. Dixon was then scarcely more than a hamlet, and in the years that followed, Mr. Morrill became prominent as a mechanic and contractor who was very active in the upbuilding of the city, and there are many buildings still standing within the pre- cincts that attest to his skill and ability. The old stone schooliiouse wherein a generation now -pass- ing off the stage of action, received the rudiments of an English education fort}' years ago, was the joint handiwork of himself and John Brown; and nearly all the old residences and public buildings in the city bear evidence to his craft. He built the first bridge across the river at this point,- and did efficient work in the construction of the dam. A fine stroke of policy prompted Mr. Morrill to build at his own expense a wagon bridge_ connect- ing that part of Dixon with the rich agricultural districts of Palmyra Township. The bridge is now defunct, but for a time it secured the trade of that section for that part of the city. One of his me- moria's is that portion of Dixon known as Morrill- town, which he laid out when the Illinois Central 330 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRArfflCAL RECORD. Railway was constructed through there. lie also built tiie large hotel on Water Street, which has been used for other purposes for a good many years. In connection with his extensive business as a contractor, he ran the North Side saw-mill for a number of years, it being the only one then in operation in his section of the country. For some years in the earl^- history of Dixon, Mr. Morrill was Constable, an office that was by no means a sinecure in those days, and he vigorously aided in bringing outlaws to justice. He was the means of suppressing much counterfeiting in this section of the country when it was new, and also helped run down several noted horse thieves, in- cluding the famous trio, Fox, Baker and Rogers. Not a/lone with the material welfare of his adopted city did our subject concern himself, but he was deeply solicitious to advance its moral, ed- ucational, and religious status, and was a promoter of all schemes that tended to the spiritual uplifting of the people. He was generous almost to a fault, his benevolent principles being vital with him, and his unostentatious benefactions were scattered far and wide. His features are said to have borne a remarkable semblance to the rugged but benevo- lent face of old John Brown, of Harper's Ferrj^ fame. For many j'ears Mr. Morrill held strongly to the Universalist faith, and was the prime mover in the construction of the church of that denomination, which is one of the large public edifices of the city, and giving liberally of his money toward its erection. He afterward, however, renounced Uni- versalism, finding himself more in sympathy with the doctrines of the Methodist Episcopal. Church, with which he connected himself for a time. But tli.at change did not satisfy his religious nature, and he shortly after embraced the Spiritual philos- ophy, and to that he clung with all the fervor of his being until death drew aside for him the vail that separates the visible from the invisible world, and he stepped across the border May 12, 1886, into "his Father's house, where there are many mansions." Mr. Morrill was twice married. His first marri- age, which took place before he left New Hamp- shire, was with Miss Eliza (iiles, who was born and reared in tliat State, as were her parents also. Their wedded life was terminated by the untimely death of the young wife in 1837. She left two children, one a babe that soon followed her. The other is Susan, wife of Dr. McKinney, of Deadwood, N. Dak. The maiden name of our subject's second wife, to whom he was married in Dixon, and who sur- vives him, was CaroUne Meyers. She was to him all that a true wife can be. She assisted and en- couraged him in his work, and sympathized with him in his religious views, finding strength and consolation in Spiritualism, and accepting that faith with him while he was in the earth life. Since his death she has conducted the business that he left with remarkable success, displaying a genuine talent for managing affairs. In 1888 she moved to the farm on section 17, South Dixon Township, which com- prises a quarter-section of well-improved land, and which came into Mr. Morrill's possession before his death. Mrs. Morrill was born in the Kingdom of Han- over, Germany, December 26, 1818. Her father. Christian Meyers, was also a Hanoverian by birth, and was of German parentage. He was preparing to come to America when death terminated his career, when he was only about thirty, years of age. He was an active j'oung farmer. He had married Miss Dorothea Dunkelmeyer, who was of German antecedents, and five children had been born to them. After the sad death of the father, the mother came to the United States with four of her children in 1832, and settled in Chicago before the comple- tion of the old Lake House, when the World's Fair City was a mere hamlet lying in the mud and swamps of the early years of its settlement. She re-- moved with her family to Dixon in June, 1838, and here died April 15, 1872, when nearly eighty- four years old. She was a devoted Christian, and all her life was connected with the Lutheran Church, in which her husband also held membership while he lived. Mrs. Morrill is the mother of seven children, of whom these five are now dead: Joseph, who married Miss Lydia Ilaj'cs, and died leaving one child, who is with her in Dixon; Mary, who married Harry Meyers, and both died in Leadville, leaving one child, Charles M., who now lives in New Mexico- Lucy; Jacob, and an infant, all of whom died young. The two children remaining to ISIrs. Morrill are Elizabeth and Eliza. The former married Setli Thomas, a farmer near Dixon, and they have six children. Eliza married Everett Post, and they live on and manage a farm belonging to her mother. They have seven children. The reader will notice elsewhere in this volume litiiographic portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Morrill. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPmCAL RECORD. 331 ^^EORGE W. BRITNER. The farming in- Ill <^ terests of this county are conducted by an %^( intelligent set of men, who have a full un- derstanding of their business, employ the most approved methods of carrying it on, and are ex- cellent financiers. George W. Bruner is one of these. He is engaged in general farming on sec- tion 13, South Dixon Township, where he owns a verj- good farm of seventy acres, that is linely improved, and he also has eighty acres of land on section 23, of the same township, which is likewise under admirable cultivation and improvement. Mr. Bruner was born in the township of Jeff- erson, Somerset County, April 23, 1849, the sixth of a family of eight children, four sons and four daughters, five of whom are living, all married but one, and four of them residents of Illinois. His parents were Josepli and Mary A. (Mull) Bruner, who were natives of the same county as himself. His father was a son of John Bruner, who was born in Pennsylvania, and passed the most of his life in Somerset County, where he died at the age of sixty-six. He was of German antece- dents. He married a lady of German extraction, who lived and died in Somerset Countj'. The maternal grandfather of our subject was George Mull who was of Pennsj'lvania birth and German descent, and died in Somerset County at the advanced age of ninety-eight years. His wife, who was also a Pennsylvanian, lived to be very old too. Joseph Bruner and wife came to Illinois with their family m 1865. They began their new life on the prairies of Illinois on a farm at Franklin Gi-ove, China Township, but after some years re- moved to another farm of one hundred twenty acres that lay around the village of Eldena. Mr. Bruner died April 14, 1887, when nearly seventy years old. His wife had preceded him in death, dying :May 23, 1885, at the age of nearly sixty- flve years. Both were nearly all their lives mem- bers of the Lutheran Church, and were consistent Christians. Mr. Bruner was a life long Democrat. The subject of this biography was sixteeen years old when he accompanied the family in March, 1865 in their exodus from the State which had been the home of themselves and their ances- tors for many years. He afforded them valuable assistance in establishing the new home at Frank- lin Grove, and he remained with them until twenty-flve, becoming their stay and support in their declining ye.ars. He acquired skill as a far- mer, and in 1876 purchased his homestead farm in South Dixon Township, which he has made a fine piece of property-, and he has since invested in another choice tract of land, as before mentioned. Besides attending to the management of his farm, he has for several 3-ears been engaged profitably as a thresher of wheat, etc. He has manifested considerable enterprise in the conducting of his business, and is deservedly prospering. He is a man of true piety, who carries his religion into his every-day life, and is strictly honorable and upright in his conduct. He has a strong mind, and his decided opinions are shown in his political sentiments, lie being a straightforward Democrat, He is one of the leading Lutherans of this section, and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Lutheran Assembly at Dixon. Our subject was married in the city of Dixon to Miss Clara E. Mosely. Their mar- riage is an example of a true wedded life, and has been blessed to them )iy two children. Their daughter Hazel E. died at the age of two and one half years. Their daughter Maude M., eleven years old, is the sunshine of their home. Mrs. Bruner was born at Utica, X. Y., October 3, 1855, to William and Jane (Dunlap) Mosely, natives respectively of Leicester England and New York. Mr. Mosely came from his native isle, to America when a young man, and in the State of New York 332 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. he found liii wife, who was of Sfotch cxtractiou. They lived in her native Stale some years, Mi'. Mosely following his trade as a miller. In !«;')« they migrated with their family to Illinois, and located at Binghampton, in this county, where Mr. Mosely was head miller for Bagger Bros, for some years. His health failing, he went to farm- ing near that village, and is living there still, at the age of nearly three-score and ten. He is very well known in the southern part of the connty where he has spent so many years and to know him is but to respect him. His wife died in Binghamp- ton in 1876, at the age of forty-six years. She was a sincere Christian and a member of the Ad- vent Church. Mrs. Biuner was onlj^ six months old when brought to this county, and here she was reared to a true womanhood, and is a valued member of the same church to which her husband belongs. r F^ X ' LFRED P. PORTER, who is actively en- ji gaged in farming in Harmon Township, is a native of Lee County, born in the cit}' of Dixon April 16, 1858. He is a son of James Porter, Jr., who was a pioneer of the county, and for many years a prominent citizen of Harmon Township. He was a native of the Empire State, his birthplace being near the city of Buffalo. He was reared on a farm, and early in manhood was married to Miss Paulina Bowman, who was born in the same neighborhood. In 1845 the parents of our subject emigrated to Milwaukee, Wis., which was then a small village, and the following year they came from there to Lee County and located at Dixon, where Mr. Porter was engaged in the construction of railroads and in other work as a contractor, employing several men and teams, and doing a good business. In February, 1859, he removed to Harmon Township and turned his attention to farming. He located on section 25, purchasing two hundred acres of good farming land thereon, which he improved and occupied until February, 1880, when he took up his residence at Harmon Station. He did not live ti) enjoy his new home long, as his death occurred the following July. His wife survives him, and still resides at Harmon. They reared a family of seven children, namely: Salena, who married Al- bert Sanborn, and died in Minnesota; George M., a grocer in Chicago; Cytha M.; Gulia E., wife of George W. Hill, of Harmon; Lane, who was acci- dentally shot; Gertrude, who died in childhood; Alfred P.; and Arthur, who died at the age of eleven years. Mr. Porter was a stanch Republican in politics, and he figured in public life as Super- visor of Harmon Township and in numerous minor olHces, and always displayed commendable public spirit on all occasions where his assistance was needed in carrying out any scheme for civic im- provement. The subject of this sketch was educated in the common schools. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, and when he arrived at years of discre- tion he chose farming as his calling, and has be- come an excellent farmer, keeping his harvest fields well tilled, taking good care of his stock, and having everything about his place in good order. Mr. Porter still resides on the old homestead where his boyhood days were passed. To the lady who presides over his home he was married Febru- ary 4, 1880. Four children complete their house- hold, of whom the following is the record: Ferris was born May 13, 1882; Lula, October 8, 1883; Wayne II., February 4, 1886; and Erma Z., Janu- ary 5, 1890. Mrs. Porter's name in her maiden days was Jemima D. Keith. She is also, like her husband, a native of Illinois, born at Rockford, November 14, 1860, to George and Ann (Eddy) Keith. Her parents were natives of Aberdeenshire, Scotland, whence they emigrated to Nova Scotia, and subse- quently came from there to this State, and were early settlers of Winnebago County. They after- ward removed from there to this county and set- tled in Marion Township, where the mother died in 1877. Mr. Keith is still living. Mrs. Porter is an active working member of the Methodist Epis- copal CKurch, and is a sincere Christian. Our subject follows in his father's footsteps in PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHJCAL RECORD. politics and gives his allegiance to the Republican party, lie has been School Director, and in 1890 he took the census of Harmon and Nelson Town- ships. He is a young man of sound principles, bears a good reputation among his associates for fairness and strict honesty in money matters, and is in every way worthy of the citizenship of his native county. 333 i^^-^s [^~ '"^SAAC EARL. This prominent business man is a popular grocer in Ashton, wliere, by his /1\ honest and courteous treatment of his custo- mers he is carrying on a thriving business, keeping in his splendid store a full line of staple and fancy groceries and all table delicacies in theii- season. He is ambitious and industrious and is bound to succeed in all his undertakings. Isaac Earl was born May 20, 1830, in Granville County, Canada, where he grew to manhood, re- ceiving a good education and when starting out to battle with the world for himself at the age of twenty-one, he was well qualified to bear bravely with the discouragements and hardships whicli were sure to befall him in a strange and thinly- settled region. He came to Ogle County in 1851 and engaged to work out on a farm by the month, having nothing with which to begin life but strong and willing hands and a determination to succeed. He continued as a farm laborer for two years, when learning the trade of a stone mason, he worked industriously at that occupation in Lee and Ogle Counties for a number of years. Our subject resided in Ogle County- for some fifteen years, at the end of that time coming to Lee County where lie followed his trade in Ashton. A few years later he started in tlic coal anii salt business, continuing to give his time and attention to that occupation for a twelvemonth, then, in 1872, he started his grocery, and is numbered among the prosperous merchants of Asliton. Miss Cynthia Hitchcock became the wife of our subject, the marriage taking place in Ogle County. Mrs. Earl was born in the Buckeye State, and was a lady greatly esteeiued in her neighborhood for her many excellent traits of character. She be- came the mother of two children — P'rancis A., and Alice M., who is the wife of Charles Crum. Mrs. Cynthia Earl passed from this life in Ogle Cdunty. Our subject was a second time married, tlie lady of this occasion being Sarah A. Worthington, also a native of Ohio, where she was born. This worthy couple make their home in a comfortable i-esidence wliich indicates that its inmates are people of re- finement and education. They have a large circle of acquaintances and have the goodwill of all who know them. In politics Mr. Earl is a stanch Re- publican, hence always votes for the candidates of that body. He has served acceptably in the office of Township Treasurer and is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. All in all he is well worthy of the cMimation in which he is held by his fellow-townsmen and by his honest and upright life is destined to become even more pop- ular than he is. \T/EREMIAH HETLER. The enterprising farmer and good citizen whose name we now give is a native of this county, having been born in Dixon Township, October ii 1843. He is engaged in cultivating his beautiful tract of one hundred and tweatj^ acres, which he has well improved and embellished with all the necessary farm buildings. He has his place well stocked with cattle of good breeds and in addition to his farming interests is carrying on a thriving dairy trade. Mr. Hetler located on his present ■purchase in 1873, having previous to that time been engaged in farming in another portion of Dixon Township. Our subject is a son of Nathan Hetler, a native of Pennsylvania, who had come overland to Illi- nois some time in the '40s, and on making Lee County his home, purchased Government land in what is now Nachusa Township which he improved and resided upon foi' a number of years. Later lie removed to another portion of the township where lie spent his last days, his decease occurring in .lune, 1877, when sixty-three years of age. At 334 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. the time of his death he left four hundred acres of excellent land which he had accumulated by his industrjf and good management. For a fuller history of Nathan Iletler the reader is referred to the sketch of Hiram Hetler to be found elsewhere in this volume. The gentleman of whom we write was the fourth in order of birth of a family of seven children, of whom four sons and two daughters are yet liv- ing and who are farmers by occupation. Our sub- ject received a good education m the common schools and remained at home assisting his father on the farm until five or six years after reaching his majority. He thus received thorough training in farm duties which is perhaps the secret of his subsequent success in life, Jeremiah Hetler was united in marriage in Nel- son Township to Miss Mary E. McCleary, the cere- mony being solemnized December 25, 1872. Mrs. Hetler was born in Pennsylvania, March 4, 1844, and is the daughter of William JNIcCleary, also a native of the Keystone State, who came to Illinois in 1866 and located in Nelson Township, where he resided until his death, being one of the promi- nent and influential citizens of the county. A fuller history of Mr. McCleary will be found in the sketch of George McCleary on another page in this volume. Mrs. Mary Hetler received a thorough education in the English branches in Pennsylvania and ac- companied her parents to the Prairie State when a young woman. She is the onl^- one living m a family of five sons and one daughter born to lier parents and by her marriage with our subject has become the mother of four children, one of whom is deceased, and who bore the name of Nettie S., dying when fifteen years of age. Those living are Grace M., and Kittie M., both of whom are gradu- ates of the city schools at Dixon, the former taking a course in the Business College at Dixon; and Florence A. The three daughters still remain under the parental roof where they are receiving that training which will make them good and use- ful homekeepers. Religiously, our subject and his excellent wife are members in good standing of the Presbyterian Churcli, are respected members of society in this part of the county and ;m' wortln- of the esteem which is granted them. The politi- cal views of Mr. Hetler have brought him into active co-operation with the Republican party, in which he has great confidence and for which he is fflad to cast his vote. <¥! AUREN T. 3IERRIAM. This gentleman, I (@ ^''*' ^* *''^'^ proprietor of the City Steam jIL^ Laundry, one of the leading enterprises of Dixon, has had a varied experience in life, and that he has succeeded in building up such a lucra- tive business after the many ups and downs of fortune to which he has been subjected, does credit not only to his good judgment but speaks well i'or his enterprise and perseverance. Mr. Merriam was born in Connecticut June 22, 1822, was there reared and educated, and in early life engaged in the manufacturing business, at which he acquired a comfortable fortune He then came West, hoping to still increase his gains and at one time was interested in three different banks, one in Connecticut and two in Indiana. L'nfortunately his partner in whom he had placed great confidence, proved dishonest, subjecting him to heavy losses. He afterw.ard owned and ran a large store in Chicago in 1856. Mr. Merriam remembers being in Chicago before any railroad was built from that place, and of taking a trip to St. Louis by way of the canal and river which occupied five days' time. For seventeen yesirs he followed the occupation of a commercial traveler, being for the most of that time eraplo3-ed by H. II. Shvifeldt, and also for Samuel Me3'ers, extensive liquor dealers, selling spirituous liquors during the whole of that time, but seldom if ever, allow- ing himself to touch intoxicating beverages. On coining to Dixon, of which city he has been a resident for twenty years, JNIr. Merriam opened up his present business in a very small way. It, however, increased rapidly and in 1888 he felt himself warranted in erecting a fine two-story brick building, 6(1x24 feet in size, a portion of which he uses as a residence. The ground floor PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 335 and basement are fitted up especially for laundry work, with every necessary appliance and modern improvement in that line. Here he turns out first-class work and enjoys the patronage of the best people in the town and surrounding country. As an example of the growth of his business it may be stated that the amount of work done in one month at present equals that done in a whole year when it was first established. He employs from eight to ten assistants and is kept constantly busy. Mr. Mcrriam was married in Connecticut, his wife being Miss Susan Hubbard, who was born and reared in that State. She has been a true help- mate to her hard-working husband and a devoted mother to her children, of whom she has had four. Of these one, Frank H., lived to reach the interest- ing age of seventeen years and his death was a severe blow to his parents. Of the remaining children, Jennie became the wife of Richard South- gate, and they resided in Silver Cliff, Col.; Edgar H. married Miss Benjamin, and is manager in a large warehouse at Council Bluffs, Iowa. Lauren B. married Leona Mead, and resides in Dixon. He is the civil engineer for the Northwestern Railroad and has been eminently successful in his calling, having accomplished many signal achieve- ments in that line, possessing unusual abilities for a man of his years. In politics Mr. Merriam is a stanch Democrat. Mrs. Merriam is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and the family is highly respected and esteemed. &ERT1US A. LYMAN. We are pleased to present to the consideration of our readers an old settler of China Township, who stands high in the estimation of his neighbors and is justly considered one of the prominent men in the county. He is a progressive and successful farmer whose beautiful estate of sixty-four and one-half acres on section 35, is exceedingly pro- ductive and most thorolighly cultivated. This gentleman was born in Winchester, Clies- shire County, N. H., March 13, 1812. He made that place his home until 1846, when with his fam- ily he came to Illinois and made location in Lee County, wherein Bradford Township he purchased a tract of three hundred and twenty acres. He continued to live there and cultivate his land in a most satisfactory manner until 1869, when he came to China Township where he has since made his home. The subject of this sketch was married in Win- chester, N. H., to Miss Sarah P. Codding, the date thereof being March 13, 1834. Mrs. Lyman was a native of the county in which she was married, her birth occurring October 19, 1809. She received a good education and has been a helpmate in the truest sense of the word to her worthy husband, for his removal West was at a time when the country was but thinly populated and hardships were every- day occurrences. She bore them all bravely, doing what she could to make the home bright and com- fortable, and now in lier later years can look back with pride to what has been accomplished by her aid. Mv. and Mrs. Lyman have become the parents of five children, of whom we make the following mention: Sarah A. is the wife of Charles Wilber; George A. married Miss Mary E. Jones and is a very intellent young man and is at present edit- ing the Amboy Journal; Levi H. married Miss Sa- rah F. Bruce and is residing on a line farm in China Township; Cyru3 0.,who married Miss Jane Evitts, met his death at Dubuque, Iowa, while in a sail boat on the Mississippi River; at the time of his death he was thirty-one years old; Clymea 0. died in infancy. In political mattere the gentleman of whom we write is independent, reserving the right to vote for the man whom he thinks will best fill the ofl3ce rather than for party principles. He has always taken an interest in local affairs and is liberal in his contribution to all good works. Mr. and Mrs. Lyman are conscientious and influential members of the Congregational Church, having identified themselves with that religious denomination when twenty years of age. When fifteen years old our subject, in choosing an occupation for himself, learned the trade of a carpenter, working successfully at that calling for 336 POKTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. a number of years in New Hampshire and wielded the hammer and saw for two years after coming to the Prairie State. But after locating here, feeling that he was better fitted to pursue the life of a farmer and the duties of that occupation agreeing m every way with his tastes, he gave up the car- penter trade and became an agriculturist. That he chose wisely and well can not be doubted by those who have the opportunity to view his beau- tiful farm, for in everj^ department is displayed the thrift and enterprise of the owner. He has placed upon it good and substantial buildings of every description which are necessary for the suc- cessful prosecution of a first-class estate and is en- abled to live comfortably and well in his later years. He is well known in Lee County and is universally esteemed and honored. ; JACOB BETZ, Jr. one of thebest known citi- zens of Brooklyn Township, where he, re- sides on his well appointed farm on section ^5^^ 25. is a man whose native force of character, far-seeing enterprise and practical abilit.v have placed him among the foremost farmers and stock- raisers of Lee County, where he has acquired ex- tensive farming interests, and Become prominent in its public and political life. He was born in Wayne County, N. Y., .July 11, 1841. His father .Jacob Betz, an honored pioneer of Northern Ill- inois, has been associated for nearly half a century with the rise and growtii of Bureau County, of which he is still a resident. The father of our subject is a native of the town of Mentz, Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany and a son of Adam Betz, who was also of German birth and antecedents. Tlie latter served in the armj^ eight years, and was with Napoleon in his raid on INIos- cow, suffering all the terrible hardships and pri- vations of the retreat through the winter snows from that Russian city. He came to America in 1843, and spent his last daj's in Bureau County. .These six of his children also came to this country; .lacob, .John, Mary, George, .Josepliine and Catli- erine. Our subject's father grew to man 's estate in the land of his nativity, and was there united in mar- riage with Gedrich Faubel, who was also a Ger- man. Ambitious to make the most of Jiis life, and thinking that the New "World offered better oppr- tunities of success than the old, he resolved to emigrate to these shores, and in 1840 came hither with Ills wife. He resided in New York until 1843, and after coming here he had the misfortune to be bereft of his companion and helpmate, who haci cheerfully left the Fatherland to cross the waters with him and assist in founding a new home in a strange country. In 1843 Mr. Betz came to Illi- nois, travelling liy the way of the Lakes to Chi- cago. From that city he went with a team to Bureau County, where he found a sparsely inhab- ited region, with but few settlements, as at that time the northern part of the state was almost in its original wildness, and the greater part of the land was in the hands of the Government. He entered a tract and also bought another partly improved in C'larion Township. For some yeare there were no railroads in the vicinitj'^, and he had to draw all his grain to Chicago, more than a hundred miles distant. In the course of years he improved a flue farm, and has thus contributed materially to the development of his adopted county, of which he has been a witness almost from the beginning. The subject of this biography was onlj- two years old when his mother died, and after the death of the mother the father married a sister of his first wife lilizabeth Faubel. He was two years old when his father brought him to this State, and here he was reared and educated. He attended the pioneer schools of Bureau County, which weic taught in log houses, and had seats made of slabs without desks or backs. Holes were bored in the logs, in which were inserted wooden pins and the board laid on them served as a writing desk for the older scholars. As soon as Jacob was large enough he had to do chores and make himself generally useful on the farm, and when he began his independent career as a farmer and a stock- raiser he had had a good experience in farming to serve as the foundation of his furure success. He remained with his father until 1865. affording him valuable aid in the management of his farm, and tlien settled in Wyoming Township on a farm ""AM PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 339 which he still owns. In 1875 he removed to the farm on which he now resides, whifh is finely located on section 25, Brooklyn Township. Tie now has four hundred seventy acres of well-im- proved land, amply supplied with well-ordered andconveniently arranged buildings for every pur- pose, and well-stocked with horses, cattle and hogs of the besfbreeds. A view of the homestead is shown elsewhere in this volume. Mr. Betz has been twice married. In 1865 he wedded Margaret Kessler, a native of Germany, and a daughter of Andrew Kessler. Less than two years of wedded hapiness was vouchsafed to them ere her death February 28, 1867. She left one son, Ezra. The second marriage of our subject was to Miss Margaret Pope, a native of Germany, and a daughter of Jacob Pope. Their union has been blessed by the birth of a son, J. Fred. A stalwart Republican in politics, Mr. Betz uses his influence to promote partj^ interests. He is a member of the Evangelical Association, and earn- estly supports all things that tend to the moral and religious elevation of the community. Ills eminent fitness for public office has been recog- nized by his fellow-citizens, and when elected to a position of trust he has given his best efforts to discharge the duties tli us imposed upon him. He has served five terms as a member of the County Board of Supervisors, and his township never had a better representative, or one who more zealously guarded his interests, while at the same time seek- ing to promote the general welfare of the county. ^>^-^^-^-^^.^ s-y_ , 2 ALPH E. JOHNSON. Our subject who is a general farmer and dairyman, is the owner of one hundred and forty acres of land on section 22, Palm3'ra Township, which he cultivates to such good purpose that it yields him a very comfortable income. He keeps from one hundred and twenty to one hundred and twenty- five cows and is doing an immense business as a dairyman. Mr. .Johnson was born on tbe old homestead of which he is the present owner, January 22, 1847, and which has always been his home. He is the son of Ebenezer H. Johnson, a native of Chenango County, N. Y. and of New England parentage. The grandparents of our subject were natives of Connecticut, but later went to New York where they were among the early settlers in Chenango County and where they passed their last days. Ebenezer Johnson received a good education in his native county and there married the mother of our subject, who was a native of the same county and State as was her husband and soon after their marriage in company with a number of other families came West to Ill- inois by the overland route, settling On a "squat- ter's" claim on section 22, Palmyra Township, this county, the same tract on .which our subject makes his home. Their removal here was made in 1835 and the young couple at once set about improving their place and at the time of his death Mr. John- son left a beautiful farm. He died on the old homestead, August 29, 1885, after having reached the advanced age of seventy-five years. He was a prominent man in his township and one of the earliest pioneers. He always took an active inter- est in politics and at one time served as Township Supervisor, holding the office for a number of years. He favored the platform of the Republi- can party and was loyal to its principles. In religious matters he was a member of 356 PORTRAIT AND BI@GRAPHICAL RECORD. the Presbyterian Cluirch to the support of which body he always gave liberally and cheerfully. The wife of Mv. E. TI. Johnson died in Palmyra Township, May 15, ]885,when seventy six years of age. She was a member of the Episcopal Cliurch. Ralph E. Johnson established a hearthstone of his own March 10th, 1875, at which date he was mar- ried to jNIiss Abbie M. Knox, the ceremony being solemnized in Broome County N. Y., which was her native State and where she was reared to womanhood. Iler parents, George and Jerusha (Brown) Knox, and are well-to-do and are residing im Broome County N. Y., retired from the active duties of life. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are the parents of three children, all of whom are yet under the parental roof. The}' bear the names respectively of Anna C, Rena E. and Myra. In politics, the Republican party claim our sub- ject as one of its most efficient workers. He is liberal and broad-minded and with his estimable wife is highly prized in his community. JOHN HETLER, who carries on general farming on sections 15 and 22, Dixon Township, has the honor of being a native- born citizen of Lee County, his birth hav- ing occurred in this township, November 25, 1847. He is descended from an old Pennsylvanian fam- ily of German origin that was founded in America at an early day. His patei-nal grandpai-ents lived and (lied in Luzerne Coiuity, Pa., where his father, Nathan Hetler, was born, In the Keystone State, he married Catherine Culp, also a native of Pennsylvania, and some years later they started with their three children for Illinois, making the trip in a covered wagon. On the 13th of June, 1837, they arrived in Dixon Township, Lee County, and Mr. Hetler se- cured a piece of raw prairie land on which he built a log cabin. The family began life in the West in true pioneer style and the hardships and trials of the frontier were not unknown to them. However, as the years passed, and financial resources were increased, Mr. Hetler was enabled to supply his home with the comforts of life and extend the boundaries of his farm until it comprised four hundred acres. He was an industrious and hard working man who labored untiringly in the inter- ests of his family. He died on the old homestead, where our subject now lesides. May 27, 1877, at tlie age of sixty-nine years and his loss was deeply regretted liy many friends. His wife is yet living and makes her home with her son, John. She is now eighty-nine years of age but is yet hale and hearty, except that for the past ten years she has suffered the complete loss of her eye-sight. She is a member of the Lutheran Church to which Mr. Hetler also belonged. In politics he was first a Whig and afterward a Republican and held a number of local offices, the duties of which he dis- charged with promptness and fidelity. Our subject is one of six children. In the dis- trict schools of the neighborhood his education was acquired and in the days of his boyhood and youth he worked upon his father's farm through- out the summer months. When it became time for him to engage in business for himself he determined to follow the occupation to which he was reared and is now recognized as one of the successful farmers of the communitj-. He owns three hundred and forty-three acres of valuable land, which have been his property for twelve years and the farm is pleasantly and conveniently situ- ated four miles from Dixon. A view of the home- stead is shown on another page. All the necessary buildings are there found, together with the latest improverl machinery and other accessories and the place is well stocked, having on hand twenty-five milch cows. INIr. Hetler is a man of good business abilit}' with a degree of carefulness that insures success. A marriage ceremony performed in Dixon Townsliip, united the destinies of Miss Lasetta Mil- ler and Mr. Hetler. The lady was born in Frank- lin County, Pa., and in 1866, came to Illinois with her parents, Samuel and Mary (Munn) Miller, who located in Nachusa Township, Lee County, where they afterward lived. Mr. Miller died at the age of seventy-eight years in 1888. His wife is still living in Nachusa Township and is beloved by all know her. ■"'^^'^■^V^^Si?^?^7^^t: trWrV RESIDENCE OF fARS. JUDITH H I LL , SEC .19..S0UTH DIXON TP.,LEE CO.,1 LL S ^E!S.^ <::- '"^, •iifif%-T' Vfcj^ d- jlsg RESIDENCE OF JOHN HETLER,SE.C.I5.,DI X.O N , LEE CO., ILL. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 359 By the union of Mr. and Mrs. Hetlci- were boru six cliildren but only two are now living — Delia and Harry. They have lost four — Shelby, Mary, Grant and Nora. The parents are quite prominent people in Dixon Township and move in the best circles of society. Tlieir own home is a hospitable one where their friends are warmly welcomed and entertained. Mr. Metier exercises his right of franchise in support of Republican principles and keeps himself well informed on the issues of the (lay. Throughout long years he has witnessed the growth and development of his native county, has taken a just pride in its progress and has ever borne his part in the promotion of those enter- prises calculated to advance the general welfare. ATHAN HILL was during his life closely ,|l ,.. connected with the leading interests of /iv;^) South Dixon Township as an extensive farmer and land-holder, and as one of its wealthy citizens and in his death this section of the county met with a serious loss. He was born in Luzerne County, Pa., July 3, 1818, and was a son of Jacob Hill, who was also a native of Pennsylvania, and passed the most of his life as a farmer in Luzerne County. He married Miss Catherine Haight, who was born and reared in the Keystone State, and in after life they abandoned their farm in tha': sec- tion of the county and came to Illinois in 1854 with their children, including our subject and liis wife. The father died in this country when past seventy years old, and the mother was over eighty years of age when she died in Dixon in 1880. Both were members of the Lutheran Church. Nathan Hill received his education in the schools of his native county, and was caref uU}' instructed in all kinds of agricultural work on the farm where his boyhood days were profitably and pleasantly spent. Some years after marriage he came Iiere with other members of his father's family to estab- lish a new home on the virgin soil of Lee County, greatly aided in his work by his devoted helpmate. He had many ditliculties to contend with in his pioneer life, but a strong will, a good capacity for liard and persistent labor, and excellent business tact enabled him to surmount all obstacles, and in time he became prominent as a farmer and large land-owner. He had passed the meridian of life but by no means was an old man when death came to him June 10, 1876, in the pleasant home on sec- tion 19, South Dixon Township, that was the re- sult of the joint labors of himself and wife. Thus was brought to a close an honorable career that had been beneficial to his adopted county, as he had added to its wealth by every acre of his landed possessions he had placed under cultivation, nad he was valued as a citizen. He was a man of strict moral integrity, who never willfully wronged another, and was conscientious in the discharge of his duties as a husband, father, neighbor and friend, and none knew him but to trust and esteem him. In politics, he was a straightforward Demo- crat. Our subject was eminently happy in his domes- tic life with his wife and children. He was mar- ried in his native county to Miss Judith Billhei- mer, who was also born in that part of Pennsyl- vania, her birthplace being in Salem Township, and the date'of her birth October 14, 1818. Her parents. Christian and Catherine (Hoover) Bill- heimor, were born in Northampton County, Pa.; but were reared, married and died in Luzerne County, her fatlier being past three-score years and ten when death summoned him, and her mother more than eighty-four j'ears old when she died. They were stanch and true in their alle» glance to the religious faith in which they were bred, that of the Lutheran Church, of which they were members. Mrs. Hill is the only survivor of the children born to her parents. She attended the public school of her native county, and was well drilled at home in all that goes to make a good housekeeper. Since the death of her hus- band she has owned in her own right a \'aluable farm of one hundred and twenty-five acres, and is managing it in a manner that shows that she is sagacious, thrifty and far-sighted, and is perfectly capable of conducting her affairs in a business- like way, and so as to make the licst of everything. Slie is a motherly, large-hearted woman, and her 360 PORTEAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. neighbors find in her a true friend. Slie is a ten- der mother, and her children, of wliom slie has eleven, hold her in the warmest regard. Tliey are named Esther, Christian, AVilliam Henry, Thomas J., John L., Reuben A., Mary C, Anna M., Andrew J., Jacob >S. and Lydia E. Mrs. Hill is a devoted member of the Lutlieran Church, with which she has been connected all her life. The attractive residence m which this liospitable family entertain their many friends, is among the most pleasant in the community and we are pleased to present a view of the homestead on another page. *^^S ^©11 y ALTER F. PRESTON, (or as he is famil- iar Ij' known, Frank Preston) Assistant United States Attorney at Chicago and Special Agent of the Inter-State Commerce Com- mission, is a talented and distinguished member of the bar of Lee County. A leader in local politics, he has been the recipient of many honors both public and professional. His aptitude for business is by no means restricted to the performance of legal and official duties, but he has also acquired prominence as a practical farmer and successful breeder of Hereford stock. He carries on his agri- cultural operations in connection with his father, and for several years has had control of the latter's farm on which he makes his home, which is linely located on sections 14 and 15, South Dixon Town- ship. Of New England birth, the blood of some of the first families of the Colonial and Revolutionary period runs in the veins of our subject, and some of his ancestors figured extensively in the history of the early settlement of that part of the countrv. The Preston family originated in England, their ancestral home being in the village of Preston and since 16 40 they have been represented in America. Samuel Preston, born in Lexington Mass., had a son James, whose son Isaac was the great-grandfather of our subject. Isaac Preston was a Minute Man and came from his home in New Hampshire to aid in driving away the red-coats from Lexington, wliero that "lii'st shot was fired heard round the world," in the opening battle of that great and glorious struggle for freedom from the oppression of British rule, and he served hon- orably throughout the Revolution under Gen. AVashington. The family were among the early settlers of New Hampshire and were active in its public life. Jeremiah Preston, Sr., grandfather of our sub- ject, was born in New Ipswich, N. H., and grew to manhood in his native i:)iace. He became promi- nently identified with the city of Manchester as one of its leading business men and manufacturers and was potent in making it a wealthy manufac- turing center. He retired in 1868 from the suc- cessful business that he had conducted for so many years, and removing to Cambridgeport, ]Mass., passed the remaining years of his life quietly in the home of his daughter, ilrs. John S. A'erity, dying in 1879, at the venerable age of eighly-eight years. The maiden name of the gi-andmother of our subject was Ann Proctor, her family being promi- nent in New England during its early settlement. She was born and reared in Hollis, N. H., and sur- vived her husband only one j'ear, dying at the age of eighty-six years. Both husband and wife were liberal in their religiou^s views and were identified with the Unitarian Church. In politics he was an old-line "Whig in earl3- life, but after the formation of the Republican party became one of its stanch supporters and remained true to his allegiance to the day of his death. In New Ipswich, X. H., where he was born, Jere- miah Preston, Jr., father of our subject, passed his boyhood, though he was still quite young when he removed to ^lason Village and thence to Manches- ter. Xevy early in life he manifested a rare genius for mechanics and when only ten years of age began his training as a machinist. In his youth he helped to build the first steam fire engine made in this country, and also the first power loom made in the United States. He was identified with the political history of Now Hampshire and during the war engaged in the manufacture of guns for the Government. He has since been connected with various railroads in the country in the mechanical department and was master mechanic for the Northwestern Railway Companj'. An expert in PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 361 his line, his wide experience and thorough knowl- edge of the principles of mechanics make his ser- vices of inestimable value, and they are held in high appreciation by the officials of the company. Mr. Preston resides on his homestead in South Dixon Township, where, in company with liis son, he devotes his leisure to raising high graded stock. He purchased that place in 1868. when it was in a wild condition, it being the last piece of prairie land to be bought in this county, and with characteristic prescience he saw its possibilities. His investment proved a wise one and to-day he is the owner of one of the choicest farms of its size in this section of Illinois. Aided by his son, he has brought it to a fine state, supplying it with the best modern improvements, including a hand- some set of buildings of a pleasing style of archi- tecture and conveniently arranged for its various purposes. Its one hundred and twenty acres of land are situated on section 15, and are under ex- cellent cultivation. The marriage of Jeremiah Preston in Manches- ter, N. H., united him with Miss Lucretia M. Han- naford, who was born at Alton Bay, on the shores of that beautiful lake, which, lying amid the rock-ribbed and everlasting hills, is one of the picturesque features of the scenery for which the old Granite State is noted. Mrs. Preston is of English extraction and a descendant of some of the old Colonial stock of New England, number- ing among her ancestors the Tilton family that came to America in 1640. She inherited fine men- tal endowments and is a woman of superior char- acter and intelligence. Every advantage for a liberal education was afforded Walter F. Preston, in his native citj' — Manchester, and he afterward pursued his studies in Chicago. To a young man of his astute, logical and comprehensive mind the legal profession pre- sented many attractions, and he devoted his whole energies to fitting himself for the bar, to which he was admitted in due time, with promise of a bril- liant career befoi'e him, which has been more than fulfilled. He was for some time in the law office of Judge Farrand, County Judge of Lee County, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. After his admission to the bar, iMr. Preston easily worked his way to the front. He has been Official Reporter of the Circuit Court for several terms and has often been honored by high posi- tions. He is now Assistant United States Attorney at Chicago as well as one of the special agents of the Inter-State Commerce Commission, with head- quarters at Room 40, Government Building, hav- ing been connected with the commission since 1890. During the last session of the Fiftieth Con- gress he was private secretary to Senator Cullom. He is a prominent politician of the best type, who while working hard for his party is guided by pa- triotic motives and has the'dearest interests of his country at heart. He takes an active part in local and State politics, is prominently identified with the progress of the Republic.m party in this sec- tion, and has been delegate to State Conventions. The marriage of our subject to Miss Ettie Smith was solemnized in South Dixon Township and their pleasant wedded life has been passed on the paternal homestead on section 15, Mr. Preston having had control of the farm since 1875. The three children born unto them complete their household, namely: Lelia F., Clarence G. and Ethel jM. Mrs. Preston is a bright and preposses- sing lady and was born in South Dixon Township, being a daughter of one of its early pi(meers, Joseph E. Smith, a native of Germany. Her mother was born in Frostburg, Md., whence after her marriage she removed with her husband to Lee County in 1838, coming among the first set- tlers of South Dixon Township. They arc now- living in retirement in the village of Nachusa, where they are serenely passing the twilight of useful and honorable lives. ' OHN A. ANDRUS, attorney-at-law at Ash- ton, was born in Stephentown, Rensselaer County, N-. Y., November 30, 1833. He is descended from patriotic ancestors, his grandfather, Benjamin Andrus, liaving served during the Revolutionary War as a member of a Green Mountain regiment. (Jrandfather Andrus, ^62 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. who was born in Wallingforrl, Conn., was married to Miss Annios C!ise,anativeof Hartford, the same vState. In the family of Benjamin and Annies Andrus was a son, Elam Tilden, (named for the father of Samuel .T. Tilden), who was born in New Lebanon, Columbia County, N. Y. He grew to manhood in in the Empire State and in his youtli learned the trade of a tanner and currier, but followed farming l)ursuits during most of liis life. His marriage united him with Miss Angeline Moouey, who was born in Stephentown, Rensselaer County, N. Y., and ten children were born unto them, of whom our subject was the eldest. The wife and mother passed away at her home near Clarendon, Orleans County, N. Y., in 1885, her death resulting from the accidental breaking of one of her limbs. Elam T. Andrus died of la grippe January 20, 1892, at the family homestead. Having united with the Presbyterian Church at the age of nineteen he had been a faithful, consistent member of it for sixty- nine years until his death. The early years of John A. Andrus were passed in his native county, where lie gained a good com- mon-school education. In 1852 he removed with the family to Orleans County, attending school at 13rockport,Hollj- and Albion Academies, and teach- ing at Pine Hill, Sweden Centre, Clarendon and near Brockport. In the fall of 1856 he came West to Michigan, where for two terms he followed the profession of a teacher near Marshall. At the close of his first term he returned to New York and attended college at Buffalo, graduating in the f.all of 1857. The same fall found him once more in Marshall, where he taught another term of school and continued the reading of law com- menced in New York. From Michigan Mr. Andrus came to this State, securing employment first in Cliicago and proceed- ing from tliere to Rociielle, where he accidentally found a relative. Purchasing a yoke of oxen, he engaged in farming to some extent for a few months, but after the harvest was gathered in he sold his wheat and oxen and engaged for one term as a teacher in the city. In the fall of 1858 he came to Asliton wliere lie taught school the follow- ing winter. In the spring of 1859 lie formed a partnership with E. B. Clark in the grocery busi- ness, but at the expiration of one year purchased his partner's interest and continued the business alone. After conducting the establishment until 1864 he sold out and engaged for some time in buying and selling cattle. In the fall of 1866 Mr. Andrus commenced building a store, and the following spring opened up a good stock of general merchandise, continuing tlius engaged until November, 1870, when he sold out, but was unfortunate in losing heavilj' by the parties to whom he sold. Next he went West to Colorado, there buj'ing cattle, but not meeting with success in the enterprise it was abandoned. Between tlie ye.-irs of 1871 and 1873 he was in partnership with Henry Bly in the grocery busi- ness in Ashton, the firm name being Bly & Andrus. He had read law both in New York and Michigan and had been admitted to the bar to practice law both in Michigan and Indiana, and at the expira- tion of his four years' term of service as Police Magistrate in the fall of 1878, he was admitted to practice law at the bar of Illinois. His standing at his examination was high as he answered per- fectly eighty-five out of one hundred questions. Since his admission to the bar Mr. Andrus has practiced law continuously,with the exception of the three years he was in South Dakota. He went there in the spring of 1883 and engaged chiefly in farm- ing. He was defeated as candidate (being a Dem- ocrat) for County Judge in 1885 and for the Leg- islature in 1886, in the fall of which year he returned to Ashton. February 18, 1890, he met with great misfortune by fire. His office with all the furniture, all public and private papei-s, and eighty-five volumes of his law library and two large two-story store buildings were totally de- stroyed, entailing a not loss of at least $5,000 to Mr. Andrus. Mr. Andrus has one of the most pleasant homes in the village, presided over by a lady whose maiden name was Rhoda A. Seipel. Mrs. Andrus was born in Delaware County, Ohio, and is the daughter of John and Harriet (Cox) Seipel. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Andrus, which occurred in Ashton, has brought them two daughters — Dora A., a graduate of the University of Illinois, of the PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 363 Class of '82, the wife of John C. Griffith, and Bessie B., a bright school girl. In his political belief Mr. Andrus is, like his forefathers, in hearty sympathy with the principles of the Democratic party, and is interested in local politics. Socially, he is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and in his religious views is liberal, while his wife and daughter are members of the Presbyterian Church. As he is thoroughlj^ prac- tical, Mr. Andrus is in touch with the people of Ashton, working for their welfare with all his energies and sounding the depths of human exper- ience in his varied labors on their behalf. ^- i>-^^ J"^ WESLEY HYDE. No class of men ha* contributed more to the substantial pros- perity of Lee County than its farmers and stock men, among whom the subject of this brief life record is well worthy of mention. He is conducting his agricultural operations in Willow Creek Township, on section 19, which is the location of his finely-tilled and well-stocked farm. Mr. Hyde was born eleven miles from Mansfield, Richland County, Ohio, January 14, 1835. Ben- jamin Hyde was liis father, a native of New Jersey, and he was the son of another Benjamin Hyde, who is supposed to have been a native of the same State, and was of English descent. He was a farmer, and always carried on his occupation in New Jersey, where he died in the fullness of time. The father of our subject was reared and educated in his native State and when a young man went from there to Ohio in the pioneer days of the settlement of that State and was engaged in his trade as a cooper in Richland County, where he lived until 1853. The remainder of his life was passed iu Michigan. The maiden name of Mrs. Hyde was Mary Folks. She was bom in Pennsylvania, and died in this State, in Lee County. She was the mother of nine children that grew to maturity, as follows: Saloma, wife of O. H. Perry, of Des Moines, Iowa; Margaret, wife of John Hough, of Chicago; J. W.; Jonathan, a gallant soldier, who served in the Seven ty-fiftli Illinois Infantry during the war, and spent his last years in Dixon; Barbara E. wife of William Daw- son, of Leavenworth, Kan.; Theodore, a resident of Lee Count}', who served in the .war as a mem- ber of the Thirteenth Illinois Infantry; Francis, who was a member of an Illinois infantry regiment during the war, and now lives at Harvey, 111.; Rhoda, who resides in Milwaukee; and Samuel Me Clure, a resident of Malugin's Grove, who was in the Fifteenth Illinois Infantry during the war. As will be seen by the foregoing, the family was well represented in the army when the great conflict between the North and South was being waged, and proved the value of their citizenship by their loyalty and devotion to the cause on many a bloody battle-field. Our subject was one of the five sons that his parents thus sent forth to fight for their country. He enlisted March 2, 1865. in Company I, Fifteenth Illinois Infantry, and was honorably discharged tiie following September, on the 17th of the month, with a good record as a faithful and efficient soldier. Our subject's boyhood days were passed in his native State. He was quite young when he com- menced to earn his own living, but he was inde- pendent and very capable for his j'ears. lie began life working on a farm by the day or month in the county where be was born, and continued thus occupied until 1853, when he turned his attention to the cooper's trade and worked at that two years. In 1857 he took an important step in life which resulted greatly to his benefit, as he then came to Lee County to cast in his fortunes with its pioneers, and years of toil have brought him prosperity. He worked by tlie month one summer after his arrival in these parts, and then bought a tract of land in Brooklyn Township. He erected necessary build- ings, placed his land under good tillage and re- sided there ten years. It was during that time that he was mail carrier from Mendota to Malugin's Grove for a period of three years, and his exper- ience of life as a soldier occurred while he was a resident of that farm. In 1867 Mr. Hyde sold his first farm, and for a year worked out by the month. He then bought a farm of one hundred and fifty-five acres of land in company with his brother. After living on it 364 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. seven years he sold his share of the place and bought the farm tliat he now owns and occupies on section 19, Willow Creek Township. Its fields are under admirable cultivation, its pastures are rich and its improvements of a good class. Mr. Hyde devotes it to general farming and stock- raising, and has cattle, horses and hogs of fine grades. Our subject is a man of sterling principles and sensible views, is kindly and helpful in his relations with his neighbors and others of the community, and is deserving of the fellowship and good wishes of all about him. His interest in pol- itics centers in the Republican party, of which he has been a stanch advocate since he cast his first Prsidential vote for Gen. Fremont, its first candi- date for the Chief Magistracy of the United States. Mr. Hyde was first married in 1858, to Miss Mary Hough, a native of Lee County, and a daugh- ter of "William and Hannah Hough, who were among the early settlers of the county. She died in 1867, leaving two children — Harvey and Minnie. Minnie married Albert Pettys, and they have two children, Mamie and Robert 'THAMES BLISS has developed a fine' farm from the wild prairies of Alta Township, placing it under substantial improvement, and has thus materially contributed to the wealth of Lee County. He was born in the town of Exeter, Otsego County, N. Y., June 28, 1812. His father, whose name was Palatire Bliss, was a native of Connecticut, and was reared and married in that State, Elizabeth Lathrop, also a native of that commonwealth, becoming Ms wife. He was a cooper by trade, and after his removal in 1795 to Otsego County, N. Y., of which he was a pioneer, he also gave his attention to farming, working at his trade only in the winter seasons and the re- mainder of the year clearing his land and tilling the soil. He bought a tract of lieavily timbered land in what is now the town of Exeter, and his first work was to build a log house, which was the birthplace of the son of whom we write. There were no railways or canals in that part of the country for many years, and Albany, eighty miles distant, was the nearest market. Mr. Bliss lived and labored there for more than half a century, and there death found him in 1853 at a ripe old age on the farm that he had hewed from the wilderness, and his wife, the mother of our subject, also died there. Seven children were born of their wedded life. He was three times married and reared two other children. James Bliss, of this biography, was reared amid the pioneer scenes of his birth, and was educated in the local schools. He commenced when very young to help his father on the farm, and was thoroughly drilled in agricultural pursuits. He remained an inmate of the parental household un- til he married, and after that he gave his time to learn the trade of a cooper. He lived in his native county until 1848, and then bouglit a home in the village of Nineveh, Chenango County, where he manufactured barrels, etc., for some years. In 1856, he disposed of his possessions in New York, as he had decided to try the calling to which he had been bred on the prairies of Ilhnois. He settled among the pioneers of De Kalb County, buying one hundred and ten acres of land in Somanauk Township, at $12 an acre. It was a tract of wild prairie, and he went to work with a good will to develop it. He* placed the land' under good tillage, erected good suitable buildings, and so increased its value that he was enabled to sell the place in 1869 at $35 an an acre. He then came to Lee County, and bought his present form at $17 dollars an acre. At the time of pur- chase it was merely a tract of wild, uncultivated prairie, with never a furrow turned. To-day he reaps from its well tilled soil abundant harvests, and has the place in a fine condition. The land is fenced and cross fenced into convenient fields, choice fruit, shade and ornamental trees have been planted, and a good set of frame buildings has been erected, everything indicating thrift and prosperit}^. By his marriage more than fifty years ago, in the year 1839, Mr. Bliss was so fortunate as to secure for a life-companion a woman who has been to him a true helpmate, and has done her share in PORTRAIT AND BIOORAPTITCAL RECORD. 365 the upuilding of then- comfortable home. Mrs. Bliss who bore the maiden name of Roxie C. Rose, was born on Block Island, in Long Island Sound. Her married life with our subject has been blessed with these three children — .Tames A., John Adel- bert and Ella. Mr. Bliss was formerly a Whig, but when the Republican party was organized he fell into line, and has ever since been firm in his support of its principles. He is in all respects a good citizen and a most estimable man, whose life- record is honorable and worthy of emulation. ^ (IL^ALDOR NELSON. Lee County is indebted lliD) *^ *^® **^'^® ^^ Norway who live within its l^^ limits for what they have done in various (^ walks of life to help forward its varied interests. Our sjibject is a native of that far-away country, although for many long years, forty in number, he has been a loyal citizen of this, and has made his home in Illinois since he landed on these shores. When he came he was poor in pocket, but rich in those qualities that go to the making of an honest, capable man, and by using his faculties in a practical manner he has become one of the sub- stantial farmers of Willow Creek Township, and owns as good a farm as is to be found within its -bounds. Mr. Nelson was born in Bergensteft, Norway, August 29, 1823. His father, Nels Hillison, was also born in that locality, and spent his entire life in the land of his birth, his occupation being that of a farmer. Our subject was an only son, and he grew up under good home influences. As soon as large enough he began to assist his father and in time became very useful in helping to carry on the farm. He remained with his parents until 1851, and then ambitious to see more of the world, and try life in the United States of America, where he felt sure he could get better returns for his labor, he embarked at Stilauga m the month of April, on the sailing vessel "Ebenezer," and five weeks later found himself in the metropolis of the New World, with but $50 in his pocket with which to begin his new life. He immediately started for Illinois, leaving New York on a steamer bound for Albany, from there going on the canal to Buffalo, whence he went by the Great Lakes to Chicago, from that city to Peru on the canal, and then by team to Sublette, Lee County, his final destination. A man of his capability and trustworthiness is always in demand among the farmers, and he had no diffi- culty in securing work as a farm hand, being em- ployed by the day or month in that township for the ensuing year. After that he went to Lee Center, where he was similarly engaged by the month for two seasons. By that time he had laid by money enough to become more independent, and he bought a tract of land in Bradford Town- ship, for which he paid 12 an acre. He built on the place and commenced at once to develop its soil, and had placed it in a very good condition when he sold it in 1865, having so increased its original value, that he obtained $30 an acre for it. He then came Willow Creek Township, and invested m two hundred and thirty acres of excellent farm- ing wliicli forms his present farm. When it came into his possession only a part of the land was im- proved, and there were no buildings on it. It now presents a very different appearance, with its neatly fenced, well tilled fields, with its abundance of fruit and shade trees, planted by Mr. Nelson, and a comfortable dwelling and substantial out-houses adorn the place. In January, 1868, our subject was married to Martha' Christopher, who is a native of the same Norwegian town that is his place of birth. In her he has found a valuable helpmate, and a devoted companion. They have four children livings — Helga, Annie, Nellie and Christopher. Julia N., their second daughter, who was married, died in February, 1889, leaving two children, who are being tenderly cared for by their grandparents. <• "X • /" l^^-^'^ 5^ jil. .r^'=5tirra^:^=i^' 5o" c4l )»ILLIAM WINFIELU HARDEN. The \/\l/i ^'S^'^y improved and prosperous eondi- ^\y dition of Lee County is in a large degree due to its farming population, which is for the 366 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. most part compused of men who are strong in character, energetic in disposition, Iceen of vision, discriminate and sensible in judgment and prompt to take advantage of wliatsoever will acrue to their benefit. It is of one of this class, of whom we write. His homestead farm, comprising a quarter of section 23, Nelson Township, is one of the finest in this region, with its farm buildings of a modern style of architecture, its rich harvest fields, and its pastures devoted to the support of sleek and well-kept cattle, horses and swine of the most approved breeds, best adapted to this part of the country. He also has eighty- acres of land on , section 27, of the same township, which is under i admirable cultivation and is well improved. Mr. Harden comes of Pennsylvania stock and is himself a native of that commonwealth, born in the county of Somerset, October li), 1852. His father, Solomon Harden, also had his birth in that county, he being a son of a Penn.sylvania farmer, named George Harden. Solomon grew up in his native place and when he began to think of mar- riage he selected Miss Susan Uhl to share his for- tunes with him, and their union took place in the town of Somerset, in Somerset County, where she was born and had been reared and edu- cated. She came of the old Pennsylvania Dutch stock, and her ancestors were farmers l)y occupa- tion and strict Lutherans in religion. After the birth of two children. Pierce and our subject, the Hardens emigrated from their old Pennsylvania home to Illinois in 1853 aiid began life again on the homestead now owned and accu- pied by their son of whom we write. The land composing it was bought of the Government and has never been out of the family. When Mr. Har- den purchased it it was in a wild condition, with never a furrow of its sod turned. He immediately entered upon the hard pioneer task of changing it into a well-cultivated, nicely-improved farm, and labored patiently and with good results until death stayed his hand forever from his work May 17 1865. His demise was felt to be a sad loss not only to his family and friends but to the com- munity at large, as during his twelve years' resi- dence here he had been associated with everything good and progressive in the way (jf advancing- the material and moral interests of the township. He was a sincere Christian and a member of the Lutheran Church. In politics he was a sturdy Democrat. His wife now makes her home on South Galena Street in the city of Dixon. She is sixty years of age and is in the full vigor and energy of all her faculties. She worships at the Lutheran Church, of which she is a devoted member. Our subject is one of five brothers j'et living. The otheis are: Pierce, a farmer in York County, Neb.; Edward E.,a banker at Liberty, Gage County, Neb.; John T., also a banker at Liberty with his brothers, including another brother. Hiram Albert and our subject,, the latter being a director in the bank, as is John; Edward is President of the bank, while Hiram is cashier. William Harden was reared to the life of a farmer on the old homestead that has since come into his hands. He earlj' manifested an aptitude for agricultural pursuits, and brings to his work a good equipment of brain, skill in management and practical experience. He is a man of sterling merit, conscientious and straightforward in his dealings, and his credit is high, for he is prompt in his paj'- ments, always does as he agrees to do in all his transactions, and the township where the most of his life has been passed holds him as one of her best citizens. He is its present Highway Commis- sioner, and he always enters heartily into any plans for public improvement. In politics he is a Republican of no uncertain type. The religion that was the comfort and stay of his forefathers in the days of its founder, ^Martin Luther, finds in him a faithful supporter, and he and his wife are among the most active membera of the church of that denominatijn in the township, a half-mile distant. Mr. Harden was married in this township to Miss iMargaret Gruvcr, a native of this county, horn in South Dixon Township, January 6, 1857. iShe received an excellent education, which was completed at the Dixon High vSchool. She is a daughter of Uriah and Catherine (Wright) Gruver, a native of Pennsylvania and a descendant of some of the old Dutch families of that State. He came to Illinois after his first marriage, and his wife dying he was married, a second time, to Miss ^^"-uzoUm) c^^-y^cy^^y^ (^"-T^i^ PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPmCAL RECORD. 369 Elizabeth Kelley. He is now living retired in Dixon. He occupies an honorable place among the pioneers of the county, and is highly esteemed by his many acquaintances and friends. He and his present wife are respected members of the j\Iethodist Epis- copal Church. Mr. and Mrs. Hardin, of this sketch, are very pleasantly situated in an attractive home, and their peaceful man-led life has brought to them three children — Florence E., Minnie S. and Wal- ter G. 51RASTUS ANDERSON. Prominent in the ^ annals of Lee County as the first settler of ^ Ashton Township is the gentleman whose portrait appears on the opposite page. He owns a farm situated on section 23, that he has placed under substantial improvemeat, but makes his home in the village of Ashton. He is a son of John H. Anderson, who was a pioneer of the afore- mentioned township, and was for many years one of its most respected citizens until death called him hence. He was bom in New Brunswick, and it is thought that 1793 was the ^ear of his birth. He married Martha Martin, who was bOrn in Lower Canada, near the town of Prescott, in 1802, and after marriage they settled in the township of Bayam, Upper Canada, in 1819. He took part in the War of 1812, and was present at the famous battle of Lundy's Lane. A farmer by occupation, Mr. Anderson carried on his (-ailing in Upper Canada until 1844, when he became a pioneer of Lapeer County, Mich. Two years later, in the month of October, 1846, he came with his family to Illinois, and resided in Nachusa Township, Ogle County, until December, 1849, when they removed to Lee County and cast in their lot with the pioneers of Ashton Township who had preceded them. They located on sec- tion 23, and here the good old father and mother tranquilly passed their remaining days, and at length departed this life full of years, his death occurring August 26, 1868, and hers in November, 1872. During the greater part of their lives they 17 were active members of the Alethodist Episcopal Church. They had ten children, all sons, one of whom died at the age of nineteen, and another when ten years old, the others growing to man- hood. Our subject, who was the third child of the familj', was born in the township of Bayam, Can- ada, May .19, 1824. Being one of the older members of the household he assisted his parents in the support of the family, and in bringing up his younger brothers. He continued to live in Canada some six months after the removal of his parents to Michigan, and then joining them, re- mained with them until the spring of 1846, when he came to Illinois. He first located in Ogle County, engaging in farming there, but in March, 1849, came to Lee County with his wife, whom lie had married in Ogle County the previous fall. He was the first one to settle in Ashton Township, and has been an honored resident of this locality since that time, with the exception of two years, when he was engaged in a mill in Oregon. Farming has been his chief occupation in life, and he has a choice farm of one hundred and sixty acres as the result of his patient and well-directed labors. He has his land under fine tillage, and his fertile fields produce abundant harvests, and neat and conveniently arranged buildings adorn the place. Mr. Anderson has filled the office of School Director for a quarter of a century, and has in various other ways faithfully fulfilled his obliga- tions as a true citizen who has the dearest interests of his community at heart. He is a solid Repub- lican, and has stood firmly by his party these many years of its existence as a political organiza- tion. He is known of all men as moral and up- right in his character, and truly religious, not only in profession, but in conduct, and for half a century he has been a valued member of the Methodist Episcopal Cliurch. The first marriage of our subject occurred in Ogle County, November 13, 1848, and was with Miss Mary Ilalverd, a native of Norwa}^ Their pleasant wedded life was brought to a close by the death of his faithful wife December 11, 1888. She was a sincere Christian, and a worthy member 370 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. of the ]\Iethodist Episcopal Church, and in dying left behind her the record of a life well spent. Three children were liorn of that union — Rhoda A., who is the wife of William F. Clark; John II., who married Miss Elsie Kaufman; and Mary A., who died in infancy. Mr. Anderson was married a second time in Ashton Township September 9, 1889, Mrs. Mary J. Lundy, nee Vosburg, widow of Alfred Lundy, becoming his wife. Mrs. Anderson was born in Susquehanna County, Pa., November, 17, 1836. She was married in early womanhood to Alfred Lundy, who died at Standing Stone, Bradford County, Pa. She is a ver^' intelligent, efficient woman, an excellent housewife, and looks well to the ways of her household. She belongs to the same church of which her husband has so long been a member, and is one of its most zealous workers. 'if ASON C. AYRES, President of the Dixon National Bank, capitalist, and one of the ,_^ largest dealers in real estate in northern ^^f) Illinois, has long been one of Lee County's ablest business men and financiers, who is widely known and honored for his high per- sonal standing, for the value of his citizenship and for the generous, progressive and far-seeing public spirit that has exercised such a powerful in- fluence in the making of his adopted city. Our subject was born in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., August 22, 1835. He is a descendant of some of the old families of New England, his fore- fathers being among the Colonial settlers of that part of the country. The following facts concern- ing his ancestry are taken from the "History of the Aj-res Family," written by "William Henry Whit- more. His father, Col. Sylvanus Ayres, was born in April, 1780, in New Braintree, Mass., and was a son of Jabez and Persis (Stewart) Ayres. Jabez Ayres was born in Newbury, Mass., April 26, 1737, and was a son of .Jabez and Rebecca (Kimball) Ayres, who were also natives of that town. The great-grandfather of our subject was born December 27, 1690, and was a son of Samuel and Abigail (Fellows) Ayres. Samuel Ayres was the second son of Captain John and Susanna (Simonds) Ayres. Captain Ayres was born in iingland, and was one of three brothers who came to America as Colonists in the early years of the settlement of New Eng- land. He went with others to the present location of Brookfield, ^Nlas.s., where he secured a tract of land and set about building a home in the wilder- ness. That section of the country was inhabited by a tribe of hostile Indi.ans, and he was killed by them August 3, 1675. His family and the re- maining settlers then returned to Ipswich, Mass. Samuel Ayres was married in that old New Eng- land town April 16, 1677. He departed this life in 1717, at a ripe old age. Jabez Aj-res, the great- grandfather of our subject, was married December 8, 1718, to Rebecca, daughter of Henry Kimball. He removed from Ipswich to New Braintree, in the same State, in June, 1721. His son Jabez, grand- father of subject, served in the French and Indian AV^ar and in the War of the Revolution. He re- moved from New Braintree to Salisbury, Herkimer County, N. Y., in 1792, and thence to Manheim in the same county, where he died February 24, 1824. His widow died there in 1833, aged sixty- eight years. The father of our subject was a lad of twelve yeare when he went with his parents to Herkimer County, N. Y., wliere he continued to live until a short time after his marriage, when he went to Mont- gomery County and thence to St. Lawrence County, in the same State. He became one of the leading citizens of his community. After serving in the War of 1812 he joined the New York Militia, and June 13, 1814, Daniel D. Tompkins, then Grover- nor of New York, commissioned him Captain of a company of the Eighth New York Infantry. In May, 1818, he received a commission as Major of the regiment from Governor DeWitt Clinton, and in April, 1821, Governor Clinton commissioned him Lieutenant-Colonel of the same regiment. In the year 1839 Col. Ayres migrated with his family to Indiana and took up his residence in the prime- val wilds of Allen County, going to his destina- tion by lake to Toledo, Ohio, from there up the Maumee River to the head of navigation, and PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 371 thence with a team to the end of his journey. He was not destined to enjoy his new home voi\- long, as, ere the year was closed, he was numbered among the dead. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Anna Bean. She was a native of Saratoga County, N. Y., and was a daughter of William Bean, who was a native of Boston. He was the son of an Englishman, who came to this country in Colonial times and settled in or near Boston. He met his death at the hands of the Indians, being shot by them and mortally wounded, and dying shortly af- ter in his home. The maternal grandfather of our subject was the youngest of six children. When the Revolutionary War broke out he entered the Con- tinental army, fought at the Battle of Bunker Hill and served with devoted patriotism through- out the entire struggle for freedom. Previous to going into the army he had worked in a shipyard, but after the war he turned his attention to farm- ing, and was thus engaged in his native State for a time. He then resided in Vermont a few years, and from there went to New York. He first lo- cated in Saratoga County, but subsequentlj' re- moved to Montgomery County, and buying a farm near Johnstown, spent his remaining days there. The maiden name of his wife was Lydia Nutting, and she was born in Salem, Mass. Her mother, the great-gi"andmother of subject, was a Severance. She was very young when her father died, and she was reared by an aunt in Fitchburg. She died on the home farm in Montgomery County. The mother of our subject was reared in New York. After the death of her husband in their newly founded home in Indiana she returned to the East with six of her eight children, and taking up her residence in Buffalo, devoted herself to rearing and educat- ing her children. She came to Dixon with her son, of whom we write, and was a beloved inmate of his home until her death B^ebruary 20, 1884, in her ninetieth year. Jason C. Ayres was but four years old when his father died. He was principally reared in the city of Buffalo and educated in her public schools. In the spring of 1854, a youth of eighteen years, he came to Illinois and began life in this State as a clerk in a store in Chicago. In December of that year he paid his first visit to Dixon, coming by rail as far as Roehelle, which was then the terminus of the railway, and from there to this city with a team. lie was much impressed with the beautiful site of Dixon, and the many advantages it offered to a wide-awake enterprising man of business, and in the spring of 1855 he made a permanent settle- ment here, establishing himself in the mercantile business, which he conducted for a time. In 1857 he formed a partnership with Joseph Crawford and Milton Santee, and opened a land agency office. The firm did a very large business in the line of surveying and entering Government lands in the Western States, and the gentlemen composing it continued together until 1863. Since that time Mr. Aja-es has conducted the business alone in the same office, looking carefully after his extensive landed interests and the management of his other property. He has dealt in lands in Illinois, Wis- consin, Minnesota, Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska, and for many 3'ears invested money for Eastern capitalists. When it became necessary to select a new president for the Dixon National Bank, one of the substantial monetary institutions of North- ern Illinois, Mr. Ayres was chosen on account of his extensive acquaintance with men and affairs, his wide experience in business, his accurate knowl- edge of financial matters, and the sound and sa- gacious policy by which he has always managed his own interests and those of other people en- trusted to him. Under his careful and skillful guidance the bank maintains its old-time reputa- tion, its prosperity resting on a firm and healthy basis and, as of yore, it enjoys the entire confi- dence of its depositors and all who have dealings wiih it. ' May 7, 1861, our subject entered into a happy and congenial marriage with Miss Lavina, daugh- ter of Dr. John S. Crawford, of Williamsport, Pa. They have a home made beautiful with all that goes to make life worth living, and their pleasant household circle is completed by their one daugh- ter, Anna B. Their only son, George N., died when twelve years old. Mr. Ayres is a thoughtful, scholarly man, of fine address, and in all things conforms strictly to the highest principles of honor, fairness and courtesy. 372 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAl'IIICAL RECORD. His strong business qualifications, aptitude for af- fairs and executive talent, combined with his per- sonal attributes have given him prominence in this city, with whose growth he has been so intimately associated for the past thirty-six years. For many years he held two of the most important civic of- fices within the gift of his fellow- citizens, serving as City Treasurer upwards of twenty years, and as City Clerk for twenty -three years. In politics he is first, last and always a Republican. In his so- cial relations he is a member of Friendship Lodge, No. 7, A. F. & A. M.; Nachusa Chapter, No. 56, R. A. M.; Dixon Council, No. 21, R. & S. :M.; and of Dixon Commandery, No. 21, K. T. He has al- ways been generous in the use of his money for public enterprises and charitable purposes. He is, broad and catholic in his religious views, an at- tendant of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years, but not a member of anj^ religious de- nomination. ■J-T-*- ? I ' I I 1 I I mOMAS HOWELL has, since the spring of 1869, lived on section 19, Dixon Township, •''' where he owns a valuable farm of one hun- dred and sixty acres. The fields are well tilled, the pjace is well stocked and the improvements, which are many, are in keeping with a model farm of the nineteenth century. As our subject is well and favorably known throughout this community we feel assured that a record of his life will prove of interest to many of our readers. Mr. Howell was born in Herefordshire, England, on the 9th of January, 1809, and was the eldest of six children. His parents were Thomas and Saiali (Davis) Howell, natives of Ludlow, Shropshire, England. In 1836, accompanied by their family, the parents crossed the briny deep to America, sailing from Liverpool on the "City of Washing- ton," which dropped anchor in the harbor of New York after a voyage of three weeks and three days, the quickest and the last trip ever made by that boat and one of the fastest sails across the ocean which had been made at that time. In the city of Buffalo the family located, and there the parents spent the remainder of their lives. In their native land they had been members of the Church of England but in tills country united with the Methodist Church, in the growth and upbuilding of which they took an active interest. Our subject is the only one of the family now living. The others were generally successful in their business affairs and became quite well-to-do. In the usual manner of farmer lads, Thomas spent the daj'S of his boyhood and youth in his native county and after he had arrived at man's estate was joined in wedlock, in Shropshire, with Miss Mary A. Adams, a native of that county, born on the 28th of November, 1818. Her parents were William and p]lizabeth (Page) Adams, also natives of Shropshire, where they spent their entire lives. Her father's death occurred in his eightieth year, and his wife passed away at the age of eighty-two. The}^ were members of the Episcopal Church and both came of old and respected English families. After coming to this country, Mr. Howell and his wife took ui) their residence in Buffalo, N. Y., where they made their home for eighteen 3'ears,dur- ing a greater part of which time he had a street sprinkler and engaged in watering the streets; also while in New York State he followed farm- ing and cheese making. On the expiration of that period they came West and the attention of Mr. Howell was turned to farming, which he has since followed. For more than half a century he and his estimable wife have lived and labored to- gether, and their united efforts have been crowned with success. Thej' are now in comfortable cir- cumstances, having acquired a competence which supplies them with all the necessities and many of the luxuries of life. With the Methodist Church of Dixon they hold membership, and their lives are spent in harmony with their professions. The union of Mr. and JSIrs. Howell was blessed with a famil}^ of eight children, all of whom are yet living. Sarah, the eldest, is now the wife of Andrew Hatch, a farmer of Dixon Township; William H. R., who wedded Libby Hatch, is en- gaged in farming in Erie County, N. Y.; Albert, who wedded Mar3' .Bernhart, follows the same pursuit near Wales Center, N. Y.; Elizabeth D. is the wife of Frank J. Parsons, a real-estate agent POETRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 373 of Omaha, Neb.; John H., who married Amanda Woodruff, makes his home in Dixoii; James D., who married Minnie Wernick, is a resident farmer of Dixon Township; Carrie is the wife of George W. Spencer, of Chicago, who is employed as an ornamental painter by Frank Parmelee, who runs an extensive 'bus and transfer line in tha^ city; Susie A., the youngest of the family, is yet at home. rfSAAC MEANS, a dealer in coal, lime, cement, ll salt, etc., is distinguished in the liistory of Lee jil County, as one of the oldest established busi- ness men of Dixon, who has been closely connected with its iLterests, and has had a hand in its up- building for over half a century; and no name is more deservedly held in honor by the citizens of this city than his. Mr. Means was born October 14, 1814, in County Tyrone, Ireland. His father, John Means, was also a native of that county, while his sire, who bore the same name as our subject, was of Scotch birth. In early manhood he left his native heath in Scotland, to engage in farming on the rich soil of the Emerald Isle, and the remainder of his life was passed in County Tyrone. John Means was reared to the life of a farmer in the place of his birth, and in due time was married taking as his wife Margie Taylor, who was likewise a native of County Tyrone. In 1848 the family came to America, and the good old father and mother spent the remainder of their days at Dixon. They reared fourteen children, of whom seven are still living. The subject of this biographical review passed his youth in the county of his nativity, where he grew to a hale and self-reliant manhood. In the year 1840, when in the prime and vigor of life, he set forth from his old home into the wide world to see if in far-away America fortune would bless his efforts to acquire a competence. He embarked on a sailing-vessel at Liverpool, and twenty-one days later landed at New York. From there he went to Boston, but after a visit of a few weeks in that city returned to the metropolis, and from there started Westward by the way of the Hudson River to Troy, from there by the Erie Canal to Buffalo, thence by lakes to Chicago, where he se- cured a ride to Dixon, his final destination, which he found to be a small town, with a population of about two hundred people. The surrounding coun- try was still in the hands of the pioneers, and was but thinly inhabited, the land being mostly owned by the Government, and deer, wolves and various other kinds of animals roamed where are now beautiful farms, ha[)py. homes and busy towns. After his arrival in Dixon, Mr. Means invested in village property, and then set himself to work with characteristic energy to learn the trade of a stone, brick and piaster mason with a Mr. Austin. A year later, he having acquired a thorough knowl- edge of his trade and much skill in carrying it on, that gentleman took him into partnership, and they engaged in contracting and building together some ten years. At the end of that time, our sub- ject went into the lumber trade, and later into the mercantile business as a dealer in coal, lime, cement, salt, etc., and has been prosperously and exten- sively engaged in that line ever since. His busi- ness has increased with the growth of the city, was long since established on a firm foundation, and is known as one of the oldest concerns in Dixon. When he came to Dixon fifty or more years ago, Mr. Means was unmarried, but life had in store for him a better fate than to go to tlie end of the journey in single blessedness, and in this city he met and wedded Mrs. Mary A. Clay. Her father was a captain in the British armj^ and she was born on the ocean when her parents were en route to America. In all his transactions Mr. Means has always dis- played a scrupulous regard for the rights of others, has never been known to wilfully wrong or de- fraud another, and his reputation is unspotted in financial circles. He has witnessed with pride the growth of the city with which he so early identi- fied himself, and has manifested true public spirit by doing whatsoever he could to advance its wel- fare, materially, socially and morally. He is prom- inent in social circles as a Mason of forty-seven 374 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. years' standing, and is the oldest member of Friendsliip Lodge, No. 7. A man of broad out- look, in his religious views he is cheerful and opti- mistic, and is a consistent and valued member of the Universalist Church. ' DAM MILLER, who now lives in retire- ment in the pleasant village of Steward, was for many years actively engaged in farming, and is sti^ll identified with the agricultural interests of the county as the proprie- tor of a farm in Willow Creek Township, whose substantial improvements are the works of his own hand, as it was a tract of wild prairie when it came into his possession. The birthplace of our subject is in that part of what was once Northampton Count}', now included in Pocono Township, Monioe County, Pa., and there he was born amidst primeval surroundings August 19, 1816. Frederick Miller, his father, was a native of the same State, and was a son of another Frederick Miller, who was a farmer of Hamilton Township, Northampton County, wliere he died in the course of time. The father of our subject was reared in Pennsylvania to the life of a farmer, and also engaged in lumbering. He was a pioneer of Pocono Township, settling there in the primeval forest, from which he cleared a good farm, wliicli he occupied a number of years, but his last days were spent in the home of a daughter at Chestnut Hill. For some years after his settlement on his land, deer, bear and other kinds of wild game were plentiful, and there were but few signs of approaching civilization. Easton, Allentown and Bethlehem were the nearest markets, and as there were then no railway's, all transportation be- tween those points and Philadelphia, eighty-seven miles distant, was by teams. Tlie maiden name of the motlier of our subject was Catherine Brown; it is thought that she was a Pennsylvanian by birth, and she was a daughter of Sebastian Brown. She died on the home farm. Our subject is the only survivor of a family of seven children, and the names of liis brothers and sisters are as follows — Elizabeth, Frederick, Peter, Barbara, Catherine and Sarah. Adam Miller grew to manhood and was edu- cated in his native county. He attended the pio- neer schools of his day that were taught on the subscription plan. As soon as large enough to be of ajjy use he was set to work on the farm, and also helped his father in the lumber business. He remained with his parents until he was eighteen years old and then commenced life for himself by working on a farm. He was thus employed a few years and then engaged in milling. He worked for a man in that business one year, and at the end of that time rented a mill in Lackawanna Town- ship, Luzerne County, which he operated success- fully for some years. In March, 1857. he aban- doned milling in Pennsylvania, and coming to Lee County, turned his energies to tilling the soil. He bought eighty acres of wild prairie, of which never a sod had been turned, which was located in what is now Willow Creek Township. As there were no improvements on the place, lie rented for three years, and then erected suitable buildings, and re- sided on his farm until 1883, when he came to Steward, where he has since lived retired, having an income ample for all his wants. During his residence on his farm he put it into good shape, placed the land under excellent tillage and added another eighty acres to the original acreage, so that he now has one hundred and sixty acres of well- improved, arable land. For more than half a century Mr. and ]Mrs. Jtlil- ler have enjoyed life together, their marriage tak- ing place January 20, 1839. They have been blessed with the following children — Merritt, a resident of Steward, of whom a sketch appears elsewhere in this book; William and Seldon, who are residents of McPherson County, Kan.; Holden, who lives at Forreston, 111.; Charles, who is on the home farm; and Leonora, the wife of Edgar E. Mor- gan, of Greene County, Ind. ]\Irs. jNIiller was Mar}' Neyhart prior to her mar- riage, and she was born October 10, 1818, in Hamil- ton Township, which then formed a part of North- ampton County, but is now included in Monroe County, Pa. Her father, Peter Neyliart, was also a Pennsylvanian by birth and was of German de- PORTEAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 375 scent. He followed the trade of a tailor in Hamil- ton Township until within a few years of his death, and then removed to Pocono Township, where he passed the remainder of his life. The maiden name of his wife was Marj- Kester. She survived her husband some years and died at the home of a daughter in Pittston Township, Luzerne County. Mr. and Mrs. Miller joined the Methodist Episco- pal Church in their younger days and were con- nected with that church for many years. They are conscientious Christians, kindly and charitable in their dispositions, and are held in universal esteem throughout the neighborhood. 'ji? AIS L. RISETTER is a fine type of the I (^ Scandinavian race that has done so much jJL^ for Lee County in promoting its industries, its growth in various directions, and its welfare generally. He is one of its pioneer farmers, and has acquired moderate means by the successful management of his extensive farming interests in Willow Creek Township, of which he is an old and honored resident. Mr. Risetter was born in Bergensteft, Hardanger, Norway, March 30, 1826. He grew to manhood amid the pleasant scenes of his birth, and was very well educated in the local schools. He early ac- quired a knowledge of farming on his father's farm, and continued to live in the old home until 1847. The 20th of April, that year, was an im- portant date in his young life, as he then bade a long farewell to his old friends and the familiar places of his youth, and set his face toward America as the goal of his hopes and ambitions. He sailed from Bergen, and after a voyage of a month on the Atlantic ocean, he lauded at New York on the 20th of May. He came directly to Illinois from that city, journeying up the Hudson River to Al- bany, from there by rail to Buffalo, and thence by the lakes to Chicago, where he secured a ride with a farmer to the Fox River settlement, and from there came with a hired team to Lee Center. He found himself a stranger in a strange land, without money, and unable to speak the English language. and, what was worse than all, sick with ague and from the effects of his long and tiresome journey of many thousand miles, his situation seemed serious for awhile. But a young man of his reso- lution, fortitude and strength of character who had traveled so far in search of a future home, was not to be defeated at the outset, and as soon as he was able he sought employment at whatso- ever his hands could find to do and obtained a place to work on a farm by the month. His pros- pects were not bright, as he was sickly, but he was found to be a ready and willing worker, habitually industrious, quick and capable, and although not strong and robust he commanded the usual wages paid to a workman in those days. He prudently saved his money, and finally for the sum of $63 secured a land warrant entitling him to eighty acres of land in Sublette Township. It was a part of the wild prairie, which at that time was unset- tled in this county, and deer, wolves and other wild animals were frequently seen where are now rich farms and flourishing villages. The settle- ments had been made mostly in the timber, as the value of the prairie land for farming purposes had not been realized. There were no railways in the State, and communication with the outside world was by the way of rough roads or over the trackless prairies. As a pioneer of Northern Illi- nois Mr. Risetter has been an interested witness of the many wonderful changes that the years have brouglit, and he has been a potent factor in devel- oping this section from the wilderness. Our subject's first needed work was, after he came into possession of his land, to build a log house after the pioneer fashion. He obtained the logs by felling trees that stood on his place, and then, as was the custom in those days of mu- tual helpfulness, invited his neighbors to the "rais- ing," and in one day by their united labors the dwelling was completed ready for occupancy, and Mr. Risetter then devoted his energies to the im- provement of his home and land. He sold that place in 1856 for much more than its original price, as its value had been much increased by the time and labor he bad expended in its develop- ment, lie then bought a tract of land in Willow Creek Township, same county, and h.as resided here 376 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. continviously ever since, being to-day one of its best-known citizens. Pie has met with ordinary success in the pursuit of his calling, has a home replete with comfort, a finely equipped farm, amply supplied with modern machinery for carrying on the various farming operations in which he was engaged, and at one time he owned upwards of nine hundred acres of choice land, but is now re- tired from farming and has divided the farm be- tween his sons. December 19, 1847, Mr. Risetter celebrated his marriage with Miss Gertrude Hillison, and the wedded life thus entered upon that far away Christmas more than forty years ago has been one of true happiness. Mrs. Risetter was also born in Bergensteft, Norway, and she came across the waters to a new home in this country in the same ship with her future husband. Their marriage has been blessed to them by the birth of five children, of whom three survive: Annie, wife of the Rev. A. C. Olsen, Lewis and Holden. Our subject gives intelligent heed to politics, and has mostly voted the Republican ticket. He and his wife are earnest Christians, and in the Lutheran Church find true teachings according to the Word of God revealed m the Holy Scriptures. Cov— eOMLEY P. WILLIAMS. In presenting a sketch of this gentleman to our readers we record the life work of one of the most en- terprising farmers and extensive and successful stock-raisers of Lee County. For the past six years he has resided on section 27, Palmyra Town- ship, where he owns one hundred and eight acres of valuable land under a high state of cultivation. Its improvements, which are many, are both useful and ornamental. The dwelling, a view of which appears on another page, is an elegant and conveniently arranged two-story frame structure, situated in the midst of a beautiful lawn, adorned with flowering shrubs and shade trees. In the past year was erected a large barn 62x40 feet, with an ell 20x44 feet, and the other outbuildings are also in keep- ing with this structure. Twenty head of fine thorough -bred Holstein cattle may there be seen, among which is the well-known animal, "Nether- land Helmer." We have thus taken a brief survey of one of the finest farms of the county, and will now turn to the history of its owner. A native of Pennsylvania, Mr. Williams was born in Columbia County, December 15, 1850, and is a son of Osborn and Martha (.John) Williams, also natives of that county, where they were married. The father was a carpenter and cabinet maker by trade and followed those pursuits for some time, after which he engaged in merchandis- ing with excellent success. Severing his business relations in the East, he came to Illinois with his family in 1857, and spent one year in Ogle County. The following year he removed to Jordan Town- ship, Whiteside County, where he followed farm- ing until his death July 8th, 1884. He was bom October 20, 1823. His life was a busy and useful one, and though he started out in the world empty handed, at the time of his death he owned three farms, all free from debt and well improved. He was also enabled in his latter j'ears to lay aside many of the cares of business life and enjoy the fruits of his former toil. In politics he was a Re- publican and took quite an active interest in the success of his party. Mrs. Williams, who was born March 12, 1823, is still living on the old homestead in Whtteside County. Under the auspices of the Society of Friends, she was reared, as was also lier husband, and her life has been con- sistent with its teachings. Accompanying his parents to the West, C. P. Williams was reared to manhood in Whiteside County, where his education was also acquired in the district schools of the neighborhood. After attaining to mature years he led to the marriage altar Miss Catherine Hey, who was born in New York, June 5, 1852. Her parents, Henry and Catherine (Petleon) Hey, were also natives of the Empire State .and were of German descent. In an early day the.\- oast their lot with the pioneer settlers of Whiteside County, where in the pursuit of his business Mr. Hey accumulated a large prop- " erty. His death occurred March 18, 1884. The political views which he advocated were those of the Republican party, and religiously he was a im PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 379 Lutheran. Mrs. Hey is still living on the old homestead and is now about sixty-two years of age. She also holds membership with the Lutheran Church. The family of this worthy couple numbered four children, of whom Mrs. Williams is the eldest. Unto our subject and his wife were born three children, but Osborn H., who was born October 20, 1881, is the only one now living. Florence E., who was born July 13, 1874, died March 14, 1877; and an infant son died February 3, 1886. In connection with his home farm, Mr. Williams owns one hundred and seventy-five acres of land elsewhere in Palmyra Township, upon which he resided for twelve years previous to locating on the farm which is now his home. He is a man of good business ability, sagacious and far-sighted, and by the exercise of correct business principles has achieved success, working his way upward to a position of wealth and affluence. In his political views he is a Republican and for some years filled the office of Justice of the Peace with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. Him- self and wife are prominent people of Palmyra Township, moving in the best circles of society and it is with pleasure that we present this sketch of their lives to our readers. ■^ AMES W. SEYBERT stands among the fore- most of the farmers and dairymen of South Dixon Township, and his well stocked farm ^^^' on sections 16 and 21 is a beautiful and valuable piece of property, with commodious and handsome buildings of modem architecture, and all the conveniences for agricultural pursuits. The name of Seybert is familiar in this county as belonging to a family who have been closely connected with its interests for many years. The parents of our subject, Wallace and Desire (Hill) Seybert, came to this section of the State more than thirty years ago, locating in South Dixon Township, where they gathered together a large property, including about a thousand acres of land, and they are now living in retirement in Dixon, in the quiet enjoyment of theii- wealth. Jurther mention of their life and work is made in another part of this volume. Our subject was born in Luzerne County, Pa., May 1, 1851, and was ten years old the year the family migrated from the Keystone State to this. The education begun in the schools of his native county was completed in the public schools of Lee County, and his experience of farming was first obtained under the instruction of his father. He was thus well fitted to pursue agriculture when he began to conduct farming on his own account. The farm to which he holds the title, and which has been in his possession six years, was one of the several that formerly belonged to his father. He is constantly adding improvements, and the fine buildings that adorn the place have been chiefly erected by himself. The substantial residence is tastefully and well built, and nicely fitted up out- side and in, and the other buildings correspond. The Seyberts are noted for having large barns, and our subject has one of the largest in the county, which was erected under his supervision in 1889. Its dimensions are 48x96 feet, with twenty feet posts, and it has a roomy basement capable of ac- commodating sixty-five head of cattle and nineteen horses; while the upper part of the barn is well ar- ranged for the storage of hay and grain. The farm has an area of two hundred and seventy-seven acres, of which nearly the whole is. under admir- able tillage, and good breeds of stock range the pastures. Besides carrying on a profitable business in general farming, our subject has been interested in the milk business for two years and a half, starting in wlien the condensed milk factory, to which he disposes of the milk of fifty milch cows, was established. He is both practical and pro- gressive in the conduct of his business, plans his work thoughtfully and systematically, and keeps himself well informed iu all that pertains to agri- culture. In his political views he is a Democrat of the purest water, but does not seek office, and is not a politician. Mr. Seybert was married in this township to Miss Laura Hill, who presides over their home with true grace, and cordially unites with liim inexten- 380 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. ding its hospitalities to their numerous friends, or to whomsoever crosses its threshold. Mrs. Seybert is a native of this township, born June 15, 1862, and she was reared and educated here. She is de- voted to her husband's interests, and encourages and assists him in liis work. They have a cliild — Eva Pearl, born September 7, 1891, and a foster- child, named George, for whom they care tenderly, and who is being reared by them as carefully as if he were of their own blood. OSBORN BEDIENT, who resides on section 33, Lee Center Township, is an old settler of this county, being the second man to settle here outside of Dixon. He has acquired an envi- able reputation as an upright, honest man who has accomplished a success in life by his industry and economy. He was born in Otsego Countj^, N. Y., at Gilbertsville, April 27, 1832, where he passed the first twelve years of his life. At that time his father removed to Broome County, in the same State, residing there until 1854, when he came in the fall of that year with his wife and two children to Amboy, this State. He lived there for two or three years, being employed on the Illinois Cen- tral Railroad and in other occupations. He then purchased a tract of land in Marion Township, this county, on which he settled and lived for one year when he i-eturned to Amboy, there spending the following three years. At the end of this time he rented a farm in Amboy Township for four years, afterward removing to Sublette Town- ship, renting a farm there for one year. He after- ward rented the farm which he now owns, and which he purchased at the end of the second year. On this he has erected a fine set of buildings and has also built a residence, second to none in the county. His farm comprises two hundred and sixty acres and is under a high state of cultiva- tion. Mr. Bedient was married in Windsor, Broome County, N. Y., March 22, 1851 to Miss Hannah J. Marshall, who was a native of that place, born Sep- tember 27, 1830. They are the parents of twelve children, as follows: Lewis A. and lildwin M., are farmers both living in York County, Neb.; Mary A., (Mrs. Daniel Craig); Carrie A., (Mrs. A. J. Rogers); Eugene D., is a farmer and resides at home; Frank L. and Charlie also reside in York County, Neb., where they are carrying on farming; Addieis the wife of Jordan Tewell; Edith M. mar- ried "William Fell; Fred is farming in Sublette; Grace A.; and Sarah, who died in infancy. Mr. Bedient has spent almost his entire life in farming and stock raising, in which he has been remarkably successful. He is a public-spirited, en- ergetic man, who thoroughly enjoys life and will therefore live to a good old age. He is a thorough- going Republican and has always taken an active part in political affairs. His wife is a most estim- able woman who has greatly aided her husband by her counsel and wifely devotion in acquiring the competence which they are now enjoying together, and has been a devoted mother to her large family of children, whom she has had the happiness of seeing well established in life. The family stands high in the estimation of their fellow-citizens and they are deserving of the good fortune which has been theirs. '^^ i^ LETCHER HUTTON, deceased, is numbered among the honored pioneers of Lee County, and the historj^ of this community would be incomplete if this record of his life wiis omitted. His father, William Ilutton, was a native of Ber- wick, Columbia County, Pa., and was of English descent. He married Elizabeth Bowman, who was also a native of Columbia County. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hutton were born four sons and two daugh- ters. He was a second time married his wife being Mrs. Sarali (Bowman) Bacon, who had two children hy her first marriage. In 1839 they came to Illinois. They traveled overland with teams, camping out .ilong the wayside at night and at length located at what is now Gap Grove in Pal- myra Township. For several months after their arrival they lived in a log cabin, which was the home and shelter of four families. As may be sur- POETRAIT AND BIOGRAPfflCAL RECORD. 381 iiiised their quarters were not the most commodious but they managed to get along until other provis- ions could be made for a home. In 1840, William Ilutton pre-empted a claim not far from Gap Grove and purchased the same from the Government when the land came into market. It continued to be his property until his death, but in the meantime he retired from farm labor. He was a man of great energy and enterprise and by his perseverance and industry acquired a handsome property so that, in 1855, he determined to live a retired life and remov- ed to Sterling. He owned a fine residence in that place and continued to make it his home until his death,which occurred August 20, 1864, at the age of seventy-three years. His wife subsequently went to Iowa and died near State Center, in 1889, at the ripe old age of ninety years. They were both mem- bers of the Methodist Church and active workers in the Master's vinej'ard. Some one said of Mrs. Hutton that she could do as much work as two ministers. However that was, it is certain that slie labored untiringly in the interests of her church and lived a consistent Christian life. The childhood days of our subject were chiefly spent in Pennsylvania, he being nineteen years of age when the family came West. In the experi- ences and hardships of pioneer life he bore his share and aided in the arduous task of developing a farm. Throughout his life he followed agricultuial pursuits and so successful was he in his business dealings that he became the owner of over six hundred acres of fine land. In Lee County, he wedded Mrs. Sarah Hutton, who was born on the 2l8t of April, 1839, in the Province of Ontario, Canada, and was a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Ferguson) Drynan, both of whom were natives of Scotland. Her father was highly educated in the schools of Edinburg and fitted himself for the medical profession, but after com- ing to America, located in the timbered regions of Canada, and devoted his energies to mechanical pursuits and farming. In the midst of the forest he developed a good home and there died in 1850, aged fifty-eight years. Three years afterwards, Mrs. Drynan gave her hand in marriage to Rev. W. G. Johnson, a Congregational minister, and the follow- ing year they located in Lyndon, where Mr. John- son engaged in preaching until 1856. Subsequently he filled the pulpits of the churches at Gap Grove and Sterling, and in the former place departed this life in 1857. Mrs. Johnson died December 22, 1890, at the age of seventy-six years. She too was a member of the Congregational Church and the father of Mrs. Hutton was a Presb3'terian in religi- ous belief. Sarah Drynan, widow of our subject, was first married in Palmyra Township to Morris Hutton, on the 20th of November, 1857. They removed to Iowa, and when the war broke out the husband enlisted at Cedar Rapids in Company G, Twenty- fourth Iowa Infantry. He participated in eighteen battles, was several times slightly wounded and once a rebel bullet smashed his canteen. This how- ever, saved his life. At the battle of Winchester, October 19, 1864, he was captured and carried to Richmond, A'a., and later sent to Belle Isle. He was afterwards sent to Andersonville priscm where he he suffered terrilily from ill treatment and when he was released and started homeward his health had been so undermined by ill-treatment and starvation, that he died at Benton Barracks, March 26, 1865. He was then in the prime of life. He was a brave soldier, ever found at his post and his life was given in the defense of his country. At his death he left two children-Ernest L., who gradu- ated from Rush Medical College and is now a prac- ticing physician of Kansas City, Mo., married Lil- lian C. Snow of Chicago; and Albert M. who wed- ded Lizzie Baker of Whiteside County, 111., is a resident farmer of Gap Grove. It was on the 10th of October, 1866, thatthe mar- riage of Fletcher Hutton and his brother's widow was celebrated. They resided upon the farm in Palmyra Township and unto them were born six children — Ethel Adella, Wilbur D., Earl E., Leon D., Walter C. and Lulu M. The death of Mr. Hutton occurred at his home on the 20th of May, 1879, and was deeply mourned by all who knew him. He was a valued citizen of the community who toolc an ac- tive interest in all public affairs pertaining to the welfare of the county and was held in the highest regard for his sterling worth. Of the Methodist Church he was a consistent and faithful member as was the first husband of Mrs. Hutton, and both 382 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. the brothers were stanch Republicans in politics. Upon the homestead left her by her husband, Mrs. Hutton still resides and in its management displays considerable executive and business ability. Her children also assist her in its care. The family is one that has a high social standing and well merits the position. The mother is a member of the Con- gregational Church and does all in her power to promote its welfare. ^ILLIAM F. SHIPPERT brings to his work fine equipment of mind and muscle, has a high reputation for his able management of his farming and stock interests. His farm comprises a quarter of section 35, South Dixon Township, of which he bought eighty acres first, and then purchased the one hundred and twenty acres adjoining his homestead ,and the whole forms a valuable piece of property. He had not the wherewithal to pay the entire amount for his original purchase, which was partly improved, but he went to work with a good will, labored incess- antly, and in time not only discharged his indebt- edness, but had capital enough to add to his landed estate, as we have seen. His improvements are of a high order, and include a large and well-built barn,_ 44x90 feet in dimensions, with posts twenty feet in height, and a conveniently arranged basement for the accommodation of fifty head of stock. His residence is commodious and of a neat style of ar- chitecture, and beautiful shade trees ornament the grounds. Mr. Shippert was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, April 8, 1839, thatkingdom having been the home of his ancestors for several generations. His father, Frederick Shippei-t, was a farmer there, and in early manhood married Miss Louisa 8chlipf, who was also a native of Wurtemburg. After the birth of their six children, of whom our subject is the eldest, the family came to the United States in 1852, going from Germany to London, where they embarked on a ship bound for these shores. They landed at New York City and from there made their way to Philadelphia, Pa. Two weeks later they left that city to settle in Luzerne County. There the father died at middle age, only a few years after he came to this country. He was a laboring man nearly all his life, preferring any honest work that he could perform to a life of idleness and possibly of want. He was industrious, had good, steady habits, and his stability of character won him great esteem. He was a member of the[Lutheran Church, and was faithful in all things. After the death of the father the mother came to Lee County with her family, and was here married a second time to An- drew Huff, who is now deceased. She makes her home with her son John, and is nearly seventy- seven years old. Notwithstanding her advanced age, she is still active for one of her years. She is a true Christian and a Lutheran in religion. All of her children are living, and five of them make their homes in Illinois. Our subject was in the opening years of a stal- wart manhood when he came to this county in 1 862. For three years lie worked out and rented land, and then became more independent by the purchase of his first tract of land. As we have seen, he has been signally prospered, and in now in good cir- cumstances, well fortified against the poverty that was his lot for a few years after he entered upon his new life in this region. He possesses a good head for business, has a sensible, evenly-balanced mind, and while he is shrewd in his dealings, he is never over-reaching or unjust. He has a good heart, and all appeals upon his purse and sympa- thies meet with a ready response, if the object is a worthy one. His religious sentiments find express- ion in the doctrines of the Evangelical Church, of which he and his amiable wife are members. In politics he takes a broad view of the questions of the day, and is a devoted Democrat. Mr. Shippert and Miss Kate Bower united their lives and fortunes in Lee County in a marriage that has been of mutual benefit. It has brought them four children — Chaney, who died aged eleven years; William W., Carrie and Henry, all at home. Mrs. Shippert was born in German j-, and was only a child of four years when her parents, William and Christina (Schaubert) Bowers came to the Uni- ted States, and in an early day of the settlement of Bradford Township located there on a new farm. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 883 They still reside there, and are now upwards of three-score years of age. They are stanch Lu- therans in their religion. Mrs. Shippert is the el- dest of their children, all of whom are living. f? AMES BENNETT is one of the extensive landowners of the county. He now resides on section 9, Dixon Township, where he has made his home for the past thirty years, but his farm is situated on sections 8, 9, 16 and 17. His landed possessions aggregate three hundred and thu'ty acres, most of which is under a high state of cultivation. The farm is well stocked and watered by the Rock River which flows across its southwestern boundary. The improvements are in keeping with the enterprising and progressive spirit of the owner who is classed among the the prominent and leading farmers of the com- munity. Mr. Bennett was born in County Down, Ireland, about 1827, and is of Scotch-Irish descent. He was the third in order of birth in a family num- .bering seven sons and three daughters, of whom four sons and a daughter C9.me to this country, while four are yet living. The parents were Hugh and Sarah (Smith) Bennett, who were, also natives of County Down, where as farming people they spent their entire lives and passed away when well advanced in years. They were members of the Protestant Church. Upon his father's farm, James Bennett spent the days of his boyhood and youth and the educat- ional advantages afforded him were those of the com- mon schools of the neighborhood. In the county of his nativity, he led to the marriage altar Miss Martha Barnett who was bom in County Down about seventy years ago. Her parents were Fran- cis and Mary (Gibson) Barnett, also natives of that county, where their entire lives were passed. Her father died of sunstroke at the age of forty- eight years, but her mother reached the advanced age of four-score years. In the Presbyterian Church they held membership and were people of sterling worth and integrity. In their family were six sons and six daughters but few are now living. The year 1844 witnessed the emigration of Mr. and Mrs. Bennett to America. They took passage in a sailing vessel, "John and Robert," which weighed anchor at Belfast and after a voyage of forty-three days landed in New York. For ten years they made their home in that city, where Mr. Bennett worked at anj' occupation he could find whereby he might earn an honest dollar. At length he determined to try his fortunes in the West, and in September, 1854, cast his lot with the early set- tlers of Lee County, 111. For seven years after, his arrival here he engaged in brick making near Dixon and then turned his attention to agricul- tural pursuits, which he has since followed with excellent success. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bennett have been born eight children, five of whom are yet living — James the eldest, wedded Eliza Patton and resides on his father's farm; Francis married Alice Lanver and is also engaged m farming in Dixon Township; Hugh married Maggie Patton and is also a farmer of the same township; Mary is the wife of Morris Leach who is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Dixon Township; and .Samuel is a mechanic and also helps to carry on the home farm. The three other children died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Bennett are both members of the Presbj'^terian Church and their lives have been such as to win them the confidence of all with whom they come in contact. He and his sons are sup- porters of Republican principles but public ofDce has had no attraction for our subject. Whatever success he has achieved in life is due to his own efforts, having resulted from his industry, perse- verance and the exercise of correct business princi- ples. — --5- AMES C. LUCE. Although not one of the early settlers of this county, Mr. Luce has resided here for so long a period that he is justly entitled to the honored name of pio- neer. Since first he located here he has made his home on the fine farm located 5n section 11, Am- boy Township, which he purchased soon after his arrival in the county, which was in 1857. The 384 PORTEAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. homestead comprises one Imndred and forty acres and contains good improvements in the waj- of bams, granaries and other important accessories of a well-managed farm. To have obtained this valuable possession through unaided exertions proves the use of excellent judgment and unceas- ing energy, and to those qualities Mr. Luce owes no small measure of his prosperity. A native of Hornby, Steuben County, N. y.,Mr. Luce was born October 16, 1828, and is the son of Jacob and Sarah (Covenhoven) Luce, natives of Montgomery County, N. Y. Ills parents emi- grated from the Empire State to Will County, this State, in 1845, being accompanied in the removal hither by their four children. They established a home in that countjr, and cultivated a farm until 1852, when they removed to this county and set- tled in Amboy Township, and there residing until their death, the father dj'ing November 1, 1884, and the mother in 1857. iSix children blessed their vmion, of whonj our subject was the eldest. He passed the early years of his life in the Empire State, where as the eldest son he was compelled to assist in supporting the family at an earlj- age. His school advantages, which were limited, con- sisted of such opportunities for acquiring knowl- edge as were afforded by the schools of that day. Wlien he had about grown to a stalwart, vigor- ous manhood, our subject accompanied his parents to Illinois and located with them in Will County, where they lived in Crete Township near the vil- lage of Crete. April 1, 1856, he removed from Crete to this county, being accompanied by his family, comprising his wife and an adopted child. He settled on section 11, Amboy Township and at once commenced the development of the land which he had purchased and which to-day repays his indefatigable efforts by bountiful harvests. As from childhood he has been engaged in agricultu- ral pursuits, he is a practical and thorough farmer, having a broad and extended knowledge of the best methods of conducting farming operations. Mr. Luce was married in Bremen, Cook County, 111., to Miss Mary E. Mynard, and their union brought to them four children, namely: William, John J., Julia Maria and Georgia, all of whom died in infancy. Mrs. Mary Luce died in Amboy Town- ship, July 8, 1872. Afterward Mr. Luce was united in marriage with Mrs. Margaret Jane (Kee- fer) Jeffrey, their wedding being solemnized in Marion Township, this county. Mrs. Luce, at the time of her marriage to our subject, was the widow of George Jeffrey-, who died in Marion Township. She was bom in Athens County, Ohio, December 30, 1843, and her union with Mr. Luce has brought them two children — Martha J. and Mary E., twins. A Republican iu his political views, Mr. Luce takes an active part in local politics and has held some of the township offices. He and his wife are mem- bers of the Baptist Church and have always been liberal supporters of the Gospel. ^^ IMEON T. MARTIN was born in Carroll ^^^ County, N. H., in 1813, and died at his |ll^l| home on section 7, Palmyra Township, on the 11th of March, 1890, respected by all who knew him. His life was well and worthily spent and should be represented in this volume. In the county of his nativity, the days of his boy- hood and 3'outh were passed and in its public schools his education was acquired. He was a schoolmate of "Long John Wentworth." On leav- ing his home to start out in life for himself he first went to Boston, Mass., but after a short time came to Illinois. He had been reared to habits of in- dustry and inured to hard labor from early boy- hood and being of an industrious nature he worked untiringly until his health gave way under the strain. It was in 1836 that he arrived in Lee County and soon afterward he secured land from the Government, which he developed into a farm, although it was then entirely destitute of improve- ment. Plowing and planting the land, it was soon made to yield to him abundant harvests and the improvements he placed thereon made his farm one of the best in the count}-. He had good build- ings erected, the fields were well tilled and the place was complete in all its appointments. Mr. Martin was soon recognized as one of the leading and successful farmers of Lee County and one of PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 885 the substantial citizens. Besides the home of three hundred and twenty acres he also owned forty-two acres of timber land in Palmyra Township. Mr. Martin was twice married. In this county he wedded Miss Catherine Montgomery, of White- side County, who was born in the Empire Stale, and by her parents was brought to the West when a young maiden. Her father and mother are both now deceased and her death occurred at her home in Palmyra Township at the age of sixtj- years. Two children were born of their union, Eugene and May, but died in childhood. Mr. Martin was again married, the second union being with Mrs. Elizabeth Semlow, who born in Hamburg, Germany, November 23, 1854, and was a daughter of Will- iam and Mattie (Ritter) Seams, also natives of Hamburg. With their family they crossed the Atlantic in 1865 on asailing vessel and after some years spent in New York came to Illinois. They now make their home in Sterling, at the ages of sixty-six and sixty-four years respectively. Both are members of the Lutheran Church and are highly respected people. During the late war Mr. Seams served as a member of the Forty-seventh New York Volunteer Infantry, which was assigned to the Army of the Potomac and wore the blue for three years, during which time he participated in many battles. He was once wounded but was never captured. A brave soldier, he was faithful to the cause of his adopted country and was ever found at his post of dutjr. He also served in the war in the Old Country two years. The Seams family consisted of but two daugh- ters. The sister of Mrs. Martin, Emma, is now the wife of Charles Wallace, of Chicago. Mrs. Martin was educated in New York City and was first mar- ried to Christian Semlow, a respected farmer, who for some years resided in the East but died in the West. They became parents of one child. Christian Laura, now deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Martin was bom a daughter, Nina May, who is still living with her mother. Mr. Martin possessed a high moral character. He was reared under the auspices of the Congrega- tional Church and lived an upright, honorable life, worthy the esteem and confidence of all. Public spirited and progressive he was a valued 1820. citizen of the community and took a commendable interest in all that pertained to its welfare. In politics, he was a Republican and previous to the organization of that party was a Whig. Mrs. Martin still carries on the home farm, as- sited by W. W. Tilton, Jr., who gives his best efforts to making it successful. She is well-known throughout this community and is held in high esteem for her social qualities. AVID PETTICREW, a prominent farmer of Amboy Township residing on section 26, was born in Clarke County, Ohio, near where Dayton now stands, February 22, His father, James, was a native of Rock- bridge County, Va., and his mother, who was known in maidenhood as Elizabeth Haines, was born in Pennsylvania. The parents moved at a very early day from Ohio to Cass County, Mich., and thence in 1837 proceeded to Missouri, where the}' became well known as worthy pioneers. They reared a family of nine children, who mar- ried and had families of their own; and at a good old age they passed quietly to their final rest, he dying near Ft. Scott, Kansas, and she in Am- boy Township. The second child in the family is the subject of this biographical notice, who was only six years old when he accompanied his parents to Cass County, Mich. There the early years of his life were passed until he was seventeen years old when lie removed with the other members of the parental familj-, to Missouri, where the ensuing ten years were spent in farming and stock-raising. In 1847 he returned to Cass County, Mich., and sojourned in that place until 1855, the year that marked his ar- rival in this county. Upon coming hither, he at once settled on section 26, Amboy Township, where he has since lived with the exception of five years spent in Dakota. When the tide of emigra- tion was turning toward Dakota, he was induced to rent his farm and proceed to that State, but a sojourn of five years convinced him that Illinois is the garden spot of tlie United States for farmers, 386 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. and" he came back to his place with the intention of here spending his remaining j'ears. On July 12, 1843 Mr. Petticrew was married in Livingston County, Mo., to Mrs. Margaret (Roof) Miller, who was born March 3,1823. Of her first marriage, one child was born, a daughter, Matilda, who is the wife of Henry Somes. Mr. and Mrs. Petticrew are parents of eleven children, namely: Julia A., who died when about one year old; Jas- per N., who married Miss Rnnnells; Philena, who died when about a year old; Andrew, whose death occurred when he was ten years of age; Sylvester, who married Miss Margaret Hetherington; Frank, was united in marriage with Miss Ida Clark; Mary F., who died in infancy; Olive, the wife of S. Bar- low; Alice, who was married to James Pearslej-; Emma J., now Mrs. Cornelius Maine; Ella E., who is the wife of Henry "Walters. The political belief of Mr. Petticrew brings him into hearty sympathy with the Republican party, to which he has always adhered. Mrs. Petticrew is a member of the Baptist Church and he is a believer in the doctrines of Christianity, contributing liber- ally to the support of the cause. It may be a mat- ter of just pride to our subject and his excellent wife that they have reared a large family of chil- dren, giving them good educations and preparing them for responsible positions in the business and social world. Their place in the community is a most enviable one and they enjoy the confidence of their host of warm personal friends. ♦^^E =^^ mOMAS HOWARD QUICK. The village of Ashton is the home of a number of gentle- men who operate farms in the surrounding country, and among these may be mentioned the subject of this biographical notice. Fi-om early years interested in agricultural pursuits, it is not strange that he is a thorougli-going, practical farmer, and supervises his estate with excellent judgment. He owns two hundred and ninety acres in Ashton Township, and since he purchased it, has placed it under good cultivation and erected a substantial class of buildings for the prosecution of his work. The paternal grandfather of our subject, Thomas by name, emigrated from England to Canada at an early day, and from there removed in 1833 to Ogle County, 111. Afterward he and his wife settled in Grant County, "Wis., where both passed to their final rest at an advanced age. "When they emi- grated from England they were accompanied by their son, James, whose native home was in the Mother Country, and who spent his youth in Can- ada and Ogle County, this State. He married Miss Adelia McMaster. a native of Ohio, who came to Ogle County with her parents. Alvah and Sarah (Reasoner) McMaster, when she was quite j'oung. She grew to womanhood in Ogle County, where her parents spent their last years. After their marriage the parents of our subject settled in Ogle County, where James Quick en- gaged at his trade of a mason, and also operated as a farmer. In 1865 he removed from Ogle County to Ashton, and here he sojourned for almost twenty years. In 1874 he returned to Ogle County, where he made his home until his second removal hither in February, 1891. He has established a pleasant home here, and shares with his wife the esteem of the residents of Ashton. Their three children are: Thomas Howard, Helen (better known as Dollie) and "Willie. The eldest of this family, our subject, was born m Ogle County, September 22, 1850, and spent his boj'hood days in this county, assisting his father as soon as he was old enough to engage in manual labor. Mr. Quick accompanied his parents when in 1874 they returned to Ogle County, but returned to Ashton in the spring of 1883, and has since here made his home. He has always been engaged in farming, and now owns two hundred and ninety acres in Ashton Township. He was married in Reynolds Township, this county, December 2%, 1882, his bride being Miss Anua Shippee, daughter of Silas II. and Phiann (Millard) Shippee, natives of Vermont. Mr. and Mrs. Shippee were married January 1, 1854, and during the following year came to Kane County, from which place they removed to this county, and settled in Reynolds Township, where the^- still reside. They had a \ H^ (P.(/a.t^ PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 389 family of eight children, two sons and six daiigh- tess, Mrs. Quick being tlie second. She was liorn in Reynolds Township, December 1, 1H60, and was there reared to womanhood in her father's home. One child has blessed the union of our subject and his excellent wife, a son, Harry L. A prominent place in tlie ranks of the Repub- lican party at Asliton is held by IMr. (^uick, whf) has served his fellow-citizens in various official capacities. For some time he served with efficiency as Highway Commissioner, and lias also been Trustee of the village, doing all in his power while thus occupied, to advance the interests of his fel- low-townsmen. He possesses in a marked degree the characteristics of enterprise and industry, which traits together with the use of sound judgment in his business affairs, have brought him success. '=^Tr^=' -gga.'- JOHN P. VOSBURGH has a home very pleasantly situated on section 23, Ashton Township, and here he and his wife are serenely passing the declining years of lives spent in usefulness and well-doing, enjoying the fruits of their united labors in former days, and meriting and receiving honor and esteem from the entire community. May 24, 1820, is the date of the birth of our subject at Johnstown, Fulton County, N. Y. His father, John Vosburgh, and his mother, Elizabeth Putman in her maiden days, were natives of that State, the former born in Columbia County, and the latter in Montgomery County. They both died in the town of Mohawk, Montgomery County. They reared ten children, of whom our subject was the seventh. Mr. Vosburgh grew to a vigorous manhood on his fatljer's farm, and gained a thorough knowledge of farming in all its branches. In 1865 he came to Illinois with his family to build up a new home, and for nineteen years was a resident of Lafayette Township, Ogle County. He has followed farming all his life, and has a thorough practical knowledge of the best methods to be used in every department of agriculture. In 1884 he moved across the bor- 18 der line between Ogle and Lee Counties, and set- tled in the Township of Asliton, of which he has ever since been a resident. The marriage of our subject with Miss Anna Putman took place in his native county Octo- ber 26, 1844, and to her cheerful co-operation he is indebted for his prosperity, and for the com- fort and happiness of a wedded life of forty-seven years. Mrs. Vosburgh was born in Fulton County, N. Y., February 2, 1810, the fourth in the family of six children of John V. and Catherine' Harrison Putman. Her parents were also natives of the Empire State, born in Montgomery County, and spent their last years in Fulton County. Mr. Vosburgli is a strong Republican in his po- litical sentiments. His portrait appears on an ac- companying page. He is a man of unswerving integrity, and both he and his wife are firm be- lievers in the doctrines of Christianity, although they are not identified with any church organiza- tion. They arc true-hearted, charitably disposed towards all wlio are in need of help, always friendly and the3' hold a warm place in the regard of tlieir neisrhbors and all who know them well. uj.^^-7t^ PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 409 As before stated, Mr. Fasoldt went to Aniboy in 1840, and at once embarked in tlie jewelrj' busi- ness, which he made his life work. A liberal pat- ronage soon rewarded his efforts, and he built up an excellent trade, thereby acquiring a liandsonie income. He was thus engaged in business at the time of his death. In all the relations of life he was honorable and upright, and the success which crowned his efforts was richly merited. Mrs. Fasoldt, who still survives her husband, is one of six children. She was born in Germany, but was reared and educated in Lee County. She is a lady of intelligence and much force of character, is enterprising, and has considerable executive abil- ity. She possesses considerable property in her own right, including some valuable real estate in Amboy and its vicinitj-. In her religious views Mrs. Fasoldt is a Presbyterian. Her- social quali- ties have won her many friends, and she is held in high esteem by all who know her. ,j!^YLVANUS C. HAITSEN. Lee County ^^5 numbers Sylvanus C. Hausen among her JU/^ most successful farmers. His farm is one of the largest and best in its appointments in China Township, and his residence on section 3, of a substantial and appropriate style of architec- ture with its excellent arrangements for comfort and convenience, is a model farm house. Born October 1.5, 1825, in the town of Bremen, Lincoln County, Me., seventh of the eleven chil- dren of Charles and Mary J. (Hilton) Hausen, the boyhood days of our subject were quietly passed in his native State until he was fifteen years old, and then came an eventful change in his life, as in the year 1840 his parents emigrated to the distant prairies of Illinois. They were among the early settlers of China Township, locating a short dis- tance west of Franklin Grove, and here they lived greatly respected by their neighbors until their decease. Sylvanus Hausen grew to man's estate in the parental home in China Township, and his charac- ter was molded by the pioneer life that obtained 19 in this region in those early years of its settlement to sturdy self-reliance, manliness, and keen foi'e- siglit, and he was early inured to hard work. He was thus well adapted to the calling to which ho had been reared and when it came time for him to select his life-work he chose agri- cultural pursuits. His after career has demonstrated the wisdom of his choice, as he has risen to the fore- most ranks of the farmers and stock-raisers of the county. He located on his farm at the time of mar- riage, and here he owns about seven hundred acres of excellent farming land and has erected a com- modious set of buildings tliat are first-class in every respect. His pastures are stocked with fine herds of cattle and horses and everything about his well- lie pt farm is indicative of his ability to conduct agriculture after the best methods. December 20, 1859, Mr. Hansen was married to ]\Iiss Sabina .7. Fellows, their marriage being sol- emnized in Belvidere, Boone County, this State, She has indeed filled in a perfect measure the sacred offices of wife, mother, friend, and to her devotion her husband and family owe much that makes life worth living, and her neighbors are indebted for many a kindly act. She is a member of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, and an active worker in the society. Her union with our subject has brought them Ave children — Ida C, the wife of Frank Maolton; Charles F., who married Miss Josephine Stevens; Lillian A., the wife of Lorin Townsend; Grace PI and Maj^ E. Mrs. Hausen was born November 30, 1839, near Syracuse, in the State of New York, the fifth of the seven children of David and Harriet (Lobdell) Fellows, who were natives of Otsego County, N. Y. They came from near Syracuse, that State, to Illinois in the spring of 1856, and at first settled in Belvidere, whence thej' afterward removed to Coldwater, Mich. Mr. Fel- lows died in that city, but his wife still survives at a venerable age. Through his many years' residence here our sub- ject is widely known, and boars a high reputation among his many acquaintances as a man of un- swerving rectitude and unblemished honor, whose life is guided by true principles of equity and justice in his dealings and who never hesitates to befriend one who is in need of sympathy and 410 PORTEAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. material assistance. His portrait, wliicli is pre- sented in tliis connection, is a valuable addition to the volume. He has been School Director in his township, and in no instance has he failed in true public spirit when his influence has been sought to further some plan for civic improvement. He is well posted on the political situation of the day, and favors the Democratic party. tlOBERT JAMES THOMPSON has proved a .„ ,. valuable re-enforcement to the farmers and iA\\\, stock-raisers of Lee County during the twenty-five and more years that he has lived here, as he brings to his work a clear, vigor- ous mind, has a thorough knowledge of the prin- ciples of agriculture, and manages his extensive farming interests in Willow CIreek Township after the most approved modern methods. Nine miles east of the town of Romne}-, tlie county seat of Hampshire County, W. A'a., is the birthplace of our subject, and he was born amid its pleasant scenes March 2, 1847. His father, Robert Thompson, was born in the same neighborhood, and was a son of John Thompson, who was a native of the North of Ireland, being descended from an old Scotch family. He came from there to America when he was a joung man, and resided for a time in Pennsylvania, whence he went to Virginia to build up a home in the forest wilds of that part of it that is now embraced in Hampshire Covinty, W. Va. He bought a tract of land and engaged in farming, and also improved a water power on it by erecting one of the first mills in the county. He managed both his mill and his farm, and re- sided on the latter until his death. He was a brave soldier in the Continental Army during the Revolution. His wife whose maiden name was Martha Beard, also died on that Hampshire County farm. The father of our subject was but five years old when his father died. He continued to live with his mother, and as soon as old enough assisted on the farm and in the mill, making his home on the old homestead until he married and established a home of liis own on a part of his father's farm that ho had inherited, and to which he added by further purchase. In 1868 he left his native State, and coming to Lee County settled in Willow Creek Township on the land that he had previously bought some years before. Here his life record was closed by his death in June, 1881. His wife survived him until December, 1886, when she too passed away. They were the parents of twelve children, of whom these ten grew to manhood and womanhood: John T., Lacy A., Martha J., Mary F., Robert J., Samuel T., Amanda S., Virginia C, p:dward H., and Wilder B. The maiden name of the mother was Zulemma Taylor; she was born in Hampshire County, W. Va. Her father was Thomas Taylor, and he was, it is thought, a native of Penn- sylvania, whence he went to Hampshire County in the days when it formed a part of Virginia, and took up a tract of land ten miles south of Romnej'. He improved a good farm, and resided on it all the remaining days of his life. Robert J. Thompson, who forms the subject of this biography, spent his early life on a farm in his native place, and was living at the old home of his birth all through the war. Like other farmers' boys, he was early taught to make himself useful, and he continued to assist his father in the care of his farm until he was eighteen years old. Ambitious to see something of the world and to try life on tlie beautiful prairies of Illinois, he then came to this State, and for a time was employed by his uncle James Thompson on a farm at Twin Grove, this county. He afterward worked his father's land, and at the time of his marriage settled on his present farm in Willow Creek Township. He now has three hundred and five acres of land, of which two hundred .ind thirt}- are in a body, and the re- mainder lies one mile east of his homestead. His farm is admirnbl}' adapted to general farming and stock-raising purposes to which he devotes it, gleaning from its productive fields rich harvests, and in its fertile pastures he his numerous cattle and horses of fine grades. Its buildings are ample and are always kept in good order, and there is every convenience for carrying on farming so as to produce the best results. Comfort, prosperity and happiness have come to PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 411 our subject through his marriage in 1870 with Miss Eveline L. Flagg. They have four children living: Guy A., (ieorge P., Nora and Blanche Elma. jNIr. Thompson is a Democrat, sound and true, in his politics, and always stands by his colors. Sociallj', he is a member of Steward Camp, M. W. A., and Knights of the Globe, lie is an in- telligent reader of good literature, and is conver- sant with all subjects of general interest. He is one of the solid men of Willow Creek Township, upon whom his fellow-citizens know they can place their reliance at all times and under all cir- cumstances, and he is esteemed accordingly. ^^^HAMPION FULLER, a successful farmer II and enterprising citizen of Dixon Town- ^^(1 ship, residing on section 27, owns a fine homestead. It is located on the east side of Rock River, on the Grand Detour road a few miles from Dixon, and so complete is it in its appointments that it may well be termed a model farm. It is well stocked, having upon it some forty head of milch cows, and is well watered with never-failing springs. Mr. Fuller has long made his home in this local- ity. On the 10th of September, 1836, his family located in the county and from that time he has been identified with tlie interests of ttiis commu- nity. His father, Stephen Fuller, was a native of Luzerne County, Pa., and came of an old New England family of Connecticut. In the Keystone State he married Anna H. Pratt, who was born in Hartford, Conn., as were her parents before her. With their three children. Champion, Silas P. and Wasliington 1., Mr. Fuller and his wife left Penn- sylvania in 1829, emigrating by team across the Alleghany Mountains to Paynesville, Ohio. On the old stage road, he engaged . in farming until 1836, when, accompan ied by his family, he arrived in Lee County. They first located on the old Dr. Everett homestead, where the famous elm tree stands, under which the Indian chief, Black Hawk, made his treaty. It was not then surveyed, but a squatter's cabin was received as a title in those days as willingly as a Government patent. In the spring of 1837, Stephen Fuller bought a squat- ter's claim, for 11.50, lying on the east side of Rock River, where is the well-known Fuller Cave that is often visited by people throughout this section of the country. When his financial resources enabled him to do so, Mr. Fuller added to this a one hun- dred and sixty-acre tract, the entire amount being now the property of our subject. In a primitive log cabin, the family began life in the West in true pioneer style and their home was the second settlement on Rock River between Dixon and Grand Detour. It was on this farm that Stephen Fuller lived and labored and at last passed away in 1882, at the age'of eighty-four yea,rs. He had witnessed almost the entire growth of Lee County, from the daj'S when a hamlet, known as Dixon's Ferry, marked the site of the present city of Dixon. One of those warm-hearted and generous-natured people, Mr. Fuller had many friends in whose regard he ranked high and his genial nature made him a favorite companion. He always liad a tale to tell of the early days when he traveled overland with ox-teams, when one had to go many miles to mill, and when the county was almost in its primitive condition. His death was sincerely regretted by a large circle of acquain- tances, and when called home he left behind him a memory of a well-spent life. Mrs. Fuller was a faithful companion and a true helpmate to her husband until her death in 1852, at the age of fifty years. She was a member of the Baptist Church, and ever took an active interest in its growth and welfare. In politics, Mr. Fuller was an old Jackson Democrat. The members of the family still living are Champion; Abraham, of this county; and Mrs. Caroline M. Poorman, now living in Clinton, Iowa. Champion Fuller was born in Luzerne County, Pa., January 21, 1826, and in early childhood went to Ohio with his pnrents. He was a lad of but ten summers when he came to Illinois, where he was reared to manhood and early inured to hard labor on a frontier farm. In April, 1864, he drove a mule team overland to California, and spent twenty years in Humboldt County, that State, dur- 412 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPinCAL RECORD. ing which time he met with good success in his business deahngs. It was in Ilumljoldt County that Mr. Fuller was united in marriage with Julia A. Reynolds, who was born in Luzerne County, Pa., and is a daughter of Elijah and Mary (Worth- ington) Reynolds. Her parents were also natives of the Keystone State, and her father died in Luz- erne County in the prime of life, after which the mother went with her children to California. She is now living with her daughter, Mrs. Fuller, at the age of seventy-four years. The wife of our subject was liberally educated in the seminary of Luzerne County, Pa., and is an ac-. complished lady. By her marriage she has become the mother of three children, but Joseph L. died in California at the age of eighteen months. Two sons, Theodore W. and Edward C, are yet at home. .In politics, Mr. Fuller is a Democrat. *^S (|(_^ERMAN S. FISCHER. The subject of this sketch is a fine example of the intelligent and enterprising class of Germans who have done so much to build up the. towns and counties in the New "World in which they have made their homes. He owns a fine tract of two hundred and sixty acres on section 29, Pal- myra Township, this county, on which he has placed excellent farm buildings and improved in the best manner. He has been remarkably suc- cessful in all his undertakings, and occupies a prominent position in the affaii's of the community in which he lives. While exercising a general supervision over his place, he has for the past five years let his farm on shares to S. M. Sleasman. Mr. Fischer has been a resident of this county since 1869, emigrating to this country from Ger- many. He was a native of Hamburg, born July 21, 1845, and in that country received an excel lent education in its model schools. He came of excellent stock on both sides of the family. His father, Carl G., and his mother, 'Bertha (Schroeder) Fischer, were natives of Hamburg, in which place they were reared and married. T^iey came of prominent Hamburg families, many members of which wejc well-known physicians and lawyers, and our subject has in his possession a fine gold medal which was presented to his maternal great- grandfather Schroeder for his services while Mayor of Hamburg. His jjaternal grandfather was a re- nowned phj'sician of Hamburg and died during the terrible scourge of the "Black Death." The parents of our subject remained in Hamburg after their marriage, where the father is still residiug, and is a prominent attorney. He has been twice married. Our subject was the only child of his mother, who died in giving him birth. He was most care- fully reared and educated in his native city, re- maining there until 1869, when he decided to come to the United States, and on reaching New York came at once to the West, where he has since made his home. He was here married to Miss Kate F. Thummel, who was born and reared in this township. IMrs. Fischer is a cultured and re- fined woman, well fitted to be the helpmate of her worthy husband. She is a prominent member of the Lutheran Church. In politics Mr. Fischer is a Republican and is interested in everything which tends to the upbuilding of his township and county. 4^ W ACOB EPLA. Too much honor cannot be paid to the early pioneers of this county who braved the hardships and privations of frontier life to build up a home on the rich virgin soil of Northern Illipois, and thus helped to develop its great agricultural resources, or in other ways contributed to its development. Jacob Epla is one of that class, and he holds a worthy place in the history of Wyoming Township as one of its earliest settlers and most industrious farmers, who has been living on the farm that he now owns and occupies ever since 1845. Our subject was born in Rockingham County, Va., January 9, 1819. His father, John Epla, is supposed to have been a Virginian by birth also. He was a son of Jacob Epla, who during some period of the last century was employed at an iron PORTEAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 413 forge near Luray, Va., where he spent the last part of his life. John Epla was a shoemaker, and carried on his trade in his native State until 1837, when he removed to Ohio and passed his remain- ing days in Champaign County, that State. The maiden name of his wife was Elizabeth Derr, who was born in England and died in Ohio. He of whom this life record is written resided with his father until he attained the age of twenty years and six montiis, when he gave his sire $30 for his time and commenced life for himself $30 in debt. The first six months thereafter he was em- ployed on a farm at $10 a month, and he paid one- half that amount to his father. Although he had no capital with which to begin his struggle with the world, he had what is better, health, strength, industrious habits, and sutticient resolution to accomplish whatever he tried to do, and thus equipped, he went from Ohio to Vigo County, Ind., in 1838, and sought and found employment on a farm. In 1844 he paid his first visit to Lee County, journeying to and from Vigo County' witli a team. He was favorably impressed with what he saw, and in 1845 he came again to make a permanent settle- ment in this then sparsely settled, wild region. He entered forty acres of Government land on section 9, of what is now Wyoming Township, and at once erected a substantial log house, which was the first- building ever put up between Paw Paw and Malugin's Grove on the Chicago & Dixon Road. Mr. Epla's land being in a wild state, with never a furrow turned when it came into his possession, he rented an improved tract the first year of his resi- dence here. At that time there were but few inhab- itants throughout the length and breadth of the county, and deer, wolves and other kinds of game were abundant, which showed that the pioneers had made but little headway against the rude forces of nature. The land was nearly all owned by the Government. The nearest mills were at Aurora and Ottawa, where the people obtained a poor quality of flour from the wheat that they carried to those points to be ground. Chicago was the principal market, and thither the farmers carried their grain, which often sold at a low rate, wheat bringing forty cents a bushel. They generally used oxen for transportation purposes, to do their farming, and even in making social visits, as but few were provided with horses, and it would take from five to ten daj'^s to make the round trip, wliich is now performed in a few liours. Primitive machinery was used on the farms and household affairs were carried on after old-fasiiioned methods. The good wife of our subject and the other pioneer women of that day who so nobly helped their husbands, fathers and sons in their labors, used to cook appetizing meals before the fire in the rude fireplace of olden times, and their deft hands wove the garments wherewithal their fam- ilies were clotlied. The life that these e^rly settlers led, while it was often one of sacrifice, and much was lacldng that they had enjoyed in their old homes, yet had its compensations. The people, though living far apart, were drawn nearer together by their common lot, were very friendly and helpful towards each other, and were true neighbors to all who were in trouble, no matter how great the dis- tance. Their hospitality was proverbial, the "latch string was always out," and friend or stranger rarely sought food and shelter without being kindly welcomed to both, however humble the pioneer home. Our subject still retains possession of the old homestead on which he settled forty-six years ago. He has added to his landed estate at different times, and at one time had two hundred acres of choice farming land. His farm is well-improved and its fields are under admirable tillage, yielding abun- dant harvests in repayment for the care and toil expended in their cultivation. For these many years the capable assistance and companionship of a good wife has made our sub- ject's life more prosperous and pleasant. Mrs. Epla was formerly Miss Catherine Farnham, and her union with Mr. Epla was solemnized in Edgar County, IlL It has been blessed to them by these three children — Sarah E., wife of E. N. Babbitt^ Josiah T.; and Mary A., wife of J. B. Christie. Mr. Epla has witnessed almost the entire growth of the county, and it may well be his pride that he has had a hand in bringing about the great change that has been wrought since he located within its borders, making it one of the best developed and 414 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. most wealthy counties in Northern Illinois. When !i yovmg man he was an ardent supporter of the Whig party, but he has been a firm supporter of Republican doctrines since the Republicans came into power. He cast his first Presidential vote for W. H. Harrison, the old hero of Tippecanoe, and grandfather of our present President. ~X ^) OBERT SMITH, a retired farmer residing on West Third Street in Dixon, where he owns a beautiful home, is numbered among ^'^ithe honored pioneers of the county of 1837. More than half a century has passed awajr since he here located. Almost the entire growth of the county has he witnessed and with its devel- opment and upbuilding has he been prominently connected. Mr. Smith is a native of the Highlands of Scot- land. He was born in Argyleshire, in 1822, and comes of pure Scottish ancestry. His grandfather, Robert Smith, lived and died in Argyleshire, and in accordance with the teachings of his forefathers was a Presbyterian in religious belief. He mar- ried Miss McNair, who like him, had pure Scottish blood in her veins and upon the old homestead of the Smith family slie spent the remainder of .lier days, dying in the belief of the Presbyterian Church. Unto them were born seven children but only two ever came to this country. Both settled in Illinois and John Smith, the father of our sub- ject, spent his last days in Lee Countj'. His sister, Mrs. Elizabeth McNair, died in McDonouo-h County, 111. ,Tohn Smith was reared to farm life and when he had attained to mature years was married in his native county to Jane Colville, who was also of pure Scotch descent but hqr people en- gaged in mercantile pursuits while the Smith family was given to agriculture. Five children were born to them in their home in the Highlands, after which they bade good-by to their native land and in the spring of 1837 crossed the Atlantic to America. On the sailing vessel the "Tropic, "they left Greenough; after a voyage of six weeks they landed in New York, from whence they came by way of the Erie Canal and the Lakes to Chica.go, completing the journey overland by teams to Lee County. From the Government Mr. Smith secured land in what is now Willow Creek Township and the settlement which he there made was the second within its borders. He developed a good farm, upon which he made his home until his death, which occurred in 1863. He had lived to see the county well improved and had himself taken an active part in furthering its best interests. His wife had died in 1840, only three years after loca- ting here. Another child had been bom unto them, the family then numbering six. Both par- ents were members of the Presbyterian Church and lived consistent earnest lives. Three of their children are yet living. The brother of our subject is David Smith, a resident farmer of Willow Creek Township; and his sister Jane, widow of N. A. Nettleton, also resides in that township. The experiences of pioneer life are familiar to Robert Smith. He can recall the days when the county was but sparsely settled, when the greater part of the land was still unimproved and the work of civilization and progress seemed scarcely begun. He has been an eye-witness of the wondrous changes which have since worked a great trans- formation. His labors have also aided in this task and he well deserves mention among the found- ers of the county. He was here married to Miss Harriet Beaisley, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1837, and at the age of eighteen years came to Illinois. Her father, John II. Beaislej- was killed by a train. Her mother is now living in Wayne, Pa., at the age of seventy-flve years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born a family of childi-en, who in order of birth are as follows: EllaG., the eldest, who graduated from Jennings Seminary, is now the wife of Teil Swarthout, a banker of Paw Paw, 111.; Bertha B. is the wife of William Crump- ton, a real-estate dealer of West Superior, Wis., and Clyde is an attorney -at-law of Dixon. He studied for his profession with Mayo ^^- ' II 1^ ■! 'I ' AMUEL C. EELLS has made Dixon his home for many years, occupying an honorable place among its leading business men,and for thirty-eight years has been connected with its banking interests, assisting in the organization of the Lee County National Bank, and acting as its Cashier until its charter expired and it was merged into the City National Bank, with the same list of officers, and he still retains his old position. Our subject first saw the light in the town of Walton, Delaware County, N. Y., March 19, 1822. His father, Nathaniel G. Eells, was born in Cin- cinnati in 1800, his birthplace being in the town of New Canaan. He in turn was a son of Samuel Eells, who was also a native of that New England State, and was descended from one of the old Colonial families that had crossed the Atlantic to found a new home on these shores. The grandfather of our subject-was an independent farmer, and for several years was engaged in his calling in his na- tive town and in the town of Canaan. In 1800 he left the latter place and, making his way to New Yoi'k, became a pioneer of Delaware County. He leased a tract of heavilj^ timbered land, cleared a farm, and was a resident of Walton until his death. His wife also died at Walton. Her maiden name was Hannah Grey, and she was a native of Connecticut. Nathaniel Eells was reared to the life of a farmer, and after he attained liis majority he adopted that vocation, and also engaged in the lumber business. His career was cut short by his untimely death whil^j'et in the prime of early manhood, and his community lost a citizen who would undoubtedly have been a potent factor in its upbuilding, as he liad disi)laycd an enterprising spirit and keen PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 423 business capacity in the few years in which he was engaged in business. Ho had married when quite young, taking as his wife Betty St. John, wlio was born in Connecticut in 1800, and was a daughter of Cook and Polly (Seymour) St. John, who were natives of Connecticut and pioneers of Delaware County. Uy her husband's death she was left in straightened circumstances with four children to care for. She returned to her father's home, and lived with him some years. She then went to re- side with her daughter in Walton ^ and died there in 1878. She was the mother of these four chil- dren: Hannah, wife of Henr}- Fancher; Samuel C; Ann, who married Jetur Gardiner; and Nathan- iel G. Our subject passed his bojhood on a farm, and as soon as large enough had to assist in the work of carrying it on. He received his early education in the district schools of his native county, and afterward attended Delaware Academy, where he made rapid progress in his studies, and was so well a(Jvanced by the time he was sixteen years old that he was amply qualified to teach, and en- tered upon the duties of that profession. He made his home with his grandfather and uncle until he was sixteen years old. At nineteen years of age he accepted a position as clerk in a general store at Walton, and was employed in that capacity' the most of the time until 1854. In that year he came to Dixon, which was then a flourishing village of about two hundred inhabitants, but without any railway communication with the outside world. Mr. Eells at once entered the employ of Robertson, Eastman & Co., bankers, as an accountant. In 1855 Mr. Eastman withdrew from the company, and our subject stepped into his place as a mem- ber of the firm, which assumed the title of Robert- son, Eells & Co. In 1859 another change was made, and the business was iiencefortli carried on under the firm name of Eells & Coleman until 1865, when they helped to organize the Lee County National Bank, of which Joseph Crawford was elected President, and he himself was appointed Cashier, and Johp Coleman assistant 'Cashier. He held that responsible position until the charter of the bank expired in 1885, at which time the City National Bank was organized with the same list of officers that had made the old bank so successful. At the death of President Crawford, Mr. Eells was made President in 1891. By his course as Cashier of this institution he has been verj' helpful in making it one of the leading monetary establish- ments in this section of Illinois, and his connection with it enhances the confidence of the people in its stability, so well do they understand and appre- ciate the honest and straightforward nature of one who has walked among them uprightly and with spotless reputation for so many j-ears. Mr. Eells was married in 1854 to Miss Anna More, and they have a cheerful, attractive home, whose pleasant hospitalities are well known to their many friends and acquaintances, and no stranger enters their door who does not receive a kindly, courteous welcome. Mrs. Eells is a native of the same countj- in New York as her husband, her birthplace being in the town of Delhi. She is a daughter of Henry and Betsy A. (Farrington) More, natives of New England. Her marriage with our subject has brought to them these three children: Caroline W.; Anna, wife of Charles C. lipham, of Salt Lake City, and Bessie. Mr. Eells and his family are among the leading members of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, and he has been a vestryman for many years. He was formerly a Whig in politics, but has been a stanch Republican ever since the formation of the party. <-4l felLLIAM J. McALPINE is one of thelead- \rJ// ing contractors and builders of Northern V\5 Illinois, with his home at Dixon, and he is conducting a large business that extends not onl.y to adjacent counties, but even beyond the limits of the State. He is a native of Ashtabula County, Ohio, and was born August 15, 1852. His father. Dr. Lemuel McAlpine, a retired physician, now residing in Aurora, was born in Litchfield, Ct., and was reared amid the pleasant scenes of his birth. He was well educated, and fitted himself for the profession of medicine. He commenced to practice in the State of New York, but subsequently 424 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. returned to Ashtabula, Ohio, where he was actively engaged in his vocation until 1853. He then came to Illinois, and settling in De Kalb County, bought land, and turned his attention to agricul- tural pursuits for a few years. Since that time he has lived in retirement in the city of Aurora. He was happily married in early life to Miss Sarah Price, a native of the State of New York. The subject of this brief sketch attended the district schools of De Kalb County in his boyhood, became a student at the High School at Sycamore, and on the removal of the family to Aurora was admitted to the High School of that city, in which institution Of learning he completed his education, as far as mere book knowledge was concerned. He had a decided taste for mechanics, and in 1869 he began to cultivate his talents in that direction bj- learning the trade of a carpenter at Aurora, giving eighteen months of his time to acquiring a thorough knowledge of the calling. In 1875, after considerable experience in car- pentering, Mr. McAlpine entered upon his success- ful career as a contractor at S3'camore. He soon acquired a good reputation as a builder who ful- filled his contracts to the letter, and for the finish, durability and solidity of his work, which left noth- ing to be desired in his buildings, which were com- pleted in exact accordance with the plans and terms of agreement. As he became known, his business in- creased, and he was able to compete with older con- tractors in the same line, orders coming to him in other counties as well as this, and now he makes con- tracts for buildings in various parts of Illinois, and even in Southern Wisconsin. In 1888, he removed to Dixon, as a more convenient location, and has since had his office and home here. Mr. McAlpine was first married in 1877 to Miss Martha Manning, a native of De Kalb County, 111., who died in 1886. The second marriage of our subject, which took place in 1888, was with Miss Bertha German, of Lacon, 111. Their home was at the Nachusa House, of Dixon, and when any of their mutual friends, or .any of the acquaintances or friends that Mr. McAlpine has made through his business connections or in a social way, visited them, they carried away with them a pleas in o- remembrance of the hospitalities that they enjoyed at the hands of the host and hostess. Mrs. Bertha McAlpine passed from this earth in February, 1892. Our subject is popular as a member of the follow- ing societies: Sycamore Lodge, A. F. gle County, Dixon, and in Pal- myra Township, Lee County, and thence he moved to New York, where thej- died. He was a consis- tent member of the Methodist Church and a Re- publican in politics. A short time before his death he publislied a little volume of poems, many of which possessed considerable merit. Throughout the community in which he resided he was held in high esteem as a man of sterling worth and un- blemished character. Mr. Goodrich was twice married. He first wedded Charlotte Perry, of Plainfield, Yt., who while on a visit to her old home in the Green Mountain State, died at the age of fifty-three years. She was a member of the Baptist Church and an active worker for the interests of all that tended to benefit human- ity. Tlie second wife of Mr. Goodrich bore the name of Mrs. Phoebe Dutton. She still survives him and is now living in St. Lawrence County, N. Y. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 425 The first seventeen years of his life James Good- rich spent among the mountains of his native State, where he began his education in an academy, completing his school life in Mt. Morris, 111. Arriving at an age when he must choose a life work, he determined to engage in farming and was a prominent and progressive agriculturist of this community. His labors were not without their reward, and as a result of his industry and perseverance he became owner of a fine farm of one hundred and ninety-flve acres, to which his widow has added since his death until now within its boundary is comprised a two hundred and thirteen acre tract which yields a golden tribute. Mr. Goodrich ever took an active interest in those things pertaining to the welfare of the community and was recognized as one of the best citizens of the township. In politics he was a Republican, who stanchly advocated his party principles. At the home of the bride in Palpi.yra Township, Mr. Goodrich was joined in wedlock with Miss Clara Williams, one of the fair daughters of Lee County. She was educated in the High School of Dixon and is a lady of superior intelligence and culture. Her parents, George and Mary (Adams) Williams, were natives of Center County, Pa., where they were reared and married, and where their children, with one exception, were all born. The year 1853 witnessed their removal to Illinois and saw them located on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Palmyra Township, where Mr. Williams died April 13, 1891, aged eighty -nine years and five months. His widow is still living at the age of seventj'-nine years and makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Clara Goodrich. She lias a wide acquaintance throughout the com- munity and her friends are many, their regard having been secured by her excellencies of char- acter. Mrs. Goodrich is the youngest of the Williams family, six of whom, four sons and two daughters, are yet living. Her marriage has been blessed with three children but she lost one, Grace, who died at the age of eight weeks. Edwin was born February 19, 1873, and Lila was bom January 4, 1882. The mother is a member of the Methodist Church and in the county where she has so long made her home she is well and favorably known. Mr. James P. Goodrich departed this life at his home in Palmyi-a township, on the 27th of January, 1883, of consumption, after having traveled ex- tensively in different parts of the United States in quest of health. 4^ ^^^^ 'S'^^ VILLIAM C. WOOLEY, a trusted employe of the Illinois Central Railroad Company, now filling the position of ticket-agent at Dixon, is of English birth, he and a brother being the only ones of liis family who ever crossed the Atlantic to America. He was born in the city of Manchester, and is a son of Thomas and Margaret (Calland) Wooley. His father was born in Rugely, Staffordshire, where he was reared to manhood and became a mason and a mechanic. When a young man he went to Manchester, where he built a num- ber of the machine shops of that city, including the large shops of Wrenn & Bennett. His death tliere occurred at an advanced age, having sur- vived his wife some years. She was born in Man- chester and her people were early settlers of that city. Both Mr. and Mrs. Wooley were excellent musicians and sang in the choir of the Congre- gational Church for many years. The lady espec- ially was particularly gifted in this line and with her beautiful voice often held her audience en- tranced. Two of the children of the family are yet living in England — .John and Sarah A., both of whom arc married and reside in Manchester. Under the parental roof our subject spent the days of- his boyhood and in the schools of his native city acquired his education. After he had attained to mature years he was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Miss Mary Webb, also a native of Manchester, where her parents, David and Nancy Webb, spent the greater part of their lives, although they were both born in Warrington, P^ngland. Mr. Webb was a glass-blower in the em- ploy of the firm of Mollinaux, Webb & Co., who were engaged in the manufacture of glass in Man- chester. Both he and his wife lived to advanced ages but are now deceased. 426 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. It was in 1853 that Mr. Wook'y, accompanied by his wife and little daughter, came to America. Ttiej^ took passage on a sailing vcs.sel at Liverpool and after a voyage of seven weeks and one day, landed at New Orleans. On the vessel "George Collier" they went up the Mississippi to St. Louis, from whence they made their way to Fultonville, and on to Dixon, 111., ^vhere they have since re- sided. For almost forty years they have now been identified with the city and its social, religious and educational interests. Their home has been blessed by the presence of tliree children — Mary, wife of Stephen Youngman, a farmer residing near Dixon; Gertrude, wife of W. C. Jones, who is also living near this city, and William W., the present baggage master of Dixon, on the Illinois Central Railroad. His wife was formerly Miss Nora Edleman, of this city. For more than thirty-six years Mr. Wooley has been in the employ of the Illinois Central Railroad, and during that time has never lost a day's pay. He was first engaged on the construction of the road from Rock Island four miles north and after its completion, when trains began to travel over it, February 17, 1855, he accepted a position in the freight department, where he remained until 1890, when he resigned to take charge of the passenger department. He has now full control of the same and well merits the confidence reposed in him bj^ the company. To retain a position in the employ of the railroad company one must be faithful and also prompt and exact in the discharge of liis duties. That Mr. Woolej' has complied with these requirements is attested by the fact of his long continuance with the road. In politics he is a Re- publican and his wife is member of the Episcopal Church. V. ♦= — ♦=♦ _y / *=♦; ^ , AVID A. GLENN. Tliere are many promi- nent mercantile establishments in Lee County, but it is no discredit to the others to state that for reliabilitj' of dealings, superiority of stock and extent of business transactions, tlie firm of D. A. Glenn & Co., of Ashton, is without a rival. I'or years Mr. filenn has been one of the foiemost figures in the mercantile circles, not only of Ashton but also tlie surrounding commu- nity. The period of his residence here has been a fruitful and active one with liim, in manj' ways adding lustre to his useful life. Before mentioning the minute details of time and place which contribute to the development of individual characteristics, it may be well to briefly note tlie parentage of Mr. Glenn. His fa- ther, George, was born in 1811, in Center County, Pa., and in his early manhood married Eliza Hart- sock, also a native of the Keystone State. She died in Centre County in 1850, and afterward George Glenn removed to this county, where he has since resided. By trade he is a tailor, but after coming to Illinois operated as a farmer. He and his esti- mable wife had a family of five children, four sons and one daughter, our subject being the third in order of birth. Born January 23, 1839, in Center County, Pa., the subject of tliis sketch passed his boyhood days in the place of his birth and in Blair County, Pa. Thence he removed in 1857, with his father, to this county and continued to reside at home until his marriage, in the meantime devoting his energies to the cultivation of the home farm. Upon the breaking out of the Civil War he enlisted in August, 1861, in Company C, Thirty-fourth Illi- nois Infantry, and served until the following Jan- uary, wlien he was discharged on account of dis- ability. He then returned to this count}^ and as soon as he regained his health engaged in teach- ing for one year. For some three j'oars thereafter he was employed as a clerk for the firm of Mills k Petrie, and remained with their successor in business for some time. For a period of about ten years he was book-keeper in various mercan- tile establishments in Rochelle. In ]\[ay, 1883, Mr. Glenn embarked in the mer- cantile business on his own account and formed a partnership with A. W. Rosecrans, which still continues. The firm carries a fine stock of mer- chandise and enjoys a large trade, not only in the village but throughout tlie country around. The success which has met the efforts of Mr. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 429 Glenn is deserved, for he has taken the most painstaking care in his business, to which he has devoted his entire time and best energies. He was married in Ashtou, December 14, 1869, to Miss Clara C. Buck, who was born in Huntingdon County, Pa., July 22, 1842. Mr. and Mrs. (ilenn are consistent members of the Methodist Episco- pal Church and active in all good works. In his political affiliations Mr. Glenn is an ardent Republican and has served his fellow-citi- zens in various positions of honor. For some time he was Supervisor of Ashton Township, and .also filled the positions of Township Clerk, Con- stable and was a member of the Board of Trustees. There is no measure proposed for the benefit of the community at large which does not receive his support, and he is numbered among the representa- tive citizens of the county. He is a member of Masonic fraternity, belonging to the Blue Lodge at Ashton and Rochelle Chapter, and is prominent in the fraternity. E^^ LEXIS R. WHITNEY. This well-known resident of Lee County is a son of one of its earliest settlers and occupies a prominent place in this community'. He is proprietor of the celebrated Franklin Grove Orchard and Nursery Farm, located on section 12, China Town- ship, and is an extensive manufacturer of cider and vinegar. He was born in the town of Albion, Orleans County, N. Y., February 22, 1824. His father, the late Col. Nathan Whitney, was known far and wide as "Father Whituey" for more than fifty-five years, and a review of his life is appended to this biographical sketch of his son. Our subject was four years old when his parents removed to Elba, Genesee County, N. Y., and the next six years of his life were spent in that town. After that the home of the family was in Union- ville, Lake County, Ohio, the ensuing four years. Early m the month of January, 1838, they again took up the march for the frontier, and coming to Lee County, located on a tract of Government land which had been selected by the father when he visited this section in 1836. 20 Thus from the age of fourteen years Mr. Whit- ne}^ has been a resident of this township. He grew witli its growth, pioneer environments help- ing to mould his character in strength and manli- ness, and to-day is numbered among the prosperous citizens of tlie community where he has dwelt as hoy and man for more than half a century. He early showed an independent and self-helpful spirit, and at the age of eighteen made an agree- ment with his parents to take care of them the remainder of their lives and he in turn to have tlie homestead in his own right. He faithfully fulfilled his contract with thenj, surrounding their old age with every comfort that filial love could devise, and making their last days their best. Mr. Whitnej'Vfarm comprises three hundred and sixty acres which was an original entry, and he still retains the patents from the Government. He has erected a fine set of buildings, and has all the conveniences, including first-class modern ma- chineiy, for carrying on the various operations in which he is engaged. He is one of the longest established nurserymen in the State, beginning tliat business in 1843, and his nursery is one of the finest and best managed for miles around. In 1849 he commenced to make cider and in 1853 added the manufacture of vinegar. He does an immense business, finding sale for his products in Michigan, Colorado, Texas, and in fact, almost all the Western and Southern States. Our subject and Miss Mary J. Oakley were mar- ried at P\-anklin fJrove August 14, 1851. Mrs. Whitney is a native of Hudson, N. Y., and was born October 10, 1830. Her marriage with our subject has been blessed to them by the birth of six children, of whom two are deceased — Sarah J., who died when eighteen months old, and Carrie Louise, who died at the age of two years. The following is recorded of tlie four children living: Jesse R., a resident of Carroll, Carroll County, Iowa, is engaged in the wholesale fruit and grocery trade and in real-estate business; Carrie L. is the wife of Albert W. Crawford; Nathan A. is cashier and book-keeper for his father; Mary J. is the wife of C. L. Booth, of Denver, Col. Mr. Whitney was the first Township Clerk of China Township, and held that office six years. 430 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. and that of Soliool Treasurer eight years. He was in early life a Democrat, but when the Republican party was organized he transferred his allegiance to it and has remained trae to its principles through the victories and defeats of the many years that have since gone by. He is prominently identified with the Masonic fraternity as a member of the Franklin Grove Lodge, Nathan Whitney Chapter, Dixon Commandery, and is a Thirty-second Degree Mason. He has been a liberal supporter of the churches and has contributed freely to charitable and other worthy objects, as well as to all enter- prises that would in any way benefit the commun ity. His many friends will be pleased to notice his por- trait on another page of this volume. ^-^I<^ -^r eOL. NATHAN WHITNEY. At the great age of one hundred years, four months and twenty days, this venerable gentleman passed away June 11, 1891, at the home of his son A. R. Whitney. Amid scenes which held the asso- ciations of years of toll and hardships, his declin- ing days were passed in the comforts of a happy home and tenderly cared for bj' those who held him dear. Father Whitney, as he was familiarly known, was born in Conway, Mass., January 22, 1791, and was the third in a family of five brothers, all of whom attained to advanced years. In his early manhood he was married to Miss Sarah Gray, and twice opened farms in Western New York before he removed to the new State of Illinois. The year 1835 marked his arrival here and two years after- ward he made a final settlement. He and his wife became the parents of seven children, six daughters and one son, five of whom survived him, namely: Mrs. Polly Smith; Mrs. Abram Brown; Mrs. Han- nah McKenney, of Dixon; Mrs. D. B. McKenney, of Chicago, and A. R. Whitney, of Franklin Grove. June 23, 1817, Father Whitney was initiated into the mysteries of Free Masonry, with which order he ever afterward maintained his connection, being at the time of his death undoubtedly the oldest Mason in the world. He was a charter member of Friendship Lodge, No. 7, of Dixon, established in 1840, and was among the first to receive the red cross order of a Sir Knight in Dixon Commandery. The Nathan Whitney Chap- ter of Royal Arch Masons, of which he was a mem- ber at the time of his death, was named in his honor. As his grandfather bore arms in defense of his country during the Revolutionary War, so our subject was a valiant soldier in the War of 1812 and received mention for bravery at the battle of Ft. Erie. There are still in possession of his de- scendants his commission as Lieutenant, Captain and Colonel, bearing the signature of De Witt Clinton, Governor of New York. Soon after Mr. Whitney moved to this vicinity he was elected one of the commissioners who organized the county of Lee and who for years took an active part in its improvement. The funeral of Father Whitney took place on June 14, 1891. After brief services at the home conducted by Rev. A. H. Scoonmaker, the remains were conveyed to Dixon, where they were placed in state under a guard of eight Sir Knights at the court house and were viewed by many hundreds of people. Later a procession was formed, in which one hundred Sir Knights and one hundred and three Blue Lodge Masons were in line, the largest Masonic funeral ever held in the county. Besides the Dixon and Franklin lodges, large de- tachments of Knights and Masons were in attend- ance from Sterling, Sycamore, DeKalb and other places, and the impressive burial service was con- cluded at the grave. -^^ W GUIS FLOTO, who is now living a retired i\\ (©) life at the Kingdom, on section 18,Nachusa 'ii =^ Township is one of the self-made men of the county, who, emptjr handed, began life and by his own exertions worked his way upward to a position of wealth and affluence. He is of German birth, having been born in the Kingdom of Han- over, February 6, 1822. His father, Frederick Floto, was also born in that kingdom, where he PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 431 made his home until his death at the age of sixty- four years. By trade he was a blacksmith and that vocation he used as the means to secure a livelihood. His wife, was also born and reared in Hanover. She died when our subject was only about a year old. Louis Floto was then reared by his father and stepmother and when a youth he learned to be a blacksmith. After attaining to mature years he married Miss Caroline Rosenthall who was born at Brunswick in the Kingdom of Hanover, in 1827, her parents spending their entire lives in that locality. One child was born unto Mr. Floto and his wife in the Fatherland, after which, with his family, he emigrated to America. Sailing from Bremen in .Tune, 1848, ho landed in Xew York City after a long voyage of seven weeks. His first location was in Luzerne County, Pa., where for two years he worked in the coal mines. Hoping to better his financial condition in the West he next came to Illinois and settled in Grand Detour, where for seventeen years he worked in a plow factory. The money which he saved during that period he then invested in land and turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, which he follow- ed for many years with excellent success. He bought an improved farm of about two hundred acres and in return for his care and cultivation it yielded to him a golden tribute. He is now living a retired life, having by industry, perseverance and good management in former years acquired a handsome competence which now enables him to lay aside business cares. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Floto have been born ten children who with but one exception are yet living. Emma was married and died in 1888. The other members of the family are P>nestina, wife of Will- iam Girton, a farmer of Marshall County, Iowa; Louis who wedded Katie Girton and is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Ogle County; Elizabeth, wife of P. S. Girton, also a farmer of Marshall County, Iowa; Caroline, wife of Wilson Brink who follows farming at Fremont, Neb.; Henry, an agri- culturist of Marshall County, Iowa, who wedded Emma Levan; Charles who married Maggie Mor- rison and is a farmer of Ogle County; Mary, wife of R. Robertson, who engages in the same pursuit Ln Marshall County, Iowa. Ella, wife of Henry Jlintz of Nachusa Township; and William who wedded Lotta Cooper and also follows farming in Ogle County. Mr. Floto is a man of genial nature who easily wins friends and throughout the community is widely and favorably known. In politics he is a Republican and himself and wife are members of the Evangelical Church. eAPT. JOHN STEVENS, one of the honored soldiers of the late war, who laid down his life on the altar of his country, was born in Shirley Townsliip, Huntingdon County, Pa., Feb- ruary 22, 1831. His father, William Stevens, was also a native of the Keystone State. William be- came a prominent citizen of Huntingdon County, and was otflcially connected with its history for some time. His wife bore the maiden name of Ruhama Ayres. She was born in New York, but was reared in Pennsylvania, where they began their domestic life. About 1840, when our subject was a young lad, they emigrated to Dixon and after some years removed to Mt. Morris, 111., for the pur- pose of educating their children in the Northern Illinois Methodist College. When all had pursued courses in that institution they returned to Dixon, where Willi.am Stevens died in the month of June, 1890, at the age of seventy-eight years. He had taken quite a in'omineijt part in political af- fairs and was frequently called upon to serve in public positions of honor and trust. In earlj'' years he supported tlie Democratic party but became a Republican on the organization of that party. He was a man of few words. It was his actions that counted and his life was an upright and honorable one. lie had served as Ignited States Marshal of this district for two terms, was Justice of the Peace for many years and was a life-long member of the Methodist Church. Devoted to its interests, he labored untiringly in the Master's vineyard. He was also a Master Mason. His wife had passed away long years before, having died July 28, 1859, 432 PORTKAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. at the age of fit'ty-six years, in the faith of the Methodist Church, of which she was also a consis- tent member. Capt. Stevens, as before stated, was only about ten years of age when he came to Dixon. His t'du- cation was acquired in Mt. Morris Seminary, from which he was graduated at the age of eighteen. He then entered the law office of Judge Heaton, now deceased, and after three years of thorough study was admitted to the bar and began practice. A bright future seemed opening before him and he possessed the ability and determination to become a successful lawyer. In De Kalb County, 111., in Ross Grove, IMr. Stevens was united in the bonds of matrimony with Miss Mary S. La Port, who was born in Watertown, N. Y., in 1834, and is a daughter of Norris and Minerva (Gardner) La Port, the former a native of Kingston, Canada, and the latter of the Empire State. Mr. La Port was of French descent, his parents emigrating from Paris to America. He was reared in New York and some years after his marriage brought his family to Illinois, locating in Kane County, in 1840. Subseqviently they removed to De Kalb Count}-, where he devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits. His death there occurred in 1884, at the ag€ of four-score years. His widow is now living with a daughter in De Kalb County, in her eighty-fifth year. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church and a lady beloved by all who know her. In the autumn of 1861, Mr. Stevens organized Company H, of the Forty-sixth Illinois Infantry, commanded by Col.- Jones. He became its Captain and the company was mustered in the service in February, 1862. With the regiment it at once marched to the front and was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland. With his command, Capt. Stevens participated in the engagement at Ft. Donelson, where a few of his men were killed and several wounded. Soon after they marched to Shiloh. In the early morning of the day on which that engagement occurred, he and his men were ly- ing near the scene of the severest part of the con- flict, when the rebels surprised them. The Cap- tain, hearing the alarm, rushed from his tent, or- dered his men to form,and with wonderful bravery and presence of mind placed himself at the head of his troops. With unsheathed sword, waving his hat in the air, he called his men to rally around him and pressed forward to victory, but a few min- utes later the rebels, who had the advantage, were upon them. A large piece of shell tore the Cap- tain's leg below the knee and shattered the femur bone. At the same time, a minie-ball passed through his sword sheath, cutting it nearly in two. This was on Sunday morning, April 3, 1862. One of his comrades made an attempt to carry him from the field on a horse, but the beast was shot and both the Captain and his friend fell. One of his privates, a Mr. Tracy, then picked him up and amid flying shot and shell ran with him to a place of safety un- der a tree, where he lay in his agony, watching the two contending forces as they swayed back and forth in the tide of battle. The Captain was there left withovit care until Tuesday, when the Union forces succeeded in gaining the field and he was carried to a hospital where every attention was be- stowed upon him, but the loss of blood and exposure had been too much for him. On the following Sun- day, he was put on a boat to be sent home, but as the vessel was leaving its moorings he passed away. It was his hope to once more reach his home and family but when told by the surgeon that he could not live he said "Tell my wife and little children that I made my peace with God and to meet me in Heaven." He then sank back, dead. His remains were sent to Dixon, where he was buried with all the honors of a soldier. Capt. Stevens had been High Priest of the Royal Arch Templars of Dixon, resigning that office when he enlisted. In politics he was a stanch Republican and had made speeches throughout the country for Lincoln, whom he met soon after the election in Springfield. When aske^ by the President-elect what office lie would like, the Captain replied that he would accept no office. Mr. Lincoln then lay back in his chair and with a hearty laugh requested j Mr. Stevens' photograph. The Captain was an active member of the Episcopal Church. His death proved a loss to the community where he resided and in the household made a vacancy which can never be filled. The widow, who still remains true to liis memory, resides in Dixon. She is PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 433 a noble Christian lady who belongs to the Episco- pal Church as do also her two sons: Frank E. and Leon L. The elder, who married IMiss Sadie Lattin, of Sycamore, 111., is now a real-estate dealer of Chicago. The younger, who married Nellie Tib- bets, of Preston, Minn., also resides in Chicago,where he is engaged in business as a collector. ■jf AMES H. BRAFFET, M. D., of Paw Paw, is well known as one of the leading phy- sicians of Lee County, whose skill, success in practice, and learning place him well at the head of his profession. He was born in the town of Florida, Orange County, N. Y., October 16, 1834. His father, James Braffet, for many years an honored citizen of this county, was born in the town of Monroe, Orange County, July 22, 1802, a son of John Braffet, who is supposed to have been a native of that county also, and there he spent Ms last years. He is thought to have been of Scotch ancestry. When the father of our sub- ject was five years old, his father took him to Or- leans County in his native State,and bound him out to a farmer, with whom he was to live until lie was twenty-one. In the meantime he was to have his board and clothes, and when he became of age was to have a new suit of clothes, ten dollars in cash, and a horse, saddle and bridle. When he was eighteen years old, he bought his time in order to serve an apprenticeship to learn the trade of a blacksmith, but when he was twftity-one, the old farmer generously gave him the horse that be had promised him. At the close of his apprenticeship, he did journey-work in different places, and finally at Newburg, Orange County, and carried on busi- ness in that county until 1855, when he came to Illinois to identify himself with the pioneers of this county, as he wisely thought that skilled mechanics would be in demand in a young and growing country. He came by rail as far as Earl- ville, then the nearest railway station, and after his arrival he established himself at his calling at East Paw Paw. He carried on business there un- til 1863, when he removed to Melugin's Grove, and opening a shop there, was actively engaged as a blacksmith for several years. When the railway was completed through Brooklyn Township, he took up his residence at the village of Compton, being one of its first settlers, and there he lived re- tired until his death, in April, 1888. The maiden name of his wife was Melissa A. Furman. She sur- vives him and still makes her home at Compton. She is also a native of Orange County, N. Y., and a daughter of Josiah Furman, who was born in the Empire State, and was of German ancestry. Mrs. Braffet and her husband were for many years members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, but she now belongs to the Presbyterian Church, and is held in great esteem by all who know her. Our subject is the only survivor of the three children born to his parents. He was given liberal educational advantages, obtaining his knowledge of the common branches in the public schools of his native county, and he subsequently became a student at Chester Academy, which he attended four years. While there he paid particular atten- tion to mathematics and civil engineering, with a view of preparmg himself for West Point. He successfully passed the examination required of those desiring admission to that institution, and receiving the endorsement of Mr. Wheeler, the re- presentative to Congress from the district in which he lived, his ambition seemed about to be realized, when his parents so strenuously objected to his entering a military school, that he gave up his cher- ished dream of becoming a cadet, and turned his attention to the study of medicine, under the in- struction of Dr. C. P. Smith, of Chester, N. Y. He defrayed a part of the expenses of his education by teaching, and alternately taught and attended school, and engaged in surveying. He came to Illinois with his parents in 1855, and taught the first term of the East Paw Paw Seminary. He de- voted his leisure to his medical studies, and in the winter of 1861-62 attended a course of lectures at Rush Medical College, at Chicago. He still fur- ther prepared himself later on by attendance at Bellevue Hospital College, New York City, in the winter of 1868-69, and was graduated from there in the Class of '69. He had already practiced medicine successfully, and went back to his work 434 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. with renewed vigor. He had first established him- self at East Paw Paw. and iiad gone fi-om there to Melugin'sGrove in 1862. In 1875 he opened an office at Paw Paw, and has remained here ever since, acquiring an extensive and lucrative prac- tice. By identifying himself with various medical societies and bj' careful reading, he keeps well abreast of the times in his profession, to which he is devoted, and his patients feel that safetj' and confidence under his care that a true physician ever inspires. He is a. member in good standing of the North Central Illinois Medical Association, of the Illinois State Medical Society, of the Ame- rican Association, and in 1887 he became a mem- ber of the International Medical Association. He' is also connected with the Masonic fraternity, of which he has been a member since 1858, but at the present time non-offleiating; and of the Indepen- dent Order of Odd Fellows, which he joined in 1881, and is a camp member. Di-. Braffet was happily married in 1860 to Miss Ellen S. Billings, who was bora near Detroit, Mich., and is a daughter of James and Mrs. (Serville) Billings. They have seven children, namely: Nellie, John, Charles, Mark P., Harvey, William and Essie. Nellie married Sidnej^ Stevens, of Beardstown, Cass County. John is superintendent of a vineyard in Tulare, Cal. Charles is a com- positor on the Boston Daily Post. Mark is in the chief dispatcher's office, Rio Grande & Western Railroad, at Schofield, Utah Territory. The three younger are students. ■JI^OSIAH FRY has since the spring of 1891 been living a retired life in West Dixon. Long years did he follow farming and by close application to his business in that line and in other directions he acquired a handsome competence which now enables him to retire from active life. He was born on the 10th of Decem- ber, 1843, on his 'father '8 farm in Nachusa Town- ship, and is the only son of .Tohn and Mary (Kline- top) Fry. His father was a native of Columbia County, Pa., born April 4, 1813, and was of Ger- man descent. In the county of his nativity the days of his boyhood and 3'oiith were passed and he learned the trade of a carpenter which he fol- lowed for some years. He was a young man, still unmarried, when he came to the West, and located Government land in Xaehusa Township, Lee County, 111. The farm which he there developed continued to be his home until within a few months of his death, when he went to Bremer County. On the 5th of December, 1886, he passed away, leaving a large circle of friends to mourn his loss. In politics he was a Republican and had lived an upright, honorable life, worthy of emulation in many ways. Mrs. Fry, the mother of our subject, was born and reared in Colum- bia County, Pa., and when a young lady be- came a resident of Lee County. She died at her home in Nachusa Township, May 20, 1870, in the faith of the Lutheran Church, in which she had been a member for some years. Her parents were of German descent and resided in the Keystone State throughout their lives. No event of special importance occurred 'during the childhood of our -subject. In the usual routine of farm life the days of his boyhood and youth were passed and for some years after attaining his majority he followed the occupation to which he was reared. At length he determined to engage in other pursuits, and in 1872 came to Dixon where he entered into the coal business, which he carried on for thirteen years, or until 1885. In the mean- time he also dealt in ice, continuing his operations in that line of trade for six years. In 1885 he returned to his hbme in Nachusa Township, and there resided until the spring of 1891, when, as before stated, he came to Dixon, locating perma- nently in this city. He still owns his farm, a highly improved tract of land of one hundred and sixty acres, situated on section 24, Nachusa Township, which adds materially to his income. The lady who is now Mrs. Fry bore the maiden name of Mary C. Stetler. On the 12th of Octo- ber, 1846, she was born in Columbia County, Pa., unto Samuel and Mary E. Stetler, both of whom were natives of the Keystone State, where theii- childhood was passed and their marriage celebrated. Mrs. Stetler died in her native State, while Mr.. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 435 Stetler came to Illinois and subsequently removed to Cass County, Iowa, where he is yet living. Af- ter her mother's death, Mrs. Fr}- was reared chiefly by strangere. To her husband she has proved a faithful helpmate and their union has been blessed with eight children, seven of whom are yet living. John E., the eldest, wedded Rebecca Boyer and is now operating the old homestead farm; Marj' H, is the wife of Ralph Hendricks, a resident farmer of Bremer County, Iowa; Bert, Anna E., Olive M., Ernest O. and Elsie E. are still under the parental roof. Mr. and Mrs. Fry are people of intelligence and culture who manifest a commendable interest in every thing pertaining to the welfare of the county and the promotion of the best interests of the community, and in Dixon and throughout Lee County have many warm friends who esteem them highly for their sterling worth. Mr. Fry exercises his right of franchise in support of the Re- publican party, with which he has been affiliated for several years. '■ ' ^3- El^ JOSEPH C. BERNARDIN has done well financially since he came to this county in his boyhood, as his diligence, constant ap- plication to his work, and sagacity in con- ducting his affairs have met with due reward, and he is to-day the owner of one of the most desirable farms to be found throughout the length and breadth of Viola Township. * The birth of our subject took place September 6, 1839, in the village of Luxouel,in the Department of Vesoul, France. His parents, Peter and Mary (Boffy) Bernardin, were also natives of the sunny land of France. They emigrated to America in 1855, the father coming first to prepare a home for the remainder of the family. He settled in Sciota County, Ohio, and, with his capital of $300, pur- chased two hundred acres of timber land, twelve miles from the town of Portsmouth, paying $L25 an acre for the land. His first work was to build a shanty for a temporary shelter, which he after- ward replaced by a substantial log house. He worked hard to clear his land, and in time placed it under cultivation, and made of it a good farm, upon which he resided until 1870. In that year he came to Lee County, and was a resident of this section until he closed his eyes in death in August, 1889, at a ripe age. His wife survives him and these seven of their children are living: Sophia, Rosalie, Virginia, Joseph C, Sadonie, Alfred and Julius. The subject of this biographical sketch attended school quite steadily until he was twelve years of age, and then he began to assist his father on the farm. The latter came to this country in the spring of 1855, and in the fall of the same year he sent for his wife and children to join him. They jour- neyed by rail to Havre de Grace, and -October 16 embarked on a sailing vessel at that port. Off the coast of England, the ship collided with a war ves- sel, and had to lay by at Plymouth, England, twenty-four days, for repairs. Starting once again on its voyage, it crossed the ocean in safety, and arrived at New Orleans January 12, 1856. The family then went to their destination. by way of the Mississippi River to Cairo, thence to a port on the Ohio River, whence they proceeded by rail to Portsmouth. His father being in limited cir- cumstances, our subject had to assist him in sup- porting the family, and was of great help to him in clearing his land and tilling the soil. He remained a resident of Sciota County until 1870, and then abandoned Ohio and transferred his citizenship to Illinois, settling in this county, and two years later he bought the farm he now owns and occupies. Under his skillful care it is now a well-improved and valuable piece of property, consisting of one bundled and sixty acres of very fertile land, in- cluding the northeast quarter of section 21, Viola Township. Mr. Bernardin was first married April 14, 1866, to Miss Palmyrie Ranje, a native of France. She died in 1874, leaving three children: Mary, Henry and Charles. The second marriage of our subject, which was solemnized January 21, 1877, was with Miss Catherina Barlow, also a native of France. Three children have been born of their union: Julius, Peter and Louisa. In our subject this county has .a faithful, law- 436 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. abiding citizen, who is contributing to its prosper- ity by his skill as a practical, wide-awake tiller of the soil. He and his family are members in high standing of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Brooklyn, and are greatly esteemed in their community for their personal worth. 'I'GUST CHAOX owns and is occupying the homestead on section 31, Viola Town- ship, that formerly belonged to his lather, 1^ the late Xavier Cliaon, a jjractical, suc- cessful farmer and a valuable citizen of this coimtj' until death terminated his useful career. Our subject was born in France, September 8, 1841, and that was also the native land of his father, who was born .Tanuary 6, 1814. He spent the early part of his life in that country, but ambitious to try his fortunes on American soil, in 1848 he started with his wife and three children on the long and momentous journey hither. A stage convej'ed the little family to Havre in three weeks' time, and from that port they set sail in February in a ship bound for New Orleans, where they landed after a voyage of sixty-eight days. From the Crescent Citj' they went on the waters of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers to Portsmouth, Ohio, and upon their arrival i\Ir. Chaon was en- .tirely out of mone}-. He lirst rented a house near that town, and after borrowing money of his brother-in-law for his family to subsist on while he was away, went forth in search of employment. He walked to an iron furnace tweutv-fovu' miles distant, and there secured work at fifty cents a day. He returned to his family in six weeks with the money thus earned, but only to make them a short visit, as he continued to work at the furnace for two or three ye&vs. He was extremely industrious and economical, and finally had enongli money accumulated to buy a tract of twenty acres of land eight miles from Portsmouth, ten acres of which were cleared and the remainder was heavily tembered. He built a log house on the place for a dwelling for his family, and his wife and children tilled the soil and cleared the land while for sometime he continued to work out. He bought other land at different times until he had one hundred acres in his possession. hi 1865 the father of our subject sold his prop- erty in Ohio, and coming to Lee County, bought the quarter section in Viola Township, which now belongs to his son of whom we write, and upon which he makes his home. He had but ten dollars in ready money to make a cash payment, as he had used the rest of his money to buy a team, farming machinery, etc. But he went to work with characteristic energy and good courage, and so suc- cessful was he in his agricultural operations that in four years' time he had his farm entirely paid for, and afterward accumulated an extensive and valuable propert_)-, including four hundred and thirty acres of land, the greater part of which was tillable. Both he and his wife died on the home farm. Her maiden name was Josephine Debeau, and she was likewise a native of France. They reared five children — August, Mattie, Olamp. Joseph and Charles. A bright lad of seven years when he left the lair land of his birth, our subject still retains pleasant recollections of his old home, and can recall incidents of that ever memorable ocean voy- age that brought the family to a strange country. His parents being in such limited circumstances, he had not the advantages afforded the children of the present day for obtaining a good education, for his services were early needed on the farm that he helped to hew from the forests of Ohio. Coming of a people noted for their industrious and frvigal habits, he inherited those traits so es- sential oftentimes to prosperity, and these have given him success in his chosen calling. He has always devoted himself to agricultural pursuits, and on the old homestead, which is now his, he obtains a good yearly income from his fine harvests and from the sale of his sleek, well-kept stock. Everything about his place shows that he is an excellent farmer, and here he and his wife have a cozy home, wherein they enjoy true comfort. A view of their residence appears on another page. Mrs. Chaon s name in her maiden days was Mary ^'enson. She was born in Alsace, before the the war, which then belonged to Fraace, and there RESIDENCE OF AUGUST CHAON , SEC. 31. , VIOLA IP., LEE CO. , I LL . RESIDENCE OF J. J BURGER, SEC . 18., PALMYRA TR,LEE CO. .ILL. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 439 her parents still reside. Her marriage with our subject was solemnized August 27, 1882, and has been blessed to them by these six children — Xavier, .Tosephine, Emma, August, Mary and Ella. The family are all members of the Catholic Church, and our subject and his wife are greatly esteemed in their community for their personal worth. -^^ ^ ESSE JEREMIAH BURGER, a practical and enterprising farmer and stock-raiser living on section 18, Palmyra Township, is num- bered afnong the settlers of 1855, and in the j'ears that have since come and gone he has been prominently identified with the history of the community, especially ia the line of its growtli and development. "We are pleased to present this record of his life to our readers, for he is both widely and favorably known in Lee County. A native of Pennsylvania, Mr. Burger was born in Franklin Township, Columbia County, December 5, 1839. Tradition says that the family is of Ger- man origin. Abraham Burger, the grandfather of our subject, lived and died in the Keystone State, his death occurring at the age of eighty-seven years. By trade he was a carpenter but after hav- ing followed that occupation for many years he gave his attention to agricultural pursuits. His son, Isaac Burger, the father of our subject, was also a native of the Keystone State, and in Columbia County learned the carpenter's trade, whicli he made t^lie means of obtaining a livelihood until failing health caused him to abandon that pursuit and embark in farming. While residing in the East, Isaac Burger was for seveu years a bugler in the Pennsylvania State Militia, of Philadelphia, his superior musical talent well fitting him to thus serve. He married Miss Sarah Mensch, also a native of Columbia County, and in the spring of 1855, we find them established in their new home in Palmyra Township, Lee County, 111. A year later Mr. Burger purchased a farm in .Jordan Township, Whiteside County, where they continued to reside until called to the home beyond. The death of the father occurred April 10, 1888, at the age of seventy- eight years and Mrs. Burger died August 29, 1888, aged seventy-four years. In religious belief they were Lutherans. The family of this worthy couple numbered ten children, the eldest of whom is our • subject. Three sons and four daughters are yet living and all are farming j)eople. Jesse Jeremiah Burger was a youth of sixteen years when he came to this county. His father received the benefit of his labors until 1863, when he started out in life on his own account. Two years later he purchased the farm upon which he yet resides. The pride of Illinois is in her fine farms and among the best of these is classed the home of our subject. He now owns eighty acres of rich land and in return for his care and culti- vation it yields to him a golden tribute. The im- piovements, both useful and ornamental, are many and the work of his own hands. In 1884, he built one of the largest barns in this locality and in 1887, erected his fine residence which is taste- fully furnished and supplied with all the require- ments of life, and a view of which appears else- where in this volume. As a companion and helpmate on life's journey Mr. Burger chose Miss Anna Schick, wlio was born in the City of Brotherly Love, and when three months old was brought to this county by her parents, Mathias and Elizabeth (Obrist) Schick. Her father was a native of Germany, who, at the age of eighteen years, bade good-by to the P'ather- land and crossed the Atlantic to America, locating in Philadelphia, Pa. There he followed the trade of blacksmithing, which he had learned prior to emigration. Three children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Schick in the East, after which, ia 1842, they sought a home in Illinois, and in Prairieville the husband established a smithy. Later he en- gaged in farming in Lee and Whiteside Counties, but his death occurred in Palmyra Township in 1888, when seventy-five years of age. His wife had died thirteen years previous in the faith of the Lutheran Church, with which Mr. Schick also held membership. Mr. Burger exercises his right of franchise iu sup- port of Democratic principles, but lias never sought 440 POETRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. or desired iniblic office. Unto himself and wife was born one child, Mary, but she was called home at the age of two years and seven months. The home of this worthy couple is the abode of hos- pitality and their friends throughout the com- •ni unity are many. IMERY L. THORP is one of the principal farmers and stock-raisers in Alto Township, where he has extensive farming and stock interests, and he is also a leader in the public life of the county as a member of the Board of Super- visors. He is a native of Illinois, coming of one of the pioneer families of the Northern part of the State, and he was born in Little Rock Township, Kendall County, January 30, 1H.59. Ilis father, Henry Thorp, a retired farmer of De Kalb County, was born in the State of New York, and his father, Leonard Thorpe, a native of tlie same State, of which he was a resident until 1840, when he came to Illinois. He made the journey on the lakes to Chicago, which was then but a small, swampy set- tlement,and he found Northern Illinois but sparsely inhabited. There were no railways or other means of transportation, save by team. 'Sir. Thorp started out from the future "World's Fair City" on foot to explore the country to seek a location that suited him. He finally selected a tract of land in Big Grove, Kane County, and for a few years was identified with the early settlers of that sec- tion. He removed from there to Kendall County, and was activelj- engaged in agriculture there for a number of years. He finally retired from active business to the town of Piano, where he passed away at a ripe age. The maiden name of his wife was Miller. The father of our subject was very young when he accompanied his parents to their pioneer home in this State. He was reared to the life of a farmer, and carried on that occupation in Kendall County until 1861. In that year he bought land in So- manauk Township, De Kalb County, and for thirtv years was a prominent farmei' in that locality. He accumulated a comfortable property by his opera- tions, and in 1891 retired from active work to en- joy it at his leisure. In early manhood he was married to Belinda Loomis, a native of New York, who has been an important factor in his prosperity. They have reared three sons, of whom our subject is the eldest, Leonard and Lyman the names of the others. He of whom these lines are written received a substantial education in the local district school of Somanauk Township and in the village schools of Somanauk and Piano. He made his home with his parents until his marriage, and on his father's farm was well trained in all the branches of agriculture. He rented a farm tlie first year of his marriage, and then located on the farm where he has since re- sided, including the southwest quarter of section 11, Alto Township. In 1888 he bought the south- east quarter of section 10, of the same township, and has a farm that is comparable with the best in this section in regard to cultivation and appoint- ments. It isadmirablj' adapted to general farming purposes, and is well stocked with cattle, hoi-ses and swine of the finest grades. He is extensively engaged in breeding thorough-bred Hereford cat- tle, Clyde and Norman horses and Poland-China liogs, and is meeting with marked success in his stock business. ;Mr. Thorp has proved a very useful acquisition to the citizensliip of the county since he took up his abode here, his intelligence and competence as a farmer making him a valuable assistant in main- taining and extending the most important of the industries of this region, and his clear head and excellent business qualifications fitting him for the public service in which be has been engaged for some time, as he is now filling his second term as a member of the Countj^ Board of Supervisors, representing Alto Township. His political views find exiiression m tlie principles of the Republican party, of which he is a stanch supporter. December 25, 1879, was the date of a most im- portant event in the life of our subject, as he was then married to Miss Emma Clark. They have three children : Roy, Joh n and Lester. Mrs. Thorp is also a native of this State, and a daughter of one of- the pioneer families of Northern Illinois. So- manauk, De Kalb County, is the place of her birth, PORTRAIT AND EIOGRAPinC^AL RECORD. 441 and she was born September 30, 1860. She is a daughter of Isl-ael Clark, a rutired farmer of that county. He was born in Haddam, Conn., and his father, George Clark, was a native of the same State. He came to Northern Illinois in pioneer times, and was one of the early settlers of De Kalb County, taking up a tract of Government land nearSomanauk, and spending the remainder of his life on the farm that he improved from the wil- derness. Israel Clark came from his native State, where his life had been passed up to that time, to Illinois in 1842, traveling by canal and lakes to Chicago, and thence making his way to Somanauk. At that time but few settlements had been made in North- ern Illinois and the most of tlie land was owned by the Government. He has lived to see the country well populated, and beautiful farms and liusy towns where he found but few indications of civilization. He was at that time unmarried, and he worked out for awhile. But he soon bought land five miles from Somanauk, and in the course of time developed it into a good farm, upon which he resided many years. He finally sold it, and buy- ing a home one mile from the village, now lives re- tired, in the serene enjoyment of his property. ' At his country's call he served three and a half years in the late war. The maiden name of his wife was Cornelia Potter. She was born in the State of New York, a daughter of Charles and Dinah (Miller) Potter. They are the parents of four children : Georgine, Naomi, Emma and Nellie. ■^-^=®. m>-w^wn of Franklin Grove to establish the first store here on the present business site of the village. He did a general mercantile business until 1870, and then sold out, but again engaged in business in 1873, carrying it on until he disposed of his establish- ment and stock in, trade in 1886. He had for sev- eral years been engaged in other financial trans- actions, although he made his start as a merchant, selling more goods when in that line than any other firm in Franklin Grove, and when he gave that up he turned his attention to a private banking business which finally led to the organization of the P>ank- lin Grove Bank in 1889, with a capital stock of $25,000. Tliis is one of the solid monetary insti- tutions of the county, and richly deserves its rep- utation for stability and safety, as its management is prudent and conservative, and at the same time is by no means lacking in a proper spirit of enter. 442 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRArHICAL RECORD. prise that has made the bank a useful factor in de- veloping the interests of tliis section of the State. Mr. Diu'lies' career is illustrative of the fact that he is au excellent financier, as when he began life as a clerk all the mone^' that he could call his own was his monthly salary- of ^10, and he is now com- paratively wealth^'. He is possessed of a large amount of real estate in Iowa, and has, besides his commodious residence with its pleasant and well- ordered surroundings, and other valuable property in Franklin Grove, a good farm of two hundred acres near the town. He is a judicious investor, a cool and close calculator, but his liberal use of his money where it will do the most good is sufficient proof that he does not hoard it for tiie further- ance of private and selSsh ends. He has been ad- ministrator for various estates, having the care of one large estate for fifteen years, and so well did he handle the money, loaning it in sums ranging from 150 to $5,000, and nearly all on personal se- curity, that he never lost a cent belonging to this estate. Mr. Durkes was married in 1854 to Miss Eliza .]. Fleming, a native of Pennsylvania. She died in 1855, leaving one child, who died in infancy. Our subject was married a second time in 1858, taking as his wife Miss Mary E. Jones, a native of Canada and a daughter of Augustus and Mary Jones. They have had live children: Ida E.,wife of Dr. H. M. Hewitt; Augustus P., a merchant of Erie, Whiteside County; Warren C, cashier of the Franklin Grove Bank; Stelzer A., and Kittie, who died in childhood. One can say but little about the village of Franklin Grove without connegting the name of our subject therewith as its leading citizen, who has done as much or more than any other man to advance its interests in every direction and make it an attractive and desirable place of residence. He has taken an active part in local government as President of the Village Board and in other official capacities. He drafted the first chart and laws of the village, and its effective drainage sys- tem is due to his energetic influence while a mem- ber of the Council. He is pleasant and kindlj' in his manners, and hi^ personal habits are above re- proach. He has always been a standi lemperanct^ man, and is an earnest advocate of whatever will elevate the social life of the community. He is a man of religious convictions, and still leans toward the faith of the German Reformed Church in which he was reared. His family, however, are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he contributes generously for its support. He is identified with the Masonic fraternity as a charter member of the Franklin Grove Lodge. In politics he began as a Republican, but in 1872 he saw cause for changing his views, and since then has been a loyal Democrat, his fidelity to his party be- ing rewarded during Cleveland's admistration by the Postmastership at Franklin Grove. ^t^x ROF. GEORGE H. NOBLE,who is successfully conducting a livery business in the village of Compton, is one of the native-born citi- r^ zens of Lee County, who now form so im- portant an element in the maintenance of its prosperity. His birthplace is Amboy Township, and March 27, 1859, the date <>t his birth. His father,Charles Noble, formerlj- a well-known farmer of this section was born in Whitehall, Washington County, N. Y., while his father, whose name was the same as his own, was a native of Massachu- setts. During some period of his life he removed from the old Bay State to the Empire State, and became the proprietor of a farm' in Whitehall, where he passed the remainder of his life. The maiden name of his wife was Anna Waters, and she, too, died on the home farm in Whitehall. The father of our subject was reared and edu- cated in his native State, of which he remained a resident until 1855, and in the meantime he learned the art of daguerreotyping. In the year mentioned,he came to Illinois, and became a pioneer farmer of what is now Amboy Township. He remained on his farm but one year, however, as the climate did not agree with his family, and he removed with them to Minnesota, going by teams to the Missis- sippi, and then liy boat to Winona. He entered a tract of (Tuvcrnment land near that city, lived PORTRAIT AXD BTOGRAPIITCAL RECORD. 413 there about two years, and then returned to his homestead in Aniboy Township. He made that his home until death closed his honorable career, March 26, 1880, devoting himself to its improve- ment. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Eliza H. Ilolcomb. She was born in Dresden, Washington County-, N. Y., a davighter of James and Olive Holcomb. She married a second time, becoming the wife of Edward Mackin, and still occupies the home farm. Our subject was one of nine children, and the names of his brother and sisters are a,> follows: Mariette, Ann Eliza, Julia, Charles, James, Joseph- ine (twin sister of our subject), Bowman and Hiram. George H. Noble received his early education in the district schools, and advanced by attendance at Phillips' private academy at Amboy, and Dixon Business College. In September, 1876, he went to Kansas, and was employed on a farm in the summer and attended school in the winter during his stay in that State. He resided in Dickinson, Saline and McPherson Counties two and a half years, and then, returning home, attended Phillips' Academy, where he pursued a thorough course of study. In the fall of 1881 he entered the pro- fession of teacher, for which he was amply quali- fied, and in the years that he devoted to that Tocation he won a high reputation for his manifest talent for imparting knowledge, and for the ex- cellence of his methods of teaching. He taught two years, and tiien entered Dixon Business Col- lege, where he obtained higii rank for general pro- ficiency in his studies, and while a student taught a class in German during the absence of Professor Sickles. At the close of his term at the business college. Prof. Noble resumed teaching in the public schools, and continued his professional career until June, 1891, being principal of the Compton School tlio last three years of that time. In the fall of 1890 he established himself in the livery business, in which he still continues. He has a well-equipped stable and is well patronized by the traveling pub- lic. The Professor is a highly intelligent, well-in- formed young man, whose active mind has been well trained, and he stands high in the citizenship of his native county. He is a member of Brook- lyn Lodge, No. 282, A. E. & A. M.; Anchor Lodge I. O. O. F., No. 510, at Paw Paw, and is popular in social circles. Prof. Noble was married June 20, 1889, to Miss Josephine Atkinson, a native of Brooklyn Town- ship, and a daughter of the late William Atkinson, who was a prominent pioneer and well-known citi- zen of Lee County. Her father was born in County Armagh, Ireland, in December, 1806. He was in his sixteenth year when he embarked on board the good ship "Betsy Jane," bound for St. John,N. B., where he was met by two older brothers who had preceded him to America. He attended school in that city two years, and then news of his mother's death was received, and his brothers returning to their old liome across the sea, he never saw any of the family again. He engaged in lumbering in the New Brunswick forests a few years, and subse- quently tried the mercantile business a short time. He finally came to the States, and from New Hamp- shire made his way to Cairo, 111. For a time he made trips up and down the Ohio from tha^ point, but attacks of fever and ague obliged him to seek other quarters. Wo next hear of him at Ross's Grove, whence he removed to Inlet, and found employment in Dewey's saw-mill. In 1843 Mr. Atkinson took unto himself a wife, in tlie person of Mrs. Mary Ross Melugin, a native of A'irginia, and a daughter of Joseph and Jane (Eaton) Ross, and widow of Zachariah Melugin. Her father died January 31, 1888, and her mother April 13, 1880, both living to be very old. Four of the eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Atkin- son are living, namel}': William, Martha E., Anna and Josephine. Shortly after his marriage, Mr. Atkinson bought the homestead in Brooklyn Township of the Gov- ernment, and there he and his wife passed the most of their wedded life, though at two different times they were residents of Mendota, once for a j-ear, and again for three years, and Mr. Atkinson was at one time prominent in the civic life of that city as a member of the City Council. He was very successful in his business operations, as he invested his money judiciously, and became one of the rich men of the county. He was a man of broad views, of untiring energy, and was fond of 444 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. traveling. He watched with keen interest the progress of the war, and after the battle of Mnr- freesboro was fought he visited the scene of the conflict. He attended the Centennial Exhibition at Philadelphia and the Cotton Exposition at New Orleans. He was a man of genial, frank, straight- forward nature, was generous and hospitable, and had many close friends who mourned his death, which was a loss to the community. He had done much for the upbuilding of the county, and his name will always be associated with its h^sto^3^ He was a member of Bethany C'hapter, K. T., and was active in forwarding the interests of that organization, as well as of all things which would in any way benefit the community. , IDNEY BEACH, who resides on section 34, Lee Countj', was born in Delaware County, Ohio, December 6, 1827. His parents, Is- rael and Rhoda (Lockwood) Beach, were natives of New Jersey, but removed to Delaware County, Ohio, where tbey reared their family of eleven children, and where they died. Our subject is the ninth in order of birth in the parental familj', and lived in his native county until he was fifteen years old, when he came to Ogle County, this State, and engaged in farming on his own account for three years; he then returned to Ohio, where he remained for three years, being emploj'ed most of the time in assisting his father upon the farm. After remaining there for some three years, during which time he was engaged in breaking prairie and in dealing in cattle, he again returned to Delaware County, this time remaining about a year and a half, and was there united in marriage January 8, 1856, to Miss Sarah Vande- mark, daughter of Daniel and Anna (Kidney) Yan- demark. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania, whence they removed to Delaware County, where they died. Mrs. Beach was the second in order of birth of their three children, her birth taking place in Delaware County, December 31, 1838. Aftei- his marriage Mr. Beach returned with his wife to Lee County, where thej- settled in Ashton Township, and have since resided. Mr. Beach has always been engaged in farming and stock-raising, and lias dealt quite extensively in land, of which he owns between five and six hundred acres. Mr. and Mrs. Beach are the parents of three children: Clement, who married Miss Flora Thompson; Jes- sie C, who is the wife of J. C. Edwards; and Sidney E. Mr. Beach is a Republican in politics, and with his wife is a member of the Free Methodist Church. He is well known as a public-spirited, enterprising man, prominent in all the interests of his township and county, and his wife is highly esteemed as a refined and intellectual woman. -2S3:i£® |j|^..|^|i ARTIN DETRICK is an able, enterprising farmer, who has acquired a handsome property by his good management of his affairs and intelligent method of farming, and Nelson Township, where his agricultural in- terests are centered on section 32, classes him among her best citizens. He was born December 7, 1833, in Monroe County, Pa., whence his par- ents removed when he was a year old to what is now Meshoppen Township, in Wyoming County, the same State, where his father, Jacob Detrick, began life anew on a tract of one hundred acres of heavily timbered land, beautifully located on the banks of the lovely Susquehanna River. He hewed out a good farm from the primeval forests and lived there for fifty years, his death occur- ring on the old homestead December 11,1890, when he was eighty-one years and five days old. He was born in Northumberland County, coming of Holland ancestry, and a son of Elias Detrick, who also claimed Pennsylvania as his native State, and died there in Monroe County on a farm when he was seventy years of age. His wife, who was likewise a Pennsylvanian by birth, died there when past ninety-two years old. She was the mother of seventeen children, who were nearly all boys and lived to grow up and marry, all but one, and the most of them died full of years. The famil}', as a rule, were members of the Lutheran Church. POETKAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL KEC'ORD. -1-1 The father of our subject was married in Mon- roe County to Miss Slargaret Rowe, who had been there born and bred, and wn.s of old Pennsyl- vania-Dutch stock. She died in AVyoming County in 1852, when she was but thirty-seven years of age, and was greatly mourned by her family and neighbors, as she was a woman of rare character. Both she and her husband were devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was known as a man of remarkable physique, of an iron will and great tenacity of purpose, and he was a great worker. Our subject is the eldest of ten children, four sons and six daughters, three of the sons dying when quite young and one of the daughters when forty years of age, and he and his five sisters are the surviving members of the family. He was not quite of age when he came to this county in 1854, but he had inherited in a good degree the manliness, decision of character and persistent ambition that distinguished his father, and he was well able to struggle with the hardships that lay before him in the new and untried life upon which he was about to enter with not a dollar to his name. He began here as a laborer, and later rented land for six years in Palmyra Township before he purchased his first eighty acres of land in 1864. He improved a part of that, and lias bought other land since, so that he has a valuable farm of two hundred and forty acres, which is under a high state of cultivation, is provided with neat and well-arranged buildings, and is fully stocked with cattle, horses and swine of fine breeds. To the amiable wife whc) has shared his for- tunes and ably presides over their home, Mr. Detrick was united in marriage in Wyoming County, his native State, January 11, 1860. Mrs. Detrick, who in her maiden daj^s was Rachel At- kinson, was born in that pai't of Pennsylvania in August, 1833. Her parents were George and Lu- cinda (Russell) Atkinson, who died on their old homestead in Wyoming County, wiiere they had passed their wedded life and had improved a good farm, death coming to them when they were very old. Mr. Atkinson was a native of England, and coming to the tfnited States when a young man married his wife in Pennsylvania, which was her native State, she having been born in Wyoming County of Connecticut stock. They were promi- nent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, which he served for some years as a local preacher in Wyoming County. He was known as a man of strong character, who was very decided when he knew he was in the right. Mr. and Mrs. Detrick are the parents of four children, of whom one is deceased, Lydia, who died in August, 1877, at the age of six years. Those living are George A., who married Miss Lizzie Taylor and makes his home on a farm in this township, his business being to operate ma- chines and deal in grain and h.ay; Myron H., a very fine draughtsman and skilled machinist, a thorough student in his line, who represents the Babcock & Wilcox Boiler Company, of New York Cit3', with headquarters at Chicago, 111., mar- ried Miss Ida Davis, of Sterling, 111.; and Mary L., wife of William G. Hartshorn, the operator at Dixon for the Illinois Central Railway Company. Mr. Detrick is a man of large, round-about com- mon-sense and excellent business tact, whose ster- ling qualities of head and heart command the respect of all with whom he has financial dealings, and has won many sincere friends during the many years that he has made Nelson Township his home. In politics, he is a Republican of the first water. He has held the local offices of High- way Commissioner, etc., and is the present Justice of the Peace of this township, with whose inter- ests his own are so closely linked, and public spirit has always characterized the administration of his official duUes. WILLIAM H. ANDERSON. The native- born citizens of Lee County have in Wil- liam H. Anderson one of the finest repre- sentatives of their class. He is a young man of marked enterprise and business capacity, and is one Of the most extensive farmers and stock-rais- ers in East Grove Township, where he makes his 446 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. home on the old horaeste.id in the house in whicli his birth occurred Marcli 8, 1857. Our subject is the son of Fcnwick Anderson, who was born in 1818 and was one of the foremost and most successful of the pioneers of this part of tlie county, who did much to encourage its growth, and is now living in retirement in the village of Ohio, in the adjoining county of Bureau, enjoying the wealth that he accumulated in former years, and looking after his property, lie is a native of Scotland, but his parents, who were also natives of that country, emigrated to Canada when lie was young, and settled on a farm near Ayr. Of his brothers it is recorded that Robert came to Illinois and died in Lee County; Fergus still lives on the family homestead in Canada; and William is in Australia. Fenwick Anderson grew to a vigorous manhood under the pioneer influences of the Canadian settlement in which his parents located when they came to America. After he had attained his major- itj, he crossed the border line between tlie Queens dominion and the United States into New York, whence he subsequently came to Illinois in the early years of the settlement of this northern part of the State, and stayed awhile in Ogle County. He there met and married .lanette Peake, a native of Vermont, and to them have been born thirteen children, of whom these ten grew to manhood and womanhood: Alice, wife of William Balcom; Fen- wick; William XL; Frank; Albert; Emma; Fergns; Hettie, wife of John Neiss; George and Charter. When Mr. Anderson first made his appearance in this State the country in these parts was but thinly inhabited by whites and the Indians still lingered around their old hunting grounds. He used to encounter them frequentlj^, and once met and talked to the noted chief, Black Hawk. Mr. Anderson decided to locate permanently in Lee County, and selected a suitable site for his future home on section 34, East Grove Township. He erected a log cabin and commenced to till the soil, and later manufactured brick on his own farm and built a substantial residence of that material. He prospered exceedingly, and in time became one of the wealthy men of the county, as he was suc- cessful in everything he undertook. He at one time owned about a thousand acres of land, and still retains seven hundred acres. He was an ex- tensive stock-raiser for many years, and he man- aged Jiis large farming interests until 1887, when he removed to Ohio, in Bureau County, two miles from his farm, and is living retired. An idle life would by no means suit a man of his active tem- perament, and as his health is good and he still re- tains much of his physical vigor, he dailj' rides on horseback, chops wood, splits posts, or does any work that he desires to accomplish. He is a man of sterling worth and generous nature, and holds a warm place in the hearts of many whom he has befriended. In the early days of the settlement of the country many a man who came here burdened by a heritage of poverty owes to him a start in Hf e, as he used to furnish such settlers with team, wagon and seed-grain, allowing them to pay fori he same when convenient. He was prominent in public life as Supervisor and Justice of the Peace for man\' years, and in him the Republican party has had one of the most stanch supporters, who has ad- vocated its principles since the early days of its organization. William II. Anderson was reared on the farm that is still his home, and received a common- school education. He earlj- evinced a taste for agriculture, and is now successfully engaged in large farming operations, having live hundred acres of land under his management. He has every convenience for conducting his work after the most approved methods, and his pastures are well stocked with cattle and horses of the best breeds. He is bright, prompt and alert, keeping pace with the times in all things, and, besides being a thorough-going farmer, has a record as a public official, as he has been a School Director, and has represented his township on the County Board of Supervisors. In politics, he, too, like his father, is a Republican to the heart's core. We should leave this review of the life of our subject incomplete did we not refer to his marriage and to his household. In January, 1883, he was married to Miss KateO'Neil, a daughter of Thomas and IMary O'Neil. She is a native of Philadel- phia, Pa., and her parents are now well-known res- idents of the village of Ohio in Bureau County. j-^ t . XCc^^ PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 449 j\lr. and JSIi's. Anderson have a home that is attract- ive in its appointments and surroundings, and three children complete their pleasant family cir- cle, whom they have named William F.. Seth and Nettie. 4^ ^ ()EV. .TOHN E. HART, who is well known as an evangelist and an active minister in the <4i \\\ United Brethren Church, and is an influence for much good in this community, is also connected with the agricultural life of this county as a practical farmer, having a good farm on sec- tion 11, South Dixon Township, which he has im- proved and made a pleasant home. His native place is in Erie County, Pa., and November 19, 1833, is the date of his birth, his parents being Chauncey and Magdalena (Somes) Hart. The father of our subject was born in Connecti- cut of New England parents, and came of the original Yankee stock. In early life he was a farmer and a brewer, and when a young man he worked in a brewery in Rochester, N. Y., where he lived until past the meridian of life. He then removed to Pennsj'lvania, and followed farming ill that State a number of years. When an old man he came to Illinois in 1866, and settled on a small farm in Nachusa Township. He did not live long in his new home, as death claimed him eighteen months later, in the early part of 1868, he being then seventy-five years of age. He was an honest, hard-working man of unblemished character., and left behind him an honorable life record. In early years he was a Whig, but trans- ferred his allegiance to the Republican party after its formation. A man of true piety, he was an al- most life-long member of the Methodist Episco- pal Church, dying firm in the faith. His widow survived him a few years, and then passed away in Chenango County, at the age of seventy-seven. She was a noble woman and a sincere Methodist in religion. Our subject was one of eleven children, of whom seven are yet living. He was five years old when his parents removed from his birthplace 21 to A'enango County, in the same State, and he lived then' until he came to Illinois in 186,5. He began to farm in Dixon Township, and in 1873 purchased his present home in South Dixon Town- ship. He has devoted all his spare time to its improvement, has its ninety-five and one-half acres under excellent tillage, has erected a good set of buildings, and has a neat and orderly place that' adds much to the attractiveness of this por- tion of the township. It is not merely as a tiller of the soil, however, that our reverend subject has won for himself an enduring place among our most honored citizens, but also by his earnest work as a preacher of the Gospel. He h.is been a local minister in the United Brethren Church for many years, and for the past six years has been regularly licensed. He has become quite widely known in his church as an evangelist of much power, who is very success- ful in bringing in recruits to the church, and his services arc often sought. He is a man of true Christian spirit, has an ardent love for his sacred calling, and puts his whole soul into the work. He is not onlj- a great worker in the church, but also in the Sunday-school, and has been very active in building up these nurseries of tlie church, as he believes that in them a child often lays the foun- dation of a high moral and Christian character. He is Superintendent of the Sunday-school con- nected with his church in this town, and under his fostering care it is growing in strength and numbers. All good causes find in him a cham- pion, and especially is lie interested in the great temperance movement, believing firmly in legisla- tion to eradicate the evil, and adhering to prohi- bition in politics. The Rev. Mr. Hart was first married in A'enango County, Pa., to Miss Catlierine Best, who was born in Pennsylvania but was reared in the State of New York, returning to her native State to marry. She accompanied her husband to the new home ill Lee County, but was not destined to "share it with liim long, as she died one month after their arrival in 1865, aged thirty years. She left five children, namely: Alice, who died at the age of nineteen, Alsa, who married Charles Boss- meyer, and died at the age of thirty-four, her hus- 450 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRArHICAL RECORD. band being' nho now deceased; Clinuiicey, a farmer in South Dixon, who married Ida Uhl; Mary, who died at the age of twenty years; and Hora- tio, who died in childhood. Our subject was a second time married in this county, Mrs. Sarah M. Beaty, nee Brink, becoming his wife. She was a native of the State of New York, and came to Illi- nois in her girlhood. She married Frank Beaty, who enlisted in a Venango County, Pa., regiment during the late war and saerified his life while yet it was in his prime for his country, dying of some disease contracted while in the army. Mrs. Hart is a member of the United Brethren Church, heart- ily sympathizes with her husband in his work, and aids him by her co-operation. In connection with this sketch may be found a lithographic portrait of Mr. Hart. I^ANIEL M. HARRIS and his good wife are I Jl ^^^^ known and honored throughout Lee Js*^ County as among the oldest settlers now living within its borders. Thej' were pioneers of Wyoming Township, coming here many years ago in their early married life to improve a farm from the virgin soil and make a hom& in the wilder- ness. Thej' are now comfortably and happily passing their declining years amid the scenes of their early toils, and are well fortified against want by the fruits of their united labors. Mr. Harris was born in the town of Summer Hill, Cayuga County, N. Y., July 9, 1825. His fathei-, also named Daniel, was a native of New Hamp- shire, born in the town of Richmond, April 12, 1794. He was a son of Joseph Harris, who is sup- posed to have been a native of New England. He was a farmer and spent the last years of his life in Vermont. The maideu name of his wife was Martha Mason. She was born April 2, 1767. The father of our subject was reared in Vermont, and after marriage moved from there to Summel- Hill, Cayuga County, N. Y., where he boug ht a tract of timber land, and hewed a farm from the forest wilds. About an acre of his land was cleared and the rest was covered with a dense growth of tim- ber, through which deer and other kinds of game roamed at will. A log house stood on the place at the time of purchase, which he afterward replaced by a good set of frame buildings. The original dwelling, which was the birthplace of our subject, was a rude structure, without glass in the windows, the light being admitted through greased paper. They found their way to their new home by blazed trees. There were no railways in that part of the country for years, no markets, and there was but little money in circulation. Standing timber was of but little value, and large logs were piled together and burned to get them out of the way, the ashes being carefullj' gather.ed together and traded at the stores for supplies. The mother of our subject used to card, spin and weave all the cloth in use by the family for years, making linen cloth with which to clothe the family in summer, and cloth of wool for winter wear. The father of our subject had the assistance of his children in the pioneer task of clearing his farm, and he re- sided on it until they were grown. He then sold it and bought a smaller place in the same county, where he made his home during the remainder of his mortal existence, his death occurring June 26, 1861. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Miriam Page, and she was born in Coopers- town, N. Y., March 27, 1798. She spent many of her last years with our subject, but her death finally took place at the home of her son, Parker M., at Paw Paw, October 29, 1886, at a venerable age. She was the mother of ten children ; of these seven grew to maturity: Luther R., Alfred, Daniel M., Mary A., James, Martha E., and Parker M. Parker M., Daniel and Martha are the only sur- vivors of the family. The latter is the wife of Charles Jones, of whom a sketch appears on another page of this volume. Our subject attended the early schools of his native county, and assisted his father on the farm during his boyhood. He lived with his parents until 1846, and then paid a visit to Lee County, at which time he entered a tract of Government land on sections 8 and 5, of what is now Wyoming Township. Returning in a short time to Cayuga County, he resumed work on his father's farm. PORTRAIT AND BlOGRAPfflCAL RECORD. 451 In the fall of 1848, he took an important step whereby he secured one of life's choicest blessings, a true wife, in the person of Christie Ann Adaline Carmer, to whom he was wedded on the 29th day of November. She was born in Dry den, Tomp- kins County, N. Y., January 22, 1830. Her father, John Carmer, is thought to have been a native of the same State, and was a son of Abram Carmer. The father of the latter was Isaac Carmer, in early life a resident of New Jersey, but his last years were spent in Dryden, N. Y., in working at his occupation as a farmer, as long as he engaged in active business. His life was prolonged to the remarkable age of one hundred and three years. He was a soldier of the Revolution. Mrs. Harris' grandfather was a farmer, and the last part of his life was passed in Tompkins County. The father of Mrs. Harris was reared on a farm, and adopted farming as his life work, owning and occupying a farm at Dryden, where he died at a ripe age. The maiden name of his wife was lluldah Hart, and she was a. native of New Jersey. In the spring of 1849, our subject came again to Lee County, this time with a view to permanently settling here, and bringing with him his young wife. They started on their momentous journey from their old home to the new with many hopes and fears for the untried future. They journeyed by rail to Buffalo, where they embarked on the Great Lakes for Chicago, whence they went by canal to Ottawa, and from that city to their des- tination in Lee County with a team. After their arrival they occupied one room of William Strader's house until Mr. Harris could build one on his own land. At that time the surrounding country had advanced but little from its original wildness, settlements were few and far between, and the abundance of deer and other game showed that civilization had made but little headwa3r in this region. The pioneers had to go to Chi- cago as the nearest market where they could ob- tain supplies, and in the absence of railways all transportation was done with teams. It was by that means that our subject procured the lumber to build his first house. He has been a resident of Wyoming Township continuously since his arrival here with his wife in that beautiful spring now lying back in the past forty-two years, with the exception of the year and a half that he spent in his native State within that time, and tliree months at Dundee, 111. He has been blessed in his work, and with the cheerful co-operation of his wife has accumulated a comfortable property. But few have such a record for long and faith- ful church-membership as Mr. and Mrs. Harris. They both united with the Baptist Church in their native State when very young, he being ten years old and she twelve at the time of their admission, and for more than sixty years they have been true to the religious vows made in their childhood. Their marriage has been blessed with children, of whom they hf^ve three: William Arthur, who married Mary Wheat for his first wife, who died leaving one child, and his second marriage was with Maude Manwaring, and they have four children living; Evart M., the second son, who married Mattie Monteith, and they have four children; and Dale Eugene, who married Katie Sayres, and they have four children. V. ♦^♦^» ELIAS BOVEY, an extensive lumber dealer of Dixon, claims Maryland as the State of /- his nativity, his birth having occurred in Washington County on the 19th of June, 1838. His father, Jacob Bovey,a native of Pennsylvania, was of French and German descent, his ancestors having settled in the Keystone State long years prior to the Revolutionary War. As a farmer and mechanic he grew to manhood and afterwards en- gaged in merchandising. When a young man he accompanied his parents to Maryland, and in that State wedded Delila Kressinger, a native of Vir- ginia, descended from an old Virginian family of German origin. She, too, had gone to Maryland when young. In 1843 Mr. Bovey, accompanied by his wife and four children, started overland with teams to Illinois, having determined to try his fortune on the broad prairies of the new and growing West. South of Mt. Morris he settled and entered two hundred and forty acres of land, and 452 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. also purchased a, partially improved claim. After many years devoted to agricultural pursuits, he was called to his final rest in 1879, at the age of seventy-two years. His wife is now living in Mt. Morris, and although now well advanced in life, the inTirmities of old age do not press heavily upon her. She holds membership with the United Brethren Church, as did her husband. In poli- tics he was a Republican, but never sought politi- cal preferment. Our subject was the second in order of birth in their family of children, six of whom are j'et liv- ing. When a lad of five summers he came to Illi- nois and his early education, acquired in the dis- trict schools of Ogle County, was supplemented by a course of study in Mt. Morris Seminary. Thus was he well fitted for the practical duties of life, and the way in which he has met all obstacles and disadvantages in his path shows that he has the native determination and energy to succeed, what- ever comes. Since 1867 he has resided in Lee County, and in 1872 he embarked in his present business. His location is now on Water Street, and the large stock of lumber which he carries shows that he has an excellent trade. Mr. Bovey is a man of excellent business abilitj', sagacious and far-sighted and by the exercise of correct princi- ples has won prosperity. Mr. Bovey was united in marriage with Jen- nie Buckaloo, a native of this county. Her death occurred in Dixon, at the age of thirty-three years, and a daughter was left to mourn her loss — Emma, who was educated in Dixon and Evanston College, and is now assisting her father in office work. Mr. Bovey was again married in this city, his second union being with Miss Addie Clute, one of Dixon's fair daughters. Her parents, John AV. and Henrietta (Peterson) Clute, early settlers of the county, are now residing in Dixon, where their daughter spent the days of her maidenhood and acquired her education. One child graces the sec- ond marriage — a son, Richard. Mr. Bovey, his wife and children, are all mem- bers l^f the Methodist Church, in which he serves as trastee, class leader and steward. One of its consistent members, he is an active ivorker in the Master's vineyard and takes a deep interest in the growth and upbuilding of the church. To its sup- port he contributes liberally and his efforts in its behalf have proven of much benefit to the society. In politics he is an inflexible adherent of Republi- can principles, having long supported that party. ■ I > i i f 1- ? 1 ' I ' I ' 1 ■^f? AMES L. McGINNIS, who owns and oper- ates a well-improved farm of seventy-three ^-^ acres on section 1, Palmyra Township, that (^/y has been in the possession of the family since 18.38, was born in New York on North River, August 22, 1831. For some years during his boyhood, he was reared in the heart of what is now Central Park, the most famous resort of that kind in New York City. His father, Stewart McGinnis, was born in the North of Ireland, Feb- ruary 22, 1802, and was of Scotch-Irish descent. His father died when he was quite young and with his mother he afterward came to the United States. Some years previous, his elder brother, James, had crossed the Atlantic, and m the AYar of 1812 fought for his adopted country. This little family settled in New York City, where the mother died at an advanced age, and her son James some years later. Stewart McGinnis, father of our subject, became an architect, learning his trade in New York City, and built the first saw and plan- ing mill in the Empire State. In fact, it was one of the first in the East. This so enraged the laboring people that thoy tried to organize a mob to kill him, as they thought such an enterprise would ruin the working classes. Later, Mr. Mc- Ginnis built many sugar mills between New York City and New Orleans, and while thus engaged lost his life on a burning vessel in 1838. He was a proTninent man in his day in the East and in the Southern States. Although of Irish birth, he was a Protestant in religious belief. In New York City Mr. McGinnis married Miss Mary Law, sister of Dr. G. H. Law, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. She was born in County Antrim, Ireland, February 24, 1813, and was a maiden of only five summers when her parents came to the United States in 1818. She is yet living at the age of seventy-nine years and PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPIUCAL RECORD. 453 makes her home with her son William. Her mental and physical faculties she retains to a re- markable degree and she yet does much -work in her flower garden, which is a most beautiful spot. Throughout life she has been a member of the Presbyterian Church, and by those who know her she is greatly beloved. Her family is noted for longevity, her mother having reached the advanced age of one hundred and two years. Four of the children are yet living: Margaret makes her home with her mother; our subject is the next younger; Keziah is the widow of Marcus Bryant, who was a nephew of "William Cullcn Bryant, the poet, and her home is in Princeton, 111.; William, the other member of the family, was born and reared in the Empire State but has spent the greater part of his life in Lee County, where h.e now owns a seventy- three-acre farm in Palmyra Township. He enlisted for the late war in 1861, as a member of Company A, Thirteenth Illinois Infantry, under Capt. Noble and Col. Wyman, the regiment joining the Western Army. He participated in the battles of White River, Vicksburg, Chickasaw Bayou, the Siege of \'icksburg, the battles of Lookout Moun- tain, Mission Ridge, Ringgold Valley and many others of less importance. He was always found at his post of duty, ready to respond to every call, and throughout the service escaped uninjured, save that he lost one finger, which was shot oif at the Siege of Vicksburg. With the exception of three years spent at Princeton, 111., since coming West he has resided continuously m Lee County, and is one of its honored and respected farmers, esteemed by all for his sterling worth. James McGinn is has been a resident of the county since 1839. He was a lad of but eight years at the time of his arrival and in his boy- hood was inured to the hardships of farm labor and the experiences of pioneer life. He has made agriculture his life work, and carried it on unin- terruptedly, with the exception of a short period spent in California. In 1852 he crossed the plains with a team of oxen and yoke of cows and spent five years in the mines, meeting with fair success. He returned by way of the Isthmus of Panama in 1857, and after one year spent in St. Paul, Minn., again came to Illinois. The ■ lady who is now Mrs. McGinnis bore the name of Mary Becker. She was born in Reading, Pa., August 28, 1834, and was quite young when with her parents she came West. Her family is mentioned fully in the sketch of Charles A. Becker. Her education was acquired in Chicago and she is a lady of intelligence and culture. Unto Mr. and Mrs. McGinnis have been born nine children, and the family circle yet re- mains unbroken. In order of birth they are as follows: W. Charles, Ella, Mabel, James F., Keziah, Mark E., Harry, Oliver and Paul, all at home except W. Charles, who married Miss Sarah E. Hodge, and resides in Dixon, 111. The Mc- Ginnis household is noted for its hospitality, and the members of the family rank high in the social world. Father and sons are all Republicans in political belief. Our subject is one of the well- known citizens of this community, and as a worthy representative of an honored pioneer family well deserves representation in this volume. S^****! S^****! f? OSEPH UTLEY. Foremost . in the various enterprises that have contributed to the lasting prosperity of Dixon was Joseph Utley, deceased. He was born in Weston, N. Y., and was descended from New England an- cestors, his grandfather having been a tanner in Connecticut and later a resident of Lewis County, N. Y. The father of our subject, Henry, was also a tanner and followed his trade in Weston, engag- ing in the manufacture of harness, saddles, trunks, boots and shoes for upwards of sixty years. Grand- mother Sarah (Morse) Utley, was a native of New England and died in Weston, at the venerable age of ninety-six. After engaging in the manufacture of leather at Western ville for a number of years, Mr. Utley vis- ited Dixon in 1855 and wsis so greatly pleased with the village that he returned the following year and opened a leather and saddle store in part- nership with Austin Morse. In 1859 he sold his interest in his native place, and removing his fam- ily to Dixon, settled in this city permanently, and 454 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. from that time until tlie day of his death, March 19, 1889, he was one of of its most useful and \m>- gressive citizens. In the spring ofl«()0 Mr. Utley sold his business to the firm of Morse & Benjamin, after which he retired from active business. A man of great en- terprise, push and energy, he always took the lead in any undertaking for'the good of the community'. He was appointed Canal Commissioner by Gov. Palmer and served eight years in that capacity, being President of the Board during six years of that time. It was mainly through his exertions and influence that the flrst appropriation for the improvement of the canal was obtained from the Government, the money being expended for the building of the locks at Henry. Mr. Utley was one of the most ardent champions of the Hennepin Canal. At a meeting held in Richmond for the pvirpose of securing aid from the Government for the improvement of Southern waterways, he introduced a resolution asking the United States Government to make an appropria- tion for the construction of the Hennepin Canal, which was unanimously adopted by the convention in 1886. He went before the New York Legisla- ture and secured the unanimous endorsement of that body and the passage of the resolution in- structing the Representatives and Senators of that State in the National Legislature to vote for an appropriation for the building of the canal. Mr. Utley was profoundly versed in all that relates to canals and knew the cost of transportation through every canal in the world and the tonnage of its shipping. March 25, 1839, Mr. Iftley was married to Miss Frances Church, daughter of Seth and Clarissa (Turner) Church. Slie was born in Westernville, N. Y., March 31, 1816, where she was also reared. Her grandfather, Josiah Church, was probably a native of Rhode Island, whence he removed to Oneida County, N. Y., and bought a tract of land in Westernville. For many years after his settlement there were no railways, and Albany, one hundred miles away, was the nearest market. The maiden name of his wife was Maria Clark. Seth Church, father of Mrs. Utley, was liorn in Rhode Island. During the war of 1812 he served as musician in a New York regiment, and engaged in the trade of a cabinet maker at Westernville until his death. His wife, Clarissa (Turner) Church, was a native of Vermont, and a daughter of Nathaniel and Mary (Bartholomew) Turner. The married life of our subject and his wife was one of uninterrupted happiness until death separ- ated them, within six days of the anniversary that would have marked their golden wedding. They reared three children: Edward B., who resides in Dixon; Clara, wife of A. C. Bard well, and Henry J., a graduate of Bellevue College, New York City, and now a physician of Spiingfield. Mr. Utley was an ardent Republican in his political views and was a strong supporter of his party. In his death the community lost one of its best citizens, who had alwa3's made, its interests his own and who in dying left behind him a record of devotion to public work well worthy of emulation. i>^^<-i LQ>— R. GEORGE W. I. BROWN stands in the front rank of the medical profession in Lee County. He has oeen engaged in practice in Dixon since 1878, and tiie liberal patronage accorded him at- tests his skill and ability. He was born in Greens- boro, Pa., October 26, 1846. The family is of English descent and was founded in this country by his great grandfather, Richard Brown, who em- igrated from England and made a settlement in Philadelphia, Pa., where he married. Some years later ho went to Western Pennsylvania and Vir- ginia, and purchased large tracts of land in both States, but his last days were spent in the City of Brotherlj' Love. In religion he was an Episco- palian. George M. Brown, the grandfather of our subject, after the death of his father, took posses- sion of the large landed estates left him in Western Pennsylvania and ^■irginia, and there spent his last years. He died of pneumonia when nearly four-score years of age. He was a wealthy and prominent citizen of that community, widely and favorably known. He married Letitia McFarland a native of Virginia, of Scotch descent, whose death occurred in 1846 of yellow fever, while on a PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 455 visit in Southern Virginia. She was a noble Christian woman and held membership with the Baptist Church. The descendants of this worthy couple are prominent people of Pennsylvania and Virghiia. John C. Brown, the father of our subject, was born on his father's homestead in Pennsylvania in 1815. In his boyhood he was surrounded by the comforts of life, and he became a successful busi- ness man. In the Keystone State he married Eliza- beth Hopton, who was also born in Pennsylvania, her parents being Jesse and Sarah (Finch) Hopton. Her father and mother wei;e both born in Phila- delphia, and reared in the faith of the Society of Friends. In their native city they were married, after which they located in Greene County, Pa., near the old Brown homestead, where they lived and died. Mr. Hopton was about' eighty -four years of age at the time of his death and was one of the prominent citizens of the community in which he made his home. His wife died at the age of sixty-five years. After his marriage, John C. Brown and his wife located. in Greensboro, Pa., where he had an interest in and operated a glass manufactory for some time. In 1849, he removed to Monongalia County, W. Va., where he engaged in farming. Some years later he returned to the old Brown homestead in Greene County, Pa., where he and his wife are still living. He is now seventy-seven years of age but is still hale and hearty although he has been a cripple since the war. He served in the Union Army throughout the Rebellion and at Mt. Jackson, Va., was severely wounded. He was also captured at that time and held a prisoner for three months, when with others he was recaptured by Gen. Sher- idan when he made his famous ride. His wound had been neglected and it seemed that he could not recover from his injuries but after some time spent in the hospital he gradually regained his health and was finally discharged. The cause of abolition found in him a stanch supporter and he is to-day a stalwart Republican in politics. Himself and wife are active workers in the Methodist Episcopal Church, although the lady was reared a Quaker. They have never, in their married life, had death enter their household. Their children and grand- children are all yet living. They have three sons: Dr. William A., a physician of the regular school, practicing in Dunkard, Pa., married I,eah Whetstone and they have five children; our sub- ject is the second; Jesse E. lives on the old home- stead with his parents. We now take up the personal history of Dr. Brown, whose name heads this sketch. When he was three years old his parents removed to Mo- nongalia County ,W. Va., where he attended tlie com- mon schools. Subsequently he was a student in Greene Academy, of Carmichael's, Pa., where his literary education was completed. Wishing to make the practice of medicine his life work, in 1865 he entered the office of Dr. G. W. John, of Stewartstown, W. Va., and after two years entered the Philadelphia University of Medicine and Sur- gery, at the same time having access to the Penn- sylvania Hospital of that city. Having graduated in 1869, he took charge of his preceptor's practice in Stewartstown, and a year later went to Meyers- dale, Pa., where he engaged in practice for eight years when he sold his "good will" and practice to Dr. J. Ernest Meiere, of Washington, D. C. He re- moved to Illinois and matriculated at the Hahne- mann Medical College, of Chicago, from which he was graduated in 1878. In Dixon, where he lo- cated immediately after his graduation, he has built a large and lucrative practice among the best class of citizens. He believes that a doctor should be a student in his profession, and ever keeps him- self abreast with the times and the discoveries in the science. In Meyersdale, Pa., Dr. Brown was joined in wedlock with Miss Maggie, daughter of Josiah and Matilda (Beachy) Miller, who were natives of Pennsylvania but are now deceased. Her mother died when Mrs. Brown was only three years old and Mr. Miller passed away in 1887, aged seventy- two years, dying in the faith of the Lutheran Church. Mrs. Brown was the third in order of age in a famil}' of four children, her birth occurring in Meyersdale, Pa., November 22, 1846. Unto the Doctor and his wife have been born three children: Charles LeRoy, li^dna Florence and George Har- old. The parents are both prominent members of the 456 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Methodist Episcopal Cliurch, in which the Doctor has served as steward for fourteen years. He also talces quite a prominent part in political affairs. He is an active Republican and has twice served as delegate to the Congiessional conventions of this party. Socially he is a Mason, belonging to Friend- ship Lodge, Nachusa Chapter and Dixon Com- maudery, Knights Templar, in which he has filled all the chairs and is the present Eminent Com- mander of Dixon Commandery, No. 21, K. T. He is also Past Grand of Dale Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Meyersdale, Pa. The Doctor has a very wide acquaintance throughout this community and in social as well as professional circles both he and his estimable wife are hold in high regard. i' I AjMES H. GILMAN, who is recognized as one of the leading and influential citizens of Nachusa Township, is now engaged in general farming on section 18. He is a na- tive of the old Granite State, his birth having oc- curred in Rockingham County, October 4, 1826. His father, Theopholis Gilman, was born in Brent- wood, N. H., and was an own cousin of Gen. Cass, and belongs to the same family from which ex- Oovernor (Hlman sprang. By occupation he was a farmer and followed that business throughout his entire life. In his native State lie married Miss AnnaF. Roby,whoalso came of an early New Eng- land family of prominence, ex-Governor Roby be- ing one of her kinsmen. She was a member of the Congregational Church and died in hei- native State. When about sixty -five years of age, Mr. Gilman was accidentall}^ scalded with hot water and his death resulted from the injuries sustained. In their familj^ were three children who grew to mature years, but our subject has only one sister now living and one half-brother, Daniel a, resi- dent of Tacoma, Wash. Mr. ( ; ilman has been twice married, his first union being with Miss Mary F'ogg, who died leaving one son, Jerome, now a house and carriage painter of Wellington, Ivan., who married Ciertrude Cox. Returning to Providence, R. I., he was joined in wedlock with Marcy Healey, who on the maternal side is a direct descendant of Roger Williams, the founder of the Rhode Island Colony. Her father was James Healey and her grandfather was John Healey. They both spent their entire lives in Rhode Island where the former followed the trade of a tanner and the latter engaged in farming. Promi- nent men of their da^', they were well known throughout tiie community. The mother of Mrs. Gilman was Martlia Angel, daughter of Capt. Jesse Ano-el, who was a sea captain for many years and died at the age of eighty-; Mrs. Healey passed away at the age of seventy-two years. Both the Healey and Angel families were membere of the Society of Friends. When the late war broke out, James H. Gilman responded to' the President's call for troops, enlist- ing in August, 1862, as a member of Company K, Fourteenth New Hampshire Infantry, under Capt. Oliver Martson and Col. Robert Wilson. The reg- iment went into camp at Washington, D. C, and after spending some time in the vicinity- of that city went to Harper's Ferry, later to New York City and subsequently to New Orleans, in March, 1863. In June, following, we find the troops at Morganza Bend, where the regiment joined the Nineteenth Army Corps under Gen. Banks. They marched north, participating in the campaign in the Shenandoah Valley, met the enemy at the bat- tle of Winchester and in the Cedar Creek engage- ment. After three years of faithful service, dur- ing which time he won credit and honor as a loyal soldier, ilr. Gilman was honorably discharged and returned to his home in New Hampshire. It was not long after this that ]SIr. Gilman again went South for the purpose of raising cotton, but this venture proved a failure and he came to Illi- nois, w^here he lias made a good home and become i a successful and progressive farmer. In 1869 he purchased land on section 18, Nachusa Township, to which he removed the following year, and in the period which lias since elapsed has made of it one of the best homos in the community. The neat and thrifty appearance of the place indicates the enterprise of the owner, who is a careful and painstaking manager. In connection with general ■^K-J^t A Ur Scc^w^.Ct^^ POETRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 459 farming Mr. Gilman also engaged in teaching for many years with marked success, and the same profession was followed by his estimable wife from the age of fifteen to Mty years. For some time after her marriage she continued to pursue tliat vocation, in fact, did not abandon it until 1879. She is a lady of culture and refinement who pre- sides with grace over their comfortable home, where hospitality and good will reign supreme. Both Mr. and Mrs. Gilman are people of superior intelligence and their friends throughout the com- munity are many. In politics, he is a stanch Re- publican, and in religious belief his wife is a Free- will Baptist. ;f, J|;ILLIA5I E. HAMPTON, whose home is \jjj// pleasantly situated on section 12, Wy- V^^ oming Township, has been a resident of Lee County for thirty-six years, has assisted in its agricultural development, and may well be classed among its pioneers. He was born May 6, 1823, his birthplace being about fifty miles from the city of Toronto, in the Province of Ontario, Canada. His fatlier, James Hampton, was a native of Penn- sylvania, and so was the grandfatlier for aught that is known to the contrary, he being a descendant of one of three brothers that came to America in Colonial times, one of them settling in New Jersey one in Nova Scotia, and the remaining one in South Carolina. The grandfather of our subject went from Pennsylvania to Canada, and was a pio- neer of the Province of Ontario, where he secured a tract of timber and hewed a farm from the pri- meval forests, on which he resided until death called him hence. The father of our subject was quite young when liis parents went to Canada, where he grew to man 's estate, and married. In 1838 he emigrated from there to Missouri, making the removal with teams. After spending nearly a year in the sparsely settled wilds of the western part of that State, he retraced his way Eastward as far as Illinois, and settling near Quincy, gave his attention to farming. He enlisted in the army during the Mexican War, and accompanying his regiment to Santa Fe, died there while in the service. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Clarissa McCarty, and she was a native of Ba- tavia, N. Y. Her father, William McCarty, was a Captain of the State Militia, and did honor- able service in the War of 1812. He settled in Canada in an early day, and followed farming there until his demise, and many of his descendants are living there yet. After the father's death the mother of our subject married a second time, be- coming the wife of Bailey Breese. She spent her last days with her daughter Mrs. Brownlow of Paw Paw, dying at the age of eighty-nine years. William Hampton was a stalwart lad of fifteen years when he came to tlie States with his par- ents. He had to assist in the support of the family and when his father died became the sole support of his mother and the younger children. In 1848 he came to Illinois, and at first rented land in De Kalb County, but soon bought an eighty-acre tract of wild prairie land at tl.2.5 per acre. In 1852 he caught the gold fever and started for California. He went first to (Quincy on horseback and visited friends in that city a few days, and then joined the wagon-train with which he was going to cross the plains at Burlington. Pushing on as rapidly as possible the part^^ crossed the Missouri River at St. Joseph the 20th of May. At that time there were no white settlers be- tween that river and C'alifornia, except the Mor- mons at Salt Lake and soldiers and missionaries. Our subject arrived in California in September, and engaged in mining for a time, after which he opened a temperance hotel at Cold Springs, Eldo- rado County. A j^ear later he abandoned that to resume mining at Diamond Spring, and remained there until 1855, when he decided to gather his gains together and come back to Illinois. He re- turned by the way of the Isthmus, and settled on his land in Paw Paw Township. He was actively engaged in farming there until 1866, when he sold his farm in that localitj^, and removed to his preg- ent residence on section 12, Wyoming Township. AVhile a resident of California, Mr. Hampton, was married to Miss Amanda J. Weddell, their marriage being solemnized May 16, 1853. Mrs. 460 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Hampton was born in Westmoreland County, Pa., June 24, 1823, and was a daughter of Jesse Wed- dell, who was born in the same place. His father was a native of Wales, and coming to America in Colonial times, he settled among the pioneers of what is now Westmoreland County, Pa. His son Jesse was reared and married in his native State, and in 1831 removed from there with his family to Indiana, and was a pioneer of Goshen, where he died. The maiden name of his wife was Nancy Davis. She was born in Pennsylvania in 1800, and is now living with her son, W. B. Weddell at Rollo, De Kalb County. In 1863 Mrs. Hampton, her brother P. M. Wed- dell, and their friend Henry Zinn,started for Califor- nia. They sailed from New York on the steamer "Northern Light," and on the west side of the Isth- mus of Panama embarked on the steamer "Inde- pendence." All went well until off the island of St. Marguerette the steamer was wrecked, and then burned, and four hundred passengers were lost, including Mrs. Hampton's brother and their friend Zinn. She was one of the last to leave the biirning steamer, and being washed ashore on a desert island, was picked up insensible from the shock that she received. After three days a whal- ing vessel came along and taking the survivors on board, carried them to their destination. In California better fortunes awaited Mrs. Hamp- ton, as there she met and married our subject, as be- fore mentioned. She made him a true wife, and they lived happilj' together until her death August 31, 1889. They reared these three children: Clara A. Fanny R. and Eflfie. Clara married Oscar Lambert and died March 5, 1889, leaving two children, Willie and Vernon. Fanny, who makes her home with her father, married Julian Hoge, who died March 28, 1890, leaving these six children : Darlene, Emerson, Edward, Glenn, Perry and Clara. EfHe married Frank Slocum, and they have five chil- dren: Beatrice, Iva, Ethel, Glenn and Paul. Mr. Hampton is a man worthy in every respect of the high esteem in which he is held by his neigh- bors and friends in general. His conduct in all the relations of life that he sustains towards others shows him to be a sincere Christian. He and his wife joined the Congregational Church many years .ago but as there is no church of thatdenominatLon^berc he is now of the Methodist Episcopal Chuch. So- cially he is a member of Corinthian Lodge, No. 205, A. F. -^-^^ ATIIIAS A. GIRTON, a prominent mem- ber of the Lee County Board of Super- visors, with which he has been connected for some j'ears, representing the interests of South Dixon Township, is also one of the pro- gressive farmers and stock-raisers of this section, owning and successfully managing a well-appointed farm on section 26, of the afore-mentioned town- ship, upon which he has a pleasant home. jMr. Girton is a native of Columbia County, Pa., bom February 11,1846. His father, Marshal C. Girton, was also a native of that county, and was a son of William Girton, who was likewise of Pennsylvania birth. The parents of the latter were born in this country prior to the Revolution, and some members of the Girton family helped fight the battles in that great struggle for freedom. William Girton became a farmer as he grew up in Pennsylvania, and in early manhood he married a Pennsylvania lady. Several years afterward, when their children had grown to maturitj' and some of them had married, WUliam Girton and wife came to Nachusa Township, Lee County, 111., and settled on a new farm, in 1847. They were thus early pioneeis of that place, and there they lived to be very old, the grandfather being about ninety when he died. He was popular among his fellow-pioneers, and known as a hospitable, true-hearted man, and a public-spirited citizen. Both he and his wife were good Methodists in religion, and he was a Demo- crat in politics. The early life of IMarshal Girton was passed in his native county, and there he was married to Effie Flick, who was born in the same neighbor- hood as himself, and was a daughter of Stephen Flick. Her father, a native of Germany, was married in the Fatherland, and subsequently PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 473 brought his wife to America. They died in Co- lumbia County, Pa., when old people. They were Lutherans. Marshal Girton, wife and five children, came to Illinois in 1850, and at once entered upon the pioneer task of improving a prairie farm in Na- chusa Township. A comfortable home was the result of the united labors of husband and wife, and they lived therein peacefully and happily until death severed the tie that bound them, re- moving the former from the scenes of his toil in April, 1872, he being then but fifty-four years of age. He left behind him the record of a life un- blemished, in which he had sought the good of others, and had faithfull}* fulfilled liis obligations as a loj'^al citizen, as a true husband, tender father and kind neighbor, and he had many warm friends in this county. He was a conscientious iMethodist in his church relations, and a good Democrat in regard to politics. His wife makes lier home with her children in Nachusa Township. Seventy-two years is her age and she is still bright and active in mind and body. A sincere Christian, the Meth- odist Episcopal Church has for many years found in her a useful member. Mathias Girton is the third of a family of eleven children, of whom nine are living. He was four years of age when his parents settled among the pioneers of Lee County, and he grew to man's estate in Nachusa Township. He was a good scholar in his youth and laid the foundation of a sound education in the local public schools, which he completed by a liberal course of study at Dixon College. He was thus well prepared for whatever position he might assume in after life. Reared on a farm and always taking a keen interest in all that pertains to agriculture, he naturally selected that for his vocation. Fourteen ^ears ago he bought the farm upon which lie lives in South Dixon Township, and under his supervision it has become a fine piece of property and an attractive home. It comprises nearly a quarter of a section of land that is well drained, fenced into conven- ient fields, supplied with ample buildings, and the natural fertility of the soil is retained by a good system of cultivation, well calculated to increase its productiveness. Mr. Girton was married at Nachusa to Miss Mary Hill, who, as a true wife should, has strength- ened and encouraged him in his work, and ably presides over their home. Mrs. Girton was born in Luzerne County, Pa., in April, 1848, and is a daughter of Nathan Hill, whose biography appears on another page in this volume. She was reared in this township, and was educated in the public schools. To her and our subject have been born five children, whom they have named Judith Ma- bel, Ellis C, Mary Effie, Grace E. and Daisy E. Our subject possesses a clear, vigorous intellect, is progressive in his ideas, and has a full share of the business acumen so necessary to success in any walk in life. These attributes early attracted the attention of his fellow-citizens, who, recognizing the fact that they qualified him for public positions of trust, have for several years kept him in oflice. He has held most of the township offices, and is now fining his fifth term as its representative on the County Board of Supervisors, to the manifest satisfaction of all concerned without regard to party. He is a prominent local politician, and is a leader among the Democrats. He and his wife are popular in social circles, have many warm friends, and their hospitality is proverbial. ^ OHN D. LAHMAN, capitahst and President of the Franklin Grove Bank, has been prom- ,^^ I inentlv and variously identified with the ^^f) interests of Lee County. for many years, and his name will always be associated with its history as one who has contributed greatly to the extension of its wealth and material prosperity, and has been influential in promoting its higher welfare. June 22, 1834, is the date of his birth in Washington County, Md., he being a son. of Chris- tian and Elizabeth (P]mmert) Lahman, who were natives respectively of Adams County, Pa., and Washington County, Md. The Lahmans origi- nated in (iermany, and he is one of the fourth generation of that branch of the family that settled in this country in Colonial times. His paternal 474 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. grandfather was a prosperous miller and the owner of a gristmill in Adams County, Pa. Christian Lahman, the father of our subject, was a farmer and he also owned mills. Soon after his marriage he settled in Maryland, where he lived for several years. In 1845 he migrated from there to Illinois with his family and was one of the pio- neers of Lee County and one of the early settlers of China Township, where he purchased land. He was closely identified with the rise and progress of this part of the county from that time until the day of his death in 1864, at the age of flfty-six years. He was a man of more than ordinary finan- cial ability and became one of the wealthy men of this section. He had some fifteen hundred acres of land, a part of which was in the village of Franklin Grove, and he left a valuable estate. He was a thoroughly good man and an active C'hris- tian. He was a member of the Dunkard Church, and was one of the leading organizers of the soci- ety of that denomination at Franklin Grove. His wife survived him until 1872, at which time she departed this life at the age of sixty-one years. Those worthy people were the parents of nine children, of whom eight grew to maturity, and these are their names: Joseph C, John D., David F., Joshua E., Ephraim P., a resident of Falls City, Neb.; William H., of Chicago; Maggie, wife of William A. Miller, of >Story County, Iowa; Jacob E. and Alora J., both of whom died in Franklin Gi'Ove, unmarried; and Catherine, who died in childhood. He of whom these lines are the life record passed his early years on the Marylahd farm where he was born, and received the foundation of his education in the local district schools. He came with his par- ents to their pioneer home in the wilds of this reg- ion when he was a lud of eleven j^ears, and his growth to manhood was commensurate with that of the county of which he is to-day a leading citi- zen, his enterprising spirit making him a prime mover in various important business enterprises that have tended to enhance the prosperity of this section and also to promote the growth of other regions. He learned the milling trade and worked at that some four years in early manhood. He then resumed farming, the calling to which he had been reared. Though he remained on the farm and superintended it a number of years, he had not been there long until he became interested in other enterprises, as is indicated below. In 1889 he took up his residence in the village of Franklin Grove, where he now devotes his time principally to looking after his real-estate business and making loans, the result of his excellent business methods and wise investments. He has owned a large amount of real estate at different times, principally in Iowa and Nebraska. The following are some of the enterprises in which our subject has been engaged. He, with others, built a fiour and feed mill which was driven by wind power. In 1873 he formed a co-partner- ship under the firm name of J. D. Lahman & Co., to engage in the manufacture of the Emmert Seeder, which was invented by his uncle, Ezra Emmert. In 1879 the firm discontinued the manufacture of the Emmert Seeder and commenced the manufacture of the seeder widely known as the Great Western Seeder. In 1888 the firm was dissolved by the death of J. L. Strock, one of the firm. Our sub- ject continued its manufacture till succeeded by H. N. Brattou & Co., in 1891. He has had large live stock interests, being a member of the firm of D. F. Lahman & Co., which had a large ranch in Iowa, and raised many horses and cattle. Mr. Lahman was one of the organizers of the Franklin Grove Bank m 1889, and lent the influence of his name as its President, which position he still ' retains, although he leaves the management of its funds to other hands, as his private affairs demand his attention. Our subject and JMiss Mary C. Haughtelling were united in marriage in 1860. Mrs. Lahman was born in Adams County, Pa., and is a daughter, of John and Eliza Ilaughteliing, who were also natives of Pennsylvania. Her father died in that State, and her mother removed with her family, in 1856;from there to Guthrie County, Iowa, where her daughter, of whom we write, lived until she was married. Mr. and Mrs. Lahman have a home replete with all the comforts and conveniences that add so much to the charm of any dwelling, and the pleasant hospitality which they dispense to all who cross its threshold furnishes a further PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 475 attraction to the numerous friends that thej- have gathered around them in the course of years by their unfailing generosity and helpfulness in their "intercourse with all around them. Sorrow has not left them untouched in their domestic life, as death has taken from them two of their three children, Yinnie A., who died at the age of .seventeen, and one that died in infancy. Their only surviving child, Carance W., was married December 9, 1889, to Martha Beery, and they have one child, Mary Alora. In poUtics, Mr. Lahman Is a strong Prohibitionist, though formerly belonging to the Republican party. He is a man of exemplary habits, a firm advocate of temperance and of whatever will pro- mote morality in the community. Mrs. Lahman is a consistent Christian and a valued member of the Dunkard Church. '^ ACOB LEA' AN has been for many years a mnch respected member of the farming community of this county, and has a good farm of one hundred and sixty-six and one- half acres on sections 120 and 121, South Dixon Township, which he bought in an unimproved con- dition more than a quarter of a century ago. He is a native of Prussia, Germany, born near the French line, September 14, 1822. His parental history is given in the biography of Mathias Lievan. Our subject and his family omit the let- ter "i" from their surname. He received a practical education in the German schools, and even as a boy was put to work in his father's vineyard on the banks of tlie Rhine, grape-growing being the prin- cipal business of the people along that river, and he was engaged in that until he emigrated to this country in 1853. Our subject was accompanied on his Journey to this country by his wife and father-in-law. The little company left their old home in the spring of the year, and journeying to Liverpool, England,em- barked on an English sailing vessel, which brought them across the Atlantic in thirty-six days, and landed tliem at Boston, Mass. They then made their way to Pennsylvania, and during a residence of two years and a half in that State, Mr. Levan worked on the great reservoir which in after years broke and caused the great Johnstown flood, and he also mined in the vicinity of Cambria. Coming to Lee County in 1855, he began life as a renter, and two years later bought the farm that he now occupies, having to go in debt for it. He has long since paid every dollar that he owed for it, and has placed it under substantial improvement, providing it with suitable buildings, and placing the land under excellent tillage. He also has it well stocked with a good class of cattle, horses and hogs. Mr. Levan is valued as a citizen, and is greatlj' esteemed for his worth as a man of exemplary habits, who is a good husband and kind father in his domestic life, and is always neigh- borlj' and obliging in his relations with outsiders. He and his good wife are sincere Christians and devout members of the German Catholic Church. Our subject was married in his native land to Miss Angeline Ahl, who was born and reared in Prussia, and came of good German ancestry. Her father, Frederick Ahl, a miller of good standing, married Catherine Anser, who died at the age of thirtv-two years, leaving two children, Mrs. Levan and her brother Mathias. The latter married and died in Germany. Frederick Ahl accompanied his daughter and son-in-law to America, and he made his home with them in Lee County until his death in 1875, at the age of seventy-three. He was a member of the Catholic Church, and was well known and greatly respected. Mr. and Mrs. Levan are the parents of six children, of whom all are living but their eldest son, .John, who died young. The others are Margaret, their eldest daughter, who is the wife of George Ortgiesn, a farmer in this township, who owns a good farm of three huudred and twenty acres; .John M., who is represented elsewhere in this volume; Louis, who married Rosa Fisclier, and lives on a good farm of two hundred acres in Marion Township that he owns; Mary, wife of Sebastian Bechtcl, a farmer near Sterling; Ellen, wife of Ciiarles Bartholomew, now living on the 476 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. home farm; Caroline, wife of Conrad Miller, a farmer in this township. Mr. Levan and his sons are all sturdy supporters of the Democratic party, and take an intelligent interest in politics. 4^ NDREW II. ROSENKRANS. To this gen- tleman and his associates Lee County is largely indebted for the rapid advance it has made in agriculture during the last quarter of a century. He is one of the foremost farmers and stockmen of Wyoming Township, where he has large farming and stock interests, and occupies an important place among the suc- cessful breeders of fine road horses of Hamblctonian and Wilkes strains. Mr. Rosenkrans is a native of the State of New York, born March 10, 183.5, and as his name indi- cates, he is a descendant of an old Holland family, some of his ancestors being among the Colonial settlers of the commonwealth of New Jersey. His father, Abram Rosenkrans, was born November 1 1 , 1803, in the town of Wallpack, Sussex County, N. J. His father, grandfather of our subject, whose name was Benjamin Rosenkrans, was born in the same town March 31, 1770, and was a son of John Rosenkrans, whose birth occurred May 18, 1724. The father of the latter was Alexander Augustus Rosenkrans, great-great-grandfather of our subject who came from his ancestral home in Holland to America in the year of 1689, and landed at New Amsterdam, the future metropolis of the New World. From there he made his way to New Jer- sey, became one of its settlers, and founded a family in that State. One of his descendants bore a conspicuous part in the Revolution, and another was prominent in the War of 1812. When the Colonists were battling for freedom _ from the Mother Country, John Rosenkrans was colonel of a regiment in the Continental Army, and accompanied Gen. Sullivan in his campaign against the Indians in the Susquehanna and Gen- essee Valleys as a commander of a brigade, lie was wounded in the shoulder during the war, and subsequently died from the effects of the wound June 5, 1786. His wife was Margaret De Witt, a cousin of De Witt Clinton. She was born April 18, 1731. Benjamin Rosenkrans, grandfather of our subject, was in command at Sandy Hook in the War of 1812, and later was a colonel of the State militia. He was a well-to-do farmer, and owned some five hundred acres of land in Wallpack, N. J., and there he and his wife died when well advanced in years, his death occurring December 30, 1848, and hers February 1, 1842. She was born Novem- ber 16, 1774, and in her maiden days bore the name of Margaret Schoonover. The father of our subject passed his early life in his native State, and received his education in the local schools. When a young man he crossed over into New York, and resided there for a few years, and then returned to New Jersey. His next move was to Pennsylvania, and for several years he lived in that State, a part of the time in Luzerne and a part of the time in Wyoming County. In 1855 he came to Lee County, and identified him- self with its pioneers. He bought a farm in Wyom- ing Township and resided thereon until 1879, when he moved to Marble Rock, Floyd County, Iowa, and made his home there the remainder of his life, which was brought to a close by his death which occurred November 19, 1889, at a vener- able age. The maiden name of his wife was Lydia Ilenr}'. She was born in the State of New York, a daughter of Andrew Henry, and died in Wallpack N. J., May 15, 1838. Our subject was only four years old when he was deprived of a mother's care hy her untimely death, and two years later he accompanied his father and other membe;s of the family to Penn- sylvania, where the next twelve years of his life were passed. When he attained tlie age of eighteen his father gave him his time, and in the fall of 1853 he turned his face from the home of his boy- hood and started Westward to join two of his brothers, who. were then living at Paw Paw, in this county. He came to Illinois by rail to Ottawa and thence by team to his destination. He im- mediately went to work with his brothers at Paw Paw as an apprentice to learn the trade of a car- penter, and remained with them a little over a year. Having become proficient at carpentering PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 4 79 in 1855 he commenced working at his trade ou his own account, and continued in that Hue until 1859. Stirred by the great excitement caused bj- the discovery of gold at Pike's Peak, Mr. Rosenkrans started in the month of May, that year, for that point, with Dan Pine, their conveyance consisting of a wagon drawn by a pair of oxen and a pair of cows. They drove across the State of Illinois, passed over the Mississippi River at Burlington and the Missouri at Plattsmouth, then a small vil- lage, and as they continued on their journey West- ward over the desolate plains they encountered innumerable herds of buffaloes. They had not gone very far in the direction in which thej' were traveling before they met people returning from Pike's Peak emptj' handed, who told them that there were no good prospects there. Our subject and his companion then changed their course and pushed on to California. They arrived at Carson Lake, Nev., in the month of October, and leaving their teams there, walked to Chinatown, seventj- flve miles distant. After a week's sta}' there, they proceeded to Silver City, and mined there until 1860. Returning to Carson City, they staid there two months and Mr. Rosenkrans worked at his trade. From there he proceeded on foot across the moun- tains to the famous mining town of Placer ville, where he secured a ride to Sacramento, a'nd on the 14th of July, 1860, set out for New York. Thence, he went to New Jersey, and after a short visit among his old friends in that State, in the month of September he came once more to Lee County. He has once since visited California, go- ing thither in 1884, being six days in making the journey, which before had consumed six months. After his return from the mining camps of the Golden State, our subject settled down quietly to his trade, and gave his attention to carpentering until he was married, when he located on a farm of forty acres that he had previously bought in Willow Creek Township. He tilled the soil thereof for one year, and at the expiration of that time sold that place, and bought eighty acres of his present homestead. There were no buildings on it at the time, and the substantial improvements that now adorn the farm is the work of his own hand, and fino fruit and shade trees that he lias planted add beauty and value to the place. On another page will be noticed a view of the residence and surroundings. Fortune has smiled on his under- takings, and he has accumulated a handsome prop- erty. In time he bought one hundred and sixty additional acres of which one hundred and twenty join his original purchase, and the remaining forty lie across the street from it. He subsequently bought another farm of one hundred and sixty-six acres, and now has four hundred and six acres of finely improved land. He has superior facilities for raising stock, and is utilizing them to the utter- most. Some years ago he began to raise road horses, and now has on Iiis farm more than forty of as fine and well-bred horses of the Hambleton- ian and Wilkes blood as can be found in this part of the State. His phenomenal success in breeding- horses is due to the fact that he has excited due discrimination in the selection of his stud, has made a close study of the animals, their needs and requirements, and their proper treatment, and has paid strict attention to the business. l\Ir. Rosenkrans was happily married October 15, 1863, to Miss Lydia A. Mittan, in whom he has found a true wife, who malies his interest her own and is helpful and companionable. They have two sons, namely: Anson P., who was born July 31, 1869, and Byron M., who was born November 22, 1871. Mrs. Rosenkrans was born in Newton Township, Luzerne County, Pa., October 29, 1839, and is a daughter of Jeptha and Jane (Bcemer) Mittan, the latter a native of New Jersey, and a daughter of Henry and Mary Beemer. Her father is thought to be a native of New Jersey, and is a son of Samuel Mittan. His father moved from New Jersey to Pennsylvania, and died in Luzerne County. Mrs. Rosenkran 's father was reared on a farm, and adopted farming as his life-work. He came from Pennsylvania to Illinois, making the removal with a team, and bringing his family and household goods along. He settled in Willow Creek Township, and bought a claim to a tract of Government land, whicli he has since improved into a fine farm and here he still makes his home. The citizenship of a man of our subject's calibre 480 PORTKAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. and progressive spirit is valua))le to any community and we liave seen that since he tool< up ids perma- nent abode in this county Mr. Rosenkrans has been potent in increasing his wealth and enlarging its agricultural interests, lie possesses a good degree of common-sense, has a mind of his own, and is indebted to no one for his ideas and opinions. Especially is this noticed in his politics, he being independent and bound to no party ties. I@^@l^,^ D ^EL.S OLSEN has been well prospered since he sought a home in this country, and is now numbered among the welUto-do far- mers of Lee County. His farm lies in Willow Creek Township, and is one of the average in the neighb6rliood in regard to cultivation, productive- ness and improvement. INIr. Olsen was born on the rugged shores of Norwaj', -in the town of Stavanger, in the Province of Ampt, April 14, 1833. His father, Ole Williams, was a farmer, and spent his entire life in his native land, he and his -vyife both being drowned in 1840. They left five children, of whom these three came to Amer- ica: Andrew, Mary and our subject. The latter was only seven years old when he had the misfortune to lose his parents, and for two j^ears he lived with his grandparents, but from the time he was nine years old he has cared for him- self. He worked for his uncle for his board and clothes until he was fifteen years old, and then was employed by others, receiving his board, clothes and $10 a year in pa3'ment for his services. In 1856 Nels Olsen, who had now grown to sturdy, self-reliant manhood, and had taken unto himself a wife, emigrated to this land of plenty, where he hoped to do better for himself than was possible in his native country. Accompanied by his wife, he set sail from Stavanger in May, and landed at Quebec in July, after a voyage of ten weeks. From that city he came to Illinois, and the ensning three years he worked by the month or day as a farm hand in La Salle County. He then bought a team and tilled a tract of land on shares. He was prudent and economical, .ind in 1864 lie laid ]>y money enough to become independent, and then invested in a tract of wild prairie on section 13, Willow Creek Township. He has ever since been identified with the farming interests of Lee County, and by constant and well-directed toil has brought his land to a fine condition, has erected a neat set of buildings, and has added to the acreage of his farm, which now comprises two hundred acres of exceedingl}^ fertile land. In 1855 Mr. Olsen and Martha Olsen united their lives and fortunes in a marriage that has been a happy union, and has been blessed to them by these seven children: Lena, Swan, Lizzie, Willie, Oscar, Martin and Sarah A. Mrs. Olsen was born in the same Norwegian town that was the birthplace of her husband, and she is a daughter of Ole Svenson. Both she and Mr. Olsen were reared in the Lutheran Church, and have ever remained true to the faith of their fathers, being devoted members of the church of that denomin- ation in this township, and none know them but to respect them for the genuineness of their Chris- tianity, and for their kindly dispositions. ^ LEXANDER ARMSTRONG, who is an engineer on the Illinois Central Railroad and a resident of Amboy, was born in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., March 19, 1838. His parents, Alexander and Mary (Leonard) Arm- strong, were natives of the same State, where they also died. Their family consisted of two children, Alexander and Jane, the latter becoming the wife of Thomas D. Jellico, and dying in Franklin County, N. Y. After the death of her fii-st hus- band the mother of our subject was again married, and of this union one son was born, Samuel A. Rolf, who resides in St. Lawrence County, N. Y. Our subject was a small boy when his father died, and remained in the Empire State until 1856. He then emigrated to Wisconsin and worked in the lumber regions for four years, afterward coming to Amboy and entering the employ of the Central Railroad Company as a fireman. Four years later PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 481 lie was made engineer and in 1864 was promoted to be engineer of a passenger train. He lias been twice married, tlie first time in 1869 to Edith A. Ellison, who was born in Matilda, in Canada, C. W., 1844. She died in 1874, leaving one son, George H., who is now baggageman at Amboy. In 1882 Mr. Armstrong was united in marriage with Miss Louisa Monhiem, who was born in Peru, III., February 15, 1856. She is a daughter of Mathias and Elizabeth (Bucholz) Monhiem, natives of Hamburg, Germany, who came to the United States and settled on a farm near Peru. They had live children : John, William, Louise, Henry and Lena. ]\Ir. and Mrs. Armstrong have one daughter, Edith, born July 7, 1886. In politics Mr. Arm- strong is a Democrat, and a member of the Ma- sonic fraternity, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. OX. LUTHER W. MITCHELL, who is the present representative of the Nineteenth District in the Illinois State Legislature, ^ is a man of weight and influence in the po- litical and public life of Lee County, as well as one of its most enterprising and progressive farmers and business men. He is President of the Ameri- can Shetland Pony Club, of which he was one of the founders, and he is extensively engaged in raising thoroughbreds of that famous race of horses on his farm on section 25, Palmyra Town- ship. Mr. Mitchell is a native of this State, Colchester, in McDonough County, being the place of his birth, and February 5, 1843, the date thereof. He was yet young when his parents removed to War- ren County, whence they subsequently went to Knox County and later to Whiteside County when he was eight years old, where he passed the re- mainder of his boyhood. He was given excellent educational advantages, and was very youthful when he became a pupil at the Mt. Carroll Semi- nary, where he paid diligent attention to his stud- ies and made his mark as a bright scholar. When the war broke out, our subject watched its course with intense interest, and as soon as possible before he attained his majority, volunteered to serve his country in the hour of her greatest peril, enlisting in 1863 in Company A, One Hundred and Fortieth Illinois Infantry. He did guard duty for some time, and after his first term of enlistment expired, re-entered the ranks as a private in the Fifteenth Illinois Infantry, and at the close of the war was mustered out as Quartermaster-Sergeant, having been in the (Quartermaster's department for more than a year. Our subject retired from the army with a fine militaiy record, showing him to have been a good soldiei' and an official of rare merit. Returning to the quiet scenes of his old home in Whiteside County, he resumed the profession of teaching, at which he had been engaged when he exchanged his books for the accoutrements of a soldier. In 1867 he came to Lee Counter to pursue that voca- tion and taught in the Sugar Grove school district the ensuing two years, when he moved to Jones County, Iowa, where he was engaged as farmer and teacher for two years, and then again returned to Sugar Grove, where he taught the following ten years. He subsequently turned his attention to farming, and July 24, 1881, entered upon the busi- ness of raising Shetland ponies, for which his farm, that he devates to that purpose, is admirably adapted. He has applied his whole energies to the further introduction of this breed of hardy little horses, wliich are such favorites with the children, and he was one of the prime movers in the organ- ization of the American Shetland Pony Club, of which he is now President, and which has a mem- bership in every State in the Union. This associa- tion for the encouragement of the propagation of this peculiar breed of ponies from the far-away Scotch isles is greatly indebted to Mr. Mitchell's zealous labors in its behalf for what it has accom- plished. It has issued the first herd-book that has been prepared for the registration of the Shetland ponies, of which over five hundred are registered in this country, our .-iubject, himself, having over sixty thoroughbreds eligible for registration. He has a herd of ninety-five of these ponies that are 482 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. fine specimens and excite the admiration of all lov- ers of horses. At the head of his stud is the well- known "Trinket" and "Trinket, Jr." Mr. Mitchell has been eminently successful from a financial standpoint. He has considerable prop- erty in this county, including three tracts of land lying in this and Dixon Townships, nearly all of which is finely improved, and one of his farms, which he has acquired since he came here, is a well-equipped dairy farm, run in the interests of the condensed milk business. Our subject was married in Lee County, Palmyra Township, to Miss Augusta Moon, and she has been an invaluable assistant to him in the making of their home, whose pleasant hospitalities are well- known and appreciated by their many friends. One daughter, Mj'rtle I., completes their house- hold. She has been given fine educational advan- tages, and is now completing her musical studies at Dixon College. Mrs. Mitchell is a lady of su- perior character, is bright and well informed, and is a leader in social circles. She comes of one of the old pioneer families of the countj- and was born, reared and educated in Palmyra Township, of which her parents, Abner D. and Sarah (Hill- man) Moon, were early settlers. Her father was born in 1817 and was but twenty years of age when he came to this county, before many settle- ments had been made within its borders. He was one of the first to locate in Palmyra Township, where he improved a good farm, and he was asso- ciated with the citizens who were most active in promoting its welfare, material and otherwise. He was a prominent Democrat and a well-known fig- ure in local politics. He was a Baptist in religion, and his community lost one of its most trust- worthy and valued citizens at his death in 1877. His wife now lives in Asliland, Neb., making her home with her eldest daughter, Mrs. J. B. Russell. She is as bright and active at the age of seventy- four as many a younger woman, and in her the Methodist Cliurch finds a zealous member. Mr. Mitchell is well equipped mentally as a busi- ness man and for public life, as he has a receptive, well- trained, evenly balanced mind, possesses a calm judgment, is sensible in his conclusions, and has positive convictions of his own on all subjects with which he is conversant, while he is quick to perceive and acknowledge an error when it is clearly proven to him that he is in the wrong, and withal he is singularly true to his principles of right, and is correct in his habits. These charac- teristics have recommended him strongly to his fellow-citizens as eminently fitting him for the re- sponsibilities of civic oflSces, and they have hon- ored him and themselves by calling him to high positions. For two terms he was Supervisor of Palmyra Township, and in 1890 he was elected to represent the Nineteenth District, including Lee and Whiteside Counties, in the Illinois State Legis- lature. As a member of the House he has made his mark as a sound, progressive and public-spir- ited legislator, and he has made his influence felt in the passage of such laws as he has deemed would be most beneficial to the Stat-e. He lias been on several important committees — on that of Finance, License and Claims, was one of the Agricultural Committee, and was President of the Republican Farmers' Committee. Perhaps few men in the county are better versed in politics than Mr. Mitchell, who has long been a recognized leader of the Republicans in this sec- tion. For four j-ears he was Chairman of the County Republican Central Committee, and since he has been in the Legislature, he has stood loy.ally by his part}'. During the remarkable Senatorial contest in the last session, which resulted in send- ing General Palmer to the United States Senate, he showed his fealty to Republicanism under try- ing circumstances that would have daunted a less determined man. He was very sick at the time, yet he persisted, at the peril of his life, in being carried from his sick-bed into the Senate chamber seven times, that he might cast his vote for ex- Governor Richard J. Oglesby for United States Senator. 'UGUST KEISTER. Having acquired a .;_ . comfortable fortune as a general farmer, /// li> Mr. Keister and his wife are serenely pass- ^j) ing their declining years in the pleasant dome that is the result of their united labors, PORTEAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL EECORD. 483 enjoying to a full degree the esteem and vener- ation due their age and high personal worth. Mr. Keister purchased the farm that he occupies on section 21, Nelson Township, more than a quarter of a century ago, and now has its two hundred and fifteen acres under the plow, and well supplied with commodious farm buildings. The birthplace of our subject is across the ocean, in the Kingdom of Hanover, Germany, where he was born February 13, 1814. Christian and Hannah (Shaver) Keister, his parents, were also natives of Germany, and passed their entire lives in Leithurst, where they died — the father when eighty years old and the mother when much younger. They were true Christians and faithful members of the Lutheran Church. The parental famih^ comprises three sons and one daughter, of whom August is the only survivor. He was reared in his native country, and became roaster of several trades, learning to weave linen, also acquiring a thorough knowledge of farming, besides becoming a practical butcher. He was married near his birthplace to Miss Minna Gogle- mann, who was born and reared in the same neighborhood as himself. Her parents were natives of Hanover, Germany, and members of the Luth- eran Church. Their family consisted of four daugh- ters, three of whom are living: Mrs. Keister, one in Germany and one in Pennsylvania. After the birth of five of their children, Mr. and Mrs. Keister determined to emigrate to the United States in the hope of becoming more pros perous, and in May, 1856, they went to Bremer- haven and embarked on the good ship "Alfred," landing at New York City after a voyage of six weeks and four days. From there they came to this county, and for ten years resided in Dixon Township. In 1856. Mr. Keister purchased the farm_ in Nelson Township, where lie has since made his home. He has acquired all his property since coming here, as he had but $200 in cash and liis household goods when he settled here. Mr. Keister and his estimable wife have for many years held to the faith of their fathers as regards their religion, and are conscientious mem- bers of the Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Republican and the country of his adoption has in him a most loyal citizen. His sons are also stal- wart aidherents to that party to which their father gives allegiance. Four of his eleven children still remain at home: August, who assists in managing the farm, James, George and Lena. The others are: Fred, of whom see biography; Hannah, wife of James Jones, of Dixon; Caroline, a dressmaker in Dixon; William, a farmer in Nelson Township; Levena, wife of Nathan AVillard, a farmer near "Nelson Station; Charles, telegraph operator and station agent at Garden Prairie, in the employ of the Northwestern Railroad Company; and Henry A., station agent and night operator for the same eompanv at Marengo. — 5- - -^' . i>'^^<^ ARVEY E. WILLIAMS. The death of a good man is always to be deplored, not only as a loss to his immediate family and intimate associates, but also to the commu- nity in whose behalf he has labored and in which the vacancy occasioned by his death is hard to fill. Such is especially the case in regard to our subject, who has for many years been known as a promi- nent citizen of Dixon, upright in all his dealings and popular and well beloved wherever known. He came to this county in the spring of 1865 and settled in Dixon where he was engaged in business for eleven years. He then removed to a good farm in South Dixon Township which was a highly improved piece of land, comprising one hundred and seventy-two acres on section 16, and where he successfully carried on agricultural operations. It is supplied with fine farm buildings and is well stocked with cattle of good breeds, he having for years made a specialty of Short-horn cattle. His death occurred in Dixon Township, April 23, 1890. Mr. Williams was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., December 16, 1817. He was carefully reared and received an excellent education and was mar- ried in Madison County, soon after becoming a successful contractor and at the same time carrying on a fatm. On selling out his place, he came to Illinois in 1853, settling in Lee County in the spring of 1855. He was a very well-informed man 484 PORTEAIT AND BIOGEAT HICAL EECORD. and was widelj'-known throughout the county where he was oxcecding'ly popular and by his in- tegrity and upright character made many life-long friends. For many years he was a member of the Masonic order and was a prominent Democrat. In everything that pertained to the upbuilding of the county and township, he aided by example and influence. The parents of our subject were born and spent their entire lives at Manlins Township, Onondaga Countj', N. Y., where the father, Elijah Williams, died when about seventy-two years of age, and his wife when not quite so old. The mother's maiden name was Lucy Edwards, and both she and her hus- band were worthy members of the Baptist Church. Of their five children two are yet living; one son enlisted during the Civil War in a New York reg- iment in which he was a commissioned officer and was killed at the battle of Chickamauga. Harvey E. Williams was married in Sullivan Township, Madison County, N. Y., to Miss Weal- thy A. Cropsy, who was a native of that county and township, born in 1843. She was carefullj^ reared and well educated and has proved a true wife and devoted mother. She is a progressive woman and on the death of her husband took charge of the estate and has managed it with great wisdom and ability. She has recently moved to the city of Dixon, where she has erected a fine dwelling near Peoria Street and where she most hospitably entertains a large circle of warm friends. The parents of Mrs. Williams were John G. and , Catherine (DuColon) Cropsy, natives of Pough- keepsie, N. Y., both removing when young to Sul- livan Township, Madison County, of that State, where they were married and began their wedded life in that township, spending the remainder of their lives there, the wife departing this life when only fortj'-six years of age, and her husband liv- ing until the advanced age of ninety-two years. They were constant attendants of the Dutch Re- formed Church. Mr. and Mrs. Cropsy have been the parents of seven children, five of whom are livino-. Our subject and his wife have been the parents of three children, one of whom is deceased, Emma S. who was the wife of A. C. McCallister, now re- siding in Aberdeen, S. Dak. She left one dauoh- ter, who lives with her grandmother, Mrs. Wil- liams. Cornelia is the widow of John S. Green, who died in Morrison, 111., where Mrs. Green now resides. She has four children: Harvey and Iva, both of whom are married; Olive and Florence. The remaining daughter, Ella C, resides at home with her mother. Mrs. Williams is an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is foremost in every good work. Mrs. Williams has one great-granddaughter, Helen Sholes Green. — tSSi^ei; - /^ ICHAEL MALONEY, Count}- Treasurer of Lee Count}% and a member of the flim i of Duffy & Maloney, also Vice-President of the Building k Loan Asscciation of Dixon, has been one of the prominent men of this city for many years and is numbered among the early settlers of 18.52. Mis birth occurred in Dunkirk, N. Y., in 1851, and he has therefore spent almost his entire life in Lee County. His parents, Patrick and Bridget (Mahan) Maloney, were both natives of the Emerald Isle and came of pure Irish ancestry. During childhood both had crossed the Atlantic to America and with their respective families located in Palmyra, N.Y., where they became acquainted and were married. After a few years they determined to try their fortune in the West and in 1852 located in Dixon, where they still reside. Thej' and all of their children are members of the Catholic Church. Under the parental roof, our subject was reared to manhood and received the educational advan- tages afforded by the city schools. After attain- ing to mature years, he married Miss Elizabeth Duffy, their union being celebrated in this city by the Rev. T. P. Hodnett. The lady was born in the Green Isle of Erin and with her parents, both of whom are now deceased, came to the United States. Her father and mother both died in mid- dle life and their remains were interred in Dixon Cemetery. Thej' were members of the Catholic Church and had a family of seven children. Elizabeth Duffy spent the days of her maidenhood PORTRAIT AND BIOGRArilK^AL RECORD. 485 in her pai-ents' home and afterward gave her hand in marriage to Michael Maloney. Their union has been blessed with one child, a daugh- ter, Mary. They are both members of the Catho- lic Church. Our subject has spent almost his entire life in Dixon and is widely and favorably known through- out the communitj'. For twenty years of his business career he was connected with the Illinois Central Raikoad Company as clerk and cashier in Dixon. He is now engaged in business as a member of the firm of Duffy & Malonej^, dairy- men, and they have built uii an excellent trade. He is also Vice-President of the Building & Loan Association and is regarded as one of the repre- sentative citizens of the community. In politics, he is a supporter of Democratic principles, and in 1878 was elected Collector of Dixon. He is now serving as County Treasurer of Lee County, to which office he was chosen in 1890, and is prov- ing a capable and faithful official. Those who have known Mr. Maloney from his boyhood, and have been witnesses of the upright life which he has lived, are numbered among his warmest friends. His circle of acquaintances is quite extensive and he has the high regard of all with whom business or pleasure have brought liira in contact. "S] ^+^[ 'LEXANDER P. GILMORE is a son of one of the early pioneers of Lee County, and has been a resident of this part of Ill- inois as a boy and man for more than half a century. During that time he lias won his way to an important place among its leading agri- culturists, and has been serviceable in reclaiming the land from its origin d wildness. His home is in Brooklyn Township on a choice farm, whose fine improvements are the result of his persistent labor, and he owns besides a large body of land in Viola Township. Mr. Gilmore was born in the city of New York, July 4, 1826. His father, John Gilmore, was born in the North of Ireland, and was the son of an- other John Gilmore, who is also supposed to have been a native of the northern part of Ireland, and was of Scottish ancestry. He was a resident of Ireland for many years, but finally came to Amer- ica and settled in New York. He subsequentlj' sent for his family, but the vessel on which they sailed was wrecked, and his wife and two sons per- ished. Two daughters were saved and afterward made their home in New York City. During the latter part of his life, the grandfather of our sub- ject lived with his son John in Brooklyn Town- ship. The father of our subject was only twelve years old when he left his home in the Emerald Isle and came to this country, and the next few years of his life were spent in New York City, where he learned the trade of a morocco dresser. He was there married to Hannah Smith, who had come from Ireland, her native country, to America with her parents. In 1830 Mr. Gilmore turned his back on the metropolis of the United States and sought the primeval forests of the Territory of Michigan, where he designed to build up a new home. Accompanied bj- his family, he traveled by way of the Hudson River to Albany, from there by canal to Buffalo, thence by lake to Detroit, where he took a team and journeyed into the in- terior of the country a distance of twenty miles, and bought a tract of timber on which he located. He found the country in an extremely wild con- dition, bears, deer and other wild animals roaming at will through the woods and on the prairies, and Detroit was but a liamlet, with no signs of its pres- ent size and importance. Mr. Gilmore cleared thirty-five acres of his land during his five years' residence in Michigan, and then disposed of it at a good price and came to Ill- inois in 1835. The removal was made with teams and a part of the household goods were brought along. The family camped by the wayside at night, or whenever needful, and at other times made their way as rapidly as possible to their des- tination. Arriving at Chicago, then a small vil- lage, the father left the others in camp near by, and set out on foot to explore the country for a suitable location, William Guthrie, a veteran of the Black Hawk War, going with him. They vis- 486 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. ited Lee County, which, at that time, had not been organized, and they found Zachariah Malugin holding sole possession of this part of the country as its only inhabitant. Lie was holding claim to a large tract of land, and Mr. Gilmore bought a share of his claim for 150, including a part of Mal- ugin's Grove. He returaed for his family, and com- pleted for their dwelling a cabin, for which the logs had been put together, and he i-ived boards for the roof and split boards for the door and floor. No nails entered into the construction of the building, and the chimney was a rude ailair of sticks and claj^ with a stone foundation. Deer and other kinds of gaine were plentiful and the Indians still lingered around their old hunting- grounds. Dayton, thirtj^ miles distant, was the nearest milling point, and there, also, was the nearest smithj*. Tliere were no railways for years and Chicago was the nearest place where the pio- neers could go to sell their wheat and other pro- duce, and obtain necessary supplies in return. Mr. Gilmore resided on his farm some years, and he then built a public house on the Chicago & Dixon Road, and for some time provided entertainment for man and beast, winning much popularity and becoming quite generally known in his character of mine host. He subsequently removed to Men- dota and made his home there the remainder of his life, though his death occurred in California shortly after he went there to visit a daughter. His wife died at the home of our subject. They were for many years devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, which they joined at Malugin's Grove in 1837, being among the origi- nal number that formed the church. A lad of nine years when the family came to this State, our subject had not completed his edu- cation, and so attended the pioneer schools of this county, that were tauglit in a log house, whicli was provided with furniture made by hand, the seats being made of boards with wooden pins for legs, and a board placed on wooden pins that were driven into holes bored in the wall served as a writing-desk for the pupils. His experience at home was much like that of other farmers' boys, and he was not very old when he began to make himself useful on the farm, lie remained an in- mate of the parental household until 1850, when he joined the hundreds of emigrants that were pass- ing continually through the State on their way to i California iti search of gold. He set out on the long and momentous journey over the plains on March 4tli with ox-teams, going with others, and crossed the Mississippi at Rock Island, while the Missouri was crossed at Council Bluffs. No white settlers were encountered between the latter river and Salt Lake, the stronghold of the Mormons, but buffaloes were often seen in countless numbers. Arriving at Ilangtown, September 6, Mr. Gilmore soon began to mine, and was thus engaged there until December, 1853, wlien he started on his re- turn home with the proceeds of his hard labors, and coming by wa^' of the Isthmus, touched at Kingston and Jamaica, and finallj' landed at New York City. After he came back from his sojourn on the frontier, our subject quietly settled himself to farming on eighty acres of land in Brooklyn Township, that his father had given him, and which is included in his present farm. He first erected a suitable dwelling, and has been contln- nally making other improvements, so that he has an attractive place, and from his finely tilled fields he reaps abundant harvests. His faiin has been added to by the purchase of more land, and now comprises two hundred and ninety-five acres of well-drained and very fertile soil. He has, besides four hundred acres of swamp land in Viola Town- ship, which will, with improvement, become fine farming land. Mr. Gilmore has been twice married. In Feb- ruary, 1855, he was married to INIiss Mary Frost, a native of Maine and a daughter of Daniel and Eulalie Frost. INIrs. Gilmore died in October, 1865. Mr. Gilmore was married in 1867 to his present wife, formerly Miss Louisa Fiske, a native of Can- ada and a daughter of .Tohn Fiske. Mr. and Mre. Gilmore have seven children living, namely: Robert, Nellie, Arlow, Carrie, Fred, Josephine and Harry. Carrie, the second daughter, is the wife of the Rev. Wallace Fiske. Our subject and his wife are people whose many genial, kindly characteristics have won them a warm place in the hearts of their neighbors and J ESSE BEEMER. PORTEAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 489 othei- friends, and in them the Methodist Episco- pal Church finds two of its most exemplar}' mem- bers. Mr. Gilmore was for many years a Republi- can, but his strong feelings in regard to temper- ance have carried him over to the Prohibition- ists. i-^"i^S^€ .20_ hANNAH J. (VAN AUKEN) BEEMER, wid- ) ow of the late Jesse Beemer, is a most wor- representative of the noble pioneer women of Lee County, without whose help and encouragement their fathers, husbands and brothers could not have accomplished what they did in the development of this region, and in lay- ing the foundation of a prosperous community, she is one of the oldest settlers now living within the limits of the county, and is contentedly pass- ing the declining j-ears of a well-spent life in the old home in "Wyoming Township which she and her husband established here in pioneer times. Mrs. Beemor was bom in Sussex County N. J., June 8, 1821. Her father, John W. Van Auken, was a native of the same State as herself; his fath- er being a farmer, and passing his last years in Sussex County. John Van Auken was reared and married in New Jersey, and subsequently moved from there to Pennsylvania. He finally came from the latter State to Illinois, and lived in Kane County until after the death of his wife, and from that time he made his home in this county with his daughter of whom we write until he de- parted this life at a ripe age. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Rachel Rosenkrans, was like- wise a native of New Jersey. Our subject spent her girlhood in her native State and when a 3'oung woman accompanied her parents to Pennsylvania. She was carefully in- structed in the duties of the household, and i-e- mained an inmate of the home of her parents until she was called upon to preside over one of her own, her marriage with Jesse Beemer taking place in 1838. He was a native of Sussex County N. J., and a son of Henry and Mary Beemer. He was Sarah, Emma, Lorella and Charles. Mrs. Beemer has sixty-four living grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. eHA^LES II. CARD has been identified with the practical farmers of Northern Ill- inois for many years, and has contributed his quota towards the development of its marvel- ous agricultural resources. For nearly a quarter of a century, he has carried on his operations in DeKalb County, 111., where he had a good farm. A native of C'azenovia, INIadison County, N. Y.,he was born April 28, 1822. His father, Richard Card, a native of Rhode Island, was an eaily settler of Madison County, where he bought a tract of land, which is included wholly in the town of Cazenovia. He was a blacksmith, anji wliile doin"- a thriving business at liis trade, he at the same time superintended the improvement of his farm and resided thereon until his untimely death in 1830 deprived his community of a very useful citizen. The maiden name of his wife was Annie Palmer, and she was a daughter of .John Palmer. She was born near Hoosick, N. Y., and died in Corning, N. Y., in 1853. She was the mother of nine children that grew to maturity. He of whom these lines are written passed his early life in his native town and was educated in the public schools. He lived with his mother until he attained his majority. He inherited a part of the old homestead and farmed it for three years. In 1848 he paid Ills first visit to Illinois, coming hither by the wa3' of canal and lakes to Chicago and then proceeding on foot to DeKalb County, where he invested in a tract of Govern- ment land in Shabbona Township. After entering his land, lie returned to New York and erected a building at Corning, which he devoted to the gio- cery business the ensuing two years. His store and stock were then burned and he accepted a po- sition as baggage master on the Erie Railway, which place he occupied two years. He then turned his attention to carpentering. In the meantime our subject had not forgotten the impression made upon him on his visit to Ill- inois, as to the many superior advantages its rieli, virgin soil gave to a wide-awake, progressive farmer over the older settled portions of the country, and in 1854 he came back to locate on his land in Shabbona Township. He at once erected suitable buildings, began to cultivate his land, and in the twelve years that he lived upon it brought it into a fine condition. He then sold and bought the place where he now resides in East Paw Paw, where he is living in a cozy home, sur- rounded by every evidence of cojnfort. ]March 14, 1843, Mr. Card and Miss Julia Green- man were united in marriage, and for nearly half a century they have traveled life's road together, sharing each other's joys and lightening each oth- er's sorrows, and securing to themselves the univer- sal respect of the community, where they have passed so many yea]-s, by lives oi unselfish devotion to duty, wherein they have tried to do as they would be done by. INIrs. Card is an exemplary member of the Piesbyterian Church. Slie is a na- tive of the same town in which her husband was born, and is a daughter of Gardner Greenhi an, who was also a native of New York, his birthplace be- ing in Rensselaer County. He moved from thereto Madison County when a young man, and was there married to Betsj^ Sa^-age, a native of ^'ermont and a daughter of John Savage. Her father is thought to have been born in Connecticut and to have removed from there to Vermont, of which State he was a resident for some time. He subsequently went to New York and bought a farm in Cazeno- via Township, upon which he spent his remaining PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 491 days. His wife spent her last years with her chil- dren, and died at the home of her daughter, wife of our subject, in De Kalb County. Mr. and Mrs. Card have three cliildren living: Lewis, Etta, and Edwin. Lewis married Emma Co greaves, and they have two children: Albert and Charlie. Etta married Dr. Joseph Atherton, and tliey have two children: Boyd C. and Card Leslie. Addie, the elder daughter of our subject, married N. R. Wheat and died April 17, 1889, leaving two children: El- sie and Julia. 44- ^^EORGE T. NOE was born in Willow Creek ||[ (— _ Township, May 21, 1855, and is to-day num- ^^1 bered among the substantial, enterprising and intelligent farmers who are so ably conducting the rich agricultural interests of Lee County. He is a son of Cummmgs Noe, a pioneer of Illinois, who was a factor in developing the resources of the northern part of the State, and for many j'ears before his death was identified with the farming- interests of this county. The grandfather of our subject, Abraham Xoe, was bom November 27, 1772, in the city of Perth, Amboy, and was married August 10, 1795, to Phebe Condit, who was born August 7, 1776. Their children were named Hannah D., Aaron A., Jonathan C, Myme C, Jeptha C, Cummings M., Ebenezer C, and Richard H. Cummings Noe was born at Caldwell, Essex County, N. J., July 20, 1809, and was about eight years old when his parents went from there to the primeval wilds of Ohio, and . were early settlers of that section of the country. He attended the rude pioneer schools of those early days of the settle- ment of the Buckeye State, which were taught in log houses that were without regular windows, greased paper placed over a hole in the wall serv- ing to admit the light instead of glass. In 1834, in the full vigor and flush of manhood, he too be- came a pioneer, coming to Illinois with his family, journeying hither with teams. He first located in Tazewell County, but a year later he removed to Joe Daviess County, going therewith a team. The following year he again pulled up stakes and took up his abode in Ogle County, his wagon being .i primitive affair, with wheels made of sections of a log. For eight years he lived there, and then made btill another move, and this time came to Lee County, where he dwelt in peace and contentment the remaining days of his life. For many years Mr. Noe, Sr., was a resident of Willow Creek Township, where he bought a tract of Government land on section 17, and gave his attention closely to its improvement, his first work being to build a house to shelter his family. He found the surrounding country in a wild condi- tion, with but few attempts at development, and as there were no railways here for some years after his settlement, he liad to draw his grain to Chicago, seventy miles distant. Deer and other kinds of game were plentiful. In 1879 Mr. Noe for the last time changed his dwelling place, removing to Viola Township that year, and settling on a farm that he had previouslj^ bought, and there death found him at a ripe age in 1884. His wife survives him and still makes her home in Viola Township. She was also a native of New Jersey, and prior to her marriage her name was Martha Parkhurst, being the daughter of Ben- jamin and Betsey Parkhurst. She is the mother of eleven children: Mary, Emery, Erastus, William, Phebe, Ruth, Amos, Martha, Nancy, Eli and George. William and Amos were brave soldiers in the late war, members of Company B, Twenty-sev- enth Illinois Infantry, and both gave up their lives for their country while in her service. The subject of this biographical review was given excellent educational advantages, attending first the local district schools, and then having the benefit of eighteen months' study in the college at Weston, Iowa, that has since been removed to To- ledo. After leaving college, his taste for agricul- ture led him to adopt that which Horace Greeley styled tiie "noblest of professions" for his life work, and he has devoted himself principally to farming. He remained with his parents until his marriage, affording his father valuable assist- ance in carrying on his farm, and he then settled on the farm on which he now resides. This con- tains two hundred and seven acres of land, that is 492 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. exceedingly fertile, is under good cultivation, and is provided with substantial and roomy buildings for every needed purpose. Mr. Noe is a man of exemplary habits, who is well thought of by the entire community where he has been known as boy and man since his birth. He is a veritable Chris- tian, whose life is guided by principles of honor and honesty, and in him the United Brethren Church has one of its most consistent members, who favors all things that tend to the moral and social elevation of his township. He is especially interested in temperance reform, and is a stanch Prohibitionist. Mr. Noe is happy in his domestic relations, as he secured a good wife by his marriage, in 1878, with Mrs. Caroline Yetter, widow of Philip Jacob Yetter, and a daughter of (Jotleib and Rosina Hochstras- ser. Seven children have blessed their union, namely: Eda L., Mary M., Carrie B., Laura N., Clarence C, Raymond E. and Inez C. Mrs. Noe has two children living by her first marriage, George H. and Rosina P. Mrs. Noe was born at Troy Grove, this .State, of which her father was a pioneer. He was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, November 9, 1820, a son of Jacob Hochstrasser. He was reared and educa- ted in the Fatherland, whence he came to this coun- try in the prime of manhood in 1847, setting sail from Antwerp and landing at New York in July, after a voyage of forty-two days. He made his way to New Jersey, and was employed there on a farm by the month for three yeaiv. In 1850 he came to Illinois with his wife, having been married in Philadelphia in October, 1849, to Miss Rosina Dimler, who was also a native of Wurtembero-, Gern.any, born February 27, 1826, to Michael and Rosina Dimler, likewise natives of Wurtemberg. Her father spent his entire life in the oid country, but her mother came to America in 18^8, and, set- tling in Philadelphia, took a second husband in tlie City of Brotherly Love. Mr. Hochstrasser and his bride journeyed to their new home on the broad prairies of Illinois by rail from Philadelphia to Pittsburg, thence by river, canal and lake to t^liijago, and from there by canal to La Salle County, and the ensuing two .yeais were passed in Peru, where he was employed in the warehouses. He then rented a farm at Troy Grove, and a year later came to Lee County. He bought eighty acres of land in what is now Willow ! Creek Township, paying $32.5 for it, and at once j set about the pioneer work that lay before him in 1 further developing his place, on which a log house had already been erected, and sixteen acres of the land broken. During his many years' residence on his old homestead, he made many valuable im- provements, including the erection of a good set of frame buildings, and he placed his original pur- chase of land under good cultivation, besides buy- ing an eighty-acre tract joining, which he also im- proved. In 1884 he rented his farm, and, remov- ing to Lee Count}', has since lived there in hon- orable retirement. He and his good wife have been blessed by four children: Caroline (Mrs. Noe), Mary, wife of Jacob Meyer; Sophia, wife of Carl Yetter; and Lucy, wife of Peter Wagner. Mrs. Noe and her parents are devoted members of the Evangelical Church. (|1 Ijf/IL LIAM B. TRUDE,who has been a resident \^// of Amboy since 1855, is well known as an \y^ old engineer in the passenger service of the Illinois Central Railroad. There are two families of this name in the United States, one be- ing of French and the other of English extraction. The former is the one to which the subject of this sketch belongs. John Trude, the founder of the name in America, was impressed into the French navy at the age of eleven years and was held in service until twenty- two years old. On his return home, he could learn nothing of his family, and as the Marquis Lafayette was preparing to depart for America, the young man joined him as an adventurer en- listing in the cause of the colonies. After his ar- rival upon our shores, he fought in the batile of the Brandy wine and other engagements, and, at the close of the war, settled at Horse Neck, R. L, where he married an American lady by the name of Baker and lived to the advanced age of nearly ninety years. He reared a family of four sons and three PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 493 daughters: one son, John, settled in Chautauqua Count}', N. Y.; another son, Nathan, lived and died at Watertown, N. Y., and another, William D., the father of our subject, was born at Horse Neck, R. I., June 21, 1790. He married Betsey Eldridge, who was born the same year in Washing- ton County, N. Y. Her father was a Revolution- ary soldier, and fought at Crown Point, Benning- ton, Stony Point, and Saratoga. This couple re- sided in St. Lawrence and Niagara Counties, N. Y., and in 1854 came to Illinois and settled at St. Charles, Kane County, where the}' passed away at the age of seventy-eight and sixty-three years re- spectively. Their family consisted of eight children : Amos, a fai-mer, who resided at Sycamore, 111., and there died in 1890; James, who was also a farmer, died near Galena, this State; Alonzo resides in East Saginaw, Mich.; Martin is a resident of Cali- fornia; Phcebe married Sidney Weldon and they make their home in Nebraska; Susan married John Weldon and died at Mineral Point, Wis.; Nancy is the wife of Sanford Hays and resides at Freeport, 111. Our subject, who is the youngest of the family, was born in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., December 29, 1831. His early life passed upon a farm. In 1853 he came to Illinois and stopping at St. Charles, he became employed as a fireman on a locomotive, which ran on a branch road at that place. March 14, 1855, he came to Amboy and entered the employ of the Illinois Central, serving as fireman until 1862, and since that date as en- gineer. He has been in the passenger service since 1864, his run being between La Salle and Dubuque. He was married in 1858 to Candice Rolf, daughter of Aaron and Mary Rolf, who was born in Lisbon, St. Lawrence County, N. Y., December 25, 1836. Her father, Aaron Rolf, was of English parentage and was a native of Essex County, N. Y. He was educated for the medical profession, but becoming- dissatisfied with it he settled on a farm in St. Lawrence County, becoming one of its most hon- ored and influential citizens and being frequently elected to public office. He attained the advanced age of eighty-one years. To this worthy couple nine children were born, all of whom grew to ma- turity and of whom the following record is given: William died at Watertown, N. Y.; Rosella, now Mrs. John Loard, resides at St. Charles, 111.; Nancy, who married Henry Armstrong, died at Ogdens- burg, N. Y.; Elizabeth became the wife of David Getty and resides at Ainboy; SOphia, who became the wife of S.imuel Wells, died at Baldwinsville, N. Y.; Winter is in the West; George was accident- ally killed in the yards of the Chicago & North- western Railroad at Chicago. He was the oldest engineer in the service of that company, and was an earnest Christian gentleman. Robert resides in Minnesota, and Candice, the wife of our subject, is the youngest child. She came West in 1855 to visit her brother in Chicago and remained until the date of her marriage with Mr. Trude. Mr. and Mrs. Trude are the parents of two chil- dren: Fred W., born in Amboy, July 19, 1859, was married in 1881 to Josephine McCormick. The}' have one son, William Fred, who is a con- ductor on the Illinois Central and resides at Am- boy; Frank E. is a telegraph operator in the service of the Illinois Central. Mrs. Trude is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Trude is a Royal Arch Mason and a member of the Brother- hood of Locomotive Engineers anci also of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. In politics, he is a Republican. The family are among the best known and most highly esteemed citizens of Amboy. •^=♦^=♦ _y ^ EORGE W. HEWITT, M. D., was one of ,_— , the ablest and most distinguished physi- i^K cians of his day who practiced in Lee County many years, and b}' his death his profes- sion was deprived of one of its noblest representa- tives, and his ccmimunity met with a sad loss, many a household mourning for the beloved and honoied physician whose presence had so often brought healing, and whose friendship is now a pleasant memoiy. It gives us pleasure to place his life record on these pages, together with that of his son. Dr. Henry M. Hewitt, upon whom his father's mantle has fallen, and who has already attained 494 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. distinction ns one of the most leiinied and slcillful phj'sieians of this part of the State. Di-. George W. Hewitt was born in Middlcbiirgh, Franklin County, Pa., December 23, 1830, a son of G. W. and Margaret (Conklin) Hewitt, to whom were born four sons and three daughters. His par- ents were wealthy, and left each of their children a handsome fortune. Although he was rich and could have led a life of ease and luxury, he was of far too active a temperament for that, and chose instead to enter the laborious profession of a physi- cian. He began his studies with Dr. C'liew, of Bal- timore, Md., as preceptor, and at the same time at- j tended lectures at the University of INIaiyland, from which he was graduated in 18r)4, with high honor?, having attained a remarkable degree of proficiency in his studies. In the spring of the ' same year, he came to Illinois as offering a wider , field for the exercise of his talents than some of ; the older States, and on the 1st of May opened an office at Franklin Grove. He was untiring in his devotion to his profession, and ere long became widely known, not only in Lee Countj^ but far be- yond its bounds, as a physician of unusual intelli- gence and ability, the people among whom he settled early recognizing his professional merits, and to the last day of his life his friends and patrons looked upon him as pre-eminently the best medical adviser in this section of the country. He also had a high standing among his brother physi- cians as one who kept well abreast of the times, was quick to perceive the value of new methods, and to adopt them wherever feasible in his general practice, which was large, and he was honored by appointment to various distinguished positions in connection with his calling. In 1871 he was a delegate from the Illinois State jMedical Society to the American Medical Association, and besides being a member of the latter was an honorary member of the California Medical Society. His course was patriotic during the war, and lie ren- dered valuable service to the Government as sur- geon of the Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry, and he was a member of Col. Kirk's staff as Brigadier- Surgeon when the Colonel was promoted to the rank of Brigadier-General. On September 26, 1856, Dr. Hewitt, Sr., was wedded to Caroline Davis jNIiller, and theirs was a true marriage, whose happiness was uninterrupted until the death of the beloved wife seven years later, November 19, 1863. She left two sons, Henry M. and George W., who were aged respect- ively five and three years when they were so sadly bereft of their mother. After that they were well cared for by their aunt. Miss Amanda T. Miller. George W. Hewitt was born July 31, 1859. He attended medical college two j-ears during his youth, but on account of ill health was obliged to give up his ambition to be a ph3'sician, and turn- ing his attention to the study of law, he was edu- cated for that profession at the Union Law School, of Chicago, from which he was graduated in the Class of '82. He is now one of the most promi- nent attorneys of Western Iowa, having his place of residence at Council Bluffs; he is one of the leading Masons of that vicinity, and has taken the thirty-second degree. The elder Dr. Hewitt was scarcely past the prime of life, and it seemed as if man 3- more j-ears of usefulness lay before him, when his brilliant career was terminated by his untimely death. September 1, 1879, his team ran away, and he was thrown off a bridge to the stream twenty feet below. He re- ceived injuries from which he only partly re- covered, and in October, 1880 had his first stroke of paralj'sis. .lanuary 5, 1881, he had a second stroke, which caused his death on the 12th of that month. The community where he lived for so many years was plunged into sorrow at his demise, as he had identified himself with its every interest, and was alwa3s foremost in all that pertained to its social and religious life. He was prominent as a Knight Templar Mason, and was an active mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church, where his presence is missed, as well as his generous benefactions in promoting its every good work. The Doctor was a sound man of business, added to his inherited property, and left a large and valuable estate, which has been ably administei-ed by his son, our subject. Henry M. Hewitt, M. D., was born August 24, 1857. He was given a liberal literary education at the Illinois State Normal School and at the Northwestern University. He ranked high in PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 495 scholarship at both institutions, and laid a solid basis for his medical studies, which were pursued at Rush Medical College, Chicago, whence he was graduated before he was twenty -one years old. As he was too young to practice his profession, he further fitted himself for it by spending one win- ter in the hospitals of New York, and then he passed ten months in Europe in visiting the hos- pitals at Heidelburg, Paris and J>oiidon, where he gained a practical experience in his calling that has been of incalculable value to him since his re- turn, when he established himself at Franklin Grove, entering upon his practice here at his old home in 1879. He needed no introduction to the people among whom his boyhood days had been pleasantly passed, who regarded him with favor for his own sake, as well as for that of the father whom they so revered. He early showed that he had inherited in a full degree the talents that placed his father at the head of the profession, and he has already won an enviable reputation as a very successful practitioner. Dr. Hewitt was married October 17, 1883, to Miss Eliza J. Durkes. She is a native of Franklin Grove, born June 16, 1859, and is a daughter of Conrad Durkes. Mrs. Hewitt is a lady of culture, having been finely educated in the famous Mt. Holyoke Seminary for girls, at Ilolyoke, Mass., from which she was graduated in the Class of '82. Her pleasant marriage with our subject has brought them three children: George W., born May 26, 1885; Mary D., September 1, 1889, and Henry M., Jr., November 16, 1891. The Doctor devoted himself so assiduously to his beloved profession that his health failed while he was administering to the ills of others, and June 15, 1888, he abandoned his practice to travel to California to recover his former vigor. He was accompanied by his wife, and for twenty-two months they journeyed over the Golden State with a horse and buggy, and visited all parts of it. Returning to Franklin Grove April 1, 1890, re- stored to health and with a fresh supply of strength to enable him to withstand the strain of his pro- fessional life, he resumed his practice. The Doc- tor is also quite a competent business man, and manages his financial affairs with consummate skill. He is wealthy, and besides his property at Franklin Grove, has a farm in Iowa, and a ten-acre, live-year-old orange grove at Rialto, Cal. His pleasant social qualities, courtesy and considera- tion in his intercourse with all with whom he comes in contact, whether of high or low degree, have won him many friends. Politically, he is a Republican, and his connection with the Masonic Society is as a Knight Templar. -y* ' ) I i ' j I I ii n g ■ ^ d i .< \l m '- EBENEZER L. CLAPP, is a highly respec- ted citizen of Lee Center, and an early pio- /•—^ ' neer of this county. He was born in Hampshire County, Mass. in 1819 and lived there until fifteen years of age,His father was proprietor of an hotel, running a stage and also carrying on farming. When our subject was fifteen years old, he went to New York City, being employed for two and one half years with James Hall & Co, whole- sale drygoods merchants. He then entered the employ of Eno & Phelps, in the same business, remaining with him for about two }'ears. About this time, Mr. Clapp had his attention directed to Mobile, Ala., to which place he went with the intention of going into business there, but not being satisfied with the outlook Of things he changed his mind, and after remaining in that city for six months went to Selmy, Ala., and entered the employ of Johnson ctDore, merchants, with whom he remained eighteen months. He then returned to the East and going to Hartford, Conn., engaged in business for some five years in the retail trade. At the expiration of this time he returned to New York and opened up business, dealing in carpets, boots and shoes, for some three years. He then sold out and bought a retail estab- lishment oC John S. Quick which he' carried on for some years, finally disposing of it and forming a partnership with Mr. Nelson, of St. Louis. They were together in business for some years and then dissolved partnership. After leaving Eno & Phelps and previous to engaging in trade for himself he spent two years in Troj', New York. In 1847 Mr. Clapp came to Illinois, locating in 496 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. this county, whore in company with his father he bought some four hundred acres of land, where Lee Center now stands, and on which he l)uilt a log cabin, and has resided on that place every since. During all that time he has carried on farming and has also dealt largely in sheep, having brought the first of these animals of any importance to Lee County. Mr. Clapp was married in Utica, N. Y., to Cath- erine Bull, a native of Winstead, Conn., and tiiey are the parents of five children, namely: Fred B.; Edwin and RugglesW., both deceased; Alice L., and Kate E. Mr. Clapp has been very successful in his business undertakings and his farm consist- ing of sixty-two and one half acres, . is highly- improved and contains good buildings and all con- veniences for carrying on agricultural pursuits. Mr. Clapp is a Republican in politics and he and his family are highly esteemed by their fellow-cit- J****^ ii'5>4'*5'4 l*****^^**** t^ J^EACON ISRAEL F. HALLOCK. Lee jI County may well be proud of the record ^ of her pioneers, who were earnest, reso- ~ lute, self-respecting, self-helpful, hard- working men, well fitted to cope with the difficul- ties and hardships of frontier life, and performed a great work in developing the resources of the country. Among those who are still living amid the scenes of their early struggles with the forces of nature that have produced such grand results, enjoying a hale and cheerful old age, is Deacon Israel Hallock, and his fellow-citizens in Wyoming Township and elsewhere do him honor not only as one of the early settlers of this region and one of its prosperous farmers, but for his genuine worth as a man and a citizen. Our subject was born June 16, 1818, in Mt. Hope, Orange County, N. Y., and is descended from some of the early families of that State. His father, Joseph Hallock, was born in the same county as himself, while his grandfather, for whom he was named, was born in Suffolk County, Long He in turn was the son of another Israel Island. Hallock, who was also a native of Suffolk County, and was a son of one Zebulon Hallock, who was born in the same place as himself, which was like- wise the birthplace of his father, William H. Hal- lock. The father of the latter was William Hal- lock, a native of Long Island, and a son of Peter Hallock, who, says tradition, was the first white settler to put his foot on the Island. He was of English birth, came to this country when a young man, landed at Ilallock's Neck, Southold, Long Island, in 1640, and there dwelt in peace and con- tentment the remaining years of his sojourn on earth. The great-grandfather of our subject removed from Suffolk County to the main land duiing the latter part of his life, and spent his remaining j'ears in Orange County. The grandfather of our subject was reared and married in Orange County, the maiden name of his wife being Reed. He was a farmer, and cari'ied on farming in Mt. Hope Township, where he died in fullness of time. The father of our subject grew to man's estate in his native county, and in due time took unto himself a wife in the person of Esther Youngs, a native of Suffolk County, L. I., and a daughter of Thomas and Esther (Comstock) Y'oungs; she died in Orange County. Mr. Hallock adopted the calling of a farmer,and pursued it m his native town until 1835, when he left Mt. Hope and took up his residence in Luzerne County, Pa. Thence he came to Illinois in 1841, and was a pioneerof AYyoming Township, purchasing of his son a claim on section 24. His last J'ears were spent here, and at his death he was laid to rest in the cemetery at South Paw Paw. He was twice married, and was the father of fifteen children. He served in the War of 1812. Our subject was seventeen years old when he went to Pennsylvania with the familj-, and he re- mained an inmate of the parental home until he married and established one of his own in 1839. In the spring of 184(1 he came to Illinois with his young wife to try his fortunes on the rich soil of the Prairie State. They journeyed thither with a horse and wagon, and after traveling six weeks and five days, arrived in Stark County, where he proposed to locate. After his arrival he traded his wagon for forty acres of land, and borrowed ^77 V"I >< T > PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 499 $50 with which to pay the balance. He invested also in a cow, and then had 13 left with which to commence housekeeping. The locality where he settled was very unhealthful, so he and his wife only staid there three or four months and then came to Lee Count}' as a much more desirable place of residence. They found this part of the country in all its origmal wildness, with but few white settlers, and the land, which was all owned by the Government, had not been sub-divided. On coming to Lee County Deacon Ilallock bought a claim on the southwest quarter of section 24, of what is now Wjoming Township. Three acres were fenced and broken, but there were no buildings on it. His first work was to erect a log house in which he wintered. At first he had no team to work with, as he had exchanged his horse for his land, but he was very industrious, and soon had the wherewithal to buy a pair of steers, which he broke, and for some years did all his farm work and marketing with them. In the spring of 1841 he sold his claim to his father, and made a claim to a tract of land on section 25, the same township. He built a log house, and at Once commenced to improve the land. He worked hard, his labors being directed by good judgment, and he pros- pered accordingly. He placed all his land under excellent cultivation, erected a neat set of frame buildings, and planted fruit and shade trees, in- cluding a grove of beautiful maples, which gave the farm its name as "Maple Grove Farm." When he first settled on the place there were no. railway's in this part of the country, or for some years, and he used to carry his grain to market in Chicago with an ox-team, a week being consumed in mak- ing the round trip. In 1873 he sold his home- stead, on which he had expended so many years of care and labor, and removed to the place he now occupies on section 24, Wyoming Township, the farm improved by his father-in-law. Deacon Or- lando Boardman. His residence, a view of which appears on another page, stands on the ground where the Baptist Church was organized. Deacon Hallock was married December 19, 1839, to Miss PersisP. M. Boardman, and for more than half a century they have walked hand in hand, faithfully sharing the joys and sorrows falling to their lot, and giving to the community where they have lived for fifty-one years the example of a true wedded life. Of the children born unto them two grew to maturity, Jane Elizabeth and William H. William was born December 28, 1851, and was reared and educated in this his native county. He was married December 31, 1876, to Miss Althea Ketchum, and died January 19, 1883, leaving two children, Jessie and Franklin William. Jane Eliz- abeth married S. A. Tarr, and they have six chil- dren: Franklin, Reuben and Robert (twins), Mary, Thomas and Lida. Mrs. Hallock was born in the town of Corinth, Saratoga County, N. Y., February 27, 1819. Her father, Orlando Boardman, was a native of Massa- chusetts, from which his father, Daniel Boardman, went to the primeval wilds of Saratoga County, and was a pioneer of Corinth, where he engaged in the drug business, passing his remaining years tliere. The maiden name of his wife was Averill. Mrs. Hallock's father grew to manhood in Saratoga County. In 1827 he went from there to Luzerne County, Pa., and operated a sawmill and carried on a thriving lumber business, as he had previ- ously done in Saratoga County. In 1840 he be- came a pioneer of Lee County, buying a tract of Government land on section 24, Wyoming Town- ship, which he developed into a choice farm, and made it his home until death closed his eyes June 10, 1873, in the sleep that knows no waking this side of eternity. The maiden name of his wife was Mary Brace, and she was a daughter of Daniel and Mary (Rowland) Brace. She was born in Saratoga County N. Y., and died in Luzerne County, Pa., in 1832, at the age of thirty-six years. Our subject is a self-made man in the truest sense of the term, and well deserves the success that has attended his efforts, as in all his relations with others and in all his dealings, he has borne himself honorably — honesty, truthfulness, and jus- tice his guiding principles throughout a long life that has passed the seventy-third milestone of the journey between the ciadle and the grave; his wife is also more than seventy-three years old. She was attacked by a stroke of paralysis on October 3, 1891, from which she has not recovered and 500 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. she is in a very feeble condition at the pres- ent writing (1892.) This worthy couple, who are deeply respected by all who know thein, are earnest Christians, and for forty-nine years have been members of the Baptist Church, in which he has officiated as Deacon for forty-one years. w^. !>-^-• B"*" S) BRAM V. CHRISTIANCE,an old and re- spected resident of Malugin's Grove, was one of the first settlers of Lee County, and as a pioneer who has contributed to the development of this portion of Northern Illinois, wc are pleased to represent him in this PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 503 Bio«kapiik;al Record. His birthplace is two and one-half miles east of Schenectady, tlie county seat of Schenectady County, N. Y., and he was born December 11, 1808. His father, whose given name was Evert, was a native of the same county, a son of Cornelius Christiance, who was for sev- eral years engaged in the mercantile business in that part of the Empire State. In 1814 he went to Ohio, and was employed in surveying Government land in that State for a time. He returned to New York, and died there. The father of our subject was reared and mar- ried in his native State, and for some years before tliei-e were railways or canals, he was engaged in teaming between Albany and Buffalo, driving a six- horse team. In the latter part of his life he came to Illinois and his closing years were spent with our subject. The maiden name of his wife was Eva Van Epps, and she was a native of the State of New York, a daughter of Abram Xsna Epps, who was also born in New York, the town of Medina, Orleans County, being his birthplace. He was a descendant of one of the old Dutch families that were among the early settlers of New York. For some years he kept a tavern in Schenectady County, and, so far as known, spent his entire life in his native State. The mother of our subject died in Schenectady County in 1813. The subject of this life-record was a child of five years when he was left motherless. When he was six years old, his grandfather Christiance took him to Ohio, and he staid with him while he was engaged in surveying there. Returning to his na- tive State with his grandfather, he grew to man- hood amid the familiar scenes of his native county, and in due time took unto himself a wife, and began life in earnest. He resided at Medina, Or- leans County, for a time, and then decided to come Westward, and the summer of 1835 found him on his way to Illinois with a team. He arrived at Malugin's Grove in August, and saw the scene of his future home a wilderness, where deer and all sorts of wild game roamed at pleasure over the un- cultivated prairies or through the timber, whence often at night the howls of the wolves disturbed the slumbers of the few settlers that had ventured within their domain, and Indians were still living in the very grove where he chose the location of his future abode. The land was all owned by the Government, and was not yet surveyed, and 'Lee County formed a part of Ogle County. Tliere were no railways for a number of years, and the people had to go all the way to Chicago to dispose of their crops and obtain necessary family supplies. During his flfty-six years' residence here, Mr. Christiance has witnessed a great change in the face of the country, has seen its gradual develop- ment to a finely improved, wealthy, farming com- munity, where are found all the evidences of an advanced civilization in its many and varied agri- cultural, manufacturing and commercial interests. . When he first came here, he made a claim to a tract of land in Malugin's Grove, and at once erected his pioneer home, the typical log cabin of the olden days when Illinois was a frontier State. He split shakes to cover the roof, made a puncheon floor, and constructed a chimney of mud and sticks, upon a stone foundation. When the postofflce was es- tablished at Malugin's Grove, it was placed in his charge, and he is known in the history of the county as one of the first Postmasters appointed within its limits. Mr. Christiance was first married sixty-one years ago, in the year 1831, to Caroline Barliydt, a na- tive of Schenectady County, N. Y". She died in 1871, after a married life of forty years. Our sub- ject has five children living of that marriage: Cornelius, whose birthplace is at Malugin's Grove, and who was probably the first white child born in the county; George, James, Sarah and Caroline. The second marriage of Mr. Christiance, which took place in 1876, was to Miss Rosaline A. Elkins, a native of Warsaw, Wyoming County, N. Y., and a daughter of William S. Elkins, who was born in Vermont. His father, Charles A. Elkins, is sup- posed to have been a native of the Green Moun- tain State also, and he went from there to the wilds of Genesee County, and settled in that part of it now known as Wyoming County, becoming a pio- neer of the town of Perry, where he followed his occupation as a cooper until his demise. The fa- ther of Mrs. Christiance learned the trade of a pump-maker, and carried it on in Perry until 1854, when lie came to Illinois to spend the remainder of 504 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. his life ill this State. He resided at Batavia, Kane County, a few years, and then removed to Mendota, where he manufactured pumps until his earthly ca- reer was closed in death. The maiden name of his wife was Betsy J. Nevins. She was born in Ver- mont to John and Susan Nevins, and died at Perry, N. Y. 'St' OHN LAWRENCE, who is numbered among the early settlers of Lee County of 1840, was a well-to-do farmer residing on section 27, Palmyra Township. His life was a busy and useful one and its record, we feel assured, will prove of interest to many of our readers. He was born in the town of Duretta, Madison County, N. Y., January 10, 1814, and was of English de- scent. His grandfather, John Lawrence, lived and died in the Empire State, where were born unto him and his wife several children, among the num- ber Lawrence, tlie father of our subject. He was born in Dutchess County, where in the usual manner of farmer lads he was reared to manhood. Tliere he also wedded Miss Mary De Loan, also a native of that county, and of High Dutch descent. After their marriage they removed to Madison County, N. Y., where as farming people they re- sided for some years. Mr. Lawrence was aoci- dently killed, while moving a house, at the age of fifty. His widow and her children subsequently came to the West and cast their lot with the early settlers of Lee C'ounty, III., where the mother died at the age of seventy years. She was a sincere Christian woman, who lield membership with the Baptist Church and her teachings left their impress on her children. Only two of the family are yet living: our subject and his sister Rachel, who, now nearly eighty years of age, is living in Jordan Township, Whiteside County, where her husband, John Thompson, engaged in farming until his death. We now take up the personal history- of Mr. Lawrence, who spent his boyhood days upon his father's farm and in his youth learned the trade of a shoemaker, although he has never followed it for a livelihood. He came to Illinois a single man and here was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Rodgers, who was born in Dutchess County, N. Y., but spent the days of her maiden- hood, until coming to Illinois, in the Prov- ince of Ontario, Canada. At the age of sixty she was called to her final rest, dying at her home in Palmyra Township at the age of seventy-three, in the faith of the Baptist Church, of which she was a member. Mr. Lawrence was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Mary Mason, nee Parks, who was born in the Empire State, July 24. 1833, and when three years old was brought to Lee County by her parents, Hiram and Martha (Moon) Parks, both of whom were natives of Vermont and descended from early New England families. In Eranklin County they were married and lived upon a farm until after the birth of two of their children, when they emigrated Westward, locating on Government land in Palmyra Township, this county. Mr. Parks there improved a good fai-m, whiclr he made his horne until his death in 1883, at the age of seventy-five years. In religious be- lief he was a Baptist and in political sentiment a Republican. Mrs. Parks is yet living, and although now eighty-three years of age, is still well pre- served. She, too, is a member of the Baptist Church, and her home is with her daughter, Mrs. Lawrence. It was in 1851, that Mary Parks, in Palmyra Town- ship, became the wife of Rodney Mason, a native of New York, who was brought by his parents to Illinois when a youth. He made farming his life work and continued that occupation until called to the home beyond at the age of forty-four 3-ears. He was a hard-working man, upright and honor- able in all his dealings and left to his children an untarnished name. Blanche, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mason, is now the wife of A. D. Chap- man; and Ellis, the son, who wedded May Reed, is now living in Northwestern Iowa. Fifty years have passed away since John Law- rence came to this covmty, with the history of which he has since been prominently identified. He aided largely in its growth and development, watched with interest its progress and ever gave his support to those interests calculated to benefit PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 505 the community or promote the general welfare. In polities he was a Republiean. Having lived an up- right life — a life above reproach — he certainlj- de- serves a representation among the honored pio- neers, leading business men and best citizens of bis adopted countj\ He departed this life September 26, 1891, leaving many warm friends to mourn his loss. ^^ IIARLES F. FURLEY, one of the respected [l( , citizens, progressive farmers and extensive ^^/ stock-raisers of Palmyra Township, residing on section 5, is a native of Washington County, Md. His grandfather, William Furley, was of Eng- lish extraction, and lived and died in Pennsylvania, near Chambersburg.' He was a man of remarkable vigor, seeming to possess an iron constitution, and reached the advanced age of seventy-four years. He married Miss Susan Snook, who was born in Maryland, of German parentage, and died in Cham- bersburg. Pa., at the age of eighty years, some time after the death of her husband. Their son, James A., was the father of our subject. In Maryland, ■ his native State, he was reared to manhood, and in the Mexican War he served his country as one of its soldiers. Possessing a mechanical turn of mind, he learned the trade of carriage-making and located at Gettysburg, Pa., where he carried on business for some years in that line. He afterward engaged extensively in stock-dealing, and at the same time was engaged in making chains, quite a prominent industry at that time, but is now living a retired life in Polo, 111., where he located about 1887. He is now sixty-nine years of age. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary .]. Black, is also well ad- vanced in years, being sixty-three years old. Her family is noted for longevity-. Her father, Fred- erick A. Black, is still living in Frederick County, Md., and although he is now eighty-eight years of age, is still hale and hearty, and can climb the mountains of that region with comparative ease. His wife died of dropsy a number of years ago. He is now married to his third wife. In a family of nine children, of whom three sons and five daugliters are yet living, Charles Furley is the sec- ond in order of birth. In thocount3' of his nativ- ity his education was acquired, and at the age of eighteen he there learned the trade of a chain-maker and blacksmithing and coach-making, also did gen- eral supply woi'k. On coming to Illinois in 1871, he established a smithy in Prairieville, which he carried on for some years in connection with farm- ing. As a companion on life's journey, Mr. P^urley chose Miss Sarah H. Harvey, their union being cel- ebrated in Carroll County, on the 21st of April, 1873, where the lady was born in 1854. Liberal educational advantages were afforded her, and she has a cultured mind and many accomplishments. Her parents, William and Permelia (Green) Harvey, were natives of Indiana, who came to Illinois after their marriage, and were among the early settlers of Carroll County, where the father developed a farm from raw .land that he had procured from the Government. They spent their remaining days thereon, and both died in middle life. During her maidenhood Mrs- Furley engaged in teaching, and met with excellent success in that undertaking. She is now Postmistress of Prairieville, to which position she was appointed by President Cleveland. Her predecessor was her husband, who is a Repub- lican in politics, while she is a Democrat in politi- cal views. Mr. Furley has also held other local offices, has been Chairman of the Republican Com- mittee and takes an active interest in the success of his party, doing all in his power to promote its welfare. Himself and wife are numbered among the best people of the township, and Guy, their only child, is an intelligent and well educated young man, and is now a student at the Normal School, in Dixon. Mr. Furley now devotes much of his attention to stock-raising. His farm is a valuable property, well improved with good buildings, and the neat appearance of the place indicates the thrift and enterprise of the owner. He also owns thirty-three acres of fine land adjoining the corporation limits of Prairieville, and this is also higlily improved. As a stock-raiser, he has a reputation which any in that ] ine m ight well en vy. Mr. Furley is the owner 506 PORTEAIT AND BIOGRAPfflCAL RECORD. or "Harold Chief," which is a half-brother to "Maud S.,"and also has upon his farm twenty-five head of highly bred horses. He has now made his home in Palmyra Townsliip for nineteen years, and during that period liis life has been such as to win him the confidence of those with whom business rela- tions have brought him in contact, and the warm personal regard of many friends. UGH DUP'FY has shown marked ability as a farmer by transforming the one hundred and thirty-eight acres of land now included ^ in his homestead, situated on section 15, Nelson Township, into a fruitful, highly cultivated farm, which is amply supplied with modern im- provements and all the appliances and machinery for facilitating agricultural labors. Mr. Duffy de- votes his farm partly to the dairy business, which is quite an important source of income, and partly to raising grain and stock, he has also for many years conducted a lucrative business as a well- digger. Our subject was born in October, 1829, in County Monaghan, Ireland, in the parish of Anna Mullen, in the town of Carntree, his birthplace being within a mile of the ancesti-al home of Gen. Jack- son's father and grandfather. The parents of our subject, Philip and Ann (Coyle) Duffy, were life- long residents of that Irish county and were de- scendants of the old Celtic stock. Both died when comparatively young, his death occurring in 1840, at the age of forty ^ears, and hers at the age of thirty- live years. They were members of the Catholic Church and were true Christian people, who were greatly respected by their neighbors. The father was a farmer by occupation. Our subject was but ten years old when his mother died, and only eleven years of age when his father closed his eyes in death. This sad be- reavement left him dependent on his own resources for a livelihood. Fortunately, the little Irish lad was made of good stuff that could withstand the buffets of the world. He had a resolute will, an unfaltering courage and a cheerful, hopeful dispo- sition. He was active and healthy, had been trained to industrious habits, notwithstanding his youth- fulness, and was ready at all times to perform any kind of honest litbor. To a mind like his, the United States presented many attractions, and in 1847 he carried out his determination to emigrate to this country, sailing from Liverpool March 22, in the "Wisconsin," which was commanded by Capt. Mumford. He landed in the city of New York on the 20th of April, after an unusually quick passage for those times. The next two years of his life were passed at Warwick, R. I., and he then came Westward in the year 1849, and has since lived in Lee County. He was well equipped for the pioneer life of those days, as we have seen, and has made his mark as a pioneer to whom all honor is due. He has not only witnessed the great changes that have taken place since he first set foot on this soil, but he has had a hand in bringing about the gradual development of the county into a rich and highly improved agricultuial center. In 1851 Mr. Duffy made his first purchase of land, to which he has since added other land. Tlie fine farm that he now owns is the result of his un- tiring labors. He has erected a substantial, com- modious barn, fitting it up with all the conven- iences in general use to-daj^, and he has put up other well-arranged buildings. Together with his' farming he carries on quite an extensive dairy business, using thirty cows for the purpose. For many years he has been a well-digger, having all the necessary machinery, and has dug over one hundred deep wells. As in all things else, Mr. Duffy is independent m politics, having a mind of his own, and is bound by no party ties. He is a thoroughly good citizen, loyal in thought and act to his adopted country. His fellow-townsmen al- ways find him genial and obliging in his inter- course with them and fair in his dealings. The religion of his ancestors is dear to him, and he and his family are Catholics. The marriage of our subject with Miss Isabel Hammill was solemnized at Dixon, Mrs. Duffy was born and reared in the same county wliere her hus- band had his birth. Her parents, Patrick and Cath- erine (Dailey) Hammill lived and died in Ireland, her father attaining the venerable age of ninetj-- "-li '^ 7^ lyVO'yl^^ C(hl£u^ Ay'^a.^iy^ PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 509 seven years, while her mother was in the prime of life when her death occurred. Mr. and Mrs. Duffy have experienced sorrow in their wedded life in the death of six of their children, all dying quite young, who were named jNI.iry A., Philip, Patrick, Kabie, Isabel and Frank. The children spared to bless and cheer their declining years are John, Alice, Patrick and Henry. John, who works in the condensed milk factory at Dixon, married Miss Kate McMauus. Mrs. Duffy departed this life at her home in Nelson Township, December 28, 1891, aged sixty-three years. eOLLINS DYSART, a representative of a notjed pioneer family, is one of the fore- most native-born sons of Lee County, and belongs to the number who are to-day among its most enlightened and enterprising citizens, and are prominent in various walks of life. He is one of tlie most successful of the young farmers and stock-raisers of this part of Illinois, and has a large and finely appointed farm on sections 7 and 8, Xachusa Township, stocked with horses, cattle and swine of standard breeds. He is serving his first term as a member of the Lee County Board of Supervisors, and as an incumbent of this important office displays an aptitude for public life that makes him a valuable civic official. Our subject was born on the farm on which he makes his home, November 7, 1858. He is a son of Philip Dysart, who has long been an honored citizen of this county, and is now living in retire- ment in the city of Dixon, in his pleasant home at No. 303 West Third Street. His native place is in Huntingdon Co., Pa., and he is a son of James Dysart, who was a Pennsylvanian by birth, and the sou of an Irishman, who was of Scotch-Irish blood, and came from one of the leading families of the North of Ireland. James Dysart grew to maturity in Fairfield County, his native State, and in early manhood moved to Huntingdon County, whence he came to Illinois in the '4.0s, and entered large tracts of land in this county, whicli were subsequently improved by himself and his 24 sons. He became a prominent and wealthy pioneer of this section, and died here when an old man. Philip Dysart lived in his native county for some years after attaining man's estate, and then came to Lee County in 1852. He did not at the lime settle on the farm on sections 7 and 8, Na- chusa Township, taken by his father some yeais before, but in 1855 located thereon and broke the first sod of its fertile soil. With characteristic energy he worked to develop it into a good farm, and soon had a good set of farm buildings erected and everything about the place in good order. He made it his home until 1883, when he left it in charge of his son and retired to Dixon. After coining to this county, Mr. Dysart was married to Miss Ruth Igou, wlio is, like himself, a native of Pennsylvania, born in Blair County. After the death of her mother, in that State, the famil)^ came to Illinois, and the father, Jacob Igou, died in 1879 in the town of Lamoille, at the home of his son. Mrs. Dysart was young when she came to Illinois, and is the only surviving member of the family. Both she and her husband are well and active, retaining much of their old- time vigor, and may be said to be "growing old gracefully." They are prominent in social circles, having many friends and acquaintances, who have been attracted to them by the genuine worth of their characters. Collins Dysart is the eldest of the three children born to his parents, and he and Clyda E., who is with her parents in Dixon, are the only survivors. Their sister Ina, former wife of C. B. Crawford, Postmaster at Naclmsa, died in September, 1889, aged twenty-nine years. Our subject has always lived on the farm that is now his. In the local public schools he laid the foundation of a sound education, which was extended at Mt. Morris Seminary and Cornell College, Mt. N'ernon, Iowa, which he attended some two years. He also had a good training in all that pertains to his calling, and not only does he keep well abreast of the times in regard to cui'rent events and all things tha;t are of interest to an intelligent, inquiring mind, but he keeps himself well informed as to the progress of agriculture in regard to new methods and new discoveries that have a bearing upon it. 510 POETEAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Although having h.ad control of this farm since 1880, Mr. Dysart did not purchase it until about 1891. Its three hundred and twenty acres of choice farming land are under a high state of cul- tivation, and its improvements rank with the best in the neighborhood. Mr. Dysart raises stock ex- tensively, and has a fancy for thoroughbreds. In cattle, he has a fine herd of Polled Aber- deen Angus of high grade. He is a young man of much force and independence of character, franlc and manly withal, and popular with his fellow-citi- zens. He is an ardent Republican in his politics, and, as before mentioned, is identified with the public life of his native county as a member of its board of Supervisors, representing Nachusa County- Our subject was married in Rock Island County, near Milan, to Miss Ida M. Johnson, a daughter of Mathew T. and Helen E. (McClean) Johnson. Her parents are natives of New York, born and reared near Ithaca, and after marriage they came to this State. They are now well-to-do citizens of Rock Island County, where they still make their home on the farm that they have improved near Milan. In that home Mrs. Dysart was born April 25, 1860. She was finely educated at Cornell Col- lege, Mt. Vernon, Iowa. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is earnestly interested in its progress. The pleasant household circle of our subject and his amiable wife is completed by their two children, to whom they have given the names of Ruth H. and George II. The attention of the reader is invited to the lithographic portrait of Mr. Dysart, represented on an accompanying page. ♦^♦s y r P' 'INLEY McMARTIN, one of the prominent ) and representative citizens of Dixon, doing „ business as a money broker and real-estate agent, has been identified with the history of the community since 1864, and taken a prominent part in the upbuilding and progress of the town and county. Mr. McMartin was born in Amsterdam, Mont- gomery County, N. Y., May 22, 1819, and is of Scotch descent. His grandfather was a Scotchman, who spent his entire life in his native land, and was a prominent citizen of the community where he resided. His son, Finley McMartin, the father of our subject, was reared to manhood in Scotland, and acquired a military education. He became Captain of a company of English soldiers, and was sent to irritate and keep in subjection the Irish, but when he found out what would be required of him he would not consent to do his duty as was expected by the English peers, and so resigned. He then came to the United States and settled on a farm near Amsterdam, N. Y'., where he lived for many years, his death occurring at the age of sixty. He had married a Scottish lady, Henrietta Bell, daughter of a prominent Presbyterian minis- ter, and she, too, died at the old home in Amster- dam in 1851, a few years after her husband's death, being then seventy-flve years of age. Both were members of the Scotch Associate Reformed Church, and in their lives exemplified their re- ligion. Three of their children are yet living : Finle^', of this sketch; John, of Amsterdam, N. Y.; and Mrs. Ayers, of Denver, Col. Our subject was one of the self-made men of this county. He began life for himself at the early age of fourteen years, at which time he learned the trade of a woolen manufacturer, work- ing at that industry and at carpet weaving until 1846, when with a friend he embarked in business as a photographer, making pictures by the old process known as daguerreotype. They did busi- ness in Virginia for some time, after which Mr. McMartin went to 'Oxford, Ohio, and entered the employ of P. P. Roots, a cloth manufacturer. After a few months he was assigned to the man- agement of Mr. Roots' mill at Connersville, Ind., where he was engaged in buying wool and selling the finished cloth. Subsequently he was employed in a woolen mill in Dayton, Ohio, until December, 1848, when he returned to his native city, and afterward went to New Y''ork. With the $1,500 which he had saved from his earnings in former years, he now purchased goods, which he loaded on a sailing vessel, and on the 8th of March, 1849, started for San Francisco, Cal., by the Cape Horn PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 511 route. The vessel reacbed its destination in Sep- tember. As the sailors deserted the ship, Mr. McMartin helped to discharge the cargo. The Western metropolis was then a town composed of adobe houses and cabins on stilts. It w.is most diflScult in those days to get goods transferred from one place to another. Thej' transferred the cargo to another boat and took it up to Sacramento. Finally he secured a four-horse team and a por- tion of his stock was • taken to Auburn. That which could not be loaded onto the wagon was left in tents in San Francisco, and a fire breaking out, all was destroyed. The party with which Mr. McMartin had come, opened up a mine in that locality, where they worked until the following spring, and then went up the Yuba River, where our subject engaged in gold digging until he had acquired quite a little fortune. After eighteen months spent in the mines, he returned to New York City by way of the Isthmus route in 1851, and thence went to his old home in Amster- dam. On the return trip thej' had stopped in Havana, Cuba, where they celebrated the first day of the year 1852. Mr. McMartin soon after again traveled West- ward, but his journey was not of such length as that which he had just made. In 1853 he located in Washington County, Iowa, where, with the gold he had dug in California, he built a flouring and saw mill on Skunk River, and continued its operation for nine years. During that time, in Lancaster, Iowa, he was united in . marriage with Miss Martha E. Russell, a native of Greenville, Tenn., and a daughter of Thomas and Nancy (Galbraith) Russell, the former born in Scotland and the latter in Ireland. Both were members of the old Presbyterian Church, with which "their ancestors had been connected for long years. During youth Mr. and Mrs. Russell had come to this country and were married in Tennes- see, where a family of children were born unto them. Removing to Illinois, they located in Hen- derson County, and some years later went to Keokuk County, Iowa. Both died in Brighton, that State, Mr. Russell at the age of fifty-eight years, and liis wife when seventy-five years of age. Of their children, four are yet living, namely: Mrs. Rosanna Kemp, a widow, now living in Iowa; William H., a resident farmer of Washington County, Neb.; Martha, wife of our subject; and Thomas, a fruit-grower of California. Fnto Mr. and Mrs. McMartin were born five children, but only two are now living: Thomas B., who married Jennie Bowen and is living in Sioux Falls, S. Dak., where he is doing an exten- sive business; and Ellie B., a well-educated and accomplished young lady, at home. Clementine died at the age of twenty-five years, leaving a husband to mourn her loss; Carrie died at the age of twenty- three years; and Charles died in infancy. Mr. McMartin is a supporter of Republican principles, and his wife is a member of the Pres- byterian Church. In his business affairs he has prospered, and is now numbered among the sub- stantial citizens of Dixon. For some years he has carried on operations as a money broker, and is now also engaged as a real-estate dealer. He owns three good dwellings on Sixth Street near Peoria Street, and two on Third Street, together with his own pleasant and commodious residence situated at the corner of Everett and Wilkinson Streets. He also built in Dixon a woolen factory and a flouring mill, both of which he carried on for some years. As before stated, he has been closely connected with the growth and upbuilding of Dixon, and is ranked among lier progressive busi- ness men and best citizens. >ENJAMIN F. ELLSWORTH is the son of ^ an early settler of this county, and is him- ]i self one of its pioneers who has done no small share of the work of development that has made this one of the best improved agri- cultural regions of Northern Illinois. His farming Interests are located in Willow Creek Township, and his farm, with its welUtilled fields and sub- stantial buildings, is comparable with the best in this section. Our subject comes of good old New England stock, and is a native of that part of the country, Pownal, Bennington County, Vt., his birthplace. 512 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. and Jamuiry 2, 182G,tlie (late of his birtli. His father, Isaac C. Ellsworth, is supposed to have been born in the same town, and he was a son of one of the earl J' settlers of that county, James Ellsworth, who was a farmer. He spent the latter part of his life in the State of New York. Isaac Ellsworth learned the trade of a hatter when he was young, and followed that occupation in Pownal. In 1842 he removed to Ohio, taking with him his wife and six children, traveling b}' team to Troy, by Erie Canal to Buffalo, by Lake Erie to Cleveland, and thence by team to Parkman, in Geauga County. He bought a farm near Park- man, and carried it on until 1846, when he sold it, and again started out into the world, having de- cided to establish a new liome in the Prairie State and take advantage of its wondrously fertile soil. He came to his destination by the way of the lakes to Chicago, and from that city with a team to Paw Paw. He invested in a tract of Government land two miles north of Paw Paw, and resided thereon many years, devoting himself to agricult- ure. When the infirmities of age came upon him he went to live with his daughter, Mrs. Butler, at Malugin's Grove, and she cared for him until he closed his eyes in death. The maiden name of his wife was Theodosia Billings. She was born in Bennington County, Vt, and died on the home farm near Paw Paw in 1860. She was the mother of seven children. Our subject passed his early life amid the pleas- ant scenes of his birth, and when his parents re- moved to Ohio he accompanied them, and con- tinued with them until the fall of 1845. In the month of September of that year, he started with an ox-team to perform the tiresome journey to Illinois, where he had determined to try life. He was a month on the way from the time of his set- ting forth until his arrival at Sugar Grove, in Kane County, where he spent the winter. In the following spring he cam.e to Lee County, whicli he found to be little more than a wilderness, with but few white inhabitants; the most of the land owned by the Government and for sale at id. 25 an acre; deer and other wild animals roaming where are now fruitful farms, and there were ho railways or other means of communication with the outside world, except the timber, and Chicago, many miles distant, was for some years the nearest market and depot for supplies. Mr. Ellsworth farmed with his father until his marriage, and then bought a farm joining the old homestead. In the fall of 1859 he sold his prop- erty in this county, and went to Kansas, making an overland journey. lie bought land in Miami County, but as it was at the time of the border troubles, and as he was a well-known sympathizer with the anti-slavery element, that territory was a very unsafe abiding place for him, and in 1861 he wisely returned to Illinois. After coming back to Lee County he worked his father-in-law's farm for a year, and at the end of that time bought a farm in Viola Township. He lived upon it until 1865, and then renting it came to Willow Creek Town- ship, and purchased a home on section 1 7. He was soon appointed Postmaster of the Willow Creek Postofflce, and acted in that capacity the ensuing eight years, giving general satisfaction to all con- cerned, and managing the affairs of the office promptly, methodically and carefully. In 1874 he bought another farm in Viola Township, and spent a few months in its cultivation. Selling that place he again took up his abode in Willow Creek, but only for a short time, as in the spring of 1875 he returned once more to Viola Township, and again purchased a farm within its precincts, which he re- tained in his possession until 1878, when he sold it and from that time has been a continuous resident of Willow Creek. In 1879 he bought his present farm, which comprises one hundred and thirty-five acres of land, neatly fenced into fields of con- venient size, amply supplied with buildings of a good class, and everything about the place in good order, betokening excellent management. In 1857 Mr. Ellsworth and Miss Maria Holton were united in marriage. Mrs. Ellsworth is, like her husband, a native of Vermont, and she is a daughter of Wesson and Hepsabeth (Durin) Hol- ton. Her pleasant wedded life with our subject has brought them two sons. Earl W., who died at the age of six years and Edmund H. He married Miss Carrie Wagner, and they have two children. Angle Leona and Gladys. Mr. Ellsworth has honorably discharged the PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 513 duties of citizenship, and in polities has been an unfailing supporter of the Republican party from its very beginning. He is held in genuine con- sideration by the entire community, as in his ca- reer he has shown himself to be a straightforward, right-thinking man, always ready to do another a kindness and to extend his help and sympathy to all in trouble. Mrs. Ellsworth tells of the time during her younger days when she, together with the young- sters of the neighborhood, used to attend singing school with a wagon and ox-team. ^I^ANIEL J. WETHERBEE, one of the promi- I Jl) nent and influential citizens of Lee County, ^^ who after having followed a commercial career for many j'ears is now practically living a retired life on his farm on section 18, Nachusa Township, dates his residence in the county from 1854. Being both widely and favorably known we feel assured his sketch will prove of interest to many of our readers. Mr. Wetherbee was born in Northfleld, Vt., in 1826, and is of English and Welsh lineage. His paternal grandfather, Daniel Wetherbee, was also a native of the Green Mountain State, and comes of an old New England family of Colonial days, whose members were prominent figures during the early histovy of our country. In the Revolution- ary War he aided the Colonies in throwing off the yoke of British tyrann}-. It was in Reading, Vt., that he lived for many years and died at an ad- vanced age. His son. Rev. Josiah Wetherbee, father of our subject, was reared on the old home- stead farm near Reading, and acquired a good practical education. He became a prominent Free- will Baptist and for many years engaged in preaching in Vermont and New Hampshire. In his latter years he came to Illinois and died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Shultz, of this county, in February, 1884, when past the age of ninety- one years. Up ta the last he retained his physical and mental faculties almost unimpaired. A man of superior intelligence, he kept himself well In- formed and ever took an active interest in public affairs, lie was a warm friend to all moral and educational interests and in early days was a stanch Abolitionist, when it almost cost a man his life to declare himself an opponent of slavery. Neither fear nor favor could make him swerve from his principles and' his steadfastness of pur- pose won him the high regard of all. His wife, whose maiden name was Abigail Jones, was born in Reading, Vt., of Welsh descent and died in the old Granite State in the summer of 1854, at the age of seventy years. She too, was a life-long member of the Free-will Baptist Church, and a lady of many excellencies of character. The only daughter of the family, Maria, wife of J. H. Shultz, died in Nachusa Township. A brother of our subject. Dr. I. J. Wetherbee, is President of the Dental College, of Boston, Mass., and has a large practice in that city, where he stands at the head of his profession. Daniel J. Wetherbee, in New Hampshire, mar- ried Sarah A. Gilman, a second cousin of Gen. Cass. For a second wife, he chose Mrs. Ange- line McDonald, me Zohriug, their union being cele- brated in Ohio. The lady was born in German- town, that State, and is a daughter of John and Anna (Suavely) Zehring, natives of the Buckeye State and Pennsylvania, respectively. They were married in Ohio, and Mr. Zehring became a mer- chant of Germantown, where he did business for some years. He died at an advanced age in Jersey City, N. J., and his widow is now living in Middle- town, Ohio, at the age of seventy years. He was a great worker in the Sunday-school and lived an honorable, upright life, being a Universalist in religious belief. His wife is a member of the Methodist Church, and is a lady of prominence in the community where she makes her home. It was in 1853, that Mr. Wetherbee came to Illi- nois and after spending a winter in Elgin and one summer in Princeton, he located in Grand Detour. He there engaged as a commercial traveler with L. Andrews, proprietor of the plow works at that place, with whom he remained for eleven years, traveling extensively over the Northwest. He afterward became connected with the Moline Plow ('(^npaiiy, of IMoline, 111., with which he re- 514 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. mained for more than eigliteen j'ears, having under his control a great many of the States both West and South. During that period his head- quarters were in Moline. More than tliirty years of his life have been passed as a commercial trav- eler and probably no other salesman has traversed so great an amount of territory in a given time. He sold more plows than any man in the trade and did many hundred thousand dollars worth of business for his employers, whose conBdence he shared in a remarkable degree. It is said that he sold plows enough for the Moline Plow Companj^ to bridge the Atlantic. At length, as he was be- coming well advan(?ed in life, he resigned his position, severed his connection with his employ- ers and retired to private life. Mr. Wetherbee and his estimable wife now re- side on his farm in Nachusa Township, which comprises nearly three hundred acres of land. He spends his time in looking after the interests of his property-. A commodious andsubstantial resi- dence is surrounded by beautiful shade trees and it seems as though nature had made this a resort for one who wished to live retired amid the enjoy- ments of a country life. In politics, Mr. Wether- bee is a stanch Republican. Himself and wife are held in the highest regard by all who know them and move in the best circles of society. JI^ENRY W. RE.AIMERS is a farmer and stock- Jj raiser living on section 36, Nelson Town- '■ ship, where he has developed a very fine farm of one hundred and sixtjr acres of land that is exceedingly fertile, is provided with well-built farm buildings that are complete in their arrangements, and the place is fully stocked with cattle, horses, and swine of the best grades. Like many another good citizen of this country, our subject is of foreign birth. He claims the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg, in the northern part of Ger- many, as the land of his nativity, and he was there born, November 16, 1832, on the same little farm which had been in the family for some generations and had been the birthplace of his father, Mamme Remmers, and also of his grandfather, Henry W. Remmers. The latter, with his wife, who was an Oldenburg lady, died in middle life. Both were stanch Lutherans in religion. The father of our subject carried on farming on a small scale on the old family homestead, and was doing well at his calling when death terminated his busy life at the early age of forty years. He had married ISIargaretta Onken, who was also a native of Oldenburg, and she too died at the age of forty jears, on the farm where her entire wedded life was passed. Both she and her husband were true to the faith of their fathers, and were members of the Lutheran Church. Our subject is one of four children, all of whom are now living in this country. He grew to a stal- wart youth amid the tranquil scenes where he had first opened his eyes to the light of day, and ob- tained a sound education in the good schools of his native province. As soon as he was old enough, he entered the German army, in accordance with the customs of his country, and for two years did duty as a soldier. He heard much of the United States of America, which possessed a great attrac- tion for him, as he reflected that here was a land where he could more surely make his way to an in- dependent competency than in the old country, and in the spring of 1866 he emigrated to these shores, sailing from the port of Bremerhaven, in the steamship "^"eser. ' ' He landed in New York City, whence he came to Dixon, and during the ensuing four years was variously employed in Lee County. At the end of that time he went to Mis- souri, and for five or six years thereafter was en- gaged in farming on a small farm in Nodaway County, that State. Returning then to Lee County, he has ever since been identified with its farming interests, purchasing his present farm in Nelson Township, in 1876, and, as we have seen, he has been much prospered. He was a comparatively poor man when he first came here from the Father- land, but has accumulated a goodly amount of property, and is well fortified against poverty. iMr. Remmers was fortunate in his selection of a wife in the person of IMiss Anna Bremer, to whom he was married in Harmon Township. Two chil- dren complete their pleasant household: Mamie PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 515 A. and William H. Mrs. Remmers is a native of the same German province as her husband, and was born January 13, 1847, one of the six chil- dren of Edeo and Etta ( Ahmels) Bremer, of whom four are living. When she was six years old, her parents came to the United States and settled on a farm in Sugai- Grove, Palmyra Township, this county, and later removed to Harmon Township, where the father did good pioneer work in the im- provement of a farm. He was an excellent farmer, and when he died at the age of sixtj'-six years, his township lost one of its most worthy citizens. His wife, who is nearly three-score years of age, makes her home with her children. She is a consistent Christian and a Lutheran in religion. Mr. Remmers is a man of sturdy, stable chaiac- ter, who is perfectly able to think and act for him- self, and carries his independence into his politics, exercising his right as a free American citizen to support whichever party he pleases and to vote for those candidates he deems best iitted for office. His reputation is of the best, and none know him but to esteem him. In his religious belief he ad- heres to the faith of his fathers, and both he and his wife are active members of the Lutheran Church. ■ ■ L^l^ [fl EMUEL BOURNE. It is interesting to ll /^ trace the ancestry of this gentleman, who j'^\ is engaged in business at Amboy as a grocer, back to its first representatives in America. The first member of the family to seek a home in the United States was Richard Bourne, who in 1640 emigrated from Devonshire, England, to Massachusetts, where he settled in Sandwich (now Bourne), Barnstable County. His descendants at the present date are residing in Boston and that place which is now called Bourne in honor of the various members of the family who have resided there and contributed to its progress. Benjamin Bourne, father of our subject, was a large farmer and land-owner, his possessions amounting to some three thousand acres. He fre- quently held public offices, being Justice of the Peace many years and also serving efficiently as a member of the Legislature during several terms. At the close of an honorable and upright life, de- voted to the discharge of public duties and private affairs, he passed quietly away at the age of seventy- nine years. The paternal grandfather of our sub- ject, Benjamin, was a physician and surgeon, who enjoyed a lucrative practice in Sandwich, and, as the surrounding country was sparsely settled, his practice extended over a" large territory. Unto Benjamin Bourne aud his wife Lucinda were born ten children. Our subject, who was the youngest, was born in Sandwich, Mass., January 21, 1830. He passed his boyhood upon a farm and, at the age of fifteen years, went to Westbrook, Me.) where he attended school. Later he was a student in a college in Oxford County, the same State, and, after completing his college course, engaged in teaching during one winter in the old Bay State. From there he proceeded to New York, and was en- gaged as clerk in Albany for Uri Burt, who at that date owned the largest brewery in the United States. After serving in that capacity for one year, he went to Springfield, Mass., and took charge of a wholesale house for Mr. Burt, for two years. He then removed to Maine, where for a short time he was engaged in mercantile pursuits. Thence in 1855 Mr. Bourne removed to Amboy and became the first station agent for the Illinois Central Railroad at this place, being thus employed for eight years. Then, in partnership with J. S- Briggs, he was engaged in the drug and grocery busi- ness for about three years, and withdrew from the firm to purchase an interest in a dry-goods and grocery business, under the firm name of Hawks & Bourne. At the expiration of seven years, the senior member of the firm sold his interest to our subject, who has since continued sole proprietor. Eor several years he was the proprietor and owner of two stores, a grocery and a dry-goods establish- ment, but he now conducts the former alone. The marriage of Mr. Bourne took place in April 1858, when Miss Anna M., daughter of David C. Sraith, became his wife. Mrs. Bourne was born in Alabama, in 1843, and of her union with our sub- ject six children have been born, namely: Franklin S., who is with the Union Pacific Railroad at Den- ver, Col.; Anna L., who is at home; Frederick C, 516 POKTRAIT AND BIOGRArHlC'AL RECORD. book-keeper for bis father; Alice A., Helen A. aud Lemuel 11., all of whom still remain under the parental roof and are prominent among the young people of the community. The family finds a religious home in the Episcopal Church and con- tributes liberally to charitable enterprises. 1 n his social relations Mr. Bourne is a member of the Masonic fraternity und his political afHliations bring him into the Republican part}', to the prin- ciples of whicli he firmly adheres. His fellow- citizens have honored him with several offices of a local nature and he has contributed greatly to tlie development of the city. Besides liis property in Lee County, he is tlie owner of a fine farm in Iowa, which yields him a good income. In his business enterprises he has been very successful, and al- though he came here with limited means, he has be- come well-to-do. His establishment is large and his trade extensive, as a result of the superior quality of his stock, the fairness of his transactions and the reliability of his dealings. RS. CATHERINE SCHOTT, residing on section 18, Bradford Township, is a most estimable woman, who, with her liusband, now deceased, came to this count\' some forty years ago and has witnessed and aided in its progress and development. Her maiden name was Catherine Weber, and she was born in Hesse-Darm- stadt, Germany, October 13, 1835. In 1851 she came with her parents to America. They settled in La Salle County, this State. Here Mrs. Sehott lived until slie was married in 1853 to .lohn Sehott, who was born in Germany, August 2, 1817. The young couple settled in Bradford Township, where Mr. Sehott died December 27, 1878. He was an honest and industrious man, who by his own exertions had accumulated a comfortable pro- perty of two hundred andsixt.y-seven acres of land, on which lie erected an excellent set of buildings, and carried on agricultural pursuits. Eleven children were born to our subject and his wife, of whom seven lived to maturity, as follows': Anton, Lizzie, Catherine, John, Philip, Mary, Ludwina. Mrs. Sehott, who is a most estimable woman, has reared lier family with great care and they are well repaying her love and devotion. She is now enjoying the comforts of a pleasant home, which she assisted her husband in providing by her econ- omy and industry in the early days of their wedded life. •^^E ^^' <«l IMLLIAM L. SHEAP, one of the young \\\ /// foi.,v,oi.a of Lee County, residing on sec- .41 tJllAAAM \^ tion 10, China Township, was born in Montour County, Pa., September 28, 1862. His parents were "\\"illiam R. and Harriet E. (Brink) Sheap, natives of Penns3'lvania, the former being born in Montour County. The father grew to manhood in his native State, and then came to Lee County. He woi'ked as a farm laborer for awhile, but when his father died he returned to Pennsylvania, bought the old homestead and car- ried on his occupation as a farmer prosperously, until death terminated his useful life, December 25, 1866. His worthy wife survived him until February 29, 1876, when she too passed away, having spent her last years in Carroll County, 111. They had two children, one son and a daughter, the latter of whom died in childhood. Our subject was but four years old when he was bereft of a father's care, and he then came to Ill- inois and lived with his grandfather, Isaiah Brink m this county, spending a part of the time with his step-father, Joseph Turnbaugh, in Carroll County, until he grew to manhood. He was mar- ried in China Township, .lanuary 1, 1884, to Miss Nellie I. Nichols. Two children have blessed their union: Ilattie A. and Ethel V. Mrs. Sheap is a native of Lee County, born November 17, 1863, in China Township, coming of pioneer stock, and a daughter of the late Andrew J. Nichols, who was a well-known farmer of this vicinity for many years. Andrew Nichols was born in Niagara County, N. Y., June 23, 1826. When he was eighteen /.^d/^^^7^4^ PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 519 years old he came to this county with his parents, John and Maritta (Leach)' Nichols, who settled west of Franklin (irove Township, and there passed their remaining years. Andrew made his home with them until he married and established a home of his own in China Township in 1852. He was exceedingly industrious, and worked to such good purpose that he transformed liis land on section 10 into a rich and well-tilled farm, comprising one hundred and seventeen acres, on which he erected ample buildings, and everything about the place gave evidence of careful and thrifty management. On the old homestead, where for nearly thirty-six years the most impor- tant part of his life had been well spent, he died June 21, 1888, leaving behind him a good record as a most excellent man, a good citizen and a kind husband, father and neighbor. Mr. Nichols was married twice. His first mar- riage, which was solemnized in February, 1852, in China Township, was with Miss Mary Ann Miller, who was probably born in New York. Slie died March 15, 1867. Mr. Nichols was afterward married to Nancy Wilson, who died in China TowBship, July 14, 1881. There were no children by the second marriage. These five children were born of the wedded life of Andrew J. and Mary Ann Nichols: Ida E.; Frankic D., who died when three years old; Flora N., the wife of George .Stultz; Nellie I., the wife of William L. Sheap, our subject; and Ruby A., the wife of Willis Riegle. jHARLES D. HART. Happy is the man who has lived a long life that has been char- V acterized l)y uprightness of purpose, integ- rity of principle and whose high mental and moral standing is gratefully recognized by his fellow- men. Such a man is Charles D. Hart, and this book would fail in its purpose of recording lives that have been useful and worthy of note were it to omit mention of this successful career. Lee County proudl}' claims him as one of her best and most enterprising citizens, and he is the fortunate possessor of a fine estate on section 20, Bradford Townsliip. B3' a proper rotation of crops the land has been brought to a high degree of cultivation, while various buildings have been erected which best subserve the pui-poses of an agriculturist. During the early part of this century there re- sided in Massachusetts a worthy couple whose names were Holloway L. and Mary (Carter) Hart. They were natives of Franklin County, that State, and became the parents of three children — Charles D., Henry B. and Mary M. The only daughter became the wife of Horace Roberts and died in New York City, February 3, 1866. After the death of his first wife, which- occurred May 10, 1835, the father of our subject was a second time married, March 16, 1836, forming a matrimonial alliance with Eliza L. Root. They became the par- ents of one child — Sarah E., who died when twenty-one years old. HoUowa}' Hart passed his entire life in the old Bay State and finally passed to his rest in Greenfield. Born in Shelburne, Franklin County, Mass., Jan- uary 12, 1831, Mr. Hart remained in his native place until ten years of age. He then removed to Greenfield, Mass., where he grew to man's estate and engaged in the cutlery works of J. Russell for five 3'ears. He later went to Conway, same State, and after working there for a twelvemonth re- turned to Greenfield, where he remained until 1855. Having resolved to see something of the West, he came to Lee County in the spring of the above named year, and was joined by his wife a few months later. He began life for himself by purchasing a tract of one hundred and sixt}^ acres on section 20, from the Illinois Central Railroad Company, and at once set abovit improving the same. When Mr. Hart came to this State it was not his intention to locate here, as he had only obtained a leave of absence from his employers in order to visit the Western countrj'.. He, however, no sooner became acquainted with this section then he decided it was the place for him, and sending for his family established his permanent residence in this county. That liis energy and untiring indus- try have been rewarded is evident, when we state" that he is now the owner of an estate consisting of seven hundred and twenty ncres. It has been ac- 520 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. cumulated entirely by the exercise of his good judgment and the economy and frugality which characterized his wife as a helpmate in the truest sense of that word. I lis farm is now exceedingly productive and under most admirable cultivation and the passer-by can not help but recognize that it is in the possession of a gentleman who thoroughly understands his business. The gentleman whose name stands at the head of this sketch, and whose portrait is presented on the accompanying page, was married in Franklin County, Mass., May 1, 1853, at which date Miss Lucy R. Jenkins became his wife. Mrs. Hart was born in Franklin County, July 4, 1835, and was a capable lady and well iltted to be the companion and helpmate of her husband. A family of four children have been granted to our subject and his amiable wife. Ella A. died in Franklin County, Mass., when an infant of three months; Charles J. was the second in order of birth; George E. also died in infancy; and Henry kS. married Miss Kate Al- brecht. On February 12, 1867, Mrs. Lucy R. Hart passed from earth in Bradford Township. On July 11, 1867, Mr. Hart was again married, the lady of his choice being Miss Catherine S. Wright, a native of Massachusetts, having been born in Greenfield, March 27, 1847. To them have been boim a family of five children, viz: William I-L, Frank S., Mary C, Mabel M. and Lucy A. Our subject has been elected to many positions of trust and responsibility, and in every office has performed the duties pertaining thereto in a most satisfactory and conscientious manner. He was particularly interested in educational affairs and for twenty 3'ears was a member of the School Board, and during that period was instrumental in bringing about many reforms in the school system, which is now one of the best in the township. He was elected Justice of the Peace early in the '60s, holding the office for a long term of 3'ears, although not continuously. Mr. Hart takes an active part in politics and the Republican party counts him as among its most active and influential workers. In religious matters he is liberal in his views. He has been a Mason since 1868, and is identified with Franklin Grove Lodge, No. 268. P^ew residents of Lee Countj- are better known and none more highly respected than Mr. Hart and his excellent wife, who are esteemed personally for their many worthy traits of character. He is num- bered among the wealthy agriculturists of the county, and contributes liberally of his means to the promotion of public enterprises as well as the relief of the needy. -^ ^■, LBERT M. CARPENTER is an intelli- (iW gent and progressive member of the farm- ing community of Lee County, and his farm, with its fertile fields that are und^r a high state of cultivation, and its neat, roomy and conveniently arranged buildings, pleasantly located on section 24, China Township, is one of the most attractive and desirable in the locality. In Essex County, now Union County, N. J., is the birthplace of our subject, and he was born April 11, 1843. Aaron Carpenter was his father, and he was also a native of Union County, as was his wife, Mary Wade. The early part of their wedded life was spent in that New Jersey county, but they subsequently went to Morrow County, Ohio, whence they removed a short distance across the line into Delaware County, the same State, where Mr. Carpenter died while yet in life's prime, leav- ing two children: Albert M. and Mary, the latter of whom is now the widow of Harrison Doty. He of whom we write was in his fifth year when liis parents removed to Ohio, where he grew to man's estate. He lived at home until he was twenty-three years old, and then paid his first visit to Lee County. He stayed here a year, and at the end of that time returned to Ohio to claim his promised bride, Miss Melissa Johnson, who was born and reared in Morrow County, that State, her birth occurring in Febi'uary, 1845. The cere- mony that made the happy j'oung couple one was performed in her native county February 16, 1867. One son has blessed their union, WilbertM. After marriage Mr. Carpenter came back to Illi- nois, bringing with him his wife, and they spent the next nine years in Ogle County. In 1876 they came to China Township, of which they have PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 521 ever since been residents, on tlieir liome on a choice farm on section 24, China Township. Mr. Carpenter has worlied with characteristic energy- to improve his farm, which contains one hundred and twenty acres of excellent fanning land, and is m fine condition, everj'tliing about the place being neat and orderly, and giving conclusive evidence of a skillful hand and bright mind guiding and directing affairs. Mr. Carpenter is a man of much force and decis- ion of character, is clear sighted and sagacious in his judgments, and his neighbors find him a wise and safe counselor. He is a prominent figure in the political and public life of the community, and in the various responsible oftices that he has held he has always worked for the good of the township. He has held the office of Township Assessor for two terms; he lias been Highway Commissioner for twelve years, and School Direc- tor and Trustee. In politics he is a Republican, and is an earnest advocate of his party. E^ DWARD E. FISCHER. Forty years ago Edward Fischer, then a youth of nineteen years, left the German Fatherland to found a home for himself on American soil. He selected the great Praii'ie State as the scene of his future abode and life work, and in due time purchased land on sections 32 and 33, South Dixon Town- ship, which under his care has become one of the best improved and most desirable farms in the lo- cality, its buildings of a substantial order, its rich pastures affording sustenance for many cattle and horses of fine breeds, and its highly tilled fields yielding abundant harvests. Mr. Fischer was born December 18, 1831, in Mid- dle Hansen, near Erbert, Saxe-Weimar, coming of good German stock, a son of Johan D. Fischer, and a grandson of John G. Fischer, who were also natives of Middle Hansen. His grandfather was a small farmer, who lived and died in his native Province, his death occurring at the age of eighty years. He married a German lady of Saxon birth, who was also a life-long resident of the same place as her husband. Both were active members of the Lutheran Church. John D. Fischer enlisted in early manhood to serve under Napoleon, and was with that great leader in many an engagement, acting as a signaler and body-guard to the General, and he was also a skillful musician. At one time he was captured by the enemy, and made fast to his horse for safe keeping. But he managed to escape to the timber where he cut himself loose from the horse with a small penknife, and made good his escape back to his regiment. He afterward took part in the famous battle of Waterloo, and though often in the thick of the fight, got off without a wound. He subsequently returned to his home, took unto himself a wile, and settled down to a quiet life, following the profession of a musician for several years in the place of his birth, and acquiring con- siderable local fame for his talent in instrumental music. The latter part of liis life he devoted to farming, and died February 9, 1869, at a ripe old age, being nearly eighty years old. To the last he retained much of the strength and vigor of his early days, and his death was caused by his fall from a pear tree. His first wife, mother of our sub- ject, died in 1847, when a little past middle age. She was a native of the same province as himself, coming of a good German family, and her maiden name was Sophia E. Frenzel. Her parents, Chris- topher and Maria (Lange) Frenzel, lived and died in Saxe-Weimar. They were prominent members of the Lutheran Church, as were John Fischer and both of his wives. His second wife was Sophia J. Ellinger, who was born, reared and died in Middle Hansen, she being about fifty years old at the time of her death. Our subject is the youngest but two of the seven children born to his mother, of whom six are yet living. His sister Augusta, wife of William Amme, died in Boone, Iowa, when quite full of years. His brother Henry married Minnie Earth, and is a farmer in Wittenbeck, S. Dak.; Bernhard H. mar- ried Elizabeth Claassen, now deceased, and is a resi- dent of Green Mountain, Iowa; Doratha M. mar- ried Henry Holzhaus, and they live at the old home in Germany; Augu;,t W., a farmer in Boone, Iowa, married Johanna Kuppe; Julius J., a farmer 522 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. near Yankton, S. Dak., mai-ried Ilarriel Albright. Edward Fischer liad the benefit of tlic excellent school system of his native country, and was well prepared as regai'ded his education to start out in life on his own account when he bade farewell to his friends and the beloved scenes of his birthplace to sail away to the New "World, embarking at Ham- burg, August 12, 1850, on the "Progressive," of New York, and landing in that city some two months later. He made his way to Sterling in tliis State, arriving there November 12, and soon found employment. He worked out by the month in Whiteside County, and also rented land until he came to -this county, and by diligence and wise economy he laid by enough money to enable him to become independent, and in 1861 he purchased the land in South Dixon Township, that he has since developed into his present choice farm, all the improvements being the work of his own hand, so to speak. His farm comprises two hundred and forty acres of highly cultivated, well drained and neatly fenced land, upon which he has erected a fine residence and other suitable buildings, and has set out beautiful shade trees, which have grown to a good size, and add greatly to the attractiveness of his place. He is thrifty, wide-awake and pro- gressive in his farming methods, and raises none but the most approved breeds of horses, cattle and swine, for which he always finds a ready market at good prices. During his residence in Whiteside County, our subject sought in marriage the hand of Miss Frie- dericke K. Dittmann, and they were wedded Octo- ber 25, 1857. Their domestic life is one of true felicity, and to them have been born the following children: Caroline, who died when a child; Rosetta E., wife of Louis Levan, a farmer of Marion Town- ship; Eldena H., a farmer of South Dixon Town- ship, who married Miss Emma Duis; William F., who lives with his parents; Henry A., a resident of South Dixon, who married Miss Minnie Drake; David J., Mary S. D., and Kate C, the latter three at home with their parents. The children are all well-educated, the family is one of the leading families of South Dixon, and all its members be- long to the Lutheran Church. Mrs. Fischer was born at P.ressow, near Berlin, (icniiiin y, Scplemhoi- 23, 1833, and came to this country when a young woman in 1854, making her home in Sterling, this State, for some years after that. Her parents were Michael and Catherine Dittmann, who were born, lived and died in Prussia when old people. They were stanch members of the Lutheran Church. Mrs. Fischer and her sister, Mrs. Christina Stras- burg, who makes her home with her, are all of the family in the United States. They have two broth- ers, William and Christian, living in Prussia. Our subject has made his influence felt in this home of his adoption not only as a wise and skill- ful farmer, but as an intelligent citizen, who has a good practical knowledge of the laws and political issues of the country, and is one of the leading lo- cal Democrats. He is the present Assessor of South Dixon Township, which important office he has held twelve years, administering its duties with sagacity and discretion, and lie has also been High- w;iy Commissioner. Although he is sincerely at- tached to this country, and is intensely loyal to the Government, he still retauis his natural affec- tion for his native land, as a true man should, and takes pleasure in revisiting his old home. Twice he has recrossed the waters to Germany, once in 1874, and again in the winter of 1890-91 he siient three months there. R., JOEL BACON MERRIMAN, one of the old settlers of South Dixon Township, where he lives in retirement with his son, Walter, is a wealthy and distinguished citizen of Lee County, who has been long and intimately as- sociated with its rise and progress, as a public- spirited citizen who has assisted in its govern- ment, and been a promoter of many plans for its improvement; and as an enlightened and enter- prising farmer and stock-raiser, who has redeemed many hundred acres of land from its natural con- dition, and has developed one of the finest and best equipped farms in this section of the Statei making it a beautiful and attractive home. And his possessi(ms are by no means confined to Illi- nois, as he has a large landed property in Iowa, PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 523 and has been active in the agricultural develop- ment of that Commonwealth. Dr. Merriman is of New England birth and train- ing, and numbers among his ancestors some of the Colonial settlers of the good old State of Connec- ticut, where he had his birth in Hartford County, May 2, 1814. The Merrimans originated in Eng- land, being of the sturdy old Anglo-Saxon stock. Nathaniel Merriman was born in 1614, in Eng- land, and settled at New Haven, Conn., in 1639, and died in 1695, aged eighty 3-ears. John, son of Nathaniel, was born 1659. Rev. John Merriman, son of John, born 1691. John Merriman, son of Rev. John Merriman, born 1728. Cliauneey Mer- riman, son of John. . Anson Merriman, son of Chauncey, born October 21, 1786, died September 2, 1853. Joel Bacon Meri-iman, son of Anson Mer- riman, born May 2, 1814. Walter B. Merriman, son of Joel Bacon Merriman, born November 5, 1859; and the first to come to this country was Na- thaniel Merriman. The father of our subject was Anson Merriman. He received an education in his native country, and grew to be a bright, brainy man of much ver- satility. He was in turn a farmer, manufacturer and an inventor of positive genius, and more than local repute, but like many another in that line, he did not reap the reward his talents merited. He invented the first bolt machine, for the manufac- ture of that article, now in such universal nsc, and after he got it started some one else took it up and made the fortune that ought to have been his. Ho made the first barrel of cement ever manufactured in this country, and again was cheated out of wealth that seemed almost in his grasp, and others immediately began its manufacture. He always remained a resident of Hartford County, and when he died at the age of sixty -six, he was greatly missed, as he was Trell and favorably known by a large circle of acquaintances, among whom he had many old and tried friends. He was a man of honor, upright in his walk, a gentleman in the truest sense of the word, and no one ever breathed aught against his fair name. He took part in poli- tics, and was a splendid champion of various re- form movements current in his day, embracing a principle tor the sake of the right, and never flinching in its defence, lie was one of the early Abolitionists, and was also a sturdy advocate of temperance. He was broad-minded and liberal in his religious views, being an earnest and thought- ful Christian. When a young man, he was promi- nent in the Baptist Church, of which he was a Dea- con for some.years, but later in life, he found him- self more in sympathy with the Unitarians, joining a Unitarian Church, and was connected with it un- til his death. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Jerusha Bacon, and she, too, was born and reared in Hartford County, coming of one of the first families of Connecticut. Her parents were natives of that State, and were prominent members of the farming community of Hartford County, and there they died when old people, Mr. Bacon rounding out nearly* four-score years. He was a man of marked force, and was decidedly in favor of all things that tended to the elevation of the commvinity, whetlier spiritually or materially. He and his wife were moral and upright, and Cliris- tians in the truest sense. The mother of' our sub- ject was a noble woman, of many virtues, and her death occurred at the birth of her sixth child, when she was in the full bloom of womanhood, being only thirty-two j'ears of age, which was a sad loss to her household and many friends. Dr. Merriman is the second child born to his par- ents, and the only other surviving members of the family are his sisters, Mrs. Wallace Judd, of Dixon, and Mrs. Chester Claflin, of Berkshire County, Mass. He was carefully trained in the pleasant New England home of his birth, principles of right living being early instilled into his mind, and his scholarly tastes were developed by a liberal educa- tion. He decided in his youth to be a physician, and was well grounded in the studies of his chosen profession in the Medical Department at Yale College, from which he was graduated in 1837. He at once established himself in practice in Berkshire County, Mass. He rose rapidly in his calling, but after ten years of steady service, his health began to fail, and he removed to Long Island, hoping that the invigorating air of the sea shore would work a cure. He lived there some six years, but the demands of a constantly grow- 524 PORTEAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. ing practice so wore upon his physical powers, that he determined to abandon his profession al- together, and seek a newmodeof life on the broad, breezy prairies of the West to regain his wonted vigor. Selecting Illinois as the scene of his future home, the Doctor came hither in 1856, and began his new life as a farmer on a quarter of a section of un- broken land in Lee County, of which ho has ever since been a resident. He entered actively upon the improvement of his first purchase, to which he immediately added one hundred and sixty acres more of wild land, nhich ho had put under the plowat once, and soon after that bought another tract of one hundred acres, and has made many other investments in real estate. For many years he kept up an active business as a farmer, giving careful supervision to his large farming and stock interests, and he has owned and improved the most of seven hundred and twenty acres of land in this vicinity, besides many hundred acres else- where. He has erected large and finely fitted up farm buildings on his homestead, including a hand- some and well-appointed residence, which, with its pleasant surroundings, is an ornament to the neighborhood. The Doctor has owned and partly improved eleven hundred acres of land in Hamil- ton County, Iowa, which he sold for a large sum of money. In Plymouth County, Iowa, he has an ex- tensive and valuable stock and grain farm, embrac- ing an entire section and a half of land, which is highly cultivated and well improved, amply pro- vided with buildings, including a large and small farm house, good barns, etc. Our subject was first married during his resi- dence in Berkshire County, Mass., to Miss Eliza Curtis, a native of that county. She bore him one child, Grace. She is now the wife of E. W. Curtis, of Chicago, and they have three children: How- ard, Irving and Margaret. The Doctor's marriage, which took place after his removal to this county, was with Miss Elizabeth Smith, who was born and reared on Long Island, N. Y. She died when about twenty-three years of age, 'leaving a son, "Walter Bacon, who is now one of the loadino- young farmers of South Dixon Township. He mar- ried Miss Mattie W. Lee, who was born in Penn- sylvania, and came to Illinois when she was a young lady. They have three children: Vena, Guy H. and Grace. The Doctor chose for his third wife Angeline .Judd, with whom he lived happily for more than a third of a century, when she closed her eyes in death September 2, 1891, aged seventy-four years. When he came liere the Doctor desired to lay aside his profession altogether, but he was not al- lowed to do so whollj', as his reputation as a skilled i)hysician had preceded him and he had m.any calls, but the demands of his business would not permit him to practice very extensively. He is a gentleman of ripe culture and wide experience, whose knowledge of men and affaiis is extensive, and his keen, penetrating wit, calm, evenly bal- anced mind and business acumen, gave him from the first a prominent place among the leading men of Lee County, with whose best interests his name is so closely identified. In him, South Dixon Township has one of its most honored citizens, who is widely known, not only here, but elsewhere, through his business connections and social rela- tions. He has mingled in the public life of his community, has been a member of the Lee County Board of Supervisors, and has held the office of Justice of the Peace two terms. In his political views, he is in full sympathy with the Republican party. '^ ACOB HARDEN, a wealthy, retired farmer, living on one of his farms on section 23, Nelson Township, has been long and honor- ably identified with the men of Lee County, who have been instrumental in developing the re- sources of this part of Illinois. The birthplace of our subject is in Somerset County, Pa., near the Mason and Dixon line, and there he was born Feb- ruary 2, 1822. His father, George Harden, was also a native of Pennsylvania, and he in turn was a son of Isaac Harden, of Pennsylvania birth, whose father, David Harden, is thought to have been born in England, but the most of his life was passed in this country, his death occurring in the PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 525 Keystone State when he was an old man. His son Isaac grew up in the State of his nativity, and was variously engaged as a farmer, miner of coal, and a distiller, running a distillery in the earlj^ days of the settlement of Somerset County, of which he was a pioneer. He died there in North- ampton Township, at the age of eighty-one, falling dead on the road from the effects of a stroke of paralysis. He was a man whose many good traits made him greatly respected by his neighbors and othei'S. He was twice married. His first marriage was with a Miss Neymeyer, a Pennsylvania lady, of English descent. She died in the prime of life when her son George, the father of our subject, was a young man. Isaac Harden married for his second wife Catherine Beal, of Somerset County, and she died there at the age of sixty years and more, a few years after the death of her husband. George Harden was one of a family of four sons and three daughters born to his mother. One of the sons was a soldier in the "War of 1812, and all of the children are now deceased. The father of our subject was reared to the life of a farmer oji his father's farm, and carried on his occupation both in Pennsylvania and Maryland, his last years as well as his first being spent in the former State, where he died in the town of Wellersburgh, Som- erset County, at the venerable age of eighty-six years. He was always a Democrat in politics, as was his father before him, and he was a Lutheran in religion. He held a Lieutenancy in the Penn- sylvania State Militia, and was a familiar figure in the famous home musters of his time. He was married to Miss Hester Uhl in the county of Somer- set, where she was bom and reared, lier early home being near the Mason and Dixon line. She was less than three-score years of age when she died in her native county, and left behind her the blessed memory of a good woman, a kind wife and loving mothei'. She was a Lutheran. Her parents, Jacob and Mary (Swartz) Uhl, were natives of Pennsyl- vania, and came of Holland ancestrj'. Their en- tire lives were passed in Somerset County, where her father was engaged as a farmer, miller and tavern-keeper until his death at the age of sixty, his wife dying when seventy years old. They were prominent members of the Lutheran Church. Our subject is one of nine children, three sons and six daughters, one of the latter dying young, and now he and his sister, Mrs. Mary Troutman, a widow living in Grundy County, Iowa, at an ad- vanced age, are the only survivors of that large family. Mr. Harden was twelve years old when his parents took up their residence in Allegany County, Md., where he attained his majority, and continued to live until 1851, when he returned to his native State and county and resided there some three years prior to coming to this State in April, 1854. He obtained a quarter of a section of wild land from the Government, which by downright hard labor lie has transformed into one of the fine farms for which Nelson Township is justly noted. It is highly cultivated and improved, is amply supplied with good farm buildings, mod- ern machinery, etc. Besides his homestead on sec- tion 23, Mr. Harden owns eighty acres of valuable land on section 24 of the same township, which is also well improved. He has accumulated his prop- erty by his untiring indnstiy, directed by shrewd judgment, good powers of calculation, and ex- cellent business tact. Not only have his services been of value as an intelligent farmer, but he has played an important part in the public life of this section. His neighbors, recognizing his ability and the rectitude of his character, have pushed him to the front as an office-holder, and he has held several responsible positions in the township, besides representing it as a member of the Lee County Board of Supervisors. His fellow-citizens have always found him wise in council, a discreet and safe counsellor, and they know that they can trust him to the uttermost. In his politics he is a Democrat. Religiously, he and his wife and chil- dren are Lutherans. Mr. Harden was married in the county of his birth to Miss Catherine Cook, and for forty-five years they have shared life's joys and sorrows. Mrs. Harden is a noble woman, whose warm, motherly heart goes out in sympathy to any in her community who are in grief. or are suffering, and she is much beloved. Somerset County, Pa., is also her native county, and December 20, 1825, is the date of her birth. She was reared and edu- cated and married in the place of her nativity, and 526 POETRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. is a daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Harden) Cook, who were natives of the same county as herself, and were of German and English ancestry respectively, her motiier being born of New Eng- land parents. They lived and died on a farm when full of years, and were well-to-do people. Mr. Cook was for some years a contractor and had a contract on the National Turnpike. He was a large land-owner, and a successful farmer. Mrs. Harden is the youngest daughter in 'a family of seven sons and three daughters, of whom six are yet living. Her marriage with our subject has been blessed to them by the birth of four sons and three daughters, of whom the eldest and youngest daughters, Martha and Josie, are dead. The others are Dennis C, of whom see biographj'; Malinda, wife of William Troutman, a farmer of York County, Neb.; D. Ct., a merchant of Utica, i^eward County, Neb., who married Miss Minnie Schulze; Emanuel J., a banker, at .Stratton, Hitchcock County, Neb, who married Martha Geer; and .Jesse S., a bank cashier at Wauneta Falls, Neb. ♦^^r IRAM UITL, who is now living in retire- ment in the village of Nachusa in the en- joyment of a comfortable fortune, may be ^ considered one of the pioneer farmers and stock-raisers of Lee County, although not among its earliest settlers, as his valuable farm of two hundred acres in Soutii Dixon Township was de- veloped by him from its original wildness, and its improvements, which are all first-class, are the work of his own hands. Mr.Uhl is a native of the township of Hampton, Somerset County, Pa., his birth occurring there September 21, 1828. His father, Daniel Uhl, was also born in that county, and was in turn a son of Jacob Uhl, who was a German and came to Amer- ica with two brothers some time during the last century, he and. one of his brothers settling in Pennsylvania, and the other one locating in New- York. Jacob Uhl was trained to the life of a farmer and some time after marriage removed with his wife and children to Maryland, where he lived until his death in Allegany County, many years later, at the advanced age of ninety years. His wife was also very old when she died in that State. Tliey were stanch Lutherans in religion. They reared a large family of children, nine sons and three daughters, all of whom married, and the most of whom lived to be very aged. Daniel Uhl, who was the fifth child of the family, died in Alle- gany County, Md., in 1849, at the age of fifty-six, he being the youngest of his brothers and sisters then living. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary Long, survived him. Somerset County was likewise her birthplace, and she was descended from an old Pennsylvania fanailJ^ After the death of her husband she came with her son, of whom we write, to Illinois to pass her remaining years and died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Harden, in Nelson Township, in 1866, at the age of seventy- two. Both she and her husband were conscientious members of the Lutheran Church as long as thej' lived. Our subject is one of a large family, several of wJiom are yet living. He came to settle among the pioneers of Lee County in 1852, coming from Maryland, where he had lived since he was nine years olil. He purchased his farm in South Dixon Township after his arrival here and worked hard to put it into its present condition. In 1889 ho rented it, and has since lived retired in the village of Nachus.i. His services as a shrewd, clear-headed, sharp-sighted farmer have been valuable to his adopted township, and he has also done his dutj^ as a public-spirited citizen in helping his fellow- townsmen in the management of public affairs, having" lield the various local oHices with due re- gard for the highest interests of the community. In his politics he is a tliorough Democrat, and his party has no more stanch supporter in this section than he. Religiously, both he and his wife are active members of the Lutheran Church, and have been for many years. Mr. Uhl was first married in Allegany County, ^Id., to Miss Maggie Wilhelm, who was born and reared in that county. She came to Lee County with her husband and died here in 1858 when in life's prime, leaving four children: Mary R., wife of P. J. Smethers, a farmer in Page County, Neb.; dacOi^ -^ ^yi'-L^^^P^ PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 529 Ella M., wife of Virgil Buchanan, a farmer in Oregon; William T. and Elizabeth, who died young. Mr. Uhl was a second time married in Cumberland, Md., Miss Nancy J. Hughes, of that city, becoming his wife. She was well educated in the schools of that place and there met her husband. Her parents were Joseph and Mary Hughes, who were life-long residents of Cumberland, dying there when very old, he being eighty-six and she eighty-two when they passed away. Nearly all their lives they had been members of the Lutheran Church. Four daughters have blessed the present marriage of Mr. Uhl, as follows: Ida M., wife of Chauncey F, Hart, who rents Mr. Uhl's homestead; Bertha A., Eva A., and Grace G., the three latter living at home with their parents. ■'ACOB SENNEFF, a retired farmer, liv- ing at Eldena, is one of the heroic veteran soldiers of the war who fought so long and well to put down the rebellion, risking lile and all that they held dear that the glorious stars and stripes might float proudly over an undivided country. Although much disabled by the for- tunes of war, he returned to Lee County at its close and in after years won for himself an honor- able place among the most thrifty and industrious members of the farming community of South Dixon Township. The portrait of Mr. Senneff accompanies this biographical outline. He was born in Fayette County, Pa., July 11, 1836, and isason of William and Phebe(Barnett) Senneflf,who were also Pennsyl- vanians by birth, and died on a farm in their na- tive State, the mother passing away in 1842, before she had scarcely attained the meridian of life. Her parents were Germans, who emigrated to this country and died in Pennsylvania. Wil- liam Senneff came to Illinois in 1874, and died in Carroll County in 1876 when past eighty years old. He had been a third time married and had out- lived his last wife a few years. They were all members of the Evangelical Association. Jacob Senneff grew to maturity in his native 26 county, and in 1854 left his old home to cope with the hardships to be encountered in a new country that had not long been settled, Lee County being his destination. He was here when the war broke out, and filled with a patriotic desire to serve his country in her hour of need, he enlisted in Com- pany D, Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry, that was organized in September, 1861, Col. Kirk and Capt. Pratt being his commanders, both of whom are dead. The regiment was attached to the Army of the Cumberland, and in the dreadful years that fol- lowed saw a great deal of hard service, in all of which our subject gallantly and uncomplainingly bore his part. He was with his comrades at Shiloh, and marched with Gen. Sherman from Atlanta to the sea, doing his share of the fighting in the nu- merous encounters with the enemy. Occasionally privations and sufferings that he had to un- dergo proved too rnuch for him, and he would have to lie in the hospital for a time, but it was not until Sherman 's last engagement with the Confed- erates at Bentonville, N. C, March 19, 1865, that he was wounded, that battle being almost fatal to him, for while in the thickest of the fight his right arm was shot off, the left arm was broken and the hand disabled. This ended his career as a soldier, but as the war was so near its close he was well content, as he had done his duty nobly. He was honorably discharged in July, 1865. A grateful Government grants him a pension of $72 a month for what he did and endured in its behalf. Since he left the army, Mr. Senneff has lived in Carroll, and this county, taking up his residence in South Dixon Township, in 1874. He owns eighty acres of good land in this part of Illinois, and has sufficient means to permit of his living in retire- ment. He and Miss Sarah Fritz were happily mar- ried in this county and they have four children to bless their declining years, namely: Mary A., wife of E. M. June, of Eldena; Harvey, who married Miss Mary V. Hefley, and lives in North Dixon City; Ellen A., wife of George W. Mossholder, of South Dixon Township; and Susan V. at home with her parents. Mrs. Senneff was born in Somerset County, Pa., and came to Illinois with her parents, John and 530 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRArHICAL RECORD. (Mowrer) Fritz, in 1854. The family settled in Houtli Dixon Township, and there the father im- proved a good farm, which was his home until his death at the ripe old age of eighty years. His wife, who has attained the venerable age of ninety-three years, now lives with her daughter, Mrs. Herman Linderman. Mr. Senneff possesses true manliness of character, and is warm of heart and of a genial disposition. In his political views he votes, as he fought, with the Republican party. He and his wife are ear- nest Christians and members of the Evangelical Association. eHARLES II. KEELER publishes the Evening Star, having been engaged in this business since March 28, 1891. A daily and weekly issue is published, and the success which has re- warded the new enterprise foretells its future pros- perity. The paper already has an extended circu- lation which it well merits, for it is a bright, newsy sheet, that fulfills all the requirements of a modern newspaper. Mr. Keeler, a native of Towanda, Pa., was born on the 20th of March, 1841, and in his native State the days of his boyhood and j'outh were passed. He there learned the printers' trade whicli he has made his life work, and was after- wards connected with the Sullivan County Demo- crat, of La Porte, Pa., and the Herald, of Wellsboro, Pa. His career as an editor and publisher extends over more than a quarter of a century, and sixteen years of that time he was connected with the Tioga County Record, published at Owego, N. Y. That is one of the leading papers of Tioga C'ountj^, and under the management of Mr. Keeler acquired its excellent reputation. Mr. Keeler spent six months m Reno City, Oklahoma, and will ever be remembered by the citizens of that section as the man who prevented the low element of tlie town from running an election in the absence of the Mayor and all of the Aldermen, himself excepted. Seeing that the roughs were taking matters into their own hands, he applied to Col. Wade, then in command at Ft. Reno, three miles away, who called out the United States troops and routed the would-be officers of the city. On the return of the Mayor, a regular call was made by him for a new election, and the Mayor, upon whom they had special designs, was re-elected, and the Aldermen,who were from among the best citizens, were elected. In Owego, N. Y., Mr. Keeler led to the marriage altar Miss Minnie J. Biles, who was boni in Wya- lusing, Pa. The days of her maidenhood were spent in the Keystone State, where she acquired a good education. She is a lady genial in manner, kindly in disposition and has won many friends during her residence in Dixon. She holds mem- bership with the Presbyterian Church, but Mr. Keeler adheres to the faith of the Episcopal Church, .lust before coming to this city he had spent about five years in the West, in Sumner County, Kan., and in Oklahoma, where he was located at the opening up of that Territory on the 22d of April, 1890, witnessing the race for lands and lots in Oklahoma, and joining a town company therein. On coming to Dixon, he formed a partnership with G. E. Bishop, and the Star Printing Company was organized, with Mr. Bishop as general superinten- dent and Mr. Keeler as editor and business man- ager. Both gentlemen are practical printers and capable and enterprising business men. In con- nection with the issue of this paper, they estab- lished a job office by the merging together of their two job printing offices, and now employ twelve hands. The paper is strictly independent in politics, and is devoted to the publication of local and general news of interest to its readers. On the 24th of December, 1891, Mr. Keeler bought out the interest of Mr. Bishop, and now carries on the business alone. For some j^ears Mr. Keeler has not been identified with any political party. Socially, he is a member of Friendship Lodge, No. 7, A. F. & A. M., of Dixon, and is Past Sachem of the Improved Order of Red Men, by virtue of having served as Cliief of Records for five con- secutive years. For nearly seven years he has been a member of Branch 256, of the Iron Hall, in Owego, N. Y. A valued citizen of the community, Mr. Keeler ever gives his support to the enter- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 531 prises calculated to prove of public benefit and uses his influence for their furtherance. His fidelity to public trusts is shown by the incident related concerning his experience in Reno City, of which he was one of the first Aldermen. While in that city there were seven hundred and twenty houses erected in ninety days. ^ ELLE DUIS is one of our most capable and successful farmers, and has extensive farm- ing and stock interests in two different townships in this county, those of South Dixon and Marion, making his home on section 33 of the first-named township. He is a native of the Kingdom' of Hanover, Germany, born in tlie month of September, 1834, into the household of John aud Emma Duis, who were also Hanoverians by birth and ancestry, their respective families being represented in that kingdom for many generations, and belonging to the farm laboring class. John Duris was seventy years old when he died in his native kingdom, and his wife was eighty-four years of age when she passed away from the scenes of earth. They were religious people and were mem- bers of the Lutheran Church. They were the par- ents of seven children, our subject being the fourth in order of birth, and three of their sons fought in the German army as regular soldiers, and they also took part in the Rebellion of 1848. He of whom we write obtained a very good ed- ucation in the schools of his native town, and until he was twenty-two years old he remained in the Fatherland. At that age he went forth from home out into the world to fight life's battles on a foreign soil, having resolved to settle in the United States of America, where he was convinced he would be more prospered than in his own land. April 16, 1857, was the date of his departure from Bremerhaven on a ship bound for Baltimore, Md., at which port he disembarked six weeks later. He came thence to Peoria, in this State, and a few months later made his appearance in this county, arriving at Dixon July 14, 1857, with but five cents in his pocket with which he began his new life in a strange land, among a strange people. He was of good heart, however, and made capital of his sturdy physique, his fine muscle and intelligent capacity for labor. He was first employed as a workman on the Northwestern Railway, and at the end of four or- five years he turned his attention to farming, beginning as a renter. After some years he was able to buy land, and made his first purcliase in South Dixon Township, which was a tract on section 29, entirely devoid of improve- ments. He worked hard and economized where economy was needed, and at the same time spent money judiciously in developing his property, and in tliat way made a fortune. He has a choice farm of two hundred and forty acres on sections 28 and 33, South Dixon Township, which was for the most part unbroken when it came into his pos- session, but is now nearly all under the plow, and a fine set of farm buildings adds greatly to the value of the place. He has recently erected one of the largest and most conveniently arranged barns in this part of the county, its dimensions being 50x112 feet, with a basement in which seventy- five head of stock can be easily accommodated. Besides this farm, Mr. Duis owns one hundred and twenty acres of good land in Marion Township. Four years after his arrival in Lee County, our subject took upon himself the cares and responsi- bilities of married life, having induced Miss. Cath- erine Ortgiesen to share them with him, their union taking ijlace in South Dixon Township. Mrs. Duis is also a native of Hanover, Germany, born in that country in 1833. She was educated in the Gerriian schools and had blossomed into woman- hood when, in 1857, she came to this country with her father, George Ortgiesen, and other members of the family, who made settlement in South Dixon Township, and here the father and mother died in after years. For the parental history, see biography of George Ortgiesen. Mr. Duis is one of eleven children, of whom six are living, and all are in this country. She is the mother of ten children, of whom three died young. The seven surviving are Emma, wife of Albert Fisher, a farmer in 'South Dixon Township; George, an attorney in Missouri; Marv, at home with her parents; Tena, wife of Dq- 532 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. lancy Southwell, of Honey Creek Township; Mag- gie, a seamstress, residing at Dixon; John and Charles at home with their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Duis are members of the Lutheran Church, contrib- uting generously to its means of support, and standing high in its councils. They live simple unpretentious lives, giving freely of their abund- ance when appealed to for help, and the people all around them hold them in cordial esteem. Mr. Duis has a warm regard for his adopted country, and, as concerns its polities, takes his stand with the Democrats. 'JT/ACOB MARTIN was born in Sandwich, I N. II., December 29, 1806, and died at his ^^1 home in Gap Grove, Palmyra Township, (^^ August 29, 1881. He was a well-known and highly-respected citizen of this community, a history of which -would be incomplete were this sketch omitted. Mr. Martin was descended from an old New Hampshire family of prominence in Sandwich, where his father, Jacob Martin, lived and died. In all local interests of Strafford County, he took an active part and himself and wife were untiring workers in the temperance cause. Her maiden name was Mary Tyler, and she was alike well and favorably known in Sandwich, N. II., and in this county, where she came with her family after the death of her husband. She departed this life when more than eighty years of age and her remains were interred in the cemeteiy of Gap Grove. This worthy' couple had a large family, but none are now living. Jacob Martin spent the days of his boyhood and youth in his native town, leaving New Hampshire in 1836, when, with his mother, he came to Illinois. From that time he made Lee County the scene of his labors. He purchased Government land in what is now Gap Grove, and from the wild prairie developed a farm which has since been the home of his family and is now in part owned by his widow. He was first married in this county to Margaret Curtis, a native of White Creek, Washington County, N. Y., born September 10, 1813. When quite young she was left an orphan. Liberal educational advantages were afforded her aud for some years before her marriage she engaged in teaching in Lee County, being employed as a teacher of French and German in the High School of Dixon. An intelligent and cultured mind and a natural refinement of manner made her a leader in the best social circles, and won her many warm friends who sincerelj-- mourned her death. She passed away while in the prime of life, dying of dropsy, and five children were left to mourn the loss of a mother. William was bumed to death when three years old by his clothes catching fire; Emma died of croup when five months old; Helen is living with Mrs. Martin; Addie Josephine is the wife of Judge Alfonso Morgan, County Judge, re- siding in Oregon, Mo.; and Howard, who wedded Miss Ida Cowen, of Nebraska, is a resident farmer of Palmyra Township. Mr. Martin was again married, his second union being with Belle F. Drynaii, who was born in County Renfrew, Province of Ontario, Canada, in 1839. Her father, William Drynan, was a native of Edinburg, Scotland, who, having pursued a col- legiate course of study in his native city, crossed the Atlantic when twenty-one years of age. He secured Government land in the Province of Onta- rio, where he met and married Elizabeth McMur- chie, who was born in the North of Ireland, and came to America with her parents during childhood. By the united efforts of husband and wife they acquired a handsome property-, but in the prime of life Mr. Diynaii was called to his final rest, leaving his widow with six children. She was afterward again married, becoming the wife of the Rev. William G. Johnstone, a Scotchman by birth, who graduated from the Edinburg College and could fluently speak eight different languages. He was a Congregational minister. In 1853, with his wife and step-children, he came to Illinois, locating at Gap Grove, and preached in Lee and Whiteside Counties until his death, which occurred at the age of three-score years. His wife survived him some time, and died of dropsy at Gap Grove, December 23, 1890, when seventy-six yeai-s of age. She had always enjoyed remarkable health until a short time before her death, when she had an attack of PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 533 la grippe which terminated her life. In religiovis views she was a member of the Congregational Church. The Ave children of lier first marriage yet living are: George, who wedded Kate Burrus and owns and operates the homestead in the Province of Ontario; Sarah, widow of Fletcher Hutton, whose sketch appears elsewhere; Mrs. Martin, wife of our subject; Robert J., Postmaster of Gap Grove and a farmer of Palmyra Township, who married Rachel Delph, of Lancaster County, Pa.; and Mary B., wife of George A. Seymour, of Dwight, 111. Mr. Martin possessed the business qualities essen- tial to success and by his industry and enterprise left his family in comfortable circumstences at his death. He was a Republican in politics and took a warm interest in the growth and success of that party. His widow is still living on the old home- stead. She is a member of the Congregational Church and a lady of man}"^ excellences of char- acter. In the family were six children, namely: Lillian A., who formerly engaged in school teach- ing, is now the wife of Samuel Hurleman, a farmer of Gap Grove; Retta is at home; Elizabeth, who for six years was a stenographer, is now the wife of Frank Beckwith, a hardware merchant of Kan- sas City, Mo.; Frank L., who married Hettie Geer, of Sterling, is a resident farmer of Palmyra Town- ship; Charles L. wedded Miss Rose Baker, and is now living in Gap Grove; and Eugene is at home. JROF. E. C. SMITH, principal of the North ) Division High School of Dixon, is one of _ . the oldest educators in years of service in Illinois and has a reputation as an in- structor among the best in the State. He is now living near the citj' in a pleasant country home, where he owns a good farm of one hundred acres. A native of Essex County, N. Y., he was born in 1829, and is a son of Lieut. Alrneron Smith. The paternal grandfather, Maj. Nathan Smith, was a native of Manchester, Vt., and belonged to one of the highly respected New England families. His people were of Welsh and Irish extraction. Amid the hills of his native State he was reared to man- hood and became one of the Green Mountain Boys of Revolutionary fame. He served as a commis- sioned officer in the War for Independence, and it was at his home that Ethan Allen formed his plans for the capture of Ticonderoga, in which the Major participated. He spent his last days in Shoreham, Vt., dying at an advanced age. He and his wife, who was a Vermont lad^'^, were both active workers in the Baptist Church. Lieut. Smith, father of our subject, was a na- tive of the Empire State and won his title in the War of 1812. He married Lois Larrabee, a na- tive of \^ermont, who with her family removed to Essex County, N. Y., while her husband was fight- ing the British in the War of 1812. That was the home of Lieut, and Mrs. Smith for some years, but later the}' went to Washington County, N. Y., and later came to Illinois, locating in Savannah, where the Lieutenant died at the age of seventy- one years. His widow passed away three years later, dying at the home of Mrs. Dr. Kendrick, of Wau- kesha, Wis., when in her seventieth year. They had long been members of the Baptist Church, and Mr. Smith served as Deacon for long years. He was quite a prominent citizen in the commu- nities where he resided, and for twenty-eight years served in public offices in Essex County, N. Y. In 1833 he represented his district in the State Legislature, being elected to the office by the Whig party. In the Smith family were seven children, but with the exception of our subject only one is now living — the Rev. Dr. .Justin A. Smith, who resides at Morgan Park, and is the editor of the Standard, of Chicago, the leading Baptist paper of the West. He is an eminent preacher of that church and well known in its circles. Prof. Smith was reared under the parental roof and at the age of seventeen taught his first school. In the village of Granville, Washington County, N. Y., where his education had bfeen cliiefly ac- quired, he taught for two years and then came to the West. His first teaching in Illinois was on the Fox River, at Geneva, in a little log school- house of the most primitive style of times. Sub- sequently he had been employed for three years 534 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. as principal of tlie Rock Seminary ere he came to Dixon in 1859. He lieard the first, class in the old Dixon Collegiate Institute, wliich has been non-existing for many years, and in 1862 became a teacher in the public schools. With the South Side schools he was connected from that time until 1886, when he became principal of the North Side School, wliich position he still occupies. He has grown in favor from year to year since he came to Dixon and has won laurels of which he may well be proud. Prof. Gastman, of Decatur, 111., and Prof. Rowland, late Superintendent of the public schools of Chicago, are the only two men in the State that have filled educational chairs in their respective cities as long as Prof. Smith has been connected with the schools of Dixon. The Professor has been twice married. He wedded Miss Elizabeth A. Mason, of Granville, N. Y., where their union was celebrated, and where the lady had followed teaching. After residing in the West for several years she died in Dixon, in the faith of the Baptist Church, leaving two children — Dr. H. 0., a homeopathic physician now engaged in practice in Shakopee, Minn., married Ada Meacham, a native of Vermont; and Edward, who operates his father's farm. His wife was formerly Miss Ada Russ, of Philadelphia, Pa. In Dixon Mr. Smith was again married, his second union being with Miss Saraphina Gardner, daugh- tei of- Dr. Charles and Mary (Pierce) Gardner. Her father, a prominent physician, graduated from Dr. Thomas' Botanical College, and for many years resided in Lee Center, having an extensive prac- tice throughout this community. He died near Chamberlain, S. Dak., well advanced in years. His wife, who was a native of Rhode Island, died near Dixon some years previous. Both were members of the Episcopal Church. Mrs. Smith, wife of our subject, has spent her entire life in Lee County, where she was born. She is a lady of intelligence and culture, and many of her articles written for different magazines possess much merit. She belongs to the Episcopal Church and takes great interest in its work. Mr. Smith has been a Deacon in the Baptist Churdi for many years, and with the exception of. four years has been Superintendent of the Sunday-school in Dixon since 1852. He has represented it in the different conventions of the church and was chair- man of the committee that called the first State Sunday School Convention of Illinois. The call was made in 1868, and the convention organized in Dixon the following year. In politics, the Professor is a Republican. Unto Prof. Smith and his wife have been born three children — Kenneth, Percy and Anna. The eldest is fitting himself to enter the new Baptist University, now building in Chicago. It is said that there is a work suited to each individual, and if he engage in that labor success will crown his ef- forts. Accepting this theory as true, we would say that Prof. Smith found that work to which he was peculiarly adapted. He seems to possess special talent for the work in which he is engaged, and success has indeed been with him. y r A^=4^ EV. WILLIAM H. CLAT WORTHY, an honored minister of the Methodist Episco- pal Church, who has practically retired from his profession, and -now devotes him- self to farming and stock-raising, has a pleasant home in Harmon Township, and is numbered among the most respected citizens of Lee County. He was born in Cornwall, England, April 4, 1839, one of the eleven children of John and Jane (Jefford) Clatworthy, seven of whom grew to maturity, and of those, two came to the United States: our subject and his sister Martha, now Mrs. Wixom, of Harmon. The father was a civil and mining engineer, and was employed in the mines of England. Both he and his wife were earnest members of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, the father being leader of the choir. Our subject worked in silver, iron and copper mines in his native country in early life. He received careful religious instruction from his parents, and at the age of seventeen became a member of the church. He manifested a great in- terest in the church, and was soon recognized as PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 535 one of its most active and eflicient workers. Wish- ing to consecrate himself more entirely- to the cause of religion, he studied theologj^ fitted him- self for the ministry, anxJ at the age of twentj'-four, entered upon the duties of his sacred calling, lie preached the gospel on circuits in Devonshire and Cornwall until 1869, when he left England and came to the United States, landing at New York, October 2. He was accompanied hither by his family, and making their waj' directly to Chicago, they buried a little daughter there who had sickened and died after arriving in this country. From Chicago the family proceeded to Liberty- ville, Lake County, where Mr. Clatworthy worked as a farm-hand during the season of 1870. In the fall of that year, he resumed his ministerial duties, and was assigned to the church at Sycamoi-e. A year later, he took charge of the work at Indian Creek and Ophir, where societies of his faith had been established, and he preached very acceptably to the people of those places for six years. He then went to Harmon, and for six years filled the pulpit at that place. While he was actively engaged in the ministry, Mr. Clatworthy purchased one hundred and sixty acres of his present farm in 1879, removed to it and devoted his leisure to tilling the soil. He has made many improvements, and has greatly in- creased the attractiveness and value of the place since it came into his possession by planting many beautiful shade trees, some of which have attained a diameter of from twelve to fifteen inclies. He has a neat and substantial house, and necessary farm buildings, and has his farm well stocked with cattle and horses of good grades. In the fall of 1885, he went from his old pastorate at Harmon to Lyndon, and for two years had charge of the church in that village. He then retired from active work in the ministry to his farm, and has since been exclusively engaged in its management, occasionally filling the pulpit in different parts of the vicinity. The Rev. Mr. Clatworthy was united in mar- riage with Miss Elizabeth A. Crocker, in Devon shire, England, in 1863. She is a native of that English shire, born March 26, 1839, and a daughter of Richard and Mary (Decker) Crocker. She liad two brothers who came to the United States: Will- iam, a farmer in Webster County, Iowa; and John, who died in Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Clat- worthy have been greatly blessed in their mar- riage by the birth of ten children, of whom seven are living. Their son, William H., is a Presby- terian minister in Hastings, Neb.; their daughter Mary is the wife of Charles Woodburn, of Sterling, 111., who is reporter of the Circuit Court; Emily is the wife of David T. Hill, of Harmon; and Alfred, Carrie, Rosena and Ernest 6. are at home with their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Clatworthy are very pleasant, in- telligent people, whom it is a pleasure to meet, and they are very highly thought of by the people among whom they have made their home. A man of true piety and deep religious convictions, a Christian in word and deed, Mr. Clatworthy has not only done good work in the church, but he has thrown the weight of his influence on the side of morality and right living at all times, and has made the community better for his residing in it. He has never sought public office, but has taken a sincere interest in the politics of his adopted country, and is a sound Republican. ^+^[ "=] IjALPH PAUL KETl'LEY, a representative .„i^ farmer and resident of Willow Creek Town- iSi fli ship, was born in Denbighshire, Wales, May 1, 1828. His father, John Kettley, was a native of Staffordshire, England, and there grew to manhood and married, but after the death of his first wife, he removed to Wales, and spent the rest of his life in Denbighshire. The maiden nan:e of his second wife, mother of our subject, was Ann Paul. She was born in Wales and spent her entire life in the land of her birth. Her father, Ralph Paul, who was a sailor, was also a native of Wales, and ended his days in that country. Our subject and liis brother Edward were the only members of the family that came to America. The latter is engaged in the boot and shoe business in Compton, this county. Ralph Kettley was reared among his native hills, and his parents being 536 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. in limited circunstaTiees, lie was early thrown on his own lesom-ces. At the age of sixteen, he was apprenticed to learn the trade of boot and shoe maker, and after serving one year, did journey- work. In 1846 he went to Liverpool, and was employed at his trade there until 1849. Ambi- tious to better his condition, on the 28th of August, that year, he took an important step in life, which has undoubtedly led him to his present prosperity. That was the date of his setting sail for the New World from Liverpool in the ship "Guy Mannering." He landed at New York twenty-eight days later, and proceeded directly to Chicago, which at that time was a comparatively small town, with no indications in its swampy en- vironments of its present size and importance as one of the great metropolitan cities of the world, and Northern Illinois was but sparselj' settled. There were no railways in the State, and all communica- tion with the interior was either bj' private con- vej^ance, stage or canal. "When Mr. Kettley arrived in this country, his entire wealth consisted of about the smn of $200 in cash, but he was well endowed otherwise with the energy, perseverance and capacity for hard work that serve a man better than money often- times. He sought and found employment at his trade in Chicago, where he remained until 1862, when he went to Peoria and was engaged in mak- ing shoes in that city the following three years. His next move was to this county, where he made a new departure by turning farmer. He bought a tract of Government land in Wyoming Township, upon which there were no improvements whatever, so that he did not settle upon it, but rented an im- proved farm, and shortly after sold the land that he had entered. He continued fanning as a renter a few years, and then bought the farm he now owns and occupies, that contains one hundred and sixty acres of arable land on sections 19 and 30, of Willow Creek Township. He has the entire tract under a high state of cultivation, has planted fruit and shade trees, and erected a neat set of frame buildings, the improvements comparing favorably with any in the county. In 1851 Mr. Kettley was married to ICliza Beder, a native Of England, in whom he has a faithful wife, who looks carefully after the well-being of her household. They have seven children living: William, John, Thomas, Lizzie, Julia, Hattie and Mary. OICHOLAS MOSSHOLDER, who is a veter- ) an of the late war, with an honorable rec- jj^J^ ord for bravery and devotion to the cause of his country won in some of the hardest, fought battles of the rebellion, is a very successful farmer, one of the foremost in his line of business in South Dixon Township, where he has a beautiful farm and a very attractive home on sections 17 and 20. He is a son of the late Jacob Mossholder, who was a prominent pioneer of this section, beginning his life here on a slightly improved farm of two hun- dred and forty acres, on which stood a sod stable and board shanty. He made a good home and died here in 1876 a rich man, having acquired a large property. For a further account of him see biog- raphy of William H. Mossholder. Our subject is the second son and child of the family of eight children born unto his parents — five sons and three daughters. The survivors of the family are himself, his brother William, Mrs. Catherine Heckman and Mrs. Eva Allen, all of whom are living on farms in this township. He was born in Somerset County, Pa., August 16, 1837, and was nineteen years of age when the fam- ily came to this county in 1856. He has since been a resident of this township, and an interested witness of almost its entire growth from a tract of wild prairie. He has occupied his present farm twentj^-two years, and it has been his property for fifteen years. The one hundred and thirty-eight acres included in the farm are under the best of cultivation, and many additional improvements have been made since it has been in his possession. He has recently erected a handsome set of farm buildings; his residence, a view of which is presented on another page, is of a beautiful and modern style of architecture, and his new barn is a substan- tial and roomy structure, 36x60 feet in dimen- sions. Able management, thrift and unwonted PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 539 skill in carrying on farming operations are manifest on every hand, and have given our subject a fine reputation as an agriculturist. He has otherwise been of benefit to his community as a man of ex- emplary habits and true Christian principles, who has been infliiential in promoting the religious and social interests in the township in his capacity as a consistent member of the Evangelical Church. His political views are in consonance with the doc- trines of the Republican partj-. Mr. Mossholder served long and well in the army during the most trying years of the Rebellion, en- listing August 9, 1862, in Company A, Seventy- fifth Illinois Infantry, and with his regiment joined the Army of the Cumberland. His company and regiment fought desperately at the battle of Perryville, Ky., and lost heavily in their encoun- ter with the enemy. The next engagement in which he and his comrades participated was at Stone River; then followed Chickamauga, Lookout Moun- tain and Missionary Ridge; after that. Buzzard's Roost, and while in the heat of the contest on that field; Mr. Mossholder was shot through the right thigh. While recovering from that wound he was compelled to lie in the hospital at Nashville, Tenn., three months, and was subsequently de- tailed to duty in that institution for the space of six months. By that time the war was over, and he received his discharge .June 12, 1865, and re- turning from the South to his home in this county, has ever since been engaged in tilling the soil, rais- ing stock, etc. Our subject was first married in this township to Miss Isabella Evens, adopted daughter of Will- iam E. Ketchem, by whom she was reared in New York, her native State, and with whom she came to this township, in the latter years of her girlhood, she died in July, 1876, when only twenty-eight years old, leaving behind her an unspotted name and a record as a true Christian, who had been a valued member of the Evangelical Association. She was the mother of four children, of whom two are dead, Emma J., and Bertha A., the former dying at the age of twelve years, and the 'latter when a small child of eighteen months. William J., who was well educated in the public schools, and married Hattie Rhodes affords his father valu- able assistance in managing his farm; Mary F., a very bright young lady, is at home with her father. Mr. Mossholder was a second time married in this township. Miss Hattie E. Young becoming his wife. She was born in Somerset County, Pa., in 1852, and was the daughter of Peter and Lucinda (Mar- teena) Young, who were also natives of Pennsyl- vania. Thej"^ came from that State to this in 1865, and settled on a farm in Nelson Township, where Mr. Young died in 1872 at the age of fifty-six years. His widow, who was born in 1828, is still living on the old homestead, and in spite of her years is active and capable, and retains her mental faculties in all their pristine vigor. She has been a member of the Lutheran Church all her days, and her husband was also a member of that church. Mrs. Mossholder lived with her parents until her marriage, and was well trained in household duties. Her death in 1879, when she was but twenty-eight j^ears old, was a sad blow to her family, as she had ever been an affectionate daughter, and was a good wife and tender mother. She was greatly missed in the Lutheran Church, of which she was a devo- ted member. She left two children,' Jemima Grace, and Charles H., both of whom are with their father. MLLIAM GROVE is a veteran of the late ' war who has been a member of the farming community of Lee County ever since he loft the army, and has done as good service in the interests of agriculture and in the improvement of the farm that he now owns and occupies in Willow Creek Township. He was born in Frederick County, Md., September 15, 1834, and is a son of William Grove, who was also a native of Maryland. His father, Jacob Grove, is supposed to have been of English birth, and to have emigrated to Amer- ica in his early manhood, and ever after to have lived in Maryland until death closed his mortal career. William Grove was reared and married in his native State, Cornelia Clay becoming his wife. She 5tO PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. was also of Maryland birth, and was a daughter of John Clay, who was a nephew of Henry Clay. Before the introduction of railways, Mr. Grove was employed in teaming between different points in Maryland and Pennsylvania, driving a six- horse team and transporting produce, merchandise, etc. In 1837 he became a pioneer settler of Mt. Vernon, Ohio, where he carried on his old business for a time, and was then engaged in a foundry during the remainder of his residence there. In 1847 he removed to Seneca County and leased a tract of timber land nine miles from Tiffin. He built on the land, cleared several acres and put them under cultivation. A few years later he went to Fulton County, and, after renting land there for a time, bought a farm upon which he dwelt until 1865, when he sold it in order to spend his declining years in this county, where he died at a ripe age. He was a bravo soldier in the War of 1812. His wife preceded him in death many years, dying during their residence in Mt. Vernon, in 1844. They reared ten children to lives of use- fulness. The subject of this sisetch was very young when he commenced to assist his father in clearing land and tilling the soil, and he continued thus helping him until 1863. In the month of December, that year, he threw aside his work to take part in the war, and on many a hard-fought battlefield dis- played true soldierly valor and won a good record for faithful performance of duty, wherever placed. He went to the front as a member of Company II, One Hundredth Ohio Infantry, and remained with his regiment until after the close of the Rebellion. He took part in the battles of Missionary Ridge and Chickamauga, was with Sherman in his march to Atlanta, and fought in the various engagements with the enemy on the way and in the siege and capture of that city, and was with his regiment in the battles of Franklin and Nashville. He was honorablj' discharged from the service in July, 1865. Returning to his old home in Ohio after the war, in the same year, Mr. Grove came to this county and bought a farm in Willow Creek Town- ship. Three years later he sold that place, and bought his present farm in the same township, and is conducting his agricultural operations very prof- itably. His land is exceedingly fertile, is under admirable tillage, and is supplied with all the nec- essary buildings and machinery. In the manage- ment of his farm, he shows himself to be a compe- tent farmer, with a good understanding of the best methods for prosecuting his calling, and he stands well in his community as a fair and honest dealer and a most worthy citizen. Mr. Grove has by no means been without the help of a good wife, as he was married in 1861 to Miss Amanda Gee, a native of Seneca County, Ohio, and she has done her share of the work in the mak- ing of their home. They have nine children, whom they have named Emma, Coraelia, Nora, Ada, Ella, George, John, Nellie and Clyde. ^m\^^(^i II RTHUR P. WASSON. In the dual occu- pations of farmer and engineer, Mr. Was- son finds a good opportunitj' for the exercise of his fine physical powers and sound common sense. Since October, 1887, he has been employed as engineer of the Illinois Central Railroad and in connection therewith has superin- tended not only his farm of one hundred and eighty acres, but more than two hundred acres in addition. As the reader may imagine, his life is a busy one and contains few leisure hours. He resides on section 15, Amboy Township, and al- though he has been a raih'oad man during the greater part of his active life, he has yet found time to control his farming operations and main- tain first-class improvements on his place. Among the early settlers of this county were the parents of ovu- subject, Lorenzo D., and Aurelia H. (Gaylord) Wasson, natives of New York. About 1837 they located in Amboy Township, when the country around was almost in its prim- eval condition and scarcely a furrow had been turned. With the development of the township they were closely idenlified and contributed largely to its growth, becoming well known as brave pioneers and generous and hospitable people. The mother, who still lives, has long survived Mr. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHTCAL RECORD. 541 Wasson who died in July, 1857. Thej' had a family of three children, one son and two daughters, to whom they gave as good advantages as the sparsely settled country would permit. After the death of Lorenzo D. Wasson, the father of our subject, his mother was again married, becoming the wife of Judge Alonzo Kinyon. Their five living (children are: Winnie L., Alonzo G., Sheridan G., Ivy A., and Ransom. Judge Kinyon died in Plankinton, Dak., Jul}- 16, 1891. He was a man who held important public ofHces and was widely known and universally respected for his high abilities and unflinching integrity. At one time he was a leading attorney of Amboj- and repre- sented his district in the Legislature for two terms in succession. He was also Judge of the Court of Common Pleas and eminent for the justice of his decisions and his knowledge of the law. The oldest in the family is the subject of this biographical notice,'and was born in Amboy Town- ship, May 3, 1849. He grew to manhood and has passed the greater portion of his life in his native place. For several years he was a resident of Fond du Lac, Wis., but returned to his native State,- convinced that for a home there was no place like Lee County. He was married in his earlj' manhood, February 22, 1862, in Amboy Township, to Miss Elizabeth M., daughter of James and Clara (Kinyon) Sprague. Mr. Sprague, who was a native of Vermont, and his wife, who was born in New York, spent the first years of their wedded life in the Empire State, whence they removed to Boone County, 111., and from there to Lee County, in 1861. Mr. Sprague spent the remaining years of his life in this county where he died in October, 1878. His wife had passed away many years before liis demise, her death occurring in Clinton, Wis., in the latter part of the '60s. Mrs. Wasson, who was the youngest among three children, was born in Boone County, 111., July 23, 1847, and accompanied her parents to Lee Countj' in her girlhood. Of her union with Mr. Wasson, seven children have been born, namely: Oddy A., Lorenzo D., Ar- thur G., Winn S., Paul G., Ivy A., and Luetta M. Mr. Wasson operates aboiit four hundred acres, of which he owns one hundred, and this work, in con- nection witli his duties as engineer, allows him little opportunitj' for social recreation. When he was about nineteen years old Mr. Sprague entered the employ of the Illinois Central Railroad as fireman and continued in that position until about 1872, when he became conductor on tl\e Chicago & Rock Fa,lls Railroad (now Chicago, Burlington & Quincy), his run being between Amboy and Sterling. After one year in that con- nection he became an employe of the Western Minnesota Railway Company (now the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul) and continued with them as engineer for one year. He then settled on a farm near Amboy and there resided until the fall of 1873, when he removed to Fond du Lac, Wis., and was emplo3'ed as engineer, conductor and as- sistant superintendent of the Fond du Lac, Amboy ct Peoria, now operated by the Chicago, Milwau- kee & St. Paul Railway Company. Mr. Wasson was in Fond du Lac about three years, and afterward held the position of engineer on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad about two years. He then returned to Amboy and engaged in farming until October, 1887, when he accepted the position of engineer on the Illinois Central Railroad. For several years he has occu- pied this place and performs his duties with un- usual capability and great eflSciency. He enjoys the highest respect of his fellow-citizens, and is a man of probity and honor. ■^ OHN TROUTH, a retired farmer now living with his son-in-law, Daniel Schuck, in Pal- myra Township, came to Lee County in 1858, and during the years which have since come and gone has made his home in this township. He first improved a good farm on section 18, and some years later, in 1869, he pur- chased land on sections 17 and 20, a fine property wliich is still in his possession. It is highly im- proved with good buildings, most of which were erected by him. In all his business undertakings lie has been quite successful, and the prosperity which has come to him as tlie just reward of his 542 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. labors, now enables him to spend his declining years in retirement from all care. Mr. Trouth is of German birth. He was born in Rheinpfalz, Bavaria, August 25, 1819, and there his father, John G. Trouth, was also born, and followed farming until 1832, when, with his older son, he crossed the Atlantic, landing in New Orleans, where he died very suddenly of Asiatic cholera, which was then epidemic. The son went north to Philadelphia, where he died soon after- wards of the same disease. Mr. Trouth was a member of the Lutheran Church and at the time of his death was about forty years of age. Mrs. Trouth, whose maiden name was Margaret Sundall, was born in the Fatherland in 1793, and never left that country, her death occurring in her native province in January, 1880. She was never again married after her husband's death, but remained true to his memorJ^ She reared her children and saw them all well started out in life. Our subject is now the only surviving member of a family of three sons and two daughters. In his youth he learned the trade of a tailor, which he fol- lowed in his native land and has worked in that line to some extent in this country. In Germany he wedded Miss Mary E. Getts, who was born July 18, 1818, and was reared in the same province as her husband. Their homo was brightened by the pres- ence of five children, after which they crossed the briny deep to America in 1858, in a sailing vessel, which weighed anchor at Bremen and reached New York after a voyage of forty da3's. Contin- uing their journey by land they at length arrived in Dixon, 111. Mr. Trouth then had but 116 in his pocket. Determination and enter- prise, however, stood him instead of capital and with the assistance of his faithful wife he began earning a livelihood and worked his way upward to a position of affluence. When he had saved a small sum of money, he purchased land and began farming on his own account, carrying on his opera- tions until he found himself the owner of a fine farm and possessed of a handsome property. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Trouth were born seven children; George W., who works in a milk factory, married Louisa Teal, who is now deceased; John married Cecilia Ebner and resides in Dixon; Jacob mariied Susa Hess and is a resident farmer of Pal- myra Township; Anna M., is the wife of Daniel Schuck, a representative farmer, who owns a good home on section 26, Palmyra Township; Carrie is the wife of Manuel Hess, an agriculturist of Whiteside County; and Fred lives with his brother, George W. In 1887 Mr. Trouth was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the 13th of June. She was a true and faithful wife and mother, who ever had the interests of her family at heart and was a consistent member of the Lutheran Church. Our subject also belongs to the Lutheran Church in Prairieville, and to its support has contributed liberally. In politics, he is a Republican and is well informed concerning the issues of the day. In the enjoyment of a well-earned rest, he expects to spend the remainder of his life in the county of his adoption, where he is so widely and favorably known. Ill I I ^ I ' I ' I I I ATHEW J. SHIPPERT is a general farmer and stock-raiser who is carrying on his operations with marked success on sections 19 and 20, Nachusa Township, where he has a farm whose improvements are modern and substantial, and its one hundred and forty-two acres are under a high state of cultivation. He is a German bj' birth, born in Wurtemberg, May 3, 1843, but much of his life has been passed in the United States, as he was only eleven years old when he came here, and he is as true in his allegi- ance to this Government as if he were native and to the manor born. He is the third child and second son of P'rederick and Louisa (Slippf) Ship- Pert, natives of Wurtemberg, and of pure German ancestrj'. After marriage and the birth of the most of tlieir children, Frederick Shippert and his wife emigrated to this country in 1854, going first to London, Eng- land, where they embarked on a ship bound for New York, and after landing in that city they pro- ceeded to Luzerne County, Pa. There the father died in 1860 at middle age, his birth having taken PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPmCAL RECORD. 543 place February 19, 1813. His widow afterward came to Illinois, and now makes her home with her son John, in South Dixon Township. She was born Jan- uary 16, 1814, but is still quite active and retains her mental faculties well. She was reared in the Lutheran faith, and all her life has been a mem- ber of a church of that denomination, as was her husband also. The first ten yeare of his life in this country our subject spent in Pennsylvania, and the education commenced in the German schools was completed in the schools of Luzerne County. In 1864 he came to Illinois when he was just entering upon manhood, and since that time has founded a home in Lee County. For a few years he was engaged at Amboy and Dixon in the harness making trade, which he learned in the latter city and at Sterling. He subsequently abandoned that to try his hand at farming, in which he has met with good success. In 1872 he purchased his present farm in Nachusa Township, and has wrought a great change in its appearance since he took possession of it. Every- thing about the place is in good order, the build- ings are roomy and well built, and an ample sup- ply of the best kinds of farming machinery facili- tates the labors of carrying on the farm properly. The place is well adapted to general farming, and our subject has it stocked witli cattle, horses and swine of the breeds that the farmers of this vicin- ity have learned to be the most profitable to raise for general purposes. After coming to this county, Mr. Shippert fell in with a charming young school teacher, whose pre- possessing appearance and sensible manner so im- pressed him that he sought her hand in marriage. She did not say him nay, and for several years has been the presiding genius of his home, to him a true wife, and to their children a tender mother. A sou Warren A., and a daughter, Ada M., com- plete their household, the son helping his father in the management of the farm. Mrs. Shippert was Mary D. Heimbaugh in her maiden days, and she was born in Luzerne County, Pa., March 81, 1847. She was only a year old when she was brought to this county by her par- ents, Elias and Irena (Hollister) Heimbaugh, who were also natives of Luzerne County, being of German and New England descent, although the parents were likewise born in Pennsyl- vania. They were among the pioneers of this countj', and were among the first to make settle- ment in what is now Nachusa Township, where they opened up a new farm. The father died on his homestead, October 6, 1874, at the age of fifty- two years, and his community was deprived of a highly prized citizen, whose character for morality, truthfulness and all that goes to make a good man, was high; he was a worthy member of the Evangelical Association, to which his good wife still belongs. She is living at a venerable age with her daughter, Mrs. Shippert. Our subject's wife grew up under good home influences with her parents, and, being a bright and apt scholar, ob- tained such an education in the common schools that she was early fitted to enter the profession of a teachej', and tavight in this township for some years prior to her marriage. She and her husband are members in high standing of the Evangelical Association in South Dixon, and by simple, unpre- tentious lives show the value of their Christianity. They are hospitable and entertaining in their home life, and their neighbors know well where to look for help and sympathy In time of trouble. Mr. Shippert is a Republican in politics, and is one of the best citizens of his adopted township. C. JOHNSON, a retired farmer and nursery- man who now resides on West First Street in Dixon, where he has made his home since 1878, claims New York as the State of his nativity. Chemung County was the place of his birth and May 5, 1840, the date. He was there reared and educated and for many years made his home in that locality. His parental grandfather, Ezekiel Johnson, was one of the early settlers of Chemung County. In an early day he there located and in the midst of the forest hewed out a farm, upon which he spent the remainder of his days, living to be almost one hundred years old. He had been twice married and by his first 544 PORTRAIT AND BlOGRAPinCAL RECORD. wife had eleven children, all of whom were reared to manhood and womanhood, were married and had families of their own, residing in a locality famil- iary known as Johnson's Hollow. Of this family two are yet living — Mrs. Pricilla Prosenous and Mrs. Richard Prosenous both residents of C'hemung County, N. Y. The father of our sub- ject was the eldest of the family. He, too, was born in the Empire State, and was onl3r fonr years of age when his father located in Chemung County, where the days of his boyhoo.d and youth were passed. In fact, his entire life was spent in Johnson's Hollow, where he passed away at the age of sixty-five years. Like the other members of the family he made farming his life occupation and in the pursuit of that business won a handsome com- petence. In Tompkins County, N. Y., David Johnson married Miss Hannah Bangs, a native of that count}^ who died after the birth of their onl}' child, our subject. David Johnson again married and by his second wife, whose maiden name was Caroline Rodgers, reared a family. She is also now deceased. Under the parental roof E. C. Johnson was reared to manhood, his days being passed in the usual routine of farm labor. In the public schools of the neighborhood he acquired his education and not until he came to the West did he leave his na- tive county. For a number of years he engaged in the nursery business, following the same at Al- mora and Horsehead at the same time. Desiring to (!Ome West he severed his business connections' in the Empire State and as before stated, took up his residence in Dixon in 1878, succeeding to the nursery business of E. C. Smith, which had been established by Joseph Little whose sketch appears elsewhei-e in this work. For ten years he devoted his energies to that line of trade and furnished employment to several traveling salesmen. He made his business a signal success and at the end of that decade retired from the nursery business and has since been dealing in western lands. In Chemung County, N. Y„ Mr. Johnson w.as united in marriage to Miss Sarah McKinney, who was born in Belvidere, 111., and reared in Beaver Dam, N. Y. She was the only child of William and Salina M. (Holmes) McKinney, wUn with their fam- ily came to Michigan in 1869, settling in Cass Coun- ty, where the father departed this life in 1888, at the age of seventy-three years. By trade he was a carpenter and builder. His wife, who still sur- vives him, makes her home with Mrs. Johnson and although now seventy-two yeare of age is still hale and hearty. Although she has resided in Dix- on but a few years she has already won a host of friends, in whose esteem she ranks high. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have been born six children, but they have lost three — Bangs, Herbert and Jennie, all of whom died in childhood. Dana C„ Yerna J. and Deja B. are yet at home. The mother is a member of the Methodist Church and in political faith Mr. Johnson is a Republican. They are both widely and favorably known in this locality and their circle of friends is indeed an ex- tensive one. "S^DMUND B. CLARK, who has been iden- fel tified with the industrial interests of Dixon It — ^ / for the last twenty years as a house and sign painter, and is carrying on a lucrative busi- ness in his line, is a native of the State of Xer- mont, and was born in the pretty town of Chel- sea, August 20, 1830. His father, William C. Clark, was born in the town of Barre, Mass., and was the son of Edmund Clark, who is thought to have been of English birth and antecedents. In the early part of his life, probably during the latter part of the eighteenth century, he came to this countr}', and at first located in Massachusetts. He subsequently removed to Vermont and engaged in the mercantile business at Eden, Lamoille County, but his last days were passed in the town of Cam- bridge. William C. Clark went from his native State to settle among the green hills of Vermont, and established himself as a merchant at Chelsea. From there he went to the town of Eden, whence he removed in 1846 to Albany, N. Y., and was emplo3'ed in the mercantile business in that city foi- a time. His next move was to Manchester, N. H., in 1848 or 1849, and after that he was en- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 545 gaged as a traveling salesman, representing a Bos- ton house part of the time, arid he made that his home until his untimelj' death in 1859. The maiden name of his wife was Mary Ilibbard, and she was a native of Brookfield, ^'t., a daughter of Oliver and Abigail Hibbard. She spent her last days with her children in Havre de Grace and Philadelphia, dying in the latter city in January, 1868. She reared these five children: Edmund B., Oliver H., Daniel W., William L. and Martha. He of whom we write obtained a good educa- tion in his youth, attending a part of each year until he was seventeen years old. He then com- menced learning the trade of a cabinet-maker at Hj'de Park, Vt., serving an apprenticeship of a year and a half in that place, and then he went to Nashua to serve the rest of his time. In 1846 he went to Albany, N. Y., and for six months was a clerk in a general store. After that he acted in the same capacity in New York City for a few months, but was obliged to resign his position on account of ill-health. Returning to Albany, he remained there until 1848, and then went back to New York to learn the trade of window-shade painting, and was thus employed nearly a year, and then finished learning the trade at Albany. We next hear of him at Derby Line, Vt., busily working at his trade. Six months later he went to Manchester, N. H., to carry on his calling. In the spring of 1850, Mr. Clark took up his residence in the city of Boston, and, forming a partnership with A. C. Sturtevant, engaged in the manufacture of window shades for some time. Three years from the time he went to Boston he returned to Manchester, and was there a few months prior to going to Lowell, Mass., where he opened a shop and carried on his occupation in that city a year. At the expiration of that time he sold his business, and for a year was engaged in the manufacture of window shades at Man- chester, doing custom work. After that he trav- eled a few months with Dr. Boyington, a noted lecturer on geology. When he left the Doctor, Mr. Clark returned once again to Manchester, and was a resident of that city until 1857, and then Philadelphia was his abiding place for awhile, and subsequently a year was spent in the quaint town of Lancaster, Pa. Back again then to Manchester, and there he lived until the close of the war. In that year he went to New York City once more for a few months, and then made his way to Baltimore, Md., wliere he engaged in the manufacture of window shades for a short time. Six months later we find him at Havre de Grace, in the same State, and there he was engaged in ornamental painting and frescoing for some years. In 1869 he left the South, and, coming to Dixon, began life here as a sign painter. So well did he prosper in that that he was encouraged to locate in this city perma- nently, and in 1871 he opened an office, and has ever since devoted himself to house and sign painting, etc., and has all the business that he can attend to, as he has many patrons who appre- ciate his neat and artistic work. Mr. Clark was first married in 1854, to Miss Laura Smith, a native of Maine. She died in Manchester, N. H., in 1855, after a brief wedded life. Our subject was married to his present wife in 1857, and they have made for themselves a home that is cozy, comfortable and pleasant. Mrs. Clark was formerly Frances A. Osgood, and is a native of New Hampshire. Our subject possesses many traits of character that make him a desirable citizen, a good neighbor and sincere friend, and a kind husband. His interest in politics is centered in the Democratic party, of which he is a firm sup- porter. ENRY C. SCHMUCKER is well known in Lee and adjoining counties for the promi- nent part he has taken in raising the stand- ard of the stock bred in this section of Illi- nois, he having made a specialty of Morgan horses and Short-horn cattle; and his perfectly ap- pointed stock farm on section 22, Nelson Town- ship, with its attractive modern improvements, compares with the best model farms of tlie State. Our subject was born in Somerset County, Pa., August 8, 1840, a son of Jacob Schmucker, who was a native of the same county as liimself, his 546 POETRAIT AND BIOGEAPPHCAL RECORD. birthplace being in Somerset Township, on a farm which was being developed from the wilderness by his father, Christian Schmucker, who had come to that place from Eastern Pennsylvania in the early days of its settlement, and there died at the venerable age of eighty -five years. He had mar- ried a Miss Casebeer, who was of the Pennsylvania Dutch stock, and she too died on the old home- stead. She was a Lutheran in her religion, while her husband behmged to the Mennonite Church. Jacob Sehumeker was trained to the life of a farmer amid the primitive surroundings of the pio- neer home into which he had been born. In due time he was married in his native township to Miss Catherine Kring, who was also born and reared in Somerset County, and was a daughter of George Kring, who lived and died on a farm in that part of Pennsylvania when an old man. He and his wife were true to the religion of their ancestors which had been promulgated by the great re- former, Martin Luther, and the}^ were devoted members of the church of that faith for many years. In 1882 Jacob Schmucker and family came to Illi- nois, and he obtained a farm in Franklin Grove, which was his home the remainder of his life, his worthy career being closed by death at the age of sixty-six. His wife survived him only four years, and then she too died at the age of sixty-eight. They were true Christians of high moral character, and were earnest members of the Albright Church. Henry C. Schmucker, to whom these lines prin- cipally refer, is the second of thirteen children, of whom five sons are yet living. One son, George, was a private in the Union Army during the war, and fell while bravely fighting in one of those battles around Chattanooga, Tenn., thus sacrificing his life on the altar of his country. Our subject came to this county in 1865, in the full flush of manly vigor, and well fitted, both physically and mentally, for the hard work that lay before him in carrying out his ambition to win an honorable place among the foremost farmers of that region. During the first few years of his residence here, he lived on rented farms in Franklin Grove, and, so well did he do, he was enabled to purchase the land comprising his present farm on section 22, Nelson Township, in 1871. From that time it hns been his home, and he has made all the improvements that have so increased its value since it came into his possession. The substalntial buildings that he lias erected are among the finest farm buildings in the county. Eight years ago he built a handsome modern residence, and seven years ago he put up a large barn, that is a model of its kind in its arrangements, etc. His farm includes a quarter of a section of land, that is exceedingly fertile, and has been brought under a high state of cultivation. It is admirably adapted in all respects to stock raising purposes, and Mr. Schmucker has paid gi-eat attention to that line of business, and his fine Morgan horses and Short-horned cattle are not surpassed by any other herds of similar breeds in this part of the State. At the head of the valu- able stud of horses is the famous Morgan stallion, "IMorgan General," who possesses in a marked degree the intelligence, spirit, build, speedy action, and other good points that distinguish his good race, and he is a great favorite hereabouts. Our subject and Miss Christeanna Walter cele- brated their marriage March 22, 1863, near the place of his birth in Somerset County, Pa., which was also the native countj^ of the bride, who is a daughter of Jacob M. and Elizabeth (Ankney) Walter. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and settled among the pioneers of Somerset County, where ]Mr. Walter had a grist and saw mill, and developed a good farm. He was very well-to-do in his day. Both he and his wife were members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. and Mrs. Schmucker have had three children, two of whom are deceased. George, a promising youth died at the age of sixteen. Their son Frank is a clerk for Brown Bros, at Dixon, and their daughter, Ella M., who was the wife of William Horten, of Dixon, died at her residence in Dixon on the 12th of September, 1891, leaving one child, Christie, a bright little girl who is being reared bj'' our subject. Mr. Schmucker is looked up to by his fellow-cit- izens as a man of strong sense and dear brain, whose judgment in all matters pertaining to his line of business is to be depended upon. He has been Road Commissioner, and no man in the town- ship is more ready to give substantial encourage- ment to all feasible plans for public improvement -mi f ^...^ r-v'C''~'-~ c^ /^5 Tvn^G^i^^^/ PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 549 than he. In politics, he is no uncertain follower of the Republican party, but he gives it his hearty support. He and his wife stand high in the mem- bership of the Albriglit Church, and enter earnestly into its good work of elevating the religious status of the community. I^ETER EISEXBERG. Tlie citizens of Illinois Jl) who have come from Germany have almost ^' invariably brought with them such traits / \ and habits of life as have rendered them of value in their new home. Their industry and frugality and their rugged perseverance have helped them to achieve such a degree of success as enhances the prosperity of their neighbors. Such an one we find in the gentleman whose portrait is presented on the opposite page and whose name stands at the head of this brief sketch. His beauti- ful home is located on section 22, Bradford Town- ship, and is one of the most attractive in the county. Our subject was bom in Hesse-Cassel, Germany, March 22, 1831, and is the son of Asmon and Christine (Sebrar) Eisenberg, who came to the New World in 1852 and made this township their abiding-place until their death. They had become the parents of a family of four children, one son and three daughters. Our subject was the young- est member of the family and accompanied his parents to America. He remained under the pa- rental roof and contributed to the support of the family until his marriage, July 1, 1855, at which date Miss Catherine Anna Jane Bower became his wife, their marriage taking place in Bradford Township. Mrs. ELsenberg was a native of Bavaria, Germany, where her birth occurred in April, 1832. Mr. and Mrs. Eisenberg have been blest with a family of eleven children, namely: Bertha, Cluis- tine, George, John G., William T., Henry W., Adam, Minnie, Mary, Emma M. and Charley. Bertha died in infancy; Christine is the wife of John Vauple; George married Mary Fasau; John 27 G. married Lizzie Gresse; Henry W. married Katie Sindlinger; Adam married Mary Burnham. Our subject has been the incumbent of numer- ous township oflices and the duties of every posi- tion which it has been his to All, have been carried out in the most satisfactory and conscientious man- ner. He has held the oflice of Overseer of High- ways and while in that position did efficient service to the traveling public, and was also on the School Board as Director. Politically he casts his vote and influence with the ' Republican party, whose platform embodies his principles regarding our Government. He is always found willing and ready to do what he can for the furtherance of beneficial measures in his commiuiity. Mr. and Mrs. Eisenberg are members in good standing of the Evangelical Church. That Mr. Eisenberg is one of the most prominent farmers in Lee County will be readily seen when we mention that he is the owner of eight hundred acres of beautiful land, most of which lies in Brad- ford Township. His enterprise and intelligence enables him to cultivate his property so as to bring about the best results and in every department of his work as an agriculturist he is meeting with the success which his busy life so well deserves. His family move in the best circle of society in the county and he does not hesitate to give credit to his excellent wife for her share in thus aiding him to his present standing among the wealthy land- owners of Lee County. -^]_ "SI ^+^[ ■^ OHX H. McWETHY. The McWethy fam- ily comes of good old Scotch ancestry, the subject of this notice being of the fourth generation in this country. His grandfather was Silas McWethy, who was born in this country of Scotch parents, in Wyoming County, N. V., where he was reared to farm pursuits. After all his family were reared and his wife had died, he went to Michigan and there died at the age of three-score years and ten. He was the father of six sons and one daughter. The father of our subject, Henry McWethy, was 550 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. the fourth child of his father's family. He was born in Wyoming County, N. V., and was reared on the farm, learning everything that will make a good tiller of the soil. He was married in his na- tive county to Mtss Olive Hale, who was born and reared in Canandagua County, N. Y., and a daugh- ter of A^ermont parents. Her father settled in Wyoming County at an early day and there spent his last years, as did his wife. He was a soldier in the War of 1812. After Henry McWethy and his wife were married, they began to farm in Wyo- ming County and there all their children were born, reared and educated. He 'and his wife both lived to pass three-score years and were active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, having lived the most of their life in Wyoming County. The father was formerly a Democrat but later liecame a Republican and died in that party. John H. McWethy is the fifth child in order of birth in his father's family, there being ten chil- dren — four sons and six daughters. He first saw the light in Warsaw Township, AVyoming Countj', N. Y., March 2, 1836. He was brought up as a farmer's boy and received his rudimentary educa- tion in the common schools. He was married in ' Lester Township, Livingston Count}', N. Y., to Miss Hattie E. Sheldon. Mrs. McWethy was born in Massachusetts, May 7, 1831, and, when twenty- one years old, located in Livingston Countj' with her parents, Catlin A. and Eunice (Fargo) Sheldon, they having come from IJerkshire County, i\fas.«. The father and mother came to this county with their daughter, I\Iis. :McWethy, in 18(;i, and with her resided until their death which occurred at the ages of seventy-eight and scveutj^-three years res- pectively. They were njcmbers of the Congrega- tional Church before coming to Lee County, at which time they united with the Presbyterian Church. Mrs. McWethy is the elder of two childi-en born to her parents, her brother Samuel now being a farmer in Ida Grove, Ida County, Iowa. He mar- ried Roxie Bingham, of New York State. Mrs. AIc- Wethy was educated in her native county in Massa- chusetts and is an intelligent and well-informed woman and is a true wife and a loving nuither. This couple have had born to them three children : Charles E. is working in a shoe factory at Dixon; Ceorge P. married Miss Mary Ayers and resides on a farm in this township, and William C, who assists his father on the farm. The parents of this family are consistent and conscientious members of the Presbyterian Church, in which they are held in the highest respect. ]\Ir. McWethy is a stanch Republican in his political views and east his first Presidental vote for Abraham Lincoln. This gentleman owns a good estate of one hundred and three broad and fertile acres, situated on section I, Palmyra Township, which he has under excellent cultivation and where he has lived since 1864. j****^ q.j.A.{.*i!S ^l^'ERXANDO H. CHAFFEE, a capitalist, now r^i^ living in retirement from business at Paw Js Paw, has a place in the history of the rise and progress of Lee County as one of its men of action and clear-sighted enterprise, who, while ac- cumulating wealth for themselves, have materially assisted in raising the financial status of this sec- tion of the State. Mr. Chaffee is of sterling New England ancestry, and in that part of the country he first saw the light, November 21, 1827 in the pretty town of Athens, among the hills of Windham County, Vt. His father, Eber Chaffee, was also a native of Wind- ham Coiintj', of which his father, who was born in New England in 1769, was a pioneer. He was a shi^emaker and a farmer, and carried on both oc- cupations. He owned a farm in Athens, which he occupied many years, and he died in his adopted State ill 1857, at a venerable age. The maiden name of his wife was Elizabeth Stickney. She was born in New England, May 3, 1777, the daughter of a Revolutionary soldier, and she died in July, 1860. The father of our subject learned the trade of a tanner, and followed it among his native hills a few years. In 184(1 he emigrated from his New England home to the Prairie State, accompanied by his wife and children, traveling with a team across the Green Mountains to Troy, N. Y., from there liv the Erie Canal to Buffalo, and thence by PORTRAIT AND BIOGIRAPHICAL RECORD. 551 the lakes to Chicago, which they found to be a llourishii\g village, founded in the swamps, with a population of some Ave or six thousand souls. From the future metropolis of the West, the famil_y proceeded with teams to the present site of Comp- ton, in Kane County. At that time all the land in that section of the State was owned by the Govern- ment, the surveys not being completed. Mr. Chaffee bought a squatter's claim to a tract of land, paying him for the improvements, which consisted of a double log house and a few acres of the land broken ready for cultivation. After taking pos- session of the log house, the father entered actively upon the task before him of reclaiming his land from the wilderness, and experienced the hardships and privations that usually fall to the lot of pio- neers in a newly, settled country, where deer and other kinds of wild game betokened that civiliza- tion had not made much progress in that region, as was further attested by the absence of railways and the distance of markets, he and his fellow- pioneers having to go all the way to Chicago with their teams when they wished to dispose of their grain and obtain family supplies. He was a resi- dent of that county until his demise, which closed an honorable career as a citizen and a pioneer farmer of Northern Illinois. His faithful com- panion also died on the home farm. She bore the maiden name of Annie Davis, was a native of Ver- mont, and a daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Rich- mond) Davis, who were natives of New England. Fernando H. Chaffee, the subject of this bio- graphical review, was a lad of thirteen years when he accompanied his parents in their emigration from the hills of his native State to the prairies of this, and he remembers well the incidents of the pioneer life under whose influences he attained a strong, self-sufficient manhood. He is one of the oldest settlers of Northern Illinois, now residing in Lee County. Before he came here, he had be- gun his education in the public schools of Vermont, and after coming here, he was a pupil in the pio- neer schools of Kane Countj', that were held .in rude log houses, " that had seats made of slabs, which were supported by wooden pins, and they had no desks in front. He commenced early in his boyhood to make himself useful in doing such farm work as he could, and he made his home with his parents until 1852. lAke many another, he then Iried his fortunes in California, starting with others in the month of April, with teams, crossing the Mississippi at Lyons and the Missouri at Council Bluffs, and from there traveling over a desolate region of uninhabited plains and lofty mountains, the Mormons at Salt Lake City being about the only settlers in all that vast expanse of country between the Missouri River and California. Buffaloes, deer, elk, and other wild animals were encountered in large numbers, and Indians were occasionally seen. Arriving in the Golden State in August, Mr. Chaffee engaged in mining the greater part of the ensuing four years, with rea- sonably good results, and, satisfied with his gains, in 1856 he returned home. The next two years alter he came back from the Pacific Coast, Mr. Chaffee resided in Compton, whence he came to Lee County in 1858, and set- tled on a tract of land in Wyoming Township, which he had entered from the Government before o-oing to California. He erected suitable build- ings, improved the land, planted fruit, shade and onamental trees, thus adding to the attractiveness of the place, and lived there until 1883. In that year, he again went to California, taking his family with him this time, but his life was saddened while there, as sickness came, and two of his children went on that silent journey whence no traveler returns. So, after a brief sojourn in that State, the remaining members of the family came back to Lee County, and our subject has since lived re- tired, engaging in no active business, but spending his time in looking after his private interests, which are extensive. He owns four hundred and eighty-four acres of choice farming land in Wyo- ming Township, eighty acres in Kansas, and one hundred acres in vSouthern California. Mr. Chaffee was a second time married July 15, 1858, to Miss Delia Barber, in whom he has a de- voted wife, who has lessened for him the sorrows of life and added to its joys. Mrs. Chaffee was born near Montreal, Canada, in September, 1837. Her father, Lahira Barber, was a native of Ver- mont, but in the early part of his life he settled in Canada, and was there married to Anna Nichols, 552 POSTEAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. wlio was likewise a native of Vermont. Ilcf father was a Scotcliman, wlio had first located in ^'ermont after coming to America, but had subsequently re- moved to Canada. Some time after marriage, !\Ir. and Mrs. Barber went to New York, and after a residence there of seven years, came to Illinois in 1847. From that time until death claimed them, they made their home on a farm that he purchased at Compton, in Kane County, both living to a ripe old age, he dying in May, 1883, and she preced- ing him to the life beyond in 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Chaffee have had ten children, of whom these five are living: Edmund, Elmer S., Wilbur T., Ella M. and Minnie A. Our subject and his wife are iirm believers in the value of a liberal education and besides giving their chil- dren a careful training in the home, have given them the advantages of the best schools, and the four younger children are students of Lake Forest Seminary. Edmund, who has a rare talent lor music, went to Europe after completing liis course at Aurora Seminary, and for three years he has de- voted himself to the study of his beloved art under the instruction of the most competent masters of Germany. Mr. Chaffee has one daugh- ter, Abbie F., by a former marriage, who is now the wife of William H. Faber and resides in Wyom- ing Township, Lee County, 111. jf^jERNHARD DUFFY, deceased, was for many i^^ years a leading agriculturist of Palmyra [(M)])] Township, and when called to his final rest ^"S^' his deatli was deeply mourned by manj' friends. A native of the Emerald Isle, lie was born in County Monoghan, April 25, 1832. He lost his father, John Duffy, when only seven years of age. The death of Mr. Duffy, Sr., occurred while in the prime of life and resulted from injuries re- ceived by causing his horse to jump a picket fence, lie was a farmer and followed that occupation in pursuit of fortune. His wife, whose maiden name was Ellen Lenon, died when Beruhard was eighteen years of age. Both she and her husband were members of the Catholic Ciiurch. Our subject, with his brother Patrick, who is now living in the South, and his sister Bridget, now Mrs. PjUgcl, of Clinton, 111., came to this country together soon after the death of the mother. From Dundalk they went to Liverpool and thence sailed to New York. From that city Mr. Duffy came to Dixon. 'I'he year 1851 witnessed his arrival and the commencement of his life in the West. As he was in very limited circumstances, he began to work at farm labor which he continued until he had saved a sufficient sum to purchase land and begin farming for himself. He further completed his arrangements for a home by his union with Miss Mary Williams, celebrated in Dixon in 1878. The lady was boru in Bilston, Staffordshire, Eng- land, in 1862, and is a daughter of William and Mary (McCucn) Williams. Her father was born in London in 1823, and in Staffordshire wedded Miss McCuen, a native of Ireland, who was reared and educated in England. After the birth of their two children the parents came with their family to the United States in 1868, locating first in Massachu- setts. Subsequently they removed to Pennsylva- nia, and some years later came to Dixon, 111., Mr. Williams purchasing a farm near that city where he and his wife spent the remainder of their days. Her death occurred October 3, 1884, and about two 3^ears later, on the 22d of July, 1888, the husband was called to his final rest. Both were consistent Catholics and were well and favoralily known throughout this community. Their three children are yet living, namely: Mrs. Duffy, of this sketch; Agnes, who is employed as a saleslady in the store of Steams Brothers, of Dixon; and William, who also makes his home in that city. After his marriage, Jlr. Duffy resumed his farm labors and the land which he purchased he placed under a high state of cultivation, also placed many improvements upon it which greatly enhanced its value and its attractive appearance. The farm, which comprises one hundred acres, is still the property of Mrs. Duffy, under whose management it IS operated. Slie is a capable business woman, energetic and industrious, and her property yields her a good return. The home of this worthy couple was blessed with two children, sons, John and Edward, who are still with their mother. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 553 On the 1st of July, 1890, Ur. Duffy met with an accident which resulted in his death, lie wns thrown from a load of hay liy the fork failing to act aright, and falling to the floor was partially paralyzed. The accident resnlted in complete paralysis and lie died thirty -six hours Infer. His family lost a faithful husband and father, the Catholic Church a consistent member and active worker, and the county a public-spirited and valued citizen who always bore his part in public affairs and took an active interest in everylhing pertain- ing to the welfare and upbuilding of the com- munity. Mrs. Duffy has recently built a beautiful home on Peoria Avenue in Dixon, where she now I'esides with her two sons. She is a member of the Catholic Church and has many warm friends throughout this community. •^^©^(@)|^^ ANIEL REI CHARD has a farm of two hundred acres of land of surpassing fer- tility- on section 13, Palmyra Township, which was a tract of wild prairie when it came into his possession nearly forty years ago. He had come to the county in that year, and though he found it not far advanced from a state of nature, his quick eye perceived its immense possibilities, and foreseeing that it would one day be a veritable paradise for farmers, he determined to avail himself of its many advantages, and make a home in this beautiful locality. Accordingly, he selected his land, which he has since turned into a highly productive farm, and being a carpenter of much native skill, he has placed upon it improve- ments that rank with the best in the township, his farm buildings being of a neat style of architecture, commodious in dimensions, and well built. Mr. Reichard was born in Upper Mt. Bethel Township, Northampton County, Pa., April 9, 1 829. His father, Samuel Reichard, was also a native of the Keystone State, born in Bucks County, as was his father, whose name was Philip Reichard. The latter was probably of German pai'entage. He was a farmer and a mechanic, and was engaged at both all his life. He died in Northampton County at the age of fifty-two years. His wife, Mary Eichland, was a native of the same county as him- self, and came of similar stock. Her death oc- curred in Northampton County when she was eighty years old. Both she and her husband were stanch Lutherans in religion. Samuel Reichard was but a child when his parents removed from his native county to Northampton County, where he was reared to the life of a farmer, and spent the remainder of his life in the township in whicli his father had settled when it was new, his death oc- curring in 1852, at the age of fifty-two years, llis wife, who bore the maiden name of Catherine Weidman, was born, reared and married in that county, coming of German and French ancestry. She IS yet living in her native township, and though she is very old, having been born in the early part of this century, 1801, she is yet active and capable, doing her own work at the age of ninety-one years. She has led a consistent Chris- tian life, and is a member of the German Reformed Church, to which her husband belonged while liv- ing. Our subject is one of eight children, five sons and three daughters, all of whom, but one, growing to maturitj', and five of them are still living. He is the only one of the family that resides in Illi- nois. He remained with his parents until he at- tained his majorit}-, and in the meantime learned the trade of a carpenter, which he found very use- ful in his pioneer life in this county, although he practically abandoned that calling after he came here, pursuing it chiefly for his own convenience in making his improvements, much of the work on his buildings being done by his own liands. He came here in 1853, and only labored as a carpenter and mechanic until he secured his land and turned his energies to farming. He has made his mark here as a sagacious, wide-awake farmer, and has gained the full esteem of his fellow-townsmen, among whom he has lived in peace and amity for more than three decades. He takes a lively inter- est in politics, and in him the Democrats have a stanch advocate. Mr. Reichard was married to Miss Elizabeth J. Kresler, whom he had known from childhood. Up- per Mt. Bethel was also her native place, and there 554 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, she was born in Octolun', 1831. Slie grew tliere to womanhood and lived on tlie old homestead until her marriage. Her mother, Susan (Kmery) Kresler, is still living there, and though very aged is still energetic and able to do a great deal. She is a member of the Lutheran Chiu'ch, as was her hus- band, Charles Kresler. lie was a life-long resident of Northampton County, which is also her native county, and he was past sixty years old when he died. Mr. and Mrs. Reichard are the parents of nine children, of whom one died in infancy. The others are: Susan F., wife of Albertus Miller, a farmer near Cherokee, Iowa; Job lives at home and assists his father in running the farm; Libby, wife of William Seavey, a farmer in Pine Creek Township, Ogle County; Samuel, at home with his parents; Sarah, wife of C. B. Wise, of Woosung; William W., a carpenter; Mary and Edith are at home; and Katie, wife of J. A. Kitz, of Andrew, Iowa. 4^ ^^ ' BRAHAM J. HORNER is actively engaged in farming and stock-raising in South Dixon Township, where he has a good farm of one hundred and forty-four acres, advantageoush' situated on the Chicago Road, three and one-half miles from the cit}^ of Dixon, and lying partly on section 14, upon which are the neat and roomy farm buildings, and the remainder on section 11. Mr. Horner was born in Somerset County, Pa., April 9, 1839, a son of John Horner, and a grand- son of John Horner, Sr., both of whom were na- tives of Somerset County, the latter being of Ger- man parentage, his father and mother liaving come to America sometime during the last century, and were among the early settlers of Somerset County, where they died when very old. John Horner, Sr., died in his native county at an advanced age, having passed his entire life 'there as a farmer. He was married twice, and his fourteen children were all the result of his first union. He, both of his wives and his children were all members of the German Baptist Church. The father of our sub- ject was the eldest of the seven sons and seven daughters born to his parents, all of whom but two, who are living in Pennsylvania, are now de- ceased. He was but forty-four years old when he died in the town where he was bom. He was a man of considerable abilitj', whom his fellow-citi- zens looked up to, and he was very active in local politics and public life, having held nearly all the township offices. A Whig in early manhood, on the formation of the Republican party he fell into its ranks, and was one of its most earnest sup- porters until his untimely death. He was a great worker in the German Baptist Church. He was married in his native county, to Maiy Beachley, who was born in Pennsylvania, as were her par- ents, and was of German descent. She too passed away while yet in the prime of life, d3-ing one 3'ear before her husband, at the age of forty-one years. Nearly all her life she was a consistent member of the German Baptist Church. He of whom we write was the second of a fam- ily of seven children, of whom five are yet living. He spent his boyhood amid the scenes of his birth, and was a young man when the late war broke out. Six different times when the Government required additional troops and ordered a draft, his name was among the list of those eligible for soldiers, but it was not drawn at all. He was seventeen years old when he first came to this State, but he did not settle here permanently. He came to Lee County in 1865, and has since made his home here. He purchased his homestead in 1880, and has much increased its value by his mode of cultivation, and by the excellent improvements that he is con- stantly adding. He raises a good class of stock, and is prospering in all his undertakings, as he de- serves to do^as he is a 'worker, is careful in the management of his affairs, is judicious in his ex- penditures, and keeps his credit good by prompt payments. He stands well in the community as a fair-minded, open-hearted man, who is accommo- dating and friendly m his relations with his neigh- bors, and is a good husband and indulgent father in private life. He seems to have inherited his father's political views, and to have transmitted them to his eldest son, as both are consistent Re- publicans, as was John Horner before them. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 555 When Mr. Horner came to Illinois, he left be- hind him a young girl who had born and reared near his old home, and to whom he liad become at- tached as they grew up together, and in due time he returned to his native State to claim the fulBU- mcnt of her promise to become his wife, llernamc was Elizabeth Lint, and she was a daughter of near neighbors of his father's Peter and Elizabeth (Fil- son) Lint. Her parents were natives of the Key- stone State, whence they came to Lee County, after their children were born and had grown up. Mrs. Lint died at Dixon some years ago when past sixty-four years old. Peter Lint is now liv- ing in South Dixon Township, and is more than seventy years old. He is a member of the German Baptist Church, as was his last wife, he having been twice married. Mrs. Horner lived with her parents until her marriage. She is the mother of ten children, of whom these three are deceased: an infant; Cyrus, who was killed at the age of six years and three months, by a pile of lumber falling on him; and Emma, who was but two months old when she died. The surviving children are: Min- erva, wife of Charles Byron, a farmer in South Dixon Township; Franklin, at home, assisting his father in the management of the farm; Ida, Lillie, Hattie, Charles H. and Sadie M., all of whom are at home with their parents. Mrs. Horner and her children are active working members of tlie Luth- eran Church. ■ ^ > ' >' I '< ' * f I I i I i>^ AMUEL H. PA'ITERSON has won a high reputation as a skillful and wide-awake farmer since he came to this county in the opening years of manhood. He is con- ducting a good business in raising and feeding stock and in tilling the soil, the farm that he owns and operates being pleasantly situated on section 14, South Dixon Township. Our subject claims Pennsylvania as his native State, his birthplace in Adams County, and the date of his birth April 17, 1855. He was reared to the life of a farmer, not far from the tragic scenes of the battle of Getr tysburg. He was twenty-one years old when he came to Lee County in 1876, and for eight 3'ears thereafter he was diligently engaged in farming in Nachusa Township, coming from there to this township at a later period. lie purchased his farm in this locality in the fall of 1889 and moved onto it in the spring of 1890. One hundred and forty- five acres of excellent farming land constitute the entire area of the farm, whose pastures and fields are very fertile, and a neat and well-built set of farm buildings adorns the place. Our subject raises graded stock, and also buys and feeds other stock to a considerable extent. He is doing finely from a financial point of view, as he has a good capacity for business, never neglects a favorable opportun- ity to make money legitimately, gives his affairs close attention and maintains sound credit in re- gard to paying his bills. He is open-minded and free-hearted, manly and upright, and is popular among his associates. His political creed istliatof the Republican party, of which he is an ardent ad- vocate. Our subject is a son of George Patterson, whose sad fate forms one of the touching and heart- rending stories of the war. He was a native of Adams County, Pa. When only five years old, he lost his father and was reared by his mother whose maiden name was Upley, she being of German birth and antecedents. She survived her husband many years and died near Gettysburg, in 1864, at the age of seventy-two years. She was a truly good and pious woman, and both she and her hus- band were members of the Lutheran Church. George Patterson was one of four children born to his mother. His father had two children by a for- mer marriage. He lived with his mother in his native county all through his youth, and was reared to the life of a farmer. He was trained to industrious habits, and in early manhood had suf- ficient means to marry, his chosen wife being Miss Julia Pitzer, who was likewise a native of Adams County, and came of German stock, although her parents were Pennsylvanians by birth. After their marriage, George Patterson and his bride began life together on a small farm not far from the histori- cal battle-ground of Gettysburg. They were living therp when the war broke out, and Mr. Patterson watched its course with patriotic interest. He had 556 PORTEAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. arranged liis affiiii's and placed liiinself in a posi- tion to join the Union Army, when one of the most terrible battles of the Rebellion, if not of all history, was fought near his home. On one of those awful days when the contest between the Yankees and their Southern foes was raging, Mr. Patterson, while looking after his father-in-law's property, got too near the rebel lines and was captured, a nephew, about twenty years of age, who accompanied him, also being taken. He was sent as a prisoner of war to the South, and for a time was confined to .Salisbury, whence he was transferred to Libby, and for twenty-two months he suffered all the horrors of life in rebel prisons. He was finallj' released, and returning home nearly starved and more dead than alive, he had the an- guish to find that his beloved wife, being unable to get a word from him and believing him to be dead, had sunk under the weight of her grief and died of a broken heart one month after his capture. She was then in the prime of life, and left Ave children motherless, the youngest being only seven months old. Our subject is the oldest but one of the three sons and two daughters thus sadly bereft, and he is the onlj' one that makes his home in the State of Illinois. The others are living and are married and well settled in life. Starvation, exposure and disease while a pris- oner, and the severe strain to which he ~ as sub- jected in his anxietj'^ for the welfare of his loved ones, so impaired Mr. Patterson's health, that lie never recovered his former vigor, and he died ere he had attained the meridian of life, his death oc- curring in the fall of 1871, at the age of forty-two years, four months and thirteen days. Samuel Patterson, our subject, was married in Nachusa Township to Miss Mary E. Spangler, who is a native of the same Pennsylvania county where he had his birth, and she, too, was born near the historic town of Gettysburg, first opening her eyes to the light of the world June 5, 1857. She was a young woman when she came from her native place to Nachusa Township, in 1872, with her parents, John and Susan (Herbst) Spangler. They are now deceased, having died in the home that they established in the afore-mentioned town- ship, Mr. Spangler departing this life in 1889, at the age of seventy-two, and his wife dying in 1887 at the age of sixty-four. They were natives re- spectively of Adams and York Counties, Pa., marry^ ing in the former county and living there until they came to Illinois. They were of German an- cestry and were members of the Lutheran Church, as were also George Patterson and his wife. Mr. Spangler was a Democrat, and Mr. Patter- son a true Republican. The wife of bur subject is one of six children, of whom but one other is now living, her brother, Jacob A., a farmer of Na- chusa Township, who is married and well fixed in life. Mr. and Mrs. Patterson have been blessed in their marriage by these four children: Emma S., John C, Charles H. and Clara E. ■)IMOTHY A. BUTLER, a successful farmer residing on section 6, Palmyra Township, is numbered among the pioneer settlers of the county of 1838. He is a native of Long Island and was born March 2, 1814. The family is of Scotch origin, but the father, John Butler, was born in the North of Ireland, his parents spending their last days on the Emerald Isle. They were members of the Presbyterian Church and John Butler was reared in that faith. When a joung lad and accompanied by his his brother William, still younger than himself, John Butler started for America, leaving parents and home, to seek a country in which liberty pre- vailed. The two brothers settled on Long Island and turned their attention to agricultural pur- suits. John Butler was there married to Miss Nancy Abbott, who was born and reared on Long Island, where her parents lived and died. The cliildrcn of the Butler family also opened their eyes to the light of da}' there and in 1831 accom- panied their parents to Delaware Count}-, N. Y., where, amidst the hills, they were reared. Several years later both parents passed away, the father at the age of sixty-four years, while the mother reached the allotted age of three-score years and ten. The\- were both members of the Christian ,s^ f!f;>^i.-.^jtf-:i»r?^-gTf'.J-iy^^^^ y* >-^. it- pT-^^ossessor of five hundred and sixty acres of land had much personal property. In 1890 he gener- ously divided the same among his four children, giving our subject four hundred acres of the home- stead, and the others land and money of like value. His declining years are passing serenely in the home of his son, of which he is a welcome member, and where he is surrounded by every comfort that can make his life pleasant. The mother of our subject died in November 1876, leaving four children, of whom this is the record: Harriet L. was bom in December, 1839, and is now the wife of Francis Gardner, of Sub- lette; Caroline Louise, born December, 1840, mar- ried .Tames Garrett, of Ashton; Julia A., born De- cember, 1845, married Joseph W. Latta, of Dixon; and Charles L., is our subject. He of whom this biography is written was given excellent educational advantages in his youth, laying the foundation of his education in the schools at Sublette, and afterward pursuing a good course of study in the academy at Lee Center. After leaving school he taught two winters, but his attention has been mostly given to farming and stock-raising, in which he is eminently success- ful. His father gave him a valuable property, but a part of his wealth is of his own accumulation, and his landed possessions amount to six hundred 562 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. and eighty acres. His impi-ovements are of the best and his estate is in a fine condition. Ilis well- cared-for stock is of high breeds, and commands a ready market whenever offered for sale. Mr. Hatch is a cool calculator, is cautious in his dealings when prudence is required, and at the same time is quick to take advantage of all legitimate means of mak- ing monej^, and is one of the solid men of his township. In politics he cleaves to the Republi- can party. He has been Road Commissioner and School Director, and, whether as an otHce-holder or private citizen, has always done what he could for the benefit of the community'. Religiously he is of the Congregational faith, and is generous in his support of the church. Mr. Hatch was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Barse in 1874. JMrs. Hatch is a native Of Detroit, Mich., and a daughter of William and Maria Louise Barse. The following is a record of the four children born to her and our subject: Lucy M. was born in April, 1875; Ilaj'es L., in May, •1877; Kittie L., in IShmh, 1885; and Charles S. in July, 1887. June 20, 1890 our subject's place was visited bj- a cyclone, which destroj^ed all outbuildinjis. etc., causing a damage of 15,000. ~o2: \f OHN B. WILLMAN has been exceedingly prospered in the pursuit of his calling as a .z::;, farmer, and is now the fortunate owner of ^^ two choice farms, the one upon which he makes his home lying in Willow Creek Township, and the other in Viola Township. Mr. AViliiams was born in the province of Lorraine when it formed a part of France, his birt'.i occurring December 17, 1839. His father, who bore the same name as him- self, was also a native of that province, as far as known, and was a son of one Humphrey Willman, who was born in the same locality, and is supposed to have spent his entire life there as a farmer. The father of our subject learned the trade of a brick and stone mason, and continued to follow it in his native Prance throughout his life. He married Nancy Antoinc, a natix-e of tlip same place as himself, and three children were born to them:- Nancy, Mary and John B. After the death of the father, the mother came to this country and spent the most of her I'emaining years with our subject. Slie died at Seneca, La Salle County, at a venerable age. He of whom we write was the onlj' son of his parents, and he was early deprived of a father's care. He was four and a half years old when he came to America with his mother in 1844, and has no distinct recollection of other than his adopted country. His mother was a pioneer of La Salle County, settling not far from the present site of the town of Sandwich, where she bought thirty- three acres of land. That section, and in fact all of Northern Illinois, was but little settled at that time, and the greater part of the land was owned by the (Government, and has since been sold for $1.25 an acre. A few years later, Mrs. Willman bought land near Ottawa, and John assisted in doing the farm work, he having begun early in life to gain experience in that line. In 1853 the family crossed the plains and mountains to Cali- fornia, in the hope to better their fortunes, start- ing from La Salle County and making the entire journey with ox teams. At that time there were but vn-y few white settlers between the Missouri River and the Pacific Coast except the Mormons at Salt Lake, while deer, elk and buffaloes were encountered in large numbers. After six months' traveling the weary little party arrived at Sacra- mento, and there our subject found employment in a hotel for eleven months. At the end of that time he went to the mines and tried his luck at digging gold, at which he was engaged with vary- ing success until 1858. Tiring of the rough fron- tier life, he came back to Illinois by the way of the Isthmus. The following year he returned to California, and was busilv engaged in mining for a year and a half. Returning to this State, he came to Lee County and invested in the farm in Willow Creek Township upon which he resides. It contains one hundred and fifty and one-half acres of frviitful land, which is under the best cul- tivation, and is ampl_y provided with buildings of a good class and modern farm machinery. His farm in Viola Township comprises eighty acies of PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 563 fine land, aud is in all respects a well-ordered place. Mr. Willman has had considerable experience in various ways and has profited by it, aud is justly regarded as cue of our progressive farmers, who has a clear understanding of his business, and knows how to carry it on so as to reap the best results. He and his amiable wife are higlilj- regarded by their neighbors and others in their community. They entered upon their wedded life May 6, 1864, and to them have been born these seven children: Amerriba E., wife of James Yoeum, David, Ella, John, Emma, Lucetta and Bessie. Mrs. Willman is a member of the United Brethren Church, and is a woman of true Christian character. Mrs. Willman bore the name of Miss Matilda Norton prior to her marriage, and was born near London, Province of Ontario, Can. Her father, David Norton, was also a Canadian by birth. His father is thought to have been born in Vermont, removing from there to Canada during some period of his early manhood and settling at West- ministei-, where he resided until his death. He married Sarah Mudge, who died at Westminister. Mrs. Willman 's father grew up in Canada and resided there until 1859, when he removed to St. Clair County, Mich. He lived there until 1862, and then coming to Illinois, he located at Ross Grove, DeKalb County. In 1873 he went back to Michigan, and was a resident of Traverse City until 1886, but after the death of his wife in that place, he returned to Ross Grove, and has since lived with his children. The maiden name of Mrs. Will- man's mother was Rachael Manning. She was bom nine miles from the city of Toronto, Can., and was a daughter of Jacob and Betsey (Palen) Manning. =■5.^* <;w (AMES B. CHARTERS, ex-Postmaster at Dixon, is one of its foremost citizens, who for many years has been thoroughly identi- '^ fled with the best interests of city and county, contributing to the success of various en- tei^piises that have materially heightened their prosperity, and taking a prominent part in the administration of public affairs as an encumbent of various important civic offices; Our subject was born in the city of Belfast, Ire- land, July 11, 1831. His father, Alexander Char- ters, was also a native of that city, and was born July 7, 1800. His father, who bore the same name as himself, was a native of Ireland, and came of one of the old Scotch families that colonized the northern part of that country. He was a mer- chant and was engaged in business at Belfast for many years, spending his entire life on his native isle. The father of our subject came to America at the age of seventeen, and entered upon a success- ful business career as a clerk in New York City, and later as a member of the firm of J. & A. Char- ters, manufacturers and importers of linen. He made several trips across the ocean to Ireland in the interests of business, and one such occasion was made memorable by his marriage in his native city to Miss Ellen Boomer, who was a daughter of one of the old families of that city, which was also her birthplace. Her father, James Boomer, was likewise a native of Belfast, and he started the first manufactory in that place, which he at first devoted to the manufacture of cotton cloth, but subsequentlj'^ changed into a linen factory. He continued a resident of Belfast until de.ith closed his life, and deprived his citj- of a citizen who had rendered valuable service m promoting its industrial growth. ]Mr. Charters continued in business in New York until the panic of 1837 threatened to ruin all the manufacturing and mercantile interests of the country, and he found it advisable to wind up his affairs in that city if he would preserve his money and his business integrity, and in the spring of 1838 he came to the Bock River country to begin life anew in "fresh fields and pastures new," far from the rush and turmoil of the great metropo- lis. He entered a tract of (Government land, finely located three miles from the present site of Dixon, and in the course of time built up one of the most beautiful homes in Illinois, which was known far and wide as "Hazelwood," and was famous for its unbounded hospitality. Its genial host, familiarly 564 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. known as the "Governor," was a typical Irish gentleman, frank, generous-hearted and open- handed, always courteous and considerate in his treatment of others, and he understood the art of entertaining to perfection. He had an extensive acquaintance and lield a warm place in the hearts of all about him. James B. Charters, of this biographical review, was but an infant when his mother died, and he was reared by his maternal grandparents, who cared for him tenderly. He received his early education in the schools of Belfast, and at the age of seven- teen entered Trinity College^ in Dublin, one of the most noted institutions of learning in Great Britain, from which he was graduated in the Class of '53. Ambitiovis to fit himself for the legal profession, he then went to London and studied law in the Inner Temple. Iramediatel3' after com- pleting his studies, he came to America to join his father at Ilazelwood, and at once commenced the practice of law. From that time to this he has made his home in this county, and lias won a high place among the men of. decisive character, learn- ing and business acumen who have played so im- portant a part in the rise and progress of this section of the State. He has been interested in various enterprises, and has given much time to affairs of public moment, as his fellow-citizi ns have frequently induced him to accept some re- sponsible office. He has served as Mayor of Dixon, and in 1877 was elected County Judge. In 1887 he was appointed Postmaster at Dixon, and the fact that he has retained the position three years since the change of administration attests not only his popularity, but is sufficient evidence that the office is managed in a systematic, business-like manner, everything connected with it being kept in good order, and it is a source of gratulation to the people of this city that one so able and trustworthy should have charge of this important Federal office. In politics, Mr. Charters has always been a stanch champion of the policy of the Demo- cratic party. Socially, he belongs to the following organizations: Friendship Lodge., No. 7, A. F. it A. M.; Nachusa Chapter, No. 56, R. A. M.; and Dixon Commandery, No. 21, K. T. Mr. Cliarteis has been twice married, lie wa> married the first time in 1853 to Miss Fanny J. Charters, a daughter of Samuel and Jane (Crpgier) Charters. Their wedded life of thirty years was brought to a close by her death in 1883. Our sub- ject was united in marriage to his present wife, formerly Miss Blanche Soule, July 9, 1885. c=i -S) ^^^ .[S- 0SE8 D. HUBBARD has the distinction of being the oldest living citizen that was born and now resides in Palmyra Town- ship. His home is on sections 33 and 34, where he has a fine farm embracing one hundred and forty acres. It has been his place of residence since the 21st of April, 1865, and in the years that have since followed he has met with excellent suc- cess in his business dealings. The birth of Mr. Hubbard occurred on the old homestead at Gap Grove, November 18, 1837, and he is the only child of Oliver A. and Eliza (Martin) Ilubbai'd. His father was born in New Hampshire in 1804, and after his marriage emigrated West- ward. With the early settlers of Lee County, 111 . he cas this lot, locating at Gap Grove in Palmyra Town- ship, where he purchased a claim and later entered land. For a short time only did he enjoy his new home, his death occurring in 1840. Some eight years later Mrs. Hubbard became the wife of W. W. Tilton, one of the pioneer settlers of Lee County, and he now resides at Gap Grove, where although he is now seventy-five years of age, he follows farming. Mrs. Tilton died the 11th of January, 1892 in her eighty-second year. She was a member of the Congregational Church. By her second marriage she had two children — Mrs. Hor- tense Gilbert, now deceased; and Frank who oper- ates the farm. Our subject has spent almost his entire life in this community. His primary education, acquired in the common schools, was supplemented by a course of study in Hopkinton, N. H. At the first call for troops to put down the Rebellion he en- listed on Jlay 24th, 1861, as a member of Company B, Thirteenth Illinois Infantry, the first volunteer reaimeiit that w.as sworn into the United States ser- POETRAIT AND BIOGRAPinCAL RECORD. 565 vice. Its Colonel was John B. Wyman, and the first commander of Company B, was Capt. D. R. Bushnell, who was killed at the battle of Ringgold, bis successor being Capt. George B. Brown, now of Sterling, 111. The regiment was organized at Dixon and assigned to the Fifteenth Army Corps of the Army of the West. For nearly a year it was quartered in Rolla, Mo., and did some import- ant service in that locality. The troops partici- pated in the battle at Wilson's Creek, later met the enemy at Lookout Mountain and at Ringgold, where Col. Wj-man fell. Again thej' were under fire at Chattanooga and Vicksburg and in other engagements. During a considerable portion of the time Mr. Hubbard was on detached duty and was iu active service for about twenty-one months. During the first year he had an attack of measles, which resulted in the loss of his voice for about eighteen months. This prevented his re-enlist- ment after the expiration of his first term but nevertheless he remained with his regiment for some time longer. He was a faithful soldier ever found at his post of duty and received an honor- able discharge, on account of physical disability'. Since his return to the North Mr. Hubbard has given his attention to the cultivation of his farm and by his industrious and enterprising efforts has become one of the well-to-do citizens of the com- munity. He was first married in his native town- ship to Miss Blanche A. Coe, who was born in Pal- myra Township, April 1, 1852, and was a daughter of Henry A. and Elmina (Moon) Coe. Her father was a native of the Empire State, and became one of the early settlers of Palmyra Township, where hespent an active and useful life as a farmer. His wife passed away some years previous to his death. The death of Mrs. Hubbard occurred .July 15, 1884. She was a faithful and loving wife and mother, a kind neighbor and at her death many friends mourned her loss. She left six children ; Nona, now the wife of Frank Ryder, of Ashland, Wis.; Alonzo, Beit, Olive, Clinton and Edna. Mr. Hubbard has since been again married, his second union being with Miss Julia Brauer, who was born in Nelson Township in 1864. Her father, Louis Brauer, a native of Germany, left the Father- land for America when a young man and took >ip his residence in Lee County, HI., where he married Louisa Toel. Their domestic life began on a farm, where Mr. Brauer made his home until his death in 1872. His widow yet resides in Palmyra Township. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hubbard are well known throughout this community and by their many friends are held in high esteem. He is a Democrat in politics and socially is a Mason, be- longing to Friendship Lodge, No. 7, A. F. & A. M.; Nachusa Chapter, No. 56; R. A. M.; and Dixon Commandery, No. 21, K. T., all of Dixon. He also holds membership with Post No. 221, G. A. E. The cause of education finds in him a warm friend and his children were provided with good advan- tages in that direction. He takes a commendable interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community in which he has so long made his home and with whose history he has been pro- minently identified for many years. Genial by nature and kindly in disposition he easily wins friends and his hospitable home is ever open for their reception. A^'h^'i^fi ^.♦♦♦♦t ^*****^^****" «.., LFRED S. DIMICK, a real-estate dealer, [@lOl money loaner and insurance agent of Dixon, has been engaged in business in this city since 1860. He is ranked among the leading business men of the community, and one of the public-spirited and progressive citizens of Lee County. For more than six years he has carried on operations in his present line, having embarked in the business in 1886. The same suc- cess which attended him in other directions has again followed his foot-steps, and among the sub- stantial men of Dixon is numbered Albert Dimiek. The Dimick family is of English origin and was established in America during early Colonial days. Lot and Jonathan Dimick, ihe great-grandfather and grandfather, spent their entire lives in Mans- field, Conn., their birthplace, and followed the oc- cupation of farming. The latter married Alexis Storrs, a native of Mansfield, who came of an old New England family, and died in her native town at an advanced age. The father of our subject, 566 . PORTRAIT AND UIOGEAPfflCAL RECORD. JabezS. Dimick, was bom in Mansfield, Conn., and when a young man, emigrated to Massachusetts, ■where he acquired a knowledge of cloth finishing and pressing and also did fancy dyeing. He was overseer for many years in those departments of factories, and did his last work in that line in Lei- cester. In 1867 he came with his wife to Dixon, and spent his last days in the home of his son, where he died in 1873, at the age of seventy-three j'ears. He was a good citizen and a man of noble character. Under the auspices of the Presbyterian Church, he was reared, but afterward became a Methodist and was a devoted member and liberal supporter of that church until his death. In Wor- cester, Mass., he had married Miss Betsy G. Dun- bar, who came of a long-lived family of Scotch origin, that m an early day was founded in Wor- cester. She is yet living at the age of eiglity- seven years, her home being with our subject. Her life has been that of a consistent Christian, and she is beloved by all who know her. The maternal grandfather of Mr. Dimick, Eben- ezer Dunbar, was born in Leicester, Mass., where he spent his entire life, and died at the advanced age of one hundred j^ears and seven months. Sickness or disease had never undermined his constitution or broken down his health, but the flame of life grew fainter and fainter, and at last flickered and went out. He married Polly Golden, a native of Worcester County, and a daughter of Col. Golden, of Revolutionary fame. Her father was for many- years a prominent citizen of tlie county, and a Deacon in the Baptist Church, as was also Ebenezer Dunbar. The father of the latter, Abner Dunbar, was one of the early settlers of Worcester County, Mass., where he died an old man. He was also one of the heroes of the Revolution, and married a niece of Gen. Warren, who won his title in the same war. We now take up the personal history of our sub- ject, who was born in Leicester, Mass., in 1825. His education was acquired in the common schools and at Leicester Academy, and when twenty-two years of age he left home to begin life for himself. Going to Wilkes Barre, Pa., in 1847, lie spent ten years at that place in the bOot and shoe trade, and in 18.'')7 came to Lcc County, III., wlici'c for three years he engaged in business as a farmer and coal dealer. In 1860 he opened a boot and shoe store, and after four years built a business block on First Street, near the corner of Hennepin Avenue, which he occupied until 1885. lie worked up an excel- lent trade and also did a fine jobbing business for some years. The latter business, however, proved disastrous. By the courteous treatment of his cus- tomers, and fair and honest dealing he secured a liberal patronage which he well merited. Not wish- ing to live in idleness, when he sold out his shoe store in 1885, he embarked in his present line as real-estate dealer and loan and insurance agent. His son is now associated with him as partner, the latter having his headquarters in Cedar County, Ne))., while our subject controls affairs in thiscom- niunitj'. I-Cie leaving the East, ]Mr. Dimick was married in Wilkes Barre, Pa., to Miss Emma 31. Levering, a native of the Keystone State, and a daughter of Dr. Abraham Levering, who was born in France and came to America with his parents when quite young. Having been carefully reared and highly educated, he became an eminent physician, and for many years was known as a great cancer specialist. He had an extensive and lucrative practice in Mon- roe County, Pa., where he also served as County Treasurer for five terms, and where for the last twenty years of his life he served as Associate Judge, filling the office with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents, as was attested by his continued re-elect'on. lie died of paralysis at the age of seventy years. He was a refined i)ol- ished gentleman who won the respect of all and m religious belief was a Moravian. He wedded Miss Mary Rogers, an intelligent and cultured lady of Pennsylvania and a daughter of Dr. Rogers, who was long one of the most prominent physicians of Northampton County, Pa. He was the preceptor of Dr. Gross, the well-known physician of Phila- delphia, and Dr. Levering also studied under his direction for some years. Mrs. Dimick, the wife of our subject, was afforded excellent educational advantages, and is a lady of fine attainments and many virtues. By her mar- riage have been born six children: Mary E., wife of IT. C. Burrows, who is Superintendent of the ^^<-i (SS^=^ ENRY H. HOOVER, who is engaged in general farming on section 19, Palmyra ^^ Township, has made his home on this farm ^ since the spring of 1874. In the autumn of 1872 he had come to the county after having spent six months in Whiteside County, 111. He had emigrated to this State from Pennsylvania, where, previous to that time, his entire life had been passed. He was born on the 18th of Novem- ber, 1826, in Lancaster County, and is of German descent, his grandparents having been natives of the Fatherland. Jacob Hoover, a resident farmer PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPffiCAL RECORD. 575 and a native of Lancaster County, wedded Miss Mary Herr, who was also born in tliat county, of German parentage. Upon a farm they began their domestic life, and. their home was blessed by the presence of five children who grew to mature years, our subject being among the number. Four of the family are still living. The parents spent their entire lives in the Ke3'stone State, but did not live to advanced ages. Mr. Hoover passed away in his thirty-eighth year'and his wife died at the age of forty-seven. She was a member of the New Light Church. Henry Hoover was the fourth child born unto this worthy couple,- and is the only one living in Illinois. His early life passed uneventfully, he working upon his father's farm in the summer months, while in the winter season he attended the public schools. After arriving at the years of maturity, he was married in the township of his birth to Miss Christiana Huber, who was born on the 18th of October, 1828, in Lancaster County, where the days of her maidenhood were passed. Her father, Christian Huber, was of German descent and married Anna Shaub. They continued to make their home in Pennsylvania, where the father died at the age of three-score years, and the mother had also passed her sixtieth birthday at the time of her death. Both were members of the Mennonito Church, and were highly respected people. Upon a farm in the State of their nativity, Mr. and Mrs. Hoover began their domestic life, and their home was blessed by the presence of two children. The elder, B. Franklin, is a teacher of recognized ability, and is now engaged in bee keeping, which business he has followed since 1884. He has now an apiary containing about one hun- dred colonies, and. having made a thorough study of the business he is meeting with good success in his undertaking. The daughter of the family, Anna M., is now engaged in the millinery business in Stei-ling, at the corner of Third Street and First Avenue. During the twenty years that have elapsed since Mr. and Mrs. Hoover came to Lee County, they have formed an extensive acquaintance in this locality, and their many excellencies of character have won them high regard. They are classed among the best citizens of this community, and are well deserving of representation in this volume among the honored pioneers and leading residents of the county. Our subject is a progressive and enterprising farmer, who, by close attention to his business and fair and honest dealing, has won a comfortable competence. "OS- OLIVER P. JOHNSON is a representative of a family that has been identified with the agricultural interests of this State from the early jears of its settlement, and he is himself a pioneer of Noithern Illinois, and one of the early settlers of Lee County, where he is now living practically retired from active business in the pretty village of West Brooklyn, though he still retains his large and finely improved farm in Brooklyn Township, deriving a good income from its rental. He comes of good old Revolutionary stock. He was born in the town of Boston, Erie County, N. Y., October 21, 1812. His father, who also bore the name of Oliver, was a native of Pennsylvania, where his father, a native of Massachusetts, and of English blood, had settled in Colonial times as a pioneer. He entered the Continental army during the Revolution, and save up his life for the cause of freedom. His wife was thus left a widow with ■four small children to care for, in a wild country inhabited by hostile Indians. She was warned by some friendly savages that the red-skins contem- plated an uprising, when the whites would be swept away, and two days before the terrible mas- sacre at Wyoming, she left that fated country and was safely on her way to her old home in Massa- chusetts when it occurred. She located near Spring- field, and thei-e reared her children. In her last years she went from there to Erie County, and died there at a venerable age. The father of our subject was but four j^ears old when he was left fatherless, and he returned with his mother to Massachusetts, where he was reared by a man of the name of Williams, who lived near 576 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Springfield. He was married in that State to Eliza- beth Sackett, who was born near Springfield, and was a daughter of Plain and Mary Sackett. In 1796 he removed to New York with an ox-team, and settled near the Hudson River. Five years later he went from there to Erie County, and lo- cated near Boston Township on a tract of land that he purchased of the Holland Purchase Company. He built a log house in the primeval forests, and made it his home until 1821, and he then again started forth to seek fortune's favors on the fron- tier, making his way across the wild intervening country by the way of the Olean, Alleghany and Ohio Rivers to Illinois, landing at Shawneetown, having set out on the journey in March. He lo- cated first in White County, but a year later re- moved to what is now Sangamon County, where he bought a tract of land six miles from Spring- field, and was one of the first settlers in that sec- tion. The present capital of the State was then but a mere hamlet of six houses. A gristmill, operated by horse-power, was the only mill for many miles around, and St. Louis was the princi- pal market and depot for supplies. Deer, elk, an- telopes and bears were very plentiful in that sparsely settled wilderness. The people were prin- cipally home-livers, subsisting on what they could raise on their farms, and on game, while the women carded, spun and wove all the cloth used by their families. Mr. Johnson was actively engaged in Improving his land in that region until 1827, when he sold it, and removed to what is now Logan County, where' he entered nine hundred and sixty acres of Gov- ernment land fifteen miles northwest of Lincoln, and three miles from the present site of Atlanta. He built upon it and developed a large farm. He had the misfortune to lose his wife while residing there, and shortly before her death he bought a home in Putnam County, where he lived retired until the end. To him and his wife were born nine children, of whom our subject is the sole survivor. Oliver P. Johnson was eight years old when the family sought a new home in the primeval wilds of this State, and he grew up under pioneer in- fluences. He remained with his parents until he was twenty-one, and in the meantime became thor- oughly acquainted with farming in all its branches as carried on in those days, before the introduction of modern machinery. When he attained his ma- jority he went to Galena to work in the lead mines and was employed there nearlj' three years. In 1836 he took up his residence in La Salle County, and was one of the first settlers in the vicinity of Earlville, his being the first family to locate at the upper end of the grove. The land was all owned by the Government, and had not been surveyed He made a claim to a tract that pleased him, built a log cabin in the grove, and one year later sold his claim, and went to what is now De Kalb County, locating at Johnson's Grove, two miles east of Shabbona. At that time Shabbona, and his tribe of Indians, who were very friendly to the whites, inhabited the grove, and the Chief was a frequent visitor at Mr. Johnson's house. At that time his nearest neighbors were at Somanauk, seven miles distant, and deer, prairie wolves and other wild animals had not yet fled before the ad- vancing steps of civilization. After a year's residence in De Kalb County, Mr. Johnson came to this county and selected a loca- tion in what is now Brooklyn Township, and he has ever since lived here. At the time of his set- tlement in this township, all the land in Northern Illinois was owned by the Government, the few settlers holding their homes as claims. He devel- oped a large farm, erected a fine set of frame buildings, and his improvements have added greatly to the attractiveness of that section of the township in which his homestead is situated. He rented his farm after occupying it a number of years, and removing to the village of West Brook- lyn, has continued to live here in retirement from active business, though still having a general super- pervision of his affairs. He is a man of business acumen, of practical energy and decision of char- acter, and these traits have made him a valuable helper in the great work that has been wrought in the reclamation of Lee County from its former wild condition. Mr. Johnson has been fortunate in his domestic relations, as by his marriage, July 13, 1834, to Miss Elizabeth Ross, he secured a wife who, during the fifty-six years that they have lived together, has C^^^iy' i^^4_J PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 579 been to him all that that word implies, always ready to help him with wise counsel and cheerful assistance. Five of their six children are living, namely: Joseph, Elizabeth, Charles, Oliver P. and James. Mrs. Johnson was born in Virginia, March 19, 1813, and is a daughter of Joseph and Jane (Nor- man) Ross. Her father was a native of Pennsyl- vania, and was a son of James Ross. He went to Vii-- ginia when a young man, and was there married to a young lady who was a Virginian by birth. From there he went to Ohio in 1818, thence to Indiana in 1828, whence he came to Illinois in 1833, and was one of the early settlers of La Salle County. He located first on the banks of Indian Creek, near where the village of Earlville now stands, but three years later he removed to De Kalb County, and became a pioneer of Ross' Grove. Some years later he went to Texas, and spent his last years in that State. Mrs. Johnson's mother died in Vir- ginia in 1815. ♦^•{•= AFAYETTE REITZ is connected with the agricultural interests of two counties of Northern Illinois, Lee and "Whiteside, hav- ing valuable farming property in each, and making his home in the first named on his well ordered farm on section 2, Nai;husa Township. As a repre- sentative and honored citizen we are pleased to present his portrait and biography. He was born December 3, 1828,on the banks of the beautiful Sus- quehanna River, in Columbia County, Pa. His parents, John H. and Elizabeth (Fry) Reitz, were natives of Lehigh County, Pa., their parents also being natives of that State, and of Dutch ancestry. After their marriage in the county where their childhood had been passed, Mr. and Mrs. Reitz es- tablished a comfortable home there, and he carried on the trade of a carpenter. After the birth of four of their children, they took up their abode in Columbia County, and a few years later he turned his attention to tilling the soil on the banks of the Susquehanna River, and improved a good farm upon which his death occurred in 1852, at the age of sixty-eight years. His wife survived him for nearly a quarter of a ceiitur^^, spending her last years in this county, and dying at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Thomas Clayton, m Nelson Town- ship, in 1876, at the age of eighty-eight years. She retained the vigor of her mind and body until the last. Both she and her husband were life-long members of the Lutheran Church, and were very worthy people. Our subject is the youngest of a family of three sons and five daughters, of whom the only ones now living are himself and three of his sisters: Mrs. Thomas Clayton; Mrs. Benjamin DeFraine, of Dixon; and Mrs. Abraham Detwiler, of Clay County, this State. Lafayette Reitz attained his majority in his native county. In the year 1856 he came Westward to Illinois, as he was convinced that the prospects for acquiring a competency were better in a newly settled country where land was cheap and remarkably fertile, than in the older States where the soil had been tilled by successive generations for many years. He sought a suitable location in Whiteside County, lived one year in Jordan Township, then spent three or four years in Lee County, but subsequently returned to Whiteside County in 1860, and bought a tract of land in Genesee Township. By the exercise of unremitting toil, Mr. Reitz placed his land under good cultivation, obtaining abundant harvests from its two hundred and six acres, and putting up good buildings, besides mak- ing other admirable improvements. He lived upon it nearly twenty years, but in 1881 removed to his homestead in Nachusa Township, which is an eighty-acre farm complete in all its appointments, and a very pleasant place of residence. He is one of our self-made men and has accumulated a for- tune since he became a resident of the State, his business methods, foresight, and close attention to his affairs contributing to this end. He is well kno-ivn in both Whiteside and Lee Counties, and bears a high reputation among his acquaintances for personal worth and good citizenship. He has mingled much in the local public life of his com- munity, and has held all the township offices. In politics he is a stj-aightforward Republican. In 580 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, their religious associations both he and his wife were identified with the Lutheran Church for many years, but now attend the Methodist Episcopal Church. In the early years of his manhood, Mr. Reitz was married in his native county to Miss Abby Mensch, their union taking place in September, 1853. She was born April 7, 1834, in the same county as her husband. Her parents, John and Catherine (Heim- bauch) Mensch, were life-long readents of that countjr, living to be very old, Mr. Mensch being ninety years of age when he died. They were members of the Lutheran Church. Of their nine children, all of whom married, two sons and three daughters are yet living. Mrs. Reitz came to Illi- nois with her husband, aided him in getting a good start in life, and died in their home in Genesee Township in 1873, when nearly forty years old. She was a member of the Lutheran Church, and was very highly regarded for her many virtues. She was the mother of eleven children, of whom these four died young: William O., Harriet E., Cora J. and C. Elmer. The surviving children are Anna E., wife of Jacob Winters, of Sterling; John L., who married Miss Lizzie Meyers, and resides on his father's Whiteside County farm; Mary M., wife of Homer Drinkwater, of Chicago; S. Alice, wife of Charles Minning, of Lincoln, Neb.; Joseph E.,a farmer in Nachusa Township, who mai-ried Miss Ada H. Heckman; Lavina K., wife of George Gar- rison, a farmer in Nachusa Township; and Edward L., who assists his father in the management of his - farm. Mr. Reitz was a second time married July 1, 1875, in Hopkins Township, "Whiteside County, Miss Sophia Seidle becoming his wife. Their mar- riage has been blessed to them by one son, Frank A. W., who is at home with them. Mrs. Reitz was born in Kline Klopa, Wurtemberg, Germany, March 28, 1848, and is a daughter of John G. and Bar- bara (Waggoner) Seidle, who were also natives of Wurtemberg, and of the old German stock. After their marriage at Sieventing, where they lived on a farm until the birth of eleven children, they came with their family to America in 1853. They landed at Baltimore, Mid., forty-eight days after they left Bremerhaven, and from there proceeded to Columbus, Ohio, and began their new life in that country on a farm six miles from that city. In the fall of 1860 they came thence to Illinois, and in 1864 located on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Hopkins Township. In 1875 Mr. and Mrs. Seidle retired to Sterling, and there both died, the former in 1885, and the latter in 1883, aged respectively seventy-eight and sixty-eight years. They were members of the Evangelical Association, were prominent in their community, and had many friends in Sterling and in Whiteside County generally. Mrs. Reitz was well trained for her present position in the home of her parents, with whom she remained until her marriage. She makes a good wife and mother, and her neighbors always find her kind and pleasant. She is one of eleven children, all of whom are liv- ing, and all but two are married. fe ^""^ <■ T ">■ B^^ ~~'^ 'jfj OHN M. GARDNER, who has been a resi- dent on section 5, Lee Center Township, ^^ this county, for over twenty-five years, and ^^fJ who for the past fourteen years has served as Supervisor of the township, is well and favorably known throughout the community. His father, the late John H. Gardner, was bom near Troy, N. Y. His mother, whose name was Melvina Bixby, was a native of New England. This couple emi- grated to Illinois in 1844 from Steuben County, N. Y., and settled in what is now Amboy Town- ship, where the mother died in 1849. The father spent the latter years of his life in Lee Center Township, his decease occurring in 1871. They were the parents of six children, our subject being the second in order of birth. John M. Gardner was born in Hornby, Steuben County, N. Y., January 26, 1841. He was but three years old when his parents removed to Lee Coimty, and, after a residence of six years in Amboy Town- ship, came with them to Lee Center Township, where he was educated in the common schools, and reared to manhood upon the home farm. He was married in this township, October 28, 1868, to Miss Alice L. Clapp, daughter of E. L. Clapp, also resi- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 581 dents of this township. Her mother's maiden name was Catherine Bull, for a history of whom see sketch of E. L. Clapp. Mi-s. Gardner was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., November 1, 1845. Mr. Gard- ner is a member of the Republican party, although he has never taken a verj- active part in political affairs. The confidence which his fellow-citizens repose in him, is, however, shown by the fact tliat he has held the office of Township Clerk for three years, was Treasurer of the township for twent}'- four years, and, as alreadj^ stated, has been Super- visor of Lee Center Township for fourteen terms. He is a man who is liberal in his religious views. Mr. Gardner has always followed the occupation of a farmer, and owns a fine tract of one hundred and seventy-eight acres, on which he has placed good improvements and where he lives a retired life. eHARLES W. SEYBERT, whose business is that of a dairyman and general farmer, is the proprietor of one of the best equipped farms in all South Dixon Township, finely located on sections 7 and 8. Mr. Seybert is of Pennsyl- vania birth, born in Luzerne Coimty January 17, 1848, and he is the third son and fifth child of Wallace Seybert, a well-known wealthy farmer of this part of Illinois, now living in retirement in his pleasant home on West First Street, Dixon, where he and his good wife, whose maiden name was Desire Hill, are serenely passing the sunset of life in the enjoyment of the fruit of their early labors. They were born m the grand old State of Pennsylvania seventy-five and seventy-three years ago, respectively, and their parents were also na- tives of that Commonwealth, but came of German families that liad settled therein Colonial times. After marriage and the birth of all their children but one, Mr. and Mrs. Seybert came to this State in the spring of 1862, and made their home on an unbroken fai-m of two hundred and twenty- Sve acres in South Dixon Township. At first Mr. Sey- bert rented land for a time, and then bought prop- erty as his means increased, and he ultimately be- came one of the wealthy men of the county and the proprietor of twelve hundred acres of valuable real estate. He and his wife continued to live on their farm until 1888, when they retired to their present home in Dixon. Mr. Seybert has not only played an important part in the upbuilding of this section, but he has been conspicuous in local public life, and has held nearly all the township oflSces of South Dixon. He is sound and true in his politi- cal faith, which is in accordance with the princi- ples annunciated by the Democratic party. Religi- ously, he and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church. Although the greater part of the life of our sub- ject has been passed in Lee County, he spent his first fourteen years near Beach Haven in the State of his birth. He had an excellent opportunity to become thoroughly conversant with agriculture in all its branches while assisting his father in his ex- tensive operations. For fourteen years he has lived on his present farm, and in that time has wrought a great change in its condition by the extensive and valuable improvements that he has made upon it, including a fine and well-fitted up set of farm buildings, all built by himself. His residence is of a neat and tasty design, and is of ample propor- tions; and he has recently erected a large and roomy barn, 48x84 feet in dimensions, and pro- vided with all the modern conveniences, includ- ing a windmill of sufficient power for grinding and shelling corn, pumping water, etc. The farm comprises a quarter of a section of land that is exceedingly fertile, and its rich pastures afford support for a fine herd of milch cows for dairy purposes, as well as giving feed to a considerable quantity of other well-graded stock. The marriage of our subject with Miss Carrie Campbell took place in the city of Dixon. It has been a felicitous union, and has brought them four children: Charles Wallace, Wilbert W., Haz- elton W. and Emma M. Mrs. Seybert is a native of Massachusetts, born in that State in 1855, and was a child when her parents, Sylvanus and Almyra (Cook) Campbell, came to Illinois. She received a good education in the city schools of Dixon, and is a bright and capable woman. Both she and her husband are highly thought of in their community as people of fine character, generous and right- 582 POKTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. minded, and true to all the obligations of life. In his political afHliations, Mr. Seybert is a Democrat. Mrs. Seybert's father was born in Connecticut of New England parents, who traced their descent from Scottish ancestry. He early learned the trade of a blacksmith, and when a young man went to Massachusetts to engage in it, and there he met his wife, who was born and reared in the old Bay State. They lived there until after the birth of five of their seven children, of whom Mrs. Seybert is the fourth, all still living, and five of them mar- ried, and then they came to Illinois. They have since lived in Dixon and are well known and greatly respected. He still carries on his calling as a blacksmith, and has acquired a comfortable prop- ertj^ He has a mind of his own, is positive in his opinions, and is independent in religion and in politics. Mrs. Campbell is a Baptist in her re- ligious belief. feILL D. DREW is a fine representative of the young farmers, native to the soil, who within the last decade have put new life into the agricultural industries of Lee Count}^ He is well equipped for bis work as a general far- mer, stock-raiser and dairyman, as he has inherited from his father's estate a finely imp'roved farm of one hundred and forty-seven acres in Dixon Township, nearly all of which is under the plow. A fine set of buildings adorns the place and it is well stocked with cattle and other domestic animals, the cows being of the best breed for dairy use, our subject paying much attention to that branch of business. Mr. Drew was born in the city of Dixon, July 6, 1862, and received an excellent training from the hands of his father and mother, besides being very well educated in the public schools. He entered upon his independent career as a farmer at an early period, and from the start has evinced a de- cided capability of managing his farming interests in a practical and skillful manner, so as to make every step count and to derive a good profit from his operations. He is fai-ming on the old home- stead that formerly belonged to his father in 1884, and maintains it at the same high standard for which it was formerly noted. He bears a high reputation for morality and rectitude of character among the people who have known him and watched his course from childhood. In him the Republican party has a true follower. Religiously he and his wife adhere to the faith to which his father clung. Our subject was married in Dixon Township to Miss Mabel Prescott. She was a native of this place, born September 19, 1872, but was mostly reared and educated in Manson, Iowa, whither her parents, Hollis and Nancy (Williams) Prescott, removed when she was young. They subsequently returned to Illinois, and are now residents of Dixon Township. Our subject is the son of the late AlvahD. Drew, who was a man of prominence, and in his death the county met with a serious loss. He was bom in Maine, as was his father, John Drew, who was of American parentage and Scotch-Irish an- cestry. John Drew was drowned when in the prime of life by falling, in the darkness of night, through a bridge that was undergoing re- pairs. His wife bore the maiden name of Jemima Eaton, and she was likewise born in Maine, coming of a family that dates its history back to the pil- grims that came over in the -'Mayflower." She came to Illinois after the death of her husband and died in Dixon, when past eighty j'ears old. She was religiously inclined and was a member of the Bap- tist Church. Alvah D. Drew was only three years of age when his father was drowned and he was reared and edu- cated by his mother. He was eighteen years of age when he turned his back on his old New Eng- land home to try his life in the West. He came to Illinois, and from here went to Missouri, whence he soon returned to this State, and for a time re- sided in Chicago. Meeting with his brother Henry unexpectedly, they came together to this county. Mr. Drew was of an inventive nature, and, with his brothers, Henry and Seth, patented several val- uable inventions, including a one-seamed boot and a gaiter, the latter belonging entirely to himself. POETEAIT AND BTOGRAPHICAL EECORD. 583 He decided to travel around the country to sell his useful invention. Ho had spent all his money, with the exception of the trivial sum of forty cents which he gave to his wife, in the perfecting of his invention, and had to start out on his trav- els in a shabby state. He made the best of the sit- uation, repairing his tattered garments, and color- ing the light and worn spots, and entered upon his new work with energy. He deservedly met with success in introducing his gaiter to the public, acquiring a comfortable fortune during the six years that he was on the road. With the money thus made, Mr. Drew purchased a good propertj' in this county, in Dixon Town- ship, and settled down to the life of a farmer. He prosecuted his calling with the same vigor and per- tinacity that had always characterized his work in whatever he was engaged, developed his land into a fine farm upon which he placed substantial improvements, and showed himself to be an en- lightened farmer. His homestead, which is now in possession of his son, of whom we write, was the scene of his death, August 15, 1884, when he was only forty-nine years of age, his birth having taken place March 29, 1835. His township was . thus deprived of the services of one who had been potent in its upbuilding and influential in all that pertained to its social and moral well-being. He was of an earnest, religious nature. In polities, he was a Republican. Mr. Drew was married at Dixon, to Miss Augusta Andrews, who survives him and is a resident of that city. She is fifty-one years of age, having been born in Connecticut, May 27, 1840. Her early years were passed in her New England home, whence she came, after attaining womanhood, to Dixon, where an older married sister was living. Her parents were Ives and Silva (Bartholemew) Andrews, who were natives of Connecticut, where they spent the most of their lives, coming here when old people and dying at Dixon, aged respect- ively seventy-two and sixty-five years. Mrs. Drew is the mother of six children, of whom our subject is the eldest, and all are living, but Omar, who died when twenty-six years of age. He married Miss Mary Murphy, but their wedded life was very brief, as he died in less than five months after the date of their marriage. The other children, be- sides our subject are: Emma L., wife of John Kelley, a resident of Chicago and foreman of a shoe factory at De Kalb; Bertha A.; E. Fred, who works in the plow shops at Dixon, and Mercy E., the three lat- ter at home with their mother. *-^s G" lEORGE C. WITHET is a well known cit- izen of China Township, who is engaged ^^>^^i infarming. He is of New England birth and antecedents, born in the grand old State of Maine, in Franklin County, September 22, 1838. His father, Ezra Withey, was bom in that State October 22, 1814. He married Abigail Bradbury, who was likewise a native of the Pine Tree State, born in the town of Starks in August, 1812. They began their wedded life in the State of their birth, but in 1846, being then in the full vigor and prime of life, they determined to brave the hard- ships to be encountered in a newly settled country, and coming to Illinois, thej^ cast in their lot with the few pioneer settlers of China Township who had preceded them, locating on section 22. There, by their united labors, they built up a comfort- able home, in which they lived until the autumn of 1883, when they retired from active life to Franklin Grove, where they now reside at an advanced age, enjoying the respect and friendship of all about them. These are the names of their five children : George C, Abigail, Mary Ann, Eliza Jane and John. The subject of this biographical review has passed the greater part of his life in this county, as he was but eight years old when the family came here. He was reared on the parental home- stead, under the pioneer influences that prevailed during his youth in these parts, and received a good training as a farmer. He made his home with his father and mother until he left them for one of his own at the time of his marriage with Miss Barbara Lawver, to whom he was wedded in Ogle County, May 21, 1868. Mrs. Withey is a daughter of Henry and Nancy (Heath) Lawver, of Grand Detour, Ogle County, and was born in Knox 584 PORTKAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. County, Ohio, January 2, 1850. Contentment and happiness have been the portion of our subject and his wife in the years they have passed to- gether, and are the sign and seal of a true married life, wherein each has faithfullj^ contributed to the well-being of the other, and both have fulfilled their obligations as parents and their duties toward their neighbors. Their pleasant household is com- pleted by their four children, whose names are Ezra, Grace, Henry and Clara. Mr. Withey has always been engaged in farming, and has one hundred and twenty acres of land of excellent fertility, and under a high state of cul- tivation. He is well versed in the principles of agriculture, employs the best modern methods of tilling the soil, and derives a comfortable income from his harvests and from his stock. He is a sensible well-informed man, irreproachable in his habits; frank, manly and straiglitforward in his character; just, kindly and considerate in his deal- ings and intercourse with others, and these traits place him high in the regard of his fellow-citizens. As a loyal citizen should, he takes a fairly active part in politics, throwing the weight of his infLu- ence in favor of tlie Republican party, of which he has been a devoted adherent for many years. He interests himself in whatever concerns the welfare of his adopted township, and as a School Director has done wliat he could to raise the standard of education in this locality. "JH OHN SEEBACH is a fine representative of the German element that has played such a ^^ conspicuous part in the upbuilding of the l^^^ Northwest, and he is one of Lee County's most worthy farmers and stock-raisers. His finely equipped farm on section 25, China Township, is a valuable piece of property, and ranks with the best in tiiis section as to productiveness and im- provements. Mr. Seebach was born December 30, 1836, in Hensen-Luterbach, Germany, where he passed his early years. But much of his life has been spent in America, within the borders of this county, as when he was nineteen years old, he boldly set out for the New World, a stout heart, a clear head and industrious habits his only passport to success in the busy life that lay before him in a strange country before he could acquire a competency and build up a home. He landed in New York, and came di- rectly from that city to Lee County. That was in the year 1855, and he found that thei-e was still a great deal of pioneer work to be performed before the land could be propecly developed into well- improved farms. Skillful and reliable laborers were in demand, and he obtained employment as a farm-hand, and for two years worked out by the month in China and Amboy Townships. At the expiration of that time, he became more independ- ent, and began agricultural operations on his own account, renting land near Lee Centre the follow- ing five years. He was prudent and wisely economical, and he then invested, his money in a farm in Bradford Township. He lived upon that for six years and then sold it at a good profit. He put the proceeds into his present farm on section 25, China Township, and has here one hundred and eighty-four acres of as fine farming land as there is under cultivation in the township. He has erected a first-class set of buildings, has provided him- self with good modern machinery for farming pur- poses; his fields are under the best of tillage; his pastures are stocked to their fullest capacity with cattle of good grades, and he is managing his in- terests so as to make money, he being one of the solid men of his community. Our subject has been greatly aided and encour- aged in his work, and in the making of a cozy home, by one of the best of wives, to whom he was married in China Township, April 22, 1858. They have been blessed with eight children, namely: Conrad; Katie F., wife of Augustus Schaffer; Cath- erine E., John S., Christine, Charles, AnnaB., and Anna Martha Elizabeth. Mrs. Seebach, who bore the maiden name of Catherine Weishaar, is a sister of E. Weishaar, of Ashton, whose biography ap- pears elsewhere in this book. She is likewise a na- tive of Luterbach, Germany, born April 25, 1839. She was about nineteen years old when she came to this country. Mr. Seebach merits and receives the respect due PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 585 to him as an upright Cliiistian gentleman, who is faithful to his obligations in all the relations of life that he bears toward others, and is loyal in his citizenship to his adopted country. He is a stead- fast Republican in his politics; and religiously, both he and his wife are valued members of the {Evangelical Association. ' i tw T ^ I < n < |^ r < ^ m e \^ \I]=7^RANK M. COE, an intelligent farmer and iNS) '■^SP®*^*^'^ citizen, was born on the farm jti where he 3'et resides on section 21, Palmyra Township. His birth occurred May 16, 1852, and the family of which he is a worthy representative is numbered among the pioneers of the county. His father, Frederick W. Coe, was born in Roches- ter, N. Y., January 25, 1813, and. was a son of Malby Coe, a native of Connecticut, of English descent. The grandfather was married in the Em- pire State to Miss Mary Miles, who, like himself, was born in Connecticut and came of a family of English origin. The year 1835 witnessed their emigration to the "West, they locating in Jordan Township, Whiteside County, where Mr. Coe fol- lowed farming until his death in 1849, when more than seventy years of age. He was a Presbyterian in religious belief and a good and faithful citizen. His wife survived him some years and died on the old homestead in 1855, at an advanced age. She, too, was a Presbyterian and a lady of many excel- lencies of character. In the family were twelve children, namely: Lucy, Simeon, George, Frederick, Henry, Albert, Decius, Jonathan, Adeline, Marcus, Ann and Mortimer. Of these, three sons and a daughter are yet residents of Whiteside Countj-, all living upon farms. On- the 30th of June, 1836, Fred W. Coe was united in marriage with Miss Phoebe A. Rogers, and in the following September they started for Illinois, arriving in this county on the 20th of the month. The lady was born in Prince Edward County, in the Province of Ontario, Canada, Au- gust 5, 1812, and was a daughter of Gilbert and Nancy Rogers, natives of Connecticut, the former born September 20, 1771, and the latter January 12, 1777. They both died in Ontario, Mr. Rogers passing away July 30, 1817, while his wife sur- vived until September 16, 1850. They were hon- est farming people and were members of the Society of Friends, under whose auspices Mrs. Coe was reared. She lost her parents when she was young and at the age of twenty went to New York, where she met and married Mr. Coe. They began their domestic life upon the farm which he purchased in this county and lived in true pioneer style. The claim entered by the father of our subject was all raw prairie, but by his labors was transformed into a fertile and fruitful farm. Mr. Coe was a hard working man and while plowing died of heart disease October 24, 1870. By all he was recognized as one of the prominent early set- tlers whose worth and ability won him the esteem of those with whom he came in contact. His wife, an intelligent and cultured lady, who had many warm friends in this community, died at the home of our subject April 7, 1889. They were the par- ents of six children: Caroline A., born August 20, 1837, is now the wife of George G. Sills; Henry A., born May 31, 1839, died July 21, 1840; Addie, born July 16, 1842, became the wife of Arthur Chase, who is now deceased, and her death occurred March 16, 1871; Helen G., born February 17, 1845, died April 3, 1848; and Emily, born July 16, 1848, died August 15, of the same year. The youngest of the family is our subject, who in the usual manner of farmer lads was reared to manhood. His early education, acquired in the public schools, was supplemented by a course in Cornell College of Iowa. He led to the marriage altar, in Palmyra Township, Miss Zett E. Williams, who was born in Columbia County, Pa., June 23, 1858. Her parents were Mark and Elizabeth (Hoagland) Williams, who emigrated to Illinois when she was quite young and located on a farm in Palmyra Township, where they yet make their home. The death of Mrs. Coe occurred July 9, 1889, and was sincerely mourned by many friends as well as her immediate family. She was a mem- ber of the Methodist Church, and left one child. Glen F., born February 4, 1885. The farm which Mr. Coe owns and which for fifty-six years has been in possession of the family, 586 PORTEAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. is a valuable tract of land of two hundred and eight acres, situated on the north side of Sugar Grove. Its neat appearance indicates the thrift and enterprise of the owner, who is ranked among the leading agriculturists of the community. He is also a prominent citizen and takes quite an ac- tive part in political affairs, being a stanch sup- porter of Republican principles. He attends the conventions of his party, and is now serving his second term as the efficient Supervisor. Genial by nature, he has a keen appreciation of the humorous and is an entertaining companion who easily wins friends. fJl-IOMAS HARPER is one of the leading farmers of Wyoming Township, where his farming interests are centered, and he is known throughout Lee County as a successful breeder of Percheron and trotting horses. He is a native of this section of the State, born in Paw Paw Township, DeKalb County, June 28, 1853, a son of William Harper, who was a pioneer of Northern Illinois, and during his life one of its most prosperous agriculturists. The father of our subject was born in Cuyahoga County, N. Y., and was a son of Robert Harper. The latter was born and reared in Ireland, and emigrating to America, settled m the State of New York. He was a carpenter all his life, and spent his last days in Cuyahoga Countj*. William Harper grew to man's estate in his native county, and was there married to Jane, daughter of John and Jane (Irwin) Kirk, and a native of that county. These are the five children born of that marriage: Mary J., William, Thomas, James and John. William is dead. In 1847 the parents of our subject left their old home to found a home in the wilds of the Prairie State, as Mr. Harper was convinced that a thrifty, wide-awake, skillful farmer ought to reap a rich reward in payment of care and labor spent in cultivating its fertile vir- gin soil. The momentous journey, was made on the canal to Buffalo, thence by the lakes to Chi- cago, and from that city a ride with a farmer brought him to this part of the State. He bought a tract of Government land in DeKalb County, containing eighty acres, and on it he built the humble log house that was the birthplace of our subject. At that time the surrounding country was but little inhabited, and Chicago was the principal market for some years before the intro- duction of railways. Mr. Harper was exceedingly prosperous in all his undertakings, accumulated property rapidly, and bought other land, so that in all he had seven hundred and forty acres of well-improved land at the time of his death, and was one of the rich men of the county. He erected good buildings, and his land was placed in a high state of cultivation, making his farm one of the most valuable in the township. He died July 6, 1882, thus closing a career that had been honor- able alike to himself and his community, and his work as a pioneer will never be forgotten, so help- ful was he in developing the agricultural resources of the country. His wife survives him, and still resides on the old homestead, in the home that she aided him to make. Thomas Harper, to whom these lines principally refer, was educated in the schools of Paw Paw Township, where he grew to manhood under good home influences. He acquired a good knowledge of farming while a mere boy, as he was early taught to make himself useful on his father's farm, and that experience has profited him much since he be- gan his independent career as a farmer, as he learned to shape his fortunes by the use of sound, sensible and systematic methods of carrying on his work. He continued to be a member of the parental household until his marriage, when he settled on a farm at Ross Grove. He made that his home un- til 1884, and then bought the farm which is his present place of residence in Wyoming Township. Mr. Harper's farm is well adapted to stock- raising purposes, to which he partly devotes it- He has an inherent love for the horse, understands well how to handle it, is quick to note its good points, and has a sharp eye for its failings. Since 1878, he has made a specialty of raising horses, buying in that year a Percheron stallion and two Percheron mares, and in 1883 he commenced >^k^U£ C^JZQ^^-// PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 589 breeding and training road horses. He now has some of the finest Percherons and roadsters in the county. He is the owner of the famovis trotting stallion, "Roderick," by "Mark Field," the son of "Veritas," whose record is 2:18; and a grandson oC "George Wilkes," dam by "Hamlet, Jr., "registered number 161,and he by "Volunteer." .Mr. Harper has also three standard brood mares,besides several other valuable blooded animals. His horses are highly prized in this section, always command a good price, and find a ready market whenever offered for sale, for all who know our subject concede that whoever makes a deal with him is sure to get a well-trained .well-broken horse, sound of wind and Hmb, and with no concealed defects, as Mr. Harper is not onlj' too watchful of his reputation, but loves a horse too well to let one go from his stable misrepresented. Mr. Harper has been twice married. His union with Miss Catherine Santee, a native of Grand Detour, Ogle County, took place May 1, 1876. She died January 16, 1885, leaving two chil- dren, Gracie and Bennie. The second marriage of our subject was solemnized February 10, 1887, and was with Cora A. Mead, a native of Wyoming Township, and a daughter of Riley and Rachel Mead. In their pleasant home one son and one daughter have been born to them, whom they have named Arthur and Bertha. -*-=^ i>-^-^ RS. MARY P. DeWOLF. This lady, who resides on section 5, Lee Center Town- ship, has spent the last forty years in this Township and is well known and highly esteemed for her many excellent traits of character. She is a public-spirited woman, interested in all that tends to the welfare of the community and is noted for her great liberality in, behalf of education and other worthy objects. It is with pleasure that we present to her many friends in the county her portrait and the following sketch of her life. Isaac Pomeroy, the father of Mrs. DeWolf, was a native of New Ashford, Berkshire County, Mass. Her mother, whose maiden name was Ruth Crane, 29 was the first white child born in Erie County, Pa. After their marriage the young couple settled in Conneaut Township, Erie County, Pa., where the father carried on farming, their death taking place on the same farm on which they first settled. Their family consisted of nine children, two sons and seven daughters, named as follows: Alden, Mary, Laura, Clarinda, Hannah, Eliza, Sarah, Lucy E. and Isaac J. Mary, who is the eldest daughter, was born in Conneaut Township, Erie County, Pa., July 7, 1821, where she grew to womanhood. She was there married June 14, 1840, to Alvah B. DeWolf. He was a son of Dorastus and Eliza (Coc) DeWolf, who were natives of New England and were married in Cortland County, N. Y., settling in Conneaut Township, Erie County, Pa. In 1851 they removed to Lee County, 111.; and located in Inlet Grove, Lee Center Township, where they died. Thej' reareil a family of twelve children, of whom Alvah was the youngest son. He was born in Virgil, Cortland County, N. Y., September 15, 1815. He remained with his parents m Conneaut Township, until after his marriage and in 1851 re- moved to this county, settling in Lee Center Township, where he continued to reside until his death, April 16, 1887. He was an energetic, en- terprising business man, who took an active part in all local affairs and held the office of Supervisor of his Township for several terms. He followed the occupation of a farmer throughout life and accumulated a good property, being at the time of his death the owner of about five hundred acres. This he had highly improved and had erected a line of comfortable buildings upon his farm. He was a member of the Free-will Baptist Church, and was highly esteemed as an upright, honorable man. Mrs. DeWolf is a lady of intelligence and refine- ment and has manifested her great interest in the cause of education by her liberal gifts to various institutions of learning. To Hillsdale College, Mich., she has given $16,000, endowing a Professor- ship in Theology; to Storer College at Harper's Ferry, Va., $3000; to Parker College at Winnebago, Minn., $2000; and to Rochester Seminary, at Rochester, Wis., $200. She has made other val- 590 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. uable bequests to relatives and friends and in all has given away 162,000. Mrs. DeWolf is an active member and supporter of the Free will Baptist Church. She has a delightful home in which she hospitably entertains her many friends and her memory will be cherished many years after she has passed from earth, by those wlio have been the recipients of her bounty. ^ MLLIAM H. HAUSEN, of China Township, \/\/// ^^ assocated with the rise and growth of \lf^ Lee County as one of its honored pioneers who made the first improvements in this section, and has long been one of its foremost farmers and stock-raisers. He is of Xe^\' England birth and training, born in the town of Bremen, Lincoln County, Me., August 25, 1816. His father, Charles Hausen, was born in that county in the town of Friendship, and he married Jane Hilton, also a native of Lincoln County. Thoy spent several years of tlieir married life in that vicinity and then moved to near Bangor, Me., where the^- spent some ten or twelve j'ears, but in 1840 abandoned their Eastern home to found a new one in what was to them the far-distant State of Illinois. They came hither in the fall of the 3'ear and located in China Township on the farm that is owned and occupied by our subject, on section 2, a little way from Franklin Grove. They were among the first to settle here, and here they passed their declining years until death separated them, the father dying in the spring of 1859. After his demise the mother remained on the old home and died there in 1878 at a venerable age. Our subject was the eldest of eleven children. "When he was ten years old, his parents removed from his native county to Penobscot County, in the same State, and he remained there with them until 1838. He then started out in the world to see what life held for him in the wide "West. He and his brother Harrison and another man left home September 4, 1838, and after making some stops in Michigan and elsewhere they arrived in this county in October. They bought claims to a section and a half of land, and on the farm on section 2, China Township, on which our subject lives, the first improvements were made in this part of the county. Fifty years and more have passed by since that October daj' when Mr. Hausen first set foot on these prairies where he has so firmly established himself, that were then in their virgin state, as wild and lonely as when they were the hunting grounds of the Indians, but which to-day are teem- ing with life and every evidence of an advanced civilization, and in this year of grace, 1891, have yielded such remarkable harvests of grain and other products of the earth that will bring in untold sums of money to the fortunate tillers of the soil, and mayhap shall help to feed the starving mill- ions across the water. That he has had a hand in bringing about this wonderful change that has converted a wilderness into a liighl3' developed farming region, where, also, the sister industries of commerce and manufacture, that follow in the wake of agriculture, flourish, may well be the pride of our subject. He has made a good use of the advantages afforded to an intelligent, wide-awake, diligent farmer by the unsurpassed fertility of the soil, etc., of this part of the country, during the half-century that he has lived and labored here, and now has a fine estate of four hundred acres of land in Lee County, two hundred acres in Nachusa and the remainder in China Township, besides other property. He has devoted his energies not only to farming and stock-raising, but has given especial attention to fruit-growing, and derives a handsome revenue from this source. Mr. Hausen was married, in Nachusa Township in October, 1850, to Mrs. Julia Felker, nee Stergy, widow of Mark Felker. INIrs. Hausen is a native of Maine. She came to this State with her hus- band, who was a pioneer of this county. His use- ful career was terminated by his untimely death within a year or two after settling here. Her married life with our subject has been spent on the same farm in China Township, and she, by her capable co-operatiou, has contributed in no small degree to his good fortune. Our subject has reached and passed the milestone that marks a busy life of three-quarters of a cent- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 591 ury, and the record thereof shows him to be a man of many fine traits of character, who never wil- fully wrongs another, is true in his friendships, never allows a desire to acquire wealth to shut out his strict ideas of justice and honesty, or make him less generous, warm-hearted and neighborly in his intercourse with the people among whom his lot has been cast since early manhood, and who revere and trust him. Resolution, sagacity, business thrift and forethought are his leading characteristics, and by these he has achieved success. Whatever concerns the township and county of his adoption has always been of great interest to him, and he has been ready at all times to help push forward public improvements, and in his capacity of High- way Commissioner, which office he has held for many years, he has been especially useful in that direction. He is socially identifled with the Blue Lodge of Masons at Franklin Grove, and with the Nathan Whitnej' Chapter, No. 129. He has a broad outlook on life, is a Democrat in politics, and in religion is liberal in his views. ENRY BOTHE is a general farmer and stock-raiser, and owns and successfully man- ages a farm on section 19, Naehusa Town- ship, which IS stocked to its full capacity with cattle, horses and swine of good breeds; its one hundred and thirty-two acres are under the best of cultivation, and a substantial and well made class of buildings adorn the place. A for- eigner by birth, our subject, nevertheless, like many other of his countrymen, was found in the ranks of the Union army during the late war, and he fought gallantly for the land of his adoption •until failing health obliged him to abandon mili- tary life. Our subject was boni in Prussia, near Minden, December 26, 1840. He lived there until he was eighteen years old, and then, in 1859, came to America with his mother and two sisters, crossing the ocean from Bremerhaven to Baltimore, where they joined the father, Frederick Bothe, who had come to this country ten years before, and had lived in the South some time. After the reunion of the family, they came to Illinois and located on a farm in Naehusa Township. The father was a hard- working man, and, by unremitting toil, got a good start in life and made many valuable improve- ments on his place, continuing its 'development un- til death stayed his hand, in 1873, at the age of fiftj'-scven years. His wife is yet living on the old homestead, and is now seventy-five years of age. She has always been connected with the Lutheran Church, and is still a faithful member. Her son, of whom we write, and her daughter, Christina, are the only members of the family now living. The latter is the wife of John Hollister, a grain- dealer in Fillmore County, Neb. Henry Bothe did not attairr his majority until after he came to tliis country, and he was not of age when he enlisted, September 9, 1861, in Company B, Twelfth Illinois Infantry, which was attached to the Army of the Tennessee. Our subject served one year with great credit to himself and to his regiment, showing excellent qualities as a soldier and winning the approval of his superiors for his fidelity, courage in battle, and general trustworthiness. He won a good record for hard fighting at Ft. Donelson, but that experience ended his career in the army, as he became ill from exposure and fatigue endured on a forced march, which resulted in his honorable discharge, Septem- ber 8, 1862, as unfit for future service. He re- turned to Illinois, and, although he regained his health in part, he has never been so well since. As soon as he was able, he resumed farming, and, in 1878, he became possessed of his present farm in Naehusa Township. He is an intelligent farmer, having a good understanding of the best methods of tilling the soil, and knows well how to care for his stock, which is the source of a good income, and he keeps his place up to a high standard. His neighbors esteem him greatly, having a just ap- preciation of those meritorious qualities that mark him as a loyal citizen, a trusty friend, and true in his domestic relations as a kind husband and tender father. In politics, he is a tried and true Republican. Religiously, he, and his wife, also, are members of the Evangelical Church. 592 POETRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. The marriage of Mr. Botlie with Miss Catherine Hotzel took place in Bradford Township, Septem- ber 4, 1864. Mrs. Bothe was born in Germany, in Hesse-Cassel, in 1843, a daughter of Conrad and Anna E. Hotzel. She was only three years old when her parents emigrated to Americn, and be- came pioneers of this county, being among the early settlers of China Township, where the father improved anew farm, which was his homo until his death, in middle life. His wife is yet living on the old homestead, and is seventj'-five jears old. He was a Lutheran, and clung to the faith of his fathers until death, but she has been a faithful member of the Evangelical Association for many years. Mr. and Mrs. Bothe are the parents of ten chil- dren, of whom one, Carolina, a twin, died when six days old. The others arc William, at home; Elizabeth, wife of J. Conrad Seebacli, a farmer at Dysart, Iowa; John, who lives with his grand- mother in this township, and manages her farm; Christian, Minnie, Alvina, Kate, Lillie and Henry, who are at home with their parents. /^^ ILAS H. SHIPPEE. The sturdy stock that ^^ peopled the hills and valleys of New Eng- (fl/^j land has to-day many a representative on the prairies of Illinois, and our subject is one of these. He has been a citizen of Lee County these many years, and has rendered invaluable aid in reclaiming it from the wilderness by putting under a high state of cultivation an extensive farm in Reynolds Township, and placing upon it good modern improvements. Silas H. Shippee was born in the town of Reads- boro, Bennington County, Vt., July 18, 1828. His father, Christopher Shippee, was a native of the town of Charlemont, Mass., while his father, who bore the same name as himself, is thought to have been born in Rhode Island. He was one of the famous "Minute Men" of the Revolution, and did gallant service for his country during his four years of faithful service in the Colonial Army when that war was raging. He was paid in Con- tinental scrip, which so depreciated in value that it is told that he gave fifty dollars for a night's lodging, supper and breakfast. He with four other families made tiie first settlement in the town of Cliarlemont among the hills of Westei'n Massachu- setts, where be secured a tract of land on which the trees of the primeval forest of that region were still standing, and wild game — deer, bears and other wild animals — was common in the vicinity. He cleared quite a tract of land, and, as the force of circumstances made it necessary in those old pioneer days, lived off the products of his farm to a great extent. He was a man of fine physique, and re- tained so much of his earl}- vigor in his old age that when he was eighty -six years old he walked to Eeadsboro, a distance of sixteen miles, and carried his musket. He died at the home of the father of our subject a year later. Christopher Shippee, Jr.,was reared in his native town, and before marriage bought a tract of land in Whittingham, Windham County, Yt., which he soon traded for land in Readsboro. He settled thereon at the time of marriage, and that was his home for many a long year, until death sealed his eyes in 1886, at the advanced age of ninety-four years, and to the last few days of his life he was hale and hearty. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Johanna Jillson. She was born in New Hampshire, a daughter of David and Jo- hanna (Cudworth) Jillson, and she died while yet in life's prime at the age of forty-two years. Silas Shippee passed his boyhood amid the pleasant scenes of his birth, and was educated in the local schools. On his father's farm he gained an experience in farming that was helpful to him in his after career as an independent farmer. He also knew something of pioneer life in his youth, before the introduction of railway's into, the part of the country where he lived. North Adams, twelve miles from his home, was the nearest mar- ket, but once each year the farmers went to Troy, sixty miles distant, to buj' a stock of supplies. Our subject resided with his father until he was twenty-six, assisting him in the labors of the farm, and then came to Illinois, where he thouglit the chances were better for a wide-awake young man to gain a competence than in bis own native State. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 593 For two years he lived near Aurora, and after that Sugar Grove was his place of residence one season. He then traded for a quarter section of land in Reynolds Township, which is included in the farm upon which he lives. Eighty-six acres of the land were broken, but there were no fences or buildings, and his first worlc was to supply these deficiencies, and in the course of years he has wrought a great change, and has his place in a finely improved con- dition. When he began his building operations he bought the lumber in Chicago and had it ship- ped to Lane Station, as Rochelle was then called. He has erected a commodious, comfortable dwell- ing, a substantial barn and other outhouses for cattle and grain storage, has his farm well supplied with good machinery, and has it stocked with cat- tle, horses and swine of clioice breeds. He has added to his original purchase of land, and has now four hundred acres of good farming land, all under admirable cultivation. He has not become pros- perous without the struggles incidental to pioneer life, but he was strong both mentally and physi- cally, and has in a full degree that decision of char- acter that marks our self-made men, to which class he may justly claim to belong, and he was well able to cope with the hardships and trials that he had to confront in the early j-ears of his settlement here. He had to labor hard to place his land un- der cultivation, and in those days before the war the markets were poor, so that his harvests scarcely paid for"the care and time expended upon them. One year farm products were very low priced, and he sold his corn at the rate of ten cents a bushel, after paying two and one-half cents to have it shelled. When times changed for the better, as far as higher prices and greater demand for food sup- plies were concerned, he was quick to take advan tage of the markets, and in due time, as we have seen, became possessed of a goodly amount of property. He is not only one of the most substan- tial citizens of his township, but he is a man who is held in universal respect for his true manliness and upright bearing in all the relations that lie sustains towards others. While still a resident of his native State, Mr. Shippee contracted a marriage in his early manhood with Miss Phiann Millard, their wedding taking place January 1, 1854. They have seven children living, named Mary J., Johanna M.,Rosella, Rodella, Eva E., Henry C. and Edgar C. They have given them good educational advantages, and the three eldest daughters taught. school previous to their marriage; Rodella is a music teacher, Eva an artist, and Henry has recently been graduated from the High School at Rochelle. Mary J. is the wife of Andrew Fell; Johanna of T.H. Quick; and Rosella is the wife of William Leslie. Mrs. Shippee was born in Stanford, Vt., and is a daughter of Rufus Millard, who was also a native of that town, of which his father, James Millard, who was of New England birth, was one of the first settlers. He bought a tract of timber, from which he felled the trees, and in time hewed out a good farm from the wilderness, upon which he lived many years. His last daj'S, however, were spent near Waukegan, in this State. In early manhood he married Wealthy Clark, who died in Stanford, \t. Mrs. Shippee's father was reared on that old homestead in Vermont that was his birthplace, and his life, the greater part of which he passed in his native town, he devoted to farming, and also dealt in sheep an d wool. During his latter years he lived on his father-in-law's homestead in Clarksburg, Vt., and there both he and his wife died when well along in years. Her maiden name was Maria Blood. She was a native of Massachusetts, and a daughter of Silas and Polly Blood. GEORGE ORTGIESEN. Among those who have contributed to make this county one of the richest and best developed farming regions in the State, is Mr. George Ortgiesen, who forms the subject of this biographical review. South Dixon Township counts him one of her most prosperous farmers, and his large farm, located on sections 29 and 32, is comparable in all points with the best in the vicinity. Our subject was born over the sea in the King- dom of Hanover, Germany, July' 10th, 1843. His father, George Ortgiesen, Sr., was also a native of that kingdom, and came of German blood. His 594 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. father, a Hanoverian by birth, had died when he, the son, was very young. The latter grew up on a farm, and in due time married and settled down in life. His wife, Myra Newmann, who was born in Hanover, was of similar ancestry as himself, and she too lost her father when she was a small child. After the birth of all their eleven children, of whom four died in their native land, in childhood, George Ortgiesen, Sr., and his wife and seven surviving children sought a new liome on American soil, leaving the old country in the spring of 1857, on board the good ship "Orpheus," which sailed from Bremerhaven, and arrived at New York on the lOth of the following June, after a prosperous voy- age of five weeks and four daj'S. From that city the family came to Dixon, and one year later Mr. Ortgiesen began to farm in South Dixon Township, wliere he and his wife subsequently died at a good old age, the father being seventj'^-two when he died in 1874, and the mother seventy-four at the time of her death, four years later. Brought up in the faith of the Lutheran Church, they always re- mained in the fold, and were valued members of the church of that denomination, with which they connected themselves in this county. Our subject is the youngest but one of the six children who are yet living of the large family born to his parents. He was a bright, active lad of fourteen years when the family came to this county, and here he grew to manood, learning the lessons in farming that have been of use to him since he became a farmer on his own account, and at the same time acquiring those habits of diligence and careful attention to business details that are a part of the secret of his success in life. With the exception of a year or two in the city of Dixon, and two years in Whiteside County, his life, since coming to the United States, has been spent in South Dixon Township, where he has made a name and a jjlace for himself as a farmer of rare skill. He made his first purchase of land here in 1866. It consisted of one hundred and twenty acres of unbroken prairie land. He set himself courageously to the pioneer task of reclaiming it from nature, and not only placed that under good improvement but bought other land and in time became the possessor of three hundred and twenty acres of as fine farming property as is to be found in the township. He has erected a good class of farm buildings, and the new residence recently completed is a model of comfort and convenience in its arrangements and furnishings. The marriage of Mr. Ortgiesen with Miss Mar- garet Levan took place in this township. Mrs. Ortgiesen is a native of Northern Prussia, born October 5, 1849, in the vineyard district, not far from the River Rhine, and near the French border. She is the eldest daughter and child of Jacob Le- van, of whom see biography. She was but a child when she accompanied her parents to their new home in the far-away western wilds of America, and she was reared and educated in this township. She is the mother of twelve children, all of whom are at home with their parents, and are named as follows: Minnie G., Jane A., Margaret, George F., Clara, Jacob W., Charles, Nellie, Daniel, Burton, Walter and a baby unnamed. Mr. Ortgiesen 's politics are of the Democratic order. In religious matters he upholds the Lu- theran faith, he aad his good wife attending the church of that denomination, and giving gene- rously of their means to help pay its running expenses. They arc -large of heart, pleasant and obliging in manner, and their neighbors regard them highl}'. ETER L. BRECUNIA comes of one of the pioneer families of Lee County, where most of his life has been passed, and to-day he stands among the most noted farmers and stock-raisers who have been so largely instrumen- tal in its upbuilding. His farm, which is highly improved, is advantageously located on section 31, Ashton Township. Pennsylvania is the native State of our subject, and February 14, 1834, the date of his birth in Huntingdon County. His father was Daniel Bre- cunia, and it is thought that he was born in Wash- ington County, Md. He married Christina King, who is supposed to have been a native of the same PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 595 county as her son, our subject. They began their ■wedded life in that county, but subsequently removed to Bedford County. They lived there nine years, but in the spring of 1849 they made still another move, and, coming to Illinois, located in Franklin Grove, Lee County, whence they came to Ashton Township two j'ears later, and this was their home until death closed their mor- tal careers. Peter Brecunia was the fourth in order of birth of the ten children born to his worthy parents, and he was a lad of fifteen years when he accom- panied them to their pioneer home in this county. He remained with them until he married, when he settled on the farm on section 31, Ashton Town- ship, on which he has resided ever since. He has ' always given his attention to agriculture, has a thorough knowledge of the best methods of carr}-- ing it on profitably, and is conceded to be one of the best farmers in the township. He has two hundred acres of land in Iowa, besides his valuable homestead here, which comprises two hundred and thirty-four .'icres of land under admirable tillage, and provided with commodious buildings, of a modern appropriate style of architecture, every- thing about the place betokening superior manage- ment and unremitting care on the part of the owner. Our subject was married in Bradford Township, February 22, 1863, to Miss Susan M., daughter of Jacob and Hannah (Foreman) Riddelsbarger. The father was born in Franklin Countj', Pa., and the mother near Hagerstown , Md. In 1845 they came to Illinois, and after spending a few months in Oregon, became pioneer settlers of China Town- ship, where he died. The mother is living at an advanced age. Mrs. Brecunia was the third in a family of four children, and she was born near Hagerstown, Md., May 25, 1843. Her marriage with our subject has been productive of mutual happiness, and has brought them two children, Quinby A. and Bj^ron L. < iuinby is the proprietor of the Franklin Grove Creamery. Mr. Brecunia has a strong, independent, self- reliant nature, and is quite capable of acting and thinking for himself, as is demonstrated by his successful career. At the same time he is not un- mindful of his obligations towards others, as a true Christian gentleman, and is accommodating and neighborly in his intercourse with his fellow- citizens, and always ready to do another a favor. He has not taken an active part in politics, but is a member of the Republican party, and one of its truest adJierents in this township. Both he and his wife are sincerely religious, and are members of the Dunkard Church. \mm DOLPH FRENZEL is numbered among the enterprising and successful business men of Dixon who is engaged in carrying on a meat market on the corner of First and Peoria Streets and where he has been estab- lished since 1866. This gentleman not only deals in meats of all kinds, but also in live stock, doing quite a business in this line. He had formerly been in business on his own account in Chicago, and also worked in Louisville, Ky., as a "jour." By persistent industry and close economy he has made his own fortune since coming to Dixon, as he lost all he had in Chicago. This gentleman is one of the many in this coun- try who had their birth across the sea, he having been born in Saxe-Weimar, Germany, in 1835. He comes from pure German ancestry. His parents lived and died in their native county and the father followed the trade of a butcher in which he was reasonably successful. Our subject and his twin brother, Henrj', came to the United States in 1861, and Henry died some years later in Chicago, leaving a wife and one child. This gentleman received but meager edu- cational advantages and soon learned the trade of a butcher with his father and at the early age of sixteen years he set out from liome working at his trade. He then served his country as a regular soldier for some years when he did journeyman work at his tra^~ ■ I> y ' I \ fi ^ I >■ } n« I < 'jfjOHN McKINSTRY, one of the prominent men of the county, formerly identified with its mercantile interests, but now liv- ing retired, occupies an important place in the history of this section of the State as a founder of Nelson, a station on the Northwestern Railway, where he has made his home many years. He was born in Livingston, Columbia County, N. Y., May 22, 1821. His grandfather. Col. John McKinstry, was a native of the North of Ireland, and was a descendant of Scotch-Irish ancestry. He came to America when a young man, and was af towards captured by that remarkable Indian chief. Brant, and was to be burned at the stake. He happily thought of showing that he was a Mason by mak- ing the signs of his order, and when the chief noticed his signs he at once interfered with the active preparations that were going forward to roast him alive, and commanded his release. The Colonel and the dusky warrior became fast friends, and often visited each other. It was during the Revolution that this episode occurred, and Col. McKinstry was serving in the Continental Army at the time. He was a valiant and efficient sol- dier, and received his title and promotion to be one of the leading officers of his regiment on ac- count of his undaunted bravery in battle and mer- itorious conduct. After the Revolution he set- tled on a farm near Hudson, N. Y., and there lived to be an old man. He was a Protestant in reli- gion, and was a prominent man in his county. He had married before he left his native island — Miss Elizabeth Knox, who was also of Scotch blood and Irish birth, becoming his wife. Tliey reared a large family of children, eight in number, to good and useful lives. The father of our subject, John McKinstry, Jr., was born in Columbia County, N. Y., August 5, 1777. He passed his early life there, and in his younger daj^s was a sailor for three years. He was married in the county of his nativity to Miss Sal- ome Root, who was born among the hills of Berk- shire County, Mass., and came of an old Bay State family. Her father, Joshua Root, was also of Massachusetts birth, and was a patriotic soldier through the Revolution. He died in the city of Hudson, N. Y., in the fullness of time, being four- score years of age at the time of his demise. He married Miss A. Catlin, who died in Berkshire County, when sixty years of age, some years be- fore her husband's death occurred. After mariiage, John McKinstrj- and wife spent their remaining years in Columbia County, N. Y., he dying Sep- tember 30, 1840, at the age of sixty-nine years. His wife afterwards came to Illinois with their son of whom we write, and died at his home in 1872, at the age of seventy-eight years. She was na- turally rather slender and delicate in physique, but, notwithstanding, lived to an advanced age, was active to I he last, and retained her early mental vigor in a remarkable degree until the end. She was a member of the Episcopal Church, while the father was for many years a prorhinent and active worker in the Universalist Church. He was identified with the Whigs in politics, and his ability and intelligence made him a leader in Jiis community. Our subject and his brother Sloane, a farmer in Nelson Township, are the only children now liv- ing born to their mother. By a former marriage, their father had one son, named Robert, who is one of the largest fruit-growers in the United States, located at Hudson, N. Y. John McKinstry left his early home in 1857 to find a new field for 616 PORTKAIT AND BIOGEAPHICAL RECORD. his energies in the great Prairie State, which was then considered to be not far from the Western frontier. He started the town of Nelson as a station on the Nortliwestern Railway, six and one- half miles from Dixon, it being a mere tract of wild uninhabited prairie at the time, and often during the night the howling of the wolves would salute his ears, while wild game was to be had in abundance not far away. He has lived to see many wonderful changes wrought in the face of the country since he first settled here, much of the land being converted from its original state to smiling farms, while busj', bustling towns have sprung up in all directions where there were but few evidences of an approaching civilization when he first came here to join the pioneers of the early days of the settlement of the county. He has been very active in bringing about the improve- ments that make it a wealthj^ and highly devel- oped region, where commerce and manufactures flourish. Immediately upon locating at Nelson, Mr. Mc- Kinstry opened a store, and for many j-ears sold goods here to the farmers of the surrounding coun- try, besides consigning their grain for them at the station, of which he was the agent from 1857 until 1877, a period of twenty years. He established a postofHce here in 1858 for the convenience of the people in the village and outlying districts, and had it under his charge until five or six years ago, with the exception of three years. Besides doing the business for the farming community, he has also helped in the management of public affairs as a member of the Lee County Board of Supervisors, which office he held four years in the interests of Nelson Township. He has never neglected an op- portunity to promote the welfare of his adopted county, and has always shown a wise public spirit in lending his influence to those schemes best calculated to advance the highest interests of this section. He possesses a vigorous mind, is well-informed, and is abreast of the times. He is widely and well-known in this part of the countr}^ and has many friends. When our subject came to Nelson he was an un- married man, but he subsequently contracted a matrimonial alliance the 29th of March, 1871, with Miss Hattie Landis, a native of Lancaster County, Pa., and a daughter of Abraham and Maria (Pickle) Landis. Her parents were also Pennsylvanians, and they lived in their native State until after the birth of their children, except the youngest, who was born when they came to Illinois. They settled in Sterling in 1847, and there Mrs. Landis died in 1873, and in 1890 Mr. Landis closed his eyes in death, at the age of eighty-three years. They were people of solid worth, and were mem- bers of the Mennonite Church. |7 YSANDER CYRENO SAWYER, who re- I (^ sides on section 6, Lee Center Township, jlj --^ was born in Clark County, Ohio, January' 11, 1818, and is a twin brother of L. Cyrenus Sawyer, of whom see sketch in another part of this volume. He came to Illinois with his par- ents, and remained at home until he was eight- een yeeas old, when he staried out in life by him- self. He worked for other people, and was also employed in improving his claim, located on sec- tion 1, Amboy Township. He also worked one winter in the lead mines in Jo Daviess County. He then traded his claim for a farm in China Township, on which he settled, and where he lived almost fifteen years, then purchased the farm where he now lives, and which comprises fifty acres. He has here made good improvements, and has his farm in first-class shape. In 1850, Mr. Sawyer, in common with so many of the Western people, was attacked by the gold fever, going overland to California with an ox- team, the journey occupying six months' time. He remained in California about two years, dur- ing which he 'had the usual varied experience of the seekers after gold. He was ill a good part of the time, and on this account was not so success- ful as he might otherwise have been. He returned by way of the Isthmus and came very near being drowned, as the steamer on which he embarked at San Francisco was unseaworthy, but they suc- ceeded in reaching Acapulco, when the vessel m '=5? ?^!ip. 4. .■2 f n # "■'s't d. From these records a history of the Lawrence fam- ily has been drawn out, from which it appears that the first of the family of whom there is any record is the crusader, Sir Robert, who accompanied Rich- ard Cceur de Leon to Palestine, and for services there (1191) was created Knight Baronet, granted lands and a coat-of-arms — a red cross, in the jargon of heraldry called a cross reguley gules, on a field azure, and the motto. In Cnice Salus — Salvation in the Cross; this has ever been the totem, as the Indians would call it, of a large family. James Lawrence, of Ashland Hall, Lancashire (1153) maried Matilda, daughter and heiress of John de Washington, of Washington, Lancashire, England, and quartered the heiress's arms with his. Thus the Lawrence arms contain the stars and bars from which the American flag was taken. Sir Henry Lawrence (1623) of St. Ives, Huntingdon, was president of the Privy Council to his friend and neighbor, Oliver Cromwell. On the restoration of Charles II one of his sous settled in Huntingdon, L. I., and is the ancestor of the many prominent New York Lawrences; another son, John, emi- grated to Jamaica in 1675, where he obtained large possessions and is the ancestor of the Jamaica Lawrences. His will is dated May 10, 1690. The estate of Fairfield, where he first settled, is still in the hands of the English branch, now represented by Hon. William Frederick Lawrence, of Cowes- fleld House, member of Parliament for Liverpool. The Lawrences are thus identified with the earliest English settlement of Jamaica. On the mother's side Mr. Lawrence is also con- nected with the earliest settlement of Jamaica, Capt. Jolin Ricketts, of Cromwell's army, having accompanied Admirals Penn and Venables in the expedition sent by Cromwell (1655) against Jam- aica and took part in its capture from the Spaniards. For his services he received a large grant of land and the estate of Ridgland, the earliest home of the family, remained in their possession until 1826. For his father's services in this expedition,William Penn, after suing many years at court, in curled locks and velvet doublet, received fi'om James II the grant of Pennsylvania. Col. William Ricketts, son of the Capt. John above mentioned, went to New Jersey about 1670, where he married Miss Ogden, daughter of the first patentee of Elizabeth- town, and became possessed of a large property there, on which his descendants resided until 1840. Elizabethtown, in the early part of the present century, was a very gay and fashionable place, many of the leading inhabitants liaving been prominent in military or civil employments dur- ing the Revolutionary War, and the town was a favorite city of refuge for the French emigrants. In the old church yard of St. Mathew's Church, there are still to be seen the tombstones covering the graves of many of the noblest names of France. Mr. Lawrence's grandfather, James Ricketts, mar- ried Sarah, daughter of Peter VanBurgh Liv- ingston, fourth Lord of Livingston Manor, New York, and his wife, Sarah Alexander, a sister of Lord Stirling. Mr. Livingston was the elder brother of Philip Livingston, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence,' and William Livingston, for many years Governor of New Jer- sey during the Revolutionary War. The first President Harrison made a run-away marriage with a granddaugliter of William Livingston. The Livingstons are connected by marriage with most of the New Y'ork families prominent in the early history of the country, the Jaj'S, Schuylers, YanCourtlandts, YanRensselaers, Waltons, etc., and were themselves ardent patriots, VanBurgh Livingston having sacrificed a large part of his PORTEAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 625 fortunes in the struggle for Independence. INIr. Lawrence's family history is thus connected witli the early history both of the United States and Jamaica. Personally, Mr. Lawrence is a highly educated and refined gentleman, a worthy descendant of his renowned ancestors. He is of a literary turn of mind and has written extensively for various periodicals, one of his articles on practical farming securing a valuable prize offered by an agricultural paper. % OHN P. MESEROLE, who has been a resi- dent of Dixon for several years, was for- merly a prominent contractor and builder of Long Island, doing an extensive busi- ness in the city of New York. He was born at Greenpoint, Long Island, N. Y., May 13, 1821, and is descended from an ancient French Hugue- not family, the first of his ancestors to come to America arriving here in the seventeenth century, being one of the first settlej-s of Long Island. The father of our subject, Jacob Meserole, and his grandfather, John Meserole, were both born on Long Island. The latter served an apprenticeship to a cabinet maker in his youth, but we are not told whether he ever worked at the trade on his own account. When the Revolution of the American colonists broke out, he took his place in the ranks with his fellow-countrymen to fight for freedom from British oppression. He was subse- quently captured by the enemy and pressed into service on board of a man-of-war. He early took advantage of an opportunity to escape, and rowed across the river to Manhattan Island, where he arrived in safety, though he was fired upon dur- ing his passage. For many years after that he had charge of the toll gate at Wallabout Bridge, Brooklyn, near the navy yard. He spent his last years at Guaness, which now forms a part of Brooklyn, dying at eighty. The father of our subject was for many years a pilot on the Grand Street Ferry, New York, but he finally turned his attention to farming and gardening on Long Island, in which he did a lucra- tive business. He died at Flushing, at the vener- able ago of eighty-six years. In early manhood, he married Mahala Post, who was also a native of Long Island, was a daughter of Richard Post, a Quaker. She died at Astoria, Long Island, aged sixty years. He of whom we write received a sound educa- tion, and at the age of seventeen began to turn his aptitude for mechanics to account by learning the trade of a carpenter and builder at Astoria. He served an apprenticeship of three years and was thoroughly grounded in all that pertains to his chosen calling. He then worked at it for some years for others in New York and on his native island, and after that experience became a con- tractor and builder in his own right. As he always did good work, keeping fully up to the agreement in all particulars, and was prompt and methodical in carrying on his business, it grew and prospered, and in time he had all that he could control. He was very successful in handling large contracts, and was known as one of the most careful and reliable men in his line. He had his residence in Astoiia, Long Island, and while many of his orders came from that quarter and from different parts of the island, he often took large contracts in New York City, and his reputation for abilitj' was such that he was appointed general superintendent of the work when the improvement of Hell Gate was commenced. His business netted him a handsome income, and he accumulated a fortune sufficient for all his wants. In 1877 he came to Dixon to make his permanent residence in this attractive city, and his liigh character and pleasant social qualities have won for him the warm esteem of all with whom he associates. Mr. Meserole was first married in April, 1846, to Miss Emily Vandervort. She spent her entire life on Long Island, her death taking place there in 1871. She was the mother of these four children: John v., William F., Jacob A. and Warren C. In 1874 our subject was married to Mrs. Julia M. (Merriman) Beckett, his preseat estimable wife. Mr. Meserole is a Democrat of the purest type, and while a resident of Long Island City figured in its public life as a member of its Board of Alder- 626 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. men. He was formerlj' for many years one of the leading members of the Reformed Church, which he served as Deacon and Trustee. After coming to Dixon, there being no church of that denomina- tion in the city, he united with the Presbyterian Church, of which his wife is also a member, and they are liberal in their contributions for its sup- port. 1 [AMES E. GRAY, Postmaster of Lee Centre and Collector of Lee Township, has an en- viable record as a soldier of the late war ^^ and bears the scars of wounds received during that struggle. His father, John Gray, was born in Ireland, and his mother, whose maiden iiame was Mary Powell, is a native of Wales. They came to Illinois in 1842 and to Lee Centre Town- ship in 1849, where they spent the remainder of their lives, the mother dying in 1866 and the fa- ther in July, 1888. They were the parents of ten children, of whom our subject was the ninth in order of birth. James E. Gray was born in London, Outario, December 15, 1841. When he was five months old, his parents removed to Ogle County, 111., where he lived until 1849, coming with his parents in the spring of that year to this county and settling in Lee Centre Township, where he grew to manhood. He was educated in the common schools and spent his youth upon the farm. He enlisted, April 18, 1861, in Company C, Thirteenth Illinois Infantry, being the first man in Lee Centre Township to en- roll his name. He remained in this company and regiment for three years and was then mustered out of the service at Springfield, 111., October 8, 1864; he re-enlisted in the Seventh Illinois Cav- alry and served one year, being mustered out at Tuscumbia, Ala. He took part in the following- battles: the seige of Vicksburg in December, 1862; Arkansas Post, Lookout Mountain, Ringgold Gap, Mission Ridge. At the battle of Chickasaw he was wounded in the left shoulder and left on the field for dead. During the siege of Vicksburg he re- ceived another wound, just above the left knee. On leaving the army Mr. Gray returned to Lee Centre Township and engaged in farming, but soon afterward removed to Blaekhawk County, Iowa, where he remained for six years, carrying on a farm and also operating a steam sawmill. After spending some time in different States, he again returned to Lee Centre and was engaged princi- pally in farming until appointed Postmaster, April 17, 1889. He has also held the office of Col- lector for some nine years. Mr. Gray was married in Amboy, 111., to Anna Cliristopher, who was born in Staten Island, N. Y., and died in Lee Centre Township, July 6, 1881. One son, John C, was the only child born to this couple. Mr. Gray is a member of the Masonic fi-aternity and is a man highly esteemed for his many good qualities. He makes a good public official, serving both the interests of the Govern- ment and those of his fellow-citizens with much ability. Mr. Gray contracted a second marriage March 4, 1890, Mrs. Alpha M. Fox, nee Lewis, be- coming the bride. IMrs. Gray at the time of her marriage was the widow of M. Fox, a soldier in the late war. -^=^5; ""• ^-vSl i>'^^ I ? I ' I I 1 I I Wl ACOB WEBTMAN. In the twilight of an honored life this venerable resident of Na- ehuSa Township, whose pleasant home was situated on section 4, closed his eyes upon the scenes of earthly toil and usefulness and passed to the great beyond, January 23, 1892. Esteemed in life, in death he was sincerely mourned and among his many acquaintances there was not one who did not realize that in the death of this citizen the township had lost one of its most act- ive residents, and his family and friends one who was ever devoted to their happiness. The Wertman family is of German origin and was established in this country by the grand- 31 father of our subject, Michael Wertman, who when a young man emigrated from the Father- land and settled in Bucks County, Pa. After- ward he removed to Columbia County, where he secured a large tract of land and improved a fine farm, upon which he spent his last days, his death, however, occurring at the home of his son Daniel. His widow survived him some years and passed away in Columbia County. They were faithful members of the Lutheran Church and highly esteemed for their splendid endow- ments of heart and mind. The second child in the familj^ was Henry, fa- ther of our subject, who was born in Columbia County, and passed his childhood there and in Bucks County. In the last-named county he was married to Miss Anna M. Krymmin, a native of Bucks County, who belonged to an old Pennsylva- nia-Dutch family, Presbyterians in their religious belief and farmers by occupation. After residing for a number of years in Bucks Countj', Henry "Wertman and his wife removed to Columbia County, where they secured a farm and resided for many years. Their last days were spent with their son, Henry, Jr., the father dying September 6, 1867, at the age of eighty-four years, and the mother departing this life November 16, 1859, aged seventy-four years. He was a member of the Lutheran Church, and she held membership with the Presbyterian Church. This worthy couple had a family of five sons and five daughters, all of whom were married and had families of their own. Of the number three sons and three daugh- ters are yet living. Our subject is the second in order of birth and was born in Hemlock Township, Columbia County, Pa., upon his father's farm, November 11, 1811. His boyhood was passed in the usual routine of farm labor, but desiring to pursue some other avocation, he learned the trade of a carpenter in his youth. Hoping to better his financial condi- tion by a removal to the new and rapidly grow- ing West, he came to Lee County, 111., in 1838, and in Dixon followed his trade for some years, or until his marriage, which was celebrated in Dixon Township. The lady of his choice was Miss Mary E. Shell- 630 POETEAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. bammer, a native of Columbia County, Pa., born August 15, 1830. Her parents, Solomon and Jane (Buckaloo) Shellliamnier, were also natives of the same county. Tlie paternal ancestors came from Prussia, Germany, and settled in that community in an early day. There the grandfather of Mrs. Wertman lived and died, his life occupation being that of farming. Six children were born unto Solomon Shellhammer and his wife in Columbia County, Pa., after which, in the spring of 1837, they emigrated Westward with teams and covered wagons to Dixon, 111. At night they camped along the waj'side, and after traveling for eight weeks arrived at their destination on the 21st of June. The father had followed wagon-making in the Blast, but after locating in Lee County secured land from the Government near White Rock, in Dixon Township, where he developed a farm. Some years later he purchased land in Nachusa Township, where he lived one year. He then made his home with our subject until his death April 28, 1879, at the age of eighty-two. His wife had passed away November 21, 1854, when fifty years of age. They were members ef the Methodist Church, and throughout the commu- nity were held in the highest regard. Mr. Shell- hammer made the first plow in Lee County, the implement having a wooden mold-loard, . steel shear and iron land-slide. With the early his- tory of the community he had been prominently identified, and lived to see the many changes which transformed the county from a barren wilderness to one of the best counties in the State. In the Shellhammer family were eight children, seven of whom are yet living. All are residents of the West, are married and have fami- lies, and two now reside in Lee County. John T. and C. K. are mechanics; Jesse B. is living in Clayton County, Iowa. He and his brother Jo- seph, of Dixon, were soldiers in the late war, during which the latter was wounded and taken prisoner. He now receives a pension in recogni- tion of his services. Mrs. Wertman is the fourth in order of birth. She was carefully reared and has been a true and loving wife and mother. The Wertman house- hold numbers four children, the eldest of whom, Charles H., wedded Sarah Courtwright, and is now engaged in farming near Milford, Seward County, Neb.; Thomas J. married Lucetta Haiisen and is farming in Villisca, Iowa; Alice M. is the wife of Warren P. Dysart, a resident farmer of China Township; and Will L. married Miss Kate Smith, of Keedysville, Washington County, Md., and operates the homestead farm. The Wertman family is one widely' and favorably known through- out this community and the various members are held in the highest regard by many friends. Their lives have been well and worthily spent and naught can be said against them. GEORGE MALACH, whose pleasant home is on section 14, Sublette Township, has ac- quired wealth by farming and stock-raising, and is among the foremost men of his call- ing in the county. He is a native of Germany, born November 1, 1880, at Oberhelberebeim, near the famous Bingen on the Rhine, and he grew to manhood amid the beautiful scenery of his native province. His parents were John Philip and Anna Maria (Silles) Malach. His father was a baker, and also tilled the soil, owning a few acres of land. At the age of sixty-seven years, he had to sufl'er the amputation of one of his legs on account of disease, but notwithstanding he was so old, he re- covered from the effects of it, and lived some seven years longer, dying in the land of his birth at the age of seventy-four. His wife lived to be very old, being eighty-seven when she died. They were true and faithful members of the Roman Catholic Church. They had eight children, of whom only three grew up; our subject, the eldest, being the only one to come to America. John Jacob and Margaret still reside in Germany. He of whom we write received a good educa- tion in the excellent schools of his native land, which he attended until he was eighteen years old. He learned the trade of a baker from his father, and at the age of twenty-two, in 1852, he em- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 631 barked on a ship at Havre, and sailed awaj' for tlie New World in the flush and vigor of the opening years of a stalwart manhood in quest of whatever fortune might have to offer him in this country with its immense resources and great possibili- ties. A. voyage of forty-five days on the ocean brought him to New Orleans, where he worked at his trade for two years. He then came to Lee County to visit some cousins. He did not like country life, and made several trips to Chicago, in search of work sis a baker, but could not obtain satisfactory wages. He then wisely concluded to do whatsoever his hands could find to do to earn an honest living, and hired out as a farm laborer. Mr. Malach worked steadily, and by frugally saving his earnings, in a few short years became independent, and in 1863, purchased eighty acres of land that he had previously rented. He has dis- played remarkable push and enterprise in the con- duct of his affairs, and from that small beginning has increased the acreage of his landed property to seven hundred and twenty acres, in Sublette Township, which is divided into three farms, and he has besides land in other States. Each farm is provided with a good set of buildings, and the land is well cultivated, and Mr. Malach derives a handsome revenue from them. Fortune also favored our subject in the selection of a wife, as by his marriage in 1859 to Miss Cath- erine Krebs, he secured the active co-operation of a capable helpmate. She was born within twenty miles of his birthplace, and came to this country' with her parents, John and Theressa Krebs, who have been welcome inmates of the home of their daughter and son-in-law since 1859. Mr. and Mrs. Malach have seven children, namely: Mary T., wife of George Louer; John P., George A. F., Elizabeth, Catherine L., Christina Emma, and Orthmer Wil- liam. Mr. Malach inherited some property in Germany, but much of his fortune is the result of his own well-directed efforts in carrying out his undertak- ings. He has not only been an important agent in the upbuilding of this part of the county, but he has had a hand in the administration of local public affairs as an incumbent of some of the town- ship offices, and he has generously aided every plan for public improvement. He takes an intelli- gent interest in the politics of his adopted country, and is a stalwart Democrat. In religion, he has al- ways held to the Roman Catholic faith in which he was reared by pious parents. eHARLES T. DAVENPORT, of Willow Creek Township, has passed the most of his life in Lee County, and occupies an honorable place among its thrifty and enterprising young farmers and stock raisers. He was born in An- gelica, AUeganj' County, N. Y., December 30, 1858, and is a son of D wight Davenport, a pros- perous farmer of this section. The latter is a na- tive of Harpersfield, Delaware County, N. Y. When he was twelve years of age lie went to live with an uncle in Angelica, and there grew to man- hood. He attended school quite regularly and ob- tained a good education. When not in school he clerked in his uncle's store, and was thus engaged until 1858. In that year he started out in the world, and making his way to this part of the country, after visiting different parts of the State, selected Willow Creek Township as a desirable place to locate. He bought a tract of wild prairie, and. in 1859 removed his family to their new home. At the time of purchase, his land was not under cultivation, and there were no buildings on the place. By steady industry he has wrought a great change, and now has his farm well tilled and amply provided with good buildings. In the up- building of his home he has had the valuable as- sistance of a helpful wife. Her maiden name was Margaret Heckman, and she is a native of Ithaca, N. Y. He of whom we write is the only child of his parents, and he was but an infant when they brought him to Lee County, where he has ever since lived. He was given good educational ad- vantages, gaining his early acknowledge of the common branches of instruction in the local dis- trict school, and subsequently pursuing a good course of study in the seminary at East Paw Paw. When not in school, he assisted his father on the 632 PORTEAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. farm, and has always resided on the old homestead, affording his father valuable help in its manage- ment, and showing himself to be a thoroughly prac- tical farmer. He is a young man of good habits and personal character, and stands well among his associates. He takes an intelligent interest in politics, and is a stalwart Republican. Mr. Davenport and Miss Mary Stubbs, a native of Willow Creek Township, united their lives in a happ3^ marriage January 25, 1881. To them have been born two children, whom they have named Lena M. and Barbara E. Mrs. Davenport is a sincere Christian, and a member of the Pres- byterian Church. Mrs. Davenport is a daughter of Andrew Stubbs, a well-known citizen of this township. He was born in Hartford, Oxford County, Me., March 11, 1822. His father, Nathaniel Stubbs, was also a na- tive of Maine, and was a son of one Jonathan Stubbs, a pioneer farmer of Oxford County, where he spent his last years. Mrs. Davenport's grand- father was reared on the old homestead in Maine, and, with the exception of one year spent in Illi- nois, passed his entire life in Oxford County, where he died about 1870. The maiden name of his wife was Sophia Allen, and she was a native of the same town as himself. Her father was of Eng- lish birth and breeding, and came to this country as a soldier in the British Army during the Amer- ican Revolution. He sympathized with the Col- onists in their struggle for freedom, and, deserting from the army, he settled in the town of Hartford, Me., as one of its pioneers. He bought a tract of timber land, cleared a farm, and resided there until his demise. His wife also died in Oxford County, her death occurring in 1865 at an ad- vanced age. Andrew Stubbs lived in his native count}'^ until he was twenty years of age, when he went to New Bedford, Mass., where he shipped on a whaler. He went on a cruise across the Pacific Ocean, and did not return to New England until after a voyage of four years and two months. He made two sub- sequent cruises, one of three years and ten months and one of three years' duration. Wearying of a sea-faring life, he determined to settle on land, and in July, 1853, he came to this State, where there was plenty of it obtainable at a reasonable price. He bought a tract ou section 34, Willow Creek Township, but a few months later he sold it and purchased apart of section 27, the same township, thus becoming the possessor of a tract of wild prairie, which he has since developed into a good farm, planting it with fruit and shade trees, and otherwise adorning the place, besides erecting suitable buildings and still making it his home. Mrs. Davenport's parents were united in mar- riage August 24, 1850. Her mother's maiden name was Lucinda Gunn. She was born in the town of CoUinwood, Cuyahoga County, Ohio, Majf 4, 1832. Her father, Horace Gunn, was a na- tive of Massachusetts, and a son of Elijah Gunn, who spent his last years in Maumee, Ohio. Mrs. Stubbs' father went to Ohio with his parents in early pioneer times, when the State was but spar- sely settled, and there was but one house on the present site of Cleveland. He bought land in what is now CoUinwood, and built a home there, in which he resided some years. He then removed to Indiana, and lived in that State awhile, but sub- seqiiently returned to Williams County, Ohio, where his earthly pilgrimage was brought to a close. The maiden name of his wife, who was a native of Connecticut, was Annie Pritchard. She died at CoUinwood, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Stubbs have eight children living, as follows: Elizabeth, wife of George Hinkley; Charles A., Beniamin, Almon, Mary, Albert, Ida and Wealthy. Mrs. Stubbs is a devoted Christian and a member of the United Brethren Church. Mr. Stubbs is sound in his political views, and a stanch Republican. "^ ^+# [3_ f I SRAEL R. PATTERSON, A striking illustra- I tion of the power of patient purpose is furn- Ji ishcd b}^ the life of this gentleman, who is an attorney and Justice of the Peace at Amboy. He is one of the persevering citizens who have made Lee County what it is to-day, and is eminent in his own community for his unflinching integrity as a judge and his commendable public spirit as a cit- izen. Although he has had to combat against PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAfHlCAL RECORD. 633 physical weakness and poverty during much of his life, he at no time allowed adverse circumstances to daunt his strong will, and as the result of his industry and determination has achieved success. James Patterson, father of our subject, was born in Washington County, Pa., and in his young manhood emigrated to Ohio. He first resided in Morgan County, where he was married to Miss Clarissa Ross, a native of the Buckeye State. Sub- sequently he made his home in other places, but finally located permanently in Morgan County, near the line of Muskingum County. Duringnearly all the years of his life he lived on a farm, but gave his attention to other pursuits, being engaged upon public works or in building railroads. The children born of this union numbered ten, of whom eight attained to mature years. The third in this family was Israel R.,who was born in Morgan County, Ohio, February 24, 1836, and passed his early life on his father's farm. Al- though his youth was passed on a farm, he never tilled the soil but engaged in other avocations. His education was received in the common schools of the district in which he lived and was some- what limited. In 1855 he went to Mainland and Virginia and engaged in railroading; from there, in 1857, he came to Amboy and here he supple- mented his previous education by attendance at private schools. He soon became a locomotive engineer on the Illinois Central Railroad and for several years was on a passenger run. His misfor- tune came in 1870, on the 8th of February; when his train was nearing the station at La Salle, his engine left the track and although he was the only one hurt, his injuries were severe, causing the loss of one limb and otherwise mangling his body. On account of these injuries, Mr. Patterson was obliged to leave the road and earn a livelihood in other pursuits. He became a dealer in coal, hay and live stock, and so continued until 1877, at which date he was elected Justice. The duties of this oflace he has discharged satisfactorily and his industry is proved by the fact that since his elec- tion he has read law and has been admitted to the bar. His political belief brings him into affiliation with the Democratic party, to the principles of which he stanchly adheres. The Masonic frater- nity numbers him among its members .and he is prominent in social circles. In his religious belief he is a free-thinker and maint.ains independence in religious thought. Mr. Patterson was married, February 22, 1859, to Sarah R., daughter of Henry and Hepsiba Stew- art. Mrs. Patterson was born in Chemung County, N. Y., whence she removed with her parents to Michigan and later came to Amboy. Seven chil- dren have been granted to Mr. and Mrs. Patterson, namely: Oscar E., a railroad man; George II., con- ductor on the Illinois Central Railroad; Anna and Addie, twins; Henry, Hattie and Walter, who are still under the parental roof. In the growth of Amboy Mr. Patterson has the most intense interest and has contributed no little to effect this most desirable result. ♦=s»^» J [^ VERETr E. CHASE. The ordinary, every- «] day life, with its duties and cares, affords , II-^ . splendid opportunity for acquiring practi- cal experience, and its most common high road gives to the true worker available openings toward success. The honored position occupied by Mr. Chase in social and business circles is not the result of accidental fortune, but has been secured by tireless energy and honorable dealings with all. During a period of thirty-six years he has resided in Amboy, where he is at present (1892) serving as Justice of the Peace, and has heretofore occupied other positions of honor and trust. The ancestors of Mr. Chase were among the Puritans of New England, where various repre- sentatives of the family still reside. Simpson Chase, father of our subject, was a mason by trade, and for a number of years was engaged in con- tracting and building. One hand becoming dis- abled, he gave up his trade, and during the remain- der of his life was engaged as a grocer in Providence, R. I. In that city he resided during the greater portion of his life and until he passed away, at the age of fifty-six years. His wife, whose maiden name was Rebecca Goff, survived him many years, 634 POETRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. and attained to the great age of seventy-six years. The worthy couple held membership iu the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which they were earnest workers. The subject of this biographical notice was one of nine children, of whom five attained to their majority. He was born in Pawtucket, R. I., Sep- tember 27, 1840, and was the recipient of excellent advantages during his youth. Of the family to which he belongs, only two members survive be- sides himself: his sisters, Rebecca E. and Elizabeth J., both of whom reside in Providence, R. I. An elder brother, Newton S., came to Amboy soon after this place was started, and engaged in business as a merchant tailor until his death. Charles, a younger brother, was a fine musician, but died when a young man. After completing the course of instruction in the schools of Providence, our subject came to Amboy in 1856, when sixteen years old. His first employment was in clerking in his brother's merchant tailoring establishment, and later he was engaged as Deputy Postmaster for a short time. Again Mr. Chase was employed as a clerk and as Deputy Postmaster, and some time later, in con- nection with the latter position, he became a part- ner in a book and stationery business. In 1864 he enlisted in the United States sei'vice as a private in Company A, Eleventh Illinois Infantry. He served one jear, being principally on detached duty and doing clerical work. After the war he was not in any regular business until 1868, when he entered the emplo.y of the Illinois Central Rail- road, as clerk in the office of the Superintendent, a position which he held until 1875. He then engaged in the live stock business for two years, until his election to the position of Jiistice of the Peace. He has since served in this capacity with the exception of four years (from 1885 to 1889) when he was not engaged in any special work. In 1867 Mr. Chase was married to Miss Mollie, daughter of John C. Jacobs. Mrs. Mollie Chase died in 1868, and seven years later Mr. Chase was united in marriage with the widow of Capt. M. W. Wells, whose maiden name was Oracfe Cowdrey. Mr. and Mrs. Chase have an attractive home in Amboy, and he is also the owner of a farm of one hundred and sixty acres adjoining the city. The only society to which he belongs is the A. 0. U. W. In his political affiliations he has always been a strong Republican, and has been a delegate to State conventions. Besides the office which he now holds, he has filled various other local positions, having been City Clerk twelve years and Tax Collector for two terms. ENRY B. ROOT. More than twenty years m have passed since Mr. Root came to this county and located on section 16, Amboy Township. Here he still resides, busily engaged in the cultivation of the seventy-flve acres which comprise his farm. Upon the place he has erected all the necessary buildings for the shelter of stock and farming implements, as well as the storage of the grain which is harvested each year in ever-increasing quantities. The family residence is roomy and substantial, while the sur- roundings are in every way inviting and attrac- tive. The parents of our subject were William R. and Laura (Benedict) Root, natives of Connecticut and Sheffield, Mass. The^- possessed the sturdy qualities which almost invariably characterize the people of New England, and passed their entire lives amid the surroundings to which they had been reared. Both died in Massachusetts, he in Housatonic and she in Sheffield. Their family circle was completed by the birth of eight children. Our subject, who was the second among them, was Lorn P'ebruary 4, 1828, in Sheffield, Berkshire County, Mass., and on a farm in his native county attained to the age of sixteen years. From that time until he was nineteen, he resided in Connecti- cut, whence he returned to Sheffield and learned the trade of paper-making. After serving an apprenticeship at that trade, Mr. Root became foreman in the mill and was. thus employed for eight years. In March, 1870, he came to Illinois and located in this county, purchasing the farm upon which he now lives a.nd which is pleasantly situated on section 16, Amboy Town- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 635 ship. Since he first came here this has been his home, with the exception of two j'ears, of which one was spent in Amboy and the other in the East. His time has been industriously devoted to the cultivation of the place, which now ranks among the best improved estates in the commu- nity, and although not so large us some others, every acre is made to yield the very largest returns for the labor expended upon it. His buccess has been secured by the use of proper business methods in his farming operations and the exercise of good judgment in the rotation of crops. On December 25, 1854, Mr. Root was married to Miss Caroline Phelps, in Copake, Columbia County, N. Y. The parents of Mrs. Root were Seth and Polly (Bassett) Phelps, natives respectively of Massachusetts and B'air Haven, Conn. He died in New Marlborough, Mass., and she passed away in Hillsdale, N. Y. They had a family of four chil- dren, Mrs. Root being the third in order of birth. She was born in Hillsdale, Columbia County, N. Y., February 8, 1832, and there was reared to woman- hood. Her marriage to Mr. Root brought to them one child, a daughter — Ida V., who died when about four years old. In local political affairs, Mr. Root has taken a prominent and active part, voting the Republican ticket whenever opportunity offered. His pe- culiar fitness for official position has been recog- nized by his fellow-citizens, who have called upon him to serve in many places of honor and trust. In every position he has displayed his energy and ability and has won commendation from those whose interests he had in charge. For some time he served as Constable, was School Director for six years, and is now Highway Commissioner, which position he has held for eight years. =^ UGUST PETRI, who resides on section 7, Bradford Township, is one of the enter- prising, industrious, German-born citizens of whom this county may well be proud. 1 le was born in Prussia, October 27, 1827, and when twenty-four years of age, emigrated to the United States. He landed at New Orleans and worked in Tennessee for a few months, when he went to California, where he remained for over six years digging for gold. Having accumulated a comfortable fortune, our subject returned to his native country where he remained for two years, after which he decided to again come to America. He at first went to Canada, where he was employed for some time in settling his brother's estate. In 1866 he came to Lee County and the following year was married to Amalia Griesse who was a native of Hesse-Cassel, Germany, her birth taking place February 22, 1850. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Petri settled on section 7, Bradford Township, jvhere they now re- side. Their family comprises ten children: Minnie, William, John, August, Otto, Hilda, Clara, Leon- ard, Richard, and Rudolph. Mr. Petri has a fine farm of two hundred and eleven acres, on which are an excellent set of build- ings and which evinces in every detail the careful management of its owner, who is possessed of the true German thrift and industry. He and his fam- ily arc worthy citizens and are highly esteemed throughout the township. j^^ USAN P. (FOSTER) DFITAMORE, widow ^^^ of David Detamore, is well known in Lee ^1/1| County, of which she has been a resident these many years, as the former proprie- tress of the Detamore House at Paw Paw, which under her able management was regarded by the travelling public as one of the best hotels between Dixon and Aurora. She is now living in retire- ment in the enjoyment of an ample income, passing a part of each year in her pleasant home in Paw Paw Village. Mrs. Detamore is descended from fine old New England and Revolutionary stock, and her birth- place is in the town of Wilmington, among the hills of Windham County, Vt., March 15, 1815, the date of her birth. Her father was Jedediah Foster, and he was born in Brookfleld, Mass., and 636 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. was a son of Theodore Dwiglit Foster, who was also a native of New England, and was an early settler of Wilmington, where he was engaged as a farmer, and spent his last years. The maiden name of his wife was Susanna Packard. She died on the home farm in Wilmington. Jedediah Foster was reared and married in Brookfleld, and went from there to Vermont, locat- ing in the town of Wilmington. That was long before the introduction of railways, and the far- mers of that region used to go to Boston with teams to market their produce. Mr. Foster resided at Wilmington until 1848, and then became a pioneer of this county, taking up his abode at Paw Paw, and here he and his good wife passed their remaining days, until they entered life eternal through the portals of death. Her maiden name was Tamison Gilbert, and Amherst, Mass., was her native place. Her father was a gallant soldier in the Revolution, and was killed in battle while lighting for the cause of freedom. Mrs. Foster ' had been twice married, and her first husband was named Billings. By her second marriage with the father of our subject she became the mother of these three children: Dwight, who died at Paw Paw; Susan P., and Mary Osmer, who died at Parkman, Ohio. Mrs. Detamore was reared under good home influences in her New England birthplace, and the careful instruction that she received from her mother in all household duties made her an excep- tionally capable housewife, thus she was well pre- pared for the arduous duties that devolved upon her in after years. When she was a young lady she went to Ohio, and in the town of Eaton, that State, gave her hand to David Detamore in mar- riage, and their wedded life was productive of mutual benefit and happiness. Mr. Detamore was born in Rockingham County, Va., May 22, 1822, and was a son of Jacob and Sophia Detamore. He went to Ohio with his parents, who settled in that State in pioneer times. In his youth he learned the trade of a carpenter and stair builder, and pursued his calling in Eaton until 1851. In that year he took an important step in life, whereby his fortunes were materially bettered, as he tlien came to Lee County and iden- tified himself with its pioneers. He was accom- panied hither by his wife, and they came by the way of the lakes to Chicago, thence by rail to Aurora, the nearest railway point to this part of country, and from there they came by a private team to Paw Paw, which was then in its infancy, a hamlet of some half-a-dozen houses and one store. After his arrival Mr. Detamore invested some money in several acres of land now included in the village, and he and his wife began life here in a small brick house of four rooms that stood on the place. There was no hotel here at the time and perceiving the need of one and the advantages of their location, they at once made arrangements to keep boarders and to accommodate the traveling public. As the -village grew, and the fame of their hotel spread, their custom increased, and they made additions to the house, which was finally made a stage station on the route from Aurora to Dixon. As their patronage was still further increased Mr. Detamore had to enlarge his house still more, and subsequently built the hotel known as the Detamore House. He managed the house some years with the active co-operation of his wife, and then rented it and lived retired until his death in August, 1859, while yet in the prime of life, as he was then but thirty-seven years of age. After her bereavement, Mrs. Detamore bravely took up the burden of life alone for the sake of her little daughter, and returning to the hotel she resumed charge of it, and managed it for many j-ears with signal success. Under her watchful care it was rendered homelike and comfortable to its inmates, and a pleasant retreat to the weary traveler who sought temporary shelter beneath its roof, and found refreshment for mind and body in neat room and well-served food. Her kind, motherly manner, and cheerful, friendly ways, endeared her to those who made her house their home, gained her the esteem of all with whom she came in con- tact, and never did landlady enjoy more popular- ity than- she during her reign of more than a quarter of a centurv,as head of the Detamore House. In 1885 she sold the hotel, and has since then lived retired, spending a part of each year in Paw (aoMuM. --.---O PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 639 Paw, and the remainder of the time with her daugh- ter, the wife of t)r. T. D. Palmer, of Chicago. Mrs. Detamore is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is an exemplary Christian. m^m. L^^ ?)HEODORE J. MILLER, who is engaged in the sale of musical instruments, sewing machines, etc., is one of the successful, sub- stantial business men of Dixon. He is a Pennsyl- vanian by birtii, born in the township of Summit, Somerset County, September 5, 1848. His father Josiah Miller, a brave soldier of the late war, was a native of the same county as himself. He in turn was a son of Daniel Miller, who was born in Eastern Pennsylvania about 1783. He removed to Somerset County in early manhood and was an early settler of Summit Township, where he carried on his trade as a wagon maker, and there his life was brought to a close in 1856. The maiden name of his wife was Mary Long. The fatlier of our subject was reared and edu- cated in the county of his nativity. He learned of his father the trade of wagon and carriage maker, and carried on business in that line at Mechanics- burg some years. He was then elected Justice of the Peace and gave his attention to his official '.duties until after the breaking out of the war. Enlisting in 1861 in Company C, Fiftj'-fourth Pennsylvania Infantry, he served with valor and fidelity in the Army of the Potomac three years', taking part in several important engagements. He won a good military record, of which his des- cendants may feel proud, and returning to his native State, passed the rest of his life at Myers- dale, that lost a valuable citizen in his death in June, 1884. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was JEatilda Beachey. She was born in Somerset County, Pa., and died in 1849 in Summit Town- ship, that county. She was the mother of four children. Annie married George Knee, First Lieutenant of Company A, Tenth Pennsylvania Reserves , who died January 27, 1863, of wounds received at the battle of Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862. Afterward she became the wife of W. C. Hicks, and survived him some time, passing away at Myersdale, Pa., July 31, 1890. Lydia married Daniel Peek, of Dickinson County, Kan; Maggie is the wife of Dr. George W. 1. Brown; and our subject completes the family circle. The maternal grandfather of our subject was Peter A. Beachey, who was born in Somerset County in 1797. His father, Abraham Beachey, who was a native of Switzerland, came to this country with his parents when he was young, and was reared in Maryland. From there he went to Pennsylvania and was H pioneer of Elk Lick Township, Somerset County, buying a tract of timber land from the Government and clearing a farm from the forests primeval, on which he dwelt until death closed his mortal career. Peter A. Beachey was bred to the life of a farmer, and devoted himself to agricultural pur- suits and raising stock. He was a man of more than ordinary push and energy, possessed of good judgment and acquired a large property for those days. He died in 1854. The maiden name of his wife was Ann Livengood and she was born in Pennsylvania in 1797, a daughter of Christian L. Livengood. The great-great-grandfather of our subject was the Rev. Peter Livengood, who was born on the banks of the River Rhine, Germany, and came to America in Colonial times. In 1760 he started for what was then considered a part of the "Great West," and crossing the Alleghany Mountains, located in what is now Elk Lick Town- ship, Somerset County, Pa., which was a wilder- ness. He made a claim which was marked by blazed trees, and later secured from the Govern- ment a patent to several thousand acres of land, a portion of it in behalf of his neighbors. He was very prominent in the settlement as a preacher and school teacher and was well educated for the times. At the same time he superintended the improve- ment of his land. Both he and his good wife lived to be very aged, he dying in his ninety-sixth year, and she in her ninetieth year. Christian L. Livengood spent his entire life in Somerset County, his death occurring at the age of sev- enty-six yearu. He married Elizabeth Forney, whose father was a teacher and a soldier from 640 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Darmstadt, Germany. She wasborn in 1769, and died when eighty years old. Our subject was very young when he was de- prived of a mother's tender care by her untimely death, and the family was scattered. At the age of nine years he went out to work on a farm for his board and clothes, and at fourteen years of age re- ceived 17 a month for his services, which was good wages for a boy at that time. He remained on the farm until the fall of 1864, and then following in his father's footsteps, enlisted, though but sixteen years of age, and became a member of Company K, Fifth Pennsylvania Artillery, and served in the defense of Washington until July 6, 1865, proving to be a good soldier in spite of his j'outh- f ulness. On his return from the South he attended school for a while. In 1866 he came to Lee County and located at Franklin Grove, where he was variouslj' employed for a l^me. Not satisfied with his education, Mr. Miller be- came a student in Dixon Seminary, and after pur- suing his studies in that institution two terms, early in 1867 he entered the Iron City Business College at Pittsburg, where he had the benefit of an excellent course of study that was a good prepara- tion for his subsequent mercantile career. He was graduated from that college in June, 1867, and returning to Lee County, resumed work on the farm, and was thus employed until 1869, when he established himself in his present business as a dealer in musical instruments, sewing machines, etc. He has a commodious store, stocked with a varied assortment of whatever is in demand in his line, and is one • of the leading merchants in his branch of business in this part of the State. His name is a synonym of honor and honesty in finan- cial circles, and in his social relations he is esteemed for his culture and true gentlemanliness. He and his amiable wife are members of the Baptist Church, and they are associated with its every good work. He is a teacher in the Sunday-school, and has done much to promote its growth. He is a member of Friendship Lodge No. 7, F. & A. M.; Dixon Chapter No. 56, R. A.M.; Dixon Commandery, No 21, K. T. On October 15,1872,Mr. Miller married Miss Mary C. Emraert, a native of Franklin Grove, this county, and a daughter of Ezra and Sarah (Newcomer) Emmert. Eight children have been born to our subject and his wife, Grace E., Hugh, Ray, Dora, Guy G., Ezra E., Maud and Theodore J. Mrs. Miller's father was hpvn seven miles south- east of Hagerstown, Washington County, Md., July 26, 1826. His father, Joseph Emmert, was a native of Pennsylvania and went from there, when a young man, to Maryland, where he bought a farm. He resided there until 1845 and then sold his property in that State, and coming to Lee County settled among its pioneers, buying a partly improved farm near Franklin Grove. A few years later his buildings were destro3'ed by fire, and he went to live with his son-in-law, a half mile from Franklin Grove, in whose home his death occurred. He was a worthy member of the German Baptist Church and a preacher in that denomination. His wife, Catherine, daughter of Henry Evay, was born and died in Washington County, Md. Ezra Emmert passed his early life in his native County, and had nearly attained manhood when he came to Illinois with his parents. The removal thither was made with a four-horse team, and five weeks were consumed on the journey. At that time Lee County was sparsely settled and but little improved, deer, wolves and other wild ani- mals roaming at their pleasure where are now fine farms and thriving towns. There were no rail- ways and he used to team grain in Chicago, which was then a city of from twenty to fortj' thousand inhabitants. Mr. Emmert made his home with his parents until he married, and then bought a tract of wild land three miles from Franklin Grove, upon which he built a dwelling and other necessary buildings, and at once commenced the pioneer task of developing a farm. A natural mechanic and possessing a marvelous genius in that line, Mr. Emmert earlj- turned his attention to the improvement of farming machinery and made numerous valuable inventions, which have been of great benefit to farmers. He inven- ted a combined seeder and cultivator, for which he secured letters patent, and derived a good profit from the manufacture and sale of the machine at Franklin Grove. He was the original inventor of PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 641 the harvester that was manufactured by the Marshes, and was known as the Marsh harvester. He also invented a corn planter and rotary seed drill, and was the inventor of the ingenious combination known as the combined well and cistern, of Emmert's portable well, and Emmert's combined (!0ok and hot water stove, a contrivance calculated to heat the house by water from the kitchen stove. The maiden name of Mr. Emmert's first wife, mother of Mrs. Miller, was Sarah A. Newcomer. She was born in Washington County, Md., and was a daughter of Peter and Sarah (Sherrick) Newcomer. She was the mother of four children, Mary C; Eleanor A., the wife of the Rev. Asbury Gregorj"^, a Baptist minister; Sarah L., who died in infancy; and Joseph F., who died when ten years old. Mr. Emmet's second wife was Mary E. Andrus, a native of Franklin County, N. Y. i>-^<-^^ I HARLES F. WELTY is a wide-awake, pro- gressive farmer and stock-raiser, carrying on an extensive business in' Marion Town- ship, where he has a valuable farm and large herds of cattle; an able and public-spirited official, rep- resenting his township as a member of the County Board of Supervisors, Charles F. "Welty stands among the foremost of the sons of Lee County, who were bern within its boundaries, and are now among its most useful and enterprising citizens. The city of Dixon is the birthplace of our sub- ject, and November 3, 1858, the date of his birth into one of the oldest and most highly respected pioneer families of that city and the county. His father, the late Judge David Welty, was for years widely and favorably known throughout Northern Illinois, as a man of large business enterprise, as an incorruptible judge while he sat on the bench, and as a noble citizen, who wielded a powerful in- fluence in advancing the. educational, moral and social interests of his community. The Judge was a native of New York,and for some years, during his early manhood, was engaged in the mercantile busi- ness in the city of Buffalo. In 1833, his health be- came impaired, and he came to Illinois to recuper- ate, making the journey hither on horseback, and from tliat time until the day of his death in Jan- uary, 1885, at a venerable age, was a resident of Dixon. He was a man of means, a gentleman- farmer, and dealt largely in real estate. In politics, he was a Republican, and he was a prominent fig- ure in public hfe. He was at one time Drainage Commissioner, and he served as Probate Judge for eight years. He, was for many years one of the leading Odd Fellows of this part of the State, being a charter member of Dixon Lodge, No. 39. The following biographical record of Judge Welty 's life and eloquent tribute to his memory is taken from the Dixon Telegraph: DEATH OF JUDGE WELTY. "With a heart of grief we are again called on to register the death of another of our old and much respected citizens. Mr. David Welty quietly passed from this life last evening at lialf-past ten o'clock, after a lingering illness of many years. Mr. Welty was born in Williamsville, Erie County, N. Y., September 30, 1811. When he was twelve years of age, he moved to Buffalo, N. Y., where he ac- quired the greater part of his education. On ar- riving at the age of maturit}-, he engaged in the dry-goods business, which he followed a number of years. During the patriot war in Canada, Mr. Welty served as Aid on the staff of Gen. Burt. He moved to Dixon in the year of 1833, and has ever since resided in this county. He was elected Pro- bate Judge in 1854 and served two terms. He also held the otfice of Drainage Commissioner for several years. Judge Welty was married to Miss Seraphina Scott, at Buffalo, N. Y., in 1834. David Welty leaves nine surviving children, namely: Emily, now Mrs. Devine; Ellen, married toE. K. Sib- ley; John, now in the Government employ; Max- well, Adeline, Anna, Charles, William and George. Mr. Welty has been a member of the Odd Fellows' fraternity, and, until his health became so shattered that he was unable to do so, he was a regular and an active member. We understand that he was in- sured in a reliable life insurance company for the sum of $10,000. "In his day he was a good business man, and he 642 PORTRAIT AND BIOORAPHICAL RECORD. has always been honored and respected for his hon- esty and integrity as a citizen and official. "In the death of Judge Welty, whose funeral takes place to-morrow afternoon, another old "landmark," so to speak, in the history of Dixon and Lee County, has passed away. For a man who had so strong a character, such a marked abil- ity for business, and strict integrity, it would ap- pear to those who knew David Welty that the brief and formal notice of his death that appeared in the Evening Telegraph, yesterday, was not what is due to such a man from a public journal. So we thought, in our haste, and, therefore, we write this in way of apology. Judge Welty, for many years, was known as a prominent citizen of Dixon and Lee County; held offices of public trust, where hundreds of thousands of dollars were in his hands, and where great temptation for speculation — even without injury to the public service, save in exam- ple — would arise; but those who knew the man would not have had the impudence or temerity to hint to him concerning a proposition of using his public office for personal gain in anyway what- ever. While it is true that "an honest man 's the noblest work of God," still there are men who who have not the good sense always to carry out that princi[ile, though possessing a wish to do so; but David Welty was a man who knew enough to be honest. He was a man who despised meanness, in whatever shape it came, and he had that force of character which aided him in refusing his rec- ognition, coming in any shape it might. As an indication of "how strong he was armed in hon- esty," the Telegraph cannot better illustrate his character than by relating one of his official acts. As a requisite for admission to the bar, a certificate of "good moral character" was then, as now, re- quired by the law student from the county judge. A man of a doubtful reputation from one of the towns in the county undertook to smuggle in as a lawyer. No particular examination as to qualifica- tions was requii'ed in those days and a part of the general plan of the trick, of which we speak, was that of securing the required certificate by taking the court by storm. The would-be lawyer sent to Judge Welty 's house late at night and requested his presence at the office. When the court arrived, the business was not very important, and, in fact, only that of a certificate of good moral character for the party in waiting. Judge Welty, probably not in good humor, immediately wrote and signed the following: "I hereby certify that is a man of character," and with it the would-be law- yer departed for Ottawa. The fact that he took such a paper was sufficient evidence that he was not a fit man to have a better one. When a courier returned with the document and suggested to Judge Welty that he had omitted the essential words, "good moral," which were required to make the certificate of any avail, the court firmly informed him that it was just as he intended it should be. It was, we believe, after Judge Welty had retired from office that the bar was disgraced with an unworthy member. He was an officer who in all sincerity looked upon "a public office as a public trust," and his entire course in all the years that he served the people was marked by a deter- mination to hew to that line. For several years he has been in very feeble health, and has been for many years since lie retired from active business. Those who have known him only in the last de- cade knew not the man of whom we have written. The four-score years, aided by impaired health in early youth, ended his days of usefulness about the time suggested. Since then he has not been in any way the Judge Welty of other days. He was a remarkable man in many respects and we shall not, taking him all in all, "look upon his like again." We knew him well, honored and respected him for the sterling qualities of head and heart that were characteristic of the man." Judge Welty's wife, with whom he lived in wed- ded happiness for more than a half-century, did not long survive him, her death occurring July 26, 1886. They were the parents of thirteen children, of whom these ten grew to maturity: John M., who is employed in the Pension Office, at Wash- ington, D. C; Emily, wife of L. A. Devine, of Dixon; Elizabeth, deceased; Addie, a stenographer, of Kansas City ; Anna, deceased ; Ella, wife of E. K. Sibley, a banker in New York City; Maxwell, a station-agent, at Beebe, Ark.; George, a traveling man, of Chicago; Charles F.; and William A., a telegraph operator in Colorado. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 643 Charles F. Welty received a substantial educa- tion in the excellent schools of Dixon, and after he had attained manhood took charge of his fath- er's land. In 1881, he went to South Dakota and took up three hundred and twenty acres of land, and was engaged in its cultivation for two years. He then sold it, and returning to Illinois in 1883, took upon himself the responsibilities of domestic life by marrying Miss Mary A. McKevitt, a native of Bureau County, in whom he has found a true wife, who has made his interests her own, and has materially contributed to his well-being. Three children have been bom unto them: George, Frances and Anna. Mr. and Mrs. Welty passed the first year of their wedded life in Franklin County, Iowa. They then came back to Illinois, and he purchased from his father three hundred and forty-five acres of land in Marion Township, which he has since devoted to stock-raising, for which it is admirably adapted. His operations are by no means confined to the limits of his farm, but he rents some two thousand acres of land, on which he pastures nearly two thousand head of cattle, and from his stock inter- ests he derives a large revenue. Our subject's fellow-citizens, keenly appreciat- ing his manifest talent for carrying on a large busi- ness with a cool head, a steady hand, with close calculation, and never-failing, far-seeing judgment, have chosen him to represent the interests of Mar- ion Township as a member of the Lee County Board of Supervisors, and he is now serving his second year in that capacity. His popularity is attested by the fact that his constituency is strongly Democratic, while he is a thorough Republican. SHOMAS GRAY is one of the old settlors of this county, who is well known and highly esteemed as one of the enterprising, pro- gressive farmers, who have done so much to render Lee County one of the well-improved portions of the Prairie State. He resides on section 4, Lee Centre Township, where he has a large and highly cultivated farm on which he has erected a fine set of buildings, and is there most successfully carrying on the occupation to which he has devoted the greater portion of his life. Mr. Gray was born in London, Canada, where he remained until the age of seventeen, when he removed with his father to Ogle County, this State, and settled in Leaf River Township, remain- ing there for seven 3'ears. In the early summer of 1849, he came to this county and located at Inlet Grove, Lee Centre Township, where, for a number of years, he kept a hotel, known as the Inlet House. In August, 1877, he removed to the farm on which he now resides, and where he has ever since been engaged in agricultural pursuits. Mr. Gray was married at Inlet grove, November 4, 1852, to Miss Margaret Ann Saxton, who was born in Nova Scotia, November 4, 1830. When she was about four years old her parents removed to Canada, and settled about forty miles from London. Here she was reared to the age of six- teen years, when the family removed to Calhoun County, Mich., and three years later, to this countj'. Mr. and Mrs. Gray are the parents of six children — John W., who is farming in Lee Centre Township; Fremont, who died in infancy; Ed- ward J., also a farmer in this township; Jessie F., M. Anna, and Josiah L. Mr. Gray is a stanch Republican, and in earlier 3'ears took an active part in political affairs. He has held the office of Highway Commissioner for many years, and has also been School Trustee. He and his wife are consistent members of the Free- will Baptist Church, and takes an active part in all religious matters, doing whatever lies in their power for the advancement of Christianity and for the benefit of their fellow-citizens. The father of our subject, John Gray, was born in Ireland, and came to Canada when a young man, where he was married to Mary Powell, who was a native of Wales. In 1842, they left Canada and came to Illinois, settling in Ogle County, from which place they removed to Lee County, settling in Lee Centre Township, where they lived for the remainder of their days. Their family con- sisted of ten children, of whom our subject was the third in order of birth, and the eldest son. The parents of Mrs. Gray, Peter and Catherine 644 POETRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. (Hankinson) Saxton, were natives of Nova Scotia, where they were married, and wliere the father died. The widow came to Canada witii her four children, and there lived for many years. She is now a resident of Iowa. ^(OSEPH G. HALL was born in England, March 9, 1843, but the most of his life has been passed in the United States, which has no more loyal citizen than he, as was proven by his course during the late war, when he enlisted in the opening year of that great civil conflict, although scarcely more than a boy, and fought for the country of his adoption with all the ardor and patriotism of one native to the soil. And his record is equally good since those trying days, as, by his enterprise as a farmer and stock-raiser, he has contributed to the wealth of this county, where he has made his home for thirty-five 3'ears. His farm, lying on section 3, May Township, is a model in many respects, so well is it managed, and its improvements are of a high order. The parents of our subject were Joseph and Elizabeth (Hayden) Hall. Soon after the birth of their son of whom we write, the father came to this country, and took up his residence in Philadel- phia, where he introduced a new industry, which was the art of tinning cast-iron by means of melting block tin and then rubbing it onto the iron with a cork. "While in that business he was with the firm of Creston, Stewart ^> ^ IfelLLIAM W. GILMORE is engaged in the \/\l// mercantile business' at Compton, and in VW his neatly fitted up and well-stoclfied store he carries a full line of hardware, stoves, cutlery, agricultural implements, etc. He is a son of one of the early pioneers of Lee County, and is distin- guished in its history as the second child born of white parents in what is now Brooklyn Township, his birth occurring here November 8, 1835. John Gilmore, the father of our subject, was one of the first to settle in this part of the State. He was a native of County Donegal, Ireland, and was a son of another John Gilmore, who was of Scotch antecedents, and was born either in Scotland or Ireland. He reared his family in the latter coun- try, and remained there until 1820, when he emi- grated to the United States. He landed in New York, and lived in that city until 1845, when be came to Illinois to spend his last years with the father of our subject. He lived to the remarkable age of one hundred and two years, his death oc- curring in 1867. When he came to America he did not bring his family" with him, but sent for his wife, two daughters and two sons two years later The vessel on which they sailed was wrecked, and the wife and two sons were drowned. The daughters that survived located in New York City. The father of our subject was reared in his native land, and came to America in 1818. He learned the trade of a morocco-dresser in New York, and engaged in it in that city until 1830, .when he went to Michigan, and entering a tract of Government land twenty miles from Detroit, began the hard task of reclaiming a farm from the forests. He first built a log house, and in the PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 655 course of time cleared thirty-five acres of land andput it into good cultivation. In 1835 he came to Illinois with a pair of horses and a wagon, bringing with him his wife and the six children that had previousl}' been born to them. They struck camp on the edge of Chicago, which was then but a small village, and Mr. Gilmore and William Guthrie started on foot for this part of the State. They at length arrived at Malugin's Grove, of which 2^chariah Malugin was then the sole settler. There was then but one house on the present site of Dixon, and not a settlement on the open prairies. Mr. Gilmore bought a claim to one-half of the grove, and then went back to Chicago for his family. He returned in June, and began his new life here with but ^40 in money and his team, witli which to make a living for his wife and six chil- dren, of whom the eldest was but twelve years of age. But lie had plenty of pluck and courage and was a good worker. While there wore many hardships to contend with, still life had its com- pensations. The soil was of unsurpassed fertility, and needed only to be cultivated to respond with generous harvests, and wild game was plentiful, as well as wild fruits, and furnished an agreeable ad- dition to the fare of the pioneers, who had to dispense with many articles of food now considered necessities. There were no mills anywhere in this section, but at Ross Grove, twenty miles distant, there was a rude com cracker, and the father of our subject used to go there with a sack of corn and use his horse to grind it with. Corn bread was the chief article of living, flour bread being considered a great luxui-y, For some years there were no railway's in this region, Chicago being the nearest railway point and market. The first house that Mr. Gilmore built on his claim was of round logs, and not a nail entered into its construction. He split shakes for the roof, which were held in place with weight poles, but were inadequate for shelter, as during the cold winter nights the snow would blow in on the beds. He split puncheon for floor and door, using wooden pins instead of nails, and the rude door was provided with a wooden latch and the old- time latch string that always hung out in token of perpetual hospitality. In that humble abode the family resided for some years, and then the father built and opened a public house on tlie Chicago & Dixon road when that was constructed. His tavern was made a stage station, and he was known far and wide to the traveling public in his character as mine host, and was popular with all. In 1 865 he abandoned hotel-keeping, selling his establishment and removing to Mendota, and was engaged in the mercantile business there for a time. In 1875 he went to California to visit a daughter, Mrs. C. S. Frost, and died at her home soon after. The maiden name of his wile was Hannah Smith. She was likewise a native of Ireland, and coming to America with friends, was married to him in New York City at the age of sixteen. She spent her last years with her children, and died at the home of her son, Alexander P., in 1887. The parents of our subject reared twelve children: Alexander P., Rebecca, John, Mollie, David, William W., Robert, Addie and Emma, (twins), Eliza, Cecilia and James. William W. Gilmore was born in the humble pioneer home of his parents, and was reared amid pioneer scenes. He attended the primitive schools of his boyhood, the. first one that he went to being taught in a log house, that was furnished with rude home-made furniture. Like other farmer's boys, he was early set to work on the farm, and he continued to live with his parents until he attained hismajoritj', whenhe commenced farming on his own account on a tract of land his father had bought for him. It was wild and un- cultivated at the time, and after he had erected suitable buildings to make it habitable, he pro- ceeded with his customary vigor to improve his real-estate, and in the course of time had one of the finest farms in the locality. He resided upon his homestead until 1865, when he established himself in the mercantile business at Malugin's Grove. In 1868 he went to Mendota, and lived there the ensuing two years. At the expiration of that time he moved back to Brooklyn Township and resumed farming, which he carried on until 1881. In that year he came to Compton and again embarked in the mercantile business, which he has conducted with good profit ever since. 656 POETRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL EECORD. Besides hardware, stoves, and such articles, of which he carries a large assortment, he always has on hand a full supply of all styles of agricultural implements, and enjoys a large trade among the farmers in the surrounding country, who know him well, place a full reliance in his business integ- rity, and are always sure of a square deal with him. Mr. Gilmore was married in 1856 to Regina J. Carnahan, a native of Pennsylvania, and a daugh- ter of Charles and Elizabeth Carnahan. They have six children, namely: Clara Janet, John W., Ida C, now Mrs. Charles I. Barrett; Hattie E., Florence and Daisy. Clara is the wife of Charles F. Guffln; John married Ollie Avery. Mr. Gilmore, his wife and daughters, are mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and their names are associated with its every good work. Mr. Gilmore has always been faithful to the Democratic party in politics. In his social rela- tions, he is a member of Brooklyn Lodge, No. 282, A. F. & A. M.; of Meudota Commandery, No. 76, R. A. M.; and of Bethany Chapter, No. 28, K. T. I^AVID HARTMAN. Lee County is for- I ])] tunate in that the farmers, who form such (^^f^ an important proportion of her popula- tion, are in general a highly intelligent, energetic, thrifty and business-like set of men. Of one of these, David Hartman, we write. His farm- ing operations center on section 22, Nelson Town- ship, where he has two hundred acres of land un- der good cultivation and supplied with' all the necessary improvements that go to make up a de- sirable farm. Our subject was born in Somerset County, Pa., July 1, 1849, one of the six children of Conrad and Susanna (Raymond) Hartman, natives, re- spectively, of Germany and Pennsylvania. Mr. Hartman came to the United States from the old country alone, when he was a young man, and joined his brother in Somerset Clounty, Pa. He there met his future wife, and a few years later they were married. She was born and reared in that county, and was of Dutch descent. After the birth of all their children, Conrad and Susanna Hartman came to Illinois in 1855, and buying new and unbroken lands in Nelson Township, became pioneers of the county. Mr. Hartman was a hard worker, and in time had a large farm under sub- stantial improvement, comprising four hundred and forty acres of fine arable and pasture land, and had besides ten acres of valuable timber. He has grown old in his adopted township, which has been developed partly by his labors, and August 4, 1891, marked the anniversaryof his birth seventy- eight ji^ears before. Notwithstanding his advanced age, he is yet hale and active, and his fellow- townsmen, who look upon him with the respect due to his years and great worth, hope that he may live to enjoy life a great while yet. He is a val- ued member of the Lutheran Church, as is his wife also, and in politics, he is faithful to the Republi- can party. Mr. Hartman 's first wife died in their home, in this township, in 1872, at the age of sixty- five years, and was truly mourned by all who had known and loved her for her many excellencies. Mr. Hartman took for his second wife Mrs. Sarah Hax, wee Zorn, who was born and reared in Som- erset County, Pa. By her first marriage with Peter Hax, she had three children, one of whom was the wife of our subject. Her first husband was a German by birth. They came from Penn- sylvania to Illinois in 1855, and lived in Dixon for some years. They subsequently removed to Sterling, where Mr. Hax died in middle age. David Hartman has passed the most of his life in this county, on the very farm that he now owns, in Nelson Township, as he was but six years old when the family removed to this State. He re- ceived an excellent education in the local schools, and a good training in all that pertains to farming, so that when he adopted that calling for his life work, when he attained his majority, he was well equipped for it. He is constantly making improve- ments upon his farm, which is amply provided with buildings of a good class, and substantial farm- ing machinery of the best manufacture, and he emploj's the most advanced methods in carrying on agriculture. The marriage of our subject to Miss Sarah Hax -o/-i^^i^ o-^J^/>c PORTRAIT AND EIOGRAPinCAL RECORD. 659 was celebrated in this township. She was a na- tive of the same Pennsj'lvanian county as him- self, the date of her birth was August 24, 1854, and, like him, she was reared in this State. Com- fort and hospitality reign in their home, and three of the four children born unto them complete their present household, namely: Clarence C, Estella C. and Myrtle E. Their daughter Lulu, died young. Mr. and Mrs. Hartman attend the Lutheran Church, contribute generously to its support, and are identified with its every good work. They are very much liked by the people among whom they have lived so long, as they possess traits of char- acter that win consideration and confidence. Mr. Hartman is an active local politician, a thoroughly good Republican, who interests himself in all that concerns his township. He has heLd all the civic pfBces within the gift of his fellow-townsmen, is at at present Assessor of Nelson Township, and in tbese various capacities has done much to advance the welfare of the community. ^ OHN HOYLE, a retired farmer living in the village of Eldena, has during his residence in this county materially added to its wealth by improving one of the most de- sirable fai ms in all South Dixon Township, and has accumulated sufficient property to preclude the necessity of engaging in any active business. His portrait appears on the opposite page. He is a Pennsylvanian by birth, born April 14, 1826, the county of Somerset being his birthplace. His father, Peter Hoyle, was a native of the same county, and was a son of Adam Hoyle, who passed his entire life in Somerset County. His parents or grandparents had come to this country in an early day of the Colonial history of Pennsylvania. The father of our subject grew up amid the scenes of his birth, and early entered upon his career as a farmer. He was a drummei' in the local militia for some years. He married Cathe- rine Mossholder, who was likewise born and reared in Somerset County, being a daughter of Jacob and Tamar A. (Fritz) Mossholder, who were born, reared and died in Somerset County, the father spending his entire life on the old Mossholder homestead. They were stanch Lutherans in their religion. After the birth of their children, five sons and three daughters in all, and after the most of them had grown to manhood and womanhood, Peter Hoyle and his wife came to Illinois in 1856 to spend their remaining days here. They settled near Dixon, and there the mother died in 1863, when past sixty years of age. Mr. Hoyle subse- quently died at the home of our subject in South Dixon in August, 1870, at the age of sixty -seven years. They were in all things honest. God-fear- ing people, and their religion was that of their ancestors from the days of Martin Luther. Our siibjeot is the eldest of the eight children bom to his worthy parents, who early trained him in the way he should go to grow into an upright man. There are two other surviving members of the family besides himself — his brother Edmund, a farmer m Lancaster County, Neb., who has been married, but his wife is now deceased; and a sister, Mrs. Margaret S waby, who lives near Amboy. John Hoyle was married in the township and county of his birth in Pennsylvania, to Miss Emily Deeter, who was born and reared in that neighborhood, and is a daughter of Samuel and Susanna (Sheetz) Deeter. Her parents were natives of the Keystone State, and lived and died on the old Deeter homestead, obtained by Samuel Deeter 's father on coming to America from Germany. The parents of Mrs. Hoyle died in the faith of the German Reformed Church, in which they. had been bred. They had a large familj' of children. Mrs. Hoyle has been an exemplary wife, her husband's stay and help, and a tender molher to their children, of whom they have had twelve. These nine are living: Joshua P., of whom see biography in this volume; Ellen; Sarah A.; Lu- cinda; AUasuma; John W., who is represented on another page of this work; Peter S., also a subject of one of the sketches in this book; Orpha J. and Etta Mabel, the two latter unmarried and at home with their parents; the others are all married and well settled in life. Mr. Hoyle left the old home in Pennsylvania 660 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. and began life anew in this State in the winter of 1864, bringing his family with him. A year later he purchased three hundred and twenty acres of land on section 35, South Dixon Township, now included in his son John's farm, upon which he made most of the improvements, and it is now in the hands of his sons. He retired to Eldena with his family in 1888, and has not since been actively engaged in any active business. He is well thought of by all with whom he associates, and is known to be a man of veracity, rugged honesty and independence of character, and thoroughly reliable at all times and in all places. He and his wife eai'ly identified themselves with the religious element of the community, and are members of the Evangelical Association. In politics he is a Republican. ^ RS. OLIVE (AYRES) MURPHY, widow of Anderson T. Murphy, lias made her home in Dixon nearly forty years, and is greatly esteemed by her many friends and ac- quaintances for the genuine worth of her character. She was born in Manheim, Herkimer County, N. Y., September 7, 1820, to Sylvanus and Anna (Bean) Ayres. For an extended history of tlie Ayres family, see biography of J. C. Aj-res on another page of this work. Mrs. Murphy was very young when her father died, and she then went with her mother to live at Buffalo, where her girlhood was passed. She was trained in all the household arts necessary to the making of a comfortable home, so that when she came to preside over one of her o-wn she understood thoroughly what was required in the skillfnl man- agement of her domestic affairs. In 1851 she paid her first visit to Illinois, coming by rail to Aurora, then the nearest railway station to Dixon, which place she reached by stage. She visited her friends in this city, which was then but a village, from October until the following March, and then went to Chicago. She found that great metropolis of to- day with its million and more people, a compara- tively small city, with a population of about forty- flve thousand inhabitanls, and could scarcely have dreamed that the uninviting looking place with its swampy environments would in her time become one of the largest and most important cities in America, if not in the whole world. Her stay in the Garden City was mad(- memor- able to Miss Ayres, by her marriage October 5th, 1852, to Anderson Turner Murphy, and the newly wedded couple came to Dixon the home of Mr. Murphy to make for themseves a place among its most useful and valued citizens. In the busy years that followed prosperity smiled upon them, and the blessing of children was vouchsafed to them, of whom two are living to be the stay and comfort of their mother in her declining years, Fanny Ayres and Laura Gracia. One daughter, Anna Louise, has joined her father on the other shore. She married the Rev. Levi Gilbert, and died in Duluth, Minn., February ,3, 1885, leaving four children mother- less — Paul T., Fanny E., A. Harold and Helen I. June 17, 1861, death invaded the peaceful house- hold of the family of our subject, and the tender husband and devoted father closed his eyes to open them no more to the scenes of earth. Anderson Turner Murphy was born at Lexing- ton, Ky., June 2, 1812, and the same house in which he was bom was the birthplace of his father, Thomas Murphy. The original name of the family was Morgan, and it is conjectured from that, that his ancestors were Welsh people. The change of the family name happened thus.: The grandfather of our subject was pressed into the British service and brought across the water to fight the colonists during the Revolution. His sympathies, however were with the Americans, and he deserted at the first opportunity and joined the Continental army. He changed his name from IMorgan to Murphy when he cast in his fortunes with the colonists, as he feared detection if he were captured by the Eng- lish if he retained his rightful name, and his de- scendants have held to his adopted name. Mr. Murphy's father came from Kentucky to Illinois in 1830, and was a pioneer of Crawford County, where he spent the remainder of his life. The maiden name of his wife was Christina Mus- grove, and she also passed her last days in Craw- ford County. Anderson Murphy was nearly grown PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 661 to manhood when he. came to Illinois witli his parents. He learned the trade of a tailor in Craw- ford County. In 1840 he came to Dixon, which was then in its infancy, and from that time until the day of his death was identified with it growth. He engaged at his trade for a time, and then turned his attention to the mercantile business, which he carried on until he established himself in the for- warding and commission business, in which he was interested until death terminated his career when he was scarcely past the meridien of life, and when he was at the height of his usefulness. He was much missed in the city, where he had won an honorable reputation in financial circles as an ex- cellent business man, whose transactions were al- ways open and above board, and where lie was ac- counted a good citizen, and was held in sincere regard by all who knew him. At the time of Mr. Murphy's mariiage he was Postmaster of Dixon. ' NDERSON CLAYTON RADLEY was one of the successful farmers of Lee County, and may well be classed among its pioneers, although not one of its earliest settlers, as he has aided in the development of its agricultural resources, and has improved a fine farm in Wyo- ming Township that compares with the best in the locality in point of cultivation and the substantial character of its improvements. Mr. Radley was a descendant of one of the old Holland families that played so important a part in the early settlement of the Empire State, and he was a native of that Commonwealth, born in the town of Florida, Montgomery County, January 14, 1827. His great-grandfather, John Radley, who was born either in Holland or near Albany, was one of the pioneers of that county. He se- cured a tract of heavily timbered land, and erected a log house in the primeval forests, which were then inhabited by Indians, and deer, bears, wolves and other wild animals often prowled around his home in the wilderness. There were no railways or canals in that part of the country for years, and in fact, for a time there was no wagon road, he having to go to mill, market and elsewhere on horseback. He cleared a large and valuable farm, becoming one of the most prosperous settlers in that locality, and he gave each of liis five chil- dren a farm when they came to settle in life. He had three sons, John, Jacob and Andrew, and two daughters, Catherine and Mary. His old age was serenely passed in the home that he had planted in the forest wilds where he had labored to such good purpose. Jacob Radley, the grandfather of our subject, was born in the pioneer home of his parents in Montgomery County. When he began life for himself his father gave him a tract of timber land, which he cleared and made into a good farm, upon which he lived until death called him hence. He married Catherine Vinton, who is thought to have been born in Schenectady County, N. Y., and died on the farm where she had helped her husband to build a home. She was the mother of eight chil- dren that grew to maturity, as follows: John J., William, Rachel, Catherine, Andrew, Mary, Thomas and Rebecca. John J. Radlej' was the name of the father of our subject, and he was born on his father's farm in Montgomery County, July 4, 1804. He grew to manhood in the home of his birth, and was married in his native countj^ to Miss Sarah Thomas, who was born in the same town as himself July 21, 1809. So far as known, her father, John Thomas, was a native of that same town, where he was en- gaged for many years as a miller. His last years were passed with liis children in Albany. The parents of our subject began their wedded life on a part of his father's estate that he had inherited, and they resided thereon until 1855, when they came to Lee County to cast in their lot with its pioneers. They located in what is now Wyoming Township, but after a few years' residence thei-e removed to the adjoining township of Earlville, in La Salle County, where they lived respected until they closed their eyes in death, and in dying left behind them records of lives, well spent, his death occurring February 6, 1884, and hers September 26, 1889. They reared a family of six sons and three daughters, who are well known and esteemed citizens of this and other counties of Northern 662 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Uliliois, namely: Anderson C, Catherine, (Mrs. Pulver), Rebecca, Jacob, .Jaiv.es, Joseph, Elizabeth, John and William. The boyhood days of our subject were passed in his native town in securing an education, and in helping do the farm worli, whereby he acquired a good experience in the calling that he was to adopt for his life-work. At the age of twenty-two he left the parental home to begin a life of indepen- dence as a farmer on his own account by renting land in Schenectady County, of which he was a resident until 1856. In April of that year he came to Illinois and farmed as a renter in Batavia for a year. In 1857 he came to Lee Count}' and bar- gained for a tract of land within its bounds, and built necessary buildings. He failed to obtain a title to that place, and in 1859 bought the land in Wyoming Township that forms the present farm, upon which he has reared a comfortable home. When he first came into possession of this prop- erty it was in its natural condition, but by his skillful and unwearied labors he has wrought a great change and brought it into a fine condition, placing the land in a high state of cultivation, erecting a neat set of frame buildings, and adorn- ing the place by fruit and shade trees set out by his own hand. Mr. Radley was first married Deeember~14, 1862, to Miss Mary V. Hay den, a native of Jackson County, Mich. She died October 7, 1865, after scarcely three years of wedded happiness, leaving one son, Jay H., who is now a talented young phy- sician, practicing his profession in New York City. He commenced his medical studies with Dr. Ather- ton, and subsequently entered the College of Phy- sicians and Surgeons, in Chi3ago, from which he was graduated with honors in the Class of '89, and received the gold medal. By his second marriage May 9, 1866, to Miss Martha McBride, our subject has found an amiable and devoted wife. Their only grief in their married life has been in the death of their only daughter, and the only child born of their union, Ulah B., at the age of six months. Mrs. Radley was born in Limestone Township, Columbia County, Pa., September 3, 1838. Her father, Frederick McBride, was a native of White- hall, Pa., and a son of James McBride, who, it is supposed, was a native of New Jersey. ' He was a carpenter and carried on his trade there, and made it his home until death called him hence. The maiden name of Mrs. Radley 's mother was Mary B. Runyan, and she was also a native of Columbia County. Her father, George Runyan, was born in New Jersey, and was a pioneer farmer of Pennsyl- vania County. He spent his last years near Jersey- town. The maiden name of his wife was Han- nah Davis. She was born in New .Jersej- and died on the old homestead in Columbia County, Pa. Since he became a citizen of Wyoming Town- ship, Mr. Radley used his influence to advance its social and religious interests, as well as to promote its material welfare. He was reared a Presbyterian, and has remained true to the faith. He was one of the leading members of the church of that de- nomination at Paw Paw, whiph he assisted in or- ganizing, and he has served as Elder ever since. Socially, he is a member of Anchor Lodge, No. 510, I. O. O. F. Mrs. Radley was brought up in the Baptist fold, and is a consistent member of that church. Mr. Radley died December 30, 1891, leav- ing many friends to mourn the loss of one of their best citizens. h^E*^* ^ /^ ONRAD HARTMAN, one of the old settlers (if^L of the township of Nelson, living on sec- ^^^ tion 22, has not only materially increased its wealth by his work as a skillful, practical farmer, but he has acquired a valuable property for him- self, the possession of which places him among the most substantial men of the county. He is of German birth, although the most important part of his life since he attained manhood has been passed in this country. He was born August 4, 1813, in Kurfurstenthum-Hessen, Germany. He was educated in the excellent schools of his native place, and was reared to the life of a farmer. He grew to be a stalwart, active, wide-awake young man, and at the age of twenty-four set out into the world to see something of life, having resolved PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 663 to join an older brother who had preceded him to the United States some years before. He sailed from Bremen in 1837, and seven weeks later found himself in New York City, and from there he went to Somerset County, Pa., to find his brother, having first, however, to look around him in the great metropolis to get work to earn money to take him to his destination. After his arrival in Somerset County, he had $1 of that money left, but he soon secured a situation as a farm hand at $9 a month. He prudently saved his earnings, and in time when he desired to marry he was justified in doing so, as he had the means to support a wife and provide a good home for her. He was married to the lady whom he invited to share his fortunes in Somerset County, of which she was a native, her name being Susannah Raymond. Her parents were Pennsylvanians by birth but were of CJerman blood, their parents having been born in the Old Country. Her father, Creorge Raymond, was a farmer by occupation, and he died in Somerset County before his daughtss- Susan was grown to womahood. Her mother did not die until many years later when she was an old lady. Our subject and his wife spent the early part of their married life on a farm in Somerset County, Mr. Hartman living there eighteen years in all, but after the birth of all their children, six in number, they came to Illinois to found a new home, and in 1855 located among the pioneers of Lee County. And here, in Nelson Township, the wife and three of the children died. John was young when he died, while George and Elizabeth were grown, and the latter was married at the time of her death. Mrs. Hartman was sixty-five years old when she died in 1872. She was a conscien- tious Christian and a member of the Lutheran Church. The surviving children of that maniage are Lydia, wife of William Cook, a farmer in Western Nebraska; Susanna, wife of Henry Mason, and re- siding with him on a sheep ranch in Colorado, and David, a farmer in this township, who married Sarah Hax, and a biographical review of his life appears elsewhere in this work. The second mar- riage of our subject, which took place in this county, was with Mrs, Sarah Hax, nes Zorn, Mrs. Hartman was born in the town of Berlin, Somerset County, Pa., a daughter of Jacob and Gertrude Zorn, who were also natives of Pennsylvania, and were of Dutch ancestry. Her father farmed and also made brick and pottery for some years. He died at Berlin when nearly eighty j'ears of age. His wife was not so old when she died. They were Lutherans, and stanch in the faith. Their daughter Sarah was first married in her native county to Peter Hax, with whom she subsequently came to Illinois. They settled first at Dixon, but afterward jemoved to Sterling, and while residing there Mr. Hax was drowned while bathing in Rock River. He left three children, namely: Milton, a resident of Dixon, who married Mary Bollman; Rosanna, wife of Cyrus Lint, a miller in Cameron, Mo., and Sarah, wife of David Hartman. When Mr. Hartman came to this county thirty- six years ago, he was a comparatively poor man, but a strong right arm was his, and he was otlier- wise well equipped for the pioneer task that lay be- fore him of delving his fortune froin the soil. He began life here on a new farm of eighty acres in Nelson Township, which is a part of his present home. He worked early and late, faced the hard- ships that fell to his lot in the newly settled coun- try with unfaltering courage, was prudent and economical when it was necessary, invested his money judiciously, and after improving his first purchase added to it and now has a farm which is one of the best in every particular in tlie town- ship. It has an area of four hundred and forty acres lying on sections 22 and 14, the most of it under plow, and Mr. Hartman has erected a fine set of buildings. Good grades of cattle, horses and swine are raised on the place, and the various cereals and farm produce common to this region are grown here in abundance. Our subject furnishes a good example of our so-called self-made men, as is shown by this bio- graphical record of his life, as he has gathered to- u-ether his riches by unremitting and well-directed toil, displaying keen common sense, good powers of calculation, and excellent business qualifications in his dealings, which have always been characterized by strict honesty and fairness. He is public spirited as a citizen, always interesting himself in whatever 664 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. concerns his adopted township, contributing to plans to promote its prosperity, and doing good work while he held ihe office of Highway Com- missioner. Politically, he is a Republican and has always been loyal to his party. Religiously, he and his wife are members of the Lutheran Churci), and the entire community where they are so well known holds them in the highest respect. ^♦^••{••J* ****!- •{••^♦♦^^'•{•♦•{•♦F ' BEL J. HARRINGTON is one of the pio- neers of Lee County, who has witnessed ( '^ almost its entire growth from the wilder- ness, and has had a hand in bringing about the great change that makes it a rich and thriving community of beautiful homes, valuable farms and busy towns. He is quietly passing his declining j'ears on his farm in Wyoming Township, which has been in his possession many years, and has been highly improved. Mr. Harrington is a native of St. Lawrence County, N. Y., and was born amid its pleasant scenes March 20, 1828. His father was Amasa Harrington, and he too was born in New York, his birthplace being in that part of the State now in- cluded in Genesee Count}', of which his father was a pioneer. The latter was a native of the northern part of Ireland, and coming to America some time during the last century he spent the remainder of his life as a farmer in Genesee County. Amasa Harrington was a young man when he went to St. Lawrence County to live. He married and resided in that county about twenty years, be- ing employed a part of the time as a carpenter. In 1839 he started for what was then the Far West, going with his wife and six children, with a team, to Missouri, which was then on the furthest fron- tier. He lived in Macon County, that State, some five years, and then coming to Lee County, was one of its earlj' settlers, locating on the present site of Paw Paw. There were but few inhabitants throughout the length and breadth of the county, and the land was owned by the Government. Mr. Harrington operated a threshing machine some years, and then took a contract to carry the mail from Troy Grove toRockford, at which he was en- gaged eight j-ears. He became well known, and when he died at Paw Paw during the war, he left a most worthy life-record. Abel Harrington, who forms the subject of this brief biography, was a boy of eleven years when the family went to Missouri, and he remembers well the wildness of the country, the primitive modes of life it necessitated, and many pioneer in- cidents connected with their stay there. There were no railways or other than rough roads as a means of communication with the outside world, and Hannibal was the nearest point at which sup- plies could be obtained, and where the people sold their produce. When the Harringtons returned Eastward as far as this county, they found it in very much the same wild condition as the region that they had just left, and in the absence of rail- ways the settlers had to haul their grain with teams all the wny to Chicago, the nearest market. Our subject assisted his fathei- until he attained his majority, and then for two seasons he worked on a farm by the month. He wisely invested his money in a tract of wild prairie land containing forty acres, for which he paid $3 an acre, the same being included in his present farm. In 1851 he worked for Evans Adrian, and bought of him eighty acres of land in the vicinity of Malugin's Grove, paying $81 for the entire tract. The investment netted him a large sum of money in after years, as in 1864 he sold the land for $16,000. Our subject was a victim of the gold fever that sent so many thousands of people jburncj'ing across the plains and mountains, or by water to California, and in 1852 he made the trip with team, starting from home the 2d of March, and arriving at Downerville, in the Golden State, September 28. The Mormons and soldiers and trappers were the only white settlers at that time between the Mis- souri River and the Pacific Slope, and the journey was a wild and dangerous one, fraught with many hardships. Indians roamed at will over the plains and lurked in the mountains, and wild animals, such as buffaloes, deer, antelopes, etc., were to be seen in large numbers. Mr. Harrington engaged in mining with varied success until the winter of 1854-55, and then he departed homeward with his PORTKAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 665 gains, and traveling by the way of tlie Isthmus of Panama and New York, he at length found himself among his old friends. He settled on his land at Malugin's Grove, but two years later he rented it and removed to the farm that he now occupies in Wyoming Township, subsequently selling his Malu- gin's Grove property, as -before mentioned. In 1867 he rented his farm, and took up his residence at Paw Paw, where he bought ten acres of land, including the present site of the railway station. He resided in the village twenty j'ears, and during that time sold much of his land in lots at a good profit. In 1887 he erected a commodious brick house on his farm, and returning to it, has since made it his home. He lias here a fine place, every- thing about it neat and well-ordered, and- well- tilled fields and rich pastures yield a good income. Mr. Harrington was married in 1856 to Miss Melvina Britton, a native of Pennsylvania, and through her has come much of his prosperity and happiness in life. They have three children: Earl, William B. and Jane Elizabeth. Our subject is a man of sturdy principle and good liabits, and these together with activity, forethought, and a capacity for well-directed and persistent labor, seconded by close calculation and good sense in regard to money mattej's, are the characteristics that have been most potent in the acquirement of his property. As a good citizen should be, he is interested in politics, and is a decided Republican. 44^ p.-====^ ORIAH CHITTENDEN ROE, M. D., well- known as a physician of Franklin Grove and as manufacturer of Roe's family medi- cines, his sons being associated with him in the business, represents one of the pioneer families of Northern Illinois. He was born in Lyon County, Ky., January 1, 1825, and is the son of Dr. John and Elizabeth Ann (Lyon) Roe. His maternal grandfather, Col. Mathew Lyon, had rather a ro- mantic history. He was born in Ireland, and when only a mere boy, ambitious to see something of the world and to try his fortune in America, conceived and carried out the plan of secreting himself on board a vessel bound for this country. On his arrival here he was sold to pay for his pas- sage to Gov. Chittenden, of Vermont, for a yoke of oxen. The Governor took a deep interest in the spirited lad, educated him, and in due time gave him the hand of his daughter in marriage. He arose to a position of prominence in his adopted State, and at one time represented it in Congress. The mother of our subject was born in Ken- tucky in 1805. She was a woman of fine physique and ample proportions, being six feet in height and in advanced years weighed four hundred pounds. She was well-educated, had literary tastes, and wrote two books, the first one was entitled, "Aunt Leanna, or Early Scenes in Kentucky", and the other, "Recollections of Frontier Life in Illi- nois." She died at a venerable age in 1887. She gave birth to nine children, of whom eight are now living: our subject, the eldest of the family; Franklin M., a physician in Downers Grove; Giles B., deceased, was a farmer in Ogle County; Mathew C, a resident of Grand Junction, Iowa, a farmer and carpenter, and now engaged in selling medi- cine for his brother, our subject; Minerva B., wife of J. C. Maj'berry, of Atlanta, Ga.; Frances M., wife of John Conline, of Milan Cente7, De Kalb County; and Malcolm C, a physician of Ogle County, having the largest practice of any doctor witliin its borders. Dr. John Roe was born in Philadelphia in 1800. He married Elizabeth A. Lyon, and in 1827 came to Illinois. His first stopping place was at Spring- field, which was then but a mere collection of log cabins. He next went to Jacksonville, and subse- quently took up a claim on the Illinois River in Putnam County. In 1833, he went to Galena to enter the land upon which he had located, but found that another had secured the title. Re- turning home, he told his wife that he was glad that he did not obtain the claim, as he had seen much better land near the Rock River, and he soon removed his family to that region, settling in December, 1834, at Light House Point, seven miles north of Franklin Grove, in what is now Ogle County, but at that time formed apart of Jo Davi- ees County. He was one of the pioneer physicians of Northern Illinois, and as this part of the State 666 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. ■was then but sparsely inliabited, his practice ex- tended over a large area of country, the settle- ments being scattered, and in visiting his patients he often traveled long distances, being called to various points from Galena to Lake Michigan and from La Salle many miles northward. He labored here until 1848 and then went to Chicago. The Doctor did not remain long in that city, however, but as gold was soon discovered, he joined the '49ers in the rush to California, taking his sons with him across the plains and mountains. It was not so easy to get the precious metal as he had imagined, and in 1851 he came back to Illi- nois, returning by the way of the Isthmus and New York City, and located at Paynes Point, Ogle County. He later removed to Nebraska, and died near Beatrice in 1873. Our subject was still in his infancy when the family settled in the wilderness in this State. He attended school at Mt. Morris, read medicine with his father during his youth, and at eighteen years of age began to practice under his father's directions. He also gathered herbs and compounded the medi- cines for his fatlier when there was no drug store for nearly one hundred miles. At the age of twenty- one, he entered the Ohio Botanical Medical College, from which he was graduated well equipped for his chosen profession, and when the family re- moved to Chicago in 1848, he staid behind to take charge of his father's extensive practice in Ogle County. He, however, gave it up next year to go with his father to California. He met with a seri- ous misfortune during his sojourn in that State, as while he was doing some heavy lifting one of his thigh hones was broken near the hip, and he otherwise injured himself so that his body was bent, causing him to walk with his head near the ground. Upon his return home, while at New York City, he says he was determined to straighten up, and bracing himself against a post he exerted himself to assume an erect attitude. The effort was very painful, but he persisted in his resolution and soon became as straight as an Indian. On his return to Illinois, after his experience in frontier life on the Pacific Slope, our subject lo- cated at Blood's Point, in Boone County, whence he removed to Payne's Point a year later, where he practiced with his father and managed a farm that he had bought at the same time. In 1854, he came to Franklin Grove, five years later went to Ash- ton, thence to Rockford, and finally to Fairfax, Iowa. In 1870, he came again to Franklin Grove, and for the last twenty' years or more has been a continuous resident of this village. He has prac- ticed somewhat, but has devoted his time princi- pally to the manufacture of various medicinal prep- arations, eighteen in number, many of which have found their way into households in every part of the United States, and are highly reputed for their remedial virtues. The Doctor is widely known, and is greatly re- spected. He is one of the leading members of the Old Settlers' Society of Lee County, of which he has been President, and he has frequently delivered addresses at its meetings. In religion, he was reared a Methodist, and was ordained a minister in the church. His views in regard to such mat- ters liave somewhat changed since the daj's of his early manhood, and he is now connected with the Christian Adventist Church as one of its ministers. In politics, the Doctor was first a Democrat; from 1860 to 1872, a Republican, and since then inde- pendent. He was Justice of the Peace while in Iowa, but has never had time for public oiHces. Our subject was first married in February, 1846, to Miss Almeda Brown, a native of Canada, and a daughter of Nathaniel and Lucinda Brown. Her parents were pioneers of Illinois, coming hither in 1837. She died January 28, 1882. leaving seven children, five of whom are now living, namely: Nathaniel C, dealer in real estate in Chicago, and in partnership with ouv subject; Ellla, wife of T. J. Giddings, of Franklin Grove; l,ucy B., wife of Ami Hamlin, of Brillion, Wis.; Fred U., born Janu- ary 24, 1859, and educated at Mt. Morris, and has been a member of the firm of U. C. Roe & Sons since 1879; he was married August 29,1880, to Miss Annis M. Hill, a native of Manitowoc, Wis., a daughter of Homer Hill; and Carrie L., now Mrs. William S. Mulford, of Wisconsin. In 1883, Dr. Roe was mar- ried to Miss Mary E. Edmonds, a native of Lee County', and a daughter of Isaac Edmonds, of Compton. Three children have been born unto them — Herbert E., Marion L., and Rose Elizabeth. Clyyj a^y-ijL PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 669 Mre. Roe is a woman of fine literary tastes, being the author of an excellent book, entitled, "How Six Girls Made Money, or Occupations for AVo- men." She is also a frequent contributor to the periodical press. lAMUEL STONE. No name is more worthy of perpetuation in the annals of this county than that of Samuel Stone, whose portrait is presented on the opposite page. He is honored as one of the oldest settlers of Nelson Township, as the founder of the thriving village of Stone Station, and as a farmer who has met with more than ordinary success in the prosecution of his calling. He is one of the largest land-holders in this section of Illinois and one of the most pros- perous men of his class. He has been a hard worker in the past, and as the welcome shadows of evening gather around him in the sunset of a life well and honorably spent, he can rest from his labors, free from the cares that infested the day, in the substantial home that he lias built up on sec- tion 31 , of the before mentioned township, enjoying the wealth that he has accumulated with a busj^ hand, aided by a clear head, cool calculation, wise economy, and far-seeing judgment. Mr. Stone was bom in the township of Aurora, Erie County, N. Y., December 18, 1823, a son of Luther Stone, one of the early pioneers of Lee County, who was likewise a native of the Empire State, the town of Weston being his birthplace. He was reared to farming pursuits in his native town, and during some period of his life took up his abode in Concord Township, Erie County, where he carried on his occupation until he migrated to the wilds of Northern Illinois. He became an early pioneer of Lee County, which then had but few settlers, and was still in a state of nature. He subsequently entered forty acres of land from the Government, which is now owned by his son Samuel, and made it his home many years until he rounded out his life in death during the war, sixty.four years after his birth. He had 33 served through the War of 1812, and received a land-warrant therefor, by which he procured his farm in Weston. An honorable record as a pioneer of this section was won by Luther Stone, who lived to see the country well developed. He had his full share of the hardships and trials of the primitive life neces- sitated bj- the condition of a newly settled country far, from the centres of civilization, but his pri- vations did not sour his disposition, or render him less sympathetic or kindly disposed toward others. In corhmon with his fellow-pioneers he was exceed- ingly hospitable, and often gave a shelter to some traveler or emigrant family who met the generous welcome beneath his roof. At one time a man claimed his hospitality, and was well entertained by him, wliomhe afterward found to Jiave been the notorious John Long, one of the murderers of Col. Davenport, of Rock Island Mr. Stone was in full sympathy with the aim of the Republican party, and gave it his hearty support from the time of its organization vmtil the day of his death. Reli- giously he was of the Methodist Episcopal faith and a member of the church. , The father of our subject was married in his na- tive town to Lamina Warren, who was also born and reared there. Her death occurred in Nelson Township seventy years later, in 1878. She was a fine type of the pioneer women of Lee County, possessing strength of character and a tender, womanlj' nature. She, too, was a pillar of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Her father, Henry B. Warren, was a life-long resident of Weston. He was a millwright by trade and died from a siclnicss contracted while working in the mill pits, he being then in the prime of life. His daughter Lamina was two years old at the time of his death, and he had but one other daughter. Samuel Stone is one of a family of four sons and one daughter, the latter and two of the former now dead. His only surviving brother Albert is unmarried and makes his home with him. Our subject began life in Lee County as an active, in- telligent lad of twelve years, and his character was molded by pioneer influences. He saw the country in all its newness when there were still many Indians living here, and he learned of them their 670 POETRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL EECOKD. customs, mode of living and manner of hunting, and acquired considerable knowledge of their lan- guage so that he could converse with them in their own tongue. It maj^ well be his pride tliat he has done so much to accelerate the growth of Lee County and add to its wealth. After attaining his majority Mr. Stone made his first purchase of land, which forms a part of his homestead in Nelson Township. He made money by his operations, shrewdly invested it in other land which now aggregates three thousand two hundred acres, all told, of which more than twelve hundred acres are in this and Whiteside County adjoining. He has a like amount in Ida County, Iowa, all under the plow, owns some fine land in Lincoln County, Kan., and a quarter section in Webster County, Neb., all of his realty- being under a higli state of cultivation and in a fine condition. While acquiring his property he has devoted him- self assiduously to its development, and among other improvements has laid out the pretty village of Stone Station on the line of the Chicago, Bur- lington & Quincy Railway in Whiteside County, near the boundary of Lee County, planning it wisely and well, so that it is a most desirable place of residence. As a man who has had the making of his own fortunes, our subject's career is worthy of emula- tion, and furthermore it furnishes a lesson that the young men of to-day who are just starting out in life for themselves may do well to heed. It is this: Mr. Stone has never allowed himself to be- come the victim of costly, not to say vicious, habits, and he says that a part of his wealth is due to his putting every cent, that some men would have spent for tobacco, into real estate that has in- creased in value as the years have gone by and made him rich. Mr. Stone is a Republiean in poli- tics, and has stood by his party through its adver- sities and triumphs during the whole of its exis- tence. His religious affiliations are with the Me- thodist Episcopal Church, in which he has held a membership many years. Ho is keenly alive to all that concerns the welfare of the community, has exerted a good influence in its moral and social elevation, and has responded generously to all appeals for help in cari-ying out plans for public improvement. Our subject was married in this county to Mrs. 'Rliza Stone, nee Power, widow of his brother Willard. She was a native of Virginia and came to Illinois, when young, with her parents, James and Hannah Power, who settled in Marshall County as pioneers of that section, and spent their remain ing years there. After she grew to woman- hood, Eliza Power was wedded to Willard Stone, who died in less than a year after marriage, leaving no offspring. For half a century the wife of our subject walked with him hand in hand on the journey of life, and then death parted them, taking his be loved companion from the home that she had en- deared by her presence for so many years, March 18, 1891. She was a noble woman, true in all the relations she sustained toward others, a devoted wife and tender mother, and a kind friend to her neighbors. She was a Christian in every sense, and was long a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Four children were bom to her and our subject, of whom two are left to be the stay and comfort of his declining years: Reuben, a farmer of Nelson Township, who married Angie Webster, of Polo; and Adelaide, wife of William Steadman, farmer, grain-buj^er and Postmaster at Stone Station. Of the two children who are dead, one died in infancy, and Alonzo D. died at the age of thirty years. He married Mary Ashland, who is now a resident of Rock Falls, and she bore him four children, of whom two are living. jl7 ORENZO M. GOODYEAR, although a I (ip) comparativelj- recent addition to the agri- /i vN cultural community comprising Nelson Township, is recognized as one of its most pros- perous general farmers and dairymen, and his farm of one hundred and fifty-six acres, on sections 12 and 13, is one of the best kept and most attractive places in the vicinity. Mr. Goodyear is a worthy descendant of some of the old New England fajniUes of Colonial times, PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 671 but hie himself is a native of tiie Empire State, born in Oneida County, January 26, 1820, and there his entire life has been spent until within a few years. He was brought up on a farm, early became familiar with all kinds of farm work, and when he attained manhood selected that occupa- tion as the one best suited to his tastes and dispo- sition, fully realizing its possibilities when pursued methodically and with an intelligeat observation of the principles governing it, and heartily echoing the assertion of the sage of Chautauqua when he said that it is the "noblest of professions." He made a careful study of the best way of carrying on his farming operations, was always quick in adopting modern and improved methods, and in time acquired a comfortable property in his native county. He was always deeply interested in Western farming, especially in the modes of agri- culture in the great grain -growing and stock-rais- ing region of the Upper Mississippi Valley and of the great lake region, and in 1885 he determined to try his hand at farming on these broad, fertile prairies. Therefore he wound up his affairs in New York, and at a time when men of less energetic and active temperament are beginning to consider the advisability of retiring from business, he began life afresh in this county, purchasing his present farm in Nelson Township. Tlie -outcome of his experiment has been very satisfactory, "and he re- gards his coming to Illinois as the best move of his life. He is very pleasantly situated, and takes great pride in the home that he has established amid the charming rural scenery of the County of Lee, and to which he is constantly adding improve- ments. He has a fine lot of milch cows, forty in number, which he devotes to dairy purposes, be- sides having other stock, and he also raises grain and other products of the soil. Our subject is a son of Edward Goodyear, a na- tive of Connecticut, and a cousin in the first degree to Charles Goodyear, the famous inventor or discoverer of the process of vulcanizing rubber. The Goodyear family originated in England, and some of its members were among the early settlers of Connecticut. Edward Goodyear passed his early life in his native State, and for some time during the War of 1812 be was engaged in the manufac- ture of powder. He subsequently devoted him- self to carpentering and removed to Canada, whence he afterwards went to Camden, Oneida County, N. Y., where he lived many years, and eventually closed a long and honored life at the age of seventy- four years in the home that he built up there. He was a man of undoubted in- tegrity, a Christian in word and deed, and an act- tive member of the Congregational Church. He married a Connecticut lad}'. Miss Leve Alcott, and she also had distinguished connections, the late Bronson Alcott, the venerable Concord philosopher and father of the gifted authoress, Louisa Alcott, being her first cousin. She came of good New England blood, and of a long-lived family, known for their fine qualities, steady and temperate habits. She herself was a noble woman, a Christ- ian in every truth, and lived to an honored old age. ■ Lorenzo Goodyear is the third of five children, four sous and one daughter, all of whom are yet living except the youngest brother, who died in 1891. He grew up under wholesome home influ- ences, and he has abided by the principles of honor, truthfulness and right living early instilled into his mind. -He lias kept himself free from all bad and vitiating habits, and has never smoked or chewed tobacco or drank spirituous liquors. He has a clear brain, and is remarkably lithe and act- ive for a man who has already passed the seven- tieth milestone on life's journey. He is still light of foot and agile, and thinks nothing of climbing to the top of his wind-mill when he wants to take a view of the country. He also keeps abreast of the times and is well informed in what is going on in the world of letters, politics and business, as he is a keen observer and a great reader. In the course of life he has gathered about him many friends by his genial manner and considerate treat- ment of all with whom he comes in contact. He is a sound Republican in his political views, al- though holding himself independent as regards parties, and his sons follow in his footsteps. Mr. Goodyear was happily married in his na- tive township and county to Miss Mary Ransom, who was also born in that county, Vienna Town- ship being the place of her birth. For a history 672 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. of her family see biography of Schuyler Ransom. Mr. and Mrs. Goodyear are the parents of eight children, as follows: Adelbert L., a farmer in Hancock County, Iowa, who married Miss Lucy Parkes, of New York State; Wallace E. and Wal- ter E., twins, the former married to Miss Mary Ransom and living on a farm in this township, and the latter at home with his parents; Marj^, who was employed for three j'ears at the water cure establishment at Danville, N. Y.; Martha, wife of WillardBall, a farmer of Wexford County, Mich.; Schuyler at home; Lucius, a medical student at Kansas City; and Leve at home with her parents. ^ENRY B. COBB has been prominent in the upbuilding of Lee County as one of its most successful farmers and stock-raisers. _ He has been a resident of Viola Township since pioneer days, and has accumulated a valuable property, including large landed interests here and elsewhere, and one of the best equipped farms in this part of Illinois. He comes from sterling New England ancestry, and is a native of that part of the country, born in the town of Tolland, Tolland County, Conn., November 27, 1834. His father, Dan- iel Cobb, was a native of the same State. He was a natural mechanic, who could turn his hand to anything and do it well, but he never learned a trade. He worked at various kinds of labor, and remained a resident of Connecticut until his un- timely death, while 3'^et in life's prime, in Tolland County, in 1848. The mother of our subject, whose maiden name was Wealthy Crandle, and who was also born in Connecticut, was left in very limited circumstances by his death, with nine children depending on her for support. She bravely shouldered her burden and provided for them as best she could, training them to habits of industry and teaching them to become independent. She went from Connecticut to Massachusetts, and lived there until 1853, wlien she came to Illinois. She resided for a time in Bureau County, but spent her last years in Lee County, in Viola Township. The names of her children are Elizabeth, Roxanna, Laura, Henry B., Samuel, Daniel,Newton, Wealthy Jane and George O. The family was well represented in the war, Daniel, Newton and George all entenng the army early in the conflict, and serving with honor until the rebellion was brought to a close. The first named was in Cheney's Battery, while Newton and George were members of the Eighty-ninth Illinois Regiment. The subject of this biography was very young when he commenced to earn his own living, and he early displayed those strong traits of char- acter that have marked his entire career and have led him to wealth. Soon after his father's death, he went to work in a cotton factory at Duckville, in the town of Palmer, Hampden County, Mass. He remained there until 1852, and then, ambitious to better his fortunes, he decided to emigrate to the "West," as this part of the country was then called, and try to secure a home for himself on the soil of the Prairie State. He traveled by the way of Long Island Sound to New York, thence bjr rail to Dunkirk, where he embarked on a steamer to Chicago; from that city he proceeded to Peru on the Illinois & Michigan Canal, and the remainder of his journey to his destination, Lam- oille, Bureau County, was performed with a team. He worked there a few months, and then gener- ously sent-back the money thus earned to assist other members of the family to come to Illinois. In the fall of 1852, he visited Lee County and entered one hundred and sixty acres of Govern- ment land on section 13, of what is now Viola Township. After he had bought land Mr. Cobb did not have the means to build on it or otherwise im- prove it, so he rented land for farming purposes until 1856. During that time he erected a small frame house on his place, and has been a resident here ccintinously since. The improvements on his farm at the present time rank with the best in the county. He has bought land at different times, and has upwards of twelve hundred acres of very flue land in YioU, Brookl^yn and Willow Creek Townships. He has gathered together a handsome property, solely by his own wisely directed energies, as he can truly claim the honor of being a self- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 673 made man, who has literally been '-the architect of his own fortunes," for he began life when a mere boy with not a cent to his name, and had to earn his own capital before he could become indepen- dent. Fortunately, he had that within him better than mere riches wliich insured his success from the start, as he was of an active temperament, quick to perceive and abtive to perform ; was steady of purpose; had a marvellous capacity to labor long and well and he had early acquired good bus- iness habits, so that he was equipped for the strug- gle that lay before him. Lee County has found in him a valuable citizen, who has been a power in developing her agricultural resources and adding to her wealth in that direction. He has always taken a real interest in her welfare, and has re- sponded liberally to calls for aid in promoting in- ternal improvements. He stands high in her financial circles, and is known in politics as a tried and true Republican, since the days when he cast his first presidental vote for Gen. Fremont. Mr. Cobb was married in 1869 to Ellen C. Beemer, a native of Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Adam and Ann Beemer, and has found in her a cheerful helpmate and a devoted wife. They have five children: Minnie J., Lillie A., George H., Birdie and Lanra L. Lillie is the wife of William Web- ber and the mother of three children: Blanche B., George R. and Hazel N. George H. married Sadie E. Shontz, and they have one child — Ethel Marie. I w liw > .^b. ' I ' i t ' I SAIAH BRINK, who is extensively engaged in farming and stock-raising on sections 19 and (11 20, Nachusa Township, is numbered among the early settlers of the county, where he located in 1851. He was born on the 17th of October, 1817, in Columbia County, Pa., and is a son of .Joshua and Rebecca (Cole) Brink. His father was born in Delaware, of German lineage, and when eight- een years of age removed to the Keystone St.ate, where, in Columbia County, he met and married Miss Cole. She was a native of that county and a daughter of Ezekiel Cole, a miller by trade, who was bom in New Jersey. Her father removed to Columbia County, Pa., in early life and ever after- ward resided in that locality. Joshua Brink and his wife also continued to re- side in Columbia County until called to the home beyond. , He was nearly ninety-four years of age at the time of his death and his wife died when sixty years of age. In religious belief they were Episcopalians and were people of worth and intel- ligence, highly esteemed by many friends. Their familj' numbered nine children, of whom our sub- ject is third in the order of birth. In the usual manner of farmer lads, Isaiah Brink spent the days of his boyhood and youth and in the county of his nativity was joined in wedlock with Miss Elizabeth Stiles, a native of Luzerne County, Pa., and a daughter of Jerry and Elizabeth (Clintup) Stiles, who were also born in the Key- stone State. From Luzerne County they removed to Columbia County, where upon a farm they lived many years. Both are now deceased. They died in the faith of the Episcopal Church in which they held membership. Mr. and Mrs. Brink began their domestic life in the county of his nativity but at length he deter- mined to try his fortune in the West and we find him located in Lee County, 111., in the autumn of 1851. The following spring he joined a party of emigrants who, with ox-teams, made their way over the plains to California. Several months had passed away ere their journey was ended. At length they reached Shasta City on the Sacramento River and Mr. Brink embarked in mining but after a few months he began working at the carpen- ter's trade, which he followed until the fall of 1856, when he returned to Illinois, by way of the Isthmus of Panama, and New York City. , i In the meantime Mrs. Brink had purchased their present homestead with money which her husband had sent her from California, and in the spring of 1857 they located thereon. Within the boundaries of the farm are comprised four hundred and twenty acres, and in return for the 'care and cultivation bestowed upon it the owner reaps a goldeii tribute. The improvements are such as one would there ex- pect to find and the accessories are those of a model farm. Mr. Brink also owns two hundred and forty acres of land in Amboy and Marion Townships, 674 POETRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL EECOED. His possessions have all been acquired through bis own efforts and his prosperity is certainly well de- served. In 1888 he became a member of the Arm of Brink & Deiter, lumber manufacturers and ex- tensive dealers in the same. They do a large busi- ness in that line and employ about twenty hands. Three children grace the union of Mr. and Mrs. Brink: John, who wedded Lena Tolen, and resides on the home farm in Nachusa Township; Charles, also a resident farmer of Nachusa Township, wed- ded Mary Watters, who was born of English par- entage; and Catherine, the youngest, is the wife of Perry Cromley, a farmer of Marshall County, Iowa. In social circles Mr. and Mrs. Brink rank high and their friends throughout the community are many. The lady is a member of the German Reformed Church. In political sentiment Mr. Brink is a Democrat but has never sought or desired public office, being content to devote his energies to his business interests in which he has met with such signal success. C '^ AMES H. PRESTON. The Amboy N&ws, of which this gentleman is publisher and pro- prietor, is justly considered one of the brightest and most sparkling local papers of this county. A six-column quarto, it chronicles the latest and most interesting happenings in the social, business and jiolitical world. Since its pur- chase by Mr. Preston in 1884, it has grown rapidly in influence as an independent paper, and is now a welcome guest in many homes, while as an advertising medium it enjoys an established repu- tation. Mr. Preston is numbered among the early set- tlers of this county, whither he came in 1854, settling on one hundred and sixty acres of Gov- ernment land June 22. He was born in Rochester, N. Y., June 3, 1820, and is the son of James and Mary (Gorham) Preston, both natives of Ft. Ann, N. Y. The maternal ancestors of our subject re- sided at Nantucket and were seafaring people, who engaged in whaling. The paternal grandfather of our subject, who bore the name of Othniel Preston, was of Irish parentage and resided in the State of New York where he pursued farming. In the Revo- lutionary War he enlisted as a soldier and fought in defense of the colonies. His death occurred at the age of ninety- two years. James Preston, father of our subject, passed his entire life in York State and pursued farming first in Monroe County, whence he removed to Steuben County and there died at the age of fifty- six years. He was a soldier in the War of 1812. His wife survived him until she reached the age of sixty-two years, when she passed away. Three sons and three daughters came to bless their home, our subject being the eldest of the sons. He passed his early life on a farm and received a common- school education, which he made use of by teach- ing at $12 per month and board. In 1845, when ready to establish a home of his own, he was mar- ried to Miss Nancy A. Maydole, a native of New York. For nine years following their marriage, the young couple continued to reside in Steuben County, where he engaged in farming pursuits, also as hotel-keeper and Postmaster at Haskinsville. In 1854 he came to Illinois and pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres of land in Lee County. Between the years of 1855 and 1857 he was inter- ested in a union store at Amboy, and later engaged in farming until 1879, when he removed to Am- boj^ In his politics he was a firm Republican, and served in various official positions, among them Assessor, Justice of the Peace and County Superintendent of Schools. To the latter position he was elected in 1866, holding the office twelve years by election and one by appointment. While holding that position he removed to Amboy in 1879, and has here since resided. At the expiration of his term of service as County Superintendent, Mr. Preston traveled one year as salesman, and in 1884 purchased the Am- boy News, which he still owns. In his political affiliations he was a Whig in former years, but later became a member of the Republican party and is now somewhat independent in his belief. Since the campaign of 1844 he has voted at every Presidential election, and during all those years PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 675 has exerted a great influence for good, both in private life and through the medium of his paper. In his social relations he is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the oldest member of Illi- nois Central Lodge, ISJo. 178, A. F. it A. M. He was also a charter member of the first lodge at Amboy, I. 0. 0. F. The marriage of our subject and his estimable wife hus been blessed by the birth of four children, namely: Albert W., who was killed by a bull when thirty years of age; Frances, who was a teacher of unexceptional ability and engaged in her profes- sion at the State Normal, died May 4, 1880; Addie, who is the wife of William F. Wolcott, and Charles, a lawyer at Paw Paw. Mr. and Mrs. Preston adopted a girl, whom they have named Bertie, and who receives from them every care and attention which has been bestowed upon their own children. The various members of the Preston family are highly esteemed in social circles, and at their hos- pitable home are wont to entertain their many friends. EDWARD F. HERBST, who is engaged in agricultural pursuits on the farm of Will- I— / iam Uhl, on section 14, South Dixon Town- ship, is a young map of good parts and industri- ous habits, who has already won an excellent reputation for practical skill as a farmer and for real ability to handle his affairs so as to produce the best results. He has been operating the said farm for three years very successfully, renting it of Mr. Uhl, who is now in California. It contains one hundred and sixty acres of good farming land, and is well supplied with buildings for all pur- Mr. Herbst is a native of Adams County, Pa., bom near Gettysburg, April 14, 1859. His father, Henry Herbst, was also a native of Adams County, and was a son of a German, who had come to the United States after his marriage in the Fatherland, and had settled on a farm in the county mentioned. He was there industriously engaged at his occupa- tion until his death, both he and his wife living to be old people. They were simple-hearted and true minded, and were faithful members of the Lutheran Church. Henry Herbst was reared to the life of a farmer on the old Pennsylvanian homestead where he first opened his eyes to the light of day, and in due time be was married to Miss Elizabeth Wibie, a native of the same county as himself, and a daugh- ter of Joseph and Rebecca Wible. Her parents were descended from some of the early Pennsyl- vanian families, and died in their native county when well along in years. They were Lutherans in religion. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Herbst lived on a farm in Pennsylvania until after all their children had been born and had grown to maturity, and in 1884 they came to Illinois, and have founded a new home in Nachusa Township, where they are passing their declining years se- renely, and in the enjoyment of the respect and esteem of all about them. From childhood they have been members of the Lutheran Church, and their lives have been guided by Christian prin- ciples Our subject is the eldest of the nine children born to his parents, of whom eight are living. He received a good home training, and early acquired a good knowledge of general farming. In 1881 he came to Illinois, and for some years prior to coming to South Dixon Township he was engaged in farming in Nelson Township. To help him in the upbuilding of a home towards which his am- bitions bend, and to which he is devoting his ener- gies, he has been so fortunate as to secure one of the choicest of earth's blessings, a good wife, who is devoted to him and their children, of whom- they have two, Harry E. and Myrtle M. Their marriage was solemnized in Nachusa Township. Mrs. Herbst, who bore the maiden name of Cora V. Kime, was born in the same Pennsylvanian County as her husband, August 29, 1864, being the date of her birth. She came to Illinois in her girlhood with her parents, George and Nancy (Hines) Kime, who are now living on a farm in Nachusa Township. They were born, reared and married in Adams County, Pa. They are greatly esteemed by the people in their community for their genuine worth. They are Lutherans in their 676 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, religious faith. Mrs. Herbst is one of a family of four children, all of whom are living. She is very capable, is an excellent housewife, and understands well how to manage her household affairs. Both she and her husband are Lutherans, and useful members of their church. He is a Democrat sound and true, as was his father before him, -^^+^1 ^ OHN P. BRUBAKER, one of the well known and influential citizens of Nachusa Town- ship, engaged in general farming on section _ 5, is a native of the Buckeye State, his birth occurring in the township of Grattis, Preble County, July 30, 1826, and he is descended from good old Revolutionary stock. The family is of German origin and was established in Lancaster County, Pa., at an early day. When the struggle for Independence broke out, some of its members enlisted in the Colonial army. Jonathan Bruba- ker, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Lancaster County and there married a Pennsylva- nian lady. After the birth oC their children they removed from the Keystone State to Virginia, but as the views of Mr. Brubaker were much opposed to the slave law, he left, with his family, for Preble County, Ohio, there locating about 1810. The county was then almost an unbroken wilder- ness and in the midst of a dense timbered regiou they located. It was an arduous task to develop a farm there in tlie midst of the forest but Mr. Bru- baker resolutely set to work and ere his death had improved a very large tract of land. He left to each of his children a good home. He had been twice married and himself and both wives were members of the German Baptist Church. His fam- ily was a numerous one and among the children there is one survivor, Henry Brubaker, who is now living in Preble County, Ohio, at a very advanced age. Jonas Brubaker, father of our subject, was born in Lancaster County Pa., in 1802. He was ayoutli when his parents removed to Virginia and had not yet attained his majority when they located in Ohio. He afterwards married Rebecca Phillips, the first female white child born in Preble County, Ohio, her birth occurring in 1804. Her parents came from Tennessee, and were among the pioneer settlers of the Buckeye State. The Phillips fam- ily are of Plnglish extraction and its members were renowned as Indian fighters. They were also strong opponents of the slavery system and their efforts were ever for its overthrow. Jonas Bruba- ker and his wife began their married life on a farm where the lady was born and continued to reside in that vicinity until after the death of the husband which occurred June 9, 1890, at the ripe old age of eightj'-eight years. He was a member of the German Baptist Church, in sla- very days was a strong Abolitionist and also a warm advocate of temperance principles. He lived a life worthy of emulation and left an untarnished name. His widow is yet living in Preble County, making her home with her granddaughter. Throughout the community she is widely known and her friends are indeed many. She is also a member of the German Baptist Church. No event of special importance occurred to vary the monotony of farm life during the boyhood of our subject. When he had arrived at mature years he wedded Hannah Wright who was also a native of Preble County, Ohio; in 1852, they came to Illinois, and Mr, Brubaker purchased a partially improved farm in Nachusa Township, Lee County, upon which he yet resides. His labors there have worked a great transformation and he has now one of the well developed and valuable farms of the community. His comfortable home is surrounded with beautiful shade trees, making it an attractive and pleasing place and a spring of never-failing water is there found. After fifteen years' residence in Lee County, Mrs. Brubaker, who was born in October, 1828, passed away in 1867. leaving three children. The eldest, William, is now a clerk in the State Capitol of Topeka, Kan.; Marcus now dead; Barnes, was a skilled machinist and located in Cincinnati, Ohio, where his death occurred; and Laura is the wife of R. W. Eicholtz, a farmer of Nachusa Town- ship. Mr. Brubaker was again married, his second union being with Miss Anna Sunday, a native of Adams County, Pa., who came to Illinois during JOHN C.LETAK E. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 679 her maidenhood. Their wedding was celebrated in Nachusa Township and has been blessed witli two children — Minnie, wife of William Barber who aids our subject in the management of the homestead; and J. Ozro, who is attending college in Dixon. For eighteen years Mr. Brubaker has held the oflSce of Justice of the Peace and lias also been Highway Commissioner for some years. Other lo- cal offices he has filled and every position in which he has served has found in him a faithful officer who discharges his duties with promptness and fi- delity. With his ballot he supports the Republi- can party, of which he is" a stanch advocate. His wife is a member of the German Baptist Church and an active worker in its interests. V_ "if OHN C. LEAKE. The son of one of the early pioneer families of .this county, this gentleman has risen to an important place ' among its wide-awake, progressive farmers and stock raisers. He is of English birth and an- cestry, but the most of his life has been passed on the fine old homestead on section 28, Nachusa Township, which was purchased by his father from the Government fifty years ago, when it was a wild tract of land, and has been in the possession of our subject since 1863. On tlie opposite page appears the portrait of Mr. Leake. He was born in Leicestershire, England, and was very young when brought to this country by his parents, John and Mary A. (Jarvis) Leake, who were of good English blood, coming from some of the old families of Leicestershire, where they were born and reared. The father was born in 1806, and was the son of a prosperous farmer and butcher of his native shire. He learned the trade of a butcher in his youth, and followed it for some years. After the birth of three sons in their old home, he and his wife decided to emigrate to America, and in 1341 set sail from Liverpool on a vessel bound for this country. They landed in New York City, and then started on the laborious journey Westward by the most expeditious route at that time, going by the Hudson River and Erie Canal to Buffalo, whence they made the voyage on the lakes to Chicago, and from there made their way with a team to their destination in Lee County. John Leake was at that time in moderate cir- cumstances, but he took up a tract of Government land, now included in the farm of his son John, went to work with characteristic vigor and persist- ency, and not only changed what was literally a part of the wilderness into a highly productive farm, but acquired the means to buy other land, and in time had a thousand acres of valuable realty. He tlius bore a prominent part in the up- building of the county, and his name is held in honor among those of its most active and respected pioneers. A useful citizen was lost to his township when death closed his career in 1873. He and his estimable wife were members of the Episcopal Church, when they were in England, but after coming to this country they united with the Meth- odists, and were always generous and zealous working members of that denomination to which they belonged. Our subject early acquired an insight into the principles of farming and gained a valuable expe- rience in that line before he began to pursue agri- culture on his own account. He owns three hun- dred and eighty acres of highly cultivated land, and has made several valuable improvements, in- cluding a fine set of buildings, of a good style of architecture and replete with modern conveniences. His herds of cattle, horses and hogs are of the breeds that are best adapted to this country and compare with the finest in the neighborhood. He has made a careful study of his calling, is progres- sive in his ideas of farming and very successful in putting them into execution. A man of his strength of character and mental calibre necessarily exer- cises a certain amount of influence in his commun- ity, and his neighbors and fellow-citizens find in him a safe and thoughtful counselor. They have frequently called him to take charge of some local office, and he has represented Nachusa Township as a member of the County Board of Supervisors two years. In his political convictions he is a 680 POETRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. steadfast Republican. Religiously he is of the Congregational faith, and he and his estimable wife belong to that church. The maiden name of the wife of our subject, to whom he was married in this county, was Mary E. Hale.- She was born in Ohio, and was a small girl when her parents, L. W. and Sarah A. (Crawford) Hale, came to Lee County and settled among its pioneers. Here they lived and labored for many years and built up a comfortable home in China Township, where the good old mother is still liv- ing, and at the age of seventy-three years is bright and active. The father rounded out a long and hon- orable life of seventy-seven years, dying on his old homestead, in July, 1884. Mrs. Leake is one of a family of six children, of whom three are yet liv- ing. She was well educated and won a high repu- tation as a teacher, in which profession she was en- gaged in this county for some years before mar- riage. She became the mother of four children: Charles W., Grace M., Jennie F. and T. Wilber; all are deceased excepting Wilber, a young man of much promise, who makes his home with his parents. ^ON. MICHAEL EG AN. It is always in- teresting to note the career of those who have emigrated from foreign lands for the purpose of establishing homes in the United States; and to trace the steps by which they have exchanged their poverty for an honorable inde- pendence. In the life of Mr. Egan there is much to interest and instruct. Although for years he has been a naturalized citizen of our country, he has never lost his love for Old Ireland, nor his hatred of England. His knowledge of a. multitude of subjects with which his versatile ability has made him conversant, is well known, and his retentive memory enables him to recite prose or poetical selections of rare beauty and great length. From youth he has always been an active and powerful man, temperate in his habits, frank and honest in his speech, and as such has commanded the highest respect, even of his political opponents. In Kilrush, County Clare, Ireland, Mr. Egan was born, September 26, 1821, and is the son of John and Susanna (Meskel) Egan, both of whom died in their native land. Michael learned the trade of a mason from his father, to whom he served an apprenticeship of seven years, and afterward was employed in the public works. In the spring of 1846 he came to the United States, and in New York City engaged to work for Matthias . PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 699 children, six of whom are now living. Two died in infancy and Joseph P. died at the age of twenty- five years. He was a jeweler by trade and one of the best engravers in Illinois. He was born at Araboy, September 25, 1863, and died November 19, 1887. He learned his trade at Aurora, 111., serving an apprenticeship for three years. While working at Chicago in 1886, he contracted a severe cold which resulted in his death. He was married to Miss Nellie McAndrew of Louisville, Ky., July 16, 1885, at St. Paul, Minn., and was the father of one son, Joseph. The living children of this fam- ily are: Katie A., a dressmaker at Amboy; James H., a merchant at this place; Dennis B., our subject; Edward M., a boiler-maker at Seattle, Wash.; John W., a workman in the machine shops of the Illinois Central Railroad, and Alice, who is at home. This family all had good educational advantages. The subject of this sketch was born at Amboy, November 19, 1859. He graduated from the schools at Amboy, in 1877, and taught school two years in the country and then took a business course at the Northern Indiana Normal and Busi- ness Institute. He then learned the trade of a boilerrmaker at Decatur, 111., in the Novelty Works and worked there about two years, then went to Rockford, and worked in McCarren Bros. Boiler Works. He kept books, made estimates and worked at his trade one year. In 1885 he began as a teacher in the schools at Amboy and for five years has had charge of the grammar department. He is a very thorough teacher, sagacious and persevering, and is well liked by all his pupils. The family to which our subject belongs are all members of the Roman Catholic Church, and in politics Mr. Doyle is a Democrat. WILSON E. MECHEM, a retired farmer, residing in Dixon, was born in Belmont County, Ohio, August 22, 1822, and is of Irish descent. His father and grandfather, both of whom bore the name of John Mechem, were natives of the Keystone State. The latter married Sarah Evans, who was born and reared in Pennsylvania and came of Welsh lineagp. Upon it farm they began their domestic life and several years afterward removed to Ohio, settling in Bel- mont County at a very early day, ere the Indians had left for homes farther West. Upon the farm which Mr. Mechem there developed and improved, he and his wife spent their remaining days, his death occurring at about the age of one hundred years, while his wife had passed four-score years at the time of her death. The husband was a Hixite Quaker in religious belief and Mrs. Mechem was a member of the Baptist Church. Their family numbered thirteen children. John Mechem, the father of our subject, was a lad of twelve summers when he accompanied his parents to Belmont County, Ohio, where amid the wild scenes of frontier life he was reared to man- hood. He there became acquainted with and wedded Abigail Moore, who was' born in that county unto Jacob and Elizabeth (Picklehamer) Moore. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and were of German descent. Thej^ resided in the Keystone State until some years after their mar- riage and spent the remainder of their lives as farming people in Belmont County, Ohio, where Mr. Moore passed away at the age of eighty years, while his wife was called to the home beyond when about sixty years of age. They were members of the Christian Church and people of sterling worth. After their marriage John Mechem and his wife resided on farms in Belmont and Monroe Counties and subsequently spent twelve years in tlie West, as residents of Iowa and IHinois. Later, however, they returned to Belmont County, where Mr. Mechem departed this life at the age of sixty -five years. His estimable wife survived him until 1890, and died in Dallas County, Iowa, at the age of eighty-six. He was first a Whig and afterward a Republican in politics, and with his wife held membership in the Methodist Church. Their lives were in harmony with their professions and they well merited the warm regard given them by their many friends. The subject of this sketch was the eldest of seven children, all of whom grew to mature years, while four are yet living. In the State of his nativity his boyhood and youth were passed in the 700 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. usual maimer of fanner lads and in 1850, he sought a home on the broad prairies of Illinois. The 1st of April of that year saw him a resident of Put- nam County, where he resided until the spring of 1853. During that time he wooed and won ]\Iiss Rhoda Simpson , who was born in Hamilton , Ohio, near the city of Cincinnati, November 14, 1835. Her parents, Edward and Maria (Ward) Simpson, were natives of Pennsylvania and Indiana respect- ively, their union being celebrated in the latter State, where they made their home for some ten years after their marriage. They then spent manv years upon a farm in Putnam County, 111., but jMr.. Simpson died in Dwight at the age of ninety years. Since her husband's deatli, Mrs. Simpson has gone to Monroe City, Mo., where she is now living at the age of eightj'-six years. She has lived a noble Christian life as a member of the Methodist Church, with which denomination lier husband was also connected. It was in the spring of 1853, as before stated, that Mr. Mechem removed with his family to Marshall County, 111., where he devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits until 1875. That year witnessed his arrival in Lee County and upon a farm in Harmon Township, lie continued to make his home for fifteen years, when on the 20th of November, 1890, he came to Dixon. He is now living retired, enjoying the rest which he has so truly earned and richly deserved. He still owns the Washington House of Dixon and has large real-estate interests the value of which is constant- ly increasing. Nine children have been bom of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Mechem and with the exception of Eliza, who became the wife of Alonzo Conner, and died at the age of thirty years, all are yet livino-. Henrietta is the wife of Frank Skilton, a farmer of Marshall County, 111.; Jefferson is connected with a seed store of Chicago; Hettie married Vincent Smith and resides at Lee Centre, this county; Drucilla is the wife of Lincoln Carbaugh, of Lee Centre; Mary, Carrie, Charles and Lena are at home. Mr. and Mrs. Mechem are faithful members of the Methodist Church, in which he has served as Trustee and Steward, and has taken an active part in the work connected therewith. In politics he is a stalwart supporter of Republican principles. His life has been a busy and useful one, well and worthly spent, and by industry, perseverance and good management he acquired a competence which now enables him to live in retirement. ^^ 1 ' I I I < n r . EXRY SOUTHARD. But few of the pio- neers of Lee County have met with more genuine success as farmers than our subject, who is distinguished as being the oldest settler now living in ^Vlto Township, in whose agricultural development he has played an impor- tant part, and where he has large landed interests, and is extensively engaged in farming. Mr. Southard was bora in the town of Windom, Greene County, N. Y., April 4, 1825, while his father, whose name was John Southard, is thought to have been born in Dutchess County, in the same State. He was a sou of Henrj' Southard, who was a farmer, and spent the latter part of his life in Greene County. The father of our subject was reared on a farm. He accompanied his par- ents in their migration to Greene County, and subsequently bought a tract of timber land in what is now Sempronius Township, cleared it, and lived upon it until 1830, when he removed to Cayuga County, after disposing of his farm. He bought a tract of land fourteen miles from Auburn, which was partly improved, and a forest growth stood on the remainder of it. There were no railways there for some j-ears, and the towns on the Erie Canal were the markets for produce. In 1883 the fatlier of our subject left Cayuga County for the wilds of IMichigan, taking with him his wife and five children, and making the enti'-e journey overland with a team. He bought a tract of Government land in the primeval for- ests four miles south of the present site of Bangor. At that time IMichigan was a territory, and a literal wilderness, in which deer, bears, wolves and other wild animals, had their home. There were no rail- ways, and the roads, where there were any, were poor. Paw Paw and St. Joseph were the nearest markets. The people lived in the most primitive PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 701 manner; the wives and daughters of the pioneers cooked by the open fireplace, and the children were clad in garments of home manufacture, the cloth being made of flax or wool raised on tlie place, and carded, spun and woven by the women. Mr. Southard built a typical pioneer habitation of logs, splitting shakes to cover the roof, and boards for the floor and to make a door, no sawed timber entering into the construction of the house, and the chimney was made of earth and sticks. The father died on the farm he had hewn from the Michigan forests, and left behind him a good record as a serviceable pioneer and a good citizen. His wife, who survived him some years, died in the village of Bangor. She was a native of New Jer- sey — Harriet Helen Height, her maiden name — and she was a daughter of Caleb and Keturah Height. She was the mother of these seven children : Henry, Oscar, Julia A., David, Charles, James and John. Henry Southard was a lad of twelve years when his parents went to Michigan, and his education was conducted in the pioneer schools of Van Buren County, which were taught in log houses, that were furnished with rude slab benches, and had none of the modern conveniences of the school houses of to-day. He was very young when he began to assist with the farm work, and on his father's homestead he gained an experience in farming that has been useful to him in his after career as an independent farmer. In 1847 he left the shelter of the parental roof to try life in Illi- nois. He secured work on a farm in Kane County at $12 a month, and continued thus employed until the following year, when he came to Lee County and bought a quarter of a section of land at Mal- ugin's G-rove, Brooklyn Township, and became one of the early settlers of that region, which was then sparsely inhabited, and deer and other game were numerous. In the absence of railways, he had to take his grain to Chicago with ox teams. The spring of 1852 finds our subject wending his way to the gold diggings of California. He started from Lee County with two others, April 13, and made the journey across the plains and moun- tains with six Indian ponies and a pair of mules, arriving in the Golden State August 13. At that time there were no white settlers between the Mis- souri River and Salt Lake, with the exception of soldiers stationed at one or two points, and some Mormons. Buffaloes were very numerous, and our subject had the pleasure of killing the first one he saw. After his arrival in California, he de- voted himself to mining with good success, and five years later returned to Illinois, coming by the way of the Isthmus, and invested in eighty acres of land, which is included in his present farm. He has bought other land at different times, and is now the proprietor of seven hundred and eighty- three acres of choice land, the greater part of which is improved. He has risen to his present position as one of the substantial, well-to-do citizens of the county solely through his own efforts. He has applied himself closely to his business, devoting his whole energies to the successful accomplishment of what- ever he has undertaken, carrying out his well-laid plans systematically, promptly and in a business- like manner, exercising forethought and that wise economy that knows how to spend money where it is needed as well as how to save it." He is, in short, a fine type of our self-made men, who have made a success in life, and his career is worthy of emulation by the .young men of to-day, who are beginning where he began so long ago. January 25, 1850, Mr. Southard was married to Miss Susan Reed, to whose devotion to his interests he is much indebted for the comforts of the pleas- ant home that he shares with her. They have five children living, namely: Charles M., Emmett M., H. Adeline, Cecilia A. and James M. Emmett married Arabella Gallagher. Adeline has been twice married, first to George Merrill and the sec- ond time to Charles Flint. Cecilia married Eugene Johnson, and they have one child, Esther Adeline. James married Margaret McNany, and they have two children, Mabel Gertrude and Florence May. The wife of our subject was born January 29, 1826, in Hume, Allegany County, N. Y. Her father, Ahimaaz Reed, was a native of Vermont, and was a son of John Reed, who was of English birth, and came to America in Colonial times. He served in the Revolution, and passed the last part of his life in Vermont. Mrs. Southard's father went to New York when he was a young man, and was a pioneer of Hume, where he was married 702 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. to Adeline Johnson, a native of Vermont, and a daughter of Hozekiah and Hannah (French) John- son. In 1831 Mr. Reed removed to the Territory of Michigan. He went ahead, rented a farm in Kalamazoo County, and then sent for his family. They set out for their new home with a team, with which they went to Dunkirk, where they embarked, team and all, on board a vessel, and proceeded by water to Detroit, and then made their way with the team through the wilderness to their destination. In ] 833 Mr. Reed located in Van Buren County, and during his residence there improved the land that he bought in a wild condition into a good farm, which he sold in 1843, in order to remove to Illinois. He and his family came hither with an ox-team, and camped and cooked by the waj'- side at night while- on the journey. Mr. Reed settled at Big Rock, in Kane County, where he purchased two hundred acres of wild land, which he developed into a fine farm — his home until his death at a ripe age. ♦=♦=♦ y *^5*^E* ~x ¥) ' OSIAH LITTLE. This gentleman represents the banking interests of Amboy and en- joys the distinction of being the first merch- ^ ant in the place. He located here in the spring of 1854, before the completion of the rail- road, and established a general store, when at that time thei'e were only three houses in sight. His first stock, consisting of dry-goods, groceries, drugs, hardware, he hauled in w.igons from Men- dota. He conducted a successful business until 1867, when his store was destroyed by fire. Dur- ing the following year, he embarked in the bank- ing business and since then the bank of Josiah Little has sustained the reputation of a sound financial institution. Mr. Little is a lineal descendant of George Lit- tle, of Newbury, Mass., who emigrated from Uni- corn Street, near London Bridge, in about 1640. The line of descendants is as follows: George (1), Moses (2), Moses (3), Moses (4), Josiah (5), Ed- ward (6), Josiah (7), and our subject, who belongs to the eighth generation. The ancestors were up- right, industrious. God-fearing men, who wielded a great influence in the communities where they resided. Edward Little, grandfather of our sub- ject, was born in 1773 and was graduated from Dartmouth College in 1797, choosing the legal profession and settling in Auburn, Me. There by inheritance he became the owner of a large part of the surrounding territory and exerted a great in- fluence in directing and promoting the growth of the place. He gave the land for the first church and met one-half of the cost of its erection, as well as maintained public service at his own expense for some time after its completion. Besides the good which he did in other ways, Edward Little established and endowed an ac- ademy which continued in successful operation for forty years, when the grounds and funds were transferred by the trustees to the town, which now maintains an "Edward Little High School" and erected a statue in his honor. In temperance re- forms, he was a pioneer and held radical views which he was not slow to express. His death oc- curred in 1849, but the influence which his upright life exerted over others is still felt in the com- munity where for so long he resided. The father of our subject, Josiah, was born in 1801, and was educated at_Bowdoin College, studying law after- ward with his father, and for several years practic- ing his profession. Later he engaged in trade and manufacturing at Lewiston and Auburn, Me., and passed the last years of his life in his native town, Newburyport, ]\Iass. He died suddenly August 9, 1865, at Somes Sound, Mt. Desert Island, whither he had gone on a pleasure excursion. Josiah Little was four times married, the mother of our subject, whose maiden name was Nancy W. Bradford, being his second wife. She had two children, a daughter and our subject. The last- named passed his early life in Auburn and Lewis- ton, Me., and, at the age of seventeen years, com- pleted his education at Auburn Academy. He then went to Portland and assisted his father, who was engaged in a wholesale iron business. In Octo- ber, 1851, he emigrated to Southwest Missouri, where he clerked in a country store. In February, 1854, he left the place on horseback, clad with a PORTRAIT AND BTOGRAPmCAL RECORD. 703 Missouri overcoat (wliich consisted of a blanket with a hole in the center) and, after riding forty miles per day for ten days, stopped at Amboy and located here permanently, as above stated. On November 17, 1859, Mr. Little was married to Mary D. Hussey, who was born at Belleville, Ohio, August 10, 1835, and was the daughter of Amos and Jane Fredonia (Holly) Hussey. Her father was one of the pioneers of Lee County and a man of great decision of character and energy of purpose. The union of Mr. Little and his estim- able wife has been blessed by the birth of five chil- dren: Josiah, Nancy Jane, Mary E., Edward H. and Mary W. The eldest daughter became the wife of Isaac Newton Perry, of La Crosse, Wis-, and died leaving two children. The members of the family are identified with the Congregational Church and are welcomed guests in the most select social circles. Mr. Little is a member of the Masonic fraternity and in his political belief is a stanch Republican. For twelve years he served as Treasurer of Lee County and his long term of service speaks in be- half of his success more eloquently than words could do. He also held various offices of a local nature and was a delegate to the National Con- vention in 1888, when Benjamin Harrison was nominated for the Presidency. The success wliich has crowned his work represents his unaided efforts, for he came WeSt without moneyed capital. He possesses the qualities of a thorough business man as well as the gentlemanly manners and polished demeanor which make friends of all whom he meets. IRAM HETLER owns and operates a fine farm of two hundred and seventy-five aeres on section 15, Dixon Township, pleasantly situated within a few miles of the city of Dixon. Its well-tilled fields indicate the thrift and enterprise of the owner and many of its improvements stand as monuments to his ability. In connection with the raising of cereals he also engages in stock dealing, having many head of cattle and horses upon the farm, including thirty fine milch cows. The place is so complete in all its appointments, that it may well be termed a model farm, while its owner is classed among the representative agriculturists of the commun- ity. Mr. Hetler has made his home in Lee County since 1837, having come to Illinois in that year from Columbia County, Pa., his birth-place. The family is of Holland descent.- The father of our subject, Nathan Hetler, was born and reared in Luzerne County, Pa., where he married Catherine Culp, whose brother, Jeremiah Culp, a major of the late war, was killed at the battle of Antietam. Another brother owned the Culp farm on which the battle of Perryville, Ky., was fought. In 1837, Mr. Hetler and his family, in a covered wagon, made an overland journey to Illinois, camping out along the wayside at night. On the 6th of June, they arrived in Dixon and the father pur- chased a claim. Subsequently, he entered another claim and after placing some improvements upon it sold and purchased the farm on which our sub- ject and a brother John now reside. He was quite successful in his business transactions and at the time of his death, in 1887, about four hundred acres of land yielded to him a golden tribute. His widow is still living at the age of ninety years, and six of the children jet abide. The boyhood days of our subject were prin- cipally spent in the Keystone State, but after coming to Lee County, he was married in Dixon to Miss Nancy Crippen, a native of the Empire State. With her parents, Seth and Elizabeth (Smith) Crippen, she removed to Wisconsin during her girlhood and from there to Illinois, their home being now in Dixon. Three children graced the union of Mr. and Mrs. Hetler, but Ida, who became the wife of James Sandford, an attorn ey-at-law at Dixon, died In 1888, leaving three dhlldren. Lula M. is now the wife of Edward S. Miller, a resident farmer of Nachusa Township, and Minnie Is at home. During the late war, in 1862, Mr. Hetler enlisted as a private in the First Illinois Artillery under Col. Taylor, of Chicago, and Capt. John W. Cheney, of Dixon. With the regiment, he served 704 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. all through the campaign down the Mississippi River with Grant, and after the surrender of Vicks- burg and Jackson, Miss., returned to Missionary Ridge, where another battle occurred. The reg- iment then went to relieve Gen. Burnside at Knoxville, Tenn., and afterwards joined Gen. Sherman at Atlanta, Ga. Subsequently, the troops were sent back to fight Hood and later held the reserve at the battle of Nashville. Mr. Hetler saw three years of active service and through it all was so fortunate as to escape injury. At the battle of Atlanta, however, his regiment barely escaped capture and had it not been for the skill and daring of Gen. John A. Logan and Col. Wol- cott, would undoubtedly have been taken pris- oners. When the country no longer needed his services, Mr. Hetler was honorably discharged and at once returned lo his home and family. He then re- sumed farming which he has since followed with signal success. In politics, he is a stanch Repub- lican and a warm advocate of the party principles. Frequently has he been called upon to fill public positions of honor and trust and is now Super- visor of Dixon Township. The confidence reposed in him is never misplaced, and he discharges every duty with promptness and fidelity. Himself and wife attend the Method-ist Church and are well and favorably known throughout this commun- ity. •.'(hy-- ^11 BRAM THOMAS, now a resident of the LJi village of Paw Paw, is worthy of repre- sentation in this Biographical Record as a pioneer farmer of Northern Illinois. He was born in the city of Philadelphia, Pa., July 26, 1807. His father, George W. Thomas, was a na- tive of London, England. The father of the latter, who bore the same name as our subject, was also of English birth. He was an expert gunsmith, and was employed in that capacity by the British Government. He came to America just before the Revolution, and settling in Philadelphia, was there engaged in making guns for the Colonial army. Many years after the close of the war, he removed to Cumberland County, in the same State, and spent his last days there. The father of our subject learned the trade of a blacksmith in his youth. He removed from Philadelphia to Cumberland County in 1808, and bought two hundred acres land of a few miles from Carlisle. He opened a smithy and worked at his trade a part of the time, and devoted the rest of the time to his farm. He made all the nails that he used and all the horse shoes, and was a clever mechanic! He lived on his farm in peace and contentment for upwards of forty years, and then took ui) his residence in a village near by, in Perry County, where his life was rounded out at a good old age. The maiden name of his wife was Hack- ett. Her father was a native of England, and he too was a gunsmith like the paternal grandfather of our subject, and came to America in the same vessel with him. He worked with him at his trade in Philadelphia, and after the Revolution estab- lished a shop on Chestnut Street, now the principal business street of the Quaker City. From there he went to Cumberland County, and bought a farm near Carlisle, where he lived until death claimed him. The mother of our subject died on the old homestead. Our subject was very young when his parents took him to their future home in Cumberland County, and there he received his education. The little lad early commenced to work on his father's farm, and assisted him in its management until 1846, when he left the shelter of the parental roof to go out into the world. He started Westward and proceeded with a team to Pittsburg, from there went by the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to St. Louis, and thence by team to St. Charles, Mo., where he spent the winter. In the spring of 1847, he made his way with a team to the wilds of Wis- consin, and made a claim to a tract of timber land twelve miles west of Milwaukee, which was then a small place in the midst of a sparsely settled coun- try. Mr. Thomas built a log house on his land, splitting clapboards for the i-oof, and by down- right hard labor he managed to clear ten acres of his claim, which he then sold for $175, which was an advance of the cost price. Coming then to Illinois, he rented a farm in Kendall County for PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 705 two years. HLs next move was to Winnebago County, where he rented a farm for cash rent, and as he was unfortunate in losing his crops l^y the wet weather, it took all his stock to pay tlie rent. He rented that place only a year, and the follow- ing year worked by the day. After that he bought a farm of eighty acres in De Kalb County, paying $75 in cash, and going in debt for the remaining $325. Success rewarded his efforts that year, and he was enabled to pay his entire indebtedness. At the expiration of two j^ears, he sold that place for $800, double what he paid for it, and bought an- other farm of one hundred and forty acres near by, for $1,600. For sixteen years he lived on that farm, adding to its acreage from time to time, un- til he had two hundred and sixty acres of well- improved land. From there he removed to Men- dota, and after residing in that city a year bought a farm three miles out, and made it his dwelling place the ensuing three years. Coming to Paw Paw at the end of that time, he bought a home in this village, in which he remained six years. During that time he divided his farm into lots, which he sold at a good price. After he had thus disposed of his farm, he went to Kendall County and once again took up his abode within its limits, buying a home in the village of Bristol. He terminated his resi- dence in that place at the end of the year, and for four years made Mt. Morris his home. He then came back to Paw Paw, and buying a farm south of the grove, he lived on it one year. Disposing of that farm advantageously, he bought a home in the village, but only lived in it two years, when he bought a farm on the Chicago & Dixon Road. In the fall of 1891, he sold that for a goodly sum of money, and once more became a resident of Paw Paw, where he is at present making his home. Mr. Thomas was married the first time in 1837 to Miss Susanna Kuney, a native of Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Samuel Kuney. She died in De Kalb County, 111., and these are the six children living born of her wed ded life with our subject: Samuel, David, Mary, Daniel, Laura and Amanda. Her sons, George and John William, are dead. Samuel, George and David served in the late war. The second marriage of our subject, which took place June 17, 1868, was with Miss Hannah B. Cook, a native of Campton, N. H. Her father, Zeledee Cook, was also a native of Campton, and was a son of Cutting Cook, who spent the latter part of his life in Campton as a farmer. Zeledee Cook was reared and married among his native hills. He is a farmer by occupation, and went from New Hampshire to Dodge County, Minn., where he is living on a few miles from Mantorville. His wife has died since their removal to Minnesota. Her maiden name was Clarissa Baker, and she was born in Campton, N. H., a daughter of Moses and Mary (Wyatt) Baker. Our venerable subject is a valued member of the United Brethren Church, and throughout a long and honorable life he has ever been a consistent Christian, and has always eo lived as to win the trust and full respect of his follow- men in whatsoever community he has dwelt. Mrs. Thomas is an active member of the Free-will Baptist Church, and is true to her religious con- victions. MADISON SANTEE was born on the farm where he now resides, September 11, 1845. , His birthplace was a little log cabin situated (^^ on section 10, Dixon Township, overlooking Rock River. The claim had been purchased by tiis father, James M. Santee, in June, 1837, and was then an unbroken tract of land upon which not a a furrow had been turned or an improvement made. The father there erected a log cabin, and to the cultivation of the land devoted his energies until his death, which occurred in December, 1873. The farm at that time comprised two hundred and forty acres. This locality was chosen on account of the water facilities and the timber thereon, both of these advantages being sought by the early set- tlers. Mr. Santee, Sr., resided in Dixon Township, be- fore the division of Lee and Ogle Counties, and was one of the first settlers on Rock River between Dixon and Grand Detour. He took an active in- terest in all public affairs and was a leading citizen of this community. He was born in Salem Town- 706 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. ship, Luzerne County, Pa., wlieie he resided until his emigration to Illinois, and there in February, 1837, had married Miss Margaret Klin top, also a native of the same county. Soon afterward the young couple started on an overland trip along the national road to Chicago, and thence westward to Lee County, 111. Mrs. Santee yet survives her husband and is living on the old homestead at the age of ninety years. She is a Methodist in relig- ious belief, as was her husband, who in political affairs was a Republican. Our subject is the youngest of a family of four children, but Caroline died in childhood and Charles fell in the late war, being shot by a rebel at Murfreesboro, Tenn., January 31,1862. He had enlisted in 186 1, as a member of Company C, Thirty- Fourth Illinois Infantry, under Capt. D^'sart, and at the time of his i]eath was Color-Bearer of the regiment. One sister, Lydia, is now living with and caring for her mother. Under the sheltering roof of his parents' home, Madison Santee was reared to manhood, among scenes of pioneer life, and was earlj' inured to farm labor. That occupation he has followed since at- taining to mature years, and is numbered among the enterprising and successful agriculturists of the community. In Dixon Township he was united in marriage with Miss Susanna, daughter of John and Martha (Cooper) Blackman, who were natives of England, as is also Mrs. Santee. They emigrated to America when she was a child of four years and settled in Illinois. The father died in Dixon Township, in July, 1885, at an advanced age. His widow, with her two children, Edward and Estella, now resides on the old home farm, on Rock River. Their family was a large one, and eight children are still living. Mrs. Santee acquired her education in the schools of this community, the days of her maidenhood were here spent and after she had attained to womanhood she here gave her hand in marriage to our subject. Three children grace their union: Charles, Martha and Wilbur, and the family circle yet remains unbroken. In politics, Mr. Santee is an advocate of the principles of Democracy. His wife is a member of the Lutheran Church and both are well and favorably known throughout this com- munity, where they have so long resided. Mr. Santee is a worthy representative of one of the honored pioneer families, and his life has been such as to win him universal confidence and re- gard. ^r^ p=i (^~ {^^HOMAS G. TAYLER, M. D. The subject m^ of this sketch, who is a prominent physi- ^^^7 cian of Ash ton, was born in Shabbona, De Kalb County, III., September 9, 1862. His father was the late Thomas G. Taylor, a native of Edin- burg, Scotland. His mother, whose maiden name was Lucy Moysey, was born in London, England. They emigrated to this county when young, and were married in Hinsdale, this State, and settled in Shabbona, where they lived until the fall of 1862. In that year Mr. Taylor enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Filth Illinois Infantry, in the late war, serving until February 14, 1864, when he was killed while on picket duty before Nashville, Tenn. He was at that time First Sergeant of his company, his cornmission as Lieutenant having been signed, but not being received by him before his death. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Tayler removed to East Paw Paw, where she re- mained twenty-two years. She then came to Ash- ton and lived two years, but is now a resident of Paw Paw. The parents of our subject had a family of four children, two sons and two daughters, of whom our subject is the youngest. He was reared to manhood in Paw Paw Township, DeKalb County, on a farm, where he lived until 1887. His educa- tion was acquired at a seminary in East Paw Paw and at the Northwestern University at Evans- ton, after which he took up the study of medicine and was graduated from the Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, in 1886. He began the practice of his profession in East Paw Paw, where he remained for about one year, when he removed to Ashton, where he has since resided. He enjoys a good practice and is the leading physician of the place. vcunyy- Missing Page PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 711 Dr. Tayler was married in Ash ton, October 29, 1889, to Miss Victoria Brown, daughter of James and Jane (Walker) Brown, who are natives of Ire- land. Dr. Tayler and his wife are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is Steward. He belongs to the Central Illinois Med- ical Association and the Illinois State Medical Society. In politics, he is a Republican. Dr. Tayler is one of the public-spirited, progres- sive citizens of his town and county, is influential in all matters connected with public interests, and enjoys the conQdence and esteem of all with whom he is connected in business, as well as the affection- ate regard of his more intimate associates. His practice is large and constantly increasing, and he is deserving of all the good fortune that maj' be allotted to him. I@^@l^.^ '^ ACOB ROSENKRANS came to Lee County many }'ears ago in the full flush and vigor of early manhood, with the intention of _ building a home for himself. His means were limited, and in order to buy a farm, which was the height of his ambition, he had to earn money to purchase the land. He accomplished his purpose, and to-day is one of the substantial far- mers of Viola Township. Mr. Rosenkrans was born in the town of Wall- pack, Sussex County, N. J., October 16, 1831. His father, Avert Rosenkrans, was also a native of that State, and was a son of Col. Benjamin Rosen- krans, who is thought to have been born in the same town as our subject, the date of his birth March 31, 1770. He had live brothers whose names were Levi, Simeon, Jacob, Aleck and John. Col. Rosenkrans was reared on a farm, and farm- ing was his life-long occupation. He owned a large tract of land in Sussex County, N. J., and spent his last years there. At his death his body was interred in the Presbyterian Churchyard in Sandistou, that county. He was Colonel of a regiment during the War of 1812, and was a brave and fearless officer. The maiden name of his wife was Margaret Schoonover, and her death also 35 occurred on the old homestead in Wallpack. They, had a family of fourteen children, namely: Rachel, John, Roanna, Nicholas, Avert, Levi, Maria, Abraham, Elijah, Sarah, Amanda, Lucinda, Anson and Margaret. Anson died in infancy. Avert Rosenkrans was reared in the paternal home, early gained a good insight into fartning, and when he arrived at years of discretion adopted agriculture as his life-calling. He bought a farm in Wallpack, which he occupied many years, and then selling it, bought a home in the same township, and retiring to it to enjoy his ample in- come, spent his remaining days therein. He was twice married, his first wife, whose maiden name was Mary Smith, dying in 1834 in Wallpack, where she spent her entire life. She left three children: our subject, Benjamin and Phebe. Benjamin was a successful farmer of Sussex Coun- tj', N. J., owning a well-improved farm of two hundred and forty acres, and at his death, in 1875 left a wife and two children: Philip and Eugene. Phebe married John vSwartwood, a mechanic resi- ding in Bushkill, Pa. When three 3'ears old our subject was orphaned by the death of his mother and was reared by his step-mother, who gave him good care in his child- hood. He liad nine half-brothers and sisters, namely: Martin, a successful lawyer of Newton, N. J.; John, who operates the old homestead of two hundred and eighty acres; Seeley, who is a mer- chant at East Stroudsburg, Pa.; Sarah, Manda, Maria, Alice, Aquilla, and Celestia, all of whom are married and reside in New Jersey with the exception of Maria, whose home is in Dakota. In much tlie usual manner of farmer lads, Ja- cob Rosenkrans passed his childhood in attendance at the district school and doing chores on the farm. He remained at home and aided his father in the cultivation of the farm until 1856. He had heard much of the great Prairie State and the many ad- vantages offered by its fertile soil to the active ' young farmer, and accordingly in the year above- mentioned he came hither when the country Was still in the hands of the pioneers. Not having money enough to invest in land he worked on a farm by the month for a time, and, was finally en- abled to buy eighty acres of desirable land, which 712 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, is now included in his present farm. Ho has added to his original purchase at different times, and now has two hundred and eighty acres of as product- ive farming land as lies in Mola Township. Its fields are admirably tilled and the improvements on the place are of a substantial and durable or- der. The marriage of our subject with JNIiss Martha Stevens was solemnized February 26, 1861, and to her helpfulness, wise council and devotion to household interests, he attributes much of his good fortune in life. They have two children living, Mary and Frank. The latter is a successful teacher in the public schools. Mary is a consis- tent member of the United Brethren Church. Mrs. Rosenkrans is a native of Wayne County, Pa., born October 7, 1830, and is a sister of N. D. Ste- vens, of whom a sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. Ovir subject and his amiable wife are people of high character, possessing many pleas- ant personal attributes and none in their commu- nity are more worthy of esteem than tliey. In connection with this slietch may be found a lithographic portrait of Mr. Rosenkrans. eHARLES E. MOELLER was born in Palmyra Township, September 21, 18.51, and is now a valued member of that class of its citizens who so materially contribute to its growth and solid prosperity by their ability as practical, thoughtful, enterprising and hard-working farmers and stock- raisers. The pleasant old homestead on section 26, where he has lived for many 3'ears, and which once belonged to his father, is now the property of our subject, and the stock that he raises upon it, together with the goodlj' harvests that he reaps from its well-tilled fields, bring him in a comfort- able income every year. Augustus Moeller, the father of our subject, was born in Germany, November 18, 1807, his birth- place being in the Kingdom of Prussia. He was a descendant of an ancient family of pure German stock, and several of the name were Lutheran ministers for many genenations, and filled their places with honor to themselves and to the family. The father of our subject was carefully reared and well educated in his native country, and was there married to Caroline Barthel, who was born and brought up in the same neighborhood as himself, and was of a good German family, which had been represented in that kingdom from ancient times. After the birth of five of their children, Augustus Moeller and wife decided to emigrate to America, where they hoped to do better for their offspring than was possible in the Old Country. They set forth on their long journey in 1850, taking passage in a vessel that conveyed them to Hull, England, where thej- embarked on an American-bound ship, which landed them at a Canadian port seven weeks later. Thence thej- made their waj' to the States, and first settled in Palmyra Township on a new and partly broken farm, which they rented and operated some ten years. Mr. Moeller then pur- chased the farm on section 26 of the same town- ship, which is now owned by his son, of whom we write. Here the father spent the rest of his days, and June 23, 1887, passed from death to the life beyond at a ripe old age. His adopted township had in him a good citizen, who was industrious in his habits, was peaceful and kindly in his dis- position, and a truly pious man, true to his religion as a Lutheran. In politics he was a Demo- crat. His wife had preceded him in death, dying on the farm in 1883, at the age of seventy years. She was a Lutheran in religion, and was a most estimable woman. Our subject is the youngest of the family, and the only one born in this country. All of his brothers and sisters are living but Richard. The others are Theodore, a grocer on First Street, Dixon, who married Miss Ellen Seavey; Rosalie, wife of John Catta, a farmer and nurseryman in Carroll County, not man}- miles from Lanark; Herman, a farmer in Saline Countj-^, Neb., who married Miss Hattie Phillips; and Natalia, who lives with her brother, our subject, and carefully looks after his personal comfort. He and his sisters and brothers are all members in high stand- ing in the Lutheran Church, and give generously to the support of the faith so dear to their fathers PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 713 since Martin Lutber began the work of reformation in the church. The brothers are all stanch Repub- licans, standing firmly hy their party, whether it is triumphant or defeated. Mr. Moeller has passed his entire life in Palmyra Township, obtaining his education in its schools, and learning the principles of agriculture on his father's farm, which is now his, having been in his possession for the last fifteen years. It comprises eighty aeies of land that have been brought to a high state of cultivation, and it is amply provided with good buildings for eveiy purpose. j****4 -l.5..5..{..j.^ ^^EORGE ERBES is deserving of great credit III ^— , for what he has accomplished since he came ^ylj to Lee County, many years ago, and his ca- reer as a farmer illustrates what a man may do who works steadily and with a set purpose, as he has thereby placed himself among the solid, well- to-do men of his calling, who are carrying on the agricultural affairs of Willow Creek Township, where he has a farm that ranks with the best in its vicinity. The village of Apenheim, Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, is the native place of our subject, and there he first opened his eyes to the light, June 24, 1824. His father, who bore the same name as him- self, was born in the same village, as was his father before him, who was a farmer and life-long resi- dent of the place. George Erbes, Sr., learned the trade of a carpenter, but did not work at it long, giving his attention, instead, to various other kinds of employment. He came to America in 1855, and the short space of life that remained to him was passed in the home of his son, our sub- ject, his death occurring in May, 1856. The maiden name of his wife was Philipena Schwaben- lant, and she was also a native of that far-away German village, which was the birthplace of her husband and children. She, too, spent the latter part of her life in this country, dying in 1859, in the home of her daughter in Bureau County. Of her nine children, these four grew to maturity: George, Charlotte, Frederick and Catherina. In the excellent schools of his native land, our subject obtained a good practical education, at- tending school steadily until he was fourteen years old, in accordance with the law of his coun- try. After leaving school he worked out by the year, receiving $28 and his board in repayment for his services for that length of time. Ambitious to do more for himself than was possible in the Fatherland, he resolved upon emigration to the United States of America, in 1853. Accordingly, he set sail from Havre, in April, in the ship, "Hel- vetia," and landed in New York thirty-one days after he had embarked on the voyage. He came directly to Illinois, and took up his abode in Bu- reau County. When he began life there, he was in debt for a sum of money that he had borrowed to pay his fare from New York, and his first work was to earn monej'' to discharge that indebtedness. He engaged in fai-mlng by the year, at II 10 for a year's work. He was afterward employed by the month for three years, and, carefully saving his earnings, at the end of tliat time he applied them to renting hind in Bureau County, until 1858. In that year he came to Lee County, and the two sub- sequent j'ears rented land in Sublette Township. In 1860, he came to AVillow Creek Township, and the ensuing three years farmed here as a renter. He then bought eighty acres of land, comprising a tract of prairie, located on the west third of the northeast quarter of section 11, the price being $10 an acre, with ten years' time to pay for it, at ten per cent, interest. This proved to be a fine invest- ment, and its possession has made him independ- ent. He has greatly increased its value by the substantial improvements that he has been con- stantly making, including Uie erection of a fine set of well-ordered buildings, and the planting of the fruit and shade trees that so profusely adorn the place. Our subject has added more land to his original purchase, and now has two hundred and forty acres of highly improved land. Mr. Erbes was married, in 1854, to Miss Eliza- beth Grossrardt, who was born in the same village as her husband, December 27, 1826. Pier father was Wilhelm Grossrardt, and he,too,was a native of Apenheim, as was his father, William Gross- rardt, who carried on farming there until his 714 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. death. Wilhelm Grossrardt was bred to the life of a farmer on his father's farm. He came to Amer- ica in 1853, with his wife and twelve children, sailing from Havre, April 5, in the ship "Ger- mania," and landing at New York thirty-four days later. He and his family came to Illinois, and after a short stay in Bureau County, he bought a farm in La Salle County, and he and his good wife spent their remaining days on that. The maiden name of his wife was Katherine kSchwadenlant, and she was a native of Hesse-Darmstadt lil?ewise. Mr. and Mrs. Erbes have four children, namely: George L., Frederick W., William D. and Kather- ma E. The family are all members of the Luth- eran Church, and stand high in the community as people of intelligence and sterling worth. Mr. Erbes, as will be seen by a perusal of this sketch, is a genuine self-made man, who has made the most of his opportunities, and all who know him are heartily glad to see him prosper as he deserves. 4^ ■^^ \*) 'OHN C. JACOBS, Superintendent of the Amboy Division of the Illinois Central Rail- road, has held this position since October 8, 1856, and now enjoys the distinction of hav- ing served as Superintendent for a longer period than any other man in the employ of the railway company. Through the exercise of patient perse- verance, he has risen from an humble position to one of great trust and responsibility, which calls into activity his keenest powers of intellect and most acute perceptive qualities. His residence in Amboy dates back to the year 1856, when he suc- ceeded James C. Clark as Superintendent of the Northern Division of the Illinois Central Railroad, between Dubuque and Centralia, a distance of three hundred and forty-three miles. In January, 1891, a new division was formed, and the Northern Divi- sion, which was shortened, is now known as the Amboy Division of the Ilhnois Central Railroad, extending from Freeport to Centralia. The ancestors from whom Mr. Jacobs is de- scended originally came from England. His par- ents, Corbin and Mary (Rice) Jacobs, were natives of Frederick, Md., and the father was a soldier in the War of 1812. In the pursuit of his trade as a contractor and builder, he erected man 3' fine resi- dences, as well as a number of churches and public buildings, in the vicinit}' of Harper's Ferry. His entire life was passed in IMaryland, with the excep- tion of about three years, during which he made his home near Chillicothe, Ohio. A sincere Chris- tian, he lield membership in the Episcopal Church. He died September 17, 1832, when forty-five years old, and his wife passed away in 1844, at the age of fiftj'-four 3'ears. The parents of our subject reared a family of six children, four sons and two daughters: Ben- jamin L. was Brst engaged as a clerk, later as a painter, and afterward became military director of railroads in the South, occupying that position until his death in 1863; John C, our subject, was the second child, and was born near Chillicothe, Ohio, November 15, 1819; Oliver C. was for some years in the emplo}' of the Baltimore & Ohio Rail- road, and later settled on a farm near Palmyra, iSIo., where he died in 1888; Maria married Sam- uel Greggs, and died in Wheeling, W. Ya., in 1878; Ann V. became the wife of Thomas Martin, a stonecutter in Baltimore, Md., and died in that city in 1877; William F., a graduate of William and Maiy College in Virginia, became a minister in the Episcopal Church, and died at Alexandria. In Frederick County, Md., John C. Jacobs passed his boyhood days and was but thirteen }'ears old when, on account of his father's death, it devolved upon him to assist in the support of the family. His school daj's were thus brought to. a sudden close, and he commenced to work on a farm, where he continued for one year at a compensation of $15. In 1837 he entered the employ of the Baltimore & Ohio Railway Company, working on the track at eighty-seven and one-half cents per day, from whicli humble beginning he rose to the position of brakeman, fireman and engineer successively. In 1850 he became supervisor of trains over the mountains during the construction of tunnels at different places on the main line. As above stated, Mr. Jacobs came to Amboy in 1856, and here accepted the position which he still retains, His pleasant home on Main Street is pre- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 715 sided over by the lady with whom he was united iu marriage, November 4, 1846. She was Miss Har- riet A., daughter of Samuel 11. Hough, of Middle- town, Conn., and was there born January 21, 1821. Four children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs, namely: Mollie, who died at the age of twenty years; John C, who died in infancy; Will- iam F., who is trainmaster for the Illinois Central Railroad at Amboy; and Charles C, a mechanical engineer, who has been in the employ of the rail- way company, but is at present in charge of the electric light system at Amboy. Mr. Jacobs finds a religious home in the Congregational Church, to which the members of his family also belong. ■ ■>■■ !> ^> p t ^ ^ I I " } t I I u (|j^ELSON F. SWARTWOUT is at the head I jjj of an important industry as a manufac- !l\J^ turer of tile and brick at Dixon. He is a native of Illinois, born at Rock Island, February 4, 1844, and is a worthy descendant of some of the old pioneer stock of the State. He was one of the many brave citizen-soldiers that this Common- wealth sent to the front during the Civil "War. Our subject is a son of Nelson J. Swartwout, who was born in Otsego County, N. Y., September 2, 1814, his father being Francis Swartwout. The father of our subject was reared and educated in the State of his birth, and served an apprentice- ship to a blacksmith to learn that trade and that of wagon-making at Ballston Spa. In 1837 he came to Illinois, making the entire journey with a horse and carriage. He did not locate at that time in this State, however, but crossing the Miss- issi{)pi found employment in the Government shop at Davenport, Iowa. He worked in that a year, and then opened a shop of his own in that city, and carried on business there for a j^ear. He then re-crossed the Mississippi River, and took up his quarters at Rock Island, where he had previously bought property. He followed his trade in that place until 1845, and in that year came to Lee County, making the removal with teams, and bringing all his household goods along, as there were then no railways in Illinois, and he was thereafter numbered among the most active and useful pioneers of this section. He bought a small farm at Lee Centre, and the family moved Into the log .house that stood on the place, and occu- pied it a few years until he erected a more commo- dious frame dwelling. He built a smithj-, and engaged at his trade in connection with farming, continuing to live on that farin until 1855, when he took up his residence on a farm that he pur- chased at Sublette. The ensuing two years he carried on a lumber business, and at the same time made some improvements on his farm, finally devoting his whole attention to it, and made his home there until be folded his hands in death in 1868. He and his good wife were stanch Chris- tians, and were devoted members of the Baptist Church, and reared their children in that faith. The venerable mother of our subject uow makes her home with her children, who care for her ten- derly in her declining years, m grateful remem- brance of her devotion' to them in childhood. Her maiden name was Abigail Ricker, and she was born April 13, 1819, in one of the early pioneer homes of this State, situated in Covington. Her father, Ruf us Ricker, was a native of York County, Me., where he grew to manhood and married in due season, Lydia Chitman, a native of the city of Portland, Me., becoming his trusty companion and wife. At some period in the first quarter of this century, he migrated from the Pine Tree State to that part of the country that was then known as the Western frontier. Travelling slowly, as one must need in those daj'S, he finally arrived at the Monongahela River, and floated down that stream and the Ohio to Cincinnati, and there he penetrated the interior of the country, travelling through the wilderness to Illinois. He located at Covington, and had a hard struggle to maintain his family on his limited means in so sparsely set- tled a region. In 1823 he removed to Salem, Marion County, where he bought a tract of timber land, upon which he resided until 1836, when he became a pioneer of Scott County, Iowa, which was then but little inhabited, and where Daven- port now is there were but two or three houses. He bought a farm two or three miles from that city, and engaged in farming there until his death 716 POETEAIT AND BIOGRAPPIICAL EECORD. in 1847. His wife survived hira until 1873, when she too passed away, her death oecurnng at Daven- port. Our subject's parents reared three other children besides himself. Their son Abram L., who is now a clerk in the treasury department at Washington, D. C, and did good service in the war as a soldier. He was in Company D, Thirty- fourth Illinois Infantrj"^ three years, and for one year was a member of Hancock's Veteran Corps. Their daughter Hattie married Frank H. Wright, of Toronto, Canada. Their son Fred E., a resident of Stillman Valley, 111., is a minister of the Bap- tist Church. Nelson Swartwout, of this biography, was only a year old when his parents brouglit him to Lee Count3', and his earliest recollections are connec- ted with the pioneer home of his childhood. He attended school in liis younger days, assisted in the labors of the farm, and at the age of twenty years, in the fall of 1864, left the parental home for the first time to join the brave boys at the front to help fight his country's battles. He enlisted in Compan3' D, Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry, and in his experience of the viciss- itudes of war, in the battle of Nashville he was wounded. He was confined in the hospital for a time, in consequence, and was then granted a fur- lough. At the expiration of his leave of absence, he rejoined his regiment at Goldsboro, N. C, with his ardor nothing dampened by what he had suf- fered, and marching with his comrades through Richmond to Washington, took part in the Grand Eeview. He was honorably discharged in July, 1865, with a well-earned reputation as a soldier of true courage and fidelity to the cause for which he fought. Mr. Swartwout resumed farming when he returned home from the army, and soon bought a farm in Sublette Township. He devoted himself to its management until 1883, when he sold it,andcame to Dixon to engage in the manufacture of tile and brick, which he has carried on ever since very profitably. He has kilns here with a capacity of three hundred and sixty thousand bricks and twenty-five thousand tiles. At present he is making about fourteen thousand bricks a day, and has a good market for them, as tliey are of excellent quality and are durable. He is a good manager, keeps his money matters well regulated, and maintains good credit with all with whom he deals. He stands well in social and religious cir- cles. He is a member of Dixon Post, No. 299, G. A. E.; and belongs to Lodge No. 56, M. W. A. He and his wife are exemplary members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Swartwout was married October 5, 1869, to Miss Amelia Nettleton, who understands well how to make their home pleasant and inviting. Three children have been born to them, Walter E., Mina L. and Nellie A. Mrs. Swartwout is a native of Massachusetts, born in the pretty village of Stock- bridge, among the hills of Berkshire County. Her father, Alfred Nettleton, was bom in the town of Milford, Conn., and there grew to manhood. He was a carpenter by trade, and settling at Stock- bridge, Mass., in 1819, he followed his calling there as a carpenter and builder. He rounded out a long life in that place in March, 1875. His wife bore the name of Maria Button, and she was a daughter of Gilbert Button. She died in 1859. Mrs. Swartwout was given the advantages of a good education, of which she laid the foundation in the public schools of her native town. She then became a student at the Hudson River Insti- tute and Eipley Female Seminary, in Vermont, and was there fitted for a teaciier. She entered upon the duties of her profession when she was eighteen years old, and taught in Massachusetts until 1865, when she came to Illinois, and was successfully engaged in teaching in Lee County until her marriage. ■^TaCOB FISIIEE. The fine old homestead that was purchased by Jacob Fisher, Sr., and was only partl3'^ improved when it came into his hands, is now owned and success- fully managed by his son, our subject, who has become one of the principal farmers of Willow Creek Towiiship, where most of his life has been passed. He is a native of Ohio, and was born in PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 717 Franklin County October 1, 1851. His father was born in Pennsylvania, and there grew to a stalwart manhood. When a young man he went to Ohio, and was a pioneer of that Slate. He was married in that commonwealth to Ruth Carleton, and in 1853 came to Illinois, accompanied by his wife and eleven children, making the removal with teams. He located in that part of Lee County now included in Willow Creek Town- ship, where he purchased a tract of partly im- proved land. There was a rude frame dwelling on the place and a log cabin that served as a stable, and he commenced at once to make further improvements. He was not destined to enjoy his new home very many years, as his pioneer labors were brought to a close bj- death in 1856, and he rested from his work. His widow was thus left to hattle with the world alone, and rear as best she could her numerous progeny. She bravely faced the situation, and with all a true mother's devotion and self-sacrifice worked early and late to keep her children together, and cared for them until tliey were able to earn their own living, ten of them grooving to manhood and womanhood. Well may they ''rise up and call her blessed," and hold her memory in reverence. She died April 24, 1889. In the sketch of our subject's brother, Adolphus, will be found further facts of family history. Jacob Fisher, of whom this biography is writ- ten, was but two years old when the family came to the pioneer wilds of this county, and he has been a witness of much of its growth. Since at- taining man's estate, he has been a promoter of its material prosperity by the good work that he has done as a practical farmer and stock-raiser, that having been his business from the time that he started out in life on his own account, he hav- ing previously had good experience in farming from his early days, when he first began to make himself useful in doing the numberless things re- quired of a small boy on a farm. He lived with his mother until his marriage, assisting her in the management of the old homestead. He has here a very desirable tarm of two hundred and thirty- eight acres of choice land, all lying in a body in Willow Creek Township. It is under careful cul- tivation, its improvements are of a good class, and the whole place wears an air of thrift and pros- perity, indicative of wise and prudent manage- ment. Mr. Fislier and Miss Elma J. White, a native of the State of New York, were united in mar- riage in 1878, and have found mutual happiness in their wedded life, that has been further blessed to them by the birth of three children: Carleton, Eunice Estella and Bertha Lulu. Mr. and Mrs. Fisher are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and their daily lives show them to be consistent Christians. Mr. Fisher is an exemplary temperance man, and votes with the Prohibition party. ^=m^m^^^^m^: c. y> . ^o~^ 1 WJ ACOB WAGNER, who resides on section 12, Bradford Township, is one of the promi- nent citizens of German birth who have done so much to aid in the progress of this township and count}'. He was born in the Father- land, October 28, 1840. When about fifteen years old, he accompanied his parents, George and Mariah Wagner, to the United States, where they settled near Franklin Grove, in this county, and where tlie father died the following October. Jacob Wagner was in the employ of A. R. Whit- ney, at Franklin Grove, for some five or six years, and when reaching his majority he decided to make a start in life for himself. Purchasing eighty acres of railroad land on section 12, Brad- ford Township, he entered on the improvement of his land, to which he has added from time to time until he now owns four bundled and eighty acres. On this he has placed good buildings, and has all the necessary appliances for carrying on a farm in the best manner. Mr. Wagner was married, in Bradford Town- ship, to Sophia Rice, who died in 1883. Their family comprised ten children: Martha, Charles, John, George, Anna, Jacob, Mary, Emma, Sarah and Minnie. Mr. Wngner was married a second time in Dixon, 111., February 16, 1887, to Anna Fernau, who was born in Germany, August 26, 718 POETRAIT AND BIOGEAPHICAL EECORD. 1849. Of this union one child has been born, Frederick C. Of the first family of cliildren, Martha is the wife of Charles Hebenthal; Charles married Anna Bower; John was united in mar- riage to Mary Krug; George married Anna Sand- rock, and Anna is the wife of George Kresten. Mr. Wagner in politics is a stanch Republican, and has held the offices of School Director and Commissioner of Highwaj'3. He is deeply inter- ested in wha'.ever pertains to the welfare of his community, and is always willing to contribute his time and money to promote any worthy public enterprise. He has been successful in' business, and lie and his family are held in higli esteem bj' their associates. ^>^-Sg a?P«.w'^afe5rfr »fiq-f , v ., 4v^ . ..if.-r- f U. RESIDENCE OE JOHN W. LI EVAN , SEC. 8., SOUTH DIXON TP. , LEE CO., I LL PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 721 Saloam and Benjamin, died in early childhood. Aaron, who wedded Fannie Ebersole and is now living on a farm in "Whiteside County; Leander wedded Mary Fay and is an agriculturist of Pal- myra Township; Ann Eliza is the wife of Henry Staufler, a farmer of Adams County, Neb.; Frank- lin married Dora V. Lee, of California, where they now live; Harry is a farmer of Whiteside County; Mary Alice is the wife of Thomas Shannon, who is engaged in farming pursuits in Whiteside County; Edward, Ida May and David Guy, who complete the family, are still under the paternal roof. Although Mr. Book has met with many reverses in life,he has used the obstacles as stepping stones to somethmg higher, and throughout his business career he has been regarded as an honorable and upright man, worth}- of the confidence of all. "Ji OHN W. LIEYAN. It is not alone on ac- ount of the marvelous fertility of its soil and other fine natural advantages, that this section of Illinois has attained its present high standard of development, as one of the richest and best improved centers of agriculture in the State; but it is in part owing to the fact that its extensive farming and stock interests are handled by men who are wide-awake, sagacious and full of resource, their equipment, mentally and physically, fitting them for their calling. One of this class, John W. Lievan, is the subject of this biographical review. His homestead, which he devotes to grain and stock raising, and to the dairy business, is on section 8, South Dixon Town- ship, and he also owns seventy acres of well im- proved land in another part of the same township. Mr. Lievan is a native of Somerset County, Pa., born February 24, 1851, but the most of his life lias been passed in this county, as he was but six years old when his father, Matliias Lievan, of whom a sketch appears on another page of this work, brought his family hither, and settled among the pioneers of South Dixon Township. He was reared on his father's old homestead, re- ceiving an excellent training in all that appertains to farming, and was well fitted for that occupa- tion when he assumed its duties on his own ac- count. He has lived on his homestead thirteen years, and has devoted himself assiduously to its improvement. The buildings rank among the best in the local- ity, and include a well-built, commodious resi- dence, a view of which appears on another page, and a large, conveniently arranged barn, 40x64 feet in dimensions, with a good basement, besides other out-houses for various purposes. This farm contains one hundred and forty acres of land well adapted to general farming, and is fully stocked with cattle, horses and swine of the best breeds, including thirty good cows used in his dairy busi- ness, of which Mr. Lievan makes a specialty. He is a man of push and energy, and an excellent man- ager, always maintains his credit in all financial transactions, and the community of which he has formed a part as boy and man for more than three decades, knows him to be strictly reliable in all things. Pojitically, he is a thorough Republican; religiously, he is of the Evangelical faith, and is a member of the church of that denomination, to which his wife also belongs. The marriage of Mr. Lievan united him with Miss Sophia C. Bremer, of Marion Township. To them have been born two children. Pearl V. and Myrtle M. Mrs. Lievan is a native of tiiis county, her birth occurring in Palmyra Township, August 21, 1859. She was well educated in the city of Dixon, and at Amboy High School, and is an accomplished woman of much force and decision of character. At the age of seventeen she began teaching school, and was engaged in that profes- sion until her marriage. Mrs. Lievan is a daughter of the late Edo A. and Etta (Ahmels) Bremer, who were born in Oldenburg, Germany, near the North Sea, and came of good German stock. Her father was a farmer by occupation. After the birth of their three eldest children, he and his wife emigrated with their family to the United States, sailing hither in .Tune, 1854, and coming to Illinois, made settlement in Palmyra Township. Soon after, their third child, John, died. 722 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Some jrears after locating in this countj', Mr. Bremer purchased eighty acres of land in ]Marion Township, and improved it into a good farm. In 1882 he retired to Dixon, and subsequently became an inmate of the home of our subject, and was tenderly cared for in his last days by his daughter and wife, who survive him. He died December 16, 1889, at the age of sixtj^-five years. He was a Lutheran in religion, and a Democr.at in politics. To him and his wife were boi'n six children, two sons and four daughters, of whom one son and one daughter are deceased. Mrs. Lievan's mother is a loved member of her house- hold. On her last birthday, August 15, 1891, she was sixty-nine years old. She has been connected with the Lutheran Church all her life, and is one of its most conscientious and consistent member. ^^APT. PRESCOTT BARTLETT, an officer ill _ of an Illinois regiment during the late ^^7 war, was one of the pioneers of Lee County, and occupies an important place among its leading farmers and stockmen of the present day. One of the early settlers of Sublette Town- ship, he is still closely associated with its agricul- tural interests, and his handsome stone residence on section 27 is one of the most inviting homes in this locality. Captain Bartlett was born in Conwaj-, Franklin County, Mass., August 19, 1821, and is a representa- tive of one of the distinguished Kew England Colonial families, and the blood of a soldier of the Revolution runs in his veins, his grandsire, Amos Bartlett, serving in the ranks of the Continental army during the noble struggle of the Colonists for freedom from the Mother Country. The father of our subject, who bore the same name and title as himself, was born in 1789. He was a tanner by trade. He was captain of a company of State militia for many years, and when the "War of 1812 broke out, he was on hand to fight, as his father had fought, against British oppression, and raising a company of soldiers, he did his Govern- ment good service. His demise occurred while yet he was in life's prime, at the age of forty-two years. His wife, Xarcissa (Robinson) Bartlett, who was born in 1787, attained the venerable age of eighty-four years. They were blessed with six children: Xarcissa, who died at the age of fifteen years; Watson R., a gunsmith by trade, who went to Arkansas to buy furs for a St. Louis firm, and died in that State; Clarissa, who married George F. Wilson, and died in Providence, R. I.; Prescott; Benjamin F., a soldier, in Company C, Seventh Illi- nois Cavalry, who died in Kansas in 1888; and Emerson, who settled in the State of New York. He was a jeweler, and manufactured the first regu- lator clocks in the United States, and made and put up a clock in the State House at Nashville, Tenn. Our subject is the only surviving member of the family. He was reared on his father's farm amid the fine scenery of his birthplace, and resided in the old Bay State until 1844. In that year he and his brother-in-law, George F. Wilson, started Westward. The Captain had $57'in money as his capital with which to begin life on the frontier, and Mr. AVilaon had a box of books, which proved service.able after his arrival in Chicago, although a burden to carry thither. On their arrival in that cit3', our subject divided his money with his brother-in-law, and the latter started a school. He met with marked success in his venture as an edu- cator, and laid the foundation of the fortune he afterward accumulated on his return to the East, whereby he became one of the wealthy men of Providence, R, I. Capt. Bartlett did not make a long stay in Chicago, but went to DuPage County, whence he came in a short time to Lee County-, and made a claim on section 20, Sublette Township. When the land came into the market, he purchased eighty acres, and made improvements on the same. Five years later he removed lo Bureau County, where he purchased a partly developed farm. In 1854 he sold that to his brother, and came to his present location, Avhere he had four years previously bought three hundred and twenty acres of land of William Erskine for $500. In 1855 he made an extensive tour through Arkansas and Texas, and from observations made on that journey became convinced that a civil war was imminent. The PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 723 patriotic spirit that he had inherited in full force from his father and grandfather was roused, and, like thorn, he was willing to sacrifice his personal interests for his country. He devoted much time to studjing cavalry tactics, and in June, 1861, he enlisted in the army to help his countrymen to preserve the Union. He subsequently raised a company of ninety-eight men, which was mustered into secvice August 7, as Company C, Seventh Illi- nois Cavalry, and he was elected and commissioned its captain. In the trying years that followed, he nobly stood the test that proved the worth of his manhood, his loyalty to the cause and his good soldiership, and was often commended by his superiors for those qualities that fitted him for his responsible position as a leader. After its OJ-ganization, the Seventh Illinois Cav- alry regiment was. dispatched to Missouri and thence through Kentuckj' to Tennessee. In September, 1862, it was encamped at Tuscumbia, Ala., at which time Company C was detached as special escort to Gen. John M. Palmer, and acted as such until January, 1864. Our subject and his men were in all the hard fighting of the Rosecrans campaign, taking an active part in over one hun- dred battles and skirmishes, showing of what metal they were made on everj' occasion that called for fearlessness, prompt action and ability to cope with the enemy. Their first encounter with the rebels was at Stone River, and they conducted themselves so as to win the approval of the commanding officers. Then followed the battles of Chicka- mauga. Missionary Ridge, Chattanooga, Ringgold, Ga., and many other engagements too numerous to mention. Capt. Bartlett was at one time Presi- dent of a Military Commission at Memphis for six weeks. After three years' gallant service, he was honorably discharged, and returned to his home a war-worn veteran, whom his fellow-citi- zens honored for what he had done in defense of our flag. He quietly resumed his former pursuits, and became rather extensively engaged in raising stock, frequently having over fifty horses on his place. In 1868, he built a stone residence of a fine style of architecture, at a cost of $12,000, and has since made other substantial improvements that have increased the value of his farm. He has given some of his time to public life, and, be- sides having been Deputy Sherfff, he has held local offices, and has always displayed true public spirit, losing no opportunity to benefit his adopted township and county whenever his influence would in any way promote schemes for their advance- ment. In politics, his views are as much in accord with the principles of the Republican party as in the days long gone by when he fought on Southern battle-fields to uphold them. January 4, 1849, Captain Bartlett was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Whitney, and the forty years and more that they have lived together have been fraught with the true happiness of a congenial union. Unto them have been born four children: Silas Wilton, a lawyer at Mendota; Prescott Eu- gene, a painter, who resides with his parents; Howard R.,a lawyer at Dixon; arid Cora M., wife of J. C. Stough, of Mendota. The wife of our subject is a native of Warren County, Ohio, born January 30, 1829. Her parents, Ephraim and Mary (Livingston) Whitney, were natives respect- ively of Maine and Ohio. They were among the early settlers of Lee Township, locating there in 1845, and there they lived to a ripe old age. The father died May 11, 1883, aged eighty-two years; the mother died in 1886, aged eighty-three years. They had six children, namely: Joseph, a resident of Linn County, Iowa; David L., of San Francisco, Cal.; Mrs. Bartlett; Phebe, Mrs. Brown, of Walden 's Ridge, Tenn.; Silas D., who died in Montana, in 1887; and Rebecca C, wife of Edwin Shaw, of Colorado. ^Vr RIAH STROUP, proprietor of the City ((( I Hack and 'Bus Line, of Dixon, established %Jf^ the hack line in 1876, and in the following year succeeded Mr. Sterling in the omnibus busi- ness. He is also the United States mail carrier from the Illinois Central and Northwestern Rail- road Companies. Mr. Stroup was born July 17, 1840, in Owego, Tioga County, N. Y., where he lived until he was twelve years of age, when he came with his parents 724 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. to Illinois. His father, Uriah, was a native of Philadelphia, Pa., coming of Pennsj'lvania Dutch stock. He learned the profession of an architect, removing, after his marriage, to the State of New York. He was married in Philadelphia, to Miss Anna Relyea, who was born of French parents, who settled in Philadelphia, where she was reared and educated. The parents of our subject came to Illinois, and settled in Dixon, where they spent their last years, Mr. Stroup dying when sixty-one years of age, and his wife fifteen years later. They were consistent members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Stroup was a prominent Mason, being one of the organizers of that order in this city. In poli- tics he was an old-line Whig. Uriah Stroup, our subject, is one of three sons and live daughters born to his parents. He was married in Dixon, in 1875, to Miss Sarah Armstrong. She was born on Staten Island, and was five years old when her parents removed to Dixon, in which place she was reared and educated. She is a woman of great in- telligence and ability, and is highly esteemed by all who know her. Her parents, Jacob and Mary Ann Armstrong, were natives of New York, and died in Dixon. Mr. Armstrong was a money loaner, and was associated with E. B. Stiles, in con- ducting a land-ottice, and was well known through- out this community. He was a prominent Mason, and was influential in building up that order in this city. His death occurred while in Ft. Collins, Col. Mr. Stroup, in his youngest days, was a railroad man, and served in various capacities for nineteen years, at one time running an engine for several years. He was employed by both Eastern and Western roads, and for a long time was in the ser- vice of the Northwestern, being thus engaged when, on account of his failing health, be wns obliged to change .his occupation. He then took up his present business, his health having greatly improved therein, and being also very successful from a business point of view. He began in a small way, with one poor team and a single hack. He now keeps constantly employed a wagonette, two omnibuses, two hacks and a cab. Mr. Stroup has been a resident of Dixon for thirty-seven years, and is well known throughout the community as an honest and reliable business man, and a public- spirited Citizen. In politics he is a Democrat. Hie wife and a daughter are attendants of the Episco- pal Church. Mr. and Mrs. Stroup have been the parents of four children, two of whom, Ada and Ida, are de- ceased. Those living are Hattie E. and Edward, both residing at home, the former being a music teacher. OBERT E. NEIR has been long and worth- ily associated with the farmers and stock- raisers of Lee County, and though he is now living in retirement from active business at Paw Paw, he still retains his agricultural interests and has two well-equipped farms in Wyoming Township. He was born in Cumberland County, Pa., October 14, 1822. His father, Francis T. Neir, was a native of Germany, as was his father also. The grandfather of our subject married in his na- tive- land and had a family of children growing around him, when the determination grew strong within him to emigrate to America, that land of promise whither so many of his countrymen had gone, and where he thought he would be able to provide better for his dear ones than in the Old Country. Accordingly, one day he embarked with his wife and offspring on a ship bound for these shores. But he was not destined to make port here, as ere the voyage was ended, he and his fam- ily, with one exception, had passed through the gates of death to the land of the immortals. One child remained in Germany. The father of our subject, then a lad of eight sum- mers, was the sole survivor of the little family group that a few short weeks before had left the German Fatherland to found a new home across the sea, and thus sadly bereft of all his kin, he landed in Baltimore, orphaned and penniless, without friends or a home to go to. But he was taken in charge and kindly cared for by James Hemphill, a farmer of Cumberland County, Pa., with whom he remained until he attained his ma- POETRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 725 jority. He was a steady, studious youth, made the best of his opportunities to obtain an educa- tion while with his employer, and after leaving him taught and attended school alternately for some time. After his marriage he rented land and engaged in farming in Cumberland and Franklin Counties, Pa., until death ended his work. The maiden name of his wife was Margaret E. Earley, and she was a daughter of Robert Earley. She was a native of Pennsylvania and died in Franklin County, that State. She was the mother of eight children; one died in infancy. Our subject was the eldest son of the family, and, when he was very young, he commenced to assist his father on the farm, and thus early gained a good experience in the calling which he was af- terward to pursue so successfully on his own ac- count. He remained with his parents until he was twenty years old, and then served a three years' apprenticeship to learn the trade of a cabinet- maker in Roxbury, Franklin County. He then carried on business in that line for two years and at the end of that time left his native State to estabUsh himself at Ft. Seneca, Seneca County, Ohio, where he worked at the trade of a carpenter and joiner until 1857. In that year he came to Lee County nnd identified himself with its pio- neers, settling in Wyoming Township on a tract of land on section 31, that he bought. He erected suitable buildings and busied himself with tilling the soil, continuing to reside on his farm until he removed to Paw Paw in 1881, where he lias since lived in retirement from active labor. He is still interested in farming, however, and owns two hun- dred and ten acres of choice farming land in Wyo- ming Township, said land being divided into two farms that are under excellent tillage and are amply supplied with good buildings. Mr. Neir has been twice married. April 22, 1847, his marriage with Miss Sarah A. Shuman was celebrated. Their wedded life was brief, as she died in 1851, leaving two children: Jefferson S. and Francis. The maiden name of our subject's present wife was Catherine Hade. She was born in Franklin County, Pa., and is a daughter of Jacob Hade, who is supposed to have been a native of that county also. He removed from there to Ohio, and was an early settler of Seneca County, where he bought a tract of timber land, one-fourth of a mile from Ft. Seneca. He erected a log cabin and in the course of time hewed out a good farm from the surrounding wilderness and made it his home until death. The maiden name of his wife was Margaret Snyder. She died in Pennsyl- van ia. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Neir has been blessed to them by two sons: Ray S. and Clark E. Our subject is one of the solid, self-made men of the county, whose only capital when they started in life was what lay in themselves in the shape of muscle and brain and a steadfast determination to accomplish all they could and always to do their best in whatever position they might be placed. That he has used these God-given faculties well may be seen not only in the fact that he has be- come one of the moneyed men of his community, but by the sincere respect and regard in which he is held by his fellow-citizens. Religiously, he and his wife are esteemed members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and are active in its every good work. Politically, he is a Republican and is ever true to his colors. ENRY W. HILLISON is one of the most successful of Lee County's native-born cit- izens who are devoting their energies to sustaining and extending her great agricul- tural interests. He is prominent as a farmer and stock-dealer, who is ably managing an extensive business in his line in China Township, and he is also known for the honorable part he has taken in the administration of public affairs and in local politics. Mr. Hillison was born in Bradford Township, September 12, 1850. His father. Omen Hillison, who was a native of Norway, came to this country in 1838, and was a pioneer of Lee County. He first located in Lee Centre Township, but subse- quently took up a claim in Bradford Township, of which he thus became an early settler. He was married after coming to this county to Miss Cath- 726 POETEAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL EECOED. erine E. Eeinhart, a sister of Andrew Eeinhart, and their wedded life was passed on his homestead ■in Bradford Township, which was too early de- prived of his services hy his untimely death. Two children were born to him and his wife: Henry W. and Betsy J., the latter of whom is the wife of Conrad Brandau. A sketch of the mother, Mrs. C. E. Aschenbrenner, who married again after the death of the father, is given on another page of this volume. Our subject grew to man's estate in his native township, and made his home there until his marriage in 1873, when he settled on section 25, China Township, where he h:is a farm of two hundred and forty acres, which, under his super- vision, has become a valuable piece of property, ranking among the best improved estates in the locality. The land is well cultivated and very productive, and Mr. Hiljison has erected a fine set of farm buildings, and has all the conveniences of a model farm for carrying on his operations. Be- sides tilling the soil, raising grain and other farm products, he is engaged in buying and shipping live stock, a business which he makes exceedingly profitable, as his keen judgment is seldom at fault in making his purchases, and he is quick to take advantage of favorable opportunities to sell at any sudden rise in prices, or when the markets are active. The marriage of Mr. Hillison with JMiss Elizabeth Eoth was celebrated at Dixon, May 8, 1873. In their cozy home, five children complete their pleasant household, whom they have named John li., Christie E., William C, Eeinhart A. and Celia. Mrs. Hilli- son is a native of Germany, born on the 18th of February 1863. Her parents, John and Bar- bara (Barnhart) Roth, wei-e also of German birth. Thej' came to the United States in 1860, and have ever since been residents of Lee County. The fellow-citizens of our subject, appreciating the fact of l\is ability to handle his own affairs so as to make the most of h*s resources, and knowing him to be utterly trustworthy, have twice elected him to the office of Supervisor, and both terms that he was a member of the County Board he worked earnestly to secure public improvements that would not only be of advantage to the township that he represents, but would benefit the county at large. He is a true Republican, an ardent supporter of the principles of his party, and is active in political matters. He and his wife are members in high standing of the Lutheran Church. 44' ^^RUMAN JOHNSON, of Viola Township, is a member of the Lee County Board of Su- pervisors, and is not only prominent as one of our most valued public officials, but he occupies a leading position among the farmers and stock- raisers of this region. He is of sturdy pioneer stock, his father, Smith H. Johnson, being an early settler of Viola Township, and an active promo- ter of its highest interests, educationallj' and mor- ally, as well as affording material aid in the devel- opment of its agricultural resources. The fatlier of our subject was a native of Ver- mont, whence he went to New York when a young man, walking from that place to New York, and in that State he met and was married to Miss Ziba K. Tompkins. He bought a tract of laud in Alle- gany- Countj^, and resided there until 1836, when he pushed Westward into the forest wilds of the Territory of Michigan, going by lake to Detroit, and thence with a team penetrating into the in- terior of Van Buren Count}', of which he became a pioneer. He bought a tract of timber land, and made his home there some j'ears. He was a man of superior intelligence, who knew full well the value of an education, and to him his fellow-pioneers owed the chance to give their children some school- ing, for he built one of the first schoolhouses in that section of country', on his own land. There were but few signs of civilization then in those parts, and deer, bears, wolves, ooons and other wild animals were frequently seen in the woods near the settlements or in the clearings made by the pio- neers. In 1843, Mr. Johnson left his pioneer home in Michigan, to found another in the great Prairie State, coming hither with his wife and four chil- dren, with teams. He located at Big Rock, Kane County, buying a tract of Government land at PORTEAIT AND BIOGEAPHICAL EECOED. 727 that point. A few months later, in the fall of the year, he went back to Michigan, but returned to his place in Kane County the following spring, whence he came to Lee County eight years later, and was one of the early settlers of Yiola Town- ship. He bought a tract of wild prairie land on section 13, upon which he erected suitable build- ings, and at the time of his death February 11, 1873, had a well-improved farm. His wife also spent her last years on the old homestead. Viola Township owes him a debt of gratitude for his gen- erous efforts in establishing educational institu- tions in her midst, as, soon after settling here, he built a schoolhouse on his farm, employed the first teacher that ever taught here, paying her from his own funds. A liberal, broad-minded, public-spir- ited citizen, his name should be honored as that of one of out most worthy pioneers. Truman Johnson was born in Allegany County, N. Y., April 3, 1832, and he was but four years old when his parents removed to Michigan. His early- education wp,s obtained in the schoolhouse that his father builL on his land, which was a primitive structure, but answered the purpose as well as a more ornate building. The seats, which were with- out backs, were made of slabs, with wooden pins for legs, and had no desks in front. As soon as large enough, our subject had to work on the farm and help his father in clearing his land. He was twelve years old when the family came to Illinois, and at that time the country was very sparsely set- tled, deer and other kinds of game roaming at will where are now smiling farms and thriving towns. There were no railways for some years, and Chi- cago was the nearest market. Mr. Johnson continued with his parents until his marriage, and he then rented land for a year. At the expiration of that time he settled on the old homestead in Viola Township, which he now owns and occupies. It comprises one hundred and twenty acres of very fertile, highly cultivated laud, abun- dantly provided with all the improvements of a well-equipped farm. Mr. .Johnson has three hun- dred and twenty acres of land besides his home farm, two hundred and forty of which are in Eey- nolds ToWnship, and the remainder in Viola Town- ship. He has acquired his property partly by judi- cious investment, by skillful cultivation of the soil, and by excellent judgment in carrying out his plans. In writing the outline of the life of our subject, we should be doing him but scant justice if we omitted his war record. He enlisted in February, 1865, in Company I, Fifteenth Illinois Infantry, and started from Cliicago to join the army in North Carolina. He was taken sick at New York, which detained him there about a month, and he was then sent to Newburn, N. C. In a short time he was despatched from there to Alexandria, Va., where he joined the command and proceeded with it to Washington, and was in that city at the time of the Grand Eeview of the Union troops. He then started v ith the troops for the Western frontier, but was again taken ill at St. Louis, and entered the hospital, from which he was honorably dis- charged in July, 1865, and returned home to re- sume the calling that he had abandoned at his country's call. Mr. Johnson's assistance has often been sought in tlie guidance of public affairs, and he has held almost all the important local offices. He has served as School Trustee, School Treasurer and School Di- rector; has been Constable, Collector and Justice of the Peace; and in 1890 he was elected to repre- sent Viola Township on the County Board of Supervisors for a period of two years. He was formerly a Eepublican in politics, but is now In- dependent. Mr. Johnson was married January 29, 1860, to Miss Mary E. MaLugin, a representative of some of the oldest pioneer families of Illinois. Ten chil- dren complete the household of our subject and his wife, named as follows: Harvey, Addie, Eosa, George, Waltei', Frank, May, Dollie, Maud and Wilber. Mrs. Johnson was born at Malugin's Grove in the pioneer home of her parents, Zachariah and Mar3^ (Eoss) Malugin. Her paternal grandfather, Jonathan Malugin, was one of the early settlers of Sangamon County, this State, whither he had come from Tennessee. He lived tiieie some years, and then came to Lee County and spent the remainder of his life here. His son Zachariah was reared in Tennessee, and came to this State with his parents 728 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. in early manhood, lie was living in Sangamon County at the time of the Black Hawk War, and as a soldier during that contest with the Indians came to Northern Illinois with his regiment. He was attracted by the beauty of the country, and in 1833 carried out his resolution to settle hereby becoming a pioneer of Lee County. Mr. Johnson made a claim to the grove which has since boi'ne his name, and which was then iso- lated and lonely, for his nearest neighbor on the west was Father Dixon, at Dixon Ferry, and the nearest settlers on the east were the Ross family at Ross Grove, De Kalb Count}'. He did not find them too far away to be neighborly with, how- ever, and presumably made good use of his time in visiting them, as that same 3'ear he married one of the Ross girls, and in the log cabin that he built on his claim he and his bride commenced housekeep- ing together. His life was cut short by his untimely death in that home in December, 1841, and Lee County was deprived of the services of an active and valuable pioneer. His wife survived him many years, and finally died in 1880 at a venerable age. She was a native of Virginia, and a daugh- ter of Joseph and Jane (Norman) Ross. Further mention is made of her parents in the sketch of O. P. Johnson, which will be found elsewhere in this book. ^ELSON Powell, a successful farmer and stock-raiser, whose home is on section 7, D iAcM) Palmyra Township, is a native of this State. His birth occurred on the 13th of March, 1854, in Sterling, and he is a worthy representative of one of the early families of Northern Illinois. His father, Nathaniel Powell, was born and reared in Saratoga County, N. Y., where he wedded Miss Abbie Brown, also a native of that locality. She was his second wife. By his former union, ho had one daughter, Dora, who became the wife of George Howe and now resides in Nebraska. By the second union were born two sons: Charles and Nelson. The parents came to Illinois in an early day and settled in Sterling, where their deaths oc- curred in the fall of 1855. They both died the same night of typhoid fever. Their elder son, Charles, was then reared by his uncle, Nelson Powell, in the Empire State, and is now a resident of Monroe County, N. Y., where he engaged in the butchering business. Our subject was' only seven months old when he was left an orphan, and by a relative he was roared. From his native county he removed to Lee County, and the farm which hie now owns was given him by his uncle, Jacob Powell, who secured large tracts of land from the Government in a raw state. Jacob Powell became one of the well-known and prominent citizens of this community. He owned very large landed interests, and, by judi- cious investments and sagacious sales, became quite wealthy. He started out with only a few hundred dollars, but at his death, in 1888, was woith $100,000. Mr. Powell had come to Illinois from Saratoga County, N. Y., his birthplace. In Whiteside County he wedded Mrs. Eliza Brown, who is now living on the old home- stead in Sterling Township, at the age of sixty-six years. Both the husband and his wife were Spir- itualists in faith, and in his political views, Mr. Powell was a Republican. The education of our subject was begun in the public schools of Sterling and completed by a business course in Des Moines, Iowa. Farming and stock-raising have been his life work, and in this he has been very successful. He now owns and operates two hundred acres of valuable land, the greater part of which is under a high state of cultivation, and, in consequence, yields to him a golden tribute. For the past three years he has also engaged extensively in stock-raising, making a specialty of sheep, and now has a fine flock, num- bering two hundred head of a high grade. The appointments of his farm are all in keeping with his practical and progressive ideas, and the neat appearance of the place indicates the supervision of a careful manager who thoroughly understands his business. In Kasson City, Dodge County, Minn., Mr. Powell led to the marriage altar Miss Cecelia Cors- caden, who was born in the Empire State, but was reared and educated in Wisconsin and Minnesota. PORTRAIT AKD BlOGRAPmCAL RECORD. 729 She became a teacher and for some j-ears success- fully followed that vocation. The union of our subject and his worthy wife has been blessed with two children, a son and daughter, Leroy and Nellie J. The Powell household is the abode of hospital- ity, and the members of the family rank high in the social world. Mr. Powell exercises his right of franchise in support of the Republican party, and his wife is a member of the Episcopal- Church, while he is a Spiritualist. ^ eORNELIUS FREDERICK VAN PATTEN is well-known as one of the principal far- mers and stock-raisers of Viola Township, where he has a large and well-condncted farm, provided with first-class improvements. He was born in Glenville, Schenectady County, N. Y., January 6, 1826, and is a son of Frederick Van Patten, who was a native of the same township as himself. He, in turn, was a son of Simon A"an Patten, who is supposed to have been born in Holland, and to have come to this country when he was young. He was a thrifty farmer, and was engjiged at his occupation in Glenville Township, where he died in the course of time. He was for many years noted as a teacher of vocal music, and carried on that profession while superintending the management of his farm. The father of our subject passed his boyhood on the old farm in Glenville, and devoted his entire life to agricultural pursuits in his native township. The maiden name of his wife was Sarah Bartlett. She came of distinguished Colonial ancestry, and was a native of New England, Brattleboro, Yt., her birthplace. Her father, Charles Bartlett, was born in England, but came to America in Colonial times, and settled in Brattleboro, Vt. He was greatly interested in the events that led up to the Revolution, took sides with the Colonists, and was an ardent patriot. He displayed his devotion to his adopted country on various occasions, and bore an active part in the famous tea party that resulted in throwing the tea from the English 36 vessels overboard into the waters of Boston Harbor. After the war closed, he spent his remaining days peacefully in the pretty Vermont town where he had first located. The mother of our subject was a woman of superior intelligence and education, and taught school in her early womanhood until she was married. She died on the farm in Glen- ville where she had passed her wedded life. She bore her husband ten children, of whom these nine grew to manhood and womanhood: Simon B., Jemima, Nathan B., John, Ira, Nicholas, Swart, Hester and Cornelius F. The latter, who forms the subject of thjs bio- graphical review, grew to man's estate in his native town, and was there educated. He was early instructed in all kinds of farm work, and although he was young when his father died, he was perfectly competent to take charge of the farm, and did so until he was twenty-six years of age. Then, as his services were no longer needed in that direction, he was engaged at various em- ployments for three or four years. In 1856, he made a new departure, having determined to im- prove his fortunes, if possible, by farming on the marvellously fertile soil of Northern Illinois, and after coming here he engaged in tilling land on shares at Shabonna Grove, De Kalb County. Some seven years later he bought eighty acres of land in the town of Milan, the same county, and farmed it the ensuing four years. At the expiration of that time, he came to Viola Township, and pur- chased a quarter of a section of land that is now included in his present farm, that contains three hundred and sixty acres of as fine' land for agri- cultural purposes as can be found in this locality. Its fields are under the best of tillage, its pastures afford sustenance for many sleek and well-kept cattle, horses and hogs of good breeds, which are raised on the place and bring in a good yearly income. The buildings are neat, roomy and sub- stantial, and everything about the farm is in good order. Mr. Van Patten was married in 1855 to Miss Mary J. Young, a native of the same New York town in which he was born, and a daughter of Frank and Margaret (Dickerson) Y'oung. She is a most estimable woman, and in her the Methodist 730 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Episcopal Church has an active Cliristian member. These are the name>s of the fifteen children that complete the family of our subject and his wife: Margaret, Childes, Frank, Sarah, Ella, Sherman, Cora, Addie, Hannah,Ida, Seth, Stella, Olive, Editli and Cornelius F. Mr. Van Patten is a typical self made man, as he has arisen to his present position solely through his own efforts. He has strength of character, a firm will, good, round-about common sense, and a good capacity for planning and executing what- ever work he wishes to carry out. For many years he was a good Democrat in his politics, but he is now a member of the Farmers' Alliance. He attends the church to which his wife belongs, and is a liberal supporter of whatever will benefit the township. ■ilj OHN CROMBIE has passed the most of his life as boy and man in Lee County, and has I attained an honorable place among its farm- ;// ers and stock-raisers. He has a farm on section 25, China Township, that is in a fine con- dition, owing to his excellent management, has a good class of improvements, and its carefully tilled fields and rich pastures yield him a desirable in- come. The town of Byron, Genesee County, N. Y., is the birthplace of our subject, and February 26, 1830, the date of his birth. He is descended from hardy New England stock, and both of his parents. Moses and Louisa (Morse) Crombie, were born among the granite hills of New Hampshire, Ches- shire being their native county, and Dublin the town where the father first saw the light of day. A portion of their married life was spent in New York, but they passed their last days in this State. They were among the early pioneers of Northern Illinois, coming here in the first years of its settle- ment. They lived some two or three years in what is now the village of Grand Detour, Ogle County, but in 1840 they settled near Amboy, in this county, whence they subsequently removed to Lee Centre, and there death found them well advanced in j'cars. Those worthy people reared a family of three children, of whom our subject is the eldest. John Crombie was but a boy when his parents came to this State, and the remainder of his youth was passed chiefly in this county, in Lee Centre Township, and, with the exception of five j'ears in Iowa, he has been a resident of this county ever , since. He has made farming his life work, and was engaged at that calling in Lee Centre Town- ship for some years after his marriage. In the winter of 1862-63 he removed with his family to Wheatland, Clinton County, Iowa, and was a resi- dent of that county some five years. At the ex- piration of that time he returned to Lee County, which from old associations, and for what he con- sidered better advantages, both as a place of resi- dence and for the pursuit of his vocation, had superior attractions for him. He then located in China Township, and in the years of toil that have since followed has made his farm attractive as a home, and valuable as a finely improved piece of property. It has an area of one hundred and seventy-two acres, on which he has erected a good set of buildings, and evidences of thrift and un- ceasing care are seen on every hand. The marriage of our subject with Miss Sarah E. "Warnick took place July 4, 1854, in Lee Centre Township, and neither contracting party has seen cause to regret the important step taken on that glorious ''Independence Day" that lies back in the past thirt3'-seven jears, as it has brought them much that is pleasant. Among its blessings are the six children that have been born unto them, namely: George ]M., who married Miss Polly Landon; Charles, who died in childhood; Nancy L., the wife of Fred L. Ayers; Mamie, Adelaide S., , and Alice M. Mrs. Crombie was born in Steuben County, N. Y., July 7, 1834, and is the youngest of the five children of James and Nancy (Gard- ner) Warnick, who weie natives respectively of Montgomery County, N. Y., and of Swansea, Mass. They were pioneers of Lee County, whither they came from their former home in Steuben County, N. Y., in 1849, and were residents of Lee Centre Township many years, her death occurring there, while he died in the home of his son in Edgar County. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 731 Mr. Crombie is a man of sounrl understanding, and has clear, common -sense views on all subjects with which he is familiar, wliile his many excellent personal traits have commended him to the people among whom he has lived so long, and they have often placed him in responsible public offices, feel- ing sure that he would discharge the duties thus imposed upon him in the most satisfactory manner. He has been Constable, Justice of the Peace, Asses- sor, Collector and School Director, and in those various capacities has always acted with wisdom and discretion, and has favored whatsoever would be of benetit to the township. In politics, he is a strong believer in the doctrines of the Democratic party. Socially, he is identified with the Masonic fraternity. Mrs. Crombie shares tlie respect in which her husband is held, and she is a devoted member of the Congregational Church. ] MANUEL BRIERTON, a successful farmer of Dixon Township, living on section 26, has the honor of being a native citizen of the county. He was born on his father's farm in the town of Nachusa, July 10, 1846, and is the youngest child of Joseph Brierton, an honored pioneer of this county. His father was a native of Yorktown, Mass., and his grandfather, John Brier- ton, was born in England and came of pure ling- lish lineage. In that land he married Jane Brew- ster, and ere the Revolutionary War crossed tlie Atlantic to America. When the Colonies attempted to throw off the British yoke of tyranny, he aided in the struggle for independence. In his later life he left Massachusetts and went to Pennsylvania, where he died at an advanced age. By occupation, he was a farmer, and both he and his wife were members of the Methodist Church. In their fam- ily were eleven children, all of whom lived to be quite old, but are now deceased. With the excep- tion of John, who engaged in merchandising for many years, the sons made farming their life work. Joseph Brierton, father of our subject, was the eldest of the family and the last to pass away. It was during his boyhood that his parents removed to the Keystone State, the family settling in Lu- zerne County, where he began serving an appren- ticeship to a distiller in 1801, but he only worked at that trade for about two years. Subsequently, he learned the blacksmith's trade, which he fol- lowed more or less for a long period. In the early part of the '40s, emigrating Westward, he settled in Lee County, and purchased eleven hundred acres of land, which he highly improved, and as it rose in value he became quite wealthy. This county was the scene of his labors from that time until his death on the 7th of August, 1889, at the very advanced age of ninety-seven years. He was a man of prominence in the community and was widely known throughout the county. In politics, he was an inflexible adherent of Republican principles, which he advocated on account of the abolition sentiment they embodied, and in religious belief was a Methodist. Mrs. Brierton bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Garrison, and their marriage was celebrated in Luzerne County, Pa., where she was born and reared. She died at her home in Lee County, in 1870, at the age of sixty-nine years, after a noble and well-spent. life. She, too, was a faihful member of the Methodist Church and many warm friends sincerely mourned her death. No event of special importance occurred during the boyhood of our subject to vary the monotony of farm life, for in the usual manner of farmer lads his childhood days were passed. At the age of eighteen he enlisted in the late war as a member of Company C, Seventh Illinois Cavalry and for one year was in the service, but much of the time was confined in the hospital from pneumonia and a sunstroke. This so impaired his health that he engaged only in skirmishing and other light duty. On his return he continued to reside in Lee County until 1879, when he went to St. Louis. For one year he was foreman of Capt. Thompson's cane plantation, and for the three succeeding years was connected with the implement house of J. A. Field, of St. Louis. He then returned to his native county and has since given his attention to agri- cultural pursuits. In 1889 he purchased an im- proved farm of one hundred and eighty acres on section 26, Dixon Township. A marriage ceremony performed in that town- 732 POETRAIT AND BIOGRArtllCAL RECORD. sliip united the destinies of Mr. Brierton and Emma Coltren, a native of the Buckeye State, who came to Illinois, when about two years old, with her parents, Elisha and Mary (Osborne) Coltren, who located at Palestine, and afterward settled on a farm near Amboy. They then came to Dixon and some years later went to Russell County, Kan., where Mr. Coltren died, near Bunker Hill, in 1888, at the age of eighty-eight years. By occu- pation, he was a farmer, which business he followed throughout his life. His wife, who survives him, resides with her son Orin in Nachusa Township, at the age of seventy-four j-ears. Eleven children grace the union of Mr. and Mrs. Brierton and the family circle j-et remains unbroken. In order of birth they are as follows: Alice, Edna, Henry, Frank, Joseph, Tyler, Pearl, Blossom, Myrtle, and Daisy. This family is well and favorably known throughout the community, and the Brierton household is the abode of hospi- tality. In politics, our subject is a warm supporter of Republican principles and is a valued citizen of the community where he has so long made his home. He takes a just pride in the growth and iipbuilding of his native county, in whose history he has been identified for forty-five years. ^ANIEL CURRAN, senior member of the firm of Daniel Curran & Sons, mason contractors of Dixon, is one of the leading citizens of Irish birth residing in Lee County. He was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, March 29, 1839, and is a son of James and Bessie (Cady) Curran. His mother died in 1846, after which his father was again married, and in 1849 brought his family to the United States, crossing the Atlantic from Liverpool to New York City in the sailing vessel "Kingston," which dropped an- chor in New York harbor after a voyage of five weeks and three days. They lived in New York City four years and then came at once to Illinois, where Mr. Curran and his wife are yet residino- on a farm on the Rock River, near the city of Dixon. Although he is now more than eighty years of age, he retains much of the vigor which characterized him in earlier life, being still hale and hearty. Himself and wife are members of the Catholic Chui'ch. We now take up the personal history of our subject, who is so widely and favorably known throughout this community. From an early age he has made his own way in the world, and well deserves to be numbered among the self-made men of the county. In Dixon he learned his trade of a mason with the firm of Robinson & Means, and after his term of apprenticeship had expired, went to New York City, where he entered the employ of John Hankinson, with whom he worked for six years. His long continuance in the service of one man attests the quality of his excellent workman- ship and his fidelity to the interests of him he served. During his residence in the East, Mr. Curran led to the marriage altar Miss Catherine Donahue,who came to this country from her native land, Ireland, during her girlhood. She died at her home m Dixon, in 1872, leaving five children: James, who wedded Miss Mary Swam, of California, and is now a brickmaker and contractor of Bakersfleld, Cur- ran County, Cal.; Charles, who wedded Alice Mc- Graw, and is associated in business with his father; William H., who is employed as yardman in the service of the Southern Pacific Railroad Company at Sumner, Cal.; Thomas F., a member of the firm of Curran & Sons; and Anza B., wife of John Mc- Graw, who is engaged in merchandising in Osong, 111. Mr. Curran was again married in Dixon, his second union being with Miss Mary Lyons, a na- tive of Vermont, who came to this State during her childhood with her parents, Edward and Bridget (Hines) Lyons, both of whom are now deceased. They were natives of the Emerald Isle and crossed the Atlantic after their marriage. Some j'ears they spent in the New England States and then came to Lee County, 111., where they died, the father at the age of sixty-five years and the mother in her sixty- first year. They were membera of the Catholic Church. Mr. and Mrs. Curran have two children: Patrick G. and Daniel A., and have lost five. They are PORTRAIT AND BIOGRARinCAL RECORD. 733 members of the Catholic Church, and in political sentiment our subject is a Democrat. The lirm of Curran & Sons, located at the corner of Ninth Street and Nachusa Avenue, have a liberal patron- age, and rank among the leading contractors of Dixon. Daniel Curran has a high reputation as a skilled workman and has superintended many of the best buildings in this city, which now stand as monuments to his ability and enterprise. The faithfulness with which he fulfills his part of the contract has won him the confidence of all, and the custom accorded him is well merited. GEORGE HUNT has been a useful and highly respected citizen of Lee County for thirty- five years. He has devoted himself prin- cipally to farming during all these years and is entitled to a worthy place among the pioneers of China Township, where he has improved a good farm, comprising a part of section 22. He was born in Leicestershire, England, March 14, 1815. He grew to a stalwart manhood in the land of his birth, and having learned the trade of a black- smith, he followed it there until he was twenty- four years old. He then turned his back on his old English home and crossed the ocean to this country. For several years he was engaged at his trade in Oneida County, N. Y., and at the same time kept a country tavern in the town of Marcy. In the spring of 1856, he wound up his affairs there, having decided to try agricultural pursuits on the fertile soil of the great Prairie State. Mr. Hunt chose Lee County as his future home, and, buying a farm on section 22, China Township, has ever since been a resident of this part of Illi- nois. He has been engaged chiefly in farming and owns eighty acres of valuable farming land, which is under admirable tillage, is provided with suita- ble buildings, and is a very desirable and well- kept place. During his residence in Oneida County, N. Y., Mr. Hunt was married, April 19, 184.7, to Jiliza- beth Moseley, who was a native of the same Eng- lish shire as himself, born March 11, 1824. For forty years and more she walked by his side, was to him a cheerful helper, encouraged him by her presence and wise counsel, and left nothing un- done that would contribute to his comfort and well-being, December 16, 1888, death crossed the threshold of the home where they had lived so long together, and the beloved wife fell into that sleep that knows no waking this side of eternity. She was a Christian and a devoted member of the Church of England, in which faith she had been bred. Industry and frugality, combined with good judgment and honesty of purpose and act, have brought our subject due reward, and he is well fortified against want and the necessity of hard labor. His sterling merits, his kindly nature, and his neighborliness have gained him a warm place in the hearts of his fellow-citizens. He has sensi- ble opinions on all subjects with which he is famil- iar, and in his political views is not bound to any party, but is independent. 4m'^' '^f OHN L. SHAW, a retired farmer and resi- dent of Lee Center Township, this county, is highly esteemed as one of the old pio- ^_^ neers of this State, and a man who has witnessed and aided in the growth and prosperity of the county which he made his home at an early day. He was born in Ontario County, N. Y., May 19, 1816, where he grew to manhood and resided until the fall of 1844, when he came with his wife to Hancock County, 111., remaining there until the spring of 1846, when he removed to Lee County and settled in Bradford Township. Here he took up a claim on which he lived, for over twenty years, later removing to another farm in the same township. After residing in this township for upwards of thirty years, he removed to Belvidere, this State, where he lived a retired life for some eight years, after which he returned to Lee Center, where he now resides. He has followed farming throughout his life, and now owns eighty acres in this township. Mr. Shaw was married in Orleans County, N.Y,, 73 1 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. September 27, 1844, to Miss Tryphena Merrill,who was born in Paris, Oneida County, N. Y., July 30, 1821. Her parents, Chauncy and Hannah (Austin) Merrill, were natives of Rutland, Vt., and Bristol, R. I., respectively. They were married in Otsego County and died in Darion, Genesee County, N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Shaw have had two children, Ellen A., who is the wife of Giles A. Hodges, and John M., who died when four and one-lialf years old. Mr. Shaw has held some of the local town- ship offices and has been School Director. In pol- itics he IS a Democrat. Mr. and Mrs. Shaw are in- clined to be liberal in their religious views, and are people who make the best of everything and enjoy life, thereby making it happier for everyone who comes in contact with them. Mrs. Shaw is a most estimable woman and has many warm friends, who enjoy visiting this couple at their comfort- able home. :.=^ ELLE L. BUSINGA, who is now living in retirement in one of the finest homes in Franklin Grove, acquired his wealth by extensive and well-directed farming operations, and is still identified with the agri- cultural interests of Northern Illinois as the owner of many acres of choice farming land in Ogle County. Our su.bject was born in Hanover, Germany, April 3, 1831, and he was the only member of tlie family to come to the United States. His father was a rich man, but he twice lost his fortune by a disease attacking his large herds of cattle. Our subject was reared on a farm in the Old Country, and con- tinued to live in the Fatherland until 1855, when he came to America in the full flush and vigor of early manhood. He landed in New Y'ork after being on the ocean in a sailing vessel fifty-one days. He at once came to Illinois, and first stopped at Freeport, where he found himself not only without funds, but in debt,to the extent of two dollars, to a friend of whom he had borrowed the money in Chicago. He was, however, equal to the emergency, with his capital of health, strength, readiness of resource, and ability to work; and so zealously did he apply himself to searching for a situation after his arrival in that town at three o'clock in the af- ternoon that he had secured one before iiightfall,and was busy performing his appointed labors when the hour for the evening meal came.Two months later,he hired out to work in Ogle County at thirteen dol- lars a month, and was engaged there six summers, being in the emploj' of Jacob Piper, who is still a resident of that county, for five summers. In the winter seasons he availed himself of the opportunity to atten d school and to gain a more complete knowl- edge of the English language and advance his edu- cation generally. While he was working for others in Ogle County, Mr. Businga managed to save seven hundred dol- lars of his earnings, and with that good start as the result of six years' hard work, he began his inde- pendent career as a farmer in Ogle County soon after his marriage in 1860, buying forty acres of land in Leaf Run Township, which was simply broken, and investing in one hundred and sev- enty more acres, which he improved. In 1871 he sold that place, and removing to Winnebago Coun- ty, purchased a quarter of a section there, for which he paid sixty-five dollars an acre, and made it his home for some time. He subsequently bought two hundred and forty acres in Ogle County, to which he added an adjoiningone hundred and sixty acres in 1882. He made elegant and substantial improve- ments on the Ogle County farm, putting five thousand dollars into commodious buildings, and resided there two years. Then, in 1884, he let his son take charge of the farm, and coming to Frank- lin Grove, purchased one of the finest places within its precincts. He still owns his three hundred and twenty acres in Ogle County, but he disposed of his Winnebago County farm at the rate of eighty- one dollars an acre, a great advance on the cost price. Mr. Businga is public-spirited as a citizen, generously using his money where it will do the most good for the material advancement of the community, find exerting his influence to promote its higher interests. He is a truly^ religious man, a high estimation being placed upon his character as PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 735 a conscientious Christian, and is one of the most active working members of the Presbyterian Church of which he is an Elder. The marriage of our subject with Miss Lena Nellen was duly solemnized in the autumn of 1860. The sorrow that falls sooner or later on every household has been mingled with the J03'S of their wedded life, as two of their three children have died, one dying in infancy, and their daughter, Nettie T., dying in 1869, in her fifteenth year. A son is spared to them to bless their declining years, Sigel, who was born May 26, 1862. He married Miss Lizzie Kirk, and they have two children — Floyd C. and Claude A. Our subject's estimable wife was also born in Hanover, Germany. She came to the United States with her family. Her father, Nels F. Nellen, set- tled in Stephenson County, near Freeport, among, its pioneers. She has four brothers and sisters, as follows: Bruno, a resident of Ogle County; Matila, who married L. Bruns, and died in Hardin County, Iowa; Fokka, who was a sailor and was lost at sea; and Grace, who married the Rev. John Reints, of Kansas. IP^UFUS H. MELLEN. It would be difficult im^ to find within the city of Amboy a more IE\ pleasant home than the residence occupied ^1 by Mr. Mellen, which is located on East Main Street and surrounded by grounds compris- ing fifteen acres. In retirement from the active duties which formerly engaged his attention, he is enjoying the fruits of his labors, and in his beau- tiful home, with the loving care of his family to contribute to his happiness, he is passing his de- clining years in peace and contentment. In the course of a long and honorable business career, many varied business experiences have been his, and heavy losses have occasionally met his enter- prises, but the losses have been more than retrieved through shrewd investments, so that now he has sufficient of this world's goods to free his old age from the cares of poverty. The ancestors of Mr. Mellen originally came from Scotland (the family name being McMellen) and were among the first settlers of the Massachu- setts Cdlony. By occupation they were farmers, and were industrious and honorable members of society. Grandfather William Mellen was a sol- dier in the Revolutionary War, and, in connection with farming, was extensively engaged in fruit- growing, and made as much as four hundred bar- rells of cider annually. The father of our subject, John L., pursued farming, and after his son came West, made him a visit, and being pleased with Amboj^, remained there seventeen years, until death claimed him at the age of eiglity-two years. The mother of our subject, whose maiden name was Mary Hyde, was born in Hampshire County, Mass., and there died. Her union with John L. Mellen brought to them eight children, only three of whom attained to their majority: Maiy I. married Samuel Davis, and died in Massa- chusetts; Franklin H. was a soldier in the Eiglity- ninth Illinois Infantry, and was mortally wounded at the battle of Stone River. Our subject is the only surviving member of the familj' and was born in Hampshire County, Mass., February 6, 1818, receiving his education at the Wilbraham Acad- emy in his native town, Greenwich. In his early manhood, he engaged in teaching school, and was also a music teacher, traveling in New Jersey in the pursuit of the same employment. In connection with his father, our subject was interested in a farm in Massachusetts, and during the summer season he tilled the soil, but made the most of his money during the winter when the farm was buried with snow and he was educating the children and teaching singing school. In 1854 he started to see the Great West, and coming to Amboy on a prospecting tour, was well pleased with the young town and invested some money in village lots. In the spring of 1855, he removed his family hither, and, erecting mills, engaged in the manufacture of lumber, sash, doors, etc. He was appointed Postmaster in 1861, and in that connection began selling books and stationery, and later added musical instruments. After continuing for some time alone, Mr. Mel- len associated his son Walttir with him in partner- ship, the firm being R. 11. Mellen & Son, and con- 736 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPinCAL RECORD. tinued in that way for some years. The business is now conducted by the son. For twenty-one consecutive years, Mr. Mellen retained the office of Postmaster, and in that position was very popular with his fellow-citizens. During the course of a long and active life, he has met many famous men, among them being personally acquainted with President Lincoln. His first bal- lot was cast for Gen. Harrison for President in 1840, and since the formation of the Republican party he has been one of its stanch supporters. Besides holding the office of Postmaster, he has been City Clerk and Alderman, and has been prominent in the public life of the county. In 1842 Mr. Mellen was married to Miss Laura E. Patten, who was a native of Hampshire County, Mass. Their union has been blessed by the birth of four children, namely: Ella Frances, wife of D. W. Slauter; Walter Clayton; Florence Virginia; and Mary Georgianna, wife of Howard S. Plazen. Since he was fifteen years old, Mr. Mellen has been a member of the Congregational Church, to which the other members of the family belong. Not only has he witnessed, but has assisted in, every change which has worked out the wonder- ful transformation apparent in Lee County to-day, compared with its condition forty years ago. No One takes greater pride than he in the prosperity of Amboy, and not only is he liked by the rich and fortunate, but by the young and needy, and those who are struggling for recognition. r^ LE J. PRESTE6ARD, an extensive farmer, 11 residing in Alto Township, stands among ^ the most able and progressive men of his class in Lee County. He was born in Odde, Hardanger, Bergensteft, Norway, April 23, 1841. His father, Jorgen Oloson, was a native of the same place. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, and after mar- riage settled on the Prestegard farm, and there- fore, according to the custom of that country, his name became Prestegard, which name his children bear. He was a resident of Norway until 1869, when he came to America and settled in Alto Township, where he died at a ripe age in 1886. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Gunild Buer, and she was a daughter of Helje and Gunild Buer. These are the names of the six children that she reared to lives of usefulness: Ole J., Gunild, Helje, Guro, Bertha and Jorgen. The subject of this sketch commenced to work when very young, and at thirteen 3'ears of age the stout, self-reliant little lad began life as a sailor in a fishing vessel. He was employed in fishing off the coast of Norway until 1864. Ambitious to see more of the world and to make his way to a compe- tence under more propitious circumstances than in the hard life he was leading before the mast, in that year he left his native land and sailed for America in the good ship "Victor Emanuel." A voyage of five weeks brought him to Quebec, but he did not tarry in the Queen's dominions, hasten- ing instead to the States,coming directly to Chicago, where he landed June 1. He then made one trip on a lake vessel, and the following six w^eeks was employed in a lumber yard in Chicago. After that he came to Lee County, and began his new life here as a laborer in the harvest field at $2 a day. When the crops were gathered in he found employment at $21 a month for three months, and later worked by the day or job, turning his hand to anything at which he could earn an honest living. In the spring of 1865 Mr. Prestegard, in com- pany with another man, purchased eighty acres of prairie land, of which twentj' acres were broken, and that constituted the entire improvements. During the same year his partner died, and the following year he purchased his interest in the tract of the heirs, and erected a frame house on the place. He was actively engaged in farming until 1871, when he removed to the village of Lee in order to engage in the lumber business, which he carried on until 1887. Then returning to his farm he has since devoted his energies entirely to agricultural pursuits. He has bought other tracts of lands at different times, and his farm now com- prises three hundred and twenty acres of well iin- proved land. In 1888 he erected his present resi- dence, a view of which appears on another page. It is a commodious brick house, of a modern style RE5IDEMCE OF OLE J. PRESTEGARD , SEC. 35., ALTO TP, LEE CO., I LL. RESIDENCE OF MERIT SMITH, SEC. 17., PALMYRA TP, LEE CO.,1 LL PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 739 of architecture, conveniently arranged and well appointed. He has a large frame barn and other buildings, which rank with the best in the township. Our subject found a wise and able helper in his marriage in December, 1868, to Jonnd Peterson Maakestad, who is all to him that a true wife can be. She was born in Hardanger, Norway, and is a daughter of Lars and Segri Peterson Maakestad. She came to America with her parents in tlie same vessel with her husband. Their marriage has been productive to them of twelve children, three of whom are deceased and the following survive: Gunild, Lars, Jorgen, Sarah, Anna, Peter, Olaf, Bernt and Henry. Tlie family are all members of the Lutheran Church, and their standing in the community is high. Mr. Prestegard is a true Republican in poli- tics, and is loyal in his citizenship to his adopted country. He has a thoughtful, intelligent mind, has always been a reader, and is well informed on all matters of general interest, while the appear- ance of his fine farm demonstrates his ability as an enlightened farmer. ERRITT SMITH, who resides in Palmyra Township is one of the extensive land owners of the community, his farm com- prising four hundred and eighty acres on sections 17 and 18. Much credit does he deserve for his success in life as it is due entirely to his own efforts, being the result of his industry, per- severance and good management. He was born in Sandwich, Carroll County, N. H., October 2, 1833. The Smith family is of Irish origin and was established in New Hampshire during Colonial days. The fathei of our subject, John Smith, was born in the old Granite State and in the neighborhood of Sandwich lived and labored for many years. He died at the age of seventy -seven and left to his family an untarnished name. At the age of eigh- teen he had united with the Methodist Church and was ever afterward one of its consistent and faith- ful members, living a life of uprightness and in- tegrity; in politics he was a Democrat. His wife, whose maiden name was Phebe Clough, was also born in Carroll County, N. H., and was of Scotch descent. She held to the faith of the Methodist Church and died one of its consistent members when in the prime of life. The family of this worthy couple numbered nine children, of whom two sons and two daughters are yet living. Our subject is the only member of the family living in Illinois. He was a lad of only nine sum- mers when his mother died and at an early age he began to earn his own living. Without the aid of capital or influential friends, he started out in life for himself and deserves all the more credit that, by his own unaided efforts, he has arisen to the eviable position which he to-day occupies. For seven j'ears he labored hard in Massachusetts, and though his wages were small, in that time he saved $1,100. He now determined to try his fortune in the West and with that sum in his pocket came to. Lee County, 111., in 1853. The only money he o'ver Inherited was about 1125, left him by his grandmother in New Hampshire. This was in- vested in a buggy and harness to be shipped him from the East but the vessel on which it was shipped was lost in Lake Michigan and he there- fore reaped no benefit from his inheritance. When he arrived in the county, Mr. Smith began the development of a farm from the unbroken prairie and as the result of his labors has now a valuable home. Every improvement upon tiie place is the work of liis own hands and stands as a monument to his thrift and enterprise. One of the finest set of farm buildings in the county is included among the improvements. Of the four hundred and eighty acres embraced within the boundaries of the farm, almost the entire amount yields to the owner a golden tribute in return for his care and cultivation. To stock-raising, Mr. Smith also devoted considerable attention,makinga specialty of Polled Angus cattle and Poland China hogs and horses of superior breeds. A view of his homestead may be found on another page. In Palmyra Township, Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Miss Eliza B. True, who was born in Holderness, Grafton County, N. H., January 13, 1835, and came to Illinois in 1854, with her father 740 PORTRAIT ANT) BIOGRAPinCAL RECORD. and step-mother. Levi S., and Lydia M. (Rogers) True, the parents of Mrs. Smith, were natives of the Granite State. Her father was born October 30, 1807, and wedded Miss Rogers who was boin on February 2, 1813, and died March 9, 1849. For a second wife Mr. True chose Sarah A. Sinclair, whose birth occurred on Au^-ust 17, 1818. On coming to Illinois, Mr. True devoted his energies to farming in Palmj-ra Township, until his death, which occurred Januarj' 29, 1887, at the age of four-score years. His wife had passed awaj' April 13, 1884. In politics he was a supporter of Dem- ocratic principles. The able and untiring assistance of Mrs. Smith has been an important factor in the success of her husband, their united efforts winning them pros- perity. They have a wide acquaintance through- out this community and those who know them esteem them highly for their sterling worth. In .politics, Mr. Smith is a stanch Republican who warmly advocates the principles of that party and keeps himself well informed concerning the issues of the day. In the family of our subject and his worthj' wife is but one son, Eugene B., who is now a successful farmer of Palmyi-a Township. He married Lillian Stager and after her death was united in marriage in Stephenson County, with Ida Rager. Unto them has been born a daughter, Eugenie B. ♦=a»s y ■^ OSEPH ATHERTON, M. D., of Paw Paw, was trained for his profession in one of the best medical schools in the country, and has won for himself an honorable name among the intelligent and well-educated physicians of Lee County in the course of a successful practice. He is a native of the town of Scranton, Luzerne County, Pa., May 16, 1858, being the date of his birth. His father, Boyd Atherton, was a native of the same place, and was of the pioneer stock of the State. John Atherton, the grandfather of our subject, was also a native of Scranton, while his father. who bore the same name as himself, was bom in Massachusetts in Colonial times. He was reared in the old Bay State, and in his youth learned the trade of a blacksmith. He migrated to Pennsyl- vania during the Revolutionary War, and was an early settler of Luzerne County. He was living there at the time of the famous Wyoming massacre, and his brother Jonathan fell a victim to the cruelty of the Indians. He followed his trade as a blacksmith, and was a resident of Scrantx)n until his death. The grandfather of our subject was also a blacksmith, and engaged in that calling his entire life, which was spent in the place of his ))irth. The maiden name of his wife was Catherine Ward, and her last years were passed in Scranton. The father of our subject was reared to agricul- tural pursuits, and always followed farming. He was a life-long resident of Luzerne County, and died in 1876. The maiden name of his wife was Melana Drake. She was born in Luzerne County, and is a daughter of Samuel and Parthenia (Dilno) Drake. She now makes her home in Pittston, in her native county. She reared but two children — Joseph and Parthenia. the latter of whom is the widow of Austin Hughes, and resides in Pittston. Dr. Atherton laid the foundation of a liberal education in the public schools of his native county, and subsequently pursued an excellent classical course of study in the High School at Pittston, from which he was graduated with the Class of '76. He was thus well prepared to enter upon his medi- cal studies, and became a student in the University of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, from which he was graduated in the Class of '79. The great Prai- rie State seemed to him to afford an excellent field of labor for an ambitious young physician, and coming to Lee County, he established himself at East Paw Paw. He remained theie until 1886, when he removed to Paw Paw, where he has prac- ticed continuously since. He is devoted to his profession, and has steadily gained in the favor of the people among whom he has settled, as one whose sound knowledge of medicine, and whose caution and wisdom in his treatment of serious cases, merit their confidence. The Doctor is a member of An- chor Lodge, No. 510, I. O. O. F., and his pleasant personality makes him a favorite in social circles. PORTRAIT AND BlOGRAPinCAL RECORD. 741 Dr. Atherton was married, in 1880, to Miss Etta Card, a native of De Kalb County, and a daughter of Charles H. and Julia (Greenman) Card. They have a home that is attractive, not only in its cozy appointments, but for the courteous and pleasing hospitality of which it is the center. Two children complete their household, Boyd and Carl. N^^M-^-i^ii^^ so- ^J "^ ^^ARIUS SAWYER. It is a generally con- I J)) ceded fact that the farmer enjoys a greater ^^^ amount of personal freedom than any other man who is engaged in the busy and almost endless task of accumulating money. There is something about life in the country, where one is surrounded by nature, that seems to bring a quietness and peace found nowhere else. Our subject, who is at present a prosperous farmer of Lee Centre Township, was born in Wa- terbury, Vt., on the 17th of April, 1816. The August following, his parents left Vermont and emigrated to Ohio, settling in Clarke County, where they lived nine years. At the end of that time they moved to Licking County, where they remained for the same length of time, and in Oct- ober, 1834, they left the Buckeye State and spent the following winter at Terre Haute, Ind., and in Edgar County, 111. In the spring of the following year, the family came to this county, settling in Lee Centre Township. Mr. Sawyer came to this place with his parents when he was eighteen years old, assisting his father on the farm for -the following four years, and in March, 1839, he was married in Lee Centre Town- ship to Miss Sophronia Parker, a native of Syra- cuse, N. Y. She has borne her husband ten chil- dren, nine living to manhood and womanhood: Charles F. is a farmer in Russell County, Kan.; Horace P., who was a member of Company I, Forty-sixth Illinois Infantry, died on the Red River, in Louisiana, after the close of the war, in 1865; Sarah G., who is the wife of John A. Liv- ingston; Darius M., who is a farmer in Lee Centre Township; Florence is the wife of Francis K. Liv- ingston; Mattie, who died when about eighteen years old; Rolla F. is in the employ of the Illinois Central Railroad, in the shops at Amboy; Alice F., the wife of Samuel B. Starks, and Abi. The mother of this family passed from this life in Lee Centre Township, July 25, 1883. The father was again married October 6, 1887, to Mrs. Jane E. Tinker, wlio bore the maiden name of Jane E. Borge and was the widow of Edward B. Tinker. She was born in Hartford County, Conn., in the town of Windsor, May 3, 1834. The subject of tliis sketch learned the trade of a blacksmith, which he followed for several years in connection with farming. He now owns a hand- some estate of one hundred and foi'ty acres, with good improvements. He has held the township office of Highway Commissioner, and in his pohti- cal views is a Republican, and previous to the formation of that party was an old-line Whig. He is one of the leading members of the Masonic fra- ternity. The mother of our subject died in Lee Centre Township, in 1837, and was the first of the early settlers here who died. Her. husband moved to Marshall County, Ohio, and there died in 1872. This couple were the parents of eleven children, ten of whom grew to mature years. Three of the sons were in the late war: .Joseph, who was killed outright; George W. met his death at the siege of Vicksburg, and Alonzo died in Marshall County, Iowa, during the war. !>-^^<-^=^ ( OHN SCHOENHOLZ came to this country man J' years ago before he attained manliood. ,^^ He was without money when he first made ^^^ his appearance in this State. He acquired a competency and was well fortified against poverty, as by his industry in tilling the soil he earned a place among the well-to-do farmers of Lee County, and had a highly improved farm in Willow Creek Townshi}), that was well stocked with horses, cattle and swine of fine grades. Mr. Schoenholz was born in Bavaria, Germany, December 31, 1839, and died December 9, 1891. His paients, Jacob and Elizabeth Schoenholz, were 74-2 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. natives of the same locality as himself, and the father followed his trade as a weaver in the winter season, and the remainder of the year was engaged in farming. In 1861 he emigrated to this country with his wife, and for two or three years he resided near Hennepin, but the last part of his life was spent in this county. The mother of our subject is still spared to her children, and is now seventy- eight years old. She has reared five children to lives of usefulness, namely: Lena, wiffe of John Yetter; Jacob, John, Nicholas and Philip. The worthy parents of our subject gave him such advantages of obtaining an education as the ex- cellent schools of his native land afforded, to which they sent him regularly until he was thirteen years old. The following two years he attended the Sundaj'-school in the village near his home, where the higher branches were taught. As soon as old enough, he began to assist his father and obtained a good drilling in farm work. He remained with his parents until he was eighteen years old, and he then boldly determined to try life in America, the land to which so many of his countrymen had gone and found prosperity. He set sail from Havre, and after a voyage of forty-seven dajs landed at New York. He went directly to Buffalo, and after remaining there a few weeks, came to Illinois, ar- riving here a stranger in a strange land, and with no money. He, however, was well equipped for the struggle before him, as the blessings of a strong physique and good health were his in a full meas- ure, and he was industrious in his habits, with an excellent capacity for turning off work easily and well. The first two years of his life in the Prairie State were passed in and about Hennepin, Putnam County, where he was employed on a farm. After that he came to Lee County and worked by the month the ensuing two j'ears. He had carefully saved his earnings and was then enabled to be more independent by farming on his own account on rented land. He was successful in that venture, and in four years' time had enough money to buy eighty acres of wild prairie at $16 an acre, lo- cated on section 5, Willow Creek Township, the same being included in his present farm. He stead- ily devoted himself to developing a farm, erected a good set of frame buildings, placed his land un- der cultivation, planted choice fruit and beautiful shade trees, that have not only increased the value of his place but have added to its attractiveness, and he increased the acreage of his farm by buying other land, and to-day it comprises three hundred and five acres of well-improved realty. He carried on general farming, and the cattle, horses and hogs that he raised were from good blooded stock. Mr. Slioenholz, undoubtedly, was much indebted to his wife for her ready and cheerful helpfulness in the work of making a home. Their married life began in 1861 and was blessed to them by the birth of these four children : Emma, Philip, Julia and Frank. Mrs. Schoenholz was Ann Maria Yetter in her maiden days, and the is, like her husband, a native of Bavaria. She is a sister of John Yetter, of whom a sketch appears elsewhere in this work. THOMAS J. HILL is a general farmer and dairyman, who is successfully managing extensive agricultural interests in South Dixon Township, where he makes his home on a finely improved farm on section 29. Mr. Hill is descended from one of the old families of Penn- sylvania, that originated in Germany, but came to this country in Colonial times, and he is a native of the Keystone State, born in Luzerne County, March 15, 1844, the fourth child and third son of the seven sons and four daughters of Nathan and Judith (Bilhimer) Hill, who were also natives of that county, as were their parents before them. In 1854, they broke up their old home in Pennsyl- vania, and, with their familj^, sought to establish a new one on the wild prairies of Lee County. They began their pioneer life on an iinbroken farm in South Dixon Township, and here the father ended his days, dying in 1876, at the age of fifty-nine. He was a man of marked force of character and much native ability. He prospered in all his un- dertakings, became one of the wealthy men and large land-owners of the county, and at his death left a valuable estate of eight hundred acres of land, PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 743 nearly all of which is under cultivation and well- improved. He was always true to his obligations in every relation, was faithful to his duties as a citizen, and was first, last and always a Democrat. A man of true piety, he was a devout member of the Lutheran Church. His faithful companion, who contributed much to his success in life, still makes her home on the old homestead. Thomas J. Hill, of this biograpliical review, was a child of ten years when his parents brought him to share their new home amid the pioneer scenes of Lee County. His father's farm was a good train- ing ground on which he became thoroughly ac- quainted with agriculture in all its branches and and was well-equipped for his work when he be- gan fanning on his own account. He purchased hisflrst farm in Dixon Township, and settled on it in 1880. It is still in his possession, and is a very desirable piece of propert^r, with its one hun- dred and thirty acres of carefully tilled land and its substantial improvements. He occupied that place until 1891, and then took possession of the farm on which he now makes his home in Sovith Dixon Township, on section 29. This has two hundred and five acres of very fine farming land, and it is fully supplied with commodious and con- veniently arranged buildings and good machin- ery for every purpose. Mr. Hill keeps it well- stocked, and among his finely graded cattle are twenty-five cows of the best breed for dairy use, as he does quite a business in that line. He car- ries on his farming operations systematically, is quick to adopt new methods, when he sees that they are feasible and adaptedto his farm, and is, in a word, an enlightened farmer. He is a Democrat in national politics, believing the affairs of the Government safest in the hands of that party, but in local matters he exercises his right to vote for whom he pleases. On the farm that he now occupies, occurred one of the most important events of Mr. Hill's life, his marriage with Miss Mahala C. Seybert. Their union has brought to them eleven children, two of whom are dead — one who died in infancy and Leonard, aged seven months. Those who are still spared to bless their parents are Dora A. and Cora E., twins, the former the wife of Barney Bush, of Dixon, and the latter the wife of Lorin L. March, a farmer of Nachusa Township; Ilortense E,, Julius E., Nathan, Olive B., Jasper R., Gertrude and Eva, all of whom are at home with their parents with the exception of the two first named. Mrs. Hill is a native of the same Pennsylvania county as her husband, and was born in the same township as he (Salem Township), February 10, 1844. She is a daughter of Wallace and Desire (Hill) Seybert, now living retired at Dixon, who are people of wealth, well known in this county. An account of them appears in the I'eview of the life of their son, Charles Seybert, on another page of this Biographical Record. Mrs. Hill was a small child when her parents took up their resi- dence in Beach Haven, in her native county, where she grew to womanhood. She was given good edu- cational advantages, and besides attending the public schools at Beach Haven, was a student at a graded school at Wilkesbarre and also at New Columbus. She was eighteen jears of age when the family came to Illinois, in 1862. She is a woman of much spirit and character, and as a daughter, wife and mother, is true to the obliga- tions imposed upon her bj' those various relations. ]|^ANIEL C. MILLER, the present Clerk of I J) Reynolds Township, also occupies an impor- j^i^ taut place among the farmers of Lee County who have been instrumental in developing one of its leading industries and have made this section of the State a great agricultural centre. Mr. Mil- ler, though of German ancestry, is a native of Canada, his birth taking place April 6, 1845, in the County of Brant, Province of Ontario, of which his grandfather was an early settler. He is a son of Jacob and Esther (Van Sickle) Miller, and an account of his parents will be found in the sketch of his brother Rinear. Daniel Miller' was but two years old when the family came to Illinois for the first time, but, not- withstanding he was so young, he has always re- tained some remembrance of the wild condition of the county surrounding their new home at that time JU PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. when there were no railways in Illinois, and much of the land was owned by the Government, while deer, wolves and other wild animals not now encoun- tered in this region were plentiful. As soon as large enough, he was put to work on his father's farm, and continued to help in its management until his father died. At the time of his marriage> he settled on a farm in Reynolds Township that he has ever since owned and occupied. When it came into his hands, it was a mere tract of wild prairie, and no attempt at cultivation had been made upon its virgin soil. Our subject has wrought a wonderful change in the years that have since passed, and now has a valuable and highly productive farm, upon which he has erected suitable buildings for every needed purpose, planted fruit and sliade trees, and has the greater part of the tliree hundred and twenty acres well improved. Mr. Miller was married in March, 1866, to Miss Margaret Schultz, and among the blessings that have come to thom are their ten children: Minnie, Lorine B., Ella M., Bird, Clark C, Francis, Maud, Cora M., Lena F. and Olive. Minnie married Jo- seph Miller, and Lorine married Ida Codney. Mrs. Miller was born in Lycoming County, Pa., and her father, Isaac Schultz, was a native of the same State, as was his father before him, the family coming originally from Germany in Colonial times. Her grandfather was a farmer, and, so far as known, spent his entire life in Lycoming County. Mrs. Miller's father was there reared and married, Mar- garet Stackhouse becoming his wife. He bought a tract of land in Lycoming County, and there he and his bride began life together. In 1853 he sold his farm in Pennsylvania and came to Illinois. He settled among the pioneers of Lee County, buying land near Malugin's Grove, and resided there un- til 1871, when he went to Floyd County, Iowa, and bought a tr.act of land one mile south of Marble Rock, and there he and his wife dwelt until they closed their eyes in death, she dying in 1877, and he in August, 1884. Mr. Miller is a man of scrupulous fairness and honesty, as all who know him are aware, and he is trusted implicitly by all with whom he associates, or with whom he does any business. He is a streight-forward Republican, and has held local of- fices, and whether in public or private life will do all that he can to further the interest of the com- munity. He was United States Census Commis- sioner for Reynolds Township, in 1890, has served as Highway Commissioner, and so satisfactory have been his services as Township Clerk, he is now fill- ing that important office a second term. ^OHN M. ABELL. Lee County was well represented at the front during the late war, and among the bravest of her citizen- soldiers were Jabez and John M. Abell, father and son, the latter of whom is the subject of this brief biography. Pie is now one of the prosperous farmers of this county, and he owns and occupies the old homestead on section 36, A^iola Township, where his boyhood days were passed, the farm being the one which his father purchased from the Government in the early years of the settlement of this section, when he came here as one of the first pioneers to locate in this region. Our subject was born December 25, 1844, at St. Charles, Kane County, while his father was born near Aylmer, Province of Ontario, Canada. He was a son of Daniel Abell, who was, it is thought, born in the State of New York, and was one of the descendants of an old English family that settled in this country in early Colonial times. He removed from New York to the Province of Ontario, and was one of the pioneers of the coun- try around Aylmer. The land that he bought was heavily timbered, and he spent his remaining days in clearing and tilling it. He and his wife were Quakers. The father of our subject learned the trade of a carpenter in his native country, and continued to reside in Canada until 1840, and then, accompanied by his wife, he came to Illinois, making the long and tiresome journey through the intervening wilderness with a team. He located at St. Charles, Kane County, and was engaged in carpentering there for a time. He afterwards lived in Ogle PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 745 County until his removal to this county in 1848. He was among the first to select what is now Viola Township as a suitable location for a home, and he bought and entered a tract of Government land on section 36. He devoted his energies to its improvement until 1862, when he went forth to help fight the battles of his adopted country, en- listing in Company I, Eighty -ninth Illinois In- fantry. He served nearly a year, and was then honorably discharged on account of disabilit}'. from which he never fully recovered, and his death some time afterward on his farm was in a measure due to that. He sacrificed his life for the Gov- ernment under whose banners he had fought just as much as though he had died on the battlefield. The mother of our subject, who now resides with her daughter, Mrs. Annis Craddock, in Willow Creek Township, bore the maiden name of Susan Miller, and she was a native of Canada. He of whom we write was very young when he was brought to this county, and his earliest recol- lections are of Viola Township, in the days of its transition from a wilderness to a well-cultivated, rich, agricultural center. At the time the family settled here, and for some years afterward there were no railways in Illinois, and the farmers were obliged to haul their grain with teams to Chicago to market. Our subject can remember when deer and other kinds of game, that are not now seen here, were abundant. He attended school in his youth, and obtained a practical training in all that pertains to farming on the old homestead. Fired with youthful patriotism, our subject left school in January, 1864, to take his place in the ranks with the brave boys in blue, his name being enrolled as a member of Battery G, Second Illi- nois Light Artillery. He went with his regiment to the South, and saw active service in the States of Kentucky, Tennessee', Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Missouri. He was with his regi- ment in all its marches and campaigns, until after the war was brought to a close, and won a fine record as a gallant and fearless fighter. After his honorable discharge with his comrades in Septem- ber, 1865, he returned to his old home and quietly resumed farming, taking charge of tlie homestead, which has since become bis. The excellent con- dition of his farm, with its highly cultivated, neatly fenced fields, and its substantial improve- ments, shows that he is a good farmer, and is well deserving of the prosperity he enjoys. He is a hard worker and a good manager, is prudent and thrifty, and at the same time is open-handed and uses his money freely, not only to advance his own interests, but to benefit others. His fellow- citizens have confidence in his honor and ability, and have called him to positions of trust in various capacities. He has been a member of the School Board, has been Assessor, and has represented Viola Township on the County Board of Super- visors, and in all cases has striven to promote the best interests of the community. In politics, he is as true to the Republican party as he was in the days when he was supporting its principles on Southern battlefields. His army record is com- memorated by his connection with the Grand Army of the Republic, as a member of William Thomp- son Post. Mr. Abell was married in February, 1862, to Miss Leonora Lazarus, a native of Brooklyn Town- ship, Lee County, and a daughter of Silas and Marj' (Pierce) Lazarus. Our subject and liis wife are the parents of eight children, namely: Charles J., Philip S., Harrie H., Laura L., Cecil, Millie, Stella and Robert L. / EVI E. HART, who owns and operates two hundred and forty acres of land on sections 25 and 26, Nachusa Township, claims Penn- s sylvania as the State of his nativity. His birth occurred in Venango County, on the 30th of Au- gust, 1846, his parents being Erastus and Ruth (Wilcox) Hart. They were both natives of Gen- esee County, N. Y., the former born December 14, 1809, and the latter on the 15th of December, 1812. Their marriage was celebrated in Venango County, Pa., March 15, 1831, after which they lo- cated on a farm, where were born unto them nine children, our subject the only son. He has three sisters yet living: Alvisa, wife of S. M. Lupher, a farmer of Venango County, Pa.; Jennie, wife of 74G POKTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Samuel Smith, n, resident farmer of the same county; and Lura, wife of James Williams, who is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Ringgold County, Iowa. The year 1865 witnessed the emigration of the parents to Lee Count}', 111. Mr. Hart purchased land in Nachusa Township, and to its improvement and cultivation devoted his energies until hi.s death, which occurred October 4, 1868. He was a worthy and faithful citizen, a prominent member of the Methodist Church, and his house was always the home of the preachers of that denomination. His wife resided with her son until her death, December 8, 1891, at an advanced age. She, too, was a mem- ber of the Methodist Church, and had lived the life of a noble Christian woman. In the county of his nativity, Levi Hart spent the days of his boyhood and youth, and on his eighteenth birthday, in 1864, enlisted for the late war, joining the Fourth Pennsylvania Cavalry, •which was then stationed in front of Petersburg, where he remained with his regiment until after the surrender of Lee. The war being then brought to a close, he received his honorable discharge in Harewood Hospital, in Washington, D. C, where he had been sent on account of illness. For nine months he was actively engaged in service and proved a faithful soldier. He participated in the Grand Review at Washington and then joined his family in Illinois, whither they had come a few weeks previous. Mr. Hart has had control of his present farm for twenty-three years and it .has been his property for some years past. The land is under a .high state of cultivation and the place is well supplied with good farm buildings, such as one expects to see on the place of a model farmer. In connection with the raising of cereals, he also engaged extensively in the dairy and creamery business, which he estab- lished in 1872, and carried on until quite recently, keeping from forty to fifty cows for this purpose. He now represents the Condensed Milk Company, and has twenty cows. Mr. Hart possesses good business ability, and by his enterprise and good management has become a substantial farmer of this community. In Dixon Mr. Hart led to the marriage altar Miss Emeline Hinds, a native of Susquehanna Gountj', Pa., born June 21, 1846. Her father, Almond Hinds, was born in the same countj^, where lie grew to manhood and married Miss Jane Fowler, a native of Greene County, N. Y. Both were of English descent. In 1855 they left the East for Illinois, locating in Dixon, where Mr. Hinds fol- lowed his trade of shoemaking for some years, but later lived retired. He died in Dixon at the age of sixty-eight. His wife still survives him and is liv- ing in that city at the age of sixty-five. In relig- ious belief she is a Baptist, and to that church Mr. Hinds also belonged. Mrs. Hart is the youngest of four daughters, all of whom are yet living. The eldest, Agnes, is the widow of Jerome Holbrook, and resides in Dixon; Mary is the wife of Almond Doolittle, of Chicago; and Laura is the widow of John Mcllvane, also of Chicago. In the public schools of Dixon, Mrs. Hart ac- quired her education. She is a lady of intelligence and culture, and by her marriage has become the mother of two children: Sybil and Leon. Mr. Hart exercises his right of franchise in the support of the Republican party, of which he is a stanch advocate, and in his social relations he is a Mason and a member of the Modern Woodmen. ^'REDERICK KEISTER was a member of an •jr^ Illinois regiment during the Civil War, /li and fought nobly for his adopted country. He is now serving it equally as well in his capacity as a tiller of the soil, his farm of forty-five acres of well-improved land lying on sections 20 and 21 Nelson Township. He was born in Hanover, Ger- many, December 31, 1844. His parents, Augustus and Vermenia Keister, were also natives of the Kingdom of Hanover. They were there married, and, after the birth of five children, emigrated to this country, where they hoped to do better by their family than was possible in the Fatherland. They sailed from Bremerhaven in the spring of 1866, and six weeks and four days later landed at New York. They immediately came Westward as PORTRAIT AND BlOGRAPmCAL RECORD. 747 far as this State, Dixon being their destination. They were very poor at that time, but were strong and capable, and after some years the father made his first purchase of land in 1865, on section 21, Nelson Township, he having previously farmed as a renter. He has prospered, and now owns a good farm of two hundred acres, free from encumbrance. He and his wife are people of sterling merit, and in them the Lutheran Church finds two of its most faithful members. Our subject came to this county first in 1856. He subsequent!}- saw four years of hard service in the South during the Rebellion. After that he came back to this township, and has been a resi- dent here since 1865, with the exception of a few years spent in Nebraska. He has owned his pres- ent farm .eight years, and has toiled hard to put it mto the fine condition it is in to-day. Mr. Keister has been twice married. His first wife was Ellen Woolford, who was born in Mary- land, and came to Illinois in 1864 with her parents, who are now deceased. She was quite young when the family removed to this State. She was mar- ried to our subject in 1870, and died in 1880, leav- ing three children : Carrie, Fred and Anna. Mr. Keister was subsequently married to Miss Ida Page in Jordon Township, Whiteside County. She was horn in Dixon, and passed the early years of her girlhood in that city until she went to Whiteside County, where she lived until her marriage. Her parents, Henry and Phoebe (Groh) Page, died when middle aged on the farm in this county. Mr. Page was a German by birth, and came to this country when a young man. He was married in Lee County, 111., Mrs. Page being a native of Penn- sylvania. Mr. Keister and his wife have had three children: Waiter, now deceased, Harry and Jesse Leroy. Mr. and Mrs. Keister are members of the Lutheran Church, and their thoughtfulness for others, true neighborliness and social qualities give them an important place in the community. Mr. Keister is in full sympathy with tlie doctrines of the Republican party. He holds the office of Jus- tice of the Peace of the township very acceptably. We should be doing but scant justice to our subject, did we not refer to his career as a soldier. Shortly after the Jate war broke out, he entered the 37 Union Army, with the patriotic motive of helping to fight the battles of the Government under whose institutions he had come to live. His name was enrolled as a member of Company A, Thirty- fourth Illinois Infantry, which was under the com- mand of Col. Kirk and Capt. W. C. Robertson. His regiment was organized in September, 1861, and was dispatched to the front to join the Army of the Tennessee. Mr. Keister was scarcely more than a boy when he enlisted, but his fidelity to the cause, his efficiency and promptness in the dis- charge of his duties, and his bravery, made his ser- vices as valuable as those of many a battle-scarred veteran, and on numerous occasions the youth won the commendations of his superiors. He was in many important engagements, scaling the heights of Missionary Ridge in the famous battle fought there, accompanying Sherman on his march to the sea, assisting in the capture of Atlanta, and again facing the enemy at Bentonville, N. C, and finally taking part in the Grand Review at Wasli- ington in May, 1865. Through all those terrible years he miraculouslj' escaped unwounded, but in the forced march from Raleigh, N. C, when tlie infantrj' had to trudge forty-five miles a day in the intense heat, and suffering from a scarcity of water, he succumbed to a sunstroke near Richmond , Va., May 15, 1865, from the effects of which he has never fully recovered. He was honorably dis- charged with his regiment in July, 1865, and since leaving the service has been pensioned by a grate- ful Government for what he suffered in its defense. ,::=0 ^fj NDREW J. BRUBAKER is one of the old- ^^1 est established merchants of Dixon, hav- 7/rilJ ing successfully engaged in the mercantile ml business in this city for a period of thirty- two years. He is a native of Huntingdon County, Pa., and first opened his eyes to the scene of his birth, January 15, 1830. His father was Benjamin Brubaker, also a native of Pennsylvania, born in Lancaster County. He was a son of J. Brubaker, a Pennsylvanian by birth, and a life-long farmer. 748 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. carrying on Ms occupation in Lancaster County. The father of our subject was reared on a farm in his native county, and continued to reside there for some years after his marriage to Elizabeth Kauffman, a native of Pennsylvania. lie then took up his abode in Huntingdon County, and was there until 1847, when he sold his property, in order to remove to Illinois, coming hither with his wife and ten children by the way of canal to Pittsburg, and from there on the Ohio, Mississippi and Illinois Rivers to Peru, whence they proceeded with a team to their destination in Ogle County, arriving after a three weeks' journey. Mr. Bru- baker bought a farm near Polo, on which he lived a few years, and then he removed to the village of Polo, where he lived retired with his wife until death called them hence. Our subject received an excellent education in the schools of Huntingdon County and was well trained at home by his worthy parents in all that goes to make a self-ieliant, efficient, straightfor- ward man. He accompanied his parents and the other members of the family to their pioneer home, when they located in Ogle County, this State, and in 1841, at the age of seventeen years, he came to Dixon, and entered upon his first experience of a mercantile life as a clerk in the employ of J. B. Brooks. He continued with that gentleman in the same ' capacity until 1859, and by that time had become thoroughly acquainted with every detail of the business, so that he was fully prepared to begin his independent career as a merchant in that year, in partnership with Will- iam H. Van Epps and IMr. Ferguson, imder the firm name of Brubaker, Van Epps & Ferguson, they being successors to the father of Mr. Van Epps. Af- terwards Mr. Ferguson withdrew from the firm, which was then changed to Wm. H. Van Epps & Co. Mrs. Van Epps, after the death of her husband, sold her interest in the establishment, in 1881, to John R. Carpenter, and the firm changed to Bru- baker and Carpenter. He has a store that is neat in its appointments, and is well stocked with a first- class line of goods, and he commands a good trade, numbering among his customers many people who have dealt with him for years. Ho stands well in financial circles as one of the solid business men of the community, who is always fair and above-board in all his transactions, has made his money honorably, honesty and truthfulness being conspicuous traits of his character, and his fellow- citizens place implicit confidence in his word. He is an earnest Christian and has used his influence to elevate the moral and religious status of the com- munity. In him, and his estimable wife, the Presbyterian Church has two valued members, who contribute cheerfully of their means toward its supp,:'rt. He has served as Trustee of the church, and for several years was leader of the choir, which under his inspiration furnished the congregation with soul-stirring music. In politics, Mr. Bru- baker has been a devoted Republican ever since the formation of the party, and his first Presiden- tial vote was cast for J. C. Fremont. Socially, he is a member of Friendship Lodge, No. 7, A. F. & A. M., and was Treasurer for a number of j'ears; and of Benevolent Camp, No. 56, M. W. A., of which he was a charter member, and its first banker. Mr. Brubaker was married in 1857 to Miss Sarah Mulligan, a native of Boston, Mass., and she has made their home cozy and attractive. They have taken to their hearts an adopted daughter, Grace by name, who has never lacked the tender care and affection of a father and mother since she came to them. EJ. RYAN, a successful grocery man of Dixon, has been engaged in business in this ' city in his present line since the 13th of March, 1885, and has met with prosperity in his undertakings. He keeps a first-class store, com- plete in all its appointments, and from the begin- ning his trade has rapidly increased until he now has a large paying patronage. In order to enlarge his facilities, he has just built a new storeroom on Hennepin Avenue that is conveniently arranged and will be opened as a first-class grocery store soon. By courteous treatment of his customers and fair and honest dealing, he has worked up the excel- lent trade which he now receives and which he justly merits. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 749 Mr. Ryan claims Connecticut as the State of liis nativity, his birth having occurred in Torrington, Litchfield County, on the 15th of July, 1846. His parents, Philip and Anastaoia (Londergon) Ryan, were natives of the Emerald Isle, born in County Tipperary, -where their marriage was celebrated and where they became parents of four children, all having been born in this country. On emigrat- ing to America, they located in Connecticut, and their last days were spent in Norfolk, where the father died at the age of eighty-four years and the mother in the sixt^'-soventh year of her age. Both were active members of the Roman Catholic Church. Five of their children are yet living, two sons and three daughters. Three of their sons wore the blue during the late war. Our subject enlisted in the one-hundred-day service as a mem- ber of Company K, Eighth Massachvisetts Infantry, and John was also in the one-hundred-day service. Another brother, Timothy, who was an attorney at law by profession, served his country as an Or- derly-Sergeant and laid down his life for the Un- ion. He now sleeps on Southern soil. Mr. Ryan, the subject of this notice, when a youth began working in the hosiery factory in Massachusetts, where he learned the business and was emplo^'ed in that line- for some years. He then determined to seek a home in the West, and prior to coming to Dixon had resided for some time in St. Joseph, Mich., being connected with the firm of Cooper, Wells & Co., hosiery manufacturers, as manager of the yarn department. His previous training had well fitted him for the position and he was a trusted employe of the firm for some years. On the 17th of June, 1884, Mr. Ryan led to the marriage altar Miss Mary Kronewitter, their union being celebrated in Mishawaka, Ind., her native city. Her parents, Nicholas and Margaret (Wine- kauf) Kronewitter, still reside in that place. They are both natives of Bavaria, Germany, where they resided until after their marriage when they crossed the Atlantic and took up their residence in St. Joseph County, Ind. With the Roman Catholic Church both Mr. and Mrs. Kronewitter hold mem- bership and Mr. and Mrs. Ryan are prominent members of the church of that denomination in Dixon. Unto them were born two children but both died in infancy. At local election , Mr. Ryan is independent, voting for the man whom he thinks best qualified, but on national questions he supports Democratic principles. Although numbered among the comparatively late arrivals in Dixon, he and his wife have won many warm friends in this lo- cality and are hela in high respect by all who know them. *!«»>*^ -1 1 1 > r^ ? I ' I ' I I I ^^ NDREW RICHEY is a prosperous farmer ^1 \ ^^ ^^^^ county, owning and occupying a I IS fine farm that is located partly in the vil- '^ lage of Paw Paw. He comes of an old pioneer family of Stark County, Ohio, where he was born near the town of Fulton, March 14, 1830. His father, John Richcy, was a native of County Donegal, Ireland, and was a son of James Richey, who is supposed to have been born in the same county, as he was there reared and married. He came to this country with his family in 1797, and was one of the first settlers of Wayne County, Ohio. He secured a quarter-section of land in the midst of the primeval forests, and there hewed out a home, in which he lived in peace and content- ment the remainder of his life. He was a stanch member of the Presbyterian Church, and reared his children in that faith. The father of our subject was a lad of fourteen years when he came to America with his parents. He went to Pennsylvania after he attained man- hood, and was a resident of Beaver County until after his marriage. He subsequently returned to Ohio, and entered a tract of Government land in Stark County, near the town of Fulton, and in the lot' cabin which he erected on the spot, his son of whom we write was born. After he had built this shelter, the father returned to Beaver County, Pa., and in the following spring, accompanied by his wife and the two children that had been born U them there, he went back to Ohio with a team. At that time and for some years after, deer and other wild game were abundant, while Indians still lingered in the forests that had so long been their 750 PORTEAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. home. There wore no railways or canals for a time, and Cleveland, forty miles away, was the nearest market to which the pioneers could take their produce to sell. Busy years of downright hard labor followed his settlement in that region , but when he folded his hands in death Mr. Richey left as the result of his toil a well-cleared and finely improved farm. In his work, he had the active assistance of his wife, who survived him many years. After his death, she came to Illinois, and in June, 1890, passed away at the home of our subject at the venerable age of ninety-three years. Her maiden name was Ellen Nixon. She was born in Lancaster County, Pa., and was reared in Beaver County. She was the mother of eleven children, eight of whom are still living. Robert, Thomas and James served with honor in the late war, and Thomas died in battle while bravely fighting for his country. .Tohn is a physician in Crawford County, Ohio. The subject of this brief biographical review passed his early years amid the pioneer scenes of his birthplace, and was educated in the early schools of his native State. The first that he at- tended was taught in a log house, furnished with slab benches, and a slab against the wall served as the only desk in the room. Just as soon as large enough, he began to help on the farm, and in due time acquired a thorough practical understanding of agriculture in all its branches. He was never separated from his parents until their death, being their mainstay and comfort in their declining years. He lived on the old homestead in Ohio until 1865, when he came to Lee County and pur- chased a farm in Brooklyn Township. In 1874 he sold that place and bought the farm that he now occupies, a part of which lies in the village of Paw Paw. Its improvements are of a substantial order, and he is continually adding to them, and increas- ing the value of his property from year to year. During his residence of a quarter of a century or more in this section of Illinois, Mr. Richey has acquired an assured position among the most reli- able and respected men of his calling, who are diligently upholding and extending the great agricultural interests tliat are so important in maintaining the prosperity of the countj^ He is a man of sound and sensible views on all subjects with which he is conversant, and in his political opinions is an unswerving Republican, and has been ever since he cast his first Presidential vote for Gen. Fremont, the first candidate of the party. !kA\ AJ. JAMES A. WATSON, who wore military honors in the Civil War as an officer of an Illinois regiment, was for many years a prominent business man of Dixon, where he is now living in practical retire- ment from an active life, meriting and receiving the respect due to a man of his character and position. Maj. Watson was born April 1, 1812, in the State of New Jersey. His father, George Watson removed from there to New York, and settled in Seneca County, where he resided a few years and then went to live in Wayne County. He worked on the Erie Canal when it was in process of con- struction, and continued his residence in Wayne County until 1843,' when he took up his abode with his son David in Calhoun County, Mich., and remained with him until his death. The maiden name of his wife was Hannah Van Shoyic. She was a descendant of one of the old Holland families that peopled New York in the early years of its settlement, and she died in Wayne County, that State. The subject of this sketch left the parental home at the age of ten years to live with a cousin, and remained with him until he was fifteen years old. He then started out even with the world, and from that time has earned his own living. His first employment was as a driver on the tow path on the Erie Canal, and he made three trips from Clyde to Albany in that capacity. He then turned his attention to learning the trade of a carpenter, and after a three-years' apprenticeship, during which time he became an expert mechanic, he commenced business on his own account as a contractor and builder near St, Catharines, Canada, where he PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 751 remained six years. In 1839 be returned to the States, and settling in Calhoun County, Mich., was a pioneer of that region. He bought a tract of heavily timbered land three miles from Marshall. At that time there were no railways in that county, and the abundance of deer and other wild animals was evidence that the pioneers had made but little headway in their efforts to reclaim the land from the wilderness. The Major followed his trade in Michigan until 1845, when he made a new departure, coming to Illinois, making tlie journey hither with a team, and casting in his fortunes with the brave, hardy and intelligent pioneers that had preceded him in this section of the country. He took a contract shortly after his arrival to build bridges over the Illinois and Michigan Canal, and later took another on the Chicago and Galena Railway, now the Northwestern Railway, the firsL road completed out of Chicago. In 1852 he came to Dixon, as a contractor on the Illinois Central Railway, and has ever since been an honored resident of this city, with the exception of- the time when he was .at the front helping Lo fight his country's battles- In 1862 Major Watson volunteered for service in the army, enlisting in Company A, Seventy- fifth IlUnois Infantry, and was at once commis- sioned as Captain of his company. Two months later he was promoted to be Major, and served with his regiment in that capacity until the ■ close of the war. His promotion was due solely to his merit, as from the very beginning it was seen that he possessed, the native energy, the firmness, executive capacity and dauntless cour- age so necessary for a leader of men, and his subsequent career in the various important battles in which he fought justified his selection for a position of trust and honor. He did good service in the hotly contested battles of Perrysville, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge and Look- out Mt., accompanied Sherman on his Atlanta campaign, and was active in all the important engagements with the enemy from Chattanooga to Atlanta, and did his share of the fighting that took place in the siege and capture of that city. After that he was present at the battles of Frank- lin and Nashville. He suffered all the hardships and privations that our heroic soldiers bore so uncomplainingly, and was twice wounded — once at Buzzard's Roost, when he and a number of others were injured by the falling of a tree that had been shot off, and once by a spent shot before Atlanta. After the war closed, he was honorably discharged with his regiment. Returning to Dixon from the battle-fields of the South, our subject resumed his business as bridge builder, which he carried on until 1873. In that year he was appointed commander of the United States boat No. 4, used in making necessary repairs on the Illinois and Michigan Canal. The Govern- ment found in him a most efficient official, who during the whole period of eight years that he held the position was faithful in the discharge of his duties. Since that time he has lived practically retired in his pleasant home at Dixon, where he has many warm friends that he has gathered from a large circle of acquaintances during the many years he has been known throughout this county. Maj. Watson has been twice married. In 1836 he was wedded to Miss Catherine Van Riper, a native of New Jersey, and a daughter of John Van Riper. She died in 1846, leaving these four children: Hester, wife of George Millen, a resident of Rome, Italy; Jennie, who married Charles Sweet, of Benton Harbor, Mich.; Josephus and Henry. Josephus served with credit in the same regiment with his father during the Rebellion, and continuing in the service in the regular army after the war ended, he lost his life in Arizona while in the service. The second marriage of our subject, which took place in 1853, was to Mrs. Susan (Clute) Loveland. By this union there are two children living: Fred and Samuel. The former is superin- tendent of the Riverside Shoe Co., of Dixon. The latter is a commercial traveller and resides at Fremont, Neb. Mr. and Mrs. Watson's only daughter, Nettie, married Theodore Hyde, and died in September, 1888. Mrs. Watson has two children by her former marriage living: Kittle, the wife of Dr. H. E. Paine, and George, a real-estate dealer, of Dixon. Her son, Willet O., was a brave soldier in the late war, and died in 1890 from a disease contracted while in the service. Mrs. Watson was born in Schenectady, N. Y., 75a POETEAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. and Is a daughter of Wessel and Sarah (Suitz) Clute, who arc represented in the sketch of F. C. McKenney. Mrs. Watson's first husband, Richard B. Loveland, was born in Bainbvidge, N. Y., and was a son of Otis and Mehitable (Parker) Love- land. His father kept a hotel at Bainbridge for several .years. He came to Dixon in 1837, and the latter part of his life was passed in this city. His son, Richard, was sixteen years old when he came to Dixon to accept a position with his brother-in-law. Smith Galbraith, and for a time he was overseer of a corps of men engaged in clear- ing the rocks from the river at Rock Falls, it being then the intention to make Rock River navigable. He subecquently secured the contract to carry tlie mail from Madison to Milwaukee, and as he also carried passengers between the two cities the busi- ness was remunerative. He continued in that until Frink & Walker's stage route was established, and he then turned his attention to the grocery trade. He was successfullj- engaged in that busi- ness until death closed his promising career in 1851, at the early age of thirty-one years, and Dixon was deprived of one of its most enterprising business men, who, if his life had been spared, would doubtless have been an important factor in promoting its growth and financial prosperity. EVANS C. THOMAS, a retired farmer resid- ing at Franklin Grove, was bom in Batavia, Genesee County, .N. Y., November 9, 1813. He is a son of Silas and Rebecca (Campbell) Thomas, who, soon after his . birth, removed to Niagara County, N. Y., where the mother died, leaving three children: Mary, who married William Dun- can, died in Genesee, 111.; Samuel, who resides in Plorida, and our subject. Evans C. Thomas of this sketch married Mary Ann Nichols, who was a native of Niagara County, N. Y. The young couple removed to Oakland County, Mich., in 1836, where our subject was en- gaged in clearing land, splitting rails, etc. Three years later he came to Lee County and passed the first winter in Franklin Grove. The followino- spring he purchased a claim near the Grove and there resided until 1871, and then removed to the village of Franklin Grove. On locating here, he be- came the possessor of two hundred and sixty acres of land, but now owns only one hundred acres. The father of our subject came West, and departed this life in 1876. The first wife of Mr. Thomas died in 1842, hav- ing become the mother of three children, two of whom, William H. and Ruba, are living.. In 1845 he married Harriet A. Whitman, who was born in New York State, and died in 1867. By that union were born ten children, eight of whom are living, namely : Julia, Martha, Mary, Belle, Ann E., Lillian,' Evan.s W. and Abraham. In politics, our subject is a Republican. j^^ AMUEL PETER HOYLE. This gentle- ^^^ man, who is one of the progressive farmers (l^^ of South Dixon Township, lias a beautiful and well-improved estate located on sec- tion 35, and which includes one hundred and twenty acres. He was born on his father's old homestead in this township, June 10, 1865. He was given a good education in the common schools, residing with his parents until reaching his twenty- second year, since which time he has lived on the farm which he now owns and occupies, and which adjoins the old homestead. He is a progressive and industrious young man and is the youngest son of John Hoyle, now residing in Eldena, for a further sketch of whom the reader is referred to the biography of Joshua P. Hoyle, found elsewhere in this book. Our subject was married in South Dixon Town- ship to Katie Ulrich, who was born June 6, 1866, in Sandwich, DeKalb County, this State. She is the daughter of Joseph and Maggie (Hunt) Ulrich, now residing in Marion Township, this county, but who were natives of France and Ireland, re- spectivelj^ IMrs. Hoyle is the eldest of the parental family of five sons and two daughters yet living, and was reared and educated in Marion Township. By her union with our subject, she has become the PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 753 mother of one son, John J. Mr. and Mrs. Hoyle are higlily esteemed in the community in which they reside, and in her religious faith the wife is a Catholic. Mr. Hoyle is a Republican iu politics and is thoroughly in sympathy with all good measures. ■S^ BENEZER M. PETTENGER is contributing |U] to the general prosperity of Lee County by /lU^ his work as a farmer in Willow Creek Township. A native of Passaic County, N. J., he was born March 23, 1840. His father, Cortland Pettinger, was also a native of New Jersey, his birthplace being in Somerset County. He passed his early life in his native county on a farm, but he was married in Passaic Countj', and carried on his occupation there until his untimely death in 1846. His wife survives him, and now makes her home in Morris County, N. J., where she was born. Her maiden name was Sarah Thorpe, and she is a daughter of Samuel Thorpe. Our subject was reai ed in his native State, and lived with his mother until he grew to manhood. In 1863 he determined to seek his fortunes in the middle Western States, and for a year and a half hved in Linn County, Iowa. He then recrossed the Mississippi, and coming to this county has since been identified with the iudustrious, shrewd and business-like men who are carrying on the immense agricultural interests of Northern Illi- nois. For a while he was employed on a farm by the month, and then for twenty years he rented the farm in Willow Creek Township on which he now resides. This is provided with suitable buildings, its fields are neatly fenced and well tilled, and the place bears evidence of good care. Mr. Pettenger is an excellent farmer, is a good citizen, his neighbors know him to be reliable and trustworthy, and his family find in him a kind husband and a devoted father. Mr. Pettenger was first married in 1867 to Miss Emma Barnhart, a native of Lee County, and a daughter of Henry Barnhart. Their married life was but brief, as she died the following year. Our subject was again narried, April 4,1870, Miss Lucy Blair becoming his wife. They have five children living: Lewis, Albert, Reuben, Morris and Levi. Death has crossed their threshold and removed their eldest, Wesley, who died in 1890, aged twenty years, and their j'oung- est born, Winfleld, who died in 1890, at the age of two years. The youth just entering manhood, and the little child that gladdened the hearts of parents and brothers for so brief a time, have but passed from their home to a broader and better life beyond, where they still live and love: "Lost, 'tis true, For the light that shines for you; But in the light ye cannot see. Of undisturbed felicity — Iu a perfect paradise. And a life that never dies." ****** "Weep awhile, if ye are fain. Sunshine still must follow rain; Only not at death, for death, Now we know, is that first breath Which our souls diaw when we enter Life, which is of all life centre." Mrs. Pettenger is a native of this county, born atMalugin's Grove, and a daughter of Robert Blair, a pioneer of this part of Illinois. Her father was born in Somerset, N. J., and was a son of another Robert Blair, who was a native of Ireland. The father of the latter was also named Robert, who was born either in Scotland or in Ireland, and was of Scotch ancestry. He was one of five brothers that came to America in Colonial times. Mrs. Pettenger's grandfather was a clerk in one of tlie Government departments at Washington, D. C. Some years later he went to Ohio, and after a resi- dence there of some years, he came to Illinois, and for a time lived in Canton, Fulton County. From there he went to Galesburg, and subsequently came to Lee County to spend his declining years with his children. Mrs. Pettenger's father was twelve j^ears old when his parents moved to Ohio, and he there grew to manhood, and became a miller. He went from Ohio to Indiana, and was married at Ft. Wayne, to Lucy Dunton, a native of Jefferson 754 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. County, N. Y., and a dcaughter of Epliraim and Abigail (Ball) Duntcm. In 1843 the Blairs came to Illinois, and after living at Galesburg two years came to Lee County in 1845, and was the second family to settle at Twin Grove, where the father entered a tract of Government land, upon which he built a log house for shelter. At that time the surrounding country was in a sparsely settled condition, and deer and other kinds of game were plentiful. There were no railways for some years, and the settlers had to go to Chicago to market their grain and to obtain necessary household supplies. Mr. Blair improved a farm and lived on it some years, and then removed to Malugin's Grove, where he erected and operated a gristmill for a time. After the death of his wife in 1856, he went to live with his daughter, Mrs. Robert Armstrong, and was an inmate of her home nntil his death in 1881. /^EORGE A. HARMS. This young and en- III (— , terprising farmer is the owner of one ^^jl hundred and ten acres situated on sections 3 and 4, Palmyra Township, and seventy-two acres in another part of the township. A thrifty and judicious farmer,' he has met with unusual success in tilling the soil, and has brought his property to a high state of cultivation. He was born in this township near where he now lives, on his father's old homestead, July 6, 1852, and was the oldest child in his father's family. He was reared and educated in his native place and has always resided here, having nothing cosmopolitan in his nature. His father, Anton Harms, who was born in Oldenburg, Germany, in August, 1800, was descended from good old German stock, and when he was young emigrated to this country, and after some time came to Illinois, with the intention of securing a good home. He left his wife and family at Buffalo, N. Y., and before he returned from his Western tour his wife died. Bringing his children with him, the father of our subject again came to Illinois and made a permanent settlement in Palmyra Township, this count3^ In this place he was united in marriage with Anna M. Hector, a native of the same place as her husband. She made the journey across the water when a young woman and came direct to this State. After marriage the parents of our subject lived in this township the remainder of their days, the death of the father occurring July 15, 1878. He was the possessor of four hundred acres of land in this township, advocated the principles of the Democratic party, and with his wife held membership in the Lutheran Church. Our subject was married in this township to Miss Harriet Brauer, who was born Ln tliis county, August 30, 1860, and was reared and educated in Nelson Township. Her parents, Louis and Louisa (Tole) Brauer, natives of Germany, came to America before their marriage and met in Nelson Township. They lived on a farm in that town- ship until the death of Mr. Brauer, when past middle life. The wife and mother now resides in Palmyra Township. She is a faithful and con- scientious member of the Lutheran Church, as was her husband. Mr. and JNIrs. Harms are the parents of two children — Elsie A. and Paul B. They are members in good standing of the Lutheran Church, and in polities he is a stalwart Republican. The cozy residence in which Mr. Harms and his family are domiciled is one 6f the most conven- ient and substantial in the community, and a view of it, with its pleasant environments, appears elsewhere in this volume. -^ ^ I ILBERT MESSER. All honor is due to the noble pioneers of this county who braved the hardships of frontier life, endured many privations and sacrificed much in order to redeem the land from the wilderness and establish com- fortable homes for themselves and their families. It is to their patient and persistent labors that the growth and prosperity of this section of the coun- try were laid on enduring foundations. Some of these men are still living among us, although four or five decades may have passed by since their RESIDENCE OF G. A. HARMS, SEC. 3., PALMYRA TR, LEE CO., 1 LL, .■*,>J-it^tei''n,Ml&»il^af'f^EA,ii^iiMK»Vhi "Mi9i;»1&£^V -^, ,-«'=,-*■ ■-{--'■■V^. V. RESIDENCE OF E. H . RICKARD , SEC 5,PALMYRA TR, LEE CO., I LL. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 757 settlement here, and they are among our most val- ued citizens. One of these, whose name appears at the head of this biography, may well lay claim to respect as one of the old settlers of the county, in' whose development he has borne a part for a length of time lacking scarcely a year of half a century. The land in South Dixon Township that he purchased of the Government so long ago he has transformed into a farm that is classed among the very best in this locality in point of tillage, productiveness and a high state of improve- ment. Our subject is a sturdy representative of the sons of New Hampshire who have become adopted citizens of Illinois. He was born in the old Granite State, May 7, 1812, his birthplace being in the town of Hopkinton , near the town of New London, in Merrimac County. His ancestors, who were of Scotch origin, were some of them among the early settlers of New Hampshire, which was the native State of his grandparents on both sides of the house, and of his parents, Richard and Ruth (Giles) ISIesser, his mother, a native of Mer- rimac County, being also of Scotch descent. The Messers and Giles were mostly farmers for genera- tions, as far back as anything is known of them. When scarcely past the prime of life, Richard Messer died in Merrimac County, where he had always lived, and an honest-minded, industrious and well-respected citizen was losfr to the commu- nity by his untimely death. His widow subse- quently married Austin Cheney, and continued to reside in her native county until her demise, at the age of three-score years and ten. By her second marriage, she became the mother of thirteen chil- dren, of whom Giles Cheney is the only survivor. He is married and lives at Plaistow, N. H. Our subject was the only child born to his fa- ther, and he was very young when the latter died. He was reared by his mother and step -father amid tho beautiful scenery of his native county. A healthy, self-reliant, independent spirit, thrift, capability, and a sturdy common-sense in busi- ness matters, traits so common to the New Eng- land character, were his by the right of birth, and to them he owes his good fortune. In his youth he learned the trade of a blacksmith after his school-days were over, and followed it in a gen- eral way for some years before he left his native hills to try life on the prairies of Illinois. He came to this State m 1843, and, as we have seen, was well fitted to cope with the trials of pioneer life. He at first established a smithy in Dixon, but that was only a preliminary step until he could obtain some land and settle down to farming.- He soon purchased a tract of school land in South Dixon Township, and the deed which gave him the title to it, which was signed by Gov. French, is still in his possession. He has here nearly two hundred acres of choice farming land, which he has developed mto a fine farm, upon which he has placed modern improvements, his well- built, commodious buildings being supplied with every convenience, and comparing with the finest in the neighborhood; his neatly fenced fields are under an admirable system of tillage, and the rich pastures are capable of sustaining a great deal of stock. Besides this place, Mr. Messer has some valuable timber land in Dixon Township, and he is one of the substantial men of his community. Although he is a quiet, unassuming man, the people among whom he has dwelt in peace and amity these many years hold him in waim re- gard, as they have always found in him a true friend, ever considerate and pleasant in his man- nei-, and they have a high opinion of his personal character, knowing him to be a man of principle and sound integrity. In politics, he is a sound Republican. While a resident of his native State, Mr. Messer was married, in Francistown, to Miss Eliza Carj', and for more than half a century they have trav- eled life's highway together. Mrs. Messer was born February 22, 1809, in Hillsboro County, N. H., near where she was married, and she there grew to womanhood in the pleasant home of her p&,rents, Charles and Martha Cary, who were na- tives of New Hampshire. The Cary family be- longed to the old settlers of the State, and were of common ancestry with the poets, Alice and Phebe Cary. Charles Cary was a butcher, and followed that trade the most of his life, living to be quite an old man. His wife survived him several years and attained the venerable age of ninety-three 758 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. years. They were of Scotch blood. They were Congregationalists in religion, as were the Messers also. Our subject's wife was one of a good-sized family, of whom she and her two sisters, Mrs. Abby Clarston and Mrs. Sarah Bigsby, residents of New England, are the only survivors. She is a member in high standing of the Presbyterian Church, with which she has been connected for many years. Mr. and Mrs. Messer are the parents of eight children, of whom these two are deceased: Charles, who died young, and Martha J., former wife of C. Clogston, who died in 1880. The remaining chil- dren are: Dennison, a harness-maker in Dixon, who married, but has lost his wife; Eliza A., widow of William S. Dodge, who died in California; Ruth A., now at home with her parents, who is a successful teacher, and for four years taught at Sitka, the capital of Alaska; Anna, widow of Gapt. George W. Fitch, who was accidentally killed at Englewood, Chicago; George G., a suc- cessful farmer of South Dixon, residing on the old homestead, who was a Sergeant in Company A, Seventy-fifth Illinois Infantry, and though he fought bravely with his regiment in every cam- paign in which it took part throughout the war, escaped unhurt; and Frank, who is a progressive, well-educated young man, and assists in the man- agement of his father's farm. Mr. Messer 's son-in-law, William S. Dodge, was a man of much prominence in his life-time and was well known as an historian, writing on topics connected with the war, his connection with the commissary department during that time giving him peculiar advantages for collecting facts con- cerning the Rebellion. He wrote the history of the old Second Division and of the Seventy-fifth Illinois Regiment, and he was the author of the "Drummer Boy of Shiloh." Capt. Fitch was also prominently connected with the war as a brave oflScer. He was Captain of a colored regiment, and at one time was captured and shot by the guerrillas in a hard fight with them. Th.ey left him for dead on the field, with six others, who were shot outright, lying around their gallant leader. He revived, and was taken by a negro to the Union lines. He, however, carried the bul- let in his head the remainder of his life, and at times it affected him. After the war he became a lumberman, and was engaged in that business when his career was cut short by his untimely death. 1] SAAC B. BERRY is worthy of all honor and respect as one of the pioneers of Northern /li Illinois, who was identified with its early growth, both as a skillful mechanic and a practical farmer. He came to Lee County in 1862, and for several years devoted himself exclusively to agri- cultural pursuits in Wyoming Township, where he still owns a good farm, although he now makes his home in the village of Paw Paw, havihg re- tired from active business. Our subject was born March 24, 1813, his birth- place being two miles from Onondaga Hill, and two and one-half miles from Syracuse, N. Y. James W. Berry, his father, is thought to have been a native of New Jersey. The grandfather of our subject removed from that State to New York, and settled three miles below Ft. Edward, near the North River, where he resided until his demise. The father of our subject was reared on a farm. He removed to Onondaga Count3' about 1812, and was one of its early SQttlers. That was before the time of railways and canals, and the removal to his new abode in the wilderness was made with teams. He leased land, and was a resident there until 1828, when he settled in Oswego County, buying a tract of timber in the town of Volney, and clearing a farm from the forests primeval, making his home there until death closed his eyes in the sleep that knows no waking this side of eternity. The maiden name of his wife was Margaret Baldwin. Her parents. were pioneers in the vicinity of Ft. Edward. She too passed from death to the life immortal on the old homestead in Oswego Countj'. Isaac Berry gained his education in the rude pioneer schools of his native county, the first school that he attended being taught in a log PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 759 building, that was furnished with slab seats, supported by wooden pins, and a board against the wall serving as the only desk for the pupils to write on. When he was a youth, there were no railways or canals, and the farmers had to haul their produce to Albanj'^ with teams. He was a small boy when he first began to make himself of use on the farm, and he continued to help his father until he was nineteen years of age. Then his natural taste for mechanics led him to adopt the trade of a carpenter, and in order to gain a thorough mastery of his chosen calling, he served a three years' apprenticeship at Oswego, which was then but a village. The first year he received $96 in payment for his work, and the second year 1315. After he completed his apprenticeship, he did journey-work in his native State until 1838, when he boldly resolved to try his fortunes in the flourishing village of Chicago, which at that time had a population of about four thousand people, and making his way thither, he was for a time actively employed at carpentering. He became a citizen of the place, and voted at the first city election, in 1837. Business was very dull tliere that year, and he took a contract to build a hotel at Warrenville, in DuPage County. He was pleased with that part of the country, and cast in his lot with its pioneers, buying, in 1838, a claim to a tract of Government laud one mile from Warren- ville, securing his title to it as soon as the survey was completed and the land came into the market. At that time deer and wolves were plentiful, and there were other wild animals there also, showing that the country was but little advanced from a state of nature. Mr. Berry worked busily at his trade at Warren- ville and Naperville, and contributed much to the upbuilding of those places, and at the same time he superintended the improvement of his land. He was a resident of DuPage County until 1862, when he came to Lee County, and has been identi- . fled with its farming interests ever since. He bought a farm, pleasantly located in Wyoming Township, and vigorously engaged in tilling the soil and i-aising stock for some years. In 1867 he rented the farm, and the ensuing six years lived in the village of Pjarlville. At the expiration of that time, he returned to his farm, and spent the next nine years upon it very profitably and pleas- antly-. He then rented it, and coming to Paw Paw, has since lived there in retirement, in the enjoy- ment of the income that is the fruit of his industry. Mr. Berry has been twice married, his first wife, to whom he was wedded in 1847, being Mary Louise Ward, a native of New York State, and a daughter of Dr. Levi and Lillis Ward. She de- parted this life in December, 1849. Our subject's marriage to his present wife was solemnized in 1856. Mrs. Berry was formerly Harriet E. Rogers. She is a native of Pennsylvania, and a daughter of David B. and Eliza (Jones) Rogers. Mr. and Mrs. Berry have two children living: Mary Louise, wife of David Dale, of Wichita, Kan.; and Mary E., wife of W. A. Pratt. Our subject's course throughout a long career of usefulness has been such as to justify the trust in which he is held, as all who have ever had deal- ings with him have recognized his inherent honesty and truthfulness, and all who are ac- quainted with him know that he possesses other excellent traits of character that go to the making of a good man, a loyal citizen, a kind neighbor, and a devoted luisband and father. In politics, he stands with the Republicans. Religiously, both he and his good wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, and are strong in the faith. STEPHEN WILTSE, who was one of the pioneers of Wisconsin, has done important pioneer work in ]:.ee County since he took up his residence here, as his valuable farm on section 13, Reynolds Township, was a tract of wild, unbroken prairie land when it came into his possession, nearly twenty years ago, but now ranks with the best in point of cultivation and improve- ment. Mr. Wiltse was born in Duanesburgh, Schenec- tady County, N. Y., November 8, 1817. His father, Henry Wiltse, who was a native of Vermont, went to the State of New York when a young man. He 760 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. learned the trade of clothier and dyer, but after his marriage he engaged in farming, buying a farm in Duanesburgh. In 1847 he sold his property there, and moving to Wisconsin cast in his lot with the early settlers of Racine County, where he died the following year. The maiden name of his wife was Susan Ladd. She was a native of Duanesburgh, N. Y., and spent her entire life there. Her father, William Ladd, a farmer, was a resident of that town many years, passing the latter part of his life there. The parents of our subject reared fifteen children , of whom he was the eighth in order of birth. He spent his boj'hood on the home farm on which he was born, and obtained his education in the local schools. He remained an inmate of the parental home until he was twenty-one and then began his independent career as a farmer on rented land in Duanesburgh. In 1847 he determined to take advantage of the cheap lands of Wisconsin, and with his wife and two children started for that State. They journeyed by the Erie Canal to Buf- falo, and by the lakes to Racine. At that time Racine County was scarcely more than a wilder- ness, in which deer, wolves, bears, wild turkeys and other game roamed at will, while there were but very few settlements throughout its length and breadth. Mr. Wiltse bought a tract of heavily- timbered land in the forests, five miles north of Racine, and building a log house for a dwelling, he at once set about the hard task of clearing his land. Timber then had birt little value, and large logs that would now command a great price were rolled to- gether and burned. He felled the greater part of the trees on his land and in time had an excellent farm, upon which he lived for the space of seven- teen years. In 1864 he disposed of his property in Wisconsin, and, coming to Illinois, bought -a farm on section 6, Malta Township, De Kalb County. In 1870 he sold that at an advance on the original cost, but did not immediately buy another, as he thought that perhaps the value of the land would depreciate from war prices. He rented instead until 1872, when he came to Lee Covmty, and purchased the land on section 13, Reynolds Town- ship, that forms his present farm. He has placed the entire tract of two hundred and forty acres under a high state of cultivation, has planted fruit and shade trees, erected a substantial house, stables and other buildings, and as an active, capable, wide-awake farmer, has proved to be a valuable addition to the farming population of this section of the county. Mr. Wiltse and Miss Sylvia Sisson united their lives and foi-tunes in the sacred tie of wedlock, July 3, 1841, and in the half-century that they have been together they have been devoted to each other and have been faithful to all the obli- gations of a true marriage, of which theirs is an example. They have lived in amicable relations with their neighbors, who have always found them open-hearted, responsive to appeals for sympathy or help, and genuine friends at all times. Their hospitality is well known, and strangers have often been the recipients of their bounty. They have five children: Susanna, Willard, Amelia, George and William, to whom thej' been wise and tender parents, and who may well "rise up and call them blessed." z5o- RITTAIN J. AGLER is a progi-essive and ■^ wide-awake f aimer and stock-raiser, resid- ing on section 10, Wyoming Township, one-half mile north of the village of Paw Paw, who, besides his landed estate in this vi- cinity, has valuable farming interests in Nebraska, and is managing his property with excellent judg- ment and practical skill, carrying on his agricul- tural operations after the best modern methods. Mr. Agler was born in Lycoming County, Pa., April 15, 1,848. His father, Jerome Agler, was a native of the same State, and was a son of Jere- miah Agler, who is also supposed to have been a Pennsylvaniau by birth. He was a blacksmith and wagon-maker, and carried on business as such in Lj'coming County. He was a man of much enter- prise, and manufactured all the lumber that he used, operating a sawmill and dry-house in con- nection with his other business. He spent his last years in that county, where he was well-known and greatly respected. He reared quite a large family. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 761 Jerome Agler assisted his falber in the shop and mill even when quite a young lad, and later was employed on a farm. He thus acquired a taste for agricultural pursuits and made farming his life work. He married in Lycoming County, and re- sided there until 1849, when he came to Illinois and identified himself with the pioneers of Lee County, which at thaA time was but sparsely settled and much of the land was still in the hands of the Government. He was accompanied hither by his wife and seven children, and the entire journey, which consumed eight weelis' time, was made by land. The father bought a tract of land in what is now "Wyoming Township, where deer, wolves and other wild animals were roaming at will over the prairies, or through the timber on tlie banks of the streams. His first work was to build a small frame house, for which he hewed the frame and rived the shingles by hand. He resided on that land three years, and then sold it, with the intention of re- turning to the East, but he changed his mind, and for awhile rented land until he bought forty acres on section 23. He lived there for several years, and actively engaged in its improvement, but in 1875 he disposed of it, in order to take up his resi- dence in Nebraska, where he purchased a tract of wild prairie in Wayne County. He devoted his time to the improvement of a farm, and at the time of his death, March 23, 1885, had his land un- der good tillage, had erected the necessary build- ings and had everything in good order about his place. At his decease, the county was deprived of the services of a practical, hard-working pioneer who had done what he could to develop the coun- try. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Sarah Brittain, and she was a native of Lycom- ing County, Pa. She died February 1, 1880, at the home of a son in Lee County, while here on a visit. Her father, William Brittain, was a native of Pennsylvania, and was of English antecedents, his ancestors having been among the early Colonial settlers of the Keystone State in the days of Will- iam Penn. He was both a shoemaker and a farmer, and carried on those callings in Lycoming County, where he spent his last years. There were nine children born to the parents of our subject, of whom all are living except Maggie, who died at the age of thirty-five years. The others are: Al- mira, William, Mary E., Joseph W., John E., Syl- vester C, Brittain J. and Martha. Joseph and John did gallant service in the late vvar. The subject of these lines was but one year old when his parents brought him to Illinois, and he was reared and educated in Wyoming Township. When he was large enough to be of use, he was set to work on the farm, and thus early acquired the necessary experience to make a good farmer.. He made his home with his parents until his marriage, but prior to that he began his independent career as a tiller of the soil on rented land, and about one year after he married he bought forty acres of land of his father. He soon sold that, however, to pijr- chase two hundred and forty acres in Wayne County, Neb., intending to take up his residence there, but the raid of the grasshoppers in that region changed his plans, and the ensuing four years he rented his father-in-law's farm in this county. At the expiration of that time he bought a quarter of section 2, Wyoming Township, and lived there until 1885. He then rented the farm, and for six months visited Dakota and Nebraska. Returning to Paw Paw the following fall, he again located on his farm in the spring, which he oc- cupied until 1889, when he bought the place on which he now resides on section 11, of the same township, within a convenient distance of the vil- lage of Paw Paw. He now owns two hundred and forty-five acres of choice farming land in Wyo- ming Township and a quarter of a section in Wayne County, Neb. Mr. Agler was married September 21, 1873, to Miss Mary E. Pulver, in whom he has a wife who makes his interests her own, and looks well to the comfort of her household. She is a daughter of James F. and Sarah Pulver, and was born in tiie town of Florida, Montgomery County, N. Y., April 18, 1852. Her marriage with our subject has brought them two children: James J., born April 13, 1875, and Fred W., September 7, 1879. Our subject is endowed with an ambitious, ener- getic spirit, is an excellent manager, and in all his undertakings exercises a due amount of prudence and discrimination. In his politics, he is a Repub- 762 POETEAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. lican, sound and true. He and bis wife are greatly esteemed by their neighbors and all who know them, and Mrs. Agler is an active worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which she is a member. I I ) ' I ■H . M^ « H « L ^ §HARLES A. GUYOT, who owns and oper- ates one hundred and sixty-nine acres of valuable land on section 9, Palmyra Town- ship, where he has made his home continuously since 1861, was born in the West Indies in Guadeloupe, August 11, 1820. The family is of French origin. Tbe paternal grandfather, John Francis B. O. Guyot, was born in Normandy, in the city of Rouen, and came of good French stock. He was educated for a militarj' life and assumed the duties of an officer in Normandy, where for years his family had figured prominently in public af- fairs, but his eye-S]ght failing him, he was sent to Guadeloupe, West Indies, where he married the daughter of a prominent planter. Miss Desbonns, whose parents had gone from Turenne, France, to the West Indies in the early part of the seventeenth century. John Francis B. O. Guyot, on leaving France, gave up his titl-e ■ for he believed in Re- publican principles. He died in Guadeloupe in 1798, at the age of forty-eight years, after a thir- teen years' residence in the West Indies. While yet a young man in his native land he had organ- ized a French company, of which he was made Captain, to aid the American Colonies in their struggle for independence and fought in many battles, including the one at Yorktown. After his death his widow came to the United States with her two children, one of whom died soon afterward and located in Philadelphia, Pa., hop- ing to secure a pension in recognition of her hus- band's services. This was granted her and she continued to reside in Philadelphia until her death, which occurred at an advanced age. John F. 0. Guyot, the father of our subject, was one of the two children above mentioned. He was born in Guadeloupe, West Indies in 1790, and when a boy was sent to Madison, N. J., to be edu- cated. He afterward returned to the West Indies, where he carried on a large sugar plantation, hav- ing under his control from one hundred and seventy-five to two hundred and thirty slaves. At the time of his death he owned a large property and about one hundred and seventy negro slaves. He married a lady of the West Indies, Augustine Lyon, who was born and reared m the French pos- sessions of those islands and came of French Huguenot ancestr3'. Her father was born in the south of France and was a French merchant, who at the beginning of the present century emigrated to Guadeloupe. His political views were Repub- lican and, in 1815, he had a quarrel with one of the supporters of monarchy, which ended in a duel in which both he and his antagonist were killed. He was then in the prime of life. Mrs. Guyot sur- vived her husband some years and died in 1857, at the age of fifty-five. We now take up the personal history of our sub- ject, in whom the people of Lee County are most interested. When a lad of nine years he was sent to France to be educated and remained in the schools of Paris until eighteen years of age. He was educated in French, Latin, Greek and classics, after which he returned to his father's plantation in the West Indies, managing the same until the slaves on those islands were emancipated in May, 1848, when in consequence all business relations were materially changed. Soon afterward he came to this country and the following year made an overland trip to California, where he engaged in mining on the Yuba and Feather Rivers, until .1852. He experienced manj- of the hardships and dan- gers of such a life, on one occasion was lost in the mountains and at an other time engaged in fight- ing Indians in New Mexico. Returning to Illi- nois, he purchased his farm in Palmja-a Township, which he operated until 1856. Soon after his return from California Mr. Guyot married Miss Sarah Graham who was born and reared in New York City but was educated in Troy, N. Y. Her father, Capt. Graham, now de- ceased, was for many 3'ears captain of a ship and was prominent in marine circle. He died in New York. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Guyot were born seven children, five of whom are yet living: M.Blanche, PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 763 at home; Charles L. who wedded Elizabeth Law- rence and resides on a farm in Palmyra Township; Erail 0., Hugh L. and Edward J. The deceased are Mary L. and Charles A. When Mr. Guyot left his farm in 1S66 he re- turned to the West Indies and carried on his sugar plantation until 1861, when he again came to his farm in Illinois and has since devoted his energies to its cultivation. He owns one hundred and sixty-nine and a half acres, the greater part of which is under the plow and in return for his care and labor yields to him a golden tribute. He has made a success in this,his life work. A well edu- cated man, he keeps himself informed on all the question of the day and is ranked among the best citizens of the community. ^ILLIAM AMBLER is a worthy member of the farming community of Lee County, who has aided in carrying on the agricul- tural interests of this section for more than thirty- one years, and in that time has improved a choice farm in Willow Creek Township. He was born ten miles east of Romney, Hampshire County, Va., June 2, 1828. His father, who was named John Ambler, is thought to have been a native of the same county, while his father, David Ambler, is be- lieved to have been born in Fauquier County, Va. He was a pioneer of Hampshire County during some part of the last century, and improved a farm from the wilderness, upon which he resided many years. He finally emigrated to Pendleton County, Ky., and made his home with his son, the father of our subject, until his demise at a ripe old age. The maiden name of his wife was Mollie Monroe, and she was also a native of Virginia. She was a daughter of Dr. John Monroe, who was a Virgin- ian by birth, and was of Scotch antecedents. The grandmother of our subject died in Hampshire County, Va. John Ambler passed the early years of his life in his native county, and was there married. In 1858 he removed to Pendleton County, Ky., bought land there, and in the course of time developed it into a fine farm, upon which he dwelt in comfort and contentment until death closed his life at a ripe age, in 1875. He was twice married. The maiden name of his first wife, the mother of our subject, was Elizabeth Price, and she is thought to have been a native of Marshall County, Va. She died in Hampshire County, that State. After her death, Mr. Ambler married a second time, taking as his wife Lizzie Lindabood, and there are two children living of that marriage. Thirteen were born and reared of the first marriage. Oiir subject grew to manhood amid the pleasant scenes of his native county. When he was but fifteen years old, he commenced to work at the saddler's trade, and he subsequently taught scho.ol, farmed, or carried on his trade in Hampshire until 1850. In that year, he went to Kentucky, going by rail to the Ohio River, and thence with team to Falmouth, Pendleton County, where he worked at his trade one year. At the end of that time, he returned to his native county, and continued to live either in West Virginia or in Kentucky until 1859, when he came to Illinois, attracted thither by the many advantages the cheap lands and rich soil of this State offered to a thrifty and indus- trious farmer. He rented the farm that he now owns in Willow Creek Township, and four years after bought it at $20 an acre. He has greatly in- creased its value by the erection of substantially- built buildings, and by placing the land under a high state of cultivation, and on every hand one sees evidences of neatness and good management. A capable wife, to whom he was married in 1857, lias done much for our subject in her hearty co- operation with him in his work. In her maiden days, Mrs. Ambler's name was Frances A. Burd. and she was born in Hampshire County, Va. She is a daughter of Peter and Julia Ann Burd, who are represented in the sketch of William Burd, which appears on another page of this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Ambler are held in high consideration by their neiohbors, who know them well as kind, charitable and obliging people, ever ready to help others in trouble. They have two children, Ladema Flor- ence and Julia Price. Ladema is the widow of William H. Smith and the mother of two children. 764 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Myrtle Floy and William Arthur. Mrs. Ambler and her elder daughter are valued members of the German Baptist Brethren Church. Julia Price married William G. Durin, September 16, 1891, and now resides in Willow Creek Township. "^] '^AMES NEALIS, a capable, prosperous farmer, who is the proprietor of a well-im- proved farm in Reynolds Township, was born in the County of Donegal, Ireland, May 12, 1836. His father, George Nealis, was a native of the same county, as was also his grand- father, James Nealis. The latter came to this coun- try in 1836 with other members of the family, and spent the remainder of his days in Pennsylvania. His six children, four sons and two daughters, all became citizens of the United States. The father of our subject spent the first part of his life in the land of his birth, and was there mar- ried to Nancy Coyle, whose native place was like- wise in County Donegal. In 1836 Mr. and Mrs. Nealis emigrated to this country', where they hoped to have better opportunities to rear and educate their children than were afforded by their own countr3-. They located in the wilderness in what is now Hampshire County, W. Va., where Mr. Nealis bought a tract of land partly covered with timber, ten miles east of Romney. He devoted his energies to clearing his land and tilling the soil, and in due time had developed a good farm, on which he makes his home. He has had the misfor- tune to lose his beloved wife and companion, who crossed the waters with him to aid him in building up a home in a strange land. She was the mother of nine children that grew to maturity. When the family came to America, James Nealis was but an infant, and has no recollection of other than his adopted home. He began very early to assist his father in the farm work, and continued to live with his parents until his twenty- second year, when he came to Illinois to take ad- vantage of the many facilities offered by its rich soil to a practical, energetic farmer. He began life here by working on a farm at $15 a month. He was very industrious and prudent, saved his earn- ings, and at the end of two years was enabled to buy forty acres of wild land in Willow Creek Township, the price being $16 an acre. He ac- tively entered upon its improvement, and lived on the place six years, then sold and bought the farm that he now owns and occupies. This comprises two hundred acres of well-impi'oved land, amply- provided with good buildings, pleasantly located on section 35, Reynolds Township. A view of the place appears on another page of this volume. A part of our subject's prosperity is attributable to the valuable asssistance he has received from his good wife, whom he secured in the person of Mrs. Mary A. (Davison) Miller, to whom he was wedded December 25, 1870. They have one son, James M. Mrs. Nealis was born in Kingston, Province of Quebec, Canada, a daughter of Abra- ham and Mary Davison. She was reared in her native Country, and was first married after coming to Lee County, to Abram Miller, who was also born in Canada. After coming here he purchased a farm near Compton, where he resided for a time after marriage. He then removed to Twin Grove, where he bought a farm, which Mrs. Nealis still owns. He resided there until his death in 1868, which deprived his community of a useful and worthy citizen. Mrs. Nealis reared three children by her first marriage: Josephine, who married Charles GrifHn, and died near Sheffield, Iowa, in December, 1886; Oliver, who married Stella Wiley; and Joseph, who married Minnie Miller. Both sons reside on the Twin Grove farm. -l****^ UILLIAM GRAVES occupies a leading place among the farmers and stock-men of this ^f^/ part of Lee County, where, he has made his home since boyhood, as he is a man of enlighl- ened and progressive views, carries on his opera- tions systematically and in a thoroughly business- like way, and keeps pace nrLth the times in the introduction of new and approved methods. He and his associates have changed China Township from an uncultivated waste to a finely developed RESIDENCE or FRANK W, BRAUER^ SEC. 4., PALMYRA TP, LEE CO., I LL. V^IKC«<1V«^I)7,^^ RESIDENCE OF JAME5 N EALIS , 5EC.55. REYNOLDS TP.LEE CO.,1 LL. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPmCAL RECORD. 767 fanning region, and his farm on section 15, witli its extensive and valuablB improvements, is one of the many choice farms for which this township is justly noted. Mr. Graves was born in Broome C'ounty. N. Y., February 19, 1839. He comes of sterling New England stock, and his parents, William and Sarah M. (Bostwick) Graves, were both natives of Mass- achusetts. He died in Broome County, N. Y., and she in Amboy, 111. Our subject is the second in order of birth of the nine children born to his par- ents. He passed the early years of his life in his na- tivecouuty until 1852, when he came to Yorkville, Kendall County, this State, a sturdy, self-reliant lad of fourteen yeare, and for a year he was a res- ident of that place. In 1853 he joined his mother in Lee County, she having come hither with three of her children, and settled on section 15, China Township. Our subject grew to man's estate here, and early entered upon his career as a farmer gjid stock-raiser, to which he has always been devoted, and he has risen to a place of prominence among his fellow- farmers. He is now the owner of three hundred and fort^'-eight acres of excellent, well- cultivated land, and he has erected a good class of farm buildings, and made other improvements, has his pastures well stocked with cattle^ horses and swine of fine breeds, and everything about the place is indicative of watchful care and superior management. Mr. Graves and Miss Martha A. Thomas were united in marriage February 15, 1870, in China Township. Mrs. Graves is a native of this county', born in China Township, March 17, 1848, a daugh- ter of Evans and Harriet (Whitmore) Thomas, early pioneers of this county, of whom a sketch is given in the biograpliy of Evans Thomas. Mr. and Mrs. Graves are the parents of these four children: Grace, the wife of Harry Williamson; Lewis E.; Mamie and Hazel. Our subject has much originality and decision of character, an evenl3'-balancod mind, and his fellow-citizens find him wise and helpful in coun- sel. They are appreciative of these traits, and knowing full well that he is a safe man to trust, and has the requisite qualifications for civic posi- tions, they have elected him to one of the highest 38 offices within their gift, selecting him to represent China Township on the Lee County Board of Super- visors, and he has held that office for three years. He has been School Director, and as such has assisted in raising the standard of education in this vicinity, so that our schools compare with the best in the county. His politics are of the Republican order, and he is unswerving in his loyalt}"- to his party. / ^*^*^=* >OBIAS SWEITZER is a young man of ster- ling merit and much ability, who for the past six years has had control of the Genck farm on section 35, Nelson Township, which is the property of his father-in-law, John Genck, and he is keeping it up to the same high standard that it had attained when it came under his manage- ment. He was born in the township of Berlin, Somerset County, Pa., March 9, 1857, but he was reared and educated in Westmoreland County, in the same State. His father, Cornelius Sweitzcr, was also a native of Somerset County, and was ' born of Pennsylvania parents., who were of German descent, his ancestors having been among the early pioneer farmers of his native county. He grew up on a farm, and later learned the trade of a black- smith. He was married in Somerset County to Mary Shaulis, a daughter of HeuTy Shaulis, a Somerset County farmer who died there when past ninety years old. He married a Pennsylvania lady, who also died in Somerset County-. Both were members of the Lutheran Church. Cornelius Sweitzer and wife lived for some years in Berlin Township after their marriage, and then removed to Mt. Pleasant, in Westmoreland County, and there Mrs. Sweitzer died in 1871, at middle age, leaving behind her a worthy record as a good woman, and one of the saintly Christians of the Lutheran Church, of which she was for many years a member. Mr. Sweitzer carried on his business as a blacksmith in that county until 1875, when he came to Lee County with his children, and here he began to farm in Nelson Township, where he was a second time married, taking as his wife 768 POSTEAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.- Mrs. Lena Tolen, nee Osway. She was a native of Germany, who came to this country wheti a young woman, and was first married in Ogle County, to Mr. Tolen, who died in Dixon after the birth of their two children. In 1887 Mr. and Mrs. Sweitzer removed to Daysville, Ogle County, where Mrs. Sweitzer died in middle life, leaving three children hj her last marriage, all of whom are living. Tobias Sweitzer had not attained his majority when he came to this county from his old Penn- sylvania home in 1877, he being then in the full flush and vigor of earlj'life, and all bat one year since then he has been actively engaged in farm- ing in Nelson Township. The farm that he is now operating is finely improved, is amplj^ supplied with buildings of a good class and with all kinds of modern farming machinery. He has two hun- dred and forty acres under his control, and is cultivating the soil after the best methods known to the present generation. He is a most excellent manager, is orderly and systematic, and is prompt and sagacious in carrying out his plans. IJe is a man of a truthful, sincere disposition, who early made a favorable impression on the people among whom he had come to settle, and he maintains a high personal standing in Ins community. Polit- ically, he is with the Democrats; religiously both he and his amiable wife are Lutherans. Our subject was married on the farm that he now occupies, which was the home of his bride. Miss Amanda Genck. As much of her life has been passed on this old homestead, Mrs. Sweitzer is well known, and her pleasant social qualities make her popular with her large circle of acquaintances and friends. Her happy marriage with our sub- ject has brought them two children, Claude and Howard. Mrs. Sweitzer was born in Nac.husa Township in 1866, but was reared and educated in Nelson Township, whither her parents, John and Barbara (Smith) Genck, had removed when she was a small child. They are natives of Byron, Germany, but came to the United States when young people, and were afterwards married in Illinois. They subsequently established them- selve.!i in Nachusa Township, whence they came a few years later to Nelson Township, and settled on a new, unbroken farm on section 35. Mr. Genck improved two good farms at this point, erecting good farm buildings, and supplying them with all the modern conveniences. He has three hundred and sixty acres, the most of which is finely cultivated, and the whole forms a valuable property, worth several thousand dollars. Mr. Genck has thus raised himself to be one of our wealthy men, and is enjoying his riches, for although he is past sixty-eight years of age, he is by no means an old man if his activity of body and mind are taken into consideration. . He is at present visiting friends and kinsmen in Pennsyl- vania. Politically he is a Democrat, and relig- iously, a member of the Lutheran Church. His beloved wife, who was also a faithful member of that church, departed this life June 7, 1890, at the age of three-score years. JITtT'REDERICK a. TRUMAN is among the Ip^g) foremost of the men of brain, business abil- /T) ity, liberality and progressive public spirit, who have been instrumental in promoting the growth of Dixon, and of the county at large. He had not attained his majority when he entered the business circles of Northern Illinois as early as 1861, and from that. time he has devoted his ener- gies to various business enterprises, has borne an active part in the management of municipal affairs, and his name is associated with many important movements that have enhanced the prosperity of city and county. Our subject is a native of the town of Owego, Tioga County, N. Y., the date of his birth August 13, 1843. His father was Edward D. Truman, who was for a few years prior to his death a prominent business man of ■ Dixon. He was also a native of Owego, and was a sou of Asa H. Truman, who was born in Livingston County, N. Y. He was for many years a leading merchant of Owego, estab- lishing himself in business in that town before the era of railways, and for some time his goods were freighted by team from Ithaca. He died at Owego at a ripe age. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 769 The father of our subject commenced clerking when a mere boy, and when he attained manhood en- gaged in business on his own account in his native town. In 1857 he wound up his affairs there, and, coming to Dixon, opened a land and loan office, in which he conducted a successful business. His un- timely death in 1861 deprived the city of a valued citizen, who during the few years he had lived within its precincts had made himself helfiful in its upbuilding. His wife survives him and is still a resident of Dixon. She is the mother of three children,-of whom two are living: our subject and his sister Eleanor. Her son, Augustus E., was for a number of years associated with his brother in business, and managed the book and stationery business now conducted by our subject until his death, March 23, 1891. The mother of our subject was born at Clarksville, Otsego Countj', N. Y., her maiden name Eleanor M. Soule, and she is a daughter of Charles Soule. Her father was born iu Springfield, Mass., a son of Dr. Charles Soule, who spent his last years in that city, where he was one of the leading physi- cians. The grandfather of our subject was but an infant when his father died, and when he was three years old his mother removed to New York, and he gi-ew to manhood in Otsego County. He bought a tract of timber near Clarksville, when he began life on his own account, and cleared a farm from the wilderness. He used to have to carry his pro- duce to market at Albany, sixty miles distant. He was a resident of Otsego County until his death. The maiden name of his wife was Dorcas Adsit. She w.ns born in Dutchess County, N. Y., and was a daughter of James and Phebe (Smith) Adsit, who were also natives of the State of New York, and were pioneers of Montgomery County, where he died, his wife dying in Otsego County. • Frederick Truman laid the foundation of a lib- eral education in the public schools of Owego and Dixon, and subsequently attended Chicago Uni- vereity. Although he was only eighteen years old at the time of his father's death, he immediately took charge of his business as a real-estate and loan agent, and has followed in that line since. He early displayed a marked aptitude for affairs, a kee;i jnsight into business matters, and has his va- rious interests well in hand, directing them with unerring skill, and so as to turn them to a profit- able account. He has a valuable farm of five hun- dred acres near the city, where for some years he was engaged in rearing cattle and horses, but at present he devotes it to dairy purposes, it being well stocked with a fine herd of ninety cows, from which he sells the milk to a condensed milk factory. Mr. Truman has been connected with various enterprises, which have redounded greatly to the benefit of the city. He was associated with Judge J. D. Crabtree and H. J. and W. G. Stevens in the building of the Opera House, in which the city justly takes so much pride. In 1873 he became connected with the Dixon National Bank and was cashier of that institution eight years. He was at one time President of the Gas and Electric Light Company, and is a stockholder in the Build- ing and Loan Association, and in various other ways his influence has been felt in whatsoever would promote the substantial growth of the city. Mr. Truman is a Republiciin, and is unswerving in his fealty to his party. He has taken part iu the local government as a member of the City Council for several terms, and Dixon is greatly indebted to him for the deep interest he has taken in her school during the several years that he has been a member of the Board of Education, of which he is at present President; he has also served two terms as County Treasurer. \f^ ANIEL MILLER is a prominent and highly I J respected farmer of Brooklyn Township, @y^ who has filled various offices of trust and ^'"'^ has taken an active part in the public life of this section. He was born in what is now Summit Township, Somerset Coimty, Pa., October 12, 1822. His father, Abraham Miller, was a native of Lancaster County, that State, the son of a farmer who spent his last years in Pennsylvania. Abraham Miller went to Somerset County as a pioneer when a young man and bought a tract of forest-covered land in what is now Summit Town- 770 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. ship. He built a log cabin, cleared the greater part of his land, and at the time of his death in 1832 had a goodly farm. When he settled in that place there were no railways, canals or carriage roads in that part of Pennsylvania then or for some years after, and at one time he went to Harrisburg, three hnndred miles distant, for salt. The people were prineipall.y home livers, subsisting on the products of the soil and on wild game, such as deer, bears, etc., which were very plentiful. The mother of our subject used to i ard and spin flax and wool and her daughters wove all the cloth used, in the family. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Mary Troutman, and she was a native of Pennsylvania. She spent her last years en the liome farm, surviving her husband many years. She reared five children by lier second marriage, and three by a former marriage. The father of our subject reared ten children Ijy his first mar- riage. Daniel Miller was ten years old when his father died. After that he resided with an older brother in his native county until he was fburteen years old, and then went with him to Ohio, making the removal with a team. He worked for his brother by the month for four years, and at the end of that time returned to his old home, and worked out there bj^ the month the ensuing four years. During that time he was emploj'ed in teaming with six horses between different parts of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia. It was then that he saw a railway for the first time. It was a primitive affair of wooden rails With iron straps on top, and extended from Wash- ington to Baltimore. ■Returning once more to Ohio at the end of the four j-ears mentioned, in the year 1844, our sub- ject rented a farm in Wayne Count}- and resided there until 1855, when he came to Illinois to try farming on the fertile soil of the Prairie State. The journey was made by rail to Mendota, whence he made his way to this part of Lee County, and invested in eighty acres of wild prairie in what is now Brooklyn Township, and commenced at once the pioneer labor of developing a farm. Subse- quently, he bought eighty acres more, making one hundred and sixty. He has put his land under fine cultivation, and has placed upon it many val- uable improvements, including a substantial dwell- ing. In the terrible cyclone of June 20, 1890,t'iat devastated the conntry hereabouts, much of the work of years was destroyed in a second's time; all his buildings were demolished except his residence, and that was removed from its foundations about three inches, the fence and fruit trees were laid low, and the crops were spoiled. Mr. Miller was first married, in 1844, to Miss Elizabeth Lewis, who was born in Virginia near Wheeling. She died in 1848, leaving one child, Ephraim, who died at the age of thirty-five years. Mr. Miller was married to his present wife, for- merly Leah Kittenger, August 2, 1849. They have nine children living: Sarah, wife of Hubbard Ran- stead; Milo T., Lewis, Frank, David; Marj', wife of William Troutman; William,, John, and Martha, wife of Edward Berry. Mrs. Miller was born in Lancaster County, Pa., January 3, 1831. Her father, David Kittenger, was a native of the same count}' as herself, and was a son of Abraham Kittenger. Mrs. Miller's great- grandfathoj' was born in Switzerland. Her grand- father was married in Pennsylvania, and subse- quently removed from there to Stark County, Ohio, in 1837, and passed the remainder of his life-there. He was a pioneer of that region, and engaged at his trade there as a carpenter. The father of Mrs. Miller was reared and married in Pennsylvania. He went to Ohio to settle in 1837, making the en- tire journey with a team and camping and cook- ing by the wayside at noon and nightfall. He was a pioneer of Canal Fulton, where he passed the rest of liis days in the comfortable home that he bought in that place. His wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Kling, also lived in that town until her death. She was a native of Lancaster County, Pa., and a daughter of Lewis and Martha Kling. Mrs. Miller is a member of the Reformed Church and a sincere Christian. Our subject has been true to Republican princi- ples ever since the formation of the party. His fellow-citizens have shown their appreciation of his merits by entrusting to him various import- ant offices, and he has been honored by election to the County Board of Supervisors to j-epre- PORTRAIT AND EIOGRAPmCAL RECORD. 771 sent Brooklyn Township nine terms. Whenever ho has occupied that responsible position, he has done his whole duty as a civic- official, and has exerted himself to push forward the numerous plans for the advancement of the county since he became one of its active citizens. kEWIS HULLINGER, who came to Lee County in 1855, was among the first set- tlers of Harmon Township, the first settle- ment here being made in 1854, the year before he located on his present homestead on section 7, and he has risen to an important place among its lead- ing farmers and stock men, and in the civic life of this section of the State. He is of Pennsylvania birth, born in Somerset County, that State, Decem- ber 23, 1820, and comes of sturdy German and Revolutionary stock. His parents were Frederick and Catherine (Studer) Hullinger. His maternal gi-andfather, Philip Studer, was born in Germany, and emigrated to America when a, yoTing man in Colonial times. He proved a patriotic citizen of his adopted country, as, when the Revolution broke out, he volunteered his services, enlisting in the Continental Army for three years, and then fought throughout the entire war. He subse- quentl}' became a pensioner of the Government that he helped to establish, and received $140 a year as long as he lived. He settled in Bedford County, Pa., where he married, and reared a family of four daughters and one son: Polly, Charlotte, Christina, Catherine and John. The father of our subject was born in Germany, and was one of a large family. He came to the United States alone in early manhood and settled in Bedford County, Pa., where he pursued his trade as a tailor. He married, and for a time re- sided in Somerset County. He afterward returned to Bedford County, where he died while yet in life's prime, leaving these three children: Mary Ann, who married William Lashley, and resides m Bedford County, Pa.; Simon, who died in in- fancy, and our subject. The mother of our subject married a second time, becoming the wife of Will- iam Sherley, and they had three children, all of whom died young. She died in Bedford County at an advanced age. Lewis Hullinger passed his early life in Bedford County, and was educated in the district schools. When he was sixteen years old he went to Alle- ghany County, Md.jWhere he was employed in driv- ing a cart for some time, at |3 a month the first two- years, and for $4 a month for eighteen months. He "then apprenticed himself to a blacksmith, and after he had mastered the trade carried it on in Maryland, the ensuing nine years, with the excep- tion of one year spent in Zanesville, Ohio. He was married while in that State in the year 1847, to Miss Susan Long, a daughter of Jonathan and Sarah (Troutman) Long, and a native of the same Pennsylvanian county in which he was born. Mrs. Troutman was a daughter of William Troutman, of German descent. Six children have been born of their pleasant married life, as follows: Katie, wife of Charles Stirling, of Parker, S. Dak.; Jonathan, a resident of Stewart, Iowa; Lillie Ellie, wife of Lewis Lashley, of Girard, Kan.; Leona M., wife of A. C. McWilliams, of Whiteside, and Ella Virginia, wife of Douglas Murray, of Rock Falls. William Lewis, who married Hattie Heckler, lives in Whiteside County, 111. Mr. Hullinger came to Illinois in 1855, travel- ing by team a'nd boat to Pittsburg, Pa., and thence by rail to Dixon, whence he made his waj' to this part of the county where he proposed to locate, and soon proved himself a valuable acquisition to the pioneer force that had preceded him. He pur- chased one hundred and twenty acres of his present farm on section 7, Harmon Township, which at that time was a tract of raw prairie laud, with not a furrow turned. It was a lonely spot, as when our subject first settled upon it there were but very few people within a radius of several miles, and his nearest neighbors were a long distance away. With the exception of his four years' residence at Rock Falls, when he rented his farm, he has made it his home for tliirt3'--six years, and in that time fortune has smiled on his efforts and secured to him a handsome competency. He now has three hundred and sixty acres of land valuable for tillage 772 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. and pasture, has it under high cultivation, has ample and substantial buildings, and has his farm well stocked with cattle, horses and hogs of good standard breeds. He is a typical self-made man, as all that he is and all that he has are the results of his own exertions. He had to learn the lesson of self-reliance when very j^oung, and when scarcely more than a boy, he not only earned his own living but helped his mother besides. His life record is that of a good son, a true husband, a wise father, a kind neighbor and a loyal citizen. His strong common sense, his keen judgment, and other qual- ifications, have made him influential in the public life of the count}', and his counsel and assistance have often been sought in the administration of the affairs of township and county. He has been Supervisor several times, I'cpresenting Harmon Township as a member, of the County Board of Supervisors ten years, holding the office at one time for eight consecutive years. His politics are of the true Republican order, and in religion he clings to the Lutheran faith in which his fore- fathers were bred. -^^^^-m-^m^-^' AYID H. LAW, M. D., a prominent ph.ysi- I Jl cian and surgeon of Dixon, and one of the ijff^ influential and progressive citizens of Lee County, well deserves presentation in this volume, for he has done much toward the upbuilding and development of the count}', and with the promo- tion of its best interests his name is inseparably connected. A native of the Empire State, he was there horn and reared, and in 1840 came to Lee County. His life has been a varied and eventful one, and his experiences have made him an excel- lent judge of human nature and also an able and interesting conversationalist. In the spring of 1852, the Doctor joined a party en route for California. With teams they crossed the plains, living upon the wild game which they could secure and the milk furnished by the cows they took with them. Many of his comrades died while they were on the way, of cholera, which was then epidemic. Ere they reached their destination. they encountered the red men, and the Doctor won for himself a gallant record for bravery. Were all of his experiences in crossing the plains told, much of the story would hardly be credited by those who did not experience such a life. Four years he spent in the West, engaging in mining, and his rec- ollections of that period of his life are very vivid. On his return in 1856, he entered upon the study of medicine with his brother-in-law. Dr. Oliver Everett, a well-known physician of Lee County, now deceased. Later, he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons, of Keokuk, Iowa, from which he was graduated in the Class of '61. The Civil War was then in progress and he relin- quished all thought of private practice. Enlisting in Company A, Thirteenth Illinois In- fantry, Dr. Law became Assistant Surgeon of his regiment and later was detailed as Staflf-Surgeon for Gen. Curtis, discharging the duties of a Bat- talion Surgeon. After some time, he-was discharged in order that he might accept a commission as Lieutenant-Colonel of a Missouri regiment, but as the war was then drawing to a close, the troops were never called forth and the Doctor acted as private surgeon for different generals in the late war, who, recognizing his skill and ability, did not wish him to leave the service and hired him on a salary. His braver}' and his loyalty to his country were frequently tested and never failed. On one occasion he broke up a meeting of the Knights of the Golden Circle that convened in a hotel, where he had occasion to stop. His military record is one of which he may well be proud. For four years he served his country faithfully and well and when the war was over, and his services no longer needed, he resumed private practice. On his return to Dixon, Dr. Law formed a part- nership with his former preceptor, Dr. Everett, the connection continuing until 1873, when he went to Chicago, where for some time he was connected with a barb-wire manufactory. Since , again locat- ing in Dixon, he has devoted his energies untir- ingly to tiie practice of medicine, and his skill and ability are recognized by a large number of pat- rons. He is also the owner of a farm of two hun- dred acres, which is stocked with milch cows and supplies milk to the great Swiss Milk Condensing PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 773 Company-. After thorough iii-vestigation and tests of this product, Dr. Law has found it to be one of the best foods manufactured for infants and he has spent considerable sums of money in making the food what it is. His dair}' is a model of conveni- ence and cleanliness, lacking in no particular. In Sterling, 111., the Doctor was joined in wed- lock with Miss Mary P. Dillon, who died leaving one son, David H., wlio is now connected with the Dixon National Bank. For a second wife, Dr. Law chose Miss Dorothy Taylor, of Chicago, where their union was celebrated. They also have one son, James E. Their home is one of the largest and most beautiful residences of Dixon. It is built in the modern approved style with a view to the best sanitary conditions, and the arrangement is a model of convenience. The furniture is taste- fully arranged and the walls are decorated with many beautiful pictures, the work of Mrs. Law, who possesses marked artistic ability. The Doctor has traveled extensively over this country and is versed in the topography and geo- graphy of the United States. In all his travel, he says he has found uo better located city as re- gards conditions of health and comfort than Dixon, which is so beautifully located on the "Hudson of the West." The cause of education has ever found in the Doctor a warm friend, and he and his wife have done much for its further- ance. They advocate all reforms for the benefit of humanity and are progressive and public-spirited people who occupy a warm place in the hearts of their many friends, and rank high in theesteem of all who know them. In politics, the Doctor is a Republican, who warmly advocates the party prin- ciples, but has never been an olHce-seeker. r — ^-523?!^^fi&'^'"'^-is^^!^5o S WiOSHUA P. HOYLE devotes his time and energies to general farming, conducting his operations on sections 26 and 27, South Dixon Township, where he has every convenience in the way of modern improve- ments and good machinery for facilitating his work, and is doing a prosperous business. He is the second son and third child of the eight children of John and Emeline (Deeter) Iloyle, well-known residents of the village of Eldena, who were for- merly connected with the farming interests of this section, but are now living in retirement. A sketch of their lives appears on another page of this volume. Our subject was born December 4, 1851, in the county of Somerset, in the township of the same name, in the State of Pennsylvania. The first twelve years of his life were passed amid the scenes of his birth, and since then he has lived in Lee County, growing to man's estate on his father's homestead, which is now under his management. He here gained his first actual experience in farm- ing, and was well inured to the labors of his chosen calling when he entered upon his independent career as a farmer. He has had charge of his father's farm since 1886, and keeps it up to the same high standard it had attained when in the hands of the elder Hoyle. He raises a good class of stock, his cattle, horses and swine being of fine breeds that always command a ready market when for sale. Mr. Hoyle was married to Miss Julia Fritz in this township, and has found in her a most estima- ble wife, who is a veritable helpmate, and has been an important factor in his success in life. She has borne him seven children, of whom all are living but Wilson, who died at the age of one year. Tiie others, who still form a part of their pleasant house- hold, are Hattie, Lester, Clara, Bird, Fred and Jen- nie. Mrs. Hoyle is a native of this county, born in South Dixon Township July 12, 1852, a daugh- ter of one of the pioneer families of this section. Her parents were born, reared and married in Somerset County, Pa., whence they came to Illinois in 1861. Mr. Fritz obtained a tract of land in South Dixon Township and improved a good farm. His first wife died here in 1864, and he was subse- quently married to Miss Mary Meyers, a native of Pennsylvania, who came to Illinois when a young woman. In 1883 Mr. Fritz removed with his fam- ily to Kansas, and is still living.there on a farm near Topeka. He and his wife are active members of the Lutheran Church. Our subject and his amiable wife hold a high 774 PORTEAIT AND BIOGEAPHICAL RECORD. place in the estimation of their fellow-townsmen, as they possess those rare qualities of head and heart that beget coiifldenceand friendship, and are hospitable and entertaining in their home, besides being always willing to extend a helping hand to any one who is in want or trouble. Mr. Hoyle keeps himself well informed in regard to politics, as well as in other matters of general interest, and is steadfast in his loyalty to the Republican y)arty. ■'TMk.w^ ^•^.^^ ^ \ d i 4 ^1 il l l^ (i|SAAC BYRON COUNTRYMAN. The fine 11 block erected in Dixon, in 1890, known as /jl Countryman's Block, is occupied by a depart- ment store, 50x100 feet, in which may be found a complete stock of groceries, queensware, dry-goods and notions. Twelve clerks are kept in constant employ to meet the demands of the trade, and by a courteous treatment of customers and close at- tention to the wants of the people, the business has been made both remunerative and extensive. The building is built of pressed brick and terra cotta, and the upper floors are utilized for offices. When Mr. Countryman came to Dixon in 1866, he was employed first as clerk for Alonzo Wood who some years afterward sold out to W. C. Ste- vens, with whom our subject formed a partnership in 1871, under the Arm name of W. G. Stevens & Co. In 1877 he became sole proprietor and has since managed the business alone, having built up his present trade through his unaided exertions. A native of Herkimer County, N. Y., Mr. Coun- tryman is the son of John I., Jr., and the grand- son of John I. Countryman, Sr., a native of York State, who came of German ancestry of the old Mohawk Dutch stock. The senior John I. Coun- tryman lived and died in Herkimer County, his decease occurring when he was more than sixty-five years old, and thus was brought to an end his hon- orable and useful existence as a farmer and citizen. The father of our subject grew to man's estate in his native county, Herkimer, where he married Miss Nancy Failing, a native of Montgomery County, N. Y., and the daughter of John Failing. The young couple located in Herkimer County, where they lived on a farm until their death. He passed away in 1866 at the age of sixty-five years, and she died in 1878, aged seventy-one. They were religious and adhered to one common faith, free from denominational distinction. The family numbered eight children, all sons, seven of whom are yet living, namely: Levi and William, farmers in Herkimer County, N. Y.; Norman, Harvey, Al- vin and John E., who follow farming operations in Ogle County, and our subject. The last-named was i-eared in his native county, where he gained a common-school education. He was not a college graduate nor does he consider that a collegiate education is necessary to a success- ful business career, believing that a thorough train- ing in the good schools of our country, in connec- tion with industry, energy and enterprise, will win success. He is one of the leading merchants and citizens of Dixon, is connected with the Repub- lican party in his political belief, and sociallj^ is identified with th'fe Blue Lodge No. 7, Nachusa Chapter and Dixon Commandery No. 21. /j_^ ENRY E. MILLER is a representatlva '^ farmer and stock-raiser, whose farm is dis- tributed on sections 3, 4, 9, and 10, of Pal- myra Township. His residence and all out- buildings are situated on section 9. He owns one hundred and sixty-one acres of fine land and operates twice that amount, one hundred and six- ty-one acres belonging to his three sisters — Anna, Louisa, and Sarah. The farm all lies in a body and is one of the finest farms in the township. This has been his home. for thirty-eight years, and success and good fortune have attended him. This gentleman is a native-born citizen of this township, his birth occurring near* Prairieville, December 22, 1844. He has always lived here, re- ceiving his rearing and education in this place, having but few advantages. He is the son of Will- iam Miller, a native of one of the Rhine Provinces of Germany, who came of German parents. The grandfather was named John Miller, and was a PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 775 small German farmer on the River Rhine and there lived, and died when full of years, as did his good wife, Cecelia, who was also of good German par- entage. William Miller grew up in his native province and there learned tlie trade of a shoe- maker, and while yet a single man, and just after reaching his majority, he came to America, about the year 1822, settling in Philadelphia, where he remained and worked at his trade for some time. He was there married to Miss Anna Obrist, a na- tive of Switzerland who was deprived of a mother's care when a small child. She came to the country with her father and a sister and, they too settled in Philadelphia, and in that city she grew to wo- manhood. Her father was here a second time married and with his wife settled in this county in Palmyra Township, and here died, from injuries received by a runaway team, when quite an old man. He was a cabinet-maker by trade. After the marriage of the parents of our subject, they lived in Pennsylvania until 1841, when they came with their family of three children to the Prairie State and took up forty-five acres of land in this township. Here he farmed in the summers and worked at his tiade in the winters. He was accidentally killed on his farm, now the one owned by our subject, having fallen off the barn he was building and broken his neck, May 1, . 1871. His death was instantaneous, and he was about seventy years of age. He was a good citi- zen and a sagacious and successful farmer and was mourned by his many friends in this township who had always looked on him with the greatest res- pect. His good wife passed away in 1872. She was sixty-two years of age and she and her husband were valued members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Miller was an adherent of the Democracy in his political views. The subject of this sketch was married in South Dixon Township to Miss Margaret LeVan. She was born in Pennsylvania, near Johnstown, Febru- ary 22, 1849, and came West when a girl of but eight years with her parents, settling in this county. Her father and mother were Mathias and Margaret (Miller) Le Van, natives of Germany, who are now retired farmers in Dixon Township and well- to-do and respected people. He had built up a property of nearly one thousand acres of good land and had started here comparatively a poor man some thirty odd years ago. They are members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. and Mrs. Miller of this sketch are the happ}'- parents of eight children, of whom two are de- ceased, Mary and William who died at the ages of five years and twenty-two months, respectivelj'. The living are Charles M., Martha F., Edward H., John F., Oscar, Lee and Frederick P., all of whom are still at home. This couple are consistent and active members of the Lutheran Church of Prairie- ville, and Mr. Miller casts his vote with the Re- publican party. ^^\ HARLES M. HUGUET is numbered among (l(^, the prosperous business men of Dixon, ^^^7 where he has a repository for the sale of car- riages and harness. He is a native of the city of Paris, France, and first saw the light of day in the French capital April 30, 1847. He came of one of the old families of his native country, and is a son of Nicholas Huguet, who was also a Parisian by birth, and in after years he became a prominent pioneer of Central Illinois. He grew to manhood and was finely educated in his native city, and at twenty-one years of age, such a high reputation had he already won for scholarship, that he was made principal of a college, and occupied that honorable position for a period of twenty-four years. Then worn by the cares entailed upon him in the discharge of his arduous duties, he resigned the principalship and sought a new life in the wilds -of America. That was in the year 1849, and after he had landed on these shores he made his way far into the interior of the country until he came to Illinois. He found himself in Peoria County, and, pleased with its natural beauty and other advantages, he resolved to make his future within its bounds. He settled first in Peoria, buy- ing eighty acres of land, which is now included in the heart of the city, the court house standing on a part of it. The following year he sold that and bought a tract of land near the present site of the village of Washington, the land being mostly 776 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. timbered and was purchased at a veiy low price. The surrounding country was but thinly inhabited, and deer and other kinds of game had not yet fled before the advancing steps of civilization at the time of his settlement in that region. Mr. Huguet at once set about improving his land, and by years of hard labor placed it in a fine condition, early paying off his indebtedness on it, as he was in limited circumstances when he located on it, and had to buy it on credit. He prospered exceedingly, and from time to time bought other land until he had six hundred acres, the greater part of which was highly improved, and he became one of the wealthy men of his county. He resided on his farm until 1880, when he removed to the village of Washington, where he lived retired until he closed his eyes in death in December, 1890, at & ripe old age. The mother of our subject was born in Paris, and now resides at Washington, where she is well known and respected as a woman of much worth. She is the mother of the following: Josephine, Julius, Maurice, Mary, Charles M., Nicholas, Peter, and Julia. As our subject was only two years old when his parents brought him to this country, he can have no recollections of his native city, but all his early remembrances are connected with the pioneer home in which he spent his youth. As soon as he was large enough to be of any assistance he had to help support the family. At the age of nineteen he commenced to learn the tradeof a carriage trimmer at Burlington, Iowa. He worked there a few months, and then went to El Paso, Woodford County, in this State, and worked there a short time. Rockford was his next place of employment, and he was there a year and a half. After that, Ottawa was his place of abode for a while, and he did journey-work in tliat city. In 1872 he came to Dixon, and was engaged at his trade here for a time as a journeyman, but he did not then locate in this city permanently, being employed in vari- ous places until 1886, and since that he has made his home here. He opened a carriage and har- ness repository, and has built up a substantial business. Mr. Huguet was married in 1877 to Miss Mar- garet Trimmer, who was born of German parent- age, and was reared in Tazewell County. In their pleasant home one daughter completes the house- hold, and she bears the name of Margaret Sophia. In the tact, courtesy and geniality that he mani- fests in his intercourse with others, our subject shows that he inherits a fair share of those pleasing characteristics of his countrymen, and he is warmly regarded by all who know him well. He gives due attention to politics, and in National elections votes with the Democrats, holding himself inde- pendent at other limes. Socially, he is a member of the Benevolent Chapter, No. 841, M. W. A., and of Dixon Lodge, No. 137, A. O. U. W. UILLIAM BARGE, an honored citizen of Dixon, is a lawyer of distinguished ability, W^ who stands at the head of the bar in this section, and is one of the foremost jurists of this, his adopted State. He is a native of Armstrong County, Pa., born February 26, 1832, to John and Jane (Elliott) Barge, who were respectively of French and Scotch descent. His paternal gi-and- father was a patriotic soldier in the ranks of the Continental Army during the Revolution, and he fell while bravely fighting at the battle of the Brand J' wine. The father of our subject learned the trades of carpenter and joiner, and subsequently became a prominent contractor and builder, operating at Jolinstown, Pittsburg, and in the vicinity of those cities. When his son William was still in his in- fancy, he removed with his familj^ to Ohio, and settled in that part of Richland County now in- cluded in Ashland County, where he bought a tract of heavily timbered land about fifty miles south of Cleveland. At that time standing timber pos- sessed no market value, and in clearing his land, he rolled together and burned large logs that would now bring a good price. Four years later he located in Wayne County, and became one of its most active and useful citizens, taking up his residence in the town of Wooster. He carried on business in that county for several years, and his death in 1850 deprived it of the services of a valuable citizen. Our subject laid the foundation of his education PORTEATT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. -11 in the public schools of Wooster, where bis boy- hood was passed. In the summer of 1851, he and his widowed mother and two sisters left their old home in Ohio to migrate to Illinois, and after traveling for a month with a team across the in- tervening country neai-ly to the western bounds of this State, they arrived at his brother's home, four miles north of Geneseo, in Henry County. Mr. Barge began life in Illinois as a teacher, and acquired considerable prominence in the profession, which was to him, however, but a stepping-stone to that of the law, toward which his mind had a decided bent. He taught in the city of Moline, on the Mississippi,! devoting his leisure time to reading law with Judge Ira O. Wilkinson, who was Judge of that circuit at that time, and since a prominent lawyer of Chicago. He also received instruction in his studies from Judge Waite, who since then has been Judge of the United States Court of Utah. In 1854 he came to Dixon to ac- cept a position as teacher, and to him is due the honor of organizing the first graded school in the county. He acted as its principal for more than three years, and occasionally taught mathematics in the Dixon College. In the fall of 1859, he received a call to take charge of the High School at Belleville, 111., in the vicinity of St. Louis, and in that city he had the advantage of pursuing his law studies under the supervision of the Hon. William H. Underwood, a noted lawyer of Belle- ville. While with him, our subject, of his own accord, and without assistance, prepared a brief in an important railway land case, in which Judge Underwood and Gov. Koerner were concerned, which they accepted, and by its merits won the case. Having thus, even in his student days, given evidence of talents of high order that gave prom- ise of the brilliant career before him, our subject returned to Dixon in 1860, and in November of that year successfully passed a searching examina- tion in his legal studies, conducted by Judge Cory- don Beckwith, the Hon. Norman B. Judd and the Hon. Ebenezer Peck, and was admitted to the bar. In 1860 he opened an office in Dixon, and entered into a law partnership with H. B. Fouke in 1861, under the firm name of Barge & Fouke. In 1865 he severed his connection with that gentleman, and until 1869 was in practice with DwightHeaton. In tliat year Judge Eustace, of Dixon, invited him to become his partner, our subject's brother-in- law, Sherwood Dixon, also becoming a member of the firm, which thereafter conducted business under the name of Eustace, Barge & Dixon until 1874, when Messrs. Barge and Dixon went to Chicago at the request of the Hon. W. W. O'Brien, with whom they formed a co-partnership as O'Brien, Barge & Dixon. Mr. Barge has arisen to eminence at the bar through his unswerving devotion to his beloved profession, and by reason of a rare combination of those judicial qualities that mark a lawyer of the first rank. Possessing a clear, logical mind, fine argumentative powers, a quick wit, readiness of resource, and infinite tact in handling a case so as to present it in the best possible light, he has become famous both as a civil and a criminal lawyer, being particularly noted for his success in the latter branch of law, as even in capital charges he has never failed to secure the acquittal of his client. It is said of him that "during his whole practice in all the courts of record in every county north of the Illinois River, in the Supreme Court of the State, and in the Federal Courts of Chicago, no lawyer has been more generally suc- cessful or has won more cases than he." In 1874 Mr. Barge became one of the attorneys of the Chicago & Northwestern Railway Company, and has rendered it valuable service, trying all its cases in twelve counties since he entered its em- ploy. But few lawyers in the country have had more experience in that class of litigation, and none is more profoundly learned in the laws per- taining to it, or has met with greater success in that line of practice than he. Our subject has a clean record as a gentleman of iionor and unimpeachable character, who, during the thirty-two years that he has devoted to law business, has conformed to professional etiquette in his dealings with his clients, and with the legal fraternity, and has shown himself to be single- minded and honest, with the courage and intelli- gence to uphold its principles. His intercourse with all is marked by tliat true courtesy and kindly 778 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. spirit that haye won him many a devoted friend both in and out of the profession. The high esti- mation in which he is held by his brother lawyers was exhibited when his name was urged for nomi- nation as candidate for the position of Judge of the Supreme Court for the Sixth District in the spring of 1888, wlien the members of the Lee County Bar were to a man unanimous in their choice of him as the one most competent for the place, as will be seen by the flattering tribute to his worth and talent in the following letter. Dixon, III., April 3, 1888. Sir : At a meeting of the Lee Countj' Bar held to-day, it was unanimously determined to present the name of Hon. William Barge as the choice of the Bar of the county as candidate for the posi- sition of Judge of the Supreme Court for the Sixth District, and the officers of the meeting were in- structed to make known this action to the mem- bers of the Bar of the District. It is not regarded necessary to enter upon any lengthy statement of Mr. Barge's professional ca- reer, as it is believed that his extended acquaint- ance throughout the State has made known already his eminent ability and fitness for the position named. Now, in the prime of life, with a mind thor- oughly trained to study by experience, of un- swerving integrity and recognized ability, we be- lieve his qualifications for the place must command your favorable consideration, and for that reason present his name. Respectfully, I. D. Crabtree, Chairman. Mr. Barge was married in 1856, to Elizabeth Dixon, daughter of James P. Dixon and grand- daughter of John Dixon, the well-known pioneer of the Northwest in whose honor the city of Dix:on is named. Our subject and his amiable wife stand high in the social life of this city, where thejJ^ have a delightful home, and a large circle of friends. -^^■^^i ^ MLLIAM STOUT made his first purchase of \^/l land in this county thirty-seven years ago, ^^ when the prairies of this region were but little settled. Since then he has added many acres to his real estate, and to-day has a good- sized farm, pleasantly located in Viola Township, upon which he has placed a good class of improve- ments, and its fertile harvest fields are under good tillage. Our subject was born in Lincolnshire, England, July 13, 1820. His father, John Stout, is supposed to have been a native of the same shire, and there he died and was gathered to his fathers in the full- ness of time. Mary Bacon was the maiden name of his wife, and so far as is known she too was born in Lincolnshire, and there her death occurred many years after that of her husband. She was a daugh- ter of John Bacon, who was a life-long resident of England. The parents of our subject reared two children: William and Thomas. The mother was again marrie;!, and reared one son, Martin. The latter served in the British army in the Crimean War, and died in England some years afterward. Thomas came to America, and after spending some years in the South came to Lee County, and died here unmarried. Our subject was nine years old when his father died, and he was very young when he commenced to earn his own living. He lived with his mother until 1849, and then, wisely thinking that his chances for securing an. inde- pendent competence would be much better m the United States than in his native land, he sailed for these shores in the month of October from Liverpool, in the ship "Patrick Heniy." After a voyage of six weeks and two days, he landed in New York on the 6tli of December. He went, to Lancaster, Erie County, in the same State, and there was employed by the month, day or job until 1854, when he turned his face Westward, having resolved to seek a home on the fertile virgin soil of the great Prairie State. He came directly to Lee County, and bought forty acres of land on section 31, Viola Township, for which he paid $8 an acre, and which is now incorporated in his present farm. A few acres broken, a log house of 12x14, and a straw stable constituted the only improvements that had been attempted on the place at the time of purchase. Prior to that time, the pioneers had not looked with favor on the prairies as worthy of cultivation, and but little land of that kind had been taken up. Their value as rich farming lands has since been abun- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 779 dantly proven, and some of the finest farms in the county were once wild prairies, left to the domin- ion of the deer, wolves and other wild animals, which were still plentiful when our subject came here. Mr. Stout commenced at once to make further improvements on his land, and now has it in a fine condition, with a neat set of frame buildings, the fields well fenced and under good cultivation, and the many fruit and shade trees that he has planted adding to the value and attractiveness of his place. He is an excellent farmer, understanding well how to conduct his agricultural'Operations with profit, and as a man of solid worth and a good neighbor, kind husband and father, he is held in high estimation by the entire community. Both he and his wife are faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Stout was first married in England in May, 1849, to Harriet Harrison, a native of the same shire as himself. She encouraged and assisted him in his early struggles in this country, and died in the home that she had helped him to establish, her death occurring in 1860. Three children were born of that marriage. In 1863 our subject was married to his present amiable wife, formerly Christiana Fuller, and their wedded life has been blessed to them by seven children. The living ones are as follows: Charles, George, Mary, Lucy, and Minnie. Those dead were both named William. Mrs. Stout was born in the town of Hume, Allegany County, N. Y., May 30, 1830. Eleazer Fuller, her father, was a native either of Oueida or Herkimer County, that State, and was a son of Hubbard Fuller, who was of New England bh-th, and was descended from one of the early English Colonial families of that section. He was one of the pioneers of the Empire State. He settled first either in Oneida or Herkimer County, and later was one of the pioneers of Allegany County. He bought a farm in the town of Hume, and spent his last days there. Mrs. Stout's father learned the trade of carpenter and joiner, and was engaged in that calling in Hume, where he resided until 1846. In that year he migrated to Illinois with his wife and six children, coming by way of the lakes to Chicago, and thence by team to Big Rock, Kane County, of which he became a pioneer, carry- ing on his trade in that vicinity. Northern Illinois was then but little settled, and deer and other wild game were abundant. Mr. Fuller resided at Big Rock five or six years, and then bought a home in Malugin's Grove, where he was engaged as a carpenter and mason for several years. His next move was to Adair County, Iowa, in 1865; and there his life was finished. The maiden name of Mrs. Stout's mother was Johanna Gear. . It is tliought that she was born in Allegany County, N. Y., where her death occurred when her daughter, of whom we write, was but an infant. Thus early deprived of her mother, Mrs. Stout was reared by her step-mother, who gave her good care. Her maiden name was Elrnina Reed. She was also a native of Allegany County, N. Y., and she died in Adair County, Iowa. The rier, land. "ill OHN* H. MOORE, editor of the Dixon Sun, was born in London, England, March 17, 1835, where also, his father, "William Moore, as far as is known, was born, grandfather was a blacksmith and far- which trade he followed in his native and there spent his entire life. The father of our subject worked with his father at that trade for a time, but later became a carpenter and wagon-maker. He removed to London soon after his marriage, and there worked at the car- penters' and builders' trade for about twenty years. In 1845, accompanied by his wife and five chil- dren, John Moore set sail for America on the ves- sel "Wellington," and landed at New York thirty-one days later. He came by way of the lakes directly to Illinois, and, locating at Aurora, there formed a partnership with a man named Kent, and for two years was engaged in the manu- facture of wagons. Two years later, he sold his interest in the business, and in October, 1847, came to Dixon and opened a wagon shop in connection with his son-in-law, E. B. Blackman, and .contin- ued to be so employed until a short time before his decease, in September, 1854. 780 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. The mother of our subject was Penelope (Case) Moore, and was born in Dorsetshire, England, her parents being Henry and Mary Case. She de- parted this life in Dixon, in 1873, and was the mother of five children: Mary, Frances, Sarah, our subject and Jennie A. .John H. Moore came to America witli his parents when ten years of age, and grew to manhood in Dixon. When quite young, he commenced to work as a compositor on the flret issue of the Telegraph — May 2, 1851. He remained in that ofHce, with the exception of one year, until 1869, when he engaged with W. M. Ken- nedy, then tlie proprietor of a job office, and later the editor of the Sun. Our subject continued in his employ until 1874, when he accepted a position on the editorial staff of the Dubuque Times, but soon returned and accepted a position with Mr. Ken- nedy, who at that time was running a weekly and agricultural monthly paper and continued with him until his death, since which time our subject has been editor of the paper. In 1868 Miss Ida Whitman became the wife of our subject. She was born in Lockport' N. Y., and is the daughter of Seth H. and Mabel (Nash) Whitman. Two children have been bom to this union who bear the names of Mabel P. and Ernest H. _^^=^==v _y X ♦^■5'^E* "A ^^ORDON E. BISHOP is General Superinten- llf ^t/ ^^^^ ^^ ^^^ ^^^' Printing Company, with ^:^( which he has been connected at Dixon since its organization, March 28, 1891. He is a practi- cal printer and pressman and three years pre- vious to the above-named date acted as a job printer at the Northern Illinois Normal of Dixon. He has been engaged m the publishing and news- paper work for eighteen years, having learned that art at Oshkosh, Wis., which was his home for some time. He has been associated with the Twin City News in Wisconsin, and for two years was em- ployed in the circulating department of the Even- ing Dispatch, of St. Paul, Minn. Our subject is a native of Oswego, N, Y., his birth occurring June 13, 1860. He was reared and educated in that city and there resided until going to Oshkosh, Wis., with his parents. He has spent the greater part of his life in the Northwest, and is therefore familiar with that portion of the country. Mr. Bishop is a thoroughly skilled work- man in the printers' trade and is a member of Cream City Lodge of the Typographical Union, at Milwaukee. He is also connected with the Modem Woodmen of America, Lodge No. 56, of Dixon. In politics, he votes the Independent ticket. The original of this sketch was married at P'alls City, Neb., to Miss Rose Carrow. To them has been born one child, a son — Earl R. Mrs. Bishop, in religious matters, is a member of the Congrega- tional Church. Our subject has traveled over everj' State and Territory in the United States and has visited the principal points of interest in Canada, acting in the capacity of a musician for five 5'ears with the well-known circuses of W. W. Coles, Adam Forepaugh and John Robinson. <^ IjfcICK WILLIAMS. Lee County numbers \jdll among its most useful and respectable citi- W^ zens many of foreign birth, and among them is the subject of this life record, who is a representative Scandinavian, and is one of the most practical and thrifty farmers and stock-raisers of Willow Creek Township, his farm ranking among the best in this locality. He was born July 9, 1831, in Bergensteft, Norway, a son of Wicking Jassendal, who was born on the same farm as him- self, and spent his whole life thereon. He was the father of nine children, of whom three came to America — our subject and his sisters Julia and Bertha. The former married Lewis Bervin, of Clay County, Dak., and the latter is the wife of John Law, of Webster County, Iowa. He of whom these lines are written early became acquainted with farm work, at which he had to employ himself as soon as he was large enough to be of any use, and the habits of industry thus ac- quired when he was young helped to shape his after career as an independept farmer. He left the PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 781 sheUer of the parental roof when he was fourteen years old, as he was strong, active and self-reliant and was fully capable of earing for himself. The first year after leaving home he was employed on a farm, and was given three dollars and his board for his year's work, wages being low in his native country. The next year he was engaged by a pilot to assist on board his vessel, and also to help on the farm. At the age of twenty-one lie commenced to learn the trade of a carpenter, and worked at it a few years in Norway until he decided to emigrate to America. On the 1st of May, 1857, he set sail from Bergen in the brig ^'George Brunkost," and five weeks later landed at Quebec. He did not linger on Canadian soil, but made his way directly to Chicago, and arrived there with twenty dollars as his capital. A pickpocket soon relieved him of the most of that, however, considerately leaving him about a dollar of his money with which . to begin life in the New World. Nothing daunted by being thus deprived of his cash, our subject proceeded to Wisconsin, and se- cured a situation on a farm, at sixteen dollars a month. He worked sueadily at that rate for three months, and at the end of that time received his pay in bills issued by a State Bank, which on his arrival at Clinton he found to be worthless, as the bank had failed. He bore this second misfortune philosophically, and by a few months' hard work at his trade in Chicago, earned as much, or more, than that sum. He spent the succeeding winter on a farm in Kendall County, and in the spring worked at carpentering there a few months. He then came to Lee County, and was similarly engaged in Sublette Township for awhile. In 1859 he went to Memphis, Tenn., and carried on carpentering there until the spring of 1860. Returning to Sub- lette from that city, he was employed at his trade there again for a short time only, as on the 1 7th of May he started for Pike's Peak, going by rail to St. Joseph, where he bought oxen and mules, with which he completed his journey across the plains. He encountered many buffaloes, deer and antelopes on the way, and saw the "Great American Desert" in all its original wildness. After arriving at his destination, he at once actively engaged in mining, and also carried on a briek business at his calling. He was soon taken sick, however, and nearly died. In the fall, as soon as he was suf- ficiently recovered to be able to travel, he set out on his return home over the same desolate way that he had journeyed in the spring, with such high hope of winning fortune's favors. The very day of his arrival in Lee County, the 24th of De- cember, 1860, he invested some of his hard-earned money in sixty acres of land, forming part of sec- tion 16, Willow Creek Township. In 1861 he broke the land, and in 1862 settled on it, making it his home the ensuing two years and a half. He then sold it, and purchased eighty acres of the southeast part of section 3, of the same township, for which, though it was wild land, he paid twelve dollars and fifty cents an acre, as he knew that it was very valuable for farming purposes. Mr. Williams spent some years in the improve- ment of that place, erecting suitable buildings, breaking and fencing his land, and farmed it until 1868, when he took advantage of a good oppor- tunity to sell it for a much larger sum of money than he had paid for it, receiving twenty-nine hundred dollars for the place. His next move was to Alto Township, where he bought a quarter section of land that was but slightly improved. He rebuilt the house that was standing on it, planted fruit and shade trees, and otherwise increased the value of the farm, which he sold nine years later, and bought the one upon which he now resides, which is desirably located in Willow Creek Town- ship. It comprises two hundred acres of land of exceeding fertility, which is under a high state of cultivation, and Mr. Williams has erected neat and well-built frame buildings for every needed purpose, the whole place showing every evidence of thrifty and careful management on the part of the owner. He also owns a farm of two hundred acres in Alto Township. Mr. Williams has had the assistance of a frugal, capable wife in his work, and is much indebted to her cheerful help in what he has accomplished. They were wedded March 25, 1862, and of- the children that have blessed their marriage, these four are living: William L., Sarah M., Julia C. and' Rasmus W. Mrs.. Williams, whose maiden name was Julia Larson, is also a native of Norway, and 782 POKTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. of the same town as her husband. She came to this country with her parents. Our subject and his wife are sincere Christians and are among the leading members of the Lutheran Church, to which, their children also belong, and no people are more generall3' respected than they. In politics, Mr. Williams is unswerving in his loyalty to the Re- publican party. Sarah and Julia are now attending the Cornell College at Clinton, la. The former will this year graduate, while the latter is preparing heiself for a teacher. <|1 IfcALTP^R L. ROGERS, of Dixon, is numbered \yjj// among the iionored pioneers of this county, W^ where for more than half of a century he has made his home. He came here, in 1839, and followed farming in Palmyra Township until the autumn of 1890, when he removed to Dixon, where he is now living a retired life. He was born in Prince Edward County in the Province of Ontario, Canada, September 26, 1815, and is a son of Gilbert and Nancy (Lockwood) Rogers, both of whom were natives of the Empire State and were of English descent. Upon a farm in Dutchess County, they resided for some years and there Ave children were born unto them. In tlie early part of the present century they removed to Canada, and began life in that country on a new timbered farm in Prince Edward County, where the father made a comfortable home for his family. He died in middle life, in 1817, of brain fever. His wife, who survived him many years, passed away in 1851. Under the auspices of the Friends Church she had been reared and afterward became a member of the society. This worthy couple had quite a large family but only two are now liv- ing: Walter L. of this sketch, and Mrs. Sarah Gar- rison of Michigan. Our subject remained in his native land until he had attained his majority, when, in 1836, at the -age of twenty-one, he went to the Empire State, where he spent two years. On the expiration of that period, he determined to try his fortune in the West, and, carrying out that resolution, loca- ted in Lee County, 111., in 1839, where he has since made his home. From the Government he pur- chased a claim of 160 acres on section 21, Palmyra Township, and began the development of a farm, carrying on his labor alone until 1844, when he secured as a helpmate and companion on life's journey Miss Hannah Fellows, their union being celebrated in Palmyra Township. The lady was born in New Hampshire, in 1824, and when a maiden of ten summers came to Lee County with her parents, Stephen and Rachel (Mc- Gathey) Fellows. They made the journey by land and water, and Mr. Fellows secured a new farm near Prairieville, purchasing the same from the Government. His family were among the first to locate in Palmyra Township, with the history of which they have since been connected. Mr. Fel- lows there died at an advanced age, after which his widow went to Iowa, and in the home of her daughter departed this life some 3'ears later. In religious belief they were both Methodists and were highly respected people. Mrs. Rogers was one of a large family. She spent the days of her girlhood under the parental roof, leaving her father's home on her marriage with our subject. They began their domestic life on the farm which Mr. Rogers had previously pur- chased, living in true pioneer style, but as the jears went by and their financial resources were increased, comforts and luxuries were added and their home became one of the most pleasant in the community. A fine brick residence was built, large barns and other outbuildings were erected and well-tilled fields yielded a golden tribute. Mr. Rogers also purchased one hundred and fifty-one acres of fine timber land on section 28, Palmyra Township, which, in addition to the old homestead, he still owns. The union of this worthy couple was blessed with seven children but two are now deceased: Al- vin, who died at the age of one j'ear; Gilbert, who died in the prime of life, leaving a wife and two children to mourn his loss. Those who still sur- vive are Alice A., wife of Howard Johnson, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work; Mary, wife of Hon. James P. Wilson, of Ogle County; Eliza, PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 783 wife of Thomas Jobnsou, a minei- and farmer of Colorado; Mahala, who is living in Elgin, and Flora, at home. In 1890, Mr. Rogers was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the 26th of Feb- ruary. Throughout this community, she was widely known and had a host of friends, who held her in high esteem. She had proved a faithful companion to her husband, was a loving mother "and a kind neighbor. She held membership with the Methodist Church, to which Mr. Rogers also belongs. He is a stanch Republican in politics, and has held many local offices, discharging the duties with promptness and fldelitJ^ The success which has crowned his efforts brought him a hand- some competence which now enables him to live a retired life in the enjoyment of the rest which he has so truly earned and richly merits. ^m: i>^^ a cool, level-headed, far-seeing man o^ business. He has a mind of his own, and his opinions on all subjects with which he is familiar are concise and original. He is decided in his political sentiments and is a strong Democrat. Our subject was married after coming to Palm j'ra Township to Miss Isabel A. Eastwood, and in her he has found an active helper, a good counsellor, and a wife kind and true. She is a daughter of one of (he earliest pioneer families of Palmyra Town- ship, which is her native place, her birth occurring here May 13, 1841, and she remained an inmate of her parental home until she married and had one of her own. For full history of the Eastwood family, see the biography of Capt. S. D. Eastwood. One of the five children born to our subject and his wife is dead — Myra, at the age of thirteen months. The surviving children are: Burton, who resides on a farm belonging to his father in this township, and who married Ellen McCune; Carrie B. lives with her parents; Ettie, wife of August Demarest, a farmer in this township, and- Bertha who IS still at home. ^^ILES J. HODGES. Among the enterprising ml ^-— and progressive farmers of Lee County %^| may be mentioned this gentleman, who re- sides on section 27, Lee Centre Township, where he owns a fine farm of two hundred and seventy-six acres, highly cultivated, and on which he has placed many good improvements. His parents, Jesse and Mai-garet (Bartlette) Hod- ges removed from Indiana to this State, in 1849, going to La Salle County, and settling in Lamoille, where the father died the same year. The mother departed this life in Lee Centre Township. Our subject was born in Lawrence County, Ind., September 19, 1839, where he spent the first nine years of his life. He accompanied his parents to Illinois in 1849, and after the death of his father, lived with his brother Joseph in this township, where he grew to manhood. When he was twenty- one years of age, the Civil War broke out and he at once entered the service of his country, enlist- ing August, 1861, in Company C, Seventh Illinois Cavalry, in which he served for three years. He was remarkably fortunate in passing through this season of conflict uninjured, and returned home none the worse for his soldier's life. He worked on the farm with his brother for one season and then purchased a farm on section 27, on which he settled and where he has ever since been a resident. Our subject has been twice married, his first wife being Miss Harriet G. Cook, to whom he was united in Dixon, 111., December 8, 1868. By this union four children were born: Jessie M., Philena M. (Mrs. Eugene Tennent), Joseph G. and Ilattie G., wife of H. B. Lyon. The mother of this family died September 19, 1877. Mr. Hodges was again married in Belvidere, November 19, 1879, to Ellen A. Shaw, a daughter of John L. Shaw. She PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 789 was born September 29, 1845, in Hancock County, this State. Mr. Hodges is a public-spirited and genial gen- tleman, -who has acquired a competency by indus- try and perseverance. He has erected good build- ings on his fine farm, which gives evidence of careful oversight and cultivation. In politics, he is a Republican and has served as Collector for his township. Soeiallj^ he is a member of the Masonic fraternity. IjERNHARDT INHSSMAN came here in pio- neer times and proved a valuable assistant to the men who were struggling to develop the agricultural ^sources of the county. He labored hard, and placed an extensive area of land under cultivation, thus promoting the improve- ment of this section ; he made money by his opera- tions as a farmer and stock-raiser, so that in time he was enabled to abandon business and retire to a leisurely life, and is still making liis home on section 13, South Dixon Township. The birth of our subject took place in Olden- burg, Germany, May 10, 1827. His father was G. H. Missman, who was also a native of that prov- ince. He was a farmer and died in Oldenburg at the age of forty-eight. By his untimely death his community was deprived of one of its most wor- thy citizens. He was an active member of the Lutheran Church, as were his forefathers before him from the days of Martin Luther, the great re- former. He was married in his native province to Catherine Kulman, who also belonged there, and was descended from an ancestry that had been farmers for generations. They were Lutherans in their religious beliefs. The mother of our sub- ject came to this country with her children after the death of the father, and her last days were spent in Nelson Township, where she died when past seventy years old. She was a life-long mern- ber of the Lutheran Church. Bernhardt Missman was nineteen years old when he came with his mother and other members of the family on that memorable ocean voyage to the United States, in 1846, sailing from Bremer- haven in the spring of the year, and landing at Baltimore eight weeks later. They proceeded thence to Pennsylvania, where they lived some seven years prior to coming to Illinois, in 1853. He attained his majority in the Keystone State, and was :i miller in Somerset County some iive years before his migration hither. He is a typical self-made man, as success has come to him through his own efforts, and his whole career is illustrative of the fact that push and energy, together with a clear head, cool judgment and a good insight into business methods, are better capital than mere money without them, for a young man when he is starting out in life. Besides these, Mr. Missman possesses characteristics that have won him the perfect confidence of all who know him, and thus he has not only been prominent as a successful farmer, but likewise has taken a leading part in the public life of the community, being called thereto by his fellow-citizens in just recognition of his fitness for civic positions. He was Road Com- missioner for twelve years, and has been an incum- bent of various other township oflSces. In his po- litical sympathies he is in full accord with the Republicans and stands firmly by his party. Re- ligiously, he and his wife and their children are members of the Lutheran Church. During his residence in Somerset County, Pa., Mr. Missman was married to Miss Elizabeth Fritz, who has been to him a true and devoted wife. Of the seven children born to them two died in in- fancy. The others are John D., a farmer in South Dixon Township, who married Elizabeth Cleaver; William H., a carpenter at Dixon, who married Anna Bollman; Simon, a farmer in South Dixon Township, who married Fidelia Fellows; Ellen, wife of Albert Brierton, a farmer in Nelson Town- ship; Addison, a farmer in Nachusa Township, who married Alice Frederick. Mrs. Missman was born' and reared where her marriage took place, and is a daughter of the late John and Eve (Mowrer) Fritz, who were also na- tives of Somerset County, Pa., where they passed their early years. In 1856 they came to Illinois, and Mr. Fritz, who was a man of means, purchased 790 POKTRAIT AND BIOGEAPHICAL RECORD. more than seveu hundred acres of land in South Dixon Township, the most of which he improved and owned until his death, which occurred in 1874, at the age of seventy years. His wife is now liv- ing with her daughter, Mrs. Herman Lindeman. She is now past ninety-three years of age, yet she retains her mental and pliysical faculties well. She has been a life-long member of the Lutheran Church, as was her husband also, they having been reared in that faith. m^m\ i^ NDREW J. CARNAHAN, who is the pro- prietor of a valuable farm in Brooklyn Townsliip, joining the village of Compton on the south, on which he makes his home, is one of the pioneers of Lee County, who has been identified with various of its industries since the early years of its settlement, and has been no unimportant factor in developing its resources. During his residence here of forty-one years, he has accumulated a handsome property, whereby he is enabled to spend his declining j'ears free from act- ive business. Mr. Carnahan was born in Columbia County, Pa., May 15, 1816, his birthplace being on a farm ten miles southwest of Danville. His father, whose name was David Carnahan, was also a Pennsylva- nian by birth, while his grandfather, William Car- nahan, was born in County Antrim, Ireland, com- ing of one of the old Scotch families that colonized that region. He came from his native isle to America when a young man, and settling in Pennsylvania, was there married to Mary Stuart, who had come over in the same vessel with him. He spent his last years in Columbia County. He and his wife wei-e members of the Presbyterian Church. They reared five children: William, David, Polly, Margaret and Ellen. David Carnahan was reared and married in Penn- sylvania, taking as his wife Margaret Mann, a na- tive of Lancaster County, that State. In his youth he learned the trade of a tailor and followed it for some years in his early manhood, but he later turned his attention to farming, for which he had a natural taste, and his last years were devoted \o that occupation in Columbia County, where both he and his wife departed this life at ripe ages. They were sincere Christian people, who were reared in the Presbyterian faith, and were con- sistent members of that church to the last. They were the parents of these nine children: Polly, who married Samuel Hilkert, and died in Penn- sylvania; Elizabeth, who married Joseph Madden, came to this county with him in 1846, and subse- quently died here; William, who spent his entire life in Pennsylvania; Samuel, who came to this county in 1848, and resided here the rest of his life; Allen, who came to Lee County in 1846, and died in Brooklyn Township; Charles, who came to Lee County in 1850, and spent his remaining days in Bi-ooklyn Township; Jane, who married Jeremiah Berringer, came with him to Lee County in 1853, and died in Brooklyn Township; our sub- ject; and Margaret, who died in Pennsylvania. He of whom this biography is- written was brought up in his native county, and was educated in its scliools. At first there were no free schools, as they were conducted on the subscription plan in the early years of his boyhood, and his parents had to pay for his tuition according to the number of scholars sent. As soon as large enough to be of use, he was set to work on the farm, and by the time he attained his majority he had acquired a good insight into the most practical methods of farming, and when he was twenty-one he left the parental home to begin life on his own account on rented land in his native county. Two years later, he bought a farm of sixty-five acres there, upon which he continued to live until 1850. In 1849 he visited Lee County in search of a suitable location, as he had determined to try farming on the fertile virgin soil of Illinois, and he selected four hundred and eighty acres of land south of the present site of Compton and joining the plat. He instructed a man to buy it for him if he could do so, and returned to Pennsylvania to spend the winter. In the spring he set out for his new home, with his wife and six children, starting on the long and momentous journey April 14, with two pair of horses and two wagons, and arriving at his desti- nation May 25, when he located on the land that PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 791 he had previously selected and on which he has ever since dwelt in comfort and contentment. He has been an interested witness of almost the entire growth of this whole section of country, as when he came here the few settlers that had preceded him had made but little headway in reducing the land to subjection. The prairies were as yet un- inhabited, as they were regarded as valueless as places of settlement, and deer and other wild ani- mals were to be seen roaming over them and through the timber. There were no railways for some years, and Ottawa was the principal market. Mr. Carnahan continued actively engaged in farming and stock-raising, bringing his land into a fine condition, until 1874, when he branched out in other directions, erected an elevator on his land, a saw and grist mill, and engaged in dealing in grain, in the manufacture of lumber, and in the mercantile business generally. His business facil- ities were increased by the railway company estab- lishing a station on his land, known as Carnahan 's Station. Mr. Carnahan continued in active busi- ness until 1885, and then retired to all intents and purposes, though he still exercises a supervis- ion over his interests. His career is one of which he and his may well be proud, as it furnishes an example of what may be accomplished by honest purpose and persistent work, directed by sagacious forethought and a clear understanding of practical business methods, which have placed him in the front rank of the substantial men of his township. He is a Democrat in politics, who has been un- swerving in his allegiance to his party, in adversity as well as in triumph. He has honorably served as Justice of the Peace for Brooklyn Township for twenty-one years, and has been an important agent in preserving law and order in the community. He and his amiable wife are faithful members of the Presbyterian Church, and contribute liberally to its support. Fifty-six years ago, May 14, 1835, Mr. Carnahan was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Holdren, and their wedded life of unusual duration has been one of true ha[)piness. Mrs. Carnahan was born in Columbia Countj', Pa., April 27, 1816, and is a daughter of Aid and Abbie (De Mott) Holdren. Her union with our subject has been blessed with children, of whom the following are recorded: Sarah married William Morgan, and they have five children; La Fayette married Sarah Cobb, and they have four children; Ellen married Frank Cole, and they have four cliildren; Miranda married Hugh Hendershot, and they have one child; Mary, who married John Huff, lost her life in a railway accident, and left several children motherless; Ab- bie, now Mrs. Smith McBride, has four children. '|I^^ ORACP] LYON; who resides on section 33, ^j Lee Centre Township, was born in Saratoga County, N. Y., February 29, 1832, where he ^. passed his early years. At the age of twenty he came to Illinois, settling in Kane County, where he was engaged m farming with his father, and where he remained for about ten years. He then removed to Ogle County, where he lived but one season, coming from there to Lee County, and set- ling in Lee Centre Township, where he has been a resident since 1863. He has always followed agri- cultural pursuits, and is now the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which is highly cultivated, and on which he has placed manj' excellent improvements. Mr. Lyon was married in Lee Center, May 1, 1868, to Miss Alwilda Willey, who is a native of Warren County, Ohio, born June 2, 1860. They are the parents of two children: AngyA., who is a school teacher in this county; and Burton H., who married Miss Hattie Hodges. ^ The parents of our subject, David and Abbie (Bouten) Lyon, were natives of New York, whence they came to Kane County, 111., where the father died in 1876, the mother's death taking place in Saratoga County, N. Y. The father of Mrs. Lyon, Aaron B. Willey, was a native of Pennsylvania, and her mother, whose maiden name was Angeline Levingston, was born in Ohio. The father resides in Ellsworth County', Kan., in which place the mother departed this life. Mr. Lyon is a Democrat, but has never been an office-seeker, nor taken any active part in political affairs. His wife and daughters are members of 792 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. the Baptist Church and are active in all good works. The family have a comfortable home, and Mr. Lyon spends his time in looking after the in- terests of his farm and stock. He is a lover of fine horses, and takes an interest in improving the breeding of these animals. TIS HUNT, deceased, was for some years one Oof the prominent citizens of this county. He was a native of the Green Mountain State, born in Bennington County, in 1810, and, came of an old New England family. His parents were Ezekiel and Lavina (Thayer) Hunt, also na- tives of Vermont. Upon a farm in Beninngton County, they resided for many years, and subse- quently removed to Bath, Steuben County, N. Y., where they spent their remaining days, passing away at the ages of seventy-seven and seventy-six years, respectively. Mrs. Hunt was a member of the Episcopal Church, but Mr. Hunt held to no creed. In politics, he was a Democrat. Tliey had a large family, most of whom lived on farms in the Empire Slate, but none now survive. Our subject was the only one who came to Lee County. He was a lad when his parents removed to Bath, N. Y., where he grew to manhood and ac- quired his education in the public schools. After attaining to mature years, he led to the marriage altar Louisa Fluent, a native of Maine, and a daughter of Jeremiah and Mehitable (Dudley) Fluent, who were also born in the Pine Tree State, of English parentage. From Bangor, Me., they re- moved to Bath, N. Y., where they died when well advanced in years. By occupation, Mr. Fluent was a farmer, and himself and wife were both mem- bers of the Methodist Church. Under the parental roof, Mrs. Hunt spent the days of her maidenhood until her marriage. She proved a true and faith- ful helpmate to her husband, and was a lady of many excellencies of character. After their marriage, Mr. Hunt removed with his family to Avon, Livingston County, N. Y., where he engaged in keeping a hotel for many years. He came to Illinois in 1861, and made his first purchase of land near Nachusa village. This was a sixty-six-acre tract, which he operated until 1879, when he sold out and purchased sixty-seven acres adjoining the city limits of Dixon. Since that time eleven acres have been laid out into town lots. To the cultivation and improvement of that farm, Mr. Hunt devoted his energies until his death. He had been called upon to mourn the loss of his wife in 1864, she having died at their home in, Nachusa Township, at the age of fifty-nine years. Religiously, she was a Un iversalist. Mr. Hunt was called to his final rest on tlie 2d of No- vember, 1882, and died respected by all who knew him. He had been a valued citizen of the commu- nity, a public-spirited and progressive man, and had ever borne his part in the upbuilding of the county, and the promotion of those interests cal- culated to advance the general welfare. In poli- tics, he was a Democrat. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hunt were born five children, one of whom is now deceased — Barbara, who be- came the wife of Timothy Moore, and died in Dixon at the age of forty years, leaving one son, Otis, a promising young man, now living with his aunts. The surviving members of the family ai-e Cordelia, Keren and Elizabeth, who live on the old home place, and Louise, wife of George ^Y. Kessler, a resident farmer of Daphne, Ala. The sistei'S are all intelligent and cultured ladies, and are mem- bers of the Univcrsalist Church. They have a pleasant home in Dixon, and have many friends throughout the community. i>^r • p > i i f'^^l^r^.^.f.Lm \f|ACOB EBINGER, whose death occurred I January 28, 1880, had been for some years a resident of Dixon, and bore the character ^^1^ of an upright and honest man. He was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, near Stuttgart, in 1826. He came of pure German ancestry and was reared and educated in the excellent schools of his native city. He learned the printer's trade in the Old Country and carried it on in connection with his other business after coming to the United PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 795 States. He resided for some time in the East, where he was married, subsequently coming to Dixon, where he established a hardware store on the cor- ner of First Street and Galena Avenue, continuing in business at that place for a number of years, during which time he erected a large business block on the same location, which is one of the principal corners in the city and which establish- ment he was carrying on at the time of his death. Mr. Ebinger was a second time married, in Dixon, to Miss Henrietta Raasch, who was a native of Germany and a daughter of John and Louisa (Bishoff) Raasch. Her parents came with their family to the United States and settled in Wiscon- sin where the father and mother died at a good old age. They were members of the Lutheran Church. Mrs. Ebinger has proved a worthy helpmate to her husband, assisting him to the utmost of her ability in accumulating the comfortable fortune which she is now left to enjoy. She has full possession of the property left by her husband, and manages it with great ability. Like her parents, she is a mem- ber of the Lutheran Church. She has a foster child. to whom she has proved a kind and loving mother — Anna Geiessenheimer, who is acting as clerk for Brubaker & Carpenter. Mr. Ebinger was a member of the Masonic order and in politics was a Democrat. He was an ener- getic, hard-working man and his success was the results of his own efforts. ^LETCHER SEAVEY, who is engaged in general farming on section 23, Palmyra Township, is a native of the old Granite State, his birth having occurred at Sandwich, on the 2d of September, 1839. His grandfather, Joshua A. Seavey, was born in Rye, N. H., of New England parentage, the family being of English origin. He followed a sea-faring life, and becom- ing master of a vessel was known as Capt. Scavej'. His last years were spent in Illinois, whither he came with his son Jesse, his death occurring in Palmyra Township, at the advanced age of eighty- five years. He had married a New Hampshire lady, Betsy Webster, who died in this community at the age of eighty-three years. The family of this worthy couple numbered eleven children, all of whom were married and reached the age of fifty years, but none are now living. One of the number, Asa A. Seavey, was the father of our subject. He also was born in Stratford County, N. H., where he was reared to farm life. In the county of his nativity ,he married Ruth Ricker, a native of Sandwich, N. H., belong- ing to one of the early families of that State. After the birth of six children, they came to Illinois, where the family circle was increased by the birth of another child. Of this number four are yet living, Fletcher being the eldest. The mother died in Palmyra Township in 1875, at the age of sixty- one j'ears; and Mt. Seavey was called to his flhal home when a resident of Ogle County, in 1887, aged seventy-two j-ears. As consistent members of the Methodist Church, they lived upright lives and won the high regard of all. We now take up the personal history of Fletcher Seavey, a well-known farmer of Palmyra Township, wlio has resided in Lee County since his fifteenth year. During the late war, he responded to the country's call for troops in 1863, enlisting among the boys in blue of Company D, One Hundred and Fortieth Illinois Infantry, under Capt. Frank Smith and Col. Whitney. The company and regi- ment were organized in Dixon and at once marched to the front,' joining the Army of the Tennessee under Gen. Sherman. These troops fought the guerrillas in the South, and guarded the railroads for some months, after which they participated in the battle of Nashville, and other engagements of less importance. Our subject escaped unhurt and was able to report for duty avery day of his ser- vice. When the war was over, he returned to his home and once more resumed operations as a farmer. A marriage ceremony, performed in Palmyra Township November, 9, 1862, united the destinies of Fletcher Seavey and Eveline Eastwood, who was born on her father's farm in this township in 1843. She is a daughter of Reuben and Minerva (McElheny) Eastwood, both of whom died in Pal- 79G POETEAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. myra Township, at about the age of sixty years. They were natives of the Empire State, where their childhood was passed and soon after their marriage they left the East for Illinois, becoming pioneers of Lee Count}'. In politics, Mr. Eastwood was a stanch Democrat, who labored untiringly for the success of his party. Mrs. Seavey has three brothers and two sisters who are yet living. By her marriage she has be- come the mother of seven children: Eda B., wife of James II. Honey, a farmer of Nachusa Town- ship; Harry C, who assists his father; Fred A., a botanist and school-teacher of Los Angeles County, Cal.; Allen E. at home; Clyde L., who resides with his brother Fred; Ruth M. and Esma L., who are still with their parents. This family is one of high repute in tlie com- munity where they reside. Their home is situated on section 23, Palmyra Townsiiip, where Mr. Sea- vey owns a valuable farm of one hundred and forty acres. He has here resided since 1854, when, obtaining possession of a tract of wild land upon which not a furrow had been turned or an im- provement made, he began its development. We to-day see the result of his labors in the highly improved farm wliich now yields to him a golden tribute. He certainly deserves great credit for his success, which is due entirely to his own efforts. In politics he is a Republican with strong Prohibition sentiments and has held the office of Assessor of his township. ENRY EMMERT, a well-to-do farmer and respected citizen of Nachusa Township, re- siding on sefction 5, is numbered among the early settlers of the county, whither he came when a young man in 1846. With its his- tory he has since been identified, and with the work of development has been closely connected. Its progress he has watched with interest and has ever borne his part in the advancement of those enterprises calculated to promote the general wel- fare. Mr. Emmert, a native of Beaver Creek, Washing- ton County, Md., was born January 22, 1819, and is one of nine children, whose parents were Rev. Joseph and Catherine (Avey) Emmert, the former a native of York, Pa., and the latter born in Mary- land, of German descent. Rev. Mr. Emmert was a son of a Pennsylvania citizen, whose family had settled in the Keystone State after emigrating to America from Germany, his native land. The father of our subject grew to manhood in the State of his nativity and turned his attention to agricul- tural pursuits. After his marriage he became a minister of the German Baptist Church and settled on a farm in Washington County, Md. He there continued to make his home for some years, in the meantime traveling through that State and Penn- sylvania, preaching the gospel. He came to Illi- nois in 1846, and was the founder of the German Baptist Churches in this part of the county. His interest in the work never abated, although in his later life he could not so actively engage in minis- teral labors. He was a devout Christian, conse- crated to the work and was held in the highest re- gard by all who knew hirh. The poor and needy found in him a friend, and he won the love of all. He died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Christian Lahman,in Nachusa Township, when nearly eighty 3'ears of age. His wife survived him some time and also spent her last days in her daughter's home. Her death occurred at the age of seventy- five years. She was also a consistent member of the German Baptist Church, and like her husband, delighted in doing good. All of their children grew to manhood and womanhood and were married and four of the nine are yet living. Under the parental roof Henry Emmert spent the days of his boyhood, being carefully reared by his worthy parents. He was yet a single man when he came to Illinois, where he began life as a farmer. He entered eighty acres of land from the Government, but afterward disposed of this and purchased elsewhere. His arrangements and perp- arations for a home were further completed by his marriage with Miss Mary Kesseler. The lady was born in Darke County, Ohio, April 1, 1831, and is a daughter of Benjamin and Sarah (Burket) Kosseler. Her parents were natives of North Carolina, but wedded in Ohio, and began their PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPmCAL RECORD. 797 domestic life in Darke County, that State, in 1849. Joseph Kesseler, the grandfather, was descended from ancestors from Switzerland and died in North Carolina. On coming to Illinois the parents of Mrs. Emmert located on a new farm in Nachusa Townsiiip, where the mother died many years ago. The father afterward returned to Maryland, where he was joined in wedlock with Miss Cather- ine Cronize. They now reside in Frederick County, that State, Mr. Kesseler being eighty-five yeai-s of age. Both are members of the German Baptist Church. Mi-s. Emmert is one of a family of two sons and three daughters. Her sisters are now deceased, but her brothers are yet living. Her union has been blessed with nine children, but they lost three: Jennie, Joseph and Lora. Sarah, is now the wife of Joseph Johnson, of Nachusa; Anna E., is at home; George R., is now clerking in Nachusa; H. Hugh, F. Frederick and Jesse T., are still under the parental roof. The parents arc both members of the German Baptist Church, and in his political views, Mr. Emmert is a Republican. Whatever success our subject has attained in life, is due to his own efforts. He has worked his way upward to a position of wealth and affluence, being recognized as one of the substantial farmers and stock-raisers of his township. His farm com- prising one hundi-ed and eighty-six acres, is a valuable one, highly cultivatedand well improved, and thereon he has resided since 1852. He also owns a timbered tract of ten acres in China Town- ship. S] SAIAH STAINBROOK, a member of the farm- V ing community of Lee County, has owned it and occupied his present farm in Viola Town- ship for nearly thirty years. He is a native of Crawford County, Pa., and was born May 6, 1835. His father, George Frederick Stainbrook, a vener- able resident of Wyoming Township, was also a native of Crawford County, while his father, John Stainbrook was of German birth. He came to this country with his parents in early life, and was married in Pennsylvania to Elizabeth Kightlinger, a native of tliat State. He always fol'owed farm- ing, and spent his last years in Crawford County. The father of our subject was reared and married, and resided in his native county until 1857. In that year he migrated to Illinois, and buying a farm in Wyoming Township, still makes it his home. He is very old, having attained the advanced age of ninety-five years. His wife, Susan Baird, daughter of Joseph Baird, was born, reared and died in Crawford County, Pa., her death occurring in 1837. The subject of this sketch passed his early years in the State of his birth, and was educated in the public schools. In 1856 he left his old home to found a new one in the great Prairie State. He worked out by the month in Lee County until 1860, when he went to Princeton, Bureau County, and was employed on a farm there two years. Returning to this county at the expiration of that time, he invested his money in the farm on which he now resides, which contains a quarter section of excellent farming land. February 22, 1865, he enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Fifty- third Illinois Volunteers at Mendota 111., and was mustered out at Springfield, 111., September 22, the same year. Mr. Stainbrook was married in October, 1857, to Miss Isabelle Davison, a native of Onondago County, N.Y. Her father, William Davison, was born in County Down, Ireland, and his father, who bore the same name as himself, was born either in that country or in Scotland, he being of Scottish antecedents. He came to America in 1825, and located near Kingstou, Canada. Mrs. Stainbrook's father was born and reared on his native isle, and on coming to this country located in Onondago County, N. Y., where he engaged in f aiming. A few years later he i-emoved -to the Province of Ontario, Canada, and there remained until 1851. In that year he came to Illinois, and settled among the pioneers of Viola Township, the removal hither being made by the lakes to Chicago, and from there by team to this county. At that time there were no railways here, and the abundance of deer and other wild animals denoted that the country was still in a sparsely settled condition. Mr. Davison bought a tract of wild land, and im- 798 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. proved a good farm, on which he lived until his demise. The maiden name of his wife was Mary Wallace. She was born in Scotland, and was a daughter of James and Mary Wallace. She died on the home farm at a ripe age. Mr. and Mrs, Stainbrook have four children, namely: George, William, Mary E. and Jane. *^*= y. /^ ^S-^* 'LLEN WEIGLE. This gentleman, who operates a well-kept and carefully con- ducted meat market, located on Galena Avenue ut Dixon, also carries on an exten- sive ice business. He has been engaged in the former occupation since 1866, and during that time was for some years in partnership with his brother Henry. Mr. Weigle was born in Allen town, Pa., January 3, 1844, where he was reared and educated. His father, David Weigle, was a native of Germany, where he learned the trade of a butcher, and when a young man came to the United States, settling in Eastern Pennsylvania, where he was married. After their marriage this worthy couple spent most of their lives in Allentown Pa., and there died when quite old people. They were both mem- bers of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Weigle was formerly a Democrat but in his later years became a member of the Republican party. The subject of this sketch served for three years in the War of the Rebellion, enlisting in 1861 at Philadelphia in the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, it being the one hundred and twelfth regiment organized in the State of Pennsylvania. Col. Gibson of the regular army was in command of his regiment which was attached to the Army of the Potomac and James River. Mr. Weigle took part in the battles of the Wilderness, Cold Harbor, City Point and Petersburg and had many narrow escapes from death. At Cold Harbor a musket ball passed through his hat just grazing the top of his head. He was captured at the battle of Petersburg, but in half an hour afterward, he and a comrade by the name of Weaver, planned and succeeded in making good their escape and returned safely to their regiment. This was a close call, as had he not escaped when he did he would have served a term of imprisonment in the terrible prisons of the South. Mr. Weigle was married in Dixon in February, 1866, to Miss Mary Nelig, who was bom in Allen- town, Pa., but grew to womanhood in Illinois, having come to this county with E. B. Stiles when quite young. She is well educated and an intell- igent woman. Mr. and Mrs. Weigle have had born to them seven children, of whom one, Charles, died when four years old. Those living are Estella, Sarah, Addie, Florence, Olive, and Ray A., all at home. This worthy couple are among the highly respected citizens of Dixon. Mrs. Weigle is a member of the Metliodist Church and active in its good works. In politics Mr. Weigle affiliates with the Republican party. 4^ ^ I AMES McKENNEY was born in the Province of Ontario, Canada, in 1804, and died at his home in Dixon, April 7, 1864. For a record of the family history, the reader is referred to the biographical sketch of Fred McKen- ney. Our subject was a young man when he came from Canada to the State of Illinois and began life in Dixon as a merchant, being thus engaged for many j'ears with great success. Later he fol- lowed the occupation of a liveryman and was thus employed at the time of his death. As one of the early settlers of Dixon and one of its most prominent citizens, Mr. McKenney occu- pied a high place in the esteem of the people of the city and count}-. In his religious views he was liberal, holding to no creed. His political pref- erence brought him into close sympathy with the principles of the Republican party and he uni- formly voted that ticket. His marriage, which took place at Franklin Grove, January 1, 1840, united him with Miss Harriot Whitney, who is a woman of noble character and unusual executive ability, having since the death of her husband cai-efully and successfully looked after his large landed in- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 799 terests. She possesses a vein of true love for the spiritual world and adheres to the faith of scien- tific Spiritualism. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. McKenney was blessed by the birth of five children, one of whom — Charles R. — died at the age of three and one-half years. Josephine, wife of Hobart Wieks, resides in St. Louis; Georgia A. married Dr. Winn, a prom- inent physician of Dixon; Corelia is the widow of Charles A. Baker, and makes her home in St. Louis; Mr. Baker was Overseer for the Molme Milburn Stoddard Manufacturing Company, of Minneapolis, Minn., where his death occurred; Stella is the wife of Thomas J. Stephen, manager of Shepherd's House Papering Company, of Kansas City, Mo. fl OHN HOCTOR, now living a retired life in Amboy, located in that place in August, 1856. He is a native of County Tipperary, Ireland, having been born there June 13, 1826. He is a son of Patrick and Mary (Howe) Hoctor, both of whom passed their last days in their native land. They were the parents of four children: Mary, who still resides in Ireland, mar- ried James Corrigan; our subject,.who is the second in order of birth; Patrick, who went as a British soldier to the West Indies where he died, and Mar- garet, who resides in Australia. Our subject was the only member of the family to emigrate to the United States, and on coming hither, in 1853, stopped for a time in Philadelphia where he was married to a lady who was also a native of County Tipperary and who came to the New World in 1850. When in Philadelphia, Mr. Hoctor was engaged as a day laborer, and in 1856, as before stated, he came to Amboy, being in the employ of the Illinois Central Railroad, working in the blacksmith shop. In 1861, the outbreak of the late war, he of whom we write enlisted in Company C, Thirteenth Illinois Infantry, and' first saw active service in Missouri. Then followed the battles of Chickasaw Bayou, Miss.; Arkansas Post, Jackson, Miss.; assault 40 and siege of Vicksburg; Tuscumbia, Ala.; Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, Ringgold Gap and Madi- son, Ala. After a service of three years, his term of service having expired, Mr. Hoctor was on his way home when at Madison, Ala., he was taken prisoner, robbed of his money and clothing, and held in bondage until April 16, 1865. On returning again to the peaceful pursuits of life, our subject entered the employ of the- Illinois Central Railroad with whom he continued until 1885, making in all a period of twenty -seven years. He is the proprietor of two farms of one hundred and sixty acres, to which he gives his personal at- tention. In politics, he votes the Democi-atic ticket and served his fellow-townsmen as Road Commissioner for three years. In religious affairs he is a Roman Catholic. To Mr. and Mrs. Hoctor have been born six children, the eldest of whom died when young. Daniel is a blacksmith in Chi- cago; John was killed near Elkhorn, Neb., meeting his death on the cars, at the age of twenty-three years. The remainder of the family are Mary, William and James. Mr. Hoctor is what may be termed. a self-made man, as he came to Amboy poor in this world's goods, but now ranks among the representative citizens of the county. ^AMES W. RICHARDSON, who was Presi- dent of the village of Ashton for a number of years, is engaged in business as a grocer, _ and by his genial courtesy of manner, as well as the superiority of his stock, has gained the confidence of his fellow-citizens. He is one of the brave soldiers, who, more than a quarter of a cen- tury ago, fought with distinguished courage for the preservation of the Union, and for that reason, no less than for the strict integrity which has ever characterized his actions, deserves representation in this volume. A native of this State, Mr. Richardson was born in Taylor Township, Ogle County, June 16, 1842. His father was the late James V. Richardson, who was born in Ireland, and his mother, whose maiden name was Mary Mackey, was also a native of the 800 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Emerald Isle. The parents were married in their native country, wlience they em igrated to America about 1839, and coming direct to Ogle County, this State, sojourned there for a time, and after- ward removed to this county. The mother passed away in China Township, this county, in 1852, while the father di^d in Henry County, 111. The fourth in a family of eight children, our subject was quite young when his parents removed from Ogle to Lee County, and he grew to man- hood in China Township. His opportunities for gaining a good education were meagre, but by study and observation he has become well-informed. His youth was passed uneventfully on his father's farm, where he assisted in tilling the soil and bring- ing the land to a high state of cultivation. He has been an interested witness of the gradual de- velopment of this county from its primeval condi- tion and has taken an important part in promoting its progress. In 1861 Mr. Richardson enlisted in Company F, Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry, and after serving for three years, re-enlisted in the same company and regiment, where he remained until the close of the war. He was an active participant in many engagements, the most important being Shiloli, Connth, Murfreesboro, and the Atlanta campaign. Later he engaged in detached duty at Gen. Thomas' headquarters, and his record is that of a brave soldier, whom no danger affrighted. At the close of the war, he returned to Illinois, but soon went South, remaining in Chattanooga, Tenn., for one year. However, he did not feel contented to make Ills permanent home in the "Sunny South," and returning to this State, engaged in farming in Tay- lor Township, Ogle County. The year 1874 marked the arrival of Mr. Rich- ardson in Ashton, where he engaged in the stock business until October, 1890. At that time he em- barked in the grocery business as the senior mem- ber of the firm of Richardson & Son, and is now successfully operating as a merchant in Ashton. He was married in Taylor Township, Ogle County, December 25, 1867, to Miss Helen Arnold, whose birth occuiTcd in that county. Two children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Richardson Frederick A., and Fay A. M. The devoted wife and mother passed from earth at her home in Ashton, March 18, 1886, sincerely mourned by her family and the many friends whom she had won during her residence here. For several years Mr. Richardson has served as President of the village of Ashton, and in that responsible position has done much to advance the interests of the place. He has taken an active part in local political affairs as a member of the Republican party, and in his social connections is identified with the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Dixon Commandery, No. 21. Mrs. Richardson was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Richardson has contributed lib- erally to the support of the gospel. Besides his property in the village, he owns two hundred and sixty acres and has erected a first-class set of build- ings on his place. -i^^^ ^^- BRAHAM C. HAGERMAN. Notwithstand- ing the fact that our subject has passed the milestone that marks a long and hon- orable life of eighty and one years, he is still keenly interested in farming and stock-raising, and retains the management of his farm on section 14, Palmyra Township, his son assisting him in operating it. When the railway was built through here, the company purchased a part of his land, but he still has eighty acres that is in a fine condi- tion, and on this pleasant homestead he and his wife are serenely enjoying the comforts that they have gathered about them by thcLr united labors. Mr. Hagerman was born in Warren County, N. J., October 15, 1810, a son of Joseph Hagerman, who was also a native of that county. His parents were of New England birth, though of Dutch descent. The first of the Hagermans to come to this country were three brothers, who came from the Netherlands before the Revolution, and made settlement on Staten Island, N. Y. Later one branch of the fainilj', from whom our subject is descended, located in New Jersey, and there the grandparents of our subject lived and died, in Kpowlton Township, Warren County, PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 801 ■which was the scene of the birth of the grandson of whom we write, and the old Hagerman home- stead is still in the possession of some of the fam- ily, the grandfather being Francis Hagerman. The Hagermans are a long-lived race, and in former days the elders were true-blue Presbyterians. Joseph Hagerman was reared to the life of a farmer in his native State in the home of his birth, and in due season he took unto himself a wife, marrying Susan LaBarre, who was also a native of Northampton County, Pa., and came of some of the old Dutch stock that early peopled that State. Her parents were Abraham and Mary (Long) La Barre, who were natives of Pennsyl- vania, and died there at an extreme old age. They were of a long-lived family, and one of the La Barres, a cousin of the mother of our subject, at- tained the remarkable age of one hundred and sixteen years. After marriage, Joseph Hagerman and his bride began life on a farm in his native county, and besides attending to the cultivation of his land, Mr. Hagerman did an active business at his trade as a blacksmith. Thej' subsequently removed to Northampton County, Pa., and pur- chased and improved a new farm in Strand Town- ship. There the father's useful career was termi- nated by typhoid fever when he was in the prime and vigor of life. He was a fine man in every respect, and was greatly esteemed by his commu- nity. He was active in religious matters, and was a sound Presbyterian. His widow survived him a great many years, dying at last in the same Penn- sylvania county where his demise occurred, be- ing ninety-six years old at tlie time of her death. She was of a pious frame of mind, and a stanch Presbyterian in her religious belief. Our subject is the third of six sons and four daughters, all of whom lived to advanced ages, and seven are yet living, he being the only one residing in Illinois. ■ His early life was spent in his native county in New Jersey, and in Northampton County,, Pa., whither his parents removed when he was young. In 1861 he made an important move, leaving his old home and coming to this State to try farming on the rich prairies. The re- sult of that step has been very satisfactory, and to-day he is numbered among the prospei'ous far- mers of Palmyra Township, where he settled on the farm on which he has since carried on his oc- cupation in November, 1861. This is finely culti- vated, well-drained and fenced, and iLs improve- ments are ample and substantial. While living in Northampton County, Pa., Mr. Hagerman was married to Miss Malinda Eyer, in whom he has found an inestima- ble treasure. Among the blessings vouchsafed to them in their long wedded life of many years' duration may be counted the eight children born unto them, all of whom are living but Hebron C, who died in infancy. The others are: Frank, who is a clerk in a store at Woosung, and makes his home with his parents; Alice, wife of C. D. Coe, a banker of Barron, Wis.; Josephine, wife of Charles E. Morgan, a farmer in this township; William E., at home, assisting in the management of the farm; J. Coursen, a telegraph operator of Woosung; John W., a resident of Salt Lake City, Utah, where- he is engaged in business as a painter and paper hanger; and Grace, an accomplished young woman who is the stay and comfort of her parents in their home. Mrs. Hagerman was born in Upper Mount Bethel, Northampton County, Pa., January 13, 1827, a daughter of William and Catherine (Bor- ger) Eyer, who were also natives of Pennsylva- nia, and both were of German parentage. Their parents had settled in Northampton County in Colonial days, when it was a wilderness with but few inhabitants. William Kyev was a son of John Eyer, who was a Pennsylvania farmer and a Ger- man teacher, and lived to be eighty-five years of age. He married Margaret Good, who also lived to be veiy old. All their lives they were mem- bers of the Lutheran Church, and were well-known old settlers of their township. They were the parents of eight sons, who all grew to maturity, and raised large families. After their marriage, William Eyer and his bride made their home near where they had been born and reared, and there labored as tillers of the soil until death stayed their hands when they were old people, he dying at the age of eighty- three, and she just before her eighty-sixth birthday. They were prominent members of the Lutheran 802 POIITEAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. CUurch, and he was a Democrat in politics. Mrs. Hageriiian is the seventh daughter in a family of two sons and seven daughters born to her parents, all of whom married and reared large families, and four of them are yet living. Our subject and his wife retain in a remarkable degree the strength of body and vigor of mind characteristic of their younger days. Always kindly disposed and charitable toward others, having a warm place in their hearts for all who suffer or are needy, the frosts of age have not chilled their sympathies. Nurtured in Christian principles, they have not departed from their earlj' training, but have long been devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Hagerman seems to have inherited his father's political views, and is as sound a Democrat as he was, and at the age of twenty-two he cast his Drst Presidential vote for Gen. Jackson, when he made the second race in 1832. -m^ >f OHN YETTER, of Willow Creek Township, IS well and favorably known throughout tLee County, among whose progressive, well- j ' informed and skillful farmers and stock- raisers he occupies a high position. His landed possessions lie in Willow Creek and Alto Town- ships, and his farm is among the best in its vicin- ity in its appointments and in regard to product- iveness. Our subject was born in Rheinpfalz, Germany, December 18, 1835. His father, John G. Yetter, was a native of the same place, and was but three years old when his father died. He was cared for by his mother, and was reared to the life of a farmer. He followed his vocation in his native land until 1 854, when he emigrated to America. He was a resident of New York City for a short time, but in March, 1855, came to Illinois and located near Hennepin, Putnam County. In 1862 he came from there to Lee County, and spent his last days with his son, our subject, dying in his home in March, 1890, at the venerable age of eighty-two years. His wife died during their res- idence near Hennepin, in 1857, at the age of fifty- three years. She was born in the same German province as himself, and her maiden name was Katherina Meyer. They reared eleven children, all of whom came to America, and the following are their names: Katherina, Elizabeth, John, Mar- garet, Mary, George, Anna, Lena, Maria, Philip and Julia. George, who was a member of the Twentieth Illinois Infantry, gave up his life for his adopted country, while bravely fighting at the battle of Raymond, Miss. He of whom these lines are principally written received an excellent education in the schools of his native land, which he attended steadily until he was thirteen years old. From that time until 1854, he worked on the home farm in Rheinpfalz, and then on the 1st of March he set sail from Havre on the ship '"Helvetia,' ' bound for the United States of America, and thirty-seven days later landed at New York City. He was employed in that Metropolis for nine months, and at the end of that time started Westward and came to Illinois by rail to La Salle, and from there by team to Henne- pin. He rented a farm in that vicinity, and re- mained ttere until the fall of 1859, when he came to Willow Creek Township. He farmed here as a renter for two years, and in 1860 bought a quarter section of wild prairie, at $12 an acre, the land now being included in his present place. He lo- cated upon it in 1861, and has been constantly improving it ever since. He has bought other land, and now has three hundred and thirteen acres of fine farming land, lying in Willow Creek and Alto Townships, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation, has erected a neat set of buildings, and has everything in good shape for carrying on agriculture profitably. Mr. Yetter was married November 23, 1857, to Miss Lena Schoenholz, who was born in the same province as himself, July 16, 1835. To her he is indebted for the many conforts that he enjoys in his cozy home, and she has been a factor in bring- ing about his prosperity by her helpfulness in var- ious directions. They have nine children, who are named John P., Carl T., Lena, Mary, George, Jacob, Fred, Frank and May. Our subject is in the truest sense of the term a PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPmCAL RECORD. 803 self-made man, who has taken advantage of every opportunity offered to improve his condition and to make his life as full and complete as possible. He has good mental endowments, is a close observer of men and affairs, and finds time to indulge his liking for reading, and so is informed on a variety of subjects, and keeps well posted in what is going on in the outside world. He is one of the leading citizens of his township, and represented it as one of the members of the County Board of Supervisors for eight years, his fellow-citizens having a just appreciation of the value of the services of a man of his calibre in helping to carry on public affairs. In politics, he is a Republican. He possesses sound religious convictions, and he and his wife and three of theu- children arc members of the Evangelical Church. AMUEL ALLEN. All honor is due to the noble citizen-soldiers of the country who served it so faithfully during the late war, many of them sacrificing the earl}' years of their manhood in helping to perserve the Union in its integrity. Many of them have since been very serviceable in advancing the interests of this countj^, and among them is Samuel Allen, of tliis biographical review, who is farming and raising stock on section 20, South Dixon Township, where he has a farm that is complete in its appointments, and is as productive as any in the neighborhood. Mr. Allen was born May 6, 1837, near Stoys- town, Somerset Countj', Pa. His parents were Louis and Elizabeth (Commer) Allen, natives re- spectively of Virginia and Pennsylvania, the latter of German parentage, her father and mother liv- ing and dying in the Keystone State. Louis Allen's parents removed from Virginia to New York when he was a small child, and his father died in that State. His mother returned to Vir- ginia, and lived out her remaining days in the Old Dominion. "When Samuel Allen was eleven years old, his parents removed to Bedford County, in the same State, but after living tliere some time, they went back to Somerset County, whence thej' came to Illinois in 1868. They settled in the village of Eldena, in this township, and in 1870 the father died in his new home at the age of seventy-eight, and a year later his wife passed out of life at the same place, she being then past seventy-five years old. They were devoted Christians, and were members of the Baptist Church for many years. Our subject was in the flush and vigor of early manhood when he first came to this county in 1860 to make it his future home. The Rebellion broke out and found him hard at work lo get a good start in life. He watched the course Of the war with intense interest, and in August, 1862, threw aside all personal considerations to join the brave boys in blue at the front, his name being enrolled on the 15th of that month as a member of Com- pany A, Seventy-fifth Illinois Infantry. His regi- ment was sent to the field to fight under the gallant Gen. Thomas, and he and his comrades were with him until the terrible war was brought to a close, early winning the confidence of their be- loved leader by their fidelity to duty, courage in the face of danger, and staying qualities in the heat of the longest and hardest battles. They were mustered out in June, 1865, and honorably dis- charged at Camp Harker, Nashville, Tenn. They had taken an active part in the engagements at Nashville, Franklin and Chattanooga. They went through the Atlanta campaign, and completed their service by driving the rebel. Gen. Hood, from his stronghold. Our subject escaped without a wound, but while he was sick in a Kentucky hos- pital he was captured bj' John Morgan's troops, during the celebrated raid of that daring leader through that State. Although never pierced by a rebel bullet or bayonet, he had many a hairbreadth escape from death while fighting in the lines in some hotly-contested battle. After the close of the war, Mr. Allen returned to this county, and soon was pursuing his vocation as a farmer as busily and with as much interest as if he had never left the plow to shoulder his gun to help fight hiscountrjf's battles. He has owned his present farm of one hundred and eleven acres on section 20, South Dixon Township, since 1868, having one hundred and forty-one acres in all, and by unremitting and well-directed toil has transformed it into one of the most desirable 804 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. pieces of property in that township, erecting good farm buildings, placing the soil under a high state of cultivation, and purchasing modern machinery so that lie might conduct its operations to the best advantage. Besides the home place he owns ninety-two acres in another part of this township. Mr. Allen has taken unto himself a wife since becoming a resident of this county, and to her good offices attributes a part of his success in life, as well he may, she being so well fitted for her position at the head of the houshold whose affairs she directs wisely and well. She bore the maiden name of Iwa Mossholder, and is a daughter of a well-known pioneer family, whose history is given in the biography of William II. Mossholder. Mrs. Allen was young when she came to Illinois with her parents from her birthplace in Somerset Count}', Pa., and she was reared to womanhood in South Dixon Township. She is a member of the Evangelical Church, and, with her husband, is of high social standing in this township where they have many friends. Mr. Allen is a man of sterling common sense, with sensible opinions upon all topics with which he is familiar, and in politics he holds himself independent of party ties. Our subject and his wife have been blessed in their marriage by these three children: CorraE., wife of William Baker, of La Salle Township, La Salle County; Louis G., married Miss Jennie Parker, and lives on his father's farm; and Nellie M. is at homo with her parents. ^OI-IN WESLETHOYLE is a representative of the farmers of the present generation ,vho have within a few years stepped to the front to aid in carrying on the great agricultural interests of this county. His farm, comprising a quarter of section 35, South Dixon Township, is the old family homestead, on which he has passed the most of his life, and he keeps it up to the same high standard that it had attained in the elder Hoyle's hands. Our subject was born May 6, 1863, in Somerset County, Pa., and is the third son of John and Em- eline (Deeter) Hoyle, whoare well-known people of fhls county, and are living in retirement at Eldena. A biographical record of their lives ap- pears on another page of this volume. Their son of whom we write was but a few months old when they came to this countj^, and he was about two years of age when he removed to the farm he now owns and occupies. He was educated in the pub- lic schools, W.1S carefully reared under excellent home influences, and during his boyhood and youth had an experience in farm work that has been valuable since, as he was taught to do things well, and never to neglect any opportunity to im- prove his finances by taking advantage of the mar- kets. Since he attained his majority, he has been actively engaged on his own account, having a good equipment of brain and brawn to start out with, and in 1889 he purchased the old homestead of his father. It is amply supplied with every con- venience for carrying on agriculture, and, besides raising grain and other farm products, he has a good grade of stock on the place. Mr. Hoyle and Miss Belle Fritz were married in this township, where she was born August 17, 1866. She was reared and educated here, and resided with her parents until her rharriage. Her union with our subject has brought them three children whom they have named Ray V., Hazel A. and Florence. Her father, Henry Fritz, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Hoyle, in the spring of 1891, at a ripe old age. He was of German descent, and was born and reared in Pennsylvania. When a young man he came Westwarcf as far as this State, and was here married to Mrs. Nancy'Howard nee Allen, a sister of Samuel Allen, who is represented else- where in this work. The mother, who is an old ladjr, now makes her home at Eldena. Mrs. Hoyle is one of three children, all living, she being the eldest. Her sister Addie is the wife of Jerry Hoyle, ■who is employed in the shoe factory at Dixon, and her brother, George W., lives with his brother-in- law, Mr. Hoyle. Our subject has done well in the past as a wide- awake farmer, and has a promising future before him in his chosen career, as he has a clear under- standing of his calling, is keen and prompt, decided in purpose and act, and carries his whole soul into PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 805 his work. He is correct in his habits, and in him and his amiable wife the Evangelical Association of this township finds two of its most earnest working members. His politics are of tiie Republi- can order. _^| SAHEL PRENTICE has been identified WM\ with the agricultural interests of this county for thirty years and more, as one ^^ of its practical, intelligent farmers, and the farm that he has developed from a tract of wild prairie in Wyoming Township compares fav- orably in point of improvement and cultivation with the best in this locality. Mr. Prentice was born in the beautiful town of Chester, Hampden County, Mass., June 6, 1833. His father, Ephraim Prentice, was also a native of Massachusetts, and was brought up on a New England farm. After marriage he bought a farm in Chester, seven miles from the station, on the Boston & Albau}^ Rail- way. He resided there until 1858, and then sold his place in order to come to Illinois to pass his re- maining years with his children, and died in Wy- oming Township, at a ripe age. The maiden name of his wife was Susan Bisbee, and she was born either in Chester or Worthington, Mass. She died at the home of a son in La Salle County, this State. She was the mother of these children: Asahel, Ed- ward, Martha, John, Mary and Henry. The subject of this brief life record was reared on a farm among his native hills, and, under the influences of a good home and pleasant surround- ings, grew to a stalwart manhood. He had the advantages of a good education, conducted partly in the district school and partly in the High School at East Hampton. Thus well equipped men tally ,he began life by teaching school two terms. He preferred, however, the more active life of a farmer, and wisely thinking that the outlook was broader in the great Prairie State, he came hither in 1856, and the following summer bought the land included in his farm in Wyoming Township. It was then merely a tract of wild prairie, and only by the most painstaking toil, directed by skill and a good knowledge of agriculture, has he redeemed it from a state of nature. He has the land all under an excellent state of cultivation, has erected neat frame buildings and has adorned the place and added to its value by planting choice fruit and shade trees. In becoming a citizen of Illinois, our subject has been benefited in more ways than one, as he has not only been prospered financially, but the comfort and happiness of his life has been increased by his good fortune in securing a true wife by his marriage in Wyoming Township, in 1857, to Miss Amanda :Melvina Sproul, a native of Penn- sylvania. They have five children living: Sarah James, Mortimer, .Joseph and William. Sorrow has visited them heavily in the death of two of their children — Susie, their fourth child, who died in her fourth year, and Lena May in her fifteenth year. The latter lost her life in the great cyclone of June 20, 1890, that created such havoc and deso- lation in this portion of Lee County, she being one of the seven scholars, who with their teacher, Mag- gie McBride, perished on that fatal day, when the wind utterly demolished the little school house in which they were staying. "1^- ARRISON HAUSEN, who is at present ^ residing on section 3, China Township, was born in Bremen, Lincoln County, Me., April 13, 1818. He is a son of Charles Han- sen, who was born in Friendship, in the same county and State, where also his mother, whose maiden name was Mary Jane Hilton, was born. The parents came to Lee County in the fall of 1840, and set- tled a short distance from Franklin Grove, where William H. Hausen now lives. The father de- parted this life in the spring of 1869, and the mother in December, 1878. Our subject was the second in order of birth of the parental family of eleven children, and was reared to manhood in Lincoln and Penobscot Counties, Me. In company with his brother Will- iam H., he set out for this county, September 4, 1838, and arrived within its limits in October of 806 PORTRAIT ATSTD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. that year, making the distance from the east side of Michigan to the Rocl? River on foot. Our sub- ject has consequently been a resident of China Township since the fall of 1838. Harrison Hausen was married in this county to Lydia Clinetop, who was born in Luzeme Count}-, Pa. They have become the parents of one daugh- ter, Ann L., who is the wife of Thomas J. Wert- man, of Montgomery County, Iowa. Mrs. Lydia Hausen departed this life in China Township, and our subject was again married in Dixon, this State, to Miss Nancy Wilder, who hailed from Penobscot County, Me. By that union have been born two children: Hal, who married Miss Anna "Warn, and Fred H. In politics, our subject is a Democrat. He has always been engaged in farming and stock- raising, and has a finely improved estate of six hundred acres in this county, besides lands in Iowa. •^^= ^^ h UDWIG BAKER. This gentleman, at pres- ent foreman of the Emerson Lumber Com- pany at Dixon, has been connected with that company for ten years, with the exception of three years spent in Sully County, S. Dak. He is an extensive land-owner in the latter State, possessing three hundred and twenty acres of land, which is well improved, and two tracts of one hundred and sixty acres each, which are unbroken. He also owns one hundred and sixty acres in Nelson Township, this county, divided into two farms of eighty acres each, with good improve- ments and buildings. He came to this State and county a poor man, struggling to get a start in life, beginning his work on the land last mentioned, in 1857 and by hard work has succeeded in acquir- ing his present possessions and comfortable po- sition in life. Mr. Baker was born July 20, 1826, in Somerset County, Pa. His father, Henry Baker, was a na- tive of the same county, of German parentage, whose father died when he was two years old. He was reared by an older sister, and when old enough, learned the trades of a carpenter, mill- wright and cooper, becoming a very skillful mechanic. He also became a successful farmer and at the time of his death, which took place in 1863, when at the age of seventy-six years, he was the pwner of considerable land in Somerset County. He was a Whig in politics, and in religion a de- voted member of the Lutheran Church. His wife, whose maiden name was Eve Young, like her hus- band was a native of Somerset County, Pa., and also of German ancestry. She died in 1871 at the age of eighty-one years. Her father, Ludwig Young, was a farmer in Somerset County, and was a native of Germany, from which country he came with his parents when only seven years of age. He died, when eighty-five years old, at the home which he had occupied for so many years. His wife, whose maiden name was Miss Barren, was a, native of Pennsylvania and lived until very advanced in years. They were both members of the Lutheran Church. Our subject is one of fourteen children, eight of whom lived to maturity and became the heads of families. Our subject and his brother Henry, who is a fai'mer in Westmoreland County, Pa., are the only members of the family now surviving. Ludwig Baker remained at home until reaching years of manhood, and inherited from his father a natural facility in the use of tools, although he never became a practical mechanic. He was married in Somerset, in his native county, to Miss Carolina Benford, who was bom in that city, the count}' seat of Somerset County, August 13, 1822. She was the daughter of Thomas and Catherine Chopenig Benford, natives of Pennsylvania, of Scotch arid Dutch ancestry, respectively. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Benford settled on a farm, Mr. Benford carrying on, in addition to his farming operations, a tannery. In later years he became the proprietor of a public house on the Somerset and Mt. Pleasant Turnpike, which was at that time a well-known and much traveled high- way. In this business he and his wife continued-for years, becoming well known throughout the country as good entertainers and worthy people. Here the decease of both occurred, Mr. Benford, who was born in 1793, departing this life, January 7, 1866, his wife's death taking place April 8, 1855, at the age of fifty-five years and eight months PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 807 They had made hosts of friends during tlieir life- time, especially among the traveling public, and their loss was greatly felt. Mrs. Balier is one of ten children born to her parents, six sons and four daughters, of whom the sons and three daughters are now living. Our sub- ject and his wife have been the parents of five children of whom three are deceased: Henry, Eda C, and Thomas H., all of whom died in childhood. Those living are Anna M., wife of Hall Schofleld, who resides in Rock Falls, this Slate, where Mr. Schofield carries on a livery stable. Mrs. Scho- fleld was a teacher for twelve years before her marriage; Bessie remained at home and for some years ha3 been engaged in teaching. Mr. and Mrs. Baker are well known and highly esteemed by people in the community where they reside, and Mrs. Baker and her daughter Bessie are worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, Mr. Baker is a stanch Repub- lican and takes a deep interest in everything affecting the welfare of his town and county. Mr. Baker was Justice of the Peace while, in Somerset County, Pa., and Constable in Lee County. •^ 1 -^ I ' ) ' I I ' I 'I - W^'^ SISRA.EL ZUG, a resident of Franklin Grove, I where he is engaged in horticulture, is prom- /Ij inent in the public life of Lee County as a member of the County Board of Supervisors, rep- resenting China Township. He is a descendant of an ancient family in Switzerland, being one of the sixth generation in the United States, three brothers having come over from the Swiss Fatlier- land to this country in Colonial times, who were early settlers in different counties in Pennsylvania. One of them changed the spelling of the original name to Zook, another changed the spelling to Zuek, while Uli Zug, the ancestor of our subject, retained the correct orthography, as he settled in Lancaster County, Pa., among Germans who were familiar with the name Zug, which means train, and is applied to many places in Switzerland. Dli Zug had a son John, who attained the age of ninety-six years, and the next in line was Abra- ham, whose son John was the father of our sub- ject. In religion, the ancestors of Mr. Zug who first came to this country were Mennonites, but the father, grandfather and great grandfather of our subject were ministers in the German Baptist Church. He of whom these lines are written was the fourth of the eiglit children of his parents, and he was born in Lebanon County, Pa., March 14, 1827. In early life he learned the trade of a tanner, which he followed in his native State until 1850. Ambitious to- try his fortunes in what was then a part of the "Great West," he came to Illinois in that year, journeying by the Ohio, Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, and landing at Peru. He pur- chased eighty acres of land in La Salle County, which he tilled profitably for four years. At the expiration of that time, he removed to Franklin Grove, and continued farming for two years there- after. From 1858 to 1881, he owned and con- ducted the principal meat market at Franklin Grove, and since that time has given his attention to horticulture. He has a natural taste for. this pursuit, brings an intelligent and enquiring mind to the work of carrying it on, and is well in- formed as to the best methods to be followed in or- der to make it successful. In the decade that he has devoted to this line, he has given close atten- tion to every detail, and has built up a business from which he derives a good income. Mr. Zug was married in 1849 to Rachael L., daughter of James and Martha Johnson, and a na- tive of Chester County, Pa., who was born in 1829. They have had as much joy in their domestic life as usually falls to the lot of mortals, and among their blessings are the eight children born to them. ■ One child died in infancy; and their son Nathan is dead. He went to Oregon in early manhood, where he married and died, leaving two children. The following are the children spared to our sub- ject and his wife: John, a bricklayer, who resides in Iowa; Alfred, a butcher in Hutchinson, Kan.; Frank, a butcher in Iowa; Llewellyn, who lives at home with his parents; Mary, wife of Elnier E. Mathews, a lawyer of Sedan, Kan.; and Hattie,wife of Charles Secrist, a clerk in the Union Transfer Depot, at Council Bluffs, Iowa. 808 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, Our subject is a man whose fine character and high principles, and his capacity for affairs, have made him conspicuous in the civic life of his town- ship and county. He has been Justice of the Peace, ■has been Collector, and is now serving his second term as a representative of China Township on the County Board of Supervisors. He is a saga- cious and safe counsellor, and always gives good advice when his neighbors seek his guidance in any matter. He is faithful to the duties imposed upon him as a public official, and never neglects an opportunity to push forward the interests en- trusted to his care. He is frank and warm hearted, is conscientious and straightforward in all his acts, and his religion is of both the mind and the heart. He and his wife are believers in the doctrines of the Advent Church. In politics, he is a stanch Republican. *=•{•=♦ 'A ■S^DWARD S. FARGO, of Dixon, is widely im) known throughout the Northwest, among iV — -^ the mercantile class and traveling men as one of the oldest and most successful commercial travelers in the United States. He is descended from good old New England ancestry, and was born amidst the beautiful hills of Berkshire County, Mass., in the town of Tyringham, November 15, 1822. His father, Samuel Fargo, was also a native of the old Bay State, born in Sandisfleld, September 1, 1799, while his father, whose name was the same as his own, was a native of New London, Conn., whence he removed to Sandisfleld, where he carried on farming for many years, although his last days were spent in Tyringham. The maiden name of his wife was Eunice Stebbins. She was born near New London, Conn., and coming to Dixon in her tild age, about 1857, died here a few years later. In his early manhood the father of our subject was engaged in the mercantile business in what is now Monterey until 1821, and from there to Ty- ringham, where he remained until 1855. In 1855 he came to Lee County and bought land three and one-half miles south of Dixon, and while he re- sided in this city he superintended the improve- me;nt of his farm, and was classed among the substantial farmers of the county. He died Janu- ary 16, 1891, full of years, and leaving behind him the record of a well-spent life. His wife had preceded him in death, dying in 1883, after an unusually long wedded life of more than sixty years' duration. She was born in Hudson, Colum- bia County, N. Y., February 22, 1802, her maiden name Eliza Buel, and she was a daughter of Joseph and Lucy (Pickett) Buel. She was the mother of five children: One who died in infancy; George A., Edward S.; Charles, a resident of Chicago; Joseph B., of Dixon ; and Samuel M., of Chicago. The subject of this biographical record received his early education in the schools of his native town, and subsequently enjoyed the advantages of a course of study at Lenox Academy, of which John Hotchkin was then principal. At the youth- ful age of seventeen years, he entered upon the business, which he has almost continuouslj' pursued ever since, as a commercial traveler, and but very few, if any men, have had the large experience that he has had in that line, or have been so successful in making sales and advancing the interests of tlieir employers as he. He has always exercised due caution, discrimination and excellent judgment in dealing with buyers, and at the same time has dis- played marked enterprise and a real talent for securing custom, that have rendered his services invaluable to his firm. He traveled for several years in New York, Massachusetts and Connecti- cut, but in 1854 he came to Dixon, and has made his home here ever since. He bought a tract of land near the city in company with his father, yet did not attempt farming, but still gave his atten- tion to mercantile pursuits, obtaining a position as clerk in Dixon. A year later, he threw up that employment to resume his old business as a com- mercial traveler in the interests of Bill, Fargo Kelog & Co., wholesale dealers in boots and shoes, which was subsequently changed to Charles H. Fargo & Co., and he has traveled for that firm continu- ously since, being an important factor in its pros- perity. Through him it has become extensively known throughout Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota and South Dakota, and he has f'ORTRAlT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 809 built up for his employers a good business in those Slates. More than half a century has elapsed since he first entered upon his vocation in New England, and then much of the country through which he now trayels was an unknown wilderness — the great States of Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin were in their infancy; Iowa and Minnesota, but little set- tled, (the latter not even an organized Territory) were on the furthest frontier; aiid the Dakotas were unheard of. Mr. Fargo was married in 1843 to Miss Margaret, daughter of Daniel and Sophia (Strong) Garfield, and a native of the same Berkshire town in which he had his birth. She is a member of the Baptist Church, and is an exemplary Christian woman. Her happy wedded life with our subject has brought them two daughters: Eliza Sophia, wife of Samuel B. Bovey, of Chicago, and Eva M., at home with her parents. Our subject is esteemed wherever he is known for his sterling worth and for his pleasant dispo- sition, which have gained him many friendships among the people with whom he has come in contact in the course of his business. In his social relations he is connected with the following organizations: Friendship Lodge, No. 7, A. F. & A. M.; Nachusa Chapter, No. 57, R. A. M.; and Dixon Commandery, No. 21, K. T. -_^ ■' ENRY W. DUNNING, an early settler of Illinois who is now living retired at No. 34 Walnut Street, Chicago, was born in New- burg, Orange County, N. Y., February 23, 1828. His father, Gabriel Dunning, was also, a native of that city and being left an orphan at the age of seven years, from that time on made his own way in the world. He learned the trade of a cooper, which business he followed in Newburg, until 1830, when he removed to Tompkins County, and purchased a farm in Newfleld Township, where he engaged in farming and resided until 1843, at which time he traded his land for property near liockford, Winnebago County. May 15, of the above named year, our subject. accompanied by his wife and family of nine chil- dren, stjirted for their future home, making the entire journey overland and arriving in Rock- ford on the 15th of June. At that time Chicago was a city of about seventy five hundred inhab- itants, and most of the land in the northern part of this State was owned by the Government. Mr. Dunning resided on that farm until 1861, when he sold out, and removing to Rockford, made his home in that city for tlie succeeding six years, then purchased a farm fourteen miles northwest of that place and there continued to reside until his death. The maiden name of his wife was Keziah Case. She was also born in Orange County, N. Y., and died in Tompkins County.. He was married a second time, his wife surviving him many years. Henry W. Dunning of this sketch received his education in the public schools of Tompkins County, accompanying his parents on their removal to Illinois in 1843, and can relate many an interesting event of pioneer life. He has often teamed wheat to Chicago with two yoke of oxen, and when the weather was pleasant camped and cooked by the wayside and in bad weather stopped at the taverns which were located at uneven distances, the charges for which were very moderate. Our subject resided with his parents until reaching his majority, then began life for himself by working out on farms by the month. After being thus employed for two years, he pur- chased eighty acres of unimproved land, five miles east of Rockford, for which lie paid $4 per acre. He erected thereon a log cabin and resided there, cul- tivating his land until 1861, when he traded his property for one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 10, Ash ton Township. Later, however, he purchased another forty acres and continued to make that place his home until 1880, when, renting his farm, he removed into the village of Preston. In 1887 he went to Chicago, where he has since lived retired from active business. He still owns his farm of two hundred acres in Ashton Township, his home in the village of Preston, and a seventy-acre farm near that village. In 1856, Mr. Dunning was married to Emma Morse, who was born in Waukesha, Wis., and was the daughter of William and Sarah (Chapman) 810 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Morse. To them have been born two children, Irvin and Hattie. The former married Ida Rice and is the father of three children: Blanche, Elmer and an infant_ unnamed. , The daughter married Benjamin Rice and has become the mother of two children, Walter and Carl. Mrs. Emma Dunning departed this life in 1870, and in February, 1880, our subject was married to Louisa Bennett, who was born in Sodus, Wayne County, N. Y. She is a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Dunning is connected with Preston Lodge, No. 515, A. F. & A. M.; is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of the United Order of Deputies, and of the American Mechan- ics. V <^ j^ILLIAM M. STRADER. The agricultural element that has been so largely instru- mental in the upbuilding of Lee County is well represented hj this gentleman, a prominent farmer of Wyoming Township. His well-appointed farm is finely located on section 8 of said town- ship, on the Chicago and Dixon Road, at this junction with the Rochelle Road, and one and three-fourth miles west of Paw Paw, his residence occupying a rise of ground commanding a pleasant view of the surrounding country. Mr. Strader was bom on a farm in Lafayette Township, Sussex County, N. J., August 18, 1824. His father, whoso given name was Henry, was also a native of that New Jersey township, but his father is thought to have been of German birth. The latter was the owner of a farm in Lafayette Town- ship, which is now in possession of his great-grand- son, having been in the family one hundred and twenty years, and a railway station is on the place, called Strader's Station. The mortal remains of the founder of the family in the United States are buried in the Plains burying ground, near his old home. Henry Strader was reared. and married in his na- tive county, Rachel More becoming his wife. She was a native of Sussex County, N. J., and was a , daughter of Noah and Hannah More. She died at the home of her son, our subject, in 1860. The father of our subject left his early home in 1829 and founded another in that part of Luzerne County, Pa., now included in Wyoming County. He bought a farm there two miles from Newton, in Newton Township, upon which he resided twenty years. At the expiration of that time, he returned to New Jersey to spend his closing years amid the scenes of his childhood, and lived on the old Strader homestead until death closed his mor- tal career in 1880. He now lies sleeping the last sleep in the old Plains burying ground. Our subject was one of nine children born to his parents who grew to maturity. He was five years old when the family removed to Pennsylvania, and there he grew to manhood and was given the opportunity of obtaining such an education as the local schools offered. In the month of May, 1848, he and his mother, brothers and sisters started for what was then considered the "F'ar West," and after five weeks' travel overland arrived in this county. He entered the northwest quarter of sec- tion 6, in what is now Wyoming Township, which was wild land. He was then in the flush of early manhood, endowed with strength, tenacity of pur- pose and a good capacity for down-right hard labor, and as soon as he had erected a log house for shelter, he proceeded earnestly to work to im- prove his land. At that time the county was but sparsely inhabited, the greater part of the land was owned by the Government, and game of all kinds found a home on the prairies or in the timber. There were no railways for some time, and La Salle was the nearest market. Mr. Strader broke and fenced his land, bought one hundred and twenty acres more on section 31, Willow Creek Township, and continued his farm- ing operations until March, 1852, when he once more started Westward, this time bound for the Golden State. This was also his wedding journey, as he was accompanied by his bride, he having been married a few days previously, February 22, 1852, to Miss Sarah A. Post, a native of Batavia, Genesee County, N. Y. She was born October 9, 1831, and is a daughter of James D. Post, who was born at Shetfield, Mass., in 1804, and was a son of James Post, who is supposed to have been a native of the old Bay State. He was a soldier in the War PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 811 of 1812, and after the close of hostilities he went to Indiana to spend the remainder of his days. Mrs. Strader's father was reared in Massachusetts, and when a young man went from there to New Yorl? and was a pioneer of Batavia, wliere he fol- lowed the trade of a carpenter until 1838. In that year he went to Indiana, making the removal by lake and canal. He carried on his calling at Ft. Wayne until the fall of 1847, when he came to this county with a team. He settled at Lee Centre, where he bought a ti-act of land and gave his atten- tion to its cultivation until death closed his career- The maiden name of his wife was Eliza Hopkins. She was born at Plainfield, Conn., July 2, 1805, and died on the home farm at Lee Centre, Novem- ber 28, 1880. She was a daughter of George and Sarah (White) Hopkins. She was the mother of eleven children, of whom she reared seven. She and her liusband passed together a happy wedded life of fifty-two years. They were devoted mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In their journey across the plains to California, Mr. and Mrs. Strader were members of a company of seven women and twenty-one men, of whom William Hopkins, of Temperance Hill, was the captain. 'They had seven wagons drawn by oxen, and a few saddle horses. They had to wait three weeks at Iowa City for the grass to grow, that their oxen and hDrses might have feed on the long joumej', which was to consume six months, and lay a weary way across a country almost uninhab- ited and over sterile plains and high mountains. From Iowa City to Council Bluffs, a distance of seventy-five miles, there was not a house or any trace of civilization. Wearied and travel-stained, the little party arrived at Shasta, Cal., the termin us of the stage route, September "26. Mr. Strader be- came possessed of a ranch on Trinity River, in Trinity County, on which he erected a commodious house and barn, and there established a ferry which was known by his name. He occupied quite an important location, and his house was the polling place for that section of the county, which was called Strader's Precinct. In the fall of the following year, Mr. Strader sold his ranch at a good price, having tired of life on the frontier, and in the latter part of January, 1854, he set his face towards his old liome, taking with him his little family and proceeding by stage to Marysville, where he embarked, January 27, on the steamer "Pearl," bound for Sacramento. There was a great rivalry among the various steamers plying up and down the rivers, and the fare had been reduced from $5 to fifty cents. Our subject and his wife came near being the victim of a steamboat accident, as there was a race between the boat which they were on and another, and when not twenty rods from the landing at Sacra- mento, the boilers of the "Pearl" exploded, injur- ing all on board, one hundred and twenty-two in number, except eight, among whom were Mr. and Mrs. Strader and their child, who happened to be in the toilet room at the time, and thus escaped scalding, and were rescued before that end of the boat went down. From San Francisco to Panama, the voyage consumed fifteen days, and there our friends had another rather exciting adventure. There was a fine harbor, but no wharf, and when steamers approached Panama a gun was fired as a signal for boats to come out a distance of three miles to laud the passengers, who had to pay two dollars apiece to be put ashore. The tide being out when the steamer containing the Straders ar- rived, the boats could not reach the shore with their prows, and the passengers had to pay another dollar to be carried ashore on men's backs. The boatman who tried to perform that office for Mr. Strader found him a too heavy burden, and fell with him in the water and left him to get to terra firma as best he could. Six hours were taken up in crossing the forty-eight miles of intervening isthmus between the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, on a dilapidated railway, and our sub- ject and his family were detained in the "cars at Aspinwall, awaiting the arrival of the specie boat, which was outside in the harbor but could not ap- proach until the tide turned. From New York they went to Chicago by the way of Philadelphia and at last arrived at Paw Paw Grove, March 25, safe and sound. Since her return home, Mrs. Stra- der has had another narrow escape from death, when the Dixon bridge fell, May 4, 1873, as she had just crossed before the fatal accident, when so many were killed or injured. 812 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Mr. Strader bought his present farm from Rus- sell Town in 1856, and has devoted himself assid- uously to its cultivation and improvement, and in both respects it ranks with the best in the town- ship. He is a man of marked intelligence, his travels, in which he has driven across the United States from ocean to ocean, having broadened his intellect, as he has made good use of his powers of observation, and has stored his mind with useful information derived from nature, as well as from books, for which he has a special fondness. He is credited with bringing the first carriage and light harness to the township, in 1856. He is well known as a man of progressive ideas and of much enter- prise, and his fellow-citizens are always sure of his hearty co-operation in any movement that will benefit the township or county, whether to heighten their material welfare or to elevate their social and moral status. Mr. Strader and his amiable wife occupy a warm place in the hearts of the people about them, as they are known far and near for their never-fail- ing kindness and consideration for others, for their free and open-handed hospitality, and for that beneficent charity that means not onlj- a liberal giving of their means, but impels them to think kindly of, and sympathize with, the unfortunate, and to care for the suffering. They have been members of the Baptist Church for twenty-four years, and have taken an active part in its up- building. Mr. Strader was a Whig in his early manhood, but he has been a Republican since the fornaation of the party. He has served as Road Commissioner, has been School Director and is at present School Trustee. In 1848, the year of his settlement here, the school districts were organ- ized, and began to draw public money. In 1860 the township was organized under the name of Paw Paw, which was soon after changed to Wyoming. Oui' subject has been a member of all the juries impanelled here since his residence here, and in 1886 he was a member of the Grand Jury at Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Strader have been blessed in their wedded life by the birth of six children, of whom these four have passed to the life eternal: George C.,who was born in California and died at the ao-e of nineteen; John, who died in his ninth year; Mary A., who died in her eighteenth year, a lovely girl, who was just blooming into a tender and beautiful womanhood, and Edward J., who was born August 16, 1862, and died July 7, 1886, aged twenty-four years. Two children remain to our subject and his wife, Willis and Harry G. The latter married Miss Emma Morris, and has one child, Grace. A. BALLOU, a successful merchant of Dixon, has been engaged in business for himself for more than eight years, but is a salesman of long experience, having been con- nected with the dry-goods establishment of George L. Sculer from 1863 until 1882. Upon coming to Illinois in the spring of 1860, he first located in Ottawa, where for a time he resided, but later re- moved to Dixon. He was born in New Haven, Addison County, Vt., and received his education in his native place, where he grew to manhood. The father of our subject was Dr. E. C. Ballou, who was for years a physician in Addison County, Vt., and there died at the age of seventy-six years. He was a descendant of the famous min- ister, Rev.Hosea Ballou, and married a New Haven lady. Miss Anna Bird by name. She passed from earth a few years before the demise of her hus- band, at the age of seventy-one years. She was a member of the Methodist Church and a faithful and sincere Christian woman. The Doctor was a Republican in his political belief, and was a strong advocate of temperance, never using liquor in his prescriptions for medicine. Miss Mary McWilliams, as Mrs. Ballou was known in maidenhood, is a native of Orange County, N. Y., and was there educated and reared to womanhood. She has been a faithful com- panion of her husband and his cheerful helpmate in all worthy enterprises to which they have lent their aid. They are active members of the Meth- odist Church, with which they united in youth, and Mr. Ballou is agent for the Dixon branch of PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 813 the Lee County Bible Society. Socially, he is clerk for the Modern Woodmen of America, at Dixon, and is a member of the order of Masons, at Dixon, belonging to the Blue Lodge. Politically, he ad- heres to the principles of the Republican party. Two children survive, and two, Philip and Will- iam, are deceased. Frank A. is salesman for his father, and James is a student in the Dixon schools. e^+^ (^" ^EV. CHRISTIAN B. THUMMEL, D. D., was born in Germany, in 1802, and died at his home in Prairievillc, May 24, 1881. His ancestors were worthy and prominent people in the Fatherland, and his grandfather, who was a ship surgeon, served for many years on the com- mercial vessels of Holland. His father, Gerhard Thummel, was born in Jager, Germany, in 1755, and after receiving his education in his native place, engaged in mercantile pursuits there until his death, in 1826. He was a prominent business man and an energetic and upright citizen. The mother of our subject, Margaret (Meyern) Thummel, was born in Germany, and died in Jager, in 1841, at an advanced age. The parents were faithful and active members of the Lutheran Church. Our subject was educated for the ministry at the University of Halle, in Prussia, and later graduated from the University of Tubingen, in Wurtemberg. In his native province, he was licensed to preach, in 1824, and two years later was ordained to the ministry, soon after which he came to the United States, in August, 1856, cm- barking at Amsterdam in a sailing-vessel and landing at Philadelphia seventy days later. Afterward Mr. Thummel studied at Hartwick Seminary, in Otsego County, N. Y., where he was professor of languages, and also held a professor- ship in the Lutheran Seminary, of Lexington, S. C. In 1845, he removed to Illinois and settled at Prai- rievillc, where he soon afterward organized the Lutheran Church and was its pastor for many years. Some years after he came to Prairieville, the degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon him by a college in Ohio. He was a kind and patient man, a profound scholar and worth }>• citizen, and left many warm friends to mourn his death. For many years he was Secretary of the Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company, of Palmyra Township, which he founded. Politicallj^, he was a Republican. In New York State, Dr. Thummel was married to Miss Catharine Lattin, who was born in Hartwick, N. Y., and educated in the academy at that place. H^er parents, William and Abiel (Hurd) Lattin, were natives of Connecticut, but spent many years in Hartwick, N. Y., where they resided on a farm. Later they went to Ohio, where the father died. The mother then returned to New York State, and there passed from earth at an advanced age. Mrs. Thummel is a lady of much refinement and broad culture, and makes her home in Prairieville. Dr. Thummel and his estimable wife became the parents of five children, viz.: Anson E., of whom see biography; Charles D., who is married and oc- cupies a stock farm of more than seven hundred acres in Marshall County, Kan.; George H., who is married and is an attorney at Grand Island, Neb.; Warren, who lives in Des Moines, Iowa, where he is an attorney, and Kate L., wife of Herman I. Fischer, a farmer of Palmyra Township. i>^rm Jav^ lENJAMIN FRANKLIN DYSART, Post- master at Franklin Grove, is the youngest son of James and Elizabeth Dysart. He was born in Huntingdon County, Pa., Jan- uary 29, 1841, and resided in his native place un- til he was fifteen, when he accompanied the parental family to Illinois and settled on a farm near Frank- ] in Grove. His education was gained in the schools of Lee Centre and Dixon, and has been broadened by subsequent travel and self -culture. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Mr. Dysart enlisted in the service of the Union and was mus- tered in September 7, 1861, as a member of Com- pany C, Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry. He entered service as a Corporal and was mustered out November 10, 1864, as Lieutenant, having also 814 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. acted as Quartermaster for a time. He participated in ail tlie marches and engageiABnts in wiiich his regiment had a part, and received his official pro- motion as the result of meritorious service. Upon the close of the war, Mr. Dysart located in Canton, Ohio, where he was Revenue Assessor for a time. In 1866 he embarljed in the whole- sale and retail grocery business, and the following j'ear came to Illinois, where he engaged in farming in China Township, Lee County. His farm in this township had been given to him by his father prior to the war, and he engaged as a tiller of the soil until 1875. He then became a member of the firm of Dysart & Husse3'^,Iumber merchants at Frank- lin Grove, and continued in that connection for six years. In 1881 he sold the lumber business and engaged in the implement trade, which he closed out in order to accept the oflice of Post- master, in May, 1889. February' 25, 1864, Mr. Dysart was married to Alice C. A., daughter of William 0. Harrison, of Canton, Ohio, and they have one son, Edgar H. In his political affiliations, Mr. Dysart is a Repub- lican, devotedly attached to his party, and socially is a member of the Illinois Commandery of Loyal Legion and the Grand Army of the Republic, hav- ing been Commander of G. W. Hewitt Post, No. 398. ^ALLACE SEYBERT, a retired farmer, re- moved to Dixon in August, 1889, from his farm in South Dixon Township, and is passing his declining years quietly amid the com- forts which he accumulated in earlier life. He settled permanently in Lee County in the spring of 1862, since which time he has been successful and has improved nearly one thousand ' acres of good land, divided into five farms. These estates he has supplied with good farm buildings and all the improvements of first-class farms, and they are now occupied by his sons, whom he has aided in starting out for themselves. Mr. (Seybert was born in Salem Township, Lu- zerne County, Pa., February 16, 1817, and is the son of Honteter Seybert, a native of Lehigh County, Pa. The grandfather of our subject, Sebastian Seybert, was a native of Germany, and when a young man emigrated with his brother to this country and served their time to pay for their passage on a sailing vessel across the Atlantic. After paying their passage, they located in Lehigh County, Pa., where Sebastian was married to a Miss Baughman, who was of German parentage. The young couple settled in what is now Salem Township, Luzerne County, Pa., where they were among the first settlers, and there improved a homestead from tlie timber land. He was a success- ful farmer until his death, which occurred when he was more than seventy years old. His wife also died in Luzerne County at an advanced age. They were members of the Lutheran Church and helped organize a church of that denomination in Salem Township. The grandparents of our subject had a family of six sons and two- daughters, namely: Henry, Michael, Sebastian, Jr., Honteter, Barney, Nicho- las, Elizabeth and Margaret. All lived to mature years, married, reared families and died between the ages of fifty and eighty yeai-s. They were farmers by occupation in Pennsylvania, and were members of the Lutheran Church. Honteter, father of our subject, was the fourth son and fifth child in the family, and was reared mostly in Luzerne County. His wife, whose maiden name was Margaret Zimmerman, was bom and reared in Northampton County, Pa., and was de- scended from German ancestors, who were early settlers of Schuylkill County. After his marriage, Honteter Seybert lived on a farm in Salem Township, Luzerne County, where he died at the age of eighty. His wife departed this life when three-score years of age. Through industry they built up a good home and gained a comfortable competency. Religiously, he was a Lutheran, while she belonged to the Presbyterian Church, which was the faith of her ancestors. They were the parents of six sons and three daughters, namely: George, Honteter, Jr., Reuben, James, Wallace, Baughman, Nancy, Polly and Sa villa. George was drowned in his father's mill race, and Baughman died when eighteen years old, J?ORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 815 but the other children lived to mature years. Our subiect is the only member of the family now liv- ing, and he passed his boyhood upon his father's farm. In Salem Township, Mr. Seybert was married to ■ Desia Hill, who was born there, May 1, 1820, the daughter of Daniel and Catherine (Kissner) Hill and the youngest of their eight children. She is the mother of eight children, two of whom are de- ceased. Mahala is the wife of Tom Hill, of whom see biography; Daniel H. married Emma Wagnor, and resides in Nachusa; Charles W., James W. and George M. are represented elsewhere in this volume; Louella is the wife of William' Campbell, a blacksmith of Dixon. In their religious connec- tions, Mr. and Mrs. Seybert are members of the Lutheran Church, and politically, he is a Democrat. He has held various local offices and served as Supervisor for three terms in South Dixon Town- ship. ir^^GBERT C. FILSON, dealer in grain and live- 11'^ stock, has his place of business conveniently \lj^ located near the Illinois Central tracks at Dixon, where he ehtablished a trade in 1882. His elevator has a capacity of five thousand bushels, Mr. Filson handling as much as two hundred and fifty thousand bushels of grain annually, and one hundred car loads of stock. He of whom we write made his advent into Lee County in 1869, being formerly a farmer in Na- chusa Township, and began as clerk for John Dy- sart, an extensive dealer in grain, with whom he remained until he established a business on his own account. Our subject was born in Franklin County, Pa., February 12, 1847, and is a son of Samuel Filson, who was also a native of that State and county. The paternal grandfather of our sub- ject, Robert Filson, came of Scotch-Irish ancestry, being himself, however, a native of the Keystone State, where he lived and died in Franklin County, when seventy years of age. His wife was also a native of that State, and with her husband was a member of the German Reformed Church. The father of our subject married Mary E. Miller, 41 a native of Franklin County, Pa., soon after which event they began- farming, but later, however, operated a hotel at Marion, where Mr. Filson 's death occurred when forty-five years of age. The mother of our subject is now residing in Dixon, 111., with her oldest son, B. F. P'ilson. She is sixty- eight years of age, and like her husband is a mem- ber of the German Reformed Church. The paren- tal family included four children: Our subject, B. F., John M. (vrho is a grocery dealer in Kings- ley, Iowa), and Adessa, who resides with her mother. Our subject grew to mature years in Marion, Pa., and after coming to this county was married in Dixon to Miss Nancy J. Sharrar, a native of Blair County, Pa. She was born in 1848, and was the daughter of James and IMarj^ A. (Morrow) Sharrar, who came to Illinois in the '50s and began life in Lee County as farmers. In 1873 they moved to Saunders County, Neb., and located on a farm near Wahoo, Saunders County, where the father died in 1884. Mrs. Sharrar is yet living and resides in Nebraska, having attained the age of three-scoie years and ten. Like her husband, she is a member of the Presbyterian Church. In social matters, Mr. Filson is a member of Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery at Dixon, being Senior Warden in the former. High Priest in the Chapter and Warden in the Commandery. In politics, he votes the Democratic ticket, and in religious matters is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church here; Mrs. Filson also attends, although she was reared a Presbyterian. They are the parents of six children: William S., Mary E., Minnie B., Horace E., Maud S. and Emma. LIAS B. STILES, formerly of Dixon, was born in Huntingdon, LuzCrne County, Pa., March 9, 1820, and was the son of Lewis and Sarah (Dodson) Stiles. He was reared in his native county, and when twenty years old came to Dixon, where he followed the occupation of a clerk for two years. Later, he formed a partner- ship with another gentleman and operated under 816 PORTEAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. the flrai name of Eddy & Stiles until 1846, when he removed to St. Louis and there resided for two years. After his return to Dixon, he engaged largely in the land agency and the real-estate busi- ness, and was successful in his various enterprises. In 1853, Mr. Stiles opened a private bank and transacted a prosperous business until 1864, when, owing to unfortunate speculations,he was obliged to suspend. Afterward he engaged in agricultural pursuits and also as one of the largest and most daring speculators on the Chicago Board of Trade. In his business career, he experienced many disas- trous and sudden vicissitudes as well as many fav- orable tui'nsin the tide of fortune, but bore disaster and success with equal nerve and fortitude. Mr. Stiles had long been a prominent member of the Democratic party in his district and for ten years served as County Treasurer. In 1862, he was Democratic candidate for Congress in his dis- trict against the late Hon. E. B. Washburne and made a sharp and close contest for the position. August 8, 1847, he was married at Dixon to Miss Sj'bil Van Arnam and they became parents of three sons: Charles, Alexander and Eugene B. On the morning of August 26, 1881, the sad and sudden announcement of the death of Mr. Stiles, in Chicago, from paralysis of the heart, came to the citizens of Dixon, taking them by surprise, as but few knew of his illness. His remains were brought to Dixon, and the funeral services held at the Methodist Episcopal Church were attended by a large concourse of people who wished to show their esteem for this honored and worthy citizen. He was a man of jovial, companionable disposition, and very popular wherever he was known. V ^ y^ILLIAM J. ARMOUR, engineer on tlie Illinois Central Railroad, came to Amboy March 31, 1859, and has since that time been closely identified with the best interests of this thriving place. Ho is the son of John and Eva (I-Iartzell) Armour, natives respectively of New York and Pennsylvania, and was born in Somerset County, Pa., March 1, 1838. The grand- father of our subject, William Ai-raour, was a na- tive of Scotland and emigrated to the United States, where he settled in Pennsylvania and there married Margaret Buchanan, a cousin of the President of that name. He was engaged in the hotel business for some time and died when about sixty years old at Laughlintown, Pa. John Armour, father of our subject, was bom in York State, January 1, 1807, and was married in Pennsylvania, May 18, 1835, to Miss Eva Hartzell, who was born July 19, 1815. His trade was that of a tanner and he was for many years agent of a coal company, in which capacity he resided for a time in West Virginia and Maryland, acting as purchasing agent of horses and feed. He died in Somerset County, Pa. His children numbered six, namely: Margaret, Mary Emily, Martha, George, John and William J. In his early life our subject learned the trade of a blacksmith, at which he served an apprenticeship of four j'ears. At the age of nineteen, he commenced railroading on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad in 'S'lrginia, filling the position of brakeman and fireman. After coming to Amboy in 1859, Mr. Armour served for three years as fireman of the Illinois Central Railroad, and in 1883 was promoted to be engineer of the passenger train. He was' married September 1, 1870, to Louisa Tuttle, who was born in Sheffield, Mass., August 21, 1847. Her father, Horatio N. Tuttle, was born in New York State (whither his parents removed from Con- necticut) April, 26, 1810, and was three years old when the parental family removed to Massachu- setts and settled in Sheffield. He was there mar- ried, October 2, 1834, to Miss Emily Loomis. In 1864 he came to Illinois and for two years re- sided in Amboy, whence he removed to Lincoln, Neb., but subsequently returned to Amboy. He died here, November 14, 1888, and his wife passed away thirteen days prior to his demise. Six children of the family of Mr. and Mrs. Tuttle grew to mature years, namel3-: Edwin, who was a lumberman and died in Lincoln, Neb., January 3, 1879; Antoinette, who married John Doolittle and resides in Lincoln, Neb.; Mary, wife of Caleb Benedict, of Amboy; Martha, who died in Massachusetts, at the age of seventeen years; PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 817 Louise, the wife of our subject; and Ellen, who resides in Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Armour are the parents of three children: Bertha, born November 1, 1871; Emily, December 21, 1875; and Eva, May 12, 1887. The family residence is a large and beautiful abode and the center of a gracious hospitality enjoyed by many friends. Their religious home is the Methodist Episcopal Church, and politically Mr. Armour is identified with the Republican party. ,J r~ 1^ X AMES GEER, the owner of a fine farm of two hundred acres, located on section 26, Nelson Township, began life here in 1860, on a raw tract of prairie land. His place is now well-stocked and improved with all the neces- sary buildings and larm machinery. Mr. Geer came to Lee County in 1858, making his first lo- cation in Dixon. He was at that time a young man and for two years was employed at the Na- chusa House. His advent into the State, however, was in 1853, the intervening time being spent in Chicago and Elgin. The original of this sketch was born in Indiana County, Pa., March 3, 1832, and was the son of Erastus Geer, also a native of the Keystone State. The grandfather of our subject, James T. R. Geer, was bom at Lake George, Conn. His father was a Revolutionary soldier, and died at Blairsville, I'a., when past ninety-three years of age. James T. R. Geer followed the various occupations of farmer, carpenter and millwright, and on choosing a life companion married a Connecticut lady, who de- parted this life in Pennsylvania when about sev- enty-five years of age. They were members of the Baptist Church and well respected in their lo- cality. Erastus Geer, the father of our subject, was one of a family of seven children. He is yet living and resides at Crystal Lake, McHenry County, having attained his eighty-seventh year. He has been a resident of the Prairie State since 1853, and is the owner of a fine estate in the above-named county. His wife, formerly Miss Abbie Morton, is yet living and is eighty-seven years of age. She was born and reared in Pennsylvania, and after her marriage accompanied her husband to his new home, where she has been no unimportant factor in aiding him to attain his present high standing in the community. They are both members of the Presbyterian Church and are trying to live in ac- cordance with the tenets of that denomination. Our subject was the eldest of the four sons and four daughters born to his parents, all of whom are living and have homes of their own with one exception. Our subject was married in Dixon to Miss Catherine Boyer, who was born in Somerset County, Pa., and there resided until coming West with her brothers and sister. Her father, Abraham Boyer, was a farmer and departed this life at Dixon, at an advanced age. Mr. and Mrs. Geer have six children : Georgia A. is the wife of E. E. Harden, and i-esides at Liberty, Neb., where Mr. Harden is a banker; Mattie is the wife of G. H. Harden, who is also a banker in Stratton, Hitch- cock County, Neb.; Edward A., Jessie L., John A. and Frederick are at home. Mr. and Mrs. Geer attend the Lutheran Church where they are active and influential members. ANIEL MALONEY. Ireland numbers many representatives among the best clags of citizens in Illinois. There is a stirring quality about the nationality that par- ticularly fits them to be good citizens, and we as Americans are greatlj' indebted to settlers of Irish birth for the rapid advancement made in the de- velopment of this State. He whose name is at the head of this sketch is one of the prominent mason contractors of Araboy, which business he has fol- lowed for the past forty-flve years. He is one of the old residents of the place, having made Am- boy his home for thirty-eight years, and the progress that the county has made, especially that portion in which he lives is as familiar to him as events in his daily life. The parents of our subject, P. J. and Mary 818 PORTRAIT AND EIOGRAPIIICAL RECORD. (Touhey) Malonej^, were iicatives of Thomastown, Comity Tipperai'y, Ireland. Their decease oc- curred about five years ago, after having become the parents of a family of five children. Tlie original of this slietch was born in the above- named town and county, where he was given a good education in the common schools. Mr. Maloney, of this sketch, was united in mar- riage, in 1850, in Holyoke, Mass., with Mary Fitz- o-erald. Mrs. Malouey was born in Middleton, County Cork, Ireland, and was the daughter of James and Mary Fitzgerald. To them have been granted a family of seven children: William Henry, Daniel Webster, Philip James, John Fran- cis, Mary J., Charles Vincent and Katie. In his religious belief Mr. Maloney is a Roman Catholic, and in politics he votes the straight Democratic ticket. He has never filled any local office, pre- ferring to give his time and attention to his busi- ness in which he has been more than ordinarily successful. f( EROME B. ANDERSON has a good farnj> comprising a quarter of section 13, Nelson Township, that is admirably- adapted to general farming and dairy purposes, and to those branches of agriculture it is devoted. Tiie homestead is well supplied with the necessary equipments to conduct business properly, and its improvements are of a good class. Our subject was born in Morrison Cove, Bed- ford County, Pa., May 16, 1844. He is of good old Revolutionary stock, and the blood of sterling Scotch ancestry runs in his veins. His father, Hezekiah Anderson, and his grandfather, Julius Anderson, were also natives of Pennsj'lvania, the latter, who was born of American parents, spend- ing his life in that State. He in turn was a son of Patrick Anderson, a soldier of the Revolution, who was a Pennsylvania farmer, and lived and died in the Keystone State when an old man. lie was a Democrat in politics and a Presbyterian in religion, his son Julius being of like faith in both partic- ulars. He was likewise a farmer and was also a merchant. He served in the War of 1812. He lived to an advanced age, always making his home •in his native Slate. Hezekiah D. Anderson learned the trade of a millwright in his j'outh, and later in life turned his attention to farming in Bedford County, w^ere he settled after marriage. He lived there until 1855, when he brought his family to Illinois to establish a home in Lee County, which was rich in resources, and possessed many superior advan- tages for a farmer. He first settled in Marion Township, and later located in South Dixon Township, where he and his household lived until 1865, when he bought the farm, which was then but slightly improved, and is now the property of our subject. The land increased in value under his management, and here he built up a comfort- able home, in which, at the age of fifty-six, he laid down the burden of life for the unbroken rest of death, in 1870. His wife died some years later, in 1886, at the age of sixty-seven, her death occur- ring in the city of Dixon. They were people of blameless lives and Christian spirit, in whom the Methodist Episcopal Church has found two of its most consistent members. During the latter part of his life Mr. Anderson was a Republican. Jerome B. Anderson is the eldest but one of ten children, six sons and four daughters, all of whom are yet living, and four of them have homes within the borders of this county. Our subject was nine years old when the family came to this county. His experience of f9,rming was acquired early^and in 1880 he came into possession of his present farm, which has been his father's and which had been his dwelling place since 1865. He makes the most of its fertile soil, and besides raising bounti- ful harvests, has forty milch cows on the place, together with other stock, and his income from his dairy business amounts to quite , a sum of money during the year. He is a fine fai-mer, con- ducting his operations with skill and sound judg- ment, employing the best modern methods in carry- ing out his plans, and keeping his place up to a high standard in all that goes to make a good farm. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Drusaunah Biddle, and she was born, reared PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 819 and married in Blair County, Pa. Her father, John Biddle, was born and reared in Maryland, and later settled in the county where his daugh- ter was born. He was a fanner by occupation, and lived to an advanced age. The wife of our subject, to whom he was married in Nelson Township, bore the maiden name of Rebecca E. Long, She was born in Somerset County, Pa., in 1849, and was young when her father, Jacob H. Long, removed to Indiana with his family. His wife died in that State, and he subsequently came to Illinois, and his remaining days were spent . in Nelson Township, where he died when about sixtj' years of age. He was married a second time after coming to this county, Mrs. Anna Fritz becoming his wife. She is now living in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and is active and energetic for her years. Our subject and his amiable wife are enjoying a felicitous wedded life, and their pleasant home circle is completed by their three children, whose names are Cora L., Florence E., and Georgia G. Both Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are popular in the society of their com- munity. His political affiliations are with the Republicans of this section. IRAM WILL, a retired farmer living on sections 28 and 33, South Dixon Township, owned until recently two hundred and forty acres of land. His estate now, how- ever, includes only eighty acres. He has been a resident of this township since 1865 and has lived on that farm since 1866. He was born in Milford Township, Somerset County, Pa., March 28, 1819, and is a son of John Will, a native of Schuylkill County, that State. His paternal grandfather, Daniel Will, hailed from that county and, as far as is known, was of Holland-Dutch ancestry. The latter-named gentleman was reared in Schuylkill Countj' and was there married to a lady who came from Germany with her parents when four years of age. After the birth of all their children, and when John Will, the father of our subject, was four- teen years of age, the family removed to Somerset County, where they were among the early pioneers of Milford Township, and where the father im- proved a good farm from the wilderness. There the grandparents died, Daniel Will passing away early in the '20s, having attained to three-score and ten years. His wife was eighty years of age when she departed this life and, like her husband, was a devoted member of the Lutheran Church. The father of our subject was one of the younger members in a family of twelve children born to his parents, all of whom were married, had families of their own and are now deceased. The maideu name of the mother of our subject was Mary Deets, who was orphaned when very young. After their marriage, the young couple pur- chased a farm in Milford Township, where the mother died in the year 1825, a devoted member of the Lutheran Church. She bore her husband seven children. John was a second time married, to Mrs. Nancy Culver, nee Scott, who was born and reared in Somerset County, and had be- come the mother of one child by her first marriage. Her union with Mr. Will resulted in the birth of three sons and five daughters, all of whom are liv- ing, with one exception. The father of our subject died at Centerville, Pa., at the advanced age of ninety-two j^ears. He was a member of the Lutheran Church and in politics voted the Whig ticket. The grandfather of our subject served in the Revolu- tionary War, having been commissioned Captain, and later Lieutenant, of his company. Peter Will, the paternal uncle of our subject, was a member of the State Militia of Pennsylvania, and his eldest brother, Conrad Will, after coming to Jackson Count}', 111., in a verj- early day, was elected a member of the State Legislature . and while in the House was instrumental in "setting off" Will County, which was named in his honor. Hiram Will was married in Somerset County, Pa., to Miss Keziah Meese, who was a native of that county, her birth occurring March' 14, 1822. She was a daughter of George and Lydia (Penrod) Meese, natives of Pennsylvania, where they passed the remainder of their lives. Mrs. Will was one of a family of twelve children, five of whom are living. She has become the mother of six children, 820 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. one of whom, Calvin, died when two j'ears old. Those living are: George A., residing in Saunders County, Neb.; Norman B., Charles I., Silas L., and Mary J. Our subject and his wife have been members of. the Evangelical Association for forty years, in wliich Mr. Will holds the position of Class Leader. He has been Highway Commissioner of his township for many years and votes the Re- publican ticket. . — -^-^ '^l OHN A. DEETER, who is at present resid- ing at Dixon, had his birth in Somerset County, Pa., April 7, 1860. His fathen Henry Deeter, was also a native of that place, as was his father, Samuel Deeter. The lat- ter-named gentleman was of German ancestry, and a farmer by occupation. The father of our subject was reared on the home farm and in 1863 removed to Ohio, where he purchased a farm in Ashland County and there continued to reside until 1880, when he sold out and came to Lee County, and is at the present time residing in Dixon. Miss Sarah Ringler was the maiden name of our 824 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAKnCAL RECORD. subject's mother. She was born in Southern Illi- nois, and was the daugliter of Andrew Ringler, a pioneer of this State. Our subject was one in a family of ten children, namely: Susan, Samuel, Henry, William, Howard, Irene, Curtis, Melvin and Daniel, who died in infancy; Irene passed away in her fourteenth j'ear. The original of this sketch attended the com- mon schools of his district, and when nineteen years of age learned the trade of sash, door and blind making, and, after completing his apprentice- ship, leased a building, and bought the fixtures of a gristmill, in addition to which branch of business he kept a flour and feed store. January 13, 1887, he was burned out, and in February of that year he formed a partnership with G. D. Fletcher and engaged in the manufacture of sash, doors and blinds, continuing together until January the fol- lowing year, when Mr. Fletcher sold his interest to Josiah Brink, the present firm being Brink & Dee- ter. They have a commodious building, located on Water Street, which is provided with all the necessary machinery for doing a fine class of woi'k. The mill is operated by steam and water power, the firm employing, at the present time, twentj^ men. In 1883 our subject was married to Lizzie E. Taylor, who was born in Dixon, and is the daugh- ter of George and Susan Taylor. Two children, Louis J. and Laurence E., have been born to them. Mr. Deeter is a member of Forest Home Lodge, No. 137, A. O. U. W. v_ ^"jiTRIAH GRUVER is an honored resident of a I Dixon, where he is pleasantly passing his %^ declining years in retirement from active business as a farmer, though he is still iden- tified with the agricultural interests of Lee County as the proprietor of one of its fine farms. He is a native of Columbia County, Pa., born in the month of October, 1818, in the township of Hem- lock. His father, George Gruver, was born in the same State, his birthplace being in Northampton County. He was a son of Jacob Gruver, who is supposed tohave been born in Pennsylvania, and to have come from some of the early German families of the Colonial period. It is known that at one time he owned a tract of land near Chest- nut Hill, Philadelphia, which he sold, taking his pay in Continental scrip. The latter part of his life was passed in Columbia County. The father of our subject was reared to the life of a farmer on the old Pennsylvania farm, and when a young man went to Columbia County, and became one of the pioneers of that section, buying a tract of forest-covered land in Hemlock Town- ship. He built a log house and stable, and pro- ceeded to clear his land.' The soil was very poor and unproductive, and he found it hard to make a living from it. Therefore, in 1827, he left that place, and went to Berks County, where he rented a tract of land three miles from Reading, and there the last decade of his life was spent, his death occurring in September, 1837, ere yet old age had come upon him. His wife bore the maiden name of Barbara Waltman, and was born in North- ampton County, Pa. She departed this life in 1827. The parents of our subject were consistent Christian people, the father a faithful member of the German Reformed Church, and the mother of the Lutheran Church. Of their fourteen children, twelve grew to maturity. The subject of this biography was in his eighth year when the family removed to Berks County. He remained with his father until the latter's death, when the home was broken up and the brothers and sisters were separated. Uriah entered the employ of Riah Gilson, who sent him to Am- herst County, Va., to act as a steward, Mr. Gilson being a contractor and having a large force of men employed there. He remained there one year, and then returned to Reading. It was on his trip to Virginia that he saw, at Norristown, a railway for the first time. TJiat was in the day of State banks and individual scrip, when the money issued by the banks of one State was not good for the face value any distance from home. After his return to Pennsylvania, Mr. Gruver went to Columbia County to serve a two years' apprenticeship to learn the trade of a carpenter. PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 825 receiving his board and $3 a month for bis services the first year, and the second year his ■wages were increased to 14 a month. At the end of the two years he worked at his calling for others for a year, and then after his marriage commenced business on his own account, working both as a carpenter and a millwright. In 1852 he paid his -Bret visit to the Prairie State, traveling by rail and stage to Pittsburg and Cleveland., thence by boat to Toledo, from there by rail through Chicago to Rockford, and thence by stage to Dixon. He remained here two weeks, and then went back to Pennsylvania. While away, he bought two bales of buffalo hides, which he sold on his return home at a fair proflt, and thus paid the expenses of his journey. In 1854 our subject left his native State with his family to take up his residence in this, as he well knew that practical, wide-awake men were in demand to help develop the resources of the country and to aid in its upbuilding, and he has done both since his settlement here, thirty-seven years ago. He first located in what is now Nachusa Township, and was actively engaged at his trade there one year. The next year he rented a farm in Dixon Township, which he purchased a year later, and retained it in his possession until 1864, when he sold it. In 1864 he bought a farm in Jselson Township, and was busily engaged in its improvement and in tilling the soil for several years. It contains two hundred and forty acres of rich farming land, that is under a high state of cultivation, and is amply provided with a good class of buildings. He still owns it, but in 1884 he rented it, and has since lived retired from active labor, making his home in the city of Dixon. Mr Gruver was first married in Columbia County, Pa., to Catherine Writz, a native of that county, and of mingled English and German blood. She died in 1862, leaving behind her the memory of a most worthy woman, who was true in all the relations of life. By that marriage these eight children were born to our subject: Joseph, Mary (Mrs. McCleary), Lydia A. (Mrs. Mench), Melinda (Mrs. McCleary), Margaret (Mrs. Hardin), John L., Lincoln and Ellsworth. In 1867 our subject was married to his present estimable wife, who was formerly Miss Elizabeth Kelley, a native of Colum- bia County, Pa. Their marriage has brought to them one son, Wilham H. Mr.Gruver is endowed with a thoughtful, intel- ligent mind, is fond of reading, and keeps himself well posted in regard to all subjects of general in- terest. As a good citizen ought, he keeps himself informed as to the political questions of the day, and is a firm advocate of the Republican party. He and his wife are people of earnest religious feeling, and they are members in high standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church. i^EV. THOMAS LEAKE. The name of Leake ._i^ has been well known in Lee County since ifc \V the early years of its settlement, as belong- ing to a prominent pioneer familj'' of this section of Illinois. Among its present representa- tives is the Rev. Thomas Leake, of this biographical review, whose ill health obliged him to abandon the ministry to a great extent, and he has since made his mark as a practical farmer in Nachusa Town- ship. Our subject was born in Leicestershire, England. He is a son of John Leake, a former prominent and well-to-do citizen and early settler of this county. The father was a native of Leicestershire, England, and a son of John Leake, Sr., who was a life-long resident of that shire. John Leake, Jr., was the eldest of a family of two sons and three daughters, and was the only one of his father's children to come to this country, and he was the first of his connection to settle in the United States. He was a butcher in his native shire, and was there married to Mary A. Jarvis, who was of pure Enghsh blood, and was one of three daughters that came to Amer- ica. After the birth of four children, one of whom died in England, the father of our subject preceded his family to this country, sailing hither in 1840, and coming to Lee County, he bought laud of the Government in China Township, built a log cabin upon it, and entered zealously upon his life as a pioneer. In 1841 his wife with her children,and her two sisters and their husbands, followed him across 826 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. the seas and joined him in the wilderness where he had elected to found a new home. They made settlement on new lands, and the families so closely connected by the ties of kinship formed an impor- tant addition to the pioneers of this section, all improving good farms in time. John Leake be- came a prominent farmer in China Township, and at the time of his death, in September, 1869, owned seven hundred acres of land, which was nearly all well improved. He was a leading Re- publican of this county in the early histor}^ of the party. His widow survived him until 1878, when she died in the home of our subject, at the age of seventy years. She was a member of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church, and was a woman to be revered. The Rev. Thomas Leake is one of a family of three sons and two daughters : His brother, William J., is a grain merchant at Rippey, Iowa; liis brother John C, who married Mary E. Hale, is a teacher in this township, residing on the old homestead; his sister, Sarah F., is the wife of E. H. Burrus, a farmer of Concordia, Kans.; another sister, Mary A., died at the age of nineteen. Our subject received the preliminaries of his education in the local public schools of this county, and was afterward a student at Mt. Morris Seminary. He was for some time a teacher, but kept the ministry steadily in view, and was regularly licensed to preach at his first ordina- tion, when he was twenty-seven years old. He loved his sacred calling and was successful in it, holding pastorates in Kane, De Kalb and Kendall Counties. His health became impaired by his ardu- ous labors, and he had to leave the pulpit, confin- ing his church work to occasional preachings, and to his duties as Class-leader and as Superintendent of the Sunday-school, which position he has held for twenty j^ears. He is thoroughly identified with the interests of the township in material things as well, and is Justice of the Peace, which office has been under his control for some years. In politics, he is a true Republican. Our subject inherited his farm on section 29, Nachusa Township, from his father in 1869. It comprises one hundred and two acres of well- drained, neatly-fenced and finely-cultivated land, which is well stocked with cattle, horses and swine. and here he is conducting a profitable business as a general farmer. He and his wife, to whom he was married near Rockford, have established a charming home, that is a center of culture and refinement. Their only child. Honor Luella, died at the age of six months. They have taken to their home and hearts Albert T. Scovill, upon whom they lavish the tender care and affection that would be bestowed upon a child of their own. The wife of our subject, formerly Martha S. Sco- vill, is a native of Camden, N. Y. She is a daughter of Stephen T. and Mabel (Curtis) Sco- vill, the latter of whom died when her daughter was a small child. Mrs. Leake was thirteen years old when the family came to Illinois in the earlj-^ '50s and located at Paine 's Point in Ogle County. Her father subsequently purchased land near Rock- ford, and there he died when past seventy-five years old. He had been twice married, and his last wife survives him and makes her home in Rock- ford. Mrs. Leake received a good home-training and the benefit of a fine education. She was graduated with honor from the Ladies' Seminary at Rockford, and pursued an excellent course of study at Mt. Morris Seminary. She was a teacher for some years before her marriage, and won a high reputation in her profession. She, like her hus- band, has been an ardent working member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 4^ =^; NDREW J. NICKEY, proprietor of the Ash ton Creamery, was born in East Berlin, Adams Count}', Pa., April 25, 1851. His father, Henry Nickey, was also a native of that State and county, where his mother, who bore the name of Elizabeth Dierdorff, departed this life. The original of this sketch passed his early years in his native town and on attaining his eighteenth year came to Franklin Grove, this county, and fol- lowed his trade of a blacksmith. He was thus en- gaged for a twelvemonth, when he returned to his native State, and in the town of York was simil- arly engaged for a year and a half. Then removing to Columbia County, same State, he was employed PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 827 as passenger brakeman on the railroad for seven years, and in 1880, again coming to Lee County, he established the creamery business in Franklin Grove, remaining in that place for about six months; he then removed to Ash ton, where for a year and a half he did a thriving grain trade. At the expiration of that time, he engaged in his pres- ent- business in which he has been more than ordi- narily successful. Andrew J. Nickey was married in York, Pa., to Mary Wisman, who was also a native of that place, and departed this life December 18, 1889, at Ash- ton, this county. To them were born two children : Hattie V., and Clinton D. He of whom we write has held many important local oflfices, being a member of the village committee for a number of terms. He is actively connected with the Presbyterian Church, of which body he is Elder, and to which denomination his wife and children were also born. The product of the Ashton Creamery is disposed of in the Philadelphia and New York markets and by this industry Mr. Nickey is reaping a hand- some competence. He is very public-spirited and stands high in the esteem of his fellow- towns men by whom he is regarded as one of the representa- tive citizens of the county. , AMUEL ARGRAVES, a resident of the village of Compton, is one of the pioneers of Lee County, who has been an important factor in developing its agricultural re- sources, and while thus materially contributing to its wealth, has acquired a handsome property, as but few of the farmers of his locality have met with more success than has attended his efforts. He is of English birth, born in the village of Ba- cup, Lancashire, May 4, 1825. His father, John Argraves, was also a native of that village, and there he grew to maturity. He learned the trade of a weaver, and carried it on in his old home until 1829, when he determined to emigrate to America with his wife and six children, hoping thereby to improve his fortunes. He and his fam- ily set sail from Liverpool, and after a voyage of thirteen weeks landed at New York City. He went directly to Essex County, and located at Keyesville, where he secured the position of fore- man in a woolen factory, and was thus employed six years. He next went to the province of On- tario, Canada, and took up his residence in Hewton Township, three miles from Port Burwell. He then devoted his remaining years to farming, renting land for that purpose, and carrying on agricul- ture until his untimely death, in the year 1838. Ilis widow, whose maiden name was Hannah Hayes, and who was a native of Scotland, married a second time, and spent her last years at Hewton, dying there in 1841. She reared sixteen children to good and useful lives. Our subject was but four years old when he crossed the ocean with his parents to their new home in America, and consequently he has but little recollection of his birthplace in that far-off Lancashire village. He early acquired what Car- lyle terras "The glorious faculty of self-help," and though but a boy when his father died', he had to assist in the support of the family. He resided in Canada until the winter of 1845-46, and then came to Illinois, making the journey with a horse and cutter to,Joliet, in company with Dennis Miller. At that plaice they traded for a buggy, and drove to Malugin's Grove, in this county. When he arrived at his destination, our subject's sole wealth, as far as money was concerned, was $1.50. But he had that, which, perhaps, stood him in better stead— good health and strong muscles, plenty of ambition and spirit, and a resolute de- termination to succeed. He at once found work as a farm hand, at $15 a month, and continued thus employed until 1850. During that time he made a claim to a tract of Governmeat land on sections 25 and 26, of what is now Viola Township. He did not have the money to pay for the land at that time, so he went to Dixon and got a man to enter the land for him, promising to pay him one hundred per cent, interest. In 1850, Mr. Argraves took up the march to California, whither so many had preceded him, after the discovery of gold in that State. He ar- 828 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPinCAL RECORD. ranged with James Thompson to take him, agree- ing to give him one-half of his first year's earnings in the gold diggings. Tlicy started on their long journey with a pair of ponies, drove to Council Bluffs, where Mr. Thompson exchanged his ponies for oxen, and there joined a train about to cross the plains. At that time there were but very few, or no, white settlers between the Missouri River and California, with the exception of the Mor- mons at Salt Lake. When our subject and his companion arrived on the shores of that inland sea the oxen were too exhausted lo go further, and the provision^ were nearly gone. In that emer- gency Mr. Thompson had no alternative but to ex- change his oxen for a pony, and Mr. Argraves had to look out for himself in the matter of transpor- tation the remainder of the long journey. Cyre- nus Sawyer, of Lee Center, was one of the party, and appealing to him for aid, he lent him 125. He then gave his note for $50 to two young men f roin Missouri to carry his provisions to California. On Sunday he attended church and heard Bj-igham Young preach, and was afterward a victim of one of the Prophet's shrewd deals, as knowing well that the Illinoisans would wish to replenish their supply of flour, he said that if any one had flour to sell for less than twenty-five cents a pound to bring it to him, and consequently every one had to pay that price for it. Provisions again gave out on their arrival at Carson Valley, but, fortu- nately, a Mr. Masterson met them at that point with a load of supplies, which he traded with the hungry travelers for whatsoever they had to ex- change. As our subject had nothing, he let him- self to Mr. Masterson at $80 a month, until they reached San Francisco. He then gave him $100 per month until spring, when he went to the mountains and tried mining. He soon returned to Mr. Masterson, however, and was in his employ untiljanuary, 1852, and then, tired of frontier life, he set his face toward home, returning by the way of the Isthmus of Panama to Lee County. The first thing that he did to celebrate his arrival was to pay for his land with the money that he had brought back with him from his stay on the Pacific slope. He then entered upon a most pros- perous career as a farmer, invested his capital in other land from time to time, and was at one time the proprietor of flftcen hundred acres of as fine land as is to be found in this part of the State. In the midst of his prosperity, our subject did not forget what was due from him to his adopted country, as a loyal citizen, and in February, 1865, he threw aside his work to help defend the stars and stripes in the great civil strife that was then being waged between the North and South. He enlisted in Company I, Fifteenth Illinois Infantry, and joined his regiment at Goldsborough, N. C. While there, unaccustomed to the privations of army life, he fell sick and was forced to spend eleven days in the hospital. He then re-entered the service, and was at Raleigh when Johnston surrendered. His army then started on the march to Washington, but he and others, who were dis- abled, went by water, and after their arrival at Washington took part with their regiment in the Grand Review of all the troops. They then went into camp three miles from the capital for two or three weeks, and at the end of that time were dis- patched to Parkersburg, Va., and from there by the way of the Ohio, Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, to Ft. Leavenworth, whence they marched across the country to Ft. Kearney, Neb. They staid there a short time,, then returned to Ft. Leavenworth, whence they proceeded to Spring- field, 111., where they were honorably discharged, and took to their homes excellent records as brave and patriotic soldiers. Glad to be reunited with his family, and to be able to enjoy again the com- forts of his home, Mr. Argraves resumed his farm- ing operations with renewed vigor, and, as we have seen, was favored by fortune in all his un- dertakings, putting his whole energy into his work, which he carried on systematically, making every stroke tell, and using due caution and close calculation in all his dealings, while at the same time he displayed enterprise, and never was un- fair, or otherwise than just in money matters. Our subject was married October 14, 1847, to Miss Martha Miller, and their marriage has been blessed to them by the birth of these four children : Winfleld, Angelina, Martha, commonly known as May, and Samuel O. Mrs. Argraves was born in New York, March 20, 1832. Her father, John PORTEAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 829 Miller, was born in. Ontario, Canada, and was a son of Jacob Miller, who was a native of Ger- many. On coming to America, he settled near Ancaster, and was a pioneer of that part of Can- ada. He secured both timber and plains land, and improved a good farm, which was his dwell- ing place until his death. The maiden, name of his wife was Elizabeth Martin. She survived her husband, and came to Illinois to spend her last years with her children in Lee County. Mrs. Ar- graves' father was reared and married in his na- tive place, taking as his wife Mary A. Hedges, a native of the State of New York. She died on the farm near Ancaster, in 1837, and, in 1842, Mr. Miller came to Illinois, and for a time was a resident of St. Charles. He then went back to Canada, and, in 1847, again came to Illinois, and bought a farm in this county, near Malugin's Grove. Some years after, he went to Kansas, and died there. The wife of our subject was a child when her mother died, and she lived with an aunt until she was fifteen years old, when she came to Illinois with her father. She is a woman of great worth, and a consistent Christian member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. J f ONAS B. EICHOLTZ was just entering upon manhood when he came with his parents to ^^l| this county. The thirty years that have ^^^ since passed by have been fruitful to him of much good, as by persistent industry he has im- proved a valuable farm, and has been enabled to retire from active business while yet scarcely past the prime of life, with an income amply sufficient to fortify him against poverty, and to keep up the pleasant home to which he has retreated near the village of Naclmsa. Our subject was born in Adams Countj^, Pa., March 26, 1840, the second son of John F. and Anna (Boyer) Eicholtz, who. were both natives of Pennsylvania, and were descendants of the old families of that State, both being of German ex- traction. The paternal great-grandfather of our subject was a native of Germany, who came to this country and settled in Pennsylvania. prior to the Revolution. The family for generations have been farmers by occupation, and stanch members of the Lutheran Church. Frederick Eicholtz, the grandfather of our subject, lived and died in Adams County, Pa., which was also his birthplace. He attained a ripe old age. He married a Miss Rex, who was also a native of Adams County, and was born of similar parentage as her husband. She was like him a Lutheran in religion. Her marriage with him was fruitful of two children, of whom John F. was one. Her husband had one child by a second marriage. , John F. Eicholtz grew to manhood in the county of his nativity, and in due time took unto himself a wife, who was born and reared on a farm in Adams County, which had been in the family for years, and is yet. Her parents, Martin and Esther (Hoover) Boyer, were life-long residents of that county, and were of German parentage. They were prosperous tillers of the soil. In them the Mennonite Church had two faithful and helpful members. John Eicholtz and his wife continued to live in Adams County, Pa., after their marriage until their three sons and two daughters were born, when they removed to Carroll County, Md., and thence to Lee County, this State, in 1861, making ' their home for the . future in Nachusa Township, where they both died in the fulness of time, the mother dying in 1881 at the age of sixty- eight years, and the father in 1887, at the age of seventy-three years. They joined the German Baptist Church after coming to Illinois, and re- mained true to that faith until death. Mr. Eicholtz was a faithful follower of the Democratic party in his politics. Our subject is one of five children, all of whom are married and well settled in life as successful farmers. His two brothers, Daniel B. and George, live in Kansas and Kansas City, Mo., respectively. Of the two sisters, Susan is the wife of D. W. Bark- man, a farmer of Nachusa Township, and Lydia B. is the wife of M. D. "Wingert, of China Township. Jonas Eicholtz spent his early years on the paternal acres in Adams County, and was a healthy, active lad of twelve years when the family removed to Maryland, where the remainder of his youth was 830 PORTEAIT AND BIOGEAPHICAL RECORD. passed, and three weeks after tlie emigration of the family to this State he attained his majority. He had hvcd in this county since that time, with the exception of two years, and has been greatly prospered in his undertakings. He has acquired a goodly amount of property, including some fine, well-improved lands in Nachusa Township, two hundred and fifteen acres in all, and that part of his farm lying on section 18, has been developed wholly by himself from a state of nature. He has been living in his present home near the village for nine years, and for the past five years has done no active business. He has held the office of Assessor of the townsliip, and has always been earnestly interested in its welfare, all plans for public improvement meeting with his hearty support. He is a man whose stability of character and general trustworthiness make him a very desirable citizen, a good neighbor and stanch friend, and true and kind in his domestic relations. His politics are of the Democratic order, and he stands, firmly by his party whatever betides. He and his wife are consistent members of the Luth- eran Church. Mr. Eicholtz was married in Adams County, Pa. to Miss Elanora Peters, and they dwelt there for a time before taking up their residence permanently in this county. Mrs. Eicholtz was born in Adams County, Pa., August 23, 1840, a daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Dutraugh) Peters,who were born, reared, married and died in Pennsylvania, passing their wedded life on their farm in Adams County, their native county, dying at the age of seventy-eight years. They were o'f German parentage, their par- ents being among the early settlers of Adams County, beginning life there in the timber. Mrs. Eicholtz comes of along-lived race, and one of her grandmothers, whose maiden name was Hoffman, and who was well-known in her county, lived to be very old, her life being prolonged until she was past ninety years of age. Mrs. Eicholtz is the youngest of three children. Her brother Richard is married and is a merchant in Harrisburg, Pa., and her sister, Mrs. Sarah Rex, lives on the old family homestead in Adams County. Our subject and his wife have one son, Oscar R., who was born March 26, 1866, in Adams County, Pa. He is a practical, wide-awake young farmer, and is successfully operating his father's homestead farm on section 18, Nachusa Township. He mar- ried Miss. Cora Parker, who was bom in Indiana, but was reared and educated in this county. They have two children, Guy W. and Erraa E. <¥/ EANDER CYHENUS SAWYER, a repre- I (?S) sentative farmer, residing on section 1, JL^ Amboy Township, was born in Clarke County, Ohio, January 11, 1818, and was eighteen years old when his parents removed to Lee County. He continued to reside under the parental roof until he was nineteen years of age, at which time he started out for himself, working on a farm until his marriage, which took place in Bradford County, Pa., July 28, 1842. The lady of his choice bore the name of Nancy Shumway. She was born in Bradford County, June 10, 1823, and was there reared to womanhood. On coming back to Illinois after his marriage, our subject settled on section 1, Amboy Town- ship, where he has ever since continued to re- side, and he is the only settler between Lee Centre and Dixon who is at present living on land which was originally taken from the Govern- ment. This gentleman has always been engaged in farm work, at which he has been very successful, owning now two hundred and twenty-five acres of fertile and productive land, and havjng upon this excellent estate a first-class set of farm buildings. Besides the raising of cereals, Mr. Sawyer deals quite extensively in the raising of fine stock of all kinds, buying and selling. Mr. Sawyer and his worthy wife have become the happy parents of four children, namely: Cyrus W.jWho is a banker in Woodbury County, Iowa; Lu- cinda F. married William H. Millen, of Ida County, Iowa; Annette B., who is the wife of F. A. Sals- berry, of Ida County, Iowa; and a daughter who died in infancy. The subject of this notice is always in favor of anything that will enhance the prosperity of his PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 831 township or county, and especially anything per- taining to educational matters, and hence he has been active as a School Director, and has also held some of the minor offices of his .township. In his political views, he is always a stalwart Re- publican, and a strong temperance man. Mrs. Sawj'er is a consistent Christian and a valued member of the Congregational Church. The parents of Mrs. Sawyer were Cyrus and Bridget (Clink) Shumway, both natives of New York State, being residents of Bradford County, Pa. The father of our subject was Joseph Sawyer, a native of New York State, while his mother, Sarah Farnham, was born in Vermont. The father was an old school teacher in Vermont and Ohio, and taught for awhile after coming to the Prairie State, and was the first Postmaster of the old Inlet Grove Postoffice; he was also captain of a militia company in Ohio. For a moie complete history of the par- ents, see the sketch of Darius Sawyer, which will be found elsewhere in the Record. Mrs. Sawj-er had two brothers who fought in the late war — Henry and Harrison Shumway — the latter of whom was killed in Missouri. -^=m>^¥r^ 'OHN DIXON, the founder of Dixon, was born in the village of Rye, Westchester County, N. Y., October 9, 1784. At an early age he removed to New York Citj', where for about fifteen years he was the proprie- tor of a clothing store. In addition to the success- ful prosecution of business he was untiring in his efforts for the promotion of temperance and relig- ious interests, and in this connection became one of the active members and directors of the first Bible Society organized in the United States. This was organized February 16, 1809, under the name of "The Young Men's Bible Society, of the City of New York." While thus engaged, premonitory symptoms of a pulmonary disease manifested them- selves, making a change of climate necessary, and in 1820 he set out for Illinois. He settled near Springfield, 111. In 1825 Judge Sawyer, whose circuit nominally embraced Northwestern Illinois, 42 requested Mr. Dixon to take the appointment of Circuit Clerk, and remove to the then village of Peoria. The Government decided upon giving Galena mail facilities once in two weeks, and Mr. Dixon got the contract. In order to secure a passage for the mails over Rock River, he induced a man by the name of Ogee — a French and Indian half-breed — to establish a ferry at the point, now known as Dixon. This done, the travel to and from the lead mines so rapidly increased that Ogee's coffers became full — too full indeed for his moral powers to bear; the result was constant inebriation. To avoid the delays in the trans- mission of the mails which these irregularities entailed, Mr. Dixon bought the ferrj^ from Ogee, and in April, 1835, removed his family to that point. From that date the place as a point for crossing the river became known as Dixon's Ferry. At that time a large portion of the Winnebago tribe of Indians occupied this part of the Rock River country. Mr. Dixon so man- aged his business relations with them as to secure their entire confidence and friendship, which on the return of the Sauks and Foxes, under their war chief Black Hawk in 1832, proved to be of inestimable benefit to himself and family. He was recognized by them as the "red man's friend." He entered the land upon which the most valuable part of the (now) city of Dixon stands, and in 1835 laid it off into town lots. In this connection it may not be improper to say that all the land thus subdivided were disposed of from time to time, and the avails, instead of being hoarded for individual use, have gone to build up the general interests of the city. In 1840, Mr. Dixon visited Washington with an application for the removal of the land oflflce from Galena to Dixon, and Gen. Scott, and perhaps other army officers, personal friends of Mr. Dixon, who had become familiar with the topography of the country during the Black Hawk war, promptly interested themselves in his behalf, and introduced him to President Van Buren, who at once signed the order for its removal. Mr. Dixon's wife, formerly Rebecca Sherwood, of New York, a lady of superior mental capacity and energy, shared with her husband the toils and privations incident to frontier life. He 832 POETRAIT AND BIOGEAPHICAL EECORD. has witnessed the growth of the "P^erry" from a condition of wild grass and shrubbery to that of a busy city of five thousand inhabitants, bearing his honored name. He is honored and respected more than an 3' other man who ever lived in this county. I'lL^OWARD JOHNSON, a practical and enter- Ifjlj prising farmer residing on section 21, Pal- /iW^ myra Township, has spent his entire life in (^ Lee County. He was born on his father's farm in this township, August 20, 1850, and is the youngest but one of seven children, who are mentioned in the sketch of K. S. Johnson, on an- other page of this work. In the usual manner of farmer lads, the days of his boyhood and 3'outh were passed, he aiding his father in farm work during the summer months, and attending the dis- trict school in the winter season. Under the parental roof he remained until he had attained his majority, when he began life for himself, and the occupation to which he was reared he has since followed. In all his undertakings he has met with success, possessing enterprise, perseverance and in- dustry, qualities essential to a prosperous career. He now owns two hundred and eighty acres of land on sections 15 and 16, Palmyra Township, but is operating a one hundred and sixty acre farm on section 21,thepropertyof his father-in-law. He has placed it under a high state of cultivation and the well-tilled fields yield to him a golden tribute. The farm is well stocked, having thereon about seventy-five milch cows, used for dairy purposes. This, however, is managed by other parties, while Mr. Johnson devotes his entire attention to gen- eral farming. In Palmyra Township Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Alice A. Rogers, who first opened her eyes to the light of day February 28, 1853, on the farm which is still her home. She is a daughter of Walter and Hannah (Fellows) Rog- ers. Her father was born September 26, 1815, in the Province of Ontario, Canada, and, about 1839, came to this county, where he met and married Miss Fellows, a native of New Hampshire, born in 1824. She was a maiden of ten summers, when, with her parents, Stephen and Rachel (McGaffy) Fellows, she emigrated Westward. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers began their domestic life in Lee County, upon a farm, where he improved a good home, it being his place of residence until the death of his wife, which occurred February 23, 1890. She was a member of the Methodist Church, and a lady be- loved by her many friends. In November, 1890, Mr. Rogers removed to Dixon, where he is now living a retired life at the age of seventy-six years. He has been a prominent man of this community, has served as Supervisor for Palmyra Township for many years, and in politics is a stanch advocate of Republican principles. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson began their domestic life upon the farm where they still reside and their home has been blessed by the presence of two chil- dren — Elwyn and Lida M. The parents are both well and favorably known throughout this com- munity, and in the social world, where true worth and intelligence are received as the passports into good society, rank high. In his political views, Mr. Johnson is a stanch Republican and for two years has served as Supervisor of Palmyra Town- ship, proving himself an efficient and capable of- ficer. —^-OS-^i/Ci ■jjp AMES BROWN, honored as one of our most worthy citizens, came to Lee County many years ago, cast in his fortunes with its pio- neers, and was of much assistance in de- veloping the agricultural resources of this region. He was greatly prospered in his work, and was en- abled to retire from active business ere old age came upon him, to a pleasant home in the pretty village of Ashton, where he is enjoying life at his leisure, freed from the necessity of labor by the possession of an ample competence. Mr. Brown was born in Ireland, October 15, 1819. He was almost eight j'ears old when his father, Thomas Brown, emigrated with his family to the New Woi'ld, and thereafter made bis home PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPmCAL RECORD. 833 in Canada, both he and his wife dying there. They were the parents of eight children, seven sons and one daughter, whom they reared to habits of use- fulness. Our subject grew to a vigorous manhood in Canada, and was a resident of that country until 1852, when he came to Illinois, and made a per- manent settlement in this county. He bought land in Ashton Township, in time transformed it into a valuable farm, with a good class of improve- ments, and its two hundred and sixty acres were placed under excellent cultivation. He made money by his farming operations, as he attended strictly to his business, was shrewd, keen and dis- criminating in his dealings, and at the same time had a well-earned reputation for truthfulness and honesty, his word always passing current. In the spring of 1876, he abandoned farming, disposing of his farm at a good price, and since then has lived retired in the village of Ashton. Mr. Brown did not have to struggle alone with the adversities of pioneer life when he came to Illinois to found a home in a newly settled country, but by his side was the young wife whom he had married in Canada, who was willing to brave any hardship and privation that might fall to their lot for his sake, and to her cheerful co-operation he owes much. Mrs. Brown, whose maiden name was Jane Walker, is also, like her husband, of Irish birth, and was born July 12, 1831. Much joy has fallen to our subject and his estimable wife in their wedded life, and among their blessings are the children spared to comfort them as the shadows of life lengtlien towards sunset. Their eldest daugh- ter, Elizabeth, is the wife of James W. Parsons; their daughter Victoria is the wife of Dr. Thomas Taylor, of Ashton, who is represented elsewhere in this volume, and their only living son married Miss Susie Ghana. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have felt the chastening hand of sorrow in the death of four of their beloved children : James A., who died at the age of thirty-two years; Mary E., who married Frederick Gooch, and died when twenty-four years old; George, who died in childhood, and Sarah, who died in infancy. Our subject's everj'-day life bears testimony to the inherent uprightness of his character, and his neighbors know full well that they can look to him for kindness, charity and helpfulness when- ever they are in trouble or need assistance. He and his wife and all their children are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and have contri- buted their quota to the advancement of religion in their community. Mr. Brown is unwavering in his loyalty to the Republican party, and firmly believes that its policy in regard to all the great public questions of the day is for the best interests of the country. ♦^♦s _y r' fit-^ARMON VAN PATTEN, one of the most t/jlj intelligent and respected members of the '^>^ farming community of Alto Township, has (^) been identified with the agricultural inter- ests of Lee County for a period of thirtj' years. He was born in Glenville, Schenectady County, N. Y., July 14, 1836. He is a lineal descendant of an ancient Holland family that was among the early Colonial settlers of the Empire State, and through his paternal grandmother comes of old New England stock. Simon Bartlett Van Patten, the father of our subject, was born September 5, 1801, in the same town as his son; while his father, Frederick Van Patten, was born in the Mohawk Valley, near Schenectady, N. Y. His last j'ears, however, were spent m his home at Glenville, where he had taken up his residence when a young man. The maiden name of his wife was Sarah Bartlett, and she was born in Massachusetts, her ancestry being of English origin. She survived her husband many years, and died at her old home in Glen- ville. The father of our subject was reared to agri- cultural pursuits. He purchased a farm of forty acres in the town of Glenville, one mile from the Mohawk River, and resided there until 1871, when he came to Illinois to pass his declining years with his children, and died in 1875, at the home of his son Abram, in Malta, De Kalb County. His wife preceded him in death, dying in Sche- 834 POUTEAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL EECORD: nectady County, N. Y., in 1869. She was born in Gilderland, Albany C'ounty, N. Y., in 1804, her maiden name being Susan Van Patten, although she was not in any way related to her husband. She was a daughter ol John and Margaret (Prince) Van Patten. These are the six children that she and her husband reared: Sarah, John, Margaret, Harmon, Abram and Jemima. Harmon Van Patten received his early educa- tion in the district schools, and resided with his parents until he was sixteen years old, when he went to live with a widow in the neighborhood. He had but little work to do other than chores, and he gladly embraced the opportunity to ad- vance his education, as he was veiy eager to learn all that he could, and attended both the district and a select school. He was thus well fitted for the profession of teaching, and in his twentieth year entered upon that vocation. He continued to live in his native State until 1^69, when he came to Illinois, and located in AYillow Creek Township, where he found employment in a nurs- ery for a j'ear. Desirous to still further increase ■ his education, he then became a student at Rock River Seminary, at Mt. Morris, where he pursued a fine course of study. At the time of his mar- riage, he located on the farm that he now owns and occupies in Alto Township, and has since de- voted himself to its improvement. He brings a cultured, well-trained miud to bear upon the problems that beset the skilled agriculturist who seeks to till the soil after the best methods, so as to make it produce abundantly without exhaust- ing its natural fertility. His standing in financial circles is good, and none know him but to esteem him for those fine qualities of head and heart that arc his distinguishing characteristics. Mr. Van Patten was married March 17, 1861, to the lady who presided over his home, and had for many years been to him all that a true wife can be to a man. Mrs. A^an Patten, formerly Miss Hannah Nettleton, was born in the Province of Ontario, Canada. Her union with our subject has been blessed to them by the birth of five children namely: Winnie Estelle, Minnie Delle, Ernest Martin, John Frederick and Hannah Mabel Winnie married Lester L. Atwood, of Boone County, 111., and they have three children: Edna May, Grace and Lois Mabel. Minnie married Henry P. Moon, of Rock Rapids, Lyon County, Iowa, and they have two children: Clarence and Ernest Frederick. Mrs. Van Patten died January 6, 1875. Mr. Van Patten was again married, Sep- tember 4, 1878, to Miss Nettie Fuller, of Webster County, Iowa. This union has resulted in the birth of one child, Marian Delight. -^]. "^i ^+^ C3L ^RANK WEISE. This gentleman is numbered among the old locomotive engineers in the employ of the Illinois Central Railroad Companj', and is among the pioneers of this State. He was born in Saxony, Germany, November 30, 1835. His parents, Charles and Maria Weise, came to the United States in 1848, and settled on a farm near Aurora, 111., where they both died. The father of our subject was twice married, by his first union becoming the parent of one daugh- ter, Dorothea, who married Henrj- Figenger, of Aurora. - The parents of our subject had thirteen children, all born in Germany, of whom six gi-ew to matur- ity, as follows: John, who died in Aurora; Frank; Louis, who resides in Aurora; Mary, wife of Charles Huff, of Chicago; Caroline, the widow of Fred Nichols, of Chicago; Charles, a resident of Denver, Col.; and Clara, who married August Nichols, and died in Chicago. Our subject came to the United States with his father's family, and was reared on a farm at Aurora, also becoming a musician. He went to Mendota and Avorked at various employments, but gave most of his time to furnishing music for entertainments. From Mendota he came to Amboy, and after working for a few months in the machine shops of the Illinois Central Railroad, he became fireman on a locomotive, and in less than four years was given an engine, and is now the oldest freight engineer on the Amboy Division of that railroad. Mr. AVeise has been twice married, the first time in Amboy, to Mary Kufelt. She was born in PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 835 Germany, and died at Amboy in 1878, leaving five children: Frank, Herman, Mena, Theresa and Clara. By a former marriage Mrs. Weise was the mother of one child, Josephine, now Mrs. Nolte. Mr. Weise was a second time married, April 2,1879, to Miss Delia I-Iartha. They have four children: Albert, William, Bertha and Ina. Mr. Weise is a stanch Democrat, and he and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church. The present Mrs. Weise is, by a prior marriage to Henry Brady, the mother of five children: May, Ciiarles, Clara, Johnnie, and Louise (deceased). /^ ATHIAS LIEVAN has played an impor- tant part in the development of Lee County as one of its most enterprising, far-seeing and clear-headed farmers, and although not one of the earliest settlers of this sec- tion of Illinois, he is fairly entitled to be classed among its pioneers. He has acquired a handsome fortune and is now quietly passing his declining years in retirement in his old home on section 17, South Dixon Township, where he settled April 1 , 1857. Our subject was born on the beautiful Rhine in Prussia, Germany, October 13, 1813, coming of pure German ancestry. His father, who was John M. Lievan, was also a Prussian by birth, and was a grape-grower, having his vineyard on the banks of the River Rhine. He was there married to Mar- garet Lievan, who was aLo a native of that pro- vince, and her father's people were also grape- growers and wine-makers. Mathias Lievan passed his early life amid the romantic scenes of his birth, and some years after marriage decided on emigrating to the United States of America, as he was ambitious to acquire wealth, and thought that his chances of doing so would be better in the New World than in the Fatherland. Accompanied by his wife and aged father (his mother having previously died), he set sail from Havre de Grace, and after three months on the ocean landed in this country, in 1846. The ensuing eleven years he lived in Somerset County, Pa., when be came here, and there his father died. Our subject was employed in vari- ous places in and around the ill-fated Johnstown, and at one time worked on the dam which break- age caused the awful flood that well-nigh de- stroyed that city, lie also labored in the iron mines for some years. Hearing much of the rich virgin soil of the great Prairie State, he came hither in 1857, resolved to try his hand at farming. He obtained the first eighty acres of his present homestead at that time, while it was yet in a wild condition, and actively entered upon the labor of retrieving it from a state of nature. He had much to contend with in those early years, and he and his faithful wife endured many hardships and privations, and made many sacrifices before pros- perity began to smile upon their persistent and un- remitting toil. He had but little means when he began his struggles here, and he was so handi- capped by having to pay a big interest that he had to give up forty jicres of his original purchase: Better times came, however, and he grew rich, in- vesting his money in other land until he became the owner of nine farms in this State and in Iowa, aggregating more than a thousand acres of fine farming land, nearly the whole of it being under cultivation. He has provided generously for his children, giving them a good start in life, distribut- ing property among them to the value of $40,000. Our s>ibject was first married in his native province to Miss Anna M. Mechel, who was born and reared there, and died at their old home after the birth of two children, while she was yet a young woman. Mr. Lievan was married a second time in the land of his birth. Miss Magdalena Miller becoming his wife. She was born and reared in the same neighborhood as himself, and was of similar par- entage, her father being a grape-grower. A long and felicitous wedded life has been vouchsafed to our subject and his estimable wife, and of the twelve children that have come to them, all are liv- ing but Charles, who died young. The others are Mathias, a farmer in Missouri, who married Mary Pifer; John W., a farmer residing near Dixon, who married Sophia Bremmer; Elizabeth, who is a resi- dent, of St. Louis; Margaret, wife of Henry E. Mil- ler, of whom a biography appe'ars in tliis volume; 836 POETRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Kate, wife of William Mossholder, a farmer in this township; Jacob, also a farmer in this township, mar- ried Miss Sarah Genck; Rachel,athome with her par- ents; William, a farmer in Harmon Township, who married Miss Ella Fritz; Idell, married Burton Ross and lives in O'Brien County, Iowa; Sarah, wife of Deitrick Seifkin, a farmer in O'Brien County, Iowa; Frank, a farmer in Marion Town- ship, who married Lotta Vroman; Emma, wife of Henry Floto, a farmer at State Centre, Iowa; Henry G., a farmer in Harmon Township, who married Gertrude Wadsworth. The two children of Mr.Lievan'sflrst marriage are Anna and Mary, and both own and occupy good farms near Man- ning, Iowa; Mary married John Parker. Mr. and Mrs. Lievan and the most of their children at- tend the Evangelical Church, and are liberal in their support of whatsoever tends to the moral and religious elevation of the community. Mr. Lievan is loyal in his citizenship' to the country of his adoption, is a firm believer in the superiority of its institutions and government, and is a true Repub- lican in his political sentiments. In closing this rec- ord of his life, we will add that a patient, resolute nature, a keen love of business, accuracy of judg- ment, and a never-failing self-reliance, together with honesty of purpose and act, have been his distinguishing traits, and mark him as a true type of our self-made men, whose career is eminently worthy of emulation and deserving of praise. =I*A-5>*'!S ,AMUEL S. KAYLAR, a wealthy resident of Dixon, has valuable farming interests in Lee Countj^, represented by two fine farms, not far from the city, the manage- ment of both being under his personal supervision. Mr. Kaylar was born half a mile from Martins- burg, Bedford County, Pa., April 11, 1832. His father, John Kaylar, was born in the same State, for aught that is known to the contrary. lie was a harness-maker, and followed that tiade in the winter seasons, and the remainder of the year gave his attention to farming. In 1846 he left Bedford County and removed to Indiana with his famil}'^, going thither with a three-horse team. He settled among the pioneers of Elkhart County, buying a tract of timber land in the wilderness three miles from Goshen. The family moved into the log cabin that stood on the place and occupied it for a few years. The surrounding country was but little settled at that period, as was evidenced by the number of deer and other wild game that abounded, and there were no railways in that sec- tion for some years. Goshen was the market where the farmers went to dispose" of their produce and obtain necessary supplies. The father of our sub- ject became one of the principal farmers of that county, and in time had one of the finest farms anywhere about. He erected a handsome and com- modious brick house, a large barn, and made other valuable improvements. He made it his home until his death in his seventy-sixth year. The maiden name of the mother of our subject w.os Nancy Martin, and she was born in Blair County, Pa., a daughter of David Martin. She has attained the venerable age of eighty years, and now resides in Marshall County, Ind. She has been a faithful mother and has reared nine children to lives of usefulness. Our subject was fourteen years old when he ac- companied his parents to their pioneer home in Indiana. He attended the primitive schools of those days that were taught in log houses, which were furnished with seats made by splitting small trees, and hewing one side smooth, with wooden pins placed underneath for support. Mr. Kaylar continued to live with his father until he was twenty-one years old, and" then worked on a f.arm by the month for three months. At the end of that time, he established a brick yard on his father's farm, and was engaged in the manufacture of bricks the ensuing seven years. He thus obtained a good start in life, and in 1858 he made a tour of the West with a view of investing some of his capital. While in Missouri he entered forty acres of Gov- ernment land in Harrison County, and bought two hundred acres that had previously been entered. Returning to Indiana from that trip, he purchased eighty acres of land in Kosciusko County, and after living upon it two years, sold it at an ad- vance. His next move was to Grundy County, PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 837 this State, and he invested in an eighty-acre tract of land in Braceville Township, to which he added eighty acres more by a subsequent purchase. In 1877 he went from there to Gardner, and was a resident of that place until 1882. Then selling his property there, he came to Lee County, bought a home in Dixon, a farm in Dixon Township, and another ten miles south of the city. Two years later he disposed of the latter farm, and bought one hundred and sixty acres, four and one-half miles south of the city. He still owns both farms, and superintends the working of them, although zesiding in the citj^ - Mr. Kaylar was married m 1860 to Miss Isabel Anderson, a native of Ohio, in whom he has found a wife who has-materially contributed to his success ia life. They have had three children: Albert, Emma and May. The latter, the youngest child, died at the age of six years. Emma married Eu- gene Bartholomew, of Dixon, and they have one child, whom they have named Maud. Our subject's social and financial standing in the community is of the best. He is a loyal citizen, and as such interests himself in politics, being a firm sOpporter of the Republican party. ^ALTER LITTLE, an honored veteran of the late war, now proprietor of the Wash- ington House, of Dixon, has witnessed the growth of Lee County since an early day, his parents being numbered among the honored pioneers of the community. His grandfather, Walter Little, was a farmer of the Highlands of Scotland, and there married Ellen Johnson. In their old home they resided until after the birth of all of their children, when they determined to come to the New World, and, sailing from Edin- burg, crossed the Atlantic to New York. They made their first settlement near Buffalo, in the Empire State, and the year 1837 witnessed their arrival in Illinois. They located on an unbroken farm in Brooklyn Township, Lee County, where the father developed a farm, the family living in a log cabin in true pioneer style. The death of Walter Little, Sr., occurred on the old liomestead, and his wife died at the home of their son, An- drew, in Viola Township, when about sixty-five years of age. They were adherents of the Presby- terian Church and brought up their children in that faith. Only one son is now living, James, a resident of Paw Paw, 111. Andrew Little, father of our subject, was born in the Scottish Highlands, and when a young lad accompanied his parents to America. In Lee County he attained his majorit}', and at Ross Grove, in DeKalb County, married Miss Charity Ross, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Holly) Ross, who were born in the Empire State. After their marriage they removed to Ohio, and thence came to Illinois in a very early day, locating in what is now Ross Grove, which was named in their honor as they were among the very first settlers of De Kalb County. Upon a farm which Mr. Ross there developed from the wild prairie, he and his wife resided for some years. Subsequently he went to Texas, and died at the home of his son in that State, when well ad- vanced in life. His wife passed away in this county. They were well-known pioneers of Northern Illinois and were highly respected people. After the marriage of Andrew Little and his wife, he made a claim of Government land near Compton, Lee County, where he improved a farm and subsequently engaged in farming in Viola Township, where he died on the 7th of March, 1857, at the age of forty-six years. His wife was called to her final rest November 16, 1850, when only' twenty-four years of age. Thiy left three chil- dren: Walter, of this sketch; Mary, wife of Ed C. Lamb, a farmer living on the old homestead; and Andrew, who also resides on a part of the old home farm. He married Catherine Christeancc. Another child of the family, who also bore the name of Andrew, died in early youth. Our subject first opened his eyes to the light of day on his father's farm in Brooklyn Township, in 1841, and his home has been in no other couniy than this. His labors were devoted to farm work until nineteen years of age, when he responded to 838 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. the country's call for troops to aid in crushing out tV.e Rebellion, and enlisted October 7, 1861, as a member of Battery F, First Illinois Volunteer Artillery. He participated in the battles of Pitts- burg and those of the Mississippi campaign, and was with Gen. Sherman throughout the Atlanta campaign and helped to drive Gen. Hood's Army from the North. When the war was brought to a successful termination, he was honorably discharged at Nashville, Tenn., on the 4th of February, 1865, after about three and a half years of active service. He had enlisted as a private, but during the last year served as Color-bearer of his regiment, the stand of colors being presented to the company by the ladies of Dixon. He was a young soldier but the country saw no braver, and at his post of duty he was always found. He was never wounded or taken prisoner, though on several occasions he narrowly escaped capture. On his return from the war, Mr. Little resumed farming, which he followed until 1884, when he was elected Sheriff of Lee County. For two years he filled that office and in December, 1886, at the expiration of his term, became proprietor of the Washington House, a leading hotel of Dixon. He is a genial host who carefully looks after the comfort of his guests, and the hotel has therefore become a favorite with the traveling public. Mr. Little is still the owner of a hundred and sixty- acre farm near ShefField, Cerro Gordo County, Iowa, which is well watered and highly improved and cultivated. In Brooklyn Township, this county, our subject was joined in wedlock with Miss Cornelia Nichols, a native of Michigan, and a daughter of Charles and Margaret Nichols, who had removed from that State to Illinois, in 1857, locating in Brooklyn Township. Some years later .they removed- to Ames, Story County, Iowa, where both died, hav- ing passed the allotted age of three-score years and ten. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Little have been born five children, but Fannie M. and George W. are now deceased. James W., Lillian G., and Ethel G. are still under the parental roof. The parents attend the Methodist Church and are highly respected people of the community, having many friends in and around Dixon. Mr. Little is a member of the Blue Lodge and Chapter, and Dixon Commandery of Knights Templar of the Masonic order, and, with the exception of that of Master, has filled all the offices. He also holds membership with Dixon Post, No. 229, G. A. R. ■i fc » |> ^ ip H ' ** ' I I AMUEL F. MILLS, of the firm of Mills ^r~-. She is a lady of culture and refinement and well educated; before her marriage she followed the profession of a teacher for some time. She is the mother of one child, — Clark. born July 14, 1885. Mr. and Mr?. Rickard hold a prominent place in the social circles of the commu- nity and their pleasant home is tlie favorite resort of the young people. In politics he belongs to the Republican party. On another page in this volume will be found a view of the attractive residence of iMr. Rickard, with its rural surroundings. W/OSEPH P. PLUMMER, manager of the Riverside Shoe Factory at Dixon, was closely connected with the inception of this well- known factory, one of tlie most important institutions of the city. The buildings occupied by the establishment are conveniently constructed and arranged after the most modern plan and with a view to sanitary conditions. It is devoted to the manufacture of children's, misses' and ladies' shoes, while the Dixon Shoe Factory, which is un- der the same management, turns out men's shoes only. They give employment to as many as six hundred hands and have a capacity for five thou- sand per day of children's, misses' and ladies' shoes, the regular output being about three thousand. The capacity of the men's shoe department is about seven hundred per day and is usually run at its full capacity. The company also has a factory at Jefferson City, Mo., for men's and women's peg work in boots and shoes, and owns a small factory in Chicago for a similar grade of work. Frederick Watson and Joseph P. Plummer have the management of the concern while all goods are shipped to Chicago for common distribution by the owners of the factories, C. M. Henderson & Company. Mr. Plummer has been associated witli tlie Henderson Boot and Shoe Company since 1875 with the exception of two years, during which he was with his father in the wholesale drug trade in Chicago. Prior to remov- ing to Rockford he was with the company in Pitts- burg, Pa., and came West when its headquarters were transferred here. Mr. Plummer was born in Richmond, Ind., Feb- ruary 8, 1859, and when fifteen years' old com- menced in business for himself. His father, Jona- than W. Plummer, is a member of the firm of Morrison, Plummer & Company, one of the largest importeis of drugs in Chicago, located at No. 200- 206 Randolph Street. His mother, whose maiden name was Hannah Ballard, was born in Lorain County, Ohio, the daughter of Thomas Ballard. The parents of our subject are adherents of the Friends Church, and prominent in that society at Chicago. He has given largely to charitable insti- tutions and benevolent purposes, and is a man of upright character and large influence. In Pittsburg, Pa., Joseph P. Plummer was mar- ried to Miss Saiah H. Liglitcap, wlio was born in that city, and is an accomplished and refined lady. Mr. Plummer is Secretary and Treasurer of the Electric Light Company of Dixon, and one of the organizers of the company. He is also Vice-presi- dent of the Dixon Ice Company, of which Mr. Wat- son is President. His business abilities are of no common order, and his judicious management has been rewarded by the possession of a competency. IkA ARTIN WILLIAM BRAUER. Many of ///l\\ *^® ™°^* thrifty and intelligent agricul- j 1» turists of this section of Illinois, were * born and reared on the other side of the Atlantic, and to Germany especially, is Lee County indebted for some of her most interprising and prosperous citizens. Such is the gentleman whose name heads this sketch, and who was born in .Javer Dukedom, Oldenburg, Germany, March 12 1815. He was reared and received a good 850 PORTRAIT AND BrOGRAPHICAL RECORD. education in his native place, and at the early age of sixteen j'ears went to sea, setting out as man- before-the-mast. He sailed the seas on merchant vessels for about ten years, being as far north as longitude ten degrees and as far south as Costa Rica. At the expiration of that time he returned to his native home, and in 1840 sailed for the United States. Proceeding directly to this State he settled in Palmyra Township, this county. In 1848 Mr. Brauer returned to Germany, and while there was married in his native place to Miss Plelen Harms. This lady was born and reared in Oldenburg, and like her husband, came of good old German stock. Immediately after her mar- riage she accompanied her husband to the United States, and has assisted him in building up tlieir attractive homestead. She became the mother of two sons — Anton, a successful young farmer, mar- ried Miss Lillie Butler, and they live on a farm in Sterling Township, AYhiteside County, this State, with their two children, Myrtle and Lee; Frank lives on the old homestead, which he man- ages in connection with property of his own, comprising one hundred and seventy acres. He married Miss Dora Walter, of this county, and they have three children, Ettia, Fred and Walter. Religiously, Mr. and Mrs. Brauer are sincere Christian people and members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Brauer uses his political influence in favor of the Democratic party, but formerly was a Republican. One of the most valuable farms of this county is owned and cultivated by Mr. Brauer, who is well and favorably known throughout the county. As a splendid example of what may be accom- plished b}- an energetic, determined and econom- ical man, we point to Mr. Brauer, who is a repre- sentative farmer, and who owns a splendid estate • of one hundred and forty acres of fertile land, witha fineand substantial set of buildings thereon, besides thirty acres of timber. He secured his farm upon first coming here in 1840, when it was in a wild and unbroken state, and on it he began life in true pioneer style and has since brought it to its present fine condition. As is plaiinly to be seen, he is the architect of his own fortune, which he has accumulated by thrift, sagaciousncss and perseverance. # BI0GF{fI©I5l(gpR 3i««'-se ss^=-^<> Abbott, J. H 289 Abell, John M 744 Acker, W. H 1!I5 Adams, John 23 Adams, John Q 39 Agler, B. J .■ 7fiO Albreoht, B 394 Allen, Samuel 803 Ambler, William 7()3 Anderson, E 369 Anderson, J. B 818 Anderson, William H 445 Andrus, John A 3G1 Argraves, Samuel 827 Armour, W.J 81fi Armstrong, A 4H0 Arthur, Chester A 99 Aschenbrenner, J 201 Aschenbrenner, Mrs. O. E.. .224 Athertou, Joseph, M. D 740 Ayres.D. B 420 Ayres.J. C 370 Ayres, Joseph H 470 B Baker,Ludwig 806 Ballou, C. A 812 Barge. William 776 Bartlett, Oapt. Prescott 722 Bates, H. B 341 Beach, Melrille 619 Beacb, Sidney 444 Becker, C. A 241 Bedient, 380 Beemer, Mrs. Hannah J 489 Bender, S. A 219 Bennett, James 383 Bemardin, Joseph C 435 Berry.I.B 758 Betz, Jacob, Jr 3.S6 Beveridge, John L 171 Bishop, C 3P5 Bishop, G. E 780 Bissell, William H 1.51 Blackman, O. B., M. D .'..402 Bliss, James 364 Bly.H 261 Bollman, Frederick 823 Bollman, Henry 288 Bond, Shadrach Ill Book,D. G 718 Bossemeyer, John F 284 Bothe, Henry 591 Bourne, L 515 Bovey, Elias 4.51 Braffet, James H., M. D 433 Brauer, M. W 849 Brechon, Jules 248 Brecunia, P. L 694 Bridgman, C 840 Brierton, Emanuel 731 Brierton, W. S 251 Brink, Isaiah 673 Brookner, H. C 228 Brown, Abram 694 Brown, G. W. I., M. D 45t Brown, James 832 Brown, Thomas W 281 Brubaker, A. J. ,747 Brubaker, J. P 676 Bruner, George W 331 Buchanan, James 75 Buckaloo, T. J 193 Burd, William 212 Burger, J. J 439 Burger,Jonas 342 Burger, Lloyd ..230 Burket, J. H 621 Businga, M. L 734 Butler, T. A 556 Card,C.H 490 Carlin, Thomas 135 Carnahan, A. J 790 Carpenter, A, M 520 Chaffee, F. H 550 Chaon, August 436 Charters, James B 663 Chase, E. E 633 Cheney, Person 621 Christiance, A. V 602 Clapp, E. L 4')5 Clark, E.B HU Classen, C. B 318 Clatworthy, Rev. W. H 534 Clayton, Thomas 297 Cleveland, S. Grover 103 Cobb.H.B 672 Coe, Frank M .585 Cole, J. F 614 Coles, Edward 115 Countryman, 1. B 774 Courtright, O. P 681 Crabtree, lion. John D 309 Crawford, Hon. Joseph 682 Crombie, John 730 Cullom , Shelby M 175 Cumins, T 571 Curran, Daniel 732 D Dana, J. P .570 Davenport, C.T 631 Deeter, John A 823 Depuy, J 321 Detamore, Susan P 635 Detrick, Martin 444 DeWolf.Mrs. M. P 589 Dimick, A. S 565 Dixon, Hon. Sherwood 263 Dixon, John ,.8.31 Dodge, S.S 471 Dolan, Thomas 291 Downing, Maj. O. J 820 Doyle, Dennis B 690 Drew, Will D 582 Duffy.Hugh 506 Duffy, Bernhard 552 Duis,Jelle 531 Duncan, Joseph 131 Dunning, H.W 809 Dunton, G, S 686 Durin, Lewis G 399 Durkes, C 441 Dysart, B. F 813 Dysart, Collins 509 Dysart, Col. A. P 237 Dysart, Hon. Samuel 191 Dysart, William 469 E Earl, Isaac 3,33 Eastwood, Capt. S. D 591) Ebinger, Jacob 794 Edwards, Isaac 317 Edwards, Ninian 119 Egan , Hon. Michael 060 Eicholtz, Jonas B 829 Eisenberg, Peter 549 Eells,S.C 422 Elliott, Thomas 794 Ellsworth, B. F 511 Emerson, C. P 280 Emmert, H 796 Epla, Jacob 412 Erbes, George 713 Ewing, William L D 127 Fargo, E. S 808 Farrand, R. S 320 Fasoldt, W. H 400 Felker, J.B.,M. D 311 Fifer,Joseph W 183 Fillmore, Millard 67 Fitzpatrick, I£ 319 Floto, Louis 430 Filson.R. C 8!5 Fisoel, W. H 227 Fischer, E.E 521 Fisoher.H.S 412 Fisher, Adolphus 222 INDEX. Fisher, Jacob 716 Ford, Thomas ,.. 139 French, Augustus C 143 Frenzel, A B9o Frost, Capt. William S 342 Fry, Josiah 434 Fuller, Champion 411 Furley , Charles F 505 G Gardner, John M 580 Garfield, James A 95 Geer, James 817 Gehant, Modesto 652 Geiger, J.Ii 217 Gilman, J. H 466 Gilmore, A. P 485 Gilmore, W. W 654 Girton, M. A 472 Glenn, David A 426 Gooch, Richard 258 Goodrich, James P 42-1 Goodyear, L. M 670 Goodyear, M. L 500 Grant, Ulysses S 87 Graves, William 764 Gray, James E 626 Gray, J. L 234 Gray, Thomas 643 Grillith.S 312 Grobe, John C 763 Grove, William '. 539 Gruver, Uriah 824 Guyot, Charles A 762 H Hagerman, A. 800 Hall, Joseph G 644 Hallock, IfF 496 Hamilton, John M 179 Hampton, W. P 459 Harden, D. C 199 Harden, Jacob 624 Harden, W. W 3(55 Harms, A. W (joo Harms, G. A 754 Harper, Alexander 842 Harper, Thomas 586 Hart, Charles D 619 Hart, Eev. J. E 449 Hart, Levi E 745 Harrington, A. J C64 Harrington, C 243 Harris, D. M 4,50 Harrison, Benjamin 107 Harrison, William Henry.... 51 Hartman, Conrad (,'62 Hartmaai, David 656 Hatch, C. L 5(;j Hausen, Harrison 805 Hansen, S.C 409 Hausen, W. H 590 Hayes, Rutherford B 91 Heckman, William W 2(H- Hegert, F. W 340 Hepperlin, Jacob 201 Herbst,E. F 675 Hetler, Hiram 70S ' Hetler, Jeremiah 333 Hetler, John 356 Hewitt, G. W. , M. D 493 Hill, George W 242 Hill, Jacob.. , 620 Hill, Nathan 359 Hill, Thomas J 742 Hilles, W.H 20s Hillison, H. W -.725 Hintz, Henry 847 Hoctor, John 7!I9 Hodges, G.J 788 Holdren, John 279 Holly, W. DeF 300 Hoover, H. H .571 Horner, A. J ^M Horton.I.A 247 Howell, Thomas 3/2 Hoyle, John 659 Hoyle, John W 804 Hoyle, Joshua P 773 Hoyle, S.P 752 Hubbard, M. D 564 Huguet, C. M 775 Hulbert, George W 320 Hullinger, L 771 Hunt, George 733 Hunt, Isaac E 463 Hunt, Otis 792 Hussey, J. B. ..' 404 Hutton, F 3go Hyde, J. W 363 Ingalls, Hon. C. H. Ives, Hon. W. E ...612 ..298 Jackson, Andrew 43 Jacobs, JohnC 714 Jefferson, Thoma^ 27 Johnson, Andrew 83 Johnson, E. C 543 Johnson, Howard 832 Johnson, James H 400 Johnson, E. H 313 Johnson, O. P 575 Johnson, R. E 35,5 Johnson, Truman 726 Jones, Charles 22tS K Kaylar, S. S 836 Keeler.C. H 530 Keister, August ._. .482 Keister , Frederick 746 Kennedy, W. M 689 Kersten , Hartman 646 Kessier, George 653 Kettley, E. P 535 King, Frank 233 Klein, Jacob 390 Klostermann, G. L 293 Knight, E. B., Jr 322 Koehler, Adam 354 Kreiter, Peter 213 Lahman, D. F 652 Lahman , J. E 270 Lahman, John D 473 Lamb, Edward C 389 Landau, William 307 Landis, P. H 684 Latimer, C. W 603 Lauer, George 572 Law, D. H., M. D 772 Lawrence, John 504 Lawrence, John T 622 Leake, John C 679 Leake, Rev. Thomas : 825 Levan, Jacob 475 Levan, John M 465 Lievan, John W 721 Lievan, Mathias 835 Lincoln, Abraham 79 Lindeman, H 611 Little, Joseph T 461 Little, Josiah 702 Little, Walter 837 Lloyd, Eli 272 Lnce, James C 383 Lutz, John L 792 Lyman, George A 620 Lyman, T. A 335 Lyon , Horace 791 M Madison, James 3( Malach, J. George 630 Maloney, Daniel 817 Maloney, M 484 Martin, Jacob 5,32 Martin, S. T 384 Matteson, Joel A 147 McAlpine, W.J 423 McCleary, E. S 211 McCleary, G. S 211 McCune, Thomas P 260 McGinnis, James L 452 McKenney, James 79S McKinstry, John 615 McMahan, William 649 McMartin, F 510 McWethy.J. H 549 Means, Isaac " 373 Mechem, W. E 699 Meister, Conrad 842 Mellen, R. H 735 Mensch, John 271 Meppen, M. W 405 Merriman, A 421 Merriman, J. B., M. D 523 Merriam, L. T 334 Meserole, John P .'. 625 Messer,' Gilbert 754 Miller, Adam. . . , 374 Miller, Daniel 769 Miller, D. C 713 Miller, Dennis 605 Miller, Dlek 813 Miller, H.E 774 Miller, Henry 2ii2 Miller, J. C 416 Miller, J. M 5OO Miller, Merritt 218 Miller, R. F 220 Miller, Rinear 464 Miller,T.J 639 Mills, S.F 8:S Missman,B 789 Missman, G. H „ 784 Missman, H 695 Mitchell, Hon. L. \V 481 Moeller, Charles E 713 Mong, Samuel 269 Monroe, James 35 Moore, John H 779 Morgan, Col. Thomas 601 Morrill, N. G. H 329 Morris, Charles A 232 Mossholder, N 536 Mossholder, W. H 278 Murphy, Mrs. O. A 660 Murray.David 290 Myers, A. J 353 N Nealis, James 764 Neir, R. E 724 Nelson, Haldor 3'i5 Nickey, A. J 826 Noble, George H 442 Noble, Col. H. T 844 Noe, G. T 491 o Oglesby, Kichard J 16J INDEX. OlseH, Nels 480 Ortgiesen, George 593 Paddock, W. E 319 Page, W. B 252 Palmer, John M 167 Patterson, I. K 632 Patterson, S. H 555 Petri, August 6:r> Petrie,N.A 344 Pettenger, E. M 753 Petticrew, David 385 Phillips, Arthur 343 Phillips, Richard 259 Pierce, Franklin 71 Plummer, J. P 849 Polk, James K...! 59 Porter, Alfred P 332 Powell. Nelson. 728 Powers, Hon. Abijah 207 Prentice, A 805 Prestegard, O. J 736 Preston, Caiarles F 239 Preston, James H 674 Preston, W.F 360 Pulver.J. B 786 Q Quick, James. j 403 Qniok, Thomaa H 386 R Eadley, A. C 661 Eafenspergor, Levi 29 1 Bansom, S 194 Raymond, D. B 282 Raymond, B.H ' 282 Reichard, Daniel 553 Reinhart, Andrew 267 Eeitz, Lafayette 579 Remmers, H. W 514 Reynolds, John. 123 Rhodes, Simon 273 Richardson, A. A 419 Richardson, J. W 799 Richey, Andrew 749 Rickard, E. H 848 Eiegle,S. W .339 Rikert,G 693 Risetter, L. L 375 Roe, U.C.,M. D 665 Rogers, F. E 466 Rogers, W. L 782 Rosbrook, C. J 785 Rosenkrans, A. H 476 Rosenkrans, Jacob 711 Root.H. B 634 Ryan,E. J 748 Ryon , George, M. D 195 Rust, Theodore 351 Sanders, Henry. 324 Sanders, J. W 626 Santee, J. M 705 Sawyer, Darius 741 Sawyer, Leander C 930 Sawyer, L. ...616 Schick, August 573 Schippert, John 651 Schmucker, H. C 545 Schoenholz, John 711 Schott,Mrs. C 516 Seavey, Fletcher 795 Seebach, John 581 Senger, D. B. . ._ 2.'jS Senneff, Jacob 520 Seybert, Charles W 581 Seybert, George 840 Seybert, James W 379 Seybert, Wallace 814 Shank, John 210 Shaw, B. F 308 Shaw, John L 733 Shaw.S 602 Sheap,W. L 616 Shippee, S. H 592 Shipper!, W.F 382 Shippert, M. J, 542 Shoemaker, S. A 604 Shultz, Joseph 352 Sitts, John D 274 Smith, Daniel 569 Smith, George E 345 Smith, Ira S .'.....210 Smith, J. B 601) Smith, Merritt 731 Smith, Prof. E. C 533 Sniith, Robert 414 Sneed, James .287 Southard, Henry 700 Stager, John F 323 Stainbrook, George F 198 Stainbrook, 1 797 Steele, George 391 Stenger, George 221 Sterling, John M 249 Stetler, T. H., M. D 227 Stevens, Capt. John 4 31 Stevens, N. D 416 Stiles, E.B 815 Stitzel, John 396 Stone, Samuel 669 Stout, William 778 Strader, William M 810 Straw, "William S 311 Strickland, S. E 645 Stroup, Uriah 723 Swartwout, N, F ". 715 Swarts,MosesT.. 787 Sweitzer, Tobias 767 Swigart, William H 596 Swygart, Mrs. CM 610 T Tait, Joseph 229 Talcott, William B 392 Tayler, T. G. , M. D 706 Taylor, Zachary 63 Thomas, Abrara 704 Thomas, Evans C 762 Thompson, G. W .559 Thompson, J. H ,=22 Thompson, K. J 410 Thorp, E. L 440 Thummel, A. E 685 Thummel, Rev. C.B 813 Timothy, Otis 846 Trainer, Charles 306 Treacy , Rev. James 263 Trostle, John M 287 Trouth, John 541 Trude, W.B 492 Truman, F. A 768 Tuttlo, W. T 231 Tyler, John .55 D Uhl, Henry : . . .302 Uhl, Hiram 526 Uline.S.H 393 TJtley, Joseph 453 Van Patten, C. F 729 Van Patten, Harmon 833 Vaughn, B.D.,M.D 601 Ventler, Andrew 346 Vosburgh, S 299 Vosburgh, John P 389 Vroom, Cornelius 197 w Wagner, Jacob 717 Walker, E 214 Warner, A. C 606 Ward, Lewis B 841 Washington, George 19 Wasson, A. P 540 Watson, Maj. James A 760 Weigle, A 798 Weise, Frank 834 Weishaar, E 254 Wells, Thomas , 839 Welty,C F 641 ■w^ernick, Ernest 277 Wertman, Jacob 629 Wetherbee, D. J 513 Weyburn, M. C 2(4 Whitney, A. R 429 Whitney, Col. Nathan 430 Will, Charles 1 6110 Will, Hiram ..819 Williams, C.P ...SIS Williams, H.E 4S3 Williams, Mark 692 Williams, Wick. . '. 780 Williamson, H. A 257 Willman, John B 562 Wilson, Stewart 200 Wiltse, Stephen 7.59 Wingert, John W 304 Withey, George C 683 Wood, John 155 Woodford, F. W.., ..460 Wooley, William C 425 VanBuren, Martin 47 Van Bpps, William' H 350 Yates, Richard 150 Yetter, John .802 Zug, Israel . .307 INDEX. -i-^ ■gH-^ Adams, John 22 Adams, John Q 38 Anderson , Erastiis 3fj8 Arthur, Chester A 98 Beach, Melville 618 JBeemer, Jesse 488 Beveridge, John L 170 Bissell, William H 150 Bond, yhadrach 110 Brink, Isaiah 672 Buchanan, James 74 Carlin, Thomas 134 Clayton, Thomas 286 Cleveland, S. Grover 102 Coles, Edward 114 Cullom, Shelby M 171 Duncan, Joseph 130 DeWolf , Mrs. Mary P 588 Dysart, Col. A. P 236 Dysart, Collins rm Dysart, Samuel 190 Dysart, William (68 Edwards, Isaac 316 Edwards, Ninian 118 Eisenberg, Peter 518 Ewing, William L. D 126 Fifer, Joseph W '82 Fillmore, Millard rfi Ford, Thomas ir,8 French, Augustus C 142 Garfield, J. A 9J Grant, U. S 86" Hamilton, John M 178 Hampton, W.P 458 Harrison, Benjamin 100 Harrison, W. H 30 Hart, Charles D 518 Hart, Rev. J. E 448 Hausen , S. C 408 Hayes, R.B 90 Horton.I.A 246 Hoyle, John 658 Jackson, Andrew 42 Jefferson, Thomas 20 Johnson, Andrew 82 Kennedy, W. M 688 Leake, ^ohn C 678 Lincoln, Abraham 78 Madison, James 30 Matteson, Joel A 146 McMahan, William 648 Mechem, W. E 698 Miller, T.J 638 Monroe, James 34 Morrill, N. G. H 326 Morrill, Mrs. C 327 Oglesby , Eichard J 162 Paddock, Eiley 348 Palmer, John Ml 166 Pierce, Franklin 70 Polk, J. K 58 Powers, Abijah 204 Powers, Mrs. Amanda 205 Reinhart, Andrew 260 Reitz, Lafayette 578 Reynolds, John 122 Rosenkrans, Jacob 710_ Senneff, Jacob 528 Smith, Daniel 568 Smith, Joseph E 608 Stetler, T. H. , M. D 226 Stone, Samuel 668 Taylor, Zachary 62 Tyler, John 54 Van Buren, Martin 46 Tosburgh, John P 388 Washington, George 18 Wernick, Ernest 276 Wertman, Jacob 628 Whitney, A. R 428 Williamson, H. A 238 Wood, John 154 Yates, Richard l.')8 Betz, Jacob 337 Book, D. G 719 Brauer, F. W 765 Burger, J. J 437 Butler, T. A 557 Ch'aon , August 437 Durin,L. G 397 Eastwood, S. D 697 Hallock,!. F 497 Harms, A. W. mi Harms, G. A 753 Hetler, John 357 Jlill, Mrs. Judith. . '. ,357 Landau, William 305 Lievan, John W 719 Miller, J. C 417 Miller, J. M 497 Mossholder, N 637 Nealis, James 765 Powers, Abijah 215 Prestegard, O. J 737 Riokard, E. H 755 Rosenkrans, A. H 177 Smith, Merritt 737 Stitzel, John ...397 Swigart, William H 59^ Thompson, G. W 557 Wernick, Ernest 285 Williams, C. P 377 Wingert, John W 305