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 # and rionroe Counties, 
 
 • ILLINOIS. • 
 
 Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent 
 
 REPRESENTA TIVE CITIZENS OE THE COUNTIES, 
 
 TOGETHER WITH BIOGRAPHIES AND PORTRAITS OF ALL THE 
 
 Presidents of ttie United States, 
 
 AND THE GOVERNORS OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS. 
 
 CHICAGO: 
 BIOGRAPHICAL PUBLISHING CO.
 
 
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 I IE greatest of English historians, Macaulat, and one of the most brilliant writers of 
 tlie 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 tlie Poutuait and BioouAruicAL 
 Ri:(;oKi) Qf tijj^ county lias been prepared. Instead of going to musty records, and 
 taiiing therefrom dry statistical matter that can be appreciated by but few, oui 
 ^»j'"f3:i^ corps of writers have gone to the people, the men and women who have, by theii 
 enterprise and industr}^ 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 
 iiidustr3' 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 teUs also of many, very 
 many, who, not seeking the applause of the world, have pursued "the even tenor of their waj-," contend 
 to have it said of them as Christ said of the woman performing a deed of mercy — "they have done what 
 tliey could." It tells bow that many in the pride and strength of young manhood left the plow and the 
 anvil, the lawyer's office and the counting-room, left every trade and professioH, 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 c(mtains so much that would never find its way into pul)lic 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- 
 
 vjselves that they give to their readers ;i work with few errors of consequence. In addition to the biograph 
 
 •oical sketclies, 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 
 t^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, 1894. ISkxmiaimiioal Publishing Co.
 
 
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 BIOGRAPHIES 
 
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 Governors of Illinois, 
 
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 'A.
 
 GEORGE WASHINGTON. 
 
 y HE Father of our Countr)- was boni in West- 
 ( C moreland County, Va. , February 22, 1732. 
 V2/ His parents were Augustine and Mary (Ball) 
 Washington. The family to which he belonged 
 has not been satisfactorily traced in Kngland. 
 His great-grandfather, John Washington, emi- 
 grated to \'irginia about 1657, and became a 
 prosperous planter. He had two sons, Lawrence 
 and John. The former married Mildred Wanier, 
 and had three children, John, Augu.stine and 
 Mildred. Augustine, the father of George, first 
 married Jane Butler, who IxDre him four children, 
 two of whom, Lawrence and Augustine, reached 
 maturitj'. Of six children by his second mar- 
 riage, George was the eldest, the others being 
 Betty, Samuel, John Augustine, Charles and 
 Mildred. 
 
 Augustine Wa.shington, the father of George, 
 died in 1743, leaving a large landed property. 
 To his eldest son, Lawrence, he bequeathed an 
 estate on the Potomac, aften\*ards known as Mt. 
 Vemon, and to George he left the parental resi- ' 
 dence. George received only such education as 
 the neighborhood schools afforded, sa\-e for a 
 short time after he left school, when he received 
 private instruction in mathematics. His spelling 
 was rather defective. Remarkable stories are 
 told of his great physical strength and develop- 
 ment at an early age. He was an acknowledged 
 leader among his companions, and was early 
 noted for that nobleness of character, fairness and 
 veracity which characterized his whole life. 
 
 When George was fourteen },-ears 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 1 
 
 years later he was appointed sur\'ej^or to the im- 
 mense 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 nineteen 
 \-ears of age, he was appointed Adjutant, with thfe 
 rank of Major, in the Virginia militia, then being 
 trained for active .ser\'ice 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 sur\-ive him. On her demise the estate of 
 Mt. \'ernon was given to George. 
 
 Upon the arrival of Robert Dinwiddie as Lieu- 
 tenant-Governor of Virginia, in 1752, the militia 
 was reorganized, and the province divided into 
 four military districts, of which the northern was 
 a.ssigned to Washington as Adjutant-General. 
 Shorth- after this a ver>' perilous mission, which 
 others had refused, was assigned him and ac- 
 cepted. This was to proceed to the French post 
 near Lake Erie, in northwestern Penn.sylvania. 
 The distance to be traversed was about si.x hun- 
 dred miles. Winter was at hand, and the journey 
 was to be made without militar>- escort, through 
 a territory occupied by Indians. The trip was a 
 perilous one, and .several times he nearly lost his 
 life, but he returned in safety and furnished a full 
 and useful report of his expedition. A regiment 
 of three hundred men was raised in Virginia and 
 put in command of Col. Joshua Fry, and Maj. 
 Washington was commis.sioned Lieutenant-Colo- 
 nel. Active war was then begun again.st the 
 French and Indians, in which Washington took
 
 GEORGE WASHINGTON. 
 
 a most important part. In the memorable event 
 of July 9, 1755, known as "Braddock's defeat," 
 Washington was almost the only officer of dis- 
 tinction who escaped from the calamities of the 
 day with life and honor. 
 
 Having been for five years in the military ser\'- 
 ice, and having vainly sought promotion in the 
 royal army, he took advantage of the fall of Ft. Du- 
 quesne and the expulsion of the French from the 
 valley of the Ohio to resign his commission. Soon 
 after he entered the Legislature, where, although 
 not a leader, he took an active and important 
 part. January 17, 1759, he married Mrs. Martha 
 (Dandridge) Custis, the wealthy widow of John 
 Parke Custis. 
 
 When the British Parliament had closed the 
 port of Boston, the cry went up throughout the 
 provinces, ' ' The cause ol Boston is the cause of 
 us aU! " It was then, at the suggestion of Vir- 
 ginia, that a congress of all the colonies was 
 called to meet at Philadelphia September 5, 
 1774, to secure their common liberties, peaceably 
 if possible. To this congress Col. Washington 
 was sent as a delegate. On Maj' 10, 1775, the 
 congress re-assembled, when the hostile inten- 
 tions of England were plainly apparent. The 
 battles of Concord and Lexington had been fought, 
 and among the first acts of this congress was the 
 election of a commander-in-chief of the Colonial 
 forces. This high and responsible office was con- 
 ferred upon Washington, who was still a member 
 of the congress. He accepted it on June 19, but 
 upon the express condition that he receive no sal- 
 arj'. Jle would keep an exact account of ex- 
 penses, and expect congress to pay them and 
 nothing more. It is not the object of this sketch 
 to trace the militarj- acts of Washington, to whom 
 the fortunes and liberties of the people of this 
 couiitrj- were so long confided. The war was 
 conducted by him under every possible disadvan- 
 tage; and while his forces often met with reverses, 
 yet he o\-ercame every obstacle, and after seven 
 years of heroic devotion and matchless skill he 
 gained liberty for the greatest nation of earth. 
 On December 23, 1783, Washington, in a parting 
 address of surpassing beauty, resigned his com- 
 mission as Commander-in-Chief of the army to the 
 
 Continental Congress sitting at Annapolis. He 
 retired immediately to Mt. Vernon and resumed 
 his occupation as a farmer and planter, shunning 
 all connection with public life. 
 
 In February, 1789, Washington was unani- 
 mously elected President, and at the expiration 
 of his first term he was unanimouslj- re-elected. 
 At the end of this term many were anxious that he 
 be re-elected, but he absolutely refused a third 
 nomination. On March 4, 1797, at the expiration 
 of his second term as President, he returned to his 
 home, hoping to pass there his few remaining 
 years free from the annoj-ances of public life. 
 Later in the year, however, his repose seemed 
 likely to be interrupted by war with France. At 
 the prospect of such a war he was again urged to 
 take command of the army, but he chose his sub- 
 ordinate officers and left 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 prepara- 
 tions his life was suddenly cut off. December 1 2 
 he took a severe cold from a ride in the rain, 
 which, settling in his throat, produced inflamma- 
 tion, and terminated fatally on the night of the 
 14th. On the 1 8th his body was borne with mili- 
 tar>' honors to its final resting-place, and interred 
 in the family vault at Mt. Vernon. 
 
 Of the character of Washington it is impossible 
 to speak but in terms of the highest respect and 
 admiration. The more we see of the operations 
 of our government, and the more deeplj' we feel 
 the difficulty of uniting all opinions in a common 
 interest, the more highly we must estimate the 
 force of his talent and character, which have been 
 able to challenge the reverence of all parties, 
 and principles, and nations, and to win a fame as 
 extended as the limits of the globe, and which we 
 cannot but believe will be as lasting as the exist- 
 ence of man. 
 
 In person, Washington wa's unusually tall, erect 
 and well proportioned, and his muscular strength 
 was great. His features were of a beausiful .sym- 
 metry. He commanded respect without any ap- 
 pearance of haughtiness, and was ever serious 
 without being dull.
 
 JOHN ADAMS. 
 
 (TOHN ADAMS, the second President and the 
 I first Vice-President of the United States, was 
 C2? born in Braintree (now Ouinc\') Mass., and 
 about ten miles from Boston, October 19, 1735. 
 His great-grandfather, Henr>- Adams, emigrated 
 from England about 1640, with a family of eight 
 sons, and settled at Braintree. The parents of 
 John were John and Susannah (Bojlston) 
 Adams. His father, who was a farmer of limited 
 means, also engaged in the business of shoe- 
 making. He gave his eldest son, John, a classical 
 education at Har\-ard College. John graduated 
 in 1755, and at once took charge of the school at 
 Worcester, Mass. This he found but a ' ' school 
 of affliction," from which he endeavored to gain 
 relief bj- devoting himself, in addition, to the 
 study of law. For this purpose he placed himself 
 under the tuition of the onlj- lawyer in the town. 
 He had thought seriously of the clerical profes- 
 sion, but seems to have been turned from this by 
 what he termed ' ' the frightful engines of ecclesi- 
 astical councils, of diabolical malice, and Calvin- 
 istic good nature," of the operations of which he 
 had been a witness in his native town. He was 
 well fitted for the legal profession, possessing a 
 clear, sonorous voice, being readj' and fluent of 
 speech, and having quick perceptive powers. He 
 gradually gained a practice, and in 1764 married 
 Abigail Smith, a daughter of a minister, and a 
 lady of superior intelligence. Shortly after his 
 marriage, in 1765, the attempt at parliamentary- 
 taxation turned him from law to politics. He 
 took initial steps toward holding a town meeting, 
 and the resolutions he offered on the subject be- 
 came ver>- popular throughout the province, and 
 were adopted word for word by over forty differ- 
 ent towns. He moved to Boston in 1768, and 
 became one of the most courageous and promi- 
 nent advocates of the popular cause, and was 
 chosen a member of the General Court (the Leg- 
 islature) in 1770. 
 
 Mr. Adams was chosen one of the first dele- 
 
 gates from Massachusetts to the first Continent- 
 al Congress, which met in 1774. Here he dis- 
 tinguished himself by his capacity for business 
 and for debate, and advocated the movement for 
 independence against the majority of the mem- 
 bers. In May, 1776, he moved and carried a res- 
 olution in Congress that the Colonies should 
 assume the duties of self-government. He was a 
 prominent member of the committee of five ap- 
 pointed June 1 1 to prepare a declaration of inde- 
 pendence. This article was drawn by Jefferson, 
 but on Adams devolved the task of battling it 
 through Congress in a three-days debate. 
 
 On the day after the Declaration of Independ- 
 ence was passed, while his soul was j-et warm 
 with the glow of excited feeling, he wrote a letter 
 to his wife, which, as we read it now, seems to 
 have been dictated by the spirit of prophecy. 
 "Yesterday," he says, "the greatest question 
 was decided that ever was debated in America; 
 and greater, perhaps, never was or will be de- 
 cided among men. A resolution was passed 
 without one dissenting colon}', 'that these United 
 States are, and of right ought to be, free and in- 
 dependent states.' The daj^ is passed. The 
 Fourth of Jul}-, 1776, will be a memorable epoch 
 in the histor\- of America. I am apt to believe it 
 will be celebrated bj- succeeding generations as 
 the great anuiversar>- festival. It ought to be 
 commemorated as the day of deliverance by 
 solemn acts of devotion to Almighty God. It 
 ought to be solemnized with pomp, shows, games, 
 sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations 
 from one end of the continent to the other, from 
 this time fon\-ard forever. You will think me 
 transported with enthusiasm, but I am not. I 
 am well aware of the toil and blood and treas- 
 ure that it will cost to maintain this declaration 
 and .support and defend these States; yet, through 
 all the gloom, I can .see the rays of light and 
 glorj-. I can see that the end is worth more than 
 all the means, and that posterity will triumph,
 
 24 
 
 JOHN ADAMS. 
 
 although you and I may rue, which I hope we 
 shall not." 
 
 In November, 1777, Mr. Adams was appointed 
 a delegate to France, and to co-operate with Ben- 
 jamin Franklin and Arthur Lee, who were then 
 in Paris, in the endeavor to obtain assistance in 
 arms and monej- from the French government. 
 This was a severe trial to his patriotism, as it 
 separated him from his home, compelled him to 
 cross the ocean in winter, and exposed him to 
 great peril of capture bj- the British cruisers, who 
 were seeking him. He left France June 17, 
 1779. In September of the same year he was 
 again chosen to go to Paris, and there hold him- 
 self in readiness to negotiate a treaty of peace and 
 of commerce with Great Britain, as soon as the 
 British cabinet might be found willing to listen 
 to such proposals. He sailed for France in No- 
 vember, and from there he went to Holland, where 
 he negotiated important loans and formed im- 
 portant commercial treaties. 
 
 Finally-, a treat}- of peace ^-ith England was 
 signed, Januarj- 2 1 , 1783. The re-action from the 
 excitement, toil and anxiety through which Mr. 
 Adams had passed threw him into a fever. After 
 suffering from a continued fever and becoming 
 feeble and emaciated, he was advised to go to 
 England to drink the waters of Bath. While in 
 England, still drooping and desponding, he re- 
 ceived dispatches from his own government urg- 
 ing the necessity of his going to Amsterdam to 
 negotiate another loan. It was winter, his health 
 was delicate, >-et he immediately set out, and 
 through storm, on sea, on horseback and foot, he 
 made the trip. 
 
 Febniary 24, 1785, Congress appointed Mr. 
 Adams envoy to the Court of St. James. Here 
 he met face to face the King of England, who 
 had so long regarded him as a traitor. As Eng- 
 land did not condescend to appoint a minister to 
 the United States, and as Mr. Adams felt that he 
 was accomplishing but little, he sought permis- 
 sion to return to his own countr}-, where he ar- 
 rived in June, 1788. 
 
 When Washington was first chosen President, 
 John Adams, rendered illustrious by his signal 
 ser\-ices at home and abroad, was chosen \'ice- 
 
 President. Again, at the second election of Wash- 
 ington as President, Adams was chosen ^'ice- 
 President. In 1796, Washington retired from 
 public life, and Mr. Adams was elected President, 
 though not without much opposition. Ser\-ing 
 in this office four years, he was succeeded by Mr. 
 Jefferson, his opponent in politics. 
 
 While Mr. Adams was Vice-President the 
 great French Revolution shook the continent of 
 Europe, and it was upon this point that he was 
 at issue with the majority of his countrj-men, led 
 by Mr. Jefferson. Mr. Adams felt no sympathy- 
 with the French people in their struggle, for he 
 had no confidence in their power of self-govern- 
 ment, and he utterly abhorred the class of atheist 
 philosophers who. he claimed, caused it. On the 
 other hand, Jefferson's sympathies were strongly 
 enlisted in behalf of the French people. Hence 
 originated the alienation between these distin- 
 tiuguished men, and the two powerful parties were 
 thus soon organized, with Adams at the head of 
 the one whose sympathies were with England, 
 and Jefferson leading the other in sympathy \s-ith 
 France. 
 
 The Fourth of July, 1826, which completed the 
 half-centurj- since the signing of the Declaration 
 of Independence, arrived, and there were but 
 three of the signers of that immortal instrument 
 left upon the earth to hail its morning light. 
 And, as it is well known, on that day two of 
 these finished their earthh- pilgrimage, a coinci- 
 dence so remarkable as to seem miraculous. For 
 a few days before Mr. Adams had been rapidly 
 failing, and on the morning of the Fourth he 
 found himself too weak to rise from his bed. On 
 being requested to name a toast for the cus- 
 tomar}- celebration of the daj', he exclaimed 
 "Independence forever!" When the day was 
 ushered in by the ringing of bells and the firing 
 of cannons, he was asked by one of his attend- 
 ants if he knew what day it was? He replied, 
 ' ' O j-es, it is the glorious Fourth of July — God 
 bless it — God bless you all!" In the course of 
 the day he said, "It is a great and glorious 
 daj-." The last words he uttered were, "Jeffer- 
 son sur\'ives." But he had, at one o'clock, 
 resigned his spirit into the hands of his God.
 
 \^* 
 
 
 >^ "^^S? 
 
 7^^ 
 
 '/^/l^
 
 THOMAS JEFFERSON. 
 
 ^HOMAS JEFFERSON was bom April 2, 
 IQ. 1743, at Shadwell, Albemarle County, Va. 
 Vi2/ His parents were Peter and Jane (Ran- 
 dolph) Jefferson, the former a native of Wales, 
 and the latter born in London. To them were 
 bom six daughters and two sons, of whom Thomas 
 was the elder. When fourteen years of age his 
 father died. He received a most liberal educa- 
 tion, having been kept diligently at school from 
 the time he was five years of age. In 1760 he 
 entered William and Marj' College. Williams- 
 burg was then the seat of the Colonial court, and 
 it was the abode of fashion and splendor. Young 
 Jefferson, who was then seventeen years old, lived 
 somewhat expensively, keeping fine horses, and 
 going much into gay society; yet he was ear- 
 nestly devoted to his studies, and irreproachable in 
 his morals. In the second year of his college 
 course, moved by some unexplained impulse, he 
 discarded his old companions and pursuits, and 
 often devoted fifteen hours a day to hard study. 
 He thus attained very high intellectual culture, 
 and a like excellence in philosophy and the lan- 
 guages. 
 
 Immediately upon leaving college he began the 
 study of law. For the short time he continued 
 in the practice of his profession he rose rapidly, 
 and distinguished himself by his energy and 
 acuteness as a lawyer. But the times called for 
 greater action. The policy of England had awak- 
 ened the spirit of resistance in the American Col- 
 onies, and the enlarged views which Jefferson had 
 ever entertained soon led him into active politi- 
 cal life. In I 769 he was chosen a member of the 
 Virginia House of Burgesses. In 1772 he mar- 
 
 ried Mrs. Martha Skelton, a verj- beautiful, 
 wealth}-, and highl\- accomplished young widow. 
 
 In 1775 he was sent to the Colonial Congress, 
 where, though a silent member, his abilities as a 
 writer and a reason er soon become known, and he 
 was placed upon a number of important com- 
 mittees, and was chairman of the one appointed 
 for the drawing up of a declaration of independ- 
 ence. This committee consisted of Thomas Jef- 
 ferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger 
 Sherman and Robert R. Livingston. Jefferson, 
 as chairman, was appointed to draw up the paper. 
 Franklin and Adams suggested a few verbal 
 changes before it was .submitted to Congress. On 
 June 28, a few slight changes were made in it by 
 Congress, and it was passed and signed Juh- 4, 
 1776. 
 
 In 1779 Mr. Jefferson was elected successor to 
 Patrick Henr)- as Governor of \'irginia. At one 
 time the British officer Tarleton sent a secret 
 expedition to Monticello to capture the Governor. 
 Scarcely five miiuites elapsed after the hurried 
 escape of Mr. Jefferson and his family ere his 
 mansion was in possession of the British troops. 
 His wife's health, never very good, was much 
 injured bj- this excitement, and in the summer 
 of 1782 she died. 
 
 Mr. Jefferson was elected to Congress in 1783. 
 Two years later he was appointed Minister Pleni- 
 potentiary to France. Returning to the United 
 States in September, 1789, he became Secretar>' 
 of State in Washington's cabinet. This position 
 he resigned January i, 1794. In 1797, he was 
 chosen Vice-President, and four j-ears later was 
 elected President over Mr. Adams, with Aaron
 
 28 
 
 THOMAS JEFFERSON. 
 
 Burr as Vice-President. In 1804 he was re- 
 elected with wonderful unanimity, George Clin- 
 ton being elected Vice-President. 
 
 The earlj' part of Mr. Jeilerson's second ad- 
 ministration was distin-bed by an event which 
 threatened the tranquillitj- and peace of the Union; 
 this was the conspiracj- of Aaron Burr. Defeated 
 in the late election to the Vice-Presidenc}-, and 
 led on by an unprincipled ambition, this extraor- 
 dinary man formed the plan of a militarj' ex- 
 pedition into the Spanish territories on our south- 
 Western frontier, for the purpose of forming there 
 a new republic. This was generally supposed 
 to have been a mere pretext; and although it has 
 not been generally known what his real plans 
 were, there is no doubt that thej' were of a far 
 more dangerous character. 
 
 In 1809, at the expiration of the second term 
 for which Mr. Jefferson had been elected, he de- 
 termined to retire from political life. For a period 
 of nearly forty j-ears he had been continually be- 
 fore the public, and all that time had been em- 
 ployed in offices of the greatest trust and respon- 
 sibility. Having thus devoted the best part of 
 his life to the service of his countrj-, he now felt 
 desirous of that rest which his declining j-ears re- 
 quired, and upon the organization of the new ad- 
 ministration, in March, 1809, he bade farewell for- 
 ever to public life and retired to Monticello, his 
 famous country home, which, next to Mt. Vernon, 
 was the most distinguished residence in the land. 
 
 The Fourth of July, 1826, being the fiftieth an- 
 niversarj' of the Declaration of American Inde- 
 pendence, great preparations were made in everj- 
 part of the Union for its celebration as the nation's 
 jubilee, and the citizens of Washington, to add to 
 the solemnity,' of the occasion, invited Mr. Jeffer- 
 son, as the framer and one of the few sur\-iving 
 signers of the Declaration, to participate in their 
 festivities. But an illness, which had been of 
 several weeks' duration and had been continually 
 increasing, compelled him to decline the invita- 
 tion. 
 
 On the 2d of July the disease under which he 
 was laboring left him, but in such a reduced 
 state that his medical attendants entertained no 
 hope of his recovery. From this time he was 
 
 perfectly sensible that his last hour was at hand. 
 On the next day, which was Monday, he asked 
 of those around him the day of the month, and 
 on being told it was the 3d of July, he ex- 
 pressed the earnest wish that he might be per- 
 mitted to breathe the air of the fiftieth anniver- 
 sary. His praj-er was heard — that day whose 
 dawn was hailed with such rapture through our 
 land burst upon his ej-es, and then they were 
 closed forever. And what a noble consummation 
 of a noble life! To die on that day — the birth- 
 day of a nation — the day which his own name 
 and his own act had rendered glorious, to die 
 amidst the rejoicings and festivities of a whole 
 nation, who looked up to him as the author, un- 
 der God, of their greatest blessings, was aU that 
 was wanting to fill up the record of his life. 
 
 Almost at the same hour of his death, the kin- 
 dred spirit of the venerable Adams, as if to bear 
 him company, left the sceneof his earthly honors. 
 Hand in hand they had stood forth, the cham- 
 pions of freedom ; hand in hand, during the dark 
 and desperate struggle of the Revolution, they 
 had cheered and animated their desponding coun- 
 tr\-men; for half a centur}' they had labored to- 
 gether for the good of the countrj-, and now hand 
 in hand they departed. In their lives they had 
 been united in the same great cause of libertj', 
 and in their deaths they were not divided. 
 
 In person Mr. Jefferson was tall and thin, rather 
 above six feet in height, but well formed; hisejes 
 were light, his hair, originally red, in after life be- 
 came white and silver}-, his complexion was fair, 
 his forehead broad, and his whole countenance 
 intelligent and thoughtful. He possessed great 
 fortitude of mind as well as personal courage, and 
 his command of temper was such that his oldest 
 and most intimate friends never recollected to 
 have seen him in a passion. His manners, though 
 dignified, were simple and unaffected, and his 
 hospitalit>' was so unbounded that all found at 
 his house a readj- welcome. In conversation he 
 was fluent, eloquent and enthusiastic, and his 
 language was remarkably pure and correct. He 
 was a finished classical scholar, and in his writ- 
 ings is discernible the care with which he formed 
 his style upon the best models of antiquit>'.
 
 
 OA'C-i-^ A^CC e*-^^^-^^ cr-^
 
 JAMES MADISON. 
 
 (Tames MADISON, "Father of the Consti- 
 
 I tution," and fourth President of the United 
 (2/ States, was born March i6, 1757, and died 
 at his home in Virginia June 28, 1836. The 
 name of James Madison is inseparably connected 
 with most of the important events in that heroic 
 period of our countrj- during which the founda- 
 tions of this great repubhc were laid. He was 
 the la.st of the founders of the Constitution of the 
 United States to be called to his eternal reward. 
 
 The Madison family were among the early emi- 
 grants to the New World, landing upon the shores 
 of the Chesapeake but fifteen years after the settle- 
 ment of Jamestown. The father of James Madison 
 was an opulent planter, residing upon a very fine 
 estate called Montpelier, in Orange County, Va. 
 It was but twenty-five miles from the home of Jef- 
 ferson at Monticello, and the closest personal and 
 political attachment existed between these illustri- 
 ous men from their early jouth until death. 
 
 The early education of Mr. Madison was con- 
 ducted mostly at home under a private tutor. At 
 the age of eighteen he was sent to Princeton Col- 
 lege, in New Jersey. Here he applied himself to 
 stud)' with the most imprudent zeal, allowing him- 
 self for months but three hours' sleep out of the 
 twenty-four. His health thus became so seriously 
 impaired that he never recovered any vigor of 
 constitution. He graduated in 1771, with a feeble 
 body, but with a character of utmost purity, and 
 a mind highly disciplined and richly .stored with 
 learning, which embellished and gave efficiency 
 to his subsequent career. 
 
 Returning to Virginia, he commenced the study 
 of law and a course of extensive and systematic 
 reading. This educational course, the spirit of 
 the times in which he lived, and the society with 
 which he associated, all combined to inspire him 
 with a .strong love of libert}-, and to train him for 
 his life-work as a state.sman. 
 
 In the spring of 1776, when twenty-six years of 
 
 age, he was elected a member of the Virginia Con- 
 vention to frame the constitution of the State. The 
 next year (1777), he wasa candidate for the Gen- 
 eral As.sembly. He refused to treat the whisky -lov- 
 ing voters, and consequently lost his election ; but 
 those who had witnes.sed the talent, energy and 
 pubhc spirit of the modest j-oung man enlisted 
 themselves in his behalf and he was appointed to 
 the Executive Council. 
 
 Botli Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson were 
 Governors of Virginia while Mr. Madison re- 
 mained member of the Council, and their apprecia- 
 tion of his intellectual, social and moral worth 
 contributed not a little to his subsequent eminence. 
 In the year 1780 he was elected a member of the 
 Continental Congress. Here he met the most il- 
 lustrious men in our land, and he was immediately 
 a.ssigned to one ot the most con.spicuous positions 
 among them. For three j-ears he continued in Con- 
 gress, one of its most active and influential mem- 
 bers. In 1784, his tenn having expired, he was 
 elected a member of the Virginia Legislature. 
 
 No man felt more deeplj' than Mr. Madison the 
 utter inefficiency of the old confederac}', with no 
 national government, and no power to form trea- 
 ties which would be binding, or to enforce law. 
 There was not any State more prominent than 
 Virginia in the declaration that an efficient na- 
 tional government must be formed. In Januarj', 
 1786, Mr. Madison carried a resolution through 
 the General Assembly of Virginia, inviting the 
 other States to appoint commis.sioners to meet in 
 convention at Ainiapolis to discuss this subject. 
 Five States only were represented. The conven- 
 tion, however, issued another call, drawn up by 
 Mr. Madison, urging all the States to send their 
 delegates to Philadelphia in May, 1787, to draft 
 a Constitution for the United States, to take the 
 place of the Confederate League. The delegates 
 met at the time appointed. Every State but 
 Rhode Island was represented. George Washing-
 
 32 
 
 JAMES MADISON. 
 
 ton was chosen president of the convention, and the 
 present Constitution of the United States was then 
 and there formed. There was, perhaps, no mind 
 and no pen more active in framing this immortal 
 document than the mind and the pen of James 
 Madison. 
 The Constitution, adopted by a vote of eighty-one 
 to sevent3--nine, was to be presented to the several 
 States for acceptance. But grave solicitude was 
 felt. Should it be rejected, we should be left but a 
 conglomeration of independent States, with but 
 little power at home and little respect abroad. Mr. 
 Madison was elecfed bj' the com-ention to draw up 
 an address to the people of the United States, ex- 
 pounding the principles of the Constitution, and 
 urging its adoption. There was great opposition 
 to it at first, but at length it triumphed over all, 
 and went into effect in 1789. 
 
 Mr. Madison was elected to the House of Repre- 
 sentatives in the first Congress, and soon became 
 the avowed leader of the Republican party. While 
 in New York attending Congress, he met Mrs. 
 Todd, a young widow of remarkable power of fas- 
 cination, whom he married. She was in person 
 and character queenly, and probaby no lady has 
 thus far occupied so prominent a position in the 
 verj' peculiar society- which has constituted our 
 republican court as did Mrs. Madison. 
 
 Mr. Madison ser\'ed as Secretarj^ of State under 
 Jefferson, and at the close of his administration 
 was chosen President. At this time the encroach- 
 ments of England had brought us to the verge of 
 war. British orders in council destroj-ed our com- 
 merce, and our flag was exposed to constant insult. 
 Mr. Madison was a man of peace. Scholarly in 
 his taste, retiring in his disposition, war had no 
 charms for him. But the meekest spirit can be 
 roused. It makes one's blood boil, even now, to 
 think of an American ship brought to upon the 
 ocean by the guns of an English cruiser. A 
 young lieutenant steps on board and orders the 
 crew to be paraded before him. With great non- 
 chalance he selects any number whom he may 
 please to designate as British .subjects, orders them 
 down the ship's side into his boat, and places them 
 on the giuideck of his man-of-war, to fight, by 
 compulsion, the battles of England. This right 
 
 of search and impressment no efforts of our Gov- 
 ernment could induce the British cabinet to re- 
 linquish. 
 
 On the 1 8th of June, 181 2, President Madison 
 gave his approval to an act of Congress declaring 
 war against Great Britain. Notwithstanding the 
 bitter hostility of the Federal party to the war, the 
 countr>' in general approved; and Mr. Madison, 
 on the 4th of March, 1813, was re-elected by a 
 large majority, and entered upon his second term 
 of office. This is not the place to describe the 
 various adventures of this war on the land and on 
 the water. Our infant na\'y then laid the found- 
 ations of its renown in grappling with the most 
 formidable power which ever swept the seas. The 
 contest commenced in earnest by the appearance 
 of a British fleet, early in Februarys 1813, in 
 Chesapeake Bay, declaring nearly the whole coast 
 of the United States under blockade. 
 
 The Emperor of Russia offered his ser\-ices as 
 mediator. America accepted; England refused. 
 A British force of five thousand men landed on the 
 banks of the Patuxet River, near its entrance into 
 Chesapeake Bay, and marched rapidlj-, by way of 
 Bladensburg, upon Washington. 
 
 The stragghng little city of Washington was 
 thrown into consternation. The cannon of the 
 brief conflict at Bladensburg echoed through the 
 streets of the metropolis. The whole population 
 fled from the city. The President, leaving Mrs. 
 Madison in the White House, with her carriage 
 drawn up at the door to await his speedy return, 
 hurried to meet the officers in a council of war. 
 He met our troops utterly routed, and he could not 
 go back without danger of being captured. But 
 few hours elapsed ere the Presidential Mansion, 
 the Capitol, and all the public buildings in Wash- 
 ington were in flames. 
 
 The war closed after two years of fighting, and 
 on February 13, 181 5, the treaty of peace was 
 signed at Ghent. On the4th of March, 1817, his 
 second term of office expired, and he resigned the 
 Presidential chair to his friend, James Monroe. 
 He retired to his beautiful home at Montpelier, and 
 there passed the remainder of his days. On June 
 28, 1836, at the age of eighty-five years, he fell 
 asleep in death. Mrs Madison died July 12, 1849.
 
 /■^2^,^-^'C ^
 
 JAMES MONROE. 
 
 (lAMElS MONROE, the fifth President of the 
 I United States, was born in Westmoreland 
 (2) Couiitj-, Va., April 28, 1758. His early life 
 WiiS passed at the place of his nativity. His an- 
 cestors had for many years resided in the province 
 in which he was bom. When he was seventeen 
 years old, and in process of completing his educa- 
 tion at William and Mary College, the Colonial 
 Congress, assembled at Philadelphia to deliberate 
 upon the unjust and manifold oppressions of Great 
 Britain, declared the separation of the Colonies, 
 and promulgated the Declaration of Independence. 
 Had he been born ten j^ears before, it is highly 
 probable that he would have been one of the 
 signers of that celebrated instrument. At this 
 time he left school and enlisted among the pa- 
 triots. 
 
 He joined the arm}' when everj-thing looked 
 hopeless 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 sufficient!}' terrified 
 at the prospect of contending 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 j'oung cadet joined the ranks 
 and espoused the cau.se of his injured country', 
 with a firm determination to live or die in her 
 strife for liberty. Firmly, yet sadly, he shared in 
 the melanchoh- retreat from Harlem Heights 
 and White Plains, and accompanied the dispirited 
 army as it fled before its foes through New Jerse}-. 
 In four months after the Declaration of Inde- 
 pendence, the patriots had been beaten in seven 
 battles. At the battle of Trenton he led the van- 
 guard, and in the act of charging upon the enemy 
 he received a wound in the left shoulder. 
 
 As a reward for his bravery, Mr. Monroe was 
 promoted to be captain of infantrj-, and, ha\ing re- 
 covered from his wounds, he rejoined the army. 
 He, however, receded from the line of promotion 
 by becoming an officer on the staff of L,ord Ster- 
 ling. During the campaigns of 1777 and 1778, 
 in the actions of Brandywine, Germantown and 
 Monmouth, he continued aide-de-camp; but be- 
 coming 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 consid- 
 erable ardor the studj' of common law. He did 
 not, however, entirely lay aside the knapsack for 
 the green bag, but on the invasion of the enemy 
 ser\-ed as a volunteer during the two years of his 
 legal pursuits. 
 
 In 1782 he was elected from King George 
 Count}' a member of the Legislature of \'irginia, 
 and by that bod}- he was elevated to a seat in the 
 Executive Council. He was thus honored with 
 the confidence of his fellow-citizens at twenty- 
 three years of age, and having at this early period 
 displayed some of that ability and aptitude foi 
 legislation which were afterward employed with 
 unremitting energy for the public good, he was 
 in the succeeding year chosen a member of the 
 Congress of the United States. 
 
 Deeply as Mr. Monroe felt the imperfections of 
 the old Confederacy, he was opposed to the new 
 Constitution, thinking, with many others of the 
 Republican party, that it gave too much power to 
 the Central Government, and not enough to the 
 individual States. Still he retained 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
 
 36 
 
 JAMES MONROE. 
 
 four years. Ever>' month the line of distinction 
 between the two great parties which divided the 
 nation, the Federal and the Republican, was 
 growing more distinct. The differences which 
 now separated them lay in the fact that the Repub- 
 lican party was in sjmpathy 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 Govemmtnts as much 
 power, as the Constitution would warrant; while 
 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 pos- 
 sibly authorize. 
 
 Washington was then President. England had 
 espoused the cause of the Bourbons against the 
 principles of the French Revolution. All Europe 
 was drawn into the conflict. We were feeble and 
 far away. Washington issued a proclamation of 
 neutrality between these contending powers. 
 France had helped us in the struggles 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 mag- 
 nanimous than prudent, was anxious that, at 
 whatever hazard, we should help our old allies in 
 their extremity'. It was the impulse of a gener- 
 ous and noble nature, and Washington, who could 
 appreciate such a character, .showed his calm, se- 
 rene, almost divine, greatness, bj* appointing that 
 very James Monroe who was denouncing the pol- 
 icy of the Government, as the minister of that 
 Government to the Republic of France. Mr. 
 Monroe was welcomed by the National Conven- 
 tion in France with the most enthusiastic dem- 
 onstration. 
 
 Shortly after his return to this country, Mr. 
 Monroe was elected Governor of Virginia, and 
 held the ofiice for three j-ears. He was again 
 sent to France to co-operate with Chancellor Liv- 
 ingston in obtaining the vast territory then known 
 as the province of Louisiana, which France had 
 but shortly before obtained from Spain. Their 
 united efforts were successful. For the compara- 
 tively small sum of fifteen millions of dollars, the 
 
 entire territory of Orleans and district of Loui- 
 siana were added to the United States. This was 
 probabh' 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 
 obtain from that countrj- some recognition of our 
 rights as neutrals, and to remonstrate against 
 those odious impressments of our seamen. But 
 England was unrelenting. He again returned to 
 England on the same mission, but could receive 
 no redress. He returned to his home and was 
 again chosen Governor of Virginia. This he soon 
 resigned to accept the position of Secretary of 
 State under Madison. While in this oifice war 
 with England was declared, the Secretary of War 
 resigned, and during these trj-ing times the 
 duties of the War Department were also put upon 
 him. He was truly the armor-bearer of President 
 Madison, and the most efiicient business man in 
 his cabinet. Upon the return of peace he re- 
 signed the Department of War, but continued in 
 the office of Secretarj- of State tmtil the expira- 
 tion of Mr. Madison's administration. At the 
 election held the previous autumn, Mr. Monroe 
 himself had been chosen President with but little 
 opposition, and upon March 4, 1817, he was in- 
 augurated. Four }-ears later he was elected for 
 a second term. 
 
 Among the important measures of his Presi- 
 dency were the cession of Florida to the United 
 States, the Missouri Compromise, and the famous 
 " Monroe doctrine." This doctrine was enun- 
 ciated by him in 1823, and was as follows: ' ' That 
 we should consider anj- attempt on the part of 
 European powers to extend their system to an\' 
 portion of this hemisphere as dangerous to our 
 peace and safetj-," and that " we could not view 
 any interposition for the purpose of oppressing or 
 controlling American governments or provinces 
 in any other light than as a manifestation by 
 European powers of an unfriendly disposition 
 toward the United States." 
 
 At the end of his second term, Mr. Monroe re- 
 tired to his home in Virginia, where he lived un- 
 til 1830, when he went to New York to live with 
 his son-in-law. In that citj- he died, on the 4th 
 of July, 183 1.
 
 J, S, Ato/mi
 
 JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. 
 
 (John QUINCY ADAMS, the sixth President 
 
 I of the United States, was born in the rural 
 C^ home of his honored father, John Adams, in 
 Quincy, Mass., on the nth of July, 1767. His 
 mother, a woman of exalted worth, watched over 
 his childhood during the almost constant ab- 
 sence of his father. When but eight years of 
 age, he stood with his mother on an eminence, 
 listening to the booming of the great battle on 
 Bunker's Hill, and gazing out upon the smoke 
 and flames billowing up from the conflagration of 
 Charlestown. 
 
 When but eleven years old he took a tearful 
 adieu of his mother, to sail with his father for Eu- 
 rope, through a fleet of hostile British cruisers. 
 The bright, animated boj' spent a year and a-half 
 in Paris, where his father was associated with i 
 Franklin and Lee as Minister Plenipotentiary-. 
 His intelligence attracted the notice of these dis- 
 tinguished men, and he received from them flat- 
 tering marks of attention. 
 
 John Adams had scarcely returned to this 
 country, in 1779, ere he was again sent abroad. 
 Again John Quincy accompanied his father. At 
 Paris he applied himself to study with great dil- 
 igence for six months, and then accompanied his 
 father to Holland, where he entered first a school 
 in Amsterdam, then the Universitj^ at Leyden. 
 About a year from this time, in 1781, when the 
 manly boy was but fourteen years of age, he was 
 selected by Mr. Dana, our Minister to the Rus- 
 sian court, as his private secretary-. 
 
 In this school of incessant labor and of ennobl- 
 ing culture he spent fourteen months, and then 
 returned to Holland, through Sweden, Denmark, 
 Hamburg and Bremen. This long journe)- he 
 took alone in the winter, when in his sixteenth 
 year. Again he resumed his studies, under a pri- 
 vate tutor, at The Hague. Then, in the spring of 
 1782, he accompanied his father to Paris, travel- 
 ing leisurely, and forming acquaintances with the 
 most distinguished men on the continent, examin- 
 
 ing architectural remains, galleries of paintings, 
 and all renowned works of art. At Paris he 
 again became associated with the most illustrious 
 men of all lands in the contemplation of the 
 loftiest temporal themes which can engross the 
 human mind. After a short visit to England he 
 returned to Paris, and consecrated all his energies 
 to study until May, 1785, when he returned to 
 America to finish his education. 
 
 Upon leaving Han-ard College at the age of 
 twenty, he studied law for three years. In June, 
 1794, being then but twenty-seven years of age, 
 he was appointed by Washington Resident Min- 
 ister at the Netherlands. Sailing from Boston in 
 July, he reached London in October, where he 
 was immediately admitted to the deliberations o) 
 Messrs. Jay & Pinckney, as.sisting them in nego- 
 tiating a commercial treaty with Great Britain. 
 After thus spending a fortnight in London, he 
 proceeded to The Hague. 
 
 In July, 1797, he left The Hague to go to Por- 
 tugal as Minister Plenipotentiarj-. On his way to 
 Portugal, upon arriving in London, he met with 
 despatches directing him to the court of Berlin, but 
 requesting him to remain in London until he 
 should receive his instructions. While waiting 
 he was married to an American lady, to whom he 
 had been previously engaged — Miss Louisa Cath- 
 erine Johnson, a daughter of Joshua Johnson, 
 American Consul in London, and a lady en- 
 dowed with that beauty and those accomplish- 
 ments which eminently fitted her to move in the 
 elevated sphere for which .she was destined. He 
 reached Berlin with his wife in November, 1797, 
 where he remained until July, 1799, when, hav- 
 ing fulfilled all the purposes of his mission, he so 
 licited his recall. 
 
 Soon after his return, in 1802, he was chosen 
 to the Senate of Massachusetts from Boston, and 
 then was elected Senator of the United States for 
 six years, from the 4th of March, 1804. His rep- 
 utation, his ability and his experience placed
 
 40 
 
 JOHN yilNCY ADAMS. 
 
 him immediately among the most prominent and 
 influential members of that body. 
 
 In 1S09, Madison succeeded Jefferson in the 
 Presidential chair, and he immediately nominated 
 John Quincy Adams Minister to St. Petersburgh. 
 Resigning his professorship in Har\-ard Col- 
 lege, he embarked at Boston in August, 1809. 
 
 While in Russia, Mr. Adams was an intense 
 student. He devoted his attention to the lan- 
 guage and histors- of Russia; to the Chinese trade; 
 to the European system of weights, measures and 
 coins; to the climate and astronomical obser\-a- 
 tions; while he kept up a familiar acquaintance 
 with the Greek and Latin classics. In all the 
 universities of Europe, a more accomplished 
 scholar could scarcely be found. All through 
 life the Bible constituted an important part of his 
 studies. It was his rule to read five chapters 
 everj- daj-. 
 
 On the 4th of March, 181 7, Mr. Monroe took 
 the Presidential chair, and immediately appointed 
 Mr. Adams Secretary of State. Taking leave of 
 his numerous friends in public and private life in 
 Europe, he sailed in June, 18 19, for the United 
 States. On the i8th of August, he again crossed 
 the threshold of his home in Quincy. During the 
 eight years of Mr. Monroe's administration, Mr. 
 Adams continued Secretary- of State. 
 
 Some time before the close of ^Ir. Monroe's 
 second term of office, new candidates began to be 
 presented for the Presidency. The friends of Mr. 
 Adams brought for^vard his name. It was an 
 exciting campaign, and party spirit was never 
 more bitter. Two hundred and sixty electoral 
 votes were cast. Andrew Jackson received ninetj^- 
 nine; John Quincy Adams eighty-four; William 
 H. Crawford forty-one; and Henr\- Claj- thirty- 
 seven. As there was no choice bj^ the people, 
 the question went to the House of Representa- 
 tives. Mr. Clay gave the vote of Kentucky to 
 Mr. Adams, and he was elected. 
 
 The friends of all the disappointed candidates 
 now combined in a venomous and persistent as- 
 sault upon Mr. Adams. There is nothing more 
 disgraceful in the past histor\- of our country- than 
 the abuse which was poured in one uninterrupted 
 stream upon this high-minded, upright and pa- 
 
 triotic man. There never was an administration 
 more pure in principles, more conscientiously de- 
 voted to the best interests of the country-, than 
 that of John Quincy Adams: and never, perhaps, 
 was there an administration more unscrupulously 
 and outrageously- assailed. 
 
 On the 4th of March, 1829, Mr. Adams retired 
 from the Presidency, and was succeeded by An- 
 drew Jackson. John C. Calhoun was elected 
 \'ice-President. The slavery' question now be- 
 gan to assume portentous magnitude. Mr. Adams 
 returned to Quincy and to his studies, which he 
 pursued with unabated zeal. But he was not 
 long permitted to remain in retirement. In No- 
 vember, 1830, he was elected Representative in 
 Congress. For seventeen years, or until his death, 
 he occupied the post as Representative, towering 
 above all his peers, ever readj- to do brave battle 
 for freedom, and winning the title of "the Old 
 Man Eloquent." Upon taking his seat in the 
 House, he announced that he should hold him- 
 self bound to no party. Probably there never 
 was a member more devoted to his duties. He 
 was usuallj- the first in his place in the morning, 
 and the last to leave his seat in the evening. 
 Not a measure could be brought forward and es- 
 cape his scrutiny. The battle which Mr. Adams 
 fought, almost singly, against the pro-slavery 
 part\- in the Government was sublime in its 
 moral daring and heroism. For persisting in 
 presenting petitions for the abolition of slaverj-, 
 he was threatened with indictment bj- the grand 
 jurj-, with expulsion from the House, with assas- 
 sination; but no threats could intimidate him, and 
 his final triumph was complete. 
 
 On the 2ist of Februarj-, 1848, he rose on the 
 floor of Congress with a paper in his hand, to 
 address the speaker. Suddenly he fell, again 
 stricken by parah-sis, and was caught in the arms 
 of those around him. For a time he was sense- 
 less, as he was conveyed to the sofa in the ro- 
 tunda. With reviving consciousness, he opened 
 his e3-es, looked calml}* around and said ' ' This 
 is the end of earth;" then after a moment's pause 
 he added, " I am content." These were the last 
 words of the gfrand ' ' Old Man Eloquent. ' '
 
 r ,
 
 ANDREW JACKSON. 
 
 GlNDREW JACKSON, the seventh President 
 LA of the United States, was born in Waxhaw 
 /I settlement, N. C, March 15, 1767, a few 
 dajs after his father's death. His parents were 
 poor emigrants from Ireland, and took up their 
 abode in Waxhaw settlement, where they lived 
 in deepest poverty. 
 
 Andrew, or And}-, as he was universally called, 
 grew up a verj- rough, rude, turbulent boy. His 
 features were coarse, his form ungainly, and there 
 was but very little in his character made visible 
 which was attractive. 
 
 When only thirteen years old he joined the 
 volunteers of Carolina against the British invasion. 
 In 1 78 1, he and his brother Robert were captured 
 and imprisoned for a time at Camden. A British 
 officer ordered him to brush his mud-spattered 
 boots. "lam a prisoner of war, not j-our serv- 
 ant," was the reply of the dauntless bo}-. 
 
 Andrew supported himselfin various ways, such 
 as working at the saddler's trade, teaching school, 
 and clerking in a general store, until 1784, when 
 he entered a law office at Salisbury, N. C. He, 
 however, gave more attention to the wild amuse- 
 ments of the times than to his studies. In 1788, 
 he was appointed solicitor for the Western District 
 of Xorttu Carolina, of which Tennessee was then 
 a part. This involved many long journeys amid 
 dangers of everj^ kind, but Andrew Jackson never 
 knew fear, and the Indians had no desire to re- 
 peat a skirmish with "Sharp Knife." 
 
 In 1 79 1, 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 per- 
 formed a second time, but the occurrence was 
 often used by his enemies to bring Mr. Jackson 
 into disfavor. 
 
 In January, 1796, the Territory of Tennessee 
 then containing nearlj- eighty thousand inhabi- 
 tants, the people met in convention at KnoxvUle 
 to frame a constitution. 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 in the National House 
 of Representatives. Andrew Jackson was chosen 
 that member. Mounting his horse, he rode to 
 Philadelphia, where Congress then held its ses- 
 sions, a distance of about eight hundred miles. 
 
 Jackson was an earnest advocate of the Demo- 
 cratic party, and Jefferson was his idol. He ad- 
 mired Bonaparte, loved France, and hated Eng- 
 land. As Mr. Jackson took his seat, Gen. Wash- 
 ington, whose second term of office was then 
 expiring, delivered his last speech to Congress. 
 A committee drew up a complimentan,- 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 administration 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 18 12 with Great Britain com- 
 menced, Madison occupied the Presidential chair. 
 Aaron Burr sent word to the President that there 
 was an unknown man in the West, Andrew Jack- 
 son, who would do credit to a commission if one 
 were conferred upon him. Just at that time Gen. 
 Jackson offered his sendees 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 attack upon New Orleans, where Gen. Wil- 
 kinson was in command, he was ordered to de-
 
 44 
 
 ANDREW JACKSON. 
 
 scent! the river with fifteen hundred troops to aid 
 Wilkinson. The expedition reached Natchez, 
 and after a delay of several weeks there without 
 accomplishing anything, the men were ordered 
 back to their homes. But the energy Gen. Jack- 
 son had displayed, and his entire de\otion to the 
 comfort of his soldiers, won for him golden opin- 
 ions, and he became the most popular man in the 
 State. It was in this expedition that his tough- 
 ness gave him the nickname of "Old Hickorj'." 
 
 Soon after this, while attempting to horsewhip 
 Col. Thomas Benton for a remark that gentleman 
 made about his taking part as second in a duel 
 in which a j-ounger brother of Benton's was en- 
 gaged, 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 ex- 
 terminate the white settlers, were committing the 
 most awful ravages. Decisive action became nec- 
 essary-. Gen. Jackson, with his fractured bone 
 just beginning to heal, his arm in a sling, and 
 unable to mount his horse without assistance, 
 gave his amazing energies to the raising of an 
 army to rendezvous at Fayettesville, Ala. 
 
 The Creek Indians had established a strong 
 fort on one of the bends of the Tallapoosa River, 
 near the center of Alabama, about fifty miles be- 
 low Ft. Strother. With an army of two thousand 
 men, Gen. Jackson traversed the pathless wilder- 
 ness in a march of eleven da}s. He reached their 
 fort, called Tohopeka or Horse-shoe, on the 27th 
 of March, 1814. The bend of the river enclosed 
 nearly one hundred acres of tangled forest and 
 wild ravine. Across the narrow neck the Indians 
 had constructed a formidable breastwork of logs 
 and brush. Here nine hundred warriors, with 
 an ample supply of arms, were assembled. 
 
 The fort was stormed. The fight was utterlj- 
 desperate. Not an Indian would accept quarter. 
 When bleeding and dying, they would fight those 
 who endeavored to spare their lives. From ten 
 in the morning until dark the battle raged. The 
 carnage was awful and revolting. Some threw 
 themselves into the river; but the unerring bul- 
 lets stmck their heads as they swam. Nearly 
 ever}- one of the nine hundred warriors was 1 
 
 killed. A few, probably, in the night swam 
 the river and escaped. This ended the war. 
 
 This closing of the Creek War enabled us to 
 concentrate all our militia upon the British, who 
 were the allies of the Indians. No man of less 
 resolute will than Gen. Jackson could have con- 
 ducted this Indian campaign to so successful an 
 issue. Immediately he was appointed Major- 
 General. 
 
 Late in August, with an army of two thousand 
 men on a rushing march. Gen. Jackson went to 
 Mobile. A British fleet went from Pensacola, 
 landed a force upon the beach, anchored near the 
 little fort, and from both ship and shore com- 
 menced 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 arm}', he moved his troops to New Orleans, 
 and the battle of New Orleans, which soon ensued, 
 was in reality a ver\- 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 
 twenty-six hundred. 
 
 The name of Gen. Jackson soon began to be 
 mentioned in connection with the Presidency, 
 but in 1824 he was defeated by Mr. Adams. 
 He was, however, successful in the election ol 
 1828, and was re-elected for a second term in 
 1832. In 1829, just before he assumed the reins 
 of government, he met with the most terrible 
 afiliction 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 mem- 
 orable in the annals of our country — applauded 
 by one party, condemned by the other. No man 
 had more bitter enemies or warmer friends. At 
 the expiration of his two terms of office he retired 
 to the Hermitage, where he died June 8, 1845. The 
 last years of Mr. Jackson's life were those of a de- 
 voted Christian man.
 
 O > ^i/l^^^ z^^L^/^ ^^e-^^i^
 
 MARTIN VAN BUREN. 
 
 yyiARTlN VAN BUREN, the eighth Presi- 
 
 y dent of the United States, was born at Kin- 
 (9 derhook, N. Y., December 5, 1782. He 
 died at the same place, July 24, 1862. His body 
 rests in the cemeterj- at Kinderhook. Above it is 
 a plain granite shaft, fifteen feet high, bearing a 
 simple inscription about half-way up on one face. 
 The lot is unfenced, unbordered or unbounded 
 by shrub or flower. 
 
 There is but little in the life of Martin Van 
 Buren of romantic interest. He fought no battles, 
 engaged in no wild adventures. Though his life 
 was stormy in political and intellectual conflicts, 
 and he gained many signal victories, his days 
 passed uneventful in those incidents which give 
 zest to biography. His ancestors, as his name indi- 
 cates, were of Dutch origin, and were among the 
 earliest emigrants from Holland to the banks of 
 the Hudson. His father was a farmer, residing 
 in the old town of Kinderhook. His mother, also 
 of Dutch lineage, was a woman of superior intel- 
 ligence and exemplary piety. 
 
 He was decidedlj- a precocious boy, developing 
 unusual activity, vigor and strength of mind. At 
 the age of fourteen, he had finished his academic 
 studies in his native village, and commenced the 
 stud}' of law. As he had not a collegiate educa- 
 tion, seven years of study in a law-office were re- 
 quired of him before he could be admitted to the 
 Bar. Inspired with a lofty ambition, and con- 
 scious of his powers, he pursued his studies with 
 indefatigable industry'. After spending six years 
 in an office in his native village, he went to the city 
 of New York, and prosecuted his studies for the 
 seventh year. 
 
 In 1803, Mr. Van Buren, then twenty -one years 
 
 of age, commenced the practice of law in his na- 
 tive village. The great conflict between the Federal 
 and Republican parties was then at its height. 
 Mr. Van Buren was from the beginning a politi- 
 cian. He had, perhaps, imbibed that spirit while 
 listening to the many discussions which had been 
 carried on in his father's hotel. He was in cordial 
 sympathy with Jefferson, and earnestlj- and elo- 
 quently espoused the cau.se of State Rights, though 
 at that time the Federal party held the supremacy 
 both in his town and State. 
 
 His success and increasing reputation led him 
 after six years of practice to remove to Hudson, 
 the county seat of his county. Here he spent 
 seven years, constantly gaining strength by con- 
 tending in the courts with some of the ablest men 
 who have adorned the Bar of his State. 
 
 Just before leaving Kinderhook for Hudson, Mr. 
 Van Buren married a lady alike distinguished for 
 beauty and accomplishments. After twelve short 
 years she sank into the grave, a victim of con- 
 sumption, leaving her husband and four sons to 
 weep over her loss. For twenty-five years, Mr. 
 Van Buren was an earnest, successful, assiduous 
 lawyer. The record of those years is barren in 
 items of public interest. In 18 12, when thirty 
 years of age, he was chosen to the State Senate, 
 and gave his strenuous support to Mr. Madison's 
 administration. In 1815, he was appointed At- 
 torney-General, and the next year moved to Al- 
 bany, the capital of the State. 
 
 While he was acknowledged as one of the most 
 prominent leaders of the Democratic party, he had 
 the moral courage to avow that true democracy did 
 not require that "universal suffrage' ' which admits 
 the vile, the degraded, the ignorant, to the righi
 
 48 
 
 MARTIN VAN HUREN. 
 
 of governing the State. In true consistency with 
 his democratic principles, he contended tliat, while 
 the path leading to the privilege of voting should 
 be open to everj' man without distinction, no one 
 should be invested with that sacred prerogative 
 unless he were in some degree qualified for it by 
 intelligence, virtue, and some property interests in 
 the welfare of the State. 
 
 In 182 1 he was elected a member of the United 
 States Senate, and in the same year he took a 
 seat in the convention to revise the Constitution of 
 his native State. His course in this convention 
 secured the approval of men of all parties. No 
 one could doubt the singleness of his endeavors to 
 promote the interests of all classes in the com- 
 munity. In the Senate of the United States, he 
 rose at once to a conspicuous position as an active 
 and useful legislator. 
 
 In 1827, John Quincy Adams being then in the 
 Presidential chair, Mr. Van Buren was re-elected 
 to the Senate. He had been from the beginning 
 a determined opposer of the administration, adopt- 
 ing the "State Rights" view in opposition to what 
 was deemed the Federal proclivities of Mr. Adams. 
 
 Soon after this, in 1828, he was chosen Governor 
 of the State of New York, and accordingl}' resigned 
 his .seat in the Senate. Probably no one in the 
 United States contributed so much towards eject- 
 ing John Q. Adams from the Presidential chair, 
 and placing in it Andrew Jackson, as did Martin 
 Van Buren. Whether entitled to the reputation 
 or not, he certainly was regarded throughout the 
 United States as one of the most skillful, .sagacious 
 and cunning of politicians. It was supposed that 
 no one knew so well as he how to touch the secret 
 springs of action, how to pull all the wires to 
 put his machinery in motion, and how to organize 
 a political amiy which would secretly and stealth- 
 ily accomplish the most gigantic results. By these 
 powers it is said that he outwitted Mr. Adams, Mr. 
 Clay, and Mr. Web.ster, and .secured results which 
 few then thought could be accomplished. 
 
 When Andrew Jackson was elected President 
 he appointed Mr. \^an Buren Secretary of State. 
 This position he resigned in 1831, and was im- 
 mediately appointed Minister to England, where 
 he went the same autumn. The »Senate, however, 
 
 when it met, refused to ratify the nomination, and 
 he returned home, apparently untroubled. Later 
 he was nominated Vice-President in the place of 
 Calhoun, at the re-election of President Jackson, 
 and with .smiles for all and frowns for none, he 
 took his place at the head of that Senate which had 
 refused to confirm his nomination as ambassador. 
 
 His rejection by the Senate roused all the zeal 
 of President Jackson in behalf of his repudiated 
 favorite; and this, probably, more than any other 
 cause secured his elevation to the chair of the 
 Chief Executive. On the 20th of May, 1836, Mr. 
 Van Buren received the Democratic nomination 
 to succeed Gen. Jackson as President of the United 
 States. He was elected by a handsome majority, 
 to the delight of the retiring President. ' 'Leaving 
 New York out of the canvass," says Mr. Parton, 
 "the election of Mr. Van Buren to the Presidency 
 was as much the act of Gen. Jackson as though 
 the Constitution had conferred upon him the power 
 to appoint a successor." 
 
 His administration was filled with exciting 
 events. The insurrection in Canada, which 
 threatened to involve this country in war with 
 England, the agitation of the slavery question, 
 and finally the great commercial panic which 
 spread over the country, all were trials of his wis- 
 dom. The financial distress was attributed to 
 the management of the Democratic party, and 
 brought the President into such disfavor that he 
 failed of re-election, and on the 4th of March, 
 1 84 1, he retired from the presidency. 
 
 With the exception of being nominated for the 
 Presidency by the "Free Soil" Democrats in 1848, 
 Mr. Van Buren lived quietly upon his estate until 
 his death. He had ever been a prudent man, of 
 frugal habits, and, living within his income, had 
 now fortunately a competence for his declining 
 years. From his fine estate at Lindenwald, he 
 still exerted a powerful influence upon the politics 
 of the country. From this time until his death, 
 on the 24th of Jul}', 1862, at the age of eighty 
 years, he resided at Lindenwald, a gentleman of 
 leisure, of culture and wealth, enjoj'ing in a 
 healthy old age probably far more happiness than 
 he had before experienced amid the stormy scenes 
 of his active life.
 
 ^^ ;^;fe<zW^'>^
 
 WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON. 
 
 IILLIAM HENRY HARRISON, the ninth 
 Piesideut of the United States, was born 
 at Berkeley, Ya. , February 9, 1773. His 
 father, Benjamin Harrison, was in comparatively 
 opulent circumstances, and was one of the most 
 distinguished men of his day. He was an inti- 
 mate friend of George Washington, was early 
 elected a member of the Continental Congress, 
 and was conspicuous among the patriots of Yir- 
 ginia in resisting the encroachments of the British 
 crown. In the celebrated Congress of 1775, Ben- 
 jamin Harrison and John Hancock were both 
 candidates for the office of Speaker. 
 
 Mr. Harrison was subsequently chosen Gov- 
 ernor of Yirginia, and was twice re-elected. His 
 .son William Henry, of course, enjoyed in child- 
 hood all the advantages which wealth and intel- 
 lectual and cultivated society could give. Hav- 
 ing received a thorough common-school educa- 
 tion, he entered Hampden Sidney College, where 
 he graduated with honor soon after the death of 
 his father. He then repaired to Philadelphia to 
 .study medicine under the instructions of Dr. Rush 
 and the guardianship of Robert Morris, both of 
 whom were, with his father, signers of the Dec- 
 laration of Independence. 
 
 Upon the outbreak of the Indian troubles, and 
 notwithstanding the remonstrances of his friends, 
 he abandoned his medical studies and entered the 
 army, ha\ ing obtained a commission as Ensign 
 from President Washington. He was then but 
 nineteen years old. From that time he passed 
 gradually upward in rank until he became aide 
 to Gen. Wayne, after whose death he resigned 
 his comnii.ssion. He was then appointed Secre- 
 tary of the Northwestern Territory. This Terri- 
 torj' was then entitled to but one member in Con- 
 
 gress, and Harrison was chosen to fill that position. 
 In the spring of 1800 the Northwestern Terri- 
 tory- was divided bj' Congress into two portions. 
 The eastern portion, comprising the region now 
 embraced in the State of Ohio, was called "The 
 Territory northwest of the Ohio." The western 
 portion, which included what is now called Indi- 
 ana, Illinois and Wisconsin, was called "the Indi- 
 ana Territorj-." William Henry Harrison, then 
 twenty-seven j-ears of age, was appointed by John 
 Adams Governor of the Indiana Territorj-, and 
 immediately after also Governor of Upper Loui- 
 siana. He was thus ruler over almost as exten- 
 sive a realm as any sovereign upon the globe. 
 He was Superintendent of Indian Affairs, and 
 was invested with powers nearly dictatorial over 
 the then rapidly increasing white population. The 
 abilitj' and fidelity with which he discharged 
 these responsible duties may be inferred from the 
 fact that he was four times appointed to this 
 office — first by John Adams, twice by Thomas 
 Jefferson, and afterwards by President Madison. 
 
 When he began his administration there were 
 but three white settlements in that almost bound- 
 less region, now crowded with cities and resound- 
 ing with all the ' tumult of wealth and traffic. 
 One of these settlements was on the Ohio, nearly 
 opposite Louisville; one at Yincennes, on the 
 Waba.sh; and the third was a French settlement. 
 
 The vast wilderness over which Gov. Harrison 
 reigned was filled with many tribes of Indians. 
 About the year 1806, two extraordinarj- men, 
 twin brothers of the Shawnee tribe, rose among 
 them. One of these was called Tecumseh, or 
 "the Crouching Panther;" the other OUiwa- 
 checa, or "the Prophet." Tecum!;eh was not 
 only an Indian warrior, but a man of great sagac-
 
 52 
 
 WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON. 
 
 ity, far-reaching foresight and indomitable perse- 
 verance in any enterprise in which he might en- 
 gage. His brother, the Prophet, was an orator, 
 who could sway the feelings of the untutored In- 
 dians as the gale tossed the tree-tops beneath 
 which they dwelt. With an enthusiasm unsur- 
 passed by Peter the Hermit rousing Europe to the 
 crusades, he went from tribe to tribe, assuming 
 that he was specially sent by the Great Spirit. 
 
 Gov. Harrison made many attempts to con- 
 ciliate the Indians, but at last war came, and at 
 Tippecanoe the Indians were routed with great 
 slaughter. October 28, 1812, his army began its 
 march. When near the Prophet's town, three 
 Indians of rank made their appearance and in- 
 quired why Gov. Harrison was approaching them 
 in so hostile an attitude. After a short confer- 
 ence, arrangements were made for a meeting the 
 next day to agree upon terms of peace. 
 
 But Gov. Harrison was too well acquainted 
 with the Indian character to be deceived by such 
 protestations. Selecting a favorable spot for his 
 night's encampment, he took ever>' precaution 
 against surprise. His troops were posted in a 
 hollow square and slept upon their arms. The 
 wakeful Governor, between three and four o'clock 
 in the morning, had risen, and was sitting 
 in conversation with his aides by the embers 
 of a waning fire. It was a chill, cloudy morning, 
 with a drizzling rain. In the darkness, the In- 
 dians had crept as near as possible, and just then, 
 with a savage yell, rushed, with all the despera- 
 tion which superstition and passion most highly 
 inflamed could give, upon the left flank of the 
 little army. The savages had been amply pro- 
 vided with guns and ammunition by the English, 
 and their war-whoop was accompanied by a 
 shower of bullets. 
 
 The camp-fires were instantly extinguished, as 
 the light aided the Indians in their aim, and 
 Gen. Harrison's troops stood as immovable as 
 the rocks around them until day dawned, when 
 they made a simultaneous charge with the bayo- 
 net and swept everything before them, completely 
 routing the foe. 
 
 Gov. Harrison now had all his energies tasked 
 to the utmost. The British, descending from the 
 
 Canadas, were of themselves a very formidable 
 force, but with their savage allies rushing like 
 wolves from the forest, burning, plundering, scalp- 
 ing, torturing, the wide frontier was plunged into 
 a state of consternation which even the mo.st vivid 
 imagination can but faintly conceive. Gen. Hull 
 had made an ignominious surrender of his forces at 
 Detroit. Under these despairing circumstances, 
 Gov. Harrison was appointed by President Madi- 
 son Commander-in-Chief of the Northwestern 
 Army, with orders to retake Detroit and to protect 
 the frontiers. It would be difficult to place a man 
 in a situation demanding, more energy, sagacity 
 and courage, but he was found equal to the 
 position, and nobly and triumphantly did he meet 
 all the responsibilities. 
 
 In 1816, Gen. Harrison was chosen a member 
 of the National House of Representatives, to rep- 
 resent the District of Ohio. In Congress he proved 
 an active member, and whenever he spoke it was 
 with a force of reason and power of eloquence 
 which arrested the attention of all the members. 
 
 In 18 ig, Harrison was elected to the vSenate of 
 Ohio, and in 1824, as one of the Presidential Elec- 
 tors of that State, he gave his vote for Henry 
 Clay. The same year he was chosen to the Uni- 
 ted States Senate. In 1836 his friends brought 
 him forward as a candidate for the Presidency 
 against Van Buren, but he was defeated. At the 
 close of Mr. Van Buren's term, he was re-nom- 
 inated by his party, and Mr. Harri.son was unani- 
 mously nominated by the Whigs, with John Tyler 
 for the Vice-Presidency. The contest was very 
 animated. Gen. Jackson gave all his influence to 
 prevent Harrison's election, but his triumph was 
 signal. 
 
 The cabinet which he fomied, with Daniel Web- 
 ster at its head as Secretary of State, was one of 
 the most brilliant with which any President had 
 ever been surrounded. Never were the prospects 
 of an administration more flattering, or the hopes 
 of the country more sanguine. In the midst of 
 these bright and joyous prospects, Gen. Harrison 
 was seized by a pleurisy-fever, and after a few 
 days of violent sickness died, on the 4th of April, 
 just one month after his inauguration as President, 
 ofthe United States.
 
 ^lyTL
 
 JOHN TYLER. 
 
 (John TYLKR, the tenth President of the 
 I United States, and was born in Charles 
 Q) City Count}-, Va., March 29, 1790. He was 
 the favored child of affluence and high social po- 
 sition. At the early age of twelve, John entered 
 William and Maiy College, and graduated with 
 much honor when but seventeen years old. After 
 graduating, he devoted himself with great assi- 
 duity to the study of law, partly with his father 
 and partly with Edmund Randolph, one of the 
 most distinguished lawyers of Virginia. 
 
 At nineteen years of age, he commenced the 
 practice of law. His success was rapid and as- 
 tonishing. It is said that three months had not 
 elapsed ere there was scarcely a case on the 
 docket of the court in which he was not retained. 
 When but twenty-one j-ears of age, he was almost 
 unanimously elected to a seat in the State Legis- 
 lature. He connected himself with the Demo- 
 cratic part}', and warmly advocated the measures 
 of Jefferson and Madison. For five successive 
 years he was elected to the Legislature, receiving 
 nearly the unanimous vote of his county. 
 
 When but twenty-six years of age, he was 
 elected a Member of Congress. Here he acted ear- 
 nestly and ably with the Democratic party, oppos- 
 ing a national bank, internal improvements by 
 the General Government, and a protective tariff; 
 advocating a strict construction of the Constitu- 
 tion and the most careful vigilance over State 
 rights. His labors in Congress were so arduous 
 that before the close of his second term he found 
 it necessary to resign and retire to his estate in 
 Charles City County 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 
 utilit}'. With a reputation thus constantly in- 
 creasing, he was chosen by a very large majority 
 of votes Governor of his native State. His ad- 
 ministration was a signally successfiil one, and 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 way- 
 ward course, and brought forward John Tyler as 
 his opponent, considering him the only man in 
 Virginia of sufficient popularity to succeed 
 again.st the renowned orator of Roanoke. Mr. 
 Tyler was the victor. 
 
 In accordance with his professions, upon tak- 
 ing his .seat in the Senate he joined the ranks of 
 the oppo.sition. He oppo.sed the tariff, and spoke 
 against and voted against the bank as unconsti- 
 tutional; he strenuously opposed all restrictions 
 upon slavery, resisting all projects of internal im- 
 provements by the General 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. T}Ier'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 split in the Demo- 
 cratic party. His friends still regarded him as a 
 true Jeffersonian, gave him a dinner, and show- 
 ered compliments upon him. He had now at- 
 tained the age of forty-six, and his career had been 
 very brilliant. In consequence of his devotion to 
 public business, his private affairs had fallen into 
 some disorder, and it was not without satisfac- 
 tion that he resumed the practice of law, and de- 
 voted himself to the cultivation of his plantation. 
 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 in 1839 to nom- 
 inate a President. The majority of votes were 
 given to Gen Harrison, a genuine Whig, much 
 to the disappointment of the South, which wished
 
 56 
 
 JOHN TYLER. 
 
 for Henry Cla3^ To conciliate the southern 
 Wliigs and to secure their vote, the convention 
 then nominated John Tyler for Vice-President. 
 It was well known that he was not in sympathy 
 with the Whig party in the North; but the Vice- 
 President has very little power in the Govern- 
 ment, his main and almost only duty being to 
 preside over the meetings of the Senate. Thus it 
 happened that a Whig President and, in reality, 
 a Democratic Vice-President were chosen. 
 
 In 1S41, Mr. Tyler was inaugurated Vice- 
 President of the United States. In one short 
 month from that time. President Harrison died, 
 and Mr. Tyler thus found himself, to his own 
 surprise and that of the whole nation, an occu- 
 pant of the Presidential chair. Hastening from 
 Williamsburg to Washington, on the 6th of 
 April he was inaugurated to the high and re- 
 sponsible office. He was placed in a position of 
 exceeding delicacy and difficulty. All his long 
 life he had been opposed to the main j-rinciples of 
 the party which had brought him into power. 
 He had ever been a consistent, honest man, with 
 an unblemished record. Gen. Harrison had se- 
 lected a Whig cabinet. Should he retain them, 
 and thus surround himself with counselors 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 
 harmony with himself, and which would oppose 
 all those views which the Whigs deemed essen- 
 tial to the public welfare ? This was his fearful 
 dilemma. He invited the cabinet which Presi- 
 dent Harrison had selected to retain their seats, 
 and recommended a day of fasting and prayer, 
 that God would guide and bless us. 
 
 The Whigs carried through Congress a bill for 
 the incorporation of a fiscal bank of ;he United 
 States. The President, after ten daj-s' delay, re- 
 turned it with his veto. He suggested, however, 
 that he would approve of a bill drawn up upon 
 such a plan as he proposed. Such a bill was ac- 
 cordingly 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 se- 
 verely touched the pride of the President. 
 
 The opposition now exultingly received the 
 President 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 i.s.sued 
 an address to the people of the United States, 
 proclaiming that all political alliance between the 
 Whigs and President Tyler was 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 un- 
 fortunate administration passed sadly away. No 
 one was satisfied. The land was filled with mur- 
 murs and vituperation. Whigs and Democrats 
 alike assailed him. More and more, however, he 
 brought himself into sympathy with his old 
 friends, the Democrats, until at the close of his 
 term he gave his whole influence to the support 
 of Mr. Polk, the Democratic candidate for his 
 successor. 
 
 On the 4th of March, 1845, President T)ler re- 
 tired from the harassments of office, to the regret 
 of neither party, and probably to his own un.speak- 
 able relief The remainder of his days were 
 passed mainly in the retirement of his beautiful 
 home — Sherwood Forest, Charles City County, 
 Va. His first wife, Miss Letitia Christian, died 
 in Washington in 1842; and in June, 1844, 
 he was again married, at New York, to Miss Julia 
 Gardiner, a young lady of many personal and 
 intellectual accomplishments. 
 
 When the great Rebellion rose, wliicli the 
 State Rights and nullifying doctrines of John C. 
 Calhoun had inaugurated. President Tyler re- 
 nounced his allegiance to the United States, and 
 joined the Confederates. He was chosen a mem- 
 ber of their Congress, and while engaged in 
 active measures to destroy, by force of arms, the 
 Government over which he had once presided, he. 
 was taken sick and soon died.
 
 ^k7 -- 
 

 
 JAMES K. POLK. 
 
 (TAMEvS K. polk, the eleventh President of 
 I the United States, was bom in Mecklenburgh 
 (2/ Countj', N. C, November 2, 1795. His 
 parents were Samuel and Jane (Knox) Polk, the 
 former a son of Col. Thoma,s Polk, who located 
 at the above place, as one of the first pioneers, in 
 1735. In 1806, with his wife and children, and 
 soon after followed by most of the members of the 
 Polk family, vSamuel Polk emigrated some two or 
 three hundred miles farther west, to the rich val- 
 ley of the Duck River. Here, in the midst of the 
 wilderness, in a region which was .subsequently 
 called Maun.- County, they erected their log huts 
 and established their homes. In the hard toil of 
 a new fanu in the wilderness, James K. Polk 
 spent the early years of his childhood and youth. 
 His father, adding the pursuit of a surveyor to 
 that of a farmer, gradualh^ increa.sed 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 ob- 
 tain a liberal education. His mother's training 
 had made him methodical in his habits, had taught 
 him punctuality and industr>% and had inspired 
 him with lofty principles of morality. His health 
 was frail, and his father, fearing that he might not 
 be able to endure a sedentary life, got a situation 
 for him behind 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 pros- 
 ecute his studies. Soon after he sent him to Mur- 
 freesboro 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 18 15, entered the sophomore class 
 in the University of North Carolina, at Chapel 
 Hill. Here he was one of the most exemplar)- of 
 scholars, punctual in ever)' exercise, never allow- 
 ing himself to be absent from a recitation or a 
 religious sen'ice. 
 
 Mr. Polk graduated in 1818, with the highest 
 honors, being deemed the best scholar of his class, 
 l)oth in mathematics and the classics. He was 
 then twenty-three j-ears of age. His 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 Grundj-, to study 
 law. Here Mr. Polk renewed his acquaintance 
 with Andrew Jackson, who resided on his planta- 
 tion, the " Hermitage," but a few miles from 
 Nashville. They had probably been slightly ac- 
 quainted before. 
 
 Mr. Polk's father was a Jeffersonian Republican 
 and James K. adhered to the same political faith. 
 He was a popular public speaker, and was con- 
 stantly 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 courteous in his bearing, and with that 
 sympathetic nature in the joys and griefs of oth- 
 ers which gave him hosts of friends. In 1823, 
 he was elected to the Legislature of Tennessee, 
 and gave his strong influence toward the election 
 of his friend, Mr. Jackson, to the Presidency of 
 the United States. 
 
 In Januar)-, 1824, Mr. Polk married Miss Sarah 
 Childress, of Rutherford County, Tenn. His 
 bride was altogether worthy of him — a lady of 
 beauty and culture. In the fall of 1S25 Mr. Polk 
 was chosen a member of Congress, and the .satis- 
 faction he gave his constituents may be inferred
 
 6o 
 
 JAMES K. POLK. 
 
 from the fact, that for fourteen successive years, 
 or until 1839, he was continued in that ofl&ce. He 
 then voluntarily withdrew, only that he might 
 accept the Gubernatorial chair of Tennessee. In 
 Congress he was a laborious member, a frequent 
 and a popular speaker. He was always in his 
 seat, alwaj^s courteous, and whenever he spoke 
 it was alwaj's to the point, without any ambitious 
 rhetorical di.splay. 
 
 During five sessions of Congress Mr. Polk was 
 Speaker of the House. Strong passions were 
 roused and stormy scenes were witnessed, but he 
 performed his arduous duties to a verj^ general 
 satisfaction, 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 Octo- 
 ber 14, 1839, took the oath of office at Nashville. 
 In 1 841 his term of office expired, and he was 
 again the candidate of the Democratic party, but 
 was defeated. 
 
 On the 4th of March, 1845, Mr. Polk was in- 
 augurated President of the United States. The 
 verdict of the country in favor of the annexation 
 of Texas exerted its influence upon Congress, 
 and the last act of the administration of President 
 Tj'ler was to affix his signature to a joint resolu- 
 tion of Congress, passed on the 3d of March, ap- 
 proving of the annexation of Texas to the Union. 
 As Mexico still claimed Texas as one of her 
 provinces, the Mexican Minister, Almonte, im- 
 mediately 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 
 received into the Union on the same footing with 
 the other States. In the mean time. Gen. Taylor 
 was sent with an army into Texas to hold the 
 countrj'. He was first sent to Nueces, which the 
 Mexicans said was the western boundary' of Tex- 
 as. Then he was sent nearly two hundred miles 
 further west, to the Rio Grande, where he erected 
 batteries which commanded the Mexican city of 
 Matamoras, which was situated on the western 
 
 banks. The anticipated collision soon took place, 
 and war was declared against Mexico by President 
 Polk. The war was pushed forward by his ad- 
 ministration with great vigor. Gen. Taylor, 
 whose army was first called one of ' ' obsen'ation, ' ' 
 then of "occupation," then of "invasion," was 
 sent forward to Monterey. The feeble Mexicans 
 in every encounter were hopeles.sly slaughtered. 
 The day of judgment alone can reveal the miser>' 
 which this war caused. It was by the ingenuity 
 of Mr. Polk's administration that the war was 
 brought on. 
 
 "To the victors belong the spoils. " Mexico 
 was prostrate before us. Her capital was in our 
 hands. We now consented to peace upon the 
 condition that Mexico should surrender to us, in 
 addition to Texas, all of New Mexico, and all of 
 Upper and Lower Califoniia. This new demand 
 embraced, exclusive of Texas, eight hundred 
 thousand square miles. This was an extent of 
 territorj' equal to nine States of the size of New 
 York. Thus slavery was securing eighteen ma- 
 jestic States to be added to the Union. There 
 were some Americans who thought it all right; 
 there were others who thought it all wrong. In 
 the prosecution of this war we expended twenty 
 thousand lives and more than $100,000,000. Of 
 this money $15,000,000 were paid to Mexico. 
 
 On the 3d of March, 1849, Mr. Polk retired 
 from office, having ser\'ed one term. The next 
 day- was Snndaj-. On the 5th, Gen. Taylor was 
 inaugurated as his successor. Mr. Polk rode to 
 the Capitol in the same carriage with Gen. Tay- 
 lor, and the same evening, with Mrs. Polk, he 
 conmienced his return to Tennessee. He was 
 then but fiftj--four years of age. He had alway-s 
 been strictl}' 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 tranquillitj- and happiness were be- 
 fore him. But the cholera — that fearful scourge 
 — was then sweeping up the Valley of the Missis- 
 sippi, and he contracted the disease, dying on the 
 15th of June, 1849, i" the fifty-fourth year of his 
 age, greatly mourned by his countr\-men. ,
 
 ZACHARY TAYLOR. 
 
 G7ACHARY TAYLOR, Uvelfth President of 
 j. the Uuitefl States, was born on the 24th of 
 /~) November, 1784, in Orange County, \'a. 
 His father. Col. Taylor, was a Virginian of 
 note, and a distinguished patriot and soldier of 
 the Revolution. When Zacharj- was an infant, 
 his father, with his wife and two children, emi- 
 grated to Kentucky, where he settled in the path- 
 less wilderness, a few miles from Louisville. In 
 this frontier home, away from civilization and all 
 its refinements, young Zachary could enjoy but 
 few social and educational advantages. When 
 six years of age he attended a common school, 
 and was then regarded as a bright, active boy, 
 rather remarkable for bluntness and decision of 
 character. He was strong, fearless and self-reli- 
 ant, and manifested a strong desire to enter the 
 army to fight the Indians, who were ravaging the 
 frontiers. There is little to be recorded of the 
 uneventful years of his childhood on his father's 
 large but lonely plantation. 
 
 In 1808, his father succeeded in obtaining for 
 him a commission as Lieutenant in the United 
 States annj-, and he joined the troops which were 
 stationed at New Orleans under Gen. Wilkinson. 
 Soon after this he married Miss Margaret Smith, 
 a yoiuig lady from one of the first families of 
 Maryland. 
 
 Immediately after the declaration of war with 
 England, in 1812, Capt. Taylor (for he had then 
 been promoted to that rank) was put in command 
 of Ft. Harrison, on the Wabash, about fifty miles 
 above Vincennes. This fort had been built in the 
 wilderness by Gen. Harri.son, on his march to 
 Tippecanoe. It was one of the first points of at- 
 tack by the Indians, led by Tecumseh. Its garri- 
 son consisted of a broken company of infantry, 
 numbering fifty men, manj- of whom were sick. 
 
 Early in the autumn of 1812, the Indians, 
 stealthily, and in large nnmbers, moved upon the 
 
 fort. Their approach was first indicated by the 
 nuirder of two soldiers just outside of the stockade. 
 Capt. Taylor made every possible preparation to 
 meet the anticipated assault. On the 4th of Sep- 
 tember, a band of forty painted and plumed sav- 
 ages c&nie 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 ascer- 
 tain the state of things at the fort, and Capt. 
 Ta\ior, 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 musketr>' and the rush of the 
 foe. Every man, sick and well, sprang to his 
 post. Every man knew that defeat was not 
 merelj' death, but, in the case of capture, death by 
 the most agonizing and prolonged torture. No 
 pen can describe, no imagination can conceive, the 
 scenes which ensued. The savages succeeded in 
 setting fire to one of the block-houses. Until six 
 o'clock in the morning this awful conflict con- 
 tinued, when the savages, baffled at ever>' point 
 and gnashing their teeth with rage, retired. 
 Capt. Taylor, for this gallant defense, was pro- 
 moted to the rank of Major by brevet. 
 
 Until the close of the war, Maj. 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 Ft. Craw- 
 ford, on Fox River, which empties into Green 
 Bay. Here there was little to be done but to 
 wear away the tedious hours as one best could. 
 There were no books, no society, no intellectual 
 stimulus. Thus with him the uneventful years 
 rolled on. Gradually he rose to the rank of 
 Colonel. In the Black Hawk War, which re-
 
 64 
 
 ZACHARY TAYLOR. 
 
 suited in the capture of that renowned chieftain, 
 Col. Taylor took a subordinate, but a brave and 
 efficient, part. 
 
 For twentj'-four jears Col. Taylor was engaged 
 in the defense of the frontiers, in scenes so re- 
 mote, 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 Indi- 
 ans to vacate that region, and retire beyond the 
 Mississippi, as their chiefs by treaty had prom- 
 ised they should do. The services rendered here 
 secured for Col. Taylor the high appreciation of 
 the Government, and as a reward he was ele- 
 vated to the high rank of Brigadier-General by 
 brevet, and soon • after, in May, 1838, was ap- 
 pointed to the chief command of the United 
 States troops in Florida. 
 
 After two jears of wearisome emplo}-ment 
 amidst the everglades of the Peninsula, Gen. Tay- 
 lor obtained, at his own request, a change of 
 command, and was stationed over the Department 
 of the Southwest. This field embraced lyonisiana, 
 Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. Establishing 
 his headquarters at Ft. Jessup, in Louisiana, he 
 removed his family to a plantation which he pur- 
 chased near Baton Rouge. Here he remained 
 for five years, buried, as it were, from the world, 
 but faithfully discharging every dut)- imposed 
 upon him. 
 
 In 1846, Gen. Taylor was sent to guard the 
 land between the Nueces and Rio Grande, the 
 latter river being the boundary of Texas, which 
 was then claimed by the United States. Soon 
 the war with Mexico was brought on, and at Palo 
 Alto and Resaca de la Palma, Gen. Taylor won 
 brilliant victories over the Mexicans. The rank 
 of Major-General by brevet was then conferred 
 upon Gen. Taylor, and his name was received 
 with enthusiasm almost everywhere in the na- 
 tion. Then came "the battles of Monterej- and 
 Buena Vista, in which he won signal victories 
 over forces much larger than he commanded. 
 
 The tidings of the brilliant victory of Buena 
 Vista spread the wildest enthusiasm over the 
 country. The name of Gen. Taylor was on 
 everj- one's lips. The Whig party decided to 
 
 take advantage of this wonderful popularity in 
 bringing forward the unpolished, unlettered, hon- 
 est soldier as their candidate for the Presidency. 
 Gen. Taylor was astonished at the announce- 
 ment, and for a time would not listen to it, de- 
 claring that he was not at all qualified for such 
 an office. So little interest had he taken in poli- 
 tics, that for forty )-ears he had not cast a vote. 
 It was not without chagrin that several distin- 
 guished 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, MontercN- and Buena Vista. It is said 
 that Daniel Webster, in his haste, remarked, " 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 prepared such few communications as it was 
 needful should be presented to the public. The 
 popularity of the successful warrior swept the 
 land. He was triumphantly elected over two 
 opposing candidates, — Gen. Cass and Ex-Presi- 
 dent 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 suf- 
 ferings were very severe, and probabl}- tended to 
 hasten his death. The pro-slavery party was 
 pu.shing 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 Wa.shington 
 to be far more trying to the ner\'es than battles 
 with Mexicans or Indians. 
 
 In the midst of all these troubles. Gen. Taylor, 
 after he had occupied the Presidential chair but 
 little over a year, took cold, and after a brief 
 sickness of but little over five days, died, on the 
 9th of July, 1850. His last words were, "I am 
 not afraid to die. I am ready. I have endeav- 
 ored to do my duty." He died universally re- 
 spected and beloved. An honest, unpretending 
 man, he had been steadily growing in the affec- 
 tions of the people, and the Nation bitterlj- la- 
 mented his death.
 
 ?^m 
 
 W : -^ ft; 
 
 / c/y '^(^c-^U^f <riO
 
 MILLARD FILLMORE. 
 
 jV yi ILLARD FILLMORE, thirteenth President 
 I y of the United States, was born at Summer 
 [0 Hill. Cayuga County, N. Y., on the 7th of 
 J.uuary, 1800. Hisfather was a farmer, and, owing 
 t;j misfortune, in humble circumstances. Of his 
 r.iother, the daughter of Dr. Abiathar Millard, of 
 Pittsfield, Mass., it has been said that she pos- 
 sessed an intellect of a high order, united with 
 much personal loveliness, sweetness of disposi- 
 tion, graceful manners and exquisite sensibilities. 
 She died in 1831, having lived to see her son a 
 young man of distinguished promise, 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 
 advantages for education in his earh- j-ears. The 
 common schools, which he cccasionalh- attended, 
 were very imperfect institutions, and books were 
 scarce and expensive. There was nothing then 
 in his character to indicate the brilliant career 
 upon which he was about to enter. He was a 
 plain farmer's boy — intelligent, good-looking, 
 kind-hearted. The sacred iufluences of home 
 had taught him to revere the Bible, and had laid 
 the foundations of an upright character. When 
 fourteen years of age, his father sent him some 
 hundred miles from home to the then wilds of 
 Livingston County, to learn the trade of a clothier. 
 Near the mill there was a small village, where 
 some enterprising man had commenced the col- 
 lection of a village librar}-. This proved an in- 
 estimable blessing to j^oung Fillmore. His even- 
 ings were spent in reading. 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 enkindled 
 
 in his heart a desire to be something more than a 
 mere worker with his hands. 
 
 The yoiuig clothier had now attained the age 
 of nineteen j'ears, and was of fine personal appear- 
 ance and of gentlemanly demeanor. It so hap- 
 pened that there was a gentleman in the neigh- 
 borhood of ample pecuniarj- means and of benev- 
 olence, — Judge Walter Wood, — who was struck 
 with the prepossessing appearance of young Fill- 
 more. He made his acquaintance, and was so 
 much impres.sed with his ability and attainments 
 that he advised him to abandon his trade and de- 
 vote himself to the study of the law. The j-oung 
 man replied that he had no means of his own, 
 no friends to help him, and that his previous edu- 
 cation had been verj- imperfect. But Judge Wood 
 had .so much confidence in him that he kindly 
 offered to take him into his own office, and to 
 lend him such money as he needed. Most grate- 
 fully the generous offer was accepted. 
 
 There is in many minds a strange delusion 
 about a collegiate education. A young man is 
 supposed to be liberallj- educated if he has gradu- 
 ated at some college. But many a boy who loi- 
 ters through uni\-ersitj- halls and then enters a 
 law office is by no means as well prepared to 
 prosecute his legal studies as was Millard Fill- 
 more when he graduated at the clothing-mill at 
 the end of four years of manual labor, during 
 which even,- leisure moment had been devoted to 
 intense mental culture. 
 
 In 1823, when twent3^-three j-ears of age, he 
 was admitted to the Court of Common Pleas. 
 He then went to the village of Aurora, and com- 
 menced the practice of law. In this secluded, 
 quiet region, his practice, of course, was limited, 
 and there was no opportunity for a sudden rise in 
 fortune or in fame. Here, in 1826, he married a 
 lady of great moral worth, and one capable of
 
 MILLARD FILLMORE. 
 
 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 advo- 
 cate, gradually attracted attention, and he was 
 invited to enter into partnership, under highly ad- 
 vantageous 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 Repre- 
 sentative from Erie County. Though he had 
 never taken a very active part in politics, his vote 
 and sympathies were with the Whig party. The 
 State was then Democratic, and he found himself 
 in a helpless minority in the Legislature; still the 
 testimony comes from all parties that his courtesy, 
 ability and integrity won, to a verj- unusual de- 
 gree, 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 the most tumultuous hours 
 of our national history, when the great conflict 
 respecting the national bank and the removal of 
 the deposits was raging. 
 
 His term of two years closed, and he returned 
 to his profession, which he pursued with increas- 
 ing reputation and success. After a lapse of two 
 years he again became a candidate for Congress; 
 was re-elected, and took his seat in 1837. ^i^ 
 past experience as a Representative gave him 
 strength 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 energies were brought to 
 bear upon the public good. Every measure re- 
 ceived his impress. 
 
 Mr. Fillmore was now a man of wide repute, 
 and his popularity filled the State. In the year 
 1847, when he had attained the age of forty- 
 seven years, he was elected Comptroller of the 
 State. His labors at the Bar, in the Legisla- 
 ture, in Congress and as Comptroller, had given 
 him very considerable fame. The Whigs were 
 casting about to find suitable candidates for Presi- 
 dent and Vice-President at the approaching elec- 
 tion. Far away on the waters of the Rio Grande, 
 there was a rough old soldier, who had fought 
 
 one or two .successful battles with the Mexicans, 
 which had caused his name to be proclaimed in 
 trumpet-tones all over the land as a candidate for 
 the presidency. But it was necessarj^ to associate 
 with him on the same ticket some man of repu- 
 tation as a statesman. 
 
 Under the influence of these considerations, the 
 names of Zacharj^ Taylor and Millard Fillmore 
 became the rallying-cry of the Whigs, as their 
 candidates for President and Vice-President. The 
 Whig ticket was signallj- triumphant. On the 
 4th of March, 1849, Gen. Taylor was inaugurated 
 President, and Millard Fillmore Vice-President, 
 of the United States. 
 
 On the 9th of July, 1850, President Taylor, 
 about one year and four months after his inaugura- 
 tion, was suddenly taken sick and died. By the 
 Constitution, Vice-President Fillmore thus be- 
 came President. He appointed a very able cabi- 
 net, of which the illustrious Daniel Webster was 
 Secretary of State; neverthele.ss, he had serious 
 difficulties to contend with, .since the opposition 
 had a majority in both Houses. He did all in his 
 power to conciliate the South; but the pro-slavery 
 party in the South felt the inadequacy of all 
 measures of transient conciliation. The popula- 
 tion of the free States was so rapidly increasing 
 over that of the .slave States, that it was inevitable 
 that the power of the Government should soon 
 pa.ss into the hands of the free States. The fa- 
 mous compromise measures were adopted under 
 Mr. Fillmore's administration, and the Japan ex- 
 pedition was sent out. On the 4th of March, 
 1853, he, having served one term, retired. 
 
 In 1856, Mr. Fillmore was nominated for the 
 Presidency by the "Know-Nothing" part)-, but 
 was beaten by Mr. Buchanan. After that Mr. 
 Fillmore lived in retirement. During the terri- 
 ble conflict of civil war, he was mosth- silent. It 
 was generally supposed that his sympathies were 
 rather with those who were endeavoring to over- 
 throw our institutions. President Fillmore kept 
 aloof from the conflict, without any cordial words 
 of cheer to one party or the otlier. He was thus 
 forgotten by both. He lived to a ripe old age, 
 and died in Buffalo, N. Y., March 8, 1874.
 
 w.
 
 FRANKLIN PIERCE. 
 
 ""RANKLIN pierce, the fourteenth Presi- 
 '3 dent of the United States, was born in Hills- 
 borough, N. H., November 23, 1804. His 
 lather was a Revohitionary soldier, who with his 
 own strong arm hewed out a home in the wilder- 
 ness. He was a man of inflexible integritj', of 
 strong, though uncultivated, mind, and was an un- 
 compromising Democrat. The mother of Frank- 
 lin Pierce was all that a son could desire — an in- 
 telligent, prudent, affectionate, Christian woman. 
 
 Franklin, who was the sixth of eight children, 
 was a remarkably bright and handsome boy, 
 generous, warm-hearted and brave. He won 
 alike the love of old and young. The boys on 
 the play-ground lo^•ed him. His teachers loved 
 him. The neighbors looked upon him with pride 
 and affection. He was by instinct a gentleman, 
 always speaking kind words, and 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, and in 
 body and mind a finely developed boy. 
 
 When sixteen years of age, in the year 1820, 
 he entered Bowdoin College, at Brunswick, Me. 
 He was one of the most popular young men in 
 the college. The purity of his moral character, 
 the unvarying courtesy of his demeanor, his rank 
 as a scholar, and genial nature, rendered him a 
 universal favorite. There was something pe- 
 culiarly winning in his address, and it was evi- 
 dently not in the slightest degree studied — it was 
 the simple outgu.shing of his own magnanimous 
 and loving nature. 
 
 Upon graduating, in the year 1824, Franklin 
 Pierce commenced the study of law in the office 
 of Judge Woodljur>', 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 
 Woodburj^ was entering, all tended to entice Mr. 
 Pierce into the fascinating j-et perilous path of 
 political life. With all the ardor of his nature he 
 espoused the cause of Gen. Jackson for the Presi- 
 dency. 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 
 cho.sen Speaker of the House by a very large 
 vote. 
 
 In 1833, at the age of twenty-nine, he was 
 elected a member of Congress. In 1837, being 
 then bui thirtj'-three j-ears old, he was elected to 
 the Senate, 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 accomplishments, and one 
 admirably fitted to adorn every station with which 
 her hu.sband was honored. Of the three sons who 
 were born to them, all now sleep with their par- 
 ents 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 engage- 
 ments at home, and the precarious state of Mrs. 
 Pierce's health. He also, about the same time, 
 declined the nomination for Governor by the 
 Democratic party. The war with Mexico called
 
 72 
 
 FRANKLIN PIERCE. 
 
 Mr. Pierce into the army. Receiving the appoint- 
 ment 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 himself a brave and true sol- 
 dier. 
 
 When Gen. Pierce reached his home in his na- 
 tive State, he was received enthusiastically by the 
 ad\-ocates of the Mexican War, and coldlj- by his 
 opponents. He resumed the practice of his pro- 
 fession, verj- frequently taking an active part in 
 political questions, giving his cordial support to 
 the pro-slaver>' wing of the Democratic part}'. 
 The compromise measures met cordially with his 
 approval, and he strenuously advocated the en- 
 forcement of the infamous Fugitive Slave Law, 
 which so shocked the religious sensibilities of the 
 North. He thus became distinguished as a 
 ' ' Northern man with Southern principles. ' ' The 
 strong partisans of -slaverj' in the South conse- 
 quentl}- regarded him as a man whom they could 
 safel}- trust in ofiBce to carrj^ out their plans. 
 
 On the i2tli of June, 1852, the Democratic con- 
 vention met in Baltimore to nominate a candidate 
 for the Presidency. For four days they contin- 
 ued in .ses.sion, 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 fort3'-ninth ballot, he received two hundred 
 and eightj-'two votes, and all other candidates 
 eleven. Gen. Winfield Scott was the Whig can- 
 didate. Gen. Pierce was chosen with great una- 
 nimitj-. Only four States — Vermont, Massachu- 
 setts, Kentucky- and Tennessee — cast their elec- 
 toral votes against him. Gen. Franklin Pierce 
 was therefore inaugurated President of the United 
 Staters on the 4th of March, 1853. 
 
 His administration proved one of the most 
 stormj- our country had ever experienced. The 
 controversy between slavery- and freedom was 
 then approaching its culminating point. It be- 
 came evident that there was to be 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 admin- 
 istration, did everj'thing he could to conciliate the 
 South; but it was all in vain. The conflict ever>' 
 year grew more violent, and threats of the disso- 
 lution of the Union were borne to the North on 
 every Southern breeze. 
 
 Such was the condition of affairs when Presi- 
 dent Pierce approached the close of his four- 
 years term of office. The North had become 
 thoroughl}- alienated 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 administrative acts. The 
 slaveholders of the South also, unmindful of the 
 fidelity with which he had ad\-ocated those meas- 
 ures of Government which tliej- approved, and 
 perhaps feeling that he had rendered himself 
 so unpopular as no longer to be able to accepta- 
 bly sen-e them, ungratefully dropped him, and 
 nominated James Buchanan to succeed him. 
 
 On the 4tli of March, 1857, President Pierce re- 
 turned to his home in Concord. His three chil- 
 dren were all dead, his last surviving child hav- 
 ing been killed before his ej-es in a railroad acci- 
 dent; 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 \\orkl without 
 wife or child. 
 
 When the terrible Rebellion burst forth which 
 divided our country' into two parties, and two 
 only, Mr. Pierce remained steadfast in the prin- 
 ciples which he had always cherished, and gave 
 his sympathies to that pro-slavery party with 
 which he had ever been allied. He declined to 
 do anything, either by voice or pen, to strengthen 
 the hand of the National Govermnent. He con- 
 tinued 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 hon- 
 ored communicant of the Episcopal Church, and 
 one of the kindest of neighbors. Generous to a 
 fault, he contributed liberally toward the allevia- 
 tion of suffering and want, and many of his 
 towns-people were often gladdened by his material 
 bounty.
 
 X 
 
 ^*%VV. 
 
 
 ?'W 
 
 ■^^<?7?^</ G 
 
 -y^^o:;^^ /-> 
 
 '?^^^7^^
 
 JAMES BUCHANAN. 
 
 (Tames BUCHANAN, the fifteenth President 
 I of the United States, was born in a small 
 (2/ frontier town, at the foot of the eastern ridge 
 of the Alleghanies, in Franklin County, Pa., on 
 the 23d of April, 1791. The place where the 
 humble cabin home stood was called Stony Bat- 
 ter. His father was a native of the north of Ire- 
 land, who had emigrated in 1783, with little prop- 
 erty save his own strong arms. Five years after- 
 ward he married Elizabeth Spear, the daughter 
 of a respectable farmer, and, with his young bride, 
 plunged into the wilderness, staked his claim, 
 reared his log hut, opened a clearing with his 
 axe, and settled down there to perform his obscure 
 part in the drama of life. 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 Col- 
 lege, at Carlisle. Here he developed remarkable 
 talent, and took his stand among the first scholars 
 in the institution. 
 
 In the year 1809, he graduated with the high- 
 est honors of his class. He was then eighteen 
 years of age; tall and graceful, vigorous in health, 
 fond of athletic sports, an unerring shot, and en- 
 livened with an exuberant flow of animal spirits. 
 He immediately commenced the study of law in 
 the city of Lancaster, and was admitted to the 
 Bar in 1 8 1 2 , when he was but twentj-one years 
 of age. 
 
 In 1S20, 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 
 
 occa.-:ionally tried some important case. In 1831 
 he retired altogether from the toils of his profes- 
 sion, having acquired an ample fortune. 
 
 Gen. Jackson, upon his elevation to the Presi- 
 dency, appointed Mr. Buchanan Minister to Rus- 
 sia. The duties of his mi.ssion he performed 
 with ability, and 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 Cal- 
 houn. He advocated the measures proposed by 
 President Jack.son, of making reprisals 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 oflSce of those who were not the 
 supporters of his administration. Upon this 
 question he was brought into direct collision with 
 Henry Clay. He also, with voice and vote, ad- 
 vocated expunging from the journal of the Senate 
 the vote of cen.sure against Gen. Jackson for re- 
 moving 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 advocated that they should be respectfully re- 
 ceived, 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 slaverj' under a for- 
 eign government as in any of the States where it 
 now exi.sts. ' ' 
 
 Upon Mr. Polk's accession to the Presidency, 
 Mr. Buchanan became vSecretary of wState, and as 
 such took his share of the responsibility in the
 
 76 
 
 JAMES BUCHANAN. 
 
 conduct of the Mexican War. Mr. Polk assumed 
 that crossing the Nueces by the American 
 troops into the disputed territory was not wrong, 
 but for the Mexicans to cross the Rio Grande 
 into Texas was a declaration of war. No candid 
 man can read with pleasure the account of the 
 course our Government pursued in that movement. 
 
 Mr. Buchanan identified himself thoroughly 
 with the party devoted to the perpetuation and 
 extension of slavery, and brought all the energies 
 of his mind to bear against the Wilmot Proviso. 
 He gave his cordial approval to the compromise 
 measures of 1850, which included the Fugitive 
 Slave Law. Mr. Pierce, upon his election to the 
 Presidency, honored Mr. Buchanan with the mis- 
 sion to England. 
 
 In the year 1856, a national Democratic Con- 
 vention nominated Mr. Buchanan for the Presi- 
 dency. 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 restriction and final abolition 
 on the other. Mr. Fremont, the candidate of the 
 enemies of slavery, received one hundred and 
 fourteen electoral votes. Mr. Buchanan received 
 one hundred and seventy-four, and was elected. 
 The popular vote stood 1,340,618 for Fremont, 
 1,224,750 for Buchanan. On March 4, 1857, 
 the latter was inaugurated. 
 
 Mr. Buchanan was far advanced in life. Only 
 four years were wanting to fill up his three-score 
 years and ten. His own friends, those with 
 whom he had been allied in political principles 
 and action for years, were seeking the destruc- 
 tion of the Government, that they might rear 
 upon the ruins of our free institutions a nation 
 whose corner-stone .should be human slavery. In 
 tl:is emergency, Mr. Buchanan was hopelessly 
 bewildered. He could not, with his long-avowed 
 principles, consistently oppose the State Rights 
 party in their assumptions. As President of the 
 United States, bound by his oath faithfully to 
 administer the laws, he could not, without per- 
 jury of the grossest kind, unite with those en- 
 deavoring to overthrow the Republic. He there- 
 fore did nothing. 
 
 The opponents of Mr. Buchanan's administra- 
 
 tion nominated Abraham Lincoln as their stand- 
 ard-bearer in the next Presidential canvass. 
 The pro-slavery party declared that if he were 
 elected and the control of the Go\ernment were 
 thus taken from their hands, they would secede 
 from the Union, taking with them as they retired 
 the National Capitol at Washington and the 
 lion's share of the territory of the United States. 
 
 As the storm increased in violence, the slave- 
 holders claiming the right to secede, and Mr. 
 Buchanan avowing that Congre.ss had no power 
 to prevent it, one of the most pitiable exhibitions 
 of governmental imbecility was exhibited that the 
 world has ever seen. He declared that Congress 
 had no power to enforce its laws in any State 
 which had withdrawn, or which was attempting 
 to withdraw, from the Union. This was not the 
 doctrine of Andrew Jackson, when, with his hand 
 upon his sword-hilt, he exclaimed: "The Union 
 must and shall be preserved!" 
 
 South Carolina .seceded in December, i860, 
 nearly three months before the inauguration of 
 President Lincoln. Mr. Buchanan looked on in 
 listless despair. The rebel flag was raised in 
 Charleston; Ft. Sumter was besieged; our forts, 
 navy-yards and arsenals were seized; our depots 
 of military stores were plundered, and our cus- 
 tom-houses and post-oflices were appropriated by 
 the reliels. 
 
 The energ}- of the rebels and the imbecilitj- of 
 our Executive were alike marvelous. The na- 
 tion looked on in agony, waiting for the slow 
 weeks to glide awa}- and close the administration, 
 so terrible in its weakness. At length the long- 
 looked-for hour of deliverance came, when Abra- 
 ham Lincoln was to receive the scepter. 
 
 The administration of President Buchanan was 
 certainly the most calamitous our country has ex- 
 perienced. His best friends can not recall it with 
 pleasure. And still more deplorable it is for his 
 fame, that in that dreadful conflict which rolled 
 its billows of flame and blood over our whole 
 land, no word came from his lips to indicate his 
 wish that our couutrj-'s banner should triumph 
 over the flag of the Rebellion. He died at his 
 Wheatland retreat, June i, 1S6S.
 
 /-t/T — 
 
 c^~^ j^yv^t^^ 
 
 Q^yyCfi^^^'^^^'^^~-<^-^ly
 
 ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 
 
 61 BRAHAM LINCOLN, the sixteenth Presi- 
 LA dent of the United States, was born in Hardin 
 I I County, Ky., February- 12, 1809. About 
 the year 1 7 So. a man by the name of Abraham 
 Lincohi left \'irginia with his family and moved 
 into the then wilds of Kentucky. Only two years 
 after this emigration, and while .still a young man. 
 he was working one daj^ in a field, when an Indian 
 stealthily approached and killed him. His widow 
 was left in extreme poverty with five little chil- 
 dren, three boj-s and two girls. Thomas, the 
 3-oungest of the boys, and the father of President 
 Abraham Lincoln, was four years of age at his 
 father's death. 
 
 When twenty-eight years old, Thomas Lincoln 
 built a log cabin, and married Nancy Hanks, the 
 daughter of another family of poor Ktntuckj- 
 emigrants, who had also come from Virginia. 
 Their second child was Abraham Lincoln, the sub- 
 ject of this sketch. The mother of Abraham was 
 a noble woman, gentle, loving, pensive, created 
 to adorn a palace, but doomed to toil and pine, and 
 die in a hovel. " All that I am, or hope to be,'' 
 exclaimed the gratefiil son, " I owe to lay angel- 
 mother." When he was eight j-ears ot age, his 
 father sold his cabin and small farm and moved 
 to Indiana, where two years later his mother died. 
 
 As the j-ears rolled on, the lot of this lowly 
 family was the usual lot of humanity. There 
 were joys and griefs, weddings and funerals. 
 Abraham's si.ster Sarah, to whom he was tenderly 
 attached, was married when a child of but four- 
 teen years of age, and soon died. The family 
 was graduallj- scattered, and Thomas Lincoln 
 .sold out his .squatter's claim in 1S30, and emi- 
 grated to Macon County, 111. 
 
 Abraham Lincoln was then twentN'-one years 
 of age. With vigorous hands he aided his father 
 in rearing another log cabin, and worked quite 
 diligently at this until he saw the family com- 
 fortably settled, and their small lot of enclosed 
 prairie planted with corn, when he announced to 
 
 his father his intention to leave home, and to gc 
 out into the world and seek his fortune. Littk 
 did he or his friends imagine how brilliant that 
 
 . fortune was to be. He saw the value of educa- 
 tion and was intenselj^ earnest to improve his 
 mind to the utmost of his power. Religion he 
 revered. His morals were pure, and he was un- 
 contaminated by a single vice. 
 
 Young Abraham worked for a time as a hired 
 laborer among the farmers. Then he went to 
 Springfield, where he was employed in building 
 a large flat-boat. In this he took a herd of swine, 
 floated them down the Sangamon to Illinois, and 
 thence by the Mississippi to New Orleans. What- 
 ever Abraham Lincoln undertook, he performed 
 so faithfull3' as to give great satisfaction to his 
 employers. In this adventure the latter were 
 so well pleased, that upon his return they placed 
 a store and mill under his care. 
 
 In 1832, at the outbreak of the Black Hawk 
 War, he enlisted and was chosen Captain of a 
 company. He returned to Sangamon County, 
 and, although onh- twenty-three jearsof age, was 
 a candidate for the Legislature, but was defeated. 
 He soon after recei\-ed 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, read}- 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, advi.sed him 
 to study law. He walked from New Salem to 
 Springfield, borrowed of Mr. Stuart a load oi 
 books, carried them back, and began his legal 
 .studies. When the Legislature assembled, 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 removed to Springfield and began the practice 
 
 ' of law. His success with the jur\- was so great
 
 8o 
 
 ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 
 
 that he was soon engaged in almost everj' noted 
 case in the circuit. 
 
 In 1854 the great discussion began between Mr. 
 Lincohi and Mr. Douglas on the slavery ques- 
 tion. In the organization of the Republican party 
 in Illinois, in 1S56, he took an active part, and at 
 once became one of the leaders in that party. 
 Mr. Lincoln's speeches in opposition to Senator 
 Douglas in the contest in 1S58 for a seat in the 
 Senate, fonn a most notable part of his history. 
 The isstie was on the slavery- question, and he 
 took the broad ground of the Declaration of In- 
 dependence, that all men are created equal. Mr. 
 Lincoln was defeated in this contest, but won a 
 far higher prize. 
 
 The great Republican Convention met at Chi- 
 cago on the i6tli 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 accommo- 
 date the convention. There were eleven candi- 
 dates for whom votes were thrown. William H. 
 Seward, a man whose fame as a statesman had 
 long filled the land, was the most prominent. It 
 was generally supposed he would be the nomi- 
 nee. Abraham Lincoln, however, received the 
 nomination on the third ballot. 
 
 Election day came, and Mr. Lincoln received 
 one hundred and eighty electoral votes out of two 
 hundred and three cast, and was, therefore, con- 
 stitutionally elected President of the LTnited States. 
 The tirade of abuse that was poured upon this 
 good and merciful man, especiall}' by the slave- 
 holders, was greater than upon anj- other man 
 ever elected to this high position. In February-, 
 i86i, Mr. Lincoln .started for Washington, stop- 
 ping in all the large cities on his waj-, making 
 speeches. The whole journey was fraught with 
 much danger. Manj' of the Southern States had 
 already seceded, and several attempts at assassi- 
 nation were afterward brought to light. A gang 
 in Baltimore had arranged upon his arrival to 
 "get up a row," and in the confusion to make 
 sure of his death with revohers and hand-gren- 
 ades. A detective unra\'elled the plot. A secret 
 and .special train was pro\ided to take him from 
 Harrisburg, through Baltimore, at an unexpected 
 
 hour of the night. The tram started at half- past 
 ten, and to prevent anj-^ possible communication 
 on the part of the Secessionists with their Con- 
 federate gang in Baltimore, as soon as the train 
 had started the telegraph-wires were cut. Mr. 
 Lincoln reached Washington in safety and was 
 inaugurated, althotigh 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; but during no other 
 administration had the duties devolving upon the 
 President been so manifold, and the responsibilities 
 .so great, as those which fell to his lot. Knowing 
 this, and feeling his own weakness and inability 
 to meet, and in his own strength to cope with, 
 the difficulties, he learned early to seek Divine 
 wisdom and guidance in determining his plans, 
 and Divine comfort in all his trials, both personal 
 and national. Contrary to his own estimate of 
 himself, Mr. Lincoln was one of the most cour- 
 ageous 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 
 Ford's Theatre. It was announced that they 
 would be present. Gen. Grant, however, left the 
 city. President Lincoln, feeling, with his char- 
 acteristic kindliness of heart, that it would be a 
 disappointment if he should fail them, very re- 
 luctantly consented to go. While listening to 
 the play, an actor by the name of John Wilkes 
 Booth entered the box where the President and 
 famih* were .seated, and fired a bullet into his 
 brain. He died the next morning at seven 
 o'clock. 
 
 Never before in the histor\- of the world was 
 a nation plunged into such deep grief by the death 
 of its ruler Strong men met in the streets and 
 wept in speechless anguish. His was a life which 
 will fitly become a model. His name as the 
 Savior of his country will live with that of Wash- 
 ington's, its Father.
 
 '^v/yJlyC-'iy^
 
 ANDREW JOHNSON. 
 
 Gl NDREW JOHNSON, seventeenth President 
 
 of the United States. The early life of An- 
 
 1 I drew Johnson contains but the record of pov- 
 erty, destitution and friendlessness. He was born 
 December 29, 1808, in Raleigh, N. C. His par- 
 ents, belonging to the class of "poor whites" 
 of the South, were in such circum.stances that they 
 could not confer even the slightest advantages of 
 education upon their child. When Andrew was 
 five years of age, his father accidentally lest his 
 life, while heroically endeavoring to save a frien4 
 from drowning. Until ten years of age, Andrew 
 was a ragged boy about the streets, supported by 
 the labor of his mother, who obtained her living 
 with her own hands. 
 
 He then, having never attended a school one 
 day, and being unable either to read or write, was 
 apprenticed to a tailor in his native town. A gen- 
 tleman was in the habit of going to the tailor's 
 shop occasionally, and reading to the boys at 
 work there. He often read from the speeches of 
 distinguished British statesmen. Andrew, who 
 was endowed with a mind of more than ordinarj- 
 ability, became much interested in these speeches; 
 his ambition was roused, and he was inspired with 
 a strong desire to learn to read. 
 
 He accordingly applied himself to the alphabet, 
 and with the assistance of some of his fellow- 
 workmen learned his letters. He then called upon 
 the gentleman to borrow the book of speeches. 
 The owner, pleased with his zeal, not only gave 
 him the book, but assisted him in learning to com- 
 bine the letters into words. Under such difficul- 
 ties he pressed onward laboriously, spending usu- 
 ally ten or twelve hours at work in the shop, and 
 then robbing himself of rest and recreation to de- 
 vote such time as he could to reading. 
 
 He went to Tennessee in 1826, and located at 
 
 Greenville, where he married a young lady who 
 possessed 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 organized 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 work- 
 ing-class, to which he belonged. In 1835, he 
 was elected a member of the House of Represent- 
 atives of Tennessee. He was then just twenty- 
 seven years of age. He became a very active 
 member of the Legislature, gave his support to 
 the Democratic party, and in 1840 "stumped the 
 State," advocating Martin Van Buren's claims to 
 the Presidency, in opposition to those of Gen. 
 Harrison. In this campaign he acquired much 
 readiness as a speaker, and extended and increased 
 his reputation. 
 
 In 1841, he was elected State Senator; in 1843, 
 he was elected a Member of Congress, and by suc- 
 ce.ssive elections held that important post for ten 
 years. In 1853, he was elected Governor of Tenn- 
 essee, and was re-elected in 1855. In all these 
 respon.sible positions, he discharged his duties 
 with distinguished ability, and proved himself the 
 warm friend of the working classes. In 1857, Mr. 
 Johnson was elected United States Senator. 
 
 Years before, in 1845, he had warmly adv-ocated 
 the annexation of Texas, stating, however, as his 
 reason, that he thought this annexation would 
 probably prove ' 'to be the gateway out of which 
 the sable sons of Africa are to pass from bondage 
 to freedom, and become merged in a population 
 congenial to themselves." In 1850, he also sup- 
 ported the compromise measures, the two essen-
 
 ANDREW JOHNSON. 
 
 tial features of which vver^, that the white people 
 of the Territories should be permitted to decide 
 for themselves whether they would enslave the 
 colored people or not, and that the free States of 
 the North should return to the South persons who 
 attempted to escape from slavery. 
 
 Mr. Johnson was never ashamed of his lowly 
 origin: on the contrary, he often took pride in 
 avowing that he owed his distinction to his own 
 exertions. "Sir," 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 Savior was the son 
 of a carpenter. ' ' 
 
 In the Charleston-Baltimore convention of i860, 
 he was the choice of the Tennessee Democrats for 
 the Presidency. In 1861, when the purpose of 
 the Southern Democracj' became apparent, he took 
 a decided stand in favor of the Union, and held 
 that "slaverjf must be held subordinate to the 
 Union at whatever cost. ' ' He returned to Tenn- 
 essee, and repeatedly imperiled his own life to 
 protect the Unionists of that State. Tennessee 
 having seceded from the Union, President Lincoln, 
 on March 4, 1862, appointed him Military Gov- 
 ernor of the State, and he established the most 
 stringent militar\- rule. His numerous proclama- 
 tions attracted wide attention. In 1864, he was 
 elected Vice-President of the United States, and 
 upon the death of Mr. lyincoln, April 15, 1865, 
 became President. In a speech two days later he 
 said, "The American people must be taught, if 
 they do not already feel, that treason is a crime 
 and must be punished; that the Government will 
 not always bear with its enemies; that it is strong 
 not only to protect, but to punish. * * The 
 people must understand that it (treason) is the 
 blackest of crimes, and will surely be punished." 
 Yet his whole administration, the historj' of which 
 is so well known, was in utter inconsistenc}' with, 
 and in the most violent opposition to, the princi- 
 ples laid down in that speech. 
 
 In his loose policy of reconstruction and general 
 amnesty, he was opposed by Congress, and he 
 characterized Congress as a new rebellion, and 
 lawlessly defied it in everj^thing pos.sible to the ut- 
 most. 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 Tenure of Office Act, articles of 
 impeachment were preferred 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 ar- 
 ticle so would it vote upon all . Thirty-four voices 
 pronounced the President guiltj-. As a two-thirds 
 vote was necessary to his condenniation, he was 
 pronounced acquitted, notwithstanding the great 
 majorit}' against him. The change of one vote 
 from the not guilty side would have sustained the 
 impeachment. 
 
 The President, for the remainder of his term, 
 was but little regarded. He continued, though 
 impotently, his conflict with Congress. His own 
 party did not think it expedient to renominate 
 him for the Presidency. The Nation rallied with 
 enthusiasm, unparalleled since the days of Wash- 
 ington, around the name of Gen. Grant. Andrew 
 Johnson was forgotten. The bullet of the assassin 
 introduced him to the President's chair. Not- 
 withstanding this, never was there presented to a 
 man a better opportunitj- to immortalize his name, 
 and to win the gratitude of a nation. He failed 
 utterly. He retired to his home in Greenville, 
 Tenn. , taking no very active part in politics until 
 1875. On January 26, after an exciting struggle, 
 he was chosen by the Legislature of Tennessee 
 United States Senator in the Forty-fourth Congess, 
 and took his seat in that body, at the special ses- 
 sion convened by President Grant, on the 5th of 
 March. On the 27th of July, 1875, the ex-Presi- 
 dent made a visit to his daughter's home, near 
 Carter Station, Tenn. When he started on his 
 journey, he was apparently in his usual vigorou.s; 
 health, but on reaching the residence of his child 
 the following daj-, he was stricken with parah-.sis, 
 which rendered him unconscious. He rallied oc- 
 casionally, but finally pas.sed away at 2 a. m., 
 July 31, aged sixt^'-seven jears. His funeral was 
 held at Greenville, on the 3d of August, with 
 every demonstration of respect.
 
 ^^-
 
 ULYSSES S. GRANT. 
 
 yLYSSES S. GRANT, the eighteenth Presi- 
 dent of the United States, was born on the 
 29th of April, 1822, of Christian parents, in 
 a humble home at Point Pleasant, on the banks 
 of the Ohio. Shortly after, his father moved to 
 Georgetown, Brown County, Ohio. In this re- 
 mote frontier hamlet, Ulysses received a common- 
 .school education. At the age of seventeen, in 
 the year 1839, he entered the Military Academy 
 at West Point. Here he was regarded as a solid, 
 sensible young man, of fair abilitj-, and of sturdy, 
 honest character. He took respectable rank as a 
 .scholar. In June, 1843, he graduated about the 
 middle in his class, and was sent as Lieutenant of 
 Infantn,- to one of the distant militar>- po.sts in the 
 Missouri Territory. Two years he passed in these 
 drearj' .solitudes, watching the vagabond 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 en- 
 gagement, it is said that he performed a signal 
 ser\'ice of daring and skillful horsemanship. 
 
 At the close of the Mexican War, Capt. Grant 
 returned with his regiment to New York, an 1 
 was again sent to one of the militarj- posts on the 
 frontier. The di.scovery of gold in California 
 causing an immen.se tide of emigration to flow to 
 the Pacific shores, Capt. Grant was sent with a 
 battalion to Ft. Dallas, in Oregon, for the protec- 
 tion of the interests of the immigrants. But life 
 was wearisome in those wilds, and he resigned 
 his commission and returned to the States. Hav- 
 ing married, he entered upon the cultivation of a 
 small farm near St. Louis, Mo., but having little 
 
 skill as a farmer, and finding his toil not re- 
 munerative, he turned to mercantile life, entering 
 into the leather business, with a younger brother 
 at Galena, 111. This was in the year i860. As 
 the tidings of the rebels firing on Ft. Sumter 
 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 
 oile war, I do not feel that I have j-et repaid the 
 debt. I am still read}' to discharge my obliga- 
 tions. I shall therefore buckle on my sword and 
 see Uncle Sam through this war too. ' ' 
 
 He went into the streets, raised a company of 
 volunteers, and led them as their Captain to 
 Springfield, the capital of the State, where their 
 sen-ices were offered to Gov. Yates. The Gov- 
 ernor, impressed by the zeal and straightforward 
 executive ability of Capt. Grant, gave him a desk 
 in his office to assist in the volunteer organiza- 
 tion that was being formed in the State in behalf 
 of the Government. On the r 5th of June, 1861, 
 Capt. Grant received a commission as Colonel of 
 the Twenty-first Regiment of Illinois Volunteers. 
 His merits as a West Point graduate, who had 
 served for fifteen 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 rai.sed their banner at Padu- 
 cali, near the mouth of the Tennessee River. 
 Scarcely had its folds appeared in the breeze ere 
 Gen. Grant was there. The rebels fled, their 
 banner fell, and the Stars and Stripes were un- 
 furled in its stead. 
 
 He entered the ser\'ice with great determina- 
 tion and iramediatelj- began active duty. This 
 was the beginning, and until the surrender of 
 Lee at Richmond he was ever pushing the enemy
 
 88 
 
 ULYSSES S. GRANT. 
 
 with great vigor and effectiveness. At Belmont, 
 a few daj-s later, he surprised and routed the 
 rebels, then at Ft. Henry won another victory. 
 Then came the brilliant fight at Ft. Donelson. 
 The nation was electrified by the victory, and the 
 brave leader of the boys in blue was immediately 
 made a Major-General, and the military district 
 of Tennessee was assigned to him. 
 
 Like all great captains, Gen. Grant knew well 
 how to secure the results of victor^'. He imme- 
 diately 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 seventj^-two cannon. The fall of 
 \'icksburg was by far the most severe blow which 
 the rebels had thus far encountered, and opened 
 up the Mississippi from Cairo to the Gulf. 
 
 Gen. Grant was next ordered to co-operate with 
 Gen. Banks in a movement upon Texas, and pro- 
 ceeded to New Orleans, where he was thrown 
 from his horse, and received severe'injuries, from 
 which he was laid up for months. He then 
 rushed to the aid of Gens. Rosecrans and Thomas 
 at Chattanooga, and bj' a wonderful series of 
 strategic and technical measures put the Union 
 army in fighting condition. Then followed the 
 bloody battles at Chattanooga, Lookout Moun- 
 tain and Missionary- Ridge, in which the rebels 
 were routed with great loss. This won for him 
 unbounded praise in the North. On the 4th of 
 Februarj-, 1S64, Congress revived the grade of 
 lieutenant-general, and the rank was conferred 
 on Gen. Grant. He repaired to Washington to 
 receive his credentials and enter upon the 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 destroj- the rebel armies which would be 
 prompth- assembled from all quarters for its de- 
 fense. The whole continent seemed to tremble 
 imder the tramp of these majestic armies, rushing 
 to the decisive battle-field. Steamers were crowd- 
 ed with troops. Railway trains were burdened 
 
 with closely-packed thousands. His plans were 
 comprehensive, and involved a series of cam- 
 paigns, which were executed with remarkable 
 energy and ability, and were consummated at the 
 surrender of Lee, April 9, 1865. 
 
 The war was ended. The Union was saved. 
 The almost unanimous voice of the nation de- 
 clared Gen. Grant to be the most prominent in- 
 .strimient in its salvation. The eminent services 
 he had thus rendered the country brought him 
 conspicuouslj^ forward as the Republican candi- 
 date for the Presidential chair. 
 
 At the Republican Convention held at Chicago, 
 May 21, 1868, he was unanimouslj- nominated 
 for the Presidency-, and at the autunm election 
 received a majoritj- of the popular vote, and two 
 hundred and fourteen out of two hundred and 
 ninety-four electoral votes. 
 
 The National Convention of the Republican 
 party, which met at Philadelphia on the 5th 01 
 June, 1872, placed Gen. Grant in nomination for 
 a second term by a unanimous vote. The selec- 
 tion was emphaticalh- indorsed bj- the people five 
 months later, two hundred and ninety-two elect- 
 oral 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 everj- country of the 
 civilized world, and was ever\-w-here 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 renomination for President. He went to New 
 York and embarked in the brokerage business 
 under the firm name of Grant & Ward. The 
 latter proved a villain, wrecked Grant's fortune, 
 and for larceny was sent to the 'penitentiary'. 
 The General was attacked with cancer in the 
 throat, but suffered in his stoic-like manner, never 
 complaining. He was re-instated as General of 
 the Army, and retired by Congress. The cancer 
 soon finished its deadly work, and July 23, 1885, 
 the nation went in mourning over the death 01 
 the illustrious General.
 
 O oU_6^JV'
 
 RUTHERFORD B. HAYES. 
 
 RUTHERFORD B. HAYES, the nineteenth ' 
 President of the United States, was born in 
 Delaware, Ohio, October 4, 1822, almost 
 three months after the death of his father, Ruther- 
 ford Haj-es. His ancestrj- 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 chieftains, fighting side b}' side with 
 Baliol, William Wallace and Robert Bruce. Both 
 families belonged to the nobility, owned extensive 
 estates, and had a large following. Misfortune 
 overtaking the family, George Hayes left Scotland 
 in 1680, and settled in Windsor, Conn. His son 
 George was born in Windsor, and remained there 
 during his life. Daniel Ha^-es, son of the latter, 
 married Sarah Lee, and lived from the time of 
 his marriage until his death in Simsburj', Conn. 
 Ezekiel, son of Daniel, was born in 1724, and was 
 a manufacturer of scythes 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 Brattleboro, where he 
 established a hotel. Here his son, Rutherford 
 Haj'es, the father of President Haj'es, was born. 
 He was married, in September, 1S13, to Sophia 
 Birchard, of Wilmington, Vt., whose ancestors 
 emigrated thither from Connecticut, they having 
 been among the wealthiest and best families of 
 Norwich. Her ancestn,- on the male side is 
 traced back to 1635, to John Birchard, one of the 
 principal founders of Norwich. Both of her grand- 
 fathers were soldiers in the Revolutionary- War. 
 
 The father of President Hayes was an industri- 
 ous, frugal, yet open-hearted man. Jle was of a 
 
 mechanical turn of mind, and could mend a plow, 
 knit a stocking, or do almost anything else that 
 he chose to undertake. He was a member of the 
 church, active in all the benevolent enterprises 
 of the town, and conducted his business on Chris- 
 tian principles. After the close of the War of 
 1812, for reasons inexplicable to his neighbors, he 
 resolved to emigrate to Ohio. 
 
 The journey from Vennont to Ohio in that daj', 
 when there were no canals, steamers, or rail- 
 ways, was a verj' serious affair. A tour of in- 
 spection was first made, occupying four months. 
 Mr. Hayes decided to move to Delaware, where 
 the family arrived in 181 7. He died July 22, 
 1822, a victim of malarial fever, less than three 
 months before the birth of the son of whom we 
 write. Mrs. Hayes, in her sore bereavement, 
 found the support she so much needed in her 
 brother Sardis, who had been a member of the 
 household from the day of its departure from 
 Vermont, and in an orphan girl, whom she had 
 adopted some time before as an act of charity. 
 
 Rutherford was seven )-ears old before he went 
 to school. His education, however, was not neg- 
 lected. He probably learned as much from his 
 mother and sister as he would have done at 
 school. His sports were almost wholly within 
 doors, his playmates being his sister and her asso- 
 ciates. The.se circumstances tended, no doubt, to 
 foster that gentleness of disposition and that del- 
 icate consideration for the feelings of others which 
 were marked traits of his character. 
 
 His uncle, Sardis Birchard, took the deepest 
 interest in his education; and as the boy's health 
 had improved, and he was making good progress 
 in his studies, he proposed to send him to college. 
 His preparation commenced with a tutor at home;
 
 92 
 
 RUTHERFORD B. HAYES. 
 
 but he was afterwards sent for one j-ear to a pro- 
 fessor in the Wesleyan Uin\-ersity in Middletown, 
 Conn. He entered Kenyo.n 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 ofiBce of Thomas Sparrow, 
 Esq., in Columbus. Finding his opportunities 
 for study in Columbus somewhat limited, he de- 
 termined to enter the Law School at Cambridge, 
 Mass., where he remained two jears. 
 
 In 1S45, after graduating at the L,aw School, he 
 was admitted to the Bar at Marietta, Ohio, and 
 shortlj- after^vard went into practice as an at- 
 torney-at-law with Ralph P. Buckland, of Fre- 
 mont. Here he remained three jears, acquiring 
 but a limited practice, and apparentl}- unambitious 
 of distinction in his profession. 
 
 In 1S49 he moved to Cincinnati, where his am- 
 bition found a new stimulus. For several years, 
 however, his progress was slow. Two events 
 occurring at this period had a powerful influence 
 upon his subsequent life. One of these was his 
 marriage witli Miss Lucy Ware Webb, daughter 
 of Dr. James Webb, of Chillicothe; the other was 
 his introduction to the Cincinnati Literarj' Club, 
 a body embracing among its members such men 
 as Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase, Gen. John 
 Pope, Gov. Edward F. Noj-es, and manj' others 
 hardlj' less distinguished in after life. The mar- 
 riage was a fortunate one in every respect, as 
 ever\-body knows. Not one of all the wives of 
 our Presidents was more universalh- admired, 
 reverenced and beloved than was Mrs. Hayes, and 
 no one did more than she to reflect honor upon 
 American womanhood. The Literarj-Club brought 
 Mr. Hayes into constant association with young 
 men of high character and noble aims, and lured 
 him to display the qualities so long hidden by his 
 bashfulness and modestj-. 
 
 In 1856 he was nominated to the office of Judge 
 of the Court of Common Pleas, but he decliiied to 
 accept the nomination. Two j'ears later, the of- 
 fice of Cit}- Solicitor becoming vacant, the City 
 Council elected him for the unexpired term. 
 
 In 1861, when the Rebellion broke out, he was 
 at the zenith of his professional life. His rank at 
 
 the Bar was among the first. But the news of 
 the attack on Ft. Sumter found him eager to 
 take up arms for the defense of his countr\-. 
 
 His militan,- record was bright and illustrious. 
 In October, 1861, he was made Lieu tenant- Colo- 
 nel, and in August, 1862, promoted Colonel of 
 the Sevent3'-ninth 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 Moun- 
 tain 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 recoverj-, to act as Brigadier-General, 
 and placed in command of the celebrated Kanawha 
 division, and for gallant and meritorious ser\-ices 
 in the battles of Winchester, Fisher's HiU and 
 Cedar Creek, he was promoted Brigadier-General. 
 He was also breveted Major- General, "for gallant 
 and distinguished ser\-ices during the campaigns 
 of 1864, in West Virginia." In the course of his 
 arduous ser\nces, four horses were shot from un- 
 der him, and he was wounded four times. 
 
 In 1864, Gen. Hayes was elected to Congress 
 from the Second Ohio District, which had long 
 been Democratic. He was not present during the 
 campaign, and after the election was importuned 
 to resign his commission in the army; but he fi- 
 nally declared, " I shall never come to Washing- 
 ton until I can come by way of Richmond." He 
 was re-elected in 1866. 
 
 In 1S67, Gen. Haj-es was elected Governor of 
 Ohio, over Hon. Allen G. Thurman, a popular 
 Democrat, and in 1869 was re-elected over George 
 H. Pendleton. He w-as elected Governor for the 
 third term in 1875. 
 
 In 1876 he was the standard-bearer of the Re- 
 publican party in the Presidential contest, and 
 after a hard, long contest was chosen President, 
 and was inaugurated Monday, March 5, 1877. 
 He served his full term, not, however, with satis- 
 faction to his party, but his administration was an 
 average one. The remaining years of his life 
 were passed quietly in his Ohio home, where he 
 passed away January 17, 1893.
 
 ^ L-K^^
 
 JAMES A. GARFIELD. 
 
 (f AMES A. GARFIELD, twentieth President 
 I of the United States, was born Xovember ly, 
 C2/ 1831, in the woods of Orange, Cuyahoga 
 County, Ohio. His parents were Abram and 
 Eliza (Ballouj Garfield, both of New England 
 ancestry, and from families well known in the 
 early history of that section of our countrj-, but I 
 who had moved to the Western Reser\'e, in Ohio, 
 early in its settlement. 1 
 
 The house in which James A. was born was 
 not unlike the houses of poor Ohio fanners of 
 that da}'. It was about 20 x 30 feet, built of logs, 1 
 with the spaces between the logs filled with clay. 
 His father was a hard-working farmer, and he 
 soon had his fields cleared, an orchard planted, 
 and a log barn built. The household compri.sed 
 the father and mother and their four children, 
 Mehetabel, Thomas, Marj- and James. In Ma}-, 
 1823, the father died from a cold contracted in 
 helping to put out a forest fire. At this time 
 James was about eighteen months old, and j 
 Thomas about ten years old. No one, perhaps, 
 can tell how much James was indebted to liis I 
 brother's toil and self-sacrifice during the twenty 
 years succeeding his father's death. He now 
 lives in Michigan, and the two sisters live in Solon, 1 
 Ohio, near their birthplace. 
 
 The early educational advantages young Gar- 
 field enjojed were very limited, yet he made the 
 most of them. He labored at farm work for 
 others, did carpenter work, chopped wood, or did ; 
 anything that would bring in a few dollars to aid ! 
 his widowed mother in her struggles to keep the 
 little family together. Nor was Gen. Garfield 
 ever ashamed of his origin, and he never forgot 
 the friends of his struggling childhood, youth and 
 manhood; neither did they ever forget him. 
 When in the highest seats of honor, the humblest 
 friend of his boyhood was as kindly greeted as 
 ever. The poorest laborer was sure of the sym- 
 pathy of one who had known all the bitterness of I 
 
 want and the sweetness of bread earned by the 
 sweat of the brow. He was ever the simple, 
 plain, modest gentleman. . 
 
 The highest ambition of young Garfield until 
 he was about sixteen years old was to be cap- 
 tain of a vessel on Lake Erie. He was anxious 
 to go aboard a vessel, but this his mother strongly 
 opposed. She finally consented to his going to 
 Cleveland, with the understanding, however, that 
 he should try to obtain some other kind of em- 
 ployment. He walked all the way to Cleveland. 
 This was his first visit to the city. After making 
 many applications for work, and trying to get 
 aboard a lake vessel and not meeting with suc- 
 cess, he engaged as a driver for his cousin, Amos 
 Letcher, on the Ohio & Pennsylvania Canal. 
 He remained at this work but a short time, when 
 he went home, and attended the seminary at 
 Chester for about three years. He then entered 
 Hiram and the Eclectic Institute, teaching a few 
 terms of school in the mean time, and doing other 
 work. This school was started by the Disciples 
 of Christ in 1850, of which body he was then a 
 member. He became janitor and bell-ringer in 
 order to help pay his way. He then became both 
 teacher and pupil. Soon " exhausting Hiram," 
 and needing a higher education, in the fall of 1854 
 he entered Williams College, from which he grad- 
 uated in 1856, taking one of the highest honors of 
 his class. He afterwards returned to Hiram Col- 
 lege as its President. As above stated, he early 
 united with the Christian, or Disciples, Church at 
 Hiram, and was ever after a devoted, zealous 
 member, often preaching in its pulpit and places 
 where he happened to be. 
 
 Mr. Garfield was united in marriage, Novem- 
 ber II, 1858, with Miss Lucretia Rudolph, who 
 proved herself worthy as the wife of one whom 
 all the world loved. To them were bom seven 
 children, five of whom are still living, four boys 
 and one girl.
 
 96 
 
 JAMES A. GARFIELD. 
 
 Mr. Garfield made his first political speeches in 
 1856, in Hiram and the neighboring villages, and 
 three 5-ears later he began to speak at county 
 mass-meetings, and became the favorite speaker 
 where\-er he was. During this year he was 
 elected to the Ohio Senate. He also began to 
 study law at Cleveland, and in 1861 was admitted 
 to the Bar. The great Rebellion broke out in the 
 early part of this year, and Mr. Garfield at once 
 resolved to fight as he had talked, and enlisted to 
 defend the Old Flag. He received his commission 
 as Lieutenant- Colonel of the Forty-second Regi- 
 ment of Ohio Infantry August 14, 1861. He 
 was immediately put into active ser\dce, and be- 
 fore he had ever seen a gun fired in action, was 
 placed in command of four regiments of infantrj' 
 and eight companies of cavalry, charged with the 
 work of driving out of his native State the able 
 rebel officer, Humphrey Marshall, of Kentucky. 
 This work was bravely and speedily accomplished, 
 although against great odds, and President Lin- 
 coln commissioned him Brigadier- General, Janu- 
 arj- 10, 1862; and "as he had bee^ the youngest 
 man in the Ohio Senate two years before, so now 
 he was the 3'oungest General in the arm}-." He 
 was with Gen. Buell's army at Shiloh, in its 
 operations around Corinth and its march through 
 Alabama. He was then detailed as a member of 
 the general court martial for the trial of Gen. 
 Fitz-John Porter. He was next ordered to re- 
 port to Gen. Rosecrans, and was assigned to the 
 " Chief of Staff. "• The militarj' historj' of Gen. 
 Garfield closed with his brilliant ser\-ices at Chick- 
 amauga, where he won the rank of Major-General. 
 
 Without an effort on his part, Gen. Garfield 
 was elected to Congress in the fall of 1862, from 
 the Nineteenth District of Ohio. This section of 
 Ohio had been represented in Congress for sixty 
 years mainly by two men — Elisha Whittlesey and 
 Joshua R. Giddings. It was not without a strug- 
 gle that he resigned his place in the armj'. At 
 the time he entered Congress he was the youngest 
 member in that body. There he remained by 
 successive re-elections until he was elected Presi- 
 dent, in 1880. Of his labors in Congress, Senator 
 Hoar says: "Since the j'ear 1864 you cannot 
 think of a question which has been debated in 
 
 Congress, or discussed before a tribunal of the 
 American people, in regard to which you will not 
 find, if )-ou wish instruction, the argument on 
 one side stated, in almost even- instance better 
 than by anybody else, in some speech made in 
 the House of Representatives or on the hustings 
 by Mr. Garfield." 
 
 Upon January 14, 1880, Gen. Garfield was elect- 
 ed to the United States Senate, and on the 8th of 
 June, of the same year, was nominated as the 
 candidate of hife party for President at the great 
 Chicago Convention. He was elected in the fol- 
 lowing November, and on March 4, 1881, was 
 inaugurated. Probabl}^ no administration ever 
 opened its existence under brighter auspices than 
 that of President Garfield, and every day it grew 
 in favor with the people. By the ist of July 
 he had completed all the initiatory and prelimi- 
 nar>' worts of his administration, and was prepar- 
 ing to leave the city to meet his friends at Will- 
 iams College. While on his way and at the 
 depot, in company with Secretarj' Blaine, a man 
 stepped behind him, drew a revolver, and fired 
 directly at his back. The President tottered and 
 fell, and as he did so the assassin fired a second 
 shot, the bullet cutting the left coat sleeve of his 
 victim, but inflicting no further injury. It has 
 been verj' truthfullj' said that this was ' ' the shot 
 that was heard around the world." Never before 
 in the history of the nation had anj-thing occur- 
 red which so nearly froze the blood of the people 
 for the moment as this awful deed. He was 
 smitten on the brightest, gladdest day of all his 
 life, at the summit of his power and hope. For 
 eight\' days, all during the hot months of July 
 and August, he lingered and sufiered. He, how- 
 ever, remained master of himself till the last, and 
 by his magnificent bearing taught the countrs- 
 and the world one of the noblest of human les- 
 sons — how to live grandly in the verj- clutch of 
 death. Great in life, he was surpassingly great 
 in death. He passed sereneh' away September 
 19, 1883, at Elberon, N. J., on the very bank of 
 the ocean, where he had been taken shortly be- 
 fore. The world wept at his death, as it rarely 
 ever had done on the death of any other great 
 and noble man.
 
 ,,->«A«k^
 
 CHESTER A. ARTHUR. 
 
 E HESTER A. ARTHUR, twentj'-first Presi- ! 
 dent of the United States, was born in Frank- | 
 lin County, Vt., on the 5th day of October, 
 1S30, and was the eldest of a family of two sons ; 
 and five daughters. His father was the Rev. Dr. ! 
 William Arthur, a Baptist clergyman, who emi- 
 grated to this country' from County Antrim, Ire- \ 
 land, in his eighteenth 3'ear, and died in 1875, in 
 Newtonville, near Albany, after a long and suc- 
 cessful ministry. 
 
 Young Arthur was educated at Union College, 
 Schenectady, where he excelled in all his studies. 
 After his graduation he taught school in Ver- 
 mont for two years, and at the expiration of that 
 time came to New York, with $500 in his pocket, 
 and entered the ofEce of ex -Judge E. D. Culver 
 as a student. After being admitted to the Bar, he 
 formed a partnership with his intimate friend and 
 room-mate, Henrj' D. Gardiner, with the inten- 
 tion of practicing in the West, and for three 
 months thej- roamed about in the Western States 
 in search of an eligible site, but in the end re- 
 turned to New York, where they hung out their 
 shingle, and entered upon a successful career al- 
 most from the start. Gen. Arthur soon after mar- 
 ried the daughter of Lieut. Herndon, of the 
 United States Navy, who was lost at sea. Con- 
 gress voted a gold medal to his widow in recog- 
 nition of the bravery he displayed on that occa- 
 .sion. Mrs. Arthur died shortly before Mr. 
 Arthur's nomination to the Vice-Presidency, leav- 
 ing two children. 
 
 Gen. Arthur obtained considerable legal celeb- 
 rity in his first great case, the famous Lemmon 
 suit, brought to recover possession of eight slaves 
 who had been declared free by Judge Paine, of 
 the Superior Court of New York City. It was in 
 
 1852 that Jonathan Temmon, of Virginia, went to 
 New York with his sla\-es, intencUng to ship them 
 to Texas, when they were discovered and freed. 
 The Judge decided that they could not be held by 
 the owner under the Fugitive Slave Law. A howl 
 of rage went up from the South, and the Virginia 
 Legislature authorized the Attorney-General of 
 that State to a.ssist in an appeal. William M. 
 Evarts and Chester A. Arthur were employed to 
 represent the people, and they won their case, 
 which then went to the vSupreme Court of the 
 United States. Charles O' Conor here espoused 
 the cause of the slaveholders^ but he, too, was 
 beaten by Messrs. Evarts and Arthur, and a long 
 step was taken toward the emancipation of the 
 black race. 
 
 Another great ser\-ice was rendered by Gen. 
 Arthur in the same cause in 1856. Lizzie Jen- 
 nings, a respectable colored woman, was put off 
 a Fourth Avenue car with violence after she had 
 paid her fare. Gen. Arthur .sued on her behalf, 
 and secured a verdict of $500 damages. The next 
 day the company issued an order to admit colored 
 persons to ride on their cars, and the other car 
 companies quickly followed their example. Be- 
 fore that the Sixth Avenue Company ran a few 
 special cars for colored persons, and the other lines 
 refused to let them ride at all. 
 
 Gen. Arthur was a delegate to the convention 
 at Saratoga that founded the Republican party. 
 Previous to the war he was Judge-Advocate of 
 the Second Brigade of the State of New York, 
 and Gov. Morgan, of that State, appointed him 
 Engineer-in-Chief of his staff. In 1S61, he was 
 made In.spector-General, and soon afterward be- 
 came Quartermaster-General. In each of these 
 ofiices he rendered great service to the Govern-
 
 CHESTER A. ARTHUR. 
 
 ment during the war. At the end of Gov. Mor- 
 gan's term he resumed the practice of law, form- 
 ing a partnership with Mr. Ransom, and then 
 Mr. Phelps, the District Attorney of New York, 
 was added to the firm. The legal practice of this 
 well-known firm was verj' large and lucrative, 
 as each of the gentlemen composing it was an able 
 lawyer, and possessed a splendid local reputa- 
 tion, if not, indeed, one of national extent. 
 
 Mr. Arthur alwaj-s took a leading part in State 
 and city politics. He was appointed Collector of 
 the Port of New York by President Grant, No- 
 vember 21, 1872, to succeed Thomas Murphy, 
 and he held the office until July 20, 1878, when 
 he was succeeded by Collector Merritt. 
 
 Mr. Arthur was nominated on the Presidential 
 ticket, with Gen. James A. Garfield, at the 
 famous National Republican Convention held at 
 Chicago in June, 1880. This was perhaps the 
 greatest political convention that ever assembled 
 on the continent. It was composed of the lead- 
 ing politicians of the Republican party, all able 
 men, and each stood firm and fought vigorouslj- 
 and with signal tenacit}' for his respective can- 
 didate that was before the convention for the 
 nomination. Finally Gen. Garfield received the 
 nomination for President, and Gen. Arthur for 
 Vice-President. The campaign which followed 
 was one of the most animated known in the his- 
 tory of our country. Gen. Hancock, the stand- 
 ard-bearer of the Democratic partj', was a popular 
 man, and his party made a valiant fight for his 
 election. 
 
 Finally the election came, and the country-' s 
 choice was Garfield and Arthur. They were in- 
 augurated March 4, 1881, as President and Vice- 
 President. A few months only had passed ere 
 the newly-chosen President was the victim of the 
 assassin's bullet. Then came terrible weeks of 
 sufiering — those moments of anxious suspense, 
 when the hearts of all civilized nations were 
 throbbing in unison, longing for the recovery of 
 the noble, the good President. The remarkable 
 patience that he manifested during those hours 
 and weeks, and even months, of the most terrible 
 suffering man has ever been called upon to en- 
 dure, was seemingly more than human. It was 
 
 certainly godlike. During all this period of 
 deepest anxiety Mr. Arthur's every move was 
 watched, and, be it said to his credit, that his every 
 action displayed onh- an earnest desire that the 
 suffering Garfield might recover to ser\-e the re- 
 mainder of the term he had so auspiciously be- 
 gun. Not a selfish feeling was manifested in 
 deed or look of this man, even though the most 
 honored position in the world was at any moment 
 likely to fall to him. 
 
 At last God in his mercy relieved President 
 Garfield from further suffering, and the world, as 
 never before in its history over the death of any 
 other man, wept at his bier. Then it became the 
 duty of the Vice-President to a.ssume the respon- 
 sibilities of the high office, and he took the oath 
 in New York, September 20, 1881. The position 
 was an embarrassing one to him, made doubly so 
 from the fact that all eyes were on him, anxious 
 to know what he would do, what policy he would 
 pursue, and whom he would select as advisers. 
 The duties of the office had been greatly neglected 
 during the President's long illness, and many im- 
 portant measures were to be immediately decided 
 by him ; and to still further embarass him he did 
 not fail to realize under what circumstances he 
 became President, and knew the feelings of manj' 
 on this point. Under these trying circumstances. 
 President Arthur took the reins of the Govern- 
 ment in his own hands, and, as embarrassing as 
 was the condition of affairs, he happily surprised 
 the nation, acting so wisely that but few criticized 
 his administration. He ser\'ed the nation well 
 and faithfully until the close of his administra- 
 tion, March 4, 1885, and was a popular candidate 
 before his partj- for a second term. His name 
 was ably presented before the convention at Chi- 
 cago, and was received with great favor, and 
 doubtless but for the personal popularity of one 
 of the opposing candidates, he would have been 
 selected as the standard-bearer of his party for 
 another campaign. He retired to private life, car- 
 rying with him the best wishes of the American 
 people, whom he had served in a manner satisfac- 
 tory to them and with credit to himself One 
 vear later he was called to his final rest.
 
 
 A' 
 
 Isr^ 
 
 " /■ ' 
 
 < 
 
 -^1?^-^^ c/c^^/lAyU/
 
 STEPHEN GROVER CLEVELAND. 
 
 mTEPHEX GROVER CLEVELAND, the 
 2\ twenty-second President of the United States, 
 \~/ was born in 1837. in the obscure town of 
 Caldwell, Essex County, X. J., and in a little 
 two-and-a-half-stor\- white house, which is still 
 standing to characteristicalh- mark the humble 
 birthplace of one of America's great men, in 
 striking contrast with the Old World, where all 
 men high in office must be high in origin and 
 bom in the cradle of wealth. WTien the subject 
 of this sketch was three j-ears of age, his father, 
 who was a Presbyterian minister with a large 
 family and a small salarj', moved, bj- wa)- of the 
 Hudson River and Erie Canal, to Fayette\-ille, N. 
 Y., in search of an increased income and a larger 
 field of work. Fayetteville was then the most 
 straggling of countrj- villages, about five miles 
 from Pompey Hill, where Governor Seymour 
 was bom. 
 
 At the last-mentioned place young Grover com- 
 menced going to school in the good, old-fashioned 
 waj', and presumably distinguished himself after 
 the manner of all village boj-s — in doing the 
 things he ought not to do. Such is the dis- 
 tinguishing trait of all geniuses and independent 
 thinkers. When he arrived at the age of four- 
 teen j-ears, he had outgrown the capacity of the 
 village school, and expressed a most emphatic de- 
 sire to be sent to an academj-. To this his fa- 
 ther decidedlj- objected. Academies in those 
 days cost money ; besides, his father wanted him 
 to become self-supporting bj- the quickest pos- 
 sible means, and this at that time in Fayetteville 
 seemed to be a position in a countrj- 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 
 trustworthj' he w'as to receive $100 the second 
 year. Here the lad commenced his career as 
 salesman, and in two years he had earned so good 
 a reputation for trustworthiness that his employ- 
 ers desired to retain him for an indefinite length 
 of time. 
 
 But instead of remaining with this firm in 
 Fayetteville, he went with the family in their re- 
 moval to Clinton, where he had an opportunity 
 of attending a High School. Here he industri- 
 ouslj- pursued his studies until the familj- re- 
 moved with him to a point on Black River known 
 as the "Holland Patent," a village of five or six: 
 hundred people, fifteen miles north of Utica, N. Y. 
 At this place his father died, after preaching but 
 three Sundays. This event broke up the faniilj-, 
 and Grover set out for New York City tD accept, 
 at a small salarj-, the position of under- teacher 
 in an a.sylum for the blind. He taught faithfullj' 
 for two years, and although he obtained a good 
 reputation in this capacitj-, he concluded that 
 teaching was not his calling in life, and, revers- 
 ing the traditional order, he left the citj- to seek 
 his fortune, instead of going to the citj-. He first 
 thought of Cleveland, Ohio, as there was some 
 charm in that name for him: but before proceed- 
 ing to that place he went to BuflTalo to ask advice 
 of his uncle, Lewis F. Allan, a noted stock- 
 breeder of that place. The latter did not speak 
 enthusiasticalh'. "What is it you want to do, 
 my bo}^?" he asked. "Well, sir, I want to stud^- 
 law," was the replj' "Good gracious!" remarked 
 the old gentleman; "do j-ou, indeed? Whatever
 
 I04 
 
 STEPHEN GROVER CLEVELAND. 
 
 put that into your head ? How much money 
 have you got?" "Well, sir, to tell the truth, I 
 haven't got any." 
 
 After a long consultation, his uncle offered him 
 a place temporarily as assistant herd-keeper, at 
 $50 a year, while he could look around. One 
 day soon afterward he boldly walked into the of- 
 fice of Rogers, Bowen & Rogers, of Buffalo, and 
 told them what he wanted. A number of young 
 men were already engaged in the office, but Gro- ' 
 ver's persistency won, and he was finally per- 
 mitted to come as an office boj' and have the use 
 of the law libran,-, receiving as wages the sum of 
 $3 or $4 a week. Out of this he had to pay for his 
 board and wa.shing. 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 as for his overcoat he 
 had none; yet he was, nevertheless, prompt and 
 regular. On the first day of his service there, his 
 senior emplojer threw down a copy of Black- 
 stone 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; but in due 
 time he mastered that cumbersome volume. 
 Then, as ever afterward, however, Mr. Cleve- 
 land 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 County, 
 N. Y., in which Buffalo is situated; and in such 
 capacity it fell to his duty to inflict capital punish- 
 ment upon two criminals. In 1881 he was 
 -elected Mayor of the City of Buffalo, on the 
 Democratic ticket, with especial reference to bring- 
 ing about certain reforms in the administration 
 of the municipal affairs of that city. In this of- 
 fice, as well as in that of Sheriff, his performance 
 of dutj' has generally been considered fair, witli 
 possibly a few exceptions, which were ferreted 
 out and magnified during his Presidential cam- 
 paign. As a specimen of his plain language in 
 a veto message, we quote from one vetoing an 
 
 iniquitous street-cleaning contract: "This is a 
 time for plain speech, and my objection to your 
 action .shall be plainly stated. I re^^ard it as the 
 culmination of a mo.st bare-faced, impudent and 
 shameless scheme to betraj' the interests of the 
 people and to worse than squander the people's 
 money." The New York Sim afterward verj- 
 highly commended Mr. Cleveland's administra- 
 tion as Maj-or of Buffalo, and thereupon recom- 
 mended him for Governor of the Empire State. 
 To the latter office he was elected in 1882, and 
 his administration of the affairs of State was 
 generally satisfactory-. The mistakes he made, 
 if an}-, were made ver\- public throughout the na- 
 tion after he was nominated for President of the 
 United States. For this high office he was 
 nominated July 11, 1884, by the National Demo- 
 cratic Convention at Chicago, when other com- 
 petitors were Thomas F. Baj-ard, 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 
 thou.sand, over the brilliant and long-tried Re- 
 publican statesman, James G. Blaine. President 
 Cleveland resigned his office as Governor of New 
 York in Januar)-, 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. 
 
 The silver question precipitated a contro\ersy 
 between those who were in favor of the continu- 
 ance of silver coinage and those who were op- 
 posed, Mr. Cleveland answering for the latter, 
 even before his inauguration. 
 
 On June 2, 1886, President Cleveland married 
 Frances, daughter of his deceased friend and part- 
 ner, Oscar Folsom, of the Buffalo Bar. Their 
 union has been blessed by the birth of two daugh- 
 ters. In the campaign of 1888, President Cleve- 
 land was renominated bj' his party, but the 
 Republican candidate, Gen. Benjamin Harrison, 
 was victorious. In the nomination.'^ of 1892 
 these two candidates for the highest position in 
 the gift of the people were again pitted again.st 
 e\c\\ other, and in the ensuing election President 
 Cleveland was victorious by an overwhelming 
 majority.
 
 ^C4Af, C^^ 
 
 6t^7^^?\^L^U'^—tA^
 
 BENJAMIN HARRISON. 
 
 QENJAMIN HARRISON, the twenty-third 
 IC\ President, is the desceudant of one of the 
 L/ historical families of this country. The first 
 known head of the family was Maj.-Gen. Harrison, 
 one of Oliver Cromwell's trusted followers and 
 fighters. In the zenith of Cromwell' s power it be- 
 came the duty of this Harrison to participate in 
 the trial of Charles I., and afterward to sign the 
 death warrant of the king. He subsequently 
 paid for this with his life, being hung October 13, 
 1660. His descendants came to America, and 
 the next of the family that appears in history is 
 Benjamin Harrison, of Virginia, great-grandfa- 
 ther of the subject of this sketch, and after whom 
 he was named. Benjamin Harrison was a mem- 
 ber of the Continental Congress during the years 
 1774, 1775 and 1776, and was one of the original 
 signers of the Declaration of Independence. He 
 was three times elected Governor of Virginia. 
 
 Gen. 'Vl'^illiam Henry Harrison, the son of the 
 di.stinguished patriot of the Revolution, after a 
 successful career as a soldier during the 'V^'^ar of 
 18 1 2, and with a clean record as Governor of the 
 Northwestern Territory, was electe'd President of 
 the United States in 1 840. His career was cut 
 short by death within one month after his in- 
 auguration. 
 
 President Harrison was born at North Bend, 
 
 Hamilton County, Ohio, August 20, 1S33. His 
 life up to the time of his graduation from Miami 
 University, at Oxford, Ohio, was the uneventful 
 one of a countrj- lad of a familj' of small means. 
 His father was able to give him a good education, 
 and nothing more. He became engaged while at 
 college to the daughter of Dr. Scott, Principal of 
 a female school at Oxford. After graduating, he 
 determined to enter upon the study of law. He 
 went to Cinciiuiati and there read law for two 
 years. At the expiration of that time young Har- 
 rison received the only inheritance of his life — his 
 aunt, dying, left him a lot valued at $800. He 
 regarded this legacy as a fortune, and decided to 
 get married at once, take this money and go to 
 some Eastern town and begin the practice of law. 
 He sold his lot, and, with the money in his pocket, 
 he started out with his young wife to fight for a 
 place in the world. He decided to go to Indian- 
 apolis, which was even at that time a town of 
 promise. He met with slight encouragement at 
 first, making scarcely anything the first j'ear. 
 He worked diligently, applying himself closely to 
 his calling, built up an extensive practice and 
 took a leading rank in the legal profession. 
 
 In i860, Mr. Harrison was nominated for the 
 position of Supreme Court Reporter, and then be- 
 gan his experience as a stump speaker. He can-
 
 loS 
 
 BENJAMIN HARRISON. 
 
 vassed the State thoroughly, and was elected by 
 a handsome majority. In 1862 he raised the 
 Seventeenth Indiana Infantry, and was chosen its 
 Colonel. His regiment was composed of the raw- 
 est material, but Col. Harrison employed all his 
 time at first in mastering military tactics and drill- 
 ing his men, and when he 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 
 (br his bravery at Peachtree Creek he was made 
 a Brigadier-General, Gen. Hooker speaking of 
 him in the most complimentary terms. 
 
 During the ab.sence of Gen. Harrison in the 
 field, the Supreme Court declared the ofSce of 
 Supreme Court Reporter vacant, and another 
 person was elected to the position. From the 
 time of leaving 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 Sherman, but on the way was 
 stricken down with scarlet fever, and after a most 
 trying attack made his way to the front in time to 
 participate in the closing incidents of the war. 
 
 In 1868 Gen. Harrison declined a re-election 
 as Reporter, and resumed the practice of law. In 
 1876 he was a candidate for Governor. Although 
 defeated, the brilliant campaign he made won for 
 him a national reputation, and he was much sought 
 after, especially in the East, to make speeches. 
 In 1880, as usual, he took an active part in the 
 campaign, and was elected to the United States 
 Senate. Here he served for six years, and was 
 known as one of the ablest men, best lawyers and 
 strongest debaters in that body. With the ex- 
 piration of his senatorial term he returned to the 
 practice of his profession, becoming the head of 
 one of the strongest firms in the State. 
 
 The political campaign of 1888 was one of the 
 most memorable in the history of our country. 
 The convention which assembled in Chicago in 
 June and named Mr. Harrison as the chief .stmd- 
 ard-bearer of the Republican party was great in 
 everj- particular, and on fiis account, and the at- 
 
 titude it assumed 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 movement became popular, and from 
 all sections of the country societies, clubs and 
 delegations journej-ed thither to pay their re- 
 spects to the distinguished .statesman. 
 
 Mr. Harrison spoke daily all through the sum- 
 mer and autumn to these vLsiting delegatior.s, 
 and so varied, masterly, and eloquent were his 
 speeches that th®^' at once placed him in the fore- 
 most rank of American orators and statesmen. 
 Elected by a handsome majority, he served his 
 country faithfully and well, and in 1892 was nom- 
 inated for re-election; but the people demanded a 
 change and he was defeated by his predecessor 
 in office, Grover Cleveland. 
 
 On account of his eloquence as a speaker and 
 his power as a debater. Gen. Harrison was called 
 upon at an early age to take part in the dis- 
 cussion of the great questions that then began to 
 agitate the country. He was an uncompromisir.g 
 anti-slavery man, and was matched against some 
 of the most eminent Democratic speakers of his 
 State. No man who felt the touch of his blade 
 desired to be pitted with him again. With all 
 his eloquence as an orator he never .spoke for ora- 
 torical effect, but his words always went like bul- 
 lets to the mark. He is purely American in his 
 ideas, and is a .splendid type of the American 
 statesman. Gifted with quick perception, a logi- 
 cal mind and a ready tongue, he is one of the 
 most distinguished impromptu speakers in the 
 nation. Many of these speeches sparkled with the 
 rarest eloquence and contained arguments of great 
 weight, and many of his terse statements have 
 already become aphorisms. Original in thought, 
 precise in logic, terse in statement, yet withal 
 faultless in eloquence, he is recognized as the 
 sound statesman and brilliant orator of the day. 
 During the fast days of his administration Presi- 
 dent Harrison suffered an irreparable loss in the 
 death of his devoted wife, Caroline (Scott) Har- 
 rison, a lady of many womanly charms and vir- 
 tues. They were the parents of two children.
 
 
 *i.\\^^^CJ 
 
 -^^^^s^^MM.
 
 1%)
 
 aoC-^^c^ ^^{T^^-
 
 GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 
 
 HADRACH BOND, the first 
 Governor of Illinois after its 
 organization us a State, serving 
 tioni 1818 to 1822, was born in 
 Frederick County, Maryland, 
 in tiie year 1773, and was 
 raised a farmer on his father's 
 plantation, receiving only a plain 
 English education. He emigrated 
 to this State in t794, when it was a 
 part of the "Northwest Territory," 
 continuing in the vocation in which 
 he had been brought up in his native 
 State, in the " New Design," near 
 Eagle Creek, in what is now Monroe 
 County. He served several terms as 
 a member of the General Assembly 
 of Indiana Territory, after it was organized as such, 
 and in 1812-14 he was a Delegate to the Twelfth 
 and Thirteenth Congresses, taking his seat Dec. 3, 
 1812, and serving until Oct. 3, [814. These were 
 the times, the reader will recollect, when this Gov- 
 ernment had its last struggle with Great Britain. 
 The year 181 2 is also noted in the history of this 
 State as that in which the first Territorial Legislature 
 was held. It convened at Kaskaskia, Nov. 25, and 
 adjourned Dec. 26, following. 
 
 While serving as Delegate to Congress, Mt. 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 tlie 
 Territory In company with John G. Comyges, 
 
 Thomas H. Harris, Charles Slade, Michael Jones, 
 Warren Brown. Edward Humphries and Charles W 
 Hunter, he became a proprietor of the site of the 
 initial city of Cairo, which they hoped, from its favor- 
 able location at the junction of the two great 
 rivers near the center of the Great West, would 
 rapidly develop into a metropolis. To aid the enter- 
 prise, they obtained a special charter from the Legis- 
 lature, incorporating both the City and the Bank of 
 Cairo. 
 
 In 18 1 8 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, 1S18, the Territorial Legislature sent a peti- 
 tion to Congress for the admission of Illinois as a 
 State, Nathaniel Pope being then Delegate. The 
 petition was granted, fixing the northern line of the 
 State on the latitude of the southern extremity of 
 Lake Michigan; but the bill was afterward so amend- 
 ed as to extend this line to its present latitude. In 
 July a convention was called at Kaskaskia to draft a 
 constitution, which, however, was not submitted to 
 the people. By its provisions, supreme judges, pros 
 ecuting attorneys, county and circuit judges, record- 
 ers and justices of the peace were all to be appointed 
 by the Governor or elected by the Legislature. This 
 constitution was accepted by Congress Dec. 30. 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
 
 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 oeople chose Pierre Menard, a prominent and 
 worthy Frenchman, after whom a county in this State 
 is named. In this election there were no opposition 
 candidates, as the popularity of these men had made 
 their promotion to the chief offices of the Siate, even 
 Oefore 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, supiwrted by Elias 
 Ke It Kane, his Secretary of State, and John Mc- 
 Lean, while Nathaniel Pope and John P. Cook led 
 the anti-slavery element. The people, however, did 
 not become very much excited over this issue until 
 1820, when the fimjjs Missouri Compromise was 
 adopted by Congress, limiting slavery to the south 
 of the parallel of 36° 30' except in Missouri. While 
 this measure settled the great slavery controversy, 
 so far as the average public sentiment was tempor- 
 arily concerned, until 1854, when it was repealed 
 under the leadership of Stephen A. Douglas, the issue 
 as considered locally in this State was not decided 
 until '824, 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, 
 Uie Convention declared in a schedule that " an 
 auditor of public accounts, an attorney general and 
 such other officers of the State as may be necessary, 
 may be appointed by the General Assembly." The 
 Constitution, as it stood, vested a very large appoint- 
 ing power in the Governor ; but for the purjxjse 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 
 10 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 1S24, 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 tc 7,460 for the 
 latter. Gov. Bond was no orator, but had made 
 many fast friends by a judioioas be::owment of his 
 gubernatorial patronage, and these worked zealously 
 for him in the campaign. 
 
 In 1827 ex-Gov. Bond was appointed by the Leg- 
 islalure, 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. H's features were 
 strongly masculine, complexion dark, hair jet and 
 eyes hazel ; was a favorite witli the ladies. He died. 
 April II, 1830, in peace and contentment
 
 Ld^\^<-Uyu) Coxi<^
 
 GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 
 
 "S 
 
 E&\var& Coles, 
 
 DWARD COLES, second 
 Governor of Illinois, 1823- 
 6, was born Dec. 15, 1786, 
 in Albemarle Co., Va., on 
 ihe old family estate called 
 "Enniscorth y," on the 
 Green Mountain. His fath- 
 Li I mil Coles, was a Colonel in the 
 Revolutionary War. Having been fit- 
 ted lor 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 
 I Soy, a short time before the final and graduating 
 examination. Among his classmates were Lieut. 
 Gen. Scott, President John Tyler, Wni. 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 
 drawo 13 tiie 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 hira 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. Midison 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 tne 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-
 
 (i6 
 
 EDWARD COLES. 
 
 aiider) of the error committed by his minister at 
 Wiishington, and tlie consequent withdrawal of the 
 the latter from the post. On his return, Mr. Coles 
 visited other parts of Europe, especially Paris, where 
 he was introduced to Gen. Lafayette. 
 
 In the spring of 1819, he removed with all his 
 negroes from Virginia to Edwardsville, 111., with the 
 intention of giving them their liberty. He did not 
 inake known to them his intention until one beautiful 
 morning in April, as they were descending the Ohio 
 River. He lashed all tlie boats together and called 
 all the negroes on deck and made them a short ad- 
 dress, concluding his remarks by so expressing him- 
 self that by a turn of a sentence he proclaimed in 
 the shortest and fullest manner that they were no 
 longer slaves, but free as he was and were at liberty 
 to proceed with him or go ashore at their pleas- 
 ure. A description of the effect upon the negroes is 
 best described in his own language : 
 
 "The effect upon them was electrical. They stared 
 at n-.e and then at each other, as if doubting the ac- 
 curacy or reality of what they heard. In breathless 
 silence they stood before me, unable to utter a word, 
 but with countenances beaming with expression which 
 no words could convey, and which no language 
 can describe. As they began to see the truth of 
 what they had heard, and realize their situation, there 
 came on a kind of hysterical, giggling laugh. After 
 a pause of intense and unutterable emotion, bathed 
 in tears, and with tremulous voices, they gave vent to 
 their gratitude and implored the blessing of God 
 on me." 
 
 Before landmg he gave them a general certificate 
 of freedom, and afterward conformed more particu- 
 lady with the law of this State requiring that each 
 individual should have a certificate. This act of 
 Mr. Coles, all the more noble and heroic considering 
 the overwhelming pro-slavery influences surrounding 
 him, has challenged the admiration of every philan- 
 thropist of modern times. 
 
 March 5, 1819, President Monroe appointed Mr. 
 Coles Registrar of the Land Ofifice at EdwardsviLe, 
 at that time one of the principal land offices in the 
 State. While acting in this capacity and gaining 
 many friends by his ix)liteness and general intelli- 
 gwice, the greatest struggle that ever occurred in 
 Illinois on the slavery ques'ion 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 pliiral- 
 ity over Judge PhilHps 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 ex|)ression of appropriate suggestions as to 
 elicit the sanction of all judicious politicians. But 
 he compromised not with evil. In his message to 
 the Legislature, the seat of Government being then 
 at Vandalia, he strongly urged the abrogation of the 
 modified form of slavery whi';h then existed in this 
 State, contrary to the Ordinance of 1787. His posi- 
 tion on this suliject 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 
 in his honor a county in this State is named. He 
 was truly a great man, and those wlio 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 ihem. 
 
 Mr. Coles was married Nov. 28, 1833, by Bishop 
 De Lancey, to Miss Sally Logan Roberts, a daughter 
 of Hugh Roberts, a descendant of Welsh ancestry, 
 who cam; to this country with Wm. Penn in 1682. 
 
 After the expiration of his term of service, Gk)v. 
 Coles continued his residence in Edwardsville, sup- 
 erintending his farm in the vicinity. He was fond 
 of agriculture, and was the founder of the first agri- 
 cultural society in the State. On account of ill 
 health, however, and having no family to tie him 
 down, he spent much of his time in Eastern cities. 
 About 1832 he changed his residence 10 Philadel- 
 phia, where he died July 7, i868, and is buried at; 
 Woodland, near that city.
 
 ' o c^-(/[yc^-iJL
 
 GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 
 
 119 
 
 INI .^N EDWARDS, Governor 
 li Irom 1827 to 1830, was a sou 
 'r of Benjamin Edwards, and 
 was born in Montgomery 
 yo County, Maryland, in March, 
 -^ 1775- His domestic train- 
 '' ^ mg was well fitted to give 
 his mmd strength, firmness and 
 ho orable 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 
 jouth 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 2 i years of age, and was re- 
 jected by an almost unanimous vote. 
 
 In 1798 he was licensed to practice law, and the 
 following year was admitted to the Courts of Tennes- 
 see. About this time he left Nelson County for 
 Russellville, in Logan County, broke away from his 
 dissolute companions, commenced a reformation and 
 devoted himself to severe and laborious study. He 
 then began to rise rapidly in his profession, and soon 
 became an eminent lawyer, and inside of four years 
 he filled in succession the offices of Presiding Judge 
 of the General Court, Circuit Judge, fourth Judge of 
 the Court of Appeals and Chief Justice of the State, 
 — all before he was 32 years of age! In addition, in 
 1802, he received a commission as Major of a battal- 
 ion of Kentucky militia, and in 1804 was chosen a 
 Presidential Elector, on the Jefferson and Clinton 
 ticket. In 1806 he was a candidate for Congress, 
 but withdrew on being promoted to the Court of 
 Appeals. 
 
 Illinois was organized as a separate Territory in 
 the spring of 1809, when Mr. Edwards, then Chief 
 Justice of the Court of Appeals in Kentucky, received 
 from President Madison the appointment as Gover- 
 nor of the new Territory, his commission bearing date 
 April 24, 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
 
 NINIAN 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 Gov. 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 je.irs 
 afterward. 
 
 As Gov. Edwards' term of office expired by law in 
 181 2, he was re-appointed for another term of three 
 years, and again in 1815 for a third term, serving 
 until the organization of the State in the fall of 1818 
 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 
 ieriously 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 
 VVm. H. Crawford, Secretary of the United States 
 Treasury, and an ambitious candidate for the Presi- 
 dency, and being implicated by the latter in some of 
 his statements, he resigned his Mexican mission in 
 order fully to investigate the charges. The result 
 was the exculpation of Mr. Edwards. 
 
 Pro-slavery regulations, often termed "Black Laws," 
 disgraced the statute books of both the Territory and 
 '.he State of Illinois during the whole of his career in 
 ihis commonwealth, and Mr. Edwards always main- 
 tained the doctrines of freedom, and was an important 
 rxtor in the great struggle which ended in a victory 
 for his parfy in 1824. 
 
 In 1826--7 the Winnebago and other Indians com- 
 mitted soire depredations in the northern part of the 
 
 State, and the white settlers, who desired the 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 Wnr." 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 hav; 
 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 mercantilebusiness, having no less than eiglitorten 
 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 welV 
 known to the people of the " Prairie State," namely, 
 Ninian Wirt Edwards, once the Superintendent c< 
 Public Instruction and still a resident of Springfield 
 Gov. Edwards resided at and in the vicinity of Kas- 
 kaskia from 1809 to 1818; in Edwardsville (named 
 after him) from tiiat time to 1824; and from the lat- 
 ter date at Belleville, St. Clair County, until his 
 death, July 20, 1833, of Asiatic cholera. Edwards 
 County is also named in his honor.
 
 i^ M^t^-^^^-'^T'T^-Z/'t!-^-^^
 
 GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 
 
 123 
 
 o<a6-«i»^e>o — ^^-i*' 
 
 % ^/*f ( "HN REYNOLDS, Governor 1831- 
 4, was born in Montgomery Coun- 
 ty, Pennsylvania, Feb. 26, 1788. 
 {' W^^ *■ ^'^ fatter, Robert Reynolds and 
 %\ r |; his mother, nee Margaret Moore, 
 ~ ' were botli 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- 
 posed 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 princi|)le 
 and practice of total abstinence from intoxicating 
 liquors. In 1807 the family made another removal. 
 
 this time to the " Goshen Settlement," at the foot of 
 the Mississippi bluffs three or four miles southwest 
 of Edwardsville. 
 
 On arriving at his 20th year, Mr. Reynolds, seeing 
 that he must look about for his own livelihood and 
 not yet having determined what calling to pursue, 
 concluded first to attend college, and he accordingly 
 went to such an institution of learning, near Knox- 
 ville, Tenn., where he had relatives. Imagine his 
 diffidence, when, after passing the first 20 years of 
 his life without ever having seen a carpet, a papered 
 wall or a Windsor chair, and never having lived in a 
 shingle-roofed house, he suddenly ushered himself 
 into the society of the wealthy in the vicinity of 
 Knoxville! He attended college nearly two years, 
 going through the principal Latin authors; but it 
 seems that he, like the rest of the world in modem 
 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 1812 he was 
 admitted to the Bar at Kaskaskia. About this time 
 he also learned the French language, which he 
 practiced with pleasure in conversation with his 
 family for many years. He regarded this language 
 as being superior to all others for social intercourse.
 
 JOHN REYNOLDS. 
 
 From his services in the West, in the war of i8i 2, 
 he obtained the sobriquet of the " Old Ranger." He 
 was Orderly Sergeant, then Judge Advocate. 
 
 Mr. Reynolds opened his first law office in the 
 winter and spring of 1814, in the French village of 
 Cahokia, then the capital of St. Clair County. 
 
 In the fall of 181S he was elected an Associate 
 Justice upon the Supreme Bench by the General 
 Assembly. In 1825 he entered more earnestly tlian 
 ever into the practice of law, and the very next year 
 was elected a member of the Legislature, where he 
 acted independently of all cliques and private inter- 
 ests. In 1828 the Whigs and Democrats were for 
 the first time distinctively organized as such in Illi- 
 nois, and the usual party bitterness grew up and 
 raged on all sides, while Mr. Reynolds preserved a 
 "udicial calmness and moderation. The real animus 
 if the campaign was " Jackson " and " anti-Jackson," 
 'he former party carrying the State. 
 
 In August, 1830, Mr. Reynolds was elected Gov- 
 ernor, amid great excitement. Installed in office, he 
 did all within his jxiwer to advance the cause of edu- 
 cation, internal improvements, the Illinois & Mich- 
 igan Canal, the harbor at Chicago, settling the coun- 
 try, etc.; also reccmmended the winding up of the 
 State Bank, as its affairs had become dangerously 
 complicated. In his n?,tional politics, hr was a 
 moderate supporter of General Jackson. But the 
 most celebrated event of his gubernatcriai admin- 
 istration was the Black Hawk War, which occurred 
 in 1832. He called out the militia and prosecuted 
 the cont.'jst 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 
 «nd Gov. Reynolds, who took precisely the same 
 grounds as the Unionists in the last war. 
 
 On the termination of his gubernatorial term in 
 ..834, Gov. Reynolds was elected a Member of Con- 
 gress, still coi:sidering himself a backwoodsman, as 
 ^e had scarcely been outside of the State since he 
 became of age, and had spent nearly all his youthful 
 days 'u 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 controiiing prin- 
 ciple for many years. The ex Governor was scarcely 
 absent from his seat a single day, during eight ses- 
 sions of Congress, covering a period of seven years, 
 and he never vacillated in a party vote; but he failed 
 to get the Democratic party to foster his " National 
 Road" scheme. He says, in " My Own Times " (a 
 large autobiography he published), that it was only 
 by rigid economy that he avoided insolvency while in 
 VVashington. 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 
 Moiinon 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 purix)se 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.
 
 \H 
 
 ^h^lzy^^^^'''^
 
 GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 
 
 .LIAM LEE I). EWING, 
 Governor of Illinois Nov. 3 
 ^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 
 Mor eys at Vandalia soon after the organization of 
 Wii.s State, and that the public moneys in his hands 
 vere deposited in various banks, as they are usually 
 '•■th. -^Tesent day. In 1823 the State Bank was 
 obbed, by which disaster Mr. Ewing lost a thousand- 
 dollar deposit. 
 
 The subject of this sketcli had a commission as 
 Colonel in the Black Hawk War, and in emergencies 
 nf acted also as Major. In the summer of 1832, 
 ■"/hen c was rumored among the whites that Block 
 Hawk and nis 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 
 tuly, 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 
 g.ive life and animation to the Annericans. Gen. 
 Dodge and Col. Ewing were both actmg as Majors, 
 and composed the " spy corps " or vanguard of the 
 army. It is supposed the army marched nearly 50 
 miles this day, and the Indian trail they followed 
 became fresher, and was strewed with much property 
 and trinkets of the red-skins , that they had lost or 
 thrown away to hasten their march. During the 
 following night there was a terrific thunder-storm, and 
 the soldiery, with all their appurtenances, were thor- 
 oughly drenched. 
 
 On approaching nearer the Indians the next day. 
 Gen. Dodge and Major Ewing, each commanding a 
 battalion of men, were placed in front to bring on the 
 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 ic-.vard tlie Mississippi, Maj. Ewing formed 
 his battalion in orde*- of battle and awaited the order 
 of Gen. Henry. The latter soon appeared on the 
 ground and ordered a charge, which directly resulted 
 in chasing the red warriors across the great river. 
 Maj. Ewing and his command proved particularly 
 efficient in war, as it seems they were the chief actors 
 in driving the main body of the Sacs and Foxes, in-
 
 WILLIAM L. D. EWING. 
 
 eluding Black. Hawk himself, across the Mississippi, 
 while Gen. Atkinson, commander-in-chief of the ex- 
 pedition, with a body of the army, was hunting for 
 them in another direction. 
 
 In the above affair Maj. Ewing is often referred to 
 as a " General," which title he had derived from his 
 connection with the militia. 
 
 It w^as 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 1S34, Gov. Reynolds was also 
 elected to Congress, more than a year ahead of the 
 time at which he could actually take his seat, as was 
 then the law. His predecessor, Charles Slade, had 
 just died of Asiatic cholera, soon after the elec- 
 tion, and Gov. Reynolds was chosen to serve out his 
 unexpired term. Accordingly he set out for Wash- 
 ington in November of that year to take his seat in 
 Congress, and Gen. Ewing, by virtue of his office as 
 President of the Senate, became Governor of the 
 State of Illinois, his term covering only a period of 
 15 days namely, from the 3d to the 17th d-iys, in- 
 clusive, of November. Om the ryth 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 resjxjnsible situation. This is the only time that 
 such a juncture has happened in the history of Illi- 
 nois. 
 
 On the 29th of December, 1835, Gen. Ewing was 
 elected a United States Senator to serve out the 
 unexpired temi of Elias Kent Kane, deceased. The 
 latter gentleman was a very prominent figure in the 
 early politics of Illinois, and a county in this State is 
 named in his honor. The election of Gen. Ewing to 
 the Senate was a protracted struggle. His competi- 
 tors were James Semple, who afterwards held several 
 important offices in this State, and Richard M. 
 Young, afterward a United States Senator and a 
 Supreme Judge and a man of vast influence. On 
 the first ballot Mr. Semple had 25 votes. Young 19 
 •and Ewing 18. On the eighth ballot Young was 
 dropped ; the ninth and tenth stood a tie ; but on 
 the 1 2th Ewing received 40, to Semple 37, and was 
 accordingly declared elected. In 1837 Mr. Ewing 
 received some votes for a continuance of his term in 
 Congress, when Mr. Young, just referred to, was 
 elected. In 1842 Mr. Ewing was elected State 
 Audit-'r on the ticket with Gov. Ford. 
 
 Gen. Ewing was a gentleman of culture, a lawyer 
 by profession, and was much in public life. In person 
 he was above medium height and of heavy build, 
 with auburn hair, blue eyes, large-sized head and 
 short face. He was genial, social, friendly and 
 affable, with fair talent, though of no high degree of 
 originality. He died March 25, 1846.
 
 ^.i^iyvt^y^^^^^^-^^--
 
 GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 
 
 131 
 
 ^<*X<^J -J 
 
 
 \\W\\\\\> 
 
 OSEPH DUNCAN, Governor 
 1834-8, was born at Paris, 
 Ky., Feb. 23, 1794. At the 
 tender age of 19 years he en- 
 listed in the war against Great 
 Britain, and as a soldier he 
 acquitted himself with credit. He 
 was an Ensign under the daunt- 
 less Croghan at Lower Sandusky, 
 '\ or Fort Stiphenson. In Illinois 
 lie first appeared in a public capa- 
 city as Major-General of the Militia, 
 a position which his military fame 
 liad 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 forCongress, 
 Mr. Duncan was brought forward against him by his 
 friends, greatly to the surprise of all the politicians. 
 \«, yet he was but little known in the State. He was 
 an original Jackson man at that time, being attached 
 to his political fortune in admiration of the glory of 
 his militaiy achievements. His chances of success 
 against Cook were generally regarded as hopeless, 
 but he entered upon the campaign undaunted. His 
 speeches, though short and devoid of ornament, were 
 fill 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 <Jut 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 mene local and pergonal considerations 
 had ever before controlled an election in Illinois. 
 
 From the above date Mr. Duncan retained his 
 seat in Co.igress until his election as Governor in 
 August, 1834. The first and bloodless year of the 
 Black Hawk War he was appointed by Gov. Rey- 
 nolds to the position of Brigadier-General of the 
 volunteers, and he conducted his brigade to Rock 
 Island. But he was absent from the State, in Wash- 
 ington, during the gubernatorial campaign, and did 
 not personally participate in it, but addressed circu- 
 lars to his constituents. His election was, indeed, 
 attributed to the circumstance of his absence, be- 
 cause his estrangement from Jackson, formeriy 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 nbove all 
 other issues that could arise; but he was douDtless
 
 132 
 
 JOSEPH DUNCAN. 
 
 sincere in his opposition to the old hero, as the latter 
 ;iad 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 
 ngainst the course of the President. The measures 
 r.e recommended in his message, however, were so 
 desirable that the Legislature, although by a large 
 majority consisting of Jackson men, could not refrain 
 from endorsing them. These measures related 
 mainly to banks and internal improvements. 
 
 It was while Mr. Duncan was Governor that the 
 people of Illinois went whirling on with bank and in- 
 ternal improvement schemes that well nigh bank- 
 nipted the State. The hard times of 1837 came on, 
 and the disasters that attended the inauguration of 
 Jiese 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 01 these measures, he would proba- 
 bly have succeeded to the satisfaction of the public; 
 but 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- 
 .ributed 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 
 Jaced at a little over $10,000,000, which was not 
 more man half enough ! That would now be equal to 
 saddling upon the State a debt of $225,000,000 ! It 
 was sufficient to bankrupt the State several times 
 over, even counting all the possible benefits. 
 
 One of the most exciting events that ever occurred 
 in this fair State was the murder of Elijah P. Love- 
 ioy in the fall of 1837, at Alton, during Mr. Duncan's 
 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 dravfing to a close. 
 There was, of course, considerable excitement over 
 the matter, the two main points competing for it be- 
 ing Springfield and Peoria. The jealousy of the lat- 
 ter place is not even yet, 45 years afterward, fully 
 allayed. 
 
 Gov. Duncan's term expired in 1838. In 1842 
 he was again proposed as a candidate for the Execu- 
 tive chair, this time by the AVhig 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 ("ollege at 
 lacksonville, a member of its Board of Trustees, and 
 died, after a sliort illness, Jan. 15, 1844, a devoted 
 member of tlie Presbyterian Church, leaving a wife 
 but no children. Two children, born to them, had 
 died in infancy.
 
 rVgML^^^^^T^
 
 GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 
 
 r. O" '< 
 
 i^^^p} mx)''^^(^ 4j|aijiii|^]> I 
 
 kJ 
 
 S^^*^^^^HOMAS CARLIN, tlie sixth 
 " '~ " Governor of the State of 
 
 Illinois, serving from 1838 
 to 1842, was also 1 Ken- 
 tuckian, being born near 
 Frankfort, that State, July 
 18, 1789, of Irish paternity, 
 le opportunities for an education 
 jing very meager in his native 
 lace, he, on approaching years of 
 ■ment and maturity, applied 
 iself to those branches of learn- 
 that seemed most important, 
 thus became a self-made man ; 
 his taste for reading and 
 c' xy r-i biiidv remained with him throuuh 
 
 ^Ji'^p) life. In 1803 his father removed 
 
 10 Missouri, then a part of " New Spain," where he 
 died in 18 10. 
 
 In 1S12 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- 
 t\>'ion, 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 uf Public Moii-^ys, and to fulfill the office 
 
 more conveniently he removed to the city of Quincy. 
 
 While, in 1S38, the unwieldy internal improvement 
 system uf 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 
 ap[)roaching. Discreet men who had cherished the 
 hope of a speedy subsidence of the public infatua- 
 tion, met witli 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 
 camp.iign, and most of the old members of the Leg 
 islatuie 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 Carlir 
 remained non-committal. This was the first time 
 that the two main political parties in this State were 
 unembar'assed i)y any third party in the field. The 
 result of the election was: Carlin, 35,573; Ander- 
 son, 30,335; Edwards, 29,629; and Davidson, 28,- 
 
 Upon the meeting of the sulisequent Legislature 
 (1839), the retiring Governor CDuncan") in his mes-
 
 •36 
 
 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 farther loan 
 of $4,000,000 was ordered for the Illinois & Mich- 
 igan Canal alone. Chicago 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 
 io 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 apix)intment 
 .hrough 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 ivarranio case brought up 
 before it by John A. McClernand, whom the Gov- 
 ernor had nominated for the office. Thereupon that 
 dignified body was denounced as a "Whig Court!" 
 endeavoring to establish the principle of life-tenure 
 of office. 
 
 A new law was adopted re-organizing the Judici- 
 ary, and under it five additional Supreme Judges 
 were elected by the Legislature, namely, Thomas 
 Ford (afterward Governor), Sidney Breese, Walter B. 
 Scales, Samuel H. Treat and Stephen A. Douglas — 
 all Democrats. 
 
 It was during Gov. Carlin's administration that the 
 noisy campaign of " Tippecanoe and Tyler too " oc- 
 curred, resulting in a Whig victory. This, however, 
 did net affect Illinois politics very seriously. 
 
 Another prominent event in the West during Gov. 
 Carlin's term of office was the excitement caused by 
 the Mormons and their removal from Independence, 
 Mo.7to 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 supix)rted the Dem- 
 ocracy until they were driven out by the Democratic 
 government, when they turned their support to the 
 Whigs. They were becoming numerous, and in the 
 Legislature of 1840-1, therefore, it became a matter 
 of great interest with both parties to conciliate these 
 people. Through the agency of one John C. Ben- 
 nett, a scamp, the Mormons succeeded in rushing 
 through the Legislature (both parties not daring to 
 oppose) a charter for the city of Nauvoo which vir- 
 tually erected a hierarchy co-ordinate with the Fed- 
 eral Government itself. In the fall of 184 1 the 
 Governor of Missouri made a demand upon Gov. 
 Carlin for the body of Joe Smith, the Mormon leader, 
 as a fugitive from justice. Gov. Carlin issued th; 
 writ, but for some reason it was returned unserved. 
 It was ag.iin issued in 1842, and Smith was arrested, 
 but was either rescued by his followers or discharged 
 by the municipal court on a writ of habeas corpus. 
 
 In December, i84r, the Democratic Convention 
 nominated Adam W. Snyder, of Belleville, for Gov- 
 ernor. As he had been, as a member of the Legisla- 
 ture, rather friendly to the Mormons, the latter 
 naturally turned their support to the Democratic 
 party. The next spring the Whigs nominated Ex- 
 Gov. Duncan for the same office. In the meantime 
 the Mormons began to grow more odious to the 
 masses of the people, and the comparative prospects 
 of the respective parties for success became very 
 problematical. Mr. Snyder died in May, and 
 Thomas Ford, a Supreme Judge, was substituted as 
 a candidate, and was elected. 
 
 At the close of his gubernatorial term, Mr. Carlin 
 removed back to his old home at Carrollton, where 
 he spent the remainder of his life, £,; before his ele- 
 vation to office, in agricultural pursuits. In 1849 
 he served out the unexpired term of J. D. Fry in the 
 Illinois House of Representatives, and died Feb. 4, 
 1852, at his residence at Carrollton, leaving a wife 
 and seven children.
 
 Oi 
 
 ^O^'^^y-^^'-^
 
 GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 
 
 139 
 
 -sfeijCiju^ ->?=:S 
 
 
 ; i'- 
 
 THoimii 
 
 
 >rj jT^ 
 
 
 -^3- 
 
 1—T 
 
 =ef- 
 
 ?.iiLLi^J 
 
 jHOMAS FORD, Governor 
 
 frum 1S42 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 
 l^^gsv girls. With a view to better her 
 condition, she, in 1804, removed to 
 q^^^^'-Ak Missouri, where it had been cus- 
 ^W^ 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 fir^t I 
 
 schooling, under the instructions of a M •, Humphrey, 
 for which he had to walk three miles. His mother, 
 though lacking a thorough education, was a woman 
 of superior mental endoivments, joined to energy 
 and determination of character. She inculcated in 
 her children those high-toned principles which dis- 
 tinguished her sons in public life. She exercised a 
 rigid economy to provide her children an education ; 
 but George Forquer, her oldest son (six years older 
 than Thomas Ford), at an early age had to quit 
 school to aid by his labor in the support of the family. 
 He afterward became an eminent man in Illinois 
 affairs, and but for his early death would probably 
 have been elected to the United States Senate. 
 
 Young Ford, with somewhat better opportunities, 
 received a better education, though limited to the 
 curriculum of the common school of those pioneer 
 times. His mind gave eariy promise of superior en- 
 dowments, with an inclination for mathematics. His 
 proficiency attracted the attention of Hon. Daniel P. 
 Cook, wlic^ became his efficient patron and friend. 
 The latter gentleman was an eminent iiunois states- 
 man who, as a Member of Congress, obtained a grant 
 of 300,000 acres of land to aid in completing the 
 lUi.iois & Michigan Canal, and after whom the 
 county of Cook was named. Tnrough the advice oi
 
 THOMAS FORD. 
 
 this gentleman, Mr. Ford turned his attention to the 
 study of law; but Forquer, theu 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- 
 ir.g school for support. 
 
 In 1829 Gov. Edwards appointed him Prosecuting 
 Attorney, and in 1831 he was re-appointed by Gov. 
 Reynolds, and after that he was four times elected a 
 Judge by the Legislature, without opposition, twice a 
 Circuit Judge, once a Judge of Chicago, and as As- 
 sociate Judge of the Supreme Court, when, in 1841, 
 the latter tribunal was re-organized by the addition 
 of five Judges, all Democrats. Ford was assigned to 
 the Ninth Judicial Circuit, and while in this capacity 
 he was holding Court in Ogle County he received a 
 notice of his nomination by the Democratic Conven- 
 tion for the office of Governor. He immediately re- 
 signed his place and entered upon the canvass. In 
 August, 1842, he was elected, and on the Sth of De- 
 cember following he was inaugurated. 
 
 All the offices which he had held were unsolicited 
 by him. He received them upon the true Jefferson- 
 ian principle, — Never to ask .md never to refuse 
 office. Both as a lawyer and as a Judge he stood 
 deservedly high, but his cast of intellect fitted him 
 rather for a writer upon law than a practicing advo- 
 cate in the courts. In the latter capacity he was void 
 of the moving power of eloquence, so necessary to 
 success with juries. As a Judge his opinions were 
 •ound, lucid and able expositions of the law. In 
 practice, he was a stranger to the tact, skill and in- 
 sinuating address of the politician, but he saw through 
 ;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 waiied 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 
 jx)litical 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 o£ 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 liadly paralyzed by the ruinous effects of 
 the notorious "internal improvement" schemes of 
 
 the preceding decade, with scarcely anything to 
 show by w.ay 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 imixirtant tlioroughfare, 
 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 count-y, committed misdemean- 
 ors, taught dangerous doctrines, suffered the loss of 
 their leader, Jo Smith, by a violent death, were driven 
 out of Nauvoo to the far West, etc. Having been a 
 Judge for so many years previously, Mr. Ford of 
 course was no i-committal concerning Mormon affairs, 
 and was therefore claimed by both parties and also 
 accused by each of sympathizing too greatly with the 
 other side. Mormonism claiming to be a system of 
 religion, the Governor no doubt was " between two 
 fires," and felt compelled to touch the matter rather 
 " gingerly," and doubtless felt greatly relieved when 
 that pestilential peoj)le 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 suxessor. The Governor's connection 
 with this war, however, was not conspicuous, as it 
 was only administrative, commissioning officers, etc. 
 
 Ford's " History of Illinois " is a very readable and 
 entertaining work, 01450 small octavo pages, and is 
 destined to increase in value with the lapse of time. 
 It exhibits a natur.il 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 contem[X)raries 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 
 
 
 _^^^^/y<MV^ 
 
 ;.^;:?fAi;iS^S:S^S^f^*«iS*«iS*S;g* 
 
 AtigustUH O. French 
 
 ■i'*:;S^s«*;:ir>s*sig-^»$;;s-'^-S;s^ 
 
 ^^^v^y^^ 
 
 ^i^—.^^ — o<s6<lilSH<! 
 
 7/^"^UGUSTUS 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 ot Nathaniel 
 French, who emigrated from England 
 in 16S7 and settled in Saybury, Mass. 
 In early life young French lost his 
 father, but continued to receive in- 
 struction from an exemplary and 
 Christian mother until he was 19 years 
 old, when she also died, confiding to 
 his care and trust four younger broth- 
 ers and one sister. He discharged his trust with 
 parental devotion. His education in early life was 
 such mainly as a common school afforded. For a 
 Srief period he attended Dartmouth College, but 
 from pecuniary causes and the care of his brothers 
 and sister, he did not graduate. He subsequently 
 read law, and was admitted to the Bar in 1831, and 
 shortly afterward removed to Illinois, settling first at 
 Albion, Edwards County, where he established him- 
 self in the practice of law. The following year he 
 removed to Paris, Edgar County. Here he attained 
 eminence in his profession, and entered public life 
 by representing that county in the Legislature. A 
 strong attachment sprang up between him and Ste- 
 phen .\. Douglas. 
 
 In 1839. Mr. French was appointed Receiver of 
 the Uiiieil 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. Scates. 
 Richard M. Young and A. W. Cavarly,— an array of 
 very able and prominent names. Trumbull was per- 
 haps defeated in the Convention by the rumor that 
 he was opposed to the Illinois and Michigan Canal, 
 as he had been a year previously. For Lieutenant 
 Governor J. B. Wells was chosen, while other candi- 
 dates were Lewis Ross, 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 meantime the war with Mexico 
 broke out, regarding which the Whig record was un- 
 popular in this State. The war was the absorbing 
 and dominating question of the period, sweeping 
 every other political issue in its course. The elec- 
 tion in August gave Mr. French 58,700 votes, and 
 Kilpatrick only 36,775. Richard Eells, .Abolitionist 
 candidate for the same office, received 5,152 vot»«s
 
 AUGUSTUS C. FRENCH: 
 
 By the new Constitution of 1848, a new election for 
 State officers was ordered in November of that year, 
 before Gov. French's terra was half out, and he was 
 re-elected for the term of four years. He was there- 
 fore the incuaibe.it 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 
 ai7.d did not run again. 
 
 Governor French was inaugurated into office dur- 
 ing the progress of the Me.^ican War, which closed 
 during the summer of 1847, although the treaty of 
 Guadalupe Hidalgo was not made until Feb. 2, 
 1848. The iX)licy 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 perinission 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 
 .and warrants among the Mexican soldiers as bounty 
 threw upon the market a great quantity of good 
 lands, and this enhanced the settlement of the State. 
 The same Legislature authorized, with the recom- 
 mendation of the Governor, the sale of the Northern 
 Cross Railroad (from Springfield to Meredosia, the 
 first in the State and now a section of the Wabash, 
 St. Louis & Pacific) It sold for $100,000 in bonds, 
 ulthough it had cost the State not less than a million. 
 The salt wells and canal lands in the Saline reserve- 
 in Gallatin County, granted by the general Govern- 
 ment to the State, were also authorized by the 
 Governor to be sold, to apply on the State debt. In 
 1850, for the first time since 1839, the accruing State 
 revenue, exclusive of specific appropriations, was 
 sufficient to meet the current demands upon the 
 treasury. The aggregate taxable property of the 
 State at this time was over $100,000,000, and the 
 population 851,470. 
 
 In 1849 the Legislature adopted the township or- 
 ganization law, which, however, proved defectiKe, 
 and was properly amended in 185 1. At its session 
 in the latter year, the General Assembly also passed 
 a law to exempt homesteads from sale 011 executions 
 This beneficent measure had been repeatedly oiged 
 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 tliera 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; .nd since 
 then a good site has existed there for a city (East St. 
 Louis), and now a score of railroads center there. 
 
 It was in September, 1850, that Congress granted 
 to this State nearly 3,000,000 acres of land in aid of 
 the completion of the Illinois Central Railroad, 
 which constituted the most important epoch in the 
 railroad — we might say internal improvement — his- 
 tory of the State. The road was rushed on to com- 
 pletion, which accelerated the settlement of the in- 
 terior of the State by a good class of industrious citi- 
 zens, and by the charter a good income to the State 
 Treasury is paid in from the earnings of the road. 
 
 In 1851 the Legislature passed a law authorizing 
 free stock banks, which was the source of much leg- 
 islative discussion for a number of years. 
 
 But we have not space further to particularize 
 concerning legislation. Gov. French's administra- 
 tion was not marked by any feature to be criticised, 
 while the country was settling up as never before. 
 
 In stature, Gov. French was of medium height, 
 squarely built, light complexioned, with ruddy face 
 and pleasant countenance. In manners he was 
 plain and agreeable. By nature he was somewhat 
 diffident, but he was often very outspoken in his con- 
 victions of duty. In public speech he was not an 
 orator, but was chaste, earnest and persuasive. In 
 business he was accurate and methodical, and in his; 
 administration he kept up the credit of the State. 
 
 He died in 1865, at his home in Lebanon, Sr. 
 Clair Co., V.\.
 
 GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 
 
 |(0el 3-V. 3-Ua-Mts 
 
 a 
 
 lli|'%i^/lf" V'KL A. MATTESON, Governor 
 w' '''''^l^L^ f^** 'S5 3-6, was burn Aug. 8, 1S08, 
 ''3 J' i^ilr'T ' ^' ''^ Jefferson County, New York, 
 ' 'X.'>i\^ f to which place his father had re- 
 moved from Vermont three years 
 before. His father was a f;irmer 
 in fair circumstances, but a com- 
 mon English education w;is 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 fatlier'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 
 Saljle River, in wliat is now Kendall County. At 
 ihat time there were not more than two neighbors 
 within a range of ten miles of his place, and only 
 liree or fo ir houses betweeii him and Chicago. He 
 opened a l.irge farm, His family was buardtd 12 
 
 miles away while he erected a house on his claim, 
 
 sleeping, daring 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, jc in Pearson, a Senator 
 holding over, was found to be in the same distrlc;, 
 and decided to be entitled to represent it. Mat- 
 teson's seat was declared vacant. Pearson, however 
 with a nobleness difficult to appreciate in this day of
 
 148 
 
 JOEL A. MATTESON. 
 
 greed for office, unwilling to represent his district 
 under the circumstances, immediately resigned his 
 unexpired term of two years. A bill was passed in a 
 few hours ordering a new election, and in ten days' 
 time Mr. Matteson was returned re-elected and took 
 his seat as Senator. From his well-known capacity 
 as a business man, he was made Chairman of the 
 Committee on Finance, a position he held during 
 tliis lialf and two full succeeding Senatorial terms, 
 discharging its imiMrtant duties with ability and faith- 
 fulness. Besides his extensive woolen-mill interest, 
 when work was resumed on the canal under the new 
 loan of $[,600,000 he again became a heavy con- 
 tractor, and also subsequently operated largely in 
 building railroads. Thus he showed himself a most 
 energetic and thorough business man. 
 
 He was nominated for Governor by the Demo- 
 cratic State Convention which met at Springfield 
 April 20, 1852. Other candidates before the Con- 
 vention were D. L. Gregg and F. C. Sherman, of 
 Cook ; John Dement, of Lee ; Thomas L. Harris, of 
 Menard; Lewis W. Ross, of Fulton ; and D. P. Bush, 
 of Pike. Gustavus Koerner, of St. Clair, was nom- 
 inated for Lieutenant Governor. For the same offices 
 the Whigs nominated Edwin B. Webb and De-xter A. 
 Kiiowlton. Mr. Matteson received 80,645 votes at 
 the election, while Mr. Webb received 64,408. Mat- 
 teson's forte was not on the stump; he had not cul- 
 tivated the art of oily flattery, or the faculty of being 
 all tilings to all men. His intellectual qualities took 
 rather the direction of efficient executive ability. His 
 turn consisted not so much in the adroit manage- 
 ment of party, or the [wwerful advocacy of great gov- 
 ernmental principles, as in those more solid and 
 enduring operations which cause the physical devel- 
 opment and advancement of a State, — of commerce 
 and business enterprise, into which he labored with 
 success to lead the people. As a politician he was 
 just and liberal in his views, and both in official and 
 private life he then stood untainted and free from 
 blemish. As a man, in active benevolence, social 
 rirtues and all the amiable qualities of neighbor or 
 citizen, he had few superiors. His messages present 
 a perspicuous array of facts as to the condition of the 
 State, and are often couched in forcible and elegant 
 diction. 
 
 The greatest excitement during his term of office 
 was the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, by Con- 
 
 gress, under the leadership of Stephen A. Douglas in 
 1854, when the bill was passed organizing ilie Teni 
 tory of Kansas and Nebraska. A large portion of 
 the Whig party of the North, through their bitter op 
 position to the Democratic party, naturally drifted 
 into the doctrine of anti-slavery, and thus led to what 
 was temporarily called the "Anti-Nebraska" party, 
 while the followers of Douglas were known as " Ne- 
 braska or Douglas Democrats." It was during this 
 embryo stage of the Republican party that Abraham 
 Lincoln was brought forward as the "Anti-Nebraska " 
 candidate for the United States Senatorship, while 
 Gen. James Shields, the incumbent, was re-noni- 
 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 irth ballot 
 Mr. Trumbull obtained one majority, and was ac- 
 cordingly declared elected. Before Gov. Matteson 's 
 term expired, the Republicans were fully organized 
 as a national party, and in 1856 put into the field a 
 full national and State ticket, carrying the State, but 
 not the nation. 
 
 The Legislature of r855 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 $137,8 r 8,07 9 to $349,95 1,272; the pub- 
 lic debt w:is reduced from $17,398,985 to $[2,843,- 
 144; taxation was at the same time reduced, and the 
 State resumed paying interest on its debt in New 
 York as fast as it fell due ; railroads were increased 
 in their mileage from something less than 400 to 
 about 3.000 ; and the population of Chicago was 
 nearly doubled, and its commerce more than quad- 
 rupled. 
 
 Before closing this account, we regret that we have 
 to say that Mr. Matteson, in all other respects an 
 upright man and a good Governor, was implicated 
 in a false re-issue of redeemed canal scrio, 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 1872-3, at Chicago.,
 
 '.■''-'S. 
 
 \
 
 GO VEMNORS OF ILLINOIS. 
 
 151 
 
 """^l^ 
 
 1 1 LIAM H. BISSELL, Gov- 
 ernor 1857-60, was born 
 Ajjril 25, iSii, in the 
 State of New York, near 
 Painted Post, Yates County. 
 His parents were obscure, 
 honest, God-fearing people, 
 u lio re ired their children under the daily 
 example of iiidustiy 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 in Mon- 
 roe County, this State, where he engaged in the 
 practice of that profession. But he was not enam- 
 ored of his calling: he was swayed by a broader 
 ambition, to such an extent that the mysteries of the 
 healing art and its arduous duties failed to yield him 
 further any cliarms. 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 tliat 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 r84o 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 tliat position he fully discharged his duty to the 
 State, gained the esteem of the Bar, and seldom 
 failed to convict the offender of the law. 
 
 In stature he was somewhat tall and slender, and 
 with a straight, military bearing, he presented a dis- 
 tinguished appearance. His complexion was dark, 
 his head well poised, though not large, his address 
 pleasant and manner winning. He was exemplary 
 in his habits, a devoted husband and kind parent. 
 He was twice married, the first time to Miss James,
 
 '52 
 
 WILLIAM H. BISSELL. 
 
 ot 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 hi•l^ but a short time, 
 and died without issue. 
 
 When the war with Mexico was declared in 1846, 
 Mr. Bissell enlisted and was elected Colonel of his 
 rcgi'iient, 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 tlie 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-Mebraska bill of Douglas, and 
 thus became identified with the nascent Republican 
 party. 
 
 During his first Cuiigressioaal 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 liis term of office, as the Constitution of 
 this State forbade any duelist from holding a State 
 office. 
 
 In 1856, when tlie Republican party first put fortii 
 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 
 Countv, 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 ratheJ 
 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 h;id 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 e.^ccept 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 tlie expiration o' hi-, 
 gubernatorial term, at the early age of 48 years. He 
 died in the faith of the Roman Catholic Church. o< 
 which he har* been a member since 1854.
 
 /^ 
 
 ^
 
 Go VERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 
 
 155 
 
 iHNWOOD, Governo/ i86o-i,and 
 i\ '' ^'^^ the first settler of Quincy, III., 
 was born in the town of Sempro- 
 <»; ll'vt*/ ^'^ nius (now Moravia), Cayuga Co., 
 
 'via.t' ..^ei I^ .>■ 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 lai.guages, who, after 
 serving throughout the Revolu- 
 tionary War as a Surgeon, settled on the land granted 
 him by the Government, and resided there a re- 
 spected and leading influence in his section until his 
 death, at the ripe age of 92 years. 
 
 The subject of this sketch, impelled by the spirit 
 of Western adventure then pervading everywhere, 
 left his home, Nov. 2, 1818, and passed the succeed- 
 ing winter in Cincinnati, Ohio. The following sum- 
 mer he pushed on to Illinois, landing at Shawneetown, 
 and spent the fall and following winter in Calhoun 
 County. In 1820, in company with Willard Keyes, 
 he settled in Pike County, about 30 miles southeast 
 of Quincy, where for the ne.xt two years he pursued 
 farming. In 1821 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- 
 proaching the Mississippi near Mr. Wood's place, 
 the latter told his companions to follow him and he 
 would show them where he was going to build a city. 
 They went about a mile off the main trail, to a high 
 pwint, from which the view in every direction was 
 most magnificent, as it had been for ages and as yet 
 untouched by the hand of man. Before them swept 
 by the majestic Father of Waters, yet unburdened by 
 navigation. After Mr. Wood had expatiated at 
 length on the advantages of the situation, Mr. Ross 
 replied, " But it's too near Atlas ever to amount to 
 anything!" 
 
 Atlas is still a cultivated farm, and Quincy is a 
 city of over 30,000 population. 
 
 In 1824 Mr. Wood gave a newspaper notice, 
 as the law then prescribed, of his intention to apply 
 to the General Assembly for the formation of a new 
 county. This was done the following winter, result- 
 ing in the establishment of the present Adams 
 County. During the next summer Quincy was se- 
 lected as the county seat, it and the vicinity then 
 containing but four adult male residents and half
 
 *S0 
 
 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 tlian 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 cliair, 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 tlie election of the honest 
 Illinoisan, Abraham Lincoln, to the Presidency of the 
 United States, occurred during the short period 
 while Mr. Wood was Governor, and tiie excitement 
 and issues of that struggle dominated over every 
 other consideration, — indeed, supplanted them in a 
 great measure. The people of Illinois, during all 
 that time, were passing tlie comparatively petty strifes 
 under Bissell's administration to the overwhelming 
 issue of preserving the whole nation from destruction. 
 
 In 1861 ex-Gov. Wood was one of the five Dele- 
 gates from Illinois to the " Peace Convention " at 
 Washingtoti, and in April of the san.e year, on the 
 breaking opt 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 tlie Whig and Republican parties. Few 
 men have in personal experience comprehended so 
 many surprising and advancing local changes as 
 vested in the more than half century recollections of 
 Gov. Wood. Sixty-four years ago a solitary settler 
 on the "Bluffs," with no family, and no neighbor 
 within a score of miles, the world of civilization away 
 behind him, and the strolling red-man almost his 
 only visitant, he lived to see growing around him, 
 and under his auspices and aid, overspreading the 
 wild hills and scraggy forest a teaming city, second 
 only in size in the State, and surpassed nowhere in 
 beauty, prosperity and promise; whose people recog- 
 nize as with a single voice the proverbial honor and 
 liberality that attach to the name and lengthened 
 life of their pioneer settler, "the old Governor." 
 
 Gov. Wood was twice married, — first in January, 
 1826, to Ann M. Streeter, daughter of Joshua Streeter, 
 formerly of Salem, Washington Co., N. Y. They had 
 eight children. Mrs. W. died Oct. 8, 1863, and in 
 June, 1S65, Gov. Wood married Mrs. Mary A., widow 
 of Rev. Joseph T. Holmes. Gov. Wood died June 4, 
 1880, at his residence in Quincy. Four of his eight 
 children are now living, namely: Ann E., wife of 
 Gen. John Tillson; Daniel C, who married Mary J. 
 .'Vbernethy; 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.
 
 m'
 
 'HICHARD YATES, the "War 
 ' Governor," 1861-4, was bom 
 Jan. 18, 1818, on the banks of 
 the Ohio River, at Warsaw, 
 Gallatin Co., Ky. His lather 
 moved in 1831 to Illinois, and 
 fi-s ^ Uc "-^^ ^^"^"^ stopping for a time in 
 ijTg^^^^ Springfield, settled at Island 
 
 ^^ij^'T'V Grove, Sangamon County. Here, 
 s4.*'«Slii» ^fti^r attending school, Richard joined 
 the family. Subsequently he entered 
 '^^^^^ Illinois College at Jacksonville, 
 J^^nL 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 witli 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 par.ty of his idol. In 1840 he engaged with great 
 ■■'dor in the exciting "hard cider" campaign for 
 -.'arrison. Two years later he was elected to the 
 Legislature from Morgan County, a Democratic 
 nronghold. He served three or four terms in the 
 I^egislature, and such was the fascination of his ora- 
 ry that by 1850 his large Congressional District, 
 I ^tending from Morgan and Sangamon Counties 
 . jrth to include LaSalle, unanimously tendered htm 
 t'i» Whig nomination for Congress. His Democratic 
 opponent was Maj. Thomas L. Harris, a very pop- 
 . 'ar man who had won distinction at the battle of 
 ^erro Gordo, in the Mexican War, and who had 
 jeater. Mun. Stephen T. Logan for the same position. 
 
 two years before, by a large majority. Yates waj 
 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 1S60 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 Blnoming- 
 ton, two of the ablest men of the State, who were 
 also candidates before the Convention. Francis A. 
 Hoffman, of DuPage County, was nominated fot 
 Lieutenant Governor. This was the year when Mr. 
 Lincoln was a candidate for President, a period re- 
 membered as characterized by the great whirlpool 
 which precipitated the bloody War of the Rebellion. 
 The Douglas Democrats nominated J. C. Allen of 
 Crawford County, for Governor, and Lewis W. 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 cne
 
 l6o 
 
 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 transixjrted. 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 impassionatc 
 appeals, urging upon the people the duties and rer 
 quirements of patriotism ; and his special message 
 in iS6_^ to the Democratic Legislature of this State 
 pleading for material aid for the sick and wounded 
 soldiers of Illinois regiments, breathes a deep fervor 
 of noble sentiment and feeling rarely equaled in 
 beauty or felicity of expression. Generally his mes- 
 sages on political and civil affairs were able and com- 
 prehensive. During his administration, however, 
 there were no civil events of an engrossing character, 
 although two years of his time were replete wiih 
 partisan quarrels of great bitterness. Military ar- 
 rests. Knights of the Golden Circle, riot in Fulton 
 County, attempted suppression of the Chicago Times 
 and the usurping State Constitutional Convention of 
 1862, were the chief local topics that were exciting 
 during the Governor's term. This Convention assem- 
 bled Jan. 7, and at once took the high position that 
 '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 lo 
 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 (tlien) present 
 executive duties. Gov. Yates was -rovoked to tell 
 them plainly that " he did not acknowledge the right 
 of the Convention to instruct him in the performance 
 of his duty." 
 
 In 1863 the Governor astonished the Democrats 
 by " proroguing " their Legislature. This body, after 
 a recess, met June 2, that year, and soon began to 
 waste time upon various partisan resolutions; and, 
 while the two houses were disagreeing upon the 
 question of adjourning .{/«<■ die, the Governor, having 
 the authority in such cases, surprised them all by 
 adjourning them " to the Saturday next i)receding 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 ir. 
 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 rebellioi 
 in the North. Gen. Sweet, who had charge of the 
 camp at the time, firs', liad his suspicions of danger 
 aroused by a number of enigmatically worded letters 
 which passed through the Camp postoffice. .A de- 
 tective afterward discovered that the rebel Gen. 
 Marmaduke was in the city, under an assumed 
 name, and he, with other rebel officers — Grenfell, 
 Morgan, Cantrell, Buckner Morris, and Charles 
 Walsh — was arrested, most of whom were convicted 
 by a court-martial at Cincinnati and sentenced to 
 imprisonment, — Grenfell to be hung. The sentence 
 of the latter was afterward commuted to imprison- 
 ment for life, and all the otliers, 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 Novemlier following.
 
 GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 
 
 163 
 
 
 RieJiard J. Oglesi 
 
 #># 
 
 -i— 
 
 lICHARD 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 Gijvernors." Bereft of 
 his parents at the tender age 
 of eight years, his early education 
 was neglected. When 12 years of 
 age, and after he had worked a year 
 and a half at the carpenter's trade, 
 he removed with an uncle, Willis 
 Oglesby, into whose care he had 
 been committed, to Decatur, this 
 State, where he continued his ap- 
 prenticeship as a mechanic, working six months for 
 Hon. E. O. Smith. 
 
 In 1844 he commenced studying law at Spring- 
 field, with Judge Silas Robbins, and read with him 
 one year. He was admitted to the Bar in 1845, and 
 commenced the practice of his chosen profession at 
 Sullivan, the county seat of Moultrie County. 
 
 The next year the war with Mexico was com- 
 menced, and in June, 1846, Mr. Oglesby volunteered, 
 was elected First Lieutenant of Co. C, Fourth Illinois 
 Regiment of Volunteers, and participated in the bat- 
 tles of Vera Cruz and Cerro Gordo. 
 
 On his return he sought to perfect his law studies 
 by attending a course of lectures at Louisville, but 
 on the breaking out of the California "gold fever " in 
 1849, lie crossed the plains and mountains to the 
 new Eldorado, driving a six-mule team, with a com- 
 
 pany of eight men, Henry Prather being the leader. 
 
 In 1852 he returned home to Macon County, and 
 was placed that year by the Whig party on the ticket 
 of Presidential Electors. In 1856 he visited Europe, 
 Asia and Africa, being absent 20 months. On his 
 return home he resumed the practice of law, as a 
 member of the firm of Gallagher, Wait & Oglesby. 
 In 1858 he was the Republican nominee for the 
 Lower House of Congress, but was defeated by the 
 Hon. James C. Robinson, Democrat. In i860 he 
 was elected to the Illinois State Senate ; and on the 
 evening the returns of this election were coming in. 
 Mr. Oglesby had a fisticuff encounter with " Cerro 
 Gordo Williams," in which he came out victorious, 
 and which was regarded as " the first fight of the 
 Rebellion." The following spring, when the war 
 had commenced in earnest, his ardent nature 
 quickly responded to the demands of patriotism and 
 he enlisted. Tlie 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 imiwrtant 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 500 
 men before re-inforcements arrived. Many of these 
 men were from Macon County. He was engaged in 
 the battle of Corinth, and, in a brave charge at this 
 place, was shot in the left lung with an ounce ball, 
 and was carried from the field in expectation of ina-
 
 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. VVm. 
 Bross, of Chicago, was nominated for Lieutenant 
 Governor. On the Democratic State ticket were 
 James C. Robinson, of ("lark, for Governor, and S. 
 Corning Judd, of Fulton, for Lieutenant Governor. 
 The general election gave Gen. Oglesby a majority 
 of about 31,000 votes. The Republicans had also a 
 majority in both 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 si.ic 
 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 the notorious " black laws," part 
 of which, although a dead letter, had held their place 
 upon the statute books since 1819. Also, laws re- 
 quiring the registration of voters, and establishing a 
 State Board of Equalization, were passed by this Leg- 
 islature. But the same body evinced that it was cor- 
 ruptly influenced by a mercenary lobby, as it adopted 
 some bad legislation, over the Governor's veto, nota- 
 bly an amendment to a charter for a Chicago horse 
 railway, granted in 1859 for 25 years, and now 
 sought to be extended 99 years. As this measure 
 was promptly passed over his veto by both branches 
 of the Legislature, he deemed it useless further to 
 attempt to check their headlong career. At this 
 session no law of a general useful character or public 
 interest was perfected, unless we count such the 
 turning oVer of the canal to Chicago to be deepened. 
 The session of 1867 was still more productive of 
 private and special acts. Many omnibus bills were 
 proposed, and some passed. The contests over tlie 
 ^Dcation of the Industrial College, the Capital, tlie 
 
 Southern Penitentiary, and the canal enlargement 
 and Illinois River improvement, dominated every- 
 thing else. 
 
 During the year 1872, it became evident that if 
 the Republicans could re-elect Mr. Oglesby to the 
 office of Governor, they cotild 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 i)ut into 
 the field Gustavus Koerner for Governor and John 
 C. Black for Lieutenant Governor. The election 
 gave the Republican ticket majorities ranging from 
 3S'334 to 56,174, — the Democratic defection being 
 caused mainly by their having an old-time Whig and 
 Abolitionist, Horace Greeley, on the national ticket 
 for President. According to the general understand- 
 ing had beforehand, as soon as the Legislature met 
 it elected Gov. Oglesby to the United States Senate, 
 whereupon Mr. Beveridge became Governor. Sena- 
 tor Oglesby 's term expired March 4, 1S79, having 
 served his party faithfully and exhibited an order of 
 statesmanship beyond criticism. 
 
 During the campaign of 1884 Mr. Oglesby was 
 nominated for a "third term" as Executive of the 
 State of Illinois, against Carter H. Harrison, Mayor 
 of Chicago, nominated by the Democrats. Both 
 gentlemen "stumped " the State, and while the peo- 
 ple elected a Legislature which was a tie on a joiiv; 
 ballot, as between the two parties, they gave tlie 
 jovial " Dick" Oglesby a majority of 15,018 for Gov- 
 ernor, and he was inaugurated Jan. 30, 1S85. The 
 Legislature did not fully organize until this date, on 
 account of its equal division between the two main 
 parties and the consequent desperate tactics of eacl: 
 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 wel. 
 calcuL^Ued favorably to impress the average masses. 
 Ardent in feeling and strongly committed to the pol- 
 icies of his party, he intensifies Republicanisn: 
 among Republicans, while at the same time his jovia. 
 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 gesture'., 
 tremendous physical power, which in speak'ng ho 
 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 e::ii;hasis, 
 he delights a promiscuous audience beyond measure
 
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 GO VER IVORS OF ILLINOIS. 
 
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 -f)HN Mc AULEY PALMER, Gov- 
 [%*■ eriior 1869-72, was born on 
 ','j E:igle Creek, Scott Co., Ky , 
 
 t" \t^\' Sept. 13, 1817. During his in- 
 
 "W.""^ • »l%d!l r- fancy, his father, who had been 
 a soldier in the wur of 1812, re- 
 moved to Christian Co., Ky., 
 wliere lands were cheap. Here 
 the future Governor of the great 
 'Jm^ Prairie State spent his childliood 
 
 and received such meager school 
 ing as the new and sparsely set- 
 tled country afforded. To this 
 he added materially by diligent 
 reading, for which he evinced an 
 eaily aptitude. His father, an ardent Jackson man, 
 was also noted for his anti-slavery sentiments, which 
 he thoroughly impressed upon his children. In 1831 
 he emigrated to Illinois, settling in Madison Comity. 
 Hltc the labor of improving a farm was pursued for 
 abiiut two years, when the death of Mr. Palmer's 
 nioiher 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 lirother, Elilui, entered this school and remained 
 18 months. Next, for over three years, he tried 
 variously coopering, peddling and school-teaching. 
 
 Duiing the summer of 1838 he formed the ac- 
 quain?;ince of Siei^ilien A Douglas, then making his 
 
 first canvass for Congress. Young, eloquent and in 
 political accord with Mr. Palmer, he won his confi- 
 dence, Sred 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 la.v, and in the spring entered a law office at Car- 
 liiiville, making his home with his elder brother, 
 Elihu. (The latter was a learned clergyman, of con- 
 siderable orginaliiy of thought and doctrine.) On 
 the next meeting of the Supreme Court he was ad- 
 mitted to the Bar, Douglas being one of his examiners. 
 He was not immediately successful in his profession, 
 and would have located elsewhere than Carlinville 
 had he the requisite means. Thus his early poverty 
 was a blessing in disguise, for to it he now attributes 
 the success of his life. 
 
 From 1839 on, while he diligently pursued his 
 profession, he participated more or less in local 
 politics. In 1843 he became Probate Judge. Ir 
 1847 he was elected to the State Constitutional Con 
 vention, where he took a leading part. In 1852 ht, 
 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 part; 
 issue he refused to receive a re-nomination for tin 
 Senatorship at the hands of the Democracy, issuinj, 
 a circular to that efTect, A few weeks afterward
 
 i68 
 
 JOHN MC AULEY PALMER. 
 
 however, hesitating to break with his party, he par- 
 ticipated in a Congressional Convention which nouii- 
 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 
 ne was appointed one of the five Delegates (all Re- 
 publicans) sent by Illinois to the peace congress at 
 '•Vashington. 
 
 When the civil conflict broke out, he offered his 
 services to his country, and was elected Colonel of the 
 •4th 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 M;ijor 
 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 i4lh 
 Army Corps and participat:d 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 tlio latter 
 element were daily fretted by the loss of their slaves. 
 He, who had been bred to the rules of common law, 
 trembled at the contemplation of his extraordinary 
 power ovjr the persons and property of his fellow 
 men, with which he was vested in his capacity as 
 military Governor; and he exhibited great caution in 
 the execution of the duties of his post. 
 
 Gen. Palmer was nominated for Governor of Illi- 
 nois Ijy the Republican State Convention which met 
 at Peori I May 6, 1868, and his nomination would 
 probably liave been made by acclamation had he not 
 persistently declared that he could not accept a can- 
 
 didature for the office. The result of the ensuing 
 election gave Mr. Palmer a m.ijjrity of 44,707 over 
 John R. Eden, the Dvjmocratic nominee. 
 
 Oi the meeting of the Legislature in January, 
 1869, the first thing to arrest public attention was 
 that portion of tlie Governor's message which took 
 broad Slate's rights ground. This and some minor 
 pjints, which were more in keeping with the Demo- 
 cratic sentiment, constituted the entering wedge f)r 
 the criticisms and reproofs he afterward received 
 f 10 n the Republican party, and ultimuely resulted 
 in his entire aleniaMon from the litter element. The 
 Legislature just referred to was r.oted for the intro- 
 duction of numerous bills in the interest of private 
 parties, whicli 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; aid 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 sew State 
 Constitution of [870, 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 
 h.is 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 tlie 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 
 |)oint them out. He is a logical and cogent reasoner 
 arid 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 lie 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 liis habits and manners 
 and is a true American in liis fundamental princi[)le' 
 of statesmansliii .
 
 Jlr^^^X^^ /Ju^v^^^oUc^
 
 Gi,'VER.yORS OF ILLINOIS. 
 
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 OHN LOWRiE BEVER- 
 IDGE, Governor 187 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 Beveridge, be- 
 fore their marriage emigrated 
 from Scotland just before the 
 Revolutionary War, settling in 
 Washington County. His father 
 - ' >| was the eldest of eight brothers, the 
 ^ _^j voungest 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 Scodand at the close of the 
 Revolutionary War, settling also in 
 ;itl Washington Co., N. Y., with their 
 first-born, whose " native land "was 
 the wild ocean. His parents and 
 grandparents lived beyond the time 
 allotted to man, their average age 
 being over 80 years. They belonged to the " .Asso- 
 ciate Church," a seceding Presbyterian body of 
 
 .\merica from the old Scotch school ; and so rigid 
 was the training of young Beveridge that he neve: 
 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 liis parents, who could obtain a livelihood 
 only by rigid economy and industry, could not send 
 him away to college. He was raised ujxsn 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., III., completing the academic course. At 
 this time, the fall of 1845, his parents and brothers 
 were anxious to have him go to college, even though 
 he had not money sufficient; but, n .t willing to bur- 
 den the family, he packed his trunk and with only 
 $40 in money sUrted South to seek his fortune
 
 IT?. 
 
 JOHAf L. Bh VE RIDGE. 
 
 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, pnicticed 
 ^aw, worked ill public offices, kept books for some of 
 the business men of the town, and soine 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 forit. He succeeded in a few days in rais- 
 ing the company, of course enlisting himself along 
 with it. The regiment rendezvoused at St. Charles, 
 m., was mustered in Sept. 18, and on its organiza- 
 tion Mr. B. was elected Second Major. It was at- 
 tached, Oct. II, to the Eighth Cav.ilry and to the 
 Army of the Potomac. He served with the regiment 
 until November, 1863, participating in some 40 bat- 
 
 tles and skirmishes : was a\ Fair Oaks, llie seven days 
 fight around Riclimond, Fredericksburg, Chancellors- 
 ville and Gettysburg. He commanded tlie 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 anothercom- 
 pany, against heavy odds, in January, 1864, was 
 commissioned Colonel of the 17th 111. Cav., and 
 skirmished around in Missouri, concluding with the 
 reception of the surrender of Gen. Kirby Smith's 
 army in Arkansas. In 1865 he commanded various 
 sub-districts in the Southwest. He was mustered 
 out Feb. 6, 1866, s:ife 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 clienla-e, and no political experi- 
 ence except to help others iito 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 unfinishtd business of his 
 office. He was then elected State Senator; in No- 
 vember, 187 I, 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 Congressma 1 at large. Lieutenant 
 Governor and Governor. The principal events oc- 
 curring during Gov. Beveridge 's administration were: 
 The completion of the revision of tlie statutes, begun 
 in 1869; the partial success of t'v; " farmers' move- 
 ment;" " Haines' Legislature " a id IlUiiois' exhibit at 
 the Centennial. 
 
 Since the close of his gubernatorial term ex-Gov 
 Beveridge has been a member of tlie firm of Bever- 
 idge & Dewey, bankers and dealers in commercial 
 paper at 71 Dearborn Street (McCormick Block), 
 Chicago, and since November, iSSi, 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 KaU) County — James H. Beveridge, Mrs. Jennet 
 Henry and Mrs Isabel French.
 
 GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 
 
 '71 
 
 Shelby M. €ii.]a)m. 
 
 HELBV M. CULLOM, Gover- 
 nor 1877-83, ib the sixLh child 
 of the late Richard N. Cullom, 
 and was born Nov. 22, 1829,111 
 Wayne Co., Ky., wliere his fa- 
 ther then resided, and whence 
 both the Ilhnois and Tennessee 
 branches of the family originated. In 
 the following year the family emi- 
 grated to the vicinity of Washington, 
 Tazewell Co., 111., when that section 
 was very sparsely settled. They lo- 
 cated on Deer Creek, in a grove at 
 the time occupied by a party of In- 
 dians, attracted there by the superior 
 hunting and fishing afforded in that 
 vicinity. The following winter was 
 known as the " hard winter," the snow being very 
 deep and lasting and the weather severely cold; and 
 the family had to subsist mainly on boiled corn or 
 hominy, and some wild game, for several weeks. In 
 the course of time Mr. R. N. Cullom became a prom- 
 inent citizen and was several times elected to the 
 Legislature, both before and after the removal of the 
 caviital from Vandalia to Springfield. He died about 
 '873- 
 
 Until about 19 years of age young Cullom grew up 
 
 tc agricultural pursuits, attending school as he had 
 
 'DDortunity during the winter. Within this time, 
 
 ov/ever, lie spent several months teaching ^rhool. 
 
 and m 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 lie heard Hon. E. B. V/ashburne make 
 his first speech. 
 
 On recovering health, Mr. Cullom concluded to 
 study law, under the instruction of Abraham Lincoln, 
 at Springfield, who had by this time attained some 
 notoriety as an able lawyer; but the latter, being ab- 
 sent from his office most of the time, advised Mr. 
 Cullom to enter the office of Stuart & Edwards. 
 After about a year of study there, however, his healtb 
 failed again, and he was obliged to return once more 
 to out-door life. Accordingly he bought hogs for 
 packing, for A. G. Tyng, in Peoria, and while he re- 
 gained his health he gained in purse, netting $400 in 
 a few weeks. Having been admitted to the B.ir, he 
 went to Springfield, where he was soon elected City 
 Attorney, on the .\nti-Nebraska ticket. 
 
 In 1856 he ran on the Fillmore ticket as a Presi- 
 dential Elector, and, although failing to be elected as 
 such, he was at the same time elected a Representa- 
 tive in the Legislature from Sangamon County, by a 
 local coalition of the American and Republican par- 
 ties. On the organization of the House, he received 
 the vote of the Fillmore men for Speaker. Practictr^
 
 176 
 
 SHELB Y M. CULLOM. 
 
 law uiiiil iS6o, he was again elected to the Legisla- 
 ture, as a Republican, while the county went J)emo- 
 tr.itic on the Presidential ticket. In January foUow- 
 inji he was elected Speaker, probably th^ youngest 
 man who had ever presided over an Illinois Legis- 
 lature. After the session of 1861, he was a candidate 
 for the State Constitutional Convention called for 
 that year, but was defeated, and thus escaped the 
 disgiace of being connected with that abortive party 
 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 
 Ntw 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, JohnT. Stuart, who had 
 been elected in 1862 by about 1,500 majority over 
 Leonard Swett, then of Bloomington, now of Chicago. 
 The result was the election of Mr. Cullom in Novem- 
 ber following by a majority of 1,785. In 1866 he 
 was re-elected to Congress, over Dr. E. S. Fowler, by 
 the magnificent majority of 4,103! In 1868 he was 
 again a candidate, defeating the Hon. B. S. Edwards, 
 anr)tlier 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 
 Oliio, to the Chairmanship of the latter. He intro- 
 duced a bill in the House, to aid in the execution of 
 law ill Utah, which caused more consternation among 
 the Mormons than any measure had previously, but 
 '.vhicli, though it passed the House, failed to pass the 
 Senate. 
 
 The Republican Convention which met May 25, 
 1876, nominated Mr. Cullom for Governor, while the 
 other contestant was Gov. Beveridge. For Lieuten- 
 ant-Governor they nominated Andrew Shuman, editor 
 of the Chicago Journal. For the same offices the 
 Democrats, combining with the Anti-Monopolists, 
 Dlaced 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 wliich had seemed 
 to gather force from that time to the end of Gov. 
 CuUom's first administration. This unspeculative 
 period was not calculated to call forth any new 
 issues, but the Governors 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 tune 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 tlie 
 Democrats; and although theformer party was some- 
 what handicapped in the campaign by a zealous 
 faction opposed to Grant for President and to Grant 
 men for office generally, Mr. Cullom was re-elected 
 by about 314,565, to 277,532 forthe 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 
 (jreenback or Socialist parties were elected. Gov. 
 Cullom was inaugurated Jan. 10, iS8t. In his mes- 
 sage he announced that the last dollar of the State 
 debt had been provided for. 
 
 March 4, 1883, the term of David Davis as United 
 States Senator from Illinois expired, and Gov. Cul- 
 lo n was cliosen to succeed him. This promoted 
 Lieutenant-Governor John M. Hamilton to the Gov- 
 ernorship. Senator CuUom's term in tlie United 
 St.-ttes Senate will expire March 4, 1889. 
 
 As a practitioner oflaw Mr. C. has been a member 
 of the firm of Cullom, Scholes & Mather, at Spring- 
 field; and he has also been President of the State 
 National Bank. 
 
 He has been married twice, — the first time Dec. 
 1 1!, 1855, to Miss Hannah Fisher, by whom he had 
 t\*o daughters; and the second time May 5, 1863, 
 to Julia Fisher. Mrs. C is p. member of the Method - 
 isl Episcopal Church, with which religious body Mi. 
 C. is also in sympathy.
 
 GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 
 
 179 
 
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 i^T$*5";^^srir<=»*;"$4'$;:S^ss^-S;s-#$"g-<s^:!S«^;;:$«^;g<& 
 
 
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 OHN MARSHALL HAMIL- 
 TON, Governor 1883-5, ^^^ 
 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. Wni. 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 McMorris, who was 
 born and raised in Fauquier or Lou- 
 doun County, Va., and related to the 
 two large families of Youngs and Marshalls, well 
 known in that commonwealth; and from the latter 
 family name was derived the middle name of Gov. 
 Hamilton. 
 
 In March, 1854, Mr. Hamilton's tether 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 Roliens Township. Marshall Co., 111., being 
 21 days on the route. Swamps, unbridged streams 
 and innumerable hardships and privations met them 
 on their way. Their new home had been previously 
 selected by the faiher. Here, after many long years 
 oftoil, tliey succeeded in paying for the land and 
 .nakir.g a comfort''''-^ home. John was, of course, 
 
 brought up to hard manual labor, with no schooling 
 except three or four months in the year at a common 
 country school. However, he evinced a capacity 
 and taste for a high order of self-education, by 
 studying or reading what books 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 liome, to pay debts ; but the father and two 
 sons, William and John, "buckled to" and perse- 
 vered in hard labor and economy until they redeemed 
 their place from the mortgage. 
 
 When the tremendous excitement of the political 
 campaign of i860 reached the neighborhood of Rob- 
 erts Township, young Hamilton, who had been 
 brought up in the doctrine of anti-slavery, took a zeal- 
 ous part in favor of Lincoln's election. Making special 
 efforts to procure a little money to buy a uniform, he 
 joined a company of Lincoln Wide-Awakes at Mag- 
 nolia, a village not far away. Directly after the 
 ensuing election it became evident that trouble 
 would ensue with the South, and this Wide-Awake 
 company, like many others throughout the country, 
 kept up its organization and transformed itself into a 
 military company. During the ensuing summer they 
 met often for drill and became proficient; but when 
 they offered themselves for the v.-ar, 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, Marshall County,
 
 i8o 
 
 JOHN MARSHALL HAMILTON. 
 
 and in the following May he again enlisted, for the 
 fourth time, when he was placed in the 141st 111. 
 Vol. Inf., a regiment then being raised at Elgin, 111., 
 for the 100-day service. He took with him 13 other 
 lads from his neighborhood, for enlistment in the 
 service. This regiment operated in Southwestern 
 Kentucky, for about five months, under Gen. Paine. 
 
 The following winter, 1864-5, Mr. 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 deparutient. In due time he received 
 the degree of M. A. For a few months he was the 
 Principal of Marshall " College '" at Henry, an acad- 
 emy under the auspices of the M. E. Church. By 
 this lime he had commenced the study of law, and 
 after earning some money as a temporary Professor 
 of Latin at the Illinois VVesleyaa 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 
 atnbroken until Feb. 6, 1883, when Mr. Hamilton 
 was sworn in as Executive of Illinois. On the 4tl) 
 •f March following Mr. Rowell took his seat in Con- 
 gress. 
 
 In July, 187 I, Mr. Hamilton married Miss Helen 
 M. Williams, the dau_L;hter of Prof. VVm. G, Williams, 
 Professor of Greek in the Ohio Weileyan 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 pait " 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, against cs 
 much opposition that the bill was several times 
 " laid on the table." Also, this session authorized 
 the location and establishment of a southern peni- 
 tentiary, which was fixed at Chester. In the session 
 of 1879 Mr. Hamilton was elected Vx^'ixAtrA pro tern. 
 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 '■"'abash 
 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. CuUom 
 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, 
 
 1885, when the great favorite "Dick " Oglesby was 
 inaugurated.

 
 GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 
 
 183 
 
 
 •f^v^... 
 
 J^ 
 
 #» 
 
 r;^USEPH WILSON FIFER. This 
 distinguished gentleman was 
 elected Governor of Illinois 
 November 6, 1888. He was 
 [lopulavly known during the 
 c-arapaigu 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 
 in politics. John and Mary 
 Fifer had nine children, of whom Joseph was the 
 sixth, and naturally, with so large a family, it was 
 all the father could do to keep the wolf from the 
 door, to say nothing of giving his children any- 
 thing like good educational advantages. 
 
 Joseph attended school for a while in Virgina, 
 but it was not a good school, and when his father 
 removed to the AVest, 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 
 
 Henry Clay Whig 
 
 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 opportunity 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. FIFER. 
 
 ment went down to Milliken 's Bend, and for several 
 weeks "Private Joe" worked on Grant's famous 
 ditch. The regiment then joined tlie forces oper- 
 ating against Port Gibson and Vicksl)urg. Joe 
 was on guard duty in the front ditclies when the 
 flag of surrender was run up on the 4th of Jul}-, 
 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, wlio had been 
 made a Lieutenant, proved to be the mcaus of sav- 
 ing his life. The Surgeon told him that unless he 
 had ice his brother could not live. It was fift}- 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 ambxilance 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 liim. Af- 
 ter a few months' careful nursing, Mr. Fifer was able 
 to come home. The Thirtj'-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 3-ears 
 and two months. 
 
 "Private Joe" came out of the armj- 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 he must 
 have an education. Yet he had no means to ena- 
 ble him to enter school as most young men do. 
 He was determined to have an education, however, 
 and that to him meant success. For the following 
 four years he struggled with his books. He en- 
 
 tered Wesleyan University January 1, 1865. He 
 was not a brilliant student, being neitlier at the 
 head nor at the foot of his class. lie 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 shingie 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 j-ears. His 
 ability to perform abundance of hard work made 
 him a most valued member of the Legislature. 
 
 Mr. Fifer was married in 1870 to tiertic, daugh- 
 ter of William J. Lewis, of Bloomington. Mr. Fifer 
 is six feet in height and is spare, weighing only one 
 hundred and fifty pouuds. 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 tlie 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 Stale. He 
 waged a vigorous campaign, was elected by a good 
 majority, and in due time assumed the duties of 
 the Chief Executive of Illinois.
 
 /?.
 
 GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 
 
 187 
 
 ^^r^.^Srt?^ 
 
 ,^ 
 
 j-ClIX P. ALTGELD, the present 
 v.; Governor of Illinois, is a native 
 f'^**" of Prussia, born in 1848. Shortly 
 after his birth his parents emi- 
 grated to America, locating on 
 a farm near Mansfield, Ohio. 
 When but a mere lad, joung 
 Altgeld had to walk from the 
 farm to Mansfield with butter, 
 eggs and garden produce, which 
 he peddled from house to house. 
 About 1856, his parents moved 
 to the city of Mansfield, and for 
 a time our subject was engaged 
 morning and evening in driv- 
 ing cattle to and from the pas- 
 ture, a distance of eight miles. When fourteen 
 years of age he hired out as a farm hand, and con- 
 tinued in that avocation the greater part of his 
 time until he was sixteen years of age, when he 
 enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Sixty- 
 lourth Ohio Infantry, and served until the close of 
 the war. On being mustered in, the regiment was 
 sent to Washington and was actively engaged in 
 the various canij)aigns in and around that city 
 until the surrender of Lee. In the fall of 1864, 
 young Altgeld was taken sick, while with his regi- 
 ment in the front, and the surgeon desired to send 
 him to a hospital in Washington; but he asked to 
 
 be allowed to remain with the regiment, and soon 
 recovering from his sickness was actively engaged 
 until the close of the war. He was mustered out 
 at Columbus, Ohio, in the spring of 1865. The 
 succeeding summer he worked with his father on 
 a farm, during which time he became connected 
 with the Sunday-school and was given cliarge 'yl 
 the Bible class. Before entering tlie army he had 
 but very limited educational advantages, having 
 attended school but a part of two summers and 
 one winter. He had at home, however, studied 
 the German language and had become familiar 
 with some German authors. Determining to fit 
 himself for a useful life, he resolved to attend a 
 select school at Lexington, Ohio, and in a little 
 eight-b}'-ten room, meagrely furnished, he kept 
 "bachelor's hall," and in time was so far advanced 
 that he secured a cei-tificate as teacher, and for 
 two years was engaged in that profession. At the 
 end of that time he left home and traveled exten- 
 sively over the country', working at odd jobs, un- 
 til he finally reached Savannah, Mo., where he en- 
 tered a law office, and in 1870 was admitted to the 
 Bar. In the fall of 1872, he ran as • rosecuting 
 Attorney for Andrews County, Mo., and was de- 
 feated by four votes. He ran again in 1874 and 
 was elected. But life in the small town of Savan- 
 nah was a little too monotonous for him, and he 
 deterxnined to locate in Chicago. In October,
 
 188 
 
 JOHN P. ALTGELD. 
 
 1875, be resigned the office of Prosecuting Attor- 
 ney, moved to Cliicago, and at once commenced 
 the practice of law. For some j-ears after he had 
 but little to do with politics, confining himself to 
 his piactice and dealing in real estate. One year 
 after his arrival in Chicago he found himself with- 
 out a dollar, and in debt some $400. By a streak of 
 good luck, as it might be termed, he won a case in 
 court, from which he received a fee of $900, and 
 after pa3'ing his debt he had 1500 left, which he 
 invested in real estate. This venture proved a 
 successful one, and from that time on the profits 
 of one transaction were invested in others, and 
 to-day he is numbered among the millionaire resi- 
 dents of the great metropolis of the West. 
 
 In 1884, Mr. Altgeld was nominated for Con- 
 gress, but was defeated by three thousand votes. 
 In 1886, be was nominated and elected Judge of 
 the Superior Court of Cook County. His services 
 as Judge were such as to commend him to the peo- 
 ple. Early in the year 1892, by the solicitation of 
 
 many friends, he announced himself as a candi- 
 date for Governor. At the convention held 
 April 27, he received the nomination and at once 
 entered upon an active canvass. Alone, he traveled 
 all over the entire State, and visited and consulted 
 with the leading politicians of eveiy section. He 
 made few public speeches, however, until near the 
 close of the campaign, but it was ver}' evident that 
 lie was master of the situation at all times. When 
 tlie votes were counted at tiie close of election 
 day, it was found that he had a majority of the 
 votes, and so became the first Democratic Governor 
 of Illinois since 1856. 
 
 Born in poverty, alone, single-handed and un- 
 aided, he faced the world, and with a determina- 
 tion to succeed, he pressed forward, until to-day he 
 has a National reputation,- and is the envied of 
 many. The lesson of his life is worthy of careful 
 study by the young, and shows what can be done 
 by one who has the desire in his heart to attain a 
 front rank among the noted men of the country.
 
 '©)^^^^^??S^5t( 
 
 Randolph, Jackson, Perry 
 
 and Monroe Counties, 
 Illinois. 
 
 (gr^^^-^..^^^ 

 
 
 LJj ^i>j !i__y 

 
 cMs 
 
 -mm INTRODUCTORY. 
 
 Y«r>£^%yHE time has arrived when it 
 ''[y/f 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 
 ^afe vessel in which the names and actions of the 
 people who contributed to raise this country from its 
 l)rimitive state may be preserved. Surely and rapidly 
 the great and aged men, who in their ])rime 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 setilement is becoming small indeed, so that an 
 nctual necessity e.xists for tlie 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 'o the amount of intelligence they possessed. 
 Th-; (lyramiils of Kgvpt were liuilt to perijctuate the 
 names and deeds of their great rulers. The exhu- 
 mations made by the ar^-heologists of Egypt from 
 buried Men-.phis indicate a desire of those people 
 
 to perpetuate the memory of their achievements. 
 
 The erection of the great obelisks were for the same 
 purpose. Coming down to a later period, we find the 
 Greeks and Romans erecting mausoleums and monu- 
 ments, and carving out statues to chronicle their 
 great achievements and carry them down the ages. 
 It is also evident that the Mound-builders, in piling 
 up their great mounds of earth, had but this idea — 
 to leave something to show that they had lived. All 
 these works, though many of them costly in the ex- 
 treme, give but a faint idea of the lives and charac- 
 ters of those whose memory they were intended to 
 perpetuate, and scarcely anything of the masses of 
 the people that then lived. The great pyramids and 
 some of the obelisks remain objects only of curiosity; 
 the mausoleums, monuments and statues are crum- 
 bling into dust. 
 
 It was left to modern ages to establish an intelli- 
 gent, undecaying, immutable method of perpetuating 
 a full history — immutable in that it is almost un- 
 limited in extent and perpetual in its action; and 
 this is through the art of printing. 
 
 To the present generation, however, we are in- 
 debted for the introduction of the admirable system 
 of local biography. By this system every man, though 
 he has not achieved what the world calls greatness, 
 has the means to perpetuate his life, his history, 
 through the coming ages. 
 
 The scythe of Time cuts down all ; nothing of the 
 physical man is left. The monument which his chil- 
 dren or friends may erect to his memory in the cemt^ 
 tery will crumble into dust and pass away; but his 
 life, his achievements, the work he has accomplished, 
 which otherwise would be forgotten, is perpetuated 
 by a record of this kind. 
 
 To preserve the lineaments of our companions we 
 engrave theiu portraits, for the same reason we col- 
 lect the attainable facts of their history. Nor do we 
 think it necessary, as we speak only truth of them, to 
 wait until they are dead, or until those who know 
 them are gone: -to do this we are ashamed only to 
 publish to the world the history of those whose lives 
 are unworthy of public record.
 
 GEN. JOHN A. LOGAN.
 
 g:-f#' 
 
 
 ^^EN. JOHN A. LOGAN was born in Frank- 
 '|[ (5— lin County, 111., in 1824. He entered mili- 
 '^^5 tarj' service as Captain in the Mexican War 
 and served for two 3'ears. At the beginning of 
 the Civil War he espoused the cause of the Union 
 and entered the volunteer service in 1861, when 
 he raised and commanded the Thirty-first Illinois 
 Infantry. At the battle of Belmont, Mo., he led 
 his men into the fight with great gallantry. 
 Though they were raw troops and had never stood 
 fire, yet thej- fought on this occasion, under the 
 lead of Colonel Logan, with a bravery seldom sur- 
 passed bv veteran soldiei-s. 
 
 At the battle of Ft. Donelson, Colonel Logan's 
 command held the right of the line and was 
 pressed b\' overwhelming odds. Stubbornly resist- 
 ing the massed columns of the enemy, he succeeded 
 in holding his position until reinforcements were 
 brought and the Confederates finally driven from 
 the field. On that occasion he was severely 
 wounded the first day of the battle, but refused to 
 go to the rear. For his meritorious conduct in 
 that engagement he was made a Brigadier-General 
 and assigned to the army under command of Gen- 
 eral Grant. At the battle of Shiloh he displa\ed 
 his usual courage and solid fighting qualities. For 
 daring and distinguished conduct al this terrible 
 trial of strength between the great contending 
 armies, he was promoted to Major-General Novem- 
 ber 29, 1862. 
 
 Taking command of a division. General Logan 
 accompanied Grant through the Vicksburg cam- 
 paign, and after the fall of that city, the Father of 
 Wat«rs became, as in days past, the common prop- 
 erty of the American people. Before the war be- 
 gan. General Logan, in a speech to the people of 
 Illinois, declared that " If the rebel states, or anj' 
 other foreign Government, ever attempted to con- 
 
 trol the mouth of the JHssissippi River the men of 
 the northwest would hew their way to the Gulf of 
 Mexico, sword in hand." That prophecy was 
 fully realized. The people of the northwest nobly 
 vindicated the truth of what General Logan had 
 said years before, and forever settled the question 
 that the men of the great northwest are unaltera- 
 bl}' resolved that the Mississippi River is the com- 
 mon birthright of the children of its far-spreading 
 valleys, which they will neither voluntarily relin- 
 quish nor peacefully surrender. It was indeed a 
 proud day for General Logan when he could stand 
 on the ruins of the last hostile fortification along 
 this noble river and fully realize the thought that 
 the j-eomanrj' of the northwest had literally 
 carved their way through the entire Confederacy 
 to vindicate their claim to this, the greatest of all 
 American rivers. The Stars and Stripes could now 
 be raised on a steamboat at St. Paul, Minn., and 
 borne, proudl3- waving, to the mouth of the na- 
 tional thoroughfare and out on the gulf below. 
 This work having been finished by the western 
 arm^', the command sought other fields of con- 
 quest. 
 
 From Vicksburg (ieneral Logan started with 
 Sherman, through Mississippi and Alabama, to the 
 relief of Chattanooga, in Tennessee. November 
 24, 1863, the battle of Mission Ridge was fought 
 and won. In that great conflict Logan bore a con- 
 spicuous part and again acquitted himself with 
 distinguished honor. At the beginning of the At- 
 lanta campaign he was placed in command of the 
 F'ifteenth Atlanta Cavalry. In command of this 
 corps he made the celebrated march through the 
 entire Confederacy, from Chattanooga to Atlanta, 
 thence to Savannah, through the Carolinas and 
 Virginia to Richmond, and on to Washington. On 
 reaching the latter city General Howard was ap-
 
 204 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 pointed Superintendent of the Freedraen's Bureau, 
 and General Logan succeeded to the command of 
 the Arm}- of the Tennessee, consisting of tlie Fif- 
 teenth and Seventeenth Atlanta Cavalry. Thus 
 from the position of an humble station he had 
 fought his way to tiie supreme command of a 
 magnificent army of a hundred thousand men. 
 
 In every department of life the native talents 
 and energy of the General brought him success. 
 As a lawyer his was a brilliant career. As a poli- 
 tician, he had, before the Rebellion, attained a 
 wide and growing popularity in Illinois, having 
 been elected to Congress, and having held other 
 posts of honor. Illinois may be proud of her Logan, 
 whose noble valor has vindicated her honor in 
 many a fiercely fought battle, and whose eminent 
 achievements in peaceful pursuits are surpassed 
 only by his daring deeds in the bloody theatre of 
 war. He was a lover of militar}- science and born 
 to be a commander. Among tlie soldiers he was 
 the idol of the Army of the Tennessee. He Mas 
 loved by his men not only because he was their 
 commander, but literally their leader on all occa- 
 sions where danger was to be encountered. 
 
 At the close of the Civil War, General Logan 
 resigned his position and retired to civic life, 
 though from that time until his death, December 
 26, 1886, he was closely associated with the history 
 of Illinois and the United States as well. In per- 
 son he was a remarkable man, resembling no other 
 general. His complexion was dark, his eyes and 
 hair very black, and in stature he was low and 
 heav}-. He wore his hair and mustache long, 
 which increased his resemblance to the Indian 
 chiefs of the western wilds. 
 
 ^^^ APT. A. BEECHER, who now follows farra- 
 [if^ ing on section 20, Makanda Township, 
 ^^^' Jackson County, is one of the honored vet- 
 erans of the late war, who valiantly followed the 
 Old Flag through the thickest of the fight and 
 stood by the Union until its preservation was an 
 assured fact. He was born in Canada, April 30, 
 1836, and is a son of Alex and Harriet Beecher, 
 who are still living in that country. His father 
 
 was born in Massachusetts, but his mother was 
 born in Canada, and was of French descent. The 
 Captain was reared on a farm and was educated 
 in the common schools. He followed brick-mak- 
 ing for a few years, and in 1858 came to the 
 United States. After a year spent in St. Louis, 
 he took up his residence in Makanda Township, 
 where he has since made his home. 
 
 On the Uth of August, 1862, Mr. Beecher be- 
 came a member of Company D, Eighty -ninth Illi- 
 nois Infantry. He joined the regiment at Chicago, 
 and was sent to Louisville, where the troops were 
 attached to General Buell's command, and entered 
 the Murfreesboro campaign, participating in the 
 battles of Perryville, Murfreesboro, Liberty Gap, 
 Hoover's Gap, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Knox- 
 ville, Daudndge and Lookout Mountain. He also 
 helped to build the railroad bridge across the Hal- 
 sten River, and then burned it. The Atlanta cam- 
 paign came on, and Captain Beecher took part in 
 the battles of Buzzard's Roost, Resaca, Dalton, 
 Peach Tree Creek, Marietta, Atlanta, Lovejo}' Sta- 
 tion, .Jonesboro, Pulaski, Pleasant Hill, Franklin 
 and Nashville. He served under Generals Buell, 
 Rosecrans and Thomas. On the 16th of November, 
 1863, he was made Second Lieutenant, and in 
 October, 1864, became Fii-st Lieutenant. He com- 
 manded the company from September 21, 1863, 
 until mustered out, June 27, 1865. He was never 
 off duty and was never absent from a battle. A 
 brave and faithful soldier, he was always found at 
 his post, faithful to the Old Flag, which now floats 
 triumphantly over the united Nation. 
 
 Captain Beecher was married August 21, 1865, 
 to Miss Belle Hilliard, who was born in Greene 
 County, Ohio, January 7, 1844. They became the 
 parents of ten children, of whom eight are j'et liv- 
 ing: Jlattie S., wife of Henry M. Ingram, of 
 Pinckneyville, by whom she has two children; 
 Alex M., of California; Blanche B., wife of Allen 
 Penrod, by whom she has one child; Fred Merrill; 
 Alida A.. Josephine Myra, Katie Maud and Henry 
 Ward. The family are all members of the Meth- 
 odist Episcopal Church, and take an active part in 
 church and Sunday-school work. Miss Alida is 
 successfully engaged in teaching, and is a promi- 
 nent worker in the Epworth League. The Captain
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 205 
 
 is the oldest Mason in Makanda Township, and 
 has frequently held offices in his lodge. He also 
 belongs to the Knights of Honor and to Makanda 
 Post, G. A. R. In politics he is a stalwart Re- 
 publican, and in the year 1890 served as Census 
 Enumerator of his district. Since the year 1859 
 he has resided upon his present farm, and has 
 been very successful in his agricultural pursuits. 
 His life has been well and worthily spent, and 
 Captain Beecher is one of the highly esteemed 
 citizens of the community. 
 
 /p^EORGE W. LEAYITT. Wiiat presents a 
 ill g— pleasanter picture than old age grace- 
 ^^J fully reached after a well spent and pros- 
 perous life! There is something very pleasant in 
 looking back upon the years that intervene be- 
 tween childhood and old age, and living in mem- 
 ory all the triumphs and joys of years spent in an 
 effort to benefit self and neighbors at the same 
 time. And sucli is the case witli Mr. and Mrs. 
 Leavitt, who are botii about eight3' years of age. 
 They are strong and active, and are comfortably- 
 fixed in a financial way. True, they have expe- 
 rienced the usual amount of "ups and downs" 
 that come almost invariably in a busy career, Ijut 
 on the whole they have have known much of suc- 
 cess and happiness. This is in a great measure 
 due to the fact that they have passed their da3-s 
 in peace, free from the dissipations and vexations 
 of the gay world. 
 
 Mr. Leavitt h.as made his home in this count}' 
 for more than fift}' jears, devoting his attention 
 entirely to agricultural pursuits. His birth oc- 
 curred near Kaskaskia, III., December 11, 1813, be- 
 ing a son of Abijah and Elizabeth Leavitt, natives 
 of Maine. The father came to Illinois in 1803 with 
 Generals Stoddard and Pike, and located on a 
 farm near Kaskaskia. Our subject enjoj'ed only 
 limited opportunities for an education, attending 
 the primitive schools of his neighborhood. When 
 thirteen years old he began to carry the mail from 
 Kaskaskia to St. Louis on horseback, and con- 
 tinued at this for the following thirteen years. 
 
 In 1840 Mr. Leavitt came to Randolph County 
 
 with his young wife and purchased a small farm. 
 He was soon enabled to purchase another tract, 
 which he likewise improved. He was sufficiently 
 shrewd to grasp at every opportunity for the bet- 
 tering of his financial condition, but has never 
 done so at the expense of his own self-respect 
 or by fraudulent means. He is to-daj' the second 
 oldest resident of the county, and is enjoying good 
 health, and bj^ his correct mode of living has 
 gained a popularity which is merited in every re- 
 spect. Man}- and interesting are the incidents of 
 pioneer life that he can relate, and he never fails 
 in gaining attentive listeners. 
 
 In 18-40 our subject was married to Miss Sarah 
 Nifold, a daughter of Daniel Nifold, a native of 
 Kentucky, but who was a resident of Randolph 
 Count}- at the time of his death. To this mar- 
 riage were born six children, all of whom are now 
 deceased. In 1864 Mrs. Leavilt was also called to 
 the home of rest, and our subject in 1865 was 
 married to Sarah Meyers. Four children came to 
 bless this union. Emily is the wife of Will- 
 iam Wright and lives in this county; Annie mar- 
 ried Ed Wilson and is a resident of Sparta; Jes- 
 sie, the wife of Cul Nixon, resides in this county; 
 Carrie Happick married Charles Bushe, and they 
 also made their home in this county. Mr. Leavitt 
 is a member of the Baptist Church, while his good 
 wife belongs to the Methodist denomination. Po- 
 litically, our subject casts his vote in favor of the 
 Democracy, but in local matters thinks best to 
 vote for the man and not the party. 
 
 I I I 1 1 I |l a r Ml 
 
 Sip^/ RE D E R I C K KESSEL, who is numbered 
 ti/sy among the enterprising and representative 
 Jts farmers of Kinkaid Township, Jackson 
 
 County, makes his home on section 16. He was 
 born in the kingdom of Prussia, Germany, Feb- 
 ruary 21, 1832, and is a son of William Kessel, 
 who was also a native of that country. By occu- 
 pation the father was a farmer. He served for 
 five j'ears in the army of Frederick the Great 
 in the War of 1815 against Napoleon, was at 
 the siege of Moscow, and took part in many 
 of the battles of that war. He then returned
 
 206 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 to bis home, and in the j'ear 1857 he brouglit 
 his family to America, taking up his residence on 
 a farm in Jackson Count}', near AVilkinson Island, 
 where he died on the 10th of August, 1858. He 
 was married in Prussia to (Jertrude Suootenhouse. 
 Unto them were born ten children: William, Jo- 
 hanna, August, Minnie, Frederick, Harmon, John, 
 Julius, Albert and Emily. All came to America 
 with their father except \Villiam, who died in 
 Prussia. The mother of this family was called to 
 her final rest January 20, 1892, at the advanced 
 age of ninety-one years. 
 
 In the usual manner of farmer lads our subject 
 was reared, and with the family crossed the brin}' 
 deep. Upon his father's death, he purchased the 
 home farm and began business for himself. On 
 the 8th of January, 1858, he was united in mar- 
 riage with Regina Rickels, daughter of William 
 and Mary (Suootenhouse) Rickels. She was one 
 of seven children, viz.: August, Joanna, Minnie, 
 John, Godfrey, Cliarlotle and Regina. The par- 
 ents both died in Prussia, and Mrs. Kessel, with 
 her two brothers, John and Godfrey, came to 
 America. John died in Texas in 1864, and God- 
 frey died in Chester, III., October 27, 1891. 
 
 Upon the farm which he purchased of his father 
 Mr. Kessel resided for seven yeai-s, and then re- 
 moved to Kinkaid Township, where he improved 
 a farm three and a-half miles from his present 
 home. In August, 1878, he removed to the farm 
 on which he now resides. He has placed it under 
 a high state of cultivation and made many excel- 
 lent improvements upon it. It is two hundred 
 and eighty acres in extent, and amid the well 
 tilled fields stand a fine residence and large barns. 
 He also owns four hundred and flftj'-one acres 
 in a bottom farm and another tract of two hun- 
 dred and eleven acres, making in all nine hundred 
 and forty-two acres. 
 
 Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kessel were born five chil- 
 dren. Robert, born March 16, 1862, married Louisa 
 Krugel, and they have one child, Gertrude; Albert 
 F., born January 20, 1865, died December 5, 1889; 
 Alfred, born Januarj- 2, 1867, Edward J., May 14, 
 1872, and Leo August, November 9, 1877, are 
 still at home. The parents are members of the 
 Lutheran Church, but aided in the erection of the 
 
 Baptist Church near their home and regularly 
 attended its services. Mr. Kessel has always been 
 a supporter of the Democracy, and is now serving 
 as Ilighwaj'^ Commissioner and School Trustee. 
 He belongs to the Knights of Honor. By exten- 
 sive reading, experience and observation he has 
 become one of the well informed men of this sec- 
 tion, and is conversant with all the subjects of the 
 day. 
 
 • ^ ^(^ ' 
 
 I;,-^ ENRY GROPPE. Township 6, range 7, 
 r ]ll Randolph County, is the home of many 
 .AW^ intelligent, industrious and prosperous 
 '^^ farmers, who from a small beginning have 
 won a competence, securing a considerable amount 
 of land and surrounding themselves with all the 
 comforts and conveniences which heart can wish. 
 Among this number may he mentioned Henry 
 Groppe. 
 
 Our subject was born in Hanover, Germany, 
 December 18, 1840, and is a sou of Adolph and 
 Mary (Knemeyer) Groppe. The father died in his 
 native land, Germany. In 1850 the mother came 
 to America, and was followed three years later by 
 our subject. The first three jears of his residence 
 in the United States were spent in St. Louis, after 
 which he came to Randolph County and located 
 on a farm near the one on which he now resides. 
 
 Attending the model schools of his native land, 
 our subject gained a fair education. While a resi- 
 dent of St. Louis he was engaged in the tobacco 
 business, and on reaching Randolph County was 
 employed as a day laborer for a few 3-ears. In 
 1863 he pureliased a partially improved piece of 
 land and at once set about its cultivation. It now 
 includes one hundred and sixty acres, and this val- 
 uable property he has acquired through his in- 
 domitable industry and good management. As 
 a farmer he displays excellent judgment in the ro- 
 tation of crops, fertilization of the soil and cultiva- 
 tion of the land, and as a result of his efforts he 
 has gained prosperity. The stock to be found on 
 the jilace is of the best, and in it the owner takes 
 great pride. 
 
 The marriage of Jlr. Groppe and Mrs. Susannah 
 (Wissel) Sinker occurred September 28, 1864. Mrs.
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 207 
 
 Groppe is a daughter of Andrew and Kate Stat- 
 miller) AVissel, both natives of Germany, but now 
 residents of Illinois. Five children have come 
 to bless the hearth and fireside of our subject 
 and his wife: Hermann, Lizzie, Katie, Lulu and 
 Emma, all of whom are living at home with their 
 parents. Mrs. Groppe by her first marriage be- 
 came the mother of tliree children, all of whom are 
 still living: William, Mary and Anna. Our sub- 
 ject and his entu'e famil}* are members of the Cath- 
 olic Church. In national and state affairs our sub- 
 ject is in favor of the Democrac3', but in local 
 matters is rather conservative. 
 
 N#^li-^"i^li^^ 
 
 ^|[OHN TUDOR, who is a representative 
 of a fine old English family in Randolph 
 Count3', is a general farmer, and has a 
 good estate located on section 4, township 
 8, range 5, which he has supplied with all the 
 necessary' buildings and farm implements suited 
 to the purpose of a first-class agriculturist. Mr. 
 Tudor was born iu France .lanuary 4, 1827, where 
 his parents were temporarily residing. He was the 
 fifth in order of birth in a family of eight chil- 
 dren comprising the household of Thomas and 
 Mary (Corbitt) Tudor, natives of Shropshire, En- 
 land, where the family residence was located for 
 many years. 
 
 About 1832 Thomas Tudor came to America, 
 locating in Haverstraw, N. Y., where he worked at 
 his trade, that of a foundryman, for a number of 
 3'ears before sending for his family to join him in 
 the New World. He was more fortunate in a 
 monetarj' waj' than man}' emigrants who made 
 their home in America, and it was not for lack of 
 funds that he delated sending for the family, but 
 to make sure that he would be pleased with life as 
 he found it in a new land. In 1836, the mother 
 with her children took passage at Liverpool, and 
 after a comparatively smooth passage of a month, 
 they landed in New Yoik. One unpleasant inci- 
 dent of the voyage, long to be remembered, was the 
 fact of the supply of food giving out. The passen- 
 gers had to be placed on short rations, but as the 
 journe\' was nearly* at an end, tlieir suffering was 
 
 not very great. Thomas Tudor met them in New 
 York City, and they went directl}' to their new 
 home in Haverstraw. 
 
 Our subject immediately took a position with 
 his father in the mill, where he remained until his 
 twenty-second birthday. Having heard such glow- 
 ing accounts of life in this then western country, he 
 decided to cast in his lot with friends and kindred 
 who had come to Illinois, and was accompanied on 
 the journey- bj' his brother and his family. The 
 part}- set out in May, 1849, and after a tedious 
 journey, reached their destination in Jackson 
 Count}' on the 1st of June. On arriving here, 
 our subject first found emiiloyment working for 
 his brother-in-law, receiving for his services ^l 1 per 
 month. The following season, having received 
 aid from his father, he purchased a tract of one 
 hundred and twenty acres, paying for it in gold, 
 which coin was so scarce that the officials were not 
 inclined to take it, fearing that it might not 
 be good. He was very successful in his calling, 
 and soon purchased two hundred and forty acres, 
 which now constitute the homestead, and he also 
 owns two hundred acres lying in other townships. 
 
 During his boyhood days our subject attended 
 school in England, and while in Haverstraw he 
 attended a school which was supported by the 
 fund raised from the mill where he was employed. 
 December 9, 1851, John Tudor and Miss Eliza, 
 daughter of Samuel and Arabella (Price) Richards, 
 were united in marriage. Mr. and Mre. Richards 
 were living at that time in Haverstraw, N. Y., 
 although they were natives of Shropshire, En- 
 gland, and lived near the Tudors in the Mother 
 Country. Mrs. Tudor departed this life January 
 25, 1876, at the age of forty-four years. She had 
 become the mother of eleven children, eight of 
 whom survive: Thomas Henry, who is the present 
 Postmaster of Rockwood; Arabella, Mrs. James 
 Stewart, who resides on a farm near Rockwood; 
 Guy Seymour, a blacksmith in Shiloh; George Ben- 
 jamin, a farmer living in Jackson County; Charles 
 Sherman, a teacher in Randolph County; Nellie, 
 Mrs. Edward Morgan; Lydia Priscilla and Ernest 
 Shubel. at home. Those deceased are, William 
 Wallace, Rose Hannah and Florence Elizabeth. 
 
 John Tudor is a member of the Presbyterian
 
 208 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Church, as was also his good wife. He has been 
 a Republican in politics since the organization of 
 the party, casting his first vote for Fremont in the 
 3'ear 1856. Besides having served as School Di- 
 rector many terms, Mr. Tudor has officially repre- 
 sented liis townsiiip as Supervisor on the County 
 Board. 
 
 .\f OUNSON MARSHALL, of Kandoli>h Coun- 
 ty, was born in Washington County, Pa., 
 in October, 1823, and was the second child 
 l)orn to William and Catherine (Mooney) 
 Marshall. His father, a native of Ireland, came 
 to America with his parents in 1801, and was 
 reared in Allegheny City, Pa. Throughout life 
 he followed fanning, and his death occurred in 
 Cleveland in 1833. The Mooney family came 
 from Scotland to America in an early daj' and lo- 
 cated in Maryland, where the mother of our sub- 
 ject was born. During her girlhood she accom- 
 panied iier parents to Pennsylvania, and died in 
 Princeton, that state, in 1873. Seven children 
 were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Marshall, of whom 
 five sons are yet living, three being residents of 
 St. Louis. Mo., and one of Cleveland, Ohio. 
 
 Johnson Marshall obtained a limited education 
 in Cleveland, but his father died when he was 
 ten years of .age, and he was then thrown upon 
 bis own resources and had to assist in support- 
 ing the family. He followed any employment 
 that came in his way whereby he might earn an 
 honest dollar. Thus liis time was passed until 
 eighteen years of age, when he began boating on 
 the Muskingum and Beaver Rivers, where he con- 
 tinued for a number of years. In March; 1854, 
 he began steaniboating, sailing from St. Louis, 
 Mo., and since that time he has been engaged 
 continuously in the same pursuit on the Missis- 
 sippi and Missouri Rivers, there being but few 
 ports along the way in which Captain Marshall is 
 not known. In his business he has met with suc- 
 cess, and by close application and earnest effort 
 he has worked his way steadily upward. 
 
 In October, 1855, the Captain was united in 
 marriage with Miss Catherine Zollmann, daughter 
 of Abraham and Rachel Zollmann, formerly of 
 
 Pennsylvania, but afterward of Missouri, where 
 their last davs were spent. Bj' the union of our 
 subject and his wife there were born fifteen chil- 
 dren, four of whom died in infancy. Tliose still 
 living are, Emma, wife of E. W. Mann, of Ne- 
 braska; Sarah, wife of William Heard, of Kansas; 
 Robert, of St. Louis, who married Lizzie Cooley, 
 and is engaged in steamboating on the Mississippi; 
 Melia, wife of William Rosborough, who lives near 
 Sparta, 111.; Frank, who married Elizabeth Raglin 
 and lives in Oregon; Ida, wife of Robert Ruppert, 
 of Chester; Caroline, wife of George Montroy; 
 Norman, Mabel, Laura and Fred, all of whom are 
 still with their parents. 
 
 In his social relations Mr. Marshall is a Mason, 
 belonging to Chester Lodge No. 72, A. F. & A.M., 
 of Chester. He also holds membership with Ches- 
 ter Lodge No. 57, I. O. O. F., and his estimable 
 wife is a member of the Presbyterian Church. In 
 politics he is a Democrat, but has never aspired to 
 public office. A pleasant, genial gentleman, he 
 wins friends wherever he goes, and his circle of 
 agreeable acquaintances is very large. His life 
 has been well and worthily spent, and he may truly 
 be called a self-made man. 
 
 f|j^x ICHOLAS W. KELLY. On section 8,town- 
 II jjj ship 8, range 5, Randolph County, lies a 
 jiyj^ pleasant, well improved farm, which is 
 the propert3' of our subject. He is a native of 
 this count}', and was born on the 8th of February, 
 1845, to Thomas and Eliz.abetli (Anderson) Kell}-, 
 natives of County Down, Ireland, and of Scotch 
 origin. The parents emigrated to the United 
 States about the year 1842, and after residing 
 about seven j-ears in Haverstraw, N. Y. (where 
 the father worked as a brick molder, and later as 
 engineer in a chemical factory), came to Illinois. 
 With the exception of four 3'eais spent in Jack- 
 son Country and one year in Washington Count}', 
 Kan., they have been residents of this county since 
 coining west. 
 
 Nicholas W. Kelly served eight months during 
 the late war as a member of Company F, One Hun- 
 dred and Fifty-fourth Illinois Infantry, under
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 209 
 
 General Thomas. He was discharged at Nashville, 
 Tenn., September 21, 1865, and was mustered out 
 at Springfield, 111., nine days later. He was mar- 
 ried April 24, 1866, to Miss Alsa C, daughter of 
 Charles R. and Rhoda (Adams) Ilaskin, the former 
 a native of New York, and the latter born in Ken- 
 tucky. Mrs. Kelly was the eldest of seven chil- 
 dren in her parents' family, and was born October 
 22, 1847, in Jackson County, 111.- She became the 
 mother of ten children, and departed this life No- 
 vember 15, 1889. Only five of tlie family are liv- 
 ing at the present time: Luella, Clara, Thomas A., 
 Benjamin C. and Maida J. Mrs. Kell3' during her 
 lifetime was an active member of the Kbenezer 
 Presbyterian Ciiurch, in which bod3' our subject 
 is an Elder. In his political relations Mr. Kelly 
 is a Republican, and socially is connected with 
 Rockwood Post No. 734, G. A. R. 
 
 -^=m>^^<i 
 
 -J— 
 
 f|^^ICHOLAS VVELSCH, a well known farmer 
 11 jl) of Monroe County, who now devotes his 
 '^c^!) time and energies to agricultural pursuits 
 on section 31, township 3, range 10 west, was born 
 on the 18th of September, 1834, and comes of one 
 of the re()resentative families of this comiuuiiity. 
 His parents, John and Anna M. (Weirschem) 
 Welsch, were both natives of Germany, and were 
 there reared and educated. The father was a farmer 
 by occupation and followed that pursuit in his na- 
 tive land until 1839, when with his family he 
 crossed the water to America. He took up his resi- 
 dence in St. Clair County, 111., and two years later 
 came to Monroe County, locating on a farm near 
 Madonnaville. He purcliased one hundred and 
 sixty acres of land, but afterward sold this and pur- 
 chased a large farm, the same upon which our sub- 
 ject now resides. At one time he owned over 
 eight hundred acres of valuable land and was num- 
 bered among the wealthiest citizens of the county. 
 In 1870, he removed to Monroe, purchased a pleas- 
 ant home, and there resided until his death, which 
 occurred at the age of sixty -seven. His wife, a 
 most estimable lady, passed awa^' at the age of 
 seventy-two. They were both members of the 
 Catholic Church, and Jlr. Welsch served as its 
 
 Trustee for some time. In politics he was a stal- 
 wart Democrat, and was honored with several local 
 offices. He engaged extensively in raising grajjes 
 for the manufacture of wine, wliich he sold to the 
 St. I.ouis markets. In one year he made over four 
 thousand gallons of wine. Mr. "Welsch, who was a 
 very popular man, won many friends and was 
 highl3- respected bj' all who knew him. 
 
 In the Welsch family were twelve children, but 
 seven of the number are now deceased. Those 
 still living are Maria, Joseph, Catherine, Peter and 
 Nicholas. Tiie last-named, who is the subject of this 
 sketch, was reared and educated in Monroe County, 
 spending the days of his boj^iood and youth in the 
 usual manner of farmer lads. He began life for 
 himself at the age of twenty-one, and as a com- 
 panion and helpmate on life's journey chose Miss 
 Mar3' E. Arns, a native of Germany. B}' their 
 union were born eleven children, of whom two are 
 now deceased. The others are, Anna S., Lizzie J., 
 Mary L., Katie C, Louisa T., Josephine M., Emil 
 J., George N. and Joseph J. They have also 
 reared two orphan children, Henrietta Bucher and 
 John Fageu. The mother of this family came to 
 America when a maiden of twelve summers, and 
 lived with her parents in New Orleans for two 
 3'ears before coming to Illinois. She is a member 
 of the Catholic Church, and is a most highl3' re- 
 spected lad3', whose excellencies of character have 
 gained her many friends. 
 
 After the death of his father, Mr. Welsch pur- 
 chased the old homestead farm, comprising more 
 than five hundred acres of land. He has led a 
 useful life, and as the result of his untiring labors 
 he is now the owner of a very valuable property. 
 His land is all under a high state of cultivation, 
 and is improved with good buildings and all the 
 accessories and conveniences of a model farm. In 
 his political views, Mr. Welsch is a supporter of 
 the Democracy; he has held the offices of Trustee 
 and School Director, but has never been an active 
 politician, preferring to devote his entire time and 
 attention to his business interests, in which he 
 has met with signal success. He and his chil- 
 dren are all members of the Catholic Church, and 
 he is a prominent and influential citizen of the 
 eommunit3', and is held in high regard throughout
 
 210 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 the count}' in which he has so long made his 
 home. He is numbered among the pioneer settlers, 
 for since a very early da}' he has witnessed the 
 growth and upbuilding of this region, and in the 
 work of public advancement and improvement he 
 has ever borne his part. 
 
 i|t_. ENRY SCHULZE. Examples of unremitting 
 \¥}i> zeal, strict integrity and financial success 
 /■^^ may be met witli in every agricultural dis- 
 v^^ trict in our country. Especially is this the 
 case in Randolph Count}-, where the farmers are 
 almost invariably well-to-do, intelligent and en- 
 terprising. As a representative of this class we 
 mention tiie name of Mr. Schulze, the owner and 
 occupant of a farm located on section 2, township 
 7, range 6. He is engaged in general farming, and 
 is especially successful in stock-raising. 
 
 A native of Germany, our subject, who was the 
 son of Ciiarles and Dorothea (Welge) Schulze, was 
 born November 17, 1838. His fatiier came to 
 America with his family in the year 1849, and hav- 
 ing heard such glowing accounts of the Prairie 
 State, made his way directly to Randolph County, 
 where he became a farmer. While residing in Ger- 
 many, however, he worked at his trade of a shoe- 
 maker, but followed that occupation only a few 
 years after coming 1o the New World. His death 
 occurred in 1879, while his good wife preceded him 
 to the better land by many years. 
 
 Henry Schulze was a lad of eleven years when 
 he crossed the Atlantic, and while residing in 
 his native land attended school. After locating 
 in this county, and desiring to become thor- 
 oughly conversant with the English language, 
 young Schulze attended school, and later went to 
 Chester, where he learned the trade of a shoemaker. 
 Not liking that occupation, however, he returned 
 to the farm and has ever since given his attention 
 to agtieultural pursuits, and now has one of the 
 finest estates in southern Illinois. He has been 
 successful as a farmer, and his understanding of 
 agriculture in its various departments is broad 
 and deep. 
 
 In 1861, Mr. Schulze and Miss Caroline Opper- 
 
 man were united in marriage. The lady was born 
 in Germany, and by her union with our subject 
 she became the mother of six children, only two 
 of whom, Mena and Sophia, are living. The 
 elder daughter is the wife of Fritz Dreggemuller, 
 and makes her home in Kansas, while Sophia re- 
 sides with her father on the home farm. Mrs. Caro- 
 line Schulze departed this life in the year 1871, 
 and two years later our subject was married to 
 Miss Mary Brammer. Their union was blessed by 
 the birth of a daughter, Mary. Mrs. Mary Schulze 
 died in 1876, and the following year Miss Louisa 
 Hornbustle, of St. Louis, became the wife of our 
 subject. To them has been born a son, William. 
 
 Our subject is a stanch Democrat in politics, and 
 in religious matters he and his wife are devoted 
 members of the Lutheran Church. In this com- 
 munity where he has so long made his home he is 
 both widely and favorably known, and in the his- 
 tory of his adopted county he well deserves repre- 
 sentation. 
 
 l(i). ^»^_... -@J 
 
 FREDERICK DREVES. The career of 
 this gentleman has been marked by en- 
 terprise, industry and well directed efforts, 
 and he has been rewarded by the accumu- 
 lation of a large amount of land and the machinery 
 and stock necessary for carrying on a first-class 
 farm. Mr. Drevts is one of those German-Amer- 
 ican citizens of whom we have reason to be proud 
 on account of the example they present of indus- 
 try, morality and good citizenship. He is at pres- 
 ent residing in township 7, range 6, Randolph 
 County, where he owns a good estate which he has 
 placed under the best methods of improvement. 
 
 Our subject was born in Prussia in March, 1841, 
 and is the eldest of four children born to Henry 
 and AVilhelmina (Hamote) Dreves. In 1849 the 
 family emigrated to America, and on the journey 
 across the Atlantic Mrs. Dreves and one daughter 
 died. The father landed in the New World with 
 three of his children, and on going to St. Louis, 
 Mo., there found the cholera raging, and the re-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 211 
 
 maining brother and sister of our subject were 
 taken away b_y that dread disease. 
 
 The father of our subject was again married in 
 St. Louis, and in 1850 came to Illinois and located 
 a tract of land near Chester, which is the present 
 home of Mr. Dreves of this sketch. The latter at- 
 tended school in his native country and also at- 
 tended a short time in St. Louis and in Chester, this 
 state. He lias always made farming his life pursuit, 
 and has brought to bear upon it a high degree of 
 intelligence, and is looked upon as one of the best 
 agriculturists in this part of the county. A new 
 postoffice has been created near his home which 
 bears his name. 
 
 The subject of this sketch established a home of 
 his own in 1865, at which time he was married to 
 Miss Catherine Trede. Her parents were also na- 
 tives of Germany and died in the Mother Country. 
 To Mr. and Mrs. Dreves have been born seven 
 children. Henry married Annie Shemory and re- 
 sides near the old homestead, and the others are 
 Dietlof, George, Hermann, William, Anna and 
 Mena. 
 
 Mr. Dreves believes in the principles laid down 
 in the Republican platform, and therefore votes 
 the straight ticket. His entire family are mem- 
 bers of the Lutheran Church and conduct them- 
 selves so as to win the respect of all with whom 
 they come in contact. Although he never seeks 
 office, our subject alwaj's manifests a great interest 
 in the public welfare, and may be counted upon 
 to bear his part in every worthy enterprise which 
 is being promulgated in the neighborhood. 
 
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 ^ 
 
 ISAAC LEHNHERR. There is nothing of more 
 interest to the general reader than a sketch of 
 a gentleman who has won for himself both 
 fame and fortune in the battle of life, and accord- 
 ing to this principle a brief account of Mr. Lehn- 
 herr cannot fail to prove interesting. He ranks 
 among the most successful business men of Ches- 
 ter, and is closely identified with both the com- 
 mercial and social prosperity of the citj'. He is a 
 man of sterling worth and superior intelligence, 
 
 and at the present time is carrying on a splendid 
 business, dealing in dry goods, groceries and gen- 
 eral farming implements. 
 
 Our subject is a native of Switzerland, and was 
 born September 9, 1824. He is a son of Christian 
 and Elizabeth C. (Klopsten) Lehnherr, the former 
 of whom was a miller in his native land, and a 
 well-to-do citizen in Spietz. Isaac was a lad of 
 nine years when in 1833 he crossed the Atlantic 
 in company with his parents. On landing in the 
 New World, they went directly to New York City, 
 whence the father soon went to Stark County, 
 Ohio, and located on a farm near Paris. After 
 living six years in the Buckeye State, the elder Mr. 
 Lehnherr with his family came to Randolph Coun- 
 ty, and located on a farm in Ellis Grove Township. 
 This he continued to operate with fair success un- 
 til his decease, which occurred in 1860. His good 
 wife preceded him to the better land many years, 
 dying in 1844. 
 
 Our subject was the sixth in order of birth of 
 the parental famil3' of seven children. His broth- 
 ers and sisters bear the respective names of Susan, 
 John, Christian, Martha, Jacob and Elizabeth. Af- 
 ter coming to the United States, Isaac attended 
 school in Ellis Grove Township, and thus gained 
 a fair education in the English language. Young 
 Lehnherr remained on the farm assisting liis father 
 in its cultivation until 1849, when he began in 
 life on his own account. 
 
 On the 24th of Ma}', 1849, our subject and Miss 
 Sophia Heitman were united in marriage. The 
 lady was born on the 1st of May, 1826, and was 
 a daughter of Herman and Margaret (Wayland) 
 Heitman. After their marriage, the young people 
 removed to a farm near Steelerille. In October, 
 1856, Mr. Lehnherr established himself in busi- 
 ness in Randolph County, opening a general store 
 which he carried on for seven j-ears. At the ex- 
 piration of that time, having good reasons to be- 
 lieve he could better his condition, he removed 
 his stock of goods to Chester, and soon after- 
 ward put in a full line of hardware and agricult- 
 ural implements, carr3-ing the Hocking, the Supe- 
 rior and Hoosier drills, and the Belleville thresher. 
 His honorable course in business, bis frank and 
 1 courteous bearing, and his warm-hearted nature
 
 212 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 have won bim the confidence of the entire com- 
 munity, and have given liini a high place in the 
 regard of all with whom he associates either in a 
 business or social way. 
 
 The five children born to our subject and his 
 wife are, Rudolph D., who aids his father in the 
 store; Louis F., a druggist; Adelia, the wife of 
 Fred Kebbe, of tiiis city; Herman IL, a saddler; 
 and Enim.1, at home. In his political relations, Mr. 
 Lehnherr is a Democrat, and has taken an import- 
 ant part in the local government, serving for some 
 time as Alderman of the Third Ward. In him the 
 Lutheran Church finds one of its most earnest 
 and valued members, and he has held the office of 
 Trustee. 
 
 ■ ^ P • 
 
 OA. DEAN, M. D., who is successfully en- 
 gaged in the practice of medicine in Camp- 
 bell Hill, is a native of Cliester, 111. He was 
 born June 22, 1854, and is a son of Robert W. and 
 Sarah E. (Hanna) Dean. His father was a native 
 of Kentuckj', and his mother belonged to one of 
 the pioneer families of Randolph Count}'. For 
 man}' years they resided in Chester, but are now 
 residents of Perry County, 111. In their family 
 were seven children, of whom six sons are yet 
 living. 
 
 The Doctor acquired his early education in the 
 common schools, and it wa« supplemented by study 
 in the select schools of Carbondale and Du Quoin. 
 He was reared upon a farm and afterward engaged 
 in teaching school in Randolph, Perry, Monroe and 
 Jackson Counties. He was quite successful in that 
 undertaking, but at length turned his attention to 
 the drug business, and was employed as a clerk in 
 a drug store for five years. On the expiration of 
 that period, in 1884, he bought a drug store in 
 Campbell Hill. He formed a partnership with 
 James Hanna, and has since conducted the busi- 
 ness with good success, the firm now enjoying a 
 liberal patronage. 
 
 Dr. Dean began reading at the age of twenty- 
 four years and pursued his studies quietly during 
 his leisure hours for some time. In order to fit 
 himself for the profession, he then entered the 
 medical college of Beaumont, and later became a 
 
 student in the Missouri Medical College of St. 
 Louis, from which he was graduated in the Class of 
 '88. He at once opened an office in Campbell 
 Hill, and from the beginning his practice has con- 
 stantly increased, until he now has all of the prac- 
 tice at this place. 
 
 In 1877, Dr. Dean was united in miuiiagc willi 
 Mrs. Mary A. Wayland, a native of Illinois. She 
 died on the 1st of A|)ril, 1883, leaving three chil- 
 dren, Grace, Clara and ^Mary. In 1887, the Doctor 
 was again married, his second union being with 
 Mary L. Redfield, a native of Jackson County, born 
 March 8, 1856. They have oneciiild, a daughter, 
 Pearl lone. The mother is a member of the Free 
 Will Baptist Church and is a most estimable lady. 
 
 The Doctor takes a very active interest in tem- 
 perance work, and is a member of the Good Temp- 
 lars" society, in wiiich lie lias served as Worthy 
 Chief. He also belonged to the JMasonic fraternity. 
 He takes an active interest in all that pertains to 
 the welfare of the community, and does all in his 
 power to advance public welfare. He has been a 
 member of the County Medical Association and 
 the Southern Illinois Medical Association, and 
 among his brethren of the fraternity he holds an 
 enviable position, while in the community where 
 he lives his skill and ability have won for him a, 
 most excellent practice. 
 
 L. LUCIER is engaged in the grocery busi- 
 ness in Murphysboro, and is enjoying a 
 large trade. He has a well stocked store, 
 J complete in all its appointments, and by fair 
 and honest dealing and courteous treatment he 
 has secured a liberal patronage, which is well mer- 
 ited. He is also a Director in the Murphysboro 
 Savings Bank. Enterprise and industry are num- 
 bered among his chief characteristics and have 
 been the essential factors in his success. 
 
 Mr. Lucier was born near Montreal, Canada, 
 September 18, 1848, and his grandfather and fa- 
 ther, both of whom bore the name of Michael, were 
 natives of that country. The father was a farmer 
 and served in the Canadian Rebellion. He married 
 Clara Danan, who was born in that country, and
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 213 
 
 who is of French descent. His death occurred at 
 the age of sixt^'-five, but his widow is still living 
 in her native land, at the advanced age of eigiity- 
 oue. Of their fifteen children, eleven grew to 
 manhood and womanliood, while five sons and five 
 daugliters are yet living. 
 
 In the usual manner of farmer lads, J. 1^. Lucier 
 was reared. He was educated in English and 
 French, and in 1864 came to Murpli^sboro, joining 
 his brother, Medor. He here attended school for 
 two years, after which he spent some time in trav- 
 eling in northern Illinois, and later went to Canada. 
 Subsequently we find him engaged in clerking in 
 Haverstraw, N. Y., and afterward carrying on busi- 
 ness for himself. While living there he chose as a 
 companion and helpmate on life's journey Miss 
 Winnefred Fay. They were married in 1874, and 
 became the parents of eight children, seven of 
 whom are still under the parental roof, namely: 
 K. M., James L., Ludger, Winnefred, Clara B., 
 Eugenia and Charles. William died at the age of 
 seven years. 
 
 In the fall of 1877, Mr. Lucier again came to 
 Murphysboro, and was employed as salesman in 
 his brother's grocery store until the autumn of 1885, 
 when he began business for himself. He secured a 
 small stock of groceries and afterward added a 
 stock of general merchandise. Through his ear- 
 nest efforts he steadily increased his trade, and at 
 length bought a two-story brick block located on 
 the square. There he carried on business until the 
 fall of 1893, when he built a large and handsome 
 store and removed to his present location, at the 
 corner of Main and Locust Streets. His store is 
 29x93 feet, and two stories in height, with a base- 
 ment. He handles general merchandise and ships 
 produce quite extensively to St. Louis. He also 
 carries on a feed store. In addition to his stores 
 he owns a fine residence and other city property. 
 
 Mr. Lucier is a stockholder and Director in the 
 Murphysboro Savings Bank, and a stockholder in 
 the Southern Illinois Mill and Elevator Company, 
 and is a Director of the branch of the East St. Louis 
 Safety Homestead and Loan Association of Mur- 
 physboro. He was one of the organizers and is a 
 Director of the Catholic Knights of Illinois. He 
 has contributed liberally to various organizations 
 
 that have materially advanced the best interests of 
 the city, and is recognized as one of its valued 
 citizens. He is a member and liberal supporter of 
 St. Andrew's Catholic Church, and in politics is a 
 Democrat. 
 
 'ifl OIIN IJ. BEARE. This name will at once 
 be recognized by the majority of our read- 
 ers as that of one who at one time 
 ^ was one of the leading agriculturists of 
 
 Randolph County. In addition to general farm- 
 ing he was extensively engaged in fruit growing 
 and in the manufacture of brandy, wine and cider. 
 The estate consists of two hundred and fifteen 
 acres, which are tilled in the most thorough man- 
 ner and are adorned with a fine set of build- 
 ings, second to none in the township. They are 
 complete in all their appointments, and the dwell- 
 ing is surrounded with all that goes to make a 
 home pleasant and attractive. 
 
 Our subject was a representative of a prominent 
 and highly esteemed family, whose identification 
 with the early development of this county proved 
 it a valuable factor in the county's civilization. 
 Mr. Beare was born in the canton of Berne, Switz- 
 erland, March 24, 1823, and when a child of three 
 years was brought by his parents to America, they 
 settling in Toledo, Ohio. In 1837 they came to 
 Illinois and located in Randolph County, where 
 our subject continued to live until the time of his 
 death, which occurred May 27, 1892. He assisted 
 his father in the operation of his farm until en- 
 abled to own one of his own. He engaged in 
 farming all his life with the exception of a few 
 3'eais, when he was with his brothers, Joseph and 
 John, in a grocery store at Chester. Possessing 
 the progressive ideas of the age, and making of 
 his agricultural pursuit both an art and a science, 
 he proved successful in Lis chosen calling, gain- 
 ing from the fertile soil abundant crops of excel- 
 lent quality. His fruit farm was one of the finest 
 in the count}' and the source of a good income. 
 
 The marriage of our subject was solemnized 
 April 18, 1849, his wife being Mrs. Mary (Nifong)
 
 214 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Leavitt. Mrs. Beare bore her husband three chil- 
 dren, Margaret, who is deceased; William Nicholas, 
 a resident of Ellis Grove; and Joseph A., who 
 lived iu San Francisco, Cal. Tiie good wife and 
 mother died September 23, 1872, and May 14, 1873, 
 Rlr. Beare was married to Mrs. Maria Sophia Eliza- 
 beth Kemfor, who still survives. She was the widow 
 of John Kemfor, was born in Germany and came 
 to America when twenty-five years of age. She 
 received excellent home training and good educa- 
 tional advantages, and is therefore well qualified 
 to fill lier place. She is a consistent member of 
 the German Methodist Church, as was her good 
 husband. In his political faith Mr. Beare was a 
 stanch Democrat. 
 
 (^ 
 
 (^ 
 
 
 -^■^ 
 
 =^ 
 
 <A I^ILLIAM K. BORDERS, one of the wealthy 
 \/\J// and most enterprising citizens of Ran- 
 ^^ dolpli County, is at the head of the Bank 
 of Sparta; indeed he is sole proprietor of that insti- 
 tution, and is ranked among the leading business 
 men of the city. His father, James J. Borders,- 
 was born in Randolph County- July 2, 1818, only 
 a short time before the state was admitted to the 
 Union. At the age of twenty-five, he purchased 
 land and began farming for himself. He contin- 
 ued to reside on the homestead which he there de- 
 veloped until 1878, when he came to Sparta. He 
 engaged extensively in raising horses and mules, 
 and also had on hand large land speculations. He 
 owned at one time as much as ten thousand acres, 
 and at his death was the largest land-owner in the 
 Gounty. 
 
 In the year 1873, in connection with Mr. 
 Boyle, James J. Borders purchased the Bank of 
 Sparta, then operated by S. P. Smith, and re- 
 tained his connection with it up to the date of his 
 death. He was a charitable and benevolent man, 
 and his help was given in a practical way, which 
 enabled the receiver to help himself and thus re- 
 tain his self-respect. In politics he was a Demo- 
 crat. In 1873 he was elected County Commis- 
 sioner. He had previously served as Justice of 
 the Peace, but few cases came before him for trial, 
 
 as he almost invariably induced the litigants to 
 compromise. Socially he was a Master Mason. 
 He was as honest as the day is long, outspoken 
 and fearless, and had the confidence of all. His 
 death occurred in Sparta, July 22, 1891. 
 
 The mother of our subject bore the maiden 
 name of Mary A. Ritchey. She was born in this 
 county, and is a daughter of William and Sarah 
 (_Hyndman) Ritchey, who were natives of Penn- 
 sylvania, and who came thence to Illinois. The fa- 
 ther was a coal dealer and a very successful business 
 man. Mr. and Mrs. Borders were married about 
 1854, and became the parents of eight children, 
 namely: Andrew, .James B. and Maggie, deceased; 
 William R., of this sketch; Andrew, Mattie E., 
 Michael W. and Mary I. James B. married Ada 
 McCormick, and lived at Nashville, III. They 
 have six children. Andrew was Postmaster at 
 Sparta during President Cleveland's first term, and 
 is at present Postmaster at Tulare, Cal. He mar- 
 ried Mamie Weir, and they have two children, 
 Francis and Irene. Mattie E. is the wife of Dr. 
 C. F. Taggart, a practicing physician of San Fran- 
 cisco, Cal., who was graduated in St. Louis, and is 
 now taking a post-graduate course in Berlin, Ger- 
 many; they have one child, Norma H. Michael 
 W., a practicing attorney of Belleville, III., was 
 graduated from the Columbia Law School, of New 
 York, and is now holding the office of City Attor- 
 ney of Belleville, although he is only twenty-five 
 years of age. He married Alice Abby, and they 
 have one child. The Borders family is one of 
 prominence in Randolph County, its members 
 having been inseparably connected with the ma- 
 terial progress and development of this com- 
 munit}% Maj. Andrew Borders, father of James J., 
 was one of the earl^- pioneers and prominent char- 
 acters of Illinois. 
 
 Our subject has also borne his share in the work of 
 public advancement and improvement. He was 
 reared in the usual manner of farmer lads, and be- 
 came familiar with all the duties of farm life. He 
 entered upon his business career as silent partner in 
 the Bank of Sparta in 1873,. and is now sole proprie- 
 tor. This is now one of the leading financial insti- 
 tutions of the county, conducted on a safe and con 
 servative basis, and is a credit to the community as
 
 PORTRAIT AND JilOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 217 
 
 well as to the owner. Mr. Borders is a mau of excel- 
 lent business and executive abilit}'. and his success 
 is well deserved. He is extensively interested in 
 the natural gas wells at Sparta. In fact, he was a 
 ruling spirit in the company which discovered 
 natural gas in Sparta, and is now sole proprietor 
 of three flowing wells, with about three miles of 
 gas mains. He is also a prominent breeder of trot- 
 ting and pacing horses and is a member of the Board 
 of Directors of the National Standard Pacing 
 Horse Breeders' Company. In politics he is a zeal- 
 ous Democrat, but never held, and could net be 
 induced to hold, an office. For eight years he 
 served as Treasurer of Hope Lodge No. 162, A. F. 
 & A. M., and he is also a member of Tancred Com- 
 mandery No. 50, at Belleville, 111. He is the larg- 
 est owner of city property in Sparta, and one of 
 the largest holders of real estate in Randolph 
 County. 
 
 \I^-^ ON. WILLIAM RALLS MORRISON, for 
 If j) sixteen years a Member of Congress from 
 '^y^ the Eighteenth Congressional District of 
 (^/ Illinois, was born in Monroe County, 111., 
 September 14,1825. He secured his preliminary 
 education in the common schools, and afterward 
 attended McKendree College. He enlisted in the 
 Mexican War and served as a private in Colonel 
 Bissel's regiment under General Taylor, after 
 which he studied law and was admitted to the Bar 
 in Monroe County. 
 
 In 1852 Mr. Morrison was elected Clerk of Mon- 
 roe County, and served in that capacity until 1854, 
 when he resigned. He was then chosen to repre- 
 sent his district in the Legislature and became 
 Speaker of the House in 1859. At the beginning 
 of the Rebellion he organized the Forty-ninth Illi- 
 nois Infantry and took an active and prominent 
 part in the early portion of the war. At the bat- 
 tle of Ft. Donelson he was severely wounded. In 
 1862, while in command of his regiment, he was 
 elected bj' the Democratic party to the Thirty- 
 eighth Congress, but was defeated for the Thirty- 
 ninth and Fortieth Congresses. 
 
 In 1872 Colonel Morrison again received the 
 nomination by the Democratic party, and was 
 2 
 
 elected, taking his seat the following 3'ear and 
 serving until 1887. From 1875 until 1877, and 
 again from 1883 to 1887, he was Chairman of the 
 Ways and Means Committee, and in that responsi- 
 ble position rendered efficient service, as he did in 
 every other duty entrusted to kim. In 1886 he 
 was defeated for re-election. He was a delegate 
 to the National Union Convention in 1866, and to 
 the Democratic Conventions of 1856,1868,1884 
 and 1888. At the time of the last election of Gen- 
 eral Logan to the United States Senate, Colonel 
 Morrison was his opponent, and there was a differ- 
 ence of but two votes between their respective 
 parties. Though the matter was long and hotlj' con- 
 tested, the relations between the two were of the 
 most friendly character, as they had been friends 
 from an early day and comrades during the war. 
 At the expiration of his Congressional service, 
 in March, 1887, Colonel Morrison was appointed 
 by President Cleveland a member of the Inter- 
 State Commerce Commission for a term of five 
 years, and was re-appointed by President Harrison 
 for six years. For a long time he has been a promi- 
 nent factor in the Democratic part}', which he more 
 truly represents then any one else in this section. 
 On two occasions he has had a strong following 
 for the Presidential nomination. He is still active 
 and influential in the councils of his party, and is 
 held in high regard, nor only by those of similar 
 political belief, but by his fellow-men, irrespective 
 of part\' affiliations. 
 
 ILLIAM W. COLLIER. This county is 
 /' the home of quite a number of men who 
 '^/m were thrown upon their own resources at 
 an early age, and whose natural aptness and en- 
 ergy were developed and strengthened by contact 
 with the world, resulting in making their lives 
 more than ordinarily successful in worldly prosper- 
 ity and in winning respect. Among this number is 
 William W. Collier, of Chester, where he is carry- 
 ing on a splendid trade in the saddler}- and har- 
 ness business. 
 
 A native of Wayne County, Mo., our suliject 
 was born near Frederickstown, September 12,
 
 218 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 1847, and is the son of Miles H. and Mary S. 
 (Sliort) Collier, natives ies])eetively of Alabama 
 and Tennessee. The father, who in early life was 
 a merchant, later followed farming, and on the 
 outbreak of the Civil War owned a fine estate, 
 which with the slaves upon it was valued at 840,- 
 000. Desiring to Leave the state, he sold his prop- 
 erty for $400, and moving north, made his home 
 in Carlj'Ie, Clinton County, this state. He em- 
 barked in the saddlery business there, and con- 
 tinued to make it his home for many years. He 
 was a very capable man, and died while on a visit 
 to his son in this cit}-. In his deatu, which oc- 
 curred in 1882, not onl3' the family, but the com- 
 munity- at large sustained a heav}' loss. The 
 mother of our subject departed this life in 1886, 
 in St. Louis, Mo., while at the home of her daugh- 
 ter, Mrs. J. II. Donewald. 
 
 William W. Collier was the third in order of 
 birth of his parents' family of nine children, six 
 of whom grew to mature years. He passed his 
 boyhood and youth in this state, and at Carlyle 
 received a good education in the public school. 
 When old enough to choose a life occupation he 
 learned the trade ot a saddler from his father, and 
 remained in the above place working at his trade 
 until 1870, the _year of his removal to Chester. 
 
 May 7, 1870, Mr. Collier launched out in busi- 
 ness in this citj-, opening a store along the river 
 front, and has continued in the harness business 
 up to the present time. He has been more than 
 ordinarilj' successful in his chosen trade, although 
 he met with severe losses on two occasions. .Jan- 
 uary 9, 1879, his dwelling w.as burned, and Decem- 
 ber 24, 1887, his store was destroyed, he thereby 
 losing 14,700. 
 
 The lady to whom Mr. Collier was married 
 March 31, 1874, was known prior to her marriage 
 as Miss Angelique E. Smith. She was the daugh- 
 ter of David and Frances Smith, and was born and 
 reared in this cit}'. By her union with our sub- 
 ject she has become the mother of the following 
 six children: Minnie C, Lelia S.; Byron S. and 
 Mamie, deceased; .Jolin W. and Elbert. 
 
 Mr. Collier believes the principles laid down in 
 the Democratic platform are best adapted to the 
 needs of the nation, and therefore votes a straight 
 
 ticket. He can alwaj's be counted upon to bear a 
 I)art in every worthj' enterprise which is promul- 
 gated in the neighborhood, and is particularity in- 
 terested in the advancement of the cause of educa- 
 tion. This is recognized bj' his fellow-citizens, 
 who have bestowed upon him the office of School 
 Trustee, which he held for two terms. Socially he 
 is a Mason and belongs to Chester JjOdge No. 72. 
 Mr. Collier has a neat residence, which is located 
 on the bluflf and commands a fine view of the Mis- 
 sissippi River. 
 
 •r^m-r 
 
 OBERT BROWN, who was one of the well- 
 f to-do agriculturists of Randolph County, 
 i4^\y was residing on an eighty-acre tract, lo- 
 )^ cated on section 8, township 8, range 5, at 
 the time of his death. He was the son of William 
 and Pjliza (Carruthers) Brown, and was born in 
 County Down, Ireland. August 22, 1838. He 
 came to America in 1855, and meeting a brother 
 who was living in Pennsylvania, remained there a 
 few weeks, when he came with him to Randolph 
 County, their destination being Rockwood, which 
 at that time was known as Liberty. 
 
 On reaching this county, the young Irish lad 
 engaged to work on neighboring farms for several 
 years, and then purchasing a tract of lorty acres 
 in township 7, range 5, there made his home for 
 six j-ears. Previous to buying tliis tract, however, 
 he was married, February 28, 1858, to Miss Mar- 
 garet L., daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (An- 
 derson) Kelly, also natives of Count}' Down, Ire- 
 land, whence they emigrated to the United States 
 some sixty years ago. The}- located in Rockland 
 County, N. Y., where Margaret was born March 8, 
 1841. In the summer of 1842, Thomas Kell\-. with 
 his family, came to this count}-, and made his home 
 near Rockwood until his death May 29, 1891. His 
 good wife died July 5, 1872. 
 
 After residing six years on his first purchase, 
 our subject bought a quarter-section elsewhere in 
 this locality, and resided on it for seven years, 
 when he made permanent location on section 8. 
 By this union with Miss Brown there were born 
 ten children, of whom four survive. They are,
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 219 
 
 Eliza Ellen, Maggie, Elijah and Harvey Robert. 
 Those deceased are, William, Henry, Mary Ann, 
 John Walker, John C. and Minnie. Mr. Brown 
 during his lifetime was a member of the Presby- 
 terian Church, with which body his widow and 
 children arc connected. 
 
 3<' ?^C 
 
 /RANCIS GOLLON, one of the noted busi- 
 ness men of the cit3' of Chester, is a native 
 of Prussia Poland, and was born January 
 26, 1839. His parents, Jacob and Barbara (Singer) 
 Gollon, were also born in Prussia, and lived and 
 died in that country. Our subject attended the 
 schools of his native laud, and when old enough 
 commenced to cultivate a farm for bis parents, at 
 which he continued until reaching his eighteenth 
 year, when he determined to emigrate to America. 
 After landing in New York Cit}-, he made his way 
 to Peoria, this state, and began to learn the trade 
 of a baker, at which he worked for the following 
 two years. At the expiration of that time he 
 came to Chester to visit a brother who was resid- 
 ing here. It had been his intention to go farther 
 south, but instead he engaged to work in the 
 bakery of William Bruns, who was just starting a 
 shop. After a time our subject was enabled to 
 embark in business for himself, and continued in 
 this until the latter part of I860. The following 
 year we find him working at his trade in New 
 Orleans. Having an opportunity to engage as pas- 
 try cook on the steamer "Paj'tona," plying from 
 Louisville to New Orleans, he accepted the posi- 
 tion, but a few months later, however, he resigned 
 and commenced working in the last named city. 
 After three months in that city he went to Cairo, 
 and worked in the Government baker}' there until 
 just after the battle of Pittsburg Landing, in 1862. 
 Mr. Gollon then joined the army stationed at 
 the above city and baked for them. He subse- 
 quently visited many places, among which were 
 Helena, Ark., and Vicksburg, and went with the 
 regiment on Bank's expedition on Red River. In 
 the spring of 1864 our subject returned to New 
 Orleans, and in June of that year made his way to 
 Chester. He soon entered into partnership with 
 
 Valentine Ritter, who was engaged in the retail 
 liquor business. After a year thus spent he bought 
 out his partner, and has .since conducted the 
 business alone. In addition to this he has been 
 engaged in the hotel and restaurant business a 
 great deal of the time, besides dealing extensively- 
 in ice and in wholesaling beer. Because of his 
 straightforward manner and sagacity he is consid- 
 ered one of Chester's solid business men and has 
 gained the entire confidence and respect of the 
 community. Politically Mr. Gollon is a stalwart 
 Republican in principle, but in local affairs is 
 rather conservative, voting for the best man, irre- 
 spective of party. 
 
 January 11, 1866, Miss Rosa Dushinks}', a 
 daughter of Joseph and Julia (Gollon) Dusbinks}-, 
 became the wife of our subject. The parents of 
 Mrs. Gollon emigrated from Prussia in an early 
 day, and spent the remainder of their lives in Ches- 
 ter. Fourteen children came to bless the union of 
 our subject and his estimable wife, four of whom 
 are deceased. The living are: Frank, who is mar- 
 ried and makes his home in Chicago; Edward, who 
 is engaged as a railway postal clerk; Louis, who is 
 a jeweler; and Clem, John, Bertha, Rosa, Georgiana, 
 Leon and James Blaine, all of whom are attending 
 school. The last-named was born November 4, 
 1884, on the night of the defeat of James G. 
 Blaine for President. Mr. and Mrs. Gollon, with 
 their entire family, are devout members of the Ro- 
 man Catholic Church. 
 
 JULIUS H. JAENKE, a harness dealer of 
 Burksville, is numbered among the promi- 
 nent and representative business men of 
 that place. He well merits the prominent 
 position which he fills and the high regard in 
 which he is held. He was born in Germany, De- 
 cember 21, 1851, and is a son of Ehrenfried G. 
 and Christiana (Grallert) Jaenke, both of whom 
 were natives of Prussia. Their family numbered 
 six children, of whom four are 3-et living: Will- 
 iam, Fred, Julius H. and George J. The parents 
 were both reared and educated in their native 
 land. The father was a millwright by trade. In
 
 220 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 1852 he brought his wife and children to the 
 United Slates, and on reaching the shores of this 
 country, came directly to Waterloo, 111., where he 
 followed coopering for a time. He afterward pur- 
 chased an eight3--acrc farm in Monroe Countj', and 
 successfull}' carried on agricultural pursuits until 
 his death. Both he and his wife were members 
 of St. Paul's Church, and in politics he was a Re- 
 publican. His death occurred at the age of sixty- 
 seven, and his wife passed away at the age of 
 sixty-two j'ears. 
 
 It was during the infancy of our subject that 
 he was brought to America. He attended school 
 until thirteen 3'ears of age, and then began earn- 
 ing his own livelihood by learning the harness- 
 maker's trade, serving a three years' apprentice- 
 ship. He then again attended school, and after 
 pursuing his studies for a time in the high school 
 at AVaterloo he began teaching. Subsequently he 
 was for three terms a student in the state normal 
 school at Carbondale, 111. He then resumed teach- 
 ing, which profession he followed for twelve 3'ears, 
 being recognized as one of the most able instruc- 
 tors in the countj'. 
 
 On leaving the normal school, Mr. Jaenke was 
 united in marriage with Miss Maiy Keck, a native 
 of Monroe County, who was reared and educated 
 near Waterloo, and who is a highly cultured and 
 refined lady. Two children were born to them, of 
 whom one is j'et living, Julius H. The mother 
 was a faithful member of St. Paul's Church of 
 Waterloo, and was a most estimable lady. Her 
 death occurred at the early age of twenty-six 
 years. For his second wife, Mr. Jaenke chose 
 Catherine Trost, also a native of Monroe County, 
 where her maidenhood days were passed. Three 
 children graced this union, of whom two are yet 
 living, Lydia and Flora. The mother is a highly 
 educated lady, and belongs to the Lutheran Church. 
 
 Mr. Jaenke continued to engage in teaching for 
 some years. He then abandoned that profession, 
 and gave his entire attention to farming and har- 
 ness-making, which pursuits he still follows. He 
 is the owner of one hundred and eighty acres of 
 rich land, under a high state of cultivation and 
 well improved, and also owns some town property. 
 As a harness dealer he is doing a good business, 
 
 and enjoys a constantly increasing trade, which he 
 well merits, for he is honorable and upright in all 
 transactions and earnestly' desires to please his 
 customers. He cairies a policy' in the Northwest- 
 ern Insurance Company of Chicago for ^1,000. 
 He is a member of the Harigari Lodge of Water- 
 loo, and has held the offices of Township Assessor 
 and Justice of the Peace, discharging his duties 
 with credit to himself and satisfaction to his con- 
 stituents. He votes indeiiendently, preferring to 
 support the man whom he thinks best qualified for 
 the office. Mr. Jaenke is a member of the Lutheran 
 Church, and is now serving as its President. 
 
 ^^< 
 
 J^! NDREW GARNER, lately deceased, was an 
 WlU\\ intelligent and enterprising farmer who 
 resided in township 6, range 7, Randolph 
 County. He was a native of the Father- 
 land, and was born September 12, 1832. He was 
 the second child in order of birth in a family of 
 three children born to George and Magdalena 
 (Helmana) Garner. The parents emigrated to the 
 United States in 1851, locating in this county, 
 where they died. 
 
 Our subject attended the model schools of his 
 native country, and after coming to America com- 
 menced farming on his own account. He was then 
 twenty-one years of age, and he became one of the 
 leading farmers of the county. The neat and at- 
 tractive estate com]n'ises two hundred fertile acres, 
 on which he carried on general farming and stock- 
 raising. On the place are to be found all the re- 
 quisites necessary for conducting successful farm- 
 ing, and the many outbuildings are adequate for 
 the care of the grain and stock. In 1860 he 
 erected a cooper shop on his farm and employed a 
 number of men to make flour barrels, which enter- 
 prise was very successful. 
 
 In the j'ear 1854 Mr. Garner was united in 
 marriage with Catherine Denninger, who was a 
 native of Germanj^ and who came to Illinois 
 in an earlj' day with her parents. She bore her 
 husband four children, all of whom yet survive: 
 Emma, who is the wife of Baty Schultz and lives 
 in St. Louis; Jane, who is the wife of John McDon-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 221 
 
 aid, and resides on a farm near Ellis Grove; Chris- 
 tian who married Ella Humphry, and is a farmer 
 near Ellis Grove; and Anna, the wife of William 
 Schoeppel, residents of Ellis Grove. On Septem- 
 ber 1, 1892, the wife and mother passed to the 
 land of rest, and Mr. Garner moved from his farm 
 to Ellis Grove, where he lived with his youngest 
 daughter until death called him to rest, Jan- 
 uary 10, 1894. Neither Mr. Garner nor his wife 
 were members of a church. He was a member of 
 Kaskaskia Lodge No. 86, F. & A. M., and politi- 
 cally cast his vote for the candidates of the Deni- 
 ovatic party. 
 
 ^^EORGE B. ALLISON, of Chester, is a na- 
 III (— , tive of Maries Count}-, Mo., and was born 
 ^^ijl March 10, 1862. He is a son of Ebenezer 
 and Margaret (Gow) Allison, natives of Scotland, 
 the former having been born in Fifeshire, and the 
 latter in Perthshire. The paternal grandparents, 
 John and Jane (Beveredge) Allison, were also na- 
 tives of the Lowlands of Scotland. The maternal 
 grandparents were William and Elizabeth Gow, 
 the latter of whom is still living in the High- 
 lands, and has attained the advanced age of one 
 hundred and one years (1894). 
 
 In the spring of 1856 Ebenezer Allison and 
 Miss Margaret Gow were united in marriage, and 
 a few months later they bade farewell to their 
 childhood's home and set-sail for America. Land- 
 ing in New York, they proceeded thence to Roches- 
 ter, where they remained on a farm about three 
 years. Traveling still further westward and set- 
 tling in Missouri, they entered land some fourteen 
 miles south of RoUa, where they engaged in farm- 
 ing for seven years. The war coming on, they 
 were unable to get away from the county, although 
 the surroundings were not pleasant, owing to tlie 
 fact that they were faithful to the Union, while 
 their neighbors were mostly southern sympathizers. 
 RoUa was at that time a military post, and Eben- 
 ezer Allison joined the militia service, which 
 drew upon him the animosity of his fellow-citi- 
 zens. His life was constantly in danger, and 
 often, after retiring, he could hear the sound of 
 
 approaching footsteps, the neighing of horses and 
 the lowing of cattle, and knew that his best 
 stock was being stolen, but he did not dare to 
 protest. Had he done so, it would have cost him 
 his life. 
 
 The Rebellion ended, Mr. Allison sold his farm 
 in Missouri in the spring of 1866, and came di- 
 rectly to Chester, where a brother held the position 
 of miller in Cole's mill. For the four years suc- 
 ceeding his advent in Randolph County he oper- 
 ated rented land near Chester, and then pur- 
 chased the farm where his widow still resides. 
 Twenty years after coming to this state he passed 
 awaj', in March, 1886. He and his wife had a 
 famil}' of seven sons and one daughter, five of 
 whom are now living, viz.: William G., a stock- 
 dealer in Chester; George B., Postmaster at Ches- 
 ter; Ebenezer, proprietor of a fine grocery store 
 on Main Street, Chester; Alex G., who is living 
 on the old homestead with his mother; and David. 
 
 The subject of this sketch spent his early child- 
 liood d.ays on the farm. His primary education 
 was secured in the district school and was supple- 
 mented with two years in the South Normal In- 
 stitute of Carbondale. The six months succeeding 
 his normal course he taught in thejdistrict schools 
 of Randolph County. During the summer seasons 
 he read law in the office of H. Clay Horner, of Ches- 
 ter, and in August, 1886, he was admitted to the Bar 
 of Randolph County. In the county seat he began 
 the practice of his profession, and continued thus 
 engaged until his appointment as Postmaster at 
 Chester, under President Harrison, his commission 
 bearing date of December 22, 1891. , 
 
 Since casting his first vote in a Presidential 
 election for James G. Blaine, Mr. Allison has con- 
 tinued loyal to the principles of the Republican 
 party. He made the race for Prosecuting Attor- 
 ney, and, although the county is hopelessly Dem- 
 ocratic, he ran some sixty votes ahead of his 
 ticket. Socially, he is connected witli the order 
 of Knights of Pythias, in which he has filled the 
 highest local offices. He is also a prominent mem- 
 ber of the Chester Club. 
 
 The lady who, September 8, 1886, became the 
 wife of Mr. Allison was Flora, daughter of Rob- 
 ert and Kate (Harmon) Gant, natives of Randolph
 
 222 
 
 PORTRAIT AKD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 County. Her father was a representative of an 
 old English family, members of which were earlj' 
 settlers of Pennsj-lvania, coming thence to this 
 county man3' years ago. The Harmon family is 
 of Dutch origin. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Allison have 
 been born three children, Maggie M., Robert G. 
 and William E. Mrs. Allison is a member of the 
 Methodist Church, and Mr. Allison is a regular 
 attendant at the services of that denomination, 
 though not a member. In the social circles of 
 Chester they are worthily held in high esteem. 
 
 Jn OHN S. BALTZELL, who for the past two 
 I 3-ears has been telegraph operator at Perc}', 
 ' has the honor of being a native of Illinois, 
 ' his birth having occurred in Union County, 
 
 July 11, 1860. He is the youngest child of John 
 and Rapsy (Lewis) Baltzell. His father was a na- 
 tive of Maryland, and when quite young came to 
 this state with his parents, the family locating in 
 Jonesboro, 111. The grandfather of our subject, 
 Henry Baltzell, spent his remaining days in this 
 state, and died near Grand Tower. The father 
 carried on a supply store and wood yard on the 
 river near Grand Tower until the great overflow 
 in 1844, when he began school teaching, which 
 profession he followed until his death, which oc- 
 curred January 1, 1860, a few months before the 
 birth of our subject. Mrs. Baltzell is still living, 
 and has reached the advanced age of seventy-two. 
 She makes her home in Belleville, 111. 
 
 Mr. Baltzell of this sketch received his pri- 
 mary education near Cobden, Union County, 111., 
 and subsequently' attended school in Alto Pass, 
 111., for two terms, alternating his studies with 
 farm work in that community. At the age of six- 
 teen he began learning telegraphy- in Jonesboro, 
 and has since devoted the greater part of his time 
 and attention to that work. After studying for 
 seven months he started out to seek a position, 
 and going to the south secured employment in 
 Little Rock, Ark. He went from that place to 
 Bismarck, Mo., and thence returned to Alto Pass, 
 111. Later he was employed in the general office 
 of the Mobile (k Ohio Railroad at St. Louis, Mo., 
 
 and on leaving the city he went to Millstadt. We 
 next find him in Perc}', where he continued tele- 
 graph operating until his removal to Cairo, 111. 
 On leaving that pl.ace he again went south, locat- 
 ing in Union City, Tenn., whence he retunied to 
 Columbia, 111. He afterward was again emplo3'ed 
 in the general office in St. Louis, and later Jn 
 O'Kean and Olyphant, Ark. A short time was 
 then spent in McNeil. Mo., after which he returned 
 home on a visit and then located in Baldwin, 111. 
 After being emploj-ed as operator in Blackwater, 
 Mo., for a period of four years he then again re- 
 turned to Baldwin, later he was employed in A\^ 
 Pass, and thence came to Percy, where he has now 
 been located for the past two years. 
 
 In 1888 Mr. Baltzell was united in marriage 
 with Miss Alice Brown, of Percy, a daughter of 
 David and Elizabeth (Harmon) Brown. Their 
 union has been blessed with two children, Homer 
 and Ethel, who are with their parents. Mrs. Balt- 
 zell is a member of the Methodist Church, and is a 
 most estimable lady, who is held in high regard 
 throughout the communitj' in which she makes her 
 home. 
 
 Mr. Baltzell holds membership with Blackwater 
 Lodge No. 127, 1. O. O. F., of Blackwater, Mo., has 
 filled all of its offices, and is now Past Grand. He 
 exercises his right of franchise in support of the 
 Democratic part^-, but is busily emploved in his 
 profession and has never aspired to public office. 
 He thoroughly understands his business and is rec- 
 ognized as an able operator. In Percy and through- 
 out the community he h:is many warm friends who 
 esteem him highl3- for his sterling worth. 
 
 S|Hi)ENJAMIN J. L. GROSS is one of the enter- 
 jll<^ prising business men of New Palestine, 
 /^) I Randolph County. His birth occurred in 
 'is^^ Rochester, N. Y., April 1, 1854, and he was 
 the third child born to Conrad and Catherine 
 (Dihlmann) Gross, both natives of Germanj-. In 
 1866 the parents removed to this count3'. The3- 
 lived here until their deaths, the mother, d3-ing 
 June 19, 1881, and the father, .lune 24, 1888. 
 
 Our subject was twelve years old when the 
 journe3' was made hither. He had attended the
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 223 
 
 schools in his native state, but after coming here, for 
 three years was a student in the Lutlieran scliool, 
 and spent one year at the public school. When 
 fifteen years old he began learning his father's 
 trade, blacksmithing, and has been in tliat business 
 ever since. In 1880 he embarked for himself in 
 New Palestine, where he is enjoj'ing a large and 
 profitable trade, manufacturing wagons, plows and 
 harrows in connection with his general repair 
 work. 
 
 The marriage of Mr. Gross and Miss Justina, 
 daughter of Adam and Elizabeth Breacher, na- 
 tives of Germany, occurred December 26, 1881. 
 To this marriage nine children were born, tiie two 
 eldest of whom died in infancy. The others are: 
 John and Conrad, who are attending school in 
 Chester; Alfred, Hulda, Irene, Justina and Sig- 
 mund, who are at home with their parents. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Gross are devoted members of the Lu- 
 theran Church and are held in high esteem by 
 the entire community. Politically, Mr. Gross is 
 conservative, preferring to cast his ballot for the 
 man, irrespective of party. 
 
 ~'P^\l^^ 
 
 ^ 
 
 bAVVRENCE MERGELE was born in Ger- 
 ) many on the 10th of August, 1826, and 
 , I was reared and educated in that country. 
 
 In 1845, at the age of nineteen, he bade adieu to 
 friends and Fatherland and sailed for the New 
 World. He landed in New York and worked for 
 some time in that city in order to acquire the nec- 
 essary funds to bring him to the west. He then 
 made his way to Illinois, locating near Glasgow, 
 where he afterward married Miss Mary Brown. 
 
 The young couple began their domestic life 
 upon an unbroken farm. The entire county was 
 in its primitive condition, and the work of prog- 
 ress and civilization seemed scarcely begun. All 
 was wild and unimproved, and deer and wolves 
 were numerous. The famil}' experienced all the 
 hardships and trials of frontier life, but the efforts 
 of Mr. Mergele were abi}' seconded by his wife, who 
 proved to him a faithful helpmate. She was born 
 in Germany in 1832, and when onl3' a year old 
 
 was brought to this country by her parents, who 
 settled in St. Louis, where she acquired her educa- 
 tion m the common schools. Unto Mr. and Mrs. 
 Mergele were born six children, but only four are 
 now living. The eldest, Theresa, died in 1889, 
 and the youngest, Lizzie, died at the age of ten 
 years. Those still living are Caroline, Kate, Frank 
 and Bernard. Kate was born in 1857, near Glas- 
 gow, and under the parental roof grew to woman- 
 hood. She attended a- convent in Waterloo one 
 winter, but made her home with her parents until 
 twent}'-five years of age, when she became the wife 
 of George Leibach, and removed to Glasgow, where 
 her husband worked as a saddler. Two years later 
 they came to Burksville, where Mr. Leibach fol- 
 lowed the same business for a time. Later they 
 went to Denver, Colo., where he carried on a gro- 
 cery store until going to New Mexico. His death 
 there occurred on the 30th of November, 1892. 
 Mrs. Leibach still survives her husband and is living 
 upon the home farm in this county. She iiad three 
 children, one of whom, Frank is deceased. Celia 
 and George are still with their mother. . Bernard 
 Mergele, the youngest member of the family, was 
 born December 15, 1872, in this county, and now 
 operates the old homestead. He is a wide-awake 
 and enterprising agriculturist, and the neat ap- 
 pearance of the farm indicates his enterprise. He 
 holds membership with the Catholic Church. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Mergele traveled life's journey 
 together for fifty-five years, sharing witli each 
 other its joys and sorrows, its adversity and pros- 
 perity. They were separated by death in 1887, 
 when the wife and mother was called to the home 
 beyond. Her remains were interred in Tipton. 
 With the Catholic Church she held membership, 
 and she was a most highly respectecl woman. 
 After the death of his first wife, Mr. Mergele re- 
 moved to Burksville, and thence to a farm close 
 by. He was afterward again married, his second 
 union being with Mrs. La Forge, who is still living. 
 While residing in Burksville, Mr. Mergele car- 
 ried on milling for some time. In earl}' life he 
 served in the Mexican War, and as a result of 
 his service his health was always somewhat im- 
 paired. By the Government lie was given a pen- 
 sion, which proved of benefit to him in his declin-
 
 224 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 ing years. After about a year's illness his death 
 occurred, May 17, 1890, and his remains were in- 
 terred in Tipton Cemetery. He, too, was a mem- 
 ber of the Catholic Church. By his industry and 
 economy he had accumulated several hundred 
 acres of land, and thus left his family in comforta- 
 ble circumstances. His life was well and worthily 
 passed, and by an lionorable, upright career, he 
 won the high regard of all. 
 
 P. WALKER, one of tlie well known 
 farmers of Jackson County, resides on sec- 
 tion 31, Elkville Township. He claims 
 Michigan as the state of his nativity, his 
 birth having occurred in Grass Lake, in 1838. He 
 traces his ancestry back to 1620, and the family 
 numbers among its members some of the most 
 noted people of Ohio and Illinois. In his native 
 state he grew to manhood, and there received a lib- 
 eral education, which was completed by a course of 
 study in the Kalamazoo Baptist College. For five 
 years he tauglit school, and proved an able in- 
 structor. With the capital which he had thereby 
 acquired he then embarked in the drug business at 
 Grass Lake, where for eight years he enjoyed a 
 good trade and the prosperity it brought to him. 
 In 1862, in his native town, Mr. Walker was 
 joined in wedlock with Miss Malissa Babbitt, a 
 daughter of Levi Babbitt, but tlie lady died of 
 consumption shortly after her marriage. In 1866, 
 he married Miss Katie Smith, of Schoolcraft, Mich. 
 She was a most estimable lady and possessed su- 
 perior talent in vocal music. Her death, which 
 occurred in 1872, was widely and deeply mourned. 
 On the 3d of June, 1879, Mr. Walker was united 
 in marriage with Mrs. L. E. Kuglcr, a relative of 
 J. H. Kugler, who is widely known as a steamboat 
 pilot. Her father, Mahlon Van Pelt, was a noted 
 stock-raiser of Highland, Ohio, and married P^liza- 
 beth Arthur, a relative of tlie late President Arthur. 
 Mrs. Walker is possessed of unusual force of char- 
 acter and intelligence, and as a newspaper cor- 
 respondent has won an enviable reputation by her 
 sharp, clear sarcasm and her humor. The children 
 of Mrs. Walker by her former marriage are two 
 
 ill number, Fannie, who married Robert Ruther- 
 ford, an artist residing in Council Bluffs, Iowa; 
 and Dudley, who resides on the old homestead. 
 
 About 1878, Mr. Walker removed from his old 
 home in Grass Lake, Mich., and came to Jackson 
 County, 111. He settled on section 31, Elkville 
 Township, where he jjurcliased one hundred and 
 sixty-five acres of valuable land, which constitutes 
 one of the finest farms in the community. It is 
 neat and thrifty in appearance, and the many im- 
 provements upon the place stand as monuments to 
 his thrift and enterprise. The greater part of his 
 time and attention are now devoted to its further 
 cultivation. Mr. and Mrs. Walker are people of 
 intelligence and worth, and are well informed on 
 the questions of the da}-. They take a deep interest 
 in old-time mementos and relics, and as the years 
 have passed, have collected a number of very in- 
 teresting and valuable souvenirs. The}' have in 
 their possession a copy of the Boston Gazette which 
 was published in 1770, and a Vicksburg paper 
 which was published during the war and printed 
 on wall paper. 
 
 J. BURGE. This name will be at once 
 recognized as that of a leading business man 
 of Tamaroa, who is carrying on a prosper- 
 (^/' ous trade as a dealer in farm implements. 
 His establishment is supplied with a complete line 
 of machinery suited to the needs of the farmer. 
 Both in prices and quality the stock is exceptional, 
 and through reliable dealings with all, the proprie- 
 tor has gained the confidence of the people of this 
 section. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was born in Wayne 
 County, 111., in 1848. At the time his parents re- 
 moved to this place, in 1859, he accompanied 
 them, and has since made this place his home, 
 with the exception of a short time spent in the 
 west. He was one in a family of nine children 
 born to William and Nanc}' (Adams) Burge, na- 
 tives respectively of Tennessee and Kentucky. 
 The eldest brother of our subject, John R., entered 
 the Union army in 1862, becoming a member of 
 Company F, Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry, and served
 
 ■<^SN 
 
 f a'^^^k 
 
 
 <::yC^^t^y 
 
 v<^
 
 PORTRAIT A^T) BTOGRAfmCAL RECOftD. 
 
 227 
 
 his country faithfullj' and well until the close of 
 liostilities. His death, which occurred in Tamaroa, 
 was caused b_y consumijtion. 
 
 J. J. Burge was also of a ver^' patriotic nature, 
 and was only detained from entering the army on 
 account of liis age. In 1880 he engaged in selling 
 farm implements, and eleven years later formed a 
 partnership with H. W. Adams, the firm now con- 
 ducting business under the stj-le of Adams & 
 Burge. Our subject deals fairly with ever^' one, 
 lives a life of the strictest integrity, and has gained 
 not only the respect, but the high esteem of a very 
 wide circle of acquaintances. 
 
 The lady witii whom Mr. Burge was united in 
 marriage in 1881 was Miss Cassie Freeman, a resi- 
 dent of this city. Their union has been blessed 
 b3' the birth of three children. Harlon C, Ebert (de- 
 ceased) and A!«bie R. In his political relations 
 Jlr. Burge is a stanch Republican, and although an 
 active supporter of its principles, is not one to seek 
 political preferences. He is a member of the In- 
 dependent Order of Odd Fellows, with which bodj- 
 he has been connected since early manhood. Mrs. 
 Burge is a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
 Church. 
 
 I^OX. WILLIAM J. ALLEN, LL. B., of the 
 l|)V LTnited States District Court for southern 
 /^^^ Illinois. In presenting to the readers of 
 (^) this volume the biographj' of Judge Allen, 
 we are perpetuating the life work of one of the 
 most honored residents of the state. Throughout 
 a long, honorable and influential career, he has 
 maintained that energy and integrity which char- 
 acterized his earlier \'ears. Nor has his success 
 been merely in accumulating wealth, but in the 
 better sense of the word, he has been successful in 
 serving others, in doing good and in winning the 
 respect and esteem of a very large circle of ac- 
 quaintances. Laborious and patient, exhibiting 
 by his life his self-reliant spirit and strong individ- 
 uality, the influence he unconsciously exerts has a 
 future as well as a present bearing upon the prog- 
 ress of this section of the state. 
 
 The record of the life of Willis Allen, father of 
 the Judge, is one of which his descendants may 
 
 justly be proud. Possessed of that indefatigable 
 industry and legal ability which was later so abun- 
 dautl3' evinced by the son of whom we write, he 
 became eminent in the political circles of southern 
 Illinois. He was born in Tennessee in December, 
 1806, and there married Miss Elizabeth Joiner. 
 In 1830 he came to Illinois and commenced farm- 
 ing in what was then Franklin County'. He served 
 as Sheriff, Representative and State Senator, and 
 in 1841 was elected State's Attorney for the Cir- 
 cuit. He was a member of the Constitutional Con- 
 vention of 1847, and of Congress from 1851 until 
 1855. As a lawyer he was successful, and at the 
 time of his death was Judge of the Circuit Court. 
 He died in April, 1859, while his wife, who was 
 born in 1807, survived him three ^-ears, passing 
 away in 1862. They left three sons and two 
 daughters. 
 
 Born in Wilson County, Tenn., June 9, 1829, 
 our subject was brought by his parents to Illinois 
 when an infant. He received his literary education 
 at a boarding school, and was graduated in 1849 
 from the Law School of Louisville, Ky. Open- 
 ing an office at Metropolis, 111., he removed from 
 there to Williamson County in 1853, and practiced 
 in Marion until 1854, when he was elected to the 
 Lower House of the State Legislature. In the 
 spring of 1855 he was appointed United States Dis- 
 trict Attorney, and four years later resigned that 
 position to resume the practice of law at Marion. 
 He was elected Circuit Judge to succeed his father 
 in 1859. holding the office until December, 1861, 
 when he became a member of the Constitutional 
 Convention. In the spring of 1862 he was elected 
 to Congress, and there served on the Committee 
 on Claims, also the Committees on Territories and 
 Commerce. 
 
 Next we find Judge Allen located at Cairo, 111., 
 where he remained until 1874. and whence he re- 
 moved to Carbondale. During his residence in 
 these cities he devoted his attention to the prac- 
 tice of his chosen profession, being employed by 
 Governor Beveridge to prosecute the AYilliamson 
 County vendetta. This delicate and dangerous 
 service he performed with fearlessness and distin- 
 guished ability, convicting all the leaders and re- 
 storing peace to the community. In 1886 he re-
 
 228 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BlOGRAJfHiCAL RECORD. 
 
 moved from Carbondale to Springfield, and in 
 ,Iune of that year formed a partnership with C. C. 
 Brown it Son, tlie.firm name being Allen, Brown A- 
 Brown. This partnership was continued until our 
 subject was appointed in 1887 to his present 
 ■ludgeship. Throughout his entire life he has 
 been a stanch supporter of Deraocravic principles. 
 The marriage of Judge Allen and Miss Annie 
 McKeen, of Maryland, was celebrated in Decem- 
 ber, 1858. Mrs. Allen was born in 1840, and is a 
 daughter of Hugh Blair and Ursula McKeen, na- 
 tives of Maryland, and now deceased. Of the 
 union of Judge and Mrs. Allen, six children were 
 born, five of whom are now living, namely: Willis, 
 Miriam, Robert M., Louise and John B. 
 
 
 T^^^^ms-^^^m^^sm-^^ 
 
 i;ILLlAM FRICK, Sr., a well known farmer 
 ^jll residing on section 17, township 3, range 
 '^^ 8 west, ]\Ionroe County, was born in the 
 Hessian province of German}^ on the Sd of Octo- 
 ber, 1819, and is a son of Henry and Catherine 
 Frick. His father was a farmer and butcher. In 
 1833, accompanied by his family, he crossed the 
 Atlantic, landing in New Orleans in M.a^' of that 
 year. The^- went thence to Little Rock, on to St. 
 Louis, and later to Belleville, St. Clair County, in 
 the vicinity of whicii place the family lived for 
 some time, the members working for farmers in 
 the neighborhood until 1834, when the father 
 rented a farm. In the fall of 1835 the family 
 came to Monroe County, where again a farm was 
 rented. For a short time the sons worked for 
 others, and then worked upon the home farm, a 
 claim of school land having been secured. Mr. 
 Frick. Sr., continued to live in this locality until 
 called to the home beyond, on the 4th of .Septem- 
 ber, 1860. In the familj' were eight children, five 
 of whom are still living, John, William, Charles, 
 Ernst and Jacob. 
 
 William Frick, of this sketch, continued to work 
 as a farm hand until twenty-two yeai-s of age. In 
 1840 he bought land in Randolph County-, a tract 
 of one hundred and sixty acres, comprising forty 
 acres of timber land and one liundred and twenty 
 acres of prairie. On the 17th of September. 1850, 
 
 he married Mary Magdelena, daughter of Christo- 
 pher He}-!, a native of Germany, who came to Illi- 
 nois from Pennsylvania about 1835 and settled in 
 Jlonroe Countj'. Mrs. Frick was born in Pennsyl- 
 vania September 1, 1833. The j'oung couple be- 
 gan their domestic life upon his farm in Randolph 
 Count}', but after two years our subject sold out 
 and removed to the farm which is now his home. 
 He and his brother John are the oldest settlers 
 living in the township. AVhen they came here, deer, 
 wild turkeys and other game were very plentiful. 
 The land was wild, and tlie work of civilization 
 seemed hardly begun. 
 
 In 1890, Mr. Frick was called upon to mourn the 
 loss of his wife, who died on the 23d of Septem- 
 ber. In their family were eleven children, eight 
 of whom are still living: William Henry, a farmer; 
 Mary Magdalena, wife of Charles "Menmann, who 
 operates a farm belonging to her father; Louisa, 
 wife of Amend Streichcr, of Red Bud; Carolina 
 Henrietta; Johanna, wife of John Whiteside, an 
 agriculturist of this community; Mary Ann, at 
 home; Emil D., a merchant of St. Louis; Edward 
 Christopher; and Ernest Henry, who are still upon 
 the home farm. One child died in inSancy; Eliza- 
 beth died at the age of six and a-half. and JIary 
 when eight and a-half years of age. 
 
 Mr. Frick at one time owned over four hundred 
 acres of land, but now has three hundred and 
 eighty-three acres, forty-three on section 18, forty 
 on section 7, one hundred and twenty on section 
 5, eigiity on section 17, eighty on section 21. and 
 twenty on section 16. The land is all highly culti- 
 vated and improved, and Mr. Frick successfully 
 carries on general farming and stock-raising. He 
 started in life for himself without a dollar, and in h is 
 early years had to work very hard to provide for his 
 own maintenance, but he was industrious and 
 frugal, saved his money, and by judicious invest- 
 ments and well directed efforts he has become one 
 of the substantial farmers of the community. In 
 politics he is a stanch supporter of the Democracy, 
 and for three years was Supervisor of his town- 
 ship. He was one of the organizere of the Evan- 
 gelical Church, is now serving as Trustee, and has 
 ever been one of its active and faithful workers. 
 Mr. Frick in an early day drove a peddler's wagon
 
 PORTRAIT ANt) BlOGRAPiOCAT. RECORD. 
 
 229 
 
 from Hecker to 8t. Louis. He supplied tlie mer- 
 chants with goods, and took their produce to 
 market in St. Louis, making tliree trips every two 
 weeks. This was during the cholera epidemic in 
 1849. 
 
 •jf^^RITZ .JENKEL is classed among the intel- 
 K^Gji ligeut, keen and successful German farm- 
 /li ers of Perry County and is contributing 
 
 much to its material prosperity. His property, 
 which consists of one hundred and twenty acres, 
 is located on section 36, township 4, range 3 west, 
 and is kept up to the highest point in every re- 
 spect, being supplied with neat and well ordered 
 buildings and the most im[)roved modern ma- 
 chinery. 
 
 Fritz and Mar}' (Ahrens) Jenkel, the parents of 
 our subject, were born in Germany. The grand- 
 father was a tailor by trade, and for many years 
 held a Government position as forestman. When 
 too old to follow this business any longer he was 
 retired with a good pension. In early manhood 
 he was ordered to enter the German arm}-, and 
 not wishing to do so, was about to be forced into 
 the service when his young wife locked him in 
 a clothes press and thus he evaded his would-be 
 captors. 
 
 The father of our subject learned the carpen- 
 ter's trade in early life, but did not follow that 
 occupation, as he succeeded his father as forest- 
 man and held that position until coming to the 
 United States. The lady whom he married in his 
 native country was the daughter of Henr>' Ahrens, 
 a well-to-do farmer and a devoted Baptist in re- 
 ligion, who was so persecuted by his enemies that 
 he was compelled to spend the greater part of his 
 •life either in the woods or in prison. 
 
 Fritz .Jenkel, Sr., emigrated to the United States 
 with his familj' in 1854, and when locating in St. 
 Louis was without means of any kind. He worked 
 for other people for the succeeding two 3'ears, 
 after which he came to Illinois and made his home 
 for some time in St. Clair County. In 1858 he 
 came to Perry Count}', where he purchased eighty 
 acres of land and resided until liis decease. The 
 
 parental family included ten children, of whom 
 six were born in Germany. They were William, 
 Fritz, Elizabeth, Mary; Henry and Dora (twins); 
 Mina, Ida, Catherine, and one who died in infancy. 
 Of this family, our subject, Ida and Catherine are 
 the only members living. 
 
 Our subject w.as born December 13, 1835, and 
 I'eceived a fair education in his native land. Be- 
 ing one of the eldest children, he was compelled 
 to aid his father in the support of the family. 
 When nine years of age he began to workout, and 
 after coming to the United States was employed 
 by other people for a number of years. The lady 
 whom he married in his twenty-fifth year was Mrs. 
 Julia A. Holstetter, daughter of Jacob Hoot. Mrs. 
 Jenkel was also a native of Germany, and by her 
 union with our subject has become the mother of 
 five children, viz.: Henry, William, John, George 
 and Mary. In 1862 our subject located in this 
 county, and after renting property for a twelve- 
 month purchased his present farm, the greater 
 portion of which he has cleared himself. With his 
 wife he is a member in good standing of the Bap- 
 tist Church at Oak Grove, in which body he has 
 served as Deacon for the past sixteen years. He 
 is not connected with any political party, but al- 
 ways votes for the best man. 
 
 JR. W. J. HARRAL is a well known and 
 ) rising young physician now engaged in 
 the practice of medicine in Elkville. He 
 " claims Tennessee as the state of his nativ- 
 
 ity, and in its schools he received a liberal educa- 
 tion. Determining to take up the practice of 
 medicine and make it his life work, he entered the 
 college at Jlemphis, Tenn., and was graduated 
 with honor from that institution with the degree 
 of M. D. 
 
 Mr. Harial is a doctor of the old school. He 
 began practice in 1883 and has continued it unin- 
 terruptedly up to the present time, in the early 
 part of 1894. His ability to properly diagnose 
 difficult cases soon brought him conspicuously be- 
 fore the public and made him well known to a 
 wide territory. His practice from the beginning
 
 230 
 
 PORTRAIT ANt) BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 steadily increased and in a few years extended 
 tluoughout the more densely populated districts 
 of the western part of Middle Tennessee. 
 
 Shortly after beginning practice, as he was now 
 starling out for himself, Dr. Harral chose as a 
 companion and helpmate on life's journey Miss 
 Kugcnia Thompson, a daughter of J.N.Thomp- 
 son, a native of North Carolina. The parents of 
 our subject. Baker and Rebecca (White) llarral, 
 were also natives of North Carolina, and from 
 that state some sixty years ago emigrated to Ten- 
 nessee, where the father carried on agricultural 
 pui-suits. Unto Dr. and Mrs. Harral have been 
 born two children, a son and daugliter, Carl Riv- 
 ers and Lonera. 
 
 For about ten years our subject continued to 
 practice in his native state and then came to 
 Illinois, locating in Elkville in 1893. He has 
 for about a year been engaged in practice in this 
 place and is already doing a successful business. 
 He is a close student of his profession, and his 
 skill and ability have won for him a high reputa- 
 tion, not only among his patrons, but also among 
 his brother physicians. He is a wide-awake and 
 enterprising young man, and this community finds 
 in him a valued citizen who manifests a commend- 
 able interest in everything pertaining to its wel- 
 fare and its advancement. He possesses raan\' 
 excellencies of character, and he and his estimable 
 wife have gained many friends in this community. 
 
 HARLES R. MILLER. Randolph County 
 is the home of a goodly number of men 
 who have put forth such industrious and 
 well directed efforts that they have been able to 
 retire from the toils and cares of life, and are now 
 spending their time in ease and enjoyment. Among 
 this number is the gentleman above named, who 
 occupies an attractive home in Sparta, into which 
 he moved in 1881. He still owns his fine farm, 
 which consists of two hundred acres in township 
 5, range 5, on wiiich he has erected every building 
 necessary in carrying on the work of the estate, all 
 being substantial and well arranged. 
 
 Tiie father of our subject, Andrew Miller, was a 
 
 native of Scotland, having been born in Glasgow, 
 about 1776. He made his home in his native land 
 until 1796, when he crossed the Atlantic, antl for 
 twelve 3'cars resided in Ryegate, Vt. While living 
 in the Green Mountain State he was the proprie- 
 tor of a grist mill, which was burned down on two 
 occasions. From Vermont he went to Gallowa}' 
 Countj-, N. Y., where he engaged in farming for 
 some time. In 1827 he came to Randolph County 
 and made his home on section 9, township 5, range 
 5, where he remained until his decease, which oc- 
 curred in July, 1846. He was a member of the 
 Covenanter Church, being identified with the 
 Bethel congregation. Grandfather James Miller 
 was also a native of Scotland, and a miller by trade. 
 
 Mrs. Margaret (McLearj-) Miller, the mother of 
 our subject, was a native of Ireland, and when 
 ready to come to America made the trip across tlie 
 Atlantic in compan}' with Rev. William Gibson. 
 She located in Vermont, where she was married to 
 .\ndrew Miller in 1802. Of their family of four- 
 teen children, three died in infancy. Those who 
 lived to mature years were, James, Jane, Robert, 
 William, Margaret, Andrew, Mar}' Ann, Eliza, 
 Rachael, John, and Charles, of this sketch. 
 
 Charles R. Miller was born December 13, 1819, 
 in Galloway County, N. Y., which was his home 
 until 1827, when he accompanied his father to 
 Chester. The journey' hither was made by canal 
 from Amsterdam to Buffalo, where they crossed 
 the lake to Dunkirk, and from that place they 
 traveled eighteen miles by wagon. Then they 
 built a liatboat, b^' means of which they reached 
 Louisville, K}'., and there embarked on a steam- 
 boat which landed them at Chester. Charles R. con- 
 tinued to make his home with his parents until 1846. 
 Three years previous to this he married Miss 
 Elizabeth Adams, a native of Washington County, 
 Pa. Mrs. Miller is the daughter of William and 
 Sarah (Hughes) Adams, the former a native of 
 Pennsylvania, and the latter Ixjrn in Wales. Mrs. 
 Adams was brought to America when nine years 
 of age, and departed this life while residing in 
 Illinois. Her husband's decease occurred m Ohio. 
 
 Upon the farm concerning which mention was 
 above made, Mr. Miller continued to make his 
 home until 1881, since which time he has been
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 231 
 
 identified witii the interests of Sparta. In addition 
 to liis valuable farm of two hundred acres he owns 
 town property of value. He is a strong Republi- 
 can in politics. With his wife he is a member of 
 the Covenanter Church, in wliicli he has been 
 Elder for the past forty-eight j^ears. By his 
 union witii Miss Adams, ten children were born, 
 viz.: Sarah, Andrew Calvin, Robert, .John, Charles, 
 Delia, Nellie, Willie, Edward (deceased), and one 
 who died in infancy. 
 
 PRANK .J. IIRABIK, proprietor of a bakery, 
 confectionery and grocery store, is one of 
 the self-made men of the city. He began 
 life empty-handed, but has steadil}' worked iiis way 
 upward, and as a result of his enterprise and per- 
 severance h.is acquired a comfortable competence. 
 He was born in Dolan, Bohemia, .July 7, 1853, and 
 is a son of John and Annie (Stankovsky") Hrabik, 
 both of whom were natives of the same country. 
 The father was a farmer by occupation and fol- 
 lowed that pursuit throughout his entire life. 
 The parents never left tlieir native land. In the 
 family were five children, but only two are now 
 living. 
 
 Our subject, who is the second in order of birth, 
 was reared in his native province and attended 
 the gymnasium or Latin school for three years, 
 thus acquiring a good education, which fitted him 
 for the practical duties of life. In 1871, at the 
 age of seventeen years, he bade adieu to home and 
 friends and sailed for the New World. He boarded 
 an ocean steamer at Bremen and at length arrived 
 in New York, whence he made his way to St. Louis. 
 He there learned the trade of manufacturing 
 confectionery and also learned the baker's trade, 
 in the Quentin Bakery of that city. In 1877 he 
 came to Mur[)h}'sboro, where he began working as 
 a baker in the employ of E. Loosley, with whom he 
 continued until 1881. During that time, through 
 his industry and econora}', he had acquired some 
 property and he now began business for himself at 
 the corner of Broad and Mulberry Streets, build- 
 ing an oven and engaging in trade as a baker. He 
 afterward added a stock of groceries and confec- 
 
 tionery and is now doing a good business. Tiie 
 public soon found that it would fair well at his 
 hands, and his courteous treatment and straight- 
 forward dealing have secured for him a liberal 
 trade. 
 
 The marriage or Mr. Hrabik was celebrated in 
 Murphysboro in 1881, when Miss Henrietta Schoch 
 became his wife. The lady was born near Ora- 
 ville, Jackson County, and is a daughter of Con- 
 rad Schoch, a native of Germany, who is numbered 
 among the early settlers of this coramunit}'. They 
 have become the parents of four children, a son 
 and three daughters, Annie, John, Lillie and Lena. 
 
 In politics Mr. Hi'abik is a supporter of the Re- 
 publican party. He has never been an office 
 seeker, his time and attention being entirely taken 
 up by his business interests, in which he is meet- 
 ing with good success. His prosperity is certainly 
 well merited, for with nothing to depend upon 
 except his own exertions he has become one of the 
 substantial citizens of the community. Socially, 
 he is connected with the Independent Order of 
 Forresters. 
 
 <^ felLLIAM H. FOUNTAIN, a retired merchant 
 \f\/ll '^^ Du Quoin, was born in North Carolina 
 ^1^ February 22, 1811. His father, William 
 Fountain, was born in the same state and through- 
 out life followed farming. His death occurred in 
 18 16, when our subject was only five years of age. 
 The family has long been established in North 
 Carolina and was of English lineage. The mother 
 of our subject bore the maiden name of Martha 
 Kej'. She was born in North Carolina and died 
 in 1875, at the advanced age of ninety 3-ears. 
 William H. was their only son, but they had three 
 daughters, one of whom died in childhood. Ma- 
 hala married and lived in North Carolina until 
 her death, which occurred in 1891. Nancy was 
 married and removed to Missouri, where she 
 reared a large famil}'. She was called to the home 
 beyond in 1892. 
 
 The educational advantages which Mr. Foun- 
 tain of this sketch received were limited. In 1835
 
 232 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 
 
 he removed to Tennessee, and in 1840 went to 
 Wn.'^liington County, 111., where he engaged in 
 teaching school and carried on a small farm. Later 
 he went to Franklin County, and in 1852 em- 
 barked in merchandising in Benton, 111., and also 
 ran a iiotel until 1862, when he came to Perry 
 C'()unt3-, III. Three years later he opened a mer- 
 cantile store in Du Quoin and continued opera- 
 tions along that line until 1876, when he retired 
 to private life, having accumulated a handsome 
 property which enabled him to lay aside business 
 cares. 
 
 In 1831 Mr. Fountain was united in marriage 
 with Penelope Pope, who died in 1851. To them 
 were born ten children, but only two are now liv- 
 ing, although seven of the number grew to man- 
 hood and womanhood. Henry, a prominent mer- 
 chant of Du Quoin, died in 1867. Mary became 
 the wife of Judge E. V. Pierce, and both are now 
 deceased. Martha became the wife of Aaron Neal 
 and died in 1869. Melvina E. was twice married, 
 but is now a widow living in St. Louis. Penelope 
 is the wife of Henry- W. Lever, of Du Quoin. T. T. 
 was a soldier in the Civil War and held the rank 
 of Second Lieutenant. He was graduated from 
 the Michigan University of Ann Arbor and be- 
 came a prominent attorney representing his district 
 in the General Assembly. His death occurred 
 October 6, 1892. D. W., the next son, who was 
 a soldier in the late war, was a graduate of the 
 Michigan State Universitj' and became a leading 
 lawyer. He served as State's Attorney and was 
 for a time engaged in the banking business in 
 South Dakota. His death occurred in Du Quoin 
 in October, 1891. For his second wife Mr. Foun- 
 tain married the daughter of ex-Governor Daugh- 
 erty, of Illinois. She died in 1884. 
 
 Mr. Fountain has been a member of the Meth- 
 odist Church since 1836, and has taken a very 
 prominent part in its work. For many years he 
 has been a Roj'al Arch Mason, and was at one 
 time Master of the blue lodge and a member of 
 the Grand Lodge of the state. In politics he has 
 been a stanch Republican since Ft. Sumter was 
 fired upon, and has been true and faithful to every 
 duty. He has now reached the age of eighty-three 
 years. His step is not as light and his baud is not 
 
 as steady as it was in the prime of manhood, but 
 his eye is bright and his intellect is as clear as it 
 was a half-century ago. He is now living a quiet, 
 retired life in his pleasant home, surrounded by 
 the comforts and luxuries which he has been en- 
 abled to secure through the capital acquired by 
 his own exertions. He is indeed a self-made man 
 and his honorable, upright life is well worthy of 
 emulation. 
 
 = ■!• •5* "i^J* "J* •}• "J* •5* i 
 
 HOMAS DEVINE is one of the active and 
 wide-awake business men of the citj- of 
 Chester, in which place he made his advent 
 in 1891, but has been a resident of this state for 
 twenty 3'ears. His birth occurred in Birmingham, 
 England, December 12, 1858, and his parents were 
 James and Catherine Devine. The father was born 
 in Ireland, and in early manhood emigrated to 
 England, where he and his wife are still living, 
 spending their declining years in ease and com- 
 fort. 
 
 Our subject is one of a family of six children 
 born to his parents. He attended the public 
 schools in his native shire, gaining a good educa- 
 tion, and when old enough he commenced to work 
 in the rolling mills. He continued in this business 
 until 1873, when he thought he could better his 
 fortunes by coming to the United States. He im- 
 mediately came to the Prairie State, settling in 
 Grand Tower, Jackson County, where he worked 
 for his uncle, John Devine. Two years later he 
 went to Fredericktown, Mo., where he sta}'ed until 
 his removal to this city, since which time he has 
 been engaged with his uncle in the ice and saloon 
 business. It has grovvn to be a lucrative enterprise, 
 and part of the time he has carried it on alone. 
 
 June 30, 1885, Miss Vena Bruns became the wife 
 of our subject. The lady is a daughter of William 
 and Sophia Bruns, who are residents of Chester, 
 and who emigrated from Germany in an early day. 
 Mrs. Devine is the second in a family of six chil- 
 dren born to her worthy parents. She was reared 
 in the faith of the Presbyterian Church, while her 
 husband is a Catholic. 
 
 Politically, Mr. Devine is a Democrat, but has 
 never aspired to official duties, preferring the
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 233 
 
 quietude of home life to political honors. Socially 
 he is a member of Hercules Lodge No. 228, K. of 
 P., at Chester. 
 
 =*5'*5**J**5"{"5**J*'5'= 
 
 =-^i' NTON LANGSDORF is a prominent mer- 
 iWiuW chant of Ruiksville, where he has carried 
 on business for a number of years. He is 
 now the proprietor of a general store, well 
 stocked with everything found in that line. He 
 receives from the public a liberal patronage, for he 
 is honorable and upright in all his dealings and 
 courteous in his treatment of his customers. The 
 record of his life is as follows: 
 
 Mr. Langsdorf was born in Germany .June 27, 
 1833, and is a son of Martin and Elizabeth (Cappes) 
 Langsdorf, both of whom were natives of the same 
 country. They had a family of eight children, 
 three of whom are now deceased. Those still liv- 
 ing are, John, Anton, Elizabeth, William and 
 Jacob. The father of this family served for seven 
 years in the German army. His occupation was 
 that of farming, and this he followed tlirougiiout 
 life. Both he Jind his wife were faitiiful and con- 
 sistent members of the Lutheran Church, and were 
 highly educated people, who had the respect of all 
 who knew them. They never left their native land. 
 Mr. Langsdorf died at the age of sixty-three years 
 and his wife at the age of sixty. 
 
 Our subject spent the dajs of his boyhood and 
 youth quietly, attending the public schools and 
 thus acquirimg a good education. When a young 
 man he determined to seek a iiome .ind fortune in 
 the New World, for he believed that better oppor- 
 tunities arfd advantages were afforded here than in 
 the older countries of Europe. In 1855 he bade 
 adieu to friends and country and crossed the At- 
 lan^c. His first location was made in Waterloo, IlL, 
 where he remained for four years. On the expira- 
 tion of that period he came to Burksville, where 
 he began working at the tailor's trade, which he 
 followed for seven years. He labored industrious- 
 ly and earnestly and acquired some capital, which 
 he invested in a stock of general merchandise, 
 and opened a store. 
 
 Mr. Langsdorf was married in 1857 to Miss 
 Charlotta Garber, a native of Germany, who came 
 
 to the United States alone in 1853, locating in 
 Waterloo. She is a lady possessed of many excel- 
 lencies of character and has made many warm 
 friends in this communitj'. By their union were 
 born eight children, but only four are now liv- 
 ing: Anton, William, Gustavus and Lewis. The 
 sons "have been provided with excellent educa- 
 tional privileges and are now young men of ster- 
 ling worth, who are holding responsible business 
 positions in St. Louis.' 
 
 Both Mr. and Mrs. Langsdorf are leading mem- 
 bers of and active workers in the Lutheran Church, 
 in which he is now serving as Elder. They take a 
 warm interest in all church and benevolent work, 
 and tiie cause of education receives their heart3' 
 support. In his political views, Mr Langsdorf is 
 a Republican, and he has held the office of School 
 Director. When he reached this country he not 
 onlj' had no capital, but was $12 in debt, and 
 tiierefore had to work his way upward from the 
 very lowest round of the ladder. He has met with 
 difficulties and obstacles, but he has overcome 
 these by determined effort and has achieved a suc- 
 cess of which he may justly be proud, having be- 
 come one of the substantial citizens of this com- 
 munity. It was a fortunate day for him when he 
 determined to come to America, and he need never 
 regret tliat he carried out this resolution. 
 
 ♦^^^1 
 
 m^-m 
 
 1 1^ * * - - 
 
 OHN W. FIRTH is one of the representa- 
 tive and enterprising farmers of Randolph 
 County. He owns a farm of two hundred 
 and ten acres of valuable land, of which 
 one hundred and twenty acres are under a high 
 state of cultivation and 3'ield to the owner a 
 golden tribute in return for the care and labor 
 he bestows upon it. The place is well improved 
 with all the accessories and conveniences of a 
 model farm and is stocked with fine grades of 
 horses and cattle. 
 
 The owner of this desirable place was born in 
 Yorkshire, England, in 1842, and on both tlie pa- 
 ternal and maternal sides is of English descent. 
 His grandparents spent their lives in that country. 
 His parents were Thomas and Charlotte (Naylor)
 
 234 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Firth, natives of Yorkshire. The father was born in 
 1800, and in 1820 was married. He and his wife had 
 a family of fourteen children, of whom seven died 
 in infanc}'. The others are, Seth, who died in 
 1853; Benjamin, superintendent of tlie worsted de- 
 partment of E. S. Iliggins (t Co., of New Yorlv; 
 Obed, a retired policeman of New York City* Will- 
 iam, who died in England; Rile}-, superintendent 
 of the carding and si)inning department of the 
 manufactory of E. S. Higgins & Co., of New York; 
 Tliomas N., who was killed in England, and .Jolin 
 W. The first named son, Seth, was employed by 
 E. S. Higgins & Co., in 1848, as foreman of the 
 carding and spinning department in their factory, 
 and at his death, in 1853, his brother Benjamin 
 took that position. 
 
 The mother of this family was a member of the 
 Wesleyan Methodist Church, and died in England 
 in 1846. In 1847 the father came to America, and 
 lived in New York Cit}' until 1861, when he emi- 
 grated to Randolph County. Upon the farm on 
 whicii our subject now makes his home he resided 
 until his death, .June 5, 1881. In his native land 
 he engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods, 
 and during his residence in New York was with 
 the firm of E.S. Higgins & Co., carpet manufact- 
 urers, remaining in their emploj' from 1846 until 
 1861. The latter 3-ears of his life were spent 
 in farming, and he became the possessor of a com- 
 fortable competence. He was a Roj'al Arch Ma- 
 son and aided in organizing a number of Masonic 
 lodges in New York. In politics he was first a 
 Whig, and afterward a Republican. He was much 
 interested iu churcli work and was a local minis- 
 ter of the Methodist Episcopal Church for about 
 twenty years. During bis residence in the east, he 
 married Bettie Wilde, who died in 1874. 
 
 Our subject was a lad of only seven summers 
 when he came to this country. He remained with 
 his father until the death of the latter. While in 
 New York he was also employed in the carpet 
 factor}' of Higgins & Co., in the carding and spin- 
 ning department. In 1861 he came with liis father 
 to Illinois, and together they carried on farming 
 for a number of years. 
 
 In Randolph County, December 25, 1868, Mr. 
 Firth married Elizabeth Nelson, who was born in 
 
 this locality, and who is a daughter of John D. and 
 Janet (Nelson) Nelson, who were natives of Scot- 
 land. Eight children have been born of their 
 union: Charlotte J., wife of George H. Davis, of 
 Indianapolis, who is connected with the Big Four 
 Railway Company; William R., an engineer of 
 Perry County, 111.; Thomas D., at home; Jennie, 
 now a student in Sparta; Dianthy M., Luella, Chris- 
 tina and Obed, all at lioine. 
 
 Mr. Firth exercises his right of francliise in sup- 
 port of the Republican party. For five 3'ears he 
 served as Road Commissioner and was also Treas- 
 urer and Collector of his township. We see in our 
 subject a self-made man, who at tlie early age of 
 fourteen started out iu life for himself and has 
 since made his own way in tlie world. By de- 
 termined effort he has overcome the obstacles and 
 difHculties in his patii and has ste;idily worked his 
 way upward to a position of afflueuce. His well 
 spent life is worthy of emulation. 
 
 += 
 
 =+ 
 
 '\fj OSEPH STEINLE, proprietor of the Mur- 
 ph3'sboro Steam Bottling Works, and man- 
 ^^ ufacturer of soda and carbonated waters, 
 t^^/ was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, No- 
 vember 20, 1852, and is a son of Thaddeus and 
 Elizabeth (Preig) Steinle, who were farmers of 
 that count!-}'. In the family were seven children. 
 Joseph is the third in order of birth and the onl\- 
 one in America. He was reared upon the home 
 farm until fifteen years of age, and was tlien ap- 
 prenticed to a brewer, working along that line of 
 business until 1883, wiien lie bade adieu to home 
 and friends, having determined to try his fortune 
 in America. He sailed from Antwerp, and after 
 eleven days spent upon the briny deep reached 
 New York City. Going to St. Louis, he was em- 
 ployed in tlie Stevens' Brewery, where he contin- 
 ued seven and a-half years. During the last three 
 years of that time he served as second foreman. 
 
 In July, 1890, Mr. Steinle came to Murphysboro 
 and accepted the position of Superintendent of 
 the Murphysboro Brewing Company. Through 
 his instrumentality the business was placed on a 
 paying basis. On the 6th of February, 1892, he
 
 M 
 
 V^cv^' 
 
 ^,^^^^
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 237 
 
 purchased of Ed Hayes the Murphysboro Steam 
 Bottling "Works, of which he has since been pro- 
 prietor. He has greatly improved and enlarged 
 the facilities, put in steam and made a fine well, 
 and there are all the conveniences and accessories 
 required in the business. During tiie summer he 
 keeps an agent upon the road, and ships his goods 
 from seventy-five to one hundred miles from this 
 place. He manufactures California orange cider, 
 English Club soda, ^rape soda, cream soda, lemon 
 sour, pale lager beer, birch beer, champagne cider 
 and Scotland Bay ginger ale. lie also carries in 
 stock the Seltzer Spring waters and Silurian water, 
 and deals in whiskey bottles and all kinds of glass- 
 ware. 
 
 Mr. Steinle was married in Germany in 1879, 
 the lady of his choice being Miss Louisa Kull, a 
 native of the Fatlierland. They have one child, 
 Frank. Our subject is a member of the Odd Fel- 
 lows' society, of the Treibund and of the Turners' 
 society. Ho is also connected with the St. Louis 
 Brewing Company. During his residence in Amer- 
 ica he has met with good success in his business, 
 thus proving that his decision of seeking a home 
 in the New AVorld was a wise one. He has already 
 made many friends in tliis community and has a 
 wide acquaintance. 
 
 E.!-*+-S"M~5~fE 
 
 (r_, ON. JOSEPH B. GILL, Lieutenant-Gov- 
 liTj' ernor of Illinois, and President of the State 
 laVji^ Senate, has won his position of prominence 
 '^P through merit and ability. He was born 
 on a farm near Marion, Williamson County, 111., 
 February 17, 1862, and is a son of the late John 
 M. Gill, Jr., ex-Mayor of Murphysboro, 111. A na- 
 tive of Jackson County, this state, he was born 
 November 28. 1833, and was the fifth'of eight 
 children, whose parents, John and Nancy Gill, 
 were old residents of the county. The grand- 
 father was born in Virginia, whence he accom- 
 panied his parents to Illinois in 1813, and located 
 near De Soto. His death occurred in December, 
 1886. He was of English and Irish descent, while 
 his wife was of German extraction. 
 
 During his boyhood years John M. Gill, Jr., as- 
 sisted his father in the work on the home farm. 
 3 
 
 On the 6th of January, 1859, he married Miss 
 Nancy J., daughter of Washington Wright, of 
 Williamson County. They had two children, but 
 one is now deceased. In 1855 Mr. Gill began 
 merchandising in De Soto, and in 1859 removed 
 to Williamson County, where he engaged in farm- 
 ing .Tnd dealing in tobacco and other produce. 
 In 1863 he returned to De .Soto, where he con- 
 tinued to reside until 1868, and in that year came 
 to IMurphysboro. Here he resumed mercantile pur- 
 suits, hut his store was destroyed by lire in 1870, 
 and he then turned his attention to milling. 
 
 In politics John M. Gill, Jr., was a stalwart 
 Democrat. In 1876 he was elected Mayor of 
 Murphysboro, and filled the office for two terms, 
 discharging its duties with rare judgment. He 
 was also one of the Directors of the public schools 
 of the city for many years, and was a member of 
 the Masonic fraternity- for about twenty years. 
 He founded the town of Gillsburg, on the narrow 
 gauge railroad (now Oraville, on the Mobile & 
 Ohio Railroad) about eight miles northwest of 
 Murphysboro. As a business man he was ener- 
 getic, and combined many of those qualities — hon- 
 esty, integi'ity and suavity — which are the sure 
 precursors of success in life. His death occurred 
 February 27, 1886. 
 
 In 1863 Joseph B. Gill was taken by his parents 
 to De Soto, and in 1868 to Murphysboro, where 
 he has since made his home. He was educated in 
 the public schools and in the Christian Brothers' 
 College, in ISt. Louis, and the Southern Illinois 
 Normal School, at Carbondale, graduating from 
 the latter in June, 1884. He then completed a 
 law term of two years at Ann Arbor, graduating in 
 July, 1886, and was admitted to the Michigan Bar, 
 passing an examination before the Circuit and Su- 
 preme Courts of that state. He has, however, 
 never practiced his profession, for immediately 
 on his return home he embarked in the newspaper 
 business, buying an interest in the Murphysboro 
 Independent, which he conducted and edited until 
 January 1, 1893. 
 
 November 28, 1893, Mr. Gill married Miss Pearl 
 Hall, the daughter of James W. and Augusta Hall, 
 formerly residents of southern Illinois, and later 
 of San Bernardino, Cal., where Mrs. Gill was liv-
 
 238 
 
 PORTRAIT A^'D BJOURAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 infir at the time of her marriage. She is a lady of 
 refinement :ind culture, and has evinced decided 
 talent in l)otii music and painting. 
 
 i.ike liis fatiier, the subject of this sketch be- 
 came a stanch advocate of the principles of the 
 Democratic party. In 1888 he was elected to the 
 Lower House, and was re-elected in 1890. In 
 both general assemblies lie was a strong anti-cor- 
 poration man, and espoused the cause of the labor- 
 ing people in every measure of interest to them. 
 He championed the [lassage of the Gross- Weight 
 Bill, the Weekly Pay Bill and tlie Anti-Truck 
 Store Bill, and did all he could to advance the 
 Arbitration Bill to a successful issue. His efforts 
 to benefit a class of people who had few friends in 
 the Legislature were appreciated, and soon after 
 that body adjourned in 1891 there was a demand 
 for his name to be placed on the state ticket. 
 
 On the first ballot in April, 1892, Mr. Gill was 
 nominated for the office of Lieutenant-Governor 
 by the Democratic State Convention. An unusual 
 interest was taken in his election on account of 
 the close relations between the candidate and the 
 class whose cause he espoused in tl»e Legislature. 
 He was triumphantly elected, receiving the highest 
 number of votes of an}- man on the ticket except 
 the candidate for State Treasurer. This fact in- 
 dicated his popularity among the working people, 
 and also those in other walks of life. 
 
 After the inauguration of Governor Altgeld, 
 owing to sickness, he did not perform an}' of the 
 official duties, but started immediately for the 
 south. That being the case, Mr. Gill became act- 
 ing Governor, and was the first representative of 
 tiie Democratic part}' to fill the executive chair 
 for over thirty-five years. Being mindful of the 
 interests of the people, and believing that vast 
 sums of money belonging to the state had hereto- 
 fore been sequestered, he therefore, by the author- 
 ity vested in liim as Governor, directed the Attor- 
 ney-General to institute suits against ex-state 
 officials extending over a long period of 3'ears. 
 Wliile his action met with the unqualified approval 
 of the tax-payers and common people of the state, 
 it created constern.-ition in the ranks of those 
 politicians whose financial interests were directly 
 or indirectly affected. His course was highl}' 
 
 commended bj' the press of the state and by those 
 who favored good government and the econom- 
 ical administration of affairs. While thus engaged. 
 Governor Gill was also executing the law and 
 putting into effect the principles of the platform 
 on which he was elected. 
 
 In February, 1894, owing to the absence of the 
 Governor from the state, the Lieutenant-Gover- 
 nor .again assumed the gubernatorial chair, and .as 
 upon the previous occasion, discharged the duties 
 of the office with skill and ability and to the 
 entire satisfaction of the people. Many compli- 
 ments have been extended hirn by the press of 
 Illinois and other states, also b}' representative 
 men of this state during his incumbency of the 
 office. He is the youngest Lieutenant-Governor 
 ever elected in this stale, yet his qualifications 
 have made him an equal in the discharge of his 
 duties with those whose years greatly outnum- 
 bered his. He is an impartial presiding officer, 
 and has alread}' won the respect of the Senate. 
 Though scarcely j-et in the prime of life, he is 
 recognized as an important factor in politics, and 
 in the future, should he continue to devote his 
 energies to this work, his career will undoubtedly 
 be a brilliant one. 
 
 ^•}"!"5"i-^ 
 
 
 ERNARD DANIEL has the largest bakery in 
 ^ Murphysboro, and is also engaged in gen- 
 eral merchandising. lie is enterprising and 
 industrious, and tliese qualifications, which 
 are essential to success, have brought him a well 
 deserved prosperit}-. Numbered among the native 
 sons of Illinois, he was born in Belleville, July 31, 
 1859. His father, Sebastian Daniel, was a native 
 of Baden, Germany, and in his youth learned 
 the baker's trade. When a young man of seven- 
 teen, he came to the United States and followed 
 that business in Belleville, III. During his resi- 
 dence there he married Clara Furstenberg, who was 
 born in Freedom, III. 
 
 Later, Mr. Daniel established a bakeiy in Red 
 Bud, where he continued business until enlisting 
 in an Illinois regiment for service in the late war 
 He faithfully aided in the defense of the Union
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRATHICAL RECORD. 
 
 239 
 
 until its preservation was an assured fact, and then 
 returned to his business in Red Bud, where he 
 continued until coming to Murphjsboro in 1869. 
 At tlie corner of Union and Chesnut Streets he es- 
 tablished a bakery, and in connection with his 
 work in that line also engaged in the manufact- 
 ure and sale of confectionery until his death, in 
 1872. His widow still survives hira.audj-et makes 
 her home in Murphysboro. The children of the 
 Daniel family are, William, who is engaged in the 
 bakery and confectionery business; Bernard, of 
 this sketch; Christine, wife of John Stoeltzle; and 
 Lizzie, wife of Al Ozburn. 
 
 Bernard Daniel has lived in Murphysboro since 
 the age of ten years, and is therefore well known 
 to its citizens, among whom he is held in high re- 
 gard. He was educated in its public and private 
 schools, and with his father learned the baker's 
 trade. On the death of the latter, he aided his 
 mother in carrying on the business, and subse- 
 quently worked as a baker until February, 1882, 
 when he began business for himself in companj' 
 with tho Borger brothers, under the firm name of 
 Borger & Daniel. He bought out his partners' 
 'interests in 1884, and has since conducted the 
 business alone. The store is located at the corner 
 of Walnut and Union Streets, where he carries a 
 large stock of dry goods, boots and shoes, gro- 
 ceries, queenswarc, provisions, etc. He also has 
 the largest bakery in Murphysboro, and represents 
 the Dozier Bakery of St. Louis, handling large 
 quantities of the goods of that firm. The oven, 
 located in the rear of the store, is 10x12 feet, 
 and has a capacity' of one thousand loaves of bread 
 per day. 
 
 Mr. Daniel is a member of St. Andrew's Catho- 
 lic Church, and is Financial Secretary of the Cath- 
 olic Knights of Hlinois. He also belongs to Jack- 
 son Camp No. 113, S. V., and is a member of the 
 Camp Council. He exercises his right of franchise 
 in sup[)ort of the Democratic nart^', but has neither 
 sought nor desired public office, preferring to de- 
 vote his entire time and attention to his business 
 interests, in which he has met with signal success. 
 
 In 1891 Mr. Daniel built a pleasant residence 
 on Union Street. His wife was formerly Miss 
 Lena Berger. She was born in Alabama, but her 
 
 maidenhood da3's were passed in Murphysboro, 
 and she is a daughter of Bartel Berger, of this 
 place. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel was 
 celebiated January 22, 1883, and has been blessed 
 with three children, Gertie, William and Clara. 
 
 _^,,, NDREW B. CHEW, who follows farming 
 1@/-JI| on section 21, Ora Township, J.ackson 
 County, was born in Jefferson County, III., 
 April 20, 1830. His father, James Chew, 
 was a native of Lebanon, Ohio, and there resided 
 until he had attained to man's estate, when he 
 removed to St. Clair Count}', 111. Soon afterwards 
 he married Nancj' Million, daughter of Bennett 
 and Nancy Million, who came from Kentuckj' to 
 to this state in an early day. Mr. Chew was a 
 tailor by trade, but followed school teaching 
 through the greater part of his life. He removed 
 to St. Louis and thence went to Jefferson County, 
 111. Later he resided for a time in Ohio, after 
 which he returned to St. Clair County, and finally 
 located in Washington County, III. While on his 
 way to Ohio, where he intended visiting, he was 
 taken sick, at Logansport, Ind., and died. He was 
 then only thirty-five \ears of age. He held mem- 
 bership with the Masonic fraternit}-, and belonged 
 to the Baptist Church, frequently occupying the 
 pulpit. His wife long survived him and passed 
 away in Bradley Townshij), Jackson County, in 
 1892, at the age of seventy-nine. In their family 
 were three children, Andrew B; Mary A., wife of 
 David McCoy; and Nancy J., widow of John 
 Smith, who died in 1893. 
 
 Mr. Chew of this sketch aided in the labors of 
 the home farm until eighteen years of age, when 
 he went to Belleville, 111., and leai-ned the carpen- 
 ter's trade with his uncle, John Million. He has 
 since carried on business along that line. He 
 was married in Carbondale, March 23, 1864, to 
 Mahala J. Deason. He.r father. Shepherd Deason, 
 emigrated from South Carolina to Illinois, and in 
 this state married Elizabeth Troop. He followed 
 farming near Carbondale, and was a well known 
 citizen of that locality. The members of liis fam- 
 ily were, McCager, who died in Missouri; Edwin,
 
 240 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RI-XORl). 
 
 who died in Texas; Delilah, wife of Jesse Temple; 
 Amos, who is living in Stoddard County, Mo., and 
 Shepherd Allen, who died in cliildhood. 
 
 For three years after tUeir marriage, Mr. and 
 Mrs. Chew made their home in Murphysboro, 
 and removed to their present residence on the 
 oth of May, 1869. The following children were 
 born to them: William, who was born April 22, 
 J866, died October 1, 1887; Jesse, born October 
 13, 1867, died in infancy; Frank, born Septem- 
 ber 5, 1869, is now engaged in merchandising; 
 Julia, born July 25, 1872, died in infancy; Phtcbe, 
 twin sister of Julia, was married May 5, 1892, to 
 B. McBride, and with their daughter, Martha J., 
 they reside on a farm south of Ava; Delia was 
 born February 23, 1874; Oliver was born July 15, 
 1877; Eiizahetli and Nancy, twins, were born July 
 24, 1880. 
 
 Mr. Chew was found among the defenders of 
 the country during tiie late war. He enlisted 
 August 26. 1861, as a member of Company H, 
 Twenty-seventh Illinois Infantry, under Capt. 
 Mike H. Broods and Col. N. B. Buford. He par- 
 ticipated in the battles of Belmont, Island No. 10, 
 Corinth, Farmington, Iai verne. Stone River, Chick- 
 amauga. Missionary Ridge and Knoxville. At 
 Blaine's Cross Roads he re-enlisted as a veteran of 
 Company G, Ninth Illinois Mounted Infantry, un- 
 der Captain Martin and Colonel Hughes, and 
 served under General Sherman in the Atlanta 
 campaign, participating in the battles of Franklin 
 and Nashville. After the fall of Richmond, in the 
 spring of 1865, he went to Washington, D. C, and 
 after participating in the Grand Review, was mus- 
 tered out at Louisville, Ky. He was never 
 wounded, but for six weeks was confined to the 
 hospital with rheumatism. He also contracted 
 granulation of the eyelids, and he still frequently 
 suffers from that disease. 
 
 Since his return from the war, Mr. Chew has con- 
 tinuously engaged in carpentering near his home. 
 He is a prominent member of the Free Will Baptist 
 Church, in which he serves as Trustee and Deacon, 
 and is a member of the Grand Armj^ post of Ava. 
 In politics, he is a Republican, and has served as 
 Township Assessor for two terms, and for one term 
 was Justice of the Peace. His official duties and 
 
 those of private life are discharged with the same 
 fidelity that characterized his career when he went 
 to the defense of his country and followed the 
 Stars and Stripes to victory. 
 
 O. Ml'RPllY, |)roprietor of an extensive 
 clothing house, and the head of the mer- 
 cantile firm of H. 0. Murphy &. Co., is rec- 
 ognized as one of the leading business men 
 of Pinckneyvillc, for he is connected with various 
 enterprises in this place. lie was born here De- 
 cember 6, 1862, and is a son of the Hon. William 
 K. Murphy. The family is of Irish origin. The 
 great-grandfather of our subject was born in the 
 North of Ireland, came to America prior to the 
 Revolution, and was a soldier in the great conflict 
 which ended British rule over the American Col- 
 onies. When their independence was achieved, 
 he settled in Tennessee, and in 1818 came to Illi- 
 nois, locating in Perry County, near what is 
 known as Lost Prairie. He was a stonemason by 
 trade, but his last days were spent on a farm, 
 wliere his death occurred. 
 
 Richard G. Murphy, the grandfather of our sub- 
 ject, was born in Tennessee, January 4, 1801, and 
 was the youngest of five brothers. He became a 
 conspicuous figure in the history of southern Illi- 
 nois. He served in the Black Hawk War, and in 
 1832 was elected to the State Legislature, where 
 he remained for ten consecutive years. In 1847 
 he was appointed by President Polk as agent 
 for the Sioux Indians, then on their reservation 
 in Minnesota, whither he went, there spending 
 three years. He then returned to Illinois, and in 
 1850 was again elected to the Legislature, and was 
 Chairman of the committee which incorporated 
 the Illinois Central Railroad. In 1854 he again 
 went to Minnesota, where he lived until his death, 
 in 1874. He was thcie extensively engaged in 
 farming and stock-raising, and was also a mem- 
 ber of the first State Senate of Minnesota. The 
 name of Richard G. Murphy was familiar through- 
 out Illinois and IMinnesota, where he was numbered 
 among the most prominent citizens. His brother, 
 William C, who was also well known in southern
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RPXORD. 
 
 241 
 
 Illinois, was for many years doorkeeper in the 
 State Senate and House of Representatives when 
 tlie State Capitol was located in Vandal ia. Upon 
 tlie organization of Perry, in 1827, lie was ap- 
 pointed Slieriff, and he also held other county 
 offices. Miirpliysboro, the county seat of Jackson 
 County, was named in his honor. 
 
 Hon. William K. Murphy, the father of our sub- 
 ject, was born in Perr3' County in 1835. He acquired 
 such education as could be obtained in the com- 
 mon schools half a century ago, and then took up 
 the study of law, having determined to make its 
 practice his life work. In 18.59 he was admitted 
 to the Bar, and opened an office in Pinckney ville. 
 When the Civil War broke out, he raised a com- 
 pany', and was elected its Captain. It became 
 Company H of the One Hundred and Tenth Illi- 
 nois Infantry, and Mr. Murphy continued in com- 
 mand until April, 1863, when he resigned and re- 
 turned home. In 18(56 he formed a law partnership 
 with the Hon. John Boyd, which connection was 
 continued until 1882. This was considered the 
 most able law firm in southern Illinois, and for 
 many ye.irs there was not an important case tried 
 in this part of the state with which they were not 
 connected on one side or the other. 
 
 In local [(olitics, Mr. Murphy has been an import- 
 ant factor. He was Master in Chancery, and in 1864 
 and 1866 was elected to the House of Representa- 
 tives. In 1872 he was elected to the State Senate, 
 and in 1880 and 1881 was again in the Lower 
 House. In 1882 he was the Democratic candidate 
 for Congress from the Twentieth Congressional 
 District, but was defeated by two hundred and 
 eighty votes in the district that two years previ- 
 ously had given a Republican majority of two 
 thousand. This was one of the failures which may 
 be regarded as a victory. In 1893 he was appointed 
 by President Cleveland Collector of the Port of 
 Cairo, a position he is now filling. In addition 
 to his professional and political life, he has been 
 an active man in business, and is at the head of the 
 banking house of Murphy, Wall & Co., of Pinck- 
 neyville. He is President of the First National 
 Bank of Murphysboro, and is at the head of the 
 large mercantile house of Murph3', Crawford ik Co., 
 besides beinur interested in various other extensive 
 
 business concerns. He owns lai'ge tracts of land, 
 and is accounted one of the wealthiest men of 
 southern Illinois. 
 
 Mrs. Murphy, the mother of our subject, bore 
 the maiden name of Penina Ozbuin, daughter of 
 the Hon. Hawkins S. Ozburn, a native of Tennes- 
 see, who served as Captain in the Mexican War, 
 and who was at one time a member of the Illinois 
 State Senate. In the Murph.y family were but 
 two children, H. 0., and Sadie V., wife of Joseph 
 Crawford, of the firm of Murphy, Crawford & Co. 
 
 Our subject acquired an excellent education, 
 and was a student in Washington University, of 
 St. Louis. He entered upon his business career 
 in 1881, when he formed a partnership with C. H. 
 Greser, as dealers in general merchandise. This 
 connection continued for seven j'ears, when Mr. 
 Murph}- withdrew from the firm and established 
 his present extensive clothing house. He has 
 other business interests, which yield toliim a good 
 income. 
 
 In July, 1889, was celebrated the marriage of H. 
 O. Murphy and Miss Minnie B. Lawson, of Dead- 
 wood, S. Dak., a most estimable lady, who has 
 won many friends in this locality-. He is a Chap- 
 ter Mason, and was the founder of the Knights of 
 Pythias lodge in Pinckneyville. He served as its 
 first Chancellor Commander, and is now represen- 
 tative to the Grand Lodge. He is also a worthy 
 representative of the honored Murphy family, and 
 we have no doubt that the name will grow even 
 brighter as he advances in his career. 
 
 . T. MACLIN, M. D., one of the leading 
 '' physicians of Du Quoin, who is now en- 
 
 W^ joying a large and lucrative practice, was 
 born in Williamson County, Tenn., August 9, 
 1844. His father, W. T. Maclin, Sr., was born in 
 Virginia October 12, 1804, and was a son of Willis 
 Maclin, a native of Kings County, Ireland, who 
 came to this country during the Revolution. 
 Hiding on a British ship, he crossed the Atlantic 
 and joined the Continental army, in which he 
 served until after the surrender of Cornwallis at 
 Yorktown. He was within a hundred feet of that
 
 242 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 
 
 general when he gave up his sword. Immediately 
 after the war he locuted near Nashville, Tenn., and 
 from that place entered the army for the War of 
 1812. He became an extensive planter, but was 
 always opposed to slaver^'. He was a man of liberal 
 education and wasa great reader. In the militia he 
 served as Captain, Major and Colonel. His death 
 occuned in Tennessee in 1851, at the age of 
 eighty-five. His nephew, William Maclin,was tlie 
 first Secretary of .State in Tennessee. 
 
 The Doctor's father was also a well educated 
 man, w.as a prosperous farmer and a prominent 
 politician. He died in Tennessee in 1886. He 
 had several brothers, and one of the number, Isaac 
 E., served as a soldier in the late war in the Sev- 
 enth Tennessee Cavalry. During the struggle he 
 was made a prisoner bj' Forrest. When tiie war 
 was over he came to Illinois, and was killed by a 
 train at the depot in Du Quoin. 
 
 Mrs. Maclin, mother of the Doctor, was in her 
 maidenhood Anna M. Brooks, and was a native of 
 Philadelphia. Her great-grandfather, Lord Brooks, 
 had two sons, George and Samuel. The former 
 came to America when a boy, but the latter re- 
 mained in his native land until he had attained 
 his majority, when he crossed the Atlantic to visit 
 his brother, who was a sea captain. While return- 
 ing to his native land lie was drowned. Capt. 
 George Brooks was the grandfather of Mrs. Mac- 
 lin. While on a voyage he was taken prisoner by 
 the Spaniards, held captive for a period of seven 
 years, and was finally condemned to death, but 
 on making it known to some of the high officials 
 that he was a Mason, he was promptly reprieved. 
 Later he was liberated and his ship and cargo 
 restored to him. He m.ade a fortune on the high 
 seas and died in Philadelphia at an advanced age. 
 The original of the famous painting "Four Sea- 
 sons" was presented to him bj' a nobleman and is 
 now in the possession of the Green family. His 
 son George, father of Mrs. Maclin, was a promi- 
 nent merchant of Philadelphia, and later went to 
 Nashville, Tenn., where he engaged in merchandis- 
 ing. He afterwards owned a tanner3- at Franklin, 
 Tenn., where his last days were spent. He mar- 
 ried Magdaline Green, daughter of Capt. John 
 Green, who was also a sea captain and was of Irish 
 
 descent. His home was in Philadelphia and he 
 was said to be quite wealthy. In his family were 
 five daughters, of whom four married physicians, 
 namely: Dr. Shelby, Dr. .Sims, Dr. McNarry and Dr. 
 Minich. The other daughter, Mrs. Brooks, died in 
 Tennessee in the '40s. 
 
 Our subject was the second in the family of 
 three sons and three daughters. His sister Mary 
 is now living near Nashville; Columbus C. is a 
 phj'sician of Tennessee; B. F. is a farmer of Ten- 
 nessee; Cordelia died in 1890; and Julia is the 
 wife of C. K. Mitchell, a prosperous farmer of 
 Tennessee. The Doctor was reared upon the home 
 farm, acquired his education in the common 
 schools and fitted himself for teaching. He began 
 this work at the age of seventeen and continued 
 it through the Civil War, during which time he 
 also read medicine. He attended his first course 
 of lectures in the Nashville Medical College in 
 1865-66, then entered the Cincinnati Medical Col- 
 lege and was graduated therefrom in 1868. In 
 1881 he took a post graduate course in Memphis 
 Hospital. He began practice in Cairo, Tenn., 
 where he continued seventeen years, wiien, in 1884, 
 he came to Du Quoin, where he has met with ex- 
 cellent success, securing a most liberal palionage. 
 
 The Doctor married, September 1, 1868, Mar}' 
 E. Harrell, a native of Tennessee, who came of an 
 old North Carolina family'. She died on her 
 forty-first birthd.iy, December 16, 1890. They had 
 a family of seven children, of whom five are }'et 
 liying: Lula A., wife of Clarence E. Blakeslee, of 
 the Blakeslee Manufacturing Compan}'; Anna E., 
 wife of Stephen Rogers, a hotel-keeper of Mt. Ver- 
 non, 111.; W. B.; John A. and Grover C, at home. 
 On the 12th of October, 1893, the Doctor married 
 Mrs. Catharine (Freudenberg) Weger,of Du Quoin, 
 the widow of Adrian Wcger. This excellent lady 
 was born in Belleville, III., and is connected with 
 some of the oldest and most prominent German 
 families of that city. She has four children, Oscar, 
 Ida, Anna and Walter Weger. 
 
 Dr. Maclin is a member of the National Associ- 
 ation of Railway Surgeons, of the Southern Illi- 
 nois Medical Association, and is local surgeon for 
 the Illinois Central Railroad and the St, Louis, 
 Alton & Terre Haute Railroad Companj'. During
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 243 
 
 President Cleveland's first administration he held 
 tlie office of Pension Examiner. He heeame an 
 Odd Fellow iu 1 867, has filled all the chairs of the 
 local lodge, and is a member of the Grand Lodge. 
 In 1871 he was made a Mason, joined the chapter 
 in 1874, and is a charter member of the Knights of 
 Pythias. He served for eight years on the Board of 
 Education, is a member of the City Council, and in 
 his political views is a Democrat. In religious belief 
 he is identified with the Christian Church. He is 
 recognized as a valued citizen, one ever interested 
 in what pertains to the upbuilding of the comnui- 
 nitv. 
 
 I®), ^Wa M 
 
 iW 
 
 if^ APT. WILLIAM M. NEIL, an honored vet- 
 l( eran of the late war, who is now living a 
 
 ^^f) retired life in Pinckne^-ville, was born in 
 Perry Count}', Ind., November 5, 1837. His fa- 
 ther, David Gregory McNeil, was a native of 
 Pennsylvania, hut removed to Kentucky, where 
 he married Harriet Lay, who was born near Lex- 
 ington, that state, and belonged to one of the 
 most prominent families there. The father re- 
 moved with his family to Perry County, Ind., 
 where the}' were among the earliest settlei-s. Later 
 they went to Greenville, Ohio, where the father 
 died at the age of seventy-nine years, and the 
 mother when eighty-four years of age. In their 
 family were six children, four sons and two daugh- 
 ters. The eldest, J. B., a Lieutenant of the late 
 war, is a carriage maker by trade, and resides in 
 Ann Arbor, Mich.; James, who was also one of 
 the boys in blue, is now express agent for the 
 American Express Company at Greenville, Ohio; 
 Daniel was also a soldier for about two j'ears; 
 Mary is the wife of Joseph Ritnour, who is en- 
 gaged in fruit-growing near Madison, Ohio; and 
 Elizabeth became the wife of I. N. Shiveley, near 
 Greenville, Ohio, and died in 1890. 
 
 In the usual manner of farmer lads. Captain Mc- 
 Neil spent his early boyhood da3'S. After attend- 
 ing the common schools, we find him a student in 
 Liber College, of Portland, Ind., and at the age of 
 seventeen he engaged in teaching. The year 1860 
 
 witnessed his arrival in Illinois. He located in 
 Du Quoin, and the following year there wedded 
 Mary Mead, of that place. Their only child, Mary 
 Alice, who was an artist of fine ability, was educa- 
 ted in the State University at Champaign. She 
 became the wife of Prof. M. E. Cliase, one of the 
 art instructors of the university, but died two 
 3-ears after her marriage. 
 
 All of the sons of the McNeil family were I'nion 
 soldiers. In 1862 our subject enlisted in his coun- 
 try's defense, and was assigned to Company A, 
 Eighty-first Illinois Infantry, under command of 
 Col. John A. Logan. After a few days he was 
 made Second Lieutenant, six months later became 
 First Lieutenant, and afterward was promoted to 
 the rank of C'aptain. During tiie last year of his 
 service he was a member of the staff of Eugene A. 
 Carr, under Gen. A. J. Smith, General Logan and 
 General McPherson. He participated in the bat- 
 tles of Raymond, Jackson, Champion Hills and 
 Black River, and in the charge on Yicksburg was 
 wounded, as were twent3'-flve of the thirt3--eight 
 men under him. His Second Lieutenant was killed 
 iu that battle. He took charge in the Red River 
 expedition, the battle of Nashville and in the cap- 
 ture of Ft. Blakelyand Spanish Fort, serving until 
 August, 1865. 
 
 AVhen the war was over and the preservation of 
 the Union was an assured fact. Captain McNeil 
 came to Pinckney ville, and for four 3ears was Prin- 
 cipal of the cit}- schools. During the succeeding 
 six years, he was engaged in the grain and lumber 
 business, and for six 3-ears thereafter was proprie- 
 tor of a drug store. In his business dealings he 
 was ver}- successful, and b3' his well directed and 
 determined efforts he won a handsome competcnc3', 
 which now enables him to live retired, resting in 
 the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. 
 
 Although the C'aptain has never aspired to 
 office, he has ever taken an active part in political 
 matters, and has made thrilling political speeches 
 in southern Illinois, the efl'ect of which has been 
 seen at the polls by an increased Republican vote. 
 He believes his part3- to be on the side of the peo- 
 ple and the one best able to advance their interests, 
 therefore is an earnest advocate of its principles. 
 He is a prominent member of James P. Co wen
 
 244 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Post No. 219, G. A. R., has served as its Com- 
 mander and is now Quartermaster. He lias also 
 been Master of the Jlasonlc lodge, and lias served 
 as its Treasurer for the past eight years. 
 
 (^^ T. AUGUSTINE'S ROMAN CATHOLIC 
 ^^^ CHURCIL of Prairie du Long, dates back 
 ^&J_M ("O t'lc first part of this century. Twelve 
 families from Lancashire, England, came 
 to Monroe County in 1812, and bought land of 
 the Government near Prairie du Long Creek, in 
 what is now known as the Prairie du Long District. 
 The settlers, who were Catholics, soon erected a 
 log church and were visited by Father Van Clos- 
 tere, of Prairie du Rochcr. This church was situ- 
 ated at English Settlement, then in Randolph 
 County, but now in Monroe. 
 
 In 1834 sixty acres of land were donated by 
 Edward Newsham and John Winstanley to the 
 Rt.-Rev. Joseph Rosati, Bishop of St. Louis, 
 on condition that a church be built and the land 
 used for its benefit. A stone church was soon 
 erected, and on November 1 1 , 1838, was consecrated 
 to divine service by Bishop Rosati, with Rev. J. 
 Kenney as its first pastor and resident priest. The 
 edifice was about 40x60 feet, and was one of the 
 finest churches in southern Illinois. "Among the 
 oldest settlers and members of the congregation 
 were Edward Newsham, John AVinstanley, John 
 Newsham, Thomas Winstanley and John and 
 Thomas Bamber, all of whom are now deceased. 
 
 After the church was built the old building was 
 used as a district school. The new church was 
 erected about one hundred and fift}^ yards north- 
 west and was over the line in St. Clair County. 
 In 1854, it having become dilapidated, the con- 
 gregation, on the 12th of February, decided to tear 
 it down and rebuild. This was done and a paro- 
 chial frame residence was erected. In 1867-68, a 
 two-story brick parsonage was built by Rev. J. 
 Beriage, who a short time previous had been ap- 
 pointed rector. A tower was built on the church, 
 in 1874, and the following year the old log church 
 which had been used as a district school, was re- 
 placed by a new building, which was erected fur- 
 
 ther west on the bank of Prairie du Long Creek. 
 A room which had been added to the old paro- 
 chial residence, however, was used for a parochial 
 school. 
 
 In 1886 a new schoolhouse of brick, 20x30 feet, 
 was erected by Rev. L. Riesen,and in 1889 the old 
 cracked bell was replaced by two new bells, pur- 
 chased by the present rector. Rev. J. B. Schlotmann. 
 In taking down the old bell it was found that the 
 steeple would be too weak for the bells, and sugges- 
 tions were made by the members of the congrega- 
 tion to enlarge and remodel the old and also build 
 a sanctuary to the church. At the examination of 
 the church, however, by an architect (Vul. Reis, of 
 Belleville, now deceased) it was found very unsafe 
 and not wortli further expenditure of money. It 
 was tlien decided by the Trustees of the congrega- 
 tion to build a new church and not at the old 
 place, but at Freedom, a village about two miles 
 east. The church at that time had a membership 
 of over a hundred families. Freedom is a little 
 town on the Belleville and Kaskaskia road and is 
 the center of the congregation, and therefore more 
 convenient and more readily accessible for its 
 members. In spite of some opposition to the 
 movementa piece of land of about three and a-half 
 acres was purchased from Hy. Diefenbech, Octo- 
 ber 17, 1892, a noble gentleman of Freedom, who 
 keeps a hotel. 
 
 When it became known that a Catholic Church 
 was to be erected at Freedom, all endeavored, 
 whether Catholics or Protestants, to help the same 
 either by funds or labor. The plans, details and 
 specifications for the new church were prepared by 
 N. H. Melcher, an architect of St. Louis. These 
 having been accepted by the rector and approved 
 by the Rt.-Rev. J. Janssen, the bishop of the 
 diocese, the corner-stone was laid by the latter 
 April 11, 1893, in the presence of a great number 
 of priests and laymen. The work was then begun 
 under the superintendency of the architect and 
 the rector. 
 
 The size of the church is 44x90 feet, with a spire 
 one hundred and ten feet above the level of the 
 ground. The basement is nine feet high and built 
 of native blue limestone, don!v>.ed by Benjamin 
 Harbaugh, a member of the congregation. The
 
 X 
 
 
 /OjlJl^^y^<^ 
 
 'i-yj/.i
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 247 
 
 superstructure walls are built of native sandstone, 
 donated by F. Dejfenliardt, also a member, and 
 are twenty-one feet above the water-tables, or 
 twenty-four feet above the level of the ground. 
 Tlie masonry work was done by Frank Tarantiuo, 
 of St. Louis; the lumber was furnished by Charles 
 Boedeker, who keeps a large lumber yard in Red 
 Bud; mill-work by the Menke it Grimm Planing 
 Mill Company, of (^uincy, 111.; carpenter work by 
 J. H. fScheiper, of St. Libor}', III.; the caps, window 
 sills and other cut stone are of Bedford limestone, 
 and were furnished In- Ralph Dixon, of Alton, 111. 
 The church is covered with old Bangor slate from 
 Bethlehem, Pa., furnished by T. H. White, of St. 
 Louis. All the contracts have been carried out to 
 the satisfaction of the architect and rector. The 
 churcli has ornamental glass of mosaic style, very 
 pleasing, and was furnislied b3' the E. F. Kerwin 
 Ornamental Glass Company, of St. Louis. The 
 church will cost when completed about ^11,000. 
 A now two-story parsonage will also be built this 
 spring (1894). The basement will be of native 
 blue limestone, and the superstructure of native 
 sandstone. The house will be situated on the 
 south side of the church, with which it will be 
 connected b}- a porch. 
 
 3=^E 
 
 WILLIAM R. Mackenzie, M. D., a native 
 of Nova Scotia, is of Scottish parentage. 
 His grandfather, Alexander MacKenzie, 
 Sr., was born in Inverness, in the Highlands of 
 Scotland, and received a liberal education. He 
 was a member of the Masonic order, and a stanch 
 supporter of the Presbyterian Church. Alexander 
 MacKenzie, Jr., the father of our subject, was born 
 in Nova Scotia, JNIarch 6, 1797, and is pow in 
 comparatively good health, bidding fair to become 
 a centenarian. He still resides on part of the old 
 homestead, where his father settled just after the 
 Revolutionary War. 
 
 Alexander MacKenzie, Sr., and William McMil- 
 lan, grandfathers of our subject, were pressed into 
 the British service during the Revolutionary War 
 and therein- became British pensioners. Many of 
 the former's descendants, including John and 
 
 Daniel, two brothers of Dr. MacKenzie, partici- 
 pated in the War of the Rebellion on the Union 
 side. John was killed in the battle of Ft. Donel- 
 son, February 15, 1862. 
 
 The birth of William Robert MacKenzie occurred 
 February 15, 1844, in Churchville, Pictou County, 
 Nova .Scotia. He was the eighth child in order of 
 birth. He had five brothers and four sisters, of 
 whom there now survive one brother, Alexander 
 G., residing at Chester, III., and four sisters, living 
 within a radius of four miles from the old home- 
 stead. His earlj' education was secured in the 
 village schools of his native place, where he after- 
 ward became a teacher. He spent his boyhood 
 days on the old home farm in Nova Scotia, which 
 was the stopping place of all the preachers of the 
 United Presbyterian Church, and he was reared 
 under the influences of the sturd}- old Cove- 
 nanters. 
 
 In 1865 our subject came to the United States, 
 landing at Boston. Soon after his arrival he con- 
 tracted measles. After over a month's severe ill- 
 ness, during which, through improper treatment, he 
 suffered a serious relapse, he recovered onl}- to find 
 the stock of gold which he had brought from home 
 very much depleted. Something had to be done 
 to mend his crippled finances, so the advertising 
 columns of the daily papers were scanned. A col- 
 Icctorship for a gas fitting company caught his eye, 
 and upon making application for the position he 
 was accepted. Being a Nova Scotian was, in Bos- 
 ton, a sufficient recommendation for his honesty, 
 and no bond was required. 
 
 After a few months in this position, a better 
 opening was offered in the employment of William 
 Tidd & Co., leather merchants, on Pearl Street, who 
 also carried on business in Stoneham, IMass., where 
 our subject was assigned a position. While there 
 he fell in with a fellow countryman named Mc- 
 Leod, who induced him to embark on a fishing 
 expedition to the Grand Banks. Fitting out at 
 Cape Cod, the vessel proceeded to the Grand 
 Banks and began operations. The schooner, an 
 old one, sprang aleak, and as it became unman- 
 ageable, it was necessary to abandon it. After 
 being looted of everything valuable on board by 
 the rest of the fleet, she was fired and cast adrift.
 
 U8 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BTOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Each man Imd his own dory, and our subject and 
 his partner were taken on board a schooner from 
 Cape Breton Island, of which Captain Doolan 
 was in command. 
 
 After five months on the Atlantic without the 
 sight of land, the vessel weighed anchor and 
 started for iiome; and none too soon, for that 
 same daj' a storm struck the Banks, and many of 
 the vessels with their crews went down. Captain 
 Doolan 's craft was more fortunate than many of 
 them; and after scudding for two da3'S under bare 
 poles the storm abated, and the journey homeward 
 was begun in earnest. So suddenl}' did the storm 
 burst upon the fleet, that instead of winding the 
 sails in the usual manner, the ordet* was given to 
 cut the halj'ard and let the sails fall. After a 
 V03'age of about two weeks, the vessel, with crew 
 and cargo, hove anchor safely in the harbor of 
 Provincetown. Expecting nothing but his rescue 
 and keeping for his labor after boarding the vessel 
 of Captain- Doolan, our j'oung Nova .Scotian was 
 surprised when the Captain, taking him to a bank, 
 poured into his hands #80 in gold. 
 
 Interesting incidents occurred while Dr. MacKen- 
 zie was on board Captain Doolan 's vessel at the 
 Grand Banks. One day, about noon, all the dories 
 were out plying their lines. Suddenly the sky 
 darkened, the waters seethed, and all but three of 
 the boats started for and safel3' reached the fleet. 
 Captain Doolan 's two brothers and one other 
 man, each in a separate dor^', were so baffled by 
 the dense fog that they lost sight of the fleet. 
 Not being able to hear the fog-bell, and finding 
 themselves rapidly drifting, tlie^- made prepara- 
 tions to anchor in the deeper waters. Accordingly, 
 they fastened the three dories together and occu- 
 pied but one of them. The}' then converted the 
 three anchors and the six leads, used in fishing, 
 and weighing four pounds each, into one anchor, 
 whose cable was formed by the union of the three 
 cables and the six fishing lines. Notwithstanding 
 all their precautions, however, the current was so 
 strong that they drifted until they were unable to 
 touch bottom. Their dories were tossed about 
 until four o'clock the next evening, when the fog 
 cleared, and just the tip of the tallest mast in the 
 fleet was visiiile. Making for this thej- finally reached 
 
 their vessel in an exhausted condition and suffering 
 from want of food and water. Here they were re- 
 ceived with joy, for all on board had believed them 
 lost, as had been the fate of many who engaged in 
 expeditions of this kind. McLeod,the companion 
 previously referred to, became quarrelsome, and 
 shifting from one vessel to another, finally boarded 
 an English ship, was tal<en to Liverpool, England, 
 and was returned to Boston bj- the American 
 Consul. 
 
 During young MacKenzie's absence, his brother, 
 Alexander G., who was then a prosperous miner in 
 Nevada, sent him a draft for ^lOO in gold, to assist 
 him in pursuing his medical studies. During his 
 long absence the letter was returned to the writer, 
 who did not know but that his brother was dead. 
 Communication being re-established, the check was 
 again forwarded. William R., bronzed by his life 
 at sea, of which he had had enough, secured an- 
 other position, this time with M. M. Peyser & Co., 
 on Winter Street, Boston. There he remained until 
 February, 1867, when he went to Sparta, 111., and 
 studied medicine, and also recited in Greek anil 
 Latin to Rev. Mr. Stuart. Shortly afterward he en- 
 tered the medical department of the L'niversity of 
 Michigan, from which he was graduated March 30, 
 1870. After a few months at Grass Lake, assisting 
 E. B. Chapin, M. D., his preceptor, he returned to 
 Illinois for the practice of his profession, locating 
 at Kaskaskia. After remaining there for five 
 years he removed to Chester, where he has been in 
 continuous practice ever since. 
 
 A leader in his profession, the Doctor holds a 
 prominent place in man}' of the principal societies 
 thereof. He is a member of the Southern Illinois 
 Medical Association, Illinois State Medical Society, 
 St. Louis Medical Societ}-, and theTri-State Medical 
 Society- (Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky), now the 
 Mississippi Vallc}' Medical Association. He was 
 also a delegate to the International Medical Con- 
 gress, which met in Washington, I). C, in 1887. 
 During the course of this meeting he was a guest 
 of the American Medical Editore at a banquet 
 given the foreign medical editors. Ho was a rep- 
 resentative of the Illinois State Board of Health 
 at a meeting of the Sanitary Council of the Mis- 
 sissippi Valley, which w.as held in the cit}- of New
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 249 
 
 Orleans in March, 1885. At the meetings of the 
 Southern Illinois Medical Association, he usually 
 has one or more papers ou topics of interest. At 
 the meeting of this organization in January, 1880, 
 he read a paper wiiich was afterwards published 
 in tlie "St. Louis Medical and Surgical Journal," 
 from which it wascopied, translated, and published 
 in the "Paiis Medical Journal," Paris, France. 
 
 June 15, 1883, Dr. MacKenzie was appointed a 
 member of the Illinois State Board of Health by 
 Gov. John M. Hamilton, to succeed Dr. J. M. 
 Gregory, who had resigned. He was continued 
 in office by appointment of Gov. Joseph W. Fifer, 
 May 28, 1889. He served as Secretary of said 
 Board from July 3 until December 31, 1891. 
 Near the close of Fifer's term the Doctor sent in 
 his resignation, which was not accepted until the 
 lOlh of May, 1893, several months after the ac- 
 cession of Governor Allgeld to the executive 
 chair, thus giving the Doctor ten years in this im- 
 portant position. At the meetings for examina- 
 tion of candidates for license to practice medicine, 
 his questions have been higlil3- commended for 
 their thorougliness, comprehensiveness and ele 
 mentary character. 
 
 July 15, 1885, during Cleveland's first adminis- 
 tration. Dr. MacKenzie was appointed by Commis- 
 sioner J. C. Black to the Board of United States 
 Examining Surgeons, at Chester, 111., and was re- 
 appointed by Commissioner Tanner under Harri- 
 son's administration. At the organization of said 
 Board (in 1885), he was elected Secretary, in 
 which capacity he served until his resignation, De- 
 cember 7, 1893, a term of over eiglit years. F'or 
 fifteen years past he lias been surgeon for the 
 Wabash, Chester & Western Railway Company, 
 and has, by his thorough knowledge of surgery, 
 rendered the company invaluable services. He has 
 held this position under three successive manage- 
 ments of the road. 
 
 May 17, 1875, Dr. MacKenzie married Miss Nellie 
 M., daughter of Dr. William A. and Adeline S. 
 Gordon, of Chester, whose biograpical sketch ap- 
 pears elsewhere in this work. To tliem were born 
 five children, three of whom are living, William 
 A., Robert G. and Adeline E., aged respectively six- 
 teen, twelve and seven years. Socially Dr. MacKen- 
 
 zie is a member of the blue lodge chapter and coun- 
 cil of the Masonic fraternity of Chester, the com- 
 mandery of Knights Templar of Centralia, III., 
 and the Chester lodge and encampment of In- 
 dependent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a Pres- 
 byterian, as are most of his race, while Mrs. Mac- 
 Kenzie is a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
 Church. 
 
 A no more appiopriate closing of this sketch 
 could be made than to quote what has before been 
 written of him by one who has known him for 
 years. It is as follows: "Dr. MacKenzie is a care- 
 ful and indefatigable student of his profession, 
 and has attained a high reputation for learning 
 among his fellow-practitioners in Illinois and Mis- 
 souri. He has an extensive and lucrative practice 
 and is one of the most highly' esteemed citizens of 
 Chester. The same ability that has placed him in 
 the front rank of his profession is always at the 
 service of the community in which he lives for 
 the promotion of meritorious enterprises. He was 
 for nine years a member of the Board of Educa- 
 tion of Chester, and President of that body for 
 two terms. In his social relations Dr. MacKenzie 
 is as popular as he is successful in his profession." 
 
 J! H. WARD, one of the leading business men 
 I of Du Quoin, is a member of the well known 
 , firm of Ward ct Brother, and is a stock- 
 holder and director in the First National 
 Bank. His active business life has won him a 
 position of prominence, and it is with pleasure that 
 we present to our readers this record of his career. 
 A native of Connecticut, he was born in New 
 Haven, August 4, 1847, and is a son of Henry 
 Ward, who was born in New Haven in 1819. The 
 father was a carpenter and builder, and aided in 
 the erection of the first building in which Seth 
 Thomas made his famous clocks. At length he 
 came to the west, locating in Williamson C'ounty, 
 111., whence he removed to Carbondale, Jackson 
 County. He is now a resident of Du Quoin. 
 
 J. tl. Ward had fair educational advantages in 
 his youth, and was thus fitted for the practical 
 duties of life. Soon after the close of the war he
 
 250 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 went on the road as a salesman, traveling for two 
 years in Iowa, anrt one 3'ear in Texas and Indian 
 Territorj'. He tlien engaged in the butchering 
 and grocery business in Carbondale, and subse- 
 quently- was a dealer in men's clothing at that 
 place. About 1873 he came to Du Quoin, where 
 in connection with his brother, "W. D., he engaged 
 in the livery and stock business, to which he has 
 since devoted his energies. They have become 
 the largest stock shippers in this section of the 
 state, and have accumulated a handsome fortune 
 along this line. They have also done an exten- 
 sive livery business, and are the owners of the large 
 brick building in which they carry on this enter- 
 prise, together with other business property- — a 
 thousand acres of farming land, several residences 
 which they rent, and some valuable real estate in 
 Carbondale. On their farm they have a large num- 
 ber of blooded cattle and horses. Our subject is 
 also one of the incorporators of the First National 
 Bank, and is one of its stockholders and directors. 
 
 In May, 1875, Mr. Ward wedded Miss Cephise 
 Slawson, who was born in New Orleans, and was a 
 daughter of Hiram Slawson, a native of New York. 
 The latter was the nephew of .Joseph Slawson, the 
 street car inventor, who died in New York City 
 worth half a million. He served as foreman of 
 his uncle's works in New Orleans. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Ward have but one child, Hiram H., sixteen years 
 of age. 
 
 Sociallv, Mr. Ward is a Royal Arch Mason, and 
 in politics has been a life-long Democrat. He was 
 elected a member of the County Board of Com- 
 missioners in 1887, and served for three years. 
 He has also been twice elected to the Board of 
 Aldermen of Du Quoin, and is one of the stock- 
 holders and directors in the Du Quoin Building 
 and Loan Association. He started out in life for 
 himself with no capital, but has steadily worked 
 his way upward and is now numbered among the 
 substantial citizens of Perry County. 
 
 W. D. Ward, who is the senior member of the 
 firm of Ward & Brother, was born in Litchfield, 
 Conn., in January, 1848, and came with his i)arents 
 to the west. When he started out on his business 
 career, he became a dry-goods merchant of Carbon- 
 dale, but after a short time he sold his store and 
 
 removed to Du Quoin, where he has since been as- 
 sociated with his brother in all of the business and 
 pi'operty interests before mentioned. In the family 
 were five brothers and one sister, but the latter, 
 Elraira, died at the age of eighteen years, and John 
 died at the age of six. Another brother, George 
 F. M., is an extensive clothing dealer of Mt. Ver- 
 non, 111., and Samuel is in the clothing business in 
 Murphysboro. W. D. Ward was united in mar- 
 riage with Elizabeth, daughter of Jefferson Snider, 
 of Carbondale, and to them were born four chil- 
 dren, two of whom are living. Snider aged twelve, 
 and Myrtle, three years of age. Mr. Ward is an 
 Odd Fellow, and like his brother has alwa3's been 
 a Democrat, but his time has been so largely taken 
 up by business interests that he has never con- 
 cerned himself greatly in political matters. 
 
 — --S- ■.o«o.fcJ-/"V^5)"°*** *^'^ 
 
 AJ. JAMES C. HOLBROOK. While Ran- 
 dolph County has much in the way of 
 natural resources and commercial trans- 
 actions to commend it to the public at 
 large, the chief interest centres in the lives of those 
 citizens who have achieved success for themselves, 
 and at the same time benefited the comraunit}' in 
 which they reside. Prominent among these men 
 is the subject of this sketch. Having come to the 
 county in 1845, he has since that time taken an 
 active part in laying the foundation for the pres- 
 ent prosperity of his community. 
 
 Our subject was born in Sherborn. Mass.. May 
 27, 1817, and is a son of Clark and Betsey (Bul- 
 leu) Holbrook. The father was a large sheep 
 grower in his native place, and at the same time 
 carried on business as a merchant. He was the 
 son of James Holbrook, who was also a native of 
 the above place in Massachusetts, and was of Eng- 
 lish descent. 
 
 Our subject obtained his early education in the 
 schools near his home, and later took a course of 
 study in an academy at Brattleboro, Vt. It being 
 his desire to become a lawyer, he began his legal 
 studies in the otlice of Gov. William Bebb, of Ham- 
 ilton, Ohio, to which place he went in 1836, and was 
 graduated from the law school in Cincinnati about
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 251 
 
 1840. After being admitted to the Bar, Mr. Hol- 
 
 l)rooii went to Hamilton, Oliio, wiiere he engaged 
 in tlie [iractice of liis profession until 1845, the 
 j'ear of his advent into Sparta, tiiis county. There 
 he built up a large practice and remained until 
 1852, when he came to Chester and opened up 
 business in this city. In 1854 he represented his 
 district on the Whig ticket in the Legislature. He 
 was residing in Chester on the outbreak of the 
 Civil War, and later was appointed Paymaster in 
 the arin^' b}' President Lincoln, continuing in this 
 position until the close of the war in 1865. He 
 then returned to Chester, and on account of ill 
 health was obliged to discontinue his law prac- 
 tice. He was later elected Police Magistrate, and 
 served eight years. 
 
 Mr. Ilolbrook was married May 15, 1845, at Ham- 
 ilton, Ohio, to Miss Eliza Isabella McDill. She was 
 born in Hamilton, December 28, 1822, and was the 
 daughter of the Rev. David and Lydia McDill, who 
 were of Scotch descent. Tlie maternal grandfather 
 of Mrs. Holbrook, John McDannell, was a Colonel 
 in the Revolutionaiy War. To our subject and liis 
 wife were born seven children. Their eldest son, 
 a graduate of Monmouth College, and an attor- 
 ney-at-law, died in his twenty-fifth year. Two 
 other sons died in infancy. Clara, now Mrs. 
 Henry Smith, is quite a noted lecturer on the 
 science and laws of health, and in the fall of 
 1893 she lectured a week in W^ashington, D. C. 
 She organized the Chautauqua Assembly in Ches- 
 ter, and has always been foremost in forwarding 
 movements for the benefit and development of 
 intellectual culture. She is now a widow, and 
 lives with her children on a ranch in California. 
 Edward is a druggist in Chester, and is regarded 
 as one of the most skilled in his calling in this 
 part of the state. Elizabeth, who died January 31, 
 1893, was a very talented j'oung lady and was 
 given a fine musical education. She also won a 
 wide reputation as an authoress, and wrote a novel 
 entitled '-Old Kaskaskia Days," which was widely 
 read. She was a young lady of great refinement and 
 sweetness of manner, and of broad and liberal cul- 
 ture. Her active mind was always seeking new 
 avenues of investigation and aiding in the enlarge- 
 ment of human understanding. Her great purity 
 
 of heart and nobility of character were among the 
 many charms which made her society sought by 
 the best people in the community in which she 
 dwelt. She was an indefatigable worker in the 
 Columbian Society, and by her energ}' did much 
 to help to make a proper showing for this old spot 
 of historic interest. She was graduated with first 
 honors at Monmouth College. Lydia, a lady of 
 intelligence and culture, married James Reed, of 
 Sparta, a mechanic for building bridges. 
 
 Mr. Holbrook is a Democrat, and is a very popu- 
 lar man. He is generous and open-hearted and is 
 read\' at all times to do what he can to benefit 
 both business and social circles. He and his wife 
 are members of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 HJHZ 
 
 ---^ 
 
 .. M. BATP^S, who is numbered among the 
 i/Av/ leading business men of Du Quoin, is a 
 ^^J native of Mississippi, his birth having oc- 
 curred in Woodville, Januarj' 9, 1852. His father, 
 James G. Bates, was a native of Kentucky, born 
 in 1817, and was a harness and saddle maker by 
 trade. He wedded Mrs. Mary Ellen (Smith) Cot- 
 ter, a native of Wilkinson County, Miss., and a 
 representative of one of the pioneer families of 
 that locality, where her father was at one time an 
 extensive slave holder. By her first marriage she 
 became the mother of three children, John M., 
 
 i Matilda E. and Hlugene M. Mr. Bates served as a 
 
 ] soldier during the Mexican War, and was taken 
 prisoner during that struggle, being held in the 
 
 I city of Mexico when it was captured by General 
 Scott. When the war was over and the countrj- 
 no longer needed his services, he located in Mis- 
 
 I sissippi, where he engaged in harness-making un- 
 til 1858. That year witnessed his arrival in Du 
 
 j Quoin, where he followed the same trade until his 
 death, in 1863. His wife passed away in Du Quoin 
 in 1876. He had a brother, William, who was a 
 Lieutenant in the Mexican War. and on comino 
 to Illinois settled on a farm in Franklin County, 
 
 j where he departed this life in 1866. 
 
 In the Bates family were five children, of whom 
 
 ! our subject is the eldest. He had two brothers 
 and two sisters. One of the former is livina: in
 
 252 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Arkansas. Tlie utlier, Charles P., disappeared nine 
 years ago and has not been heard from since. His 
 sisters reside in Texas and in Kansas City, Mo. 
 W. M. Bates has been familiar with harness-mak- 
 ing since liis earlies't days. Wlien in his eighth 
 year lie began lo lielp his father in the shop wlien 
 he was not in school. Upon his father's death he 
 was thrown npon his own resources, and the suc- 
 cess of his life is therefore due to his own efforts. 
 For seven years he was in the employ of J. Mess- 
 more, after which he went to St. Louis, where he 
 followed the trade of harness-making. Later he 
 carried on the same pursuit in Dixon and in 
 Marion, 111., and in 1878 returned to Du Quoin, 
 where he established the business which he has 
 since successfully conducted. 
 
 On the 2d of October, 1879, Mr. Bates was 
 united in marriage with JSIiss Elizabeth Hughes, 
 who was born in Aston. Lancashire, England, and 
 during childhood came lo America with her par- 
 ents, .lames and JIary A. (Ogden) Hughes, who 
 settled in Du Quoin. They have had six children, 
 but lost one in infancy. Those living are, Mary 
 P., thirteen years of age; Ellen A., aged twelve; 
 Charles J., aged eight; Beatrice, six years of age; 
 and Paul W., the baby of two yeare. The one de- 
 ceased bore the name of Clara. The parents are 
 both members of the Catholic Church. In his po- 
 litical affiliations, ftlr. Bates is a Democrat, but has 
 never sought or desired public office, preferring to 
 give his entire time and attention to his business 
 interests, in which he has met with a well deserved 
 success. 
 
 y 
 
 (Vi )i>;ILEY GRAY, one of the oldest, best known 
 and most highly respected citizensof Jack- 
 son County, now makes his home in Elk- 
 ville, where he is practically living a retired life. 
 His parents, Russell and Martha (Phelps) Gray, 
 were natives of Hopkins County, Ky., and there 
 the father followed farming as a means of liveli- 
 hood. On the 1.5th of August, 1825, a son was 
 born unto them, to whom the name of Wiley was 
 given. Two years later, on horseliack, they crossed 
 the state of Kentucky to Illinois and took up their 
 
 residence in Perry County, where the boy grew to 
 
 manhood, his time being passed in the usual man- 
 ner of farmer lads of that day, while with the fam- 
 ily he experienced the hardships and trials of 
 frontier life. 
 
 After arriving at 3'ears of maturity, Mr. Giay 
 came to Jackson County, where he has since made 
 his home. On the 17th of September, 18.61, he 
 was united in marriage with Miss Julia Glotfelty, 
 and to them were born four children, Philip. 
 Franklin, Martha and E^liza. In August, 1864, 
 the mother passed away, and was laid to rest in 
 the village cemetery. Two years later, in 1866, 
 Mr. Gray married Miss Pha?be Porter, a daughter 
 of Russell R. S. and Dorothea (Burnliam) Porter. 
 Her parents were numbered among the early set- 
 tlers of Ohio, and in 1844 they left the Buckeye 
 State and emigrated to Jackson County, 111. Seven 
 children were born of the second marriage, of 
 whom fiveare yet living, namely: llattie.I., Annie, 
 Russell, Amy and Wiley. 
 
 When the thi'eats of secession were carried out 
 and the south attempted to destroy the Union, Mr. 
 Giay entered the service of his country in defense 
 of the Old Flag, and the cause it represented. He 
 participated in many of the most noted engage- 
 ments of the Rebellion, and made for himself an 
 honorable war record. As a private he joined 
 what was popularly' termed the "preachers' regi- 
 ment,'" the Seventy-third Illinois Infantry, which 
 was commanded bj' Col. James F. Jacques. His 
 term extended over nearly four years of hard cam- 
 paigning, during which time he followed the fort- 
 unes of General Sherman through tlie Atlanta 
 campaign. He participated in the hard-fought 
 battles of Chattanooga, F'ranklin, Nashville and 
 others, and was ever found faithful to his dutj', 
 although the service was hard and arduous. When 
 hostilities had ceased and the preservation of the 
 Union was an assured fact, he received an honor- 
 able discharge, and returned to his home with the 
 consciousness of having been faithful to his coun- 
 try when the loyalty of its citizens received a 
 severe test. 
 
 Mr. Gray is a member of I)c Soto Post No. 564, 
 G. A. R., and belongs to the Lutheran Church. 
 He is an honored pioneer, and can relate many
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 253 
 
 laughable and interesting incidents of frontier life. 
 The countj' in which almost his entire life has been 
 passed lie has secMi developed from an almost un- 
 broken wilderness, and has ever borne his part in 
 its advancement and progress. 
 
 ?m 
 
 ARMON II. FOX, one of the prominent 
 early settlers of Murphysboro, foi' many 
 years was a traveling salesman, and later 
 •)) was appointed by Governor Altgeld pur- 
 chasingagent for theSouthern Illinois Penitentiarv 
 at Cliester. He has spent his entire life in the 
 county which is still his iiorae, his birth having 
 occurred in Vergennes, June 16, 1836. His father 
 and grandfather both bore the name of William, 
 and were natives of Virginia. Tiie latter came 
 with teams to Illinois in 1824, locating in Bradley 
 Township, Jackson Count}', where he carried on 
 farming until his death. 
 
 William Fox, Jr., was a 3'oung man at the time 
 of the removal of the family. In Bradley Town- 
 ship he married Hannah Cheatam, a native of Ten- 
 nessee, who came with her parents to this com- 
 munitj' during her girlhood. They began their 
 domestic life on wild land near«Vergennes, and 
 Mr. Fox cleared and developed a farm. In the 
 spring of 1852, he went overland to California 
 with ox-teams, and was captain of tiie company 
 with which he made the trip. On reaching Trinity 
 County, he engaged in mining and in merchandis- 
 ing, his death there occurring in 1867. His wife 
 passed away on the old homestead in tiiis county, 
 at the age of seventy -six. Of their six sons and 
 three daughters, all grew to mature years, and five 
 are yet living. 
 
 H. H. Fox, the fifth of the family, was reared on 
 the old home farm. In the winter season he at- 
 tended school for three months, and during the 
 remainder of the year aided in the labors of the 
 field. On attaining his majority he left home, and 
 was married in A'ergennes, February 27, 1855, to 
 Miss Julia A., daughter of John Gill, a native of 
 Virginia, who in his boyhood came to this state. 
 
 For man 3' years he was a well known farmer of 
 Somerset Township. In 1864, he removed to De 
 Soto Township, where he carried on agricultural 
 pursuits during the remainder of his da^'s. He 
 wedded Ann Shumake, a native of Virginia, and 
 they became the parents of eight children, two of 
 whom are yet living. Mrs. Fox was born in Som- 
 erset Township. Our subject and his wife have 
 two children, Maiy A., wife of W. E. Chambers, a 
 general merchant of Murphysboro, and John, who 
 is here engaged in the livery business. 
 
 On leaving home, Mr. Fox began the cultivation 
 of a forty-acre farm, which he afterward traded 
 for a tract of eighty acres. Upon this place was 
 a log house, and he cleared and improved the land, 
 transforming it into rich and fertile fields. His la- 
 bors as an agriculturist continued until 1867, when 
 he came to Murphysboro and embarked in the hotel 
 business, becoming proprietor of the Henderson 
 House. A year later he entered the retail groceiy 
 trade and built a two-story brick building, in which 
 he carried on business until 1872. He then sold 
 his stock, but still owns the store. On disposing 
 of his goods he became traveling representative for 
 the firm of J. M. Anderson & Co., wholesale gro- 
 cers of St. Louis. In the fall of 1880 he was elected 
 Countj' Sheriff on the Democratic ticket for a term 
 of two years. He faithfully discharged his duties, 
 and when his time had expired again went on the 
 road, continuing with J. H. Brookmier, of St. Louis, 
 until 1889. He next was traveling salesman for 
 Meyer, Smith & Robyn, wholesale grocers of St. 
 Louis, with whom he continued until January', 
 1893, when he became purchasing agent for the 
 Southern Illinois Penitentiary. To this work he 
 devoted his entire energies until the Governor de- 
 clared that office vacant throughout the state. He 
 now works in the interest of the Bauer Grocery 
 Corapanj', of St. Louis. 
 
 Mr. Fox is a member of the (Jdd Fellows' lodge, 
 and his wife belongs to the Methodist Episcopal 
 Church South. In his political views he is a Demo- 
 crat, and has several times served as Alderman 
 from the First Ward. He has known Murphys- 
 boro since it was a small hamlet of one hundred 
 inhabitants, and with its growth and upbuilding 
 he has been prominently identified. His public
 
 254 
 
 aud private life are alike above reproach, and an 
 honorable, upright career has won him the warm 
 regard of all with whom business or social rela- 
 tions have brought him in contact. 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHlCAL^ECORa 
 
 ]^ of Du Quoin, who is recognized as one of 
 IjCU the progressive young men of Perry County, 
 is^mbered among the native sons of Illinois, his 
 birth having occurred in Abingdon, Knox County, 
 on the 21st of November, 1861. His father, b. H. 
 Ritchey, was a native of Kentucky, and was a law- 
 yer by profession. In an early day he emigrated 
 to this state, settling in Knox County, and became 
 a prominent man in the early history of that com- 
 munity. He there practiced law and took quite a 
 leadina part in politics, being a stanch supporter 
 of the'"principles of Democracy. He held the office 
 of Postmaster of Abingdon, and was also Justice 
 of the Peace. The mother of our subject bore the 
 maiden name of Nancy Dodge, and is a native of 
 Indiana. She went to Knox County, HI., with her | 
 mother, her father having died during her early 
 ahlhood, and is still living in Abingdon. 
 ° The subject of this sketch was the youngest in a 
 family of five children, but three of the number 
 died in early life. Frank L.. the only brother, is 
 now a grocery merchant of Abingdon. The sub- 
 ject of this sketch was reared in Abingdon, and 
 received his education in the public schools of that 
 place. At the age of twelve years he entered a 
 newspaper office to learn the business, thus taking 
 up the pursuit which he has made his life work. 
 Soon after he went into the office of the Knox 
 County Democi-al, of which his brother was foreman 
 at the tin>e, and there remained for two years, dur- 
 'i„<r which time he becime thoroughly familiar with 
 the business in all of it« details. Later his brother 
 established what was known as the Abingdon Ex- 
 press and E. H. Ritchey continued in that office 
 for eioht years. Later he attended school for a 
 time Tnd experience, observation and study have 
 nroved to him a faithful teacher, and made him a 
 well informed man. The next work of Mr. Ritchey 
 was in the office of the Enterprise, where he con- 
 tinued for three years. 
 
 In 1890, our subject was united in marriage 
 
 with Miss Ida Burridge, a native of New York. 
 Their union has been blessed with one child, Cleta, 
 now two years of age. The parents have already 
 won many warm friends in this community and 
 rank his;h m social circles. 
 
 On leaving Abingdon, Mr. Ritchey went to 
 Manito, Mason County, where he established and 
 carried on the Manito £j-jjress for two years. On 
 the expiration of that period he sold out, and in 
 November, 1893, came to Du Quoin, where he es- 
 tablished the Adcocate. This paper, which is inde- 
 pendent in politics, is devoted to general and local 
 news and to the best interests of the community. 
 It is already enjoying a good ciiculati.m. and a 
 liberal patronage promises to be obtained. In his 
 social relations. Mr. Ritchey is an Odd Fellow and 
 a member of the Modern Woodmen. He also be- 
 longs to the Knights of Pythias, and is a Past 
 Chancellor of that lodge. 
 
 \1) AMES D. BAKER, Warden of the Southern 
 III Illinois Penitentiary, was born in New 
 I! York City. March 16, 1854. and lived there 
 (^/' until 1868, receiving his primary education 
 i^Tthe schools of that city. His parents moved to 
 St Clair County, 111- in 1868, and here he re- 
 mained engaged in clerking and teaching school 
 until 1874, whan he engaged in the banking busi- 
 ness at Lebanon, 111. He followed that occupation 
 continuously until January, 1894. when he with- 
 drew from that line of business. During his resi- 
 dence in St. Clair County, he served as Township 
 Treasurer, School Treasurer, County Treasurer and 
 Mavor of Lebanon. 
 
 Our subject is a son of Daniel and Mary h. 
 Baker, natives of Ireland, whose family comprised 
 three sons and one daughter. The father is now 
 a merchant in Indian Territory. On the 3d of 
 August, 1879, Mr. Baker married Miss Ida B. 
 Blanck, who was born in Lebanon, 111., and is a 
 dau<Thter of Charles and Jennie E. Blanck. 
 
 In religious belief Mr. Baker is a ineml>er of the 
 Methodist Church. Politically he is a strong Demo- 
 ; at, and in the deliberations of that party always 
 takes a prominent part. His ■"--f 3\«f f^' 
 penitentiary has been most successful, and his fu- 
 ture field is a very promising one.
 
 l^fT^ 
 
 U 
 
 
 c^
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 257 
 
 )RYCE CRAWFORD, formerly a prominent 
 l|i-:v, farmer and stock-raiser of Randolph Coun- 
 f^ll; ty, now resides in the city of Sparta, and 
 devotes his attention to looking after his 
 investments there and elsewhere. He is the pro- 
 prietor of over four hundred acres of land in this 
 county, twenty-seven hundred acres in Kansas, 
 besides valuable town property. He also owns 
 $1,080 worth of stock in the gas company in that 
 place, and has a large sum of money to his credit " 
 in the bank. 
 
 Our subject is the son of William Crawford, 
 who was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, about 1767, 
 and passed the remainder of his life in his native 
 land, dying in 1842. He was b}^ occupation a malt- 
 ster, and possessed many pleasant personal quali- 
 ties, which endeared him to all who knew him. He 
 was a thoroughly Christian man and a member of 
 the Presbyterian Church. The maiden name of 
 our subject's mother was Helen Beverige. She 
 was likewise a native of the above county in Scot- 
 land, and when quite young was taken into the 
 home of her eldest sister. Her father was a sea- 
 man. The parents of our subject reared a family 
 of fourteen children, all of whom lived to man- 
 hood and womanhood with one exception. They 
 bear the respective names of Andrew, John, Will- 
 iam, David, Robert, George, Henry, James, Ellen, 
 Benjamin, Bryce, Jane, Margaret and Mary Ann. 
 
 Our subject was born in the j'ear 1815, in Ayr- 
 shire, Scotland, and resided in his native land un- 
 til 1838, when he embarked on a sailing-vessel 
 bound for America. After landing here, he made 
 his way to this state, and for two years was em- 
 ployed in working out by the day on railroads. 
 Later he located in Sparta Township, and became 
 the owner of a quarter-section of land, which he 
 farmed for thirty-five years. Patient industry and 
 perseverance, which were the marked characteris- 
 tics of his life, gave him an impetus upward to as- 
 sured financial success. In 1875 he removed to 
 the city of Sparta, and since that time has been en- 
 gaged as administrator for many valuable estates. 
 
 July 10, 1840, Mr. Crawford was united in mar- 
 riage to Miss Marion Barr, who was also born in 
 Ayrshire, Scotland. She was the daughter of An- 
 drew and Jane Barr, and at her death, which oc- 
 
 curred in August, 1892, was a devout member of 
 the Presb3'terian Church. Her union with our 
 subject resulted in the birth of eight children, 
 namely: William D., Jane, Nellie, Andrew, Mary, 
 Margaret, Marion and Andrew, the latter of whom 
 died in infancy. 
 
 In his political relations, our subject has always 
 been a stanch Republican. He has served as Treas- 
 urer of township 5, and was School Treasurer for 
 a period of thirteen years. Deeply interested in 
 all matters pertaining to local and national wel- 
 fare, he is ever ready to lend a helping hand in 
 the promotion of progressive enterprises. Relig- 
 iously, he is a member of the Presbyterian Church, 
 with which he has been connected since 1840, and 
 has served his congregation as Trustee for nearly 
 two-thirds of the time. 
 
 l(s), ^^ ^ 
 
 m^" 
 
 '~^m 
 
 ONRAD DEHNER, a well known resident 
 of Red Bud, located in this place in 1859, 
 
 ^^^ and has since been numbered among its 
 progressive business men. The record of his life 
 is as follows: He is a native of Prussia, and in 
 that country passed the days of his boyhood and 
 youth, no event of special importance occurring 
 during the time. In 1852 he bade adieu to home 
 and friends and sailed for America. On landing 
 in this country he made his way to St. Louis, and 
 in that city continued to reside until 1859, when 
 he came to Red Bud. Here he worked at various 
 employments until, through his industiy and en- 
 terprise^ he had acquired some capital, when in 
 1870 he embarked in business for himself. He 
 has since bought a valuable property, on which 
 he has erected a good building, which stands as a 
 monument to his thrift and enterprise. 
 
 After living in this country for a time, Mr. 
 Dehner sent for his mother to join him. She 
 came to him, and acted as his housekeeper until 
 her death, which occurred in Red Bud, at the ad- 
 vanced age of sixty-five years. She was a devout 
 member of the Catholic Church, and had many
 
 258 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 warm friends in this community, who held her in 
 high esteem for the many excellencies of her char- 
 acter. 
 
 During the earlier years of his residence here, 
 Mr. Dehner labored early and late, and as the result 
 of his untiring efforts and strict economy, he ac- 
 quired capital, which has since been increased by 
 judicious investment, until he is now numbered 
 among the substantial citizens of the community. 
 His example ma}' well serve to encourage others 
 who, like himself, start out in life empty-handed. 
 In politics he is a stanch Republican, but has al- 
 waj'S steadily refused office. Mr. Dehner has many 
 warm friends in this community, and has the con- 
 fidence and regard of those with whom business 
 and social relations have brought him in contact. 
 
 (^ 
 
 ^m\ 
 
 m^ 
 
 ^ 
 
 ^®p^ 
 
 ^ 
 
 ELIHU B. McGUIRE is the efficient and pop- 
 ular Mayor of Sparta, and a man whose 
 business ability and sterling worth have 
 placed him among the leading citizens of Ran- 
 dolph County. He well deserves representation 
 in her history, and it is with pleasure that we 
 present his record to our readers. The family is 
 of Irish origin. His grandfather, John McGuire, 
 was born on the Emerald Isle, and on leaving that 
 country located in South Carolina. He served in 
 the War of 1812. 
 
 Henry L. McGuire, the father of our subject, was 
 born in 1805 in the Chester District of South Car- 
 olina, where he lived until 1832. Thence, with 
 only fifty cents in his possession, he started north, 
 and arriving in Illinois, located in Washington 
 County. In 1866 he came to Sparta, where his 
 death occurred in 1875. By occupation a farmer, 
 he entered a small tract of land in Washington 
 County, and to this he added from time to time 
 as his financial resources were increased, until he 
 had about five hundred acres. On removing to 
 Sparta, he purchased a house and lot and retired 
 from active business. In politics he was a Repub- 
 lican, and for a long period was a member of the 
 Reformed Presb3'terian Church, in which he served 
 
 as Elder for a number of years. Later, however, 
 he joined the United Presbj'terian Church. His 
 school privileges were ver}- limited, yet he became 
 well informed, for he read extensively, and in bus- 
 iness acquired a good commercial education. 
 
 Henry McGuire was twice married. He wedded 
 Eliza Campbell, bj' whom he had three children: 
 Jane Matilda, wife of Hugh Matthews, a success- 
 ful farmer of Jordan's Grove; Nancy T., wife of 
 S. W. McKelve^', who is represented elsewhere; 
 and Eliza, deceased. His first wife having died, 
 in 1837 Mr. McGuire wedded Mary Lyons, who 
 was born in County Antrim, Ireland, August 1, 
 1 803, and when two years of age was brought to 
 America by her father, James L3'ons, also a native 
 of County Antrim. In 1805, Mr. Lyons emigrated 
 with his family to South Carolina. While cross- 
 ing the Atlantic, one of the children, a babe of 
 six months, died. In 1833 the family removed 
 to southern Illinois, settling on Elkhorn Prairie. 
 Their nearest trading post was Sparta, fourteen 
 miles awaj'. Mrs. McGuire was the eldest of a 
 large family. She was full of energy and deter- 
 mination, was industrious, frugal and hopeful, 
 and was a worthy example for the early settlers. 
 She had six children, but only John and Elihu 
 survive her. She also leaves two brothers and a 
 sister: John R., of Marissa; Robert, of Houston; 
 and Mrs. Jeff Rainey, of Belleville. 
 
 To those who knew Mrs. McGuire best she was 
 ver3' dear, and no death in this community has 
 been more widely or deeply mourned. She brought 
 happiness to those around her, for her life was 
 ever devoted to the interests of others. From 
 earl}' 3'outh she was a member of the church, 
 but for many years she was unable to attend 
 services, yet she alwa3s maintained her deep in- 
 terest in religious matters. In her last years she 
 many times expressed herself as ready and will- 
 ing to go to the home beyond, and on the 20th 
 of September, 1893, she passed away, at the ad- 
 vanced age of ninety years. Surely the world is 
 better for her having lived. 
 
 Elihu B. McGuire was born* in Washington 
 County, 111., in 1814, and with the famil}- came 
 to Randolph Count}'. He continued with his 
 parents until separated from them by death, car-
 
 PORTRAIT A^TD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 259 
 
 ing for them in their declining years and supply- 
 ing them with all the comforts he could command. 
 His business interests have been largely in the line 
 of land speculating, although for a number of 
 years he was engaged in the breeding of horses 
 and mules with Mr. McConachie. He is President 
 of the Merchants' Exchange Bank, which was or- 
 ganized in 1892, with a capital of 825,000. He is 
 a stockholder in the building and loan association, 
 a Director of the Sparta Gas Compan}', and Vice- 
 President of the Allen Improvement Compan3'. 
 He is indeed prominent in business circles, and bj' 
 his connection therewith has aided materially in 
 the growth and upbuilding of the cit}-. 
 
 In politics, Mr. McGuire is a Democrat, and in 
 1888 was elected Chairman of the Central Com- 
 mittee. In 1893, he was elected Ma3^or of Sparta, 
 which position he is now creditably and acceptablj^ 
 filling. His philanthropic and generous nature has 
 been made manifest in the aid he has given to 
 a number of homeless children toward securing 
 their educations. His life has been well and 
 worthily passed, and he is numbered among the 
 most valued and honored citizens of Randoli)h 
 Countv. 
 
 i^^Gi 
 
 JOHN B. HAMILTON occupies an important 
 place in the farming community of Ran- 
 dolph County and is active in advancing 
 the agricultural interests of township 4, 
 range 5. His father, .John Hamilton, was a native 
 of Ireland, while his mother, who prior to her 
 marriage was Miss Isabel Boyd, was born in 
 Ohio. They were married in the latter state, 
 there reared a large family of thirteen children, 
 and there remained until death. They were mem- 
 bers of the United Presbyterian Church and stood 
 well in their communitj'. 
 
 The five children who are now living of the 
 parental family are, John B. (our subject), Thomas, 
 Johnston, Margaret and Jane. Alexander died 
 while a soldier in the Civil War, in which conflict 
 the three other sons also took part. John B., of 
 this sketch, was born in Coshocton Count}', Ohio, 
 in 1839, and at the age of sixteen j-ears began to 
 
 make his own way in the world. He came to Illi- 
 nois six j^ears prior to the outbreak of the Civil 
 War, and after spending some time in Blooming- 
 ton made a trip to Texas, and on his return located 
 in Randolph County. 
 
 In August, 1862, our subject enlisted in the 
 Union army, becoming a member of Coinpan\' G, 
 Eightieth Illinois Infantry, which was organized at 
 Centralia. With his company he joined the regi- 
 ment at Louisville, Ky.', and later participated in 
 the battle of Perryville. He was in the Atlanta 
 campaign, and during the conflict at Peach Tree 
 Creek was shot through the right leg, and in con- 
 sequence was confined in the hospital for some 
 time at Nashville. Later be was removed to Mound 
 City, 111., where he remained until he was full}' 
 recovered, and then rejoining his regiment at Straw- 
 berry Plain, Tenn., he went with them to Green- 
 ville, that state. On his return to Nashville some 
 months later, he received his honorable discharge, 
 after a faithful service of three years. 
 
 After the establishment of peace, Mr. Hamilton 
 came to Randolph County, where he has since 
 been engaged in farming. October 1, 1868, he 
 was married to Miss Sarah M., daughter of Stewart 
 and Sarah (Gillespie) Burns. The father was born 
 June 22, 1793, in County Antrim, Ireland, and 
 the mother, a native of Chester County, S. C, was 
 born August 3, 1802. Thev were married March 
 7, 1820, in South Carolina, and on coming to Illi- 
 nois in 1830, located on a farm in Randolph 
 County, when the countiy roundabout was very 
 sparsely settled. The father departed this life in 
 the year 1865, and the mother in the year 1890. 
 They reared a family of twelve children, ten 
 of whom are living, the youngest being forty- 
 five years old. Three of their sons, James G., 
 David P. and William G., served in the late war, and 
 the father was a soldier in the War of 1812. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Burns were members of the Associate Re- 
 formed Church and weie classed among the earliest 
 settlers and well-to-do people of this locality. 
 
 Mrs. Sarah M. Hamilton was born April 19, 1841, 
 and has become the mother of two children, 
 Sarah F^tta, now the wife of William H. Fulton, and 
 William John, who resides at home. The estate 
 of our subject comprises eighty-six acres, which is
 
 260 
 
 PORTRAIT AKD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 the old Burns homestead, and the house whicR 
 the family occupies was built fifty-one j^ears ago. 
 He devotes his attention to mixed farming, and in 
 the management of his affairs shows that he is 
 possessed of good business talent, and at the same 
 time has proved himself invaluable in the upbuild- 
 ing of his township. Our subject and his wife are 
 members of the United Presbyterian Church at 
 Tilden, and Mrs. Hamilton is an active worker in 
 the missionary society, in which she has held the 
 office of President for two terms. In politics Mr. 
 Hamilton always votes with the Republican party. 
 The brothers and sisters of Mrs. Hamilton are, 
 Eliza F., now Mrs. John McDill; James G., who 
 married Mary M. Edgar; Samuel, who married 
 Nancy Cooper; Nan?y L., the wife of William B. 
 Taylor; Joseph, who married Mary Lewis; John S., 
 now the husband of Hannah McMillen; Archie, 
 who married Marj' B. Hyndman; David P., who 
 married Jane Roseborough; and William G., who 
 married Josephine Tovera. 
 
 The Burns faniih' holds a reunion every 3'ear, 
 and their sixth annual celebration took place at 
 the residence of our subject October 14, 1893, 
 when a goodly number of the family were in at- 
 tendance. A double interest was attached to the 
 meeting, inasmuch as it was the twentj'-fifth anni- 
 versary of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton. 
 After an excellent and bountiful dinner, James G. 
 Burns, in behalf of the donors, tendered numerous 
 valuable wedding gifts to the couple, who in re- 
 turn responded in a pleasant manner. After a 
 most enjoyable time the company adjourned, de- 
 ciding to meet the following year at the home of 
 Mr. Hamilton. 
 
 •N- 
 
 "Sp^OBERT BOYD is the fortunate possessor 
 L;*^ of a farm located in township 4, range 5. 
 '^\ Randolph Count}'. He won considerable 
 ^^ distinction as a soldier, having served for 
 two years as a member of the Union army. The par- 
 ents of our subject, Samuel L. and Jane (Gibson) 
 Boyd, were natives of South Carolina, while his 
 paternal grandfather, Samuel Boyd, Sr., was born 
 in Ireland in 1777. The latter, after emigrating 
 
 to the United States, was married in South Caro- 
 lina to Nancy Boyd, and came to Illinois about 
 the year 1825, locating on section 17, township 4, 
 range 5. In that early day the country was verj' 
 thinly settled, and not an improvement detracted 
 from the primitive charm of his home. With 
 characteristic energy he set about the clearing 
 and improving of his estate, on which he reared 
 his family, and there lived until his decease. Only 
 one son of that family is now living, John S., 
 who makes his home in Kansas. 
 
 The maternal grandfather of our subject, Robert 
 Gibson, came to this state in an early day, and made 
 his home in AVashington County at a time when 
 the neighbors were few and far between. There 
 he was married and there he made his permanent 
 home. Both himself and wife are now deceased. 
 They reared a family of nine children, of whom 
 John is deceased. Those living are Mar}-, Rob- 
 ert, Nancy, James, Jane (the mother of our sub- 
 ject), Samuel, William and Margaret. 
 
 Our subject was born November 7, 1843, on the 
 section where he is at present residing, and received 
 his education in the district school near his home. 
 In December, 1863, when the Civil War was at its 
 height, he left home and enlisted liis services with 
 the Union army, becoming a member of Company 
 K, Fifth Illinois Cavaliy. He joined his regiment 
 at Vicksbuig, and later fought on the Yazoo River 
 under General Custer, and after that was stationed 
 at Vicksburg until the following summer. Then, 
 with his regiment, he went into Tennessee, where 
 they were engaged in fighting General Forrest, 
 and after routing that officer went to Memphis, 
 and later to Texas, where they were detailed to 
 skirmish. He received his honorable discharge 
 in the fall of 1865, and during his entire period 
 of service was never wounded or taken prisoner. 
 
 Returning home from the war, Mr. Bo3'd in the 
 spring of 1866 was united in marriage with Miss 
 Marion Bicket. The lady is a native of this coun- 
 ty and the daughter of John Bicket. She became 
 the mother of six children, and departed this life 
 in 1880. Those of the family who are still liv- 
 ing are, Mary J., Maggie B., John H., Samuel L. 
 and Robert E. 
 
 Our subject had a brother who was also a sol-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 261 
 
 dier in the late war, and who died in 1864, 
 while in the army. Religiously, Mr. Boyd is 
 a member of the United Presbyterian Church. 
 Socially, he is a Grand Army man, and holds 
 membership with the post at Coulterville. In poli- 
 tics he always votes with the Prohibition party. 
 He has been quite active in public affairs in his 
 township, and has been elected School Director 
 of District No. 3. 
 
 -,,., NDREW BURNETT, of Baldwin, is one of 
 (^ytJIi the honored pioneers of Randolph Coun- 
 t3% who since an early day has been fa- 
 miliar with the history of this community, 
 has watched its growth and upbuilding and has 
 aided in the work ofj^rogress and development. 
 He is recognized as one of the valued citizens of 
 the community, and it is with pleasure that we 
 present this record of his life to our readers. He 
 is a native of the Emerald Isle, and a son of An- 
 drew and Ann (Wilson) Burnett, both of whom 
 were born in Count}' Tyrone, IreLand, where they 
 grew to mature years and were married. When our 
 subject was a child of only two years, they crossed 
 the Atlantic with their family to America, and lo- 
 cated in the Abbey ville District of South Carolina, 
 where they spent sixteen years. On the expiration 
 of that period they came to Randolph County, in 
 the autumn of 1840. They had a family of seven 
 sons who grew to manhood, namely: .James, 
 William, Alexander, John, Francis, Andrew and 
 Wilson. 
 
 Andrew Burnett passed most of his boyhood in 
 South Carolina, and at the age of nineteen he em- 
 igrated westward, taking up his residence in R.an- 
 dolph County, 111., where he embarked in farming 
 on his own account. He managed the affairs of 
 his father's family, and in his control of the same 
 displayed more than average ability. In 1844, he 
 entered a tract of wild land from the Govern- 
 ment, and with characteristic energj' began its 
 development, transforming the raw tract into 
 richly cultivated fields. As his financial resources 
 increased, he added to it from time to time, until 
 
 he now owns nearly six hundred acres of valuable 
 land, which yields to him a handsome income, and 
 he is now numbered among Randolph County's sub- 
 stantial agriculturists. June 2, 1853, Mr. Burnett 
 was united in marriage with Miss Rhoda Preston, 
 daughter of Daniel Preston. They have become the 
 parents of a family of six children, namely: Daniel 
 F.; W. J., now a resident of Ottumwa, Iowa; 
 Andrew W.; Robert A.; James P., now a resident 
 of St. Louis; and C. C, who completes the family. 
 The Burnetts are widel}- and favorably known in 
 this locality, where they have so long resided, and 
 in social circles holds an enviable position. 
 
 In his political views Mr. Burnett is a Democrat, 
 but has never had time or inclination for public 
 office, preferring to devote his energies to his busi- 
 ness interests. He has been an industrious and 
 hard-working man, and his labors have been re- 
 warded by a comfortable competence. He now has 
 a beautiful home and a valuable farm, and in his de- 
 clining yeais is surrounded, not only with the ne- 
 cessaries, but with many of the luxuries of life. He 
 has reared a family of children who are a credit to 
 him, and his career h.as been one which has gained 
 him high regard. 
 
 ^Mf 
 
 y'-jILLIAM H. CAMPBELL. Among the men 
 who are actively advancing the stock- 
 „ ^ raising interests of Illinois stands our 
 subject, who occupies a leading position among 
 the farmers and stock growers of Evansville Pre- 
 cinct. He has horses, cattle and hogs of standard 
 grade that are as fine as any to be found in the 
 state. His beautiful estate consists of two hundred 
 acres and is located on section 17. He was born 
 a half-mile from where he now lives, August 12, 
 184.5. 
 
 Samuel and Nancy (Glasgow) Campbell, the 
 parents of our subject, were natives of South Car- 
 olina, and in companj' with the McBride and 
 Crozier families, came to Randolph County in an 
 early day. They died in Evansville Precinct, the 
 father in 185G, and the mother twenty years later. 
 The former was an influential member of the Pres- 
 byterian Church, while his good wife was a mem-
 
 262 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They 
 reared a family of five sons and three daughters, 
 of whom William H., of this slvctch, is the only one 
 living. He was reared in this precinct, and re- 
 ceived his education in the district schools during 
 the winter seasons. His father d^'ing when he was 
 quite 3'oung, he was obliged to aid in the main- 
 tenance of the famil}% and thus learned to carry 
 on an estate in the best possible manner. 
 
 Mr. Campbell and Miss Pauline Schuline, a na- 
 tive of New York, were united in marriage Feb- 
 ruary 16, 1874. The parents of Mrs. Campbell 
 were early settlers in this county, where the3' were 
 prominent and wealth}' farmers. To our subject 
 and his wife have been born the following five 
 children: Mary C, Albert J., William H., Anna 
 V. and Agatha E. 
 
 Mr. Campbell cast his first Presidential vote for 
 Seymour, and voted with the Democratic party 
 until 1892, when he joined the People's party. 
 With his famil\-, he has been a member of the 
 Catholic Church since 1887. He has taken a 
 prominent part in educational matters, and has 
 been School Director. He is now serving as Trus- 
 tee of his township. A part of the farm which he 
 owns was included in the old homestead, which he 
 purchased from his mother in 1878. It is beauti- 
 fullj- located about two and one-half miles east 
 of Evansville, and from its cultivation he reaps a 
 handsome income. 
 
 += 
 
 --■^ 
 
 ^AVID McCONACHIE, a leading business 
 man of Sparta, is also the owner of one 
 hundred and sixteen acres of land in 
 Randolph County, which valuable prop- 
 erty has been acquired through his indomitable 
 interest and good management. He is also largely 
 engaged in shipping stock, and a man of en- 
 terprise, he has taken an active part in the devel- 
 opment of this county, and has been a prominent 
 factor in the promotion of various important 
 matters. 
 
 David McConachie, the father of our subject, 
 was born in Count}- Antrim, Ireland, in 1800, and 
 
 emigrated to America in 1848, landing in New Or 
 leans. Thence he made his waj' up the Mississippi 
 River and lived for some time in Chester, but later 
 moved on a farm five miles south of Sparta, where 
 he resided until a few years prior to his decease. He 
 was a farmer by occupation, and died while living 
 in Sparta in 1885. He had received a good Eng- 
 lish education, and on coming to America had 
 sufficient means to purchase a quarter-section of 
 land. He was a member of the Convenanter 
 Church in his native land, and when he died, in 
 1885, it was felt by all who knew him that a good 
 man had gone to his final reward. The paternal 
 grandfather of our subject, David McConachie, 
 also a native of Count}- Antrim, was a prosperous 
 farmer, and lived to the advanced age of one 
 hundred and eight j-ears. 
 
 Mrs. Violet (Hunter) McConachie, the mother of 
 our subject, was born in County Antrim, Ireland, 
 in 1816, and was one in a family of six children, 
 whose parents lived and died in the Emerald Isle. 
 Eleven children were included in the parental 
 family of our subject, namely: John H., David (of 
 this sketch), Violet H., Robert C, Eliza Jane, 
 W^illiam A., Jennie, Alexander, Ann, Thomas and 
 James. His first wife having died, the father of 
 our subject was married in 1881 to Mrs. Elizabeth 
 HoUida}', who departed this life in April, 1893. 
 
 David McConachie, who was born February 11, 
 1834, in County Antrim, Ireland, accompanied his 
 parents at the time of their emigration to America, 
 and remained at home until 1852. He had been 
 given a good common-school education, and when 
 reaching his eighteenth year began to earn his 
 own money by working out on farms. He was 
 thus emploj'ed only for a twelvemonth, when he 
 rented and cultivated land on his own account. 
 In addition to tilling the soil, he operated a thresh- 
 ing machine until 186 hand in that3-ear, the Civil 
 War being in progress, he bought and sold Gov- 
 ernment cattle, horses and mules. Mr. McCona- 
 chie was thus employed until the close of the war, 
 when he engaged in the mercantile business in 
 company with his father-in-law, A. P. Foster, 
 which connection lasted for two j'ears. At the 
 end of that time our subject again began dealing 
 in stock, this time shipping mules to Mississippi,
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 263 
 
 in which branch of business he has been engaged 
 for tlie past twenty-five years. 
 
 The lady who became tlie wife of our subject 
 April 22, 1862, was Miss Eliza Foster, a native of 
 this county. She is a well educated lady and the 
 daughter of A. P. and Mary (Crawford) Foster, 
 the former of whom came to this section as early 
 as 1832 from South Carolina. His first location 
 was made on a farm ten miles south of Sparta, 
 which he continued to operate until 1846, when 
 he removed to Preston and engaged in the mer- 
 cantile business for one summer. Later he be- 
 came identified with the business interests of Ches- 
 ter, forming a partnership with Alexander Beard. 
 In the year 1851, however, he returned to his 
 farm, and after two years spent there, Mr. Foster 
 went again to Chester and operated a general 
 store until 1854. In that year he came to Sparta, 
 and here made his home until 1869, whence he 
 went to Shiloh. Later, he made his home in Oak- 
 dale, and on returning to Sparta departed this 
 life, February 11, 1871. In early life a Democrat, 
 he later voted with the Republican party, and was 
 a man who kept himself thoroughly posted on the 
 issues of the hour. He served as County Judge 
 of Randolph County in 1848, and was a popular 
 and gifted man. He was a member of the United 
 Presbyterian Church and aided greatly in the 
 spread of the Gospel in this section. The pater- 
 nal grandparents of Mrs. McConachie were James 
 and Ann (Morrow) Foster, natives of Ireland and 
 the United States, respectiveh'. The former on 
 coming to the United States with his family made 
 his iiome in South Carolina. 
 
 Of the three children born to our subject and 
 his wife, we make the following mention: Lauros 
 G. is engaged as a teacher in the Rugby school in 
 Philadelphia. He is a finely educated young 
 man, is a graduate of Knox College at Galesburg, 
 and has been a student in the Pennsylvania Uni- 
 versity, also in the Johns Hopkins University. Will- 
 iam E., the second son of our subject, is engaged 
 in business in Sparta, and Mary V., who is a grad- 
 uate of the Sparta High School, remains at home 
 with her parents. 
 
 While his private affairs naturally receive the 
 major part of his time and attention, yet Mr. Mc- 
 
 Conachie is interested in public affairs and in prin- 
 ciple and belief is a Republican. His wife is a 
 member of the United Presbyterian Church, and 
 is foremost in aiding religious and benevolent 
 enterprises. 
 
 OHN DAUER, whose sketch we now have 
 the pleasure of presenting, is a German by 
 birth, having been born in Bremen, Ger- 
 many, in 1830. He is the son of John and 
 Robe (Storey) Dauer, and grew to man's estate in 
 his native country, where he learned to cultivate 
 the soil and acquired the principles of successful 
 farming. His education was limited, but natural 
 ability and fondness . for knowledge more than 
 atoned for the lack of what is commonly called 
 "schooling." 
 
 The parents of our subject were likewise natives 
 of Germany, where thej' died, the father in 1849, 
 and the mother in 1834. John Dauer was a farmer 
 and shoemaker, and was twice married, the mother 
 of our subject being his first wife. Only two chil- 
 dren of this marriage are living: Peter, and John, 
 of this sketch. Tbe latter emigrated to the United 
 States in 1852, and after remaining for a time in 
 Maryland, went to Pittsburgh, Pa., where he spent 
 a few days, and from there journeyed to Ohio, later 
 to Kentucky, and finally made a permanent settle- 
 ment in Illinois, arriving in Randolph County in 
 1855. Here he was variously engaged, working 
 bj- the day and month for about three years, when 
 he located on a fort3'-acre tract of land, and has 
 since followed farming. 
 
 Miss Margaret Meyeroth and John Dauer were 
 united in marriage September 21, 1858. The lady 
 was born in Germany, and the six children of 
 which she became the mother are, Frederick G., 
 Andrew T., August J., Dora B., Magdalena M. and 
 Theodore H. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Dauer 
 located upon the tract above mentioned, where he 
 resided for thirteen j'ears, and then disposing of 
 his forty acres, purchased the quarter-section where 
 he now makes his home, and which is located in 
 township 5, range 6. He has made this place his
 
 264 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 home since 1870. Like most of tlie early settlers, 
 he was obliged to put up with numerous incon- 
 veniences, but finally made good headway, and has 
 rapidly gained a competence and many friends. 
 He and his wife are sincere Christian people, and 
 the German Lutheran Church has in tliem two 
 of its best members. Our subject is a Republican 
 in politics, casting his first ballot for Abraham 
 Lincoln. 
 
 ' ^ ^P • 
 
 W^-^ ENRY HITZSMANN. Randolph County is 
 if )!■ greatly indebted for its present wealth and 
 /^^^ I'igli standing to the sturdy, intelligent and 
 \^)j enterprising tillers of the soil who came 
 from Germany, and who have been instrumental 
 in developing the vast agricultural resources of 
 their adopted state. As a worthy member of the 
 farming communit}' who have contributed toward 
 its material advancement, it gives us pleasure to 
 present Mr. Ilitzsraann in this volume. He has 
 long been associated with the agricultural interests 
 of township 4, range 8, where he h.as built a com- 
 fortable home, and owns a valuable estate of four 
 hundred and thirtj' acres. 
 
 The birth of our subject occurred January 4, 
 1839, in Furstentuhm, Schaumburg-Lippe, Bucke- 
 burg, Germany, where also his parents, Fred and 
 Wilhelmena (Me3-er) Hitzsmann, were born, the 
 father in 1811, and the mother in 1810. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Fred Hitzsmann emigrated to the United 
 States in 1858, and after locating in Randolph 
 County, the father, who was a poor man, rented 
 land, which he operated four years. Being a hard 
 worker and a good financier, he managed to save 
 enough of his earnings to purchase land, and at 
 the date of his death, December 29, 1877, he was 
 proprietor of one hundred and eighty acres of 
 good land, located on Horse Prairie. His wife, 
 the mother of our subject, reared a family of seven 
 children, and is still living. 
 
 The subject of this sketch received a good edu- 
 cation in Germanj', and was a lad of seventeen 
 years when he crossed the Atlantic, determining 
 to make a fortune for himself in the New World. 
 This was one year previous to the emigration of 
 
 his parents, and it was through him that they lo- 
 cated in this county. He has always followed the 
 occupation of a farmer, and that he has met with 
 good fortune in the prosecution of his. calling is 
 made sure when we announce that he is the pro- 
 prietor of four hundred and thirty acres of land, 
 and is one of the solid men of his township. 
 
 The marriage of Mr. Hitzsmann with Miss Wil- 
 helmena Wiebke occurred December 18, 1862. 
 Mrs. Hitzsmann was born in Randolph County, and 
 is the daughter of Fred and Wilhelmena (Schrieber) 
 Wiebke. Of the ten children of which she became 
 the mother, only six are living, namelj': Ernest, 
 Hcnr}-, AVilliam, Charles; Wilhelmena, Mrs. Charles 
 Fair; and Lena, the wife of Rudolph Attman. 
 The Democratic partj' ever finds in our subject a 
 faithful supporter. He is a thoroughly upright, 
 honest man, always dealing fairly and squarely 
 by all, and his estimable character has given him a 
 high place among his fellow-townsmen. He and 
 his good wife are members of the Lutheran Church, 
 and heartilj- aid in its everj' good work. 
 
 foreign birth who have contributed their 
 quota toward the development of their 
 adopted land, and who by patience and persever- 
 ance have made America what it is, may be prop- 
 erly mentioned this gentleman, who is well known 
 for his integrity as a citizen. He is an active 
 farmer, making his home in township 5, range 7, 
 Randolph County, where he is carrying on opera- 
 tions with more than ordinary thrift and sagacity. 
 He owns one hundred and fifty-three .acres of land, 
 which is considered one of the model farms of the 
 township. 
 
 The parents of our subject, who were also na- 
 tives of the Fatherland, were Christopher and 
 Fredreka (Nasstedt) Meineke. They reared a 
 familj' of ten children, and spent their entire 
 lives in their native land. Fritz, of this sketch, 
 received his education in the Old Countr}-, where 
 his birth occurred June 19, 1830. He remained 
 there until 1869, when, liaving heard glowing ac- 
 counts of the New World, he decided to tr^' his
 
 /."^.M^^^
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 26? 
 
 fortunes in America, and came hither in 1869. 
 Finding his way lo Randolph County, he located 
 in Ellis Grove, where he worked out by the day 
 for four j'ears. Then finding himself able to rent 
 land, he operated a farm near Ellis Grove for a 
 year, and then moved to Evansville Precinct, 
 where he was similarly employed and rented prop- 
 erty for two years. 
 
 At the time of localing on his present property, 
 it contained but niuet^'-six acres, and Mr. Meineke 
 worked hard to place the land under cultivation 
 and clear the sixty-six acres which were in a wild 
 state. He erected as good buildings on the place 
 as circumstances would allow, added to his acreage, 
 and at the present time everything on the farm 
 betokens the industry and thrift of the owner. 
 
 Miss Minnie Hopfe, also a native of Germany, 
 became the wife of our subject in 1855. She ac- 
 companied her husband in his trip to the United 
 States, and by her union has become the mother of 
 three children: Fritz, William and Minnie (now 
 Mrs. William Ricknagle). She is a devoted mem- 
 ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which 
 denomination Mr. Meineke is also connected. In 
 political affairs he always casts his vote with the 
 Republican part}'. He has held the oflice of School 
 Director for manj' 3'ears, and is an incumbent of 
 that position at the present time. 
 
 
 ^T/OHN H. WILSON, who is now living a re- 
 tired life in Columbia, Monroe County, was 
 born in this county August 8, 1819, and is 
 a representative of one of its honored pio- 
 neer families. His father, William Wilson, was 
 born in AVashington County, Ky., and when about 
 five years old was brought to this place by Mrs. 
 Tolbott. Here he grew to manhood, and after ar- 
 riving at mature years he entered from the Gov- 
 ernment large tracts of land. He married Ma- 
 tilda Wallace, and then located on a farm a mile 
 from Columbia, where in the midst of the forest 
 he hewed out a good home, transforming wild, 
 unimproved land into rich and fertile fields. This 
 worthy couple became the parents of nine children, 
 seven of whom reached manhood and womanhood, 
 while four are yet living, namel}': Catherine, wife 
 
 of John S. Morgan, who resides near Columbia; 
 Deborah, of Monroe County; George and John H., 
 both of Columbia. 
 
 Upon the old homestead farm our subject spent 
 the daj's of his boyhood and youth, and in the 
 subscription schools acquired his education. When 
 about twentj-three 3eai-s of age he was appointed 
 Deputy Sheriff of the countj', and so well did he 
 fill the position that in 1846 he was elected Sheriff 
 for a term of two years. He proved a capable 
 officer, discharging his duties with promptness and 
 fidelity. In 1848 he was again elected to the 
 same oflice, and in 1851 was re-elected, filling the 
 position for a term of eight years. He was a mem- 
 ber of the Constitutional Convention which in 
 1870 framed the present constitution of the state, 
 and served on the finance and other important 
 committees. 
 
 In May, 1844, Mr. Wilson was united in mar- 
 riage with Sarah, daughter of Edward T. Morgan, 
 a native of Kentucky, and one of the early settlers 
 of Monroe County. The lad}' was born and reared 
 near Columbia, and after their marriage the young 
 couple located on a farm two miles and a-half from 
 this place. After two years they came to the town, 
 and Mr. AVilson embarked in general merchandising 
 under the firm name of Wilson & Winel. This 
 partnership continued for four years, when Mr. 
 Wilson formed a partnership with L. Warnock, 
 and purchased the Columbia Star Mills. He fol- 
 lowed milling for about four years, when he sold 
 his interest to Ernest Gross, and resumed agricult- 
 ural pursuits, which he has since carried on. 
 
 Unto Mr. and Mrs. Wilson was born a son, 
 Joshua, a lawyer of Waterloo, and the present 
 State's Attorney for Monroe County. In politics 
 our subject is a Democrat, and he has frequently 
 served as a delegate to the county, congressional 
 and state conventions of his party. Socially he is 
 connected with the Odd Fellows' society, in which 
 he has held various offices. He now has a com- 
 fortable home in Columbia, besides his valuable 
 farm of four hundred acres. He has been a resi- 
 dent of Monroe County since 1819, and is there- 
 fore one of its earliest settlers and honored pio- 
 neers. Through life he has been a hard worker, 
 and by his diligence and perseverance he has
 
 ie^ 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 achieved success. He is a man of straightforward 
 purpose, whose life has been characterized by hon- 
 esty, and he is ever spoken of in the highest terms, 
 being respected by young and old. rich and poor. 
 
 r^.;..}..^.}..;.^.^.- 
 
 'illOHN R. ALLEN. In the perusal of this 
 volume the reader is doubtless impressed 
 with the fact that it is not accident that 
 helps a man on in the world, hut persistent 
 energ\' and unceasing industry. The life of John 
 R. Allen affords an illustration of the fact that he 
 who is shrewd to discern opportunities and quick 
 to grasp them will attain a high place in the re- 
 gard of his fellow-men. A laborious, painstaking 
 man, his was a life of diligence, honor and suc- 
 cess, and when the sun of time sank below the 
 horizon of eternity it was felt bj' all who knew 
 him that a good man had gone to his final reward. 
 At his death, which occurred August 26, 1890, he 
 was one of the leading business men of Sparta, 
 and had for many years been intimately identified 
 with the progressive interests and rapid advance- 
 ment of the city. The people of his community 
 attested to their esteem for him by electing him 
 Maj^or of Sparta in 1889, which position was un- 
 solicited bj' him. 
 
 Andrew M. Allen, the father of our subject, was 
 born in the year 1810, in Preble County, Ohio, 
 and when a lad of six years removed with his 
 parents to this county, locating near Evansville. 
 Andrew M. continued to reside at home until 
 1827, when, his mother having died the previous 
 year, the household was broken up, and his fa- 
 ther made his home thereafter with his children 
 until his decease, which occurred July 5, 1845, at 
 the home of his son, William Allen, near Preston. 
 The father of our subject was a tanner by trade, 
 but spent the greater part of his active life on the 
 farm. Politically, he was a Jacksonian Democrat. 
 A devout member of the Presbyterian Church, he 
 allowed no man to excel him in hospitality or kind- 
 ness. The paternal grandparents of our subject, 
 John and Sarah (Allen) Allen, are natives respec- 
 tively of New Jersey and South Carolina. The 
 former accompanied his parents at the time of 
 their removal to Savannah, Ga.,and while residing 
 
 in Jefferson County, that state, was married to 
 Miss Sarah Allen, who was born in Soutli Carolina, 
 and located with her parents in Georgia. John 
 Allen and his wife then moved north to Preble 
 County, Ohio, thence to Randolph Count}-, this 
 state, where their decease occurred. The grand- 
 father, who was a prosperous farmer, was a Demo- 
 crat in politics and served in the War of 1812. 
 The great-grandfather of our subject, Robert Allen, 
 was a native of England, and, coming to America 
 prior to the Revolutionary War, located in New 
 Jersey. Being the eldest of his father's familj', he 
 inherited the estate, as was the custom of that 
 countiy, and as a consequence, was in very afflu- 
 ent circumstances. He was an extensive ship- 
 owner, and also held large possessions in Jamaica. 
 
 The subject of this sketch is a native of this 
 count}', having been born March 21, 1839, near 
 Evansville, and continued to reside at home un- 
 til the outbreak of the Civil War. Although a 
 mere boy, he enlisted in Company I, Twenty- 
 second Illinois Infantry, under John E. Dedrick, 
 who is now in the Pension Department at Wash-" 
 ington, D. C. As a soldier, young Allen served 
 in some of the most decisive battles of the Re- 
 bellion, such as the siege and capture of New 
 Madrid, Stone River, Belmont, Farmiugton, siege 
 of Corinth, Resaca and Chickaniauga. While in 
 the latter battle he was sliot in the leg. September 
 9, 1863, and was taken to the hospital at Crawfish 
 Springs, where his limb was amputated. As that 
 hospital was later captured by the Confederates, 
 our subject was taken to Chattanooga, and on the 
 7th of October, 1863, was exchanged and soon 
 thereafter discharged. He was a quiet, unobtru- 
 sive soldier, and won not only the respect of his 
 comrades, but the confidence and esteem of his 
 superior officers. 
 
 After his return from the arm.y, John R. Allen 
 established the first regular provision store in 
 Sparta, which he continued to operate until within 
 eighteen months of his death. A man of enter- 
 prise, he always took an active part in the devel- 
 opment of every measure set on foot for the ad- 
 vancement of the cit3% and was a prominent factor 
 in the promotion of various matters of mutual 
 welfare. He was very charitable and benevolent,
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 269 
 
 and established the cash system in business, 
 pa3'ing the fanners either in cash or goods for 
 their produce. During the financial depression 
 early in the '70s, in order to help restore confi- 
 dence, Mr. Allen sent to St. Louis for gold to pay 
 the farmers, which fact not onlj' helped to in- 
 crease his own business, but stimulated trade 
 throughout tlie city. 
 
 April 29, 1864, John R. Allen married Miss 
 Mar\' C, daughter of Samuel and Nancy McClin- 
 ton, and to them has been born one son, C. F. 
 Allen. . In his political relations our subject was 
 an uncompromising Republican, but at the same 
 time conceded to everyone else the rights he 
 claimed for himself. It was while on his way to 
 the Republican Convention which was held in 
 Evansville that death claimed him as his own. 
 That sad event occurred August 2G, 1890. In 
 early life he was a member of the United Presby- 
 terian Church, but later joined the Presbyterian 
 * Church, in which he was an Elder for many 
 3' ears. 
 
 AVID B. BOYD, a progressive farmer re- 
 siding in township 5, range 6, Randolph 
 Count}-, has risen to a position in agri- 
 cultural affairs which many might envy. 
 He is the owner of five hundred acres of valuable 
 land, and has been largely' instrumental in bring- 
 ing about man}' of the new and successful meth- 
 ods of advancing business, educational and social 
 standards. His father, Thomas Boyd, was born in 
 County Antrim, Ireland, in 1784, and emigrated 
 to America, locating in South Carolina about 
 1801. 
 
 Thomas Boyd made his home in the above 
 named slate until 1830, when he decided to try 
 his fortunes in the Prairie State, and coming to 
 Randolph County, located in township 5, range 6, 
 where he was residing at the time of his decease, 
 January 11, 1849. His occupation was that of 
 farming. He was pressed into the British service, 
 and while on a vessel, lost his hearing by the 
 concussion of guns. In politics he was a Whig.and 
 religiously was a member of the Reformed Pi-esby- 
 
 terian Church. Thomas Boyd was the son of John 
 and Susan (Neally) Boj'd, natives also of Coun- 
 ty Antrim, Ireland. Like man}- of their fellow- 
 countrymen, they made their way to the United 
 States. They died in South Carolina, where they 
 were farmers. Previous to coming to America, 
 the grandfather of our subject was a weaver and 
 ganger. His famih' consisted of three sons and 
 two daughters, John, Thomas, Samuel, Susan and 
 Marj'. 
 
 Mrs. Mary (Humes) Boyd was likewise born in 
 the Emerald Isle, and when her parents, David and 
 Elizabeth (Montgomery) Humes, emigrated to the 
 New World, she accompanied them on the journey 
 and located in South Carolina. There her father, 
 who was a prosperous farmer, was an active member 
 of the Presb^'terian Church. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas 
 Bo3'd were married in 1807, and the children born 
 to them were: Elizabeth and Susan, now deceased; 
 John, who died in 1849; William, who departed 
 this life in his twenty-second 3'ear; David B., of 
 this sketch; Thomas, and one who died in infanc}'. 
 
 Our subject was born IMa}* 22, 1819, in the New- 
 bury District, S. C, and there continued to reside 
 until the decease of his parents. He was given 
 but few educational advantages, and upon reach- 
 ing mature 3-ears engaged in farming pursuits. 
 After coming to this count}-, in 1830, he first pur- 
 chased eighty acres of land from his father, and 
 on the death of the latter, came into possession of 
 the old homestead, which he has occupied for over 
 sixt}' 3'ears. 
 
 December 30, 1847, Miss Tabitha Jane Brown 
 and our subject were united in marriage. Mrs. 
 Boyd was born within two miles of where she is 
 now living. She is the daughter of David and 
 Margaret (Morrow) Brown, natives respectively 
 of South Carolina and Kentuck}-. Her parents were 
 married in the Blue Grass State, and coming to 
 Illinois, in 1826, located on Livel3- Prairie. David 
 Brown was the son of Isaac and Jane (Means) 
 Brown, natives of South Carolina. The grand- 
 father died in Kentuck3'; his good wife came to 
 Illinois, and departed this life in Randolph Count}'. 
 
 To Mr. and Mrs Bo}'d have been born nine chil- 
 dren: Maggie, Mrs. Samuel Wasson, of this coun- 
 ty; Mary, who lives at home; Anna, Mrs. Samuel
 
 270 
 
 PORTRAIT A]ST) BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Fulton, of this county; William, who is a coal 
 dealer in St. Louis; David, who is engaged in the 
 coal business at Sparta; Thomas A., who nialies his 
 home with his parents, and three who died in in- 
 fanc}'. A man of untiring energy, Mr. Boyd's 
 success in life is proved by the fact that, although 
 he started without money or land, he has accumu- 
 lated over five hundred acres, upon which he is en- 
 gaged in general farming. In politics he is a stanch 
 Republican. He is an Elder in the Presbyterian 
 Church, with which denomination his wife also 
 holds membership. 
 
 If/ OHN KNOX BLAIR is one of the shrewdest 
 and most intelligent agriculturists of town- 
 ship 5, range 6, Randolph Countj', as is 
 showu bj' the success which has crowned 
 his eflforts. He was born February 6, 1828, in 
 Tennessee, and is the son of James and Jane 
 (Wiley) Blair, natives of .South Carolina, where 
 the former was born in 1797. 
 
 James Blair, the father of our subject, accom- 
 panied his parents, William and Elizabeth Blair, 
 on their removal to Tennessee in 1816. The 
 latter were both natives of Ireland, but the grand- 
 father of our subject died in Tennessee. In that 
 state the parents of our subject were married, and 
 in 1832 came to Randolph County and lived on 
 what is now known as the Rile3' McKelvy Farm. 
 Two years later the father entered land from the 
 Government, which is the same property owned 
 b\' the 3'oungest brother of our subject, James F. 
 The old homestead contains two hundred acres, 
 which tlie father cleared, and of which he made a 
 valuable estate. He was a member of the New 
 Light Covenant Church, in which he was an Elder. 
 He departed this life February 25, 1860. The 
 mother of our subject was born in 1799 and died 
 in 1890, at the advanced age of ninety-one years. 
 She was also a member of the Covenant Church. 
 
 Our subject was the fourth in order of birth 
 of a family of seven children, his brothers and 
 sisters bearing the respective names of Samuel 
 W., William R., Tirza M., James F., Martha and 
 
 Louisa. John K. was only four j'ears of age at 
 the time his parents removed to Randolph County, 
 and here he received a limited education in the 
 district schools. He remained at home until his 
 marriage in 1852 with Miss Mary E. McCoughan, 
 who was born in this couutv. 
 
 After his marriage, Mr. Blair removed to Perry 
 County, where he resided for five years, and then, 
 his wife having died October 5, 1857, he returned 
 to this county with his children, Gilbert S., Lem- 
 uel and Mary E., the latter of whom is now de- 
 ceased. 
 
 Gilbert S., the elder son, married Miss Ida Mc- 
 Guire, and resides in Parsons, Kan; Lemuel, the 
 second son, is a graduate of the Chicago Homeo- 
 pathic Medical College, and a practicing physician 
 in Edgerton, Kan.; he married Sabina Reed, of Ced- 
 arville, Ohio, who is deceased. Mre. Mary Blair was 
 a faithful member of the New Light Covenant 
 Church, in which bodj- her father was an Elder. 
 
 The lady whom Mr. Blair married in 1862 was* 
 Mrs. Mar}- Catherine (Brown) Wj-lie. By her 
 marriage with Samuel Wiley she became the 
 mother of three children, onlj- one of whom. 
 Flora, now Mrs. James M. Hathorn, is living. 
 By this union Mr. Blair had a family of three 
 children, of whom James is deceased. Those liv- 
 ing are Samuel L., Jr., and John Riley. After his 
 second marriage, our subject removed to the farm 
 owned by his wife, where the}- resided until 1880. 
 He then purchased his present farm, it being the 
 place where Mrs. Blair's father located upon com- 
 ing to the county. In politics, Mr. Blair voted 
 with the Republican partj- until two j-ears ago, 
 when he joined the ranks of the Prohibitionists, 
 and now casts his ballot fou the candidates of that 
 organization. 
 
 Mrs. Blair was born in this count}- in 1830, and 
 is the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Morrow) 
 Brown, natives of South Carolina, w-ho migrated 
 to Kentucky, and thence in 1827 came to Ran- 
 dolph County. Here Mr. Brown entered the land 
 which is now owned by our subject, cleared and 
 made valuable improvements on the same and re- 
 sided there for fifty-five years. He was born in 
 1797, and six years prior to his decease, in 1884, 
 was afflicted with the loss of his eye-sight. He
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 271 
 
 was four times married, his first wife being a Miss 
 Steele, by wbom lie had one child, who is now de- 
 ceased; his second union was with Miss Elizabeth 
 Morrow. His thirti wife was Miss Chambers, and 
 his fourth a Miss Woodside. Joseph and Eliza- 
 beth (Morrow) Brown had a large family of cliil- 
 dren, as follows: James M., deceased; Elizabeth J.; 
 David, now deceased; Mary Catherine, ]\Irs. Blair; 
 Joseph; Alvira A; John B.; Nancy M. and William 
 M. The parents were members of the Associate 
 Reformed (now the United Presli^'terian) Church, 
 in which the father held the office of Elder. 
 
 (^ 
 
 
 -^^ 
 
 (3= 
 
 ■'?^|ll^^^'" 
 
 ^ 
 
 ^1|_ UGH EASDALE. One by one the pioneers 
 i[)|! of Randolph County are passing away, and 
 1^^^' their labors and struggles will soon be a 
 (^) matter of history. It is well to preserve a 
 brief account of the privations and difficulties un- 
 der which the}' labored in laying the foundation 
 of our material, civil and religious prosperity. 
 For this purpose a few facts regarding the honored 
 gentleman above named will be presented to our 
 readers. 
 
 The subject of this brief sketch was of Scotch 
 birth, and was born in Ayrshire in October, 1814. 
 He was reared to manhood in Scotland, and for 
 many years made his home on a farm with his 
 grandmother in that country. He was given a 
 good education, and deciding to come to America 
 in, 1840, he crossed the Atlantic, and after landing 
 in the New World, made his way to Illinois and 
 located in Randolph County. 
 
 The marriage of our subject, which took place 
 in 1849, was with Miss Mary Aitken, who was 
 born in Ayrshire March 31, 1831. Mrs. Easdale 
 was the daughter of James and Barbara (Stephen- 
 son) Aitken, also natives of the above place, where 
 the mother's decease occurred. The wife of our 
 subject came to America in 1849, in company with 
 two of her brothers, and with them made her home 
 in this county. After her marriage with our sub- 
 ject, the young people located upon a tract of 
 land in township 4, range 5, which in that early 
 day bore no improvement. The estate comprised 
 
 three hundred and fifty acres, and at his death 
 Mr. Easdale had placed two hundred and seventy 
 acres under good tillage. The farm is supplied 
 with a comfortable residence and all the accom- 
 paniments in the waj' of barns, sheds, etc., that are 
 needed in properly carrying on a farm. Our sub- 
 ject was engaged in mixed farming, and made a 
 specialty of breeding fine blooded horses. 
 
 Of the ten children born to Mr. and Mrs. Eas- 
 dale, we make the following mention: Mary mar- 
 ried William Crawford, and resides in Kansas; 
 Maggie is the wife of John Stephenson, and makes 
 her home in this township; Janet is the wife of 
 Samuel Boyd; Ida married James Lindsey; and 
 Hugh A., Helen and Robert are at home. Mr. 
 Easdale was Treasurer of the United Presbyterian 
 Church, of which he was a member for many 
 years. He was School Director of this district for 
 many years, and also served as Township Trustee. 
 A stanch Republican, he represented his party as 
 delegate to the various conventions. He possessed 
 those noble personal qualities which justl}' classed 
 him among the best citizens of the county. The 
 farm is managed by Mrs. P'.asdale and tlie three 
 children who are at home. She is an intelligent 
 and capable woman, and is a member of the United 
 Presbyterian Church. 
 
 '^\ OSEPIl R. PRESTON, a well known .agri- 
 culturist residing on township 4, range 7, 
 is one of the native sons of Randolph 
 County and a representative of one of its 
 honored pioneer families. In 1839 there came to 
 Randolph County Robert H. Preston, with his wife 
 and children. Tliej' located on a farm adjacent 
 to Baldwin, purcliasing land of Jack Boyd, an 
 earlj' settler of the community. The journey 
 westward was made with a one-horse wagon. 
 While in tlie east, Mr. Preston worked in woolen 
 mills, being a weaver by trade. He brought with 
 him to the west $600, which he invested in land, 
 and at once engaged in farming. Although he 
 was unfamiliar witli this pursuit, he met with most 
 excellent success in his undertakings. His wife, 
 who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Flem-
 
 272 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 
 
 ing, was a native of New Jei-sey. Their family 
 numbered three sons and a daughter: vSarah H., 
 widow of John A. Spaeth, who resides with her 
 family in Wilson County, Kan.; Joseph R., of this 
 sketch; and Albert L. and Alfred L. (twins). The 
 latter now resides near Baldwin, but the former 
 died, leaving one son, who now makes his home 
 in Baldwin. The father of this family was very 
 successful and acquired a handsome competence. 
 He was a faithful member of the Methodist Epis- 
 copal Church South, and gave liberally of his 
 means for the erection of the house of worship in 
 Baldwin. He was always ready to support any 
 worthy' enterprise, and the poor and needj* found 
 in him a friend. 
 
 Joseph R. Preston was born on the old home- 
 stead farm in 1841, and his boj'hood and }'outh 
 were spent amidst pla^' and work. He early be- 
 came familiar with all the duties of farm life, and 
 in the common schools of the neighborhood he 
 acquired a good English education. At the age 
 of twenty- years he was united in marriage with 
 Miss Margaret, daughter of William Cox, one of 
 the earl3' settlers of Randolph Count}-. They be- 
 gan their domestic life upon the old homestead, 
 and Mr. Preston erected the house which is still 
 their home, and in which manj' happy years have 
 been passed. Seven cliildren were born to them, of 
 wliom four are living, namel}': WiHiara R.,who mar- 
 ried Sarah F.Carter and is engaged in merchandis- 
 ing in Baldwin; Absalom K., M. Ma}- and John C, 
 who are still under the parental roof. Elizabeth E. 
 died at tlie age of sixteen years, and the others died 
 in early childhood. 
 
 The home farm of Mr. Preston comprises two 
 hundred and eighty acres, and in connection with 
 this he operates one hundred acres about a mile 
 west. His lauded possessions aggregate seven 
 hundred acres, the greater part of which he has 
 cleared and developed himself. For several 3^ears 
 he devoted his time and energies chiefly to gen- 
 eral farming, but for some years past he has 
 been quite extensively engaged in stock dealing. 
 His business career has been a prosperous one, 
 owing to his diligence and well directed efforts, 
 and he is recognized as one of the practical and 
 progressive farmers of the community. In poli- 
 
 tics he is a stanch Democrat, but has alwaj-s re- 
 fused public office. He contributes liberally to 
 worth}- enterprises calculated to advance the gen- 
 eral welfai'e, and jierforms many acts of kindness 
 and charity, but all are done in a quiet and unos- 
 tentatious manner. 
 
 <^T UGUST H. KOCH, who is numbered among 
 lO/// II ^jjg leading business men of Red Bud, con- 
 tl ducts a harness establishment, and is also 
 i@y a dealer in road vehicles and farm imple- 
 
 ments. He is a native of the town which is still 
 his home, his birth having occurred here in 1855. 
 His parents, Henr}' and Sophia (Reinhart) Koch, 
 were both natives of Germany, and in that coun- 
 try were reared and married. The year 1840 wit- 
 nessed their emigration to America. The}- located 
 in St. Louis, but after a short time came to Red 
 Bud, where the father engaged in business as a 
 merchant-tailor until his death. The family num- 
 bered six children, but with the exception of our 
 subject all are now deceased. One brother, Henry, 
 grew to manhood and married, leaving at his 
 death two children. 
 
 August H. Koch spent the first fourteen years of 
 his life under the parental roof, and then went to 
 St. Louis, where he served an apprenticeship of a 
 term of four years to a harnessmaker. He thor- 
 oughly mastered the business, becoming an expert 
 workman, and then returned to Red Bud, where 
 he opened his store. His trade has constantly in- 
 creased from the beginning, and he now does as 
 large a business as any harness dealer in the coun- 
 ty. In 1889 he had purchased a stock of spring 
 wagons, and the following year he added a stock 
 of carriages, buggies, farm implements, etc. His 
 enterprise and business ability have been the im- 
 portant factors in his success, and have placed him 
 among the substantial citizens of the community. 
 
 In the year 1878 Mr. Koch was united in mar- 
 riage with Sliss Katrina Diehl, a native of Monroe 
 County, III. By their union have been born 
 eleven children, seven of whom are still living. 
 The parents hold membership with the Lutheran 
 Church, contribute liberally to its support, and
 
 PORTKAIT AND BTOGRAPHTCAL RECORD. 
 
 273 
 
 take an active part in its growth and iipbuilding, 
 doing all in their power to advance tiie cause. 
 Mr. Koch exercises his right of franchise in sup- 
 port of tlie Republican party, and is a warm ad- 
 vocate of its principles. He served for one term 
 as City Treasurer, but has never been an office- 
 seeker, preferring to devote his entire time and 
 attention to his business interests. A well and 
 worthily spent life has won him the high regard 
 of a large circle of friends and acquaintances, and 
 we take pleasure in presenting to our readers this 
 record of one of the native sons of Randolph 
 County. 
 
 • ^ P • 
 
 bllOMAS B. STEPHENSON. A man of un- 
 tiring energy, the subject of this sketch has 
 been successful in life, which is proved by 
 the fact that, although he started for himself with- 
 out money, he has accumulated a comfortable home 
 and is now one of the prominent citizens of Ran- 
 dolph County. He resides in Sparta, where he is 
 Secretary and Treasurer of the Sparta Pressed 
 Brick Company, of which he was one of the organ- 
 izers. He is also a stockholder and Director in 
 the Sparta Creamery, and has been prominentlj' 
 connected with the organization of the building 
 and loan association, of which he is the Secretary. 
 
 The father of our subject, Edward Stephenson, 
 was born in Lancashire, England, in 1829, and at 
 the early age of nineteen was united in marriage 
 with Miss Elizabeth Preston. "With his wife and 
 a family of five small children, he left his native 
 land to seek a home in the New World. He natu- 
 rally turned to Her Majesty's province of Canada, 
 and having acquired an education for the profes- 
 sion of a school teacher, he turned his attention to 
 that in his new home. But only a few more years 
 were allotted him in this world. The hardships 
 and anxieties of frontier life overcame him, and 
 while yet a young man he laid aside his armor 
 and entered into eternal rest. 
 
 After a few years of widowhood, our subject's 
 mother married the brother of her deceased hus- 
 band, John D. Stephenson, who was born in 1836 
 in Lancashire, England. In 1857 he emigrated to 
 
 America, and locating in Canada, remained at To- 
 ronto until 1860. when he came to the States and 
 made his home in Sparta. The following j'ear he 
 moved to a farm four miles northeast of the city, 
 which he cultivated and resided upon until 1892, 
 whea he returned to Sparta, and is now living a 
 retired life. He is a carpenter by trade, but fol- 
 lowed farming through the greater part of his 
 active life. His early education was received in 
 the common schools, and-although his advantages 
 were not of the best, he improved his spare mo- 
 ments, and became one of the well posted men of 
 the section. In politics he is a stanch Republican, 
 and is deeply interested in all matters pertain- 
 ing to the advancement of his community. He 
 held the oflices of Road Commissioner, Township 
 Commissioner, .Justice of the Peace and School 
 Trustee, and is recognized as a man of extended 
 influence. He was formerly an official member of 
 the Baptist Church, but is now associated with the 
 Brethren. 
 
 The paternal grandparents of our subject, Chris- 
 topher and Margaret (Walker) Stephenson, were 
 also natives of Lancashire, England, where they 
 lived and died. The grandfather, who was a. 
 canal-keeper, was the son of William Stephenson, 
 a Scotch sailor. The maiden name of our subject's 
 mother was Elizabeth Preston. She likewise was 
 born in the above shire in England, and was a 
 daughter of John and Ann Preston, prosperous 
 farmers, who spent their entire lives in their native 
 land. During the latter 3'earsof her young woman- 
 hood, Mrs. Stephenson made her home with her 
 eldest brother, Roger, who was a Quaker, and 
 through him received a good education. 
 
 The mother of our subject was first married 
 about 1848, and tiie union was blessed with the 
 following named children: Roger P., Christopher, 
 John, Edward, Thomas B., Margaret and Elizabeth 
 A. To her second marriage five children were born, 
 James, William R., Sarah J., Mary and Alonzo J. 
 Tlie eldest son is now living in Salma, Kan., where 
 he is pastor of the First Baptist Church; Christo- 
 pher makes his home in Denver, Colo., and is a 
 prominent lawyer of that place; John lives on the 
 old homestead near Sparta; Edward makes his 
 home in Jackson, Mich., and has charge of the
 
 274 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Baptist Church there; Margaret is the wife of R. 
 S. Burns, a. carpenter residing in Sparta; Elizabeth 
 married Michael S. (Crawford, a farmer in Crawford 
 County, Kan.; James is a member of the firm of 
 Stei)henson Brothers, in Sparta; AVilliam R. is the 
 junior member of the same firm; Alonzo is em- 
 ployed in the pressed brick works, in which our 
 subject is interested; Sarah J. and Mary are at 
 home. 
 
 Thomas B. Stephenson was born November 20, 
 1855, in Lancashire, England, and accompanied 
 his parents on their removal to Canada in 1857. 
 He was reared to manhood in Randolpli Countj', 
 111., in the meantime attending school when oppor- 
 tunity offered, and also engaged in farming pur- 
 suits. Later, his knowledge gained in the public 
 sciiools was supplemented by attendance at the 
 Carbondale Normal University, where he was 
 a student for about two years. He earned his 
 first money by teaching school in Cumberland 
 County, III. After being thus engaged for two 
 years in that place, young Stephenson returned to 
 Randolph County, and was employed as teacher 
 in this vicinity for four years, the last two terms 
 of which time he taught in the liigli school at 
 Sparta. 
 
 In 1881, while teaching school, Mr. Stephenson 
 purchased the stock of goods from S. F. Hyndman, 
 of Sparta, and, associated with his brother-in-law, 
 J. L. Beattie, continued to carry on business as 
 Stephenson & Beattie until 1890. In 1888, prior 
 to disposing of his interests in that line, our sub- 
 ject became book-keeper in the bank of F. R. 
 Crothers & Co., with whom he remained until Feb- 
 ruary of 1892. Mr. Stephenson assisted in incor- 
 porating the Sparta Pressed Brick Company, which 
 was organized with a capital of $14,000. It is a 
 valuable acquisition to the town and gives employ- 
 ment to many men. Tiie building and loan asso- 
 ciation, which was incorporated in April, 1886, in 
 a measure owes its existence to our subject, as does 
 also the Sparta Creamer}', of which he is a stock- 
 holder and Director. The latter was organized in 
 1884, and now has a capital of ?!10,000. The com- 
 pany paj'S out for milk each year from S50,000 to 
 $60,000, and the product of the factory finds a 
 ready sale in this vicinity. The Gas and Oil Com- 
 
 pany of Sparta, of which Mr. Stephenson is now 
 Treasurer, operates twelve wells, and has a capital 
 stock of $15,000. 
 
 October 8, 1879, IMiss Mary, daughter of Jacob 
 B. and Elizabeth (McMillan) Beattie, became the 
 wife of our subject. She is a native of Sparta, 
 while her father was born in Allegheny County, 
 Pa., and her mother was born in Paisley, Scotland. 
 Mr. Beattie came to Randolph County in 1818, 
 and located in township 4, range 5. February 9, 
 1853, he married Elizabeth McMillan, and the}' 
 still reside upon the old homestead. To Mr. and 
 Mrs. Stephenson have been born three children, 
 Edward B., Bertha E. and Carl C. In his political 
 relations, our subject always votes with the Repub- 
 lican party, and few residents of the county are 
 more widely known, and none more favorablj', than 
 he. With his wife he is associated with the Brethren. 
 
 ■^-- 
 
 '-■^ 
 
 EUSADE PALMIER. This gentleman may 
 truly be called a self-made man, as will be 
 /- -i i seen by the perusal of his history. He oc- 
 cupies a valuable estate of five hundred acres lo- 
 cated in Prairie du Rocher Precinct, Randolph 
 County, and ranks among the highly respected 
 citizens of the county. He is an enterprising 
 farmei', prudently changing his crops in order to 
 keep up the fertility of the soil, and devotes the 
 greater amount of his land to grain, without 
 neglecting other articles of produce, however. 
 
 Joseph and Mary L. (Chilcot) Palmier, the par- 
 ents of our subject, were natives of St. Clair Coun- 
 ty, this state, and were of French descent. They 
 came from Canada in an early day and located in 
 St. Clair County, where tlie father of our subject 
 departed this life. His good wife is still living, 
 at the advanced age of eighty-four j'cars. They 
 were the parents of eight children, of whom three 
 sons and two daughters are yet living. 
 
 Eusade Palmier, of this sketch, was born May 7, 
 1845, in St. Clair County, this state, and there re- 
 mained with his parents until reaching his twelfth 
 year, when, his father having died, he accompanied 
 his mother on her removal into Randolph County,
 
 X 
 
 "J-^
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 277 
 
 where be has since made his home. At the usual 
 age he began attending school, receiving his edu- 
 cation in a rude log cabin, which bore little resem- 
 blance to the modern structures of to-day. 
 
 January* 3, 1866, our subject and Miss Sophia 
 Mougin were united in marriage, and to them 
 were born nine children, namely: Arsen, Alfred, 
 Cora, Louise, Vita, Marcel, Eddie, Harry, and Lean- 
 der, wlio died when twelve j-ears old. INIr. Palmier 
 lias been one of the important factors in promo- 
 ting the growth and prosperit}- of his precinct, and 
 being a progressive, liberal, public-spirited man, 
 occupies a high place in social and educational 
 matters. His fine farm is pleasantly located one 
 and one-half miles southeast of Prairie du Rocher, 
 and from its tillage be reaps large profits. 
 
 In politics, our subject gives his allegiance to 
 the Democratic part3', and he cast his first vote 
 for .Sej-mour. He has never sought office, but at 
 tlie solicitation of his fellow-citizens, he has served 
 with satisfaction as Trustee of Prairie du Rocher, 
 and, all in all, is an influential citizen. 
 
 ^ I^ILLIAM SCHUCHERT, ex-Mayor of the 
 \r\/// city of Chester, and one of the leading 
 \^/^ citizens of the place, is engaged in the diy- 
 goods and grocerj- business, carrjing in bis estab- 
 lishment a full line of all articles used in city and 
 country households. He has done much toward 
 advancing the prospentj- of the citj', and by his 
 unceasing application to business has secured a 
 competency, while his unwavering honesty and 
 true nobilitj' of character have won him the high 
 regard of his fellow-men. 
 
 Like many of the best citizens of Randolph 
 County, our subject was born across the waters in 
 Germany, the date of his birth being September 
 28, 1832. He is the son of J. F. W. and Mary (Selig- 
 man) Schuchert. The father, who was a black- 
 smith by occupation, emigrated to the United 
 States in 1848, and on landing in New Orleans, 
 made his waj' from the Crescent Citj^ up the Mis- 
 sissippi River to Chester, where be arrived in 
 February of that year. 
 
 The parental family comprised two children, our 
 5 
 
 subject and John F., the latter being a resident of 
 Cape Girardeau, Mo. "William was a lad of six- 
 teen 3-eais when he accompanied his father to the 
 New World, prior to which he had received a good 
 education in the model schools of his native land. 
 On arriving in Chester, be assisted his father in 
 opening up a blacksmitli shop, and remained with 
 him for two years, when be went to St. Louis, Mo., 
 and for six months was engaged as a clerk in a 
 hotel. Returning to this City, lie again associated 
 himself with bis father in the blacksmith's trade, 
 and continued thus employed until 1852, at which 
 time, having caught the gold fever, be went to 
 California and engaged in mining. Not being very 
 successful in this venture, be retraced bis steps to 
 Ciiester in 1858, and entering the store of H. C. 
 Cole, worked for him until 1867. He then pur- 
 chased the stock of goods from his employer and 
 engaged in business on his own account. In 1883 
 he moved into bis large slore-room, 33x68 feet in 
 dimensions, located on Water Street. 
 
 In 1860, William Schuchert and Miss Luami Cas- 
 tellaw were united in marriage. Mrs. Schuchert 
 was born in Haj'wood County, Tenn., and is the 
 daughter of Alfred Castellaw. In his political re- 
 lations our subject is a stanch Democrat, and finds 
 time in the midst of his business interests to bear 
 an active part in the political affairs of his neigh- 
 borhood, and for six years held the office of Maj'or. 
 He is also interested in educational matters, and 
 indeed in all movements which contribute to the 
 general welfare of the citj-. Socially, he is a mem- 
 ber of Chester Lodge No. 57, I. O. O. F., which 
 he is serving as Treasurer. He represented this 
 order in the Grand Lodge in 1867, and Sovereign 
 Grand Lodge in 1885. 
 
 ^^EV. ,J. B. SCHLOTMANN, rector of St. 
 Augustine's Church, at Hecker, was born 
 at Hausstette, Grand Duchy of Olden- 
 ^^ burg, Germany, August 7, 1860. He at- 
 tended the parochial school of bis native place, 
 and afterward attended the gj^mnasium at Vechta. 
 He emigrated to America October 1, 1880, and 
 continued bi§ studies at St. Francis Solanus Col-
 
 «7« 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 lege at Quincj', 111., graduating at the end of the 
 scholastic year, in 1884, having obtained the de- 
 gree of A. M. He studied tlieology witli tlie Bene- 
 dictine Fathers at St. Meinrad, Ind., and was or- 
 dained priest June 9, 1887. Rev. J. B. Schlot- 
 mann became rector of St. Augustine's Church Oc- 
 tober 16, 1887, whicli position he still holds. 
 
 \T_^ UGH R. GUTHRIE, M. D., is not only one 
 rjj^ of the oldest ph3'sicians in Randolph Coun- 
 i^^ ty, but is one whose extensive practice and 
 (^) high standing in professional circles prove 
 conclusively his mental and phj'sical endowment, 
 his careful culture, and his painst.aking efforts to 
 continually add to his theoretical linowledge and 
 practical sivill. 
 
 Our subject is a son of Thomas C. Guthrie, who 
 was born in 1797, in County Antrim, Ireland, and 
 emigrated to tlie United States in 1817. His first 
 location in the New World was made in Crawford 
 County, Pa., where he taught school for one year, 
 having received an academic education before 
 leaving his native land. ' Thence Thomas Guthrie 
 went to the Smoky City, and entering the West- 
 ern University of Pittsburgh, was graduated from 
 that institution in 1822. While there he was a 
 student under General Black's father, who was 
 professor of Latin, Greek and theologJ^ The 
 father of our subject was licensed to preacli by the 
 Pittsburgh Presbytery in 182.5, and as a minister 
 of the Gospel he first located at Pine Creek, Alle- 
 gheny County, Pa.,where he had a charge for thirtj-- 
 five years. Thence lie went to Mt. Pleasant, nine 
 miles from that place, where he established a mis- 
 sion and continued to preach for twelve years. 
 At the expiration of that time, on account of his 
 failing health, he gave up the active duties of a 
 pastor, and in April, 1874, came to Sparta and 
 made his home with his son, the subject of this 
 sketch, until bis decease, wliich occurred in 1876. 
 The paternal grandparents of our subject were 
 Hugh and Sarah (Cathcart) Guthrie, natives of 
 Countj' Actrirn, Ireland, where the former passed 
 away; the latter died in Pennsylvania. 'Phe pa- 
 
 ternal great-grandparents were natives of Scot- 
 land, who, after removing to Ireland, located in 
 County Antrim. Our subject's mother, whose 
 maiden name was Eliza Caskey, was a native of 
 Pennsylvania and the daughter of Joseph and 
 Martha (Thompson) Caskej', wlio were born in Ire- 
 land, and after emigrating to the llnited States 
 made their home in Pennsylvania. The parents 
 of our subject were married by Dr. Black, in Pitts- 
 burgh, December 30, 1828, and reared a family of 
 four children, namelj': Joseph C, Hugh R., Samuel 
 and Lizzie M. They are all deceased with the ex- 
 ception of Dr. Guthrie. Lizzie M. was a mission- 
 ary to India in 1873, and while there was sent to 
 Japan, where she remained about five years. In 
 October, 1878, she returned to the United States, 
 and departed this life at San Francisco in April, 
 1880. 
 
 The mother of our subject having died, Thomas 
 Guthrie was married January 26, 1837, to Mrs. 
 Nancy McLean , the daughter of Barnard Gilleland, 
 a native of western Pennsylvania. She became 
 the mother of four children, and died June 1, 
 1847. Her children were named Margaret, James, 
 Barnet and John K. In 1848 the father of our 
 subject married Mary McFann, who died in 1889, 
 at the advanced age of ninety-one j-ears. 
 
 Dr. Hugh Guthrie was born February 23, 1831, 
 in Allegheny Count}', Pa., and there resided with 
 his parents until the spring of 1855, with the ex- 
 ception of a few months, in the meantime having 
 taken a literary course in Duquesne College. 
 Upon leaving home he came west, and tauglit 
 school for ten months in Perry Countj', 111., and 
 then returning to Allegheny County, began the 
 study of medicine. He attended lectures in the 
 Universitj' of Pennsylvania, and received his di- 
 ploma as Doctor of Medicine in 1855. When 
 ready to locate for ttie practice of his profession, 
 he went to Madison', Wis., and after a residence 
 there of two years came to Sparta, 111., and con- 
 tinued here until 1864. Januaiy 1 of that year, 
 he went to St. Louis, and took a post-graduate 
 course in the St. Louis Medical College. Tiien re- 
 turning to Sparta, he made his home in this city 
 for one summer, when he went to Philadelphia, 
 and there also took a post-graduate course in the
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 279 
 
 University of Pennsylvania, after which he at- 
 tended lectures on surgery in the Jefferson Medi- 
 cal College. Returning to St. Louis in 1866, he 
 practiced for a short time, and the following year 
 came again to Sparta, where he has since made his 
 home, and is now one of the oldest and most 
 prominent citizens in the county. 
 
 March 7, 1861, Dr. Hugh Outhrie and Miss 
 Helen B., daughter of Dr. Joseph and Mary Ann 
 (Miller) Farnan, were united in marriage. Dr. 
 and Mrs. Farnan were natives respectively of Ire- 
 land and New York, and after coming to Illinois 
 they located in Sparta. To our subject and his 
 wife have been born three children: Mary E., the 
 wife of W. G. Pardee, an attorney at Santa Fe; 
 Ada, who is a graduate of tiie Jacksonville Musi- 
 cal College; and Margaretta. 
 
 In liis political relations the Doctor is a strong 
 Republican, and socially' is a member of the South- 
 ern Illinois Medical Association, the Illinois State 
 Medical Society, the American Medical Associa- 
 tion and the Mississippi Yallej' Association. He 
 was reared in the faith of the Presbj'terian Church, 
 and for a number of years has held the position of 
 Trustee. He is now President of the School Board, 
 and a member of the local Board of Health. 
 
 ^PE 
 
 E^- 
 
 W[OHN J. HELBER was a native of Stras- 
 I burg, Germany, and at the age of ten years 
 was brought by his father to America, the 
 family locating in Darke Count}', Ohio. 
 There the father died, leaving two sons, John J. 
 and his j'ounger brother. Christian. They were 
 reared to manhood in the Buckeye State, and hav- 
 ingattained to mature 3'ears, they madetlieir home 
 in the city of Cincinnati until after their mar- 
 riage. 
 
 Mr. Helber was joined in wedlock to Miss Bar- 
 bara Stoehr, and with his wife removed to Farm- 
 ington, Mo., in the _year 1852. A year later his 
 brother and his wife also became residents of that 
 place. The brothers were both shoemakers, hav- 
 ing learned the business in their youth in Cin- 
 cinnati, and in Farmington they carried on a 
 large shoe factory, manufacturing shoes for the 
 
 slaves of the planters in that locality. Mr. Hel- 
 ber was appointed Postmaster of Farmington by 
 President Lincoln, and held the office for two 
 3'ears, but was then forced to leave, as on account 
 of his political views the lives of himself and fam- 
 ily were in danger. He had to sacrifice his prop- 
 erty in this removal and thereby lost heavily. 
 
 In 1861, his brother Christian enlisted in the 
 Union armj', and became second Lieutenant o 
 the company to which he belonged. He served 
 until about the close of the war, when he was 
 drowned in Duck River, Tenn. He left at his 
 death five children: Jacob, Laura, Emma, Wesley 
 and Edward, residents of Farmington, Mo. 
 
 On leaving Farmington, our subject determined 
 to locate where slavery was not permitted, for he 
 was a stanch advocate of Abolition, and in conse- 
 quence took up his residence in Iroquois County, 
 111., where for a year he engaged in merchan Using. 
 At the end of that time, in August, 1865, on ac- 
 count of the ill-health of liis wife, he came to Red 
 Bud. Resuming work at the trade of shoemak- 
 ing, he followed it until 1869, when he opened a 
 general merchandise store and continued in that 
 line of business until his death, which occurred in 
 1883, at the age of fifty-eight years. He was a 
 stanch Republican in politics and alwa^-s took an 
 active part in the campaigns. Mr. Helber, who 
 was greatly interested in the study of ethnology, 
 collected many curious and interesting Indian 
 relics and made a special study of the customs and 
 modes of life of the different tribes and the imple- 
 ments they used in warfare and work. An hon- 
 orable, upright man, possessed of man}' excellen- 
 cies of character, Mr. Helber had the high regard 
 of a wide circle of friends, and his death was deeply 
 mourned. 
 
 Mrs. Helber still survives her husband and is 
 living in Red Bud. In the family were seven 
 children: Emil}', now the wife of W. J. Perkins, 
 of Red Bud; Maggie; William, who is engaged in 
 the livery business; John C; Alfred, who carries 
 on a jewelry store in St. James, Minn.; and 
 Arthur, a resident of Red Bud. 
 
 Charles T. Helber, the eldest of the familj', be- 
 came interested with his father in merchandising 
 in 1875, and they carried on business under the
 
 280 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 firm name of J. J. Helber & Son until 1879, when 
 W. J. Perkins was admitted to partnership, and 
 the firm name was changed to Helber & Co., un- 
 der which style business is still conducted. 
 
 The senior member of the firm, as it now stands, 
 was married in 1876, the lad^- of his choice being 
 Miss Alice Spence. To them have been born five 
 sons, Orloff, C. Julian, C. Roland, Spence L. and 
 S. Verdi. 
 
 In his political views, Charles Helber is a Repub- 
 lican. For a year and a-half he served as mail 
 agent on the Mobile ife Ohio Railroad, and carried 
 the first mail on this road from Murpli3'sboro to 
 Cairo. He possesses the business ability for which 
 his father was noted, and the firm of Helber & Co. 
 isenjo^'ing a large and lucrative trade. 
 
 '^-- 
 
 =+ 
 
 eONRAD YOGES, a worth}' representative 
 of the agricultural interests of Randolph 
 Count}', who now follows farming in town- 
 ship 4, range 8, claims German}' as the land of his 
 birth. He was born near Hanover in 1836, and is a 
 son of Conrad and Sophia (Kothe) Voges, who were 
 also natives of the same country. In 1852, they 
 came with their family to America, and their first 
 location was made in Randolph County. They 
 owned a part of the land on which the village of 
 Red Bud now stands. At that time the town con- 
 tained only five houses. The parents afterward 
 removed to Monroe County, where their remain- 
 ing days were passed. Their family numbered 
 the following children: Conrad, of this sketch; 
 Henry, who is living in Monroe County; Sophia, 
 wife of William Schuck; Wilhelmina, wife of John 
 Boren, of Red Bud; Hannah, wife of August Reib- 
 bick, who is living in Belleville; August and Ham- 
 mond, both of whom are residents of Monroe 
 County. 
 
 Our subject spent the first sixteen years of his 
 life in Germany, and then accompanied his parents 
 on their emigration to America. In this county 
 he was reared to manhood, and became familiar 
 with farming in all its details as carried on in a 
 frontier settlement. Having arrived at years of 
 
 maturity, he was married in Randolph County to 
 Miss Wilhelmina Kroemer. Only three of their 
 children are now living: Dora, wife of William 
 Hettehiemer, of this county; Sophia, wife of Fred 
 Mehring, and Henry, who is at home and aids in 
 the operation of the farm. 
 
 Mr. Yoges is the owner of more than four hun- 
 dred acres of rich land, all of which he has accu- 
 mulated through his own efforts. His farm is now 
 under a high state of cultivation, and the well 
 tilled fields and many improvements seen, indicate 
 the careful supervision of tbe owner. Mr. Yoges 
 is also Secretary of the Creamery Association, and 
 is Secretary of the Horse Prairie Township Mutual 
 Insurance Company. He belongs to the Lutheran 
 Church, and in politics is a stalwart Democrat, who 
 does all in his power to insure the success of his 
 party. His fellow-townsmen have frequently 
 called upon him to fill positions of public trust. 
 He held the office of County Commissioner for 
 one term, and for over twenty years has been 
 School Director. For the past four years he has 
 served as Justice of the Peace, and is now filling 
 that oflSce. In the discharge of his public duties, 
 his faithfulness and promptness have won him high 
 commendation and led to his re-election. He is 
 true to every public and private trust, and a well 
 spent life has won him the confidence and good 
 will of all with whom business or social relations 
 have brought him in contact. 
 
 ^IJ^ICHGLAS HAMMEL. It is a well estab- 
 [ jjj lished fact that a man of natural ability, if 
 'l v2^ possessed of integrity and energy, can ac- 
 complish almost any given purpose in life. Every 
 day furnishes examples of men who commenced in 
 life empty handed and in a brief period of time 
 accumulated considerable fortune. Such is the 
 case with our subject, who was born in Germany 
 May 11, 1828, and has been a citizen of this coun- 
 try since 1840. 
 
 The mother of our subject died when he was two 
 years old. He remained in his native land, where 
 he was given a fair education, until 1840, when, 
 in company with his father, Jacob Hammel, he em-
 
 POETRAIT A^'D BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 281 
 
 barked on a sailing-vessel for the United States. 
 Their destination was St. Clair Count}-, this jtate, 
 and there the}- made their home until the decease 
 of the father in 1855. In that 3-ear our subject 
 came to Randolph Count}-, and after various re- 
 movals, located upon his present property in 1866. 
 
 After locating here, Mr. Hammel did hard pio- 
 neer work in improving his property for many 
 years. He devotes his entire time to agriculture, 
 and to the quarter-secticn which he first owned he 
 has added until his possessions number three hun- 
 dred and ten acres. It is well improved with all 
 the modern machinery found on the estate of an 
 intelligent farmer, and is pleasantly located one 
 mile northeast of Preston and eight miles west of 
 Sparta. In connection with his farming operations 
 Mr. Hammel for eighteen years operated a thresh- 
 ing machine. 
 
 In 1851 our subject and Miss Dorothy Armstuch, 
 who was born in Pennsylvania, were united in mar- 
 riage, and to them have been born ten children, of 
 whom the five living are, Catherine, Mrs. William 
 Rinehart; George; Tracy, the wife of Daniel Liber; 
 Frank, and Sophia, Mrs. Albert Rinehart. In his 
 political relations Mr. Hammel has always voted 
 with the Republican party. Religiously he is a. 
 member of the Lutheran Church, with which de- 
 nomination his wife is also connected. 
 
 ASPER HORSCHMAXX, who is engaged in 
 farming on section 29, township 3, range 8 
 west, Monroe County, was born in Deburg, 
 Germany, November 4, 1839, and is a son of .John 
 and Elizabeth Horschmann, who in 1840 came 
 with their family to this country, and located in 
 Round Prairie Precinct, of Monroe County, where 
 the father entered one hundred and twenty acres 
 of land from the Government. He also bought 
 one hundred and sixty acres, and liad a fine farm 
 of two hundred and eighty acres, which he opened 
 up from a wild and uncultivated tract. He cleared 
 tl\e land and transformed the raw prairie into rich 
 and fertile fields. He w.as one of the honored 
 German settlers of this community and a leading 
 farmer. In the family were five sons and two 
 
 daughters, of whom the following are yet living: 
 Peter, a resident of New Design Precinct; Casper; 
 Jacob, of Prairie du Long; Matt, of Randolph 
 County; Dora, who is living near Belleville, 111.; 
 and Lizzie, wife of William Meuerich. The father 
 of this family died February 8, 1865. 
 
 Mr. Horschmann of this sketch was reared on 
 the old homestead farm, which he helped to clear 
 and develop, and was educated in the public 
 schools, but bis privileges in that direction were 
 quite limited. He worked as a farm hand for a 
 time, and then learned the butcher's trade at Cen- 
 treville, where he was also employed in a brewery. 
 During two spring seasons he was engaged in 
 steamboating. Thus to various pursuits he de- 
 voted his energies in order to get a start in life. 
 
 On the 4th of April, 1864, Mr. Horschmann was 
 united in marriage with Miis Caroline Burker, 
 daughter of Louis Burker, who was a native of 
 Germany, and who came to the United States in 
 1847. He first settled in Randolph County, but af- 
 terward removed to Duquom, where he made his 
 home for some time. Later he became a resident 
 of Springfield, 111. Our subject and his wife be- 
 gan their domestic life upon the farm which has 
 since been their place of residence, and their union 
 has been blessed with the following daughters: 
 Dora Josephine, wife of Melcha Sauer, who is liv- 
 ing in Monroe County, near Red Bud; Mary Eliza- 
 beth, wife of Michael Bell, who makes his home in 
 Prairie du Round Township; and Gertrude, wife 
 of Anton Scherle, of the same township. 
 
 During the late war, Mr. Horsclimann was 
 drafted for service, but on account of ill health 
 was exempted from duty. He is recognized as one 
 of the leading agriculturists in this community, 
 where he owns and operates one hundred acres of 
 fine land. He carries on farming and stock-rais- 
 ing, and is quite successful in his undertakings. 
 The improvements upon his place stand as monu- 
 ments to his thrift and enterprise. His residence 
 is a comfortable and commodious dwelling, which 
 is situated in the midst of well tilled fields, which 
 yield to the owner a good income. He also owns 
 a house and three lots in Red Bud. He and his 
 family are all members of the Catholic Church, 
 and in politics, he is a stalwart Republican. For
 
 282 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 twelve years he served as Constable, proving a 
 capable officer. Mr. Horscliniaun is a self-made 
 man, and, aided by his wife, he has achieved success 
 in life. He is a highly respected citizen, and with 
 pleasure we present to our readers this sketch of 
 his career. 
 
 ^^=:0# P • . 
 
 ■{flOSEPH LINDSAY, a native of Randolph 
 most intelligent and 
 farming commu- 
 I and carrying on the 
 extensive agricultural interest of township 4, range 
 6. He owns one hundred and cight\'-three acres 
 of finely developed land located on section 24, 
 where he and his family are enjoying the comforts 
 of life. 
 
 Thomas and Jane (Strahan) Lindsay, the parents 
 of our subject, were natives respectively of Ken- 
 tucky and Pennsylvania, the father having been 
 born February 7, 1792, and the mother July 24, 
 1801. Mrs. Jane Lindsay was the daughter of 
 James and Ann (Blair) Strahan, early settlers in 
 this county. The father of our subject was a pa- 
 triot in the War of 1812, and during that period 
 took part in the battle of New Orleans. On com- 
 ing to Illinois, he located on the outskirts of the 
 Irish settlement in Randolph County. Soon after- 
 ward he was married, and witli liis wife made his 
 home on the farm upon which our subject is resid- 
 ing, and which was then a wild and uncultivated 
 tract. For many years the only living creatures 
 near his home were wild animals and Indians; 
 here the parents continued to reside, giving their 
 entire attention to the improvement and thor- 
 ough cultivation of their farm. The father died 
 in April, 1854, while his good wife, who survived 
 him many years, departed this life August 24, 1880. 
 
 The parental family included five sons and four 
 daughters, of whom six are living. Joseph, of this 
 sketch, was born December 16, 1840, on the old 
 homestead, and when old enough conned his les- 
 sons in a school which was carried on by means 
 of subscriptions. He remained at home until at- 
 taining mature years and tlius received a thor- 
 ough training in farm duties, so that when the 
 
 estate came into his possession he was well fitted 
 
 to supcessfully manage it. 
 
 The lady who became the wife of our subject 
 in 1874 was Miss Margaret, daughter of Thomas 
 and Ann (Edgar) Dock, natives of Scotland. On 
 emigrating to America in 1853, the parents came to 
 Illinois, making their first home near Marissa, St. 
 Clair County, and later made permanent settlement 
 in township 4, range 5. Mrs. Lindsay was born in 
 July, 1842, in Scotland, and has become the mother 
 of three children, Fred, Frank and Alfred. 
 
 Mr. Lindsay has always resided upon the old 
 homestead and devotes his time to mixed farm- 
 ing. His tract is in a perfect state of cultivation, 
 and by proper rotation of crops is made to yield 
 a good increase. He has given his children good 
 educations, and his eldest son is attending the 
 Sparta High School. He is a close observer and 
 is thoroughly in sj-mpathy with movements of a 
 political and religious nature. In regard to the 
 latter point he is a member of the Presbyterian 
 Church at Sparta. In politics he is identified with 
 the Republican part}- and is well known through- 
 out the community as an honest, upright and 
 warm-hearted man. 
 
 \f ACOB MELLY, who resides in Red Bud 
 and is one of its representative business men, 
 deserves honorable mention in this volume, 
 and with pleasure we present the record of 
 his life to our readers. He is now engaged in the 
 manufacture of brick and is doing a good business. 
 He claims Illinois as the state of his nativity, his 
 birth having occurred in Belleville in 1858. His 
 parents, Michael and Sophia (Rudolph) Melly, 
 were both natives of Alsace-Lorraine, France, and 
 in childhood came to America. Their marriage 
 was celebrated in Centreville, 111. They afterward 
 removed to Belleville, and about 1859 went to 
 Evansville, 111., whence they came to Red Bud a 
 year later. 
 
 Unto Mr. and Mrs. Melly was born a family of 
 six children, all of whom are yet living, namely: 
 Mary, Sophia, Jacob, Joseph, Emil and Willie.
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 283 
 
 The father here established a brick manufactory, 
 and from his yards came nearly all llie brick which 
 has been used in the building of this place. Evi- 
 dences of his handiwork are therefore seen on 
 everj' side and indicate his thrift and enterprise. 
 He continued business along that line until his 
 death, which occurred in 1882. In politics he was 
 a stanch Democrat, was an active Christian gen- 
 tleman and a man of sterling worth, who had the 
 high regard of all with whom business or social 
 relations have brought him in contact. 
 
 Under the parental roof Jacob Melly was reared 
 to manhood, spending his boyhood days amidst 
 play and work in the usual manner of farmer lads. 
 The public schools of the neighborhood afforded 
 him his educational privileges. From early life 
 he was more or less in his father's brick-yard and 
 soon became familiar with the business in all its 
 departments, so that upon his father's death, in 
 1882, he immediatel3- took charge of the business, 
 which he has carried on continuously since, enlarg- 
 ing his facilities to meet the demand of his in- 
 creasing trade. He now does an extensive busi- 
 ness, orders coming from long distances, for the 
 product of his yards is of the best quality and 
 therefore finds a ready sale on the market. 
 
 Mr. Melly, his sister and mother, live together 
 in the old home, which has now been the abode of 
 the famil}' for a number of years. They are all 
 members of the Catholic Church and are people of 
 prominence in the communitj', where they liave 
 many friends. 
 
 ~ -S-^-i'^^^' S ■ ; • 
 
 ylLLIAM MARTIN SCHUWERK, attorney- 
 at'law at Evansville, is one of the ablest 
 and most popular men in his profession. 
 He was born near Cleveland, Ohio, April 12, 1856, 
 and is a son of Peter Paul and Elizabeth (Mosser) 
 Schuwerk. The father of our subject was a native 
 of Wurtemberg, German j-, where his birtii occurred 
 in 1814. In 1852, when a young man, prior to 
 his marriage, he emigrated to the United States, 
 and two 3-ears later was married in Cuyahoga 
 Count}-, Ohio. 
 
 In the fall of 1859, the parents of our subject 
 made their advent into Randolph County and lo- 
 
 cated on a farm near Evansville, where the father 
 was living at the time of his decease ten j'^ears 
 later. After his death, the mother of our subject 
 removed to the citj', where her decease occurred 
 in 1888. She reared a family of six children, of 
 whom Rosa, Fred and Paul are deceased. Those 
 living besides our subject are Mary and Anna. 
 
 ■William Schuwerk, of this sketch, accompanied 
 bis parents on their removal to Illinois in 1859, 
 and received his primary education in the scliools 
 of Randolph County. Later he entered McKen- 
 dree College, and was graduated from that insti- 
 tution and its law department in 1882. The fol- 
 lowing year he began to practice his profession, 
 and to-day has a large clientage and is one of the 
 leading lawj'ers in thejjouuty. 
 
 June 7, 188.3, our subject and Miss Mary M. 
 Hoffman were united in marri.age. Mrs. Schuwerk 
 was born in Macon Countv, 111., in 1862, and was 
 the daughter of Miciiael and Josephine Hoffman, 
 wlio at present make their home near this city. To 
 our subject and his wife have been born two chil- 
 dren. Myrtle M. and William H. 
 
 The popularity of Mr. Schuwerk is indicated by 
 the fact that he was elected a member of the 
 Thirty-sixth General Assembljof the Illinois Leg- 
 islature in 1888, serving a term of two years. His 
 record is that of a man interested in public im- 
 provement, liberal in his views regarding appro- 
 priation, but averse to extravagance or fraud. In 
 his political views he always afiiliates with the 
 Democratic party, and cast his first vot« for Sam- 
 uel J. Tilden. 
 
 Socially Mr. Schuwerk is a Mason, and joined 
 Kaskaskia Lodge No. 86 in 1885. He is also an 
 Odd Fellow, being a member of Egypt Star Lodge 
 No. 285, of Red Bud, 111. He is a ciiarter member 
 of Hercules Lodge No. 228, K. of P., at Chester, 
 111., and is connected with Lodge No. 2658, K. of H. 
 at Red Bud, and the Odd Fellows' encampment at 
 Chester. He has been very influential in these 
 different orders and represented the Masons in the 
 Grand Lodge at Chicago during 1887-88-90-92. 
 
 The Hon. Mr. Schuwerk was admitted to prac- 
 tice in the United States Courts in June, 1890. He 
 sees at a glance the difficult point in question and 
 readily sees the means to be adopted to carry it.
 
 284 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Stanch in principles, clear in perception and de- 
 cided in character, he deserves the good things 
 which have come to him and the high character 
 for probit\- which he has gained through his busi- 
 ness and social acquaintance. 
 
 jlL^ENRY VOSS, one of the worthy German 
 W)f) citizens of Monroe County, now follows 
 l^^ farming on section 36, township 3, range 8 
 (^) west, where he owns and operates one hun- 
 dred and forty-seven acres of good land. With 
 the exception of twenty acres, the entire amount 
 is under a high state of cultivation and well im- 
 proved. He raises grain principally, and the 
 waving fields tell of bountiful harvests and indi- 
 cate to the passer-by the thrift and enterprise of 
 the owner. 
 
 The father of our subject, Fred Voss, was born 
 in the province of Hanover, Germany, on the 18th 
 of May, 1821, and there married Miss Dora Tott. 
 He was a carpenter by trade, and followed that 
 business in his native laud. In 1856 he emigrated 
 with his family to the New World, and took up 
 his residence in Randolph County,'IIl., where he 
 followed carpentering until 1868. He also owned 
 and operated one hundred acres of land in that 
 community. In the j-ear just mentioned he came 
 to Monroe County, and located upon the farm 
 which is now the home of our subject, there se- 
 curing two hundred acres of land. It was an un- 
 improved tract, but ere his death he had trans- 
 formed it into one of the fine farms of the 
 neighborhood. He passed away April 20, 1893, in 
 the faith of the Lutlieran Church, of which he was 
 a member. In his political views he was a Demo- 
 crat. 
 
 The Voss family numbered eight children, five 
 of whom are still living, as follows: Henr^-, whose 
 name heads this record; Fred, a resident farmer of 
 township 3; Fredericka, wife of AVilliam Nagel,of 
 Randolph County; Anna, wife of Herman Nagel, 
 also of l^ndolph County; and Sophia, wife of An- 
 drew Wickelheim, of Montgomery Count}', Mo. 
 
 Henry Voss was born in Germany April 26, 
 1848, and was a youth of onl}- eight summers 
 
 when he crossed the ocean to this country. His 
 education was acquired in the public schools of 
 Randolph County, and he was early inured to the 
 labors of the farm. On the 21st of October, 1873, 
 he was united in marriage with Miss Sophia Nagel, 
 daughter of Ernest Nagel, one of the early settlers 
 of Randolph County, and a native of Germany. 
 Six children grace their union: Henry, Caroline, 
 Herman, Charles, Ernst and August. 
 
 After his marriage, Mr. Voss located upon the 
 farm which has since been his home, and to the cul- 
 tivation of which he has since devoted his energies. 
 He is recognized as one of the leading agricult- 
 urists of the community. In religious belief he is 
 a Lutheran, and in political faith he i.s a Democrat. 
 He has served as School Director of his township, 
 and takes an active interest in evcrj-thing per- 
 taining to the welfare and advancement of the 
 com muni t3\ 
 
 AMUEL W. McKELVEY. Among those 
 to whom Randolph County owes a debt of 
 gratitude for their share in the develop- 
 ment of her great agricultural resources 
 and the various affairs through which the interests 
 of society are advanced, the name of Samuel Mc- 
 Kelvey should not be passed unnoted. He was 
 born in township 4, range 6, of this county, Jan- 
 uary 26, 1829, and is still residing on the home 
 farm located on section 36, where he is the propri- 
 etor of four hundred broad acres. The early recol- 
 lections of our subject are of a country much more 
 primitive in appearance than that upon which his 
 eyes now rest. The pioneer school which he at- 
 tended during his bo3'hood was held in a log 
 house with primitive furnishings. 
 
 The father of our subject, Charles McKelvey, 
 was born in the Chester District, S. C, in Novem- 
 ber, 1789. He was the eldest son of Hugh Mc- 
 Kelvej", a native of County Antrim, Ireland, who 
 came to America and located in South Carolina 
 about 1787. The grandfather of our subject came 
 to Illinois the year it was admitted into the Union 
 as a state, and located upon the farm now occupied 
 by the widow of William McElheiney, situated on
 
 '.W 

 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 28? 
 
 the Sparta road from Coulterville, In this county. 
 He was one of the very early settlers in tliis local- 
 ity and accumulated a large amount of land. He 
 had three sons and three daughters, all of whom 
 are now deceased, and he departed this life about 
 1836. 
 
 Mrs. Mary (Hunter) McKelvey, the mother of 
 our subject, was also a native of South Carolina, 
 where her birth occurred July 22, 1797. She was 
 the daughter of John Hunter, who lived and died 
 in that state. The parents of our subject were 
 married March 26, 1817, in South Carolina, and 
 in the fall of 1823 came overland to Illinois, 
 locating on the farm which our subject is now oc- 
 cupying. The tract included a quarter-section of 
 oak openings, and at the time of his decease, April 
 26, 1856, Charles McKelvey had placed one hun- 
 dred acres under good improvement. His wife 
 died January 22, 1881, after having become the 
 mother of ten children, only five of whom are liv- 
 ing, Alexander R., James R., our subject, Sarah 
 (Mrs. John C. Ritchie) and Amelia (Mrs. William 
 Walker). The parents were active members of the 
 Reformed Presbyterian Church and had many sin- 
 cere friends throughout tiieir community. 
 
 Samuel W. McKelvey has spent his entire life 
 on the home farm. He supplemented the knowledge 
 gained in the primitive schools of his locality by 
 attendance at the Sparta Academy. After the de- 
 cease of his father he took charge of the farm, 
 which now embraces four hundred acres all in one 
 body, and which is devoted to general farming. 
 He is also one of the largest stock-raisers in the 
 county, having included this branch of farming 
 with his other large interests in 1880. He now has 
 a herd of over eighty head of registered Jersey 
 cattle on his estate and supplies one creamery in 
 this locality with cream. He has paid great atten- 
 tion to the breeding of his cattle, and it is safe to 
 say he has one of the finest herds in the United 
 States. He was one of the first to establish the 
 Sparta Creamery, which is still in existence, and 
 in many other waj's he has aided in the industrial 
 development of this country. 
 
 May 18, 1858, Samuel W. McKelvey and Miss 
 Nancy T., daiigliter of Henry L. and Elizabeth 
 (Campbell) McGuire, were united in marriage. 
 
 The lady is a native of Washington County, 111., 
 where her birth occurred April 12, 1833. Her 
 father was a native of South Carolina, and her 
 mother was born near Erie, Pa. By her union 
 ■with our subject have been born five children, viz.: 
 Charles Sumner, Eliza, Ella, Henr^' Elmer and 
 Samuel W. The eldest son married Miss Lizzie 
 Gaud, and makes his home in Santa Anna, Cal., 
 where he is practicing law. He is a graduate of 
 Knox College, Galesburg, 111., while the remaining 
 children completed their studies in the Monmouth 
 College. The family are members of tiie United 
 Presbj'terian Church at Sparta, and our subject is 
 one of its most active members, having been Trus- 
 tee, a member of the session and a delegate from his 
 church to the synod held at Hanover, III. He has 
 always been a great worker in the Sunday-school, 
 and held the Superintcndency for thirteen jears. 
 Mr. McKelvey never fails to cast his vote in 
 favor of Republican candidates, and although 
 frequently solicited to do so, always refuses to 
 a(!cept office of any kind. In 1870 he erected a 
 fine brick residence on his place which cost $5,500, 
 and wiiich is finished and furnished in modern 
 style. The estimable character and useful life of 
 our subject have secured for him the respect of 
 his acquaintances and the deep regard of those 
 who know him best. 
 
 g<.;,, >is_^ -^ 
 
 3<~T^^B— — ■ — -m 
 
 \1l.^ ERMANN F. WIEBUSCII is engaged in the 
 l/jj; hotel and retail liquor business at Chester, 
 i^^ being proprietor of the Wiebusch Hotel. He 
 (^) is a native of this cit}', where his birth oc- 
 curred November 11, 1857. He is the fourth child 
 born to Claus and Mary (Kipp) Wiebusch, the 
 former of whom is a native of Germany, and came 
 to America when a young man of eighteen years. 
 A brick mason by trade, he followed that occupa- 
 tion during his active years in Chester. He has 
 now attained his seventy-second year, while his 
 good wife has lived to see her seventieth birthday. 
 In his boyhood the subject of this sketch was a 
 student in the Lutheran school at Chester, where 
 he acquired a pr.actical education. He became self- 
 supporting at an early age, and for a time worked
 
 28d 
 
 JPORTRAIT A]S'D BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 out on farms, and was also engaged as a teamster. 
 When twent^'-two years of age he began in busi- 
 ness for iiiinself by establishing a retail liquor 
 store in Chester, of which he is still the proprietor, 
 and at the same time is '"mine host" of the "Wie- 
 busch Hotel. In 1881 he married Miss Wilhel- 
 nnna, daughter of William and Sophia (Crumve- 
 der) Sternberg, natives of Germany, who settled 
 upon a farm near Blair, Randolph County. The 
 union of Mr. and Mrs. Wiebusch was blessed by 
 tlie birth of two children, one of whom died in 
 infancy. George, who is still living, makes his 
 horae with his parents. 
 
 Mrs. Wiebusch is a consistent member of the 
 Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject is a 
 stanch Democrat in politics, and while his private 
 affairs naturally receive the major part of his 
 time and attention, yet he is interested in the wel- 
 fare of the public, and is prominent in local mat- 
 ters. He has served as Alderman of the Third 
 Ward for four years, and has been Director of the 
 Fair Association for six years. Socially, he is a 
 member of the American Legion of Honor, and 
 has been Treasurer of that order for six j-eais, and 
 at the present time holds the office of Commander. 
 In 1884 and 1886 he was Chairman of the Chester 
 Democratic Club, and indeed his name has been 
 inseparably associated with the political affairs of 
 this county for a number of years. 
 
 jr.., LEXANDER WILSON was for man}' j-ears 
 SLj! a leading and influential citizen of Ran- 
 
 111 li dolph County. Here he was born and 
 ^ . reared, and iiere he spent his entire life. 
 He comes of a family of Irish lineage, his grand- 
 father, Alexander Wilson, haA'ingbeen a native of 
 the Emerald Isle. He was also the founder of the 
 family in America. After his emigration to this 
 country, he took up his residence in Randolph 
 County, where he spent his remaining days. 
 
 Foster Wilson, the father of our subject, was 
 born in this county, and b}- occupation was a 
 farmer. Throughout life he followed that pursuit, 
 and in his undertakings met with g«od success. 
 His death occurred about the 3'ear 1880. He mar- 
 
 ried Rachel Stephenson, also a native of Illinois, 
 
 as were her parents. She was called to her final rest 
 in the year 1849. To Mr. and Jlrs. Wilson were 
 born three children: Alexander, whose name heads 
 this record; Margaret T., who became the wife of 
 James Anderson, and died leaving four children, 
 Nancy, Alex (deceased), William and Loiene, of 
 Sparta; and John, the youngest, who died at the 
 age of seventeen. 
 
 Alexander Wilson was born in 1843, and re- 
 mained with his parents on the farm until after 
 his mother's death. At the age of eight years he 
 went to live with his uncle, Isaac Nelson, with 
 whom he continued until 1864, when, having at- 
 tained his majority, he started out in life for him- 
 self. He followed various emploj'ments, but the 
 greater part of his time and attention were de- 
 voted to farming. Wiicn the war broke out he re- 
 sponded to the country's call for troops, and did 
 valiant service as one of the boj-s in blue of Com- 
 pan3' C, One Hundred and Fift3'-fourth Illinois 
 Infantry. 
 
 On the 24th of October, 1867, Mr. Wilson and 
 Miss Elizabeth Lawson were united in marriage, 
 and bj' their union were born nine children: 
 Louisa, wife of Charles Thompson; Jessie and 
 Ella, who are in St. Louis; Maggie, at home; John 
 Alex, who died at the age of nine years; Mattie, 
 at home; and three who died in infancj'. The fa- 
 ther of this famil\' continued his agricultural pur- 
 suits for a number of 3'ears, and by good manage- 
 ment, industry and enterprise acquired a comfort- 
 able competence. He never took a very prominent 
 part in public affairs, but was alwa\'S found on the 
 side of those enterprises calculated to promote the 
 general welfare. In politics, he was a stanch sup- 
 porter of the Republican part}', and socially was 
 connected with the Grand Arm}' of the Republic. 
 He was alike true to his country in times of peace 
 and in war, and no trust reposed in him was ever 
 betrayed. His death occurred February 26, 1884, 
 and was deeply mourned b}- many friends, who 
 held him in high regard. 
 
 After the death of her husband, Mrs. Wilson 
 married James B. Anderson, who was born in Ran- 
 dolph County in 1826, on a farm southeast of 
 Sparta. There he spent his entire life with the ex-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 289 
 
 ception of a short time passed in Pittsburgh, where 
 he worked in a cotton factory. By occupation he 
 Was a farmer. He started out in life for himself 
 empty-lianded, and not only provided for his own 
 wants, but also supported his motiier, giving her a 
 home until her death. He first married Matilda 
 Nimoek, and unto them were born two sons, one 
 who died in early childhood, and .James, who died 
 at the age of twenty-one. By the second marriage 
 there was a daughter, Mary, who died when only 
 three weeks old. 
 
 In his political views, Mr. Anderson was a Re- 
 publican, and took quite an active part in local 
 politics. For several j-ears he served as School 
 Trustee, and was an efficient ofHcer. He held mem- 
 bership with the Presbj'terian Church, and served 
 as Elder for some time. He took quite an active 
 part in church and benevolent work, and was al- 
 wa3-s found on the side of riglit. He was called 
 to his final rest July 12, 1893. 
 
 ¥1' 
 
 ^ j^ILLIAM EDMISTON. The result of en- 
 ergy and perseverance is nowhere better 
 illustrated than in the career of Mr. Ed- 
 miston, who began life with only the ability with 
 which Nature had endowed him. He is at the 
 present time one of the well known and highly 
 respected citizens of Tilden, Randolph County. 
 He is the son of William Edmiston, who was born 
 in Virginia in 1795. The paternal grandparents 
 of our subject removed from the above state to 
 Lincoln County, Tenn., about 1810, where Will- 
 iam, Sr., entered the War of 1812, taking part in 
 the battle of New Orleans. The family is of 
 Scotch origin. 
 
 Mrs. Sarah (Askins) Edmiston, the mother of 
 our subject, was a native of Tennessee. She was 
 the daughter of George and Sarah (Muelharan) As- 
 kins. the former of whom was born October 23, 
 1755, and the latter January 27 of the same 3-ear. 
 They had a familj- of four children, and the 
 mother of our subject was born April 5, 1799. In 
 1815 she married William Edmiston, a son of 
 Susan (Hanah) Edmiston, and they resided in 
 Tennessee until 1832, when thej^ emigrated to Illi- 
 
 nois, arriving in Randolph County April 19. They 
 immediately- located on section 5, township 4, 
 range 5, and there the father erected a log cabin, 
 which rude structure was his home for many years. 
 The wife and motiier departed this life July 19, 
 1833. the year after coming hither, and her hus- 
 band continued to reside upon the home farm un- 
 til reaching advanced years. He afterward made 
 his home with our subject until his death, which 
 occurred in 1885, at the age of ninety-one years. 
 
 In the parental family of eight children, the 
 subject of this sketch is the only survivor. His 
 mother was a member of the Reformed Presbyte- 
 rian Church, and although his father never united 
 with an}' congregation, was alwa3's a strict observer 
 of the Sabbath. In early life a Whig, he later 
 joined the Republican part}', and during the late 
 war was a strong Union man. He was very prom- 
 inent and influential in this county, and aided in 
 the organization of the various townships. 
 
 Our subject was born March 21, 1823, in Lincoln 
 County, Tenn., and was a lad of nine years when 
 he came to this county, and he grew to manhood on 
 the pioneer farm. He has spent sixt3'-two 3-ears 
 of his life in Randolph County, and has thus been 
 an e3'e-witness of the wonderful changes through 
 which it has passed, and has aided very materiall3' 
 in bringing it to its present high standing among 
 its sister counties in the state. 
 
 Miss Nancy, daughter of Thomas and Jane 
 (Stralian) Lindsa}', became the wife of our suliject 
 Februar}' 28, 1844. The parents of Mrs. Edmiston 
 were natives respectively of Penns3'lvania and 
 Kentucky, and were married after coining to this 
 county, in Red Bud, in 1821. They located on 
 Flat Prairie in 1827, where they passed the re- 
 maining 3-ears of their lives, the father d3ing in 
 1855, and the mother in August, 1880. The3^ 
 were the parents of eight children, of whom those 
 living are, Eliza Ann, Mrs. Edmiston, Margaret 
 Jane, Samuel, Thomas B. and Joseph. Her parents 
 were members of the Associate Reformed Church, 
 in which Mr. Lindsay was an Elder. He was a prom- 
 inent man in his localit3', and during the War of 
 1812 was a patriot in its ranks. 
 
 Mrs. Edmiston was born May 2, 1827, in Red 
 Bud, this county, and after her union with our
 
 290 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGlLAl»MlCAL RECORD. 
 
 subject located on section 9, township 4, range 5, 
 whicli was then an undeveloped tract. They be- 
 gan life in a little log cabin, which was pro- 
 vided witli a chimney built of clay and sticljs, 
 and during the first night spent in this rude 
 structure the snow covered the floor to a depth 
 of six inches. They continued to make their 
 home in that cabin until the year 1864, wiien 
 Mr. Edmiston erected a fine brick residence, which 
 contained nine rooms and a basement, and wiiich 
 cost liim, exclusive of his own labor, $8,000. It 
 bears all the modern improvements, is furnished in 
 a tasteful manner, and is one of the best residences 
 in the precinct. In 1862 he built a fine barn on 
 his estate, which was valued at $1,000. 
 
 In 1871 our subject gave each of his five chil- 
 dren land and other gifts amounting to about 
 $7,000, and removed with his wife into the village 
 of Tilden, where for some time he was successfully 
 engaged in the grain business. Of their family, 
 James Henry married Maggie Bicket and lives on 
 the old homestead; William Thomas, who married 
 Martha Goren, makes his home on section 16, 
 of this township; John Harmon married Josephine 
 McGuire, and is also a resident of the above town- 
 ship, where Jane Ann and Charles Fremont are 
 living. The former is the wife of Alexander Bicket 
 and resides on section 17, and the latter married 
 Martha E. Stephenson, and makes his home on 
 section 9. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Edmiston have been .active mem- 
 bers of the United Presbyterian Church for a quar- 
 ter of a century. Our subject has been interested 
 in Sunday-school work, and has taught a class for 
 ten years. He is a strong Republican in politics, 
 and has represented his party frequently as dele- 
 gate to the various conventions. 
 
 ^^EORGE II. CAMPBELL, a well known citi- 
 
 to 
 
 I ^^ zen of Sparta, who since 1881 has been one 
 
 Of of tl 
 
 tiie editors and proprietors of the Sparta 
 Plain Dealer, is a representative of an old family 
 of this community. His grandfather, Abel Camp- 
 bell, was born in Mansfield, Conn., and his wife in 
 Norwich, Conn. He was of Scotch-Irish lineage, 
 
 and was descended from one who served as a 
 soldier under Charles the Pretender, and after the 
 battle of Culloden, fled to Ireland, where he mar- 
 ried, and then emigrated to America. 
 
 Lewis H. Campbell, father of our subject, was 
 the sixth in a family of eight children, and was 
 born in Middlebury, Vt., in 1818. At the age of 
 twent3'-five he went to Troy, N. Y., where he 
 worked in the car factory of Eaton, Gilbert & Co. 
 In 1846, he emigrated to St. Louis, where he en- 
 gaged in painting, and in 1858 came to Sparta, 
 but in 1879 again returned to St. Louis, where he 
 now makes his home. In politics he is a Republi- 
 can, and he has served as Justice of the Peace in 
 this count}'. He is a faithful member .and active 
 worker in the Baptist Church. 
 
 In Albany, N. Y., Mr. Campbell wedded Mary 
 Scott, a native of that city, and a daughter of 
 Marshall Scott. Her grandfather was LTriah Scott, 
 of Sharon, Conn., and there her father was born. 
 When a 3'oung man, he went to Albany, and there 
 married Maria, daughter of Leonard Lewis. She 
 died of cholera in 1832, leaving Mrs. Campbell, 
 then a babe of two years. The parents of our sub- 
 ject had a famil}' of five children. Lewis P., the 
 eldest, now of St. Louis, wedded Mary Gorsuch, of 
 Sparta, daughter of Dr. Gorsuch, a druggist and 
 physician of this place. Thej"^ have one cliild, 
 Frank. Charles M., who is business manager for 
 the Word & Works Publishing Company of St. 
 Louis, married Clara Morrow, and they have two 
 children. 
 
 Our subject started out in life for himself at the 
 age of fifteen, beginning work as a printer in Mon- 
 mouth, III. Since that lime he has been identified 
 with newspaper work. In 1881, lie became con- 
 nected with the Sparta Plain Dealer, in company 
 with Don E. Detrich, and is now a member of the 
 firm of Campbell & Smith, editors and proprietors 
 of that paper. Tliis is a well conducted sheet and 
 receives from the public a liberal patronage. 
 
 Mrs. Campbell bore the maiden name of Marian 
 Crawford. She was born in this county, and is a 
 daughter of Bryce Crawford, who now resides in 
 Sparta. Mr. and Mrs. Caaipbell have one child, 
 Grace. They are members of the Presbyterian 
 Church. In politics, he is a Republican, and has
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 291 
 
 served as a member of the City Council. Socially 
 he is a Master Mason, and belongs to Hope Lodge 
 No. 162, A. F. & A. M. 
 
 '•i-***'^^ •i"5"J"i-F 
 
 llJOHN MURPHY. In every state in the 
 I Union, Irish-American citizens are to be 
 ^^ 1 found, making their way steadily onward 
 ^^f/ in the accumulation of property, and se- 
 curing their means by honest industry and untir- 
 ing zeal. In Randolph County a good position 
 among the farmers and land-owners is held by Mr. 
 Murphy, who is a native of Ireland, born in Coun- 
 ty Antrim in April, 1823. He grew to manhood in 
 the Old Country, and there received a good edu- 
 cation. 
 
 In the spring of 1849, when determining to 
 try his fortunes in the New World, our subject 
 boarded a sailing-vessel, and after a tedious voy- 
 age landed on American shores. Spending six 
 months in New York City, young Murphj^ came 
 further west and purchased a farm located a short 
 distance from his present estate. This he later 
 sold for $17,000, and invested that money in sec- 
 tion 3, township 4, range 5, which he immediately 
 set about clearing and improving, and where he 
 still makes his home. 
 
 The lady whom our subject married in 1853 was 
 also a native of County Antrim, Ireland, and bore 
 the maiden name of Mary Smith. They have seven 
 children now living, who bear the respective names 
 of .John, Annie, Mar}', .Jane, Thomas, Roliert and 
 Gracie. They have all been given good educa- 
 tions, and Annie is married and resides in Ne- 
 braska. John makes his home at Oakdale, Wash- 
 ington Count3% 111., and Robert is at Monmouth 
 College. 
 
 In 1864 Mr. Murphy enlisted his services in the 
 Union army, joining Company F, Twenty-eighth 
 Illinois Infantry. After joining his regiment at 
 Memphis, Tenn., he participated in the battles of 
 Mobile and Whistler. He was in the service for 
 twelve months, and during that period was neither 
 wounded nor taken prisoner. 
 
 Receiving his honorable discharge October 19, 
 1865, at Brownsville, Tex., Mr. Murphy returned 
 
 home, and has ever since given his time and 
 attention to farm pursuits. In addition to rais- 
 ing the various cereals he makes a specialty of 
 breeding fine draft horses, and has a number of 
 splendid animals on his place. With his wife he 
 IS a member of the United Presbyterian Church at 
 Tilden. As might be expected, he is a (irand 
 Army man, holding membership with Post No. 209, 
 at Coulter ville. He is a worthy representative of 
 the Republican party, lias taken an active part in 
 local affairs, and has been called upon by his fel- 
 low-citizens to serve as a member of the School 
 Board, which office he has filled with entire satis- 
 faction. 
 
 \Yl OHN G. IIOY^, who carries on general farm- 
 ing near Red Bud, Randolph County, 
 where he owns and operates forty acres of 
 <^^ good land, was born on Ralls Ridge in 
 1848. His father, Bartholomew Hoy, was a native 
 of Ireland. He came to this country, and having 
 arrived ai. years of maturity married Julia Whalen, 
 a native of Maryland. They became the i)arents 
 of eight children, namely: Thomas, a resident of 
 Red Bud; James M., of New Mexico; Mary; Bridget, 
 deceased; Patrick, of California; Agnes, wife of 
 William Jakle, of St. Louis; John G., and Isa- 
 bella, wife of James Roscow, of Red Bud. 
 
 The father of this family' emigrated to Randolph 
 County in 1832, locating in Prairie du Rocher, 
 where he engaged in merchandising for two years. 
 He then sold out and came to this locality, where 
 he purchased a half-section of land which he 
 fenced and improved, transforming it into richly 
 cultivated fields. He was a consistent member of 
 the Catholic Church, and in politics was a Repub- 
 lican. In his business he was sagacious and far- 
 sighted and won success. His death occurred about 
 1870. 
 
 Mr. Hoy whose name heads this sketch was 
 reared to manhood on Ralls Ridge, and the greater 
 part of his life has there been passed. In his 
 youth he became familiar with the duties of farm 
 life, and to agricultural pursuits he yet devotes 
 his energies. His fields are well tilled, and the
 
 292 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 neat and thrifty appearance of the place indicates 
 the careful supervision of the owner. He man- 
 ages the Rail farm of three luindred and forty 
 acres, and also engages in raising sheep, cattle and 
 horses, making a specialty of llolstein cattle. 
 
 In 1880 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Hoy 
 and Miss Mary A., daughter of T. Leo Mudd, 
 whose people were the very earliest settlers of the 
 countj'. Six children have been born of their 
 union, namely: Julia M., Agnes A., T. James, 
 Clara, Patrick A. and John B. Mr. Hoy and his 
 family are members of the Catholic Church and 
 contribute liberallj' to its support. In politics he 
 is a stanch Democrat and warmly advocates the 
 principles of his party. For four years he has 
 served .is Justice of the Peace, proving a capable 
 and efficient officer. His life has been a bus}' and 
 useful one, devoted almost entirely to farm labor. 
 
 , OLON R. BOYNTON, M. D., who is en- 
 gaged in the practice of medicine in 
 vSparta, comes of one of the oldest Amer- 
 ican families. They came originally from 
 Yorkshire, England, emigrating to America about 
 the year 1620. Our subject's great-grandparents 
 were Richard and Charlotte Boynton, and the 
 former reached the advanced age of ninety 3'ears. 
 The grandparents were Richard and Elizabeth 
 (Davis) Boynton, natives of New Hampshire. The 
 former was a member of the Masonic fraternity 
 until the death of Morgan. He served two ye.ars 
 in the Revolutionary War. His father was a 
 merchant of Salem, JIass., and died when on board 
 bis own vessel on the Atlantic. 
 
 John Bo3'nton, the Doctor's father, w.as born 
 in Boston, Mass., in 1816, and there remained un- 
 til he had attained his majority. In 1838 he mar- 
 ried Harriet Whitney, who was born in Boston in 
 1817, and was a daughter of Stephen and Ruth 
 (Whitmore) Whitney. Her grandparents, William 
 and Rebecca (Cody) Whitney, were natives of 
 Roxbur}', Mass., and the former served in the 
 Revolutionary War, in which he was wounded. 
 He afterward received a pension in recognition 
 of his services. Upon their marriage, Mr. Boj'n ton 
 
 and his wife removed to Quincy, 111. When a 
 youth he had served a seven years' apprenticeship 
 to the carpenter's trade, which he followed through- 
 out life. In 1841 he went to St. Louis, where he 
 was employed as a contractor. His last days were 
 spent in Ridge Prairie, St. Clair County, 111., 
 where he died in 1888. He held membership with 
 the Methodist Episcopal Church, for many years 
 was one of its local ministers, and by his labors 
 did much good in the world. 
 
 Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bo3''nton were born eleven 
 children. Willis and the child next in order of 
 birth are both deceased. John R., an eminent 
 surgeon, who is connected with a medical school 
 of Chicago, married Framelia Curtis and has two 
 children, Hattie and Nonine. Georgia is the wife 
 of William Bodiker, a coal dealer of Murpbys- 
 boro, by whom she has a daughter, Susa. js[^ilia 
 is now deceased. The Doctor is the next younger. 
 Otis, deceased, was a contractor. Susie is the 
 widow of John Aylmer, of Murphysboro, and the 
 mother of one child, Hattie. Joseph, who is a 
 master mechanic living near Duquoin, married 
 Maggie Reed, and they have three children: Lillie, 
 Joseph and John R. Two children of the Boyn- 
 ton family died in infancy. 
 
 Dr. Boynton was born in 1852 in St. Louis 
 County, Mo., in the old Seven Mile House on the 
 St. Charles Rock Road. He there lived until five 
 years of age, when his father removed to Ridge 
 Prairie. In his boyhood he was emploj'ed in farm 
 labor and in aiding his father as a carpenter. He 
 then studied engineering, and in his leisure hours 
 read medicine. He took his first course of lectures 
 in 1880, in the St. Louis Homeopathic Medical 
 College, from which he was graduated in 1882. 
 In the spring of the following j-ear he located in 
 Sparta, and has had a constantly growing practice. 
 He has won considerable note .as a surgeon and is 
 now local surgeon for the Mobile & Ohio Railroad, 
 
 In 1872 the Doctor wedded Miss Zoe Whilaker, 
 a native of England, who crossed the Atlantic with 
 her brother on the Great Eastern in 1860, and lo- 
 cated in St. Clair Count}'. They now have one 
 son, Charles 0. The parents are both members of 
 the Presbyterian Church, and are people of promi- 
 nence in this community, holding an enviable po-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 293 
 
 sition in social circles. Dr. Boy n ton is a self-made 
 man. He has been very successful in his under- 
 takings, and in his profession is rapidly growing 
 in popularit}'. In his political views he is a Re- 
 publican. He holds membership with the Masonic 
 fraternity and also with the Railroad Surgical As- 
 sociation. 
 
 • ^# P ' . 
 
 eHRISTIAN F. GUEBERT was a native of 
 Germany, and a son of Christian and So. 
 phia Guebert, who were also born in the 
 same countr}'. Emigrating to America, their last 
 days were spent in Red Bud, 111. Their family 
 numbered three sons and a daughter, as follows: 
 Christian, William, Heniy and Sophia. The fam- 
 ily are all members of the Lutheran Church, and 
 take a very active part in church and benevolent 
 work. The Gueberts are all representative people 
 and are numbered among the leading families in 
 the community in which they have so long re- 
 sided. 
 
 In the common schools Christian Guebert ac- 
 quired a good education, and under the parental 
 roof he was reared to manhood. At length he de- 
 termined to seek a home in America, and crossed 
 the Atlantic in 1854. He here married Miss E. 
 Kraemer, and unto them were born thirteen chil- 
 dren, twelve of whom reached adult age. 
 
 Mr. Guebert was an industrious and enterpris- 
 ing man, and through his untiring labors and per- 
 severance he accumulated nearly an entire section 
 of land in the neighborhood of Red Bud. There 
 he made his home until his death, successfullj- 
 carrying on agricultural pursuits and placing his 
 land under a very higli state of cultivation, thus 
 making it one of the valuable and desirable farms 
 of the neigliborhood. He also took a commend- 
 able interest in public affairs, was a warm friend 
 of the common schools and gave all of his chil- 
 dren good educational privileges. In politics he 
 .was a stalwart supporter of the Democr.acy, and 
 in religious belief was a Lutheran. His family 
 all belonged to the same church. Mr. Guebert was 
 called to his final rest in 1892, having survived 
 his wife about ten years. Tiiey were both active 
 
 workers in the church, and those who knew them 
 held them in high regard for their many excel- 
 lencies of character, and their sterling worth. 
 Their loss to the community was widely felt, and 
 it is with pleasure that we present to our readers 
 a record of the lives of people who were so well 
 and favorabl3' known. 
 
 Henry W. Guebert, their eldest son, was born 
 in 1856, on the old homestead, which has always 
 been his place of abode, and is dear to him from 
 the associations of his childhood, as well as those 
 of his niaturer years. He now owns and operates 
 one hundred and fifty acres, which he has placed 
 under a high state of cultivation. The well tilled 
 fields and man3' improvements on the place, to- 
 gether with its neat appearance, indicate the thrift 
 and enterprise which is so characteristic of the 
 family. 
 
 In 1885 Henry Guebert was united in marriage 
 with Miss Berta, daughtei of Chris Rosenberg, 
 of Monroe Count}'. Their union has been blessed 
 with four children: Rosa, Freda, Louis and Ed- 
 win. Mr. Guebert has long resided in this lo- 
 cality and is familiar with its history from an 
 early day. He has taken a deep interest in the 
 upbuilding of the community, and has ever borne 
 his part in the work of public advancement. 
 
 SAAC MORRIS, who carries on agricultural 
 pursuits in township 5, range 6, Randolph 
 County, has spent his entire life upon the farm 
 which is still his home, and which was liis birth- 
 place. He was born April 5, 1822, and comes 
 of an English family, his grandparents, Samuel 
 and Lucy (Stephens) Morris, having both been 
 natives of P^ngiand. Emigrating to America, the 
 grandfather followed farming in South Carolina, 
 where he became quite well-to-do. 
 
 William Morris, father of our subject, was born 
 in Yorkshire, England, June 7, 1797, and there 
 lived until 1789, when he crossed the Atlantic and 
 spent the remainder of his boyhood in the Abbey- 
 ville District of South Carolina. He there mar- 
 ried, but his wife died not long afterward. He 
 removed to Preble County, Ohio, and thence
 
 294 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 came to Illinois in 1816, locating upon the old 
 Monis homestead. He entered from the Govern- 
 ment a farm of one hundred and sixt}' acres, built 
 a log cabin and began life in true pioneer style. 
 As tiie years passed, however, he became well-to-do, 
 and had five hundred acres of land, which he 
 willed to his sons. In the War of 1812, Mr. Mor- 
 ris served under General Harrison. In politics he 
 was a Republican, and was a member of the Ma- 
 sonic fraternity. He also belonged to the United 
 Presbyterian Church. He was a very temperate 
 man, never using tobacco or intoxicants, and he 
 left to his family the iniceless heritage of an un- 
 tarnished name. His death occurred in 1873. The 
 mother of our subject bore the maiden name of 
 Elizabeth Newton, and was a native of Ireland. 
 The marriage was celebrated in 1810, and she died 
 in Randolph County in 1831. Ten children were 
 born of tlieir union: James, who died of cholera 
 in 1832; Newton, Ephraim and William, all de- 
 ceased; Lucy, widow of Joseph McNuUy; Eliza- 
 beth, deceased; Pauline, Sarah and Alice. 
 
 In the usual manner of farmer lads, Isaac Mor- 
 ris spent the days of his boyhood and youth, and 
 the occupation to which he was reared he has 
 made his life work. In 1843 he was united in 
 marriage with Priscilla Colbert, a native of Ran- 
 dolph County, who died in February, 1848, leav- 
 ing two children, one who died in early childhood, 
 and Elizabetli, who died at the age of thirty years. 
 In 1851 IMr. Morris was again married, his second 
 union being with Mrs. Mary Campbell, who was 
 born in this county. They had i-eveu children: 
 Marj' Jane, who died at the age of two years; Al- 
 bert, now of Sparta; James, who died at the age 
 of four months; Priscilla Ellen, wife of William 
 A. Ennis, b}' whom she lias four children, Mary E., 
 Ora Ethel, Lydia Elizabeth and Hilda Ellen; Lydia 
 Annetta, at home; Sidney Thomas, who died at 
 the age of seventeen; and William Henry, who mar- 
 ried Nellie Allen, by whom he has one child. He is 
 now in a wholesale commission house in Omaha, 
 Neb. 
 
 On attaining his majority, Mr. Morris started 
 out in life for himself. He has alwa3's followed 
 agricultural pursuits, and is regarded as one of 
 the practical and progressive agriculturists of the 
 
 community. He is a man of good business ability, 
 and his success is due entirely to his own efforts. 
 He votes witli the Republican party. Both he and 
 his wife iiold membership with the United Presby- 
 terian Church, and are people of sterling worth, 
 who hold an enviable position in social circles. 
 
 <y; .}..i..i.^..^^..i..i.»»»» ^ »»»'i"5"i-»»»»-8H' ;X> 
 
 llj'^ ^ A. DINGES, M. D., who is engaged in the 
 
 jjf )j^ practice of medicine and also carries on a 
 'Xy^ drug store in Red Bud, has the honor of 
 (^ being a native of Illinois, his birth having 
 occurred in Waterloo. His parents, George and 
 Eva (Eckel) Dinges, were both natives of Ger- 
 many, born near Frankfort-on-the-Main, where 
 they grew to mature years and were married. 
 About 1854 they bade adieu to their native land 
 and crossed the Atlantic to America. Their fam- 
 ily numbered six children, four of whom are still 
 living. The father jvas a blacksmith by trade 
 and one of his sons followed the same pursuit. 
 One son, George, left home in 1861 to enlist among 
 the boys in blue of the Union armj-, and for a 
 time served under General Sigel. He continued 
 with his company until after the siege and cap- 
 ture of Vicksburg, and then died in Mississippi of 
 yellow fever. Another brother, Adam, was killed 
 b}' a mule, and at his death left a family of seven 
 children. Two of the sisters reside in St. Louis, 
 and one in Monroe County, 111. 
 
 The subject of this sketch spent his boyhood in 
 the place of his nativity, and during his j'outh 
 began clerking in a drug store, thus earning his 
 own livelihood. At the age of seventeen he left 
 home and went to Cape Girardeau, Mo., where he 
 spent one year, on the expiration of which period 
 he located in St. Louis, where he continued in the 
 drug business for five years. He then again changed 
 his location, coming to Red Bud in October, 1878. 
 In the autumn of 1883 he entered the Missouri 
 Medical College, of St. Louis, from which institu- 
 tion he was graduated after pursuing a three years' 
 course, in 1886. He at once returned to Red Bud, 
 and again took charge of the drug store which he 
 had established in 1878. He also opened an of-
 
 John Steele
 
 Mrs.Jane Steele
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 299 
 
 fice, and has since been successfully engaged in 
 the practice of medicine. 
 
 In the spring of 1879 Dr. Dinges was united in 
 marriage with Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Henry 
 and Margaret (Lohbeck) Schrage, who remained 
 in Red Bud with her little ones while the Doctor 
 attended college. They have three children, viz.: 
 Eugene George, Ellanro Margaret and Henry Al- 
 phons. The famil>^ is one of jjrominence in the 
 community, its members ranking high in social 
 circles. 
 
 Since 1891 Dr. Dinges has been an honored 
 member of the Southern Illinois Medical Associa- 
 tion. In politics he is a Democrat, and is now 
 serving his second term as County Coroner. He 
 and his family hold membership with the Catho- 
 lic Church, and he is a member of the Catholic 
 Knights of America, which society' he is now serving 
 as State Vice-President. His skill and abilit3' in 
 his profession have won him an enviable reputa- 
 tion, and he is now doing a good business, both as 
 a medical practitioner and as a druggist. 
 
 \l I OHN STEELE, who was for many jears a 
 successful and prominent general agricult- 
 urist of Washington County, and a public- 
 spirited citizen, widel}' and liighly esteemed, 
 entered into rest September 11, 1882, mourned by 
 a host of old-time friends, in whose hearts his 
 memory will long be green. In 1865 he removed 
 to Sparta, where he led a retired life until his de- 
 cease. 
 
 James Steele, the father of our subject, was born 
 in Franklin County, Pa., where he was reared to 
 mature years. In 1835 he decided to better his 
 financial condition by coming to Illinois, and lo- 
 cated on Elk Horn Prairie, where he was residing at 
 the time of his decease, in 1860. He was very pros- 
 perous in his calling of an agriculturist, and there 
 was scarcely a man in his vicinity who possessed a 
 better knowledge of the Scriptures than did .James 
 Steele. He was an Elder of the Covenanter Church 
 and was one of the organizers of the congregation 
 at Elk Horn. In politics he was a stanch Repub- 
 
 lican, and was one who had the confidence of all, 
 his word being considered as good as his bond. 
 
 Mrs. Isabel (McClintock) Steele, the mother of 
 our subject, was likewise a native of the Keystone 
 State, and was married to James Steele in 1802. 
 The eight children of whom they became the par- 
 ents were, John, James (deceased), Alexander, 
 Ezekiel, Cj'rus, Robert, Emily and Isabel. Mrs. 
 Steele departed this life in 1833. 
 
 Our subject was born March 4, 1804, in Frank- 
 lin Count}', Pa., and there resided with his parents 
 until 1835, when they removed farther west. Two 
 years later he joined them, locating in Elk Horn, 
 where he purchased three hundred and eighty 
 acres of land, which he improved and resided 
 upon until 1865. He was very methodical in his 
 work, and was self-made in the truest sense of the 
 word, all of his property being the result of much 
 hard labor on his part. His life was an eminently 
 useful one and he was one of the foremost of the 
 venerable citizens of his township. Few residents 
 of the countj' were more widely known and none 
 more favorably than he. 
 
 In 1837, in Fayette County, Pa., .John Steele 
 married Miss Jane Sitherwood, a native of the 
 al)Ove count}'. She was the daughter of Edward and 
 IMary (Walker) Sitherwood, natives respectively 
 of England and New Jersey, and both are now 
 deceased. In his political relations our subject was 
 a member of the Republican party. He never held 
 nor aspired to public ofHce, preferring to devote 
 his attention exclusively to his private affairs. 
 He was a member of the Covenanter Church and 
 was Elder in the Elk Horn congregation. 
 
 ■jllOSEPH KLINKHARDT is the enterprising 
 I proprietor of the Hecker Creameiy, located 
 in Hecker, 111. He is one of the native sons 
 _ of Monroe County, his birth having oc- 
 curred here, December 11, 1856. His father, Theo- 
 dore F. Klinkhardt, was born in Germany December 
 11, 1816, there grew to manhood, and in his native 
 land married Caroline Kasten, also a German by 
 birth. In 1840 he crossed the Atlantic to Amer- 
 ica, and iJi 1842 brought his family to the New
 
 300 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 World. Coming west, he purchased property 
 
 south of Freedom, .and when joined by his family, 
 located upon his l.md, which was a tract of wild 
 prairie. He at once began its cultivation and im- 
 provement and lived in true pioneer st3ie during 
 the early years. He was enterprising and indus- 
 trious and success crowned his efforts. From time 
 to time he made other purchases, and at his death 
 owned six hundred and sevent3^-five acres of 
 farm land, besides other real estate and personal 
 property. In politics he was a supporter of the 
 Republican party, and served as Postmaster of 
 Ilecker for about twelve years. He was also Jus- 
 tice of the Peace for a period of twenty-two 
 years, and was also Notary Public. He served as 
 Trustee of the Catholic Church for many years. 
 He was prominent in public affairs and was widely 
 known as a valued and highly respected citizen. 
 His death occurred December 30, 1880, aud his 
 wife passed away on the 21st of June, 1884. They 
 were the parents of six children, of whom one 
 died in infancy. Five grew to mature }-ears and 
 four are 3-et living, namely: Mar}-, wife of John 
 Mann, a farmer of Perr^' County; Ellen, wife of 
 Ernst Waldraaun, of Washington County, 111.; 
 Tlieodore, a farmer living two and a-half miles 
 south of Freedom; and Joseph. Augusta grew to 
 womanhood and became the wife of Charles Frick, 
 but is now deceased. 
 
 Mr. Klinkhardt was reared on the old home- 
 stead until fifteen years of age, when he went with 
 his parents to Freedom. He was educated in the 
 public sciiools and spent one term in St. Patrick's 
 College. He then assisted his fatlier in the store 
 and also carried on farming until his marriage. 
 On the 21st of September, 1875, he married Miss 
 Anna Thum, daughter of Jacob Thum,a native of 
 Switzerland. The lady was born in Belleville, 
 111., and was reared in Monroe Count}'. They 
 have four children, Eliza, Theodore, Emma and 
 George. 
 
 After his marriage, Mr. Klinkhai-dt operated his 
 father's farm until after the latter's death, when 
 he bought out the entire place. For ten 3'ears he 
 continued its cultivation and was a successful 
 farmer. On tiie 1st of August, 1890, he estab- 
 lished the Hecker Creamery, which he has since 
 
 carried on in connection with the cultivation of 
 his land. He owns two hundred and twent3'-five 
 acres of land, one hundred and twenty acres of 
 wliich are in St. Clair County, and the remainder in 
 Monroe County. It is all under a high state of cul- 
 tivation and is well improved. He keeps on hand 
 a large number of cows for dair3' purposes, and the 
 product of his creamery is so fine that he always 
 receives the highest market prices in Belleville 
 and St. Louis, to which places he ships his butter. 
 His business career has been a prosperous one. In 
 politics he is a stalwart Republican, and has served 
 as District Clerk aud School Trustee. He and his 
 wife hold membership with the Catholic Church, 
 aud he is one of the Trustees of tliat organization. 
 
 sig-^s-gis-sie-Ssg-sie^-sig^ie^s^M^^ 
 
 ^{ ACOB B. BEATTIE. A foremost position 
 among the agriculturists of Randolph Coun- 
 t3' must be accorded to the subject of this 
 sketch, who owns and occupies a fine farm 
 of two hundred aud forty acres on section 33, 
 township 4, range 5. He is the son of James H. 
 Beattie, who was born near Newburgh, N. Y., in 
 1788, and is tlie grandson of Francis and Jane 
 (Hall) Beattie, also natives of the Empire State. 
 The great-grandfather of our subject, Thomas 
 Beattie, was born and married in the North of Ire- 
 land, and after coming to the United States set- 
 tled in Newburgh in 1740. 
 
 The maiden name of our subject's mother was 
 Hannah Burkhardt. She was born in Allegheny 
 County, Pa., in 179.5, and was the daughter of 
 Jacob Burkhardt, who was born in German}-, and 
 after coming to America served as a soldier in the 
 French and Indian War. The parents of our sub- 
 ject were married in 1816, and four 3'ears later, 
 the father, deciding to locate further west, sailed 
 down the Ohio River in an emigrant boat, being 
 accompanied on the journe3' b3' the families of 
 AVilliam Marshall and William Temple. Arriv- 
 ing at Shawneetown, January 1, 1821, they came 
 overland to Randolph Count3- and located upon a 
 farm in township 4, where the3- were among the 
 earliest settlers. Here the father of our subject 
 opened up a farm, and at the time of his decease
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 301 
 
 had accumulated a large estate of six hundred and 
 forty acres. His wife, of whom our subject is the 
 only surviving son, died in 1819, and afterward 
 he married Miss Margaret Black. Of the five 
 children born to them onl\- one is living, Robert 
 T.; Francis H. died in 1886, leaving a family of 
 five children: Nettie, John B., William S., Rob- 
 ert and Jefferson. Mrs. Margaret Beatlie died in 
 1840, and the father of our subject departed this 
 life in 1846. The latter was industrious, prudent 
 and thrift}-, and had many warm friends through- 
 out the county. 
 
 J. B. Beattie is a native of Pennsylvania, where 
 his birth occurred June 24, 1818, in Allegheny 
 County. He was two years of age when his father 
 came to Illinois. Here he received his education 
 in the pioneer schools and here he was reared to 
 farm pursuits. He has been a resident of town- 
 ship 4, range 5, for the past seventy-three j-ears, 
 and has been an important factor in advancing 
 the agricultural interests of the county. At the 
 time his father located here the country was in a 
 wild condition, and was very sparsel}' inhabited. 
 Deer, wild turkeys and other kinds of game were 
 plentiful. Our subject's means were ver}' limited, 
 but he was reared to habits of industry, and was 
 energetic and ambitious, so that by j'ears of hard 
 toil he has accomplished the pioneer task of de- 
 veloping a highly productive farm from the wild- 
 erness. 
 
 In February, 1854, Mr. Beattie and Miss Eliza- 
 beth, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Mclnt3're) 
 MclMillan, were united in marriage. Mrs. Beattie 
 was born December 5, 1829, in Scotland, where 
 her parents were also born. They are both now 
 deceased, and at their death left a family of three 
 children: John, Mrs. Beattie and Alexander. To 
 our subject and his wife have been born six chil- 
 dren: ISIary J., now Mrs. T. B. Stephenson, whose 
 sketch will be found elsewhere in this Recokd; 
 James Hall, who married Ada "SVarner and resides 
 in Kansas Cit}-, Kan.; John Alexander, who mar- 
 ried Miss Patience O. Rusk, and also resides in the 
 above place; Jacob L., who makes his home in 
 Sparta, this county; William M. and Hannah 11, 
 both at home. 
 
 Our subject is a devoted member of the United 
 
 Presbyterian Church, while his good wife holds 
 membership with the Christian Church near her 
 home. In his political relations he is a Prohibi- 
 tionist and has aided the progress of that party 
 in this section very materially. He has been 
 a School Director for the past ten years, and 
 as the incumbent of that position has given en- 
 tire satisfaction. His fine estate, which includes 
 two hundred and forty acres, is all cultivated with 
 the exception of seventy-five acres. The land is 
 supplied with substantial improvements that make 
 it one of the most desirable farms in the county. 
 
 ^|[ OHN C. RITCHIE is one of those progress- 
 ive, wide-awake farmers who find both 
 ^,^1 ; pleasure and profit in cultivating the soil, 
 ^^^ and by means of dignitj' and ability tend 
 to raise the standard of their chosen occupation. 
 Besides agricultural pursuits, he is also interested in 
 dairy farming, owning at the present time twenty- 
 nine Jersey cows. His estate, which comprises two 
 hundred acres, is pleasantly located on section 10, 
 township 4, range 6, where also he has erected his 
 creameiy, and now turns out each week two hun- 
 dred pounds of butter. 
 
 The father of our subject, Robert J. Ritchie, 
 was born in County Derry, Ireland, in 1794, and 
 was the son of William Ritchie, who married a 
 Miss Hemphill. Tlie maiden name of our subject's 
 mother was Jane Marshall. She was a native of 
 South Carolina, and the daughter of James Mar- 
 shall, who was married in that state. On coming 
 to Illinois in 1837, he located on a farm three 
 miles south of Edin, this count}-, and three years 
 later came to this township. Here he entered land 
 from the Governmeiit and made his permanent 
 home, d3-ing in 1866. His good wife preceded 
 him to the better land by many years, departing 
 this life in 1844. The}' were the parents of six 
 children, of whom those living besides our subject 
 are: Mary, the wife of Moore Smith, who re- 
 sides on section 11, township 4; and Jane, Mrs. 
 Coulter, who lives in Arkansas. 
 
 After the death of his first wife, the father of 
 our subject was married to Miss Margaret, daugh-
 
 302 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 ter of Samuel Little, one of the earliest settlers in 
 this section. By this union was born a daughter, 
 Martha, who is now the wife of George Marshall, 
 and who lives in Arkansas. The parents of our sub- 
 ject were members of the Reformed Presbyterian 
 Church, and were good and consistent Christians. 
 
 John C. Ritchie was born January 31, 1835, in 
 Fairfield District, S. C, and was only two years of 
 age when his parents made their advent into this 
 state, and five years old when they located on 
 what is now his farm. Here he grew to man's 
 estate, attending the district school and supple- 
 menting the knowledge gained therein by a terra 
 of six months in tlie Sparta schools. When eigh- 
 teen years of age he hired out by the month to work 
 on farms, and spent five years thus employed. 
 
 In 1858 Mr. Ritchie and Miss Sarah, daughter 
 of Charles and Mar}' (Hunter) McKelvey, old set- 
 tlers in this county, were united in marriage. Mrs. 
 Ritchie was born November 26, 1836, on the old 
 McKelvey homestead, in this township, and has 
 spent her entire life in Randolph Count}-. After 
 the decease of his father, our subject purchased the 
 interest in the old homestead of his sisters, and 
 since then has been engaged in its profitable op- 
 eration. As before stated, it comprises two hun- 
 dred acres, and he has added to his income as a 
 farmer by erecting a creamery on the farm, which 
 is supplied with all modern machinery, and the 
 churning is done by steam. The product of the 
 dairy, which is of high grade, is disposed of mostly 
 at Marissa. Mr. Ritchie is also largely interested 
 in stock-raising, and has a number of Chester- 
 White hogs on his farm. 
 
 Of the nine children borji to our subject and 
 his wife, we give the following: Charles M. mar- 
 ried Jane Hemphill; Mary Ida is the wife of Oli- 
 ver Wiley; AVilliam S. is the next in order of 
 birth; Jane Amelia is the wife of Hugh McClure; 
 James L., John W., Sidney Willis, Sarah Mabel 
 and Stella are at home. They have all been given 
 good educations, and the eldest son, who is a min- 
 ister in the United Presbyterian Church, has a 
 charge at Oakdale, this state. Mr. and Mrs. Ritchie 
 are members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, 
 in which body the former has been Trustee for 
 thirty years. He has also filled the office of School 
 
 Director, and in politics votes the Prohibition 
 ticket. William 8., the second son of our subject, 
 is attending school in the Allegheny Seminary, in 
 Alleghenj^ Pa., where he is fitting himself to be- 
 come a minister, for which calling James and John 
 are also preparing themselves. James is attending 
 school at Groves City, Pa., and prior to going 
 there was graduated from the S|)arta High School, 
 standing one hundred in every study for three 
 examinations. 
 
 ■ ^# P • . 
 
 W GUIS GREGSON devotes his time and at- 
 I (©) tcntion to agricultural pursuits on section 
 jl' — ^v\ 21, township 3, range 8 west, Monroe Coun- 
 ty, where he has under his control four hun- 
 dred and forty acres of good land. He is a son of 
 James Gregson,a native of England, who when a 
 boy came to this countr}' with his father, John 
 Gregson, who settled on Round Prairie, in Mon- 
 roe County. Here he entered land from the Gov- 
 ernment, and upon the farm which he there de- 
 veloped made his home until his death. 
 
 James Gregson was reared under the parental 
 roof, and when he attained to man's estate, pur- 
 chased a farm adjoining the old place. He was 
 married in 1818 to Philipena Lower. Her fa- 
 ther was a native of Germany, and upon coming 
 to this country, settled on Round Prairie in an 
 early day. In the family were four sons, namely: 
 Philip, Henry, Conrad and Peter. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Gregson located on section 30, township 3, where he 
 owned one hundred and sixty acres of laud, besides 
 his eight}' acres on Round Prairie and forty acres 
 on the creek. There he followed farming until a 
 short time before his death, when he removed to 
 Red Bud. By his first marriage he had three chil- 
 dren, who are yet living: Louis, of this sketch; 
 John, of Red Bud; and Peter, who is living on the 
 old homestead. After the death of his first wife, 
 Mr. Gregson wedded Mrs. Mary Lower, and they 
 had three children: James M., a conductor on a 
 street car in St. Louis; William H., who is living in 
 Jackson County, 111.; and Emily, the wife of Hugh 
 Murphy, County Assessor of Monroe County. The 
 father of this family was an honored pioneer of
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGiaAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 303 
 
 this section, and was a man highly respected for 
 his sterling worth. 
 
 On the home farm, November 5, 1840, occurred 
 the birth of Louis Gregson. He is now probably 
 the oldest native settler of the township. He was 
 reared under the parental roof in the usual man- 
 ner of farmer lads, and after arriving at years of 
 maturity he was married, in February, 1866, to Miss 
 Elizabeth McQuillan, daughter of John McQuillan, 
 whose sketch appears elsewhere in tliis work. She 
 was born in .St. Louis, but her girlhood days were 
 spent in this cQunty. The young couple began 
 their domestic life upon the farm which is now 
 their home. They became the parents of 6ve chil- 
 dren, and the family circle 3'et remains unbroken 
 by the hand of death. Edward L., the eldest, is 
 now a farmer of this community; Albert J. aids in 
 the operation of the home farm; Louis J. is teach- 
 ing school on Round Prairie; Gu}' Joseph and 
 Martha Marj' are still with their parents. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Giegson own four hundred and 
 forty acres of valuable land, and he devotes his 
 time and attention to general farming and stock- 
 raising. He makes a specialty of the breeding of 
 fine Norman horses. In polities he is a supporter 
 of the Democracy, and has served as Highway 
 Commissioner, Supervisor and School Director. 
 In these various positions he has ever discharged 
 his duties with a promptness and fidelity that have 
 won him high commendation. He and his family 
 are all members of the Catholic Church, and are 
 prominent people of this community, holding an 
 enviable position in social circles. 
 
 LFRED ADAMS. There is in the devel- 
 (@7LI|| opment of every successful life a lesson 
 to everyone; for if a man is industriously 
 ambitious and honorable in his ambition, 
 he will undoubtedly rise to a position of promi- 
 nence, whether having a prestige of family and 
 wealth or the obscurity of poverty. We are led 
 to these reflections in reviewing the life of Mr. 
 Adams, who is Sheriff of Randolph County. 
 
 A native of this county, our subject was born 
 within three miles of Chester, March 27, 1849, 
 
 and is the son of James and Filizabeth E. (Easton) 
 Adams. His parents were natives of Scotland, 
 whei'e they were married, and about 1839 emi- 
 grated to the United States, locating the follow- 
 ing year in this county. They were farmers by 
 occupation and were numbered among the well- 
 to-do citizens of this section until their decease. 
 The father died in March, 1883, when in his 
 seventy-third year, and his good wife departed 
 this life in April, 1873. They reared a family of 
 seven children, of whom our subject is the only 
 one now living. 
 
 Alfred Adams, of this sketch, passed his boyhood 
 days on his father's farm, pursuing the advantages 
 open to him in the common schools. Having no 
 taste for agriculture, he determined to gain a good 
 education and thus fit himself to occupy almost 
 any position in life. He took a course of study 
 in McKendrce College, at Lebanon, this state, and 
 after completing liis studies returned to the home 
 farm, where he married Miss Clementina Cowing, 
 March 23, 1869. Mrs. Adams was a native of 
 England, and was born in Liverpool December 
 19, 1848. She was a daughter of Capt. Ran- 
 dolph K. Cowing, and was only eleven years old 
 when she came to the United States. Her father, 
 who was a sea captain, was lost on one of his trips 
 while crossing the Atlantic. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Adams have been blessed with a 
 family of three children, viz.: Minnie F., Natalie 
 G. and Clementina B. In October, 1870, Mr. 
 Adams came to this city, where he embarked in 
 the retail grocerj' business, which he only carried 
 on, however, for a twelvemonth. Later, he pur- 
 chased a sale and livery stable in the city, of 
 which he was the proprietor for eight years, dur- 
 ing wliich time he managed his affairs in a most 
 systematic manner. He was then compelled to 
 dispose of his barns on account of being elected 
 City Treasurer for a term of two years. For the 
 succeeding three }^ears he was engaged in the in- 
 surance business. 
 
 In 1886 Mr. Adams was honored by his fellow- 
 townsmen b}' being elected County Treasurer for 
 a term of four years on the Democratic ticket. 
 He filled this office very acceptably, and was so 
 popular in political circles that on the expiration
 
 304 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 of his term as Treasurer he was elected Sheriff of 
 Randolph County, which position he is holding 
 at the present time. He is discharging the duties 
 thus devolving upon him with sound judgment, 
 rare discrimination, tact and fairness, and the 
 people are well satisfied with his manner of con- 
 ducting tlie affairs of his office. He has been very 
 prominent in the upbuilding of the county, and 
 was one of the organizers of the Chester Improve- 
 ment Company. Socially, our subject is a mem- 
 ber of the Knights of Pythias, and was one of 
 the charter members of the lodge in the city of 
 Chester. 
 
 '■^ OHN B. BRATNF.Y, Postmaster at Preston, 
 I Randolph Count}-, is also acting as agent 
 ^^ I for the sale of wagons, buggies and sewing 
 ^^fJ machines. He is a native born citizen of 
 this count}', a son of one of its honored residents, 
 and owns and superintends the management of his 
 farm of two hundred and twenty-one acres, which 
 is located one mile from Preston. 
 
 Our subject was born one mile from where he is 
 at present residing, February 25, 1827, and is the 
 son of Joseph and Elenor (Beatty) Bratuey. The 
 father, who was born in Tennessee, came to this 
 state about 1818, where he purchased land from 
 the Government at $1.25 per acre. Finally making 
 his way to Randolph County, he built a sawmill 
 near this place, which be operated for several 
 years with indifferent success. Tlien moving up- 
 on his farm, lie cleared and improved it, and was 
 engaged in its operation for some time. After- 
 ward he settled in Preston (which was in that 
 early day known as Pollock), and engaged in the 
 mercantile business. Later, however, he opened a 
 tanning establisiiment in Evansville, and was en- 
 gaged in that branch of business at the time of 
 his decease, in the winter of 1849. He was a very 
 enterprising citizen and never lost an opportunity 
 to advance the welfare of his township materially 
 or socially. 
 
 Our subject has one brother living of a family 
 of three sons and one daughter. He received his 
 
 education in a primitive log schoolhouse, which 
 was the best that the locality afforded. It was 
 situated in the woods and bore little resemblance 
 to the convenient and comfortable school build- 
 ings of to-day. Our subject and his brother, New- 
 ton, were taken into the home of their maternal 
 uncle in childhood. John B. remained with this 
 relative until starting out in life for himself. A 
 short time prior to attaining his majority, he went 
 to New Orleans, and on his return north came 
 again to this count}', which has since been his 
 home. During the Mexican War he joined a vol- 
 unteer company, but as their services were not 
 needed he did not go to war. 
 
 In 1850 Mr. Bratney was united in marriage 
 with Miss Mary Jane Crozier, who was also born 
 in this county and reare^ on a farm, one mile 
 from the birthplace of our subject. After their 
 marriage the young people moved upon the farm 
 which had been left to Mr. Bratney by his father, 
 and on which lie had erected a comfortable resi- 
 dence. There he farmed until 1858, when he was 
 appointed Postmaster at Preston. Moving into 
 the village, he engaged in merchandising in con- 
 nection with his oflScial duties and there lived for 
 twenty years. He has, however, held the office of 
 Postmaster since his first appointment, during 
 Buchanan's administration, and is still the incum- 
 bent of that position. He has also been Justice 
 of the Peace for two terms, was Trustee of the 
 School Board, in which body he is now Clerk, and 
 holds a similar position among the Road Commis- 
 sioners. He cast his first Presidential vote for 
 Zachary Taylor, and after the organization of the 
 Republican party was a member of its ranks until 
 1892, when he joined the People's party. 
 
 Mrs. Mary J. Bratney died eleven months after 
 her marriage, and Miss Henrietta, the sister of our 
 subject, kept house for him until her marriage with 
 Alexander Mann, one of the old settlers of this 
 county. She is now deceased. The lady whom 
 our subject married in 1853 was Miss Margaret 
 Thompson. She became the mother of a son, 
 Theodore S., who resides in St. Louis. His mother 
 died in Preston in October, 1864. The present 
 wife of Mr. Bratney, with whom he w.is united in 
 1868, was Miss Mary W. Pollock, aud to them has
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 305 
 
 been born one daughter, Nettie F., now Mrs. W. 
 A. Glore, of Steeleville. 
 
 Robert, the grandfatlier of our subject, was a 
 soldier in the War of the Revolution, and the fa- 
 ther of Mr. Bratney served in tlie War of 1812, 
 under General Jackson. The former with his wife 
 is buried on the farm now owned by our subject. 
 Robert Bratney, the brother of our subject, was 
 shot and l\illed by his tenant, to whom he had 
 rented his farm near Preston. He was a man of 
 excellent character, and at the time of this sad af- 
 fair was living in Sparta. 
 
 > 
 
 PA 
 
 ^(OHN HAGP:D0RN, Justice of the Peace 
 in Evansville Precinct, is also a prominent 
 farmer, whose practical sagacity and thrift 
 have brought him to the front as an agri- 
 culturist. To this interest he also adds that of 
 nurser3'man,and is lyell liked and respected bj' all 
 who know him. Born in Prussia May 31, 1832, 
 he is the son of Paules and Victoria (Hase) Hage- 
 dorn, also natives of Prussia, where the mother 
 died in 1861. 
 
 The fatlier of our subject, who came to the 
 United States in the year 1866, died that same 
 year at the home of our subject. The parental 
 family included six children, of whom three be- 
 sides our subject are living — a brother in the 
 Old Country and two sisters in America. John, 
 of this sketch, was educated in Germany, and 
 was there married on the 10th of February, 1857. 
 On the 28th of the same month the young cou- 
 ple started for their new home in America, 
 and, making their wa}' directly to this state, lo- 
 cated in Belleville, St. Clair County, where they 
 made their home during the summer. Then, com- 
 ing to Randolph County, Mr. Hagedorn located 
 on property near his present home, clearing land 
 and cultivating and embellisliing it with substan- 
 tial buildings. On this present farm he continued 
 to reside while improving another one he liad pur- 
 chased. He is now tiie proprietor of two fine es- 
 tates, which are located three miles east of Evans- 
 
 ville, one comprising eight}' acres, and the other 
 ninety-five acres of land. 
 
 Mr. Hagedorn branched out in the nursery busi- 
 ness in 1888, and now supplies the people in this 
 section with the choicest variety of trees and 
 shrubs. He also raises great varieties of fruit, for 
 which he always finds a good market in the city. 
 Miss Christina Metz and our subject were united 
 in marriage in 1857.- Mrs. Hagedorn was born in 
 Prussia, Germany, and by her marriage has be- 
 come the mother of six children, of whom those 
 living are: Sophia, Mrs. Edward Ludker; Minnie, 
 the wife of James H. Mathews; and Theresa, at 
 home. 
 
 Mr. Hagedorn is a genial gentleman, and his 
 social qualities make him a general favorite, while 
 his ability gives him a prominent part in the 
 management of local affairs. In politics he votes 
 the Republican ticket, and has been Constable 
 since residing here, or for eight years, and has 
 served a like period as Justice of the Peace. 
 That he is popular is shown by the fact that, al- 
 though bis precinct is strongly Democratic, he 
 never fails to be elected when brought before the 
 people. He served as Deputy Sheriff for seven 
 years, and cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln. 
 With his wife and family he is a member of the 
 Catholic Church. 
 
 • "^^ • 
 
 ^ OHN HEBERER was one of the pioneers of 
 Monroe Count}-, 111. A native of Darm- 
 stadt, Germany, he was born in 1812, and 
 in 1832, at the age of twenty years, crossed 
 the Atlantic to the New World. He took up his 
 residence in Monroe Count}', 111., locating near Red 
 Bud, where he entered land from the Government, 
 making a settlement farther south than any other 
 resident of this locality up to this time. He then 
 turned his attention to the development of the 
 wild land, and transformed the raw tract into 
 rich and fertile fields. 
 
 Mr. Heberer was twice married. He first wedded 
 Miss Frick, whose people were among the pioneer 
 settlers of Illinois, and two children were born 
 unto tliem. John, tlie eldest, is now a resident of
 
 306 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Perry County, where he is extensively engaged in 
 farming. Kate became the wife of Peter Wicklein, 
 and died, leaving six children. After the death 
 of his first wife, Mr. Ileberer wedded Mar3' Schara- 
 ville in St. Louis. The marriage was celebrated 
 ou the day following their first meeting. Thej' 
 became the parents of six children, viz.: Will- 
 iam, a farmer; Henry, who died at the age of 
 twenty-one; Charlie, a farmer of Jackson County; 
 Alexander T. ]).; Edward, who is now engaged 
 in the real-estate business in Red Bud; and Adam, 
 an agriculturist of Jackson County. 
 
 The family resided in Monroe County until about 
 1880, when the farm in that locality of two hun- 
 dred and eighty acres was sold, and the}' came to 
 Red Bud. Here the father died in 1884, and the 
 mother two years later. They were prominent 
 members of the Lutheran Church, to the support 
 of which they contributed liberally. Mr. Heberer 
 was one of its most active workers, doing all in 
 his power for its advancement. In 1860 he joined 
 the ranks of the Republican party, of which he 
 became a stanch advocate, and for four years he 
 acceptably tilled the office of Justice of the Peace. 
 His life was one well worthy of emulation, and 
 his loss throughout the community was deeply 
 mourned. 
 
 Alexander Ileberer was born in Monroe Coun- 
 ty in 1857, and was there reared and educated. 
 To his father he gave the benefit of his services 
 until he had attained to man's estate, when he 
 began selling fruit trees for the Samuel Bayles' 
 Nursery Companj' of St. Louis. He was thus em- 
 ployed for three years, after which he spent one 
 year as a farmer. In the meantime he was united 
 in marriage with Miss Maiy Waldmann, by whom 
 he has four children. 
 
 In 1883 Mr. Heberer went to Jackson County, 
 where his brothers had previously located, and 
 purchased one hundred acres of land, to the im- 
 provement of which he devoted his energies until 
 his return to Red Bud, in March, 1893. He here 
 purchased the Dunn Brothers' livery stable, and 
 now has the largest livery stock in the city. His 
 vehicles are of the finest, and he has some good 
 horses. From the public he receives a liberal pat- 
 ronage and is now doing a good business, which 
 
 he well merits. Mr. Heberer is a member of the 
 Treubund of Red Bud. Both he and his wife were 
 reared in the Lutheran Church and are people of 
 worth, who have many friends throughout this 
 community. 
 
 <^ MLLIAM E. LOHRBERG is a leading and 
 \/\/// successful mercliant of Red Bud, his na- 
 W^ tive town, where he was born in 1854. 
 His parents, Henrj' and Mary (Wicklein) Lohr- 
 beig, were both natives of Germany, and during 
 childiiood came to this country, locating in Ran- 
 dolph Count}', 111., where their marriage was cele- 
 brated. Eight children have been born unto them, 
 of whom William is the eldest. Josephine is now 
 the wife of J. H. Parrott, of Kansas City, Kan. 
 Elizabeth is the wife of P. Eisenbart, of Monroe 
 County. George is engaged in farming in Mon- 
 roe County. Rebecca, widow of Henry Ratz,is the 
 proprietress of the Commercial Hotel. Maggie is 
 the wife of Al Ratz, of Red Bud. 
 
 In the usual manner of farmer lads our subject 
 was reared to manhood, and the common schools 
 of the community afforded him his educational 
 privileges. He followed farming in Monroe Coun- 
 ty until twenty-seven years of age, when he went 
 to Kansas City, Kan., there spending one year. 
 On the expiration of that period he came to Red 
 Bud and secured a position as salesman in the store 
 of Mr. Ratz. In connection with Henry Ratz, the 
 son of his old employer, he purchased his present 
 store, and since 1885 the business has been carried 
 on under the firm name of Lohrberg & Ratz. 
 They carry in stock everything found in a first- 
 class mercantile establishment, and have succeeded 
 in building up a good trade as the result of their 
 courteous treatment, fair and honest dealing and 
 earnest desire to please their customers. 
 
 In 1884 Mr. Lohrberg was united in marriage 
 with Miss Mary Diehl, and unto them have been 
 born five children, as follows: Ralph, Elenora, 
 Henry, Tolga and Edwin. Socially, Mr. Lohrberg 
 is connected with the Knights of Honor and is a 
 member of the Odd Fellows' societj'. In politics 
 he is a supporter of Democratic principles. 
 
 In connection with his other interests, our sub-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 309 
 
 ject is agent for the Heim Brewing Company, and 
 is also engaged in tlie manufacture of soda water. 
 He owns an interest in a farm of one hundred and 
 twenty acres in Monroe County, and is the sole 
 owner of one hundred and twentj' acres in the 
 same county, which yields him a good income. He 
 is recognized as one of the best business men of 
 Red Bud, and tliough yet a young man, is widely 
 and favorably known. He is also public spirited 
 and progressive and takes an active interest in the 
 advancement and growtii of the community in 
 which he makes his home. It is with pleasure that 
 we present to our readers the record of his life. 
 
 
 ^( AJ. CHARLES J. CIHLDS, M. D. All 
 loyal Americans will agree that the old 
 soldiers who sacrificed iiome comforts, en- 
 dured hardships and braved dangers dur- 
 ing the da^s of the Nation's peril are deserving 
 of remembrance. Tbe historian cannot detail the 
 lives spent on the tented field, but he can mention 
 the chief events by whicli the gallant soldier se- 
 cured victory, too often, alas, at the price of manly 
 vigor and missing limbs. Were there no other 
 reasons than his army life, we should be glad to 
 present to our readers an outline of the history of 
 Major C'hilds, a prominent ph3'siciau of Randolph 
 Count3', who is residing at Coulterville. 
 
 Our subject was born March 12, 1826, fourteen 
 miles from the city of Baltimore, Md., and is a son 
 of Nathaniel Childs, who was born in Maryland in 
 1770. The family traces its ancestry back to three 
 brotliers who came to America from Sweden, one 
 locating in New England, another in South Caro- 
 lina, and the third in Maryland. Our subject's 
 great-grandfather was a blacksmith in Erametsburg, 
 Md., where ho lived over two hundred years ago. 
 
 Nathaniel Childs, the father of our subject, was 
 a soldier in the War of 1812, where he commanded 
 a mounted company. The lady whom lie married 
 was born in Baltimore in 1785, and bore the name 
 of Mis5 Ann Jcssup. She was the daughter of 
 William Jessup, a native of England, who emi- 
 
 grated to America during the Revolutionary War. 
 Our subject's parents came west in 1839 and made 
 a permanent home in St. Louis, where the father 
 was engaged in running a sawmill. He took an 
 active part in politics in that city, and was a mem- 
 ber of the Cit}' Council for ten years. He was Pro- 
 bate Judge in Baltimore for a number of years, and 
 was a valuable and influential man in his commu- 
 nity. He depaited this life in 1852, and his good 
 wife died in 1865. 
 
 Our subject is the onlj' survivor in the parental 
 family of sixteen children, fourteen of whom grew 
 to mature years. He was a lad of twelve years 
 when his parents removed to St. Louis, where his 
 education was completed. He first attended the 
 college at St. Charles, that state, and later the St. 
 Xavier Catholic College at St. Louis. Deciding to 
 become a physician, Mr. Childs entered the Eclectic 
 Medical Institute of Cincinnati with the Class of 
 '45, and two years later became a student in the St. 
 Louis Medical College, from which he was gradu- 
 ated in 1848. After practicing three years in that 
 city he went to Madison, Ind., and after a resi- 
 dence there of three years returned to the Mound 
 City. A twelvemonth later, however, he came to 
 Chester, this county, where he engaged in the 
 practice of his profession until 1861, when he took 
 up his abode in Sparta, this countj'. 
 
 In September of the above year. Dr. Childs en- 
 tered the Union army, being commissioned Eirst 
 Lieutenant of Company K, Fifth Illinois Cavalry. 
 He was sent to Pilot Knob, Mo., in February, 1862, 
 and advanced through Arkansas to Helena, in the 
 meantime skirmishing with Generals Price and 
 Van Dorn. July 1, he moved with his company 
 to Jackson Port, Ark., and in the skirmish which 
 followed with General Hovey, Major Childs led 
 the advance in person, and compelled the retreat 
 of the enemy. Later they went to Clarendon, and 
 on crossing the White River to Helena, Ark., he 
 encountered the guerrillas. He then received com- 
 mand to go forward with one hundred men as 
 guards along the river, and in February, 1863, 
 joined Grant's army. 
 
 His health having been very much impaired. Dr. 
 Childs returned home, intending to devote his 
 time to his profession. His plans were frustrated,
 
 310 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 however, in May, 1864, by a call for one hundred- 
 day men, when he raised a company of one hun- 
 dred and thirty-iive volunteers, and on going to 
 Springfield was commissioned Major of the One 
 Hundred and Fort3r-second Regiment. He was 
 then ordered to Memphis, Tenn., where he served 
 under Gen. A. J. Smith. At the time Forrest made 
 his last raid on Memphis, our subject's regiment 
 was ordered to hold White Star Station, which he 
 did at the head of his command. On his return 
 to Memphis he was ordered to Chicago, where they 
 were to be mustered out. General Price at that 
 time was making a raid in Missouri, and Major 
 Childs' regiment was called upon to go down and 
 aid in the defense of St. Louis. They went for- 
 ward, and after reaching the citj' reported to Gen- 
 eral Rosecrans, who ordered them to Benton Bar- 
 ricks and afterward to guard the Missouri Pacific 
 Railroad. After ten daj'S thus occupied the}' re- 
 turned to Chicago, where they were mustered out 
 November 1, 1864. Major Childs was very popu- 
 lar with "the boys" and was on many occasions 
 highl}' complimented for his brave actions by his 
 superior officers. 
 
 On returning home from the war, Dr. Childs 
 practiced medicine in Sparta until April, 1874, 
 when he came to Coulterville, and has since made 
 his home at this place. In March, 1847, he mar- 
 ried Miss Elizaljeth A. Balridge, who was born in 
 Ohio, November 13, 1828. She is the daughter of 
 Alexander H. Balridge, M. D., who was Professor 
 in the Eclectic Medical College at Cincinnati, Ohio. 
 Mrs. Childs is a lady of high culture and fine edu- 
 cation, and by her union with our subject has be- 
 come the mother of eight children, of whom those 
 living are: Emma F., the widow of S. B. Brown; 
 Nathaniel, a student in the theological college at 
 Xenia, Ohio; Charles A., a farmer; Elizabeth May, 
 the wife of C. R. McKelve}', and Sally J., the wife 
 of R. A. Leiper. The Doctor is a Presbyterian re- 
 ligiously, while Mrs. Childs holds membership in 
 the United Presbyterian Church. 
 
 In politics the Doctor always takes an active 
 part, and began making political speeches in be- 
 half of the AVhig party when eighteen years old. 
 He is an influential citizen, and was President 
 of the Board of Trustees of Coulterville for 
 
 twelve years. The schools of this vicinity find 
 in him an earnest advocate, and the Sparta High 
 School owes its existence to his push and en- 
 ergy. He has been School Director for the past 
 nine years, and during that time was Secretary of 
 the Board. 
 
 Dr. Childs was a personal friend of Gen. John 
 A. Logan, Governors Yates, Hamilton and Fifer» 
 and Senator CuUom. He was present at the state 
 convention that instructed for Grant, during which 
 time the contest between Logan and Farewell 
 for the United States Senate took place. At dif- 
 ferent times he has been associated on committees 
 with Stephen A. Douglas, Jr., and Robert Lincoln. 
 He has been delegate to five state conventions, and 
 presided over the first Republican convention, held 
 in Randolph County in 1856. 
 
 •S^ 
 
 ^=!^,EORGE HOMRIGHAUSEN is a Notary 
 i|| ,==, Public and a well known citizen of Red 
 ^^j) Bud. His father, Henry Homrighausen, 
 was born in Prussia, Germany, in 1822, and came 
 to America in 1841, locating in St. Louis, where 
 he remained some months. In companj- with a 
 friend he then went to Kansas Cit}', but finding 
 no employmeut there, returned to St. Louis, where 
 be worked in flouring mills. In 1847 he was 
 married to Sophia Scharch, and in March, 1854, 
 came with his family to Monroe County, 111., 
 where he purchased eighty acres of land. The 
 forty-acre tract on which he settled was but par- 
 tially improved. He at once began its further 
 development, and from time to time made addi- 
 tional purchases, until at his death he owned five 
 hundred and sixty acres of valuable and highly 
 improved land. He came to this country a poor 
 man, but by industry and economy arose to a posi- 
 tion of affluence. 
 
 To Mr. and Mrs. Homrighausen were born ten 
 children, eight of whom grew to mature j^ears: 
 George, of this sketch; Frank, of Monroe County; 
 John, who resides on the old homestead; AVilliam 
 and August, who are also living in Monroe Coun- 
 ty; Catherine, who makes her home with the 
 brothers just mentioned; Elizabeth, wife of Ernst
 
 POETEAIT A^'D BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 311 
 
 Heyl, of Monroe County; and Annie, wife of 
 George Hepp, Jr., of Monroe County. The father 
 of this famih- held many offices of public trust. 
 He served for sixteen yeai-s as Justice of the Peace, 
 was seven 3'ears Town Tre.asurer, and was filling 
 that position at the time of his death. In politics 
 he was a stanch Republican, and was a member of 
 the Evangelical Church, in which he took an act- 
 ive interest. He died April 5, 1884, and his wife 
 passed away October 2, 1887. They were consist- 
 ent Christian people and had the high regard of 
 all who knew them. 
 
 George Homrighausen was horn in St. Louis in 
 1851, and was only three 3-ears old when his par- 
 ents came to Illinois. He grew to manhood on his 
 father's farm, aiding in the labors of the field in 
 the summer months and attending the common 
 schools through the winter. He thus acquired a 
 knowledge of the common branches, and at the 
 age of sixteen he entered the seminary of Oakfield, 
 Mo. Later he attended school in Waterloo, and 
 having successfully passed an examination in 1869, 
 he taught his first school in Prairie du Long in the 
 following winter, after which he taught five con- 
 secutive terms in the Union school. Afterward 
 he followed his profession in Monroe Count\', 
 having charge of the school at Freedom. Through 
 each winter season until 1885 he followed the vo- 
 cation of a teacher at various places. In 1873 he 
 attended the Normal department of the Southern 
 Illinois University, of Carbondale. In 1885 he 
 abandoned teaching and devoted his time to farm- 
 ing until 1891, when he located in Red Bud. 
 
 In 1876 Mr. Homrighausen married Miss Eliza- 
 beth, daughter of Philip Sauer, one of the pioneers 
 of Monroe County and a native of German3'. He 
 came to America in 183.3, at the age of twenty- 
 four, locating in Pennsylvania, and remaining 
 there until 1838. when he removed to Arkansas 
 and engaged in contract work. In 1839 he re- 
 moved to Monroe County, where he purchased 
 and improved two hundred and eighty-eight acres 
 of land, making his home thereon until his death. 
 His wife bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Sen- 
 sel and was a resident of Round Prairie. Thej' 
 became the parents of the following children: 
 Nicholas and William, who are millers, of Evans- 
 
 ville; Philip, a farmer of Randolph County; Mary, 
 deceased; Catherine, Mrs. August Slehfesl, now 
 deceased; M.igdalena, Mrs. John Bartlie, Jr.; Eliza- 
 beth, wife of our subject; and Sophia, wife of 
 Frank Homrighausen. 
 
 Our subject owns a valuable propertj^ in Red 
 Bud and a well improved farm of one hundred 
 and sixtv acres in Monroe Countj', which j'ields 
 to him a good income. He devotes his time to 
 looking after his interests and to his duties as No- 
 tarv Public. He held the office of Town Treasurer 
 in Prairie du Long for eight years and was nom- 
 inated on the Independent ticket for County 
 Clerk. He was one of the organizers of the Farm- 
 ers' Mutual Benefit Association of Monroe Coun- 
 ty and served as its President for several years. 
 He is a member and Trustee of the Protestant 
 Evangelical Church, and has lived an honorable, 
 upright life, which lias gained him the confidence 
 and good will of all witli whom he has been brought 
 in contact. He is numbered among the pioneer 
 settlers of this locality' and is well known in Ran- 
 dolph and adjoining counties. 
 
 ^^IMOTHY LIDDY was born in County 
 'rf^^ Limerick, Ireland, in 1809, and on emigrat- 
 ^^^ ing to America located in St. Louis, where 
 he was engaged in contracting and in grading 
 streets. In the winter of 1843-44, he came to 
 Randolph County, bringing with him his wife and 
 one child, and locating upon a farm of one hun- 
 dred and sixt}- acres, which he had purchased in 
 1842. In 1844 the country was almost flooded, 
 the water reaching the highest mark ever known 
 in this community. 
 
 In 1842, Mr. Liddy was joined in wedlock with 
 Margaret McKenna, a native of Dublin, Ireland, 
 who came to America in 1834 with her mother 
 and brothers. One son, James, was born unto 
 them ere the3' left St. Louis, and on their farm 
 upon the prairie the famil3' circle was increased 
 by the birth of five children: Lizzie, who died at 
 the age of three 3'ears; Margaret; Katie, wife of
 
 312 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORt). 
 
 John "Wall, of Waterloo, now deceased; John, de- 
 ceased, and Daniel. 
 
 At the time of his death, Mr. Liddy owned 
 over eight hundred acres of valuable land, the 
 greater part of wiiich was situated in one body, 
 and all of which had been accumulated through 
 his own efforts; his industry, economy and good 
 management being the factors that won him his 
 well merited success. He owned besides this a 
 third interest in nine hundred acres in the Missis- 
 sippi Valley, near old Ft. Charter, all of which 
 is now owned by his son, Daniel. In 1865, Mr. 
 Liddy was stricken with paralysis, and from this 
 affliction died in 1872. He retained his faculties 
 up to the very last and transacted his own business. 
 His wife survived him about four years. They 
 were worthy people, and their many excellencies 
 of character gained them high regard. 
 
 John Liddy, the second son, resided on the old 
 homestead with his brother, Daniel, and they were 
 equal partners in the business until the death of 
 the former. He died from sunstroke in August, 
 1888. James, the eldest, disposed of his business 
 interests in Randolph County, and is now a resi- 
 dent of Perryville, Mo. 
 
 Daniel Liddy was born in Randolph County in 
 1853, and received a common-school and academic 
 education. On the death of the father, the two 
 brothers succeeded to the business, and since the 
 death of John, Daniel has carried on the business 
 alone. He has sold none of the propert3', but has 
 managed it all, and in his careful supervision has 
 displayed excellent business and executive abilit3^ 
 His sister 3'et owns an interest in the propertj'. 
 In the nine hundred acres, of which the father 
 owned a third interest, the other owners were 
 John and Daniel, and the property is now in the 
 possession of the latter. On this farm stands a 
 small village, which was esuablished by Mr. Liddj'. 
 Altogether he and his sister own about twelve 
 hundred acrres of fine land, which he manages and 
 superintends personally. They reside on the old 
 homestead in the house erected b^- their father be- 
 fore his death. 
 
 In their political views the members of the 
 familj' are Democrats, but before the war, Mr. 
 Lidd_v, Sr., was a strong opponent of slavery. He 
 
 and his wife were conscientious Catholics, and 
 reared their children in that faith. The name of 
 Lidd^' is inseparably connected with the agricult- 
 ural interests of this communit}', and in Daniel 
 Liddy the family has a worthy' representative. 
 
 ^ ESSE BANNISTER, a well known citizen of 
 I Randolph County, is descended from good 
 ^^ ' old Revolutionary stock, his paternal grand- 
 ^^f) father, Jesse Bannister, having aided in the 
 struggle for independence. After tlie war was 
 over he received a pension in recognition of his 
 services. He was born in 1754, and much of his 
 life was passed in Vermont. He was a son of 
 Thomas Bannister, and his grandfather was Joseph 
 Bannister, one of three brothers, who came from 
 England to America in 1660 and settled in Massa- 
 chusetts. 
 
 The father of our subject, Oliver Bannister, was 
 born in Worcester, Mass., in Julj-, 1794, and when 
 a young man of twentj--one went to New York. 
 There he engaged in the manufacture of cloth 
 until 1829, when he came west to Illinois, settling 
 in Randolph County, where he also operated a 
 carding machine and manufactured cloth. Later 
 he removed to Eden, where his death occurred. 
 By occupation he was a weaver and dj'er, and 
 after coming west he followed farming in addition 
 to other enterprises. At one time he owned four- 
 teen hundred acres of land, but lost much of this 
 in an unfortunate investment. He was a man of 
 good habits and lived an upright, honorable life. 
 In politics he was first a Whig and afterward a 
 Republican. He belonged to the Reformed Pres- 
 byterian Church, and served as one of its Trustees. 
 His wife, who bore the maiden name of Eliza Paul- 
 hemns, was a native of New Jerse}-, and her father 
 was a native of Holland. Mr. and Mrs. Bannister 
 had a large familj', but only four grew to mature 
 years: Charlotte, who is deceased; Lj'dia, who died 
 leaving one son; Lucretia, wife of John Baird; and 
 Jesse. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was born in the Em- 
 pire State, and when two years of age was brought 
 by his parents to Illinois, wliere, amid the wild
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 313 
 
 scenes of frontier life, be was reared to manhood. 
 He remained under tlie parental roof until twent}'- 
 six years of age, when, in 18o3. he was married, 
 the lad}^ of his choice being Margaret, daughter of 
 Joshua and Margaret Smith. Her parents -were 
 natives of Ireland, and from that country emi- 
 grated to Canada and thence to Missouri. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Bannister became the parents of eleven chil- 
 dren: Ormsby, who is now living in Eden; Laura, 
 wife of C. Young, of this township; Olive, at home; 
 Mar}', the wife of Alfred Miller, of Kansas; Eliza- 
 beth and William T., both of Kansas; Irene, who 
 died at the age of ten; Joshua R., who died at the 
 age of twenty-two; U. S. Grant, at home; Charlotte, 
 who died at the age of one 3"ear; and AValdo, who 
 completes the family. 
 
 Mr. Bannister began farming in his own interest 
 upon his marriage, purchasing sixty acres of land 
 at *10 per acre. From time to time he has extended 
 the boundaries of his farm until it now comprises 
 four hundred acres of good land, all of which is 
 under a high state of cultivation and well im- 
 proved. The place is neat and thrift^' in appear- 
 ance and gives evidence of the careful supervi- 
 sion of the owner. His time is largel}' taken up 
 by his business, but he devotes some attention to 
 public interests. For twentj' years he was a mem- 
 ber of the School Board and did eflfective service 
 for the cause of education. He is now serving as 
 Township Trustee. In politics he is a Republican. 
 His wife is a member of the Reformed Presbyterian 
 Church. 
 
 PREDERICK GUKER was born near Stras- 
 : burg, in Alsace-Lorraine, in 1808, and at 
 the age of nineteen crossed the Atlantic to 
 America. At the early age of eight, he was thrown 
 upon his own resources, and for seven j'ears worked 
 in a mill. He then served a three years' appren- 
 ticeship to a baker, and a year later he determined 
 to seek a home and fortune beyond the Atlantic. 
 On the 4th of July, 1827, he landed in New York, 
 where for five j-ears he worked at his trade. He 
 then went to New Orleans, and for three jears was 
 employed in the oldest baker}' in the city. In 
 January, 1836, he went up the Mississippi to St. 
 
 Louis, and a month later entered the emploj' of 
 John McGinnis, of Kaskaskia, 111., as a baker. He 
 served one year, and then bought out his em- 
 plo3'er, carr^'ing on the business in his own inter- 
 est, in connection with which he also established a 
 hotel and liveiy business. These three enterprises 
 he conducted until 1858, but the high waters of 
 the winters of 1844, 1851 and 1858 completely 
 swept away all he had accumulated. 
 
 Mr. Guker then turned his attention to farming, 
 but in December, 1859, again went to New Or- 
 leans. He had married in 1835, in that city, the 
 lad}' of his choice being Margaret Medart, a native 
 of Germany, who came with her parents to this 
 country in 1832, locating in the Crescent City. 
 Twelve children were born to our subject and his 
 wife, eight of whom grew to mature years. Chris- 
 tina became the wife of Michael Case, and died 
 leaving two children, Louisa and William; Mrs. 
 Caroline Hendricks died leaving one son, August, 
 now of New Orleans; Louise is the wife of George 
 Hatters, of Algiers, La., and has three children, 
 Georgiana, Clara and Vivian; Fred D. is now liv- 
 ing in Red Bud; Margaret is the wife of John 
 Rail, of Red Bud Precinct, by whom she has nine 
 children; Sophia is the wife of James Ashton, a 
 conductor on the Southern Pacific Railroad in Al- 
 giers, La., and they have four children; Mary E. 
 is the wife of William H. Toy, of Omaha, Neb. 
 Daniel died in Red Bud, leaving five children, 
 who make their home in Randolph County. 
 
 In September, 1865, Frederick Guker came to 
 Red Bud, where he made his home until his death, 
 in April, 1875. In politics he was a stalwart sup- 
 j)orter of the Democratic party. Warm hearted 
 and generous, he gave libeially of his means to 
 various interests and enterprises, and no needy 
 one ever left his door empty-handed. He had the 
 high regard of all who knew him, and his death 
 was deeply mourned. 
 
 Fred D. Guker was born in Kaskaskia, 111., April 
 15, 1840, and in 1846 was taken to New Orleans, 
 where he lived with an aunt, Mrs. Christine Rivoil, 
 until 1854, when he returned home on a visit, 
 spending six months in this state. In 1855, he 
 again went to the Crescent City, but the following 
 year returned to Kaskaskia, and continued to live
 
 314 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 with his parents until 1859. lu that j'ear he again 
 went south, and from 1861 until April, 1862, was 
 in the Confederate army. He was taken prisoner 
 at that time, and on being paroled, went to New 
 Orleans. lie acquired a good education in Algiers, 
 La., and after coming to Red Bud, taught school 
 for about six years. 
 
 In 1873, Mr. Gukerwas united in marriage with 
 Miss Olive, daughter of William Briekey. She 
 died in January, 1876. and he afterward married 
 Miss Mary Gross, a native of Missouri. Ttiej' had 
 six children, five of whom are yet living: Reginald 
 E., Fred D., George G., Irene E. and Clarence A. 
 Edgar F. died in childhood. 
 
 Mr. Guker has been honored with election to 
 office. He has served as Town and City Clerk 
 since May, 1874, with the exception of one term, 
 and has held the office of Justice of the Peace for 
 sixteen consecutive years. He was Notary Public 
 for fifteen consecutive years, and has been Town 
 Treasurer since June, 1892. In all these offices he 
 has ever been found faithful and true, and the 
 promptness and fidelity with which he has dis- 
 charged his public duties have won him high com- 
 mendation. He votes with the Democratic part}'. 
 Socially, he is a member of the Masonic fraternity, 
 and the Odd Fellows' and Knights of Honor lodges, 
 in all of which organizations he has served as Sec- 
 retary. A man of sterling worth, he has many 
 friends throughout the couimunit}', and is held in 
 high esteem b^' all. 
 
 THOMAS II. BURNS. It is impossible in a 
 brief biographical sketch to render full jus- 
 tice to prominent men, and yet there are 
 some who are so iutimatei^- and clearly identified 
 with the countj^'s welfare, and whose names are so 
 familiar to all, that it is only right to dwell upon 
 what they have done and the influence of their 
 career upon others. To this class belongs Thomas 
 II. Burns, who is the present Trustee of township 5, 
 range 10, Randolph County. He is an active, 
 wide-awake fanner, who has won success in pur- 
 suing his favorite occupation. 
 
 Our subject's birth occurred in Monroe County, 
 
 this state, December 8, 1841. lie is the son of 
 James and Lucinda (Brewer) Burns, the former of 
 whom was born in Perry County, Mo., in 1808. 
 He was of Scotch-Irish descent, a farmer b\' occu- 
 pation, and departed this life in 1848 in Monroe 
 County, this state, where he had resided for a few 
 years. The mother of our subject is still living, at 
 the advanced age of eighty j-ears, and makes her 
 home in this county. Our subject and his brother, 
 Basil K., are the onlj' members living of the 
 parental family of eight children. The former re- 
 ceived a limited education in the common schools 
 of Randolph County, and after the decease of his 
 father, remained at home with his mother until 
 reaching his majority. 
 
 On the outbreak of the Civil War, Thomas H. 
 Burns joined the Union ranks, and became a mem- 
 ber of Company B, Fort3'-ninth Illinois Infantry, 
 which was commanded b}' his brother, James P. 
 At the battle of Ft. Donelson, in which our sub- 
 ject participated, his brother was killed. Thomas 
 H. was present at the siege of Corinth, and at the 
 battle of Pleasant Hill, La., and with his company 
 was detailed on the raid after Price. At the bat- 
 tle of Nashville, which followed, he was color 
 bearer, and in 1862, when at Henderson, Tenn., 
 was taken prisoner and sent to Columbia, that 
 state, whence he was paroled ten days later and 
 couve3'ed to Columbus, Ohio, where he was ex- 
 changed. During the last three ^years of his serv- 
 ice he was Corporal of his company, and although 
 in the war from the beginning to the close, he was 
 never wounded, but for a month was confined in 
 the hospital at White Station, Tenn., where he had 
 an attack of bilious fever. 
 
 After the establishment of peace, our subject re- 
 turned home to Randolph County, where he worked 
 out b}' the month for a year, and October 16, 1866, 
 was married to Miss Mary A. Hull. The two chil- 
 dren who have come to bless their home are 
 Henry E. and Sarah. Mrs. Burns is a faithful 
 member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, while 
 the mother of our subject is a Catholic in religion. 
 
 Mr. Burns has made this township his home 
 since 1876. He is truly a self-made man, and has 
 met with both friendship and financial success in 
 his journey through life. He owns two hundred
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 315 
 
 and forty-eight acres of well improved laud, and 
 his residence is located one and a-quarter miles 
 northeast of Brewersville. In politics he votes 
 with the Republican party, and cast his first bal- 
 lot for Abraham Lincoln. He takes an active in- 
 terest in public affairs, and is now filling the office 
 of Township Trustee. As might be expected, he is 
 a Grand Army man, being connected with >;ichol- 
 son Post No. 457, at Red Bud. 
 
 i^^m^^^mm 
 
 <« felLLIAAJ 
 V^ activeb 
 
 <^ j^ILLIAM P. McLaughlin, a wide-awake 
 man of Randolph County, is now 
 i^ely connected with the business in- 
 terests of Sparta, and conducts a large queensware 
 and grocery store, carrying a stock valued at 
 13,500. He is also the owner of a valuable estate 
 of three hundred acres, the greater portion of 
 which is under an admirable state of cultivation, 
 and which brings him a good income from its 
 rental. 
 
 Mathew McLaughlin, the father of our subject, 
 is 4 native of Ireland, and was born in County 
 Antrim in 1817. He crossed the Atlantic about 
 1833, and landing on American soil, made bis way 
 to this count3% where he purchased land on section 
 36, township 5, range 6. Here he conducted farm- 
 ing o|)erations, and was more than ordinarily suc- 
 cessful in his chosen calling. He was classed among 
 the wealthy agriculturists of his township. He 
 received such an education as was common to give 
 the youth of his day in Ireland, and departed this 
 life on the alx)ve farm in 1883. He was ever a 
 consistent Christian, and was a devoted member of 
 the Presbyterian Church. He was a prominent man 
 in politics and alwaj's cast his ballot for Repub- 
 lican candidates. 
 
 Michael and Jennie (Patton) McLaughlin, the 
 paternal grandparents of our subject, were also 
 natives of Ireland, where they were well-to-do 
 farmers. They emigrated to the United States in 
 company with their son alx)ut 1833. The maiden 
 name of our subject's mother was Martha Kell. 
 She was born in South Carolina, and accompanied 
 her parents, John and Nancy Kell, on their re- 
 moval to Randolph County. She died some time 
 
 in the '50s, after having become the mother of four 
 children, those beside our subject being John (de- 
 ceased), John, the second of that name (who is 
 also deceased), and Margaret, now the wife of 
 James C. Wilson, of this count}'. 
 
 A native of Randolph County, William P. Mc- 
 Laughlin was born Decembert' 12, 1846. He re- 
 mained at home with his parents until reaching 
 his majority, in the meantime attending the dis- 
 trict schools during the winter months, and work- 
 ing out on farms through the summer seasons. 
 When ready to establish a home of his own he was 
 married, in 1867, to Miss Eliza Jane Ward, and 
 the young couple immediately- located upon rented 
 property-, which he continued to operate for the 
 following four 3-ears. At the expiration of that 
 time, his father having died, our subject fell heir 
 to the old homestead, on which he made his home 
 until 1883, the date of his removal to Sparta. For 
 the succeeding five years, however, he gave his 
 personal attention to the management of the 
 home farm, but in 1888 rented the propertj' and 
 launched out in the grocery business. , He has a 
 well equipped establishment, and is prompt and 
 courteous in his dealings with customers, and as a 
 consequence is carrying on a very lucrative trade. 
 
 Mrs. Eliza J. McLaughlin was a native of this 
 county, and was the daughter of Josiah and Jane 
 (Caldwell) Ward, natives of South Carolina. She 
 became the mother of three children, and departed 
 this life on the 14th of April, 1875. She was 
 one of the leading members of the Presb^-terian 
 Church, and in all things maide her life accord with 
 the principles taught by that denomination. By 
 this marriage there were the following children: 
 Martha J.. Charles A. and Eliza J. The latter 
 died on the 8th of September, 1875. In the year 
 1876 our subject was united in marriage with 
 Miss Margaret, daughter of Alexander and Mar- 
 garet (Anderson) Russell, natives of Ireland. Mrs. 
 McLaughlin was born in this county, and b}- her 
 union with our subject has become the mother of 
 the following four children: Margaret E., William 
 L., Martin Henry and Ira G. Margaret E. de- 
 parted this life July 8, 1879. 
 
 Our subject is an official member of the United 
 Presbvterian Church, with which denomination his
 
 316 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 wife is also connected. He is a stanch Republican, 
 and as one of Sparta's most enterprising citizens, 
 has ahva^'s been identilied witli uiorements bene- 
 ficial to the communilN-. 
 
 'jfjOIIN R. McQuillan is the junior member 
 of the firm of Mudd & McQuillan, dealers 
 ^-^ in general merchandise at Red Bud. He 
 'f^f' was born on the old McQuillan homestead 
 in Monroe County, January 21, 1851, and is a son 
 of John McQuillan, Sr., whose sketch ap[)ears else- 
 where in tliis work. He was reared upon the old 
 farm and early began work in the fields. His 
 primary education was acquired in the district 
 schools of the neighborhood, and was completed 
 by study in the Mound City Commercial College 
 of St. Louis. 
 
 Having arrived at 3ears of niaturit}', Mr. Mc- 
 Quillan was united in marriage with Miss R. J. 
 Dinan, daughter of Timothy Dinan, one of the 
 early settlers of Monroe County. The lady was 
 born and reared in this county, and the marriage 
 of the young couple was celebrated in 1879. They 
 began their domestic life upon a farm and there 
 lived for a number of years, Mr. McQuillan devot- 
 ing his time and attention to the cultivation of 
 his land. Three children came to bless their 
 union, .John, Walter and Gus. 
 
 In 1888, Mr. Mcfjuillan left the farm and came 
 to Red Bud, forming a partnership with W. T. 
 Mudd, which still exists. For the past six years 
 they have carried on general merchandising, and 
 now have a fine store at the southwest corner of 
 Main and Market Streets. They began operations 
 on a small scale, but their trade has constantly in- 
 creased and they now have one of the largest 
 stores in the place. They carry a fine line of 
 goods, and by fair and honest dealing, earnest en- 
 deavors to please their customers and by courteous 
 treatment they have secured a very liberal patron- 
 age. The members of the firm are both men of 
 good business ability, enterprising and energetic, 
 and their success is well deserved. 
 
 Besides his store Mr. McQuillan owns a valuable 
 farm comprising two hundred and eighty acres of 
 
 rich land in Prairie du Long Township, Monroe 
 County. This tract is under a high state of culti- 
 vation and is well improved with all the acces- 
 sories and conveniences which go to make up a 
 model farm. 
 
 In his political affiliations, Mr. McQuillan is a 
 Republican and is a stanch advocate of party 
 principles. He has served as School Director of his 
 township, but has never been an office-seeker, pre- 
 ferring to devote his entire time and attention to 
 his business interests. He belongs to the Catholic 
 Knights of Illinois, of which he is now Treasurer. 
 He and his family are all members of the Roman' 
 Catholic Church. Their home is one of the fine 
 residences of Red Bud, and is the abode of hospi- 
 tality and good cheer. 
 
 ^^EORGE SAXENMEYER, manager of the 
 Ij I— : Saxenmeyer Lumber Companj', of Red Bud, 
 ^^J! and one of the progressive and enterprising 
 business men of this place, has here spent his en- 
 tire life. It is his native town. His father, George 
 M. Saxenmeyer, was born in Bavaria, Germany, 
 and in 1846, bidding adieu to home and friends, 
 sailed for the New World. He located in St. 
 Louis and was there united in marriage with Miss 
 Sophia Friesenberg, and unto them was born a 
 family of seven children: Theodore, Annie, 
 George, Ferdinand, Bertha, Herman and Sophia. 
 The father was a harness-maker by trade and fol- 
 lowed that business throughout his entire life. He 
 was called to his final rest in 1886. 
 
 George Saxenmeyer was born in 1857, and in 
 Randolph County, under the parental roof, grew 
 to manhood. The common schools of the neigh- 
 borhood afforded him his educational privileges, 
 and on starting out in life for himself he learned 
 the harness-maker's trade, beginning that business 
 in 1872. He devoted his time and energies to the 
 work for nineteen years and met with good success 
 in his undertakings. 
 
 In 1883 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Sax- 
 enmeyer and Miss WilhelminaC. Deterding. Their 
 union has been blessed with six children, five of 
 whom are still living, ihree sons and two daugh-
 

 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRArHICAL RECORD. 
 
 319 
 
 ters: F'rederick, Minnie, Theodore, Ilenrj- and 
 Tlieresa. Que daughter, Matilda, died in early 
 childhood. 
 
 Our subject continued to engage in harness- 
 making until 1891, when he disposed of his inter- 
 est in that business in order to embark in another 
 enterprise. He became one of the organizers of 
 what is now known as tlie Saxenmeyer Lumber 
 Company, and was made its manager, and was also 
 chosen .Secretary and Treasurer. Jn the two years 
 which have elapsed since its formation, he has suc- 
 ceeded in establishing an extensive trade and has 
 gained a high reputation for the excellent qualit}' 
 of lumber in which he deals. This is one of the 
 largest lumber concerns in southwestern Illinois, 
 and the success of the companj' is now an assured 
 fact, owing to the untiring labors and well di- 
 rected efforts of the manager. In his political 
 views Mr. Saxenmeyer is a Republican. He keeps 
 well informed on the issues of tiie day, but has 
 never been a politician in the sense of office-seek- 
 ing, preferring to devote his entire time to his bus- 
 iness. He may truly be called a self-made man, 
 and he is a citizen whom Red Bud could ill afford 
 to lose. 
 
 ' ^ ^ P 
 
 mEDEKICK PARROTT,oneof the wealthy 
 land-owners of Monroe Count}-, now liv- 
 ing on section 1, township 4,i'ange 9 west, 
 claims France as the land of his birth, which oc- 
 curred on the 7th of November, 1816. He is a 
 son of George and Ann (Eagle) Parrott, lioth of 
 whom were born and reared in France. The father 
 worked in a cotton factory in that country for 
 some time. In 1828, he determined to seek a 
 home and fortune in the United States, and with 
 his family came to this country. He first settled 
 in Stark County, Ohio, where he worked on a canal 
 and made his home until 1840. From that time 
 until his death he resided upon the farm which is 
 now the home of our subject. Mr. and INIrs. Par- 
 rott had a family of nine children, of whom four 
 are still living, namely: Frederick, George, Peter, 
 and Louis, a resident of St. Louis. 
 
 Our subject was only twelve years of age when 
 he accompanied his father on the emigration to 
 7 
 
 America. During his boyhood he lived in Stark 
 County and worked on a canal. When about 
 seventeen years of age he left home and began 
 working on steam boats on the Ohio and Missis- 
 sippi Rivers. In that wa}' the five succeeding 
 years of his life were passed, and when that period 
 had expired he came to Illinois with the deter- 
 mination of making his home in the west. About 
 1833 he entered a tract of eighty-nine acres in 
 Randolph County, upon which he settled. It was 
 still in its primitive condition, not a furrow hav- 
 ing been turned or an improvement made thereon. 
 He devoted some time to its cultivation, butafter- 
 ward returned to stearaboating, and the property 
 was not further develojied until his father settled 
 thereon in 1840. 
 
 In Canton, Ohio, on the 23d of September, 1847, 
 Mr. Parrott married Maria Vallat, daughter of 
 Francis Vallat, a native of France. The lady was 
 born iu that country November 3, 1822, and came 
 to the United States three years before her marriage. 
 The young couple began their domestic life in Ran- 
 dolph County, hut after a short time Mr. Parrott 
 sold his property there and came to Monroe 
 Count}', locating upon the farm which is still his 
 home. He has now resided in this community 
 longer than any other of its citizens, and is very 
 familiar with the history of the county's develop- 
 ment and upbuilding. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Parrott 
 were born nine children, of whom two sous and 
 three daughters are j'ct living: Virginia, who en- 
 tered St. Joseph's Convent in St. Louis, Mo., and 
 is now known as Sister M.; Elizabeth, who is Sis- 
 ter Superior in St. Joseph's Convent in Tucson, 
 Ariz.; J. H., who is engaged in the real-estate bus- 
 iness in Kansas City, Kan.; Frank, who aids iu the 
 operation of the home farm, Mary C, wife of Nel- 
 son Ziebold, who is engaged in the milling busi- 
 ness in Red Bud; and Emma Louisa, at home. 
 
 Mr. Parrott owns about fifteen hundred acres of 
 land and is one of the largest tax payers in tlie 
 county. His success in life has all been achieved 
 through bis own efforts, and is therefore well 
 merited.- From a humble position in life he has 
 worked his way upward to one of affluence. In 
 politics he is a stalwart Republican. His first 
 Presidential vote was cast for William Henry
 
 320 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Harrison, and his last for Benjamin Harrison, 
 the illustrious grandson of the Tippecanoe hero, 
 lie and his family are all members of the Catho- 
 lic Church. Their home is one of tlie finest coun- 
 try residences in Monroe County, and is the abode 
 of hospitality and good cheer. The members of 
 tiie liousehold are prominent people and rank high 
 in social circles. 
 
 '^- 
 
 =-f 
 
 ROF. J. H. GANS, of Red liud, who for 
 many years has been devoted to the work 
 of instruction, and is well known as an 
 educator, was born in Fayette County, 
 Pa., in the year 1831, and is a son of John and 
 Jaue (Holmes) Gans, who were also natives of the 
 Keystone Slate, the fatlier's birth having occurred 
 in Fayette County, while the mother was born in 
 Carlisle. Their family numbered seven children: 
 George, who was a prominent law3'er and served 
 as Judge of the Court at Eaton, Ohio, for nine 
 3'ears; Amanda, who died in childhood; Joseph, a 
 practicing attorney of Richmond, Ind.; J. II., of this 
 sketch; Harriet, who is the wife of Dr. Tuttle, of 
 Eaton, Ohio; David, wlio joined the boys in blue 
 of the Thirty-fifth Ohio Infantry, was made cap- 
 tain of his companj', and died in the service; and 
 Esther, wife of Capt. John R. Cook, a prominent 
 resident of Irontown, Ohio. The Judge was a 
 man of more than ordinary ability', who won a 
 prominent place in his profession. He wedded 
 Miss Maria Morris, a highly educated lady of Fay- 
 ette County, Pa. 
 
 In his youth Professor Gans attended the com- 
 mon and academical schools of his native coun- 
 ty, and in 1854 entered Washington College, of 
 Washington County, Pa. Previously, however, 
 he had engaged in teaching school in both Penn- 
 sylvania and Virginia. He was graduated from 
 Wasiiington College in 1858, and then resumed 
 teaching, and also took up the study of law at 
 Sullivan, Ind., where he was afterward admitted 
 to the Bar. Locating in Eaton, Ohio, he there 
 continued his law studies with his brother. Judge 
 Gans, and was admitted to practice before the Su- 
 
 preme Court of Columbus. Continuing his resi- 
 dence in Eaton, he in 1863 became chief clerk un- 
 der Captain Denny, in tlie Quartermaster's depart- 
 ment, in the Army of the Potomac, and when the 
 war closed he located in Logansport, Ind., where 
 he engaged in practicing law for about four years. 
 
 In October, 1865, Professor Gans married Mrs. 
 S. A. C. O'Brien, nee Colbiirn, a native of Boston, 
 Mass., and a daughter of Marcus and Catherine 
 (Hubbard) Colburn. Her father was a native of 
 Rindge, N. II., and was a son of Josiah Colburn, 
 wlio traced his ancestors back to the earl \- Puritans. 
 Members of the family fought in the Revolution- 
 ary War. The grandparents located in Boston, 
 where their son received a fine education. He be- 
 came a teacher of music, and was a leading mem- 
 ber of the Handel and Hayden Musical Society. 
 His family were also fine musicians. He located 
 in New York, where for tliirty-two years he taught 
 music in the city schools. He had a son, John, 
 who was a finely educated man, and one of tlie 
 first to leave New York for the gold fields of 
 California. The vessel on which he sailed was 
 wrecked, and he was picked up by an English ves- 
 sel and taken to Australia. He became connected 
 with a large commercial compan\% and located on 
 the Sandwich Islands. He there married, and at 
 his death, which occurred at the early age of thirty- 
 three, left a family of two sons and a daughter. 
 Mrs. Gans was the second of the Colburn famil3-. 
 Marcus died in childhood, and one died in in- 
 fancy. By a former husband, Mrs. Colburn had 
 one son, George C. Rexford, who succeede(j Mr. 
 Colburn as a teacher of music in the schools of 
 New York Citj-. He held that position twenty- 
 six years. He is a very fine singer, and an accom- 
 plished man. In his social relations, Mr. Rexford 
 is a Knight Templar. He has one son, George H., 
 who is a fine actor, and by his second wife he has 
 a daughter. The Colbiu'n family were all origin- 
 all}' Congregationalists. They were energetic, 
 liigh minded and noble people, who won positions 
 of prominence, and in the musical world especially 
 they were leaders. 
 
 Like the other members of her family, Mrs. Gans 
 was highly educated in music in Boston and New 
 York, and under Madame E. Seguin, she studied
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 321 
 
 Italian opera. She has taught music in the Po- 
 tapsco Female College, near Baltimore, Md., where 
 she had formerly been a pupil two years, was Prin- 
 cipal of the musical department of the Ontario 
 Female College of Canandaigua, N. Y., was Super- 
 intendent of the musical department of the Ohio 
 Female College at College Hill, Ohio, and after- 
 ward was emploj'ed as music teacher in the Pres- 
 byterian College, in which both male and female 
 students were received. It was there she met and 
 married Professor Gans. She afterward accepted 
 a position in the Methodist Female College of 
 Springfield, Ohio, and later engaged in teaching 
 with her husband in St. Louis. 
 
 By a former marriage, jMrs. Gans had two sons. 
 The elder, Oswin J. O'Brien, is connected with the 
 Riverside Printing Company of St. Louis, as fore- 
 man. He is married and has five children: Blanche, 
 Oswin, Mabel, Julia and Sybil. The other son, 
 Ignatius, died at the age of fourteen j-ears. 
 
 On leaving Logansport, Professor Gans went to 
 St. Louis, and for eight years was Principal of one 
 of the public schools of that city. He afterward 
 served as Superintendent and Principal of the 
 schools of Columbia, Jlonroe County, for five years, 
 and then came to Red Bud in 1883, where, with 
 the exception of one j'ear, he has been engaged in 
 teaching continuously since. After leaving St. 
 Louis, he was employed as a teacher in the Salem 
 Academy, at Salem, Ark., for about eighteen 
 months, and at Frederick, Mo., for one year. 
 While in California, in the winter of 1891-92, he 
 taught at Los Gatos, Santa Clara County. In Feb- 
 ruar\', 1892, his wife went to Honolulu, and the 
 Queen of the Sandwich Islands favored her with 
 a reception. While there she made a special studj' 
 of the natives of that country, their customs and 
 habits, and since her return has delivered a num- 
 ber of lectures concerning them. 
 
 In his political views, the Professor has been a 
 Republican since the organization of the party. 
 While in Arkansas, he was appointed County Su- 
 perintendent of Schools. In the fall of 1890, he 
 was the candidate for that office on the Republican 
 ticket in Randolph County. Socially, he is con- 
 nected with the Masonic fraternity and with the 
 Ancient Order of United Workmen. Both he and 
 
 his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. 
 Culture, education and more than ordinary abil- 
 ity have made them prominent people in literary 
 and social circles, and Professor Gans and his wife 
 are among the leading spirits in the circles of so- 
 ciety in Randolph County. 
 
 ■i--- 
 
 ^-f 
 
 ^^\ HARLES II. BOEDEKER, a lumber iner- 
 (l( ^ chant and dealer in agricultural imple- 
 ^^/ ments in Red Bud, came to this place in 
 1875 from Monroe County, 111., where his birth 
 occurred. He was born in 1854, and was the third 
 in order of birth in a family of five children, who 
 grew to mature years. The parents were Fred and 
 Christine Boedeker. 
 
 Our subject spent the days of boyhood and 
 youth upon his father's farm, attending the com- 
 mon schools through the winter season, while in 
 the summer months he aided in the labors of the 
 field. When he had arrived at man's estate he 
 bade adieu to home and friends and came to Red 
 Bud, where he at once embarked in the lumber 
 business in partnership with his brother Henry. 
 Together they carried on operations for about 
 eight years, when in the year 1883 Charles H. 
 Boedeker purchased his brother's interest and 
 has since carried on the trade under his own 
 name. He devotes his entire time and attention 
 to the business and is therefore a successful dealer. 
 He carries a good assortment of all kinds of lum- 
 ber, and by straightforward dealing and courteous 
 treatment of his customers he has secured a liberal 
 patronage. Since becoming sole proprietor of the 
 business he has also dealt in farm implements, 
 handling threshers, engines, binders, mowers, etc. 
 
 In 1875 Mr. Boedeker was united in marriage 
 with Miss Christiana Dann,a representative of one 
 of the early pioneer families of Monroe County, 
 111., and a cultured lady, who wins friends where- 
 ever she goes. Five children have been born of 
 their union, but two are now deceased. Those 
 yet living are Tillie, Ardine and Elsie. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Boedeker are widely known throughout this 
 community, where they have now resided for al-
 
 322 
 
 PORTRAIT A]S'D BlOGRArmCAL RECORD. 
 
 most twenty yeare, and in social circles they hold 
 an enviable position. 
 
 In politics Mr. Boedeker is inde|)endent, casting 
 his vote for the man whom he thinks best quali- 
 fied for the office, regardless of party affiliations. 
 In religious belief he and his wife are Lutherans. 
 Mr. Boedeker is recognized as a man of good busi- 
 ness abilitv, wide-awake and enterprising, and his 
 diligence, sagacit}' and well directed efforts have 
 brought him a deserved success. Tiie community 
 recognizes in him a valued citizen, for he ever 
 takes an active part in all that pertains to the 
 welfare of the community and the promotion of 
 its best interests. 
 
 3****^^ ♦*•{••!•= 
 
 ^AVID A. FOSTER, who is now living a 
 retired life, and is one of the pioneers of 
 Randolph County-, was in early 3'ears a 
 progressive farmer of township 4, range 5, 
 and rose to a prominent position in agricultural 
 affairs. His fine estate, located on section 31, he 
 has divided among his children, and is now living 
 retired from active work. 
 
 Robert Foster, the father of our subject, was a 
 native of Abigail District, S. C., where his birth 
 occurred Februarj- 13, 1785. Grandfather Samuel 
 Foster came from Ireland, and when a 3'Oiing man 
 located in the above place, where ho remained 
 until death. The mother of our subject, whose 
 maiden name was Susan McClinton, was also a 
 native of South Carolina, her birth occurring in 
 1793. Sh§ came to Illinois in compan3' with her 
 father, John McClinton. The latter was a native 
 of South Carolina, and after coming to Randolph 
 County, made his home in the old Irish settlement 
 near Preston. 
 
 The father of our subject rcnioved to this state 
 in 1807, and the following year married, and lo- 
 cated on what is now known as the John .Shuline 
 ])lace. When he took possession of the property 
 it was one unbroken stretcli of brush and timber, 
 but by means of inexhaustible energj' and good 
 business judgment he cleared the land and resided 
 upon it until his decease, February 12, 1821. His 
 good wife, who became the mother of nine chil- 
 
 dren, died in 1829. Of that large family only two 
 are now living: William, who makes his home in 
 Sparta Precinct, this county; and our subject. 
 The deceased are Samuel, John, James A., Parme- 
 lia, Elizabeth Jane, Nanc^', and one who died in 
 infancy. After the death of his lirst wife, the fa- 
 ther of our subject married Sarah Kell. 
 
 ()\ir subject was born January 13, 1822, on the 
 old homestead in this county-, where he attended 
 the pioneer subscription schools and was reared to 
 manhood. Having been doubly orphaned when 
 nine years of age, he made his home with his eld- 
 est brother until reaching his fourteen tii your, when 
 he began life on his own account. His lirst work 
 was in Sparta, where he was emploj'cd in a butcher 
 shop, receiving for his services ^1 per day. 
 
 !n 1844, David A. Foster married Miss Rebecca 
 M., daughter of Hugh C. and Nanc^" M. (Askins) 
 Gault, natives respectively of North Carolina and 
 Virginia. The}' were living in Tennessee at the 
 time of their marriage, and removed to Illinois in 
 1831, locating on section 18, townsliip 4, range 5, 
 Randolph County. After residing there for many 
 years they removed to Eden, where their dece.ose 
 occurred. Mrs. Foster was born January 17, 1823, 
 in Lincoln County, Tenn., and after her union with 
 our subject, moved into the little log house on 
 section 18, in which thej' continued to live until 
 1850. In that year Mr. Foster removed to section 
 31, where his wife's death occurred Februarj- 23, 
 1884. Had she lived three d.\ys longer she would 
 have completed the fortieth year of her wedded 
 life. 
 
 To our subject and his wife were born nine chil- 
 dren, seven of whom are living. The first death 
 in the faniil3' occurred -in 1880, when Miss Min- 
 erva, ayoung lad}' of nineteen years, departed this 
 life. Nancy, the wife of Hugh Clark, is also de- 
 ceased. Those living are, Robert, William S., 
 John C, Samuel McClinton, Mary E., Susan E. 
 and Ilaltie F. Our suliject's fine estate, which 
 comprised one hundred and twenty acres, has been 
 divided among his children, with whom he makes 
 his home. He is a devoted member of the United 
 Presbj'terian Church. He is President of the 
 Sparta Precinct Dei)artment of the Old Settlers' 
 Association, and has been a member of the Good
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPinCAL RECORD. 
 
 323 
 
 Templars' order for many years. lie takes an in- 
 terest in political affairs, and has always voted the 
 straight Republican ticket. He lias frequently 
 been a delegate to conventions, and May 4, 1863, 
 was one of three sent to represent Randolph Coun- 
 t3' in the State Union League held at Springfield. 
 
 
 
 ^^1 NDREW DOUGLAS. The name of Doug- 
 w£M las belongs to one of the most ancient 
 
 /// ii and powerful noble families of Scotland. 
 ^1 According to one tradition the family is 
 
 descended from one Theobald, to whom Arnold, 
 Abbot of Kelso, made a grant of land on the 
 Douglas, or Black AVater, in Lanarkshire, about 
 the middle of the twelfth centur\-. Another story 
 relates that their progeiiitf>r was an unknown 
 chief, who received as a reward for success in 
 battle, land in tlie same locality about 770 A. D. 
 The best historians, however, trace the recor(J 
 back no farther than to William D. Douglas, 1175 
 to 1213. From him in direct descent come the 
 men who have made the name of Douglas il- 
 lustrious. "The good Sir .Tames" fought with 
 Bruce at Bannockburn, and commanded a part of 
 the Scottish army. After tlie death of Bruce, he 
 was intrusted with the King's heart, which was to 
 be taken to the IIol}^ Land, but on the way thither 
 he was killed by the Saracens. The Douglases be- 
 came a powerful family, and in the fifteenth cen- 
 tury there was a proverb extant, "No man may 
 touch a Douglas nor a Douglas' man, for if he do he 
 is sure to come b3- the waur." The Angus branch 
 of the Douglas family became especially famous, 
 and to its members was granted the right to cast 
 the first vote in Parliament, to lead the vanguard 
 in battle and to bear the crown in public solemni- 
 ties. This last right was held by the family up to 
 the present century. On the field of battle and 
 in public service the Douglas family has. been 
 prominent, until the name is found on almost 
 every page of Scottish history. They became di- 
 vided into two branches, the Black and the Red 
 Douglases. 
 
 Andrew Douglas, of this sketch, was descended 
 from the latter, who followed peaceful avocations 
 
 more than the warrior's life. Springing up at a 
 wild and romantic period in early Scottish his- 
 tory, the line is descended through a succession of 
 powerful and warlike chiefs, who were connected 
 with every hard-fought battle of their countr}-. 
 The vitality- of the family has been maintained in 
 a wonderful degree. In later years its members 
 have become prominent in science, law and states- 
 manship, and man}' of its worthy representatives 
 are numbered among American people. 
 
 Mr. Douglas whose name heads this record was 
 born in Roxburglishire, Scotland, only five miles 
 from the English border. There occurred the 
 battle of Chevy Chase, between Earl Douglas and 
 Lord Percy. This is celebrated in an old English 
 ballad. The date of our subject's birth was July 
 Ifi, 1818, and his parents were James and Janet 
 (Lowrie) Douglas. He obtained his earl}- educa- 
 tion in the schools of the neighborhood, which he 
 attended until twelve years of age. The family 
 numbered three sons and three daughters. The 
 father was a farmer and miller. Andrew remained 
 at home until twenty-five years of age, when he 
 determined to seek a home in America. He was 
 then joined b}' other members of the family, and 
 in 1843 they landed in New York City. At once 
 they came to Randolph Count}', III., where an 
 uncle. Lot liouglas, had settled twelve years be- 
 fore. The family rented land for a time. 
 
 In January, 1848, Andrew Douglas wedded Eliza, 
 daughter of .lohii Craig, one of the early settlers 
 of this county. She was born in Paisley, Scot- 
 land, May 13, 180'.), and came to America in 1840. 
 The young couple began their domestic life upon a 
 farm which M^-. Douglas had previously purchased. 
 They became the parents of two sons and three 
 daughters: John, who married Eliza Towsley and 
 lives in this county; Eliza, wife of John Chaplin; 
 Andrew, who operates the old homestead; Sarah 
 J., who became the wife of Charles Livsey, who 
 died February 5, 1888, since which time she has 
 lived with her mother; and Beulah M., who mar- 
 ried Frank Labriere and lives near Chester. 
 
 In 1846 Mr. Douglas bought one hundred and 
 twenty acres of land and entered other tracts, 
 transforming the raw prairie into rich and fertile 
 fields. In the home farm were three hundred and
 
 324 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 
 
 sixty acres, and in all he owned eight hundred 
 acres of valuable land in Randolph Connt3". He 
 was a man of good business abilit.v, and industry 
 and enterprise were numbered among his chief 
 characteristics. lie inherited also some of the best 
 qualilios for wliicli the Douglas family was noted, 
 and throughout this communit}' he was regarded 
 as a man of sterling worth and strict integrity. 
 He passed away March 19, 1879. 
 
 \1L^ ENKY BOLLIXGER, of Steeleville, is rec- 
 lj)|i ognized as one of tlie leading business 
 i^y^^ men of tliat place, a man prominent in pub- 
 (^) lie affairs and in all that pertains to the 
 best interests of the community. Tiie record of 
 his life is as follows: He was born in Switzerland 
 September 1, 1833, and is a sou of Henrj' and An- 
 nie (Walter) Bollinger, wiio were also natives of 
 that country, and who there spent their entire 
 lives. Henry engaged in the grocery business and 
 was a successful merchant and business man. 
 
 Our subject attended the public schools of Switz- 
 erland until he had attjiined the age of fourteen, 
 when he left the school room to serve an appren- 
 ticeship in a watch case manufactory. He there 
 continued for a term of four j-ears, during which 
 time he thoroughly mastered the business. At 
 length he determined to seek a home bc3-ond the 
 Atlantic, hoping thereby to benefit his financial 
 condition. It was in 1853 that he crossed the 
 brinj' deep, landing at New Orleans, whence 
 he made his way northward to Chester, 111. As 
 his health was somewhat impaired and he did not 
 wish to engage in indoor labor, he worked at any 
 emploj-ment which he could find for six months, 
 and then went to Evansvilie,Ill., where he learned 
 the cooper's trade, following the same until 1858. 
 In that year, Mr. Bollinger returned on a visit 
 to his native land, and spent some time among the 
 friends of his childhood and the scenes of his 3'outii. 
 On his return he resumed work at the cooper's trade 
 in Evansville, where he continued until tlie break- 
 ing out of the late war, wlien, {)rompted by patriotic 
 impulses, he responded to the country's call for 
 troops, enlisting in Company B, Twentj'-fourth 
 
 Illinois Infantry. He was mustered in at Alton, 
 and was in active service for three j'ears. At the 
 battle of Chickamauga he received a gunshot 
 wound through the left leg and was confined to 
 the hospital for three months, after which he re- 
 joined his regiment. His old wound, however, 
 still troubles him. He was ever found at his post 
 of duty, faithful to the Old Flag and the cause it 
 represented, and when the war w.as over he was 
 honorably discharged, being mustered out at Chi- 
 cago. 
 
 Mr. Bollinger was married December 27. 1865, 
 to Amelia Giesemau, daughter of Heury and Sophia 
 Gieseman, who emigrated from Germany to Amer- 
 ica in an earlj' daj*. To our subject and his wife 
 have been born sis children, and the family yet re- 
 mains unbroken. They are, Herman, Annie, Albert 
 (a prominent attorney of Waterloo, III.), Heniy, 
 Edward and Oscar. 
 
 Mr. Bollinger is a member of Chester Lodge No. 
 57, I. O. O. F., and of the Grand Army post of 
 Steeleville. His wife belongs to the Lutheran 
 Church. In politics he has been a Republican 
 since attaining his majorit}'. On his return from 
 tlie war he resumed the coopering business in 
 Evansville, 111., where he continued until Januaiy 
 1, 1865, when he came to Steeleville, and here he 
 has since made his home. During the first year and 
 a-half he can led on coopering and then embarked 
 in the sale of malt liquors and in the hotel business. 
 He is still engaged in the former business, and is 
 recognized as one of the leading citizens and bus- 
 iness men of this place. 
 
 'jf'OSEPH M. ARNIN is a dealer in general 
 ■ merchandise at the southwest corner of 
 ^^ Main and Church Streets, Columbia. He 
 ^^!f/ has been part owner in this store since 
 1887, and has been sole proprietor for more than 
 three j'ears. He carries a fine line of goods, and 
 b}' fair and honest dealing and courteous treat- 
 ment of his patrons has secured a large trade. He 
 is ranked among the leading business men of the 
 city, and as such we present him to our readers. 
 Mr. Arnin was bom March 19, 1860. His fa-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 325 
 
 ther, Johii Arnin, was a native of Baden, Germany, 
 and in 1855 he crossed the Atlantic to the New 
 World. He located lirst in St. Louis, but after a 
 short time came to Columbia, where he was em- 
 ployed as a farm hand. A year later he secured a 
 situation as engineer in a mill, and filled that po- 
 sition for the long period of a quarter of a cen- 
 turj', or until his retirement from active business 
 life in 1890. He was married in Columbia to Miss 
 Annie Harm.aceii, daughter of George Ilarmacek, 
 who was born in Bohemia, Prussia, and on coming 
 to this countr}', in 1847, settled in Cairo, 111., whence 
 he came to this place. He was a stone mason. 
 Unto Mr. and Mre. Arnin were born four children, 
 of whom two are living, Joseph M. and Louisa. 
 
 Our subject spent the d.a3-s of his bo^'hood and 
 youth in his parents' home, and in the public schools 
 acquired his education. When that was completed 
 he spent three years in clerking for J. P. Ebel. 
 On the expiration of that period he went to St. 
 Louis, where he was empld_ved as a salesman by 
 Otto Kerner, a dr^'-goods merchant on Broad- 
 way. He afterward clerked for William Neuen, 
 and then returned to Columbia. For ten j'ears 
 he was a salesman in the employ of Reid & 
 Scheuler. When the junior partner died, Mr. 
 Arnin purchased an interest in the business, which 
 was conducted under the firm name of Reid vfe Ar- 
 nin for three years, when our subject bought out 
 his partner and has since been sole proprietor. 
 
 In 1882, Mr. Arnin was joined in wedlock with 
 Miss Lizzie, daughter of Philip Cupferschmidt. a 
 baker of Columbia. The lad^' is a native of St. 
 Louis. Bj' their union they have live children: 
 John,' Bertha, Arthur, Harry and Olivia. The 
 family- is one well known in this community, and 
 its members hold an enviable position in social 
 circles. Mr. Arnin votes with the Republican 
 party, and is now serving as one of the Trustees 
 of Columbia. For the past eight years he has 
 been an efficient member of the Board of Educa- 
 tion. Sociall}', he is connected with the Ancient 
 Order of United Workmen, of which be is Treas- 
 urer, and is Senior Warden of the Masonic lodge 
 of this place. In 1892, Mr. Arnin erected the 
 large two-story building in which he now does 
 business. His store room is 28x90 feet, and he 
 
 also has a large wareroom. He was also one of 
 the originators of the electric light company. 
 An enterprising and progressive man, he has aided 
 materially in the upbuilding of the city and the 
 promotion of its best interests. He is numbered 
 among its leading business men, a place which is 
 well deserved, for he has worked his way upward 
 by merit, and his success is but the just reward of 
 his efforts. 
 
 ■ • — ^D i^P — • 
 
 ULIUS WELGE, a prosperous general agri- 
 culturist and successful stock-raiser, is resid- 
 ing upon one of the best farms in town- 
 ^_^ ship 7, range 6, Randolph Count}-. Like 
 manj^ of the best residents .of his section, he is a 
 native of Germany, and was born July 15, 1830. 
 He is the son of Hartwig and Christina (Meyer) 
 Welge, also natives of the Fatherland, where they 
 were farmers b}' occupation. 
 
 Julius, of this sketch, attended school in his 
 native land until reaching his fourteenth year, and 
 after leaving the school room he worked at various 
 trades, and finally decided to become a carpenter. 
 When reaching his majorit}', however, his plans 
 were frustrated, as he entered the German army and 
 served his country for three years as a soldier. At 
 the expiration of that time he made his way 
 to America, and finally coming to Chester, he 
 worked for nine years for the H. C. Cole Milling 
 Company. Later he was emplo3'ed for two years 
 by Thomas Holmes, who was also engaged in the 
 milling business, and in wliatever position he was 
 called upon to occupy he always gave the utmost 
 satisfaction. Mr. Wclge has been a verj^ hard 
 working man, and a few j'ears ago he purchased the 
 farm on section 16, where he is now living, and is 
 engaged as a general agriculturist. 
 
 In 1857 our subject and Miss Vena, daughter of 
 Burnhard and Dora (Segteg) Olendorf, were 
 united in marriage. The parents of Mrs. Welge 
 came to Randolph County in an earlj- day, and 
 were ranked among the best citizens in township 
 7, range 6. To- our subject and his wife were born 
 nine children, one of whom died in infancy. 
 Those living are, Ida, wife of William Vieregge; 
 Augusta, who married Adolph Welge; Otto, who
 
 326 
 
 POETRAIT AND BIOGRAPIHCAL RECORD. 
 
 married Mary Heitkamp; Lucetto, tlie wife of 
 Cliarles Hartenberger; Julhis, Dena, Signuin and 
 Charles, at home. Mr. Welge and famil3' are ac- 
 tive members of the Lutheran Church. In poli- 
 tics he is a Democrat, and in every enterprise to 
 which lie gives his support lie maintains a deep 
 and unwavering interest. Ihe patient industry- 
 and tireless perseverance of our subject have been 
 the marked characteristics of his life, and combined 
 with his natural ability have given him an impetus 
 upward, which will result in his assured financial 
 success. 
 
 [(S)^ ^Mih .(Sj 
 
 (®^" 
 
 ejf(^^^ 
 
 ^^EORGE B. COREY. Through the good 
 jll (=^ management of his farming affairs in gen- 
 ^:^l eral, the subject of this sketch has demon- 
 strated the fact that skdl and labor combined pro- 
 duce the best results. He is the owner of about 
 four hundred acres in Jackson County, and makes 
 his home on section 13, Somerset Township, where 
 lie has resided for many years. As an agriculturist 
 and business man, he stands liigli in the confidence 
 of the people, whose regard he has won by lionor- 
 able dealings and genial courtes}-. 
 
 The parents of our subject, Levi and Sarah 
 (Gross) Corey, were natives of Massachusetts, and 
 the latter, tradition saj-s, was a descendant of 
 French ancestors. Grandfather Gross assisted in 
 the construction of the American ship known as 
 "Ironsides." For several generations the Corey 
 family resided in Massachusetts, where they be- 
 came well and favorably known as patriotic and 
 loj'al citizens. Two of that name fought in the 
 Revolutionary War, one being killed at Bunker 
 Hill, where the other gallantly led his troops as 
 Captain. Another uncle of our subject, Asel Corey, 
 participated in the War of 1812. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was born in Worces- 
 ter County, Mass., August 10, 1831, and was reared 
 to manhood in the place of his birth. At the age 
 of sixteen he comn.euced to learn the drug busi- 
 ness, which he followed for several years. Edu- 
 cated in the common .and liisjfh schools, he hassup- 
 
 plemented the knowledge there obtained by ex- 
 tensive reading, and is now a well informed man, 
 posted upon all general topics of interest. In 
 1857 he came to Illinois, locating in .lackson Coun- 
 ty, and two jears later purchased his present farm, 
 then situated in the midst of a dense forest. Fort}- 
 acres had been partially cleared, and to the clear- 
 ing and cultivation of the remainder of the tract 
 lie gave his time for mauj- years. His first home 
 was a frame house containing two rooms, to which 
 he has since added until he now occupies a pleas- 
 ant and commodious residence. 
 
 August 1, 1862, the name of George B. Corey 
 w.as enrolled as a member of Company K, Seventy- 
 third Illinois Infantry, which became a pait of tht 
 Army of the Cumberland. With his regiment he 
 fought in numerous engagements, including those 
 of Perry ville and Stone River. At the latter place 
 he was severely- injured, and is now in receipt of a 
 pension of *12 per montli. At the close of the 
 war he was honorably disclmiged, June 30, 186.5, 
 and returning to Illinois, took np the pursuits of 
 peace. His career as a soldier was one of which he 
 ma}^ well be proud. Enlisting as a private, he af- 
 terward served as Fourth Sergeant of his company, 
 and for a time filled the position of Hospital Stew- 
 ard'at Jsashville, Tenn. He was instrumental in 
 the organization of Worthen Post No. 128, G. A. 
 R.. of which he was Commander for three years. 
 
 The lad\- who, Februaiy 28, 1801, became the 
 wife of George B. Corej' bore the maiden name of 
 Rebecca Friedlinc, and was born in Somerset Coun- 
 ty, Pa., April 22, 1842. Her parents, Daniel and 
 Rachel Friedline, natives of Penns^ivania, are now 
 deceased. To our subject and his wife there have 
 been born three children: Addie V., who is the 
 wife of G. II. Will, a resident of De Soto Town- 
 ship; Kate D., the wife of Frank G. Procunier, of 
 Chicago; and Sarah L. G. Mrs. Corey is identified 
 with the Lutheran Cluirch, and is a devoted Chris- 
 tian lady. 
 
 In politics a stanch advocate of Republican prin- 
 ciples, Mr. Corey has been elected on the ticket of 
 that part}- to numerous positions of influence and 
 honor. He served as Highway Commissioner and 
 Clerk of Somerset Township, and in 1890 filled 
 the position of United States Census Commissioner
 
 
 RESIDENCE or HARVEY N EVI LIE , CH ESTER , ILL.N015 
 
 ^i^V Tt^ rT'-. . ^ 
 
 "='"^'^3 ' 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 J.. 
 
 ^^'-l 
 
 
 iN 
 
 
 
 
 \ 
 
 
 rtAJ^-^i'^f^^^ 
 
 '^-.ttj»e»;.»^ii-t>.ii^ 
 
 RESIDENCE OF GEORGE B. GO R EY, 5EC' 12 &15 .,50MER 5 ET TP,JACK50N CO., I LL.
 
 PpRTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 329 
 
 of this township. As a citizen he gives his sup- 
 port to all measures for the benefit of the commu- 
 nit}', and is a inan who occupies a high place in 
 tlie regard of all who know him. 
 
 -.^.{.^.j..^.^.^.^- 
 
 and prominent business man of Chester, 
 
 ^J where he is residing at the present time. He 
 was born in Washington County, this state, .July 13, 
 1834, and is a son of Harvey and Aly (Haryman) 
 Neville, natives respectivelj' of Kentucky and 
 Tennessee. The mother was twelve xeai'S of age 
 when her parents removed to Washington County, 
 where she met and married Ilarvej' Neville. Her 
 death occurred in 1874. A man of patriotic spirit 
 and great courage, the elder Mr. Neville served as 
 a soldier in the Black Hawk War. He iield the rank 
 of First Lieutenant in the Mexican War, enlisting 
 in 1848. During the Civil War, though advanced 
 in J'ears, he went to the front with the bo^'s in 
 blue and rendered valiant service to the cause of 
 the Union as Captain of Company H, Twenty-sec- 
 ond Illinois Regiment. Returning to Kandolph 
 Count}', he remained here until his death, wliich 
 occurred in 1878, at the age of sevent3--four 3-eai-s. 
 
 On the paternal side our subject is of French 
 descent, while his inotlier's famil}- is of German 
 origin. He is one of six survivors of a large fam- 
 ily of children. He attended the common schools 
 of liis native county, and in 1851, after coming to 
 Chester, continued his studies in this city. Later 
 he entered JIcKendree College, and after a two 
 3-ears' course in that institution began life on his 
 own account by engaging in mechanical engin- 
 eering. 
 
 The lad}' whom our subject married August 7. 
 1857, was Miss Mary E., daughter of Robert Mann, 
 of this city. When establishing a home of his 
 own he made Chester his permanent abiding place, 
 and became owner of the steamer "Belle of Ches- 
 ter," a ferr}' boat plying between this place and 
 Clary ville. He owns the steamer "Nick Sauer," a 
 packet running from Chester up the Kaskaskia 
 River. 
 
 Of the seven children born to our subject and his 
 wife, five are now living, namel}": May Phonetta, 
 
 the wife of John D. Gerlach, whose sketch appears 
 on another page of this record; .Joseph T., Cap- 
 tain of the steamer "Nick Sauer;" Edith E., wife of 
 Benjamin L. Simpson, of Columbus, Ohio; .Jennie 
 A. and William AV.,at home. The wife and mother 
 died in 1890, at the age of fifty-nine 3'ears. In his 
 l)olitica! relations Mr. Neville is a strong Rei)ub- 
 lican and always casts his vote for the candidates of 
 that part}-. He is a member of Chester Lodge No. 
 72, A. F. & A. M., and is also identified with H. 
 G. Reynolds Chapter No. 84, R. A. M. In 1892 
 he erected a beautiful residence in Chester, where 
 he and his two youngest children entertain their 
 hosts of friouds. 
 
 ^■M-+*+4-5"H 
 
 \|, OHN BERNARD LONERGAN, an influen- 
 tial farmer of Ruma Precinct, Randolph 
 County, was born on a steamer on the Missis- 
 sippi River, May 29, 1835, when his parents, 
 Michael and Bridget (O'Rciley) Lonergan, were 
 going from Memphis, Tenn., to St. Louis. His 
 father was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, 
 and crossed the Atlantic when a boy. After spend- 
 ing some time in Canada, he came to the States 
 and made his home in Potlsvillc, Pa., and later in 
 Philadelphia. Subsequently he went to New Or- 
 leans, thence to St. Louis, and in 1836 came to 
 Randoli)h Couuty on a prospecting tour and pur- 
 chased land, on wliich it was his intention to lo- 
 cate the following spring. His death during that 
 winter, however, prevented the fruition of his 
 plans. Later, his widow, with the family, settled 
 on a farm in this county, and there resided until 
 her decease, in 1853. Three brothers of our sub- 
 ject's father accompanied him on his trip to Hli- 
 nois,and also located in this county, where one is a 
 cooi)er, another a shoemaker, and the third a gun- 
 smith and engineer. William Lonergan, an uncle 
 of our subject, w.as very wealthy, and died in St. 
 Louis when seventy-four years of age. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was one of three chil- 
 dren born to his parents, of whom his brother 
 William resides in Cairo, in this state, and Michael 
 is deceased. He was reared in this county, where 
 he received a limited education. At nineteen 
 years of age he went to Louisiana, Mo., and while
 
 330 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 there married Miss Jane Williams, the date of their 
 union being October 21, 1860. The following 
 year Mr. Lonergan returned to this county, where 
 his wife died in 1881. The five children of which 
 she became the mother were named, Bridget L., 
 Maggie, Sarah E., Cliristena and Laura E. 
 
 The lady whom our subject chose as his second 
 wife was Miss Eliza Blaiz. Slie is tlie daughter of 
 Expedient and Margaret A. Blaiz, and was born 
 August 15, 1847. Five cliildren were born of 
 this union, one of whom, Henrj', is deceased. 
 Those living are Julian, Aggie, Josephine and 
 Charles. An industrious man and a reliable citi- 
 zen, ]Mr. Lonergan is respected as he deserves by 
 his fellow-citizens. He has held many positions of 
 trust, has done efficient service as a member 
 of the School Board for nine years, and has also 
 been Road Supervisor for four terms. He held the 
 office of Justice of the Peace, and was Constable 
 for four years. In ])olitics he alwa3's votes with 
 the Democratic part}-, casting his first ballot for 
 Stephen A. Douglas. He is linown and respected 
 for the honest3^ and sincerity of his character, and 
 has been administrator for several valuable estates 
 in the countj-. He owns a farm of one hundred 
 and sixty acres in Monroe County, this state. 
 This property is occupied by tenants, and has been 
 improved by neat buildings and good fencing. 
 
 l/OHN M. SCIIROEDER. Perhaps no very 
 thrilling event has happened in the life of 
 tliis steady-going and reliable citizen, but 
 _ he is one of those who have assisted in es- 
 tablishing the financial prosperity of Jackson 
 County and upholding the standard of morality. 
 His life occupation has been that of a farmer, in 
 whicli he has been very successful, accumulating a 
 valuable properly and fortifying himself against 
 the days when he may wish to retire from active 
 labor. His homestead lies in the southern portion 
 of .Somerset Township, and with its well tilled 
 fields, substantial buildings and general air of 
 comfort, forjns an attractive picture in the land- 
 scape of that region. 
 
 A native of Prussia, the subject of this sketch 
 
 was born February 2, 1833, and is a son of Henry 
 and Elizabeth Schroeder, natives of Germany. At 
 the age of eight j'ears he was orphaned by his 
 mother's death, and three years afterward, in com- 
 [jany witii his father and the other members of the 
 family, iie emigrated to America, taking passage on 
 a sailing-vessel and arriving in New Orleans after a 
 tedious v03'age of about forty days. From that 
 city the family went north to St. Louis, and after 
 a short sojourn there, removed to St. Clair Count}^ 
 111., in 1844, settling near Belleville, when that 
 now nourishing cit}' was a small village. Soon 
 after locating there the father died. He is sur- 
 vived by tlie following children: Elizabeth, wife 
 of Michael Seifert,a residentof Pen-}' County, III.; 
 John M., of this sketch; Michael J., living in Du- 
 (juoin. III., and Adam, whose home is in .St. Clair 
 County, this state. 
 
 Owing to the death of his father, our subject was 
 in 3'outh thrown upon his own resources and was 
 obliged to be self-supporting. His educational ad- 
 vantages were therefore limited. For a time he at- 
 tended a subscription school in St. Clair C'ount3'. 
 Tlie schoolhouse was built of logs; slabs and planks 
 were utilized for seats, upon which the 3'outhful 
 seekers after knowledge passed the tedious hours. 
 When necessar3' to heat the room, a fire was built 
 in the large firepl.ace, and the smoke was coaxed 
 to ascend outward b3' means of a stick and mud 
 chimney, all not escaping in that way finding 
 ready access to the outer air throirgh the numerous 
 cracks in the walls. 
 
 Although his school facilities were so meagre, 
 3-et Mr. Schroeder there laid the foundation of 
 the love of learning that remains with him to the 
 present time, and b3' abundant and judiciousl3' 
 selected reading he has supplied the lack of a bet- 
 tereducation in liis 3'Outh. In 1853 he went to 
 California via New Orleans and the Isthmus of 
 Panama, and for two and one-half years engaged 
 in working in the gold mines of that state, meet- 
 ing with fair success. He returned home b3' prac- 
 tically the same route as he went, and resumed 
 farming operations in St. Clair Count3', where he 
 remained until 1887. That 3ear witnessed his ar- 
 rival in Jackson County and his location in Som- 
 erset Township. In 1891 he came to the farm
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 331 
 
 where he now resides. He is the owner of eighty 
 acres of valuable land, and his wife also owns an 
 eighty-acre tract. 
 
 The first marriage of Mr. Schroeder united him 
 with Looma Wildernian, who became the mother 
 of four children: Lulu, wife of M. Bollion; Maggie, 
 a teacher in the public schools of St. Clair Coun- 
 ty; .Joseph, living in Murphysboro, 111.; and Eliza- 
 beth, wife of H. Bost. The present wife of 
 Mr. Schroeder bore the maiden name of Alice 
 n. Wilderman, and their union has resulted in 
 the birth of one child, John. Since coming to 
 Jackson County, our subject has been active!}' 
 identified with Somerset Grange No. 370, and for 
 several years has served as Master of the lodge. 
 While residing in St. Clair County he served as 
 Master[lof St. Clair Lodge No. 24, A. F. &r A. M., 
 at Belleville, and is now identififed with the lodge 
 at Murphysboro. At the time of the laying of the 
 corner stone of the present state capitol at Spring- 
 field he was present, having been a delegate from 
 the Masonic order of St. Clair Count}'. In pol- 
 itics he is a stanch adherent of the Democratic 
 party. Having learned the trade of chair-m(jking 
 in that city, for several years he manufactured 
 chairs there, and at one time employed as high as 
 thirty laborers and mechanics in the business. 
 
 <XI '5"H"i"i"»-i"i'»-i"i"S' ^ -t"»'{"i"i"i"3"i'»*'H' !?C> 
 
 ,OBERT II. MANN. One of tlie most hon- 
 ored citizens of Chester is the gentleman 
 whose personal history is outlined in these 
 )^) columns, and who for many years has 
 been intimately associated with the progress of 
 Randolph County. He presents a marked type of 
 the energetic, patriotic and sturdy sons of the 
 great west — suaviter in modo, fortiter in re — with 
 whom the high sense of duty stands first in every 
 relation of life. Progressive in thought, and en- 
 dowed by nature with a strong character and de- 
 cision of purpose, he has achieved a success of 
 which he is worthy, and which is the deserved re- 
 ward of his energetic efforts. 
 
 Born in Randolph County, HI., August 26, 1833, 
 our subject is the son of Robert and Salina M. 
 (Balch) Mann, natives respectively of South Caro- 
 
 lina and Tennessee. His father came to this coun- 
 ty in 1817, and settled near Preston, where he en- 
 ergetically entered upon the task of clearing and 
 improving a farm, meeting with considerable suc- 
 cess in his labors as a tiller of the soil. In 1851 
 he settled in Chester, where he continued to live 
 in retirement until his death in 1878. 
 
 In his youth, tlie subject of this sketch was a 
 student in the private schools of Randolph County, 
 after which he conducted his studies in a Ger- 
 man school in this place. Entering upon his ac- 
 tive business career, he became a clerk in the em- 
 ploy of H. C. Cole <fe Co., with whom he remained 
 for six years. In 1857 he embarked in the real- 
 estate business, which he conducted successfully 
 until the outbreak of the Civil War. At the open; 
 ing of that conflict, he enlisted as a member of 
 Company I, Tenth iHinois Infantry, Col. James D. 
 Morgan commanding. In March, 1862, his regi- 
 ment was incorporated with the Army of the Mis- 
 sissippi, under General Pope. 
 
 Among the important engagements in which 
 Mr. Mann participated were those of New Madrid 
 and Island No. 10, after which he was ordered to 
 Arkansas, and from there proceeded to Pittsburg 
 Landing and Corinth, taking part in those mem- 
 orable battles. He afterward marched through 
 various parts of Mississippi, and going into camp 
 at Big Springs, remained there until July 20, 1862. 
 He was ordered thence to Tuscumbia, Ala., to guard 
 the line of the Memphis ife Charlestown Railroad, 
 where he remained until the latter part of Septem- 
 ber, 1862. Next he accompanied his regiment in- 
 to Tennessee, and in July, 1863, was ordered to 
 New Fosterville, on the N.ashville ik Chattanooga 
 Railroad, where he remained for one month after 
 the battle of Mission Ridge and the East Tennessee 
 campaign. 
 
 In JanuaiT, 1864, the regiment re-enlisted, and 
 then was given a thirty days' furlough, atQuincy, 
 III. Proceeding to the front, Mr. ]\Iann took part 
 in the Atlanta campaign and in the inarch to the 
 sea, and afterward was taken sick at Savannah. For 
 meritorious conduct he was promoted to the rank 
 of First Lieutenant. He was on staff duty the 
 greater part of his service, in which capacity he 
 was serving at the time of his discharge. His rec-
 
 332 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 ord as a soldier is cliaracteiized b_v tiie loftiest pa- 
 triotism and most unwavering courage, and is one 
 of which his friends may well be proud. 
 
 Returning to the pursuits of civi<!life,Mr. JIann 
 resumed his real-estate business, in which he has 
 since engaged. lie has considerable valuable prop- 
 erty in Chester and vicinity for sale, and is also 
 tlic agent for land owned b^' eastern parties. In 
 politics, he supports the Republican party. So- 
 cially, he is identified with Chester Lodge No. 57, 
 I. O. O. F., of whicli he is the oldest member, liav- 
 ing united witli the lodge May 10, 1855. lie is 
 also connected witli Randolph Encampment No. 
 55. As would be supposed, he is prominent in tlie 
 Grand Army of the Republic, and holds mem- 
 bership in Swaiiwick Post No. 212, of which he 
 has been Commander for some time. A man of 
 sound judgment, moved bj' honest purpose and 
 love for the general welfare of the people, he is 
 always found identified with the right, and as 
 migiit be expected, is popular with liis fellow-citi- 
 zens. 
 
 ^^(^ 
 
 IZEKIEL15ARBER. Randolph County fur- 
 nished its full (juota of noble men to the 
 I' — ^ rank and file of the Union armj-, among 
 whom our subject occui)ied an honorable place. 
 He is now one of the prominent business men of 
 Sparta, where he is engaged in the real-estate busi- 
 ness, and has been administrator for many valu- 
 able estates. Mis father. Ezekiel Barber, was born 
 November 22, 1802, in Marietta, Ohio, and was 
 onl}' two and a-half years old when he w.as brought 
 by his parents to this county, they settling in Ellis 
 Grove. 
 
 The father was a farmer by occupation, and bj' 
 tr.ade a millwright. He received an education such 
 as it was possible to procure in that earlj- day. His 
 death occurred four months prior to the birth of 
 our subject. He was the son of Alexander and 
 Nancy (Dennis) I'arber, natives respectively' of 
 Connecticut and Pennsylvania. The grandparents 
 were married in Ohio, and after coming to Illi- 
 nois, located in Randolph County. The^y had 
 started for Missouri, which was the home of Daniel 
 Boone, but being taken sick while en route, re- 
 
 turned to Kaskaskia, 111., where he died. He was 
 
 a Whig in politics, and served as Justice of the 
 Peace for over h.alf a ceiiturv, being appointed 
 by Governor Edwards in 1809, and filled the 
 oHice until 18G0. 
 
 The great-grandparents of our subject, Ezekiel 
 and Sour!inc3' Barber, were also natives of Connec- 
 ticut, whence tho\- later removed to Ohio, and 
 from there to Illinois, making their home at Eilis 
 Grove, this countj', until their death. The great- 
 grandfather was a stone-cutter b}- trade, and a 
 farmer by occupation, and served as a soldier in 
 the Revolutionary War, being present at the bat- 
 tle of Trenton. He was a member of the Presby- 
 terian Church. The Barber family, which is of 
 Scotch descent, was first represented in America 
 about 1700. 
 
 Mrs. Jennie (Murphy) Barber, the mother of our 
 subject, was born in North Carolina in 1797. She 
 w.as a j-oung lad}- of eighteen years when she 
 came to tliis county, and w.as a daughter of John 
 Murphy, a native of Ireland, and a brick-layer 
 b}' trade, who, while a patriot in the Revolution- 
 ary War, participated in the battle of Kings Jloun- 
 ! tain. He and his wife defiarted this life in Perry 
 I Countj-, 111. The mother of our subject died in 
 j June, 1877, while a resident of Carroll County, 
 this state. 
 
 The parents of our subject were married in 
 1823, and reared a famil^^ of two children. Alex- 
 ander, formerly a resident of Grafton, this stale, 
 died in 1888. He married Miss Con wa}-,, and they 
 became the parents of eight children, four of whom 
 are living: Francis, Ida J., Horace G. and John. 
 Ezekiel, the second son, w.as born December 15, 
 1827, near Ellis Grove, this county. A year later 
 his mother went to live with Grandfather Barber, 
 with whom tliey continued to reside until August, 
 1831. Our subject was educated in the old log 
 schoolhouse of pioneer days, and when old enougli 
 worked in a grist and sawmill for his grandfather 
 m this county. In 1844 he went to Galena, and 
 after working in the lead mines of that place for 
 one and a-half 3'ears, he removed to Wisconsin. 
 After two years spent in that state, he returned 
 to the home of his grandfather, and worked for 
 his uncle, James Barber, in the saw mill for two
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 333 
 
 years. In 1850, having been seized with the gold 
 fever, he crossed the plains to California, where 
 he prospected for gold for two years, meeting with 
 fair success. At the expiration of that time he re- 
 turned home, and for a Iwelverooutli again worked 
 for his uncle in the mill. 
 
 In 1853 p;zekiel Baibcr niairitd IMisss Mary .1. 
 Frazer, who was born in 1831 in Indiana. .She was 
 the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Smith) Frazer, 
 natives of Pennsylvania and Bowling Green, Ky., 
 respectively. The father of Mrs. Barber was a 
 cabinet-maker b^- trade, in politics was a Whig, and 
 socially was a prominent Odd Fellow. He died at 
 Rockwood, 111., January 1, 1845. Mrs. Frazer de- 
 parted this life in New Albany, Ind., in Septem- 
 ber, 1847. To our subject and his wife were born 
 six children, of wlioni Bell, Charlie, Cora and Wil- 
 lie are deceased. Those livinj; are Nellie and Min- 
 nie, both highl}' educated young ladies and school 
 teachers. 
 
 The jear of his marriage Mr. Berber eiig.agcd in 
 the mercantile business at Rockwood, and after 
 disposing of his interests in that line, he became 
 keeper of a wood yard in the same place. He was 
 filling that position when, in 1864, he enlisted, 
 and was assigned to the Fiftieth Illinois Infantry. 
 This regiment then being with Sherman on the 
 march to the sea, he was temporarily with others 
 organized in the Fourth Battalion, in which he 
 participated in the battle of Nashville on the 15th 
 and 16tli of December, following Hood's retreating 
 army into Alabama. Returning to Nashville, he 
 was senttoNewbern, N. C, where he again was tem- 
 porarily assigned to the One Hundred and Twen- 
 ty-second New York Infantry, and participated in 
 the battle of Kingston, N. C, March 8, 9, 10 and 
 1 1, 18G5. He joined the Fiftieth Illinois Infantry, 
 March 25, 1865, and was discharged at Louisville, 
 Ky., July 13 of that year. 
 
 Returning from the army, our subject went to 
 Rockwood, and from theie to Missouri, it being 
 his intention to prospect in the lead mines in 
 Granb^^ Soon, however, he returned to Rock- 
 wood, and until 1888 was engaged in shipping 
 fruit, grain and cattle to St. Louis. At present he 
 is the proprietor of a fine farm located in town- 
 ship 8, range 6, besides having valuable town prop- 
 
 erty. He is also engaged in loaning money, and 
 is administrator for an estate worth $50,000. In 
 his political relations he is a strong Republican, 
 and is an influential member of Post No. 181, 
 G. A. R., at Sparta. Although not a member of 
 an J' denomination, he gives liberallj- of his means 
 to the support of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
 with which his wife is connected. 
 
 Alexander lochhead derives both 
 
 @/lJI pleasure and profit from the management 
 li of his estate, which is located on section 
 18, township 7, range 6, Randolph Coun- 
 ty. It bears a full line of improvements, and in 
 addition to the business of a general farmer, Mr. 
 Lochhead in 1891 began in the dairy business, and 
 he now has a paying route iu the cit^' of Chester. 
 He is a native of Glasgow, Scotland, the date of 
 his birth being November 27. 1839. 
 
 The father of our subject, who also bears tiie 
 name of Alexander, was reared to manhood in his 
 native laud, Scotland, where he was an engineer. 
 The lady to whom he was married, and who be- 
 came the mother of our subject, was Miss Christina 
 Flemming, also born in Glasgow, Scotland. In 
 the 3'ear 1840 the parents set sail for America, 
 when our subject was only a few months old, and 
 on arriving in the New World, the^' made their 
 wa}' directlj' to this county- and located on a farm 
 five miles from Chester. 
 
 For a number of years after coming here the 
 father of our subject lived on rented laud, and 
 continued to follow the occupation of a farmer 
 until 1846, when his decease occurred. The 
 mother of our subject was later married, her hus- 
 band being Amos Taggert, and she departed this 
 life iu 1875. Alexander of this sketch is a man 
 of limited education, but sound common sense 
 and accurate judgment, and in the pursuit of his 
 occupation of farming has become the owner of 
 valuable property. AVhen ft lad of fifteen years 
 he went to Chester and tiegan clerking in the 
 grocery store of George Rust, with whom he re- 
 mained for four years, and then returning to farm 
 life, has since devoted his time to cultivating the
 
 334 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 soil. He is engaged in general agriculture and 
 reaps annually an abundant harvest frona his 
 place, wliich thus makes excellent returns for the 
 time and labor which he has invested. 
 
 October 5, 1858, Alexander Lochliead was mar- 
 ried to Eliza E., daughter of Isaac and Annis 
 (Cochrane) Rust, natives of Maine. Their mar- 
 riage was blessed by the birth of nine children, 
 three of whom died in infanc3^ Those living are, 
 Melvin, who married Carolina Heitkanip, and is a 
 prosperous farmer near Chester; Albert R., who 
 married Elizabeth Conn, and is also engaged in 
 farming pursuits in this county; James; Christina, 
 Gilbert and Grace, who are at home. Our subject 
 and his wife are devoted members of the Method- 
 ist Church, and arc classed among the substantial 
 citizens of their township. Mr. Lochhead has al- 
 ways voted with the Republican party, has been 
 Road Commissioner and School Director of his 
 town, and with excellent judgment and keen per- 
 ception has materially' aided in the upward prog- 
 ress of the public schools. 
 
 /^) IIRI^TOPHER HACK, who is engaged in 
 [l(^l, farming in Vergennes, claims Mississippi 
 ^^^' as the state of his nativity. He was born 
 in Claiborne County, April 15, 1840, and is the 
 son of Christopher Hack, a native of Germany, 
 who when a small boy came with his parents to 
 America. He had one brother, who lived in New 
 Orleans. The mother of our subject died when 
 her son was very young. He left liome when 
 about ten years of age and began working on a 
 steamboat on the Mississippi River, being thus 
 employed until the beginning of the war, when he 
 came north to Cairo, making his home in that 
 place and in Mound Cit}' until 1862. 
 
 Mr. Hack th^n enlisted in the Union navy, and 
 was on board the "Monarch" during the greater 
 part of his service. He was also detailed for car- 
 penter work on the "Lancaster Ram," "Diana" 
 and "Queen of the AVest." He participated in 
 many naval engagements — the siege of Vicksburg, 
 the expedition to assist Siierman, went up the 
 Arkansas River to Arkansas Post, and landed with 
 
 the troops as volunteers at Greenville. In the 
 spring of 1864 he was discharged, but continued 
 to remain in Vicksburg until the following July, 
 when he returned to Jackson County. 
 
 Mr. Hack first located in De Soto, and then 
 came to Vergennes. He was married in Vicks- 
 burg, in 1860, to Miss Mary Westfall, who died 
 in the following year. On the 31st of May, 18C4, 
 in Vicksburg, he wedded Miss Nancy Westfall, a 
 sister of his first wife, and a daughter of David 
 and Elizabeth (Lyons) Westfall. Her parents were 
 both born and reared in Ohio, removing thence to 
 Mississippi. Her father enlisted in the I'nion army 
 and died in the service. They had the following 
 children: Leander, Adam, Melvina, Mary M., Fran- 
 ces and Nanc}". All are deceased except Fiances. 
 
 To Mr. and Mrs. Hack were born five children. 
 William and Minerva, twins, born Ma}' 30, 1866, 
 died in infancy; Alice, born July 15, 1869, is the 
 wife of William Mann; Henry C, born November 
 6, 1871, is the next younger; and Mary A., born 
 September 13, 1874, is now deceased. The mother 
 of this family passed awaj' January 31, 1876. and 
 on the 12th of December following Mr. Hack mar- 
 ried Mahala Law. The}' have one child, ililton 
 A., born September 22, 1885. Mrs. Hack died May 
 21, 1889, and on the 10th of April, 1890, our sub- 
 ject wedded Dollie Graer, widow of Benjamin 
 Graer. The}' have two children: Fannie, born 
 January 18, 189-1; and Charles B., July 22, 1893. 
 
 Mr. Hack has followed farming tliroughout the 
 greater part of his life, and for seven years has 
 carried on general merchandising in Vergennes. He 
 now owns two hundred and eighty acres of valuable 
 land, besides considerable property in the village, 
 and by well directed efforts, enterprise and in- 
 dustry has acquired a handsome competence. He 
 is a member of the United Brethren Church, in 
 which he serves as Trustee, and is also a member 
 of the building committee, which is now engaged 
 in the erection of a new house of worship. In 
 politics he is a Democrat, and has held the office 
 of Highway Commissioner and Township Treas- 
 urer. He has taken an active part in politics, but 
 has never been a narrow partisan. Socially, he is 
 connected with the Masonic fraternitj- and the 
 Odd Fellows' society, and is now Trustee of the
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 335 
 
 latter lodge. He possesses excellent business and 
 executive ability, and the prosperity which has 
 crowned liis efforts is but the just reward of his 
 labors. 
 
 ^ ^P • 
 
 eHRISTIAN BKARE, whose sketch now in- 
 vites attention, is one of the oldest resi- 
 dents in the state of Illinois. In the course 
 of his long life he has witnessed many clianges 
 and an immense amount of progress in tlie state, 
 and lias also accumulated a considerable fortune. 
 Longevit}' for some reasons and in some cases is 
 not a desirable thing, but it certainly gives a man 
 a vastamount of valuable experience, and gains him 
 a larger number of successes than can be accom- 
 plished in a shorter span of years. Mr. Beare is 
 one of the progressive farmers of township 6, 
 range 7, Randolph County, where he owns an ex- 
 cellent estate of four hundred and fifty acres. 
 
 Our subject's birth occurred near Berne, Switz- 
 erland, March 28, 1817, he being the third in or- 
 der of birth in a family of five children born to 
 Joseph and Gretta (Meyer) Beare. He emigrated 
 to America when nine years of age with his par- 
 ents, who first settled in Cleveland, Ohio, and later 
 went to Canton, the same state. Some time later 
 the family located on a farm near East St. Louis, 
 but remaining there only a year, came to Randolph 
 County and located on the farm which is now the 
 home of our subject. He obtained very little 
 schooling in his youth, but was naturally of a 
 studious turn of mind, and through his desire for 
 learning and eagerness to seize upon everything 
 to increase his store of knowledge, he acquired a 
 good idea of business. During his ^-ounger days 
 he aided his father in the care of the farm, and 
 energeticall3' shared the toils of seed-time and har- 
 vest. He gained a thoroughly practical knowledge 
 of the pursuit of agriculture, and was well fitted 
 at an early age to self reliantly begin the battle of 
 life. In 1843, when he was twenty-six years old, 
 our subject sold the first crop of wheat for himself, 
 and has continuously worked at his chosen pursuit 
 until he has won a goodly amount of this world's 
 goods. His productive farm lies one-half mile 
 west of Ellis Grove, where he does all his trading. 
 
 His father bad a family of five children, and came 
 to this country expecting to make a good home 
 for them. His efforts were not in vain, for they 
 are all comfortably situated in life, and the family 
 is one of the wealthiest in Hie county. 
 
 Mr. Beare was married Eebruary 9, 1843, to 
 Martha Lenherr, a daughter of Christian and Eliza- 
 beth (Kloepeustien) Lenherr. The parents cele- 
 brated their golden wedding February 9, 1893, 
 and were surrounded' b3' seven children and eigh- 
 teen grandchildren. They are enjoying their 
 remaining days in peace and comfort. To our 
 subject and his estimable wife has been born a 
 family of eight children, one of whom died in in- 
 fancy. John and Christian, are twins, and the 
 former married Lizzie Heckraan, who died in the 
 year 1883; the latter married Sophia Heckman. 
 Joseph married Sarah Hargis, and is a merchant 
 in Ellis Grove; Lizzie is the wife of Louis Wehr- 
 heim, and they are residents of Ellis Grove; 
 Henry married Emma Hargis,' and is also a mer- 
 chant in Ellis Grove; Isaac, who is the present 
 County Clerk of Randolph County, makes his liome 
 in Chester; and Mary is the wife of Joseph Heob, 
 who is a merchant in Ellis Grove. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Beare are consistent members of the Methodist 
 Church, and are highly esteemed by their many 
 friends and acquaintances. Mr. Beare is now in 
 his seventy-seventh year, and is hale and hearty. 
 In his political affiliations he is a Democrat, casting 
 his first vote for Van Buren. All of the children 
 are also advocates of Democracy, and rank high in 
 the esteem of their fellow-citizens. 
 
 I^OBERT HOUSTON, foreman of the Ran- 
 IWj dolph Mines, of Percy, and a highly re- 
 '4i\\\ spected citizen of the coniraunit}-, claims 
 ^^ Scotland as the land of his nativity. He 
 was born in June, 1841, and is the second child of 
 Robert and Agnes (Gray) Houston. His father 
 was a miner in Scotland, and lived in that coun- 
 try until 1853, when with his family he emigrated 
 to America, locating near Caseyville, Ky., where 
 he began working in the mines. In 1859, he came 
 to DuQuoin, where he spent most of his time en-
 
 336 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 gaged in miiiiiig until his death, which occurred 
 in July, 1888. Ilu won the high regard of all with 
 whom lie was brought in contact, and his loss was 
 deeply mourned. His widow is yet living near 
 ])u( Juoin. 
 
 Mr. Houston attended school in .Scotland dur- 
 ing his early years, but his educational privileges 
 were limited, for at the age of nine years he went 
 into the mines with his father, and was thus ein- 
 pIo\ed until coming to America in 18o4, when a 
 youth of thirteen. Here he at once resumed min- 
 ing, and has since followed that pursuit with the 
 exception of one 3'ear, wlicn he entered the employ 
 of a farmer, thinking that he might improve his 
 education thereby. He worked in the fields, and 
 for one term attended the district school, after 
 which he returned to the mines. At the age of 
 nineteen, he began working for himself, and was 
 employed as a miner until lie had attained his ma- 
 jority. 
 
 At that time, prompted by patriotic impulses, 
 Mr. Houston entered the service of his countiy, 
 enlisting at DuQuoin as Fife Major in tlie Highty- 
 (irst Illinois Infantry for three years. He was 
 with the regiment in all of its many engagements, 
 and when the war was over, he was mustered out 
 in Vicksburg, August 5, 1865, and received his 
 discharge in Chicago. 
 
 When the countr3- no longer needed his services, 
 Mr. Houston returned to DuQuoin to visit his 
 peopl, and then went to Mobile, Ala., where he 
 spent the two succeeding years of his life. In 
 1868, he returned to Sparta, and engaged in coal 
 mining until 1880, when he took charge of the 
 Rosborough Coal mines, being Superintendent of 
 the same for seven years. He then went to In- 
 diana, where he was emploj'cd for a few months, 
 but after a short time he returned to Illinois and 
 located in Percy, where he now serves as manager 
 of the Randolph mines. These mines turn out about 
 three hundred tons i)er day in the working season. 
 
 In 1875, Mr. Houston was united in marriage 
 with Miss Agnes Brown, daughter of James B. aud 
 Margaret (Grant) Brown, who were of Scotch de- 
 scent. By this union five children were born, as 
 follows: Maggie, widow of Andrew Moffat, who 
 resides with her father; Robert, Myrtle, and Eva 
 
 and James A., twins. All are now under the pa- 
 rental roof. Mr. and Mrs. Houston are members 
 of the Presbj'terian Church, and he is a member of 
 some civic societies, belonging to Mope Lodge No. 
 162, A. F. & A. M., of Sparta, the Royal Arch 
 Cliai)ter of Madisonville, Hopkins Countj', Ky.; 
 aud Sparta Post No. 181, G. A. R. In politics, he 
 is a supporter of Republican principles. He has 
 lived an honorable, upright life, devoted largely 
 to legitimate business interests, and is highly re- 
 spected \>y all who know him. 
 
 
 \T|01IX a. IIAIIN occupies an important place 
 in the farming community of township 7, 
 range 6, Randolph County, aud resides 
 upon the old homestead where he was borni 
 near Chester. His father. Christian Halm, was 
 born in "West Baden, Germany, where he was 
 reared to mature years on his father's farm, and 
 emigrated to America when a young man. He 
 was a tailor by trade, and after coming to Amer- 
 ica made his first location in Kaskaskia, this state, 
 where he began working at his trade. He was 
 the first German to make settlement in that place, 
 but only remained there two jears, when he came 
 to Chester and established himself in the tailoring 
 business, in which he was fairly successful for 
 four years. Christian Hahn then purchased land 
 near Chester and gave himself up to the work of 
 its cultivation, residing there until his death, 
 which occurred in 18C3. 
 
 Soon after coming to Illinois, and while mak- 
 ing, his home in Kaskaskia, the father of our sub- 
 ject was married to Miss Elizabeth Fortman, of 
 German parents, and their union was blessed by a 
 familv of ten children. John A., of this sketch, 
 who was the youngest in the famil}', was born 
 February 20, 1852. He enjoyed only limited op- 
 portunities for obtaining an education, aiding 
 his father in the care of his farm, thus gaining 
 a thoroughly practical knowledge of the pursuit 
 of agriculture. After his father's death, John re- 
 mained at home with his mother and carried on 
 the home place, which has since come into his pos- 
 session. His mother now makes her home with
 
 - d: ^^ 
 
 -h-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 339 
 
 him, and although having attained the advanced 
 
 age of eighty-seven years, isenjo^'ing good health, 
 and even- pleasant Sunday she may be seen walk- 
 ing to church. 
 
 May 12. 1874, .John A. Hahn and Miss Mary C, 
 daughter of Mathew and Adelia (Riker) Muerer, 
 were united in marriage. Mrs. Halin's parents 
 were natives of German}', but at the time of her 
 marriage were residing in Missouri. A family of 
 three children has come to bless the home of our 
 subject and his wife, Clara, Anna and .Joseph. 
 The}' are all being given good educations and are 
 students in the high school at Chester. In his re- 
 ligious belief, Mr. Hahn and his entire family are 
 devout Catholics. He is a strong Democrat in 
 politics, but has never held or aspired to political 
 office, preferring to devote his attention exclu- 
 sivel}' to his private affairs. 
 
 ON. J. F. TAYLOR, an attorney-at-law, who 
 111 is successfully engaged in legal practice in 
 Carbondale, is one of the prominent citi- 
 zens of southern Illinois. His father, .James 
 Taylor, was born in Columbus, Ind., in 1826, 
 and is a son of Aaron Ta^'lor, who was born in 
 Marietta, Ohio, in 1800, and came of an old Vir- 
 ginian family. The motlier of our subject bore 
 the maiden name of Catherine Formwalt. She 
 was born in Fayetteville, Tenn., in 1829, and was 
 a daughter of .Jacob Formwalt, who was born in 
 the same state and was of German descent. 
 
 The paternal grandfather emigrated to Illinois 
 in 1832, and settled in Golconcia, Pope County, 
 where he followed farming. There James was 
 reared and educated, and for some time he en- 
 gaged in teaching. The country found him among 
 its defenders during the late war. He was' a Ser- 
 geant of Compan}' K, One Hundred and Thirty- 
 sixth Illinois Infantry. When the regiment re- 
 turned, he was left in the south and was reported 
 dead, but six weeks later he reached home a physi- 
 cal wreck. His brother, Caleb M. Taylor, was 
 Colonel of a Louisiana regiment in the Confeder- 
 ate army. 
 
 The Formwalt famil}' came to Illinois in 1835 
 8 
 
 and settled in Pope County, where Mr. and Mrs. 
 Taylor were married. They now reside nearHarts- 
 ville. 111. They hold memliership with the Baptist 
 Church, in which the father served as Deacon for 
 forty years. In the family were nine children, six 
 of whom are yet living, namely: J. F., Spencer B., 
 Caleb M., Richard F., AVilliam F. S. and Priscilla L 
 
 Our subject, who was born January 4, 1849, in 
 Pope County, was reared on the home farm, and for 
 four terms was a student in the State Normal School 
 at Bloomington. He then served as Principal of the 
 public schools of Elizabethtown for two years, and 
 for two \-ears was Principal in Rosiclare, then a 
 prosperous mining town. Later he attended the 
 law school in Bloomington, Ind., and w.as admitted 
 to the Bar in the Supreme Court of Illinois in 
 June, 1876. In 1877 he was elected Judge of the 
 Count}' Court of Hardin County, and served for 
 five years, never having but one opinion reversed. 
 In 1886 he was elected to the State Legislature, and 
 served as a member of the judiciary and other im- 
 portant committees. Five years ago he came to 
 Carbondale, where he has since been successfully 
 engaged in law practice. 
 
 In 1874 Mr. Taylor married Elizabeth Hemphill, 
 a native of Polk County and a daughter of Squire 
 Davidson Hemphill, of North Carolina. His fa- 
 ther removed from that state to Polk County, 111., 
 in 1830. To Mr. and Mrs. Taylor were born four 
 sons: Oscar T., Otho Breeze, Clifton L. and Charles 
 Harold, all of whom are students in the Normal 
 Institute of Carbondale. The parents are members 
 of the Methodist Episcopal Church and take an 
 active part in its work. Mr. Taylor is a Mason, 
 and is now serving as Worshipful Master of She- 
 kinah Lodge No. 241, A. F. <t A. M., and as High 
 Priest of Reynolds Chapter No. 75, R. A. M. 
 
 As a stanch Democrat Mr. Taylor has always 
 taken a warm interest in political affairs, and has 
 served as Chairman of the Congressional Campaign 
 Committee of the Twenty-second District. He is 
 the author of the only bill which became a law in 
 this state, appropriating money for the aid of 
 L'nion soldiers who were disabled in the service. 
 By this act, ^2,000 were appropriated for the relief 
 of John B. Tucker, of Hardin County, a gallant 
 Union soldier, who enlisted at the call of Governor
 
 340 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Yates in 1861, and while in the service of his coun- 
 try lost both arms by tlie accidental discharge of 
 a cannon. At tiie time of entering the service he 
 was a citizen of Illinois and crossed the river into 
 Kentucky to enlist. The bill read as follows: 
 
 See. 1. Be it en.icted by the people of the state of 
 Illinois represented in Ceneral Assembly, that the 
 sum of $10,000 be and the same is hereby appropri- 
 ated out of the State Treasury to John B. Tucker, 
 of Hardin County, late a private soldier in the 
 Fifteenth Regiment of Kentucky Cavahj' in the 
 late w.ir, and afterward by re-enlistment in Com- 
 pany B, First Green River Batter}- of Kentucky 
 \'olunloers, in the service of the United States while 
 in line of duty in obedience to orders of his supe- 
 rior otlicers, who had both arms shot off by the ac- 
 cidental firing of a cannon. 
 
 Sec. 2. The Auditor of Public Accounts shall 
 draw his warrant on the treasury of the state of 
 Illinois for * 10,000, hereby appropriated in favor 
 of said John B. Tucker. The Treasurer shall pay 
 said sum of mone}' on presentation of said 
 warrant. 
 
 The bill was afterward changed to read ^2,000, 
 and was passed as amended. It was first referred 
 to a committee which reported unfavorably, but 
 Mr. Taylor prevailed upon the committee to give 
 him a rehearing and they then reported favorably. 
 The enemies of the bill had it referred to the Com- 
 mittee on Appropriations, which reported favorably. 
 The Chairman of the Judiciary Committee moved 
 to strike out the enacting clause ic the House of 
 Representatives, and it was then debated between 
 that gentleman and Mr. Taylor, who won. He 
 followed the bill into the Senate, went before the 
 different committees there, and advocated it until 
 it was enacted into law. He is a lawyer of acknowl- 
 edged ability, a power in the court room, and his 
 career, both public and private, has won him the 
 high regard of his associates. 
 
 (^ WILLIAM A. WOOD has been prospered 
 \/\/li *'"'^® ^^ came to this countrj', over forty 
 ^^ years ago, and has been a resident of Ran- 
 dolph County during that entire period, with the 
 exception of two 3'ears. While assisting in the 
 development of township 4, range 6, he has ac- 
 quired a comfortable property and is still actively 
 
 engaged in farming, owning two hundred and 
 sixty acres of laud on section 35, and as a stock 
 breeder has on his place thirty head of fine Jersey 
 cattle. 
 
 The father of our worthy subject, James Wood, 
 was a native of Ayrshire, Scotland, where his 
 mother, who prior to her marriage was Miss Jane 
 Ilumphrej', was also born. They both died many 
 years ago in their native land. The father was 
 a d3-er and shoemaker b^' trade, and besides 
 rearing a farail}- of thirteen children, he and his 
 good wife performed the part of parents to three 
 other children, one of whom is Hugh Wilson, Sr., 
 (whose sketch will be found elsewhere in this Rec- 
 ord). The parents were both members of the Es- 
 tablished Churcli of Scotland. 
 
 William Wood, of this sketch, who is also of 
 Scotch birth, was born in Ajrshire, Sei)tember 13, 
 1833, and received a good education in the com- 
 mon schools of his native land. He came to 
 America in the year 18.52, and passed two years in 
 Maryland and Kentucky. Then coming to Illi- 
 nois, he located on his present fine estate, which 
 was at that time in a wild condition, and at once 
 commenced the improvement of his farm, which is 
 now in all respects one of the most desirable in 
 the neighborhood. It is supplied with ample builil- 
 ings for every purpose, including a comfortable 
 dwelling, good barn, etc., and the machinery for 
 operating the farm is of the most modern style. 
 Mr. Wood is engaged in mixed farming, and is 
 particularly successful as a stock-grower, owning 
 thirt}- head of Jersey cattle, beside having eight 
 milch cows. 
 
 The marriage of our subject with Miss Susan, 
 daughter of John Rusk, was celebrated in 18r)3. 
 Mrs. Wood is a native of Scotland, where her birth 
 occurred June 13, 1830. Thej' are the parents of 
 two children, William A., Jr., and Mary. They 
 have also taken into their hearts and home four- 
 teen other children, among whom were Mary, 
 David, Lizzie and Belle Rusk, John Beard, Eliza 
 Rusk, Perry C. Fillis, James and William McGuf- 
 fey, James Wood, a'nd an infant who died. He and 
 his wife possess in an eminent degree those genial 
 social qualities that attracted friends, of whom 
 they have many, and their charming home is the
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 341 
 
 center of '..hat true hospitality that knows so well 
 how to welcome and speed the parting guest.l 
 
 When first locating here, Mr. Wood owned 
 eighty acres of land, but, being industrious and 
 possessed of marked foresight and sound judg- 
 ment, before long had accumulated two hun- 
 dred and &ixty acres, placing the entire amount 
 under imi)rovement. His farm was found to con- 
 tain a fine coal vein, which he opened up and 
 mined very successfully for about twenty years. 
 He has, however, given up this line of work and 
 deTotes himself entirclj- to farming. 
 
 Our subject is a member of the United Presby- 
 terian Church, and though called upon many 
 times to accept office, has always refused to do so. 
 He is a particularly healthy and robust man, and 
 in the past forty 3'ears has never "had occasion to 
 seek the advice of a phj'sician. He is a stanch 
 Re[)ublican in politics. Mr. Wood has given his 
 children a good education. His son is a graduate of 
 Monmouth (111.) College, and he also took a course 
 of study in the University of Michigan. In 1878 
 he went to Colorado, at the same time visiting Cali- 
 fornia, Washington, Arizona and Canada. When 
 a little over fourteen years of age the son entered 
 the Union army, serving through the entire war, 
 and was with General Sherman on his march to 
 the sea. 
 
 JT| AMES M. PILLERS, one of the native sons 
 l{ of Randolph County, has since 1886 en- 
 I! gaged in dealing in live stock in Steele- 
 s;^J^ ville, where he at present makes his home. 
 He is a man of good business abilit}-, energetic 
 and enterprising, and his well directed efforts have 
 won him a fair degree of success. The record of 
 his life is as follows: 
 
 Mr. PiUers was born March 2, 1854. and is the 
 eldest child of P. W. and .Jane M. (Wilson) Pillers, 
 both of whom were also natives of Randolph Coun- 
 ty, being representatives of pioneer families of this 
 community. Both the Pillers and Wilson families 
 originated in Ireland. The father of our subject 
 was a prosperous farmer of Randolph C'ount\-, and 
 followed agricultural pursuits until his death, 
 which occurred on the 7th of April, 1886, His 
 
 widow still survives him, and is yet living on the 
 old homestead. They were both worthj' and 
 highly respected citizens of this community, and 
 bore a prominent part in the work of u|ibuilrting 
 and development. 
 
 The subject of this sketch attended the district 
 schools of the neighborhood until twelve years of 
 age, after which his mother taught him at home 
 for a time. Later he spent the winter seasons in 
 the school room until eighteen years of age, while 
 through the summer months he aided in the labors 
 of the farm. At that time he entered the Sparta 
 High School, which he attended for eight and a- 
 half months, when he was quarantined for forty 
 days on account of small-pox near his home. He 
 then returned to the farm, where he worked for 
 some time, operating the old homestead in his own 
 interest. He successful!^- carried on agricultural 
 pursuits until 1878, in which year he removed to 
 Blair, 111., where he engaged in dealing in live 
 stock for eight years, when, in 1886, he came to 
 Steeleville, and has since engaged in the same line 
 of business. Inl893 he purchased a hotel here, 
 and is now the genial and jjopular landlord of the 
 Pillers House. 
 
 On the 14th of June, 1875, Mr. Pillers was 
 united in marriage with Miss Emma M. Garven, a 
 daughter of George and Eliza M. (Gordon) Gar- 
 ven. Her father's family was of Scotch lineage, 
 and her mother's of Irish origin. Mrs. Pillers is a 
 native of Randolph County, and is a member of 
 the Presbyterian Church. By their union were 
 born three children, George W., James M. and 
 Rose Gertrude, and the family circle yet remains 
 unbroken. The two sons are attending school. 
 
 Mr. Pillers is a member of Alma Lodge No. 497, 
 A. F. & A. M., of Steeleville, and three months af- 
 ter his initiation into the same he was elected to 
 office, and has since continued to serve in some 
 official position. He has held ever}- office except 
 that of Master, which he resolutely refused to ac- 
 cept. In politics he is a stalwart Republican, has 
 served as Village Trustee, and is now Police 
 Magistrate and a member of the School Board. 
 He is ever prompt and faithful in the discharge of 
 his public duties, thus proving a capable officer. 
 He lives a quiet unassuming life, but is admired
 
 342 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 and respected by all who know him for his many 
 excellencies of character and his sterling worth, 
 lie is indeed a wortliy representative of one of the 
 honored pioneer families of his native county. 
 The grandfather, .John Pillers, served in the Black 
 Hawk War as Major. 
 
 JOHN BOURCHIER carries on agricultural 
 pursuits on section 34, Carbondale Town- 
 ship, Jackson County, where he has a good 
 ,;j^ farm of two hundred and seventy-five acres 
 of rich land. Of this, one hundred acres are under 
 a high state of cultivation, and 3ield to him a 
 golden tribute in return for the care and labor he 
 bestows upon them. He also raises a good grade of 
 stock. The neat and thrift}- appearance of the 
 place indicates the owner to be a practical and 
 progressive farmer. 
 
 Mr. Bourchier was born in County Limerick, 
 Ireland, July 27, 1846, and is a son of Thomas 
 and Maria (Hincs) Bourchier, both of whom were 
 natives of the Emerald Isle, the former born in 
 1819, and the latter in 1820. The year 1849 wit- 
 nessed their emigration to America. Tiiey landed 
 at New Orleans and spent a 3'ear and a-half in 
 that city, after which they came to Jackson Coun- 
 ty. In his native land Mr. Bourchier had en- 
 gaged in the grocery and bakery business, and 
 after coming to America was eraplo3'ed as a sales- 
 man in a dry-goods store for a time. He knew 
 nothing about farming, but secured a tract of land 
 on which was a log cabin. His nearest neiglibor 
 was four miles distant, and it was eleven miles to 
 the nearest postoffiee. Practical experience made 
 him a good agriculturist, and in course of time 
 he developed a fine farm, on which he made his 
 home until his death. He served as School Di- 
 rector for the last twent}' j'ears of his life, and 
 was a prominent citizen. He and his wife were 
 members of the Catholic Church. His death oc- 
 curred September 15, 1881, and she passed aw.ay 
 on the 30th of November following. 
 
 Our subject was onlj' three years old when 
 brought bj' his parents to the New AVorld. He 
 was reared amid the wild scenes of frontier life, 
 
 and aided in the arduous task of developing a 
 new farm. He took charge of the old homestead 
 on the death of his parents, and it has since been 
 his property. 
 
 In 1872 Mr. Bourchier was united in marriage 
 with Miss Mary, daughter of George and Amanda 
 (McCulloni) Simmons, both of whom were natives 
 of Keutuckj', the former born in 1823, and tlie 
 latter in 1826. They were married in that state, 
 and thence emigrated to Illinois. Tlie father was 
 a soldier in the Mexican War. ilrs. Bourcliier 
 was born in Randolph Couutj', 111., on the 2d of 
 June, 1851, and acquired her education in the 
 schools of Chester and the Southern Illinois State 
 Normal Universitj'. She is a lady of culture and 
 refinement, and presides with grace over her hos- 
 pitable home. Unto our subject and his wife- 
 have been born six children: Thomas, Laura E., 
 Anna M., George, Clarence R. and Nellie. 
 
 ilr. Bourchier takes quite an interest in polit- 
 ical affairs, and b}^ his ballot supports the men 
 and measures of the Democracy. He has served 
 as School Director, and the cause of education re- 
 ceives his hearty support. He and his wife are 
 devout and consistent members of the Methodist 
 Episcopal Church, and also take an active interest 
 in the work of the Sunday- -school. The family is 
 one of prominence in this community and well 
 deserves representation in this volume. 
 
 
 JOSEPH WILLIS CALDWELL, who is suc- 
 cessfully engaged in farming in township 5, 
 range 6. Randolph Count}', has the honor 
 ^;j_,^ of being a native of this state. He was 
 born in Warren County in 1839. His grandpar- 
 ents, Joseph and Mary (Reed) Caldwell, were na- 
 tives of Ireland and Scotland, respectively, and on 
 emigrating to this country, located in Ohio, where 
 they were married. The former was a son of Sam- 
 uel Caldwell, who came to America in the "May- 
 flower." The family is noted for longevity. 
 
 The father of our subject, William Caldnell, w.<is 
 born in Coshocton County, Ohio, in 1807, and in 
 1818 went to Pittsburgh, and thence removed to 
 Indiana, where for two years he engaged in teach-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 343 
 
 ing school. On the expiration of that period he 
 went to Galena, III., where he engaged in teaching 
 in a log schoolhouse, and also worked in the lead 
 mines until the breaking out of the Black Hawk 
 War in 1832, when he entered the service. He 
 was wounded at Ash Grove, and was taken to Big 
 Mound, 111., where he remained for two months. 
 He then rejoined his company, and followed the 
 Indians to Oakwalks. 
 
 The troops there disbanded, and Mr. Caldwell 
 went to Warren County, where he married Jane 
 Orr, a native of Kilrain, Ireland. When a maiden 
 of seven 3'ears, Mrs. Caldwell became a resident of 1 
 Pittsburgh, Pa., and thence she came to Illinois in 
 1834. B}- their marriage, which was celebrated in 
 September, 1835, the3' became the parents of a large ' 
 family, of whom we note the following: .James A., I 
 who is a farmer living six miles north of Sparta, 1 
 married Lizzie Ilolworth, and they had ten chil- 
 dren, nine of whom are yet living; Alex M. died 
 in 1860; Joseph AV. is the next younger; Mary E. 
 is the widow of Charles A. Beattie, and lives in 
 Randolph Countj- with her two children; Martha 
 M. is the wife of William J. Dickey, b3' whom she 
 has five children; Elizabeth A. is the widow of 
 Thomas Crawford, of Coulterville, and had six 
 children, three of whom are living; William F., 
 who was married, was killed by the caving in of a 
 silver mine in New Mexico; Stephen A. died at 
 the age of nine years; and one child died in in- 
 fanc\'. 
 
 The father of this family' secured one hundred 
 and sixty acres by a land warrant in AVarren County, 
 entered a quarter-section, and also purchased one 
 hundred and sist_v acres. lie there made his home 
 until 1849, when he removed to Putnam Count^', 
 and after residing there for ten years, came to 
 Randolph Countj', in 1859. In the spring of 1864 
 he removed to the farm upon which our subject 
 now resides, making it his home until his death in 
 1884. For a number of j'ears he engaged in teach- 
 ing school, and was also a teacher of shorthand. 
 His extensive reading and excellent memory' made 
 him a well informed man. In politics he was fii-st 
 a Whig, and afterward a Republican, and for some 
 years he faithfully- served as Justice of the Peace. 
 He was a member of the Associate Reformed 
 
 Church, was one of the foundei-s of the Seceder 
 Church of Warren County, which he joined in 
 1828, and later became a member of the United 
 Presbyterian Church. In 1848 he was made one 
 of its Elders, and filled the position until his death. 
 He was trulj' one of nature's noblemen, and was 
 noted for his charity' and benevolence. His wife, 
 who was born November 6, 1808, is living with her 
 son, at the age of eightj'-five 3'ears. 
 
 Mr. Caldwell whose name heads this record re- 
 moved from his native count\- to Putnam County 
 in 1859, and thence came to Randolph Countj-, 
 where he has since made his home. He remained 
 with his parents until 1861, when, prompted by 
 patriotic impulses, he joined Compan3- II, of the 
 Twent3--second Illinois Regiment. He was three 
 times wounded at the battle of Chickamauga, and 
 was taken prisoner at Crawfish Springs, but was 
 afterward paroled and exchanged. When he se- 
 cured his release from southern imprisonment he 
 went home on a visit, but after two months re- 
 joined his regiment in Tennessee, and continued 
 in the service until honorablj' discharged in Spring- 
 field in 1864. For a year after being mustered 
 out he remained at home, and then purchased a 
 farm of one hundred acres, upon which he resided 
 for seven 3'ears, when in 1873 he removed to his 
 present farm. 
 
 In 1865, Mr. Caldwell married Miss Amanda J. 
 Ireland, a native of this count3', and a daughter 
 of Martin and Mary (Siiort) Ireland, natives of 
 Kentuck3'. from which state they came to Illinois 
 in 1836. Her father died in 1884, but her mother 
 is now living in Mill Creek. The famih' is of 
 Irish descent, and was founded in America in 
 Colonial days. Mr. Ireland was numbered among 
 the boys in blue of Compan3' H, Twentj'-second 
 Illinois Infantr3-. He enlisted in 1861, and served 
 until 1864. He was wounded at the battle of 
 Stone River and at Chickamauga. He had four 
 sons in the service: John aud William H. H. in 
 Company H, Twent3--second Illinois; Thomas in 
 Compan3- C, Thirtieth Illinois; and Peter in Com- 
 pany F, One Hundred and Fift3--fourth Illinois In- 
 fantrj-. John died in the hospital at Murfrees- 
 boro, Tenn. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell have reared two orphan
 
 344 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 children. At the age of fifteen months Nancy 
 Tash came to them, and remained with them until 
 her marriage to Sylvester Brown. Charles E. Ire- 
 land has found a home with them since the age of 
 six years. He is now a student in the Gem City 
 Business College of Quincj', 111. Our subject and 
 his wife are faitiiful and consistent members of 
 the Presbyterian Church of Sparta, in which he 
 has served as Elder for eight j'ears. They are 
 prominent in church and benevolent work, and 
 are ever found on the side of right. Mr. Caldwell 
 is a member of the Sparta Building and Loan As- 
 sociation and of the creamer^' company. As the 
 result of earnest effort and close application, he 
 has met with good success in business, and is now 
 the owner of a fine farm of eighty acres. In poli- 
 tics, he is a Republican, and is a charter member 
 of Sparta Post No. 181, G. A. R., in which he lias 
 held all the offices. 
 
 i^ 
 
 \Jl OHN A. C. FLOYD, who carries on general 
 farming on section 22, Carbondale Town- 
 ship, .Jackson Count}', was born March 27, 
 ^^^^ 1844, in the neighborhood of his present 
 home. His parents, Nathaniel W. and Nancj^ 
 (Bush) Floyd, were botlunatives of Kentucky, and 
 in that state their marriage was celebrated. About 
 1841 the\' came to Illinois, settling northwest of 
 Carbondale, and later removed to Rockwood, Ran- 
 dolph County, where the father carried on a wood- 
 yard. During the Civil War he was a member of 
 the Home Guards. He met his death by accident 
 about twenty years ago. His wife still survives 
 him, at the age of eighty, and makes her home 
 with our subject, who is the only survivor in a 
 family of eleven children. Mrs. Floyd is a mem- 
 ber of the Christian Church, and her husband was 
 one of its ministers for thirty years. In politics 
 he supported the Republican party. 
 
 Under the parental roof Jolin Floj'd was reared, 
 and in the schools of Rockwood he was educated. 
 Responding to the country's call for troops July 1, 
 1861, he became a member of Company A, Seventh 
 Illinois Infantry. He was the first man in Jackson 
 County to enlist in the Union army. With his regi- 
 
 ment he was sent to Irontou, and to Pilot Knob 
 after Jefferson Thompson. He then aided in build- 
 ing Ft. Holt, and afterward participated in the 
 battles of Ft. Henry and Ft. Donelson, and was 
 chased by the enemy to Clarksville. Subsequently. 
 Mr. Floyd was under fire at the battles of Nash- 
 ville, Sliiloh and Corinth, and after a thirty days' 
 furlough spent at home; he rejoined his regiment 
 at Corinth and then moved on to Pulaski. After 
 the battle of Tuscumbia, he went with the arm}- to 
 Florence, Ala. His brother, Armistead, was taken 
 prisoner, and died in Andersonville Prison. Only 
 four of the company escaped capture after a 
 hard run. This was followed by a battle against 
 General Hood's forces at Altoona Pass, where our 
 subject was wounded in the neck and in the left 
 shoulder. He was then sent to the hospital at 
 Rome, Ga., later to Chattanooga Hospital, thence 
 to Nashville, and on to EvansviUe, Iiid.. where he 
 was discharged May 8, 1865, after three years and 
 ten months of hard service, during which he 
 spent one year in the mounted infantiy. He was 
 always found at his post, faithful to his countr}' 
 and the Union cause. He now receives a pension 
 of 124 per month. 
 
 Mr. Floyd was married January 19, 1865, to 
 Eliza Boien, who was born in Jackson County, 
 September 22, 1841, and is a daughter of James 
 and Sarah (Wingett) Boren. the former a native 
 of Tennessee, and the latter of South Carolina. 
 Her parents were married and came to Illinois in 
 1829, locatingon section 26, Carbondale Township, 
 being among the first settlers of the community. 
 His death occurred at the age of eightj'-foui-, and 
 his wife passed away at the age of seventj-two. 
 To Mr. and Mrs. Floyd were born four children, of 
 whom two are yet living: Alfred T., who married 
 Elizabeth Timpner, 'o\- whom he has one child; 
 and Sarah L. They are also rearing three orphan 
 children. 
 
 Upon his marriage, Mr. Floyd located in The 
 Glades, and after two years located upon a fruit 
 farm, where he also spent two years. He then 
 bought the old homestead of seventy-nine acres, 
 on which he has since made his home. His land 
 is under a high state of cultivation and well im- 
 jiroved, and the owner is regarded as one of the
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 
 
 345 
 
 representative agriculturists of the community. 
 
 He takes an active interest in politics, and is a 
 warm advocate of Republican principles. He be- 
 longs to the Grand Army post, and has served as 
 Officer of the Day for three terms. He and his 
 wife and botli children are meml^ers of the Chris- 
 tian Church, and are people of generous and be- 
 nevolent im|)ulses, highl}' respected by all. 
 
 [(s). ^mMp... ,@j 
 
 (^ '®f^i^~ "^ 
 
 j^^ AMUEL W. MARSHALL, M. D., is one of 
 *^^^ the foremost members of the medical pro- 
 |(l/jl) fession of Sparta, as well as one of its 
 most progressive and valued citizens. His 
 grandfather, James Marsliall, was a native of Ire- 
 land, and in 1795 founded the family in America. 
 He settled in the Eairfield District of South Caro- 
 lina, and there successfully engaged in teaching, 
 and also served as Justice of the Peace. 
 
 The father of the Doctor, Robert W. Marshall, 
 was born in South Carolina in 1799, and removed 
 thence to Randolph County, 111., in 1836. lie lo- 
 cated four miles north of Sparta, and there made 
 his home until his death, which occurred March 4, 
 1871. He was educated by private instructors, and 
 was a classical scholar. At the age of thirty he 
 entered the Charleston Medical College, from 
 which he was graduated in 1834. He then began 
 practice, which he continued throughout his life. 
 He was a man of recognized ability as a surgeon 
 and stood at the head of the profession in this part 
 of the state. In politics he was a Republican. In 
 religion he was a member of the Koformed Pres- 
 byterian Church, in which he served as Elder. He 
 was a charitable, noble man, and had no enemies, 
 for all who came in contact with him recognized 
 his goodness and were his friends. 
 
 In 1834 Robert W. Marshall married Susanna, 
 daughter of James Arnett, and a native of South 
 Carolina. She was also a member of the Reformed 
 Presbyterian Church,, and her death occurred in 
 1852. The family numbered eight children: Elea- 
 nore, who died in South Carolina; William T., 
 who died about 1873; Ellen C, wife of William 
 
 MeClinton, of Sparta; Samuel W.; Sarah Jane, 
 
 who died at the age of six 3^ears; Sarah, who be- 
 came the wife of W. J. Porch, of Randolph County, 
 and died in the fall of 1876, leaving two children, 
 Eliza and William; Henrietta, and Charles F., who 
 was educated in the St. Louis Medical College, and 
 was practicing in Baldwin, 111., at the time of his 
 death. He married Hattie C. Kenned}'. 
 
 The birth of Dr. Marshall occuned in Randolph 
 County in 1840. He remained with his parents 
 upon the farm until 1864, although in the mean- 
 time he attended Union Academy. In 1860 he 
 commenced the study of medicine with his father, 
 and in 1862 began a course of lectures in the St. 
 Louis Medical College, from which he was gradu- 
 ated in 1864. He then located in Sparta, but the 
 following fall was appointed assistant surgeon of 
 the Eighty-fourth Illinois Infantiy, under Dr. Kile. 
 As his superior was at brigade headquarters. Dr. 
 Marshall was the onl}' surgeon with the regiment. 
 After six months' service he returned to Sparta, 
 where he has since engaged in practice. 
 
 In 1866 was celebrated the marriage of the Doc- 
 tor and Miss Marcella Eiker, a native of Pennsyl- 
 vania, who came to this place with her parents, 
 Samuel and Elizabeth (Hoover) Eiker. Her par- 
 ents were both born in the Ke3Stone Slate, and 
 are now deceased. While the Doctor and his wife 
 have no children of their own, they have reared 
 three orphan children. Alice was educated in 
 Monmouth ■College, and is the wife of C. C. French, 
 pastor of the United Presb3terian Church of 
 Greenwich, N. Y.; Frank E. received a commercial 
 education, and is now book-keeper in the Carothe' 
 Plow Works; Finley C. is book-keeper for the 
 Keys Commission Company, at llie National Stock 
 Yards at East St. Louis. 
 
 Dr. Marshall votes with the Republican part}'. 
 He has been a member of the School Board for fif- 
 teen years, and for about five years was its Presi- 
 dent. Socially he is connected with the Grand 
 Army of the Republic, is a member of the Ameri- 
 can Medical Association, and belongs to the South- 
 ern Illinois Medical Association, of which he has 
 served both as Vice-President and President. He 
 and his wife hold membership with the United 
 Presbyterian Church, in which he has held the of-
 
 U6 
 
 iPORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 fice of Elder for fifteen years. They are earnest 
 workers in its interest, doing much for its ad- 
 vancement and upbuilding. 
 
 
 ^]0I1N LICKISS. England has contributed 
 to the United Slates many estimable citi- 
 zens, but she has contributed none more 
 worthy of success than the subject of this 
 sketch, who for j^ears has been prominently iden- 
 tified with the growth and development of Ran- 
 dolph County. For some time he engaged in farm- 
 ing in township 6, range 5, but in August, 1893, 
 disposed of his estate and purchased property in 
 Steeleville, where he is now living. 
 
 Our subject was born in Yorkshire, England, 
 November 5, 1836, and is the third in the family 
 of Captain John and Mary A. (Scott) Lickiss. His 
 father, who was also a native of England, followed 
 a sea-faring life for forty years, but in April, 
 1865, he brought his family to America and lo- 
 cated upon land near Steeleville, 111. There he 
 continued to reside until his death, which occurred 
 July 18, 1888. His widow is still (1894) living, 
 and although eighty-three years of age, is vigorous 
 and strong; she makes her home with our subject. 
 
 Having attended school until fifteen years of 
 age, our subject then entered a merchant's office, 
 where he completed his business education. He 
 remained in that office as clerk until his father 
 concluded to come to America, when he joined 
 the family, and crossing the ocean located in Ran- 
 dolph County. For a few years he assisted his 
 father in the cultivation of the home farm, after 
 which he came to Steeleville and entered the em- 
 ploy of the firm of Lickiss <fe Son, his uncle and 
 cousin, for whom he clerked three years. He then 
 went to Chester and accepted a position, as book- 
 keeper for John F. Schuchert, with whom he re- 
 mained for three years. 
 
 Returning to Steeleville, Mr. Lickiss embarked 
 in the mercantile business, which he conducted for 
 three years. He then disposed of the stock and 
 accepted a position with H. C. Cole & Co., in 
 whose employ he worked for twelve years. Owing 
 to failing health he resigned that position, and lo- 
 
 cating upon his farm near Steeleville, superin- 
 tended the management of the estate until August, 
 1893. As above stated, he now makes his home 
 in Steeleville. In politics he is a Democrat and 
 never fails to cast his ballot for the nominees of 
 that party. Socially he affiliates with Chester 
 Lodge No. 57, I. O. O. F., and has been the in- 
 cumbent of the various chairs in the lodge, which 
 he has also represented in the Grand Lodge. 
 
 In 1858 Mr. Lickiss married Miss Sarah F., 
 daughter of Staple and Sarah (Doty) Malone, na- 
 tives of South Carolina, who came to Illinois in an 
 early day. Mrs. Lickiss was born in Randolph 
 County, 111., and by her marriage has become the 
 mother of eleven children, eight of whom are de- 
 ceased. Those living are: Rebecca, who married 
 Hubert Townsend, a prominent insurance agent 
 of St. Louis, Mo.; Mary F., who married Alexander 
 Allison, a farmer and stock-dealer residing in 
 Chester; and Alice C, who resides with her par- 
 ents. Mr. Lickiss and his wife are members of the 
 Baptist Church, and he is a Deacon in the congre- 
 gation at Steeleville. 
 
 SAAC C. BEARE. There is something about 
 the life of a prosperous and popular }'Oung 
 man very pleasant to contemplate — something 
 that gives encouragement to those seeking to m.ake 
 for themselves desirable positions in life. Such 
 an example is given in the person of Isaac C. 
 Beare, who is generally' conceded to deserve un- 
 limited praise for the success he has attained, be- 
 ing at the present time Count3' Clerk of Randolph 
 Count.y. 
 
 Our subject is a native of Randoljjh County and 
 was born February 20, 1860. He is the son of 
 Christian and Martha L. Beare, natives of Switz- 
 erland. Thev made the trip to the United States 
 in 1830, locating in Stark County, Ohio, and 
 about 1840 came to this county, where they fol- 
 low farming. 
 
 Isaac, of this sketch, was the sixth child in order 
 of birth of his parents' family of seven children. 
 He attended school some in the country, but 
 gained his education mainly in the Central Wes-
 
 ' \%v, 
 
 -3is^'>'*^ 
 
 
 ".r. ,fe' JtSi^ ■ 
 
 K^' 
 
 % 
 
 <Q6aX^^^
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 leyan College at Warren ton, Mo. When starting 
 out in life for himself he clerked for eight months 
 in his brother's store in Ellis Grove, this county, 
 remaining with him until 1890. 
 
 Mr. Beare has always been a member of the 
 Democratic party, and is active in public life. In 
 1890 he was elected to the important office of 
 County Clerk, assuming the duties of the office 
 December 4 of that year. He is a man of excel- 
 lent habits, possesses a keen and intelligent mind, 
 and in the incumbency of his office gives entire 
 satisfaction. He possesses many social qualities 
 and has a host of warm friends who delight in his 
 success. 
 
 349 
 
 J'OHN McQuillan, an enterprising farmer 
 residing on section 17, township 3, range 8 
 west, Monroe County, was born in Dayton, 
 Ohio, April 2, 1820, and is a son of Ed- 
 ward McQuillan, a native of the North of Ireland, 
 who in early life emigrated to this country, and 
 died in Brown County, Ohio. When John was 
 quite a small lad his parents removed to Cincin- 
 nati, and a few years later to Brown County. He 
 was a youth of ten when his father died, and his 
 mother died of the cholera in 1832. He was thus 
 left an orphan at the age of twelve years, and 
 then went to live with his eldest brother and sis- 
 ter, with whom he continued until sixteen 3'ears 
 of age. At that time he went to Cincinnati, and 
 began serving an apprenticeship to the butcher's 
 trade under Henry Cottom. Two years were spent 
 in that city, after which his employer purchased a 
 farm in Monroe County, III., three miles west of 
 Red Bud, and our subject accompanied him to 
 the west in 1839, continuing in his service for 
 two 3'ears and a-half. 
 
 In 1841, Mr. McQuillau went to St. Louis, where 
 he worked at his trade, and followed other pur- 
 suits whereby he might earn an honest living. He 
 continued in that city until 1849, since which time 
 he has lived in Monroe County. In 1847, be pur- 
 chased his present farm of James Eckels, paying 
 $1,000 for one hundred ^nd twenty acres. A lo<^ 
 house was the only improvement upon the place, 
 which was largely covered with brush, but he at 
 once began to clear and develop the land, and has 
 
 made additional purchases from time to time un- 
 til he now owns twelve hundred acres in one bod 3-. 
 He also has two hundred .acres in St. Clair County. 
 
 On the otii of .September, 1842, Mr. McQuillan 
 married Jliss Mary Thompson, daughter of Robert 
 Thompson, who was born in England, and there 
 spenthis entire life. His daughter came to America 
 in 1840 with her mother, two brothers and a sister, 
 and located in St. Louis. Her death occurred July 
 28, 1885, and was widely mourned. Seven chil- 
 dren were born of that union, of whom five are 
 still living: Edward, who is fanning in St. Clair 
 County; Elizabeth, wife of Louis Gregson, of Mon- 
 roe C'ount3-; John, who is engaged iu merchandis- 
 ing in Red Bud; Mary, wife of Theodore Klink- 
 hardt, a resident farmer of tliis community; and 
 Martha, wife of Joseph Roscoe. They live with 
 our subject. .Sarah became the wife of Valentine 
 Rapp, and died December 23, 1876. There are 
 also twenty-three grandchildren. 
 
 Mr. McQuillan is one of the oldest settlers of 
 this township. His land is now operated by his 
 children, and he gives his time to mechanical con- 
 trivances. He lias patented three inventions — a 
 cart replacer, a car coupler and a portable ladder. 
 All of these are useful and will probably have a 
 good sale. His home is adorned with pictures, 
 the beautiful frames of which he has made in his 
 leisure moments. Much of the furniture is also 
 his handiwork, for he possesses great mechanical 
 skill. Mr. McQuillan sUirted out in life emptv- 
 handed, but by determined efforts overcame the 
 obstacles in his path, and has steadily worked his 
 way upward to a position of wealth and affluence. 
 He is now one of the largest land-owners in the 
 county. He cast his first Presidential vote for 
 William Henry Harrison, and since the organiza- 
 tion of the Republican party has been one of its 
 stanch supporters. In religious belief he is a 
 Catholic. 
 
 <i^*)HOMAS McINTYRE, one of the pioneers of 
 1(^0^ Kan'^'jlpli County, now makes his home on 
 ^^^^' section 1, township 4, range 6, and has the 
 confidence and esteem of the people throughout 
 this part of the countiy. He is a son of John Mc- 
 Intyre, who was born in 1787 in the Highlands of
 
 350 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Scotland, where also his grandfather, Daniel Mc- 
 Intyre, was born. 
 
 The maiden name of the motlier of our subject 
 was Margaret Oatl3-. She was born in Paislej', 
 Scotland, in April, 1797, and was the daughter of 
 Thomas (^atly. Her parents were born and mar- 
 ried in Scotland. Mr. and Mrs. John Mclnt3-re 
 resided in Renfrewshire, Scotland, where the 
 former carried on his occupation of a weaver until 
 1839, when he crossed the Atlantic, and after 
 landing in America came west as far as Illinois, 
 where he made his home. He had visited this 
 country in 1804, when a lad of seventeen j-ears, 
 in the interest of the Hudson Bay Fur Company, 
 and had traded among the Indians. He remained 
 for eleven years, and during that time learned the 
 Indian language, which he could speak very well. 
 
 After locating in Randolph County, the father 
 of our subject purchased one hundred and twenty 
 acres of land on section 12, township 4, which was 
 then in its primitive wilderness. The following 
 year, after erecting a cabin, he was joined by his 
 family, who aided in hewing out a home from the 
 wilderness. They suffered all the privations in- 
 cidental to pioneer life. From their home to the 
 Okaw River there was not a cultivated farm. 
 Their neighbors were few, but Indians, deer and 
 wildcats were veiy plentiful. The first year after 
 coming here there was an immense prairie fire. 
 Undaunted b\- obstacles, tiie father worked with 
 diligence and soon accumulated considerable prop- 
 erty. 
 
 The parental family included four children, of 
 whom those living are, Daniel, who lives in Ar- 
 kansas; John, who resides in Oklahoma; and our 
 subject. The parents were members of the Pres- 
 byterian Church. The father died in 1865, and 
 his good wife followed him to the better land ten 
 years later. John Mclntyre was a Republican in 
 politics. He was very prominent among the pio- 
 neers of this county, with whose interests his name 
 has been inseparably connected, and his worth was 
 appreciated throughout the entire community. 
 
 Thomas Mclntyre was born September 10, 1835, 
 in Renfrewshire, Scotland, and was five years of 
 age when his parents emigrated to America. Their 
 landing was made in New York harbor, whence they 
 
 went to Philadelphia. From there they went to 
 Pittsburgh, and later came by boat to Chester, this 
 county, the trip being made down the Ohio and up 
 the Mississippi River. While at Louisville, our 
 subject and his brother John, who were both young 
 in years, took a skiflf and began to row down the 
 river. Being in ignorance of the falls, which were 
 just ahead of them, they would have plungeii 
 over had they not been rescued by people from 
 the shore. Young Mclntyre after coming to this 
 county attended school on Flat Prairie, which was 
 conducted in a rude log house. 
 
 January 31, 1876, Thomas Mclntyre and Miss 
 Sarah Ann Curry were united in marriage. The 
 lady was a native of Ireland, where her birth oc- 
 curred January 13, 1839, and after her parents lo- 
 cated in Knox Count}', Ohio, she was there reared 
 to mature years and given a good education. B3' 
 her union with our subject has been born one child, 
 Maiy Ellen. Mrs. Mclntyre is a devoted mem- 
 ber of the Reformed Presbj'terian Church, and 
 although our subject is not a member, he is a reg- 
 ular attendant and a liberal contributor to tlie 
 same. Although in early life a Republican, he 
 now reserves the right to vote for the man whom 
 he considers will best fill the ofHce. He has been 
 School Director of his district for sis years and is 
 a man of much influence in his community. 
 
 •il OHN H. BARTON, editor of the Herald of 
 Carbondale, and one of the prominent citi- 
 ^,^1 . zens of the community, was born in West 
 ^5^^ Carlisle, Ohio, January 2, 1837. His par- 
 ents, Henry and Charlotte (Harris) Barton, were 
 also natives of the Buckeye State, tlie former born 
 in 1809, and the latter in 1813. The mother was 
 a daughter of Lazarus Harris, one of the early set- 
 tlers of Ohio. Her entire life was spent in that 
 state, and her death there occurred in 1857. Mr. 
 Barton early in the late war enlisted in the Light 
 Artillery of West Virginia, and was wounded at 
 the battle of Cross Kej-s, Va. After his recoverj' 
 he did hospital service in Washington, D. C, until 
 discharged on account of disabilit_y resulting from 
 his wound. He then continued his residence in
 
 Portrait ang biographical record 
 
 351 
 
 the Capitol City until called to the home beyond, 
 in 1890. In the Barton family were ten children, 
 of whom four are yet living, namely: John H.; 
 David L., of Mercer, Pa.; Vina, of Colorado 
 Springs, Colo.; and Mrs. Flora Nelson, of Urichs- 
 villc, Ohio. 
 
 Our subject acquired liis education in West Bed- 
 ford, Ohio, and at the age of fourteen years began 
 learning the printer's trade under Joseph Medill, ou 
 the Coshocton Republican, in 1851. He worked at 
 the case for some time and became thoroughly famil- 
 iar with the business. He was thus employed until 
 October, 1860, when he removed to Cairo, 111- 
 During the war he entered the service of his 
 countr3', and for two years faithfully defended the 
 Old Flag and the cause it represented. He held 
 the rank of First Lieutenant of Company I, Eigh- 
 teenth Illinois Infantry'. 
 
 It was in September, 18G6, that Jlr. Barton ar- 
 rived in Carbondale, where he has since made his 
 home. He purchased the paper called the New 
 Era and continued its publication until 1872, 
 when he retired for a season. In 1868 he pur- 
 chased the Free Press, which he sold in 1892. He 
 is now at the head of the Hei-ald, which is a bright, 
 newsy sheet, ably conducted and edited. It is de- 
 voted to the local interests of the community and 
 to the geneial advancement of civilization and 
 education. 
 
 The entire Barton famil}' has supported the Re- 
 publican party, and its members have ever been 
 faithful to their country. In the late war, the 
 father of our subject and five of his sons were in 
 the service at one time. The eldest son, Lafayette, 
 was killed at the battle of Shiloh; Alonzo D. died 
 from the effects of a wound received at Mills 
 Springs, Kj'.; Lewis W. died from disease at Tus- 
 cumbia, Ala., and John II. and David L. aie 3'et 
 living. 
 
 September 10, 1863, Mr. Barton was united in 
 marriage with Miss Joanna Meagher, who was 
 born in Ypsilanti, Mich., in June, 1838. She was 
 educated in Cleveland, Ohio, and is a lady of cul- 
 ture and refinement. Six children grace their 
 union: David L., John L., E. E., Flora L., Josie 
 May and Dick S. Mr. Barton is a member of the 
 Methodist Episcopal Church, and his wife belongs 
 
 to the Catholic Church. He is a Royal Arch Mason, 
 and has served as Master of the blue lodge and as 
 High Priest of the chapter. He has also served as 
 Commander of John W. Lawrence Post No. 297, 
 G. A. R. He has frequently been sent as a dele- 
 gate to the state conveniions of his party, but has 
 never been an office-seeker, preferring to devote 
 his entire time and attention to his business inter- 
 ests. 
 
 'RITZ STUMPF is a native-born citizen of 
 Monroe County and is now an important 
 ^\ member of its farming community, own- 
 
 ing and ably managing a finely improved farm 
 within the corporate limits of township 1, ranges 
 9 and 10 west. Mr. Stumpf was the joungestson 
 born to his parents. His birth occurred on his 
 fntlier's homestead January 27, 18.56, and he was 
 reared and educated here. He was bred to the life 
 of a farmer, and having a natural taste for this 
 calling, he adopted it for his life work when he 
 arrived at years of discretion. He owns the old 
 home estate, which comprises one hundred and 
 seventeen acres, all under excellent tillage and 
 amply i)rovided with neat and well ordered build- 
 ings. For a period of thirteen years prior to pur- 
 chasing his present estate, he farmed rented land. 
 His career as a farmer has shown him to be sharp, 
 practical and a good manager. He conducts his 
 work in a business-like manner, so as to secure 
 good returns, and the income that he derives from 
 the cultivation of his land is very satisfactory. 
 He is actively interested in all that pertains to the 
 welfare of his native township, and no one is more 
 zealous in promoting its interests than he. In 
 politics Mr. Stumpf is a stanch Republican and his 
 influence is used to advance the cause of his party. 
 Our subject is a son of John Stumpf, who was 
 born near Darmstadt, Germany, in 1819. In his 
 native country he early learned the trade of a 
 baker and followed it until coming to the United 
 States m 1834. He at once bought forty acres of 
 land in this county and township, which was a 
 wild and heavily timbered piece of land, and which 
 is still a part of the present estate of our subject.
 
 352 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Tlie father worked hard and long to bring about 
 its cultivation. John Stunipf was united in mar- 
 riage with Elizabeth Rodeinech, on tlie 19th 
 of April, 1838, who bore her husband nine chil- 
 dren. Three of the family died in infancy, and 
 those who grew to mature years are: Philip and 
 Michael, farmers in this county'; Catherine, who 
 married Henry Beck and resides in Columbia; 
 Henrietta, wlio married William Diesel and is now 
 deceased; Elizabeth, tlie wife of Paul Miller, and 
 our subject. Tlie parents of this family were hon- 
 ored members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church 
 at New Hanover; and the fatlier passed from this 
 life in 1882. His good wife is yet living and 
 makes lier home with our subject. 
 
 Our subject was married when twent3- years of 
 age to Elizabeth Klohr, a daughter of Jacob and 
 Margaret Klohr. Mrs. Slumpf is a native of Mon- 
 roe County-, and by her union with our subject 
 has become the mother of two children, Jacob and 
 Catherine. She was called from this life on the 
 15th of December, 1880, and Mr. Stumpf took as 
 his second wife Miss Theresa, a daughter of Chris- 
 tian and Theresa (Roemann) Scheler. By tiiis 
 second marriage five children were born, Fred, 
 Minnie, Louis, William and Edward. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Stumpf are valued members of the Evangel- 
 ical Lutheran Church at New Hanover and are held 
 in iiigh esteem in the community in which they 
 live. 
 
 Hi-3 
 
 =+ 
 
 ^ OHN BAER, a highly respected farmer re- 
 siding on section 20, township 3, range 8 
 west, Monroe Countj', was born in the 
 province of Hessen, Germany, March 2, 
 1818, and in the land of his birth spent the days 
 of his boyhood and youth. He w.as educated in 
 its public schools and there learned the tailor's 
 trade. In 1838, at the age of twenty years, he 
 came to the United States, landing in Baltimore, 
 Md., whence he went to Louisville, K3'., making 
 the journey in a flatboat from Wheeling. In 
 Louisville he worked at his trade for about two 
 years and then removed to St. Louis. On leav- 
 ing that cit}' he took up his residence in Belle- 
 
 ville, 111., and later came to Monroe County, 
 where for a time he worked as a farm hand. 
 
 In 1840 Mr. Baer's parents came to America 
 and entered a farm near Lebanon, St. Clair Count}'. 
 Our subject aided in its operation for two years 
 and then came with his father. William Baer, to 
 Monroe Count}', where the latter entered Govern- 
 ment land on Prairie du Round. This was a wood- 
 land tr.act, but the labors of the father and sons 
 cleared it, making of it a good farm, upon which 
 Mr. Baer, Sr., spent his remaining da3's. In the 
 family were five children, but only two are now 
 living, John and Catherine. 
 
 In May, 1847, John Baer enlisted in the Mex- 
 ican War, in Company B of the St. Louis Le- 
 gion, under Captain Wacliner and Colonel Eas- 
 tun. He continued in the service for eighteen 
 months, and w.as mustered out in Independence, 
 Mo., in October, 1848. When the war was over, 
 Mr. Baer returned to this count}' and was given a 
 land grant of one hundred and sixty acres in rec- 
 ognition of his services. He began farming for 
 himself in 1850, and in 1851 cliose as a com[)an- 
 ion and helpmate on life's journey Miss Barbara 
 Welsch, whose parents were natives of Germany. 
 His farm was a wild and unimproved tract, not a 
 furrow having been turned nor an improvement 
 made thereon, but he at once began clearing it, and 
 in course of time the timber land w.as transformed 
 into rich and fertile fields. For a number of years 
 he carried on general farming and stock-raising, 
 but his place is now rented. 
 
 Unto Mr. and Mrs. Baer were born thirteen 
 children, twelve of whom are yet living: William, 
 a farmer of Washington; Henry, an .igriculturist 
 of Belleville, III.; John, who is living in San Fran- 
 cisco; Louisa, wife of John Wicklein; John Jacob; 
 Sophia, wife of John Valentine, of Monroe Coun- 
 ty; George August and Ernest William, both of 
 whom are farmers of Washington; Catherine 
 Mary, wife of Carl Ilartman, a merchant of Burks- 
 ville; Magdelena, wife of Herbert Burt, of Wash- 
 ington; August, Carl and Carrie, who are still at 
 home. 
 
 In politics Mr. Baer is a supporter of Republican 
 principles. For one year he served as Town- 
 ship Supervisor, and for many years has been
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPfflCAL RECORD. 
 
 353 
 
 School Director. The cause of education finds in 
 him a warm friend and he takes an active interest 
 in everytliing pertaining to the welfare of the com- 
 munitj' and its upbuilding. He is a member of 
 the Evangelical Church, and is one of the oldest 
 settlers of the township. He can relate many in- 
 teresting incidents of the da^'S when tliis was a 
 pioneer settlement, and iie lived in true frontier 
 stj'le. His life has been well and worthily passed, 
 and by his own industrious efforts he has acquired 
 the competence which now enables him to live 
 retired. 
 
 -^v o♦o.•@^><^■.o♦o.. V- 
 
 EWIS LEMEN, a representative farmer of 
 ?g) township 3, range 9, living on section 7, 
 ^ was born in Monroe County, Jul3- 29, 1853, 
 and is a son of Josiah D. and Susan (Bales) Lemen, 
 both of whom were natives of Illinois. The father 
 was born and reared in tliiscountr3', and attended 
 the common schools, where he completed his edu- 
 cation. A well spent life and close attention to 
 the details of his business made his career a pros- 
 perous one. He was a good neiglibor and a kind 
 hearted man, and the community recognized in 
 him a valued citizen. His wife w.as left an orphan 
 when quite young. She proved to her husband a 
 faithful companion and helpmate, but siie died in 
 December, 1863, at the early age of twenty-nine 
 3'ears. The}' were the parents of six children: 
 Lewis, William, Albert, Jennie, and two who died 
 in infancy. Mr. Lemen married for his second wife 
 Bridget Riley, who is also now deceased. Of the 
 six children of that union three died in infancy. 
 
 Tlie great-grandfather of our subject, Elder 
 James Lemen, was the third son of the Rev. James 
 and Catherine Lemen, who emigrated from Vir- 
 ginia to Illinois in 1786. They were the parents 
 of six sons and two daughters, all of whom were 
 leading members of the Baptist Church, four of 
 the sons being ordained ministers. Elder James 
 Lemen was born in Illinois, October 8, 1787, and 
 was the second white child born of American par- 
 entage in this territoiy. When about twenty j-ears 
 of age, he joined the church and commenced 
 preaching. He was ordained in New Design, 111., 
 in the only Baptist Church in the state, in 1809, 
 
 the organization having been effected in 1796. He 
 and Elder John Baugh were the only members of 
 what was then known as Cantine Creek Church, 
 now Bethel Church, with which Elder Lemen con- 
 tinued his membership for over sixty years, or un- 
 til the time of his death. He was an active and 
 efficient minister of the Gospel, who traveled far 
 and wide organizing and building churches and 
 laboring with marked success. He did his work in 
 Illinois, Missouri and other western states. His 
 father was the first person baptized by immer- 
 sion in Illinois, and at the father's ordination 
 Elder Lemen assisted. He also preached his fa- 
 ther's funeral sermon, and his brother Joseph 
 [)reached the funeral sermon of their mother. By 
 the marriage of Mr. Lemen and Polly Pullian, 
 which was celebrated on the 8th of December, 
 1813, were born eleven children. On Tuesday 
 evening, February 8, 1867, the life of this good 
 man ended. He walked fearlessly in the path of 
 duty, and nothing could turn him from the course 
 which he believed to be right. He was conscien- 
 tious and true in all things, and lived as a faithful 
 follower of the divine teaching. He was untiring 
 in his labors in the ministry, and both by precept 
 and example he led manj- to enter the straight and 
 narrow way. On his death, the following resolu- 
 tions were passed: 
 
 Whereas, God in His wisdom and goodness has 
 seen fit to remove from us our beloved brother, 
 the Rev. James Lemen, Therefore 
 
 Resolved, That in his deatli, the ministers aud 
 churches of this association liave lost an eternal 
 friend and wise counselor; that 1)3' his firm ad- 
 herence to, and advocacy of, Bible doctrine, com- 
 pleted with his consistent Christian life, he not 
 only endeared himself to us while he lived, but 
 left a name and memoiy that unite us to him and 
 the God whom he loved, a memory that gives 
 warning in danger, cheerfulness in adversity and 
 Iiumility in prosperit}'. 
 
 That in this heavy blow we recognize Him who 
 handles the rod, and that we praise Him for the 
 grace which enabled the departed and ourselves to 
 know it was for our mutual and eternal good. 
 
 That we sympathize with the afflicted relatives, 
 
 hoping that tlie\' may so imitate the virtues of the 
 
 departed that he may not i)rove to he lost to them, 
 
 but onlj' gone before. 
 
 1 Lewis Lemen was reared in Illinois, and re-
 
 354 
 
 iHHrriurr and biographical record. 
 
 mained with his parents uutil llieir deaths. He 
 was married May 19, 1881, to Mary V. Tolin, and 
 they liave become the parents of four children, 
 Clyde v., p:dith I., Carrie M.and William T. The 
 wife and mother was born on the farm which is now 
 her home. In early life she attended the common 
 schools, and at the age of sixteen entered Almira 
 College, at Greenville, III., where she studied tliree 
 terms. She is a woman of intelligence, well posted 
 on matters pertaining to history, and is a fine con- 
 vijrsationalist. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Lemen began their domestic life 
 upon the farm where they yet reside, and in con- 
 nection with agricultural pursuits lie has also en- 
 gaged in teaching. He entered upon this work at 
 the age of twenty years, and followed it for fif- 
 teen consecutive years, after which lie rested from 
 that labor foi- a few years. He is now teaching 
 near Columbia, and is recognized as a competent 
 and able instructor. The cause of education has 
 ever found in him a warm friend, and he believes 
 it to be one of the safeguards of the nation. He 
 has served as vSchool Director for several years. 
 
 In his political views, Mr. Lemen is a Populist 
 and takes an active part in local politics. JSociall}', 
 he is connected with the Ancient Order of United 
 Workmen. Both he and his wife are faithful mem- 
 bers of the Baptist Church, and are highly re- 
 spected citizens, who hold an enviable position in 
 social circles. They are worthy representatives of 
 one of the oldest families of the state, and well de- 
 serve mention in this volume. 
 
 \Ti OIIX MrCLINTON is one of the native sons 
 of Randolph County, and a leading and in- 
 (lucntial farmer of township 5, range 5. He 
 was born here September 22, 1822, his par- 
 ents being Samuel and Nancy (Miller) McClin- 
 ton. His grandfather, John McClinton, was a 
 native of Ireland, and when a small boy was 
 brought by his parents to this country, the family 
 locating in South Carolina. He came to Randolph 
 County' in 1802, and his death occurred the fol- 
 lowing year. He was a blacksmith and farmer, 
 and on removing westward, bought Government 
 
 land near Kaskaskia, becoming one of the first sel- 
 lers of that locality. 
 
 Samuel McClintou was born in the Abbeyville 
 District of South Carolina in the year 1800, and 
 was brought by his parents to Illinois, where he 
 spent the remainder of his da3's. Throughout life 
 he followed the occupation of farming. He died 
 in 1856, on the old homestead, three miles north of 
 Sparta. His wife, who was also born in the Ab- 
 beyville District, passed away in Randolph Coun- 
 ty in 1841. Both were faithful members of the 
 United Presbyterian Church, and were highly re- 
 spected. Their family numbered six sons and five 
 daughters, and with one exception the children 
 are all yet living, namely: John, Jurenda, Will- 
 iam, James, Berele, David, Joseph, Serena, Mary, 
 BetS3' J. and Nancy J. 
 
 In the county of his birth, John McClinton 
 spent the days of his boyhood and youth. The 
 subscription schools afforded him his educational 
 privileges, and he remained with his parents until 
 he had attained his majority. He thus became 
 familiar with all the duties of farm life, and to 
 agricultural pursuits has since devoted his ener- 
 gies. As a companion and helpmate on life's jour- 
 ney he chose Miss Mary Keuned^^, who was born 
 near Fayetteville, Tenn. They were married in 
 1844, and became the parents of six sons and two 
 daughters: William T., now residing in Kansas; 
 James R.; Mary, deceased; Samuel, also of Kansas; 
 Joseph C., who is living in Indian Territory; John 
 F.; Clinton A., of Idaho; and Millie V., the wife 
 of James W. Hood. 
 
 Soon after his marriage, Mv. McClinton pur- 
 chased forty acres of land and began farming for 
 himself. He cultivated that tract until 1856, when 
 he purchased his present farm. He now owns one 
 hundred and thirt}' acres of rich and highly cul- 
 tivated land, pleasantly situated four miles south- 
 east of Sparta, and the farm is one of the finest in 
 the community. The owner is recognized as a 
 progressive agriculturist, and the neat appearance 
 of his place indicates to the passer-by his enter- 
 prise. In politics, Mr. McClinton has been a Re- 
 publican since the organization of the party. His 
 first Presidential vote was cast for John P. Hale. 
 He and his family are members of tte United
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 355 
 
 Presbyterian Church, and are people of promi- 
 nence in this commnnity, holding an enviable 
 position in social circles where true worth and in- 
 telligence aie received as the passports into good 
 society. 
 
 /RITZ BEGEM ANN, who resides in Steele- 
 ^ ville and follows farming in Randolph 
 County, being one of the successful agri- 
 culturists of the community, claims Germany as 
 the land of his birth, which occurred about 1840. 
 He was the fourtli child born unto Henry and 
 Wilhelmina ( Westenbarger) Begemann, who were 
 also natives of Germany. The father followed 
 farming in that country until 1848, when he bade 
 adieu to his old home, and, accompanied by bis 
 family, sailed for America, liaving determined to 
 try iiis fortune in the New World. He located 
 near Steeleville, where he engaged in farming 
 until retiring from active business life on account 
 of his advanced years. Me died in 1872, at the 
 age of seventy-three. His wife departed this life 
 in 1849, soon after coming to America. 
 
 The subject of this sketch attended school in his 
 native land until the emigration of the family to 
 the United States, which occurred wiien he was a 
 lad of eiglit summers. He was afterward a stu- 
 dent in the public schools near Steeleville, and 
 tliere acquired a good Englisli education. In early 
 life he became familiar with all of tlie departments 
 of farm work, and aided liis father in tiie cultiva- 
 tion of the home farm until lie had attained his 
 majority, when he started out in life for himself. 
 He worked as a farm hand for four years, after 
 which be engaged in teaming between Steeleville 
 and Chester for a period of seven years. When 
 that time iiad expired, he engaged in farming for 
 himself and has since carried on agricultural pur- 
 suits. His land is always under a high state of 
 cultivation and well improved, and he is regarded 
 as one of the practical and progressive farmers of 
 Randolpli County. 
 
 In 1863 Mr. Begemann was united in marriage 
 with Miss Marcella, daughter of Charles F. and 
 Sarah (Bryan) Jay. Eight children were born 
 
 of their union, but Allen died at the age of 
 
 three years. Those still living are: Emma, wife 
 of William Moulic, a prominent druggist of Percy; 
 Mary and John, who are at home; Alice A., wife 
 of James Gillespie, a resident of Steeleville, 111.; 
 Fred, Albert and Bernice, who are yet attending 
 school. Mr. Begemann resides in Steeleville in 
 order to give his children the better educational 
 advantages of the town and thus fit them for the 
 practical duties of life. The family is one of 
 prominence in the community, and its members 
 rank higjj in the social circles in which they move. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Begemann are members of the 
 Methodist Church, in which he serves as Trustee, 
 and are active workers in the Master's vineyard. 
 By his ballot he supports the Prohibition party. 
 He has served as Township Supervisor for three 
 years, and has been a member of the Board of 
 Trustees of Steeleville for seven years. His long 
 continued service well indicates his fidelity to 
 duty and the confidence and trust reposed in him 
 by liis fellow-townsmen, who regard him as one 
 of the valued citizens of the community and hold 
 him in high esteem on account of the many ex- 
 cellencies of his character. 
 
 /p^EORGE H. BILDERBACK. The agricult- 
 fll __ urists of Randolph County are, as a rule, 
 ^^4' possessed of general intelligence, a thor- 
 ough understanding of their calling and great en- 
 ergy, and they therefore rank well among the 
 farmers the world over. One of these gentlemen 
 who are successful!}' pursuing the peaceful occu- 
 pation of tilling the soil is our subject, whose 
 comfortable estate is located on section 25, town 
 ship 7, range 6. 
 
 Mr. Bilderback is a native of this county, and 
 was born near Kaskaskia April 3, 1826. He is 
 the second child in a family of eight children 
 born to John and Sarah (McCormick) Bilderback, 
 who were also natives of Randolph County, where 
 the father died in 1837, and the mother departed 
 this life in 1853. George H. obtained a limited edu- 
 cation in the schools near his home. His father 
 d^'ing when he was but eleven years of age, he was
 
 356 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 eomiielled to aid in tlie cariying on of tlie home 
 farm in order to support his mother and sisters. 
 
 Mr. Hilderback has always followed the occupa- 
 tion of a farmer, and when ready to establish a 
 lionie of his own, in 1856, he was married to Miss 
 Nanc\' A., daughter of James F. and Rachael 
 (Long) Glenn. Mrs. Bilderback was born in Ohio, 
 of which state her parents were natives, and was 
 fifteen 3ears of age when she accompanied them 
 on their removal to this state. By her union with 
 our subject twelve children have been born, of 
 wliom those living are: Sarah R., who is the wife of 
 Clarence Barber, and resides in this count}'; Will- 
 iam II.; who married Elizabeth Moore, and resides 
 near his father; Alice A., who married William C. 
 Bilderback and lives near the old home; INIargaret 
 N., who is tiie wife of Charles Moore, and makes 
 her home near Rockwood; and Wallace E., at home. 
 
 Our subject and his estimable wife, together 
 with tbeir eldest daughter, are members of the 
 Methodist Episcopal Church and have established 
 a cozy home, where they welcome their hosts of 
 friends. Mr. Bilderback is greatly respected in 
 the county where his life has been passed, and his 
 career has been creditable in the extreme. He has 
 served as School Trustee and Director, and is ear- 
 nest in his efforts to forward the educational inter- 
 ests of this locality. He is a member of the Re- 
 publican party, and cast liis first vote for General 
 Taylor. 
 
 . • ^ P • 
 
 eOL. B. L. WILEY was born in Jefferson 
 . Count}', Ohio, in 1821, and is a son of 
 Abel Wiley. His father was a native of 
 Maryland, and was a carpenter and cabinet-maker 
 by trade. About the time of his marriage he re- 
 moved to the Buckeye State, locating in Jefferson 
 County, where he lived until 1857, when he came 
 with his family to Illinois. His last days were 
 spent in the liome of the Colonel, and after his 
 death his widow went to live with her daughter 
 in Putnam County, 111. 
 
 Colonel Wiley's educational privileges were quite 
 limited. For many years he worked at the car- 
 penter's trade as a means of livelihood. In 1846 
 he enlisted in the Mexican AVar, and served as a 
 
 non-commissioned officer for a year. Previous to 
 that service he had come to Illinois, where he en- 
 gaged in teaching school. In 1847 he located in 
 Jonesboro, this state, where he followed carpenter- 
 ing for some time. 
 
 On tlie 5th of December, 1850, theColonel was 
 united in mariiage with Miss Emily, daughter ol 
 Winstead Davie, of Union County, 111. The lady 
 was born in 1830, in that county, and tliere they 
 began their domestic life, but in 1860 came to 
 Jackson County and settled upon the old home 
 farm. The following year Mr. Wiley responded 
 to President Lincoln's call for troops, enlisting in 
 the Fifth Illinois Cavalry. He was appointed 
 Lieutenant-Colonel by Governor Yates, and served 
 in that capacity until 1863, when he resigned and 
 returned. He then entered the Provost-Marshal's 
 office in Cairo, where he was employed until 1865, 
 when he returned to the farm. The four suc- 
 ceeding years of his life were devoted to agricult- 
 ural pursuits, and in 1869 he was appointed by 
 Governor Palmer as Commissioner of the Insane 
 Asylum at Anna, which position he filled for three 
 years. 
 
 Unto the Colonel and Mrs. Wiley were born 
 nine children, eight of whom are yet living, viz.: 
 AVilliam, John, Anna, Ben, Dan, Ciiarles, Mary 
 and Henry. James is now deceased. Colonel 
 Wiley was a prominent and influential member of 
 the Masonic fraternity, which he joined during 
 the Mexican War, and was Deputy Grand Master 
 of the state. On the organization of the Repub- 
 lican party he joined its ranks, and was ever one 
 of its stalwart supporters. He was one of the few 
 who voted for Fremont in 1856 in this locality. 
 For many years he was County Commissioner, and 
 was twice nominated for Congress. His death oc- 
 curred in March, 1890, and many warm friends 
 mourned his loss, for he was a prominent and 
 highly respected citizen. 
 
 John Wiley, son of the Colonel, was born Au- 
 gust 10, 1854, in Jonesboro, 111. He was educated 
 in the district schools, and spent his childhood 
 days in the usual manner of farmer lads. In 1880 
 he married Margaret Applegate, who was born in 
 Williamson County, 111., April 12, 1854, and is a 
 daughter of Louis Applegate, a native of Ohio,
 
 C/y^ ceOfT/. ^^ g/7^<^^^
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 359 
 
 and a veteran of the Civil War, who is still living 
 in Jackson Conntj-. Four children grace the union 
 of Mr. and Mrs. Wiley: Charles, Bessie, Fannie 
 and John. 
 
 Mr. Wile_y is now the owner of eighty acres of 
 land, the greater part of which is cievoted to fruit- 
 growing. In his business dealings he lias met with 
 good success and acquired a comfortable compe- 
 tence. He holds membership with the Methodist 
 Episcopal Church, and belongs to the Masonic fra- 
 ternity of Makanda. In politics he is a Repub- 
 lican. He has served on the School Board, and for 
 two terms has been Township Supervisor. He is 
 a representative and progressive citizen, one who 
 manifests a commendable interest in everything 
 pertaining to the welfare of the community. 
 
 l®), ^^^mh... ,(Sj 
 
 (^ '^f^^'" ^^ 
 
 REDERICK KOCH, Sn., who is living a re- 
 tired life in Columbia, was born in the 
 kingdom of Prussia, Germany, August 7, 
 1828, and is a son of Frederick and Christina 
 Koch. His bo3'hood days were spent in his native 
 land, and its public schools afforded him his edu- 
 cational privileges. He learned the trade of car- 
 pentering with his father. When aj'oung man of 
 twenty-two he determined to stek a home and for- 
 tune beyond the Atlantic, and has never had oc- 
 casion to regret the fact that he carried out his 
 resolution. 
 
 In 1850 Mr. Koch sailed for America, and took 
 up bis residence in AVaterloo, where for one year 
 he worked at his trade. In 1851 he came to Col- 
 umbia and embarked in business as a carpenter, 
 continuing operations along that line until 1876, 
 when he began farming. He had previously pur- 
 chased land in the American bottoms, where he 
 now owns eight hundred acres. All is under a 
 high state of cultivation and well improved, and 
 to the raising of grain his time has been devoted. 
 His first purchase of land was a tract of three acres 
 near Columbia. In 1864 he bought one hundred 
 and seventeen acres, and to this he has added from 
 time to time as his financial resources would per- 
 
 mit, until he is now one of the extensive land- 
 owners of the county. 
 
 In 1851 Mr. Koch was united in marriage with 
 Miss Johanna Genzel. The lady is a native of 
 Prussia, Germany, and came to America in the 
 year of her marriage. A family of six children 
 has been born to them, namely: Frederick, who is 
 now a contractor and builder of Columbia; Annie, 
 wife of Fred Jleyer, a prominent merchant of this 
 place; Louisa, now the wife of George Young, a 
 rejuesentative farmer of Columbia Precinct, Mon- 
 roe County; Harriet, wife of Albert Kuener, who 
 is employed as a traveling salesman; Henrietta, 
 wife of Joseph Southof, who is clerking in Colum- 
 bia; and Emma, wife of Charles Rey, a resident 
 farmer of Hanover Precinct. 
 
 Mr. Koch has a pleasant home in Columbia, 
 which stands as a monument of his enterprise. On 
 all sides are seen his handiwork, for he has erected 
 many buildings in this place. In his business deal- 
 ings he has met with prosperity, for he carries for- 
 ward to a successful completion whatever he un- 
 dertakes, and by his own efforts he has worked his 
 wa}' upw-ard from an humble position to one of 
 wealth and afliuence. In politics he is a supporter 
 of the Democratic party and its principles, but has 
 never been an office-seeker. He and his family are 
 all members of the Evangelical Church, in which 
 he has served as Trustee. A public-spirited and 
 progressive citizen, he manifests a commendable 
 interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of 
 the community, and well deserves representation 
 in the history of his adopted county. 
 
 I^^^ENRY C. COLE. The following is a 
 Wji, brief sketch of the career of Mr. Cole. lie 
 'A^ is a member of the H. C. Cole Milling 
 (j^ Company, of Chester, and devotes the 
 greater part of his time and attention to purchas- 
 ing supplies in the way of grain for their large 
 nulls. A native of this city he was born May 
 13, 1852, and is the fourth child in a family of six 
 children born to Herman C. and Emily (Cocks) 
 Cole. He passed his boj'hood in attendance at the 
 public schools, and later continued his studies in the
 
 360 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 University of Illinois at Champaign. In 1873 here- 
 turned to this city and engaged with his father in 
 the milling business. lie continued thus employed 
 until the death of tlie latter, in 1874, when the 
 business was transferred to the tliree sons, the other 
 members of the firm being Charles B. and Zachary 
 T. They operated under the firm name of H. C. 
 Cole (t Co. until Julj-, 1888, when the style was 
 changed to the H. C. Cole Milling Company-, by 
 which it is known throughout this portion of the 
 state. 
 
 The marriage of our subject with Miss Blanche 
 Dolbee occurred April 24, 1878. Mrs. Cole was 
 born .Tune ,5, 1852, in Alton, and was the daughter 
 of Shadrach H. and Hannah E. Dolbee. B\' her 
 union with our subject have been born three sons 
 and three daughters, to whom they are giving 
 good educationb^, fitting them to occup}- honorable 
 positions in life. 
 
 Mr. Cole has always been keenly alive to the in- 
 terests of his counts, and has been an important 
 factor in promoting them. He has been the re- 
 cipient of public honors from his fellow-citizens, 
 who have lecognized his superior business tact and 
 other fine qualifications and have called him to 
 assist in the administration of public affairs. He 
 has been Alderman of the city, and is at present a 
 member of the School Board. 
 
 \TU^ ON. JOHN .J. DOUGLAS, a progressive 
 ifjj farmer of township 7, range 6, Randolpii 
 /•y^ Count}-, has risen to a position in agricult- 
 1^; ural affairs which many might env\-. He 
 was born in the citj' of Chester, August 17, 1849, 
 and has since made his home in this count}-. His 
 father, Jolin Douglas, Sr., was born in Roxburgh- 
 shire, Scotland, and was a son of James, who lived 
 and died in Scotland. His wife, the grandmother 
 of our subject, came to America, and settled in 
 Chester in 1843. Her son John was at that time 
 twenty-nine j'ears of age. He was a miller by trade, 
 * and worked in tlie Holmes Mills at Chester until 
 July 4, 1849, when he died with cholera. He was 
 married in September of the previous year to Mar- 
 garet Craig, who became the mother of our sub- 
 
 ject. Mrs. Margaret Douglas was a daughter of 
 John and Sarah Craig, who resided on a farm near 
 Chester. 
 
 His mother dying when he was but a lad of six 
 years, our subject went to live with an uncle, 
 James Douglas. He was cared for by him the 
 same as though one of his own children, and at- 
 tended the counti-}- schools, at the same time learn- 
 ing the duties of farm work. When fifteen years 
 old, his ancle died, but our subject still remained 
 on the farm, helping to support the faniih- for 
 three years, when he went to learn the trade of a 
 miller at Chester. He completed his apprentice- 
 ship in three years, and aftetwaid attended the 
 commercial college of Bryant & Stratton at St. 
 Louis, completing the course and fitting himself 
 to enter business. 
 
 AVhen twenty-three years of age. our subject com- 
 menced farming on his own account on the land 
 which is still his home. The farm at the time of 
 his settlement on it consisted of one hundred and 
 twenty acres of only partially improved land, but 
 by hard work and sagacious management he has 
 made it one of the finest farms to be found in the 
 county and it now comprises three hundred and 
 twent}' broad and fertile acres. He carries on 
 general farming and stock-raising, and his land 
 yields him abundant harvests in return for the 
 labor expended. In 1871, Mr. Douglas took a 
 trip across the Atlantic, visiting the old home of 
 his parents. 
 
 October 30, 1872, John J. Douglas and Miss 
 Belle Adams were united in marriage. Mrs. Doug- 
 las is a daughter of David and Margaret (Doug- 
 las) Adams, both natives of Scotland, while the 
 daughter was born in this county. To this mar- 
 riage have been born the following named children : 
 Alice, Everett, Irving, Elmer, Robert and Maggie, 
 the last two being twins. They are all at home 
 and constitute a happy faniil}'. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Douglas are devoted members of the Presbyterian 
 Church. 
 
 In his political affiliations our subject is a stanch 
 Republican, and in 1892 was elected a member of 
 the Thirty-eighth General Assembly, to represent 
 Randolph, Perr}- and Monroe Counties in the 
 State Legislature, During this session he served
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 361 
 
 on the Road tind Bridges, Fees and Salaries, Mines 
 and Mining and tlie Horticultural Committees, 
 making a careful and diligent member. He is 
 classed among the pre-eminently successful agri- 
 culturists of bis township and has lost no opportu- 
 nity for improving his estate or contributing to 
 the welfare of the community, who hold him in 
 such high esteem. 
 
 ^;^ 
 
 'i-^m-r 
 
 ^,- XTON SCHIEFERSTEIK, one of the prom- 
 ( @/u [[ inent and successful farmers of Monroe 
 
 Ij Hi County, who carries on agricultural pur- 
 suits on section 1, township 3, range 10 
 west, claims German3' as the land of his birth, 
 which occurred on the 16th of February, 1825. 
 His parents, Casper and Mary (Keambel) Schiefer- 
 stein, were also natives of the same countr^^ and 
 in its schools were well educated. The father 
 earned a livelihood by selling yeast. He and his 
 wife never left their native land, but continued 
 there to reside until called to the home be3'ond. 
 Thej' were both members of the Lutheran Church, 
 and both died when about Qfty-two jears of age. 
 
 Under the parental roof Anton Schieferstein 
 passed his boj'hood days, and in the public schools 
 was educated, becoming familiar with all the com- 
 mon branchesof learning. When he started out in 
 life for himself, he worked as a farm hand by the 
 year for $15. After his marriage, he also engaged 
 in peddling yeast, as did his father. Ere leav- 
 ing his native land, he chose as a companion and 
 helpmate on life's journey Miss Catherine Gard- 
 ner, who was also born in Germany. 
 
 Hoping to at least secure a comfortable home, if 
 not a fortune, in the isew World, Mr. Schieferstein 
 left the Fatherland and with his family crossed the 
 briny deep. On arriving in this country, he came 
 direct to Monroe Count}-, 111., and as he had no 
 capital with which to purchase land, he rented a 
 farm for two years. By industry- and enterprise 
 he was enabled to secure some money during that 
 period, and on its expiration he bought eighty 
 acres of land near where he now lives. He has 
 added to this from time to time as his financial re- 
 sources have increased, until he now owns over 
 
 four hundred acres of valuable land under a high 
 state of cultivation and well improved. 
 
 Unto Mr. and Mrs. Schieferstein were born ten 
 children, but six of the number are now deceased. 
 The four still livuig are, Lizzie, Lena, Ben and 
 Josephine. The last-named is still with her par- 
 ents, but the others are all married. Our subject 
 and his wife hold membership with the Lutheran 
 Church, contribute liberall}' to its support, and 
 take an active interest in its welfare. In his polit- 
 ical views, Mr. Schieferstein is a stalwart Republi- 
 can. He has led a busy and useful life, and by his 
 well directed efforts, perseverance and economy, he 
 has accumulated a valuable property, and his com- 
 fortable competence now enables him to live re- 
 tired. He rents his land, and in his elegant home 
 he is spending his declining years in rest from all 
 business cares. He is a leading and influential 
 citizen, and one who has the high regard of all 
 with whom he has been brought in contact. 
 
 '^OHN FULLFORD. The name of FuUford 
 is known and respected throughout Ran- 
 ^^ ] dolph County as belonging to one of the 
 'f^if.' earliest pioneers of this section of the coun- 
 try. The present representative of the name is a 
 son of an old pioneer, who for many years has 
 been an important factor in the agricultural life 
 of township 7, range 6, where he is one of the 
 well-to-do citizens. 
 
 John Fullford was born on the home farm where 
 he still resides November 9, 1848, and is the 
 younger of the two sons born to Thomas and Mary 
 A. (Tudor) Fullford, natives of England. The 
 parents were married in their native country, and 
 on coming to America in 1846, the father worked 
 in the rolling mills in New York State for seven 
 j'ears. At the expiration of that time deciding to 
 trj' his fortunes in this then western countr}', he 
 came to Illinois and located upon the farm which 
 we have mentioned. Here he followed the avoca- 
 tion of a farmer for many j'ears, and retired from 
 active work fifteen years prior to his decease, 
 which occurred January 27, 1893. His widow is
 
 362 
 
 POKTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 still living, at the age of seventy-three years, and 
 makes her home with our subject. 
 
 Tlie subject of this sketch obtained his educa- 
 tion in the district scliool near his home, and be- 
 ing reared to farm pursuits, lias spent his entire 
 life following that occupation. His elder brother, 
 Thomas, dying in infancy, our subject on the de- 
 cease of his father fell heir to his numerous estates 
 and is now kept bus3' looking after iiis propertj', 
 which comprises both farm lands and city real 
 estate. He is a man of influence in his community 
 and is numbered among tlie successful men of 
 Randolph County. 
 
 In 1877 John FuUford and Miss Mary, daughter 
 of John Turner, of Louisiana, were united in mar- 
 riage. Their union has been blessed by the birth of 
 seven children, Alice Oracle, Lydia Priscilla, Ar- 
 thur Jewett, Ruby I'earl, Ebba Jewell, Ida Cecil 
 and Florence Elbe. In political matters, Mr. FuU- 
 ford is a Republican in the national elections, 
 but in local affairs reserves the right to vote for 
 the best man, irrespective of party. 
 
 ^^ 
 
 •^m- 
 
 UILLIAM H. HUBBARD, the able editor 
 of the Free Press of Carboudale, is a na- 
 ^Jf^ five of the Empire State, and his birth 
 occurred in Castile, on the 29th of June, 1849. 
 His fatlier, William II. Hubbard, was born in New 
 York in 1821, and is a son of Pliny and Charity 
 (Brooks) Hubbard, the former born in Vermont, 
 and the latter in the Empire State. He was a 
 solder in the War of 1812. The Hubbard family 
 was founded in America by three brothers of Eng- 
 lish birth, who in early Colonial days braved the 
 dangers of an ocean voyage to found homes in 
 the New World. One settled in Connecticut, an- 
 other in Massachusetts, and the third in Vermont. 
 Nearly all of the Hubbards in America are de- 
 scendants of these three brothers. 
 
 The mother of our subject bore the maiden 
 name of Evelyn P. Wells. She was born in New 
 York in 1825, and was a daughter of Walter and 
 Abigail (Chapin) Wells. Her father served in the 
 War of 1812, and drew a pension until his death. 
 Mr. and Mrs. William H. Hubbard, Sr., located 
 
 near Canandaigua, N. Y., and made their home in 
 the Empire State until 1875, when they emigrated 
 to Michigan, locating at Ferry, where the father 
 carried on merchandising and fanning. He was 
 practically the owner of that town. About 1880 
 he went to Chicago, afterward resided in Texas, 
 and later took up his residence in Kansas City, 
 Mo., but he is now once more actively engaged in 
 business in Chicago as President of tiie Rutland 
 Fire Insurance Company, although he makes his 
 home in Kansas City. In his family were Bve 
 cliildren: Foster W., William H., Charles P., Frank 
 L., and Nellie L., the wife of F. M. Hosmer. 
 
 Mr. Hubbard whose name heads this sketch 
 began his education in the schools of Phelps, 
 N. Y., and completed it in Syr.acuse in 1867. He 
 then began reading law in that city and was ad- 
 mitted to the Bar. Opening an office, he engaged 
 in practice in Syracuse until 1875, which j-ear 
 witnessed his removal to Hart, Mich, where he 
 followed his profession until 1879. During that 
 time he served as Prosecuting Attorney of the 
 county. In 1879 he again went to Syracuse, 
 where he continued in practice until 1888, when 
 he returned to Michigan and bought the St. Joseph 
 County (Mich.) liepublican, which paper he pub- 
 lished until 1890. In that year he moved the 
 plant to Carbondale, and established the Jackson 
 County Republican. The paper is now known as 
 the Republican Free Press. When a boy, Mr. Hub- 
 bard had learned the printer's trade, and his prac- 
 tical knowledge of the business now serves him in 
 good stead. 
 
 Our subject was married in Geneva, N. Y., in 
 1867, to Mary I. Ide, a native of the Empire State, 
 who was born in February, 1849, and is a daugli- 
 ter of Darius and Mar^' (Colburn) Ide, also of 
 New York. Mrs. Hubbard died in 1887, leaving 
 two children, M. Evelyn and Charles W. In 1888 
 Mr. Hubbard wedded Ida Britton, who was born 
 in S.yracuse, N. Y., in 1852, and is a daughter of 
 Matliias and Fiances S. (Hibbard) Britton. Her 
 father was a prominent militia officer in New 
 York. Our subject and his wife have a daughter, 
 Mildred B. The parents are both prominent niern- 
 bers of the Presbyterian Church and take an active 
 part in its work. Mr. Hubbard is now teaching a
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 363 
 
 class of young ladies in the Sunday-school, while 
 
 liis wife is in charge of the infant class. Socially, 
 he is a member of the Masonic lodge of Cayuga, 
 N. Y., of which he has been Senior Deacon; lie be- 
 longs to Oceana Chapter No. 56, R. A. M., of 
 Pentwater, jfich; and Central City Commandery 
 No. 25 of Syracuse, N. Y. He takes a very active 
 part in politics, and alwajs supports the men and 
 measures of the Republican party. 
 
 ^' OHN D. SMITH, a prosperous general agri- 
 I culturist and successful stock-raiser resid- 
 j ing upon one of the best farms in Ran- 
 li^// dolph County, in townsiiip 7, range 6, has 
 for two decades been identified with the advance- 
 ment of his present home interests, and, widely 
 known, is highly esteemed for his business ability 
 and sterling integritj' of character. 
 
 The father of our subject, David Smith, was 
 born in Pennsjivania, his father bearing the same 
 name. He came with his father to Monroe County, 
 this state, in an early da}- and assisted in clearing 
 a home out of the wilderness. They resided here 
 some time before the latter passed from this 
 life. He was a teacher by profession, a hatter by 
 trade and a very successful man in his business 
 affairs. David, Jr., gained his primary education 
 in his native state, and after coming to Illinois 
 was engaged for some time as a stage-coach driver. 
 He was married to Miss Fannie Lylie, and later, in 
 1844, he, with his family, removed to Missouri. 
 But remaining in that state only two years, he 
 again came to Illinois and located in Chester, fol- 
 lowing the trade of a butcher, besides carrying on 
 general farming and stock-raising to some extent. 
 He died about 1878, while liis good wife is still 
 living and makes her home in Chester, at the ad- 
 vanced age of seventy-four years. 
 
 Born Januarj' 18, 1842, in Monroe County, 111., 
 our subject is the eldest in a family of five chil- 
 dren born to his worthy- parents. He was brought 
 to Randolph County when but two years old, 
 and here received his limited education. He as- 
 sisted his father in the butcher's business when a 
 lad of ten 3ears, and on attaining his majority was 
 
 given a half- interest. This partnership continued 
 until the death of the father, when our subject 
 conducted the business alone until 1889. Some 
 years before this, however, Mr. Smith bought a 
 fine farm and on the above date located thereon. 
 He has since been engaged in its cultivation, and 
 here he is carrying on mixed farming, paying con- 
 siderable attention to the raising of fine stock. 
 He prepares his own feed by steaming it, prefer- 
 ring this to the raw. ' The Union Creamery is sit- 
 uated on Mr. Smitii's farm, in which he is one of 
 the principal stockholders. It has been running 
 only about two 3-ears, but is one of the leading 
 establishments of its kind in the county, handling 
 about thirty-five hundred pounds of milk per day. 
 Mr. Smith was married in October, 1863, to 
 Margaret E. Aldridge, a daughter of Amasa and 
 Roxana (Gray) Aldridge, natives of Massachusetts. 
 Their union has been blessed by the birtii of eight 
 children, one of whom died in infancy. The liv- 
 ing are: Channing, who married Dais\- Douglas 
 and resides on a farm near his father; Chester, 
 who is engaged in the Clarion office at Chester, 
 and married Annie Paulis; Eunice, Bertha, Harry, 
 Gertie and Edna. The last-named are yet under 
 the parental roof. Mrs. Smith is a member of the 
 Methodist Church, while Mr. Smith is not identi- 
 fied with any denomination. Socially, our subject 
 is a member of Lodge No. 276, A. F. & A. M., at 
 Chester, and is a stanch Democrat in politics. 
 
 «^ 
 
 =^>J ••• ^^^jte •?• .-^» — ii'<D | » 
 
 ^lENJAMIN F. CLORE. There is no inher- 
 itance so rich as the records of the worthj' 
 lives of those who have departed from this 
 world and gone to receive the reward which 
 awaits them in Heaven. That death loves a shin- 
 ing mark was illustrated when it became known 
 that Benjamin F. Clore, one of Randolph Count\''s 
 best known citizens, had departed this life. He 
 was born in Boone County, K^-., November 2, 1832, 
 and was a child of two years at the time his father, 
 Abram Clore, removed to this county. 
 
 Our subject attended the common schools of his 
 neighborhood, and amid adverse surroundings 
 gained the rudiments of his education. His par-
 
 364 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 ents when locating here made their home at the 
 mouth of St. Mary's River, near Chester, wliere 
 our subject spent his entire life on a farm, and 
 where his death occurred December 19, 1891. His 
 marriage With Miss Liieinda Rupert occurred De- 
 cember 1, 1854, and Mrs. Clore at her death, June 
 7, 1874, left a famil3- of four sons and tiiree 
 daughters, of whom we make the following men- 
 tion: Franklin F. married Ella Condor; Albert C. 
 married Anna Clendenine; Gilford became the 
 husband of Amanda Dillinger; Alice became the 
 wife of Hermann Grab; Harriet L. married Cliarles 
 Keith, and after his death became the wife of Mr. 
 Tiiebold; Lucretia married Vincent Tucker, and 
 Zachariah O. is still single. 
 
 The lady whom our subject chose as his second 
 companion w.as Mrs. Mel vina F. Tingle, their union 
 taking place May 7, 1876. Mrs. Clore died Octo- 
 ber 1 of the next year, and November 2, 1880, our 
 subject was married to Mrs. Salinda (Moore) Petit, 
 daughter or John and Elizabeth (Mausker) Moore. 
 Mrs. Salinda Clore was born and reared in this 
 county, and by her union with our subject became 
 the mother of four children, of whom the eldest is 
 Nora S. Ozias died when six years of age, and 
 Kennetli and Franklin May are residing with their 
 mother, who still lives on the home farm. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Clore were active members of the 
 Methodist Church, and in his political relations 
 our subject was a stanch Democrat. He was well 
 known to the citizens of this section, and his cor- 
 rect mode of living gained for him a popularity 
 which was merited in every respect. 
 
 G: 
 
 0= 
 
 
 -^"^ 
 
 ^ 
 
 PAUL I ROSE. Township 7, range 6, Ran- 
 dolph Count}', is the home of many intelli- 
 gent, industrious and prosperous farmers, 
 jl\ who from a small beginning have won a 
 competence, securing a considerable amount of land 
 and surrounding themselves with man}' comforts 
 and conveniences. Among this number may be 
 mentioned Paul Irose, who is now occup^Mng a 
 good farm on section 17. 
 
 Our subject is a native of Poland, where he was 
 
 born in June, 1842, and where also the birth of 
 his father, Daniel Irose, occurred. The latter was 
 married in his native land, and to them were born 
 eight children, who accompanied them on their re- 
 moval to America in 1854. The wife and mother 
 dying while en route to this country, the father 
 came to Illinois and located with his children on 
 a farm five miles east of Chester, and at once be- 
 gan farming, which was his vocation tiiroughout 
 life. At his death, which occurred in 1862, he 
 left a good property. 
 
 After coming to America, the father of our sub- 
 ject was married to Miss Mary Schlocher, and his 
 widow still survives, making her home in Chester. 
 Paul, of this sketch, attended school in Randolph 
 Count}', and received such an education as was 
 given to the boys and girls of that day. When a 
 lad of seventeen, he learned the trade of a black- 
 smith with Henry Koehns, of Chester, for whom 
 he worked for three years. Then going to Ruck- 
 wood, J'oung Irose worked at his trade with Rob- 
 ert Emery for a short time, then made his way 
 into Jackson County, this state. After two months 
 spent there, he returned to this county, and at 
 Archie Island worked for four years as a black- 
 smith. At the expiration of that time he came to 
 Chester and opened up a shop for himself, continu- 
 ing to do a good business for twenty -six years. 
 Being afflicted with rheumatism, he closed out his 
 business and purchased a farm two miles east of 
 Chester, where he is still living, engaged in rais- 
 ing grain and fine grades of stock. 
 
 October 22, 1868, Paul Irose was married to 
 Miss Catherine Murkufsky, who, like himself, was 
 born in Poland, and who was brought to America by 
 her parents when quite young. Her father, Henry 
 Murkufsk}', was a tailor, and met his death in the 
 coal mines of Penns^'lvania. To our subject and 
 his wife have been born eleven children, two of 
 whom died in infancy. Those who are living are, 
 Maggie, Lizzie, Paul, Katie, Joseph, Jessie, Robert, 
 Alice and Cora. They have all been given good 
 educations, and the three eldest are prominent 
 teachers in this county. 
 
 Although Mr. and Mrs. Irose have been reared 
 in the Catholic faith, they are not closely identi- 
 fied with the church now. Mr. Irose was in early
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 365 
 
 life a Democrat, but of late jears has voted with 
 tlie Republican pa^t3^ He takes a great interest in 
 the educational affairs of his neighborhood, and 
 has rendered efficient service as School Director. 
 
 D<' ^'$1 
 
 i^^ AVID MlCONACHIE, who is successfully 
 engaged in farming in Randolph County, 
 claims Ireland as the land of his birth, 
 which occurred in County Antrim in 
 1838. His giandparents, David and Jennie (Chest- 
 nut) McConachie, were also natives of County 
 Antrim, and there spent their entire lives. The 
 family, however, is of Scotch descent, but on ac- 
 count of religious persecution, its members re- 
 moved to Ireland. Tiie grandfather, who was a 
 farmer, was a member of the Scotch Seceder Church. 
 He died at the age of ninetj-four. His wife was 
 a daughter of Samuel and Anna (Leitreni) Chest- 
 nut, the former of whom was an officer in the Brit- 
 ish army. The latter was a daugliter of the Earl 
 of Leitrem. 
 
 Robert McConachie, father of our subject, was 
 born in Countv Antrim in 1810, and in 1830 mar- 
 ried Jane, daughter or John and Martha (Steele) 
 McConacliie. They became the parents of five 
 children: John, Jane and Robert, deceased, and 
 David and William, of this county. In 1858 the 
 father came with his family to America, and lived 
 in the Sparta Precinct until his death, which oc- 
 curred in 1879. He was a farmer and stone-mason. 
 In politics he was a Republican. He was a mem- 
 ber of the Covenanter Church, and in his native 
 land served as Deacon. 
 
 We now take up the personal history of our 
 subject, who was a young man of twenty-one 
 years when he came to the United States. He set- 
 tled in xsew York and began working upon a farm. 
 The following spring he joined his parents in this 
 county and continued with them until 1873, 
 when he was married. In 1861 he had purchased 
 eighty acres of land, which he still owns. In 1863 
 he enlisted in the Union army, becoming a mem- 
 ber of Com |)any K, Forty-second Illinois Infantry, 
 in which he served one hundred days. He then 
 re-enlisted as a member of Company K, Fifth Illi- 
 
 nois Cavalry, and continued in the service until 
 the close of the war, when he was honorably dis- 
 charged. He took part in the Meridian campaign 
 and also in a number of important engagements. 
 
 In August, 186.1, Mr. JMcConachie returned 
 home, and in the year 1873 married Miss Lu- 
 cinda Steele, a native of Randolph County and a 
 daughter of Bilen and Jvancj' (Morrison) Steele, 
 the fc>rmer a native of Ireland, and the latter of 
 Illinois. To our subject and his wife have been 
 born four children, Robert Henrj',Emma B., David 
 Rilen and Nancy Jane. The family is one of 
 prominence in the community, and its members 
 hold an enviable position in social circles. 
 
 The life of our subject has been a successful one, 
 and his well directed afforts have received their 
 reward in the comfortable competence which he 
 possesses. He owns two hundred and forty acres of 
 valuable land and has ll,000 in the buiiding and 
 loan association. In politics he is a supporter of 
 the Republican party, and he has been honored 
 with some local offices of public trust. He served 
 for twelve ^-ears as School Director, was Township 
 Trustee four terms, and since 1865 has been 
 School Trustee. He has filled these positions with 
 credit to himself and satisfaction to his constitu- 
 ents, for he is ever true and faithful to confidence 
 and trust reposed in him. He belongs to the Grand 
 Army of the Republic, of which he is Senior Vice- 
 Commander, and both he and his wife hold mem- 
 bership with the United Presb^'terian Church. 
 
 IjU. ENRY BUETTNER, wlio carries on general 
 11/ jli farming on section 36, township 3, range 
 
 ili JJl 1 I o 
 
 !iW^ 10 west, is numbered among the early set- 
 'f^j tiers of Monroe Countj-, and as such well 
 deserves representation in its history. He was 
 born in Germany on the 29th of July, 1837, and 
 is a son of Henry and Julia Buettner, who were 
 also natives of the same countrj-. The father was 
 a miller bj- trade and followed that occupation in 
 his native land. In 1848 he brought his family 
 to the New World and located in St. Louis, where 
 he worked at the tailor's trade. He afterward 
 came to Monroe Countj', where he purchased an
 
 366 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 eighty-acre farm, wliicli he cultivated until selling 
 out preparatory to his removal to Kansas. In that 
 state be purchased a large farm and continued its 
 cultivation until his death, which occurred in 
 Clark County, Kan., at the age of sixty-nine years. 
 He was a member of the Lutheran Church, and in 
 politics was a supporter of the Republican party. 
 His wife died in St. Louis at the age of thirty-five. 
 This worthy couple had a family of seven chil- 
 dren, six of whomarej'et living.namel}-: Caroline, 
 Adeline, Henry, Herman, Julia and Henrietta. 
 
 Henry Buettner was a lad of eleven years when 
 with his family he crossed tlie briny deep to the 
 New World. He grew to maniiood in Monroe 
 County, and its public schools afforded him his 
 educational privileges. Le remained with his fa- 
 ther until twent3'-four years of age, when he 
 started out to make his own way in the world, and 
 as a companion and iielpmate on life's journey he 
 chose Miss Elizabeth Valentine, a native of Ger- 
 many, who with her parents came to America 
 when a maiden of ten jears. By the marriage of 
 Mr. and Mrs. Buettner were born four children, 
 but three of the number are now deceased. The 
 only one living is .John, who is married and re- 
 sides in Monroe County. The mother died at 
 the age of thirty-two years, in the faith of the Lu- 
 theran Church, of which she was a consistent mem- 
 ber. For his second wife Mr. Buettner married 
 Mena Hesterberg, a native of Germany. She w.is 
 brought by her parents to the United States dur- 
 ing her infancy and was reared and educated in 
 this county. By this union were born six children, 
 but four of the number are now deceased. Sophia 
 and Julia are still with their parents. 
 
 Upon his first marriage Mr. Buettner purchased 
 forty acres of land and upon that farm he has 
 since resided, although lie has extended its boun- 
 daries from time to time until it comprises one 
 hundred and twelve acres of good land, which 
 yields to the owner a golden tribute in return for 
 the care and cultivation he bestows upon it. In 
 earlier years he followed threshing in connection 
 with his farm work, and as the result of his indus- 
 try and perseverance he has become well-to-do. 
 He exercises the right of franchise in support of 
 the Republican party, and has lield several school 
 
 offices, such as Director and Trustee. Both he 
 and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church, 
 and in social circles thev hold an enviable position. 
 Mr. Buettner is a highly respected citizen, who 
 during his long residence in this community', by an 
 honorable, upright life, has gained the confidence 
 and good will of all with whom he lias been 
 brought in contact. 
 
 ^^ALENTINE KERN, who owns and operates 
 a good farm of two hundred and forty 
 acres on section 31, township 3, range 8 
 west, is numbered among the leading agriculturists 
 of Monroe County. His place is improved with 
 substantial buildings and all the accessories of a 
 model farm. It is neat and attractive in appear- 
 ance, and the well tilled fields indicate to the 
 passer-by the careful supervision of the owner. 
 
 The father of our subject, Francis Kern, was 
 born in the province of Deburg, Germany, in 
 1809, and tliere wedded Mary Schroet. It was in 
 1840 that he crossed the briny deep to the New 
 World. He spent the winter in St. Louis, and the 
 following spring came to Prairie du Long, Monroe 
 County, and located a mile and a-half south of 
 Freedom. After a short time he settled on section 
 31, where he entered eighty-four acres of Govern- 
 ment land, and in the midst of the forest hewed 
 out a farm. He built a good home and placed the 
 land under a high state of cultivation. He con- 
 tinued the operation of his farm until his death, 
 which occurred in 1881. In the family were only 
 two children, who are now living: Valentine, and 
 John, who is engaged in agricultural pursuits in 
 Missouri. The father was one of the first German 
 settlers of this conimunit}', and was an honored 
 and highly respected citizen. He held member- 
 ship with the Catholic Church. 
 
 On the 26th of August, 1841, on the old home 
 farm, occurred the birth oi's'alentine Kern. He 
 was reared in the usual manner of farmer lads, at- 
 tending the district schools through the winter 
 season, and aiding in the labors of the farm dur- 
 ing the summer months. Thus he grew to man- 
 hood, and the home of his boyhood is still his
 
 ^ '"^ -4 
 
 
 
 
 RE'>iDFilCE& Ml LL OT J, M. V^i LL I AM5 , VFRGEN N E5 . ILL. 
 
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 RESIDENCE OF VALENTIN E K E RN , 5EC. 31., T. 3. R 8. MON ROE CO., ILL.
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 369 
 
 place of residence. In the year 1864, Mr. Kern 
 was united in marriage with Miss Catherina Pur- 
 tle. Tlie lady was born August 27, 1843, and is a 
 daughter of Patrick Purtle, one of the earliest 
 settlers of Monroe County. 
 
 By the union of this worthy couple has been born 
 a family of six children, as follows: Valentine, 
 who was born April 20, 1865; Mary M., March 4, 
 1868; Henry, March 12, 1870; John, September 3, 
 1873; Elizabeth, April 14, 1877; .and Christian J., 
 March 1, 1884. The eldest son married Maggie 
 Steppig, who was born May 16, 1869, and they 
 live on section 31, township 3, range 8. Mary is the 
 wife of George Stadter, a resident of Monroe Coun- 
 ty. The other children are still under the parental 
 roof. The family circle yet remains unbroken by 
 the hand of Death. The household is the abode 
 of hospitality and good cheer, and its members 
 rank liigh in the social circles in which they move. 
 
 Mr. Kern devotes his entire time and attention 
 U) the improvement and cultivation of his farm, 
 which is one of the best in the community, and his 
 labois are rewarded by a good income. He has 
 led a busy and useful life, yet never neglects his 
 public duties. He takes a warm interest in every- 
 thing pertaining to the welfare of the community, 
 and is a valued citizen. In politics, he is a Demo- 
 crat. He and his family are members of the Cath- 
 olic Church of Red Bud. 
 
 lllOHN M. WILLIAMS, who is engaged in 
 milling in Vergennes, occupies a prominent 
 ^^\ j position in business circles, and is recognized 
 ^^fJ as one of the leading citizens of the place. 
 He was born August 4, 1839, in Floyd County, 
 Ind., and is a son of Samuel and Lavina (I^ewis) 
 Williams. His father was born in Clark County, 
 Ind., November 29, 1813, and followed coopering 
 and agricultural pursuits, making his home upon 
 a farm. He married Miss Lewis in Floyd County, 
 and unto them were born the following children: 
 Sylvania, wife of Lorenzo D. Emery; David, 
 James, Winfield S., George W.; Thomas J., now 
 deceased; Mary Ann, wife of Conrad Baker; and 
 Samuel. The father is a Democrat in his political 
 
 views and has taken a prominent part in local 
 politics, being honored with a number of official 
 positions. He now owns two large farms and is 
 well-to-do. His wife died at the age of thirty 
 years. 
 
 No event of special importance occurred during 
 the boyhood and youth of our subject, which 
 were quietly passed upon the home farm. At the 
 age of twenty-one, in 1861, he came to Jackson 
 County, but in September of that year he entered 
 the service of his country as a member of the boys 
 in blue of Company C, Forty-ninth Indiana In- 
 fantry, under Col. James Keigwin. He served for 
 three years and ten months, and participated in 
 the battles of Cumberland Gap, Big Creek Gap, 
 Vicksburg, Champion Hills, Port Gibson, Jackson, 
 Miss., and the Red River expedition. In 1864 he 
 re-enlisted and was elected Captain of his old 
 company, in which position he served until hon- 
 orably discharged at the close of the war, .Septem- 
 ber 1.5, 1865. He was a faithful officer, and was 
 ever found at his post of duty, valiantly defend- 
 ing the Old Flag and the cause it represented. 
 
 When the war was over, Mr. Williams re- 
 turned to Floyd County, Ind., and after two 
 years removed to Daviess County, where he en- 
 gaged in farming. In the county of his nativit3% 
 in 1867, he married Miss Martha, daughter of 
 Jacob Miller. They became the parents of one 
 child, Ollie, who was born April 26, 1868, and who 
 mairied E. C. Lovejoy. They reside in Vergennes, 
 and have two children, Ida and Carl. Mrs. Will- 
 iams died in 1869, and the following year our 
 subject wedded Maiy E. Palmer. Four children 
 grace this union: William, born July 31, 1873; 
 Carl, May 31, 1875; Cora, June 13, 1877; and Ger- 
 tie, March 26, 1879. 
 
 For twelve years Mr. Williams resided in Knox 
 County, 111., and then came to Jackson County in 
 1881. Settling in De Soto, he engaged in mer- 
 chandising until 1884, when he came to Vergennes, 
 and continued in the same line of business until 
 1886. In that year he embarked in milling in 
 connection with Joshua Palmer, his brotiier-in-law, 
 and together they own and operate the douring 
 and saw mill of this place. The3' do a large busi- 
 ness, which is constantly increasing, and well de-
 
 370 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOClRAPmCAL RECORD. 
 
 serve the liberal patronage wbieh is accorded them. 
 They also engage in grain dealing. 
 
 Since 1865, Mr. Williams lias been connected 
 witli tiie Odd Fellows' societj-, and has Iield the 
 office of Secretary of the lodge and other official 
 positions. lie votes vvitli the Republican parly, 
 but lias never souglit or desired political prefer- 
 ment for himself, although since 1885 he lias held 
 the office of Township Clerk. His wife is a member 
 of the Methodist Church, and both are prominent 
 people of this community. They occupy an en- 
 viable position in social circles and liave the warm 
 regard of many friends. 
 
 r$;i&$:!g-sig-§sg-®si&$;;g-^g^!&^^sis_ 
 
 ?)HOMAS LICKISS. All honor is due to tlie 
 noble pioneers of Illinois, who braved the 
 hardships of pioneer life, endured man}- 
 privations, and sacrificed much in order to estab- 
 lish homes for tliemselves and their families. It is 
 due to their patient and persistent labors that the 
 growth and prosperit}' of the state were laid upon 
 enduring foundations. Some of these men have 
 passed from the scenes of their earllil}' labors and 
 live only in the affectionate remembrance of those 
 who recognize their indebtedness to them. 
 
 'l"he events in the life of Thomas Lickiss, em- 
 braced in the period extending from his birth in 
 England, in July, 1811, to his death in Randolph 
 County, March 28, 1878, may be brieQy recorded 
 as follows: He was reared to manhood in his na- 
 tive place, and was a j'oung man of twenty-three 
 years when in 1834 he came to America, remain- 
 ing in this country about eleven years. Mean- 
 time, he visited Mexico, Canada and various parts 
 of the United States. He then returned to Eng- 
 land, where he married and made his home for 
 four years. However, he was not content to re- 
 main permanently in England, and accordingly 
 we find him in 1849 again in the United States. 
 The same year witnessed his arrival in SteeleviUe, 
 when; he afterward resided. 
 
 Having learned the trade of a blacksmith in 
 England, Mr. Lickiss opened a shop at SteeleviUe, 
 and followed that occupation until compelled by 
 disability to give it up. He then embarked in the 
 
 mercantile business, and conducted a flourishing 
 and profitable trade until the time of his death. 
 In 1845, he married Miss Elizabeth Denniss, a na- 
 tive of England, whose parents lived and died in 
 that country. In 1879, Jlrs. Lickiss married John, 
 the eldest brother of her late husband, and he con- 
 tinued the mercantile business until his death, 
 which occurred in November, 1879. Since that 
 time, Mrs. Lickiss has continued the business, and 
 notwithstanding the fact that she is neaiing her 
 seventy-fourth birthday, she is quite active, and 
 gives her personal supervision to the management 
 of the store. She has never had any children of 
 her own, but has reared three, Mar}^ A. Ford, an 
 orphan, who married John Sanders, and now re- 
 sides in California; Maud May Williamson, who 
 is still with her, and Fred Williamson, whom she 
 cared for from the time of his mother's death 
 until his father's second marriage. 
 
 Although Thomas Lickiss was a quiet, unassum- 
 ing man, the people among whom he dwelt held 
 him in warm regard, as they always found in him 
 a true friend, ever considerate and pleasant in his 
 manner, and they had a high opinion of his per- 
 sonal character, knowing him to be a man of 
 IM'inciple and sound integrity. In his religious 
 preference he. with liis wife, was a Presbyterian, 
 which has been the faith of tliu family for many 
 generations. 
 
 •5— ^=^>^^-<^ 
 
 -5— 
 
 >jp^| LI BECKLEY. There is sometliing about 
 l^ the life of a prosperous and popular man 
 I*' — ^ very pleasant to contemplate — something 
 that gives encouragement to those seeking to make 
 for themselves desirable positions in life. Such an 
 example is shown in the career of Eli Becklc}', who 
 is generally conceded to deserve unlimited praise 
 for the success he has attained and for the strict 
 integrity' of his business transactions. He is one 
 of the largest land-owners in Randolph County, 
 being the possessor of seven hundred and forty- 
 five broad acres located in township 4, range 5, 
 which he operated until 1893, when he moved into 
 the village of Coulterville. 
 
 A native of Staflfordshire, England, our subject
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 371 
 
 was born October 25, 1827, to Daniel and Phoebe 
 (Scliriven) Beckley, also nativesof England, where 
 they lived and died, the father aged eighty-four 
 years, and tlie mother when two years younger. 
 They reared a family' of twelve children, nine of 
 whom are living, but only two make their home 
 in the United Stales, our subject and his brother 
 Joshua, wlio is also a resident of this county. 
 
 Eli, of this sketch, was educated and grew to 
 manhood in England, and wiicn coming to Amer- 
 ica, in 1854, settled in Pittsburgh, Pa., where he 
 embarked in business as a brewer. Remaining 
 there for nearly four years, he came to this state 
 in 1857, and located within half a mile of his pres- 
 ent home, which is on section 4, township 4, range 
 5. He leased property for three years from Alex- 
 ander Dicke}', but after living upon it two years, 
 gave up the lease and moved to a finely improved 
 farm of one hundred and forty-five acres, for which 
 he paid ^2,700. It now includes seven hundred and 
 forty-flve acres, which, under his careful manage- 
 ment, has been placed under excellent cultivation, 
 and now compares favorably with any other estate 
 in the county in point of tillage and imijrove- 
 nient. 
 
 Mr. Beckley has crossed the Atlantic twentj' 
 times in behalf of his stock-raising interests, in 
 which branch of farming he began in 1860. He 
 now imports Clydesdale and Englishshire horses, 
 of which he has the exclusive trade in this local- 
 ity. He is a stockholder in the flouring mill at 
 Coulterville, owns and operates the Coulterville 
 Creamery, and has an interest in another establish- 
 ment of that kind near Darmstadt, St. Clair Coun- 
 ty', this state. He likewise publishes the only pa- 
 per in Coulterville, and is looked upon as one of 
 the wealthy and influential citizens of Randolph 
 County. 
 
 In 1854, Mr. Beckley and Miss Mary Kendrick, 
 of Worcestershire, England, were united in mar- 
 riage. The lady became the mother of six chil- 
 dren, and departed this life in 1889. Her children 
 were, William Henry, Mary, Abraham L., Caroline, 
 Phoebe Ann and Lillie Ann. Our subject was 
 again married in November, 1892, the lady of his 
 choice being Sarah Barber. She likewise was a na- 
 tive of the same county in P>ngland,and is a mem- 
 
 ber of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Beckley does 
 all that he can to advance the educational inter- 
 'ests of his locality. He is a stanch Republican in 
 polities, and possesses those pleasant social quali- 
 ties which have made for him a host of warm 
 friends, who delight in his success. 
 
 ATIIER GERHARD TOENNIES, Assistant 
 P.istor of St. Andrew's Catholic Church of 
 Murphysboro, was born in Germantown, 
 Clinton County, HI., November 12, 1864. His 
 grandfather, Gerhard Toennies, w.is born in Ger- 
 many, and was a weaver by trade. In 1849, he 
 came with his wife and three sons to America. 
 One son had crossed the previous 3'ear, locating in 
 Germantown. The grandparents both died of 
 cholera on the trip up the Mississippi River. He 
 was buried on the banks of the stream, and she 
 was laid to rest in St. Louis. 
 
 The father of our subject, Herman Toennies, 
 was born in Germany, and accompanied his par- 
 ents to the New World. By hard labor, he at 
 length acquired enough capital to purchase land, 
 and cleared and improved a farm of one hundred 
 and sixty acres. He is now living a retired life 
 in Clinton County, at the age of sixty-three 
 years. In 1891, he paid a visit to his old home in 
 the Fatherland. His wife, who bore the maiden 
 name of Ann M. Koebbe. was born in German^', 
 and in early life came with her parents to the 
 United States. She died September 9, 1874, leav- 
 ing a family of three sons and two daughters. 
 
 Father Toennies, whose name heads this sketch, 
 was reaied upon the home farm, and worked early 
 and late, aiding in the development of the land. 
 He then studied for a year and a-half with Father 
 William Cluse, now Vicar-General of the diocese, 
 later located in Germantown, and in 1883 en- 
 tered Teutopolis College, graduating from the 
 classical course. In 1887, he became a student in 
 St. Francis' Seminary in Milwaukee, pursuing a 
 course in philosophy and theology, and was gradu- 
 ated in 1891. He was ordained a priest at Ger- 
 mantown in St. Boniface Church, June 24, 1891, 
 by Bishop Jansen, of the Belleville diocese, and
 
 'il2 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 was appointed Assistant Pastor at Murphysboro. 
 On tlie 13th of July he came to this place, where 
 he has since eainestly labored. He is also Assist-' 
 ant Pastor of St. Elizabeth's Church, St. Ann's 
 Church at Radville, St. Gregory's Church at Grand 
 Tower, and the church at Cartersville. In 1894 a 
 house of worship will be erected at the last named 
 place. 
 
 Father Toeunies has established a Latin class in 
 the schools at this place. He is a highly' educated 
 man, and is indefatigable in his efforts to advance 
 the interests of his church. 
 
 AVID SCIIEIN, the popular and ellicient 
 ]\j Postmaster of Berksville, and one of its 
 leading merchants, is a native of Germany, 
 his birth having occurred there February 
 6, 1850. His parents, Andrew and Henrietta 
 (Jacob.v) Schein, were also born in the same coun- 
 try, and were there educated. The father was a 
 machinist of Kcmpen, and was a very industrious 
 and hard working man. Both he and his wife 
 were members of the Hebrew Church. They have 
 now departed this life, the father's death having 
 occurred at the age of seventy -seven ^ears, while 
 his wife passed away at the age of seventy-four. 
 They were the parents of thirteen children, but 
 only three are living, Joseph, Salo and David. 
 
 Our subject acquired a good education in the 
 public schools of the I'\athtrland. In 1866, at the 
 age of sixteen 3'ears, he came with his brother, 
 Salo, to this country, and after spending about a 
 year in travel, he located in Berksville, Monroe 
 County, where he has since made his home. He had 
 had some business experience before his emigration 
 to the New World, for he had been engaged in 
 clerking in the Fatherland. After arriving here, 
 he engaged in clerking for six years, and was a 
 trusted employe, ever faithful to the interests of 
 those for whom he woiked. In this wa}-, through 
 his industry and economy, he acquired some capi- 
 tal, which in 1875 he invested in a business of his 
 own. Forming a partnership with Mr. Ziebold, 
 they opened a general store in Monroe City, and 
 together did business until 1877, when the con- 
 
 nection was dissolved, and Mr. Schein opened a 
 store of his own. This he conducted for eleven 
 years, when in 1888 he sold out and came to 
 Berksville, opening the stoie of which he is now 
 proprietor. 
 
 The lady who bears the name of Mrs. Schein 
 was in her maidenhood Emma Lorentz. She 
 was born in Iowa, but the greater part of her girl- 
 hood was speut in this county, where she acquired 
 a good education. She is a member of the Lutheran 
 Church, and is an estimable lady, who has many 
 fiiends throughout the community. B3' their 
 union were born eleven children, Ida (the wife of 
 Peter Schneider), Nelson. Henry, Julius, Heniietta, 
 George, Phelona, and four who died in infancy. 
 
 In his political views, ilr. Schein is a stanch 
 Democrat, and warmly advocates the principles of 
 his party. lie has served as School Director, was 
 Justice of the Peace for several years, and for nine 
 years was Postmaster of Monroe City. He now 
 holds a similar position in Berksville, and is a 
 capable and efficient officer. He is a member of 
 the Ilarigari Lodge, and holds membership with 
 the Lutheran Church. He commenced life for 
 himself without a dollar, but he is an excellent 
 financier, and by careful attention to the details 
 of his business and l\v well directed efforts, he has 
 met with signal success, and has become one of 
 the substantial citizens of the community. 
 
 €+^1 
 
 ANIEL j\I. DOTY. Though several years 
 have come and gone since this gentleman 
 passed away, his memory as a sincere 
 friend and loj'al citizen is still as fresh in 
 the hearts of his associates as in the days gone by 
 and will be perpetuated in the affection and regard 
 of posterity. During the entire period of his resi- 
 dence in Jackson County he displayed an unceas- 
 ing interest in the welfare of his fellow-citizens 
 and did all in his power to advance their material 
 prosperity. During the entire period of his resi- 
 dence in Jackson Count}', he displayed an unceas- 
 ing interest in the welfare of his fellow-citizens 
 and did all in his power to advance their material 
 prosperity. Especially was he intimately associ-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 373 
 
 ated with the history of Vergennes Township, 
 whicli for a time was his home, and in which he 
 achieved his higliest successes. 
 
 A native of Jackson County, 111., our subject 
 was born here .January 29, 1834, and was a son of 
 William Doty, of whom further mention is made 
 upon another page of this volume. In his youth 
 he received such advantnges as were offered by 
 the neighboring schools, but his education was 
 largely secured b^' personal investigation and pri- 
 vate study. From childhood days he was inter- 
 ested in farming, and it was natural that upon 
 choosing a life occupation he selected the voca- 
 tion of an agriculturist. Succeeding years proved 
 the wisdom of his choice. 
 
 November 18, 1863, Mr. Doty was united in 
 marriage with Miss Margaret G., daughter of 
 Charles and Jane (McMurray) Blacklock, all na- 
 tives of Scotland, and early settlers of Jackson 
 County, having come here in tlie '50s. She is 
 one in a family of four surviving children, the 
 others being David A., who lives in Levan Town- 
 ship, Jackson County; Thomas, a resident of Keo- 
 kuk, Iowa; and Robert B., of Somerset Township. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Doty became the parents of seven 
 children, four of whom are now living, viz.: Charles 
 M., James T., Agnes and Robert B. 
 
 At the age of about fifty years, before the en- 
 ergy of manhood had become enervated by tlie in- 
 firmities of old age, Mr. Dot}' was called from 
 earth. His demise occurred June 26, 1884, and 
 was mourned not only by his immediate relatives, 
 but also by the people throughout tiie county, for 
 he was a kind neighbor, a generous and self-sacri- 
 ficing friend and capable man. While he had not 
 been actively identified with politics, he never- 
 theless adhered with ardor to the principles of the 
 Democratic partj', and never lost an opportunity 
 to cast his ballot for the nominees of that political 
 organization. 
 
 So successful had Mr. Dot}' been in his agricult- 
 ural pursuits that at his death he left an estate 
 comprising more tlian three hundred acres of land. 
 Upon this homestead his widow has continued to 
 make her home, superintending the management 
 of the farm with such skill and efficiency that its 
 value has been increased by the addition of sub- 
 
 stantial improvements. In her religious belief she 
 is identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
 to wliidi she contributes systematically, and in 
 the work of which she is activel}' interested. 
 
 LEXANDER CRISLER, whose sketch we 
 now have the pleasure of presenting, is a 
 native of this county, and was born in 
 Rockwood Frecinct September 18, 1851. 
 Here he grew to man 's estate, commencing at an 
 early age to cultivate the soil and to learn the 
 principles of successful farming. His education was 
 limited, but his natural ability and fondness for 
 knowledge can more than atone for the lack of 
 what is commonly called "schooling." Mr. Cris- 
 ler is now occupying a fine estate on section 36, 
 township 7, range 6. where he devotes his attention 
 to cultivating the soil. 
 
 The i)arents of our subject, John and Mary 
 (Hindman) Crisler, were natives of Kentucky, and 
 came to this county previous to their marriage, 
 when quite young. John Crisler was a blacksmith 
 by trade, which calling he followed in Rockwood 
 until his decease, which occurred in 1866. Our 
 subject was a lad of fifteen years when his father 
 died, and he was compelled to give up any am- 
 bition he might have had for procuring an educa- 
 tion, being obliged to work on the farm and 
 assist in the support of his mother. The latter de- 
 parted this life in 1876. 
 
 Our subject began to break land on his own ac- 
 count on reaching his majority, and has ever since 
 been engaged as a general farmer and stock-raiser. 
 Ever3thing about his estate has been accomplish- 
 ed by arduous toil, and is now under a fine state 
 of cultivation. He was married in 1871 to Miss 
 Nancy Lowr}-, and they have become the parents 
 of eight children, two of whom are deceased. John, 
 Clemie, James, Edgar and Byrdare living at home, 
 and Willis is residing with an aunt in Chester. 
 
 Mrs. Crisler was the daughter of Hugh and 
 Sarah Lowrj', who were residents of this count}- 
 for many years; the father came from Ireland, and 
 the mother is a native of Alabama. Our subject's
 
 374 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPinCAL RECORD. 
 
 wife departed this life May 16, 1886, and July 4, 
 1888. Mr. Crisler was married to Margaret Lowry, 
 a sister of his first wife. To them has been born a 
 daugliter, Sadie, who is three j-cais old. Mrs. Cris- 
 ler is an active worker in the Methodist Episcopal 
 Church. 
 
 Mr. Crisler, until a few j'ears ago, was a Liberal 
 in politics. Now, however, he casts his vote for 
 tlie People's party candidates. He is one of the 
 most public spirited and progressive men in this 
 locality , and socially he is a member of Springvale 
 Tvodge No. 922, F. ]M. B. A., and is now Chairman 
 of the County Assembly'. 
 
 //r^ JACOB JOBB IS a prominent businei 
 [|[ (— ^ of Mae3-stown, widely and favorably 
 ■^^^1 throughout the communitj', and it 
 
 JACOB JOBB is a prominent business man 
 
 known 
 is with 
 
 pleasure that we present to our readers this record 
 of his life. A native of Germany, he was born 
 June 24. 1844, to Lewis and Maggie (Heinefourth) 
 Jobb, who were also natives of the same coun- 
 try. They were the parents of eight children, 
 but only two of the number are yet living, Cevilla 
 and Jacob. The parents were both reared and ed- 
 ucated in the Fatherland, and Mr. Jobb was a 
 vcrj- well informed man. By trade he was a 
 weaver. In 1854 he bade adieu to friends and 
 countr}', and wi^h his family crossed the broad 
 ocean to America. He at once went to Missouri, 
 and purchasing forty acres of land in Cape Girar- 
 deau Count}', there carried on agricultural pur- 
 suits until his death, which occurred at the age of 
 fifty-six years. His wife survived him some time, 
 and her last days were spent in Maeystowu, where 
 she departed this life at the age of sixty-three. The 
 parents were both members of the Lutheran Church 
 and were highly respected people. 
 
 Midst play and work, Mr. Jobb of this record 
 spent the d.ays of his boyhood and 3'outh. He 
 was only ten years of age at the time of the 
 emigration to the New World, and in Missouri he 
 was reared and educated. He became familiar 
 with all the details of farm life and aided in the 
 labors of the field until nineteen years of age, 
 when he began learning the harness-maker's trade, 
 
 which he followed for a period of seven j-ears. 
 In 1862 we find him among the defenders of tiie 
 country, for he had joined the boys in blue of 
 Companj' F, Twenty-ninth Missouri Infantry. 
 He served for nineteen months, and was tiien 
 honorabl}' discharged. He participated in the 
 battles of Corinth and Nashville, and was mustered 
 out at Kingston, Ga. 
 
 Mr. Jobb at once returned to his home, and for 
 some years past has resided in Maeystown, where 
 he is engaged in business as a harness maker and 
 dealer. He has followed his trade througliout 
 life, and now receives from the public a liberal 
 patronage, which he well deserves, for he carries a 
 full and complete stock and earnestly desires to 
 please his customers. Straightforward dealing has 
 ever characterized his business career and undoubt- 
 ed I3" has been an important factor in his success. 
 In 1868 Mr. Jobb married Elizabeth Aites, who 
 died leaving one son, Albert In 1873, Mr. 
 Jobb married Gertrude Dillenberger, a native of 
 Monroe Count}', and a highly educated and re- 
 fined lady. Their union has been blessed witli a 
 family of six children, of whom five are yet living, 
 and are still under the parental roof, namely: 
 Katie, Jacob, Lizzie, George and Clara. The chil- 
 dren have been provided with good educational 
 privileges, and are thus fitted for the practical and 
 responsible duties of life. The parents are both 
 prominent members of the Lutheran Church, in 
 wiiich Mr. Jobb formerly held the office of Treas- 
 urer. In politics he is a stalwart Republican, who 
 warmly advocates the principles of his party. 
 Socially, he is connected with Maeystown Lodge 
 No. 3809, K. H., of Maeystown. A man of ster- 
 ling worth and strict integrity, lie has won the con- 
 fidence and high regard of all who know him. 
 
 rj^gJ K ' S i £ ^S S is' 
 
 ENRY E. EBBRECHT. The simple record 
 of an honorable life is the best monument 
 that can be reared to any citizen, and we 
 shall therefore not attempt to enlarge 
 upon the history of the gentleman above named, 
 who was one of Chester's most reputable residents. 
 He was called from this life in the prime of man-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 375 
 
 hood, February 11, 1893. His birth occurred No- 
 vember 4, 1862, in this city. His parents were 
 Henr3' and Carrie (Schrader) Ebbrecht, natives of 
 Germany, wlio came to tiiis country when quite 
 young, and were married in Chester. Five chil- 
 dren were born to this couple, all d^-ing in in- 
 fancy with the exception of our subject, who was 
 the j'oungest in order of birth. 
 
 Our subject received a fair education, attending 
 the Chester schools until reaching his fourteenth 
 year, when he commenced to work with his uncle, 
 Ernest Schrader, learning the trade of a barber, 
 and continuing at it for a period of three j^ears. 
 "When but a child of three years he lost his mother 
 by death and was reared by an aunt, Mrs. Wolf, 
 until entering the above business, when he lived 
 with his uncle. After leaving his uncle, he em- 
 barked in the business on his own account at 
 Buena Vista, now a part of Chester, and by his dili- 
 gence and perseverance soon had a large trade. 
 In 1890 he added a stock of jewelry, which in- 
 creased his business greatly. 
 
 August 12, 188.5, Mr. Ebbrecht was united in 
 marriage with Miss Annie Boeger, a daughter of 
 Fred C. and Minnie (Koelerl Boeger. Tlie father 
 came to the United .Stales from German}' when 
 but eighteen j'ears old and followed cabinet mak- 
 ing, continuing thus engaged until his death, 
 which occurred in Chester in 1887. In the mean- 
 time he purchased a furniture store, which at the 
 time of his demise was the leading store of the 
 kind in Chester. His good wife, who came to this 
 country when thirt}- years of age, was here mar- 
 ried and is yet living, aged fifty-nine years. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Ebbrecht bad one child, Lillie. She was 
 born July 30, 1886, and is now a student at the 
 Lutiieran school. 
 
 •July 2, 1889, the good wife and mother died, and 
 September 27, 1892, Mr. Ebbrecht was married to 
 Emma Boeger, a sister of his first wife. Four 
 months after this event, our subject was called to 
 the land beyond, mourned and respected b}' his 
 many friends and acquaintances. In politics he was 
 a Democrat, working for his party whenever oppor- 
 tunity offered, although never aspiring to public 
 duties. He and his wife were devoted members 
 of the Lutheran Church, the latter still being an 
 
 active worker in that denomination. Mrs. Eb- 
 brecht for awhile carried on her husband's jewelry 
 business alone, but recently- sold it. She commands 
 the respect of all with whom she comes in contact. 
 
 <X[ ^.^»^»^.^.^.»»^-^.^.^. ^ ^.4.^^^•»»»^.4^^^••^♦ :x> 
 
 "ill O H N M. C R I S L E R was for many years 
 prominentl}' identified with the .agricultural 
 interests of Randolph County, and his fine 
 farm, located on section 36, township 6, 
 range 7, is supplied with substantial imi)rovenients, 
 including neat and commodious buildings, and is 
 in every respect well improved and well managed. 
 Our subject was born near Chester, this county, 
 .lanuar}- 6, 1823, and is a son of Silas and Mary 
 (Shafer) Crisler. The parents were natives of 
 Boone County, Ky., and came to Illinois after 
 marriage, remaining here the rest of their days. 
 Our subject enjoyed onl}' limited opportunities 
 for an education, but studied in the subscription 
 schools of his native township. Aiding his father 
 in the care of the home farm until his death, he 
 then carried it on alone. When he was twenty- 
 nine 3-ears old, he bought land of his own, which 
 he carried on from then until his death, which 
 occurred on the 22d of December, 1885. His fine 
 farm was made up of two hundred and twentj' 
 acres, which is a well improved tract, bearing a 
 complete line of substantial buildings. The fertile 
 acreage yields various grains and is a source of a 
 sufficient income to surround the family with the 
 comforts and many of the luxuries of life. 
 
 On the 22d of August, 1855, John M. Crisler 
 was married to Eliza (Dean) Cowan, a daughter 
 of Obediali and Martha (Van Buren) Dean, natives 
 of Maine and New York, respeetivelj'. To our sub- 
 ject and his wife four children were born. Cecelia, 
 who married John A. Maxwell, lives in this coun- 
 ty; Efiie and Inez (twins) are next in order. The 
 former was struck with palsy when a child and has 
 been a cripple eversinee. Inez is the wife of Joseph 
 Harris and lives near Chester. Gelo, the only son, is 
 3'etat home. The good mother is a member of the 
 Presbyterian Church and is now seventy-one years 
 of age. She is hale and heart}- and bids fair to live 
 for many j-ears. She was the widow of John Cowan
 
 376 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 wlien she became the wife of our subject, and by 
 that marriage bore her husband two children: 
 diaries Dean, who married Florence Fowler, and 
 Sarah, who is the wife of Robert McNabney. 
 
 In politics Mr. Crisler was always in favor of 
 the Republican platform. He was a quiet, unas- 
 suming man, who by his correct mode of living 
 gained the respect of all with whom he had to do. 
 At the time of his death he had accumulated a 
 goodly portion of this world's goods and was en- 
 abled to leave his widow and children a comforta- 
 ble home. 
 
 ^^ HARLES VESPEH. This name will be rec- 
 if^, ognized by many of our readers as that of 
 ^^>'' a gentleman who has been a resident of 
 Steeleville for more than twenty j'ears, and who 
 has also been a potent factor in the development 
 of the interests of this section of the country. A 
 native of Germany, Mr. Vesper was born October 
 2, 1841. and is the eighth in order of birth among 
 nine children comprising the family of William 
 and Louisa (Bergmann) Vesper, both of whom 
 spent their entire lives in Germany. 
 
 In the excellent schools of his native land, the 
 subject of this sketch received a practical educa- 
 tion, and at the age of fourteen years commenced 
 to work at an ore furnace, continuing thus en- 
 gaged for three years. Afterward be was employ- 
 ed in a coal mine until 1866, when he left his na- 
 tive countrj', and embarking on a steamship cross- 
 ed the ocean to America. For two j'ears after 
 coming to the United States, he worked in the 
 mines in Pennsylvania, after which he came west 
 to Indiana and was employed in the mines in 
 Daviess County for two years. 
 
 From Indiana, Mr. Vesper removed to Illinois, 
 and stayed in Murphysboro until 1873, when he 
 located in Steeleville, and has since been a resi- 
 dent of this place. For ten years he engaged in the 
 retail liquor trade, and then entered the mercantile 
 business, following that exclusively for four jears. 
 He then entered the mines again, and still con- 
 tinues thus engaged, but also carries on a profitable 
 mercantile trade. 
 
 The marriage of Mr. Vesper occurred January 
 
 28, 1868, and united him with Miss Caroline, a 
 daughter of Randell and Sarah (Palmer) Delk, na- 
 tives of jS'ortli and South Carolina, respectively, 
 who came to Indiana when quite j'oung and there 
 continued to reside until his death. Of tliis union 
 there have been born eight children, two of whom 
 died in infancy. Those living are, Christina, who 
 married John Gravener, and lives in Steeleville; 
 Mary, the wife of John Thomas, a resident of 
 Steeleville; Emma, Lydia, Gracie and Carrie, who 
 are at home. The daughters liave all received ex- 
 cellent educations and are accomplished and popu- 
 lar young ladies. 
 
 Since coming to this countrj', Mr. Vesper has 
 been a careful student of its political institutions, 
 and as a result of his investigations and observa- 
 tions gives to the Democratic parly his steadfast 
 support. He has never been an aspirant for office, 
 preferring to devote his time to tiie conduct of 
 his business and the discharge of his duties as a 
 private citizen. He was reared in the faith of 
 the Presbyterian Church, for which he entertains 
 a preference. Mrs. Vesper is a member of the 
 Baptist Cliurch, and is active in the work of that 
 denomination. 
 
 1^+^! 
 
 1^^ 
 
 Al^jIRD W. HINDMAN, although quite young, 
 IrS^ has been for some time identified with the 
 //?M)ll agricultural interests of Randolph Countj', 
 ^&^ and has become quite well known as an en- 
 terprising and prosperous man. His present resi- 
 dence is on section 34, township 7, range 6, and 
 his estate comprises sixty acres, which are under 
 excellent tillage and bear numerous improvements. 
 The dwelling and accompanying outbuildings are 
 well built and are sufflcientlj' commodious for tlie 
 purposes for which they are designed, and include 
 whatever will add to the convenience in carrying 
 on a first-class farm. 
 
 Bird Ilindman was born Februarj' 27, 1866, five 
 miles east of Chester, and is the youngest child 
 born to James H. and Sarah (Johnson) Hindnian. 
 His father, who was also a native of this countj', 
 lived here during his entire life, and was one of 
 the leading agriculturists of this section. He de-
 
 'Ol/t^ 
 
 -tjs6 
 
 ■d. i^^i^t^?^'
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 379 
 
 parted this life November 15, 1891, and was pre- 
 ceded to the better land by his good wife, who 
 died in 1889. The paternal giandfather of our 
 subject was Samuel Hindnian, who came from Ire- 
 land to America in an early da}-, and lived and 
 died in Illinois. 
 
 Our subject enjoyed only limited opportunities 
 for obtaining an education, studying in the dis- 
 trict schools near his home. Aiding his father in 
 the care of his farm, and energetically sharing the 
 toil during the seed time and harvest, he gained a 
 thoroughly practical knowledge of the pursuit of 
 agriculture, and was well fitted to carry on an 
 estate of his own. He remained at home, aiding 
 in cultivating the home farm, until reaching his 
 twenty-fifth year, since which time he has been 
 classed among the leading j'oung farmers of this 
 country. 
 
 In .July, 1891, Mr.Hindman and Miss Nancy A., 
 daughter of Stephen and Callie (Watson) Kenni- 
 son were united in marri.age. Their union has 
 been blessed by the birth of a daughter, who bears 
 the name of Bertha May. Mrs. Hindman, who is 
 a most estimable lady, is a member of the Free 
 Will Baptist Church. Our subject is a stanch 
 Democrat in politics, and is at the present time 
 acceptably filling the office of School Director in 
 his district. 
 
 . • ^ P — • 
 
 AVID STAINROOK BOOTH, M. D., was 
 
 for many j'ears one of the most prominent 
 physicians of Randolph County, and at his 
 death his profession was deprived of one 
 of its noblest representatives, and the citizenship 
 of the community suffered a sad loss. Dr. Booth 
 was born in Philadelphia, Pa., .June 30, 1828, and 
 departed this life at Belleville, III., September 10, 
 1892, aged sixty-four years. 
 
 Dr. John J. Booth, the father of our subject, 
 was born and educated in the Quaker City, and 
 there practiced medicine until 1845, when he re- 
 moved to Fredericktowu, Mo. Our subject, who 
 was at that time attending the high school in 
 Philadelphia, remained in that city, and after 
 completing his studies, was, by the instruction of 
 his father, bound as an apprentice to learn the 
 10 
 
 drug business. During the last 3'ear of his appren- 
 ticeship he attended a course of lectures at the 
 Jefferson Medical College, and in the spring of 
 1849 joined his parents in Fredericktowu, Mo. 
 There he commenced the systematic stud}' of med- 
 icine under the tutelage of his father, and attended 
 the St. Louis Medical College during the session 
 of 1849-50. The following two years he taught 
 school, emploj'ing the leisure moments in reading 
 medicine. In 1852 he removed to southwestern 
 Missouri, and in Jasper County taught school and 
 at the same time practiced medicine. 
 
 Dr. Booth later removed to Newton Count}', 
 that state, and on a petition of the citizens of 
 McDonald Count}', they guaranteeing a certain 
 amount of practice, he went to Enterprise, in the 
 above county, and there remained until the out- 
 break of the war. During the winter of 1859-60 
 he attended the St. Louis Medical College, from 
 which institution he was graduated. As the peo- 
 ple in Enterprise, which was his home at that time, 
 were strongly in sympathy with the south, tiie 
 Doctor, who was a stanch Union man, was made 
 very uncomfortable, and after the election of Lin- 
 coln, in 1860, he desired to change his location, but 
 having accumulated considerable property, he did 
 not like to lose it, so he remained there until the 
 Confederate forces occupied the country. Having 
 gained a wide reputation as a fine surgeon, he re- 
 ceived intimation that his services were needed and 
 was requested to accompany the rebels, which he 
 found best to do quietly, and assisted in attending 
 to the wounded during the battle of Wilson's 
 Creek. After that conflict he returned home and 
 at once made preparation for leaving, which he 
 did on horseback after night, and by knowing the 
 lay of the land, he was able to keep clear of the 
 Confederate army. 
 
 After reaching St. Louis, Mo., Dr. Booth re- 
 ceived such a cold reception from his old ac- 
 quaintances that he went on to Philadelphia and 
 occupied his time in attending lectures at the 
 University of Pennsylvania. He passed the ex- 
 amination, and was mnstered into the service of 
 the Union army as Active Assistant Surgeon of 
 the Mississippi Marine Brigade. It was his inten- 
 tion to work his way back to Missouri and rescue
 
 380 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 his family, whom he had been compelled to leave 
 behind. While in that, branch of the service he 
 was stationed on board the "Monarch," later on 
 the "Switzerland," and for some time liad charj^e 
 of the bmall-pox hospital. At the time the "Queen 
 of the West" was ordered to run by Vicksburg 
 Dr. Booth was assigned to dut}' as the medical 
 officer on that vessel, which passed Vicksburg on 
 the morning of February 2, 1*^63. He was later 
 captured on the Red River, on the evening of the 
 14th of that month, his lioat having run aground 
 on a sand bar opposite Ft. Taylor, and before she 
 could be released, was disabled by the guns of the 
 enemj'. All the officers and most of the crew on 
 board escaped on cotton bales and in the small 
 boats to a place not far distant. Soon after his cap- 
 ture there was an exchange of prisoners, and the 
 Doctor and the men who were with him were sent 
 to New Orleans, thence to New York, and from 
 there to the Philadelphia Navy Yard. While in 
 the latter place, he employed his time in visiting 
 the hospitals, and in August he was ordered to 
 report at the New York Navj- Yard, where be was 
 given charge of a train load of exchange prisoners 
 bound for St. Louis. 
 
 In the meantime Dr. Booth iiad not been able to 
 gain any definite news from his family, who were 
 within the Confederate lines. Anxiety on their 
 account caused him to resign his position as Sur- 
 geon, which was accepted the following October. 
 While waiting in St. Louis, endeavoring to get an 
 escort from the nearest point of Union forces to 
 where his family was located, a vacancy occurred 
 in the hospital at Springfield, Mo., and he was 
 offered the position by the medical director of the 
 department. He accepted, as it took him within 
 a short distance of his family, and very soon after 
 entering on his duties at Springfield he secured an 
 escort and was enabled to bring his family into 
 the Union lines, after having been separated from 
 them for more than two years. He held the above 
 position until July, 1864, when he resigned, and 
 locating in Sparta, this county, remained in active 
 practice here until September 1, 1889. He then 
 removed to Belleville, where his decease occurred. 
 
 January 27, 1850, Dr. David S. Booth married 
 Miss Cynthia Grounds, and to them were born the 
 
 following six children: Mary (deceased), Sarah, 
 David, Frances, Josephine, and John J., who is now 
 dece.ised. Mary was the wife of James E. Jordan, 
 and at her decease left a son, Edward, who was 
 reared b3- our subject; Sarah married Dr. Jerome 
 Thompson, of Morrisonville, this state; David, is 
 the assistant of Dr. C. H. Hughes, who holds the 
 chair of nervous diseases in the Barnes Jledical 
 College of St. Louis. He is a graduate of the St. 
 Louis Medical College, and married a Jliss West. 
 Frances, the wife of William Burnett, makes her 
 home in Ottumwa, Iowa. Josephine is the wife of 
 James Sproul. Jr., and is residing in Sparta. 
 
 In his p^olitical relations Dr. Booth was a strong 
 Republican, and socially was a prominent Ma- 
 son and Knight Templar. In religious affairs 
 he w.ns an active member of the Presbyterian 
 Church. He was a man of exemplar}' habits, and was 
 so thoroughly devoted to his chosen calling thiit 
 few knew him outside of his professional life. He 
 was enthusiastic in everything that would add to 
 his knowledge as a physician and promote the 
 science of medicine. He was prominently identi- 
 fied with the Southern Illinois Medical Associa- 
 tion, of which he had been President; also the 
 Illinois State Medical Society, in which he occu- 
 pied the same position. He was also a member of 
 the American, the Mississippi Valley and the St. 
 Clair County Associations. 
 
 ^'OlIN P. MtCLURKEN is a bright, intelli- 
 gent young writer, who is making the Coul- 
 ,^^. , terville Republican a wide awake and well 
 "^^f managed newspaper. He was born in 
 Washington County, 111., and is the son of William 
 McClurken, a native of .South Carolina, where his 
 birth occurred in 1828. The father accompanied 
 his parents on their I'cmoval to this state in 1833, 
 and settled in Washington County, where he grew 
 to man's estate, and where his father was the owner 
 of a large tract of land. 
 
 Miss Mary Cherry, as the mother of our subject 
 was known in maidenhood, is a native of Randolph 
 County, and the daughter of the late George 
 Cherry, a pioneer of this swtiou. Here she was mar-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 381 
 
 ried to William McCliirken, and soon afterward 
 they removed to Washington County, this state, 
 wiiere they were residingat the time of the father's 
 decease, in the fall of 1861. The mother is still 
 living (1894) and has attained the age of sixty- 
 two. Their family consists of two living children, 
 our subject and Maggie E., Mrs. James Torrens, of 
 Washington County. The parents were members 
 of the Covenanter Church, in which body the.y 
 were active workers. • 
 
 Our subject was born September 26, 1854, in 
 this state, and remained upon the home farm until 
 sixteen years of age. Then with his mother and 
 sister he went to Colorado with the St. Louis West- 
 ern Colony, of which their pastor, Rev. A. C. Todd, 
 was President. While in that state he worked in 
 the Evans' Journal ofJico. After a sojourn of two 
 years in the west, he returned home, and for a few 
 years gave his entire time and attention to the 
 completion of his education, attending successively 
 Geneva College, at Northwood, Ohio; Monmouth 
 College, this state; the Northern Normal and the 
 Valparaiso Normal, in Indiana, thus fitting himself 
 to occupy any position in life. Afterward he 
 taught school for five years, and on July 4, 1891, 
 be became the editor and manager of the HejmbUcan, 
 in Coulterville, which he is conducting very suc- 
 cessfully. The paper is non-partisan in politics, 
 and since Mr. McClurken has had charge of it, the 
 list of subscribers has been largely increased. Our 
 subject is a member of the Covenanter Church, and 
 is an Elder of the congregation at Oakdale, and 
 also takes an active part in Sunday-school work. 
 
 ■ ^ - ag ' 3 i g ae ^6-^t^«»^!S^i^-S!S-g)g-3ig-3!S- 
 
 QUIRE WILLIAM M. WILSON, a promi- 
 nent resident of Baldwin, and an honored 
 pioneer of Randolph County, was born 
 where the town of Baldwin now stands in 
 1841, and is the eldest child of James and Jennie 
 (McBride) Wilson, both of whom were natives of 
 this county. The father was born about 1820. 
 and was a son of George and Susanna (Anderson) 
 Wilson, who came to Illinois from the Abbe3'ville 
 District in South Carolina. The grandmother was 
 a native of Nova Scotia, and they were nmong 
 
 the earliest settlers of this community. The fam- 
 ily lived for some time in the old fort, which was 
 erected for protection against the Indians by the 
 old settlers. 
 
 The subject of this sketch acquired his educa- 
 tion in the common schools and afterward turned 
 his attention to farming, to which pursuit he had 
 been reared. He was a successful agriculturist 
 and his land was hiwhl^' improved. The town of 
 Baldwin was established on part of his father's 
 farm, and Mr. Wilson then embarked in merchan- 
 dising at that place, carrying on operations along 
 that line for a period of five years. 
 
 In 1864, our subject was united in marriage 
 with Miss Ellen Been, and to them has been born 
 a family of ten children, five of whom are yet liv- 
 ing: Leonard; Jennie, wifeof M. J. Delanej'; Mag- 
 gie; Martin and Ella. The family are all faithful 
 and consistent members of the Presbyterian Church 
 and take an active part in its work, and also in 
 charitable and benevolent enterprises. The father 
 and sons are stanch supporters of the Democratic 
 party. 
 
 In the year 1873, Mr. Wilson was elected Jus- 
 tice of the Peace, and each succeeding re-election 
 has found him the people's choice for that office. 
 About 1869, he was elected Town Treasurer, and 
 is still filling that position. He devotes his entire 
 lime and attention to his oflficial duties, and his 
 promptness and fidelity have not only caused his 
 long retention in office, but have won him the high 
 commendation of all and have gained him the con- 
 fidence and good will of those with whom he has 
 been brought in contact. Socially, he is connected 
 with the Odd Pellows' society. He is a man of 
 sterling worth and strict integrity, and a well spent 
 life has won him universal esteem. 
 
 Warren N. Wilson, a brother of our subject, was 
 born on the present site of the town of Baldwin 
 in 1857, and was reared to manhood in the coun- 
 ty of his nativity. In fact, he has known no other 
 home. His early education, acquired in the com- 
 mon schools, w.as supplemented by a course in 
 Shurtleff College, of Upper Alton, which heentered 
 in 1871, there pursuing his studies for two years. 
 Later he took up the stud^' of law, and after a 
 thorough preparation for that profession he was
 
 382 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BUXtRAPH'CAL RECORD. 
 
 admitted to the Bar in Chester, in 1877, and has 
 since siiccessfullj engaged in practice in the courts 
 of tliis county. He is well read in his profession, 
 and is rapidly winning his way to the front rank 
 among leading practitioners of this part of the 
 state. He is a supporter of the principles of the 
 Democracy, and for six yeai-s he ably served in the 
 office of Master in Chancery. He is now serving 
 his eighth year as Judge of the County Court, 
 having been elected for two terms of four years 
 each. 
 
 Warren N. Wilson was married in December, 
 1878, the lady of his choice being Miss Helen 
 Crittenden, whose fatlier located in Chester among 
 the early settlers of the county. Both our subject 
 and his wife are faithful members of tiie Presby- 
 terian Church, and in social circles they rank high, 
 for the AVilson family is numbered among the old- 
 est arid best families of tlie county, and the his- 
 tory of this community- would be incomplete with- 
 out mention of tiiem. 
 
 £ ^••{••{••{•'^^•M-++i — = 
 
 \T SAAC MONTGOJIERY. In every department 
 Ijl of activity, Steeleville has its leading em- 
 iii porium, and unquestionablj' the mercantile 
 establishment owned and managed by Mr. Mont- 
 gomery should be ranked with the best of its kind. 
 Since coming to this place in 1887. he has identi- 
 fied himself closely with the business interests of 
 the town and county, and is universally recognized 
 as a man of superior executive ability and excel- 
 lent judgment. 
 
 A native of Indiana. Mr. Montgomery was born 
 in Gibson County, February- 26, 182.3. and is a son 
 of Thomas and Catherine (Teel) Montgomery. 
 The maternal ancestors were originally from Ten- 
 nessee. The grandfather came from Perthshire, 
 Scotland, and settled in Culpeper Court House, 
 Ya. He took part with the Colonies in the Revo- 
 lutionary- War. The father of our subject was 
 with General Harrison in the War of 1812, in the 
 west against the Indians. He was born in Culpeper 
 Court House, Va., removing thence to the north. 
 and in an early day settled in Indiana, where he 
 continued to reside until death. Having located 
 
 in that state during the pioneer days, the family 
 experienced all the hardships and privations in- 
 cident to life upon the frontier, and the children 
 enjoyed limited advantages, their time being de- 
 voted to the labor of clearing and cultivating the 
 land. 
 
 Amid such surroundings, it is needless to sa}- 
 that the subject of this sketch had few op|iortuni- 
 ties to attend school, nor did he enjoy the manj- 
 other advantages which the girls and bo^ys of this 
 generation consider a necessity. AVith the excep- 
 tion of three months' attendance at school, his time 
 was devoted to farm work, and he early acquired 
 familiarity with agricultural pursuits. His father 
 dying when he was a youth of eighteen, he and 
 his brothei-s afterward took charge of the farm, 
 which they operated for a number of years. 
 
 In 1845, Mr. Montgomery disposed of his inter- 
 ests in Gibson County and removed to Franklin 
 County, 111., and purchasing land near Benton, en- 
 gaged in farming there for a period of thirty-five 
 years. During that time he accumulated a com- 
 fortable fortune, and also became well known as a 
 man of integrity, energy' and progressive spirit. 
 As above stated, he came to Steeleville in 1887, 
 and embarked in the mercantile business, in which 
 he has since been actively engaged. Though now 
 somewhat advanced in \'ears, his mental faculties 
 are as keen as when in life's prime, and his health 
 is unimpaired. 
 
 The first marriage of Mr. Montgomery occurred 
 in 1845, and united him with Mi>s Elizabeth, daugh- 
 ter of Jackson Armstrong, of Gibson County, Ind. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery became the parents of 
 twelve children, six of whom died in infancy. W. 
 P. married Jliss Eva Naylor, and is a postal clerk 
 of the Illinois Central Railroad; Louisa, the widow 
 of John McCasland, resides in Ashland, Kan.; 
 Henry married Bessie Orsbonie, and resides in No 
 Man's Land; Mary is the wife of Simeon AUmon, 
 and resides at Benton, 111.; and Joiin is now a 
 student in Ewing College. October 23, 1887, Mi-s. 
 Elizabeth Montgomery passed away. 
 
 August 21. 1888, Mr. Montgomery married Mrs. 
 Annie (Brashear) Courtney, the daughter of John 
 W. and Mary G. (.Spencer) Brashear, of Pennsyl- 
 vania. In their religious connections, Mr. and
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRArHICAL RECORD. 
 
 383 
 
 Mrs. Montgomery are members of the Missionary 
 Baptist Church. In national affairs he is a Repub- 
 lican, but in local matters he is conservative, vot- 
 ing for the candidate whom he deems best quali- 
 fied for the position, irrespective of political ties. 
 During the late war he enlisted, in October, 1862, 
 as a member of Company F, Fifteenth Illinois Cav- 
 alry, and was in active service for three years, be- 
 ing mustered out at Helena, Ark., in 1865. Alike 
 in times of peace and war, he has been faithful to 
 his duties as a citizen, and has contributed to the 
 advancement of all public-spirited measures. 
 
 ACOB KP'.LLER, M. D., who was engaged in 
 the practice of medicine in Steeleville for 
 many years, and was one of its leading cit- 
 
 'f) izens, was born in St. Louis, Mo., in 1842. 
 His father and motlier both died in that cit3- dur- 
 ing the cholera epidemic of 1849, which also car- 
 ried off eight children of tlie family, leaving 
 -Tacob an orphan when only seven j^ears of age. 
 He was reared by an uncle in his native city, 
 and after attending the common schools, was grad- 
 uated from Wasiiington University of St. Louis, 
 and from the Missouri Medical College of St. 
 Louis. He had determined to make the practice 
 of medicine his life work, and to this end pursued 
 a tliorough course of study. 
 
 During the late war, Dr. Keller served as surgeon 
 in the Sixth Missouii Infantry, and at the close of 
 that struggle, when his aid was no longer needed, 
 he took up his residence in Cliester, 111. Previous 
 to this time he had gone to Kansas City, Mo., 
 wliere he edited a medical journal for some time, 
 and then removed to Chester, wliere he continued 
 in the practice of his profession until tlie death of 
 his wife. 
 
 The Doctor first married Hattie T. Williamson, 
 of Pleasant Hill, Mo., and by their union were 
 born two cliildren, Robert G. and Mamie, both of 
 whom are yet living in Pleasant Hill. In October, 
 1874, Dr. Keller was again married, his second 
 union being with Mary Glore, a daughter of Jep- 
 llia and Margaret (Crisler) Glore, the former born 
 in Kentucky, and the latter near Kaskaskia, III. 
 
 Four cliildren grace the second marriage, all of 
 whom are yet living, namely: Alargaret Lulu, 
 Jacob, Hattie Belle and Cinderella. 
 
 After the death of his first wife Dr. Keller made 
 a trip to Europe and visited the colleges and med- 
 ical schools on the continent, thus adding greatly 
 to liis knowledge of medical science and to his 
 ability for work along that lin«. After his return 
 to his native land he again spent a shdi't time in 
 Chester, and then removed to Steeleville, where he 
 continued to reside until called to the home be- 
 yond. He was very successful in the practice of 
 his profession, and was regarded as one of the 
 leading pli^-sicians and surgeons of southern Illi- 
 nois, winning a most enviable reputation among 
 his professional brethren and among the people at 
 large. Socially he was u Roj'al Arch Mason, and 
 was also connected with the Grand Army of the 
 Republic. In politics he was a stanch supporter 
 of Republican principles, and was a progressive 
 citizen, who gave his support and hearty co-opera- 
 tion to every enterprise calculated to prove of 
 public benefit. He died May 21, 188,5, respected 
 by all who knew him. His wife, a most estimable 
 lad}', is living with her four children at their beau- 
 tiful home in Steeleville. In 1883 the Doctor 
 took atrip through Florida and South America. 
 
 kEWIS O. McDonald. On section 18, 
 township 6, range 7, Randoli)h County, 
 lies a pleasant, finely tilled and well im- 
 proved farm, which was the property of our sub- 
 ject. He was born neai- Preston, this country. May 
 6, 1857, to Thomas M. and Mary (Thompson) Mc- 
 Donald, aiso natives of this county, who are still 
 residing here. The primary education of young 
 Lewis was obtained in the common and district 
 schools near his home, but he later supplemented it 
 by an attendance at the school at Carbondale, 
 111^ Subsequently he gave his undivided atten- 
 tion to the pursuit of agriculture until his death, 
 which sad event occurred December 5. 1892, when 
 the community was deprived of one of Its most 
 honored and respected citizens. He was a very 
 successful farmer, one who pursued the most
 
 384 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ^RECORD. 
 
 approved methods in the raanageraent of his es- 
 tate of sixty-eight acres. 
 
 Miss Jane Jones became tlie wife of our subject 
 March 21, 1878. Mrs. McDonald was a native of 
 this county, and by lier marriage bore her hus' 
 band four children: Clara S. and Charles T., who 
 died at the same time as their beloved father; 
 Lulu B. and William O., who are still living. The 
 good wife and mother passed to the land of rest 
 February 28, 1885, and May 18, 1890. Mr. McDonald 
 was married to Minnie W., daughter of Samuel H. 
 and Mary E. (Wiley) Thompson, also natives of 
 this count}-. The father is still living in Chester, 
 but the mother died in 1880. To this second 
 union of our subject one child, Clay Hill, was 
 born, who is now living with his mother. She is 
 making her home at Ellis Grove and is a consist- 
 ent member of the Baptist Church, as was her 
 husband. Mr. McDonald was a leading member 
 of the Farmers' Alliance at Ellis Grove, and was 
 ever a stanch supporter of the Republican plat- 
 form. 
 
 _:=^# r^^ ' . 
 
 W AMES M. TEMPLE, one of the most intelli- 
 gent and popular farmers of Randolph 
 ^j^^i County, resides in township 5, range 6. He 
 ^5^^ is a son of Robert Temple, who was born in 
 Allegheny Count}-, Pa., in 1813. His father, John 
 Temple, was a native of Scotland, and during the 
 Revolutionary War came to America as a British 
 officer, but later he left that service and joined the 
 Colonial ami}'. After the war he located in Alle- 
 gheny County, Pa., where he followed farming un- 
 til his deatii, although he was a w-eaver by trade. 
 He belonged to the Covenanter Church. 
 
 Robert Temple continued in his native county 
 until 1855, when he emigrated to Randolph Coun- 
 t}'. 111., and settled three miles southwest of Sparta. 
 Later he removed to the farm upon which our 
 subject now resides, and continued its cultivation 
 until his death. He inairied Rebecca Gregor}-, a 
 native of Pennsylvania, whose parents were born 
 in Ireland. To them weie born nine children: 
 William, who wedded Mary CaslidoUar, a mechanic 
 of Houston, 111.; Elizabeth, wife of Andrew Mc- 
 Lean, a farmer of this county, by whom she has six 
 
 children; Martha, who became the wife of James 
 
 McLean, and after his death married William 
 Gregg, of Nebiaska, bj' whom she has two children; 
 Samuel, a furniture dealer of .Missouri, who mar- 
 ried Julia Sappiugton; John, who married Amanda 
 AYallace, and died leaving three children; James, 
 of this sketch; Robert, deceased; Joseph M.. a mer- 
 chant of RoUa, Mo., who married Fanny Whittum, 
 bj- whom he has seven children, and Charles E., 
 also of RoUa, Mo. The father of this family was 
 a Democrat in early life, but afterward became a 
 Republican, and took a ver}- active interest in polit- 
 ical affairs. He held membership with the United 
 Presbyterian Chuich, in which lie served as Trus- 
 tee, and lived an honorable, upright life, which 
 won him the confidence and regard of all. His 
 wife, a most estimable lad}-, passed away in 1872. 
 
 James M. Temple was boi-n in Allegheny Coun- 
 ty, Pa., October 31, 1840, and there made his home 
 until 1855. He continued under the parental ruof 
 until 1863, when he went to the front in defense 
 of the Union, as a member of Company K, One 
 Hundred and Forty -second Illinois Infantry, serv- 
 ing under Captain Cliilds and Colonal Anchony. 
 of Chicago. In that city he was discharged De- 
 cember 15, 1864. Immediately afterward he re- 
 turned home, where he remained for a year, and 
 then spent three years and a-half in driving a 
 stage between Sparta and St. Louis. At the expir- 
 ation of that period he purchased his present farm, 
 which comprises one hundred and twenty-six and 
 a-half acres of good land. 
 
 The marriage of Mr. Temple and Rosanna Sap- 
 piugton, a native of Madison County, 111., was 
 celebrated August 31, 1869. She is a daughter of 
 Anderson and Fannie (Pipkin) Sappington, the 
 former a native of Missouri, and the latter of Ten- 
 nessee. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Temple have been 
 born seven children: Robert A., who married Ada 
 Moore, by whom he has a daughter. Lula E.; Lillie 
 A., wife of Lyman Morrison; Jessie M., Rosalie, 
 P. Roscoe, Bertha D. and Daisy W. 
 
 Mr. Temple started out in life empty-handed, 
 but is now in comfortable circumstances, and in 
 addition to his farm he owns an interest in a 
 creamery. His success is well deserved, for it is the 
 reward of his own labor. He has served as Presi-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 385 
 
 dent of the Mutual Insurance Company. In poli- 
 tics he is an independent Pi-ohibitionist, and was 
 the candidate for State Senator on that ticket. So- 
 cially, he is connected with tlie Grand Army of 
 the Republic. Himself, wife and four children 
 liold membership with the United Presliyterian 
 Churcli of Sparta. For twenty-one years he served 
 as an Elder in the United Presbyterian Church, 
 and has ever been a leading and faithful worker 
 for religious causes. He was true to liis country 
 in her hour of peril, and his fidelity and faithful- 
 ness are alike shown in times of peace by his ear- 
 nest efforts to promote tiie public welfare. 
 
 '\TJ OHN MUDD was for many years a promi- 
 nent and highly respected citizen of Ran- 
 dolph Count}', and when he passed away, 
 the following words were spoken of him at 
 the funeral service. "Mr. Mudd was one of those 
 old pioneer citizens of Randulph County' whose 
 number is growing painfully less, as the cold, piti- 
 less hand of death plucks them, one bj' one, from 
 the seclusion of the life they have chosen after 
 the life wliich developed our civilization and the 
 religion which tlieir posterity practice. No better, 
 nobler old gentleman has gone to the realms of 
 shade, and no truer Catholic and broad-hearted 
 philanthropist, tlian he who sleeps beneath the 
 humble mound in the cemeter_y where rests so 
 many of old Randolph's noble dead. Born in 
 Kentucky, he was a genuine American, and was a 
 true and tried Christian. He had the satisfaction, 
 which is so gratifying to the aged, of seeing his 
 family filling honorable positions in society and 
 the business walks of life. Having lived far past 
 his three-score years and ten, he was an exemplifi- 
 cation of the promise of the Almigiity, 'Honor 
 thy father and thy mother that thy days may be 
 long in the laud which the Lord thy God shall 
 give to thee.' " 
 
 Mr. Mudd was born in Slielby County, H-y., in 
 February, 1802, and when but seventeen years of 
 age came to Randolph County, locating in the 
 neighborhood of Prairie du Rocher. Returning 
 to his native state, he married Mary Brewer, and 
 
 then brought his bride to his new home. They 
 became the parents of six children: Vincent, who 
 is married and with his family resides near the old 
 homestead; Harrison, who died leaving four chil- 
 dren; F. Celine, who died leaving three children; 
 Sophia, wife of James Daily, of Monroe County; 
 William T.; and John E., who is engaged in farm- 
 ing near Red Bud. 
 
 After coming to Randolph Count}', Mr. Mudd 
 worked by the month, but by economy and indus- 
 try he soon secured enough capital to purchase a 
 small farm. To this lie added from time to time, 
 until at his death he owned a valuable farm of 
 two hundred acres. He was an unusually active 
 man, and his success was well deserved. He was 
 long a prominent worker in the Catholic Church, 
 and in politics was an uncompromising Democrat, 
 but would never accept public office, ('liarital)le 
 and benevolent, he gave so freely that his liberal- 
 ity was almost a fault. His death occurred in 
 April, 1883, at the .age of eightj'-one. His wife 
 survived him until July, 1893, when she too 
 passed away at the age of eighty-one. An active 
 Christian woman, like her husl)and she held mem- 
 bership with the Catholic Church. 
 
 William T. Mudd was born in this county, Sep- 
 tember 14, 1843, and was educated in the common 
 schools. In the spring of 1861 he went to Colo- 
 rado, where he spent about four years on account 
 of ill-health. In 1864 he returned, and the fol- 
 lowing 3'ear was united in marriage with Miss 
 Ella, daughter of James Roscow, one of the pio- 
 neers of this county, who died in July, 1»79, at 
 the age of sixty -seven years, leaving a family of 
 six children, four of whom are yet living. His 
 wife bore the maiden name of Maria Palmer and 
 was a native of England. Mr. and Mrs. Mudd 
 have one son, John T., who works in his father's 
 store. He married TiUie Havermann, and they 
 have one child, Roscoe. 
 
 William T. Mudd and his family are all mem- 
 bers of and active workers in the Catholic Church. 
 In politics he is a Democrat. He came to Red 
 Bud about 1868, and worked in mercantile stores 
 for others until 1883, when he began business for 
 himself. Five years later he sold out and formed 
 a partnership with Mr. McQuillan, under the firm
 
 386 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 name of Mudd & McQuillan, and the partnership 
 Las since continued. They deal in general merchan- 
 dise, and also in farm imi)lements, and are doing a 
 good business. 
 
 ^ - . ^■^♦♦♦♦♦•S"}- - - - ^ 
 
 <^UGUST WILHKLMS, wiio resides on see- 
 ' Wl \ \ *'^" ^'' township 3, range 8 west, and 
 
 I II there carries on general farming and 
 ^jfl stock-raising, is one of the worthy- citizens 
 
 that Germany has furnished to Monroe County. 
 He was born in Hanover October 15, 1841, and is 
 a son of Henry and Christina Wilhelms. In bis 
 native land the father followed weaving. In 
 1845 he came to the United States, with the in- 
 teuion of settling in Texas, but stopping at Alex- 
 andria, La., thence turned his course northward, 
 and came to Monroe County in the spring of 1846. 
 On section 27, township 3, range 8 west, he bought 
 forty acres of land and entered an eighty-acre 
 tract of woodland, which by hard work he con- 
 verted into fertile Qelds. Upon the old home- 
 stead he lived until his death, which occurred 
 May 18, 1854. He was a member of the Evangel- 
 ical Church, and served as a Director of the church 
 in his native land. 
 
 Surviving Henry Wilhelms were his widow and 
 six children, of whom we note the following: 
 Henry was born May 1, 1831, and died Novem- 
 ber 9, 1876. Caroline, who was born in 1834, 
 married Fred Wagener, who, with their three chil- 
 dren, August, Amelia and Lena, are still living; 
 she died May 18, 1868. Frederick was born in 
 1838, and died September 15, 1864. August, the 
 subject of this sketch, is the next in order of birth. 
 Charles, whose birth occurred in 1843, passed away 
 January- 15, 1866. Louisa was born March 5, 
 1851, and died February 13,1867. The widow 
 is still living (1894) on the old homestead with 
 her son, and has attained the advanced age of 
 eighty-four years. 
 
 After the death of his father, our subject 
 remained with his mother until he was old 
 enough to work out as a farm laborer. Soon, 
 however, he drifted to the city, where he worked 
 at various occupations in order to obtain the 
 money for an education. In 1861, wlien the war 
 
 broke out, he was found among the bo\'s in blue, 
 lie enlisted August 27, 1861, and was mustered 
 out November 4, 1865, at Nashville, Tenn. He 
 was a member of Company M, Seventh Illinois 
 Cavalry, and participated in the operations against 
 New JLadrid. Island No. 10, Corinth, and in the 
 battles of luka, Corinth, Port Hudson and Nash- 
 vil'e, and the Giierson raid, in which eight hun- 
 dred miles were traversed in seventeen days. On 
 the 26tli of December, 1863, at Somerville, in an 
 engagement with Forrest's cavalr3', he was taken 
 prisoner, but through a daring effort and good 
 "running gears" he managed to get away from his 
 enemies. Altogether he was in sixty skirmishes 
 and engagements. During the last two years he 
 served as Orderly .Sergeant in his company. True 
 to the Old Flag and the cause which it represented, 
 he stood by his colors until the desired end was 
 attained and the Union saved, after which he 
 came back to his mother and commenced work on 
 the old homestead. 
 
 June 13, 1867, our subject married Miss Eliza- 
 beth Von Schreeb, daughter of Adolph and Bar- 
 bara (Welsh) Von Schreeb. Her father, who was 
 born in tlie province of Mecklenburg, German^', 
 joined the Dutch army at the age of fifteen years 
 and went to the East Indies, from which place he 
 sailed on a ship for China. During the voyage he 
 was thrown overboard by a gale, but by means of 
 a plank his life was saved. On reaching China, he 
 was sick with yellow fever, and was taken on 
 shore and placed under a shade tree, where he was 
 found by a Chinese couple, who were mourning 
 the loss of their only son. They adopted him as 
 their child, and with them he remained for five 
 years. Then, embarking on a ship, he returned 
 to his native land, where he had long been counted 
 with the dead. 
 
 In 1834 Mr. Von Schreeb emigrated to the 
 United States and engaged in boating on the 
 Mississippi River until 1836, when he came to 
 Monroe County and entered eighty acres on sec- 
 tion 22, township 3, range 8 west. There he cleared 
 a farm and made a good home, which continued to 
 be his place of abode through life. He here mar- 
 ried Clara Waldmann, by whom -he had three chil- 
 dren, two djing in infancy. A son, Ernest Will-
 
 WW 
 
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 RESIDENCE OF TRANK M AT N E Y , 5EC. 25.,T. 6 .,R. 7., RANDOLPH CO., ILL. 
 
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 RESIDENCE OF AUGU5T WILHELM5 , SEC.2Z., T. 5. R. 8 ., MO i I KO LOJLL.
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Sd9 
 
 iam, is living in Ottawa, La Salle Count}', 111. 
 In 1847 Mis. Clara Von Schreob died, and during 
 the following year Mr. Von Sclireeb married Bar- 
 bara Welsh, their union being severed b}' his 
 death .lanuary 22, 1849. One child was born of 
 this marriage, Elizabeth, whose birth occurred May 
 25, 1849. Mr. Von Sehreeb was one of the earli- 
 est settlers of this community, and was an honored 
 pioneer. He helped to haul the logs for the build- 
 ing of the old Evangelical Church in this township, 
 and was one of the faithful members of tliat re- 
 ligious organization. 
 
 Unto Mr. and Mrs. Willielins were born fourteen 
 children, ten of whom are yet living: Hellena, wife 
 of Philip Hecke, of this community; Mary W., at 
 home; Edward W., August E., Elizabeth C, Albert 
 J., Anna JL, Frank E., Adaline M. and Adolpli 
 H. Louisa, Henry, Josephine and S3-lvester died 
 in cliildhood. The famil}' has a pleasant home on 
 a fine farm of three hundred and fort}' acres. Of 
 this two hundred acres are under a high state of 
 cultivation, and the neat and thrifty appearance 
 of the place indicates the enterprise and careful 
 supervision of the owner. 
 
 In his political views, Mr. WiUielms is a Kepuli- 
 lican. For the long period of twenty-one years he 
 served as School Director, and for three years 
 was Road Commissioner. He is a prominent 
 worker in the Grand Army of the Republic, and is 
 now Commander of Henry Nicholson Post No. 
 457, G. A. R., of Red Bud. He also belongs to the 
 Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association, and is a mem- 
 ber of the Evangelical Church. He served as one 
 of its Directors for a number of years, and is 
 numbered among its faithful workers. Since 1846 
 he has lived upon his present farm and is one of 
 the honored pioneers of the county. 
 
 l(S), ^iMjjk .(sj 
 
 ^/'RANK MATNEY. As a representative of 
 
 P^ the progressive and successful farmers and 
 stock-raisers of Randolph County, especial 
 mention belongs to the subject of this sketch, who 
 conducts general agricultural operations on sec- 
 
 tion 25, township 6, range 7. Through the exer- 
 cise of careful management in the conduct of his 
 business affairs, he has become the owner of one 
 hundred and twenty acres, wliich he has placed 
 under excellent cultivation. 
 
 The father and mother of our subject bore the 
 names of Sylvester and Rlioda (Hill) Matney, and 
 were natives of North Carolina, whence they re- 
 moved to this state, and spent their last days in 
 Marion County. There was born to them a fam- 
 ily of two children, of whom our subject was the 
 elder, the date of his birth being August 6, 1846. 
 Losing his parents when quite young, our subject 
 caine to this county when twelve years old, and 
 lived with Charles Sanders, near Chester. He re- 
 ceived his education in tlie common schools in the 
 neighborhood, and worked on the farm for Mr. 
 Sanders for his board and clothing. 
 
 When seventeen years old, in 1863, young Mat- 
 ney enlisted in the Union army, in Company I, 
 Tenth Illinois Infantry, and proved a gallant sol- 
 dier, remaining in the service until the close of 
 hostilities. He was a participant in twenty-seven 
 battles, among which were some of the most famous 
 of the war. May 30, 1865, he was mustered out, 
 and was honorably discharged at McDougal Hos- 
 pital, near New York City. He was wounded at 
 Bentonville, N. C, and remained in the hospital a 
 short time. 
 
 After leaving the army, Mr. Matney purchased 
 a farm, and has since actively engaged in his 
 i chosen vocation, raising the various kinds of grain 
 I and blooded stock. He is very popular wherever 
 known, and makes a friend of every man he meets. 
 One of his most prominent qualities is his sterling 
 business cliaracter. In his work he is methodical, 
 and his sagacity in business matters has won him 
 the admiration of all with whom he has dealings. 
 
 March 11, 1869, Mr. Matney married Miss Feli- 
 city Montroy, and by their union four children 
 were born. Two of these died in infancy, aud 
 the remaining two, who reside with their par- 
 ents, bear the names of Caroline and Mary Jane. 
 Mrs. Matney is a daughter of B. and Julia Montroy, 
 and is of French descent. Our subject is a member 
 of Adair Post,G. A. R., at New Palestine. In poli- 
 tics a Republican, he is interested in county, state
 
 S90 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 ftnri national issues. He is a liberal-spirited man, 
 and is ever ready to aid in all matters of local en- 
 terprise, although not an aspirant to public office. 
 
 JOSEPH PATTON, who is engaged in farm- 
 ing and stock-raising in Randolph County, 
 is the ninth in order of birth in a family of 
 , ^ ten cliildien, and was born September 8, 
 
 1815, in Steuben ville, .Jefiferson County, Ohio. His 
 grandfather, Joseph Patton. was a native of Ire- 
 land, and upon emigrating to America, settled in 
 Faj-ette County, Pa. His son Thomas, the father 
 of our subject, was born on the Emerald Isle in 
 1768, and at the age of three was brought to 
 America. He witnessed many incidents of the 
 Revolutionary War, and these made an indelible 
 impression upon his mind. While in Steuhenville, 
 he sei'vod as Associate Judge, and was Clerk of the 
 Common Pleas Court for seven years. In 1818, he 
 removed to thevicinitj' of Cadez, Ohio, where he 
 made his home for fouileen years, engaged in 
 farming and teaching. In politics he was a Demo- 
 crat, and was an Elder in the Associate Reformed j 
 Ciiurch. He died February 28, 1832, at the age 
 of sixty-three, and the following obituarj- was 
 written by Ruv. John McCartliur, of Cadez, Ohio : 
 "The deceased was for many years a resident of 
 Harrison and .Tefferson Counties, and held a suc- 
 cession of civil offices, among which ma\- be named 
 those of Associate Judge and Cleik of the Courts 
 of the latter count}-, and that of the eldership 
 in the Associate Reformed Congregation in this 
 place, and has left a widowed partner, several chil- 
 dren and a numerous circle of friends. His mind 
 was of large original capacity', vigorous, discrim- 
 inating, comprehensive, amplified and adorned 
 with a rich furniture of knowledge, both useful 
 and entertaining. Piercing with more than com- 
 mon readiness through the thin veil of names to 
 things, it refused to receive doctrines or to adopt 
 customs supported by no other plea than that of 
 prescription. But though independent, it was free 
 from any air of lomance, and practical rather than 
 theoretical in its pursuits. His opinions were 
 formed after a severe scrutiny of the evidences 
 
 upon wliich they were based, and consequentlj' re- 
 tained with a firm grasp, though not with that ob- 
 stinacj' which will not stoop to doubt its own 
 infallibility. A playful, lively, varied wit, an 
 habitual cheerfulness, and affable and unassuming 
 disposition, abundant controveisial resources, ren- 
 dered him a pleasing and instructive companion. 
 
 "As the head of a family he was a husband of 
 'truth-tried love,' and a father doubly dear, be- 
 cause he softened parental authority- with the 
 charms of friendship. Age secured him voluntary 
 respect, but did not invest him with a morosen'ess 
 which repels the approaches of youth and inter- 
 dicts familiarity. Religion shed a mild but steads- 
 radiance over his character. It was unostentatious 
 and humble, teaching its subject to say of himself, 
 'I am an unprofitable servant,' and of the Divine 
 Rideemer, -He is all in all.' He had not yet num- 
 bered his three-score and ten years of health, al- 
 most uninterrupted, until the short and painful ill- 
 ness which terminated in his dissolution, left his 
 bodily powers strong and the force of his mind 
 uninvaded until a few da^ys before his expiration. 
 He bore his illness with Christian fortitude, and 
 from its commencement anticipated and looked 
 forward with composure to his change. 'Mark the 
 perfect man and behold the upright, for the end 
 of that man is peace.' 
 
 The mother of our subject was in her maiden- 
 hood Jane Parkhill, daughterof David and Martha 
 (Morrow) Parkhill, and a sister of the wife of 
 Governor Morrow, of Ohio. The Parkhill family 
 is of Irish descent. Mrs. Patton moved to Ran- 
 dolph Count}-, 111., where she lived for nine years, 
 and died in 1855, in her eighty-fourth year. By 
 her marriage she had ten children: Joseph and 
 David, both deceased; Elizabeth, deceased wife of 
 James McCullough; James, a farmer; Sarah, Mrs. 
 William Miller; John, a carpenter; Joshua D., an 
 attorney; Maria, formerly the wife of Rev. H. 
 Stevenson; Joseph, of this sketch; and Esther, 
 who died in infancy. All are now deceased with 
 the exception of our subject. 
 
 Mr. Patton, whose name heads this record, re- 
 mained with his parents until after the death of 
 his father. His educational privileges were lim- 
 ited, and early in life he became inured to hard
 
 l>ORTItArr AND BIOGRAPHICAL EECORD. 
 
 391 
 
 laboi*. In l84l he made a permanent location in 
 
 Randolph County, 111., and in 1845 purchased of 
 'Squire McCoruiick his present home, upon wiiich 
 he has since resided. In 1846 he married Marga- 
 ret Kingston, who was born in Ohio in 1828, and 
 came to Illinois in 1843. She is a daugliter of 
 Christopher and Marj- (Stephenson) Kingston. 
 For twenty -one years she has been an invalid, but 
 has borne her sufferings witli Christian fortitude. 
 
 To Mr. and Mrs. Patton were born eleven chil- 
 dren: Sarah Jane, wife of W. M. K. Lyons, by 
 whom siie lias four cliildren; Elizabeth, deceased; 
 Jlary, wife of Dr. .1. T. Matthews, of Omaha, Neb., 
 by whom she lias four sons; Margaret, who mar- 
 ried A. D.Fulton and has two children; .Tames A., 
 a minister of the Covenanter Church, residing in 
 Evans, Colo.; Thomas, pastor of the old Cove- 
 nanter Church in East Coldeu ham, N. Y.; Adeline, 
 wife of J. II. Peters, a farmer of Perry County, by 
 whom slie has one child; William C, who man- 
 ages the home farm, is married and has two chil- 
 dren; Flora Maria, at home; Christopher and Eliza, 
 both deceased. 
 
 At the early age of sixteen years Mr. Patton 
 was thrown upon his own resources, and the care 
 of his mother and three sisters also devolved upon 
 him. His life has been a busj'and useful one, and 
 as the result of his untiring efforts he is now the 
 owner of one hundred acres of valuable land. He 
 is a Prohibitionist. Religiously he is a member of 
 the Covenanter Church of Sparta, in which he has 
 been Elder for forty-four years, and was Clerk of 
 the session for forty-three jears. He has lived in 
 harmony with his professions and is ever found 
 upon the side of right, doing what he can to ele- 
 vate and benefit humanity. 
 
 fs==-^RANCIS SCHIFFERDECKER, one of the 
 
 PI early settlers of southwestern Illinois, now 
 living in Red Bud Precinct, is a native of 
 Baden. Germany. He was born in 1829 and is a 
 son of Joseph and Teresa (Bopp) Schifferdecker, 
 both of whom were also natives of Baden. In 
 1833, when our subject was a lad of four summers, 
 they crossed the Atlantic to America, landing in 
 
 Baltimore, Md. Their first location was in York 
 County, Pa., and they lived in the Keystone State 
 and in Maryland for seven years. In 1840 they 
 cast in their lot with the earl}- settlers of Monroe 
 County, 111., settling eight miles south of Water- 
 loo, where tliej- reared their famil3- of six children. 
 Catherine and Mary both died in Monroe County, 
 leaving families. Our subject is the next younger. 
 Teresa died in Monroe County, leaving a husband 
 and a family of children to mourn her loss. George 
 is now a well-to-do farmer of Carroll County, Mo. 
 Barbara is the wife of Otto Wagner, of Randolph 
 County. The father of this family became one of 
 the leading citizens of Monroe County, and before 
 his death accumulated a valuable pioperty. He 
 passed away at the age of fifty -seven. Both he 
 and his wife were active members of the Catholic 
 Church and reared their family in that faith. 
 
 Francis Schifferdecker spent the days of liisbo}'- 
 hood and youth upon the old homestead, and 
 when a 3'oung man started out in life for himself, 
 following the pursuit to which he was reared. He 
 purchased a farm of two hundred and forty acres in 
 Monroe Count^sand as a companion and helpmate 
 on life's journe3- chose Miss L., daughter of Lenliart 
 Wagner, of St. Clair County. Their union was cele- 
 brated in 1855, and upon the farm which the hus- 
 band had purchased the^- began their domestic life, 
 making it their home until 1864, when he removed 
 to Burksville and engaged in meichandising until 
 1866, when they removed to the farm upon which 
 our subject is now living. In 1868 the wife died, 
 leaving a family of seven small children, as fol- 
 lows: George, who was married in 1893 to Miss 
 Anna Burgmann; Otto, deceased; Catherine, wife 
 of Joseph Siegfried, of Randolph County; A.Eliz- 
 abeth, wife of Richaid Pittmaun, of Carroll Coun- 
 ty, Mo.; Lidwien, wife of Frank Keres, of Randolph 
 County; Joseph and John. Mr. Schifferdecker has 
 been a second time married, this union being with 
 Lidwien La Forge, b}^ whom he has eight children: 
 Frank; Matilda, wife of Dr. Mever, of Evansville; 
 Henry, Mary, Teresa, Ellen, Clarence and Walter. 
 
 The farm on which Mr. Schifferdecker resides 
 comprises one hundred and sixty-three acres of 
 highly improved land. He at one time owned 
 over twelve hundred acres, but has given to his
 
 392 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 children considerable amounts. He and his fam- 
 ily are all members of the Catholic Church, and in 
 politics lie is a stanch Democrat. For some time 
 he has been oflicially connected with tiie schools 
 of this community, and the cause of education 
 tinds in liim a warm friend. He is recognized as 
 one of the progressive citizens of the county and 
 is trul}' a self-made man, for what he has accom- 
 plished is the result of his own efforts, and the 
 prosperity which he now enj03s is the reward of 
 untiring labor. 
 
 ylLLIAM H. MATLACK, the well known 
 editor and proprietor of the Chester Trib- 
 une, one of the leading papers of the 
 count}', has exercised a markeil influence in the 
 affairs of this section of Illinois, not only profes- 
 sionally, but as a progressive, public-spirited citi- 
 zen, and is always to the front in guarding and 
 advancing its dearest interests materially, socially' 
 and morally. Mr. Matlack is a native of Mis- 
 souri, and was born in St. Louis December 3, 1844. 
 He is a son of William L. and Harriet A. (Mc- 
 Kown) Matlack. The father was born of Quaker 
 parents, in Moorestown, N. J., and came west in 
 1836. The motlier was boin in Vincennes, Ind., 
 and went to Missouri with her father's family in 
 1835. They were married in Quincy, 111., in 1838, 
 and resided for many years in the city of Ches- 
 ter, where they ranked among its best residenta. 
 The mother of our subject is the daughter of Capt. 
 James B. McKown, of Scotch descent, and a sol- 
 dier in the War of 1812. She is still living in 
 Chester, but liis father died in 1879. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was the eldest son in 
 his parents' family of five children, and was given 
 a good education in the public schools of St. Louis. 
 When leaving Missouri, in 1858, he came to this 
 county, and took up his abode near Steeleville, 
 whence he later went to Spartn, and in that place 
 still continued his studies, attending its public 
 schools. When eighteen years of age he returned 
 to St. Louis and became a member of the St. Louis 
 Fire Department, with which he remained five 
 years. In 1866 he again came to this county, this 
 
 time making Chester his destination, and was ap- 
 l>oiiited Deputy Sheriff under .John R. Shannon. 
 This office he continued to fill during the term of 
 Mr. Shannon. Later, Mr. Shannon having been 
 elected County Clerk, oursubject entered his office 
 as a clerk, performing the duties devolving upon 
 him in a most satisfactory m.Tiiner. 
 
 In 1869, Mr. Matlack was appointed City Mar- 
 shal by the Hon. J. B. Holmes, Mayor of the city, 
 which office he resigned to accept the position of 
 sjjecial traveling agent for Cochrane & Brown, 
 general agents for the Howe Machine Company, 
 with headquarters at St. Louis. Mo. After being 
 thus engaged for two j'ears, Mr. Matlack acce[)ted 
 a similar position with the Singer Manufacturing 
 Company of St. Louis, with which he remained, 
 for four years, and later was a special agent for the 
 Wheeler A Wilson and Domestic .'^ewing Machine 
 Companies. 
 
 Returning to this city in 1878, oursubject en- 
 tered the service of the state as an officer of the 
 Southern Illinois Penitentiary on its establishment 
 here, remaining for two and a-half j'ears. At the end 
 of that time he became Cashier in John H. Hood & 
 Co.'s Bank at this place, with whom he remained 
 for eighteen months. Then going to Belleville, 
 111., he accepted the position of book-keeper with 
 the Fairbanks Sewing Machine Company, with 
 whicii he was engaged for a like period, when he 
 became connected with the Belleville News, and 
 later with the Belleville Adcocaie. At the close of 
 the Thirty -seventh session of the Illinois Legisla- 
 ture, during which Mr. Matlack was one of the en- 
 rolling and engrossing clerks, he returned to Ches- 
 ter, and soon afterward w.as elected Justice of the 
 Peace. In the spring of the following year he was 
 appointed by the Hon. William Scluichert, then 
 Mayor of the citj', as its ftlaishal, and upon the 
 I expiration of his term was re-appointed to the 
 same position by the Hon. James J. Morrison. 
 
 When returning to private life, Mr. Matlack be- 
 came connected with the Western Boot & Shoe 
 Manufacturing Company in the Southern Illinois 
 Penitentiary. He continued to act in the capacity 
 of book-keeper and cashier with that firm until 
 their removal from the place two years later, 
 when he went to Albuquerque, N. Mex., and
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 393 
 
 worked on the Albuquerque Democrat as one of its 
 staff until his return to Chester in 1890. At tliat 
 time he became Secretary of the first session of the 
 Southern Illinois Chautauqua Asserablj', and in 
 March, 1892, was made Secretar^^ of the Jackson 
 Pipe Organ Company. Tliis position he resigned 
 a few montlis later, and in company* with John T. 
 McBride, purchased the Chester Tribune. In March, 
 1893, lie purchased Captain McBride's interest, and 
 has since had sole management, taking personal 
 charge of the local and editorial department. It 
 is a six-column quarto in size and Democratic in 
 politics. It is a sound family paper, well supjilicd 
 with solid and useful information, and one of its 
 interesting features is the correspondence from 
 various localities in the county. 
 
 M AND STREICHER is one of the self-made 
 l@74Jj| men of Randolph Count}-, who through en- 
 II) terprise, industry', good management and 
 careful attention to all the details of busi- 
 ness has won prosperity. He is now engaged in the 
 furniture and undertaking business. A nativeof Ba- 
 den, Germany, he continued in that country- until 
 fourteen years of age,when he came to America with 
 his parents. George and Elizabetii (Schweininger) 
 Streicher, both of whom were born in southern Ger- 
 many. The mother is still living, at the age of 
 eighty-one years, and makes her home in St. Louis. 
 Tiie family numbered five children, as follows: 
 Eva, now the widow of George Decker, and a res- 
 ident of St. Louis; Leopold, who is engaged in 
 business in New York Citj-; Olivia, widow of Peter 
 J. Sciimidt, and a resident of Chicago; Amand, of 
 tills sketch; and Amelia, wife of A. Sclilinker. 
 
 Our subject spent his early boyhood days in the 
 Fatherland, and then crossed thebriu^' deep, as be- 
 fore stated. It was in 1859 that he became a res- 
 ident of St. Louis, where the succeeding seven 
 years of his life were passed. Having then at- 
 tained to mature years, he removed to Belleville, 
 111., where he worked at his trade of chair-making, 
 being emplo3'ed in one house for a period of ten 
 years. During five years of that time he was fore- 
 man of the factory. On the expiration of that 
 
 period he embarked in the business for himself in 
 Belleville, where he carried on operations until 
 1879, when he sold out and came to Red Bud. 
 wliere he has since made his home. 
 
 Mr. .Streicher was married in Belleville, in 1869, 
 to Theresa Junker, and unto them were born four 
 children, two of wiiom are still living, C. J. and 
 Lizzie K. The mother of this family was called 
 to the home bejond, and our subject afterward 
 wedded Louisa, daughter of William Frick, who 
 came to the United States in 1833. They have 
 become the parents of five children, two sons and 
 three daughters, namely; Ida, Caroline A., Oscar 
 W., Vilas and Clara M. 
 
 Mr. Streicher came to Red Bud in limited cir- 
 cumstances and embarked in business as a furni- 
 ture dealer and undertaker. He began operations 
 on a small scale, but has steadily increased his fa- 
 cilities to meet the growing demand, and now 
 probably carries the largest stock of any merchant 
 in his line in the count}'. His success is the result 
 of earnest and zealous effort and is the just reward 
 of his enterprise and industry. 
 
 In his political views Mr. .Streicher is a Demo- 
 crat, and on August 24, 188.5, was made Postmas- 
 ter of Red Bud, which position he held for three 
 }-ears and eight months, giving universal satisfac- 
 tion. He carried on the office in connection with 
 his business. .Socially our subject is a member of 
 the Masonic fraternity, and his wife holds member- 
 ship with the Evangelical Church. 
 
 '^-- 
 
 ^-f 
 
 \|^/RANK MEHRER was called from this life 
 ll-W|gj; in the city of New Orleans in May, 1878. 
 jts He was the son of Francis and Christina 
 (Lehman) Mehrer, natives of Bavaria, Germaliy. 
 They emigrated to the United States in 1833, lo- 
 cating in New Orleans, and later came to Ran- 
 dolph County. They passed their last days on 
 their farm, the father dying in February. 1867, 
 and the mother in March, 1876. 
 
 In 1860. Miss Johanna Mueller became the wife 
 of our subject. Mrs. Mehrer is the daughter of 
 Peter D. and Johanna (Broch) Mueller, natives of 
 Germany. They were born in 1800 and 1816, re-
 
 394 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 spectively. Their daughter, the wife of our sub- 
 ject, was born in Germany- January 30, 1837, and 
 is the eldest in a family of seven children born to 
 them, and in tiie model schools of her native home 
 gained a good education, which has served her 
 well throughout life. Three years previous to the 
 decease of her husband, she established a millinery 
 and notion trade, and b}' her sagacitj' and perse- 
 verance increased the business, so tiiat in January 
 of 1893 she was enabled to retire from the enter- 
 prise to a lovely and comfortable suburban home. 
 She is a lady of intelligence and worth, and is a 
 valued member of the Presbyterian Church, ever 
 ready to assist iu religious work or benevolent en- 
 terprises in her vicinity. By her marriage, Mrs. 
 Mehrer became the mother of two daughters, one 
 of whom died in infancj*. Bertha became the 
 wife of Ingliam Sykes in 1886, and makes her 
 home with her mother. She has had born to her 
 two children, who bear the names of Johanna and 
 George, both of whom are bright children. 
 
 += 
 
 --■^ 
 
 ^/ESSE M. WRIGHT, who is living on sec- 
 tion 15, Vergennes Township, Jackson Coun- 
 , ty, where he devotes his time and attention 
 
 ^^f/ to agricultural pursuits, was born in Breck- 
 cnridge County, K}-., April 7, 1839. His father, 
 David AVright, was born in Norfolk, Va., and dur- 
 ing tlie greater part of his life followed school- 
 teaching. To some extent he also engaged in 
 farming. He removed from Norfolk when a young 
 man, in order to acquire the means wliereb}- he 
 could pay bis tuition in school. He was indus- 
 trious, enterprising and ambitious, and his life was 
 well spent. He died of Asiatic cholera in 1850. 
 His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth 
 Jacobs, was a daughter of Harrison Jacobs, a Rev- 
 olutionary soldier. Tlie paternal grandfather was 
 a large slaveholder in Virginia, as was Mr. Jacobs. 
 Both of them offered Mr. and Mrs. Wright slaves, 
 but thej- refused to accept them, for they believed 
 strongly in Abolition principles. Both were prom- 
 inent and active members of the Methodist Church, 
 and in politics he was a Henry Clay Whig. He was a 
 
 ver}' popular and successful teacher, and had the 
 respect and confidence of all who knew him. His 
 wife passed away in Kentucky in 1890. 
 
 In the AVright family were the following chil- 
 dren: John, Tahitlia; Ann, wife of David Schny- 
 der; Francis, who died at liie age of twenty five; 
 Sarah, wife of James Goff; Martha, wife of Charles 
 Walters; Catherine, wife of Jackson Johnson; 
 Elizabeth, wife of Charles Barnett; Jane, wife of 
 Walter AVelsh; and David, who was murdered in 
 Hawesvilie, Ky., in 1892. 
 
 After tlie deatii of his father, our subject re- 
 mained upon the home farm and took care of his 
 mother and the family. He worked hard, and 
 with his earnings he educated his three sisters, 
 Catherine, Elizabeth and Jane. In 1861 he came to 
 Illinois, but continued to assist his mother and her 
 family. He went to work as a tobacconist in Ra- 
 leigh, where his elder brother, John, was estab- 
 lished in business, and there continued for nine 
 years. 
 
 On the 12th of July, 1866, Mr. Wright wedded 
 Mary C. Johnson, and their union has been blessed 
 with the following children: lona A., born August 
 13, 1867; Ella May, November 18, 1869; Mary A., 
 born January 9, 1871, and died in infancy; Thomas 
 D. A., born December 26, 1874; William H., Janu- 
 ary 26, 1877; Jesse M. J., December 5, 1880; 
 Harry E., March 9, 1888; and Charles H., October 
 24, 1892. The eldest daughter is now the wife of 
 Rufus Wiseley. of Murphysboro. 
 
 A year after his marriage, Mr. Wright removed 
 with his fainil_v to DuQuoin, where he followed 
 cigar-making and coopering until the spring of 
 1878, when he came to the farm on which he now 
 resides. It is under a high state of cultivation and 
 well improved; it is one hundred acres in extent, 
 and has upon it a comfortable and commodious 
 residence and all other modern accessories and 
 conveniences. Mr. and Mrs. Wright are promi- 
 nent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
 in which he serves as Trustee and Assistant Super- 
 intendent of the Sunday-school. In politics he 
 was formerly a Republican, but is now independ- 
 ent, supporting the man whom he thinks best qual- 
 ified for the office. He is regarded as one of the 
 influential citizens of his neighborhood, and is
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 395 
 
 highly respected by his many friends and acquain- 
 tances in the eommunitj-. 
 
 Mrs. Wright is a daughter of Thomas N. .John- 
 son, who was born near Lebanon, St. Clair County, 
 111., July 7, 1816, and was a son of Malcolm and 
 Rebecca .Jolinson. His father was born in Ireland, 
 .January 12, 1777, and wiien a small boy came 
 with his parents to America, locating in Kentucky. 
 After his marriage lie emigrated to St. Clair Coun- 
 ty', 111., which was then an almost unbroken wil- 
 derness, in which the Indians were far more nu- 
 merous than the white settlers. He worked in the 
 fields with his rifle strapped to liis back, in order 
 to be ready for any hostile attacks from the In- 
 dians. He had a large family'. Margaret, born 
 September 12, 1808, married Charles McDonald 
 January 21, 1835; James was born November 
 10, 1809, and married Nancy N. Bonus March 31, 
 1833; George, born February 18, 1811, died Octo- 
 ber 29, 1823; AVilliam, who was born Ma}- 17, 
 1815, wedded Mary L. Holt November 13, 1834; 
 Theophilus M., born January 25, 1814, married 
 Elizabeth I. Chapman May 25, 1838; Thomas N. 
 married Harriett T. Peoples December 10, 1840; 
 John AV., born February 5, 1819, married Ann 
 Smith August 3, 1850; Jesse H., born August 
 20, 1820, married Cornelia S. Butcher April 25, 
 1847; Lavina was born January 19, 1824; Mary, 
 born August 24, 1825, became the wife of A. B. 
 Sharp November 7, 1844; Sarah N., born April 10, 
 1827, became the wife of Alex Chesiiey Jul}' 4, 
 1847; and Hugh, born January 25, 1829, com- 
 pletes the family. Among the sons were four 
 Methodist ministers, and the parents and children 
 were all members of that church. The father died 
 April 2, 1841, and his wife passed away Septem- 
 ber 12, 1858. 
 
 Thomas N. Johnson was reared on the homo 
 farm, and completed his education in McKendree 
 College. For several years he engaged in black- 
 smithing and farming, and then entered the work 
 of the ministr}'. in which he was actively engaged 
 from 1853 until 1877, when, on account of failing 
 health, he was superanuated, still he continued his 
 labors as far as able. He preached fortj'-seven 
 hundred and thirty sermons and took twent3'-two 
 hundred and fifty persons into the church. He 
 
 died December 8, 1891, at the home of his daugh- 
 ter, Mrs. Wright. His wife, who was born No- 
 vember 8, 1817, died November 21, 1883. Their 
 children were: Martha J., born April 30, 1842; 
 ■John D., April 13, 1844; Mary C, July 7, 1848; 
 Laura E., August 31, 1852; and Lavina E., No- 
 vember 25, 1854. The father of this family 
 was one of the most energetic men, and never 
 allowed Any obstacle to turn him from the path 
 of duty. In disposition he was gentle, kind, 
 sympathetic and generous, and never neglected an 
 opportunity to do good. Surely the world is bet- 
 ter for his having lived. 
 
 =-W"t"!-*'M-+= 
 
 li ACOB M. TINDALL. This gentleman is 
 the son of an honored pioneer of Randolph 
 ,j^^, : County, and has spent his entire life within 
 ^5^^ its bounds. It can therefore he justlj' said 
 of him that he has grown up with the country, 
 and his life in a great measure corresponds with 
 the development that has gone on about him. He 
 is now pleasantly located on section 22, township 
 7, range 6, with such surroundings that he can en- 
 joy all the comforts of life. 
 
 Mr. Tindall was born in Rockwood Precinct, 
 July 19, 1859, and is the third cliild in order of 
 birth in a family of nine children born to John 
 D. and Amanda (Barnes) Tindall. The father, 
 who was a native of Delaware, was taken by his 
 parents to Indiana when four years old, and after 
 a residence there of a like period, came with him 
 to this count}'. He received his education in the 
 schools near Rockwood, and employed his leisure 
 time in aiding his father to carry on the farm. 
 He is well known as an honest, intelligent and re- 
 liable citizen, and was an ordained minister of the 
 Baptist Church. He always voted the Democratic 
 ticket politically, and served very efficiently as a 
 School Director for many j'ears. His death oc- 
 curred May 28, 1887. The lady who shared his 
 trials and successes is still living. Her parents 
 were natives of North Carolina, and on coming to 
 this state in an early da}-, here made a permanent 
 location. 
 
 The subject of this sketch received his primary 
 education in the district schools near his home,
 
 396 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 
 
 and in 1881 entered tlie Illinois Normal School at 
 Carbondale, where he prosecuted his studies in 
 the higher branches. After attending this school 
 he taiiglit in Randolph Count}' for three years, 
 and during tiiat time also carried on farming in 
 connection with teaching. lie has since, however, 
 given his entire attention to cultivating liis land, 
 and now owns one of the best estates in township 7. 
 In May, 1888, Mr. Tindall and Miss Chloe, 
 daughter of George and Catherine (Spears) Tope, 
 were united in marriage. Their union was blessed 
 by the birth of four children, one of whom died 
 in infancy. Those living are Eva, Harry D. and 
 Carrie; the two latter are twins. After weighing 
 the merits of political questions, Mr. Tindall iden- 
 tified himself with the Republican party. He has 
 been spoken of prominently for County Treasurer, 
 and on another occasion as Circuit Clerk. So- 
 cially, he is an Odd Fellow, belonging to Chester 
 Lodge No. 71. 
 
 i>-^<m^ 
 
 jr_^ UGH WILSON, Sk. Randolph County is 
 Ifjl' the home of many intelligent and prosper- 
 !£f^' ous farmers, who from a small beginning 
 i^) have won a competence, securing a goodly 
 amount of land and surrounding themselves with 
 all the comforts and conveniences which heart 
 can wish. Among this number may be men- 
 tioned Hugh Wilson, who, in addition to his repu- 
 tation as an agriculturist, is well known as a 
 man of much intelligence, honorable ancestr}'' and 
 Christian character. He is at present residing on 
 section 21, township 4, range 5, where he has a 
 fine estate of one hundred and fifty acres. 
 
 Hugh Wilson, the father of our subject, was 
 born in Aj'rshire, Scotland, and was killed in 1822, 
 while descending into a coal mine. He, in turn, 
 was the son of a gentleman who also bore the 
 name of Hugh, and was likewise a native of the 
 above county in Scotland, where he died in his 
 seventy -seventh year. Our subject's mother, who 
 was also a native of Ayrshire, was the daughter of 
 James Humphrey, who reared a large family and 
 died in his native land, Scotland. 
 
 The parents of our subject were married and 
 spent their entire lives in their native country. 
 
 They were members of the Covenanter Church. 
 Our subject, who was their only child, was born 
 in 1822 in Ayrehire, where he received a good 
 education. When a small boy he began to work 
 in the coal mines, which business he followed until 
 twenty years of age, and then, in 1842, he en- 
 tered the British arm^', becoming a member of 
 Companj' 4, Ninety-first Highlanders. The first 
 six months of his life as a soldier were spent 
 in drilling in England, and January 6, 1844, 
 he sailed as a part of the Guard of Honor to Sir 
 Paragrin Maitland to the Cape of Good Hope, 
 South Africa, and with his company reached their 
 destination March 17. Marching to the frontier, 
 they joined their regiment, which was doing duty 
 against the Caffres, and was engaged there for a 
 period of nine years and two months. During that 
 time he participated in many skirmishes under 
 Col. Colin Campbell. The Commander-in-Chief, 
 however, was Colonel Somerset. 
 
 In 1853 Mr. Wilson was discharged from the 
 army on account of disabilit}', after having served 
 eleven years and three months. In 1846, while 
 engaged in a fight with some Caffres, he was se- 
 verely wounded in the head with a "knob carry," 
 an offensive and defensive weapon in the hands 
 of a Caffre. After his discharge our subject re- 
 turned to his old home in Scotland, where he 
 again entered the mines, and followed that occu- 
 pation until 1857, when he decided to try his for- 
 tune in America. Coming hither, he made his 
 waj' directly to Randolph County and purch.ased 
 a farm, on which he made his home for five \'ears. 
 
 The present estate of our subject, upon which 
 he has resided for the past thirty- years, was a 
 wild tract of land when it came into his posses- 
 sion, and the only imi)rovement which it bore was 
 a log house. Now it is supplied with well built 
 farm structures, neat fences, and everything about 
 the place is conclusive proof of the skill and en- 
 ergy of him under whose management this state 
 of things was obtained. 
 
 Prior to leaving his native land, Mr. Wilson 
 was married, in 1853, to Miss Margaret Hutton, 
 who was born in Ayrshire in 1820. By her union 
 with our subject she became the mother of three 
 children, of whom Hugh and Andrew S. are the
 
 CL-^t^'i>^7^ 
 
 {^^^<i^'i^l--i^-<S-'yif^
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RfXORD. 
 
 399 
 
 only ones living. Mrs. Wilson departed this life in 
 January, 1892, beloved by all who knew ber. Mr. 
 "Wilson has alwaj's been actively interested in the 
 schools of the neighborhood, and is a reliable citi- 
 zen, an intelligent man, and one whose life wins 
 respect from those about him. 
 
 W. ESSICK, M. D., has since 1885 engaged 
 '' in the practice of medicine in Mur[)h3's- 
 
 Sfysfl boro, and has been eminently successful in 
 his profession, winning a high reputation, which 
 Las placed him in the lead among the medical 
 practitioners of southern Illinois. He well deserves 
 representation in the history of his adopted countj', 
 and with pleasure we present his record to our 
 readers. He was born near Duncannon, Perry 
 County, Pa., October 16, 1854. The family was 
 originally of German descent. Many years ago the 
 uame was spelled Essig. and its meaning was vin- 
 egar. The grandfather, John Essick, was born in 
 Chester Count}-, Pa., followed farming in Dauphin 
 County, and later near Liverpool, on the Susque- 
 hanna River. He served as First Lieutenant in 
 the War of 1812, and afterward received a pension 
 for his services. He died at the advanced age of 
 ninety-nine. 
 
 Rev. John Essick, the Doctor's father, was born 
 in Dauphin County. He was reared on a farm, for 
 some years carried on farming in Perry County, 
 Pa., and in 1868 removed to Richland County, III. 
 He there carried on agricultural pursuits for a 
 time, but subsequently engaged in missionar}' work 
 as a local minister of the United Brethren Church. 
 His work was always performed witliout financial 
 remuneration. He died on his farm in 1882, at the 
 age of sixty-eight years. When he removed to his 
 farm it was an unbroken tract of land, but he at 
 once began its development. There were no 
 churches near, and wiihin six months he had or- 
 ganized a church and Sunday-school. Now within 
 site of the old home two churches stand. His wife, 
 who bore the maiden name of Julia A. Smith, was 
 born in Snyder County, Pa., and was a daughter 
 of Jacob Smith, a native of Dauphin County, Pa. 
 He was a distiller and an extensive farmer, Mrs. Es- 
 11 
 
 sick spent her last days in the Doctor's home, pass- 
 ing away in 1884. In the family were four chil- 
 dren, but only two are now living, the brother 
 being Samuel T., a farmer near Pomona. 
 
 The subject of this sketch came with his parents 
 to Illinois, and was reared on a farm in Richland 
 Count}^ until 1869. He then engaged in driving 
 a stage for two years between Carmi and Grayville, 
 also carrying the mail. He made three trips each 
 week. On one night an attempt was made to rob 
 him, but he escaped and saved the mail and express. 
 Subsequently he purchased forty acres adjoining 
 the old home farm, which he operated for two 
 years. In 1875 he entered the normal school of 
 Carbondale, where the succeeding three jears of 
 his life were passed. He has also taught school to 
 some extent. In 1876 he began reading medicine 
 under Dr. R. P. Lightfoot, of Carbondale, and in 
 1878 took a summer course of lectures in the med- 
 ical college at Nashville, Tenn. Returning, he 
 passed the examination before the State Board, and 
 at once began practice in Pomona, where he con- 
 tinued until the autumn of 1881, when he again 
 went to Nashville. The following spring he was 
 graduated with the degree of M. D., and received 
 the first prize facnlt}- medal, valued at *50. He at 
 once resumed practice in Pomona. 
 
 On the 5th of June, 1883, Dr. Essick wedded 
 !Miss Mattie E. Reeves, who was born in this coun- 
 ty. They have one son, Rajmond B. In June, 
 1885, the Doctor was appointed on the Board of 
 Pension Examiners by President Cleveland. The 
 following 3ear, however, he came to Murphysboro, 
 where he has since engaged in practice with a 
 marked degree of success. For the past five j-ears 
 he has been surgeon for the Mobile & Ohio Rail- 
 road, and is the consulting surgeon and ph3sician 
 for the Gastside Coal Companj'. He belongs to 
 the Southern Illinois Medical Association, the 
 Slate Medical Association, and the National As- 
 sociation of Railway Surgeons. He ever keeps 
 abreast with the discoveries and theories concerning 
 his profession, and his large practice is well merited 
 bj- his ability. In 1890 he took a post-graduate 
 course at the St. Louis Medical College. 
 
 The Doctor is the owner of two hundred and 
 eighty acres of laud in Kinkaid Township. When
 
 400 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 it came into his possession it was covered with 
 timber, but he cleared the tract, has planted it in 
 fruit, and now lias the largest fruit farm in the 
 county. SociRlh", he is a member of the Knights 
 of Pythias and the Uniformed Rank. In December, 
 1893, he was elected surgeon of the Sixth Regi- 
 ment, K. P., for a term of four years. While liv- 
 ing in Pomona he served as a member of the Board 
 of Trustees. For two years he has been a member 
 of the Board of Education, and was elected its 
 President almost unanimoush', there being only 
 six opposing votes. In politics he was formerly a 
 Democrat, but is now a stalwart Republican. 
 
 j N^ROF. H. W. EVEREST, Regent of the South- 
 
 Jll ern Illinois State Normal University- of Car- 
 
 ■^ bondale, and one of the most prominent 
 
 1 \ ministers of the Christian Church, is a native 
 of Nortli Hudson, Essex County, N. Y., where bis 
 birth occurred May 10, 1831. His father, W. B. 
 Everest, was a native of Vermont, and came of an 
 old New England family. He served as a soldier 
 in the War of 1812. He married Lydia Smith, a 
 native of New Hampshire, and a daughter of Ben- 
 jamin Smith, who also was descended from an 
 early New England family. Their marriage was 
 celebrated in the Empire State, and they made 
 their home in Essex County until 1851, when they 
 removed to northern Ohio, and thence to Ionia, 
 Mich. The father died at the age of ninety-two, 
 and his wife when ninety years of age. He was a 
 farmer and mechanic. With the Methodist Church 
 he held membership, while his wife belonged to 
 the Christian Church. They were the parents of 
 nine children, six of whom are yet living: H. W., 
 of this sketch; Mrs. Clara Spaulding. of Ionia, 
 Mich.; Jane, Frederick, Stephen and Charles H., 
 who are also living in Ionia. 
 
 Professor Everest remained upon the home farm 
 until eighteen 3'ears of age, giving his father the 
 benefit of his services. At the age of sixteen he 
 began leaching in the common schools of his native 
 state, and when a young man of seventeen he at- 
 tended school at Crown Point, N. Y. The follow- 
 ing year he was a student in Chester Academj', of 
 
 Geauga County, Ohio; later he attended Hiram Col- 
 lege, and in 1861 was graduated from Oberlin Col- 
 lege, after completing the classical course. While 
 at Chester and Hiram Colleges, he was associated 
 with President Garfield. His life work has been 
 that of teaching, and he has occupied some promi- 
 nent positions. For a time he was President of 
 Hiram College, as the successor of General Garfield. 
 In 1864, he was elected President of Eureka (111.) 
 College, and filled that position until 1872. In 
 1877, he was again called to its Presidency, and 
 there continued until 1881, when he became Presi- 
 dent of Butler University of Indianapolis, Ind., 
 of which he remained in charge until 1887. He 
 then became Chancellor of Garfield Universitj', of 
 Wichita, Kan. He was also a Professor in the 
 Kentucky University, at Lexington, and is now at 
 the head of the Southern Illinois .State Normal 
 University, lender his leadership manj" men of fame 
 have pursued their studies, and his guiding hand 
 has aided in directing the lives of men who have 
 become prominent in various walks of life. 
 
 In 1857, Professor Everest was united in mar- 
 riage with Miss Sarah A. Harrison, of Painesvilie, 
 Ohio, who was born in 1833, and was a daughter of 
 William Harrison, an Englishman. To her hus- 
 band she ever proved a faithful companion and 
 helpmate, and by her encouragement and sympathy 
 aided him greatly in his life work. She was called 
 to the home be_vond October 20, 1892. Three sons 
 were born to them: Claude H., who married Miss 
 Martha Pettit, by whom he has three children, and 
 resides in Hutchinson, Kan.; Jean H., a lawyer of 
 Oklahoma, who married Missl>ditli Kirkbride, who 
 died leaving four sons; and Herbert H., who wedded 
 Miss Josie Brook. He is now studying law. The 
 sons are all university graduates, and are members 
 of the Christian Chui'ch. 
 
 Mr. Everest h.as been a minister of the church 
 for forty 3'ears, and has occasionally served as 
 pastor, but the greater part of his time has been 
 devoted to teaching and to lecturing. Besides his 
 duties as Regent, he occu[)ies the chair of psvchol- 
 ogy and ethics in the Southern Illinois Normal 
 University. He received the degree of A. B. and 
 A. M. from Oberlin College, and that of LL. D. 
 was conferred upon him by Eureka College. He is
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 401 
 
 a read3' and fluent writer, and has contributed much 
 to different papers and periodicals. He is also the 
 author of a work on Christian evidence called the 
 "Divine^Demonstration." He delivered an address 
 before the World's Congress of Religions held in 
 Chicago in 1893. It was the opening address and 
 was upon the subject of "The First Century of the 
 Ciiurch. 
 
 • ^^ )^ P • 
 
 'jf? AFAYP:TTE WARXOCK, justice of the 
 ll (© Peace of Jlonroe County, and a prominent 
 jj^^ citizen of Columbia, was born in Vandalia, 
 Fayette County, 111., March 12, 1824, and is a son 
 of Judge John Warnock, who was the first Terri- 
 torial Judge for the southern district of the state. 
 He was born and leared in Charleston, S. C, and 
 was a son of Joseph Warnock, who served under 
 General Marion in the Revolutionary War. The 
 Judge studied law under Governor Bennett, of 
 South Carolina, and through the influence of that 
 gentleman was appointed Territorial Judge. In 
 Harrisonville, Monroe County, he married Miss 
 Jane, daughter of John McClure, who was one of 
 Washington's Life Guards in the struggle for In- 
 dependence. Mr. Warnock continued to serve as 
 Judge until the state was admitted to the Union, 
 in 1818, and was Postmaster of Vandalia when 
 that citj' was state capital. About 1828 he re- 
 moved to St. Clair County, where he purchased 
 land, but after a short time he bought a farm be- 
 tween Columbia and Waterloo, where he made his 
 home for some years. Subsequent!}', lie removed 
 to Texas. In politics he was a Whig. His death 
 occurred in December, 1858. After the death of 
 his first wife, he was again married, in Arkansas. 
 B}' the former union there were ten children, eight 
 of whom grew to mature years, but onl}' three 
 are now living: William C, a farmer of Iowa; 
 MaiT Catherine, widow of William Herse^-, and a 
 resident of Monroe County; and Lafayette, of 
 this sketch. 
 
 'Squire AVarnock was engaged in McKendree 
 College, of Lebanon, and then returned to the 
 home farm, upon which he had been reared. 
 About four years later he went to Jamestown, 
 Wis., where he engaged in general jnerchiindising 
 
 and also served as Postmaster for two 3'ears. On the 
 
 expiration of that period he took up his residence 
 in Waterloo, 111., where he engaged in general 
 merchandising for six years, when in 1854 he again 
 came to Columbia. Here he followed the same 
 pursuit for two years, after which he purchased 
 the Columbia Star Mills, and in connection with 
 John H. Wilson operated the same until 1867, 
 when they sold out to Ilcnry Huch. Since that 
 time he has devoted his attention to looking after 
 his real-estate interests. 
 
 Mr. Warnock was married February' 7, 1849, to 
 Lucinda Moore, daughter of James B. Moore. 
 His father was EInoch Moore, who was the fii-st 
 white American child born in the state of Illinois. 
 In 1781, James Moore, father of Enoch, came from 
 Virginia and settled in Monroe County, near 
 Waterloo, where both he and his son spent their 
 entire lives. James Moore lived to an advanced age 
 in this locality, and then removed to Jersey Coun- 
 ty, 111. His last da3^s were spent in Brighton. 
 Mrs. Warnock was born in Monroe County-, March 
 13, 1826. To our subject and his wife were born 
 ten children, eight of whom are yet living: James 
 W., a stock dealer of Columbia; W. H., a real- 
 estate and loan dealer of Butler, Mo.; Samuel F^, 
 Cashier of the Fust National Bank in Butler, Mo.; 
 W. M., one of the most prominent and successful 
 attorneys of the state; Emma A., wife of Dr. M. 
 G. Nixon, a practicing physician, druggist and 
 Postmaster of Columbia; Nellie M., wife of Z. J. 
 AVilliams, a general merchant of Butler, Mo.; Min- 
 nie M. and Lucj' Jane, who complete the familj-. 
 W. M., who graduated from the Union College of 
 Law, in Chicago, began practice at the age of 
 twenty years, locating in Edwardsville, 111. The 
 children have all received good educational ad- 
 vantages. 
 
 Since the dissolution of the Whig party, Mr. 
 Warnock has been a supporter of the Democracj'. 
 He has served .as Justice of the Peace and Notary 
 Public for twenty j'ears, and is one of the Le.vee 
 Commissioners of Monroe County. His faithful- 
 ness to public duty is indicated bj' his long con- 
 tinued service. He owns about five hundred 
 acres of land in the county and has a residence 
 and thirteen lots in Brighton, 111., besides his fine
 
 402 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 home and two acres of land in Columbia. Socially', 
 he is connected with the Odd Fellows' societj' 
 and the Masonic fraternity. He and his wife are 
 consistent members of the Metliodist E^piscopal 
 Church South. He took a prominent part in its 
 organization, has served as Trustee and Steward, 
 and for twenty-six years was Superintendent of 
 the Sunday-school. His life has been straightfor- 
 ward and honorable in every particular, and his 
 uprightness has won for him the confidence and 
 high regard of the entire community. He comes 
 from a prominent family, and is himself one of 
 the leading citizens of this part of the state. 
 
 
 /^i\ ARMADUKK E. EMERSON. There is 
 I IV no greater pleasure for the hand and mind 
 Ij IAS of the historian or biographer to perform 
 ^ thau to record the life and achievements 
 
 of a man who began life's battles under adverse 
 circumstances, and who, through his own unaided 
 efforts, has secured tlie general acknowledgment 
 of being an honest man and worth}' citizen. Such 
 a man is Mr. Emerson, who occupies the I'esponsi- 
 ble position of foreman in the mammoth mills of 
 the H. C. Cole Barrel Works, of Chester. 
 
 Our subject has alwa3-s been a resident of this 
 count}', having been born in Chester March 14, 1847. 
 He is the sixth child in order of birth in the family 
 of Amos and Mary (Walker) Emerson, the former 
 a native of Portland, Me. The father of our sub- 
 ject left home at the early age of sixteen, and 
 going to Pittsburgh, Pa., joined the army and 
 served as a soldier during the Black Hawk War. 
 After that conflict he located in Edwardsville, this 
 state, thence he moved to Chester, where lie spent 
 the rest of his days, following his trade of a 
 cooper. His decease occurred in 1860. The Em- 
 erson family originally came from p]ngland, while 
 on his mother's side our subject is of Irish descent. 
 
 The maternal grandfather of our subject, Jackson 
 Walker, came to America in an eai'ly day, and 
 made his home in Florence, Ala., where Mrs. Em- 
 erson was born, and later the family moved to 
 New Orleans, where she first met her husband, the 
 father of our subject. Marmaduke received his ed- 
 
 ucation in the schools of Chester, and when old 
 enough learned the trade of a cooper. He was a 
 lad of tvvelve years when his father died, and at 
 that early age he began the struggle of life on his 
 own account. 
 
 Mr. Emerson worked as a journeyman cooper 
 througii various sections of Indiana, Missouri and 
 Illinois, and in 1876 he entered the shop of H. C. 
 Cole & Co., where he began work. He was very 
 industrious and conscientious in his labors, and 
 two years after beginning work with the company 
 his efforts were rewarded, he being made foreman 
 of the cooi)er shop. Wherever he goes, Mr. Em- 
 erson wins friends, and he holds a deservedly high 
 reputation throughout the city and amiing his fel- 
 low-workmen. 
 
 In 1876 our subject was married to Miss Mary .1., 
 daughter of D. S. and V. (Montroy) Lybarger, of 
 Chester. Their union has been blessed by the birth 
 of four children: Gladys Olivia, Ralph Waldo, 
 Clyde Vivian and Earl Marmaduke. The last 
 named is now deceased, passing away when three 
 years of age. Mrs. P^merson is a devoted member of 
 the Methodist Episcopal Church, and with her hus- 
 band and famil}' occupies a high place in the home 
 community. 
 
 Our subject is wide awake and progressive, and 
 takes quite an interest in political affairs, Voting 
 with the Democratic party. • He has held the office 
 of Justice of the Peace, and represented the first 
 ward in the City Council for many terms. He is 
 known as a public-spirited citizen, aiding gener- 
 ously in all matters of mutual welfare. Socially', 
 Mr. Emerson is a charter member of Chester Lodge 
 No. 57, I. O. O. F., and in that order has filled 
 nearlv all the chairs. 
 
 ATHPvS KALMER is a worthy representa- 
 tive of the agricultu lists of Monroe Coun- 
 ty. He resides on section 28, townslii|) 
 3, range 9, where he has made his home 
 for many years. He was born in Germany, July 
 25, 1822, and is the second in a family of three 
 sons, whose parents were Casper and Mary (Kre- 
 ger) Kalraer. His brothers were Henry and Frank.
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 403 
 
 Casper Kalnier was reared and educated in Ger- 
 inanj', and for some j-ears lie had to support his 
 father, which lie did by working at the carpenter's 
 trade. After iiis father's death he wedded Miss 
 Kreger, who was also a native of Germany, and in 
 1842 he emigrated with his family to America, 
 landing in New Orleans. He then took passage on 
 the steamer "General Pratt," but while coming up 
 the Mississippi the vessel took fire, at Vicksburg. 
 They then boarded another vessel, whicli was sunk 
 at Cairo, and from that place to Waterloo the}' 
 completed the journey on foot. Mr. Kalmer con- 
 tinued to follow carpentering until his death, 
 which resulted from an accident that occurred in 
 Columbia. He was run over by a load of lumber 
 and instantly killed, and his remains were laid to 
 rest in Waterloo. In polities, he was a Democrat, 
 and both he and his wife were members of the 
 Catholic Church. She too met with death by ac- 
 cident. They were highly respected people, who 
 had many friends througiiout the community in 
 which they made their home. 
 
 We now take up the personal history of Mathes 
 Kalmer, who in the schools of his native land ac- 
 quired his education. He accompanied his parents 
 to America, and remained with them until eighteen 
 years of age, when he started out in life for himself. 
 He learned the blacksmith's trade in Berksville,and 
 afterwards followed tiiat pursuit in St. Louis. Sub- 
 sequently he carried on blacksmithing in Waterloo 
 for several 3ears, and while thus engaged he met 
 with an accident which resulted in the loss of his 
 right eye. This exempted him from service in the 
 army. He then purchased the farm on which he 
 now lives and has since made it his home. 
 
 In 1852 Mr. Kalmer was mairied to Miss Cathe- 
 rine Kleier, a native of Germany, who after her 
 parents' death came to the United States with her 
 sister. After a brief illness she was called to her 
 final rest, ab,out 1879,and her remains were interred 
 in Waterloo Cemetery. She had many friends in 
 the community, who sincerely mourned her loss. 
 In the family were eight children, of whom three 
 died in infancy. Elizabeth is now the wife of 
 Henry Vogel, a fanner residing in Glasgow, by 
 whom she had seven children. Maiy Ann is the 
 wife of John Forabaugli and has a famil}' of three 
 
 children. Caroline married Frank Hempe, a farmer 
 of Oregon, and they have three children. Katie 
 is the wife of Frank Ritter, who operates the old 
 homestead, and they had two children, but one died 
 in infancy. Christina, the youngest memberof the 
 family, married Martin Canon. 
 
 Mr. Kalmer endeavored to give liis children 
 educations which would fit them for the prac- 
 tical and responsible duties of life. As a citi- 
 zen he is public-spirited and progressive, and man- 
 fests a commendable interest in everything per- 
 taining to the welfare of the community. The 
 greater part of his time and attention, however, is 
 given to his farming interests. He has carried on 
 agricultural pursuits throughout his life and is 
 now the owner of a good farm of two hundred acres 
 as the result of his industry and well directed 
 
 efforts. 
 
 ^#( 
 
 felLLIAM BROWN. There is somethinc 
 
 about tiie life of a prosperous and popular 
 ^^ young man very pleasant to contemplate — 
 something that gives encouragement to those 
 seeking to make for Cliemselves desirable positions 
 in life. Such an example is given in the life of 
 William Brown, who is a native born citizen of 
 Randolph County, and who is now numbered among 
 the intelligent farmers of township 7, range 6. 
 By his careful management his farm has been 
 placed under excellent cultivation and is now a 
 neat and well ordered property, comparing favora- 
 bly with any farm in the neighborhood in point 
 of tillage and improvement. 
 
 Our subject is the son of Lemuel M. Brown, and 
 was born in Chester, this county, June 4, 1855. 
 His father was born in Kentucky, and there made 
 his home until reaching his twenty-second year, 
 when, in 1840, he came to Chester. He was a farmer 
 by occupation, and pursued his calling here until 
 1871, when he went to Springfield, Mo. He was 
 ranked among the well-to-do farmers of Greene 
 County until his decease, which occurred in 
 April, 1892. The lady to whom he was married, 
 and who became the mother of our subject, was 
 known in her maidenhood as Rebecca Ann Rust. 
 
 William, of this sketch, was the second child in
 
 404 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 order of birlh of his parents' familj' of three chil- 
 dren. His mother dying in 1862, when he was a lad 
 of seven years, he remained at home with his father 
 Until reaching liis fifteenth year-, when the father 
 removed to Missouri. Our subject later joined 
 him there-, remaining only a short time, liowever, 
 and in 1873 went to Indiana, where he was em- 
 ployed on the public works for two years. At the 
 expiration of that time returning to his old home 
 near Cliester, he began farming pursuits on his 
 own account, and has ever since made tiiat his life 
 work. 
 
 Miss Mary, daughter of .Jolm and Maria Bright, 
 of this county, and oursubjoct were married Decem- 
 ber 18, 1880. Mrs. Brown lias liecorae tlie mothei- 
 of six children: Mabel, Anna, Bessie, Willie, Lemuel 
 and Hazel. In his political relations our subject 
 always votes with the Democratic party, and in 
 this community where he has so long made liis 
 home he is both widely and favorably known, and 
 in the history of his native county he well de- 
 serves representation. 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 (i\ MLLIAM C. DAVLS, .1r., one of the promi- 
 \rJ/j nent and highly- respected citizens of 
 \»/sf/ Perry County', who is now living on sec- 
 tion 20, township 6, range 4, has the honor of be- 
 ing a native of Illinois, for his birth occurred in 
 Jackson County, on the 22d of April, 1852. His 
 parents were William C. and Mary A. (Cross) 
 Davis. His father was a native of Nashville, Tenn., 
 and came to Illinois when a lad of eight summers 
 with his brothers and sisters, who settled in Jack- 
 son County. When he had attained to a sufficient 
 age he entered two hundred acres of land, going 
 to Kaskaskia foi that purpose. From that time he 
 has made his own way in the world, dependent 
 entirely upon his own resources. As his financial 
 resources have increased, he has added to his pos- 
 sessions from time to time until he now owns one 
 thousand acres. He was twice married, and by his 
 first wife bad three children, two of whom are yet 
 living, Willis and William C, while George M. is 
 
 deceased. In 1854 he married Elizabeth, daugh- 
 ter of Abel Braugiiton, of Randolph County, and 
 liiey became the parents of eight children, all of 
 whom still survive, namely: Martha J., Emma, 
 Maurice C, Murraj- H., Henry, Eliza, Amanda and 
 Lena. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was reared to man- 
 hood on his father's farm and earlj' became famil- 
 iar with farm work in all its details. In the com- 
 mon scliools he conned his lessons during his early 
 years, and at the age of twenty-one attended the 
 normal school for one term. He then embarked 
 in teaching, which profession he followed for six 
 jears in connection with farming. 
 
 On the 6th of December, 1875, Mr. Davis was 
 united in marriage with Miss Edna Irwin, daugh- 
 ter of Jacob Irwin, a well known farmer of Jack- 
 son County, 111. Thej' became the parents of four 
 children, two of whom are j-et living, Delia, born 
 on the 22d of June, 1885, and Carrie M., born 
 on the 10th of September, 1893. Lillie and Anna 
 are now deceased. 
 
 The mother of our subject died in May, 1854. 
 AVith her husband she was returning from a visit 
 to Chester, 111., and they were compelled to cross 
 a creek wliich had been greatly swollen by the 
 late rains. As they drove upon the bridge it was 
 swept away, and they were precipitated into the 
 rushing torrent. Mrs. Davis was carried down the 
 stream and drowned. Mr. Davis only saved him- 
 self by his expert swimming. 
 
 Our subject has resided upon his present farm 
 since April 17, 1876. It comprised one hundred 
 and sixty acres of timber land, but it is now four 
 hundred acres in extent and the greater part of it 
 is under a high state of cultivation and well im- 
 proved. He erected a handsome and commodious 
 residence, one of the finest in tiie count}-, and it 
 stands as a monument to his thrift and enterprise. 
 It is located on the Campbell Hill road and com- 
 mands a fine view of the surrounding country. 
 Well tilled fields and other improvements also at- 
 test the careful supervision of the owner. 
 
 In politics Mr. Davis it a Democrat, and served 
 as County Commissioner from 1883 until 1887. 
 In his social relations he is a Mason. He is re- 
 garded b}' his neighbors as a thrifty and progress-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 405 
 
 ive man. He takes a warm interest in tiie affairs 
 of the county and is a valued citizen, wlio well 
 deserves representation in tiiis volume. Mr. Davis 
 is also engaged in the lumber business at Percy in 
 addition to farming. 
 
 ^•5"5"M-L- 
 
 3*-}"i"{-^^ -i-***" 
 
 y^ HAKLKJS 1.. llh;illvAMi', a prosperous 
 '1(^1 eral agriculturist, residing on one ol 
 ^^^ best farms in township 7, range 6, 
 
 HARLE8 L. IIEITKAMP, a prosperous gen- 
 
 of the 
 Ran- 
 dolph County, has since 1855 been identified with 
 the advancementof his jjreseut home interests, and, 
 widely known, is highly esteemed for his business 
 ability and sterling integrity of character. 
 
 Our subject was born in Prussia .June 27, 1834, 
 and IS the third child born to Frederick William 
 and Fredericka (Kaldavier) Ileitkamp. The par- 
 ents were likewise natives of Prussia, and on emi- 
 grating to America, in 1857, made their wa^' to the 
 Prairie State. The}- followed farming in Randolph 
 County until their decease, the father dying in 
 1876, and the mother preceding him to the better 
 land by five years. 
 
 Charles, of this sketch, attended school in his na- 
 tive country, and when old enough to do so, was 
 employed at various kinds of work, and for four 
 years engaged to work in a brick yard. After 
 reaching his twenty-third year, he entered the 
 Prussian army and served his country for three 
 3'ears and three months. A short time after his 
 discharge, he came to America, whither his parents 
 had preceded him three years. 
 
 After landing in the New World, Mr. Heitkamp 
 spent three months in New Orleans, then made his 
 waj' up the Mississippi River Lo Chester, this state, 
 and has since that time been a resident of Ran- 
 dolph County. He has been a very hard working 
 man, industrious and economical, and as the result 
 of his labors, now has a comfortable estate, which 
 yields him a good income. 
 
 In all matters of importance Mr. Ileitkamp main- 
 tains a deep interest, and in 1891 was appointed 
 by the Mayor of Chester as Cemetery Superintend- 
 ent. He is also the present .Superintendent of 
 the County Farm, and has been the incumbent of 
 that position for the past five jears. His life has 
 
 been distinguished by his unfailing kindness, and 
 he has thus endeared himself to a multitude of 
 friends, and has won tlie high regard of all his fel- 
 low-townsmen. 
 
 In 1860, our subject and Miss Henrietta Drex- 
 hage were united in marriage. Mrs. Heitkamp 
 was also born in Prussia, where her parents lived 
 and died. By her marriage she has become the 
 mother of ten children, the eldest of whom, Mary, 
 became the wife of. Herman Oetting. During a 
 severe \vindstorm, on the night of November 16, 
 1892, a large tree was blown across the house, kill- 
 ing Mrs. Oetting and her two children. The hus- 
 band escaped injury. The second child of our 
 subject, Amelia, is at home, while Annie, who is 
 the wife of C. Mueller, lives in Chester. Caroline 
 married M. Lochhead, a successful farmer in this 
 county. Wilhelmina and Yetta are married and 
 reside in St. Louis. Louisa was accidentally killed 
 by a runaway team, and Margaret, Emma and 
 Louis are all at home. 
 
 Our subject and his entire famil}- are members 
 of the German Lutheran Church. In politics he 
 is one of the ardent advocates of the Democratic 
 party, and keeps himself intelligently posted on 
 local and national issues. 
 
 += 
 
 rnln 
 
 '^,( BRAM G.GORDON is well known in pub- 
 lic and private life as a citizen of high 
 
 repute in Chester. Me was born near 
 Stceleville, this count>-, November 6, 1849, 
 and is a son of Henry S. and Nancy (Gooding) 
 Gordon. The father was born in Missouri in 
 1818, and followed the occupation of a farmer. 
 He at the same time was a minister of the Baptist 
 Church and did good work as a preacher during 
 his active life. 
 
 The paternal grandfather of our subject, George 
 Gordon, was a native of Pennsylvania and of 
 Scotch descent, his ancestors settling in this coun- 
 try- prior to the Revolutionary War. Abram G. 
 was the sixth in order of birth of the large family 
 of ten children born to his parents, nine of whom 
 are still living. He received a good common-
 
 406 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 school education in his native place, and later, 
 when entering McKendiee College, in St. Clair 
 County, 111., there carried on ills studies for three 
 years, graduating in 1871. 
 
 Having decided to follow llie profession of a 
 lawyer, lie began reading law in the office of H. H. 
 Horner, who at the time of his attending McKen- 
 dree College was one of the professors in that in- 
 stitution. He was admitted to the Bar from St. 
 Clair Count}- in 1871, and immediately com- 
 menced the practice of his profession. In 1873 he 
 came to Chester, and has worked perseveringly and 
 faithfully in his profession. He is now enjoying 
 the fruits of that industry, being regarded as one 
 of the substantial men of the county. 
 
 November 6, 1872, Abrara G. Gordon and Miss 
 Clara J. Short were united in marriage. The lady, 
 who was the daughter of R. J. Short, was born in 
 Percy, this county, and by this union has become 
 the mother of three children, Eugene R., Clarice 
 E. and Florence. Socially our subject is a mem- 
 ber of Chester Lodge No. 57, I. O. O. F., and is 
 also a member of the Knights of Honor and the 
 Legion of Honor. AVith his wife he is a consistent 
 member of the Baptist Church. 
 
 Mr. Gordon has ever borne a prominent part in 
 the upbuilding and development of this section, 
 and is at present .Secretary of the Chester I mprove- 
 ment Company, Chester Hotel Company- and Ches- 
 ter Electric Light Companj'. In addition to the 
 practice of his profession he personally superin- 
 tends the operations of several fine farms of which 
 he is the owner. 
 
 J'OSHUA TYLER, who carries on general 
 farming on section 3, Sand Ridge Township, 
 Jackson Count}-, is a native of the Green 
 Mountain State. He was born in Windham 
 County, December 4, 1811, and is the eldest of a 
 famil}' of eight children, whose parents were .loshua 
 and Lois (Bacon) T^-ler. Both were natives of 
 New Hampshire, but many "years ago moved to 
 Pennsylvania, where their last days were spent. 
 The family was founded in Virginia at a very early 
 day in the history of this country. 
 
 In the county of his nativity, our subject was 
 
 reared to manhood, his boyhood and \-outh being 
 p.assed in attendance at the district schools of the 
 neighborhood and in work in the fields. He 
 accompanied his parents on their removal to 
 Pennsylvania, and remained with them for two 
 years, after which he started out in life for him- 
 self. He came to the west, for he believed that 
 better privileges were here afforded than in tiie 
 older and more thickly settled states of the 
 east. For a time he worked on steamboats on the 
 Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, and his lot was 
 not alwaj's an easy one. He made some extensive 
 trips through the west and thus became well ac- 
 quainted with the countiy. 
 
 In 1840, in Illinois, ISIr. Tyler was united in 
 marriage with Miss Martha Jane Morgan, a native 
 of this state. They located on Cox' Prairie, 
 where the wife died, leaving five children, two of 
 whom are now living, Mrs. Hannah Bain, who is 
 married and had seven children; and George, who 
 is married and has three children. They both re- 
 side in Sand Ridge Township. For his second 
 wife Mr. Tj'ler chose Mrs. Nancy (Worthen) Cri- 
 ley, who died in 1860. They were the parents of six 
 children, four of whom are yet living: James, 
 Daniel, RoHin and Mrs. Laura Hawkins. They 
 are all married and have become heads of families. 
 Mr. T3'ler was again married, in 1863, when Mrs. 
 Esther Marshall became his wife. She is a daughter 
 of Jesse and Anna (Priest) Wilson, both of whom 
 were natives of North Carolina. Her fatlier died 
 at the age of ninety-two, and her mother when 
 sixty-five years of age. They had six children, of 
 whom two are living: Mrs. Eliza Whitson, and Mrs. 
 Tyler, who was born December 18, 1830, in John- 
 son Count}', N. C. She was reared in East Tennes- 
 see, and removed to Warren County, that state, 
 where she became the wife of Thomas Marshall, a 
 native of Tennessee. In 1860, they came to Illi- 
 nois, and located in Murphysboro Township, Jack- 
 son County. Mr. Marshall died in 1863, leaving 
 four children: Mrs. Elizabeth Way man, who has 
 one child; Mrs. Ellen Haliday, who has four chil- 
 dren; Mrs. Belzora Wayraan, who has four chil- 
 dren; and Wylie, who has two children. Two 
 children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Tyler: Eva, 
 now the wife of Albert Imhoff, of Murphysboro, by
 
 
 4;^4M^ 
 
 ^^^-^^y^^^^^T/
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPIDCAL RECORD 
 
 409 
 
 whoinslie has three children; and Martha Lavisa. 
 Mr. Tyler had two sons in the late war, George and 
 Joshua. The latter was shot at the battle of Mis- 
 sion Ridge, and death resulted from his wound. 
 
 In his political views, our subject has always 
 been a Democrat, and has served as Scliool Direc- 
 tor and Township Trustee. He holds membership 
 with the Baptist Church, and his wife is an active 
 worker and faithful member of the Methodist 
 Episcopal Church. His farm comprises one hun- 
 dred and three acres of land, and the neat and 
 thrifty appearance of the place indicates the care- 
 ful supervision of the owner. 
 
 *^. 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 ■Vf? AMES C. THOMPSON, who is now living a 
 retired life in Campbell Hill, was born near 
 ^ St. Charles, Mo., on the 7th of July, 1820, 
 \\^|^ and comes of a family of Irish origin. His 
 grandfather was Robert Thompson. His father, 
 William Thompson, was born in North Carolina, 
 August 8, 1791, and served as a soldier in the War 
 of 1812, under General Harrison, participating in 
 the battle of Tippecanoe. In Kentucky he mar- 
 ried Jane Tomson, who was born in North Caro- 
 lina in 1797, and was a daughter of William Tom- 
 son, also a native of North Carolina, and one of 
 the heroes of the Revolution. The maternal great- 
 grandfather of our subject was killed by the Tories 
 during the War for Independence. He came of a 
 family of Scotch lineage. 
 
 William and Jane Thompson were married in 
 Kentucky, .and for some time resided in Living- 
 ston County. From 1815 until 1821 they resided 
 in St. Charles, Mo., and then returned to Ken- 
 tuckj', where their last days were spent. The fa- 
 ther was an agriculturist, and owned one of the 
 model farms of that state. His death occurred 
 September 8, 1871, and his wife passed away Jan- 
 uary 29, 1872. He left a property valued at ^20,- 
 000, but his estate had been greatly diminislied 
 during the war. Mr. Thompson was a strong sup- 
 porter of the Union. Both he and his wife were 
 members of the Covenanter Presbyterian Church. 
 Of their fourteen children, only three are now liv- 
 
 ing: Mrs. Nancy Davis, who is living in William- 
 son County, at the age of seventy-eight; James C; 
 and Dr. Pinckney Thompson, of Henderson, Ky. 
 
 Upon his father's farm J. C. Thompson spent 
 the days of his boyhood and youth, and acquired 
 his education in an academy of Salem, Ky. In 
 1841 he left the parental roof, and coming to Illi- 
 nois, engaged in teaching school in Williamson 
 County for ten months. He married January 20, 
 1842, Mrs. Cynthia Bradley, daughter of Thomas 
 Trammel, a native of Virginia, who emigrated to 
 Williamson County in a very early day. The lady 
 was there born April 21, 1824. The young couple 
 began their domestic life on a farm south of 
 Marion Township, but after three years removed 
 to Degognia Township, where they spent eleven 
 years. Their next home was in Kinkaid Town- 
 ship, where Mr. Thompson cleared a farm, upon 
 which he spent seven 3'ears. A similar period was 
 spent in Carbondale Township, and later he im- 
 proved a fine farm in Bradley Township. He af- 
 terward lived with his children until 1883, since 
 which time he has made his home in Campbell Hill. 
 
 In the Thompson family were twelve children, 
 eight of whom are now living: Harriet, wife of 
 Willis Grain, by whom she has three children; 
 Mary, wife of John W. Jones, b^' whom she has six 
 children; James P., who married Rachel Parker, 
 and has six children; Robert C, who wedded Julia 
 Miracle; Sarah C, wife of Dr. Peter McMillan; 
 Jane, wife of Theodore Gillespie, by whom she lias 
 five children; Edwin, who is a sailor; and Willie 
 J., of Murphysboro, who married Chloe Johnson, 
 and has one child. The mother of this family died 
 May 31, 1881. 
 
 On the 5th of June, 1884, Mr. Thompson wedded 
 Mrs. Rebecca Jones, daughter of Samuel and Jane 
 (Boyd) Jones, both of whom were natives of Scot- 
 land. The father died in that land, after which 
 the mother came to America, and lived with Mrs. 
 Thompson until her death in 1863. Mrs. Thomp- 
 son was the seventh in a family of nine children, 
 seven of whom are yet living, and was born Feb- 
 ruary' 14, 1836, in County Down, Ireland. There 
 she remained until nineteen years of age, when she 
 crossed the Atlantic, and located in Jackson Coun- 
 ty, 111., where she married John Brown. They
 
 4l0 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 had five children: Samuel and Edwin, of Jackson 
 County; Robert, of Los Angeles, Cal.; Wallace, 
 of San Antonio, Tex.; and Jennie, wife of William 
 Hunter, of Degognia Township. Mr. Brown was 
 accidenlly killed in 1853, and his widow afterward 
 married John Jones, a native of Pennsylvania. 
 Four children were born to them, but Paul, of St. 
 Louis, is the only one now living. Mr. Jones de- 
 parted this life January 10, 187.5. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are leading members of 
 the Presbyterian Church, and he belongs to the 
 Masonic fraternity and Odd Fellows' society. 
 Throughout life he has been a warm advocate of 
 the Democracy, and frequently attends the conven- 
 tions of his party. For twenty-five years he has 
 served as Justice of the Peace, was Supervisor of 
 Bradlej' Township, and served as County Sheiiff 
 two terms, from 1864 to 1866, and from 1868 to 
 1870. He is a man of sterling worth, and a well 
 spent life justly entitles him to the liigh regard in 
 which he is held. 
 
 JAMES A. SMITH, a well known iesident of 
 township 7, range 6, Randolph County, and 
 a veteran of the late war, in which he did 
 good service for his adopted country-, was 
 born in Renfrewshire, Scotland, March 2,5, 1843. 
 His father, Francis, was born iu the same shire in 
 1801, but in 1848 came to the United States, lo- 
 cating in Randolph County, one-half mile from 
 where our subject now resides. He was a calico 
 printer b3'' occupation in his native country, but 
 after coming to this county engaged as a farmer. 
 He died in 1881, in his eighty-first year, his wife 
 dj'ing soon after coming to this country'. She 
 bore the maiden name of Agnes Adams, and was 
 the daugliter of James and Catherine (Curlaw) 
 Adams. She became the mother of two sons and 
 two daughters, three of whom are still living: 
 Catherine C, who is the wife of L. Douglas, de- 
 ceased, and makes her home in Chester; Agnes A., 
 who is the wife of C. A. Durant, and resides in St. 
 Louis, Mo., and James A. 
 
 The subject of this life record received a splen- 
 did education, first attending the Harmon School 
 
 near Chester, then the school in Chester, and la- 
 ter, in 1863, supplementing this by an attendance 
 at the military- school at Jefferson Barracks, near 
 St. Louis. He tlien enlisted in Company- L. Thir- 
 teenth Illinois Cavalry, and was mustered into 
 service at Springfield, 111. His first experience 
 was at the Red River Expedition, and afterwards 
 in the Camden Expedition under General Run- 
 nels, who had succeeded General Steele, his former 
 commander. The regiment was mostly in Arkan- 
 sas, and took part in the battles at Pea Ridge, Lit- 
 tle Rock, Pine Blufif, Poison Springs, Arkadelphia, 
 Spoon ville, besides many other minor skirmishes. 
 During the fight at Poison .S|)riiigs, Mr. Smith re- 
 ceived four injuries in the left side, and when un- 
 der charge at Hrownville, his horse fell with him 
 and fractured five ribs. He was sent l)ack to 
 Convalescent Camp to recover. Gen. Powell 
 Clayton was his Brigade Commander, and is yet 
 a very intimate friend of Mr. Smith. He was com- 
 missioned Second Lieutenant, and was mustered 
 out October 4, 1865, at Springfield. III. 
 
 After the close of hostilities our subject returned 
 to his farm, and has followed agricultural pursuits 
 ever since. His splendid estate comprises two 
 hundred acres, all of which are under a fine state 
 of productiveness, and in which Mr. Smith takes 
 great pride. 
 
 The marriage of our suliject and Miss Johanna 
 Douglas was solemnized February il, 1870. Mrs. 
 Smith is a daughter of Adam and Elizabeth (Reno) 
 Douglas, who live near Chester, and who are of 
 Scotch parentage. The children who have come to 
 bless the union of our subject and his wife are named 
 as follows: Adam F., Eugene, Agnes A., James A., 
 Davis M., Ethel G., Charles A. and Lizzie. They are 
 all at home, and have been given the best possible 
 advantages for good educations. The Presbyterian 
 Church finds in Mr. and Mrs. Smith and their son 
 Adam devoted members. The father is a member 
 of Lodge No. 57, I. O. O. F., at Chester, and also 
 belongs to Swanwick Poet No. 212, G. A. R., 
 at Chester. Politically he is a true blue Republi- 
 can, and never fails to support the candidates 
 of that party. He was honored by his fellow- 
 townsmen with the gift of the office, of Census- 
 taker iu 1880, and has been Justice of the Peace
 
 iPORTRAIT AND BtOGRAPHICAL RECORt). 
 
 411 
 
 and Road Commissioner for a number of years, 
 proving himself well qualified for tlie positions by 
 the able way in which he discharged the duties of 
 his offices. Personally lie is one of the most 
 genial and companionable of men, strictly honor- 
 able in his dealings, and therefore highly regarded 
 by all with whom he has to do. 
 
 David Smith, an elder brother of our subject, 
 enlisted in the Tenth Illinois Infantry, in the same 
 company with our subject, and took part in all the 
 engagements with his regiment, always being found 
 at his post of duty. After the close of the war he 
 emigrated to Idaho, engaging in mining, and there 
 died in 1878. 
 
 ■ • ^ P ' . 
 
 ; OHN A. PFEFFER is a worthy representa- 
 tive of the business interests of Columbiai 
 where he is engaged in general merchan- 
 dising. As he is widely and favorably known 
 in this community', we feel assured that the record 
 of his life will prove of interest to man}' of our 
 readers. He was born in St. Clair County, III., Au- 
 gust 1, 1844, and is of German descent. His father, 
 John Pfeffer, was born and reared in the city of 
 Candel, Bavaria, German}', and in 1832 came with 
 his parents to America, the family landing in New 
 Orleans, where tlie grandfather of our subject died. 
 In 1840 his wife, with her five children, came to Illi- 
 nois. One of the sisters remained in the Crescent 
 City, and there married Fred Eckel. The famil}- 
 settled on a farm in Centreville Township, St. 
 Clair County, and John Pfeffer and his brother 
 cleared and improved tlie land, transforming it 
 into a fine farm. They also engaged in steam- 
 boating on the Mississi|)pi between St. Louis and 
 New Orleans. 
 
 In the latter place the father of our subject mar- 
 ried Margaret Scherrer, a native of Lorraine, France, 
 who came to America in 1836. Mr. Pfeffer after- 
 wards bought a farm of partially improved land 
 in Monroe County and continued its cultivation 
 for a year. He then went to St. Louis, where he 
 worked about five j^ears as an engineer in a distil- 
 lery. From 1852 until 1856 he again carried on 
 his farm, and then came with his brother-in-law, F. 
 X. Biohammer, to Columbia, where they conducted 
 
 a saloon and mercantile business. In 1857 the 
 stock was divided, and Mr. Pfeffer continued alone 
 in trade until 1890, when he sold out to his son. 
 His death occurred on the 16th of October follow- 
 ing, and his wife died October 12, 1892. They 
 were the parents of fourteen children, but only two 
 are now living, John A., of this sketch, and Mrs. 
 Catherine Dollar, of Columbia. In politics Mr. 
 Pfeffer was a Democrat, and was Trustee of his 
 town. He held membership with the Roman 
 Catholic Church. lie was a successful business 
 man, and at his death left an estate valued at 
 $40,000. 
 
 Our subject was a lad of twelve when his father 
 established business in Columbia. He clerked in 
 the store until his marriage, when his father gave 
 him the saloon, which he carried on until 1890, 
 when he bought out the mercantile establishment. 
 He has since carried on operations along that line, 
 and by well directed efforts and good management 
 has secured a fine trade. lie now occupies a large 
 store, which is well stocked with everything found 
 in his line. 
 
 May 22, 1866, Mr. Pfeffer was united in mar- 
 riage with Miss Johanna K. Funk, daughter of John 
 Funk, of St. Clair County. Her father was a na- 
 tive of Bavaria, Germany, and in 1845 came to the 
 New World, locating in St. Clair County. Mrs. 
 Pfeffer was born in New Orleans, Februar}' 10, 
 1845. By their marriage they had fourteen children, 
 of whom the following are 3'et living: John Joseph, 
 who is clerking for his father; Joseph F., who is 
 studying medicine in St. Louis; E. A. F., Peter A., 
 Mar}', Theodore, Annie; Louis and Katie, twins, 
 and Charlie. Mary Ann died at the age of three 
 years, John at the age of ten months, and Louis 
 at the age of nine days. John Joseph married 
 Bertha Reis, a daughter of Charles P. Reis. 
 
 In his political views, Mr. Pfeffer is a Democrat, 
 and has been a member of the Village Board of Trus- 
 tees, while for eleven years he served as a member 
 of the School Board. In his undertakings he has 
 met with prosperity, and in connection with the 
 interests previously mentioned, he has a farm of 
 two hundred and ninety-three acres that yields to 
 him a good income. His home is a commodious 
 and substantial brick residence. Mr. and Mrs.
 
 412 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Pfeffer are noted for their kindliness, and tlirougli 
 their generosity gave homes to two adopted cliil- 
 dren: Elizabetli Smitli, who became the wife of 
 Frank L. Rieheling, a wagonmaker of Ava. Jack- 
 son County, 111.; and .Johanna Mary, who is still 
 living with them. Our subject, his wife and ciiil- 
 dren are all members of the Roman Catholic Church. 
 
 1? OUIS DUDENBOSTEL, who is one of the 
 I (S) representative citizens and prominent resi- 
 jjLj^ dents of Randolph County, is at present re- 
 siding in Chester. He has distinguished himself 
 in various walks of life — as a prominent civilian, 
 an able statesman and a successful man of business. 
 He has long been influential in the political and 
 social life of this section, and has been a potent 
 factor in advancing its commercial and material 
 interests generallj'. 
 
 A native of Germany, our subject was born 
 March 29, 1836, in Hanover, and was the son of 
 John H. and Mary Dudenbostel, also natives of 
 the Fatheiland. The elder Mr. Dudenbostel, who 
 was born in 1791, was prominent in public life, 
 and for thirty years occupied the position of 
 Mayor of Basse. He was very popular, a great 
 friend to the poor, and spent his entire life in Ger- 
 many. His good wife, who survived him many 
 years, also departed this life in Germany, and was 
 born about 1814. 
 
 Our subject was the third child in order of birth 
 of his parents' large family of seven children. He 
 was educated in the model schools of his native 
 land, and was a lad of eighteen years when he de- 
 termined to try his foitunes in the New World. 
 Crossing the Atlantic, the trip occupying sevent^'- 
 two days, he first stopped in New Orleans, whence 
 he came up the Mississippi River to this state, 
 selecting Chester as his future home. Being desir- 
 ous of becoming familiar with the English language, 
 young Dudenbostel attended a private school dur- 
 ing the winter, and soon obtained a position as 
 clerk in the general store. Saving his money, he 
 was soon enabled to launch out in business for 
 himself, and in company with Ernest H. Schemmer, 
 
 established a general store at Ellis Grove, which 
 he continued to run for three years. At the expi- 
 ration of that time he sold out his interest in the 
 business, and removing to Evansville, this county, 
 opened a general store, whicli he operated for the 
 following three years. Then on account of ill- 
 health he was again compelled to sell out, and this 
 time began clerking for M. C. Crissy in Chester. 
 
 Mr. Dudenbostel stands high in political circles, 
 and always voted with the Democratic party. In 
 1869 he was appointed Deputy County- Clerk 
 witii John R. Shannon. Upon the expiration of 
 his term of office he assisted John T. McBride in 
 the discharge of hisollicial duties as County Clerk, 
 and in all positions never failed to give the ut- 
 most satisfaction. In the year 1875 our subject 
 formed a partnership with his brother, George 
 Dudenbostel, and opened up a general store in 
 yteeleviUe. In the year 1877, he became candidate 
 for County Clerk, running against Robert J. Hal- 
 mer. He was defeated, but in 1882 was elected to 
 the above office, receiving one hundred and sixty- 
 five votes over Jlr. Halmer, who was his opponent 
 at this time also. He was the incumbent of that 
 position for four years, and on the expiration of 
 his term was re-elected. He was elected Mayor of 
 Chester in 1891, which position he helri until 1893. 
 
 April 25, 1870, Mr. Dudenbostel and Miss Mary 
 C. Knapp were united in marriage. She was the 
 daughter of John J. and Mary (Ilartenberger) 
 Knapp. Of the family of seven children born to 
 Mr. and Mrs. Dudenbostel five are living, namely: 
 Edmund, a graduate of the Chester High School; 
 Naomi, Louis, Albert and L3'dia. 
 
 Our subject has been instrumental in advancing 
 the interests of the section, and is one of the or- 
 ganizers and stockholders of the Jackson Pipe 
 Organ Company. He also aided in the organiza- 
 tion of the Chester Boot & Shoe Manufactoiy, of 
 which he is Manager and President. The Chester 
 Stock (fe Agricultural Association also owes its 
 origin to our subject. 
 
 In social affairs Mr. Dudenbostel is a Mason and 
 a member of Alma Lodge No. 497, at Steeleville. 
 He is connected with H. G. Reynolds Chapter 
 No. 84, at Chester. He is Recorder of R^mdolph 
 Council No. 44, and an inlluential member of
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 413 
 
 Commandery No. 50, K. T., at Belleville, this 
 state. The beautiful residence of our subject is 
 located on .Sparta Street, where it is presided over 
 by Ills estimable wife, and where Ihey entertain 
 hosts of warm friends, wlio deliglit in their suc- 
 cess. 
 
 "^^W 
 
 W. OIIN W. TOLER, who is engaged in mer- 
 chandising in Carbondale, and who'is num- 
 ,^^ bared among the honored veterans of the 
 ^^!fJ late war, was born in Union Count}', III., 
 November 22, 1840, and is a son of James I. and 
 Melissa Toler, the former a native of North Caro- 
 lina, and the latter of Virginia. In 1826, the 
 grandfather emigiated from North Carolina to 
 Union County, III., becoming one of its pioneers, 
 lie served as a soldier in the War of 1812. The 
 father was born in 1817, and is 3'et living. He 
 served throughout the Mexican War, and did duty 
 under General Taylor. He was also Commissarj-- 
 Sergeant in the .Sixtieth Illinois Infantr}' dur- 
 ing the late war for three years and three months. 
 He had two sons who wore the blue, William H., 
 a Sergeant of Company A, Sixtieth Illinois In- 
 fantry; and Daniel, a non-commissioned officer of 
 the same company. The former had two fingers 
 shot off at Buzzards' Roost, and afterwards was 
 wounded in the left foot. Daniel was wounded 
 at the battle of Big Shanty. Both have died since 
 the war. 
 
 Our subject is the eldest of a family of seven 
 children, three of whom are now living. He was 
 reared on the home farm, and educated at Mt. 
 Pleasant. In 1856, he drove the stage and carried 
 the mail from Cape Girardeau to Vienna, a dis- 
 tance of fifty miles. He also carried the mail from 
 Vienna to Shawneetown,a distance of sevent3'-three 
 miles, which was often made on horseback through 
 the unbroken wilderness. Later, he engaged in 
 clerking in the dry-goods store of Sam Brower, 
 of Vienna, and on his return to Union County 
 worked on a farm until his enlistment in his coun- 
 try's service. 
 
 In August, 1861, Mr. Toler became a member of 
 
 Company D, Thirty-first Illinois Infantry, under 
 Col. John A. Logan, and participated in the 
 battles of Belmont, Ft. Henry and Ft. Donelson, 
 where the regiment suffered severely. He was 
 there elected Orderly-Sergeant of Company D, and 
 was sent to Clarksville, Tenn., to guard railroads. 
 He then went to Corinth, and went into winter 
 quarters at Jackson, Tenn., where he guarded the 
 Burnt Bridge. He was then sent home on recruit- 
 ing duty, and after his return to Cairo, he vol- 
 unteered his services to run the blockade at Vicks- 
 burg, but the required number had already of- 
 fered, and he was not accepted. He then marched 
 with his command to Grand Gulf, participated in 
 the battles of Thompson Hill, Raymond, Jackson, 
 Champion Hills and Black River, and charged the 
 works at Vicksburg. He was there wounded by 
 a gunshot in the left side of his face, which fract- 
 ured his jaw bone and cut his windpipe half in 
 two, but after sixty days spent in the hospital, he 
 again joined his command. 
 
 Mr. Toler was then engaged as First Lieutenant, 
 and a month later was made Captain of his com- 
 pany, which he commanded until the close of the 
 war. He took part in the battles of Clinton and 
 Meridian, and after a thirty days' furlough, took 
 part in the engagement at Decatur, Tenn. He 
 bore his part in the siege of Atlanta, the battle of 
 Peach Tree Creek and the march to .Savannah. He 
 was in the Seventeenth Army Corps, which was en- 
 gaged in fighting all the time while on the march 
 to the sea. In Jul}, 1864, he was left on the right 
 of Atlanta to defend the works with one hundred 
 and fifty men under him. The main army fell 
 back. In the morning the rebel bugle sounded, 
 and though it was one against many. Captain Toler 
 commanded his few men to pour a volley into the 
 enemy. This was done, and the rebels fell back. 
 That night they left the place without the loss of 
 a man. Our subject participated in the battles of 
 Jonesboro and the capture of Atlanta, and con- 
 tinued in active service until the close of the war. 
 He had charge of the advance on Columbia, S. C, 
 then went with the army to Goldsboroand Raleigh, 
 and then on to Richmond. He partici|)ated in 
 the Grand Review in Washington, and in Louis- 
 ville, Ky., was mustered out, receiving his dis-
 
 414 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 charge in August, 1865, after a (.■onlinuous service 
 of four j'ears. 
 
 On his return home. Captain Toler resumed 
 farming, which he followed two years, and then 
 spent seven years in merchandising in Murphys- 
 boro. He came to Carbondale in 1876, and with 
 the exception of two years has here since made 
 his home. He was married September 25, 1863, to 
 Harriet E. Spiller, a native of Williamson County. 
 They became the parents of seven children, Wal- 
 ter E., who is now De[)uty Sheriff of the county; 
 Charles, a civil engineer of Coldsburg, Ala.; Frank, 
 a mail agent between Chicago and Cairo, 111.; J. 
 B., who is engaged in the drug business with 
 Prickett & Porter; William I., who is engaged in 
 railroading in Cairo; and Samuel and Lillie, who 
 attend the college in this place. The mother of 
 this family died in 1886, and in 1887 Captain 
 Toler married Mrs. Spiller, the widow of Thomas 
 Spiller. 
 
 For thirtj' years the Captain has been a member 
 of the Masonic fraternitj'. He also belongs to the 
 Odd Fellows' society and the Grand Arm}- of the 
 Republic. Ho is ex-Postmaster of Carbondale, hav- 
 ing held the office from 1886 to 1890. He holds 
 membership with the Christian Church, and takes 
 a very active part in .Sunday-school work. He is 
 a valued citizen, who manifests the same loyalty to 
 his country in her hours of peace as in the daj-s of 
 peril, when he faithfully followed the Old Flag that 
 now floats triumphantly over the united nation. 
 In politics he is a stanch Democrat. 
 
 \^^ 
 
 f^i*=^^^RANCIS HARRIS, who makes his home in 
 
 Pf Percy, is a stockholder in the Percy Co-ope- 
 rative Creamery Company and also operates 
 a threshing machine and a clover hulling machine 
 in this place. He has the honor of being a native 
 of Randolph County, where his birth occurred 
 September 6, 1845. His parents, John and Amanda 
 (Threlkill) Harris, were natives of Kentucky and 
 Illinois respectively. When a young man the 
 fallier came with his family to Illinois, locating in 
 Randolph County. He took up the occupation of 
 farming, and followed it continually up to the 
 
 time of his death, which occurred in 1867. His wife 
 passed away in 1882. They were highly respected 
 people and merited the esteem in which the}' were 
 held. 
 
 Francis Harris obtained his primary education 
 in the district schools near the old homestead, and 
 at the age of sixteen years entered JIcKendree 
 College, of Lebanon, 111., where he attended about 
 three terms. On the expiration of that peiiod 
 he returned to the farm and engaged in teaching 
 in the district schools of Randolph County. He 
 was thus emplo3ed for three terms in the public 
 schools and for one terra in a private school. 
 During the summer months he gave his attention 
 to the work of the farm, and when he had 
 reached the age of twenty-two years, he began 
 farming for himself, assiduoush' devoting his en- 
 ergies to that pursuit for about twelve years. His 
 next venture was in commercial lines. He em- 
 barked in merchandising in Steeleville, 111., in 
 1880, and successfully carried on a store at that 
 place for four years, when, in 1884, he began op- 
 erating a threshing machine. He is still in that 
 line of business in Perc}-, and finds it a profitable 
 undertaking. 
 
 An important event in the life of Mr. Harris oc- 
 curred on Christmas Day, 1867, when was cele- 
 brated his marriage with Miss Mary J. Minter, a 
 daughter of Jacob and Anna E. (Rust) Minter, 
 who were natives of Kentuckj-. The union of our 
 subject and his wife has been blessed with ten 
 children, seven of whom are 3'et living, as follows: 
 Carrie E., wife of Arthur Goalby, a resident of 
 Percy; Leon H., Leroy, Lulu M., Nellie, Birdie 
 and Grover C. With the exception of the eldest, 
 all are at home with their parents. 
 
 Socially, Mr. Harris is connected witli the Ma- 
 sonic fraternity, belonging to Alma Lodge No. 
 497, A. F. & A. M., of Steeleville. In politics he 
 is a Democrat, and takes an active interest in sup- 
 porting his party and aiding in its growth. He 
 has been honored with some offices, having served 
 as School Director, Justice of the Peace and Vill.ige 
 Treasurer. He has also been President of the 
 Board of Village Trustees, and a prompt and faith- 
 ful discharge of duty has made him recognized as a 
 capable and efficient officer. He is well known in
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 415 
 
 the comiminity in which he makes his home, and 
 is recognized as a public-spirited and progressive 
 citizen. His entire life has been spent in Randolph 
 County, and he is a worthy representative of one 
 of its honored pioneer families. 
 
 ^^,EORGE BOLLINGER, one of the promi- 
 jll J— _ nent citizens of Randolph County, was 
 ^^ born near Ellis Grove February 6, 1856, 
 and is the eldest child of Daniel and Mary (Leav- 
 itt) Bollinger. His father was born neat Nashville, 
 Tenn., where he lived until eighteen years of age, 
 when he came with his father, Jacob Bollinger, to 
 Randolph County, 111. The latter here followed 
 farming and distilling until his death, and Daniel 
 carried on agricultural pursuits throughout his life. 
 He passed away in 1866. and his wife was called to 
 her final rest in 1849. 
 
 In the common schools George Bollinger was 
 educated, and upon the home farm was reared. 
 At the age of twent^'-tliree he began earning his 
 own livelihood, and throughout life has been a 
 farmer. He is now the owner of one of the finest 
 farms of Randolph County, highly cultivated and 
 improved, and complete in its appointments. It is 
 neat and thrift}' in appearance and indicates to 
 the passer-by the careful supervisou of the owner. 
 
 In March, 1862, Mr. Bollinger married Miss 
 Harriet C, daughter of Dwight Hunt, a native of 
 Connecticut, who came to Illinois and married 
 Miss Hughes, of Randolph County. To our subject 
 and his wife were born seven children, but Ada and 
 Barnes died in childhood. Those living are, Henry 
 E.; Jlaiy, wife of P. H. MuUholland, who is living 
 near Portland, Oregon; Ida, wife of Daniel Ning- 
 ler, who resides near Ellis Grove; Maud and George 
 D., who are at home with their father. The 
 mother died June 25, 1878, and Mr. Bollinger 
 was married November 25, 1879, to Mrs. Nanc}' 
 J. Haimeu. She was married May 2, 1873, to 
 Andrew Harmen, with whom she lived three years. 
 The}' had two children, Carrie and Ida R., who 
 are with their mother. Mr. and Mrs. Bollinger have 
 one son, Joseph. 
 
 Our subject is a member of the Masonic frater- 
 nity, and his wife belongs to the Baptist Church. 
 
 In politics he is a Republican, but has never been 
 an office seeker, although he has been officially 
 connected with the schools for a number of years. 
 He is a prosperous citizen, and his success in life 
 has been acquired through his own efforts. 
 
 Mrs. Bollinger is the daughter of Thomas Mc- 
 Donald, whose father, Felix McDonald, came from 
 South Carolina to Randolph County in an early 
 day. The former married Mary J., daughter of 
 John Thompson, who was elected to the Legisla- 
 ture from this district in 1834. In his canvass he 
 made the following speech: 
 
 "Fellow-citizens: I come before you as a candi- 
 date for your suffrages, to represent j'our counties 
 in the next General Assembly of Illinois. It is due 
 j'ou that I should declare m}' opinions concerning 
 some leading questions that now are, and will con- 
 tinue to be for some time, the subject of legisla- 
 tion. I shall freely express m}' sentiments, cherish- 
 ing a hope that they will meet your approbation. 
 I have been a citizen of Randolph County from 
 early j-outh, and have endeavored to support the 
 principles of the Democratic school, believing 
 them to be in strict accordance with the spirit 
 and genius of our free institutions. That liberty 
 and learning lean upon each other for support is 
 a truth which has long been acknowledged by 
 the intelligent and liberal thinking people of all 
 countries, and of which we are all becoming con- 
 vinced by experience and observation. It is not 
 in the nature of things that a popular Govern- 
 ment can long exist except among an enlightened 
 and virtuous people. Every effort, therefore, to 
 encourage education deserves the zealous support 
 of ever}' genuine friend of liberty. Nothing else 
 can shield them against the designs of intriguing 
 politicians, who always come in the name and 
 garb of patriotism, and calling themselves friends 
 of the people, cheat thera to their ruin. As it 
 respects the election of a Senator to Congress, 
 I am willing to express raj' partiality as soon as 
 the candidates are fairly in the field, and shall em- 
 brace this earliest opportunity of satisfying the 
 voters of the district on that point. In this case, 
 the vote not coming directl}' from the people, I 
 will, if elected, consider myself bound to be ruled 
 by instruction. The removal of the county seat
 
 416 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 of Randolph County' is a question tiiat lias arisen 
 among it^ citizens. Satisfied as I am that sectional 
 prejudices are allayed as to making it a question 
 to operate on the ensuing election, and believing 
 also that the removal should never be asked until 
 the majority of the citizens of the countj' by peti- 
 tion or otherwise should make the application, 
 individually I am in favor of the measure, but if 
 elected, should never be heard to advocate the 
 removal until a clear and decided majority of 
 the co.unty should prefer it. A railway or canal 
 to effect a direct communication between Lake 
 Michigan and the Illinois River is a subject of 
 great importance to tliis and the neighboring 
 states, and should be encouraged so far as the 
 means'of our state and aid from the general Gov- 
 ernment would justify. These and other measures 
 that we are all conversant with will meet my ar- 
 dent approbation. I do not approve of the pres- 
 ent principle upon which the school fund is ap- 
 plied, or of establishing another state bank without 
 a special capital. I feel satisfied that the citizens 
 of our counties are convinced and generally united 
 on this point. And now, fellow-citizens, I submit 
 myself to the ballot box, feeling at the same time 
 that you will give me a strong and honorable sup- 
 port, and yielding, if not elected, without a mur- 
 mur. "Jonx MoKiusoN." 
 
 He was elected and removed to Yandalia, then 
 the capital, where shortly afterward he died and 
 was buried. 
 
 ,^^> TEPIIEN R. THOMPSON. The efficient 
 ^^^ Postmaster at Tilden, Randolph County, 
 li\//li) has long been known as one of the prom- 
 inent citizens of this localitj', and for 
 many years has been identified with the progress- 
 ive interests of the count}', materially aiding in 
 the promotion of local improvements and mutual 
 welfare. Possessed of sterling integrit}' of char- 
 acter, executive ability and excellent judgment, 
 Mr. Thompson is especially adapted to discharge 
 the duties of his responsible position, and is 
 doing so to the univeral satisfaction of his fellow- 
 citizens. 
 
 Richard Thompson, the father of our subject, 
 
 was born in Nova Scotia in 1804, while his mother, 
 who bore the maiden name of Nancy Erabree, was 
 born in 1811 in New York. The parents were 
 married and lived in Nova Scotia for a few years, 
 and then, coming to the United States, located in 
 Bangor, Me., thence later removed to Canada. 
 Their last removal was made when the}' came to 
 the state of New York, where the father died 
 July 22, 1854, aged fift}' years. His wife pre- 
 ceded him to the better land by a number of 
 years, d^ing June 10, 1848. The}' reared a fam- 
 ily of ten children. Mrs. Thompson was a de- 
 voted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
 while the father of our subject held membership 
 with the Free Will Baptists. 
 
 Stephen R. Thompson, of this sketch, was the 
 eldest in the parental family, and was born May 
 17, 1830, in Nova Scotia. His parents being in 
 limited circumstances, his education was very much 
 neglected, and he was compelled to earn his own 
 living when reaching his fifteenth year. In 1837 
 he came to the States. Learning the carpenter's 
 trade, he followed that for a time, and in 1850-51 
 worked in the lumber camps in Michigan. Thence 
 he went to Minnesota, where he built the first 
 billiard saloon ever erected in Rochester, that 
 state. He remained in that place for ten years. 
 
 On the outbreak of the Civil War, Mr. Thomp- 
 son offered his services, joining Company H, Fifth 
 Minnesota Infantry, and with his regiment served 
 under General Pope. He was jireseut at the bat- 
 tles of Corinth, luka. Champion Hills and the siege 
 of Vicksburg. Then, with his company, he was 
 transferred to the department commanded by Gen- 
 eral Smith, and with him participated in the bat- 
 tles of Tupelo and Guntown. He later aided in 
 building the bridges between Mozelle and St. Louis, 
 Mo., and Memphis and Nashville, Tenn. During 
 his three years and five mouths of seivice he was 
 never wounded or taken prisoner, but lay sick in 
 the hospital near Grand Gulf, Miss., for three 
 months. 
 
 Mr. Thompson received his honorable discharge 
 May 30, 1865, and on being mustered out at St. 
 Paul, returned to Michigan, where he remained 
 only a short time, however, and removed to Frank- 
 lin County, Mo., where he was in the employ of
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 419 
 
 the Michigan Lumber Company. From that place 
 he went to Marble Hill, the same state, and after 
 a short stay there came to Grand Tower, this state, 
 in 1869, where he was engaged in working at his 
 trade for a period of two years. February 17, 
 1871, he moved to Sparta, and during the same 
 month came to Tilden, where he has since made 
 his home and followed his trade until about eigh- 
 teen months ago. 
 
 In 1858 our subject and Miss Annie La Saur 
 were united in marriage. Mrs. Thompson died in 
 1863, after having become the mother of two chil- 
 dren, both of whom are deceased. Five years 
 later our subject married Mrs. Marj- (Nettle) 
 Sonels, who was born m England November 8, 
 1827. Mr. Thompson votes with the Democratic 
 party and is a stalwart advocate of its principles. 
 In 1893 he was appointed Postmaster by President 
 Cleveland, and now gives his entire time and at- 
 tention to the duties devolving upon him. H« 
 maj- trul}- be called a self-made man, for he has 
 worked his way unaided to a position of influ- 
 ence, and is numbered among the substantial citi- 
 zens of Randolph Count}'. 
 
 il^ ON. A. H. ROBERTS, a prominent merchant 
 if)!^ and the ex-Mayor of Murphysboro, is one 
 f^^^ of the most enterprising and public-spirited 
 (^J citizens of this place. He is now a dealer 
 in hardware and furniture, and also carries on the 
 undertaking business. He was born in .Jonesboro, 
 Union County, 111., April 13, 1844, and comes 
 from an old Pennsylvania family of Scotch de- 
 scent. His father, Joshua Roberts, was born near 
 Painesville, Ohio, and in an earl}' day emigrated 
 to Union County, this stale. He was one of the 
 first school teachers of that communit}', and for a 
 time worked as a millwright. Afterward he en- 
 gaged in the furniture business in Jonesboro, and 
 at the time of its building, he was foreman of the 
 Mt. Carbon Railroad. He married Caroline Cruse, 
 a native of Union County, whither her father re- 
 moved from North Carolina. The family was of 
 German origin. Mr. Roberts died in 1866, but his 
 widow is still living (1894), at the age of seventy 
 12 
 
 years, and yet enjoys good health. She is an ac- 
 tive member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 In the family were fourteen children, but only 
 five sons and two daughters are now living. 
 
 Our subject, who is the eldest, was reared in 
 Jonesboro, and w.os educated in its common schools. 
 In 1862 he enlisted in Company F, One Hundred 
 and Ninth Illinois Infantry, and immediately 
 went to the south. He participated in the siege 
 of Vicksburg, tiic battle of Jackson and in other im- 
 portant engagements. For two and a-half j-ears 
 he never had a sick da}-, but during the last six 
 months of his service he suffered much from ill 
 health. He was sent to Jefferson Ban-acks, and when 
 he had sufficiently recovered he went to the front 
 again, but it w.ns seven 3'ears before he had com- 
 pletel}^ regained his health. He was mustered out 
 at Springfield in June, 1865. 
 
 On his return, Mr. Roberts embarked in the fur- 
 niture business with his father, who died in 1866. 
 He then became sole proprietor, and in 1872 he re- 
 moved his business to Murphysboro. He is a nat- 
 ural mechanic, and does fine work as a cabinet- 
 maker. In 1883 he built his double brick store at 
 the corner of Chestnut and Main Streets. It is 
 45x70 feet and two stories in height, with a base- 
 ment. The first floor is occupied by hardware, 
 stoves, tinware, etc., and the second floor bj' his 
 furniture and undertaking shop. He also handles 
 agricultural implements and does a fine business, 
 receiving from the surrounding country a liberal 
 patronage. He is a stockholder in the Murphys- 
 boro Milling Company, and was one of the organ- 
 izers of the Southern Illinois Milling Company, of 
 which he is now a stockholder and Director. He 
 is also a Director in the building and loan asso- 
 ciation, and is serving as its Treasurer. 
 
 In 1873, Mr. Roberts wedded Miss Frances E. 
 Sanders, and to them have been born six children: 
 Ella M., Delia, Carrie C; Alex J. and Hamilton S. 
 (twins), and Homer V,. Mr. Roberts affiliates with 
 the Democracy. While in Jonesboro he served as 
 Alderman one term, and has been connected with 
 the School Board of this place for six terms, serv- 
 ing a part of the time as its President. Socially, 
 he is connected with the Masonic fraternity, the 
 Odd Fellows' society, and Worthen Post, G. A. R.
 
 420 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Ilis wife belongs to the Lutheran Church. JMr. 
 Roberts is also President of the Jackson County 
 Lumber Company, and is a man of excellent bus- 
 iness and executive ability, who has achieved a re- 
 markable success in life. 
 
 <« MLLIAM P. MALONE was born where the 
 \/\//! town of Percy now stands, in Randolph 
 )^ County, January 5,1840, to Daniel and 
 Mary G. (Brown) Malone. The latter were of 
 Iiish origin, but it is thought the}' were born in 
 Tennessee. They emigrated to the Prairie State 
 in an earl}- day, settling first in Perry Count}', 
 and later removing to Short Prairie, in Randolph 
 County, w^here they were married. 
 
 Our subject is the j-oungest in order of birth in 
 a family of four children. His early life was spent 
 on the farm, and two years after the death of his 
 father, in 1841, his mother removed to Mill Creek, 
 where he attended school when old enough. Feh- 
 ruar}- 9, 1860, our subject was married to Miss Sa- 
 rah J., daughter of William and Sarah (Adkins) 
 Duncan. Mrs. Malone's father was of Scotch 
 origin, and came to this state from South Carolina, 
 settling in Jackson Count}', where she was born. 
 For two years succeeding his marriage Mr. Ma- 
 lone lived in Jackson County, where he culti- 
 vated a tract of one hundred and sixty acres of 
 land in partnership with a man named Culpepper. 
 The succeeding year we find him at Mill Creek, 
 where he farmed a season with his brother-in-law. 
 Thence he removed to Steeleville, where he con- 
 ducted a grist and saw mill for three years, or 
 until purchasing a farm near Mill Creek. There he 
 continued to reside until 1874, at which time lie 
 leased his farm and removed to Jackson County, 
 where he remained four years. After the expira- 
 tion of that time, Mr. Malone returned to his farm, 
 living there until the fall of 1879, when he dis- 
 posed of his landed interests in Randolph County 
 and removed to the wild west, settling near 
 Blooraington, Franklin County, Neb. After a two 
 years' sojourn there, he had the misfortune to lose 
 his wife, and he then returned to his native county, 
 occujjying the Richards farm, on section 8, town- 
 
 ship 8, range 5, and making this his home for the 
 succeeding five years. Our subject again moved 
 to the town of Mill Creek, but after a period of 
 two years located on the farm on which he now 
 resides, on section 6, township 8, range 5. 
 
 Our subject was a second time married, taking 
 as his wife Mrs. Viana Roberts, September 20, 
 1883. Mrs. Malone is a daughter of Jolin and 
 Jane (Burns) Dean, and was born December 6, 
 1844, in Randolph County. Of her first marriage 
 nine children were horn, as follows: Samuel C, 
 Sarah S., Mary I., Daniel P., Ezekiel J., William H., 
 Eliza E., Carrie B. and Jane. Two children have 
 come to bless the second union: Murray, who is 
 nine years.of age, and Harry, aged seven years. 
 
 Since his return from Nebraska, Mr. Malone has 
 spent a part of his time working at the carpen- 
 ter's trade, in which he is quite skilled. On at- 
 taining his majority, he cast his vote with the 
 Republican party, and has ever since stanchly sup- 
 ported its principles. He became a member of the 
 Christian Church in 1872, and is one of its valued 
 members, while his wife is a member of the Free 
 Will Baptist denomination at Pleasant Ridge. 
 The former Mrs. Malone was, like her husband, a 
 devoted member of the Christian Church. Our 
 subject has been School Director nearly all his life, 
 but not being an office seeker, has refused to enter 
 politics for anything within the gift of the peo- 
 ple, nor has he affiliated with any secret societies. 
 Twice he volunteered lo enter the service of his 
 country during the late Rebellion. The flrst time 
 he remained at home because his elder brother 
 went to war, leaving no one but himself to carry 
 on the affairs at home, and the second time because 
 the ranks were full and no more could be accepted. 
 
 'jf' OHN J. WOODSIDK. The success which has 
 attended the efforts of Mr. Woodside enti- 
 tles him to more than passing mention in 
 this volume. As a farmer he was progress- 
 ive and enterprising, and as a citizen he has long 
 been ranked among the most public-spirited of 
 Randolph County's residents. He is the possessor 
 of considerable real estate, apd is now living retired
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 421 
 
 in the village of Coulterville. Mr. Woodside owns 
 two l)undred acres of land in this county, a quar- 
 ter-section in Clay County, this state; a like 
 amount in Hasltell County, Kan.: two city lots in 
 Olatlie, tliat state, and a fine dwelling and twenty- 
 five lots in Coulterville. 
 
 Our subject's fatlier, Samuel Woodside, was a 
 native of Chester Countj% S. C, where he followed 
 farming until liis removal to Kentucky. He was 
 a soldier in the War of 1812, and after his settle- 
 ment in the Blue Grass (State married Miss Sarah 
 Bawher, a native of Tennessee. In the spring of 
 1829 they came to Illinois, and lived for one year 
 on the Opossum Den Prairie. Thence they re- 
 moved to Grand Coat Piairie, where they made 
 their permanent home, and where they died at 
 the respective ages of eighty-four and eighty-eight 
 years. Of their family of seven children the fol- 
 lowing six are living: Mai'tha, John J. (our sub- 
 ject), Robert, Samuel, William and James. The 
 parents were members of the Covenanter Presby- 
 terian Cliurch. 
 
 John J. Woodside was burn August 11, 1816, in 
 Kentucky, and was a lad of twelve years when the 
 family made tlie trip overland to this state. When 
 locating here, llie country was infested with wild 
 animals, and young Woodside had many oppor- 
 tunities for proving his skill as a marksman. He 
 was a skillful hunter and an unerring shot, and dur- 
 ing the early history of tiiis state killed as many as 
 one thousand deer. He was reared to manhood 
 on the old farm and obtained a fair schooling. 
 
 April 3, 1839, Mr. Woodside married Miss Mary 
 Ann, daughter of Samuel Burns, a native of Ches- 
 ter County, S. C. After his marriage our subject 
 settled upon section 24, township 4, range 5, 
 where he improved a quarter-section of land. His 
 wife became the mother of nine children, and de- 
 parted this life April 18, 1892. The six children 
 who are living are, Samuel B., Nancy Ann, Will- 
 iam J., Sarah Jane, Joseph L. and Mary Eliza. 
 After the death of Mrs. Mary A. Woodside, our 
 subject married Mrs. Maria S. Woodside, also a 
 native of Kentucky. 
 
 Our subject has been a resident of this county 
 for sixty-four years and is consequently one of 
 the oldest settlers now living. He takes &ji abid- 
 
 ing interest in governmental issues, and aids lib- 
 erally in all matters pertaining to the welfare of 
 the community. He is and always has been a 
 stanch Republican in politics, and has frequently 
 lepresented his party as delegate in county con- 
 ventions. He was a strong Union man during tiie 
 wai-, and was a friend of Gen. John A. Logan. 
 
 Mrs. Woodside is a member in good standing of 
 the United Presbyterian Church. Although not a 
 member of any denorhination, our subject is a lib- 
 eral contributor to the support of the various 
 churches. He is the largest tax-payer in this lo- 
 cality, and the high standing which he occupies 
 among the business men of Randolph Cdunty is 
 attributable to his indefatigable perseverance and 
 untiring energy. 
 
 ANIEL SCHNEIDER. Among the native 
 born citizens of Monroe County we name 
 Daniel Schneider, who Is one of the pros- 
 perous land owners on section 22, town- 
 ship 1 south, ranges 9 and 10 west. He was born on 
 the place where he now resides, October 19, 1845. 
 Peter and Margaret (Weber) Schneider, the par- 
 ents of our subject, were natives of Germany, and 
 the father was a farmer bj- occupation, in connec- 
 tion with which he carried on the trade of a wag- 
 on-maker for about fifteen j'ears prior to coming 
 to this country' in 1842. He immediately lo- 
 cated in this county, and was enabled to purchase 
 seventy-seven acres of raw land, which he im- 
 proved and cultivated, and to which he added 
 from time to time, at his death possessing three hun- 
 dred and thirt3'-five acres. He and his worthy wife 
 were members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, 
 and passed from this life in 1890 and 1873 respec- 
 tively. 
 
 Our subject is one in a family of eight children 
 born to his parents, five of whom were born 
 in Germany. They are: David and Catherina, 
 deceased; Margaret; Christian, deceased; Louis; 
 Caroline, deceased; Daniel, our subject; and Peter. 
 Daniel received his education in the village 
 schools of Columbia, and at the same time as- 
 sisted his father in the farm duties. He remained
 
 422 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 iukUm- the parental roof until attaining manhood, 
 when he purchased of his father ninety-seven acres 
 of land, for which he went in debt §1,000, and 
 which is still in his possession. Here he is en- 
 gaged in active agricultural pursuits, and he has 
 made of his place one of the finest in the township. 
 The marriage of Daniel Schneider and Miss 
 Caroline Kretch took place in 1868, and to them 
 were born ten children, three of whom died 
 wlien (luile young. The surviving are named 
 Minnio, Herman,. Julius, Emma, Willie, Bertha and 
 Carrie. They are all attending school in Colum- 
 bia and are gaining good educations. Mrs. Schnei- 
 der was born in Germany in 1851 and came to the 
 United States with her parents, settling in Mon- 
 roe County. She and her husband are members of 
 the Evangelical Lutheran Church, in good stand- 
 ing and fellowship. Politically Mr. Schneider is a 
 member of the Democratic part}', and in the fall of 
 1893 was chosen by his party as a member of the 
 City Scliool Board of Columbia. 
 
 ^^^^^I^^jg..^^^ig. 
 
 »$^^ig-^)g-^S-^ig-Si& 
 
 JUDGE W. W. BARR, of Carliondale, who 
 has won a prominent position among the 
 leading attorne3's of Jackson County, claims 
 ^,, Pennsylvania as the state of liis nativity. 
 He was born in Centre County May 8, 1845, and 
 is a son of James S. and Charlotte (Stage) Barr, 
 both of whom were natives of the Kej'stone State, 
 the former being born in 1817, and the latter in 
 1818. The father was Principal of the public 
 schools of Huntingdon, Pa., for several ^-ears, and 
 was County Superintendent of Schools for a num- 
 ber of years. He was also editor and proprietor 
 of the Huntingdon American for a considerable 
 time. In 1858, he emigrated to Illinois, locating 
 in Tamaroa, and subsequently came to Carbondale. 
 He took a verj' prominent part in political affairs; 
 was a stalwart Democrat, and served as Circuit 
 Clerk and Master in Chanceiy in Franklin. He 
 and his wife were members of the Presbj'terian 
 Cliurch, and were highly respected people. 
 
 Judge Barr is the eldest in their family' of seven 
 children. His early education, acquired in the 
 coiuinon schools, was supplemented by study in 
 
 the Indiana University, from which he was gradu- 
 ated in the Class of '67, having completed the 
 law course. Tlie same year he went to Benton, 
 111., where he engaged in the practice of his pro- 
 fession until 1876, when he came to Carbondale, 
 where he has since made his home. He has a keen, 
 quick intellect, is a logical reasoner and a Uuent 
 speaker, and has therefore won success in his chosen 
 profession. 
 
 In the vear 1870 Judge Barr was united in mar- 
 riage with Miss Alice G. Brenizer, a native of 
 Philadelphia, Pa., and a daughter of Charles and 
 Christina Brenizer, of the Empire State. They 
 have two children, Jessie G. and Bertha A. Keesee. 
 The former is a graduate of the Southern Illinois 
 State Normal Universit}-. 
 
 Judge Barr takes considerable interest in civic 
 societies. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, 
 the Knights of Honor and the Ancient Order of 
 United Workmen. He has been Grand Dictator 
 of the state for two 3'ears. His wife and daughters 
 are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 He has always taken an active part in politics, and 
 votes with the Democratic party. He has been a 
 member of eveiy state convention since 1867, and 
 it was he who nominated J. B. Gill for Lieutenant- 
 Governor at the last convention. He is now a 
 member of the State Central Democratic Commit- 
 tee. Mr. Barr was State's Attorney of Franklin 
 County for one term. He was a member of the 
 first legislature which convened under the new 
 constitution in 1871-72, and in 1886 he was elected 
 Count}' Judge, and re-elected in 1890. His present 
 term continues until December, 1894. During his 
 long service he has fully demonstrated his excel- 
 lent abilit}', and his admirable management of the 
 court has won him high commendation. 
 
 3 =*=S < T V [^ — ■ ^ 1. 
 
 ly/ GUIS WEHRHEIM, one of the leading 
 |l (?S) and representative farmers of Randolph 
 j '^\ County, who is now successfully engaged 
 in agricultural pursuits in township 6, range 7, 
 has the honor of being a native of Illinois, his 
 birth liaving occurred in EvansviUe, on the 8th 
 of September, 1852, fJi? father was John Wehr-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 423 
 
 beim, and his mother bore the maiden name of 
 Elizabeth Rett}'. Both were natives of German}-, 
 and in tlieir childhood tliey came with their re- 
 spective families to America, and grew to mature 
 years in Monroe County, 111., where their marriage 
 was celebrated. The father was a cooper by trade, 
 and followed that pursuit for several years. He 
 later engaged in milling, and also cjirried on farm- 
 ing in connection with the operation of his mill. 
 During the last years of his life his energies were 
 devoted exclusivel}- to agriculture. 
 
 We now take up the personal Bistory of our sub- 
 ject, who is so widely and favorably' known in 
 Randolph County that he needs no special intro- 
 duction to our readers. The educational priv- 
 ileges which he received were only those afforded 
 b}' the common schools of this locality. His train- 
 ing at farm labor, however, was not so meagre, for 
 he was early inured to the arduous laboi-s of the 
 fields. He gave his father the benefit of his serv- 
 ices until after he had attained his majority', when, 
 at the age of twenty-two, he embarked in business 
 for himself as a merchant. In connection with 
 liis brother George he established a store in Evans- 
 ville, where they carried on operations for a 3'ear. 
 On the expiration of that period, our subject sold 
 out and resumed farming, which vocation he has 
 since followed. He owns a valuable and product- 
 ive tract of laud, which is now under a high state 
 of cultivation and well improved. Everything 
 about the place denotes the careful supervision of 
 the owner, who is justi}- regarded as one of the 
 leading agriculturists of this I'Ogion. 
 
 On June 4, 1874, Mi-. \Yehrheim was united 
 in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Beare, a daugh- 
 ter of Christian and Martha (Lenherr) Beare, of 
 Ellis Grove, 111. Three children graced this union, 
 hut the only son died at the age of two j-ears; the 
 two daughters, Tillie and Anna, are still with their 
 parents, and are attending school. The mother is 
 a member of the German Methodist Church. The 
 household is a hospitable one, and its members 
 rank high in social circles. 
 
 In his political views, Mv. Wehrheim is an in- 
 flexible adherent of the Republican party and its 
 principles, and does all in his power to promote 
 its growth and insure its success. Althouah he 
 
 is so deeply interested in politics, he has never 
 sought or desired political preferment for himself. 
 However, he has served as Justice of the Peace, and 
 is now creditably and acceptably filling the office 
 of School Director. The cause of education finds in 
 him a warm friend, and his hearty support and co- 
 operation are given to ever}- enterprise which he 
 believes will prove of public benefit. He is a pub- 
 lic-spirited and progressive citizen and a man of 
 sterling worth, who is held in high regard through- 
 out the community in which the greater part of 
 his life has been passed. 
 
 <)C <-H"»"t"i"M"H"M' jgg »»^-<--»"8"i-i-»4'»- ;-X> 
 
 2^^H0MAS LEO MUDD. Randolph County 
 m^^ has among its citizens manv men of more 
 ^^^y than average ability and intelligence who 
 are doing a great work for its advancement. Prom- 
 inent among these is the gentleman whose name 
 appears at the head of this biographj-. He is one 
 of the most enterprising fanners in this part of 
 the county, and is also a marked figure m its po- 
 litical life. He served for many years as School 
 Director and as Trustee of his district. 
 
 A native of this county, our subject was born 
 June-28, 1831, and is the son of James and Amelia 
 (O'Hara) Mudd. The father was born in Ken- 
 tucky, whence he came to Randolph County in an 
 early day and was classed among its earl}- settlers. 
 He was a farmer by occupation, and died when our 
 subject was a small boy. The parental family in- 
 cluded six sons and three daughters, of whom 
 Thomas L. is the youngest but one. 
 
 The mother of our subject died when he was 
 seventeen years of age, and he was then thrown 
 upon his own resources. Prior to that time, he 
 had gained a fair education in the district school, 
 and when compelled to make his own wa}" in the 
 world turned his attention to farming. He has re- 
 sided upon his present estate since 1844, and his 
 whole course in life shows him to be a shrewd, 
 practical and capable farmer. When locating here 
 his land was covered with timber, and he entered 
 upon the hard task of clearing it with a sturd}- de- 
 termination to conquer all obstacles. In the years 
 that followed, he put his place in good order, and
 
 424 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 now has a well developed farm of one hundred 
 and twenty-seven acres, located five miles south 
 of Ruma, in township 5, range 9. 
 
 January 9, 1855, Thomas L. Mudd and Miss 
 Mary E. HarrcU were united in marriage. The 
 lady is likewise a native of tliis county, and by 
 her union with our subject h.as become tlie motlier 
 of the following named six children: John H., 
 Austin P., Thomas W., James R., Jerome, and Mary 
 Ann, now Mrs. John Hoy. In politics Mr. Mudd 
 favors Democratic principles, and cast liis first vote 
 for Buchanan. All the members of his family are 
 identified with the Catholic Church and are higlilj" 
 respected in their communit}-. 
 
 ]S^ AVID OIILWINE, a well known resident of 
 I j) Red Bud, and one worthy of representation 
 ^f^ in the history of Randolpii Countj' among 
 its prominent citizens, claims Ohio as the place of 
 his nativity. He w.is born in Greene County, and 
 is a son of Charles and Elizabeth (Sciiroeder) Ohl- 
 wine, who were natives of Maryland. The father 
 served in the War of 1812, and the familj' was 
 probably founded in America during Colonial days. 
 
 In the Buckeye State, David Ohlwine was reared 
 to manhood, no event of special importance occur- 
 ring during his boyhood and youth. The com- 
 mon schools afforded him his educational privi- 
 leges. After arriving at man's estate, he was 
 united in marriage with Miss Charlotte Ta.) lor. 
 Their wedding was celebrated in Ohio, and in 
 1839 they left that state for Illinois. The first 
 year after their arrival was spent in Preston. Mr. 
 Ohlwine purchased eighty acres of land and began 
 farming, but on account of sickness he was forced 
 to incur indebtedness, and during the earlier j'ears 
 of his residence in this state he met with many 
 hardships and difficulties, but at length persever- 
 ance and industr}- overcame these, and by good 
 management and well directed efforts he achieved 
 a handsome propertj-, becoming an extensive land 
 owner in Randolph and Richland Counties. 
 
 Unto Mr. and Airs. Olilwiue were born eleven 
 children, six of whom are yet living, namelj^: 
 Clementine, wife of W. R. Kelsej-, of San Antonio, 
 
 Tex.; Walter; George; James, who resides in South 
 Dakota; Frank, a resident of Kendallville, Ind.; 
 and Cora, wife of Charles A. Wolfe, who is living 
 in Ligonier, Ind. Tlie mother of this family, who 
 was a faithful member of the Baptist Church, died 
 April 6, 1891. For his second wife Mr. Ohlwine 
 chose Mrs. Cordelia Allen, widow of James Allen, 
 and a daughter of Nathaniel Smith, one of the 
 early settlers of Randolph County. 
 
 In connection with his farming interests, Mr. 
 Ohlwine was one of the originators of the Ohl- 
 wine-Schrieber Ilanking Company, and has filled 
 the office of President since its formation. The 
 success of that financial institution is due to his 
 efforts. He has been one of the active and leading 
 business men of the county, and as the result of 
 his untiring efforts has won the prosperitj' which 
 now enables him to lay aside business cares. He 
 was at one time a member of the Independent Or- 
 der of Odd Fellows. In politics, he is a supporter 
 of Democratic principles, and in religious belief is 
 a Baptist. He may truly be called a self-made 
 man, and his life is in many respects well worthy' 
 of emulation. 
 
 w 
 
 WILLIAM HUCH, who was born in Monroe 
 
 County, III., in 1842. is one of the larg- 
 ^ff% est and most energetic farmers in town- 
 ship 1 south, ranges 9 and 10 west. He is a son of 
 Gottleib and Caroline (Holzhaus) Huch, both na- 
 tives of Hanover, Germany. There the father re- 
 ceived a good education and was reared as a 
 farmer's bo}', afterward learning the trade of a 
 stone mason. He came to the United States with 
 his family, and located first in Ohio. Later com- 
 ing to Monroe County, he bought a large tract of 
 land from the Government, being also the owner 
 of land in Wayne County, this state. At the time 
 of Ills death, which occurred in 1865, he was the 
 possessor of a fine piece of property, consisting of 
 one hundred and thirty acres of land, which he 
 took great pride in cultivating and improving. 
 Politically he was first an old-line Whig, but on 
 the organization of the Republican party he cast 
 his vote for its candidates. Gottleib Huch, with
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 425 
 
 his good wife, was a member of the Evangelical 
 Church at Columbia, and helped to erect the old 
 log structure in whicii tiic congregation first met 
 for services. He was preceded to the better land 
 by his wife, she djing three days before his death. 
 
 The subject of this sketch received a fair com- 
 mon-school education, and remained on the home 
 farm assisting his father until the death of his 
 parents, when he went to live with a brother, re- 
 maining one year. The marriage of our subject 
 and Miss Marj- Williams occurred in 1865, and to 
 them has been born a family of eleven children, 
 all of whom are living: Margaret, Lizzie, Caroline, 
 Louisa, Henry, Michael, John, Herman, Jacob, 
 Louis and William. Mrs. Huch was born in this 
 county. She, with her husband, is a worthy mem- 
 ber of the Evangelical Lutheran Church at Colum- 
 bia. Politicallj', Mr. Huch is a stanch Republican, 
 always believing in the principles of that partv. 
 
 At the time of his marriage, the gentleman 
 whose name heads this sketch received oue hun- 
 dred and thirty acres of his father's estate, and at 
 once set about its cultivation. He lias since been 
 enabled to add to it, and is now the owner of two 
 hundred and ten broad and fertile acres. He is 
 thereon engaged in mixed farming and stock-rais- 
 ing, and has made of his place one of the best in 
 the township. 
 
 : ATHf:R K. SCHAUERTE, pastor of St. An- 
 drew's Catholic Church of Murphysboro, 
 was born in Westphalia, Germany, March 7, 
 1862. His father, AVilliam .Schauerte, was a well- 
 to-do farmer, who died in that countiy at the age 
 of sixt^'-five. His wife, who bore the maiden 
 name of Regina Matzhauser, is still living on the 
 old homestead. In the family are seven children, 
 three of whom reside in Germany and ^ur in this 
 country. 
 
 Our subject is the eldest. He remained in his 
 native land until 1880, wlieu he sailed from Bre- 
 men to Baltimore, and thence went to East St. 
 Louis, where he studied under the private instruc- 
 tion of Father C. Koenig for one year. He then 
 attended St. Joseph's College, of Teutopolis, 111., 
 from which he was graduated in 1883, having 
 
 completed the classical coui-se. He then studied 
 theology and philosophy in St. Francis' Seminary, 
 of Milwaukee, and was graduated in 1887. He 
 was ordained b\- Archbishop Heiss, of Milwaukee, 
 and then was appointed as substitute for Rev. F. 
 Bergmann, of Murphysboro. 
 
 For five months Father Schauerte acted as sub- 
 stitute, and w.as made pastor of St. Andrew's con- 
 gregation in January of 1888. On the 4th of May 
 following, the small frame church was burned to 
 the ground, but [ilans were soon afterward made 
 for a new church, and the sau.e fall the building 
 was begun. It was completed September 16, 1889, 
 and its images and inside furnishings were all im- 
 ported from Europe. There is a membership of 
 one hundred and fifty families. 
 
 Father .Schauerte has established four missions — 
 St. Elizabeth's, at Ava, 111.; St. Ann's, at Raddle- 
 ville; St. Gregor}''s, at Grand Tower; and one at 
 Cartersville. At the first two places he built 
 churches. In the summer of 1893 St. Andrew's 
 school was built. It is a three-story brick struct- 
 ure, 46x50 feet. It is in charge of five Sisters of 
 the Precious Blood, who teach the common 
 branches, sciences and music. The church owns 
 St. Andrew's Cemetery, which is two miles from 
 the cit}-, and which comprises six acres of land. It 
 also owns a hospital site near the Chicago & Texas 
 depot. The church is the largest and finest in 
 southern Illinois between Belleville aud Cairo, is 
 built in Gothic style, and is one hundred and 
 seven feet long and forty-two feet in front, with 
 a transcept fifty-eight feet. There are church so- 
 cieties for the male members of the congregation, 
 married ladies, \'oung ladies and young men. For 
 the past two years Father Schauerte has had an 
 assistant. He is an untiring worker in his church, 
 and its rapid development in this community is 
 largely due to his effort*. 
 
 — >>> o*o.@-Jxv1©..o*o.. *<^ 
 
 ANIEL KLEIN. Among the attractive 
 estates of Monroe County there is one 
 comprising one hundred and three acres 
 of land in township 1 south, ranges 9 and 
 10 west, to which the eye of the passer-by returns 
 again and again. Everything about the pl.acc
 
 426 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 bears an air of neatness and order, while a com- 
 plete line of excellent buildings and well kept 
 fences adds to the pleasing prospect afforded by 
 well cultivated fields. This place was formerl3' 
 owned and occupied by the gentleman whose 
 name initiates this sketcli, and who helil high rank 
 among agriculturists. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was a native of Rhenish 
 Bavaria, German^-, where he was born December 1, 
 1S28. His father, Daniel, and his mother, Elizabeth 
 (Teiss) Klein, were farmers in their native country, 
 and emigrated to America in 1841, making their 
 way to St. Louis. In October of the same year, how- 
 ever, they located in Monroe Count3', on the farm 
 which our subject afterward owned. The father 
 first purchased sixt^'-three acres, and later added 
 forty more, making a total of one hundred and 
 three acres. Daniel Klein. Sr., was one of the or- 
 ganizers and builders of the Evangelical Lutheran 
 Churchat Columbia, and was a worthy Trustee at 
 the time of il^ erection. He was called to the land 
 of rest iu 1845, his good wife surviving him ten 
 years. 
 
 The paternal grandfather of our subject, Adam 
 Klein, was a stone-mason by trade, but also followed 
 the occupation of a farmer in Germany, where he 
 died. He was the father of three children, Cathe- 
 rine, Daniel and Adam, and was also connected 
 with the Evangelical Lutheran Church. 
 
 Mr. Klein was one in a family of six cliil- 
 dren born to his parents, two of whom died 
 when young. Those living are, Elizabeth, who 
 is the wife of William Hoffman; Catherine, who 
 married Jacob Young; and Margaret, who is the 
 wife of Henry Huch. The early education of 
 our subject was obtained both in the Old Countr3^ 
 and in Monroe County, and he early in life began 
 to assist in the duties on the farm, becoming thor- 
 ouglil}- familiar with all its details. He remained 
 with his parents until the age of twenty-six, when 
 he was married to Julia Kern, a daughter of Theo- 
 bold and Elizabeth Kern. The lady was born in 
 the Eatherland, and came to the United States 
 alone when nineteen years of age, here meeting her 
 brother and sister, who had preceded her. She 
 bore her husband eleven children, tliiee of whom 
 are deceased: Elizabeth, who married John Reger, 
 
 and died leaving two children, Henr}- (deceased) 
 and William; Caroline; Catherine, deceased; Louis, 
 who died when seven months old; Emma, the 
 wife of Henry Kreckel; Henr\-, a resident of 
 Columbia; Lewis, who makes his home in St. Louis; 
 Charles, a resident of Chicago; William, who is at 
 home; Gus, who is in St. Louis; and Ida, who is at 
 home. They were all educated in the Columbia 
 schools and are well fitted for the battles of life. 
 Mr. Klein was a stalwart Republican in his po- 
 litical views, and with his worthy wife was a val- 
 ued member of the Evangelical Lutheran Churchat 
 Columbia. At the deatli of his father our subject 
 inherited the home estate, and was considered one 
 of the thrifty and energetic agriculturists of the 
 county at the lime of his death, January 19, 1894. 
 
 'E5 
 
 1^-^ EXRY BUETTNEK, of Red Bud, is widely 
 |( )jl known throughout Randolph and adjoin- 
 ss^' ing counties, and with pleasure we present 
 (^i) to our readers this record of his life. He 
 w.as born in Germany in 1844, and in his native 
 laud spent the da^'s of his boyliood and 3'outh, no 
 event of special importance occurring during that 
 time. In 1869 he determined to seek a home and 
 fortune beyond the Atlantic, and on crossing the 
 ocean located in Davenport, Iowa. He had one 
 brother, Ferd, who also came to the United States, 
 and is now a prosperous and successful merchant 
 of Percy, 111. 
 
 For three years after his arrival in this county, 
 Mr. Buettner remained in Davenport, and in 1873 
 went to St. Louis, where he continued for nearly 
 three j'ears working at his trade, that of a brewer. 
 During his residence in St. Louis he was united in 
 marriage with Miss Marguerita Gaul, by whom he 
 has had five children, Julius H., Oscar, Otto, Ella, 
 and Hem-}', who died at the age of three years. 
 In 1875 Mr. Buettner came with his family- to 
 Red Bud in the capacity of agent for the Excelsior 
 Brewing Company of St. Louis. After two years 
 he bought the property- of the firm in this place 
 and embarked in the same line of business for 
 himself. He is now interested in the Tennessee 
 Brewing Companj-, of Memphis, Tenn.,as one of its
 
 ^^■s^ 
 
 RESIDENCE or GFO. D. SEYMOUR , SEC. 20., T. G., R. T., RAN DOLPH CU , I LL. 
 
 ' HOTEL BU'^TTMER'; RED BU D VI L ., 1 LL.,H EN R Y BUET^^'^R . PROPRl ETOR.
 
 tORTRArr AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORt). 
 
 429 
 
 stockholders. In connection with his other inter- 
 ests he also owns and "carries on the Buettner Hotel. 
 He is a member of and stockholder iu the Iowa, Illi- 
 nois and Alabama I^uraber and Live Stock Com- 
 pany, which owns ten thousand acres of timber 
 land iu the state Alabama. AVhen he reached Rock 
 Island, III., he had but twentj-flve cents in his 
 pocket, but to-day he is one of the well-to-do citi- 
 zens of this part of the state. By working hard, 
 saving what he had earned and investing it with 
 care and diligence, he h.as become what we find 
 him to-day, one of the substantial business men of 
 Randolph County. 
 
 In ]j()litics Mr. Buettner generally votes with 
 the Republican party, but he is not an active par- 
 tisan and has never been an office-seeker, prefer- 
 ring to devote his entire time and attention to his 
 business rnterests. He takes considerable interest 
 in civic societies and is connected with the' Ma- 
 sf)nic fraternity, the Odd Fellows' lodge and the 
 Knights of Honor. A pleasant, genial gentleman, 
 he makes friends wherever he goes and has ac- 
 quaintances throughout this part of the state. He 
 was not disappointed in the hope that his financial 
 condition would be improved in America, and in- 
 deed his success has far exceeded his expectations. 
 
 :EORGE D. SEYMOUR. This gentleman 
 may truly be called a self-made man, as 
 will be seen by the perusal of his biograjjhy. 
 He occupies a finely improved farm in township 
 6, range 7, and ranks among the highly respected 
 residents of Randolph County by reason of his 
 intelligence, sterling character .and relial)le citizen- 
 ship. He is an enterprising farmer, prudentl}' 
 changing his crops in order to promote the fertil- 
 ity of the soil, and devoting the greater part of his 
 land to grain, although not neglecting other arti- 
 cles of produce. He raises graded hogs, cattle and 
 fine horses, and has his estate well supplied with 
 orchards and groves. Neat fences enclose and sub- 
 divide the six hundred acres which he owns, and 
 good buildings are favorably located upon it. The 
 
 land has been tilled wherever necessary, and is 
 improved in every part. 
 
 Edward A. Seymour, the father of our subject, 
 was a native of Connecticut, where he was en- 
 gaged as a clock-maker. He also conducted a large 
 business through the west, and in 1838 concluded 
 to locate in Illinois. His good wife, the mother of 
 our subject, was known in her maidenhood as Har- 
 riet A. Johnson, and was born in Connecticut. 
 When her husband moved to ihe Prairie State she 
 did not come with him, as she did not like to leave 
 her native home. Both are now deceased. 
 
 The subject of this sketcli was born in Farming- 
 ton, Conn., April 28, 1831, and is the eldest child 
 in the family. He attended school in his native 
 town until reaching his fifteenth j'ear, when he 
 commenced to work in a foundry, and afterward 
 was employed in a furniture factory in that place. 
 He was twenty-three years of age on coming to 
 Randolph Countj-, and after a sojourn of one year 
 here he went to St. Louis. Not finding that city 
 what be expected, he soon returned to this county 
 and located on a small farm, which he at once pur- 
 chased. To the original acreage he has since added, 
 and he is to-day classed among the most extensive 
 farmersin Illinois. He is considered one of thekeen, 
 thoroughly wide-awake farmers^and stock-raisers of 
 the count}', who are contributing so much to its 
 material prosperity. 
 
 In October, 1864, our subject responded to his 
 country's call and enlisted in Comi)any C, Thirtieth 
 Illinois Infantr}-, and was mustered into service at 
 Alton, 111. The first engagement in which the 
 regiment took part was at Nashville, Tenn., and 
 afterward they participated in tiie battles of Mur- 
 freesboro and Chattanooga. Thence they marched 
 to North Carolina, and at Kingston our subject 
 and some of his comrades were captured. They 
 were confined in Libby Prison, and one month 
 later were paroled and returned to Camp Butler, 
 where he was mustered out .June 30, 1865. 
 
 From the army Mr. Seymour returned to his 
 home, and has since given his undivided attention 
 to the cultivation of his farm. Socially he is one 
 of the leading members of the Royal Arch Masons 
 and the Council Degrees Lodge No. 86, at Kaskas- 
 kia, in which he has served as Worshipful Mas-
 
 430 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BlOGRARfflCAL RECORD. 
 
 ter. He is connected with Florence Post No. 719, 
 G. A. R., at Florence. Politically a Republican, 
 in national and state elections he is soniewliat 
 conservative in local matters. He has served as 
 School Trustee of liis township for a number of 
 years. 
 
 December 1, 1857, George D. Seymour and Miss 
 Helen M. Reckwith were united in marriage. Mrs. 
 Seymour was a daughter of George and Lovina 
 (Austin) Beckwith, who died at New Hartford, 
 Conn. She became the mother of three children: 
 Clarence A., who died in infancy; Charles Henry, 
 who married Lillie Lovina Young, and lives near 
 Ellis Grove, this county, and George E., who mar- 
 ried Mary Lovina Humphries and also resides near 
 Ellis Grove. In December of 1886 Mrs. Helen 
 Seymour died. May 9, 1889, Miss Rosella Bell be- 
 came the wife of our subject. She is a daughter 
 of David and Mary J. (Hale) Bell, and was bo'-n 
 in Jefferson Count3', 111. To this marriage one 
 cliild has been born, who bears tlie name of Frances 
 Belle. Mr. and Mrs. Seymour are attendants at 
 the Episcopal Church, and are highl}' regarded in 
 the neighborhood. 
 
 B^ 
 
 /^iQTTLIEB ZIEBOLD is the senior member 
 III ^— - of the firm of G. Ziebold k Son, the well 
 ^^^:^! known millers of Red Bud. He was born in 
 Wagenstedt, Baden, Germany, in 1822, and is a son 
 of Gottlieb and Catherine (Lauer) Ziebold, both 
 of whom were natives of the same countr3-. Their 
 family numbered five children, the eldest of whom, 
 Magdelena,.was born in 1818, and married Frede- 
 rick Ilirsch, who died in tlie Fatherland. She then 
 brought her family to America, and located in 
 Monroe County, 111., where her last daj'S were 
 spent. Christina, who was born in 1820, became 
 the wife of Jacob Schneider, and never left Ger- 
 man}'. Gottlieb is the third in order of birth. 
 Joseph is now an extensive farmer and stock-raiser 
 of California, Mo. Caroline is the widow of Fred 
 KiUey, of Waterloo, 111. 
 
 Mr. Ziebold of this sketch was reared to man- 
 hood in his native land, and for seven years served 
 in the German army. He took part in the Revo- 
 
 lution when Baden attempted to establish lier in- 
 dependence, .and was wounded in the battle of 
 Wagheisel under General JMerolovsky and General 
 Leigh. In 1850 he crossed the Atlantic, and for a 
 short time worked in New York, after wliich he 
 went to Ohio. In 1851 he purchased a small farm 
 in Ross Count}', Ohio, where he cai-ried on agri- 
 cultural pursuits until 1859. That year witnessed 
 ■his removal to California, Mo., where he lesided 
 until 1867. Meantime he engaged in farming un- 
 til 1862, and then purchasing a mill, superintended 
 its management for five years. Removing to 
 Monroe City, 111., he purchased a mill, and also 
 erected one, which he conducted until 1881. In 
 1871, he bought a mill in Tipton, Mo., which he 
 carried on for one year in connection with his 
 business in Monroe. 
 
 During the late war, Mr. Ziebold was.j(\mong the 
 first to respond to the country's call for troops, 
 enlisting in 1861, in Company G, First Missouri 
 Infantry, in which he served for four months. He 
 has ever taken a commendable interest in every- 
 thing pertaining to the welfare of the community 
 in which he makes his home, and is recognized as 
 one of the prominent and valued citizens of Red 
 Bud, where he located in 1880. 
 
 In 1851, Mr. Ziebold married Miss Magdelena 
 Schnaiter, and to them were born eight children, 
 of whom five are still living. Mina is the wife of 
 Joseph W. Rickerl, a lawyer of Waterloo. Nelson 
 G. will be mentioned later on. George W. is now 
 manager of the Waterloo Milling Company. Mary 
 M. is the next } ounger. Charles F. is a lawyer of St. 
 Louis. Nelson G. is his father's partner in business. 
 He was born in Chillicolhe, Ohio, in 1857, and at- 
 tended the St. Louis University, from which he 
 was graduated in 1876. He then joined his father 
 in the milling business, and has since been an ac- 
 tive member of the firm. He is President of the 
 Waterloo Milling Company, in which his father 
 owns two-fiftlis of the stock. He is also a stock- 
 holder in and President of the Saxenineyer Lumber 
 Company, of Red Bud. In 1883 he wedded Miss 
 Mary C, daughter of Fred Parroll, of Monroe 
 County. 
 
 Mr. Ziebold lost his first wife in California, Mo., 
 and in 1872 he married Mrs. Margaret Mueller.
 
 RjRTRAlT AND BTOGHAPmCAL IlfiCOMD. 
 
 431 
 
 They now have five children: Anna, William, 
 Maggie, Amelia and Gottlieb. By her first union 
 Mrs. Ziebold also had two children, Peter and 
 Henry J. 
 
 The members of tlie firm of Ziebold cfe Co are 
 both well known men of good business ability, and 
 through upright dealing have won the confidence 
 of their patrons. Their mill has a capacity of 
 three hundred barrels daily, and seldom a day 
 passes when a carload of flour is not shipped from 
 their track. Both gentlemen are supporters of the 
 Republican party. The father is a member of the 
 Odd Fellows' society, and the son is a Knight Tem- 
 plar Mason. 
 
 -WE 
 
 ^^r 
 
 ' OHN T. TOWNSEND. Adjoining the cor- 
 porate limits of the city of Steeleville lies the 
 finely improved farm owned and occupied 
 by the subject of this sketch. The property 
 is one of the most valuable in township 6, range 5; 
 in fact, in all Randolph Count}- there is no estate 
 more higlily cultivated than this. A visitor to 
 the homestead will see that good buildings have 
 been erected. IModern machinery has been intro- 
 duced, the land has been subdivided into pastures 
 and fields of convenient size by an excellent sys- 
 tem of fencing, and all the improvements have 
 been introduced that mark a first-class farm. 
 
 A native of the state of Missouri, the subject of 
 this sketch was born January 17, 1840, and is the 
 eldest child of William and Mary (Weinbarger) 
 Townsend. His ancestors were for raanj' genera- 
 tions identified with the history of the Old Do- 
 minion. Though enjoying few advantages in 
 youth, he is a well informed man, and in the sub- 
 scription schools of earl}' daj's laid the foundation 
 for the broad fund of knowledge, he afterward 
 acquired. At the age of eighteen he commenced 
 to operate a rented farm, and saved his earnings 
 in order that he might invest them in land. 
 
 The boyhood years of our subject were passed in 
 Missouri, where his parents died. Thence, on the 
 4th of February, 1865, he removed to Illinois and 
 located near Steeleville, where for four years he 
 engaged in fanning upon rented land. He then 
 
 came to Steeleville, where he erected a house and 
 resided for a number of years. In 1879 he pur- 
 chased the beautiful homestead he now occupies. 
 In religious belief he and his wife are members of 
 the Baptist Church, and arc generous contributors 
 to all philanthropic enterprises. Their residence 
 is an attractive rural abode, and its hospitable 
 doors are ever open for the reception of their 
 friends, who arc many. 
 
 In 1858 Mr. Townsend was united in marriage 
 with Miss Rachel, daughter of James and Martha 
 (Cannon) DanncI, natives of Tennessee, who, how- 
 ever, spent the greater part of their lives in Ste. 
 Genevieve, Mo. Three children have been born 
 of this union, one of whom died in infancy. Hu- 
 bert J. married Miss Rebecca Lickiss,of Steeleville, 
 and is a prominent insurance agent in St. Louis; 
 William H., a successful physician, married Miss 
 Mary McClain, of St. Louis, Mo., where he now 
 conducts an extensive practice. 
 
 In his political belief, Mr. Townsend is a Demo- 
 crat, and since attaining his majority has always 
 given his support to the nominees of that party. 
 He has rendered satisfactory and efficient service 
 as a School Director, and has occupied other ])osi- 
 tions of prominence. It may be said of him that 
 no measuie having for its object the direct or in- 
 direct promotion of the welfare of the citv fails 
 to secure his heart}- co-operation and enthusiastic 
 support. 
 
 GEORGE GORZNY. Since his early youth 
 , our subject has manifested a degree of en- 
 _ J terprise which has redounded to his credit 
 and resulted in worldly pi-osperity. He is one of 
 the leading business men of Chester, where he has 
 resided since the year 1879. A native of Poland, 
 our subject was born April 23, 1856. His father, 
 Valentine Gorzny, was born in the same place as 
 his son. He emigrated to America in 1866 with 
 his family, and located in Chester, where he was 
 engaged as a day laborer. He died in 1886. He 
 was married to Ann Grott, likewise a native of 
 Poland, who bore him twelve children, of whom 
 four are still surviving. They are: Zack, a resi-
 
 432 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPmCAL RECORD. 
 
 dent of Chester; Mary, the wife of Stephen Jany, 
 a piominent fainier in this county; Rosa, who is 
 the wife of Milie Wolshock, and resides in Cliester; 
 and Georj^e. 
 
 Our subject attended scliool only two months 
 in his life, but lias improved every opportunity 
 to grasp knowledge, and being of an observing 
 disposition, has made of himself a practical and 
 sagacious business man. He began in life for 
 himself when but ten years old, working for 
 his board and clothes on a farm for seven j'ears. 
 He then received some pay for his labor, when, 
 a year later, he engaged witli Wolf Brothers as 
 a farm hand, near Evansville, 111. After eigli- 
 teen months' time, our subject came to Cliester 
 and commenced to learn to manufacture soda 
 water, but not making a success of this enterprise, 
 he again worked on a farm. In 1879 he engaged 
 in the cigar business in Chester, continuingin this 
 for two years, when he took up his present busi- 
 ness, that of liquor dealer. In this latter under- 
 taking he has been prosperous, and by his diligence 
 and perseverance has been successful. 
 
 Mr. Gorzny is a devout Catholic in his religious 
 belief, and is a member of the Western Catholic 
 Union, being Trustee of tliat order. He is one of 
 the leading Democrats in the county, and takes an 
 active part in all political matters. 
 
 ERNST* E. SCHRADER, wlio for many years 
 has been engaged in business as a barber of 
 Chester, claims Germany as the land of his 
 birth. He was born March 31, 1833, and is the 
 eldest child of Henry and Sophia (Vieges) Schra- 
 der, who were also natives of Germany. The fa- 
 ther was a grain dealer of that country, and served 
 in the German army, taking part in the war against 
 the French. He did a good business and was a 
 prominent citizen. 
 
 Krnst E. Schrader, whose name heads this rec- 
 ord, attended the common schools of his native 
 land, as required by the laws of that country, until 
 fifteen years of age, and then entered the univer- 
 sity of Goettingen, where he pursued his studies for 
 two years. In the meantime he learned the bar- 
 
 ber's trade, and on the expiration of that period 
 he went to Slieflield, England, where he remained 
 for six months, working at his chosen trade. We 
 next find him in London, whither he went to visit 
 the London Museum, in which hespentsome days. 
 He then went to Liverpool, England, and crossed 
 the Irish Channel to Dublin, Ireland, where he 
 spent five weeks. On the expiration of that period 
 he returned to Bremen, Germany, where he vvas 
 engaged as a barber for six months, when he went 
 to Copenhagen, Denmark, spending one year in 
 that city. He returned by way of the Baltic Sea 
 and Hamburg to his native town, where he made 
 preparations for coming to America. 
 
 Having determined to seek a home and fortune 
 in the New World, Mr. Schrader cros.^ed the At- 
 lantic, and landed in Baltimore, Md.,on the 2d of 
 August, 1854. In that city he spent four months, 
 and then went to Cincinnati, where he woikedfor 
 a short time, after which we find him in Lexing- 
 ton, Ky. Thence he went to Peoria, III., and in 
 1855 he came to Chester. Here he opened the 
 first barber shop in Randolph County, and along 
 the line of his chosen trade he has continued busi- 
 ness in Chester for about forty years. Meeting 
 with most excellent success in his undertakings, 
 he has secured a large patronage, and has ac- 
 quired a handsome competence, which numbers 
 him among the substantial citizens of the commu- 
 nity. 
 
 In August, 1856, Mr. Schrader was united in 
 marriage with Miss Louisa Roeder, who was of 
 German descent. They have become the parents 
 of ten children. Doris, the eldest, was killed in an 
 explosion in St. Louis, at the age of twentj--one; 
 August, who carries on a barber shop, married 
 Sophia Dany. The others are Nettie, Sophia, 
 Lena, Dora; Lizzie, wife of Fred Oaks, of Chester; 
 Mamie, wife of Charles Tackleberg, a resident of 
 St. Louis; Caroline, wife of Charles Schroeder, 
 who is living in Ilorton, Kan.; and Nellie, wife of 
 Charles Elirhardt, of St. Louis. 
 
 Mr. .Schrader and his family are all members of 
 the Lutheran Church. They are people of promi- 
 nence in this community-, and in social circles hold 
 an enviable position on account of their sterling 
 worth. In politics, Mr. Schrader is a Democrat,
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 433 
 
 but has never been an office-seeker. Hema\- truly 
 be called a self-made man, for through his own 
 efforts he has achieved a success which has ciowned 
 his undertakings, and made him one of the substan- 
 tial citizens of the coramunitv. 
 
 •SI 
 
 ^,'UGUST F. WEINEL, who is engaged in 
 (l^/JI the lumber and livery business in Colum- 
 
 l/( li bia, claims Germany as the land of his 
 f birth, which occurred in Piussia on the 
 
 5th of August, 1837. His father, G. P. Weinel, 
 was a miller of that country. In his parents' 
 home our subject was reared, and the public sciiools 
 afforded him his educational privileges. At the 
 age of nineteen he bade adieu to friends and fam- 
 ily' and sailed for the New World, for he believed 
 that America furnished better opportunities for 
 ambitious young men than the older countries of 
 Europe. 
 
 In 18.56 Mr. Weinel took up his residence in 
 Columbia, where he engaged in clerking for two 
 years. He then bought an interest in a store, 
 which was conducted under the firm name of J. 
 Weinel & Co., the partners being J. AVeinel, .7. S. 
 Morgan and A. Weinel. On the expiration of 
 five j'ears the last named member sold out to his 
 brother. In 1865 he was elected County' Surveyor, 
 which office he filled for a term of two years. 
 
 In the meantime Mr. AVeinel was married, in 
 1866, to Miss Bertha, daughter of Ernest Grosse, 
 a lumber dealer of Columbia. He was a native of 
 Hesse-Cassel, Germanj', and came to America in 
 1837. He served as a soldier all through the Mex- 
 ican War. He was then given a land warrant, and 
 afterward was granted a pension. Mrs. AVeinel 
 was born in St. Louis and was about twoj'ears old 
 when the family came to Columbia. To our sub- 
 ject and his wife were born ten children, t!ie eldest 
 of whom, Catherine, is deceased. The others are 
 Bertha, Ernst A., Amelia, Louisa, Adelia, Fred AV., 
 Edwin, Philip and Elsie. 
 
 After serving his term as Surve^'or, Mr. Weinel 
 embarked in the hotel and livery business, which 
 he carried on for about eight years. He then es- 
 
 tablished a lumber j'ard, and has conducted the 
 same in connection with his livery business con- 
 tinuously since. He has prospered in his business 
 dealings, and now owns five hundred acres of 
 good farming lands in Monroe County, besides 
 considerable town property. His farm is well im- 
 proved and under a good state of cultivation, be- 
 ing devoted to the raising of grain. His residence 
 is a fine one and is most pleasantly situated. In 
 his political views, Mr. Weinel is a Democrat. He 
 has been a member of the School Board for two 
 years, and served as its President for one year. For 
 many years he has been Chairman of the Demo- 
 cratic County Central Committee, and has taken 
 an active part in political work. He is a prominent 
 member of the Masonic fraternity' and is Treasurer 
 of the local lodge. He is also a Director of and 
 is interested in the building of the Masonic Hall, 
 and is one of the Directors of the electric light 
 company. The various business interests with 
 which he is connected have not only proved of 
 benefit to himself, but have also aided in the ma- 
 terial advancement of the city. He and his wife 
 are members of the German Protestant Church, 
 and are prominent and highly respected people, 
 who well deserve representation in this volume. 
 
 />S^ HARLES M. WHEELER. Every country, 
 [l\ f^ state and county furnishes its quota of 
 ^^(''' what the world calls "self-made" men, men 
 who, commencing life without financial assistance, 
 have by means of their own good judgment and 
 energy gained success in their chosen vocations, 
 and the subject of our sketch undoubtedly belongs 
 to this class. He is Democratic in politics, and is 
 serving as Deputy Sheriff under Alfred Adams. 
 
 A native of Ste. Genevieve County, Mo., Mr. 
 Wheeler was born January 4, 1844, and is the son 
 of James M. Wheeler. His father was one of the 
 earliest settlers of Kaskaskia, this state, coming 
 here as early as 1833. He was a native of Eng- 
 land, having been born in London, and was a lad 
 of ten years when he came to the United States in 
 company with his parents, who located in JLary- 
 land. The maiden name of our subject's mother
 
 434 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 was Mary Boarman. Slie was born in Maryland 
 and was a daughter of Ignatius Boarman, a soldier 
 in the War of 1812. 
 
 James M. Wiieelcr, the father of our subject, 
 when coming to this state purchased a large tract 
 of land adjoining tiie town of Kaskaskia. It 
 comprised three hundred and twenty acres, and 
 in addition to raising the cereals, he was exten- 
 sively engaged in raising stock. He was also a car- 
 penter and builder of some renown, erecting the 
 Kask.askia Convent, and also was given tiie contract 
 to build the bridge across the Kaskaskia River. 
 His death occurred April -4, 1860, while the mother 
 of our subject died in 1846. 
 
 Charles M., of this sketch, was the youngest of 
 four children born to his parents, and after the de- 
 cease of his mother, the father was united in mar- 
 rige with Miss Agnes Hailman, of St. Louis. Our 
 subject remained upon the home farm and carried 
 on his studies in the common school until reaching 
 liis eleventh year, when he went to Adams County, 
 Pa., and entered the Conewago College. After 
 three 3'ears spent in that institution, young Wheeler 
 returned home, and for one year clerked in the 
 store of Daniel Reily. 
 
 In 1860 our subject went west to Kansas City, 
 Mo., stopping for a time with his uncle, John A. 
 Boarman, and later with another uncle, Jerome 
 Boarman, who was running a store at Oxford, 
 Kan., among the Shawnee Indians. He remained 
 with him until 1862, when he went to Pleasant 
 Hill, Cass County, Mo., and there joined General 
 Price's army. He did faithful and valiant service 
 until the close of the war, and after the surrender 
 of Lee, spent one year in the Louisiana State Uni- 
 versity at Mt. Lebanon. He then returned to Kas- 
 kaskia, after an absence of seven years, and eng.aged 
 as traveling salesman for the wholesale boot and 
 shoe firm of George P. Gore & Co., now of Chi- 
 cago. Soon tiring of that kind of life, Mr. Wheeler 
 in 1868 engaged in business on his own account 
 in the above place, which be carried on success- 
 fully until 1882. 
 
 The lady to whom our subject was married, 
 September 1, 1869, was Miss Mary, daughter of 
 Patrick H. Reily, and to them has been l)orn 
 a family of seven children, all of whom are living. 
 
 In 1882 our subject came to Chester, and purciias- 
 ing tlie grocery stock of Thomas James ife Son, car- 
 ried it on for three years. Then, on account of 
 failing health, he returned to his farm, where he 
 resided until 1890, at which time he was appointed 
 Deputy Sheriff under Alfred Adams. He has also 
 held many other positions of responsibility, and 
 while residing in Kaskaskia was .Justice of the Peace 
 for fifteen years. He has always been an active 
 politician, and has served his party many times as 
 a member of Congressional committees. He pos- 
 sesses intelligent views on all subjects of general 
 interest, is a man of raan^' pleasant social qualities 
 and is well liked by the entire communit_y. Novem- 
 ber 1, 1893, he was appointed Deputy Collector in 
 the Internal Revenue service b}' Collector Tom K. 
 Murph}, whicli position he is now holding. 
 
 <OC »-H"H--i-»-^»-»'5"5' ^ -i"i''t"i"i"H"8"i-i'»» X> 
 
 [It-^ERMANN GRAH. This country is the 
 |lf )|' home of many Germans, who have come 
 /^^^ here from time to time to take advantage 
 (^/ of the peculiarly favorable opportunities 
 offered for accumulating money, and few have 
 won more friends or have been more successful 
 than the subject of this sketch. He was born in 
 Prussia March 24, 1834, and is the youngest cliild 
 born to Daniel and Caroline (Mueller) Grab. 
 
 The subject of this sketch attended the model 
 schools of his native country until accompanying 
 his parents on their emigration to the United 
 States in the j'car 1847. They came as far west 
 as Missouri, and after spending some months 
 in St. Louis, came to Randolph County, where 
 they located on a tract of land near Chester. 
 AVhen attaining mature years, he began farming 
 on his own account, which has since been his life 
 occupation, and in which he has been more than 
 ordinarily successful. At different times he has 
 cultivated fruits, from which branch of agriculture 
 he has reaped good profits, having a good estate 
 in township 7, range 6. 
 
 The lady who became the wife of our subject 
 January 1, 1863, was Miss Mary, daughter of 
 Alfred and Mary Emmer. Their union has been 
 blessed by the birth of six children, of whom the
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOORAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 435 
 
 two living are Maria and Robert. Tliey are both 
 living at liome and are being given the best pos- 
 sible advantages for obtaining an education. Mrs. 
 Grail died February 15, 1877, and the following 
 year our subject was married to Miss Alice Clore. 
 .She was the daughter of Franklin and Lucile (Ru- 
 pert) Clore, and of their family of four children 
 only one is living, Lucile Christina. 
 
 In religious matters our subject is a member of 
 the Presbyterian Church, while his good wife is con- 
 nected with the Methodist denomination. In pol- 
 itics he has always been a Republican, having cast 
 his first vote for Fremont in 1856. Although he 
 has never been an office seeker, he has been called 
 upon several times to represent his fellow-towns- 
 men in chosen positions, and at all times dis- 
 charged the duties imposed upon him with credit 
 to himself and good to the municipality. 
 
 'jiJSAAC MEREDITH. Randolph County is the 
 I! home of a goodly number of men who have 
 Ih put forth such industrious and well directed ef- 
 forts that they have been enabled to retire from the 
 cares and toils of life and are now spending their 
 time in ease and enjoyment. Among this number 
 is the gentleman above named, who owns a valua- 
 ble estate of two thousand acres, but makes his 
 home in the city of Chester. 
 
 Our subject was born in Perry County, Mo., No- 
 vember, 1840, and is the son of Daniel W. and 
 Mary C. (Iloggard) Meredith, natives respectivel}' 
 of Missouri and Virginia. Mrs. Meredith is a 
 daughter of Austin Hoggard, of Scotch descent, 
 while on his father's side our subject is of Welsh 
 ancestry. Daniel W. Meredith was a farmer by oc- 
 cupation and was one of the early settlers of Perry 
 County', Mo. His father, Isaac, was one of the 
 pioneers of the state, having located there before 
 Missouri was admitted into the Union. 
 
 Of the parental family, which consisted of five 
 children, all are living with one exception. Isaac 
 W., of this sketch, was reared on his father's farm 
 in Missouri and received the basisof his education 
 in the primitive schools of those times. Later, after 
 the removal of the family to this city, he attended 
 
 the Chester schools and thus obtained a fair knowl- 
 edge of men and things. In 1865 young Meredith 
 crossed the Isthmus to California and spent two 
 years in working on a farm in Halfmoon Ba}', Santa 
 Clara County. Returning at the expiration of 
 that time, he began farming in Perry County, mak- 
 ing a specialty of stock-raising. 
 
 In 1881 Mr. Meredith came Uy Chester, where he 
 has since lived a retired life. His fine estate, which 
 is located in Perry County, Mo., is a very fertile 
 tract of land, on which he has erected every build- 
 ing necessary in carrying on the work of the es- 
 tate, and all of which are substantial and well 
 arranged. In 1869 he was married to Miss Amelia, 
 daughter of John and Ann (Hey) Wilkinson, na- 
 tives of Yorkshire, England. Mrs. Meredith was 
 born in Perry County, Mo., and by her union with 
 our subject has become the mother of six children, 
 four of whom are living, namely: John W., who is 
 engaged in the jewelry business in Chester; Isaac 
 J., Daniel W. and Amelia Ann. 
 
 While not an active politician or an office seeker, 
 Mr. Meredith takes pride in using his influence for 
 worthy political causes, and during election times 
 always casts a Democratic vote. He is considered 
 one of the most substantial citizens of the county 
 and has acquired a considerable amount of mone^'. 
 Socially he is a Mason and is a member of Chester 
 Lodge No. 226. 
 
 (^ 
 
 Ltr 
 
 
 :^ 
 
 ^ 
 
 (S^5§)HE SPARTA PLAIN DEALER. The 
 //^ newspaper history' of Randolph County- is 
 v^^ checkered and interesting. Here it was 
 that the first newspaper in the state was published, 
 when, in 1814, Mathevv Duncan established the Illi- 
 nois Herald, at Kaskaskia. At a very early date in 
 its history, Sparta established the Herald, in May, 
 1839, its founder being James Morrow, who brought 
 his printing outfit from Ohio. John E. Deitrich 
 shortly afterward became its owner and changed 
 the name to the Sparta Democrat. 
 
 In 1843 the Z)e))iocTrt< suspended, and the office 
 was leased to O. F. McMillan, who changed the name 
 of the publication to the Randolph County Record.
 
 436 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 In 1847 this oftice was removed to Chester, 111., 
 and in 1848 John R. Shannon established in 
 Sparta the Prairie Deinocrai. This he continued 
 until .1851. when the office was leased to C. P. 
 Johnson, afterward Lieutenant-Governor of Mis- 
 souri. He named the paper the Independent, and 
 continued its publication until 1862, when it sus- 
 pended. It was revived by D. A. Armour, who 
 shortly afterward leased the pa[)er to Parsons 
 Percj', and that gentleman continued at its head 
 for two years, when J. W. Fletcher succeeded to 
 its management and soon afterward removed the 
 office to Chester. 
 
 The next paper of Sparta was established in 
 1862 by the Kotrock Brothers, who continued its 
 publication through the war, when it was leased to 
 \V. J. Armour, who changed the name to The Star of 
 the West. The next owner of the paper was Gen. J. 
 Blackburg Jones, who became proprietor in No- 
 vember, 18G6. It then had but one hundred and 
 thirty subscribers. General Jones purchased new 
 type and changed the name to the Randolph 
 Plain Dealer. The paper thrived under his man- 
 agement, and was the first in Illinois to place the 
 name of U. S. Grant before its readers for Presi- 
 dent. 
 
 General Jones continued the work until 1868, 
 when he sold out to T. M. Nichel, who was after- 
 ward private secretarj' of President Garfield. In 
 April of the following year, a half-interest was 
 purchased by J. D. Watson, and in 1870 the firm 
 sold to Messrs. Kimball and Taylor, of Belleville, 
 Edward Fagin being placed in charge as editor. 
 In 1872 he was succeeded by Fred L. Alles. In 
 1873 S. L. Taylor, of Sparta, purchased the paper, 
 and the following June Albert Goddard became 
 associated with Mr. Taylor in its management. 
 He retired, however, in 1874, being succeeded by 
 W. B. Taylor, a brother of his partner. 
 
 The Taylor Brothers continued as publishers 
 until May, 1881, when they sold out to George H. 
 Campbell and Don E. Deitrich. Subsequently 
 Charles Campbell purchased the latter's interest, 
 and Campbell Brothers continued as publishers 
 until August, 1887, when George H. Campbell be- 
 came sole owner. He continued as editor and 
 proprietor until 1891, when K. I. Smith bought a 
 
 half-interest and the firm name of Campbell (fe 
 Smith was assumed. These gentlemen are its pres- 
 ent owners and publishers. Aside from the dis- 
 tinction of being one of the oldest papers in the 
 state, the Plain Dealer has one of the finest 
 equipped steam printing offices in southern Illi- 
 nois. Its owners are both practical newspaper 
 men, and under their management the paper en- 
 joys a large circulation. The Plain Dealer is rec- 
 ognized as one of the representative and leading 
 newspapers in soutiicrn Illinois. 
 
 ICHAEL SHEA. This gentleman, who is 
 of Irish birth, has been a resident of Ran- 
 dolph County' since 1850 and h:is contrib- 
 uted to the development of township 5, 
 range 9, and the attainment of its present high 
 standing among tiie agricultural districts of the 
 state. In his efforts to secure a good home he has 
 been successful, having accomplished his purpose 
 by strict attention to business and thorough re- 
 sponsibilit}- in every undertaking. He owns and 
 occupies a good estate of seventy-four acres, lo- 
 cated three and one-half miles northeast of Prairie 
 du Kocher. The entire work of clearing and im- 
 proving the property has been done by himself. 
 The house, barn and other buildings are substantial, 
 conveniently located and sullicieiitly adequate for 
 their various purposes. 
 
 Born in County Kilkenny, Ireland, October 10, 
 1826, oiir subject is the son of Richard and Jo- 
 hanna (Murphy) Shea, also natives of the Emerald 
 Isle, where they lived and died. , Michael had 
 three brothers and one sister, and he was the eld- 
 est-born. He was reared and educated in his na- 
 tive land, supplementing the knowledge gained in 
 the common schools by a two years' course at the 
 national school, and when coming to America, in 
 his twentj'-fourth j'ear, had fitted himself to oc- 
 cupj' a position as book-keeper. 
 
 When landing in the New World, Mr. Shea made 
 \ his way to Illinois, and in this county embarked 
 I in farm work. At the expiration of four 3-ears, 
 I having saved a sufficient sum of money to enable
 
 ■'»»%^H 
 
 -n- 
 
 Jr^-^/o^
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 439 
 
 him to do so, he purchased seventy-four acres of 
 school land, and at the same time sent enough 
 money to Ireland to pay the passage of two broth- 
 ers who were coming to America. He cleared his 
 land at odd times, and deserves a gi'eat deal of 
 credit for its present finely improved condition. 
 
 In February, 1854, Mr. Shea married Miss Mary, 
 daughter of John and Catlierine (Conner) Aliarn, 
 natives of Ireland. Mrs. Shea was likewise a na- 
 tive of Ireland, and became the mother of a family 
 of ten children, viz.: Julia, now the wife of William 
 Mudd; Margaret, John, Cacilla, Heniy, Sarah, 
 Eliza, Anna, Rose and Willie. In religious views 
 our subject and his family are Catholics, and in 
 politics he is a prominent Democrat. He is well 
 known and lespected throughout the county, as 
 his industrious and upright life merits. 
 
 
 JOHN STOEIIR, familiarly known as"Squire" 
 Stoehr, is numbered among the honored 
 pioneer settlers of Randolph County. He 
 ' was born in the kingdom of Wurtemberg, 
 Germany, in 1825, and is the elder of two chil- 
 dren, whose parents were John and Magdelene 
 (Lingie) Stoehr. They were both born and reared 
 in the kingdom of Wurtemberg, and the mother 
 there died. The father afterward married Chris- 
 tina Brown, and about 1834 crossed the Atlantic 
 and took up his residence near Dayton, Ohio, 
 where his death occurred some four years later. 
 
 The subject of this sketch went to Cincinnati, 
 Ohio, where he learned the carpenter's trade, serv- 
 ing a three years' apprenticeship. At the expiration 
 of that period he went to St. Louis, and in 1843 
 located in Monroe County, where he followed 
 farming in connection with carpentering for sev- 
 eral vears. Two years after his arrival in that 
 county he was united in marriage with Magdelena, 
 widow of John Stuhlfauth, and a daughter of 
 Jacob Rahn. Upon the farm they began their 
 domestic life, and there Mr. Stoehr carried on his 
 work until the spring of 1857, when he removed 
 with his family to Red Bud. Here he embarked 
 in the brewing business, but soon sold out. In 
 1860 he was elected Justice of the Peace, and 
 with the exception of four j'ears filled the office 
 13 
 
 continuously until 1893, when he resigned. His 
 reputation as a Justice was unsullied through all 
 the long years in which he filled the position, and 
 no higher testimonial could be given of his effi- 
 ciency than his repeated re-elections. In his busi- 
 ness career he has met with success, and as the 
 years have.passed he has made judiciousinvestments 
 in real estate, until he now owns three thousand 
 acres of well improved land, which yields to him a 
 handsome income. 
 
 By his first marriage Mr. Stoehr had one daugh- 
 ter, Catherine. The mother died in the spring of 
 1881, and he afterward married Mrs. Elizabeth 
 Rabe, widow of Fred Rabe. Previous to her union 
 with Mr. Rabe, Mrs. Stoehr married William H. 
 Dickmann, b}' whom she had four children: Annie, 
 wife of Otto Platte; Emma; William H., who resides 
 on the old homestead; and Louisa, wife of Ernest 
 Kastrup. The children of her second marriage 
 are, jNIaggie, wife of O. Helber; Louis and Lillie. 
 
 During the late war, Mr. Stoehr offered his serv- 
 ices to the Government, but as his eyesight was 
 not perfect he was not accepted. The men and 
 measures of the Republican party ever find in 
 him a stalwart supporter, ready to advance their 
 interests, and he is recognized as a leader in local 
 politics. He served as delegate to the county and 
 state conventions of his party, and was a delegate 
 to the national convention which convened in 
 Baltimore and nominated Abraham Lincoln for 
 the presidency'. For fifteen years he filled the 
 office of School Trustee of his township, and has 
 ever been a zealous friend of the cause of educa- 
 tion. An industrious man, his success has coine 
 to him through close attention to business and 
 well directed efforts. He landed in Illinois a poor 
 boy, but has steadily worked his way upward from 
 an humble position to one of affluence. He makes 
 many friends and no enemies, and throughout the 
 community in which he has so long resided is held 
 in the highest regrard. 
 
 ^•M'******^ 
 
 1/ EVI E. BARNES. This gentleman, who is 
 I (^ one of the ()rominent residents of Rock- 
 [[j — ^^ wood, besides conducting a fine farm of 
 ninety-nine acres adjoining the village, is engaged 
 in contracting and building, iu company with his 
 
 I
 
 440 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 son Albert. He is a native of this count}', and 
 was born about four miles northeast of Ciiester, 
 Marcli 31, 1837. He is the son of Benjamin S. 
 and Marcia Aurillia (Tilden) Barnes, natives of 
 North Carolina ami Vermont, respect! vel}'. The 
 father was a son of William and Maria Barnes, was 
 born ]\Iarch 18, 1807, and came to this county direct 
 from North Carolina in 1829. After his marriage 
 he purchased land near Chester, where our subject 
 was born. Later, the elder Mr. Barnes sold his 
 property and purchased another tract about seven 
 miles from Chester. After residing there for some 
 time he disposed of that place and bought a fort}'- 
 acre tract in township 7, range 6, which he after- 
 ward disposed of, and locating near Chester, there 
 continued to reside until his death, which occurred 
 September 17, 1872. 
 
 The mother of our subject, who was the daugh- 
 ter of Stephen B. and Bethia Tilden, was born in 
 Franklin Count}-, Vt., February 4, 1811. Her par- 
 ents emigrated to Chester in a very earl\- day, 
 when it was known as Smith's Landing, and Illi- 
 nois was still a territorj'. She continued to make 
 this county her home until her death, which oc- 
 curred at Poland Station June 14, 1852. 
 
 The parental fam'ily included five children, of 
 whom our subject was the second in order of birth. 
 His childhood days were spent mostly on the home 
 farm, where he attended the subscription schools. 
 TVlien attaining his eighteenth year, Levi left 
 hume. and going down into the Cherokee Nation, 
 attended a subscription school there for twenty- 
 days, during which time he learned to write, a 
 branch of his education which had been neglected 
 in his previous school experience. After remain- 
 ing a year among the red men, our subject returned 
 to the bounds of civilization, working one year in 
 Perry County, Mo., after which he boarded a ves- 
 sel at Rockwood, bound for Montrose, Iowa. In 
 that region he remained three months, being oc- 
 cupied in burning brick. At the end of that time 
 he started for the south. He spent that winter in 
 Council Bend, Ark., where he worked through the 
 winter in the Cyprus brakes, and in the spring re- 
 turning to Rockwood, employed his time in work- 
 ing near the village until late in the fall, when he 
 again left for the south, going to Pemiscot Coun- 
 
 ty, Mo., where he was working at the time of Lin- 
 coln 's first election. He well remembers that pe- 
 riod, as it was as much as his life was worth to 
 speak northern sentiments. Later, young Barnes 
 went furtheu south, to Commerce, Miss., remaining 
 there until late in the spring, after Mississippi had 
 seceded. So bitter was the feeling against Yankees 
 that he had to deny his being from Illinois, claim- 
 ing Missouri as his home. Returning north, he 
 discovered when at Memphis that he was in pos- 
 session of South Carolina .State Bank money, which 
 he had to discount at twenty per cent. This he 
 was verj- glad to do, as it was utterly worthless 
 further north. 
 
 On his return to Rockwood, our subject went 
 to work on a farm, where he continued until Jan- 
 uarj-, 1862, at which time he went into Missouri, 
 where he was made overseer of the plantation be- 
 longing to James Preston. Here lie remained un- 
 til July 28 of that .year, and while there heard 
 the Emancipation Proclamation announced. Mr. 
 Barnes, desiring to take up arms, enlisted in three 
 different regiments, but was as many tinics rejected, 
 owing to the loss of one eye. 
 
 September 4, 18G2, Mr. Barnes, of this sketch, 
 was married to Miss Melvina, daughter of Robert 
 and Lovisa (Miller) Moore, the former a native of 
 Tennessee, and the latter of Kentucky. Robert 
 Moore was born June 26, 1796, and died June 8, 
 1879. His good wife, who was born January 23, 
 1806, is now deceased, having reached her eightj-- 
 ninth year. To Mr. and Mrs. L. E. Barnes were 
 born eight children, all of whom are deceased but 
 U. S. Grant, Albert H. and Hattic A. The others 
 were: Calvin H., Marion E., Lovisa C, Maria A. 
 and Amanda C. 
 
 After the close of the war, our subject moved to 
 Fountain Bluff, J.ackson County, this state, where 
 he engaged in farming. For five jears he served 
 as Justice of the Peace, and three years as School 
 Treasurer. After seven years' residence in Jackson 
 County, he came to Rockwood, where he purchased 
 propertj- and where he h.as since made his home. 
 He is an expert carpenter, and in company with 
 his son Albert turns out some of the finest work of 
 this kind in the count\-. He has served eight years 
 as Justice of the Peaije o( Rockwood, and is the
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 441 
 
 present Notary Public. Mr. Barnes is a Republican 
 in politics, and is a local leader in his party. In ad- 
 dition to his farm already spoken of, he owns sev- 
 enteen lots in Rockwood, and is looked upon as 
 one of the well-to-do men of the locality. 
 
 'II oil's D. C4ERLACII. Even in the west, 
 where many prominent positions are occu- 
 ^A ] pied by joung men, there are few so well 
 l^gl^' situated, or who have displayed so much 
 energy' and judgment in business affairs as the gen- 
 tleman whose personal history' is briefly- outlined 
 in these columns. As Cashier of the First Na- 
 tional Bank of Chester, he is prominently con- 
 nected witli one of the solid financial institutions 
 of the count}'; as a citizen, he has ever been pro- 
 gressive and liberal spirited, contributing his quota 
 to the advancement of every material interest of 
 the community. Now in the prime of life, having 
 bravely faced adversity and poverty, and having 
 by shrewd business management risen above their 
 immediate influence, he has before him every pros- 
 pect of the full fruition of the hopes cherished by 
 himself and his many friends. 
 
 A native of Randolph County, our subject was 
 born four miles west of Sparta April 24, 1858. 
 His father, Daniel Gerlach, was born in German}-, 
 and now resides at the old homestead near Sparta. 
 The mother bore the maiden name of Catherine 
 Baura, and was born in Belleville, 111., being a 
 daughter of John Baum. In the parental famil}' 
 there were seven children, the eldest of whom, 
 John D., spent the years of boyhood and youth at 
 the home place, aiding in the work of blacksmith- 
 ing, and spending his leisure hours at the district 
 schools. Later he entered the Sparta High School, 
 from which he was graduated in 1875. He then 
 became a student in Bryant & Stratton's Commer- 
 cial College at St. Louis, Mo., where was laid the 
 foundation of his extensive business knowledge. 
 
 When his father was elected Sheriff of Randolph 
 County, our subject became his depu1}',and served 
 in that capacity for four 3'cars, and in 1880 was 
 elected upon the Republican ticket as Sheriff of 
 the county, serving in that position for two years. 
 
 In 1883 he was chosen a Committee Clerk in the 
 State Senate, and was elected Assistant Secretary 
 of the Senate in 1885. Later he became Assistant 
 Secretary of the Railroad Committee of the State 
 Board of Equalization, and in August of 1886 was 
 tendered the position of Secretary of the commit- 
 tee, an honor richlj' merited. 
 
 Embarking in the insurance business in October, 
 1885, Mr. Gerlach was thus engaged until Decem- 
 ber, 1889, when he organized the Bank of Chester. 
 On the 1st of January, 1890, he formed his present 
 connection with the First Nati(mal Bank, of which 
 he and the President, M. C. Crissey, are the heads. 
 In addition to his work as Cashier, he is t'ice- 
 Prcsident and General Manager of tlie Chester 
 Light, Water and Ice Company, of which he was 
 the organizer. Socially he is a member of Chester 
 Lodge No. 72, A. F. & A. M., Harmon G. Reynolds 
 Chapter No. 84, R. A. M., Randolph Council No. 
 44, and Hercules Lodge No. 218, K. P. 
 
 The first marriage of Mr. Gerlach, occurring in 
 1880, united him with Miss Catherine Dauer, the 
 daughter of John Dauer, of Randolph County. 
 After her death, Mr. Gerlach was ag.ain married, 
 choosing as his wife Miss Mary P. Neville, of Ches- 
 ter, III., the daughter of Capt. Harvey Neville. 
 Their marriage took place January 9, 1884, and 
 they have established a cozy home in Chester, into 
 which the}' hospitablj' welcome and pleasantly en- 
 tertain their hosts of personal friends. 
 
 fe^©l 
 
 ALVIN A. MANN, M. D. The city of 
 Chester is not without her share of mem- 
 bers of the learned professions, who are a 
 credit to the pursuit they have chosen and to the 
 town itself. Among those who have taken up the 
 calling of a medical practitioner is Dr. Mann, who 
 devotes himself assiduously to his practice and 
 the scientific investigations which will enhance 
 his professional knowledge and skill. He is well 
 established in reputation as a physician and is 
 recognized as among the able practitioners of 
 this section. 
 
 Before outlining the life history of our subject, 
 it may be well to make a brief record regarding
 
 442 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RKCORD. 
 
 his parents. His father, John Mann, was born 
 February 1, 1796, in South Carolina, and removed 
 when quite young to Kentuci<y, where he grew to 
 manliood. On the outbreak of the War of 1812 
 he enlisted his services, and fought at New Or- 
 leans under Gen. Jackson. Ilis father, the grand- 
 father of our subject, bore the name of Robert 
 Mann. He was a native of South Carolina, and 
 of Scotch-Irish extraction. He married Miss Mary 
 Huston, a relative of Governor Huston, of Texas. 
 
 The fatlier of our subject was united in mar- 
 riage on the 4lh of July, 1815, to Albina B. Balch, 
 the daughter of the Rev. James Balch, the first 
 Presbyterian minister to ever preach a sermon 
 in Indiana. The parents were married while re- 
 siding in Kentucky, whence he moved to Indiana, 
 and in 1827 came to lUinoit, locating in the town 
 of Preston, four miles east of Kaskaskia. There 
 he made his home until his decease, March 7, 
 1881. His wife, the mother of our subject, was 
 born in East Tennessee November 25, 1797, and 
 was married to John Mann July 4, 1815. She 
 is also deceased, her death having occurred No- 
 vemlier 17, 1882. They reared a family of nine 
 children, and two died in infancy. Those liv- 
 ing bear the respective names of William H., John 
 P., Robert C, Capt. James F., Albina, Jonathan 
 B., Rev. Alfred M., Calvin A. (our subject) and 
 Mary J. Alfred M. is pastor of the Presbyterian 
 Church at Osawalomie, Miami County, Kan. At 
 the breaking out of the late war, the Mann fam- 
 ily was loyal to the Union cause, and Dr. Mann 
 and four of his brothers enlisted in the army and 
 served their country faithfully until the close of 
 the Rebellion. 
 
 Our subject entered the common schools, and 
 further advanced his knowledge by attendance 
 at tlie Chester schools. Having decided to fol- 
 low the medical profession, he began reading un- 
 der the tutelage of Dr. Roe. Later entering 
 the St. Louis Medical College, he carried on his 
 .studies until he was graduated in 1858. Dr. 
 Mann then engaged in the active practice of 
 his profession, being thus employed until 187fi, 
 when he took a course of study at the Jefferson 
 Medical College at Philadelphia. 
 
 Dr. Mann and Miss Emily C. Young were united 
 
 in marriage March 10, 1859. The lady was 
 the daughter of John Young, and was born in 
 Chester. They have been blessed with a family 
 of four children, namely: Walter H., Emily A., 
 Cornelius A. and Mary A. Cornelius has followed 
 in the footsteps of his father, and is a practicing 
 physician, being a graduate of the St. Louis !\Ied- 
 ical College. Politicall}', our subject is, and al- 
 waj's has been, an earnest and stanch Rei)ublican, 
 having cast his first vote for John C. Fremont in 
 1866. Sociall}-, he is an honorary niembei- and 
 ex-President of the Southeastern Missouri IMedical 
 Association, and also holds membership with and 
 has occupied the same otlice in the Southern Illinois 
 Jledical Association. He is an ambitious and wide- 
 awake nian and has contributed several articles of 
 value to the profession, which have been pub- 
 lished in the leading medical journals. The 
 Doctor and his wife are devoted members of the 
 First Presbyterian Church of Chester, in which 
 the)' have been zealous and active workers, and 
 in which Dr. Mann is an Elder. 
 
 OBERT GANT, a respected and prosperous 
 farmer of township 7, range 6, Randolph 
 Count)-, was born November 1, 1832. in 
 this county, and has here made his home 
 all his life. His father, Thomas Gant, was a na- 
 tive of Nelson County, Ky., and lived in the Blue 
 Grass State until 1831, when he came to this 
 county and engaged in farming, which vocation 
 he followed until his death, which occurred in 
 April, 1875. The grandfather of our subject 
 bore the name of William Gant. He was of Eng- 
 lish birth, but came to the United States and lo- 
 cated in Kentucky about the year 1795. He was 
 married in his native country to Miss Jane Holt. 
 The mother of our subject bore the name of 
 Eliza Hathaway. Her parents came from Wales 
 and settled in Kentucky, where she was born and 
 reared. She was called from this life in April, 
 1834, when Robert was but a year and a-half old. 
 His father was again married, taking Mrs. Parthena 
 (Williamson) Uhls as his wife. The lady was born 
 in North Carolina, but was residing in Randolph
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 443 
 
 County at the time of her marriage, and b^' her 
 union with the fatlier of our subject became the 
 mother of two children, onlj' one of whom is 
 living. He bears the name of Thomas, and is now 
 United States Gauger, with headquarters at Belle- 
 ville. 
 
 Our subject is one in a family of five children 
 born to his mother, only two of whom are yet liv- 
 ing, Robert and Spicy. The latter married Will- 
 iam Gant and makes her home in this county. 
 Robert had the advantages of a three months' 
 subscription school for a few years when he was 
 quite young, but, being of a studious turn of 
 mind, he improved his spare moments and has be- 
 come one of the well posted men of his section. 
 He aided his father on the home farm until reach- 
 ing his majorit}', when for the next four years he 
 received a small compensation for his labors. He 
 then began on his own account, and has added 
 to his first small purchase until he is now the 
 happy possessor of eight hundred broad and fer- 
 tile acres. As a farmer, he displays excellent 
 judgment in the rotation of crops, fertilization of 
 the soil and cultivation of the land, and, as a re- 
 sult of his efforts, he has gained prosperity. In 
 addition to raising the cereals, Mr. Gant keeps a 
 fine grade of stock on his place, which is now one 
 of the most attractive in the township. 
 
 The marriage of Robert Gant and Miss Cather- 
 ine Harmon was solemnized .June 10, 1858. Mrs. 
 Gant is a daughter of Abraham and Ann (Pillars) 
 Harmon, residents of Randolph County. The fol- 
 lowing children have been born of this union: 
 S. E. Gant, a practicing physician in California; 
 Florence, the wife of G. B. Allison, Postmaster of 
 Chester; Emily, who married George Pinkerton, 
 and is now making her home in Chicago; and 
 Pollen, Thomas A.j Anna E., Robert L.. Laura, May 
 and Katie Alice, all of whom are at home with 
 their parents. Roy Holt, the youngest child, died 
 when but three j-ears old. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Gant are consistent members of 
 the Methodist Cliurch, in which the former is 
 Trustee. Socially, he is connected with Lodge 
 No. 72, A. F. & A. M., of Chester. In his political 
 affiliations Mr. Gant is a stalwart Republican, but 
 has never been desirous of office, although in 1887 
 
 he was elected County Commissioner, and has 
 filled the position with satisfaction to his con- 
 stituents as well as with credit to himself. His 
 term of office was three years, and during one 
 j-ear of that time he was Chairman of that bod^'. 
 William Harmon, a nephew of Mrs. Gant, whose 
 parents died when he was but three months old, is 
 now included in the family circle of our subject. 
 
 ..^.^^..j. 
 
 '*-}-4"5->^^'*-i"i"i-F 
 
 ANIEL DAWSON, a prominent and highly' 
 ., ,)] respected citizen of Percy, who for sev- 
 ^^1^ eral years has been prominent in business 
 circles in this place, where he is engaged 
 in general merchandising, was born in New Castle- 
 upon-Tyne, England, on the 21st of May, 1824, 
 and is the third child of Edward and Ann 
 (Rodara) Dawson, who were also natives of Eng- 
 land, and there spent their entire lives. 
 
 The subject of this sketch attended llie public 
 schools of his native land until fourteen years of 
 age, when he entered the mines, where he was 
 employed until twenty years of age. During that 
 time he regularlj' attended night school, for he 
 wished to acquire a good education and make 
 himself a well informed man. He lived in Eng- 
 land when there was nothing but wooden rail- 
 roads in that country, and he saw what was called 
 the "Puffing Billy," the first engine that drew a 
 car-load of coal in Great Britain. He also heard 
 the funeral sermon of George IV., and saw Lady 
 B3'ron's maid who caused tiic seiiar.alion of Lord 
 and Lady Byron. 
 
 In 1852 Mr. Dawson bade adieu to his t,,U\ home 
 and friends and sailed for America, landing in 
 New York on the 22d of September. He first lo- 
 cated in Cannelton, Ind., where he remained for a 
 few months, and then removed to Hawesville, Ky., 
 where he worked for a year and a-half. His next 
 place of residence was in Maryland, where he was 
 employed for eight months, after which he went 
 to Arkansas, spending two years in that state. 
 Returning to the north, he located at Saline 
 Mines, near Shawneetown, 111., in 185G, and began 
 work in the mines, where he continued his labors 
 until 1872, when he went to Du Quoin, Perry
 
 444 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 County. Four years later we find liim in Camp- 
 bell Ilill, 111., where lie made liis home from 1877 
 until 1892. That year witnessed his arrival in 
 Percy, where he has since resided. He here estab- 
 lished a general merchandise store, wliicii he j-et 
 conducts, doing a good business in tliat line. He 
 is now well advanced in years, but is still quite 
 active, and ably manages his business interests. 
 
 Mr. Dawson has one son, who is engaged in rail- 
 roading in the employ of the Cotton Belt Rail- 
 road Company. Our subject is a member of the 
 Presbyterian Church, and in his political views he 
 was in early life a stanch Abolitionist. When the 
 Republican party was formed to prevent the further 
 extension of slaver3', he joined its ranks, and has 
 since been one of its stanch supporters. He warmly 
 advocates its princi|)les and does all in his power 
 to promote the growth and insure the success of 
 the i)art3'. During the administrations of Presi- 
 dents Garfield and Arthur he filled the position of 
 Postmaster of Campbell Hill, and has also served 
 as Justice of the Peace. He came to America in 
 the hope of bettering his financial condition, and 
 his hope has certainly been realized. Although 
 his life has been one of labor, he has secured a 
 comfortable home and has acquired a competence. 
 
 -^^^l 
 
 
 THOMAS E. BAKER, who is engaged in the 
 hotel business in Percy, is a popular and 
 agreeable host, and one of the leading citi- 
 zens of this place. He was born in Cape Girardeau, 
 Mo., on the 9th of March, 1844, and is a son of 
 James K. and Sarah E. (Leggct) Baker. The par- 
 ents were both natives of German}', were reared 
 and married in that country, and in 1843 crossed 
 the broad Atlantic to America, locating in Cape 
 Girardeau, Mo. Mr. Baker was a wagon-maker by 
 trade and followed that pursuit for a number of 
 years. He became an honored and influential cit- 
 izen of the community in which he made his 
 home, and was elected to various official positions. 
 He held the office of Circuit Clerk, was afterwards 
 elected County Clerk, and filled those two offices al- 
 ternately during the remainder of his life. His fre- 
 quent re-elections indicated the prompt and faith- 
 
 ful manner in which he discharged his duties and 
 the confidence reposed in him by his fellow- 
 townsmen. 
 
 Our subject spent his early boyhood days amidst 
 plaj' and work. He attended school in his native 
 town until a youth of fourteen years, when he en- 
 tered the employ of a cabinet-maker and served a 
 full apprenticeship to that trade. When he had 
 thoroughly mastered the business, he left Cape 
 Girardeau for the south and traveled through 
 Missouri, Arkansas, Alabama and Mississippi in 
 the emjjloy of the Thompson Pill Company. 
 Shortly after his return to Missouri he removed to 
 Steeleville, 111. This was in May, 1869. He began 
 working in the mines at that place and there made 
 his home for a period of seven years, when he em- 
 barked in stock dealing, which business he followed 
 until his removal to Percy in 1885. 
 
 Some years previous, in 1873, Mr. Baker was 
 united in marriage with Mary E., daughter of 
 Henry Rur^-, a native of Germany, who emigrated 
 to this country and is now living in Percy. By 
 the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Baker have been 
 born six children, and the family circle yet re- 
 mains unbroken. In order of birth they are as 
 follow: Theresa, Mattie J., James H., MoUie J., 
 Jennie J. and Samuel R. The mother of this 
 family was called to the home bej'ond in August, 
 1891, and on the 21st of October, 1892, Mr. Baker 
 was again married, his second union being with 
 Miss Lydia Roston, of Campbell Hill, 111., and a 
 daughter of .James AV. and Jane (Wylie) Roston. 
 The father's family was from Kentucky, and her 
 mother's came from the Emerald Isle. 
 
 On coming to Percy in 1885, Mr. Baker em- 
 barked in the hotel business, which he has followed 
 continuousl}' since. He has been very successful 
 in his undertakings, and from the public receives a 
 very liberal patronage. His hotel is complete in 
 its appointments, being well furnished and sup- 
 plied with all modern conveniences.. The proprie- 
 tor IS a pleasant, genial man and therefore a pop- 
 ular host. He started out in life for himself at the 
 age of fourteen, without capital or the aid of influ- 
 ential friends, and has steadily worked his way 
 upward, overcoming the difficulties in his path, 
 until he is now numbered among the substantial
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 445 
 
 citizens of the community.' Socially he is a mem- 
 ber of Alma Lodge No. 497, A. F. & A. M., of 
 Steeleville,anrl politically is a Republican. He has 
 held many township offices, and at present is ac- 
 ceptably filling the position of Treasurer of Percy. 
 
 DAM RUSSELL. It is a well established 
 (@yi^l l fact that a man, if possessed of natural abil- 
 (i ity and energy, can accomplish almost any 
 jiven purpose in life, and such is the 
 case with our subject, who is a practicing attorney 
 at Coulterville. Here he has followed his pro- 
 fession since 1874, and, in addition to the man- 
 agement of an extensive legal practice, he has 
 been an important factor in the growth and prog- 
 ress of the town. 
 
 Alexander and Margaret (Anderson) Russell, 
 the parents of our subject, were natives of Ireland, 
 wlieie the former was born in County Donegal 
 in 1805, and the latter in County Derry, October 
 28, 1812. Accompanied by his parents, thc3' emi- 
 grated to the United States in 1831, and were 
 married iu Philadelphia, Pa., four years later. 
 Thence they came to Illinois and settled upon the 
 old Russell homestead, which is located one and 
 a-half miles south of this village. At that time 
 the land was in its primitive wildness, and there 
 were only three other houses for miles around. 
 Upon the farm which they developed from the 
 wilderness they continued to reside until 1870, 
 when the father died. Mrs. Russell is still living, 
 and makes her home in Coulterville. The father 
 was a man who made friends wherever he went, 
 and contributed to the general welfare of the 
 conimunit3', where he was held In high esteem. 
 In politics he was a stanch Republican. The pa- 
 ternal grandparents of our subject, Adam and 
 Elizabeth Russell, after emigrating from Ireland, 
 made their home with the father of our subject, 
 residing with him on the old homestead until their 
 decease. 
 
 Adam Russell was the second in order of birth 
 111 a family of seven children, and was born in 
 1842 on the old homestead, which he now owns. 
 His adv.antages for obtaining an education were 
 
 quite limited. At the age of seventeen years he 
 went to Sparta, and was apprenticed to learn the 
 trade of a harness-maker, which occupation he 
 followed until 1874. Deciding to follow the pro- 
 fession of a lawyer, he read the necessary books 
 at night after his day's work was done, and on 
 completing his legal studies he opened an office, 
 and now has a good clientage. 
 
 In 1866 Mr. Russell and Miss Martha S. Wil- 
 son, a native of this county and the daughter of 
 Peter C. and Mary J. (Day) Wilson, were united 
 in marriage. The parents of Mrs. Russell were 
 early settlers in Randolph County', and the father 
 died in 1892. In his political relations Mr. Russell 
 IS a firm believer in Republican principles, and in 
 1890 ran for the office of County Judge. He is 
 always interested in the welfare of his community, 
 and has delivered addresses at the various con- 
 ventions and public gatherings in tlie county. 
 
 eAPT. WILLIAM C. POSTAL. Among 
 those men who have commenced at the bot- 
 , . tom round of the ladder of fortune and by 
 
 dint of natural abilit3' and perseverance have 
 worked their way up to the top, we find William 
 C. Postal. To such men the country is indebted 
 for the excellent example set the youth of the 
 land, as well as the good results they have accom- 
 plished in the communities where they have re- 
 sided. Our subject is one of the prominent busi- 
 ness men of Chester, where he carries on a thriving 
 business as a coal merchant, dealing in all kinds 
 of hard and soft coal. 
 
 Mr. Postal's birth occurred in Buffalo, N. Y., 
 October 4, 1825, and he is a son of William and 
 Lima (Cartel) Postal. The father, who is also a 
 native of the Empire State, was the son of William 
 Postal, Sr. He was a prominent builder and lum- 
 ber dealer in New York, and on his removal to 
 St. Louis, Mo., in 1831, there made his home until 
 1838, at which time he moved to Jefferson City, 
 that state. In 1842, however, he went with his 
 family to St. Joseph, and four years later returned 
 to St. Louis, making it his home until 1863. He 
 was a strict Union man during the war, and in the
 
 446 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 above year went to Mempliis, Tenn., where ho 
 died. 
 
 Mr. Postal was variously employed until 1884, 
 when he became identified with the business in- 
 terests of Chester, where he has since been en- 
 gaged as one of its leading coal merchants. His 
 marriage witli Miss Celia B. Dyer was celebrated 
 in 1850. Mrs. Postal was tlic daughter of William 
 H. Dyer, and was a native of IMissouri. There 
 were born to them four children, of whom only 
 one is now living, a daughter, Annie, who mar- 
 ried Horace Baker, an employe of the Illinois 
 Central Railroad. 
 
 Mr. Postal is a strong Democrat in [jolitics, and 
 by his honest and straightforward manner has 
 wonthe confidence of the peoi)le. He has attained 
 success slowly but surely, and fully merits ttie po- 
 sition accorded him throughout the community in 
 which he resides. 
 
 'I Cii' 
 
 •=^^- 
 
 EDWARD WORTllEN, a well known farmer, 
 who owns and operates a good tract of land 
 ^ - " on section 12, Sand Ridge Township, Jack- 
 son County, has always lived in this comniunitj'. 
 He was born September 15, 1848, near his present 
 home, and is a worthj- representative of an hon- 
 ored pioneer family. His father, William Worthen, 
 was born in South Carolina in 1799, and was a 
 son of I'^lias Worthen, a native of Virginia. The 
 family was of English origin, and the great-grand- 
 father of our subject, who served in the Revolu- 
 tionary War, was killed in the battle of Cowpens. 
 The mother of Edward was in her maidenhood 
 Mary AVill. She was l)orii in Pennsylvania in 
 1809, and was a daughter of Conrad Will, who was 
 also a native of the Keystone State, whence 
 he emigrated to Illinois in 1813. He located in 
 Kaskaskia, then Brownsville, in 181(5, and there 
 spent his remaining days. His family numbered 
 three daughters. 
 
 Elias Worthen removed from Tennessee to Illi- 
 nois in 1809, and located one mile east of Murphys- 
 boro. It was not his intention to here settle, but 
 a storm delayed him, and he took up a squatter's 
 claim in this locality. His death (iccurred soon 
 
 afterward. William Worthen was the eldest son 
 of the family of eleven children, all of whom are 
 now deceased. In 1816, he went to Brownsville, 
 III., and became one of its earliest settlers. A mile 
 and a-half southwest of that place he opened up a 
 large farm, upon which he continued to reside un- 
 til his death in 1854. His wife survived him 
 thirty years, and passed away in 1884. They were 
 the parents of seven children who grew to mature 
 years, while six are yet living, namely: Mrs. Eliza- 
 beth Richart, of Columbus, Ohio; Mrs. Mary W. Por- 
 ter, of Sand Ridge Township; Mrs. Julia A. Richie, 
 of Sand Ridge Township; Robert E., of Silver 
 City,N.Mex.; Edward, of this sketch; and Mrs. Su- 
 san Waldbieser, of this county. The eldest son, 
 Daniel, served as a soldier in the late war for three 
 years and one month. He enlisted as a Lieutenant, 
 but was mustered out with the rank of Captain. 
 He died in March, 1873, leaving two children. 
 The parents of our subject were both members of 
 the Lutheran Church. The father took quite an 
 active part in politics, supporting ihe Democratic 
 party, and was elected Sheriff of the county for 
 three terms. His long continuance in that office 
 indicated his fidelity to duty and the confidence 
 reposed in him by his fellow-townsmen. The ma- 
 ternal grandfather, Conrad Will, was also a promi- 
 nent politician, and was a snpporter of the Whig 
 party. He served in the first Constitutional Con- 
 vention, and was elected to the first State Senate. 
 He served as Senator in 1818 and 1819, and also 
 from 1828 until 1834. He was Representative 
 from his district from 1820 until 1826. The first 
 deed of conveyance in this county was made to his 
 father, Daniel Will. 
 
 Edward Worthen was born and reared on the 
 old homestead. He attended school in Carbondale, 
 but left the school room at the age of sixteen years 
 to work as a farm hand. He was married in Oc- 
 tober, 1877, to Maggie L. Osburn, daughter of 
 James F. Osburn, and they located upon his pres- 
 ent farm, which was then entirely' unimproved. 
 Her death occurred March 27. 1884. They wcie 
 the parents of four children, of whom Charles and 
 Hugh are now living. Mr. Worthen was again 
 married, m September, 1885, his second union be- 
 ing with Jennie Laney, who was born July 4, 1860,
 
 Jm/d ^. fu/y
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RfiCORD. 
 
 449 
 
 and is a daughter of William Laney, of Carbon- 
 dale. One child graces this marriage, Blanche. 
 The parents are both members of the Methodist 
 E|)iscopal Church South, and are prominent and 
 highly respected people of this community. 
 
 He served as a member of the School Board, was 
 Supervisor of Sand Ridge Township in 1873 and 
 1874, and also served one term in Murphysboro 
 Township in the same position. Later he was 
 again Supervisor of Sand Ridge Township for 
 three years. He has also been Justice of the Peace, 
 and in that office, as in the others he has filled, he 
 was found true and faithful to his duties, dis- 
 charging the same with a promptness and fidelity 
 that have won him high commendation. 
 
 In his business affairs, he has met with a high de- 
 gree of success, and is now the owner of eight hun- 
 dred and thirty-eight acres of valuable land, which 
 yields to him a handsome income. He is a worthy 
 representative of an honored pioneer family, and 
 is himself numbered among the best citizens of 
 Jackson County. 
 
 APT. J0SP:PH B. thorp, the efficient 
 and popular County Treasurer of Jackson 
 County, who makes his home in Murphys- 
 boro, was born in New York City on the 4tli of 
 December, 1827, and is of English descent. His 
 grandfather was a manufacturer of Yorkshire, 
 England, and on leaving his native land took up 
 his residence in New York City, but his last days 
 were spent in Philadelphia, Pa. The father of 
 our subject, Joshua Thorp, was also born in Y'ork- 
 shire, but was reared in Philadelphia. In his 
 youth he learned the tailor's trade, which he there 
 followed throughout life. Ills death occurred at 
 the age of seventy years, in the faith of the Epis- 
 copal Church. His wife, who bore the maiden 
 name of Elizabeth Brooke, was also born in Y'ork- 
 shire, and was a daughter of Ignatius Brooke, a 
 machinist. In the familj^ were five children, four 
 of whcmi are still living. 
 
 The Captain is the second in order of biith. In 
 early life he became a pattern maker in a machine 
 shop. In 1848 he emigrated westward to Jackson 
 
 County, 111., making the journey by boat. For a 
 time he worked as a millwright, afterward locating 
 near Carbondale, and began the development of a 
 farm, to the cultivation of which he devoted his 
 energies until May, 1861. Prompted by patri- 
 otic impulses, he responded to the country's call 
 to service and enlisted among the bo.ys in blue of 
 Company K, Eighteenth Illinois Infantry. He 
 was mustered in with the rank of Sergeant, and 
 participated in the battles of Fts. Henry and Don- 
 elson, and Shiloh, after which he was commis- 
 sioned First Lieutenant by Governor Y'ates. He 
 participated in the capture of Little Rock and in a 
 number of skirmishes in Arkansas, also the expe- 
 dition in Tennessee, during which he was wounded. 
 On the 11th of June, 1864, he was mustered out 
 at Springfield, III., and returned to his home. He 
 was always faithful to his duty and to the Old . 
 Flag which now floats triumphantly over the 
 united Nation. 
 
 On his return home. Captain Thorp again re- 
 sumed farming near Carbondale, where he owned 
 two hundred acres of rich and arable land, which 
 he placed under a high state of cultivation. 
 He successfully carried on general farming until 
 the fall of 1890, when he was nominated and 
 elected County Treasurer on the Republican ticket. 
 He was the only Republican candidate for a county 
 office elected at that time. In December following, 
 he entered upon the discharge of his duties and 
 has since creditably and acceptably filled the posi- 
 tion. 
 
 In June, 1851, in Carbondale, Captain Th(>rp 
 was united in marriage with Miss Harriet, daughter 
 of Joseph Ilinchcliff, a prominent pioneer farmer 
 of this locality. The lady died during her hus- 
 band's absence in the war. Five children weie 
 born unto them, four of whom are yet living, 
 Joshua, a locomotive engineer on the Mobile & 
 Ohio Railroad, living in Murphysboro; Samuel B., 
 deceased; Sarah E., Ann and Mary E. Captain 
 Thorp was again married, his second union being 
 with Mrs. Cynthia Reeves, by whom he has one 
 son, John R. 
 
 Socially, Mr. Thorp is connected with John W. 
 Lawrence Post No. 297, G. A. R., of Carbondale. 
 While living at that place he served as Supervisor
 
 450 
 
 PORTRAiT AND BlOGfeAPfflCAL feECOfel). 
 
 for two terms. lie is a man of sterling worth and 
 strict integrity, who lias a wide acquaintance and 
 is well liked by all who i^now him. 
 
 ■^f? JOSEPH WELSCH, who resides on section 
 31, township 3, range 10, Monroe Count}-, 
 is one of tlie worthy citizens that Germany 
 ^^ has furnished to this community'. He was 
 liorn Decemlx'r 20, 1829, and is one of six chil- 
 dren, wiiose parents, John and Mary A. (Werscliem) 
 Weisch, were also natives of German}'. The father 
 and mother both acquired good educations in the 
 schools of that land, and the father followed farm- 
 ing as a means of gaining a livelihood. In the 
 year 1840 he emigrated to America. He landed 
 from a sailing-vessel at New Orleans, and came di- 
 rect to Monroe County, 111., where for a few years 
 he rented a farm. With the capital he had acquired 
 in that time he then purchased two hundred acres 
 of land, and to this he added from time to time 
 until he became one of the largest land owners in 
 the count}'. A few years prior to his death he re- 
 moved to \Yaterloo, where he spent his last years 
 in retirement from business cares. He was a man 
 of excellent business and executive ability, and 
 tlierefore won the success which crowned his ef- 
 forts. I n politics he was a supporter of the Democ- 
 racy. His death occurred at the age of sixty- 
 seven years, and his wife died at the age of seven- 
 ty-two, near the present home of our subject. 
 Both were members of the Catholic Church. Five 
 of their children are now living, namely : Mary, 
 J. Joseph, Catheiine, Peter and Nicholas. 
 
 We now take up the personal history of our sub- 
 ject, who spent the first ten years of his life in his 
 native land, and then came with his parents to the 
 New AVorld. He early became familiar with all the 
 duties of farm life and worked in the fields, giving 
 his father the benefit of his services until twenty- 
 four years of age, when his father gave him a farm 
 of one hundred and thirty acres, the same on 
 which he now resides. 
 
 Mr. Weisch then began business for himself, and 
 the same year was united in marriage with Miss 
 Elizabeth Hoecker, a native of Germany, who 
 
 when a maiden of twelve summers came with her 
 I)arents to the United States, the family locating 
 in St. Clair County. By this union were born 
 twelve cliildren, but six of the number died in in- 
 fancy. Tliose still living are, John, Christiana, 
 Leonard, Catherine, Joseph and Peter. The mother 
 of this family was called to her final rest at the 
 age of forty-six. She w.as a devout member of the 
 Catholic Church, and had inan\- waini friends in 
 the community. 
 
 Mr. Weisch is also a member of the Catholic 
 Church, and in politics is a stanch Democrat. 
 He has led a busy and useful life, and by well di- 
 rected efforts, energy and enterprise he has accu- 
 mulated a handsome property. The boundaries 
 of his farm he has extended from time to time, un- 
 til he now owns seven hundred and twenty acres 
 of valuable land, under a iiigh state of cultivation 
 and well improved. He is one of the largest land 
 owners in the county, and is one of the most 
 highly respected and influential citizens, for a well 
 spent life has gained him the warm regard of all 
 with whom lie has been brought in contact. 
 
 3 < T >[= — ' ^ 
 
 \\ AX ASZMANN, M. D. The medical pro- 
 fession has many representatives in this 
 county, men of intelligence in their chosen 
 field of labor and in general topics of in- 
 terest, good judgment in the application of theo- 
 retical knowledge and an established reputation as 
 practitioners. One of this class is the subject of 
 this brief notice, who, although a young man, and 
 one new in his profession, is destined to become 
 one of the prominent physicians in the near future. 
 Dr. Aszmann was born in the city of Chester, 
 March 26, 1865, and is the son of Dr. F. W. Asz- 
 mann, who also resides in this city. The father of 
 our subject was born in Germany, where he 
 practiced his profession until coming to the United 
 States. When coming to the New World he first 
 located in St. Louis, where he was one of the first 
 homeopathic physicians. In 1858 the elder Dr. 
 Aszmann came to Chester, where he continued in 
 active practice until his decease, August 5, 1880. 
 While driving down the roadway leading from the
 
 POfetEAlT ANb BiOGRATffiCAL RECORD. 
 
 451 
 
 residences of the Messrs. Cole, his horse became 
 unmanageable and dragged him a distance of some 
 twenty yaids, and when it was stopped at Cole's 
 Mills the Doctor was found to be insensible. He 
 was conveyed to the residence of hisson,Sigmund 
 Aszmann, where his wounds were found to be of a 
 very serious nature. He was a man advanced in 
 years, and although under tiie care of four of the 
 best ph^'sicians of the place, he died four days 
 later. He was an old resident and successful prac- 
 titioner of this place, and a conscientious and 
 faithful worker in the field of suffering humanity. 
 The mother of our subject, who bore tlie maiden 
 name of Lucy Propst, was also a native of Ger- 
 many, and departed this life in Cliester October 
 12, 1887. She reared a large family of ten chil- 
 dren, of whoni our suiiject was the sixth in order 
 of birth. He obtained a good education in the 
 public schools of this place, aiid when ready to 
 enter upon his medical studies, read medicine in 
 the office of Dr. Zillikon. Later he took a course 
 of lectures in the homeopathic medical college at 
 St. Louis, from which he was graduated in March, 
 1890. After receiving his degree of Doctor of 
 Medicine, our subject opened an office and com- 
 menced practice in Frohna, Perry County, Mo., 
 where he remained for two years. In 1892 
 he came to this city, with whose interests he has 
 since been identified, and is rapidly building up for 
 himself a lucrative practice. In his political views 
 he is a decided Democrat. 
 
 ^ ^i^h... ^(Sj 
 
 (^ "^f^' " Isi 
 
 ^ l»,ILLIAM ROSBOROUGH was a represent- 
 \^// ative business man of Randolph County', 
 W^ and well deserves representation in its 
 history. He was born in Bally mena, Ireland, in 1 802, 
 and when a youth of sixteen crossed the Atlantic 
 to America, locating in Cincinnati, Ohio. There 
 he entered the employ of a Mr. Mahard, who was 
 engaged in the commission business, and with 
 whom lie continued until 1833. 
 
 In that year Mr. Rosborougli married Miss Mary 
 Mahard, a sister of his employer. To them were 
 
 born five children. Elizabeth is now residing in 
 the old home in Sparta. Robert H., a railroad con- 
 tractor and auditor, and also a dealer in coal, 
 married Elizabeth MeCutcheon, and they have 
 live children: William J., a railroad conductor; 
 Rachel, Robert H., Jr., .John and Allen. Martha 
 R., the third child of the family, is the widow of 
 Dr. I^eeper, who was born in Beaver County, Pa., 
 in 1832, and there grew to manhood. He pursued 
 his literary studies in .leffersun College, and studied 
 medicine in the State Universil)' of Pennsyl- 
 vania at Philadelphia. He began practice in Ches- 
 ter, HI., and afterward removed to Coulterville, 
 where he followed his profession for twent3--flve 
 years. His name is always mentioned in the high- 
 est terms of praise by all who knew him. He 
 won an enviable position in his profession, and 
 was a liberal and public-spirited citizen. Anna 
 J., another member of the Rosborough family, is 
 the wife of Daniel P. Barker, of Sparta, Secretar}' 
 and Superintendent of the Sparta Natural Gas 
 and Oil Company. He served in the Union army 
 as a member of Company K, One Hundred and 
 Forty-second Illinois Infantry, and at the close of 
 the war returned to Sparta, where he has since re- 
 sided. Mr. and Mrs. Barker have four children: 
 Albert M., now connected with the Rocky Moun- 
 tain News; Lewis, a student in Champaign, III.; 
 Mary R. and Elizabeth. Mary M., the youngest 
 member of the Rosborough family, is the wife of 
 the Rev. Hugh Y. Leiper, of Pravo, Ohio. They 
 have had five children: William, Hugh. Earl (de- 
 ceased), Donald and Mary. 
 
 In 1833 William Rosborough came to Illinois, 
 locating in Randolph County, where he at once 
 embarked in merchandising. In 1840 he removed 
 to Sparta, and continued general merchandising 
 in connection with tlie manufacture of castor oil. 
 He also engaged in the packing business, and later 
 in the flouring business. In 1882 he laid aside 
 all business cares, and after living retired for three 
 years, he was called to his final rest, at the age 
 of eighty-three. In the accumulation of property 
 he was very successful, but at no time did he sac- 
 rifice his honor for temporal benefit. He had the 
 confidence of his entire circle of acquaintances, 
 who regarded his integrity as above question.
 
 452 
 
 t»OtltttAlt AKI) blOGtlAtHlCAL ilfiCORt). 
 
 His was indeed an liouorable life, well wortli}' of 
 emulation. In liis early years he belonged to 
 tlie United Presbyterian Cliurch, but afterward 
 joined tlie re<;ular Presbyterian Church. 
 
 ' UDGE FRA^'CI.S MARION YOUNGBLOOD 
 is one of the prominent citizens of Illinois, 
 having in legal circles especially a wide 
 acquaintance among the representative men 
 of the state. He now resides in Carbondale. A 
 native of Perry County, he was born March 15, 
 1835, and is a son of Isaiah I. and Electa (Jones) 
 Youngblood. The family is of Welsh descent. The 
 father was born in Georgia in 1795, was a farmer 
 by occupation, and served in the War of 1812. lu 
 1816, he removed to Illinois, becoming one of the 
 pioneers of Franklin Count}', where he met and 
 married Miss Jones, who was born in New York in 
 1800. She was a daughter of Philip Jones, an early 
 settler of Franklin County. Shortly afterward 
 they removed to Tennessee, but about 1828 made a 
 permanent location in Perry County. The mother 
 was well educated and taught her husband all he 
 knew after their marriage. Mr. Youngblood then 
 took a deep interest in education, built a school- 
 house upon his farm and did everything possible 
 for the education of his children. He met with 
 fair success in business, and at his death owned a 
 good farm of two hundred acres. In politics he 
 was a Demociat, and he and his wife were members 
 of the Primitive Baptist Church, of which he was 
 a minister for many years. His wife died January 
 7, 1842, and his death occurred August 1, 1850. 
 Thej' were the parents of ten childien, eight now 
 living: Mrs. Corinna Sturdevant, Mrs. Louisa H. 
 Ford, Mrs. Lavina Hawkins, Mrs. vSarah A. Haw- 
 kins, Mrs. Rachel Robertson, William J., Edmund 
 D. and Francis M. 
 
 The Judge conned his lessons in the old log 
 school which his father built and which was taught 
 by his sister. At the age of fifteen he began work- 
 ing on a farm for his brother, with whom he re- 
 mained two years. He then begun speculating in 
 stock, but losing his money, he turned his attention 
 to the blacksmith's trade. He built the Tirst shop 
 
 in Tamaroa, and after carrying it on for two and 
 a-half years, he spent two jears as a student in a 
 private school. Later he emliarked in leaching. 
 
 Mr. Youngblood was married December 23, 1858, 
 to N. E. Eaton, who was born on Paradise Prairie, 
 November 17, 1840, and was a daughter of West 
 Eaton, a native of Tennessee, and one of the early 
 settlers of Pen-}- Country, 111. After his mariiage, 
 the Judge continued teaching for a time. In No- 
 vember, 1859, he was elected Assessor and Treas- 
 urer of Peny County, and filled the oHice for two 
 years. In July, 1860, he began reading law with 
 Judge William K. Parish, of DuQuoin, and in the 
 summer of 1861 was admitted to the Bar. lleiui- 
 mediately began practice in DuQuoin, where he 
 continued until January, 1862, when lie removed 
 to Benton, and there opened a law office, carrying 
 on practice at that place for some time. From 
 April, 1874, until July, 1875, he was numbered 
 among the lawyers of Shawneetown, 111., and then 
 resumed practice in Benton, where he remained un- 
 til his removal to Carbondale, in September, 1887. 
 
 Unto Mr. and Mrs. Y'oungblood were born seven 
 children, five of whom are yet living: Ransom A., 
 of Benton, who married Nannie Hubbard, by whom 
 he has four children; Dougherty V.,who is in part- 
 nership with his father; Jose|)h E.,of Pinckney ville^ 
 who wedded Nannie Gouch, by whonj he has one 
 child; Louisa R. and Laura A. The mother of the 
 family is a member of the Primitive Baptist Church, 
 and is a most estimable lady. 
 
 The Judge belongs to the Masonic fralernity, 
 and for nine j'ears has been Master of Benton 
 Lodge No. 64, A. F. ife A. M. He also belongs to 
 DuQuoin Chapter, R. A. M., and to the Knights of 
 Honor. His hearty support and co-opcralion are 
 given to the cause of education and to all enter- 
 prises calculated to prove of public benefit. He 
 takes an active interest in politics, votes with the 
 Democratic party, and frequently serves as a dele- 
 gate to its conventions. He served as Prosecuting 
 Attorney for the Twenty-sixth Judicial Circuit, 
 which comprised Franklin, Williamson, Johnson, 
 Saline, Gallatin and Hardin Counties. He was 
 elected in November, 1868, and filled the office 
 four years. In November, 1872, he was elected 
 State Senator from the Forty-seventh District,
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 453 
 
 comprising Franklin, "Williamson, Saline and Gal- 
 latin Counties. He served on tiie Railroad, Ap- 
 propriation and Judiciary Committees. In tlie 
 jear 1880 he was elected to the State Legisla- 
 ture from the same district, and served on the 
 same committees. His public and private life are 
 alilce above reproach, and wliile in the Assembly, 
 his straightforward course, devoted to the interests 
 of his constituents, won him high commendation. 
 His success as a lawyer has been marked. His 
 pleas are the admiration of all who hear him, and 
 his arguments alw.iys tell with the jurj'. His 
 prominence has been won tlirough merit and not 
 through influence or outside aid. 
 
 HARLES I). .STAHLBEKG, deceased, was 
 born near Biclfeld, Prussia, on the 17th of 
 December, 1834, and was a son of Gottlieb 
 Stahlberg. The parents of our subject both died 
 during his childhood. He attended the public 
 schools of his native land until fourteen ^'ears of 
 age, when he began learning the confectionery 
 trade, serving a regular apprenticeship of three 
 years. About a year later lie sailed to America, 
 locating in St. Louis, Mo., where he secured a posi- 
 tion as foreman in a large confectionery establish- 
 ment, continuing in charge for seven years. 
 
 The year 1860 witnessed the arrival of Mr. Stahl- 
 berg in Illinois, and saw him located in what was 
 then Alma, but is now Steeleville. Here heatouce 
 embarked in general merchandising, which he suc- 
 cessfully carried on until his death. He filled his 
 store with a complete line of goods, and by fair 
 and honest dealing and courteous treatment of his 
 patrons he won a liberal patron.age and built up a 
 fine trade. After his death, his widow carried on 
 the business alone until her son, F. A., became old 
 enough to take part in the same. Together thev 
 then carried on operations along that line until 
 the 1st of January, 1894, when she withdrew, and 
 the business passed into the hands of the two sons, 
 F. A. and Charles D. 
 
 Mr. Stahlberg of this .sketch was married in 
 1857 to Louise E. Long, daugiiter of Carl Frank 
 and Maiy E. (Rullmann) Long, both of whom 
 
 were natives of Hanover, Germany, in which coun- 
 try they were reared and married. On crossing 
 the Atlantic to America, in 1844, they settled in 
 St. Louis, Mo., where the father died of cholera in 
 1849. His wife long survived him, and departed 
 this life in 1893, at the age of seventy-six years 
 and six months. They had a familj' of five chil- 
 dren, but only two of the number are now living, 
 Mrs. Stahlberg, and Eliza Long, who resides in St. 
 Louis. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Stahlberg were born 
 seven children, of whom one died in infancy, 
 while William Albert died at the age of twenty- 
 four. Those still living are, Wilhelmina Louisa, 
 wife of Dr. Armbruster, of Steeleville; Frederick 
 August, Anuie, Matilda Elizabeth and Charles 
 Detrich. All are still living with tlieir mother ex- 
 cept Mrs. Armbruster. The family is one of prom- 
 inence in the community, and its members rank 
 higli in social circles. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Stahlberg were reared in the Evan- 
 gelical Church. He was a member of Steeleville 
 Lodge No. 497, A. F. ife A. M., and in politics w.is 
 a Republican. He passed away in July, 1870, and 
 his death was widel}' and deeply mourned, for he 
 possessed many excellencies of character, was a 
 kind and loving husband and father, a faithful 
 friend and a valued citizen. 
 
 ' OHN H. THIES, proprietor of the woolen 
 mills of Steeleville, is at the head of one of 
 the leading industries of this place. His 
 business has now assumed extensive pro- 
 portions, and be receives from the public a liberal 
 patronage, which yields him a good income. As 
 he is widely' and favorably' known in this commu- 
 nity, we feel assured that the record of his life will 
 prove of interest to man^' of our readers. 
 
 Mr. Thies was born in Germany, January 10, 
 1824, and is a son of Frank Thies. a native of the 
 same country. His mother died when he was 
 quite young. * In the family were six children, of 
 whom he was the fifth in order of birth. In ac- 
 cordance with the laws of his native land, he at- 
 tended the public schools until fourteen years of 
 age, when he began earning his own livelihood by
 
 454 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPmCAL RECORD 
 
 working as a farm hand, wliich pursuit he followed 
 until nineteen years of age. He then entered the 
 German arm}-, joining the Light Cavah'}', in which 
 he served for three ^ears. During the last year 
 he was detailed for commissary work, and was 
 mustered out in Munster, Germany, in the year 
 1846. The succeeding two years and a-half he 
 spent in traveling over Europe. 
 
 The spring of 1849 witnessed the emigiation of 
 Mr. Thies to America. On reaching the New 
 World, lie located in 8t. Louis, Mo. Cholera was 
 then raging, and business was almost wholly sus- 
 pended, but he at lengtli secured work in a drug 
 stole, where he continued for six months. His 
 next employment was the manufacture of saddle 
 trees, and to that he devoted his energies for a 
 period of ten years. Previous to this time, lie had 
 purchased some land in Randolph County, and 
 when a decade had passed away, he came hither. 
 He had left the city during the summer months, 
 and when a favorable opportunity was presented 
 to purchase a tract of good land, he would do so, 
 and when the property had risen in value, dispose 
 of it. In this way he accumulated a considerable 
 competence. In 1859 he removed to a farm near 
 Steeleville, and continued the cultivation of his 
 land until his health failed him, when he rented 
 liis property, and in 1866 removed to the town. 
 Building the woolen mills, he has since engaged 
 in their operation with good success. For about 
 ten years he was associated in business with his 
 two brothers-in-law, but since that time he has 
 been alone. The mills have a large output, and 
 the trade is constantly increasing. 
 
 In September, 1856, Mr. Thies was united in 
 marriage with Miss Annie Stahlberg, and to them 
 were born ten children, but four of the num- 
 ber died in early childhood. Those still living 
 are: Louisa, wife of the Rev. John L. Sternberg, a 
 resident of Kansas City, Mo.; Annie and Charles, 
 at home; Minnie, wife of E. L. Flouth, a promi- 
 nent farmer living near Cliester; Frank and Edith, 
 who are attending the home school. The mother 
 of this family- was called to the home beyond De- 
 cember 19, 1893, at the age of fifty-six years. She 
 was a kind and loving wife, a faithful and de- 
 voted mother, and was loved and respected by all. 
 
 In politics, Mr. Thies is a Republican, and sociallj' 
 is a member of Steeleville Lodge No. 497, A. F. & 
 A. M. He and his family all hold membership with 
 the Methodist Church, to which his wife also be- 
 longed. 
 
 . • ^ )^ P • 
 
 \i ^ ENRY FIENE. Steeleville numbers among 
 
 its successful business men and public- 
 spirited citizens the gentleman whose name 
 introduces this sketch. Sold}- through his 
 own exertions Mr. Fiene has gained success. From 
 boj'hood he has been self supporting, and such has 
 been his judgment and foresight that he has 
 achieved prosperity in the midst of seemingly in- 
 surmountable obstacles. Of German birth and par- 
 entage, he possesses those excellent German traits 
 of character that, descending from generation to 
 generation, transmit a solidit}' and energy that 
 almost invariably bring success wiieu united with 
 American tact and enterprise. 
 
 Born in December, 1848, Heniy Fiene was one 
 and one-half years old when his parents started 
 across the ocean to establish their home in Amer- 
 ica. The wife and mother, as well as the only 
 sister, died before the ship reached the harbor, 
 and eonsequentl}' our subject knows nothing con- 
 cerning the details of his mother's life, and in fact 
 does not even know her name. Henry Fiene, Sr., 
 arriving in this countr^y, came to Illinois and set- 
 tled in Randolph County, where he married a sec- 
 ond time. He continued to make his home here 
 until his demise. 
 
 In the parochial schools of Randolph County 
 the subject of this sketch conducted his studies 
 until he reached fourteen years of age, when his 
 school days were ended. Afterward he worked on 
 a farm as a laborer and spent four years at the 
 saddler's trade. When twenty-one, he began car- 
 rying the United States mail between Murphys- 
 boro and Sparta, which occupation he followed 
 for four j-ears. He then came to Steeleville and 
 engaged in the livery business and in farming pur- 
 suits, which he has since continued. In addition, 
 he has for a number of j-ears dealt in furs, deriv- 
 ing a handsome income from this source. 
 In 1873 Mr. Fiene married Miss Louise, daugh-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 455 
 
 ter of Ernst Sickmyer, formerly of Ohio, but later 
 
 a resident of Illinois. Of this union nine chil- 
 dren were born, one of whom died in infancy. 
 Those living are, Edwin, George, Adolph, Ileniy, 
 Louis, Annie, Albert and Onia, all of whom reside 
 with their parents. Mr. Fiene and his family are 
 members of the Lutheran Church, to the support of 
 which he is a generous contributor. In politics he 
 is a Republican and has always cast his ballot for 
 the candidates and principles of that party. He 
 has served as Treasurer of the village of Steele- 
 ville and has also been Trustee of the Board a 
 number of limes. As a citizen he is interested in 
 all ineasuies having for their aim the promotion 
 of the best interests 6f the place and the advance- 
 ment of its material welfare. 
 
 '^-- 
 
 =+ 
 
 OHN McMENOMY, M. D. Widely known 
 and universally esteemed. Dr. McMenomy, 
 ^,^1 as a citizen and honored physician, com- 
 ^^f' inands the esteem and conlidence of his fel- 
 low-townsmen and the general public. He for- 
 merly resided in Chester, where he was for a time 
 Count}' Physician, but recently removed to Percy. 
 He was born in New York City, July 6, 1847, to 
 Patrick and Annie (Hoe) McMenoni}'. The parents 
 were born in Ireland, and emigrated to America 
 in an early day, spending their last days in New 
 York City. 
 
 The earl}' education of our subject was received 
 in the common schools of his native city, but when 
 a lad of nine years he was deprived of the care of 
 both parents. At this time he went to live 
 with a man named Brown, who came to Ran- 
 dolph County and located on a farm near Sparta. 
 On this place our subject at once set to work to 
 help bring it to a fine state of cultivation, and so 
 continued until 1863, when he concluded to serve 
 his country in defending the Old Flag. 
 
 In the 3'ear 1863 the name of John McMenomy 
 was enrolled in Company F, One Hundred and 
 F^orty-second Illinois Infantry, in the one hun- 
 dred days' service, and al the expiration of that 
 time he re-enlisted, This time he joined the One 
 
 Hundred and Fifty-fourth Infantry, and served 
 
 gallantly until the close of hostilities, when he was 
 honorably discharged as Second Corporal of Com- 
 pany F. He was always at his post of dutj-, and 
 took part in many prominent engagements with 
 his regiment. 
 
 After the establishment of peace, in the winter 
 of 1865, the subject of this sketch returned to 
 his home and attended school in Sparta. The 
 following spring he began clerking in the drug 
 store of Dr. Gersage, where he remained for three 
 years, learning the business thoroughly. The next 
 year was spent in a drug store at Coulterville, 
 whence he went to Chicago soon after the great fire 
 in that city, and there spent the winter. Being 
 desirous of becoming a phj'sician, he then com- 
 menced the stud} of medicine with Dr. Booth, of 
 Sparta, and in the winter of 1873-74 attended the 
 medical college at Louisville, Ky. In the spring 
 of the last named year. Dr. McMenomy commenced 
 the practice of his profession in Preston, HI., car- 
 rying on a lucrative business for two years. Then 
 removing to Baldwin, this stale, he remained there 
 for the next decade, whence he journe^-ed to 
 Evansville. After two years' practice in the above 
 place, he spent the winter in California, but de- 
 ciding to return to Evansville, again took up his 
 practice in that city, where he remained until De- 
 cember 2, 1891. At this time Dr. McMenomy be- 
 came a citizen of Chester, where he resumed the 
 practical duties of a ph3'sician. He constantl}- en- 
 deavors to improve his conception of the needs of 
 the human system, to keep himself acquainted 
 with the latest investigations of anatomists and 
 chemists, and to use judiciously the remedies that 
 are already known, as well as the new combina- 
 tions that prove worthy of acceptance. 
 
 In September, 1878, the Doctor was united in 
 marriage with Miss Loretta Wiltshire, a daughter 
 of Charles H. and Lucy (Hill) Wiltshire. Mrs. Mc- 
 Menomy is a native of Illinois, and is a highl}- ed- 
 ucated and cultured lady. One son has been born 
 of this union, who bears the name of Albert, and 
 who is attending school at Chester. 
 
 The Doctor was elected to the honored position 
 of County Physician of Randolph County in the 
 fall of 1893, and has not only filled the office with
 
 456 
 
 PORTRAIT ANT) lUOCHArH'CAL RECORD. 
 
 satisfaction to the peoplo, but with credit to him- 
 self. Dr. McMenomy is (juile interested in social 
 orders, as is evinced by liis tnenibersliii) in Lodge 
 No. 248, F. & A. M.. of Red Bud, the Egypt Star 
 Lodge No. 285, L O. O. F., of Red Bud, and tlie 
 Hercules Lodge, K. of P., at Chester. He is a Re- 
 publican from conviction, and an active worker 
 for the party policy, not only supporting it bj' his 
 ballot, but by his influence and presentation of its 
 princii)les to liis acquaintances. 
 
 &ARRISON CLORE. The result of energy 
 ; and peiseverance are nowhere better illus- 
 trated than in the career of Mr. Clore, who 
 began life with onlj' the natural ability with 
 which nature had endowed him, and is at the pres- 
 ent time a well known and prosperous agriculturist 
 residing on section 18, township 7, range 6. In 
 1879 he added gardening and the cultivation of 
 small fruits to his already busy life as a farmer, 
 and to-da^' is one of the most extensive fruit- 
 growers in southern Illinois, and during their sea- 
 son almost entirely supplies Chester with fine 
 strawberries. 
 
 A native of Kentucky, Mr. Clore was born in 
 Boone County, November 22, 1830, while his fa- 
 ther, Abraham Clore, was a native of Virginia. He 
 emigrated with his parents when quite young to 
 the above county in Kentucky. The father of our 
 subject was manager and overseer of a large plan- 
 tation in the Blue Grass State until coming to 
 Illinois in 1836. In that year he puichaaed a farm 
 near Chester, upon which he located, and in addi- 
 tion to its cultivation he also followed his trade of 
 a carpenter. He was accompanied on the trip to 
 Illinois by his brother Isaac, who assisted him in 
 the conduct of his farm. 
 
 Mrs. Sarah (Cornelius) Clore, the mother of our 
 subject, was also a native of Kentucky, and was the 
 daughter of Albert Cornelius. She reared a fam- 
 ily of five children, of whom Harrison, of this 
 sketch, was the eldest. He had few advantages 
 for obtaining an education, but availed himself to 
 the utmost of every opportunity for gaining 
 knowledge. His father owning the ferry at Mary's 
 
 River, our subject had charge of that until 1843, 
 when he returned to the farm. The next year was 
 the date of the big flood, and the family were 
 happy in the thought that they had moved in 
 time U) escape the dangers which it brought in its 
 path. 
 
 When fifteen 3'ears of age, our subject returned 
 to his old home in Boone County, Ky., where he 
 visited friends and relatives for some time. and on 
 the expiration of his holidaj- again took up the 
 work on his father's farm, where he remained un- 
 til reaching his majorit}'. January 4, 1854, he was 
 married to Miss Sabina N., daughter of Jacob and 
 Elizabeth (Kunkle) Baer, who emigrated from 
 Indiana to Illinois and were people ol prominence 
 in this state. Our subject and his wife are mem- 
 bers in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal 
 Church, in which denomination he has been Trus- 
 tee, Steward and Superintendent of the Sunday- 
 school for the past twent)--six years. 
 
 Mr. Clore began his political career as a Demo- 
 crat, but on the outbreak of the Civil War joined 
 the ranks of the Republicans and voted with 
 them until within the last few years, since which 
 time he has been a stanch Prohibitionist. 
 
 (f|^^ ENRY BUSCHER resides in township 7, 
 jfjj, range 6, Randolph County, where he owns 
 Is)^^ a good estate of finel}' improved land, 
 (^3) which he devotes to diversified crops. The 
 buildings that have been erected upon the estate 
 are neat and substantial, sutHciently commodious 
 for their respective uses, and include every neces- 
 sary and convenient edifice. Mr. Buscher pur- 
 sues his calling with zeal and intelligence, winning 
 from the soil an abundant share of the various 
 grains, and in this wa3' is securing for himself and 
 family' all of the comforts of life. 
 
 A native of this count}*, our subject was born 
 near Percy, September 10, 1858, and is the eldest 
 son of William and Elizabeth (Rury) Buscher. His 
 father was born in German}-, and came to Amer- 
 ica when a young man, locating in Chester, this 
 county, wlure he worked for a time at his trade of 
 a shoemaker. Later he followed farm pursuits,
 
 iyfAA^axdX^ .^^t^^o^eyyiyd-t^^^^-^^yC^
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 469 
 
 and owned a good estate near Perc}', where he was 
 residing at the time of his decease, November 28, 
 1892. His wife is still living and makes her home 
 near Perc}-. 
 
 Henry Buscher, of this sketch, alternated his 
 duties as a farmer's lad with attendance at the dis- 
 trict school, and when ready to choose a life work, 
 became an .agriculturist. He has pursued a course 
 which has secured for him the hearty respect of 
 all who know him, and has given him a good rank 
 among the farmers of the county. In addition to 
 raising the various grains, he has some fine stock 
 on his place. 
 
 October 30, 1888, our subject and Miss Caroline 
 Clamp were united in marriage. The parents of 
 Mrs. Buscher, Daniel and Christina Clamp, died 
 when she was three years of age. To them has 
 been born one child, a son, Albert Edward. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Buscher are members of the German 
 Methodist Church, and are people of many pleas- 
 ant and social qualities. Our subject possesses in- 
 telligent views on all subjects of general interest, 
 particularly on political questions, and is an ardent 
 supporter of the Republican party. 
 
 <•{•+•!••!• i 
 
 ^^^UGUST DUDENBOSTEL, dealer in dry 
 (@/-J[ [ goods, groceries, hardware, boots and shoes 
 
 I (i) at Campbell Hill, is a native of Hanover, 
 (^ Germany. He was born February 4, 1838, 
 
 and is a son of Henry Dudenbostel, a German 
 farmer. He was reared on his father's farm, and 
 acquired a good education in his native land. At 
 the age of eighteen he entered the German cav- 
 alry, enlisting for ten years' service, and was al- 
 ways stationed at Hanover. On the expiration of 
 his term he was discharged, and in the fall of 1866 
 he came to America, in company with his brother, 
 E. A. Dudenbostel. Landing at New Orleans, he 
 first located at Chester. III., and thence went to 
 Evansville, where he began clerking in his brother's 
 store. He there learned business methods and the 
 English language. 
 
 After two years Mr. Dudenbostel went to Rock- 
 wood, and for the two succeeding 3'ears was 
 employed as traveling salesman for a pursery. 
 14 
 
 On the expiration of that period he opened a 
 general store in Wine Hill and built up a good 
 business, which he successfully carried on for five 
 years. It was through his efforts that the name of 
 Wine Hill was given to the town and precinct,and 
 that the postoffice was established at that place. 
 He also served as the first Postmaster. In 1876,- 
 he sold out at Wine Hill and came to Campbell 
 Hill, where he bought out William Mohlenbrock 
 and .again embarked in general merchandising. He 
 w.as located just across the street from liis present 
 store, where he continued for five years. 
 
 In 1881 Mr. Dudenbostel built a fine brick store 
 and warehouse, 40x60 feet and two stories in 
 height, at a cost of #4,500. He stocked it well 
 with general merchandise and has since carried on 
 trade at this place, doing a business of $15,000 
 per year. In 1892 he built a fine brick addition 
 to his store at a cost of 12,500. It is 28x34 feet, 
 two stories in height, with a basement, is heated by 
 a furnace and is used as a restaurant. This is the 
 finest store building in the northern part of Jack- 
 son Count3', and its owner has accumulated much 
 land. He recently' sold seven farms and still re- 
 tains two hundred acres. 
 
 In 1870 Mr. Dudenbostel married Mary Dett- 
 raerr, a native of Randolph County. Thej' had 
 two children, but both are now deceased, and the 
 mother died in 1875. In 1876 our subject mar- 
 ried Sophia Knop, also a native of Randolph 
 County. The^' have eight sons, Louis, Arnold, 
 Edwin, Ernest, Adelbert, Herbert, Earnhardt and 
 Hugo. The parents are members of the Evan- 
 gelical Lutheran Church, are very prominent in 
 church work and contribute liberally to its sup- 
 port. 
 
 Mr. Dudenbostel is a member of the Masonic 
 fraternity and has served as Senior Deacon. In 
 politics he has always been a stalwart Democrat 
 and does what he can for his party's interest. He 
 is now serving his third term as Supervisor of 
 Bradley Township. In 1892 he was strongly urged 
 to become a candidate for the Legislature, but 
 declined on account of business interests. From 
 187C until 1880 he served as Postmaster at Camp- 
 bell Hill, was again appointed in 1884 for a four 
 years' term, and in 1892 was once more given the
 
 460 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 position he yet fills. He has several times been 
 President of the Village Board, and in all pub- 
 lic positions has discharged iiis duties with a 
 promptness and fidelity tliat have won liim high 
 commendation. He may truly be called a self- 
 made man, and the success of iiis life is the just 
 reward of his labors. 
 
 ..{..^.{..j. i 
 
 i.-5"{-*4 
 
 n4..j..j..5.i^^< ****! 
 
 1r^ 
 
 "iffUDGE JOHN MORRISON. A long resi- 
 dence in a community gives to an individ- 
 ual a standing that can scarcely be secured 
 otherwise, especially if he has made for 
 himself an honorable record as a citizen. Doubt- 
 less no one in Randolph County is more widely 
 known than Judge Morrison, who resides on town- 
 ship 6, range 5. He has witnessed the develop- 
 ment of tlie county from a sparsely settled and 
 uninviting tract of land to a eommunit}' of thriv- 
 ing villages and fine farms, the abode of an intel- 
 ligent and prosperous people. The Judge is of 
 Irish birth, having been born near Londonderry, 
 in 1822. His [larents were James and Jane (Park- 
 hill) Morrison, tlie former of whom came to Amer- 
 ica in an early day and died here. At tlie age of 
 seventeen, John came to America to visit his ma- 
 ternal uncles, who resided in Virginia. He accom- 
 panied an uncle from the Old Dominion to Illinois 
 and settled near Steeleville, where he still lives. 
 He has but the kindest of words to say of the 
 people who were here when he came and who 
 were hospitable and generous, though their means 
 were limited. For a number of years he worked 
 at anything he could find to do, and for five years 
 was employed on Captain Cliaplin's farm. He fin- 
 ally purchased property in township 6, range 5, 
 where he has since resided. So long has he lived 
 here that he is now considered one of the land- 
 marks. He expresses tlie highest gratitude to Col. 
 Gabriel Jones, who bought the tract of one hun- 
 drefl and twenty acres the Judge still owns, and 
 who had the deeds made out to the latter without 
 Ills knowledge. 
 
 The first marriage of Judge Morrison united 
 him with Miss Mahala, daugliter of Archibald 
 Steele, a pioneer of Randolph County. They be- 
 
 came tlie parents of four sons and four daughters. 
 Those living are, Matilda, wlio inarricd William 
 McCoy, a resident of Alma, 111.; Jane, the widow 
 of John L. Hart, and a resident of Steeleville; 
 William A., who married Carrie Nolte, and lives 
 near Rockwood; and Henry, who is yet single 
 and is working in St. Louis. About 1864 Mrs. 
 Mahala Morrison died, and the Judge remained a 
 widower for many years. In 1876 he married 
 Mrs. Luiana (Simons) Brown, a daughter of Ed- 
 ward and Eunice (Kelly) Simons. Four children 
 have blessed this union: Charles E., Grace B., Car- 
 rie B., and Lawrence S., who are attending the 
 home schools. 
 
 In religious connections, the Judge and his wife 
 are identified with the Presbyterian Church, and 
 he is serving as Elder. Socially, he is a member 
 of Steeleville Lodge No. 497. Politically, he has 
 always been a stanch Democrat, and upon the 
 ticket of that party he has been elected to numer- 
 ous local positions, including that of County Com- 
 missioner, in which he has served for a number of 
 years. His life has been distinguished by rare en- 
 ergy, stability of character and prompt and syste- 
 matic business habits, and he enjoys an enviable 
 reputation as a man of firm princiiiles and strict 
 morality. 
 
 ■ ^ ^P • 
 
 i^jr-5) T. ROBINSON, who devotes his time and 
 ,/<^^^ attention to agricultural pursuits and makes 
 %^^ his home on his good farm on section 33, 
 Pomona Township, Jackson Count}', was born on 
 the old homestead February 28, 1835. His par- 
 ents were Urbane E. and Penelope (Bradshaw) 
 Robinson, and were born in 1805, in Kentucky 
 and Tennessee, respectively. In 1809 Mr. Rob- 
 inson came with his parents to Illinois, locating 
 at Big Hill, near where the town of Grand Tower 
 now stands. They are among the first settlers of 
 this region, and Indians were still numerous in the 
 neighborhood, while bears and other wild animals 
 were frequently seen. The Bradshaw family also 
 came to Jackson County about the same time as 
 the Robinsons. The parents of our subject were 
 married in Jackson County, and sixty-three years 
 ago settled on section 28, Pomona Township,
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 461 
 
 upon a tract of wild land, from which Mr. Robin- 
 son developed a fine farm. The last years of his 
 life were spent in retirement in Murphysboro, 
 where his death occurred in 1888. His wife passed 
 away in 1865. In early life they were Methodists, 
 but afterward joined the Baptist Church. He 
 took an active part in public affairs and did much 
 toward the upbuilding of the county. Prior to 
 the war he was a Democrat, but on the organiza- 
 tion of the Republican party joined its ranks. He 
 served as Justice of the Peace and County Com- 
 missioner, and was defeated in the race for County 
 Treasurer. He raised a com})any for the Civil 
 War, but it was never mustered in. His son 
 John Wesley, now deceased, served in the Mexi- 
 can War, and two sons were iu the late war. The 
 family numbered eight children, but only three 
 are now living: Franklin T., of Pomona Township, 
 Jackson County; T. T., of this sketch; and Mrs. 
 Margaret J. Gregory, of East St. Louis. 
 
 No event of special importance occurred during 
 the childhood of our subject, which was quietly 
 passed on the old home farm, where he remained 
 until twenty-one years of age. He then engaged in 
 milling for a time, and later settled ui)on a tract 
 of wild land, which he began to cultivate and im- 
 prove, transforming it into rich and fertile fields. 
 He has added to it from time to time, until he 
 now owns five hundred acres, the greater part of 
 which is well developed. 
 
 In 1859 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. 
 Robinson and Mary A. Gregory, who was born in 
 Jackson County in June, 1840, and is a daughter 
 of Isaac and Christina Gregory, who came from 
 North Carolina to southern Illinois iu an early 
 day. They have two children: Clementine, who 
 is now the wife of Henry Stewart, of Colorado, 
 and has three children, and Daisy, at home. 
 
 Mr. Robinson manifested his loyalty to the 
 Government during the late war by enlisting, Au- 
 gust 11, 1862, in Company B, One Hundred and 
 Ninth Illinois Infantry. He was commissioned 
 Second Lieutenant, went to Columbus, Ky., thence 
 to Boliver, Tenn., and served throughout the 
 Yicksburg campaign. He was in command of his 
 company in 186.3, when the regiment was consoli- 
 dated with the Eleventh Illinois Infantry and he 
 
 returned home. He now belongs to the Grand 
 Army post and to Makanda Lodge No. 44, A. F. 
 & A. M. In religious belief he and his wife are 
 Baptists, and he is now serving as Clerk of the 
 church, also as Trustee. For fourteen years he was 
 a member of the Board of Home Missions, and was 
 Trustee of the Pecle Fund. He has served as Su- 
 perintendent, and his wife has been a teacher iu 
 the Sunday-school. ' He takes quite an active part 
 in [jolitics, is a stalwart advocate of the Democ- 
 racy, and has frequently been a delegate to the 
 conventions of his party. He has served as Jus- 
 tice of the Peace and is Cliairman of the present 
 Board of County Supervisors. He was a member 
 of one of the first boards of the county. In 1879 he 
 was elected to the Thirty-first General Assembly 
 and served on the committees on roads and bridges, 
 public buildings and charitable institutions. In 
 1888 he was nominated for Congress, but was de- 
 feated. His fellow-townsmen have manifested 
 their confidence in him by frequentl}' calling him 
 to office, and in the various positions he has filled 
 he has ever been found faithful and true. He was 
 a valiant soldier, an efficient officer, a progressive 
 citizen, and well deserves representation in the 
 history of his native county. 
 
 H-!''3"5"!' ^^.•3"5-*5**i 
 
 '•J-i-t-f'^W'-S-S-^+F 
 
 OUJS VOGT, who has for more than two dec- 
 ades been the owner of one of the best es- 
 tates in township 1, ranges 9 and 10 west, 
 Monroe County', is classed among tlie well-to-do 
 farmers of his section. He is a native of Prussia, 
 and was born November 11, 1842. He was be- 
 reft of both parents when but an infant and was 
 reared by his uncle, Frank Jasper Vogt, who came 
 to the United States when our subject was but 
 four jears old and located in this county. He 
 was a man of means, and at once purchased a farm, 
 comprising one iiundred and fiftj' acres. He was 
 never married, and his sister, Mary Frances, kept 
 house for him. He died in 1856. Our subject re- 
 mained on this farm until his marriage, which oc- 
 curred when he was twenty-four years of age. 
 
 The early education of young Louis was re- 
 ceived in the common and Catholic schools, to
 
 462 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 which faith he was reared. While residing with 
 his uncle he became familiar with all the details 
 of farming, and chose that vocation as his life 
 work. At the time of his marriage, in 1867. he be- 
 gan renting land, but in 1873 was enabled to pur- 
 chase land of his own, which comprised one hun- 
 dred broad and fertile acres. He has since been 
 engaged in general fanning and stock-raising to 
 some extent, in which he has been very prosperous. 
 Some years ago he disposed of ten acres of his 
 land, leaving him at the present time one hundred 
 and seventy acres, all of which are under the best 
 state of cultivation. 
 
 The lady who became the wife of our subject 
 bore the maiden name of Catherine Janson, a 
 daughter of Valentine and Elizabeth (Seibert) 
 Janson. To them were born nine children, six of 
 whom 3'et are living, and are named: Elizabeth, 
 Louis, Anna, John, Maggie and Edward. Eliza- 
 beth is the wife of Michael Schaff, and Louis is 
 married to Lena Petri. The children have all re- 
 ceived tlie best advantages for good educations in 
 the public and Catliohc schools. Socially, Mr. 
 Vogt is a member of the Catholic Knights of Illi- 
 nois, and politically is a stanch Democrat. In 
 1890 he was chosen County Commissioner on his 
 ticket and has since been re-elected. He also 
 served as School Director and Road Commissioner 
 of his township. 
 
 AMUEL BOU.SCHER. In giving their 
 lues to the pioneers of southern llli- 
 is, the pen of an historian is needed to 
 perpetuate their names and deeds for pos- 
 terity, who with llie onward march of time will 
 learn to appreciate them at their full value. It is 
 doubtful if those sturdy characters themselves 
 realized the magnitude of the work they had be- 
 gun and the results which were to follow. Not 
 only did their labors affect themselves personally, 
 but the works of each man contributed to make 
 a grand whole in the development of a rich sec- 
 tion of the country, which is looked upon with 
 pride by the people to-day. The fact that Mr. 
 Bouscher came to Somerset Township prior to the 
 
 founding of the city of Murphysboro is sufficient 
 to establish him among the prominent men of 
 Jackson County, and the further fact that he has 
 labored industriously and lived worthily forms 
 for him one of the most enduring monuments that 
 can be erected to man. 
 
 The parents of our subject, Henry .■iiul Elizabeth 
 (Wright) Bouscher, were natives of Pennsylvania, 
 and were of German descent. Samuel was born 
 in Somerset County, Pa., Febiuary 28, 1814, and 
 was reared to manhood in the Keystone State, 
 having from childhood engaged in agricultural 
 pursuits. In the subscription schools of the 
 home neighborhood he received a rudimentary 
 education, and the knowledge there gained has 
 since been supplemented by extensive reading 
 and close observation. In October, 1838, in Penn- 
 sylvania, he was united in marri.ige with Miss 
 Catherine Enos, who was born in Somerset Coun- 
 t}-, that state, being a daughter of George and 
 Catherine Enos. A large family of children re- 
 sulted from this union, of whom the following 
 survive: Marj' A., wife of Daniel Kimmel; Ava A., 
 who married G. G. AVill (see sketch presented on 
 another page); William H.; Emma F., wife of Ed- 
 ward Whipke}'; Albina, who married Joseph Im- 
 hoff; and Alpheretta, wife of D. Bradley. 
 
 In 1839, accompanied by his family, Mr. Bou- 
 scher came to Illinois, and two years later he set- 
 tled upon his present farm. After building a log 
 cabin he commenced the work of clearing the land, 
 which he developed until it was under excellent 
 cultivation. He now owns a valuable farm con- 
 sisting of one hundred and sixty acres, underl-aid 
 with coal; also two hundred and forty acres in 
 Levan Township, and one hundred acres on Cedar 
 Creek. As an agriculturist he has been very suc- 
 cessful, and his energy and judicious management 
 have aided him in the accumulation of his prop- 
 erty. 
 
 In his religious belief, Mr. Bouscher is identified 
 with the Lutheran Church, in all the good works 
 of which he is an active worker. He was deeply 
 bereaved when, on the 18th of February, 1882, 
 his wife was called from earth. During all the 
 years of their wedded life, she was his helpmate 
 and devotee^ counselor, and m her demise the
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 463 
 
 family suffered a deep loss. As a citizen, Mr. 
 Bouscher lias ever favored all public-.spirited meas- 
 ures, and perhaps no resident of Somerset Town- 
 ship has contributed more liberally to its develop- 
 ment than has he. In politics Mr. Bouscher is a 
 stanch Republican. 
 
 
 II^'RANCIS MOORE, who carries on general 
 Ir^t© farming in Randolph Count}', owns and 
 IWi operates two hundred and tliirt}' acres of 
 good land. lie was born in Count}- Monaghan, 
 Ireland, in 1839, and is a son of William and Mar- 
 garet (Dunn) Moore, who were also natives of the 
 same county. The father was born in 1812, and 
 in 1838 married Miss Dunn, b}- whom he had two 
 children, Francis and Eliza Jane. The latter mar- 
 ried .John S. Clendening, and they had two chil- 
 dren, William James and Anna Jane. After the 
 death of her first husband. J^liza married John 
 Beatty, of Sparta. In 1841 William Moore crossed 
 tlie Atlantic with his famil}', arriving at Chester 
 in February. He made a settlement near Evans- 
 ville, HI., where he spent his remaining days, his 
 death occurring in 1844. By occupation he was a 
 farmer. 
 
 Our subject was only two Aears old when 
 brought by his parents to the New World. lie 
 remained at iiome until twenty-two 3'ears of age, 
 and in the public and subscription schools ac- 
 quired his education. On leaving home be set- 
 tled on Lively Prairie, and still owns a farm of 
 one hundred and sixty acres there. He continued 
 to make it his home until 1881, when he removed 
 to his present farm, which now comprises two 
 hundred and thirty acres of valuable land, all un- 
 der a high state of cultivation with the exception 
 of ten acres. Upon the place are a good residence 
 and outbuildings, together with all the accessories 
 of a model farm. Mr. Moore raises a good grade 
 of stock, in fact there is nothing inferior upon 
 the farm, which is neat and thrifty in appearance 
 and indicates to the passer-by the supervision of a 
 practical and progressive owner. 
 
 Mr. Moore has been twice married. He first 
 wedded Sarah Jane Boyd, a native of Randolph 
 
 County, who died in 1863. She was a member of 
 the United Presbyterian Church of Springfield. 
 In 1865, Mar} J. Adair became his wife. She is 
 also a native of this county, and a daughter of 
 William and Rebecca (Taggart) Adair, who were 
 natives of South Carolina. Her father served as 
 a Major in the Black Hawk War. In the Moore 
 family are five children: William B., at home; Mrs. 
 Rebecca A. Temple; James D., at home; Francis C, 
 who married Minnie Perkins, by whom he has one 
 child, Carroll L.; and Slargaret E., at home. 
 
 In his political affiliations, Mr. Moore is a Dem- 
 ocrat, and for two terms he has served as Justice 
 of the Peace. Both he and his wife are members 
 of the United Presbyterian Church of Springfield, 
 in which he serves as Deacon. He is also serving 
 as Trustee with the Sparta congregation. This' 
 worthy cOH[)le are widely and favorably known 
 throughout the community, and have a large 
 circle of friends, who hold them in high esteem on 
 account of their many excellencies of character. 
 
 ^r^iOBERT ROBERTSON. This venerable gcn- 
 jbiir tleman, though born across the water in 
 ■r^\ Renfrewshire, Scotland, was an early scl- 
 '^^tlerof Randolph County, and the tiact of 
 land on section 29, township 4, range 5, where he 
 located in 1849, he has ever since made his home. 
 He is now enjoying its peaceful comfort in retire- 
 ment from the hard labor of his early years, by 
 which he developed one of the fine farms for 
 which this locality is noted. 
 
 The parents of our subject, William and Jeanette 
 (McCurdy) Robertson, lived and died in the old 
 country. They reared a family of seven children, 
 of whom James, who is living in Australia, and 
 our subject are the only members living. The 
 father was a weaver by trade, and with his wife 
 was a devoted member of the Established Church 
 in Scotland. Robert grew to man's estate in his 
 native country, where he received a common- 
 school education and learned the trade of a car- 
 penter and joiner, which he followed for some 
 time in Paisley. When ready to establish a home 
 of his own, he was married, November 11, 1844, to
 
 464 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Miss Jane Duncan, a native of Scotland, where her 
 birth occurred in 1826. She is the daugliter of 
 Joiin and Isabella (McFee) Duncan, both of whom 
 departed this life in the Old Country. Mrs. Rob- 
 ertson is the eldest of five children, and besides 
 her brotlier Daniel, who lives in New Zealand, is 
 the only one living, llcr father was a member of 
 the Gielic Church, while her mother was of the Old 
 Ligiit Covenanter faith. 
 
 Prior to making a permanent location in the 
 New World, our subject came on a prospecting 
 tour in 1811, and returning home a few months 
 later, remained until the spring of 1849, when he 
 emigrated with his family, landing in America 
 July 9. His brother, who had previously come to 
 this country, was living in township 4, range 6, 
 of this county, and hither our subject came. He 
 resided upon a portion of his laud until 1852, 
 since which time he has lived on his present farm 
 on section 29. When locating here the propert3' 
 included only eighty acres, all in a primitive con- 
 dition, and many were the privations and hard- 
 ships he and his family weie called upon to endure 
 before he had subdued the soil and brought it to a 
 high state of cultivation, making the various im- 
 provements that have so greatly increased its 
 value. He now has two hundred and sixt^'-five 
 broad acres, all under the plow witli the exception 
 of a small tract. 
 
 Of the family of eight children born to Mr. and 
 Mrs. Robertson onlj' five are living, of whom we 
 make the following mention: Isabella married 
 John T. B'inley, and resides in Washington Coun- 
 ty, this state; William, Janet, Agnes and John W. 
 live at home. The youngest son completed his 
 studies in the Sparta High School, and in 1889 was 
 graduated from the Beaumont Medical College, at 
 St. Louis, Mo. He is now engaged in the practice 
 of his profession in Tilden, this county. 
 
 Mr. ajid Mrs. Robertson are influential members 
 cif the Presbyterian Church of Sparta. Our sub- 
 ject, who in early life was a Republican, now votes 
 the Prohibition ticket. He has been School Di- 
 rector in liis district, and at all times has done his 
 part in furthering the best interests of his town- 
 ship. He has in his possession an old clock, eight 
 feet high, which is one hundred and ninety years 
 
 old and has been in the family during that entire 
 period. Besides his fine farm he is a stockiiolder 
 in the creamery at Sparta and is a man of untiring 
 energy, being classed among the best citizens of 
 Randolph County. After an absence of thirty 
 years, Mr. and Mrs. Robertson visited their old 
 home in Scotland, where they renewed their ac- 
 quaintance with man}' friends of their younger 
 years. 
 
 ,y^ILLIAM MOULIC, proprietor of a drug 
 store in Percy, and an enterprising and 
 
 V^ successful business man, was born in 
 Thornton, Cook County, 111., February 11, 1859, 
 and is one of five ciiildren, whose parents were 
 Vensel and Mary Moulic. The fatiier was born in 
 Bohemia, and there resided until thirtj'-five years 
 of age, when he came to America with his family. 
 This was in 1854. He was a gunsmith by trade 
 and followed that occupation for a number of 
 years. Removing from Cook County to Cliester, 
 111., in the year 1860, he there plied his tradeuntil 
 after the death of his wife in 1868, when he re- 
 moved to a farm in Jackson County, where his 
 death occurred in Marcli, 1872. 
 
 In early life the subject of this sketch attended 
 school in Chester, but at the tender age of eight 
 began earning his own livelihood, for his father 
 was in very limited circumstances. He went to 
 live with a farmer near Rockwood, 111., and was 
 employed as a farm hand until sixteen years of 
 age, receiving for his services his board and clothes. 
 At that time he was given $10 per month, and in- 
 stead of attending the social gatherings whicii are 
 usually the resort of young people, he borrowed 
 books and spent his leisure hours in study. On 
 the expiration of three years he had saved about 
 $500. His idea was to make a physician of liira- 
 self, and when he had accumulated |!l,000 to enter 
 the University at Ann Arbor, Mich., and complete 
 a course of study in that school. About this time, 
 however, he was greatly surprised to receive an 
 offer from J. M. Malone to enter his drug store in 
 Steeleville, 111., as a clerk. Mr. Moulic concluded 
 to accept the offer, and spent two 3'ears in learning 
 the drug business, on the expiration of which period
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 
 
 465 
 
 he bought out the drug store, which he is still carrj-- 
 ing on in Perc}-. 
 
 In 1890, Mr. Moulic was married to Emma Begge- 
 raan. a daughter of Fritz and Mary (Jay) Begge- 
 nian. By their marriage has been born one son, 
 William Edison. The parents are members of the 
 Methodist Church, in which our subject has served 
 as Steward, and in church and benevolent work 
 they take an active part, doing all in their power 
 to promote the best interests of the community. 
 
 Socially, Mr. Moulic is connected with Chester 
 Lodge No. 57, I. O. O. F., has filled all of its chairs 
 and is now serving as Past Grand. In politics he 
 is a stalwart Republican, enthusiastic in support of 
 the party's principles. He has served as Trustee of 
 Percy, and is at present holding tlie oftice of Police 
 Magistrate. For eleven years he has been Post- 
 master of the town, and is now filling the position 
 of Notary Public in a creditable and acceptable 
 manner. He is true to eveiy trust, whether public 
 or private, and has won the confidence and high 
 regard of all with whom business or social relations 
 have brought him in contact. In connection with 
 his drug stock, Mr. Moulic also carries a line of 
 groceries, and is now doing a good business in both 
 lines. He has a large trade, the result of his fair 
 and honest dealing and courteous treatment. He 
 may truly be called a self-made man, for he started 
 out in life emptj^-handed, and by well directed 
 efforts has won fine success. 
 
 
 \I;OHN Q. A. NISBET. This name will be 
 j recognized as that of one of the leading 
 j^ ' business men of Randolph County, who is 
 'J^/' probably better known than any other man 
 within its bounds. He is one of those men whose 
 energy and talents allow of their engaging in va- 
 rious branches of business with success. He is the 
 present banker of Coulterville, where he is resid- 
 ing, and is Secretar.y, Treasurer and General Man- 
 ager of the Coulterville Flour Mills. He also owns 
 and carries on the only livery stable in the village, 
 and IS the proprietor of a valuable farm of one 
 hundred and five acres located near Sparta. 
 
 The father of our subject, Robert Nisbet, was 
 
 born in Tennessee, April 9, 1809, and was the son 
 of Samuel Nisbet, a native of Ireland, where his 
 birth occurred in 1782. The maternal grandmother 
 of our subject, Mrs. Nanc_\ (Morris) Nisbet. was 
 married in 1805, and accompanied her husband in 
 the fall of that year on his removal to Tennessee, 
 where they remained until 1819. That year they 
 came to Illinois, where the grandfather entered 
 a tract of land on .section 9. township 5, range 5, 
 Randolph County, at a time when neighbors were 
 few and far between. Here he followed farming 
 and resided until his decease in 1874. His good 
 wife, who reared a family of six children, preceded 
 him to the better land by man}- years. 
 
 The mother of our subject was born.Ianuary 31, 
 1820, in Tennessee and bore the maiden name of 
 Sarah Adams. She was married to Robert Nisbet 
 after coming to Randolph County, and the3'oung 
 couple located on the farm on section 9, which 
 joined the estate of Samuel Nisbet. The_v had five 
 children who grew to mature ^-ears. Sally, now 
 Mrs. W. C. Craig; J. Q. A., of this sketch; Melissa, 
 Mrs. Adams; F^dward F".: and Carrie, the wife of 
 James Livingston. The mother of this family died 
 July 8, 1873. 
 
 The father of our subject had been twice mar- 
 ried previous to his union with Miss Adams, and 
 by his first union were born two children, John 
 Watson, of Sparta, and Hugh B. By his second 
 marriage he also became the father of two chil- 
 dren, one who died in infancy and a son. James. 
 The latter was Captain of Company K, Fifth Illi- 
 nois Cavalry, during the late war, and died while 
 in the service. The father of our subject, who 
 was also a Union soldier, enlisted at the organiza- 
 tion of Company I, Forty-ninth lUnois Infantry, 
 and was mustered into the service September 13, 
 1861. He entered the army as a private, was soon 
 promoted to Sergeant, and died December 23, 1864, 
 from the effects of wounds received in front of 
 Nashville, Tenn. His remains were brought home 
 and lie buried in the old Sparta Cemetery. AVith 
 his wife he was a member of the United Presb\-te- 
 rian Church. 
 
 John Q. A. Nisbet was born Febiuary 18, 1844, 
 on the old homestead on section 9, and grew to 
 manhood in this county, receiving his primary ed
 
 466 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 ucation in the district schools and completed his 
 studies in the Sparta Academy. He then taught 
 school, and continued to reside upon the home farm 
 until his marriage to Miss Ida Emma De Muth, in 
 1869. Mrs. Nisbet was born in Ohio. October 26, 
 1849, and by her union with our subject bore him 
 two children, Harry and Kale. She departed this 
 life May 24, 1882. 
 
 The following extract is taken from the obituary 
 notice of Mrs. Ida Nisbet, published in the Coul- 
 tervillc paper: "She was born in the quiet little 
 vilhge of Onadenhutlen, Tuscarawas County, 
 Ohio, and in the cemeter3- at that place her mother 
 lies buried, having died when Ida was twelve years 
 old. After the dece.ise of her mother, Mrs. Nisbet 
 removed with her father to Martinsburg, Ohio, and 
 in 1867 came to Illinois. She was a very hand- 
 some and finely educated lady and made friends 
 with every one she met. She died from a very 
 severe attack of neuralgia, after fourteen days of 
 intense suffering." 
 
 Mr. Nisbet came to Coulterville in June, 1870, 
 and launched out into the mercantile business, in 
 which he continued for ten 3-ears. He then pur- 
 chased a half-interest in the coal mine in this 
 place, and disposing of his share six years later, he 
 soon afterward opened a banking establishment, 
 which is the only financial institution in the vil- 
 lage. As stated in the opening paragraph, he is 
 engaged in various enterprises and is manager of 
 the flouring mills, whicli were put in operation 
 November 10, 1890. They are equipped with a 
 full roller system and have a capacity for turning 
 out seventy-five barrels of the best flour daily. 
 They find a market for their product in St. Louis, 
 Knoxville, Atlanta, and other points in the south. 
 Mr. Nisbet is also interested in real estate, and in 
 investing his monev in this manner is always sure 
 to reap a good profit. 
 
 December 26. 1883, our subject married Miss 
 Katie, the only daughter of Michael Adami. Mrs. 
 Nisbet was born in St. Louis, Mo., and besides hav- 
 ing a good collegiate education, has received 
 thorough musical instruction. She has become the 
 mother of one child, a daughter, Krma. Our sub- 
 ject is a member of the United Presbyterian 
 Church. In politics he has been a life-long Re- 
 
 publican. He has served as Treasurer of his town- 
 ship for many years, has been President of the 
 village for two terms, and served on the Board of 
 Aldermen for a long time. He is interested in 
 school affairs and has given entire satisfaction as a 
 Director. 
 
 ■ ^ # P • 
 
 H. BOST is a farmer and stock-raiser of 
 @/4 l; Vergennes Township, and although 3'oung 
 Is in years, he is numbered among llie most 
 substantial and prosperous agriculturists 
 of Jackson Count3'. He is descended from one of 
 the oldest and most highly respected families of 
 this community, his father being AV. A. Bost. who 
 removed to southern Illinois in 1853, and first lo- 
 cated on Nine Mile Prairie, in Perr\- Count3', where 
 he purchased a farm. Subsequently", he erected 
 and carried on a flouring mill in De Soto. He was 
 twice married, his first wife dying two years after 
 their marriage. His second wife bore the maiden 
 name of Arranda Crews. 
 
 A. H. Bost was born in De Soto July 26, 1868. 
 Under the parental roof he was reared to manhood, 
 and in the public schools acquired his education. 
 No event of special importance occurred during 
 his boyhood. After he had attained bis majority, 
 he was united in marriage with Miss Lizzie 
 Schroder, daughter of J. M. Schroder, a resident 
 of Murphysboro. By their union has been born 
 one child, a daughter, Edith. 
 
 Mr. Bost is the owner of a fine farm, comprising 
 one hundred and thirt3'-»ix acres of valuable land, 
 on which abundant crops are growing. He is also 
 extensively engaged in stock-raising, in fact it is 
 the main part of his business. He makes a spe- 
 cialty of breeding Hainbletonian horses, which have 
 a fine pedigree and make good records. He has 
 some fine Hamblelonian stallions at his stables in 
 Vergennes. He also raises thorough-bred Poland- 
 Cliina hogs, and makes extensive shipments of 
 them to markets far and near. Upon his farm he 
 now has a boarding stable for fine horses. Mr. 
 Bost thoroughly understands his business, and al- 
 though 3'et a young man, he has met with excel- 
 lent success in life, for he is industrious and enter- 
 prising and makes the most of his opportunities.
 
 RESIDENCE OF W. J . WALKER, 5 EC. 25. ,T. 6. R.. 2., PERRY CO., ILL. 
 
 RESIDENCE OF A.H. B 05T , 5 EC :..j , vERGEI'i N l5 i ^•■, JmCK^ON CO , i LL
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 469 
 
 He has a wide circle of friends and acqaintances 
 in this community, where he has alwa3'S lived, and 
 his excellencies of character are recognized by his 
 fellow-townsmen. The best interests of the com- 
 munity find in him a friend, and he is a valued 
 citizen. 
 
 ^ 
 
 ^ 
 
 w 
 
 ?*[ — + — r 
 
 lylLLIAM J. WALKKR.a well known farmer 
 residing on section 25, township 6, range 
 2, of Perry County, was born in this com- 
 munity, August 24, 1831. His father, Jeremiah 
 Walker, was one of the first settlers of Peny 
 County. He was born in Wavne County, Ky., 
 and there married Martha Thompson, daughter of 
 James Thompson. In his native stale he fol- 
 •lowed farming. In company with his father-in- 
 law, George Martin, John Hansford and .Samuel 
 Brannon, he came to Perry County, and spent the 
 first winter in Pinckne3'Ville. In the spring he lo- 
 cated a claim of fort^' acres of Government land, 
 and afterward entered other tracts, until he had 
 three hundred and twenty acres on Four Mile 
 Prairie. There he developed a line farm, upon 
 which he made his home until his death. He was 
 a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, and 
 was one of the organizers of the first church ever 
 built on Four Mile Prairie. He was also one of 
 the honored pioneers of the community, and took 
 a prominent part in public affairs. In the family 
 were ten children, eight of whom grew to mature 
 years, while four are 3-et living: Mrs. Martha Jane 
 Walker, of Piatt Station; Cassandra, widow of 
 Frank Hester, and a resident of Perry County; and 
 Simeon, who lives at Piatt Station. 
 
 Upon the old homestead William J. Walker was 
 reared, and the subscription schools of the early 
 daj-s afforded him his educational privileges. With 
 the exception of one summer si)ent in Minnesota, 
 in the'employ of the Indian department, he has 
 always lived within six miles of the old place. He 
 married Xove'iiber 7, 1857, Miss Keziah, daughter 
 of Joseph A. Taylor, a native of Tennessee, who 
 came with his parents to Illinois when six months 
 old. The family- settled in Kaskaskia, afterward 
 
 went to Mississippi, but Mrs. Walker's father re- 
 turned to Illinois, and locating in Jackson County, 
 married Edith Pyle- He afterward removed to a 
 farm a short distance from the Walker homestead, 
 where he entered land. Subsequently he returned to 
 Mississippi and purchased the home of his parents. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Taylor had twelve children, of whom 
 ten grew to adult age, but only six are now living: 
 Sarah, widow of Patrick Vancil; Rebecca Jane, 
 wife of William Davis, of Jackson Count3-; Mrs. 
 Walker; Electa, widow of John Byers; Pha-be, 
 wife of Lyman P^ie; and Giles, who lives in Law- 
 rence County, Mo. 
 
 In 1864 Mr. Walker was called upon to mourn the 
 loss of his wife, who died on the 2d of May. They 
 had three children, two of whom are jet living: 
 Naomi, wife of R. G. Rees, a farmer and stock-raiser 
 of Idaho; and Joseph T., at home. John W. died at 
 the age of eight months. Mr. Walker was married 
 August 15, 1864, to Elizabeth Taylor, sister of his 
 first wife, and to them were born nine children, of 
 whom seven are yet living: Peter H.,a resident of 
 Du Quoin; Mary L., at home; Solomon T.; Will- 
 iam N., who is living in Newton Count}-, Mo.; 
 Hiram A., a student in Union College; Roscoe C. 
 and Blanche E. Martha died at the age of eigh- 
 teen months, and another child died in infancy'. 
 
 Mr. Walker is the owner of a fine farm of four 
 hundred and fifteen acres, and at one time owned 
 six hundred acres, but has given some to his sons. 
 The land is highly cultivated with the exception 
 of forty acres of timber, and the improvements 
 upon it are in keeping with those of a model farm. 
 His present residence was erected in 1890. His 
 farm work was interrupted on the 15th of August, 
 1861, when he enlisted in Company A, Thirty-first 
 Illinois Infantry-, on President Lincoln's call for 
 three hundred thousand volunteers. He became 
 Corporal of the company, but was discharged De- 
 cember 27, 1861, for he lost an arm at the battle 
 of Belmont on the 7th of November. In politics 
 he is a stalwart Republican, and has held the offices 
 of Count}' Commissioner and other official posi- 
 tions. He is a member of the Missionary Baptist 
 Church, as is his wife. Socially, he belongs to 
 Brookings Post No. 106, of Du Quoin, and has 
 been its Vice-Commander. He is a man of sterling
 
 470 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 worth, a valued citizen of the community, and has 
 the high regard of all with whom he has been 
 brought in contact. 
 
 ^^ 
 
 -r^^-r 
 
 %oJlf ful agncultui 
 \l//^l have contribu 
 
 ILI.IAM J. CRAIG. Among the suceess- 
 rists and stock-raisers who 
 ted materialiv to the culti- 
 vation and development of township 7, range 6, 
 Randolph County, we may well mention the name 
 of William .J. Craig, for no one is better known for 
 industrj' and devotion to duty, as well as for tlie 
 intelligent management of affairs, than he. 
 
 A native of Glasgow, Scotland, our subject w.as 
 born July 9, 1838, his parents being John and 
 Sarah Craig. The father was also a native of Scot- 
 land, and lived there until 1840, when he emi- 
 grated to America with bis family and settled on 
 a farm in Randolph County, the same on which 
 our subject yet resides. The country at that time 
 was one vast wilderness, and the family endured 
 the hardships and privations of pioneer life. Tlie 
 father died of cholera in 1849, just after his re- 
 turn from a visit to his mother in Scotland. The 
 mother of our subject bore her husband twelve 
 children, of whom William J. is the 3'oungest, 
 and all are deceased with the exception of him- 
 self, his sister Sarah, who married Arthur Mc- 
 Kenn\-, and lives in Chester; Eliza, who is the 
 wife of Andrew Douglas and makes her home in 
 this count}'; Jane, the wife of William McAdam, 
 of Chester; and Mary, who married John Fleming, 
 of this county. 
 
 Our subject attended the common district schools 
 in his youth and aided his father in his farm 
 work, gaining a good insight into the duties of 
 agriculture. When he was three years old his 
 mother died, and his father died eight years 
 later, throwing him on the care of his brothers 
 and sisters, but when fifteen years old he hired 
 out as a farm hand. At this he continued until 
 reaching his majority, when he took charge of the 
 old homestead and conducted agriculture jjros- 
 perously until 1864. At this date he was enlisted 
 in Company I, Tenth Illinois Infantry, in defense 
 of the Union cause, and was mustered in at Quiucy, 
 
 111., under Colonel Morgan. His first engagement 
 was at Kenesaw Mountain, and he afterward partic- 
 ipated in many of the important struggles of the 
 war. He was in active service with the excep- 
 tion of two months, when he lay in the hospital 
 at New Albany, Ind., until July, 1865. the date of 
 his honorable discharge at Chicago, 111. 
 
 On his return from the war, 'Mv. Craig again 
 took up farming as his life work, and since that 
 time has given his entire attention to his chosen 
 occupation. On this estate is to be found some 
 (Ine blooded stock. Neat and substantial build- 
 ings have been erected, and his residence is one 
 of convenience and comfort. The farm, taken 
 as a whole, is one of the finest and most attrac- 
 tive in southern Illinois. From time to time Mr. 
 Craig has added land to the original .acreage until 
 three hundred and seventy-five acres are com- 
 prised in this splendid estate. 
 
 August 22, 1866, Mr. Craig and Miss Louisa, 
 daughter of John and Louisa (Cale) Snyder, were 
 united in marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Snj'der emi- 
 grated from Germantown, Pa., to St. Louis in 
 1849, and there the mother died. Mrs. Craig is 
 the youngest of ten children, and all her brothers 
 and sisters are deceased except Kate, the wife of 
 O. L. Burdick. who lives in Florida; Rebecca, the 
 wife of John Foj'e. of Boston, Mass.; and William. 
 a resident of Pittsburg, Pa. 
 
 To our subject and his estimable wife thirteen 
 children were born, six of whom died in infancy. 
 Those living are, Albert E.. William C, Cora 
 Ma^-. Maggie Belle, .Sarah Louisa, Nellie McKenzie, 
 and Gilmer John, all of whom are yet with their 
 parents. The parents of this large family are de- 
 voted members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. 
 Craig always casts his vote with the Republican 
 party, but ha.s never been desirous of public office, 
 being content to do his duty as a loyal citizen at 
 the polls. In 1871 Mr. Craig visited his birth- 
 place in Scotland. 
 
 .-^<:^-^nOMAS R. .STEWART. Among the success- 
 ful agriculturist-s who have contributed 
 materially to the cultivation and develop- 
 ment of township 7, Randolph County, we m-ay 
 well mention the name just given, for none are
 
 PORTRAIT AND BlOGtlAPmCAL RECORD. 
 
 4 71 
 
 better known for industry and devotion to duty, 
 as well as for tlie intelligent management of his 
 affairs, than Thomas R. Stewart. He has been a resi- 
 dent of this county all his life, being born in Ches- 
 ter Precinct, April 25, 1841. The Stewarts are of 
 Scotch descent. 
 
 The father of our subject, William Stewart, was 
 born in Hamilton County, Ohio, and came to the 
 Prairie State when a young man. He married Miss 
 Nancy, daughter of Lott and Johanna (Hay) Doug- 
 las, who were natives of Scotland, and their union 
 resulted in the birth of five children, all of whom 
 are deceased with the exception of our subject 
 and his sister Jobanna. The latter is the wife of 
 Charles Rupert and makes her home in Chester 
 Precinct. 
 
 When a lad of nine years, Thomas R., of this 
 sketch, was deprived of the care of his father, and 
 he continued to aid his mother in carrying on 
 the home farm, thus supporting the family until 
 reaching his seventeenth year. At that time he 
 went to work for his uncle, Adam Douglas, who 
 lived in this township, and while there was per- 
 mitted to attend school during the winter season 
 for tliree years. When twenty years of age, he was 
 very desirous of doing what he could toward pre- 
 serving the union of the states and enlisted in Com- 
 pany I, Tenth Illinois Infantry, and was mustered 
 into service at Cairo, under Col. James D.Morgan. 
 He was engaged in many hard fought battles of 
 that period and was present at Shiloh and Corinth. 
 He was with vSherman on his march to the sea, and 
 when mustered out of service, in Jul}', 1865, had 
 been promoted to be Sergeant. 
 
 After the close of hostilities Mr. Stewart returned 
 to his home in this count}', and engaged to work 
 on the farm of Isaac Russ, by whom he was em- 
 ployed for three years. At the end of that time 
 he purchased property of his own, and has since 
 engaged in tilling the soil, in which he has been 
 more tban ordinarily successful. He has been iden- 
 tified with the advancement of his home interests 
 for many years, and, widely known, is highly es- 
 teemed for his business ability and sterling integ- 
 rity of character. 
 
 In May, 1867, our subject was married to Miss 
 Debby, daughter of Levi Moore, and of their union 
 
 five children have been born. Clara, who married 
 D. Lorton, makes her home in Fayette County, this 
 state: William T. resides with his parents; Mayctta 
 is a type-writer in St. Louis; Levi is at home, and 
 Eva is engaged in teaching school in Williamson 
 County, this state. Mrs. Debby Stewart died Sep- 
 tember 27, 1876, and the lady to whom our subject 
 was married October 23, 1879, w.as Miss Rcky Zang. 
 To them have been born seven children, of whom 
 Virgil R., Robert T., Aaron Z. G., Blanchard, Em- 
 mitt E. and Olis L. are living. 
 
 A prominent Grand Army man, our subject is a 
 member of Swanwick Post No. 212 at Chester, and 
 until 1892 was a strong Republican in politics. He 
 is now rather conservative, and henceforth will 
 vote for the best man regardless of party. 
 
 ■jir^ATHER JAMES ECKERLE, one of the rep- 
 lU-^'; resentative and leading citizens of Madon. 
 /1\ ^ naville, claims German}' as the land of his 
 birth, which occurred on the 28th of July, 1852. 
 His parents, Philip and Margaret (Leibrecht) 
 fk'kerle, were both natives of Germany, and by 
 their union were born three children, two of whom 
 are yet living, James and Stephen. The father was 
 a farmer by occupation, and followed that pursuit 
 in his native land until 1866, when with his family 
 he emigrated to the New World and took up his 
 residence in Milwaukee, Wis., where he worked as 
 a farm hand. He afterward lived with our subject. 
 In politics he was a supporter of the Democratic 
 party. His death occurred near New Design at 
 the age of seventy-one 3'ears. His wife also died 
 near New Design when sixty-two years of age. 
 She was a member of the Catholic Church. 
 
 Mr. Eckerle began his education in Germany, 
 where he attended school until fourteen years of 
 age, when with his parents he came to America. 
 When a youth of fifteen, he became a student in 
 St. Francis College, which is located near Milwau- 
 kee. For a period of nine years, he pursued his 
 studies in that institution, and was then graduated 
 therefrom, successfully passing the examinations. 
 He ranked among the best in the class and com- 
 pleted the course with honor. 
 
 Mr. Eckerle was then made a priest of the Cath-
 
 4?2 
 
 Portrait and BioGRAi'HiCAL record. 
 
 olic Church, and at the age of twenty-four he was 
 called to tlie pastorate of the Catliolic Church in 
 Centralia, 111., where he remained for five years. 
 On the expiration of that period he removed to 
 New Design, Monroe County, becoming pastor of 
 the Catholic Church of tliat place, where he con- 
 tinued his labors for eight years. His next charge 
 was in Cairo, 111., where he continued for about 
 fifteen months. It was in the year 1891 that lie 
 came to Madonnaville, Monroe County, where he 
 has since remained in charge of the church of his 
 denomination. He is also pastor of the Harrison- 
 ville Catholic Ciiurch. Tlie church is in a thriving 
 condition, having a membership of about sixty- 
 five families. 
 
 Father Eckerle is a liiglily educated man, and in 
 the work which he lias undertaken is meeting with 
 good success. He lias the high regard of his con- 
 gregation and those under his care. In politics lie 
 is a stalwart Democrat, who warmly advocates the 
 principles of his partj' and does all in his power to 
 insure its success. 
 
 B. PAUKIXSON, A. M., who since 1874 
 )j] has occupied tlie chair of physics and 
 chemistry in the Southern Illinois St-ite 
 Normal University of Carbondale, has the 
 honor of being a native of this state. He was 
 born iu Madison County, September 6. 1845, and 
 comes of a family- of English origin. His grand- 
 father, Washington Parkinson, removed from 
 North Carolina to Tennessee, wlieie Alfred J. Park- 
 inson, father of our subject, was born in 1816. In 
 St. Clair County, III., he wedded Mary E. Baldwin, 
 who was born in Delaware County, N. Y., in 1818, 
 and was a daughter of Ezra Baldwin, a native of 
 Connecticut, who in early life emigrated to the 
 Empire State. Upon their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. 
 Parkinson loc:ited near Highland, Madison Coun- 
 tv, III., and the famih' lived in the same home for 
 forty years before the family circle was invaded 
 bv death. The mother passed awa}- iu Januaiy, 
 1891, but the father is still living on the old home- 
 stead. They had nine children, of whom the fol- 
 lowing 3'et survive: George W., who lives upou 
 
 the old home; D. B.; Rev. Edward H., a minister 
 of the Methodist Episcopal Church; Charles \V., of 
 Vandalia, III.; Oscar L., of Ottawa. Kan.; Arthur 
 E., an attorney of Kansas City, Mo.; and Mary Em- 
 ma, wife of Dr. J. W. McKee, of Kansas Cily, .Mo. 
 The parents were members of the Methodist Epis- 
 copal Church. The father and one other gentle- 
 man cast the onl^' two votes for .John C. Fremont 
 in 1856 in their precinct. Thus early he joined 
 the Republican party, but he is now a Prohibition- 
 ist. He served as State Senator from 1878 uutil 
 1882, and takes an active interest in everything 
 that pertains to the welfare of the community. 
 
 Upon the old home farm. Professor Parkinson 
 spent the days of his boyhood and \-outli, and 
 completed his education by his graduation from 
 McKendree College, in the Class of '68. He was 
 then for one j'ear Principal of the Carini (HI.) 
 schools, and for three j'eai's was a teacher of natu- 
 ral sciences in Jennings Seminary of Aurora, 111. 
 Later he spent one year as a special student in the 
 Northwestern Univeisit3' of Evanston, and in the 
 spring of 1874 was elected to the chair of physics 
 and chemistr}', which position he has since filled 
 with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of 
 all. For nineteen years, he has been Secretary of 
 the faculty. He not only cultivates the brains of 
 his students, but also provides for their social en- 
 tertainment by frequent receptions at his own 
 home. In 1892, he was elected Registrar. He is 
 a member of the National Education Association, 
 and at its session in 1888, in San Francisco, he 
 read a paper on '-The Use of Classic Literature in 
 Teaching Reading." 
 
 Professor Parkinson was married December 28, 
 1876, to Miss .Julia F. Mason, an associate teacher. 
 She was a native of Ogle County, 111., and a daughter 
 of Allen Mason, deceased. She died August 6, 1879, 
 leaving one son, Daniel M. On July 30, 1884. Mr. 
 Parkinson was again married, his second union be- 
 ing with Miss Mary Alice Raj-mond, also an asso- 
 ciate teacher, born in San Francisco, Cal. She was 
 born July 26, 1856, and is a daughter Charles Fisk 
 and Jennie F. Raymond. They have two children. 
 Raymond and Marj' Alice. Boih Mr. and Mrs. 
 Parkinson are prominent members of and active 
 workers in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 473 
 
 he is now serving; on the Official Board. They are 
 prominent in Sundaj-sehool work, and Professor 
 Parkinson is actively interested in the Young 
 IM^n's Christian Association. He is a member of 
 its State Committee, and was a delegate of the 
 ctmvention of United States and Canada held by 
 tiiat organization in Toronto in 1876. He was 
 also a delegate to the World's Sunday-scliool Con- 
 vention wliich convened in St. Louis, Mo., in 1893. 
 As an educator, he is extremel3' successful, and 
 pupils and associate teachers ever hold liira in the 
 highest regard. 
 
 ^1 AMES C. SPENCE is a dealer in agricultural 
 implements of Carbondale. He has by fair 
 and honest dealing, and courteous treat- 
 ment of his customers, secured a liberal 
 patronage. While his well directed efforts, his 
 industry and enterprise have gained for him a 
 comfortable competence. 
 
 Mr. Spence lias the honor of being a native of 
 Jackson County, his birth having occurred in Ma- 
 kanda Township, Maj' .5, 1853. A sketch of his 
 father, William Spence, appears on another page 
 of this work. In the usual manner of farmer lads, 
 our subject spent the days of his boyhood and 
 youth. He was educated in the district schools of 
 the county, to which he had to walk a distance of 
 two and a-half miles each d.a}'. He began business 
 for himself at the age of nineteen years, operating 
 a farm in his native township. He was thus em- 
 ploj'ed for two 3'ears, when he returned home and 
 engaged in the operation of the home farm for a 
 period of seven years. His next home was on sec- 
 tion 6, Makanda Townsliip, where he carried on 
 agricultural pursuits until 1889, when he deter- 
 mined to engage in commercial business and came 
 to Carbondale. 
 
 Here Mr. Spence formed a partnership with 
 Henry Crawshaw, and they began business as deal- 
 ers in farm implements, opening a store on the 
 south side of the square. Their trade has con- 
 stantly increased until it has now assumed exten- 
 sive proportions. In connection with farm ma- 
 chinery, they handle grass seed, hay, lime, cement, 
 
 etc., and deal to some extent in live stock. They 
 are now assignees for a harness store which is be- 
 ing closed out. ISIr. Spence was also interested in 
 the Carbondale Real Estate and Loan Company. 
 He helped to organize the same, and served as its 
 Treasurer for a time. 
 
 In 1878, Mr. Spence was united in mairiage with 
 Harriet M. Winchester, daughter of the Rev. Rus- 
 sell and Mary (Fowler) Wincliester, of North Caro- 
 lina. Her father was a minister of the Baptist 
 Church. Mrs. Spence is a native of North Caro- 
 lina, and a prominent member of and an active 
 worker in the Methodist Church. To our subject 
 and his wife were born six children, of whom five 
 are yet living: Viola, Bertha, Gracie, Mamie and 
 Edith. The eldest daughter, though only thirteen 
 years of age, holds a second-grade certificate. 
 
 Mr. Spence is a member of the Masonic frater- 
 nity, and has served as Senior Deacon. He also 
 aided in the organization of the Farmers' Club. 
 The cause of education finds in him a warm friend 
 and he has served as a member of the School Board. 
 He exercises his right of franchise in support of 
 the Democratic part3', takes an active interest in 
 all that pertains to the growth of Democracj', and 
 has frequently served as a delegate to the conven- 
 tions of his party. 
 
 ^j^EORGE W. PARROTT is a representative 
 III J-— farmer of Monroe County, residing on sec- 
 ^^^Jiji tion 12, township 4, range 9 west. He 
 owns and operates four hundred and twenty .acres 
 of land, of which three hundred are on section 12, 
 eighty acres on section 14, and twent3' acres on 
 section 13, of the same township. He devotes his 
 time principally to the raising of grain, and has a 
 neat and thrifty farm supplied with all the mod- 
 ern accessories and conveniences. 
 
 The owner of this desirable place was born in De- 
 partment Du Dou, France, on the 11th of October, 
 1818, and at the age of nine came to America with 
 his parents, who located in Stark Count}-, Ohio, 
 where he grew to manhood. His education was 
 acquired in tlie district schools of the neigbor- 
 hood and in the school of experience. He is now a
 
 474 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 well informed man, and speaks English, French 
 and German. On the 18lh of April, 1840, he came 
 lo Randolph County and settled upon a farm 
 which his brother had entered from the Govern- 
 ment in 1838. He made it his home for three 
 3'ears. Since that time he has bought and sold a 
 number of places, until he at length took up his 
 residence upon his present farm, one and one- 
 fourth miles from liis first home. 
 
 In April, 1856, Mr. Parrott was united in mar- 
 riage with Miss Virginia Vallat, and then made 
 his home upon the farm which he now owns and 
 operates. His wife died December 4, 1891, and 
 five of their family of eight children are living. 
 Louis, the eldest, born August 3, 1857, died Sep- 
 tember 23, 1858; Monroe, born in 1859, is still liv- 
 ing in this locality; Rosanna, born May 25, 1861, 
 married Barney Dunn, who was engaged in the 
 livery business, but their happiness was suddenly 
 terminated by her death August 25, 1884; Ran- 
 dol|>h, born October 28, 1863, married Miss Alice 
 Murphy, daughter of a highl3' respected farmer of 
 the neighborhood, and is engaged in farming in 
 his locality; George, Jr., born February 18, 1866, 
 married Miss Barbara Goettlemann, the daughter 
 of a neighboring farmer, and they occup}- a farm 
 in this vicinity; Nora V. was born July 16, 1868, 
 and died Julj- 29, 1870; Mary, born January 27, 
 1871, is the wife of John Rapp, who is engaged in 
 teaching school in Red Bud; A. Francis, born No- 
 vember 8, 1876, is still with his father. 
 
 Mr. Parrott started out in life for himself bj' sell- 
 ing clocks, traveling from house to house on foot 
 carrying his goods. He got a start in this waj-, for 
 he was industrious and frugal, and in course of time 
 he had acquired a sufficient capital to enter a con- 
 siderable amount of land from the Government. 
 Through his dealings in real estate he has ac- 
 quired a handsome competency-. He may truly be 
 called a self-made man, and his example should 
 serve to encourage others who, like himself, have 
 to start out in life em[)ty-handed. 
 
 In connection with the ancestral history of our 
 subject, it is worthy of note that his mother's 
 maiden name was Eagle, and thus b}' the union of 
 the Parrott and Eagle an alliance was formed 
 which lasted over a half-centurj-, the father living 
 
 to be eight^'-two years old, and the mother attain- 
 ing ninety-three years. 
 
 In his political views Mr. Parrott is a Democrat, 
 but h.is never been an office-seeker, as he prefers 
 to give his time and attention to his business in- 
 terests. He is a Protestant, but his wife and fam- 
 ily are members of the Catholic Church. Few set- 
 tlers in this community have so long resided here 
 as Mr. Parrott, for almost fifty-four \-ears have 
 passed since his arrival. He has ever borne his 
 part in the advancement and upbuilding of the 
 community, and his name is inseparably connected 
 with its historv. 
 
 H^= 
 
 --^ 
 
 ^S^ELSON C. MANSKER. An honorable po- 
 ll jjj sition among the agriculturists of township 
 )l\.ij. 8, range 6, Randolph Count}-, is held by 
 the gentleman above named, who is the fortunate 
 possessor of a fine tract of land. The well tilled 
 farm is devoted to raising mixed crops and the 
 ordinary amount of stock, both grain and animals 
 being of good quality. A homelike dwelling and 
 various outbuildings indicate to the passer-by that 
 the land is occupied by a family of enterprise and 
 good judgment. 
 
 Our subject is a son of Samuel and Nancj- (Nel- 
 son) Mansker, whose life history will be found 
 elsewhere in this volume. He was born on sec- 
 tion 2 of this township, November 3, 1858, and 
 was reared on the home farm receiving a good 
 education in the Clifton district schools. When 
 starting out for himself in life at the age of twen- 
 ty-one years, he began by working a tract of one 
 hundred and fortj'-six acres of his father's land. 
 He worked hard, and gradually accumulated the 
 means with which to purchase his present fine 
 estate. The family residence is located on a tract 
 comprising one hundred and seventy-seven acres 
 among the hills, while another piece of one hun- 
 dred and twenty acres on the river bottom is 
 owned and cultivated by him. His attention is 
 principally given to the raising of wheat, and a 
 goodl}' amount of corn is also raised each year. 
 
 The marriage of Mr. Mansker and Miss Emma 
 Moore was solemnized September 20, 1880, at the
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 475 
 
 honie of the bride's parents. Mrs. Mansker is a 
 daugliter of Owen and Eliza (Sievert) Moore, na- 
 tives of Illinois and Indiana, respectively. The 
 father was a son of Robert and Lavisa (Miller) 
 Moore, probably natives of North Carolina, while 
 the mother was the daughter of William and 
 Barbara (Tinney) .Sievert, natives of Pennsyl- 
 vania. 
 
 To our subject and his estimable wife seven 
 children were born, as follows: Alonzo E., born 
 July 9, 1881, and died October 3, 1881; Cora B., 
 born September 17, 1882; Murray, May 25, 1884; 
 Charles E., November 9, 1886; Elva R., October 
 22, 1888; Una, born October 2, 1890, and died 
 November 3, 1891; and Claudie A., born October 
 12, 1892. 
 
 Mr. Mansker is an ardent Democrat in his po- 
 litical views, and upholds the principles of that 
 party on ever^- occasion. He has never been an 
 aspirant to office, preferring the quietude of do- 
 mestic life. 
 
 ■ ^^^ ^ P • 
 
 ,,.y LBERT L. WILSON, the popular and effi- 
 l(^^J]i cient cashier of the Merchants' Exchange 
 Bank of Sparta, was born in this place in 
 1855, and is the second in order of birth 
 in a family' of seven children, whose parents were 
 Andrew and Mary J. (Hill) Wilson. The Wilson 
 family is of Scotch-Irish descent. The grandpar- 
 ents, George and Susanna (Anderson) Wilson, 
 were both natives of South Carolina, and in 1804 
 emigrated to Illinois, settling near Baldwin. The 
 former served in the Black Hawk War. He was a 
 very prominent man and a prosperous farmer. 
 
 Andrew Wilson was born January 17, 1823, in 
 a fort in Randolph County, which was erected for 
 protection against the redmen. He remained on 
 his father's farm until he had attained his major- 
 ity, when lie began dealing in wood in Rockwood, 
 111., supplying steamboats with that fuel. In 1850 
 he went to California, where he engaged in min- 
 ing about three years. He then returned to Sparta 
 and carried on merchandising until the breaking 
 out of the late war, when he was elected Captain 
 of Company G, Eightieth Illinois Infantry. He 
 was captured at Rome, Ga., and was an inmate of 
 
 southern prisons for twenty-two months, being 
 confined in Libb}' for one year. When the war 
 was over, he returned to Sparta, where he engaged 
 in the clothing business. Later he became Post- 
 master, and filled that office until his death, which 
 occurred Ma^' 12, 1881. In early life he was a 
 Democrat, but afterward became a stanch Repub- 
 lican. He belonged to Hope Lodge No. 162, A. F. 
 & A. M., and was an active member of the First 
 Presbyterian Church of Sparta. An honorable, up- 
 right life won him high regard and made his death 
 deeply mourned. His wife, who still survives 
 him, is a native of Randolph County, and is of 
 Scotch-Irish descent. Her parents, Samuel and 
 Elizabeth Hill, were natives of South Carolina, 
 and emigrated to Illinois in 1805. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Wilson were married in 1848, and 
 to them were born seven children. Elizabeth is the 
 wife of E. J. Murph}-, of East St. Louis. The latter 
 was formerly a member of the Illinois Legislature 
 from Randolph County, and also held the offices 
 of Sheriff of the county and Warden of the South- 
 ern Illinois Penitentiary. He is now engaged in 
 the coal and feed business in East St. Louis. They 
 have two children, Alice and William. Our sub- 
 ject, S. Dora, of St. Louis, and M0II3' F., who died 
 at the age of eight years, are next in order of 
 birth. Anna M. is the wife of J. A. Gemmil, who 
 is Superintendent of the Sparta Creanieiy, and 
 they have become the parents of three children: 
 Ethel, Bessie and Josephine. May is the wife of 
 Judge Henry T. Matthews, an attorney of Santa 
 Anna, Cal., and who is also Major in the State Mili- 
 tia. They have one son, Ilarr^-. Ulysses G., an 
 insurance agent, married Florence Staiiim, of St. 
 Louis, and they have tvvo children, Grant and 
 Lewis. 
 
 Mr. Wilson of this sketch was born in Sparta 
 in 1855, and there continued to make his home un- 
 til 1875. At the age of fifteen he was apprenticed 
 to the printing business, which he carried on in 
 this place for two years, when he became a clerk 
 in the bank of S. P. Smith, where he remained for 
 the same length of time, after which he was with 
 Sproul & Brother for one 3ear. lie then went to 
 Red Bud, where he organized the bank of Ohl- 
 wine, Schrieber h Co., with a capital stock of only
 
 476 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 $10,000, but a responsibility of $200,000. Our 
 subject was then but twenty 3'ears of age, but was 
 made Casliier and Manager. Tlie stock was after- 
 ward increased to $20,000, and he continued his 
 connection with the bank for seventeen years, 
 wlien he returned to Sparta, and assumed the po- 
 sition of cashier of the Merchants' Exchange Bank, 
 wliich was organized as a stale bank at that time. 
 
 In 1877, Mr. Wilson married Miss Am^' Steven- 
 son, a native of Eden, III., and a daug!iter of Capt. 
 John and Jane C. (Wilson) Stevenson, natives of 
 Scotland and Illinois, respectively. The father 
 was a Captain of a Missouri company during the 
 late war, and now makes his home in Salina, Kan. 
 The mother passed away in 1891. To Mr. and 
 Mrs. Wilson were born four children: Prentiss S., 
 E. Jerome, Evangeline and Nellie Ruth. 
 
 Mr. Wilson was at the age of fifteen thrown 
 upon his own resources, and has made his way in 
 life unaided. His enterprise and industry were 
 his capital on which to found a fortune. His well 
 directed efforts have brought him success, and his 
 real estate in Illinois, together with his bank stock, 
 is worth at a low estimate $15,000. In politics he 
 is a Republican, and socially belongs to the Sons 
 of Veterans. He and his wife hold membership 
 with the Presbyterian Church, in which he is now 
 serving as Elder, and they are numbered among its 
 leading workers. 
 
 +-- 
 
 '-■^ 
 
 ll , ENRY W. HAHN, who is part owner and 
 
 fijij the manager of the Percy Flouring Mills, 
 /4U^ of Perc3', 111., is recognized as one of the 
 [^j leading business men of this place, and is 
 one of the prominent and progressive citizens, who 
 is wide awake to the best interests of the commu- 
 nit}^ in which he makes his home. He is numbered 
 among the native sons of Illinois, his birth having 
 occurred in Red Bud, on the 7th of November, 
 1867. He is the eldest child of John P. F. and 
 Catherine (Kurtz) Hahn. His father was a native 
 of Germany, and when a young man he came to 
 America. He is a shoemaker b}- trade, and in the 
 old home followed that pursuit. On arriving in 
 this country he carried on a shoe store in St, Louis 
 
 for a number of years, but at length his store and 
 stock were destro^yed bj' fire, and having no in- 
 surance to cover his losses, he did not re-engage in 
 business there. He became connected with city 
 affairs in St. Louis and continued there to make 
 his home until 1859, when he removed to Red 
 Bud. For ten 3-ears he there carried on a shoe 
 store, after which he returned to St. Louis and was 
 employed on the police force for some time. 
 Later he engaged in the retail liquor business in 
 that city, and subsequently engaged in the same 
 trade for eight j-ears in Red Bud. He then again 
 resumed shocmaking, which he still follows. He 
 has held the offices of City Marshal and City 
 Treasurer, and his prompt and faithful discharge 
 of public duty has won him high commendation. 
 Both he and his wife are still living in the enjoy- 
 ment of good health. 
 
 We now take up the personal history of our 
 subject, who is widel}' and favorably known to 
 the readers of this volume. He acquired his edu- 
 cation in Red Bud, and at the age of fifteen left 
 school, at which he began learning the milling 
 trade, which he followed in his native town for a 
 year. He then went to St. Louis, where he was 
 employed in various ways for four months, after 
 which he entered the Eggers Mills, of that cit>-, con- 
 tinuing with the same for two and a-half j'ears as an 
 employe. On the expiration of that period he was 
 appointed head miller of the concern, which posi- 
 tion he held for three years in an able and satis- 
 factory manner. In the year 1888 he went to 
 Roodhouse, III., and for eight months had charge 
 of the mills at that place, after which he went to 
 Campbell Ilill, where he was in charge of the mills 
 for three years. He than began business for him- 
 self. A new mill was built in Percy by him and 
 his brother, and removing to this place, Mr. Hahn 
 has since conducted the Percy Mills. They are 
 supplied with the latest roller system and all mod- 
 ern conveniences along that line. 
 
 On the 1st of July, 1888, Mr. Hahn married 
 Maggie S.Lynden, daughter of Catherine Lynden, 
 of Ireland. Two children have been born to them, 
 Olivia and Lillian, who are still with their parents. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Hahn are members of the Roman 
 Catholic Church, In politics he has followed in
 
 rii
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 479 
 
 the footsteps of his father and' is now a stanch 
 advocate of the Republican party. He has never 
 sought office, however, as he prefers to give his 
 entire time and attention to liis business interests. 
 He has steadily worked his way upward unaided, 
 overcoming the difficulties and obstacles in his 
 path, and is now recognized as one of the leading 
 citizens of the communit3-. 
 
 eAPT. THOMAS G. CHADWICK. There 
 is always a vast amount of interest felt in 
 the private life of those brave men who 
 gave up home, family and friends to fight for 
 their country, and there undergo all the priva- 
 tions and hardships characteristic of the soldier's 
 life. Our subject, who is a prominent lumber 
 merchant of Chester, became a member of Com- 
 pany D, Sixt^-fourth Missouri Militia, in 1863, 
 and fought valiantly for his country's flag until 
 the close of the war. 
 
 A native of Berkshire County, Mass., our sub- 
 ject was born September 29, 1822, and is the son 
 of John and Candis (Garfield) Chadwick, also na- 
 tives of the Bay State. The father followed the 
 occupation of a merchant in his native state, and 
 during the latter part of his life removed to Ot- 
 sego County', N. Y., where he purchased a tract of 
 land. There he resided until his decease, which 
 occurred in 1840. He was excecdingl3' popular in 
 his community, and was a Whig in politics. The 
 mother of our subject also died in the Empire 
 State, her decease occurring in Jefferson County 
 in 1845. 
 
 The subject of this sketch passed his boyhood 
 and youth on his father's farm, and was given a 
 good education in the common school. On reach- 
 ing his twentieth j-ear he returned to Massachu- 
 setts and engaged in the lumber business for two 
 years. Wishing to find a more suitable location 
 in which to carry on his business, in 1844 he took 
 a trip through the western states, and later, retiirn- 
 ing east, located in Lycoming County, Pa., and 
 purchased a steam sawmill, which he operated for 
 three 3'ears. At the expiration of that time he re- 
 turned to the west and located in Kankakee Coun- 
 15 
 
 ty, near Kankakee City, where he purchased a farm 
 which he cultivated for three years and a-half. He 
 then sold his farm and moved to northern Iowa, 
 where he became the proprietor of a good estate, 
 and there resided during the winter. 
 
 Not liking the climate of northern Iowa, in 
 1854 Mr. Ciiadwick went to St. Louis, Mo., where 
 he stayed with his brother, James B. After being 
 with him for some time, in 1858 he removed to 
 Perr}' Count}', Mo., where he purchased a tract of 
 land on the Mississippi bottoms. This land he 
 farmed successfully until 1866, the date of his ad- 
 vent in Ciiester. He purchased land to the amount 
 of two hundred and thirty-five acres in the Mis- 
 sissippi bottoms, across the river from Chester, and 
 this he still operates. 
 
 The lady whom Mr. Chadwick married, in 1840, 
 was Miss Eliza J. Pixle^', a native of Great Bar- 
 rington, Mass. B}- her union with our subject she 
 has become the mother of two children, Charles E. 
 and Georgie A., both of whom remain with their 
 parents. 
 
 (^ 
 
 .^M\ 
 
 (3= 
 
 '-^^l 
 
 LEXANDER BICKET, whose sketch now 
 claims attention, is one of those agreeable 
 (4) men whom it is a pleasure to know, and 
 who in all instances rank high in the es- 
 timation of the community in which they reside. 
 He is at present engaged in carrying on a fine 
 farm of one hundred and fort}' acres, which is 
 pleasantly located on section 17, township 4, range 
 5, Randoli)li County. 
 
 Gavin Bicket, the father of our subject, was 
 born in 1815, in A^'rshire, Scotland, and on com- 
 ing to America, in 1841, made his way to this coun- 
 ty. He located upon what was known as Hickory 
 Grove, which place he owned in company with 
 Hugh Easdale, an old pioneer of this section, and 
 which later formed the northern part of the Eas- 
 dale farm. He was a shrewd, hard working man, 
 and has aided greatl}' in developing the agricult- 
 ural resources of this county. 
 
 Mary Ann (Anderson) Bicket, the mother of 
 our subject, was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 
 1822, and was the daughter of John Anderson,
 
 480 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 who came to America in 1843, becoming one of 
 the pioneers in township 4, range 5. The par- 
 ents of our subject were married in 1844, and con- 
 tinued to reside on the old homestead until 1873, 
 when they removed to Nevada, Mo., where they 
 are still living advanced in j-ears. Of their large 
 family of nine children, seven are living. They 
 are both members of the Presb3-terian Church, and 
 in political matters the father is a stanch Repub- 
 lican. 
 
 Alexander Bicket, of this sketch, was born April 
 8, 1845, on the old home farm in this county, and 
 resided under the parental roof until reaching his 
 twent3'-fifth 3-ear, in the meantime having acquired 
 a good education in the common schools. In 1870, 
 when ready to establish a home of his own, he 
 was married to Jane Ann, the daughter of Will- 
 iam Edmislon, of whom a sketch appears on an- 
 other page in this Record. Mrs. Bicket was born 
 June 18, 1852, and after her marriage with our 
 subject, located with him in Tilden, this countj-, 
 where he erected the first dwelling in the town. 
 Nanc}- Blanch, their eldest daughter, was the first 
 child born in Tilden. In those days a well built 
 structure of the kind of which he was the owner 
 was looked upon as a home of comfort, and un- 
 doubtedl}' afforded as pleasant a shelter as dwell- 
 ings of more modern construction. In that house 
 Mr. and Mrs. Bicket continued to reside until 1884, 
 when they removed to Vernon County, Mo., and 
 carried on farming for nine years. 
 
 In 1892 Mr. Bicket returned to this county and 
 located on his present farm on section .17, where 
 he is engaged in mixed farming. He takes pride 
 in raising fine poultry-, and for the past twent}-- 
 two years he has been a breeder of Buff-Cochin 
 and Rose-Comb White Leghorn chickens. He has 
 exhibited his poultry at county fairs, and has 
 never failed to carry off the blue ribbon. He has 
 had at one time as manj' as twenty-nine varieties, 
 and some of his chickens have been valued at $15 
 apiece. 
 
 To Mr. and Mrs. Bicket were born six children, 
 viz.: Xanc}' Blanch, the wife of Roy Palmer, 
 who makes her home in Missouri; Charles, Mary 
 Ann, William Gavin, George W. and Jennie May, 
 who died in infancy. The parents are actively 
 
 W 
 
 connected with the United Presbyterian Church 
 at Prosperit}-, but while residing in the west, Mr. 
 Bicket was a member of the Methodist Cliurch. 
 He has at all times been interested in the Sunday- 
 school, and for six j-ears was Superintendent. 
 
 Our subject is a Republican in polities, and has 
 been Constable. The reliable manner in which he 
 has ever performed the duties devolving upon 
 him has won the esteem of all who know him, and 
 his wife and family- are accorded their due measure 
 of regard likewise. 
 
 ILLIAM THIELEN, one of the honored 
 early settlers of Randolph Countj-, and 
 W^ one of the highh- respected citizens of Red 
 Bud, whose friends are manj- throughout the com- 
 munit}-, is a native of Prussia, Germany, born in 
 1825. The da\-s of his boj-hood and j-outh were 
 passed in that country, where he continued to re- 
 side until 1852, when he bade adieu to friends and 
 Fatherland and sailed for America, accompanied 
 bj' his sister and brother-in-law, William Heining. 
 Thev made their way to St. Louis, and in 1854 our 
 subject came to Red Bud. He also had another 
 sister, Mrs. Frohning, who came to America, and a 
 brother, who never left his native land. 
 
 Immediatelj- after locating in Red Bud, Mr. 
 Thielen embarked in the butchering business, 
 which he has since continued, and in the years 
 which have passed he has built up an extensive 
 trade, which now yields to him a handsome in- 
 come. As a companion and helpmeet on life's 
 joumej', he chose Miss Caroline Koenig, their 
 union being celebrated in Red Bud. By their 
 marriage has been born a family of seven children, 
 five of whom are j-et living: Henry; Odilda, wife 
 of Rudolph Lehnherr, a resident of Chester, 111.; 
 William, of this place; Theodore, who makes his 
 Ijome in Chicago; and Oscar, who completes the 
 number. The two eldest sons are engaged with 
 their father in the meat-market. His sons are all 
 respected young men, held in high regard through- 
 out the community-. 
 
 In his political views, 'Mr. Thielen is a Republi- 
 can and warmly advocates the principles of that
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 481 
 
 party, but though he takes an active interest in 
 everything pertaining to its growth and success, 
 he has never souglit or desired public office, pre- 
 ferring to devote liis entire time and attention to 
 his business interests. He was reared in the Cath- 
 olic faith, while his wife is a member of the Lu- 
 theran Church. Mr. Thielen is widely known in 
 Red Bud and throughout the vicinit}', and is a 
 popular gentleman, universally respected. Pleas- 
 ant and genial in manner, he wins many friends 
 and always retains their warm regard. He is lib- 
 eral in the support of every worthy enterprise cal- 
 culated to prove of benefit to the public, and does 
 all in his power to promote the general welfare. 
 He came to this country with the hope of better- 
 ing his financial condition, and his expectations 
 have been more than realized, for by earnest effort 
 he has won success. 
 
 tB - ^^ ■< . A , > f^ .0^ . . e 
 
 AVID C. JOPLIN. Through the energetic 
 iV prosecution of agricultural enterprises, 
 Mr. Joplin has become well known 
 throughout Jackson County as a success- 
 ful farmer of Somerset Township. His farm ranks 
 with the best in the township and consists of one 
 hundred and twenty acres on section 6, upon 
 which have been placed substantial buildings, in- 
 cluding a commodious house and a number of out- 
 buildings for the storage of machinery and shelter 
 of stock. 
 
 Throughout Missouri the name of Joplin is well 
 known, especially among the pioneers of the state, 
 and the city of Joplin, one of the most progressive 
 and thrifty there, was founded b^' the father of 
 our subject. That gentleman. Rev. Harris G. Joplin, 
 was a native of North Carolina and was descended 
 from Irish ancestors. Becoming a minister in the 
 Methodist Episcopal Church South, he preached the 
 Gospel in western Missouri and met with an un- 
 usual degree of success in his labors. In 1835 he 
 located in Greene County, Mo., he and two other 
 gentlemen being the first settlers of what is now 
 the city of Springfield. 
 
 Subsequently locating in Jasper County, Mo., 
 Rev. Mr. Joplin became identified witii its early 
 
 history, and the city of Joplin was named in his 
 honor. In the discharge of his ministerial duties 
 he was accustomed to ride on horseback to meet 
 his different appointments. His life was one of 
 usefulness and untiring activity, and in his death, 
 in 1853, the ministry of the state met with a severe 
 loss. His wife, whose maiden name was Holly N. 
 Sims, was born in Tennessee. Her father, as well 
 as our subject's paternal grandfather, served with 
 valor in the War of the Revolution. 
 
 Our subject is one in a family of five children, 
 namely: David C, Wilber F.; Mary F., wife of John 
 Martin; John F.; and Margaret H., wife of Smith 
 Stouffer. In southwestern Missouri our subject 
 grew to manhood, receiving his primary education 
 in the subscription schools of the home district, 
 and afterward entering Ebenezer College, in 
 Greene County, Mo., where he conducted his 
 studies for three terms. Afterward he engaged in 
 teaching school for a time in that state. In the 
 fall of 1861 he enlisted as a member of Company 
 B, Sixteenth Missouri Infantry, C. S. A., and at 
 different times served in the command of Generals 
 Price, Hindman and Kirby Smith. At Helena he 
 was taken prisoner, and for about twenty months 
 was in the Federal prisons. . 
 
 The first marriage of Mr. Joplin united him with 
 Miss Parolee Harris, and they became the parents 
 of four children, John F.; Mary F., wife of Harri- 
 son Childers; Laura, who married John Doty; and 
 Etta, wife of Elijah Jackson. In October, 1871, 
 Mr. Joplin married Mrs. Mary A. McDowell, the 
 widow of John McDowell, formerly a prominent 
 resident of this county. Mr. McDowell lost his 
 life by an accident on the railroad at Mt. Carbon, 
 being emploj'ed on the road at that time. Mrs. 
 Joplin was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, Octo- 
 ber 15, 1837, and was reared in that state, where 
 her parents, John and Sarah (Moreland) Kimble, 
 continued to reside until death. 
 
 In religious belief both Mr. and Mrs. Joplin are 
 identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church 
 South, in which he has served as Steward, delegate 
 to the annual conference and Treasurer of the 
 joint board of finance. He has been chosen dele- 
 gate to the general conference, which will meet at 
 Memphis, Tenn., in May, 1894. While not a zeal-
 
 482 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 ous partisan, he always votes the Democratic ticket 
 and supports the principles of that party. Since 
 1865 he lias been a resident of Jackson County, 
 and in 1873 settled upon the farm where he has 
 since resided. His first home was a log cabin, but 
 as prosperit}' crowned liis labors he was enabled to 
 erect the present substantial structure in which he 
 resides. He engages in mixed farming and suc- 
 cessfully raises Short-horn cattle. 
 
 IS). ^imm ,(a)J 
 
 eHARLES SCHRIEBER,a well known farmer 
 of township 4, range 8, Randolph County, 
 was born in Rusbend, Germany, in 1816, 
 and in 1835, at the age of nineteen years, came 
 alone to America. His elder brother, Fred, emi- 
 grated to the New World in 1836, and at his death, 
 which occurred in this county, left a family of five 
 sons. His parents, Charles and Caroline (Hart- 
 mer) Schrieber, were also natives of Germany, and 
 in 1838 the}' crossed the ocean, bringing with them 
 their daughter Caroline. 
 
 Charles Schrieber learned the carpenter's trade, 
 and for three j'ears after reaching America he fol- 
 lowed that occupation in New York City. He 
 then came to Randolph County, 111., and located 
 upon the farm which has now been his home for 
 fifty-five years. He at first secured a forty-acre 
 tract of land, and with characteristic energy began 
 its development. From time to time, as he found 
 it possible, he increased his possessions, and at 
 length became the owner of eighteen hundred 
 acres, but much of this he has since disposed of, 
 although he yet owns nearly a section of land in 
 Randolpii and Etlingham Counties. 
 
 Mr. Schrieber was married in this county in 
 in 1843, the lady of his choice being Miss Magde- 
 lena Huth, and unto them were born nine chil- 
 dren, of whom the following reached mature 3'ears: 
 Charlie, now a resident of Washington County; 
 August, Hermany, Louie; Sophia, wife of Charles 
 Thieman; and Ernst, who is living on the old 
 home farm. The mother of this family was called 
 to the home beyond in 1884, and afterward Mr. 
 
 Schrieber married his brother Frederick's widow. 
 Aside from his farming, our subject has been in- 
 terested in other business dealings. He was one 
 of the organizers of the Ohiwine, Schrieber & 
 Co.'s Bank, of Red Bud, and at one time had the 
 only mercantile establishment in that city. At 
 length he turned over his store to his sons, and 
 the firm of Schrieber Brothers & Co. now does the 
 largest business of the kind in the count}', having 
 a first-class general mercantile establishment. The 
 family holds membership in the Lutheran Church, 
 which was organized by our subject, his father and 
 Mr. Moss. For twenty years after its organiza- 
 tion he served as one of the church ofticers, and 
 has ever been one of its leading members and lib- 
 eral contributors. He and his sons are all Demo- 
 crats. Mr. Schrieber is numbered among the hon- 
 ored pioneers of the county, and has witnessed its 
 development from an almost unbroken region. 
 The experiences and hardships of the frontier he 
 has undergone, and in the work of public advance- 
 ment and improvement he has ever borne his part, 
 being a public-spirited and progressive citizen. 
 
 (^ 
 
 ^m 
 
 (^ 
 
 ^m 
 
 ^^. 
 
 -^^ 
 
 ^- 
 
 =0 
 
 W/ESSE H. De SPAIN. All loyal Americans 
 will agree that the old soldiers who sacri- 
 ficed home comforts, endured hardships 
 and braved dangers during the days of the 
 nation's peril are deserving of remembrance. The 
 historian cannot detail the lives spent on the 
 tented field, but he can mention the chief events 
 by which the gallant soldier secured victory, too 
 often, alas, at the price of manly vigor and miss- 
 ing limbs. Were it for no other reasons than for 
 his army life we should be glad to present to our 
 readers an outline of the history of Jesse De Spain, 
 a worthy farmer of Randolph County, now living 
 in township 5, range 7. 
 
 Mr. De Spain was born in Green County, Ky., 
 September 13, 1842, and is the son of Silas and 
 Abigail (Edwards) De Spain. The father, who 
 was also born in the Blue Grass State, died in the 
 above county in 1857, while the mother of our 
 subject departed this life in 1851. Silas De Spain
 
 Portrait and biographical record. 
 
 483 
 
 was in early life a farmer, and later became a 
 merchant, which was his occupation for ten years 
 in Green County. The paternal grandfather of 
 our subject was Peter De Spain, of English de- 
 scent, while his mother's father bore the name of 
 Hugh Edwards. 
 
 Our subject passed the first eighteen years of 
 his life in Green County, Ky., where he received 
 a limited education, and on coming to Randolph 
 Count}-, in March, 1865, hired out to work b}' the 
 month for Judge Thompson. Later, having saved 
 his earnings, he operated a farm, which he rented 
 until his marriage with Miss Agnes Crozier in 
 1867. The lady was born in Randolph County, 
 and soon after her marriage removed with her 
 husband upon their forty-acre farm, which was 
 located one mile east of Preston, and which forms 
 a part of his present fine estate. Mrs. Agnes De 
 Spain bore her husband two children, and departed 
 this life in 1873. Edward II. is residing in this 
 townsliip, and Abigail is the wife of Henry Red- 
 path. The lady to whom our subject was married 
 in 1877 was known as Miss EUeu J. Bratney, and 
 to them have been born four children: Laura, Le- 
 roy, James B. and Bessie E. 
 
 In 1861 Mr. De Spain enlisted in the Union 
 army, becoming a private in Company H, Thir- 
 teenth Kentucky' Infantry, and took part in the 
 battles of Shiloh, East Tennessee, Buzzard's Roost, 
 Harper's Ferr}', Campbell Station, Atlanta (Ga.), 
 Louisville (Ky.) and Corinth (Miss.). He remained 
 in the latter place for about four weeks on account 
 of sickness, when, receiving his honorable dis- 
 charge, January 12, 1865, he returned home with 
 his health greatly impaired. He has never re- 
 gained his strength, and is unable to do any hard 
 manual labor. As a reward of meritorious con- 
 duct he was promoted from the ranks to the posi- 
 tion of Corporal, then Second Sergeant, later First 
 Sergeant, and was First Lieutenant in command 
 of the company at the time of his discharge. 
 
 By hard work and economy Mr. De Spain has 
 accumulated a handsome property, being the pro- 
 prietor of three hundred and fift}' acres of valu- 
 able land in township 5, range 7. He still has 
 his farm under his management, though he does 
 but little hard work himself, and he and his 
 
 good wife are living in peace and contentment, 
 enjoying the fruits of their united labors. Mr. 
 De Spain has so conducted himself in both public 
 and private life as to honor the citizenship of this 
 phace, and has borne an important part in its civil 
 life. He has held the office of Highway Commis- 
 sioner for many years, and, although on two occa- 
 sions appointed Justice of the Peace, declined to 
 accept the office. ■ For twenty-four years he has 
 served as School Director in this district. He cast 
 his first vote for Abraham Lincoln, and has alwajs 
 stood stanchly by the Republican party. For 
 twelve 3'ears he was a member of the United Pres- 
 byterian Church, but having been reared in the 
 faith of the Missionary Baptists, he still maintains 
 a preference for that denomination. 
 
 ■jf/ OHN SCHELTGEN. It has been often said 
 that invincible determination will accom- 
 ^^^ plish any desired result, and already are 
 ^^^ the effects of its constant exercise visible 
 in the life of this gentleman, who has won a re- 
 spected position for himself in the community by 
 reason of his industry, perseverance and genial 
 nature. His well directed efforts have been rewarded 
 by the accumulation of a considerable amount of 
 land and the machinery and stock necessary for 
 carrying on a first-class farm. He was born in 
 Luxemburg, German}', March 15, 1827, and was 
 about twenty years old when he emigrated to 
 America. 
 
 The early schooling of our subject was obtained 
 in his native country, attending until about fif- 
 teen years old. His first settlement in this coun- 
 try w.as near Belleville, in St. Clair County, this 
 state, where he commenced in life by working out 
 on a farm in the vicinity. In 1861 he located on 
 a farm of his own, which he purchased with the 
 money he had earned, and which comprised fifty- 
 eight acres in township 6, range 7, it being the 
 present home of the family. He has added to it 
 from time to time until now he is the happ}' pos- 
 sessor of three hundred and seventy-five broad 
 and fertile acres, which are under excellent tillage 
 and bear numerous improvements. The farm
 
 484 
 
 f»ORTRAlT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 house and accompanying buildings are well built 
 and sufficiently commodious for the purposes for 
 which the}' were designed, and include wliatever 
 will add to the convenience of the family in car- 
 rying on the household and farm economy. About 
 eight 3'ears ago Mr. Scheltgen was stricken with 
 paralysis, and has since been unable to peiform 
 any manual labor. 
 
 In 1857 our subject was married to Miss Rosa 
 Yerlin, who is of French parentage. To them 
 have been born four children, viz.: John, who is 
 single; Nicholas, who married Lizzie Pauless and 
 resides near his father's place; Marj', who is at 
 home; and Harriet, the wife of Charles Con- 
 stanzers, residents of Clinton County, III. The 
 entire family are devout members of the Catholic 
 Church. In politics our subject always casts his 
 ballot in favor of the Democratic candidates. 
 
 The worthy parents of our subject bore the 
 names of John and Margaret (Ilonson) Scheltgen. 
 They were both natives of Oermany and lived 
 and died in the Fatherland, the mother passing 
 away when our subject was quite young. 
 
 ^^EORGE L. RIESS, County Superintendent 
 III ,-—, of schools of Randolph County, and a 
 ^^Jj well known resident of Red Bud, has the 
 honor of being a native of Illinois, for he was born 
 in St. Clair County, in 1838, and is the second of 
 three children whose parents were John J. and 
 Charlotte (Henckler) Riess, the former a native of 
 Wurlemberg, and the latter of Nassau, Germany. 
 Tlie parents were married in Millstadt, St. Clair 
 County, 111., where they located in an early day. 
 The father was educated in Basel, German}', and 
 came as an Evangelical missionary to this countrj', 
 devoting his whole life to missionar}' work. He 
 labored in Illinois and St. Louis, establishing a 
 number of churches. He was an active Christian 
 worker, and the church on Fourteenth and Madi- 
 son Streets in St. Louis bears his name. His first 
 wife died when Louie was onl}' fouiteen months 
 old, after which he returned to France, and about 
 1842 married Victoria Petit. He then returned 
 with his wife to his Illinois home. In his family 
 
 were nine children, but only six gl-ew to mature 
 years. One son', Alfred E., graduated from both 
 an allopathic and liomeoi)athic medical college in 
 this countr}', and then graduated from a noted 
 medical school of Vienna, Austria. During the 
 Franco-Prussian War, he was commissioned Sur- 
 geon, and at its close he returned to his home in 
 St. Louis, but his death occurred soon after. The 
 father died in that city, Julj' 8, 1855. 
 
 Mr. Riess whose name heads this record was 
 reared to manhood in St. Louis, where the family 
 located in 1844. In 1850, they removed to Quincy, 
 but after three years returned to the former cit}'. 
 George received but limited educational advanta- 
 ges, for after his father's death he was thrown 
 upon his own resources. In Waterloo, 111., where 
 he had been engaged as a teacher for seven years, 
 he was married to Sarah A. Turk, daughter of John 
 Turk, a miller of Belleville, 111., and one of the old 
 millers of that city. Mr. Turk was the inventor of 
 the first smut machine used to separate the chaff 
 from the wheat in a mill. 
 
 Unto Mr. and Mrs. Riess were born seven chil- 
 dren, six of whom are still living. Louie died in 
 early childhood; George W. is the present Post- 
 master of Red Bud; Charles E. is now Secretary 
 in the master mechanics' ofiSce of the Mobile & 
 Ohio Railroad, in Murphysboro; John T. is success- 
 full}' engaged in teaching in Randolph County; 
 Gus K. is now employed in his father's office, but 
 is a telegraph operator by profession; Alfred D. is 
 a student in the University at Ann Arbor, Mich.; 
 and Sadie A. C. is at home. 
 
 While a resident of Monroe Count}', Mr. Riess 
 served as Deputy Sheriff, and was then elected 
 Assessor. He also filled the office of Treasurer for 
 two terms, was appointed State's Attorney for one 
 year, and was then elected to that office for four 
 years. His law studies, pursued while teaching 
 school, well qualified him for the office. He also 
 served as Justice of the Peace and Police Magis- 
 trate for many years, and his duties were ever per- 
 formed with a faithfulness and fidelity which won 
 him high commendation. In 1872, he established 
 a law office in connection with John Micham, then 
 State's Attorney of the district. 
 
 Since coming to Red Bud, Mr. Riess has also
 
 PORTRAIT ANt) BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 485 
 
 been prominent in public affairs. From 1882 un- 
 til 1886, he was County and Probate Judge, and 
 since the latter year has been Notary Public. In 
 the fall of 1890, he was elected County Superintend- 
 ent of the schools of Randolph County, and in 
 the discharge of the duties of that position has 
 won the high commendation of all concerned. In 
 politics he is a stanch Democrat, who warmly advo- 
 cates his part}''s principles. Socially, he is con- 
 nected with the Knights of Honor and the Odd 
 Fellows' societies. His public and private life are 
 alike above reproach, and an honorable, upright 
 career has gained him the warm regard of all with 
 whom he has been brought in contact. 
 
 I EV. ALEX KEOWN. who now resides on 
 a farm on section 33, Carbon dale Town- 
 ship, Jackson County, has the honor of 
 ^[^ being a native of Illinois, for his birth 
 occurred in Madison County, August 19, 1832. 
 He is the youngest child of Andrew and Sarah 
 (Goodwin) Keown. The great-grandfather, Thomas 
 Keown, was a native of Ireland, and about 1775 
 emigrated with his family to America, locating in 
 the Abbey ville District of South Carolina. His son, 
 John Keown, was born in County Down, Ireland, 
 March 17, 1767, and was a farmer by occupation. 
 The father of our subject was born in the Abbey- 
 ville District of South Carolina, October 15, 1791 
 On the 2d of December, 1819, he married Miss 
 Goodwin, who was born in 1800, in Butler Coun- 
 ty, Ky., whither her father, John Goodwin, a na- 
 tive of South Carolina, removed in an early day. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Keown resided in Kentucky until 
 1825, which year witnessed their removal to Mad- 
 ison County, 111. They located on a tract of 
 wild land near the present town of Alharabra, 
 and there the father developed a fine farm, which 
 became a valuable piece of property. He and his 
 wife held membership with the Presbyterian 
 Church, and were highl3' respected people. His 
 death occurred February 22, 1879, and his wife 
 died October 7, 1881. Their family numbered 
 six children, of whom four are yet living: John, 
 born in 1822; Mary, in 1826; Calvin, in 1830; 
 
 and Alex. Those deceased are Elizabeth Ann, 
 who was born in 1820; and Andrew M., who was 
 born in 1824. 
 
 In the usual manner of farmer lads our sub- 
 ject spent the days of his boyhood and youth. 
 His early education was supplemented by one 
 year's attendance at an academy in vSullivan, 
 111., and he then engaged in teaching school for 
 one term. On the 24th of February, 1859, he 
 was united in marriage with Deborah A., daughter 
 of Henry and Eleanor (Talbot) Warderman. Her 
 parents settled near Columbia, Monroe County, 
 111., in 1817, and her father was a prominent citi- 
 zen of the locality. He served as a soldier in the 
 War of 1812. Mrs. Keown was born in Monroe 
 County December 17, 1834. 
 
 After their marriage, Mr. Keown located on a 
 farm near his father's, in Madison County, where 
 he made his home until 1866. He enlisted August 
 12, 1862, in Company G, One Hundred and Sev- 
 enteenth Illinois Infantry, was mustered in at Camp 
 Butler, and for over a year did guard duty at 
 Memphis, Tenn. He participated in the battles of 
 Meridian, Lafa3'ette, Canton, Tupelo, Oldtown 
 Creek, Hurricane Creek, Franklin, Nashville, and 
 the siege and capture of Ft. Blakely, after which 
 he remained in Montgomery, Ala., until the close 
 of his service. He was mustered out at Camp 
 Butler August 5, 1865, having for three \'ears worn 
 the blue as a defender of the Union. 
 
 In 1866 Mr. Keown came to his present farm, 
 and many of the improvements upon the place 
 are the work of his own hands. He has ninety 
 acres under a high state of cultivation, and the 
 place is neat and thrifty in appearance. A great 
 deal of his time has been given to church work. 
 At the age of fifteen he became a member of the 
 Presb^'terian Church, and about ten years later he 
 transferred his membership to the Methodist Epis- 
 copal Church, and has since earnestly endeavored 
 to follow in his Master's footsteps. In 1871 he 
 was ordained and licensed to preach the Gospel, 
 and has since been a local preacher. He is also a 
 prominent worker in the Sunday-school, and has 
 served as its Superintendent. 
 
 To the Rev. Mr. and Mrs. Keown were born 
 eight children, six of whom are yet living. Will-
 
 486 
 
 KUtTRAlT AKD moGRAPinCAL HECORD. 
 
 iam L., born Februar3- 9, 1860, married Janet Car- 
 son, and, with bis wife and two children, resides 
 in Centralia; Edward M. was born April 27, 
 1866; Hettie I., November 17, 1868; Perry W., 
 Febriiar3- 4, 1871; John V., February 10, 1874; 
 and Frank A., September 15, 1877. The familj- 
 is one of prominence in the community, and its 
 members rank high in social circles where true 
 worth and intelligence are received as the pass- 
 ports into good society. In 1845 Mr. Keown 
 joined the Masonic fraternitj-. He also belongs 
 to the Grand Army post of Carbondale. He has 
 served as a member of the School Board for man3' 
 years, and has done effective service in the inter- 
 est of education. He is now serving his second 
 term as Justice of the Peace. In politics he is a 
 Republican, and is a man whose upright life has 
 made him a valued citizen. 
 
 W OHN M. WRIGHT. There are few men of 
 I the present day more successful or more 
 I worthy of honorable mention than the sub- 
 ject of our present sketch, who is one of 
 the prominent druggists of Chester. A record of 
 his life fully illustrates what may be accomplislied 
 b}' a determined will and perseverance, for through 
 his own efforts he has risen to his present high po- 
 sition in the community, and is well and favora- 
 bly" known throughout the countv. 
 
 Born at a time when the education of children 
 did not receive especial attention, young Wright 
 obtained only a limited amount of literary train- 
 ing, but at an early age evinced a special tendency 
 toward the profession of a druggist, and through 
 liis own unaided efforts worked his way up, until 
 at the present time he is one of the prominent 
 business men of the community'. His birth oc- 
 curred in Shepherdstown, W. Va., August 4, 1836. 
 He is the son of Charles and Julia Ann (Entler) 
 Wright, natives respectively of Jacobstown, Burl- 
 ington County, N. J., and Virginia. The father 
 was a millwright b^' trade, and the son of John 
 and Elizabeth (Bullock) Wright. Charles Wright 
 died in 1889, aged seven tj'-f our j-ears, and his 
 good wife died in 1877. 
 
 John M., of this sketch, was the eldest in a fami- 
 
 I3' of nine children born to his parents, of whom 
 seven are living. He accompanied his parents on 
 their removal to this place in 1844, where the fa- 
 ther carried on his trade until his decease, which 
 occurred June 2, 1889. He was preceded to the 
 better land b}' his good wife, who died in 1877. 
 Having been a clerk in the drug store of Hall A' 
 Anderson for some time, our subject acquired a 
 full knowledge of the details of that business, and 
 on November 7, 1881, purchased the stock of his 
 emploj'ers and has since conducted the business at 
 the old stand. His store is well equipped with a 
 full line of drugs and medicines, and bj' the courte- 
 ous treatment of his patrons he is conducting a 
 splendid and paj'ing business. 
 
 The lad^- who became the wife of our subject, 
 Februarv 7, 1870, was Mary T., a daughter of 
 Chambers and Ellen Anderson. Mrs. ATright is a 
 native of this city, and has borne her husband 
 seven children, one son and six daughtere, namely: 
 Lizzie, now the wife of O. W. Gottman; Daisy, 
 Homer, Blanche, Fannie, Clata and Hazel. He is 
 an ardent Democrat and is influential in the polit- 
 ical life of his community. His fellow-townsmen 
 have elected him to various local positions, and he 
 served on the School Board very satisfactorily for 
 three years. In addition to his drug business, our 
 subject owns a neat little farm comprising four- 
 teen acres, upon which are to be found a comfort- 
 able residence and all the modern machinery for 
 its operation. 
 
 I 
 
 ^^EORGE WEHRIIEIM. a progressive mer- 
 II J-—, chant of Baldwin, has the honor of being a 
 ^^5) native of Randolph County. He was born 
 near Red Bud, and is a son of John and Elizabeth 
 (Rediesh) Wehrheim, who were honored pioneers 
 of this community. They were born and reared 
 in Germany, and in the Fatherl.ind were married. 
 About 1842, the3- bade adieu to the home of their 
 childhood and crossed the brinv' deep to the New 
 World. The3' first located in Monroe County, 111., 
 but afterwards settled near Red Bud, Randolph 
 Count3'. In 1852, the3' went to Evansville, where 
 the father built the mill which is now operated by
 
 O^^O^rlyU-c^^Ct:^^
 
 POUTRAlT AND BtOGRAtHlCAt RECORD. 
 
 489 
 
 Sauer Brothers. He resided in Evansville until 
 Ins death. He .came to this countrj- a poor man, 
 but won his wa}- upward until he was numbered 
 among the leading and representative business 
 men of the county. On his arrival in Randolph 
 County, he purchased a farm which was heavily 
 timbered, and being a cooper by trade, he began 
 making his timber into barrels, and in the winter 
 season employed a large force of men along this 
 line. Success attended his efforts, aud from the 
 sale of his barrels he soon acquired enough to pa}- 
 off all indebtedness on liis farm. Not long after 
 this was accomplished he sold out and embarked 
 in milling in Evansville, as before stated, shipping 
 by boat to New Orleans and St. Louis. He died 
 in 1873, .and his wife has also passed awa3'. 
 
 Our subject was the third in order of birth in 
 the family of seven children. He was reared to 
 maniiood under the parental roof, and became 
 familiar with the occupations in which his father 
 was engaged. He followed milling, also worked 
 upon the home farm and clerked in his father's 
 store. In 1872, he went to Kansas, where he spent 
 one year. After his return to Illinois, in 1873, he 
 engaged in business in Evansville, where he con- 
 tinued for about four 3'ears. 
 
 In 1874 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. 
 Wehrheim and Miss Augusta Dicknian, the step- 
 daughter of 'Squire John Stoehr, a well known 
 resident of Red Bud. In 1877, they removed to 
 Baldwin, which at that time was in its infanc}', 
 and our subject established a general merchandise 
 store, which he still carries on. He began on a 
 small scale, but has steadily enlarged his facilities 
 to meet the growing demand, until he now has a 
 large trade. He also has added a stock of m.a- 
 chinery, and does an extensive business in that 
 line as well. 
 
 The union of Mr. and Mrs. Wehrheim has been 
 blessed with eight children, namely: William. 
 Annie. Arthur, Lydia, Cora, Clara, John and Al- 
 bert. The family circle yet remains unbroken, 
 and all are still under the parental roof. The 
 parents hold an enviable position in social circles, 
 and are numbered among the best and most prom- 
 inent citizens of the community*. In his political 
 views, Mr. Wehrheim is a stanch Re[mblican, aud 
 
 his wife is a member of the Presbyterian Church. 
 By good business ability he has won a well merited 
 success. He is industrious and enterprising, and 
 his diligence and well directed efforts have placed 
 him among the substantial citizens of the county. 
 
 (^ 
 
 . ^m \\ 
 
 e;r- 
 
 ^^11 
 
 jg^, 
 
 ^ 
 
 ^ 
 
 MW. KIMBALL for many years officiated 
 as Deputy County Clerk of Jackson Coun- 
 ^ ^ ty, resigning that position in April, 1894, 
 in order to accept the chief clerkship in the office 
 of the Revenue Collector of the Thirteen tli Dis- 
 trict at Cairo, 111. Competence has won him this 
 responsible place and has numbered him among 
 the leading business men of southern Illinois. He 
 was born in Golconda, Pope County, III., January 
 16, 1860, and is the eldest of eight children whose 
 parents were John B. and Malinda H. (Phillips) 
 Kimball. The father was born in Indiana, and the 
 paternal grandfather, William Kimball, was born 
 in the east and was of Scotch-Irish descent. By 
 trade he was a miller. 
 
 When a young man, John B. Kimball remov- 
 ed to Golconda, 111., and in the fall of 1860 he 
 went to Carbondale. The following 3'ear he came 
 to Murphj'sboro, where he operated a mill until 
 1871. He was then elected County Sheriff for a 
 term of two years, and he has also served as Alder- 
 man of this place. For a time he carried on mill- 
 ing, and also followed merchandising. He still 
 makes his home in Murphysboro, and is a highly 
 respected man. Mrs. Kimball was born in Union 
 County, 111., and was a daughter of W. H. Phillips, 
 who located in that county at a veiy earl}' da^-. 
 Her death occurred in 1881. Mr. Kimball was 
 again married, and has one child bj- this second 
 union. Two sons and three daughters of the first 
 marriage are still living. 
 
 In the state of his nativity W. W. Kimball was 
 reared to manhood, and the common schools af- 
 forded him his educational privileges. From early 
 bo}iiood he was familiar with the milling business, 
 and for some years worked for his father along 
 that line. He spent one j'ear as book-keeper for 
 the Jackson County Milling Company, then went
 
 490 
 
 PORtRArr AKD SlOGRAPmCAL RECORD. 
 
 to St. Louis and became book-keeper in a commis- 
 sion house. 
 
 Mr. Kimball was married in Murphj-sboro in 
 October, 1887, the lady of his choice being Miss 
 Eva D. Risling, a native of Jackson Count}- and a 
 daughter of C. C. Risling, one of the early set- 
 tlers of this communit}'. He was for years con- 
 nected with the Mt. Carbon r.iilroad shops as mas- 
 ter pattern worker, and still follows that business. 
 Mrs. Kimball has a very fine musical education 
 and is a lady of high culture. The familj- now 
 numbers two children, Thelraa and Helen. 
 
 Mr. Kimball is a prominent Democrat, and for 
 four 3'ears served as Secretary of theCountj- Dem- 
 ocratic Central Committee. He is a member of 
 Mt. Carbon Lodge No. 434, 1. O. O. F., and of 
 Lincoln Encampment No. 109. He also belongs to 
 the Masonic fraternity. He aided in the organi- 
 zation and was a Director of the first Board of the 
 Jackson County Building and Loan Association, 
 and also of the Southern Illinois Building and 
 Loan Association. In 1883 he was appointed 
 Deputj- County Clerk under John R. Kane, and 
 held the ofDce for seven years. In 1891 he en- 
 gaged in the abstract business, and in December, 
 1892, became one of the organizers of the Jackson 
 County Abstract and Title Guarantee Company, 
 of which he was made Secretary. In November, 
 1892, he was appointed Deputy- County Clerk by 
 Edward Crawford, which position he held with 
 credit to himself and satisfaction to his constitu- 
 ents until April, 1894. He then accepted the chief 
 clerkship in the Revenue Collector's office of the 
 Thirteenth District, at Cairo, 111., under W. K. 
 Murphy, and this place he is filling to the satisfac- 
 tion of all concerned. He is an expert accountant, 
 a ver\- genial, courteous gentleman, and has a wide 
 circle of friends. 
 
 (| MLLIAM A. BOST. The labors of this 
 \rJ// honest, upright and well-to-do citizen 
 \li/^ have resulted in the possession of about 
 three hundred acres Ij'ing on section 1, Somerset 
 Township, Jackson Count3\ The greater part of 
 this farm the proprietor cleared from the forest, 
 
 and labored early and late for many years in order 
 to bring it to its present condition. By the exer- 
 cise of great industry, frugality and good man- 
 agement he has accumulated sufficient means to 
 protect him against want in his declining years, 
 while his career as a citizen has been such as to es- 
 tablish him in the esteem and confidence of his 
 neighbors. 
 
 The parents of our subject, John and Rachel 
 (Lipe) Host, were natives of North Carolina and 
 descendants of German ancestry-. Grandfather 
 Bost was a soldier in the Colonial army during 
 the War of the Revolution. William A. was born 
 in Rowan County, N. C, December 15, 1826, and 
 in childhood received a rudimentarj' education in 
 the schools of the home neighborhood. At that 
 time both the "temple of learning" and the 
 method of instruction were of a character most 
 crude. The house was built of logs, with a plank 
 floor, slab seats resting on wooden legs, and an 
 open fireplace with a chimney made of rocks laid 
 in mortar. The writing desk was made of a plank 
 extending the entire length of the wall and sup- 
 ported bj' pegs driven in the logs. 
 
 In the spring of 184C Mr. Bost came to Illinois, 
 and until the fall of the same j-ear sojourned in 
 Montgomery Count}', going thence to Perry Coun- 
 tj'. In the spring of 1852 he came to Jackson 
 County and located on Elk Prairie, but soon re- 
 moved to De Soto Township, where he remained 
 for a short time. From there he came to .Somer- 
 set Township, and purchasing his present farm, 
 commenced the work of clearing and improving 
 the land. For a time he lived in a log cabin, but 
 later constructed a frame house, in which he lived 
 until 1893, when he completed his elegant and 
 modern residence, one of the finest in the township. 
 
 The first marriage of Mr. Bost, which occurred 
 in 1849, united him with Miss Lucretia Robinson, 
 and ■ resulted in the birth of a son, John. He 
 afterward married Amanda Crews, and they be- 
 came the parents of ten children, viz.: William 
 A., Edward, George, Ibson; Rachel, wife of George 
 Bradley; Ann, who married Ellis Moon; Ruth, 
 Hardy, Manning and Daniel. The mother of these 
 children was a lady of kindly disposition and 
 a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal
 
 PORTRAlf AND BIOGRAPmCAL RECORD. 
 
 491 
 
 Church, and her death, April 5, 1893, was mourned 
 by the members of that denomination and b}' all 
 who knew her. 
 
 Politically, Mr. Bost is a stanch supporter of 
 the principles of the People's part}-. He has 
 served with effleiency as Collector of Somerset 
 Township, and has also represented the township 
 as a member of the County Board of Supervisors. 
 For some years be has been identified with the 
 Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association, belonging 
 to Lodge No. 95. in De Soto Township. Mr. Bost 
 has become well known as a law-abiding citizen, 
 and has a comfortable home, where are frequently 
 welcomed the many friends whom he has made 
 during his long sojourn in the county. 
 
 /^^\ ILES J. SNIDER, who carries on farming 
 on section 23, Carbondale Township, Jack- 
 Is son County, was born October 21, 1836, 
 on Eight Mile Prairie, Williamson Coun- 
 ty, 111. His grandfather, Solomon Snider, was a 
 native of Virginia, and about 1806 emigrated to 
 Union Count}-, 111. A short time afterward he re- 
 moved to Eight Mile Prairie, where he built a log 
 house, which is still standing. Later he removed 
 to Six Mile Prairie, in Franklin Count}-, where he 
 made a permanent location, and in the midst of 
 tlie wilderness developed a fine farm. He had one 
 of the first horse-mills of that locality. He mar- 
 ried Polly Smith, and to them were born ten chil- 
 dren, three yet living: Mi-s. Nancy McElvain, of 
 Perry Comity; Solomon, who lives on the old 
 home farm in Franklin County, and Mrs. Sophro- 
 11 ia Kimmel, of Elkville, Jackson County. 
 
 Ephraim Snider, father of our subject, was born 
 in L'nion County, April 9, 1809, and married 
 Elizabeth Herrin, a native of Herrin's Prairie, 
 Williamson County, born May 1, 1819. Her fa- 
 ther, David Herrin, was born in South Carolina on 
 the 15th of August, 1793, and accompanied her 
 grandfather, John Herrin, to Hopkins County, Ky., 
 when a boy. February 21,1814, in Kentucky, oc- 
 curred his marriage with Sarah Herring, who was 
 born in South Carolina, October 9, 1792, and died 
 July 31, 1856. On the 10th of February, 1819, 
 
 they came to Herrin's Prairie, Williamson County, 
 111., w-here they continued to reside until their de- 
 mise. They reared a family of six children, viz.: 
 Delila P., Alfred J., F^lizabeth, Oliver, Ele.anor and 
 Martha C. The father of this family died Septem- 
 ber 1, 1870. 
 
 John Herrin, great-grandfather of our subject, 
 was probably a native of South Carolina; he mar- 
 ried Elizabeth Collins, who was born in Ireland. 
 Another great-grandfather, the Rev. Isaac Her- 
 ring, was one of the early settlers of Kentucky, 
 removing thither from South Carolina in 1812. 
 Later, accompanied by his wife and six of their 
 children, Jonathan, James, Reuben, Moses, Rachel 
 and Rebecca, he removed to Illinois and settled at 
 Herrin's Prairie, Williamson County. There his 
 death occurred June 29, 1845, aged seventy -seven 
 years. His wife. Lenity, was born in Ireland in 
 1770, and passed away July 23, 1846. He was a 
 pioneer Missionary Baptist preacher of ability, and 
 aided in the organization of the Franklin B.iptist 
 Association. 
 
 The Rev. Isaac Herring and David Herrin, in 
 whose honor Herrin's Prairie was named, were 
 numbered among the first settlers of this part of 
 Illinois. At the time of settling here, they found 
 the country infested with tribes of Indians as well 
 as almost every variety of wild animals and game. 
 By occupation they were farmers, and though sub- 
 jected to the many hardships endured by the first 
 settlers of a new country, were successful finan- 
 cially. Their children became useful and honored 
 citizens, and hundreds of their descendants are 
 now numbered among the progressive residents of 
 this locality. 
 
 The parents of our subject were married Sep- 
 tember 24, 1835, and located on Eight Mile Prai- 
 rie, in Williamson County, where they resided un- 
 til 1856. The farm upon which they lived is still 
 in the family. They then came to Jackson Coun- 
 ty, and in 1859 built a brick house, then the finest 
 in the county. The father began life a poor man, 
 but accumulated a large estate. He died Decem- 
 ber 28, 1867, and his wife passed away July 7, 
 1888. Both lie buried in Snider Cemetery, where 
 a fine marble monument marks their last resting 
 place. In the family were nine sons and four
 
 492 
 
 PORTIlAlt AND BIOGRAPHICAL felECOM). 
 
 daughters, and at the death of the mother six of 
 
 the sons acted as pail bearers. The members of 
 tlie family still living are: M. J.; Rebecca, wife 
 of M. A. Evans, of Carbondale, bj' whom she has 
 four children; Solomon; Sarah E.; Mike T., of 
 Carbondale Township, who married Martha Brew- 
 ster, by whom he has two children; Mollie, wife 
 of Dr. John Viek, of Carterville, III., by whom she 
 has four children ; Charles P., who married Nancy 
 Woods, and has five children; E. Monroe, who 
 wedded Emma Painter, and with his wife and two 
 children makes his home in Carbondale; and Laura, 
 twin sister of Monroe. She is now the wife of 
 Robert H. Dillingcr, of Carbondale Township, and 
 has five children. 
 
 The subject of this sketch attended a little log 
 schoolhouse, heated by a fireplace and seated with 
 rude slab benches. He aided in the labors of the 
 home farm until twenty-two j'ears of age, when 
 he commenced life for himself on a wild farm on 
 section 22, De Soto Township. He built a log 
 cabin and brought to his new home a bride. Oc- 
 tober 24, 1861, he married Anna Maria Boucher, 
 who was born in Ireland, July 5, 1843. She died 
 May 29, 1865, leaving a daughter, Lizzie, who was 
 born December 24, 1862, and is now the wife of 
 W. D. Ward, of DuQuoin, by whom she has two 
 children. 
 
 Mr. Snider was again married, November 10, 
 1872, his second union being with Miss Hannah, 
 daughter of Jeremiah and Mar3' (Hagler) Brewster. 
 Her father was born in 1815, and was a son of 
 Jeremiah Brewster. Her mother was born in Po- 
 mona Township, Jackson County, June 20, 1820, 
 and was a daughter of John and Susan Hagler, 
 who came to Illinois in a very early day from 
 North Carolina. Mr. Brewster died in 1877, but 
 his widow still survives him. They were the par- 
 ents of eight children, seven yet living: Dr. James 
 Brewster, Mrs. Mary Campbell, William Harrison, 
 Mrs. Snider, Mrs. INIattie Snider, Mrs. Laura Quails 
 and Mrs. Cora Van Keurcn. The parents were 
 both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 Two sons, James and John, served in the Civil 
 War, the former as Assistant Surgeon of the Eigh- 
 teen Illinois Infantr3'; and the latter in Company 
 B, Eighty-first Illinois Infantry. He died March 
 
 27, 1880. Mrs. Snider was born March 9, 1849, 
 received a college education, and afterward suc- 
 cessfully engaged in teaching. 
 
 In 1866, Mr. Snider removed to his present farm, 
 where he has since made his home. He carries on 
 general farming, and four hundred and fifteen 
 acres of valuable land pay tribute to his care and 
 cultivation. He also raises some fine cattle and 
 horses. In 1872 he erected a commodious and 
 comfortable residence at a cost of $2,500, and the 
 home of Mr. and Mrs. Snider was blessed by three 
 children: Manning, who was born April 8, 1875, 
 and is a student in the State Normal University; 
 Andrew J., born Jauuar}' 27, 1882; and Nellie, 
 born on the 17th of January', 1886. The mother 
 is a faithful member of the ]\Iethodist Episcopal 
 Church, and takes an active part in Sunday-school 
 work. Mr. .Snider is a stalwart supporter of the 
 Democratic party, and has served as School Di- 
 rector. He may truly be called a self-made man, 
 for since starting out in life he has been dependent 
 entirely upon his own resources, and his success is 
 the result of his own labors. 
 
 3^P 
 
 (f^REDERlCK WILLIAM RIECKENBERG. 
 [is^gv The world is crowded with men and women, 
 /11, each trying to gain success through the 
 
 different avenues of monej'-making, and day after 
 day the ceaseless round of dut^^ goes on, some giv- 
 ing attention to professional callings, some buying 
 and selling in commercial headquarters, and others 
 cultivating the soil. It is generally conceded that 
 the agriculturist leads the most independent life, 
 and certainly to no class of bread-winners are we 
 indebted for more beneficial results than to the 
 farmer. 
 
 Among those in Randolph Country who are iden- 
 tified with the latter-named class ma}- be men- 
 tioned the subject of this sketch, who was born in 
 Wine Hill, this count}-, September 26, 1853. His 
 father, Diederich Rieekenberg, was born in Ger- 
 many, and at the age of fourteen years emigrated 
 to America, and after working in New Orleans, 
 La., for several years, came to Randolph County, 
 some time during the '30s. Since that time he has
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 493 
 
 been closely identified with the farming interests 
 of the county, and is still living at Wine Hill. His 
 wife, whose maiden name was Margaret Heitmann, 
 died in 1872. 
 
 In the parochial school at Wine Ilill, as well as 
 the public schools of that place, the subject of this 
 sketch received a practical education. He worked 
 on the home farm until he was twenty-four, when 
 he settled upon his present estate, and has since 
 devoted his attention to cultivating and improv- 
 ing the propert3-. His buildings are modern in 
 design and attractive in appearance, while he has 
 all the machinery to be found upon a first-class 
 farm. In addition to the raising of cereals he is 
 largely interested in stock-raising, making a spe- 
 cialty of milch cows. He has an interest in the 
 Steeleville creamery. 
 
 Mr. Rieckenbcrg was united in marriage in 
 1877 with Jliss Emma, daughter of Conrad and M. 
 (Royersher) Voges, who reside near Red Bud, 111. 
 The marriage has resulted in the birth of six chil- 
 dren, namely: Adelia, George, Helene, William, 
 Fritz and Rudolph, all of whom reside with their 
 parents and attend the home schools. In religious 
 belief, Mr. Ricckeuberg and liis entire family are 
 identified with the Lutheran Church. In politics, 
 he has been a life-long Democrat, and has served 
 as Road Commissioner, as well as in other local 
 positions of trust. 
 
 ylLLIAM A. MILLIGAN, who is always 
 found in the front rank of any enterprise 
 calculated to promote the growth and up- 
 building of Coulterville, is a citizen whom Ran- 
 dolph County could ill afford to lose. He is both 
 widely and favorably known, and at the present 
 time is carrying on a good trade as stationer and 
 jeweler. In local affairs he has also been promi- 
 nent, having been City Clerk of Coulterville for 
 three years, and a member of the School Board for 
 one term. 
 
 Samuel and Rachael K. (Miller) Milligan, the 
 parents of our subject, were natives respectively 
 of Adams County, Ohio, and Saratoga County, 
 N. Y., the father having been born in December, 
 
 1809, and the mother in October, 1817. The pa- 
 ternal grandparents of our subject, William and 
 Jane (Gibson) Milligan, came from Scotland. His 
 maternal grandparents were also born across the 
 water, AVilliam Miller being a native of Scotland, 
 and his wife, Margaret Miller, being born in 
 Ireland. 
 
 The parents of our subject were married in Illi- 
 nois in 1837, near the Garden of Eden, and after 
 their union, located near Coulterville, on a farm 
 which is now the site of the village. When Sam- 
 uel Milligan settled here, it was a wild and uncul- 
 tivated tract, and he was one of the pioneers in 
 the vicinity. He manifested a commendable in- 
 terest in every advance movement, and took an 
 active part in educational and ecclesiastical affairs. 
 With his wife he was a member of the Reformed 
 Presbyterian Church. He died July 13, 1852; his 
 wife still survives. They reared a family of eight 
 children, six of whom are now living. 
 
 AVilliam A. Milligan was born on the old home- 
 stead February 23, 18-40, and remained there until 
 1867. After attaining his majority, he superin- 
 tended the operations of the estate for six years, 
 wlien he came to Coulterville and became a mem- 
 ber of the firm of A. S. Dickey & Co., continuing 
 in the business for nearly three years. This ven- 
 ture did not prove at all successful, and in Janu- 
 ary, 1871, Mr. Milligan, having disposed of his 
 stock of merchandise, borrowed $100, which, added 
 to the amount he already had, enabled him to open 
 a small book and stationery store, and in this 
 branch of trade he is still engaged. 
 
 In 1873 our subject, in company with his brother 
 J. S., opened a fine drug store in this place, which 
 they continued to conduct very successfully until 
 1879. The old homestead already spoken of was 
 sold, and the mone^' derived therefrom divided 
 among the children, Mr. Milligan's share being 
 1800. March 9, 1886, he married Miss Anna Sor- 
 rells, a native of Tennessee, and the daughter of 
 Joseph and Emma (Blair) Sorrells. Mrs. Milligan 
 was born February 18, 1859, and has become the 
 mother of a daughter, Emil}^ who was born De- 
 cember 12, 1891. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Milligan are devoted members of 
 the United Presbyterian Church, of which deuom-
 
 494 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 ination in CouUerville our subject was one of the 
 founders, and also served as its Treasurer for a 
 number of j-ears. His membership is now with the 
 church at Oakdale. He is a stanch Republican in 
 politics, and for fifteen ^x'ars was the efficient 
 servant of Uncle Sam as Postmaster at this place, 
 and for five years served as Deputy Postmaster. 
 His long residence here h.as made him well known 
 to the public, and that he is highly regarded can- 
 not be doubled when the large number of his 
 warm friends are taken into consideration-. He 
 was one of the Directors in the establishment of 
 the Coulterville flouring mills, and also owns stock 
 in the co-operative creamery, wliicli forms one of 
 the industries of this place. 
 
 J^, LFRED C. GANT, a son of a well known, 
 (@A-J| | highly respected pioneer, Alfred Gant, 
 
 /// Ik Sr., and a native of Boone County, Kj'., 
 ^^ is a most progressive and popular citizen, 
 
 and is an intelligent, genial j^oung man. He is 
 prominentl}' identified with the farming interests 
 of township 6, range 7, Randolph County, where 
 he is ably managing his extensive agricultural in- 
 terests on his father's finely improved farm on 
 section 14, which the latter purchased in his earlj'^ 
 manhood, and developed b3' hard and persistent 
 labor into one of tlie choicest estates in this locality. 
 
 Tlie father of our subject was born in 1820, and 
 when a child of four years was brought by his 
 parents to Randolph County, settling on a farm 
 within one mile of the present home estate. Alfred, 
 Sr., had to go a distance of three miles to school, 
 and notwithstanding the long journey, attended 
 very regularl}-. He improved this opportunity un- 
 til he became grown, when he gave his entire time 
 to helping his father. After his marriage he started 
 out for himself, and l)y his industry and economy 
 became possessed of an abundance of propertj', 
 which included fifteen hundred acres of as fine 
 land as is to be found in the county'. This he took 
 a;reat pride in cultivating and improving, and it is 
 without doubt the finest in the township. 
 
 Alfred Gant, Sr., was married March 19, 1846, 
 to Martha Milligen, whose parents were early set- 
 
 tlers in Randolph Count}', and to their union were 
 born eight children. He was called to the land 
 beyond March 21, 1882, mourned and respected 
 bj' his many friends and acquaintances. His good 
 wife followed him to the better land May 29, 189.3. 
 In politics Mr. Gant was first a Whig, but on tlie 
 organization of the Republican part}' was always 
 found read}' to support its candidates. He and 
 his good wife were both devoted members of the 
 Methodist Church. 
 
 The subject of this notice, wlio was born on his 
 present farm, April 25, 1868, obtained a primary 
 education in the district schools, and assisted his 
 father in the farm work until reaching his eigh- 
 teenth 3'ear. At this period in his life he entered 
 the school at Lebanon, Oiiio, and was a faithful 
 student there for seven mouths. He again return- 
 ed to the farm and continued his agricultural pur- 
 suits. Young Gant tlien made two trips through 
 the west on prospecting tours, but finally settled 
 down to carrj' on his chosen vocation. He is look- 
 ed upon as one of the leading 3'oung farmers in 
 southern Illinois, and has reason to be proud of 
 his fine possession, which was left him on the death 
 of his father. 
 
 October 13, 1892, our subject was united in 
 marriage with Mollie E. Crisler, a daughter of 
 Fletciier and Mary (Harmon) Crisler, both natives 
 of Randolph County. Our subject was formerly a 
 member of the Knights of PytWas at Chester, and 
 is a stanch Democrat in his political affiliations. 
 
 ^.^-m^i^^i^^i^^^^^rSsS-^m^M 
 
 OHN A. WAGNER. Randolph County is 
 the home of quite a number of men who 
 were thrown upon their own resources at an 
 earl}' age, and whose natural aptness and 
 energj' were developed and strengthened b}' con- 
 tact witii the world, resulting in making their 
 lives more than ordinarily successful. Among this 
 number is John A. Wagner, one of the most prom- 
 inent and successful merchants of Evansville. 
 
 A native of Germany, our subject was born in 
 Kur-Hessen May 27, 1848, and is a son of Valen- 
 tine and Anna Catherine (Dill) Wagner. The 
 parents emigrated to the United States in 1857,
 
 PORTRAIT AKD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 495 
 
 and coming directly "to Illinois, located in Monroe 
 Count}', where the}' made their home on a farm 
 for eight months. August 10 of the following 
 year, thej' removed to Evansville, where they died 
 just thirty-six hours apart in 1889, the father's 
 decease occurring March l,and the mother's March 
 3. The father was a mining engineer in his na- 
 tive land, but after coming to America followed 
 the trade of a cooper. The paternaf grandfather 
 of our subject, Nicholas Wagner, was also a native 
 of Germany, and died there when Valentine was a 
 child. 
 
 The parental family included two sons and four 
 daughters, of whom those living are: Catharine, 
 Mrs. G. E. Heck; Doroth}*, Mrs. Joseph Yeagle; 
 Frederick and our ."ubject. John A. has made 
 this place his home since 1858, and received his 
 education in the common schools, which he at- 
 tended during the winter seasons. Soon after 
 reaching his majoritj' he began working at the 
 trade of a cooper, which he had learned under 
 his father. He continued to be thus engaged until 
 1867, and later followed the carpenter's trade for 
 about three years. At the expiration of that time 
 he began clerking in the general store of John 
 Bratnej-, of this place, and remained with him for 
 three years and four months. After leaving his 
 emplo}' his services were engaged by George 
 Wehrheim,and fourteen months later he formed a 
 partnership with his brother Frederick and opened 
 up a general store, which they conducted success- 
 fully for eleven 3-ears. Upon disposing of the 
 stock, our subject found another location and has 
 since been engaged in the mercantile trade. 
 
 September 17, 1874, John A. AYagner and Miss 
 Sophia Heiman, a native of St. Louis, were united 
 in marriage. To them were born five children, of 
 whom the three living are Frederick, Adelaide and 
 Anna. Mr. AVagner is public spirited, and main- 
 tains a deep interest in all movements which 
 promise to advance the material or moral prosper- 
 it}' of the citizens. His many sterling qualities and 
 unassuming manners have won him a high place in 
 the esteem of his fellow-citizens, who have elected 
 him to the offices of Town Treasurer and Trustee. 
 Socially, he is a member of Egypt Star Lodge No. 
 286, 1. 0. O. F., of Bud Bed, and joined the Ma- 
 
 sonic fraternity in 1876, being a member of Kas- 
 kaskia Lodge No. 86. He is also a member of Sta- 
 ley's Chapter No. 103, at Sparta. In politics he is 
 a Republican and cast his first vote for U. S. 
 Grant. 
 
 _^=^# P ' . 
 
 *^«i RNEST C. ROWOLD, who is engaged in 
 fe general farming on section 25, Horse Prai- 
 / !' — '^ j rie, Randolph Count}', was born in Prussia, 
 in 1835. and at the age of eleven years came to 
 the United States with his parents, Frederick and 
 Sophia (Yeager) Rowold, both of whom were also 
 natives of Prussia. They made their wa}' to Liv- 
 erpool, and while en route for that place were 
 wrecked in the North Sea. From England they 
 sailed for New Orleans, reaching the Crescent City 
 in January, 1847, and then came up the Mississippi 
 to Cairo, thence to St. Louis, and on to Horse 
 Prairie. The father died the year after his arrival, 
 but the mother survived until 1862. Their fam- 
 ily numbered five children, all of whom are j'et 
 living, as follows: Frederick; Conrad, who owns 
 and operates one hundred and twenty acres of 
 the old homestead farm; Ernest C, of this sketch; 
 Wilhelmina, widow of Frederick Hartman, of Horse 
 Prairie, and Emily, wife of Henry Busch. 
 
 Judge Rowold was reared to manhood under 
 the parental roof, becoming familiar with all the 
 duties of farm life and also with its pleasures. He 
 attended the common schools, and ere his majority 
 learned the cooper's trade, which he followed for 
 some time. In 1857 he chose as a companion and 
 helpmate on life's journej- Miss Caroline Hartman. 
 By their marriage were born twelve children, nine 
 of whom are still living: Ernest, who is engaged, 
 in farming in this county; Frederick, of Bueksville, 
 Monroe Count}'; Caroline, wife of Henry Arbeiter, 
 a resident of Jackson County; Sophia, wife of 
 Charles Kloepper, an agriculturist of this commu- 
 nity; William, who is living in Red Bud; Herman, 
 who spent five years in a school at Springfield, 111., 
 and is now pastor of a Lutheran Church in Mar- 
 quette County, Wis.; Hannah, Mina and Henry. 
 
 Through the winter season Mr. Rowold has fol- 
 lowed coopering, and in the summer months has 
 devoted his time and energies to farm work. He
 
 496 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, 
 
 now owns one hundred and twenty acres of good 
 land, tlie greater part of which is under a high 
 state of cultivation. The improvements upon his 
 place indicate his thrift and enterprise and are 
 such as are seen on a model farm. 
 
 In politics Judge Kowold has long been a stanch 
 Democrat. P''or two terms he served as Coun- 
 ty Commissioner with credit to himself and to the 
 satisfaction of his constituents. For sixteen con- 
 secutive years he was a member of the School 
 Board and did effective service in the cause of ed- 
 ucation. For the same length of time he also 
 served as Appraiser of the Horse Prairie Insurance 
 Company. In public office, as in private life, he 
 has always been true and faithful to his duties, and 
 hence he has won the esteem and confidence of a 
 large circle of friends and acquaintances. He is 
 now a Director in the Horse Prairie Township Mu- 
 tual Insurance Company-. 
 
 ?REDERICK SCIIRIEBER,whois numbered 
 among the honored pioneer settlers of 
 Randolph County, located here in 1837, 
 more than half a century ago. He at once took 
 up land from the Government and began the de- 
 velopment of a farm. With the historj' of fron- 
 tier days he was familiar, and the hardships and 
 trials of pioneer life were known to him through 
 experience. He was a man of an industrious and 
 enterprising disposition, and through his untiring 
 labors he developed a fine farm, continuing its 
 cultivation until his death, in September, 1867. He 
 left a widow and five children. The former after- 
 ward became the wife of his brother, Charles Schrie- 
 ber. The members of the family are, Fritz, who now 
 resides in Washington County; Henry, who is also 
 living in Washington County; Charles W., the 
 third in order of birth; William, who makes his 
 home in this county, and Ed, who is also living in 
 Wasliington County. 
 
 Charles W. Schrieber was born on the old home- 
 stead farm in 1854, there spent the days of his 
 boyhood and youth, and has made it his home 
 since attaining to years of maturity. It is there- 
 fore doubly dear to him. In the common schools 
 
 of the neighborhood he acquired a good education, 
 which well fitted him for the practical duties of 
 life. After his father's death, when the estate was 
 settled up, he received the old homestead of two 
 hundred and forty acres as his share of the prop- 
 erty and has since here carried on general farm- 
 ing. In connection with this he has a general 
 merchandise store in Prairie and is doing a good 
 business along that line. 
 
 In 1882 was celebrated the marriage of Charles 
 W. Schrieber and Miss Annie Saw3'er. One child 
 graced their union, Ida. The mother was laid to 
 rest in 1887, and Mr. Schrieber afterward married 
 Miss Mary Goetting, b}' whom he has one child, 
 Stalla. 
 
 In politics our subject has followed in the po- 
 litical footsteps of his father and is a stanch Demo- 
 crat. He takes an active part in local politics and 
 does all in his power to insure the success and pro- 
 mote the growth of his party. Public spirited and 
 progressive, he manifests a commendable interest 
 in everything that pertains to the welfare of the 
 community and is ever found in the front ranks 
 of those enterprises which are calculated for public 
 advancement. Both he and his wife are members of 
 the Lutheran Church, and the community in wliich 
 his entire life has been passed finds in him a worthy 
 and valued citizen and one who has the high re- 
 gard of all with whom business or social relations 
 have brought him in contact. 
 
 T| AMES II. MORELAND, a prosperous agri- 
 I culturist and successful stock-raiser, resid- 
 ^^ I ing upon one of the best farms in township 
 ^^f/ 5, range 6, Randolph County, is the proprie- 
 tor of two hundred and fortj' acres of land. He is 
 the son of James Moreland, who was born in the 
 North of Ireland in 1787, and when a 3'oung man 
 accompanied his father to America, landing in New 
 York Cit}'. Upon locating in Greene County, Ohio, 
 he purchased sixty acres of land, on which he con- 
 tinued to reside until 1833. In that year he came to 
 Randolph County and made his home on section 3, 
 township 5, range 6, where he died In 1848. In
 
 \ 
 
 4 ■
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL Rp:CORD. 
 
 499 
 
 Ireland he followed the trade of a weaver, but 
 after coming to the United States he engaged in 
 farming. 
 
 The paternal grandfather of our subject, Will- 
 iam Moreland, was also a native of tlie Emerald 
 Isle, and upon coming to America with his son, 
 located in the Buckeye State, where he remained 
 until death. Mrs. Elizabeth (Killough) Moreland, 
 the mother of our subject, was born in the Alibey- 
 ville District, S. C, and at the death of her mother 
 removed with her father to Ohio. Her parents 
 were William and Elizabeth Killough, natives of 
 South Carolina and of English descent. She was 
 married to James Moreland in 1816, and by him 
 became the mother of eleven children, of whom 
 Sarah, Mary Ann, James Killough, Thomas and 
 Lydia A. (Mrs. Elliott) are deceased. Those liv- 
 ing besides our subject are Amelia, Mrs. David 
 Tweed, of Sparta; William G., who makes his home 
 in Page County, Iowa; John L., a retired farmer 
 in Kansas City, Mo.; Elizabeth, wife of Samuel 
 Dickey, a farmer of Kansas; and Margaret, the 
 wife of Tlieron McLean, who resides in Sparta. 
 
 James H. Moreland was born in September, 1838, 
 in Randolpli County, and was given a good edu- 
 cation in the district schools. After the decease 
 of his father he remained at home with liis mother 
 until her death, and was only sixteen years of age 
 when he took charge of the home farm. In 1861 
 he joined the Union arm}', enlisting in Companj- 
 C, Thirtieth Illinois Infantry, under Capt. James 
 C. Wilson. His first engagement was at Britain 
 Lane, where one hundred and eighty-nine Confed- 
 erates and two Union soldiers ^ere killed. The 
 last battle in which he participated was that of At- 
 lanta. During his entire period of service he w.as 
 neither wounded nor taken [)risoner. 
 
 When mustered out of service, in December, 1864, 
 at Savannah, Ga., young Moreland returned home 
 and located upon the place which is his present 
 home. The lady whom he married January 1, 
 1878, was Miss Nellie E., daughter of John K. and 
 Elizabeth (Gillespie) Burke. Mrs. Moreland is a 
 native of this count}', while her parents were born 
 in South Carolina and were of English descent. 
 To our subject and his wife were born sis chil- 
 dren, of whom two died in infancy. Effle is a 
 16 
 
 student in the schools of Sparta; Ida, William and 
 Bessie are at home. 
 
 In his political relations our subject is a stanch 
 Republican and takes a leading part in local mat- 
 ters. He was elected County Commissioner in 
 1891, and is recognized as one of the foremost cit- 
 izens of his township. He and his wife are mem- 
 bers of the Presbj'terian Church and are ever 
 ready to assist in the religious work or the benevo- 
 lent enterprises of the vicinity. 
 
 LVAII BLANCHARD, formerly one of the 
 f^'/Uy most prominent merchants of Tamaroa, 
 and well known tiiroughout southern 
 Illinois, died at the Baptist .Sanitarium in 
 St. Louis January 21, 1894. In his demise it was 
 realized that the best interests of Perry County 
 suffered an irremediable loss. For many years his 
 history was inseparably associated with that of 
 the community where he resided, and he contrib- 
 uted largely to the develojiment of many of its 
 most prominent enterprises. In addition to con- 
 ducting an extensive trade as a merchant, he 
 owned a farm of three hundred and eighteen acres 
 near Tamaroa, as well as a valuable estate in Jack- 
 son and Williamson Counties. 
 
 In Will County, this state, September 10, 1843, 
 the subject of this sketch was born, being a son of 
 Hiram and Lura (Roots) Blanchard, natives of 
 Massachusetts. The father was a contractor, and 
 aided in the construction of the Erie Canal, and 
 also assisted in building the canal from Chicago 
 to Peru, 111. He was a man of excellent judgment, 
 and was thoroughly informed on all matters per- 
 taining to his line of work. Our subject was one 
 of seven children, the others being Mrs. Annie 
 Kennedy, who died in Omaha, Neb.; Lizzie, the 
 wife of Dr. Wayne Sims, who resides in Green- 
 ville, Tex.; Townsend, a resident of Tamaroa; 
 Hackley, deceased; Mrs. Emily Merrick; and Hiram, 
 who was killed b}' Quaiitrell's men at Olathe, Kan. 
 
 The mother of our subject was the daughter of 
 Rev. Philan Roots, who was one of the first Baptist 
 ministers in New York. Two of his sons came to 
 Illinois and were numbered among the most influ-
 
 500 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 ential raen of the Prairie State. In 1857 the sub- 
 ject of this sketch was brought by his parents to 
 the present site of Tamaroa. In 1863 be embarked 
 in the hardware business at tliis place, but soon 
 afterward enjjagcd in general merchandising. In 
 this enterprise he was very successful, having a 
 thorough knowledge of the various departments 
 of the business. At the time of his death he was 
 recognized as one of the moneyed men of the city. 
 
 .Tune 20, 186<l,Alvah Blanchardand MissAddie 
 Lathrop were united in marriage. Their union was 
 blessed by the birth of four children: Guy; Maude, 
 the wife of George Wykes, of Carbondale; Scott 
 andlsa. The two son were associated in business 
 with their father. As a Democrat, Mr. Blanchard 
 was closely associated with the political affairs of 
 his township and county- for a number of years, 
 and filled many of the most important positions 
 within the gift of his fellow-citizens. From 1882 
 until 1888 he was County Commissioner, serving 
 for two terms in that capacity. At the time of his 
 demise he was President of the Board of Trustees 
 of the Southern Illinois Insane Asylum. Sociallj', 
 he was a Mason. 
 
 The press of southern Illinois paid many merited 
 tributes to the memory- of Mr. Blanchard, and from 
 these we quote as follows from the Democrat, at 
 Pinckne3'ville, January 26, 1894: "Old almost as 
 the eternal hills is the sajMng that 'Death loves a 
 shining mark.' It was his when he claimed the 
 above-named Perry County citizen, on Sunday' last, 
 Januarj- 21, in St. Louis. His loss falls heavily, 
 even outside the family circle. Perry County loses 
 a citizen who has given his best efforts to her prog- 
 ress, having been a leading citizen for a generation. 
 His home town, Tamaroa, has lost a friend whose 
 aid and counsel were invaluable. To no one man 
 can be given more credit for her prosperity and ad- 
 vancement than to him whose new-made grave 
 hides from mortal view one of nature's noblemen. 
 Honored by the Governor of our great state in be- 
 ing chosen from among hundreds as Trustee of one 
 of Illinois' great charitable institutions, he dis- 
 charged well the duty thus imposed by his native 
 state. He was chosen President of the Board of 
 Trustees uix)n its organization, and from the first 
 became active in promoting the welfare of the in- 
 
 stitution and its inmates, having at once mastered 
 the details of its management and successfully en- 
 tered upon and carried out reforms and improve- 
 ments that proved his great ability in that direc- 
 tion. In this hospital work he took an especial 
 pride, and his efforts have been worth much to the 
 state institution and its helpless wards. 
 
 " ' An honest man is the noblest work of God.' 
 Old and true saying; one brought to memory by 
 tliis loss to the family, state, count}' and town; 
 one that enables his fellows to grasp the cause for 
 grief when all is ended in such a one's life. Sterl- 
 ing and unswerving honesty was that possessed by 
 Alvali Blanchard in all his dealings with men. 
 Small wonder he had no enemies and was univer- 
 salh' loved and respected. His path was laid along 
 the line of the Golden Rule. So to honor, more 
 than even to his indomitable energy and wise man- 
 agement, will be truthfully ascribed his successful 
 life." 
 
 From the Tamaroa correspondence in the Dem- 
 ocrat we take the following: "The funeral serv- 
 ices were held Tuesday morning in the Presby- 
 terian Church, ■which was crowded, even all the 
 standing room being occupied. Rev. J. H. Spil- 
 man preached a short discourse from James 4:14: 
 'Ye know not what shall be on the morrow.' 
 A long procession followed the remains to the 
 cemeterj-, where the Masons performed their im- 
 pressive services, which were in charge of Judge 
 Monroe Crawford, of Jonesboro. After the grave 
 was filled, it was decorated with beautiful floral 
 offerings of hothouse flowers, sent bj' business men 
 of St. Louis and friends in our town. The business 
 houses were closed during the hours of the service, 
 and all respect was shown to the honor of one who 
 lived in the hearts of the people and who had 
 done so much for the town. The Board of Direc- 
 tors, remembering his devotedness to the public 
 school cause and the faithfulness with which the 
 deceased had discharged every duty when he was a 
 member of the Board, ordered the school closed 
 during the hours of the service. The family can 
 feel assured that the}' have the heart-felt sympa- 
 thy' of the entire community. Men from neigh- 
 boring towns and friends of all nationalities gath- 
 ered from far and near to pay their last tokens of
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 501 
 
 respect to the departed one, who now rests in 
 his quiet bed. Peace be to bis slumbers, and may 
 great peace, whicli Jesus alone can give, be given 
 to the deeply bereaved family." 
 
 •^^• 
 
 =*®^ 
 
 JIeFFERSON JENKINS is the owner of one 
 of the finest farms of southern Illinois. 
 I His valuable property is located on section 
 19, Carbondale Township, Jackson County, 
 where he lias resided since 1885. The home is an 
 elegant residence, which was erected at a cost of 
 $10,000. Upon the place are three fine barns, all 
 modern conveniences and accessories and the latest 
 improved machinery, and in the fine orchard are 
 several thousand trees. The farm is two hundred 
 acres in extent. 
 
 Mr. Jenkins was born April 24, 1838, on the old 
 homestead of the family-. His father, James Jen- 
 kins, was born in Kentucky in 1800, and was a 
 farmer by occupation. His brother, Arthur Jen- 
 kins, served as a Captain under Jackson at the bat- 
 tle of New Orleans, in the War of 1812. The 
 paternal grandfather, Shadrack Jenkins, was a 
 native of North Carolina, and was of "Welsh de- 
 scent. He was numbered among the Revolution- 
 ary heroes, and in the war for independence was 
 taken piisoner by the Tories. The mother of our 
 subject was Susanna, daughter of Robert Stephen- 
 son. She was born in Smith County, Tenn., in 
 1798. 
 
 James Jenkins first came to Illinois in 1818, lo- 
 cating in Galena. He afterward made several 
 trips to Kentucky. On the 17th of April, 1831, 
 in Perrj- County, 111., he married Miss Stephen- 
 son, and then located upon a farm in that locality. 
 Four years later he removed to a farm two miles 
 south of Murph3-sboro. This part of the state was 
 all wild and unimproved and was inhabited bj' 
 nianj- Kaskaskia Indians. The land was covered 
 with timber, and the work of civilization seemed 
 scarcely begun. Mr. Jenkins started out in life for 
 himself in limited circumstances, but by well di- 
 rected efforts became the owner of eight hundred 
 acres of valuable land. In politics he was a stanch 
 Republican, and he and his wife were members of 
 
 the Baptist Church. His death occurred March 7, 
 1861, and his wife passed away December 23, 1865. 
 Of their eight children, only two are now living. 
 Marium, widow of Richard Jukes, resides in Mc- 
 Pherson Count}-, Kan., and has seven children. 
 j The eldest son. Hamilton, served throughout the 
 I late war as a member of Company B, Eighty-first 
 I Illinois lufantr}-, and was made Orderly Sergeant. 
 While crawling from tiie rifle-pits at Yicksburg to 
 get water, a rebel bullet passed through his whis- 
 kers, but he escaped iujurv. 
 
 Mr. Jenkins of this sketch was reared on the 
 old homestead, and acquired his education in the 
 district schools. On his father's death he became 
 owner of the farm. He was married November 4, 
 1863. to Miss Fannie Eakin, daughter of Stephen 
 and Martha W. (Walker) Eakin. Her father was 
 born in Virginia in 1801, and her mother in Ken- 
 tucky in 1807. They were married in the former 
 stite, and there resided until their emigration to 
 Illinois in 1833, when they located in Levan 
 Township, Jackson County, on a new farm. The 
 first school of that township was taught b}' an 
 aunt of Mrs. Eiakin, Miss Sarah J. Moore, who was 
 also prominent in promoting the best interests of 
 this locality-, aiding in all that tended to elevate 
 the comraunit}-. She died in 1856. and was buried 
 in Du Quoin. Mr. and Mrs. Eakin were charter 
 members of the First Presbyterian Church organ- 
 ized in Jackson County, were prominent in chuich 
 work, and were highly respected people. He took 
 an active part in politics and supported the Dem- 
 ocratic part\-. His death occurred in 1876, and 
 his wife passed away in 1855. They were the 
 parents of eleven children, of whom six are now 
 living: Francis M., Robert S., Joseph H., Stephen 
 P.; Eleanor S., wife of Alex Imhoff, of Ft. Scott, 
 Kan., and Mrs. Jenkins. 
 
 The last-named was born in Levan Township, 
 March 16, 1842, and completed her education in a 
 boarding school of Holly Springs, Miss. At the 
 age of fifteen she began teaching, and followed 
 that profession for five years, or until her marriage. 
 Unto our subject and his wife were born ten chil- 
 dren, of whom eight are j-et living: J. Howard; 
 Edgar Ellsworth, a farmer of Carbondale Town- 
 ship, who married AUie Johnson, by whom he has
 
 502 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 one child; Henry H., whose wife died, leaving one 
 child; Edith May, wife of Ed P. Trobaugli, of 
 Murphysboro Township, by whom she has two 
 children; Gertrude Blanche, Anna Louise, Nellie 
 Florence and Alice Kate. They lost twin boys in 
 infanc}'. Tiie eldest son is a conductor on the 
 Mobile ct Ohio Railroad. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. .lenkins have given their children 
 good educational advantages, thus fitting them 
 for the practical duties of life. This worthy* cou- 
 ple began their domestic life on the old homestead, 
 and there resided until removing to their present 
 home in 1885. The old home comprises one 
 hundred and sixty-seven acres, and is still owned 
 by our subject, who is regarded as one of the most 
 progressive farmers of the neigliborhood. Socially 
 he is a member of Amity Lodge, I. O. O. F., of 
 Murphysboro, and in politics he fs a Republican. 
 He served for three terms as Supervisor, and for 
 fifteen 3'ears has been Township Trustee, a fact 
 which shows the confidence reposed in him and the 
 high regard in which lie is held by his fellow- 
 townsmen. 
 
 . ' 0^ P • 
 
 EDWIN M. HANSON is a worthy represent- 
 ative of the agricultural interests of Jack- 
 son County. He successfully follows farm- 
 ing on section 8, Makanda Township, where for 
 some years he has made his home. A native of York- 
 shire, England, he was born March 19, 1819. The 
 date March 19 was a memorable one in the family, 
 for the mother and three sons were born on that 
 day of the year. 
 
 The father of our subject, Hamor Hanson, was 
 born in Yorkshire in 1782, and was a son of 
 Abraham Hanson, a native of the same county. 
 The former engaged in the manufacture of goods 
 for the American market, and in 1804 came to 
 this country. Later he returned to England, but 
 in 1824 again crossed the Atlantic, locating in 
 Philadelphia. In his native land he married 
 Martha Moorehouse, who was born in Yorkshire 
 in 1782. In 1827 she brought her children to 
 the United States, joining her husband in Phila- 
 delphia. In 1829 the familv came to Jackson 
 County, 111., locating on section 31, Carbondale 
 
 Township. There were but few families in the 
 county', and all was wild and unimproved. The 
 parents here spent their last days, the father's 
 death occurring in 1844, while the mother passed 
 away in 1861. Tiieir children were: Batley, born 
 in 1802: John M., in 1804; Joseph, in 1805; Har- 
 riet, in 1808; Charlotte, in 1811; Sarah, in 1812; 
 Abraham, in 1815; Henry, in 1817; E. M.,in 1819; 
 Hamor in 1820; Samuel, in 1823; and Judith, in 
 1824. 
 
 Our subject is now the onl^' survivor of the 
 family. His education was acquired in his native 
 land, and he there engaged in storekeeping until 
 seventeen years of age. The jear 1836 witnessed 
 his emigration to America, and for a short time 
 he was employed as a machinist in Philadelphia. 
 In 1838 he came to Illinois and made his home 
 with his father until his marriage. In February, 
 
 1843, he wedded Elizabeth Hiller, who was born 
 in Kentucky in 1824, .and was a daughter of the 
 Rev. Simon Hiller, one of the early preachers of 
 this county. She was called to her final rest in 
 
 1844. The previous year Mr. Hanson came to 
 this county and secured from the Government 
 a tract of timber land, from which he has hewed 
 out a fine farm. In the fall of 1844 he wedded 
 Nancy Clinton, who was born in Kentuck\" Janu- 
 ar}' 16, 1827, and was brought to this state in 
 1829 by her parents, Zachary and Sarah (Hanks) 
 Clinton, natives of Kentucky, who settled on a 
 new farm near DuQuoin, Perry County. In De- 
 cember, 1838, they located in Murphysboro Town- 
 ship, Jackson County, where they opened up 
 another farm, and in 1854 removed to a farm on 
 section 5, Makanda Township, Where the father 
 died in 1859. His wife survived him only two 
 years. Of their five children, three are yet living: 
 Mrs. Hanson, Mrs. Rebecca Crowell and Mrs. 
 Martha Boone. The parents were both members 
 of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 
 Unto Mr. and Mrs. E. M. Hanson were born 
 seven children: Caroline, deceased; Cameron C, de- 
 ceased, who was married and had four children; 
 Albert B., deceased ; Hamor M., of Makanda Town- 
 ship, who married Louisa Gregory and has five 
 children; Mary J., wife of Calvin Biggs, by whom 
 she has four children ; John E., of Makanda Town-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 503 
 
 ship, who wedded Melissa Foster and has three 
 children; and Louis IL, who completes the family. 
 
 Mr. Hanson is the oldest settler living in Ma- 
 kanda Township, and is numbered among tiie 
 county's honored pioneers. He has upon his farm 
 some rails which he made a lialf -century ago. 
 He owns one hundred and sixty acres of land, of 
 which one hundred and twenty acres have been 
 placed under cultivation through his own labors. 
 During the building of the Illinois Central Rail- 
 road, he and his brother .John kept .an extensive 
 store on the farm. 
 
 Mr. Hanson aided in the organization of Ma- 
 kanda Township, iielped to organize the school 
 district, and has been a member of the School 
 Board for fifteen years. For fourteen years he 
 was Justice of the Peace, was Assessor one term, 
 and for over twenty years has been Judge of 
 Elections. In politics he is a Democrat. The prom- 
 inent part which he has taken in the upbuilding 
 of the community and the promotion of its best 
 interests numbers him among the valued citizens, 
 as well as the honored pioneers of the county. 
 
 -f^ 
 
 bHOMAS MOFFAT, who operates the Ran- 
 dolph mines, located near Percy, 1 11., is a na- 
 tive of Scotland, his birth having occurred 
 in that country on the 14th of January, 1836. 
 His parents were Andrew and Helen (Donaldson) 
 Moffat, and he was their fifth child. "When a 
 young man, his father sailed twice to America, 
 but always made his home in the Old Country. 
 He served as Overseer of Roads under the English 
 Government for a period of thirty-five years, and 
 both he and bis wife spent their last da3'S in Eng- 
 land. 
 
 Thomas Moffat attended school in Scotland and 
 England until fifteen years of age, and then 
 woiked on a farm and also aided his father in 
 macadamizing roads. He then abandoned that 
 work to begin emplo3inent in the iron mines of 
 England, and since that time his attention has 
 been devoted exclusively to mining. He won 
 promotion in that work, and became foreman at 
 the mines of the Rosedale and Fairy Hill Company, 
 
 which position he filled for seven years, when, in 
 1864 he decided to seek a home beyond the Atlan- 
 tic and came to America. At that time, however, 
 he only spent one year in the New World, after 
 which he returned to England and accepted his 
 old position as foreman of the mines. Thus he 
 was employed until 1869, when once more he 
 crossed the briny .deep. This time he took up 
 his residence in Braidwood, 111., but soon after- 
 ward removed to (Jardner, and thence to Bloom- 
 ington, this state. Six months later he went to 
 St. John, Perry County, where he worked for a 
 short time, when he took charge of the Eagle 
 mines, near Du Quoin. He continued the opera- 
 tion of the same for a j'ear, when he bought a 
 farm, and with his family located thereon. This 
 was in the latter part of 1870. 
 
 In 187.3. Mr. Moffat went to Roseborough, near 
 Sparta, 111., and took charge of the Roseborough 
 mines, continuing the operation of the same for 
 ten years, when, in order to educate his children, 
 he removed to Sparta, where he spent the two suc- 
 ceeding years of his life. We next find him in 
 Percy, where he has since made his home. He 
 now conducts the Randolph mines, of Percy, which 
 turn out about three hundred tons of coal per day. 
 
 In December, 18G6, Mr. Moffat was united in 
 marriage with Miss Alice Fell, a daughter of Will- 
 iam and Elizabeth (Harrison) Fell, who were na- 
 tives of England, but in an early day located at 
 Rich Hill, Mo. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Moffat were 
 born six children, but only three are now living: 
 Robert E., who married Etta Edwards, and resides 
 in Percy; Thomas, who wedded Lou Short, who 
 died a year later; and James, at home. The mother 
 of this family was called to her final rest in Ajjril, 
 1876. The following year, Mr. Moffat married 
 Alice Lewis, daughter of Abraham and EJizabeth 
 Lewis, of Sparta, III. Their union has been blessed 
 with one son, Abraham Livingston. 
 
 Mr. Moffat was reared in the Presb3'lerian faith, 
 but is not now connected with any church. In 
 polities he is a stanch Republican, and warmly ad- 
 vocates the principles of his party. He has served 
 as Trustee of the village of Percy, proving a ca- 
 pable and efficient officer. He is ever deeply inter- 
 ested in what pertains to the welfare of the com-
 
 504 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BlOGRAPmCAL RECORD. 
 
 munitj' in which he resides, and does all in his 
 power for public improvement and advancement. 
 lie is a man of sterling worth and strict integrity, 
 and well deserves a place in tlie history of his 
 adopted county. 
 
 -^^l 
 
 [B • 
 
 0. 
 
 \^^^ 
 
 bOUIS HEITMAJs, an enterprising and pop- 
 ular 3'oung pharmacist of Chester, already 
 occupies an honored position in the busi 
 ness world of his native county. He was born in 
 Randolph County, at Bremen, February 1, 1857, 
 and is the son of Dietrich and Mary (Rickenberg) 
 Heitman, natives of the Fatherland. The parents 
 came to America in 1840, making the journey 
 hither on the sailing-vessel "Orleans," and after 
 landing in the New World made their way di- 
 rectly to this state and county. The3' immedi- 
 ately located in Bremen, where tiiey are residing 
 at the present time, and rank among its well-to-do 
 citizens. The elder Mr. Heitman was in early life 
 a watchmaker, but upon becoming an American 
 citizen, purchased a farm, and lias since been en- 
 gaged in its cultivation. 
 
 Our subject, who is the youngest of the four 
 children born to his parents, carried on his primary 
 studies in the district school. Being ambitious 
 to obtain a good education, however, he took a 
 course of study in the high school of Sparta. Later 
 lie entered the Southern Illinois University, from 
 which he was graduated with due honors in 1880. 
 In 1882, wisliing to see something of the western 
 country, Mr. Heitman went to California and en- 
 gaged for one term as Principal of the Azusa 
 School. His ambition, however, being to follow 
 the profession of a pharmacist, he engaged in the 
 drug business at Pasadena, Cal., where he remained 
 for about five years. Then, spending the inter- 
 .val until 1890 in traveling in the western states 
 and territories, Mr. Heitman returned to Chester, 
 in the fall of that year, where he established a 
 drug store, and is conducting a fine business. 
 Here he has a neat and commodious store, com- 
 plete in all its appointments, well stocked with 
 drugs and medicines, toilet articles, and all things 
 to be found in a fii-st-class establishment. Mr. 
 
 Heitman pays especial attention to the compound- 
 ing of prescriptions, and is conducting here a good 
 and well paying business. 
 
 November 9, 1891, our subject and Miss Ber- 
 thena Eggers were united in marriage. Mrs. Heit- 
 man was also born in this place, and is the daugh- 
 ter of Henry and Mary Eggers. He has always 
 taken an active part in social affairs, and is a mem- 
 ber of Pasadena Lodge No. 132, K. of P„ He has 
 held man^' prominent offices in that order, and 
 was elected Representative to the Grand Lodge 
 in the Golden State in 1887. Since locating in 
 Chester he became a member of Hercules Lodge 
 No. 228, which he also represented in the Grand 
 Lodge in 1891. In the above year he was elected 
 Deimty Grand Cliancellor of this district, which 
 position he still holds. He is likewise a member 
 of Pasadena Lodge No. 172, A. F. <fe A. M., and 
 also of Harmon G. Reynolds Chapter, of this place. 
 He is a standi adlierent of the Democratic party, 
 and has given his township faithful service as 
 School Director. In addition to this, he is the 
 Secretary of the Southern Illinois Stock and Agri- 
 cultural Association, and in many ways is pro- 
 moting the interests of his township. 
 
 vH/ 
 
 'H 
 
 11^^ 
 
 ^, OBERT CRAIG. This country is the home 
 of many Scotchmen, who have come here 
 from time to time to take advantage of 
 Sj^the favorable opportunities offered for ac- 
 cumulating money, and few have won more friends 
 or been more successful than was the subject 
 of our sketch, who at the time of his decease, 
 wliich occurred June 18, 1888, had accumulated 
 a goodly amount of this world's goods, including 
 a valuable farm located in township 7, range 6, 
 Randolph County. 
 
 Robert Craig was born in 1828, in Glasgow, 
 Scotland, and was a lad of onlj' twelve years 
 when he crossed the Atlantic, with the determina- 
 tion to make his permanent home in America. 
 Finding his way directly to Illinois, which he had 
 heard was so rich in farming lands, young Craig 
 made his home near Chester, in Randolph Coun- 
 ty. He had been given a limited education in his
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 505 
 
 native land, and, after making his home in Illinois, 
 woriied on his father's farm until reaching his 
 thirtieth year, when he purchased land on his own 
 account. He was a man of excellent judgment 
 and soon improved his broad acres witli attractive 
 and commodious buildings, and reaped annually 
 abundant harvests from his estate. 
 
 March 31, 18G9, Mr. Craig and Miss Magdalena, 
 daughter of Baldash and Catherine (Ilelbling) 
 .Schneider, were married. The lady's parents were 
 natives of Switzerland, and she was tiie elder of 
 tlie two children born to them. Bj- the union of 
 Mr. and Mrs. Craig have been born three children, 
 of whom Robert, the eldest, died in infancy. 
 William A. is still living with his mother on the 
 home farm, and Katie met an untimel}' death by 
 drowning a few years ago. Mrs. Craig, aided by 
 lier son, is conducting the farm in a very success- 
 ful manner, and the improvements and substan- 
 tial buildings which now adorn the place stand as 
 monuments to the thriftof the husband and father. 
 
 Mr. Craig was a devoted member of the Pres- 
 byterian Church, while his wife is a Rom.an Cath- 
 olic. The former in his political relations was a 
 stanch Republican, and, although never aspiring 
 to [lolitical ofHce, was ever ready to lend a help- 
 ing hand in the advancement of any public enter- 
 prise. Mr. Craig was first married to Eliza Wilder- 
 man, bj' whom he had one son, John, who resides 
 in St. Louis, Mo. 
 
 "fij OHN C. DOUGLAS. Few men have lived 
 I more quietlj- and unostentatiously than Mr. 
 ^;^ Douglas, and j-et few have exerted a more 
 l^^/ salutary influence upon the immediate so- 
 ciety in which they move, or impressed a commu- 
 nit3' with a more profound reliance on their honor, 
 ability and sterling worth. His life has not been 
 illustrious with striking or startling contrast, but it 
 has shown how a laudable ambition may be grati- 
 fied when accompanied with pure motives, perse- 
 verance and steadfastness of purpose. Mr. Douglas 
 is a self-made man in every sense of that term, and 
 what he lias accumulated in the way of tliis world's 
 goods has been the result of energy and persever- 
 ance on his part. 
 
 A native of Randolpii County, our subject was 
 
 born in Chester in 1852, and is the eldest child of 
 Andrew and Eliza (Craig) Douglas, of whom a 
 sketch will be found on another page in this Rec- 
 ord. Our subject attended school during his ear- 
 lier days, and as his opportunities for gaining an 
 education were limited, he later supplemented the 
 book knowledge of his j-outh with reading and 
 observation. He was reared to farm pursuits, and 
 all his life he has followed the occupation of an 
 agriculturist, now being the possessor of a good es- 
 tate on section 8, township 7, range 6. 
 
 John C. Douglas was married in 1888, to Miss 
 Eliza, daughter of Joseph M. and Harriet P.(Tilden) 
 Tousley, natives of England, and at the time of 
 her marriage were residing in Randolph County. 
 Their union has been blessed by the birth of one 
 son, John C. Our subject and his wife are active 
 members of the Presbyterian Church. The politi- 
 cal views of Mr. Douglas are identical with those 
 of the Republican party, and he takes a deep inter- 
 est in the success of the same. 
 
 ENRY W. F. NEUHAUS. In this volume 
 may be found biographies of many useful 
 citizens who, possessing remarkable energy, 
 have worked their way upward from pov- 
 erty- to affluence. The life of Mr. Neuhaus fur- 
 nishes an example of this kind. Of German birth 
 and parentage, he has inherited the sturdy traits 
 of character for which the Teutonic tribes have 
 alwa3'S been noted. For many years he engaged 
 actively in the cultivation and improvement of a 
 farm in Randolph Count}-, and became known as 
 one of the successful and progressive agriculturists 
 of this section. He is now a resident of Steele- 
 ville, where he is well and favorable known as a 
 citizen, neighbor and friend. 
 
 The parents of our subject, William and Louisa 
 (Struck) Neuhaus, were natives of German}-, whence 
 in 1870 they emigrated to the United States. 
 Thej' came at once to Illinois and located near 
 Steeleville, where the father followed agricultural 
 pursuits. Here he and his wife continued to make 
 their home until death. Their third child, Henry 
 W. F., was born in Germany February 12, 1847,
 
 506 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 and grew to manhood in the land of his birth, re- 
 ceiving a good education in the German language. 
 At the age of fourteen years he hired out as a 
 farm laborer and continued thus engaged for a I 
 period of six years. 
 
 In 1867, Mr. Neuhaus took passage for America, 
 and arriving in this country, proceeded to Illinois 
 and made settlement in Washington County, where 
 he worked on a farm for six months. He tlien 
 came to Steeleville and hired out as a farm laborer, 
 remaining thus employed for one and a-half years. 
 He then began an independent career as a farmer, 
 and having acquired thorough familiarity with 
 agricultural pursuits, success naturally followed 
 his efforts. In 1888 he retired from the farm and 
 came to Steeleville, where he has since resided. 
 
 The lady who on the loth of November, 1872, 
 became the wife of Mr. Neuhaus bore the maiden 
 name of Doretha Rabe. Her parents, Henry and 
 Mary (Rorman) Rabe, were born in Germany, 
 whence they emigrated to the United States, set- 
 tling in Randolph County in an early day. Mr. 
 Rabe is deceased, and his widow is living in East 
 St. Louis. In their religious connections, Mr. and 
 Mrs. Neuliausare members of the Lutheran Church, 
 and are regular attendants at the services of that 
 denomination. As a member of the Democratic 
 part3', he has alwaj's maintained an interest in 
 national and local political affairs, but is not an 
 aspirant for official honors. He is an upright man, 
 straightforward in his dealings, and obliging and 
 kind in his relations with those with whom he 
 comes in contact. 
 
 ■^1 AMES CROWE, one of the substantial farm- 
 ers who owns and operates a fine tract of 
 land on section 15, township 3, range 9, 
 Monroe County, is a native of the Emerald 
 Isle. He was there born on the 1st of INIay, 1836, 
 and is a son of Matiiias and Catherine (Ragin) 
 Crowe, who were also natives of Ireland. The 
 father lived with his parents until his marriage, 
 and then began farming for himself. He carried on 
 
 agricultural pursuits in his native land uhtil 1852, 
 when he bade adieu to his home and friends, 
 and with his family sailed for the New World. 
 Coming to Illinois, he located in Monroe County, 
 where he carried on farming until his death, and 
 so successful was he in his undertakings that he 
 became possessed of considerable propertj' and was 
 numbered among the substantial farmers of tlie com- 
 munity. He was truly a self-made man, for his pos- 
 sessions were all acquired through his own efforts. 
 Ill politics lie was a supporter of the Democracy, 
 and both he and his wife were members of the 
 Catholic Church. His death occurred in 1864, 
 and IMrs. Crowe passed away about 1878.- They 
 were the parents of seven children, Celia, Mary, 
 Patrick, Lawrence, Bridget, Thomas and James. 
 
 In his native land James Crowe spent the first 
 sixteen jears of his life, and then accompanied 
 his parents on their emigration to America. The 
 public schools of Ireland furnished him his edu- 
 cational privileges. He continued to reside at 
 home and give his father the benefit of his serv- 
 ices until his marriage, which was celebrated in 
 1871, Miss Margaret Fox becoming his wife. Six 
 children have blessed their union, viz.: Catherine, 
 Agnes, Mathias, Thomas, IMary and James. The 
 mother is a native of Monroe Count}', and has 
 here spent her entire life. She acquired her edu- 
 cation in the district schools of the neighbor- 
 hood, and remained upon her father's farm until 
 she went to the home of her husband. She is a 
 member of the Catholic Church. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Crowe have carefully reared their children, giv- 
 ing them good school privileges, and with one 
 exception all are single. Agnes, who married 
 Matthew II. Dunn, makes her home in St. Louis. 
 
 Throughout his entire life Mr. Crowe has fol- 
 lowed agriculture and is a practical and progressive 
 farmer, who in the able management of his busi- 
 ness affairs has met with a high degree of success. 
 Diligence, econom}- and perseverance have brought 
 to him prosperity, and he is now the owner of 
 one of the finest and most valuable farms of this 
 community. He exercises his right of franchise 
 in support of the Democratic party, and, like his 
 wife and children, is a member of the Catholic 
 Church. He has lived in Monroe County since
 
 %J^, 
 
 M 
 
 (P. '^t^.^n^^cy'h^^
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 509 
 
 the age of sixteen years, and those who have 
 known him from his 3'onth upward are numbered 
 among his warmest friends, a fact which indicates 
 a well spent life. 
 
 v(g). ^^M® ^(SjJ 
 
 , EV. FATHER PAUL LIMACHER, pastor 
 of St. Peter and Paul's Catholic Church of ■ 
 Waterloo, was born in Fluehli, canton of 
 1 Lucerne, Switzerland, .June 16, 1826, and 
 is a son of Anton and Mary Liraacher. In his na- 
 tive country he was reared to manhood. His edu- 
 cation was acquire<l in the parochial schools and 
 in the Catholic College of Lucerne. It was in 
 1847 that he crossed the Atlantic to America, 
 landing on the 1st of May in New York Cit^', 
 whence lie went to Chicago. He made the jour- 
 ne}' by way of the Erie Canal, St. Lawrence River 
 and the Great Lakes, for there was not a railroad 
 built to the western metropolis at that time. He 
 continued his studies in Chicago, in the Uoiversity 
 of St. Mar\''s of the Lake, completing the course, 
 and was afterward appointed curator in the col- 
 lege. 
 
 Mr. Limacher was ordained on the 31st of July, 
 18.")1, and entered upon his priestly duties in 
 Highland, Madison County, 111. He there re- 
 mained for ten years, but his labors were very 
 arduous, and his health thereby becoming impaired, 
 he was forced to leave his first charge. On the 
 lOtli of September, 1861, he came to Waterloo 
 and began liis labors in this place. He was instru- 
 mental in erecting the fine church edifice here in 
 1883, at a cost of 1:32,000. He has charge of all 
 the Catholic institutions at this place, including 
 the Holy Family Convent, which lie erected in 
 1865. He lias a membership of two hundred and 
 fifty families in his congregation. A most excel- 
 lent choir furnishes the music for the churcli, and 
 each Sunday the children are instructed in the 
 Sunday-school. In the Catholic day school there 
 are two hundred pupils under the care of five 
 teachers. Sister Anastasia is the Sister Superior 
 of the convent. The church is in a flourishins 
 
 condition financially, owing to the excellent man- 
 agement of its pastor, who is aided in his work b}' 
 Father Kaercher, the assistant pastor. 
 
 Father Limacher has lived a devout and hol}- 
 life and has the love and esteem of his members. 
 He has held his present pastorate since 1861, and 
 has seen the church grow from a small beginning 
 until it has reached its present large membership. 
 On the anniversar}' of his thirtieth year in this 
 place, his members and those of other denomina- 
 tions united in celebrating the day, and gave 
 him some handsome presents in token of their es- 
 teem. Again, on the fortieth anniversary of his 
 ordination, there was another large gathering to 
 celebrate the occasion. Tlie church has several so- 
 cieties, namely: the St. Vincent, St. Peter and 
 Paul's Society, the Catholic Knights of Illinois, the 
 Young Men's Society, the Roseaiy Society, and 
 the Holy Angel Society among the children. 
 
 s^ '— S]"^T'~^[S^" ■ — -"S 
 
 RTIIUR E. CRISLER. It is a well known 
 fact tliat circumstances in life may make 
 or mar tlie prospects of man to a certain 
 extent, but a determined spirit will bend 
 even the force of circumstances to its will. The 
 career of Mr. Crisler since his arrival on the stage 
 of human action is abundant proof of this trite 
 s.aying: That which is better tlian silver or gold, a 
 good name, gains added luster in adverse circum- 
 stances, and the sterling qualities of character are 
 strengthened in the combat of life. 
 
 Our subject, who is one of the prominent attor- 
 neys and Master in Chancery at Chester, is a na- 
 tive of this county, and was born August 11, 
 1861. He is a son of Thomas J. and Maria (Aid- 
 rich) Crisler, natives of this county. The grand- 
 father of our subject, Abel Crisler, was one of the 
 first settlers in Randolph County, while his great- 
 grandfather, Silas Crisler, hailed from Kentucky. 
 The last-named gentleman came to this state in 
 the year 1800, and followed the joint occupations 
 of preacher and farmer. He was of German de- 
 scent, and religiously a minister in the Hard Shell 
 Baptist Church. The mother of our subject was 
 the daughter of Amasa Aldrich, a native of Rhode
 
 510 
 
 POktllAlT*AND BlOGftAtmCAL ftECORG. 
 
 Island, who came to Illinois, locating in this coun- 
 ty in the j^ear 1820. He was also a farmer, and 
 was of English descent. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was the second child 
 and eldest son in the parental farailj' of eight chil- 
 dren. He passed his hoyhood on the home farm, 
 and later going to Jackson County, completed his 
 education in the state normal school. He next 
 taught school for two years, and was thus enabled 
 to carry out the ambition of his life, and took his 
 initiative steps by reading law in the office of H. 
 C. Hbrner, of this city. He was admitted to the 
 Bar in 1890, at Ml. Vernon, this state, and on re- 
 turning to Chester, imraediatel}' began the prac- 
 tice of his profession, in which he has been so suc- 
 cessful, and is building up for himself a splendid 
 clientage. 
 
 In 1888, Mr. Crisler and Miss Arietta Gant were 
 united in marriage. The lady was the daughter 
 of Alfred Gant, and was born in this county. In 
 1892, Mr. Crisler was appointed Master in Chan- 
 cery, and in the spring of the following year was 
 elected City Attorney on the Democratic ticket. 
 He is courteous, gentlemanly and considerate in 
 his dealings with all, and is classed among the best 
 citizens of the count}-. Socially, he is a Knight of 
 Pythias. 
 
 'f= 
 
 =+ 
 
 \|^pRED AY. SCHRIEBER, a well known resi- 
 l!i^> dent of Randolph County, and one of its 
 /ll honored settlers, now living in Horse 
 
 Prairie, claims Germany as the land of his birth. 
 His father, A. Schrieber, was born in the same 
 country, and in 1835 emigrated to America, ac- 
 companied by his wife and four children, the eld- 
 est of whom was Fred. Charles, the second, is 
 now a resident of Carondelet, 111.; William is liv- 
 ing in St. Louis County, Mo.; and Wiilielraina is 
 a resident of Randolph County. 
 
 Our subject was a youth of sixteen when he 
 came to the New World, taking up his residence 
 in this community. For ten years he remained 
 under the parental roof, and then, iu 1848, he be- 
 gan life for himself. He chose as a companion 
 and helpmate on life's journey Miss Wilhelmena 
 Luebkarman, and by their marriage were born 
 
 eleven children, five of whom are still living, 
 namely: Frederick, Henrj', Edward, Charles and 
 Herman. The two youngest are now residents of 
 St. Louis. 
 
 Mr. Schrieber started out in life for himself 
 empt3-lianded. In early life he secured from the 
 Government a farm of eight}' acres of wild land, 
 which was covered only with prairie grass, not a 
 furrow having been turned or an improvement 
 made. He at once began breaking it, and from 
 time to time he extended the boundaries of his 
 farm until it now comprises almost an entire sec- 
 tion. This tract he has placed under a high state 
 of cultivation, making many excellent improve- 
 ments upon it, which stand as monuments to the 
 thrift and enterprise of the owner. His life has 
 been indeed a busy and useful one, and by his 
 economy, industry, perseverance and good man- 
 agement he has achieved success. His sons are 
 also well-to-do men and are industrious. 
 
 When Mr. Schrieber first came to this county in 
 1838, wild game was to be had in abundance, and 
 as he was very fond of hunting he had ample op- 
 portunity to indulge his taste for that sport. He 
 has seen the county in its wild condition, and in 
 the work of improvement and development has 
 ever borne his part. In 1876 he was called upon 
 to mourn the loss of his wife, who was called to 
 her final rest. She was a faithful Christian woman 
 and proved a faithful helpmate to him. He and 
 his family are all members of the Lutheran Church, 
 with which they have been connected since its or- 
 ganization. To its support he contributes liber- 
 ally, and in its upbuilding and welfare he takes 
 an active interest. In politics he has been a life 
 long Democrat, but has never sought or desired 
 public office, preferring to devote his entire time 
 and attention to his business interests, in which 
 he has met with a success that is well deserved. 
 
 1^ OBERT S. DOUGLAS was a man of excel- 
 llWr lent iudgment and firm convictions upon 
 !ii\\\ all subjects of importance, and was re- 
 ^^garded as one of the substantial citizens of 
 township 7, range 6, Randolph County. He was 
 a native of Roxburgh, Scotland, where his birth
 
 PORTEATT A:N"D BIOGRAPlttCAL RECORD. 
 
 511 
 
 occurred in 1829. The father and mother of our 
 subject bore the names of John and Helen (Smith) 
 Douglas. The parents emigrated to this country 
 when our subject was sixteen years of age, and 
 located in this county, where they were classed 
 among the prosperous farmers of the section. A 
 sad event occurred in the year 1849, when the fa- 
 ther, mother, two sons and one daughter were 
 called to the land beyond, two of them dying from 
 cholera. 
 
 Young Robert attended school in his native land, 
 Scotland, and obtained but a meagree ducation, 
 as it was necessary that he should begin work 
 earW in life. After coming to America he assisted 
 his father in cultivating the home farm until the 
 latter's death, when the estate was divided be- 
 tween his sister and himself, and he continued to 
 work ou the place with his sister as liis house- 
 keeper. In the year 1867 our subject sold out 
 his share of the farm, and had started for Kansas, 
 when, being taken sick, he returned to Illinois. 
 He then lived on rented land for the following 
 three years, at the expiration of which time he 
 purchased land on Mar^^'s River, about five miles 
 from Chester. He spent his last da3S on this 
 place, dj'ing in February', 1875. One hundred 
 and sixty acres were comprised in his fine farm, 
 which was a finely improved and attractive piece 
 of land. 
 
 September 13, 185.5, our subject and Miss Helen, 
 daughter of Mungo and Isabel (Telfer) Dickson, 
 were united in marriage. Her parents were na- 
 tives of Roxburgh, Scotland, and came to Amer- 
 ica with the Douglas family. Robert and Helen 
 were schoolmates in their native land, and by 
 their marriage five children have been born. Isa- 
 bel died in infancy; Helen died when seven years 
 of age; George is married to Jennie Gant and 
 makes his home in Colorado; William P. married 
 Minnie Hansen and resides near Chester; and 
 Daisy, who is the wife of Channing Smith, lives 
 on a farm near the city of Chester. 
 
 Mrs. Douglas is a faithful member of the United 
 Presbyterian Church, as was also her husband. 
 Mr. Dickson, the father of Mrs. Douglas, was an 
 Elder in the United Presbyterian Church in Scot- 
 land, and was also made an Elder of the church 
 
 in Chester on its establishment. He died at his 
 home near Chester in 1878, when at the advanced 
 age of ninety 3'ears. Mr. Douglas was a Repub- 
 lican in his political affiliations and a man who 
 by his congenial manners won for himself the ad- 
 miration of all with whom he had dealings. 
 
 LBERT E. FRITZE, M. D., though still a 
 young man, has already acquired a fine 
 (a reputation as a skillful surgeon and a suc- 
 cessful phjsician. He has been a resident 
 of Chester only a short time, but he has flattering 
 prospects of a lucrative practice. He is a son of 
 Charles C. and Susannah Fredericka (Metzger) 
 Fritze, and was born near St. Paul, Minn., March 
 28, 1861. The parents were both born in Ger- 
 many, and coming to the United States when quite 
 young, were married in the state of Michigan. 
 
 Young Albert attended the common schools 
 near his home, and at the same time assisted his 
 father in the duties of farm work. When reach- 
 ing his eighteenth year, he entered the Wesleyan 
 College at ]Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, remaining for two 
 years, when he commenced to read medicine under 
 Dr. Fisher, of St. Paul. After a twelvemonth 
 spent thus, our subject became a student at the 
 Homeopathic Medical College of Missouri, at St. 
 Louis, and was graduated from that institution in 
 1885. His first location was then at Carmi, 111., 
 where he practiced his profession for about one 
 year. At the expiration of that time he came 
 to this county, and making Ellis Grove his home, 
 there engaged in active practice. He has been 
 eminently successful, not onh' financially, but pro- 
 fessionally, and is conceded to be one of the bright- 
 est and ablest medical men in thecountj'. During 
 the fall of 1893 Dr. Fritze concluded to move to 
 Chester; here he has commenced a good practice, 
 and having a much wider field for his labors, will 
 soon stand at the head of his profession. 
 
 In May, 1885, the Doctor and Miss Anna Schlatt- 
 mann, of St. Paul, were united in marriage. Mrs. 
 Fritze is a daughter of Henrj' and Marj- Schlatt- 
 mann, natives of Germany, but residents of St. 
 Paul at the time of their marriage. One child was
 
 512 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 born to this union, Pearl, who died in infancj'. 
 Soon afterward Mrs. Fritze passed from this life, 
 and in 1889 our subject was a second time married, 
 taking as his companion Maggie Hiob, a daughter 
 of Fred and Elizabeth Iliob. of Ellis Grove. Dr. 
 Fritze is a member of K.askaskia Lodge No. 86. F. 
 & A. M., and politically is a stalwart Republican. 
 He and his good wife are members of the Method- 
 ist Church, and being possessed of genial, frank 
 dispositions and many pleasant personal attributes, 
 have become very popular. 
 
 -?— = 
 
 i>-^^<i 
 
 <ji^'RED A. RATIIERT, a well known mer- 
 U^^fe chant tailor and clothier of Red Bud, is 
 ili recognized as one of the prominent and 
 
 valued citizens of this communit3', who has the 
 high regard of all with whom business or social 
 relations have brought him in contact. We feel 
 assured that this record of his life will prove of 
 interest to manj- of our readers. He was born in 
 Westphalia, Germany, in 1846, and is the only 
 child of William and Margucrita (Schoenebaum) 
 Rathert, who were also natives of the same coun- 
 try. The mother died daring the infancy of her 
 son, and the father afterward married Miss Eliza- 
 beth Schwier. They became the parents of six 
 children: William and Henry, both of whom still 
 reside in the Fatherland; Cliristian, wiio is en- 
 gaged in merchandising in Red Bud; Christina, 
 Rike and Mar}', who are also living in Germany. 
 A half-brother of the familj-, Charles AVehking, 
 is a resident of St. Louis, where he is engaged in 
 business as a carpenter and builder. He served in 
 the arm}' for about four j'ears during the late war, 
 and was Paymaster of one division. 
 
 Fred A. Rathert was a young man of twenty- 
 three years when he bade adieu to home and friends 
 and native land and sailed for America. At length 
 he reached St. Louis. He could not speak a word 
 of English, but he determined to conquer the dif- 
 ficulties and obstacles in his path. As time passed, 
 he acquired the language of the country, and he 
 continued working at the trade of Uiiloring in St. 
 Louis until June, 1871, when he came to Red Bud, 
 forming a partnership with Henry Heuer. This 
 
 connection continued for a year. In 1874 Mr. 
 Rathert established a regular merchant-tailor busi- 
 ness, and in 1878 erected the building which he 
 now occupies. He carries a fine line of goods, 
 and on account of his excellent workmanship and 
 moderate prices, he has received from tiie public 
 a liberal patronage. 
 
 In 1876 Mr. Rathert was united in marriage 
 witb Miss Annie Saxenmeyer, and unto them have 
 been born two sons: Oswald, who is now attend- 
 ing the Lutheran College of Addison, 111.; and 
 Paul, at home. The parents are both members of 
 the Lutheran Church and take an active interest 
 in its welfare. In June, 1890, Mr. Rathert re- 
 turned to Germany to visit his aged father. It 
 was the last time he ever saw him, for the father 
 has since passed awa}'. Returning home, he re- 
 sumed business, and in his work he has met with 
 a high degree of success, becoming a substantial 
 citizen. His determination to seek a home in 
 America has proved to be a wise one, for prosperity' 
 has rewarded his efforts. In politics he is a stanch 
 Republican, but has never been an oftice-seeker, 
 preferring to devote his entire time and attention 
 to his commercial interests and the enjoyment of 
 tlie home circle. 
 
 f— , '^ <. .A ■^[^-'' ^ . 
 
 J. SEELY, M. D., is a skillful surgeon and 
 successful medical practitioner of Red 
 ^^ Bud. A native of New York, he was 
 born in Sullivan Count}', and during his early 
 boyhood accompanied his parents to Washington 
 County, Ohio, in 1838. In the Buckeye State he 
 was reared to manhood, and began to earn his own 
 livelihood by teaching school, which profession he 
 followed for six years. He was educated in tlie 
 common schools and in an academy. He then took 
 up the study of medicine, wishing to make its 
 practice his life work, and after completing his 
 studies, he practiced for one year in Ohio. In the 
 sjjring of 1861, he came to Illinois, settling in 
 Evansville, Randolph County, where he engaged 
 in the |)rosecution of his profession for five years. 
 In the spring of 1866, he came to Red Bud, 
 where he has since made his home. In the long
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 513 
 
 years of his residence here he has won an enviable 
 rei)utation and secured a very large practice. 
 
 The Doctor comes of an old New England fam- 
 ily, which was probably founded in America dur- 
 ing Colonial days. lIis paternal grandfather. Jo- 
 seph Seely, was a native of Connecticut. Ilis 
 parents, William G. and Hannah (Ferris) Seel3', 
 were both natives of New York. The former 
 served for two years in tiie War of 1812, and after 
 the close of that struggle became a sea captain. His 
 only brother was also a sea captain. In the Seely 
 family were five children, of whom the Doctor is 
 the youngest. 
 
 In 1864, Dr. Seely was united in marriage with 
 Miss M. Elvie Robbins, a native of Washington 
 Count}', Ohio, and to them have been born a son 
 and daughter. The former, Guy, is now married 
 and resides in Fairbur}', Neb; Edna is still with 
 her parents. 
 
 On coming to Red Bud, Dr. Seel}' formed a part- 
 nership with Dr. A. B. Beattie, which continued for 
 one 3'ear. The connection was then dissolved by 
 mutual consent, and since that time our subject 
 has been alone in practice. He is widely and fav- 
 orably known throughout the county, and has the 
 high respect of all with whom business or social 
 relations have brought him in contact. He is a 
 member of the Soutliern Illinois Medical Associa- 
 tion, and is a Knight Templar Mason. He takes 
 great interest in the workings of tiiat fraternity. 
 In politics, he is a supporter of Democratic prin- 
 ciples. 
 
 -^ 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 , ETER RAIIN is numbered among the resi- 
 dent farmers of Monroe County, and 
 makes his home on section 1, township 4, 
 range 9 west. A German by birth, he was 
 born in the province of Rheinpfolz, on tlie 11th 
 of December, 1826, and is a son of Jacob and 
 Barbara Ralin. In their family were five children. 
 The mother died in German}', and the father after- 
 ward married Elizabeth Stuhlfolt. He was a farmer 
 by occupation, and followed that pursuit in his 
 native land until 1842, when he crossed the briny 
 
 deep. The vessel in which he sailed dropped an- 
 chor in tiic harbor of New York on the 4th of 
 July. He came directly to Monroe County, 111., 
 where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres 
 of partially improved land. He made all of the 
 necessary improvements upon it, and placed it 
 under a high state of cultivation, devoting his en- 
 ergies to its further development until his death. 
 The parents of our subject were both members of 
 the Evangelical Church. Only two of their chil- 
 dren are living, Peter and Philip. There is also 
 one half-brother, Wendell, a resident of Monroe 
 County. 
 
 Peter Ralin spent the first sixteen years of his 
 life in the Fatherland, and then came with the 
 family to the United States. He aided in the ardu- 
 ous task of developing a new farm, and also bore 
 the hardships and trials of frontier life. At the 
 age of nineteen he left home and started out in 
 life for himself, going to .Cincinnati, Ohio, where 
 he spent three years engaged in draying. On the 
 expiration of that period he returned to Monroe 
 County, where he has since made his home. His 
 energies have since been devoted to agricultural 
 pursuits, and he owns one hundred and sixty acres 
 of fine farming land, but expects soon to retire 
 from active business life, for by his industry, per- 
 severance and good management in former years 
 he has acquired the capital which will enable him 
 to spend his declining days in rest from labor. 
 
 In 1850 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. 
 Rahn and Barbara Gedelmann, daughter of Nicho- 
 las Gedelmann. The lady was born in Germany, 
 and with the family came to America in 1844, locat- 
 ing in Randolph County. Unto our subject and 
 his wife were born six children, five of whom are 
 yet living, namely: Nicholas, a liquor dealer of 
 St. Louis, Mo.; Henry, who is engaged in farming 
 in Monroe County, 111.; Anna and Barbara, at home; 
 Mary, a resident of St. Louis; and Elizabeth, de- 
 ceased wife of Philip Baner. 
 
 In his political views, Mr. Rahn is a stalwart 
 Republican, who warmly advocates the principles 
 of his party. The cause of education finds in him 
 a warm friend, and for twelve years he served as 
 School Director. He and his wife hold membership 
 with the Evangelical Church. He has lived an
 
 514 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 
 
 honorable, upright life, and among those who know 
 him his word is as good as his bond. He has the 
 respect of all, and it is with pleasure that we pre- 
 sent to our readers the record of Ins career. 
 
 «^' LEXANDER P. HAMILTON, the present 
 ( ©VlJ II popular and efficient Supervisor of Somer- 
 w set Township, and one of Jackson Coun- 
 ty's most influential citizens, was born in 
 Clarke County, Va., .June 23, 1844. The Hamilton 
 family, tradition says, originated in England, 
 whence three brothers of tiiat name emigrated to 
 America prior to the Revolutionary War, one of 
 whom settled in New York, another in Soutii Caro- 
 lina, and the third in Virginia. Our subject is a 
 descendant of the Virginia branch of the family, 
 and his ancestors for several generations were 
 prominent in the histoi^- of the Old Dominion. His 
 maternal grandfatiier, John Blake, was a soldier in 
 the AVar of 1812, and his progenitors on both sides 
 have been men of lofty patriotism and undaunted 
 courage. 
 
 In companj' with his parents. Whiting and 
 Nancy (Blake) Hamilton, our subject in 1859 left 
 the old Virginia home and started westward. From 
 Charlestown to Parkersburg, W. Va., the family 
 traveled by rail over the Baltimore <fe Ohio Rail- 
 road; they then proceeded' by boat to Cairo, 111., 
 from there went by rail to DuQuoin and thence 
 journeyed to Franklin County, this state, which at 
 that time had comparatively few residents and was 
 onl3' partly improved. Upon a farm there Alex- 
 ander P. grew to a sturdy manhood, meantime be- 
 coming familiar with agriculture, which has since 
 been his chosen occupation. His education was 
 meagre, being limited to a brief attendance at the 
 district schools of pioneer days, but he has been a 
 thoughtful reader and a close observer, and conse- 
 quently- is well informed. 
 
 November 18, 1869, Mr. Hamilton was united in 
 marriage with Miss Charlotte L. Snider, who was 
 born in Franklin County, 111., March 1, 1852, be- 
 ing the daughter of Isaac and Electa (Taylor) 
 Snider, earlj' settlers of that county. They are the 
 parents of eight living children, of whom the eld- 
 
 est, Etta, is a successful teacher in the public schools 
 of Murpli)-sboro; James is a student in the Normal 
 .School at Valparaiso, Ind.; Maggie, Lottie, Ella, 
 Joseph. Lula and John Rilph reside willi their 
 parents. 
 
 Shortly after his marriage Mr. Hamilton came to 
 Jackson County and settled in Somerset Township, 
 where he has since resided on section 33, except a 
 few years spent in Murph^'sDoro, III. He has ever 
 been prominent in the promotion of the best in- 
 terests of the people, and is now serving his second 
 terra as Supervisor of Somerset Township. In his 
 political belief he is a Democrat, and while not 
 active in his partisanship, he ma^' always be relied 
 upon to discharge his duties as a public-spirited 
 and progressive citizen. He enjoys the confidence 
 of his large circle of acquaintances and the esteem 
 of those who for years have been his associates in 
 business and social circles. 
 
 iHOMAS BROCKLESBY. The vast agricult- 
 ural resources of the United States enables 
 thousands of men to gain a competence by 
 tilling the soil. Randolph County is not without 
 her share of these enterprising workers, and among 
 those in township 6, range 5, who occupy excellent 
 estates is the gentleman above named, who is num- 
 bered among the successful men of the county. 
 His propertj' is well improved with substantial 
 buildings, modern farm machinery and good fenc- 
 ing, and the owner raises all the cereals for which 
 this portion of the country is adapted. 
 
 Born in Lancashire, England, in March, 1832, 
 our subject is the j-oungest child of John and Ann 
 Brocklesby, both of whom died in England. 
 Thomas attended school in his native country, and 
 in his 3-outh, being obliged to support himself, he 
 worked at anything he could find to do. At the 
 age of nineteen, having determined to seek a home 
 in the New AVorld, he sailed for America, and at 
 once after landing came to Illinois. Arriving in 
 Randolph County, he located upon the farm where 
 he has since resided. For one year he worked for 
 a farmer in this county, and then undertaking 
 agricultural pursuits for himself, soon achieved
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 615 
 
 success. His estate is pleasantly located within a 
 mile of the cit}' of Steeleville, and its admirable 
 location, as well as the fertilit}' of the soil, renders 
 the property very valuable. 
 
 The marriage of Mr. Brocklesby occurred in 
 18.52, and united him witii Miss Marj' A., daughter 
 of .John and Marv (Scott) Stevenson. The father 
 IKissed away in England, and the mother afterward 
 emigrated to the United States, and resided in Illi- 
 nois until her death. The greatest sorrow that has 
 come to the wedded life of Mr. Brocklesby and his 
 wife is the loss of their five children, of whom they 
 have been bereaved b^' death. They are highly 
 esteemed b3' the people of tlie community, and 
 justly merit the esteem in which they are held. As 
 a member of the Democratic party Mr. Brocklesby 
 takes an intelligent interest in the welfare of the 
 people and the development and progress of this 
 section of the state. He is, however, disinclined 
 to accept public positions, preferring the tranquil- 
 lity- of domestic life to the excitement of an official 
 career. He has given his attention to the improve- 
 ment and cultivation of his farm, and has the sat- 
 isfaction of knowing that the property of which 
 he is now the owner has been earned by his own 
 indefatigable and honorable efforts. 
 
 ^^ LAUS PETERSON, dealer in carriages and 
 (ll n ^ffi'icultuial implements, of Red Bud, was 
 ^^7 born in northern Germany, and in that 
 country was reared to manhood, no event of 
 special importance occurring during his boj'hood 
 and youth. It was in 1867 that be crossed the 
 Atlantic and came direct to this place, where he 
 soon embarked in his present business. Two of 
 his brothers also emigrated to the New World, 
 Peter and Chris. The former died in Red Bud 
 in 1891, leaving two children. The latter is now 
 a resident of Silver King, Ariz., where he is in- 
 terested in mining. 
 
 In his native land our subject had learned the 
 trade of wagon-making, and in 1872 began work- 
 ing along that line in Red Bud, but after carrying 
 on operations for a few years he abandoned the 
 occupation and began dealing in farm implements 
 
 and carriages. He carries a good stock and does 
 the most extensive business in this line of any 
 man in the county. He lost heavily in the cy- 
 clone of 1892, but with characteristic energy he be- 
 gan the work of retrieving his lost possessions. 
 His success is the result of his untiring effort and 
 good management. 
 
 In 1876 Mr. Peterson was united in marriage 
 with Miss Annie Kaney, a native of Indiana, born 
 in t^vansville. Their union has been blessed with 
 a familj' of four children, Johnnie, Oscar, Amelia 
 and Minnie, all of whom are still under the par- 
 ental roof. The parents of our subject, John and 
 Katrina (Christiansen) Peterson, were both na- 
 tives of Germany, and there spent their entire 
 lives. A brother and sister of our subject, John 
 and Mai"3', are also living in the Fatherland. 
 
 Socially, Mr. Peterson is connected with the 
 Knights of Honor, and his brother is a member of 
 the Masonic fraternity and the Odd Fellows' so- 
 ciety. Both are stanch Republicans in politics and 
 take an active interest in the growth and success 
 of their party. Mr. Peterson has been called upon 
 to serve in positions of public .trust, and for a 
 number of years hiis filled the office of City Alder- 
 man with credit to himself and satisfaction to his 
 constituents. For some time he was also a mem- 
 ber of the School Board, and during his service 
 in that capacity did much toward the promotion 
 of the cause of education, of which he is a warm 
 friend. It was a fortunate day for him when he 
 determined to emigrate to America, for here he 
 has met with prosperity', securing a comfortable 
 home, and made manv warm friends. 
 
 \T]SAAC R. PINKERTON. It has been often 
 l| said that invincible determination will accom- 
 /I\ plish any desired result and already are the 
 effects of its constant exercise visible in the life 
 of this gentleman, who, although one of the 3'oung- 
 est agriculturists in township 7, has won a respected 
 position for himself in the community by reason 
 of his industry, perseverance and genial nature. 
 He is a fine type of the native born citizens of Ran-
 
 516 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 dolpb County, and lias good reason to look for- 
 ward to a bright and honored future. 
 
 Our subject was born in the Mill Creek Settle- 
 ment, October 27, 1854, and is the son of David 
 Pinkerton, who came from Pennsylvania in an 
 early day and located in the above place. The fa- 
 ther was a farmer by occupation, and also worked 
 for some time at his trade of a carpenter. The 
 maiden name of our subject's mother was Sarah 
 Rust. She was the daughter of Isaac and Annis 
 D. (Cochran) Rust, who were earl}' pioneers 
 of this county, and at the time of locating here 
 purchased land from the Government. 
 
 Isaac R., of this sketch, received his early educa- 
 tion in the district school near his home, and al- 
 though his advantages were not of the best, he im- 
 proved his spare moments, and has become one of 
 the well posted men of this section. Being the 
 eldest in the parental family of six children, he 
 was obliged to take the lead in farm work, and 
 when q\iitc young, plowed land with a double team. 
 Ile'remained at home assisting his father in culti- 
 vating the old homestead until reaching his eigh- 
 teenth year, when he hired out for a twelvemonth, 
 and at the expiration of that time began farming 
 on his own account, which has since been his life 
 ■ work. He gives his time to raising hay and grain, 
 and is also a breeder of fine stock. 
 
 Miss Harriet, daughter of Archibald and Theo- 
 dora (Tilden) Gilchrist, became the wife of our 
 subject in 1879. The parents of Mrs. Pinkerton 
 were among the earliest settlers of this county, and 
 lier father, who was a descendant of Scotch parents, 
 served as a soldier in the late Civil War, and died 
 from the effects of disease contracted while in the 
 army. 
 
 To Mr. and Mrs. Isaac R. Pinkerton have been 
 born four children: Lelia, Jessie, and Isaac Glenn 
 and Sarah Eunice, twins. They are all being 
 given the best advantages for obtaining an edu- 
 cation. A Republican in his political opinions, 
 Mr. Pinkerton has been elected upon the ticket 
 of his chosen party to numerous positions of re- 
 sponsibility and trust. He has held the office of 
 Constable and was Road Supervisor for one year. 
 He was a strong advocate of public schools, and as 
 Director has done much to promote the standard 
 
 of scholarship in his neighborhood. He lias also 
 rendered efficient service as School Trustee for a 
 period of nine years, and is known for his sturdy 
 championship of eveiy measure calculated to bene- 
 fit the community, and has alwa3-s been progress- 
 ive, fearless and honest. 
 
 ^ (VILLIAM RUCKNAGEL. Prominentamong 
 \rJ// the pioneer citizens of Randolph County 
 ^/yyfj is the gentleman above named, who dur- 
 ing his active life was inseparably associated with 
 the agricultural interests of Evansville Precinct. 
 In 1888 he became blind, but after an operation, 
 which was performed b}' Dr. Hoyt, of St. Louis, 
 he regained his sight to some extent. An hon- 
 ored and upright citizen, by hard work lie has ac- 
 cumulated a handsome fortune, and now in the 
 twilight of age rests from arduous duties with the 
 consciousness of a life well spent. 
 
 Like many of the best residents of this county, 
 our subject was born in Germany, his birth occur- 
 ring .Tuly 7, 1821. His parents, Andrew and 
 Christina (Hoffman) Rucknagel, were also natives 
 of the Fatherland, where the former died in 1829. 
 The mother emigrated to the United States in com- 
 pany with our subject in 1846, and departed this 
 life in Randolph County in 1855. AVilliam, of 
 this sketch, upon coining to the New World made 
 his first home near Waterloo, Monroe County, this 
 state, and there resided until 1854, when he made 
 his advent into Randolph County and purchased 
 the farm he now owns and occupies. 
 
 The lady whom onr subject married in 1852 was 
 also a native of German}', and in maidenhood was 
 known as Margaret Longhaus. She was the 
 daughter of John and Margaret (Grown) Long- 
 haus, who came to America in 1845 and settled 
 near the home of our subject in Monroe County. 
 Later, they came to Randolph Count}', where Mr. 
 Longhaus departed this life in 1879, and his good 
 wife two years previously. William Rucknagel 
 was the youngest of six children, and received a 
 fair education in the model schools of his native 
 land. When locating upon the land which he 
 now owns, and which comprises eighty acres,
 
 /. 
 
 V 
 
 
 ■yy 
 
 / 
 
 ■/n^^L<7 
 
 a^^^'/^^O^^ 
 
 ^^, c^/^^^^.^^^ ^ ^
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 519 
 
 it was in ils primitive condition, and lie imme- 
 diately set himself about the task of clearing 
 away the timber and erecting a log cabin. It 
 must be admitted that he commenced life under 
 disadvantages, but by means of undaunted energy 
 and great courage he has reached a high position 
 in agricultural circles. 
 
 To Mr. and Mrs. Ruckiiagel have been born five 
 children, viz.: Andrew, John, William, Jacob and 
 Elizabeth. They are both members of the Luth- 
 eran Church and take great interest in religious 
 matters. Our subject cast his first Presidential 
 vote for Taylor, and although not an active poli- 
 tician, always votes the Re[)ublican ticket. 
 
 — .>> .o*o.@^<v@-o*0" <<^ 
 
 jlU^ ON. ALBERT L. BRANDS, M. D., who is 
 
 If J, at present representing Randolph County 
 /^^ in the State Senate, has not only attained 
 
 (^^ a competency in the practice of liis profes- 
 sion, but has won an honorable lecord in Legisla- 
 tive halls and as a private citizen. He is also one 
 of the leading druggists in Prairie du Rocher, 
 where he resides, and in his well equipped estab- 
 lishment is found a full line of all articles carried 
 by first-class druggists. 
 
 A native of St. Genevieve County, Mo., our 
 subject was born April 26, 1856, to Herman and 
 Emeline (Wells) Brands, natives respectively of 
 Westphalia, Prussia, and southwestern Ohio. The 
 father of our subject made his wa^' to America in 
 1844, and coming west, located in the above coun- 
 ty in Missouri, where he was a farmer, and di^d 
 June 2, 1893. His good wife, who is still living, 
 resides on the old homestead in thatconnty. They 
 reared a family of three sons, ot whom Albert L., 
 of this sketch, is the only one now living. The 
 latter was reared to manhood in his native county, 
 and received his early training in the subscription 
 schools near his home. Later he continued his 
 studies for a twelvemonth in the De Soto College, 
 at De Soto, Mo., and after leaving there he taught 
 school for one term in his native county. It be- 
 ing his desire to become a physician, he entered 
 the Missouri Medical College at St. Louis in 1877, 
 from which institution he was graduated with the 
 degree of Doctor of Medicine three years later, 
 17 
 
 When ready to begin the practice of. his profes- 
 sion. Dr. Brands came to Illinois, and in Ivy 
 Landing, Monroe County, remained for eighteen 
 months, and at the end of that time came to Prai- 
 rie du Rocher, which has since been his home. He 
 has alwaj'S been verj' ])opular with the people 
 where he has resided, and during the first admin- 
 istration of Cleveland, was appointed Postmaster 
 at Prairie du Rocher. His prominence as a public 
 man is also indicated by the fact that in 1892 he 
 was elected to the State Senate, representing Perry, 
 Monroe, Randolph and Jackson Counties. His 
 political affiliations have always been with the 
 Democratic part}', which he has represented as a 
 delegate to many of the state conventions. 
 
 The marriage of Dr. Brands with Miss Mag- 
 gie Bliler was celebrated July 28, 1886. Mrs. 
 Brands was born in Carlyle, Clinton County, 111., 
 and at the time of her marriage was residing in 
 Chester. Their union was blessed b}' the birth of 
 four sons, viz.: Edgar G., H. Arnold, Sylvester 
 J. and Albert A. The Doctor's wife and children 
 are members of the Catholic Church. 
 
 Up to the time of entering the Senate. Dr. 
 Brands actively pursued his high calling as a phy- 
 sician here, having a large practice. He is noted 
 for his rare skill in the treatment of difficult cases, 
 and is considered one of the finest physicians in 
 this section of the country. As State Senator he 
 has taken a decided stand on the side of labor, and 
 in the National Coal 3Iiners' Journal, at Columbus, 
 Ohio, he is spoken of as the "prominent labor Sena- 
 tor." While in that body, he was Chairman of the 
 Committee on Expenses, and was also a member 
 of thirteen other committees of importance. His 
 record is that of a man interested in public im- 
 provements, liberal in his views regarding appro- 
 priations, but averse to extravagance or fraud. 
 Stanch in principles, clear in perception, and de- 
 cided in character, he deserves the good things 
 which have come to him, and is one of the most 
 pr(>minent and influential men in the state. 
 
 DWARD SCHWARTZ, a successful farmer 
 and stock-raiser residing in Elkville, is a 
 son of Edward and Sarah (Pyle) Schwartz. 
 His father was numbered among the early settlers
 
 520 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 of southern Illinois, locating in tbe state in 1818, 
 the year of its admission to the Union. In 1827 
 he removed to Jackson County and entered land 
 from the Government at $1.25 per acre. Two 
 years previous he had married Sarah, daughter of 
 John Pyle, who settled near Carbondale in 1803, 
 and subsequently located east of Du Quoin. In- 
 dians were still in the neighborhood and were quite 
 troublesome, but eventually they retreated before 
 the advancing steps of the white man. 
 
 Eight children were born to ilr. and Mrs. 
 Schwartz, Isabel, Eliza, Josiah, Hiram, Elizabeth, 
 William (deceased), Edward and Horatio. The 
 subject of this record was born on section 20, 
 Elkville Township, near his present farm, April 
 10, 1828. From his boyhood he was noted for bis 
 industry and enterprise, and the raw prairie soon 
 became productive and fertile under his skillful 
 care. He gradually became the posses^or of con- 
 siderable valuable property as the result of his 
 earnest efforts. 
 
 On the 30th of August. 1860, Mr. Schwartz was 
 united in marriage with Miss Emeline, daughter 
 of Eli and Rebecca Renno. Nine children were 
 born to them, seven of whom are yet living. Ella 
 A., born July 20, 1861, was married in 1887 to 
 William Lemming, a carpenter of Elkville, and 
 the}' have thrcechildren, Addie, John E. and Albert. 
 Mattie A., born April 27, 1863, was married March 
 27, 1884, to W. D. Kimmel, the well known horse- 
 man, and the}- have had four children, Mercy, 
 Luc}', Ned, and one deceased. Marj' J., born Sep- 
 tember 24, 1868, became the wife of George Cas- 
 tleton, August 12, 1888, and the}' had four chil- 
 dren, Charles (deceased), Clara, Christopher and 
 Emma. Eva L., born December 9, 1870, became 
 the wife of Everett Castleton November 10, 1892, 
 and they have a son, Claude. Samuel M., born 
 April 14, 1877; John W., who is a twin brother of 
 Samuel; and Josiah E., born Jul}' 8, 1878, are the 
 younger members of the family. Those deceased 
 are William A., who was born September 19, 1864, 
 and Edward H., born May 16, 1866. 
 
 Mr. Schwartz has frequently been solicited to 
 become a candidate for public oUice, but has al- 
 ways steadily refused, unless it was for some minor 
 position. lie was commissioned by Richard Yates, 
 
 the War Governor of Illinois, as Justice of the 
 Peace November 29, 1864; he w.as elected Supervisor 
 of Elkville Townshi[) in 1872, and was re-elected in 
 1874. For two years he also served as Town 
 Treasurer, discharging his duties with rare fidelity 
 and judgment. 
 
 In 1849 Jlr. Schwartz, attracted by the discov- 
 ery of gold, crossed the plains, and for a short 
 time engaged in mining. He recalls many inci- 
 dents of pioneer life, both amusing and interesting, 
 for he has passed through all the experiences of 
 the frontier, and knows its history well. In the 
 early days of Jackson County he engaged in mer- 
 chandising, but later turned his attention to farm- 
 ing, and in tliat business met with most excellent 
 success. In March, 1892, the Horse and Mule 
 Protective Association was organized in Elkville 
 Township, and its officers are as follows: C. Cas- 
 tleton. Chairman; J. D. Hays, Secretary, and Ed- 
 ward Schwartz, Treasurer. The farm of our sub- 
 ject comprises four hundred and twenty acres of 
 valuable land, and is considered one of the finest 
 and best in the community. It stands as a monu- 
 ment to his thrift and enterprise, and is the just 
 reward of his labors. Both Mr. and Mrs. .Schwartz 
 are consistent members of the Christian Church of 
 Elkville, contribute liberally to its support, and 
 are among its leading workers. 
 
 &0N. THOMAS J. RICE has met with more 
 than ordinary success in prosecuting his 
 calling as a farmer, and since casting in 
 his lot with the pioneere of Perry County. 
 
 more than half a century ago, has accumulated a 
 valuable property and is classed among the wealthy 
 and prominent agriculturists of this portion of the 
 county. He owns two hundred and eighty acres 
 of land on section 10, township 4, range 2, where 
 he and his good wife are enjoying the fruits of 
 their united laborein the comforts of a substantial 
 home. 
 
 A native of Perry County, 111., Mr. Rice was 
 born September 16, 1841, .and is tbe son of Hiram 
 and Mary (Hutchings) Rice, natives of Tennessee. 
 He received a liberal education, and when starting
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 521 
 
 out in life for himself was prudent and frugal, 
 and boon laid 53- a sufficient sum of money to en- 
 able him to engage in business on his own ac- 
 count. In 1864 he married Miss Fannie, daugh- 
 ter of William and Marj" (Hall) Rhine, and to 
 them were born five children, three of whom are 
 still living, Lvman, a farmer in this county; T. 
 Warren and Dora. 
 
 In his political relations, Mr. Rice has been an 
 active worker in the ranks of the Democratic part}*, 
 and in 1888 was elected on that ticket as a mem- 
 ber of the State Legislature. He is known for his 
 sturdy championship of every measure calculated 
 to benefit the comrauuitv, and has always been 
 progressive, fearless and honest. With his wife, 
 he is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, 
 and is numbered among the most prominent resi- 
 dents of this section. 
 
 \i^^OAH FARNER,a representative farmer and 
 I )/,' stock-raiser of Jackson County, residing 
 !i\ J^, on section 13, Somerset Township, was 
 born in Somereet County, Pa., November 30, 1834. 
 He is the son of Abraham and Caroline (Oaks) 
 Famer, natives of Pennsylvania, whom he accom- 
 panied at the age of nine years to Illinois, and 
 settled with them in Jackson Count\-. The jour- 
 ney hither was made bj' wa}" of the Ohio and Mis- 
 sissippi Rivers to a place then known as Bennett's 
 Landing, whence they came by wagon to Somerset 
 Township. 
 
 Locating near Elkville, Abraham Earner there 
 for a time operated a rented farm and remained in 
 that neighborhood for several years. .Subsequently 
 he removed to De Soto Township, of which he 
 was a pioneer, settling in the woods and erecting 
 a log cabin for the home of his family. It fell to 
 his lot to do a large amount of frontier work, but 
 being stalwart and rugged, he was enabled to se- 
 cure profitable results from his labors. Shortly 
 after locating in De Soto Township he was be- 
 reaved by the death of his estimable wife, whom 
 he survived for a number of j'ears, passing away 
 in 1878. A man of energetic and forceful dispo- 
 sition, be was highlj' regarded by the people of 
 
 Jackson Countv, and was especially prominent in 
 the public aflfairs of DeSoto Township. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was reared to man- 
 hood amid scenes of pioneer life in Jackson Coun- 
 t\-. In the subscription schools of the neighbor- 
 hood he obtained the rudiments of his education, 
 but the obstacles to progress were manj'. The 
 mode of instruction, was crude, the text books un- 
 satisfactory, and the building itself no better than 
 the books. However, in the school of experience 
 he has learned many lessons not taught in books, 
 and his efforts have been so constant and thorough 
 that he is now a well informed man. 
 
 In the year 1866 !Mr. F.-wner married Miss Ros- 
 anna Knights, who died after having become the 
 mother of four children. Of this famil3-one alone 
 survives, a daughter, Dora. May 30, 1880, Mr. 
 Farner was united in marriage with Miss Minnie 
 Fager, who was born in German^' January 26, 
 1848. At the age of five years she accompanied 
 her parents, Sebastian and Mary A. Fager, from 
 their native land to America, and locating in Jack- 
 son County, her father afterward assisted in the 
 construction work of the Illinois Central Railroad. 
 Later he settled in Somerset Township, where he 
 died September 17, 1889. His wife passed away 
 January 28, 1862. Four of their children are now 
 living: Mrs. Farner, John, Philip and Daniel B. 
 
 Through energetic efforts Mr. Farner has ac- 
 quired the ownership of a valuable farm consist- 
 ing of one hundred and twenty acres. While de- 
 voting his attention closely to agriculture, he also 
 finds time for the consideration of matters of pub- 
 lic import. He is a Republican in politics, and has 
 served as School Director. In religious matters he 
 is liberal, though inclined to the faith of the Luth- 
 eran Church, of which his wife is a member. Dur- 
 ing the Civil War he enlisted, August 1, 1862, as 
 a member of Company K, Seventy-third Illinois 
 Infantr3', and became a factor of the Army of the 
 Cumberland, participating with his regiment in the 
 battles of Perryville, Stone River, Chickamaugua, 
 Mission Ridge and other minor engagements. He 
 went as far south as Atlanta, and afterward took 
 part in the battle of Nashville. Altogether he was 
 actively engaged in nineteen battles. Three times 
 he was wounded, and is now in receipt of a pen-
 
 522 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 sion of $12 per month. After an honorable serv- 
 ice of almost three years he was discharged at 
 Camp Butler, in 1865. He is an active member of 
 DeSoto Post No. 564, G. A. R., and has served as 
 its Junior Vice-Commander. 
 
 ,1^^ A.Ml'EL SCHWARTZ is the present Post- 
 ^^^ master at Elkville, and is an efficient and 
 faithful officer, who in the prompt dis- 
 charge of his duties has won high com- 
 mendation. Mr. Schwartz is a native of Elkville 
 Township, and is therefore all the more deserving 
 of representation in this volume. He was born in 
 1847, and is a son of George and Sarah Schwartz, 
 who were numbered among the pioneers of the 
 state, having settled in the southern part of Illi- 
 nois in 1812, during territorial days. They were 
 natives of Penns^'lvania and Kentucky, respect- 
 ively and on leaving their childhood home became 
 residents of Jackson County, 111., locating soutli 
 of Murphysboro. At that time the Indians still 
 lingered along the INIississippi, and the entire dis- 
 trict was in a wild and unimproved condition. 
 Later Mr. Schwartz made extensive purchases of 
 land in Elkville Township, which subsequently 
 became the property- of numerous heirs of the 
 family. 
 
 Amid the wild scenes of frontier life, Samuel 
 Schwartz passed the days of his bo3'hood and 
 youth. He worked on a farm during the summer 
 months, and in the winter season attended the 
 common school, where he acquired a good educa- 
 tion. When he had arrived at man's estate, he 
 took up the pursuit to which he had been reared, 
 and ver}' successfully followed farming for some 
 time. He still owns two hundred acres of valu- 
 able land, comprising one of the best farm proper- 
 ties in Jackson County. The land is highl}- culti- 
 vated, and is improved with all the buildings and 
 conveniences found upon a model farm. 
 
 In 1872, Mr. Schwartz was united in marriage 
 with Miss Sarah Jane Hackney, of Tennessee, who 
 has proved to him a faithful companion and help- 
 mate. She IS a most estimable lad}-, and has 
 many warm friends throughout the community, 
 
 who esteem her highly. The Schwartz household 
 numbers our subject, his wife and the three chil- 
 dren who have graced their union. Charles E., 
 the eldest, is now attending the State Normal Uni- 
 versity of Carbondale, 111., and is rapidly winning 
 success as a correspondent of the St. Louis papers. 
 Fannie B. and Chester R. are still at home. 
 
 Mr. Schwartz has twice been elected Postmaster 
 at Elkville, and is now filling the office inacredil- 
 able and acceptable manner. He votes with the 
 Democrac3', and is a warm advocate of its princi- 
 ples. In 1891 he established a general store, and 
 from the beginning this investment has proved a 
 profitable one, increasing his income materially. 
 He is a man of energj- and enterprise, and his suc- 
 cess is the result of well directed efforts. 
 
 FRANK TREFFTZS. Since his early 
 .,,, youth this gentleman has manifested a de- 
 ' V/ gree of enterprise which has redounded to 
 his credit and resulted in worldh- prosperity. He 
 is of German ancestry, and no doubt inherits some 
 of the national characteristics which have combined 
 to secure his financial success. He is a son of 
 Gabriel and Mary (Federer) Trefftzs. who came to 
 America from Wurtemherg, Germany, in 1837. 
 
 Gabriel Trefftzs, wlio was the elder in a family 
 of two children, was a weaver by trade, and also 
 owned and operated a seven-acre tract of land in 
 his native country. Prior to coming to America 
 he married Miss Federer, and of their union seven 
 children were born in Germany. After coming 
 to the United States two children were added to 
 the family. The household included Caroline; 
 Gabriel, now deceased; Levy, Jacob; Gottleib, who 
 died in Germany; Lewis, also deceased; Mathias; 
 Rebecca and William F., our subject. The parents 
 were memliers of the German Lutheran Church, 
 and were active in all good works. After coming 
 to America the}' located on rented land in Ohio, 
 which they operated until coming to Perry Coun- 
 ty in 1854. Here the father purchased one hun- 
 dred and twent}' acres of Government land, which 
 forms a part of our subject's present home, and 
 he worked industriously in order to clear and im-
 
 Portrait and biographical record. 
 
 523 
 
 prove bis property. He departed this life March 
 2, 1875, and was followed to the better land by 
 his good wife, who died Jul}- 2. 1878. 
 
 W. Frank Trefftzs received a district school 
 education and lived with his parents, caring for 
 them until their decease. Then purchasing of his 
 brothers and sisters their interest in the home farm 
 he became its proprietor, and is now conducting 
 affairs so as to reap good returns. AVhen twent}-- 
 three years of age Mr. Trefftzs married Miss Eliza 
 E. Blaclc, who was born in Perry County, Mo., in 
 1844. She is the daughter of Louis and Nancy 
 (Watkins) Black, natives of Kentucky and pio- 
 neers of Missouri. To them has been born a 
 family of ten children, of whom one died in in- 
 fancy. Those living are, Gabriel; Winefred, Mrs. 
 George G. Brown; Lewis, Emma, Jacob, Lydia M., 
 Cora M., Sadie E. and Grace M. The cluldren 
 have been given good educations, and one mem- 
 ber of the family has been very successful as a 
 school teaclier. Mr. and Mrs. Trefftzs are conscien- 
 tious members of tiie Missionary Baptist Church, 
 in which the former has been Clerk. In early life 
 a Republican, he now votes with the People's 
 party. 
 
 . ' ^# P ' . 
 
 ^^EORGE H. FRENCH, A. M., professor of 
 III ,_-, botan}', zoology and physiology in the 
 ■^^ Southern Illinois State Normal University, 
 is a native of Tull}-, Onandaga County, N. Y. 
 His father, Hazen M. French, was born in Vermont, 
 March 15, 1812, and was a farmer by occupation. 
 His father, Miles French, was of English descent, 
 the faniilj' having been founded in America by 
 four brothers oC English birth, who in early Colo- 
 nial days settled in Concord, N. II. The mother of 
 our subject bore the maiden name of Caroline 
 White, was born in New York in 1813, and was a 
 member of the AVhite family which furnished many 
 eminent physicians to New York. Mr. and Mrs. 
 French were married in the Empire State, where 
 thej' alwa^'S lived. He was a prominent and influen- 
 tial citizen and was a great reader and student of 
 history. In the family were five children, of 
 whom three j-et survive, Esther E., wife of Byron 
 S. Lake, a mining superintendent of Central City, 
 
 Colo., by whom she has two children; George H., 
 and Emery H., who is living in De Ruyter, N. Y. 
 He married Florence Parks, and they have one 
 child. 
 
 Professor French was born JMarch 19, 1841, and 
 spent the days of his boyhood and youth upon liis 
 father's farm. He completed liis education in the 
 normal school of Cortland, N. Y. and later en- 
 gaged in teaching for four years in the common 
 schools of his native state. In 1865-66, he was 
 engaged in teaching in Belvidere, 111., later spent 
 one year as a teacher in Grand Rapids, Wis., one 
 3'ear in Roscoe, 111., and nine years in the Agricult- 
 ural College of Irvington, 111. He then spent one 
 year as Assistant State Entomologist under Dr. 
 Cyrus Thomas, and in July, 1878, he became con- 
 nected with the University in Carbondale, in 
 which he has since occupied the chairs of botany, 
 zoology, physiology and has been curator. 
 
 In 1872 was celebrated the marriage of Pro- 
 fessor French and Miss Ilattie E. Bingham, a native 
 of Bureau County, 111. She was born December 
 25, 1851, and is a daughter of S. P. and Harriet 
 (Adams) Bingliam. Her mother was a descendant 
 of Samuel Adams of Revolutionaiy fame. She is 
 now deceased. Mr. Bingham is a resident of Lin- 
 coln, Neb., and a Deacon in a Baptist Church of 
 that city. 
 
 Both tlie Professor and Mrs. French belong to 
 the Baptist Church, and he also serves as Deacon. 
 He takes an active part in churcli and benevolent 
 work and h.as always been a teaclier in the Sunday- 
 school. He belongs to the Entomological Society 
 of France, is an associate member of the Natural 
 History Society of Lubeck, Germany, an associate 
 member of the Entomological Society' of Ontario, 
 Canada, and of a similar organization in New York, 
 in the Philadelphia Academy- of Sciences and the 
 American Entomological Society of Philadelphia. 
 He is evidentlj' the foremost entomologist in Illi- 
 nois, and has received insects from all over the 
 country to name and classify-. He is probably 
 just as well versed in botany. He is the author of 
 a work of over four hundred pages entitled "The 
 Butterflies of Eastern United States," published by 
 J. B. Lippincott in 1886. He is now writing a 
 work on "Moths of Eastern United States." He
 
 524 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 bas furnished many articles for scientific peri- 
 odicals and papers, has been a regular contributor 
 to the Fruit Grower's Journal since its organization, 
 has been Entomological correspondent for the 
 Rural New Yorker, the Prairie Farmer and tlie Pa- 
 cific Rural Press, of San Francisco. Some of his 
 papers have also been publislied in foreign coun- 
 tries. His membership in the foreign societies was 
 entirely unsolicited on his part. A lover of nature, 
 he lias ever been a close student, especial!}' of in- 
 sects and flowers, and liis deep researches have 
 given him a position of prominence among scien- 
 tific men, not onl}' in liis own country, but In 
 foreign lands as well. 
 
 ;REDERICK HARMSEN. Among the na- 
 tives of German}' who rank among the 
 1\ prominentagriculturists of Randolph Coun- 
 
 ty may be classed tlie subject of this biographical 
 notice, whose life has been such as to reflect credit 
 not only upon himself, but also upon the land of 
 his nativity. His estate is located in township 6, 
 range 5, near the city of Steeleville, and on ac- 
 count of its first-class improvements and pleasant 
 situation is conceded to bo one of the most valua- 
 ble farms in the county. 
 
 Born in Germany August 29, 1832, our subject 
 is the second of a famiij" of three children born to 
 the union of Henr}' and Katheriue (Blester) 
 Harmsen, both of whom lived and died in the 
 Fatherland. In the excellent schools of German}', 
 Frederick received a practical education, and at 
 the age of fourteen 3'ears discontinued his studies 
 and commenced to work upon a farm. He fol- 
 lowed farming pursuits in that country until 1865, 
 when he took passage on a ship and crossed the 
 ocean to America. For a time he remained in 
 Chicago, after which he spent a year in Randolph 
 County, and then returned to Germany. 
 
 So pleased was Mr. Harmsen with the prospects 
 and inducements America offered to settlers that 
 in 1867 he returned hither and took up his abode 
 in Randolph County, settling ujjon the place where 
 he has since resided. Since locating here he has 
 become known as one of the leading farmers and 
 
 stock-raisers of the county, and as a result of his 
 progressive spirit and energetic disposition he has 
 gained prosperity. He devotes his attention ex- 
 clusively to his private interests, and other than 
 casting his ballot for the nominees of the Demo- 
 cratic party, is not interested in public affairs. 
 
 The first mari-iage of Mr. Harmsen occurred in 
 1867, when he was united with Miss Margaret 
 Myers, whose parents spent their entire lives in 
 Germany. Of this union there were born five 
 children. Those who survive are: Agnes, who 
 married Hermann Kuhlman and resides in Cali- 
 fornia; Emma and Henry, who are at home. In 
 1886 Mrs. Margaret Harmsen passed away, and 
 two years later our subject was united in marriage 
 with Wilhemena Pagels, who was born and reared 
 in Germany, and there also married. The parents 
 of Mrs. Harmsen spent their entire lives in their 
 native land, Germany. This marriage has resulted 
 in the birth of two children, John and William, 
 who are bright and intelligent. In their religious 
 affiliations, Mr. Harmsen and his excellent wife are 
 identified with the Lutheran Church. 
 
 
 ^•{••{••{••S-! 
 
 i-HE CITY NATIONAL BANK of Murphys- 
 boro is one of the conservative and solid 
 ■^^ financial institutions of Jackson County. 
 It was organized in 1893, with a capital stock of 
 ?!50,000, and on the 25th of November was opened 
 for business. Although the period is compara- 
 tively short that has elapsed since that time, it has 
 already established itself on a firm basis and is 
 recognized as the leading bank of the city. Its 
 stockholders are among the best and most sub- 
 stantial citizens of Murphysboro. 
 
 The City National Bank is a continuation of the 
 Bank of Murphysboro, carried on by James E. 
 Walker & Co., and established in 1886 with the 
 following officers: James E. Walker, President; 
 John M. Herbert, Vice-President, and John G. 
 Hardy, Cashier. Its Board of Directors numbers 
 nine gentlemen: James H. Martin, a member of the 
 law firm of Hill & Martin; J. M. Herbert, State's 
 Attorney; C. O. Pellett, a leading merchant; W. 
 C. Norman, of the Big Muddy Lumber Company;
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 525 
 
 J. D. Peters, Superintendent of the Big Murtdy 
 Coal and Iron Compan}^, and others. Among the 
 stockholders of the bank are James C. Clarke, 
 President of the Mobile & Oliio Railroad; H. \V. 
 Clarke, Superintendent of the St. Louis Division 
 of the Mobile & Ohio Road; A. B. Minton, master 
 mechanic of tiie St. Louis Division, and Thomas 
 M. Logan, a capitalist of Murphysboro. 
 
 A general banking business is done and interest 
 is paid on time deposits. From the beginning the 
 bank has met with most excellent success, receiv- 
 ing the support and co-operation of the best citi- 
 zens. A prosperous future is certainly before the 
 City National Bank, for those interested in the 
 concern are men of most excellent business repu- 
 tation, and their safe and conservative yet pro- 
 gressive policy at once commends the bank to all. 
 
 James E. Walker, who is its President, is a na- 
 tive of Pennsylvania, and came to Murph3'sboro 
 in 1881, and since that time has been devoted 
 largely to banking interests. Other enterprises, 
 however, have received his support and co-opera- 
 tion. He was one of the organizers and is now 
 President of the Jackson Countj^ Milling and 
 Elevator Company. In manj' other concerns he 
 is interested, and througii his connection with these 
 enterprises he has added materially to the welfare 
 of the city. In politics Mr. Walker is a stanch 
 Republican. 
 
 ' ^ # P • 
 
 Sfl E. EXTSMINGER, D. D. S., one of the 
 leading dentists of Murplysboro, who is 
 successfully engaged in the practice of his 
 profession, is a native of Meigs County, 
 Ohio, and was born April 2, 1864. The family 
 is of German ancestry. His father and grand- 
 father, both of whom were named David Ents- 
 minger, were natives of Virginia. The latter served 
 as a soldier in the War of 1812, and as a business 
 pursuit followed farming throughout life in the 
 Old Dominion. Tlie former went west when a 
 young man, locating near Middleport, Ohio. He 
 followed farming for a time, and then began black- 
 smithing in the town where he still makes his home. 
 He was joined in wedlock with Christine B. Mc- 
 Knight, a native of Nova Scotia, and a daugh- 
 
 ter of Samuel McKnight. The latter was born and 
 married in Scotland, and thence emigrated to Can- 
 ada. He afterward became a pioneer farmer of 
 Meigs County, Ohio, where his death occurred in 
 1873. Mrs. Entsminger, who was a consistent 
 member of the Presbyterian Ciiurch, was called to 
 her final rest February 4, 1893. 
 
 In the parental family were seven children, four 
 sons and three daughters, and all are still living, 
 naiTiel3': G. AV., a dentist of Carbondale; Mrs. Isa- 
 bel Bailev, of Pomeroy, Ohio; Mrs. Mina F. Klein, 
 of Evansville, Ind.; Ida, at home; Richard B., a 
 farmer of Meigs County, Ohio; James E., of this 
 sketch; and A. L., of Carbondale. 
 
 Dr. Entsminger, whose name heads this record, 
 spent the days of his boyhood and youth in the 
 usual manner of farmer lads. After attending the 
 common schools, he completed his literary studies 
 in the high school of Middleport, Ohio. Leaving 
 his native state on the 24th of Januaiy, 1884, he 
 reached DuQuoin, 111., where his brother G. W. was 
 living. He remained with him until June, 1884, 
 when he accompanied him to Carbondale, and under 
 his direction took up the study of dentistry. He 
 then practiced with his brother until January, 
 1889, when m order to further perfect himself in his 
 profession he entered the Hospital College of Med- 
 icine, in Louisville, Ky., as a student in the den- 
 tal department, from which he was graduated June 
 17, 1890, with the degree of D. D. S. Since that 
 time he has been in Murphysboro, and in a pleas- 
 ant office at the corner of Walnut and Spring 
 Streets he receives from the public a large prac- 
 tice, which is steadily increasing. 
 
 On the 31st of December, 1890, in Louisville, 
 the Doctor wedded Miss Lizzie Cox, who was born 
 near that city. Her mother was an own cousin of 
 ex-Governor Blackburn, of Kentucky. They now 
 have a little daughter, Ruth. In social circles, the 
 Doctor and his wife hold an enviable position, and 
 true worth and intelligence were their passports 
 into good society. Dr. Entsminger is a charter 
 member of the Fraternal M^'stic Circle, of which 
 he is now serving as Chaplain, and he also belongs 
 to the Southern Illinois Dental Association, and is 
 a member of the First Presbyterian Church. In 
 politics he is a true-blue Republican. His skill
 
 526 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 and ability and his courteous and general manner 
 have made him a successful dentist and won bim 
 a prominent place among his professional brethren. 
 
 
 
 '17 EWIS C. HARRY, one of the leading farni- 
 I (jf^. crs of township 8, range 5, Randolph Coun- 
 J'— ^\, ty, was born near York Springs, Adams 
 County. Pa., April 12, 1834. He is the second in 
 order of birth in a family of ten children born to 
 Lewis and Sarah (Comly) Harr}', both natives of 
 the Keystone State. The father is of Welsh de- 
 scent, and was born in Delaware Township, Ches- 
 ter County, July 27, 1791, and his wife was 
 born April 18, 1810. They were members of the 
 Friends' Church. The exact date of the birth of the 
 grandfather of our subject, Jesse Harry, is not 
 known, but hedied in 1818, when abouteighty years 
 old, in Chester County, Pa., which was also the 
 county of his birth. 
 
 Tlie parents of the mother of our subject were 
 Samuel and Susannah (Wyerman) Comly, natives 
 of Philadelphia and Adams County, Pa., respect- 
 ively, and of old English descent. Samuel was 
 born October 7, 1773, and Susannah September 5, 
 1779. In the year 1837 tlie Comly family re- 
 moved to Washington County, Pa., and five 3'ears 
 later went to Putnam County, 111., settling on a 
 farm near Magnolia, then a small town. 
 
 April 26, 1832, Lewis Harry was wedded to 
 Sarah Coml^', in Adams County, Pa., where they 
 continued to reside until the spring of 1838, when 
 he followed the family of his father-in-law into 
 Washington County, of the same state. Here he 
 continued to reside until the time of his death, 
 which occurred the last day of March, 1865. The 
 mother continued to live with her son Lewis C, 
 and with his family removed to Randolph County, 
 where he purchased a tract of sixty acres on sec- 
 tion 5, township 8, range 5. On this place the 
 family now reside. The place is under the best 
 possible cultivation, and a good income is realized 
 from the crops raised thereon. 
 
 Mr. Harry of whom we write this brief life- 
 history was married June 12, 1870, to Mary J., a 
 a daughter of James and RLargaret (McCaslon) 
 
 Simpson. The Simpsons were natives of Lime- 
 vedy. County Londonderry, Ireland, where Mrs. 
 Harry was born March 25, 1843. In the year 
 1854 she, with her sister Anne, left her native 
 island for America, landing in Philadelphia. They 
 went from there to visit an aunt in AVashington 
 Count}', Pa., where she and our subject first met. 
 To them were born five children, of whom 
 three survive. They are, Lewis S., Robert J. and 
 Jesse AV. The deceased children are Annie Mary 
 and Frank. The mother of our subject is in her 
 eight3'-fourth year, hale and hearty, and in the 
 possession of all her native faculties, and is still 
 making her home with him during the closing 
 years of a long and peaceful life. She and her 
 son are yet members of the Society of Friends, but 
 do not attend their services, as there is no church 
 nearer than St. Louis. Mrs. Harry, the wife of 
 our subject, is a devoted member of the Methodist 
 Church, as were her people before her. 
 
 Our subject is a true-blue Republican in his po- 
 litical affiliations, and has been since the birth of 
 that party. He is liberal and open-hearted, and 
 no worthy movement is allowed to fail for want 
 of support on his part. He is pleasant, affable and 
 courteous, and has many warm friends. 
 
 ^^EORGE AV. ZIEBOLD is the SuperinUnd- 
 
 G 
 
 I ,=n ent of the AYaterloo Milling Company and 
 
 one of the leading and representative citi- 
 zens of Monroe Count}'. He is a native o Mis- 
 souri, his birth having occurred in Moniteau Coun- 
 ty, on the 1st of March, 1860. His father, Gott- 
 lieb Ziebold, is now a miller of Red Bud, 111. 
 George W. was onl}' a lad of seven summers when 
 with his parents he came to Illinois, the family lo- 
 cating in Monroe City. There he was reared, and 
 there he made his home until 1878, when he accom- 
 panied his parents to Red Bud. His education was 
 acquired in the public schools of Monroe County, 
 and during his youth he learned the miller's trade 
 with his father. He worked for him in Red Bud, 
 until 1882, when he was placed in charge of the 
 mill which his father owned in Monroe City, wher?
 
 s '). 
 
 CY^ ffi-.tytyir~-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 529 
 
 the succeeding four years of liis life were passed. 
 
 In 1886, in connection with Mr. Chenot, our 
 subject org-anized the Waterloo Milling Company, 
 and built the large mill, which is now in successful 
 operation. With it he has been connected since 
 the beginning, and the prosperity which has at- 
 tended the undertaking is largely due to his 
 efforts. 
 
 On the 3d of October, 1883, was celebrated the 
 marriage of Mr. Ziebold and Miss Minnie Hoff- 
 meister. The lady is a daughter of Christian 
 Hoffnieister, an undertaker of South St. Louis, 
 Mo., and she was born and reared in that city. 
 Four children grace the union of our subject and 
 his wife, George C, Adina C, Clara M. and Eve- 
 lyn E. They also lost a daughter, IMinnie, who 
 died at the age of seven months. The family is 
 widely known, and the parents are people of prom- 
 inence in this community. 
 
 In his political affiliations, Mr. Ziebold is a Dem- 
 ocrat, but has never given any time to seeking 
 public office, as he cares little for its honors or 
 emoluments. He holds membership with the Evan- 
 gelical Church, and his wife is a member of the 
 Roman Catholic Church. Throughout life he has 
 been interested in the milling business, which he 
 thoroughly understands in every particular. His 
 good management, executive ability and the en- 
 terprise which have characterized his career have 
 won for him success. 
 
 ^•{••{••5"5''? 
 
 HILIP N. FREW, a well known general 
 merchant of Murphysboro, has built up a 
 good business in this place, and now oc- 
 cupies a prominent position in commercial 
 circles. The record of his life is as follows: A na- 
 tive of the Keystone State, he was born in New 
 Castle, Lawrence County, April 4, 1852. His 
 father, Philip Frew, was a native of Pennsylvania, 
 as was the grandfather, James Frew, who served 
 in the War of 1812. As a means of livelihood, he 
 followed the occupation of farming. The father 
 was also an agriculturist and a miller, and operated 
 a water-mill in New Castle for many years. At 
 lengtli he retired, and in 1890 came to Murphys- 
 
 boro, where his death occurred on the 6th of July, 
 
 1893, at the age of seventy-seven. His wife, whose 
 maiden name was Jane Armstrong, was born in 
 Pennsylvania, and was a daughter of John Arm- 
 strong, a wheelwright of that state. She died in 
 her native state, at the age of fifty -seven. 
 
 P. N. Frew was the fifth in a family of nine 
 children, but only two are now living, our subject 
 and David A. Three brotiiers wore the blue in 
 the Civil War and valiantly aided in the preser- 
 vation of the Union. In the town of his birth our 
 subject was reared and educated, remaining at 
 home until eighteen years of age. He apprenticed 
 himself to a bricklayer, with whom he served a 
 term of four years. In 1874 he came to the west, 
 locating first in Chicago, but removed thence to 
 St. Louis, where he worked as a brickl.ayer for 
 three years. He then embarked as a grocer in that 
 city, and later purciiased a grocery store in East 
 Carondelet, III., which he carried on until 1884. 
 
 In that year Mr. Frew returned to St. Louis, and 
 there eng.aged in business as a contractor and 
 builder until 1886, when he entered the employ of 
 the Mobile & Ohio Railroad as Superintendent of 
 the brick work construction of a road between St. 
 Louis and Corinth, Miss. The four succeeding 
 years of his life were thus passed, during which 
 time he superintended the building of the machine 
 shops and roundhouse at Murphysboro. On the 
 completion of this task he took up his residence 
 here and engaged in contracting and building 
 for himself. He erected the St. Andrew's Catholic 
 Church, the Lucier Opera House, the Logan House, 
 the water works, the ice f.actorios for the brewing 
 company, and a number of business houses and 
 residences. His handiwork is seen on all sides, 
 and many of the most important buildings of the 
 place stand as monuments to his skill and .enter- 
 prise. He erected his own store building, which 
 covers four lots and includes two stories. The 
 basement is a large produce and potato cellar, 
 which will hold two car loads of goods. 
 
 In 1889 Mr. Frew was united in marriage with 
 Miss Mary V^. Torbett, a native of Illinois, born in 
 St. Clair County. Tliey have two daughters, 
 Jennie and May. Mr. Frew is an inflexible ad- 
 herent of Democratic principles, and socially is
 
 530 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 connected witli the Masonic fraternity. Those 
 wlio know him esteem him highly as a man of 
 sterling worth, and in liim the business interests of 
 tiie city lind a wortliy representative. 
 
 l^HJH^^ 
 
 "il] OHN HENRV OSTERLOH. The higlily im- 
 proved and prosperous condition of Ran- 
 dolpli County is in a large degree due to its 
 farming population, which is for the most 
 part composed of men who are energetic in dispo- 
 sition, strong in character, sensible in judgment 
 and prompt to take advantage of whatever will 
 prove beneficial. It is of one of this class of whom 
 we write. His farm, comprising seventy-five acres 
 in township 6, range 5, is one of the best in this 
 region, having rural buildings of neat design, 
 and rich haivest fields and pastures devoted to the 
 support of cattle and horses. 
 
 The second of three children, our subject was 
 born in Germany, May 10, 1856, and was a lad of 
 ten years when in 1866 he came to America in 
 company with his parents, Henry and Dora (Fel- 
 ingdref ) Osterloh. For some years afterwards he 
 aided his father, who is still following the occupa- 
 tion of a farmer near SteeleviUe, 111. He attended 
 the Lutheran schools at Chester and Randolph, 
 spending one year at each place. After having 
 assisted his father for some years, he began for 
 himself at the age of twenty-six years, and purchas- 
 ing land near Steeleville, entered at once upon 
 the task of clearing and cultivating the property. 
 He has met with such success that he is now num- 
 bered among the most prosperous agriculturists of 
 the township, and while devoting considerable 
 time to mixed farming, has also made a specialty 
 of stock-raising. 
 
 December 26, 1880, jMr. Osterloh was united in 
 marriage with Miss Amelia, daughter of Fritz and 
 Mary (Zaller) Jutze, natives of Switzerland. They 
 came to Randolph County in an early day, and are 
 now residents of St. Louis, where Mr. Jutze follows 
 the carpenter's trade. To the union of Mr. and 
 Mrs. Osterloh there have been born six children, 
 all of whom are at home with their parents and 
 who are named in the order of their birth, Alvina, 
 
 Henry, Minnie, Frederick, Esty and Alvin. In 
 religious connections Mr. Osterloh and his family 
 are identified with the Lutiieran Church, and are 
 generous contributors to its support. 
 
 In politics Mr. Osterloh supports the nie.asures 
 of the Republican party, but has never been an as- 
 pirant for public position. In ever}' respect he 
 has been one of the enterprising citizens of the 
 county and has done much to make it the flourish- 
 ing agricultural region that it now is. He deserves 
 great credit for his success in life, as he has re- 
 ceived little assistance, but has worked his way up- 
 ward unaided. With true public spirit and char- 
 acteristic liberality he has aided every enterprise 
 that would in any way advance the welfare of the 
 community. 
 
 ^^ HRISTIAN STALLMANN resides on sec- 
 fl(^L tion 36, township 6, range 7, Randolph 
 '^^^ County, where he owns two hundred and 
 seventy acres of finel}' improved land, which he 
 devotes to diversified crops. The buildings that 
 have been erected upon the estate are neat and 
 substantial, sufficiently commodious for their re- 
 spective uses, and include every necessarj' and 
 convenient edifice. Mr. Stallraan pursues his call- 
 ing with zeal and intelligence, winning fwem the 
 soil an abundant share of the various grains which 
 he cultivates, and in this way securing for himself 
 and family all of the comforts and many of the 
 luxuries of life. 
 
 Mr. Stallman is a native of Germany, having 
 been born in Hanover, February 21, 1851. He is 
 the second child born to Frederick and Dorothj' 
 (Bode) Stallman, the father being a day laborer in 
 his native country. In 1859 he came with his 
 family to America and settled in this county, on 
 the farm which is now in the possession of our 
 subject. He at once engaged in its cultivation, 
 and at the time of his death, which occurred in 
 February, 1889, was classed among the prominent 
 and prosperous farmers in the county. He was 
 preceded to the better land b}' his wife one year. 
 
 Our subject attended school but two years in 
 the Fatherland, but after coming to America was 
 a student in the Lutheran schools at Chester, where
 
 I'ORTRAIT AND BIOGKAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 631 
 
 he gained a good education. As be grew to man- 
 hood he aided in clearing nnd cultivating the 
 home farm, and on his father's death it came into 
 his possession. The first purchase consisted of 
 forty acres, and by push, pluck and perseverance 
 he has made it one of the most attractive and 
 best cultivated estates in the township, and it 
 now comprises two hundred and sevent}' acres. 
 Besides raising -the cereals, Mr. Stalhnan is greatl}^ 
 interested in the care of fine stock. 
 
 The date of tlie marriage of our subject and 
 Miss Anna Massberg occurred May 25, 1877. The 
 lady is a daughter of Christopher and Dorothy 
 (Schnaker) M.assberg, who were also born in Ger- 
 many. To this marriage were born six children, 
 one of whom, Dora, is deceased. The living are: 
 Hermann, Alwena, Clara, Rudolph and Eddie, who 
 are all at home with their parents. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Stallman are Lutherans, and in politics the former 
 ahva3S voted with the Republican party until 
 1892, when he cast his ballot with the Democracy. 
 
 ^^ 
 
 ■^m- 
 
 /^) ^^'^"' ^^^^^O^' WALKER, of Carbondale, 
 [l( _ is one of the honored veterans of the late 
 ^^^ war who wore the blue in defense of the 
 Union and followed the Stars and Stripes until 
 they were triumphantly planted in the Confed- 
 erate strongholds. In the history of his adopted 
 county lie well deserves representation. He was 
 born in Clinton County, 111., March 3, 1831, and 
 is a son of Simeon Walker, who was brought to 
 this stale from Georgia by his mother in 1811. He 
 too, served in the Civil War, being appointed 
 Chaplain of the Fifteenth Illinois Cavalry by 
 Gov. Richard Yates. He married Elizabeth Sharp, 
 a native of Georgia, who came with her parents to 
 Illinois in 1811. They located where the town of 
 Belleville now stands, but soon afterward removed 
 to Clinton County. He was one of the circuit riders 
 of the state contemporary with Peter Cartwright. 
 His death occurred in the spring of 1880, aged 
 seventy-eight years, and his wife passed away in 
 1846. They were the parents of twelve children, 
 but only four are now living: Rev. Samuel, of Car- 
 lyle; Rev. William H.,of Kansas; Rev. Levi S., of 
 
 Chester; and the Captain. Five sons of the fam- 
 ilj' were preachers, and six were soldiers of the 
 late war. AVilliara H. was Captain of the One 
 Hundred and Eleventh Illinois Infantry; and 
 Samuel was a Lieutenant of the same regiment. 
 Levi S. was Chaplain of the Sixtieth Illinois In- 
 fantry; John B. was Captain of the Fortietli Illi- 
 nois Infantry, and was killed at Shiloli. Thomas 
 C. served as a private in the One Hundred and 
 Eleventh Illinois Infantry. 
 
 Upon the home farm our subject was reared, and 
 in the common schools of his native county his 
 education was acquired. He was married in 1851 
 to Miss E. J. Walker, who was born in Washing- 
 ton County, 111., July 28, 1834, and was a daughter 
 of Rev. James Walker, who was also a circuit 
 rider of this state. Tiiey became the parents of ten 
 children, five of whom are yet living: Clara A., 
 wife of W. H. Brewster; Lora A., wife of George 
 Schwartz, of Elkville; Corrington O., of Texas; 
 Kate E., chief stenographer for the Standard Oil 
 Company of Kansas City, Mo.; and Ben A., who 
 is now attending school. 
 
 On his marriage, Mr. Walker began merchandis- 
 ing in Richview, 111., where he spent one j'ear.and 
 then carried on farming until the breaking out of 
 the war. He enlisted on the 10th of January, 
 18G2, in Company C, Sixtieth Illinois Infantry, 
 and was commissioned Second Lieutenant in July 
 following. In February', 1862, he was made Cap- 
 tain of the Companj'. The regiment which was 
 organized at Anna, was sent to Cairo, III. With 
 his command he took part in the battle of Is- 
 land No. 10, and later was in the raid after 
 Price in Missouri. He was under fire at the 
 battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Tuscumbia, Athens 
 and Nashville, and was almost incessantly en- 
 gaged in skirmishes. In Nashville they were em- 
 ployed in guard duty for about nine months while 
 General Buell and (General Bragg made their 
 race to Louisville. Captain Walker was also in the 
 battles of Murfreesboro under General Rosecrans, 
 took part in all the battles of the Atlanta cam- 
 paign, the march to the sea, and was present at 
 the surrender of General Johnston in North Caro- 
 lina. He took part in the Grand Review in Wash- 
 ington, where wave after wave of bayonet-crested
 
 bii 
 
 t'ORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 blue passed through the streets of the Capitol City, 
 and was mustered out in Louisville, Kj'., in July, 
 1865. He now draws a pension of §24 per month 
 as recompense for hardships endured. 
 
 After his return home. Captain Walker was 
 elected Assessor, and for four years served as 
 Treasurer of W.ashinglon Count}'. He tlien eu- 
 gagpd in merchandising and milling for two 
 j'ears, and in 1871 came to Carbondale, where for 
 five 3'ears lie carried on the dairy business. He 
 was tiie efficient and popular Postmaster for a 
 period of eleven years, was engaged in the grocery 
 business for two and a-half jears.and is now serv- 
 ing as City Clerk and Justice of the Peace. He 
 has also served as Alderman, and the prompt and 
 faithful discharge of his public duties has won for 
 him high commendation. 
 
 Since the age of nine years. Captain Walker has 
 been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
 but has served as a local preacher since the fall of 
 1858. He served as Sunday-school Superinten- 
 dent for five 3'ears, and has ever been active in 
 church and benevolent work. Socially, he is a 
 member of the Knights of Honor, and belongs to 
 John W. Lawrence Post No. 297, G. A. R., of 
 which he has served as Commander and Chaplain. 
 He has three times served as its delegate to the 
 State Encampment. In politics he is an inflexible 
 adherent to the Republican party, and is ever 
 found true to his colors. 
 
 ^>-^^<%^ 
 
 J RANK W. CRAIN, who owns forty acres 
 (<w of land on section 8, township 7, range 8, 
 Randolph County, has resided upon that 
 propert}' since September, 1880. He is a native of 
 this state, and was born in Chester, September 28, 
 1848. He has been a resident of this county- his en- 
 tire life, with the exception of two years spent in 
 Jackson County. The first ten years of his life were 
 passed in Chester, where he attended school. 
 
 In 1858 the parents of our subject, James H. and 
 Phcebe Crain, removed to tlie southern portion of 
 tliis countj', where the^' purchased a farm on sec- 
 tion 33, township 7, range 5, upon which Mrs. 
 Crain still resides. Frank W., of this sketch, re- 
 
 mained at home, aiding his father in carrj'ing on 
 the home farm, until reaching his twentieth j'ear, 
 at whicli time he was united in marriage with Miss 
 Content E.. daughter of John H. and Mary E. 
 (Vickers) Clendinen. This event occurred Octo- 
 ber 18, 1874, at the Presb^'terian parsonage at 
 Chester, the Rev. A. B. Clark oHiciating. 
 
 For two years after their marriage our subject 
 operated the farm of his brother-in-iaw, Benjamin 
 Richards, in Jackson County, and at the end of 
 that time came to this county and farmed a tract 
 of land near the village of Rock wood, where the 
 family' made their home until the fall of 1880. 
 
 The father of Mrs. Crain was a native of Ran- 
 dolph Count}-, while her mother hailed from Cov- 
 ington, Ky., whence her parents moved to Illinois. 
 To our subject and his wife were born seven chil- 
 dren, of whom Leslie and Herbert are deceased. 
 Those living are, Amelia A., Benjamin L., ?]unice. 
 Amy and Ruth. 
 
 Mr. Crain and his wife are members of the Rock- 
 wood Presbyterian Church, and are highly re- 
 spected b}' all who know them. In his political 
 relations our subject votes with the Democratic 
 party, and is a member of the County Central Com- 
 mittee. He is also a member of Rockwood Lodge 
 No. 351, I. O. O. F., in which order he always takes 
 a prominent part. He has been very active in local 
 affairs, and for two years was Deputy- Countj' As- 
 sessor under William A. Campbell. 
 
 James H. Crain, the father of our subject, was 
 born in Illinois, near the banks of Mar^-'s River, 
 on what is known as the Whitson farm, February 
 18, 1820. His earl}- years were spent in this pio- 
 neer home, and although never having accumu- 
 lated wealth, was a man who commanded the re- 
 spect and esteem of all who knew him. For some 
 time he resided on Crain 's Island, which was 
 formerly owned and was named b}- his father. The 
 paternal grandparents of our subject were John 
 and Marj- (Gastin) Crain, the former a native 
 of Tennessee, and the latter of South Carolina. 
 James H. Crain was united in marriage March 14, 
 1844, to Miss Phtebe, daughter of AV'illiam and Mar- 
 garet (Wagner) Morris, natives respectively of West 
 Virginia and New York. Mrs. Crain, who was 
 their only child, was born in Wood County, AV. Va.,
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 533 
 
 October 22, 1826, and was twelve years of age when 
 she accompanied her parents on their removal to 
 this countj, iu April. 1838. 
 
 Our subject was the eldest child in the parental 
 family which included eleven children. Those 
 living besides himself are, John L.; Ellen, Mrs. 
 James McConkey.and Sarah Jane, who makes her 
 liome with her mother. Tiie father of our subject 
 departed this life January 8, 1889, mourned b}' a 
 large ciicle of friends. 
 
 -f= 
 
 =+ 
 
 ^Sli^^ALENTINE SCnNEIDER. who follows 
 \Y / farming on section 7, township 3, range 9, 
 ly Monroe County, was born in southern Ger- 
 many, on the 13th of December, 1824, and iu his 
 native land spent tlie days of his boyhood and 
 youth. He is the eldest in a family of three chil- 
 dren whose parents were Henry and Mary (Stiller) 
 Schneider. They too were natives of German}', 
 and in that country the father followed farming as 
 a means of livelihood. He was educated in the 
 public schools, and served in the German army in 
 accordance with the laws of the country. In 1844, 
 accompanied bj' his family', he bade adieu to his 
 old home and crossed the briny deep to the New 
 World. He took up his residence near Waterloo, 
 where he carried on agricultural pursuits until his 
 death, which resulted from an attack of cholera in 
 1848. With the German Evangelical Church he 
 held membership, as did his wife. Her death oc- 
 curred in 1845, after only three days' illness, the 
 effect of fright and shock caused by the burning of 
 their home. 
 
 Our subject is the only surviving meniberof the 
 family. His brother Jack died in this state, and Peter 
 died in California. Valentine was a young man of 
 nineteen j-ears when with his parents he emigrated 
 to the New World. He has since been a resident 
 of Illinois, and is now numbered among the lead- 
 ing agriculturists of this communit}-. He continued 
 with his parents and gave to his father the benefit 
 of his services until his marriage, which was cele- 
 brated in 1850, Miss Caroline Dagi becoming his 
 wife. She was born in Germany, and was brought 
 
 b}' lier parents to America at the age of seven. 
 The famil}- located in New Orleans, and thence 
 came to Monroe County. She is a faithful member 
 of the German Evangelical Church, and is a lady 
 of many excellencies of character, which have won 
 for her a large circle of warm friends. 
 
 Unto Mr. and Mrs. Schneider were born thirteen 
 children, but four died in infanc}'. Seven sons 
 and two daughters are j-et living, namely: Adam, 
 Henry, Caroline, Jack, Louisa, Peter, William, 
 Lewis and Gustavus. 
 
 Mr. Schneider has followed fanning throughout 
 his entire life and still lives on the old homestead 
 of two hundred and forty acres near Waterloo. 
 He has been prospered in his business affairs, for 
 he is industrious and energetic, and has therefore 
 won success. In the community he is recognized 
 as a man of sterling worth, and has twice been 
 elected Supervisor. For twenty-one years he has 
 held the office of School Director, and the cause of 
 education finds in him a warm friend. A public 
 spirited and progressive citizen, he gives his sup- 
 port to all interests which are calculated to prove 
 of public benefit and to promote the general wel- 
 fare. At the age of sixty-nine years he is now en- 
 J03'ing good health, and is living a quiet life sur- 
 rounded by his family on the old home farm. 
 
 ^-- 
 
 =4- 
 
 j)^ALENTINE WEHRHEIM. This name will 
 be at once recognized as that of a leading 
 business man of Evansville, who is probablv 
 better known than any other merchant within its 
 bounds. The diy-goods establishment over which he 
 presides is supplied with a complete line of carefully 
 chosen goods, suited to the needs of the section 
 over which his trade extends, and he dpes a busi- 
 ness of ¥17,000 annually. 
 
 A native of Randolph Count}*, our subject was 
 born January 12, 1847, to John and Elizabeth 
 (Radish) Wehrheim. The father was born January 
 6, 1814, in a small village in Germany, near Frank- 
 fort-on-the-Main. He emigrated to the United- 
 States with his parents in 1834, and located with 
 them in St. Louis. Later they removed to Mon-
 
 534 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 roe County, this state, where the father followed 
 the trade of a cooper. October 11, 1841, be mai-- 
 ried Elizabeth Radish, wiio was born in Germany, 
 October 24, 1826. After their union tiiej' came to 
 Randolph County, settling two miles west of Red 
 Bud, where he was busily engaged at his trade. 
 
 In 18.54 the father of our subject removed to 
 Evansville, where in company' with a Mr. Evans 
 lie erected and operated a large flour mill. This 
 structure was destroyed b3' fire in 1864, but later 
 he built another mill, which he sold in 1866. He 
 employed as many as thirtj- men at various times, 
 and owned two flatboats, which plied up and down 
 tlie river loaded with wheat and flour. Though 
 starting in business with small expectations or 
 capital, at his death he had accumulated a hand- 
 some competence. He was very generous and 
 kind, and more than one man in this county se- 
 cured his start in life while in his emplo\'. His 
 disease occurred November 23, 1872, and was 
 widely mourned. 
 
 Valentine Wehrheim, of this sketch, was the 
 second of nine children, and continued to remain 
 under the home roof until reaching his majority. 
 His education was quite limited, the little knowl- 
 edge which he gained during the winter season 
 being supplemented by a six months' course in a 
 private school in Chester. After leaving home, he 
 formed a partnership wiih his brother George in 
 18V1, and opened a general store in this citv, 
 which he is still carrying on in the same building. 
 A twelvemonth later the brother sold his interest 
 to his father, and since the death of the latter our 
 subject has continued to conduct affairs on his own 
 account. He has been continuously engaged in the 
 mercantile business since embarking therein, with 
 the exception of a short time spent on a farm in 
 this count}-. 
 
 The ladj- whom our subject married .January 23, 
 1873, was Miss Wilhelmena H. Struckman. Mrs. 
 Wehrheim was born in St. Louis, March 14, 1855, 
 and bj" her union with our subject has become the 
 mother of thirteen children, two of whom are de- 
 ceased, Elizabeth and Joseph A. Those living are, 
 William H., John M., Valentine G., Mary L., Louis 
 E., Charles F., Minnie A. E., Roland O., Ralph I., 
 Ernest A. and Oscar W. Mr. Wehrheim always 
 
 takes a great interest in politics, and is at all times 
 a supporter of the Republican party. He cast his 
 first Presidential vote for General Grant, and dur- 
 ing the administrations of Garfield and- Harrison 
 served as Postmaster at Evansville. Socially he is 
 a member of Red Bud Lodge No. 285, I. O. O. F. 
 He is highly esteemed as a man of honorable busi- 
 ness traits. With his wife and family he is an 
 influential member of the Lutheran Church, and 
 all have many sincere friends throughout this 
 community. 
 
 ^I^R. HENRY G. ARMBRUESTER, who is 
 successful!)- engaged in the practice of 
 medicine in Steeleville, where he has a 
 liberal patronage and has won an envi- 
 able reputation on account of his skill and ability, 
 is a native of St. Louis, Mo. He was born on the 
 4th of March, 1857, and is the third in order of 
 birth in a family of ten children, whose parents, 
 Henry and Louise (Unfried) Armbruesler, were 
 natives of Germany, who when young came to 
 America. The father had lived near the boundary 
 line of France in Germany, but the mother's people 
 lived in the central part of the empire. Henry 
 Armbruester, Sr., is an architect and builder. Since 
 coming to America, he has spent the greater part of 
 his time in Madison Countj-, 111., but resided for 
 a short time in St. Louis, Mo. 
 
 The Doctor spent the days of his boyhood and 
 youth in his parents' home and attended the pa- 
 rochial schools in CoUinsville, where he remained 
 until the age of thirteen. He then entered the 
 public schools, where he pursued his studies for 
 about four years, when he began clerking in a 
 drug store, continuing in that occupation for two 
 years. Wishing to make the practice of medi- 
 cine his life work, he began its study under the 
 direction of Dr. F. Brendemuhl, of CoUinsville, 
 with whom he continued to read for tliree years, 
 when he entered the Homeopathic Medical .School 
 of St. Louis, Mo. There he pursued his studies 
 for three terms, after which he was graduated 
 from that institution in March, 1881. 
 
 Dr. Armbruesler, after winning the degree of 
 M. D., located in Steeleville, 111., where he has
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 535 
 
 since been actively engaged in the practice of his 
 profession, covering a period of thirteen consecu- 
 tive years. He has an elegant office, complete in 
 all its appointments, and has built up a large prac- 
 tice as the result of his skill and ability. He keeps 
 abreast witli all the discoveries and theories con- 
 nected with tiie science of medicine, and iiis deep 
 researches in the line of his profession iiave gained 
 him a most enviable reputation. 
 
 An important event in tiie life of the Doctor 
 occurred on the 17th of May, 1883, when was 
 celebrated his marriage with Miss Louisa W. Stahl- 
 berg, a daughter of Charles and Louise (Long) 
 Stahlberg. both of whom were natives of Germany. 
 One child graces the union of our subject and his 
 wife, Charles A., who is now living with his par- 
 ents and attends the public schools. The Doctor 
 was reared in the faith of the Lutheran Church, 
 and ins wife holds membership with the Presby- 
 terian Church. Both are estimable people, who 
 are held in high regard throughout tlic community 
 in which they make their home. For five years 
 the Doctor has served as School Director in Steele- 
 ville. The cause of education finds in bim a 
 warm friend, as does every other enterprise or 
 interest which is calculated to prove of public 
 benefit. 
 
 ♦ >?-=^ ^ 
 
 NDREW JACKSON ETHERTON, who is 
 
 (SSs/LJI successfully engaged in general farming 
 and stock-raising on section 28, Murphys- 
 boro Township, Jackson County, 111., is 
 numbered among the leading citizens of this com- 
 munity, and is a representative of one of the hon- 
 ored pioneer families. His father, A. J. Etherton, 
 Sr., was born in Tennessee, July 19, 1822, and is a 
 son of Thomas Etherton, who came to Jackson 
 County in 1828, locating in Ridge Township. 
 
 The mother of our subject bore the maiden name 
 of Lydia Luvisa Waller, and was a daughter of 
 Joseph and Polly (McDanicl) Waller. Her parents 
 were married in Illinois, and located in Union Coun- 
 ty, where the father died in 1823. His wife sur- 
 vived him many years, passing away in 1855. Of 
 their f.amily of five children, INIrs. Etherton is now 
 the only survivor. She was born in Union Coun- 
 
 ty November 25, 1819, and on the 23d of Decem- 
 ber, 1841, was celebrated the marriage of the par- 
 ents of our subject. They began their domestic 
 life upon an unimproved farm on section 27, 
 Murphysboro Township, and there made their 
 home for five years, when they removed to sec- 
 tion 28. There Mr. Etherton carried on agri- 
 cultural pursuits continuously until the 3'ear 1868, 
 when he sold out and removed to the farm on 
 which his son A. J. now resides. In connection 
 with his agricultural pursuits, he opened a store 
 in Eltham, and afterward removed it to Pomona. 
 The cause of education found in liim a warm 
 friend, and he was ever active in supporting the 
 best interests of the community in which he so 
 long made his home. He and. his wife were active 
 and faithful members of the Missionary Baptist 
 Church, in which he served as Trustee for some 
 years. His death occurred in April, 1878. 
 
 In the Etherton family were nine children, seven 
 of whom are j'Ct living: Mary Jane, wife of Hiram 
 A. Whitlow; William C; Matilda E., wife of John 
 Crawshaw; A. J., of this sketch; Luvisa A., wife 
 of Joseph Hunsaker; Maria Emma, wife of Scott 
 Ilinchcliff; and Sarah F., wife of Joseph Hagler. 
 
 Andrew J. Etherton, was born May 6, 1853, 
 upon a farm of Murphysboro Township, and in 
 the public schools of the neighborhood acquired 
 the greater part of his education. He spent three 
 months as a student in a college in Carbondale, 
 and three months in Shawnee County, Kan. Af- 
 ter he had arrived at mature years, he was united 
 in marriage, on the 4th of November, 1875, with 
 Lydia E. Spence, daughter of William and Lydia 
 E. (Butcher) Spence. Her father was a native of 
 Ireland, and her mother of Union County, 111., 
 where their marriage was celebrated. They located 
 in Ridge Township, upon a tract of wild land, and 
 there Mr. Spence began the development of a farm. 
 He was in very limited circumstances, but he la- 
 bored on industriously, and at length success 
 crowned his efforts. He is now living a retired 
 life in Murphjsboro, having lost his wife in Au- 
 gust, 1886. She was a member of the Methodist 
 Episcopal Church. 
 
 Mrs. Etherton was born in Ridge Township in 
 January, 1854, and was one of fourteen children,
 
 536 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 eight of whom are still living. By her marriage 
 she became tlie mother of eight children, of whom 
 six are now living: William. I., Joseph E.,LulaM., 
 Minnie L., Myrtie and Mary F. Benjamin F. and 
 Lydia E. are deceased. 
 
 Upon his marriage, Mr. Elherton located on a 
 farm on section 32, Murphysboro Township, where 
 he lived for three years, and then removed to his 
 present farm. He now owns five hundred and 
 thirty-five and a-half acres of valuable land, the 
 greater part of which is under a high state of cul- 
 tivation. He carries on general farming and stock- 
 raising, and in his business dealings meets with 
 good success. In 1888 he erected a comfortable 
 residence at a cost of 5^2,000. Socially, he is a mem- 
 ber of the Odd Fellows' society of Sugar Creek, 
 and is now serving as Noble Grand. His wife is a 
 member of the Missionary Baptist Church. The 
 cause of education finds in him a warm friend, and 
 he has done effective service in its interest during 
 the fifteen 3ears he has filled the office of School 
 Director. He has also served as Township Com- 
 missioner, and in politics is a Democrat. 
 
 ^^EORGE G. WILL, the son of an early set- 
 III (-— , tier of Jackson Count)', may also be de- 
 ^J|l nominated one of its pioneers, as he had a 
 hand in developing its great agricultural resources 
 and assisted in laying the foundations of its 
 wealth. He is to-day one of the foremost farmers 
 of Somerset Township, and is a man of considera- 
 ble importance in the public life of the commu- 
 nity. He owns a fine farm comprising two hun- 
 dred and forty acres, located on sections 26, 27 
 and 35. The land is under excellent cultivation, 
 and is supplied with roomj' and conveniently 
 arranged buildings and all the appliances for 
 facilitating farm work, while ever3-thing about the 
 place betokens order and superior management. 
 
 Our subject is a native of Illinois, having been 
 born in Sangamon County, September 3, 1836. His 
 parents, Peter and Mary (Gebhart) Will, were born 
 in Pennsvlvania, and some time during the '30s 
 emigrated from Somerset County, that state, to 
 Illinois, where for a few months the)' sojourned 
 
 in Sangamon County. Thence in the year 1836 
 the)' came to Jackson County and settled upon the 
 farm now owned by George G. At that early day 
 wild animals roamed unmolested through the 
 trackless forests and the wide-reaching prairie. 
 Tlie country was sparsely settled, and the hardy 
 pioneers who braved the dangers of that unde- 
 veloped district were subjected to great privations 
 and hardships. 
 
 The first home of tlio Will family in Jackson 
 County was a double log cabin, which with its 
 puncheon floor and primitive furnishings re- 
 sembled the other buildings of pioneer days. After 
 living there for a short time the father erected a 
 better and more substantial structure, which still 
 stands on the old homestead and is now used for a 
 granary. The lumber used in this house was sawed 
 witli a whip-saw. At the time of locatinsj liere 
 about fifty-two acres had been cleared, and to the 
 improvement of this tract and the clearing of the 
 remaining acres the father devoted his attention 
 until 1859, when he passed away. His widow sur- 
 vived him for several years. Of their children the 
 following survive: John, who served in the Union 
 army during tlie Civil War and is now a resident 
 of Ava, 111.; Daniel G., living in Campbell Hill, 
 this state; Benjamin F., mention of whom is made 
 elsewhere in this volume; Mary M., the widow of 
 Logan Wheeler, and George G. 
 
 In the death of Peter Will the county lost one of 
 its honored pioneers and representative citizens. 
 During the entire period of his residence here, 
 covering a period of twenty-three years, he was 
 intimately associated with the development of its 
 best interests, and was a man whom to know was a 
 pleasure and a privilege, his sturdy integrity win- 
 ning for him the confidence of his associates dur- 
 ing the early days of the history of Somerset 
 Township. He and his wife were industrious and 
 economical and exerted a good influence ui)ou the 
 people of the community. 
 
 Brought by his parents to Jackson County in 
 his infancy, the subject of this sketch grew to 
 manhood amid scenes of pioneer life and aided in 
 the task of clearing the home farm. Frequently 
 in those early d.ays he saw wild deer, turkeys and 
 foxes, and game being abundant, it formed no un-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 539 
 
 important addition to tlie larder. His education 
 was gained in tlie subscription schools in tlie home 
 neighborhood, and the knowledge there acquired 
 has been supplemented by reading and self-culture. 
 Having been reared upon a farm, and being thor- 
 oughly informed concerning agriculture, it was 
 natural that he should choose it as his life occupa- 
 tion, and succeeding events have proved iiis 
 choice a wise one. 
 
 November 17, 1850, Mr. Will was united in 
 marriage with Miss Arab A. Bouscher, who was 
 born in Pennsylvania, being the daughter of Sam- 
 uel Bouscher, now a resident of Somerset Town- 
 ship. Twelve children were horn of this union, 
 of whom six now survive: Samuel G., William 
 L., Ida E., Solomon S., Maggie and Nora. In 
 politics a Republican, Mr. Will has for several 
 years served as Treasurer of the Board of High- 
 way Commissioners of Somerset Township, and has 
 also been identified with the Sciiool Board for 
 a long time, being clerk of the board. In religious 
 connections he is a member of the Lutheran 
 Church and a generous contributor to its support. 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 "Jl OSHUA THORP, one of the most skilled en- 
 gineers in southern Illinois, and the oldest 
 engineer in years of service on the St. Louis 
 Division of the Mobile A- Ohio Railroad, is 
 so well known in Murpiij'sboro and .Jackson Coun- 
 ty that he will need no special introduction to our 
 readers. He was born in Carbondale March 10, 
 1852, and is a son of Capt. Joseph Thorp, County 
 Treasurer, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this 
 work. 
 
 Upon his father's farm .Joshua was reared, and 
 his education was acquired in tlie Carbondale High 
 School and the Carbondale Normal. Later he spent 
 one year in the stud}' of mechanical engineering, 
 and then put his knowledge into practice b}' engag- 
 ing in work along that line. In 1870 he went to 
 southeastern Missouri with Mr. Spiller, and for one 
 season put up cotton gins at Bloomfield, Mo. He 
 was then in the service of the Iron Mountain 
 18 
 
 Railroad at Carondelet for three years, being em- 
 ployed as fireman and engine dispatcher, and run- 
 ning between St. Louis and Fredericktown. 
 
 The next employment of Mr. Thorp w.as with 
 the St. Louis & Southe.astern Railroad, running as 
 fireman for one year between Nashville, Tenn., 
 and Earlington, Kj'., when in 1874 he formed a 
 connection with the St. Louis ife Cairo Railroad 
 (now the Mobile & Ohio), with which he has since 
 continued as locomotive engineer except for a 
 very short period. In tiie fall of 1879 he went to 
 New Mexico in the employ of the Atlantic & Pa- 
 cific Railroad, running as engineer between Albu- 
 querque and Ft. Wingate for four months, for he 
 believed the change would prove beneficial, as his 
 health was somewhat impaired. 
 
 In the spring of 1880 Mr. Thorp returned to 
 Murphysboro, and after the St. Louis & Cairo 
 Railroad became the property of the Mobile ifeOhio 
 Railroad, in 1886, he still continued his connec- 
 tion with the latter. In 1889 he went to Europe 
 as the representative of the Brotherhood of Loco- 
 motive Engineers, sailing from New York to Liv- 
 verpool. He was sent to get information for the 
 Scrips League Association concerning the different 
 trades, there being one representative from each 
 trade who made that journey. He spent three 
 months in traveling through England, Scotland, 
 Belgium, Germany, Holland and France, and vis- 
 ited the Paris Exposition for ten days. Both voy- 
 ages were made on the steamer "City of Rome." 
 Mr. Thorp made a report to the Executive Com- 
 mittee of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engi- 
 neers, which was copied in all the journals of the 
 country. His visit proved a most interesting one, 
 for every opportunity was furnished him for seeing 
 the country. 
 
 In St. Louis, December 20, 1876, Mr. Thorp was 
 united in marriage with Mrs. Jennie A. Wilson, 
 daughter of Louis Lajey, who was born near On- 
 tario, Canada, and was of French descent. At the 
 age of nineteen he went to St. Louis, where he 
 worked at the blacksmith's trade. He was killed 
 on the Iron Mountain Railroad. His wife, whose 
 maiden name was Martha Wilkerson, was a native 
 of Scotland, and with her parents came to America 
 when a child. Her father was a soldier in the
 
 540 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Black Hawk War. Mre. Lajey is now living in St- 
 Louis. Mrs. Thorp is the eldest of three living 
 children, and is a devoted Christian, being identi- 
 fied with tiie Baptist Church. By her first mar- 
 riage she liad one son, John Wilson, who is now 
 a fireman on the Mobile & Ohio Railroad. The 
 children of the second marriage ar^ Joseph L., 
 Joshua, Grace and ^Lary. The family has a pleas- 
 ant home on Front .Street. 
 
 Mr. Thorp runs the Murphysboro accommoda- 
 tion between this place and St. Louis. He is care- 
 ful and painstaking, and in the man}' j-ears of his 
 service lias never had an accident, a record of 
 which he maj' well be proud. He belongs to tlie 
 Knights of Pythias, and is a charter member and 
 Chief of Division No. 444, B. L. E. He has taken 
 an active i)art in the work of this fraternity, and 
 has aided in organizing man}' societies. He gives 
 his political support to tiie Republican part}'. Of 
 a kindly nature, generous hearted and true, he 
 makes friends wherever he goes, and always re- 
 tains their high regard. 
 
 JAMES CHAPLIN, whose sketch now claims 
 attention, is well known throughout Ran- 
 dolph County. He is one of the honored 
 and respected citizens of Chester, and is 
 alwa3-s one of the first to push forward any move- 
 ment that will prosper his cit}' and count}-. He is 
 a native of Perthshire, Scotland, and his birth oc- 
 curred April 1, 1852. His parents, John and Susan 
 (Gow) Chaplin, are both natives of Scotland, and 
 still make that country their home. The father, 
 who in his earlier days was a lumber cutter, is now 
 eighty-two years of .age, while his good wife is sev- 
 enty-five years old. 
 
 Our subject received a meagre education in his 
 native land, and when fourteen years of age en- 
 tered the flouring-millof William Whittel, serving 
 an apprenticeship of three years. At the expiration 
 of that time he entered the mill of Pan ton it Co., 
 of Blair-Gowrie, as second miller. The building soon 
 burned down, however, and he secured a like po- 
 sition in the mill at Hunting Tower. After work- 
 ing at different places for some time, our subject 
 
 secured the position of assistant manager of the 
 Panton & Co. Mills, which position he filled with 
 satisfaction to all concerned. He remained there 
 until reaching his majority, when he determined 
 to come to the United States, and after an un- 
 eventful voyage, safely lauded in New York City, 
 where he remained for some time. He thence 
 journeyed to Indianapolis, Ind., and thence on to 
 St. Louis. Mo., but not finding a suitable location, 
 came to Chester and engaged with the H. C. Cole 
 Milling Company. In 1882, when the mill was 
 repaired and a full roller system put in, Mr. Chap- 
 lin was proffered the position of head miller, which 
 he accepted and still holds. He has greatly added 
 to the reputation of the various brands of the 
 flour, and considers the "F. F. F. G." and the 
 "Omega" the best in the world. 
 
 Mr. Chaplin was married in 1876 to Miss Fan- 
 nie, a daughter of Lisander and Mary J. (Sher- 
 man) Davis, natives of Illinois and Ohio respec- 
 tively. To this marriage three children have been 
 born, namely: Arthur, Helen Marr and Hazel B. 
 The children are attending the city schools and 
 are being given the best possible advantages for 
 good educations. Our subject, with his estimable 
 wife, is a member of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 Socially, our subject is connected with the In- 
 dependent Order of Odd Fellows, which lodge he 
 joined in 1876, and has filled all the chairs, hold- 
 ing the Noble Grand Chair for four terms. In 1893 
 he was elected representative to the Grand Lodge 
 which was held at Springfield, and also represented 
 the lodge at the November meeting in 1893, held 
 in the same city. He is at present District Deput}' 
 of his lodge, and is a wide-awake and energetic 
 worker. He is greatly interested in all its doings, 
 and is recognized as one of the leading Odd Fel- 
 lows of the county. He is also holding the prom- 
 inent office of Past Chief Patriarch of the encamp- 
 ment. 
 
 In his political affiliations Mr. Chaplin is a 
 stanch Republican, but in local matters thinks it 
 best to vote for the man, irrespective of party prin- 
 ciples. In 1890 he was elected Alderman of the 
 First Ward in Chester, and his service was so 
 satisfactory to his constituents that it caused his 
 re-election in 1892. For two years he was Chair-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 541 
 
 mail of the Street Committee, and was especiallj- 
 instrumenlal in securing the electric lights for tlie 
 city. He is one of the most active members that 
 the City Council has ever had, and is foremost in 
 all enterprises that will further the interests of 
 Chester, the town he has chosen for his home 
 through life. Mr. Chaplin is one of the stock- 
 holders in the Chester Canning Factory, in the 
 Chester Broom Factory and the Union Creamery 
 Company. He is always willing and ready to 
 lend a helping hand, so far as his means will per- 
 mit, to anj' creditable movement. His reputation 
 is well established as a man of honor, reliabilitj- 
 and true worth, and he is respected in due pro- 
 portion. 
 
 • ^ P • 
 
 ^1^7^ RANK B. ERNEST. This gentleman is the 
 \ir4&, *^^'^^'' *"*^ occupant of a fine tract of land 
 /l^ on section 13, township 4, i-ange 4, Perry 
 
 County, which in its improvements and general 
 appearance will compare favorably with an>- estate 
 in the county. It consists of one hundred and 
 forty-seven acres, occupying a good location, and 
 bears all the improvements which are to be found 
 on a first-class farm. 
 
 Our subject was born in 1858, within one-half 
 mile of where he now resides. His parents, Henry 
 and Charlotta (Kauffmann) Ernest, were natives 
 of Germany, the father having been born in 1819, 
 and the mother in 1818. The paternal grandpar- 
 ents of our subject, Frederick and Sophia (House) 
 Ernest, made their home in German}-. When nine- 
 teen years of age, the grandfather entered the 
 Germau array, and in the battle of Waterloo re- 
 ceived a severe wound in the leg. He was a car- 
 penter by trade, which occupation he followed in 
 bis native land until 1851, when he emigrated to 
 the United States, dying two years later in St. 
 Louis. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Henry Ernest were united in mar- 
 riage in Germany in 1845, and two years later 
 came to America. The mother was a daughter of 
 Earnest and Elizabeth (Tenter) Kauffmann. After 
 landing on American soil, the parents had a few 
 hundred dollars, and making their way to St. 
 Louis, the father there prosecuted bis trade of 
 
 cabinet-making for ten years. At the expiration 
 of that time he came to Perry Count}', this state, 
 and purchased a quarter-section of land where our 
 subject was born. When it came into his possession 
 the land was a wild and uncultivated tract, which 
 he immediately began improving, and he found 
 the soil capable of yielding large crops. He was 
 very successful in this enterprise and soon accu- 
 mulated a handsome pi-opertv, which consisted of 
 three hundred and forty acres. 
 
 The parental family included three sons and 
 four daughters, namely: Lewis H.; J. Henry; 
 Emma, now Mrs. J. S. Maxwell; Clara, Mrs. M. G. 
 Maxwell; Frank B.,our subject; Sarah, Mrs. James 
 Bickett; and Mary, Mrs. David Fulton. The latter 
 died when twenty-three years of age, leaving two 
 children. The father of these children died in 
 1873. While living in Germany he was a devoted 
 member of the Lutheran Church. Forafew j-ears 
 after coming to America he voted with the Demo- 
 cratic party, but soon changed his views, and dur- 
 ing the remainder of his life was a stanch Repub- 
 lican. Mrs. Ernest is still living and makes her 
 home with our subject. 
 
 Our subject was given a common-school educa- 
 tion, and when old enough to do so aided his fa- 
 ther in caring for the family. In his political re- 
 lations he is a Democrat, and in local affairs always 
 votes for the man whom he considers will best fill 
 the office. 
 
 ■ — '^ m c^ — • 
 
 fr^ALPH E. SPRIGG, the Mayor of Chester, 
 Li^ enjoys the reputation of being a thoroughly 
 (^mV posted man in public affairs. He has had a 
 ^ vast amount of experience, and his most triv- 
 ial business transactions are characterized by good 
 judgment and strict integrity. He is a prominent 
 citizen, and one who h.as been of much benefit to 
 the city where he resides. 
 
 A son of James D. and Amanda E. (Mudd) 
 Sprigg, our subject was born in Prairie du Roche', 
 111., October 9, 1860. His paternal grandfather, 
 Ignatius Sprigg, was a native of Maryland, and on 
 locating in Randolph Count}', this slate, became 
 one of the pioneers of this section, and in 1825 
 was elected Sheriff. The maternal grandfather of
 
 542 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 our subject was Felix Mudd He was a farmer bj' 
 occupation and liailed from Kentucky. James D. 
 Sprigg died in this county in 1871. He was a 
 stanch Democrat politicall}' and was always greatly 
 interested in local and state politics. His wife, the 
 mother of our subject, is still living, making her 
 home in Chester. 
 
 Ralph E. Sprigg was the j-oungest in a fam- 
 ily of six children born to his parents, all of 
 whom are deceased but one, John D. He passed 
 his boyhood and youth in attending the public 
 schools at home, and later, desiring to gain a more 
 extended knowledge, became a student at St. Vin- 
 cent College. Being matriculated from that insti- 
 tution, j'oung Sprigg went north and entered the 
 University of INIichigan, remaining there for some 
 time. After completing his studios, our subject 
 returned to this city and read law in the office of 
 Johnson & Horner. Later, in 1878, he took a 
 course of lectures in the Georgetown University at 
 Washington, D. C. 
 
 June 9, 1880, in Chester, our subject was mar- 
 ried to Miss Betty, daughter of John H. and 
 Margaret Lindsej-, of this place, and to them has 
 been born one daughter, Nora. After his marriage 
 Mr. Sprigg began the practice of law, associating 
 himself with Judge Lindsey, which partnership 
 continued until the death of the latter, in 1885 
 For the succeeding two j-ears Mr. Sprigg carried 
 on his professional work alone, and at the expira- 
 tion of that time became associated with William 
 Hartzell, under the firm name of Hartzell & Sprigg, 
 which connection exists at the present time. 
 
 Upon political issues Mr. Sprigg is in sympathy 
 with the principles of the Democratic party. He 
 has filled the office of City Attorney, and for eight 
 years has been the efficient State's Attorney of 
 Randolph County. In 1890 our subject was a mem- 
 ber of the School Board, and he performed in the 
 most reliable manner eveiy dutj' devolving upon 
 him, thus winning the esteem of all who know 
 him. He has attained success, and he full}' merits the 
 confidence accorded him throughout the commu- 
 nity in which he resides. He is a very popular young 
 man, and in 1893 w.as elected Mayor of Ches- 
 ter. He is Vice-President of the Southern Illinois 
 Stock and Agricultural Association, and socially is 
 
 a Knight of Pythias. Judging from the qualities 
 of his mind and the energy of his nature, the 
 friends of Mr. Sprigg predict for him a still more 
 brilliant and useful future. 
 
 •f^^-r- 
 
 -^ 
 
 Q. A. KIMMEL. B. S., M. S., LL. B., occu- 
 pies the position of City Attorney of Mur- 
 ^_, , pLysboro, and is one of its prominent and 
 ^^fJ successful lawyers, whom merit have placed 
 in an enviable position. He has the honor of be- 
 ing a native of this count}-, for his birth occurred 
 in Somerset Township, February 8, 1849. His 
 grandfather was Abraham Kimmel. His father, 
 Philip Kimmel, was born in Somerset Count}-, Pa., 
 and there wedded Mary Will, a native of the same 
 county, and a daughter of Daniel Will. In 1840, 
 accompanied by his family, he went down the Ohio 
 and up the ^lississippi Rivers and made a location 
 in Somerset Township, becoming one of its ear- 
 liest settlers. 
 
 From time to time Philip Kimmel purchased 
 land until he had six hundred acres, which he at 
 length divided among his children. In local pol- 
 itics he took a very prominent part and was one 
 of the leaders of the Republican party in this eom- 
 munitj-. He served as County Commissioner of 
 Schools, afterward was Count}- Superintendent of 
 Schools, and for many long year^has been School 
 Treasurer, which position he still fills. The cause 
 of education has ever found in him a warm friend 
 and he has done much in its interest. He belongs 
 to the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and has been 
 active in church work. He is now nearly eighty- 
 four years of age. His wife passed away in 1882. 
 In the family were eleven children, eight of whom 
 grew to mature years, while seven are yet living. 
 One son, Joseph, served in the late war. 
 
 In the usual manner of farmer lands J. Q. A. 
 Kimmel was reared to manhood. He attended the 
 common schools until twenty years of age, and 
 then entered Carthage College, at Carthage, 111., 
 graduating in May, 1876, with the degree of 
 B. S. He afterward received the degree of 
 M. S. from the same institution. Like his father 
 be has always maintained an interest in educa-
 
 PORTRAIT AKD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 543 
 
 tional work. In 1876 he became Principal of the 
 schools of Murphysboro, which (lositlon he filled 
 three j'ears. He was then for a time in a similar 
 position in Cape Girardeau, ]Mo. In 1882, through 
 the instrumentality of Gen. John A. Logan, he re- 
 ceived the appointment of Examiner of Pension 
 Claims, and spent three years in Washington, D. C. 
 During this time he pursued a course in the Co- 
 lumbia Law School at Washington, studying nights, 
 and was graduated in June, 1885, with the degree 
 of LL. B. 
 
 In the Capitol City, August 15, 1881, Mr. Kim- 
 mel was united in marriage with Miss Martha R. 
 Moon, a native of New Jersey. They have four 
 children, Xettie, Gertrude, John and Percy. The 
 family has a wide acquaintance in this community 
 and occupies an enviable position in social circles. 
 Since his return to Murphysboro Mr. Kimmel has 
 successfully engaged in general law practice. In 
 1888 he was elected and served for one term as 
 Alderman of the Fourth Ward. In 1893 lie was 
 elected City Attorney on the Republican ticket, 
 and is now filling the position with credit to him- 
 self and to the satisfaction of his constituents. So- 
 ciall}- he is connected with the Ancient Order of 
 United Workmen, and is Recorder of the lodge. 
 He is a stockholder in the building and loan asso- 
 ciation. His office is situated in the Willis Block, 
 and his pleasant home is located in the southwest 
 corner of Blanchard and Chestnut Streets. 
 
 AMUEL MORRISON, who is filling the po- 
 sition of janitor in the Southern Illinois 
 Penitentiarj-, located at Chester, was born 
 within six miles of Londonderry, Ireland. 
 December 30, 1835. His father, James Morrison, 
 was a native of the same count\', and there lived 
 until some years after his marriage to Miss Jane 
 Parkhill. By their union this worthy couple be- 
 came the parents of eight children, all of whom were 
 born on the Emerald Isle. In 1837, the father emi- 
 grated with his family to the New World, and after 
 a six 3ears' residence in Philadelphia, Pa., made 
 his wa3' westward to Randolph County. 111., where 
 he spent his remaining daj'S as an honored and 
 
 highly respected citizen. His wife was called to her 
 final rest in 1852, and his death occurred in 1870. 
 
 Samuel Morrison was the youngest in the fam- 
 ily, and was only two years of age at the time 
 they crossed the briny deep. With his parents he 
 came to the west, and his education was gleaned in 
 the common schools of .Steeleville. During his 
 younger days he worked as a farm hand, and at 
 the age of twenty he purchased land and began 
 farming for himself. He also engaged in trading 
 in live stock and followed the two pursuits con- 
 tin uouslj' until December, 1860. At that time here- 
 moved to Chester, 111., and established a livery and 
 trading stable, which he successfull}' conducted for 
 a number of years. He bought and shipped stock 
 to the Memphis market besides conducting his 
 business in this locality. He is an excellent judge 
 of horses, and this enterprise proved to him a prof- 
 itable one. In December, 1880, Mr. Morrison re- 
 moved to Sparta, 111., where he carried on a livery 
 stable for some time. Since 1863, he has been al- 
 most continuously engaged in the stock business in 
 one or more of its various branches. Ever since re- 
 ceiving the appointment of janitor of the Southern 
 Illinois Penitentiary, he has filled the position in 
 a creditable and acceptable manner. 
 
 On the 15th of September, 1853, was celebrated 
 the marriage of Mr. Morrison and Miss Mary 
 Jane Campbell, a daughter of Judge John and 
 Jane (Lively) Campbell. The lady died in May, 
 1878, and her loss was deeply mourned. She was 
 a faithful member of the Methodist Church. In 
 the family were six children, three sons and three 
 daughters, John E., now a resident of Colorado: 
 James L., Nancy Jane, William A; Mary B., who 
 died at the age of fourteen years, and Susan C. 
 The surviving children, excepting the eldest, re- 
 side in Sparta. jNIr. Morrison has three brothers, 
 who are numbered among the leading citizens of 
 Randolph County, John, who has been County 
 Commissioner, William J. and Robert. They 
 are numbered among the representative farmers of 
 the community. 
 
 Mr. Morrison and his family are all members of 
 the Presbyterian Church. Socially, he is connect- 
 ed with Kaskaskia Lodge No. 82, A. F. A A. M., 
 and has been a Chapter Mason since 1864. He
 
 544 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 has been honored with various offices in the lodge. 
 In politics he has ever been a stalwart supiwrter of 
 the Democratic part}' and still clings to the Jeffer- 
 sonian principles. lie is ever found true and 
 faitliful to the trust reposed in him, and his prompt 
 discharge of public duties in his present position 
 has won him liigli approval and commendation. 
 
 <;<; ».;..{..}. ^»}.»».^4.».;. ^ »4..i.».}"}-i"i-4"M"» Z)0' 
 
 LEXANDER HOOD. This name will be 
 at once recognized as that of one of the 
 leading attorneys of Randolph Count}', 
 who is probably as well known as any 
 other resident within its bounds. He resides in 
 Chester, where lie is carrying on a lucrative prac- 
 tice as an attorney. A native of Chester, S. C, our 
 subject was born July 24, 1829, and is the son of 
 John and Sarah (Burns) Hood. John Hood, the 
 father of our subject, was the son of Alexander 
 Hood, a native of Ireland, and during his life fol- 
 lowed the combined occupations of carpenter and 
 farmer. The maternal grandfather of our subject, 
 Samuel Burns, was born in South Carolina, and 
 was of Irisli descent. 
 
 Alexander Hood, of this sketch, was the second 
 child in the order of birth in the parental family 
 of ten children, eigiit of whom grew to mature 
 years, and seven of whom are yet living. He spent 
 his boyhood and youth in South Carolina, and up 
 to the age of sixteen years attended school in that 
 state. In 1845 he accompanied his parents on their 
 removal to this state, where the father purchased 
 a tract of land in Randolph County. The farm 
 was in its primitive wildness, and _young Hood 
 proved of great assistance to his father in its clear- 
 ing and cultivation. Here the father continued 
 to reside until he died, in 1879, when in his seven- 
 ty-eighth year. His good wife, wiio preceded him 
 to the better land, died in 1869. 
 
 Having decided to make the practice of law his 
 life occupation, Mr. Hood went to Ann Arbor, and 
 was graduated from the law department of the 
 Michigan Universit}' in 1861. Then returning to 
 this city, lie two years later opened up an office 
 and began a general law practice, in the prosecu- 
 tion of which he has not only gained a handsome 
 
 income, but the good will of the community at 
 large. 
 
 May 25, 1854, Alexander Hood and Miss Eliza 
 J. Hunter were united in marriage. The lad}' was 
 born July 11, 1836, in the state of Indiana, and 
 at her death, which occurred in 1881, left a family 
 of six children, survivors of twelve born to them, 
 five of whom are living at the present time: John 
 IL, residing in Litchfield, this state; Robert B., who 
 makes his home in Indiana; William A., living in 
 Rescue, Jliss.; Belle R., of Chicago, 111.; Lula, Mrs. 
 C. J. Balthasar, of St. Louis, Mo.; and (^ua M., at 
 home. The present wife of our subject, to whom 
 he was married in 1883, was Mrs. Marj- J. Nixon, 
 of Ellis Grove, this county. She is the daughter 
 of J. H. McCarty, deceased, who was a prominent 
 farmer of Randolph County, and was formcrl}' As- 
 sessor of the count}'. Her father and mother are 
 natives of Kentucky and Illinois, respectively. She 
 is a native of this county. 
 
 Mr. Hood sustains a most enviable reputation 
 for strict integrity and firmness of purpose among 
 his professional brethren, and has served three 
 terms as City Attorney. He has also been honored 
 with the position of County Judge, and for six 
 years, was Master in Chancery of the county. 
 Socially he is an Odd Fellow. He is a member of 
 Chester Lodge No. 57, and also of Randolph En- 
 campment No. 55. In politics he always votes the 
 straitrht Democratic ticket. 
 
 "•i"5"5"i-'? 
 
 ^♦•{•♦♦F 
 
 JEAN DAGLE, one of the finest photographic 
 I artists of southern Illinois, is proprietor of 
 ; an art gallery in Murphysboro. His life 
 ,^^_^'' record is as follows: He was born in Port 
 Huron, Mich., April 6, 1855, and is of French de- 
 scent. His grandfather, Jean Dagle, was a native 
 of France, and when a child was taken by his par- 
 ents to Canada. He became a farmer of New 
 Brunswick, and there Francis Dagle, father of our 
 subject, was born and reared. Having attained 
 to mature years, the latter married Mary Smith, a 
 a native of Essex County, Vt., and they became 
 the parents of five sons and two daughters. One 
 son, Henry, served as First Lieutenant of Com-
 
 PORTRAIT AKD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 545 
 
 paDy A, Twenty-sixth Michigan Infantry, and 
 was killed at the battle of Spottsylvania Court 
 House. Charles, a Sergeant of the Ninth Michigan 
 Cavalr}', was captured, and incarcerated in Flor- 
 ence Prison for nine months. In the fall of 1872, 
 he was on the steam propeller "Souvenir," which 
 sank in Lake Michigan off the coast of Ludington. 
 His was the only bod_v found, and it was recovered 
 after eleven months. Jackson, who was Orderly 
 in Company A. Twenty -sixth Michigan Infantry, 
 now resides in Kalkaska. Mich. Frank, who was a 
 member of the same companj', lost his left arm in 
 the battle of Spottsylvania. He was then trans- 
 ferred to the Invalid Corps, and continued in the 
 service until the close of the war. He has since 
 been a member of the Pinkerton Detective Agency, 
 and now resides in Silver City, N. Mex. The 
 daughters are. Mrs. Lura Poltgen, of Waco, Tex.; 
 and Mrs. Emma Dunham, of Kalkaska, Mich. 
 
 The father of this family is a farmer by occupa- 
 tion. He removed to Port Huron, Mich., where 
 he owned a tract of pine land, and engaged in the 
 manufacture of lumber. In 1864 he removed to 
 PentAVater. Mich., where he bought pine land and 
 engaged in the same line of business until his re- 
 tirement. His wife died in 1883, in Pent Water, 
 since which time he has made his home with his 
 children. 
 
 Our subject is the youngest of the Dagle familj'. 
 The fii-st nine years of his life were spent in Port 
 Huron, after which he went with the family to 
 Pent Water, and in its common and high schools 
 acquired a good education. He became a mill- 
 ■wright. and worked in sawmills and gristmills in 
 western Michigan until 1883, which year wit- 
 nessed his removal to Texas, where he learned the 
 photographic art. He afterward bought a galleiT 
 in Texas, where, as a member of the firm of Dagle 
 <fe Arvin, he carried on business for about three 
 years. On the expiration of that period he sold 
 out, and was employed by a New York firm as 
 traveling photographer, taking views of fine scen- 
 evy. After two j'ears spent in that wa^-, he came 
 to Murphj-sboro, in May, 1889, and purchased the 
 pliotograph gallery of John Minner. His studio 
 is located in the Murphysboro Bank Block, is sup- 
 plied with all necessai}- apparatus of the most im- 
 
 proved methods, and is lighted by electricity. In 
 May, 1893, he established a gallery in Cairo, and 
 is doing a good business at that place. 
 
 In Belleville. 111., in February, 1887, Mr. Dagle 
 was united in marriage with Mi-s. Ella Crain, a na- 
 tive of St. Clair Count}-. Her father was killed 
 in the Civil War. By her first marriage she had a 
 daughter, Minnie. Mrs. Dagle is a member of the 
 Lutheran Church, and Mr. Dagle belongs to the 
 National Photographers' Association. He is also 
 Past Chancellor of the Knights of Pythias lodge, 
 is a member of the Knights of Honor, and of the 
 Fraternal Mystic Circle. He exercises his right of 
 franchise in support of the Democracy. In con- 
 nection with his other interests, Mr. Dagle is a 
 stockholder in the Mississippi Valley Building and 
 Loan Association of Chicago, and in the National 
 Homestead and Loan Association of Bloomington, 
 HI. As before stated, he is one of the finest pho- 
 tographic artists in southern Illinois, and his ex- 
 cellent workmanship has gained for him a liberal 
 patronage and high reputation. 
 
 AVID L. HUDSON takes a leading part in 
 , advancing the agricultural interests of 
 township 6, range 7, Randolph County, 
 where he has an interest in forty-eight 
 acres of land on section 18. Besides his farming, 
 he is connected with the Clover Creamery Com- 
 pany at New Palestine, of which he is the present 
 manager. He is a son of Charles M. and Mary 
 Hudson, and was born December 28, 18-49. His 
 mother died when he was a lad of ten j'ears, and 
 the father immediately broke up housekeeping, so 
 our subject was thrown upon his own resources. 
 He worked for one man seven years, but on ac- 
 count of ill treatment, left hira and commenced 
 with John W. Vaughan, for whom he worked for 
 a like period. He afterward ran a stationary en- 
 gine in a mill in Seneca County, Ohio, and in 
 1871 came to Illinois and located in Chicago. 
 
 After a sojourn in the last named city for three 
 years, Mr. Hudson came to Randolph County and 
 located on his present farm, which he yet oversees. 
 Our subject received but a very limited education
 
 546 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 in his youth, and is a self-made man in the truest 
 sense of the word. He had two sisters and five 
 brothers, but does not know where they are resid- 
 ing, or whether they are dead or alive. His father 
 was a soldier in the Union army, and while in the 
 service was taken sick and died. 
 
 The marriage of Mr. Hudson and Mrs. Mary 
 (Harman) Crisler occurred December 20, 1883. 
 Mrs. Hudson was a daughter of George and Polly 
 Harman, who were among the oldest settlers of 
 Randolph County. Two cliildren, twins, came to 
 brighten the home of our subject and his \yife, 
 Clara Mertte and Charles Milton. The daughter 
 died in infancy, and the son is yet with his par- 
 ents. Mrs. Hudson is a Christian .Scientist in her 
 religious views. 
 
 Our subject is a member of Kaskaskia Lodge No. 
 86, F. & A. M., socially, and politically is a stanch 
 Democrat, and takes an active part in the politics 
 of his community. He has served as Constable of 
 the township, and was Township Assessor for two 
 years. He is a man of many pleasant social quali- 
 ties and of sterling habits, and is well liked by the 
 entire communit}'. 
 
 |p^ B. EATON is a worth}- representative of 
 the business interests of Du Quoin. He is 
 the senior member of the firm of S. B. 
 Eaton & Co., proprietor of the Jupiter 
 Coal Mines, and also of a large mercantile estab- 
 lishment, and is one of the Directors of the First 
 National Bank of Du Quoin. His excellent busi- 
 ness and executive ability, and his honorable, 
 straightforward dealings have given him a )}romi- 
 nence that places him at the front in business cir- 
 cles. 
 
 Mr. Eaton was born July 15, 1857, on a farm 
 two and a-half miles south of Du Quoin. His f.a- 
 ther, W. B. Eaton, was born in Gratton, Mass., in 
 1831, and was the eldest son of Abel B. Eaton, 
 who was also an eldest son. The latter was for 
 some 3'ears a shoemaker of Massachusetts, but af- 
 ter his removal to New York was employed on 
 the Hudson River. The family is directly de- 
 
 scended from General Eaton, of Revolutionary 
 fame, and traces its ancestry back to the landing 
 of the "Mayflower." Daniel Eaton, the great- 
 grandfather of our subject, was quite a prominent 
 man, and he and his son, Abel B., together with 
 the latter's son, W. B., came to Illinois. The first- 
 named died in Chicago, and the second in Madi- 
 son County, 111., where he engaged in farming. 
 
 Like his father, W. B. Eaton learned the shoe- 
 maker's trade, and was employed on the Hudson 
 River for several years, but after coming to the 
 west, turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. 
 Later he came to DuC^uoin, where he is now act- 
 ing as Superintendent of the large coal mines be- 
 longing to his son. He married Elizabeth Buckels, 
 who was a native of Knoxville, Ind., and died in 
 May, 1890. In the family were three children: 
 S. B.; Abel C, who is a master mechanic and is 
 employed in the mines in that capacity; and Mar}^ 
 F,., wife of Edward Musselnian, the partner of the 
 subject of this sketch. 
 
 S. B. Eaton was the eldest of the family, and 
 was descended from a line of eldest sons dating 
 back five generations. His school privileges were 
 quite limited. When a lad of twelve, he managed 
 to get })OSsession of a one-horse rig, and commenced 
 to run an express wagon in Du Quoin, following 
 this business for several years. At the age of sev- 
 enteen be went to St. John, a little salt manufac- 
 turing town near Du Quoin, where he was em- 
 ployed in a store for ten years. Returning to this 
 place, Mr. Eaton embarked in merchandising in 
 company with his father-in-law, William Black- 
 burn. They began operations on a small scale, but 
 the young man possessed energ}', enterprise and 
 ambition, and it was not long before he was mak- 
 ing money. He enlarged bis stock to meet the 
 growing demands of his trade, and is now at the 
 head of an extensive mercantile establishment, 
 which yields him a handsome income. In 1886 
 he became interested in a coal mine, in company 
 with others, and opened up what is known as the 
 Jupiter Coal Mines. Employment is furnished to 
 some two hundred men, and the mine 3'ields a 
 large output. Mr. Eaton is also one of the stock- 
 holders and a Director in the First National Bank 
 of which he is now Vice-President. He has other
 
 
 
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 RLOIuLf^UL UF JUMf. HlNRY, olC.k.^ IviURPHYSBORO 7 P, j ACnSi/ 1 < ^u,,ILl. 
 
 RESIDENCEOF 5. B. EATON, HEAD OF MAIN 5T., DU QUOU. ., ILL.
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOORAPIOCAL RECOM), 
 
 549 
 
 business interests of an extensive and important 
 nature. 
 
 On the 2d of May, 1888, Mr. Eaton wedded 
 Laura, youngest daughter of William Blackburn, 
 his former partner in business, and now a wealthy 
 retired merchant. They have one child, William 
 Leslie, three 3'ears old. Their home, which is one 
 of the elegant residences in southern Illinois, was 
 erected at a cost of $20,000, and is richly and taste- 
 fully furnished. It is also the abode of hospital- 
 itj% for their man}' friends always receive within 
 its doors a hearty welcome. 
 
 Mr. Eaton is a Prohibitionist in politics, but has 
 never been an office seeker. He is one of the Trus- 
 tees of the Methodist Church, to which his wife 
 belongs. Whatever he undertakes he always car- 
 ries forward to a successful completion, and few 
 men in this part of the state have made such rapid 
 strides in the financial world. 
 
 -5— ^^>^-<^^- *- 
 
 '.F^^RAXTON M. I'ARRISH, who carries on 
 lY^K, general farming on section 14, Vergennes 
 Township, .lackson County, was born on 
 the old Parrish homestead, on the 14th of 
 October, 1833. His father, Thomas Parrish, was a 
 native of North Carolina. He was born in 1799, 
 and on arriving at man's estate he emigrated 
 westward to Illinois, locating in Franklin County, 
 and in 1823 came to Jackson County, settling 
 near where the town of Murphysboro now stands. 
 In 1826, he married Lucy Moss, and a year later 
 removed to a farm on section 21, Vergennes Town- 
 ship, entering the laud from the Government and 
 transforming it from a wild tract into rich and 
 fertile fields. The nearest postofflce was Browns- 
 ville, the county seat, then eighteen miles distant. 
 In the family were the following children: 
 Polly, who died at the age of twelve; Elizabeth, 
 twin sister of Polly, and the wife of B. F. Porter; 
 Lucinda J., wife of Eliphas Porter; Braxton M.; 
 Margaret C, wife of Philip Davis; Lucretia, who 
 died in childhood; Sarah Ann, wife of Frederick 
 Buddenbaum; Thomas J., who enlisted in the 
 Union army in 1861, and died in the service; Will- 
 iam C, who also laid down his life on the altar of 
 
 his country; John W., who was killed in the 
 charge on Missionaiy Ridge during the late war; 
 George W., of Jackson County; Joseph N., who 
 resides on a farm adjoining that of our subject; 
 and Frank P., who lives on the old homestead. 
 
 The parents were consistent and earnest mem- 
 bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in 
 their home church services were often held. Mr. 
 Parrish long served as Class-leader. He was a 
 Democrat until after the breaking out of the late 
 war, when he became a stanch Republican. For 
 some years he held the office of Justice of the 
 Peace, and was County Commissioner one term. 
 He died at the age of sixty-eight. His wife was 
 early left an orphan, and was reared by a Mr. 
 Garner, who lived south of Murphysboro, where 
 there was a fort for the protection of the settlers 
 against the Kaskaskia and Shawnee Indians. She 
 was born in Jackson County, in August, 1807, and 
 died March 15, 1887. For years before her death 
 she was the oldest native resident of the county. 
 
 Upon the home farm Braxton Parrish remained 
 until twenty-two jears of age, when, on the 6th of 
 May, 1856, he wedded Margaret Davis, who died 
 January 16, 1873. Of their children Thomas 
 was born September 1, 1859, and Lucy H. was 
 born March 3, 1862, while Benjamin F. was born 
 April 6, 1867. The daughter is now the wife of 
 Warren Porter. Mr. Parrish was again married 
 May 30, 1873, his second union being with Jo- 
 sephine, daughter of Jesse O. and P^mil}' Dees. 
 She was born in Perry County, May 24, 1852. 
 Her father was a native of Tennessee, and came to 
 Illinois with his father, Jesse Dees, Sr., who be- 
 came one of the pioneers of Jefferson County. The 
 father afterwards removed to Perry County, where 
 he improved a farm and made his home for forty- 
 five yeais, dying May 11, 1893, at the age of sev- 
 enty-five years and six months. His widow is still 
 living on the old homestead.^ Their children were, 
 Edwin J., Eva Josephine; Anna B., wife of Louis 
 Tuttle; Ella, wife of E. Rees; Byron W., Edgar R ; 
 Hattie, who died at the age of eight years, and 
 Williarii. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Parrish were born 
 nine children, Eddie B., who was born March 4, 
 1874, and died November 25, 1883; Annie C, 
 born September 4, 1875; Harlan, January 3, 1877;
 
 550 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Bertha E., September 5, 1878; Effle, March 28, 
 1880; Vida R., December 19, 1881; Eva May, May 
 28, 1883; Robert I., July 8, 1886; and Nora J., 
 February 15, 1888. 
 
 With the exception of a few months spent in 
 Carthage, Mo., Mr. Parrish has always lived in 
 Jackson County. He has cleared and improved 
 four new farms, and ten years ago removed to his 
 present farm, which he has transformed from a 
 barren tract into one of the most highly cultivated 
 and best improved farms of the localitj-. He and 
 his wife are both members of tlie Methodist Epis- 
 copal Churcli. In politics he has always been a 
 stalwart advocate of Republican principles. He 
 served as County Treasurer and Assessor in 
 1856-57, but resigned before the expiration of his 
 term. He has been Township Assessor two terras, 
 Justice of the Peace one term, and was re-elected, 
 but refused to qualif}-. He is a man of sterling 
 worth and strict integrity, who stands high in the 
 community, having the warm regard of many 
 friends. 
 
 . ■ ^ ^ P • 
 
 \Y| AMES ALEXANDER, one of Murphysboro's 
 well known and prominent citizens, is also 
 numbered among her leading business men. 
 He is a member of the firm of Alexander 
 Brothers, proprietors of a foundry and machine 
 shop, and is also President of the Jackson County 
 Homestead and Loan Association, and President 
 of the Southern Illinois Building and Loan Asso- 
 ciation. He was born seven miles from Glasgow, 
 Scotland, in Lanarkshire, in January, 1837. His 
 father, John Alexander, was born in the eastern 
 part of that country, and for many years was 
 forester to Lord Douglas. He receives a large pen- 
 sion, and is now living retired at iiis home, Alex- 
 ander Cottage, at Uddington, within a mile of the 
 battlefield of Boswell Bridge. He lias reached the 
 advanced age of ninety-eight. He was formerly a 
 Ruling Elder in the Presbyterian Church. His 
 wife was Margaret Carlisle. She died in 1860, 
 leaving six children, all of whom survive except 
 one. Two are 3^et living in this country. 
 
 James Alexander, who is the j-oungest of the 
 family, attended school in his native land until 
 
 fourteen years of age, and then spent four yeai-s 
 in a merchant's office in order to gain a i)ractical 
 knowledge of commercial business. He then learned 
 the trade of a machinist, becoming an expert 
 workman. Tiie year 1865 witnessed his emigra- 
 tion to New York, whence he made his way 
 to St. Louis, Mo., where he worke<l in the Eagle 
 Foundry until 1867. He then secured emplo^'- 
 ment in the Chicago, Burlington it Quincy Rail- 
 road shops at Galesburg, 111., where he continued 
 until 1871, when he came to Murphysboro, then a 
 small town. Here he engaged in the dry-goods 
 and grocery business for about three years, when 
 it seemed a favorable opportunity to establish a 
 foundr}'. ft was in 1873, the j^ear of the panic, 
 when, in connection with his brother, he began 
 business. Their trade has steadily increased, and 
 in proportion the}' have enlarged their facilities. 
 They now have a machine shop 35x80 feet, a black- 
 smith shop 30x50 feet, a brick foundry 40x60 
 feet, and a pattern shop and storeroom 25x30 
 feet. Their buildings occup}- an acre of ground 
 on the Mobile & Ohio Railroad, and employment 
 is furnished to twenty-flve men. They manufact- 
 ure general mining machinery, stationary engines, 
 mining cages and cars, pumps, wheels and axles, 
 and are the patentees and sole manufacturers of 
 the Murray Automatic Hoisting Cage. They are 
 now doing a large business, and receive ordeis 
 from all over the country. 
 
 The lady who bears the name of Mrs. Alexander 
 was in her maidenhood Jessie Glen. They were 
 married in Scotland in 1859, and to them were 
 born five children, four of whom are yet liv- 
 ing. John, who was educated in Murphysboro and 
 St. Louis, is cashier for the firm of Kingman & Co., 
 of the latter city; AValter is assistant chief engin- 
 eer with the Consolidated Coal Company of St. 
 Louis; Mary and Kate are at home; Maggie is de- 
 ceased. 
 
 Other business interests have occupied the at- 
 tention of our subject. He was one of the organ- 
 izers of, and is a stockholder in, the City National 
 Bank. He aided in organizing tlie Jackson County 
 Building and Loan Association, and has been its 
 only President, and lias been the President of the 
 Southern Illinois Building and Loan Association
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 551 
 
 since its formation. He takes considerable inter- 
 est in civic societies, belonging to the Masonic and 
 Knights of P^tliias fraternities; the Ancient Or- 
 der of United Worlimen, of winch he is Deputy 
 Grand Master; the Knights of Honor and tiie La- 
 dies of Honor. He is also a member of the Grand 
 Lodges of all these organizations save the Masonic. 
 He .'ilways exercises his right of francliise in sup- 
 port of tiie Republican party, and is a stalwart ad- 
 vocate of its principles. In social and business 
 circles he is alike honored and esteemed, for an 
 upright and straightforward life has won him high 
 regard. In his Ijusiness career he has won a well 
 merited success, and is now at the head of one of 
 the leading industries of this county. 
 
 -^^^{ 
 
 iB.mniJl 
 
 \^^ 
 
 OHARLES HESSt^ is one of the worthy Ger- 
 , man citizens of Monroe County, and now 
 ^_ lives on section 17, township 3, range 9 
 west. He was born, reared and educated in Ger- 
 many, where his early life was quietly passed, un- 
 marked by any event of sjiecial importance. When 
 a young man he deterinined to seek a home and 
 fortune in the New World, for he had heard much 
 of its advantages and privileges, and believed he 
 might tliereby benefit his financial condition. 
 
 It was in 1851 that Mr. Hesse sailed for Amer- 
 ica. He landed in New Orleans, whence he made 
 his way up the Mississippi to St. Louis, continuing 
 his journey from that place to Floraville, St. Clair 
 County, 111., where he made a location. He lo- 
 cated upon a farm, a^nd the same year chose as a 
 companion and helpmate on life's journey Miss 
 Dora Hesse. She claims the province of Saxony, 
 Germany, as her native land, and like her husband 
 she came to America in 1851. Twelve children 
 were horn of their union, but eight of the number 
 died in infancy, and Augusta died in July, 1893. 
 Only three of the family now survive, namely: 
 Antonio, Frederick and William. The last-named 
 was born in St. Clair County in the year 1866, 
 and was brouglit by his parents to Monroe Coun- 
 ty, where he acquired his education in the com- 
 mon schools. In 1887 he was united in mar- 
 riage with Miss Mary Berneking, one of the fair 
 
 daughters of this community. Two children grace 
 this union. For ten years William Hesse success- 
 tuUy engaged in teaching, and in November, 1892, 
 embarked in merchandising, which pursuit he now 
 follows. At this writing he is serving as Justice 
 of the Peace and Township Treasurer, and proves 
 a capable officer in e.ach position. He holds mem- 
 bership with the German livangelical Church. 
 
 Charles Hesse,' of this sketch, was a soldier in 
 his native land, and fought in the Prussian War 
 against Denmark in 1848. After coming to America 
 he lived in St. Clair County until 1866, when with 
 his family he removed to Monroe County, where 
 he has since resided. His time and attention have 
 been devoted to agricultural pursuits, and through 
 good business ability he has made his career a 
 prosperous one and acquired a comfortable com- 
 petence. In 1882 he was called upon to mourn 
 the loss of his wife, a lady highly respected by all 
 who knew her. She was a member of the United 
 Evangelical Church. 
 
 William Hesse belongs to the German Evangeli- 
 cal Church, and in his social relations is a Mas- 
 ter Mason. He exercises his right of franchise in 
 support of the Republican party, but has never 
 sought or desired public office, preferring to devote 
 his entire attention to his business interests. He 
 is a loyal citizen, one ever alive to the best Inter- 
 ests of the community in whicli he makes his home, 
 and throughout Monroe County he is held in high 
 regard. 
 
 •jf/ EWIS TREFFTZS, formerly a prominent 
 I (^ citizen of township 5, range 3, departed 
 jlLM, this life July 31, 1893. He was a man well 
 and favorably known throughout Perry County, 
 and as every life has a history of its own, although 
 in appearance it may seem to possess little to dis- 
 tinguish it from others, the reader will be inter- 
 ested in learning the details of the business career 
 and private life of our subject. 
 
 Mr. Trefftzs was born in the province of Wur- 
 temberg, Germany, in 1832, and was a lad of six 
 years when he accompanied his parents, Gabiiel 
 and Mary Trefftzs, on their emigration to the 
 United States. Landing in New York, the family
 
 552 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAt>mCAl, RECORD. 
 
 made their way immediately to Ohio and located 
 
 in Gallia County, where the}' resided for about 
 fourteen years. During that time the)' did not 
 |i\irciiase land, but were renters until coming to 
 Illinois in 1854. Upon locating in the Prairie 
 ■State, they selected as their future home a tract of 
 land about five miles southwest of Pinckneyville. 
 
 Our subject learned the trade of a wagon-maker 
 in Ohio, and after coming to Illinois was thus em- 
 ployed for ten years in Pinckneyville. During 
 that period he accumulated a little property, con- 
 sisting of a wagon shop and a hou.se, surrounded by 
 three acres of land. In 1871 he traded his town 
 property for two hundred acres of land lying north 
 of the above place. At his death he left his widow 
 only one hundred and twenty acres, having given 
 his son Robert the remaining eighty. 
 
 Of the sisters and brothers of our subject, we 
 note the following: Caroline married Wilson Mc- 
 Waid, and after his death became the wife of 
 James Montague; Gabriel died January 14, 1894; 
 Jacob resides in Ohio; Gottlcib died in Germany; 
 Mathias is a resident of this county; Rebecca, Mrs. 
 John Tyler, makes her home in Kansas, while AV. 
 Frank is a resident of this county. The lady whom 
 our subject married in 1859 was Miss Philena C, 
 daughter of Thomas and Jane (Packingham) Sterl- 
 ino-. Her parents were married November 25, 
 1830, and were old settlers of this county, iiaving 
 come hither from Lancaster, Pa., in 1854. The 
 mother passed away in April, 1857; the father sur- 
 vived her for several j'ears, his death occurring 
 March 21, 1868. The union of Mr. and Mrs. 
 Trefftzs resulted in the birth of four sons and 
 three daughters, namely: Frank, Belle, Robert, Zoe, 
 Maude, Ethel and John. Mr. Treflftzs was a de- 
 voted member of the Methodist Church, and soci- 
 ally was a charter member of the Pinckneyville 
 Lodge, 1. O. O. F., and the Grand Army of the 
 Republic. Mrs. Trefftzs is also a Methodist in 
 religion. 
 
 In 1862 our subject enlisted in Company C, 
 Eightv-lirst Illinois Infantry, and served in the 
 I'nion army until the close of the war. He was 
 wounded and captured in the battle of Champion 
 Hills, Miss., just prior to the siege of Vicksburg. 
 Three weeks later, however, he was released from 
 
 captivity on account of the Confederates having 
 no means of keeping their prisoners. He was so 
 seriously wounded that his recovery was not 
 thought possible. On regaining the Union line, 
 however, he was well taken care of, and although 
 afterward incapacitated for active service, did effi- 
 cient work as a member of the Veteran Reserve 
 Corps. 
 
 Politically a Republican, Mr. Trefftzs always 
 took a leading part in local matters and was thor- 
 oughly posted in the issues of the hour. He held 
 the office of Count}' Commissioner for three years 
 and was Trustee of the .School Board for some 
 time. The death of our subject occurred Jul}' 31, 
 1893. His residence, located on the top of a short 
 rise in the ground, was one of the most pleasant in 
 this section, and was the abode of hospitality and 
 the center of attractions to numerous friends. He 
 was well known to the citizens of the county, and 
 his correct mode of living gained for him a popu- 
 larity whicli was merited in ever}- respect. 
 
 i^ TEPHEN JANY, the owner of one of the 
 fine farms of Randolph County, living on 
 section 9, township 7, is a native of Po- 
 land, and his birth occurred there on the 
 10th of January, 1845. His father, Joseph Jany, 
 was born in the same locality, and lived and 
 died in his native home. He married Wilhelmina 
 Singer, who was also born in Poland, and who 
 spent her entire life in that country. Under the 
 parental roof our subject was reared, the days of 
 his childhood and youth being quietly passed. 
 When a young man of twenty-four years, he de- 
 termined to seek a home beyond the Atlantic, for 
 he believed that better opportunities and privi- 
 leges were here afforded than in the older and 
 more thickly settled states of the east. On land- 
 ing on the shores of America he came at once to 
 the west, taking up his residence in Chester, III. 
 For three years, Mr. Jany worked as a farm hand, 
 for he had no capital. During that time, however, 
 he saved enough from his earnings to make a pur- 
 chase and bought the farm on which he now re- 
 sides. He has placed the laud under a high state
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 553 
 
 of cultivation, and has erected good buildings and 
 made other improvements that add to the value 
 and attractive appearance of the place. He has a 
 well upon his farm which was made at a cost of 
 $250. The well tilled fields and neat appearance 
 of the place indicate the careful supervision of the 
 owner, who is justly numbered among the prac- 
 tical and progressive agriculturist? of the commu- 
 nitv. 
 
 In the year 1871, Mr. .Ian\' was united in mar- 
 riage with Miss Marv Gorznj-, a daughter of Val- 
 entine Gorzny, and by their union has been born 
 a family of six children, who in order of birth are 
 as follows: Frank, .Joseph, Mena, Mary, Rosa and 
 John A. The family circle 3'et remains unbroken 
 bj- the hand of death, and the children are all 3-et 
 under the parental roof. The .Tan}' famil}- is one 
 of prominence in the community, the household is 
 the abode of hospitality and good cheer, and its 
 members rank high in the social circles in which 
 the3^ move. 
 
 In his political views, Mr. Jan^' is a Democrat. 
 He is somewhat conservative and has never aspired 
 to public office, preferring to devote his entire 
 time and attention to his business interests, in 
 which he has met with signal success. His enter- 
 prise and industrj- overcame the difl3culties and 
 obstacles in his path and he has steadil}' worked 
 his wa3' upward to a position of affluence. He 
 and his family are all devout membei-s of the 
 Catholic Church and are worth3- of representation 
 in this volume. 
 
 ^'AMES W. WEIR, M. D. AYidely known 
 and universallv esteemed as a citizen and 
 ^^^.^1 honored i)hysician. Dr. Weir commands 
 '^^fJ the entire confidence of his fellow-towns- 
 men and the general public. He has been engaged 
 in the practice of his profession since 1882, and has 
 a large and paving business, which extends far be- 
 3'ond the corporate limits of Sparta, where he is 
 residing. 
 
 William Weir, the father of our subject, was 
 born December 2, 18 13, in South Carolina, and was 
 only eight years old when his parents came to this 
 count}-, settling on what is known as Lively Prai- 
 rie. This was in 1821, and as might be supposed, 
 
 only a few families were residing here at that time. 
 Indians were frequent callers at the cabin of 
 Grandfather Weir, but hostilities were prevented 
 by his kindlv treatment, as he never refused them 
 food or shelter. Amid these surroundings, void of 
 all the advantages for scholastic and social im- 
 provement, our subject's father was reared. Not- 
 withstanding these hindrances, he possessed a 
 strong will and a good mind, and developed into 
 a man whose judgment was sought in his neigh- 
 borhood on questions touching public interest. 
 
 December 31. 1835. the parents of our subject 
 were married. They located on an unimproved 
 farm about one-half mile from the home of the 
 elder Mr. Weir. There the couple enjoyed a peace- 
 ful life for over fifty-six years, when death broke 
 the ties that bound their hearts together. He died 
 July 15, 1802, and was buried in Hill Prairie Ceme- 
 ter3' two da3's later, Juh- 17. In his political rela- 
 tions, the father of our subject affiliated with the 
 Republican party, and while he never held or 
 sought office, no man was more generall}- known 
 throughout the count3-. He was a devoted mem- 
 ber of the Reformed Presb3'terian Church, in which 
 he held the office of Elder until his death. He 
 and his wife were the parents of the following 
 children: Robert, who died in infanc3-; Joseph T.; 
 Elizabeth, who died in infancy; and James W. 
 The mother makes her home with her son, J. AV. 
 Weir. She was born May 18, 1818, near Vin- 
 cennes, Ind., and was not quite eighteen 3'ears of 
 age when she married. She was brought in in- 
 fanc3' to this county b}' her parents, who died here. 
 
 The paternal grandparents of our subject, Rob- 
 ert and Jane (Bo3-d) Weir, were natives of Ireland, 
 and on emigrating to America, about 1800, made 
 their home in South Carolina. On coming to 
 Randolph Count3- the3' were classed among its 
 earliest pioneers. Here the grandfatner died in 
 1869, and the grandmother died in October, 1872. 
 In politics he was a Republican. He was a Deacon 
 and one of the charter members of the Old Bethel 
 congregation of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. 
 His parents, Thomas and Mary (Withrow) Weir, 
 were married in 1789, in County Antrim, Ireland. 
 
 Our subject was born in Randolph Count3' in 
 1850, and remained under the parental roof until
 
 554 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 1870. He is a man of fine education, being a grad- 
 uate of the Ionia (Mich.) High School. He was a 
 student during 1875-76 in the liteiary department 
 of the Michigan University, and was graduated 
 in the classical course of 1879 from Monmouth 
 (111.) College. In that year he returned to his 
 home in Sparta, where he spent one year teaching 
 in the grammar school. He conducted his profes- 
 sional studies in the Missouri Medical College at 
 St. Louis, from which he was graduated in 1882. 
 He at once began the practice of his profession iu 
 Sparta, and as a successful physician and skillful 
 surgeon he has built up ii lucrative practice. 
 
 September 7, 1881, Dr. Weir and M.Ella, daugh- 
 ter of Samuel M. and Rachael Joanna (Kyle) Fos- 
 ter, of BellefoQtaine, Ohio, were united in mar- 
 riage. Mrs. Weir has three brothers and two sis- 
 ters. Rev. J. M. Foster, of Boston; Rev. F. M. Fos- 
 ter, of New York City; Rev. H. G. Foster, of Al- 
 leghen}'. Pa.; Mrs. Laura C. (Foster) Boyd, wife 
 of Rev. P. P. Boyd, of Belle Centre, Ohio, and 
 Mrs. Ada (Foster) Thompson, wife of Rev. D. G. 
 Thompson, of La Junta, Colo. To our subject and 
 his wife were born three children, William Foster, 
 Rachel Myia and Harold Ewing. In his political 
 relations the Doctor is a Republican. With his 
 wife he is an active member of the United Presby- 
 terian Church. His pleasant home in the city is 
 the abode of hospitality and the center of attrac- 
 tion to numerous friends. 
 
 ^ . * !>^ f 
 
 i;h/ 
 
 ■.H 
 
 1^^-- 
 
 -^i NTHONY PATE. .Jackson County con- 
 WtUi tains many valuable and highly improved 
 (i) farms, among which the traveler invaria- 
 bl\' pauses to notice, wath interest and ad- 
 miration, the fertile tract lying on sections 20 and 
 21, Somerset Township, and owned bj- the gentle- 
 man whose name introduces this sketch. The 
 propert}- consists of one hundred and twenty acres, 
 upon which first-class improvements have been 
 made, and which has also been embellished with 
 substantial and conveniently arranged buildings. 
 The owner of this valuable farm is a native of 
 Jackson Countj', and was born June 17, 1843. He 
 is a son of Perleamon and Ravenna (Draper) 
 
 Pate, both of whom were natives of Tennessee. 
 The paternal ancestors were of Irish stock, and the 
 great-grandfather was a soldier in the Revolution- 
 ary War. In 1841 Perleamon Pate, accompanied 
 by his family, removed from Tennessee to Illinois, 
 the journey being made with four horses and one 
 3'oke of cattle and a wagon. In this way the dis- 
 tance was traversed and the tedious journey com- 
 pleted. 
 
 Arriving at Jackson County, the family pur- 
 chased a tract of Government land in Somerset 
 Township and settled in the midst of surrounding 
 woods, their home being a hewed-log house. In 
 that early period of the settlement of the county 
 settlers were few and hardships many, nor was 
 the Pate family' exempted from the privations of 
 other pioneers. The father, who was a man of 
 great energy and firmness of purpose, worked his 
 wa\' upward to a position of prominence in the 
 township, and while advancing his personal inter- 
 ests also promoted the material welfare of the 
 people. He died January 14, 1894, honored in his 
 old age, and regarded as one of the representative 
 pioneers of the county. Having met with success 
 in his enterprises, he was well-to-do and enjoj'ed 
 every comfort calculated to enhance the pleasure 
 of living. While never an active politician, he 
 was a loyal Democrat and one of the influential 
 members of his party. 
 
 In the dail^' routine of farm work, varied by 
 occasional attendance at the subscription schools 
 of the township, the subject of this sketch grew to 
 a sturd}' manhood. He was united in marriage 
 May 22, 1865, with Miss Isabel Carbaugh, who was 
 born in Jackson County, 111., May 28, 1844. Her 
 parents, George and Mary (Bowlby) Carbaugh, 
 came to Jackson County in 1838, and located in 
 Somerset Township, of which they were early set- 
 tlers, and where they continued to reside until 
 death. Of their children the following survive: 
 George W., a resident of St. Louis, Mo.; Philip, of 
 Murphysboro; Mary, wife of F. M. Perry, of Car- 
 bondale. 111.; Julia A., who married Monroe Mar- 
 tin and lives in Jackson County; IBabel, Mrs. 
 Pate; Harriet, wife of Uriah Blue, of Jackson 
 County; Martha, Mrs. Bradford Morgan, of Jack- 
 son County; Mrs. Jane Mitchell, a widow living
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 555 
 
 in Jackson County; and William, who also resides 
 in Jackson Coiint3'. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Fate are the parents of seven liv- 
 ing children, namely: William E.; Ravenna A., 
 wife of J. E. Rees; Arley XL, Effie M., Louisa J., 
 Gertrude E. and Myrtle I. Mary O. and Daniel 
 are deceased. The religious home of the family is 
 in the Methodist Episcopal Church South, in which 
 Mr. Pate and his estimable wife are active work- 
 ers. In political belief he is a Democrat, devoted 
 to party principles. P'or many 3'ears he served as 
 Justice of the Peace. 
 
 [(§), ^m^ .(SJ 
 
 SAAC HARDY (deceased) was born in the 
 town of Monkton, Addison County, Vt., Sep- 
 /Jl tember 22, 1803. His parents were farmers, 
 and lie followed the same avocation until his 
 twenty-first year. He had few educational advan- 
 tages, and those were confined to a few winters' 
 schooling. Being one of the younger sons in a 
 large family, and ambitious to strike out for him- 
 self, he proposed to relinquish all claims on his 
 father's estate to his elder brothers in consider- 
 ation of a team of horses, harness and a wagon 
 and a 15 bill. With that capital and a light 
 heart lie faced the future, first going to St. Al- 
 bans, Vt., where for a time he trafflced in furs. 
 From there he went to Quebec, Canada, and then to 
 Three Rivers, engaging in logging, and after a sea- 
 sou's work that brought a fair measure of success, 
 moved to Prescolt, Canada, and engaged in build- 
 ing public works, for which he was eminently fjuali- 
 fied. His contracts included the building of a lock 
 and rock work on the Redion Canal, and he was 
 thus engaged until the winter of 1839-40. He not 
 only accumulated a great deal of money for those 
 times, but contact with the bus^' world had made 
 him a self-reliant man in evciy sense. That win- 
 ter, the sleighing being good, he drove across Mich- 
 igan to Chicago, and on to Lockport, 111., to see 
 William Gooding, the chief engineer of the Illinois 
 it Michigan Canal, which was tlien being con- 
 structed, to learn what inducements there were for 
 
 himself and other contractors to come on and bid 
 for work. He returned to Canada, reporting so 
 favorably that on his return in the spring he was 
 accompanied by George Barnett, George Steele and 
 several others, all of whom had secured contracts 
 on the canal. 
 
 Jlr. Hardy's first job was rock work at Romeo, 
 later receiving the contract to build the steam- 
 boat basin connecting the Illinois River with the 
 canal terminus at La .Salle. His bid had caused 
 tlie failure of one contractor, but in two years he 
 finished the basin, witli a profit of l^l 17,000. In 
 the meantime he had bid for Lock No. 1, at Bridge- 
 port, upon the identical figures that had caused 
 a former contractor to suspend. His friends in 
 both instances predicted failure, and demonstrated 
 to their own satisfaction that such must follow at 
 the lock, predicated on the fact that the stone had 
 to be waggoned from Lemonl. He obviated that 
 by securing the same in Cleveland, Ohio, already 
 to place, bringing it around tlie Lakes. 
 
 In January, 1841, Mr. Hardy married Miss Mary 
 Adaline Cutting, a daughter of Joseph and Fanny 
 (Hatcli) Cutting, of Norwich, Vt. About this time 
 he purchased a farm across the Vermilion River, 
 near La Salle, for his early taste for fine stock had 
 increased with the passing years. He built the 
 first line of canal boats, seven in number, and also 
 had his own towing stock, and a steamer on the 
 Illinois River to tow to and from St. Louis. He 
 established a dock in Chicago, built a large grain 
 elevator at La Salle (where he had a lumber J'ard), 
 as well as at other points between Chicago and St. 
 Louis. In the late '40s and early '50s, railroads were 
 few in Illinois, and the greater part of both the 
 freiglit and passenger traffic between the south and 
 east moved by the wa}' of the canal and steamers 
 on the Illinois River. In 1849 he built a large 
 hotel, for those times, at La Salle, called the Hardy 
 House. He moved to Chicago, where he lived a 
 few years, investing in city and near-by acre 
 property, accumulating hundreds of acres, all of 
 which is now within the city limits. In 1851 he 
 removed to La Salle, and there passed his declin- 
 ing years, dying September 14, 1864. 
 
 Isaac Hardy was a typical New Englander — 
 stood six feet, three inches, and weighed about two
 
 556 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 hundred and sixtj' pounds — and was broadened by 
 contact with busy times, large ventures and associa- 
 tion with intellectual men. He numbered among his 
 long list of friends such men as Judge McLean, of 
 Ohio, Abbott Lawrence and Honest John Davis, of 
 Massachusetts, Judge Douglass, Abraham Lincoln, 
 Dick Yates, Gen. "William Thornton, Lyle Smith, 
 Col. E. D. Taylor, William B. Ogden, Alexander 
 Campbell and others, and was well known through- 
 out the Mississippi Valle^'. He was of marked in- 
 dividuality, with a warm heart for all in distress. 
 His friends could alwiiys command him, and while 
 his enemies had to take a tongue lashing, yet 
 wrongs were easily overlooked and forgotten. 
 Physical and mental courage he had without limit. 
 He was a man of great foresight and determina- 
 tion, and had a strong will. General Grant in an 
 interview said: "I never met him but once, but 
 realized that he was one of the most remarkable 
 men I had ever known — what he undertook he 
 would finish." 
 
 He was first a Henrv Clay Whig in politics, and 
 afterward a Republican. In 1861 Governor Yates 
 tendered hira the Commissary Generalship of the 
 state, but he refused it on account of poor health. 
 His home life was .as sweet as tiie da^'S were long. 
 He had a family of fourteen children, seven of 
 whom, with his wife, survive him. They are: Charles 
 Isaac, Abbott Lawrence, Kate B., Jessie L., Fanny 
 J., Campbell and Theodore Burton. 
 
 jf^ ENRY AUSTIN, one of the enterprising 
 jvjl and successful farmers of Kinkaid Town- 
 /^^^ ship, Jackson Count3% residing on section 
 (^) 2, has the honor of being a native of this 
 locality, for his birth occurred in Bradley Town- 
 ship, on the 24th of December, 1850. His father, 
 John Austin, was a native of Tennessee, and when 
 a 3'oung man came to Illinois, settling in Bradley 
 Township. Throughout life he followed farming, 
 and was verj" successful in his undertakings. His 
 death occurred in 1872, at the age of fifty-five. His 
 wife, who bore the maiden name of Lucinda Ptflk, 
 p.assed away during the early childhood of our 
 subject. Their children were, Thomas, deceased; 
 
 Mary, deceased wife of Elias Glenn; Ann, wife of 
 Frank McBride; Minerva, deceased wife of Will- 
 iam Stanton; Oliver, deceased; Matilda, wife of 
 Willis H. Bilderback; Mahala, widow of Benjamin 
 Bilderback; Sarah, who died in ciiildliood; John, 
 Caroline and George, all deceased; and Jane, widow 
 of Alfred Wiggins. After the death of his first 
 wife, Mr. Austin wedded Susan Creatli, and they 
 became the parents of three children, but all died 
 in early life. Mr. Austin was a popular and prom- 
 inent citizen of this county, and took an active 
 part in politics, supporting the Democracy. So- 
 cially, he was connected with the Masonic order. 
 
 Henry Austin passed his boyhood quietly upon 
 his father's farm, and early became familiar with 
 all the duties of agricultural life. When he had 
 attained man's estate, he began farming for himself 
 on the place where he now lives. It was then a tract 
 of wild land, but with characteristic energy he 
 began its improvement. The farm comprises one 
 hundred and forty-seven acres, much of which is 
 highly cultivated. The tine residence, good barns 
 and other necessary outbuildings all stand as mon- 
 uments to his thrift and enterprise. He also pur- 
 chased the old home farm of three hundred and 
 twentj' acres in the same township, of which one 
 hundred and sixtj- acresare under the plow. Much 
 of the remainder is pasture land. This place is 
 also improved with good buildings and a large 
 orchard. 
 
 On the 21st of September, 1871, Mr. Austin was 
 united in marriage with Miss Sophronia J. Tal- 
 bott, daughter of William E. Talbott. Ten chil- 
 dren were born to them. Horace G., born Sep- 
 tember 22, 1872, was married July .31, 1892, to 
 Lavanda Jarrett, and they have one child, Grace. 
 The other children arc, Albert, born September 
 14, 1874; Emma, December 8, 1876; Harry, born 
 September 27, 1878, and died September 29, 1880; 
 Charlie E., born August 10, 1880; Lydia, born 
 October 1, 1882, and died August 30, 1889; Freddie 
 H., born April 20, 1885; George Morris, Septem- 
 ber 19, 1887; Minnie Beatrice. December 11, 1889; 
 and John Conner, November 11, 1893. 
 
 Mr. Austin is a member of the Masonic frater- 
 nity of Ava and the Knights of Honor. He has 
 always been a faithful Democrat and is prominent

 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 559 
 
 in local politics. He has served as Highway Com- 
 missioner, was elected Justice of the Peace, but 
 refused to qualify, and is now holding the office of 
 Collector for the fourth term, discharging his du- 
 ties with a promptness and fidelity which win 
 him high commendation. Pleasant and genial in 
 manner, he has many friends throughout the com- 
 munity, and the high regard in which he is held 
 is justly merited. 
 
 JOHN W. LEWIS, who occupies the responsi- 
 ble position of master mechanic of the Chi- 
 cago & Texas Railroad, claims Pennsylvania 
 as the state of his nativity. Born in Min- 
 ersville, Schuylkill County, October 24, 1843, he 
 is a son of William H. and Martha (Matthews) 
 Lewis, both of whom were natives of Wales and 
 were there married. Shortly after their union they 
 moved to Schuylkill County, Pa., where the father 
 engaged in mining. Later he removed to Luzerne 
 Count}-, Pa.,and became Superintendent and fore- 
 man of the coal mines of that region. He died in 
 1881, at the advanced age of eightj'-four. His 
 wife died when our subject was quite young. They 
 were the parents of four children, of whom three 
 are now living. 
 
 The subject of this record was reared In Hazle- 
 ton, Luzerne County, acquired his education in 
 the common schools, and assisted his father as 
 foreman of the mines. He later served an appren- 
 ticeship as a machinist, but in 1861, when the war 
 broke out, he abandoned the pursuits of peace to 
 aid his country in the struggle for the preserva- 
 tion of the Union. He joined Company N, Twenty- 
 eighth Pennsylvania Infautr}', was mustered in at 
 Pliiladelpliia and assigned to the Arm)' of the Po- 
 tomac. The regiment numbered twenty compan- 
 ies, and participated in the battles of Autietam, 
 Chancellorsville. Gettysburg and others. 
 
 Later, Compan)' N was transferred, becoming 
 Company C, One Hundred and Forty-seventh 
 Pennsylvania Infantry, and was sent to Tennessee 
 under General Hooker. They then took part in 
 the battles of Lookout Mountain, Missionary 
 19 
 
 Ridge and Ringgold, Ga., and went into winter 
 quarters at Wauhatchie Valley. Mr. Lewis there 
 veteranized and went home on a thirty da.ys' fur- 
 lough. When his time had expired he rejoined his 
 command, and participated in the engagements at 
 Resaca, Dallas, Peach Tree Creek, Snake Creek 
 Gap, Buzzard's Roost, Kenesaw Mountain, the 
 siege of Atlanta, the celebrated march to the sea, 
 and then through the Carolinas. He took part in 
 the battle of Goldsboro, witnessed the surrender 
 of .Johnston at Raleigh, went on the forced march 
 to AVashington, D. C, and participated in the 
 Grand Review in the Capitol City. He was then 
 honorably discharged, after three years and eleven 
 months of faithful and arduous service. 
 
 Returning home, Mr. Lewis continued to work 
 in the machine shop for about a year, and then in 
 1866 emigrated to Clinton County, Iowa, where he 
 worked at locomotive building in the shops of the 
 Chicago it Northwestern Railroad three years. The 
 succeeding four years were passed as a machinist 
 in the shops of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific 
 Railroad, at Rock Island, 111., after which he went 
 to Rapids City, 111., where he put up the machinery 
 at a mine. He then became Superintendent of the 
 mine, serving as such until the spring of 1879, 
 at which time he came to Murpliysboro .as machin- 
 ist for the Carbondale Coal Railroad, now the 
 Cairo Short Line. He remained in the shops at 
 Harrison during their continuance at that place, 
 and in 1883 became a machinist of Grand Tower. 
 In 1886 he was promoted to the i)osition of master 
 mechanic of the Chicago it Texas Railroad at 
 Murph^sboro. He has the entire supervision of 
 all the mechanical work, there being some thirty 
 hands employed in the machine shop, car shop, 
 paint shop and boiler shop. They rebuild their 
 own locomotives. The shops have been greatly 
 improved since Mr. Lewis took charge, and the 
 work in the various departments is admirablj' 
 conducted. 
 
 Our subject was first married in York County, 
 Pa., his wife being Miss Mary Bowen, a native of 
 that place. She died in Jackson County, leaving 
 three children: Mrs. Ella Jeffry, of Peoria, 111.; 
 and William and John, who are firemen ou the 
 Chicago i& Texas Railroad. For his second wife
 
 560 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Mr. Lewis chose Miss Eliza Francis, a native of 
 P^ngland. They have one son, Philip. The lady 
 is a member of^the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 Socially, Mr. Lewis is connected with the Masonic 
 lodge of Port Byron, 111., and the Royal Arch 
 chapter of Murphysboro. In politics he is a Re- 
 publican. 
 
 The parents of Mrs. Lewis, Elisha and Emma 
 (Hancock) Francis, were natives of England, and 
 came to America in 1849, when their daughter Eliza 
 was but one year old. For twelve months they 
 remained in New Jersey, after which they moved 
 to Grant County, AVis., and there resided until 
 1865. Later thej- spent three and one-half years 
 in Hardin County, 111., and from there came to 
 Murphysboro, 111. In 1874 the father was thrown 
 from a load of corn and killed. Tiie mother still 
 survives, and makes her home in Murphysboro. 
 They had a family of seven children, of whom 
 three are now living: Mrs. Lewis, Elijah and 
 Emilv. 
 
 ♦^ 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 ETER WILL GRIFFITH, an honored vet- 
 eran of the late war who is now living in 
 ^ Murphysboro, and who is a representative 
 of one of the prominent pioneer families 
 of Jackson County, was born in vSomerset Township 
 December 28, 1845. His grandfather, John Grif- 
 flth, was a native of Wales, and after emigrating 
 to this country became a farmer of Pennsylvania. 
 In Somerset County of the Keystone State, John 
 J. Griffith, father of our subject, was born and 
 reared, and when a young man came west with 
 teams and wagons, making a permanent location 
 in Jackson County. Here he entered land, built 
 a small log house .and began the development of a 
 farm. He engaged quite extensively in the rais- 
 ing of stock, which he drove to market in .St. Louis, 
 and his wheat he hauled to Chester in the early 
 days. During the war he engaged in buying 
 horses for the Government and was a very success- 
 ful trader. He owned four hundred and forty 
 acres of land and became well-to-do. He belonged 
 to the Lutheran Church and was a Republican in 
 
 politics. His death occurred in 1863. at which 
 I time his entire family were ill with tyi)iioid fever. 
 j The father, mother, three daughters and a son all 
 died within three mouths. The mother, Mrs. Har- 
 riet Griffith, was a daughter of Peter Will, one of 
 the honored pioneers of this county. In the fam- 
 ily were eleven children, seven of whom are yet 
 living. 
 
 Our subject early became familiar with farm 
 work in all its details, and experienced the ardu- 
 ous labor of developing wild land. His educational 
 privileges were limited to the opportunities of the 
 subscription schools. In 1864, at the age of nine- 
 teen, he joined Company H, Eighteenth Illinois 
 Infantry, and was mustered out at Springfield. 
 The troops went down the Mississippi and up the 
 Red and Yazoo Rivers, participated in the Bank's 
 expedition and raised the blockade at Greenville, 
 Miss. Mr. Griffith was actively engaged during 
 his entire service, which ended only with the close 
 of the war, when he went to Yicksburg and was 
 honorably discharged. 
 
 Returning to his home, Mr. Griflith formed a 
 partnership with Dr. F. C. Bierer in the dry-goods 
 business, which continued three 3'ears, when he 
 sold out and turned his attention to farming in 
 Somerset Township. His line of work was again 
 changed in 1870, when he established a liver3' 
 stable, which he carried on for eight years in con- 
 nection with dealing in stock. He bought and 
 shipped cattle and hogs to St. Louis, and in that 
 venture met with good success. While in the liv- 
 ery business he raised grain and hay enough to 
 feed his stock. He had thirty-six head of horses, 
 a fine line of carriages, and from the public he re- 
 ceived a liberal patronage. As his financial re- 
 sources increased he made judicious investments 
 in land and now owns four good farms, compris- 
 ing four hundre<l and eighty acres. In the city 
 he also owns five good residences and is a stock- 
 holder in the City National Bank and the Jackson 
 County Homestead and Loan Association. 
 
 Mr. Griffith has been twice married. He first wed- 
 ded Miss Sarah Francis, a native of Westmoreland, 
 Pa., where their marriage was celebrated. She died 
 in Murphysboro, leaving (^ne son, Frank P., who is 
 now in the freight and transfer business in Mur-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BlOGRAPmCAL RECORD. 
 
 561 
 
 physboro. In East Cairo, Ky., in 1881, Mr. Grif- 
 fith married Miss Leona, daughter of B. F. Sams, 
 of Cartersville, and a native of Jonesboro. 
 
 Sociall}', Mr. Griftitii is connected with Aniit}' 
 Lodge, I. O. O. F.; the Knights of Honor, and Wor- 
 then Post No. 128, G. A. R. He also belongs to 
 the Zion Lutheran Church and is one of its liberal 
 supporters. In politics he is a stalwart Republican 
 and has served as a member of the County Central 
 Committee. He has been honored with local offices, 
 was twice elected Alderman from the First Ward 
 and was once a member of the Council from the 
 Fourth Ward. He was as faithful in his official 
 duties as when on the field of battle aiding in 
 the defense of the Union. In his business he has 
 met with excellent success, his enterprise, indus- 
 try, perseverance and careful management having 
 brought him a handsome competency. 
 
 GT; 
 
 ^^EORGE RICHARDSON, M. D., deceased, 
 as one of tlie most successful physicians 
 of Randol|)h County. He conducted a good 
 practice in township 6, range 7, for a number of 
 years and became a well known and honored citi- 
 zen, as well as a noted phj'sician. He was born 
 in Atherton, a small town in Warwickshire, Eng- 
 land, June 24, 1833, where both of his parents died 
 when he was quite young. He attended school in 
 his native place, and when very young began to 
 read medicine under Dr. Richings. AVhen but a 
 lad of fifteen he came to this country with his pre- 
 ceptor, locating in Winnebago County, 111. Dur- 
 ing the winter of 1856-57 Mr. Richardson attended 
 the Rusli Medical College at Chicago, and the fol- 
 lowing year came to Randolph County, locating 
 a mile south of Ellis Grove. Here he began to 
 practice his profession and soon worked his way 
 into the favor and confidence of the entire com- 
 munit3'. He was for a long time the only practic- 
 ing physician in the neighborhood, where he be- 
 came noted for his rare skill in the treatment of 
 difficult cases. 
 
 In April, 1880, in Ellis Grove, Dr. Richardson's 
 great, warm heart was stilled forever, and his weary 
 brain and overtaxed body found rest in death. He 
 
 was mourned by many far beyond his sorrowing 
 home circle, for he was the beloved physician and 
 cherished friend in many a household, where his 
 presence had brought healing, or had soothed the 
 last hours of the dying. In his death his profession 
 was deprived of one of its noblest representatives, 
 and the citizenship of the community suffered a 
 sad loss. He was a consistent member of the Epis- 
 copal Church, and socially was connected with 
 Kaskaskia Lodge No. 86, F. & A. M. He was an 
 advocate of the Democracy politically, and was an 
 active worker for his party's principles. 
 
 Dr. Richardson in 1861, and again in 1863, vis- 
 ited his old home in England, and during the lat- 
 ter trip was married to Miss Ann Brooker.a native 
 of Chelsea, London, the ceremony occurring Jan- 
 uary 26, 1864. On his return the following spring 
 he moved on a farm near Kaskaskia, where he re- 
 sided until the death of his wife, in the fall of 
 of 1865. He then resumed his practice in Ellis 
 Grove. On the 28th of February, 1867, Dr. Rich- 
 ardson was again married, taking as his life com- 
 panion Miss Mary Lilly, a daughter of John I. and 
 Eliza (Fink) Lilly, both natives of Pennsylvania, 
 who came to Ellis Grove in 1853. To this marriage 
 were born two children: Annie E., who is the wife 
 of Elias Hall, and makes her home in Ellis Grove; 
 and Carrie A., who was married to John Feaman 
 and died two years later. Mrs. Richardson is still 
 making her home in Ellis Grove, where she is sur- 
 rounded by hosts of friends and acquaintances. She 
 is a devout member of the Catholic Church. 
 
 0' RRA HAVILL, of Chester, is now the 
 chief clerk at the Southern Illinois Peni- 
 ^^ tentiary, and was the first Democrat ap- 
 pointed by Warden Baker under the new admin- 
 istration. He is a prominent young man and has 
 had many years of political training, his early 
 education in that line having been under "Bob" 
 AVilbanks and Frank Havill. 
 
 Mr. Havill was born February 3, 1868, in Mt. 
 Carmel, 111., and is a son of Frank W. and Lizzie 
 Havill. He has served as foreman of the mails in 
 the Chicago postolfice and was also in the railway
 
 562 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 mail service under President, Cleveland's first ad- 
 ministration. For two 3ears he was Master in Chan- 
 cery in Wabash County. He has had several years' 
 experience in newspaper work also, having served 
 as manager of the Mt. Carniol Register. Politically, 
 he is a strong Altgeld man and an ardent admirer 
 of David Bennett Hill. 
 
 ^ "^ I* 
 
 ^/OHN T. BEKM, the able editor and pro- 
 prietor of the Du Quoin Tribune, claims 
 ^_^ Penns3'lvania as the state of his nativity. 
 (^^ He was born in Pittsburg on the 23d of 
 August, 1839, and when five years of age, in 1844, 
 was brought to Illinois by his father, the fam- 
 ily settling in Alton, in which city he was reared 
 to manhood. There he al.so acquired his educa- 
 tion. At the age of fourteen he went into the of- 
 fice of the Alton Telegraph, where he learned the 
 printer's trade, and worked his way upward until 
 he became one of the owners of that paper in 
 1860. 
 
 When the war broke out, Mr. Beem was just 
 getting a good start in business, but the President 
 issued his call for troops and he sacrificed his 
 business interests for the good of his country. 
 He donned the blue and entered the service in 
 1862, as a member of Company G, Ninety-seventh 
 Illinois Infantry. He remained with his regiment 
 onl^' six months, when he was placed on detached 
 duty. He then served for one j-ear with the Chi- 
 cago Mercantile Battery, and for a year and a- 
 half was stationed at the headquarters of Gens. 
 T. E. G. Ransom, M. Lawler and E. R. S. Canby as 
 clerk. He was alwajs faithful to the duty entrusted 
 to his care, and when the war was over received 
 an honorable discharge. 
 
 The country no longer needing his services, 
 Mr. Beem returned to his old home in Alton, and 
 in 1868 removed to Du Quoin to become the fore- 
 man on the Tribune. On the 7th of November, 
 1870, he became one of the proprietors of the 
 paper, and continued his connection with it as 
 part owner until 1887, when he became sole pro- 
 prietor. Since that time he has had entire control 
 of the Tribune, and it is due to his energy and 
 
 push that it is one of the most able, clean and 
 progressive papers of southern Illinois. There are 
 few newspaper men that put more hard work intf) 
 the management of a paper than does Mr. I'.cciii. 
 When he is not at the editorial desk, he is found 
 in the press room or engaged in superintending the 
 job department. Owing to liis good management 
 and well directed efforts, he has built up a large 
 business and weil deserves his liberal patronage. 
 
 On the 17th of May, 1866, Sir. Beem was united 
 in marriage with Miss Elvina McGowen, a native 
 of Butler County, Pa., and a daughter of James 
 McGowen. She died June 10, 1878, leaving two 
 children: Delia, now an assistant in the Tribune 
 olHce; and Loren. Mr. Beem's father and two of 
 his brotheis also did service in the Civil War, and 
 both brothers died from the effects of hard service. 
 His father is still living in Alton, at the advanced 
 age of ninety-two years. 
 
 Mr. Beem is an active member of Loomis Post 
 No. 106, G. A. R., and in [lolitical sentiment is a 
 stalwart Republican, but has never sought or de- 
 sired public office, preferring to devote his entire 
 time and attention to his business interests. He 
 is wide-awake to the best interests of the city, and 
 is ever ready to aid in the advancement of those 
 enterprises which are calculated to promote the 
 general welfare. 
 
 1£ c=J •< T >■ [S §) 
 
 ,EV. J. A. F. W. MUELLER, Pastor of the 
 St. John's Lutheran Church, Chester. While 
 there are manj' avenues by which mental 
 jj)abilit3' leads to distinction, there is scarcely 
 one of more benefit to humanity as a family than 
 that of caring for the immortal soul. A pastor's 
 duty entails upon him a great deal of responsibil- 
 it}'. Not only must he guide people safely through 
 the shoals of this world, but prepare them for the 
 safe passage into the unknown world. Among the 
 men who have labored early and late to accom- 
 plish this purpose and lobe of inestimable benefit 
 to frail humanity, ranks the Rev. Mr. Mueller. 
 
 A native of Prussia, our subject was born in the 
 province of Saxony, October 29, 1825. He is the 
 sou of Christian and Mary Mueller, also natives of
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAl'mCAL RECORD. 
 
 563 
 
 the Fatlierland. The parents crossed the Atlantic 
 to America in 1839, and landing in !Xew Orleans, 
 made their wa\' up the Mississippi River to St. 
 Louis. From the latter place they went to Witten- 
 berg, Perr}- County, Mo., where the elder Mr. 
 Mueller engaged in the manufacture of brick, and 
 where he was residing at the time of his decease in 
 1846. The death of his wife occurred two years 
 previously, during the great flood of 18-44. 
 
 Mr. Mueller of this sketch spent the first thir- 
 teen years of his life in his native land and when 
 old enough attended the model schools near his 
 Lome. After coming to America he acquired some 
 knowledge of the English language by a six 
 months' attendance in the schools of Perrj' Coun- 
 ty, Mo. After his confirmation, in 1839, he entered 
 the Lutheran Concordia .Seminar}', in that county, 
 where he carried on his studies from 1839 to 1847. 
 In the last named year he was ordained for the 
 rainistr}' by the Rev. F. Buenger, of St. Louis. 
 
 For the first nine j'ears of his ministerial labors, 
 our subject was engaged in preaching near .St. 
 Louis, and later was called to Chicago, where he re- 
 mained from 1856 to 1863, also engaging in pioneer 
 work. In the latter j-ear he was called to Pittsburgh, 
 Pa., where he took charge of a large city congrega- 
 tion, over which he had charge until 1870. Then 
 going into Somerset County, that state, he acted as 
 Pastor over four small congregations until 1875, 
 at which time he came to Chester, 111. At the 
 time of taking up the work in this place, the Rev. 
 Mr. Mueller found a very small following, but at 
 the present time his congregation numbers one 
 hundred and twenty-five families. Mr. Mueller 
 has a pleasant and attractive appearance, is bright, 
 read}' and a lively speaker, and commands the at- 
 tention of his audience from the beginning. His 
 deliver}' is good, his manner earnest, and he handles 
 his subject as one perfect!}' at home. In 1879 he 
 had the pleasure of seeing erected a fine brick edi- 
 fice, in which the congregation meets. He also has 
 a large parochial school in connection with the 
 church, and he procured his teachers from the 
 Lutheran Normal .School located at Addison, 111. 
 
 In May, 1849, our subject and Miss Jane Hoehne 
 were united in marriage. Mrs. Mueller was a na- 
 tive of Saxony, Germany, but at the time of her 
 
 marriage was a resident of Perry County, Mo. 
 She died in Chester in 1877, after having become 
 the mother of ten children, seven of whom are now 
 living: Herman; Gotthold; Concordia, the wife 
 of Rev. C. Frank, of Evansville, Ind.; Martin; Ma- 
 tilda, now Mrs. Charles Waschilewsky, of Frank- 
 enmuth, Mich.; William, a teacher; and Gustave, a 
 minister at West Point, Neb. The present wife of 
 our subject, to whom he w.as married in 1880, bore 
 the maiden name of Christiana Seidler. and was 
 also a native of Perry County, Mo. 
 
 ]^^-^[ 
 
 O. YOUNGER, proprietor of The Fair, a 
 ^ dry-goods establishment of Murphysboro, 
 /ii was born in Bunker Hill, III., October 30, 
 
 1865, and is the eldest of a family of six children, 
 whose parents were John and Annie E. (Campbell) 
 Younger, the former a native of Kentucky, and the 
 latter of Madison County. 111., where the maternal 
 grandfather, John Campbell, a native of New Jer- 
 sey, settled at a very early day, becoming one of 
 its pioneei's. John Younger was reared in his na- 
 tive state, and when a young man went to St. 
 Louis, where he joined the Union army, serving 
 for three months. He afterward located in Bunker 
 Hill, and is now engaged in farming in that lo- 
 cality. 
 
 No event of special importance occurred during 
 the boyhood and youth of our subject, which were 
 quietly passed upon the homestead farm near 
 Bunker Hill. The common schools aflforded him 
 his educational privileges, and to his father he 
 gave the benefit of his services until nineteen 
 years of age. He then determined to follow some 
 other pursuit than that to which he had been 
 reared, and in 1884 went to .St. Louis. Mo., where 
 he began clei'king. 
 
 After a short time, however, he entered the em- 
 ploy of Russack d: Sons, wholesale clothing dealers, 
 and traveled as their representative through Ne- 
 braska, Iowa and Missouri. He continued with 
 that firm for five years and did a good business in 
 their interests. 
 
 In 1891, in Hoyleton, 111., was celebrated the 
 marriage of Mr. Younger and Miss Mamie Hake,
 
 564 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 a native of that place. Their residence is situated 
 on Rorer Street, and their home is brightened by 
 the presence of a little son, Ra\-mond. During 
 their short residence here the parents have already 
 won many friends. 
 
 In the spring of 1892 Mr. Younger left the 
 road, locating in Murph^-sboro, where lie formed a 
 partnership with M. Evans in the dry-goods busi- 
 ness, opening a store which is known as The Fair. 
 This connection still continues. The members of 
 the firm are both men of good business ability, 
 progressive and enterprising, and from the begin- 
 ning have enjo3"ed a good trade, which is steadily 
 increasing. They carr}' a fine line of dry goods, 
 clothing, and in fact everything found in a first- 
 class general merchandise store. Mr. Younger in his 
 political views is a Republican. He is still a young 
 man, but he has displayed the qualifications which 
 lead to a successful business career, and if the past 
 is a criterion, we feel assured that his future will 
 be a prosperous one. 
 
 . JOHN M. BRYAN is the capable 
 efHcient Superintendent of the public 
 schools of Jackson Count}-, who makes his 
 \ home in Murphysboro. A native of Mis- 
 sissippi, he was born February 6, 1853, and is a 
 son of E. W. and Mary (Medley) Bryan. The fa- 
 ther was born in Sparta, Tenn., and was of Scotch- 
 Irish descent. His wife was born in White County, 
 Tenn., near Sparta. For some years he engaged 
 in merchandising in his native state, but after- 
 ward removed to Fulton, Miss. There he served 
 as County Clerk, was Probate Judge, Circuit 
 Clerk, and for thirty-five years was Revenue Col- 
 lector. In 1866 he came to Murph3-sboro, where 
 he was engaged in teaching school. Here he was 
 honored b}' being many times elected as Assessor 
 and Collector. He died in 1884, at the age of 
 seventy-three years. He held membership with 
 the Christian Church. Mrs. Bryan still makes her 
 home in this place. In the family were two sons 
 and two daugliters, and the surviving members are, 
 William M., a conductor on the Chicago & Texas 
 Railroad, and John M. 
 
 Our subject spent the first twelve years of his life 
 
 in his native state and then came with his parents 
 to Illinois. He attended Ewing College for two 
 years, after which he spent one year in the Ohio 
 Normal School of Lebanon. He also attended the 
 County Normal .School of De Soto at different times, 
 and in 1874 he began teaching. He was employed 
 as Principal of the schools at Mt. Carbon until 
 1884, and then became Principal of the east side 
 public schools of Murphjsboro. which position he 
 held until 1890, when he was elected on the Dem- 
 ocratic ticket as Countj' Superintendent. In De- 
 cember he entered upon the duties of the office, 
 which he has since eflfectivcl}- filled. In addition 
 to having the supervision of all of the schools of 
 the county he holds examinations at this place and 
 issues certificates to teachers. They also hold a 
 successful normal school each summer, lasting ten 
 weeks, and the annual teachers' institute, which is 
 conducted with abilit}' by competent instructors 
 and has therefore proved of great value to the 
 teachers. 
 
 On the 5th of June, 1879, Professor Bryan was 
 united in marriage with Miss Emma McGowan, 
 and their union has been blessed with four chil- 
 dren, Walter, Minnie, Akka and Bessie. The par- 
 ents hold an enviable position in the social circles, 
 and their friends throughout the comnuinit}- are 
 many. Mrs. Bryan is also a teacher and has spent 
 twenty 3'ears in that profession, having been asso- 
 ciated as instructor with nearl}' all of the county 
 normals. She has also filled the highest positions 
 in the count}' as teacher, having served as Princi- 
 pal of the Murphjsboro schools. 
 
 For the past ten jears Professor BiTan has been 
 Seeretarj- of the Odd Fellows' societj- and has rep- 
 resented his lodge in the Grand Lodge. He also 
 belongs to the Ancient Order of United Work- 
 men, and is a member of the .Southern Illinois 
 Teachers' Association. He is a stockholder in the 
 Jackson County Homestead Building and Loan 
 Association. In ix)litics he is a stalwart Democrat. 
 He and his wife are faithful members of the Chris- 
 tian Church. He has served as Superintendent of 
 the Sunday-school and takes an active part in 
 church and benevolent work. 
 
 Professor Bryan is highly educated and is a suc- 
 cessful instructor. Since becoming County Su-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 565 
 
 peri u ten dent of Schools, he lias succeded in secur- 
 ing a uniform system of text books in nearly 
 every district and in organizing township teachers' 
 meetings. His untiring labors on behalf of the 
 scliools of tills community have given them an 
 excellence of which the count}' may well be proud. 
 
 s^^^je^^ 
 
 t|/ ENRY BEISNER, of Steeleville, who car- 
 ries on a meat-mark(!t, is one of the wortliy 
 citizens tliat German}^ has furnished to 
 Randolph County. He was born on the 
 21st of April, 1848, and is the third child of Fred- 
 erick and Sophia (Steinman) Beisner, who were 
 also born and reared in Germany. The mother 
 died in that country in 1878, after which the 
 father came to America and spent his last days in 
 Lockwood, Mo., where his death occurred in 1892. 
 The subject of this sketch acquired his educa- 
 tion in the public schools of Germanj', which he 
 attended until fourteen 3-ears of age, when he began 
 to earn his own livelihood. Since that time he has 
 been dependent on his own resources. He learned 
 the basket-maker's trade, which pursuit he followed 
 for a period of five years, and then learned the 
 butcher's trade. It was in 1867 that he bade adieu 
 to friends and Fatherland and sailed for the New 
 World, having determined to try liis fortune in tlie 
 United States. He took up his residence in Jackson 
 County, 111., and a month later located near Red 
 Bud. He worked as a farm hand for three years, and 
 then removed to Washington County, 111., where 
 he engaged in the Ijutchering business. The suc- 
 ceeding four years of his life were there passed, 
 and in 1880 he came to Steeleville, where he has 
 since carried on a meat-market. 
 
 In 1870 BIr. Beisner was united in marriage with 
 Miss Sophia Beferschen, daughter of Ernst and 
 Sophia Beferschen, both of whom were natives of 
 German}', and on emigrating to America settled in 
 Perry County, 111., in an early da}\ By this union 
 were born four children, of whom one died in in- 
 fancy. Sophia, John and Edward still make their 
 home with their father. The mother of this fam- 
 ily was called to her final rest on the I8th of May, 
 1881, and in August, 1882, Mr. Beisner was again 
 
 married, his second union being with Miss Mar- 
 garet Brandt, a daughter of Claus and Engle 
 Brandt, both of whom were natives of Germany, 
 and in that country spent their entire lives. Six 
 children graced this second union, but two are now 
 deceased, Fritz and Mamie. Those still with their 
 parents are, Lillie, Emma, Herman and Robert. 
 The parents and children are members of the 
 Evangelical Lutheran Church. In politics, Mr. 
 Beisner is a supporter of the Republican partj', 
 and though lie warmly advocates its principles, he 
 has never been an office-seeker, preferring to de- 
 vote his entire lime and attention to his business 
 interests. He lias built up a good trade in Steele- 
 ville, and a liberal patronage now rewards his 
 
 efforts. 
 
 ^mc^ 
 
 /i^ AMPBELL HARDY, editor and proprietor 
 II of the Tamaroa Bugle, published at Tama- 
 
 ^^^ roa, Perr}' County, is a native of La Salle, La 
 Salle County, III., and is a son of Isaac Hardy, a 
 sketch of whose life appears above, and who in 
 his day was one of the most prominent and fore- 
 most citizens of northern Illinois, a man of marked 
 force and ability, who had the distinction of being 
 the largest contractor on the Illinois <fe Michigan 
 Canal. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was one of a large 
 family, and when a mere child, suffered the mis- 
 fortune of losing his father, who died at La Salle, 
 Sejjtember 14, 1864, respected by all. Mr. Hardy's 
 opportunities for acijuiring an education' except in 
 the practical school of experience were limited, be- 
 ing confined to advantages offered in the free pub- 
 lic schools of Chicago, where he spent his youth 
 and early manhood. At the age of fourteen he 
 left school and entered mercantile pursuits, being 
 employed by the wholesale dry-goods house of 
 Field & Leiter. From boyhood a great lover of 
 reading and books, and possessing literary tastes, 
 he found his employment uncongenial, and a few 
 years afterward embarked in the newspaper business 
 at Omaha, Neb., where, at the age of twenty-one, we 
 find him telegraph editor of the Omaha Herald, 
 edited by that sterling Democrat, Dr. George L. 
 Miller. He has been connected at various times
 
 566 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 since with the following leading publications: The 
 New York Daily Graphic^ Kansas City Journal, 
 Duluth Herald, North American Review, Chicago 
 Dispatch and the Chicago Times. 
 
 In Januar}', 1894, Mr. Hardy moved to Perry 
 County and settled at Tamaroa, believing that he 
 recognized in southern Illinois and in Perry Coun- 
 ty, in whose interests and advancement lie takes an 
 active part, a field of usefulness worthy of culti- 
 vation. Mr. Hardy is a gentleman of independent 
 thought and action, and in politics is of the Demo- 
 cratic faith. He is broad gauged and charitable in 
 his views of men and public measures. While a 
 protestant in his religious belief, he is a member of 
 no church, but an attendant of the Presbyterian, in 
 whose good works he is interested. The Tamaroa 
 Bugle, of which he is the head, is recognized as 
 among the best newspapers published in southern 
 Illinois. 
 
 • — ^ P — • 
 
 JACOB GRAFF is a promineut and well 
 known farmer residing on section 20, Ora 
 Township, Jackson County. As he is widely 
 and favorablj- known in this community 
 ■we feel assured that the record of his life will 
 prove of interest to many of our readers and 
 therefore gladly give it a place in this volume. 
 He was born in Somerset County, Pa., April 6, 
 1831, and is a son of William and Rosanna (Im- 
 hoff) Graff. They were married in 1829, and in 
 1841 removed with their family to the west, tak- 
 ing up their residence in Levan Township, Jack- 
 son Count}'. The father was a farmer b^- occupa- 
 tion, and here followed agricultural pursuits until 
 his death, which occurred September 25, 1878. His 
 wife, who was born and reared in .Somerset Coun- 
 ty, Pa., was a member of the Lutheran Church in 
 early life, but afterward united with the Christian 
 Church. She passed away on the old homestead, 
 September 25, 1892. 
 
 In the family were the following children: 
 Henry, John O., Jacob, Andrew; Elmira, who died 
 at the age of twelve years; and Mary, wife of Tol- 
 bert Boucher. The father was a consistent mem- 
 ber of the Lutheran Church. In politics he was 
 a stanch supporter of the Whig party in early life, 
 
 but when the Republican party sprang into exist- 
 ence he joined its ranks and was one of its stalwart 
 advocates during his remaining da^'s. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was a youth of ten 
 summers when brought by his famil\' to Illinois, 
 where he w.is reared in the usual manner of farmer 
 lads. On the 27th of December, 1855, he married 
 Mary E. Levan, daughter of Samuel and Amj' 
 Levan. Her father was a native of Somerset 
 Count}-, Pa., and became one of the pioneer set- 
 tlers of Jackson County, 111. When the township 
 in which he lived was organized it was named in 
 his honor. He improved a large farm, and at his 
 death, which occurred June 25. 1890, was the 
 owner of a valuable property. In his native 
 count}- he married Amy Husbands. They were 
 both faithful members of the Christian Church, 
 and in their family were the following children: 
 Mrs. Graff, O. J., F. M.; H. H., who died in the 
 army in 1864; Ann A., widow of Christian Whist- 
 ler; Adeline, wife of William Kelly, and one 
 daughter who died in infancy. 
 
 Unto Mr. and Mrs. Graff were born seven chil- 
 dren: Harmon L., born September 20, 1856; Gran- 
 ville, January 13, 1859; Oliver, who was born 
 November 23, 1860, and died April 21, 1890, 
 leaving a daughter, who resides with her grandfa- 
 ther; Adeline, who was born December 29. 1862, 
 and is the wife of Robert Redfield: Henry, born 
 January 22, 1866; Dora, who was born April 8, 
 1870, and died April 24,1873; and Samuel W., 
 who died in infancy. 
 
 Since voting for John C. Fremont in 1856, Mr. 
 Graff has been a stalwart supporter of the men and 
 measures of the Republican party. For fifteen 
 years in early life he was a member of the Baptist 
 Church, after which he united with the Christian 
 Church at Pleasant Hill. He has been an Elder in 
 the same for several years, and his wife is also one 
 of its faithful members and active workers. When 
 this worthy couple began their domestic life they 
 resided in Levan Township, where our subject im- 
 proved a good farm. In 1870 he purchased one 
 hundred and sixty acres of land on section 20, Ora 
 Township, and has since made their home thereon. 
 He placed his farm under a high state of cultiva- 
 tion and stocked it with a high grade of horses.
 
 ikyyiyt-<^^<L^^
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 569 
 
 cattle and bogs. He is now practically living re- 
 tired, being surrounded b}' all the comforts of life, 
 wliich were secured to him b}^ his labor in former 
 years. His career has been an honorable and up- 
 right one and he has the respect of all. 
 
 G: 
 
 ^ 
 
 L*T- 
 
 ■^ 
 
 jg^ 
 
 i^ 
 
 JJS^ 
 
 ^ 
 
 lEV. JORDAN CARROLL HARRISS, of Du 
 Quoin, has the honor of being a native of 
 Perry Count}', his birth having occurred 
 ^^ near Pinckneyville, September 8, 1840. 
 Tiie famil}' is of Welsh origin, and was founded 
 in America b.y Edward Harriss, a native of Wales, 
 who, when a young man, came to this country, 
 settling in Virginia, where he engaged in farming. 
 The family removed from that state to South Car- 
 olina, thence to Tennessee, and in 1829 was estab- 
 lislied in Perry County, 111. The above named Ed- 
 ward Harris, great-grandfather of our subject, was 
 a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and was taken 
 prisoner by the British. The grandfather, John- 
 son Harriss, was a native of Virginia, born De- 
 cember 18, 1769. His death occurred at Paradise 
 Prairie, Perry Count}-, HI., about December, 1868, 
 he having attained the advanced age of ninety- 
 nine years, lacking a few days. He was one of the 
 honored men of his daj\ 
 
 The father of our subject, Jordan Harriss, was 
 born in Laurens District, S. C, May 7, 1800, 
 and was married in November, 1823, in Bedford 
 County, Tenn., to Lucinda Casey, who was born 
 in Georgia, February 19,1805. Her father, James 
 Case}-, who was of Irish extraction, wedded Susan 
 Turner. He was a cousin of ex-Governor Zadoc 
 Casey, and one of his sons, Hiram, was in the 
 Black Hawk War. Jordan Harriss came to this 
 state in very limited circumstances, but ere his 
 death he had worked his way upward and acquired 
 a fair competence. He was highly respected by 
 all who knew him, and died April 25, 1874. His 
 wife passed away November 22, 1883, at the age 
 of seventy-eight. 
 
 In their family were five sons and four daugli- 
 ters. Sarah Jane, now tlie wife of William A. 
 King, of Ewing, 111., was born October 3, 1824. 
 
 She was first married to John R. Teague, now de- 
 ceased. The Rev. Marion Teague, of Du Quoin, is 
 their son. Johnson C, who was born April 6, 1826, 
 was a farmer and merchant, and a man of more 
 than average intelligence; he taught school for 
 some years, and served two terms as County Asses- 
 sor and Treasurer of Perry County. He died March 
 5, 1881. Nancy Eleanor, wlio was born November 7, 
 1828, married Edmond Dry, a soldier in the Mexi- 
 can War, and now lives on Holt's Prairie, near 
 Pinckneyville. John H., whose birth occurred 
 July 29, 1830, followed school teaching in early 
 life, and is now a prosperous farmer residing at 
 Denny Station (Holt's P. O.), near Pinckneyville. 
 Susan was born on the 29th of April, 1832, and 
 died at the age of two years. Hiram M., who was 
 born March 16, 1834, is now a hardware merchant 
 of Du Quoin. Julia Ann, born on the 11th of 
 June, 1836, married Thomas J. Hansford and died 
 in April, 1855. Edward M., born on the 24th of 
 July, 1838, entered the army in August, 18C2, as 
 a member of Company A, Eighty-first Illinois In- 
 fantry. He was taken prisoner June 12, 1864, 
 and spent eleven months in Anderson ville. After 
 the war he served as Sheriff of Perry County, and 
 in 1889 was appointed Postmaster at Du Quoin by 
 President Harrison, but was removed by Cleveland 
 in the fall of 1893. He has always been active 
 and prominent in county affairs. In fact, all of 
 this family are public spirited, influential people. 
 Our subject was the youngest in the family. He 
 acquired a fair education, spending the winter of 
 1858-59 in Shurtleff College, and afterward pur- 
 suing his studies at Old Du Quoin Seminary. He 
 then followed teaching and farming until join- 
 ing the boys in blue, on the 7th of August, 1862. 
 He was Sergeant of Company A, Eighty-first Illi- 
 nois Infantry, and participated in the engage- 
 ments of Port Gibson, Raymond, Jackson, Cham- 
 pion Hills, and also in several battles on the Red 
 River expedition and the siege of Vicksburg, in 
 which he was wounded in the left arm and in the 
 right shoulder. He was taken prisoner June 12, 
 1864, at Guntown, Miss., and was put into Ander- 
 sonville Prison, where for eleven long months he 
 suffered the tortures of starvation and neglect. 
 After receiving an honorable discharge he returned
 
 570 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 to Perry Count}', and again engaged in farming 
 and school teaching. 
 
 In politics, Mr. Ilarriss is a Kepublican. In the 
 fall of 1866 he was elected County Sheriff, and in 
 the fall of 1869 was chosen County Clerk. From 
 the expiration of that term of office lie engaged in 
 farming and other business until 1876, when he 
 entered upon the work of the Gospel ministry', in 
 which he has found his efforts crowned witli abun- 
 dant success. While attending school at Old Uu 
 Quoin Seminary in 1859, then a .young man of 
 nineteen, he experienced the change of heart 
 which made of him a devoted follower of Christ. 
 In October of that year he was baptized by Polder 
 Peter Hagler and became a member of the Nine 
 Mile Baptist Church. He was early impressed witli 
 the duty of telling to others the glad story of sal- 
 vation through faith in Christ. After becoming 
 settled in life he was ordained to the office of Dea- 
 con in the Nine Mile Church. 
 
 On the 8th of July, 1876. at Par.adise Baptist 
 Church (of which he was then a member) Mr. Har- 
 riss was ordained a minister of the Gospel, and his 
 first appointment for preaching was at Holt's Prai- 
 rie Baptist Church. In the years 1879-80 he took 
 a course of stud}' in theology at Shurtleff College. 
 In the interval from that date to the present, he 
 has served acceptably as Pastor of the following 
 churches of the Nine Mile Baptist Association: 
 Nine Mile (as immediate successor of the vener- 
 able Elder Peter Hagler); Paradise, Pinckneyville, 
 Holt's Prairie, Galum, Red Bud, Nashville (about 
 seven years), Fairview (where he increased the 
 membership from about fifty to two hundred and 
 thirty-nine). Horse Prairie and Makanda churches. 
 
 However, it would seem that the most important 
 work accomplished by Mr. Harriss has been per- 
 formed bj' him as missionary of the Nine Mile 
 Baptist Association, in which capacity he is now 
 employed, and has been much of the time for 
 many years. Some one has summarized the vis- 
 ible results of his work for the years 1883 to 
 1886, and six months of 1887, as follows: sermons 
 preached, ten hundred and thirty-eight; exhorta- 
 tions, one hundred and ninet3--seven; religious 
 visits, eighteen hundred and nine; persons bap- 
 tized, six hundred and sixty-one (the latter being 
 
 eighty-one and four-tenths per cent, of the entire 
 number of baptisms within the bounds of the as- 
 sociation during the time specified). He has been 
 honored b}' the association by being chosen its 
 Moderator from the year 1884 to 1889 inclusive. 
 
 On the 5lh of .Tune, 1861, Mr. Harriss was united 
 in marriage with Miss M. V. A. Thornton, a na- 
 tive of Allen County, Ky., whose father. Elder 
 William Thornton, was a Baptist preacher. Two 
 children were born to them. Viola, who was born 
 on the 22d of May, 1862, was educated at Shurtleff 
 and Ewing Colleges, and is now the wife of Aaron 
 King, a farmer of Ewing. 111., by whom she has 
 four children, Herbert, Arthur, Clarence and 
 Frank. Clarence W., the second child of the sub- 
 ject of this sketch, was born December 7, 1866, was 
 graduated from Ewing College, and tlien engaged 
 in teaching at that place. He was afterward Prin- 
 cipal of the high school in Du Quoin for three 
 years, but is now a law student in the Northwest- 
 ern University, of Chicago. The mother of this 
 family died Septembers. 1869. 
 
 On the 20th of .Januar}', 1870, Mr. Harriss mar- 
 ried Eliza A. Strait, a native of Perry Count}', and 
 the daughter of Judge Hosea H. Strait. To them 
 were born seven children, five of whom are yet 
 living. Walter H., born on the 25th of November, 
 1871, was educated in Ewing and Shurtleff Col- 
 leges, and is now a Baptist preacher of some note, 
 possessing oratorical powers far in advance of his 
 years. Herschel S., born July 11, 1874, died 
 March 13, 1881. Alvah E. died in infancy, No- 
 vember 4, 1877. Grace T., born November 4, 
 1878, is now in school. Wilfred C. was born July 
 22, 1882; Judson, November 5, 1884, and Earl, 
 August 24, 1887. Mr. Harriss is one of the hon- 
 ored citizens of this community, who by his well 
 spent life has won the confidence and high regard 
 of all with whom he has been brought in contact. 
 
 ILLIAM .S. WILSON, Superintendent of 
 \\/4W// ^^^ ^^' L*5U'®» Alton & Terre Haute Kail- 
 \y^ road, with headquarters at Pinckneyville, 
 
 was born in Brandenburg, Ky., in October, 1852. 
 
 His father, who also bore the name of William S. 
 
 V
 
 POtlTRAlT AND B10atlAI»HlCAL RECORD. 
 
 671 
 
 Wilson, was a farmer by occupation, and died 
 when his son was only four j-ears of age. After 
 that time our subject lived with his grandfather, 
 William Farleigli, until he was a youth of fifteen. 
 He had attended the common schools of the neigh- 
 borhood, and at that time entered a school in 
 Owensboro, Ky., where he remained for eight 
 months. 
 
 Entering the telegraph office in Owensboro as 
 messenger boy, Mr. Wilson soon learned the art 
 of telegraphy. He then accepted the position of 
 commercial telegraph operator, and in tiiat capa- 
 city was employed in various places until the sum- 
 mer of 1870, when he went to work for tlie In- 
 dianapolis ik St. Louis Railroad Company as night 
 operator in Danville, Ind. In November of the 
 same year, he secured a position with the road 
 with which he is now connected, being made sta- 
 tion agent and operator at Freeburg, 111. From 
 that time his advancement has been continual. 
 
 After a few months spent as agent in Freeburg, 
 Mr. Wilson was called to St. Louis to take a place 
 in the general freight office, where he continued 
 until he had filled every position in that office. His 
 duties then called him to the auditor's office and 
 to the office of the general superintendent. While 
 in the former position he was paymaster of the 
 road, and subsequently he acted as train dispatcher 
 for a short time. Next he was made conductor on 
 a passenger train between St. Louis and Uu Quoin, 
 and a short time afterward became private secre- 
 tary to the President and General Manager of the 
 road, in which position he served for five years. 
 In 1883 he was made Master of Transporta- 
 tion, and in January, 1886, was promoted to the 
 position of Superintendent. In 1890 his offices 
 were removed to Pinckneyville. 
 
 Mr. Wilson was married in Owensboro, Ky., to 
 Miss Belle, daughter of Col. Mercer Moormann, a 
 prominent merchant, who was a soldier in the 
 soutlieru arm}-. They have two children, Sarah 
 Deane, a maiden of fifteen years, and George Park- 
 er, aged ten. Their home is also shared by the 
 widowed mother of Mr. Wilson. 
 
 It will be seen from the foregoing account that 
 Mr. Wilson has served in all .the various capaci- 
 ties of the road, from that of messenger boy 
 
 up to his present responsible position. There is 
 no place on the road that he cannot fill, for actual 
 experience has made him familiar with all its du- 
 ties. No more thorough or obliging man is to be 
 found with any road. He has earned his promo- 
 tion by hard work and close attention to business, 
 and his success is certainly well merited. Since 
 Pinckneyville was made his headquarters, he has 
 taken a great interest in the town, and has done 
 much to give it new life. One gentleman said 
 that, "Since Mr. Wilson came here Pinckneyville 
 has grown more than it had in fortj' years before." 
 He has built the finest residence in the cit}', which 
 stands on a two-acre tract of land. He is now 
 serving as Alderman. He is a member of the 
 Board of Education and is President of the building 
 and loan association, and is ever found on the side 
 of advancement and progress, ready to aid in the 
 promotion of all that pertains to the general wel- 
 fare. 
 
 »•€ ^i^ 
 
 HARLES WIEDEMAN. Among the many 
 prosperous farmers and fruit-growers of 
 Randolph County is Mr. Wiedeman, who 
 is at present the part owner and occupant of a fine 
 farm located on sections 7 and 8, township 8, range 
 5. The estate comprises eighty acres of vvell im- 
 proved land, on which the various cereals are raised, 
 but he makes a specialty of wheat. He also has a 
 large and fine apple orchard, from which he derives 
 splendid profits. 
 
 Our subject is a native of Bohemia, where he 
 was born in 1837, his parents being INIathias and 
 Fannie (Hlawac) Wiedeman, of the city of Stra- 
 konitz. The mother having died, Charles, with his 
 brothers and one sister, emigrated to the United 
 States in the fall of 1860, landing in New Orleans 
 in January of the following year, after a vo3'.age 
 of over eight weeks. From that cit}' he made his 
 way to Cape Girardeau, Mo., where he learned the 
 trade of a cooper. After spending a few weeks 
 here, he and his brother August enlisted in the 
 Union army, in Company C, Second Missouri In- 
 fantry, and served for a period of three years. He 
 participated in many of the important engagements 
 of the war, among them being Pea Ridge, Perry-
 
 572 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 ville, Stone River, Cliickamauga, Missionary Ridge 
 and Dalton, Ga. lie was mustered out and hon- 
 orably discharged September 28, 1864, at St. 
 Louis. His brother August was killed in the bat- 
 tle of ChicUamauga. .September 20. 1863. The 
 father died in Cape Girardeau in 1862. 
 
 Mr. Wiedeman remained in St. Louis for a jear 
 and a-half after his service in the Rebellion, and 
 purchased with his brother Joseph William their 
 present possessions. .Joseph likewise fought for 
 the honor of his adopted country, in Corapanj- E, 
 First Missouri Cavalry, under Generals Schofield 
 and Thomas. 
 
 April 15, 1873, our subject was married to Miss 
 Mary Froley, whose parents died in Bohemia, 
 where she was born February 22, 1846. She em- 
 barked for America in 1866, and landing in New 
 York City made her way direct to Cape Girardeau, 
 remaining there but three months. She thence 
 came to Rockwood, this count\-, where her mar- 
 riage occurred. Our subject and his wife have one 
 child, Charles, Jr., whose birth occurred February, 
 23, 1874. He is still at home and assists his father 
 in the care of the farm. Socially, Mr. Wiedeman 
 is a member of Rockwood Post No. 734, G. A. R. 
 In politics he is a strong supporter of the Reinib- 
 lican party. 
 
 "jf/OHN MAURICE HERBERT, A. M., LL. B., 
 || is one of iSIurphysboro's most prominent 
 -^ I and influential citizens. He is the present 
 vj^^ State's Attorney, is Vice-President of the 
 Citj' National Bank, Vice-President of the Jack- 
 son County Abstract and Title Guarantee Com- 
 pany, and is a member of the law firm of Smith, 
 McElvain & Herbert, one of the leading law firms 
 of southern Illinois. By merit and ability he has 
 arisen to the proud position which he now occu- 
 pies and the success of his life is well deserved. 
 
 David Herbert, his father, was born near Laut- 
 widd-Vardra, Wales, and was a son of Philip Her- 
 bert, who was of German descent, and who was a 
 well-to-do merchant. The father engaged in the 
 hotel business, and in 186.5 emigrated to Pennsyl- 
 vania. Going to Schuylkill County, he opened a 
 large boarding house, and February 4, 1866, he came 
 
 to this place and kept a boarding house at the Mt. 
 Carbon depot. Later he bought the Laclede Hotel, 
 which he carried on until October, 1892, and then 
 sold out. At different times he purchased land, 
 which he afterward sold. He was married Decem- 
 ber 5. 1854, to Margaret Humphrey, who was born 
 in North Wales. Her famil}' were farming people, 
 and her father died in the Old Country in 1889. 
 Mrs. Herbert had six children, two of whom are 
 yet living, John M., of this sketch; and Philip D., 
 a leading jeweler of Murphysboro. 
 
 Our subject was born in Glamorganshire, Wales, 
 February 1, 1864, but was reared in this locality 
 and was educated in its public schools. He also 
 attended the normal school at Carbondale for 
 eighteen months, after which he entered the fie«h- 
 man class in Christian Brothers College of St. 
 Louis, from which he was gr.iduated in 1886, 
 with the degree of A. B. He was valedictorian of 
 his class of ten pupils. In the succeeding autumn, 
 he entered the law department of the University 
 of Michigan, and was graduated with the degree of 
 LL. B. He was here honored with being elected 
 Vice-President of his class. In 1892 the degree of 
 A. M. was conferred upon him by Christian Broth- 
 ers College. 
 
 In 1888, Mr. Herbert formed the partnership 
 with Mr. Smith, and in 1889 Mr. McElvain became 
 a member of the firm. They conduct a general 
 law practice and have justl}' won a place among 
 the leading law firms of southern Illinois, being 
 men of marked ability. Mr. Herbert is also inter- 
 ested in the Jackson County Abstract and Title 
 Guarantee Company, aided in its organization, and 
 has since been Vice-President. He aided in or- 
 ganizing the Cit}- National Bank, of which he is 
 now a Director and Vice-President. He is attor- 
 nej' for the Southern Illinois Building and Loan 
 Association, and in 1892 was elected State's Attor- 
 ney on the Republican ticket by a majority of 
 nearly four hundred. This was the largest ma- 
 jority given a Republican candidate, a fact which 
 indicates his personal popularity and the high re- 
 gard in which he is held. 
 
 The lady who bears the name of Mrs. Herbert was 
 formerly Miss Tillie Bross, and was born In Cairo, 
 111. She was educated in a convent in St. Louis
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 573 
 
 and is a fine musician. She is a daughter of Judge 
 F". Bross, the President of the National Bank of 
 Cairo, and one of the best known men of tlie state. 
 Tlie marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert was cele- 
 brated in Cairo, September 28, 189.3. "Socially, 
 our subject is a Knight Templar Mason and is the 
 present Master of Murph3'sboro Lodge No. 498, 
 A. F. &. A. M. He served as representative to tiie 
 Grand Lodge in 1893. He also belongs to tlie 
 Knights of l^thias and the uniformed rank, and 
 is a member of the Illinois Bar Association. He is 
 a young man whose talents have rapidly won for 
 him a place of i)roniinence and will continue to 
 win for him promotion and success. 
 
 ICHAEL STUMPF stands foremost among 
 the successful farmers of Monroe County, 
 who have contributed so greatly to its de- 
 velopment. His interests are centered in 
 towushi[) 1 south, ranges 9 and 10 west, where he 
 has one of the largest and best managed farms in 
 this part of the state. For many years he had to 
 struggle against a seemingly adverse fate, iiaving 
 but fifty cents when he came here. Notwithstand- 
 ing discouragements he pushed ahead, and the re- 
 sult proves the wisdom of his course. 
 
 Our subject is a native of Hessen, German}', 
 and was born in 1-828 to Peter and Cliristina 
 (Bridenbauh) Stumpf. Peter was a son of Henry 
 and Mary Stumpf, who were also natives of the 
 Fatherland, wliere tlie father was a farmer by occu- 
 pation and also followed the trade of a black- 
 smith. 
 
 The father of our subject was born in 1795 and 
 learned of his father the trade of a blacksmith, 
 which he followed in his native land. He was 
 married to the mother of our subject when about 
 twenty-eight years old, and her people were well- 
 to-do farmers in Germany. To them were born 
 eight children: Ilenr}', a blacksmith in Germany; 
 Mary and Katie, who died when young in years; 
 Michael, our subject; Christina, who died in the 
 United States; George, who also died in this coun- 
 try; Catherine, who is the wife of John Ilerringer 
 and lives iu Belleville; and John, a school teacher 
 
 in the Fatherland. The parents of this family 
 died in 1871 and 1841, respectively. 
 
 Young Michael received his education in the 
 model schools of his native countiy, completing it 
 when but fourteen years old. He also learned the 
 trade of his father, in connection with which lie 
 worked on a farm. In 1848 he deci-ded to see 
 what America held in store for him and accord- 
 ingly set sail, making the journey alone. He at 
 once came to this state and made his home for a 
 time with an uncle, who lived in this county, near 
 Waterloo. For a period of seven years he was 
 engaged in working out b}' the month on farms in 
 that neighborhood, but in 1855, at the time of his 
 marriage, commenced farming on his own account. 
 At the time of his coming here, Mr. Stumpf had 
 but fifty cents left with which to start in life, but 
 by economical habits and hard work he was soon 
 enabled to buy a tract of eight}' acres, and this is 
 still in his possession. But being of an ambitious 
 turn of mind, he was not satisfied with this small 
 piece of property, and at once set about to add 
 more to his original purchase. This he did from 
 time to time, and is now the deserving owner of 
 seven hundred and sixty-two splendid acres. The 
 farm is stocked with all that goes to make up a 
 good estate, and the family occup}' a comfortable 
 and commodious residence. Mr. Stumjjf has al- 
 wa3's been keenl}' alive to the interests of the 
 township and county, and has been an important 
 factor in promoting them. He is known through- 
 out the county, and is one of its leading and most 
 prosperous agriculturists. 
 
 The maiden name of the lady who became the 
 wife of our subject was Rebecca Iluch, a daughter 
 of Gottleib and Caroline (Holzhaus) Huch. She 
 has borne her husband nine children, of whom 
 one died in infancy. The living are, Louis, who 
 married Rosetta Taake; Herman, who is mar- 
 ried to Mary Mummert; Fritz, who married Mar- 
 garet Mehrtens; Henry, who married Margaret 
 Klohr; Caroline, who is the wife of George Klohr; 
 Margaret, vvho married William Taake; Christina, 
 the wife of Christ Gummershimer; and Kate, who is 
 single and at home. Mr. and Mrs. Stumpf have 
 twenty-one grandchildren. They are devoted 
 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, to-
 
 574 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 wards the support of which they are liberal and 
 constant contributors. Politically our subject is 
 conservative and prefers to cast liis vote for the 
 best man, irrespective of party principles. He is a 
 raan of good liabits, and unlimited i)raise is right- 
 fully bestowed upon liini for the noble manner in 
 which he has battled with the trials and privations 
 that the poor are compelled to endure. 
 
 G 
 
 ^ KORGE W. CLARK, the efficient and popu- 
 i_— lar Sheriff of Perry County, living in 
 ^1 Pinekney ville, was born eight miles west of 
 this place, on what is known as Lost Prairie, Sep- 
 tember 5, 1835. His father, Alexander Clark, was 
 born in South Carolina in 1804. The grandfather 
 also bore the name of Alexander, and was of Irish 
 lineage. The familj' located in Perry Count3' long 
 before the state was admitted to the Union, and its 
 members are numbered among the honored pio- 
 neers. Alexander, Jr., was the eldest of three 
 brothers. He married Ruth Teague, a native of 
 Kentucky, whose parents were also pioneers of 
 Perry County. The marriage license granted to 
 Mr. Clark and Miss Teague was the first one issued 
 in this countj'. The lady died in 1856, and Mr. 
 Clark died in Missouri in 1862, having removed 
 to that state just prior to the breaking out of the 
 late war. His brother John was a soldier in the 
 Black Hawk War, and his brother William (now 
 deceased), was a prosperous and prominent mer- 
 chant in Old Liberty, Jackson Count}-, III. 
 
 Our subject had three brothers. The eldest, 
 Capt. John J. Clark, was a soldier in the Sixth 
 Illinois Cavalry and served throughout the late 
 war. He is now engaged in carpenter work in 
 Danville, Worth County, Mo. S. R. is also a resi- 
 dent of that county, where he has served as Justice 
 of the Peace for the p.ist twentj' years. Isaac M., 
 the youngest brother, died in Missouri, at the age 
 of twent}--two. 
 
 Ui^on his father's farm George W. Clark was 
 reared, and his education was acquired in the old 
 time log schoolhouse. He began farming on his 
 own account when he had reached man's estate, 
 and was thus employed until 1862, when he joined 
 
 the boys in blue of Company F, Eightieth Illinois 
 Infantry. He was made a Sergeant, later became 
 Orderly-Sergeant, afterward was promoted to First 
 Lieutenant, and as such commanded his company 
 for some time. He took part in the battle of Stone 
 River, and was then detached with a party under 
 Colonel Straight, of Ohio, to make a reconnoitre in 
 the south. This party was surprised and captured 
 at Sand Mountains, not far from Rome, Ga., and 
 was confined in Libby Prison, but after a short time 
 was parolled and sent to Annapolis, and later to 
 St. Louis. 
 
 In July, 1863, Mr. Clark was detailed to take 
 parolled rebel soldiers to Nashville and deliver 
 them to the authorities of the Confederate Govern- 
 ment, after which he joined the main army and 
 was placed in charge of bridges in Georgia. Sub- 
 sequently he look part in the battles of Lookout 
 Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Buzzard's Roost and 
 Atlanta, and started with Sherman to the sea, but 
 at Kenesaw Mountain was sent with a detachment 
 to intercept Hood at Pulaski, Tenn. He took part 
 in the battles c' Franklin and Nashville, and was 
 engaged in detached duty at Huntsville, Ala., 
 where he remained until honorably discharged 
 June 27, 1865. 
 
 Mr. Clark had contracted rheumatism during his 
 service, and on his return was no longer able to 
 engage in farming, so sold his land and began 
 merchandising in Pinckneyville. Later he engaged 
 in the milling business. In 1876, he served as 
 Deputy Sheriff, and in 1890 was elected Sheriff of 
 Perr}' County, which position he is now credita- 
 bly and .acceptably filling. Like his family for 
 generations past, he supports the Democratic party, 
 and is the first Democrat that ever filled the office 
 of Sheriff, to which position he was elected by a 
 majority of four hundred, a fact which indicates 
 his great popularity. Socially, he is a Royal Arch 
 Mason and .an Odd Fellow, and has filled all the 
 offices in the latter order. 
 
 In 1855, Mr. Clark married Miss Margaret M. 
 Killingsworth, who was born in North Carolina, 
 but spent her early life in Tennessee, and came to 
 Illinois wiien a young lady of eighteen. Her fa- 
 ther, AVilliam Killingsworth, died in Tennessee 
 during her early childhood. To Mr. and Mrs.
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 575 
 
 Clark were born seven children. Sarah J. is now 
 the wife of E. J. Harriss, Deputy County Clerk of 
 Perry County, by whom she has three children, 
 Turner, Ilersiiei and Herbert; Clara J. is the wife 
 of Joseph Curtis, .lailer of Perry County, who is 
 also engaged in the livery business, and they have 
 three children, George, Bertha and Viva; Mar- 
 guerite is the wife of Marshal Marlow, and has a 
 son, Clarence; William K. is engaged in the insur- 
 ance business; fieorgc E. is attending school, and 
 one son and one daughter died in childhood. Mr. 
 Clark is a worthy representative of an honored 
 pioneer family, and is a prominent and progressive 
 citizen, who has many warm friends throughout 
 the community. 
 
 fl^ ENRY R. WINTHROP, who resides on see- 
 llTjl^, tion 36, Tamaroa Precinct, Perry County, 
 /^^' was born on the 30th of August, 1852, in 
 (^J the community which is still his home. His 
 father, Charles Edward Roger Winthrop, was born 
 in Stamford, Conn., October 8, 1816, and there ac- 
 quired his education. When a young man he was 
 employed in a drug store, but not liking that work 
 he engaged with an engineering corps in the state 
 of Michigan, and also upon the route of tlie Erie 
 Railroad. At lengtli he determined to turn his 
 face westward and seek a home in the Mississippi 
 Valley. He located in Paradise Prairie, Perry 
 County, in the winter of 1839, and here resided 
 for nearl3' half a century. He was known through- 
 out the count}', and left a record which entitles 
 his memory to the highest respect and regard of 
 his fellow-citizens. When he first came to the 
 county he lived in a log cabin. He purchased 
 eighty acres of land, and at once began plowing 
 and planting it. In the course of time it was 
 made to yield him abundant harvests, and his farm 
 became one of the best in the neighborhood. He 
 extended its boundaries from time to time until 
 he became one of the extensive land owners of the 
 county, as well as one of its prominent and in- 
 tluential citizens. 
 
 Mr. Winthrop began liis official career in 1852, 
 being appointed by the County Court as Drainage 
 
 Commissioner, in which position he served until 
 December 4, 1854. During this time he sold the 
 large tracts of land in Perry County, designated 
 as swamp lands, under which sale the school debt 
 of over 14,000 was paid. He next served as School 
 Commissioner of Perry County, and in 1861 was 
 elected County Judge, in which capacity he served 
 four years. During that time the County Jail was 
 erected, and the Cairo Short Line Railroad was 
 completed and put in oi)eration, as was also the 
 Chester & Tamaroa Railroad. Mr. AVinthrop was 
 also Township Treasurer for over twentj'-five years. 
 He was appointed administrator of various estates, 
 and in all public duties was ever found faithful 
 and true. Jn politics he was a stalwart Republican, 
 and socially was a member of the Masonic and Odd 
 Eellows' societies, in wliicii he held every office. 
 He was a member of the Missionary Baptist Cluirch, 
 and died in that faith June 26, 1888. 
 
 On the 24th of February, 1842, Mr. Wintiiiop 
 was united in marriage with Miss Delilah Lipe, 
 daughter of Jonas and Esther IJpe. They became 
 the parents of nine children, three of whom are 3'et 
 living. John S., the eldest, who was born October 
 21, 1844, in Tamaroa Precinct, was reared on the 
 old homestead. He attended school and aided in 
 the labors of the farm until twenty-four years of 
 age, when his father gave him his start in life bj' 
 buying him a farm of eighty acres. To this he has 
 added until he now owns five hundred and fifty- 
 six acres, being one of the Largest land owners of 
 the count}'. He now makes a specialty of sheep- 
 raising. He was married October 22, 1868, to 
 Mary A., daugliter of Isaac Padrick, a farmer of 
 Tamaroa Precinct. They have nine children: 
 Charles O., who married Maggie E., daughter of 
 John A. Gee, a farmer of Tamaroa Precinct; Effle 
 M., wife of Solomon T. Walker, a farmer of Du 
 Quoin Precinct; John C, Elsie E., Katie L., Ellen 
 G., Oracle v., Zella P. and Ilah B. The father of 
 this family is a member of the Grand Army of the 
 Republic, and in politics is a Republican. He and 
 his wife are members of the Missionary Baptist 
 Church. 
 
 Henry R. Winthrop, whose name heads this 
 sketch, is the second of the family, and the sister, 
 Susan R., is the wife of William D. Eaton, a school
 
 576 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 teacher residing in Tamaroa Precinct. Our sub- 
 ject was reared upon the old homestead, and ac- 
 quired his education in the common schools. At 
 the age of twenty-five he received from his father 
 seventy-five acres of land with which to begin life 
 on his own account. As his financial resources in- 
 creased, he made other purchases, until he now has 
 three hundred and sixty acres — a valuable and 
 productive tract. He is successfully carrying on 
 general farming and stock-raising. 
 
 On the 18th of October, 1876, was celebrated 
 the marriage of II. R. Winthrop and Martha Hut- 
 son, daugliter of Chamberlain Hutson, a farmer of 
 Tamaroa precinct. Five children grace this union, 
 Carrie E., Denipsey, Hanlan H., Elsie E. and Sylva 
 L. They also lost two children, Daphne B. and 
 Stella M. Mr. Winthrop is a man of domestic 
 tastes and habits and does not seek official honors. 
 He votes with the Republican party. Those who 
 know him esteem him highly, for he is a man of 
 sterling worth and strict integrity — a worthy rep- 
 resentative of one of the honored pioneer families 
 of the count}'. 
 
 The family of which our subject is an honored 
 representative has been identified with the history 
 of this country from a very early period, and has 
 furnished nian^' distinguished men. both in civic 
 and military life. The line of descent is as fol- 
 lows: Adam, Ad.im, Adam, .John (Governor of 
 Massachusetts), John (Governor of Connecticut), 
 Wait Still (who was Chief Justice of Massa- 
 chusetts), John, John S., Francis B., John S., 
 Charles E. R., and Henry R., of this sketch. Adam 
 Winthrop was lord of the manor of Groton, Suf- 
 folk, England, and his grandson, John, was the 
 first Governor of Massachusetts. The next in 
 direct descent was John Winthrop, who was the 
 first Governor of Connecticut, and who founded 
 New London. 
 
 In that city the family lived until shortly be- 
 fore the Revolutionary War, when Francis B. came 
 to New York. He married Alice Marston, and 
 their eldest son was John S., our subject's grand- 
 father. The latter chose as his wife Harriet Rog- 
 ers, and at his demise left four sons, Henry R., 
 John S., Charles and Francis B. (dece.ised.) Of 
 his daughters only one now survives, Susan. A 
 
 younger brother of Francis B. removed to Boston 
 
 after the Revolution, and from him the Winthrops 
 of that city are descended. William, a younger 
 brother of our subject's grandfather, went back to 
 New London, where some of his children still re- 
 side. Francis B., another brothc'-, settled in New 
 j Haven, and at his death left two sons, Theodore, 
 who was killed in the late war; and Colonel Will- 
 iam Winthrop, U. S. A. Tliomas Charles, the 
 j'oungest brother of Grandfather Winthrop, lived 
 in New York and had a large family of children, 
 among whom w.ts Major-General Frederick Win- 
 throp, who was killed at Five Forks. Still another 
 branch of the family in New York is descended 
 from another brother of Francis B., of Revolution- 
 ary times, who married a Miss Stuyvcsant. 
 
 \Yl O H N FLEMING, deceased, was a well 
 known citizen of Randolph Count\\ Among 
 the several countries which have contributed 
 from time to time to this land, Scotland 
 stands conspicuous. From her shores we have re- 
 ceived some of our best citizens. From a promi- 
 nent and honored family of that country came the 
 subject of this sketch. In 1840, his father's family 
 crossed the broad Atlantic, and besides the parents, 
 James and Elizabeth (Patten) Fleming, there 
 were three sonsand two daughters: William; Chris- 
 tina, who afterward became the wife of Amos Tag- 
 gart; James; John, and Elizabeth, who married 
 James H. Conant. James and Christina both died 
 in this count}-. AVilliam and Elizabeth are still 
 living here, and are prominent and highly re- 
 spected people of the eommunit\-. 
 
 When the family arrived in this country the fa- 
 ttier made his way to Randolph Count}-, 111., and 
 purchased a farm of two hundred acres near the 
 old town of Randolph. There he carried on agri- 
 cultural pursuits until his death in 1857. John 
 Fleming, the subject of this sketch, was born in 
 Scotland, April 5, 1830, and his childhood home 
 was near Glasgow. He was a lad of ten summers 
 at the time of the emigration of the family to 
 America. From that time until his death he re- 
 sided continuously in Randolph County. He was

 
 PORTRAIT AND B1<3GRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 579 
 
 reared in the usual manner of farmer lads, and the 
 public schools afforded him his educational privi- 
 leges. On the 31st of March, 1851), he was married 
 to Miss Mar3' Craig, daughter of John and Sarah 
 (Curry) Craig. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Fleming began their domestic 
 life upon a farm, the same on which tlje lady yet 
 resides. It is now a valuable estate and includes 
 several hundred acres of very productive land, 
 which is under a high state of cultivation. It is 
 supplied with never failing springs, and is fur- 
 nished with all the conveniences and accessories of 
 a model farm. The home is a palatial one, and 
 stands on one of the most romantic and beautiful 
 sites in this locality. Tradition says that an Indian 
 village once occupied the hill on which it is built, 
 and the arrowheads, stone hatchets and other uten- 
 sils and implements give credence to this story. 
 
 Mrs. Fleming also came of an old Scotch fam- 
 ily, and was about three \-ears old when, in 1840, 
 her parents crossed the briny deep to America. 
 Her father was in good circumstances, but he 
 wished to live in a land of liberty. Taking up his 
 residence in Randolph County, he turned his at- 
 tention to farming, which he followed throughout 
 his remaining days. The members of his family 
 who still survive are, William .J , a prominent citi- 
 zen; Eliza, wife of Andrew Douglas; .Jane, wife of 
 William McAdam; .Sarah, wife of Arthur McKinny; 
 Janet, wife of Martin Kirkwood, and Mrs. Flem- 
 ing. All are wealthy people and are well known 
 throughout the county-. Robert Craig, an uncle 
 of Mrs. Fleming, left Scotland when a young man 
 and went to Russia. He built up a large manu- 
 facturing business near .St. Petersburg, and became 
 one of the wealthiest merchants of that region. 
 
 Unto Mr. and Mrs. Fleming were born eiglit 
 children. M.iry, wife of Hon. H. Clay Horner, a 
 leading attorne3- of Chester, died in 1890; Anges 
 became the wife of William Allison, of Chester, and 
 died in 1885; James F'ranklin died at the age of 
 two yeai-s; Elizabeth is the wife of E. J. Allison, a 
 prominent merchant of Chester; John married Ella 
 Grannaraan and resides in Randolph Countj-; 
 Sarah Virginia, Arthur Gordon and Maud are still 
 with their mother. The members of the family all 
 belong to the Presbyterian Church, and in the 
 20 
 
 communit}' where they lived are highly respected 
 citizens, holding enviable positions in social cir- 
 cles. Mr. Fleming was a man of sterling worth 
 and strict integrity, who won the confidence and 
 high regard of all with whom he came in contact. 
 He possessed the best characteristics of his Scotch 
 ancestors, and the sturdy independence and fidelity 
 to duty which mark his race were strongly mani- 
 fested in him. 
 
 5-1= 
 
 \I]„, ON. G. II. C. BODEKER is the Mayor of 
 [r)l' Murpiiysboro. This hislorv would be in- 
 ^yfjy' complete without his sketch, for in social, 
 ^^ political and business circles he occupies a 
 very prominent and influential position. He is a 
 wholesale and retail dealer in ice, is agent for the 
 Excelsior Brewing Compan}- of .St. Louis, and is a 
 stockholder. Treasurer and Director in the Big 
 Muddy Coal and Coke Comi)any of De Soto, III. 
 Through the legitimate channels of business he has 
 won success and gained a comfortable competence. 
 Mr. Bodeker was born in St. Louis, Mo., near 
 where Forest Park is now situated, July 3, 1843. 
 His father, John Bodeker, was born in Germany 
 and there engaged in merchandising. Coming to 
 America, he carried on a boarding house near St. 
 Louis, and openeda coal mine near Shaw's Garden. 
 In 1873, he came to Murphj'sboro, where he lived 
 retired until his de:ith, at the age of seventj'-six. 
 He wedded Marguerita K. Teuken, a native of Ger- 
 man3',and thev became the pa rentsof three sons and 
 three daughters, who grew to manhood and woman- 
 hood. The paternal grandfather of our subject was 
 quite wealth^-, and owned a line of steamers plying 
 between Germany and Austria. 
 
 At a very early age, Mr. Bodeker of this sketch 
 began earning his own livelihood, and worked at 
 coal mining for some \'ears. In 1861 he enlisted 
 in Company B, F^ifteenth Missouri Militia of Coal 
 Miners, but after thirty days the company was 
 honorably discharged, for the gun-boats could not 
 move on account of needing coal. In 1862, our 
 subject located in Belleville, St. Clair County, 111., 
 where he worked fur three years, and then leased
 
 580 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 and opened up a mine at Fniitland, Calhoun 
 County. In the fall of 1868 he went to Alma, and 
 in January, 1869, came to Murphysboro. 
 
 For a very short time Mr. Bodeker worked in 
 the mines, and then aided in the organization of 
 the Miners' Union, of which he was Treasurer, but 
 during the strike of 1870, he severed his connec- 
 tion with it and embarked in the ice business. Not 
 long afterward he became agent for the brewing 
 com pan J-. His trade in ice gradually increased, 
 and he is now doing a large wholesale and retail 
 business. In the southern part of the city he owns 
 fortj' acres of land, including Bodeker's Lake, 
 where he has three ice houses, 100x40, 30x40 and 
 40x60 feet respectively. He has steam power and 
 an elevator, and an endless chain, and for conven- 
 ience in sliipping has built a switch track from the 
 Mobile <fc Ohio Railroad. In 1880 he bought and 
 opened mines at De Soto, which are now owned 
 b3' a stock company, of which he is Treasurer. 
 They have two hundred acres of coal land, and 
 employment is furnished to one hundred and fif- 
 teen men. In addition to the interests above 
 mentioned he owns a handsome residence and 
 Bodeker's Hall, besides other valuable property. 
 
 In 1869 Mr. Bodeker was married to Margaret 
 Wilson, a native of Chester, 111., and a daughter 
 of George Wilson, who was born in Scotland. In 
 early life the father was a shoemaker, but after 
 coming to this country engaged in raining, and 
 operated the Dorchester Mine at Mt. Carbon until 
 his death. His wife, who bore the maiden name 
 of Jane Wallace, was also born in Scotland. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Bodeker have a family of five children: 
 Henry, Chailes, Martha, Nellie and Nora. 
 
 Mr. Bodeker takes a very prominent part in 
 local politics, and is a stalwart advocate of the 
 principles of the Republican party. In 1871 he 
 was elected Alderman, and from 1876 until 1880 
 again filled that office. In 1883 he was once more 
 elected to that position, which he then filled until 
 1889. His frequent re-election to that office indi- 
 cates his fidelity- to duty, his popularity and the 
 confidence reposed in him. In April, lb93, he was 
 elected !Mayor on the Republican ticket and is now 
 acceptably filling the position. Socially he is iden- 
 tified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, 
 
 the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the 
 Knights of Honor. 
 
 Mr. Bodeker is also the owner of forty acres, 
 half of which is laid out as a park. In 1890 he 
 built a dam and made an artificial lake covering 
 six acres, which is well stocked with fish, and thus 
 boating and fishing are supplied. He lias also 
 been instrumental in organizing and establishing 
 various other enterprises of the city, and has ever 
 borne a prominent part in those interests which 
 are calculated to prove of public benefit. He is 
 indeed a valued citizen and one worthy the high 
 regard in which he is held. 
 
 W OHN STOELZLE.one of the self-made men. 
 who through industry, enterprise and per- 
 severance has worked his iray upward from 
 an humble position to one of influence, is 
 now a dealer in hardware in Murphysboro. He was 
 born in Belleville, 111., December 17, 1857, and is a 
 son of John Stoelzle, a native of Germany, who on 
 emigrating to America located in Columbia, III., 
 where he located a brewerj' and carried on busi- 
 ness until his death. He married Apolonia Kechn, 
 who was also born in the Fatherland, and after tlie 
 death of Mr. Stoelzle, she became the wife of 
 Ilenrv Kraus, who carried on a machine shop in 
 Evansville, III. In 1871 the3- came to Murphys- 
 boro, and Mr. Kraus is now the oldest man in the 
 Mt. Carbon shops of the Grand Tower A- Cairo 
 Railroad. 
 
 Our subject was the only child of the first mar- 
 riage, but by the second union were born five chil- 
 dren, all of whom are yet living. At the age of 
 five he accompanied his mother to Evansville, and 
 when a youth of thirteen came to Murphysboro. 
 He began work in the shops of the Mt. Carbon 
 Coal & Mining Company, and continued as a la- 
 borer until eighteen years of age, when he was 
 made weighmaster and timekeeper, holding these 
 positions nntil 1881. He then returned and em- 
 barked in business for himself as proprietor of a 
 meat market on Chestnut Street, where he carried 
 on operations for two years. In 1883 he estab- 
 lished a hardware store on Chestnut Street on a
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 581 
 
 small scale. His business, however, constantly in- 
 creased, and in 1892 he bought out tlie firm of 
 Huthmacher & Co., dealers in hardware. The same 
 year he admitted to partnersliip his brother, Henry 
 Kraus, and they now carry on business under tlie 
 firm name of Stoelzle & Brother. They occupy the 
 two floors and basement of a double store, 35x60 
 feet. In the basement they have oils and paints, 
 on the first floor is their shelf and heavy hard- 
 ware, stoves and tinware, and the second floor is 
 used as a storeroom for plows and stoves. They 
 have the largest hardware business in tlie city. 
 
 In 1883, in Miirphysboro, was celebrated the 
 marriage of Mr. Stoelzle and Miss Christina Daniel, 
 a native of Belleville, 111., and a daughter of Se- 
 bastian Daniel, who was formerly a baker of Mur- 
 physboro, but is now deceased. They have tliree 
 children, a son and tvvo daughters, ,Iohn, Lizzie 
 and Irene. 
 
 Mr. Stoelzle owns his own home, which is a 
 ])leasant residence in the Second Ward. He has 
 served as School Director one term, and in poli- 
 tics is a sui)porter of the Republican party. He 
 holds membership with St. Andrew's Catiiolic 
 Church. His honesty and integrity are unques- 
 tioned, and good business ability and well directed 
 efforts have won him a merited success and placed 
 him at the head of one of the leading mercantile 
 concerns of Jlurphysboro. 
 
 EDWARD R. NEILL, Pn. G., is the owner of 
 the Neill Block, of Murphysboro,and the fine 
 drug store therein, an establishment which 
 would be an ornament to a citj' of greater size 
 tlian the thriving one in which it is located. Mr. 
 Neill was born in Ruslivi lie, Schuyler County, 111., 
 May 24, 1870, and is a son of John and Lyde 
 (Jones) Neill. The grandfather, Charles Neill, of 
 Scotch descent, was one of the early settlers of this 
 state, and served as Sheriff and County Clerk of 
 Schuyler County. His wife is still living. 
 
 The father of our subject was born and reared 
 in Schu^yler County, where he still makes his home. 
 In former years he was a wholesale dealer in 
 broom corn. For eight years he served .as Sheriff 
 
 of his native county, and has been Deputy .Sheriff 
 for twelve years, which position he still fills. He 
 is a higlily ies|)ected citizen, widely known. In 
 politics he is a Democrat, and in religious belief 
 he is a IMethodist. Edward R. is their only child. 
 He was reared in Rushville and was educated in the 
 high school and the Rushville Normal and Business 
 College, completing the course in that institution. 
 During his boyhood he began clerking in a drug 
 store, and in 1889 entered the pharmacy depart- 
 ment of the Northwestern University of Evanston, 
 from which he was graduated February 24, 1890, 
 with the degree of Ph. G. When his college course 
 was completed, he accepted a position as salesman 
 with the firm of Buck & Raynor, of Chicago, and 
 later became city bu3'er for that establishment, 
 with which he continued until the 24th of Decem- 
 ber, 1892. He then gave notice to the firm tiiat 
 he expected to leave, and as he had been a valua- 
 ble employe, it was with great reluctance that they 
 saw him depart. 
 
 Mr. Neill was married on the 21st of Januarj', 
 
 1891, to Miss Minnie M. Smith, a native of Cape 
 Girardeau, Mo., and a daugliter of C. C. and Mary 
 E. Smith. She was educated in St. Louis, and is 
 a lady of culture and refinement. Unto Mr. and 
 Mrs. Neill has been born one son, P^ioyd S. 
 
 The death of Mr. Smith occurred in November, 
 
 1892, and our subject came to this place to help 
 settle up his business. He tiien decided to locate 
 here, and purchased the two lots at the corner of 
 Walnut and Blanchard Streets in the spring of 
 
 1893, immediately beginning the erection of the 
 fine block, 48x65 feet. It is two stories in height, 
 with a basement, and Mr. Neill occupies the fine 
 corner store, which is 25x65 feet. It is finished 
 in quarter-sawed oak, and is furnished with fine 
 show cases, combination counters, a handsome 
 Arctic soda fountain, etc. The place is indeed 
 complete in all its appointments, and the drugstore 
 is the best equipped in the county. Mr. Neill is a 
 competent pharmacist, and although he lias been 
 in business here but a few months, he is already 
 securing from the public a liberal patrtmage. 
 
 In his political views Mr. Neill is a Democrat, 
 but has never been an office seeker. lie belongs 
 to the State Pharmaceutical Association, is Prelate
 
 582 
 
 rOKTRAlT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 of the Knights of Pythias lodge, and Master of 
 Finance of the K. M. K. C. His wife liolds mem- 
 bership Willi the Lutlieran Church. 
 
 =^: 
 
 '•{••»"5"i-^ 
 
 ^^^ 'rEPHEN NASH owns and operates one 
 ^^^4 hundred and seventy acres of laud on sec- 
 lliff J9) *'''° '^' township 5, range 1 west, Perrj' 
 County. His farm is one of the best in 
 the neighborho6d, being under a high state of cul- 
 tivation and well improved. Its owner ranks 
 among the leading agriculturists of the community 
 and well deserves to be thus classed. 
 
 Mr. Nash was born on the 30tli of August, 1818, 
 in New York, and is a son of Stephen and Bathshua 
 (Belknap) Nash. The father was a son of Lieut. 
 Moses Nash, of Stockbridgc, Mass., an officer in the 
 Colonial army. Stephen Nash, Sr., grew to man- 
 hood and ac<iuired his education in his native town, 
 where he learned the trade of a tanner and currier. 
 The year 1822 witnessed his en^igration to Illinois 
 and saw him located in Morgan County, where he 
 engaged in tanning and farming. He afterward 
 removed to Henneinn, Putnam Count}', there mak- 
 ing his home until his death, which occurred Sep- 
 tember 19, 1878. His wife was a native of Brattle- 
 boro, Vt., and accompanied her parents to New 
 York, where she was married. 
 
 The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Nash was cele- 
 brated Januarj' 18, 1816, and was blessed with 
 seven children, Mary A., Stephen; Elizabeth, wife 
 of Africa H. Turner, a farmer of Putnam Count}', 
 111.; Asenath B., who married Samuel A. Dixon, of 
 Greenwood County, Kan.; Daniel B., a prominent 
 lawyer, who for more than thirty 3'ears has success- 
 fully engaged in practice in Davenport, Iowa; 
 Martin, a well-to-do citizen, who is now living re- 
 tired in Putnam Count}', and Lucy J., deceased. 
 
 Mr. Nash whose name heads this record spent 
 his earlier life in work upon his father's farm and 
 in a tannery. He acquired such education as the 
 limited facilities of the time afforded. With the 
 proceeds derived from his wages while working 
 for his father he made his first purchase of land, a 
 tract of eighty acres, and began farming on his 
 own account. In 1866 he came to Perry County 
 
 and purchased seventy acres of his present farm, 
 the boundaries of which lie has since extended un- 
 til now one hundred and seventy acres of rich land 
 yield to him a golden tribute in return for the 
 care and cultivation he bestows upon it. 
 
 On the 10th of March, 1853, Mr. Nash was 
 united in marriage with Louisa .1., daughter of 
 Nathan Skeel. Unto them were born thiee chil- 
 dren, all of whom are yet living, Linus H.; Edward, 
 who resides in Wiiiteside County. 111., and Lucy, 
 wife of Zebede Hampleman, a farmer of Paradise 
 Prairie, Perry County. 
 
 While residing in Putnam County, Mr. Nash 
 held the office of School Director, and the same 
 position was tendered him in this county, but he 
 declined it. He votes with the Republican party, 
 but has never sought or desired political prefer- 
 ment. He and his wife are members of the Pres- 
 byterian Church. He is regarded as a man of 
 sterling worth and is very popular with his neigh- 
 bors. The name Nash is of Saxon origin, and our 
 subject is descended from a long line of illustrious 
 ancestors, many of whom fought in the Revolu- 
 tionary War. Although seventy-five years of age. 
 he is yet hale and hearty, and is sltll actively en- 
 gaged in looking after his farm. 
 
 ^^^ AMUEL AV. WARD, who is engaged in 
 the clothing business, is Superintendent 
 of the Murphysboro Street Railway Com- 
 pany. He IS manager of Logan Park, and is 
 one of the most enterprising and progressive citi- 
 zens of Jackson County, and the prosperity and 
 advancement of the community is due in no 
 small measure to his efforts. He was born Febru- 
 ary 23, 1862, in Cartersville, 111., and is a son of 
 Henry and Lucy A. (Todd) Ward, the former a 
 native of Litchfield County, Conn., while the lat- 
 ter was also born in that state. In the family 
 were six children, four of whom are yet living. 
 The grandfather of our subject came of the old 
 Plymouth Rock stock, and was a native of Massa- 
 chusetts. 
 
 Henry Ward was reared as a farmer on the Con- 
 necticut River, and when he reached man's estate
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 583 
 
 was there married. In 1858 he came west to Illi- 
 nois, locating at Carbondnle, wliere he secured a 
 tract of timber land, cleared it, and developed a 
 fine farm of two hundred and sixty acres. On the 
 30th of September, 1893, was celebrated the golden 
 wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Ward, who are now liv- 
 ing retired in Du Quoin, III. 
 
 The early boyhood days of our subject were 
 spent upon the home farm, and at the age of eight 
 he began attending school in Carbondale. He was 
 a student in the high school at that place, and 
 afterward in the Southern Illinois Normal School, 
 where he pursued a business course. At the age 
 of eighteen he began clerking in a clothing store, 
 and thus obtained a practical business knowledge. 
 In 1881, in company with his brother, he pur- 
 chased a slock of goods, and they began business 
 under the firm name of Ward Brothers. This con- 
 nection .was continued until 1883, when the part- 
 nership was dissolved. The previous year Samuel 
 W. had come to Murphysboro and established a 
 store under the name of Ward & Solomon, and in 
 1883 he removed thither. He then purchased the 
 interest of his partner, and has since been alone 
 in business, carrying on a fine store, stocked with 
 clothing, men's furnishing goods, hats and caps, 
 boots and shoes, and trunks and valises. This 
 store is located at No. 6 East Walnut Street, and 
 the building is 20x65 feet. 
 
 Mr. Ward has been twice married. In Carbon- 
 dale he married Alice A., daughter of the late 
 Vincent Hinchcliff, who was killed in the William- 
 son County vendetta. The lady was born in Will- 
 iamson County, and was reared in the convent in 
 St. Louis. Shfe died in Murphysboro, leaving a 
 daughter, Elmina, and Mr. Ward has since wedded 
 Miss .lulia Wagner, one of Illinois' daughters. 
 
 In the fall of 1891, our subject aided in the 
 organization of the Murphysboro Street Railway 
 Company, and has since been one of its Directors. 
 The road was completed May 18, 1892, and he has 
 since been Superintendent. He was also one of 
 ten men who established Logan Park. The car 
 line runs from the park to the depot, and in the 
 spring of 1894 the company expects to greatly ex- 
 tend its lines and put in electric power. Mr. 
 Ward is also a chaiter member of the Board of 
 
 Trade. He served on the School Board for three 
 3'ears, and during the entire period was its Secre- 
 tary. He belongs to Mt. Carbon Lodge No. 434, 
 I. O. O. F., of which he is Past Noble Grand. He 
 is a charter member of the Knights of Pythias, 
 and belongs to the Uniformed Rank. In politics he 
 is a stanch Democrat, and has been delegate to the 
 state conventions.- He was a member of the County 
 Central Committee, and Chairman of the City 
 Committee. He takes a commendable interest in 
 everything pertaining to the welfare of the com- 
 munity, and has been prominent in manj' of its 
 public enterprises. 
 
 p^ QUIRE GEORGE KENNEDY has since 
 '^^ May, 1851, made Ins home in Murphys- 
 '^ boro, and is numbered among its honored 
 pioneers. It is said that the history of a 
 community is best told in the lives of its citizens, 
 and this is certainly true of the records of the 
 pioneers. Our subject was born in County Armagh, 
 Ireland, on the 24th of February 1822. His grand- 
 father, George Kennedy, was a farmer and linen 
 weaver of that country. The family, however, 
 is of Scotch descent. George Kennedy, the father 
 of our subject, followed the same pursuits as the 
 grandfather. He emigrated to America, but on 
 account of ill health returned to the Emerald Isle, 
 and later went to Scotland, where he spent his last 
 days. He married Jane, daughter of John Cun- 
 ningham, who was also an extensive linen weaver. 
 Mrs. Kennedy emigrated to America, locating first 
 in Massachusetts, and thence came to this place, 
 making her home with our subject. She was a 
 faithful member of the Episcopal Church, and died 
 at the age of eighty-four. The history of the Cun- 
 ningham family can be traced back to an early daj'. 
 The grandfather of the Squire's grandfather estab- 
 lished the first foundry in Belfast, Ireland. 
 
 George Kenned}', whose name heads this record, 
 is the only survivor in a family of eight children. 
 He was reared in Ireland and educated in the na- 
 tional schools. From the age of eleven he lived 
 with an aunt. Her husband was a weaver, and 
 with him George learned the trade. He became a
 
 584 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 manufacturer of damask linen and did very fine 
 work. In 1842 he sailed from Belfast to Liver- 
 pool and then crossed the Atlantic. He made liis 
 nay from New York City to Boston, and began 
 workiiig.it the bench for an uncle, making shuttles, 
 molds, etc. He afterwards entered a cabinet shop 
 and subsequently- removed to Jersey City. N. J.> 
 thence going to Pittsbuig. 
 
 In 18/) 1 Jlr. Kennedy' went down the Ohio and 
 up the Mississippi Rivers and worked near Rock- 
 wood for a short time, but after a few weeks came 
 to this place. In connection with his brother he 
 built a house for Dr. Logan, and continued as a 
 builder for some time. He also erected a cabinet 
 shop, and for a few years engaged in the manufac- 
 ture of furniture and coffins. The brothers put up 
 the counters and shelves for the first store in Car- 
 bondale and did considerable work there. For a 
 long time he carried on a store in Murphysboro, 
 dealing in hardware, stoves and agricultural im- 
 plements, but at length he sold out to his son. He 
 had formerly been associated .with M. H. Ross un- 
 der the firm name of Kennedy & Ross. 
 
 In 1854 Mr. Kenned3' was united in marriage 
 with Miss Ellen Ross, a native of Vermont. She 
 died in 1885. Nine children were born unto them, 
 six of whom grew to mature years: Amelia, widow 
 of F. Smith; Lizzie, wife of James H. Martin; 
 Anna, at home; George, who is agent for the 
 Adams Express Company and is also engaged in 
 the livery business; Leonard, wlio is in the employ 
 of the .Southern Express Company at Memphis, 
 Tenn.; and John, who is employed in the Counts- 
 Clerk's oflice. 
 
 Few men are more familiar with the history of 
 this community than Squire Kennedy. He served 
 from 1856 until May, 1893, as Justice of the Peace. 
 It was Mr. Kennedy who bought the first car load 
 of wagons ever sent to this count}'. He also had 
 some of the first buggies and farm machinery. He 
 has erected a fine brick business block, and laid out 
 Kennedy's Addition to the town. His home i.c- 
 cupies a tract of twenty acres, and he also owns 
 eighty acres of highly improved land in Somerset 
 Township. He is a stockholder and director in 
 the First National Bank, and w.as one of the organ- 
 izers and is a stockholder and director in the 
 
 Southern Illinois Mill. He is the only surviving 
 charier member of Amity Lodge No. 132, 1. O. O. F., 
 and has several times represented it in the Grand 
 Lodge. He was a charter member of the first Lu- 
 theran Church, and is still serving as Trustee. In 
 politics he has been a stalwart Republican since the 
 war. Highl}' respected by all wlio know him, he 
 well deserves representation in this volume, for he 
 has been prominently identified with the historj- 
 of the county and has ever borne his part in the 
 work of upbuilding and advancement. 
 
 'J-i-i"i"H = 
 
 UDGE LEWIS HAMMACK, a prominent 
 and well known attorney of southern Illi- 
 nois, now living in Pinckneyville, claims 
 
 Tennessee as the state of his nativity. He 
 
 was born June 25, 1825, and is a son of Benjamin 
 Hammack, a native of Virginia. The grandfather, 
 Lewis Hammack, Sr., was also born in the Old Do- 
 minion, and came of an old family that was 
 founded in J,hat state at an early da}-. He was a 
 farmer and local Methodist minister, and his last 
 da^'S were spent in Tennessee. He had one son 
 who served in the War of 1812. 
 
 Benjamin Hammack was the \oungest in his 
 father's famil}-. After his marriage, he removed 
 with his family to Missouri, in the latter part of 
 the j-ear 1825, when the Judge was a child of six 
 months. B}- trade he was a wheelwright, and in 
 his shop on his farm he not only repaired wagons, 
 but made t.ables, chairs, spinning wheels and looms. 
 In fact he was handy at all kinds of mechanical 
 work. After two years spent in Missouri, he re- 
 moved to Jackson County, 111., and in 1829 came 
 to Perry County, settling two and a-half miles 
 northwest of the place where the town of Tamaroa 
 now stands. In 1838, he removed to Holt's Prai- 
 rie, where he lived for a number of years, and 
 then went to Coon Hill, where he died in 1873, at 
 the age of seventy-three years. He had been hon- 
 ored with the office of County Commissioner, As- 
 sessor, Justice of the Peace and County Treasurer, 
 and was a man of more than ordinary ability, 
 being highly respected by all. 
 
 The mother of our subject, who was formerly
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 585 
 
 Sarah Hull, was born In Kentucky. She was a 
 daughter of Richard Hull, a native of New .Jersey, 
 wiio when a young man went to Noitli Carolina, 
 thence to Tennessee, and later to Kentucky. He 
 served as a soldier in the War of 1812, and his 
 father was a Rcvolutionar3' soldier. Mrs. Ham- 
 mack died in Januarj', 1891, at the age of eighty- 
 two 3'ears. The .ludge was tlie second in the fam- 
 ily of nine children, six sons and three daughters, 
 all of whom grew to mature jears. Four brothers 
 are now living, William, Thomas, Benjamin and 
 Lewis. The first went to California in 1849, but 
 returned with impaired health, and now lives in 
 this count}'. Richard also went west during the 
 gold excitement and died in California. Zebede, 
 a lawyer, entered the army as a member of 
 Company C, Eighty-first Illinois lufantr}^ was 
 wounded at Vicksburg, and died from the effects 
 of iiis injur^. Thomas is a farmer and local min- 
 ister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, residing 
 in Union County, 111. Benjamin is a farmer and 
 local minister of Franklin County. 
 
 On tlie old home farm Judge Hamniack was 
 reared, wliile in the common schools he was edu- 
 cated. He entered the army for service in the 
 Mexican War, and on iiis return in 1848 he was 
 elected Circuit Clerk, holding tlie position four 
 3'ears, during which time he read law. Having 
 made a fight against the open saloon, he was on 
 this account defeated for a second term as Circuit 
 Clerk. Soon after leaving office he was admitted 
 to the Bar, and has since been successfully engaged 
 in practice, winning an enviable reputation as a 
 lawj-er. In 1863, he was nominated as Circuit 
 Judge, but lost the election by twenty-six votes. 
 
 In 1851, Mr. Hamniack wedded Cordelia M. Ed- 
 wards, a sister of Captain Edwards, the present law 
 partner of Judge Lewis Hamniack, and a representa- 
 tive of one of the lionored pioneer families of 
 soutliern Illinois. To tiiem were born three chil- 
 dren, Elizabeth .1., wife of Benjamin Wood, of 
 Pinckneyville; AVilliam, who is engaged in the 
 stock and dairy l)usiness near Pinckneyville; and 
 Charles Lewis, a traveling salesman of St. Louis. 
 The mother of this family died in 1872, and the 
 present wife of Judge Haramack was Maria J. 
 (Rigg) Guthrie, daughter of Alexander Rigg. He 
 
 is a member of the Methodist Church, and socially 
 is a demitted Mason. From the beginning he ii.as 
 had a good practice, and his high reputation as a 
 lawyer is well deserved. 
 
 ^^ APT. MORTIMER CLAY EUWARUS, tlie 
 (l( _ junior member of the law firm of llam- 
 ^^^ mack &, Edwards, was born in Pinckney- 
 ville, on the 14th of March, 1838. His father, 
 William Edwards, was a native of Vermont, and 
 in early life removed to Ohio, whence he emigrated 
 to Shawneetown, 111., coming to Pinckneyville in 
 1832. The grandfather, Calvin Edwards, came to 
 this state,and here died in 1861, at the age of sev- 
 enty-nine. William Edwards was an attorney by 
 profession. He married .Juliet M. Brown, a native of 
 Virginia, who died in September, 1893, at the age 
 of seventy -nine. His death occurred in 1854, at 
 the age of forty-nine. Of their family three are 
 now living. Cordelia M. became the wife of Judge 
 Hammack, and died some years ago. Gilbert H. 
 was a soldier of Company A, Eighteenth Illinois 
 Infantry, and died during the service in Cairo, 111., 
 in 1862. Eliza was the wife of C.C. Irwin, of 
 Wayne County, III., and died in 1873. Rowena 
 J. IS the wife of Judge J. D. Hamilton, of Geneva, 
 Neb. W. W. is dean of the law department of 
 McKendree College of Lebanon. 
 
 No event of special importance occurred during 
 the boyhood and youth of Captain Edwards, which 
 were passed in his native town. His earl}- educa- 
 tion was acquired in the local schools, but later he 
 spent two years in the Masonic College of Lexing- 
 ton, '^^o. Wishing to enter the legal profession, 
 he began reading law with Judge Hammack, and 
 was admitted to the Bar in 1859. He then engaged 
 in practice until August, 1862, when he entered 
 the army as a member of Company C, Eighty- 
 first Illinois Infantry. He was made First Lieu- 
 tenant, and in June, 1864, for bravery and meri- 
 torious conduct on the field of battle was promoted 
 to the rank of Captain. He took part in eighteen 
 engagements, serving until tlie close of the war, 
 and was slightly vvounded at Champion Hills. 
 
 Ere leaving home, the Captain was married, in 
 1861, to Miss H. M. Edwards, and to them were
 
 586 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 born two children, Emma A., wife of J. A. Bihj', 
 of Pinckneyville; and W. O., who graduated from 
 MeKendiee College, and is now engaged in teach- 
 ing. After the war. Captain Edwards resumed law 
 practice in Pinckney ville, and has since devoted 
 his energies to the prosecution of his profession. 
 In 1880, he was elected County Attorney, and 
 served four years. In 1885, he went to Haskell 
 County, Kan., and on the organization of that 
 county was appointed County Attorney', a posi- 
 tion he held for two \-ears. He was again elected 
 to that office, but after a year resigned and re- 
 moved to Geneva, Neb. A year later, in 1891, 
 he returned to Pinckneyville, and since that time 
 has been engaged in the practice of law in connec- 
 tion with Judge Hammack. 
 
 Mr. Edwards is a Royal Arch Mason, and has 
 served as Master of the blue lodge. In politics, he 
 is a Republican, and is a warm advocate of the 
 principles of that party. He holds membcrsuip 
 with the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he 
 is Trustee, and is a charitable and benevolent gen- 
 tleman, whose manj' excellencies of character have 
 gained for him high regard. The law firm of 
 Hammack & Edwards is now enjoying a liberal 
 patronage and is ranked among the leading busi- 
 ness firms of the citj'. 
 
 \l^_^^AMOR H. HAN.SOX, who devotes his time 
 ij)|) and attention to agricultural pursuits on 
 Is^^ section 17, Murphysboro Township, Jack- 
 ^p son County, was born on a farm near Car- 
 bondale, October 10, 1847. His fatlier, Abuam M. 
 Hanson, was a native of England, born March 19, 
 1815. He married Catherine Hiller, daughter of 
 Simon Hiller, who was a soldier of the Revolu- 
 tionary War. In 1829, he emigrated to Illinois, 
 and settled two miles southwest of Carboudale, 
 where he made a permanent location. Through- 
 out his remaining days he followed preaching and 
 farming. 
 
 Abram M. Hanson came to this state the same 
 year and opened up a new farm in Carbondale 
 Township. He there continued to reside until 
 18G0, when he removed to another farm that com- 
 
 prised two hundred and fifteen acres of good land. 
 To its further development and cultivation he de- 
 voted his energies throughout his remaining days. 
 He lost his first wife October 20, 1847. They were 
 the parents of five children, three of whom are now 
 living. After her death he was three times mar- 
 ried, and now has nine living children. Two of 
 his sons were soldiers in the late war. Mr. Hanson 
 was a member of the Episcopal Church. His death 
 occurred July 23, 1886, and his loss was mourned 
 throughout the eommunitj'. 
 
 H. H. Hanson spent the days of his boyhood 
 and youth upon his father's farnv, and October 11, 
 1864, he responded to the country's call for 
 troops, becoming a member of the Eighty-first 
 Illinois Infantry. He was then only seventeen 
 years of age. He joined the regiment at Jefferson 
 Barracks, St. Louis, Mo., and with it was assigned 
 to the command of Gen. A. J. Smith. After partici- 
 pating in the battle of Nashville, the troops fol- 
 lowed Hood to Eastport, Tenn., and later took 
 part in the battles of Mobile, Spanish Fort and 
 ISIontgomery, Ala. When the war was over, Mr. 
 Hanson received an honorable discharge, and was 
 mustered out October 11, 1865. 
 
 On September 16, 1866, occurred another im- 
 portant event in the life of our subject, his mar- 
 riage with Miss Margaret Josephine Crowell, a 
 daughter of Evin A. and Catherine (Long) Cro- 
 well. The former was born in North Carolina, 
 January 10, 1813, and the latter in the same state, 
 August 11, 1814. In 1844 they removed to Ten- 
 nessee, and in 1860 came to Illinois, locating in 
 Carbondale Township, where the mother died 
 April 19, 1874. The father departed this life Feb- 
 ruary 2, 1891. They were the parents of eleven 
 children, nine of whom are still living. The\' 
 held membership witli llie Methodist Episcopal 
 Church, and were higlil.v respected citizens. 
 
 Mrs. Hanson was born in North Carolina, De- 
 cember 22, 1843, and was educated in the common 
 schools. Upon their marriage they located upon 
 their present farm, and their home has been bless- 
 ed by the presence of seven children, four of whom 
 are yet living. Abram A., who was born June 16, 
 1867, married April 4, 1889, Minnie Etherton, by 
 whom he has two children; they reside upon the
 
 .,u 
 
 v'»'4i 
 
 
 *'l! 
 
 
 'B?^ - 
 
 X 
 
 I 
 
 ^^^^^.j^^' 
 
 
 RESIDENCE OF E. B. HUNTER, SEC. ^T., SOMERSET 1 P^JAlKJjN CU,, ILL 
 
 RESIDENCE OF H. H. HANSOM, 5FC.ir.^ MURPHr^BORO TP .JACKSON CO., I LL.
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 589 
 
 home farm. James .Sylvester, who was born No- 
 vember 17, 1869, and is still living on the old 
 iiomestead, wedded July 14, 1889, Hattie Etherton, 
 b}' whom he has three children; Hattie C. was born 
 August 30, 1871, and Maggie Nora was born Jan- 
 uary 18, 1879. 
 
 The parents of this family are both meml)ers of 
 the United Brethren Ciuirch, taking an active part 
 in church work. They contribute liberally to its 
 support, and Mr. Hanson is now serving as Trustee. 
 He has been a member of the .School Board for 
 twenty 3'ears and labors untiringly in its inter- 
 est. He is also a prominent member of Worthen 
 Post No. 128,G. A. R., of Murphysboro. He takes 
 an active interest in politics and is a stanch sup- 
 porter of the Republican party and its principles. 
 Tlie community recognizes in him a valued citizen, 
 who gives his support and co-operation to every 
 enterprise calculated to prove of public benefit. 
 Recently he visited the old family grave3ard, 
 where lie the remains of his grandfather, Abram 
 Hanson, and great-grandfather, Sylvester Hanson, 
 it being worthy of note that so many generations 
 are buried in the .same cemetery. 
 
 ERMANN DECKER, a well known citizen 
 of Randolph County, who is engaged in 
 general fanning and stock-raising on sec- 
 tion 3, township 7, range 7, claims Germany 
 as the land of his birth, which occurred in Olden- 
 burg, November 16, 1822. His parents, Frank 
 and Elizabeth Decker, were both born and reared 
 in Oldenburg, and there made their home until 
 1842, which year witnessed their emigration to 
 America. They located in Cincinnati, Ohio, where 
 both died nine years later. 
 
 Our subject was the youngest in their family of 
 six children. He acquired his education in his na- 
 tive land, and tliere worked in a mill until seven- 
 teen years of age, when he crossed the briny deep 
 to tiie New World. He landed in New Orleans, 
 then went to Cincinnati, and thence to Preble 
 County, Ohio, where he was employed as a farm 
 laborer. For a time he attended .school in order 
 
 to learn the English language. After being em- 
 ployed as a farm hand for a year and a-half he 
 went to Mississippi, where he engaged as a stage 
 driver and in taking care of horses about two 
 years. We next find him in Florida, where he 
 worked in the cedar woods, hewing and preparing 
 tiie lumber to be shipped to England. Four years 
 of his life were passed in tiiat way, and on its ex- 
 piration he engaged as a teamster to go to Mexico. 
 He enlisted in the service of his country for six 
 months, but continued therein for ten months, af- 
 ter which he returned to New Orleans and drove 
 an omnibus. In the succeeding autumn he again 
 went to Mexico as a teamster, but on arriving in 
 that country he obtained a substitute to serve in 
 that capacity and enlisted in the Texas Cavalry, 
 in which he continued throughout the remainder 
 of the war. 
 
 After receiving his discharge, Mr. Decker went 
 to New Orleans, engaging in draying for a short 
 time, but owing to a dread of the yellow fever he 
 made his way northward, and on the 18th of July, 
 1849, reached Chester. Here he at once began work, 
 following any honest employment whereby he 
 might secure a livelihood. In 1850, the court 
 house was built, and he carried brick used in 
 the erection of that structure. For fifteen years 
 he engaged in teaming and in other pursuits in 
 Chester. He then, in 1863, removed to the farm 
 whicli has since been his home, and is now 
 numbered among the leading agriculturists of 
 the county. His home is pleasantly located with- 
 in three miles of Chester, and there he carries on 
 general farming and stock-raising, making a spe- 
 cialty of the breeding of Jersey cattle. 
 
 tJn the 28tb of December, 1848, Mr. Decker was 
 united in marriage with Miss Eliza Lanemann, a 
 native of Hanover, German}-, who at that time 
 had lived in New Orleans only one month and 
 four days. Her death occurred January 17, 1892. 
 B3' their marriage were born nine children, Her- 
 man, who married Christina Hupferand lives near 
 the home farm; Frank, who married Lena All- 
 myer and resides near Chester; Henry, who died 
 at the age of twenty-tliree; Adeline; Frederick, 
 who died at the agt of three; Charles, who mar- 
 ried Hannah Alman, of Missouri, and is now
 
 590 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 teaching scliool in Chicago; Lizzie, wife of Fritz 
 Burger; and Mena and Fredericit. at home. 
 
 Mr. Deelier and all of his children are members 
 of the Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Demo- 
 crat, and h.as strongly supported that partj' since 
 attaining his majority'. He started out in life 
 emptj'-handed, and for manj' years worked very 
 hard at anything which he could find to do, but 
 his industry and enterprise at length triumphed 
 over the difficulties in his path and achieved for 
 him a success which has numbered him among the 
 substantial farmers of the community. 
 
 -i-^m-i' 
 
 •?:^*= 
 
 ^ ji, U- HULL has been prominently identified 
 \rJ// with the interests of Murphysboro for 
 \^^ many 3^ears. He is now engaged in general 
 merchandising. He was for some time editor of the 
 Daily Era, but is now chief of the fire department. 
 He is also at the head of the Murph^'sboro tele- 
 phone system, which has lately been organized, 
 but will soon be in active operation. He is enter- 
 prising and industrious and carries forward to a 
 successful completion whatever he undertakes. 
 His career as a mercliant will undoubtedly be a 
 prosperous one. 
 
 Mr. Hull was born in Morristown, N. J., Novem- 
 ber 28, 1848. His grandfather, Samuel P. Hull, 
 was a newspaper man of western New York. About 
 1826, he established a paper in Morristown, N. J., 
 which he edited until 1853. He then sold out and 
 removed to Jersey City, where he made his home 
 while publishing a paper in New York City. His 
 death occurred in 1855. The familj' is of English 
 descen t. 
 
 John A. Hull, father of our subject, was born 
 in New York, and was also a journalist. At the 
 time of the gold excitement in California, he went 
 to that state and established a newspaper. Later 
 he returned, but again crossed the plains in 1852. In 
 1855 he went to Chicago, and thence to Springfield, 
 where he carried on newspaper work. During the 
 Presidential campaign of 1856, he edited a paper 
 in De Soto, and then removed to Carbondale, 
 where he established the Carbondale Times. After 
 a short period he sold out, spent a few months in 
 
 Cairo, and then edited a paper in Evansville, Ind. 
 Subsequently he again engaged in the newspaper 
 business in Carbondale. In 1862 he aided in rais- 
 ing the Eight^'-flrst Illinois Regiment, and joined 
 Compan}' K as a priv.ate, but at length was dis- 
 charged on account of phj-sical disability. 
 
 Becoming a reporter for the New York Herald, 
 John A. Hull was sent to Mexico at the time of 
 the trouble concerning Prince Maximilian, but as 
 he was a prominent Mason he was forced to leave 
 that country-, but continued with the Herald for 
 some years longer. He afterward edited a paper 
 at Coldwater, Mich., and later in Healdsburg, Cal. 
 In 1881, he came to Murphysboro and made his 
 home with our subject. He died at Creal Springs 
 in 1889, at the age of sixtj'-seven. He was a Doug- 
 las Democrat, a member of the Episcopal Church, 
 and a very prominent and influential citizen, who 
 through his journalistic work did much in molding 
 public opinion. He married Eliza B.ache, who was 
 born near Morristown, N. J., and was of Irish de- 
 scent. She died in Springfield, 111. In the family 
 were three children, but Mrs. W.S. Murphy died in 
 1867, and Andrew J. in 1887. 
 
 Our subject, the only survivor, went to Carbon- 
 dale at the age of seven, attended the high school, 
 and from an earl^' age worked in a printing office. 
 It seemed but natural as his father and grandfa- 
 ther had been newspapermen that he should follow 
 in the same line. He made his first venture in 
 1870, establishing a newspaper in Cairo, the Cairo 
 Sun, but after six months he sold out and spent 
 some time traveling in the east. He visited Wash- 
 ington, Philadelphia and New York. He afterward 
 joined his father in the publication of the Coldwa- 
 ter Enterprise, of Coldwater, Mich., where he con- 
 tinued two years. After a visit to the Rock\' 
 Mountains we find him in the Government print- 
 ing office in Washington. In 1879 he came to 
 Murphysboro from St. Louis, and began working 
 in the Era office, which he afterward purchased in 
 company with G. J. Burr. His partner died, and 
 in 1881 Mr. Hull purchased the business, continu- 
 ing as sole proprietor until Januaiy, 1892. In 
 May, 1891, he established the Daily Era, and soon 
 the paper had a good circulation. 
 
 In 1892 Mr. Hull turned his attention to mer-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 591 
 
 cliandising, and as a member of the firm of Kent 
 & Hull carried on business until October 25, 1893, 
 when he bougiit out liis partner, W. C. Kent. He 
 carries a stock of dry goods and groceries, having 
 a fine double store on Walnut Street. In the sum- 
 mer of 1893 he also established the telephone 
 company. He aided in tlie organization of the 
 Jackson County Homestead and Loan Association, 
 of which he has always been a Director, and he has 
 also been a Director of the Southern Illinois Build- 
 ing and Loan Association since its formation. 
 
 In October, 1879, Mr. Hull wedded Ella M. 
 Stearns, a native of Jackson County, and a daugh- 
 ter (if Z. K. Stearns, an early settler of this com- 
 munity. They have a daughter, Jeunie M. By 
 his first marriage, Mr. Hull had a son, Charles L., 
 who is now cashier for a street rail way company 
 of Cliicago. 
 
 In 1876, the fire department of Murph3'sboro 
 was organized and a hand engine purchased. Later, 
 through the instrumentality of Mr. Hull, a steam 
 fire engine was secured. He has been Chief of the 
 department since 1888, and was formerly its Secre- 
 tary. Mr. Hull IS Captain of Jackson Camp No. 113, 
 S. V. In politics, he is a stalwart Republican, was 
 a member of the Central Committee, and has been 
 its Secretary for some years. He was formerly an 
 active member of the State Newspaper Association 
 and the Southern Illinois Newspaper Association. 
 He was a, ready writer, an able journalist, and his 
 work in that direction will prove of immense bene- 
 fit to him in his mercantile experience. 
 
 ^AVID L. DAVIS is storekeeper for the 
 Mobile & Ohio Railroad at Murphysboro, 
 and is a man of prominence in this 
 community, higbly respected by all who 
 know liun. A native of Wales, he was born Au- 
 gust 23, 1832, and is the second in a family of 
 twelve children whose parents were William L. and 
 Phoebe (Lewis) Davis. The father was a native of 
 Wales, but the mother was born in Scotland. He 
 became foreman of the 3'ards of extensive iron 
 works in that country, where he made iiis home 
 until 1844, when he emigrated to America. Lo- 
 
 cating in Carbondale, Pa., he was there employed 
 in the mines until 1860, when he removed to Mon- 
 roe Count}^ Iowa, and turned his attention to 
 farming. Both parents tliere spent their remain- 
 ing days. Only two of their children are now 
 living. 
 
 ]). L. Davis was a lad of eleven summers when 
 he bade adieu to liis native land and with his par- 
 ents sailed from Liverpool on the "Embassador" to 
 New York. For several 3'ears he attended school 
 in Carbondale, Pa., and then engaged in mining. 
 He was afterwards engaged in contracting and 
 mining in Scranton, Pa. He was married in 
 Providence, that state, in 1857, the lady of his 
 choice being Miss Ann David, a native of Rumne}-, 
 Wales, who came with iier parents to the New 
 World, the family- locating in Pottsville, Pa. 
 Unto Mr. and Mrs. Davis were born the following 
 children: Phoebe, now Mrs. Mills, of Murph3'sboro; 
 John, deceased; Mrs. Celia Sullivan; Mrs. Addie 
 (lillooly; Sadie; William, who is employed in the 
 railroad shops; Albert and Etta. 
 
 The year 1863 witnessed the arrival of Mr. Davis 
 in Illinois, when, accompanied b3' his family, he lo- 
 cated in Rock Island, where he engaged in mining 
 on contract. .Subsequently he removed to OsTt.a- 
 loosa, Iowa, and was there connected with a large 
 company which extensively engaged in mining. 
 In 1866, he came to Murpli3sboro, and for a short 
 time followed the same pursuit. He then became 
 ticket agent for the Mt. Carbon Railroad Company, 
 a 3'ear later was placed in charge of the store at 
 Mt. Carbon, and subsequently was given charge of 
 the general supplies of the company. 
 
 Forming a partnership with A. C. Brydan, our 
 subject afterwards engaged in the commission 
 grocery business in Carbondale for a 3'ear, and wiien 
 the connection was dissolved he returned to Mur- 
 ph3'sboro. where he carried on the grocery trade 
 for some 3'ears in connection with James Alexan- 
 der. His health failing, he left the store and spent 
 some time in traveling, hoping to be benefited 
 thereby. In 1887, he entered the empl03' of the 
 Mobile & Ohio Railroad as a ditcher, but the 
 same year he was made timekeeper in the car 
 shops, and in 1888 was appointed storekeeper, a 
 position which was given him in recognition of
 
 592 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 his ahililj' and Irustwortliiiiess. It is needless to 
 saj' that liis duties are ever faithfully performed 
 and that he has the entire confidence of the com- 
 pany. 
 
 Mr. Davis is a member of the Masonic and Odd 
 Fellows' societies and in politics belongs to the 
 Labor party. For four years he served as Alder- 
 man from the First Ward, and for three years he 
 was the efticient City Clerk. He had formerly 
 been ordained an Elder of the Congregational 
 Church, but for a long time has been a member of 
 the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is untiring 
 in his labors in behalf of the church, and other be- 
 nevolent and charitable interests find in him a true 
 friend. 
 
 [d), ^M^ ,@j 
 
 (®^ ^^^ ^ 
 
 .EWTO^' W. STOLT,who resides on section 
 22, Ora Township, .Jackson County, where 
 he successfully carries on general farming, 
 is a native of Union Count}', 111., born February 
 8, 1842, and is a son of Henry C. and Cynthia A. 
 (Roberts) Stout. His father was born in 1798, on 
 a farm where now stands the town of Belleville, 
 St. Clair County. There he grew to manhood, and 
 after arriving at mature years married Miss Rob- 
 erts, who lived in the same neighborhood. For 
 five years the}^ lived on a farm near Springfield, 
 111., and then sold out. removing to Union Count}', 
 where they continued to make their home for 
 man}' j'ears. The father there died at the age of 
 seventy-two. He was a prominent member of the 
 Hillerite Church and held many offices in the 
 same. In politics he was a stanch Democrat and a 
 great admirer of Andrew Jackson, whom he saw at 
 his home, the " Hermitage," in Tennessee. 
 
 Mrs. Stout was born in Virginia, was reared in 
 East Tennessee, and when a young lady of seven- 
 teen emigrated with her family to Illinois. She 
 reached the advanced age of ninet)'-one years and 
 died at the home of her son-in-law, Peter Clutts, 
 in Union County, March 14, 1893. For some time 
 prior to her death she attended the Old Settlers' 
 meetings in Jonesboro, and for several years was 
 
 the oldest person there seen. Fourteen days before 
 her death she was present at a dinner where five 
 generations of her descendants were gathered. 
 Siie retained her faculties to the last to a remarka- 
 ble degree. 
 
 George Stout, the paternal grandfather of our 
 subject, was born in Virginia in the early part of 
 the eighteenth century and lived as a pioneer 
 through much of his life, moving to the west again 
 and again. He finall}' located on the present site 
 of Belleville, 111., where he accumulated about six 
 hundred acres of land. He served in the Revolu- 
 tionary War, and at one time, while he was home 
 on a furlough, the British soldiers burned his barn, 
 and he was concealed so near the building that tlie 
 fire scorched him. His death occurred at the home 
 of his son, Henry C in Union Count}'. 
 
 Our subject was one of the following children: 
 Rachel Ann, wife of Lewis Holland, of Jackson 
 County; Jane, who became the wife of Matthew 
 Pratt, and died at her home in Pocahontas. Ark., 
 in 1892; W. J., of Union County; Catherine, who 
 became the wife of Peter Clutts, of Union County, 
 and there died twenty-two years ago; Lorenzo, 
 of Union County; Wesley, who died at the age of 
 eleven; Elizabeth, wife of John F. Kerr, of Mur- 
 physboro, and N. W. 
 
 Newton W. Stout remained upon the home farm 
 in his native county until after attaining his ma- 
 jority. On the 5th of December, 1867, he married 
 Susan J. Doty, and then purchased a part of the 
 farm on which he now lives. Three children came 
 to bless their home: Mary J., who was born Septem- 
 ber 10, 1869, and became the wife of Enos Perry, 
 by whom she has one child, Clyde; Mattie, who 
 was born November 9, 1871, and is now engaged 
 in teaching in the public schools; and Henry C, 
 born September 9, 1873. Mrs. Stout is a daughter 
 of Ephraim and Martha (Williamson) Doty. Her 
 father was born in Somerset Township, Jackson 
 County, May 8, 1829, and throughout life followed 
 farming. He married Miss AVilliamson September 
 18, 1849. He held membership with the Free 
 Will Baptist Church, in which he served as Deacon, 
 and in politics took an active part, supporting the 
 Democracy. He served as Deputy Sheiifif fur many 
 years, and was Coroner of the county at the time
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 593 
 
 of his death, which occurred in tlie house in wliich 
 he was born. 
 
 Socially, Mr. Stout is connected with the 
 Knights of Pythias and Odd Fellows' fraternities, 
 in wiiich he is a prominent member. He, too, 
 voles with the Democratic party, and does all in 
 his power to insure its success. For several years 
 he has served as Constable. A public-spirited and 
 progressive citizen, he takes an active interest in 
 all tiiat pertains to the welfare of the community. 
 
 AMES C. CLARKE is the President and 
 general manager of the Mobile & Ohio 
 Railroad, his office located at Mobile, Ala. 
 
 (fr 
 
 y^fJ A native of Maryland, he was born in Mont 
 gomer}' County in 1824, and at the age of twenty 
 years entered the railroad service, with which he 
 has been connected continuously since. From 
 1844 until September, 1854, he was with the Balti- 
 more & Ohio Railroad. For eighteen raontlis he 
 was engaged on repairs of tracks and in the ma- 
 chine shops, and for two and a-half years was fire- 
 man, and for five years was road engineer. The 
 two succeeding years of his life were passed as 
 station agent and conductor, and for three years 
 he occupied the position of trainmaster. In 1855 
 he was Superintendent of the Central Ohio Rail- 
 road, and in 1856 was made Superintendent of the 
 Northern Division of the Illinois Central Railroad. 
 
 As the result of his capability and faithfulness, 
 Mr. Clarke continually won i)romotion, and from 
 1856 until 1859 served as General Superintendent 
 of the Illinois Central. From that year until 1862 
 he was Superintendent of the Northern Central 
 Railroad, and in that year he embarked in the iron 
 business, with which he continued his connection 
 until 1870. During the two succeeding years of 
 his life he was President of the Chesapeake 6c Ohio 
 Canal Company, and from 1872 until 1874 was 
 Vice-President and general manager of the Erie 
 Railroad. 
 
 In September of the latter year, Mr. Clarke was 
 made Superintendent of the Northern Division of 
 the Illinois Central Railroad, and so acted until 
 1876, when he became General Superintendent of 
 
 the same road, filling that position until 1879. He 
 then again took a step upw.ard, and from that time 
 until August, 1883. filled the responsible position 
 of Vice-President and general manager of the Illi- 
 nois Central and tlie Chicago, St. Louis ik New 
 Orleans Railroads. I^rom the last date until May, 
 1887, he was Presidentof the Illinois Central Rail- 
 road, and from January, 1888, until April, 1889, 
 he was Vice-President and general manager of the 
 road with which he is now connected. He was 
 then made its President, and is still at its head, 
 serving also as general manager. 
 
 Mr. Clarke has also been interested to some ex- 
 tent in other business affairs, and is connected with 
 the Clarke S; Logan Addition to Murphysboro. He 
 also owns stock in the (^ity National Bank of this 
 place. He began at the lowest round of the lad- 
 der, and has steadily worked his way upward. 
 From the machine shops he has steadily arisen 
 until he is now at the head of one of the leading 
 roads in the Mississippi Valley. Those who facili- 
 tate transportation should receive the unbounded 
 gratitude of the public, for it is well known that 
 the introduction of better modes of travel has 
 done more to promote civilization, advance com- 
 mercial interests and secure prosperity than an3' 
 other means known to the nineteenth century. 
 
 lASDAL MARLOW was a man of untiring 
 ^> energy, and his success in worldly affairs is 
 proved by the fact that although he started 
 without money or land he accumulated over 
 a half-section, upon which he was engaged in gen- 
 eral farming and stock-raising. He was born in 
 Georgia, and when ready to establish a home of 
 his own he was married, in Wilson Count}\ Tenn., 
 to Miss Nancy Marlow. 
 
 With a family of eight children, Mr. Marlow 
 came to Perry County in 1830, and after locating 
 here two children were added to his household, ' 
 He settled on Holt's Prairie at a time when there 
 were very few inhabitants in this section. He en- 
 tered from the (TOvernment eighty acres of land.
 
 594 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 which lie ciillivated in such a way as to bring him 
 handsome returns. 
 
 Of the children born to our subject and his wife 
 we maiie tlie following mention: Matthew died in 
 Perr}' Countj', leaving a family of five children; 
 Samuel is also a resident of this county, where he 
 ranks among its law-abiding and well-to-do citi- 
 zens; he is married and has a family of eight chil- 
 dren. Louisa, the next child of our subject, mar- 
 ried Andrew Robinson, and they died leaving a 
 family of six children. Sterling C. and Stithe met 
 their deaths at Buena Vista during the Mexican 
 War. Alexander, who was a soldier in the Civil 
 War, died at Pine Bluff, Ark. He was the father 
 of four children, who are now residing in the 
 Cherokee Nation. Milas M. is the next in order of 
 birth. Burtley is residing on the old home farm 
 in this county. Mary J. married Benjamin Aber- 
 nathy, and both are now deceased. Angeline, who 
 married William Marlovv, makes her home in this 
 county. 
 
 The father of our subject, George Marlow, was 
 born in North Carolina and was a patriot in the 
 War of 1812. His father, who was an P^nglishman 
 by birth, came to America during the Revolution- 
 ary War and entered the arm3- on the side of the 
 Colonists. Milas M. Marlow, the sixth son of our 
 subject, was born in Wilson County, Tenn., in 
 1828, but grew to mature years in this county, 
 where he was given a good common-school edu- 
 cation. His marriage, which occurred in 1847, 
 united him with Miss Mary C, daughter of Thomas 
 and Elizabeth Metcalf, old settlers of this county. 
 Their union resulted in the birth of six children, 
 namely: AVilliam C, who is one of the leading 
 young farmers of Perry County; Marion; Melissa 
 J., who became the wife of FA House; James C, 
 who resides with his father and assists him in con- 
 ducting the farm; A. Sherman, County Superin- 
 tendent of Schools; and Miss Louella, who is a 
 successful teacher. Sherman was elected to his 
 present position when only twenty-two years of 
 age. 
 
 Milas M. Marlow is engaged in general farming 
 and possesses the shrewdness, forethought and ac- 
 tivity' necessary to success in life. With his fam- 
 ily he is a devoted member of the Missionary 
 
 Baptist Church at Holt's Prairie, to which he is a 
 liberal contributor. He has always been greatly 
 interested in the advancement of education in this 
 part of the county and has aided very materially 
 in raising the standard of teachers. In politics he 
 is a stanch Democrat. 
 
 jf7 AWRENCE M. SlIAXER, a wide-awake 
 I (^ and enterprising young business man of 
 Jt-AV Murphysboio, is a member of the firm of 
 Shaner & Lawbaugh, dealers in hardware, queens- 
 ware and tinware. He was born near Altenburg, 
 Perry County, Mo., March l(i, 1871, and is a rep- 
 resentative of one of the pioneer families of that 
 county, where his grandfather, Jacob S. Shaner, 
 settled at an early da}-. Tie probably removed 
 thither from Kentucky', and there the remainder 
 of his life was passed. 
 
 George Shaner, father of our suliject, was born 
 in Brazeau, Perry Count\-, became an extensive 
 stock-raiser, and was the first man to introduce 
 fine blooded stock into that locality. Lie raised 
 Shorthorn cattle, Berkshire hogs and Cotswold 
 sheep, and was very successful in his undertakings. 
 His farm comprised almost a section of land, and 
 its richlj' cultivated fields indicated the thrift and 
 enterprise of the owner. Mis business ability made 
 him prosperous, and he became well known as a 
 farmer and stock-raiser. He wedded Miss Rowena 
 McCombs, a native of Jackson, Cape Girardeau 
 County, Mo. Her father was one of the pioneer 
 settlers of that county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Shaner 
 was born a family of six children, three sons and 
 three daughters. The mother was called to her 
 final rest in 1873, and the father was killed by a 
 runaway team in 1883. 
 
 Oursubject was the fifth in order of birth in their 
 family. In the usual manner of farmer lads the 
 days of his boyhood and youth were passed, and the 
 district schools afforded him his educational privi- 
 leges in early life. At the age of sixteen he left 
 home and spent two years as a student in the 
 Southeastern Missouri Normal School, at Cape Gir- 
 ardeau, after which he engaged in teaching one 
 year. He then again entered the normal school,
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 595 
 
 and on completing the course was graduated in 
 llie Class of '91, with the degree of B. S. D. On 
 the exi)iration of tliat period, Mr. Slianer accepted 
 the position of Princii)al of the public schools of 
 St. Mary's, Mo., and during his two j'ears' service 
 there won many friends and the high commenda- 
 tion of the public. 
 
 In June, 1M!).S, our subject arrived in Murphys- 
 boro, and in partnership with E. S. Lawbaugh, 
 purchased the hardware stock formerly owned by 
 Fager ife Kirchner. They at once enlarged their 
 facilities, and now carr^^ a fine line of hardware, 
 queensware, tinware, heating and cooking stoves, 
 paints, oils, etc. Although they have been here 
 but a short time, Murphysboro recognizes in the 
 firm enterprising joung men who will make good 
 citizens, and from the public they are securing a 
 fair trade, which no doubt will constantly increase. 
 
 > 
 
 
 <| lyi L L 1 A M R Li R Y . The name of Rury 
 \V/ w '*' ^^^" '^"own and highly honored through- 
 W^ t)i't Handolph County, as members of the 
 family' have been closely connected with the de- 
 velopment of this section of Illinois. That this 
 has been the case in the life of William Rury it 
 needs but a mention of his name to his acquaint- 
 ances to prove. He is numbered among the well- 
 to-do and prominent farmers and stockmen of 
 township 6, range 5, and has a high reputation as 
 a man of thoroughly upright character. 
 
 The parents of our subject, Frederick and Mary 
 (Braithaupt) Rurj", emigrated to America in 
 1839, and settled in New Orleans, La., but soon 
 afterward came to Illinois and settled near Steele- 
 ville, Randoli)h County, where they spent the re- 
 mainder of their days upon a farm. William was 
 born in Germany September 7, 1837, and was the 
 next to the youngest among seven children. He 
 was only three years old when his parents came to 
 Randolph County, and here he has since lived. 
 His educational advantages were limited to such 
 training as was offered by the subscription schools 
 of that early period. He worked upon his father's 
 
 farm until the death of the latter, in 1865. From 
 that time he assumed the charge of the old home- 
 stead, which he has since conducted. 
 
 .Septembei 15, 1859, Mr. Rury was united in 
 marriage with Miss Louisa, daughter of Frede- 
 rick and Katherine (Hogenzuler) Rosenthal. Her 
 parents were natives of Hanover, Germany, 
 whence they emigrated to America, and settled in 
 Randolph County, where the father died. Mrs. 
 Rosenthal is still living. Eight children were 
 born to the union of William and Louisa Rury, 
 one of whom died at the age of six years. The 
 others are: George; William, who married Nancy 
 Hatcher, and lives near Steeleville; Frederick J.; 
 Margaret, Ada, Nettie and Eddie, who reside with 
 their parents. 
 
 In politics Mr. Rury is a supporter of Repub- 
 lican principles, and keeps himself well informed 
 on the issues of the day, hut has never been an 
 office seeker, although he has served as .School Di- 
 rector and in other positions of trust. He and his 
 entire family are members of the German Metiiod- 
 ist Flpiscopal Church, and he is one of its Trus- 
 tees. When he entered upon his career as a farmer 
 he had but a limited amount of this world's goods, 
 but by economy and a judicious investment of his 
 means he accumulated property, and now occupies 
 a position among the most substantial men of the 
 county. 
 
 ILLIAM A. GORDON, M. D. The profes- 
 f/ sion of the physician perhaps is the most 
 ™ trying on brain and bod^^ of any in the 
 field of science, for it absorbs the attention of 
 him who practices it conscientiously both day and 
 night. From a hoy Dr. Gordon desired to become 
 a ph3'sician, and ever since devoting his attention 
 to the healing art has received a portion of his re- 
 ward in tills world, for he has the confidence, re- 
 spect and esteem of his fellow-men. 
 
 Our subject was born in Ross, Ohio, .January 22, 
 1820, and is the son of Alexander and Margery 
 (Boggs) Gordon. The father was born in Penn- 
 sylvania in 1789, and departed this life in Des 
 Moines, Iowa, in 1859. His good wife preceded
 
 596 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 him to the better land by many years, dying in 
 Ohio in 1833. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was one in a fami- 
 ly of five children. He and his brother, John, 
 wlio resides in Des Moines, Iowa, are the only 
 ones living. William received his primary educa- 
 tion in the sciiools of iiis native place, and later 
 attended the Ohio University at Athens. After 
 completing his studies he taught school until the 
 year 1842, when he came west to Robibaux Point, 
 now St. Joseph, Mo , where he was ill for ten 
 months. Upon recovering from his sickness he 
 taught school until he had savtd money enough 
 to leave the place, when he came to this county. 
 Here he found an opportunity to carry out his 
 long cherished plan of becoming a physician, and 
 read medicine in the office of James C. Junk. Later 
 entering the Louisville Medical College in Ken- 
 tucky, Mr. Gordon took a full course in that institu- 
 tion. In 1845 he formed a partnership with Dr. 
 Ashby Jones, of Steeleville, this state. In 1854 he 
 graduated from the St. Louis Medical College. 
 
 In 1848, Dr. Gordon came to this citj', where he 
 was engaged in practice on the outbreak of the 
 Civil War in 1861, joining the ranks of the Union 
 army, and becoming a surgeon in the Thirtieth Illi- 
 nois Infantry. He remained in the service until 
 September 27, .1864, and during that time was 
 a iirisoner seven months, being captured at the 
 battle of Belmont, Mo., November 7, V861. 
 
 After the establishment of peace. Dr. Gordon 
 returned to Chester, where he has since been en- 
 gaged practicing medicine. In 1884, he was ap- 
 pointed Medical Examiner on the Pension Board, 
 holding this vintil 1888, and in 1894, he was 
 re-appointed to the same position. The lady to 
 whom our subject was married October 26,1845, 
 was Miss Adeline S., only daughter of Dr. Ashby 
 Jones, of Steeleville. To tliem were born four sous 
 and six daughters, of whom seven are living, 
 namel}': Nellie, Mrs. William R. McKenzie; Octa- 
 via, Mrs. David More; Adeline B., Mrs. Charles II. 
 Grimes; John Arthur; Harry; Frankie W., Mrs. 
 S. D. Lindsey; and Jessie B., Mrs. A. S. Bower, of 
 Salt Lake Cit^*. 
 
 In his political relations our subject is an active 
 worker in the ranks of the Democratic part3', and 
 
 has served as a member of the School Board for 
 the past twenty-two years. He is President of the 
 Southern Illinois Stock and Agricultural Associa- 
 tion, and also holds membership with the Southern 
 Illinois Medical Association. Socially he is a 
 member of Kaskaskia Lodge No. 86, A. F. 6; A. M., 
 in which order he takes great interest. He has a 
 beautiful residence located on Sparta Street, and 
 is a man who commands the respect of all who 
 know him. 
 
 • ^ P • 
 
 \It_ ON. BENJAMIN W. POPE is- one of the 
 if)j most prominent citizens of Du Quoin, and 
 'Jt^^ is also widel3' and favorably known in 
 '(^ southern Illinois. He is now serving as 
 County Judge of Perry Countj', and is the efli- 
 cient Postmaster of the city in which he resides. 
 His life record is as follows: He was born in Frank- 
 lin County, 111., October 20, 1853, and is a son of 
 Dr. Benjamin F. Pope, who was born in William- 
 son County, Tenn., May 24, 1825. The grandfa- 
 ther. Dr. Wiufleld Pope, was a native of North 
 Carolina, born in 1792. When six years old he 
 went to Tennessee with his father. Hardy Pope, 
 who was also a native of North Carolinfl. The 
 ancestors of the familj' were Scotch and English, 
 but the date of their emigration to America is un- 
 known. Hardy Pope was at one time a large slave 
 holder, and had extensive property interests. He 
 died in 1833, when the father of our subject was 
 a child of eight years. 
 
 Dr. Winfield Pope was a prominent physician 
 in his day, and died in Williamson County, Tenn., 
 in January, 1840. He had four sons, two of whom 
 were physicians, Benjamin F. and Hill B. The lat- 
 ter died in Dexter, Mo. The other sons were 
 farmers, and died in Texas. Dr. Benjamin F. 
 Pope is the onl^- one of the familj- now living, al- 
 though the descendants of Hardy Pope are num- 
 erous in this locality. His mother, who in her 
 maidenhood was Elizabeth Arnold, was a native 
 of Tennessee, .as was her mother, who lived to the 
 age of ninety years. Mrs. Pope died January 5, 
 1839. 
 
 The Doctor w.as a youth in his teens when his 
 parents died, and for three years thereafter he
 
 w 
 
 "«!»>'
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 599 
 
 worked on a farm. He then began clerking in a 
 store, and during that time studied medicine with 
 Dr. James S. Ta^vlor. Becoming competent to 
 practice, he was granted a license and practiced 
 one year in Carroll Countj, Tenn. In December, 
 1848, he came to Illinois, locating in Franklin 
 County, where he practiced for sixteen j'ears, se- 
 curing an extensive patronage, and by good in- 
 vestments, coupled with good judgment, laid the 
 foundation of his fortune. On the 2d of Januarj', 
 I860, he removed to Du Quoin, where he had 
 previously purchased property, a portion of it be- 
 ing the location of his present pleasant home. 
 After coming to Du Quoin, he engaged in mer- 
 chandising; for twenty-three 3ears was engaged in 
 the lumber business, and for seven years was in 
 the dry-goods business. At length he turned over 
 the latter to his son. Pleasant V., who still carries 
 on operations along that line under the name of 
 Pope ife Co., being associated with H. F. Pope, Jr., 
 a cousin of Dr. Pope. 
 
 Jn 1849 the Doctor married Enieline, daughter 
 of Dr. Benjamin Ward Pope, and to them were 
 born five children, three of whom are yet living. 
 Byron J. was eduoiited in McKendree College of 
 Lebanon, and was in business with his father at 
 the time of his death, which occurred at the age of 
 twenty-three years; Ada I. died at the age of thir- 
 teen ; Pleasant V. is engaged in merchandising; 
 Benjamin W. is the next jounger; Sarah E. is the 
 wife of George F. M. Ward, who is extensively 
 engaged in business as a clothing merchant in Mt. 
 Vernon. Dr. Pope, father of this family, is one of 
 the large stockholders in the First National Bank, 
 and is the owner of much valuable property in Du 
 Quoin. He is regarded as one of the leading citi- 
 zens of the place, and was three times honored 
 with the office of Mayor of the city. 
 
 Judge Pope was a lad of eleven j'ears when his 
 father came to Du Quoin. He was educated in its 
 public schools, and in the .State University of 
 Champaign, after which he taught school for sev- 
 eral years, being Superintendent of the city schools 
 of Du Quoin and Tamaroa. He then read law in 
 the office of R. W. S. Wheatley and Judge AVall, 
 and further continued his studies in the law de- 
 partment of the Universitj' of St. Louis, and 'Vfis 
 21 
 
 graduated from the law department of the North- 
 western University of Chicago in 1878. After 
 again teaching school for one term, he commenced 
 the practice of his chosen profession in Du Quoin^ 
 in 1889. 
 
 Mr. Pope has been honored with a number of 
 public offices. He was elected City Attorney, and 
 wrote the present city ordinances. In November, 
 1890, he was elected Judge of Perrj' County, be- 
 ing the first Democrat ever chosen to that office in 
 the county. He overcame the Republican major- 
 ity of two hundred, and carried the county h}' 
 over four hundred, which f.ict indicated his popu- 
 larity and the high regard in which he is held. In 
 1892 he was the candidate for Congress in the 
 Twentieth District. He spoke throughout the dis- 
 trict, and his well known oratory and honesty of 
 purpose won for him many friends. On the 25lh 
 of October, 189.3, Judge Pope was appointed by 
 President Cleveland as Postmaster at Du Quoin, 
 and at this writing is serving both on the Bench 
 and in the postoffice. The promptness and fidel- 
 ity with which he discharges his public duties are 
 well known, and his faithfulness and honesty of 
 purpose are unquestioned. He is a member of the 
 Knights of Pythias, and is a genial, honored gen- 
 tleman, whose histor3- deserves a prominent place 
 in this volume. 
 
 ON. GEORGE W. HILL, of Illinois, is the 
 senior member of the firm of Hill A' Martin, 
 the most prominent and widel3' known law 
 firm of southern Illinois. Their office is 
 located at Murphjsboro, but their business extends 
 over a wide range of territory. Jlr. Hill is rec- 
 ognized as the most induential citizen of Jackson 
 Count3^. As a law3er, he is logical, a quick reason- 
 er, a man of keen perceptions and an able advocate. 
 Born near Benton, Franklin County, 111., Oc- 
 tober 31, 1847, Mr. Hill has been throughout his 
 life identified with the histoi^y of this state. His 
 grandfather, Richard Hill, was one of the leading 
 men of Virginia. In an earl3- day he moved to 
 Illinois, and by team and wagon went to what is 
 now Franklin County, 111. In a log cabin he began
 
 600 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 life in true pioneer style, and there made his 
 liouic until his death. He served in the State 
 Legislature of Virginia as a man of considerable 
 prominence. 
 
 Judge John W. Hill, father of our subject, was 
 born and reared in Franklin County, and was a 
 self-made man. He followed farming through- 
 out the greater part of his life and became the 
 owner of six hundred acres of land, of which five 
 hundred are under cultivation. A great lover of 
 hunting, in the early days he shot manj' deer, bears, 
 wolves, etc. One of his most prominent traits was 
 liospitalitv, and visitors to his home always re- 
 ceived a hearty welcome. He served both as Treas- 
 urer and Judge of Franklin County, and was a 
 prominent worker in the ranks of the Democratic 
 party. He was a stockholder in, and one of the 
 Trustees of Ewing College, and served as its Treas- 
 urer from its foundation until his death. In relig- 
 ous belief hewas a Baptist, and served as Deacon of 
 the church. He died July 21, 1876, at the age of 
 fifty-four. His wife, who bore the maiden name 
 of Margaret Bealtie, was born in Alabama, and was 
 of Irish descent. Her father became one of the 
 pioneers of Franklin County, 111. Her death oc- 
 curred at the home of her sou, Richard, near Mt. 
 Vernon, 111., in 1892, at the .age of seventy years. 
 
 In the Hill faraity were eight sons and two 
 daughters: Richard, a farmer of Mt. Vernon; 
 James, who served in the late war, and now fol- 
 lows farming near Benton; Isaac, an agriculturist 
 of Jefferson County, 111.; George W., of this 
 sketch; John W., a farmer of Franklin County; 
 Charles M., who follows the same pursuit in Union 
 County; Robert, a farmer of Franklin Count3-; 
 Andrew J., a farmer, who is living on the old 
 homestead; Mrs. Nancy Gourle3'and Mrs. Margaret 
 Gourle}', both of whom live in Union Count3^ 
 
 Mr. Hill whose name heads this record attended 
 the common schools and the Ewing High School, 
 and in 1809 entered McKendree College, at Leba- 
 non, 111., from which institution he was graduated 
 in 1872. He afterward received the degree of A. 
 M., and subsequently that of LL. B. was conferred 
 upon him. After Ewing High School became 
 Ewing College, he was elected Professor of 
 Sciences and Latin, and held the chair for one , 
 
 year. He then came to Murphysboro to practice 
 law, but upon the solicitation of the old Superin- 
 tendent and others at this place, he served as 
 Principal of the public schools for one year. On 
 the expiration of that period, he entered upon the 
 work of the legal profession, and was alone until 
 1881, when the firm of Hill & Martin was formed. 
 He has an extensive iibraiy and is well vei>ed 
 upon matters generally. 
 
 On the 27th of October, 187.5, :\Ir. Hill wedded 
 Fannie, eldest daughter of Col. W. T. Ingram, 
 M. D., a native of Tennessee, and now a leading 
 physician of Murphysboro, III. They are the par- 
 ents of five living children: Margaret, William C, 
 Fannie, Helen and Ruth. The mother is a member 
 of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and takes a 
 very active part in religious and charitable work, 
 .as well as a deep interest in her intelligent family 
 and beautiful home. 
 
 The political record of Mr. Hill lias also brought 
 him honor and won him prominence. In the fall 
 of 1884 he was elected State Senator from the 
 Fiftieth District, and served for four years in the 
 Thirty-seventh and Thirty-eighth General Assem- 
 blies. He introduced several imiiortant bills and 
 was a member of a number of leading committees. 
 His bill providing fire escapes for all tall public 
 buildings in Illinois was passed, also the one to 
 protect the claims of laborers. His bill concern- 
 ing receivers was also passed, as was that for re- 
 building the Southern Illinois Normal School at 
 Carbondale, and others of importance. Mr. Hill 
 always labored in the interest of his constituents, 
 and proved a leading and influential member of 
 the Senate. When his term had expired, he re- 
 fused a re-nomination. He has never sought of- 
 fice, jireferring to follow his law practice and be 
 at home with his family'. 
 
 Various interests have occupied the attention 
 of our subject. He was one of the organizers 
 and is a stockholder in the City National Bank. 
 He was Vice-President of the water works and elec- 
 tric light company, of which he was one of the 
 incorporators, and is President of the Jackson 
 County Abstract and Title (Juarantee Company. 
 He is also a stockliolder in the building and loan 
 association. His work along business lines has
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 601 
 
 materially advanced the interests of the city and 
 county and promoted their growth and upbuild- 
 ing. His time and attention have been largely 
 given to the interests thai were calculated to ad- 
 vance the general welfare of the town, county 
 and state, and the community could ill afford to 
 lose so valuable a citizen. He has long been 
 Chairman of the County Central Committee of the 
 Democratic part3% and was a delegate to the na- 
 tional convention which met in St. Louis in 1888 
 and nominated Grover Cleveland for the Presi- 
 dency. Socially, he is a prominent Mason, and is 
 Past Grand jMuster Workman of the Illinois An- 
 cient Order of United Workmen. lie is also con- 
 nected with the Odd Fellows. 
 
 (^ 
 
 *^-<5?\' 
 
 Ltr 
 
 'P^ 
 
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 ^ 
 
 \t§p^ 
 
 =r) 
 
 'r_ ON. W. C. DEAN, one of the prominent 
 ij )j' citizens of Jackson County, now living in 
 J^i^' Ava, has the honor of being a native of 
 f^) Illinois, for his birth occuried in Rock- 
 wood, Randolph County, December 10, 1838. His 
 father, .Tames Dean, was born in Chelsea, Mass., 
 January 22, 1810, and in 1836 emigrated to Illi- 
 nois, locating in Rockwood, then called Old Lib- 
 erty, where he engaged in the wood business. He 
 was married December 14, 1837, to Ann Eliza 
 Charles, who was born November 7, 1819, and was 
 a daughter of Capt. William B. Charles, a native 
 of Kentucky, who came to Illinois about 1835. 
 Her father was a steamboat captain on the Mis- 
 sissippi River. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Dean were 
 born the following children : Mary E., born 
 July 28, 184-t, was married October 26, 1858, to 
 Dr. W. W. Jones, by whom she has a son, W. 
 E., who is now Deputy Circuit Clerk. She was 
 again married April 15, 1875, to Whitney Gil- 
 breath, a Drainage Commissioner of the Big Lake 
 District; they have three children, Lee, Nellie and 
 Matie. Murray M. is represented elsewhere iu 
 this work. Ellen Elvira, born March 12, 1851, 
 was married November 1, 1871, to Henry L.Jones, 
 a druggist of Jackson. Mo., and they have five 
 children: Duree, a graduate of Bryant and Strat- 
 ton's Business College of St. Louis; Winnie, a 
 
 sophomore in Ward's Seminary of Nashville, 
 Tenn.; Nellie, Murray and George O. 
 
 The father of this family made a failure of the 
 wood business. He then began building flat-boats, 
 and later embarked in merchandising, becomings 
 one of the prominent and prosperous merchants of 
 southern Illinois. He also dealt quite extensively 
 in real estate. His wife, who was a member of the 
 Presbyterian Church, died November 3, 1860, and 
 he was again married February 2, 1863, his second 
 union being with Esther C. La Puff, who was born 
 in Orange County, N.Y., August 12, 1824. They 
 were married in Brooklyn, N. Y., and the lady 
 died October 3, 1875. The death of Mr. Dean oc- 
 curred October 17, 1881. He too was a member 
 of the Presbyterian Church. In politics he was a 
 Democrat, and in an early day served as Postmas- 
 ter of Rockwood. 
 
 Under the parental roof our subject was reared, 
 and his education was acquired in the common 
 schools and in an academy' in St. Louis, together 
 with one j'ear's attendance at Shurtleff College. 
 His business training was received in his father's 
 store, and in 1865 he went to Shiloh Hill, 
 where he embarked in merchandising for him- 
 self, building up an extensive trade, which re- 
 warded his efforts during his thirteen years' resi- 
 dence at that place. He first formed a partner- 
 ship with G. W. Young, but a year later sold out. 
 He also made some judicious investments in real 
 estate, which yielded him a good income. 
 
 April 7, 1869, Mr. Dean was joined in wedlock 
 with Miss Clare Josei)hine, daughter of J. K. and 
 Elizabeth (Gillespie) Burke, the former a native 
 of North Carolina. Mrs. Dean was born near 
 Shiloh October 9, 1850, and was there educated. 
 Three children graced this union, of whom two are 
 yet living, Carrie, wife of Will Bowers; and Bes- 
 sie. The eldest daughter was educated at Monti- 
 cello Seminary and in Ward Seminary, of Nash- 
 ville, Tenn., and is an expert musician. 
 
 In 1878 Mr. Dean came with his family to Ava 
 and purchased a mill. He made extensive ship- 
 ments of flour to the south, and for some years he 
 also did a large merchandising business. His 
 brother Murray is now connected with him in the 
 milling business. On the 1st of January, 1890, he
 
 602 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 established the bank wliich he still conducts, and 
 also opened a cooper sliop and lumber yard, which 
 he yet carries on. These enterprises have also 
 been successful.. He now owns four thousand 
 acres of the finest land of Illinois, and is one of 
 tlie wealthiest citizens of Jackson County. He and 
 his wife hold membership witli the Presbyterian 
 Church, in wiiicli he serves as Elder. He belongs 
 to the Kniglits of Pytliias, and for thirty years has 
 been a member of the Masonic fraternit}^ and is 
 now Senior Warden, lie takes an active part in 
 politics, and is a stanch Democrat. He served as 
 Supervisor of liis township, and is now represent- 
 ing his district in the State Legislature, in which 
 he serves on the committees on agriculture, roads 
 and bridges, state institutions, visiting educational 
 institutions and horticulture. He is an able leader 
 of the people, for he is a man of intelligence, and 
 he studies the interests of his constituents. Alike 
 true to every public and private trust, he was won 
 the high regard of all with whom business or so- 
 cial relations have brought him in cont.act. 
 
 yF. JOHNSON is a well known farmer of 
 Jackson County, and carries on agricultu- 
 ral pursuits on section 11, Ora Township. 
 He was born upon the farm which is now his home 
 on the 7th of Jul}', 1857, and is a wortlij- repre- 
 sentative of an honored pioneer family of the 
 county. His father, George W. Johnson, was born 
 in Ken tuck}', February 12, 1828, and when a lad 
 of eight summers became a resident of Perry 
 County, III., where he grew to manhood. At the 
 age of twenty-five he removed to Jackson County, 
 locating in Vergennes Township, where he pur- 
 chased a farm. A short time afterwards, however, 
 he took up his residence upon the farm which is 
 now the home of our subject, and there continued 
 -to live until called to his final rest, December 27, 
 1890. Through much of his life he also followed 
 carpentering in connection with agricultural pur- 
 suits. In April, 1861, he enlisted in the service of 
 his country as a member of Company I, Second 
 Illinois Infantry, hut, owing to sickness, whereby 
 Ue was disabled, he received his discharge in July 
 
 of the same year. In politics he was a Democrat, 
 and held the ollices of School Director, Road Com- 
 missioner and Justice of the Peace, discharging 
 the duties of the same with a promptness and 
 fidelity that won him high commendation. 
 
 The mother of our subject, who bore the 
 maiden name of Nancy J. Brown, was born and 
 reared in Ora Township. Her paients were John 
 and Sarah A. (Milligan) Brown. Her father was 
 a native of A'irginia, and during his youth removed 
 with his parents to Tennessee, whence he came to 
 Perry County, III., in which county llicy were 
 married. Mr. Brown died in 1872," and his wife 
 passed away in J.ackson County in 1885. The 
 marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Johnson was celebrated 
 in Ora Township October 19, 1854, and they be- 
 came the parents of two children, the sister being 
 Vilena, who was born October 9, 1855. She was 
 married November 22, 1877, to Ashby Crane, and 
 they have six children: AVilliani, Pearl, Duia, 
 Nola, P^tna and George. 
 
 Upon his father's farm W. F. Johnson spent the 
 days of his boyhood and youth in the usual man- 
 ner of farmer lads, and in the public schools he 
 acquired a good English education. Later he en- 
 g.aged in teaching for two terms, and since that 
 time has devoted his energies largely to his farm- 
 ing, but in connection with agricultural pursuits 
 is also engaged in buying, selling and shipping 
 stock. He possesses good business abilit}', and in 
 his undertakings has met with a well merited suc- 
 cess. 
 
 On the 1st of November, 1884, Mr. Johnson 
 was united in marriage with Miss Jennie M. East- 
 erl}', a daughter of Philip Easterl}', who w.as born 
 near Carbondale, Jackson County, III. Their 
 union has been blessed with four children: Noah 
 born October 1, 1885; Walter, September 2, 1887; 
 Uriah, March 28, 1889; and Edna, August 5. 1893. 
 
 In his political views Mr. Johnson is a stanch 
 Democrat and takes an active interest in every- 
 thing pertaining to the success of his party. He 
 has served as Supervisor of his township one term, 
 was Collector two terms. Town Clerk two terms, 
 and is now serving his second term as Treasurer of 
 the Highway Commissioners. By his studious 
 habits and constant reading Ue has acquired an
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 603 
 
 education much aboye the average, and is one of 
 the best informed men of the township. His 
 home contains a fine and well selected library'. Mr. 
 Johnson is recognized as one of the prominent 
 citizens of the community, and it is with pleasure 
 that we present to our readers tliis record of a well 
 
 spent life. 
 
 :^#(^ 
 
 f(j_^ ERMAX C. MANSKER, a thrifty and ener- 
 \, getic agriculturist of Randolph County, is 
 making his home in township 8, range 6. 
 He is a native of this county, and was born 
 on the place he now occupies, two anda-half miles 
 west of Rockwood, August 30, 1863. His parents, 
 Samuel and Nancy (Nelson) Mansker, were both 
 natives of Kentuck}', the former was born Decem- 
 ber 16, 1795, and died January 9, 1884. Grand- 
 fatlier John Mansker was a nephew of Jasper, a 
 wealthy and prominent citizen of Tennessee, liv- 
 ing near Nashville. The grandfather married 
 Margaret Robinson and afterward settled on Bear 
 Gap Creek, a few miles from Louisville, Ky. He 
 served under Generals St. Clair and Wayne against 
 the Indians. 
 
 The father of our subject was the third child and 
 the eldest son of his parents' familv and was born 
 near Louisville about four j-ears before his fathers' 
 removal to Tennessee. In 1804 the family re- 
 moved to .Ste. Genevieve (now Perr}-) Count}', Mo. 
 In 1807 they came to Illinois and located at Liberty 
 Island, opi)osite Rockwood. This continued to be 
 their home for about five years, when a final move 
 was made to section 10, township 8, range 6. To 
 the small original purchase was added adjacent 
 property until the estate aggregated at one time 
 two thousand acres. The rising of the river obliged 
 him to move his residence further from the stream, 
 and in 1844 he built the home where his widow 
 and son now live. 
 
 The mother of our subject is a daughter of Basil 
 and Elizabeth (Chattan) Nelson, natives of Vir- 
 ginia, who moved to Kentuck}' in an early day. 
 When Nancy was but a small child her parents 
 moved to Illinois, locating in Marion County-, 
 where she grew to womanhood. In Randolph Coun- 
 ty she met and married Samuel Mansker, and they 
 
 became the parents of five children, four of whom 
 yet survive. Thej' are: Ann Eliza, the wife of 
 Stephen Kirk; Nelson C, who resides with his 
 mother; Elveretta, the wife of John Woods, of 
 this township; and Herman C, our subject. By 
 three previous marriages Samuel Mansker became 
 the father of seventeen children. 
 
 February 1, 1889, the subject of this sketch mar- 
 ried Marj- C, daughter of Stephen Kinuison, a na- 
 tive of Missouri. Unto them have been born four 
 children, all of whom are living and residing at 
 home, Lottie, Genevieve May, Raymond and Ber- 
 nard C. Mr. JIansker is the possessor of a splen- 
 did tract of land comprising four hundred and 
 twent3-five acres of hill and bottom land, on which 
 are raised large quantities of wheat, besides the 
 various other grains. He is a Trustee of Schools 
 of his township, and politically- votes the Demo- 
 cratic ticket in national affairs, but in local elec- 
 tions chooses to cast his ballot for the man and 
 not the part}-. 
 
 JORDAN HARRISS, who for many years was 
 I one of the prominent agriculturists of 
 ^^1 i township 5, range 2, Perry Count}', en- 
 ^^Jy tered into rest in April, 1874, mourned by 
 a host of old-time friends. His name will live for 
 3'ears in the memory of his associates and the affec- 
 tion of his descendants. Mr. Harriss was born in 
 South Carolina in 1800,and his parents soon after- 
 ward removing to Tennessee, he accompanied them 
 thither and lived many years in Bedford County. 
 In his 3'outh he was given a fair education. 
 
 Accompanied b}' his wife, whose maiden name 
 was Lucinda Casey, Mr. Harriss came to Perry 
 County in 1829, and located on Holt's Prairie, 
 where the}' reared a family of eight children. 
 Jane, who married Robert Teague, died leaving 
 one son, Marion, who is a Baptist minister at Du 
 Quoin; Johnson C. was also for many j'ears a min- 
 ister in that church, but is now deceased; Nancy, 
 who married Edmund Dry, resides in this count}-, 
 and has a family of eight children; John H., the 
 next in order of birth, will be mentioned furtiier 
 on in this sketch; Hiram M. is a merchant at Du
 
 604 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Quoin; Marion is also a resident of tliat place, 
 where he is one of the leading business men; Julia 
 A. is deceased; J. Carroll, a missionary for the 
 Nine Mile Missionary IJaptist Church, makes his 
 home in Du Quoin. 
 
 Tlie paternal grandfather of our subject, John- 
 son llarriss, was a resident of Virginia prior to his 
 emigration to the Prairie State in 1829. He ac- 
 companied the fatlier of our subject hither, and 
 died in this county at the age of ninety-eight 
 \-ears. John H. Harriss, the fourth child of our 
 subject, was born in this county in 1830, and has 
 resided here for sixty-four years. He was given 
 a common-school education, and later aided his 
 father in the care of his farm. Energetically per- 
 forming his share of the work, he gained a thor- 
 oughly practical knowledge of the pursuit of agri- 
 culture, and was well fitted at an early age to 
 begin the battle of life. 
 
 In 1850 Mr. Harris married Miss Adeline Wilks, 
 who died in 1867. To them were born tiiree chil- 
 dren who grew to mature years, as follows: Julia, 
 now Mrs. John D. Strait, who makes her home in 
 Piucknej'ville; William W., a farmer of township 
 5, range 2; and Jennie, now Mrs. "VV. B. King, 
 also of the above township. In 1868 Mr. Harriss 
 was united in marriage with Miss Luaeine, daugii- 
 ter of Carroll Turner, one of the early residents 
 of Perry County. Mr. Harriss and his family aie 
 conscientious members of the Baptist Church. Al- 
 though he i>a3's little attention to politics, he al- 
 wa}'s votes the straiglit Republican ticket. 
 
 -^ 
 
 > 
 
 
 EDWARD MUSSELMAN, junior partner of 
 the firm of S. B.Eaton & Co., the extensive 
 coal operators and merchants of Du Quoin, 
 was born in Chillicothe, Ro.ss County, Oiiio, Octo- 
 ber 4, 1853. The great-grandfather of our sub- 
 ject was one of the earliest settlers of that county 
 and built the first flouring mill within its bor- 
 ders. Michael Musselman, the grandfather, was 
 a native of Penns3ivania and served as a soldier 
 in the War of 1812, and also in the war witli Mex- 
 
 ico. His death occurred in the Buckeye State at 
 the age of seventy-six years, and his wife passed 
 away at the advanced age of eighty-one. The fam- 
 il}' have all been millers. As before stated, the 
 great-grandfather established the business in Ross 
 County, Ohio, and it was followed by the grand- 
 father, father and our subject. 
 
 •John Musselman, tiie fatiier, was born in Ohio, 
 and there engaged in milling for some years, but 
 later in life he removed to ^Minneapolis, Kan., 
 where he is now engaged in farming. He married 
 Elizabeth Angeline Hanson, who was born in the 
 Buckeye State and died when our subject was only 
 six years of age. He was the eldest in a family 
 of five children, three sons and two daugliters. 
 Chauncy W. is now clerking in Du Quoin; Charles 
 is with his father in Kansas; Zoe is the wife of 
 Eugene Sankes, of Minneapolis, Kan.; and Minnie 
 M. resides with an uncle in Oliio. 
 
 Mr. Musselman of lliis sketch acquu'ed a good 
 education, and, like his family through the four 
 previous generations, he became a miller. July 6, 
 1876, was the date of Ids arrival in Du Quoin. 
 Here lie formed a connection with the Star Milling 
 Compan}-, with which he continued for a period 
 of ten years, when he severed his connection with 
 that enterprise and became a member of tlie firm 
 of S. B. Eaton & Co., his partner being his brother- 
 in-law, Mr. Musselman having married Miss Mary 
 E. Eaton on the I'Jth of May, 1881. 
 
 Our subject started out in life with no means 
 save a young man's bright liope of the future and 
 a determination to succeed, but by strict attention 
 to business and well directed efforts he has become 
 one of the wealth)' young men of Du Quoin. He 
 is sagacious, practical and progressive, and his 
 success is certainly well deserved. He is now half- 
 owner in the Jupiter Coal Mines, as well as in the 
 large store of P^laton & Co., and is one of tlie stock- 
 holders in the First National Bank. 
 
 In politics Mr. Musselman is a Prohibitionist, 
 for he warmly believes in temperance. He is a 
 prominent Mason, belonging to the blue lodge, 
 chai)ter and council, and for two j'ears was Master 
 of the blue lodge of Du Quoin. His wife, a most 
 estimable lady, is a member of the Methodist 
 Church. Mr. Musselman is now preiiaring to
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 605 
 
 build one of the finest residences ru the beautiful 
 and thriving city of Du Quoin. It will be a mon- 
 ument to his success in life and will tell of a pros- 
 perous business career. 
 
 ,I/U^ON. MARTIN A. ROSS, ex-Sheriff and ex- 
 jf)\^ Mayor of Murphysboro, and one of its 
 ^}^ most highly respected citizens, claims New 
 (^i Hampshire as the state of his nativity. He 
 was born in Fitzwilliam, June 16, 1829, and is one 
 of five children born unto Arad L. and Cynthia 
 B. (Burpee) Ross, both of whom were natives of 
 Massachusetts. For some j'ears the father followed 
 farming near Fitzwilliam, but in 1830 went to 
 Vermont, and in 1834 came with his family to Illi- 
 nois, accompanied by T. L. Ross and Isham Purdy 
 and their families. He located at Vergennes, and 
 afterward entered and bought land^, improving a 
 fine farm. Subsequent!}- he removed across the 
 lii.e into Perry County. He died near Du Quoin, 
 at the age of sevouty-three, and his wife reached 
 the age of eighty. He was a Whig in politics, and 
 in religious belief she was a Methodist. Their 
 children were, Mrs. Philena A. Hinckley, of Du 
 Quoin; Martin A.; Ellen C, deceased wife of 
 George Kennedy; Leonard T., of Sand Ridge; and 
 Orren A., a farmer of Du Quoin. The last two 
 served in the Eighty-first Illinois Infantry, and 
 Leonard, who was Corporal, had his leg shot off at 
 Vicksburg. 
 
 Since the age of five years, Martin A. Ross has 
 resided in Jackson and Perry Counties. He re- 
 members seeing deer, wolves and other wild game 
 in this region, and is familiar with all the hard- 
 ships and experiences of frontier life. He was edu- 
 cated in the old-time schoolhouse, with its slab 
 seats, puncheon floor and huge fireplace. He wrote 
 with a quill pen, and studied from the Testament 
 and Elementary Spelling Book. At the age of 
 eighteen he left home and engaged in lumbering 
 on the river for about seven years, working for 
 Colonel Brush, who operated a sawmill. Mr. Ross 
 served as head sawyer for five jears, and received 
 the largest wages paid for that work in the county. 
 Ill health, however, forced him to abandon this. 
 
 and in Du Quoin he opened a store in partnership 
 with G. M. Hinckley, under the firm name of 
 Hinckley & Co. After about six years, he sold 
 out and turned his attention to the development 
 of his farm of one hundred acres in Perry Countj'. 
 This he disposed of in 1868, and embarked in 
 business in Murphysboro, in connection with 
 George Kennedy. Under the firm name of Ken- 
 nedy & Ross, for fifteen years he dealt in hard- 
 ware, furniture, agricultural implements and gro- 
 ceries, doing a successful business, but again he was 
 forced to sell out, in 1882, on account of ill health. 
 
 On the 10th of May, 1864, Mr. Ross was united 
 in marriage with Emma L., daughter of Calvin L. 
 Casterlinc. Mer father, who was born in Elizabeth- 
 town, N. J., was a shoe merchant, and in 1838 emi- 
 grated b}' wagon to St. Louis, where he engaged in 
 the grocerj' business for many years. He died while 
 visiting in St. Louis in 1870, at the age of sixty- 
 five. In politics, he was first a Whig and after- 
 ward a Republican. He married Sarah Woodruff, 
 a native of New Jersey, who died in 1878, at the 
 age of seventy-three. They had a family of five 
 children, four of whom reached mature years: 
 Mrs. Eliza Greer, of Los Angeles, Cal.; Cornelia, 
 wife of E. E. Souther, of St. Louis; Edward P., of 
 Colorado; and Mrs. Ross. The last-named was 
 born in Newark, N. J., August 4, 1839, and was 
 reared in St. Louis, received an excellent musical 
 education, and taught in that city and in the mu- 
 sical department of the old Du Quoin Seminary. 
 To our subject and his wife was born one child, 
 now Mrs. Hattie L. Poindexter, who was grad- 
 uated in Carbondale, and is living in Murphj'S- 
 boro. 
 
 In 1882 Mr. Ross was elected County Sheriff for 
 a term of four years, and his duties often called 
 forth great bravery and fearlessness. He was also 
 ex-offlcio Collector for three years, and after the 
 law was changed served as Township Collector 
 until December, 1888. In 1871 he was elected 
 Mayor, and in 1875 was again chosen to that office. 
 He also served one term as Alderman, and two 
 terms as School Director. He has always been a 
 stalwart supporter of Republican principles. 
 
 After retiring fiora office, Mr. Ross gave his at- 
 tention solely to his farm in Sand Ridge, com-
 
 606 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 prising six hundred and eighty-six acres of highly 
 improved land. He also raises fine horses, having 
 "Quartermaster," sired by "Cleveland Bay;" "Can- 
 ton," sired by "George Sprague," and some fine 
 standard bred Bay stallions. lie is a man of good 
 business ability, and has been very successful in his 
 business dealings. He belongs to Amity Lodge, I. 
 O. O. F., and to the encampment, and also to the 
 Knights of Honor, of wliicli he was Treasurer for 
 several years. The Presbyterian Ciiurch finds in 
 him a faithful and consistent member. He is pleas- 
 ant and affable in manner, and has the high re- 
 gard of all. His wife is an intelligent and highly 
 cultured lady, who presides with grace over their 
 comfortable home. It is with pleasure that we pre- 
 sent to our readers the sketch of tliis worthy couple. 
 
 JIT^/REDERICK WILLIAM BRINKMAN, of 
 I^HJgf the firm of S. & W. Brinkman, carpenters, 
 /li builders and contractors of Chester, was 
 
 born in St. Louis, Mo., September 3, 1856. He is 
 the son of William Brinkman, a native of Ger- 
 many, who came to the United States when a sin- 
 gle man in 1845. The mother of our subject, who 
 prior to her marriage was known as Louisa Brink- 
 man, was born in Germany. Tlie parents are still 
 living, and make their home in this city, of which 
 they are worthy and honored residents. 
 
 In a family of five children, the sul)ject of this 
 sketch is the second in order of birth. He acquired 
 a good education in the public schools of this city. 
 When his school days were over, he chose the trade 
 of a carpenter for his life work, and learned the 
 business with his uncle, Frederick Brinkman. Af- 
 ter acquiring a thorough knowledge of materials 
 and the modes of usage best adapted to various 
 kinds of buildings, he formed a partnership with 
 Sigmund Brinkman, his cousin, the firm title being 
 S. & W. Brinkman. They have the reputation of 
 being the most responsible contractors and build- 
 ers in the city, and have erected many fine dwell- 
 ings and business blocks. The Grand View Hotel 
 stands as a specimen of their workmanship, and In 
 Steeleville and many other towns in the surround- 
 ing counties they have given entire satisfaction 
 in their line of work. 
 
 October 28, 1881, F. William Brinkman and Miss 
 
 Wilhelmina Meyer were united in marriage. The 
 lady was a daughter of Louis Meyer, and was born 
 in Randolph Count3-. They were blessed by the birth 
 of six children, who bear the respective names of 
 Olga, Dora, Walter, Arthur, Clement and Edna. - 
 Mr. and Mrs. Brinkman are consistent members of 
 the St. John's Lutheran Church, and are people of 
 true religious principles. Our subject is a man of 
 solid worth, possessing in an eminent degree those 
 traits that command respect in the business world 
 and gain esteem among his neighbors and asso- 
 ciates. Politically, he is a Democrat. 
 
 ^^- ^^^^•^i"i^^^*^^♦♦^= =-^> 
 
 iiHOMAS L. BEAN belongs to that class of 
 agriculturists whose efforts make of Ran- 
 dolph County the garden spot of Illinois. 
 He is a comparatively }'Oung man, having been 
 born October 4, 1854, in this county, and has spent 
 his life here. He worked on his father's farm un- 
 til 1878, when- he established a home of his own 
 on section 25,- township 6, range 7, where he has 
 one hundred and sixty acres of fine land, im- 
 proved with good buildings, fences, orchards, etc. 
 His land is thoroughly tilled, and produces abun- 
 dant harvests of the various cereals. 
 
 The attractive home of our subject is presided 
 over by his capable wife, formerlj' known as Miss 
 Lizzie Leming. She is a daughter of William and 
 Lizzie (Fleming) Leming, a biography of whom 
 will be found elsewhere in this volume. In her 
 girlhood she received a good education, and was 
 carefully trained in housewifery, so that she was 
 admirably fitted to superintend a home of her 
 own. Her father was killed during the war. Mrs. 
 Bean became the wife of our subject April 10, 
 1878, and has borne her husband five children: 
 Immanuel, who died in infancy; Everett C, Liz- 
 zie M., Clarence A. and Eva Irene. The handsome 
 residence of the family was erected in 1893, and 
 is among the finest in the county, while the large 
 and spacious liarn is a model of its kind. 
 
 Mr. Bean is a believer in, and a supporter of, the 
 principles of th(! Republican partj'. Well informed 
 regarding topics of general interest, enterprising 
 in business, and honorable in his dealings with his 
 fellow-citizens, he is regarded with rcs|)ect as a 
 worthy citizen and stanch friend. Mr. and Mrs.
 
 ' 1
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 609 
 
 Bean are valued members of -the Presb^'terian 
 Church. 
 
 The parents of our subject, James and Margaret 
 (Harmon) Bean, were earl^' settlers in this county, 
 having located here in the '40s. They are mem- 
 bers of the Presbjterian Church, and are honored 
 and prominent residents of township 6, range 7. 
 Their family comprised ten children, Thomas L. 
 being the eldest in order of birth. 
 
 •i-^m-r 
 
 ^^ 
 
 «^ 
 
 JOHN J. KING is successfully engaged in 
 general farming on section 15, Tamaroa 
 Precinct, Perry County, where he owns and 
 operates a good farm of one liundred and 
 ten acres. He also has a twenty-acre tract of lim- 
 ber land one mile to the west. His home is pleas- 
 antly located six miles northeast of Du Quoin. 
 Well tilled fields and good buildings indicate the 
 thrift and enterprise of the owner, who is justly 
 ranked among the practical and progressive agri- 
 culturists of the community. Mr. King was born 
 March 25, 1849, in this county, and is a son of 
 Joshua and Polly (^Brooks) King. 
 
 The father was born in Jackson County, Tenn., 
 November 13, 1814, and the mother's birth oc- 
 curred in that county, on tlie 28th of April, 1812. 
 They were reared and married in that state, and 
 soon after their marriage they emigiated to Perry 
 County, 111., locating on Paradise Piairie, where 
 Mr. King purchased one hundred and sixty acres 
 of land. This was in 1832. On the farm which 
 he there developed he continued to reside until 
 his death, which occurred January 16, 1881. He 
 was noted as a man of firm convictions, unswerv- 
 ing in his ideas of right and justice. He never 
 engaged in litigation, was known as a man of 
 sterling worth and integrity, and was very popu- 
 lar and highly respected by his neighbors. In 
 politics he was a Republican, and in religious be- 
 lief was a Methodist. 
 
 The mother of our subject was first married to 
 Henry Carner, of Virginia. Three children were 
 born to them, of whom two are yet living. They 
 were reared with the children of Mr. King, and an 
 affection existed between them rare!}' witnessed, 
 
 and which has endured throughout the ^'ears. The 
 two children of Mr. and Mrs. Carner are, Mary J., 
 wife of Archibald House, all ighly respected farmer 
 of Allendale, Mo.; and William H., a Baptist min- 
 ister now residing in Pinckneyville, 111. He tra- 
 verses a vast amount of territor}' in the discharge 
 of his duties, and is a faithful minister. 
 
 Joshua King and his wife became the parents of 
 nine children, six of whom are living. Elizabeth 
 Laurretta is the wife of Elislia G. Keeling, a farmer 
 of Paradise Piairie; Martha C. married Levi Com- 
 means, a farmer of Paiadise Prairie; John J. is the 
 subject of this sketch; Larkin B., who married 
 Dora Harrison, of Paradise Prairie, is employed as 
 clerk in Miller Brothers general mercantile store 
 at Du Quoin; Matthew T., a farmer of Paradise 
 Prairie, wedded Sarah Turner, of Marshfield, Mo., 
 by whom he has five children; Anio R., who mar- 
 ried Martha Jones, of Nashville, 111., is now clerk- 
 ing for S. B. Eaton, of Du Quoin. The members 
 of the familj' now deceased are, Sallie B., Eletha 
 and Martha Canzada. 
 
 Upon his father's farm John J. King was reared, 
 and his bo3'hood d.a3's were spent in farm work 
 and in attendance at the district schools. Being 
 the eldest son, the general supervision, and conse- 
 quently all the hard work of the place, devolved 
 upon him. He continued upon the old homestead 
 until his marriage, but shortly after that event re- 
 moved to a forty-acre farm in the neighborhood, 
 where he remained for six years. He then sold 
 out and purchased sixty acres of land two miles to 
 the north, which he operated for nine years, when 
 he removed to his present home. 
 
 On the 28th of February, 1867, was celebrated 
 the marriage of Mr. King and Almira J., daughter 
 of Samuel Burr, a native of Canada, who came to 
 the United States when a young man and settled 
 on what is known as the Four Mile Piairie, near 
 Pinckneyville. Ten children were born to Mr. 
 and Mrs. King, of whom seven yet survive: Cor- 
 lie B., wife of Daniel A. Hampleman, a farmer of 
 Union County, 111.; William B., Roy O., Orrin G., 
 John J., Almira F. and Polly J. E..all of whom are 
 still living witli their parents. Those who have 
 passed away are, Ira J., Ula G. and Carroll J. 
 
 Mr. King for four years filled the office of Jus-
 
 610 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 tice of the Peace for Paradise Precinct, and is at 
 present Township Treasurer of Schools, in wbicli 
 position he has etticient'lj' served for six years. In 
 politics, lie is a stalwart supporter of tiie Repub- 
 lican party. He and his family are members of 
 the Missionary Baptist Church, and are people of 
 prominence in this community, where they are 
 held in hijjii reijard. 
 
 C. EADE, a successful architect and tiie 
 proprietor of the Du Quoin Planing- Mills, 
 is a native of the Keystone State. He was 
 born Maj' 28, 1852, and is a son of Charles 
 Eade. His father was a native of Sussex, England, 
 born in 1831, and his mother was a native of 
 Brighton, England. They were married in that 
 land, but soon afterward came to America, settling 
 first in Pennsylvania, whence they came to Illinois 
 in 1853. They took up their residence upon a 
 farm in Washington County, and the father turned 
 his attention to agricultural pursuits, although lie 
 was a carpenter by trade and had previously fol- 
 lowed that vocation. Later he engaged in mer- 
 cantile business. In 1861 he removed to Bond 
 County, where his wife died in 1866. He was after- 
 ward again married, and subsequently returned to 
 Pennsylvania, where he is now living. 
 
 Our subject is the eldest of four children, the 
 family numbering three sons and a daughter. He 
 also had two half-brothers and a half-sister. His 
 brother A. T. is now engaged in farming in Bond 
 County, and G. E is in the employ of Mr. Eade of 
 this sketch. The sister is still living with her fa- 
 ther in Pennsylvania. 
 
 In early life, J. C. Eade attended the common 
 school, and completed his education in Greenville. 
 AVlien a j-outli of seventeen he began learning the 
 carpenter's trade, and as he was a natural me- 
 chanic, it did not take him long to master the 
 business. As a draughtsman and architect, he has 
 planned and built some of the finest structures in 
 southern Illinois. He engaged in business in 
 Nashville, and also carried on operations in other 
 lilaces in this state until about 1888, when became 
 to Du Quoin. It was not long before he had se- 
 
 cured a liberal patronage as an architect and 
 builder, doing a large and constantly increasing 
 business. In 1891 he established his extensive 
 planing mill, which is now under successful opera- 
 tion. Since coming to Du (Juoin, he has drawn 
 plans for and erected many of the fine buildings 
 of the place, including the City Hall, the Odd Fel- 
 low's Building, M. Teague's residence with many 
 others. 
 
 In 1874, while residing in Nashville, Mr. Eade 
 was united in marriage with Miss Lizzie K., daugh- 
 ter of John Thomson, who was a native of Ken- 
 tuck}', and of English and Irish descent. He en- 
 gaged in business as a civil engineer until after 
 his removal to Nashville, where he carried on farm- 
 ing until his death in 1872. Mrs. Eade is a lady 
 of good education and presides with grace over 
 her hospitable home. By their marriage have been 
 born iliree children, Emery T., Kittie R. and 
 Hahme I., and they also lost one son in infancy. 
 
 In politics Mr. Eade is a Republican, but has 
 never aspired to public office. Socially he is con- 
 nected with the Odd Fellows' society and the 
 Modern Woodmen of America. He was one of 
 the charter members of the latter, and is one of 
 its Directors. He and his wife are members of the 
 Baptist Chuicli, in which he has served as Deacon 
 for the p.ast twelve years, and in church and be- 
 nevolent work they take a prominent part. 
 
 II. FRIZZELL, who is extensively engaged 
 in the clothing business in Du Quoin, has 
 ^^^ , the honor of being a native of the city 
 ^^f) which is still his home, his birth having 
 there occurred on the 22d of November, 1867. He 
 is the onl}' son of the late William Frizzell, who 
 was born in Mt. Vernon, 111., in 1826. He re- 
 moved to Du Quoin, becoming one of the pioneer 
 merchants of this place, where he continued l)usi- 
 ness up to the time of his death. During that time 
 he prospered exceedinglj'. and became one of the 
 wealthiest men of Perry County as the result of his 
 enterprise and good business ability. He was also a 
 prominent Mason and Odd Fellow and was one of 
 the most highly esteemed citizens of Du Quoin.
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 611 
 
 He married Marian Dening, who" was also a native 
 of Illinois and died in 1884. Our subject was 
 their onlj- son, but they had three daughters, two 
 of whom are now living in California. The other 
 is the wife of J. M. Browning, a wealthy coal op- 
 erator of Du Quoin. 
 
 The gentleman whose name heads this sketch 
 was only three years of age when his father died. 
 He was reared and educated in Du Quoin, and 
 also attended a college in St. Louis. He began 
 business for himself as a druggist, which he con- 
 tinued for five j'ears. Afterward he took an ex- 
 tensive trip through the west, visited the Pacific 
 Slope and then returned to his home in Du Quoin. 
 Sliortly afterward he embarked in the clothing bus- 
 iness on a large scale. He had inherited a consid- 
 erable fortune from his father's estate and started 
 out in life under very favorable circumstances. 
 
 Mr. Frizzell is regarded as one of the rising 
 young business men of this place, being enterpris- 
 ing, energetic and ambitious. He pays close at- 
 tention to the details of his business, and by his 
 well directed efforts and good management he has 
 won a liigh degree of success, which is the just re- 
 ward of his labors. Socially he is connected with 
 the Knights of Pythias order and is a prominent 
 member. He has spent his entire life in Du Quoin, 
 and those who have known him from his boyhood 
 and have witnessed his honorable, upright career 
 are numbered amona; his warmest friends. 
 
 Wj^ILLlAM A. HAINES, who was one of the 
 most public-spirited, widely known and 
 highly esteemed citizens of Tamaroa, en- 
 tered into rest March 10, 1890, mourned by a host 
 of old time friends, in whose hearts his niemory 
 will long be green. He was a native of New Jer- 
 sey, having been born in Medford, in 1817. When 
 quite young he left home, and after a few years spent 
 in various places, went south and located at Vicks- 
 burg, Miss., where his marriage to Miss Mary A. 
 Thompson occurred. Mrs. Haines was a native of 
 Hopkinsville, Ky., and was the daughter of Will- 
 iam Thompson. The young couple made their 
 
 home in the south until 1857, when they came to 
 Illinois and spent the following ten years upon a 
 farm in Periy Count3^ 
 
 At the expiration of that time Mr. Haines re- 
 turned to New Orleans, in which place he was en- 
 gaged in the wholesale grocery business, and there 
 continued to make his home until 1869. He then 
 returned to Illinois, this time making his home in 
 Tamaroa, where he was employed in buying and 
 selling grain and hay until his decease. He was 
 a very progressive business man and was liberal to 
 a fault. He was well known among the citizens 
 of this section, was an active member of the United 
 Presbyterian Chilrch, and his correct mode of liv- 
 ing gained for him a popularity which was merit- 
 ed in every respect. Mrs. Haines, who is still liv- 
 ing (1894), has reached the age of seventy-three 
 years. 
 
 At his decease our subject left two sons, the eld- 
 er of whom, J. AV., was born in Mississippi, and 
 grew to manhood on the farm in this county. He 
 received a fine education, and when quite a young 
 man engaged in merchandising. Although his 
 private affairs naturally receive much of his time 
 and attention, j'et he is interested in matters of 
 public interest, and has twice been elected Treas- 
 urer of Perry County, an office which he now holds. 
 At the time of the establishment of the banking 
 house of S. R. Haines it Co., J. W. was made cash- 
 ier, and has since continued to fill that important 
 position. Since becoming a resident of this coun- 
 ty he has been identified with its upbuilding, and 
 at all times has been deeply interested in matters 
 pertaining to local and national welfare. He mar- 
 ried Miss Eva J., daughter of M. B. and E. .J. Dim- 
 mick, of Frankfort, 111. 
 
 S. B. Haines, the second son of our subject, who 
 is likewise one of the prominent business men of 
 Tamaroa, was born in Vicksburg, and was a lad of 
 eighteen years when he came to Tamaroa and en- 
 gaged as clerk in the store of Blanchard Brothers. 
 In 1892 he was instrumental in the organization 
 of the bank of Tamaroa, of which he was made 
 President. Although this branch of business occu- 
 pies a great deal of his attention, 3-et he finds time 
 to engage in other interests and is carrying on a 
 prosperous trade as a merchant, and also raises fine
 
 dl2 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 blooded horses. In every interprise to which he 
 gives his support he maintains a deep and un- 
 wavering interest, and his efforts have resulted in 
 the promotion of the material welfare of his coun- 
 ty. In 1878 he married Miss Nettie, daughter of 
 Townsend Blanchard, and to them have been born 
 a daughter. Birdie, and a son, Howard Blanchard. 
 .S. R. Haines served as Postmaster at Taniaroa 
 during Cleveland's first administration. Socially, 
 he and his brother are prominent Masons. 
 
 IT=I .^ 
 
 (V _^ ARVEY BILDERBACK, wlio resides on sec- 
 liTjij tion 21, Kiiikaid Township, Jackson Coun- 
 ''s^^' t3', where he successfull3' carries on agri- 
 (^) cultural pursuits, was born near Rockwood, 
 Randolph County, March 9, 1826. He is a repre- 
 sentative of one of the honored pioneer families of 
 southern Illinois. His grandfather, John Bilder- 
 back, settled near Kaskaskia in a ver3- early day 
 and there spent the remainder of his life. His 
 wife passed away in 1838. She was a remarkable 
 woman, being six feet tall and very strong. In 
 the familj' were the following children: James, 
 Charles, Friend, Ephraim, William, Stewart, Henry, 
 Thomas, John; Lydia, wife of Charles Garner; 
 Gettie, wife of Harvey Clendennen; and Nancy, 
 wife of Jacob Harmon. 
 
 James Bilderback, father of our subject, was a 
 native of Kentuck}-, and during his boyhood ac- 
 companied the family to Illinois. He married 
 Maria Clendennen, and in Randolph County fol- 
 lowed farming until his death, in January, 1863. 
 His wife died in May, 1876. The children were: 
 Harvey; Henry, wlio was born in December, 1822, 
 and died in Ava in 1889; Jane, wife of James 
 Petitt, of California; Mary, who became the wife 
 of John Ilanna, and after his death wedded A. 
 Goodman, of Ava; Nancj', deceased wife of An- 
 drew Hanna; Lj'dia, wife of David Bean, of Kan- 
 sas; Martha and Loranc^-, both of whom died in 
 childhood. 
 
 Mr. Bilderback of this sketch has always made 
 his home in the state of his nativity. In the year 
 in which he arrived at man's estate he was mar- 
 ried, September 8, 1847, in Randolph County, to 
 
 Martha Gray, daughter of John Gray, a native of 
 Belfast, Ireland, who when three j-ears old was 
 taken b}' his parents to South Carolina. He wedded 
 Mary Black, and they had a family of eleven chil- 
 dren : Margaret, wife of Samuel Skelly; Isabel, wife 
 of Miller Murphy; Elizabeth; Sarali, wife of Robert 
 Linn; Mary, wife of Joseph Latimore; Alexander; 
 Jane, wife of William Jeffry; William Thomas; 
 and Adeline, wife of A. J. Cross. The parents of 
 this family both died in July, 1848. 
 
 Mrs. Bilderback was born March 9, 1826. The 
 young couple began tlieir domestic life in Ran- 
 dolph County, but after six years came to Jack- 
 son County, locating in Kinkaid Township, where 
 our subject and his brother Henry operated a saw- 
 mill. In those days tlie sawmills of the neigh- 
 borhood furnished the lumber for all buildings. 
 They also carried on a stave factory for a time. In 
 the fall of 1867, the\' removed to the farm upon 
 which Mr. Bilderback now resides, purchasing and 
 improving seventy acres of land, and also there 
 carrying on a sawmill for about five years. On 
 the expiration of that period our subject purchased 
 his brother's interest in the land and has since 
 bought one hundred and sixty acres adjoining. 
 His industrious labors have transformed this tract 
 into one of the finest and most valuable tracts of 
 the community. 
 
 To Mr. and ]NLs. Bilderback was born a large 
 famil}' of children. Willis IL, born November 20, 
 1848, wedded Marj- Asbury, by whom he had one 
 child, Nettie. After the death of his first wife he 
 married Matilda Austin, and they have seven chil- 
 dren, Ei)hraim, Hiram, Dell, Ernest, Murray, Martha 
 and Minnie. James C, born January 1.5, 1851, 
 died at the age of eighteen months. Maria, born 
 January 25, 1853, became the wife of Samuel Wil- 
 son, and died February 5, 1876, leaving two chil- 
 dren, Otis and Harvey. Mary J., born August 7, 
 1855, married W. L. Asbuiy, and died April 15, 
 1893. Three of their eight children are yet liv- 
 ing, Lettie, Freddie and Aggie. H. Edwin, born 
 Slay 10, 1857, died at the age of sixteen months. 
 Gabriel J., born August 13, 1859, married Ann 
 Bower, and they have four children, Hubert, Har- 
 vey, Mamie and Bessie. Nancy A., born Septem- 
 ber 1, 1861, married George AVhitsen, by whom she
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 613 
 
 had three children, May, Bell and Willie, deceased. 
 She died in May, 1883. John AV., born March 27, 
 1864, m.arried Addie McCormick and they have two 
 children, Claude and George. AVilliam A., born 
 June 19, 1868, married Cora McCormick and had 
 a daughter, Grace. His death occurred October 7, 
 1891. 
 
 For many j'ears Mr. and Mrs. Bilderhack have 
 been members of the Presbyterian Church. In 
 politics he is a Republican, having supported the 
 party since its organization. He served as Collec- 
 tor for one terra. During the late war he mani- 
 fested his Io3"alty to the Government b^- enlisting, 
 August 20, 1862, in Company A, Eightieth Illi- 
 nois Infantry, under Capt. Luther Mann and Col. 
 Thomas Allen. On account of disability he was 
 discharged in Louisville, Ky., in Blarch, 1863. He 
 has ever lieen a lo3'al citizen, prompt and faithful 
 in tlie discharge of his duties, and in this volume 
 he well deserves representation. 
 
 r^y^W O M A S PE N W A R D E N, ex-Sheriff of 
 Perry County, and a prominent real-estate 
 dealer of Du Quoin, is one of the wide- 
 awake and enterprising citizens to whom the pros- 
 perity' of this place is due. A native of Elgin 
 County', Canada, he was born January 28, 1843, 
 and is a son of John Pen warden, a native of Dev- 
 onshire, England. The grandfather, David Pen- 
 warden, and his son John were botli sea-faring 
 men. In 1842 the famil3' came to America, lo- 
 cating in Elgin Count}-, Canada, where the father 
 was frozen to death when Thomas was only nine 
 years old. He had married Sarah Bromell, also a 
 native of Devonshire. After the death of her 
 first liusband she was again married, and is now 
 living in Minnesota. In the Penwarden family 
 were three sons and a daugliter, of whom Thomas 
 is the eldest. John, a soldier of the late Civil 
 War, who was wounded in battle, is now a farmer 
 of Wisconsin; Margaret is the wife of Henry Shep- 
 herd; and David, who was one of the boys in blue, 
 IS now living in Port Huron, Mich. 
 
 A year after his father's death, Thomas Pen- 
 warden started out to make his own way in the 
 
 world. After that he received no school privi- 
 leges, and for some j'ears had a hard struggle to 
 get along. Going to Kansas, he experienced all 
 the trials of frontier life. We there find him when 
 the Civil AVar broke out. AVhen the first call for 
 thirty thousand troops was made he promptly 
 responded, and in July, 1861, became a member 
 of the Third Kansas Infantry. Soon afterward he 
 was transferred to the Fifth Regiment, and for 
 some time served on the western frontier, taking 
 part in the battles of Wilson's Creek, Mo., and 
 Pea Ridge, Ark. He afterward went on the Red 
 River expedition. During his service he received 
 three wounds, one in the left hand at AVilson's 
 Creek, another in the right knee at Helena, Ark., 
 and the third at Mark's Mills, where he w.as shot 
 through the head. His comrades, thinking life 
 extinct, left him on the battlefield, where he lay 
 unattended from Monday at ten o'clock until 
 AVednesday noon. During this time the field was 
 in possession of the rebels. He was wounded in 
 April, and although it was thought he could not 
 recover, the following August he was again in the 
 ranks, and was with Sherman on the memorable 
 march to the sea, taking part in all the important 
 engagements of the Atlanta campaign. He received 
 an honorable discharge in Leavenworth, Kan., 
 Julj' 7, 1865, after four j-ears of faithful service, 
 during which time he was alwajs found at his 
 post, valiantly defending the Old Flag and the 
 cause it represented. 
 
 After his return from the arm}-, Mr. Penwarden 
 located in Du Quoin, and in 1866 married Miss 
 Jennie Huston. They have two sons, Robert and 
 John, both of whom are upon the farm. For some 
 years after his marriage, Mr. Penwarden engaged 
 in mining and farming. In 1880 he was elected 
 Sheriff of Perry County, and served for two years. 
 In 1886 he was again elected, and filled the office 
 for four years. During his first term the only 
 man on whom capital punishment was inflicted 
 in the county was hung. 
 
 On his retirement from ollice, Mr. Penwarden 
 returned to his farm near Du Quoin, and soon 
 afterward embarked in the real-estate business, in 
 which he is now extensively engaged. He is also 
 filling the office of Public Administrator. He is a
 
 614 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 leading member of the Grand Army post, is a 
 Royal Arch Mason, and in politics has been a life- 
 long Republican. No man in Perry County is 
 more widely and favorably known than Air. Pen- 
 warden, whose friends are legion. 
 
 *^^ 
 
 ■ji^^RANK W. CASE, the popular agent of the 
 j^=i^^ Illinois Central Railroad Company, and the 
 /ll St. Louis, Alton it Terre Haute Railroad 
 
 Company, has charge of the office at Du Quoin. 
 A native of Momence, 111., he was born February 
 10, 1«53. His father, William Case, was a native 
 of the Empire State, and came to the west before 
 tiie city of Chicago was founded, making the trip 
 on foot from Cleveland. The grandfather, Will- 
 iam Case, Sr., visited Cliicago when Ft. Dearborn 
 was the only building at the place. He entered 
 land in Will County, 111 , and it was to look after 
 this property that his son AVilliam came to the 
 west. 
 
 The latter followed carpentering as well as farm- 
 ing. During the late war he served as a soldier 
 of the One Hundred and Forty -seventh Illinois 
 Infantry with the rank of Lieutenant, and was af- 
 terwards Army Postmaster in Savannah, Ga. He 
 is now living retired in Cook County. He mar- 
 ried Ellen B. Roberts, of Niagara Falls, N. Y., who 
 with her parents came to the west in an early day, 
 the family settling in Momence, 111., where her 
 brother became a prominent merchant. Her father 
 was Sheriff of Will County in the early '50s. Will- 
 iam Case, in company with H. M. Singer, opened 
 up the first stone quarrj' in Lemont, 111., and Mr. 
 Singer, who was an uncle of our subject, was Su- 
 perintendent of the Illinois Canal, Mr. Case serv- 
 ing as foreman under him. In the Case famil}' 
 were three sons and a daughter, of whom Frank 
 W. is the eldest. H. S., of Chicago, is in the em- 
 l)loy of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad 
 Company. Charles II. is with the Missouri Pacific 
 Railroad Company, and for seven years has been 
 stationed in St. Louis. Florence is the wife of 
 A. H. Sommuns, a wholesale furniture dealer of 
 Kansas City. 
 
 Mr. Case of this sketch has throughout life been 
 
 connected with railroad work. At the age of 
 
 eight he became a messenger boy on the Chicago 
 & Alton Railroad, and little bj- little he has mas- 
 tered ever>' branch of the business. (Jn the close 
 of the late war he went on the train as brakeman, 
 and before he was eighteen years of age had charge 
 of a train on the Chicago it Alton, with which he 
 continued seven years, after which he spent two 
 years with the Indiana, Bloom iiigton & Western 
 Railroad. Later he was with different roads in 
 Missouri and the southwest, including the Iron 
 Mountain Road. He spent some time in Texas in 
 other business, with headquarters at Houston, and 
 subsequently took charge of the yards of the Chi- 
 cago tt Alton Road at the Chicago Stock Yards. 
 He was next in charge of the yards of the Grand 
 Trunk, with several assistants under him, and thus 
 served for a year and a-half, after which he was 
 with the Atchison, Union Pacific and Northern 
 Pacific Roads W^ith the last-named he had charge 
 of the yards in Duluth, Minn. 
 
 Later Mr. Case returned to the employ of the 
 Chicago & Alton, and subsequently was connected 
 with the Travelers' Insurance Company for three 
 years. He then had charge of the Chicago, Bur- 
 lington ife Quiucy Yards in Chicago until the time 
 of the big strike, after which he was for a short 
 time with the Atchison Road at Streator, III., and 
 then served as station agent in Huntington, Oregon. 
 He was also made Deputj- Sheriff, as at that time 
 there was much burglary on the r{>ads of the far 
 west. His fight against this class of citizens made 
 it dangerous for him to retain his position, and he 
 was warned to leave the place, but instead of doing 
 so, he waged war more desperately than ever, and 
 captured and sent to the penitentiary fifty-two 
 of the robbers, including a Justice of the Peace 
 and Constable, which shows that he not onlj^ had 
 the thieves to contend against, but also officers of 
 the law, who were linked with them in their vil- 
 lainy. 
 
 Mr. Case was later sent to Portland, where he 
 filled the same position. Afterward he served in 
 the same capacit}' in other places, and in the spring 
 of 1893 came to Du Quoin to take charge of the 
 yards. Soon afterward he was made agent for 
 both the Illinois Central and St. Louis, Alton &
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 615 
 
 Terre Haute Railroads. The pos-ition he now fills 
 is a responsible one. He is a most thoroughgoing 
 railroad man, having masteied ever}' branch of the 
 business, aikfl is capable of filling any place on the 
 road. 
 
 In the year 1879 Mr. Case was united in marriage 
 with Miss Maggie E.. daughter of Dr. J. C. Thorp, 
 an army surgeon. Mrs. Case was with her father 
 all through the war, and was with him on many of 
 the bloody battlefields. She is a graduate of the 
 sisters' school of Warsaw, and is a lady of culture 
 and refinement. They have had two children, 
 Fred, who died at the age of twenty-two months, 
 and Gertrude, a bright maiden of eleven summers. 
 Mr. Case is a Knight Templar Mason, holding 
 membershij) with a blue lodge and chapter in Chi- 
 cago. While in Slater, Mo., he served as Master 
 of the lodge, and for four years was District 
 Deputy. In politics he is a supporter of the Re- 
 publican party. 
 
 DN. POPE, President of the First National 
 ) Bank of DuQuoin, is a native of Franklin 
 ^ County, III. He was boru on a farm near 
 ' J, Benton September 26, 18.38, and is a son of 
 Dr. Benjamin Ward Pope, a prominent ph^'sician, 
 who also followed farming. He was born in North 
 Carolina in 1806, and was a sou of Hardy Pope, 
 who was of Scotch and English descent and was at 
 one time an extensive land and slave owner. He 
 died in Tennessee. 
 
 Dr. Pope came to Illinois in 1828, settling near 
 Benton, where he practiced medicine, operated a 
 farm and built the first gristmill in southern Illi- 
 nois. He served in the Black Hawk War and was 
 a man of far more than average intelligence and 
 ability. He came to the stale in limited circum- 
 stances, but by well directed efforts and upright 
 dealings he accumulated a handsome property. 
 He was a most ardent Democrat, and long served 
 as Justice of the Peace. He died in 1873. He had 
 been twice married. He first wedded Sarah Read, 
 a native of Tennessee, and a daughter of a wealthy 
 slaveholder. She was a lady of much culture, 
 having been reared in ease and luxury. They 
 
 became the parents of two children : P. N. and Ben- 
 jamin F., who is engaged in merchandising in 
 Du (.^uoin. Another brother, William J., was a 
 prominent and wealthy farmer of Williamson 
 County, and there died after the death of the 
 father. By his second marriage Dr. Pope had 
 two daughters and one son, the latter being Dr. 
 Ta^'lor S. Pope, who was a prominent physician, 
 but is now engaged in merchandising in Benton, 
 111. One of the sisters is the wife of Dr. Benja- 
 min F. Pope, of Du Quoin. 
 
 Our subject was reared in the usual manner of 
 farmer lads, and was educated in the public 
 schools of Benton. Before he had attained the 
 age of twenty-one he engaged in the milling 
 business with his father and brothers, and also en- 
 gaged in merchandising. In 1859, in company 
 with his brother, Benjamin F., he came to Du 
 Quoin, where he engaged in grain dealing and in 
 merchandising. In 1867 he sold his interest in 
 the store, but continued in the grain business, 
 while his brother carried on merchandising. In 
 1877, in company with Henry Horn, he established 
 the Du Quoin Bank, with which he was connected 
 until 1887, when he sold his interest in the same. 
 During all this time he continued to deal in grain, 
 and to that business devoted his energies until 
 1892, when he sold out, and, in compan}' with 
 other capitalists, established the First National 
 Bank, of which he was elected President. This 
 is one of the strongest financial institutions in 
 the state, and was one of the very few that con- 
 tinued to loan money during the financial de- 
 pression of 1893. The success of this bank is un- 
 doubtedly due in a large measure to Mr. Pope. 
 
 In 1866 Mr. Pope was united in marriage with 
 Eliza C. Pierce, who was born in southern Illinois 
 and was a daughter of Capt. James Pierce, a 
 Mexican soldier, who lost his life in that war. 
 Mrs. Pope was a college graduate and .-i lady of 
 superior qualities. She died in 1880, leaving four 
 children: E. H., a railroad engineer on the St. 
 Louis, Atchison Si Terre Haute Railroad, living in 
 Pinckneyville, 111.; W. E., at home; C. E., a law 
 student in the State University; and Kate, who 
 graduated from Forest Park University and is now 
 her father's confidential clerk in the bank. In
 
 616 
 
 'PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 1881 Mr. Pope wedded Ellen J. McClure, daugh- 
 ter of George Y. McClure, who was a Lieutenant 
 in the late Civil War, and lost his life in the serv- 
 ice. Mrs. Pope is a highly educated lady, and for 
 eight years before her marriage successfully en- 
 ga^ged in teaching. By this union have been born 
 thi'ee children, Lillian, Edith and Helen. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Pope are connected with the Christian 
 Church, to the support of which they contribute 
 
 liberally. 
 
 In connection with his other business interests 
 Mr. Pope is half owner in the St. Nicholas Hotel, 
 the largest and finest hotel in the city, and has 
 much other valuable property, being numbered 
 among the wealthiest men of the county. His 
 residence property, which includes twenty acres of 
 land, is one of the finest in Du Quoin. Mr. Pope 
 is a man of most excellent business and executive 
 ability, and the success which has come to him is 
 the result of his enterprise, industry and well 
 directed efforts. He is a Royal Arch Mason and 
 has served as Treasurei- of the blue lodge and 
 chapter for many years. He has never aspired to 
 political honors, but, like all of his family, is a 
 Democrat 
 
 'ffj OHN B. ROSSON, M. D., a practicing phy- 
 I sician of Ava, was born November 30, 
 I 1849, in Marshall County, Tenn., and is a 
 {^|/ son of Osborn Rosson, who was born in 
 North Carolina September 23, 1813. The grand- 
 father was .loseph Rosson, and his father was an ofh- 
 cer of the Revolution, who served on the staff of 
 General Washington and was present at the sur- 
 render of Cornwallis, at Yorktown. He was a 
 prominent man and a well known physician, who 
 graduated from .Jefferson Medical College of Phil- 
 adelphia. He was of Scotch and French lineage. 
 The mother of our subject bore the maiden 
 name of Rebecca Patton, and was born in Tennes- 
 see in 1823. Her father, .Tohn Patton, was a na- 
 tive of North Carolina, of Scotch and German 
 descent, and served as a soldier in the war in 
 Florida. The parents of our subject were mar- 
 ried in Tennessee in 1839, and removing to the 
 western part of the state, located near Union City, 
 
 where Mr. Rosson developed a farm. Upon that 
 place he made his home until 1866, when he came 
 with his family to Jackson County, 111., locating 
 in Yergennes Township. He is now a- resident of 
 Pomona. During his residence in the south he 
 was a Douglas Democrat and never feared to ex- 
 press his views. During the war he was a strong 
 advocate of the Union. Mrs. Rosson died De- 
 cember 27, 1875. She was a cousin of General 
 Forrest, and they were reared as brother and sister. 
 In the Rosson family were five children: The 
 Doctor; Jennie, wife of Dr. O. L. Mahoney, of 
 Phoenix, Ariz.; William T., who lives with his 
 father; James A., who is married and makes his 
 home in Carbondale; and Theodore W., a drug- 
 gist of Pomona. Dr. Rosson was reared on a 
 farm and acquired his education in Newburn Col- 
 lege, of Tennessee. He then embarked in leaching, 
 which profession he followed for five years. 
 During that time he spent his leisure hours in 
 studying medicine, and later attended lectures at 
 the Ohio Medical College of Cincinnati, from 
 which he was gr.aduated on the 1st of March, 1872. 
 He began practice in Jackson County and has 
 since continued the prosecution of his profession. 
 On the 26th of March, 1876, was celebrated the 
 marriage of Dr. Rosson and Miss Louise Perry. 
 They had four children : Charles Tilden, Dora L., 
 Rebecca Maud and Jennie Forrest. On the 2d 
 of June, 1889, the Doctor wedded Miss Phcebe A., 
 daughter of Rev. Joseph B. and Angeline (May- 
 field) Davis, who were natives of Kentucky , and 
 became pioneer settlers of Jackson County. Tbe 
 father was one of the early Jlethodist ministers of 
 this region. Mrs. Rosson was born in De Soto 
 Township August 31, 1865, and is a highly edu- 
 cated lady, a graduate of Simpson College of In- 
 dianola, Jowa. She is County President of the 
 Woman's Christian Temperance Union and is 
 prominent in benevolent and temperance work. 
 She also belongs to the Presbyterian^ Church. 
 By her marriage she has one son, Ray Wright. 
 
 The Doctor holds membership with the Odd 
 Fellows' society and the Knights of Pythias, also 
 with the Independent Order of Good Templars. 
 In 1889 he removed to Ava, and is now serving 
 as a member of its Board of Health. He has also
 
 
 Ct^^
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 619 
 
 been a member of the School Board. In his 
 political views he is an ardent advocate of the 
 Democracy. He belongs to the Southern Illinois 
 Medical Association, has been its Secretar3- two 
 j'cars, and is its stenographer. For six years he 
 has been connected with the American Medical 
 Association. He has written many able articles 
 for medical journals and has won a prominence in 
 his profession that is certainly enviable, having 
 performed many successful surgical operations, 
 which are to-day living monuments of his sliill. 
 
 v®), i^i^h ^ 
 
 ^|UDGK DAVID B. THOMAS, Justice of the 
 Peace, and general agent for the Hartford 
 Life Insurance Company, also several Are 
 insurance companies, is a well known citizen 
 of Murphysboro, and a man highly esteemed for 
 his sterling qualities. He possesses those character- 
 istics which win him friends, and by his pleasant 
 and cordial manner and upriufhtlife has gained the 
 confidence and good will of all wlio i<now liim. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was born in tiie parish 
 of St. Clair, Wales, September 1, 1828, and is a 
 SOD of Benjamin and Jane (Lewis) Thomas. His 
 father was a Welsh farmer, and died in that conn- 
 try at the age of sixty-five. The niothei' also 
 spent her entire life in her native land. Our sub- 
 ject is the 3'oungest and only surviving child in a 
 family of eleven. He was reared upon the home 
 farm until twent^'-live and attended the subscrip- 
 tion schools. He then became a railroad porter, 
 and from that position worked liis way upward 
 until he became one of the leading conductors. He 
 was offered the position of Division Superintend- 
 ent, but for some time he had hoped to come to 
 America, and resolved that he would now seek a 
 home in the New World. 
 
 In Wales, Mr. Tiiomas wedded Frances Jones. 
 They were married in 1850, and her death occur- 
 red in 1862. She left three children: Joseph B., who 
 is now clerking for his brother; Thomas B., a mer- 
 22 
 
 chant of this place; and Jane, wife of James Mark, 
 of Murphysboro. In 1864 Mr. Thomas came with 
 his children to America, sailing on the vessel "Old 
 Webster" from Liverpool to New York, where he 
 arrived after a voyage of six weeks. Going to 
 Scran ton, Pa., he secured a railroad position, and 
 in 1867 came to Jlurphysboro with the Superin- 
 tendent of the Mt. Carbon Coal Works. For two 
 years he had charge of the lumber department, and 
 tiien engaged in coal mining for ten years, after 
 which he became general agent of the transporta- 
 tion department of the Carbondale Coal and Coke 
 Company. Later he was made Superintendent 
 of the coke ovens, having charge of their one 
 hundred and eight ovens at Harrison for two 
 years. 
 
 In 1884 Mr. Thomas organized the Bryden Coal 
 and Coke Company, of Ora Township, and pur- 
 chased the drift mine, of which he was Superintend- 
 ent two years, when he sold out. He next turned 
 his attention to the insurance business, becoming 
 general agent for the Hartford Compan\' between 
 ihe Wabasli and Mississippi Rivers, and for eight 
 years he traveled over southern Illinois. Having 
 through good management and business ability ac- 
 quired a handsome competence, he is now living a 
 retired life, save that he is serving as Justice of 
 the Peace. For three years he served as Supervisor 
 of his township, was elected Collector for two 
 terms, and in the spring of 1893 was made Justice 
 of the Peace, receiving a large majority. He has 
 ever been a stalwart advocate of the piincii)les of 
 the Democratic party. 
 
 Since coming lo this country, Mr. Tiiomas has 
 again been married. He wedded Miss Tennessee 
 Couns, who was born in Tennessee and died seven 
 months after her marriage. In 1873 Miss Eliza 
 Wilson, a native of Jackson County, became his 
 wife. Thej' reside on Cherry Street, and are well 
 known people of this community. Mr. Thomas is 
 ever found on the side of right and is an active 
 worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church South, 
 as is also his wife. For some years he was Super- 
 intendent in the Sunday-school, and lie is also a 
 stalwart advocate of temperance. He belongs to 
 the Odd Fellojvs' society of Mt. Carbon, and to 
 the encampment, and has represented his lodge in
 
 620 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RFX'ORD. 
 
 the Grand Lodge. For two years he served as 
 School Director in Mt. Carbon, and the cause of 
 education finds in him a faithful friend. 
 
 ^/OHN II. DKLANO, President of the Board 
 of Trade of Murpliyshoro, and dealer in 
 general merchandise, is numbered among 
 tlie native sons of Illinois, his birth having 
 occurred in Bunker Hill, JIacoupin County, Janu- 
 ary 28, 1843. His father, William A. Delano, was 
 born in M.HSsachusetts, and the grandfather, Gideon 
 Delano, was a native of New Bedford, Mass. The 
 latter was a farmer, and in 1848 emigrated to the 
 west, where hi.s last days were spent. The family 
 is descended from the old French Huguenots, and 
 the first American ancestors crossed tlie Atlantic 
 in the ship "Fortune" in 1623, the second ship 
 that sailed from England. The name was originally 
 spelled De La Noye. 
 
 The father of our subject was reared on a farm 
 in Massachusetts, afterward engaged in merchan- 
 dising in Ellington, Conn., and later was con- 
 nected with the silk industry of New Jersey. In 
 1838, he became one of the pioneer settlers of Ma- 
 coupin County, 111., and about 1848 went to St. 
 Louis, where he carried on merchandising until 
 1859. He then engaged in the lumber and milling 
 business in Ironton, Mo., and was also a merchant of 
 tliat place, where he made bis home until his death, 
 in 1876. In politics he was a Republican, and 
 served as a delegate to the national convention in 
 Baltimore. The Presbyterian Church found in him 
 a faithful member, and he served as one of its El- 
 ders. His wife, who bore the maiden name of 
 Sophia Hall, was born in Ellington, Conn., and 
 was of English lineage. Her father. Prof. John 
 Hall, established the high school of Ellington, and 
 continued its Principal until his death. Mrs. De- 
 lano j-et makes her home in .St. Louis. 
 
 John IL. the subject of this sketch, is the second 
 in a famil}' of eight children, five of whom are yet 
 living. He was educated in the public and high 
 schools of St. Louis, but left that city the year be- 
 fore his graduation and aided his father in the 
 Store. On attaining his majority, he enlisted, in 
 
 the fall of 1864, as a member of Company F, 
 
 Fortj'-seventh Missouri Infantry, and was niustered 
 in at Pilot Knob. Soon afterward ho was detailed 
 as Sergeant-Ma jor of the regiment. Pursued bj' 
 Price after the battle of Pilot Knob, he went to 
 RoUo, Mo., and then proceeded to Tennes.<ee to 
 relieve Thomas. Later he went south, where he 
 did garrison duty until the close of the war. In 
 May, 1865, he was mustered out in St. Louis as 
 Second Lieutenant of Company E, Forty -seventh 
 Missouri Infantry. 
 
 Immediately after his return, Mr. Delano re- 
 sumed work in his father's store. He afterward 
 carried on business in Pocahontas, Ark., for ayear^ 
 and then again went to Ironton, Mo., where his 
 father had built a water mill. He became agent 
 for the Southern and Adams Express Companies, 
 which position he held for four years, and was As- 
 sistant Postmaster for two j'ears. After his father's 
 death he closed up the business, and in 1882 be- 
 came a traveling salesman, representing the firm 
 of Krafft, Holmes & Co., of St. Louis, wholesale 
 grocers. In vSepteraber of that 3-ear he was offered 
 the management of the mercantile store at Pilot 
 Knob, owned bj' the Ore & Steele Company, of St. 
 Louis. His time was thus occupied until tlie year 
 1884, when he was sent to this place as manager 
 of their store. The Illinois Truck La-v prevented 
 the firm from selling goods in this state, so in 
 connection with W. S. Craine, our subject bought 
 out the store of his employers. He now deals in 
 general merchandise and all kinds of miners' sup- 
 plies. He occupies a storeroom 25x70 feet, with 
 a basement, and employment is furnished to four 
 salesmen. 
 
 In Ironton. Mo., in 1868, Mr. Delano wedded 
 Miss Mattie Harvey, a native of Keeseville, N. Y. 
 The}' now have seven children: John, a fireman on 
 the Mobile it Ohio Railroad; Arthur, who was 
 graduated from the Manual Training School of St. 
 Louis in the Class of '93; William, Carrie, Jennie, 
 Harvey and Chester. 
 
 While living in lion ton. 5Ir. Delano served as 
 School Director for four 3ears, and proved an efli- 
 cieiit officer, for the cause of education has ever 
 found in him a warm friend. Socially, he is a 
 Mason, belonging to the blue lodge and chapter of
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, 
 
 621 
 
 Carbondale. He is also the honored Commander 
 of Worthen Post No. 128, G. A. R. In politics, he 
 is a stalwart Republican, and in religious belief is 
 a Presbyterian. He takes a very prominent part 
 in cliurclj and benevolent work, and ,is now serving 
 as Elder and Trustee of the church, and as Super- 
 intendent of the Sunday-school. In tiie spring of 
 1891, he aided in the organization of the Board of 
 Trade, of which he was made Vice-President, and 
 at the death of C. C. Smith, he succeeded to the 
 Presidency. He is recognized as one of the leading 
 business men of Blurphj'sboro, and his prominence 
 in business, church and social circles makes him 
 well worthy of representation in the history of his 
 adopted countiy. 
 
 » ^'^^^^^^^^^^{•^^•^ ^^^= ^ ~ ' ^ 
 
 <^f^ DWARD AIMES DAVIS, M. D., a prominent 
 'fe) practicing ph3'sician of Ava.and one of tlie 
 /V — '^ leading citizens of that place, is so widely 
 and favorably known that he needs no special 
 introduction to our readers, yet this volume would 
 be incomplete without the record of liis life. He 
 was born in Red River County, Tex., June 17, 
 1849, and is of Welsh descent. His grandfather, 
 Amos Davis, was a pioneer farmer of Indiana, 
 having made settlement there when the entire 
 country was a wilderness infested by Indians and 
 wild animals. 
 
 The father of our subject, Rev. Absalom Looney 
 Davis, was born in East Tennessee in 1812, and at 
 the age of two years was taken by iiis parents to 
 southern Indiana, near the present site of New 
 Alban3'. Two of his uncles were particii)ants in 
 the battle of Tippecanoe, and one of them, Will- 
 iam Davis, was killed in that engagement. Dur- 
 ing the Mexican War, and prior to the annexation 
 of Texas, Rev. Mr. Davis removed io the Lone 
 Star State, and visited Dallas when that now flour- 
 ishing cit3- contained but a few log shanties. He 
 was licensed as a local preacher in the Southern 
 Methodist Episcopal Church, but while he followed 
 that profession, his occupation in life was that of 
 fanning. 
 
 Removing to Illinois in 1859, Rev. A. L. Davis 
 engaged in the mercantile business for a few years, 
 and afterward devoted his attention exclusively 
 to the ministry. He was the principal factor in the 
 
 organization of the Southern Methodist Church 
 in Illinois. In youth his advantages were meagre, 
 and he attended school only a few days, yet by 
 diligent study, by the reading of good books, and 
 by the exercise of determination, he obtained con- 
 siderable knowledge of the English language, which 
 he spoke fluently and wrote correctly. He was an 
 eloquent speaker, a perfect judge of the Methodist 
 doctrine and law, and a leading member of his 
 chosen denomination. His wife, whose maiden 
 name was Elizabeth C. Lidaka, was born in East 
 Tennessee in 181 G, and was descended from an old 
 Pennsjivania Dutch famil}'. When about three 
 years old she was taken to Indiana b}' her parents. 
 A lady of devoted Christian character, she was 
 loved by all who knew her, and her death in 18G4 
 was widely mourned. 
 
 Of a family of ten children, four are yet living: 
 Green Berry, Postmaster and druggist of De Soto, 
 III.; Amos J., a farmer of Texas; Edward A., of 
 this sketch; and John L., a carpenter of De Soto. 
 Rev. Mr. Davis was a second time married. His 
 death occurred in April, 1882, and his remains 
 were laid to rest in De Soto, where he had made 
 his home since 1859. He was a man of great en- 
 erg}', yet was modest, kind-hearted and charitable 
 to a fault. He hived his family and humanity, 
 and endeavored to make the world better for his 
 having lived in it. 
 
 At the time of coming to Illinois, the subject of 
 this sketch was a lad of ten years. The trip was 
 made overland with sixty horses and one hundred 
 and fifty cattle, and he rode horseback the entire 
 distance of one thousand miles. Upon his pon}' 
 he swam the Canadian River, a very wide and 
 swift stream of water. After settling in Illinois 
 he suffered for some time from chills, and during 
 the first eighteen months in this state was accus- 
 tomed to attend school two daj'S and "shake" at 
 home the third day. However, he had a splendid 
 constitution, and although he was sick a great por- 
 tion of the time in boj'hood and for three years 
 suffered from rheumatism, he is now quite robust. 
 
 The Doctor was educated in Illinois and one of 
 his teachers was Cyrus Thomas, now entomologist 
 in the Smithsonian Institute of Washington, D. C. 
 He taught school one term, then engaged in clerk-
 
 622 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 ing, also worked at the carpenter's trade and in a 
 drug store. In 1869 be began tlie study of medi- 
 cine under Dr. Robinson, of De Soto, and after at- 
 tending a course of lectures in the Missouri Med- 
 ical College of St. Louis, he located at Ava and 
 began the practice of his profession. He passed the 
 examination before the State Board in 1880, car- 
 rying off the highest scholarship in the class of 
 fifteen. He was graduated from the Missouri 
 Medical College in 1887, and has since continu- 
 ouslj- engaged in practice at Ava. 
 
 As a physician, surgeon and gynecologist. Dr. 
 Davis has .icquired a more than local reputation, 
 and in manj' surgical operations, such as herniot- 
 omy, tracheotomy and laparotomy, he has been 
 uniformly successful. AVhile he does not fear to 
 undertake any kind of an operation, he is yet 
 cautious and sympathetic to an unusual degree. 
 One of the most difficult operations undertaken 
 by him was the removal of a five-pound tumor 
 from the right lumbar region, the patient being a 
 lady sixt3' 3'ears of age. She neither lost rest nor 
 appetite, and the wound healed b}- first intention. 
 The Doctor is a man of large heart and the utmost 
 generosity, and never collects a bill for medical 
 services from dependent widows, girls that depend 
 upon their own labor for support, and cl)aritable 
 subjects. Realizing that the road of life is brief 
 and will be traveled but once, it is his desire to do 
 all the good possible while passing. In his prac- 
 tice he does not use alcoholic liquor, and is an 
 enemy of the liquor trafiic. 
 
 Politically, the Doctor adheres to the principles 
 of the Prohibition party, and in 1890 was their 
 candidate for Congress", and in 1888 was nomin- 
 ated upon that ticket for the office of Coroner. 
 He opposes monopolies, and believes that railroads 
 and telegraph lines should be under the control of 
 the Government; that emigration should be re- 
 stricted; that the (government should issue all mon- 
 ey's direct to the people; that both sexes should have 
 equal rights of suffrage; and that the American 
 public school system should receive the support of 
 ever^' true American citizen. He opposes the 
 bond system and national banks as banks of issue, 
 and also opposes alien ownership of land. 
 
 Dr. Davis has been alike prominent in church 
 
 work, has been Superintendent of the Sunday- 
 school, is an earnest worker in the cause of tem- 
 perance, and has served as Worthy Chief and is 
 now financial secretary in the Good Templars' 
 lodge. He also belongs to the Masonic fraternil}' 
 and is now Junior AVarden. In politics he is a 
 stalwart advocate of the Prohibition party, and 
 does all in his power for it« advancement. He is 
 a friend to the public schools and to the best in- 
 terests of his town. In 1893, he was elected Pres- 
 ident of the Village Board of Ava, and we can 
 thus sum up the opinions of his fellow-citizens b\' 
 quoting what one paper said of him: "Dr. Davis, 
 the newly elected President of the Board, is a man 
 of whom nothing but the best can be said. He is a 
 man to be admired, loved, honored and respected, 
 and one who can only be appreciated most by those 
 who are familiarlj- acquainted with him. Honest, 
 and true to the dictates of his conscience, he stands 
 boldl3' before the people of Ava as a genuine 
 specimen of true manhood." 
 
 Ma}- 7, 1871, the Doctor married Miss Lucy C. 
 Walker, who was born in Somerset County. Pa., 
 July 18, 1846, and was a daughter of Gabriel and 
 p;iizabeth Walker, noble Christian pioneers of 
 German blood. Luc^' C. was educated in English 
 and German in PeniiS3'lvania, and when a girl at 
 home was noted for many kind acts, one of which 
 was to carry food to a family affiicted with small- 
 pox, she and one of her associates being the only 
 persons in the community that dared venture near 
 the house. Coming to Illinois in 1869, she made 
 her home with her brother, Samuel Walker, until 
 her marriage. She was a girl of noble character, 
 lovely and pleasant in her dail}' life, gentle and 
 tender in heart, and of an energetic dis[3osition. 
 Her face was beautiful, butnot less so than her char- 
 acter. She was never idle, and won the Doctor's 
 heart one da^- as he was passing while she was at the 
 wash tub. Her home, though plain and humble, she 
 made a paradise of love, peace, happiness and har- 
 mony. In Pennsylvania she was a member of the 
 Lutheran Church, but after coming to Illinois was 
 identified with the Presb\ terian Church. Her onl^' 
 child. May L., was born February 18, 1872, and is 
 an amiable and accomplished ^oung lad}- and a 
 talented musician; she la the wife of Charles Brett,
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 623 
 
 a young man of noble principle and character. 
 
 Mrs. Davis was called to her final rest April 13, 
 1893. In an obituary notice was written the fol- 
 lowing: "Notwithstanding the fact that robust 
 healtli was never hers, few women have done 
 more in the cause of good in ever}' walk of life 
 than she did. A persistent worker in the church, 
 a true friend, an untiring helper of her husband 
 and a most tender mother, she united in herself 
 those virtues which made her so lovely and lova- 
 ble." 
 
 The following resolutions were passed by tlie 
 Ava Presb3-terian Sabbath-school: 
 
 '•'Calm on the bosom of thy God, 
 
 Dear sister, rest thee now. 
 E'en while with us thy footsteps trod, 
 His seal was on thy brow.' 
 
 "Resolved. That in the death of his beloved 
 wife and companion, our worthy brother and his 
 daughter have sustained one of the grestest sor- 
 rows that fall to tlie lot of man. 
 
 -Eesoloed, That we tender to our esteemed 
 brother and his daughter our heat-felt love and 
 sj-mpath}' in this their darkest hour, and hope 
 they may be sustained and soothed b}' an unfalt- 
 'tering trust in Him who doeth all things well. 
 
 "Resolved, That in the death of our esteemed 
 sister, Lucy C. Davis, this school has lost a worth}' 
 teaclier and consistent worker, a kind and loving 
 friend, whose presence was a bright ray of sun- 
 shine, dispelling the gloom from our hearts; her 
 husband, a devoted companion; her daughter, a 
 loving, kind and gentle mother." 
 
 Her Sunday-school class passed the following: 
 
 "Whereas, The all-wise God has called our 
 beloved teacher, Mrs. Lucy C. Davis, from earth 
 to Heaven, we as a class have lost a verj- earnest 
 and devoted teacher, but our loss is Heaven's gain. 
 Her place in the class will never be forgotten. The 
 tender love .and kindness she had for us will never 
 die. We extend our great love and sympathy to 
 her husl)and. Dr. E. A. Davis, and daughter, Mrs. 
 Charles Brelt." 
 
 The Woman's Cliristian Temperance Union also 
 passed resolutions speaking of her untiring service 
 
 in the cause of temperance, and closing it with 
 these words: 
 
 "Resolved, That we tender our deepest sympa- 
 thy to the husband and daughter and commend to 
 them her glorious awakening from the bed of pain 
 and suffering to regions of perennial sunshine 
 and glory in full communion with her Savior. We 
 commend to them as a rich legacy the blessing of 
 her memory, which will rest upon all who knew her. 
 We commend to them the tender welcome which 
 must have been hers as she entered the sunset 
 gate and the Master's smiling approval as He said: 
 
 " 'Thine is the crown of the toilers 
 Wlio gathered for Me in thy name. 
 And the bells of Heaven were ringing 
 While the angel choii-s were singing, 
 She has come.' " 
 
 •ji^REDERICK A. C. KUEllLE, one of the 
 ilr?^'^ self-made men of Murphysboro, who is now 
 ili serving as its efficient Postm.aster, is one of 
 
 the native sons of Illinois, his birth having oc- 
 curred in Cairo, September 17, 1863. His father, 
 Fred A. Kuelile, was born and reared in German}', 
 and there learned the shoemaker's trade. At the 
 age of seventeen he crossed the Atlantic to New 
 Orleans, and after a short time went to Cape 
 Girardeau, Mo., and thence to Cairo, 111., where he 
 engaged in merchandising. In 1870 he came to 
 Murphysboro, and as a member of tiie firm of 
 Kuehle & Son still carries on mercantile pursuits. 
 He wedded Mary Gilhofer, who was born in Ger- 
 many, and with her parents came to this country. 
 They went first to Chicago and thence to Cairo, 
 111. Her father served in the late war. 
 
 Mr. Kuehle. whose n.ame heads this record, is the 
 eldest of a family of ten children, eight of whom 
 are yet living. He comiileted his education in the 
 high school of this place and became a competent 
 and practical bookkeeper. He was first employed 
 by the Bryden Coal and Coke Company, serving 
 as their head bookkeeper for eigiit consecutive 
 years, when the firm made an assignment. He 
 then continued with the assignee for four years, 
 in charge of the shipping department and as book-
 
 624 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 keeper, after which he resigned to accept the posi- 
 tion of Deputy Circuit Clerlv, in Frbruar3', 1889, 
 having been appointed In' R. W. Watson. He re- 
 signed that office October 1, 189.3, for he had been 
 appointed Postmaster on the 23d of September by 
 President Cleveland. Soon afterward he entered 
 upon the duties of the position, which he lias since 
 faitiifuUy and promptly performed. 
 
 On the 18th of December, 1888, was celebrated 
 tlie marriage of Mr. Kuehle and Miss Edna C. 
 Pigott, a native of Alabama. They have a pleas- 
 ant home on Second Street, which is the abode of 
 hospitality. AVith the Methodist P^piscopal Church 
 thej- hold membership. In politics Mr. Kuehle is 
 a stalwart Democrat, and in 1891 was elected on 
 that ticket as City Treasurer for a term of two 
 years. He has been Secretary of the Count}' 
 Democratic Central Committee for the past four 
 3'ears, also of the Citj' Committee, and is an active 
 worker in his party's interest. He belongs to the 
 Odd Fellows' society, and to Hope Lodge, of the 
 Mystic Circle. He is a warm-hearted, generous 
 man, who manifests a commendable interest in 
 everything pertaining to the welfare of the com- 
 munity, and is ever found in the front ranks of 
 enterprises calculated to prove of public benefit. 
 His success in life is due to his own efforts, and 
 his example is one worthy of emulation. 
 
 JAMES PARK. Throughout Randolph Coun- 
 ty, where the greater portion of his life has 
 been passed, the subject of this sketch has be- 
 come well known as a progressive agricult- 
 urist and genial gentleman. Of Irish birth and 
 parentage, and of Scotch ancestry, he combines the 
 energy of one race with the thrift of the other. 
 Though not a native of the United States, he is a 
 lo^al citizen, public spirited and patriotic, and 
 naturally' occupies a position of prominence among 
 the residents of township 4, range 6, where his 
 home is situated. 
 
 A brief account of our subject's ancestry will 
 not be amiss. The Park familv emigrated from 
 Scotland in the year 1752. Samuel Park, the 
 father of James, was born in the Nortli of Ireland 
 
 in 1786, and in 1823 he was united in marriage 
 with Miss Margaret Michan, who was of Englisii 
 descent. In religious affiliations the Parks were 
 Presbyterians, while the Michan family held mem- 
 bership in the Episcopal Church. For more than 
 twenty years Samuel Park was an Elder in the 
 Presbyterian Church in the town where he was 
 born and reared. 
 
 In the parental family there were nine children, 
 of whom four are living, two sons and two daugh- 
 ters. One of the latter still resides in Ireland. 
 James, of this sketch, was born in Ireland in 1832 
 and passed his boyhood j-ears in his native land. 
 In 1848, in company' with his parents, one brother 
 and four sisters, he crossed the ocean, and arriving 
 in the United States, sojourned for a time in Mem- 
 phis, Tenn. John, the eldest member of the fam- 
 ily, had preceded the othere two years, and settling 
 in Mempliis, became a prosperous merchant of that 
 city. For over ten years he was a successful busi- 
 ness man of that place, and then, on account of ill- 
 health, he retired from business and spent several 
 years in travel, hoping to regain his former strength. 
 He finally' settled in Hooversville, Somerset Coun- 
 ty, Pa. He was married in 1857, and died two years 
 later; his remains lie in the cemetery of that vil- 
 lage. David, the second son, embarked in farm- 
 ing in Perry Count}', 111., in 1856, and the same 
 year married Miss Eliza Kilpatrick. An indus- 
 trious, energetic man, he accumulated a valuable 
 propert}' and now, retired from business, lives 
 with his family near Pinckue3'ville, the county 
 seat of Perry Count}'. 
 
 The family came to Randolph County in July, 
 1848, and bought a farm in township 4, range 6. 
 James, the youngest son, remained with his father 
 on the farm until the death of the latter, which 
 occurred in 1852. His education was limited; 
 nevertheless by self-culture and observation, he be- 
 came a well informed man, with a thorough 
 knowledge of topics of current interest as well as 
 historic importance. After the de nise of his 
 father, he continued to remain upon the farm with 
 his mother and sisters until the death of the for- 
 mer, in 1868, when he removed fiom the old home- 
 stead. However, in 1875 he returned hither with 
 his sister and three children of a deceased sister
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 625 
 
 and since that time has continued to reside upon 
 the old iiome farm. 
 
 Mr. Park is greatl3' interested in political mat- 
 ters and has been a life-long Democrat. He has 
 frequently represented his party as delegate to 
 senatorial and congressional conventions, and 
 served as delegate to the state convention that 
 nominated John M. Palmer Governor of Illinois. 
 He is especially fond of horses and has on his place 
 some fine trotters of the Hambletonian breed. In 
 all of his enterprises he has been very fortunate. 
 
 yfclLLIAM JACKSON, who resides on section 
 30, Du Quoin Precinct, where he carries 
 \5^^ on general farming, was born December 
 24, 1831, and is a son of Richard and Elizabeth 
 (Munton) Jackson. His father was a native of 
 Leicestershire, England, and was there employed 
 as a shepherd. He died in the place of his birth, 
 July 1, 1858, at the age of sixty-two years. His 
 wife was also born in Leicestershire, and was called 
 to her final rest August 12, 1869, at the age of 
 sixty-seven. By their marriage were born eight 
 children, but only two are now living, Thomas, 
 who resides in Van Buren County, Mich., and 
 William, of this sketch. 
 
 Our subject grew to manhood in the county of 
 his nativity, and at an early .age began to earn his 
 livelihood by working in the neighborhood at any 
 employment which he could find that would yield 
 him an honest living. His wages often amounted 
 to but $15 per month. He acquired such education 
 as opportunities afforded, but his privileges were 
 very meagre. When a young man of twenty-two 
 years, he became possessed of a strong desire to 
 seek a home beyond the Atlantic, for he had pict- 
 ured to himself brighter prospects and a more suc- 
 cessful career in America. 
 
 Crossing the ocean, Mr. Jackson landed in New 
 York City fin Independence Day of 1852. He had 
 only sufficient means to purchase a ticket to Syra- 
 cuse, N. Y., whither he journeyed. Arriving there, 
 he VFas compelled to pawn his trunk in order to 
 buy his breakfast. Heat once started on foot into 
 the country to seek work and succeeded in engag- 
 
 ing himself to a farmer at fifty cents per day. At 
 the end of six weeks, having saved enough money 
 for the purpose, he started to find a brother living 
 in Michigan, and succeeded in locating him in 
 Grass Lake. 
 
 At that place our subject remained for eighteen 
 months, working in the emploj' of the railroad, 
 when he determined to go south, and made his way 
 to Red River Landing, La. While in thesoutli he 
 frequently witnessed the sale of slaves on the 
 block. The crueltj' of the transaction was more 
 than his humane nature could tolerate, and he left 
 for a free state. He was stricken with typhoid 
 fever at Cairo, 111., and unattended lay on the berth 
 of a dirty Mississippi steamboat, with often no one 
 to give him a drink of water, but his strong con- 
 stitution at length overcame the disease, and after 
 some time he was restored to health. 
 
 For two months Mr. Jackson engaged in driving 
 mules, and then started for Nine Mile Prairie, now 
 known as Du Quoin Precinct, walking the entire 
 distance. This was in 1854. He secured work on 
 the construction of the railroad which was just be- 
 ing built in Perry County, and was thus employed 
 for nine months, during which time he saved 
 enough money to purchase eighty acres of land 
 three miles west of Du Quoin. This was his first 
 real start in life, and that little property served as 
 the nucleus around which has gathered his present 
 possessions. 
 
 On the 25th of February, 1855, occurred the 
 marriage of William Jackson and Elizabeth Mor- 
 gan, of Du Quoin Precinct, daughter of Abram 
 Morgan, of Kentucky. Five children blessed this 
 union, of whom three are yet living, Sarah E., 
 wife of Henry H. Kimmell, a farmer of Du Quoin 
 Precinct; William A., who married Anna A. P.yatt, 
 daughter of Izri Pj-att, of Pincknej'ville, 111., and 
 Minnie A., wife of Arthur C. Hoge, of Du Quoin 
 Precinct. 
 
 Two years after Ins marriage Mr. Jackson pur- 
 chased three hundred acres of land, mostly covered 
 with timber, and the only improvement thereon 
 was a log cabin. He kept adding to his possessions 
 as his financial resources increased until he ac- 
 quired fifteen hundred acres. He has dealt liber- 
 ally with his chilflren, giving to each a good farm,
 
 626 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 yet he still owns twelve hundred acres of valuable 
 land, upon which he has erected a magniflcient 
 and commodious residence. His farm is equipped 
 with all tlie latest improvements and agricultural 
 implements, and his barns and outbuildings are 
 models of convenience. He has shown his neigh- 
 bors what thrift and enterprise have done for a 
 boj' who started in life with scarcely a dollar. He 
 has the rei)utation of being one of the best and 
 most successful farmers of Perry County, and in 
 connection with farming he is also largely inter- 
 ested in coal mining. In politics he is a Republica«, 
 and is a stanch supporter of America aud her in- 
 stitutions. AVhile not a member of any church, he 
 is a liberal contributor to religious work. 
 
 I 
 
 JAMES II. HARVEY, of the mercantile firm 
 I of Harvey & Johnson, was born in Craw- 
 ford County, Oiiio, near Buoyrus, on the 
 
 ^^f) 10th of January, 1840. His father, James 
 IIarve3% was a native of Pennsylvania, and went 
 to Ohio in 1836. Farming was his life occupation. 
 The grandfather was of Irish birth, and on emi- 
 grating to this country made his home in Penn- 
 sj'lvania. He became a well-to-do agriculturist. 
 The mother of our subject, whose maiden name 
 was Agnes Dunn, was also born in the Keystone 
 State, and was of Scotch descent. After the death 
 of her first husband she married Mr. Wagoner and 
 came to Illinois. Her death occurred in Du Quoin, 
 in September, 1875. The sister of our subject, 
 Sarah, became the wife of J. M. Johnson, a large 
 lumber dealer of Carbondale, 111., who served 
 throughout the late war in the One Hundredth 
 Illinois Infantry. 
 
 James Harvey was only three jears of age at 
 tlie time of his father's death. The mother was 
 left witii no means save the little farm which was 
 not yet paid for, but she managed to save her 
 home and provide for her children. As soon as 
 old enough, Harve3' gave her his assistance. In 
 1856 they removed to Marion County', Ind., set- 
 tling seven miles north of Indianapolis, where he 
 acquired his education. In 1859 he came to Du 
 Quoin and engaged in farming, but in 1861 re- 
 
 turned to Ohio, aud on the 9th of August, 1862, 
 entered the army as a member of Company E, One 
 Hundred and First Ohio Infantry. He was first 
 sent to the front at Covington, Ky., thence to 
 Louisville, and participated in the battle of Peny- 
 ville. He then went through Cumberland Gap and 
 to Bowling Green, took part in the battle of Stone 
 River, where he was wounded, and in the battles 
 of Chattanooga, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge 
 and Lookout Mountain. He served througliout . 
 the Atlanta campaign, taking part in the battles of 
 Buzzard's Roost, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kene- 
 saw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta and 
 Franklin. Th,e winter of 1864-65 was spent in 
 Nashville, and in June of the latter year he re- 
 ceived his discharge, being mustered out as Ser- 
 geant. He was alwaj's found at his post of duty, 
 faithful to the trust reposed in him aud to the 
 Stars and Stripes. 
 
 Soon after the close of the war, Mr. Harvey re- 
 turned to Illinois and embarked in the manufac- 
 ture of lumber in connection with his brother-in- 
 law in Carbondale, where he continued business 
 until 1866, when he again went to his farm, two 
 and a-half miles south of Du Quoin. There he 
 continued agricultural pursuits until the fall of 
 1893, wiien he embarked in merciiandising in Du 
 Quoin in connection with W. S. Johnson. 
 
 In 1869 Mr. Harvey was united in marriage with 
 Miss Charity Johnson, a native of Will County, 
 111., and a daughter of Miles M. Johnson, who was 
 born in Ohio, and became one of the pioneers of 
 Will County. He was a prominent merchant, and 
 died in Franklin Count}-, 111., in 1881. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Harvey have three children: William, a 
 young man of twenty-two, who is engaged in busi- 
 ness in this place; Edward, who is in his father's 
 store; and Delia. The family is one of prominence 
 in the community, holding an enviable position in 
 social circles. Mr. Harvey is a leading member of 
 the Grand Army post, and is a stalwart Republi- 
 can. 
 
 W. S. Johnson, the junior member of the firm 
 of Harvey & Johnson, has the honor of being a 
 native of Illinois. He was born July 14, 1851, in 
 Will County, where his |)arents had -settled in an 
 early day. Under the parental roof he was reared
 
 •.■***> 
 
 -^''4% 
 
 \ I 
 
 4, df'S^^
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 629 
 
 to manhood, and the public schools afforded him 
 his educational privileges. His father was for a 
 longtime a prominent merchant of tliis state. His 
 death occurred in 1881. The mother, who was in 
 her maidenhood Hannah Bennett, is now living 
 with her son in Du Quoin. 
 
 On the 24th of January. 1870, Mr. Johnson was 
 united in marriage with Belle Phillips, and two 
 children grace their union: Lillia, aged eight years, 
 and Earle, two 3ears of age. In his political views 
 Mr. Johnson is a Republican, and is a member of 
 the Presbvterian Church. Throughout his life he 
 lias been connected with mercantile pursuits, and 
 is recognized as a wide-awake and enterp'.ising 
 business man. The firm will undoubtedly' meet 
 with success in their new undertaking. 
 
 "j; OEL C. BARBER, M. D., is a fine representa- 
 tive of the prominent ph3sicians of Ran- 
 dolph County who are successfully engaged 
 in the practice of their noble calling. He 
 is a man of marked enterprise, possesses great 
 ability-, and has an extensive practice throughout 
 this part of the counlr3-. Born June 24, 1838, he is a 
 native of Rockwood, where he has spent his entire 
 life. He is a son of Alexander and Jinsj' (Crane) 
 Barber, also natives of this county, the mother 
 born on St. Mary's River, and the father at Ellis 
 Grove. 
 
 Joel C. spent his boyhood days in and near 
 Rockwood, and attended the district schools of 
 his native place until reaching his eighteenth 
 j'car, when he began reading medicine in the office 
 of his uncle, Joseph Barber, a prominent physician 
 of Rockwood. Later he attended lectures at the 
 Eclectic Medical Institute, Cincinnati, Ohio, and 
 returning thence to his native place, he resumed 
 his studies, and also engaged in practice to some 
 extent. 
 
 The outbreak of the late war caused Dr. Barber 
 to abandon temporarilj- all thought and ambition 
 toward building up a practice. Enlisting his serv- 
 ices in behalf of the Union, he became a member 
 of Comimnj' H, Twenty-second Illinois Infantry, 
 and served in its ranks for three years and two 
 
 months. During that period he fought under 
 Generals Grant, Sherman, Sheridan, Pope and 
 Thomas, and participated in many of the hard- 
 fought battles of the war, among which were Bel- 
 mont, Farmington, Corinth, Stone River, Resaca, 
 and New Hope Church, near Slarietta, Ga. After 
 receiving his discharge he was mustered out of 
 service at .Springfield, and coming direct to Rock- 
 wood, resumed the study of his profession, and 
 also practiced some. In 1874 he was graduated 
 from the American Medical College in St. Louis. 
 He has since continued to minister to the bodil^y 
 ills of the people, his piactice covering a wide cir- 
 cuit. 
 
 Dr. Barber was united in marriage, February 1, 
 1866, with Miss Anna, daughter of Alfred G. and 
 Frances (Cornelius) McConnack. Their union luas 
 been blessed by the birth of twelve children, 
 namely: Albert, Harr^' G., Olive F., Joel C, Mary, 
 Carrie, Ora, Nina, Willie, Charles A.. Gird v A. and 
 Maggie B. Of these, six are deceased: Harry G.. 
 Mar}', Carrie, Nina, Willie and Maggie B. Dr. 
 and Mrs. Barber are members in good standing of 
 the Methodist Episcopal Church. In his political 
 relations the Doctor has always voted with the 
 Republican party, and is influential in the jjublic 
 affairs of the coramuuit}'. 
 
 For several generations the Doctor's ancestors 
 have been prominent and loj-al citizens of our 
 Government. His paternal grandfather, Alexan- 
 der Barber, . was appointed by the Governor as 
 Captain in the Indian War between 1812 and 
 1815, and was placed in charge of two or three 
 keel boats with one hundred men, among wlioin 
 was Joel Crane, our subject's maternal grandfather. 
 The boats had to be towed bv hand from Kaskas- 
 kia to Peoria with supplies for the arm\-. The In- 
 dians having taken a different route from that an- 
 ticipated, the compan}- fell back, bringing as pris- 
 oners some French who were in sympathy with the 
 
 Indians. 
 
 :£)^e: 
 
 <| l»ILLIAM A. CHAPMAN. Perhajis no man 
 \/\/il l'^'D§ '" township 4, range 2, Perry 
 \>7^ County, has been more intimately con- 
 nected with its progress than the gentleman above
 
 630 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 named, and certainly no family stands higher in 
 the annals of this region than that of which he is a 
 worthy rejjresentative. He has been a resident of 
 his fine farm since 1869, and he and his mother-in- 
 law are joint owners of four hundred and forty 
 acres of land, the greater portion of which has 
 been placed under high cultivation through his 
 own efforts. 
 
 The sul)jet't of this sketch is the son of Thomas 
 H. and Virinda (Snow) Chapman, natives of Wil- 
 son County, Tenn., where they grew to mature 
 years and were married. In 1850 they removed 
 from Tennessee to Illinois and made their home in 
 Washington County, where the mother died. In 
 1860 Thomas H., who had married again, came to 
 Perry Conntj'. His family included six children: 
 John S. and Agnes, deceased; William A., of this 
 sketch; Sarah, the wife of W. S. Hungate, of Ham- 
 ilton County; one that died in infanc}', and Mary, 
 who married John Halpin and is now deceased. 
 
 William A. Chapman was born in Wilson Coun- 
 ty, Tenn., in 1846, and was brought by his parents 
 to the Prairie State in 1851, which place has since 
 been his home. Here he received his education, 
 and when reaching mature years was united in 
 marriage, in 1869, with Miss Malina, daugiiter of 
 George L. and Permelia Thomas. Mrs. Chapman 
 is a native of Tennessee, from which state her par- 
 ents removed to Illinois in 1842. 
 
 In 1864, while the Civil AVar was in progress, 
 our subject offered his services to the Union and 
 was mustered into Company D, Forty-eighth Illi- 
 nois Infantr}', and served faithfully until the ces- 
 sation of hostilities. He was witli Sherman on his 
 famous march to the sea, participitated in twenty- 
 seven battles and skirmishes and witnessed the 
 Grand Review at Washington. Since his return 
 home, in October, 1865, be has given his undivided 
 attention to farm pursuits. He settled upon his 
 present estate in 1869, and by his energy and abil- 
 ity has made of it one of the most valuable tracts 
 in this part of the county. 
 
 To Mr. and Mrs. Chapman were born eight 
 children, as follows: Dora, Mary, Oliver, Ezra, 
 Sophronia, Maud, Joe A., and one who died in in- 
 fanc}'. Our subject has always been a stanch sup- 
 porter of Democratic principles, whether in times 
 
 of war or peace, and for the past twenty-one years 
 has held the ollice of Justice of the Peace, perform- 
 ing liis duties faithfull}' and satisfactorily to 
 all concerned. He is a devoted member of the 
 Primitive Baptist Church, and for the good princi- 
 ples which have governed his life he is justly re- 
 spected by all who know him. 
 
 m>-^^<B 
 
 J. MILLER, of the mercantile firm of F. J. 
 Schleiier & Miller, of Du Quoin, was born 
 in the cit}' of Chicago, October 26, 1855. 
 ^_^ His father, Nicholas Miller, was born in 
 Germany in 1821, and upon a farm was reared to 
 manhood, while the common schools afforded him 
 his educational privileges. He served for three 
 j'ears in the standing army of Germany, and in 
 1849, having determined to seek home and fortune 
 in America, he sailed for the New World. Going 
 to Ohio, he worked by the month as a farm liand 
 for a time, and then went to Chicago, where he 
 purchased eighty acres of land on the north side 
 of the city, now comprised within the town of 
 Lake View. For this he paid 84 per acre. There 
 he engaged in gardening and in clearing the tim- 
 ber off his land. With ox-teams he hauled the 
 wood to the cit}' to sell. This tract of land, how- 
 ever, made him a wealthy man. The rapid growth 
 of the city caused great advancement in real 
 estate, and he sold forty acres at a high price. He 
 still owns the remaining fort}', which is worth a 
 large sum. His foresight in selecting his propert}' 
 has led to his becoming one of the wealthiest citi- 
 zens of Lake View. About 1851 he was united in 
 marriage with Anna Gruenewold, who was also 
 born in Germany, and when a young lad}' came to 
 this country. They had a family of six sons and 
 two daughters. 
 
 The members of the ^liller family are, John II., 
 now a gardener of Chicago; J. J., of this sketch; 
 Nicholas, who is also engaged in business in Chi- 
 cago; P. L., a grocery merchant of Chicago; 
 Henry, who is engaged in gardening on his father's 
 place; Matthew, who is in partnership with iiis 
 brother P. L.; Anna, wife of John Meyer, a dry- 
 goods merchant of Chicago; and Kate, who mar-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 631 
 
 ried F. J. Schleper, and died November 8, 1882. 
 The sons are all prosperous business men. 
 
 In tlie usual manner of farmer lads, our subject 
 spent the da.ys of his boyhood and youth. He ac- 
 quired a good education, which was completed by 
 three terras' attendance at Bryant & Stratton's 
 Commercial College of his native city. He re- 
 mained in Chicago until 1882, when he came to 
 Uu Quoin, where for one year he was employed as 
 a clerk in a store. On the expiration of that 
 period he embarked in his present business, which 
 he has successfully conducted since that time. He 
 received some aid from his father, but the success 
 of his life is due mainly to his own efforts. 
 
 In 1883 Mr. Miller was united in marriage with 
 Miss Kate Eisenhauser, daughter of a prosperous 
 farmer of Perry Count}'. Their union has baen 
 blessed with four children, two sons and two 
 daughters, Katie, Joseph, Victor and Clara. Tlie 
 family is widely and favorably known in this com- 
 munity, and the parents hold an enviable position 
 in social circles. In politics Mr. Miller is a Demo- 
 crat, in religious belief is a Roman Catholic, and 
 belongs to the Catholic Order of Knights of Amer- 
 ica. He possesses those qualifications which are 
 essential to success, enterprise and industry, and 
 by his fair and honest dealing and courteous 
 treatment of his customers, he has won a liberal 
 patronage. 
 
 ARTIN C. CARR, M. D., is a worthy rep- 
 resentative of the medical profession of 
 11: Perry County. He is now successfully- 
 engaged in practice in Du Quoin, where 
 ho is both widely and favorably known. We feel 
 assured that his man}- friends who read this vol- 
 ume will receive with interest the record of his 
 life. The Doctor was born in Prairie du Long, 
 St. Clair County, 111., February 28, 1850. His 
 grandfather, Henry Carr, went to that count}' when 
 five years of age with his father, who also bore 
 the name of Henry. This was in the early part of 
 the century, before the state was admittc^l to the 
 Union. With them came Joseph Carr, a Revolu- 
 
 tionary soldier. The ancestry of the Carr family 
 can be traced back to the eleventh century, when 
 its representatives went from Normandy to Eng- 
 land, where they resided until some time prior to 
 the American Revolution. 
 
 Dabney Carr, the father of Henry and Joseph, 
 before mentioned, crossed the Atlantic and settled 
 in Virginia, and was the founder of the now nu- 
 merous family in the United States. The Carrs 
 have ever been noted for their strong likes and 
 dislikes, there being no truer friends or more bit- 
 ter enemies to be found anywhere. Many noted 
 men are among their numbers, and those who set- 
 tled in St. Clair County were prominent in its his- 
 tory. The great-grandfather, grandfather and fa- 
 ther of the Doctor all spent their last days there. 
 
 The last-named, Nathan F. Carr, was born in 
 St. Clair County. He had a number of brotiiers, 
 but nearly all died before reaching middle life. 
 One died at the age of seven months, and only one 
 is now living, James, who is a |)rosperous farmer of 
 Franklin County. Nathan Carr married Margue- 
 rite E. McMurtrey, who was born in Monroe Coun- 
 ty, 111., and was a daughter of Abraham McMur- 
 trey, who removed from Georgia to that county 
 in 1820. He was a farmer by occupation, and was 
 descended from genuine Highland .Scotch ances- 
 try. Removing to St. Clair County, he became 
 one of its prominent citizens, and there spent his 
 last days. Mrs. Carr died in 1882, at the age of 
 fifty-four. The three sons of the family were, 
 George W. and Christopher C, who followed farm- 
 ing, but are now deceased; and Martin C. 
 
 The early life of our subject was spent on the 
 home farm, where the widowed mother continued 
 to live. His education was acquired in the com- 
 mon schools, and as soon as old enough he aided 
 his mother in the farm labors. Pearly in life he 
 manifested a liking for the medical profession and 
 began study along that line. In 1876 he was 
 graduated from the Missouri Medical College of 
 St. Louis in the "Centennial Class," and soon 
 afterward commenced practice in Smith ton, a little 
 town in St. Clair County not far from Belleville, 
 where he remained until the latter part of 1879, 
 when he came to Du Quoin. Here he has since 
 resided with the exception of the two years, 1885
 
 632 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 and 1886, when he filled a chair as assistant 
 jirofessor of nervous diseases in tlic I'osL Gradu- 
 ate College of St. Louis, Mo. 
 
 The Doctor has been twice married. In 1877 
 he wedded Bertlia, daughter of Henry Keira, of 
 Smithton, 111. His wife and their child died in 
 1878, and in 1888 he married Cora Bock, daugh- 
 ter of the late Dr. Bock, of Waterloo, 111. Three 
 children grace this union. Earl Henr^', Flora Bea- 
 trice and Bertha. 
 
 Tlie Doctor is a member of tiie Masonic fra- 
 ternity and the Knights of Pythias lodge, and 
 also belongs to the southern Illinois Medical As- 
 sociation. In politics he is a Deniocat, and, al- 
 though he has never sought office, lie has served 
 as City Alderman and in other local positions. He 
 is regarded as one of the most prominent phy- 
 sicians of southern Illinois, a reputation well de- 
 served. 
 
 ^ OHN MILLER, who is numbered among the 
 enterprising, progressive and substantial 
 business men of Tainaroa, is one of the old 
 settlers of Perry County, and has been no 
 unimportant factor in advancing its material in- 
 terests. He has been engaged in selling farm im- 
 plements for over twenty years, and commands an 
 extensive trade among the farmers of the outlying 
 country. 
 
 Our subject was born in Baltimore County, Md., 
 in 1823, and was quite young when he accompanied 
 his parents, Jacob and Eva (Masemore) Miller, to 
 Richland County, Ohio. Tliey located near Mans- 
 field, where .John grew to mature years, and in 
 1840 came to Perry County, this state, where he 
 has since resided. The parents of our subject were 
 born, reared and married in Baltimore County, 
 Md., of which place grandfather .John Miller was 
 also a native, although his parents came from Ger- 
 many. 
 
 .lolin Miller was the eldest in a family of ten 
 children, of whom we note the followins: Henry 
 resides in this county; Caroline, the wife of A. 
 Heap, makes her home in Montgomery County, 
 Kan.; F^phraim is dead; Lydia lives in Kansas; 
 Michael is engaged in farming in Montgomery 
 
 County, this state; Catherine, Mrs. S. B. Morrow, 
 is a resident of Tamaroa; Jacob A. is a well-to-do 
 farmer in this county; two children died in in- 
 fancy. Our subject came to this county when in 
 his eighteenth year, and immediately engaged to 
 work out b}' the month on a farm. Being indus- 
 trious and economical he soon laid by a sufficient 
 sum to enable him to purchase land of his own, 
 and in this way became the proprietor of an eight^-- 
 acre tract which is still in his possession. 
 
 Mr. Miller and Miss Catherine Heap were united 
 in marriage January 16, 1842, and to them were 
 born nine children, only four of whom are living: 
 Elizabeth, Mrs. Bose Ford; Betsey, the wife of 
 Thomas Stockton; Jacob J., and Eliza, Mrs. J. N. 
 Linsby. Mrs. Miller departed this life February 5, 
 1894. Our subject helped to build tlie first house 
 erected in this place, and is consequently one of 
 tlie oldest residents in Tainaroa. He is a practical 
 business man, possessing the necessary foresight 
 and ability requisite to success in any walk in life, 
 and his affairs are managed with scrupulous hon- 
 esty and with a conscientious regard for the rights 
 of others. As before stated, he has conducted an 
 agricultural implement store for over twenty years, 
 and for thirty-six years he has been the proprietor 
 of a first-class meat market in this place. With 
 his family he is identified with the Christian 
 Church as one of its most earnest and valued mem- 
 bers, and carries his religion into his everyday 
 life. In his political relations he always votes with 
 the Republican party. 
 
 \fl OIIN R. KAKE is a worthy representative 
 of the business interests of Murphysboro, 
 and is an influential and popular citizen in 
 commercial and social circles. He occupies 
 the positions of Treasurer and manager of the Jack- 
 son Count}' Abstract and Title Guarantee Com- 
 pany, and is its leading stockholder. Born in 
 Rock Island, 111., March 31, 1856, he is a son of 
 John and Lois A. (Willis) Kane, the former a na- 
 tive of Scotland, and the latter a native of AVliite 
 County, III. 
 
 The maternal grandfather, James Willis, was an
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 633 
 
 early settler of Jackson County, and served as 
 Sheriff in an early daj'. He took part in the Mexi- 
 can War, and during the gold excitement went to 
 California, where he died. The father of our sub- 
 ject was a shoemaker bj' trade, but on emigrating 
 to this country', he located in Jackson Countj', 
 where he engaged in coal mining. He afterward 
 followed the same pursuit in Rock Island. Later 
 he removed to Carondelet, Mo., where he carried 
 on coal mining until his death in 1864. His wife 
 was a faithful member of the Baptist Church, and 
 passed away in 1877. Their family numbered 
 three children, two of whom are still living. 
 
 John R. Kane, the only son, was reared in Mur- 
 physboro from an earl}' age, and attended the pub- 
 lic schools until his father's death. He was soon 
 afterward thrown upon his own resources, and be- 
 gan to earn his own livelihood bj' clerking in a 
 store in this place. In 1879, when twenty-three 
 years of age, he was appointed Deputy County 
 Treasurer under Philip Kimmell, and served for 
 one term. In 1882 he was nominated for the posi- 
 tion of Count}' Clerk on the Democratic ticket, 
 and having been elected, entered upon the duties 
 of the office the fol^jwing December. In Decem- 
 ber, 1886, he was re-elected to that position, serv- 
 ing altogetlier eight years. He made a faithful 
 officer and is recognized as a capalile and trust- 
 worthy man. 
 
 In his business relations Mr. Kane has been a 
 member of the Big Muddj' Lumber Company, with 
 which he was connected until the spring of 1892, 
 when he went to Boulder, Colo., on account of his 
 wife's health. He there remained for a year, and 
 was engaged in the feed business. In the spring 
 of 1893 he returned to his old home, purchased an 
 interest in the Abstract and Title Guarantee Com- 
 pany', and became its Treasurer and manager. This 
 compan}- was organized in October, 1892, by two 
 old businesses being consolidated. The capital 
 stock is #50,000, and the}' have a complete abstract 
 of all property in the county. The President is 
 George W. Hill; Vice-President, J. M. Herbert, and 
 Secretary, W. W. Kimball. 
 
 On the 26th of April, 1885, was celebrated the 
 marriage of Mr. Kane and Miss Maggie Murphy, 
 who was born in De Soto, this county, her father. 
 
 Riley Murphy, being one of its early settlei-s. Two 
 children grace their union, Charles R. and John 
 H. Socially, Mr. Kane is connected with Amity 
 Lodge, I. O. O. ¥., and the encampment, and rep- 
 resented the subordinate in the Grand Lodge. He 
 has also held some of its offices. In 1878 and 1879 
 he served as Township Collector, and was a mem- 
 ber of the Scliool Board from 1890 until his re- 
 moval to Colorado. The best interests of the com- 
 munity have ever found in him a friend, and his 
 worth and ability are recognized by his many ac- 
 quaintances. 
 
 ' ^ P • , 
 
 "\f| AMES TODD, who is one of the oldest set- 
 tlers of Perry County, has been successful as 
 a farmer, and his understanding of agricul- 
 ture in its various departments is broad and 
 deep. He owns four hundred acres of land, one 
 hundred of which he has improved and has erected 
 thereon attractive and commodious buildings. 
 Mr. Todd is a native of Ireland, having been born 
 in Londonderry, in 1830. His parents, Joseph and 
 Anna (Shannon) Todd, having decided to come 
 to America when he was a lad of nine years, he 
 accompanied them on their journey across the At- 
 lantic and has ever since made his home in the 
 New World. 
 
 The parental family included eight children, of 
 whom our subject was the eldest. The otiier mem- 
 bers of the household are: Patrick A., a farmer in 
 Washington County, this state; Catherine, the 
 wife of Charles Latchner, of St. Louis; Mary J., 
 deceased wife of Peter Readelbarger; Richard P., 
 also deceased; Joseph, who resides in Texas; Annie, 
 Mrs. Patrick Smith, and Thomas, who resides on 
 the old homestead and is the possessor of about 
 three hundred acres of land. 
 
 The father of our subject established the first 
 sawmill in Perry County in 1854, and with the 
 aid of his sons conducted that enterprise until 
 1870. He departed tiiis life in 1880. at the age of 
 eighty-two years. His father, the grandfather of 
 our subject, after coming to the United States fol- 
 lowed his trade of a baker for a number of years, 
 and settling in St. Louis in 1842, remained in the
 
 634 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPmCAL RECORD. 
 
 Mound City until bis removal to Perry County. 
 Tiie lady vvliom our subject married in 1873 was 
 Mrs. Ann (Riley) Anderson, a native of Countj' 
 Cavan, Ireland. As before stated, Mr. Todd owns 
 four hundred acres of land, and the success which 
 he has gained is that of which he is worthy. His 
 properly has been gained through much hard 
 labor on his part, and he is a man who has the 
 confidence of all, his word being considered as 
 good as his bond. In his political relations our 
 subject is a stanch Democrat and for twenty years 
 was Trustee of his township. Ilis brother Thomas, 
 who is likewise very prominent in political affairs, 
 has been Township Treasurer seven years. Mr. 
 Todd and his familj' are members of the Catholic 
 Church and are classed among tlie substantial citi- 
 zens of the township. 
 
 1(g). ^m^ ,(S) J 
 
 m^" 
 
 "^®1 
 
 lt_^ ON. JOHN BOYD is the leading attorney 
 iTjl of Pinckneyville and is a man prominent 
 l^^' in his profession'in Perry Count}', having 
 (^^ won a high reputation among his profes- 
 sional brethren and with Lite public at large as the 
 result of his skill and ability. He was honored 
 with an election to the State Legislature and is 
 everywhere regarded as a progressive and valued 
 citizen. The record of his life is as follows: 
 
 Born near the village of Preston, Randolph 
 County, June 30, 1833, our subject is a son of 
 William Boyd, who was born near Milledgeville, 
 Ga., 1806. The grandfather, John Boyd, was born 
 in the same state and was a soldier in tlie War of 
 1812. His father, William Bo^'d, Sr.,was a native 
 of the Emerald Isle. Coming to this county during 
 the Revolution, he joined the Continental army 
 under Washington and fought valiantlj' for the 
 independence of his adopted country. When its 
 freedom was achieved he located in Georgia, where 
 he died in 1818. John Boyd and his family re- 
 moved from Georgia to Tennessee, and in 1823 
 came to Illinois. After a short residence in Nash- 
 ville, Washington County, the}' located in Ran- 
 
 dolph County, settling at what is now known as 
 Dutch Hill Prairie, where the grandf.ither died in 
 1837. 
 
 William Boyd, father of our subject, manicd 
 Isabel, daugliter of Lancelot Douglass, a native of 
 Scotland, who crossed the Atlantic to America in 
 1830 and located near Chester, Randolph County, 
 where he engaged in farming. Mr. and .Mrs. 
 Boyd were the parents of seven children, (if xvIkiiu 
 our subject was the eldest. He has three brotliers 
 and one sister yet living. Tliomas is a resident of 
 Pulaski County, 111., has twice served as Count}- 
 Commissioner, and was twice Ma3'or of Mound 
 City. Lansus was a soldier of the Forty -eighth 
 Illinois Infantry during the late war, and during 
 his service was killed in a railroad wreck at Cliat- 
 tanooga. James, who was also one of tlie boys in 
 blue and served throughout the war, is now a 
 farmer of J.ackson County. Tlie father of this 
 family died in 1854, and the mother passed away 
 in 1880. 
 
 Mr. Boyd of whom we write spent his boyhood 
 days upon the home farm and acquired his educa- 
 tion in the common schools. He then learned the 
 carpenter's trade, which he followed for six years, 
 and during that period he spent his leisure hours 
 in reading and study. In 1860 he determined to 
 abandon carpenter work, and coming to Pinck- 
 neyville, entered the law office of Judge Lewis 
 Hammack, where he studied for the legal profes- 
 sion two years. He was then admitted to the Bar 
 and has since been engaged in active practice. 
 For one year he was in partnership with his pre- 
 ceptor. In 1866 he formed a partnership with 
 Hon. William K. Murphy, which connection con- 
 tinued until 1882. 
 
 Another important event occurred in 1866, 
 when was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Boyd 
 and Emeline (Osborn) Phelps, sister-in-law of Mrs. 
 William K. Murphy. She survived her marriage 
 only a short time, however, and in 1868 he married 
 Mary E., daughter of William G. Brown, of Pinck- 
 neyville, who was a soldier in the Mexican War. 
 Seven children were born to them, and witli the 
 exception of one who died in infancy, all are yet 
 living, namely: Elizabeth J.; Mary E., wife of Fred 
 Beck, a merchant, who died January 30, 1894;
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 635 
 
 William AV., Florence, Man-ilia and John Volnej-, 
 who are at home. 
 
 In 1876 Mr. Boyd was elected on the Demo- 
 cratic ticket to the State Legislature and served 
 on several important committees. As a member of 
 the House he discharged his duties with credit to 
 himself and satisfaction to his constituency. He 
 has also held some local offices, and from personal 
 preference he has given the greater part of his 
 time and attention to the legal profession, and but 
 few attorneys in southern Illinois can boast of a 
 larger or more successful practice than Mr. Boyd. 
 
 j OY ALDEN, editor and proprietor of the 
 if' Democrat, of Pickneyville, is numbered 
 among the native sons of Perry County, 
 ^^(^-his birth having occurred in Tamaroa on 
 the 22d of July, 1863. His grandfather. Royal 
 Alden, was a native of New England, and was a 
 direct descendant of John Alden, who came to 
 this country in the "Mayflower" with the Pilgrim 
 Fathers. Royal Alden engaged in school teach- 
 ing, and was a man of more than average intelli- 
 gence and ability. In 1869 he emigrated to Illi- 
 nois, and for a time served as Deputy County 
 Clerk of Hamilton County, where he made his 
 home. 
 
 The father of our subject, Col. A. J. Alden, was 
 a native of North Carolina and was a printer by 
 trade. At the breaking out of the Civil War be 
 was serving as Circuit Clerk of Hamilton County, 
 but resigned his position in order to enter the 
 army. He was made Captain of a company of in- 
 fantry', and being captured during the war, was 
 confined in T3'ler and other southern prisons. 
 After being liberated, he resigned his commis- 
 sion on account of ill-health, but later he again 
 went to the front as Major of a company of cav- 
 alrj'. Subsequently, he was promoted to the rank 
 of Colonel, which position he filled until hon- 
 orably discharged after the fall of Richmond. On 
 his return from the war he engaged in merchandis- 
 ing and also edited a newspaper in Du Quoin, 
 but for the past eight years he has been in the 
 Government printing office in Washington. He 
 
 married Beady Penny, sister of J. J. Penn}-, edi- 
 tor of the Murphysboro Independent. 
 
 Our subject was the only son in the Alden fam- 
 ily. As early as seven years of age we find him 
 in his father's newspaper office, where he picked 
 up the business, becoming familiar with the art of 
 printing in all of its branches. He first embarked 
 in the newspaper business on his own account m 
 Mississippi, but the venture was not a profitable 
 one. He was then a youth of only seventeen 
 years. So for a time he gave up the newspaper 
 business and accepted a position with the Southern 
 Express Compan}', with headquarters at Cairo, III. 
 He filled various capacities, from clerk to mana- 
 ger, but at length severed his connection with that 
 company to again embark in newspaper work. 
 In 1891 he bought out the Democrat, of Pinckney- 
 ville, of which he is now editor and proprietor, 
 and which he has since conducted with marked 
 success. It is one of the neatest and best edited 
 papers in southern Illinois, and is receiving a lib- 
 eral patronage, which has constantly increased 
 from the beginning, and which will be much 
 farther enlarged, for the paper is in all ways 
 worthy of extensive circulation. 
 
 Mr. Alden is a member of the Masonic frater- 
 nity and of the Knights of Pythias and the Odd 
 Fellows' societies. He is interested in everything 
 pertaining to the welfare of the community in 
 which he makes his home, and is one of the popu- 
 lar and highly respected citizens of Pinckney Ville. 
 
 ?RTT5reC"-7SC ^fltT'ZSl^^^^^fcC^K^^ 
 
 ^( OHN A. WERNER, deceased, was one of the 
 most prominent citizens of Murphysboro, 
 and this work would be incomplete without 
 ^^ tlie record of his life. He was numbered 
 among the best informed men of the state. In 
 public work that tended to advance the general 
 welfare he took a leading part, and his name is 
 inseparably connected with man}- enterprises. 
 
 Born in Coburg, Saxony, German}', in 1833, our 
 subject was reared in his native land, and in its 
 common schools acquired a good education, which 
 he largeh' supplemented by extensive reading and 
 study in later years. He was a thorough Greek
 
 636 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 bludent, was always well informed on the current 
 topics of the da_v, possessed a most remarkable 
 mcmorj', and Hon. George W. Hill said of him that 
 he was one of the best posted men in the country. 
 When a younof man he crossed the Atlantic to New 
 York, and learned civil engineering, working on 
 the Government survey-. He served in the Mexi- 
 can War, and after that struggle was over went to 
 Kentucky, wliere he was first married. He there 
 made his home until about 1862, and then came to 
 Murphysboro, where he worked as a civil engineer 
 and also engaged iu teaching. In 1868 he was 
 elected County Surveyor, and so well did he dis- 
 charge his duties, that on the expiration of his first 
 term he was re-elected. On retiring from office, 
 he resumed his labors as a civil engineer, and also 
 engaged in the real-estate business. 
 
 While residing in Kentucky Mr. Werner had 
 been twice married, and by his first wife, whose 
 maiden name was Lucy D. Marshall, he had one 
 son, Henry, now a resident of Ohio. After her 
 death he married Sarah Riggs, who died shortly 
 afterward. On the 12th of April, 1865, near Steele- 
 ville, Randolph County, he was united in marriage 
 with Miss Nanc}' Badgley, who was born near 
 Belleville, St. Clair Count}', as was her father, 
 David Badgley. Her grandfather, Aaron Badgley, 
 was a native of Virginia, and was one of the first 
 to locate in what became known as the Badgley 
 settlement. He served in the Black Hawk War, 
 became a prominent farmer, and died in St. Clair 
 County. The father of Mrs. Werner followed agri- 
 cultural pursuits in St. Clair County, and afterward 
 removed to Randolph Count}', where he owned 
 and operated a large farm until his death. His 
 wife, who bore the maiden name of Amy Abbott, 
 was born in Ft. W.aync, Ind., and is a daughter of 
 John Abbott, who died in the Hoosier State. She 
 is now living in St. Louis. 
 
 Unto Mr. and Mrs. Werner were born seven 
 children, only two of whom are now living, Wal- 
 lace, a druggist of Paducah, Ky., and Ralph, of 
 Murphysboro. Mr. Werner was a faithful and con- 
 sistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
 and to charitable and benevolent work gave his 
 earnest support. He won the friendship of the 
 best minds, for his literary tastes and wide knowl- 
 
 edge made him a favorite with people of culture 
 and education. In politics he supported the prin- 
 ciples of the Democrac}'. He was called to his fin.al 
 rest July 2, 1893, and all who knew him mourned 
 his loss. Mrs. Werner shared with her husband in 
 all the J03'S and sorrows of life and was to him a 
 faithful companion. She too has many friends in 
 the community, and ranks high in social circles. 
 In temperance work she takes a very prominent 
 part, and is now serving her third .year as Secre- 
 tary of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. 
 Of the principles of the Prohibition party she is 
 an earnest advocate. 
 
 \i7 WILLIAM PELZER,one of the young busi- 
 I (@ "®^* ™^'^ *^^ Murphysboro, who is num- 
 I |l3i^ bered among its valued cititzens on ac- 
 count of his thrift and enterprise, carries on a 
 general mercantile establishment as a member of 
 the firm of Wisely & Pelzer. They have a full 
 line of dry goods, groceries, and in fact evpiy- 
 thing found in a first-class general store. They 
 are located at No. 32 East AValnut Street, and 
 their customers are many, for by fair and honest 
 dealing* and courteous treatment they have se- 
 cured a liberal patronage. 
 
 The junior member of the firm was born in 
 Du Quoin, 111., February 1, 1869, and his father, 
 Louis Pelzer, was born near Red Bud, Randolph 
 County. The grandfather, Louis Pelzer, Sr., was 
 a native of Baden, German}', who emigrated to 
 America, and for half a centur} lived on a farm 
 in Randolph County. In early life the father of 
 our subject followed agricultural pursuits, and in 
 1870 embarked in the livery business in Murphys- 
 boro. Subsequently he carried on a meat market 
 at this place, but of late years has again resumed 
 farming, which he now successfully carries on in 
 Murphysboro Township. He was united in mar- 
 riage with Catherine Parrott, a native of Ohio and 
 a daughter of Peter Parrott, one of the pioneer 
 settlers of Randolph County, 111., where the daugh- 
 ter grew to womanhood. 
 
 L. W. I'elzer is the eldest in a famil}' of eight 
 children, seven sons and one daughter, of whom
 
 >®^ •^^^v^^-'' % 
 
 ^SA/ 
 
 Of. J ^^/^^^rw^/^
 
 Jft/.^ > Sv^S^r^^^-^uxyK
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 641 
 
 six are yet living. Under the parental roof the 
 days of his boyhood and youth were passed, and 
 after attending the common schools he became a 
 student in the high school, thus acquiring a good 
 practical English education. He entered upon his 
 mercantile career in 1882, as a clerk in the store 
 of W. E. Chambers, where he was employed for 
 three years, working during the morning and even- 
 ing, while through the day he gave his time to 
 his lessons. . He afterward spent one year with 
 W. M. Rothrock, and later served as Assistant 
 Postmaster for one year under Judge G. W. An- 
 drews. On leaving the post office, he became a 
 salesman in the store of John W. Hawk, a general 
 merchant of this place, with whom he continued 
 until 1892. He may truly be called a self-made 
 man, and his success in life is the just reward of 
 his own labors. He vote* with the Republican 
 party and is a supporter of the Lutheran Church, 
 with which he holds membership. 
 
 ^**4"}-'^J^ •5"5"i"H 
 
 :^ 
 
 ^ ILLIAM C. McCORMICK, who resides on 
 '/ section 21, Kinkaid Township, is recog- 
 
 nized as one of the leading and progress- 
 ive farmers of Jackson County, and it is with 
 pleasure that we present to our readers this record 
 of his life. Born in the neighboring state of In- 
 diana, on the 2d of August, 1832, he is a son of 
 Alfred G. McCormick, who was born in Lafayette 
 County, Pa., in 1795. On the paternal side he was 
 of Irish descent, and on the maternal side was of 
 Pennsylvania-German lineage. 
 
 In the Keystone State Alfred McCormick was 
 first married, and by that union had two children: 
 David, who died in childhood; and Hanua, who 
 was married in Chester, 111., to Philip Meyers and 
 is now living near Los Angeles, Cal. They have 
 seven children: Thomas, Cyrus, Charles, Zeb, Ada, 
 Anna and Frank. Mr. McCormick was married 
 in Indiana about 1830 to Frances Cornelius, and 
 in 1837 took his family to Randolph County, 
 where he lived on a farm until 1855. In that 
 year he came to Jackson County and made a per- 
 manent location in Kinkaid Township. He taught 
 school until his eldest sons were large enough to 
 23 
 
 carry on the farm. He was also a tailor and cigar 
 maker, and in the first named vocation he met with 
 raost excellent success. In politics he voted with 
 the Democracy until 1860, when he supported 
 Lincoln, and thereafter continued his allegiance 
 to the Republican party. He was a fine scholar, 
 especially proficient in arithmetic, and was an ex- 
 pert penman. His wife was a faithful member of 
 the Free Will Baptist Church from her thirteenth 
 year, and died in that faith in May, 1886. In 
 their famil3' were nine children: Sarah A., who 
 died at the age of eighteen; our subject; Christian 
 L., a store keeper of Polk County, 111.; Alfred G., 
 who died during the late war, in August, 1862, 
 near Huntsville, Ala.; .lane, wife of Nathan Ash, 
 who died in Franklin County, 111.; Virginia, wife 
 of Thomas Gray, of Randolph County; Maria, 
 wife of Dr. Joel Barber, a physician of Rockwood, 
 111.; Theodocia, wife of Alexander Barber, of Rock- 
 wood, and George W., of Kinkaid Township. 
 
 William C. McCormick continued to live with 
 his parents and aid in their support until twenty- 
 three 3'ears of age, when he purchased a farm of 
 one hundred acres on section 29, Kinkaid Town- 
 ship, beginning the cultivation of the same. As a 
 companion and helpmate on life's journey he 
 chose Martha E. Talbott, the wedding being cele- 
 brated January 14, 1858. They lived on his first 
 farm until 1874, when they removed to the one on 
 which they now reside. A great transformation 
 has taken place since that time — the land has 
 been placed under a high state of cultivation and 
 many excellent improvements made. He how has 
 an elegant home and all the necessary buildings 
 and conveniences of a model farm, and two hun- 
 dred and forty and a-half acres of rich land yield 
 to him a golden tribute. 
 
 Unto Mr. and Mrs. McCormick were born ten 
 children, six of whom are yet living. AVilliam D., 
 born September 3, 1859, married Amanda Wor- 
 then; Eliza A., born August 17, 1865, is the wife 
 of John Bilderback and has two children, Claude 
 and George; Cora, born September 3, 1867, mar- 
 ried Alva Bilderback, who died October 16, 1891, 
 leaving a daughter, Gracie, who is living with her 
 grand|)arents; C3'rus G., born June 24, 1874, mar- 
 ried Laura Quails; Annie, born February 2, 1876,
 
 642 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 is the wife of Henry Davis; Hannah B., born No- 
 vember 5. 1879, is the next younger; Fred, born 
 December 25, 1880, died at the age of eighteen 
 months. 
 
 In politics Mr. McCormick has been a stanch 
 Republican for many yeai'S, but now votes with 
 the Prohibition party. He and his wife have for 
 twenty-six years been prominent members of and 
 active workers in the Free Will Baptist Church. 
 He has served as Deacon, and for twenty years 
 was Sunday-school Superintendent, and his wife 
 has for manj- j'ears been Clerk of the church. 
 When he joined the army he united with the 
 Union Church of his regiment. Mr. McCormick 
 enlisted as a private for the late war in August, 
 1862, as a member of Company A, Eightieth Illi- 
 nois Infantrj-, under Capt. Luther ]\[ann and Col. 
 Thomas Allen. He continued in the service for 
 almost three years and was Corporal of his com- 
 pany. At the siege of Atlanta, August 20, 1864, 
 he was seriouslj' wounded and was not again in 
 active service, but was not discharged until his 
 regiment was mustered out. He received a gun- 
 shot wound in the top of his head, the ball crush- 
 ing the skull and piercing the brain. For weeks 
 it was thought he could not recover, but at length 
 his vigorous constitution triumphed. Since his 
 return from the war, he has devoted his energies 
 untiringly to farm work and has thereb}' acquired 
 a handsome competence. Socially, he is a member 
 of the Masonic fraternity of Ava, of which he is 
 now Chaplain. He is a charter member of the 
 Knights of Honor, in which he is also Chaplain, 
 and is a charter member of Ava Post, G. A. R. 
 
 l(s), ^m^ .(5)j 
 
 <jt^ DWARD CRAWFORD, who resides in Mur- 
 iM physboro, is the efficient Count}' Clerk of 
 it — ^ .Jackson Count}-, .and is a genial and enter- 
 taining gentleman, well liked by all. In the his- 
 tory of this community his record should not be 
 omitted. He has the honor of being a native of 
 Illinois, iiis birth having occurred in the capital 
 city on Christmas Day of 1861. His grandfather. 
 
 Thomas Crawford, was a pioneer farmer of Cadiz, 
 Ohio, and was of Scotch descent. He died in 1893, 
 at the age of ninety-three years. His son Hugh, 
 the father of our subject, was born in Cadiz, and 
 was reared to manhood in tiie Buckeye State. At 
 an early age he removed westward. Attracted by 
 the discovery of gold, he went to California, where 
 he engaged in mining for a time, but afterward re- 
 turned to Jackson County, 111. Subsequently he 
 engaged in teaching school in Springfield, but in 
 1862 we again find him in Murphysboro. 
 
 Hugh Crawford married Elizabeth Kimrael, a 
 native of Pennsylvania. Her father, Philip Kim- 
 mel, emigrated from the Keystone State to this 
 county in 1840, and located in Somerset Town- 
 ship. There he improved a farm, upon which he 
 is still living, at the advanced age of ninety years. 
 The family is of German descent. Mrs. Crawford, 
 who was a faithful member of the Lutheran Church, 
 died in 1884. In the family were five sons and a 
 daughter who grew to mature years, and they also 
 lost two children in early life. Hugh Crawford 
 still survives his wife, and is a well known and 
 honored citizen of this community. He was ap- 
 pointed County Clerk to fill a vacancy, then for 
 two terms was elected Circuit Clerk of the county. 
 Subsequently he acted as Deputy in that office for 
 one term, and is now serving as Deputy in the 
 office of County Clerk. 
 
 Edward Crawford, whose name heads this record, 
 was principally reared in Murphysboro, and in 
 his youth received the advantages of a common 
 school. His life has been a busy and useful one. 
 From an early age he spent his vacations working 
 in offices or stores, and for ten years was employed 
 as clerk in a dry-goods estalilishment. Of late 
 years his time has all been given to official duties, 
 and so faithfully has he discliarged these that he 
 has won the high commendation of all concerned. 
 In 1887 he was elected City Treasurer for a term 
 of two years; was then appointed Tax Collector of 
 Murphysboro Township to fill a vacancy, and after- 
 ward was elected to that office. In 1890 he was 
 nominated as County Clerk and received the largest 
 majority of any candidate on the Democratic tick- 
 et. In December he entered upon the discharge 
 of his duties and is the present efficient and cap-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 643 
 
 able County Clerk. Socially, he is connected with 
 the Odd Fellows' societj'. 
 
 In 1885 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. 
 Crawford and Miss Laura Coad. The lady is a 
 native of Hardin County, and a daughter of Sam- 
 uel Coad. They have a pleasant and comfortable 
 home on Logan Street, which is the abode of hos- 
 pitality and good cheer. Their friends throughout 
 the community are many, and by all thej- are held 
 in warm regard. 
 
 r I n I ■! Ml 
 
 ^=^EORGE FINLEY BLAKESLEE is the man- 
 jll |_- ager and principal stockholder of the Du 
 ^^i| Quoin Iron AYorks Company, one of the 
 leading industries of Perry Count}'. He was born 
 in Metamora, AVoodford County, III., December 
 30, 1855, and is a son of Halidon Finley Blakeslee, 
 a native of New York, who was given the name of 
 Halidon by an old aunt, Minerva Judd, who wa.s 
 reading an old French book when she heard of his 
 birth, and her eyes fell upon the word Halidon. 
 Nothing would satisfy her but that this name be 
 given to the child, which was done. 
 
 Like his family through past generations, Mr. 
 Blakeslee was a machinist. He married Hannah 
 Caroline Kingsbury, a native of Fraucestown, N. 
 H., and a daughter of George Kingsburj-, who was 
 born in the same place, February 1, 1795. His 
 grandfather removed to New Hampshire about 
 1794, and there spent his last daj's. The familj' 
 was of English origin, and was founded in Ded- 
 ham, Mass. The brothers and sisters of Mrs. 
 Blakeslee were, Harriet Newell, who was born 
 July 9, 1824, and was educated in South Hadle}', 
 Mass.; George, who was born January 8, 1827, 
 and educated in Francestown, N. H.; Sarah, who 
 was born February 5, 1829. and educated in South 
 Hadley, Mass.; Hannah Frances, who was born in 
 November, 1831, and died in childhood; and 
 Mark Justin, who was born November 12, 1837, 
 and died in New London. Conn. The grand- 
 mother of our subject bore the maiden name of 
 Sallie Everett, and is still living in the Granite 
 State, at the advanced age of ninety-three. Her 
 daughter, Mrs. Blakeslee, was educated in Mt. 
 
 Holyoke Female Seminary, and came to Illinois 
 with her eldest sister, Sarah, who was to become 
 the wife of Julius Clark Blakeslee, but his death 
 occurred ere their marriage was celebrated. Mr. 
 Blakeslee, father of our subject, died in Du Quoin 
 in 1878. 
 
 Our subject is the eldest of four children. His 
 sister, Mary B., was born July 2, 1860, and is the 
 wife of John L. Holmes, who is in the employ of 
 the South Side Elevated Railroad of Chicago. She 
 is a graduate of the musical department of the 
 Rockford (111.) Female Seminary. Thej- have three 
 children: James Halidon, born September 12,1882; 
 Frank Everett, March 27, 1888; and Albert Lewis 
 April 21, 1891. Frank Arthur, a brotherof oursub- 
 ject, was born in Du (Juoin, May 17, 1864. He was 
 educated in the .State L'niversitj' at Champaign, 
 and resides at Leadville, Colo., where he is master 
 mechanic for the Arkansas Valley Smelting Com- 
 pany. He married Anna, daughter of ex-Judge 
 Parks, of Du Quoin, and the}' have one child, Wal- 
 ter. Will Everett, another brother of our subject, 
 was born in Du Quoin, May 19, 1868. He spent 
 some years in Colorado, but is now in the employ of 
 the Du Quoin Iron Works Company. He married 
 September 14, 1893, Miss Minnie Alice, daughter 
 of George Hyde, a mechanic of North Chelmsford, 
 Mass. She is highly educated in music, and was 
 a leading singer in one of the principal churches 
 of Lowell, Mass. 
 
 G. F. Blakeslee acquired his earl}- education in 
 the schools of Du Quoin, and in 1876 entered the 
 Illinois State University at Champaign, but the 
 following year was compelled to leave college to 
 take his father's place in the firm of Blakeslee & 
 Brother, for the latter's health had failed. In 
 1878 he succeeded to his father's interest in the 
 business, with which he was connected until 1879, 
 when he retired from the company. Like all of 
 the family for generations, he had learned the ma- 
 chinist's trade. Embarking in the hardware busi- 
 ness in Du Quoin, he continued operations along 
 that line until 1882, when he established the Du 
 Quoin Iron Works Company, of which he is the 
 principal owner. An extensive iron business is 
 done, this being one of the leading industries of 
 Du Quoin. He is also interested in the Excelsior
 
 644 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 
 
 Coal Mines, is a stockholder in the First National 
 Bank, and a Director in the Perr}' County Coal 
 Mines. 
 
 On the 5th of September, 1878, Mr. Blakeslee 
 was united in marriage with Miss Mar^' R. Holt, in 
 Portage, N. Y. Unto them were born six children: 
 Harry Justin, horn August 9, 1879; Bessie Bel- 
 laire, June 30, 1881; George Halidon, May 20, 
 1883; Clara Batelle, August 17, 1885; Carl Julius, 
 Mary 25, 1887; and Mary Emily, .January 23, 
 1889. The famil3' is. one of prominence in the 
 community, holding an enviable position in social 
 circles. The parents are members of the Presby- 
 tei"ian Church, in which Mr. Blakeslee served as 
 Elder. In politics, lie is inclined to be indepen- 
 dent, and is now serving as a member of the Cit}' 
 Council. He is regarded as one of the foremost 
 business men of Du Quoin. 
 
 Qz 
 
 (5" 
 
 
 -^~) 
 
 "ill OHN GROTT. Among the citizens of Ran- 
 dolph County who have contributed their 
 .^^ I quota toward the development of their 
 ^^!f/ adopted land ma}' be properly mentioned 
 Mr. Grott, who for many years was an active 
 farmer and is now living in retirement on section 
 10, township 7, range 7. He has been very pros- 
 perous in the pursuit of his calling, establishing 
 what is considered one of the model farms in the 
 county, and now that old age has come upon him, 
 is enabled to retired from the arduous duties of 
 life. 
 
 A native of Poland, our subject was born in 
 Sarban, June 17, 1824, and was the youngest of 
 five children born to the union of Andrew and 
 Agnes (Kosma) Grott, the former of whom died 
 when our subject was but two years old. The 
 mother survived until 1852, when she departed 
 this life, at the age of sixt}' years. While in the 
 Old Country our subject served for three and one- 
 half years in the Prussian arnij', that portion of 
 the country in which he lived having fallen to 
 that nation. While a resident of Poland he was 
 engaged as a farraerj working on his father's es- 
 tate. On the death of the latter he sold his share 
 
 in the property to his brother, receiving 14,000 
 for the same. 
 
 When reaching his twentieth year, Mr. Grott 
 determined to come to America, and leaving Po- 
 land in April, 1854, landed at Quebec after an 
 uneventful voyage. His destination being Ches- 
 ter, this state, be came bj' way of the Lakes to 
 Chicago, thence by rail to La Salle, from which 
 place he descended the Illinois and Mississippi 
 Rivers by boat to that city, where he arrived Jul}' 
 12. His first work after coming here was on a 
 plank road leading from Randolph to Chester. 
 He was thus employed for about two months, re- 
 ceiving as his pa}' $1.25 per day, which was con- 
 sidered very good wages at that time. After the 
 road was completed he was engaged in"grubbing," 
 and together with his partner he cleared about 
 four hundred and seventy acres. When tlie prop- 
 erty came into his possession, it was covered with 
 wood and brush, but by hard work he succeeded 
 in converting it into a valuable farm. 
 
 Previous to settling on his farm, however, our 
 subject went to Texas in the employ of a railroad, 
 but the climate and water did not agree with him 
 and he became sick after a stay of two weeks in 
 the south, as did all the other workmen, and in a 
 month's time they were unable to work. 
 
 On his return from Texas Mr. Grott l)cgan 
 working for Jacob Con vail, in whose employ he 
 remained for two years. At the end of that time 
 he worked out by the day on the farm of Fritz 
 Buchman, with whom he remained for seven 3ears. 
 Following this he rented two hundred and forty 
 acres of land for one 3'ear, after which he pur- 
 chased the first eighty acres of his present posses- 
 sions. To this was later added twent^'-nine and 
 one-half acres, and since that time he has increased 
 his acreage with a tract of one hundred and 
 twenty acres, making in all a valuable estate of 
 two hundred and twenty acres. 
 
 In Kaskaskia, November 25, 18G6, Mr. Grott 
 I married Miss Wilhelmena, daughter of Stephen 
 and Julia Grooste, now residents of Chester. By 
 their marriage were born nine children, namely; 
 Amel. Roman, John, Joseph, Celia, Andrew, Al- 
 bert, Mary and Rudolph. Amel and John are 
 deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Grott, together with their
 
 PORTRArr AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 645 
 
 family, are members of the Roman Catholic Church 
 in Chester, of which our subject has been Trustee 
 since 1877. In politics he is a Democrat, but does 
 not hesitate to vote for the best man, regardless of 
 party. He attended the World's Fair in Chicago, 
 which was the first time he had visited the Gar- 
 den City since his advent into the state in 1854. 
 Then there were but a few houses In that now 
 great city, and the present site uf the Union de- 
 pot was a large marshy tract of land. 
 
 ;^OAH CHEATHAM, a retired farmer living 
 in Ava, was born in Elk Townsiiip, Jackson 
 County, February 2, 1834, and is a worthy 
 representative of one of the honored pioneer fami- 
 lies of southern Illinois. His father, Robertson 
 Cheatham, was born in Virginia in 1808, and was 
 a son of Samuel Cheatham, who removed with his 
 family to Tennessee in 1804, locating thirty miles 
 from Nashville. There he lived until 1822, when 
 he removed to Mt. Vernon, III. A short time after- 
 ward he took up his residence on Elk Prairie, where 
 his remaining da3-s were spent. 
 
 Robertson aided his father and bore the hard- 
 ships of pioneer life. In Brownsville he married 
 the daughter of Colonel Creatli, an early settler of 
 this state, and located on the old Cheatham liomc- 
 slead. There he lived until the fall of 1844, when 
 he removed to Bradley Township, .Jackson County, 
 making a permanent location. He first purchased 
 eighty acres of land, and afterward added to it a 
 like amount, from which he developed a fine farm. 
 In 1837 his wife died. Their family numbered 
 four children, of whom three aje yet living: Will- 
 iam, a resident of Williamson County; Noah; and 
 Heniy, of Ava. The father afterward married 
 Elizabeth Cruse, who died leaving one child, Al- 
 bert, now of Missouri. He then wedded Sarah 
 Kimmel, a native of Pennsylvania, and a daughter 
 of Abram Kimmel. They have six children: Car- 
 roll, Marion, Isabel, George, Sarah and Oliver. 
 The father died in 1875. He took an active inter- 
 est in political affairs, voting with the Democratic 
 party, and was a man of many excellencies of 
 character, who had the high regard of all. His 
 
 widow and her sons, George and Oliver, are now 
 living on the old homestead. 
 
 Noah Cheatham received but limited educational 
 advantages in his youth, but his training as a farm 
 hand was not meagre. Having arrived at mature 
 years he chose as a companion and helpmate on 
 life's journey Miss Mary Jane, daughter of Gideon 
 Carr, who removed from St. Clair County, 111., to 
 Jackson County in 1853. She was born in the for- 
 mer county, August 31,1839, and their wedding was 
 celebrated December 20, 1855. They began their 
 domestic life upon a farm in Ora Township. It 
 was covered with timber, but with characteristic 
 energy Mr. Cheatham began its development and 
 cleared one hundred and fifty acres, making one of 
 the finest farms in this region. In 1880 he built 
 a two-story brick residence, one of the handsome 
 homes of the neighborhood, and there resided until 
 1890, when he removed to his pleasant home in 
 Ava. 
 
 To Mr. and Mrs. Cheatham were born six chil- 
 dren, of whom four are j^et living: Caroline, wife 
 of Murray Dean; Frank, who married Alice Brett 
 and has two children; Albert, who wedded Ida 
 Asbury, by whom he has two children; and Eva, 
 who completes the familj'. The household is a 
 hospitable one and its members rank high in social 
 circles. Mr. Cheatham belongs to the Free Will 
 Baptist Church, and in politics has been a life-long 
 Democrat. His well directed efforts have won him 
 success in business and gained him the handsome 
 competence which now enables him to live retired. 
 
 )ERT A. ORLAND, a practical and skilled 
 machinist, who is now foreman of the ma- 
 chine shops and roundhouse of the Mobile 
 & Oliio Railroad at Murpliysboro, claims 
 Ohio as the state of his nativity, his birth having 
 occurred in Cleveland, on the 7th of July, 1867. 
 The family is of English origin. His father, W. 
 P. Orland, was born in England, and during his 
 boyhood crossed the Atlantic, becoming a resident 
 of Cleveland, Ohio, where he learned the machin- 
 ist's trade. He became an expert mechanic and 
 was emplo3'ed in Cleveland as general foreman of
 
 646 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 the shops of the Big Four Railroad. The year 
 1883 witnessed his arrival in Illinois, and he is 
 now master mechanic of tlie Cairo Division of the 
 Big Four Railroad, his home being in Mt. Carmel, 
 111. In the Buckeye Slate he wedded Miss Alice 
 Hyde, a native of Cleveland, and a daughter of 
 Addison Hyde, now a resident of Syracuse, N. Y. 
 
 Our subject is the eldest of four children, and in 
 his native city made his home until sixteen years 
 of age, attending its public schools, where he ac- 
 quired a good practical education. In 1883 he 
 went to Mattoon, 111., where for one year he was 
 employed in the office of the Big Four Railroad, 
 and in 1884 lie entered the shops at that place, 
 serving a four years' term of apprenticeship as a 
 machinist. On the 15th of March, 1889, he came 
 to Murphysboro, where Mr. Davis was then serv- 
 ing as master mechanic. He worked .is a machin- 
 ist until 1891, when lie was promoted, being ap- 
 pointed to the responsible position of foreman of 
 the machine shops and roundhouse. He is well 
 liked by the men under him and has the confidence 
 and trust of his emplo^'ers, for he is faithful to 
 every duty and the trust reposed in him. 
 
 In February, 1890, in Murphysboro, was cele- 
 brated the marriage of Mr. Orland and Miss Ze- 
 relda Riseling, a native of this place. Their 
 union has been blessed with one child, Frank. 
 Although their residence here covers only a few 
 years, they have already won many friends by 
 their excellencies of character. Mr. Oilaud holds 
 membership with the Masonic fraternitj', and in 
 his political views is an advocate of the princi- 
 ples of the Republican party. 
 
 J. HEINECKE, who is successfully engaged 
 in merchandising in Du Quoin, was born in 
 Saxony, Germany, November 3, 1849, and 
 is a son of Frederick Heinecke, who was a 
 farmer and dealer in grain in the Old Country. 
 He crossed the Atlantic in 1854 and took up his 
 residence in St. Clair County, where he followed 
 wagon-making. Subsequently he removed to a 
 farm in Randolph County, and is now living on a 
 farm with one of his sons. He married Emily 
 
 Rieticher, a 'Native of Germany, who died August 
 16, 1875, at the age of fifty-five. 
 
 Their family numbered twelve children — six 
 sons and six daughters — of whom four sons and 
 two daughters are yet living. Alwine is the wife 
 of William Dinges, a farmer of St. Clair County; 
 Agnes married Godfrey Eckert, a soldier of the 
 late war, wlio was wounded, and after carrying a 
 Rebel bullet for twelve years, died from the effects 
 of his injury. His widow has since been married to 
 John Ferdinand Debro, and is now living in St. 
 Louis. Henry T. is a farmer of St. Clair County; 
 William, a miner of Du Quoin, married Sophia 
 H. Smith, and Louis is a farmer of St. Clair County. 
 
 Our subject was reared upon the old homestead 
 and received but limited educational privileges. 
 He remained with his father upon the farm un- 
 til twenty-four years of age, when he married 
 Elizabeth Wildy, a native of St. Clair County, 
 where her father, who was a native of Switzer- 
 land, settled in a very early day. To Mr. and 
 Mrs. Heinecke were born nine children, of whom 
 six are yet living: Henry T., eighteen years of 
 age, who aids his father in the store; Caroline, 
 aged sixteen; Walter, who is fourteen j'ears of age 
 and is also in the store; Elanora Agnes, who is ten 
 years old and attends school; Otto S., aged eight, 
 and Gustauf E., aged sis. The three other cliil- 
 dreu died in childhood. 
 
 After his marriage Mr. Heinecke engaged in the 
 operation of a rented farm in Randolph County 
 for a year, and then followed farming in St. Clair 
 County for two years, after which he was forced to 
 abandon that occupation on account of ill health. 
 He removed to Lenzburg Station, where he en- 
 gaged in the hotel, saloon and livery business, 
 which he successf UII3' followed for ten years. Dur- 
 ing that time he became interested in coal mining, 
 which proved a profitable venture. At length he 
 sold his mining interests, bought land, and also 
 purchased and operated a creamery for a time. 
 In 1889 he embarked in general merchandising in 
 Du Quoin, and has since built up a large business, 
 having a constantly increasing trade. He also 
 owns his farm in St. Clair County and has been 
 very successful in carrying on his interests. 
 
 While living in St. Clair County Mr. Heinecke
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 647 
 
 served as President of the Town Board of Lenz- 
 burg for several years. For four years he was 
 Township Supervisor, and also served on the 
 School Board. He has always been a Democrat in 
 polities and is a prominent member of the Luth- 
 eran Church. He served as a Trustee in St. Clair 
 County and is President of the Board of Trustees 
 of the church in Du Quoin. Socially, he is an 
 Odd Fellow and has filled all the chairs of his 
 lodge. He is also a Knight of Pythias and he- 
 longs to two orders, the D. O. H. and the U. O. T. 
 B. In all of the organizations he takes an active 
 part. In the community where he lives he is 
 widely and favorably known, and with pleasure 
 we present to our readers this record of his life. 
 
 ^f OHN FREDERICK RAUSCH, who is fore- 
 man of the car department of the Mobile & 
 Ohio Railroad at Murphysboro, and also 
 Chief of the fire company of that road, is 
 a native of the Buckeje State. He was born in 
 Cincinnati, Ohio, December 5, 1851, and is a son 
 of John F. and Matilda (Lentsch) Rauseh. The 
 parents were both natives of Germany. The pa- 
 ternal grandfather carried on a feed store and en- 
 gaged in teaming in that country and also in Cin- 
 cinnati, after his emigration to America. 
 
 The father of our subject was reared in Cincin- 
 nati, and followed the same business as his father. 
 He was a member of the Union Fire Engine & 
 Hose Company, and was a stalwart and active 
 man, but in 1853 was stricken with cholera and 
 soon died. Mrs. Rauseh came to the United States 
 with her parents during her girlhood, the family 
 locating in Evansville, Ind., and later in Louis- 
 ville, Ky. After the death of her first husband, 
 she became the wife of Joseph Loesch, who died 
 in 1862. They had one child, now deceased. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Rauseh had two children, the daughter 
 being Mrs. Elizabeth Boyer, of Louisville, Ky. 
 
 At the age of four years, John F. went with his 
 mother to Louisville. In 1863, he was serving as 
 bartender when Colonel Kingslej', who came in 
 to get a drink, intrusted -$1,000 to his care. On 
 his return for the money the Colonel said, "Young 
 
 man, you shall have a better job," and he was 
 made messenger under Capt. J. G. Klink and Col. 
 J. R. Delvechio in Louisville, receiving $50 per 
 month and his board. This position he held un- 
 til the close of the war. One day while out on 
 an expedition he was confronted by Sue Mun- 
 day, who called halt, but Mr. Rauseh whipped up 
 his horse and at length made his escape. Later he 
 saw his pursuer hung. 
 
 After the war, our subject served a four j-ears' 
 apprenticeship as ear builder with Colonel Del- 
 vechio, President of llie Market Street Railroad, 
 and then became foreman of the shops, which po- 
 sition he filled until the company sold out. He 
 was then with the Ohio Falls Car Works at Jeffer- 
 sonville, Ind., for two years, and afterwards served 
 as car builder at Louisville for the Paducah Rail- 
 road. In 1880, he went to East St. Louis and was 
 placed in charge of the shops of the St. Louis & 
 Cairo Railroad, and continued as foreman after 
 the purchase of that road by the Mobile & Ohio 
 Railroad. In the fall of 1889, when the shops 
 were built at Murphysboro, he was made foreman 
 at this place and has had entire charge since, with 
 about forty men under him. He understands 
 every department of the business, and his practical 
 knowledge well fits him for the responsible posi- 
 tion. 
 
 Mr. Rauseh was one of the organizers of the 
 Mobile & Ohio Fire Company, and by Mr. Clarke 
 was appointed Chief. Tliis company won the first 
 prize at Jonesboro and Carbondale. It was organ- 
 ized for the preservation of railroad propert3', but 
 also acts as a fire company for the city. Our sub- 
 ject has now been foreman of car shops for eigh- 
 teen j'ears, which fact indicates a faithful service 
 and is a record of which he may well be proud. 
 
 In Louisville, Ky., in 1873, Mr. Rauseh wedded 
 Miss Anne Kesler, a native of Germany, who came 
 to this country in 1865. They have eight chil- 
 dren: Christina A., Julius C, Bettie L., Ida M., 
 John F., Freida D., Charles H. and Annie W. Mr. 
 Rauseh joined the Masonic fraternity in Hardin 
 County, Ky., and now belongs to Murphysboro 
 Lodge No. 498, A. F. & A. M. He also holds 
 membership with the Lutheran Cliurch. In poli- 
 tics he is a Democrat, and was one of the organ-
 
 648 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 izers of the Gill Guards, of which he was elected 
 President. He is also the composer of the Gill 
 campaign sono;. 
 
 ON. THOMAS M. LOGAN, President of the 
 Street Railwaj' Company of Murphysboro, 
 is the oldest living settler of this place, and 
 one of the first pioneers of Jackson Coun- 
 He has been prominent in the history of the 
 community for many years, and like his illustrious 
 brother. Gen. John A. Logan, has become widely 
 known through business and social interests. 
 
 Our subject was born in Murphysboro, August 
 1, 1828, and is a son of Dr. John Logan, a native 
 of Ireland. The grandfather, who also bore the 
 name of John, brought the famil}' to America when 
 his son was only fifteen years of age, and located 
 in Ohio, where he engaged in farming. He after- 
 ward removed to Perry County, Mo., and subse- 
 quently came to this county. When the father of 
 our subject was a young man he went south with 
 a stock drover and formed the acquaintance of 
 Dr. Clayburn, of Vicksburg, Miss., with whom he 
 studied medicine for four j-ears. He then engaged 
 in practice in Perry County, Mo. In 1824 he lo- 
 cated in Brownsville, then the county seat of this 
 county, and the following year married Elizabeth 
 Jenkins, who was a native of Virginia, as was her 
 father, Alex Jenkins. He was a farmer and re- 
 moved with his family to South Carolina, thence 
 to Tennessee, and later to Union County, 111., 
 where he became an earlj' settler and spent his re- 
 maining days. He raised a company for the Black 
 Hawk War and became a Colonel in that service. 
 His son, Alex, served as Lieutenant-Governor of 
 the state. 
 
 In 1826 John Logan removed to Murphysboro, 
 although the town had not been started at that 
 time, and purchased one hundred and sixty acres 
 of wild land. About 1842 commissioners were 
 appointed to chose a site for the county seat, and 
 they located it upon the farm of Dr. Logan, who 
 donated twenty acres to the town, in the center of 
 which the court house was built. The Doctor pur- 
 chased several lots and from this point practiced 
 
 medicine, receiving calls from a radius of over 
 thirtj' miles. He also built a hotel on the present 
 site of the Logan House, but his tireless labors 
 proved too much for him and undoubtedly hast- 
 ened his death. He several times served as a mem- 
 ber of the State Legislature, being elected on the 
 Democratic ticket. He was a member of the State 
 Medical Society, and of the Methodist Episcopal 
 Church. He served as surgeon in the Black Hawk 
 War, and was ever prominent in public affairs in 
 this community. The death of this honored and 
 worthy gentleman occurred in 1853, at the age of 
 sixty-five years and four months. His wife passed 
 away in 1876. In the family were eight children, 
 of whom five besides our subject grew to mature 
 years, namely: Gen. John A. Logan, whose name 
 is known throughout the world; Mrs. Dorothy 
 Tliomas, who died in Murphysboro; Mrs. Augustine 
 Rogers, who lives in this place; Hon. William, 
 an attornej'-at-law, who served as a member of the 
 State Legislature, and died in 1867, and James, a 
 merchant of Olney, 111. 
 
 Amid the wild scenes of the frontier Thomas 
 Logan was reared. For a time there were no schools, 
 but afterward a log school with slab seats was built 
 a mile and a-half from his home. It took two days 
 and two nights to go to mill and return, including 
 the time while the grist was being ground. Deer, 
 wolves and bear were plentj'; farming was done 
 with oxen, with a wooden mold-board on the plow, 
 and they used to cradle and mow with the reap 
 hook and scythe. Mr. Logan bought the second 
 reaper in the county. He remained at home until 
 twenty years of age, and then rented land for three 
 j'ears in connection with Mr. Osborn, also operat- 
 ing a horse sawmill for eighteen montiis. 
 
 Subsequently Mr. Logan purchased land, three 
 hundred acres, adjoining the old homestead, which 
 he cleared and improved, carrying on general 
 farming. He also raised good grades of cattle and 
 hogs, and in 1855 he began breeding thorough bred 
 horses. For thirteen years he had a stable, and at 
 one time owned some of the finest horses in the 
 country. In April, 1891, his stable was destroyed 
 by fire; sixteen head of the finest standard bred 
 horses were burned to death, and three thousand 
 bushels of grain and a considerable quantity of
 
 _J^-<^t' 
 
 .c
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 651 
 
 hay were consumed in the flames. For twenty- 
 seven years one trainer worked in his employ. 
 Among his horses were "Blind Tcm," "Prairie 
 Bird," "Stocking Leg," "Cricket," "Logan," "Sal- 
 lie L.," "Prince Albert," "Pet," and others. In 
 connection with General Logan, he owned six hun- 
 dred acres of fine land, and he now with J. C. Clark 
 has three hundred acres adjoining the corporation 
 limits of Murphysboro. In connection with J. C. 
 Clark, in 1892, he laid out the Clark and Logan 
 Addition to Murphysboro, comprising eight}- acres. 
 This includes .John A. I^ogan Park, a ten-acre tract 
 of land, nicel}' improved and cultivated. 
 
 In 1852 Mr. Logan married Aletha Gill, who was 
 born in Elk Prairie, and was a daughter of Peter 
 Gill, one of the first settlers and County Judges 
 of this communitj'. She died in 1857, and in Au- 
 gust, 1874, Mr. Logan wedded Miss Sallie Oliver, 
 a native of Dayton, Ohio, and a daughter of 
 Thomas Oliver. Prior to her marriage she engaged 
 in school teaching. She is a very active and prom- 
 inent worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
 and a leader in Sunday-school work. 
 
 Other business interests have occupied the atten- 
 tion of Mr. Logan, who has been very prominent 
 in the upbuilding and development of this com- 
 munity. In 1892 the Murphysboro Street Railway 
 Company was incorporated and the tracks laid. He 
 is one of its Directors and has been its President 
 from the beginning. He has built two mills in this 
 place. In connection with Mr. Osborn he built 
 the Manufacturers Mill, and later the Logan & 
 Deshan Mill. Both of these he has since sold. In 
 1891 he bought the site of the original Logan 
 Hotel, and built the present house at a cost of ^33,- 
 000. It is a three-story structure, and the finest 
 building in the citj-. He also erected the Hamilton 
 House, and has built and sold other brick blocks. 
 He was one of the organizers of the First ^National 
 Bank, and is still a stockholder and director. He 
 aided in the organization and is a stockholder in 
 the City National Bank. In politics he was a Dem- 
 ocrat until the organization of the Republican 
 partj", since which time he has been one of its stal- 
 wart supporters. Could the work and its results 
 which Mr. Logan has accomplished be withdrawn 
 from Murphysboro, the city would at best be only 
 
 a town of little importance, for his labors have 
 been prominent factors in its upbuilding and in 
 the promotion of its best interests. 
 
 yE. TALBOTT, who is now living a retired 
 life in Ava, claims Tennessee as the state 
 of his nativit}', his birth having occurred 
 in Smith County, April 20, 1817. The family is 
 of English origin, and at an early day in Colonial 
 history was established in Virginia, where Thomas 
 Talbott, grandfather of our subject, was born. 
 William R. Talbott, the father, was born near 
 Fredericksburg, Va., in 1796, and served under 
 General Harrison in the "War of 1812, taking i)art 
 in the battles of the northwest. He also fought 
 under General Jackson at New Orleans. Remov- 
 ing to Tennessee, he there married Martha M. 
 Giflford, who was born near Knoxville in 1793. 
 
 In October, 1820, William R. Talbott and his 
 wife came to Illinois, locating two miles north of 
 Kaskaskia, and two years later removed to Kin- 
 kaid Township, Jackson County, leasing a farm 
 from Captain McDonougli, the pioneer mail car- 
 rier of this section. Later they located two miles 
 north of Rockwood, Randolph County, but after 
 four j^ears thej- came to Kinkaid Township, set- 
 tling on section 33, where the}' made a permanent 
 location. Mr. Talbott died November 16, 1847, 
 and his wife passed away April 12, 1841. Of tlieir 
 eight children but two are now living: W. E., and 
 Martha M., wife of Samuel Bowers, a farmer of 
 Kinkaid Township, by whom she has three chil- 
 dren. The mother was a member of the Free 
 Will Baptist Church, and the father was a Jack- 
 souiau Democrat. 
 
 Mr. Talbott of this sketch was only three years 
 old when brought by his parents to Illinois. His 
 mother carried a baby in her arms, and he rode be- 
 hind her on horseback. In 1826 he entered the 
 first school taught on the Mississippi River Bluff, 
 and in his youth obtained such education as the 
 schools of the neighborhood afforded, but his privi- 
 leges were very meagre. At the age of sixteen he as- 
 sumed the management of the farm, for his father 
 was in poor health. He drove an ox-cart to mill
 
 652 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 at Steeleville, and experienced all the difficulties 
 of pioneer life. For two years' service after at- 
 taining his m.ajority his father gave him $200, 
 with which he entered eighty acres of wild land 
 on section 22, Kinkaid Township., and began the 
 development of a farm. 
 
 On the 14th of January, 1841, Mr. Talbott mar- 
 ried Elizabeth, daughter of 'Squire Cr.ane, who was 
 a territorial ranger and an early settler in this 
 community. She was born in Kinkaid Township, 
 June 7, 1820. They began their domestic life in 
 a log cabin, but as the years passed, they were en- 
 abled to secure the comforts and conveniences of 
 civilization, and theirs became one of the finest 
 farms of the townsliii). They made it their home 
 until 1887, since whicii time they have lived re- 
 tired in Ava. Mr. Talbott now owns fourteen 
 hundred and seventy acres of land, and has given 
 five hundred acres to his children. 
 
 In the family were twelve children, six of whom 
 are yet living: Mrs. Martha M. McCormick, S. A., 
 Thomas R., Peter K., William R. and Mrs.Sophro- 
 na J. Austin. All reside in Kinkaid Township. 
 S. A. served in the Civil War, and was held pris- 
 oner for eighteen months. The children were 
 given good educational ad vantages, and were there- 
 by fitted for the practical duties of life. 
 
 In politics. Mr. Talbott has long been a Demo- 
 crat. For ten years he served as Supervisor, and 
 for many years has been School Director. He is 
 the oldest living settler in Kinkaid Township, his 
 residence in Illinois covering a period of seventy- 
 four years. He has watched the entire growth and 
 development of the county, has aided in its ad- 
 vancement, and well deserves mention among its 
 honored pioneers. 
 
 i\\ URRAY DEAN, who is prominently con- 
 nected with the business interests of Ava, 
 being now engaged in milling, merchan- 
 dising and banking, was born December 
 26, 1848, in Liberty (now Rockwood), III. The 
 common schools afforded him his early educa- 
 tional privileges, and later he studied in the Chester 
 High School and in an academy in Nashville. He 
 received his business training as clerk in his fa- 
 
 ther's store, and then was employed as salesman 
 for John C. Clendennen, of Rockwood, until 1872. 
 In that year he traveled through the south, hand- 
 ling nursery' stock, and in August, 1873, came to 
 Ava, where he was made Superintendent in his 
 father's mill, of which he is now proprietor. 
 
 Four members of the family became owners of 
 the mill in 1877, and later Murray and his brother 
 W. C. bought out the other partners, running the 
 business together until Jul}', 1893, when our sub- 
 ject became sole owner. The mill is supplied with a 
 full roller process and the latest improved machin- 
 ery, and has a capacity of two hundred barrels of 
 flour per day. Extensive shipments of the leading 
 brands, "Belle of Ava" and "White Lil}'," are made 
 to the south. Employment is furnished to fifteen 
 men, and fifteen men are also emplo^'ed in the 
 cooper shop, which is run in connection with the 
 mill. The elevator has a capacity of forty thousand 
 bushels, and both it and the mill are run by steam 
 power. 
 
 In 1875, in connection with his brother AV. C, 
 Mr. Dean opened a general store and continued 
 the same under the firm name of Dean Brothers 
 until 1889, when William Divers became a mem- 
 ber of the firm. In 1891 our subject bought out 
 his brother, and operations are now carried on 
 under the firm name of William Divers & Co., 
 who do a business of §50,000 per year. They 
 erected a three-story brick building, 80x50 feet, 
 with a storeroom and warehouse on the lower 
 floor and a storeroom and offices on the second 
 floor, while the third floor is used as a Masonic 
 hall and is one of the finest in southern Illinois. 
 Murraj' Dean is also a member of the firm of Dean 
 Brothers, bankers and lumber merchants of Ava. 
 
 In 1874 Mr. Dean w.is united in marriage with 
 Miss Mary C. Cheatham, who was born in Jackson 
 County in 1856, and is a daughter of Noah Cheat- 
 ham, now of Ava. They had nine children, eight 
 of whom are yet living, Sadie, Homer Kent, Ma- 
 mie, Dollle, Maud, Charles, James Lester and 
 Ralph. 
 
 In 1890 Mr. Dean erected his fine home, a two- 
 storj' and basement brick residence of ten rooms, 
 supplied with all modern covenlences and accesso- 
 ries, including hot and cold water, and is heated by
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 653 
 
 steam. It is elegantly and tastefully furnished 
 and is ever open for the reception of their many 
 friends. The family is one of the most prominent 
 in the county. In politics Mr. Dean is a Democrat 
 and has for several terms served on the A'illage 
 Board. His wife is one of the leading members of 
 the Free Will Baptist Church. A man of good 
 business ability, sagacious and far-sighted, Mr. 
 Dean has through his own efforts won the success 
 which has crowned his life, and therefore well de- 
 serves his prosperity. 
 
 <J1 1^, K. TOLER is now serving as Deputy 
 \/v// ^^^'^^^ of Jackson County. At this writ- 
 \^s§ ing, in December, 1893, he is numbered 
 among the residents of Carbondale, but early in the 
 following year he expects to remove to Murphys- 
 boro. He has the honor of being a native of Illi- 
 nois, his birth having occurred in Moscow, Union 
 County, on the 11th of May, 1866. His father, 
 John W. Toler, was also born in that county, where 
 the grandfather, Erwin Toler, settled in an early 
 day. The latter was a native of North' Carolina, 
 and was a farmer by occupation. Tlie family is of 
 English descent. During the Mexican War, the 
 grandfather was a defender of the country. Later 
 he removed to Murphysboro. 
 
 John W. Toler was reared in this state, and in 
 1875 embarked in merchandising in this place, 
 where he continued for some time as a dealer in 
 groceries, meats and hardware. In 1886, he went 
 to Carbondale, where he is now engaged in the 
 grocery business. He- served as Postmaster under 
 President Cleveland's first administration. In the 
 late war he joined the Thirty-first Illinois Infan- 
 try, and became Captain of Company D. He was 
 three times badly wounded, but continued in the 
 service until the close of the war, when he was 
 honorably discharged, in the year 1865. He par- 
 ticipated in the Grand Review in Washington, 
 and then returned to his home. For two years 
 he carried on farming and then came to Mur- 
 physboro. For eight years he served as Deputy 
 Sheriff under Hanks and Saras, and for a few 
 weeks after the death of Mr. Campbell, acted as 
 
 Sheriff. He married Miss Harriet Spiller, a native 
 of Union County, 111., and a daughter of William 
 Spiller, a well known farmer of that county'. The 
 death of Mrs. Toler occurred in 1886. In the fam- 
 ily were seven children, six sons and a daughter. 
 
 W. E. Toler, whose name heads this record, is 
 the eldest. He was reared in this county, attended 
 the public schools of Murphysboro, was graduated 
 from the high school, and in 1885 went to Car- 
 bondale, spending one year as a student in the 
 Southern Illinois Normal. He was then for one 
 year employed in the train department of the Illi- 
 nois Central Railroad, after which he was connec- 
 ted with the Chicago and Texas Road for three 
 years. In 1891, he embarked in the butchering 
 business in Carbondale, in which he continued 
 until March, 1893, when his market was destroyed 
 by fire, and he did not rebuild. On the 8th of 
 August, following, he was appointed Deputy 
 Sheriff, and has since filled the position. 
 
 On the 12th of December, 1889, was celebrated 
 the marriage of Mr. Toler and Miss Sarah Chapman, 
 a native of this county. The wedding ceremony 
 was performed in Carbondale. Two children now 
 grace the union, a son and a daughter, Katie and 
 Walter. They occupy a pleasant residence in Car- 
 bondale, which is the property of Mr. Toler. In 
 politics he has been a supporter of Democratic 
 principles since attaining his majority. 
 
 
 ^^EORGE HUTHMACHER, an enterprising 
 [l[ ,_—, citizen of Murphysboro, who is now serving 
 *^\^4 ''■* Deputy County Sheriff under his brother, 
 Chailes C, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this 
 volume, has spent his entire life in Illinois. He is 
 a native of Sandoval, was born on the 1st of Feb- 
 ruary, 1869, and is the 3'^oungest son in a family of 
 seven living children. With his parents he came 
 to this county during his early infancy, and the 
 da3's of his boyhood and youth were spent in Grand 
 Tower, where he attended the public schools and 
 acquired his literary education. In 1888-89, he 
 attended Bryant & Stratton's Business College of 
 St. Louis. 
 
 Returning to the home farm, Mr. Huthmacher 
 there remained until December, 1890, when he was
 
 654 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 appointed first Deputy Sheriff by his brother, 
 Charles C, wlioliad been elected to office that year. 
 In December, 1891, he and a constable had an en- 
 counter with a fugitive from the Franklin County 
 Jail, a horse thief. They learned that he was in 
 the Mississippi bottoms on the Big Lake, in his 
 uncle's house. Mr. Iluthmacher and the constable 
 went to the place about ten o'clock in the fore- 
 noon and entered the house to arrest the fellow. 
 The thief pulled out a revolver, and after that was 
 taken from him bj- Mr. Iluthmacher, he pulled out 
 another. He was then twice shot b}' the constable, 
 once in the jaw and again in the breast. He was 
 then captured, tried and convicted, and is now 
 serving a nine j-ears' term in the penitentiary at 
 Joliet. This incident well indicates the bravery 
 and fearlessness which ably fits our subject for the 
 duties of his present position. 
 
 Mr. Huthmacher is a stockholder in the Jackson 
 County Building and Loan Association. He be- 
 longs to the Fraternal Mystic Circle, in which he is 
 now serving as Treasurer, and in bis political 
 views is a Democrat. He has many friends 
 throughout the community, and is well known in 
 the county, which has been his home during the 
 greater part of his life. 
 
 ENRY HORN is prominently connected 
 with the business interests of Du Quoin, 
 where he is engaged in banking, merchan- 
 dising and coal dealing. He was born in a 
 little village near Cologne, Germany, August 2, 
 183 1. His father was a very poor man, and Henry 
 received but limited educational privileges, at- 
 tending the village school onlj' until twelve years 
 of age, when he was forced to start out in life for 
 himself. From that early age he has been depend- 
 ent on his own resources, and the success of his 
 life, for which he deserves great credit, is the re- 
 ward of his own labors. He was first employed in 
 a restaurant as a waiter. In 1800 he came to 
 America without means, and worked for a time in 
 the east. He then emigrated westward, locating 
 in the northern |)art of Illinois, and there re- 
 mained until the financial panic of 1857, when he 
 
 lost what little money he had saved. It was then 
 that he came to Du Quoin, where, with less than 
 $100, he established a little business. 
 
 From that day Mr. Horn has prospered, and has 
 rapidly won a most handsome competence. He 
 embarked in general merchandising, and when he 
 had become well established in that line, lie became 
 interested in coal mines. In 1877 he established 
 the Du Quoin Bank, in companj' with P. N. Pope, 
 who withdrew from the same some 3ears ago, leav- 
 ing Mr. Horn sole proprietor. In 1878, in com- 
 pany with JMr. Pope and Judge Wall, he built the 
 St. Nicholas Hotel, but afterward sold his interest 
 in that property to the two partners. He is now 
 the proprietor of Horn's Coalery Company, one of 
 the most extensive mines of this place, which has 
 a capacity of one thousand tons per daj'. He is 
 also largelj' interested in stock farms, and in 1884 
 he went to England to purchase fine stock for the 
 same. He has also made two trips to his native 
 country. 
 
 In 1861 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. 
 Horn and Miss Mary Feanans, of Ashley, 111., 
 and to them were born seven children, who are 
 yet living. They have also lost six children. 
 Frank was educated in the college at St. Louis, 
 and is now cashier in the Du Quoin Bank; Mary, 
 who was educated in Belleville, 111., now has charge 
 of the large mercantile establishment; Thomas, 
 who was educated at the State University of Cham- 
 paign, is the Superintendent of Horn's Coalery 
 Companj'; Minnie, who was educated ata convent 
 in St. Louis, is now Assistant Cashier of the bank; 
 Katie is the wife of N. G. Park, a prominent drug- 
 gist and the son of Judge Park, of Du Quoin; 
 Lottie has completed her education and is at home 
 with her parents; while Henry, the youngest, is 
 still in school. 
 
 It will be seen that Mr. Horn has given his chil- 
 dren excellent educational advantages, fitting them 
 for the practical duties of life, and then thej' have 
 received the training of actual business life by 
 their labors in the various fields mentioned. Mr. 
 Horn and his family are members of the Catholic 
 Church, and when the new house of worship was 
 built, he donated the sum of 810,000 to its erec- 
 tion. He is very generous and liberal toward
 
 PORTRAIT AKD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 655 
 
 those enterprises which are calculated to prove of 
 public benefit, and is therefore a valued citizen of 
 the community. Previous to his trip to England 
 in 1884 he was a Democrat, but while abroad he 
 saw the effects of free trade upon the country, and 
 changing his views in consequence, has since been 
 a most stalwart Republican. His success in life 
 seems' almost incredible when we know that he 
 came to this countrj^ empty-handed, j-et neverthe- 
 less he has become the wealthiest citizen of Perry 
 Countv. He is still as active in business as when 
 he was striving to get a start in life, his time be- 
 ing never idly spent. His example is well worthy 
 of emulation, and should serve to encourage others 
 who in voutb are not endowed bv fortune. 
 
 [^ OX. W. E. BROOKINGS, who is Mayor of Du 
 Quoin, and one of the leading and wealthy 
 business men of this cit}-, was born in Faj'- 
 ette County, Pa., on the 4tb of Februar}', 
 1849. His father, Richard Brookings, was a na- 
 tive of Mainland, born in 1802, in Cecil County. 
 Removing to Fayette County, Pa., he there en- 
 gaged in the coal and coke business until the 
 spring of 1857, when he emigrated westward and 
 took up his residence on a farm near Du Quoin. 
 His time and attention, however, were devoted to 
 mercantile pursuits, which he carried on success- 
 fully for a number of j'ears, accumulating a con- 
 siderable property. His death here occurred on the 
 28th of April, 1885. His father, Charles G. Brook- 
 ings, was the son of Charles Brookings, Sr., a na- 
 tive of England, and the founder of the family in 
 America. The mother of our subject bore the 
 maiden name of Susan E. Stevens. She was born 
 in Fayette County, Pa., and her progenitors were 
 genuine Highland Scotch. She died in Du Quoin 
 on the 1st of June, 1891, and her loss was deeply 
 mourned. Both Mr. and Mrs. Brookings were 
 prominent people, and were held in high regard 
 by all. 
 
 Maj'or Brookings was the j'oungest in a family 
 of sis children, but has onl)' one brother now liv- 
 ing, A. C, a leading druggist of Du Quoin. Our 
 subject was onl}' eight j-ears of age when with his 
 
 parents he came to Du Quoin, where he acquired 
 his education in the public schools. His business 
 training was received in his father's store, where 
 he continued as an employe until he succeeded to 
 the business about 1874. At his death the father 
 left a large estate, and with the share which our 
 subject received he began business operations, and 
 bj' his well directed efforts has accumulated much 
 valuable property, and is regarded as one of the 
 wealthy citizens of the county. In connection 
 with his brother he owns the Brookings Block, on 
 Main Street, which is the finest business block in 
 the citj-. He has also been connected with the 
 Heat, Light and Power Company of Du Quoin, but 
 disposed of his interest ere entering upon his 
 duties as Mayor of the citv. 
 
 On the 17th of February, 1881, Mr. Brookings 
 was united in m.irriage with Miss Cornelia Dry, of 
 Du Quoin. Ten years later she was called to her 
 final rest, departing this life Marcli 20, 1891. In 
 1893 Mr. Brookings was elected Mayor of Du 
 Quoin, and is proving one of the best and most 
 popular mayors in the state, ever watchful of the 
 citj''s interest and anxious to promote its best en- 
 terprises. With the same fidelity he also served as 
 Alderman for two terms. He is a man of generous 
 and kindly impulses, liberal to a fault, and is re- 
 garded as a whole-souled, broad-gauged gentleman, 
 who b}- an honorable, straightforward career has 
 won the confidence and warm regard of all with 
 whom business or social relations have brought 
 him in contact. 
 
 (|^ ON. WILLIAM REID, who for thirty years 
 [jji has been Police Magistrate of Du Quoin, 
 /4W^ and is one of its influential and repiesenta- 
 (^/ five citizens, was born within six miles of 
 his present home, on the 14th of August, 1826. 
 He was one of a family of two sons and three 
 daughters, but is now the only survivor. His fa- 
 ther, John Reid, was a Virginian by birth, and on 
 leaving the Old Dominion removed to Kentucky, 
 whence he came to Illinois, before its admission 
 into the Union. 
 
 The grandfather of our subject was born in Ire- 
 land and became quite prominent. John Reid
 
 656 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 was also one of tbc leading men of southern Illi- 
 nois during the early days. He served as County 
 Commissioner, Justice of the Peace, and held other 
 local offices. He was a man of considerable force 
 of character, honorable and upright, and was highly 
 respected by all. The year 1846 he spent in 
 Iowa, but after a few montlis returned to Illinois, 
 where he died May 10, 18fi(). His only brother, 
 William Reid, was a leading and well known 
 Methodist preacher. The mother of 'Squire Reid 
 was in her maidenhood Susan Washburn. She was 
 born in Georgia, and was a daugliter of Paul 
 Washburn, a pioneer farmer of Kaskaskia, 111. She 
 had two brothers, John AVashburn, who served in 
 the Black Hawk AVar, and Noah, who was a soldier 
 in the late war. Her parents came to Illinois 
 when she was only four years of age. The moth- 
 er's death occurred in Du Quoin in 1868. 
 
 In the usual manner of farmer lads William 
 Reid spent his boyhood days. He acquired his 
 education in the old-time log school house of the 
 frontier. When he had attained to man's estate, 
 he began dealing in stock, and became one of the 
 most extensive stock dealers in the southern part 
 of this state, but his health failed him, and he was 
 forced to la}- aside business cares. Since that time 
 his attention has been given to his official duties. 
 
 In 1850 Mr. Reid married Miss Artemisia Estes, 
 a native of Franklin County, 111., where her parents 
 were early settlers. To Mr. and Mrs. Reid were 
 born eleven children, ten of whom grew to mature 
 years, while eight are jet living. John died in 
 infanc}'. Isham died at the age of twent}'-one, and 
 Hiram died of small-pox at the age of twenty-one. 
 Lurinda is the wife of Corydon McElvain, of Du 
 Quoin. Mary A. is the wife of P. J. Saunders, 
 who won notoriety by shooting the train robbers 
 on the Illinois Central Railroad near Centralia, for 
 which act of bravery the railroad company pre- 
 sented him with a gold medal, properly inscribed, 
 and a block of the Illinois Central Railroad stock. 
 William F. resides in Du (Juoin. Letitia J. is the 
 wife of N. A. Graig, of Tuscola, 111. Asenath A. 
 is the wife of H. C. Jones, a conductor on an ele- 
 vated railroad in Chicago. Nellie is living with 
 her parents. George W. is a graduate of the 
 Northern Normal School, and is an able and pop- 
 
 ular educator, now teaching in Shawneetown, 111. 
 Silas H. is a graduate of the State Normal School 
 of Bloomington, and is now a very able young at- 
 tornej' of Du Quoin. 
 
 AVhile living on his father's farm, Mr. Reid 
 served as a Justice of the Peace for several years, 
 and was Police Judge. Since the city was first or- 
 ganized he has also been overseer of the poo*, and 
 has been United States Commissioner for the past 
 twelve years. His rulings in court are always 
 fair, and when he makes a decision it is usually 
 sustained by the higher courts. All respect him 
 for his plain, honest waj' of doing business and 
 the honorable, upright life he has led. Both he 
 and his wife are members of the Christian Church, 
 and are numbered among the best citizens of Du 
 Quoin and Perry County, where for many j'ears 
 thev have made their home. 
 
 ^-- 
 
 =+ 
 
 OSEPH ISMERT, Superintendent of the 
 Pincknej'ville Milling Company, was born 
 on the French frontier, September 26, 1853. 
 His father, John Ismert, was a miller by 
 trade, and accompanied by three brothers, he left 
 his native land and sailed for America. He made 
 a location in Buffalo, N. Y., where for some time 
 he engaged in the operation of a sawmill, but 
 later returned to France, where his death occurred 
 in 1889. 
 
 Mr. Ismert of this sketah is one of four brothers, 
 of whom John is one of the extensive stockholders 
 of the Pinckneyville Milling Company, and is 
 manager of the works. Our subject, who is the 
 youngest, was educated in his native land, and 
 after coming to this country learned the miller's 
 trade under his eldest brother, John. At the age 
 of eighteen he bade adieu to his old home and 
 friends and crossed the briny deep to the New 
 World, having determined to seek a home and for- 
 tune in America. For five years after his arrival 
 he was employed in a mill in Kansas City, Kan., 
 and after leaving that place was employed in dif- 
 ferent mills in various towns. He spent six years 
 as a miller in Freeport, 111., and in 1889, in com-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 657 
 
 pany with his brother John, he purchased stock in 
 the mill at Pinckneyville. Soon afterward be was 
 elected Superintendent, which position he is now 
 filling to the satisfaction of all concerned. The 
 mill has a capacit}' of four hundred barrels of flour 
 per day, is supplied with the latest improved ma- 
 chinery- and is complete in all its appointments. 
 
 On the 30th of July, 1882, Mr. Ismert was 
 united in marriage with Miss Maggie Yogel. This 
 most estimable lady is a native of St. Louis. Their 
 union has been blessed with a family of five chil- 
 dren, four sons and a daughter, namely: Joseph 
 H., Leo M., Albert R., C. R. and Maud G. They 
 are still under the parental roof. The Ismert 
 household is the abode of hospitality and good 
 cheer, and the many friends of the family are al- 
 ways sure to there receive a hearty welcome. 
 
 Mr. Ismert takes some interest in civic societies, 
 and holds membership both with the Odd Fellows' 
 lodge and the Knights of Pythias fraternity. In 
 connection with his business in this country, he 
 also owns an interest in the estate in France, 
 which was left by his father, who was a very 
 wealthy man. Mr. Ismert's life is characterized by 
 industry and enterprise, and his well directed ef- 
 forts have won him success in his undertakings. 
 
 <X: »-i-t~i"i"i"i"i"i"i"i"i' ^ »^'i"i'-H-»»»»-i^ X> 
 
 \1i^ R. SCHULZE, a member of the lumber firm 
 \}f^, of J. H. Schulze & Co., of Pinckneyville, 
 (^^^ is a native of the neighboring state of 
 1^) Missouri. He was born in Jackson, on the 
 8th of February, 1857, and is a son of the late 
 Rev. J. H. Schulze. His father was a German by 
 birth and came to this country when a young 
 man, landing in New Orleans, whence he made his 
 way to Chester, 111. He became a minister of the 
 German Methodist Episcopal Church, and as such 
 was stationed at .Jackson, Mo., where our subject 
 was born. He afterwards preached at various 
 pl.ices in Illinois, including Vandalia, Red Bud 
 and Nashville. In 1865 he came to Pinckney- 
 ville, where for three years he engaged in minis- 
 terial work, and also carried on a saw and grist 
 mill. After three years he retired from the min- 
 istry and devoted the remainder of his days to 
 
 business pursuits. In 1872 he built the large flour- 
 ing mill now owned by the Pinckneyville Milling 
 Company, but in that enterprise met with heary 
 losses. He was also interested in coal mining. 
 Later in life he recovered his lost possessions, be- 
 coming a wealth}' man. His death occurred Au- 
 gust 20, 1893. He was a prominent and progress- 
 ive citizen, a good business man, and lived an 
 honorable, upright life, well worthy of emulation. 
 He was married to Miss Fredericka Miller, who 
 was also a native of Germany. She is still living, 
 and is interested with her son in business. 
 
 Mr. Schulze of this sketch was the third in or- 
 der of birth in a family of four children who 
 grew to mature years. The eldest, George, went 
 away from home in ISfs, and has never been 
 heard from since that time. Rosa is the wife of 
 Rev. Philip Skacr, a Methodist Episcopal preacher, 
 living on a farm near Nokomis, 111. Cora is the 
 wife of William Harris, a farmer residing near 
 Du Quoin. 
 
 In the public schools of Pinckneyville H. R. 
 Schulze acquired his early education, which was 
 supplemented by a course of study in the Central 
 \Vesle3-an College of Warrenton, Mo. At the age 
 of nineteen he became associated with his father 
 in business, and continued as his partner until his 
 father's death. For a few years previous to that 
 time he had the entire care and management of 
 the business, for Mr. Schulze, Sr., was in poor 
 health, and the entire responsibility rested upon 
 the son. 
 
 In May, 1887, our subject was united in mar- 
 riage with Miss Catherine, daughter of P. Gruner 
 a wealthy hardware merchant of Pinckneyville. 
 B}' the union of the young couple have been born 
 three interesting children. The parents are 
 highly respected people of this community, where 
 they have many warm friends and agreeable ac- 
 quaintances. 
 
 Mr. Schulze exercises his right of franchise in 
 support of the Republican party. He and his 
 wife are both members of the Methodist Episco- 
 pal Church, in which he serves as Trustee, and 
 they take an active interest in church and be- 
 nevolent work. He is also connected with the 
 building and loan association of Pinckneyville,
 
 658 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 and has extensive lumber' interests. His trade 
 along that line is constantly increasing, and a 
 good business alread}' yields him a handsome in- 
 come, which is well deserved. 
 
 vf^^RED LE PERE, who resides on section 16, 
 ^r^' Ora Township, Jackson County, has the 
 /ils honor of being a native of St. Clair Coun- 
 
 ty, 111., his birth having occurred October 24, 1853. 
 The family is of German origin. His father, George 
 J. Le Pere, was born in Germany in 1818, and when 
 a young man of eighteen, emigrated to America. 
 He was reared on a farm and followed agricultural 
 pursuits through life. He remained with his par- 
 ents until he had attained his majoritj\ Soon af- 
 terward he was married in St. Clair County to Miss 
 Wagner, who died leaving a daughter, Sopiiia, now 
 the wife of George Weigand, of Georgetown, St. 
 Clair County, 111. 
 
 In 1847 Mr. Le Pere married Maria E. Bertner, 
 and of their children we note Ihe following: Mar- 
 garet, who was born August 26, 1848, married 
 William Schuchardt, by whom she had a daughter, 
 Catherine; after the death of her first husband she 
 married Fred ZoUer, and with their three children, 
 Lizzie, Michael and AVilliam, they reside on Four 
 Mile Prairie, in Perry County; Louisa, born Ko- 
 vember 26, 1850, is the wife of Andrew Rosenber- 
 ger, by whom she had seven children: Andrew, 
 John, Louisa, Lena, August, Lizzie and Jacob; 
 Fred is the subject of this sketch; Catherine, born 
 October 23, 1856, is the wife of Henry Heisner, of 
 Pulaski County, 111.; Mary, born April 11,1858, 
 is the wife of Charles Heisner, of Perry County, 
 by whom she has four children ; Lizzie, born No- 
 vember 12, 1861, is the wife of Howard Weather- 
 ford, of Perry County, by whom she has five chil- 
 dren; Caroline, born July 23, 1860, is the wife of 
 John Schwartzcope,aud with their two children they 
 reside in Perrj' County; George, born March 11, 
 1865, married Caroline Troop, and with his wife 
 and son, Edgar, resides in Jackson County; Peter, 
 born February 27, 1867, is living in Denver, Colo. 
 
 The father of this family' was a member of the 
 Lutheran Church, and died in St. Clair County 
 
 August 10, 1866. His wife was born in Germany, 
 and when six j'ears of age emigrated with her par- 
 ents to St. Clair County, where she received a good 
 education in the English and German languages. 
 She united with the church at an earl3' age and 
 continued a consistent member throughout hfe. 
 At her husband's death she was left with a large 
 family of small children and with only limited 
 means, but in a true Christian spirit she took up 
 her life work and nobly and successfully accom- 
 plished her purpose. She removed to tlie farm 
 now occupied bj' our subject and there reared her 
 children. Slie also gave a home to two children 
 of her deceased sister and to her aged mother and 
 brother, making their last da^-s happy and com- 
 fortable. The poor and needy ever found in her 
 a friend, and a life of unselfish devotion to otiiers 
 won her the love of all who knew her. She passed 
 away February 6, 1876, and her loss was deeply 
 mourned. 
 
 Mr. Le Pere of this sketch remained with his 
 mother and aided her in all possible ways until she 
 was called to the home beyond. He then purchased 
 the interest of the other heirs in the farm which 
 he now owns. Here he has made a pleasant and 
 comfortable home, well improved in every respect. 
 His early years were passed in hard work, but he 
 is now surrounded bj' a comfortable competence as 
 the result of his own efforts. 
 
 On the 28th of October, 1877, Mr. Le Pere 
 wedded Mary E. Williamson, daughter of Henry 
 E. and Ann E. Williamson. Her father was born 
 in Perry County-, 111., October 9, 1832, and was 
 married November 9, 1854, to Ann Bartlett, who 
 was born in New York, October 3, 1838, and was 
 a daughter of John Bartlett, who is still living in 
 Levan Township, Jackson County, at the advanced 
 age of ninety-four. When young, his father re- 
 moved with his wife to where he now lives, and 
 Mr. and Mrs. Williamson spent their married lives 
 upon a farm adjoining that of our subject. They 
 had three children: John B., born September 8, 
 1855; Mary E., born September 23, 1858; and one 
 who died in infancy. Henry E. Williamson was 
 for three years and fifteen days a soldier in the 
 Union army in the War of the Rebellion, enlisting 
 in the Eighteenth Illinois Infantry. He saw severe
 
 Jr 
 
 (^'V.A-A^ 
 
 \jkAKk VAaaXu
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 661 
 
 service, and his health was permanently impaired 
 during that time. 
 
 Unto Mr. and Mrs. Le Pere were born four chil- 
 dren: Laura A., born August 17, 1878; Willie 
 E., March 24, 1880; John P., January- 29,1884; 
 and Bertha E., November 16, 1886. Mr. Le Pere 
 seems to have inherited his mother's energy and 
 industry and emulates her generosity' and kind- 
 ness. He is a prominent member of the Odd Fel- 
 lows' society of Ava. His father was an old line 
 Whig, a warm admirer of Henry Clay, and on the 
 organization of the Republican party he joined its 
 ranks. Our subject is also an earnest supporter of 
 its principles, having been an active member of the 
 part}' since attaining his majority. He has labored 
 constantl}' for its success and has long served on 
 the Central Committee. For some j'ears he has 
 held the oflice of School Director in his district, 
 proving a warm friend to the cause of education. 
 
 B. MINTON, master mechanic of the 
 Mobile & Ohio Railroad at Murphysboro, 
 claims Virginia as the state of his nativ- 
 ity. He was born near Max Meadows, 
 Wythe County, October 12, 1852, and is a son of 
 E. H. and Mary (Richer) Minton. The grandpar- 
 ents on both sides were natives of Virginia. The 
 Mictons were of English descent. The maternal 
 grandlather, E. B. Richey, was a farmer of Vir- 
 ginia, served in the War of 1812, and died in 
 1856. 
 
 The father of our subject was reared in the 
 Buckeye State, and after his marriage located in 
 Wythe County, Va. Later he removed to Charles- 
 ton, Tenn., where he engaged in farming and gen- 
 eral merchandising, continuing that business until 
 the latter part of 1860. He then started for Indi- 
 ana, in order to bring his old mother back to his 
 home, but he never returned, for death overtook 
 him, and he passed away in the Hoosier State Feb- 
 ruary 12, 1861. He was a member of the Presby- 
 terian Church, and his wife belonged to the Bap- 
 tist Church. She died in Cleveland, Tenn., Januaiy 
 4, 1889, at the age of sixty-seven. 
 
 Our subject is their only child. He was reared 
 24 
 
 in Tennessee from the age of six years, and was 
 principallv educated in private schools. In 1867 
 he entered the machine shops of the East Tennes- 
 see, Virginia & Georgia Railroad Company at 
 Knoxville, where he served a three j'ears' appren- 
 ticeship, continuing there until 1875. In 1870 
 he was made fireman, and after eighteen months 
 became engineer, running between Bristol, Va., and 
 Chattanooga, Tenn. In 1875 he went to Jackson, 
 Tenn., and became foreman of the roundhouse and 
 shops of the Illinois Central Railroad, remaining 
 there until 1890. 
 
 In Cleveland, Tenn., Februarj' 2, 1875, Mr. 
 Minton married Miss Mary McNeil}', who was 
 born and reared in that state. The}' have two 
 children, Robert and Edward. Socially, he is con- 
 nected with the Masonic fraternity as a Knight 
 Templar Mason, and also belongs to the Ancient 
 Order of United Workmen and the Modern Wood- 
 men of America. In politics he is a supporter of 
 the Democracy. 
 
 While in Jackson, Tenn., Mr. Minton was a 
 member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive En- 
 gineers, and was Chief of the local department. 
 He was also interested in real estate and in the 
 building and loan association. In 1889 Mr. 
 Clark, who was President of the Illinois Central 
 Railroad, became President of the Mobile & Ohio, 
 and by him Mr. Minton was solicited to become 
 master mechanic of the St. Louis Division. He 
 accepted, and in consequence came to Murphys- 
 boro. He has the entire charge of the mechan- 
 ical department of this division, with about two 
 hundred and fifty employes under him, includ- 
 ing seventy-five men in the car-sliops. There is 
 also a roundliouse with ten stalls. His division 
 of the road is from St. Louis to Cairo, one hun- 
 dred and fifty miles. 
 
 Mr. Minton was one of the organizers and 
 builders of the Murphysboro Street Railway, and 
 is now one of its Directors and its Secretary. He 
 aided in organizing the City National Bank, and 
 is also one of its Directors. In 1893 he was elected 
 Alderman from the Third Ward on the Democratic 
 ticket, and is Chairman of the finance committee. 
 He is a skilled and practical mechanic and en- 
 gineer, and his excellent business and executive
 
 662 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 abilitj' has won him his present important posi- 
 tion, which he is filling with great credit. He is 
 an accommodating and genial gentleman, and Mur- 
 physboro numbers him among her best citizens. 
 
 11^ R. H. P. HUNT.SINGER is the leading 
 ))) ph3-sician and surgeon of Pincknej'ville, 
 and his reputation is not confined alone 
 to this place, for he is widely and favor- 
 abl}' known throughout thecount3'. He was born 
 near Niles, Mich., January 3, 1845, and is a son of 
 John Huntsinger, who was born in Greenville, 
 Darke Count}', Ohio. The grandfather, Henry 
 Huntsinger, was a native of South Carolina, and 
 was a farmer bj' occupation. In early life he went 
 to Darke County, Ohio, and subsequently to Mich- 
 igan. The founder of the family in America 
 was Enoch Huntsinger, a native of Germany, who 
 crossed the Atlantic prior to the Revolution and 
 located in South Carolina, where at one time he was 
 an extensive slave-holder. He lived to be more 
 than one hundred years old, and died near Niles, 
 Mich. 
 
 The Doctor's father was also an agriculturist. He 
 had several brothers who served in the late war, 
 and all were well-to-do farmers. In 1857 he came 
 with his father's family to Illinois, locating near 
 Greenville, Bond County, where his father died in 
 1875. He had married Kittie Pettit, who was born 
 near Columbus, Ohio, and who was a daughter of 
 Amos Pettit, a native of the Buckeye State, and 
 an attorney of considerable note, who died in 
 Ohio. He had several brothers who were promi 
 nent in the political world. His sons, Henr}- and 
 Amos, were attornej's, and removed to Iowa, where 
 the former became quite prominent in politics, 
 serving several terms in the Iowa Legislature. 
 Mrs. Huntsinger died in Greenville in 1864. The 
 Doctor was the fourth in her familj- of seven chil- 
 dren. His brother Benjamin F. was a .soldier of 
 the late war, who served in the rank of .Second 
 Lieutenant, and is now a leading and prosperous 
 farmer of Peoria Countv, 111.; John C. is engaged 
 in railroading in Hot .Springs, Ark.; Charles A. is 
 a railroad man of St. Louis; Francis B. is connected 
 
 with the railroads and makes his home in Pine 
 Bluff, Ark.; Mary E. is the wife of F. R. Jones, of 
 St. Louis; Martha A. is the wife of Judge Richard 
 Bran, of Mound City, Kan., who was First Lieu- 
 tenant in the late war, and has been County Judge 
 for many years in Kansas. 
 
 Our subject was a youth of twelve 3-ears when 
 his parents removed to Bond County, 111., where 
 he was reared upon the home farm, receiving such 
 educational privileges as the common schools of 
 the neighborhood afforded. He was a youth of 
 onl}' sixteen when the Civil War broke out, but at 
 the first call for volunteers he tendered his ser- 
 vices, and in July, 1861. was enrolled as a member 
 of Company C, Twenty-sixth Illinois Infantry. 
 He participated in many important engagements, 
 including the siege of Island No. 10, New Madrid, 
 Corinth, luka, Yicksburg, Jackson, Mission Ridge, 
 New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta, 
 and was with Sherman on his triumphal u.arch to 
 the sea. He was also in the last hard fought bat- 
 tle of Bentonville, and at the battle of Dallas, Ga., 
 be received a sabre wound. He was taken pris- 
 oner, but was left on the field for dead until 
 after the Union troops had regained the ground, 
 when he was sent to the hospital. A few weeks 
 later he was again able to take his place in the 
 ranks, and was promoted to Sergeant and Second 
 Lieutenant for meritorious conduct on the field of 
 battle. His term of service having expired, he 
 veteranized and served until the close of the war, 
 or for a period of more than four years. During 
 that time he was never absent from his regiment, 
 save when confined in the hospital by his wound. 
 After participating in the Grand Review at Wash- 
 ington, the most brilliant military pageant ever 
 seen in the Xew World, he was sent to Louisville, 
 Ky., where he was discharged in August, 1865. 
 
 Returning to his home, the Doctor engaged in 
 clerking for a time and then spent two years in 
 school in Jacksonville. Later he took up the 
 study of medicine, and was graduated from Rush 
 Medical College of Chicago in 1875, after which 
 he practiced for four years in the West Side Free 
 Dispensary of that city. In the spring of 1879 he 
 came to Pinckney ville, and during the period 
 which has since elapsed he has built up ope of the
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 663 
 
 largest practices in southern Illinois, «nd has won 
 a reputation of which he ma}' be justly proud. 
 
 In February, 1883, was celebrated the marriage 
 of the Doctor and Miss M. E. Baird, daughter of 
 A. P. Baird, a prominent farmer of this locality. 
 She is a lady of culture and refinement and pre- 
 sides with grace over tlieir hospitable home. They 
 have one child, Clara D. 
 
 Dr. Huntsinger served as President of the Pen- 
 sion Board from 1888 until 1892. He was Chair- 
 man of the Republican Central Committee for six 
 years, and does all in his power to advance his 
 part3-'s interest, for he is a warm advocate of its 
 principles. He was a member of the Board of Edu- 
 cation for several 3'ears, and is now President of the 
 Southern Illinois Medical Association, and a mem- 
 ber of the American Medical Association. He is a 
 Knight Templar Mason, and has been Secietary of 
 the blue lodge, and was also Captain of the Hosts 
 in the chapter. He is also a prominent member of 
 the Grand Army post. He was prominent in the 
 organization of the Pinckneyville Electric Light 
 Company, and from the beginning has been its 
 Secretary. He owns a fine farm and much valua- 
 ble property in the city, and is numbered among 
 the well-to-docitizens of Pinckneyville. His ca- 
 reer is an honorable and upright one. He is a 
 skilled physician, w^as a valiant defender of the 
 Union during the late war, and is a prominent and 
 progressive citizen, wlio well deserves representa- 
 tion in the history of his adopted country. 
 
 ^EORGE W. COX, M. D., a practicing phy- 
 sician and surgeon of Murphysboro, .and a 
 
 member of the Board of Pension Examiners. 
 
 was born in Kentucky, December 26, 1846. His 
 father was also born in that state, but the grand- 
 parents came from Virginia and North Carolina re- 
 spectively. From Kentuck3'the father removed to 
 Illinois when a young man, subsequently returning 
 to his native state. In 1848, however, he located 
 permanently in Somerset Township,. Jackson Coun- 
 ty, 111., where in the midst of the forest he hewed out 
 a farm of two hundred acres. He was a successful 
 farmer, and a man of enterprise and industry. He 
 
 is now living a retired life in Murphysboro, at the 
 age of seventy. At one time he served as County 
 Treasurer, and was Assessor of .Jackson Countj' for 
 four years. He belongs to the Methodist Episco- 
 pal Church South. His wife, who bore the maiden 
 name of Elizabeth A. Pool, was born in North 
 Carolina, of English descent, and when a maiden 
 of eight years went to Kentucky, where she was 
 reared. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cox were born nine 
 children, six of whom are 3'et living, namely: Dr. 
 George W.; Viola, wife of F^zekiel Clark, of Mur- 
 physboro; Nettie, wife of Daniel Elliott, of Arkan- 
 sas; Belle, wife of William Phelps, of this place; 
 Di-. Logan Cox, who is a practicing phj'sician of 
 Kansas; and Hamilton, who is living in Murphys- 
 boro. 
 
 We now take up the personal historj' of our 
 subject, who is so widelj' and favorably known in 
 this community' that he needs no special iniroduc- 
 tion to our readers. He was here reared upon his 
 father's farm, attended the common schools, later 
 spent one year in the Southern Illinois Normal 
 Univcrsit}' at Carbondale, and afterward was for 
 two 3'ears a student in Washington Seminar3' of 
 Richview, 111. This completed his literary edu- 
 cation. He then embarked in teaching at the age 
 of twenty-one, and for twent3'-seven months he 
 taught school in Randolpii, Jefferson and Wash- 
 ington Counties. 
 
 During vacations, our subject studied medicine 
 under Dr. Downey, of Richview, 111., for three 
 years, and in the winter of 1874-75 attended a 
 course of lectures at Rush Medical College, of 
 Chicago. He then engaged in practice for three 
 3ears near Mt. Vernon, 111., after which he en- 
 tered tlie Ohio Medical College, of Cincinnati, 
 from which he was graduated in the spring of 
 1878, with the degree of M. D. Immediately 
 afterward he opened an office in Murphysboro, 
 and continued to practice until the fall of 1887, 
 when he entered .Jefferson Medical College, of 
 Plnladelphia, Pa. He was graduated therefrom 
 the following spring, having taken a post-graduate 
 course. He studied skin diseases in the Philadel- 
 phia hospital and was graduated under Prof. J. V. 
 Sliumaker. He was also a student at Bellevue 
 Medical College and Hospital, New York, in 1892.
 
 664 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPinCAL RECORD. 
 
 He makes a specialty of surgery, and is surgeon 
 for the Big Muddy Coal and Iron Company. 
 
 In 1880 the Doctor married Miss Millie Jones, 
 by whom he had one son, Arthur Cox. Subse- 
 quently in 1888. he was married in Philadelphia, 
 to Miss Eva Taylor, a native of the Empire State. 
 Mrs. Cox is a member of the Methodist Church, 
 and is a lady possessed of many excellencies of 
 character, which have won her high regard in this 
 communit}'. 
 
 In 1880 Dr. Cox was elected Coroner on the 
 Democratic ticket, and for two terms he was 
 County Physician. He belongs to the Southern 
 Illinois Medical Association, is an active member of 
 the State Medical Association, and holds member- 
 ship with the Alumni Association of the Ohio 
 Medical College. He h.as served as examiner for 
 different insurance companies, and is also Treas- 
 urer of the Board of Pension Examiners. The 
 Doctor has spared neither pains nor expense in 
 perfecting himself for his profession and has justly 
 won a high reputation among his professional 
 brethren, while from the public he receives a lib- 
 eral patronage. Socially, he early joined the Odd 
 Fellows' societ}', and he is also connected with the 
 Ancient Order of United Workmen. 
 
 ♦^^1 
 
 USTIN NAUSLEY is a prominent and 
 well known farmer residing on section 5. 
 14 Elkville Township, Jackson County, and 
 a representative of one of the honored 
 pioneer families of this community. Away back 
 in the early days, when St. Louis was a trading 
 post, and Brownsville the most important town in 
 Illinois. Adam Nausley and his wife, Frances, par- 
 ents of our subject, emigrated from Columbus, 
 Tenn., and located in Jackson County, 111. The 
 trip was made in 1825. On a flat-boat tliey floated 
 down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, from which 
 they disembarked at Bennett's Landing, below 
 Grand Tower. From that point thej- continued 
 their journey and at length made a location be- 
 tween Carbondale and the Big Muddj' River. In- 
 dians were still in the neighborhood, and bears 
 and wolves were numerous. In 1830 they settled 
 
 in Elk Prairie, and later removed to a point seven 
 
 miles to the southwest. The father was a farmer, 
 and followed that occupation throughout his en- 
 tire life. Upon their farm in this community he 
 and his estimable wife spent their last days, and in 
 their declining years they were surrounded bj- all 
 the comforts and man}" of the luxuries of life, for 
 their earnest and untiring effort.* had brought to 
 them a most comfortable competence. 
 
 Austin Nausle\' was born sixty-two years ago, 
 and is a typical pioneer, a man of more than aver- 
 age intelligence and ability, and one of the leading 
 citizens of this community. By Indefatigable in- 
 dustry, economy and perseverance, he has accumu- 
 lated a valuable propertj-, comprising four hun- 
 dred acres of good land and an extensive sawmill 
 plant. He carries forward to a successful comple- 
 tiou whatever he undertakes, and has therefore 
 worked his way upward to a position of affluence. 
 
 In 1853, Mr. Nausle}- was united in marriage 
 with Miss Mary S., daughter of Philip Glotfelty, 
 a pioneer of Jackson Count}-. Seven children 
 were born of their marriage, of whom four are 
 still living: Edward, Philip. Eliza and Sudie. The 
 first-named was born on the old homestead in 1854, 
 and married Miss Sarah A. McGowan, daughter of 
 Coleman and Catherine McGowan. They have 
 one child, Gussie E., who was born in 1886. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Xausley are members of the Chris- 
 tian Church, and are people whose sterling w'orth 
 and many excellencies of character have gained 
 them the high regard of all. The well spent life 
 of our subject has won him universal confidence 
 and esteem, and it is with pleasure that we present 
 to our readers this record of his life. 
 
 ?'***+r= 
 
 i)HOMAS B. THOMAS, dealer in dry goods, 
 >^>\ cloaks, boots and shoes, is one of the lead- 
 ing merchants of Murphysboro, and an en- 
 terprising and public-spirited citizen. A native 
 of Wales, he was born August 15, 1857, and is a 
 son of D. B. Thomas, whose sketch appears else- 
 where in this work. At the age of seven, he ac- 
 companied his father on his emigration to Amer- 
 ica, and in April, 1870, he reached Murphj-sboro,
 
 PORTRAIT ASTi BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 665 
 
 His home has since been in Jackson County, and 
 those who have known him from boj'hood are 
 numbered among his stanchest friends, a fact 
 which indicates a well spent life. He was educated 
 in the public schools of Mt. Carbon, and in 1874 
 began clerking for E. B. Pellet, a general merchant 
 of Murph3-sboro, with whom he continued until 
 1878. He was then in the employ of Samuel Des- 
 berger for six months, and afterward was with A. 
 C. Bryden & Co., dealers in general merchandise, 
 until 1883. In that j-ear Mr. Bryden failed. 
 
 Soon afterward Mr. Thomas, iu connection with 
 Messrs. Chapman and Kent, purchased Mr. Bryden 's 
 stock and carried on the business under the firm 
 name of W. C. Kent & Co., until the spring of 
 1886, when Mr. Thomas retired and entered into 
 partnership with W. P. Hubble. They purchased 
 a new stock of dry goods and boots and shoes and 
 opened a store iu the Kennedy Block, where they 
 continued until 1887, when they removed to the 
 preseut location. The following j'ear our subject 
 bought out his partner and has since been alone in 
 business. He enjoys a most excellent trade, and 
 his enterprise and industrj- have made him one of 
 the leading merchants of Murphj-sboro. 
 
 In 1882, Mr. Thomas was united in marriage 
 with Miss Mariah Kane, a native of Missouri, and 
 a sister of John R. Kane, whose sketch appears 
 elsewhere in this work. Their union was blessed 
 with eight children, of whom live are living: 
 Leonard, Aritus, Willis, Thomas B. and May. 
 
 In 1881, Mr. Thomas and Mr. Chapman pur- 
 chased one hundred and forty acres of laud at 
 Yergennes Station, and from it secured enough 
 timber to pay for the propertj". Then prospecting, 
 thej' fouiid upon it a four and a-half foot vein of 
 coal, and sold the place for *25 per acre, thus realiz- 
 ing considerable profit. In 1892, our subject built 
 the Thomas Block, 45x75 feet, on Broad Street. 
 His store at the northwest corner of the square is 
 44x50 feet. He was also one of the organizers of 
 the Cit}' National Bank, and a member of the first 
 Board of Directors. He has since resigned that 
 position, however, but is yet a stockholder. He 
 was an organizer of theSoutliern Illinois Building 
 and Loan Association, and has been its Treasurer 
 from the beginning. He is connected with the 
 
 Cripple Revenge Threshing Company, and is its 
 Treasurer and Director. Whatever he undertakes 
 he carries forward to a successful completion, and 
 hence his business career has been a prosperous 
 one. He is now the possessor of a handsome com- 
 petence, and in his various enterprises he has aided 
 mateiially in the advancement of the city's inter- 
 est. He lielongs to the Odd Fellows' society of 
 Mt. Carbon, and exercises his right of franchise in 
 support of the Democracy. 
 
 ***•{••{•? 
 
 eHARLES C. HUTHMACHER, one of the 
 self-made men of Murphysboro, who is now 
 serving as Sheriff of Jackson County, was 
 born in Marion County, 111., December 25, 1859. 
 He is a son of Charles F. Huthniacher, a native of 
 Baden Badeu, German j-, and a shoemaker 'oy trade, 
 who came to America when a young man. He lo- 
 cated in Ohio, and thence removed to Central 
 Cit3-, 111., where he worked at his trade. After- 
 wards he followed the same pursuit in Sandoval, 
 111., and carried on a hotel. He married Josephine 
 Lienert, a native of Canton Zurich, Switzerland, 
 who came with her mother to America, and located 
 in the Buckeye State. In March, 1869, Mr. Huth- 
 macher removed to Grand Tower, built a hotel 
 and purchased a farm. His death there occurred 
 in September, 1875, when only forty-one j'ears of 
 age. He then served as Supervisor and Alder- 
 man, and was a supporter of the Democratic party. 
 His widow is yet living in Murphysboro. 
 
 Our subject is the eldest of seven children, all 
 of whom are yet living. At the age of ten he ac- 
 companied his parents to Grand Tower, and at- 
 tended its public schools. His father was carrying 
 on a meat market at the time of his death in 1875. 
 Charles assumed its management, caiTying on busi- 
 ness along that line for about six j-ears. He then 
 sold out, and in connection with his brother 
 August purchased an improved farm of three hun- 
 dred and sixty-nine acres, a mile south of Grand 
 Tower which they operated until 1890, placing it 
 under a high state of cultivation. 
 
 Mr. Hutiimacher was married in Grand Tower 
 in September, 1889, the lad^- of his choice being
 
 666 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Miss Emma Schulze, a native of Chicago, and a 
 daughter of C. Schulze, a merchant of Grand 
 Tower. They have three children, Mabel, Ralph 
 and George. Since 1890, they have resided in 
 Murphysboro, for in that j'car Mr. Iluthmacher 
 was nominated and elected County Sheriff, and in 
 December took the oath of otlice and entered 
 upon the discharge of his duties. In November, 
 1893, he went to California to capture the mur- 
 derer. Miller, whom he brought from Stockton to 
 this place. While in Grand Tower, our subject 
 served as City Treasurer for two years, and was 
 also a member of the School Board. 
 
 Socially, Mr. Iluthmacher is connected with La- 
 Fayette Lodge No. 657, A. F. & A. M., of which 
 he is Past Master, and served as representative to 
 the Grand Lodge. He is also a member of the 
 Knights of Pythias. In politics he is a prominent 
 Democrat, was a member of the County Demo- 
 cratic Central Committee, and in 1892 was a mem- 
 ber of the State Democratic Committee. 
 
 l(S), ^JiM)^ .@j 
 
 (®^ ""^^^^' ^ 
 
 R. SILVEY, M. D., is a practicing physi- 
 cian and surgeon of Murphysboro, who is 
 rapidly winning a prominent place in his 
 profession. He has the honor of being a 
 native of Illinois, his birth having occurred near 
 Xenia, August 26, 1858. His father, G. W. Silvey, 
 was born in Greene Count}-, Pa., and the grand- 
 father, Fred Silve3% was a native of German}-, but 
 he became a Pennsylvania farmer, and spent his 
 last days in the Keystone State. The father was 
 reared as a farmer and cooper. In Pennsylvania 
 he married Melissa, daughter of Isaac Ross, a black- 
 smith, of that state, where she was born and 
 reared. With his family, G. W. Silvey emigrated 
 to Wayne County, 111., w-liere he worked at his 
 trade of coopering and bought and improved a 
 farm, becoming a successful agriculturist. During 
 the gold excitement he went to Pike's Peak, and 
 spent six years near Denver and Silver City. He 
 then returned to his farm, but of late years he has 
 
 been living with his children, as does his wife. 
 They had eight children, seven of whom grew to 
 mature years, while six yet abide. Mr. Silvey is a 
 Democrat in politics, and in religious belief is a 
 Baptist. 
 
 In the usual manner of farmer lads our subject 
 was reared. He attended the common schools un- 
 til eighteen years of age, when he entered Hamil- 
 ton College at McLeansboro, 111., there spending 
 three terms. He then took up the study of law 
 under Lewis Edwards, but did not find it to his 
 taste, and so abandoned it. He next engaged in 
 teaching school for two terms in Hamilton Coun- 
 ty, and in 1880 went to Texas, teaching school in 
 San Antonio and Ennis. He traveled all over that 
 state, and on the return trip hunted through north- 
 ern Texas. In 1883, we again find him in Xenia, 
 but the same year he removed to Pomona, 111., 
 where he purchased a shop and carried on black- 
 smithing and wagon-making for about two years 
 through the summer months, while in the winter 
 he taught school. 
 
 In the meantime the Doctor took up the study 
 of medicine with A. M. Lee, M. D., and for several 
 years practiced with his preceptor, and also car- 
 ried on a drug store owned by Mr. Lee. In 1887, 
 he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons 
 in St. Louis, and was graduated in 1889, with the 
 degree of M. D. He embarked in practice in Po- 
 mona, where he did a good business until the spring 
 of 1892, the time of his removal to Murphysboro. 
 He now has a fine city, country and office practice, 
 for his skill and ability are recognized, and a lib- 
 eral patronage now rewards him. 
 
 The Doctor holds membership with the Odd 
 Fellows' lodge of Mt. Carbon, has filled the various 
 chairs, and is also a member of the Forresters. He 
 likewise belongs to the .Soutiiern Illinois Medical 
 Association. Since twenty-two years of age he 
 has been a member of the Baptist Church. He is 
 a prominent worker in church and Sunday-school, 
 and is now serving as Deacon. Turning from the 
 public to the private life of the Doctor, we notice 
 a household of four members. He was married 
 April 14, 1887, in Pomona Township, to Miss 
 Laura E., daughter of H. H. Etherton, a prominent 
 farmer of Jackson County. The lady was born in
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 667 
 
 the county-, and was educated in Carbondale. Two 
 living children grace their union. Ira G. and 
 Verah M. Algia H., the second in order of birth, 
 died at the age of about two j-ears. 
 
 l^jOBERT W. S. WHEATLEY. the leading 
 il^f^ lawj-er of Du Quoin, is attornej- for the St. 
 tL \V Louis, Alton ife Terre Haute Railroad Com- 
 '^p)pan3', and is ex-Grand Master of the Odd 
 Fellows of the state. He has the honor of being a 
 nativfe of Illinois, his birth having occurred in St. 
 Clair County, August 19, 1850. His father, Warren 
 Wheatley, was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, 
 in 1828, and the grandfather, Mordecai AYlieatley, 
 was one of the pioneers of the Buckeye State. He 
 was a blacksmith and wagon-maker by trade and 
 was prominent in the work of the Methodist 
 Church. He had two brothers, Isaac and Robert, 
 both of whom were active in church work, while 
 the latter was the founder of the Christian Church 
 in Du Quoin. The grandfather of our subject was 
 one of the earliest pioneers of Perry County and 
 was a man of more than average ability. He died 
 in 1880, respected bj- all who knew him. 
 
 Warren Wheatley was a farmer, carpenter and 
 merchant. During the late war he enlisted in the 
 service of his country, November 1, 1861, as a 
 member of Companj- I, Forty-ninth Illinois In- 
 fantry, and was appointed to a position in the 
 commissar3- department of the Seventeenth Army 
 Corps, in which he served until the close of the 
 struggle. He was one of the best known men of 
 that corps, and was known by all as " Hardshell," 
 a name given to his b^' Gen. John A. Logan on 
 account of his giving so much hardtack to the 
 soldiers. This name clung to him throughout life. 
 He was a personal friend of Gen. John A. Logan, 
 and was on intimate terms with General Grant. 
 Our subject now has in his possession valuable 
 ordei-s and friendlv communications from the great 
 General, and in 1883, when they met in St. Louis, 
 Mr. Wheatle}- showed Grant an important order ' 
 signed bj- him during the great conflict. The Gen- i 
 eral, looking at it, said, " Hardshell, I am going to , 
 sign that order again for you," and so saying be i 
 
 placed his name and the date on the ffice. Gen- 
 eral Leggett also spoke of Mr. Wheatley in terms 
 of highest praise in friendly missives, as well 
 as in general orders, as did General Logan and 
 others prominent in the war. Mr. Wheatley died 
 in Du Quoin, January 9, 1891, after an honorable 
 and well spent life. He was united in marriage 
 with Rachel Stewart, a native of Jefferson ville, 
 Ind., and a daughter of Robert Stewart, a wagon- 
 maker b}' trade, and one of the pioneers of 
 Perry Count}'. The lady died in September, 1884. 
 There were two sons and one daughter in the fam- 
 ily. James W. is a resident of Du Quoin. The 
 daughter became the wife of R. B. French and the 
 mother of two children now living. Maude and 
 Guy. She is deceased. 
 
 Mr. Wheatlev of this sketch spent his early boy- 
 hood da^'s under the paternal roof in the usual 
 manner of farmer lads and attended the common 
 schools until seventeen years of age, when he de- 
 cided to engage in the practice of law and entered 
 the office of Col. R. R. Town, of Du Quoin. In 
 1871, on attaining his majorit}-, he was admitted 
 to the Bar, and his advancement from the start has 
 been marked. He served for several years as Cit}' 
 Attorney of Du Quoin, and was for man}- j-ears 
 an attorney for the Illinois Central Railroad and 
 the St. Louis, Alton lir Terre Haute Railroad. As 
 an advocate he has few equals in southern Illinois. 
 
 In 1884, Mr. Wheatley was united in marriage 
 with Miss Lottie B. Farnan, who belongs to one of 
 the prominent families of Randolph County. They 
 have two sons, Frank P. and Lary B. Mr. AVheat- 
 ley has taken quite a prominent part in politics, 
 and is one of the most noted political orators of 
 southern Hlinois. He has never been a politician 
 in the sense of office seeking, having many times 
 refused to become a candidate, yet he is a warm 
 advocate of the Republican principles. In the 
 circles of the Odd Fellows' society he is very prom- 
 inent, and in 1891 retired from the office of Grand 
 Master of the state, which position he filled with 
 jnarked ability. When he entered the office, he 
 found much dissatisfaction in the order in differ- 
 ent parts of the state, but by his wise counsel he 
 brought harmony out of discord and the frater- 
 nity is now in most excellent working condition.
 
 668 
 
 PORTEAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 In 1891, he was elected representative to the Sov- 
 ereign Grand Lodge, which position he is still fill- 
 ing. He is also a member of the Knights of P}-- 
 thias fraternitj' and is a Royal Arch Mason. 
 
 — f^^-»— 
 
 -#l- 
 
 ^ TENRY CLAY BROWN. Among the many 
 
 I I native-born citizens of Randolph County 
 I who are yet residing here, engaged in 
 agricultural pursuits, we may mention our 
 subject, who was born near Shiloh Hill, April 14, 
 1851. He is the third in a famil}' of four boys 
 and one girl, whose parents were James M. and 
 Rebecca (Simons) Brown. The father was born in 
 Kentucky. May 16, 1811, and lived in Ohio during 
 his younger daj's; the mother was born in Greene 
 County, 111., and was a daughter of Edward Simons. 
 For man}' 3'ears James M. Brown was an engineer 
 on a river steamer, and in 1842 purch.ased from A. 
 B. Rodgers a farm near Shiloh Hill, which con- 
 tinued to be his home until 1856. Afterward he 
 superintended the building .and equipment of a 
 mill at Liberty Landing (now Rockwood), serving 
 as President of the compan v and as chief engineer. 
 About 1860, he disposed of the mill and purchased 
 the farm on section 17, township 8, range 5, where 
 our subject now lives. 
 
 In the fall of 1869, James M. Brown went to 
 Texas, hoping by a change of climate to recuperate 
 his health. He remained through the winter, and 
 then returned to Rockwood, where his death oc- 
 curred January 14, 1874. His wife was born 
 August 19, 1820, and dep.arled this life July 3, 
 1866. They were married July 25, 1841, in St. 
 Louis, and soon afterward came to take possession 
 of their new home near Shiloh Hill. 
 
 The subject of the sketch gained the rudiments 
 of his education at Ebenezer school in the summer 
 of 1856, and the following winter attended the 
 school at Libert}- Landing, remaining there for 
 ten }-ears. In the winter of 1868-69, he took a 
 course in the Christian Brothers' College at St. 
 Louis. At the expiration of that time, in connec- 
 tion with his brother, he embarked in agricultural 
 pursuits upon the farm where he now resides. Dur- 
 ing the time from 1872 to 1874, he resided in 
 
 Rockwood, but continued lip operate the farm as 
 before. In the last named year, he purchased a 
 steam threshing machine, the first ever seen in this 
 part of the count}-, and it was a sight that drew 
 beholders for miles around. The following year 
 he and his brother purchased another machine, 
 which they operated in partnership for many years. 
 December 23, 1869, Henry C. Brown married 
 Annie, a daughter of Montraville Vickers, whose 
 biography appears elsewhere in this work. To this 
 couple have been born six children, of whom Lewis 
 E., Eunice E. and an unnamed infant all died 
 when quite young. Alfred C. was born Novem- 
 ber 29, 1874; James A., August 15, 1881, and Fred 
 W., March 12, 1890. In politics, Mr. Brown is a 
 stanch Democrat, as was his father before him. He 
 has held the office of School Director, and takes a 
 great interest in all things pertaining to education 
 and schools. He resides in a fine large two-story 
 house, which embellishes his splendid farm of one 
 hundred and eighty broad and fertile acres, divided 
 about equally in bluflf and bottom land. In addi- 
 tion to that property, he owns about two hundred 
 acres in Jackson County, most of which is under 
 his personal supervision. 
 
 y,^, LEXANDER BARBER. The honest dis- 
 ^Ol charge of every trust reposed in his hands, 
 i the unusual ability shown Ln different di- 
 rections, and the interest he has taken in 
 the advancement of measures for the good of 
 Randolph County, have caused Alexander Barber 
 long since to be classed as one of the leading citi- 
 zens of this part of the state. Our subject is a 
 native of Jackson County, this state, where his 
 birth occurred, near Campbell Hill, April 22, 1842. 
 He is the son of Alexander and Caroline (Harri- 
 son) Barber, and a grandson of Alexander Bar- 
 ber. The latter was a native of Ohio, who, 
 upon coming to Illinois in 1804, settled near Ellis 
 Grove, and for forty-eight consecutive years served 
 as Justice of the Peace in Randolph County. 
 
 Orphaned in childhood by his father's death, our 
 subject made his home with his grandfather, and 
 with his mother, who had married again. When
 
 
 'MV'll?4fffi 
 
 RES jC C[ lie BROWN SEC ( IP R o P/ IJ OiPH Cu III 
 
 =* ^-^ ""Xr- 
 
 
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 ,fe 
 
 nF 
 
 -5PCV/J,5EC iGbEGOGIIIAT JAit- OT-I (U.ILL 
 
 ^iiflt^^ 
 
 RrsinEMCE OF CAPT A LEX A N D FR B ARBtR ROCKWOO D, RAMP - P-i CO ILL
 
 PORTRAIT ANT) BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 671 
 
 but nineteen years of age, he enlisted in Company 
 H, Twentj'-second Illinois Infanti-3',June 25, 1861, 
 for three j-ears. He was on detached service at 
 the headquarters of Generals Morgan and Sheri- 
 dan during the last eighteen months in the army, 
 and was discharged at Camp Butler, 111., July 7, 
 1864. Seven months later, February 16, 1865, he 
 re-enlisted in Company F, Second United States 
 Veteran Volunteers, in General Hancock's Corps, 
 and served for one 3'ear. He was on dutj- along 
 with said corps at the prison at the time of the 
 execution of ^frs. Surratt, one of the conspirators 
 to the assassination of President Lincoln in 1865, 
 in Washington. D. C. He suffered from sickness a 
 great deal dur jg the time in the army, but man- 
 aged to keep 1 p with his comrades. 
 
 November 11, 1869, Mr. Barber married Theo- 
 docia, daughter of Alfred G. and Frances (Cor- 
 nelius) McCormack, natives of Pennsj-lvania and 
 Kentuek}' respectivelj'. The father was a grand- 
 son of Colonel Crawford, who was burned at the 
 stake by the Indians, a fact well known in the his- 
 tory of the day. Theodocia Barber was born Au- 
 gust 15, 1847, near Chester, 111., whither her par- 
 ents had moved about 1836. Of this union have 
 been born nine children: Herbert, who died in in- 
 fancy in 1872; Clar.i A., born June 17, 1873; Xina 
 M., September 10, 1875; Willard S., June 10, 1877; 
 Gertie L., May 15, 1879; Joel E., February 10, 
 1881; Everett C, January 26, 1884; Josie F., No- 
 vember 21, 1886; and Benjamin Harrison, January 
 29, 1889. Mrs. Barber is a member of Methodist 
 Episcopal Church, and Nina and Gertie are iden- 
 tified with the Presb^yterian denomination. 
 
 Politically, Mr. Barber is a true-blue Republican 
 and boldlj' expresses his opinion without fear or 
 favor. He has lived through some very exciting 
 times here, and a volume could be filled with inter- 
 esting reminiscences of his eventful career. So- 
 cially he is a Mason, but is not affiliated with any 
 lodge now, there being none in Rockwood. He has 
 held many township offices, including those of 
 Constable, Police Magistrate, Justice of the Peace, 
 and also served as Deputy under the administra- 
 tion of Sheriff Daniel Gerlach. He is also Notary 
 Public. The duties of his vaiious positions he 
 has discharged with satisfaction to his constituents 
 
 and with credit to himself. He is now making his 
 home on a tract of land comprising fort^y-eight 
 acres adjoining the village of Rockwood, and with 
 his family occupies a large two-story house set in 
 the midst of well kept grounds. 
 
 aHARLES BROWN. One of the finest farms 
 , in Jackson County lies on section 16, De- 
 ■ gognia Township. The owner, a progress- 
 ive agriculturist, is a native of Randolph Coun- 
 t3% this state, having been born near Sbiloh Hill. 
 March 17, 1853, on the old homestead, where 
 his father, a retired river engineer, was residing 
 at that time. For further details pertaining to the 
 famih' history the reader is referred to the bio- 
 graphical sketch of H. C. Brown on another page 
 of this volume. 
 
 When our subject was a child, his father, James 
 Brown, sold his section of land lying near Shiloh 
 Hill for $12,000, which in those days was consid- 
 ered a large sum for a farm. The family then 
 moved to Rockwood, where the father took a 
 prominent part in the building of a large mill at 
 that place. Attending school at Rockwood until 
 the spring of 1869, Charles then entered the South- 
 ern Illinois College, at Carbondale, and was pres- 
 ent at the laying of the corner-stone of tlie South- 
 ern Illinois Normal School. In the fall of 1869 
 he entered the Christian Brothers' College in St. 
 Louis, but at the end of the first month returned 
 home. A week or two later he went back to St. 
 Louis and took a course in Brj-ant & Stratton's 
 Business College, where he continued until the 
 spring of 1870. 
 
 Immediatel3' upon his return to Rockwood, 
 Mr. Brown began farming, and, although he was 
 not 3'et of age, he has since been self-supporting 
 and independent. Inheriting a fine tract of land 
 from his father, he now has a magnificent farm 
 of two hundred and sixt3--two acres l3ing in the 
 bottoms of Degognia Township, Jackson County, 
 one of the richest bodies of land on the continent. 
 From the bluffs along which the farm lies a beau 
 tiful view ma3' be had of the river, to which the 
 estate extends. Wheat, corn and potatoes are
 
 672 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 the principal crops, the last-named being especially 
 profitable owing to the extreme richness of the 
 soil. The farm is stocked with a fine grade of 
 Holstein and Jersey cattle, Poland-China hogs 
 and Cotswold sheep. One of the curiosities of 
 the place is an old stone watering trough that has 
 stood the frosts of at least ninety winters, and in 
 all probability has been there for a much longer pe- 
 riod. When purchased by the father of our subject, 
 many years ago, it was then quite old. Several 
 Indian mounds on the place, from which have 
 been turned up many flint tools and Indian grave 
 stones, are also of interest. 
 
 July 2, 1884, Charles Brown married Miss Belle 
 P., daughter of Benjamin and Margaret A. (Clen- 
 denin) Richards, the former a native of Stafford- 
 sliire, England, and the latter of Randolph Coun- 
 ty, 111. The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Brown 
 were John H. and Mary Clendenin, early settlers 
 of Randolph County, who came hither from Ken- 
 tucky. Benjamin Richards was born July 8, 1828, 
 and came to America about 1840. On the 14th 
 of September, 1858, he married Miss Clendenin, 
 who was born April 29, 1842. In June, 1886, he 
 moved with his family to Delphos, Kan., where he 
 now resides. He and his wife were the parents of 
 twelve children, six sons and six daughters, of 
 whom the following survive: Cora, Belle, Will- 
 iam S., John H., Nettie, Bertha, Lottie and Joseph 
 B. Mrs. Brown, the second in order of birth, was 
 born December 16, 1862, and by her marriage has 
 become the mother of one child, Cora, born Feb- 
 ruary 5, 1889. 
 
 In politics a Republican, Mr. Brown is now 
 serving his second term as Supervisor of Degognia 
 Township, and for more than five years has been 
 School Trustee. He is not an office-seeker, but the 
 offices in this case have sought the man. In poli- 
 tics the four brothers of the family are strangely 
 divided, one being a Prohibitionist, another a 
 Democrat, the third a Republican, and the fourth 
 a "Wheeler," as the Populists are called in Ar- 
 kansas. Socially, our subject is a leading mem- 
 ber of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, 
 and served as a delegate to the last two state con- 
 ventions of that fr.a tern ity in Springfield, and will 
 officiate in the same capacity in the fall of 1894. 
 
 He affiliates with Rockwood Lodge No. 351. With 
 his wife, he enjoys the respect of all who know 
 him, and is regarded as a progressive farmer and 
 public-spirited citizen. 
 
 -5- 
 
 ^>^^<i 
 
 V. NETTLETON is prominent in both 
 business and official circles in Du Quoin, 
 being one of the enterprising and wide- 
 awake citizens, to whom the citj' owes its prosper- 
 ity and progress. He is now manager of the 
 Union Coal Company, and occupies the position 
 of City Clerk of Du Quoin. A native of Missouri, 
 he was born in Ste. Genevieve, October 24, 
 1856. His father, Gilbert Netlleton, was a native 
 of New Hampshire, and in an early day emigrated 
 to Missouri. In 1858 he came to Du Quoin. In 
 Missouri, he had been extensively engaged in mer- 
 chandising, and was also interested in lead mining. 
 His death here occurred in 1863. The Nettletons 
 came from good old Puritan stock. 
 
 The mother of our subject bore the maiden name 
 of Juliet E. Pratte. She was born in Missouri, and 
 her father, Bernard Pratte, was one of the most 
 prominent men in the lead and zinc districts of 
 that state. He was of French descent, and his 
 grandfather, who was a Frenchman by birth, at 
 one time owned all of the Iron Mountains. His 
 descendants did much to develop the mineral re- 
 sources of that localit}^ and Felix Valle, brother- 
 in-law of Mrs. Nettleton, was one of the most ex- 
 tensive operators in the lead and zinc districts of 
 Missouri. The mother of our subject died in 1870. 
 In the family were the following children: Charles, 
 who died in Des Moines, Iowa; Bernard Pratte, 
 who died in Pullman, 111., where he was engaged 
 in business; Mary, who lives in Du Quoin; Celeste, 
 wife of Judge G. W. Wall, of Du Quoin, who is 
 now Judge of the Appellate Court; and Emma, 
 wife of Capt. Daniel Robinson, a retired army offi- 
 cer, now living in Highland Park. 
 
 When our subject was a youth of fifteen j^ears, 
 he started out in life for himself, going to Cairo, 
 where he secured a position as clerk in the store 
 of C. O. Patier & Co. A year later he went to 
 Beaucoup, where he was connected with the in-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 673 
 
 terests of Judge Wall and W. K. Murphy. He 
 
 was afterwards eraplo3'ed by a firm in St. Louis in 
 the coal business, and in 1878 he returned to Du 
 Quoin, where he embarked in merchandising. In 
 that line of trade he continued for three years, 
 since which time he has been connected with the 
 Union Mines, owned bj' Judge Wall and J. M. 
 Browning, holding the responsible position of man- 
 ager. 
 
 In 1878, Mr. Nettleton was united in marriage 
 with Ilattie G. Ward, daughter of J. B. Ward, a 
 prominent merchant and ex-County Superintend- 
 ent of Schools of Perry County. They have four 
 children 3'et living, and have lost one, Charles Eu- 
 gene, who died in infancy. The others are, Eva, 
 Celest, Mabel Geitrude, John Gilbert and Felix 
 Bernard. 
 
 Mr. Nettleton takes considerable interest in 
 civic societies, and is a leading member of the 
 Knights of Pythias and Odd Fellows' lodges. In 
 the former he holds the office of Keeper of the 
 Records and Seals. In politics he is a Democrat, 
 and has held the position of Citj' Clerk for eight 
 years. His long continued service in that office is 
 certainly a high testimonial of his ability and 
 fidelity to dut}' and the confidence reposed in him 
 by his fellow-townsmen. He has also been man- 
 ager in the gas works since their establishment, 
 and in his business trusts he manifests the same 
 faithfulness that is displaced in his official career. 
 
 "^■"^^ J. McELVAIN is a member of the well 
 known law firm of Smith, McElvaiu & Her- 
 bert, and since January, 1889, has served 
 jjas Master in Chancery. He was born in 
 Perry County, 111., March 20, 1849. His grand- 
 father, Robert McElvain, was a native of the Key- 
 stone State, and removed thence to Kentucky. He 
 afterwards became one of the earl}' settlers of this 
 count}', and subsequently went to Perry Count}', 
 where he spent his last days, dying at the age of 
 seventy years. In religious belief he was a Pres- 
 byterian. His father was a native of Scotland. 
 
 The father of our subject, Josepli H. McElvain, 
 was born in Kentucky, and accompanied his parents 
 
 to this state. He followed agricultural pursuits, 
 and obtaining land, cleared and developed a fine 
 farm, upon which he still makes his home. In 
 early life he was a Whig in politics, but since the 
 organization of the party has been a stalwart Re- 
 publican. He married Esther Lipe, a native of 
 North Carolina, and a daughter of Jonas Lipe, 
 who became one of the early settlers of Jackson 
 County, and then removed to Perry County, where 
 he spent his last days. He was a Baptist in re- 
 ligious belief and was of German descent. Unto 
 Mr. and Mrs. McElvain were born eleven children, 
 who reached mature years, while ten are yet liv- 
 ing. Three brothers served in the Civil War. 
 Ephraim and Corydon were members of the Eighty- 
 first Illinois Infantry, both were captured at the 
 battle of Guntown, and for ten months, or until 
 the close of the war, were incarcerated at Ander- 
 son ville. Daniel was First Lieutenant in the Thir- 
 ty-fifth Missouri Infantry and served throughout 
 the entire struggle. 
 
 R. J. McElvain, whose name heads this sketch, 
 was reared upon his father's farm until seventeen 
 years of age, and then spent one year as a student 
 in the vSouthern Illinois Normal at Carbondale, 
 after which he embarked in teaching, following 
 that profession for four years in Jackson and 
 Perry Counties. During that period he spent his 
 leisure hours in studying law under Col. James H. 
 Nunes and Judge Parks, having determined to 
 make the legal profession his life work. In 1878, 
 he was admitted to practice at the Illinois Bar in 
 Du Quoin. He continued practice there and in 
 Perry until 1881, when he entered the law depart- 
 ment of McKendree College, from which he was 
 graduated in 1882, with the degree of LL.B. At 
 that time he was a resident of Jackson County, 
 having removed to Elkville in 1874. 
 
 In January of that year, in Elkville, Mr. Mc- 
 Elvain was united in marri.age with Miss Mary A., 
 daughter of George Schwartz, who came from 
 Pennsylvania to this county and is numbered 
 among its earliest settlers. Mrs. McElvain was 
 born in Elkville, and is a member of the Christian 
 Church. They have one child, Robert J., Jr'. 
 
 Socially, Mr. McElvain is connected with Leon- 
 idas Lodge No. 87, K. P., and Leonidas Division
 
 674 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 No. 7, Uniformed Rank. For three yeare he has 
 served as District Deputy, and has been Represent- 
 ative to the Grand Lodge. Frequently he has 
 been called upon to serve in public positions. In 
 1880, he was nominated on tbc Republican ticket 
 for State's Attorne_v, but failed to secure the elec- 
 tion. In 1884, however, he was elected to that 
 office, being the only Republican that won. Com- 
 ing to Murphysboro, he here opened a law office 
 and entered upon the discharge of his official du- 
 ties, which he continued until December, 1888. 
 In Januar}', 1889, he was appointed Master in 
 Cbancer3',and in March following, became a mem- 
 ber of the firm of Smith, McElvain & Herbert. In 
 1878 and 1879, he served as Count}' Supervisor 
 from Elk Township, and for one year was Chair- 
 man of the Board. For four years past he has 
 been Chairman of the Count}' Republican Central 
 Committee, and has done effective and faithful 
 service in the interests of his party. 
 
 4^ 
 
 -r^m-r 
 
 ■^> 
 
 ^I^ ON. GEORGE W. WALL, of Du Quoin, 
 ifjj) Judge of the Appellate Court of Illinois, 
 ss^ was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, April 22, 
 (^ 1839, and is a son of George T. Wall, who 
 was born in Rhode Island, April 14,1810. The 
 name Wall is of Irish origin, and from the Emerald 
 Isle the ancestors came to this countr}' more than 
 a centurj' and a-half ago. The grandfather of the 
 Judge, Benah Wall, was a pioneer manufacturer 
 of cotton goods. The father of our subject was a 
 physician, and in 1840, when his son was a 5'ear 
 old, came to Du Quoin. He was then in limited 
 circumstances, but became one of the wealth- 
 iest citizens of Perrj' County. Here his remain- 
 ing days were passed, and his death occurred in 
 January, 1892. He married Maria Adams, a native 
 of Hartford, Conn., and a daughter of General 
 Adams. Her death occurred in 1848. 
 
 The Judge acquired his early education in the 
 schools of Du Quoin, later attended McKendree 
 ' College, of Lebanon, 111., and before he was twent}' 
 years of age was graduated from the Michigan 
 State Universit}', in 1858. AVishing to enter the 
 legal profession and make the practice of law his 
 
 life work, he began studj'ing in the office of Cyrus 
 G. Simmons, of Cairo. Subsequentl}' he took a 
 course in the Cincinnati Law School, was admitted 
 to the Bar in 1859, and then commenced practice 
 in Du Quoin. He has been honored with a num- 
 ber of prominent positions in this state. He was 
 a member of the Constitutional Convention in 
 1862, and in 1864 was elected State's Attorney for 
 the Third Judicial District. In 1870, he served as 
 a member of the Constitutional Convention, and 
 in August, 1877, he was elected Circuit Judge. 
 To that office he was re-elected in June, 1879, in 
 1885 and 1891. In 1879, he was assigned to the 
 Appellate Court at Mt. Vernon, where he con- 
 tinued until 1885, when he was assigned to the 
 same court at Springfield, and b}' successive as- 
 signments has been on the Bench in the capital 
 city continuoush' since. To-da}- he is considered 
 the most able .Judge of his .age in Illinois, a repu- 
 tation which lias been trul}- won bj- merit. 
 
 In 1862, Mr. Wall wedded Miss Celeste E. Net- 
 tieton, daughter of a former prominent merchant 
 of this place. Of their children, Willard is now 
 Cashier of the First National Bank of Murphys- 
 boro, and Charles H. is Superintendent of the 
 Union Coal Mines of Du Quoin. There are also two 
 }-ounger sons and a daughter. Through business 
 interests, and as the result of his extensive law 
 practice. Judge Wall has accumulated one of the 
 largest private fortunes in southern Illinois. 3-et he 
 has not only gained wealth, but has also won a 
 reputation at the Bench and Bar which is scarcel_v 
 equaled in the state. 
 
 ,|^^EY. JOSEPH SCHNEIDER, Rector of St. 
 
 [ii^ Brunos Catholic Church of Pinckneyville, 
 ^\\\ is a native of Germany, his birth having 
 ^0 occurred in Bavaria, in 1852. His father, 
 George Schneider, was a well-to-do German farmer. 
 Joseph received his classical education in the city 
 of Wurzburg, and then came to America, contin- 
 uing his studies at St. Vincent College in West- 
 moreland County, Pa. There he studied philoso- 
 phv and theology, and when his education was 
 completed, he was ordained as a priest of the Cath-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 675 
 
 olic Church by Archbishop Kenriok in St. Louis 
 for the diocese of Alton. 
 
 Father Schneider was then sent to Pinckney- 
 ville, Perr}- Count}', to act as a substitute for Fa- 
 ther Krug, who was at that time traveling in Eu- 
 rope for his health. FatiierKrug did not improve 
 as it was hoped he would do, and on his death our 
 subject became iiis successor as Rector of St. Brunos 
 Catholic Church. He is an untiring and inde- 
 fatigable worker, and has done much to build up 
 the church in this place. Since coming here he 
 has established the school, which was started in 
 1887, and is under the direction of Sisters. A fine 
 new parsonage has also been built. It is one of 
 the very best residences in the city. 
 
 Aside from his church in Pinckneyville, Mr. 
 Schneider has charge of a parish ten miles nortii 
 of this place. There is a congregation of thirty 
 families, and the little church is in working order. 
 The church property in Pinckneyville is valued at 
 $10,000, and the greater part of it was secured 
 through the instrumcntalit}- of Father Schneider. 
 He is a most agreeable gentleman, well informed 
 on all general subjects. He has traveled exten- 
 sivel}' in foreign lands, and a retentive memorj' 
 enables him to converse well on what he has seen. 
 He has the respect and esteem of his parishioners, 
 and is held in high regard throughout the entire 
 community. 
 
 T. FALLON, grain dealer of Du Quoin, 
 was born in Pinckneyville, Perry County, 
 on the 22d of April, 1860, and in the com- 
 munity where his entire life has been spent is 
 widelj' and favorably known. His father, Robert 
 Fallon, was a native of Ireland, born in 1808, and 
 he came to this country with his parents when a 
 lad of eight years, the family- locating in Pennsyl- 
 vania, where he grew to manhood. In 1844 he 
 came to the west to try his fortune on the broad 
 prairies of Illinois, and took up his residence at 
 old Du Quoin. By trade he was a blacksmith, but 
 later eng.aged in farming near Pinckne3'ville. He 
 entered the army during the Civil War as a vet- 
 
 erinary surgeon of the Sixth Illinois Cavalry. 
 Later in life he engaged in the milling business. 
 His death occurred in 1880, at the age of seventy- 
 two years. He married Rebecca Flora, a native of 
 Pennsylvania, and she still survives him, living in 
 Du Quoin, at the age of seventj'-five. 
 
 Our subject was the j^oungest in a family of 
 eleven children, having seven brothers and three 
 sisters, of whom foiu- brothers and two sisters are 
 yet living. R. V. is a merchant of Pinckneyville; 
 W. F., who was a Captain in the Sixth Illinois Cav- 
 alry, and lost his health during his service, is now 
 living in Du Quoin; D. C, who follows farming 
 near Pinckneyville, w.as one of the boys in blue of 
 Company D, Thirteenth Illinois Infantry, and was 
 taken prisoner; George T., who served his coun- 
 try as a member of the Thirteenth Illinois Infan- 
 try, was taken prisoner; he lost his health in the 
 service, and died from the effects of his army life 
 in 1877; and W. II., a physician, went to Kansas 
 and later to Colorado, where he died in 1888. 
 
 We now take up the personal history of F. T. 
 Fallon, who actpured his education in the common 
 schools, and when it was completed, became inter- 
 ested with his father and brother in the milling 
 business. In 1882 he became connected with Hal- 
 liday Brothers at their salt works in .St. .John, and 
 for three years was employed in their store at that 
 place. He then went upon the road, traveling in 
 their interest for seven years, or until February, 
 1882, when he bought the mill and elevator at Du 
 Quoin, succeeding P. N. Pope, who had established 
 the business more than a quarter of a century be- 
 fore. 
 
 In 1888 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Fal- 
 lon and Miss Minnie E. Bowman, who was the 
 youngest of five sisters. Her father, Andrew Bow- 
 man, was formerlj' a leading merchant of Tamaroa, 
 but died during the early childhood of Mrs. Fal- 
 lon. She is a most charming and estimable lady, 
 and has many friends throughout the community. 
 One son graces their union, Bernard Bowm.an, a 
 bright little fellow of four years. 
 
 Mr. Fallon is a prominent member of the Knights 
 of Pythias, in which he is now serving as Prelate 
 and Vice-Chancellor. He is also connected with 
 the Masonic fraternity, and in politics is a stanch
 
 676 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Republican. He is one of the most pleasant and 
 popular young business men of southern Illinois, 
 and few of the younger citizens of Du Quoin are 
 more widely or favorably known than he. 
 
 Qi 
 
 
 -^"^ 
 
 ^ 
 
 EF. A. CHAPMAN is one of the enterpris- 
 ing, prominent and successful business men 
 " of Murphysboro, who since 1866 has made 
 his home in this city, and has watched with inter- 
 est its progress and development. He has ever 
 borne his part in the work of advancement, and 
 has materially aided in its upbuilding. His name 
 therefore deserves an honored place in the record 
 of the county, and with pleasure we present his 
 sketch to our readers. 
 
 Mr. Chapman was born in Lincolnshire, En- 
 gland, January 3, 1852, and his father, John Chap- 
 man, was a farmer of that country, who in 1859> 
 accompanied by his family, came to America, 
 crossing the Atlantic to New York on the steamer 
 "City of Washington." He first located in Odin, 
 111., afterward was employed in the shops of the 
 Illinois Central Railroad at Centralia, and in 
 March. 1866, came to Jackson County. He kept 
 a log boarding house in Mt. Carbon, and also en- 
 gaged in farming. In 1867, he went to Grand 
 Tower, and engaged in the hotel business until his 
 death, which occurred several years later. He 
 married Elizabeth Chapman, but though they bore 
 the same name, they were not relatives. Her peo- 
 ple were originally from Scotland, but she was 
 born and died in England. Mr. Chapman was a 
 second time married. By the first union there 
 were three children : Anne and E. F. A., of Mur- 
 phj'sboro. and John, who died in Carbondale. 
 
 Our subject was a lad of seven when he came to 
 America. Since the age of eight years he has 
 made his own way in the world. He worked for 
 his board, with the privilege of attending school. 
 In 1866, he came with bis father to this county, 
 and remained at home until sixteen years of age, 
 when he entered Christian Brothers' College of 
 St. Louis and completed the commercial course. 
 He then secured a position as book-keeper with 
 
 the firm of A. C. Brj'den & Co., merchants of Grand 
 Tower, with whom he continued until 1879, when 
 he took charge of their store in Mt. Carbon. A 
 few months later he removed this to Murphysboro, 
 and continued to carry on the store until an as- 
 signment was made by the firm. He also had 
 charge of the store owned by the Carbondale Coal 
 and Coke Company, at Cartersville, 111., for seven 
 months. 
 
 After a time Mr. Chapman returned to Grand 
 Tower, and took charge of the mercantile business 
 of his old employers at that place. In 1884, in 
 connection with W. C. Kent, he bought out Bry- 
 den & Co., and under the firm name of W. C. Kent 
 <fe Co. carried on business. There was also an- 
 other partner, T. B. Thomas, who later retired, and 
 the firm became Kent & Chapman. In 1889. E. A. 
 G'Sell bought out Mr. Kent's interest, and the 
 firm of Chapman & G'Sell is now one of the lead- 
 ing mercantile firms of the city. Their store is 
 located at No. 32 West Walnut Street, is 23x70" 
 feet, and two stories in height, with a basement. 
 They carry a large line of general merchandise, 
 and receive from the public a liberal patronage, 
 which is constantly increasing. 
 
 In Grand Tower, in Julj-, 1874, Mr. Chapman 
 wedded Miss Eugenia A. G'Sell, who was born in 
 New Mexico, and is a daughter of Antoine G'Sell, 
 a native of Alsace, France, who died in St. Louis. 
 They have six children: Charles, Andrew, E. Liz- 
 zie, William, Mary and Ethel. 
 
 Mr. Chapman is a member of St. Andrew's Cath- 
 olic Church, and in politics is a Democrat. For a 
 number of years he has been School Trustee of 
 Murphj-sboro Township. In 1889-90 he served as 
 Alderman of the Second Ward, and was an advo- 
 cate of the water works, the electric light and sew- 
 erage systems which were established during that 
 time. The best interests of the city have ever 
 found in him a friend, and his labors have been 
 untiring for the promotion of the general welfare, 
 lie was one of the corporators, and became a 
 Director and Secretary of the old St. Louis Cen- 
 tral Railroad. He also served as Paymaster for 
 the division between Pinckneyville and Murph3's- 
 boro. This is now known as the Cairo Short Line, 
 and Mr. Chapman is still a Director. He has been
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 677 
 
 interested in the development of the coal lands in 
 this region, and owns several acres. He also has 
 business propertj' in Murphysboro. and a pleasant 
 residence on North Cherry Street. 
 
 R. I,EWIS DYER was for many years a 
 leading physician of southern Illinois, and 
 an array surgeon of marked abilitj'. He was 
 an orator of more than local note, a man 
 of excellent education, broad views and clear and 
 forcible intellect. He was born in Shaftsbur^', 
 Bennington County, Vt., February 24, 1807. 
 Dating back to the time when the little band of 
 exiles left England and crossed the Atlantic to 
 find a place where they could worship God accord- 
 ing to the dictates of their own conscience, to the 
 time when the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock, 
 the ancestry of the D\er famih' in America can he 
 traced. Fifteen years later we learn of William 
 and Mary Dyer, of Boston, who were direct de- 
 scendants of Sir James Dyer, an eminent English 
 lawyer, who came from an ancient and honorable 
 family of Somersetshire. In 1656 members of the 
 Society of Friends arrived in Massachusetts and 
 their persecution was begun by the Puritans. 
 Mary Dyer became a member of that sect and an 
 active worker therein, and was sentenced to be 
 hung, but pardon was offered her if she would re- 
 nounce her faith. This she refused to do, and was 
 hung on Boston Common. The Doctor is one of 
 her direct descendants, and the same fidelity which 
 led her to face even death is found again in him. 
 Henry Dyer, father of our subject, was born in 
 North Kingston, R. I., and with his father and 
 brothers aided in the defense of the Colonies dur- 
 ing the Revolution. One brother, Charles, was a 
 Captain in the regular service, and all were faith- 
 ful and true soldiers, who bravely defended their 
 country and struggled for its freedom. When the 
 desired result was accomplished, Henry Dyer set- 
 tled in Bennington County, Vt., where he followed 
 farming. He was an influential and prominent 
 citizen, a lover of peace, and frequently decided 
 for his neighbors contentions whicli arose between 
 them, and thus avoided bringing the matter into 
 
 court. He was honored and respected by all who 
 knew him. His death occurred on his farm, near 
 Manchester, Yt., at the advanced age of ninety- 
 six. His wife, who bore tlie maiden name of Sa- 
 rah Coy, was a native of Connecticut, who came 
 of an industrious, upright family. Her advan- 
 tages in early life were few, but she -was a practi- 
 cal, enterprising woman, possessed of considerable 
 force of character, and did much good in the 
 world, teaching her children to walk in the paths 
 of righteousness, and aiding in many benevolent 
 and charitable works. She died in her seventieth 
 year, and her loss was mourned b3' all who knew 
 her. 
 
 In the Dyer family were seven .sons and three 
 daughters. Moses, the eldest, was a Methodist 
 clergyman; Dennis, David and Daniel were farm- 
 ers, and Rev. Heman Dyer, D. D., was a prominent 
 divine. He was graduated from Ken\'on College, 
 in which he was afterwards a teacher, and Secre- 
 tary .Stanton was among his pupils. He became a 
 noted Episcopal preacher, and the degree of D. D. 
 was conferred upon him by Washington College 
 of Connecticut and Kenyon College. In 1845 he 
 was elected President of the Western University of 
 Pennsylvania, and in 1860 was chosen Bishop of 
 Kansas, but declined to accept the honor. He has 
 declined the rectorship of several leading churches 
 and for many j-ears past has resided in New York 
 City, where he h."is been officially connected with 
 the Evangelical Knowledge Society, representing, 
 as it does, a large portion of the Protestant Epis- 
 copal Church. Although he is quite wealth}' him- 
 self, men of wealth in that city have twice paid 
 the expenses of himself and family on a trip to 
 Europe. His memoirs have been published under 
 the title of "The Record of an Active Life." The 
 sisters of Dr. D3-er grew to womanhood. One be- 
 came the wife of John March, an Elder in the 
 Presbyterian Church and a brother of Alden 
 March, M. D., President of the Albany Medical 
 College. 
 
 The boj'hood da^'s of the Doctor were spent on 
 the home farm, and his literary education was ob- 
 tained in an academy of Manchester, Vt. In 1828 
 he was graduated from Berkshire Medical College, 
 of Massachusetts, organized under the charter of
 
 678 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Williams College, and for about two years engaged 
 in practice in Arlington, Yt., after which he spent 
 several years in Gloversville, N. Y. He then 
 made a visit to the west and spent some time in 
 the home of his brother, Rev. Heman Dj'er, then 
 one of the instructors in Kenyon College, Ohio, 
 and while there the Trustees appointed him phy- 
 sician of Kenj'on College and also of the Theo- 
 logical Seminarj' of the Diocese of Ohio. Thus 
 he served for several years, but desiring a larger 
 field for practice he resigned and located at Mt. 
 Vernon, Ohio, where he shared an office with the 
 Hon. Columbus Delmo, then one of the foremost 
 men in the state, and afterwards Secretary of the 
 Interior under President Grant. 
 
 While engaged in practice there the Doctor also 
 edited a Wiiig paper and was a member of the 
 Ohio Whig Conventiou which was called to con- 
 sider what action should be taken consequent upon 
 the repeal of the Missouri Compromise. Dr. 
 Dyer there said: "Let the repeal stand, but never 
 admit another slave state into the Union." In 
 1855 he removed to Iowa, but the severe winters 
 proved detrimental to the health of his wife and 
 daughter and he sought a more genial climate, re- 
 fusing, in consequence, to accept a professorship in 
 the Keokuk Medical College. Selecting southern 
 Illinois for his future home, he located in Du 
 Quoin, where he has since resided. When the 
 late war broke out he took a leading part in rais- 
 ing troops, and many a young officer owed his 
 commission to the efforts of the Doctor in his be- 
 half. Dr. Dyer was then quite well advanced in 
 j-ears and intended not to go to the front, but 
 upon the personal request of Governor Yates he 
 accepted the position of Surgeon of the Eighty- 
 first Illinois Infantry, and two years later was 
 made Surgeon-in-chief of his division. His labors 
 were arduous, but he filled the position with 
 marked ability and distinction. 
 
 In justice to the Doctor we will give an outline 
 of an incident in his army life. During the early 
 part of his service he was ordered by one of the 
 officers to secure two barrels of whiske}' with his 
 supplies. Now, Dr. Dyer has alwa3's been a tem- 
 perance man, 3et he does not object to the use of 
 intoxicating liquors as a medicine, and he has 
 
 alwa3^s prescribed them when he thought it neces- 
 sarj'. But at that time he knew that two bar- 
 rels of whiskey were not required, and his old 
 Puritanic views came to the front and he flatl}' 
 refused to order the whiskey. Tliis did not suit 
 the officer nor the men who had hoped to drink 
 the liquor, and secretly- a petition was prepared 
 and signed and forwarded directly to Washing- 
 ton, demanding his removal for refusing to obey 
 orders. 
 
 This fact coming to the knowledge of the 
 Doctor, he went directly to the headquarters of 
 General Grant and stated what had come to his 
 knowledge and asked him what an innocent and 
 honorable man should do to vindicate himself. 
 General Grant issued an order to General Mc- 
 Pherson to convene a court of inquiry forthwith 
 to investigate the matter, but before the court 
 was convened the order came from Washington 
 dismissing him from the service. Hearing of this 
 he went at once to headquarters, and ripping his 
 shoulder straps off, flung them to the ground and 
 requested to be put in the ranks until he was 
 vindicated, but instead of this being done he was 
 placed in the surgeon's department until the 
 court of inquiry had convened, but wlien it did 
 the testimony not only exculpated him, but 
 brought to light a foul conspiracy to ruin an in- 
 nocent man. The Doctor was at once re-instated 
 and his career as an army surgeon was a most 
 brave and honorable one. 
 
 After the war, a history of the Illinois troops 
 being called for bj' act of the Legislature, Dr. 
 Dyei- was assigned to the duty of writing the his- 
 tory of his command, which he did in a most cred- 
 itable stj-le. He continued his practice in Du 
 Quoin and served for about ten years as Pension 
 Examining Surgeon, and after the establishment 
 of the Board he was appointed President thereof. 
 While sitting on the Board he received a message 
 asking: "Will you accept the position of phy- 
 sician to the Southern Illinois Penitentiary.'" He 
 replied in the affirmative, and served in that po- 
 sition for three years, when he resigned and 
 retired to private life. 
 
 In the organization of the Southern Illinois 
 Medical Association the Doctor was a leading fac-
 
 J^vv.-*-^ 
 
 #*^i 
 
 K
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 681 
 
 tor, and served as its President for one term and 
 as its Treasurer for thirteen years, resigning the po- 
 sition November 16, 1893. For years he has been 
 one of the most noted men of this section of the 
 state. He is a man of culture, broad views and 
 great. activity, and now, though nearing his nine- 
 tieth year, he is more energetic than half of the 
 men a quarter of a century his junior, and his 
 mind is as active and clear as it was fifty years 
 ago. In the Presbyterian Church he has been an 
 influeuti.ll man for years. He is also prominent 
 in the Grand Arm^- of the Republic and was the 
 first commander of the Du Quoin Post, serving in 
 that capacity for several years. His life has been 
 well and worthily spent, and now, the possessor of 
 an ample fortune, he is living in ease and comfort. 
 
 
 l^^ROF. STEPHEN G. HOLCOMB, the efficient 
 and capable Principal of the Percy schools, 
 who is widelj' recognized as a successful in- 
 [ structor, claims Randolph County as the 
 place of his nativity, his birth having here occurred 
 on the 2d of March, 1860. He is the eldest child 
 of R. J. and .Susan (Wright) Holcomb, who were 
 early settlers of this community-. The former is a 
 native of Pike County, 111. His father died when 
 he was quite voung, and he then came with his 
 mother to Randolph County, where he was reared 
 and educated. He took up farming as his life 
 work and has always followed that pursuit. He 
 married Miss 'Wright, who came of an old Virgin- 
 ian famih". Both Mr. and Mrs. Holcomb are now 
 living and enjov good health. 
 
 Our subject received his primary education in 
 the district schools of his native county, which he 
 attended through the winter season, while in the 
 summer months be aided in the labors of the field. 
 He remained upon the home farm until nineteen 
 years of age, when he entered the high school of 
 Sparta, there pursuing his studies for one year. At 
 the age of twenty he began teaching in the district 
 schools, and was thus employed for eight years, 
 when he accepted the position of Principal of the 
 schools of Baldwin, where he remained for five 
 j-ears. He then made a prospecting trip to Colo- 
 rado, and after his return to Illinois, in February, 
 1892, he completed an unexpired term of school 
 25 
 
 near Bajdwin. His next employment was of a dif- 
 ferent nature. He became clerk of a dry-goods 
 store in Baldwin, and continued thus engaged un- 
 til September, 1893, when he was chosen Principal 
 of the Percy schools. This position he is now filling, 
 being ably assisted in his work by his wife, who is 
 also an excellent instructor. During the months 
 of vacation, he usually clerks in a drug store in 
 Baldwin. In former years he took one course of 
 medical lectures in St. Louis, Mo., but concluded to 
 abandon medicine and cling to his chosen profes- 
 sion, that of teaching. 
 
 On the 3d of September, 1884, Mr. Holcomb was 
 united in marriage with Miss Quint Hurst, whose 
 parents were natives of Virginia, and thence re- 
 moved to Randoli)h County. 111. Her death oc- 
 curred January 27, 1886, and on the 13th of Au- 
 gust, 1889, Mr. Holcomb wedded Miss Ella Cox, 
 who came of a family of South Carolina. She was 
 called to the home beyond July 9, 1890. On the 
 14th of July, 1892, was celebrated the marriage of 
 Mr. Holcomb and Miss Josie Dagner, a daughter 
 of Henry and Mary (Harrison) Dagner, of' Red 
 Bud, 111. One child graces this union, Wallace 
 Penn, who is the pride and joy of the household. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Holcomb are both recognized as 
 among the leading and most successful teachers of 
 Randolph Count}', and the schools of Percy have 
 been brought to a high standard of excellence 
 through their untiring labors. With the Baptist 
 Church they hold raembei-ship. Mr. Holcomb is a 
 member of Kaskaskia Lodge No. 86, A. F. & A. M., 
 and also belongs to Baldwin Lodge No. 797, I. O. 
 O. F. He takes quite an active interest in political 
 affairs, and supports the men and measures of the 
 Democratic party. He is prominentlj' spoken of 
 for the office of County .Superintendent, aud should 
 he be chosen to that position, we feel no hesitancy 
 in saying that he will prove a capable and efficient 
 officer. Those who have known him from boj'hood 
 are numbered among his stanchest friends, a fact 
 which indicates an honorable and well spent life. 
 
 ->-?>-c-^ 
 
 ■ ABRIEL S. JONE.S. Probably no resident 
 
 - in Randolph Count}' is more worthy of rep- 
 
 1 resentation in this Record than Mr. Jones, 
 
 who was born here in 1818, when Illinois was a
 
 682 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 territory. He has pursued a course which, has re- 
 sulted in securing for him the hearty respect of 
 those who know him. Having witnessed the de- 
 velopment of the state from a wilderness to the 
 site of thriving towns and highly cultivated farms, 
 he has also contributed to this work and has been 
 an important factor in the growth of Chester. 
 
 The father of our subject, who also bore the name 
 of Gabriel, was a native of Virginia, and came to 
 Illinois November 17, 1817. The journey, which 
 was made overland to Illinois, was interrupted 
 suddenly at Percy, when tlieaxle tree of the wagon 
 broke. The family was compelled to stop for a 
 time and the elder Mr. Jones was induced to remain 
 during the winter and teach school. In the spring 
 of the following year he was appointed Colonel of 
 the State Militia, he having been a soldier in the 
 War of 1812. He was a very prominent man in 
 his community, and had the honor of filling the 
 positions of Mayor, County Clerk, County Com- 
 missioner and Deputy United States Marshal in 
 1820, and served as Colonel in the Black Hawk 
 War in 1832. In 1824 he represented his district 
 in the Legislature, being elected on the Whig ticket. 
 He met his death November 9, 1864, in a cyclone, 
 at which time his house was blown down, and many 
 lives were lost in that locality. 
 
 The maiden name of our subject's mother was 
 Elizabeth Tillotson. She was born in Virginia, 
 and died in Nashville, this state, in 1844. Of 
 her family of eight children, our subject was the 
 fourth in order of birth, and is the only survivor 
 of the family. He remained upon the home farm 
 near Steeleville, this county, until reaching his 
 sixteenth year, in the meantime having received a 
 fair education in the district school. On coining 
 to Chester in 1834, he began life on his own ac- 
 count as clerk in the general store of Holmes, 
 Swanwick & Co., with whom he remained until 
 1840, and then removing to Nashville, opened up 
 a store of his own, continuing to make that place 
 his home until 1839. 
 
 The date of our subject's marriage with Miss 
 Elizabeth Cox was November 12, 1839. Mrs. 
 Jones is the daughter of Richard Cox, a native of 
 England, who came to the United States when a 
 boy. By her union with our subject she became 
 
 the mother of three children, viz.: Eunice, now the 
 wife of A. A. Anderson, of Chester; Ann M., Mrs. 
 A. G. Jones, now residing in Delphos, Kan., and 
 Richard, a book-keeper in the city of New York. 
 Mrs. Elizabeth Jones departed this life in Chester 
 in 1855. The lad}- whom our subject married in 
 1858 was Mrs. Lucinda M. Hildreth, «ee Stone. By 
 this marriage have been born two children, Mary, 
 the wife of George Neville, City Treasurer of Ches- 
 ter and attorn ey-at-law, and Paul G., a merchant 
 in Chester. Our subject is still engaged in the 
 mercantile business in this city, and is highly es- 
 teemed by all who know him. 
 
 Mr. Jones relates many an interesting anecdote 
 of life during pioneer times, and tells how he trav- 
 eled six miles to school in order to gain a knowl- 
 edge of reading, writing and arithmetic. He has 
 always been activel}' interested in all that pertains 
 to the welfare of his native county, and as a keen 
 politician keeps himself well informed in regard to 
 party movements, and votes with the Republican 
 party. Socially he is a member of Chester Lodge 
 No. 72, A. F. & A. M., and is also connected with 
 the Herman G. Reynolds Commandery. 
 
 s-gi^^i&^ ^ig^ie^ig-gis^-Si:^ 
 
 "^YlOHN MARSHALL HOLT, who resides on 
 section 15, Vergennes Township, Jackson 
 Count}-, well deserves mention among the 
 _ prominent farmers of this community. His 
 life record is as follows: He was born in Land 
 Grove, Vt., September 7, 1831, and is a son of Jo- 
 seph and Hannah (Peabody) Holt, who were also 
 natives of the Green Mountain State. The father 
 was a farmer and carpenter. Emigrating west- 
 ward, he located on Tuthill's Prairie, Jackson 
 County, 111., in the fall of 1835, and some years 
 later purchased a farm on section 16, Vergennes 
 Township, now known as the old Holt homestead. 
 He removed thither in 1840, and made it his home 
 until 1874, when called to the home beyond. His 
 wife passed away in 1868. They had fourteen 
 children: Cynthia, wife of Valentine Keath, of 
 Perry County; Maria, wife of B. Walker, of Perry 
 Count}'; Caroline, wife of L. Sweetland; Charlotte, 
 wife of John Mecum, of Perry Connty; Putnam,
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 683 
 
 who died in Vermont; Joseph, who married Sarah 
 J. Mecum and lives in Perry County; La Fayette, 
 who married Martha Hodge for liis first wife, and 
 afterward wedded Margaret Holt and died in 1891; 
 Minerva, who became the wife of John Macglou- 
 chin, and after his death married John Roundtree, 
 but is DOW deceased; ]>ucinda, deceased wife of 
 Charles Warner, of St. Louis; Mary, who died in 
 childhood; Luc^^ A., wife of John Coply,of Alton; 
 De Witt, who married Margaret Pool; and Louisa, 
 wife of Marshall Nichols. The parents were mem- 
 bers of the Methodist Church, and in politics Mr. 
 Holt was a Democrat until 1864, after which he 
 supported the Republican party.* 
 
 Our subject attended the subscription schools of 
 his native state, and remained at home until his 
 marriage, September 7, 1853, to Emily Tuthill. 
 In 1855 he purchased his p;esent farm of one 
 hundred acres, and has made it his home since 1857. 
 Mrs. Holt is a daughter of John and Nancy (Ar- 
 nold) Tuthill. Her father was a native of Ver- 
 mont, but after his marriage lived in New York 
 for many years. The children of the family were: 
 Sarah B., wife of John Helm; Eliza A., wife of 
 James Brown; Nancy W., wife of James McClure; 
 Caroline, wife of Frank Campbell; Samuel, who died 
 at the age of ten; Laura, wife of George McClure; 
 Mary, who died at the age of fifty-two; Daniel; 
 PhcBbe, wife of Andrew Young; Mrs. Holt; and 
 Jane, wifeof Constantine Murphy. The father was a 
 farmer and also engaged in the manufacture of half- 
 bushel measures. In 1856 he came with his family 
 to Jackson County', accompanied by four brothers 
 and two sisters: John, Daniel, Cephus, Russell; 
 Hannah, wife of F. Lovejoy, and Sallie, wife of 
 Thomas Ross. Judge Richard Tuthill, of Chicago, 
 is a son of Daniel. The father of Mrs. Holt died 
 March 20, 1859, at his home on Tuthill's Prairie, 
 and his wife passed awaj' in 1851. He was a Dem- 
 ocrat in politics and a soldier in the Black Hawk 
 War. Both were members of the Methodist Church, 
 and were highl\' respected people. 
 
 To Mr. and Mrs. Holt were born eight children. 
 William A., born August 2, 1855, was married 
 December 3, 1884, to Julia Moore, and has four 
 children: Marshall, Ruby, Homer and Eula B.; 
 Ella M., born February 6, 1857, is the wifeof John 
 
 Quigly, and has five children: Lillian, Ira, Logan, 
 John and Gertrude; Ora L., born February 14, 
 1859, is the wife of William Cathe}', of Montana, 
 and their children are Earl, Eunice and Gerald; 
 Lucretia J., born April 18, 1861, is the wife of 
 Austin Spencer, by whom she has_ four children: 
 Lee, Bertha, Blanche and Merwin; they also lost 
 two children. Jennie was born September 28, 1863, 
 and is at home; Plurbe Y.,born January 29, 1866, 
 died at the age of six years; Myrtle E., born Feb- 
 ruary 26, 1868, is the wife of James Campbell, and 
 has one child, Wilda; Emily E., born October 12, 
 1872, is the wife of Moses Quigley, and has a 
 daughter. Myrtle. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Holt are members of the Methodist 
 Church, and in politics he has always been a Re- 
 publican. He and his wife now have a pleasant 
 home on their farm, which is the abode of hospit- 
 ality and good cheer. They have many friends 
 throughout the community, and by all who know 
 them are held in the highest regard. 
 
 FERDINAND GRAH is one of the old and 
 honored citizens of Randolph County, and 
 has accomplished much good in his life. 
 He is a native of Prussia, and was born June 22, 
 1821. His parents, Daniel and Caroline (Mueller) 
 Grab, emigrated to America in 1847, and after 
 some months spent in St. Louis, came to Ran- 
 dolph Count}', locating in township 7, range 6, 
 uj>on the farm now owned by our subject. 
 
 The latter is the eldest of a family of five chil- 
 dren. In his native land, Germany, he attencfed the 
 common schools and worked in the machine shops 
 until coming with his parents to the New World. 
 During their residence in St. Louis he was engaged 
 in a blacksmith shop, and he continued to reside 
 with them until their death, which occurred when 
 he was thirty-three years old. At that time he took 
 possession of the old homestead and began to work 
 for himself. The place comprises two hundred and 
 forty acres of fine land, which he has improved 
 and cultivated until it is classed among the best 
 farms in the township. Here he raises stock and 
 the cereals, from which he derives a good income.
 
 684 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 In 1847, he enlisted in the Mexican War under 
 General Price, but had served only ton months 
 when it came to a close and he then returned to 
 his home. 
 
 In 1855 Mr. Grah and Miss Mary Herbertz were 
 united in marriage. The lad3' was a native of 
 Germany, but at tlie time of her marriage was re- 
 siding in Chester, islie has borne her husband ten 
 children, as follows: Mena, who became the wife 
 of William Pickett, and died in 1878; Tillie, who 
 married W. C. Wall, and makes lier home in St. 
 Louis; Caroline, who is the wife of AVill Gelike, 
 and also lives in St. Louis; Annie, the wife of An- 
 drew Cushman, residing in Arkansas; Emma, who 
 is at home; Fred, who married Clem Tindall; Au- 
 gust, who married Mary Tindall; Mary, Mrs. Fred 
 Shilling, of Perry Count}', 111.; William and Ran- 
 dolph, both of whom are unmarried. Mr. Grah 
 and his family are members of the Presbyterian 
 Church, and are highly respected in both religious 
 and social circles. In politics our subject is rather 
 conservative, and alwaj's supports the man whom 
 he thinks most competent for the position. 
 
 ^*+-i'*(^^\**t*C 
 
 W^ ILLIAM A. JAMES, M. D., is one of the 
 leading physicians of Randolph Count}'. 
 He makes his home in Chester and is 
 prominent in the medical fraternitj' and the 
 business circles of this part of Illinois. Born in 
 Monroe County, this state, November 10, 1854, he 
 IS the son of Austin and Caroline E. (Walker) James, 
 the former a native of Monroe County, and the 
 latter born in Iowa. 
 
 The father of our subject, who departed this 
 life November 18, 1892, in his sixty-ninth year, 
 was a lifelong resident of Monroe County and one 
 of its most prominent and energetic citizens. He 
 was the second child of James A.James, who, with 
 his father, Joseph Austin James, made Monroe 
 County his home in 1803. Austin Jnmes was 
 born in that county December 30, 1823, and was 
 quite young when he accompanied his father on 
 his removal to Harrisonville, where he received 
 his early education. Later he attended St. Mary's 
 College, in Perry County, Mo., and in his seven- 
 
 teenth year became a student in the St. Louis 
 University. After his graduation he remained 
 for some time under the parental roof, and wiien 
 he attained his majority, went west to Iowa, where 
 he entered the mines. 
 
 During the second j-ear of the Mexican War, in 
 1847, Austin James became a member of tlie Sixth 
 Illinois Regiment, and with his company marched 
 to the City df Mexico by the way of New Or- 
 leans and Vera Cruz. Upon the return of the 
 regiment he received his honorable discharge at 
 Alton, whereupon he began farming at Harrison- 
 ville. In 1849 he purchased the old homestead, 
 consisting of nine hundred acres of the most fer- 
 tile bottom land in the count}'. By his energy 
 and zeal he placed the entire tract under the best 
 cultivation and erected all of the needful farm 
 buildings. 
 
 A)n'il 14, 1852, Austin James married IMIss Car- 
 oline E. Walker, and of the six children born of 
 their union the following five are living: Ben- 
 nett, William, Mary, Thomas and Carrie. Frank, 
 the fourth child, was accidentally killed many 
 years ago. During his entire life Austin James 
 was an unswerving and consistent Democrat, and 
 cast his first vote for Lewis Cass in 1848. His 
 zeal and activity in the support of that party's 
 principles merited to such an extent the recogni- 
 tion of his party that he was, in 1864, 1872 and 
 1882, elected to the Legislature, representing first 
 the Third Senatorial District, and later the Forty- 
 eighth. His legislative record showed at all times 
 that he was an active and useful member of com- 
 mittees and always honorably represented his con- 
 stituents. In 1888 he was elected by the people 
 of Monroe County to represent them on the 
 County Board, and was serving his second term 
 in that capacity when his death occurred. He 
 was a devoted and affectionate husband, a kind 
 and loving father, a true and sincere friend, ever 
 ready to aid and assist the poor, and possessed 
 the generosity and hospitality of a well bred 
 southern gentleman. His wife, tlie mother of our 
 subject, is still living and makes her home in Har- 
 risonville. 
 
 The subject of tliis sketch was one in a family of 
 four sons and two daughters, and received a good
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 685 
 
 education in tlie schools near his home. Being 
 desirous of gaining a more thorough Ivnowledge 
 of men and things, he went to St. Louis, Mo., in 
 1875, and completed a course of study in the 
 Christian Brothers' Academy. After receiving 
 his diploma he taught school for three terms, and 
 with his earnings was enabled to carry out the 
 ambition of his life, and attended medical lectures 
 in St. Louis. He was graduated in 1881 from the 
 St. Louis Medical College, and returning to Har- 
 rison ville, 111., engaged in the practice of his 
 profession for twelve yeai-s. In the spring of 
 1893 he came to this citj' and now has a patron- 
 age that extends far beyond the limits of Chester. 
 The lad}- who became the wife of our subject, 
 in August, 1881, was known in her maidenhood as 
 Mar\^ L. Horine. She was born in Waterloo, this 
 state, and was a daughter of M. T. Horine. To 
 them has been born one child, a daughter, Jessie 
 C, to wliom the}' are giving a good education in 
 the city schools. In his political relations, the 
 Doctor alwa3^s votes with the Democratic party, 
 and sociall}' is a prominent member of the Monroe 
 Countj- Medical Society. He is now the phj-sician 
 of the Soutliern Illinois Penitentiary. 
 
 > 
 
 
 UKE f4ENDR0N, whose real name is John 
 
 kBaptiste (iendron, is a representative of one 
 of the oldest families in the oldest settle- 
 ment in the great west. His father's name, Luke, 
 was given to him at first as a nickname, but after- 
 ward became the name b}' which he is now gener- 
 ally known. His father dj'ing when our subject 
 was but twelve years old, he had to help his mother 
 run the farm, and consequently his education was 
 almost entirely neglected. His paternal grandfa- 
 ther, John Baptiste Gendron, was born in Kaskas- 
 kia in a very early day, his father having come 
 here from Canada, whither he had jfreviousl}- emi- 
 grated from France. The mother of our subject 
 was Odeille Tullier, also a representative of one of 
 the earliest families. Her death occurred some time 
 in the early '50s. 
 
 Our subject was born October IG, 1824, in Old 
 
 Kaskaskia, at a time when it was the western me- 
 tropolis, a city of some fifteen thousand souls. 
 Here he made his home until some years after at- 
 taining his majority, when he moved to the rich 
 farming lands near tlie town and began the life of 
 an agriculturist, which has been his occupation 
 ever since. In the year 1846 he married Mary 
 Rayome, who died of cholera in the fall of 1849, 
 when that dread scourge was raging in the valley. 
 Of this marriage two children were born, both of 
 whom are deceased. 
 
 The second marriage of Mr. Gendron united 
 him with Mrs. Sophie (Buatte) Roach, whose for- 
 mer husband died about the time of Mrs. Gend- 
 ron's death. Of this uuion were born eighteen 
 children, of whom seven are now living. Mrs. 
 Sophie Gendron departed this life Januarj- 30, 1877, 
 and her bodj- was interred in the old' Kaskia church 
 yard; it was later moved to the new cemetery es- 
 tablished by the state on the hills across the river, 
 on the site of old Ft. Gage. Our subject was a tliird 
 time married February 16, 1878, his wife being 
 Louise Derousse, a daughter of Peter K. Derousse, 
 a member of one of the oldest families of Kaskas- 
 kia. Of this marriage have been born four chil- 
 dren, all boys. The three surviving are, John, 
 AUie and Edmond. 
 
 Mr. Gendron 's home is an old fashioned house, 
 pleasantly situated on a tract of one hundred and 
 sixty acres of as fine farming land as may be found 
 in the state. After two hundred years' cultiva- 
 tion no perceptible diminution can be discerned 
 in its fertilitj', and that without fertilization of 
 any kind. Like all of the old French on the Island, 
 Mr. Gendron and his family are members of the 
 Roman Catholic Church. AVhen a boy of fourteen 
 he carried the molds used in making the bricks of 
 which the old church was constructed, and which 
 are now being incorporated into the walls of the 
 new edifice; it is being erected some three miles 
 south of the old town, which will soon have been 
 swept into the stream of the "Father of Waters." 
 
 Since castiug his first vote our subject has been 
 a stanch Democrat, as are most of the dwellers on 
 the Island. He served as School Trustee for six 
 years, when, tiring of the ollice, he resigned. ^Many 
 are the interesting recollections of Mr. Gendron of
 
 686 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 the early times, when Kaskaskia was the center of 
 western civilization and furnished nianj- of the 
 noted men of pioneer days. 
 
 =4.^.4.4.^.^.^-5.= 
 
 ^1 Ife D. HARRIS, one of the honored citizei 
 \/\jli *^^ Jackson County, who successfully ca 
 ^^^ ries on farming on section 35, Carbonda 
 
 D. HARRIS, one of the honored citizens 
 
 car- 
 bon dale 
 
 Township, was born in Saline County, 111., Sep- 
 tember 16, 1820, and is a son of Richard and 
 Hannah (Tanner) Harris. Her grandfather, .Sam- 
 uel Tanner, was a soldier of the Revolution. Both 
 parents were natives of North Carolina, and the 
 father was a soldier in the War of 1812. They 
 were married in Kentucky, and in 1820 emigrated 
 to Saline County, 111., then a part of Gallatin 
 County, becoming honored pioneers of that lo- 
 cality, where tliey resided until 1830, when they 
 removed to Williamson County and began open- 
 ing up another wild farm. Mr. Harris died in 
 1835, but his wife long survived him, passing away 
 in 1874. She was a member of the Baptist Church. 
 In politics be was a Democrat. Seven of their 
 fourteen children are yet living. 
 
 Upon the home farm our subject was reared to 
 manhood, and for about three months in the year 
 he usually attended school, his education being 
 thus acquired. He also learned the carpenter's 
 trade in his youth, and followed it for some years. 
 On the 29th of December, 1840, he married Miss 
 Sarah Maria Robertson, who has indeed been a 
 faithful companion and helpmate to him on life's 
 journej'. She was born in Saline County, 111., 
 and her parents, Mark and Mary (Burns) Robert- 
 son, were natives of Alabama. The father was a 
 farmer by occupation and served in the AVar of 
 1812 under General Jackson. The maternal grand- 
 father was a native of Scotland, and was a rela- 
 tive of Robert Burns, the poet. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Robertson were married in Ala- 
 bama, thence removed to Tennessee, and about 
 1819 settled on wild laud in .Saline County, 111. 
 In 1832 the^' went to Gallatin Country, and in 
 1835 removed to Tazewell County, where the death 
 of the father occurred in 1836. His wife sur- 
 vived him until 1861. They were the parents of 
 ten children, three of whom are yet living: Mark, 
 
 of Wright County, Mo., who was a soldier in the 
 Black Hawk War, and for twelve years has been a 
 Presiding Elder in the Methodist Episcopal Church; 
 William, of Franklin County; and Mrs. Harris, 
 who was born October 1, 1822. 
 
 Oursubject and his wife began their domestic life 
 upon an unbroken tract of laud, but he soon made it 
 a productive farm. In April, 1855, they took up 
 their residence in Carbondale, Jackson County, 
 where Mr. Harris followed carpentering for nine- 
 teen years. He enlisted May 16, 1861, in Com- 
 panj' K, Eighteenth Illinois Infantry. He was pro- 
 moted to be Corporal and afterward to be Sergeant. 
 He was first sent to Mound City, 111., thence to 
 Cairo, and from thereon to the front. He was one 
 of the advance guard at Ft. Heniy, and took part 
 in the battles of Ft. Donelson, Pittsburg Landing 
 and Jackson. He was detailed to run a fleet on the 
 Mississippi River under General Elliott, and had 
 tiiree rams in that fleet — "Queen of the West," 
 "Lancaster" and "Monarch." He was never cap- 
 tured or wounded, and was honorably discharged 
 June 7, 1864, in Springfleld. 
 
 Mr. Harris then returned to his home in Carbon- 
 dale, and continued to engage in carpentering until 
 1874, when he removed to his farm, which he has 
 since greatly improved. He owns one hundred and 
 six and two-thirds acres cf land, of which seventy 
 acres are under the plow. He has recently erected 
 a comfortable residence in Carbondale at a cost 
 of $1,500. Though Mr. and Mrs. Harris have 
 never had any children, they have cared for and 
 reared Belle Mitchell from childhood. Both are 
 faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal 
 Church, and he has served as Trustee and Steward. 
 He has also been Superintendent of the Sunday- 
 school. He has never chewed tobacco but once, 
 and forty-two years have passed since he has 
 tasted liquor as a beverage. His life has indeed 
 been an honorable one and is well worthy of emu- 
 lation. Sociall3', he is a Ro3'al Arch Mason, and 
 has been Treasurer of the blue lodge. He also 
 belongs to the Grand Army post of Carbondale. 
 In politics he is a stalwart Republican, and he 
 has served as Alderman of Carbondale. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Harris have a large circle of 
 friends and acquaintances, and are highly re-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 687 
 
 garded by all. On the 29th of December, 1890, 
 they celebrated tlieir golden wedding, for fifty 
 3'ears had passed since they started out on life's 
 journey together. The following poem was writ- 
 ten in commemoration of the event: 
 
 Just fifty j'ears ago, dear wife. 
 
 Since you and I were wed. 
 To-day's our golden wedding day. 
 
 Where can the years have fled? 
 
 Am I that shy and awkward youth. 
 
 Are you that maiden fair, 
 Witii silver threads among the curls 
 
 That once was golden hair? 
 
 I never can forget tlie day 
 
 That made you all my own. 
 Your lips like tempting cherries ripe, 
 
 Your cheeks like roses blown. 
 
 Your sweet eves shining bright as stars 
 
 In fancy yet I see. 
 And you that day tlian all the world 
 
 Were dearer far to me. 
 
 And yet, dear heart, I know that I 
 
 Love better far to-da}'. 
 Than e'en I loved that maiden fair, 
 
 The wife's that's old and gray. 
 
 And I will praj- that you and I 
 
 May walk life's golden sands 
 Until we reach that better place. 
 
 The house not made with hands. 
 
 ei 
 
 OL. E. A. WELLS, an enterprising and pro- 
 gressive citizen of Murph3sboro, and 
 Treasurer of the Egyptian Real Estate and 
 Collecting Agency, has the honor of being a na- 
 tive of Illinois. He was born August 13, 1858, near 
 Du Quoin, which localitv was the birthplace of his 
 father, Ferdinand Wells. His grandfather, Lewis 
 Wells, was born in North Carolina, and in 1815, 
 with his father, Lewis Wells, Sr., settled in Perry 
 County. He became one of its honored pioneers 
 and a prominent and successful farmer. He served 
 in the War of 1812, and died in Perry County. 
 His wife was a relative of Zacharj' Taylor. 
 
 The father of our subject was reared in his na- 
 tive countj^, and in 1862 entered the country's 
 service as Sergeant of Company K, Eighty-first 
 
 Infantry. He participated in eighteen battles, in- 
 cluding the siege of Vicksburg, the Red River ex- 
 pedition and the Mobile campaign. When the 
 war was over, he resumed farming in Perry Coun- 
 ty, and in 1872 went to Grand Tower, where lie 
 engaged in the hotel business in connection with 
 agricultural pursuits until 1885. He then em- 
 barked in merchandising in Ava, and in 1887 came 
 to Murphysboro. Here his wife died in that year, 
 and in 1889 he married a lad3- f rom Kankakee. In 
 1891 he was appointed a guard of tlie Southern 
 Illinois Penitentiary, where he remained until 
 March, 1893. He is now living in Kankakee. He 
 is a highly respected man and takes a prominent 
 part in tlie work of tlie Grand Array of the Re- 
 public. 
 
 Ferdinand Wells first wedded Mary C. Rees, a 
 native of Perry Count}-, and a daughter of Judge 
 E. T. Rees, one of the pioneers of that count}-, who 
 removed thither from Kentucky. He served in 
 the Black Hawk War, and beciime an extensive 
 and successful farmer. For many years he was Jus- 
 tice of the Peace; and was also Associate Judge of 
 Perry County. His death occurred there in 1877. 
 His son Lj^curgus, of Du Quoin, was a Captain in 
 the late war, and his brother R. G., now of Idaho, 
 was a Lieutenant; another brother, John, was a 
 Colonel and was killed while leading his men at 
 the siege of Vicksburg. He was also in the Mexi- 
 can War. The great-grandfather of our subject, 
 Hampton Rees, w-as one of the early settlers of 
 Perr}- Count}', and for him Rees Creek was named. 
 The familj- was of Welsh descent, and the Wells 
 family was of Scotch lineage. 
 
 Colonel Wells has one brother, W. D., now City 
 Marshal of Ava. Our subject was reared m Perr}- 
 County and Grand Tower, and after attending the 
 common schools was a student in the De Soto 
 Teachers' Institute. He received a teacher's cer- 
 tificate in 1876, but did not begin teaching until 
 two years later. In January, 1879, he won the 
 highest standing for cadetship in a class of seven- 
 teen competitors and immediately entered AVest 
 Point, where he continued for a 3-ear. He then 
 returned home, and for three terms taught school 
 near Du (^uoin. In December, 1882, he was ap- 
 pointed Deput}- Sheriff b}' M. A. Ross, and after a
 
 688 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 four years' term was elected on the Republican 
 ticket as Sherifif by the largest majority that had 
 been given for years. He did faithful service in 
 the office and had some arduous duties to perform. 
 
 In 1886 Mr. Wells wedded Miss Sudie Childs, 
 daughter of James Childs, of Kansas Citj', Mo. 
 They have four children, Joseph V., Edward A., 
 Lulu and Emma. In December, 1890, Mr. Weils 
 became connected with the Egyptian Real Estate, 
 Collection and Investment Company, of which he 
 has since been Treasurer. He is also interested 
 in farming lands in Carbondale and Pomona 
 Townships, and owns considerable city property in 
 Murphj'sboro. 
 
 Colonel Wells takes great interest in civic so- 
 cieties. In 1883 he joined the Odd Fellows' lodge 
 at Mt. Carbon, and has filled all its offices. He 
 was one of the organizers of Jackson Camp No. 
 113, S. v., served as its Captain during the first 
 two terms, and in August, 1890, attended the 
 state encampment, where he was appointed Major 
 to fill a vacancy. He was then elected a member 
 of the Division Council of Illinois, and at the en- 
 campment in Jacksonville, in 1890, was elected a 
 delegate to the national encampment by a very 
 flattering majority. At the encampment in Deca- 
 tur, in 1891, he was elected without opposition as 
 delegate-at-large to tiie national encampment at 
 Minneapolis, was Chairman of the delegation, and 
 had the honor of seconding the nomination of 
 Marvin E. Hall for commander-in-chief. In 1892, 
 at the state encampment in Bushnell, he was 
 elected Division Commander of Illinois, and at- 
 tended the national encampment at Helena, Mont., 
 where he took a prominent stand to uphold the 
 Sons of Veterans' Guards. He is a member of the 
 Knights of P3'tliias and the Uniformed Rank, and 
 at the organization of the Sixth Regiment of the 
 Illinois Brigade in East St. Louis, in 1889, was 
 elected its Colonel, and has served as such con- 
 tinuously since. He attended the Supreme Lodge 
 in Milwaukee in 1890, and the brigade encamp- 
 ment in Springfield, 111., in 1891. In 1890 he 
 became Senior Colonel of the Illinois Brigade, 
 and in 1892 he attended the Supreme Lodge 
 at Kansas Cit^', Mo., at the head of his regi- 
 ment. He has risen in rank through zeal and effi- 
 
 ciencjs and has become prominent throughout the 
 country in connection with his work in the various 
 civic organizations. For years he has been a mem- 
 ber of the Count)' Republican Committee, has been 
 Chairman of the executive committee, and has 
 three times served as a delegate to the state con- 
 ventions. 
 
 ^^ EORGE W. STALEY. Among the thriving 
 (l[ (^--. establishments of which Chester possesses 
 ^^iijl her due proprotion ma}' be numbered the 
 tailoring establishment conducted by the gentle- 
 man whose name introduces this sketch. Mr. 
 Staley launched out in this business in 1875, and 
 since that time he has grown in popularity and 
 has acquired an enviable reputation as a man of 
 honor and excellent judgment. 
 
 August 12, 1816, our subject was born in Jeffer- 
 son County, Va., to Peter and Christiana (Krepps) 
 Staley. The father, who was a millwright by trade, 
 was the son of Stephen Staley, of German descent, 
 while on his maternal side his ancestors came from 
 Holland. Our subject's father dying when he was 
 a lad of eight years, he was not permitted to attend 
 school much after that time, and being obliged 
 to earn his own living, apprenticed himself to 
 learn the tailor's trade. 
 
 Having heard such glowing accounts of the coun- 
 try further west, our subject in 1837 went to Ohio, 
 where he remained a short time in Cincinnati, and 
 the same year came to Randolph County. Settling 
 in Kaskaskia, he opened a shop and commenced to 
 work at his trade, continuing thus engaged for ten 
 years. At the expiration of that time he embarked 
 in the general mercantile business in the same 
 place, and was there residing when, in November, 
 1867, he sustained a heavy loss by the burning of 
 his store and stock of goods, on which he carried 
 but little insurance. 
 
 In 1870, the date of Mr. Staley 's advent into 
 this city, he formed a partnership with Charles 
 AYassell, and for four j'ears they continued to cany 
 on a merchant tailoring establishment. At the 
 end of that time he disposed of his interest in the 
 business to his partner, and in the fall of the sue-
 
 ^. 
 
 yi^" 
 
 %~ 
 
 
 M 
 
 ^^
 
 PORTEAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 691 
 
 ceeding year opened a shop of his own, which he 
 is conducting at the present time. 
 
 June 1, 1843, C4eorge W. Slaley and Miss Har- 
 riet L. Feainan were united in marriage. Mrs., 
 Staley was born in Kaslcaskia, tliis county, and was 
 a daughter of Jacob and Sarah Fearaan. Their 
 union was blessed by the birth of seven children, 
 of wliom two sons and two daughters are still liv- 
 ing, viz.: Clarence L., who is in the insurance busi- 
 ness; William M., who is at present engaged in the 
 mills of H. C. Cole & Co.; Laura, who is the wife 
 of Abel Jones, and Hattie L., who is keeping house 
 for her father. Mrs. Staley, who was a most estima- 
 ble woman, departed this life December 9, 1889. 
 
 Our subject is a Democrat in politics, and sup- 
 ports that party not only b}' his ballot, but also by 
 his influence and the presentation of his party's 
 principles to his acquaintances. He has been 
 called upon by his fellow-townsmen to represent 
 them in various positions of trust, and for tvvelve 
 j'ears served as Alderman of Chester. Socially, he 
 is a member of Kaskaskia Lodge No. 86, A. F. & A. 
 M., of which he was Master for over a quarter of a 
 century. He is connected with Herman G. Rey- 
 nolds Chapter No. 84, R. A. M., and Randolph 
 Council No. 44, and is also an influential member 
 of Cyrine Comraandery No. 23, at Centralia. 
 
 
 (i] RA GILBERT, one of the honored pioneers of 
 |{ Monroe County, now lives on section 35, 
 /il township 4, range 9 west. From a very early 
 day he has been identified with the history of this 
 community. He has seen it in its primitive con- 
 dition, when the land was wild and when wolves 
 howled around the cabin door. He has borne his 
 part in the work of transformation and, develop- 
 ment, and therefore well deserves representation 
 in this volume. 
 
 Mr. Gilbert was born in Chittenden Count}', 
 Vt., March 4, 1810, and is a son of Eli and Susan 
 (Gale) Gilbert. When he was four years of age 
 his parents removed to New York, locating first in 
 Seneca, and afterward in Geneva, where the father 
 worked at his trade of a clothier for about two 
 years. He then took his famil}' to Ohio, and spent 
 
 the succeeding ten years of his life in Washington 
 County. There he bought some school land, and 
 Ira Gilbert also entered a tract of eighty acres. In 
 1839 the family removed to Jefferson County, 111., 
 where land was purchased and entered, and there 
 the father spent his remaining days. His death 
 occurred October 7, 1879. His wife, who bore the 
 maiden name of Susanna Gilbert, and was born 
 October 13, 1792, died July 11, 1865. They had 
 a family of seventeen children, of whom six sons 
 and a daughter are yet living. Mr. Gilbert be- 
 came one of the extensive farmers of Jefferson 
 County, 111. In politics he was first a Whig, and 
 afterward a Republican. He and his wife were 
 members of the Universalist Cliurch, and were 
 highly respected citizens. 
 
 Our subject accompanied his parents on their 
 various removals, and aided his father in the line 
 of work in which he was engaged. At the age of 
 eighteen years he entered the eighty-acre tract 
 above mentioned, this being during the adminis- 
 tration of Andrew Jackson. He was then work- 
 ing for O. R. Loring, of Belpre, Ohio, receiving a 
 salary of 110 per month. In November, 1830, he 
 married Salome Dils, a native of Parkersburg, W. 
 Va., and a daughter of John Dils, who was a 
 saddler by trade. In 1838 Mr. and Mrs. Gil- 
 bert came to Illinois and took up their residence in 
 Monroe County, where he entered from the Gov- 
 ernment one hundred and twenty acres of wild 
 land, upon which he yet resides, although the im- 
 proved farm of to-day bears little resemblance to 
 the uncultivated tract of that time. Altogether 
 he has entered about two hundred and ninety 
 acres. He has led a busy and useful life, and suc- 
 cess has crowned his efforts. At one time he 
 owned three hundred and sixty-five acres of valu- 
 able land, but recently sold one hundred and ten 
 acres. 
 
 In 1889 Mr. Gilbert was called upon to mourn 
 the loss of his wife, who died on the 13tli of June. 
 She was a most estimable lady, and was held in 
 high regard by all. They were the parents of five 
 children, four of whom are yet living: Layina, 
 wife of Andrew Netzel, of Nebraska; Mar}', wife 
 of Eli Roy, of Mt. Vernon, 111.; Diantha, wife of 
 Sylvester Haynes, a resident of California; and
 
 692 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Affa, wife of William Dinan. They reside witb 
 her father. 
 
 Mr. Gilbert has followed farming and stock- 
 raising, and is also engaged in the manufacture of 
 cheese. The success of his life has been achieved 
 through his own efforts, and his labors in former 
 years now enable him to be surrounded by com- 
 forts and luxuries. He belongs to the Universalist 
 Church, as did his wife. In politics he is a stal- 
 wart Republican. His career has been an upright, 
 honorable one, and he has the confidence and good 
 will of all witli whom business or social relations 
 have brought him in contact. His example is in- 
 deed worthy of emulation. 
 
 >S^ZEKIEL C. KERR and BROTHERS, resi- 
 jfe) dents of lot 2G, second sub-division, Kaskas- 
 'lL=^ kia Point, Randolph County. Ezekiel is a 
 native of Penns3'lvania, and was born in York 
 County, December 28, 1848. He is a son of James 
 and Elizabeth (Krall) Kerr, both natives of Penn- 
 sylvania. The father died in 1873, at the age of 
 seventy-eiglit years; and the mother in 1874, when 
 sixt^'-four years old. They lie buried in the cem- 
 eteries at Dillsburg and Siddonsburg, Pa., respect- 
 ively. 
 
 Young Ezekiel attended the district schools in 
 his native county, and remained at home until his 
 twentieth year. Up to this time he bad never been 
 from home a fortnight in his life. With the in- 
 tention of going to Missouri he and his brother 
 George left home early in August, 1871, and jour- 
 neyed to St. Louis. Instead of locating immedi- 
 ately in Missouri, the boys came to Randolph 
 County, where their brother James had planted a 
 crop of wheat near Ellis Grove, and after haivest- 
 ing it they all three intended to go to their former 
 destination. They journeyed about twent3'-five 
 miles northwest of Rolla, but seeing nothing but 
 broken hilly land they started back on foot, re- 
 turning to Illinois. Here following their first crop 
 with^ another in the fall of 1873, thej- secured a 
 farm south of Ellis Grove, which they occupied 
 two years and then moved to the west side of the 
 Okaw River, taking a fifty years' lease in two hun- 
 
 dred and eighty-five acres in the second and third 
 surveys of Old Kaskaskia Commons. Here the three 
 brothers operated in partnership until 1882, when 
 James withdrew from tlie company, intending to 
 locate in Kansas. Finding nothing to suit him 
 there, he wandered down into the Indian Territor3', 
 but soon returned as far east as Douglas County, 
 Mo., where he took up a homestead of one hundred 
 and sixty acres. After a fortnight's residence 
 James started for Kaskaskia, and fully expected to 
 return to his claim, but has now abandoned it alto- 
 gether, and is with his brothers again. George and 
 Ezekiel have never been separated since their first 
 departure for the west. 
 
 James A. Kerr was born December 25, 1843, and 
 was married December 21, 1886, to Miss Mary, a 
 daughter of Sterling and Clarinda (Craig) Adair, 
 residents of Randolph Count}'. To them were 
 born two children, Ruth A., who died in infancy, 
 and George W., born September 18, 1892. 
 
 April 27, 1893, Ezekiel Kerr was united in mar- 
 riage with Mrs. Susan McDonald, the widow of 
 Benjamin JIcDonald, and a daughter of William 
 and Lucinda (Hinkle) Hudson, natives of Ken- 
 tuckj' and Missouri, respectively. The date of her 
 birth is November 15, 1852. The brother George 
 has never been married, and with the family is a 
 member of the Missionary Baptist Church at Pu- 
 jol. All the brothers are stanch advocates of the 
 Democracy, and support its principles b^- their in- 
 fluence and vote. 
 
 (^ 
 
 ^^1 
 
 Lt^ 
 
 tg^ 
 
 ^ 
 
 ;®^ 
 
 ^ 
 
 M. BROWNING is the President of the 
 Union Coal Company, and the leading mer- 
 chant of Du Quoin. He was born in Frank- 
 lin County, 111., April 4, 1859, and is a son 
 of William R. Browning, who was one of the pio- 
 neer merchants of Benton, and one of the leading 
 citizens of that place. He look quite an active 
 part in local politics, but was cut off from a useful 
 career by his death in earlj- manhood, in 1865. 
 His wife, who bore the maiden name of Lj'dia Dry, 
 was born in Perry Count}', 111., and is now living 
 in Franklin County. In their family were four
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 693 
 
 sons who grew to manhood, the eldest being D. 
 M., who was County Judge of Franklin Count}', 
 and Circuit Judge of the district. He was upon 
 the Bench for twelve years, and is recognized as 
 one of the most able attorneys of southern Illinois. 
 He is a leading Democratic politician, and is now 
 commissioner of Indian affairs in Washington, D. 
 C, to which position he was appointed by Presi- 
 dent Cleveland. William R. is a merchant of Ben- 
 ton, 111., and L. A. is connected with the Eli 
 Walker Dry Goods Company of St. Louis. 
 
 Mr. Browning whose name heads this record 
 received his school privileges prior to the age of 
 fifteen years, wlien he started out in life to make 
 his own way in the world. Since that time he has 
 been dependent upon his own resources, so that 
 whatever success he has achieved through the 
 past years is due to his own efforts. Coming to 
 Du Quoin when a youtii of fifteen, he began clerk- 
 ing in a store, wiiere he was employed until eigh- 
 teen years of age, when with the capital he had ac- 
 quired through industrj-, economy and persever- 
 ance, he embarked in the grocery business on his 
 own account. Since that time he has prospered, 
 and although but a young man of thirty-six years, 
 he is one of the most extensive business men of 
 Du Quoin, and aside from his store he is regarded 
 as one of the wealthiest men of the count}'. He 
 is now President of four large coal mines, which 
 are operated under tlie name of the Union Mines, 
 being associated in the ownership of the same with 
 leading citizens of Du Quoin and St. Louis. He 
 is also one of the owners of the Du Quoin Gas 
 Works, is connected with a coal company of St. 
 Louis, and has large property interests in Du 
 Quoin. 
 
 In 1879 Mr. Browning was married to Miss 
 Lillia Frizzell. Her father was a wealth}' merchant 
 of Du Quoin, but died when the daughter was 
 quite young. Siie has one brother, J. H. Frizzell, 
 an extensive clothing dealer of Du Quoin. Like 
 the other members of his family, Mr. Browning is 
 a Democrat, but has never sought or desired public 
 office. Few men have done more to make Du 
 Quoin the thriving city of to-day than our sub- 
 ject, and his name is inseparably connected with 
 its upbuilding. At the age of fifteen, Mr. Brown- 
 
 ing started out in life for himself with no other 
 capital than good health, a fair education, a sound 
 judgment and a determination to succeed in what- 
 ever he undertook. Upon this foundation his for- 
 tune was built by his own labors. 
 
 I^EV. THEODORE A. SAUPERT, pastor of 
 IW^ St. Mark's Lutheran Church, which position 
 <ii fl|\ he has filled since 1889, to the satisfaction 
 of his entire congregation, was born in 
 Evansville, Ind., on the 8th of February, 1866. 
 His parents were Rev. Andrew J. and Wilhelmina 
 (Schultze) Saupert. In their family he was the 
 third in order of birth. His father was a native 
 of Baireuth, Bavaria, and was educated in Ger- 
 many, at Basel and Eriangen. He fitted himself 
 for the work of the ministry in the Lutlieran 
 Church, and with the desire to labor in the minis- 
 terial field of America he crossed the Atlantic to 
 this continent and accepted the pastorate of the 
 church in Columbus, Ohio. He learned the English 
 language after his emigration to this country. 
 Spending one year in Columbus, he then accepted 
 a call to Evansville, Ind. This was in June, 1845. 
 He took charge of Trinity Church at that place, 
 and continued as its pastor for the long period of 
 forty-eight consecutive years, respected and be- 
 loved by all who knew him. He was a power for 
 good in that community, and his influence will 
 ever live in the lives of those who were under his 
 pastoral guidance. He suffered a stroke of paraly- 
 sis, and died in I^vansville, in July, 1893. His 
 widow still survives him, and is yet living in that 
 place. 
 
 The subject of this sketch acquired his educa- 
 tion in the schools of his native town, attending 
 the German, public and private schools. He thus 
 acquired a good education. Determining to follow 
 in the professional footsteps of his father, he began 
 studying for the ministry. He attended Concordia 
 College of Ft. Wayne, Ind., for six years, making 
 a thorough study of the classics, and then entered 
 Concordia Seminary of St. Louis, Mo., where he 
 remained for three years. His first call was from 
 the church in Steeleville, 111., in 1889. He ac-
 
 694 
 
 PORTRAIT AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 cepted it and became pastor of St. Mark's Lutlieran 
 Church, of which he has now had charge for four 
 years. The gifts of the father seem to have de- 
 scended to the son. He wins not only the love and 
 confidence of his own congregation, hut also has 
 the high regard of other denominations. He is a 
 brilliant 3'oung man, successful in the pulpit and 
 in his labors among the people. 
 
 On the loth of Januarj-, 1891, Rev. Mr. Saupert 
 was united in marriage with Miss Emma A. Baeh- 
 mann, a daughter of Rev. George and Amanda 
 (Duebel) Bachmann, of Evansville, Ind. Her father 
 was a pioneer of Cincinnati, Ohio, and her mother 
 died in that citj- in 1873. Mrs. Saupert is to her 
 husband a faithful companion and helpmate, and 
 aids him greatly in his labors by her sympathy and 
 encouragement. She is a highly accomplished lady, 
 and for four jears resided in Regensburg, Bavaria, 
 where she devoted her attention to classical music, 
 literature and domestic studies. In politics Mr. 
 Saupert votes with the Republican party, but his 
 entire time and attention are given to the work of 
 the ministrv. 
 
 J^ OHN A. McXERNEY. who follows farming 
 ! on section 3, Vergennes Township. Jackson 
 Count3', was born in Dublin, Ireland, May 
 _ 19, 1837, and is a son of Joshua McNernej', 
 who was an officer in Dublin Castle, and held that 
 position until his death, in 1868. He was married 
 in Dublin to Margaret Welch, and to them were 
 born tlie following children: Joshua, John; Annie, 
 wife of Peter Mernah, who was a Union soldier, 
 and was killed at Norfolk, Va.; Margaret, deceased ; 
 Marj-, who died at the age of seventeen, and 
 Thomas, who is an actor, 
 
 Mr. McNerney of this sketch crossed the Atlan- 
 tic in 1848, and for a time lived in Rondout. N. Y., 
 on the Hudson, and attended school in New York 
 City at night. During his youth he engaged in 
 selling "Thompson's Bank Note Reporter," and in 
 1851 was thus employed in New York City, where 
 he frequently saw Horace Greelej-, He also there 
 heard one of the famous speeches of Daniel Web- 
 ster, He there lived when Kossuth came to this 
 country, and saw the welcome extended the patriot 
 
 defender of Poland, In 1856 Mr, MoNerney went 
 to Stephenson, near Frederickstown, Me,, and from 
 there to St, John, New Brunswick, whence he 
 sailed for Liverpool, England. After visiting his 
 parents for a year, he returned to America in 1857, 
 at the time the bread riots were occurring in New 
 York. 
 
 In 1858 our subject emigrated to Rock Island 
 County, 111., and there heard an address bj' Abra- 
 ham Lincoln. The following winter was spent in 
 New Orleans, and in May he went to St. Louis, but 
 after a month made his way to Cairo, 111., which 
 then contained only a few houses in the midst of a 
 swamp. Going to Pulaski, he worked in a sawmill 
 for a month, after which he came to Vergennes 
 Township, Jackson County, where lie was employed 
 as a farm han<l by E, T, Ross. In 1861, he enlisted 
 for the lat€ war, in Company B, Seventh Illinois 
 Infantry, which was the firet regiment that left the 
 state. After being discharged on account of phj'- 
 sical disability, he served as ward master of the 
 hospital in Mound City, He received a letter 
 signed by the surgeons and officers of the hospital, 
 expressing their warm regard for him and their 
 regret at his removal from that post. He also 
 served a year as watchman in the commissary de- 
 partment at Cairo, was in the quartermaster's de- 
 partment at Benton Barracks. St. Louis, and there 
 remained for sis months, wlien he was taken ill, 
 and in 1864 resigned. On his return to Vergennes 
 Township, he took up farming, which he now 
 follows. 
 
 On the 27tli of December, 1862, Mr. McNerney 
 married Sarah J, Porter, who was born in Gallia 
 County, Ohio, January 31. 1837, Her father, Rus- 
 sell Sumner Porter, was born in Ohio, October 12, 
 1802, and emigrated to Du Quoin, 111., in 1844. 
 Three yeai-s later he came to Jackson County and 
 improved a farm, upon which he resided until his 
 death. May 15, 1871, His wife bore the maiden 
 name of Dorothy Burnham, and was bom April 20, 
 1802, At the age of sixteen she came with the 
 family to Illinois, and was married in 1825, Their 
 children are, Benjamin, born February 11, 1826; 
 Eliphaz, September 4, 1827; John B., August 4, 
 1829; Solomon A., April 7, 1833; Lauren R., De- 
 cember 11, 1834; Sarah J., January 31, 1837;
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 695 
 
 Phoebe K., January 17, 1839, and Hiram H., March 
 
 19, 1843. The mother of this family died June 12. 
 1877. Mr. and Jlrs. J. A. McNerney became the 
 parents of five children. Margaret D., born April 
 9, 1864, was married July 29, 1888, to T. C. 
 Hughey, who lives in Champaign, 111., and has two 
 children, Genevieve, born November 28, 1890, and 
 Mildred, July 10, 1892. Wilbur, who was born 
 January 25, 1866, died August 23. 1868; Phojbe J. 
 was born July 28, 1870; and Eleanor, August 23, 
 1873. Jackson A., born November 30, 1877, died 
 March 21, 1879. 
 
 In 1880 Mr. McNerne}- purchased the old familj' 
 homestead of the Porters, and has since resided 
 thereon. He is a member of Du Quoin Post No. 
 106, G. A. R., and is a Royal Arch Mason. In 
 politics he has always been a stanch Republican, 
 and has held all of the township offices with the 
 exception of Supervisor. He is now acceptable- 
 serving as Justice of the Peace. He was also Post- 
 master at Vergennes for some time, and was in- 
 strumental in establisliing the office at this place. 
 He received a commission from Walter Q. Gresham 
 when he was Postmaster-General. He aided in 
 procuring postal service on the railroad through 
 this locality, and in recognition of his service the 
 company gave him a two years' pass over their 
 road. He has visited nearlj- all of the principal 
 cities of this country', but has now settled down to 
 quiet life, and is a respected and honored citizen, 
 who is enjo_ving the rest which he has so truly 
 earned. 
 
 • ^ P ' . 
 
 ¥■* (^ E. CHAMBERS is one of the wide-awake 
 and enterprising young business men of 
 Murphysboro, now engaged in general 
 merchandising. He comes from a southern family. 
 His father. C. C. Chambers, was a native of Virginia, 
 and when a 3'oung man emigrated to Tennessee, 
 where he met and married Martha Draughon, a 
 native of Robinson County, that state, and a 
 daughter of John Draughon. Mr. Chambers then 
 turned his attention to farming,which he continued 
 for man^- years. He is still living in Tennessee, 
 at the advanced age of ninety, and with one ex- 
 ception he is the oldest man in the county. He 
 
 formerly owned over four hundred acres of land. 
 He served as one of the County Commissioners 
 and is an honored and respected citizen. Jlrs. 
 Chambers passed away in 1878, leaving five chil- 
 dren, all of whom yet survive. 
 
 Our subject was born in Robinson County, 
 Tenn., .January 22, 1849, was reared on his father's 
 farm, and in the common schools acquired his edu- 
 cation. He continued under the parental roof 
 until 1869, when he began clerking in a store near 
 his home. The following year he went to Spring- 
 field, Tenn., where he was a clerk in a dry-goods 
 store until January 22, 1871, when he went to Car- 
 bondale. 111., and soon afterward came to IMurphys- 
 boro. Here he embarked in the wholesale liquor 
 business with D. T. Garrett, continuing operations 
 along that line for five years, when, during the 
 panic of 1876. they were forced to close out their 
 business. With characteristic energy-, however, Mr. 
 Chambers opened a grocery store in the Fox Build- 
 ing, on Main Street, and to that trade devoted his 
 energies until 1882, when he built the store which 
 he now occupies, and formed a partnership with 
 John M. Reeder, since deceased. Subsequently S. 
 W. Gill purchased the interest of Mr. Reeder, and 
 the firm of Chambers A- Gill did business until 
 September, 1891, when our subject purchased his 
 partner's interest. He is one of the oldest mer- 
 chants in 3'ears of continuous trade in Murphys- 
 boro. He also has some real-estate interests in this 
 city. 
 
 Mr. Chambers was united in marriage in 1874, 
 with Miss Mary, daughter of H. H. Fox, whose 
 sketch appears elsewhere in this work, and who 
 is a native of Somerset Township. Their union 
 has been blessed with a daughter and a son, Nan- 
 nie D. and Walter H. 
 
 In his political views Mr. Chambers is a Demo- 
 crat. He served as Jailer of Murphysboro from 
 1880 to 1882, and was a member of the first School 
 Board of the city, which position he filled for four 
 years. During this time the new west side school 
 house and the high school building were erected. 
 The cause of education has ever found in him a 
 warm friend and he has done much for its advance- 
 ment. For two years he was Alderman of the 
 , Second Ward, and his influence was ever given for
 
 696 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 the promotion of those enterprises which were cal- 
 culated to prove of public benefit. During that 
 time the electric lights and water works were es- 
 tablished and the sewerage s^'stem laid. Public- 
 spirited and progressive, he is a citizen whom 
 Murphysboro could ill afford to lose. 
 
 AVID .1. WILSON of Percy assumed the 
 management of the AIcGuire Mines in 
 1892, and has since successfully conducted 
 the same. He has the confidence of his 
 employers, the respect of those who work under 
 his direction, and in the histoiy of his adopted 
 county he well deserves representation. He is a 
 native of Scotland, his birth having occurred in 
 Lanarkshire, on the 14th of June, 1847. His par- 
 ents were David and Isabella (Jeffrey) Wilson, and 
 he was the fiftli child in tlieir famil3-. The father 
 was a miner and followed that vocation in Scot- 
 land up to the time of his death, which occurred 
 in 1867. Mrs. AVilson continued to reside in her 
 native land until three years after her husband's 
 death, when, in 1870, she crossed the briny deep to 
 America, and took up her residence in Will Coun- 
 ty, 111. Her death occurred in Braidwood, 111., on 
 the loth of August, 1882. 
 
 David Wilson, whose name heads this record, 
 received but limited educational privileges, as he 
 attended the public schools of his native countv 
 only until ten j-ears of age. He then began to 
 earn his own livelihood, and has since been de- 
 pendent upon his own resources, so that whatever 
 success he has achieved in life is due entirelv to his 
 own efforts. He began working in the mines of 
 Scotland, and was thus employed until 1866, when 
 he bade adieu to home and friends and sailed for 
 the New World. After arriving in America, he 
 took up his residence in Braidwood, 111., where he 
 engaged in mining, spending the succeeding ten 
 j-ears of his life in that place. He then came to 
 Murphjsboro, 111., and took charge of the mines 
 for the St. Louis Ore and Steel Company, continu- 
 ing to be Superintendent of the same for another 
 decade. As before stated, he came to Percy, lU., 
 
 in 1892 and assumed charge of the McGuire Mines, 
 which he has since conducted. 
 
 On the 27th of May, 1882, Mr. Wilson w.is mar- 
 ried to Miss Mary James, daughter of George and 
 Elizabeth (Evans) James, both of whom were n.i- 
 tives of Wales. Unto our subject and his wife 
 were born four daughters, who in order of birth 
 are as follows: Belle. Lizzie, Maj- and Annie. 
 The two eldest now attend school. May died Jan- 
 uary 25, 1894, at the age of three years. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Wilson were reared in the faith of 
 the Baptist Church, and are highly respected citi- 
 zens of this community, who hold an enviable 
 position in social circles where true worth and in- 
 telligence are received as the passports into good 
 societ}-. Socially, Mr. Wilson is connected with 
 Steubenville Lodge No. 495, A. F. &, A. M., and 
 with Leonidas Lodge No. 87, K. P., of Murphys- 
 boro. The Republican party finds in him a stal- 
 wart supporter, ever ready to advance its interests 
 by all worthj' means. Mr. Wilson is an expe- 
 rienced miner, and has been very successful in the 
 management of mines. He now occupies a respon- 
 sible position, and his duties are discharged to tlie 
 entire satisfaction of his employer. 
 
 OHN DEVINE. The foreign born citizens 
 of this county are coming rapidly to the 
 front in various lines of business, and among 
 llie residents of Chester the gentleman above 
 named is one of the shrewdest business men. He 
 began his life career with no capital but his na- 
 tural endowments, a common-school education and 
 a strong will. At present he is engaged in the sa- 
 loon, tobacco and cigar trade in this city, to which 
 he has also added that of an ice dealer. 
 
 Born in County Galwaj-, Ireland, November 15, 
 1837, our subject is a son of Philip and Margaret 
 (Reddinglon) Devine. He was a lad of sixteen 
 years when he determined to emigrate to the New 
 World, and on coming hither, in 1854, landed in 
 New York Cit}-, whence he went to Chicago, 111., 
 and later to Centralia, Wis. After four years spent 
 there, and after being variouslj' emplo\"«d for some 
 time on the river and in other ways, he settled at
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 697 
 
 Cairo, this state, and clerked for Samuel Wilson in 
 a boot store. After making that city his home 
 from 1862 to 1869, he came up the river to Grand 
 Tower, and in 1877 became a resident of this city. 
 
 On taking up his abode in Chester, Mr. Devine 
 established a meat market, and at the same time 
 did a good business as a dealer in ice, remaining 
 thus employed for the succeeding two j^ears. At 
 the expiration of that time he engaged in the sa- 
 loon business, and has a well equipped establish- 
 ment located on Water Street. 
 
 John Devine and Miss Ida Jones were united in 
 marriage in 1875. The lady was born near Cape 
 Girardeau and was a daughter of Silas and Eve- 
 line Jones. To them were born three sons and 
 five daughters, namely: Cora, John, Jr.; Edna, 
 Philip and James (twins), Winnefred, Gertrude and 
 Eveline. The eldest daughter died when in her 
 seventeenth year. 
 
 Mr. Devine is a straightforward, prompt and 
 methodical business man, and his success has con- 
 tributed to the upbuilding of Chester. In politics 
 he gives his stanch support to the Democratic party. 
 While a resident of Jackson Count}^, this state, he 
 filled the offices of Coroner and Deput3- Sheriff for 
 two years, and in ever}' position to which he was 
 called, always gave the utmost satisfaction. He is 
 an influential politician and has man }• warm friends, 
 who recognize him as a leader and one entirely 
 capable of fulfilling any duty imposed upon him. 
 
 4^ 
 
 'ifl AMES 11. MARTIN is a leading attorney of 
 Murphysboro, and a popular and genial 
 ^,^1 gentleman, who wins friends wherever he 
 IJ^J// goes by the many excellencies of his char- 
 acter and his sterling worth. The record of his 
 life is as follows: He was born in Ripley County, 
 Ind., October 18, 1852, and is a son of William 
 Martin, who was born in Kenton County, Ky. 
 The grandfather, James Martin, was a general 
 farmer, and a native of Kentucky, liut his father 
 was born in Virginia. lu an early day the latter 
 removed to Kentucky, where he built a log house 
 and opened up a farm. In tlie Indian massacre 
 of the settlement all of the family were killed ex- 
 
 cept the grandfather of our subject. He after- 
 ward removed to Ohio, where he carried on farm- 
 ing for some years. His last da^'s were spent in 
 the home of his son William, and he died in 1864, 
 at the age of ninety 3'ears. 
 
 When about twenty-nine years of age William 
 Martin purchased and cleared land near Holton, 
 Ind., becoming the owner of a fine farm of two 
 hundred acres. In 1866 he removed to Richland 
 County, III., where he had previously purchased 
 land, and carried on general farming until his 
 death, in 1881, at the age of fifty -nine. In relig- 
 ious belief he was a Universalist, and in politics 
 was a conservative Democrat. He married Caro- 
 line Behj'mer, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of 
 John Behymer, who was born in Pennsylvania. 
 Her grandfather was a native of Germanj-, and 
 after emigrating to America made his home in 
 the Keystone State. Her father was a miller b^' 
 trade, and in the earl\- days of Indiana he erected 
 a horse-mill in Kipley County. Later he built a 
 water-mill on Otter Creek, and carried on that 
 business until 1858, when he removed to Boone 
 County, 111., continuing the same business until 
 called to his final rest, at the age of sixty-five. He, 
 too, was a Universalist. He had three sons who 
 supported the Republican party, and who were 
 numbered among the brave boys in blue during 
 the late war. Mrs. Mai-tin is still living on the old 
 home of three hundred and fifty acres in Richland 
 County, at the age of sixty-four. In the family 
 were thirteen children, twelve of whom grew to 
 mature years, while ten are still living. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was reared upon the 
 home farm until twelve years of age, and then ac- 
 companied his parents to Illinois. His education 
 was acquired in the schools of Noble, and at the 
 age of twent^'-one he began teaching, which pro- 
 fession he followed for three years. During this 
 time he read law under Judge Preston, of Olney, 
 111., and in 1878 he entered the law department of 
 the State University, from which he was graduated 
 in 1880, with the degree of LL. B. In the autumn 
 of that year he came to Murphysboro, and in 
 June, 1881, formed a partnership with Hon. G. W. 
 Hill, which connection has since continued. Mr. 
 Martin is the attorney for the Logan family and
 
 698 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 for the Abstract Title and Guarantee Company. 
 He drew up the papers and aided in tbe organiza- 
 tion of the City National Bank, of which he is one 
 of the directors. He is an attorney for the Jack- 
 son Countj- Homestead Building and Loan Associa- 
 tion, and was the attorney for the first building and 
 loan association in this place. 
 
 November 13, 1888, Mr. Martin was united in 
 marriage with Miss Lizzie Kenned_v, a native of 
 Murphysboro, and a daugliter of George Kenned}', 
 a retired merchant and earl}' settler of this place. 
 Mrs. Martin was educated at the normal school in 
 Carbondale and is a cultured and refined lady. 
 The}- have one daughter, Anna Kennedy. So- 
 cially, Mr. Martin is connected with Amity Lodge, 
 I. O. O. F., the United Workmen, which he has 
 represented in the Grand Lodge, and tlie Knights 
 of Pythias. In politics he is an inflexible adherent 
 of Democratic principles. He is recognized as one 
 of the best Judges of the law in southern Illinois 
 and has hardly an equal and no superiors as an at- 
 torney. 
 
 z^^K^ 
 
 ST==5) LIAS D. WIS, who resides on section 16. 
 11^ Elkville Township, .Jackson County, is one 
 IlLi^ of the substantial farmers of southern Illi- 
 nois. His parents were William and Catherine 
 (Woolrock) Davis. The former was a native of 
 North Carolina, in which slate his father, .James 
 Davis, settled at a very early date. About the 
 year 1810 William Davis accompanied his parents 
 to the Mississippi bottoms in Illinois. Fertile 
 farm lands teeming with grain were then un- 
 known, but the lakes and swamps abounded in 
 wild game. Bears, deer and turkeys were far 
 more common than domestic fowls or cattle, and 
 in hunting game Mr. Davis did a profitable busi- 
 ness. After a hunt he would take his game by ox- 
 team to St. Louis, where it was sold at a good price. 
 Land at that time was worth only $1.25 per 
 acre, and William Davis, who readily foresaw that 
 this country would soon become thickly populated, 
 and that land in consequence would rapidly rise 
 in value, purchased more than a thousand acres in 
 Jackson County, where he settled with his family. 
 While his principal occupation was hunting, he 
 
 also engaged in farming to some extent with the 
 old wooden mold-board plow. The soil was very 
 rich and yielded abundant harvests, seventy-five 
 bushels of oats and one hundred bushels of corn 
 to the acre being gathered. Mr. Davis also en- 
 gaged in raising horses, cattle and hogs, and the 
 wild prairies afforded rich pasturage. The mo- 
 notony of the work was often varied by hunting 
 matches, for there w.as a number of expert shots 
 in this locality. One fall the different hunters 
 agreed that they would hunt through the season 
 and the one who shot the most deer was to set up 
 a bottle of rum. .James Davis killed one hundred 
 and eighty-two deer that season. 
 
 In 1832 William Davis shouldered a flint-lock 
 rifle and for a short time did service in the Black 
 Hawk War. He reared his son Elias in this local- 
 ity. The latter received but limited educational 
 advantages, for the schools of the community were 
 not numerous, nor were they noted for their excel- 
 lence. On arriving at man's estate he purchased 
 land and began farming for himself. In 1849 he 
 married Miss Delitha Crews, and they became the 
 parents of six children, four of whom are still liv- 
 ing. Leonard married Eliza House; Edward fii-st 
 married Eliza Sivilts, and afterward wedded E. E. 
 Degenhardt; Delia became the wife of John Cann, 
 who died in 1880. The Davis farm is one of the 
 best in the community, highly cultivated and im- 
 proved, and our subject is ranked among the lead- 
 ing agriculturists of the community. He is enter- 
 prising and industrious, and his success is well 
 merited. 
 
 One eccentricity in tiie life of William Davis 
 was the way in which he kept his money in safety. 
 Long before his death he was considered one of 
 the wealthiest farmers of southern Illinois. From 
 the sale of game and cattle he acquired much gold, 
 which he was in the habit of hiding in queer places. 
 He was three times married, and his third wife on 
 one occasion hid ^3,300 of his gold in a soap bar- 
 rel. The Davis boys suspected their step-mother 
 of the appropriation, and by working upon her 
 superstitious fears induced her to confess. The 
 money was then placed in nail kegs, the heads 
 fastened down and put in the corn crib in the 
 corn. Just how long it remained there is a mys-
 
 y^ /j^. 'Variyi^y^'^
 
 POETRAIT AND BIOGRAHnCAJ^ RECORD, 
 
 701 
 
 tery, but after a time rats tite their way into tlie 
 kegs and much of the gold was scattered in the 
 corn. The time came when it was necessary to 
 purchase feed for tlic stock, and thus the golden 
 coin was turned into golden sjrain. 
 
 I®), ^m^ ,(a)j 
 
 «{>«{»»j»«g»«^«^«}»«^*j*«}**^i ^ ii |n|nj ii j i 
 
 )EN.IAMIN B. VARNUM, wlio throughout 
 life has followed farming and is now en- 
 I,' gaged in tiiat pursuit on section 29, Ora 
 Township, Jackson County, has the iionor 
 of being a native of Illinois, for his birth occurred 
 in Monroe County, December 16, 1841. The 
 founder of the family in America was Joseph 
 Bradley Varnum,a native of Wales, who emigrated 
 to this country in 1650, settling in Massachusetts. 
 His son, Moses Varnum, was the grandfather of 
 our subject. 
 
 Justice Bradley Varnum, father of lienjamin, 
 was born in Belfast, Me., November 24, 1799, and 
 with his family removed to Ohio, and thence to 
 this state. Thej- camped out near where the city 
 of Monroe now stands, and at length settled upon 
 a farm in Monroe Count}', making their home in 
 what is now known as New Design. Justice Var- 
 num remained at home until about thirt_y years of 
 age, and then married. The other members of the 
 family were, Moses, who settled in Ohio; Jewett,of 
 Monroe County; Frederick, wlio was married in 
 Monroe County, but died shortly afterward; and 
 .Susan, wife of Daniel Barker, of Monroe County. 
 
 Justice Bradley Varnum married Sarah Dixon, 
 of Monroe County, and then bought and impioved 
 a farm in that localitJ^ Attracted by the discov- 
 ery of gold in California in 1849, he made a trip 
 across the plains with ox-teams to the Pacific 
 Slope. He traveled the entire distance from New 
 England to California by wagon and on foot, this 
 being before the daj' of railroads. After a year and 
 a-half spent in the west, he returned to Illinois, 
 where his last days were passed. The greater part 
 of his life was devoted to farming. In polities 
 he was an old-line Whig, and was a prominent and 
 26 
 
 influential citizen of the community. His death 
 occurred in 1861. 
 
 The mother of our subject was a daughter of 
 Solomon Dixon, and was born in Missouri. When 
 a maiden of seven years she was brought by her 
 parents to Mon'-oe County, III., where she grew to 
 womanhood. Her death occurred in 1882. She 
 had six sons who grew to manhood, and lost three 
 children in infancy. John Carlisle was born in 
 1832, and died in the army in 1861 ; Austin Dixon, 
 born in 1836, is now living in St. Louis; Horace 
 Addison, born in 1838, died at the age of forty- 
 eight; Leverett Decatur was born in 1844, and is 
 living in New Design, Monroe' County; and Jus- 
 tice Frederick, born m 1849, completes the family. 
 
 Upon the old home farm, Benjamin Varnum re- 
 mained until his marriage, at the age of twenty- 
 two, to Sarah, daughter of Louis and Susan (To- 
 land) Barker. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. 
 Varnum was celebrated July 22, 1863, and they 
 have five children. Flleanora E., who was born 
 November 10, 1864, died at the age of six months; 
 Carrie L. was born November 14, 1866, and died 
 December 13, 1868; Ethel L., born September 29, 
 1869, died February 23, 1893; Olive L, born 
 March 28, 1872, died February 8, 1891; Warren 
 J., born November 24, 1874, is living on the home 
 farm with his fatiier. The mother of this f.imily 
 died February 11, 1878, and on the 26th of June, 
 1880, Mr. Varnum married Minnie Boedaker, a 
 native of Monroe County, 111. Seven ciiildi-en 
 graced their union: Floyd L., who was born Feb- 
 ruary 11, 1881, and died at the age of eight 
 months; Edwin B., born April 13, 1882; Grover, 
 born September 18, 1884; Homer IL, born October 
 17, 1886, and died at the age of four; James A., who 
 was born October 14, 1888, and died at the age of 
 four; Blanchard 11, wiio was born October 14, 
 1891, and Nelson C. 
 
 Mr. Varnum is a member of the Masonic lodge 
 and Knights of Iionor of Ava. He takes an active 
 interest in politics, supporting the Democratic 
 party, and for two terms has served as a member 
 of the County Board of Supervisors, but has never 
 sought or desired political preferment. He has 
 followed farming throughout life, and is a man of 
 very active habits, conducting a large business.
 
 702 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 By industry and well directed efforts he has be- 
 come possessed of much property. He has four 
 hundred acres of land in the home farm in Ora 
 Township, eight hundred and sixt}' acres of the 
 rich land of the Mississipi)i River bottoms, of 
 which three hundred acres are under cultivation, 
 and a farm of two hundred and Bfteen acres in 
 Monroe County, just opposite Crystal City, Mo. 
 He is constantly improving his property and 
 thereby adding to its value. He has a splendid 
 home near Ava, and the Varnum household is 
 noted for its hospitality and good cheer 
 
 
 
 jl^REDERICK WILLIAM KUHRTZ is the 
 r=/si; leading blacksmith of township 6, lange 7, 
 /l5> Randolph County, and is a man of talent, 
 
 of wide experience, and stands high in the finan- 
 cial circles of tlie county. He is a native of Ger- 
 many born on tlie 1st of June, 1847, and is the 
 eldest son of Joachen Erdmann and Anna Dorothy 
 (Schultz) Kuhrtz. In the fall of 1872 the family 
 emigrated from their native country to the United 
 States, and at once located in Ellis Grove. The 
 parents lived with their children after coming 
 here, and spent their declining days in peace and 
 happiness, the father dying in April, 1881, and the 
 mother June 15, 1888. 
 
 Attending the model schools of the Fatherland, 
 young Frederick after attaining his fifteenth year 
 began to serve an apprenticeship to the blacksmith's 
 trade. At the end of three years he became a sol- 
 dier in the German-French War, and served faith- 
 fully for a period of twelve months. The follow- 
 ing year he worked at his trade, and on coming to 
 America worked among the farmers for some time. 
 He was then engaged by a blacksrnith at Ellis 
 Grove, with whom he remained eighteen months. 
 Embarking in the business for himself, he has since 
 found it to be a profitable trade. He has recently 
 erected one of the most handsome residences in 
 the county, which cost about $2,000, and is pre- 
 sided over graciousl}^ by his estimable wife. 
 
 The marriage of our subject with Miss Lizzie C. 
 Deppe, a daughter of Conrad Deppe, was solemnized 
 June 20, 1875. Three children were born to this 
 
 union, all of whom are deceased. Tlie loving wife 
 and mother passed away September 7, 1879. Mr. 
 Kuhrtz was a second time married in April, 1880, 
 taking as his wife Lizzie Rury, a native of Perry 
 County, 111., wlio bore her husliand two children. 
 The mother and both children have passed from 
 this life, the former dying September 19, 1882. 
 Our subject was again married June 7, 1888, his 
 wife being Lizzie Von Behren, whose parents lived 
 in Franklin County, Mo. Three children have 
 come to bless this marriage: Otilla, Lillie and Mary. 
 Mr. Kuhrtz was reared in the Lutheran Church in 
 German3',but is now associated with thj German 
 Methodist Church, as is also his wife. The Repub- 
 lican candidates at all times receive his support. 
 He and his wife are worthy people, whose pleasant 
 social and moral qualities have won them many 
 friends during their residence here. and have made 
 them an influence for good in social and religious 
 matters. 
 
 ED HAYES, the efficient Alderman from the 
 Second Ward of Murphysboro, who is now 
 living a retired life in this city, claims Eng- 
 land as the land of his birth. His father, Richard 
 Hayes, and his grandfather, Edmund Hayes, were 
 natives of that country, and the latter was a 
 miner by occupation. Together they came to 
 America, locating in Allegheny County, Pa., where 
 Edmund Hayes died at the age of eighty years. 
 The father became Superintendent of a mine. In 
 1858 he brought his famil}' to the United States 
 and took up liis residence Centre County, where, 
 after mining for a time, he embarked in the hotel 
 business in Philipsburg, where he spent iiis remain- 
 ing days. In England he married Martha Rhodes, 
 who died in that country, and later he was again 
 married. He had a large family- by the first union 
 but our subject is now the only survivor. 
 
 Ed Hayes was born in Tinsle^', Lancashire, Eng- 
 land, December 2, 1848, and when a lad of ten 
 summers crossed the Atlantic. He soon began 
 work in the mines, wliere he was employed until 
 1865, which year witnessed his removal westward. 
 On reaching Illinois he cast his lot with the citi- 
 zens of Du Quoin, and engaged in clerking in the
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 703 
 
 grocery store of his uncle for about five years. On 
 the expiration of that period he went with his uncle 
 to Mobile, Ala., where he continued to work as a 
 salesman for one j-ear. He then returned to Du 
 Quoin, where in connection with his brother he 
 engaged in the bottling business, manufacturing 
 soda waters. 
 
 In Effingham, 111., in 1869, Mr. Hayes was united 
 in marriage with Miss Esther Smith, a native of 
 Yorkshire, England. Her maidenhood days, how- 
 ever, were spent in this state. One child was born 
 to them, Reuben, who is now Superintendent of the 
 bottling works in Spokane Falls. Wash. 
 
 In 1875 Mr. IIa3'cs established the bottling 
 works in Murphysboro, and continued business 
 along that line for seventeen years. He met with 
 most excellent success in this undertaking, and 
 enjoyed a large and lucrative trade until sell- 
 ing out, since which time he has practically lived 
 retired. However, he is connected with the Lower 
 Mill. His life has been a bus^' one, yet he has 
 found time to serve in official positions. He 
 was President of the School Board one year, was 
 elected Alderman from the Third Ward in 1885, 
 for a term of two years, and in 1892 was again 
 elected. In politics he is a Populist. He was 
 Chairman of the Congressional Committee, and 
 served as delegate to the national convention in 
 Omaha. He holds membership with Amity Lodge, 
 I. O. O. F., and with the Masonic fraternity. His 
 labors in former years brought him the competence 
 which now enables him to live retired. 
 
 RTHUR M. LEE is a leading physician 
 and surgeon of Carbon dale. His father, 
 Charles B. Lee, was born in Kentucky 
 July 9, 1811, and his father, Charles Lee, 
 was one of the earliest settlers of this state. He was 
 a native of Virginia, who emigrated to Tennessee, 
 thence to Ken tuck}', and afterwards became a 
 resident of White County, III. Subsequently he 
 came to Jackson Count}', locating near Grand 
 Tow^er about 1835. From the old Lee family of 
 Virginia he was descended. He served as a sol- 
 dier of the Black Hawk War, and was a physician 
 
 and minister. He died of pneumonia, in Decem- 
 ber, 1858. The mother of our subject bore the 
 maiden name of Elizabeth Hunter and was born 
 on the Cumberland River, near Chattanooga, 
 Tenn.,. in 1817. Her father, Emanuel Hunter, 
 was a native of West Virginia, and followed 
 farming. He served as a soldier in the War of 
 1812, under Andrew Jackson, and lived to the 
 advanced age of ninety-four. He was one of 
 the first residents of West Virginia who emigrated 
 to East Tennessee, where he married Judy Lee. 
 Later he emigrated with his family to William- 
 son County, III., which was then an almost un- 
 broken wilderness, and became one of its promi- 
 nent citizens. His death occurred on the old 
 homestead, at the age of eighty, and his wife 
 passed away about 1852. 
 
 The parents of the Doctor were married in the 
 fall of 1838, and located near Grand Tower. In 
 1844 they removed to Williamson County, and 
 about 1850 became residents of Jackson County, 
 where Mrs. Lee died in 1858. In the fall of 1866 
 Mr. Lee went to Jefferson County, Kan., where in 
 1869 he married Mrs. Elizabeth Atwood. Her 
 death occurred in 1884. In 1891 he left Kansas 
 and went to live in Arizona with his son, James 
 W., who in 1892 removed to New Mexico, where 
 the father yet makes his home. By his first mar- 
 riage he had five sons and three daughters: Ar- 
 thur M., Dr. Thomas B., Charles B., James W., 
 William R., Mrs. Juda A. Beasley, and Mrs. Mary 
 A. Dunlap and Mrs. Nancy I.Tayloi', who are now 
 deceased. In 1860 Charles went to California, 
 and after spending some time in the west, took a 
 trip to South America, since which time no word 
 has been received from him. 
 
 Dr. Lee was born in Jackson County, May 12, 
 1840, was educated in the common schools and at 
 Shiloh. lie still holds an old first-grade certifi- 
 cate issued in September, 1867. He taught school 
 in the winter of 1860-61, and on the 15th of 
 August. 1862, enlisted in Com|)any C, Eighteenth 
 Illinois Infantry. He was elected Orderly-Ser- 
 geant and was afterwards made Quartermaster- 
 Sergeant of the regiment. He received a com- 
 mission as First Lieutenant of Company I, and 
 subsequently was promoted to the rank of Captain.
 
 704 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 On the 16th of December, 1865, he was mustered 
 out, but was retained on the stafif of Gen. .Joseph 
 J. Reynolds, Commander of the Department of 
 Arkansas. He had previously been detailed to act 
 as Ordnance Officer of Arkansas, under Maj.-Gen. 
 Thomas J. Wood, and then became a member of 
 the staff, as before stated. He received his final 
 discharge in March, 1866, after a service of three 
 3'ears and seven months, during which time he 
 took part in the battles of Parker's Cross Roads, 
 Clifton, the siege of Vicksburg, Little Rock, etc. 
 His duties as Ordnance Oflicer were to receive all 
 arms, accoutrements, etc., from the troops and 
 turn them over to the regular army that relieved 
 the volunteers. He was wounded at Little Rock 
 by an accidental discharge, and the ball, which 
 entered his riglit arm and side, is still under his 
 right shoulder blade. During the siege of Vicks- 
 burg he was prostrated with t3-phoid fever and was 
 sick for two months. 
 
 Before entering the service, Dr. Lee had begun 
 the study of medicine, and after his return to the 
 north he located in De Soto, 111., where he em- 
 barked in business. In 1868 he sold out, and the 
 following 3'ear attended Rush Medical College of 
 Chicago. On the 31st of March, 1869, he located 
 in Ridge Township, .Jackson County, where he con- 
 tinued practice for some years. In 1878 he was 
 graduated from the Nashville Medical College 
 under Paul F. Eve, late Surgeon-General of the 
 Confederate army. Dr. Lee remained in Ridge 
 Township until July, 1889, when he came to Car- 
 bondale. In May of that year he was appointed 
 Pension Examiner, and served until July, 1893. 
 
 In 1861 Dr. Lee wedded Lucitta J. Ward, a na- 
 tive of Illinois. Unto theni was born a daughter, 
 Lovinie Josephine, now the wife of James Ether- 
 ton, of Pomona. After the death of his tirst wife 
 the Doctor married, January 1, 1869, Sarah A. 
 Heiple, a native of Jackson County, born Septem- 
 ber 15, 1847, and a daughter of Samuel Heiple, 
 of De Soto, 111. They have five children — three 
 sons and two daughters: M. Gertrude, wife of 
 Dr. W. B. Cauble, of Vermilion County, 111.; 
 Homer Dalton, a member of the senior class of 
 the Normal University; Dora Emogene; Ardell 
 Agnew and Chester Arthur. 
 
 The parents have long been members of the 
 Missionary Baptist Church, and the Doctor was or- 
 dained to the ministry in 1874. He served a» pas- 
 tor of the Ridge Baptist Church for four years. 
 He has taken an active interest in politics and is a 
 stalwart supporter of the Republican party. He 
 became a member of the Odd Fellows' societ3- of 
 De Soto in September, 1867, and of Chester I^n- 
 campment of Du Quoin on the 20th of November 
 following. He has filled nearly all of the offices in 
 both. He has been Junior Warden of Makanda 
 Lodge No. 434, A. F. & A. M., and is now a mem- 
 ber of Carbondale Lodge No. 241, and in 1891 
 joined Reynolds Chapter No. 75, R. A. M. He is 
 also a member of the Fraternal Mj'stic Circle and 
 serves as its examining surgeon. Since its organi- 
 zation he has been connected with the Grand Army 
 post, and served for some time as post surgeon of 
 John W. Lawrence Post No. 297, being the |)res- 
 ent incumbent of that office. He attended the 
 national encampment in Indianapolis. In 1893 he 
 was elected County Plij'sician, wiiich position lie 
 still fills. Skill and ability' have won him a promi- 
 nent place in his profession, and his sterling worth 
 has made him a leader in social circles. He is 
 numbered among the best citizens of Carbondale 
 and well deserves representation in this volume. 
 
 *^^1 
 
 m^m\ 
 
 1^^ 
 
 il_^ UGH MILLS CRAWFORD. The occupa- 
 ffjl) tion of farming is one that has received 
 l^f^ attention from the earliest ages, and it is 
 (^^ not to be wondered at that it has become 
 the art it is at the present time. Among those 
 who have shown a thorough knowledge of tiiis 
 calling, and whose operations arc conducted in a 
 very satisfactory manner, may be mentioned Hugh 
 Crawford, who is the owner of a good farm in 
 township 7, range 6, Randolph County. He is 
 also held in higii esteem for services rendered his 
 country during the late war. where he was a mem- 
 ber of Company H, Twentj'-second Illinois Infan- 
 try. 
 
 Mr. Crawford is a native of this count}', having 
 been born near Blair, June 13, 1822. His parents 
 were Samuel and Sarah (Hughs) Crawford, the
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 705 
 
 former of whom was born in Tennessee, of Scotch 
 parentage. The mother of our subject is a na- 
 tive of this county, where her father was a pio- 
 neer farmer. Samuel Crawford, who was a finely 
 educated man was a school teacher, but Hugh, of 
 this sketch, did not attend school, receiving his 
 training in book lore from his father. The latter 
 raised cotton on his farm, which after being woven 
 and spun was made into tlie clothing worn by the 
 family, and was the only kind of wearing apparel 
 that was to be had in that early day. 
 
 When eighteen 3'ears of age, our subject began 
 making his own way in the world by cultivating 
 land, and has ever since followed the occupation 
 of a farmer. In 1864 he enlisted in the Union 
 army as a member of Company IT, Twenty-second 
 Illinois Infantry, and while in the service was 
 transferred to the Fort\-second Infantry', in which 
 he remained until the close of the war. He par- 
 ticipated in the Atlanta campaign, and during his 
 enlistment saw much active service. A few months 
 previous to the close of the war he was made As- 
 sistant Commissary-Sergeant. 
 
 When again settling down to peaceful pursuits, 
 our subject returned to his farm, where he has since 
 lived. August 11, 1842, he married Miss Mary, 
 daughter of John and Elizabeth McNabney, and 
 to them were born six children, only two of whom 
 are now living: Samuel, who is residing in St. 
 Louis, Mo.; and Elizabeth, Mrs. Henry Stone, who 
 makes her home in Kansas. The wife and mother 
 departed this life in September, 18.58. In 1861 
 Mr. Crawford married Miss Ciiristina Brewer, and 
 their union was blessed b}' the birth of one child, 
 Mary C. Mrs. Christina Crawford departed this 
 life in June, 1863. The lady whom our subject 
 married in 1866 was Mrs. Sarah J. Mahan. Her 
 decease occurred two years later, and the present 
 wife of our subject, with whom he was united in 
 1872, was prior to her marriage Miss Catherine 
 Crawford. She was born, reared and educated in 
 this county, and has attained to a ripe old age. 
 
 Hugh Crawford has voted at fifty general elec- 
 tions, and has cast every ballot within the confines 
 of this county. In early years a Whig, he has 
 voted with the Republican party since its organ- 
 ization, and is greatl}' interested in issues of a po- 
 
 litical nature. He is very popular in this com- 
 munity, has been Constable and Justice of the 
 Peace, and during his active life entered with zeal 
 into the promotion of matters connected with the 
 public welfare. He was a consistent member of 
 the Methodist Episcopal Church, while Mrs. Craw- 
 ford worships with the Baptist Church in Ellis 
 Grove. Socially our subject is a Grand Army 
 man, and belongs to Swanwick Post No. 212, at 
 Chester. 
 
 ' 0# P • . 
 
 EMIL BERGER, of Percy, after a well spent 
 life, is living retired, enjoying the rest 
 which he has so truly earned and richly 
 deserves. As he is favorably known in this com- 
 munit}-, we feel assured that this record of his life 
 will prove of interest to many of our readers. A 
 native of Germany, Jlr. Berger was born in Baden, 
 in 1832, and is the eldest son of Valentine and 
 Caroline (Izey) Berger, who were also natives of 
 Baden. His parents never left the Fatherland, but 
 continued there to reside until called to the home 
 beyond. Mr. Berger passed awaj- in 1892, and his 
 wife died on the 18th of July, 1893, at the ad- 
 vanced age of eighty-three j'ears. 
 
 Emil Berger, in accordance with the laws of his 
 native land, attended its public schools until four- 
 teen years of age, when he began learning the 
 brewing business. This work he followed for sev- 
 eral years, after which he determined to seek a 
 home and fortune beyond the Atlantic, believ- 
 ing that he might thereby benefit his financial 
 condition. It was in 1851 that he sailed for 
 America and located in Philadelphia, where he re- 
 mained for six years engaged in tlie brewing busi- 
 ness. He then started westward and located in St. 
 Louis, Mo., where he made his home for a period 
 of three years. The year 1860 witnessed his ar- 
 rival in Illinois and saw him located in Red Bud, 
 where he purchased a brewery, carrying on busi- 
 ness along that line for about twenty-two years. 
 For some time he met with large sales and thus 
 acquired a handsome competence. After dispos- 
 ing of his brewer}', he engaged in the retail liquor 
 trade in Red Bud for a time, and later went to 
 Burksville, 111., where he engaged in general mer-
 
 706 
 
 PORTRAIT AISD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 cbandising. Five years of liis life were spent at 
 that place, after which he came to Percy, in 1887, 
 and has since here made his home. 
 
 Mr. Berger was married in 1854, the ladj' of his 
 choice being Sarah Eck, whose parents were na- 
 tives of Pennsylvania. They had one child, Jacob 
 v., who died at the age of tbhty-one. JNIrs. Berger 
 died in St. Louis in 1857, and sometime afterward 
 Mr. Berger was again married, his second union 
 being with Christina Flke, of St. Louis. They have 
 one child, a daughter, Matilda, now the wife of 
 Herman Fey. a prominent foundryman of Hanau, 
 Germany. 
 
 Mr. Berger was reared in the faith of the Cath- 
 olic Church, and his wife is a member of the Luth- 
 eran Church. Socially he is connected with the 
 Masonic fraternity, belonging to Lodge No. 427 
 of Red Bud. In his political views, he was for- 
 merly a Uemoc-rat. and cast his vote in support of 
 the men and measures of that party until the 
 breaking out of the late war, since which time he 
 has been a stanch sup[)Orler of the Republican 
 party. During his residence in Red Bud, he served 
 as Alderman, but he has never been a politician in 
 the sense of office-seeking, preferring to devote his 
 entire time and attention to his business interests. 
 He is now living retired in Percy, resting after 
 manj' years of labor. 
 
 1(g). M^^S_ ^ 
 
 feT" "^^ ^ 
 
 R. M. G. NIXON is one of the prominent 
 citizens of Columbia, where he is engaged 
 in the practice of medicine and surgery^, 
 and where he also carries on a drug store. 
 His skill and ability have won for him an excel- 
 lent reputation and gained for him a liberal pat- 
 ronage. He was born in Jefferson C'ountj% Ohio, 
 Jul}- 15, 1843. His father, John Nixon, was a na- 
 tive of Washington County, Pa., and thence re- 
 moved to the Buckeye State. B3- trade he was a 
 carpenter, and in connection with that pursuit he 
 followed farming. He married Charlotte Steele, 
 also a native of the Keystone Stat€, and in 1843 
 
 removed with his family to Monroe County, 111., 
 locating three miles west of Waterloo. He there 
 followed farming and made his home until his 
 death, which occurred in 1878. He held member- 
 ship with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was 
 a highlj' respected man. 
 
 Tiie Doctor is one of a family of eight children, 
 five of whom are yet living. Upon the home farm 
 he was reared, and his primary education was ac- 
 quired in a log schoolhouse. He afterward at- 
 tended school in Waterloo, and later took a scien- 
 tific course of study in McKendree College, of Leb- 
 anon, 111. He began the study of -medicine in the 
 office of Drs. Copp it AVetmore, of Waterloo, with 
 whom he continued until 1862, when he entered 
 the St. Louis Medical College, from which he was 
 graduated in 1864. The Doctor then joined the 
 arm}- as a member of the Sixth Illinois Cavalry, 
 and was made Assistant Surgeon of the regiment, 
 in which capacity- he served until the close of the 
 war. When hostilities had ceased, he returned 
 home and located in the eastern part of Monroe 
 County. A 3-ear later he came to Columbia, where 
 he has since resided. 
 
 In 1870, Dr. Nixon was united in marriage with 
 Miss Augusta Brady, who died in 1873, leaving 
 two children. The son John has charge of his fa- 
 ther's drug store. In 1876, the Doctor married 
 Emma A. Warnock, a native of Monroe Count}-, 
 and a daughter of Lafayette Warnock. Their 
 union was blessed with two children, Ardelle and 
 Minnie E. 
 
 Dr. Nixon votes with the Democratic party. In 
 June, 1893, he was appointed Postmaster by Presi- 
 dent Cleveland, and is now acceptably filling the 
 office. He takes considerable interest in civic so- 
 cieties, is a member of the Odd Fellows' fratcrnitj-, 
 the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and is a 
 Knight Templar. For about seventeen years he 
 was Master of Columbia Lodge No. 474, A. F. & 
 A. M., and has been Chief Patriarch of the en- 
 campment, the Odd Fellows' organization. He 
 belongs to the Monroe County Medical Society, of 
 which he has been twice President, is a member of 
 the .Southern Illinois Medical Association, and of 
 the Illinois Army and Navy Medical Association. 
 The Doctor is a pleasant, genial gentleman, well
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAX, RECORD. 
 
 707 
 
 liked by all, and is numbered among the leading 
 citizens of Columbia, where he has built up an ex- 
 cellent practice and secured a high reputation as 
 a ph3'sician. 
 
 G= 
 
 . ^^1 
 
 l!:i^ 
 
 :£) 
 
 m^ 
 
 ^ 
 
 EW. COVER, agent for the St. Louis, Alton 
 & Terre Haute Railroad, and also the Wa- 
 bash, Chester & Western Railroad, at Pinck- 
 neyville, was born in Pulaski County, 111., Decem- 
 ber 12, 1852. His father, Ephraim Cover, was a 
 native of Maryland, and for many years engaged 
 in merchandising, but now follows farming in 
 Makanda, 111. lie served as Postmaster at Jones- 
 boro. 111., under Buchanan, and at Makanda during 
 Lincoln's first administration. He married Lydia 
 E. Webb, a native of Virginia, who belonged to the 
 same family as Vice-President Webb, of the New 
 York Central Railroad Compan3\ She served as 
 Postmistress at Makanda under Cleveland's first 
 administi'ation, and died in 1890. 
 
 Our subject is the eldest in a family of five chil- 
 dren, numbering two sons and three daughters. 
 His brother, W. E., is a conductor on the St. Louis, 
 Alton & Terre Haute Railroad, and resides in 
 Pinckneyville; Mar}' E. is the wife of J. S. Hart- 
 man, a druggist of Makanda; Fannie W. is the wife 
 of W. J. Zimmerman, a railroad conductor living 
 in Chester, 111., and Katie M. lives with her sister 
 in Chester. 
 
 Mr. Cover, whose name heads this record, spent 
 the days of his boyhood and 3'outh on the home 
 farm and in his father's store. He attendee! the 
 public schools of liis neighborhood, and later was 
 a student in a commercial college in St. Louis. On 
 his return home, he entered his father's store, and 
 there served as clerk until his father's retirement. 
 He then was employed as a salesman for others for 
 three years, and during the succeeding three years 
 he was connected with the asylum at Anna, 111. 
 On leaving that place he became book-keeper for 
 the Carbondale Coal & Coke Company, at Carbon- 
 dale, but at length left that city, to accept his pres- 
 ent position with the railroad companies. Since 
 the 11th of June, 1883, he has served in this capa- 
 
 city', not only with distinction to himself, but also 
 to the great satisfaction of the company. 
 
 While in Anna, 111., Mr. Cover was united in 
 marriage with Miss Belle Anderson, of Jonesboro, 
 111., and to them have been born three children, 
 Stella May, aged thirteen; Frederick W., aged 
 eleven, and Harry Wilson, ten j-eais of age. 
 
 In his political views, Mr. Cover is a stanch 
 Democrat. He is also a prominent Mason, and 
 served as Master of the lodge at Pinckneyville in 
 1889, 1890 and 1893. He is said to have been the 
 most efficient officer that ever filled that position. 
 He is also a member of the Knights of Honor, and 
 his wife is a member of the Order of the Eastern 
 Star. They both hold membership with the Bap- 
 tist Church, in which he now serves as Trustee, and 
 are prominent people of this community, whose 
 many excellencies of char.acter and sterling worth 
 have gained for them high regard. 
 
 ■^m- 
 
 '^ 
 
 Vf? EWIS BECK is one of the leading and well 
 I ((^. known citizens of Du Quoin, who is prom- 
 J^\ i inent in its business interests and in the 
 promotion of those enterprises which are calculated 
 to advance the general welfare and prove of public 
 benefit. He is interested in real estate, in farming 
 and in stock dealing, .and by his perseverance and 
 business ability hiis made his career a prosperous 
 one. 
 
 Mr. Beck was born in Cape Girardeau County, 
 Mo., on the 18th of February, 1851, and is a son 
 of Charles Beck, who was a native of Germany, 
 and a butcher b^' trade. When a young man he 
 left the Fatherland and crossed the broad At- 
 lantic to America, taking up his residence in Cape 
 Girardeau County, Mo. His wife died when our 
 subject was only six years of age. Lewis had one 
 brother and two sisters. The former, John, was 
 two years his senior, and died when a young man. 
 The sisters are both living, and one is now married. 
 
 Mr. Beck received but limited educational priv- 
 ileges in early life, but by experience and observa- 
 tion he has gained a practical business knowledge, 
 and has become a well informed man. His resi- 
 dence in Du Quoin dates from the year 1874, and
 
 708 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 siuce that time he has been engaged m the butch- 
 ering and stock business. This has proved to him 
 a profitable venture, as have his other enterprises. 
 He owns and operates a farm two and a-half miles 
 from Du Quoin, which is under a high state of cul- 
 tivation and well improved, and is the owner of 
 the Commercial Hotel, which he now rents; he also 
 owns other business property, which has been ac- 
 quired through his own exertions, and which 
 stands as a monument to his thrift and enterprise. 
 He also has twenty-four residences in Du Quoin, 
 which he rents. 
 
 In 1874, Mr. Beck was united in marriage with 
 Miss Anna Witrock, who was born in Missouri, 
 and is also of German lineage. By their union 
 eight children were born, but one died in eaily 
 life. Those who are still under the parental roof 
 are, Lena, Walter, Delia, Flora, Lulu, Georgia and 
 Johnnie. 
 
 Mr. Beck is a Democrat in political views, and 
 though he has never been a i)olitician in the sense 
 of oflice seeking, he served as City Alderman and 
 proved a capable otticial. Socially he holds mem- 
 bership with the Odd Fellows' society, and is a 
 member of the Lutheran Church. He may truly 
 be called a self-made man, for by industry and de- 
 termination he has overcome the obstacles .and 
 difiiculties in his path and worked his way stead- 
 ily upward from an humble position to one of 
 affluence. 
 
 ^^EORGE UDELL DEAN, who is engaged in 
 III (-— , banking in Ava, occupies a prominent posi- 
 
 <^Jf^ tion in business circles, being recognized 
 as one of the leading and influential business men 
 of this place. He was born in Old Liberty, now 
 Rockwood, 111., September 22, 1854, and under the 
 parental roof spent his boyhood days. His early 
 education, acquired in the common schools, was 
 supplemented by study in the Du Quoin Seminary. 
 He then engaged in clerking, and was employed 
 as salesman in a drug store for a time. 
 
 On the 30th of December, 1875, was celebrated 
 the marriage of Mr. Dean and Miss Mariana Gates 
 Brown, daughter of James M. and Rebecca 
 
 (Simons) Brown. She was born in Pennsylvania. 
 Mr. Brown was a native of Kentuck}-, and came to 
 Illinois about 1842. He was married Julj' 25, 1844, 
 to Mrs. Carter, a widow, whose maiden name was 
 Rebecca Simons. Her death occurred July 3, 186'5. 
 They were the parents of five children, Fred W., 
 born October 30, 1843; Samuel D., February 19, 
 1849; Henry Clay, April 14, 1851; Charles, March 
 17, 1853, and Mrs. Dean, March 15, 1857. Mr. 
 Brown first settled on a farm near Shiloh Hill. He 
 was an engineer on one of the finest steamboats on 
 the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. On the 24th of 
 March, 1869, he married Lurana E. Simons, a half- 
 sister of his first wife. He was one of the promi- 
 nent and highly respected citizens of this commu- 
 nity, and held some local offices. He died January 
 14, 1874, and his widow married Judge John Mor- 
 rison, September 12, 1877. 
 
 Mr. Dean came with his wife to Ava, January 
 5, 1876, and began working in his father's mill, 
 which afterward became the property of the three 
 Dean brothers and their sister, Mrs. Gilbreath. At 
 length our subject and the sister sold out and Mr. 
 Dean went to Shiloh Hill, where he clerked in the 
 store of his brother, W. C. Dean, for one year. He 
 then carried on a drug store in his own interest 
 for two years, after which he sold out and returned 
 to Ava, spending two years as clerk in his brother's 
 store. He next purchased a hardware store and 
 lumber yard, which he successfull3- conducted for 
 live years, when he disposed of that business, and 
 in January, 1890, established the bank of Ava, 
 which is carried on under the name of G. 0. Dean 
 & Brothers. He has built two fine residences in 
 this place, his own home being erected in 1892, at 
 a cost of i^3,800. It is a ten-room house, with a 
 basement, is supplied with all modern conveniences 
 and is the largest residence in the town. 
 
 To Mr. and Mrs. Dean were born seven children, 
 four yet living. Emma Leila, born October 29, 
 1876, is now a student in Forest Park University 
 of St. Louis, and is a fine musician; Fred M., born 
 October 21, 1879, was page in the House of Repre- 
 sentatives of the Thirty-eighth General Assembly, 
 being appointed by Speaker Craft through the rec- 
 ommendation of Lieutenant-Governor Gill, his un- 
 cle, Hon. W. C. Dean and Hon. Reed Green, of Cairo;
 
 "\ 
 
 }
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 711 
 
 Stella was bom Ma}' 21, 1883, and Mina Bell was 
 born March 24. 188.5 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. De.in are prominent members and 
 active worlsers in the Presbyterian Church, in 
 which he is now serving as Deacon. He is filling 
 his second terra as Sunday-scliool Superintendent, 
 and liis wife has been a teacher in the Sunday- 
 school for seven j-ears. Since 1875, he has been a 
 member of the Odd Fellow's societ}-, is Past Noble 
 Grand, and he and his wife are members of the 
 Rebecca Lodge. Botli have served as representa- 
 tives of the Grand Lodge, and Mrs. Dean is now 
 serving her second term as Deputy. Our subject 
 is a Royal Arch Mason, and has been Senior Dea- 
 con, Treasurer and Secretar}' of .Shiloh Hill Lodge 
 No. 695, A. F. ife A. M. He belonged to the Knights 
 of Pvtliias of Murpli3-sboro, and was one of the 
 organizers of Ava Lodge No. .396, K. P., of which 
 he was the first Chancellor-Commander. In poli- 
 tics lie is a Democrat, and was Chairman of the 
 Central Committee. He was the second President 
 of tlie Village Board of Ava, served two terras as 
 Cit}' Treasurer and refused a re-election. He was 
 one of the founders of the Ava Building and Loan 
 Association, was its first Treasurer, one of its Di- 
 rectors and has served as Vice-President. He has 
 been prorainentl}' identified with the best interests 
 of this coraraunity, and gives his support to all en- 
 terprises calculated to prove of public benefit. The 
 prosperity of the cit}' is due in no small degree to 
 his efforts, and its history would be incomplete 
 without his sketch. 
 
 "^OSKPH WHITEHOUSE. The subject of 
 this sketch has been a resident of Randolph 
 County for overfort\- years, and is an agri- 
 culturist of prominence, who, notwithstand- 
 ing the reverses and discouragements that almost 
 invariably' attend those who settle in a new coun- 
 try, has come boldly to the front and surmounted 
 all difficulties. He is residing at the present time 
 on liis fine farm of two hundred and seventj' acres, 
 located on section 5, township 8, range 5. where he 
 is surrounded by all the comforts of life. 
 
 A native of England, Mr. "Whitehouse was bom 
 
 in West Bromwieh, vStafifordshlre, in 1809. Los- 
 ing his parents when verj' young, he was reared 
 by strangers, and early commenced to battle with 
 life on his own account. He was taken into the 
 home of Mrs. Rebecca Boulton, in whom he found 
 a kind and tender foster mother, and remained in 
 her family until fully grown. After receiving 
 limited school advantages, he secured a position 
 in the iron works at Golds Hill, later at Golds- 
 green and finally at Tolls End, where he remained 
 until he embarked for the New World. Leav- 
 ing Liverpool some time in 1832, he landed in 
 New York after a voyage of fort3'-seven days, and 
 found his first employment at Boonton, N. J., 
 where he remained for about a year. 
 
 From New Jerse}' Mr. Whitehouse proceeded to 
 Haverstraw, N. Y., where he remained for seven- 
 teen years. Meantime ho met and married Miss 
 Elizabeth Tudor, the daughter of an old English 
 friend, who had preceded him to New York. Their 
 marriage occurred December 26, 1835, Mrs. White- 
 house being in her eighteenth j-ear. She remained 
 his devoted companion until May 3, 1890, when 
 her decease occurred on the home farm in this 
 county. 
 
 The j-ear 1849 witnessed the departure of our 
 subject for the west, liis arrival in Randolph Coun- 
 ty being in April of that year. His first purchase 
 of land consisted of one hundred and twenty acres, 
 to which he later added a like amount. He has re- 
 sided upon this tract for over fort}- years, and has 
 consequently witnessed the transformation of the 
 wild land into the many cultivated farms for which 
 Randolph County is noted. To Mr. and Mrs. 
 Whitehouse were born nine children, only two of 
 whom survive: Mary Ann, now Mrs. M. Vickers; 
 and William Tudor, who remains at home and su- 
 perintends the management of the farm. Those 
 deceased are John, Eliza, Harriet, Joseph, Matilda, 
 I Fannie and Martha. 
 
 I In religious belief, Mr. Whitehouse is a member 
 I of the Ebenezer Presbyterian Church, with which 
 I his wife was also identified. Notwithstanding his 
 1 advanced j'ears, he is hale and heart}', and in the 
 twilight of his useful life is surrounded by every 
 comfort, and is affectionately cared for by his chil- 
 dren and grandchildren. Politically, he is as firm
 
 712 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 in his advocacy of Republican pinnciples as he was 
 in the early days of the history of that party. 
 
 The ouly son of our subject, William T., was 
 born November 12, 1848, in Haverstraw, N. Y. 
 In March, 1874, lie was united in marriage with 
 Miss Mary J., daughter of John M. and Margaret 
 (Galiinore) Biidgeman, residents of Rockwood, of 
 whom further mention is made elsewhere in this 
 volume. Mrs. Wliitehouse departed this life May 
 3, 1889, after liaving become the mother of four 
 children: Josie, who was born February 9, 1875, 
 and died February 12 of the same year; Willis 11., 
 who was born Februaiy 18, 1876; Martha M., 
 August 8, 1878; and Walter E., May 30, 1882. 
 
 "jfj OHN KELLERM ANN. Perry County is the 
 home of many intelligent, industrious Ger- 
 ^^ man farmers, who from a small beginning 
 ^^l have won a competence, securing a consider- 
 able amount of land, and surrounding themselves 
 with many comforts and conveniences. Among 
 this number may be mentioned Mr. Kellerniann, 
 who is the possessor of one hundred and ninety 
 acres of improved land, located on section 36, 
 township 4, range 3 west. 
 
 Our subject was born in Prussia in the year 1824, 
 and is the son of Jasper and Josephine (Schultz) 
 Kellermann, likewise natives of the Fatherland. 
 Jasper Kellermann was one in a family of two 
 children, and his sister dying when j'oung, he 
 fell heir to the property left b}' his parents, which 
 comprised about fifty acres of valuable land. Of 
 his family, Clara, Frank and William are deceased. 
 Those living besides our subject are Catherine, 
 and William (second). Jasper Kellermann lived 
 to be seventy-four years of age, while his good 
 wife at her death numbered ninety-nine 3'eais and 
 two months. 
 
 John, of this sketch, received his education in 
 the schools of Germany, and when attaining his 
 fourteenth year began work in the rolling mills, re- 
 ceiving five cents a day for his services, and was 
 obliged to board himself. He was thus employed 
 until entering the German armj', when twenty 
 years of age. He was given a furlough after serv- 
 
 ing his country for two years and five months, and 
 taking advantage of his leave of absence, came to 
 the United States. This was in 1849, and upon 
 lauding in the New World young Kellermann 
 made his way to Michigan, and after a few months 
 spent in that state moved to St. Louis, and later 
 to Monroe County, this state. Upon arriving in 
 the Mound City he had but $50 in monej^, and 
 for three years was there employed in the rolling 
 mills. 
 
 While making his home in Monroe County, our 
 subject married Miss Mary, daughter of John and 
 Nancy (Beckley) Benson. The lady was likewise 
 a native of Germany, and was brought by her par- 
 ents to the United States when five years of age. 
 By her union with our subject were born the 
 following named eleven children: Lizzie, Jasper, 
 John, Henry, Mary, Catherine, Herman, Henry 
 AVilliam, Frank, Peter and Joseph. Of these, 
 Henry and Catherine are decerised. After his mar- 
 riage Mr. Kellermann rented land, which he oper- 
 ated for five years, and at the end of that time was 
 enabled to purchase a portion of his present farm 
 in this count3% where he has since made his home. 
 In his agricultural pursuits he has ever shown a 
 disposition to improve his opportunities by means 
 of unflagging industry and perseverance, and now 
 ranks among the well-to-do farmers of this section. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Kellermann are active members of 
 the Catholic Church. He is a reliable citizen, and 
 at every election casts a vote in favor of Demo- 
 cratic candidates. 
 
 =*'5-*}-*5-'}"'5''!'"{-= 
 
 OBERT BEGGS. This name will be recog- 
 nized by many of our readers as that of a 
 resident of township 4, range 3 west, who 
 P) is engaged in farming and stock-raising. 
 His landed estate consists of four hundred acres, 
 the greater portion of which is well improved, and 
 its present condition is due to his own good judg- 
 ment and enterprise. The farm is stocked with all 
 that goes to make up a well regulated estate, and 
 the family occupies a pleasant dwelling, where 
 home comforts abound. 
 
 Our subject is a son of William and Jane 
 (Hanley) Beggs. His grandparents on the pa-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 713 
 
 ternal side were Robert and Nancy (Orr) Beggs, 
 tlie former of whom was the sun of Thomas 
 Beggs, who in turn was a descendant of James 
 Beggs. The father of the last named gentleman 
 was born in Scotland, and after his marriage, 
 emigrated to County Antrim, Ireland, where he 
 owned large tracts of land. Thomas Beggs, to- 
 gether with his sons, was an extensive land owner 
 in Ireland, and he also owned and operated a mill 
 for many years. He was the father of three sons 
 and two daughters: William, Robert (the grand- 
 father of our subject), James, Margaret and Anna. 
 The sons owned large farms in Ireland, which are 
 still occupied by their descendants. The grand- 
 father was captured at Belfast, and being forced 
 into service, was present at the battle of Trafalgar, 
 and during that period was in England for three 
 years. 
 
 William Beggs, the father of our subject, was 
 born in 1803, and after receiving a limited educa- 
 tion, learned the trade of a weaver. He fell heir 
 to a small tract of land, which he sold for fift^' 
 pounds, and later, renting a larger farm, there 
 passed the remainder of his life, dying in 1848. 
 He was one in a family of five children, his 
 brothers and sisters being, Thomas, Robert, Nancy 
 and Catherine. 
 
 The parents of our subject were members of the 
 Presbyterian Church, and they had seven children, 
 one of whom died in infanc}'. Those now living 
 besides our subject, who is the eldest born, are, 
 William, Catherine, Ann (Mrs. Andrew McKin- 
 stry), and Jane. Fannie and Nancy are deceased. 
 Robert, of this sketch, was never permitted to at- 
 tend school, but being ambitious to gain a thor- 
 ough knowledge of books, prosecuted his studies 
 at home, and is to-day a well read man. 
 
 Prior to crossing the Atlantic, which trip was 
 made in his twenty-second year, our subject was 
 variously employed in working out on farms and 
 on tiie railroad in his native land, Ireland. After 
 coming to the New World, he worked out as a farm 
 hand in New Jersey for three years, and later spent 
 a short time in Philadelphia. In 1855 he came to 
 Illinois and purchased fort}' acres of land, which 
 now forms a portion of his present valuable estate. 
 It was then in a perfectly wild state, covered with 
 
 timber, and where are now broad roads there were 
 Indian trails. Mr. Beggs was very industrious, and 
 from time to time added to his propert}', until he 
 accumulated four hundred acres. He has the 
 greater part of this under the plow, and in Perry 
 Count}' is recognized as an important member of 
 its farming communitj-. 
 
 December 25, 1852, in New Jersey, Mr. Beggs 
 married Miss Rosa, daugiiter of Andrew and Jane 
 (McBrune) McKinstry. Mrs. Beggs is a devout 
 member of the Presbyterian Church of Nashville, 
 and is a most highly esteemed lad}-. Our subject 
 is a prominent Democrat in politics, and as one of 
 the representative citizens of this locality has held 
 many offices of trust. 
 
 OUIS H. GILSTER. This successful busi- 
 ness man of Chester is engaged as a banker, 
 
 merchant and miller. He was born in the 
 
 kingdom of Hanover, Germany, January 26, 1844, 
 and is a son of Henry and Doris (Schraeder) Gli- 
 ster. The father, who was a merchant tailor in his 
 native land, crossed the Atlantic, December 6, 1857, 
 on a sailing-vessel, and landed at New Orleans. 
 Thence he made his way up the Mississippi River 
 to Chester, and there worked at his trade until-his 
 decease, which occurred April 26, 1880. His good 
 wife, who survives him, is a most estimable lady 
 and is at present residing in this place. 
 
 Louis II. is the fifth in order of birth of the par- 
 ental family of ten ciiildren. He received a good 
 education in his native language, and after coming 
 to the United States prosecuted his studies for two 
 winters in the district school taught by Rev. Mr. 
 Barlow, a Baptist minister of Chester. When old 
 enough to choose an occupation, he learned the 
 trade of a merchant tailor from his father, and 
 completed his apprenticeship when reaching his 
 eighteenth year. 
 
 On the outbreak of the Civil War, our subject, 
 desirous of giving his services to the Union, en- 
 listed in Company II, Twenty-second Illinois In- 
 fantry, which was commanded by Colonel Swan- 
 wick. His regiment joined the Army of the Cum- 
 berland and participated in many of the hard
 
 714 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 fought battles of the war. He did brave and valiant 
 service throughout that period, and on receiving his 
 honorable discharge, in June, 1865, returned to 
 this place and for the following two ^-ears worked 
 at the tailor's trade. 
 
 In 1867 Mr. Gilster began clerking in the store 
 of William Schuchert, with whom he remained for 
 a period of six years. During that time he had an 
 opportunity to learn the business, and finding 
 that he could make it pa}- better than to follow his 
 trade, he formed a partnership with his father, the 
 firm becoming Henry Gilster & Son. They put in 
 a full stock of general raercliandise, and continued 
 thus to operate until 1875, when the father's in- 
 terest in the business was purchased bj' a brother 
 of our subject and the firm name was changed to 
 L. H. Gilster & Brother. They were very successful 
 j'oung business men, and their trade extended over 
 a large territory-. Our subject, however, in the 
 spring of 1891, purchased his brother's interest in 
 the store, which is now known throughout the 
 county. 
 
 In 1888 our subject organized the Bueua Vista 
 Milling Company, of which he is Treasurer and 
 general manager. The mill is fitted out with a 
 new process roller system, and manufactures the 
 " Crown Patent," " Belle of Chester," and "Tri- 
 umph" brands of flour. It also turns out large 
 quantities of crushed corn and bran, and its ca- 
 pacity is sevent^'-flve barrels of flour ever\- twenty- 
 four hours. Our subject is a man whose versatile 
 talents permit him to engage in various kinds of 
 business, and in 1882 he established the banking 
 house of Louis H. Gilster, which he is conducting 
 at the present time. He has had a large experience 
 as a business man, and his sterling qualities and 
 genial manner are recognized bj' all who know him 
 and prepossess strangers in his favor. 
 
 June 3, 1866, Louis H. Gilster and Miss Caroline 
 Begeinann were united in marriage. The lady was 
 born in Lippe-Detmold, Germany, January 6, 
 1845. Their family comprises eight sons and four 
 daughters, all of whom are living. Our subject is 
 deeply interested in their welfare, and therefore is 
 ready to bear a part in all those movements which 
 will enliance the material, educational and moral 
 prosperity of the nation. As is a well known fact. 
 
 he has succeeded well in worldly afifaii-s, and has 
 just completed a fine two-story business block. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Gilster are devoted members of the 
 Lutheran Church, in which the former has served 
 in the capacity of Deacon for the past twenty-five 
 years. He is a decided Republican in politics, and 
 works earnestly to promote the interests of that 
 party. He has held various local offices, and for 
 four j'ears was Alderman of the Third Ward of 
 Chester. 
 
 He is a native-born citizen of this state, his birth 
 having occurred near McLeansboro, Hamilton 
 Count}', March 31, 1835. His parents bore the 
 names of William and Susannah (Brady) Henson. 
 The former, who was a native of West Virginia, 
 came to Illinois when it was but little more than 
 a wilderness, and here died in March of 1850. 
 Mrs. Henson was a daughter of James Brady and 
 was born in Union County, K)'. She came to 
 Hamilton County with her parents wlien a }'Oung 
 girl. 
 
 Our subject is the fifth in order of birth in a 
 family of three sons and seven daughters, only 
 three of whom yet survive. His boyhood daj-s 
 were spent in his native count}', where his studies 
 were conducted in the primitive schoolhouse, with 
 its slab seats and rude furnishings. In 1854 he 
 came to Chester, where he was elected City Mar- 
 shal, and he continued to hold that office until his 
 enlistment in the array. 
 
 September 7, 1861, the name of John Henson 
 was enrolled in Company H, Thirty-first Illinois 
 Infantry. He participated in some of the most 
 bloody engagements of the war, the first conflicts 
 being at Belmont and Ft. Donelson, and the last 
 at Atlanta, where he was captured and taken to 
 Andersonville Prison. After having been confined 
 for nearly a month in that place he made his es- 
 cape, but was recaptured and taken to Salisbury. 
 Two hours after entering the prison he was success- 
 ful in escaping, and made his way to the Union
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 715 
 
 army, stationed at Goldsboro, N. C. He was 
 mustered out and honorably discharged July 15, 
 1865, having served gallantly throughout the en- 
 tire struggle. 
 
 Mr. Henson has been thrice married. In 1854 
 he married Miss Rebecca Griudle, of Perry County, 
 this state. Two children were born of this union, 
 Benjamin ¥., a resident of Randolph County, and 
 John L., who lives in Jackson County. Septem- 
 ber 1, 1865, Miss Adeline Baker, of Jackson 
 County, became the wife of our subject, and to 
 them one son was born, William Ul.ysses, who is 
 living on a part of his father's farm. 
 
 May 15, 1878, Mrs. Mary Steward became the 
 wife of Mr. Henson. She is an excellent ladj' 
 and is devoted to the welfare of her husband 
 and children, Laura Belle and Mary Josephine, 
 both of whom are at home with their parents. 
 Mr. Henson is a member of the Baptist Church of 
 Rockwood. In his political afliliations he is a 
 stanch and true Republican. Socially, he is con- 
 nected with Rockwood Post No. 734, G. A. R., 
 of which he is one of the leading members. 
 
 ^^E 
 
 E^i=- 
 
 I OBERT WORTHEN WATSON is now serv- 
 ing his third term as Circuit Clerk and 
 County Recorder of Jackson County, 111., 
 iland makes his home in Murphysboro. The 
 fact that he has been three times elected to this 
 office is a high testimonial of the ability and 
 fidelity with which he has discharged his public 
 duties. True to every trust reposed in him, his 
 fellow-townsmen could find no better ofiicial or 
 one more worthy of their confidence. 
 
 Mr. Watson is a native of Missouri. He was 
 born near Hillsboro on the 3d of September, 1847, 
 and is a son of James P. Watson, a native of New 
 York City. The grandparents emigrated from 
 England to that metropolis and there spent their 
 remaining days. The father of our subject was 
 a tailor by trade. In early life he went to New 
 Mexico, but afterwards removed to Hillsboro, Mo., 
 where he followed his chosen occupation and also 
 engaged -in teaching. In about 1849 he located 
 in Jackson County, where he followed the same 
 
 profession for several years in connection with 
 his work at tailoring. In 1856 he took up his 
 residence in Murph^'sboro and was appointed 
 Deputy Circuit Clerk. Four years later he was 
 elected Circuit Clerk, and on the expiration of his 
 term was re-elected, in 1864. His death occurred 
 while holding that office, September 13, 1865. 
 On attaining his majority he became a supporter 
 of the Whig party, and on its dissolution he 
 joined the Democracy. He held membership with 
 the Methodist Episcopal Church. The mother of 
 our subject was in her maidenhood Ann Parmley. 
 She was a native of Kentuck}-, as was her father, 
 who there followed farming throughout life. Her 
 death occurred in Murjihysboro in Jul}-, 1887. 
 
 In the famil>- were three daughters and one son, 
 all of whom are yet living: Mary J., wife of 
 Hiram Cover; Carrie, wife of James M. Rolens; 
 Frances, wife of George S. Rolens, and our sub- 
 ject, who is the eldest. He was reared in the 
 county which is still his home, and its public 
 schools afforded him his educational privileges. 
 At an early age he began to earn his own liveli- 
 hood, securing a position as clerk with Bierer & 
 Worthen, dry-goods merchants, with whom he con- 
 tinued for a period of five years. He then became 
 Assistant Postmaster, serving for four years under 
 Mrs. M. E. .Jenkins. During this time he era- 
 barked in merchandising, but in 1875 his store 
 and stock were completely destroyed by fire. He 
 was then forced to resume clerking, which he con- 
 tinued until 1880, when he was made Deputy Cir- 
 cuit Clerk, serving under C. B. Dishom. In 1886 
 his superior died, and at a special election in the 
 spring of 1887 he was elected on the Democratic 
 ticket to fill the vacancy, receiving the very flat- 
 tering majority of six hundred votes. In No- 
 vember, 1888, he was .igain elected, and in 1892 
 was once more the people's choice for that oflice. 
 
 On the 21st of September, 1875, Mr. Watson 
 was united in marriage with Miss Ella Tippett, a 
 native of Tennessee, and a daughter of W. C. Tip- 
 pett. a coal dealer of Murphysboro. Three chil- 
 dren bless their union, Jessie, Nellie and Lillie. 
 
 Mr. Watson is a member of Amity Lodge, 
 I. O. O. F., has served as representative to the 
 Grand Lodge, and is Past Chief Patriarch of Lin-
 
 716 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 coin Encampment No. 109. He also belongs to 
 the Knights of Pythias and is Treasurer of the 
 Uniformed Rank. His wife h^olds membership 
 with the Methodist Episcopal Church North. Mr. 
 Watson has also held other ofHces, having been 
 City Treasurer for two terms, from 1876 until 
 1880, and was City Clerk from 1883 until 1887. 
 By his prompt and faitiiful discharge of duty he 
 has ever won the high commendation of all con- 
 cerned. A self-made man, he has steadily worked 
 his way upward, improving his opportunities and 
 making the most of his advantages, and a well 
 spent life has won him high regard. 
 
 <A MLLIAM C. FKIDRICHS, a highly re- 
 \rJ// spected and influential farmer residing on 
 \^^ section 12, township 3, range 10, is a native 
 of Monroe Count}-. He was born near Waterloo, 
 January 27, 1849, and is of German descent. His 
 parents, William and Margaret (Langhorst) Frid- 
 richs, are both natives of Hanover, Germany. 
 Our subject is their onl}- child. In 1848 the 
 father crossed the Atlantic to America with his 
 wife, and came direct to Monroe County, locating 
 upon a farm. He lived only six months thereafter, 
 d\ing from an attack of cholera, at the early age 
 of twenty-five years. Mrs. Fridrichs, who was 
 born, reared and educated in Germany, is still liv- 
 ing, at the age of sixty-five \'ears, her home being 
 in this count}'. She is a member of the Lutheran 
 Church. 
 
 We now take up the personal histor}' of our 
 subject, who was reared in the home of his gi-and- 
 mother,and during his j-outh acquired a good edu- 
 cation in the common schools. When he liad 
 reached the age of twent3--two years he chose as 
 a companion and helpmate on life's journey Miss 
 Anna Klotzer, a native of St. Clair County, 111. 
 The greater part of her girlhood, however, was 
 spent in Monroe County. B}- their marriage were 
 born six children, but one died in infanc}-. Those 
 still living are Sophia, Emma, William, Anna and 
 Ida. The mother of the family was called to her 
 final rest at the age of twenty-seven years. She 
 was a member of the Catholic Church and a lady 
 
 possessed of many excellencies of character. Mr. 
 Fridrichs afterwards married Catherine Herring, a 
 native of Germany, who when a little child was 
 brought by her parents to America, in 1866. The 
 family came at once to Illinois and made a settle- 
 ment in Monroe County, where the daughter was 
 reared to womanhood. Seven children graced the 
 second marriage and six of the number still sur- 
 vive, as foOows: August, Edward, Armin, Bertha, 
 Lucretia and Lydia. One child died in infancy. 
 
 When Sir. Fridrichs started out in life for him- 
 self he had no capital save a 30ung man's bright 
 hope of the future and a determination to win 
 success if honest labor could accomplish it. He 
 has indeed led a busy life, and his industry and 
 enterprise have been rewarded by a comfortable 
 competence. He is now the owner of three hun- 
 dred and Bft3-flvc acres of rich land, which is un- 
 der a high state of cultivation and well improved. 
 His farm is considered one of the valuable and 
 desirable places of the community, and its neat 
 and thrifty appearance indicates the uareful super- 
 vision of the owner. 
 
 In his political views Mr. Fridrichs is a stalwart 
 Republican, and socially is connected with the 
 Masonic fraternity and the Farmers' Mutual Bene- 
 fit Association. He holds membership with the 
 Lutheran Church, and his wife is a member of the 
 Catholic Church. His success is well deserved, for 
 it is the fruit of his own toil. He h.as alwavs 
 lived in Monioe County, and those who have 
 known him from early boyhood are numbered 
 among his stanchest friends, a fact which indicates 
 an upright, honorable life. 
 
 $:i6-^e-g^-g^^iS^6^ T 
 
 HARLES W. PLATER, one of the promi- 
 nent citizens of Murphysboro, now holds 
 the position of foreman of the lumber and 
 wrecking department of the Mobile Ji: Ohio Rail- 
 road, and also furnishes and receives the supplies 
 of the St. Louis Division. He was born in Jones- 
 boro, Union County, III., August 3, 1852, and is a 
 son of James L. and Anna C. (Stell) Plater, both 
 of whom were natives of AVashington, D. C. The 
 father served as cashier in a bank in the Capitol
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAl, RECORD. 
 
 717 
 
 City, but afterwards removed to New York, and 
 subsequent!}- located in Centralia, III. There he 
 engaged in merchandising, hauling his goods from 
 St. Louis b}- team. His last days were sjjent upon 
 a farm near Jonesboro, 111., and he became well-to- 
 do. His death occurred in ,1864, at the age of 
 sixty-four years. 
 
 Our subject's wife passed away February 1, 
 1892, at the advanced age of eight^'-four. In the 
 familj- were nine children, seven of whom are yet 
 living. Three brothers, John, James and "W. W., 
 were members of the Thirty-first Illinois Infantry 
 during the late war, and the first two were num- 
 bered among the boj-s in blue of Companj' D. 
 
 Upon the home farm, Mr. Plater of this sketch 
 was reared, and in the public schools of .Jonesboro 
 acquired his education, graduating from the high 
 school in 1871. He had previously learned the 
 trade of cabinet-making, and in that year he pur- 
 chased a cabinet shop in Ava, 111., and embarked 
 in business for himself. He also carried on a 
 furniture store there for three jears, and was one 
 of the first merchants of the place. In 1874, he 
 came to Murphj'sboro and engaged in contract- 
 ing and building. The following year, how- 
 ever, he entered the emplo\' of the St. Louis & 
 Cairo Railroad as a bridge builder under W. M. 
 Wood. He was afterwards put in charge of the 
 rebuilding of the tunnel, which is four hundred 
 and twent3' feet in length, and on the comple- 
 tion of this work he was made foreman of the 
 bridges and buildings between Murjjhysboro and 
 Cairo, which position he held until 181*1. During 
 that time he was also engaged in bridge building 
 at the new shops in East St. Louis for one year, 
 and then again took charge of the bridges. After 
 the road was sold to the Mobile & Ohio, in 1886, 
 he continued with it in the same capacity, and in 
 August, 1892, was appointed to his present posi- 
 tion, as foreman of the lumber and wrecking de- 
 partment. The wrecking train is always read}' to 
 be sent out at a moment's notice and is supplied 
 with one of the finest outfits of the kind in the 
 Mississippi Valley. 
 
 Mr. Plater was married in Jonesboro, October 1, 
 1886, to Miss Olive O. Cruse, a native of that city. 
 Two children grace their union, Clarence and Ro- 
 
 land. Thej' have a pleasant residence on South 
 Blanchard Street and also own another dwelling 
 on the same street. 
 
 Mr. Plater is a stockholder in the Jackson Coun- 
 ty Homestead and Loan Association, and is Past 
 Grand of Mt. Carbon Lodge No. 34, I. O. O. F., in 
 which he holds membership. In polities, he is a 
 Democrat, and for two j-ears served as Alderman 
 of the Fourth Ward, during which time the water 
 works, electric light and seweiage systems were 
 put in. He has ever had the best interests of the 
 city at heart, and has done all in his power for its 
 promotion and upbuilding. 
 
 RS. SARAH J. PATE, a highly esteemed 
 resident of Jackson County, has passed 
 her entire life in Somerset Township, 
 where she was born on the 3d of October, 
 1839. Reared amid the pioneer scenes of those 
 early days, she became a strong, self-reliant and 
 useful woman. As the daughter of a brave and 
 industrious pioneer and the wife of an influential 
 and successful citizen of this county, she is in 
 every waj' worthy of her father and husband. 
 She possesses excellent judgment and sound com- 
 mon sense and is' a wise manager, so that her hus- 
 band's estate has not diminished in value since 
 it came into her hands. 
 
 The father of our subject, William Dot}-, was 
 born in Rockbridge County, Va., February 6, 
 1787, and about 1816 accompanied the other 
 members of the family to Illinois, sojourning for 
 a short time in what is now Williamson County. 
 Thence he came to Jackson County and located in 
 the northern part of Somerset Township, where in 
 the midst of the dense woods he built a log cabin 
 and commenced the arduous task of clearing the 
 land. After making his home for some time in 
 that primitive abode he built a hewed-log house, 
 a more substantial structure, which still stands on 
 the farm. He was the first settler in this part of 
 the county and purchased his farm from the Gov- 
 ernment. 
 
 The trials that fell to the lot of William Doty 
 were such as every pioneer was obliged to endure.
 
 718 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 
 
 The task of clearing the land was one of great 
 difficulty and was only secured after years of 
 struggling. Money was scarce in those early days, 
 and often the family was deprived of what to-day 
 would be considered the necessities of life. Rec- 
 ognizing his ability, Mr. Doty's fellow-citizens 
 frequently elected him to positions of honor in the 
 township, and as time passed by and the county 
 became more denselj- populated his influence con- 
 stantly increased. He served as Associate Judge 
 of the county and was one of a number who as- 
 sisted in arranging the county records after the 
 court house was burned at Brownsville, then the 
 county seat. 
 
 In the death of Mr. Doty, which occurred in 
 March, 1867, Somerset Township sustained a severe 
 loss, as he was in every respect a desirable citizen 
 and had done a great deal to advance the material 
 prosperity of the community. He was a consider- 
 ate husband, a loving father and a good neighbor, 
 ever just and upright in his dealings. His wife, 
 whose maiden name was Sarah Tedford, and who 
 was a native of Tennessee, passed away November 
 25, 1847, many j'cars prior to his demise. They 
 were the parents of fourteen children, of whom 
 the following survive: Nancy D., wife of Thomas 
 Steele, a resident of Ava Township: Elizabeth, 
 who married James T. Cox and fives in Somerset 
 Township; and Sarah J., of this sketch. 
 
 Our subject was married July 26, 1863, to 
 Sabe Pate, who was born in Tennessee February 
 11, 1833. J'or further mention of the Pate family 
 the reader is referred to the sketch of Anthony 
 Pate, which is presented elsewhere in this volume. 
 When abo3',Sabe Pate accompanied his parents to 
 Illinois, and upon a farm in Jackson County 
 attained manhood. He and his wife became the 
 parents of four children, of whom three are now 
 living: Matthew W.; Elvira, wife of Edward 
 Hughes; and Sarah E., who married William 
 Franklin. John is deceased. 
 
 A sound Democrat in his political views, Mr. 
 Pate deemed that in working for the good of his 
 party he was promoting the best interests of his 
 country. He was a devoted member of the Free 
 Will Baptist Church, contributed liberally to the 
 support of the Gospel, and was prominent in the 
 
 management of the affairs of his church, occupy- 
 ing its various offices. His death occurred De- 
 cember 27, 1872, and was deplored throughout the 
 township as a public loss. Since his demise his 
 widow has continued to reside upon the old home- 
 stead of one hundred acres, the soil of which is 
 carefully tilled by her only son, Matthew W. He 
 and his wife, formerly Mary N. Franklin, with their 
 two children, Edgar and Grover, also live on the 
 old home farm. Like his father and grandfather, 
 he is a Democrat in politics, and though scarcely 
 yet in life's prime, has already attainefl a promi- 
 nent place among the agriculturists of the town- 
 ship. 
 
 The present representatives of this family are in 
 every way worthy of their distinguished lineage. 
 They are justly proud of the fact that Grand- 
 father Ephraim Dot}- fought for the Colonies dur- 
 ing the trying times of the Revolution, and it is 
 one of the family traditions that this brave sol- 
 dier was present at the famous tea party at Boston 
 Harbor. 
 
 ^^ 
 
 f LBERT M. NEAL, who is pit manager for 
 M/Ui the Garrison Shaft, Big Muddy Ore i 
 
 1!) Steel Company, of Murphjsboro, was born 
 in Du Quoin, 111., on the 9th of October, 
 1859, and is a representative of one of the pio- 
 neer families of this county. His grandfather, 
 William Neal, settled in Carbondale Township in 
 a very early day and there followed farming. His 
 father, John Neal. was born in Kentucky, and be- 
 came a miner of Du Quoin. In 1861, he engaged 
 in the Eigliteenth Illinois Infantry, and for four 
 years followed the Old Flag. At the battle of 
 Shiloh lie had a finger shot off. When the struggle 
 was over, he returned to Du Quoin, but in 1866 
 came to Murphysboro, where he engaged in min- 
 ing until 1889, since which time he has made his 
 home in Quincy. He married Sarah A. GoUiher. 
 a native of this state, who died in Murph^-sboro 
 in 1883, leaving two children: A jert M., and 
 William, who is mine manager. 
 
 Our subject was reared and educated in this city, 
 and at the age of fourteen began working in the 
 mines in the employ of the same company with
 
 Q- 
 
 /ImJ.M^
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 721 
 
 which he is now connected. His service with them 
 covers a period of twenty j-ears, and Las been one 
 of promotion from the lowest position up to that 
 of pit manager. The Harrison raining machinery 
 is used, and about seven liundred tons of coal are 
 taken out each day. His long continuance with 
 one company indicates his high degree of faith- 
 fulness, and his promotion shows that he h.as the 
 confidence and trust of his employers. 
 
 On Christmas Day of 1883, in Murphysboro, 
 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Neal and Miss 
 Kate Marshall, a native of Warwickshire, England, 
 and a daughter of Josiah and Sarah E. (Harvey) 
 Marshall, who were also natives of England. Her 
 father was a miner, and in 186.5 he went with his 
 family to Belleville, 111., where he spent his last 
 days. His widow afterwards became the wife of 
 James Turner, and in 1869 they came to Murphj'S- 
 boro, where Mr. Turner is now engaged in the real- 
 estate business. There were two children born of 
 the first union, and one by the second. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Neal have two children, Harriet and William 
 Frederick. 
 
 In 1886, Mr. Neal was elected Alderman from 
 the Tiiird Ward for a term of two years on the 
 Republican ticket, although the ward is Demo- 
 cratic. In 1889, he w.as again elected, and in 1891 
 every ballot in his ward, except seven, was cast for 
 him. He has thus served for six years as a mem- 
 ber of the Council. He was Chairman of the Finance 
 Committee, and has been a member of other very 
 important committees. During Ids term of office, 
 many of the leading improvements of the city 
 were made, the sewerage S3'stem was laid and the 
 water works and electric light plants were estab- 
 lished. Although Murphysboro Township has a 
 Democratic majorit}' of one liundred, Mr. Neal 
 was elected on the Republican ticket as Supervisor 
 by a majority of fortj^-one votes. He is now serv- 
 ing on the Committee of Miscellaneous Claims. 
 His official record is unsullied and his faithful 
 service has won him high commendation. 
 
 Since twenty-one years of age, Mr. Neal h.as 
 been a member of Amity Lodge No. 132, I. O. O. 
 F., of which he is Past Grand, and is a demitted 
 member of the encampment. He also belongs to 
 the Knights of Honor and Jackson Camp, S. V. 
 27 
 
 Besides his business he owns some real estate in 
 Murphysboro. He is truly a self-made man and 
 his career in many respects is worthy of enuila- 
 
 += 
 
 ---^ 
 
 ^lOHN W. BRIDGEMAN. Among tlie cit- 
 izens of Randolph County who have con- 
 tributed their quota toward its develop- 
 ment ma}' be properly mentioned this gen- 
 tleman, who is living in the village of Rockwood, 
 and, who is well known for his integrity as a citizen. 
 He is a native of this state, having been born in 
 Gallatin County, October 28, 1820. The place of 
 his birth is now in Saline County, owing to divi- 
 sions which have been made since that time. 
 
 When our subject was a lad of fourteen years, 
 he accompanied his parents on their removal to 
 Mt. Vernon, where he resided until about twenty- 
 five years old. From the age of seventeen until 
 his marriage he was eraploj'ed as a farm hand and 
 gardener and was thus fitted to managete farm of 
 his own in a most profitable manner. The lady 
 whom he married in April, 1847, was Miss Mar- 
 garet, daughter of Augustus and Victoria (La 
 Beau) Galinore, the former a native of Canada, 
 and the latter of Peoria, this state. To Mr. and 
 Mrs. Bridgeraan have been born six children. 
 The only survivor is Jackson, who has never mar- 
 ried, and who makes his home with his parents. 
 
 In politics our subject and liis son are suppor- 
 ters of Republican principles. During the Civil 
 War they served in tlie Union arm}-, being mem- 
 bers of Company F, One Hundred and Fift^-fourth 
 Illinois Infantry, from February 15, 1865, to Sep- 
 tember 18 of that year. Jackson had previously 
 enlisted with Company H, One Hundred and 
 Forty-second Infantry, with which he remained 
 from May 13, 1864, until October 26 of the same 
 year. 
 
 After the marriage of our subject, which oc- 
 curred in Calhoun County, this state, he contin- 
 ued to make that locality his home until 1856, 
 when he removed to Jefferson County, Mo., resid- 
 ing near Hillsboro, the county seat, for about two 
 years. At the end of that time he came to Chester, 
 with the interests of which he was identified for
 
 722 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 the following seven years, or until he entered the 
 army. On his return from the war he began oper- 
 ating a farm on Mill Creek, and seven years later 
 removed to a farm on Little Mill Creek, where he 
 made his home until 1875. He then took charge 
 of a farm near Rockwood, and twelve months 
 later moved into the village, purchasing a home 
 in the western part of the town, where be has since 
 continued to reside. 
 
 HILIP H. EISENMAYER, one of the en- 
 
 li terprising business men of Murphysboro, 
 is President of the Soutliern Illinois Mill- 
 ing Company, which erected its mill in 
 1892, and opened it for business in March, 1893. 
 Under his able management it is meeting with 
 good success, and prosperity will no doubt con- 
 tinue with the concern, for the members of the 
 company are practical, sagacious and industrious 
 men. 
 
 Mr. Eisenmayer was born in Mascoutah, 111., 
 August 25, 1867. and is a son of Jacob and Anna 
 (Zapp) Eisenmayer, who were born, reared and 
 married in Bavaria, Germany. Emigrating to 
 America, they became earlj' settlers of St. Clair 
 Countj', 111. Four children were born to tiiem, 
 two of whom are now living. Our subject was 
 reared upon tlie home farm, spending his boyhood 
 days midst play and work. He attended the com- 
 mon schools and also the college at Warrenton, 
 Mo., for two terms. At the age of nineteen he 
 engaged in the milling business with the Sessing- 
 haus Milling Company', and for eight years served 
 as their salesman in St. Louis. In 1891 he went 
 to Pinckneyville, and became connected with the 
 milling company' at that place as the wheat buyer. 
 The following year he was one of the corporators 
 of the Southern Illinois Milling Company and 
 was made its President, which position he still 
 fills. 
 
 Plans were immediately drawn and work on the 
 building commenced. It was finished earl3' the 
 following year, and in March, 1893, opened for 
 business. Its entire length is one hundred and 
 ninety-five feet, the width thirty-six feet, and the 
 
 main part of tlie l)uilding is four stories in height, 
 with a basement. It has all tlie latest improved 
 machinery, and has a capacity of four hundred 
 barrels of flour per day. They have made as high 
 as seventeen barrels an hour. The elevator has a 
 capacit}' of fifty thousand bushels and is located 
 on a side track of the Cairo Short Lino. The 
 company owns about a block of property. The 
 engine room is 18x46 feet, the engine is one hun- 
 dred and fift3' horse power and there are two 
 boilers of one hundred h<'rse power each. They 
 make extensive shipments of flour to the south 
 and west and are doing a very fine business. Their 
 principal brands of flour are the "Columbia Stand- 
 ard," "Matchless Straight," "Uncle Sam" and 
 " Extra Fancy." This mill is carried on in con- 
 nection with the Pinckneyville Milling Company, 
 which operates the P^clipse Blill, with a capacity of 
 four hundred barrels per d.ay. This was built in 
 1891. The Murphysboro mill is the largest in the 
 county and is run night and day, from early 
 Monday morning to Saturday ut 12 p. m. The 
 members of the company are Philip Eisenmayer, 
 President; Joseph VanCloostere, Secretary; Wil- 
 lard Wall, Treasurer; and Theodore Ismert, Super- 
 intendent. 
 
 Mr. Eisenmaj-er is a Knight Templar Mason, 
 and in politics is a true Republican, who does all 
 in his power to advance the party and insure its 
 success. His enterprise and industry have won 
 for him a handsome propert3' and have beli)ed him 
 to rise to a position of affluence. He is a warm- 
 hearted, generous man, and the best interests of 
 the community ever find in him a friend. 
 
 ANUEL H. WILSON, a prominent and 
 representative farmer of Perry County, 
 residing on section 36, township 6, range 
 2, has the honor of being a native of Illi- 
 nois. He was born in Franklin Count}' Septem- 
 ber 8, 1851. His father, Peter Wilson, was a 
 native of Tennessee and an early settler of Frank- 
 lin County, where he bought land. He theie mar- 
 ried P0II3' Roa, and in 1856 removed to Madison 
 County, where his death occurred on the Isl of
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 723 
 
 Januaiy, 1857. They were the parents of five 
 children, four of whom jjrew to inatiue 3'ears, 
 while three are yet living. Joseph and Peter are 
 both farmers of Franklin Count}-. 
 
 Our subject was a youth of six summers when 
 his father died, and with his mother he went to 
 Missouri, where he made his home until 1865, 
 when he returned to his native county. Its pub- 
 lic schools afforded him his educational privileges. 
 On the 12th of December, 1869, he wedded Miss 
 Elizabeth Welch, daughter of Richard Welch, a 
 native of Tennessee. They began their domestic 
 life in Franklin County, and two years afterward 
 removed to Du Quoin, where Mr. Wilson engaged 
 in mining for about fourteen years. He tlien turned 
 his attention to farming. In 1881 he bought forty 
 acres of timber land, which he cleared and im- 
 proved, and to his farm he added from time to 
 time until he owned one hundred and sixt}- acres, 
 of wliich one hundred and ten acres are under a 
 high state of cultivation. The buildings upon the 
 place stand as monuments to his enterprise, and 
 its neat appearance indicates his careful super- 
 vision. 
 
 A family of nine children was Ijorn unto Mr. 
 and Mrs. Wilson, seven of whom are yet living. 
 Charles is married and follows farming in Perry 
 County; Cicero died at the age of three months; 
 Harry died at the age of eight years. Silas, Gu}', 
 Ella, Henry, Rosa and Alice are at home. 
 
 Mr. Wilson has been a successful general fanner 
 and stock-raiser, but he now gives the greater part 
 of his attention to bee culture and to the manu- 
 facture of bee hives. He is interested in that busi- 
 ness with Mr. Brayshaw, and they manufacture 
 what are known as the square hive, the dove tail 
 and the Egyptian hive. The excellence of these 
 hives is attested by their large sale. Mr. Wilson 
 has about one hundred colonies of bees, and finds 
 their culture to be a profitable business. In poli- 
 tics he takes an active interest in and is a stanch 
 supporter of the Republican party. He was for- 
 merljf Chairman of the County Republican Cen- 
 tral Committee. He has served as School Director, 
 and at this writing is one of the elHcient Trustees 
 of the township. He belongs to the Farmers' Mu- 
 tual Benefit Association, and was a delegate to 
 
 the National Convention in Indianapolis in 1891. 
 Mr. Wilson and his wife hold membersiiip with 
 the Christian Church. His life has been an hon- 
 orable, upright one, which has gained him the 
 confidence and high regard of his fellow-towns- 
 men. He is also a self-made man, whose success 
 is due entirely to his own efforts. 
 
 "^ A. DRIEMEYEK, of Pinekneyville, is 
 [@Oi numbered among the officials of Perry 
 County, holding the office of Circuit Clerk, 
 a position to which he is justly entitled, 
 for he is one of the valued citizens of the com- 
 munity, ever ready to advance public interests. 
 He was born in the city which is still his home, 
 September 5, 1859, and is a son of Henrj' Drie- 
 meyer, who was a native of Germany and came 
 to this country when a young man. For a quar- 
 ter of a century he was one of the leading and 
 most prosperous merchants of Pinckne\'ville, and 
 is now here living retired, enjoying the rest which 
 he has so trulj- earned and richly deserves. 
 
 Mr. Driemcyer spent the days of his boyhood 
 and youth in Pinekneyville, and acquired his lit- 
 erai'}' education in its public schools. Later he 
 attended a commercial college to fit himself for a 
 practical business career, and then entered his fa- 
 ther's store, where he served as clerk for a time. 
 During President Cleveland's first administration 
 he was appointed United States Mail Agent on the 
 Illinois Central Railroad between Chicago and 
 Cairo, with headquarters in the former city. After 
 five years, in 1891, he resigned that position to 
 take charge of his father's business, to which his 
 energies were devoted at the time when the Dem- 
 ocratic party brought him to the front and nomi- 
 nated him for the position of Circuit Clerk. He 
 ran against Charles Roe, a most popular and highly 
 respected man, who for thirty years had filled the 
 office. No previous Democratic candidate had re- 
 ceived any noticeable support in comparison with 
 that of the Republican nominee, but the great 
 popularity of Mr. Driemeyer swept the county, 
 and he was elected by a good majority. This was 
 indeed an honor, and his friends were justly
 
 724 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 proud of his success, which placed him in the 
 front rank as one of the rising and leading young 
 politicians of the county. 
 
 In 1884 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Drie- 
 meyer and Miss Lucy Van Kenren, of Du Quoin, 
 and to them have been born a son and daughter, 
 Henry, aged six; and Ida, a little maiden of three 
 summers. Mr. and INIrs. Driome3'er are well known 
 people of this community and hold an enviable 
 position in social circles where true worth and 
 intelligence are received as the passports into good 
 society. His popularity was attested b3' his elec- 
 tion, which indicated that his friends were manj'. 
 
 eHARLES WEINBERG, one of the wealthy 
 citizens of Du Quoin, is a native of Ger- 
 many. He was born in Mecklenburg, June 
 SO, 1825, and is a son of Frederick Weinberg, who 
 was a tailor by trade and lived and died in his na- 
 tive land. Our subject was educated in the public 
 schools of Germany, which, according to the laws 
 of that country, he attended until fourteen years 
 of age. He' then became a shepherd, and was thus 
 employed until he had reached the age of twenty- 
 six, when, in 18.51, he emigrated to America. He 
 reached this countr3- without a dollar in his pocket, 
 but, nothing daunted, he started out to seek a live- 
 lihood, and the difficulties in his path he has over- 
 come by perseverance and determined effort. 
 
 Mr. Weinberg spent one year in Buffalo, N. Y., 
 and then went to Maryland, wiiere he worked in 
 the mines until 1858. That year witnessed his ar- 
 rival in Du Quoin. He commenced work in the 
 mines of St. John, and by saving his earnings he was 
 soon enabled to purchase an interest in the mine, 
 becoming one of the owners of the old Union 
 mines. He has led a busy and useful life, and his 
 untiring efforts have brought him a high degree of 
 success. He has never been afraid of labor, in fact 
 indolence and idleness are utterly foreign to his 
 nature. He successfully continued his mining 
 operations until 1889, when he retired from that 
 line of business and invested his capital in Du 
 Quoin property. He now owns one of the finest 
 brick blocks on the west side, together with several 
 
 houses, which he rents, and the large furniture store 
 which is carried on by his sons. 
 
 In 1854 Mr. Weinberg was united in marriage 
 witli Miss Elizabeth Trescher. who was also a native 
 of Germany, and to them have been born seven chil- 
 dren. John, who is engaged in the furniture busi- 
 ness, married Amelia Knauer, and thev have four 
 children: Charles, Mina, Toinette and Emma; 
 Annie is the wife of Henry Croessman, a jeweler, 
 and the}' have one child, Harlej'; Lena has for ten 
 years successfully engaged in teaching in the pub- 
 lic schools of Du Quoin; Philip is interested in 
 coalmining; Mary is the wife of Christ Bergman, 
 a clerk in the store of W. E. Brookings; Charles is 
 engaged in the furniture business; Katie is the 
 wife of Frank Meek, a telegraph operator of Du 
 Quoin, by whom she has one child, Edgar. 
 
 Mr. Weinberg and his familj- are all members of 
 the Lutheran Church, in which heservesas Trustee, 
 and to the support of which he contributes liber- 
 ally. He is a public spirited and progressive citi- 
 zen, who manifests a commendable interest in every- 
 thing pertaining to the welfare of the community. 
 In politics he has been a Republican since the or- 
 ganization of the party, and in liis social relations 
 is an Odd Fellow. The success of his life seems al- 
 most phenomenal, but is the result of well directed 
 efforts, enterprise and industi y guided by good 
 judgment. 
 
 J~|OHN D. HAYS, one of the representative 
 I and enterprising citizens of Elkville, who 
 I occupies a prominent place in social, busi- 
 ' ness and official circles, well deserves repre- 
 sentation in this volume, for he has aided mate- 
 rially in the growth and progress of the county 
 and in its upbuilding and advancement. His birth 
 occurred in Washington County, Ohio, in 1852. 
 He is a son of William Hays, who in 1860 re- 
 moved with his family- to Perr^' Count}-, 111. Our 
 subject, who was then a j-outh of eight summers, 
 acquired his education and was reared to manhood 
 in that county. 
 
 In the year 1880, INIr. Hajs was united in mar- 
 riage with Miss Ellen Schwartz, daughter of Will- 
 iam and Sarah (Kimmel) Schwartz. Two children
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 725 
 
 have been born of this union, Herbert and Will- 
 iam. The parents are well known people of this 
 community and have a large circle of friends and 
 acquaintances throughout the county-. 
 
 In 1881, Mr. Hays removed with his family to 
 Elkville and established a general store, which he 
 still carries on. He is doing a lucrative business 
 along that line, having secured an excellent trade. 
 He carries a full and ccimplete stock of general 
 merchandise, and by his earnest endeavors to 
 please his customers and bj- his fair and upright 
 dealing, he has won the confidence and good will 
 of all. In addition to this enterprise he also owns 
 and manages a good farm, comprising one hun- 
 dred and sixty acres of valuable land. The place 
 is stocked with fine horses, many of which re- 
 ceive mention in the American Trotting Register. 
 He is a lover of the noble steed, and takes great 
 delight in the fine animals upon his place. 
 
 Mr. Haj's has been frequently called upon to 
 serve in positions of public trust, for his worth 
 and ability are recognized by his fellow-towns- 
 men. He is now serving as Town Clerk and also 
 as Treasurer. He has also filled the office of Post- 
 master, but when President Cleveland became 
 chief magistrate he resigned the position. He has 
 ever proved a capable and efficient officer, dis- 
 charging his duties with a promptness and fidelity 
 which have won him high commendation. His res- 
 idence, which is situated awa}* from the heart of 
 the town, is regarded as the finest in Elkville, and 
 was secured by that indefatigable industry' which 
 was a distinguishing trait of his ancestors. 
 
 v(9)^ ^C!^4 ^(a)J 
 
 (^ '^f^f' ~^^ 
 
 ON. CHARLES GEUMALLEY. ex- Associate 
 Judge of Perry County, who is now en- 
 gaged in the jeweliy business in Pinckney- 
 ville,is one of the worth}- citizens which 
 QfCrmanj' has furnished to this community. He 
 was born in Bavaria, April 24, 1838, and is a son 
 of Jacob Geumalley. who was a farmer, and who in 
 1844 emigrated to the New World. He took up his 
 residence in Penns\ivania, where his remaining 
 
 days were passed, his death occurring in 1866. He 
 married Marguerite Ring, who was also a native 
 of Bavaria. She departed this life in Pinckney- 
 ville in 1870. In their family were fifteen chil- 
 dren, seven sons and eight daughters, but our sub- 
 ject is the only one of the brothers now living, 
 and only two of the sisters still survive: Mary, 
 the wife of a jeweler of Chicago; and Madelina, 
 who is married to a farmer of Stewardson, 111. 
 
 Charles Geumalley was a lad of only twelve 
 summers when he began to learn the jeweler's trade 
 in Pottsville, Pa. In 1857, with the hope of bet- 
 tering his financial condition, he came to the west, 
 locating in Chicago, where he worked at his trade 
 for a little more than a year. In 1858 he came to 
 Pinckneyville, where he embarked in business on 
 his own account on a small scale. From the be- 
 ginning he prospered, his trade constantly increas- 
 ing, while he continually increased his stock to 
 meet the growing demand. His well directed ef- 
 forts and good business ability have brought to him 
 a handsome competency. 
 
 In 1863 Mr. Geumalley was united in marriage 
 with Miss Barbara Mann, daughter of John Mann, 
 one of the pioneer settlers of Monroe County, 111. 
 Thej- now have five children: Gertrude, wife of 
 Charles Bishof, of Decatur, 111.; Mary, Laura, Fan- 
 nie and Charles W., who are still with their par- 
 ents. Their home is one of the finest residences 
 in th^eit}-. 
 
 In connection with his jewelr}' business, Mr. 
 Geumalley is interested in other enterprises. He 
 is a stockholder and Vice-President of the Pinck- 
 neyville Milling Company; was for seven years 
 President of the creamery company, and owns 
 considerable real estate. In religious belief he is a 
 Catholic, and in politics he has ever been a stal- 
 wart Democrat. He has served as County Com- 
 missioner, and for three years was one of the Asso- 
 ciate Judges of the count}'. For the past twenty- 
 eight years he has been City Treasurer of Pinck- 
 neyville, an honor which is well merited by prompt 
 service and fidelity to duty. His frequent re- 
 elections also indicate his popularity' and the hiwh 
 regard in which he is held by his fellow-citizens. 
 There is probably no one in Perry County who is 
 held in higher esteem than the gentleman whose
 
 726 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 name heads tliis record, and it therefore gives us 
 great pleasure to present to our readers this sketch 
 of his life, knowing that it will be received with 
 interest by many of his friends. 
 
 W. DUNN, M. D., who for some time has 
 '! made his home in Du Quoin, where he 
 
 is successfully engaged in the practice of 
 medicine, claims Tennessee as the place of 
 his nativity. He was born in Pocahontas Novem- 
 ber 25, 1852, and is a son of James P. and Minerva 
 (Wooten) Dunn. His mother died before lie was 
 two years of age. The father was born near Hunts- 
 ville, Ala., January 1, 1812, and was a minister in 
 the Missionary Baptist Church, preaching in Ten- 
 nessee, Mississippi, Indiana and Hlinois for more 
 than fort}' years. In 1868 he located in Corinth, 
 111., where he lived until his death, in 1888. He 
 had the respect and confidence of all who knew 
 him, and his loss was deeply- mourned. His father, 
 Daniel Dunn, who was also born in Alabama, was 
 a prominent and wealthy stockman and died in 
 his native state about forty years ago. The Doc- 
 tor bad three sisters and four brothers, but only 
 one sister arid two brothers are now living. They 
 are; M. C, a farmer of Texas; E. E., who follows 
 farming near Poplar Bluff, Mo.; and Jalia, wife of 
 George Wra}-, a farmer residing near tht old 
 Dunn homestead in Tennessee. 
 
 The Doctor being the son of a preacher had no 
 settled home in his boyhood. His education was 
 such as was afforded by the schools of the com- 
 munity in which they happened to live. At the 
 age of twenty he started out to make his own way 
 in the world, and the first thing he determined 
 upon was to provide himself with a more thorough 
 education, but he had no means and had to work 
 his way through school. At the end of three 
 years he had fitted himself for teaching and em- 
 barked in that profession, which he followed for 
 twelve years in Franklin .and Williamson Coun- 
 ties, 111. 
 
 At the age of twent3'-one, in 1873, Dr. Dunn 
 married Miss Mary Jordan, and to them were born 
 three cliildren, James, Luther and Lulu. The wife 
 
 and mother died in 1878. Three children have 
 been born of his second marriage, Leonard, Theo- 
 dore and Everett. 
 
 While engaged in teaching, our subject spent 
 his leisure hours in the study of medicine, and also 
 mastered telegraphy, but never made any practical 
 use of the latter. After becoming well versed in 
 the science of medicine, he gave up teaching and 
 entered the office of Dr. D. L. Carter, of Thomp- 
 sonville. 111., with whom he continued his reading 
 for a year, when he became a student in the Amer- 
 ican Eclectic Medical College of St. Louis, from 
 which he was graduated on the 3d of June, 1889. 
 He then engaged in practice for a year in St. Louis, 
 and iilso spent one year in Thompsonville, after 
 which he came to Du Quoin, where he has since 
 built up a large and lucrative pr.actice, the result 
 of his skill and ability. He has gained an envia- 
 ble reputation, which is well deserved. In politics 
 he is a Republican, but has never sought or de- 
 sired political prefei'inent. 
 
 \fl OSEPH SINGER, who is engaged in general 
 farming on section 2, township 7, range 7, 
 ^^^ Randolph County, is a native of Prussia. 
 ^// He was born on the 15th of March, 1836, 
 and is a son of John and Rosa (Wengkin) Singer, 
 both of whom were born in Prussia, although the 
 latter was of Polish parentage. They spent their 
 entire lives in their native land. 
 
 The subject of this sketch attended the public 
 schools of his native country, and thus acquired a 
 good education. As he approached years of matur- 
 ity and thought of the future before him in which 
 he would be dependent upon his own resources, he 
 resolved to seek a home in the New World. He was 
 a young man of eighteen years when he bade adieu 
 to friends and Fatherland and crossed the broad 
 Atlantic to America. On reaching this country, he 
 at once made his way to Wisconsin, where he se- 
 cured work as a farm hand, and was thus employed 
 four years. On the expiration of that period he 
 came to Chester, Randolph County, and with the 
 capital that he had acquired by his own industry 
 and perseverance he purchased the farm on which
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 727 
 
 he now resides. He has since devoted his time and 
 energies untiringly to agricultural pursuits, and as 
 the result of his continued labors, his well directed 
 efforts and good business ability, he has acquired 
 a comfortable competence. 
 
 On the 1st of March, 1861, Mr. Singer was mar- 
 ried to Miss Sophia Jany, a daughter of John and 
 Anna Jany. who were both natives of Prussia, but 
 in an early day located in Randolph County. The 
 union of our subject and his wife has been blessed 
 with a famil}' of nine children, and with the ex- 
 ception of Andrew, who died at the age of two 
 years, all are 3-et living and are still with their par- 
 ents. They are, Julia, Mary, Anna, Frank, John, 
 Joseph, Herman and Edward. 
 
 Mr. Singer and his family are all consistent and 
 faithful members of the Roman Catholic Church. 
 The}' are people of prominence in this communitj', 
 widel}^ and favorably known, and it is with pleas- 
 ure that we present to our readers a record of tiieir 
 lives. In his political views, Mr. Singer has always 
 been a supporter of the Democracj', but has never 
 aspired to putolic office, preferring to devote his en- 
 tire time and attention to his business interests, in 
 which he has met with a signal and well merited 
 success. 
 
 J. RUSHING is the Postmaster of Pinck- 
 ney ville, and in the discharge of his public 
 ,v duties has won high commendation, for he 
 ^^is ever true to the trust reposed in him, 
 whether it be public or private. This is his native 
 cit3', his birth having here occurred October 18, 
 1863. His father, Evan B. Rushing, was born in 
 Bedford County, Tenn., June 17, 1827, and came 
 to Perry County with his father, Joel Rushing, in 
 1833. The latter was born in North Carolina, 
 December 26, 1799, and was a prominent citizen 
 and honored pioneer of this county. He served 
 as County Commissioner, and under iiis direction 
 the old part of the present court house was built. 
 He was a leading member of the Baptist Church, 
 did much to promote its interests, and led a most 
 exemplary life. His death occurred in Pinckney- 
 ville, July 10, 1878. His father, whose name was 
 
 Joseph Rushing, was also born in North Carolina, 
 and died in Tennessee. 
 
 Evan B. Rushing acquired his education in the 
 public schools of Perrj' Count}', and in his early 
 life engaged in teaching school for a time. In 
 1856, he was elected to the office of Circuit Clerk 
 of the county, and thus served for two terms, dur- 
 ing which time he read law and became thoroughly 
 acquainted with all the branches of the profession. 
 In 1868, he passed an examination and was ad- 
 mitted to the Bar. The same year he was appointed 
 Master in Chancery, and was several times re-ap- 
 pointed to that office, which he continued to fill 
 until 1888, his term of service being ended by 
 death. He was also President of the Town Board 
 and Trustee of the village, and in whatever office 
 he was called upon to fill he was always found 
 prompt, faithful and true in the discharge of his 
 public duties. He was one of the founders of the 
 Perry Count}' Agricultural Society, and was rec- 
 ognized as one of the leading citizens of this com- 
 munity. He was married March 20, 1849, to Le- 
 titia, daughter of Reuben and Elizabeth (James) 
 Kelly. She was born in Perry County, February 
 6, 1833, and died September 28, 1864. In their 
 famil}' were three children, a son and two daugh- 
 ters. Susie is now the wife of T. S. Campbell, a 
 druggist of Pincknej'ville, and Mary A. is the wife 
 of F. M. Roe, a merchant of Pinckneyville. 
 
 In the schools of his native town our subject 
 was educated. He entered upon his business career 
 when a small bo}' as clerk in a store, and at the age 
 of nineteen was proprietor of a grocery store, 
 which he successfully carried on for five years. He 
 was then called to public office, and served for 
 three years as Deputy Count}- Clerk of Perry 
 County, which position he at length resigned to 
 accept the position of Postmaster in November, 
 1893. He was appointed without opposition, and 
 is now faithfully discharging the duties of the 
 office. In April, 1893, he was elected Alderman 
 from the First Ward, and is now serving in that 
 capacity. 
 
 Mrs. Rushing bore the maiden name of Maggie 
 Strait, and is a daughter of J. D. Strait, who was 
 a prominent pioneer of Perry County. One child 
 graces the union of our subject and his wife, Evan,
 
 728 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 who was born in January, 1887. Mr. Rushing has 
 always been a Democrat in politics, and takes an 
 active interest in everything that tends to insure 
 the success of his party. Socially, he is a Royal 
 Arch Mason, and is regarded as one of the most 
 popular young men of Pinckneyville, a fact which 
 indicates a well spent life, as he has always lived 
 in this place. 
 
 ■ ; I l' ^^ 4 ! ■ I • 
 
 1 OBERT P. THOMPSON was born in Ran- 
 dolph County, 111., in 1838, and was a 
 \V worthy representative of one of the hon- 
 W^ ored pioneer families of this communit}-, 
 a family prominent in the history of the commu- 
 nity, in its upbuilding, advancement and improve- 
 ment. The farm upon which he located was set- 
 tled by his father in 1818, the year in which the 
 state was admitted to the Union. His parents 
 were James and Mary Thompson, both of whom 
 were natives of Randolph County, and here they 
 spent their entire lives. 
 
 Our subject attended the district schools of the 
 neighborhood, and there acquired a fair education. 
 When he had mastered the common branches of 
 learning he studied surveying under the direction 
 of his father, and having thoroughly mastered 
 the business, he was in 1859 elected Count}' Sur- 
 veyor of Randolph County, proving a capable and 
 efficient officer. He afterward engaged in teach- 
 ing school in different parts of the county, and in 
 this undertaking was alike successful. In 1863, in 
 connection with his brother J. D.,he got up a map 
 of Randolph County from the Government sur- 
 veys. In 1866 and 1867 he served as Deputy 
 Sheriff under Capt. John T. McBride. 
 
 On the 11th of March, 1873, Mr. Thompson was 
 united in marriage with Miss Nancy Miller, of 
 Lively Prairie. The lady is a daughter of John and 
 Nancy (Boyd) Miller, both of whom were natives 
 of South Carolina, but during childhood came with 
 their respective parents to Randolph County, 
 where they were reared and married. From that 
 time until their deaths they continued residents 
 of this county. Mrs. Thompson was their only 
 child. Unto our subject and his wife were born 
 three children, but two of the number died in in- 
 
 fancy. One is still living, Miss Ada, who is at- 
 tending the Chester schools. She and her mother 
 made their home in Chester. 
 
 After his marriage, Mr. Thompson turned his 
 attention to farming, which he carried on continu- 
 ously until 1887, when he removed to Chester 
 with his family. During his residence in that 
 place he twice held the office of Deputy County 
 Clerk, and was several times elected Chief Magis- 
 trate. In the various offices he filled he ever dis- 
 charged his duties with a promptness and fidelity 
 which won him high commendation and fre- 
 quently won his re-election. He was always true 
 to every trust, whether public or private, and had 
 the high regard of all with whom business or 
 social relations brought him in contact. His loss 
 was mourned not only by his immediate family, 
 but throughout the community as well, for he had 
 many warm friends. He was a member of the 
 Methodist Church, to which his wife also belonged. 
 She was a most estimable lad}', possessed of many 
 excellencies of character, and like her husband is 
 widely and favorably known in the. community. 
 
 OHN L. OZBURN, the efficient bookkeeper 
 of the Jackson County Milling and Eleva- 
 tor Company, is also connected with other 
 ,^_^ business interests of Murphysboro. He is 
 a Director in the Bloomington Building and Loan 
 Association, is President of the Board of Apprais- 
 ers, and is a stockholder in the Southern Illinois 
 Building and Loan and the Jackson County 
 Homestead and Loan Associations. Business 
 ability and an upright life have placed him in the 
 foremost rank of the leading citizens of this com- 
 munity. 
 
 Born near Brownsville, 111., February 20, 1852, 
 our subject is a son of Col. Lindorf Ozburn, a na- 
 tive of North Carolina, who came to Jackson 
 County in an early day. For a time he operated 
 a horse-mill at Brownsville, and in 1854 came to 
 Murphysboro, where he built the Lower Mill. In 
 1862 he aided in raising the Thirty-first Illi-
 
 James G . Sympson
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 731 
 
 nois Infantry, and was mustered in as Quarter- 
 master of the regiment. At Jackson, Tenn., he 
 was made Colonel of General Logan's old regi- 
 ment, and continued to lead his command until 
 forced to resign, in 1864, on account of physical 
 disal)ility, caused by a fall from a horse. He 
 wedded Diza Glen, a native of this state and an 
 own cousin of General Logan. Mrs. Ozliurn still 
 makes her home in Murphysboro. Of the family 
 of seven children, five are yet living, namely: 
 John L.; Lillie, wife of Judge Roberts, of Carbon- 
 dale; Lou, of Murphysboro; Al, conductor on the 
 Mobile & Ohio Railroad; and A. M., Rate Clerk 
 on the Missouri Pacific Railroad at St. Louis. 
 
 In the common schools John Ozburii acquired 
 his education, and from early boyhood worked in 
 ills father's mill. He afterwards became weigh- 
 master of the mines and was with the Gartside 
 Coal Company for four years. He was then weigh- 
 master and bookkeeper at the Lewis mines for 
 three yeais, after which he returned to the old 
 company and served as head bookkeeper for ten 
 years. In 1893 he became bookkeeper for the 
 Jackson County Milling and Elevator Company, 
 which position he now fills. 
 
 In Mt. Vernon, 111., in 1874, Mr. Ozburn was 
 united in marriage with Miss Fannie Morris, 
 a native of Middleton. The}' have three children: 
 Harry, Assistant Postmaster of Murphysboro, 
 Thomas and George. Mrs. Ozburn belongs to the 
 Methodist Episcopal Church North. Since 1881 
 Mr. Ozburn has been a member of the Ancient Or- 
 der of United Workmen, also belongs to the 
 Knights of Pythias and is a charter member of 
 the Sons of Veterans, of which he has served as 
 Captain. 
 
 From 187.5 until 1879 Mr. Ozburn served as 
 County Surve^'or, being elected on tlie Democratic 
 ticket. His political views, however, were under- 
 going a change, and in 1880 he joined the ranks 
 of the Republican part}'. In 1885 he was elected 
 City Treasurer for a term of two years. On the 
 17th of June. 1889, he was appointed Postmaster 
 by President Harrison, and filled the office until 
 October 16, 1893. His official duties have ever 
 been discharged with a promptness and fidelity 
 that have won him high commendation. He is 
 
 true to every public and private trust, and the 
 community recognizes in him a valued citizen. 
 He is now a prominent Republican candidate for 
 the office of County Clerk. 
 
 Ill AMES G. SYMPSON, a native of Randolph 
 I ■ County, was born and reared on section 
 ^^ 8, township 8, range 5. He was the son of 
 ^^fy William and Nancy (Knox) Syrapson, na- 
 tives of Kentucky and Tennessee respectively, 
 who came to Illinois in an early day, and were 
 numbered among the first settlers in this part of 
 the western wilds. They are now deceased, the 
 father having died February 27, 1850, and the 
 mother March 21, 1892, at the age of about eighty- 
 two j'ears. They had a family of seven children, 
 of whom the fifth was James G. He was born 
 August 11, 1839, and departed this life July 14, 
 1892, at the homestead on section 8, where he had 
 lived since 1885. During his boyhood he attended 
 the common schools and grew to manhood, sur- 
 rounded by the usual environments of pioneer 
 life. 
 
 At the age of twenty, Mr. Sympson was united 
 in marriage with Miss Mary E., daughter of James 
 and Gillah (Kreider) Barber, the former probably 
 a native of Ohio, while the latter was born in 
 Virginia and was of German descent. When a 
 young man, James Barber accompanied his father 
 and the other members of the family on their re- 
 moval from Ohio to Illinois, and liis marriage oc- 
 curred at Kaskaskia, this state. He responded to 
 his country's call for soldiers at the time of the 
 Black Hawk War, and was ever a loj'al citizen 
 and upright man. His death occurred in May, 
 1877. His widow is still living (1894), and has 
 now attained four score years. 
 
 To our subject and his wife were born eleven 
 children, eight of whom grew to maturity. Their 
 record is as follows: Nancy, who is the wife of 
 Andrew Brownfield, is living near Ava, 111.; Emma 
 died in infancy; Gillah died when eleven jears 
 old; Florence, James, Edward, Annie, Bertha, Lo- 
 gan and Grace are at home with their mother and
 
 732 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 are attending school; John, the seventh in order 
 of birth, died in infancy. 
 
 In religious connections Mr. Sympson was a 
 member of the Christian Cliurch, as are his good 
 wife and all the children, with the exception of 
 the three youngest. In 1872 our subject moved 
 with his famil}' to Paradise, Perry County, this 
 state, where he resided for a twelvemonth. Thence 
 he went to Bollinger County, Mo., and sojourned 
 for two years near Marquand. He had hoped to 
 there regain his health, but, finding no relief, he 
 returned to his native county and resided until 
 his death. Mrs. Sympson continues to conduct 
 the homestead of one hundred acres, which was iier 
 birth[)iace. She is an excellent lady, amiable and 
 hospitable, and is training her children for posi- 
 tions of usefulness in business and social circles. 
 
 In 1862 Mr. Sympson enlisted in Company A, 
 Eightieth Illinois Infantry, and served until the 
 close of the war. He was twice wounded, and lost 
 a foot in the service of his country. He was a 
 member of Rock wood Post No. 734, G. A. R. A 
 Republi(!an throughout his entire life, he cast his 
 first vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1860. He was 
 highly respected by all with whom he had social 
 or business relations, and his demise was mourned 
 by a large number of friends and acquaintances. 
 
 ■^UDGE HENRY BOUCHER, a highly re- 
 spected citizen, who for many years has 
 lived in Murphysboro, is now serving as 
 Police Magistrate, and is also engaged in 
 the collection business. He was born in County 
 Clare, Ireland, on the River Shannon, November 
 22, 1840, and is of French and Irish descent. His 
 grandfather was born in France, and the name was 
 originally La Bourchier. In 1798 he went with 
 his parents to the Emerald Isle and served with 
 the French arm^' in the war there. He afterward 
 became a merchant of that countrj'. 
 
 The father of our subject was also a merchant 
 and farmer, and became well-to-do. In 1851 he 
 came with the Judge to Illinois, locating near 
 Carbondale, where his eldest son followed farm- 
 ing. His death there occurred. He first rijarried 
 
 Mary Maloney, their union resulting in the birth 
 of five cliildien. After her death he married Mary 
 O'Malle}', who was born in County Limerick, Ire- 
 land, and died in England. They had six chil- 
 dren, of whom the only survivors are Henry and 
 his two sisters, who married English ofHcers and 
 are now in Australia. 
 
 Judge Boucher spent the first eleven years of 
 his life in the place of his birth, and in 1851 started 
 for the New World. After a voyage of nine weeks 
 and three days he landed at Quebec, Canada, and 
 by way of the Lakes went to Chicago, thence down 
 the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers to Grand Tower 
 and crossed the country by foot to Murphysboro. 
 He was accompanied by his father, and they spent 
 the first night with Dr. John Logan. Our subject 
 then made his home with the Doctor until the lat- 
 ter's death, after which he went to the farm of his 
 half-brother, Thomas Boucher, two miles south of 
 Carbondale, there remaining until he had attained 
 his majority. He was educated in the common 
 schools. Purchasing a farm, he operated it until 
 1865, when he sold it and came to Murphysboro, 
 where he opened a meat market. Later he carried 
 on a saloon until 1872, when he purchased two 
 farms in Murphysboro Township and began their 
 development. 
 
 In 1860 Judge Boucher was married to Miss 
 Mary Davin, who was born in Maryland, but was 
 reared in Cairo, 111. After her death he wedded 
 Alice McCabe, a native of Ireland. He is a char- 
 ter member of St. Andrew's Catholic Church. In 
 politics a Democrat, he has served as a mem- 
 ber of the County Democratic Central Committee 
 and has done much for the advancement of his 
 party. For three years he was acting Marshal, 
 and helped to break up a noted horse thief gang. 
 
 In 1875 the Judge was elected Justice of the 
 Peace, which position he filled for four years. 
 He then again engaged in farming until the 
 spring of 1890. when he was elected Police Mag- 
 istrate of the city. He does all the citj^ busi- 
 ness and also engages as collecting agent. His 
 prompt and faithful discharge of public duties has 
 won him high commendation and secured for him 
 the confidence and good will of the communitj'. 
 He now owns an eight^'-acre farm in Franklin
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 733 
 
 County, besides city property. He is an early set- 
 tler, and in the long years of his residence here he 
 has ever borne his part in tlie work of public ad- 
 vancement and improvement. 
 
 APT. JOHN T. McBRIDE, a well known and 
 influential citizen of Chester, bears a prom- 
 inent part in the various affairs of the citj'. 
 He is social, benevolent and energetic, and has 
 held man}' offices of responsibility. To whatever 
 position he is (jailed he brings a determination to 
 faithfully serve his fellow-men and deal honorably 
 with them in every particular. 
 
 Our subject is descended from one of the oldest 
 families in Randolph County, and on his father's 
 side is of Scotch-Irish blood. His grandfather, 
 William McBride, was born in tlie north of Ireland, 
 and on emigrating to America, located in .South 
 Carolina, where his youngest son, the father of 
 our subject, was l)orn in 1784. About 1804 tlie 
 grandfather of our subject with his family emi- 
 grated to this state, making the journey overland, 
 and settled a few miles south of the present town 
 of Baldwin. In that early da}- there were only a 
 few American families in this territory, and those 
 who were here were principally of French origin. 
 After a residence of some years in that place, the 
 family moved to the west side of the Kaskaskia 
 River, locating on section 30, township 4, range 
 8. The grandfather of our subject was an indus- 
 trious man and a valuable addition to the Irish 
 element of his community. Though somewhat ad- 
 vanced in years on coming to this state, he endured 
 all the hardships of pioneer life, and died in 1830. 
 
 The father of our subject was first married while 
 residing in South Carolina. His second wife bore 
 the maiden name of iiliza Nelson, and became the 
 mother of our subject. The Nelson family is of 
 English origin, and settled at an early date in the 
 old Abbcyville District of South Carolina, where 
 our subject's father was also born. The parental 
 family numbered ten children, of whom our subject 
 was the youngest of five sons and the youngest 
 
 child but one. He is a native of this county, hav- 
 ing been born on his father's farm in township 4, 
 range 8, March 15, 1838. Like other farmer lads 
 he was reared on the home farm, and received a 
 fair education in the primitive schools of that early 
 day. His father dying in 1856, our subject, who 
 was then a young man of eighteen years, remained 
 at home and superintended the operations of the 
 estate, his brothers, with one exception, having 
 married and moved away. 
 
 The maiden name of our subject's wife was Mary 
 A. Wilson. She was the daughter of Gilbert 
 and Jennie Wilson, early residents of this county, 
 and became the wife of Captain McBride April 21, 
 1859. After his marriage our subject continued 
 to reside upon the old homestead until 1864, when 
 he came to Chester. Mrs. Mary A. McBride de- 
 parted this life in December, 1861, leaving a daugh- 
 ter, Eliza G., now the wife of Louis C. Stebbins. 
 In 1872 Captain McBride was again married, the 
 lady of his choice being Miss Mary C. Smith, who 
 departed this life two years later. Their union 
 was blessed by the birth of a son, Kinney S., who 
 makes his home with our subject. The present 
 wife of our subject bore the maiden name of Mary 
 E. Brown. 
 
 In the fall of 1860 our subject was elected As- 
 sessor and Treasurer of Randolph County, and was 
 re-elected in 1862. During his incumbency of the 
 offices he discharged the duties devolving upon 
 him in a most creditable manner. In the fall of 
 1864 his name was presented asa candidate for the 
 office of Sheriff, to which position he was elected. 
 He was very popular in his community, and would 
 have continued in the office except for provisions 
 in the constitution, which made him ineligible to 
 serve two terms consecutively. In 1868, however, 
 he was again chosen to the position, which he ably 
 filled for the two following years. After the ex- 
 piration of his term of office he devoted himself 
 assiduously to his business affairs until the fall of 
 1873, when he was chosen County Clerk by a ma- 
 jority of fifteen hundred votes over his opponent. 
 While serving in that position he was elected 
 Mayor of Chester and served one term of two years. 
 In 1878 he was chosen to represent his district in 
 the Legislature. He is a straightforward man, of
 
 734 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 excellent habits and a kindly disposition, and as 
 may already be inferred, is one of the prominent 
 men of the count}'. 
 
 ■fl^^HILIPKIMMEL, Sr. Could the life-rec- 
 ord of this venerable pioneer of Jaclvson 
 ^ Count}' be presented in detail, with tlie 
 \ many events of interest that have thronged 
 the passing j^ears, the young people of to-day 
 would find much therein to instruct and edify. 
 While it is not our privilege to narrate minutel}' 
 and concisely all the facts connected with his long 
 and useful career, j-et, as full}' as space will per- 
 mit, we will portray the events that have individ- 
 ualized and given character to his life. 
 
 In Somerset County, Pa., the subject of this 
 sketch was born June 4, 1810, being the son of 
 Abraham and Elizabeth (Ileipie) Kimmel, natives 
 of the Keystone State. His childhood years were 
 spent on his father's farm, where he early acquired 
 a practical knowledge of agriculture. In the inter- 
 vals of farm work it was his custom to attend the 
 subscription schools of the home neigliborhood. 
 These primitive structures were characteristic of 
 the times. They were furnished with slab seats, 
 resting on wooden legs, and a writing desk for the 
 older pupils. Amid such unfavorable surroundings 
 the boys and girls were initiated into the mysteries 
 of the alphabet, and occasionally progressed so far 
 as to be well informed concerning the three Rs. 
 
 In Pennsylvania, May 4, 1832, Mr. Kimmel was 
 married to Miss Mary G. Will, who was born in 
 Somerset County, that state, being a daughter of 
 Daniel Will, an early settler of Jackson County. 
 Eleven children were born of the union, seven of 
 whom survive, namely: Mary A., who is the wife 
 of Andrew Ereidline; Daniel W.; Joseph; Julia A., 
 who married Jefferson Casteel; John Q. A.; Sarah 
 J., wife of John Rude, and Josiah. The deceased 
 were named, Eliza, James M., Elizabeth and Henry 
 K. The wife and mother, who was a lady of noble 
 character and a devoted member of the Lutheran 
 Church, passed away March 8, 1882. 
 
 Accompanied by Samuel Koontz, of Pennsyl- 
 vania, Mr. Kimmel, in the spring of 1840, rode on 
 
 horseback to Jackson County, 111., the journey be- 
 ing made over bad roads and through an unim- 
 proved country. Arriving here, he bought two 
 hundred acres at §10 per acre, and then went back 
 to the Keystone State. In the spring of 1841 he 
 again came to Jackson County, his family accom- 
 panying him. He settled upon the farm previously 
 purchased, of which a few acres had been cleared, 
 and the remainder was timber land. For a home 
 for his family he built a log house, to which he 
 afterward added, until it was quite roomy and 
 comfortable. 
 
 In addition to fanning, Mr. Kimmel at one time 
 operated a sawmill, first by horse power and later 
 by steam power. At one time his landed possess- 
 ions aggregated one thousand acres, a portion of 
 which lie has divided among his children, althougli 
 he still retains a goodly amount in his possession. 
 In politics a Republican, he has served in numer- 
 ous official capacities. For three years he was Su- 
 pervisor of Somerset Township, for two terms 
 officiated as County Superintendent of schools, and 
 is now Treasurer of the township, having filled 
 tliat position for twenty consecutive years. Under 
 a former system be served as Commissioner of 
 Jackson County. For several years he was Presi- 
 dent of the Jackson County Agricultural Society. 
 He has a store of interesting reminiscences of the 
 past, and is an entertaining and instructive con- 
 versationalist. 
 
 ^( OSEPH CRAWFORD is a popular and en- 
 terprising young business man, a member 
 of the firm of Murphy, Crawford & Co., 
 ^^f'' dealers in dry goods, of Pinckneyville. He 
 is one of the native sons of Illinois, his birtli hav- 
 ing occurred in Murpliysboro, March 6, 1864. His 
 father, Hugh Crawford, was born in tlie Buckeve 
 Stale, and in an early day emigrated to Illinois, 
 settling in Murphysboro, wiiere he became a prom- 
 inent and leading citizen. The family is well 
 known in this community, and its representatives 
 have done much for the upbuilding and advance- 
 ment of this locality. 
 
 In his native city our subject spent the days of
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 735 
 
 his boyhood and youth, being reared in his par- 
 ents' home. His education was acquired in the 
 public scliools, wliere he pursued his studies until 
 sixteen years of age. He then started out in life 
 for himself, securing a position with the Mobile 
 (fe Ohio Railroad as train dispatcher. He contin- 
 ued with tliat company as a faithful and trusted 
 employe for a period of four years and then re- 
 signed his position, coming to Pinckne3'ville, where 
 he has since made his home. 
 
 Mr. Crawford came to this citj* in order to engage 
 in merchandising, becoming a member of the pres- 
 ent well known firm of Murphy, Crawford & Co. 
 This house is doing a good business and has a large 
 trade, which is constantly increasing, owing to 
 the straightforward and honorable dealings of the 
 proprietors and their courteous treatment of pa- 
 trons. Mr. Crawford's partner is Hon. William K. 
 Murphj', whose only daughter, Sadie V., became 
 the wife of our subject in 1889. One child graces 
 the union of the young couple, a son, who was 
 named William K. in honor of his grandfather. 
 
 In his political views Mr. Crawford is a Demo- 
 crat, but takes no active part in politics, as he 
 prefers to devote his entire time and attention to 
 his business interests. His wife is a member of 
 the Episcopal Church. They are highly esteemed 
 citizens of this community, who hold an enviable 
 position in social circles, and it is with pleasure 
 that we present to our readers this lecord of their 
 lives. 
 
 — .J> ••o»o.-(§^>vi^-o*o. .S— 
 
 "\|/OSEPH W. RICKERT, who is engaged in 
 the practice of law in Waterloo, was born 
 in Vicksburg, Miss., on the 9th of July, 1840. 
 His parents were Andrew and Margaret 
 (Slundin) Rickert, the former a native of Alsace, 
 France, and the latter of Bavaria, Germany. The 
 father came to America in 18.32, landing in New 
 York City, whence he went to Pittsburg, Pa., and 
 then to New Orleans. After seven years spent in 
 the latter city he went to Vicksburg, Miss., where 
 he met and married Miss Slundin. Eight years 
 were spent in Vicksburg, and in 1845 he came 
 with the family to Monroe County, 111., locating 
 south of New Design, where he had purchased a 
 
 farm. To the cultivation of his land he devoted 
 his energies until his death, in 1880. Unto Mr. 
 and Mrs. Rickert were born six children, five of 
 whom are still living. The eldest died in infancy. 
 
 Our subject was but .Ive years old when with 
 his parents he came to this county. He acquired 
 his early education in the old time subscription 
 schools, and at the age of seventeen entered the 
 St. Louis University, pursuing the classical course. 
 He remained in college until the death of his 
 mother, in 1860, when he returned home and 
 taught a nine months' term in the public schools 
 of Waterloo. In September, 1861, however, he 
 returned to the university, where he remained un- 
 til 1864, when he was graduated with the degree of 
 A.B. After taking his post-graduate course, he 
 received the degree of A.M., in 1869. On his re- 
 turn home, he engaged in teaching for about a 
 month in Monroe County, and then took charge 
 of the schools in Central City, 111. While there 
 he began studying law with H. K. S. O'Melveny, 
 a prominent attorney, with whom he continued 
 until June, 1865, when he again came to Waterloo, 
 and began studying law with .lames A. Kennedy. 
 
 In the fall of the same year, Mr. Rickert went to 
 Vicksburg, Miss., where he spent the winter, and 
 on his return in the spring he took charge- of the 
 school near his home. He continued to teach un- 
 til 1868, when he went to Chester, 111., and became 
 a student in the law office of Johnson it Hartzell. 
 On the 4th of December of the same year he was 
 admitted to the Bar, and in the spring of the fol- 
 lowing j'ear opened a law oflice in Waterloo, where 
 he has since been successfully engaged in practice. 
 In the fall of 1869 he was elected County Superin- 
 tendent of Schools, which position he filled for 
 four years. In the autumn of 1874 he was elected 
 a member of the Twenty-ninth General Assembly 
 from the Forty-eighth District, and took a very 
 active part in furthering the interests of legisla- 
 tion. He was prominently connected with the 
 passage of road laws for counties not under town- 
 ship organization. In 1876 he was elected Prose- 
 cuting Attorney, and filled that office for eight 
 consecutive years. 
 
 Mr. Rickert was united in marriage May 23, 
 1873, with Miss Minnie, daughter of Gottlieb Zie-
 
 736 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 bold, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. 
 She was born in Cliillicothe, Ohio, and came to 
 this county from California, Mo., in 1867. Unto 
 our subject and wife were born the following chil- 
 dren: .losie L., Minnie E., Nelson A., George F., 
 Luella C, Charles .J. and Isabella M. George F. 
 and Isabella M. died in infancy. Mrs. Rickert is 
 the Treasurer of the Frauen-Verein,a religious and 
 social organization, and was a memi3er of the La- 
 dies' Auxiliary of the World's Fair for Monroe 
 County. She has been a faithful companion and 
 helpmate to her husband and a devoted mother. 
 Two of the children, Josic L. and Minnie E., are 
 attending the Sacred Heart Convent of St. Louis. 
 Botli are fine musicians, Josie L. as a pianist, and 
 Minnie E. as a violinist, and the former is also a 
 fine linguist. 
 
 Miss Mary M. Ziehold, a sister of Mrs. Rickert. 
 entered their family in 1873, when a maiden of 
 eight summers. Under the direction of her sister 
 she was carefully educated. She early developed 
 a taste for music, and after graduating from the 
 high school and teaching for a short lime she 
 turned her attention to that art. For a time she 
 studied under Madame K. Broadus, and then, on 
 the advice of Professor Oilraore, the noted leader 
 of the famous Gilraore Band, she decided to prose- 
 cute her studies in Milan, Italy, where she is at 
 this writing. She will graduate from the Royal 
 Conservatory of Music in French and Italian music 
 in June, 1894, and will then go upon the stage as 
 an opera singer in this couutrj'. 
 
 Returning to the official life of Mr. Rickert, we 
 note that in 1888 he was elected State .Senator for 
 a term of four years, and served in the Thirty- 
 sixth and Thirty-seventh General Assemblies. He 
 was one of its prominent members and served on 
 the judicial'}- and other important committees. He 
 regularly attended all sessions, and never failed to 
 vote on the measures before the House. He prepared 
 the bill whereby 110,000 was appropriated for the 
 purpose of moving the pioneer dead from the burj-- 
 ing grounds at Kaskaskia to the cemetery at Ft. 
 Gage. He ever labored for the interest of his constit- 
 uents, and proved a capable and etlicient Senator. 
 He was one of the famous "One Hundred and One" 
 who stood so nobly b^' John M. Palmer for United 
 
 States Senator in 1891. When his term had ex- 
 pired, he was prominently mentioned in the lead- 
 ing Democratic papers for the office of .State Au- 
 ditor. His labors for the advancement of this 
 community have resulted in its material progress, 
 and tlie business interests have been greatly pro- 
 moted through his efforts. 
 
 Mr. Rickert h.as been connected with the Com- 
 mercial Bank of Waterloo since its organization 
 and is a Director of the Waterloo Milling Com- 
 pany. He also owns about nine hundred acres of 
 fine farming land in this county. The cause of 
 education lias ever found in him a warm friend, 
 and while serving on the School Board for fifteen 
 jears he did much for its advancement. For about 
 ten }-eais he was a member of the Board of Trus- 
 tees of Waterloo. He is now building a commo- 
 dious and comfortable residence in the eastern part 
 of the city, and in this home, wliich has been pro- 
 vided through his own labors, he hopes to spend 
 his remaining days. He is probably the most 
 prominent citizen of Monroe County, and the in- 
 fluential position which he has won among his fel- 
 low-men has been gained through merit and is well 
 deserved. 
 
 UDGE ABEL CAKTWKIGHT DAVIS has 
 for man}' jears been prominently identi- 
 fied with the official and business interests 
 of Murphysboro, and in fact his name is 
 inseparably connected with the historj'of Jackson 
 County, for he is numbered among its earliest set- 
 tlers, and during the vears of his residence here 
 he has been a leader in the work of progress and 
 development. Born in Murph3'sboro Township, 
 March 8, 1827, he is the son of the Rev. Philip 
 Davis, a native of Ohio County, Ky. His grand- 
 father, Gideon Davis, was born in Maryland, and 
 became one of the pioneer planters of Kentucky, 
 where he spent his remaining years. 
 
 Philip Davis was educated in Louisville and 
 afterward located in Jackson, Mo. At that time 
 Kentucky, Illinois and Missouri were comprised 
 within one conference of the Methodist Episcopal 
 Church. He there married Margaret Logan, a na- 
 tive of Ohio and a daughter of John Logan, who
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 737 
 
 was born in Ireland, and who came to this county 
 in an early day. She is a sister of Dr. John Logan, 
 of Murphysboro, and an aunt of John A. Logan, 
 our subject being a cousin of that famous General, 
 who was one of the best known and best loved 
 men of this country. 
 
 In 1823 Mr. Davis located in Brownsville, where 
 he engaged in teaching and also served as pastor 
 of the Methodist Church. A tew years later he 
 bought a farm near what is now Murphysboro, 
 and when the court house was burned at Browns- 
 ville he was appointed one of the judges to restore 
 the records of the county, which task proved an 
 arduous one. In the Masonic fraternit}^ he was 
 very prominent. To farming he devoted his en- 
 ergies until his death, which occurred in 1842, 
 at the age of forty -six. His wife survived him 
 until April, 1893, and passed awa3' at the ad- 
 vanced age of ninety years. In their family were 
 eight children, three of whom are now living. 
 One brother* Philip, who is now a minister of the 
 Methodist Episcopal Church .South, served in the 
 Thirty-first Illinois Infantry during the late war. 
 
 Judge Davis was reared amid the wild scenes of 
 the frontier. When quite young he attended the 
 subscription school which was taught by Dr. Lynch, 
 who was hired by the father of Mr. Davis and by 
 Dr. Logan. The father died when our subject 
 was thirteen years of age, and two years later he 
 began to earn his own livelihood as a farm hand. 
 He attended school at intervals until he liad at- 
 tained his majority, after which he engaged in 
 teaching for three years. More or less since at- 
 taining to man's estate he has been called upon to 
 fill public ottices. Between the ages of eighteen 
 and twenty-one he served as Constable, and after 
 about five years spent as a teacher and farmer 
 he was appointed Deputy Sheriff by William Cox 
 for a term of four years. In 1856 he was elected , 
 Sheriff, and held that olHce for four years. We 
 find him among the bo3'S in blue in 1862, serving 
 as a member of Company A, Thirty-first Illinois 
 Infantrj'. He participated in the siege of Vicks- 
 burg, the battles of Champion Hill, Black River 
 Bridge, Port Gibson, Jackson, Atlanta and Kene- 
 saw Mountain. After the battle of Atlanta he 
 was honorably discharged on account of disability. 
 
 He proved a valiant and faithful soldier, and was 
 ever found at his post of duty. 
 
 After his return home, Mr. Davis was elected 
 Associate Judge of the county for a term of two 
 j^ears. On his retirement from office he resumed the 
 care of his farm, but soon afterward was elected 
 Justice of the Peace, taking up his residence in Mur- 
 physboro. He continued to fill that office until 
 April, 1893, when he resigned on account of par- 
 tial deafness. He has done much work as admin- 
 istrator of estates, and in the discharge of his 
 official duties has ever won high commendation. 
 
 The Judge was married in Murphysboro Town- 
 ship to Leah, daughter of David Burkey, of Penn- 
 sylvania. She was born in this county. They 
 became the parents of ten childi«n, five of whom 
 reached mature years: Laura, wife of Thomas 
 Etherton, of Sand Ridge; Charles, who was killed 
 by a threshing-machine in p]ast St. Louis; Mrs. 
 Hattie Blackwood, now deceased; Mrs. Mollie Lipe, 
 of Williamson County; Jennie, wife of Dan Mc- 
 Laughlin, of Murphysboro; and Joseph II., wlio 
 is clerking in Murphysboro. 
 
 On the 4th of March, 1884, Mr. Davis married 
 Mrs. Cordelia (Case) Sanders, who was born in 
 Spafford, Onondaga Count}', N. Y., as was her fa- 
 ther, Samuel Case. Her grandfather, Aaron Case, 
 was a native of Schenectady, N. Y. The former 
 followed farming in the Empire State and in 
 Rock County, Wis., but his last days were spent 
 in the east. He married Chloe J., daughter of 
 Timothy Olmsted, both natives of New York. 
 Mrs. Davis was one of six children, five of whom 
 reached mature years, while two are yet living. 
 She was reared in Wisconsin, and in 1852 became 
 the wife of J. W. Sanders, a natire of Tennessee, 
 and removed to Marion, 111., but soon afterward 
 settled in Carbondale. He served as First Lieu- 
 tenant of the Eight3--first Illinois Infantry during 
 the late war, was afterward Sheriff of Jackson 
 County for four years, and served as Deputy 
 Sheriff under Judge Davis and M. B. Cox. He 
 died September 12, 1876. Unto Mr. and Mrs. 
 Sanders were born three children: Leroy, of Mur- 
 physboro; Frances C, wife of A. H. Roberts, of 
 Murphysboro; and John, who died in his seventh 
 year.
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Judge Davis served as foreman of the United 
 States Grand Jury in Springfield, III., in 1889. 
 He is a charter member of Amity Lodge No. 132, 
 I. 0. O. F., has filled all its of offices, and belongs 
 to the encampment. In politics he is a Democrat, 
 and is a member of the Metliodist Episcopal 
 Church South, in wliich he is serving as Trustee. 
 He has been honored with frequent elections to 
 public office, and tlie trust reposed in him has 
 never been betrayed. He is faithful and true in 
 all things, and no man is more worth}' the high 
 regard in which he is held than A. C. Davis, the 
 prominent pioneer. 
 
 ,(;^)EORGE T. COFFER, a successful farmer 
 and stock-raiser of Jackson Count}', and 
 ^^_ the owner of a well improved tract of 
 land situated on section 6. Somerset Township, 
 was born in this county March 25, 1841. Little 
 is known concerning his ancestral history, although 
 it is thought that his parents, Joshua and Eliza- 
 beth (Wilkison) Coffer, were natives respectively 
 of Missouri and Tennessee. Tradition says that 
 his paternal ancestors emigrated to America from 
 France, while on his mother's side he traces his 
 lineage to Scotland. 
 
 At an early day in tiie history of Jackson 
 County Joshua Coffer came hither and for a short 
 time sojourned near the Mississippi River. Going 
 back to Missouri, he remained in that state for 
 some time and then returned to Jackson County, 
 settling in the northern part. A few years afterward 
 he was drowned in Galum Creek. His accidental 
 death was mourned by his large circle of acquaint- 
 ances, whose high regard he held to an unusual de- 
 gree. Of his children the following survive: 
 Marena A., wife of William Zimmerman; George 
 T. and Elliott B. One of the sons, Joshua P., en- 
 listed in the Union armj% and died at Nashville, 
 Tenn., in 1864. 
 
 At the age of about thirteen years our subject 
 accompanied his widowed mother to Monroe 
 County, 111., where one year later she passed away. 
 He was therefore thrown entirely upon his own 
 resources and obliged to earn his own livelihood 
 
 from an early age. For a number of j'ears he con- 
 tinued to reside in Monroe County, whence he re- 
 turned to Jackson County, and subsequently lo- 
 cated in Franklin County, 111. At the opening of 
 the Civil War he enlisted, August 10, 1861, in the 
 Fifteenth Illinois Cavahy, which was incorporated 
 with the Army of the Cumberland. AVilh his regi- 
 ment, he participated in the battles of Ft. Henry 
 and Ft. Donelson and the siege of Corinth, in ad- 
 dition to man}' other engagements of minor im- 
 portance in which the cavalry engaged. Ordered 
 to Arkansas, he took part in the battle of Big 
 Creek, in that state, and performed faithfull)' and 
 with the utmost efficiency his duties as a defender 
 of the Old Flag. At the expiration of his term of 
 enlistment he was honorably discharged, August 
 25, 1864. He now receives a pension of 1^6 per 
 month. 
 
 About one year after liis return from the army 
 Mr. Cofifer was united in marriage, August 16, 
 1865, with Miss Serenia J. Holliday, who was born 
 October 17, 1849. Mrs. Cofifer is the daughter of 
 the late George W.and Johanna (Wliipkey) Holli- 
 day, natives of North Carolina and Pennsylvania, 
 respectively. Her grandfatiier, David Holliday, 
 was an early settler of Jackson County, and located 
 in Somerset Township wlien this now highly im- 
 proved township was a wild waste of timber land. 
 George Holliday passed away in 1881, and his 
 widow, now (1894) in her sixty-eighth year, is 
 making her home in Oraville, III. Of their chil- 
 dren six survive, namely: David, who lives in 
 Oraville, III.; Serenia J., Mi-s. Coffer; Desdemonia, 
 wife of Benjamin Coffer, a resident of Vergennes 
 Township, this county; Turner, whose home is in 
 Levan Township, this county; Imri, residing in 
 Oraville; and Susan, who is the wife of Henry 
 Nausley, of Vergennes Township, this county. 
 Elbridge G. Holliday, brother of Mrs. Coffer, en- 
 listed in the Twenty-seventh Illinois Infantry and 
 was killed in the battle of Belmont, Mo., Novem- 
 ber 7, 1861. Another brother, Henry L., took the 
 place in the regiment made vacant by the death of 
 Elbridge G. and served through the entire war, 
 participating in the battles of Chickamauga and 
 Stone River, the march to the sea, and many 
 other important engagements and campaigns. In
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 741 
 
 1865 he was honorably discharged from the army. 
 
 Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cofifer there were born eleven 
 children, nine now living, as follows: William; 
 Ellen, wife of Henry Doty; Elsmaralda; Annie; 
 Edgar; David; Franklin; Frederick and Eliza- 
 beth. Those deceased are diaries and Tiiomas 
 Marion. At the time Mr. Cofifer settled upon his 
 present farm, in 1872, the land had not been 
 cleared, and it was onl}' after arduous and untiring 
 labor that he succeeded in bringing the soil under 
 good cultivation. His farm is not one of the 
 largest in the township, containing but ninety-three 
 acres, but it has first-class improvements, and every 
 acre is so utilized as to produce the most profita- 
 ble results. 
 
 Wiiile the duties connected witli farming occupy 
 much of Mr. Coffer's attention, he nevertheless 
 finds sufficient time to devote to |)ublic affairs and 
 maintains a warm interest in everytiiing pertaining 
 to the welfare of the community'. In his politi- 
 cal afflliations lie adopts the principles of the Re- 
 publican party and supports its candidates with 
 his ballot and influence. He is identified with the 
 Grand Army of the Republic, holding membership 
 with the post at Murphj-sboro. One of the lead- 
 ing citizens iji Somerset Township, he justly occu- 
 pies a high place in the regard of all who know 
 him. 
 
 g ^ P • 
 
 ^TlOIlN CLEAKY. The simple record of an 
 honorable life is the best monument that 
 can be reared to any citizen, and we shall 
 therefore not attempt to enlarge upon the 
 history of the gentleman above named, who is a 
 large land-owner in Perry County, Mo., and at the 
 same time fills the position of Government Con- 
 tractor in Chester. He is of Irish birth, having 
 been born in County Limerick, December 25, 1840, 
 and is the son of James and Johanna Cleary. The 
 parents were poor people in their native land, and 
 ■wishing to better their condition financially, emi- 
 grated to the United Stales in 1849, landing in 
 New York City. From that place they soon re- 
 moved to Syracuse, the same state, where tliey 
 made their home for six j-ears, and at the end of 
 that time came to Chester, where the elder Mr. 
 28 
 
 Cleary engaged in gardening and farming on a 
 small scale. He departed this life in Chester in 
 1868, and his good wife died two years later. 
 
 John Cleary was the eldest of a large family, of 
 whom only three are living at the present time. 
 While residing at Syracuse, N. Y., he attended 
 school, but after the removal of the famil3- to 
 Chester, his father being in limited circumstances, 
 he was compelled to aid him in the support of the 
 family, and thus his education was neglected. He 
 made the best of his spare moments, however, and 
 by reading good books and being a close observer 
 he gained a fair knowledge of men and things. 
 
 When attaining his majority, Mr. Cleary em- 
 barked in farming pursuits upon rented land. He 
 continued to remain under the parental roof, how- 
 ever, for five years longer, and then establishing a 
 home of his own was married, January 2, 1867, to 
 Miss Jane, daughter of James and Margaret Supple. 
 After his marriage Mr. Cleary commenced to work 
 in the mill of H. C. Cole & Co., with whom he re- 
 mained for some years, and then began farming 
 again on his own account, renting property' for 
 eight years. During that period he was very suc- 
 cessful, and at the expiration of the eight years 
 removed with his family to Chester and began 
 contracting, his first work being on the streets in 
 the city. Proving himself worthy of the confidence 
 placed in him by his fellow-townsmen, he rapidly 
 grew in favor and was soon enabled to take Gov- 
 ernment contracts, sometimes having in hiseiiiiiloy 
 as man^' as two hundred men. 
 
 Mr. Cleary, after saving a goodly sum of mone}', 
 purchased a quarter-section in Perry Count}', Mo. 
 To this he has added from time to time as his cir- 
 cumstances would [lermit, until at the present time 
 he is the proprietor of a vast estate of thirteen hun- 
 dred acres, nearly all of which is under the best 
 improvements. He gives his personal attention to 
 the cultivation of three hundred acres of his es- 
 tate and rents the balance to good advantage. He 
 still, however, carries on his business as Govern- 
 ment contractor, in which branch of work he has 
 been engaged since 1876. He always furnishes the 
 timber and supplies for his contracts, which at 
 times have required as manv .as ninety-four teams. 
 
 To our subject and his estimable wife have been
 
 742 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 born five children, who bear the respective names 
 of Mary, John, William, Edward and Charles Cleve- 
 land. Mr. Cleary has his farm stocked witli all kinds 
 of blooded animals, which he ships to the St. Louis 
 and Chicago markets. In the midst of his exten- 
 sive personal interests he ever finds time to bear 
 an active part in tlie affairs of the neighborhood, 
 and in fact, in all movements which contribute to 
 the general welfare of the county'. He is a most 
 genial man, strictly honorable in all his dealings, 
 and therefore he is highly regarded by all with 
 whom he comes in contact. With his family he is 
 occupying a handsome brick residence, located in 
 the midst of beautiful grounds, where he entertains 
 a host of friends. In politics he votes the Demo- 
 cratic ticket. 
 
 ^^ ONRAD WELGE. As a representative of 
 jl(^_ the progressive and successful farmers of 
 ^^^ Randolph County, especial mention belongs 
 to the subject of this sketch, who conducts agri- 
 cultural operations on section 2, township 7, range 
 6. Through the exercise of careful management 
 in conducting his business affairs he has become 
 the owner of a good tract of land, and in addition 
 to raising the cereals he is one of the most ex- 
 tensive grape-growers in the county, having an 
 immense vinej-ard. 
 
 Mr. Welge was born the 10th of April, 1829, 
 in the province of Braunschweig, Germanj', and is 
 a son of Christian and Christina AYelge, the former 
 of whom emigrated with his family- to America in 
 18i7. They landed in the Crescent Citj' Decem- 
 ber 31 of that year, and after remaining there only 
 a few days sailed up the Jlississippi River and 
 made their permanent home in this county. The 
 elder Mr. Welge purchased farming land and en- 
 gaged in tilling the soil until his decease, which 
 occurred in 1853. Five jears later the mother of 
 our subject departed this life, leaving a family of 
 three children, of whom Conrad was the eldest. 
 
 Our subject received a good education in 
 his native land, and his occupation in German}' 
 was that of a shepherd boy. It was the expecta- 
 tion of his father to engage in sheep-raising in 
 Randolph County, but after locating here he found 
 
 the locality was not suitable for that branch of ag- 
 riculture, and therefore devoted himself to general 
 farm pursuits. Conrad is living on the old home- 
 stead, which was well improved when it came into 
 his possession, hut he has later added to its value 
 and attractiveness by the erection of commodious 
 buildings, and annually reaps an abundant har- 
 vest from the old farm. 
 
 The lady whom our subject married in April, 
 18.52, was Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Frederick 
 Shiader. Tiieir union has been blessed bj' the 
 birth of the following five children: Christina, who 
 married Conrad Gross and makes her home in 
 Buffalo, N. Y.; Herman, who married Herraanite 
 Sickmeyer, and lives at Welge; Louisa, wlio be- 
 came the wife of Herman Detmer, an<f makes her 
 home near Welge, this state; Sophia", Mrs. Louis 
 Dirks, who also lives near the above place; and 
 Caroline, who married Henry Sickmeyer and re- 
 sides in Jackson County, this state. 
 
 Our subject and his entire family are devoted 
 members of the Lutheran Church. He is one of 
 the venerable citizens of this township, and few 
 of the residents of tiie county are more widely or 
 favorably known than he. Though not an .ispir- 
 ant to an}- political office, he has been elected to 
 serve on the School Board, and held the position 'i? 
 of Director for six years. He is a Democrat in 
 politics and takes a leading part in all local mat- 
 ters. 
 
 -^ 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 y^ILLIAM GOALBY, one of the substan- 
 tial coal dealers of southern Illinois, who 
 is engaged in coal mining in Randolph 
 Count}' and makes his home in Percy, was born 
 in England on the 31st of October, 1881, and is 
 the youngest child of William and Martha (Bend) 
 Goalby. Ilis father was a miner and followed 
 that pursuit in his native land until 1852, when 
 he emigrated to the New World and settled in 
 Belleville, HI. He operated mines near that place 
 until his death, which occurred in 187-1. 
 
 Mr. Goalby of this sketch spent the days of his 
 boyhood and youth in his native land, and nttend(;c^
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 743 
 
 its public schools until fifteen years of age, when 
 he left the school room to begin work iu the mines. 
 Since that time he has been connected with coal 
 interests. In 1852 he accompanied his father on 
 the voyage to America, and in connection with 
 him opened a mine in Belleville, III. They also 
 sunk the first shaft on the Cairo Short Line Rail- 
 road, also at Ogle's Station, Robert Station, and 
 at many other mines. In 1869 he was foreman of 
 the mines at Murphysboro, 111., and in 1872 our 
 subject came to the Miller mines, which at that 
 time were controlled by the Missouri Coal Com- 
 pany. He there continued for three years, on the 
 expiration of which period the companj' became 
 disorganized and Mr. Goalby sunk a shaft at Rose- 
 borough, near Sparta, 111., which is still in opera- 
 tion. 
 
 On the expiration of a short period, Mr. Goalby 
 again went to the west, leaving his family at their 
 home in Randolph County. After spending five 
 years in Nevada, he returned to Illinois, in 1883, 
 taking up his residence in Percy, wheie he began 
 sinking shafts. He has successfully opened and is 
 now operating lw(i mines, one a top vein, and the 
 otiier a second vein. His mine usually- yields four- 
 teen cars of toal per day, and the owner is re- 
 garded as one of the substantial coal dealers of 
 southern Illinois. 
 
 In 1868 Mr. Goalby was united in marriage 
 with Miss Elizabeth Dean, daughter of Robert and 
 Elizabeth Dean, who were natives of Scotland and 
 came to America iu 184'J. Unto our subject and 
 his wife were born eleven children, but only five 
 of the number are yet living, viz.: AVilliam H., 
 who is engaged with his father in the coal busi- 
 ness; Arthur A., who married Carrie Harris and is 
 employed as engineer at the mines; Sarah D., 
 Robert and Thomas, who are still with their par- 
 ents. The mother of this faniil3' is a member of 
 the Baptist Church and is a most estimaljle lady. 
 
 In his political views Mr. Goalby is a Democrat, 
 but has never been a politician in the sense of 
 office-seeking, as he prefers to devote his entire 
 time and attention to his business interests. Not 
 long since the Barnard Coal Company went into 
 the hands of a receiver and the mine was sold, be- 
 coming the property of the firm of Barnard & 
 
 Goalby. In consequence, our subject is interested 
 in three mines, all of which are doing a good 
 business. The vocation which he has made his 
 life work has proved a profitable one to him, yield- 
 ing him a good income. He is a man of excellent 
 business and executive ability, and his well di- 
 rected efforts and good management have justly 
 won him his prosperit}'. 
 
 -^ - ^ = ^^M ^- ^•^^=^— ^— 
 
 '^ OHN H. THOMPSON. Many of the native- 
 born citizens of Randolph County have 
 adopted an agricultural career, and among 
 this number is the gentleman above named, 
 who iu addition to carr\'ing on his fine estate has 
 operated a threshing machine since 1871, and has 
 been engaged in running a sawmill for the past 
 two years. 
 
 Our subject was born on the 19th of September, 
 1845, to James G. and Margaret Caroline (Camp- 
 bell) Thompson. The father was born in the Ab- 
 beyville District, S. C, June 14. 1813, and oncom- 
 ing to Randolph County, about 1835, became one 
 of the earliest settlers within its bounds. Later 
 he removed to Arkansas, where his decease oc- 
 curred, in Lawrence County, Jul}- 14, 1856. His 
 first wife preceded him to the better land by many 
 years, dying when our subject was oulj' three 
 years of age. Afterward he married Miss Ellen 
 Mullln, bj' whom he had two children, who are 
 now deceased. He was a farmer bj- occupation 
 and was well-to-do in this world's goods. The 
 only child born of his union with Miss Campbell 
 was our subject, who was educated in the common 
 schools, and during the summer season worked on 
 a farm, thus learning the many duties belonging 
 to farm life. 
 
 AVhen ready to establish home ties of his own, 
 Mr. Thompson was united in marriage, March 18, 
 1886, with Miss Louisa E. Thompson, who, like 
 himself, was a native of this county. She was the 
 daughter of Thomas M. and Martha (Hogue) 
 Thompson; the father was born in South Carolina, 
 and the mother was born in Randolph County. 
 To our subject and his wife have been born two 
 children, a daughter, Margaret M., and a son, Harry
 
 744 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 S.,who died in infancy. With his wife he is a de- 
 voted member of the Baptist Cliurdi and enjoys 
 all the esteem commanded by a man of an honest 
 and upright life. 
 
 Mr. Thompson cast his first Presidential vote 
 for Seymour and always voted the Democratic 
 ticket until 1892, when he cast bis ballot for the 
 candidate of the People's party. His beautiful 
 estate, which comjirises eighty acres, is located 
 three and one-half miles southeast of Evansville, 
 where he devotes the greater part of his time and 
 attention to its cultivation. He has served as 
 Constable for two terms of four years each, as 
 Justice of the Peace one term of four years, Road 
 Commissioner one term of three years, and at the 
 present time is District Road Clerk. 
 
 RS. MARY ANN WALLER, who is well 
 known throughout Jackson County, and 
 now resides on section 27, Murphysboro 
 Township, was born in Franklin Count}', 
 now Williamson County, on the 11th of October, 
 1834. Her parents, Samuel and Elizabeth (Ilinch- 
 cliff) Crawshaw,were both natives of England, and 
 in that country were reared and married. In 
 1828, they emigrated to America, reaching their 
 destination on the 2d of October. They first lo- 
 cated in Philadelphia, where they remained for 
 nineteen months, when thej- came to Illinois, and 
 settled on what was known as Eight Mile Prairie, 
 .about six miles east of Carbondale. The county 
 was then wild and uuirapi-oved, the land was in 
 its primitive condition, and there were wolves and 
 pantliers in the neighborhood. Mr. Crawshaw 
 took up his residence in this communitj^ June 11, 
 1830, and in the midst of the forest developed a 
 farm. In 1836, he removed to a place three and 
 a-half miles southwest of Carbondale, and was one 
 of the earliest settlers of that locality. There he 
 continued to reside until his death, which occurred 
 in 1852, at the age of sixty-two j'ears. His wife, 
 who w.as born in 1791, passed away at the age of 
 seventy-eight j'ears. Their family numbered nine 
 children, but only three are now living, Mrs. 
 Eliza Davis, Mrs. Hannah Etherton and Mrs. Wal- 
 
 ler. The parents were both members of the Christ- 
 ian Order, and Mr. Crawshaw was a preacher of 
 that denomination. One son, Thomas, served 
 throughout the late war. 
 
 In her parents' home, Mrs. Waller spent her 
 girlhood days, performing the duties of the house- 
 hold and acquiring an education in the subscrip- 
 tion schools of the neighborhood. In 1852, when 
 eighteen years of age, she became the wife of 
 George Hagler, a native of Union County, 111., 
 born in 1830. He was one of twelve children, 
 whose father, John Hagler, was numbered among 
 the pioneer settlers of Union County, whither he 
 emigrated from North Carolina. George Hagler 
 was reared in Union and Jackson Counties, and 
 after his marriage located ujjon a farm in Carbon- 
 dale Township, which he continued to develop and 
 improve until after the breaking out of the late 
 war, when, in 1862, he enlisted in Company B, 
 pjighty-first Illinois Infantr}-. He died January 
 20, 1863, at Memphis, Tenn., leaving a widow and 
 four children. The latter are William, who mar- 
 ried Sarah J. Hanson; Allen, who married Ida 
 Lindse}-; Joseph, who wedded Frances Etherton; 
 and George, who married .lane P. Burkey. 
 
 In 1864, the lady whose name heads this record 
 became the wife of William Waller, who was born 
 in Union County, 111., March 26, 1823. He, too, 
 had been previously married, his first wife having 
 borne the maiden name of Sarah Diskan. After 
 her death he married Lucinda Lipe, and they had 
 four children, who are 3^et living, namely: Mrs. 
 Sarah L. Crawshaw; Mrs. Mary Crow; John, who 
 married Ann Thorp; and William Joseph, who 
 wedded Mary E. Thorp. Mr. and Mrs. Waller be- 
 came the parents of five children, of whom four 
 are yet living, Hannah, who married W. R. Lee; 
 Elbert E., Gilbert and Alice. Luvisa married Dr. 
 F. E. Trobaugh,and died a few months afterwards, 
 aged twenty-three years. 
 
 The death of Mr. Waller occurred December 26, 
 1891, and was deeply mourned throughout the 
 community, for he had man}' friends. He was a 
 faithful member of the Missionary Baptist Church, 
 m which he served as Deacon, and was also School 
 Director. He voted with the Republican party, 
 and kept well informed on the issues of the day.
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 745 
 
 Throughout life he followed agricultural pursuits, 
 and was a successful farmer. Since her husband's 
 death, Mrs. Waller has carried on the home farm 
 with the aid of her younger son. It is a tract of 
 three hundred acres of valuable land, the greater 
 part of which is under a high state of cultivation 
 and well improved. Mrs. Waller is also a member 
 of the Missionary Baptist Church, and is a lady 
 whose many excellencies of character have gained 
 for her tlie liigh regard in which she is justl}- held. 
 
 ^^^HOMAS J. GREEN, of Percy, was born in 
 m^ Carroll County, Ark., on the 12th of De- 
 ^^^' cember, 1851, and is a son of William and 
 Millie (Weis) Green, who were also natives of the 
 same state. He received hardl3' any educational 
 advantages in his youth, but experience and ob- 
 servation have made him well informed. He spent 
 his early life upon a farm, beginning work in the 
 fields as soon as he was old enough to handle the 
 plow. He soon became familiar with all the de- 
 tails of farm work and made a hand at harvest. 
 
 Mr. Green was a lad of only ten years when he 
 left home and went to Dallas County, Mo., where 
 he was emploj'ed as a farm hand for eleven years, 
 when, in 1874, he came to Illinois, taking up his 
 residence in Randolph Count}', where he has since 
 made his home. The greater part of his life has 
 been devoted to agricultural pursuits. When he 
 came to this count}' he secured a farm and with 
 characteristic energ}' began its cultivation, and its 
 well tilled fields soon yielded to him a golden 
 tribute in return for the care and labor bestowed 
 upon them. He also made good improvements, 
 and his place was ever neat and thrift}' in apjjear- 
 ance. In July, 1892, he left the farm and came to 
 Percy, where he has since made his home. 
 
 In October, 1877, Mr. Green was united in 
 marriage with Jane (Weir) Lemoud,a daughter of 
 James and Jane (Downing) Weir, both of whom 
 were natives of Kentucky. On leaving that state 
 they removed to Ohio, and thence came to Illinois 
 in 1851, settling in Randolph County, where they 
 spent their remaining days. Mrs. Green has been 
 four times married. Her first husband was John 
 
 Larue, of Ohio. Frank, the only child of that 
 marriage, is now living in Percy. She next mar- 
 ried Charles G. Gruenigen, who died while in the 
 Union army during the late war, leaving one son, 
 Charles, who is yet living. His widow afterward 
 became the wife of Thomas E. Lemond, who died 
 leaving two children: Elmira, now the wife of 
 Thomas Williams, of Randolph County; and David 
 L., who married Laura E. Blanton and resides in 
 Percy. 
 
 Both Mr. and Mrs. Green hold membership with 
 the Methodist Church, contribute liberally to its 
 support and are active workers in its interest. 
 They are prominent and well known people of this 
 community, and their friends are many in the 
 neighborhood. In politics Mr. Green is a stalwart 
 Republican, but has never sought or desired the 
 honors or emoluments of public office. His life 
 was a hard one in his early youth, but by persist- 
 ent energy, a courageous spirit and a strong de- 
 termination, he overcame the obstacles in his path 
 and steadily worked his way upward. As he did 
 so, he acquired a comfortable competence, which 
 now enables him to spend his declining years in 
 retirement, enjoying the rest which he has so 
 truly earned and richly deserves. 
 
 |:i^ 
 
 -^") 
 
 ^i^ 
 
 x) 
 
 fe 
 
 ARRISON DRUSE, a well known farmer 
 residing on section 16, township 3, range 
 9, Monroe County, claims New York as the 
 state of his nativity. His parents were 
 Stephen and Anna (Denslow) Druse. The former 
 was of French descent and was born in New York. 
 He received such educational advantages as the 
 common schools of his native state afforded. He 
 married Miss Denslow, who was born in Canada, 
 and who was of Welsh lineage. When quite young 
 she removed to New York, where she received but 
 limited school privileges. 
 
 Both Mr. and Mrs. Druse were members of the 
 Baptist Church and took an active interest in all 
 that pertained to its upbuilding and to the welfare 
 of the community. By industry, economy and 
 good management he steadily worked his way up.
 
 746 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 ward and acquired a comfortable competence. In 
 1819 he removed with his famil.y to Ohio, locating 
 in Washington County, where his death occurred 
 two }-ears later. His wife long survived him, pass- 
 ing away in 1845, on the day of General Jack- 
 son's death. In the Druse family were ten chil- 
 dren, and with one exception all reached mature 
 years. In. order of birth they were as follows: 
 Ira, who died in infancy; Jeremiah, Luc3% Sarali, 
 Riley, Stephen, Melissa, Harrison, Warren and 
 Joseph. 
 
 It was during his early bo3hood that Harrison 
 Druse accompanied the family to the Bucke3-e 
 State. In the common schools of the neighbor- 
 hood he conned his lessons through the winter 
 season, while iu the summer months he aided in 
 the labors of the farm. No event of special im- 
 portance occurred during his 3'outh, which was 
 quietly' passed in his parents' home. In 1843 was 
 celebrated his marriage witli Miss Agnes Cockshot, 
 a native of England, who crossed tiie Atlantic in 
 1818 and settled in Belle Prairie, Washington 
 Count}', Oliio, where she was educated and reared 
 to womanhood. In the same year of their mar- 
 riage the}' emigrated to Illinois and took up their 
 residence upon a farm in Monroe Count}'. Six 
 children came to bless their home and all are yet liv- 
 ing, namely: Joseph D., Warren D., Ralph H., Ger- 
 tie M., Agnes and Ollie. The mother of this fam- 
 ily was a sincere and faithful member of the 
 Methodist Episcopal Church, and was a lady of 
 intelligence, highly respected by all who knew her. 
 In 1884 siie was called to the home beyond, and 
 her death was deeply mourned. 
 
 In his political views, Mr. Druse was a Whig in 
 early life, and when the Republican party was 
 formed he joined its ranks, since which time he 
 has been numbered among its stalwart supporters. 
 He has held the office of School Treasurer of his 
 township, and was also County Commissioner for 
 two terms. He discharged his duties in a prompt 
 and faithful manner, .and thereby won the com- 
 mendation of all concerned. Mr. Druse is a self- 
 made man, who started out in life empty handed, 
 but by diligence and good management he has ac- 
 cumulated considerable property and now has six 
 hundred acres of valuable land in Monroe County 
 
 and a fine home. He is now practically living 
 retired, while his eldest son carries on the farm. 
 He also has one son who is Chief of Police in San 
 Antonio, Tex. 
 
 •^=^^1 
 
 H 
 
 vH 
 
 LLEN A. SHORT, Treasurer of Randolph 
 County, is a man univers.ally popular, and 
 one who has attained success in life. No 
 public official is held in higher estimation 
 for practicable ability and fine personal character, 
 and we are pleased to represent such a public- 
 spirited, courteous gentleman in our Record. He 
 is a native of this county, having been born in 
 Percy, April 5, 1856, and is the son of Richard J. 
 .and Mary G. (Cross) Short. The father of our 
 subject was also a native of this county, his birth 
 occurring on what was known as Short's Prairie, 
 where his father located in an early d.ay. Mr. 
 Short is still living, making his home on a fine, 
 farm near the village of Percy. The maternal 
 grandfather of our subject, Arthur Cross, was also 
 numbered among the early settlers of Jackson 
 County, and there owned a good estate, which 
 he placed under fine cultivation. His daugtiter, 
 Mrs. Short, was born near Shiloh Hill, in Jackson 
 County. 
 
 The gentleman whose name heads this sketch 
 was the fourth in order of birth of seven children, 
 and like other farmer lads attended the district 
 school, where he learned to read, write and 
 "cipher." Later he carried on his studies in the 
 Sparta schools, and at the age of twenty j'ears be- 
 gan teaching school. After being thus employed 
 for three years, he turned his attention to farming, 
 and by his energy and skill has attained satisfac- 
 tory results. 
 
 In his political relations Mr. Short always votes 
 with the Democratic party, and in 1890 he was 
 elected Treasurer of Randolph County. Gifted by 
 nature with high endowments, he has cultivated 
 these to the utmost, and his indefatigable labor 
 has brought to him the esteem of his fellow-men. 
 March 27, 1889, he married Miss Ida E. Monleith, 
 a native of Perry County, this state, and the 
 daughter of John A. and Mary A. Monteith. They
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 747 
 
 are the parents of a son, John A. Mr. Short is a 
 man of probity and honor. He has been success- 
 ful from a financial point of view, and has won 
 for himself a high position in the county which is 
 his native home. 
 
 += 
 
 =+ 
 
 ^( AMES H. CONANT, a retired farmer mak- 
 ing his home in the city of Chester, has 
 been prominent in the public affairs of that 
 place, and .is a Union soldier well deserves 
 representation in this volume. He is widel}' and 
 favorably known throughout the communit}% and 
 without doubt tlie record of his life will prove of 
 interest to many of oui readers. He is a native 
 of this county', and his birth occurred January 
 13, 1828. His father, Nathan Conant, was born 
 in Massachusetts in 1790, and his mother, whose 
 maiden name was Elizabeth Hindman, was a native 
 of Randolph Countj', 111. 
 
 When a j'oung man of thirty years the father 
 of our subject emigrated to Illinois, and passed 
 the remainder of his life on a farm near Chester, 
 with the exception of a short time spent in teach- 
 ing school in Perry County. He was a man of the 
 strictest integrity and uprightness, and in his 
 death, which occurred in 1875, the community 
 lost one of its most honored citizens. Mrs. Conant 
 is still living, and resides in Salina, Kan., at the 
 advanced age of eight3'-four years. 
 
 In his boyhood, James H. Conant was the re- 
 cipient of ordinary school advantages, and his 
 time was devoted principally to working on his 
 father's farm. When attaining mature years he 
 launched out in life on his own account, and in 
 connection with carrying on a farm followed the 
 trade of a cooper, which he had learned. In 18G2, 
 the Civil War being in progress, he enlisted in 
 Company A, Eightieth Illinois Infantry, and was 
 mustered into service at Centralia. With his regi- 
 ment he was sent to join the Armj' of the Cum- 
 berland, and was actively engaged in many battles 
 throughout Kentucky, Tennessee and Georgia. 
 During an engagement at Yining Station, near At- 
 lanta, he lost his right arm, which was shot and 
 
 had to be amputated. To-day he carries an empty 
 sleeve as a memento of his life in the armj-. 
 
 Mr. Conant received an honorable discharge 
 from the army in June, 1865, and returning to his 
 home in this county, continued his farming opera- 
 tions for a number of years. He began life for 
 himself without capital, but bj' perseverance and 
 industry overcame the ditticulties in his path 
 and worked his way upward to success. Having 
 acquired a handsome competency, which enabled 
 him to retire from active work, in 1879 he moved 
 into the city of Chester, where he is at present re- 
 siding. 
 
 James H. Conant and Mrs. Elizabeth Maxwell, 
 daughter of James and Elizabeth (Patton) Flem- 
 ing, were united in marriage in November, 1873. 
 The father of Mrs. Conant wiis a native of Scot- 
 land, and emigrated thence to the United States 
 in 1840. Further facts concerning his life will be 
 found in his biography, which appears on another 
 page. Our subject and his wife are members of 
 the Presb3'terian Church. In politics he always 
 votes with the Republican party. 
 
 GRACE M. VAN METER, who was born 
 near Elizabethtown, Hardin Count}-, Ky., 
 August 28, 1828, is a son of William and 
 
 ^ Elizabeth (Goodin) Van Meter. He is now 
 residing in the village of Rockwood, and is the 
 owner of a fine farm which he cultivates, and 
 which is located but a short distance from his resi- 
 dence. 
 
 The father of our subject was probably a native 
 of Pennsylvania, and a descendant of old Dutch 
 stock. His father bore the name of Jacob. He 
 died July 4, 1876. The good wife and mother, 
 who was a daughter of an English emigrant, was 
 born January 1, 1800, in Hardin Count}', Ky., and 
 died April 29, 1886. Hor.ice Van Meter left Ken- 
 tucky in 1837, with his parents, who resided one 
 year in Clay County, Ind., after which they re- 
 moved to Edgar Count}-, 111., settling near Grand- 
 view, where they continued to reside until their 
 death. 
 
 In 1844, when seventeen years of age, our sub-
 
 748 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 ject left the parental roof, and walked to the Ohio 
 River, where he took passage on the steamer "Con- 
 cord," and went to Louisiana. Near Baton Rouge 
 he engaged in coopering, making sugar hogsheads 
 and molasses barrels. He continued at that occu- 
 pation in the immediate neighborhood until Feb- 
 ruary, 1853, when lie ascended the river to Ches- 
 ter, this county, then quite a village. Remaining 
 there for a year, he studied anatomy with Dr. 
 William Vance. In June, 1854, he came to Rock- 
 wood, and in the fall of the same 3'ear purchased 
 land near this village, in Jackson County, and be- 
 gan the operation of a farm, which he continued 
 until the outbreak of the war. 
 
 When the outbreak of the Rebellion called for 
 the energetic efforts of every loyal American citi- 
 zen, Mr. Van Meter offered his services to the 
 Union, enlisting September 10, 1861, in Company 
 K, Fifth Illinois Cavahy, at Sparta, 111. This regi- 
 ment was mustered in at Springfield, and was as- 
 signed to duty in Missouri and Arkansas, travel- 
 ing as far south as Mississippi, doing some service 
 also in Tennessee, and participating in the siege 
 of Vicksburg. After more than three years of 
 fighting, our subject was discharged at Vicksburg, 
 October 31, 1864, having served under Generals 
 Steele and Sherman. 
 
 On returning from the war, Mr. Van Meter sold 
 his farin in Jackson County, and purchased one 
 hundred and sixty acres near Rockwood, about 
 one-half of which is fine bottom land. Here he 
 has since continued to carr3' on agricultural pur- 
 suits. February 4, 1851, he married Adelaide, 
 daughter of AVilliam and Chloe (Whitney) Vance, 
 residents of Louisana, who removed to that state 
 from Iowa, where the mother was born. Of this 
 marriage five children were born, three of whom 
 survive: Cornelia, the wife of Warren Hooker, of 
 St. Louis; Willie, the wife of John A. Malone, of 
 De Soto, Mo.; and Charles C, at present in- the 
 state of Oregon. 
 
 On the 6th of March, 1870, our subject was a 
 second time married, taking as his wife Mrs. Caro- 
 line Gilbreath, a daughter of Jere and Chloe 
 (Whitney) Hill. Mrs. Van Meter is a member of 
 the Methodist Episcopal Church of Rockwood. 
 In politics our subject is a Republican. Socially, 
 
 he belongs to Chester Lodge No. 72, A. F. <fe A. 
 M.; Rockwood Lodge No. 351, L O. O. F.; and 
 Rockwood Post No. 734, G. A. R. He has served 
 as Trustee and President of the Village Board of 
 Rockwood, and as Trustee and Director of the 
 public schools. He and his wife are held in the 
 highest esteem b}' the citizens of Rockwood. 
 
 
 ^^Kr ^K r "^ ^ ^ i £r ^ifc r ^^Hj 
 
 \\ HARLES THIEMANN. Everybody in this 
 portion of the state knows Charles Thie- 
 mann, the present Commissioner of Ran- 
 dolph County, who is residing on his fine farm, 
 located four miles southeast of Red Bud, where 
 ills birth occurred Januar}- 3, 1857. His parents, 
 John Friedrich C. and Caroline (Nagel) Thiemann, 
 were natives of German}', who emigrated to the 
 United States in 1842. They immediately located 
 in Randolph County, where the fatiier was vari- 
 ously employed for two years, and then purciiased 
 the farm which our subject now owns and occu- 
 pies. While residing in his native land, he fol- 
 lowed his trade of a potter, but after coming to 
 America made farming his life work. He was born 
 February 29, 1816, and died March 5, 1894. His 
 wife, whose birth occurred October 27, 1817, died 
 Januar}- 10, 1879. Grandfather John Thiemann 
 was a soldier in the Franco-German War, and 
 spent his entire life in his native land. 
 
 Our subject was the youngest of a family of five 
 children and obtained a fair education in the dis- 
 trict schools. He was very studious and eagerly 
 took advantage of every opportunity to learn. 
 He remained under the parental roof until his 
 marriage, since which time his father has made his 
 home with him. The date of his union with Miss 
 Sophia M. H. Schrieber was May 29, 1879. Mrs. 
 Thiemann was born June 24, 1858, and is the 
 daughter of Charles and Magdalena (Huth) Schrie- 
 ber, natives of Germany. Her parents came to 
 the United States, and the mother departed this 
 life in Randolph County in 1884. 
 
 To Mr. and Mrs. Thiemann have been born three 
 children, Albert F. W., Helen A. W. and Emma S. 
 The estate of our subject, which comprises two 
 hundred and sixty-live acres, is so divided tiiat
 
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 ' i-^LYDEHOTa 
 
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 h 
 
 CLYDE HOTEL, PEKO, I LL . A( J D R L /V CLr-QE, PROPR, 
 
 
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 ^-^r^ n 
 
 M 
 
 iM^tl 
 
 
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 ^^^^_^ 
 
 1 ^_^ 4» J^ . v;;^- _' _ 
 
 
 
 _^1?^^ 
 
 -i__ , 
 
 RE51DENCE0F CHARLE5 THIEMANN, SLC. 23., T. '^. F?. 8., RANDOLPH CO., ILL.
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 751 
 
 one hundred and thirty acres are located near Red 
 Bud. and the remainder two miles south of Sparta. 
 He is well informed in his calling of agriculture, 
 and by well directed and incessant labor he has 
 thus accumulated his handsome propertj', and by 
 conducting his affairs in a business-like manner 
 reaps an excellent income. 
 
 Mr. Thiemann is a loyal and law-abiding citi- 
 zen, interested in the welfare of his county, and in 
 1892 was elected by the Democratic part^' to the 
 office of County Commissioner. He cast his first 
 Presidential vote for Hancock, and since that time 
 the Democrats have found in him a true sup- 
 porter. In religion he is a strong Lutheran, and 
 with his wife has been a faithful member of the 
 church ever since he identified himself with it. 
 
 lALPH H. SELLEW, of Paradise Precinct, 
 fT Perry County, was born on the 27th of 
 Jul^-, 1857, in .Taekson, Mo., and is a son 
 ^pof Henry and Jemima (Cherr}') Sellew. The 
 former was born in Connecticut, Marcli 4, 1817, 
 and the latter in Raleigh, N. C, on the 21st of 
 June, 1830. Their marriage was celebrated in 
 Cape Girardeau County, Mo., August 16, 1853, 
 and thej- became the parents of two children. Ralph 
 H. and Charles W. The latter is a graduate of the 
 Illinois College of Pharmacy, and is now in the 
 drug business in Kirkwood, Mo. 
 
 Tlie paternal grandfather, Col. James Sellew, 
 was a native of Connecticut, and won his title in 
 the state militia. His fatlier bore the name of Philip, 
 Jr., the latter being a son of John, whose father, 
 Philip Sellew, Sr., was the founder of the family 
 in America. He was born in Bordeaux, France, 
 and was educated for the clergy of the Protestant 
 Church. In consequence of the revocation of the 
 Edict of Nantes, he left his native land for Amer- 
 ica, and settled in Massachusetts. Here he en- 
 gaged in teaching school for fifty years. His death 
 occurred May 15. 1773, at the advanced age of 
 eighty-five. 
 
 The great-grandfatlier of our subject served in 
 the Indian wars in Canada. Removing to Con- 
 necticut, he became ver}'" prominent in public af- 
 
 fairs and was elected to the Legislature. He also 
 served in many local offices, being one of the lead- 
 ing and influential citizens of the community. He 
 married Elizabeth, daughter of Jeduthan Smith, 
 who was the King's High Sheriff of the Colony of 
 Hartford, and filled that office until exempted by 
 age. John Sellew married Hannah, daughter of 
 James Hamilton, and granddaughter of Thomas 
 Hamilton, who was tiie fourth son of Sir George 
 Hamilton, co-heir of Hon. George Hamilton, sixth 
 Earl Abercorn in the kingdom of Scotland, and 
 Duke of Chatelherault in France, who was the 
 great-grandson of King James II. by the Princess 
 Mary. 
 
 James Sellew. grandfather of our subject, was 
 the seventh ciiild of Philip. He married Mabel 
 Bentson, of Albany, N. Y., who was related to the 
 Webster family. Their seventh child was Henry 
 Sellew, father of our subject. He acquired a com- 
 mon-school education, and learned the art of mar- 
 ble engraving. From his native state he emigrated 
 to New Orleans, where he engaged in the hard- 
 ware business for about three j-ears. On the ex- 
 piration of that period, he removed to Jackson, 
 Mo., where he engaged in general merchandising 
 until just previous to the breaking out of tlie late 
 war, when he disposed of his possessions there and 
 came to Illinois, locating in St. John. Perry Coun- 
 ty. He purchased the farm known as the Judge 
 Jones' place, consisting of one hundred and twentj' 
 acres of good land, and there lived a retired life 
 until called to the home be3'ond, November 1, 
 1865. He was a L'nion man, .and his S3'mpathie8 
 were with the Republican party. His widow still 
 survives him, and is yet living on the old home- 
 stead with her son Ralph. Her father was a farmer 
 of Missouri, and was elected Captain of a company 
 of volunteers to serve in the Mexican War, but 
 the troops were never called to the front. He was 
 a native of North Carolina, and died Julj- 1, 1854. 
 His wife, who bore the maiden name of Polly 
 Black, came of an old Virginian family. 
 
 Mrs. Sellew is a member of the Christian Church, 
 and her husband held membership with the Con- 
 gregational Church. She is a most estimable lady, 
 and one widel3' and favorably known in this com- 
 munity. Their second son, Charles, was graduated
 
 752 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 from the Illinois College of Pharmacy in the Class 
 of '92, and later accepted a position with a drug- 
 gist in Kirkwood, Mo. He is a great lover of fine 
 horses, owning a number of the same, and deals to 
 some extent in blooded stock. 
 
 Ralph Sellew, whose name heads this record, was 
 reared under the parental roof, and was very 
 young when his parents came to Perry County, 
 where the greater part of his life has been passed. 
 His primary education was acquired in the district 
 schools, and was supplemented by studj' in the 
 high school of Du Quoin. Later he engaged in 
 teaciiing for five years, but he now devotes his 
 tune .and attention to agricultural interests, being 
 engaged in the operation of the old homestead. 
 Upon the farm may be noticed a good dwelling, 
 barns and outbuildings, which are models of con- 
 venience, and all modern accessories and improve- 
 ments. This place is neat and thrift}' in appear- 
 ance and indicates the careful supervision of the 
 owner, who is regarded as one of the leading agri- 
 culturists of the community. He has also made 
 some investments in city real estate. 
 
 In politics Mr. Sellew is a supporter of Republi- 
 can principles. He is a man of culture, fond of 
 literary pursuits and the society of refined and 
 educated people. A gentleman of pleasing man- 
 ner, he is generous and charitable in disposition, is 
 popular with all who know him and has the high 
 regard of those with whom business or social rela- 
 tions have brought him in contact. He is inter- 
 ested in everything pertaining to the welfare of 
 the community, and in the history of his adopted 
 county well deserves representation. 
 
 =-M"M"{"5-5"5 
 
 ,^^ TEPHEN S. KIKK. This gentleman, who 
 ^^^^ owns four hundred acres of land located 
 (llj/^) three and a-lialf miles from Rockwood, is 
 a native of Tennessee, having been born 
 near Gaiuesboro, Jackson (^ount}', March 7, 1842. 
 He is the son of George M. and Rachael (Brown) 
 Kirk, the latter a native of Tennessee. The father 
 of our subject was born in Virginia in 1810, and 
 when a small boy removed with his parents to 
 Tennessee. 
 
 Stephen S. Kirk spent his childhood in his na- 
 
 tive county attending the subscription schools, 
 which were conducted but three months in the 
 year. On the outbreak of the Civil War he was in 
 his nineteenth year, but being desirous of defend- 
 ing the Stars and Bars, he in September, 1861, 
 enlisted in Company G, Twenty-fifth Tennessee 
 Infantrj', C. S., serving faithfully and well until 
 November, 1863. During that period he partici- 
 pated in the battles of Jlill Springs, K}'., Murfrees- 
 boro, Beccli Grove, Fairfield, Miss., Stephenson, 
 Ala., and Perr3'ville, Ky. Although engaging in 
 so many conflicts, he was never taken prisoner nor 
 wounded, with the exception of a slight bruise re- 
 ceived while at Beech Grove. 
 
 The first year after the war Mr. Kirk remained 
 in the south and put in a crop of corn for a 
 planter. During the following year he engaged 
 with his brother, John H., in making shoes near a 
 tanyard, among the hills of Tennessee. On coming 
 to Illinois, he sojourned for one year and a-half 
 at Du Quoin, working first on the railroads, and 
 later in the blacksmith department of the railroad 
 shops. In the spring in 1866, he came to Ran- 
 dolph County, and in companj' with his father, 
 who had preceded him hither, began cultivating 
 the land on the river bottom above Rockwood. In 
 the fall of that year he returned to Tennessee, 
 where he remained for a twelvemonth working 
 for an uncle, and then came to this county, where 
 he has since been engaged in farming. During 
 the past ten years, however, he built a landing 
 near his home, which bears his name, and the busi- 
 ness of which occupies a portion of his time and 
 attention. 
 
 August 15, 1872, Stephen S. Kirk and Miss 
 Adeliza, daughter of Samuel Mansker, were united 
 in marriage. Mrs. Kirk was born January 20, 
 1857, at the old Mansker residence near her pres- 
 ent home, where her mother still resides. Their 
 union has been blessed by the birth of ten chil- 
 dren, of whom those living are: Stephen E., Ma- 
 bel B., Herman N., Gracie A., William N. and Hy 
 C. Those deceased are Nannie A., Elveretta, Ora 
 L., and one who died in infancy. 
 
 Mr. Kirk is at present the possessor of several 
 fine farms on the main land and Crane's Island, 
 which aggregate more than four hundred acres.
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 753 
 
 His home farm, which consists of thirty-two acres 
 of finely improved land, bears a comfortable resi- 
 dence which overlooks tlie river and is but a short 
 distance from Kirk's Landing. In religious affairs 
 Mrs. Kirk is a member of the Free Will Baptist 
 Church. In his political relations, our subject is a 
 Democrat, and is prominent in both national and 
 state politics. He has been Director of the Clifton 
 School for many years, and occupies a higli place 
 in the regard of tiie community in which he re- 
 sides. 
 
 il^^'ENRY V. FAIIERTY. Conspicuous among 
 iTj; tiie influential citizens of Chester, whom it 
 JW^ is a privilege to know, is the gentleman 
 (^p whose name jntroduces this biographical 
 notice, and who for a number of yeare has been 
 serving as Chief Deputj' County Clerk and Secre- 
 tary of the Democratic Central Committee. He is 
 well known by the citizens of Chester, and is also 
 prominent througiiout Randolph, his native coun- 
 ty. He was born near Red Bud, 111., October 6, 
 1856. 
 
 As the name would indicate, the Faherty family 
 is of Irish descent. Grandfather Edmund Faherty 
 was a native of the Emerald Isle, and thence emi- 
 grated to America in 1818, settling in Randolpli 
 County, 111., during the following 3'ear, and be- 
 coming one of the pioneers of this section of the 
 state. His son, .lames, was born near Red Bud, 
 and grew to manhood amid the primitive scenes 
 of this section, acquiring such information as was 
 obtainable in the early schools. A farmer by oc- 
 cupation, he pursued his chosen calling near Kas- 
 kaskia, on the Kaskaskia River bottom lands, from 
 1857 until 1869, when he returned to the old 
 homestead. 
 
 In 1886, James Fahert}' removed from Ran- 
 dolph County, this time locating St. Louis, where 
 he now resides. His wife, whose maiden name was 
 Maria Hammond, was born in Ohio, and was of 
 English parentage and descent. They were the 
 parents of eight children, the third of whom is 
 Heniy F., of this sketch. He received the rudi- 
 ments of his education in the district schools near 
 
 Kaskaskia, and later attended St. Patrick 's College 
 at Ruma, 111., and also prosecuted his studies in 
 Cape Girardeau, Mo. At the age of twenty years 
 he commenced in business for himself, opening a 
 livery and sale stable at Red Bud, where he re- 
 mained for four 3'ears. 
 
 We next find Mr. Faherty interested in the 
 mercantile business for nine years at Red Bud and 
 Ruma, an enterprise in which he met with fair suc- 
 cess. In Januaiy, 1889, he came to Chester and 
 entered the ofEce of the Circuit Clerk as Deputy, 
 serving in that capacity for a 3'ear or more. In 
 December, 1890, he became Deputy County Clerk, 
 a position which he is still creditabl}' filling. He 
 is among the most popular officials of the county, 
 and though now but in the prime of life, has al- 
 readj' gained a success which an older man might 
 well desire to have. 
 
 September 23, 1879, occurred tlie marriage of 
 Mr. Faiierty to Miss Julia, daughter of Zachariah 
 and Ann (Wall) Moore, natives of Illinois, where 
 the father resided until his death. The mother 
 now makes her home in Prairie du Rocher. Mrs. 
 Faherty was born in Monroe County, and is the 
 mother of five children: Henrj', Maggie, Thomas, 
 Moore and Genevieve, all of whom reside with their 
 parents. In religious belief Mr. and Mrs. Faherty 
 are identified with the Catholic Church, and he is 
 a member of the Catholic Knights of America, be- 
 ing prominent in the order. He has been a life- 
 long Democrat, and is quite active in politics, liav- 
 ing, as above stated, filled the position of Secretary 
 of the Democratic Central Committee for a num- 
 ber of 3'ears. 
 
 , • #^ P • . 
 
 OTTO KUEHN, M. D., a prominent and suc- 
 cessful physician of Burksville, has here en- 
 gaged in practice since 1865, and has won 
 an enviable reputation, which has placed him in a 
 leading position among his professional brethren 
 of Monroe County. A native of Germany, he 
 was born on the 26th of July, 1842, and is one of 
 seven children whose parents were Frederick and 
 Barbara (Kuehn) Kuehn. They were also natives 
 of Germany. Of their family, four are now living, 
 namely' : Ottilie, Otto, Lillie and Frida. The Doc-
 
 754 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 tor's father acquired a most excellent education in 
 his native land and was a graduate of a medical 
 college in German3'. He served as Surgeon in the 
 German army throughout the greater part of his 
 life and was a prominent and well known man. 
 His death occurred at the advanced age of sev- 
 entj'-nine years. He was a member of the Evan- 
 gelical Lutheran Church, to whicli his wife also 
 belongs. She is still living in Germany, at the 
 age of eighty-one. She is a most highly educated 
 lad}', cultured and refined, and her mental faculties 
 are yet unimpaired. 
 
 Dr. Kuehn spent the d.ays of his youth in his 
 parents' home and was provided with excellent ed- 
 ucational advantages, which he improved, thus 
 becoming a well informed men. Determining to 
 take up the pursuit to which his father devoted 
 his energies, he began studying medicine, and 
 after a time was graduated from the Munich Med- 
 ical College, of Germany. Wishing to seek a home 
 and fortune in tiie New World, he bade adieu to 
 home and friends in 1864 and sailed for the 
 United States. He was then twentj'-two years of 
 age. He at once made his way to Wisconsin. The 
 .Civil War was in progress, and he was commis- 
 sioned Assistant Surgeon of the Tliirty-flfth Wis- 
 consin Infantry. He served for two months with 
 that regiment and then made a contract with the 
 Government, becoming Acting Assistant Surgeon 
 of the United States army. He was thus employed 
 until November, 18G5, when, as before stated, he 
 came to Burksville, where he has since made his 
 home. 
 
 Dr. Kuehn was united in marriage with Miss 
 Antonia Hesse, a native of Illinois, who was born, 
 reared and educated in St. Clair County. By a 
 former marriage the Doctor had six children, five 
 of whom are yet living: Louisa, Oltilie, Wilhel- 
 mina, Emily and Jolianna. The Doctor and his 
 wife are both memliers of the Evangelical Luth- 
 eran Church, and he is a prominent member of 
 the Masonic lodge of Waterloo. He takes a very 
 active interest in political affairs, and is a stalwart 
 advocate of the Republican party and its i)rinci- 
 ples. He has held the office of County Coroner, 
 was Justice of the Peace for ten years and has 
 served as School Director. In these various posi- 
 
 tions he has discharged his duties with a prompt- 
 ness and fidelity that have won him the high com- 
 mendation of all concerned. In his business life 
 he has met with signal success, and has built up a 
 very large practice as the result of iiis skill and 
 ability. He is a pleasant, genial man and througli- 
 out the community has won many warm friends. 
 
 FERDINAND BUETTNER, who resides in 
 Sj Percy, is one of the worthy German citi- 
 zens of Randolph County. He is now en- 
 gaged in general merchandising and is doing a 
 good business in that line, for he carries a com- 
 plete and well assorted stock and iiis patrons ever 
 receive courteous treatment and fair dealing at his 
 hands. He has thereby won a liberal patronage, 
 which is well deserved, and he is regarded as one 
 of tlie leading merchants of this place. 
 
 Mr. Buettner was born in German}', April 11, 
 1858, and is a son of Justus and Margaret (Von- 
 Keutz) Buettner. Their family numbered seven 
 children, of whom he was the sixth in order of 
 birth. The parents botli spent their entire lives in 
 their native land, where the father died at the age of 
 fifty-nine, while the mother passed away in March, 
 1892, at the age of seventy years. Under the pa- 
 rental roof our subject was reared to manhood. 
 He attended the public schools of his native town 
 until fourteen years of age, when he began earn- 
 ing his own livelihood by clerking in a store. He 
 was thus employed for four years, when, at the 
 age of twenty-one, lie determined to seek a home 
 and fortune in America. 
 
 Bidding adieu to friends and Fatherland, Mr. 
 Buettner sailed for the New World in 1879, and 
 located in Red Bud, 111., where in connection with 
 his brother, Henry, he engaged in business. Henry 
 Buettner is still a prosperous business man of that 
 place. Ferdinand continued in business with him 
 for about four years, when in 1883 he embarked 
 in the lumber business, which he continued until 
 1886. In that year he went to St. Louis and 
 worked for one year. In 1887, he came to Percy 
 and opened a general merchandise store, which he 
 has since conducted. He is now extensively en-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 755 
 
 gaged in general merchandising and has recently 
 completed the fine business block whicli he now oc- 
 cupies. He also erected a handsome residence, 
 which not onlj' gives to him his fine home, but is 
 also a credit to the beautiful village of Percy. 
 
 On the 14th of April, 1884, Mr. Buettner was 
 united in marriage with Miss Maggie Biffar, a 
 daughter of George and Helen (I>nst) Bififar, both 
 whom were natives of Bavaria. Their union has 
 been blessed by the birth of four children, but one 
 of the number is now deceased. Tliose still living 
 are Olga, Arthur and Louis. 
 
 Mr. and Jlrs. Buettner are Lutherans in religi- 
 ous belief and are liberal contributors to the sup- 
 port of the church, with which they liold member- 
 ship. In political views, our subject is a Republi- 
 can, and is a progressive and thoroughgoing citi- 
 zen, who is alive to the best interests of the com- 
 munity in which he malies his home, and who is 
 ever read}' to aid in the advancement in all that 
 tends to promote the general welfare. 
 
 
 |!L UGH OVERSTREET, who is now publish- 
 ifjl; ing the Ava Advertiser, has, through the 
 /^^ greater part of his life, been engaged in 
 (^) newspaper work, and is an able journalist. 
 He was born October 26, 1867, and is a son of J. 
 C. and Cornelia (Whetstone) Overstreet, both of 
 whom are natives of Soutli Carolina. The father 
 has followed merchandising, milling and farming 
 during various periods in his life. He was a sol- 
 dier in the Confederate army during the late 
 war and is now residing in S^ylvania, Ga. He has 
 taken an active part in local politics, and for 
 several 3'ears was County Ordinary. Five of his 
 brothers were killed in the Confederate service. 
 Unto Mr. and Mrs. Overstreet were born eight 
 children, all of whom are j-et living. They gave 
 their children excellent educational advantages, 
 and three sons are college graduates. One of them, 
 J. W., carried off the first honors of his class at 
 Mercer Universitj'. 
 
 In his native state of Georgia, Hugh Overstreet 
 was educated, graduating from tiie high school in 
 Sylvania. At the age of fourteen he left home. 
 
 and for a few months worked in a grocery store 
 in Savannah, Ga. He then went to Millen, Ga., 
 where he was emploj'ed in a newspaper office for 
 a short time, but he principally learned his trade 
 in the office of the Savannah Morning News. Bor- 
 rowing $50, lie then left for the west. On reach- 
 ing Ava he was obliged to send home for more 
 money, and when it reached liim, continued his 
 journey to Tipton, Mo., wiiere he worked on the 
 Times for seven montlis. His father then boiigiit 
 him a paper at Tennille, Ga., which he published 
 for nine months, when he sold out. He was tiien 
 onl3' seventeen years of age. A few days later he 
 came to Ara, and later went to Ogden, I'tah, 
 where he was emploj'ed on the LTtaii Daily Union 
 for thirteen months. He next went to Evanston, 
 Wyo., and took charge of the Uinta Chieftain, 
 wluch was owned bj' a stock company which liad 
 the best-equipped office in Wj'oming. 
 
 For a year Mr. Overstreet there remained, and 
 then, by the advice of George Carpenter, of the 
 Carpenter Paper Companjs of Omaha, Neb., he 
 went to Pocatello, Idaho, and organized a stock 
 company for tlie publication of the Pocatello 
 Tribune, a weekh' Republican paper. In this ven- 
 ture he lost all he had. .lames H. Ilawley, the 
 Chairman of the Democratic State Central Com- 
 mittee of Idaho, then asked him to carry on a 
 dailj^ Democratic paper through a political state 
 canvass, and for the admission of the territorj' 
 into the LTnion. Mr. Overstreet did so, publishing 
 the first Democratic daily paper of Idaho. He 
 then went to Salmon City, Idaho, where he 
 woi'ked on a paper seven months, after which he 
 went ninet}'-flve miles up the Salmon River to 
 Clayton, and with the capital he had saved pur- 
 chased a paper, but the boom in that town col- 
 lapsed and he was left without a cent. Going to 
 Boise City, he then traveled for the Irrigation Age 
 for a few months, and later took charge of the 
 Anaconda Standard, a dailj' paper of Anaconda, 
 Mont., where he continued for three montlis. 
 Subsequently he removed to Missoula, Mont., 
 where he met his present wife, who had journeyed 
 from Ava to meet him. 
 
 In September, 1892, was celebrated the mar- 
 riage of Mr. Overstreet and Jliss Etta Henson,who
 
 756 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 was born in Ava December 26, 1866, and is a 
 daughter of James and Julia (Bower) Henson. 
 One child graces their union, Georgia Ruth. After 
 their marriage Mr. Overstreet went to Butte, and 
 for a few months worked on the Butte Miner. On 
 the 1st of February. 1893, he took charge of the 
 Ava Advertiser, in the publication of which he is 
 now successful!}- engaged. In politics he is a 
 Democrat, and his wife is a memlier of the Presb}'- 
 terian Church. Both are highly respected citizens 
 of this community and hold an enviable position 
 in social circles. 
 
 ^^EORGP] K. KEINER, a well known farmer, 
 III I—-, living on section 3, Paradise Prairie, Perr}^ 
 '^Jft County, was born January 11, 1842, in 
 Prussia. His parents were William C. and Sophie 
 (Kern) Keiner. The father was a native of the 
 same locality, and in his Prussian home carried on 
 general farming. He also served in the Prussian 
 army for three years and was a highly respected 
 citizen. He held the office of Burgomaster, or 
 Mayor, of his native place for a number of years. 
 The mother was also born in the same locality as 
 her husband, and their marriage was celebrated in 
 1838. They became the parents of eight children, 
 all of whom are 3-et living, namely: William C, 
 who resides with our subject; George K., who is 
 the next j'ounger; Frederick W., who still makes 
 his home in Prussia; Minnie, who married Henry 
 Pepper, of Ohio, and then returned to Prussia; 
 Henry, who served in the P'ranco-Prussian War 
 and now makes his home in Du Quoin Precinct, of 
 Perry County; Ernest, a school teacher of Dord- 
 mund, Prussia; and Nettie and Peter, who com- 
 plete the family. 
 
 In his native laud our subject was reared to 
 manhood, his early boyhood days being spent 
 upon his father's farm. In the winter months he 
 attended the common schools, and through the 
 summer season aided in the labors of the field. 
 His time was thus passed until fourteen years of 
 age, when he left home and started out in life for 
 himself to make his own way in the world. He 
 began learning the cooper's trade, which he fol- 
 
 lowed until twenty-five years of age. At that time 
 he bade adieu to the Fatherland and crossed the 
 Atlantic to America. He flrst located in Belle- 
 ville, 111., where he remained fr r five years, and 
 since 1872 he has resided upon his present farm. 
 His first purchase was eighty acres, to which he has 
 added from time to time until he now owns over 
 two hundred acres. He carries on general farm- 
 ing and his place is neat and thrifty in appearance. 
 On the 3d of June, 1869, Mr. Keiner was united 
 in marriage with Miss Maiy Wegerich, a native of 
 the province of Saxony, Germany. Their union 
 is blessed with five children: Charlie and Henry, 
 who aid their father in the operation of the home 
 farm; Minnie, who aids the mother; George and 
 Lewis. The familj' circle yet remains unbroken. 
 Mr. Keiner is a man of thrifty habits, and his 
 home and surroundings show the effects of his 
 efforts to make his homestead comfortable and at- 
 tractive. In politics he votes with the Republican 
 party, but never seeks political preferment for 
 himself. He and his family are members of the 
 German Lutheran Church and are highly respected 
 people, who hold an enviable position in social 
 circles. 
 
 W 
 
 ILLIAM SPENCE, who is now living a 
 \/iJli •'ctired life in JIurphysboro, is one of the 
 '^^ earliest settlers of .lackson County, dating 
 his residence here from 1841. He has aided in 
 the development and upbuilding of this commu- 
 nit3', has watched its growth and progress and has 
 ever borne his part in the work of public advance- 
 ment. 
 
 Mr. Spence was born in County Fermanagh, 
 Ireland, in 1819. His father and grandfather 
 both bore the name of James and were farmers of 
 the Emerald Isle. In 1825 the former emigrated 
 to America with his familj'. locating in Guernsey 
 Count}', Ohio, where he bought land and improved 
 a farm of two hundred acres. He was also a stock 
 dealer and drover. In politics he advocated 
 Democratic principles. His wife, Mary Spence, 
 was a native of the Emerald Isle and a daughter 
 of James and Mar}' Cunningham. Her fatlier was
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 757 
 
 a weaver by trade and in an early day emigrated 
 with liis family to America. Locating in Ohio, he 
 engaged in gardening for a time, but his last days 
 were spent in retirement. Mr. Spence passed 
 away at the age of seveut3'-five, and his wife was 
 previously called to her final rest. They were 
 members of the Episcopal Chuicli. 
 
 Our subject is the only survivor in a family 
 of fourteen children. He was a lad of six sum- 
 mers when with his parents he left Belfast on 
 the sailing-vessel "Eliza," and after a voyage of 
 three months landed in Baltimore. He was reared 
 in Ohio, and educated in an old log schoolhouse 
 with a fireplace and a mud and stick chimney' at 
 one end. Remaining at home until he had at- 
 tained his majority, he went down the Ohio and 
 up the Mississippi Rivers and at length located in 
 Jackson County, 111. With his capital of -iiiOO he 
 bought one hundred and twenty acres of land in 
 Ridge Township, built a rude log shanty and be- 
 gan developing a home. Wolves made the night 
 liideous with their howling and seemed to make 
 the situation more lonely. There were many hard- 
 ships and trials to be borne, but he at once began 
 clearing his land with ox-teams and primitive im- 
 plements, and two years later he built a large log 
 house, which still stands as a monument to those 
 pioneer da3S. He extended the boundaries of his 
 farm until it comprised four hundred acres of 
 highly improved land, and his possessions in all 
 aggregated eleven liundred acres. He raised grain 
 and stock extensive!}', making a specialty of hogs 
 and horses, and took a number of premiums at 
 county fairs. He has aided his children in start- 
 ing out in life, giving to each $7,000 or its equiv- 
 alent, and after disposing of his entire property 
 located in Murphysl)oro. 
 
 Mr. Spence was married in Union County, III., 
 in 1848 to Miss Lydia Butcher, a native of that 
 count}'. Her death occurred on the old home farm. 
 In the family were fourteen children, of whom the 
 following grew to mature years: Mrs. Alesy Mil- 
 ler, now of Hamilton County, 111.; Samuel, a 
 farmer and dealer in agricultural implements in 
 Carbondale; Mrs. Mary Etherton, of Ridge Town- 
 ship; William, a farmer and gardener, of Texas; 
 Lydia, wife of A. J. Etherton, a farmer of Mur- 
 
 physboro; and Alonzo, an extensive farmer of 
 Williamson County, 111. 
 
 Mr. Spence was again married, in Wickliffe, Ky., 
 November 20. 1887, his second union being with 
 Mrs. Nancy T. Sewright. She was born near 
 Nashville, Tenn., and is a daughter of .James 
 Council, a native of the same state. He was a 
 Republican in politics, and in 18(53, during the 
 war, came to Illinois, locating in Johnson County. 
 He afterward went to Marion, where his death oc- 
 curred. His widow is still living in Mound City, 
 111. The family owns a farm near Nashville, 
 Tenn. Mrs. Spence is the eldest of twelve chil- 
 dren, and was born in 1844. She was married in 
 Johnson County May 4, 1865, to Joseph Sewright, 
 of Paris, Tenn., who made his home principally in 
 Illinois. He died in Carbondale, leaving one 
 child, Edward L., who is still living with his 
 mother. After the death of her first husband, 
 Mrs. Spence made her home in Cairo until her 
 second marriage. She is a member of the Method- 
 ist Episcopal Church. 
 
 In politics Mr. Spence is a Democrat. He helped 
 to build the first schoolhouse in the neighborhood 
 and for years served as a school officer. His life 
 has been a successful one, and through well di- 
 rected etforts he has gained the means which now 
 enable him to live retired. In manner he is genial 
 and pleasant, is fond of a good joke, is an enter- 
 taining companion, and few have more friends in 
 the community than William Spence. 
 
 ;» li;ILLIAM R. BURCII has made farming his 
 \/iJ/l ^'^® pursuit, and in the prosecution of his 
 ^^ calling has achieved a success that has 
 placed him among the leading farmers of Ran- 
 dolph County, where he owns a valuable and well 
 managed farm. He is the son of Joshua G. Burch, 
 whose sketch will be found elsewhere in this work, 
 and was born in New Haven, Nelson County, Ky., 
 April 10, 1840. He is the second in order of birth 
 of seven sons born to his parents, and w.as an in- 
 fant when the latter emigrated from the Blue 
 Grass State to Red Bud, III. In 1847 the elder 
 Mr. and Mi's. Burch came to Kaskaskia, where
 
 758 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 William began attending school. His studies, how- 
 ever, had been previouslj- carried on at home, 
 where he was taught to read and write b}' his 
 mother. His first teacher, John Cleveland, con- 
 ducted the school but two weeks, when he died 
 from cholera, wliich was raging in the vicinity. 
 Shortly afterward Albert Phillip opened a sub- 
 scription school, which lie carried on for three or 
 four years. George S. Ellis, the founder of Ellis 
 Grove, was the next teacher, and was followed by 
 John Lindsev, known as "one-armed" Lindse}', in 
 order to distinguish him from anotlier teacher of 
 the same name, who is now Judge Lindsey, of 
 Chester. 
 
 In the fall of 18.57 our subject entered St. Mary's 
 College in Marion County, Ky., wliere he prose- 
 cuted his studies for ten months. In 1861 he be- 
 came a student in the Christian Brothers' College 
 of St. Louis, and after completing a ten months' 
 term in that institution, abandoned his studies 
 and began rafting on the upper Mississippi River. 
 In tbe fall of 1864 he entered the Jones Business 
 College in St. Louis, where he attended for a time 
 before starting for the west. 
 
 In 1865 William R. Burch started overland foi- 
 the mountains, going as far as Atchison, but there 
 his plans were changed. On reaching home, in 
 company with three of his brothers, in the spring 
 of 1866, he rented part of his father's estate and 
 began farming, operating in partnership until they 
 had raised four crops. At the expiration of tliat 
 time our subject (lurchased the tract of land from 
 his father on which he has resided ever since. 
 
 April 20, 1869, our subject was married to Miss 
 Elizabeth, daughter of Andrew A. and Helen 
 (Smith) Stephenson. The ladj- was born in Kas- 
 kaskia, October 3. 1845, and died April 6, 1877. 
 The lady whom our subject chose as his second 
 companion was Miss Mary A. Stephenson, sister 
 of his first wife, born Januarj- 3, 1854, and was 
 married to our subject October 25, 1877. An- 
 drew A. Stephenson, who was born October 16, 
 1815, and died February 5, 1869, was the son of 
 William J. and Elizabeth (Abel) Stephenson, the 
 former born October 6, 1788, and the latter lx)ra 
 October 16, 1793. The mother of Mrs. Burch was 
 the daughter of Maurice D. and Rosalie (Senagal) 
 
 Smith, and was born December 16, 1822, and died 
 February 11, 1879. Maurice D. Smith came from 
 New York State in 1820, and located in Illinois. 
 His wife, who was a native of Kaska.skia, was a 
 member of an old French family who trace their 
 ancestry back for hundreds of years. 
 
 B}' his first marriage, our subject became the 
 father of four children, namely: William R., 
 Robert E., Helen E. and Augusta. By his second 
 marriage Mr. Burch became the father of eight 
 children, one of whom died in infancy. Those 
 living are, Mary L., Agnes A., Grace B., Walter E., 
 Nancy F., Mark A. and Omega, so called from hav- 
 ing been born on the last day of the week, month 
 and j-ear of 1892. 
 
 March 16, 1871, our subject was elected Justice 
 of the Peace to fill a vacancy caused by the resig- 
 nation of Judge Lindsev, now of Chester. He 
 was the incumbent of that position until Novem- 
 ber, 1878, when he was elected County Commis- 
 sioner, holdina; the oflflce for three j-ears. He was 
 again made Justice of the Peace in 1881, which 
 office he is still holding. Mr. Burch is operating 
 two hundred and ninety-eight acres of his own 
 land, besides cultivating several hundred acres be- 
 longing to his father. He has been a life-long 
 Democrat in politics, and is looked upon as a leader 
 in his partj" in this section. With his wife he is a 
 member of the Catholic Church, worshiping at 
 Kaskaskia. 
 
 ^^^HEODULE E. PICOU is one of the ener- 
 //^^^, getic and successful farmers of Randolph 
 '\^yy County, where he has resided for more 
 than a decade. He is a son of Theodule and 
 Maiy E. (Delassus) Picou, who were natives of 
 Louisiana. Our subject is the youngest in a family 
 of three boys and three girls born to his paient-s, 
 his birth occurring Maj' 13, 1861, near Bailey's 
 Lodge, in Perry County, Mo. He received his 
 education in the schools of Clarj-ville, Perry 
 County, and when eighteen years of age started 
 out for himself, clerking for his uncle in a diy- 
 goods store. In this capacity he remained for
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 763 
 
 about four years and then began farming in his 
 native count>. In 1883 he moved to Randolph 
 County, purchasing his present place at Kaskaskia 
 Point, lot 48, second sub-division Kaskaskia Com- 
 mons. He is engaged in general farming and is 
 well known and highly respected throughout the 
 community. 
 
 January 11, 1885, Mr. Picon was married to 
 Miss Edith, a daughter of Tyler and Lutitia (Mat- 
 tingly) Seders, residents of Chester. Mrs. Picon 
 was born in Chester January 20, 1865, and is the 
 eldest of a family of two children born to her 
 worthy parents. Mr. and Mrs. Picou have been 
 blessed with a family of five children: Josepii 
 Glenn, who was born November 4, 1886, and died 
 in infancy; Roy L., born May 6, 1887; Ora W., 
 September 27, 1890; Endora, October 11, 1891, 
 and Carl Theodule, January 17, 1894. The wife 
 and mother is a member of the Baptist Church, 
 while her husband is of the Catholic faith. In 
 politics Mr. Picou is a Democrat. 
 
 \^ ^*4 jgJ 
 
 ^AVID MrCOY, who carried on general 
 farming on section 16, Ora Township, 
 Jackson County, has the honor of being 
 a native of Illinois, his birth having oc- 
 curred in Coles County, May 17, 1830. The fam- 
 \\y is of Irish origin. The father of our subject 
 was born in Tennessee about 1797, and there mar- 
 ried Mahala Evans, a native of tlie same state. In 
 1829, they emigrated to Jackson County, I II. They 
 afterward lived in Arkansas and St. Louis, and 
 subsequently made a permanent location in this 
 community. Both parents died on their farm near 
 the present home of our subject in 1879. Mr. Mc- 
 Coy was a typical pioneer, who delighted in explor- 
 ing new country and making new settlements. In 
 the family were four sons and two daughters: John 
 Wesley, who died in Belleville; William, who died 
 in childhood; Daniel C, whose last days were spent 
 in Jackson County; Nancy, who became the wife 
 of John R. Gillet and died near Chester, 111., and 
 Cynthia, who became the wife of Isaac GiilHn, and 
 29 
 
 fter his death married James Walker, who is also 
 now deceased. 
 
 Mr. McCoy of this sketch has followed farming 
 throughout his entire life. When twenty-one 
 3'ears of age he started out for himself empty- 
 handed. He chose as a companion and helpmate 
 on life's journey Miss Amanda, daughter of John 
 Cheatham. Her death occurred seven years later. 
 Four children were born to them: John W., whose 
 birth occurred April 30, 1852; William, who died 
 at the age of four years; Maiy Elizabeth, wlio died 
 at the age of two, and Charles, who died in iiifanc}'. 
 For his second wife Mr. McCoy chose Mrs. Mary 
 M. Stone, widow of John M. Stone. Their wed- 
 ding was celebrated January 24, 1860, and they be- 
 came the parents of the following children: Casto- 
 son, who died in iufancj'; David, who was born 
 November 5, 1864; Ellen, who was born December 
 6, 1866, and is the wife of Alex Varnum, by whom 
 she has four sons and two daughters, Charles, Will- 
 iam D., John E., Thomas F., Letta and Martha A.; 
 Eliza A., who was born August 24, 1868, and died 
 at the age of seven years, and Stephen D., who 
 was born April 9, 1871, and died in infancy. 
 
 Mrs. McCoy was born in St. Clair County, III., 
 March 7, 1834. Her father, James Chew, was born 
 in Indiana, and in St. Clair County-, in 1826, mar- 
 ried Nancy Mellion. He was a pioneer Baptist 
 preacher of southern Illinois, and was also a prac- 
 ticing physician of St. Clair County-. In both lines 
 of work he was very successful. His death occurred 
 while on a visit to his people in Indiana in 1840. 
 His widow afterward married Jt)hn Edwards, and 
 died Maich 1, 1889. By her first niairiage, Mrs. 
 McCoy had three children. Mary J., the eldest, 
 wedded Willis Cheatham, b}' whom she had a son, 
 Samuel. After the death of Mr. Cheatham she 
 married Philo Jenkins, and they had a daughter, 
 Mary E. The mother died August 18, 1885. The 
 second daughter, Lena, is now the wife of John 
 Stanes, a farmer of Ora Township, and they have 
 five children: Laura M., aged twenty-one; Rolla, 
 eighteen; Otis, fourteen; Herbert, seven, and John, 
 a lad of six summers. 
 
 On the 2d of September, 1861, Mr. McCoy en- 
 tered the service of his country as a private of 
 Company G, Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry, which
 
 764 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 was commanded first by Colonel Kirk, and after- 
 ward b}' Colonel Aza. He saw much hard service 
 under General Sherman, but was never sick, 
 wounded or taken prisoner, and engaged in every 
 battle and skirmish in which the regiment took 
 part. He participated in the battles of Shiloh, 
 Corinth, Missionary Ridge, Pittsburg Landing, 
 Stone River, Lookout Mountain, Buzzard's Roost, 
 siege of Atlanta and Jonesboro. At the battle of 
 Kenesaw IMonntain, where his regiment supported 
 a heavy battery, he stood for hours by the boom- 
 ing guns, and the constant roar made him perma- 
 nently deaf. This is a great affliction, for he is a 
 very social and intelligent man and keenly enjoyed 
 good compan}'. He marched under Sherman from 
 Atlanta to the sea, took part in the Grand Review 
 in Washington, 'the finest military pageant ever 
 seen in this country, and was honorably discharged 
 in Louisville, Ky. He is a most enthusiastic ad- 
 mirer of General Sherman, and was a warm personal 
 friend of Gen. John A. Logjin. 
 , Mr. McCoy holds membership with Ava Post, G. 
 A. R., and from the Government, which he so 
 faithfully aided to perpetuate, he now receives a 
 pension of 127 per month. He has always been a 
 stalwart supporter of the Republican party, and for 
 many years he and liis wife have been consistent 
 members of the Free Will Baptist Church. His 
 time and attention are now given to the further 
 cultivation and improvement of bis fine farm of 
 one hundred and sixty acres, which is supplied 
 with all modern accessories and conveniences, and 
 is regarded as one of the best farms in the neigh- 
 borhood. The owner is a man whose fidelity to 
 duty and sterling worth have won him the highest 
 regard of all, and his friends are many. 
 
 
 jUFUS R. COBBUM, a popular and highly 
 if esteemed citizen of Murphj'sboro, and a 
 Director of the Jackson County Lumber 
 ^^Companj', was born in Bluflfton, Wells 
 Count}-, Ind., September 24, 1847. The famil3Ms 
 of English origin, and the grandparents came from 
 England to America. The grandfather was a 
 contractor and builder, and contracted to erect the 
 
 State Capitol of Virginia. The father of our sub- 
 ject, James Cobbum, was born in Maryland, and 
 was a tailor by trade. Removing to Ohio, he there 
 married Sarah Webb, a native of Hocking County, 
 that state, whither her parents remoyed from Penn- 
 sylvania. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Cobbum became early settlers of 
 Wells Count}', Ind., where he entered land from 
 the Government and improved a fine farm. In 
 politics he was a Republican, and in religious be- 
 lief he was a Methodist. He passed away in March, 
 1861, respected by all who knew him. His wife 
 was called to her final rest in 1872. They had 
 seven sons and one daughter, of whom four are 
 j'et living: Joseph, now a farmer of Wells Count}-, 
 Ind.; Henry, who is living a retired life in Bluff- 
 ton, Ind.; James L., who makes his home in the 
 same place; and Rufus R., the only one living in 
 Illinois. Henry w.as one of the boys in blue, being 
 a member of the One Hundred and First Indiana 
 Infantry during the late war. 
 
 Our subject received his early education in an 
 old-time log schoolhouse, with the writing desk 
 along the wall, rude benches and other primitive 
 furniture. Much of his instruction, however, was 
 receive«iJ from a blind man, John McLeary, who 
 taught the high school at Bluffton, Ind. At the 
 age of twenty years he began traveling for a, mar- 
 ble firm in Ft. Wayne, Ind., and thus continued 
 for seven consecutive years, after which he em- 
 barked in business for himself in Geneva, Adams 
 County, opening a grocery store, which he carried 
 on for two years. He then became representative 
 for the Fairbanks AVindmill Company, of Indian- 
 apolis, traveling for tliem throughout Indiana for 
 about nine years. He also owned a farm near 
 Bluffton. 
 
 In 1888 Mr. Cobbum was united in marriage 
 with Mrs. Nancy Gill, widow of Hon. John M. 
 Gill, and the mother of Lieut.-Gov. J. B. Gill. ' 
 She was born in Williamson County, III., and is 
 a cultured and refined lady, who is a controlling 
 influence in social circles. 
 
 In 1887 Mr. Cobbum came to Murphysboro and 
 purchased a sawmill in Kinkaid Township, manu- 
 facturing hard-wood lumber for two yeai-s. He 
 also had a lumber yard in the city.- In C>cfiob^i;,
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 765 
 
 1890, he was one of the organizers of the Jackson 
 County Lumber Company, and for eigliteen months 
 served as its manager. lie is now serving as sales- 
 man. Mr. and Mrs. Cobbum own considerable real 
 estate, having seven hundred and sixt}' acres of 
 filie timber land in Arkansas, besides five lots and 
 good buildings in this place. In the year 1889 
 their residence on Cherry Street, a comfortable and 
 commodious home, was erected. Mr. Cobbum is a 
 member of the Odd Fellows' society, is a Democrat 
 in politics, and is an Elder in the Christian Church. 
 He is a stockholder in the Jackson County [loiiie- 
 stead Buildin<i; and Loan Association. 
 
 ,,J NDERSON E. GAKKETT, attorney-at-law 
 ?1L!J| of Murphysboro, was born near Charles- 
 ton, Mo., July 18, 1852. His grandfather, 
 Larkin Garrett, was a native of Virginia, 
 and in the War of 1812 served under Gen. William 
 Henry Harrison at the battle of Tippecanoe, and 
 was also with Jackson at New Orleans. Later he 
 removed to Benton County, Teun., where he car- 
 ried on farming for six 3'ears. From tiiat place he 
 went to Hardeman County, Tenn., where he oper- 
 ated a fine farm of five hundred acres. His death 
 occurred in 1872, at tiie age of eighty-three. He 
 voted the only ticket for the continuance of the 
 Union in his precinct in 1861. The great grand- 
 father of our subject was one of the heroes of the 
 Revolution, and traced his ancestry back to Eng- 
 land and thence to Normandy. 
 
 Mattliew D. Garrett, father of our subjet'l, was 
 a native of Benton County, Tenn., and in that 
 state followed carpentering and farming until his 
 removal to Oweusboro, Ky. He there married 
 Joyce Ann, daughter of .lohn Wilkinson, an early 
 settler of that community, whose father was Judge 
 in the Court of Common Pleas. In an early day 
 Mr. Garrett removed to Mississippi County, Mo., 
 where he did business as a contractor, and built 
 the first court house at Charleston. In 1853 he 
 removed to the southwestern part of the state, 
 where he carried on a grist-mill run by water 
 power. His wife there died in June, 1856, after 
 which he sold his mill and worked at his trade. 
 
 He then again married, and lived at various places 
 until 1861, when he went to Jackson, Tenn. 
 
 When A. B. Garrett was a lad of nine, he began 
 newspaper work in Jackson, Tenn., and later went 
 as a newsboy with the Sixth Regiment of Confed- 
 erate Volunteers, under Col. Stevens, to Union 
 City and Columbus. He continued with the regi- 
 ment until after the battle of Sliiloh, then went to 
 Memphis as a newsboy, and later was thus em- 
 ployed on the Mississippi Central (now the Illinois 
 Central) Railroad. After three months he re- 
 turned to Jackson, Tenn., and for a few weeks 
 was a lackey boy in the hospital. His father then 
 removed with the family to Union County, III., 
 and worked in a sawmill until 1863, when he lo- 
 cated on a farm. 
 
 In the following autumn, Mr. Garreit, Sr., re- 
 cruited the Eighty-first I llinois Infantry, but after- 
 ward was transferred to Company A, Twenty- 
 second Regiment Veteran Reserve Corps, in which 
 he served until honorably discharged at the close 
 of the war. His remaining ^ears were spent upon 
 his farm, where he died. He was a member of the 
 Baptist Church. Bj' his first wife, the mother of 
 our subject, there were born four sons and two 
 daughters, of whom three reached adult age. At 
 the age of twenty years Larkin W. became a sol- 
 dier in the Confederate army, and died at Ft. Pil- 
 low in the spring of 1862. Thomas S. was a sol- 
 dier in the Union army, being a member of Company 
 C, Seventeenth Illinois Cavalry; he died at Rolla, 
 Mo., in 1864, at the age of nineteen ^cars. After 
 the death of Ins first wife Matthew D. Garrett 
 married Lydia .Stafford, and they had three chil- 
 dren, all of whom died when young. His second 
 wife dying, he afterward married Sallie Hinkle, 
 and their union resulted in the birth of three chil- 
 dren, one of whom died in childhood. Two are 
 living, both married and residents of Union Coun- 
 ty, III. Mr. Garrett passed awa}' in January, 1870; 
 his wife survived him for a number of years, her 
 death occurring in 1883. 
 
 After coming to Illinois, A. B. Garrett attended 
 school during the winter and worked on the farm 
 through the summer until eighteen years of age, 
 wlien he embarked in teaching school. He was 
 thus employed for three winters, and in the sum-
 
 766 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPfflCAL RECORD. 
 
 mer attended a select school at Anna and after- 
 ward the high school at Cairo. When twenty-one 
 he became Principal of the Dougola schools. .Sub- 
 sequentl}- he was Principal of the schools of Vi- 
 enna for two j'ears, Pinckney ville for one year, 
 and later was siruilarlj- engaged at Carbondale, 
 Ava and Cobden for one year each. He was also 
 Principal of the Murphysboro schools during the 
 seven years of the decade between 1879 and 1889. 
 While .Superintendent, he established the best 
 graded and high school course in the city. He 
 was very successful as an instructor and won com- 
 mendation for his excellent work wherever he 
 went. 
 
 Mr. Garrett began reading law in Vienna in 
 1876, and continued his stud}*' in leisure hours 
 until August, 1887, when he was admitted to the 
 Bar at Mt. Vernon, but did not begin practice 
 until 1889. He then resigned his position as Su- 
 perintendent of the city schools, and on the 9th 
 of Ma}- opened a law office. He continued prac- 
 tice alone until 1891, when the firm of Swartz & 
 Garrett was formed. The}- iiave an office in Car- 
 bondale, his partner looking after the business at 
 that place, while he attends to the practice in Mur- 
 physboro. From 1888 until 1891 he served as 
 City Attorney, having been elected on the Demo- 
 cratic ticket. 
 
 In Dongola, in 1875, Mr. Garrett married 
 Georgie Williams, eldest daughter of A. G. Will- 
 iams, of Tennessee, and an early settler of Don- 
 gola, 111. The lady was born in Tennessee, and by 
 her marriage became the mother of two children, 
 Pearl and Ray. Their home is pleasantly situ- 
 ated on Evelyn Street, and the office is in the 
 Gill Block, at the corner of Main and Walnut 
 Streets. 
 
 Mr. Garrett is a member of Amity Lodge, I. 0. 
 O. F., a charter member of Jackson Camp No. 113, 
 S. v., in which he has served as Captain, was Ad- 
 jutant of the State Camp, and is now Junior Vice- 
 Commander of Illinois. He takes a very promi- 
 nent part in the work of this organization and is 
 widely known in its circles. He also belongs to 
 Carbon Lodge, K. H., is Grand Dictator of .Illi- 
 nois, and representative of the state in the Su- 
 preme Lodge. A well informed man and a brill- 
 
 iant speaker, he is winning the prominence in 
 his profession that he has gained in society circles. 
 
 <X ^^»^^^^■^•^^^-^••i•»^^•^^ ^ ^i•♦•»^^^i•^M^^i•^i•^i•^i-i■ X> 
 
 <^LBERT SHERMAN MARLOW, Superin- 
 (^jOj tendent of schools of Perry County, was 
 
 /// li born three miles east of Pinckneyville, 
 ^' 111., March 29, 1865. His ancestors were 
 
 residents of North Carolina, and were descendants 
 of good old Revolutionary stock. The fatlier, M. 
 M. Marlow, was a native of Tennessee, and had 
 six brothers, two of whom, Cale and Alex, were 
 killed in the Mexican AVar; two others, Baitiey and 
 Samuel, live near Pinckneyville, the latter being 
 eighty years of age. The father is also living and 
 makes his home on his farm east of Pin ckne}- ville. 
 
 Our subject's mother bore the maiden name of 
 Mary Metcalf, and was born in Tennessee. Her 
 father, Thomas Metcalf, was one of the early set- 
 tlers of Perry County, and was a prominent man 
 in his community, serving as Justice of the Peace 
 for several years, and occupying other positions of 
 honor. Our subject is the youngest of a family of 
 six children, there being four brothers and two 
 sisters. Of them we note the following: William 
 C. is one of the most extensive and successful far- 
 mers in this county; Marion is a farmer residing 
 near Du Quoin, and has served as Deputy Sheriff; 
 James C. lives with his father; Melvina married 
 Edward Hane and lives on a farm, and Lulu is a 
 teacher. 
 
 Upon the home farm our subject grew to man- 
 hood, receiving his education in the schools of 
 Pinckneyville. At the early age of seventeen he 
 was a school teacher, and followed that profession 
 for six years. He was Principal of the Pinckney- 
 ville schools, when he resigned to go into business 
 at this place, continuing in that line for two and 
 one-half years. In 1890 he was elected County 
 Superintendent of schools, which position he is 
 now filling with marked credit to himself. He has 
 a finely improved farm of eighty acres adjoining 
 the city of Pinckneyville, where he lives. 
 
 In 1891 Mr. Marlow married Miss Anna, daugh- 
 ter of G. G. Williams, the present Clerk of Perry 
 County. Mrs. Marlow was educated in Shurtleff
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 767 
 
 College, at Alton, 111., and was a teacher in the 
 Pinckneyville schools prior to l]er marriage. One 
 child has blessed the union, Howard. Socially, Mr. 
 Marlow is a Mason and a Knight of P3'thias. He 
 has also been quite prominent in tiie Independent 
 Order of Odd Fellows, having passed the chairs, 
 and being a member of the Grand Lodge. In pol- 
 itics, like all the members of the Marlow family, 
 he is a Democrat. He and his wife are members of 
 the Baptist Church. 
 
 [(S). ...^li)^. .@J 
 
 (®^ 'y^^^'" "~^ 
 
 /^) ^^'" ^^' ^' INGRAM, an old and highly re- 
 (l\ r ^I'^cted citizen of Jackson Count3', who is 
 ^^y engaged in the practice of medicine and 
 surgery' in Murphysboro, and is President of the 
 Board of Pension I^xaminers, has long been con- 
 nected with the interests of this community, and 
 has ever been prominent in the advancement of 
 those interests which are calculated to promote the 
 general welfare. The Doctor was born November 
 8, 1830, in Greenville, Ky. His father, .lames 
 Ingram, was born near Culpeper Court House, Va., 
 in 1808, and the grandfather, Isaac Ingram, was 
 also there born and reared. He became an early 
 settler of Kentuckj', and was a large planter, cul- 
 tivating an extensive tobacco farm on the Green 
 River. His death occurred in 1862. The family 
 was originally of English origin, the great-grand- 
 father, Benjamin Ingram, having come to this 
 country from Leeds, England. 
 
 The Doctor's father was reared in Kentucky, 
 and in 1850 emigrated to Jefferson County, 111., 
 where he carried on farming until his death, in 
 1855. He married Nancy Reno, a native of Cul- 
 peper Court House, and a daughter of John Reno, 
 who was born in Virginia and in 1810 emigrated 
 to Kentucky-. He was a pioneer school teacher of 
 that state, and followed his chosen profession un- 
 til eight3'-five years of age. He died in Green- 
 ville, K\'., at the age of ninety-five. His parents 
 were natives of Paris, France, and in that countiy 
 the name was spelled Renault, but after coming to 
 America the present mode was adopted. Mrs. In- 
 
 gram died June 11, 1877, at the age of sixty-eight. 
 She was a faithful member of the Methodist Epis- 
 copal Church. 
 
 In the family were five sons and three daughters. 
 John W., who enlisted in Company II, Eightieth 
 Illinois Infantry, was wounded at Perryville, and 
 received his discharge at Nashville in 1863. He 
 was a physician and died near Benton, III., in 
 1874. Isaac A., who was Second Lieutenant of 
 Company F, was wounded atShiloh in April, 1862, 
 and died in June. The Doctor brought his remains 
 home and he was laid to rest near Centralia. Ed- 
 ward W. is now a practicing phj'sician of Mt. Erie, 
 111.; W. S. is a farmer living near Ashley, III.; Mrs. 
 Martha Cameron resides in Ashley. 
 
 Col. W. T. Ingram is the eldest. He was reared 
 on a farm in Kentucky, attended the common 
 schools, and for two years was a student in Green- 
 ville Academy. He afterwards entered a drug 
 store and began the stud}' of medicine under Dr. 
 Yost, of Greenville. In 1850, he entered the Uni- 
 versity of Kentucky and pursued a course of study 
 in the department of medicine. In the spring of 
 1852, he went by boat to St. Louis, thence in a four- 
 horse stage to Vandalia, the capital of the state, 
 where he taught school for six months. He then 
 engaged for a time in medical practice in Xeuia, 
 111., after which he went to Johnsonville. His 
 next place of residence was at Webb's Prairie, in 
 Franklin County, where he continued practice un- 
 til the war. On the 25th of July, 1861, our sub- 
 ject joined Company F, Fortieth Illinois lufantiy, 
 and became First Lieutenant. He was always at 
 the front, aad after the battle of Shiloh was made 
 Captain. He participated in the engagements at 
 Tallahoochie and Holly Springs, and in 1863 re- 
 signed his commission on account of sickness. Re- 
 turning to Benton, 111., he there remained until the 
 spring of 1864, when he aided in raising the One 
 Hundred and Thirty-sixth Illinois Infantry, and 
 was commissioned Lieutenant-Colonel by Gover- 
 nor Yates. He took his men to Columbus, thence 
 to St. Louis, and bore a part in the raid after Price 
 in the fall of 1864. He was mustered out at 
 Springfield, October 22, and in December, 1864, 
 entered the Secret Service, doing duty along the 
 Mississippi until June, 1865. He was also Provost-
 
 768 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 
 
 Marshal in Franklin County, 111., until the close of 
 the war. 
 
 When his public service was over, Dr. Ingram 
 located in De Soto, wliere he engaged in the prac- 
 tice of medicine until 1876, since which time he has 
 been numbered among the medical practitioners of 
 Murph3'sboro. While in Wajne County, in 1865- 
 66, he took his last course of lectures in Louisville 
 and was graduated with the degree of M.D. He 
 has been very successful in practice, and his skill 
 and ability have won for him a good business. 
 
 Dr. Ingram was married in Kentuck3' to Miss 
 Susan Vaught, a native of that state, and they be- 
 came the parents of four children: M. Frances, wife 
 of George W. Hill, ex-Senator, and a leading attor- 
 ney of Murphysboro; William E., conductor on the 
 Mobile & Ohio Railroad; Robert E., conductor on 
 the Houston A- Texas Central, and a resident of 
 Houston; and Mrs. Ollie B. Landerville, who died 
 in 1890. In Wayne County, Dr. Ingram wedded 
 Mary A. (Moore) Rinard, who was born in .Saline- 
 ville, Columbiana County, Ohio, and is a daughter 
 of John Moore. In 1853, her father removed to 
 Wayne County, 111., where he owned a large farm 
 of eighteen hundred acres, all entered in one body. 
 His death occurred in December, 1869. His wife, 
 a native of Ohio, now makes her home with the 
 Doctor and his wife, at the age of eighty-five. 
 Mrs. Ino-ram was educated in Earlham College, of 
 Richmond, Ind., and the Cleveland Episcopal Col- 
 lege, and is a cultured and refined lady. 
 
 The Doctor has served as Alderman of the First 
 Ward of Murphysboro, holding the otHce when the 
 water works and electric lights were put in. He 
 was a member of the Board of Education for three 
 years and served as its President. From 1885 un- 
 til 1889, he was a member of the Board of Pension 
 Examiners, and in 1893 was re-appointed by Presi- 
 dent Cleveland. He is surgeon for the St. Louis, 
 Alton & Terre Haute Railroad, is a member of the 
 National Association of Railway Surgeons and of 
 the Southern Illinois Medical Association. He 
 also belongs to the Odd Fellows' society, the 
 Knights of Honor, and Worthen Post No. 128, 
 G. A. R. He is also Medical Examiner for about 
 ten insurance companies. In religious belief he is 
 a Methodist, serves as Trustee and Steward of the 
 
 church, and was the Chairman of the building com- 
 mittee. In 1877, he established the Industrial Trib- 
 une, a Greenback paper, which he published until 
 1880, when he sold out. The Doctor's life has 
 been a successful one financially, and an upright, 
 honorable career has won him the esteem of all. 
 
 W GUIS RODRIQUE is the owner and occu- 
 I ^ pant of fourteen acres on lot 12, third sub. 
 jl'— ^'^ division, Kaskaskia Commons, Randolph 
 County. He was born on the island between Doza- 
 ville and Kaskaskia, in this county, August 10, 
 1846. He was reared and has spent his entire life 
 within a few miles of the place of his birth. 
 
 Our subject is the son of Augustus and Florence 
 (Buatte) Kodrique, natives of Kaskaskia. The Ro- 
 drique famil}' is of Spanish origin, and the Buatte 
 family of Creole descent. Our subject attended 
 the Old Kaskaskia schools until about seventeen 
 years of age, but his parents having died when he 
 was a very small boy, little interest was taken 
 in his education or welfare, and his school days 
 were few and far between. Louis la Chapelle 
 was his guardian, and he made his home with that 
 gentleman and workeci on his farm until his nine- 
 teenth j'ear. At the age above mentioned, 3'oung 
 Rodrique began farming for himself on land left 
 bv his parents and also adjoining land, which lie 
 rented. Here he has always made his home, and 
 is well known and respected in the community 
 in which he has so long lived. 
 
 December 31, 1871, Louis Rodrique and Theresa 
 Derousse were united in marriage. Mrs. Rodrique 
 was the daughter of Poulite and Ellen (Menard) 
 Derousse, and was born on Kaskaskia Commons. 
 Here her death occurred February 10, 1878. Of 
 this marriage were born three children: Mary 
 Genevieve, Florence Ellen and Joseph H. Our 
 subject was a second time married May 13, 1879, 
 to Seraphene La Fleur, daughter of Lexon and 
 Pelagi (Danis) La Fleur, and a native of Kaskas- 
 kia, who was born in 1846, and died March 31, 
 1893. Four children came to bless this union: 
 Maggie Cecelia, Estella, James Augustus; and 
 Erma, who is deceased. Like all the early French
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 769 
 
 people of Old Kaskaskia, our subject has been rear- 
 ed a Catholic, as were both his wives. He has been 
 a life-long Democrat and is always a supporter of 
 its candidates. 
 
 bOUIS C. GENDRON. Among those who 
 ^ cultivated a portion of the soil of Old Kas- 
 ^ kaskia Commons, Randolph County, to 
 good advantage, may be mentioned the subject 
 of this sketch, who departed this life .January 6, 
 1893. He w.as born in Old Kaskaskia March 4, 
 183.3, and wns a son of Luke and Mary (Toulier) 
 Gendron, also natives of Kaskaskia. They were 
 members of old French families and came original- 
 ly from Canada. 
 
 Our subject spent his early life in the village of 
 Kaskaskia, and acquired the most of his knowledge 
 after reaching mature j-ears, and even attended 
 school after his marriage. His early years were 
 spent in farming in connection with his brother, 
 but on attaining his majority our subject departed 
 for Minnesota, where he rafted on the Mississippi 
 River for fourteen years. 
 
 April 22, 1861, Louis C. Gendron and Miss 
 Harriet, daughter of Anton and Mary P^ugenia 
 (Lasourse) Lonvall. were united in marriage. The 
 parents of Mrs. Gendron were also natives of Kas- 
 kaskia, and the father was of Spanish descent. 
 The mother was the daugliter of Paschal and Har- 
 riet (Dennis) Lasourse and reared a family of six 
 children, of whom Harriet was the third in order 
 of birth. She was born February 18, 1843, in Old 
 Kaskaskia, where her girlhood was spent and 
 where her marriage in the old French Church was 
 celebrated. For the first four years after estab- 
 lishing a home of his own our subject operated a 
 farm in what is known as the Big Fields, a tract 
 of land that has since been swept away by the 
 river. At the expiration of that time, desiring to 
 visit his brother who lived in California, .and with 
 a view to bettering his own condition financially, 
 Mr. Gendron started overland in April, 1865, for 
 the Golden State. On reaching Salt Lake City he 
 was induced to join a partv going to Montana, 
 where rich discoveries had been made in gold and 
 
 silver near Helena and Virginia. Not succeeding 
 as he had desired, and longing for his home and 
 family, he in the fall of the above year, in com- 
 pany with other men similarly inclined, started 
 down the Yellow Stone River in flat-boats, which 
 had to be covered thickly with hides of deer and 
 buffaloes in order to protect them from the assaults 
 of Indians. 
 
 The two years succeeding his return home, our 
 subject was engaged in rafting on the Upper Mis- 
 sissippi, and in the spring of 1868 he took a flft3'- 
 years' lease of fort^' acres of land on Kaskaskia 
 Commons. There he continued to reside until his 
 decease, which occurred .January 6, 1893. His wife 
 has since added sixty acres to the estate and is 
 conducting affairs in a very profitable manner. To 
 Mr. and Mis. Gendron have been born the follow- 
 ing children: Annie, Eugenia Adelia, .l.acob Perry, 
 Jacob and John (twins), Ellen, Francis, Elmer E., 
 Virgil A. and Lillian L. 
 
 Like most of the old settlers of Kaskaskia, Mrs. 
 Gendron and her family are of the Catholic faith, 
 and worship in the church where hangs the old 
 bell sent here by King Louis of France in 1742. 
 It was exhibited in the Convent of La Rabida at 
 the World's Fair in Chicago, and as a curiosity is 
 to be taken on a tour through the United States. 
 The congregation in K.askaskia, which is presided 
 over by Father Goosen, is the oldest in the Mis- 
 sissippi Vallej', dating back over two hundred 
 years. 
 
 . c^ jB^ p . 
 
 AUNCY L. ADAMS, a resident of township 
 6, range 6, and one of the foremost agri- 
 culturists of Randolph County, was born 
 here on the 30th of November, 1850. In order of 
 birth he is the fourth child of David and Margaret 
 (Douglas) Adams, the former of whom was born 
 in Scotland and accompanied his parents to Amer- 
 ica when a young man. The paternal grandfather, 
 James Adams, was a shoemaker by trade, which he 
 followed in Scotland, but after coming to Illinois 
 lived in retirement until his death. David Adams 
 was a farmer by occupation and was thus engaged 
 until his death, which occurred in 1854. Margaret, 
 his wife, was a daughter of Lot Douglas, who came
 
 770 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 from Scotland to America and died in Randolph 
 County. 
 
 Our subject was early orphaned by the death of 
 his father, which occurred when he was a child of 
 four years. His education was received in District 
 No. 3, township 6, range 6, in this county. He re- 
 mained on the home farm with his mother until 
 twenty-two years of ao^e, when he commenced 
 farming for himself and he has since engaged in 
 agricultural pursuits. June 11, 1873, he was 
 united in marriage with Mary E. Livesy, daugh- 
 ter of Charles and Minerva (Smith) Livesy. Of 
 this union there were born nine children, of whom 
 one died in infancy. Those living are, Luella M., 
 Charles R., James A., David L., Margaret M., 
 Minnie G., Carrie B. and Elmo H., all of whom re- 
 side with their parents. Mrs. Adams and the chil- 
 dren are members of the Presbyterian Church. 
 Politically, Mr. Adams supports the principles of 
 the Republican party, and in social matters he is 
 connected witli the American Legion of Honor. 
 
 "1^^ 
 
 E^" 
 
 WfelLLIAM DOZA, a well known resident of 
 ' Randolpli County, who successfully car- 
 ries on farming in township 7, range 8, is 
 a native of Tennessee. He was born in the city of 
 Natchez, and is the eldest child of Elese and Eliza- 
 beth (Pledger) Doza. The Doza family were among 
 the first settlers at Kaskaskia. Elexe Doza, Sr., 
 the grandfather of our subject, was a great Indian 
 fighter, and also a famous hunter, as was his son 
 Elexe. The latter was born in Kaskaskia, and when 
 a 3'oung man made a hunting trip to Tennessee. 
 While there he met and married Miss Pledger, and 
 continued his residence in Tennessee for two years. 
 Soon after the birth of our subject, he returned 
 with his wife and son to Kaskaskia, where he fol- 
 lowed farming and hunting until his deatli, which 
 occurred about 1860. His wife died when AVilliam 
 was a youth of ten summers. 
 
 Mr. Doza of this sketch had very limited school 
 privileges in his }'Outh,for he was needed at home 
 to aid in the labors of the farm. He was reared to 
 agricultural pursuits, and early in life became 
 familiar with all the arduous tasks connected with 
 agriculture. When he began business for himself 
 
 he continued in the same pursuit which lie has fol- 
 lowed through all the years of his manhood, ex- 
 cept for a period of four years, when he was en- 
 gaged in merchandising in Dozaville, a small town 
 in Randolph County', which was laid out by our 
 subject and named in his honor. He has been very 
 prosperous, and as the result of his close economy 
 and industry he to-day enjoys a goodly portion 
 of this world's goods. 
 
 In February, 1850, Mr. Doza was united in mar- 
 riage with Miss Harriet Lincoln, a second cousin 
 of Abraham Lincoln. Her parents were natives of 
 Massachusetts, and from the Bay State emigrated 
 to Kaskaskia, III. Unto our subject and his wife 
 were born thirteen children, but three died in in- 
 fancy', while Maiy, who became the wife of Addi- 
 son Dobbs, was called to the home be^'ond in 1888. 
 Those who still survive are, William H., who mar- 
 ried Mary LaFleur; Philip; Lexe, who married 
 Sarah (iondron; John, who married Sarah Curry; 
 Joseph, who married Mary Derouse; Edward, who 
 married Maggie Menard; Laura, wife of William 
 Gendron; Alonzo, who married Lydia McFadden, 
 and James, at home. The members of the fam- 
 ily are all living in the neighborhood of Doza- 
 ville. Our subject and his children are all mem- 
 bers of the Catholic Church, and he and his sons 
 are supporters of the Democrac}'. He is recog- 
 nized as one of the influential and leading citizens 
 of the communitj-, a man deeply interested in the 
 welfare of the neighborhood, and does all in his 
 power for its advancement and upbuilding. He 
 is also one of the substantial citizens of the com- 
 munity, and his success in life is well deserved. 
 
 yn.LIAM H. DOZA, a son of William Doza, 
 was born September 12, 18,52, on the banks 
 of the Grand Coole)', two miles east of 
 Dozaville, where the family' then resided. He well 
 remembers when there was water in the Grand 
 Cooley and fine fishing where is now diy land 
 under cultivation, the fine old forest that once 
 lined its banks having disappeared and given place 
 to smiling fields of wheat and corn. William H. 
 was about five or six years of age when his father 
 removed to his present home a half-mile north of 
 Dozaville, and well remembers when the fine farm
 
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 M-^MW. 
 
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 RESIDENCEIOF vA/. H DOZA, DOZAvlLLE RAIIDOlPH Cu I L. 
 
 
 j_^_«s.^ •<^<!*'V 
 
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 3- ~i~T:~ t--=^i3 
 
 RESlDEflCE OF WILLIAM DOZA, DOZAVILLE, RAMDOLPH CO., ILL 
 
 
 RESIDENCE or W!!?. B . B U ATTE = CLAI M 668., KA5KA5KIA , RANDOLPH CO., ILL,
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 773 
 
 was still all in timber. So small was he that once 
 in going 'coon liuuting he was carried on their 
 man's shoulder. 
 
 Our subject's education was secured in the 
 school a mile north of Dozaville. The first build- 
 ing was constructed of logs and was later replaced 
 by a frame structure, which is now the residence 
 of J. G. Burch. A short time at Cape Girardeau 
 completed his education so far as schools go, but 
 in the school of experience in the affairs of men, 
 he lias made a place for himself such as few of his 
 colleagues have done. When twenty- years of age 
 he took a trip to Colorado for his health, which 
 has never been good. He remained some eight 
 months, visiting San Leonis Valle3', Pueblo, and 
 Wet Mountain Valley, near the pf)Stoflice, Ula, 
 where he worked for a stockman on his horse and 
 cattle ranch. 
 
 During the holidays of 1874 our young traveler 
 reached home and began farming on his own ac- 
 count, working for his father when his own crops 
 did not demand his time. After two years thus 
 occupied, in the spring of 1876, Mr. Doza and two 
 neighbors started for California, leaving home on 
 the 25th of March. This trip to the west occupied 
 a year. Going first to Los Angeles and then on 
 down as far as San Diego, where they remained 
 but a short time, our travelers set out for Port- 
 land, Oregon. Then they worked for two months 
 on a farm near that place. It was on the trip from 
 San Francisco to Portland that our subject first 
 experienced a sail on the ocean and the delights of 
 mal cle mer. 
 
 After three months in Oregon our travelers re- 
 turned to San Francisco and went out to Antioch, 
 a small town near b}', and worked some days for a 
 thresherman, running the engine. While in this 
 situation, Mr. Doza met a Mr. Veale from St. 
 Clair County, 111., who took a fancy to William 
 and invited him to make his home with liim while 
 there. He also secured an agreeable situation for 
 him on levee work at Grand Island, in wliich po- 
 sition he continued for six months. After finish- 
 ing the levee work he returned home, bought a 
 team, and in eompanj' with his father conducted 
 farming operations and purchased a threshing ma- 
 chine, which they operated in common. 
 
 William H. remained under his father's roof 
 until the time of his marriage, which took place 
 October 21, 1884. The bride was Maggie E., 
 daughter of Eli and Mary (Carpelspin) linger, 
 natives of Kaskaskia Point. Her birth took 
 place in March, 1 8 14. Mrs. Doza was second in 
 order of birth of a family of three children born 
 to her parents. To our subject and his wife have 
 been born five children, as follows: Maiy E., Ra_v- 
 mond B., Ada F., Leon G. and Alma E. 
 
 Mr. Doza has operated quite extensively for a 
 St. Louis firm, sending out from twelve to fifteen 
 barge loads from near Dozaville, and one 3'ear 
 rafted logs from up the Missouri near St. Charles. 
 He has also supplied large quantities of piling for 
 the Government contractors for use in improving 
 the Mississippi. He is operating altogether about 
 one hundred and eighty acres of land. Mr. Doza 
 is a stirring business man, alwaj'S keeping some- 
 thing for his hand to' do. His experience in Cal- 
 ifornia mode him a suitable person to take charge 
 as foreman of the extension levee work done near 
 Dozaville in the winter of 1893-94, of which he 
 was also one of the Directors. 
 
 In public affairs Mr. Doza has served as Coasta- 
 ble, was School Director for a number of j-ears, 
 and also Road Commissioner, which place he has 
 recently resigned. In the spring of 1892 he se- 
 cured a piece of land near Dozaville and pur- 
 chased the old Governor Bond House in Kaskas- 
 kia, wrecked it, and built a flue brick residence in 
 the village which bears his father's name. Here 
 he makes his home, surrounded b3^ an interesting 
 famil}', enjoj'ing the comforts of life. He and his 
 wife are members of the Roman Catholic Church 
 of Kaskaskia, the oldest congregation in the Mis- 
 sissippi Valley. In politics he is a Democrat, sup- 
 porting the principles and candidates of that party. 
 He is one of the leading men on the Island and is 
 respected by all who know him. 
 
 y^ILLIAM B. BUATTE, who for many years 
 has resided in Randolph County and is 
 ^^^ now serving as County Commissioner, has 
 the honor of being a native of Illinois. He was 
 born in Kaskaskia, Randolph County, July 30, 
 1849, and is a son of Felix Buatte, who was also
 
 774 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 born in Kaskaskia. The family is of French de- 
 scent and was the second family that located in 
 the old historic town in which our subject was 
 born. He was the third in order of birth in a 
 familj' of four children. His mother died when 
 he wasonlj' two j'ears old, and his father removed 
 to Iowa, where he lived for nine years. He was 
 four times married. 
 
 Our subject attended the subscription schools of 
 the Hawkeye State, and after the return of the 
 family to Kaskaskia, there completed his educa- 
 tion. He worked on a farm with his father until 
 fourteen 3ears of age, when he started out in life 
 for himself as a farm hand. In that way he earned 
 his livelihood for seven years, after which he be- 
 gan farming for himself. His time and attention 
 have since been devoted to that pursuit, and his 
 enterprise and industrj', together with his well 
 directed efforts, have made him one of the leading 
 farmers of this locality. He knew the old time 
 capital in the days of its prominence, as well as 
 after the Mississippi had largely carried it away. 
 His family was among the first pioneers here, and 
 his great-great-grandfather's name was on the old 
 belUwhich was taken to the World's Fair in 1893, 
 among the Kaskaskia exhibits. 
 
 Mr. Buatte has been twice married. In No- 
 vember, 1871, he was united in marriage with Mrs. 
 Elizabeth (Dobbs) Danis, daughter of Jackson 
 Dobbs, of Kaskaskia, and a native of Georgia. By 
 their union were born six children, of whom three 
 are j-et living, John S., Robert and Hon. William 
 Bernard Buatte. The mother of the famil}- died 
 in November, 1891. In April, 1892, the father 
 married Mrs. Margaret (Caudle) Milligan. One 
 child graces this marriage, Felix Ulmont. 
 
 Mr. Buatte holds membership with the Roman 
 Catholic Church, and his wife belongs to the Bap- 
 tist Chuich. In politics he is a Democrat, having 
 been a stalwart supporter of that party since at- 
 taining his majority. He has been honored with 
 a number of public positions, has held school and 
 road offices, and in 1890 he was nominated by the 
 Democratic party as County Commissioner for 
 Randolph County, and was elected by a handsome 
 majority. He was made Chairman of the Board, 
 and so well did he fill the office that at the con- 
 
 vention in Kaskaskia, in September, 1893, he was 
 renominated by acclamation. The election returns 
 showed him to be the successful candidate, and when 
 his present term has expired he will have held the 
 office for six consecutive yeare. He is prompt and 
 faithful in the discharge of his duties and is filling 
 the position with credit to himself and satisfaction 
 to his constituents. He is always true to a trust, 
 whether public or private, and by an honorable, 
 upright life he has won the confidence and high 
 regard of all with whom he has been brought in 
 contact. In his business relations he has met with 
 success and is now a substantial citizen, one well 
 worth}- of representation in this volume. 
 
 ri^-^ GRACE W. CLARKE, a well known citi- 
 ll[)j^ zen of Murphysboro, who occupies the po- 
 ^y^ sition of Division Superintendent of the 
 1^3/ St. Louis Division of the Mobile k Ohio 
 Railroad, was born on the 27th of September, 1854, 
 in Cumberland, Md., and at the age of eighteen 
 entered the railway service. His father, who is^ 
 President of the road, lias through life been con- 
 nected with this work, .and it seemed but natural 
 that the son should take up the same business. 
 
 From January, 1872, until 1876, Mr. Clarke 
 served as an apprentice in the machine shops of 
 the Northern Central Railroad, and from 1876 un- 
 til 1877 he was clerk in the draughtsman's office 
 of the Illinois Central. In the latter year he be- 
 came section foreman and conductor on the ditch- 
 ing train of the Chicago, St. Louis <fc New Orleans 
 Railroad, and in 1878 he was made trainmaster on 
 the same road, which position he filled for five 
 years. From 1883 until 1884 he was Division 
 Superintendent of the Louisiana Division of the 
 Illinois Central, and from 1884 until the 1st of 
 August, 1886. was Assistant Division .Superintend- 
 ent of the Mississippi Division of the same road. 
 
 At the latter date Mr. Clarke succeeded to the 
 office of Superintendent, which position he filled 
 until June 23, 1890, when he entered the service 
 of the Mobile it Ohio Railroad as Superintendent. 
 He devotes himself untiringly to his work. He is 
 also interested in the Clarke <i: Logan Addition to
 
 PORTRAIT AKD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 775 
 
 Murphysboro, and is connected with the City Na- 
 tional Bank as a stockholder. Pleasant and genial 
 in manner, he has won popularity in this eom- 
 nuinity and has gained a wide circle of warm 
 
 friends. 
 
 z^mc^ 
 
 jILLIAJI MAEYS, a leading merchant and 
 prominent business man residing in the 
 
 '^^' village of Maeystown, has the honor of | 
 being a native of Monroe Countv, his birth hav- ' 
 ing occurred near Columbia on the 4th of July, 
 1842. His parents, George and Elizabeth (Reaup) 
 Mae3's, were both natives of Germany, and bj' their 
 union they had six children, two of whom are now 
 deceased. Those yet living are Jacob, Henrj', 
 Matilda and William. Mr. and Mrs. Maeys spent 
 their childhood and youth in the Fatherland. 
 They were members of the Lutheran Church, and 
 were highlj' respected people. A record of their 
 lives appears elsewhere in this volume. 
 
 No event of special im[jortance occurred during 
 the boyhood of our subject, who was reai-ed in the 
 usual manner of farmer lads, attending the district 
 schools during the winter months, and aiding in 
 the labors of the field in the summer season. He 
 continued with his parents until eighteen years of 
 age, and then started out in life for himself. He 
 first earned his livelihood by working as a farm 
 hand for §7 per month, but wishing to engage in 
 commercial pursuits, he went to Red llud in 1861 
 and there began clerking. He was thus employed 
 in Red Bud and Maeystown for thirty years, being 
 a most successful salesman. In 1893, he purchased 
 the store of which he is now proprietor and has 
 since been doing business for himself. 
 
 In 1868, Mr. Mae3"s was united in marriage with 
 Miss Christina Riffle, a native of Monroe County. 
 Their only child is now deceased, and Mrs. Maeys 
 died at the early age of twenty years. She held 
 membership with the Lutheran Church. In 1870, 
 our subject was again married, his second union 
 being with Miss Margaret Studt, a native of Ger- 
 many. She spent her maidenhood days in that 
 land and in its public schools acquired a good edu- 
 cation. In 1867, she left the home of her girlhood, 
 and with her sister crossed the Atlantic and came 
 
 direct to Monroe County, 111. By this union 
 were born ten children, Anna E., Jacob, George, 
 Bertha, Caroline, William, Matilda, Alvin and two 
 now deceased. The children are attending the 
 Maeystown school. It is the intention of their par- 
 ents to give them good educational privileges and 
 thus fit them for life's practical duties. The fam- 
 ily is one of prominence in the community, the 
 Maeys home is the abode of hospitality, and the 
 members of the household rank high in social 
 circles. 
 
 Both Mr. and Mrs. Maeys hold membership 
 with the Lutheran Church and contribute liberally 
 to its support. He votes with the Democratic 
 partv and does all in his power to insure its suc- 
 cess. He is now a successful merchant, enjoying a 
 splendid trade, and he and his estimable wife are 
 numbered among the highly respected citizens of 
 his native county. 
 
 MX 
 
 D. KIMMEL is a noted horseman and 
 rainer of horses of Elkville, near which 
 lace he was born September 13, 1862. 
 His parents, David and Susan Kimmel, are num- 
 bered among the honored pioneers of this locality. 
 On the old homestead the subject of this sketch 
 grew to manhood. While yet a lad he often sur- 
 prised his neighbors by his superior horsemanship. 
 He has been a lover of the noble steed from early 
 boyhood. He studied their habits and what was 
 best adapted to their welfare. 
 
 Considering the animals which Mr. Kimmel has 
 had under his training, it is easy to see that he 
 maj' well be classed witli the best amateurs of the 
 turf. He was the first man to breed a standard- 
 bred horse in Jackson County; that is, starting 
 with a common breed of horses, he inbred until 
 the offspring was eligible to registration and was 
 accepted and registered by the " American Trotting 
 Register " as a standard trotting animal. He was 
 the first man to introduce in this count}' the blood 
 of "Nutwood" No. 600, record 2:18J, and the great- 
 est living sire, the sire of "Manager," 2:06f, and 
 one hundred and eight other standard performers, 
 through his grandson, "Brockman," No. 18382,
 
 776 
 
 PORTRAIT AKD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 ■which he bought from the Montgomer}' Stock Farm, 
 of E. W. Barker, St. Bethlehem, Tenn., in 1892. He 
 is sired b}' "Sylvan" Xo. 3667, record 2:27^; son of 
 "Nutwood," first dam "Cliquot" b>' "Nutbotirne" 
 No. 1399, full brother to "Nutwood," and son of 
 "Miss Russell," dam of "Maud S." 2:08J, etc. 
 
 In 1884, Mr. Kimmel was united in marriage 
 with Miss Mattie Schwartz, a daughter of Edward 
 Schwartz. To them has been born a family of four 
 children: Maude, deceased; Mercie, Lucj-and Ned. 
 Thej- reside in Elkville, where the^' have a pleas- 
 ant home and are well known people. 
 
 • ~s*e^ -^fi^ ^^^^ ^3j£^ -A Lt^ jaa ^9K^ ^V '-^ ^W' -afc* ,^3<a^ ~W«* 
 
 . ^TOv -^;^rT5«^ ^^^ -^*^ WAf -*!*» --Ai^ -fi^ .^1*^ -»«^ -IT** 
 
 <A feTLLlAM LEMEN. who for some years has 
 \rJ// successfully engaged in school teaching, 
 ^1/^1/ aud is now a well known and highly re- 
 spected citizen of Burksville, is numbered among 
 the native sons of Monroe County. His parents, 
 Josiah and Susan A. (Bales) Lemen, were also born 
 in Illinois. In the public schools the father ac- 
 quired his earl}' education, which was supplemented 
 by a college course. He remained at home until 
 his marriage with Miss Bales in 1851. To them 
 were born six children, Lewis, William, Albert, 
 Jennie, and two who died in infancy. 
 
 After his marriage, Mr. Lemen purchased the 
 old homestead, and carried on farming until his 
 death, which occurred September 27, 1875. He 
 held the office of School Director, and also served 
 as election judge. He exercised his right of fran- 
 chise in support of the Republican party. In 
 every dutj' ol life he was thoroughly conscien- 
 tious, and was a kind father, true husband and 
 loj'al citizen. His wife held membership with the 
 Baptist Church, and died in that faith December 
 7, 1863. 
 
 The great-grandfather of our subject built the 
 firet brick house west of the Ohio River. One 
 evening, as Captain Dent, the father-in-law of 
 General Grant, was on his way home, night over- 
 took him, and he came to this house seeking shel- 
 ter. The lady, a very kind-hearted woman, who 
 was then at home alone, consented to allow him to 
 remain. The family consisted of father, mother 
 and seven sons, all of whom were grown young 
 
 men, large and robust. As night drew near, the 
 sons came home after a daj-'s hunt. Captain Dent 
 trembled as he saw them enter, their hands and 
 clothes covered with blood, for he thought he was 
 at the mercy of a gang of robbers. The father 
 soon inquired of the bo^'S concerning tiieir success 
 and was answered, "We laid one cold." This 
 frightened the Captain more than ever; he feared 
 these were his last moments on earth, and he 
 would never see his home and family again. The 
 evening to him passed slowly awav, and at last 
 the hour of retiring drew near. The old gentle- 
 man remarked, "Well I guess its time," but did not 
 say time for what. He walked to the fireplace and 
 reached above the mantle-piece, where hung a 
 large rifle, but instead of the rifle, as was looked 
 for by the traveler, he took the family Bible and 
 commenced the evening worship. The Captain's 
 relief ma}' be imagined when he found that in- 
 stead of being among a gang of robbers, he was in 
 a home of ministers, for the seven sons were all 
 preachers. 
 
 We now take up the pei-sonal history of Will- 
 iam Lemen, who was educated in a high school of 
 Monroe County, and spent his boyhood and youth 
 in the usual manner of farmer lads. Having ar- 
 rived at years of maturity, he chose as a com pan 
 ion and helpmate on life's journej' Miss Louisa E. 
 Briegel. B}' their marriage was born one child, a 
 girl, Hulda E., who is the light and joy of the par- 
 ents' home. Mr. and Mrs. Lemen have always re- 
 sided on the old Lemen homestead, which is car- 
 ried on by our subject, who, in addition to his 
 farm labor, spends eight months of the 3'ear in 
 teaching school. He has always been a close stu- 
 dent, and has spent much of his leisure time in 
 deep research in various directions. He began 
 teaching at the age of twent^'-one, and has fol- 
 lowed the profession for twelve years, becoming a 
 most capable instructor. He also has two broth- 
 ers who are engaged in school teaching. He was 
 also for four years engaged in operating a saw- 
 mill, operated a threshing machine for twelve 
 years, and was the founder of Lemen Station, on 
 the Mobile & Ohio Railroad. 
 
 In politics, Mr. Lemen has been a stalwart Re- 
 publican since casting his first Presidential vote
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 777 
 
 for R. B. Hayes. He belongs to the Farmers' Mu- 
 tual Benefit Association, and is a man whose many 
 excellencies of character have gained liim high re- 
 gard throughout the community. B_v his industry 
 and enterprise he has made for his family a fine 
 home. He carries forward to a successful comple- 
 tion whatever he undertakes, and has therefore 
 won a prominent place among the leading farmers 
 and teachers of the count}'. 
 
 HARLES H. SUNDMACHER. one of the 
 self-made men of Jackson County and a 
 leading attornej'-at-law of Murphysboro, is 
 a native of the neighboring state of Missouri, his 
 birth having occurred in St. Louis, July 25, 1857. 
 His father, Ferdinand Sundmacher, was a native 
 of Germany and a carpenter by trade. When a 
 young man he came to the United States, locat- 
 ing in St. Louis, where he followed carpentering 
 for some time. During the war he carried on 
 farming near Dc Soto, Jefferson Count}-, Mo., and 
 in 1865 went to Belleville, St. Clair County, III. 
 Two years later he came, to Murphj'sboro, where 
 he was engaged as a carpenter for some time, but 
 is now living retired. His wife, Mrs. Mary (Bo- 
 deker) Sundmacher, was born in the Fatherland, 
 and during her infancy was brought b}- her par- 
 ents to America. She died in Murpln'sboro at the 
 age of fort}-, leaving one son and two daughters. 
 The former, Charles IL, was a lad of only ten 
 summers when he located in Murphysboro. He 
 attended the public schools until fifteen years of 
 age and then went to the west, where he was en- 
 gaged in mining and prospecting in the moun- 
 tains of California in various places on the coast. 
 He was in a number of states beyond the Missis- 
 sippi from 1872 until 1882. The following year 
 however, he made a permanent location in Mur- 
 physboro, and began reading law under the di- 
 rection of George W. Smith, Member of Congress. 
 He has since engaged in practice, and was ad- 
 mitted to the Bar in Mt. Vernon in 1887. In the 
 spring of 1885 he was elected City Attorney, and 
 after faithfully filling that office for a term of 
 tw-o years w-as re-elected, in 1887. He was one of 
 
 the revisers of the city ordinances of Murphys- 
 boro, and, in connection with R. J. Stephens, pre- 
 pared the copy for the press, a work of one hun- 
 dred and eighty-four pages. 
 
 The marriage of Mr. Sundmacher and Jliss Mag- 
 gie Blue was celebrated in Murphysboro in 1887. 
 The lady was born in Kentucky, but her girlhood 
 daj's were spent in Williamson County, 111. They 
 have a little daughter, Mary. 
 
 Our subject takes considerable interest in civic 
 societies, is a member of Amity Lodge, I. O. (). F., 
 and the encampment, and is a very prominent 
 Mason. He belongs to the blue lodge and chap- 
 ter of Murphj-sboro, being Past High Priest of the 
 latter; to the Knight Templar Commandery of 
 Cairo; and the Medina Temple of the Mystic 
 Shrine and the Oriental Consislor}-, both of Chi- 
 cago, having attained the thirty -second degree. He 
 has served as representative to the Grand Chap- 
 ter of the state. He also belongs to the Knights 
 of Pythias. In his political views he is a Demo- 
 crat. His service as City Attorney' gave great 
 satisfaction, and in this community he is recog- 
 nized as a lawyer of ability, who is rapidl}- win- 
 ning a prominent place among his professional 
 brethren. In January, 1894, he was one of the 
 corporators of the Logau Investment Company 
 of Murphysboro. of which he is now manager. 
 
 ^.g^^^tffl^l^ ^i^"^^^^ 
 
 y 
 
 ILLIAM CARLILE. Among the men who 
 are cultivating a portion of the soil of 
 
 ipfj Old Kaskaskia, Randolph County, to good 
 advantage is the gentleman above named, whose 
 pleasant home is located on lot 4, third sub-division 
 of Kaskaskia Commons. Like man}- of the most 
 progressive citizens of this section, our subject is a 
 native of this county, having been born near Ches- 
 ter, July 15, 1857. He is the son of James and 
 Mary (Shark) Carlile. who were born in Paisley, 
 Scotland. 
 
 William Carlile, of this sketch, prosecuted his 
 studies in the Fleming schoolhouse, located some 
 five miles from Chester, near where his father was 
 operating a farm. He remained under the parental 
 roof and aided in cultivating the home place un-
 
 778 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 til reaching his majority, when he started out to 
 begin the battle of life on liis own account. He 
 first began farming on Kaskaskia Commons, which 
 has been the scene of his operations ever since, 
 with tlie exception of one j-ear, when he put in a 
 crop on the hills. He is now cultivating a tract of 
 fifty-seven acres, liaving a fifty-j'ear lease on the 
 old commons, where he has planted a j'oung or- 
 chard and made manj' other valuable improve- 
 ments. 
 
 August 28, 1883, our suijjeet was married to 
 Miss Olive, daughter of Robert E. and Mary B. 
 (Carpenter) Phillip, natives respectively of Vigo 
 County, Ind., and Old Kaskaskia, this county. Six 
 children have come to brighten their home, as fol- 
 lows: Willie, May, Edward and Edna L. (twins), 
 Harr^' and Sadie. Maj- and Edward are deceased. 
 Mrs. Carlile is a working member of the Mission- 
 ary Baptist Church and is a most excellent lad_v. In 
 politics our subject always votes the straight 
 Democratic ticket, and in every enterprise to 
 whicii he gives his support he maintains a deep 
 and unwavering interest. 
 
 ^^ AMI'EL HARRIS. The agricultural dis- 
 ^^^ tricts of this great commonwealth are the 
 \£-M homes of many worthy men whose lives 
 liave been spent in sucli a manner as to 
 win the respect of their associates, while their well 
 directed efforts have resulted in comfortable homes 
 and valuable jiroperties. In Randolpli County 
 representatives of this class may be found in large 
 numbers, and one of them is he whose biographical 
 record is outlined in these paragraphs. His home 
 is located in township 6, range 5, where he has a 
 thoroughly tilled farm, improved by such build- 
 ings as are made necessary by the extent of his 
 work. 
 
 Born in Randolph County. 111., October 1, 1856, 
 our subject is the fourth surviving son of John 
 and Amanda (Threlkel) Harris, natives of Ken- 
 tucky, who, coming to Illinois in an early daj', set- 
 tled five miles west of Steeleville, Randolph 
 County. Mr. Harris became one of the most 
 prominent farmers of the county, and his death 
 
 in 1872 was universally mourned by the people 
 of this communitj'. His wife p.assed away De- 
 cember 31, 1883. Members of the Harris and 
 Threlkel families were among the verj' earliest 
 settlers of Randolph County, and east of Kaskas- 
 kia, near Percj', there still st.ands a building 
 erected by Mr. Threlkel that has the distinc- 
 tion of having been one among the first struct- 
 ures built in Randolph Countv. 
 
 Alternating attendance at the district school 
 with work on the home farm, Samuel Harris passed 
 the days of boyhood. At the age of fourteen 
 he enjoyed the privilege of attending school for 
 one year at Chester, and two years later he en- 
 tered the college at Lebanon, III., where he pros- 
 ecuted his studies for about two j'ears. While 
 at Lebanon his health failed, and for four years 
 he was an invalid. Hoping to regain the vigor 
 of former years, he went to Colorado and spent 
 one year recuperating. Then he returned to 
 Steeleville and with E. M. Harris embarked in 
 the meat business, which he followed for five 
 years. Later he engaged in the grain and feed 
 business for one and one-half years. 
 
 On account of ill health Mr. Harris was once 
 more obliged to seek the western part of the 
 United States, and for a year he traveled and ul- 
 timately succeeded in regaining strength. In the 
 spring of 1883 he settled on the farm where he 
 has since resided, engaged in mixed farming and 
 stock-raising. He is one of the moneyed men of 
 the county, and is prominently identified with 
 many of the most important enterprises of the com- 
 munity. In politics he is a Democrat, but has 
 never aspired to office, although he has been chosen 
 to serve as School Director and Constable. Socially 
 he is connected with Alma Lodge No. 497, A. F. 
 & A. M., at Steeleville. 
 
 In the spring of 1883 Mr. Harris married Miss 
 Elizabeth Hoke, who was born in AVashington 
 County, III., and for some time prior to her mar- 
 riage cng.aged in teaching school in Washington 
 and Randolph Counties. Her parents, George T. 
 and Rebecca (Fulton) Hoke, natives respectively 
 of Indiana and Illinois, are both living, and will 
 in October, 1894, celebrate their golden wedding 
 anniversary. The Fulton family came from New
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 779 
 
 Hampshire, while the Hokes were residents of 
 
 Pennsylvania for several generations. Mrs. Harris 
 is a member of the Methodist Church, and her two 
 children, Samuel L. and Murray Hoke, are attend- 
 ants at the Sunday-school. 
 
 (^ 
 
 ^m\<®^ 
 
 L-T- 
 
 ■-s^ 
 
 1^^' 
 
 ^ 
 
 ^ 
 
 STf^j ARRET! P. HARMON was born near Pal- 
 L>V estine, Randolph County, 111., on the 1st of 
 /AMljl: February, 1841, and was a son of George 
 \~<f' and Mary (Caudle) Harmon. His father 
 was born in South Carolina, and when a young 
 man came with his parents to Illinois. He was a 
 cooper by trade and followed that business for a 
 number of years, but later in life he turned his at- 
 tention to farming, whicli he continued until his 
 death. He was a successful agriculturist and ac- 
 quired a comfortable competence. His wife sur- 
 vived bim only three ^-ears. 
 
 B. P. Harmon was reared in the usual manner of 
 farmer lads. He acquired his education in the dis- 
 trict schools, which he attended through the winter 
 season, while in the summer months he aided in 
 the labors of the field. He continued to give his 
 father the benefit of his services until he had at- 
 tained his majority, when he started out in life 
 for himself and followed the pursuit to which he 
 was reared. He made farming his life work, de- 
 voting his energies to no other pursuit. His place 
 was always neat and tlirifty in appearance, and its 
 well tilled fields and the many imiirovements seen 
 tliereon indicated the careful suiiervision of the 
 owner. 
 
 On the 30th of August, 1864, Jlr. Harmon was 
 united in marriage with Miss IMarjie C. Jones, 
 daughter of Armstead and Sarena J. (Garner) 
 Jones. Her father was a native of Tennessee, and 
 her mother was born in this county. Oilr subject 
 and his wife became the parents of a familj'of eight 
 children, but Sarena, the second child, died after 
 reaching womanhood. Those still living are, 
 Charles, who married Harriet Hunt and lives on a 
 farm near Ellis Grove; Lizzie, wife of W. H. 
 Haynes, a prominent young man of Monroe Coun- 
 ty, 111.; Carroll, Arthur G.,Emma J., Olive V. and 
 
 Barrett R., all of whom are still with their mother 
 on the old homestead. 
 
 For seven years prior to his death, Mr. Harmon 
 was in poor health. He made two trips to Califor- 
 nia in the hope of being benefited thereby, and 
 also went to Kansas for the same purpose, but to 
 no avail. In politics, he was a stanch Democrat, 
 and held school offices for a number of years. He 
 was also Justice of the Peace for twelve years, and 
 his faithfulness to duty is indicated by his long 
 continued service. Socially, he was connected 
 with Kaskaskia Lodge No. 86, A. F. ct A. M. He 
 and his wife were for many years connected with 
 the Methodist Church, but afterwards became con- 
 verted to the belief of Christian .Science. He vvas 
 a true and loyal citizen, a faithful neighbor and 
 friend and a kind and loving husband and father, 
 and throughout the community in which he lived 
 his death was widely and deeply mourned. His 
 wife, who possesses many excellencies of character 
 and is held in iiigh regard, still resides with her 
 children on the old homestead. 
 
 «)DWARD C. RENDELL, chief clerk for the 
 Superintendent of the St. Louis Division of 
 9 the Mobile & Ohio Railroad, is a pleasant 
 and affable gentleman, and is thoroughly conver- 
 sant with everj' detail of the railroad business. 
 He was born in Petersburg, Va., October 4, 1863, 
 and is a son of I. J. Rendell, whose birth occurred 
 in the vicinity of Bangor, Me. The father, who 
 was a locomotive engineer by trade, w.as in the 
 employ of various roads at different times, and 
 during the Civil AVar ran an engine for the Union 
 army in Virginia. At the close of the Rebellion 
 he went to Mississippi, where he ran an engine on 
 the old Mississippi Central Railroad. After resid- 
 ing for a time in Jackson, Tenn., he came to 
 Cairo, 111., in 1878, and was general foreman for 
 the old Chicago, St. Louis & New Orleans, now the 
 Illinois Central Railroad. His death occurred in 
 1888. 
 
 Our subject's mother, whose maiden name was 
 Ella Newsome, was born in Petersburg, Va., where 
 her father, F. P. Newsome^ was a tailor. She now
 
 780 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 makes her home with our subject. Of the family, 
 two brothers and three sisters are cleceaseci, while 
 one son and one daughter are living. Edward C. 
 was reared in Mississippi and at Jackson, Tenn., 
 wiiere he was a student in the common schools. 
 In 1878 he removed to Cairo, where he prosecuted 
 his studies in the liigh school. He was also a stu- 
 dent in the Clinton Baptist College, at Clinton, 
 Ky., for two j-ears. 
 
 In the meantime, as earlj^ as 1880, Mr. Rendell 
 entered the emploj' of the Illinois Central Rail- 
 way Company and ran a stationary engine at 
 East Cairo, K}'., where he continued until 1888. 
 He then took his father's place as general foreman, 
 and after two months was relieved by A. B. Min- 
 tou. Later he accepted a clerkship with W. H. 
 Clark, at Jackson, Tenn., where he was Division 
 Superintendent of the Illinois Central Railroad, 
 remaining in that position until June of 1890, 
 since which time he has been at Murphysboro as 
 Mr. Clark's chief clerk. Socially, he is identified 
 with the Uniformed Rank, K. of P., at Cairo, and 
 in his political belief he is a Democrat. He is a 
 member of the Christian Church, and is an ear- 
 nest and active worker in that denomination. 
 
 WILLIAM H. SMITH, Chairman of the Coun- 
 tj' Board of Commissioners, and one of 
 the prominent and most highly respected 
 citizens of Perry County, makes his home in 
 Pinckneyville. As he is so widely and favora- 
 bly- known, we feel assured that many of our read- 
 ers will receive with interest this record of his life 
 work. His career has been an honorable and up- 
 right one, well worthj' of emulation. 
 
 Mr. Smith was born in Kentucky', October 30, 
 1835. His father's name was AVillis, and the grand- 
 father bore the name of William Smith. The for- 
 mer was a native of Ken tuck}', and the latter of 
 South Carolina, whence he removed in an early 
 day to Kentucky. When our subject was only 
 About four j'ears of age, his parents came to Perry 
 Count}', settling three miles from Pinckneyville. 
 His father was for several years Justice of the 
 Peace, and was a leading citizen of the community. 
 
 He died when his son William was only fourteen 
 years of age. His wife bore the maiden name of 
 Phcebe Taylor, and was also a native of Kentucky. 
 Her father, Ileniy Taylor, was a farmer, and emi- 
 grating to Pen-}' County, here spent his last days. 
 After tiie death of his father, his mother was again 
 married, and died in this county. Our subject 
 was the only sou in the Smith family, but had five 
 sisters, of whom four are still living: Ruth Eliza- 
 beth, wife of Valentine McClurkin, who resides 
 two miles north of Pinckne^'ville; Louisa, who 
 wedded Archie McClurkin, and is living in this 
 county; Josephine, who is now Mrs. Vinyard, a 
 widow; and Mrs. Julia A. Taylor, who resides in 
 Tamaroa. 
 
 The subject of this record spent his early ^outh 
 upon his father's farm, and in earl}- life attended 
 the public schools, but after his father's death he 
 began earning his own livelihood by working as a 
 farm hand by the month. He chose as a compan- 
 ion and helpmate on life's journey Miss Margaret 
 J. Davis, the marriage being celebrated iu 1857. 
 The lady was born in Perry County, where her 
 father, William Davis, had settled in pioneer days. 
 Eleven children graced this union, of whom seven 
 are now living: Crede P., a farmer living near Pinck- 
 neyville; Lavaiicha A., wife of Monford Lemon, 
 of Pinckneyville; William W., who carries on his 
 father's farm; Julia A., wife of John H. Miller, 
 who is also living on the home farm; Charles, who 
 is engaged iu business witii his father; Harry E. 
 and Scott, who complete the family. 
 
 After his marriage Mr. Smith rented a farm on 
 the Pinckneyville and Nashville road, but in a short 
 time purchased land, to which he has added from 
 time to time, until he now owns one of the fine 
 farms of the county. It comprises three hundred 
 and forty acres of valuable land, and is under a 
 high state of cultivation. He also owns consider- 
 able property in Pinckneyville, including his com- 
 fortable home and his store, for he is a dealer in 
 farm machinery, and along that line is •doing a 
 good business. He has prospered in his under- 
 takings, and his industry and enterprise have 
 brought him a handsome competence. 
 
 Mr. Smith is now serving his third year as 
 County Commissioner, and at this writing is Chair-
 
 '^ 
 
 
 
 ^^^^^^^^^ C^/zX^
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 783 
 
 man of the Board. He takes quite an active part 
 in local politics, and supports the Democratic 
 party, of whose principles he is a warm advocate. 
 Both he and his wife are active workers and faith- 
 ful members of the Baptist Church, in which Mr. 
 Smith serves as Deacon. Both have a host of 
 warm friends in this community, and have the 
 confidence and high regard of all. 
 
 ■^^- 
 
 ^p^USTAVUS PAPE, a native of Prussian AVest- 
 Itl ,-— _ phalia, w.is born in the city of Ilirschberg, 
 "^^^ Januar3' 18, 1826. He is a son of Caspar 
 Antoine and Therese (Hillebrandt) Pape, both of 
 whom were Prussians. The former was born in 
 1789, and the latter about ten ^-ears later. To 
 them were born seven children, of whom our sub- 
 ject is the second m order of birth. There were a 
 half-brother and half-sister born of a former mar- 
 riage of our subject's father. Of this familj' of 
 nine, only three remain, our subject and two sis- 
 ters 3'ounger than he. 
 
 While in the Old Country Caspar Pape held offi- 
 cial position under the king, as did his father be- 
 fore him, the latter being a magistrate. The ma- 
 ternal grandfather was also a magistrate in earlier 
 life, and at the time of his death was a privy coun- 
 cilor. He came to his death while out on a hunt, 
 being shot b\- a near-sighted friend who. seeing his 
 deer skin poucli through the bushes, mistook him 
 for a deer and shot, killing him. Tlie date of the 
 marriage of our subject's parents was about the 
 year 1820. The}' emigrated with their family to 
 America in the spring of 1834, landing in Phila- 
 delphia after a passage of fort3-nine d.aysout from 
 Bremen, their port of departure on the sailing-ves- 
 sel "Champion." From the vessel their goods were 
 moved to a river steamer, by which they journeyed 
 to Baltimore. 
 
 After a week's sojourn at Baltimore, the family 
 traveled to Frederick on one of the first railroads 
 in the country; the coaches were of the old fashioned 
 kind, each one having a seating capacity of but 
 six or eight. From Frederick they went to Cave- 
 town, a small place near Ilagerstown, where they 
 remained a month. From there to Wheeling, W. 
 30 
 
 Va., they progressed by the freight wagons plying 
 across the Alleghan}- Mountains, a trip that occu- 
 pied a week or ten dajs. At Wheeling our travel- 
 ers were compelled to wait a week for a steamer to 
 take them to Cincinnati, the water being so low 
 that boats were ver^' irregular. 
 
 Reshipping at Cincinnati on another steamer, 
 no more delay's were suffered, and in course of 
 time the famil}' were disembarked at Kaskaskia 
 Landing on the Mississippi, opposite the ancient 
 town. Mr. Pape was a propert}' owijor in the Old 
 Countr3', and disposing of his possessions the year 
 before his emigration, was, unlike many emigrants, 
 in comfortable circumstances when he reached his 
 new home. On his arrival at K.askaskia, he bought 
 the Atkins farm, on the bluflfs of the Okaw, about 
 nine miles above Kaskaskia. Here our subject re- 
 sided until the death of his father, in September, 
 1851, when the family scattered. The mother de- 
 parted this life in 1859, at the house of one of her 
 daughters on an adjoining farm, and her body and 
 that of her husband lie buried on the farm that 
 was for so many years their home. 
 
 After the death of his father, Gustavus went to 
 St. Louis and secured a clerkship in a grocery 
 store, where he remained three years. At the end 
 of that time he came to Kaskaskia, and in the 
 spring of 1854 took a position with and clerked 
 six years for George W. Stale}', now of Chester, 
 who kept a general store. From 1861 to 1865 our 
 subject was in partnership witii his old einplojer. 
 Dissolving partnership at that time, Mr. Pape a 
 year later purchased a building and began business 
 for himself, in which he has continued ever since, 
 and by careful management he has accumulated a 
 comfortable fortune to keep him in old age. Be- 
 sides his store in Kaskaskia, he has a farm of one 
 hundred acres in the rich bottom lands above the 
 "cut-oflf," and a tract of two hundred and eighty 
 acres in Perry County. 
 
 Owing to the encroachment of the river, the 
 town is fast washing away, and when Mr. Pape may 
 be forced to move, he will retire from active busi- 
 ness and take life easy the rest of his days. The 
 building in which he conducts his business and 
 makes his home is the oldest brick house in the 
 State, The brick from which it was made was man-
 
 784 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 ufactured in Pittsburg, whence it was transported 
 on keelboats down the Ohio, and "cordelled" up 
 the Mississippi to Chester, and thence up the Okaw 
 to Kasliaskia in 1803. In this building the first 
 Territorial Legislature was organized, and there 
 its first sessions were held. 
 
 November 30, 1867, Mr. Pape was married to 
 Mary K. Feaman, a native of Flardinsburg, Ky., 
 where she was born January 9, 1836. She is a 
 daughter of William and Elizabeth (Jeffries) Fea- 
 man, natives of Virginia and Kentuckj- respect- 
 ively. The two children born to our subject and 
 his wife died in infancy. Mrs. Pape is a strict 
 member of the Roman Catholic Church, as were the 
 parents of Mr. Pape, who, owing to the distance 
 from a place of worship in the earl3' days of his 
 life, fell awa}' from the church. Sociall}', he is a 
 member of the Masonic fraternit3', holding mem- 
 bership in the blue lodge at Ellis Grove and the 
 chapter at Chester. In politics he has been a Dem- 
 ocrat all Iiis life, but believes in voting for the man 
 rather than the part}'. Since 1872 he has been 
 Postmaster at Kaskaskia, holding that office 
 through all the changes of administration. 
 
 ^ JACOB MAEYS, one of the most prominent 
 I and influential farmers of Monroe Count}', 
 -j^i resides in the village of Mae3stown. As 
 '^^ he is so widely and favorably known in 
 this community we feel assured that this record of 
 his life will prove of interest to many of our 
 readers, and therefore gladl}' give it a place in this 
 volume. He was born in Germany October 4, 
 1828, and is a son of George and Elizabeth (Reap) 
 Maejs, who were also natives of that country. 
 Their family numbered nine children, three of 
 whom died in infancy. The others were Jacob, 
 Henry, Elizabeth, Matilda, Catherine and William. 
 The father was a daj" laborer and worked hard to 
 support his famil}-. In 1832 he came with them 
 to the United States, hoping to thereby better his 
 financial condition. He first located in Lancaster 
 Count}-, Pa., where he worked as a farm hand by 
 the day. lu 1841 he removed to St. Louis, Mo., 
 and thence came to Monroe County, III, He 
 
 rented a farm near Columbia and carried on agri- 
 cultural pursuits until his death, which occurred 
 in 1845, at the age of forty-five yeai-s. In poli- 
 tics he was a supporter of Democratic principles. 
 His wife died in the home of our subject when 
 about seventy-two years of age. She was a mem- 
 ber of the Lutheran Church. 
 
 Jacob Maeys was only four years of age when 
 brought by his parents to this country. He con- 
 tinued to live witli tliem throughout their lives, 
 and was reared and educated in Pennsylvania. 
 Although his school privileges were quite limited, 
 he has been a great reader from boyhood and has 
 thus become a well informed man, for which fact 
 he deserves great credit. 
 
 At the age of twenty-five Mr. Maeys was united 
 in marriage witii Miss Barbara Fisher, who was 
 born, reared and educated m Germany and came 
 with her parents to this country when a young 
 lady of twenty years, the family settling in Jlon- 
 roe County. Mr. and Mrs. Maeys became the 
 parents of five children, but two died in infancy. 
 Those still living are George, Catherine and Eliza- 
 beth. The daughters are both married. The 
 mother of tiiis family, who was a faithful member 
 of the Lutheran Church, was called to her final 
 rest when fifty-two years of age. Mr. Maeys after- 
 wards wedded Christina Driemyer, a native of 
 Germany, who crossed the Atlantic with her par- 
 ents when a maiden of thirteen summers and 
 became a resident of Perry County, 111. She is a 
 most estimable lady and her excellencies of charac- 
 ter have gained for iier many friends. Six chil- 
 dren were lx)rn to this union, but four died in 
 infancy, and Henry Edward and Charles Care the 
 only ones now living. 
 
 Mr. Maeys began life for himself by working as 
 a farm hand in Monroe County for ?4 per month. 
 He was industrious, economical and persevering, 
 and as he acquired some capital he made judicious 
 investments in land and added to his property 
 from time to time, until tiis lauded possessions now 
 aggregate about two thousand acres. He also 
 owns other property and securities and is now 
 numbered among the wealthiest citizens of Monroe 
 County, a position he has attained through his 
 own efforts. He certainly deserves great credit fov
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 785 
 
 Lis success in life and his example may well serve 
 to encourage others. 
 
 In his political views Mr. Maeys is a Democrat. 
 He has held tiie office of County Commissioner 
 and a number of other local positions, the duties 
 of which he has ever disciiarged with promptness 
 and fidelity. He and his wife are faithful mem- 
 bers of the Lutheran Church. He has justly risen 
 to a prominent position among his fellow-towns- 
 men, and the name of Maeys is inseparable 
 from the history of tlie eommunitv. 
 
 Vt/ OUIS HAMMER, Alderman from the Fourth 
 I (^ Ward, and a prominent clothier of Mur- 
 /l'--^Y-, physboro, was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., 
 December 19, 1855. He is the sou of Monroe 
 Hammer, an European, who came to America and 
 resided for a time in New York. About 1857 he 
 came to Illinois and settled in Chester. Thence, 
 about three years later he went to Memphis, Tenn., 
 and in that city carried on a store during the war- 
 He died there of the yellow fever in 1873. His 
 wife, Rosa David, who was born in Posen, died in 
 Little Rock, Ark. 
 
 There were three children in the family, two of 
 whom attained mature years. The other beside 
 our subject is Carrie, the wife of L. Pahotski, a 
 grocer of Ft. Smith, Ark. Louis was reared in 
 Memphis, where he received his education in the 
 common schools and the commercial college. After 
 his father's death, in 1873, he took charge of the 
 mercantile business, which he conducted until 1874, 
 and then disposing of the store, came to Mur- 
 phj'sboro. Shortly' afterward he opened a store 
 at Du (^uoiu, where he engaged in the dry -goods 
 business for two and one-half years. Then selling 
 the establishment he returned to Murphysboro and 
 bought an interest with Samuel Desberger in the 
 dry-goods and clothing business. 
 
 The establishment of Desberger & Co., was lo- 
 cated on the corner of Main and Chestnut Streets, 
 and was widely and favorably known as one of the 
 centers of trade in the town. In the year 188C the 
 firm name was changed to L. Hammer & Co., Mr. 
 Desberger still retaining his connection with the 
 
 enterprise. For a time they conducted two stores, 
 the "Famous" and the "Union." In 1891 Mr. 
 Hammer consolidated the two stores into one large 
 establishment, located in the Logan Block. Here 
 he has a double store, -15x80 feet in dimensions, 
 and stocked with a full line of men's furnishing 
 goods, hats, caps and clothing. The stock is the 
 largest and most complete in southern Illinois, and 
 the firm justly enjoys an enviable reputation for 
 reliability of dealings and courtesy to customers. 
 They have the exclusive agency in southern Illi- 
 nois for Schloss Brothers, merchant tailors, of Bal- 
 timore, Md. 
 
 In Murphysboro, in April of 1879, Mr. Hammer 
 married Miss Jennie Hammer, who was born in Ger- 
 many, but grew to womanhood in Boston. One 
 child. Manning, has blessed their union. Mr. Ham- 
 mer is a charter member of the Board of Trade. In 
 the spring of 1893 he was elected Alderman from 
 the Fourth Ward on the Democratic ticket, a fact 
 which shows his popularity with the people, as 
 that ward is strongly Republican. He has served 
 as Chairman of the Cemeter}' Committee and the 
 Committee on Appropriations, and is also a member 
 of the Finance Committee. Socially he affiliates 
 with Mt. Carbon Post No. 434,1. 0.0. F., belongs 
 to the encampment, and is a charter member of 
 the Knigiits of Pythias, belonging to the Uni- 
 formed Rank. 
 
 ,^?=^EORGE N. ALBON, junior partner in the 
 ll (= firm of Walker & Albon, dealers in general 
 
 ^^J merchandise at De Soto, Jackson County, 
 was born in Canada, February 4, 1858, and is the 
 son of James and Sarah (Pickett) Albon. The 
 father is a native of England, having been liorn in 
 Lincolnshire, whence he emigrated to Canada in 
 1856. He was a miller by trade, and after coming 
 to the States, in 1860, located in this county and 
 operated the De Soto Mill for about five years. 
 Later he removed to Cairo, and on again returning 
 to De Soto, carried on the mill successfully for 
 ten years more. 
 
 The mother of our subject, also a native of Eng- 
 land, was born near London and is yet living. She
 
 786 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 had four sons and four daugbters, namely: John; 
 James and Sarah (twins), Lizzie, George N., Ger- 
 trude, Freddie and Alice. Our subject spent the 
 years intervening between his second and ninth 
 }-ears in Jackson County, and was then taken by 
 his parents to Cairo, where thej- remained for four 
 years. Returning to De Soto, he has ever since 
 made this his liome. His education was prosecuted 
 in the common schools. 
 
 When reaching his fifteenth year, Mr. Albon was 
 compelled to earn his own living, and accepted a 
 clerkship in the store of Henry Ileiple, of this |ilace, 
 in whose employ he remained for two 3'ears. Later 
 he filled a similar position in the store of J. M. 
 Gutter, also in De Soto, with which establishment 
 he continued through its various changes until he 
 now owns a one-half interest in the concern. The 
 elder Mr. Walker having died in 1887, the widow 
 was given his interest in the store, and the busi- 
 ness has since been conducted under the style of 
 Walker ii Albon. Mr. Albon has been continu- 
 ously engaged in the dry-goods business for the 
 last eighteen and a-half years, and during that 
 time has had only six months vacation altogether. 
 He possesses the necessary shrewdness and fore- 
 thought to be successful in life, and is classed 
 among the prosperous business men of his town- 
 ship. The establishment is neat and well managed. 
 The firm carries a stock of ^8,000, and does an an- 
 nual business of *30,000. 
 
 For the past two years in addition to his other 
 interests, Mr. Albon has been engaged in the lum- 
 ber trade in De Soto, which he is conducting on a 
 paying basis. The lad}- whom he married, Febru- 
 ary 7, 1881, was Miss Blanche Friedline, who was 
 born in this count}' and departed this life March 
 31, 1889. She had a family of three children: 
 Alice, Lucile and Nellie, of whom Lucile is the 
 only survivor. 
 
 In April, 1890, our subject married Miss Abbie 
 Walker, and by this union has become the father 
 of two children, George N., Jr., and Arthur. Mr. 
 Albon takes a deep interest in the welfare of the 
 village, and has served on the School Board for 
 six years. He has also been Village Trustee for 
 three j-ears, and is one of the substantial business 
 men of the place. In politics he uses his influence 
 
 for the Democratic party and cast his first vote for 
 Hancock. His parents were members of the Chris- 
 tian Church, but he and his wife adhere to the 
 doctrines of the Lutheran Church. They are ex- 
 tremel}' popular in the neighborhood and much 
 respected. 
 
 , ■ £)# P • . 
 
 OHN BROWN, a practical and progressive 
 farmer residing on section 5, township 6, 
 range 4, Perry County, was born August 24, 
 1844, near Glasgow, Scotland, and is a son 
 of Allen and Ann (Grej') Brown. Tlie parents were 
 also natives of that count}-. The father w-as reared 
 on a farm, but afterward learned and followed 
 the carpenter's trade. At length he determined to 
 seek a home and fortune in America, and in 1849 
 he crossed the Atlantic, landing in New Orleans on 
 Christmas Day of that year. He first went to 
 Chester, 111., and thence removed to Six Mile Prai- 
 rie, Perry County, where he engaged in faiming 
 until his death. 
 
 In the Brown family were seven children, all of 
 whom are yet living: William N., a farmer resid- 
 ing near Cutler, 111.; Robert, who also carries on 
 agricultural pursuits near Cutler; Margaret J., 
 wife of William H. Irwin, a farmer of Randolph 
 Count}-; Ann E., wife of John T. Irwin, who car- 
 ries on fanning near Cutler; David, who resides on 
 the old homestead; Mary, wife of Matthew Robb, 
 a farmer of Lost Prairie; and John. 
 
 Mr. Brown of this sketch was only five years 
 old when with his parents he came to the United 
 States. In the usual manner of farmer lads the 
 days of his boyhood and youth were passed, and 
 the district schools of the neighborhood afforded 
 him his educational privileges. He remained upon 
 the home farm, aiding in its cultivation and im- 
 provement, until his thirty-fifth year, when he 
 went to Cutler, where he engaged in trading in 
 various products. He was thus employed for five 
 years, after which he opened the general merchan- 
 dise store that he yet carries on. 
 
 December 6, 1882, Mr. Brown was married to 
 Mrs. Jessie Gaston, widow of Alexander H. Gas- 
 ton, and a daughter of Albert Sprague, who emi- 
 grated from Maine and became oae^ of the pione^\-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 787 
 
 settlers of Perry County. Three children have 
 been born of their union: Mabel G., born October 
 10, 1883; Harvey, September 4, 1885; and Helen, 
 May 14, 1890. Mrs. Brown had two children b}- 
 her former marriage, but one is now deceased. 
 Lydia A. still resides with her mother. 
 
 P^or four years Mr. Brown held the office of As- 
 sessor and Treasurer of Perr}- County, and proved 
 a capable official. He h.as several times been Road 
 Supervisor, has been Justice of the Peace for three 
 consecutive years, and is now filling that position. 
 His official record attests his populariti' and the 
 high regard in which he is held. He studies closely 
 the interests of his county and labors untiringly' 
 for the welfare of its citizens. He votes with the 
 Republican party, and he and his wife are mem- 
 bers of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. 
 
 "ifiOHN HEIDGER, who is engaged in the 
 hotel and saloon business in Harrisonville 
 has the honor of being a native of Monroe 
 '^ County-. He was born August .3, 1844, to 
 the union of John and Maggie (Weber) Ileidger, 
 who were natives of Germany. Their family 
 numbered seven children, of whom three are yet 
 living: Mathias, Mary and John. The parents 
 were reared and educated in Germany, and there 
 the father learned the trade of blacksmithing. In 
 1843 they crossed the Atlantic to America, and 
 came direct to Monroe County. Mr. Heidger 
 purchased one hundred acres of land near Water- 
 loo and carried on farming and blacksmithing un- 
 til his death, which occurred at the advanced age 
 of eighty-one. His wife died near Madonnaville, 
 at the age of thirty-three years. They were both 
 members of the Catholic Church. In politics he 
 was a supporter of the Democracy. 
 
 In the usual manner of farmer lads, John Heid- 
 ger spent the days of his ix)yhood and youth, and 
 in the common schools acquired a good education. 
 He remained under the parental roof until seven- 
 teen years of age, when, on the 1 6th of September, 
 1861, he enlisted in the country's service as a 
 member of Company H, Forty-ninth Illinois In- 
 fantry. He participated in a number of important 
 
 engagements, including the battles of Ft. Donel- 
 son, Shiloh, siege of Corinth, Little Rock, Ft. De 
 Ruse, Pleasant Hill, Yellow Bayou, Meridian, 
 Tupelo and Price's last raid through Missouri in 
 1864. After the expiration of his three years and 
 three months' service, he was honorably discharged 
 in Springfield, November 19, 1864. 
 
 Mr. Heidger at once returned to his home in 
 Monroe County, and continued to work for his 
 father upon the home farm until twenty-five years 
 of age. He was then united in marriage with Miss 
 Henrietta Kohler, a native of Monroe County, and 
 to them were born two children, of whom one is 
 yet living, John P. The wife and mother, who 
 was a consistent member of the Catholic Church, 
 died at the earl^- age of twenty 3'ears, and her loss 
 was deeply mourned. Mr. Heidger has been again 
 married, his second union being with Lizzie Not- 
 ter, who was born, reared and educated in Monroe 
 Count}'. The}' had two children, but both are 
 now deceased, and the mother died at the age of 
 twenty-two years. The lady who now bears the 
 name of Mrs. Ileidger was in her maidenhood 
 Mary A. F. Notter, and she too is a native of Mon- 
 roe County. Eight children graced this union, of 
 whom six are yet living: Cecelia C, Armin S. W., 
 Hugo J., Mollie N., Etna F. and Herbert N. Mrs. 
 Heidger is a representative of one of the earliest 
 families of this county, her parents having here lo- 
 cated in 1839, when the entire community was in 
 a wild and unimproved state, and the work of civ- 
 ilization and progress seemed scarcely begun. 
 
 Our subject is recognized as one of the success- 
 ful and progressive farmers of the neighborhood. 
 In 1869 he purchased seventy acres of land, and 
 has since extended the boundaries of his farm, un- 
 til it now comprises three hundred and thirty 
 acres of the rich land of the Mississippi Valley. 
 His farm is under a high state of cultivation and is 
 well improved with all modern accessories and 
 conveniences. In connection with this property, 
 he owns real estate in town, including the hotel 
 and saloon which he is now conducting. He has 
 been a hard worker through life, and being an ex- 
 cellent financier, and possessing good business and 
 executive ability, he has acquired a handsome 
 competence. In politics, he is a Democrat, and
 
 PORTRAIT AJSTD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 from 1883 to 1888 held the office of Drainage 
 Commissioner of the Moredock and Ivy Landing 
 Drainage District, No. 1. Both he and his wife 
 are members of the Catholic Church, and are highly 
 respected citizens, who occupy an enviable posi- 
 tion in social circles, and well deserve representa- 
 tion in this work. 
 
 ^p^,EORGE KENNEDY, Jk., agent for the 
 III ==, Southern .and Adams Express Companies 
 ^^Jl and Secretar}' of the Board of Trade at 
 Murphysboro, is a son of George Kennedy, of 
 whom further mention is made elsewhere in this 
 volume. lie was born in Murphysboro, March 30, 
 1859, and was educated in the schools of this 
 place, graduating from the high school in 1875. 
 Later he entered the Southern Illinois Normal, 
 at Carboudale, from which institution he was 
 graduated in 1878 in the scientific and Latin 
 courses. After teaching in the citj^ schools for 
 six months he embarked in the hardware, furni- 
 ture and mercantile business vvith M. A. Ross, the 
 firm title being Kennedy' & Ross. The store was 
 located on the corner of Walnut and Main Streets. 
 
 In 1883. M. A. Ross disposed of his interest in 
 the enterprise, after which our subject continued 
 in business with his father at the same place for a 
 time. Later he engaged in dealing in grain and 
 hay, and also did a large contracting business. On 
 resuming his connection with the firm of Kennedy 
 <fe Sons, he continued thus employed until 1887, 
 when he purchased his father's interest in the 
 store and afterward conducted the largest and 
 most lucrative business in the cit}'. Meantime he 
 also continued as a contractor, and started the 
 foundations for the Mobile (k Ohio Railroad shops 
 and roundhouse, also the opera house and water 
 works. He was one of the committee that organ- 
 ized and established the water works, and served 
 as a Director and superintended the building of 
 the works for the company. In addition to other 
 enterprises he engaged in the manufacture of brick 
 for some years. 
 
 Since 18'J0, Mr. Kennedy lias been the Adams 
 and Southern lixpress agent. In 1891, he sold a 
 
 one-half interest in the hardware business to Huth- 
 niacher Brothers, and later disposed of the business 
 to .John Stoetzle. In 1887, he entered the milling 
 business under the firm name of Neal, Ross & Ken- 
 ned^-, but three years later sold his interest in 
 the concern. Since 1890, he has been engaged in 
 the livery business here, and finds that venture, 
 like his others, a remunerative one. He is the 
 owner of two hundred acres in the southwestern 
 corner of Somerset Township, which he superin- 
 tends personally-, and has about thirtv acres 
 planted to apple, pear and peach trees, and other 
 small fruits. 
 
 In Carbondale in 1881, Mr. Kennedy married 
 Miss Kate Harwood, who was born in Tennessee. 
 They arfe the parents of four children, Myrtie, 
 Metta, Eula and Doris. In 1891, Mr. Kennedy 
 was one of the prime factors in the orgamzation 
 of the Board of Trade and has been its Secretaiy 
 up to the present time. 
 
 3: 
 
 IL-^ENRY GILLENBERG, one of the repre- 
 jfjll sentative and well known agriculturists 
 l^y^ of township 7, has the honor of being a 
 (^^ native of Randolph County, his birth hav- 
 ing occurred on his father's farm near Chester, 111., 
 on the 25th of February, 1868. He is the sixth 
 child of Jacob and Wilhelmina (Gussenberg) Gil- 
 lenberg. His father was born in German}', and 
 came with his parents to America in 1842, the 
 family locating in Randolph Count)', 111., where 
 the grandfather died when Jacob was a lad of only 
 twelve j-ears. The j'outh then lived with his 
 mother and worked upon the home farm until 
 twenty-one 3'ears of age, when he began farming 
 for himself. In 1873 he purchased land near 
 Dozaville and located thereon. When a 3'oung 
 man he learned the cooper's trade, but did not fol- 
 low it after his marriage. Instead he turned his 
 attention to farming and stock-raising, and by his 
 well directed efforts, his enterprise and business 
 ability, he became one of the prosperous agricult- 
 urists of Randolph Count)', and left at his death 
 more than five hundred acres of valuable land. 
 While driving into Chester about the 1st of April,
 
 PORTRAIT A^'D BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 789 
 
 1892, his horse became frightened; he was thrown 
 from the buggy and received injuries which re- 
 sulted in death a few days later. He passed away 
 April 6, 1892. His widow still survives him, and 
 is living on the old homestead. 
 
 The subject of this sketch obtained his education 
 in the district schools of the neighborhood, and 
 worked upon his father's farm until twenty-four 
 yeai-s of age, when he began to earn his own liveli- 
 hood by still following the pursuit to which he was 
 reared. He is recognized as one of the wide-awake 
 and leading young agriculturists of the communitj'. 
 Upon his farm are good buildings and all modern 
 improvements, and the well tilled fields indicate 
 the careful supervision of the owner. 
 
 On the 29th of November, 189.3, was celebrated 
 the marriage of Mr. Gillenberg and Miss Margaret 
 I. Hylton, daughter of M. B. and Nancy E. (Lind- 
 say) H^iton, botli of whom are natives of Virginia. 
 The young people are prominent in this com- 
 munit}', have a large circle of warm friends and 
 agreeable acquaintances, and receive the high re- 
 gard of all who know them. In religious belief 
 the^' are Baptists, and Mr. Gillenberg is Clerk in 
 the church to wliich thej- belong. In politics he 
 votes with the Democratic party, but has never 
 sought or desired the honoi-s or emoluments of 
 public office, preferring to devote his entire time 
 and attention to his business interests. He is a 
 worth}- representative of an honored pioneer fam- 
 ily, and it is with pleasure that we present to our 
 readers this record of his life work. 
 
 
 FRANK R. McATEE, Proprietor. 
 
 SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, - - - $1.50 PER A/IINUM. 
 SPECIMEN COPY FREE. 
 
 •5- 
 
 ♦•!"i"5- •}•!••!• •5"^•^••5••!••^•^•5••{•+•{••^••^•^-:-^•^-^•^•5••5••5••5••5• 
 
 \I/_^ ENRY IMHOFF, a well known agricultur- 
 [(Jjj ist of Jackson County and a successful and 
 /^^^ progressive citizen of .Somerset Township, 
 V^) was born in Somerset County, Pa., July 5, 
 1836. His father, Andrew, was a son of Henry 
 Imhoff, and was born in the same count}' and 
 state as that in which our subject first saw the 
 light. He married Miss Eliza, daughter of David 
 and Susan Burkit .and a native of Bedford Coun- 
 ty, Pa. Their union resulted in the birth of 
 eight children: Henry, James, Joseph, Ananias, 
 Augusta, Lemuel, Lewis and Frank. Ananias was 
 a member of Company D. Thirty-first Hlinois In- 
 fantry, during the late war, and was killed at 
 Vicksburg June 28, 1863. 
 
 In the spring of 185.5 Mr. Imhoflf, Sr., came to 
 Illinois and settled in Levan Township, Jackson 
 County, where for a time he rented a farm. As 
 soon as he was able, he purchased eight}- acres, to 
 which he added from time to time, until at the 
 date of his death he owned one hundred and 
 twenty acres. This property h.as been accumu- 
 lated through his indefatigable industry and the 
 exercise of strict economy. Though a stanch 
 Democrat, he was not a politician and never 
 sought official honors or emoluments. In relig- 
 ious belief he was a Lutheran. His death occurred 
 at two o'clock on the afternoon of April 22, 1881, 
 and his remains now lie in Mt. Joy Cemetery. 
 
 In his youth the subject of this sketch learned 
 the trade of a blacksmith and remained in Penn- 
 sylvania until 1857. In the fall of that year he 
 came to .Jackson County and immediately built a 
 shop and commenced to work at his trade, con- 
 tinuing thus engaged for about twenty years. 
 Later he abandoned his trade in order to embark 
 iu agricultural pursuits, and is now the owner of 
 six hundred acres in Jackson County, a portion of 
 which he rents to desirable tenants. In politics he 
 is a Democrat, and for eighteen years has served 
 as School Director. Socially, he is identified with 
 the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the 
 Knights of Honor, and in religious belief his con- 
 nections are with the Lutheran Church. 
 
 Mr. Imhoff first married Miss Mary M. Young, 
 and they became the parents of twelve children, 
 of whom five are now living, viz.: Elenora, the
 
 790 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 wife of James McCari'; Martin C., Charles A., 
 John E. and Wilej- B. Mrs. Mary M. Imhoff passed 
 awaj- August 22, 1887. Afterward our subject 
 was united in marriage with Mrs. Carrie Deriekson, 
 daughter of Jcdrick and Justine Waldleusser, of 
 Levan Township. One child has blessed this union, 
 Xorman. Thougli Mr. Imhoff has met with his 
 share of reverses, lie has never become discouraged, 
 but has labored diligently and tirelessl}', and as a 
 result of his efforts he is now recognized as one 
 of the foremost residents of Somerset Township. 
 
 O^ ^.^MM.»^.»» »4'^^^ ^^"i-^^^^^^^^•^i-5^^M•^i^^ ^y> 
 
 ILLIAM LAWDER, a resident of section 4, 
 f township 8, range 5, Randolph County, is 
 'S^ the owner of one of the finest wheat farms 
 in this part of the state. He was born in County 
 Down, Ireland, Februar3' 29, 1824, and is the 
 eldest of a family of two boys and two girls born 
 to Savage and .Jane (AVeir) Lawder, natives of the 
 Emerald Isle. 
 
 Our subject emigrated to this country January 
 10, 1844, landing in New Orleans, and coming di- 
 rect by boat to Rockwood about the 1st of the 
 following April. Upon his arrival here his entire 
 capital was exhausted with the exception of 
 twenty-flve cents. With this amount he com- 
 menced life among strangers in a strange land. 
 During the first three jearsof his residence in this 
 county he labored among the few settlers as a 
 farm hand for the munificent sum of fifty cents 
 per da}-, and worked for James Brown for llOO per 
 3'ear. At the expiration of that time he took up 
 a claim of eight}' acres at *1.25 per acre, which 
 formed the nucleus of his present magnificent 
 farm, consisting of four hundred acres on the 
 home place and one hundred and twenty acres in 
 an adjoining tract. 
 
 In the year 1847, at Newtownards, County 
 Down, Mr. Lawder married Elizabeth, a daughter 
 of Samuel and .Jane Cleland, of the same county. 
 To thern were born five sons and nine daughters, 
 three of whom are dead, Elizabeth, John William 
 and Sarah Clementine. The living are as follows: 
 James; Jane, who is the wife of Henry Rodgers, of 
 
 Campbell Hill; Sophie, the wife of Benjamin Se- 
 bastian; Rebecca, who married Edward Pinkcrton, 
 a resident of Jackson County; Anna Belle, the 
 wife of Henrj- Tudor, of Rockwood; Edith, Samuel, 
 Grant; Mar}', who is the wife of Albert Barber, of 
 Rockwood; Sherman and Nettie. Samuel was 
 married in 1883 to Sarah Samantha Malone and 
 IS now living on section 5, township 8, range 5. 
 Their children are, Jennie Adell, Madie Ger- 
 trude, Bessie Beulah and Sylvia Bernice. The wife 
 of our subject was born April 2, 1825. and came 
 to America with her husband, enduring the hard- 
 ships and privations incident to the settlement 
 of a new country. She bore her share of the 
 labor of caring for the household, and reared a 
 large family. She faithfully kept her place by her 
 husband's side until July 8, 1881, wheii she was 
 called from this life. 
 
 Mr. Lawder has been a life-long member of the 
 Presbyterian Church, as was his good wife and all 
 the children. Politically he has been a member of 
 the Repul)lican party ever since its first campaign 
 in which the martyred Lincoln was the standard 
 bearer. In the Old Country Mr. Lawder was a 
 member of the Orangeman society, and after be- 
 coming a citizen of the United States he joined the 
 Independent Order of Odd Fellows, though he has 
 not for many yeai-s been an active member. For a 
 number of years he served as .School Director, and 
 though urged to continue in that position, de- 
 clined to do so. 
 
 The homestead, consisting of large and substan- 
 tial buildings, is beautifully located on a hill com- 
 manding a magnificient view of the Father of 
 Waters and the bluffs along its banks, as pictur- 
 esque surroundings as can be found in the state. 
 At the time of Mr. Lawder's arrival here, game was 
 plentiful, and many a deer and wild turkey he has 
 brought down while standing in his doorway. 
 
 ^^ 
 
 I 
 
 JAMES LAWDER, one of the prominent 
 agriculturists of township 8, range 5, Ran- 
 dolph County, is the son of Savage and 
 
 >5^^ Jane (Weir) Lawder, natives of County 
 Down, Ireland. The paternal grandfather of our
 
 RE51DENGE0F JAME5 L AW D E R , SEC .4. , T. 8, R . 5. RAN DOLPH CO., ILL. 
 
 
 
 
 
 ^s^^^ « 
 
 \2^' 
 
 RESIDENCE OF WILLIAM L AW D ER , SEC. ''■^. , T. 8 ., R. 5., RAN DO LPH CO., ILL.
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 793 
 
 subject was Williain Lawder, a native of Seotlancl, 
 whence he emigrated some time in the eighteenth 
 century. The Weirs were of Irish birth, though 
 they probably came originally from Scotland. 
 
 The father our subject was born about the 
 year 1793, just previous to a rebellion known in 
 common parlance as "Pike times," and his grand- 
 mother took him when an infant to visit his fa- 
 ther in camp, who had been pressed into the ranks 
 of the rebels. The subject of this sketch was born 
 March 22, 1829, and spent his bo3'hood years in 
 his native county, where he received his education 
 in the country schools, principally under tiie tute- 
 lage of one Robeit Ritchie, wiio for twenty-two 
 years presided over the same school. At the age 
 of twenty-four j'ears he left his native land, atout 
 the 4th of March, 1853, and after a passage of fifty 
 days landed in the port of New York, whence he 
 came to Rockwood a week later, .arriving here on 
 the 1st of May. 
 
 To illustrate modern progress in transportation 
 facilities, it is of interest to relate that in order to 
 get here, Mr. Lawder went by way of the Hudson 
 River to Albany, thence by rail to Buffalo, from 
 there by lake to Detroit, and from the latter pl.ace 
 b}' rail to the present magnificent city of Chicago. 
 At that time the entire place could be seen in five 
 minutes' time, as three or four stores on the lake 
 front and a few cabins in the marshes constituted 
 the town. Having been defrauded of his monej', 
 as were many other newcomers, he was obliged to 
 pawn his watch in order to secure money for his 
 passage down the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers 
 to Rockwood, and on his arrival here his purse 
 contained but a quarter of a dollar. No time was 
 lost, however, and with willing hands he com- 
 menced to work for James M. Brown, and eng.aged 
 in "grubbing" and making rails, about the only 
 industry the country afforded at that time. Money 
 was a scarce article in that early day, and for one 
 year's labor he received no cash return whatever. 
 
 After some time spent in his new liome, our sub- 
 ject succeeded in securing a yoke of oxen in pay- 
 ment for the above debt, and purchasing three 
 hundred and twent^^ acres, for which he paid 
 twelve and a-half cents an acre, he set to work to 
 
 clear and improve the land. That property now 
 forms a portion of the home farm, which consists of 
 three hundred and eighty-five acres. He gave a 
 quarter-section to his son Joseph. Mr. Lawder has 
 removed from the farm and now resides in a large 
 house which is situated on an eminence and com- 
 mands a fine view of the silvery waters of the Mis- 
 sissippi a mile or two distant. 
 
 January 1, 1851, Mr. Lawder was united in mar- 
 riage with Miss Eliza, daughter of William and 
 Margaret Karr, natives of County Down, Ireland. 
 The family of Mr. and Mrs. Lawder includes 
 eleven children, all of whom are living near their 
 father's home. Mary was born in Ireland and is 
 now the wife of Samuel Carruthers, of Jackson 
 County. The other children were born in Amer- 
 ica, and of them we note the following: AVilliam 
 John is a prosperous farmer near Campbell Hill; 
 Henry is engaged in agricultural pursuits on sec- 
 tion 5, township 8, range 5; Margaret Jane is the 
 wife of Kimbel Jones, a farmer in Jackson Coun- 
 ty; Josei)h conducts a farm near Mill Creek, Ran- 
 dolpii County; Walter owns a farm near that of 
 his brother at Campbell Hill; Albert, a resident of 
 Kansas, owns a farm in Martin County; Eliza 
 p]llen resides with her father; Letitia is the widow 
 of Milton W. Carr; Alfred and Arthur (twins) 
 remain at home. 
 
 Jlrs. p;iizabeth Lawder departed this life Septem- 
 ber 2, 1875, at the age of forty-six years. While 
 on a visit to his native land, our subject again 
 married, the lady of his choice being Miss Mary 
 Kerr, a cousin of his former wife. Mrs Lawder is 
 the daughter of James and Margaret (Sloan) Kerr, 
 also natives of County Down. Our subject and 
 all the members of his family are Presbyterians. 
 In his political relations he has been a Republican 
 for man}' years, and prides himself on having 
 voted with the Democratic party but once. In his 
 native country he was identified with the Orange- 
 men, and during the late Rebellion was connected 
 with the Union League. For six or eight years he 
 served creditably as Town Treasurer, which office 
 he still holds. For some time he was Road Super- 
 visor and School Director. He has never been an 
 office-seeker, and has consented to fill these posi-
 
 794 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 tions only at the soliciUitions of his friends and 
 neighbors. 
 
 -^j' BRAM BROWN, one of the prominent and 
 ((Ss/lJI, progressive farmers of Randolph Countj', 
 now living on township 6, range 7, was 
 horn near Diamond Cross, July 26, 1854. 
 His fatiier, Charles Brown, was born in Franklin 
 County in 1828, and when a young lad removed 
 to Kaskaskia witli his mother, his father having 
 died. His school privileges were exceedingly lim- 
 ited. He worked as a farm hand until twent}--one 
 years of age, and then worked on tlie Mississippi 
 River, which business he followed for five j'cars, 
 during which time he saved enough money to 
 enter land. Entering a claim near the present 
 home of our subject, he developed a large tract of 
 wild land and continued farming throughout his 
 remaining days. He married Sarah, daughter 
 of Abraham Harmon. His death occurred April 
 11, 1888, but his widow still survives him. They 
 became the parents of thirteen children, all of 
 whom are j-et living. Richard and Mrs. Callie 
 Uliles are residents of Spokane, Wash.; Mrs. Anna 
 Taggart and Mrs. Jennie Dean reside in Chester; 
 Charles, a physician, and Noah, a telegraph opera- 
 tor, live in Indianai)olis, Ind.; John is in Los 
 Angeles, Cal.; Joseph, Thomas, Frank, Addie and 
 Nellie are still at home with their mother. 
 
 The subject of this sketch attended the district 
 schools near his home and worked upon a farm, 
 giving his father the benefit of his services until 
 he had attained his majority. He then began 
 farming in his own interest and has since carried 
 on agricultural i)ursuits with most excellent suc- 
 cess. 'He was also engaged in te.aching in the dis- 
 trict schools of the county- for three 3^ears, but his 
 main business has been the cultivation of his land, 
 and he is regarded as one of the model farmers 
 of the communit}', for his place is complete in all 
 its appointments. 
 
 October 18, 1876, Mr. Brown w.as joined in mar- 
 riage with Miss Alice Nixon, daughter of William 
 I. and Liicretia (Stipe) Nixon. Her father, a na- 
 tive of Ohio, lived in that state until a ^oungman, 
 when he came to Randolph Countj'. The Stipe 
 
 family removed from Virginia to Illinois in an 
 earl}- day. By the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Brown 
 have been born three briglit and intelligent bo^-s, 
 Clarence N., Charles L. and Murray J., and the 
 family circle yet remains unbroken. 
 
 Mr. Brown is the present Master of Kaskaskia 
 Lodge No. 86, A. F. & A. M., and has also filled 
 the offices of Senior and Junior Warden and Sec- 
 retary. In 1893 he i-epresented his lodge in the 
 Grand Lodge in Chicago. He holds membership 
 with Chester Lodge No. 57, I. O. O. F. His 
 wife is a memljer of the Methodist Church. He 
 and all his father's family are Democrats in poli- 
 tics, and he takes a very prominent part in politi- 
 cal affairs. He is now a candidate for Assessor 
 and Treasurer of Randolph County. He is a man 
 of sterling worth, and a well spent life has gained 
 for him the high regard of all with whom he has 
 been brought in contact. 
 
 \T/OSIAH REIMAN. Many of the native- 
 born citizens of Jackson County have turned 
 their attention to the tilling of the soil, be- 
 lieving that therefrom ma}- be gained a 
 competence if not a fortune. Among this number 
 is the well known resident of Levan Tow^nship, 
 whose name introduces this biographical sketch, 
 and who is pleasantly located on section 14. Here 
 he owns a fine farm of one hundred and sixty 
 acres, upon which a complete line of substantial 
 and well arranged buildings maj- be seen. In ad- 
 dition to this property Mr. Reiman is the owner of 
 one hundred and twenty acres on section 13, Le- 
 van Township. He has pursued his chosen voca- 
 tion in an intelligent manner, bringing to bear 
 upon his work the progressive spirit and energetic 
 nature which have ever been his characteristics. 
 
 The Reiman family is one of the most prominent 
 in the count}- where the father of our subject, 
 Andrew Reim.an, made settlement in 1844. Else- 
 where in this volume mention is made of the fain- 
 il}' history, to which the reader is referred. Josiah, 
 of this sketch, was born in Jackson County March 
 29, 1853, being the fifth among nine sons. He
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 795 
 
 grew to manhood upon the home farm and at an 
 early age became a practical farmer, well fitted to 
 conduct an estate of his own. 
 
 At the age of twenty-two Mr. Reiman married 
 Miss Almetha, daughter of O. J. and Amanda C. 
 Levan, prominent residents of this township. Mrs. 
 Reiman was born .Tune 26, 1857, and is a lad}' of 
 refinement and amiable disposition, highly es- 
 teemed in the community and prominent in the 
 Christian Church, of which she is a member. Our 
 subject is also identified with that denomination 
 and contributes liberally to religious and benevo- 
 lent projects. In politics he atliliates with the 
 Democrats, but has never sought or held of- 
 fice, preferring to devote his attention to private 
 duties. lie and his wife are the parents of four 
 children, one of whom died in infancy. The 
 others are, Harmon, Ada and Fred. 
 
 -i-^ 
 
 --■^ 
 
 _-^ENRY LUCIISIXGER. Tiiere is no in- 
 
 tll' heritancc so rich as the record of the worthy 
 /; ■' 
 
 j^' lives of those who have parted with friends 
 §)) on earth, and have entered upon their final 
 rest. Tlieir example and the success which has re- 
 warded their efforts inspires the j'oung with cour- 
 age and the middle-aged with renewed energy. 
 For many years Mr. Lnehsinger ranked high 
 among the business men of Steeleville, and the 
 city in his demise lost one of its most progressive 
 residents. His lot was cast in the field of action, 
 rather than in the field of meditation, of business 
 and commercial enterprise. Here he was active, 
 sagacious and daring, and in all his dealings was 
 pronii)t, conscientious and decisive. Though sub- 
 jected to two dangerous tests, success and reverses 
 of fortune, the former did not unduly elate him, 
 nor the latter daunt his spirit. 
 
 A native of Schwanden, Germany, and born 
 May 10, 1831, the subject of this sketch was a son 
 of Jacob Lnehsinger, who died in his native coun- 
 try, as did his wife. Henry attended school in 
 Germany until he was fourteen years of age, and 
 then entered the army, and served for four 3'ears 
 in the war between France and Germany. Having 
 
 resolved to seek home and fortune in the land be- 
 yond the seas, he emigrated to America in 1855, 
 and for a short time sojourned in St. Louis, whence 
 he removed to Chester, 111. A shoemaker by trade, 
 he followed that occupation in Chester for six 
 months, and then came to Steeleville, where he 
 opened a shop and entered into business for him- 
 self. 
 
 By the exercise of tireless industry, Mr. Lneh- 
 singer was enabled from time to time to enlarge 
 his store, and finally became the owner of a fine 
 establishment, stocked with a full assortment of 
 boots and shoes. He continued to conduct a large 
 and profitable trade until his death, August 29, 
 1892. In the midst of new plans and enterprises, 
 with the burden of business interests resting upon 
 him, surrounded by the objects of his life-long 
 care and love, he fell asleep. He was a member of 
 the Lutheran Church, in which faith he died. 
 Though not active in political affairs, he advo- 
 cated the principles of the Democratic party. He 
 is survived b\' his widow, a most excellent lad}', 
 whom he married in 1854 in Germany, and who 
 bore the maiden name of Annie Aebli. 
 
 EDWIN KEIMAN. Intelligent, thrifty and 
 progressive farmers form the greater part 
 ^ y of the population of Jackson County, and 
 among these the subject of this sketch occupies a 
 prominent position. He is the owner of a finely 
 improved farm comprising one hundred and sixty 
 acres in Levan Township, which is one of the best 
 managed estates in this part of the county. Pro- 
 gressive in all things, he has accumulated a hand- 
 some property, and now ranks among the well-to- 
 do fanners of the township. 
 
 Mr. Reiman has spent his entire life in Jackson 
 Countj-, and was born in Murphysboro Township, 
 January 28, 1850. Alternating attendance at the 
 district school with woi'k on the home farm, he 
 grew to vigorous manhood well fitted to superin- 
 tend a farm of his own. At the age of twenty- 
 three, on the 22d of May, 1873, he was united in 
 marriage with Miss Alice, daughter of Joseph
 
 796 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Breeden, a native of Indiana, and an early settler 
 of Somerset Township, Jackson County. Mrs. Rei- 
 man was born March 16, 1856, in Indiana, but 
 has spent the most of her life in this state. 
 
 After his marriage Mr. Reiman settled upon a 
 farm consisting of one hundred and one acres of 
 partly improved land. Through industry and un- 
 remitting toil he has acquired one hundred and 
 sixty acres of highly cultivated land. Upon the 
 place he has introduced all the improvements of a 
 modern estate, including farm maehiner3', good 
 fencing, and all the buildings necessary for the 
 proper conduct of the farm. His residence, a com- 
 modious and conveniently arranged structure, was 
 erected in 1883, while the barn was built six vears 
 later. In addition to mixed farming he engages 
 in stock-raising, in which he has met with success. 
 
 The union of Mr. and Mrs. Reiman has resulted 
 in the birth of eight children, all of whom reside 
 with their parents. They are, Nora, George, Frank, 
 John, Lillie, Sylva, Earl and Junius. In politics 
 Mr. Reiman is a Democrat, and in local affairs is 
 quite influential. For thirteen j-ears he has filled 
 the office of Justice of the Peace, and is still serv- 
 ing in that capacity. In religious belief he is 
 identified with the Free Will Baptist Church. 
 
 [(s)^ ^iM^ .@J 
 
 (^ ^^^"' -^ 
 
 fOUIS A. MINNER, a practical pharmacist 
 (?S) and chemist, who is doing a good business 
 J^^ as a druggist in Murphysboro, claims Ohio 
 as the state of his nativity. He was born near 
 Zanesville, July 14, 1861, and is a son of the Rev. 
 Frederick and Teckla Minner, both of whom were 
 natives of German}'. The father was born in 
 Stuttgart, and was graduated from the theological 
 seminary and the Berlin University with the de- 
 grees of M. A. and B. D. He became a minister 
 of the German Lutheran Church, and after emi- 
 grating to the New World first preached in Phila- 
 delpliia. He was then employed in his ministe- 
 rial capacity in dififerent places in the Buckeye 
 State until his retirement from the ministry, when 
 he located on a farm near Zanesville. His death 
 
 there occurred at the age of sixt3'-two, and his 
 wife also passed awa}' in Ohio. 
 
 Their son Louis is the ninth in the family of 
 ten children, all of whom are still living. Midst 
 plaj' and work his bo_vhood days were passed 
 upon the farm near Zanesville, where he contin- 
 ued until sixteen years of age. He then went to 
 Adamsville, Ohio, to attend school, where he re- 
 mained for about two years. For three terms he 
 engaged in teaching school, and in 1880 entered 
 the Valparaiso Normal School of Indiana, where 
 for nearly two years he pursued the scientific 
 course and also completed the commercial course. 
 In 1882 he went to Sterling, Kan., and accepted a 
 clerkship in a drug store, where he continued one 
 j'ear. He afterward spent three years as a drug- 
 gist's clerk in St. Louis and East St. Louis, and in 
 order to perfect himself for that line of business 
 pursued a course of pharmacy in tlie St. Louis 
 College of Pharmacy in 1886-87. Oiv the expira- 
 tion of that period we find him in Chicago, where 
 he worked for nearly three years. Having entered 
 the Philadeliihia College of Pharmacj* of Phila- 
 delphia, Pa., he was graduated from that institu- 
 tion in 1889, with the degree of Ph. G. He was 
 also graduated as a chemist from both schools. 
 
 Returning to Chicago, Mr. Minner there re 
 mained until the 1st of May, 1890, when he ar- 
 rived in Murphysboro and bought out the store 
 and stock of Charles Muehehein, a druggist at 
 the corner of Chesnut and Broad Streets. Here 
 he has carried on business continuously since. His 
 store has been improved with large plate glass 
 windows and is well stocked with everything 
 found in a first-class drug store. As far as prac- 
 ticable, he manufactures his own medicines, and 
 is recognized as the best prescription druggist in 
 the city. His business has steadily increased from 
 the beginning until he is now enjoying a fine 
 trade. He is connected witli the Illinois Pharma- 
 ceutical Association, and is also a member of the 
 Alumni Association of the Philadelphia College 
 of Pharmacy. 
 
 Mr. Minner is a stockholder in the Southern 
 Illinois Building and Loan Association, the Jack- 
 son County Building and Loan Association, and 
 is a Director of the East St. Louis Building and
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 r97 
 
 Loan Association, and the ^tna, of St. Louis. In 
 politics he IS a Populist. The Minner household 
 numbers three members, our subject, wife and 
 child. Frem K. The lady was formerly Miss Fan- 
 nie King. She was born in Dresden, Ohio, and 
 their marriage was celebrated in Zanesville, Feb- 
 ruary 4, 1891. 
 
 'jf/ HENRY D. DEITMERING, who is en- 
 
 d' gaged in the jewelry business in Steeleville, 
 I and is recognized as one of the substantial 
 .^^ business men of this place, claims Germany 
 as the land of his birth, which occurred in Decem- 
 ber, 1848. His parents were Henry .ind Mary 
 (Schrader) Dettmering. Thej- were also natives of 
 German}', and in that country the mother is still 
 living. The father departed this life some 3ears 
 since. 
 
 The subject of this sketch, who was the second 
 in their family, attended the public schools of his 
 native land until fourteen 3ears of age, when he 
 left the school room to engage in business for 
 himself. Since that time he has been dependent 
 upon his own resources, and whatever success he 
 has achieved in life is due entirely to his own ef- 
 forts. He began learning the trade of watch-mak- 
 ing, serving an apprenticeship of four j'ears, dur- 
 ing which he thoroughly mastered the business. 
 When a young man of twenty, he enlisted in the 
 German army, and continued in the service for 
 three years. After his return lo the duties of 
 private citizenship, he worked at the jewelry trade 
 for about ten years. He then bade adieu to friends 
 and native land and sailed for America. 
 
 It was in 1881 that Mr. Dettmering crossed the 
 Atlantic. Landing in New York Gitj% he there 
 spent nine months working at his trade, after 
 which he left the eastern metropolis and emigrated 
 westward to Elgin, HI. Securing work in the 
 watch factory of that city, he there continued for 
 a year, after which he came to Steeleville, and for 
 fifteen months worked on a farm. AVe next find 
 him in Missouri, where he spent about five years, 
 working at his trade, watch-making. In this time, 
 by industry, economy and good management, he had 
 
 acquired some capital and determined to engage in 
 business for himself. He came to Steeleville in 
 1890, and here opened the jewelr}' store and watch 
 repairing establishment which he still carries on. 
 He has built up a good trade, and is recognized as 
 one of the substantial business men of the com- 
 munit}'. 
 
 In 1887 a marriage ceremonj' was ijcrformed 
 which united the destinies of Mr. Dettmering and 
 Miss Fredda Roetger, a daughter of Frederick and 
 Anna Roetger. Her parents were natives of Ger- 
 many, and in that country spent their entire lives. 
 Both father and mother are now deceased. Unto 
 our subject and his wife have been born three chil- 
 dred, one son and two daughters: Amelia, Albert 
 andErma. The familj- circle yet remains unbroken, 
 for thev are still under the parental roof. 
 
 Our subject exercises his right of franchise in 
 support of the Democratic party, but has never as- 
 pired to official preferment, desiring rather to give 
 his entire time and attention to his business inter- 
 ests, lie may truly be called a self-made man. 
 He started out in life for himself at the age of four- 
 teen; he came to this countiy empty-handed, but 
 his untiring industry, which is one of his chief 
 characteristics, has won him a comfortable compe- 
 tence and numbered him among the well-to-do cit- 
 izens of the communit_v. He and his wife hold 
 membership with the Lutheran Church, and are 
 prominent people in Steeleville, who have a wide 
 circle of friends and .acquaintances, by whom they 
 are held in high regard. 
 
 ry-^ noUA^ ROBERTSON, M. D.,a well known 
 //T\ pr.acticing physician of Steeleville, and a 
 V^ prominent representative of the fraternitj' 
 in Randolph County, was born in Nova Scotia on 
 the 8th of November, 1858, and is the eldest child 
 of John and Nellie (McKenzie) Robertson, who 
 were also natives of Nova Scotia, and still reside 
 in that place. 
 
 The Doctor attended the public schools of his na- 
 tive town until eighteen years of age, thus acquir- 
 ing a good English education, and then started out 
 in life for himself. He came to Illinois and made
 
 798 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 his waj' to the home of an uncle, Dr. McKenzie,of 
 Chester. There he again attended school for two 
 years, after which he began earning his own liveli- 
 hood, securing a position as clerk in the drug store 
 of E. E. Holbrook. There he was employed for a 
 year and a-half, when he continued in the same 
 line of business in the employ' of his uncle, Dr. 
 McKenzie. After two years spent in this way, he 
 engaged in other work, but in the meantime he 
 had been reading medisine with his uncle. In 
 September, 1884, he entered the St. Louis Medical 
 College, pursuing three courses of lectures in that 
 institution, after which he was graduated there- 
 from, receiving liis diploma on the 3d of March, 
 1887. Some months later he located in Steeleville, 
 where he has since successfully engaged in general 
 practice. 
 
 On the 10th of September, 1890, was celebrated 
 the marriage of Dr. Robertson and Miss Minnehaha 
 Cameron, a daughter of Archibald and Maggie 
 (Eraser) Cameron, both of whom are natives of 
 Nova Scotia. The young couple are prominent in 
 this communit}', hold an enviable position in social 
 circles, and have many warm friends and agreeable 
 acquaintances. They were both reared in the faith 
 of the Presbyterian Cliurch. The Doctor is now 
 a member of Steeleville Lodge No. 497, A. F. & 
 A. M. In ]Jolitics he is a Republican, and though 
 he takes a warm interest in the success of his party, 
 be has never sought or desired political prefer- 
 ment, wishing rather to give his entire time and at- 
 tention to the practice of his profession. 
 
 -^ 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 E^'^^^xICHOLAS SAUER, one of the pro|)rietors 
 I of tlie Evausville Flour Mill, stands fore- 
 ^ most among the prominent business men 
 of Evansville, who have contributed so largely to 
 the financial prosperit}' of this part of the county. 
 With true public spirit and characteristic liberal- 
 ity he has aided every enterprise that would in 
 any way advance the welfare of the community or 
 promote the growth of the city. In addition to 
 his interest in the mill he owns valuable real estate 
 
 in other portions of the county, which he rents to 
 good advantage. 
 
 Our subject is a native of this state, having 
 been born in Monroe County, March 21, 1831, 
 and is a son of Philip and P^lizabeth (Sensel) 
 Saner, natives of Germany. The father emigrat- 
 ed to tlie United States, locating in one of the 
 eastern states, and after a residence there of a few 
 years came to Illinois, where he married and car- 
 ried on fanning until his decease, in January, 
 1892, when eighty-three years of age. He was 
 one of the pioneers of this county, having come 
 here as early as 1837 and settled near what is now 
 the present site of Red Bud. He was a prominent 
 man in his community and held the office of 
 Township Treasurer and Justice of the Peace. 
 
 The mother of our subject, who came to the 
 United States a few years after the emigration of 
 Mr. Sauer, was born in Germany. She had eight 
 children, of whom all are living with one ex- 
 ception. Our subject remained with his par- 
 ents until reaching his majority, and gained his 
 first knowledge of books in the common schools of 
 Monroe County. Later he took a course of study 
 in the Commercial College at St. Louis, and when 
 beginning life on his own account taught five 
 terms of winter school and farmed during the sum- 
 mer. 
 
 Desiring to engage in business in the city, our 
 subject began merchandising in St. Clair County, 
 this state, and after nine months of indifferent 
 success, sold his store. In company with his fa- 
 ther he came to Evansville in 1866, and purchased 
 the gristmill which he now owns in partnership 
 with his brother. The mill which then had a ca- 
 pacity of one hundred and fifty barrels per day, 
 now turns out three hundred barrels. Mr. Sauer 
 gives employment to about thirty men, and by 
 means of boats, ships the flour to points along the 
 river. The mill is supplied with the most im- 
 proved machinery, and the flour which they turn 
 out is of the finest quality. 
 
 Miss Elizabeth Gerlache became the wife of our 
 subject in 1866. She was born in Virginia, and 
 has become the mother of the following five chil- 
 dren: John W., Magdalena, Philip, AVilliam and 
 George. His prompt and methodical business
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 799 
 
 habits, good financial talent and tact in the man- 
 agement of affairs, have brought Mr. Sauer before 
 the public as a desirable official, lie was nomi- 
 nated for State Senator on the Republican ticket, 
 but declined to accept the honor. He has been 
 Township Trustee, and for tweut3'-one}ears was a 
 member of tlie School Board. With his wife he is 
 a devoted member of the Evangelical Church and 
 retains the stanch decisive principles of that faith. 
 
 'if] OHN REIMAN. In the brief and imperfect 
 outline we are able to give in this biograph- 
 ^^ ' ical sketch of one of the most progressive 
 i^^y farmers of Jackson County, we can do but 
 little more than merely glance at some of the prin- 
 cipal events with which he has been connected and 
 identified in his long and useful career as a 
 farmer and business man. The life and cliaracter 
 of Mr. Reiman, rising from an humble position by 
 his own unaided efforts to a place of honor among 
 men, presents a useful lesson to the ^'outli of tliis 
 generation and adds another striking illustration 
 of the power and force of determined purpose and 
 perseverance. 
 
 The landed possessions of Mr. Reiman aggregate 
 five hundred and twenty-sis acres, the larger part 
 of which has been pl.aced under cultivation. His 
 home is pleasantly situated on section 35, Levan 
 Township, where he has erected a substantial resi- 
 dence, commodious barns and other buildings ade- 
 quate to their several uses. The soil has been fer- 
 tilized by a proi)cr rotation of crops, and every- 
 thing about the place gives indication of the en- 
 terprising habits of the proprietor. 
 
 In Somerset County, Pa., where he was born 
 February 4, 1838, the subject of this sketch spent 
 the first six years of his life, and thence in 1844 he 
 accompanied his father, Andrew Reiman, to Illi- 
 nois. Tliey journeyed up the Mississippi River as 
 far as Chester, and at their place of landing the 
 Father of Waters was thirteen miles wide. Arriv- 
 ing in Chester in June of 1844, the family pro- 
 ceeded to Jackson Count}' and settled one and one- 
 fourth miles north of Murphysboro. There the 
 boyhood years of our subject were passed, and 
 
 there he remained until he attained the age of 
 twentj'-two, meantime devoting his time almost 
 exclusively to agricultural labors and enjoying 
 the most meager of educational privileges. 
 
 When twenlj'-two years old, Mr. Reiman pur- 
 chased eighty acres, comprising a portion of his 
 present estate, and to his original tract he has from 
 time to time added, until he is now the owner of five 
 hundred and twent3--six acres of as fertile land as 
 is to be found in Jackson County. He has wit- 
 nessed the wonderful progress made by the county 
 and the development of its material resources, and 
 by his enterprise and public spirit has contributed 
 to the growth of this section of the slate. In for- 
 mer years Chester was the nearest wheat market 
 and the surrounding country was sparsely settled. 
 He was accustomed to go to mill on horseback, 
 carrying the wheat and corn that was to be ground. 
 
 In 1860 Mr. Reiman married Miss Emily K., 
 daughter of William Cooper, a Virginian, who 
 earl}- settled in Illinois. Seven children were 
 born of the union, all of whom died in infancy 
 with the exception of William, an intelligent and 
 well educated young man. While Mr. Reiman has 
 devoted his attention principally to his jjrivate 
 affairs, he has found time to keep posted upon the 
 national and local issues of the day, and in poli- 
 tics gives his support to the Democratic party. 
 He is now filling the position of Supervisoi, and at 
 the expiration of his present term will have 
 served six years in that capacity. For twenty-one 
 years he has been an officer in the Lutheran 
 Church, and is a generous contributor to religious 
 enterprises. 
 
 THURSTON W. TAGGART was known and 
 jv^^\ honored throughout Randolph County, 
 ^" being a native-born citizen, an extensive 
 agriculturist, and at one time Postmaster at New 
 Palestine. His birth occurred March 31, 1856, 
 near Blair, he being the eldest child of Amos 
 and Sylvania (Carsteller) Taggart. Both families 
 were among the early and prominent settlers of 
 Randolph County. The father is yet surviving 
 and is greatly esteemed for his kindly acts of 
 hand and heart. 
 
 Our subject attended the common schools of
 
 800 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 his district, and until attaining his majority aided 
 his father on the lioine farm. At this period in 
 life he started out for himself and continued to 
 conduct his chosen occupation with the exception 
 of a 3'ear and a-half, during which time he was 
 Superintendent of the County Farm. His farm 
 comprised at his death eighty acres, wliich he had 
 worked hard to improve and cultivate. 
 
 November 22, 1882, Mr. Taggart and Miss Cath- 
 erine R., a daughter of George and Anna (Will- 
 inger) Bauer, were united in marriage. Her par- 
 ents were both born in German}', but came to 
 this country when quite young, and here spent 
 their entire lives. By the union of our subject 
 and his wife three children were born: Sydney, 
 who died in inf.ancy; Francis V. and Anna, both 
 of whom are living with their mother. The good 
 wife .and children were deprived of a loving hus- 
 band and devoted father May 2, 1889, when Thur- 
 ston Taggart was called from this life to the land 
 beyond. 
 
 Mrs. Taggart is the iiresent Postmistress at New 
 Palestine, the duties of which she is discharging 
 faithfully and with credit to herself as well as 
 to the satisfaction of the people. She is a clear- 
 headed business woman, and, in addition to the 
 management of the postoflice. is also conducting 
 a profitable mercantile business, which was estab- 
 lished by her husband in 1886. She is connected 
 with the Catholic Church, with which Mr. Tag- 
 gart was also identified. In politics he was a 
 Democrat. 
 
 If__^ ENRY KRUEGER, who engages in general 
 flj] farming on section 31, township 3, range 9, 
 /^t^^ Monroe County, was born June 29, 1841, 
 (^) in Germany, and is the only survivor of a 
 family of four children, the other three having 
 died in infancy. The parents, Christian and AVil- 
 helmina (Susavendt) Krueger, were also natives of 
 Germany. At the age of thirty-nine, the father 
 accompanied b}' his familj', left that countiy and 
 crossed the broad Atlantic to America. He landed 
 in New Orleans, and thence came to Monroe Coun- 
 ty, 111., where he engaged in farming up to the 
 
 time of his death. He was an industrious and en- 
 ergetic man, and placed his land under a high 
 state of cultivation. He passed away at the age 
 of seventy-five, and was laid to rest in this county. 
 His wife died several years previous to his demise. 
 Both were members of the (jerman Evangelical 
 Church, and were highly respected people of the 
 cominunit}'. In his political attiliations the father 
 was a stanch Republican. 
 
 Henry Krueger spent the first thirteen j-ears of 
 his life in Germany, and then came witli his par- 
 ents to the New World. He attended school in 
 the Old Countiy, but is largely self-educated. 
 From an earl}' age he was inured to the labors of 
 the farm, becoming familiar with the business in 
 all its details, and to his father ho gave the benefit 
 of his services until his marri.age. This important 
 event was celebrated on the 29th of June, 1865, 
 Miss AVilhelmina Brandt becoming his wife. The 
 lady is also a native of Germany. By their union 
 were born thirteen children, but eight of the num- 
 ber are now deceased. Those still living are, Wil- 
 helmina, Christina, Louisa, AVilliam and Moritz. 
 The family is one widely and favorably known in 
 this community, and its members rank high in the 
 social circles in which they move. Their home is 
 the abode of hospitality and good cheer. 
 
 Mr. Krueger hiis lived a quiet and unassuming 
 life, devoting his entire time and attention to agri- 
 cultural pursuits, with which he has been familiar 
 since early boyhood. He is regarded as one of 
 the enterprising and progressive farmers of the 
 neighborhood, and the neat appearance of the place 
 indicates his thrift and careful supervision. His 
 land is under a high state of cultivation, and is 
 well improved. His possessions stand as a monu- 
 ment to his labors, for his property has all been 
 acquired through his own unaided efforts. He 
 may therefore truly be called a self-made man. 
 
 — v>> .o*o-@^vS)-o*o. s-^ 
 
 jt_^ ENRY W. NICHOLLS, Postmaster at Fin- 
 llfjjj ney, and a successful farmer of Somerset 
 's^ Township, Jackson County, cultivates a 
 ^^ finely improved estate of two hundred 
 acres, which, with its comfortable residence and 
 substantial outbuildings and general air of pros-
 
 RESIDENCE OF H .W. NICHOLLS , S EC. ^., SOM ER5 ET TP, -JACKSON CO., ILL. 
 
 RESIDENCE OF HENRY KRUGER, 5 EC. 31. , T. 3 . R. 9., MON RO E CO., ILL.
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 803 
 
 perity, indicates the existence of cultivated tastes 
 and ample means. For a number of years after 
 locating in this county he devoted his attention 
 to coal mining in connection with farming, and of 
 late years has conducted agricultural pursuits in 
 addition to attending to his duties as Postmaster. 
 
 The parents of our subject, Ilenr^'and pjlizabeth 
 (Richards) NichoUs, were natives of England. The 
 father emigrated to America in 1817, after which 
 lie resided in Wisconsin for a number of years and 
 then removed to Michigan. There he died in 1856. 
 Henry W. was born in Cornwall County, England, 
 May 31, 1831, and in his boyhood attended the 
 pay schools of that country, taking advantage of 
 every opportunity for acquiring a [(radical edu- 
 cation. When about nine years of age he began 
 to work in the tin mines of Cornwall, and con- 
 tinued thus employed until he emigrated to this 
 country in 1848. He took passage on a sailing- 
 vessel at St. Ives, and after an uneventful voyage 
 of six weeks and four days landed in Quebec, 
 whence he proceeded direct to Grant County, 
 Wis., his father's home. In this journey he was 
 accompanied by Ins mother. 
 
 For a number of years Mr. NicholLs found em- 
 ployment in the lead mines of Wisconsin, whence 
 in 1853 lie removed to the northern peninsula of 
 Michigan and worked in the copper mines there 
 for several years. His next home was in Newton 
 County, Mo., where he was employed in the lead 
 mines. From there he proceeded to Illinois and 
 engaged in lead mining in Hardin County. The 
 year 1808 witnessed his arrival in Jackson Coun- 
 ty, 111., where for some time he engaged in mining 
 for coal, as well as in general farming. 
 
 August 31, 1868, Mr. NichoUs was united in 
 marriage with Miss Harriet Cliancv, who was born 
 in Hardin County, 111., March 11, 1843. She is a 
 daughter of James and Ellen (Keelen) Chancy, 
 natives respectively of Ohio and Tennessee, and 
 early settlers in Hardin County. Unto Mr. and 
 Mrs. NichoUs there have been born four children, 
 Andrew, James, Thomas and William. A Repub- 
 lican in politics, Mr. NichoUs was in 1889 ap- 
 pointed Postmaster at Finney and is still serving 
 in that capacity, as well as in the position of High- 
 way Commissioner. With his wife he holds mem- 
 31 
 
 bersliip in the Methodist Episcopal Church South, 
 in which he is an active worker. 
 
 As one of the representative men of Jackson 
 County, Mr. NichoUs stands second to none in 
 point of sterling integrity and those qualities 
 which go to make up the responsible citizen and 
 useful member of the community. Here he has 
 spent the best years of his life, and his long and 
 arduous labors have been crowned with success. 
 Under his careful management his land has been 
 brought to a high state of cultivation, and is im- 
 proved with all the appliances suggested to the 
 enterprising and progressive farmer, while his 
 residence, recently com|)leted, is the finest in the 
 township. 
 
 'jt-^ ERMAN F. MIDDENDOHF, a well known 
 lij )j, merchant of Chester, is a native of this 
 /iW^ place, where his birth occurred August 30, 
 i)^ 1867. He is the son of John George Mid- 
 dendorf, who was born in Hanover, Germany, on 
 the 8tli of August, 1824, and was one in a fam- 
 ily of nine children. As was the custom in his 
 native land he attended school from the age of 
 six to fourteen years. His father, who was a mer- 
 chant tailor, trained him to follow that occupa- 
 tion, but upon reaching his majority he left the 
 parental roof and crossed the Atlantic in company 
 with an elder brothei', landing in New Orleans in 
 December, 1845. 
 
 Two years later .loliu l\li<l(leM(l()rf sailed iq) the 
 Mississippi to St. Louis, where he worked at his 
 trade until March 6, 1851, the date of his advent 
 in Chester. Having visited this city the previous 
 j'ear, he had then selected and purchased resi- 
 dence and business property, and on coining hither 
 brought with him a stock of goods for opening a 
 store, which was the first establishment of its kind 
 in the place. He was quite successful in this under- 
 taking, and a few months later put in a stock of 
 dry goods and conducted a very successful busi- 
 ness as a general merchant. He was prudent and 
 judicious in the management of his affairs, and 
 honesty, which he ever found to be the best pol- 
 icy, was the corner-stone of his success. 
 
 The father of our subject was married August 
 1, X851, to Miss Minnie T. Triefte,also a native of
 
 804 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Germany, who had come to America three years 
 previous to her marriage. She aided her hus- 
 band very materially' in attaining his high stand- 
 ing in the community, and during her entire life 
 has manifested her ability as a helpmate, her wis- 
 dom as a parent and her value as a friend. John 
 Middendorf departed this life December 22, 1888, 
 greatly mourned by all who knew him. He was 
 very prominent in local affairs, and at one time 
 was honored with the office of Mayor of Chestei'. 
 The brothers and sisters of our subject are: 
 Anna, Mrs. John F. Naber, of St. Louis, Mo.; 
 Caroline, Mrs. A. 11. Senden; Marj', Mrs. J. T. 
 Neely; Fred H., George H. and F^dward. Herman 
 F. was given a good education, and is onfe of the 
 bright and promising young men of the county. 
 He is a stanch Republican in politics and possesses 
 hosts of friends in this section. 
 
 Vt^ LLES B. HUNTER is the station agent and 
 1^ telegraph operator at Harrison, Jackson 
 U^^j County, on the Cairo Short Line Railroad. 
 Somerset Township contains no citizen more active 
 or energetic than he, and he is gifted with many 
 worthy attributes that render him respected of all 
 men. A man of high moral character, eminent 
 public spirit and a wide range of information, he 
 has been generous in his support of all enterprises 
 that will in anj- w.ay add to the prosi)erity of the 
 community with whose interests his own are iden- 
 tical. 
 
 The parents of our subject, John and Rhoda 
 (Butts) Hunter, were natives of Tennessee, whence 
 in 1848 they removed to Illinois, and sojourned 
 for a short time in Williamson County. From 
 there they moved to Union County and located 
 on a farm twelve miles east of Anna. Subsequently 
 locating in Jonesboro, they resided in that place 
 for several years. In July, 1851, the father became 
 an assistant in the surveying corps under J. F. 
 Ashley, chief of the corps, and aided in surveying 
 a portion of the Illinois Central Railroad. His 
 death, which occurred in May, 1886, was the result 
 of an accident on the railroad at Makanda, 111. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was born in Smith 
 
 County, Tenn., September 19, 1845, and was a 
 child of three years when the famil}' came to Illi- 
 nois. He had such schooling as could be obtained 
 in those daj's of limited educational advantages, 
 when the rude log cabin was the onl^' literary in- 
 stitution of this section of country, and its doors 
 were opened to the children only for a few weeks 
 in the different seasons. Bred to the life of a 
 railroad man, he was only twelve years old when 
 he entered the employ of the Illinois Central Rail- 
 road, and for a number of ^ears was connected 
 with station work, his i)rincipal occupation being 
 the loading of fruit on the cars. For several years 
 he was fencing foreman for the Illinois Central 
 Railroad, his duties being to see that fences were 
 kept in good repair between certain points. 
 
 For a time Mr. Hunter filled the position of 
 station agent for the Illinois Central Railroad at 
 Dubois, 111., after which, on the 18th of July, 1882, 
 he entered upon his duties as agent for the St. 
 Louis Coal Road Company, at Harrison, 111., and 
 subsequentl_v became station agent at the same 
 point for the Cairo Sh(Srt Line Railwa3' Company, 
 they' having leased the road and the station. Mr. 
 Hunter is the owner of eighty acres of valuable 
 land in thiscounty, and is well situated financially, 
 his prosperity having been attained solely through 
 his own exertions. 
 
 May 8, 1864, Mr. Hunter and Miss Serena Cauble 
 were united in marriage. The latter was born in 
 Illinois and reared in Jackson County, where 
 her father, the late Adam Cauble, was a resident. 
 Iler mother, whose maiden name was Priscilla 
 Baltzell, was three times married, her first husband 
 being a Mr. Roricks, the second William Gentrj-, 
 and the third Adam Cauble; now the third time 
 widowed, she makes her home with her children. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Hunter are the parents of five chil- 
 dren: John F., Charles J., Walter S., Josephine 
 (wife of W. B. Iloistman, an engineer on the Cairo 
 Short Line Railroad), and Dora, who married W. H. 
 Davis. 
 
 Mr. Hunter is a frank, open-hearted man, gifted 
 with energy and stability of character. His public 
 spirit is well known, and every enterprise that will 
 in anj' way promote the best interests of the town- 
 ship is sure to meet with his cordial approval an<Ji
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, 
 
 805 
 
 sulislantial support. In his political afflliations he 
 is actively identified with the Democratic part}'. 
 As Director of Schools, he has displayed great in- 
 terest in the educational advancement of the com- 
 munity, and has contributed in every way to se- 
 cure this desired result. In matters of religion, he 
 is a Baptist. Socially he holds membership with 
 Mt. Carbon Lodge No. 43 1, I. 0. O. F., at Mur- 
 phvsboro. 
 
 • ^ ^(^=1^ 
 
 SIGMUND BRINKMAN, of the firm of S. 
 & W. Brinkman, contractors and build- 
 ers in Chester, is a native of this city, 
 where his birth occurred August 20, 1858. 
 His parents, Frederick and Margaret (Kipp) Brink- 
 man, were natives of Germany, and came to the 
 United Statesin 1848. Landing in New Orleans, 
 they made their waj' up the Mississippi River to 
 St. Louis, Mo., and thence a few years later came 
 to Chester, where^thev made a permanent location. 
 Frederick Brinkman was a builder and contractor 
 by occupation, which business he carried on witii 
 great success until his decease, which occurred in 
 this city in 1885. His good wife, who still sur- 
 vives, is now (1894) in her seventy-fourth year 
 and makes lier home in Cliester. 
 
 Our subject is the youngest in the parental fam- 
 ily of seven cliildreu, only three of whom are liv- 
 ing: William, Ileniy and Sigmund. Edward Brink- 
 man wasdrowned in Appletou Creek, at Appleton, 
 Mo., when in his twentj'-fifth year. Our subject 
 first attended the Lutlieran school, and afterward 
 continued his studies in the public schools of this 
 city. After completing his education, and desirous 
 of making his own way in the world, he learned the 
 cari)entei's trade under liis fatlier, ami continued to 
 work with him until the death of the latter. Suc- 
 ceeding to his father's business, our subject in 1881 
 formed a partnership with F. William Brinkman, 
 and together they have erected some of the finest 
 buildings in the county, among which are tlie 
 (irand View Hotel and the bank block of Speakman 
 & Co., in this city. 
 
 The marriage of Mr. Brinkman willi Miss Laura 
 Colbert occurred August 24, 1880. Mrs. Brink- 
 man was born in Kaskaskia County in .September, 
 
 1859, and is a daughter of George and Louise 
 (Bertel) Colbert. Their union has been blessed by 
 the birth of seven children, Rnth, Mabel, Ada, 
 Laura, Sigmund, Clara and Bertram. By all who 
 know him, our subject is honored for his fine char- 
 acter and business ability' and is well liked by rea- 
 son of his pleasing qualities. His good wife, who 
 is a member of St. Johu's Lutheran Church, is a 
 very devoted Christian woman. Mr. Brinkman 
 likewise holds membership with that denomination. 
 He is somewhat active in the political affairs of 
 his vicinity, working with the Democratic party. 
 He has served his fellow-citizens in various capa- 
 cities, and in 1893 was elected Alderman of the 
 Third Ward. 
 
 Frederick Brinkman, the father of otir subject, 
 invented the steam dium washer, obtaining the 
 patent on the same after coming to the United 
 States. He was a very earnest worker in the Lu- 
 theran Church and was one of the founders of the 
 congregation in Chester, to which he was a liberal 
 contributoi'. In politics he was rather conserva- 
 tive, but always active, and for three terms was 
 Alderman of the Third Ward of this city. 
 
 Cl^- ERMAN C. SASSE, a progressive farmer of 
 Ji Randolph County, cultivates a tract of 
 three hundred and thirty-seven acres situ- 
 v(^; ated (m section 7, township 7, range 5. A 
 native of St. Louis, ]\Io., he was born December 
 10, 1853, to Adolpli II. and Can. Hue (Wolter) 
 Sassc, natives of Haverla and Klein Elba, respec- 
 tivel}', in the province of Hanover, German j'. 
 The i)arents were born in the year 1820, the father 
 on the 20th of Februar}', and the mother on the 
 6th of December. About the year 1846 the}- were 
 married in Haverla, and there resided until the fall 
 of 1851. Leaving Bremerliaven after a voyage 
 of sixty-four days, they landed in New Orleans 
 and proceeded immediately to St. Louis, Mo., 
 where they resided about five years. 
 
 In the year 1857, accompanied by his family, 
 Mr. Sasse removed to the farm where his son, Her- 
 man C, now resided. Here he made his home un- 
 til his death, which occurred July 12, 1878. The
 
 806 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 mother is still living, and makes her home with 
 her son. Of seven children born to this couple, 
 our subject is the only one wlio survives. On the 
 18th of May, 1876, Mr. Sasse was united in mar- 
 riage with Miss Caroline, daughter of Peter and 
 Mary (Oelman) Gifhorn, natives of the villages of 
 Lobmachtersen and Gebhardshagen, in the province 
 of Brunswick, Germany. They were born March 
 20, 1816, and April 3, 1821, respectively. Their 
 marriage occurred in 1850, and in January of 
 1852 they emigrated to America, landing in New 
 Orleans, and going thence direct to St. Louis. 
 There they resided until April, 1876, when they 
 came to Wine Hill, 111., and this has since been 
 their home. 
 
 Mrs. Sasse, the second and only survivor of two 
 daughters, was born April 28, 1854, and by her 
 union has become the mother of seven children, 
 six of whom are now living. They are, Freda M., 
 Adolph P., Herman J., Emma W., Martha T. and 
 Walter C. Louisa M. died in infancy. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Sasse, together with their familj', are members 
 of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church of 
 Wine Hill, over which the Rev. C. F. Liebe pre- 
 sides. They are respected by a wide circle of 
 friends, and move in the best social circles of the 
 count}'. 
 
 In politics, Mr. Sasse is a Democrat, and has 
 affiliated with that party ever since attaining liis 
 majorit}'. He gives the party candidates and 
 principles iiis earnest support. For four years he 
 has served as Constable, after having served a 
 year in tiie same position b}' appointment. For 
 three 3'ears he was Road Commissioner, and for 
 the same period served as Director of district 
 schools. For the past six years he has been a 
 member of the County Central Committee of his 
 political party. In addition to his fanning opera- 
 tions, he holds twenty-tive shares in the Welga 
 Creamery Company, of which he is Secretary. He 
 is a Director of the Randolph County Mutual In- 
 surance Company, an organization of the farmers 
 for protection against tire, tornadoes, lightning, 
 etc., the policies of which amount to more tiian a 
 million dollars. For six years Mr. Sasse was Trus- 
 tee of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, in which he 
 is a prominent worker. He is true to every public 
 
 and private trust reposed in him, and has led an 
 honorable life. Charitable and benevolent, the 
 needy and distressed find in him a friend, and 
 every worthy enterprise receives his support. 
 
 PW. MOORE, a prominent young railroad 
 man, who is now M.ister of Transportation 
 /I — "^ of the St. Louis Division of the Mobile ck 
 Ohio Railroad at Murph^'sboro, has been connected 
 with this road since May, 1879, and his continuance 
 therewith indicates a faithful and ellicieut service. 
 As he has man}' friends throughout this commu- 
 nit}', we feel assured that the record of his life 
 will prove of interest to man}- of our readers. A 
 native of Iowa, he was born in Keokuk, August 
 7, 1859, and is one in a family of five sons and 
 two daughters, though only two of the number 
 are now living. The parents were P. W. and 
 Ellen (Dunn) Moore. Both were natives of Ire- 
 land. When a young man the father crossed the 
 Atlantic, locating in Keokuk, Iowa, where he was 
 placed in charge of the transfer department. He 
 also served us County Jailer for some 3'ears, and 
 died while filling that office. His wife also passed 
 away in Keokuk. 
 
 In the city of his birth E. W. Moore was reared, 
 and in its public schools was educated. At the 
 age of fifteen he became brakeman on the con- 
 struction train of the Des Moines Valle}' Railroad, 
 between Keokuk and Des Moines, and was thus 
 employed until 1879. He then served for two 
 years as brakeman on the Cairo ife St. Louis, a 
 narrow gauge road, after which he was made con- 
 ductor on a passenger train running between St. 
 Louis and Cairo. He served for seven years in 
 that position, until in October, 1890, he was pro- 
 moted, becoming Master of Transportation. He 
 now has charge of all trains on the St. Louis Di- 
 vision of the Mobile i Ohio Road. It is a re- 
 sponsible position, but it is capabl}' and efficiently 
 filled. 
 
 In 1 886 a marriage ceremony was performed 
 in St. Louis which united the destinies of Mr. 
 Moore and Miss Ella Wilson, a native of Cape 
 Girardeau, Mo. They make their home in Mur-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 807 
 
 pli\sboro and are well known people of the com- 
 munitj-. In politics Mr. Moore is a Democrat, but 
 has had neither time nor inclination for public 
 office. During all the time that he was on the 
 road as brakeman or conductor there was not a 
 single passenger in his charge injured. The same 
 painstaking care which then characterized his la- 
 bors is 3'et seen, and it proved an important factor 
 in his promotion. 
 
 ^P" NDREW CLYDE, proprietor of the Clyde 
 1@/4JI| Hotel, at Percy, is a man widely known 
 li) in this community and he iiiis the high re- 
 gard of all with whom he has been brought 
 in contact. We tlierefore feel assured tiiat the 
 record of his life will prove of interest to our 
 readers and gladly gives it a place in this volume. 
 A native of Sc-otland, he was born at New Battle, 
 near Edinburgh, on the 28th of July, 1851. His 
 parents, Andrew and Jessie (Rathby) Cl3'de, were 
 also natives of Scotland. The father was a butcher 
 and cattle dealer in his native land and carried on 
 that business for a number of years, but is now 
 living a retired life. The mother also survives, 
 and has reached a ripe old age. 
 
 In his native land Andrew Clyde attended the 
 public schools until fourteen years of age, when he 
 began working with his brother Hugh, a cattle 
 dealer, with whom he continued for two years. In 
 1869 he sailed for America. He was then a j'oiing 
 man of eighteen 3-ears and had resolved to seek a 
 home .and fortune bej'ond the Atlantic, for he be- 
 lieved that better opportunities and privileges 
 were afforded in the New World than in the 
 older countries of Europe. He first went to Mis- 
 sissippi, where an elder brotlier, George, lived 
 upon a plantation, and there remained for one 
 year. 
 
 Not liking the country, however, Mr. Clyde 
 started northward, to St. Louis, Mo., and after 
 spending a number of j'ears in the west, he came 
 to southern Illinois. Here he turned his atten- 
 tion to coal mining, which he followed for a 
 number of j'ears. In the latter part of the j^ear 
 1888 lie embarked in the retail liquor business 
 
 at Sparta, where he remained for some time, and 
 then came to Percy, 111., where he entered the 
 hotel business. To this work he now devotes his 
 energies, being proprietor of the Clyde Hotel, 
 which is widely and favorabU' known throughout 
 southern Illinois and Missouri. From the travel- 
 ing public he receives a liberal patronage, for he 
 carefully looks after the interests and comfort of 
 his guests. 
 
 In 1881 W.1S celebrated the marriage of Mr. 
 Clyde and Miss Ilattie, daughter of Thomas B. 
 and Margaret Edwards, of Beaucoup, Washington 
 Countj-, III. Mr. and Mrs. Clyde are prominent 
 and well known people of the community and have 
 many friends in this neighborhood. He was reared 
 in the faith of the Presb3-terian Church, but is not 
 now identified with anj- religious org^iization. 
 Socially he is a member of Peebles Kilwinning 
 Lodge No. 24, of Peebles, Scotland, and is a Mas- 
 ter Mason. In support of party principles he is a 
 pronounced Republican, but in local elections 
 where no issue is before the people he supports the 
 man whom he thinks best qualified to discharge 
 the duties of the olBce, regardless of party affil- 
 iations. 
 
 In former vears Mr. Clyde was an enthusiastic 
 sportsman and made frequent excursions with gun 
 and dog in quest of game. In 1878 he was awarded 
 a fine gold medal, the prize offered the best trap 
 shot at the Belleville (111.) contest. In his business 
 career he has met with success, as the result of his 
 own well directed efforts. His determination to 
 seek a home in America has proved a fortunate 
 
 :£^K^ 
 
 ^iHOJIAS TUDOR, residing on section 30, 
 townshi]) 7, range 5, Randolph County, 
 owns and operates a farm of one hundred 
 and fifty-six .icres. He is a son of Thomas and 
 Elizabeth Tudor, natives of Shropshire, England, 
 the former having been born August 7, 1789. Mar- 
 ried in their native country, they removed in 
 1827 to Paris, France. Prior to their removal 
 thej- had become the parents of the following chil- 
 dren: Elizabeth, Samuel, William and Maiy. John 
 was born in Paris. France; Harriet first saw the
 
 808 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 light of da_v on the Atlantic Ocean, her birth hav- 
 ing occurretl during tiie voj'age of the fainil^^ to 
 this country-; and Thomas was born in Rockland 
 County, N. Y., March 23, 1835. 
 
 Three of the family are still living: Elizabeth, 
 widow of Thomas Fulford, of Randolph County; 
 John, also a resident of this county; and Thomas. 
 He remained with his father until the death of 
 the latter, in 1851, and the mother also passed 
 away during that year. By will the home farm 
 became the property of Thomas, who has contin- 
 ued to reside here since his father settled upon the 
 place in 1851. While living in New York, he was 
 a pupil in the public schools, and to the knowledge 
 there gained, has since added by reading and ob- 
 servation until he is now a well informed man. 
 
 On th#14th of November, 1854, Mr. Tudor was 
 united in marriage with Miss Sarah J. Clifford, 
 who was born in Beaver Countj-, Pa., August 8, 
 1833. The parents of Mrs. Tudor, Cunigam and 
 Sarah (Galbraith) Clifford, were natives of Penn- 
 sjivania, who in 1854 came to Illinois and located 
 in Randolph County. The father passed away 
 January ■22, 1866, and the mother, Januar}' 29 
 of the same year. Of their eleven children, only 
 two are now living: Mrs. Tudor and Eliza, the 
 latter being the widow of WillLam Conner, and a 
 resident of Missouri. Mrs. Tudor accompanied 
 her parents to Illinois in 1854, and remained with 
 them until her marriage. She has been the mother 
 of four children, three yet living: Eliza C, Savan- 
 nah and Leon. Eliza C. is the wife of Henry Wal- 
 termate, and resides in Dakota. The others are at 
 home. They have received excellent educations 
 in the public schools, and are intelligent and well 
 informed. 
 
 In the prosecution of his chosen calling, that of 
 agriculture, Mr. Tudor has been very successful, 
 and through good management has accumulated a 
 sutlicient amount of properly to enable him to 
 live somewhat retired from active labors. How- 
 ever, though not compelled to toil so incessantly 
 as in the past, he still superintends the farm, and 
 finds his time fully occupied in managing the 
 many details connected with farm work. Politi- 
 cally, he is a Republican, and gives that party the 
 support of his intluence and ballot. He and his 
 
 wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, to 
 which their respective parents also belonged, and 
 the}' attend services at the Ebenezer Church in 
 township 7, range 5. 
 
 
 
 •s-***" 
 
 (» jfe S. ROBERTS, City Treasurer of Murphys- 
 \/\/l boro, and a prominent merchant of this 
 ^^\ff place, was born in Alma, 111., March 4, 
 1866. His grandfather, John Roberts, was a miner 
 in Wales, whence he emigrated with his family to 
 the United States, landing in New Orleans and 
 proceeding from there to St. Louis. Crossing the 
 Mississippi to Illinois, he opened a mine at Casey- 
 ville. Later he was seized with the western fever, 
 and went to Salt Lake City with the intention of 
 locating there or at some other favorable point, 
 but a little of life there was suflicient for himself 
 and family, and they returned to Illinois. The 
 long jouiney had been made by ox-teams. Later 
 Grandfather Roberts engaged in farming in Casey- 
 ville, where his death occurred; his remains were 
 interred at CoUinsville. 
 
 The father of our subject, Albert Roberts, was 
 born in AVales and was reared in St. Clair County, 
 111., where he engaged in raining from boyhood. In 
 1875 he came to Murph^ysboro as Superintendent 
 of the Gartside Coal Company. By the unex- 
 pected letting down of a cage in a mine he was so 
 injured that paralysis resulted, and he remained 
 an invalid until his death, in 1887, at fiftj'-three 
 years of age. His wife, whose maiden name was 
 Margaret Evans, was born in Wales, and is now a 
 resident of Murphysboro. In the Methodist Epis- 
 opal Church she is an active worker and is a ladj' 
 of sincere Christian character and amiable disposi- 
 tion. Her father, Richard Evans, emigrated from 
 Wales to America and died in Illinois. 
 
 In the parental family there were thirteen chil- 
 dren, of whom six attained mature 3'ears. Our 
 subject, who was the fourth in order of birth, re- 
 moved from Alma to Murphysboro at the age of 
 eleven years, and was a student in the common 
 schools at this place. At the age of fifteen years 
 he became an employe in a dry-goods store, re- 
 maining in that position for six years and spend-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 809 
 
 ing a like period with C. C. Smith, who succeeded 
 the former owner of tlie estahlisliment. After Mr. 
 Smith's death, in November, 1892, our subject and 
 Mr. Sliarpe were appointed administrators of the 
 estate, and these two gentlemen in 1893 purchased 
 the stock and liave since continued in business. 
 They occupy a store on the corner of Main and 
 Chestnut Streets, 24x80 feet in dimensions, and 
 carry a complete assortment of dry goods, shoes, 
 carpets, etc. 
 
 In 1893 Mr. Roberts married Anna D. Hay, who 
 was born in Virginia and removed with her father, 
 William D. Ha^', to Leavenworth, Kan., where her 
 marriage occurred. In the spring of 1893 Mr. 
 Roberts was nominated and elected City Treasurer 
 on the Republican ticket for a term of two years. 
 He has ever Ijeen a stalwart supporter of the Re- 
 publican partj' and an active worker in its ranks. 
 Socially, he is identified with the Uniformed Rank, 
 K. P., and has held tlie various chairs of that fra- 
 ternity. 
 
 ^^ONRAD WOLTER, a farmer residing on 
 (I section 4, township 7, range 5, is one of 
 
 '^^J'/ the extensive land owners of Randolph 
 County, his possessions including the home farm 
 of one hundred and sixty acres, also one hundred 
 and sixty acres on section 5, township 7, range 5, 
 and ninety-four acres elsewhere in this county. 
 The success which has resulted from Mr. Wolter's 
 efforts and the high position he now occupies 
 among the agriculturists of the county are due to 
 his untiring energy, indomitable perseverance and 
 undoubted honesty. Beginning in life without 
 capital, he has steadily worked his way upward 
 until he is now numbered among the" substantial 
 and prosperous citizens of his locality. 
 
 Born in Hanover, Germany, February 11, 1839, 
 the subject of this sketch is the son of Conrad 
 and AVilhelmcua (Ilandlemann) Wolter, who were 
 born, reared and married in Hanover. Thence 
 in 1852 they emigrated to the United States and 
 settled in St. Louis, Mo., where they made a short 
 sojourn. Afterward coming to Randolph Coun- 
 ty, they purchased forty acres in township 7, 
 
 range 5, where the father engaged in farming dur- 
 ing the remainder of his life. In the parental 
 family there were seven children, of whom the 
 following survive: Conrad; Christina, now Mrs. 
 Werre, of Wine Hill; William W.; and Lena Car- 
 oline, wife of John Alwant, of this county. Three 
 children died when small. The mother of this 
 family died in October, 1870; the father sur- 
 vived a number of years, passing away March 11, 
 1884. 
 
 The subject of this sketch remained with his 
 parents until his marriage, which occurred May 
 23, 1862. He was then united with Miss Louisa 
 Dettmer, who was born in Hanover September 13, 
 1839, and came here when a child of seven or 
 eight years. She was the daughter of Frederick 
 and Maiy (Mina) Dettmer. Of this union, nine 
 children were born, five yet living, as follows: 
 Herman, Soiihia, Martin, Annie and Lena. Louisa 
 died February 7, 1894, at the age of fifteen years. 
 The other three died young. 
 
 After the death of his first wife, Mr. Wolter 
 was a second time united in marriage, on the 31st 
 of August, 1884, choosing as his companion Miss 
 Caroline Cassel, who was born in St. Louis, Mo., 
 December 31, 1850. Mrs. Wolter is a daugh- 
 ter of Conrad and Rachel (Handermann) Cassel, 
 natives respectively of Brunswick and Hanover, 
 Germany. The father came to the United States 
 in 1845, and the mother two years later; they 
 were married in St. Louis March 14, 1850. Mr. 
 Cassel passed away July 6, 1882, while his wife 
 die'd on the 22d of April, 1888. Three children 
 have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Wolter: Lydia, 
 Hulda and Florence. 
 
 Beginning as a farmer with a tract of forty 
 acres, Mr. Wolter added to his property from time 
 to time until he is now the owner of four hun- 
 dred and fourteen acres. He has no reason to re- 
 gret having come to America, for success has 
 rewarded his efforts here and he is numbered 
 among the large land owners of Randolph County. 
 Politicall3', he votes with the Democratic party, 
 and is active in its ranks. For sixteen consecu- 
 tive years he served as Constable. He and his 
 wife are members of the Evangelical Church at 
 Wine Hill, with which the children are also iden-
 
 810 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 tified. They are numbered among the best people 
 of the county, where the^' are prominent in re- 
 ligious and social circles and are held in high 
 esteem. 
 
 += 
 
 =+ 
 
 ellARLES G. GRIZZELL, M. D., of Ver- 
 erennes, was l)orn November 3, 1859, in 
 Kenton Country, Ky., and in the usual man- 
 ner of farmer lads was reared to manhood. His 
 father, Andrew J. Grizzell, was a native of the 
 same county, and was born July 30, 1815. The 
 grandparents, Solomon and Nancy (Cogle) Griz- 
 zell, were natives of Virginia and Kentucky re- 
 spectively. The former left his native state at tlie 
 age of twenty-one j'ears, purchasing land in Ken- 
 tuck}', where in the midst of the forest he hewed 
 out a farm. In the family were eight children: Eliz- 
 abeth, wife of Robert Marshall; William, Andrew, 
 Benjamin; Harriet, wife of John Kleet; Martha 
 Ann, wife of Willi:im Ware; Nancy Ann, the sec- 
 ond wife of William AVare; and Elam. The father 
 of this family died in Kenton County, K3'., in 
 1856. His wife passed away when their son An- 
 drew was only five years of age. They belonged 
 to the Baptist Church, in which Mr. Grizzell served 
 as Deacon. In politics he was a Democrat and a 
 follower of Andrew Jackson. 
 
 At the age of twenty-two the father ofour sub- 
 ject left home and married Catherine .Stephens, 
 the union being celebrated in Kenton County, 
 August 3, 1837. He then engaged in fanning 
 near the old homestead, and when his father became 
 afflicted with palsy he took charge of the home 
 farm, which he continued to operate until the 
 death of his father. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Grizzell 
 were born the following children : Leonard S., 
 Thomas J.; Harriet Ann, wife of Leander Dameron; 
 George W., Benton; Eliza Jane, wife of Henr^' Den- 
 nis; William H.; Nancy, wife of George Butcher; 
 Mary F., wife of William Pittsford; James B., 
 Charles C. and Edward J. The mother of this 
 family died January 14, 1890, and her loss was 
 deeply mourned by all who knew her. 
 
 Mr. Grizzell continued to carry on farming in 
 Kentucky until March, 1861, when he came with 
 his family to Ora Township, where he cleared and 
 
 developed a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, 
 transforming the hitherto heavy timber into richly 
 cultivated fields. He there made his home until 
 1883, when he removed with his family to Ava. 
 On the death of his wife, the old home was broken 
 up, and he has since resided vvith his children. 
 He has long been a faithful member of the Baptist 
 Church, to which Mrs. Grizzell also belonged, and 
 for twenty-five years has served as Deacon. In 
 politics he has been an ardent advocate of the 
 Democracy. His life has been on honorable and 
 upright one, well worthy of emulation, .and it is 
 with pleasure that we present to our readers this 
 record of his career. 
 
 Charles C. Grizzell, whose name heads this 
 sketch, attended the common schools, and later 
 was a student in the normal school of Murphys- 
 boro and also of Ava. His education was com- 
 pleted in the Normal University of Carbondale, 
 .and he then engaged in teaching for eight terms 
 in J.ackson C'ounty and one term in Randolph 
 County, after which he took up the study of med- 
 icine with Dr. Davis, in Ava, continuing his read- 
 ing under the direction of that gentleman for 
 about three _years. He was a student in the Mis- 
 souri Medical College for two terras, and was grad- 
 uated therefrom March 5, 1889. On the 15th of 
 May he opened an office in Vergennes, and has 
 here acquired a large and lucrative practice in 
 medicine and surgery. He gives special attention 
 to the diseases of the eye .and ear, and expects to 
 continue his studies much further along those 
 lines. He belongs to the Southern Illinois Medi- 
 cal Society, and also to the Jackson County Medical 
 Society. 
 
 On the 23d of May, 1888, Dr. Grizzell married 
 Ida M. Walker, of De Soto, daughter of Franklin 
 II. Walker; and a niece of Mrs. Dr. Davis, of Ava. 
 Their union was blessed with three children. Beu- 
 lah, who was born Ma}' 8, 1890, died on the 25th 
 of June the same year; Roy A. was born Novem- 
 ber 2G, 1891; and Alves W. w.as born November 
 10, 1893. The Doctor and his wife are Presbyte- 
 rians in religious belief, and take an active interest 
 in chuich and benevolent work. He is a member 
 of the Masonic and Odd Fellows' societies of Ver- 
 gennes, and in the latter has served as Past Grand
 
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 RLSIDENCE C^ J G RUPCH SURVEY 2IG KA5KA5K1A, RANDOLPH CO ILL 
 
 
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 fcKfcfc^^ity *tiCX' J t" 
 
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 llMilltlitlfe - ""^ '^^ 
 
 RESIDENCE OF DR. C . C . GRl ZZELL, V ERGEN N E5 ,, J ACK50N CO, , 1 LL .
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 813 
 
 and Deputy Grand Master. He and his wife are 
 both members of the Rebecca Lodge. In politics 
 he is a liberal Democrat. Among bis professional 
 brethren, Dr. Grizzell has won an enviable repu- 
 tation, and by the people of this community he is 
 regarded as a skilled and able physician, in whom 
 they have great confidence. 
 
 += 
 
 =-f 
 
 WIOSHUA G. BURCH. This venerable gen- 
 tleman is distinguished in the anuals of 
 Randolph County as one of its early resi- 
 dents, and here his declining years 'are being 
 quietl}' p.asscd in a comfortable home in the en- 
 joyment of the companionship of his faitliful 
 wife. He is a native of Kentucky, having been 
 born near Bardstown, Nelson County, November 
 1.5, 1815, and is the eldest and only survivor of 
 the ten children born to his parents. The latter 
 were .Tohn Hanson and Nancy (Greenwell) Burch, 
 both natives of Maryland. Walter Burch, the 
 grandfatlier of our subject, was born in London, 
 pjUgland, coming to America during the Colonial 
 period. Born a Protestant, on his marriage in 
 London with an Irish maiden named Hagen, he 
 was converted by her to the Catholic faith, in 
 whicli the family has continued since. 
 
 The father of our subject was born in 1782, 
 and w.as only a child when his father removed 
 from Maryland to Kentucky. His wife, the mother 
 of our subject, was Jliss Nancy A., daughter of 
 Joshua antl Elizabeth (Holton) Greenwell, both 
 probably of Scottish origin. Our subject spent 
 his boyhood daj's in his native county, and was 
 given only five months' schooling, attending what 
 was known as a subscription school. His parents, 
 however, supplemented the meagre knowledge 
 gained therein b^^ teaching him at home. He is 
 unusally apt in mathematics. A few ^-ears ago, 
 by the aid of a level which lie invented, he de- 
 termined the difference of the height of water be- 
 tween the Mississippi and Okaw Rivers. He pre- 
 dicted many years ago that the former river would 
 overflow into the latter at Kaskaskia, and endeav- 
 ored to have leading Missourians urge their mem- 
 
 bers of Congress to cut across the "Oxbow," and 
 in this way protect the Illinois farms. His en- 
 deavors onl}' provoked their derision, but his pre- 
 diction that he would cross over to the Missouri 
 side diyshod to mill had a strange fulfillment 
 during the holidays of 1893. St. Mary's is now 
 almost an inland town, and a part of Illinois is 
 on the west side of tiie river. 
 
 AVlien twenty-five years of age, our subject left 
 his native state, and coming to Illinois, located 
 in Horse Prairie, this county, which is now the site 
 of Red Bud. There he purchased a farm of one 
 hundred and sixty acres, which he improved and 
 made his abiding place until 1847, when he moved 
 down into the Kaskaskia Bottoms and rented 
 property for some four years. At the end of that 
 time, having sold his farm on the prairie, he pur- 
 chased the old Morrison estate from Col. Don 
 Murray and Robert Morrison, sons of the former 
 owner. To tiiis he added from time to time until 
 he possessed about nine hundred acres of the rich- 
 est land to be found in the state. He lost about 
 four hundred acres of this later, it being engulfed 
 by the river. 
 
 Farming as it is now carried on seems to one of 
 Mr. Burch's age as though he were in another 
 world. His earliest recollections of harvest are 
 of the old reaping hook, when men cut an armful 
 at a time and bound the swath while walking 
 back. The invention of a cradle was supposed 
 to be the acme of perfection, and such things as 
 reapers or self-binders seemed too much to even 
 be dreamed of. Mr. Burch brought the first reaper 
 and first wheat drill to this neighborhood, and 
 was the first to own a thresher, though itinerant 
 machines had been here before. Since making his 
 first purchase of land in Randolph County, our 
 subject has had to move three times, owing to the 
 encroachments of the river. His present home is 
 located a mile and a-half from the Mississii)pi, 
 which he hopes is a sufficient distance to prevent 
 any more "wash-outs." 
 
 Our subject has been a life-long Democrat in 
 politics, as were his ancestors. During the Rebel- 
 lion he passed through many exciting adventures 
 and nothing but his iron nerve and unbounded 
 courage saved him to tell the tale. He was strongly
 
 814 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 in sympathy with the south and made no attempt 
 to conceal his sentiments. Several of the men 
 who had plotted against his life had been saved 
 from Hildebrand mainly through the influence of 
 our subject, and to repaj' him for his kindness 
 tliey had him reported at St. Louis as having 
 raised a company to enter the Confederate serv- 
 ice. Consequently orders were issued to take 
 him before the Provost-Marshal at Ste. Genevieve, 
 and a detective named Ruby had arranged to 
 capture him at the house of a neighbor. Divin- 
 ing their intention, Mr. Burch feigned a desire 
 to have a private conversation with Clark, to 
 whose house he was taken, that being the head- 
 quarters of Ruby and his men, and when in 
 an inner room seized a revolver and sent word 
 for them to come and take him. As a mat- 
 ter of coui-se, they did not care to do so just 
 then, but b\- practicing a ruse hoped to make him 
 their prisoner. Ruby, the leader, promised our 
 subject that if he would accompany them peace- 
 ably he should not be harmed, sealing his prom- 
 ise with uplifted hand and solemn oath. Mr. 
 Burch decided this was the best thing to be done, 
 and when the party reached the river it became 
 evident that something was wrong, and the detec- 
 tive called two of his companions aside to hold a 
 conference. During this time our subject, who 
 was laughing and joking with the boatman as 
 though nothing was amiss, at the same time 
 made arrangements with him that when the mid- 
 dle of the river was reached the latter was to, 
 knock one of the men on the head with an oar, while 
 our subject was to throw the larger of the two into 
 the river. This was not necessary, however, as 
 the conversation disclosed the fact that his cap- 
 tors were from the same place in Kentucky as 
 Mr. Burch and knew many of his old friends. 
 Before the river was crossed they became friends, 
 and the men confessed to him that Ruby's orders 
 were to "leave him in the woods." 
 
 When brought before the Provost-Marshal, St. 
 Gemme, the latter asked our subject's name, 
 and on being told, exclaimed, '-Ahl this is Josh 
 Burch? There are many charges against you." 
 When asked wlio his accusers were, St. Gemme 
 refused to tell. "Then I'll tell you," the prisoner 
 
 replied, and he immediately recounted dates and 
 names, much to the astonishment of the Provost. 
 His way of learning this was to send a friend to 
 make some report that Mr. Burch had himself 
 written out. Then they would be told that the 
 cause had been reported, and referring to the 
 books would give name and dates, which were 
 immediately reported to the intended victim. Mr. 
 Buich acknowledged that he and his friends were 
 organized in arms, but not for war against the 
 Government, as was supposed, but to protect their 
 lives and property from raiders on either side. 
 He was then allowed to depart and returned home. 
 .Shortly afterward St. Gemme was removed through 
 the influence of a letter written b^' Mr. Burch to 
 Daniel Riley, the State Senator from this district, 
 in which he set forth the grievances of the people 
 and recounted the mysterious murdei'S of a dozen 
 of his neighbors. It was with joy on all sides 
 that his removal was announced. He had been 
 exacting tribute from the people, requiring them 
 to purchase a permit to buy even salt. When his 
 successor, who was an Irishman, was lirst asked 
 such a favor, he was very much surprised, and 
 asked in his rich Irish brogue, "An' have ye'es 
 money to buy it?" Being answered in the affirm- 
 ative, he replied, "Then git it, and the divil take 
 the mon who interferes." 
 
 Mr. Burch had Rub\' arrested for kidnapping 
 and taking him without a warrant from the state. 
 On being tried, he received a sentence of six years 
 in the penitentiar\' at Joliet. Though a south- 
 erner in sentiment, our subject had no intention 
 of taking up arms, onl3' asking to be feft alone to 
 go alxjut his business. At the time of his kidnap- 
 ping he had friends enough to have surrounded 
 and killed Captain St. Gemme and all his men, 
 but he did not think the aflfair would prove seri- 
 ous and did not desire to cause more trouble. He 
 always gave aid to the sufifering on both sides, 
 and no Union soldier's destitute wife or children 
 were allowed to go hungiy from his door. At 
 one time wheu a rabid Unionist in open meeting 
 at Sparta was advocating hanging "Old Burch," 
 a fellow-member of the league arose and remarked 
 that his own books would show that his friend 
 Burcli had given more aid to the Union destitutes
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 815 
 
 than any other man, and he would not sit and 
 hear him denounced. 
 
 Though many times solicited to occupy public 
 office, our subject always refused, preferring to 
 devote his time and energy to conducting his 
 farm. Vigorous and strong, in possession of all 
 his faculties unimpaired, he has nearly attained 
 four-score years, and bids fair to live to be a cen- 
 tury old. Mr. Burch was married April 10, 1837, 
 to Bridget, daughter of Roderick Tewel, a native 
 of County' Galway, Ireland, who came to America 
 with his parents about 1785, when six years of 
 age, and located in Maryland. When about twenty- 
 five 3'ears of age he went to Nelson County, Ky., 
 where Mrs. Burch was born. Of this marriage 
 there were born seven children, of whom those 
 living are, William R., who is farming near Kas- 
 kaskia; John H., a resident of Ste. Genevieve, 
 Mo., who operates a farm of eight hundred acres 
 on the Illinois side; Ignatius, making his home 
 on a farm near Old Kaskaskia; and Joshua F., 
 who is also conducting a farm near the home of 
 his father. 
 
 Our subject was a second time married, Septem- 
 ber 30, 1877, his wife being Mrs. Catherine Allen, 
 daughter of William S. and Nancy (Kelly) Haines, 
 natives of Virginia, and of Scotch and Irish de- 
 scent respectively. She became the mother of two 
 children, Charles and Ross, who reside at home. 
 By her first husband Mrs. Burch had three sons, 
 William E., George N. and John S. (twins); the 
 two latter are living under the parental roof and 
 assist in operating the home farm. Mrs. Burch 
 was born November 9, 184G, and first married 
 George W. Allen, who was born November 22. 
 1844, and died December 27, 1876. With one of 
 her sons, who is also Postmaster, Mrs. Burch con- 
 ducts a general store at Dozaville. 
 
 €^ 
 
 ^i^ APT. JOHN A. MANN was born near Chcs- 
 ((( „ ter, 111., November 8, 1839, and died Jan- 
 ^^</ uary 4, 1893, at his home in Randolph 
 County. During his life, covering a period of lit- 
 tle more than a half-century, he was instrumental 
 in promoting the interests of the county and the 
 
 welfare of the people, and though now gone from 
 the scenes of his former activities, he still lives in 
 the memory- of the friends of days gone by. His 
 business career was a profitable and jarosperous 
 one, and the success he attained was the result of 
 euerg3' and untiring perseverance. 
 
 The son of Robert and Salina (Balcli) Mann, the 
 subject of this sketch was the sixth of their family 
 of four sons and three daughters. When in his 
 sixth year he accompanied his father to a farm on 
 Mar3''s River, and there remained until about 
 thirteen j'ears of age, at which time the family 
 moved to Chester. There John attended^ school 
 and made his home until the outbreak of the Civil 
 War, when he enlisted as a private in Company I, 
 Tenth Illinois Infantry.* During the course of the 
 conflict he served with valor, defending the Stars 
 and Stripes with courage and perseverance. 
 
 Having followed the river a few years before 
 the war, our subject naturally drifted back to his 
 old occupation when discharged from the .service. 
 At various times he occupied the positions of 
 Captain, pilot and engineer, in all of which he 
 was proficient. His last positions before retiring 
 from river life were those of Captain and pilot on 
 the feriy boat "Belle of Chester," running from 
 the city for which it was named to Claryville, Mo. 
 In 1871, in connection with his brother-in-law, Dr. 
 Davis, the Captain purchased a drug store in 
 Steeleville, 111., which they conducted for the five 
 succeeding years. At the expiration of that time. 
 Captain Mann returned to the river, where he re- 
 mained until j\Iay of 1892. On account of failing 
 health, he retired from the river and settled upon 
 a farm, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, 
 which formed half of the old Holloman homestead, 
 and had been purchased from other heirs in 1881. 
 There his death occurred, and thence his bod3' was 
 borne to his last resting place. 
 
 Mrs. Mary E. Mann, the widow of the Captain, 
 was born August 9, 1846, being the only daughter 
 and the second in order of birth in a family of 
 four children. Her parents, Ezekiel and Mary G. 
 (Brown) Holloman, were natives of Middle Ten- 
 nessee, both having been born in 1812. They 
 came to Randolph County at the ages of three 
 and sixteen respectively. Mrs. Mann was born
 
 816 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 upon the farm where she now resides and, except- 
 ing five years in Steeleville and three in Chester, 
 this has alwaj'S been her home. To the Captain 
 and his wife were born eight children, of whom 
 five survive, name]\': Ira, Bess. Eri, Bernice and 
 Orfa. Those deceased are Ellen, Minnie and Ros- 
 coe. 
 
 The home farm in township 7, range 5, Mrs. 
 Mann does not operate, but rents to tenants, who 
 have the care of the place. In religious belief she 
 is a Presbjterian and holds membership with tlie 
 church in Steeleville. She is a lad}' of noble 
 character and amiable disposition, and is loved by 
 her famil}', esteemed by her friends and honored 
 by all who know her. The Captain was identified 
 with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and 
 politically voted the Republican ticket. 
 
 ON. ,]OIIN .J. HIGGINS resides in Du Quoin 
 and is numbered among its prominent citi- 
 zens. Mr. Higgins was born near Broom- 
 field, Count}' Cork, Ireland, November 21, 
 His father, John Higgins, died in 1848, 
 r a widow and five sons, of whom our sub- 
 ject is the youngest. His mother bore the name 
 of Johanna Moore; she was a woman of strong 
 character, and when left a widow realized that her 
 dut\- to her sons would be best fulfilled b}- bring- 
 ing them to free America, rather than b}' remain- 
 ing in the land of their birth, a land at that time 
 scourged b}' famine and crushed by bad govern- 
 ment. In Maj', 1849, with her children, she sailed 
 from Queenstown for America, and landed in New 
 York July 4. She remained a few months at 
 N^-ack, on the Hudson River, and then removed 
 to Pittsfield, Mass. Here the elder sous found 
 employment and made for their mother a happy 
 home, which she enjoyed until her death, in 1869. 
 John J. Higgins attended the public schools of 
 Pittsfield until the fall of 1858, when he passed 
 an examination and was admitted to the Pittsfield 
 High School, where he remained for one ye&T. 
 During this time he made rapid progress in his 
 studies, and began a course of reading, which 
 makes him one of the best informed men in our 
 
 state. This result has been accomplished by read- 
 ing, study and experience. He possesses an ob- 
 serving eye and a retentive memory, and thereby 
 his knowledge has been constantly increased. One 
 of the most prominent and highly educated citi- 
 zens of the county, a man of collegiate education, 
 who is an orator and a polished and educated 
 gentleman, said to the historian: "I wish I was as 
 good a scholar and as well informed on general 
 subjects as is John Higgins." 
 
 In 1859 our subject entered the employ of W. 
 M. Root as an apprentice to learn the art of watch- 
 making, and remained with his employer until 
 1866, when he came to Illinois and settled in Du 
 Quoin. Here he established his business and en- 
 joys the confidence and respect of the public. He is 
 devoted to his calling, is a thorough master of his 
 art, and possesses one of the finest horological li- 
 braries in the west. 
 
 In public affairs Mr. Higgins has always taken 
 an active and intelligent interest, and his ability 
 and worth were recognized b\' the Democrats of 
 the Forty-eighth Senatorial District in 1882, when 
 he was nominated and elected a member of the 
 Lower House of the Illinois Legislature. He 
 served his constituents faithfully and well, and in 
 1884 he received the Democratic nomination for 
 Senator in the Fort\--eiglilh District. After a 
 thorough canvass he defeated Mr. Ihorn, his prede- 
 cessor in office. Through the efforts of friends Mr. 
 Higgins received in this contest the heaviest vote 
 and the largest majoritj' ever given in the district. 
 His efforts while in office were directed almost en- 
 tirel}- to restoring the business of the state to safe 
 and economic methods. While in the Senate, with 
 the co-operation of a few friends. Republicans and 
 Democrats, he was largel}' instrumental in break- 
 ing up and exposing the public printing combine, 
 which had been organized to plunder the state 
 treasury. In this work alone about $60,000 was 
 saved to the people. 
 
 As a public speaker Mr. Higgins has a wide repu- 
 tation. In 1888 and in 1892 the Democratic State 
 Committee called upon iiira to canvass the central 
 and northern parts of Illinois; his familiarity with 
 the great questions of the day, intimate knowledge 
 of, and close touch with the people, and earnest and
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 817 
 
 eloquent way of presenting his views, give bim 
 more than ordinary power as an orator. His friends 
 are not all found in the ranks of the Democracy, 
 many Republicans admire and support him, and 
 all who know him have the utmost confidence in 
 his integrity and ability and speak of him only in 
 terms of praise. In religious belief he is a Cath- 
 olic. 
 
 October 15, 1872, Mr. Higgins wedded Miss 
 Mary, daughter of Alva and Priscilla (Holmes) 
 Ward, who emigrated to Illinois from Ohio, where 
 their daughter was born. Four children grace the 
 union of our subject and his wife, Marj', who is a 
 pupil in St. Mary's Academy of Notre Dame, 
 Ind.; Lawrence, who is now in the Du Quoin High 
 School; Kathleen and Florence, who are in the 
 public school. 
 
 ENRY HUCH, proprietor of the Columbia 
 Star Mills, of Columbi», Monroe County, 
 is a native of the Buckeye State. He was 
 born in Lawrence County April 2, 1833, 
 and is a son of Gottlieb Iluch, a native of Han- 
 over, Germany, who came to America in 1831 
 and settled in Lawrence County. Six 3^ears later 
 he came to Monroe County and entered land from 
 the Government, three miles soutli of Columbia, 
 where he made his home until his death, which oc- 
 curred in 1865. He was a stone mason by trade, 
 and followed that business iu connection with 
 f.arming. His wife, who bore the maiden name of 
 Caroline Holzhausen, died three da3'S before her 
 husband's death. They were the parents of nine 
 children, of whom three are yet living: William, 
 who resides on the old homestead; Rebecca, wife 
 of Michael Stumphf, a farmer of Hanover Precinct; 
 and Henry. The father of this family- was a 
 Democrat until Lincoln ran for the Presidency', 
 when he became a Republican. Both he and his 
 wife were members of the Evangelical Church. 
 When he departed this life, he was the owner of 
 three hundred and ninety-six acres of laud, and 
 had given two farms to his children. 
 
 From the age of five years, Mr. Iluch was reared 
 on tlje old homestead farm, and was educated in 
 
 the old time subscription school, which was held 
 in a log schoolhouse. He aided his father in clear- 
 ing the land which was entered from the Govern- 
 ment, and was thus earl}' inured to arduous labor. 
 On the 10th of April, 1856, he married Miss Mar- 
 guerita, daughter of Daniel Klein, and a native of 
 Bavaria, Germany, who came to this country in 
 1843, the family- locating near Columbia, where her 
 father purchased land. She was born October 5, 
 1836. Thej' began their domestic life upon a par- 
 tially improved farm of one hundred and twenty 
 acres, and after eight years came to Columbia, 
 where for a year Mr. Iluch was a silent partner in 
 a drug store. In 1867, he embarked in the mill- 
 ing business, iu connection with Franz Bauer, un- 
 der the firm name of Bauer & Huch, which con- 
 nection continued for seven 3'ears, when he bought 
 out his partner's interest. 
 
 The Columbia Star Mills were built in 1856 by 
 two brothers, William and James Neirarick, who 
 operated them for a year, and then sold to War- 
 nock & Wilson, who carried on the business from 
 1857 until 1867. Mr. Huch is now the proprietor 
 of what is one of the leading industries of the 
 place. The mill has a capacity of foiM- hundred 
 and fifty barrels of flour per day, and is sui)plied 
 with a patent roller process. Its products arc 
 shipped extensively to the south and west. The 
 Star Mills are the oldest iu Monroe County. In 
 June, 1893, Mr. Huch aided in organizing the 
 Eagle Electric Light Compau}-, of which he is now 
 President. 
 
 In politics, Mr. Iluch is a Democrat. His liome 
 has been in Monroe County- since 1837, and he is 
 therefore one of its oldest settlers. He is also one 
 of its most prominent citizens, being both widely 
 and favorably known. He and his wife hold 
 membership with the Evangelical Church. This 
 worthy couple have an adopted daughter, Lena, 
 who is now the wife of Adolph Lambrecht. 
 
 Mr. Lambrecht, General Superintendent of the 
 Columbia Star Mills, was born in Brunswick, Prus- 
 sia, German}', on the 16th of January, 1864, and 
 when quite young was left an orphan. His father 
 was Dr. August Lambrecht. Crossing the Allan- 
 tic, the son came to Chicago in 1878, and there 
 learued the trade of a druggist. In 1879 he came
 
 818 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 to Columbia and entered the employ of Dr. Rose, 
 with whom he continued for three years, having 
 the management of the Doctor's drug store in this 
 place. In 1883, he took up the milling business, 
 to which he served an apprenticeship. He mas- 
 tered the business in all its details, and has since 
 worked his waj' upward Uy the important position 
 he now occupies. 
 
 On the 4th of September, 1884, Mr. Lambrecht 
 was united in marriage with Miss Lena Huch. 
 They both belong to the Evangelical Church and 
 are prominent people, who occupj' an enviable po- 
 sition in social circles. Their home is one of the 
 finest in the coiint3', being complete in every par- 
 ticular, and is supplied with all modern improve- 
 ments and conveniences. In politics Mr. Lam- 
 brecht is a Democrat. He belongs to the Masonic 
 fraternity, and is now Junior Warden of Columbia 
 Lodge No. 474, A. F. cfe A. M. 
 
 ' * * • *^ i 
 
 m. 
 
 11^^^^ 
 
 "ifl AMES McLaughlin. This name will be 
 recognized b}' many of our readers as that 
 of ii gentleman who has borne an impor- 
 tant part in the development of the agricult- 
 ural resources of southern Illinois. For more 
 than a decade he resided in Randolph County, of 
 which he was a prominent and popular resident, 
 but in the spring of 1894 he came to Jackson Coun- 
 ty and settled upon a valuable farm in Levan 
 Township. He is a mau of active habits, not afraid 
 of hard work, and thus has found plenty to occupy 
 his time, and, like the majority of Scotchmen, does 
 not know what it is to be idle. 
 
 The father of our subject, Andrew McLaughlin, 
 was born in Scotland and was reared to manhood 
 upon a farm in the Land of his birth. Soon after 
 the War of 1812 he came to America and settled in 
 Vermont, where he married Miss Anna McDermot, 
 a native of Scotland. He engaged in farming pur- 
 suits, in which he was successful, gaining a compe- 
 tence and being numbered among the progressive 
 agriculturists of the Green Mountain State. In 
 politics he was a Republican, and in religious mat- 
 ters was identified with the Methodist Church. 
 His death occurred in 1858, and he was buried 
 
 near the home where so many years of his honored 
 life had been passed. Two years after his demise 
 his wife passed awa}'. Thev were the parents of 
 three children, Angus. Annie and James, the latter 
 being the onlj' one now living. 
 
 Born in Vermont, January 20, 1820, the subject 
 of this sketch was reared to manhood upon the 
 home farm, and in his 3'outli learned the trade of 
 a tannei-, but did not, however, follow that occu- 
 pation for a very long time. In 1845 he was 
 united in marriage with Miss Mary, daughter of 
 John Stephens, and a native of Vermont. Two 
 children have been born of this union, Anna, the 
 wife of Robert Wilson and a resident of St. Louis, 
 Mo., and Andrew, who at present resides with his 
 father and of whom further mention is made else- 
 where in this volume. 
 
 Dis[)Osing of his homestead in the Green Moun- 
 tain State, Mr. McLaughlin came west in 1870 and 
 settled twenty miles from St. Louis, in Missouri, 
 where he remained engaged in agricultural pur- 
 suits until 1880, tHe date of his removal to Ran- 
 dolph County. At present he owns a farm in 
 this count}', but as above stated, removed thence 
 to Levan Township, Jackson County, in the si)ring 
 of 1894. A man of progressive character, he is 
 well informed concerning all topics of current in- 
 terest and is especially fond of reading articles 
 and books bearing upon national issues. In poli- 
 tics he is a stanch Republican and never fails to 
 deposit his ballot for the principles of that party. 
 He has never held any public office, i)referring to 
 devote his time wholly to the details of farm work 
 
 '^1 OHN HENRY, a worthy representative of 
 the agricultural interests of Jackson Coun- 
 , t3', residing on section 17, Murphysboro 
 (}^/' Township, is a native of Rheinpfalz, Ger- 
 many. He was born June 21, 1828, and is a son 
 of Michael and Martha Henry, both of whom died 
 in their native land. The father was a farmer by 
 occupation, and served as a soldier in the French 
 army. He was for nine years in, the service under 
 Napoleon Bonaparte. 
 
 John Henry remained in his native land until
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 819 
 
 1848. According to the laws of his country, he 
 was forced to serve in the German army, and for 
 six months was a private in the Ninth Regular In- 
 fantry. The Revolution of 1848 then came on, 
 and he joined the rebels. After participating in 
 two battles, he made his escape to France, and 
 thence to America. Landing in New Orleans, he 
 found himself a stranger in a strange land without 
 a dollar. He was dependent entirely- upon his own 
 resources, and whatever success he lias achieved in 
 life is the result of his own efforts. Going to St. 
 Charles, he engaged in washing glasses at the bar 
 for three years, and then went to St. Louis, and 
 was employed in a brick j-ard at Camp Spring. He 
 had learned tiie trade of brick-making in the Old 
 Country, and it now stood him in good stead. Af- 
 ter one season spent in St. Louis, he bought pro- 
 duce, which lie intended to ship to New Orleans 
 and there sell, but the boat on which he placed his 
 goods was sunk and he lost all that he had. 
 
 In 1853, Mr. Henr}' was united in marriage with 
 Miss Lizzie Shue, who was born in Prussia in 
 1832. They became the parents of five children: 
 Joiiu; Lizzie, now the wife of Charles ]\Iiller; 
 Nick, Jacob, and Mary, who now keeps house for 
 her father, Tiie mother of this familj- was called 
 to her final rest June 24, 1876. 
 
 For some time after his marriage, Mr. Henr^' en- 
 gaged in marketing in New Orleans, in fact he 
 carried on this business until 1868. During his 
 residence in that city he belonged to the fire de- 
 partment for twenty 3'ears, and was assistant fore- 
 man. In 1868 he came to Jackson County, 111., 
 and purchased sixty acres of wild land, which he 
 at once began to clear and improve, transforming 
 the hitherto barren tract into rich and fertile fields, 
 which were made to yield him a good income. In 
 1876 he began operating a thresher, and did busi- 
 ness along that line for seven j'ears. As his finan- 
 cial resources have increased he has extended the 
 boundaries of his farm, until it now comprises one 
 hundred and fifty acres of valuable land, of which 
 one hundred acres are under cultivation. He raises 
 wheat, corn and hay, and also engages in stock- 
 raising. In 1868 he began the culture of grapes 
 with a vineyard of twenty-five vines. He now has 
 fourteen hundred bearing vines, including four- 
 
 teen fine varieties, and engages in the manufacture 
 of wine. His orchard covers about eigiit acres, 
 and is planted in winesap, Ben Davis and otlier 
 apples. 
 
 Socially, Mr. Henry is connected with the Odd 
 Fellows' soeiet}'. In politics, he and his sons are 
 Democrats, and he has served as Supervisor of his 
 district. He may truly be called a self-made man, 
 for his success has been achieved through his own 
 efforts. He began life in America empty-handed, 
 but has steadily worked his wa}' upward, overcom- 
 ing the difficulties and obstacles in his path until 
 he now occupies a position of prominence. 
 
 W AWRENCE S. MURPHY is a member of 
 I (^ ^^^ '''™ ^^ Bottom & Murphy, liverymen 
 /J'— %. of Sparta, and Is recognized as one of the 
 progressive business men of the place, who well de- 
 serves representation In the history of Randolph, 
 his native county. His father, Bryson Murphy, 
 was born in Randolph County, and being left an 
 orphan at an early age he was reared by the Rev. 
 David McDUl, with whom he remained until he 
 had reached man's estate. In the common schools 
 he was educated, and at an early age was (jualified 
 to teach, which he did for a number of years as a 
 means of livelihood. In the United Presbyterian 
 Church he was an active worker. 
 
 In 1856, Mr. Murphy was united In marriage 
 with Miss Margaret Maxwell, a native of Randolph 
 County, and a daughter of John and Catherine 
 (Clark) Maxwell, who were natives of New York. 
 The former was born in 1790, and died in 1846. 
 When a j'oung man he came to Illinois, where lie 
 followed farming. He had but limited educational 
 privileges, but was a man of good abllltv, of the 
 strictest integrity, and was an excellent neighbor. 
 His wife was an .accomplished lady, well educated, 
 and possessed noble qualities of womanhood. 
 
 To Mr. and Mrs. Murphy were born six children. 
 Clemmie is now living in California; George died 
 in his twenty-first 3'ear; Lawrence is the next 
 younger; Ilattie, who was formerly a teacher of 
 recognized abllitj', is now the wife of Rev. J. W. 
 Ashwood, pastor of a United Presbyterian Church
 
 820 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 of St. Louis; Charles, the youngest member of the 
 family, died at liie age of two y^ears. The mother 
 of these children makes her home with her daugh- 
 ter, Mrs. Ashwood, of St. Louis. 
 
 Lawrence S. Murphy was born on the old home- 
 stead in Randolph County on Christmas Day of 
 1860. The father having lost his health when our 
 subject was quite young, the responsibility of 
 helping to provide for the necessities of the fam- 
 ily fell upon Lawrence when he was a tender youth. 
 In conse(iucnce, in the school of experience he has 
 acquired the greater part of his knowledge. In 
 1887, he became associated with ]Mr. Bottom in the 
 livery business. The3' arc now equal owners in 
 the business which they are successfully conduct- 
 ing, enjoying a fine trade. 
 
 Mr. Murphy is also interested in other enter- 
 prises. He owns some city proj^erty in Sparta 
 and is a member of the building and loan associ- 
 ation. He is still a young man, but is recognized 
 as one of the representative citizens of the com- 
 munity and occupies a prominent place in busi- 
 ness circles. He holds membership with the 
 Knights of Pythias fraternity. In politics he attil- 
 iates with the Republican party. 
 
 , EUBEN JULIUS C40DDARD. Among the 
 members of the Randolph Count3Bar none 
 deserve more honorable mention than 
 ^) Reuben Julius Goddard. He is a native 
 of the county and has always recognized it as his 
 home. At the age of sixteen he commenced a course 
 of study in the Union Academy, a religious insti- 
 tution under the management of the United Pres- 
 byteri.an Chuich (afterward dissolved in favor of 
 Monmouth College, of Illinois). Later he entered 
 the Michigan University, of Ann Arbor, where he 
 took an optional literary course of study and a 
 regular course in the law department, from which 
 he was graduated in the year 1864. He soon after- 
 ward began the practice of his profession in Sparta, 
 and by close application to his books and business 
 he has established a large and lucrative practice. 
 In 1870 Mr. Goddard was appointed Prosecut- 
 ing Attorney of the Common Pleas Court of 
 
 Sparta, a court abolished by the new Constitution 
 of Illinois. In November, 1872, he was elected to 
 the office of State's Attorney for Randolph County. 
 In 1876 he was re-elected to the same office, serv- 
 ing until 1880, when he declined a re-election. In 
 1892, he was tendered the nomination on the 
 Democratic ticket for the same office without op- 
 position, the Republican party declining to nomi- 
 nate a candidate against him, and he was elected 
 by almost the entire vote of the county. The 
 duties of this position he is now discharging with 
 signal ability. He has been elected eight times to 
 the office of City Attorney of Sparta, and is the 
 present incumbent. 
 
 When put before tlie people as a candidate for 
 any position, Mr. Goddard has never been de- 
 feated. In his political views he is conservative, 
 yet in the heat of a campaign active and out- 
 spoken and an efficient worker and organizer. 
 He identified himself with the Democratic party 
 upon attaining his majority and has ever since 
 aided her cause b3' voice and vote. Ambitious to 
 excel in professional life, he devotes his energies 
 ti) ils prosecution. 
 
 November 30, 187.^, Mr. Goddard was united in 
 marriage with Miss Emma Kerr, a native of Chau- 
 tauqua County, N. Y., a lady of superior etluca- 
 tional and musical attainments, she being a gradu- 
 ate of the convent at Batavia, N. Y. Mr. and 
 Mrs. (ioddard have one child, Willie Brown God- 
 dard, a bright boy of sixteen years. Socially, 
 our subject is a prominent member of the Ma- 
 sonic fraternity, being connected with Tancred 
 Commandery No. 50, of Belleville, 111., and sub- 
 ordinate orders. Under the guidance of his ac- 
 complished wife their home is noted for its hospi- 
 tality and culture among the Spartans. 
 
 Mr. Goddard's fatlier, William B., was a native 
 of Kentucky, born near Maysville, in that state, 
 January 21, 1817, and moved with his parents, 
 Reuben and Sarah (Brown) Goddard and located 
 on a farm in St. Clair County, 111., near the old 
 Indian town of Cahokia. William B. died in 1875, 
 in the little town of Evans, Colo., where he had 
 gone on account of his declining health, lie was 
 married at Kaskaskia, this county, to Miss Eliza 
 Hawthorne, daughter of James Hawthorne, one of
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 821 
 
 the pioneers of Randolph and a prominent and 
 leading citizen, who held the office of Recorder of 
 said county nian3- 3cars and filled other public 
 offices. The Hawtiiorne family is of Scotch ori- 
 gin and came to America at an early day in the 
 settlement of the countr}', locating in South Caro- 
 lina, afterward removing to Ohio. Thence David, 
 the great-grandfather, and father of James, the 
 grandfather of the subject of this sketch, moved 
 to this county while Illinois was a territory. 
 
 AVilliam B., tlie father of our subject, soon after 
 his marriage moved to the vicinity of Sparta, 
 where he lived until 1871, when he moved to 
 Colorado. He was a farmer, merchant, builder 
 and architect, and acted as Justice of the Peace 
 and Cit}' Recorder for twenty j'ears at Sparta. For 
 many years he was a member of the United Pres- 
 byterian Church, and was noted for his honesty 
 and integritjf of character. He was not success- 
 ful in accumulating wealth, his mind running 
 more in the direction of education and religion. 
 He took great pride in his family, whom he de- 
 votedl}' loved, and nothing gave him greater 
 pleasure than the prosecution of plans promoting 
 their advancement in intellectual, social and moral 
 culture. He gave his children that which is of in- 
 finitely more value than i)ropertj', viz.: a good 
 education and proper ideas of the true ends and 
 duties of life. Of his children, besides the subject 
 of this sketch, James H. is a prominent physician 
 of Sedgwick, Kan., and served as First Assistant 
 Surgeon of the Foit3--secoud Illinois Regiment 
 until the close of the late war. Albert, the younger 
 brother, is a fancy job printer at San Diego, Cal. 
 One sister, Eveline L., the wife of Myron Camp, 
 resides with her husband at Garden Plain, Kan. 
 The other sister, Sarah E., the wife of R. Porter 
 Morrison, resides with her husband at Sedgwick, 
 Kan. 
 
 The paternal grandparents of our subject, Reu- 
 ben and Sarah (Brown) Goddard, were natives of 
 Kentucky. Reuben Goddard was the son of Will- 
 iam Goddard, a native of Englanc), and a minister 
 of the Gospel of the Church of England. He was 
 one of three brothers who came to America in 
 Colonial times. He located near Maysville, Ky., 
 continued his ministry of the Gospel and also be- 
 32 
 
 came a wealthy planter. His brother Benjamin 
 located in Massachusetts, and the third brother in 
 Indiana They were all ministers of the Gospel, 
 and it is from these three that the Goddards in 
 America are descended. 
 
 l|r^"\EV. HENRY GOOSENS, rector of the 
 v^/ church at Kaskaskia, was born in the vil- 
 lage of Oeding, in Westphalia, a province 
 ^!of Prussia, February 5, 1856. He is a son 
 of Charles and Gesina (Krosenbrink) Goosens, 
 natives of Prussia and Holland respectively. The 
 parents are still residing in the Old Country, where, 
 in his native village, our subject's elementary edu- 
 cation was secured during the time between his 
 sixth and fourteenth 3'ears. After working on the 
 farm for the succeeding six years, he arrived at the 
 age wlien it was necessar3' to serve the customar3' 
 two 3'ears in the Prussian arm3'. Most of his term 
 of service was spent at Aix-la-Chapelle, in the 
 Rhenish Provinces, in sight of the spires of the old 
 cathedral that had been standing for a thousand 
 3'ears. 
 
 Immediately on his return from the army, our 
 subject began his studies for the priesthood. It 
 was about this time that the Jesuits were expelled 
 from German3', and as all the schools for the prop- 
 agation of the faith had been closed, bis studies 
 were pursued under the tutelage of Father Tlioene, 
 an expelled priest, who had taken up his residence 
 in Holland, just across the line, not ver3' far from 
 the home of our subject, who walked over every 
 day for his instruction and returned liome at night. 
 By having a private tutor he made much more 
 rapid progress than he would have done in a school, 
 and in two years was master of the Latin language, 
 and also became inoficient in mathematics and 
 general classics. 
 
 At the expiration of the two 3ears' tutelage, our 
 subject bade farewell to the Fatherland, and in the 
 spring of 1882 embarked at Amsterdam on a vessel 
 of the same name, landing at New York in the 
 month of Ma3'. Immediatel3' on arriving in the 
 States, he proceeded to Teutopolis, in Effingham 
 County, 111., where he entered in the fourth class
 
 822 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 of St. Joseph's College, conducted bj- the Francis- 
 can Fathers. The fall following he was admitted 
 to the fifth class, graduating in 1884 in the sixth 
 class, and was received by Bishop Baltes, of Alton, 
 as a candidate for clerical studies. Under the 
 Bishop's patronage he was sent to the Benedictine 
 Abbe^', at St. Meinrad, Spencer County, Ind., to be 
 instructed in philosophy and theology. After a 
 four years' course (one in philosophy- and three in 
 tlieology), our candidate for priestly offices was or- 
 dained at Belleville, 111., under Bishop Janssen, 
 May 28, 1888. 
 
 AVithin a week of his ordination, Father Goosens 
 was assigned to the charge of the congregation of 
 St. Wendel (Wakefield P. O.), in Clay County, 111. 
 Here he remained over five j-ears, or until the fall 
 of 1893, when he was transferred to Kaskaskia with 
 a view to locating the church. The building had 
 to be moved, owing to the encroachment of the 
 river, which is washing away the old town. There 
 was a dissension between the members of the Town 
 Board and the church authorities. The two fac- 
 tions could not agree as to the location of the 
 church and the town. Fatiier Goosens having 
 been successful in bringing together a divided con- 
 gregation at St. Wendel, was considered bj' the 
 Bishop the proper one to bring unitj^ out of dis- 
 cord in this the oldest congregation in the west. 
 After many hindrances and much earnest labor, the 
 matter was finally adjusted by compromising, the 
 town site selected being at the crossing of the 
 Grand Line and the Big Lane, almost equidistant 
 between the old town and the rival village. The 
 adjustment of these difficulties is a credit to the 
 abilit}' and earnestness of the Father in charge. 
 
 The congregation over which Father Goosens 
 now presides is the oldest in the Mississippi Val- 
 ley. The Church of the Immaculate Conception was 
 founded by Pierre Marquette in 1665, on the banks 
 of the Illinois, at the Indian village of Kaskaskia, 
 near tlie present town of Utica, in La Salle County. 
 The Kaskaskia Indians, then inhabitants of that 
 county, on being driven out by their fierce foes, 
 the Iroquois, descended the Illinois and the Mis- 
 sissippi to the mouth of the little river that bears 
 their name, near which they established tiieir vil- 
 lage on the banks of the stream. Whether this was 
 
 at the site of the present town or elsewhere is a 
 matter of dispute. 
 
 From the journals written during the years of 
 1693-94 by Father .lames Gravier, the third in suc- 
 cession from Marquette, we learn that the mission 
 was then on the banks of the Illinois. Letters 
 written in 1699 and 1700 show that no removal 
 had yet taken place. It is probable that the au- 
 tumn of the latter year witnessed the exodus of the 
 tribes of the Illinois and the estiblishment of the 
 mission in the south. Here a building of logs was 
 erected, which must have been at least the second 
 in the history of the church, and the first in its 
 new location. In 1720 this primitive chapel was 
 replaced by one of stone, erected at the expense of 
 the King of France, and the church passed from 
 the rank of a mission, with Pierre Nicholas Igna- 
 tius dc Branhois the first regular pastor. Twenty- 
 one years later the King sent to this cliurch in the 
 wilderness the famous bell, the first to peal its mu- 
 sic in the great valley of the west. After receiv- 
 ing due homage at the late World's Fair, this pio- 
 neer of Christianity, with its royal lilies and quaint 
 inscription, was returned to its earlj' habitation. 
 What stories it could tell! 
 
 Whether this stone building was outgrown b}' its, 
 congregation, or fell into deca^'', is not known, but 
 in 1801 it was replaced by a wooden structure 
 built of logs on end, as were manj^ of the old 
 French houses. Most of the timber of this third 
 church was cedar, while some walnut and sassa- 
 fras was used. There were no nails used in its con- 
 struction, the shingles being fastened on with large 
 wooden pegs. This building becoming dilapi- 
 dated, it was decided to erect a new one of brick, 
 the corner stone of which was laid by Bishop Ro- 
 sati, of St. Louis, and four years later, under Father 
 St. Cyr, the erection of the church was begun, and 
 was finished after Father Metzger took charge. 
 
 Much of the old town having been swept into 
 the river where the Mississippi cut through the 
 narrow peninsula between the banks of tiie Kas- 
 kaskia and its own, it became evident that in a few 
 3'ears at farthest all would be swept awaj', and the 
 state appropriated money for the removal of the 
 remains in the old cemetery to a tract of ground 
 on the hills near Ft. Gage, which was accomplishet^
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPinCAL RECORD, 
 
 823 
 
 in 1892. As the old church was in the line of en- 
 croachraent, it too must be removed. With this end 
 in view, its walls were wrecked in the fall of 1893 by 
 Father Goosens, the priest now in charge, the ma- 
 terial removed to the new site, which through the 
 mediation of the pastor was selected some three 
 miles from the present town. Here is being erected 
 a church of Gothic st^ie, and nearer the center of 
 the population of the "Island," as 'Kaskia Point 
 is now called. 
 
 A very neat model of the new edifice has been 
 constructed by Father Goosens, who in many ways 
 makes use of his ingenuity to emploj' his leisure 
 time, idleness being a thing he cannot endure. 
 In the new church when completed will repose, 
 let us hope for all time ttf come, the ancient rec- 
 ords of the early church, the bell and chalice 
 still in use, the royal gifts from P' ranee, a hand- 
 some altar of beautifully carved wood, and many 
 relics venerated by the ciiurch, some of which, 
 whose records have been lost, can never more he 
 exposed to public view. There are old paintings* 
 too, whose origin and age are unknown, which 
 are not the least interesting of the many histor- 
 ical relics of this ancient church. 
 
 ylLLIAM C. WERKK, a merchant of Wine 
 Hill, and the owner of valuable farming 
 land near this village, is one of the most 
 substantial men of Randolph County, lie is a na- 
 tive of Germany, having l)een born in Rethem, 
 Hanover, May 24, 1839, and is a son of Frederick 
 and Marie (Clasen) Werre, natives respectively 
 of Rethem and Oldendorf. When our subject was 
 ten years of age his fatlier, who was a farmer in 
 tiie Old Country, disposed of his house in the vil- 
 lage and his outlying lands and started with his 
 family for America. 
 
 Embarking at Bremerhaveu on the four-mast 
 vessel "Burgundy," the family' commenced the 
 voyage to the New World. Early in the third 
 night out, the vessel ran into a sand bar in the 
 English Channel and was wrecked. Clad only in 
 their night clothes, the passengers escaped in the 
 small boats, losing all they possessed. The old 
 
 men, the women and children were taken to 
 France. Some of the men were put aboard a coal 
 vessel, while the others were taken to England. 
 The famil}' was separated for four weeks and none 
 knew whether the absent ones were living or dead. 
 Finally all were assembled in London and the 
 voyage was renewed. The English were very kind 
 in supplying the unfortunates with clothing, 
 money and food. Mr. Werre lost in property 
 about 1600, but saved about ^800 in gold that he 
 and his wife had secured on their persons, a goodl}' 
 fortune for emigrants in those da3's. 
 
 After about a month's delay the family again 
 took ship, this time on a London vessel, the "Rio 
 Grande," and after a voyage of about thirteen 
 weeks lauded in New Orleans, February 20, 1849. 
 After remaining there a week they took a river 
 steamer for Chester, which was reached in a week's 
 time. Fritz, a son by Mr. Werre's first wife, who 
 had come to America in 1842 and owned fortj' 
 acres near Bremen, Randolph County, died leaving 
 the land to his father. As forty acres of land 
 was considered a fortune in the Old Country, ]\Ir. 
 Werre expected to live at his ease on that amount 
 of land here. Finding it insufficient, an additional 
 eighty-acre tract was purchased and life in the 
 new country began. 
 
 The father of our subject was twice married and 
 had six children, of whom William was next to 
 the youngest. Only two members of the family 
 now survive. Our sul)ject had attended school in 
 the Old Country but found none on his arrival 
 here. However, by self-culture he acquired a fairly 
 good Euglish education. On account of his fa- 
 ther's illness the care of the family fell upon him 
 when he was but sixteen. Together with his 
 younger brother he conducted the farm and cared 
 for his father, who for the last seven of his twenty 
 years' suffering was not out of the house but 
 twice. 
 
 November 13, 186 1, at the age of twenty-three, 
 our subject married Miss Christina, daughter of 
 Conrad and Wilhelmina (Handelman) Wolter, na- 
 tives of Klein Elbe, Hanover, where Mrs. Werre 
 was born August 27, 1842, and where she lived 
 until attaining her tenth year. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Werre were the parents of nine children, eight of
 
 824 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 whom survive, as follows: William, Edmond, Her- 
 man, Ernest, Amelia, Carolina, Adolpli and Sig- 
 mond. Anna is deceased. Mr. Werre, bis wife, 
 and all the children are members of St. Paul's 
 Evangelical Lutheran Church at Wine Hill, in 
 which they take a deep interest, promoting all 
 that pertains to the cause of religion. They are 
 also deeply interested in the advancement of the 
 parochial school, which is conducted at present by 
 August Wilde. 
 
 Besides conducting a well stocked country store 
 at Wine Hill, Mr. Werre operates some two liun- 
 dred acres of fine farming land near the village 
 and also owns nearly one hundred .acres in addi- 
 tion. In politics he is a stanch Democrat and 
 supports the party principles by his influence and 
 ballot. Socially, he and his entire family are held 
 in high esteem by all who are so fortunate as to 
 call them friends. 
 
 RS. NANCY E. CRANDLE, widow of the 
 late .James M. Crandlc, resides on section 
 22, township 7, range 5, where for the 
 past fifty-five. 3'ears she has made her 
 home. Her parents came to this farm in 1839 and 
 her father purchased a tract of forty acres, also 
 entered three tracts of the same size from tlie Gov- 
 ernment. Two of these he bought at 11.25 per acre, 
 while the third was only twelve and one-half cents 
 per acre. Coming to this county a poor man, with 
 little of this world's goods to call his own, by ex- 
 cellent management and tireless industry he ac- 
 cumulated a valuable property. Better than that, 
 he gained the esteem of all with whom he came in 
 contact and who were won to him by his unvary- 
 ing kindness of heart and nobility of life. At the 
 age of sixty-eight }'ears, on the 9th of September, 
 1869, he was called hence. His wife survived him 
 for some years, her death occurring February 6, 
 1890, at the age of eighty-four. Tliej' were con- 
 sistent members of the Presbyterian Church, and 
 by their lives exemplified the sincerity of their 
 religious belief. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was born in Rowan 
 County, N. C, January 31, 1833, and accompanied 
 
 her parents to Illinois in 1839, setj;ling in Ran- 
 dolph County, where she grew to mature years, 
 ller marriage occurred March 16, 1863, and united 
 her with James Crandle. This gentleman was a 
 native of Canada and came to Illinois at the age of 
 five years, settling in Boone Count}'. In 1859 he 
 came to Randolph County, where he followed his 
 chosen occut)ation, that of agriculture. To Mr. 
 and Mrs. Crandle were born five children, of 
 whom the following are now living: James S., 
 Sarah liiunice E., Eugene and Merritt. The daugh- 
 ter married Martin Conder and lives in Mt. Ver- 
 non, 111. The others reside with their mother. 
 They have received excellent educations, and Eu- 
 gene is a successful teacher. 
 
 In 1870 Mrs. Crandle was bereaved by the death 
 of her husband, about seven years after their 
 marriage. Though left with a family of small 
 children dependent upon her, she did not become 
 discouraged, but worked patiently and persever- 
 ingly until success was hers. Her sons are manly 
 and energetic, and her daughter amiable and ac- 
 complished, and the honorable position they oc- 
 cupy is due in no small degree to the self-sacrific- 
 ing efforts of the devoted mother. The home 
 farm consists of sixty acres of land, from which 
 Mrs. Crandle receives a good income. In religious 
 belief she is a member of the Presb^'terian Church, 
 which she joined at the age of sixteen years. Her 
 husband was identified with the Methodist Epis- 
 copal Church. In this part of the county she is 
 well and favorably knovvn and is numbered among 
 the most popular ladies of the neighborhood 
 where she has so long resided. 
 
 lETRICH RICKENBERG, one of the suc- 
 cessful agriculturists of Randolph County, 
 (^^ resides on section 5, township 7, range 5, 
 and is the owner of one hundred and 
 sixty acres included in the home farm, in addition 
 to one hundred and seventy-six acres elsewhere ini 
 this county. He was born in Hanover, Germany, 
 March 7. 1829, and is the son of Frederick and 
 Mary (Gergens) Rickenberg, natives of Hanover. 
 In the parental family there were eight children^
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 825 
 
 three of whom are living, Mary, Lewis and Diet- 
 rich, all of whom live in Randolph County. 
 
 In 1842 our subject and Henr}- Rickenberg emi- 
 grated to the United States, landing in New Or- 
 leans in December. In 1846 Mary came to this 
 country, and later Lewis and another sister crossed 
 the ocean to join tlie members of tiie family here. 
 In 1866 the eldest brother and the father followed 
 them hither, and the latter died in this county, 
 near Ellis Grove, in 1868. The mother had passed 
 away in the Old Country in 1846. The parents 
 were sincere, honorable Christian people, and were 
 devoted members of the Lutheran Church. 
 
 After working for an uncle for about two j'ears, 
 our subject went to New Orleans, in 1844, and 
 from there proceeded to Florida, where he was 
 employed on the Jordan River for about fourteen 
 months. Returning to New Orleans he remained 
 in that city until 1849, and then returned to Ran- 
 dolpli County, where he has since made his home. 
 In 1850 he married Miss Margaret Ileitmann, who 
 was born in Hanover in 1833, and accompanied 
 her parents to this country when ten years old, 
 settling in Randolph County, where she grew to 
 womanhood. She was the daughter of Herman 
 and Margaret Heitmann, and by her marriage be- 
 came tlie mother of seven children, three yet liv- 
 ing, William, Fritz and Helena, tlie latter being 
 the wife of William Ebers, of Randolph County. 
 Mrs. Margaret Rickenberg died Jul}' 18, 1870. 
 
 The second marriage of Mr. Rickenberg uuiteil 
 him with Miss Doris Hormann, who was born in 
 Hanover January 25, 1850, and accompanied her 
 parents to the United States in 1873. Her eldest 
 brother resides in Germany, but the rest of the 
 family reside in the United States. Nine chil- 
 dren were born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. 
 Rickenberg, of whom eight are living, namely: 
 Henry, Emma, Harmon, Bertha, Frieda, Clara, Her- 
 bert and Alfred. Adolf is deceased. The chil- 
 dren are being given excellent educational ad- 
 vantages and are being trained fui- positions of 
 usefulness and honor. 
 
 Beginning with limited capital in the United 
 Slates, Mr. Rickenberg has prospered beyond his 
 greatest expectations and is now one of the well- 
 to-do farmers of Randolph County. He and his 
 
 family are identified with the Evangelical Luth- 
 eran Church at Wine Hill and are highly regarded 
 in the social circles of the communit}'. The home 
 farm is without doubt one of the finest for miles 
 around and invariably attracts the attention of the 
 passer-by, proving by its appearance of thrift the 
 progressive spirit and prosperity of the owner. In 
 political matters Mr. Rickenberg affiliates with the 
 Democratic party. 
 
 ZUBER, Superintendent of the Murphys- 
 y boro Brewing Company, was born in St. 
 
 i^ Gallen, the canton of St. Gallen, Switzer- 
 (^) land, December 15, 1864. His father, a 
 mechanic in iron, and his grandfather, a merchant 
 by occupation, both resided in that canton. The 
 former, in 1879, came to America, and for two 
 years followed his trade in New Orleans, after 
 which he went to St. Louis, and there, in partner- 
 ship with our subject, is engaged in the manufac- 
 ture of cornice work. 
 
 Our subject is one of two sons, the other being 
 Emil, a resident of St. Louis. He was reared in 
 Switzerland and attended school in that country, 
 where also he learned the trade of a saddler and 
 harness-maker. In 1881, with his mother and 
 brother, he emigrated to the United States, and in 
 St. Louis followed the trade of an upholsterer, 
 which he had learned in Switzerland. Later, un- 
 der the firm name of Zuber & Son, he embarked in 
 the manufacture of cornice work, the factory be- 
 ing located for two years at No. 506 Lock Ave- 
 nue, removed thence to No. 2606 South Seventh 
 Street, and later to No. 2527 South Broadway. 
 The firm is still in business at that place, and has 
 established a solid reputation as tinsmiths and 
 manufacturers of cornice. 
 
 In the spring of 1892 our subject accepted the 
 position of Superintendent of the Murph3'sboro 
 Brewing Company, and coming to this city, has 
 since made it his home. The brewery has a capacity 
 of two hundred and one-fourth barrels per day, 
 and is furnished with all the modern improve- 
 ments, including an engine room, store rooms, and 
 an ice plant for the manufacture of ice. They
 
 826 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Lave two machines with a capacity of sixty tons 
 per daj', and do an extensive wholesale and retail 
 business, shipping both ice and beer to adjoining 
 cities. Mr. Zuber not on!}' superintends the work 
 in the brewery, but also has charge of the work on 
 the road, and through his enterprise the business 
 has been largely increased. The concern was es- 
 tablished in 1868, but its success has been largely 
 secured since 1886. The company owns eight 
 acres in Murphysboro, and in connection with the 
 brewer}' has a bottling works, which was started in 
 1890. 
 
 The marriage of Jlr. Zuber occurred in St. Louis 
 in 1891, and united him with Miss Kate, daughter 
 of Rudolph Stecher, proprietor and President of 
 the Stecher Cooperage Works, one of the largest 
 in America. They are the parents of one child, 
 Rudolph. Socially Mr. Zuber is identified with 
 Amity Lodge No. 261, L O. O. F., and the Order 
 of Reliable Protection at St. Louis. Political!}' he 
 is a Republican, firm in his allegiance to party 
 principles. He is a member of the Murphysboro 
 Fire Department. The various enterprises calcu- 
 lated to promote the best interests of the cit}' re- 
 ceive his cordial support, and he is recognized as 
 one of the most energetic and successful citizens 
 of tiie place. 
 
 @_ ^am^ M 
 
 /p55\EORGE TEGT.MEYEK, a merchant of Shi- 
 fl| ,— -, loh Hill, was born at Bevensen, in the 
 ^^^J province of Hanover, March 31, 1853. He 
 is a son of Louis and Mary (Lubbers) Tegtmeyer, 
 natives of the same province. Until the age of 
 fourteen he attended the schools at Bevensen, and 
 on completing his studies he entered as an appren- 
 tice a store at Zeven,an apprenticeship being nec- 
 essary to a mercantile career in the Old Country. 
 There he remained u..til the fall of 1871. when he 
 emigrated to America, the only one of his entire 
 family to leave the Fatlierland. 
 
 Embarking at Hamburg on the steamer "Holsa- 
 tia," after a passage of thirteen days Mr. Tegt- 
 meyer landed in New York, where he spent one 
 
 week. Having an uncle in Randolph, 111., he set 
 out for this place and reached his destination in 
 October. During the winter he attended school, 
 and in March went to St. Louis. Having no ac- 
 quaintances, it was necessary to take what ever 
 work came to hand. The first position that offered 
 was a place as a waiter in a restaurant. After a 
 time he secured a position in a store on O 'Fallon 
 Street, and later filled a clerical position in several 
 mercantile establishments. 
 
 In the spring of 1878 longing for the home 
 became too strong to be resisted, so passage was 
 taken for the Old Country, where our subject re- 
 mained until September. Returning to America, 
 he stopped for a month in St. Louis, and learning 
 that William C. Dean, of Shiloh Hill, was desiring 
 to dispose of his store, a deal was consummated in 
 the fall of that year and possession was taken 
 March 1, 1879. Here Mr. Tegtmejer has remained 
 ever since. In his store will be found a nicelv se- 
 lected slock of such goods as are usualh' found in 
 a general store. He buys and ships a goodly 
 amount of produce raised in the surrounding 
 countr}". 
 
 September 12, 1879, Mr. Tegtmeyer was united 
 in marriage with Miss Augustina, daughter of 
 Fred and Henrietta (Kremer) Niederme\-er, resi- 
 dents of St. Louis, where Mrs. Tegtme}'er was born 
 September 12. 1861. To them were bom five 
 children, three of whom survive. They are Louis 
 G., Ida H. and Willie. Mr. and Mrs. G. Tegt- 
 meyer are members of the Lutheran Church at 
 Shiloh Hill. In politics he is a Republican and 
 sees no reason for a change in his political views 
 at the present time. For ten j'ears he has been 
 Treasurer of the township schools, which position 
 of trust he still holds. In 1883 he was appointed 
 Postmaster at Shiloh Hill and has since held that 
 position to the satisfaction of the patrons of the 
 office. 
 
 In 1889 a stock company was formed to operate 
 a creamery at Shiloh Hill and Mr. Tegtmeyer owns 
 a majority of the stock. Most of the product is 
 shipped to St. Louis. Socially Mr. and Mrs. Tegt- 
 meyer are highly esteemed bj^ a wide circle of 
 friends. Through the successful management of 
 his business he has accumulated a competence and
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 827 
 
 is numbered among the substantial men of the 
 town. A well spent life has gained for him the 
 confidence of all with whom business or social re- 
 lations have brought him in contact. 
 
 ,>> .o*o.-@>^.,^hJ^..o*o. <<— 
 
 ^( OSHLTA AND JOSEPH SPRINGER are promi- 
 nent and well known farmers of Jackson 
 County, residing on section 15, Makanda 
 
 'tfJ Township. Their grandfather, John Spring- 
 er, prior to his marriage accompanied the famous 
 explorer, Daniel Boone, to the then wilderness of 
 Kentucky, whence after remaining one winter, he 
 returned to the vicinit}' of Frederick City, Md., 
 where his father's family lived. There he married 
 and there two children were born to the union. 
 About 1781 he moved to Kentuck3' and settled 
 near Harrodsburg, Mercer County. When the 
 Indian War broke out, he with other neighbors 
 sought refuge in Harrod's Fort. After peace was 
 declared with the Indians, he removed to the vicin- 
 ity of Danville, K}-., and later went to Washington 
 County and settled on Pleasant Run, five miles 
 from Springfield, the county seat. There he died 
 about 1812. 
 
 The father of our subjects, John Springer, was 
 born in Harrod's Fort, Kj\, January 8, 1784, and 
 moved to Madison (now Bond) Count\', 111., set- 
 tling near Greenville in the fall of 1810. In Ken- 
 tucky he married Susan Sage, and after her death 
 he was united with Miss Elizabeth Bird, a native 
 of Tennessee, who became the mother of our sub- 
 jects. When the War of 1812 commenced, the 
 father with other neighbors went into Jones' Fort, 
 where they organized a companj", William Jones 
 being chosen Cai)tain, and Mr. Springer First Lieu- 
 tenant. The}- stayed there until the fall of 1814, 
 when, the war being ended, they removed five 
 miles northwest of Edwardsville, Madison County, 
 111., and settled on section 30, township 5, range 8. 
 In that home the children of his second marriage 
 were born and reared. He was appointed Justice 
 of the Peace by Gov. Ninian Edwards. In 1815 he 
 was made a Class-leader in the Methodist Episcopal 
 Church at Salem and served continuously as such 
 until his death, Juue 25, 1849. His wife, whose 
 
 membership was also in the Methodist Church, 
 died during the same year as that in which he 
 passed awa^'. In politics he was a Whig. 
 
 In the parental family there were ten children, of 
 whom six are yet living, Thomas O., Levi C, Emily 
 Gillhone, Lucinda Irwin, Joshua S. and Joseph E. 
 Joshua S. Si)ringer was born in Madison County, 
 111., December 15. 1841, was reared on the old 
 homestead, and acquired his education in the dis- 
 trict schools. He enlisted August 10, 1862, in 
 Company F, One Hundred and Seventeenth Illi- 
 nois Infantry, and served until March 18, 186,3, 
 when he was discharged on account of disability. 
 He then returned home, where he continued until 
 February, 1867, when, in company with his brother, 
 he bought their present farm. 
 
 On the 15th of .January, 1877, Joshua S. Springer 
 wedded Mary Hopkins, daughter of L. V. Hopkins, 
 who was in the gunboat service during the Civil 
 War, and who came to Jackson County in 1865. 
 She was born in Ft. Madison, Iowa, December 
 7, 1851, and died April 18, 1892, leaving two chil 
 dren, Edward S. and Charles F,, who are now at- 
 tending school. One other child died in early life. 
 Joseph Springer was born on the old homestead 
 October 13, 1843, and he too wore the blue, enlist- 
 ing as a private of Company H, One Hundred and 
 Fiftieth Illinois Infantry, .January 14, 1865. He 
 was appointed Sergeant of Camp Butler, was after- 
 wards made Second Lieutenant, and later merito- 
 rious conduct won him promotion to the rank of 
 First Lieutenant. He went to Nashville and w.as 
 then engaged in guarding railroads at Bridgeport, 
 after which he was stationed at Cleveland and Dal- 
 ton. On the 8tli of July, 1865, he was ordered to 
 Atlanta, where he did Provost duty for a mouth, 
 and was thence transferred to Franklin, and after- 
 wards to Grilliu, Ga. He was mustered out Jan- 
 uary 19, 1866, and was discharged in Springfield. 
 The Old Flag and the cause it represented found 
 in him an able defender. 
 
 On the 29th of December, 1880, was celebrated 
 the marriage of Joseph Springer and Adeline E., 
 daughter of Philander Utter, a native of New Jer- 
 sey, who removed west to Oakland Countj-, Mich. 
 She was Ijorn September 5, 1844, in Ontario Coun- 
 ty-, N, Y. They have one child, William E., who
 
 828 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 has in his possession the gun carried by his grand- 
 father in the Black Hawk War, while his cousin 
 Charles has the sword which belonged to Lieuten- 
 ant Springer. 
 
 The Springer brothers are the owners of one 
 hundred and twentj- acres of valuable land, which 
 is highly improved and cultivated, and devote 
 their energies to the raising of grain and fruit and 
 good grades of stock. They are numbered among 
 the leading agriculturists of the community. Both 
 hold membership with the Methodist E^piscopal 
 Church and with the Masonic fraternit\'. and Jo- 
 seph is Past Master of Makanda Lodge No. 434, 
 A. F. & A. M. The\^ also belong to Makanda 
 Post No. 280, G. A. R., of which Joshua is Junior 
 Vice-Commander. He has also belonged to the 
 Odd Fellows' society, and for seventeen yeare he 
 has served as School Director. He is also Highway 
 Commissioner, and Joseph has been botli Super- 
 visor and Highway Commissioner of Makanda 
 Township. In politics they are stalwart Republi- 
 cans, and Joshua is a member of the Count}- Cen- 
 tral Committee. The Springer brothers are men 
 of intelligence and sterling worth, ever faithful to 
 duty, whether public or priv.ite, and in the commu- 
 nity where they live are highly respected. 
 
 -^ 
 
 
 'jJ^jEV. ROBERT ALLYN, LL. D.. formerly of 
 irbondale, was one of the prominent 
 ministers of the Methodist Episcopal 
 ^0 Church, known not only in Illinois, but 
 througliout the country. He was born January 25, 
 1817, in Led_yard,New London County, Conn., and 
 was a member of one of the oldest families of this 
 countr}'. The first American ancestor, John Allyn, 
 emigrated from England to America, and in 1646 
 removed from Gloucester, Mass., to New London 
 County, Conn. He laid out the town of Allyn 's 
 Point, six miles north of New London, and there 
 served as Town Clerk and Selectman. Those in 
 the line of direct descent were Robert, Robert and 
 James. The last-named is the grandfather of our 
 subject. He was born in Ledyard, Conn., married 
 
 Anna Stanton, and was a soldier of the Revolu- 
 tionary War. 
 
 Charles Allyn. the father of our subject, was 
 born in New London County, Conn., September 
 28, 1781, and took an active part in the War of 
 1812, although he was never enrolled as a soldier. 
 His occupation was that of farming. He wedded 
 Lois Gallup, who was born April 17, 1791, and 
 was a daughter of Jacob and Rebecca (Morgan) 
 Gallup, natives of Connecticut. The family was 
 one of prominence in the earl}- histor}- of that 
 state and numbered among its members Capt. 
 John Gallup, who served in the French and Indian 
 War. Ethan Allen, of Revolutionary fame, is of 
 the same familj' as our subject. One of the Allj-n 
 family became the wife of Mr. Cox, and the 
 mother of Jacob D. Cox, ex-Governor of Ohio. 
 The parents of Rev. Mr. All3^n alwaj-s resided in 
 the Nutmeg State. They had a family of six 
 children, three of whom are now living, Robert; 
 Calvin, of Nevada; and Mrs. Louisa Williams, of 
 Salem, Conn. 
 
 Upon his father's farm our subject was reared to 
 manhood. He began his education in the district 
 schools, later attended Wilbraham Academy of 
 Massachusetts, and was graduated from the Wes- 
 Icyan Univereity of Middletown, Conn., in 1841. 
 He then became Principal of the academy in which 
 he had studied, and held that position until 1848, 
 after which he was Principal of Kent Academy 
 (now know as Providence Conference Seminary) 
 in East Greenwich, R. I., until 1854. For three 
 years he served as Commissioner of the public 
 schools of Rhode Island, and in 1852 and 1854 
 was elected to the Legislature of that state. In 
 that year he was appointed to visit West Point b}' 
 the President, and his commission was signed by 
 Jefferson Davis, then Secretaiy of War. He was 
 also connected with the Normal School of Rhode 
 Island. 
 
 November 18, 1841, Rev. Mr. Allyn married 
 Miss Emeline H. Denison, who was born in Frank- 
 lin County, Mass., September 18, 1811. and was a 
 daughter of David Denison, who belonged to an 
 old New England family. She died in Colchester, 
 Conn., April 24, 1844. Of her two children, 
 Charles is now deceased; and Emeline L., widow of
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 829 
 
 William H. Hypes, resides in Lebanon, 111. June 
 24, 1845, Mr. Allyii wedded Mary B., daugh- 
 ter of Jonathan Budingtou. She was born June 
 28, 1823, in Franklin County, Mass., and died Oc- 
 tober 17, 1879, in Carbondale, 111., leaving three 
 children, .Toseph, Ellen and Harriet. The last- 
 named died January 10, 1883. 
 
 In 1857 Rev. Mr. Allyn left the east, and for two 
 years was Professor of Greek and Latin in the 
 Ohio University at Athens. In 1859 he went to 
 Cincinnati, and was President of the Wesleyan 
 Female College for four years. He then went to 
 McKendree College of Illinois, of which he was 
 President for eleven years. In 1874 he caine to 
 Carbondale, organized the Southern Illinois Normal 
 University, and for eighteen 3'ears continued as 
 its President. His work as an educator was most 
 successful and won him prominence throughout 
 the country. He was a member of the National 
 Educational Association, the National Council of 
 Education, and of the state associations of Massa- 
 chusetts, Rhode Island, Ohio and Illinois. He 
 served as President of the associations in Rhode 
 Island and this state. 
 
 In March, 1835, Rev. Mr. Allyn became a mem- 
 ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and from 
 1841 until his death was active in pulpit work. He 
 delivered over thirteen hundred sermons, twenty 
 of which have been printed. He was ordained a 
 Deacon of the church in 1844, in May, 1846, was 
 made an Elder, and was a member of the Southern 
 Illinois Conference. He was one of the organizers 
 of the Freedmau's Aid Society of the Methodist 
 Episco))al Church, which has so materially pro- 
 moted the welfare of the colored race. 
 
 In 1864 Rev. Mr. All^ni received the degree of 
 D. D. from the Wesle3'an University of Connecti- 
 cut, and in 1875 McKendree College of Illinois 
 conferred upon him the degree of LL. D. lie was 
 a prolific writer and furnished many able articles 
 for the papers. He took an active part in politics 
 during the slaver3' agitation, helped to raise sev- 
 eral companies for the Union army and served as 
 one of the Home Guards in Cincinnati during the 
 war. He was also a prominent worker in the 
 cause of temperance. During the latter years he 
 lived retired at his pleasant home in Carbondale, 
 
 resting after long and faithful service in lines 
 which tend to elevate and uplift humanity. He 
 was taken ill with la grippe and passed away 
 January 7, 1894. In his demise Carbondale lost 
 one of its most honored citizens and the Methodist 
 Church one of its most able ministers. In the 
 school room and in the pulpit his example and 
 teachings benefited those around him, and his in- 
 fluence will continue an active power for good in 
 this community for many years to come. 
 
 ■gig^g^&^$^^^g«»-^$^iS^!g-S-;$-^*^S- 
 
 \Ti M. KUNZ, a hardware inerchant of Pinck- 
 neyville, was l)orn in the province of Nona, 
 Prussia, December 21, 1832. His father, 
 Frederick Kunz, was a small farmer in the 
 Old Countrj', where his entire life was passed. Our 
 subject was the youngest of a family of six, there 
 being four brothers and two sisters. Of this num- 
 ber, himself, one brother and one sister are now 
 living. Prior to the age of fourteen years he at- 
 tended the schools of his native land, after which 
 he learned the trade of a blacksmith. 
 
 Coming to America in 1853, Mr. Kunz worked 
 at his trade in St. Louis for two years, and then 
 spent one year in Chester. In 1856 he came to 
 Pinckneyville, where he followed his trade until 
 1883. By hard work and good management he 
 accumul.ated some money, which he invested in. 
 real estate, and the property having increased in 
 value, he has become well-to-do. He still owns 
 considerable valuable real estate in Pinckneyville, 
 including the two lots on the east side of the 
 square, where his store is located. He expects in 
 the near future to build a fine opera house. 
 
 In 1883, when he left the anvil, Mr. Kunz en- 
 gaged in the hardware and machinery business, in 
 which he has since built up a large trade. He is 
 one of the substantial and wealthy men of the 
 city, and is respected b}' all who know him. Prom- 
 inent in public affairs, he has served for six terms 
 as Alderman, and is at present a member of the 
 Board of Education. Politically he is a Democrat. 
 In 1856 he married Miss Lottie Halkomeyer, and 
 they became the p.irents of four children, namely: 
 Theodore, who died at the age of eighteen years;
 
 830 
 
 i^ORTRAlT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Mary, who is at home; Henry, who is a traveling 
 salesman for a St. Louis firm, and Jacob, who is 
 employed in a hardware store in St. Louis. The 
 mother of tliese children died in 1871. 
 
 The second marriage of Mr. Kunz united him 
 with Catherine Wildemote, a native of Germauj'. 
 They have eight children, as follows: Fritz, who 
 assists his father in the store; Charles, wlio is also 
 with his father in the liardware business; Emma, 
 Tillie, George, Eddie, Artliur and Harmon, who 
 are attending the public schools. Mr. Kunz and 
 his family are members of the Lutlieran P^vangeli- 
 cal Church, and he was for many years a Trustee, 
 but resigned from that position in 1894. 
 
 JOSEPH F. DEROUSSE, one of the descend- 
 ants of the old French settlers of Randolph 
 County, and a gentleman who enjoys to an 
 _^ unusually high degree the esteem and re- 
 gard of his fellow-citizens, was born in Old Kas- 
 kaskia February 8, 1832, during the palmiest days 
 of the ancient town. He is a son of P"rancois, who 
 in turn was the son of Joseph Derousse, and who 
 was also born in the old French town. Here he 
 grew to manhood and was united in marriage with 
 Julia Danis, who, like himself, was a representa- 
 tive of a prominent pioneer family. 
 
 When our subject was about seven years old, 
 Francois Derousse removed with the family to 
 Pujol, a village some six miles from Kaskaskia, 
 and there Joseph passed his j'outhful years. Edu- 
 cational advantages were not good at the time he 
 was a boy, and in consequence his early education 
 was somewhat neglected. April 19, 1856, he was 
 united in marriage with the daughter of Antoine 
 Casson. Of this marriage four children were 
 born, three of whom survive: Celia, who is the 
 widow of Fr.ank Menaid; Octavia, wife of Alfred 
 Buatte and a resident of Wamego, Kau.; and Jo- 
 seph, who married Letitia Udson, and is living 
 near the crossing of the Grand Line and the Big 
 Lane. 
 
 After the death of his first wife, who passed 
 away on the 30th of September, 1872, flur sub- 
 ject was again united in marriage, in 1879, choos- 
 
 ing as his wife Mrs. Sarah Pavau, the widow 
 of Edward Pavau. This union has been blessed 
 by the birth of two children, only one of whom 
 is now living, Denis Leon, a bright lad of four- 
 teen years. Mr. Derousse had twelve grandchil- 
 dren, eight of whom are now living. The family 
 is one of prominence in the community, and the 
 children, who have been given excellent advan- 
 tages, are highly respected in the localities where 
 they reside. 
 
 In the spring of 1893 Mr. Derousse moved to 
 his present holding, lot No. 45, Third Survey, Kas- 
 kaskia Commons, and here he and his family have 
 a comfortable home, abounding with all the com- 
 forts and many of the luxuries of life. Mr. De- 
 rousse is a member of the Church of the Immac- 
 ulate Conception, the oldest congregation in the 
 west, having been founded by Pere Marquette on 
 his tour of the Valley in 1672. Like all the old 
 French, Mr. Derousse has been a life-long Demo- 
 crat and votes the straight ticket. While pre- 
 ferring to devote his attention to personal affairs, 
 he has consented to serve in a number of official 
 positions, in all of which he has discharged the 
 duties with characteristic energy and efficienc}'. 
 For three yeais he has held the office of School 
 Trustee, and for nine years served as School Di- 
 rector. 
 
 ' S# P ' . 
 
 EZEKIEL J. HOLLOMAN, an agriculturist 
 residing on section 13, township 7, range 
 6, Randolph County, cultivates a tract of 
 one hundred and fifty acres, of which a part is 
 hill and the remainder bottom land. Upon the 
 farm where he now resides he was born April 20, 
 1850, being a son of Ezekiel and Mary G. (Brown) 
 Holloman, natives of Middle Tennessee, both of 
 whom were born in 1812, the former coming to 
 Illinois in 1815, and the latter in 1828. 
 
 Until the age of eighteen years Ezekiel J. Hol- 
 loman attended the district schools of his native 
 township, when, owing to his father's ill health, it 
 was necessary for him to take charge of the farm 
 and assume the responsibility of caring for the 
 family. Two years later the father died, and thus 
 was thrust upon the young man a still greater re-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 831 
 
 sponsibillty. In the settlement of the estate about 
 one hundred and sixtj' acres fell to Ezekiel, and 
 on this place he is now making his home. He de- 
 voles his entire time to general farming and stock- 
 raising, to which his land is well adapted. His 
 principal crop is wheal, bul he diversifies in his 
 agriculture. 
 
 January 15, 1874, Mr. Holloraan was united in 
 marriage with Miss Flora E., daughter of Samuel 
 and Elizabeth (McNeil) Gordon. This lady be- 
 came the mother of one daughter, Ida B., and 
 passed away May 4, 1881. The second marriage 
 of Mr. Hoi Ionian occurred April 22, 1885, and 
 united him with Miss K)mil3' L., daughter of John 
 P. and Nancy (Clendenin) Mann, of Rockwood. 
 Mrs. Holloman was born January 8, 1854, and is 
 the mother of five children : Ezekiel B., Kate, John 
 Preston, Nannie and George T. 
 
 In politics Mr. Holloman is a stanch Republican 
 and invariably supports the candidates of his 
 chosen party. Having been elected Road Com- 
 missioner, he held the office for a time, but find- 
 ing that it interfered with his farming interests 
 he resigned. For about fifteen 3-ears he served as 
 School Director, but also resigned that position. 
 He has no desire for official honors, preferring to 
 devote his attention unreservedly to his agricult- 
 ural interests. In religious belief he is a member 
 of the Presh3^terian Church. 
 
 ^IF^OBERT McCONKEY. In the death of this 
 l!i^ gentleman Randolpli County' lost one of its 
 iss fl|i most enterprising agriculturists, and one 
 who had been a prominent factor in its up- 
 building, being himself an exponent of the power 
 of a strong will and strict integrity- — qualities 
 calculated to bring success. No higher tribute 
 can be paid to anj' man than tliat "lie helped him- 
 self and others as he journeyed through the pass- 
 ing years," and of Mr. McConkes' tiiis remark may 
 be truthfully made. 
 
 Born in County Antrim, Ireland, in 1818, Mr. 
 McConkey emigrated to the United States in 1851, 
 and for three j-ears made his home in New York 
 City. Thence in 1854 he came to Illinois, and 
 
 purchasing land in township 7, range 5, Randolph 
 Count}-, settled thereon, and commenced the task 
 of clearing and improving the place. While still a 
 resident of the Emerald Isle, he was united in mar- 
 riage with Miss Sarah Hunter, and two children, 
 James and Margaret, were born to their union prior 
 to their emigration. After coming to America five 
 children were added to the household, of whom W. 
 R.. now residing on the old homestead, is the only 
 survivor. The parents were members of the Pres- 
 byterian Church, in which faith they died, the mo- 
 ther in 1885, and the father on the 15th of Jan- 
 uary, 1891. 
 
 The elder of the two surviving sons, James, was 
 born in C'oiint}' Antrim, Ireland, November 15, 
 1845, and came with his parents to America in 
 1851, remaining at home until he was nineteen 
 \ears old. He then joined the boj's in blue, en- 
 listing February 15, 1865, as a member of Com- 
 pany F, One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Illinois 
 Infantry, and doing service with the regiment in 
 Tennessee. I'pon being discharged, June 23, 1865, 
 he returned home, and .assisted his father on the 
 farm until twent3'-two 3'ears old. 
 
 On the 11th of November, 1868, James McCon- 
 key was united in marriage with Miss Sarah, 
 daughter of W. W. and Naiic}- (Farrar) Mitchell. 
 Of the children born to this union three are liv- 
 ing, Robert, Alexander and Israel. The second 
 marriage of Mr. McConkc}- united him with Miss 
 Ellen Crain, their wedding taking place October 
 9, 1888. Three children were born to them, of 
 whom two arc living, Josephine and Lola. Mrs. 
 McConke}' was born in township 7, range 5, this 
 county. May 22, 1860, and is a daughter of James 
 H. and Ph(ebe (Morris) Crain. She is a lad}- of 
 amiable disposition, and is influential in the social 
 circles of the communit}-. Their farm is located 
 on section 32, where Mr. McConkey owns and cul- 
 tivates one hundred and twenty acres, raising the 
 various cereals to which the soil is adapted, and 
 also making a specialty of stock. Politically lie 
 votes with the Republican party. 
 
 The younger son of our subject, W. R., married 
 Miss Susie M. Andrews on the 4th of July, 1888, 
 and the}- have two living children, Maude and 
 Mabel. The first-born, Robert E., died when ten
 
 832 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 months old. The patents of Mrs. McConkey, Fred- 
 crick and Caroline (Zang) Andrews, are residents 
 of township 7, range .5, and unto them were 
 born ten children, eight yet living. William R. 
 took charge of the liome farm until his father's 
 demise, when, tlie place liaving been willed to 
 him, it became his permanent home. Here he is 
 prosperously engaged in farming and stock-rais- 
 ing. He and his wife are well and favorably 
 known throughout the county; she is a member of 
 the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which he is a 
 generous contributor, though not a member. In 
 political matters he votes the Republican ticket, 
 and invariably gives to the principles of that party 
 his warm support. 
 
 'jl? A. PORTER carries on general farming on 
 I (@ sections 3, 9 and 10 Sand Ridge Township, 
 jILj^ Jackson Count}', and is one of the promi- 
 inent citizens of this community. His father, 
 Marshall Porter, was born in Connecticut October 
 31, 1810, and was asou of John and Sarah (Fuller) 
 Porter. The former was a farmer and mechanic. 
 In the earl_v part of this century he removed to 
 Ohio, locating in Marietta. He removed thence 
 to Athens, Ohio, and liis last d.ays were spent in 
 Gallia Count}'. In church work he took a very 
 prominent part, and served as Deacon in the Pres- 
 b3'terian Church, with which he held membership. 
 In Athens he built a large seminary, which is still 
 standing. The Porter family dates its origin back 
 to the da3'S when the Pilgrim Fathers landed in 
 America from the "Mayflower." 
 
 Jlrs. Porter, mother of our subject, bore the 
 maiden name of Celestia C. Bort. She was born 
 near Erie, Pa., in 1816, and was a daughter of the 
 Rev. Barnard and Polly (Dewey) Bort. Her father 
 was a soldier in the War of 1812, and came of an 
 old Pennsylvania-Dutch famil}-. He was a min- 
 ister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and both 
 he and his wife died in the Keystone State. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Marshall S. Porter were married in Erie, 
 Pa., and removed thence to Marietta, Ohio, where 
 he worked as a mechanic. He afterwards studied 
 medicine in Marietta College, but his eyesight 
 
 failed him and be never engaged in practice. 
 Later he removed to Porter, Ohio, which town 
 was named in honor of his father, and in 18.50 he 
 came to Jackson Count}-, 111., settling in Vergen- 
 nes Township, upon a wild farm. Their home 
 was a log cabin in the midst of the forest, and they 
 lived in true pioneer style. 
 
 The father died April 1, 1880, and the mother 
 died in August, 1886. They were members of the 
 Presbyterian Church, and Mr. Porter served as 
 Deacon and was a prominent worker in the church 
 and Sunday-school. In polities he was a Whig. 
 Of their family of eleven children four are now 
 living: Luther D., of Sand Ridge Township; L. 
 A.; George II., of the same township; and Ellen L. 
 Luther D. and Solomon M. served in the Seventh 
 Illinois Infantry during the late war. The former 
 continued at the front until after the close of the 
 war, but the latter was discharged on account of 
 disability, and died from its effects. 
 
 L. A. Porter, whose name heads this record, was 
 born in Athens, Ohio, September 17, 1843, and 
 when a child was brought to this state. His edu- 
 cation was acquired in the common schools, and 
 he early became familiar with the arduous task 
 of clearing and developing new land. He was 
 married April 5, 1869, to Mrs. Mary (Worthen) 
 Allen, daughter of William and Mary (Will) 
 Worthen, who are mentioned in the sketch of Ed 
 Worthen, on another page of this work. The lady 
 was born on this farm, in a log house, April 29, 
 1837. She began her education in the district 
 schools and completed it in Du Quoin Seminary, 
 after which she successfully engaged in teaching 
 school for eight years, and was then married. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Porter began their domestic life 
 upon an unimproved farm in Vergennes Township, 
 which he transformed into a productive and highly 
 cultivated tract, building a fine residence, sur- 
 rounded by a well kept lawn, and planting fruit 
 trees. Upon that place they resided until 1873, 
 when they returned to the old home to live with 
 Mrs. Porter's mother, and afterward bought the 
 homestead from the heirs. In the house, which 
 was erected at a cost of $6,000, they lived until 
 1879, when it was burned with all its contents. 
 They then removed to the old home, which was
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 833 
 
 erected by Mrs. Porter's father in 1853. The farm 
 now comprises five hundred acres of valuable land, 
 most of which is under a high state of cultivation. 
 He makes a specialty of raising Jersey cattle for 
 dairy purposes and Hereford cattle for the market. 
 He also owns and operates a steam sawmill at 
 Grand Tower, and manufactures and saws railroad 
 timber for the Illinois Central Railroad Company. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Porter have never liad any chil- 
 dren of their own, but the following named or- 
 phan children iiave found a home with them: Lee 
 Hull, Loring, Ida, May, Elmer C. and Luther Love- 
 juy, Mary E., Sanford B., Fred O. and Lucinda 
 Porter, and several others, fifteen in all. Oursub- 
 ject and his wife are faithful members of the 
 Presbyterian Church of Murphysboro, in which he 
 serves as Elder, and arc active workers in the Sun- 
 day-school. In 1881 thc3- organized a Sunday- 
 school in their own home. It afterwards convened 
 at the schoolhouse, and its sessions are now held 
 in the Mound Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Porter have been very active in its 
 growth and iiave been absent onl3' a few Sundays 
 in ten years. Mr. Porter now has charge of the 
 Bible class, while his wife is teacher of the primary 
 class. Sociall3', he is a member of the Odd Fellows' 
 society of Murphysboro, in which he has filled 
 various offices and is now Past Grand of his lodge. 
 In politics he takes an active interest, and has 
 frequently been a delegate to the conventions of 
 the Republican part3'. He is now serving his 
 fourth year as Supervisor. 
 
 ^+^[ 
 
 "^] AMES P. ADAMS, one of the most prosper- 
 ous farmers of Randolph County, and a 
 resident of township 6, range 6, has spent 
 his entire life in the county of which he is 
 still a resident. He was here born December 12, 
 1848, and is a son of David and Margaret (Doug- 
 las) Adams, to whom further reference is made in 
 the biography of L. L. Adams, presented on an- 
 other page of this volume. James attended the 
 Logan school in township 6, range 6, during the 
 winter seasons, while the summers were devoted to 
 farm work. His father having died when he was 
 
 a child of six 3'ears he was early obliged to be- 
 come self-supporting, and thus were developed in 
 his character the traits of self-reliance and energy. 
 In January, 1873, Mr. Adams married Miss 
 Mary J., daughter of Andrew and Eliza Douglas, 
 but their union was of brief duration, the 3'oung 
 wife dying the year after {he marriage. In 1882 
 Mr. Adams was united with Miss Lydia Rupperl, 
 the daughter of Charles and Joan Ruppert, na- 
 tives respectively of Bohemia and Scotland. Five 
 children have been bora of this union, namel3': 
 Katie B., Lillie A., Eugene R., Josephine M. and 
 James W., all of whom are at home with their par- 
 ents. In religious connections Mr. and Mrs. 
 Adamsare identified with the Presb3'terian Church, 
 in which he is Trustee. Socially he is a member 
 of the American Legion of Honor. In politics he 
 adheres to Republican principles, and while never 
 an aspirant for office, has served as School Director 
 and in other positions of trust. 
 
 OH. RHODES. M. D., the only physician of 
 ] Baldwin, and a resident of this place since 
 1873, was born in Madison County', but was 
 reared and educated in Buffalo, N. Y. His father, 
 Dr. Arnold H. Rhodes, emigrated to Wisconsin 
 and from there came to Jackson County-, III., and 
 located in De Soto, where his death occurred. In 
 the famil3' wiire five sons and three daughters, 
 and it is worth3' of note that two of the sons be- 
 came practicing physicians, while the other three 
 were druggists. 
 
 The subject of this sketch conducted his medi- 
 cal studies under his father's supervision. He en- 
 listed in the Sixt3' -second Illinois Infantry and 
 served for three 3'earsas Assistant Surgeon of that 
 regimen t,which, joining the Kentucky Brigade, and 
 being assigned to the "Western arm3', took part in 
 all the campaigns of that corps. At the close of 
 the war, in the spring of 1865, the Doctor located 
 at Preston, where he remained until 1873, the date 
 of his arrival in Baldwin. In I860, in Jackson 
 County, III., he was united in marri.age with Miss 
 Rachel Cochran, and they became the parents of 
 one daughter, Amanda, now the wife of Dr. Will-
 
 834 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 iam K. Wright, of Mt. Auburn, 111. Mrs. Rachel 
 Rhodes died in 1868. Tlie Doctor afterward mar- 
 ried Miss Sarah A., daughter of Joseph Beattie. 
 
 Upon coming to Baldwin Dr. Rhodes erected 
 his present drug store, which he stocked with a 
 general line of drugs, and has since conducted a 
 profitable trade, in acldition to attending to his 
 professional practice. It will thus be seen that he 
 is a busj' man. His practice is extensive, as large 
 perhaps as that of any ph3'sician in the count}'. 
 Socially' he is a member of the Grand Army of the 
 Republic and belongs to the post at Baldwin. Po- 
 liticall}- he is a Republican. 
 
 HARLES D. BODEKER, a prominent and 
 influential citizen of Randolph County, 
 who is now successfully- engaged in the op- 
 eration of his fine farm on section 33, township 
 6, range 6, was born in Prussia on the 1st of 
 April, 1842. His father, Frederick Bodeker, was 
 there born in 1803, and his death occurred in his 
 native land in 1886. Our subject was the sixth 
 in order of birth in a family of seven children. 
 He acquired his education in the schools of his na- 
 tive country, and when a youth of fourteen years 
 came to America. From that age he has been de- 
 pendent upon his own resources, and whatever 
 success he has achieved in life is due to his own 
 efforts. On reaching the Is'ew World he took up 
 his residence in Chester, III., and at once engaged 
 with Charles Schroeder to learn the carpenter's 
 trade. This was in 1856, and he continued in the 
 employ of Mr. Schroeder until the death of that 
 gentleman, in 1861. As there was considerable 
 unfinished work in the shop at that time, Mr. 
 Bodeker continued as the manager of the business 
 until the following August. 
 
 Our subject then entered the service of his 
 country, enlisting as a member of Company I, 
 Tenth Illinois Infantry. He was mustered in at 
 Cairo, and was with his regiment in many severe 
 engagements, including the battles of Farmiugton, 
 New Madrid, Corinth, Island No. 10, and man}' 
 others. He was mustered out on the 4th of July, 
 1865, in Louisville, Ky., after which he returned 
 
 to Randolph County and resumed work at the 
 carpenter's trade, which he followed for about 
 twelve years. In the meantime he had purchased 
 land and was canning on a farm. About 1889 he 
 altogether abandoned his trade and now devotes 
 his entire time and attention to the further culti- 
 vation and improvement of his beautiful farm, 
 which is justly considered one of tlie finest in the 
 county. One department of his business is dairy 
 farming, and it proves a profitable one. 
 
 In June, 1867, Mr. Bodeker was united in mar- 
 riage with Miss Henrietta Hackmeister, daugh- 
 ter of Henry and Mena Hackmeister, who were 
 natives of Germany. By their marriage were 
 born five children, one of whom died in infanc}'. 
 Louie, Mar}', William and Anna are still with their 
 parents. Mr. Bodeker and his family are members 
 of the Lutheran Church and are people of promi- 
 nence in this community, where they are widely 
 and favorabi}' known. He has been identified with 
 the Republican part}' for many years, and at this 
 writing is the nominee of the party for the office 
 of County Commissioner. He has the confidence 
 of his fellow-townsmen, and the trust reposed in 
 him is never betrayed. For ten years he has been 
 Appraiser for the Randolph Mutual Insurance 
 Com))any, and is a member of Swanwick Post No. 
 212, G. A. R., of Chester. He was a faithful sol- 
 dier when the Union was in peril, and is alike true 
 to his country in days of peace. In the com- 
 munity where he lives he manifests a commenda- 
 ble interest in everything pertaining to the gen- 
 eral welfare and to the advancement of public 
 enterprises which are calculated to i^rove benefi- 
 cial. 
 
 • ^ P • 
 
 ^ lilLLIAM BARNARD. It is impossible in a 
 \/\/// '^''^^ biographical sketch to render full 
 V*(^ justice to prominent men, and yet there 
 are some who are so intimately and clearly identi- 
 fied with the county's welfare, and whose names 
 are so familiar to all, that it is only right to dwell 
 upon what they have done and the influence of 
 their career upon others. To this class belongs 
 William Barnard, one of the capable business men
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 
 
 835 
 
 of Chester, who is carrying on an extensive business 
 as a coal merchant. 
 
 Our subject's birth occurred August 22, 1847, in 
 Muskingum County, Ohio. lie is of English de- 
 scent, his paternal grandfather having been born 
 in England, whence he eniigi'ated to the United 
 States and settled in West Virginia. In Wheeling, 
 that state, John Barnard, our subject's fatlier, was 
 born and thence he removed westward. He mar- 
 ried Miss Rebecca Rupp, a native of Muskingum 
 County. Ohio, and a daughter of Emanuel Rupp. 
 This worthy couple are still living and at present 
 make their home in Muscatine, Iowa. The father 
 is a farmer and fruit-grower by occupation, and is a 
 man of energetic disposition and upright character. 
 
 William Barnard was the eldest in the parental 
 family of six children. He was a lad of seven 
 years at the time of the removal of the familv to 
 Iowa. He received an excellent education, lirstat- 
 tending the district school, and later the high 
 school at Muscatine. AVhen reaching his twentieth 
 ^•ear he left home, and going to Bellaire, Ohio, com- 
 menced to work for bis uncle, William G. Barnard, 
 who was an extensive coal merchant in that city. 
 He remained thus engaged for eleven 3'ears, and in 
 1879 made his advent into Chester, having been 
 sent here to take charge of the business of his 
 uncle, with whose interests he was identified until 
 1892. In the fall of that year he purchased the 
 business in this place formerly conducted by his 
 uncle, and formed a partnership with William 
 Goald3', the firm being known as Barnard ife Goald3'. 
 Here Mr. Barnard is doing a good business and 
 conducting himself in such a mannei as to win the 
 respect of his fellow-men. 
 
 August 27, 1868, Mr. Barnard married Miss Am- 
 erett McCloud, and to them have been born four 
 children, who bear the respective names of Delia. 
 Clarence, Phebe and Clj'de. Mrs. Amerett Bar- 
 nard departed this life in June. 1885, and in 1886 
 our subject married Mrs. Eliza J. Pattereon. She 
 was born in Perry County, this state, and at the 
 time of her marriage to our subject was the widow 
 of John Patterson. B}' this union Mr. Barnard has 
 become the father of one child, Lillie May. He is 
 a devoted and consistent member of the Presbyter- 
 ian Church, in which denomination he has held 
 
 the office of Elder. He is a Republican in politics, 
 being in full accord with the principles of his 
 part}- and exerting all his influence for its suc- 
 cess. In 1892, he was elected Alderman of the 
 .Second Ward, and during his incumbency of the 
 office gave entire satisfaction to his constituents. 
 
 T;_ ENRY WELGE. The subject of this sketch 
 [ J is a representative of a prominent pioneer 
 ^y^ family of Randolph County, and no doubt 
 \K§)j inherits his industry and perseverance from 
 his German ancestors, his parents, Henr}' and Henri- 
 etta ( Jacobi) Welge, being natives of that country-. 
 The father came to America when a young man, 
 and after locating in Chester, worked out by the 
 da\- for awhile and then rented land, which he 
 farmed for man}' years. Later he purchased prop- 
 ertj', and was engaged in its cultivatiou until 
 his decease, in 1882. His good wife preceded him 
 to the better land by several years, dying when 
 our subject was a lad of six years. 
 
 Our subject attended a Lutheran school until 
 reaching his thirteenth year, and after that passed 
 the remainder of his school days as a student 
 in the public schools of his neighborhood. After 
 reaching his majoritj- he began farming on his 
 own account, which has been his life work. In 
 connection with the cultivation of his land, Mr. 
 Welge has been engaged extensively in breeding 
 fine stock on his farm, located on section 9, town- 
 ship 7, range 6. His business success is that which 
 comes from earnest application, close attention to 
 details and perseverance. As the result of his 
 well directed efforts he has acquired a good prop- 
 erty. 
 
 October 20, 1883, Miss IMartha Knop became the 
 wife of our subject. Mrs. Welge was the daughter 
 of George and Sophia Knop, and became the 
 mother of two children, of whom Ettie is the only 
 survivor. The wife and mother departed this life 
 December 4, 1888, and November 15 of the fol- 
 lowing year Mr. Welge married Miss Louisa, 
 daughter of John C. and Dora Meyer, natives of 
 Germany, who are at the present time residing in
 
 836 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Randolph County. By their union two children, 
 Ida and Alma, have been born. 
 
 The Lutheran Church finds in Mr. and Mrs. 
 Welge two of its most active and consistent mem- 
 bers. Our subject is a man of liberal views and 
 takes a deep interest iu all matters pertaining to 
 local improvements or enterprises. He has been a 
 life-long Democrat and an ardent advocate of re- 
 form and progress. 
 
 ^ OHN A. GRAFF, lu Levan Township, -Jack- 
 son County, lies a valuable farm compris- 
 ing two hundred and forty acres, the prop- 
 *J^^ erty of the gentleman with whose name we 
 introduce this sketch. Tlie soil, through excellent 
 methods of fertilization and proper rotation of 
 crops, has been brought under a high state of cul- 
 tivation, and yields large harvests of the various 
 cereals. The improvements noticeable liere are 
 tiie result of Mr. Graff's efforts. He has erected 
 suitable and substantial buildings, conspicuous 
 among which is the cozy and commodious resi- 
 dence erected in 1888. 
 
 The paternal grandfather of our subject, John 
 Graff, was the proprietor of a tavern in Somerset 
 County, Pa., and was a man of some means. His 
 third son was AVilliam, father of our subject, and a 
 native of Somerset County, born in 1808. He grew 
 to mauhood in the home district, and thence iu 184 1 
 removed to Illinois, settling in Levan Township, 
 Jackson County. The land which he purchased 
 was unimproved, and the surrounding country 
 was a wilderness. On coming here he was in 
 moderate circumstances, but possessing an abun- 
 dance of energj- and perseverance, he gradually' 
 gained large landed estates. In politics he was 
 first a Whig, and later affiliated with tlie Repub- 
 licans, always taking an active interest in politi- 
 cal affairs. In religious belief he was a Lutheran, 
 in which faith he passed away in 1877. 
 
 Four sons and two daughters were born to "Will- 
 iam and Rosa Ann (Imhoff) Graff: Jacob, a resi- 
 dent of Bradley Township; Henry, wliose home is 
 in Levan Township; Elvina, who died at the age 
 of twelve years; John A., of this sketch; Marj-, 
 
 Mrs. Smith; and Andrew, of Levan Township. 
 Our subject was born in Somerset County, Pa., 
 January 4, 1839, and was only two years old when 
 his parents came to Jackson County. His oppor- 
 tunities for schooling were very limited, and his 
 education has been mainly acquired through his 
 unaided efforts. 
 
 At the age of twentv-four years, Mr. Graff mar- 
 ried Adaline, daughter of John Bowers, of Jackson 
 Count}', 111. The following children were born of 
 this union: Andrew and John, who live iu Levan 
 Township; Luellen, who is married: Laura,, the 
 wife of Thomas Moore; Josepli and Julia, who re- 
 side at home; Daniel, Robert and Franklin, who 
 are conducting their studies in the district schools. 
 The wife and mother, who was a devoted member 
 of the Methodist Church, .and a sincere Christian, 
 died June 1, 1884, mourned not alone b^' the im- 
 mediate relatives, but also by all her acquaint- 
 ances. 
 
 Politically, Mi-. Graff is a Re[)ublican, but does 
 not take an active part in public affairs. He is in- 
 terested in educational matters, and is now serving 
 his second term as School Director. In religious 
 belief he is identifled with the Lutheran Church. 
 Both as a farmer and as a citizen, he has proved 
 himself capable, progressive and honorable, and 
 he justly occupies a high place in the regard of his 
 fellow-citizens. 
 
 ACOB ZANG, an extensive farmer of Ran- 
 dolph County, and the owner of valu.able 
 propert}' in township 6, range 7, was born 
 sj;^^' in Germany in 1820 and is the youngest 
 son of Michael Zang. A student in the schools of 
 German}' until fifteen years of age. he gained a 
 fair education, and when discontinuing his studies 
 engaged in farming. At the age of twenty-eight 
 he sailed for America, and arriving iu this country 
 settled near the present city of Scranton, Pa., where 
 for one year he was employed in the iron works. 
 Coming to Illinois in 1849, Mr. Zang settled in 
 Chester, and for some time thereafter worked as a 
 laborer. He then for several years engaged in 
 burning lime. In 1861 he purchased the property
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 837 
 
 where he still lives and here he has since engaged 
 in farming. At the time of its purchase, the land 
 was a wilderness, but is now a finely ini[)roved 
 farm, which proves the energetic disposition and 
 persevering spirit of the owner. Wliile still a resi- 
 dent of German^', Mr. Zang was united iu marriage, 
 in 1846, with Miss Susanna (iahen, and one child, 
 Caroline, was born to them before emigrating to 
 the United States. She is now the wife of Fred 
 Andrews, who resides near Rockwood, this state. 
 Since coming to America nine children were 
 added to the family, of whom the eldest, Peter, 
 died when ten 3'ears old. Those who are liv- 
 ing are: Jacob, wiio married Mary Caudle and 
 resides near New Palestine, 111.; Ricky, the wife of 
 Thomas R. Stewart, living near Chester; Fred, who 
 married Dora Risner, and makes his home near 
 Palestine, this state; Emma,- the wife of William 
 Williamson; William, who is unmarried and lives 
 with his parents; Rudolph, who mairied Addie 
 Bilderbach and lives near Palestine; Susa and Mag- 
 gie, who are at home. Mr. Zang is a Democrat in 
 national Issues, but is liberal in local affairs. He and 
 his family are members of the German Methodist 
 Church. 
 
 ^*y HARLES M( ELHINEY, who is well known 
 l( throughout Randolph County as one of 
 
 ^^^ the progressive and successful agiiculturists 
 of township 4, range 5, resides upon a farm con- 
 sisting of three hundred and sixty acres located 
 on section 26. There, until tlie deatii of his 
 brother William, the two conducted general farm- 
 ing iu partnership, and through their untiring in- 
 dustry and good management gained prosperity. 
 Referring to our subject's ancestr} , we find that 
 his paternal grandfather, .John McEiliiney, emi- 
 grated from Ireland to tliis country and settled in 
 Pennsylvania, somewhat later becoming a soldier 
 in the War of the Revolution. The father, James, 
 was born in 1773, near the Susquehannah River 
 in Pennsylvania, and was a soldier in the War of 
 1812. The mother, wiiose maiden name was Grace 
 Campton, was born in Ireland, whence at the age 
 of nine months she was brought to America by her 
 father, John Campton, who settled in the Keystone 
 33 
 
 State. Grandfather Campton served in the War 
 of 1812. 
 
 The parents of our subject were married iu 
 Pennsylvania, and continued to reside in Beaver 
 County until called fiom earth, the father's death 
 occurring in 1848, and the mother's in 1867. Of 
 their family of eleven children, Charles is the only 
 survivor. He was born May 6, 1823, and was the 
 next to the youngest child in the family, his 
 brother William, who was born Ma}' 7, 1825, being 
 the youngest. These two lads grew to manhood 
 upon the home farm, sharing the labors of cultiva- 
 ting the land, as well as the pleasures of boyhood. 
 They had few educational advantages, but both 
 became well informed through observation and 
 reading. Our subject has never married, but after 
 his brother's marriage made his home with his 
 family. 
 
 On the .5tli of February, 1852, William McEl- 
 hiuey married Miss INIinerva Johnston. The par- 
 ents of Mrs. McElhiney, James and Phoebe (Hay- 
 maker) Johnston, were natives respectively of 
 Ireland and Pennsylvania, and the father, who 
 emigrated to America in 1786, settled in Alle- 
 gheny County, Pa., and there made his permanent 
 home. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. McEl- 
 hiney was Jacob Il.aymaker, who was captured by 
 the Indians in the early days of Colonial history. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Johnston were residents of Allegheny 
 County until their decease; he died in 1847, while 
 slie survived many years, passing away in 1861. 
 They had ten children, of whom six are now liv- 
 ing. Born March 2, 1829, Mrs. McElhiney grew 
 to womanhood in tlie Ke3'stone Stale, wlierc her 
 birth occurred. 
 
 After his marriage, William McElhiney settled 
 upon a farm in Beaver County, Pa., whence in 
 1865 he removed to Illinois and settled upon the 
 ■place now the home of his widow. They were the 
 parents of six children, of whom five are now liv- 
 ing: John Lafayette; Phoebe, the wife of J. R. 
 Hughes, of California; Lallie, a resident of Ran- 
 dolph County, and the wife of Andrew Wilson; 
 Annie M. and Lutie. The father of this family 
 died January 20, 1878. While a resident of Penn- 
 sylvania he served as an Elder in the Presbyterian 
 Church. Both in that state and in Illinois he
 
 838 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 served as School Director. In politics he and 
 Charles were actively identified with the Demo- 
 ciatic party, and the latter is still influential in 
 local affairs. 
 
 • ^# P ' . 
 
 ^^ O. RP:UBP:LT, a. M., superintendent of 
 i@^i the city schools of Murph3'sboro, was born 
 in Pottsville, Pa., July 15, 1849. He is 
 the son of .J. A. Reubelt, A. M., D. D., LL. 
 D., a cultured gentleman of broad knowledge and 
 extended reputation, who was of German birth and 
 parentage, and in his youth conducted his literary 
 studies in the far-famed University of Leipsic, 
 graduating from that institution with honors. 
 Prior to his marriage he emigrated to America, and 
 filled chairs in colleges at Philadelphia, New York, 
 Greensburg (Ohio), Treiiton (Tenn.) aud Fa3'ette 
 (Mo.), in the iatter city being connected with An- 
 drews University. 
 
 From Missouri, Professor Reubelt removed to 
 Greencastle, Ind., where he accepted the position of 
 Professor of Latin in De Pauw Uuivel•sit3^ Later 
 he filled a similar position in the University of 
 Indiana, at Bloomiugton, and was actively en- 
 gaged in giving instruction in the ancient classics 
 for a period of twenty-five j'ears. At the pres- 
 ent time (1894) he resides in Carthage, Tenn., 
 and devotes his attention principally to literar}- 
 work. He has just completed writing a book en- 
 titled "English Prepositions," and is also the au- 
 thor of a work on natural history, comprising two 
 volumes, and a "Life of Christ." As an author, 
 he is entertaining and instructive, sound in his 
 logical deductions and accurate in his conclusions, 
 and his contributions to the literature of our coun- 
 try will perpetuate his name through the ages to 
 come. During the War of the Rebellion his sym- 
 pathies were enlisted ou the side of the Union, and 
 for some time he served as Chaplain of a regiment 
 from Philadelphia. At the second battle of Bull 
 Run he was wounded, though not seriousl\'. 
 
 The mother of our subject, whose maiden name 
 was Lavinia Orwig, was born in Pottsville, Pa., and 
 died in Greencastle, Ind., in 1865. Her father, 
 Isaac, was born in Pennsj'lvania, and was a de- 
 scendant of German ancestors who settled in the 
 
 Keystone State during an early period of its his- 
 tory, and who purchased large tracts of land from 
 William Penn. Our subject is the sec(md in a fam- 
 ily of ten children, of whom there are now living 
 five sons and one daughter. The eldest is a con- 
 tractor, and the others are teachers b}^ profession. 
 
 A student in the public schools of Penns3'lvania 
 prior to the age of fourteen, our subject then re- 
 moved to Indiana, where soon afterward he en- 
 tered the preparatory department of De Pauw 
 University. On the 5th of October, 1864, when a 
 lad of fifteen years, he enlisted as a member of 
 Company I, Forty-third Indiana Infantry, and 
 from Indianapolis accompanied his regiment to 
 Kentuckj^ and Tennessee. At the close of the war, 
 in 1865, he was mustered out of the service at In- 
 dianapolis, and at once returned to De Pauw Uui- 
 versity, where he continued his studies until the 
 close of the junior year. In 1869 he entered the 
 University of Indiana, at Blooniington, from which 
 institution he was graduated June 25, 1870, with 
 the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Three years later 
 the degree of Master of Arts was conferred upon 
 him. 
 
 After completing his literary studies. Professor 
 Reubelt filled the position of Superintendent of 
 schools at Veva3% Ind., for one year, and has fol- 
 lowed this profession continuously, with the ex- 
 ception of one year, when he engaged in the mer- 
 cantile business at Brazil, Ind. For three years he 
 was Principal of the Tuscola (111.) schools, and 
 for one 3'ear was similarly engaged at Freeport, 
 this state. In the fall of 1892 he came to IMurphys- 
 boro, where he has since been Superintendent of 
 schools. As an instructor, he is thorough, judi- 
 cious and efficient, and he occupies a position of 
 prominence among the educators of the state. He 
 is a man of close observation, careful i-eflection, 
 soundness of judgment, practical views and a wide 
 range of interests. His faculties are well balanced, 
 and he is perhaps inclined to conservative, rather 
 than radical views and actions. 
 
 In Brazil, Ind., December 29, 1875, Professor 
 Reubelt was united in marriage with IMiss Jennie 
 Warner, who was born in Greencastle, Ind., being 
 the daughter of Derrick Warner, a retired farmer 
 and old settler of the Hoosier State. The3' ai,-e th.^
 
 PORTRAIT AND J5I0GRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 839 
 
 parents of two childien, Ida and Wai-ner. Socially, 
 Professor Reubelt afliliates with the Masonic fra- 
 ternity, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, 
 the Knights of Pythias, the Knights of Honor and 
 the Orand Army of the Republic. In his religious 
 belief he is identified with the Christian Church, 
 and is now serving as an Elder in that denomina- 
 tion. Politically he is strong in his advocacy of 
 Democratic principles, which he supports with his 
 ballot and inftuence. For twelve years he has 
 been prominently connected with institute work in 
 Indiana and Illinois, and his efforts have largely 
 contributed to the advancement of educational 
 interests. 
 
 URPIIYSBORO PUBLIC SCHOOLS. The 
 people of Murphysboro are justly proud 
 of their city schools, which rank among 
 the best equipped educational institutions 
 of southern Illinois. A thorough oversight of the 
 work is maintained b3- the Board of Education, 
 composed of seven members, all enterprising and 
 enthusiastic public-school men. They are. Dr. W. 
 W. Essick, President; Philip Eager, Secretary; 
 Philip Decker, W. S. Hanners, J. G. Hard}-, R. T. 
 Lightfoot and B. R. Neal. 
 
 There are two buildings utilized for school pur- 
 poses, one in the western and the other in the east- 
 ern part of the city. The former is the high school 
 building, having eleven rooms, heated by steam 
 and supplied by water from the city water works. 
 The east side building is also supplied with water 
 from the water works, but is heated by stoves in- 
 stead of steam. All the aids that are essential to 
 successful teaching, such as maps, charts, globes, 
 dictionaries, encyclopedias, philosophical and chem- 
 ical apparatus and librar}', are ready for use on 
 all proper occasions. 
 
 The schools have, during the eigiit months' term, 
 an enrollment of twelve hundred pupils, with an 
 average attendance of ninety-six per cent, and 
 practically no tardiness whatever. In addition to 
 the children of MurphN'sboro, the schools receive 
 considerable outside patronage, and have enrolled 
 many non-resident pupils. Each year many stu- 
 dents 'are graduated from both the grammar and 
 
 high schools, and those completing the latter course 
 are entitled to admission in the freshman class of 
 any institution in Illinois. Besides the east .and 
 west side school buildings there is a building on 
 Walnut Street used for educational purposes, and 
 a colored school of two rooms. These are also 
 well equipped and provided with a splendid corps 
 of teachers. 
 
 The following is a list of teachers employed dur- 
 ing 1893-94: Superintendent, A. O. Reubelt; West 
 Side Princi[)al High School, J. S. Ragsdale; Assis- 
 tant Principal, Mrs. Lou Lightfoot; Grammar 
 Grade, Delia C'h.ase; Sixth Year, Etta Hamilton; 
 Fifth Year, Anna Clendenin; Fourth Y'ear, Ida 
 Jennison; Third Y'ear, Adda Bain; Second Y'ear, 
 Nora Smith; First and Second Year, Minnie Barber; 
 First Primary, Mattie Stocks. East Side: Principal, 
 W. J. Thompson; Sixth Year, Minnie Eakin; Fifth 
 Year, Joseiihine Huthraacher; Fourth Year, Ida 
 Gilbert; Third Year, May Worlhen; Second Y'ear, 
 Bertha Dowd; First Primary, Lizzie Murph}'; Sup- 
 ply Teacher, Mrs. J. M. Biyan. Principal Colored 
 School, J. E. Patterson; Second Primary, Ella 
 Cruse; Second Primary, .lennie Roberts, First Pri- 
 mary, Maude Webb; Assistant in Colored School, 
 .Jennie Bates. 
 
 ELART HECK, proprietor of the Heck 
 Hotel and the Ruma Creamery, is a native 
 of Germany, having been born in Prussia 
 in 1843. He is a son of Anton and Cath- 
 erine Heck, both of whom died in their native 
 land, Germany. In the family there were five 
 sons and one daughter. Three sons emigrated to 
 the United States, while two sons and a daughter 
 still reside in the Old Country. The subject of this 
 sketch crossed the ocean in his twenty-third 3'ear, 
 after having received a fair education in the 
 schools of German}', and also served an appren- 
 ticeship to the blacksmith's trade there. 
 
 Coming to Randolph County, 111., in 1867, Mr. 
 Heck worked upon his brother's farm for three 
 months, after which lie secured employment in a 
 blacksmith shop at Red Bud, remaining thereabout 
 one j'ear. Later he opened a shop in Evansville, 
 and continued iu that business until 1874, when
 
 840 
 
 PORTRAIT AKD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 
 
 he moved to Ruma and embarked in the same 
 business at this place. A few years afterward he 
 closed his blacksmith shop and engaged in the 
 hotel business and in farming. He was an exten- 
 sive and successful agriculturist, and raised from 
 two thousand to twenty-live hundred bushels of 
 wheat per annum. 
 
 In 1893, Mr. Heck rented his farm, and has since 
 devoted his attention to the hotel business. In 
 1890, he started a new enterprise, the Ruma Cream- 
 er\-, which is now actively superintended bj- his 
 two sons. His first Presidential vote was east for 
 General Grant, but he has since affiliated with the 
 Democratic party; however, he votes for principle 
 rather than part}', and supports the candidate 
 whom he deems best qualified for office. For six 
 years he has filled the position of .School Director, 
 and has held other local offices of trust. 
 
 In the spring of 1868, Mr. Heck married Miss 
 Mary Heagly, who was born near Centre ville, 111. 
 They are the parents of six living children, namely: 
 Carrie, Lulu, John, Max, Katie and Mary. The 
 religious home of the famil}' is in the Catholic 
 Church. 
 
 W. ADAMS, onner of the roller mills of 
 Tamaroa, stands among the foremost of the 
 ^ business men who have contributed to the 
 financial prosperity of this part of the 
 county. With true public spirit and characteristic 
 liberality he has aided every enterprise that would 
 in any way advance the welfare of the communitj'. 
 He is a native of New York, having been born in 
 Cortland County, in 1830. There he grew to man- 
 hood, and after completing his schooling he em- 
 barked in agricultural pursuits, in which occupa- 
 tion he was engaged prior to his removal west, in 
 1855. In that 3-ear he located in Franklin Coun- 
 t3', this state, and launched out in the general 
 mercantile business. 
 
 Being a true patriot, however, Mr. Adams, in 
 August, 1862, sacrificed personal gain in order to 
 defend the Union, and enlisting in Company B, 
 Eight^'-ninth Illinois Infantry, was sent to join 
 the Army of the Cumberland. With his regiment 
 
 he participated in many of the hard-fought battles 
 of the Rebellion. While befoi'e Chickamauga he 
 was captured b^' the enemy, and for eighteen 
 months was confined in southern prisons, spending 
 six months of that time in the famous Libby 
 Prison. Upon entering the service he had been 
 made Lieutenant of his company, and when mus- 
 tered out at the close of the war he held the rank 
 of Captain. 
 
 When returning to the peaceful -^lursuits of life, 
 our subject came to Tamaroa, in 1866, ami em- 
 barking in the hardware business, continued thus 
 engaged until 1874, when he disposed of his in- 
 terests in that line, and has since devoted his at- 
 tention to the manufacture of flour. His mill is 
 supplied with the most approved machinery, and 
 turns out a fine quality of flour. 
 
 Mr. Adams and his wife, whose maiden name 
 was Sarah Dawsen, are the parents of one son, 
 W. H., who is interested with his father in the 
 milling business. Our subject is an active [loliti- 
 cian, and during elections always votes with the 
 Republican party. lie is prompt and methodical 
 in his business habits, is naturall}' very popular, 
 and has many friends in the community where he 
 has resided for so many years. 
 
 The paternal grandfather of our subject. Pre- 
 served Adams, was a native of Massachusetts, 
 which was also the birthplace of his son, the father 
 of our subject, who also bore the name of Pre- 
 served. The latter, upon attaining mature years, 
 removed to Cortland Countj-, N. Y., when that 
 now wealth}- locality contained but two or three 
 houses. 
 
 B. HALL, land agent for the Illinois Cen- 
 * _ //' tral Railway Company, has been a promi- 
 'Y/m neut factor in the upbuilding of southern 
 Illinois, and is numbered among the leading citi- 
 zens of Du Quoin. He was born in Posey County, 
 Ind., on the 20th of October, 1848. His father, 
 John Hall, was a native of Kentuck}-, and emi- 
 grating northward, became one of the pioneers of 
 Posey County. Bj' occupation he was a farmer. 
 He twice represented his district in the Indiana
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 841 
 
 Legislature, having become a prominent and influ- 
 ential citizen of the community in which he made 
 his home. 
 
 The famil_v is of Welsh origin, and the grand- 
 father of our subject, wiio was a native of Wales, 
 came to this country in early life. The family re- 
 moved to Illinois in 1854, settling in Blairsville, 
 Williamson County, where the father of our sub- 
 ject built the first steam flouring mill in southern 
 Illinois. This he operated in connection with 
 merchandising until 1860, when he settled upon 
 his farm and there remained until 1872. Remov- 
 ing to Franklin County in the latter year, he there 
 married Mrs. Clarissa Blake, who still survives. 
 He passed away in 1876. His first wife, who bore 
 the maiden name of Margaret Harris, died ten 
 years previous to his demise. 
 
 Mr. Hall of this sketch was one of a family of 
 ten children, four sons and six daughters, but he 
 is now the onlj' survivor. He was a lad of six 
 summers at the time of the removal of the family 
 from Indiana to Illinois. His early life was spent 
 at Blairsville, and his education was acquired in 
 the Southern Illinois College, of Carbondale, and 
 in Ewing (111.) College, which he attended in 
 1870-71. When his school life was ended he em- 
 barked in farming on his own account, and fol- 
 lowed tli.at pursuit until 1875. In 1879 he came 
 to Du Quoin, where he engaged in the real-estate 
 business and also dealt in machinery, but the lat- 
 ter pursuit he abandoned in 1890, .as his other en- 
 terprises had grown to such proportions that he 
 was compelled to devote his entire attention to his 
 real-estate interests. 
 
 Mr. Hall was first married in 1876, but his wife 
 died a few months later. On the 8th of March, 
 1882, he wedded Miss Lizzie Emery, and their 
 union has been blessed with two children: Gussie, 
 aged nine, and Bessie, a maiden of seven summers. 
 
 In 1891 Mr. Hall was appointed agent for the 
 Illinois Central Railroad Land Department, and 
 has done more to help build up this portion of 
 southern Illinois than any other one man. He 
 had but small means when he came to Dii Quoin, 
 but by strict attention to business and well di- 
 rected efforts he has acquired a liandsome compe- 
 tence. He is now a stockholder and director in 
 
 the First National Bank, which he helped to or- 
 ganize, and also owns some five hundred acres of 
 valuable land, together with considerable prop- 
 erty in Du Quoin. In politics he is a Prohibitionist, 
 and has served for several terms in the City Coun- 
 cil. He is also a prominent Odd Fellow, and no 
 man in Dn Quoin has more friends or stands higher 
 in the regard of his fellow-townsmen than does 
 W. B. Hall. 
 
 NDREW Mclaughlin. The agricult- 
 .^/L-i| ural districts of southern Illinois are the 
 ti homes of scores of worth3' men whose 
 lives have been spent in such a manner as 
 to win the respect of those with whom they asso- 
 ciate, while their well directed efforts have re- 
 sulted in securing comfortable homes and valuable 
 possessions. While but a young man, the subject 
 of this sketch h.as already proved that he possesses 
 an abundance of energy, perseverance and indus- 
 try-, and has materially aided his father in the 
 management of the home farm. 
 
 Elsewhere in this volume will be found the bio- 
 graphical sketch of James McLaughlin, father of 
 our subject, and one of the prominent residents of 
 Jackson County, residing in Levan Township. As 
 the name indicates, the family is of Scotch origin, 
 and its members for generations have been dis- 
 tinguished for thrift and enterprise. The subject 
 of this sketch was born in Vermont in 1868, and 
 was only two j'ears of age when he was brought by 
 his parents to Missouri. He grew to manhood on 
 his father's farm near St. Louis, and after complet- 
 ing his literary studies in the State College of 
 Vermont and the Business College, engaged for 
 a time in teacliing school. His natural vocation, 
 however, that for which he w.as best adapted and in 
 which he took the deepest interest, was tliat of ag- 
 riculture, and discontinuing the profession of a 
 teacher, he has since engaged in farming. 
 
 In 1890 occurred the marriage of Andrew Mc- 
 Laughlin and Miss Julia Epeck. The latter is the 
 daughter of John Epeck, a well known pioneer of 
 Randolph Count}'; she is a lady of kind disposi- 
 tion and noble character .and is devoted to the
 
 842 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 welfare of her husband and their only child, Anna 
 Julia, who was born in 1892. With his father 
 and family our subject removed from Randolph 
 to Jackson County in the spring of 1894 and has 
 since made his home in Levan Township. In 
 political matters he favors the Republican party, 
 but is not a politician, llis intelligence, enterpris- 
 ing nature and honorable dealings have given him 
 an excellent standing in business circles. 
 
 R. VALENTINE S. BENSON, a promi- 
 nent citizen at present of Randolph Coun- 
 ty, and Superintendent of the Illinois Asy- 
 lum for Insane Criminals at Chester, was 
 born in Gallatin County, 111., May 22, 1834. His 
 father, Charles R., and mother, Mary (Riggin) Ben- 
 son, were natives respectively of A'irginia and 
 Tennessee. His grandparents, Babel and Nellie 
 (Soward) Benson, resided in Greenbrier County 
 Va., where Chailes R., the Doctor's fatlier, was 
 born September 28, 1793. His mother, Mary (Rig- 
 gin) Benson, was born in Knox County, Tenn., 
 June 23, 1796, and was the daughter of James 
 Riggin, a Methodist minister. They were married 
 in Knox County, Tenn., April 5, 1821, and immi- 
 grated the following fall to Logan County', K3'., 
 where they resided until 1828. They then came to 
 Sangamon County (then St. Clair), 111., and in 
 1830 removed to Gallatin County, this state, where 
 he entered a fine body of land from tiie Govern- 
 ment. He im[)roved a valuable farm and resided 
 there until Ids death, October 16, 1847, while on a 
 visit in Missouri. The mother died December 26, 
 1838. The father served in the War of 1812, and 
 was in several hard-fought battles, that of the Horse 
 Shoe Bend being one of them. The Doctor is 
 the youngest of five brothers 3'et living, and with 
 the exception of one, who makes his home in Ore- 
 gon, all are residents of Illinois. Eleven j'ears ago 
 they met together in a family reunion. 
 
 We now take up the personal history of Dr. 
 Benson, who attended the common schools of Gal- 
 latin County in his childhood and early youth, 
 and worked upon the home farm until fourteen 
 years of age. Wlien sixteen years of age he en- 
 
 tered a school in Jacksonville, 111., there pursuing 
 his studies for four months. On the expiration of 
 that period he farmed one year in Gallatin Coun- 
 ty on his own account, and then began merchan- 
 dising in Raleigh, Saline County, where he contin- 
 ued two years. 
 
 Wishing to make the practice of medicine his 
 life work, our subject then entered upon its study 
 under Dr. V. Rathbone, of Raleigh, who is now 
 living in Harrisburg, 111. With that gentleman 
 he read for two years and attended a course of 
 lectures in the St. Louis Medical College. In the 
 following year, 1856, he located in Hamilton 
 County, 111., but after a year removed to Benton, 
 Franklin County, where he engaged in the prac- 
 tice of his chosen profession for six years. In 
 1869-70 he attended the Kentucky School of 
 Medicine at Louisville, Ky., and -was graduated 
 from that institution. At that time he was a res- 
 ident of jMcLeansboro, Hamilton County, 111., 
 where he had re-located in 1863, and where he 
 \ continued the practice of medicine until 1880. He 
 then retired from an active practice of his profes- 
 sion, but still continued a select practice and his 
 residence in JMcLeansboro, where he followed the 
 drug business, farming and stock-raising until 
 1885. 
 
 In 1855 Dr. Benson married Mary E., daughter 
 of Dr. L. Ratlibone, of McLeansboro. Of this mar- 
 riage were born a son and daughter. The former. 
 Dr. John G. Benson, is a prominent physician and 
 druggist of McLeansboro. The daughter is the 
 accomplished wife of Hon. James R. Campbell, 
 who is a member of the Illinois Senate. In Feb- 
 ruary, 1864, Mrs. Benson died. The Doctor was 
 married in January, 1867, to his present wife, 
 Judith A. Parrish, nee Wilbauks. The lady is a 
 member of the Metliodist Episcopal Church. 
 
 In 1885 Dr. Benson received an appointment as 
 agency physician to the Sioux Indians at Ft. Peck, 
 Camp Poplar River, Mont. He served in this po- 
 sition one year and then returned to his home in 
 McLeansboro, where he engaged in the drug busi- 
 ness in connection with farming and special prac- 
 tice in his profession until February 1, 1893. In 
 his political views the Doctor is a Democrat and 
 represented Hamilton and Wayne Counties in the
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 843 
 
 State Legislature in 1865-66. In 1876 he was 
 elected in the Nineteenth Congressional District a 
 member of the State Board of Equalization, which 
 oflice he held for four j*eai-s, and was Chairman of 
 the Committee on Personal Property. In 1881 he 
 was appointed on the United States Board of Pen- 
 sion Examiners. This was under President Ar- 
 thur's administration, and he held the office until 
 1885, when he resigned to accept the Indian 
 Agency. In January, 1893, be was appointed 
 Superintendent of the Criminal Insane Asylum of 
 Chester, which position he still holds. His able 
 management of the institution has won him high 
 commendation. His entire official career has been 
 an honorable one and has brought him into just 
 prominence throughout the state, while his fidelity 
 to duty has won him high regard. 
 
 John, who married Lizzie Breel; David, who is 
 
 engaged in business in Chester; Henry, Mary, 
 Frank, William, Rudolph and Lizzie, all of whom 
 remain with their parents. The religious home of 
 the family is in the Catholic Church. In politics, 
 Mr. Hamm always votes the Democratic ticket, 
 but has never been solicitous for public offices, pre- 
 ferring to give his undivided attention to the 
 work of conducting his farm. 
 
 ILLIAM SCHWARTZ, one of the earliest 
 pioneers of Illinois, was born in Jackson 
 
 <X:' ri"M"i"i"}-»»-»»-» jp -i"i-M"»»-i"»-H-f» :?0 
 
 7 RANK HAMM, one of Randolph Countj-'s 
 well known citizens, and a farmer of town- 
 ship 7, range 7, was born in Hanover, Ger- 
 many, in February, 1826. He is a son of Kasper 
 and Mary (Topp) Hamm. who resided in the Old 
 Countr3' until the death of Kasper, after which the 
 widowed mother with our subject came to Amer- 
 ica in 1854. The latter attended the schools of 
 German}" until fourteen and one-half j-ears of age, 
 when his studies were discontinued. He embarked 
 in farming, and followed that occupation in the 
 land of his birth prior to his emigration to the 
 United States. 
 
 Upon coming to this country, 'Sir. Hamm at 
 once settled near Chester, 111., where he still makes 
 his home. During the period of thirt\'-nine years 
 that have passed since settling here, he has im- 
 proved the property until it is now one of the 
 finest farms in the township. Being a man of en- 
 ergetic disposition, shrewdness and keen discrim- 
 ination, he has made a success of his chosen call- 
 ing, and is deservedl}' numbered among the repre- 
 sentative agriculturists of this section. 
 
 In 1863 occurred the marriage of Mr. Hamm to 
 Miss Elizabeth Gausman, whose parents were Prus- 
 sians by birth. Eleven children were born of this 
 marriage, of whom the following are still living: 
 
 w 
 
 \y ^ County in 1826. Long before this period 
 his parents and grandparents, who came from 
 Pennsylvania and Kentucky, settled on the un- 
 broken prairies with no other capital than perse- 
 verance, rugged honesty and untiring industry. 
 To them the subject of this sketch owes much of 
 his prosperity. Quite early in life he impressed 
 his individuality upon the people as a shrewd 
 public man of aflfairs, as well .as a farmer of un- 
 usual force and intelligence. As a member of the 
 Lower Legislature he was respected for his opin- 
 ions and advanced views upon questions affecting 
 the people of his district. So great was the confi- 
 dence reposed in him by those who knew him as a 
 neighbor and friend, that many local offices were 
 filled by him, and in these he served with the 
 I same fidelity that marked his course in every pur- 
 suit of life. In politics he was a Republican. In 
 the faith of the Christian Church, of which he was 
 long a member, he passed away September 22, 
 1871. 
 
 The ladv who in 1851 became the wife of Mr. 
 Schwartz bore the maiden name of Sarah Kimmel, 
 and was a daughter of Henry Kimmel, who was 
 numbered among the earliest settlers of Jackson 
 County, having come here from Pennsylvania. 
 Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Schwartz, 
 of whom three are living, George S., W. A. and 
 Ellen. W. A. is a well known attorney residing 
 in Carbondale; Ellen married J. D. Hays, a promi- 
 nent citizen of Elkville; and George S., wlio was 
 born in 1864, resides on the old homestead situated 
 on section 20, Elk Township. His education was
 
 844 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 received in tlie State Normal University, and he 
 is an intelligent, well informed man. In 1884 he 
 marrie(i Jliss Laura, daughter of Capt. Simeon 
 W.alker, of Carbondale, and they are the parents 
 of two children: George S., Jr., who was born in 
 1886; and Irene, whose birth occurred in 1893. 
 
 VI^EV. CHARLES KLOCKE, rector of the 
 |i*fr' Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church at 
 /Ai\V DuQuoin, was born in the parish of Ma- 
 ^^rienmunster, diocese of Paderborn, West- 
 phalia, Germany, April 15, 1841. His fatiier, 
 John Klocke, was one of the very wealthy farmers 
 of that locality, and his house was one of the fin- 
 est in all Westphalia. Sturdy oaks spread their 
 branches over the beautiful residence, and the 
 scenery was of that grandeur that must be seen to 
 be appreciated. The owner of this fine estate was 
 no ordinary man, but a high-minded, cultured, 
 liberal-hearted gentleman. His generosity to the 
 poor and oppressed gave him the name of "the 
 father of the poor," by which he was known far 
 and near. In fact, his large foitune and the 
 profits of his estate were devoted to the needs of 
 the destitute. No worthy hand was ever stretclied 
 out to him that was taken away empty. 
 
 The demise of this pliilanliiropist, which oc- 
 curred at tiie age of fifty-six years, was the first 
 death in a large family for fort3-two years, and 
 when he passed away he was mourned by none 
 more than by the poor whom he had befriended. 
 The mother of our subject, whose maiden name 
 was Catherine Bupe, was a kind, good woman; 
 she died some ten years after the death of her 
 husband. Father Klocke was the seventh son 
 and the youngest child of ten children, and is the 
 onl}' one of the number who left German^'. Tlie 
 others, remaining in their native land, were prin- 
 cipally farmers, and were very successful. 
 
 Father Klocke spent his boyhood days on his 
 father's estate, surrounded by all the comforts 
 wealth can bring. While attending the parochial 
 schools, and while meditating under the shadows 
 
 of the wide-spreading oaks, endeavoring to de- 
 cide in his own mind what he would choose for 
 his life work, he doubtless thought of the many 
 advantages he would have if he adopted business 
 pursuits or one of the professions. Therefore it 
 may seem strange that of all the occupations pre- 
 senting themselves to his attention he should se- 
 lect the priesthood, with its attending hardships 
 and cares. But even in boyhood the predomi- 
 nant question with him was, "What can I do for 
 the greatest good of my fellow-men?" His de- 
 cision was that his life work should be in the 
 church. 
 
 Attending the parochial schools until the age 
 of fourteen years. Father Klocke then studied 
 with the parish priest, and when sevetiteen 3'ears 
 of age he entered the gymnasium of Paderborn, 
 one of liie most noted institutions of learning in 
 that section of the country, and situated about 
 thirty miles from his home. He passed a most 
 thorough examination for the fifth class, which 
 was far in advance of his age, but the authorities, 
 deciding that it would be a bad precedent to ad- 
 vance him even though he was qualified, put him 
 back in the fourth class. After four months he 
 found that he could not advance rapidly enough 
 to suit himself, and acting upon the advice of 
 some of the old professors, he decided to present 
 himself at the gymnasium at Beelan for examina- 
 tion in the sixth class, which was still further in 
 advance of his age. First, however, he spent one 
 month in the fifth class and passed to the sixth. 
 
 Some jealousy existed among the other stu- 
 dents, as well as among a number of the professors 
 in the gymnasium at Paderborn, on account of our 
 subject having left the latter place. It was also 
 against the rules of the different schools that a 
 student should be admitted to one from another. 
 But a more serious trouble was to confront him, 
 for charges were preferred against him for leaving 
 the other institution without paying his tuition. 
 If this were proved true he would be expelled and 
 could never become a priest. He was summoned 
 before the faculty and confronted with the charges. 
 Though lie protested his innocence, his word would 
 not be taken as against the professors of the leading 
 educational institution in the land. He was told
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 845 
 
 that he must prove beyond a question of doubt 
 that he had paid it. He remembered having taken 
 a receipt for the amount when paid, but had he 
 kept it? This was his only hope, and lie stated it 
 to the faculty. They told him to produce the re- 
 ceipt and that quickly, or he would be discharged 
 in disgrace. Hastening to his room, to his great 
 joy be found the receipt and in triumph returned 
 and presented it. This was conclusive and re- 
 vealed the fact of a plot against him. 
 
 In that institution Father Klocke continued his 
 studies until 1864. At that time the present 
 Bishop of Belleville, John Janssen, then secretary 
 to the Rt.-Rev. Bishop Junken, of Alton, was in 
 Europe for the purpose of getting missionaries to 
 come over to the American frontiers. Deciding 
 that he could do more good in this country. Fa- 
 ther Klocke, with eight others, crossed the Atlan- 
 tic, after which he spent one year in the study of 
 theology and philology at St. Joseph's, of Teu- 
 topolis. 111., and in September of 1865 entered a 
 seminary in Montreal, Canada, where after three 
 full years of study his education was completed. 
 In 1868 Father Klocke was ordained as a priest 
 and shortly afterward celebrated his first mass in 
 the Church of the Holy Redeemer on Third Street 
 in New York City, after which he was with the 
 Rt.-Rev. Bishop Junken, at Alton, until September 
 26 of the same year. He was then sent to Du 
 Quoin to take charge of the little church at this 
 place and the missions in this section, including all 
 of the territory on the Illinois Central Railroad 
 from Cairo to Eflingham. Though the field was 
 large, there were within its limits at that time but 
 seventy-eight families. The church at Du Quoin 
 was a poor affair and did not even have a roof 
 over it. Southern Illinois was not well settled or 
 developed in those early days and Father Klocke 
 endured many hardships in making the rounds of 
 the various missions. Often he was called to the 
 bedside of the sick in the middle of the night, 
 frequently traveling for miles in a lumber wagon 
 in tlie midst of a drenching rain. 
 
 During the quarter of a century that Father 
 Klocke has been in the field, the work has grown, 
 so that the territory once under his sole supervi- 
 sion now has twelve priests and thousands of fam- 
 
 ilies. Much of this is due to bis indefatigable 
 energy and perseverance. The church at Du Quoin 
 was twice destroyed b}' storms. The foundation 
 for the present fine structure was laid July 1, 
 1889, by the Rt.-Rev. Bishop Janssen, of Belle- 
 ville, in tlie presence of more than twenty priests. 
 The new edifice was built at a cost of $24,000 and 
 is called the "Gem of Southern Illinois," being 
 one of the finest structures in this part of the state. 
 The school and other property cost $12,000. The 
 church was dedicated November 5, 1890. Tiie 
 school was finished in October, 1892, and dedi- 
 cated December 5 of that year. 
 
 The twenty-fifth anniversary of Father Klocke 's 
 ministerial life was celebrated June 21, 1893, not 
 only by Catholics, but also by Protestants as well. 
 The people upon that occasion deemed it a pleas- 
 ure and a privilege to do honor to the man who 
 in his plain, unassuming way has done so much 
 good in their midst. It is the wish of all that the 
 Father ma^' live to celebrate with his people his 
 golden jubilee. 
 
 ^ ^*^. _^ 
 
 f®^'" "'yw^' ^^ 
 
 ^lENJAMIN F. WILL. To this gentleman 
 belonged the distinction of being one of 
 the pioneers of Jackson County, where for 
 many 3'ears he cultivated a fine farm on 
 section 26, Somerset Township. This place con- 
 tinued to be his home until he was called from 
 earth, December 12, 189.3. So successful was he 
 in his undertakings that he became the owner of 
 three hundred and sixty acres of valuable land, 
 and also gave to his childi-en four hundred and 
 twentj^ acres. The farm is surrounded and divided 
 into fields by good fencing, while granaries, barns 
 and other requisites of a modern estate are to be 
 found conveniently located. 
 
 In Somerset County, Pa., the subject of this 
 sketch was born Juh' 19, 1824, being the .son of 
 Peter and Mary (Gebhart) Will, natives of Penn- 
 sjivania. He was of German descent, his paternal 
 great-grandfather having been a native of that 
 count!'}'. In 1836, accompanying his parents, he
 
 846 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 came west to Illinois, and for a few months so- 
 journed in Sangamon County, near the present 
 site of Springfield. The removal from their east- 
 ern home was made with a two-horse carriage 
 and a wagon drawn by four horses, and not only 
 were all the household effects thus conveyed, but 
 also the fatlier, mother and nine children. The3' 
 were some four weeks en route to the new home, 
 and meantime camped at niglit wherever the 
 darkness overtook them. 
 
 In the fall of 1836 the family came to Jackson 
 County and settled in Somerset Township, where 
 the parents resided until their death. Of their 
 children four survive, viz.: John, who lives in 
 Ava, 111.; Daniel, whose home is in Campbell Hill, 
 111.; Mrs. Margaret Wheeler, a widow, living in 
 Somerset Township; and George G., who also re- 
 sides in Somerset Township. Our subject was 
 reared to manhood principall}' in Jackson County, 
 where from youth he was familiar with the scenes 
 of pioneer life. His first home after coming to j 
 Somerset Township was a loa; cabin, which, with I 
 its puncheon floor and clapboard roof, presented I 
 a tjpical picture of frontier existence. 
 
 All the hardships incident to life in a new and 
 undeveloped country Mr. Will experienced in his 
 }Outh,and much of his time was devoted to clear- 
 ing land, of which he improved about three hun- 
 dred acres. However, he did not devote his at- 
 tention exclusively to farming, but in addition 
 thereto he and a brother, Alexander (now deceased), 
 operated a sawmill for twenty years, meeting with 
 considerable success iu that undertaking. He 
 was a man of extended information upon topics 
 of general and local interest, but his knowledge 
 was gained by self-culture, his educational advan- 
 tages having been the most limited. In childhood 
 he was a pupil in the neighboring schoolhouse, 
 which was built of logs and furnished with slab 
 seats resting on wooden pins. 
 
 August 26, 1847, Mr. Will was united in mar- 
 riage with Miss Susan A., daughter of Henry 
 Whipkey, one of the pioneei-s of Jackson County, 
 having settled here some time during the '40s. 
 Mrs. Will was born in Somerset County-, Pa., and 
 by her union with our subject became the mother 
 of the following named children: Rollin D., who , 
 
 lives in Ava Township, Jackson County; Freeman, 
 also a resident of this count)-; Corda, wife of H. 
 Gill, living in Somerset Township; George, also 
 of this township; Irvin, who lives in Murphysboro, 
 111.; Ollie, wife of Frank Freedline, of De Soto 
 Township; Emma, who married Philip Fager, and 
 lives in Murphysboro, 111.; Jane, who is the wife of 
 J. Childers, of Jackson County; Nora, the wife of 
 Joseph Schrader, of Murphysboro; Birdie, now 
 Mrs. James Red. of De Soto Township; Julia, living 
 with her mother; and Catherine, deceased. 
 
 In his political sentiments Mr. Will was a Re- 
 publican, and voted at the first election ever held 
 in Somerset Township. While he was frequently 
 solicited to accept offices of trust, he invariably 
 refused, preferring the quietude of home life to the 
 excitement of public affairs. In his religious be- 
 lief he was a Lutheran, and at the time of his 
 death was serving as Trustee of the church prop- 
 erty. His father, in coinpan\- with Philip Kimmel 
 and a few other pioneers, built the first church 
 edifice of that denomination in the countj'. 
 Throughout his entire life it was his aim to pro- 
 mote the well-being of his fellow-citizens and aid 
 in the development of the county's resources, and 
 his labors in behalf of his community entitle him 
 to prominent rank among its honored pioneers. 
 
 eM. THORNTON, M. D., of Osage City, 
 , Franklin County, ranks high in the medi- 
 , cal profession, and has an extensive prac- 
 tice in Franklin, Perry, Randolph and Jackson 
 Counties. He was born in Greene County, Ala., 
 in 1850, and is a son of Luke and Nanc}' Thorn- 
 ton, who were cotton planters in comfortable cir- 
 cumstances. The Doctor is the eldest of six chil- 
 dren, the others being Webster, Hezekiah, James 
 A., Samuel and MaiT. When a mere lad, he ac- 
 companied his parents to Mississippi, and in his 
 youth attended Baldwin's Academy in that state, 
 also an academy in Alabama. 
 
 At the age of twenty our subject settled in De 
 Soto, Jackson Country, 111., and began the stud}' of 
 medicine iu Murphysboro. He was unasually dili- 
 gent in his studies, and derived much benefit from
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 847 
 
 attending the lecture courses at St. Louis, Mo., and 
 Louisville, Ky. In 1876 lie was graduated from 
 the Louisville Medical College, and at once com- 
 menced the practice of liis profession. About the 
 same time he was united in marriage with Miss 
 Addie, daughter of .Tames Osborn, one of Jackson 
 County's earliest settlers and most respected citi- 
 zens. The Osborn family is of Virginian descent. 
 The Doctor and his wife are the parents of six 
 children, of whom five are living, namely: Nina, 
 Edna, Nellie, Blanche and Gold.a. Zona died in 
 infancy. 
 
 -f^ 
 
 =-f 
 
 OIIN IIEINBOKEL. A compendium of 
 biographies of representative citizens of 
 .Jackson Connty would be incomplete did 
 ^^ it fail to contain that of Mr. Ileinbokel. 
 As a loyal and gallant soldier during the dark 
 days of the Civil War, as a reliable and progress- 
 ive citizen, and as an energetic agriculturist, he 
 claims the respect of his fellow-men. The valu- 
 able farm which he owns and operates is located 
 on section 4, Degognia Township, and from its 
 fertile soil he annually reaps bountiful harvests 
 of grain. 
 
 Born in the province of Hanover, Germany, 
 October 8, 1834, the subject of this sketch was 
 orphaned by the death of his mother, Elizabeth, 
 when he was about nine days old. Leaving the 
 child with his grandfather Krieg, the father, .John 
 Ileinbokel, crossed over to England soon after the 
 death of his wife, and there he secured a position 
 as foreman in a sugar house. There lie also mar- 
 ried again, becoming the father of two daughters 
 by his second union. John never saw his father 
 nor liis mother, and for a number of years has not 
 heard of the former, whom he supposes to be dead. 
 
 Until Ills fifteenth year our subject remained in 
 the Old Country, and attended the parochial school 
 until liis confirmation on Easter Sunday of the 
 year 1849. In the fall of the same year lie was 
 sent to his uncle, Peter Ivrieg, in St. Louis, Mo., 
 who was employed in a sugar refinery. There the 
 lad expected to make his home, but the deatli of 
 his uncle that winter threw him on his own re- 
 
 sources — an orphan, friendless and almost penni- 
 less. Soon, however, he secured a position in a 
 brickyard, where he gave such good satisfsiction 
 that he was retained in that occupation for ten or 
 eleven years. 
 
 May 19, 1859, Mr. Ileinbokel married Mary, 
 daughter of Henry and Mary Strackeljahn, all of 
 whom were natives of Prussia. Mrs. Ileinbokel 
 was born February 28, 1840, and was orphaned by 
 her mother's death when she was a child of seven; 
 her father died when she was seventeen. She was 
 the fourth in order of birth in the family, which 
 consisted of four sons and one daughter. By her 
 marriage she has become the mother of thirteen 
 children, eleven of whom survive: Caroline H., 
 wife of H. H. Bunselineyer, whose sketch appears 
 elsewhere in this volume; Henry A.; Herman F. 
 and Annie M. (twins), the latter being the wife 
 of William Luchow, a farmer living near Name- 
 oki, III.; Minnie D., who married Otto Iloinann, 
 a farmer living near Wagner's J^anding; John 
 A., Mary S., Kate E., Emma M., Elizabeth A. and 
 William H. J. 
 
 In the spring of 18C1, when the war broke out, 
 Mr. Heinbokel enlisted in Company F, Fifth Regi- 
 ment Home Guards of St. Louis, and served for 
 three months, during which time thej' operated 
 along the Missouri River. They reached Boone- 
 ville the day Lyons evacuated the place. Leav- 
 ing two companies to hold the town, the remainder 
 of the regiment moved on to Lexington, where 
 they staid for six weeks. On the expiration of 
 their term of service, the troops returned to St. 
 Louis and were discharged. On the return trip, 
 the steamer "White Cloud" was attacked by guer- 
 rillas at Glasgow City. At almost the first volley 
 Mr. Heinbokel was wounded in the leg and car- 
 ried into the cabin. Three times that day the 
 same band made an attack on the boat from be- 
 hind trees on the bluffs, riding across the bends of 
 the river and secreting themselves before the boat 
 could pass. 
 
 After some six weeks' loss of time on account 
 of his wound, Mr. Heinbokel crossed over into 
 Illinois and worked in the potato harvest for his 
 brother-in-law, Henry, who was farming near 
 Nameoki. During the winter he was employed in
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 a slaughter house in St. Louis, and m the spring 
 of the following year rented land near Nameoki, 
 this state, and began the life of a farmer, in which 
 occupation he is still engaged. Renting land near 
 his own holding, he carries ou an extensive farm. 
 Wheat, corn and potatoes are his staple crops. Of 
 his original purchase of one hundred and forty- 
 five acres, over eiglity-tive have gone into the 
 river. 
 
 In religious connections, Mr. Heinbokel and his 
 entire family are members of the Evangelical 
 Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Republican, 
 and these hard times serve to strengthen his party 
 faith. When in Madison County he served for 
 eight years as School Director, and in his present 
 home he has served in the same capacity for a 
 number of years. When we consider the fact that 
 he was reared an orphan and was early obliged to 
 make his own way in the world; when we con- 
 sider also that he came to this country without 
 means, a mere lad, we cannot fail to believe that 
 he deserves great credit for gaining his well 
 merited success. 
 
 ^^^1 
 
 ■m 
 
 IP-^ 
 
 |Ir^, OBERT EJIERY, an extensive land owner 
 l*V °^ Randolph County, owns and operates a 
 Ji w finely improved farm situated on section 
 \\0 30, township 7, range 5. He was born in 
 Staffordshire, England, August 19, 1830, and is a 
 son of William and Mary A. (Such) Emery, na- 
 tives of the same shire as that in which his birth 
 occurred. In 18-49 the parents, accompanied b}- 
 their seven children, emigrated to the United 
 States, and in September of that year settled in 
 township 7, range 5, Randolph Count}-, where for 
 a number of j-ears he operated as a renter. In 
 1853 the father purchased the farm where our sub- 
 ject now lives. 
 
 Upon the farm which thej- improved and trans- 
 formed into one of the best in the locality, the 
 parents continued to reside until their deaths. 
 Their children were William, John, Robert, Steph- 
 en, Mar}- Ann, Henrj- C. and Alfred. Of these, 
 four are living, namely: William, of Concordia, 
 Kan., who during the late war enlisted as a mem- 
 
 ber of Company E, Thirtieth Illinois Infantry; 
 our subject; Stephen, of Albina, Oregon, and 
 Henry, who resided in Oklahoma for some time, 
 and now lives in California. 
 
 For a short time after coming to this county, 
 Robert remained with his parents. lie then went 
 to Cliester. where he entered the em pi 03- of M. S. 
 McCormack to learn the blacksmitii's trade. A 
 year later Mr. McCormack sold the shop to John 
 Kennedy, with whom our subject remained for six 
 months. Going from there to Opossum Prairie, 
 he finished his apprenticeship with D. Cunning- 
 ham. After assisting his father on the farm for a 
 short time he opened a blacksmith shop in town- 
 ship 7, range 6, where he remained for three vears. 
 Meantime he established a home of his own. In 
 September of the year 1854 he was united in mar- 
 riage w-ith Miss JIary M. Conder, who was born in , 
 Owen Count}-, lud., November 15, 1831, and came 
 to this county in the fall of 1850, in company with 
 her parents, Martin and Catharine (Fiscus) Conder, 
 who were natives respectively of Kentucky and 
 North Carolina. Mrs. Emery was one of nine 
 children, whose names are, John, Mary M., Fred- 
 erick, Solomon, Levi, Elizabeth, Adam, Eliza J. 
 and Elins. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Emery has 
 resulted in the birth of eight children, five of whom 
 are living, viz.: R. N., Clara A., Waller, Ilattie M. 
 and John. With one exception, the children are 
 all married and have families. 
 
 In 1856 Mr. Emery moved to Rockwood, and 
 thence in the year 1871 he came to his present 
 farm in township 7, range 5, where he has since 
 continued to live, with the exception of two years 
 spent in Rockwood. Buying the home farm in the 
 year named, he lias since greatly improved the 
 place, and now lias one of the comfortable homes 
 of the county. He has deeded to iiis son twenty- 
 five acres of his farm of one hundred and fifty-one 
 acres. Here lie and his wife hope to pass their de- 
 clining years, surrounded by the comforts which 
 they have earned by persistent labor and good 
 management. They and their children are mem- 
 bers of the Christian Church, and attend services 
 in the chapel on the home farm. Mr. Emery is a 
 generous contributor to religious enterprises, and 
 donated the ground on which the church stands.
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 849 
 
 Politically he was a Democrat prior to 1860, but 
 since that time has bpen a supporter of Republican 
 principles. lie and his family are numbered among 
 the best people of the county, where they have so 
 long made their home, and they have gained a 
 warm place in tlie hearts of their fellow-citizens. 
 
 G: 
 
 L-7- 
 
 
 :£) 
 
 ^ 
 
 NDREW KP:IMAN. The farmers of Jack- 
 (@/4ji son County are as a class men of business 
 (a integrity, industrious liabits and excellent 
 (^' moral character, and even a brief outline 
 
 of their lives is worth}' of the consideration of all 
 who appreciate true worth. One who has been 
 identified witli the agricultural interests of Levan 
 Township for many 3'cars, and who is known as 
 one of the most energetic farmers of the commu- 
 nity, is Andrew Reiman, the owner of a finely im- 
 proved estate. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was born in Somerset 
 County, Pa., November 22, 1815, and is a son of 
 Charles and Catherine (Ma}') Reiman. Upon the 
 home farm he spent his boyhood years, and at the 
 age of nineteen years commenced to learn the 
 trade of a carpenter, at which he was employed 
 for the ensuing thirteen years. When twenty-two 
 years of age, in 1837, he was united in marriage 
 with Miss ^Margaret Zeigler, an orphan, who was 
 born in Pennsylvania. Though without means, 
 the young couple commenced housekeeping, and 
 although obliged to use the strictest economy in 
 their expenditures, were nevertheless contented, 
 and gradually accumulated a competence. 
 
 For several years after his marriage, Mr. Reiman 
 followed the carpenter's trade, and with his sav- 
 ings, amounting to about -$800, purchased the old 
 Reiman homestead. After two years he disposed of 
 the property and came west, sojourning for a short 
 time in various places, and finally landing in 
 Murphysboro with four children and a capital of 
 fifty cents, which with his accustomed generosity 
 he loaned to a stranger. He obtained employment 
 at log chopping and boarded among the neighbor- 
 ing families, of whom there were very few. Some 
 of the first structures in Murphysboro were built 
 
 by him, and he did considerable pioneer work in 
 this section of the state. 
 
 Abandoning the trade of a carpenter in 1861, 
 Mr. Reiman has since engaged in farming, and 
 such has been his success that he was at one time 
 the owner of two thousand acres. As each of his 
 eight sons attained the age of twenty-one, he was 
 given two hundred and sixty acres with which to 
 commence agricultural pursuits, and as payment 
 for his services during boyhood. His children are 
 named, John, William, Catherine, Mary, Joseph, 
 George, Harriet, Thomas, Charles, P^dwin, Andrew 
 and Pollen. Catherine and Charles are deceased; 
 the others are prosperous and useful citizens, 
 prominent in their several communities, and widely 
 known as energetic farmers. After a happy mar- 
 ried life extending over a period of fifty-two years 
 and eighteen days, Mr. Reiman was bereaved by 
 the death of his faithful wife, September 20, 1889. 
 
 While not an active partisan, our subject al- 
 ways casts his ballot for the principles of Democ- 
 racy, and has been tl\^ incumbent of various town- 
 ship offices. His life has been one of industry, 
 and in former years it was his frequent habit to 
 toil all day at carpentering, then returning home 
 at dark, spend the evening in making furniture or 
 constructing various useful articles for the house. 
 He sold his Murphysboro property in 1862, and 
 afterward made a number of purchases, until he 
 was one of the most extensive land owners in the 
 county. In all his enterprises, he has been guided 
 by judgment and excellent executive ability, and 
 what he has and what he is to-day are attributable 
 to the possession of the qualities of honesty, perse- 
 verance and energy. 
 
 <jf^r M. WARD, M. D. The calling of a physi- 
 |pj(g)'i cian is not only one of the most arduous, 
 /1\ but one of the most responsible pursuits in 
 
 which man can engage, and he who attains a high 
 reputation in this profession must necessarily be 
 endowed with physical endurance, keen intelli- 
 gence and excellent judgment. The subject of 
 this sketch is one whose extensive practice and 
 high standing in professional circles prove con-
 
 850 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 clusivel3' his mental and physical endowments and 
 his painstaking efforts to continually add to his 
 knowledge and skill. 
 
 Dr. Ward is a native of this state, having been 
 born in Jefferson County, in which place his par- 
 ents located in an earl3' day. The father bore the 
 name of Daniel Ward and was a native of Vir- 
 ginia. He was a farmer by occupation, and at the 
 time of his entering the Union army, in 1863, was 
 conducting a valuable estate. His decease occurred 
 while on the march between Duval's Bluff and 
 Pine Bluff, Ark., in 1864. He was the father of 
 nine children, all of whom grew to manhood and 
 womanhood. 
 
 The father of Mrs. Ward, Isaiah Youngblood, 
 came to Illinois from Alabama in an early day. 
 The paternal grandfather of our subject, Lloyd 
 Ward, hailed from Ireland, and after coming to 
 the United -States was married and here spent the 
 rest of his life. 
 
 The subject of this sketch grew to mature years 
 on his father's farm in Jefferson County and pros- 
 ecuted his early studies in the common schools 
 near his home. Later he attended the Southern 
 Illinois Normal at Carbondale, and when a j'oung 
 man of nineteen engaged in teaching school, and 
 in this way earned the money which enabled him 
 to carr}' out his long cherished plan of becoming a 
 ph3'sician. When circumstances permitted him to 
 prosecute his medical studies, 3'oung Ward entered 
 the Missouri jNIedical College at St. Louis, from 
 which institution he was graduated in March, 1879. 
 Immediately on receiving his diploma Dr. Ward 
 came to Tamaroa, and since that time he has been 
 engaged in the practice of his profession in Frank- 
 lin, Washington, Jefferson and Perry Counties. 
 
 The year prior to his graduation Dr. Ward was 
 married to Miss Addie, daughter of Thomas A. 
 Lovelady, a native of Tennessee. Mrs. Ward at 
 the time of her marriage was residing in this 
 count}', and by her union with our subject has be- 
 come the mother of four children, Parlej- G., Ma- 
 rian Katie, Velma, who is deceased, and Leland. 
 
 As has already been stated, the Doctor has built 
 up an extensive practice in this and surrounding 
 counties, and as a private citizen is highl}' es- 
 teemed for his public spirit and interest in all that 
 
 is beneBcial to the members of the community and 
 the county at large. While attending medical 
 lectures he sat side b}' side with Dr. Cronin,of Chi- 
 cago fame. 
 
 Dr. Ward, of this sketch, was Pension Kxaminer 
 of Perry County under President Harrison, and as 
 might be expected is a stanch Republican. With 
 his wife he is a devoted member of the Presby- 
 terian Church, and sociall}' is prominently con- 
 nected with the Masonic fraternity. 
 
 ^^ll'UGU&T W. F. WILDE, teacher of St. 
 ^aM Paul's Parochial School of Wine Hill, is a 
 
 (/ ii native of Freistadt, Wis., to wliich place 
 his parents had emigrated in 18.39 or 1840 
 from the province of Pommen, Prussia. He was 
 the second in order of birth of tiie famil}' of ten 
 children, eight of whom survive. Until fourteen 
 3'eais of age he attended the parochial school at 
 Freistadt, which was under the supervision of 
 three different teachers. When nineteen he en- 
 tered the business college at Milwaukee, where he 
 remained about five months, and in March of 1866 
 entered the Church College, at Addison, Dii Page 
 County, III., graduating from that institution in 
 1867. 
 
 In July of that year Mr. Wilde began his career 
 as a teacher, in which profession he has continued 
 ever since. Accepting a position at Warsaw, 111., 
 he remained in that city until 1879, when he was 
 called to his present position. His long service in 
 each place speaks well for his attainments and ex- 
 ecutive ability. As an instructor he is conscien- 
 tious, painstaking and thorough, and succeeds not 
 onlj' in advancing the bright pupils rapidly in 
 their studies, but also in creating in the minds of 
 the thoughtless and the dull a desire for the ac- 
 quisition of knowledge. 
 
 July 26, 1868, Mr. Wilde was united in mar- 
 riage with Miss Therese A., daughter of Fred and 
 Ernestine (Schenzel) Schlenter, natives of Schwes- 
 sow, Prussia. Tiie father died when Therese was 
 but three months old, and the mother passed away 
 five 3'ears later. Thus carl}- orphaned, she was 
 reared in the home of her mother's sisters. To
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 851 
 
 Mr. Wilde and his wife were born six children, 
 five of whom survive. Their names are, Edward 
 G. C, George H., Albert G., Emil H. W. and Chris- 
 tina. One child died in early infancy, before re- 
 ceiving baptism and a name. 
 
 Mr. Wildeaud his entire family are members of St. 
 Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church at AVine Hill, 
 in winch they labor earnestly for the advancement 
 of the church and the moral and intellectual wel- 
 fare of the entire comiDunit}-. Thev are loved and 
 respected by their neighbors for their kindly traits 
 and pleasing, hospitable manner. During war 
 times Mr. Wilde was a member of the Republican 
 party, but at present atliliates with tliose of Demo- 
 cratic faith. 
 
 \|'UDGE G. W. ANDREWS, United States 
 Inspector of Government Land Offices. and 
 y=^ a highly repected citizen of Murphysboro, 
 ^^f/ was born in Daj'ton, Ohio, February 22, 
 1842. His grandfather, Hugh Andrews, was born 
 in Pennsylvania and was a land speculator. In 
 1810 he went to Ohio with his family- and became 
 the owner of several thousand acres of land. He 
 served in the War of 1812 as Lieutenant. Sam- 
 uel A. Andrews, the father of our subject, was 
 born in Dauphin County, Pa., in 1801, and was 
 reared and educated in a log schoolhouse. He 
 owned a farm of three hundred and forty acres 
 in Montgomery County, Ohio, one of the finest 
 in the community, whicli he operated until his 
 death, in 1889. In politics he was a Democrat, 
 and from eighteen years of age until iiis death he 
 was an Elder in the Presbyterian Church. The 
 family is of Scotch-Irish descent. Mrs. Andrews, 
 whose maiden name was Margaret Ramsey, was a 
 native of the Keystone State. She died October 
 19, 1869, at the age of sixty-niue. In the family 
 were eleven children, nine of whom grew to ma- 
 ture j'ears. 
 
 Our subject is the fourth son. He was reared 
 on a farm and educated in the common and high 
 schools and Fairfield Academy and Hayesville 
 (Ohio) College. He taught school for one j-ear, and 
 
 in 1862 entered the University of Michigan. The 
 following year he entered the law department of 
 that school, from which he was graduated in 
 March, 186,5, with the degree of LL.B. In April 
 of the same year, he came west to Jonesboro, and 
 in Ma\' came to Murphysboro, opening a law of- 
 fice in connection with U. E. Robinson, but after 
 a year the partnership was dissolved. In 1877 
 he was elected on the Democratic ticket as County 
 ■ludge, which position he filled for five years. In 
 1882 he retired and resumed private practice. In 
 1886 he was appointed Postmaster of this place, 
 but in May, 1889, resigned on account of the 
 change in the administration. He then once more 
 took up the practice of his profession, and in Ma}-, 
 1893, he received the appointment of Inspector 
 of Land Offices of the United States. In Ma}- he 
 reported for duty in Washington, and in June 
 was sent to Oklahoma, and thence to the north- 
 western states. He is one of three who have the 
 general supervision of these offices. 
 
 Judge Andrews was married at Ann Arbor, 
 Mich., December 19, 1867, to Miss Jennie Slocum, 
 who was born in Norwich, N. Y. She is a daugh- 
 ter of Smith E. Slocum, who was a member of 
 the Sixty-second New York Regiment, and died 
 of wounds received in the late Civil AVar. Five 
 children were born to them: .Samuel A., of Green- 
 ville, Miss., an employe of the Mississippi Yalle}' 
 Railroad Company; Ella J., ;Myra M., William H. 
 and Eugene S. 
 
 The Judge is a man of excellent business and 
 executive abilit}-, and has been connected with a 
 number of the leading interests of this place. For 
 a number of years he was engaged in real-estate 
 dealing and built his residence and double store, 
 a three-story brick building. He has been con- 
 nected with the railroad interests of this commu- 
 nity and owns an interest in the Murphysboro 
 Street Railway. He has also a highly improved 
 farm of two hundred and thirty acres. Although 
 his life has been a busy and useful one, he has 
 found time to serve in positions of public trust 
 and has ever been found true and faithful. From 
 1867 until 1877 he was Master in Chancery, for 
 two years was City Attorney, was Alderman for 
 two terms, and served as Mayor from 1882 until
 
 852 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 1884. For ten consecutive j'ears he was Chair- 
 man of the Democratic County Central Commit- 
 tee and was delegate to the National Convention 
 in Chicago in 1892. Socially, he is a Knight 
 Templar Mason, and also belongs to the Odd Fel- 
 lows' society. Mrs. Andrews holds membership 
 with the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 /^jEORGE ANGIIOUSE, a farmer residing on 
 [If ,_-^ section 28, Degognia Township, Jackson 
 '^^ij County, where he owns and operates one 
 iiundred and sixty acres of fine bottom land, was 
 born in Cincinnati about the year 1841 or 1842. 
 His raotlier dying at his birth, and his father when 
 he was onl^- four years old, the record of his birth 
 is forever lost. To liave some day b}' which to 
 count his years, he has chosen November 22 as 
 the anniversar\' of his birth. This is one of the 
 few instances Itnown in which a man has chosen 
 his own birthda}'. 
 
 After the death of his parents, our subject was 
 tatvcn into a family to be reared, but being ill- 
 treated, an uncle, Henry Plump, took compassion 
 on the child and took him into his own family. 
 About the time George was four years old, the 
 family removed to Indiana and settled near Evans- 
 ville, where the uncle died four years later. The 
 orphaned lad continued to reside with the familj' 
 until his nineteenth year, when he started out in 
 life for himself. His schooling was verj' limited, 
 and tiie information he has gained upon topics of 
 current or historical importance has been acquired 
 through self-culture. 
 
 The first work to occupy- tlie mind and energj- 
 of Mr. Anghouse was in a brick yard in Evans- 
 ville, where he was employed during the season 
 of 1860. Spending the following winter at home, 
 the spring found him at work on a farm opposite 
 Henderson, Ky., where he remained until the late 
 autumn. The nest ^-ear he was again employed 
 in the brick jard in which he had previously 
 been at work, and was advanced to a better posi- 
 tion than he had previously held. The following 
 four years were spent in working on the farm 
 upon which he had been foimerly employed, fol- 
 
 lowed by a winter season in a sawmill. The next 
 }'ear he took charge of the engine of the sawmill, 
 in which occupation he continued for the four 
 ensuing years. In the meantime he moved to 
 Jackson County, III., and has at various times 
 since been similarly emplo3'ed. 
 
 February 14, 1871, Mr. Anghouse was united 
 in marriage with Miss .Sarah, daughter of David 
 and Parmelia (Tindal) Rigs, natives respectively 
 of Tennessee and Chester, 111. Mrs. Anghouse 
 was born in Chester November .5, 18.54, and was 
 the fourth in a family of eight children born to 
 her parents. There were also two children born 
 to her father of a former marriage. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Anghouse have had eleven children, four of whom 
 survive: Am^^ E.. Fred, Mary and August. Of 
 those deceased, one died unnamed in infancy. The 
 others were Annabelle, Barbara, George E., John 
 H., Parmelia M. and Emma. 
 
 For a number of years Mr. Anghouse engaged 
 in farming on rented land, but in 1889 he pur- 
 chased his present holding and began to improve 
 it and make a liome for his declining years. His 
 residence is a comfortable two-story frame house, 
 and the neccssarj' barns and outbuildings on his 
 place are conveniently arranged, making in all a 
 fine homestead. In religious belief Mr. Anghouse is 
 a member of the Lutheran Church, his nearest place 
 of worship being Fountain Bluff. It was by a 
 minister of this church that those of his children 
 that have received the ordinance were baptized. 
 In politics he is a Republican and gives that party 
 his earnest support. 
 
 ,EV. CHARLES FREDERICK LIEBE, tlic 
 minister in charge of St. Paul's Evangeli- 
 cal Lutheran Churcli at Wine Hill, is a na- 
 '^^tive of Loessnitz, kingdom of Saxon3', Ger- 
 manj', where he was born September 30, 1842. He 
 is the third in the family of four children born to 
 Charles F. and Emih' (Herman) Liebe, natives of 
 Saxony. His paternal grandfather also bore the 
 name of Charles F., making three generations of 
 the same name. 
 
 Between the j-ears of sis and fourteen the sub-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 853 
 
 ject of this sketch attended the parochial schools 
 of his native city, and at the age of fifteen became 
 a pupil in the technical school at Loessnitz, re- 
 maining four years in that institution. When 
 twenty-one years of age he became a student of 
 the seminary- at Steden, province of Nassau, where 
 he continued for one year. At the expiration of 
 that time he came to America and entered tlie 
 Lutheran Concordia Seminary, on .Jefferson Street, 
 St. Louis, where he completed his studies. In 
 August, 1865, he entered upon his ministerial ca- 
 reer as a missionary preacher, laboring in Missouri, 
 Kansas and Nebraska, all of which country was 
 at that time very new and undeveloped. Many a 
 trip of thirty or forty miles w.as accomplished 
 without seeing a house. 
 
 Novembei 27, 1867, Rev. Mr. Liebe reached the 
 city of New Orleans, where he received his first 
 charge, being sent to the congregation of St. John 's 
 Cburch, on Prieur Street, to whicli he ministered 
 until July 4, 1873. After visiting a few months 
 with relatives of iiis wife in Benton County, Mo., 
 he was assigned to St. Paul's Chuich of Wine Hill, 
 111., arriving here November 7, and being duly in- 
 stalled two days later. In this parish he has con- 
 tinued to the present time. 
 
 The lady who March 8, 1868, became the wife 
 of Rev. Mr. Liebe, bore the maiden name of Mary 
 Wege, and was born near Lake Creek, Benton 
 Count3% Mo., Januarj- 30, 1847, being the second 
 in order of birth in a family of six children, five of 
 whom survive. Her father, Muritz Wege, was a 
 native of Lauban, Upper Lausitz, Germany. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Liebe were the parents of eleven children, 
 of whom-Marj', Celestina and Paul are deceased. 
 The eight who survive are: Emily A. M., Frieda 
 A. M., Frederick C. T., Martin H. W., Adolph W. 
 A., Agnes D. A. S., Selnia E. C. C- and Paula M. 
 
 In political matters Mr. Liebe usually votes the 
 Democratic ticket, although he is not so partisan 
 as to vote it straight, but gives his support to the 
 most worthy man, irrespective of party ties. In 
 everything that pertains to the spiritual welfare of 
 his flock he is deeply interested. His long pastor- 
 ate, covering a period of more than twenty years, 
 bespeaks the esteem in which he is held by his 
 parishioners at Wine Hill. The home, presided 
 34 
 
 over b}' Mrs. Liebe, is a quiet retreat for her hus- 
 band in his studious moods and a hospitable place 
 for their visiting friends, of whom there are as 
 man^' as know the pastor and his woithy wife. 
 That he may long remain with them is the earnest 
 wish of the enlightened congregation of St. Paul's 
 Evangelical Lutheran Church. 
 
 \tp^7 ELIX Hr(HIES. A prominent place among 
 |pr^ the agriculiurisUs of Randolph County is 
 /1|> the just meed of the efforts of our sub- 
 
 ject, who is located on section 17, township 6, 
 range 7. His farm, which consists of seventy-five 
 acres, is a highlj' productive tract, the fertility of 
 which has been kept above par by a wise rotation 
 of crops and the use of the best fertilizing agents. 
 A first-class set of buildings has been erected 
 upon it, and the other improvements made stamp 
 it as the home of one who believes in progress and 
 enterprise. Mr. Hughes lives surrounded with all 
 the comforts of life, and may well be gratified with 
 his financial standing. 
 
 (Jur subject is the son of Heniy and Maiy (Mc- 
 Donough ) Hughes, the former a native of this coun- 
 t)', where he was reared and lived until his death, 
 October 5, 1871, when Randolph County lost one 
 of its prominent and esteemed citizens. His good 
 wife died in December, 1891. 
 
 Felix Iluglies was the third child in the parental 
 famil}', and was born near Ellis Grove, this county, 
 June 8, 184.'). His studies were pursued in the 
 district school of his native township, and in com- 
 mon with the sons of other farmers, he early learn- 
 ed the details of an agricultural career. He re- 
 sided under the parental roof until his marriage, 
 when he began clearing tlie farm on which he yet 
 resides. The place was covered with a heavy 
 growth of timber, and not a tree had been felled. 
 Ho at once set about its improvement industrious- 
 ly, and b_y his sagacity and perseverance has made 
 of It what it is to-day, a beautiful and attractive 
 estate. 
 
 September 16,, 1868, Miss Cylvira Miller, a 
 daughter of David and Minerva (Gant) Miller, be- 
 came the wife of our subject. She is a native of
 
 854 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Randolph County, as were also her parents. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Hughes are devout members of the Bap- 
 tist Church, and in that denomination the former 
 was Clerk for twenty-tliree years. Socially, he is 
 a member of Kaskaskia Lodge No. 86, A. F. & A. 
 M., and was Senior Deacon for a period of six 
 j-ears. He has served as Captain of the Second 
 Vail of Reynolds Cliapter at Chester for two years. 
 Politically, the Republican party always has his 
 support, but he has never been an aspirant for 
 official duties, preferring the quietude of domestic 
 life. 
 
 .- ^J- 
 
 J^ OHN ROMANN, a farmer residing ou sec- 
 I tion 4, Degognia Township, Jackson Coun- 
 I ty, where he operates a farm of some eighty- ' 
 ^ ' five acres of rich alluvial land, was born in 
 the village of Dachslehren, Canton Zurich, Switz- 
 erland, April 7, 1832. He is a son of Rudolph 
 and Elizabeth Romann, also natives of Switzer- 
 land, who died in the land of their birth in 1861 
 and 1870 respectively. His preliminary education 
 was secured in his native village and was later 
 supplemented by a liigher course in the polytech- 
 nical school of Zurich. 
 
 When a youth of seventeen our subject was ap- 
 prenticed to a cabinet-maker, serving three j'ears, 
 for wliieh his father had to pa3'. At the close of 
 his apprenticeship he continued to work for his 
 preceptor and another manufacturer as a journey- 
 man for a period of three years, at the expiration 
 of which time he emigrated to America. In the 
 spring of 1853 he was united in marriage with 
 Miss Selina, daughter of Hartman and Annie (Hil- 
 debrand) Keller, who was born .January 7, 1833. 
 
 In the fall of the following year after his mar- 
 riage, Mr. Romann, together with his young wife 
 and their tirst-born son, left Switzerland, embarked 
 at Havre for New York and after a voyage of thirty- 
 two days, landed in the New World. After a few 
 days' rest in New York they proceeded to Cincin- 
 nati, remained there about 'a fortnight and then 
 went to Louisville, where he secured a position and 
 worked at his trade. In that city he remained until 
 the "know-nothing" riots in the summer of 1855. 
 
 Thence he went to Can nel ton, Perry County, Ind., 
 and found a situation in a cotton factory, remain- 
 ing there until the spring of 1857. He then again 
 crossed into Kentucky, to Hawesville, opposite 
 Cannelton,and found work in a coal mine, remain- 
 ing, however, but a few months. 
 
 That being the j'ear of the panic, times were 
 veiy hard, work scarce and money scarcer. Going 
 to St. Louis, Mr. Romann found employment on 
 steamboats; also worked in a sugar refinery and in 
 a pork house. Going up the river on a steamboat 
 he found work in the harvest fields in Iowa and 
 Illinois, around Rock Island. Upon his return to 
 St. Louis he found work still very scarce and 
 crossed the river into Illinois, where, near Name- 
 oki, he secured employment in the potato har- 
 vests of Samuel Squires. Securing work among the 
 farmers, our subject removed his family hither, 
 and in the spring of 1864 began farming for him- 
 self, working on shares. In 1864 he purchase(f a 
 team and commenced agricultural pui-suits on his 
 own account. 
 
 Renting laud, Mr. Romann continued farming 
 in Madison County until November of 1888, when 
 he purchased his present estate in Jackson County 
 and removed his family to their new home. Of the 
 original purchase of one hundred and twenl\'-five 
 acres, alrout forty have been washed awa^' b^' the 
 encroachment of the Mississippi. On the farm 
 have been erected a fine two-story residence, two 
 commodious barns and other buildings. From tlie 
 rich loamy soil Mr. Romann reaps bountiful har- 
 vests. Corn, hav, melons and potatoes are the 
 principal crops, and in addition he raises live 
 stock. 
 
 Unto the union of Mr. and Mrs. Romann have 
 been born eight children, six sous and two daugh- 
 ters, the latter deceased. The sons are, Walter 
 (who was born in Switzerland), John, Otto, Ar- 
 nold, Edwin and Louis. The}' are members of the 
 Evangelical Lutherau Church, but as no congrega- 
 tion IS near tiiem their affiliation is not so close as 
 it has been heretofore. During their residence in 
 Madison County the family' had an exciting ex- 
 perience in a cyclone, March 8, 1871. Their 
 house was demolished, their furniture and clothing 
 blown away and Mr. Romann seriously injured.
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 855 
 
 so much so that he was laid up some six weeks. 
 Ever3' year since solemn services have been held 
 in the church there on the anniversary of the 
 ealamit3-. Tliree successive years, commencing 
 with 1881, their crops were ruined liy floods, and 
 since Coming to .Jackson County they have twice 
 suffered the same calamity, in 1892 and 1893. The 
 house in which tlie family first lived had to be 
 moved away owing to the encroachment of the 
 river, forcing the building of their {)resent resi- 
 dence in the spring of 1893. 
 
 It will thus be seen that Mr. Rumann has had 
 many hardships to encounter and obstacles to 
 overcome. The path to success has not been an 
 easy one to travel, and had it not been for his in- 
 domitable pluck he might have despaired of win- 
 ning the goal. What he is and what he has are due 
 to his efforts in the face of great obstacles, and to 
 the young his life furnishes an example of perse- 
 verance well worthy of their emulation. In politics 
 Mr. Romann is a standi Republican and looks for 
 better times when the party again comes into 
 power. He is now serving as School Trustee 
 for his township. While In Madison County he 
 served as Road Commissioner of Venice Township 
 and also filled the positions of Road Overseer and 
 School Director. In the spring of 1893, during 
 his absence in St. Louis, his partj' friends nomin- 
 ated him for .Justice of tiio Peace. Desiring to 
 devote his entire time and energies to his farm, he 
 took his sons and a neighlior to vote with him 
 against himself, and vvas thereby defeated b3' three 
 votes, much to his own satisfaction. 
 
 iiHOMAS J. AVILKINSON, Superintendent 
 of the load department of the St. Louis 
 Division of the Mobile & Ohio Railroad, 
 has been connected with this company since the 
 building of the line in 1870. He was born in Bal- 
 timore, Md., December 8, 1844. His grandfather, 
 Thomas C. Wilkinson, was a native of England, and 
 after emigrating to the New World followed farm- 
 ing in Baltimore County. IJe served in the War 
 of 1812. The father of our subject, William .J. 
 Wilkinson, was born, reared and followed agri- 
 
 cultural pursuits in Baltimore County. After a 
 time, however, he embarked in merchandising in 
 the city of Baltimore, where he carried on business 
 until his death. He married Eliza 15ond, a native 
 of Maryland, and her death occurred in Murphys- 
 boro in 1856. In the family were three children, 
 of whom two are yet living: Thomas J., and Will- 
 J., who is foreman in the cross-cut saw department 
 of the Diston Saw Works, of Philadelphia, Pa. 
 
 In B.altimore Mr. Wilkinson of this sketch was 
 reared, and in its public schools .acquired an excel- 
 lent education. When a young man he learned 
 bridge building, and for four years was employed 
 in the capacity of bridge builder on the Philadel- 
 phia, Wilmington & Baltimore Railroad. Believ- 
 ing that the west furnished better opportunities 
 for young men, in 1868 he emigrated to Quincy, 
 111., and worked on the iron railroad bridge which 
 was being built across the Mississippi at that point. 
 He afterward worked on the Government bridge 
 at Rock Island, and subsequentl}' spent one year 
 in Minnesota as foreman of the bridge building 
 department of the Minneapolis & St. Louis Rail- 
 road. When the Cairo <fe St. Louis Road was be- 
 gun, he formed a connection with the company 
 and was foreman during its entire construction, 
 working in Alexandei' and .Jackson Counties. The 
 track was completed to Murphysboro in the fall of 
 1873, and to Cairo in 1874. From the spring of 
 that year until 1877 he was employed on railroad 
 bridge work in Minnesota and Wisconsin, but in 
 June of the latter year returned to Illinois and 
 became foreman of the pile driving and bridge 
 building of the St. Louis & Cairo Road, which 
 position he filled until 1880. 
 
 In that year Mi-. Wilkinson was apjiointed Su- 
 perintendent of bridges and buildings under 
 Charles Hamilton, then general manager, and dis- 
 charged the duties of that position until 1886, 
 having charge of the road between St. Louis and 
 Cairo. The road was then sold to the Mobile & 
 Ohio Company, and he had charge of the work of 
 changing the road bed from a narrow gauge to 
 the standard width from St. Louis to Corinth, 
 Miss. He continued as Superintendent of the 
 bridge work between those points until 1888, 
 when the division was shortened. It now covers
 
 856 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 the distance between St. Louis and Cairo. In 1890 
 he was appointed loadraaster b}' Division Super- 
 intendent Hamilton, and has been continued in 
 that office since H. W. Clarke has been Division 
 Superintendent. Mr. Wilkinson is also Superin- 
 tendent of the road-way department. 
 
 In Minneapolis, Minn., in 1875, was celebrated 
 the marriage of our subject and Miss Eva H.Shaw, 
 a native of Jackson, Mich. Their home has been 
 in Murpliysboro since 1886. He is a member of 
 the Masonic fraternity and the Jlethodist Episco- 
 pal Church North. In his political views he is an 
 advocate of Democracy. He holds membership 
 with the building and loan association of Sparta, 
 111. His work is of a responsible character, but 
 the various positions he has filled have found in 
 him a faithful incumbent, one worthy of all trust. 
 
 '^ OHN M. CURLESS. Prominent among the 
 prosperous agriculturists of Jackson Coun- 
 ty may be mentioned the name of Mr. Cur- 
 less, a resident of section 25, Degognia 
 Township, where he owns and operates a farm con- 
 sisting of fort}' acres of rich bottom land. A man 
 of enterprise and public spirit, the success which 
 he has gained is the reward of merit and is justly 
 deserved. The appearance of his farm is such as 
 to indicate the thrift and energy of the proprietor, 
 who in 1892 erected a commodious two-stor}- resi- 
 dence. In this house he is now comfortably situ- 
 ated, and when everything is completed to his sat- 
 isfaction, he will have one of the nicest homes in 
 this locality. 
 
 Born in Indiana, December 13, 1839, our subject 
 is a son of Job and Eliza (Lowe) Curless, natives 
 respectively of Kew Jersey and Ohio, who prior to 
 the year 1844 came to Jackson County, settling 
 on Jones' Ridge. There, when John M. was a 
 child of about seven years, his father passed away 
 and was buried on the farm near his late home. 
 The mother was called from earth about seven 
 years later, from which time our subject has been 
 self-supporting. He was the next to the youngest 
 in a family consisting of seven children. His 
 schooling was limited to three months' attendance 
 
 in a subscription school in charge of AVilson Ray, 
 a short time under the tutelage of his uncle, John 
 Lowe, and about three months at Georgetown, 
 where a Miss Durfee was the teacher. 
 
 Notwithstanding his few opportunities to at- 
 tend school, Mr. Curless has acquired a good prac- 
 tical education, and is a well informed man. As 
 a worker he cannot be excelled. It was his am- 
 bition in boyhood to give satisfaction to all who 
 might emplo}' him, and it is with credit to him 
 that it ma}' be said that he was never dischargtd 
 by anyone for whom he worked. Neither was he 
 over arrested, nor at any time placed in the cala- 
 boose or guard house. On the other liand, he h-as 
 been a law-abiding, peaceful and lo3'al citizen, one 
 who is an honor to his coramunit}-. 
 
 Since purchasing his first forty acres, Mr. Cur- 
 less has added an eight3--acre tract of timber land, 
 which will be cleared and put under cultivation. 
 Corn and potatoes are the principal crops raised 
 on his farm, and these, with the raising of a good 
 grade of hogs, constitute his mone^-making capi- 
 tal. During the Civil War he was one of the boys 
 in blue who went to the front and aided in pro- 
 tecting the Union. In August, 1862, he enlisted 
 in Company A, Eightieth Illinois Infantry, and 
 served until Februar}- of the following year, when 
 he was discharged on account of disabilities. He 
 volunteered to act in the artillery and served in 
 that capacity at the battle of Perryville, K3'. Since 
 that time he has suffered from heart trouble, which, 
 fortunately, does not interfere seriously with his 
 farming operations. From the war until recently', 
 Mr. Curless was a stanch Democrat, but the events 
 of the past year (1893) have convinced him that 
 the Republicans are the only ones who can success- 
 fully conduct the affairs of the Government. 
 
 The first marriage of Mr. Curless occurred April 
 5, 1866, his wife being Lavina Franklin. On the 
 4th of November, 1889, he was united in mar- 
 riage with Mrs. Sarah Evans, the widow of John 
 Evans, who died in East Carondelet, 111., in 1888. 
 Mrs. Curless is the daughter of Mike and Penetty 
 (Fisher) Olbert, natives of Jackson County. The 
 mother died when Sarah was less than a year old, 
 and the father passed away December 31, 1892. 
 Unto the union of Mr. and Mrs. Curless two chit-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 85? 
 
 dren have been born, Charlotte and French. By 
 her former marriage Mrs. Curless has a son, James 
 A. Evans, whose birth occurred July 4, 1887. 
 
 ^^OTTFRIED NI EH ALTS, who for almost a 
 III (^^ quarter of a century has followed farming 
 ^^^ in township 6, range 6, Randolph County, 
 is a native of Germany, and his birth occurred 
 in December, 1838. He is a son of Theodore and 
 Katherine (Dickerman) Niehaus, both of whom 
 were also natives of Germany. The early life of 
 our subject was spent under the parental roof. 
 He acquired his education in the public schools of 
 his native land, which he attended until fourteen 
 years of age, when he left the schoolroom to earn 
 his own livelihood. 
 
 Mr. Niehaus began work for himself as a farm 
 hand and was thus employed for several years, in 
 fact his time was thus passed until his emigra- 
 tion to America. That important event occurred 
 in 1871, when he crossed the Atlantic to the New 
 World. On landing in New York he at once re- 
 sumed his westward journej-, continuing his trav- 
 els until he had arrived at Chester, 111. Here he 
 engaged in farm work in the employ of others for 
 about a year, on the expiration of which period, 
 with the capital he had acquired through industry, 
 economy and good management, he purchased the 
 farm on which he now resides. He has devoted 
 his time and attention exclusively to his business 
 interests and has met with excellent success in his 
 undertakings, becoming a very prosperous farmer. 
 His well tilled fields and the neat appearance of 
 his place indicate the careful supervision of the 
 owner. The farm is well improved with good 
 buildings and all modern accessories and conven- 
 iences. 
 
 It was in 1871 that Mr. Niehaus was united iu 
 marriage with Miss Theresa Gausman, who came 
 to America with her parents during her girlhood. 
 Her father and mother are both now deceased. 
 To our subject and his wife have been born six 
 children, and with the exception of Catherine, 
 who died at the age of six years, all are 3-et living. 
 They are as follows: Mary, now the wife of Ed 
 
 Myers, a resident of Cutler, 111.; John, who aids in 
 the operation of the home farm; Lizzie, Frank and 
 Katie, all of whom are yet at home. 
 
 Mr. Niehaus and his entire family are members 
 of the Catholic Church, and to its support con- 
 tribute liberally. Since becoming an American 
 citizen our subject has exercised his right of fran- 
 chise iu support of the Republican party, but has 
 never sought or desired the honors or emoluments 
 of public office. He may truly be called a self- 
 made man. for since an early age he has made his 
 own way in the world, depending alone on his own 
 resources. He need never have occasion to regret 
 his emigration to the New World, for here he has 
 been prospered and is now recognized as one of 
 the substantial and well-to-do citizens of the com- 
 munity. 
 
 • ^ ^ P • . 
 
 W. ELLIS, M. D., a practicing physician and 
 surgeon of Murph3'sboro, was born in Frank- 
 lin, Johnson County, Ind., November 23, 1858. 
 His paternal grandfather removed in an early day 
 from Pennsylvania, and later settled in Indiana. 
 The father of our subject, John R. Ellis, was born 
 in Brown County, Ohio, and was reared upon a 
 farm in Johnson County, Ind. At the age of 
 twenty-one he embarked iu the lumber business, 
 and for some time operated a sawmill and engaged 
 in selling lumber, an enterprise in which he was 
 fairly successful. Coming to Jackson County in 
 1883, he has since made liis home iu Murpliysboro, 
 and is still actively engaged in the lumber busi- 
 ness. His wife, whose maiden name was Susan 
 Slack, was born in Johnson County, Ind., and was 
 a daughter of John Slack, a native of Ohio and an 
 early settler of Johnson County, Ind. 
 
 The subject of this sketch is the eldest of five 
 children. He was reared in Franklin, Ind., and at- 
 tended the college at that place for a time, after 
 which he conducted his medical studies under a 
 prominent physician of Trafalgar, Ind. In 1881 
 he entered the Indiana Medical College at Indian- 
 apolis, from which he was graduated two years 
 later. He opened an oHice at Mt. Comfort, Ind., 
 and commenced the practice of his profession, re- 
 maining in that place until 1886. Meantime he
 
 858 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 was elected and served as County Coroner. From 
 Mt. Comfort he removed to Linden, Ind., where 
 he engaged in practice until Maj- of 1889. 
 Since that time he has resided m Murph3sboro, 
 where he conducts an extensive general practice. 
 With liis father, he owns eighty acres of improved 
 farming land in Levan, and he is also the owner 
 of an eighty-acre tract in Sand Ridge. 
 
 In Spencer, Ind., in 1884, Dr. Ellis was united 
 in marriage witli Miss Mary, daughter of Ciiesley 
 Acuff, a merchant and an old settler of that town. 
 Three children have blessed the union, Cora, Cal- 
 lie and Edward K. In his social connections the 
 Doctor is a member of tlie Masonic fraternity and 
 is surgeon and examining physician of the Ancient 
 Order of Foresters and the Mystic Circle; also ex- 
 amining physician for the Brotherhood of Fire- 
 men and the Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen. 
 In religious belief he is a Universalist. Politically, 
 he is strong in his adherence to tiie principles of 
 the Democratic party. 
 
 
 fJLLIAMSON DILDAY. Among the pros- 
 '! perous agriculturists of -Jackson County, 
 
 prominent mention should be made of Mr. 
 Dilday, who resides on section 10, Degognia 
 Township, and is the owner of two hundred and 
 sixty acres of fine wheat land lying among the 
 hills of sections 10 and 15. A native of Georgia, 
 he was born on the 21st of September, 1831. He 
 is a son of Ellas and Pheriha (Wimpy) Dilday, 
 wlio were born near Charleston, S. C, and died in 
 June, 1892, at the ages of eight^'-flve and eighty- 
 three respectively. Grandmother Wimpy died 
 during the preceding year, at tlie advanced age of 
 a century. Grandfather Dilday, who was a soldier 
 in the Revolutionary War, died some thirty j'ears 
 ago, at the age of ninetj'-seven. His son Elias 
 took part in the Seminole War in Florida, and 
 three of the sons of the latter, including our sub- 
 ject, fought for the Union in the late Rebellion. 
 When our subject was a child of two years his 
 father emigrated to Eastern Tennessee, where he 
 remained some seven years. Thence, in the year 
 1842, he removed to Illinois, settling near Jones- 
 
 boro, in Union County, and made his home there 
 until his death. Our subject's first school days were 
 spent in Tennessee. He had to pass the house of 
 the famous David Crockett in going to school and 
 well remembers having been led over the footlog 
 across a stream near his home b}- the daughter of 
 the illustrious hunter. 
 
 After removing to Union County, Mr. Dilday 
 attended the subscription schools, but his educa- 
 tion has been secured principally by study at 
 home. He remained with his father until his 
 twenty-first birthday, which occurred on Sunday. 
 He then left, intending to go south and work at 
 the cooper's trade, which he had learned under his 
 father. However, having had to wait some time 
 for a boat, his funds ran low and he therefore 
 started up stream instead of down. Stopping at 
 Chester, he found work as a journeyman in the 
 shops there. After a few months spent in that 
 city, he returned to Union County', where he en- 
 gaged in farming for one year. Then coming to 
 Jackson County, he here began the life of an agri- 
 culturist, in which he has since continued. 
 
 November 17, 1854, Mr. Dildaj' was united in 
 marriage, upon the farm where he now makes his 
 home, with Miss Perisadi, daughter of Dr. H. C. 
 and Nancy (O'Daniel) Hodges, natives of Ala- 
 bama. Mrs. Dilday was born March 9, 1834, and 
 died April 26, 1870, after having become the 
 mother of seven children. Two of the number are 
 now living, D. C. and Reuben E. The second 
 marriage of Mr. Dilday- occurred March 26, 1871, 
 his wife being Elizabeth Turner, who was born in 
 Union County November 7, 1850. She is the 
 daughter of Albert and Mary A. Turner, natives 
 of Tennessee and at present residents of Union 
 County, 111. Seven children have been born of 
 Mr. Dilday's second marriage, viz.: Elias B., Sam- 
 uel J., Emzia, Albert T., Clinton, Calvin and 
 Ralph E. 
 
 Enlisting in March of 1865 as a member of 
 Company B, Sixt3'-fifth Illinois Infantiy, Mr. Dil- 
 da}^ served until the close of the war. During his 
 vo^'age from New York to North Carolina to 
 join the army at the front, a terrific storm was en- 
 countered, which raged for some thirt3'-six hours- 
 and tossed the vessel at its mercy upon the foam-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 859 
 
 crested waves. The experience was one of the 
 most perilous of Mr. Dildaj-'s life, and such was 
 the horror of the storm that he says he has seen 
 enough of the water to satisfy him the remainder 
 of his daj's. Of fourteen who left Rockwood with 
 him he is the only one that survives. 
 
 In politics Mr. Dilday is a Democrat. A few 
 weeks after attaining his majority he voted for 
 Pierce and has continued in that faith ever since. 
 For thirty years he held the ofHce of .Justice of the 
 Peace, for four terms ofliciuted as Supervisor and 
 for ten 3'ears was School Director. He is a con- 
 tributor to the Free Will Baptist Church at Anti- 
 och, with which his wife is identified. Socially, he 
 is a member of Rockwood Lodge, I. O. 0. F., to 
 which he has belonged some twenty-five years, and 
 wiiich he has represented as a delegate in the 
 Grand Lodge of the state. He is one of the few 
 remaining of the earliest settlers and is highly re- 
 spected by a large circle of friends. 
 
 FREDERICK W. BROWN, a resident of 
 Ava, is an extensive land owner, possess- 
 ing some six hundred and seventy-six 
 acres in Degognia Township, Jackson County, of 
 which he cultivates about sixty acres and leases 
 the balance to tenants. He is a son of .lames M. 
 Brown (whose life sketch appears elsewhere in this 
 work) and was born near Shiloh Hill, Randolph 
 County, October 30, 1843. Most of his schooling 
 was secured in the Old Zion schoolhouse before 
 the family removed to Rockwood, in 1857. He 
 attended the subscription schools of that place for 
 the two years succeeding. 
 
 After his school days were ended, Mr. Brown 
 accepted a position in a mill, where he remained 
 until the spring of 1860. "Later he aided in the 
 management of his father's large farm, remaining 
 thus engaged until August 15, 1862, when he en- 
 listed in Company C, Eighteenth Illinois Infantry, 
 and accompanied his regiment to the front. From 
 Jackson, Tenn., he went with his company into 
 active service, being at different times under the 
 command of Generals Logan, Washburn, Steele 
 and Rej'nolds. He took part in the siege of Vicks- 
 
 burg and was present at the surrender of the city. 
 After the fall of Vicksburg the Eighteenth was 
 assigned to the Seventh Army Corps in the Army 
 of the Arkansas, where tliej' remained until the 
 close of the war. 
 
 June 4, 1864, a number of companies were con- 
 solidated, C and II forming a new companj-. A, 
 and from that date until the close of the Rebellion 
 they were in charge of a pontoon bridge across 
 tiie Arkansas River, at Little Rock. They were 
 discharged in that city July 8, 1865, were paid off 
 at Springfield, 111., and reached home early in Au- 
 gust of the same year. Mr. Brown then resumed 
 civic pursuits. March 7, 1866, he was united in 
 marri.age with Miss Mary E., daughter of Joiin 
 Young, of Chester. This estimable lad}' was born 
 November 1, 1845, and by her marriage has be- 
 come the mother of five children, namely: Alice 
 K., the wife of Frank Fletcher, a painter and pa- 
 per-lianger of Murphysboro, 111.; Laura M., wife of 
 William M. Jernigan, a cooper of Ava; Minnie 15., 
 Eunice P. and Edward Austin. 
 
 In November, 1866, Mr. Brown entered upon 
 a mercantile career at Rockwood, in which he con- 
 tinued until October, 1868. Disposing of his stock 
 of goods, he then began trading in horses and 
 mules, meantime making his headquarters in Mem- 
 phis. In that business he was engaged until 
 .January, 1872, when he -took a position in tlie 
 stockyards of that city, and for a year occupied 
 that place. Following this, he accepted a position 
 as bookkeeper for Col. Jesse Forest, who conducted 
 a sale and liver}' stable on Monroe Street, Mem- 
 phis. Remaining in that position until Maj', 
 1874, Mr. Brown then returned to Jackson Coun- 
 ty, and has made iiis home here ever since. 
 
 In addition to farming. Mr. Brown, in connec- 
 tion with iiis brothers, ran a threshing machine 
 every season until the year 1880. That year ac- 
 cepting a position with Dean Brothers, merchants 
 and millers of Ava, he removed witli his fam- 
 ily to that place, where he has remained ever 
 since. After three years with Dean Brothers he 
 operated a store for the sale of agricultural imple- 
 ments, in which business he continued for two 
 years. Disposing of his stock of implements he 
 traveled a twelvemonth for a cigar and tobacco
 
 860 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 firm. In 1886 he accepted his old position with 
 Dean Brothei-s, remaining in their eraploj' four 
 j'ears longer. At the expiration of that time he 
 resumed agricultural pursuits, in which he is at 
 present engaged. He still makes his home in Ava, 
 while he conducts his farm in Degognia. 
 
 Socinliy Mr. Brown is a member of the Knights 
 of Honor, of which organization he was Reporter. 
 He is also prominently connected with the Ava 
 Post, G. A. R. Politically he is a firm believer in 
 and supporter of the Prohibition platform, and 
 votes his party ticket as well as talks for it. Botli 
 in Jackson and Randolph Counties he and his 
 . family are well and favorably known, and his rep- 
 utation for honesty, excellent judgment and pro- 
 gressive spirit is justly merited by his honorable 
 and useful career. 
 
 ^^ ^mM® ^ 
 
 » | i ■ ! « i | > t f * 1 ^ 1 1 ^ ' » ^n^ »^«^«^«^ «^ t \ * t \ * » j « 
 
 eHARLES COLUMBUS SMITH was a highly 
 respected and enterprising citizen of Mur- 
 physboro, and his history well deserves a 
 place in this volume. He was born in Cape Girar- 
 deau County, Mo., May 22, 1848. His father was 
 an early settler of that county and engaged in 
 merchandising. He married Miss .Jane McLean, 
 who is now Mrs. Lovell, of Cape Girardeau. 
 
 C. C. Smith was the eldest of three children. 
 His father died when he was quite young, and he 
 had to aid in the support of the family-. He was 
 reared upon tiie farm of his maternal grandfather 
 and acquired his education in the common schools 
 and the high school of .lonesboro. 111. He also 
 completed the course in the Bryant & Stratton 
 Business College of St. Louis, after which he be- 
 gan clerking for John Vastine, at Preston, 111. A 
 year later he embarked in teaching in Jackson, 
 Mo., where he continued until 1871, when he lo 
 cated upon a farm in his native county and for 
 five 3'ears continued its cultivation. On the ex- 
 piration of that period he removed to the city of 
 Cape Girardeau, and for about three years was 
 superintendent of the Grange store. 
 
 At that place, on the 14th of March, 1871, he 
 
 was united in marriage with Miss Mary E. McLain, 
 a native of Cape Girardeau and a daughter of 
 John A. McLain, who was also there born and 
 reared. Her grandfather, David McLain, a native 
 of North Carolina, is numbered among the early 
 settlers of Missouri and became an extensive 
 farmer and a prominent citizen. The father was 
 also an influential man in the community. His 
 death occurred in January, 1893. His wife, who 
 bore the maiden name of Susan McLaughlin, was 
 born in Virginia, and is still living in Missouri. 
 Mr. and Mrs. McLain had a family of eight chil- 
 dren, of whom Mrs. Smith is the eldest. She is a 
 cultivated and intelligent lady and one whose 
 friends throughout the cominunitj' are many. 
 Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith were born three children: 
 Minnie, wife of E. R. Neill, of Murph3sboro, 
 Harry and Albert. 
 
 In 1879 Mr. Smith came with his family to 
 Murphysboro and enteied into partnership with 
 William H. McLaughlin under the firm name of 
 Smith Sc McLaughlin, dealers in general merchan- 
 dise. Retiring from this connection in 1855 he 
 embarked in business alone at the corner of Broad 
 and Walnut Streets, and three years later bought 
 out the store of .Samuel Desberger. He fitted out 
 an elegant establishment, and the "Trade Palace," 
 as it was called, became the finest store in the place. 
 It was well stocked with desirable goods, and Mr. 
 Smith did a most successful business, his trade in- 
 creasing until it assumed extensive proportions. 
 By close attention to all details, careful manage- 
 ment and enterprise, he won the success which made 
 him one of the substantial citizens of Jackson 
 County. He was also one of the organizers of the 
 Board of Trade and served as its President until 
 his death. Of the Cripple Revenge Threshing 
 Machine Company he was Treasurer. A public- 
 spirited and progressive man, he contributed lib- 
 erally to the support of all enterprises which were 
 calculated to promote the general welfare. In 
 politics he was 'a Democrat. After only a week's 
 illness he passed away, November 18, 1892, and his 
 death was widely and deeply mourned. 
 
 Mrs. Smith still makes her home in Murphys 
 boro, where she is both widely and favorably 
 known. She holds an enviable position in social
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 861 
 
 circles and has the warm regard of all. She owns 
 both business and residence property, and with 
 the English Lutheran Church hold membership. 
 
 -* -=^^>-^^<^=^-^ 
 
 SUSTAV f! WIEBUSCH, a farmer and mer- 
 chant living at Wagner's Landing, Jack- 
 s^«_5^ son Count}-, was born in Chester, 111., 
 March 11, 1856. He is a son of Christopher and 
 Hannah (Kipp) Wiebusch, natives respectivelj' of 
 Hanover and Westphalia, Germany. His educa- 
 tion was secured in the Chester schools. It was 
 his intention to enter Blackburn University, at 
 Carlinville, and he started there, but while en 
 route was taken sick and suffered a long illness, 
 after which he did not start again. 
 
 At the age of twenty-one, Mr. Wiebusch began 
 the life of an agriculturist, settling in Fountain 
 Bluff Township, .lackson County, upon a farm be- 
 longing to his father. There he remained for three 
 years, working in partnership with his brother. 
 While a resident of that township he was married, 
 in Fountain Bluff, Februaiv 5, 1880, his wife being 
 Miss Emma JScheurenberg. This lady was the 
 daughter of Charles and Margaret (Schmidt) Scheu- 
 renberg, and was born in Dubuque, Iowa, August 
 9, 1859. .She was educated in German}-, whither 
 her father had removed when she was about six 
 3-ears of age. 
 
 At the time of his marriage, Mr. Wiebusch rented 
 a farm of Godfred Rueckels, and during his four 
 years' residence on that place his wife died. Later 
 he discontinued farming and went west, where he 
 found eraploj-ment in Kansas, Nebraska and south- 
 western Missouri. He followed railroading prin- 
 cipally, making Kansas City liis headquarters. 
 After a year in the west, he returned to Jackson 
 Count}-, bought a store at Wagner's Landing, and 
 in February of 1886 embarked in the mercantile 
 business. In this enterprise he has been success- 
 ful, gaining a reputation throughout the surround- 
 ing countrj- as a reliable and honorable merchant. 
 In his store he carries a well selected stock of 
 goods such as are usually kept in a country store. 
 His establishment is also the locatif)n of the post- 
 office of Wagner's Landing, and Mr. Wiebusch has 
 
 been the Postmaster since 1888, his commission 
 being dated .June 14 of that year. He has charge 
 of the steamer landing and trades quite exten- 
 siveh' in country produce, which he ships north 
 by boat. 
 
 The first marriage of Mr. Wiebusch resulted in 
 the birth of five children, three of whom are now 
 living: Alfred C, Clara M. and Annie K. (one of 
 twins). The deceased are Emily and Emma. On 
 the 7th of April, 1886, he was again married, 
 choosing as his wife Miss Emma, daughter of 
 Fred and Doris (Heitmaifn) Buekmann. Mrs. 
 Wiebusch was born July 19, 1858, and by her mar- 
 riage has become the mother of five children, of 
 whom the only survivors are Walter 8. and Ida 
 E, D. The deceased children are Doris, Oscar and 
 Edward. 
 
 In their religious connections Mr. Wiebusch and 
 his estimable wife are identified with the Evan- 
 gelical L'ltheran Church at Chester, in whicii they 
 are active workers, and to the support of which 
 they contribute liberally. In his political rela- 
 tions he affiliates w-ith the Democratic party, the 
 principles of which he upliolds with fidelity. While 
 a resident of Fountain Bluff, he served for five 
 years as School Treasurer, and in his present dis- 
 trict he filled the same position for six years, after 
 which be declined re-election. 
 
 ENRY C. LINDENBERG is following his 
 chosen occupation, that of agriculture, on 
 section 18, township 7, range 5, Randolph 
 County, where he engages in general farm- 
 ing and stock-raising upon a tract of ninety-four 
 acres of excellent land. He is a native of this 
 county, having been born here December 10, 1856. 
 His parents, Clemens and Cnristina Liudenberg, 
 were natives of German}-, whence in 1838 they 
 emigi-ated to America and settled in Randolpii 
 County, 111. Upon a tract of one hundred and 
 twenty acres entered from the Government, tlie 
 father commenced farming and continued thus en- 
 gaged throughout his entire life. AVithsuch success
 
 862 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 did he pursue his chosen calling that he placed his 
 property under a high state of cultivation, intro- 
 duced a number of valuable improvements and 
 added fift}--four acres to the original purchase. 
 His death occurred April 6, 1880. His widow is 
 still living and makes her lioine in Randolph 
 County. 
 
 In the parental family there were eightcbildren,^ 
 of whom four are now living, as follows: Clemens 
 H.. Henry C, Elvina and Herman P., all residents 
 of Randolph County. They are well educated 
 both in English and' German, and are honorable 
 and useful citizens of this community'. The subject 
 of this sketch passed the years of boyhood and 
 youth in an uneventful manner. On the 11th 
 of November, 1881, he was united in marriage 
 with Miss Louise S. Welge, who was one in a fam- 
 ily of nine children, those surviving being Louise 
 S., Adolph H., Amelia M., Anna L. and Elvina L., 
 all honored residents of this county. The parents 
 of Mrs. Lindenberg are Henr^' and Lena (Dettmer) 
 Welge, natives of Germany, wlio emigrated to the 
 United States in 1842 and settled in R.indolph 
 Countj', wliere they now occupy a position among 
 the prominent citizens and honored pioneers of 
 this section of the state. 
 
 The union of Mr. and Mrs. Lindenberg has re- 
 sulted in the birth of five children, as follows: 
 Elvina C, who was born November 2, 1882; Lena 
 A., August 27, 1884; Rudolph H., September 9, 
 1888; Edward H., October 7, 1890, and Hulda S., 
 January 23, 1893. The children are bright and 
 intelligent for their j'eai-s, and will be given the 
 advantages of both German and English edu- 
 cations. The religious home of the family is in 
 the Lutheran Church, to which the parents of both 
 Mr. and Mrs. Lindenberg belonged. 
 
 By careful reading and habits of observation, 
 Mr. Lindenberg has supplemented the informa- 
 tion gained in the common schools and is now as 
 well informed upon general topics perhaps as anj' 
 other resident of the township. As a general 
 farmer and stock-raiser, he brings to bear upon the 
 tilling of the soil and tiie breeding of stock the 
 best and most approved methods of modern times, 
 and skill, together with industry, has secured for 
 him material success. I n politics he is a Democrat 
 
 and is at present serving as Director of School 
 District No. 4. He and his wife are held in the 
 highest esteem in the community where the\' re- 
 side and are foremost in all measures for the pro- 
 motion of religious and social enterprises. 
 
 (^ 
 
 ^^ 1 
 
 ^r^ 
 
 '-^^1 
 
 -^■^ 
 
 ^ 
 
 \Y|OHN H. REYNOLDS, a farmer occupying 
 one liundred and sixt^-eight acres on sec- 
 tion 3, Degognia Township, Jackson Coun- 
 ty, was born in St. Louis Jul^- 9, 1838. He 
 is the eldest of four children born to the union of 
 Robert and Melinda (Evans) Reynolds, natives of 
 Kentucky. His father dying in 1846, his mother 
 was afterward married to Thomas Yearsley, and 
 b}' that union had two children, a son and a 
 daughter. John secured his education in the schools 
 of St. Louis, and was one of the first pupils in the 
 high school when it was organized under the su- 
 perintendeiice of J. D. Low. 
 
 At the age of sixteen Mr. Reynolds entered the 
 carriage shop of John D. McAuliff and learned 
 the trade of a carriage blacksmith. Remaining 
 there until the outbreak of the Rebellion, he then 
 secured a position in the Quartermaster's Depart- 
 ment, in which he worked at his trade in repairing 
 ambulances, etc. After spending some four months 
 in Corinth, Miss., he returned to the north to take 
 charge of his mother's farm, her husband having 
 died. He purchased land in Bradley Township, 
 Jackson County, and resided there most of the 
 time for the succeeding sixteen 3'ears. 
 
 Between that time and the date of coming to his 
 present holding, Mr. Reynolds worked at his trade 
 and also established a carriage factory in Red 
 Bud. As soon as completed, he disposed of his 
 interest to John Roscoe and returned to Jackson 
 Count}'. A brother, who owned a farm on sec- 
 tion 3, Degognia Township, died in 1874, and 
 while serving as administrator of the estate our 
 subject bought out the interest of the other heirs 
 and has since operated the farm, making it his 
 home. Upon this place excellent buildings have 
 been erected and various tine improvements made, 
 which stamp it as the abode of one who has pros-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BlOaRAFHICAL RECORD. 
 
 86^ 
 
 pered in worldly affairs and possesses good judg- 
 ment in investments and enterprises. 
 
 May 19, 1892. Mr. Reynolds was united in mar- ' 
 riage with Mrs. Jlaigaret M. Plant, daughter of 
 Jesse and Sallie (Segail) Shepard. Mrs. Rej^nolds 
 is the mother of a son, .John W. Diamond, b}' her 
 first husband. In politics Mr. Reynolds has al- 
 ways been a stanch advocate of Democratic prin- 
 ciples, lie has served as School Trustee and has been 
 solicited frequently to .accept the nomination for 
 otiier offices, but has persistently refused, prefer- 
 ring to give his entire time and attention to his 
 farming interests. Public spirited, interested in 
 all movements whicii promise to add to the pros- 
 perity and happiness of his fellow-citizens, he 
 ma^' well be looked upon as an excellent repre- 
 sentative of true manhood and good citizenship. 
 
 ,1^ YMANN HENRY BUNSELMPn'ER. This 
 ij )ji enterprising young gentleman, a resident 
 iy^^ of .Jackson County, is prosecuting his 
 (^) chosen calling, that of agriculture, with a 
 degree of energy highly commendable. On sec- 
 tions 3 and 10, Degognia Township, he operates a 
 farm comprising one hundred and twenty-one 
 acres of rich bottom land. He is an industrious 
 and capable farmer, who bj* his constant devotion 
 to his work has wrought with his hands a successful 
 career in his chosen occupation. 
 
 The parents of our subject, Frank and Mary 
 (Roever) Bunselmeyer, natives of Germany, had a 
 family of five children, three of whom still sur- 
 vive. Henry, who was second in order of birth, 
 was born in St. Louis, Mo., September 27, 1859, 
 and received the rudiments of his education in the 
 schools of that city. When he was a lad of ten 
 years his mother removed with her second husband, 
 Fred Winter, to Madison County, 111., and he be- 
 came a pupil in the district schools of Sand Prai- 
 rie. Afterward he prosecuted his studies in the 
 Colli usville High School for one scholastic year. 
 
 Together with Herman Slrackeljahn our subject 
 raised a crop of potatoes in 1881, and the fol- 
 lowing year he bought a team and put in a crop 
 in partnership with Gust Frazen. In the fall of 
 
 that year he was married and removed, together 
 with his father-in-law, to Degognia Township, 
 Jackson County, where he has since resided. 
 The ladv with whom he has linked his for- 
 tunes is Caroline, daughter of John and Mary 
 (Strackeljahn) Ileinbokel, natives of Hanover, Ger- 
 many. Mrs. Bunselmeycr was born in Nameoki, 
 111., October 5, 1863, and is the second in order of 
 birth in a familv of thirteen children. The date of 
 her marriage was November 5, 1882, and the union 
 has resulted in the birth of eight children, six of 
 whom are now living. They are: John F., Mary 
 Elizabeth, Mary Caroline, August H. J., Frank H. 
 W. and Annie. The two deceased are Henry, who 
 died in infancy, and Fred II., who passed from 
 earth at the age of three. 
 
 In politics Mr. Bunselmeyer adheres to the Re- 
 publican party as the one wiiose principles are for 
 the best government. His fellow-citizens, appreciat- 
 ing his fitness for official positions, liave chosen him 
 to represent them in a number of local offices, in all 
 of which he has served with efficiency and suc- 
 cess. At the present time he is Commissioner of 
 Highw.iys and is also filling the position of School 
 Director. He and his entire family are members 
 of the Lutheran Church and are attendants at the 
 services of the organization at Fountain Bluff. In 
 social circles they are highly regarded as people of 
 worth and occupy a prominent place among the 
 best families of the community. Mr. Bunselmeyer 
 is a progressive young man, who is devoting his 
 energies to the improvement of the farm, while at 
 the same time he is interested in matters of local 
 importance. 
 
 ^)^(^ 
 
 ^^ HARLES H. ROE, ex-Circuit Clerk of Perry 
 [l( Count}', and a well known citizen of Pinck- 
 
 ^>^' nevville, is a native of the Buckeye State. 
 He was born in Dayton, Ohio, Februaiy 24, 1842, 
 and is a son of Thomas S. Roe, a native of Cin- 
 cinnati, who was born in 1818. The father grew to 
 manhood in Dayton, and was graduated from the 
 Louisville (Ky.) Medical College in 1841. Imme- 
 diately thereafter he began practice. In 1843 he re- 
 moved to Shawneetown, 111., and also engaged in 
 practice in Mt. Vernon, Nashville and Chester, this
 
 864 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 state. In 1857 he came to Pincknej-ville, where 
 he died October 12, 1873. He was one of the 
 leading pliysicians of Illinois, winning high repu- 
 tation among his professional brethren. His fa- 
 ther, Daniel Roe, was born at Oyster Baj', Long 
 Island, in 1780; his parents were natives of Wales 
 and came to this countr}' prior to the Revolution. 
 Early in life Daniel became a minister of the Swe- 
 denborgian Church, but later abandoned the pul- 
 pit and entered the legal profession, practicing in 
 Cincinnati and Da3'ton, Ohio. He was a man of 
 broad views and liberal education and was the 
 owner of considerable property. About 1810 he 
 moved from Langlej-, Ky., to Ohio, and settled in 
 Lebanon, where his sons pydvvard and Charles were 
 born. He thence moved to Cincinnati, and later 
 to Dayton. He laid out an addition to the lat- 
 ter place which is now in the heart of the citj'. 
 His death occurred there in the year 1843. His 
 cliildren were Thomas S., Charles C, who went 
 to California, was enrolled among the "Forty- 
 niners" of that state, and on his return located in 
 Louisville, Ky., where he died in the 3'ear 1889, 
 and Edward R. The latter was a graduate of the 
 Louisville Medical College; he practiced medi- 
 cine for several years, and was at one time Circuit 
 Clerk of McLean County, 111. He was afterward 
 United States Marshal for the Southern District 
 of Illinois, but the greater part of his attention 
 was given to writing works of Action. The last 
 fifteen years of his life were spent in Chicago, 
 where he devoted his entire time to literary work. 
 His stories are extensively read, and gained for 
 him a high reputation as an author. He died in 
 Chicago in November, 1893. 
 
 The mother of our subject bore the maiden 
 name of Anna Maria Boyer. She was born in Lan- 
 caster Count}'. Pa., and was a daughter of Jacob 
 Boyer, a native of the same stale and a tinner 
 by trade. He went to Ohio in an early da}' 
 and served as organist in the German Reformed 
 Cliurch of Dayton for manj- years. He died in 
 that city in 1860, leaving quite a fortune. In his 
 family were thirteen children, including George 
 P., who was Auditor of Montgomer}' County, Ohio, 
 for several j'ears; Thomas W.. who was First Lieu- 
 tenant in the First Ohio Regiment during the 
 
 war and died in St. Louis, where he was a member 
 of the Harter Medicine Company; and Frances, 
 who became the wife of a Mr. Kane, a prominent 
 citizen of Dayton, Ohio. Mrs. Roe died in Pinck- 
 ne^'ville in 1870. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was the eldest of 
 three brothers, he and his brother Robert C. being 
 members of Company G, Twelfth Illinois Infantry, 
 during the late war. Robert C. was killed at Ft. 
 Donelson February 15, 1862. Frank M. served 
 for years as Deputy County Clerk of Perr}^ Coun- 
 ty, retiring in December, 1892, and is now engaged 
 in merchandising in Pinckneyville. On the break- 
 ing out of the Rebellion Charles H. and his brother 
 Robert responded to the first call for troops, en- 
 listing August 1, 1861. He participated in the 
 battles of Ft. Heni'}', Ft. Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth 
 and those of the Atlanta campaign, and was mus- 
 tered out of the service August 1, 1864. Re-en- 
 tering the Quartermaster's Department, he was 
 with Sherman on the memorable march to the sea 
 and in the Carolina campaign. 
 
 Mr. Roe returned to Pinckneyville in 1865, and 
 in the fall of that year was appointed Deputy 
 Circuit Clerk. In August, 1867, he was appointed 
 to the office to fill an unexpired term, and was 
 thereafter continuously elected Circuit Clerk until 
 the fall of 1892. He thus served for a quarter of 
 a century, and Perry County h.as known no more 
 accommodating official in that office than he. 
 
 September 16, 1866, was celebrated the marriage 
 Mr. Rge and Miss Harriet V., daughter of Hum- 
 phrey B. Jones, who was for sixteen years Circuit 
 Clerk of Perry County, he being the first to hold 
 that office on the organization of the county in 
 1827. To Mr. and Mrs. Roe were born nine chil- 
 dren, who are now living: Fannie G., wife of Henry 
 Maasberg, of Pinckneyville; Jennie .J., wife of 
 Thomas L. Wallace, of Pinckneyville; Harriet M., 
 at home; Robert B., who is in the drug business at 
 Pinckneyville; Charles H., Thomas IL, John D., 
 Zoe Inez and Ernestine C. 
 
 In politics Mr. Roe has always been a Republi- 
 can. That he has the confidence .and good will of 
 his fellow-townsmen is shown b}' his frequent re- 
 election to office, and that fact also indicates the 
 fidelit}' and ability with which he discharged his
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 865 
 
 duties. Socially he is connected with the Grand 
 Army post, in which he for many years served as 
 Adjutant. He has led an honorable and upright 
 life, was a valiant defender of the Old Flag, and 
 Perry County numbers him among its best citizens. 
 
 '\|(OSEPH BEARK. Probably no resident of 
 Chester is more deserving of representa- 
 tion in this volume than Joseph Beare, who 
 though a native of Berne, Switzerland, was 
 a resident of this country for more than a half- 
 ceutur}'. Here he pursued a course which resulted 
 in securing fur him the hearty respect of those 
 who knew him and gave him a proud rank among 
 the farmers and business men of Randolj)!! Coun- 
 ty. His death was mourned by all who knew him. 
 Our subject was born April 1, 1815, to Josejjh 
 and Margaret Beare. His parents emigrated to 
 the United Slates when he was twelve years of age 
 and spent a few years at Cleveland, Ohio. Com- 
 ing to Randolph County and settling on a farm, 
 they here spent the remainder of their days in 
 ease and comfort. .Josepii attended the schools of 
 Switzerland, obtaining but a meager education, and 
 after coming to America aided his father in cultiva- 
 ting the farm. From time to time he was enabled 
 to purch.ase land of his own, and in its cultivation 
 was more than ordinaril3' successful, and at the 
 time of his demise was among tlie most progressive 
 and extensive farmers in the county. Besides his 
 agricultural interests he engaged in merchandis- 
 ing in Chester for a number of years, and also had 
 large lumber interests in that city. There he was 
 residing at the time of his death, which occurred 
 Augusts. 1887. In his demise the city and county 
 lost one of their most valued citizens. He was a 
 thoroughly practical man, of sturdy habits and 
 excellent character, and his good deeds won for 
 him a warm place in the hearts of his many friends. 
 In September, 1848, Mr. Beare married Miss 
 Mary, daughter of James and Mary (Vance) Gil- 
 lespie, who came from Tennessee to Randolph 
 County, where they both died. Seven children 
 came to bless the home of our subject and his wife, 
 as follows: Nellie, who is the wife of William A. 
 
 Reid and resides in St. Louis; Ida, Mrs. Bion Mc- 
 Cloud, who makes her home in Chester; Lizzie, 
 who married William Schuchert and also lives in 
 Chester; and William, Joseph, Willis and Ernest, 
 who are deceased. The good wife and mother is 
 still living and makes her home with Mrs. Mc- 
 Cloud. She is a Spiritualist in her religious views, 
 as was also her beloved husb.and. In politics Mr. 
 Beare was a Democrat and was very active for his 
 party, having held many important city offices in 
 Chester. 
 
 ^ EORGE NEVILLE. It often seems that the 
 younger men outstrip their elders in the 
 ^^1 race for political honors. Activity and en- 
 erg}- are greater in youth than in after life, and 
 a child properly trained to habits of industry and 
 frugality will most likely win success early in life. 
 Such has been the exi)erience of George Neville, 
 the present City Treasurer of Chester, whose sketch 
 now invites attention from the reader. 
 
 A native of this state, our subject was born in 
 Pana August 2, 1865, and is the son of Capt. 
 James Neville, whose birthplace is also in Illinois. 
 The father is a man of fine education, being a 
 graduate of the college at Lebanon, this state. He 
 also prosecuted his studies in Chicago, and later in 
 Omaha, Neb., where he is at present residing, and 
 is now Judge of the District Court. Mrs. Neville 
 departed this life in 1870, while residing in Chester. 
 
 Our subject was the elder of two sons born to 
 his parents, and in his school days attended the 
 public schools in this city. Later he went east 
 and entered Cornell University, at Ithaca, and 
 after completing his studies there relumed home 
 and engaged in the clothing business for some 
 3-eais. His partner in this enterprise was P. G. 
 Jones, and the business was conducted under the 
 title of Neville it Jones, dealers in men's furnish- 
 ing goods. 
 
 The lady whom our subject married in 1885 was 
 Miss Mary, daughter of G. S. Jones. To them has 
 been born one child, (iabriel G., whose birth oc- 
 curred January 19, 1886. In his political rela- 
 tions Mr. Neville always votes with the Demo- 
 cratic party, on which ticket lie was elected City
 
 866 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 Treasurer in April, 1893. He has been an energetic 
 worker in the ranlis of his party, and at various 
 times has represented it on the Count}' Central 
 Committee. Socially, he is an Odd Fellow and a 
 member of Lodge No. 57. He is also a Knight of 
 Pythias. He is always glad to assist in anj- way 
 in promoting the interests of his township, which 
 he has served faithfully in man\' positions of trust. 
 Throughout the count}- he has many friends, who 
 recognize the nobility of his character and realize 
 that he deserves to be held in the highest esteem. , 
 In August, 1892, he was admitted to practice law ' 
 in Mt. Vernon, this state. He is one of the young- 
 est members of the legal fraternity, and it is safe 
 to predict thjjt he will reach the top round of the 
 ladder of success. 
 
 JUDGE M. F. SWORTZCOPE is a prominent 
 resident of Grand Tower, and one well 
 worth}' of representation in this volume. 
 He comes from an old Bohemian family, and 
 the name was originally spelled Schwartzkopf. 
 His father, Joseph Swortzcope, was born and 
 reared in Bohemia, and became a weaver. He 
 served as a soldier under Napoleon, and was 
 wounded at the battle of Austerlitz by a musket 
 ball in the left upper arm. He married Catherine 
 Anna Broixdam, who was a native of Cologne, 
 and was of French and German descent. Their 
 marriage was celebrated in Cologne in 1807, and 
 in 1814 they emigrated to America, locating in 
 Elizabethtown, Md., where the father followed his 
 trade. He afterwards went to Chambersburg, Pa., 
 thence to Bedford, and in 1835 to St. Louis. Later 
 he made his home on a farm in St. Charles County, 
 Mo., and on selling that removed to Cottleville, 
 that stale, where he died in 1847, at the age of 
 eighty-two. His wife passed away in 1851, at 
 the age of eighty years. They were members of 
 the Catholic Church. 
 
 Our subject is the only survivor in a family of 
 seven children. He was born in Chambersburg, 
 Pa., April 3, 1820, and all of his school privileges 
 were acquired in Pennsylvania prior to his four- 
 teenth year. He then served an apprenticeship 
 
 to the cooper's trade, which he followed for a 
 number of yeai-s. At the age of seventeen he emi- 
 grated to Madison County, 111., later went to Mis- 
 souri, and afterwards returned to Ohio, where he 
 followed coopering. He located in Chester, 111., 
 in 1842. 
 
 The same year Mr. Swortzcope married Zerelda 
 Harmon, who was born in Randolph County, 111., 
 in March, 1821. In 1845 they removed to Mur- 
 physboro, and there our subject followed his trade 
 until 1869, when tuey came to Grand Tower. Six 
 children were born to them, of whom three are 
 now living, Susan E., Emma B. and Walter. The 
 mother of this family died in 1854. 
 
 Mr. Swortzcope was numbered among the valiant 
 defenders of the Union during the late war. He 
 enlisted in August, 1861, and was mustered into 
 the United States service on the 18tli of Septem- 
 ber, as a member of Company A, Thirty-first Illi- 
 nois Infantry. He was promoted to he First Lieu- 
 tenant and Quartermaster, April 2, 18()2, and thus 
 served until the close of the war. He participated 
 in the battles of Belmont, Ft. Henry, Ft. Donel- 
 son and the siege of Corinth. The regiment was 
 under the command of John A. Logan, with whom 
 he was very intimate, a strong affection existing 
 between the two men. Mr. Swortzcope partici- 
 pated in the siege of Vicksburg and the battles of 
 Champion HiUs and Raymond, and his regiment 
 acted with the escort of honor to General Grant 
 on the capture of Vicksburg. In the spring of 
 1864 he returned home on a veteran furlough, 
 and when his leave of absence had expired, re- 
 joined his command in Georgia, participating in 
 the battle of Kenesaw Mountain, the siege of At- 
 lanta, the march to the sea, and the battles of Sa- 
 vannah and Bentonville. He served as Assistant 
 Quartermaster of the Seventeenth Army Corps 
 from the landing at Port Royal, S. C, until must- 
 ered out at Goldsboro, N. C, April 8. 1865. 
 
 Mr. .Swortzcope is a member and has served as 
 Commander of John A. White Post of Grand 
 Tower. He was also a member of the Odd Fel 
 lows' society, and has represented the local lodge 
 in the Grand Lodge. He deserves great credit for 
 his success in life. When a young man of twenty- 
 four, he could not do a simple example in subtrac-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 867 
 
 tion, but he bought an arithmetic and slate, and 
 without assistance mastered all of the problems in 
 the book, and his reading, experience and observa- 
 tion have made him a well informed man. In 
 1858 he was elected County Surve}'or of Jackson 
 Count}', and was serving his second term when the 
 war broke out. In 1854 he was Associate Justice 
 of the County Court, and in 1865 was elected 
 County Judge, which position he filled four years. 
 He has also been Notary Public, Road Supervisor 
 and School Director, and is now the efficient and 
 popular Surveyor of Jackson County. In the dis- 
 ciiarge of his public duties he has ever been found 
 faithful and true, and his frequent re-election to 
 oflice indicates the confidence reposed in him. 
 
 ^^ APT. J. C. LOUNSBURY, who for more 
 (l( _^ than a quarter of a century was captain of 
 ^^^ a vessel on the Mississippi River, has been 
 residing in Perry County since 18G0. His inter- 
 ests here are centered in township 4, range 1, 
 where he owns three hundred acres of valuable 
 land, which is one of the best managed farms in 
 this part of the state. Mr. Lounsbur}' was born in 
 Orange County, N. Y., in 1823, and on coming 
 west in 1846, located in Cincinnati. He immedi- 
 ately engaged as mate of a vessel running to New 
 Orleans, and continued to act in that capaeitj' for 
 about ten 3ear&, when he was promoted to be cap- 
 tain. 
 
 While following the river, our subject had 
 charge of some of the best boats on the Mississippi 
 and was only induced to abandon that line of 
 work on account of the illness of his wife. In 
 1860, he came to Perry County' and purchased a 
 quarter-section of land. The lady whom he mar- 
 ried while residing in Cincinnati was Miss Han- 
 nah A., daughter of Dr. V. W. and Diautha Leon- 
 ard. Their marriage occurred September 5, 1850, 
 and to them have been born five children, viz.: 
 Emma, now Mrs. William Fielden,of Washington; 
 J. Edward, who assists his father in carrying on the 
 farm; Lillie, Mrs. George McClelland, of Okla- 
 homa; John C, now residing in Sedalia, Mo., 
 where he is in the employ of the Missouri Pacific 
 
 Railroad Company; and Esther, the wife of Frank 
 Walts, of Du Quoin. 
 
 The Lounsbuiy family originally came from 
 Scotland, where they were well-to-do people. 
 Grandfather Joshua Lounsbury was born and reared 
 in Westchester County, N. Y. During the Revo- 
 lutionary War, he rendered valiant service to his 
 country as Colonel of his regiment. Our subject 
 is also descended from Revolutionary stock on his 
 mother's side. The wife of our subject traces her 
 genealogy back to Timothy Stanley, who came 
 from England with the Pilgrims in the "May- 
 flower." 
 
 Our subject was reared on his father's farm, 
 where he remained until leaehiug his sixteenth 
 year. As before stated, he followed the river 
 until the Civil War, when he located on his 
 present beautiful estate and is now engaged in a 
 general farming business. He manages his affairs 
 in such a way as to bring him in a good income 
 and thus ranks among the well-to-do farmers of 
 this locality. Politically, Captain Lounsbury is a 
 stanch Democrat, and socially is an Odd Fellow. 
 With his family he is a devoted member of the 
 Presbyterian Church and is highly respected in 
 the community where he has spent so many j-ears. 
 
 AMUEL W. DUNAWAY. The subject of 
 this sketch was born in Williamson Coun- 
 I ty, 111., August 2, 1841. His parents, Sam- 
 uel and Julia (Tarple}) Dunaway, were 
 natives of Virginia and of English descent. At an 
 early day in the history of southern Illinois, the 
 father cast his fortune among the residents of 
 Williamson County, and there he met and married 
 IMiss Tarpley. Thej' had a large family of chil- 
 dren, seven of whom are now living. 
 
 Being a man of ceaseless activity and good 
 judgment, Mr. Dunawaj-, Sr., amassed a comforta- 
 ble fortune, which represented the result of his 
 own industry and efforts, assisted by his excellent 
 Christian wife. He was not penurious with his 
 money, but generous and open-handed to a fault, 
 and aided every worthy project that would en- 
 hance the prosperity of his community. He was
 
 868 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 engaged in the mercantile and real-estate business, 
 and in his transactions was ever reliable and hon- 
 orable, so that he won and retained the confidence 
 of his fellow-citizens. In the progress and ad- 
 vancement of the county he was an important 
 factor. Their first railroad was perhaps consid- 
 ered their mo.st important step onward, and he 
 was President of that road for many years. 
 
 .Samuel W. Dunaway followed in his father's 
 footsteps in business. Wliile pursuing his voca- 
 tion at Marion, Williamson County, in 1863, he 
 married Jliss Virginia, daughter of Dr. J. P. 
 Thorn, a Virginian by birth and a successful pb}-- 
 sician. Two children were born of the marriage, 
 a son and a daughter. Alw.i^y? being an earnest 
 advocate of education and higher improvement, 
 Mr. Dunaway located in Carbondalc that his chil- 
 dren might have the advantages of the .State Nor- 
 mal situated here. After graduating in this school 
 he sent them east to scliool and to Europe. 
 
 In politics, Mr. Dunaway is an enthusiastic Dem- 
 ocrat, though not a partisan. At the present time 
 (1894). lie holds the position of resident Trustee 
 of the Board of Trustees of the Southern Illinois 
 Normal. An active business man, progressive citi- 
 zen and pleasant companion, lie finds his greatest 
 pleasure in his friends, his business and his home. 
 
 f-- 
 
 ji _ ON. CHARLES B. COLE, part owner of the 
 jirjjj H. C. Cole Milling Companj-, stands among 
 1^^ the foremost business men who have con- 
 '^P tributed so largely to the financial prosper- 
 ity of this part of the count}'. "With true public 
 spirit and characteristic liberality he has aided 
 every enterprise that would in any wa^' advance 
 the welfare of the community, promote the growth 
 of Chester or improve its conditions. 
 
 A native of Illinois, our subject w.is born in 
 Chester, May 6, 1845, and is the son of Hermon 
 C. and Emily (Cocks) Cole, for a further history 
 of whom the reader is referred to the sketch of 
 Hermon C. Cole, found elsewhere in this Record. 
 Our subject received his early education in the 
 public schools of this city, and after completing 
 
 his studies here entered the engineering depart- 
 ment of Harvard Universit}', where he took a 
 thorough course. On returning to this city he en- 
 tered his father's mill and h.as continued in its 
 operation to the present time. His father dying 
 in 1874, he and his brothers Z. T. and H. C. suc- 
 ceeded to the business. The mill is supplied with 
 all the most improved machinery and turns out 
 flour of a fine quality. 
 
 The parental family included four sons, of whom 
 Charles B., of this sketch, is the eldest. The others 
 bear the respective names of Zachary T., Harry C. 
 and Edward E., the first two of whom are partners 
 in the mill. The H. C. Cole Milling Company is 
 one of the most extensive plants of its kind in this 
 part of the state, its capacity being seven hundred 
 and fifty barrels of flour per day. Its large ele- 
 vators have a capacity of two hundred thousand 
 bushels of grain, which is bought from farmers of 
 this section. The compau_v turns out the highest 
 grades of winter wheat flour, their leading brands 
 being "H. C. Cole's Omega," "FFFG," '-Cole's 
 Mill Extra" and "Sancho Panza." The products 
 of the mill find their waj- to various portions of 
 the country, being shipped as far east as Boston 
 and as far south .as New Orleans. As before stated, 
 the mills are fitted out with the most modern ma- 
 chinery, having a large Corliss engine of three 
 hundi-ed and fifty horse power. They are located 
 on the line of the Wabash, Chester & Western 
 Railit)ad, which they find very convenient for 
 shipping. In 1888 the mills were incorporated 
 under the name of the H. C. Cole Milling Com- 
 pany, having been established in 1839. 
 
 Charles B. Cole has been a conspicuous figure in 
 public and political life of the town and count}- for 
 man J' years, and )^•!ls elected to the Legislature on 
 the Democratic ticket in 1886. As a memter of 
 various important committees while in the Lower 
 House he was instrumental in bringing about much 
 needed legislation to protect and advance the in- 
 terests of the state and people. He was a menil)er 
 of the Board of Education of Chester for twelve 
 years. He was appointed receiver of the Iron 
 Mountain, Chester <fc Eastern Railroad in 1876, 
 and since 1878 has been Vice-President and ilau- 
 , ager of the Wabash, Chester & Western Railroad
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 869 
 
 Compan}', the present owners of the former road. 
 
 May 12. 1869, Mr. Cole married Miss Laura A. 
 Laj'man, who was born in Tennessee June 21, 
 1847. At her death, which occurred July 11, 
 1878, she left three daughters and one son. The 
 lady whom our subject married in 1882 was Miss 
 Mary E. Palmer, of New Hampshire. 
 
 No man has done more for the upbuilding of 
 Chester and its general improvement than our sub- 
 ject, who has proved a valuable acquisition te the 
 citizenship of this localitj-. His prompt and meth- 
 odical business habits, good financial talent and 
 taet in the management of affairs have brought 
 him before the public at various times, and in every 
 position he h.is promoted the interests of his na- 
 tive place with characteristic abilitj". He is Presi- 
 dent of the Millers' National Association and 
 Vice-President of the Millers' National Insurance 
 Company, which was organized in 1876, and which 
 is one of the most solid institutions of its kind 
 in the United States. 
 
 «^ 
 
 ^^ 
 
 ARLAN P. PORTER, who resides on section 
 21, Vergeunes Townshij), Jackson County, 
 is numbered among the leading farmers of 
 this community, and owns and operates 
 two hundred acres of valuable land, having placed 
 the same under a high state of cultivation and im- 
 proved it with all tlie accessories and convenience 
 of a model farm. It is pleasantly located within 
 a half mile of the village of Vergennes and is one 
 of the valuable and desirable farms of the neigh- 
 borhood. 
 
 Its well known owner was born in Vergennes 
 Township, October 30, 1849, and is a son of Ben- 
 jamin E. Porter, who was born in Ohio February 
 11, 1826. At the age of twenty' he came to Illi- 
 nois and settled in this locality. His father, Rus- 
 sell Sumner Porter, afterwards emigrated to Illi- 
 nois. In the family of the latter were seven chil- 
 dren, Eliphas, Solomon, John, Lawrence, Benja- 
 min; Sarah J., wife of ,Iohn A. McNerne}-, and 
 Phcebe, wife of W. Gray. The father died in 1873, 
 at the age of sixty years. He was a member of 
 the Presbyterian Church, and with one exception 
 35 
 
 all of his children held membership with the Meth- 
 odist Church. In politics he was a Henr^- Clay 
 Whig until the organization of the Republican 
 party. He cast the first Republican ballot in Jack- 
 son County. He took a very prominent part in 
 church and benevolent work. In 1868, he re- 
 moved to Jasper County, Mo., where he spent 
 three j'ears, and then returned to Illinois. 
 
 Benjamin F. Porter, father of our subject, was 
 married in this county to Elizabeth Parish, Sep- 
 tember 14, 1848, and they became the parents of 
 the following children: Harlan, of this sket(^li; 
 Edward and Edwin, twins, born November 5, 1855, 
 and died in infancy; Henry S., horn January 21, 
 1853; Lucy A., who was born March 30, 1855, and 
 died at the age of fourteen: Lucretia D., who was 
 born August 1, 1857, married Walker Sheets, and 
 died fourteen months later; Marj- E.. born March 
 16," 1860, became the wife of Frank Verbeck, and 
 had two children, Henry and Eugene; Martha J., 
 born April 19, 1862; and Nellie, born September 18, 
 1871. She is now the wife of John Murray. Ben- 
 jamin F. Porter and three of his brothers enlisted 
 in the Union arm3', but as it was necessary for one 
 of tliem to remain at home and provide for the 
 four families they drew lots, and Benjamin was 
 the one who remained. 
 
 Harlan P. Porter continued upon tiie old home 
 farm until he had attained his majorit3'. He re- 
 moved with his family to Missouri, and returned 
 with them to Jackson Counly in September, 1870. 
 On the 17tli of November following, he married 
 Virginia M. Spencer, and their union has been 
 blessed with the following children: Lucy A., born 
 December 30, 1874; Clara S., September 24. 1877; 
 Benjamin E., November 26, 1879; Otto H., Febru- 
 ary 1, 1882; Sterling C, February 29, 1884; Leon- 
 ard J., November 27, 1886; Russell H., January 
 1, 1889; Beulah E., June 1, 1891; and Bert, Jan- 
 uary 7, 1894. Mrs. Porter was born March 8, 
 1854. Her father, Edward H. Spencer, of Ver- 
 gennes, came from southeastern Missouri to this 
 count}' in 1861. He married Frences Trannel, 
 and their children were as follows: Jackson; Marj-, 
 wife of John Blacklock; and Eunice, wife of Will- 
 iam Brooks. When Mr. Spencer came to this county 
 he purchased the old Porter farm, and made it his
 
 870 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 home until his death, November 25, 1865. His 
 widow is still living on the old homestead with 
 her son. 
 
 For four years after his marriage, Mr. Porter 
 operated rented land, and then purchased forty 
 acres where he now lives, adding to it until he be- 
 came owner of his present fine farm. He and his 
 wife are members of the Presbyterian Church of 
 Vergennes, and are highly respected people. He 
 takes an active part in local politics, votes with 
 the Republican party, and on that ticket has been 
 elected to all the township offices except that of 
 clerk. He has not been out of ofHce for the past 
 twenty years, a fact which indicates his fidelit}' to 
 duty and the confidence reposed in him by his fel- 
 low-townsmen. He is a member of the Masonic 
 lodge of De Soto and the Odd Fellows' lodge 
 of Vergennes, and has filled various offices in 
 these organizations, also represented them in'the 
 Grand Lodge. He is a man of great energy and 
 determination, and though he has met obstacles 
 and diHiculties, he has overcome these by deter- 
 mined effort, and has steadily worked his way up- 
 ward to success, being how the possessor of a hand- 
 some competence. He is recognized as one of the 
 prominent citizens of the community, and has the 
 high regard of all. 
 
 "^tfi 3K '^^ I^ 3!^ '^J^ 
 
 i^^^^^^ 
 
 Wj;ILLIAM FO.STER, one of the honored 
 pioneers of Randolph County, who is now 
 engaged in farming in township 5, range 
 6, where he owns and operates two hundred and 
 twenty acres of good land, is a representative 
 of one of the earliest families of this commu- 
 nity. The Fosters are of Scotch descent, and the 
 family was represented in this country in a very 
 early day. The grandfather, John Foster, was a 
 native of South Carolina, and the father, Robert 
 Foster, was born February 13, 1785, in the Abbey- 
 ville District of South Carolina, where he lived 
 until nineteen years of age, when, in 1804, he emi- 
 grated to Randolph County, 111., settling near 
 Evansville. He there made his home until his 
 death, which occurred February 12, 1831. His 
 remains were interred in the Kelly Cemetery. By 
 
 occupation he was a distiller. In politics he was 
 a Democrat, and in his social relations he was a 
 Mason. He held membership with the United 
 Presbyterian Church, contributed liberally to its 
 support, and took an active part in church work. 
 His wife, who bore the maiden name of Susanna 
 McClinton, was born in September, 1791. Shewasa 
 daughter of John McClinton, and died December 
 6, 1829. 
 
 The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Foster was cele- 
 brated in 1809, and they became the parents of 
 eight children: Sam, born January 15, 1810; John, 
 September 25, 1811; James A., March 9, 1814; 
 Periuclia, in June, 1816; Elizabeth J., in October, 
 1818; William, of this sketch, October 4, 1820; 
 David A., January 13, 1822; and Nancy, Febru- 
 ary 9, 1826. 
 
 Upon the old homestead "William Foster lived 
 until 1829. He tlien went to the home of his 
 uncle, Sam McClinton, with whom he remained 
 for nine years. On the expiration of that period 
 he began working for Dr. Farman, of Sparta, and 
 afterward was emploj'ed in a mill for a ^-ear. 
 At the expiration of that time he went to Red 
 Bud, where he continued for eleven years. In 
 1844 he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of 
 raw land at $10 per acre, and began the develop- 
 ment of a farm. He made it a valuable and de- 
 sirable place, and continued its cultivation for a 
 quarter of a century, when he removed to his pres- 
 ent farm, comprising two hundred and twenty acres 
 of highly improved land. 
 
 Mr. Foster was married March 14, 1844, to 
 Amelia Rolls, a native of Randolph County and a 
 daughter of Edward and Jennie (Hill) Rolls, who 
 were born in South Carolina. The family origi- 
 nally came from Ireland and settled in Virginia. 
 To Mr. and Mrs. Foster were born four children. 
 Edward, born in 1844, is a farmer; he married 
 Nancy Temple, and the}' have one son, Charles. 
 John R., born October 17, 1846, married Maggie 
 AValson. James, born June 27, 1851, and Emily 
 Jane are deceased. 
 
 In 1862 Mr. Foster entered the Unitfn service 
 as a member of Company I, Twenty-second Illi- 
 nois Infantry. After a time he was discharged on 
 account of ill-health. Later, however, he re-enlistec^
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD- 
 
 871 
 
 in Company C, Eightieth Illinois Infantry, but was 
 again discharged. After the battle of Ft. Donel- 
 son he served as nurse to the wounded soldiers for 
 fifteen da3's. Although he was not retained in 
 the service, he manifested his lo.yalty to the Gov- 
 ernment and the Union. Both Mr. and Mrs. Foster 
 are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
 and he served as Trustee for some time. In pol- 
 itics he is a Republican, and is a member of the 
 Good Templars' socictj^ and the Union League. 
 On starting out in life for himself he worked for 
 twenty-five cents per day, but by diligence and 
 good management he won success, and became the 
 owner of three hundred and seven acres of gocd 
 land. A part of this he has since disposed of, but 
 he still owns two hundred and twenty acres, 
 which yield to him a golden tribute in return for 
 his care and labor. 
 
 \\, OHN HENRY HOMRIGHAUSEN, a farmer 
 of Monroe County, living on section 31, 
 township 3, range 8 west, is a son of Henry 
 and Sophia (Scharch) Ilomrighausen. He 
 was born on the old family' homestead where he 
 now lives, March 26, 1 859, was reared under the 
 parental roof and soon became familiar with all 
 the details of farm life. The public schools of the 
 neighborhood afforded him his educational priv- 
 ileges, which, added to experience and observation 
 in later years, have made him a well informed 
 man. 
 
 On the 6th of August, 1885, Mr. Ilomrighausen 
 was married to Miss Catherine Ritter, a daughter 
 of Balthazar Ritter. Her father was a native of 
 Germany, and crossing the Atlantic to the New 
 World he came to the west and cast his lot among 
 the early settlers of Randolph County, 111. He is 
 still living in this state, his home being now in 
 Mascoutah, St. Clair County. His daughter, wife 
 of our subject, was born in Randolph County on 
 the 5th of June, 1864, and there spent her early 
 girlhood days. She afterwards went with her par- 
 ents to St. Clair Count}', where she grew to woman- 
 hood and was educated. Three children have 
 been born to Mr. and Mrs. Homrighausen, a son 
 
 and two daughters, namely: Alma Anna Sophia, 
 who was born August 9, 1886; Henry Balthazar, 
 born on the 20th of .July, 1889; and Mary Sophia 
 Catherine, born December 2, 1891. 
 
 After his marriage, Mr. Homrighausen settled 
 upon the farm which has since been his home. He 
 now owns one liundred and sixty acres of good 
 land, sixt}- acres being on section 31, sixty acres 
 in Randolph County, and forty acres in the ad- 
 joining township. It is all well improved and 
 under a high state of cultivation. He devotes his 
 time principally to the raising of grain, and the 
 well tilled fields give evidence of abundant har- 
 vests. Many of the improvements upon the place 
 stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise. 
 He has erected a comfortable residence, built a new 
 granary and also a barn. The place is complete in 
 all its appointments, being supplied with all mod- 
 ern accessories and conveniences. It is one of the 
 best improved places in the township, and the 
 owner is regarded as one of the leading agricult- 
 urists. 
 
 Our subject is a member of the Evangelical 
 Church, and in his political views is a Republican. 
 While he keeps himself well informed on the is- 
 sues of the day, as all true American citizens 
 should do, he has never sought or desired the hon- 
 ors or emoluments of public office, preferring to 
 devote his entire time and attention to his busi- 
 ness interests, in which he has met with signal 
 success. He has lived an upright, honorable life, 
 and throughout the community is held in high re- 
 gard. 
 
 i-HOMAS RELMAN. No resident of .lack- 
 son County is better or more favorably 
 known than the gentleman above named, 
 who has here spent his entire life. Though scarcely 
 3'et in the prime of life he has already attained a 
 degree of success not often rewarding the efforts of 
 men whose years greatly outnumber his. His farm 
 is one of the best in Levan Township, and is im- 
 proved with substantial buildings and the various 
 accessories of a model farm. 
 
 Elsewhere in this volume mention is made of 
 Andrew Reiman, an honored pioneer of Jackson
 
 872 
 
 PORTRAIT AND EJOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 County and the father of our subject. The latter | 
 was the ninth child iu the famil}- and was born in 
 Murphjsboro Township, this county, April 23, 
 1858. In childhood he was quite delicate and was 
 ill mucli of the lime, thus being prevented from 
 attending school. However, as j-ears passed by 
 his health became more vigorous, and by reading 
 and observation lie was enabled to compensate for 
 lack of earl3' training. 
 
 At the age of twentj'-four years, in 1882, Mr. 
 Reiman was united iu marriage with Miss Addie, 
 daughter of Henrj' Boucher, an earlj- settler of 
 Levan Township. Immediately after his marriage 
 he settled upon the farm where he has since re- 
 sided. The place was then partly improved but 
 in some parts not a furrow had been turned. 
 Since it came into liis possession it has been 
 greatl_y changed, as he has erected good build- 
 ings, fences and ever3thiiig needful for carrying 
 on farming to the best advantage. The estate 
 consists of one hundred and sixty acres and is 
 devoted to general farming and stock-raising. 
 
 Unto Mr. and Mrs. Reiman were born five chil- 
 dren: Louis, deceased; Ralph; Leona May; Car- 
 rie, who died at the age of three years; and an 
 infant that died unnamed. While Mr. Reiman 
 has devoted his attention principally to farming, 
 he also takes a commendable interest in public af- 
 fairs and is an enthusiastic champion of the Dem- 
 ocratic party. As a citizen he is progressive, and 
 as a farmer efficient, and his position is among the 
 foremost residents of Levan Township. 
 
 ^ I^ILLIAM H. DAVIS. This venerable citi- 
 \rJ// zen of Somerset Township has been inti- 
 'J^^ mately associated with the development 
 and growth of .lackson County for more than 
 fifty }'eais, and during this long period has wit- 
 nessed the wonderful progress of its material re- 
 sources, as well as contributed his quota to its 
 advancement. Kow in the twilight of his declin- 
 ing years, he lives retired from the business activ- 
 ities of life's prime, and surrounded by the com- 
 
 forts accumulated through ceaseless toil, passes his 
 tinie pleasantly at his homestead on section 15. 
 
 A native of Indiana, our subject was born in 
 Floyd County, December 23, 1816, being a son of 
 Amos and Ruth (Gallon) Davis, natives of Vir- 
 ginia. The paternal grandfather, W. H. Davis, 
 was born in Wales and was a sea captain for many 
 years. Tiie lady whom he married was a native 
 of the West Indies. Our subject's uncle, William 
 Davis, fought at the battle of Tippecanoe, under 
 General Harrison, and was there killed. The fam- 
 ily has always been prominent in public aflfairs, 
 and has been distinguished by patriotism and de- 
 votion to countiy. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was reared in Floyd 
 C©unt3-, Ind.. meantime receiving such advantages 
 as were afforded b3- the pioneer schools of the 
 liome locality. At the age of about nineteen 
 years he was apprenticed to learn the trade of a 
 blacksmith and served for eighteen months, aft«r 
 which he followed the trade for several 3-ears. 
 Later, commencing farming operations, he also 
 conducted a blacksmith shop in connection there- 
 with, his ventures in these two lines meeting with 
 unvar3ing success. 
 
 As earl3' as Februaiy, 1836, when Jackson Coun- 
 t3' was still undeveloped and its vast resources 
 existed only in the imaginatioti of a few buo3"ant 
 pioneers, Mr. Davis came hither and made a set- 
 tlement in Somerset Township. For a time he 
 rented a farm now owned b3' Daniel Kimniel, 
 which he cleared and improved, and upon which 
 he engaged as a tiller of the soil. Subsequently 
 he settled on section 36, Vergennes Township, 
 where he continued to make his home until 1848. 
 He then returned to Somerset Township and lo- 
 cated on section 23, where he resided for man3' 
 3'ears improving a farm, which became one of the 
 best in the community. His next home was on 
 section 10 of Somerset Township, whence in 1887 
 he came to his present place of residence at Grange 
 Hall. 
 
 November 26, 1840, Mr. Davis was united in 
 marriage with Miss Elvira Hall, who died in 1848, 
 after having become the mother of three chil- 
 dren, Amos H., John L. and Elvira (deceased). 
 On the 2d of April, 1873, Mr. Davis married Miss^
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 878 
 
 Elizabeth, daughter of William and Rachel Crow, 
 early settlers of Jackson Count}-, 111., where she 
 was born. Mrs. Davis is an estimable lady, who 
 is highly esteemed throughout the township, and, 
 together with her husband, enjoj's the confidence 
 of a large circle of friends. As an agriculturist, 
 Mr. Davis has been very successful. He has given 
 his sons about eight hundred and forty acres, and 
 still lias in his possession one hundred and ninety- 
 two acres. 
 
 In matters political William H. Davis is stanch 
 in his adherence to the principles of the Re- 
 publican party, and upon that ticket was chosen 
 Supervisor of Somerset Township, in which capa- 
 city he served with efficiencj' and devotion to the 
 interests of the people. Soeiallj', he is identified 
 with Somerset Grange No. 1553, in which he 
 served as Master for two years. During the half- 
 century covered by the period of his residence 
 here he has witnessed the marvelous transforma- 
 tion of the county from the abode of wild ani- 
 mals to the home of an intelligent and cultured 
 people, and in the attainment of this result he has 
 assisted. 
 
 !(-=; UGH COOPER, formerly one of the repre- 
 sentative citizens of township 5, range 4, 
 Perry Count}', departed this life in August, 
 g) 1889. He was a man of decided abilit}' 
 and was generally conceded to rank among the 
 first agriculturists of his district. He started out 
 in life a poor boy and succeeded in accumulating 
 a handsome property of over two hundred acres, 
 which he distributed among his children prior to 
 his decease. 
 
 A native of South Carolina, our subject was 
 born in 1819, and was }'ouug in j'ears when he ac- 
 companied his parents on their emigration to Illi- 
 nois, locating with them in the western part of 
 Perry County. The father of our subject, Andrew 
 Cooper, was likewise a native of South Carolina, 
 and although a tj'pical southern gentleman, ob- 
 jected strongl}' to slaver}'. He and his wife, who 
 prior to her marriage bore the name of ^largaret 
 McKelvey, became the parents of the following 
 children: John; Margaret, deceased, formerly the 
 
 wife of Capt. James Cunningham; Elizabeth, who 
 married William Munford, of Coulterville; Nancy, 
 who became the wife of Samuel Burns, of Sparta; 
 Ebenezer, a minister in the United Presbyterian 
 Church, of Kingman County, Kan.; and Andrew, 
 who died while serving as a soldier in the late war. 
 
 Hugh Cooper, of this sketch, grew to manhood 
 in this county, where he received a common school 
 education. When ready to establish a home of 
 his own he married, in November, 1841, Miss Eliza 
 Desper, and to them have been born six children 
 who grew to mature years, namely: Sarah A., the 
 wife of Daniel Benson, of Randolph County; 
 Nancy J., who married Jasper Thomas, of Perry 
 County; John R., a Presbyterian minister, of 
 Brush, Colo.; Mary E., who married Samuel Doug- 
 las, and makes her home in this county; and Albert 
 J. Our subject was one of the most enterprising 
 citizens of his community and was alw.avs identi- 
 fied with the movements which would be beneficial 
 to the county. In politics, he voted with the Re- 
 publican party. The United Presbyterian Church 
 found in him one of its most active members. 
 
 John R. Cooper, the eldest son of our subject, 
 has been a minister of the Presbyterian Church for 
 eight years. His youngest son, Albert J., has al- 
 ways lived in this county and now owns one hun- 
 dred and forty acres of land, which he has placed 
 under the best methods of improvement. Besides 
 raising the cereals, he gives special attention to 
 stock-raising and has many registered animals. 
 The wife of our subject is still living (1894), at the 
 age of seventy-two years, and since the death of 
 her husband has made her home with her young- 
 est son. 
 
 '^-- 
 
 =-f 
 
 <S^DMUND S. LYBARGER, who for many 
 l^ years has successfully engaged in farming 
 11' — ^ in Randolph County, has the honor of being 
 a native of Illinois, for he was born in Kaskaskia, 
 September 26, 1826. He is the fifth in order of 
 birth in the family of Samuel and Mary (Taylor) 
 Lybarger. His father's family came from Penn- 
 sylvania. Edmund lost his mother when he was 
 only about eight years of age, and he was taken
 
 874 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 to live with Mr. A^an Zant, of Chester, who cared 
 for him until he had attained to man's estate. 
 His educational privileges were quite limited, for 
 during his j'outh his time was largely taken up 
 with farm work. 
 
 Attracted by the diseover3- of gold in Cali- 
 fornia, in 1850 Mr. Lybarger crossed the plains 
 to the Pacific Slope. He worked in the mines for 
 nearly four yeai-s, and during that time made 
 considerable monej', returning to his Illinois home 
 with $5,000. He remained here through the win- 
 ter, and in the spring of 1855 again went to Cali- 
 fornia, where he spent the two succeeding years 
 of his life. In 1857 we once more find him in Ran- 
 dolph County, and since that time he has contin- 
 uously engaged in farming. Purchasing wild land, 
 he at once began its development and transformed 
 the raw prairie into rich and fertile fields, which 
 yield to him a golden tribute in return for the 
 care and labor he bestows upon them. He has 
 made manj' excellent improvements upon his 
 place, and in fact it is complete in all its ap- 
 pointments, being numbered among the model 
 farms of the county-. The owner is now well ad- 
 vanced in years, but he still enjoys good health 
 and manages his own propert}'. 
 
 On the 23d of December, 1855, was celebrated 
 tlie marriage of Mr. Lybarger and Miss Helen 
 Richardson, daughter of Robert H. and Prudence 
 (Tanner) Ricliardson. Her father came with his 
 parents from South Carolina to Chester, 111., at a 
 very early daj-. The Tanner family originally 
 lived in Kentucky. Unto our subject and his 
 wife were born nine children, viz.: Mary; Robert 
 R., of Arkansas; Esther B., wife of Dr. Dinsbeer, 
 of St. Louis; Oscar W., of St. Louis; Commodore 
 C, who died in 1888, at tlie age of twenty-one; 
 Henr3', who aids in the cultivation of the home 
 farm; Lillian P., wife of Joseph Hickman, a 
 farmer residing near Ellis Grove; Eleanor and 
 Helen Maud, who are still under the parental roof. 
 
 In politics, Mr. Lybarger has been a life-long 
 Democrat and a warm advocate of the principles 
 of the party, although he has never sought or de- 
 sired the honors or emoluments of public office. 
 He belongs to the Presbyterian Church, and his 
 wife is a member of the Baptist Church. They 
 
 are worthy people, whose well spent lives have 
 won them many friends throughout this commu- 
 nity. • 
 
 II/_^ERMON C. ( 
 
 rjl of energy a 
 M)^ blunder int 
 
 COLE. Success is the creature 
 and tact. Men maj' sometimes 
 ito fame or fortune, but unless 
 (^) the}' possess sterling qualities, the sequel to 
 their lives is apt to prove that they were unwor- 
 thily intrusted with great advantages. Opportuni- 
 ties come to every man, but only a few seize upon 
 them and rise with them to success. It is not be- 
 cause their opportunities are greater, but that thej- 
 possess the qualities which in all ages have been 
 recognized as masters of success, and by which 
 they are enabled to take advantage of that 
 
 "Tide in the affairs of men 
 Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune; 
 Neglected, all the voyage of their lives 
 Is bound in shallows and in miseries." 
 
 These truths, which have been happily expressed 
 in the saying that "every man is the architect of 
 his own fortune," are perhaps nowhere more de- 
 cidedlj- manifest than in the business activity of 
 new countries. It is there that energ}-, enterprise 
 and administrative ability come to the front. The 
 field lies open to every one alike, and the highest 
 success is reached by the man of greatest energies 
 and strongest purpose. Such a man was the late 
 Hermon Camp Cole. As a business man he was 
 known prominently, not only throughout southern 
 Illinois, but elsewhere; and while by his enterprise 
 he built up an extensive business and acquired an 
 ample fortune, he at the same time developed the 
 resources of a large section of country, and was of 
 material aid in promoting the interests of Ran- 
 dolph County. 
 
 The family with which Mr. Cole was connected 
 was of English and Welsh descent, and its Brst 
 members came to America early in the history of 
 the Colonies. For several generations they lived 
 in New York State, and in Dutchess County-, that 
 state, Nathan Cole, our subject's father, was born 
 March 7, 1783. His second wife, the mother of 
 Hermon C, was Sarah Scott. She was born in 
 Ridgefield, Conn., in 1790, and at the age of four
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 875 
 
 years was taken by her parents to Orange Count}-, 
 whence in 1801 they moved to Seneca County. 
 Nathan Cole and Sarah Scott were married in 
 1807, and became the parents of seven sons, some 
 of whom became prominent in business and poli- 
 tics. 
 
 In 1821 Nathan Cole, accompanied b}- his fam- 
 ily, removed to St. Louis, and there engaged in 
 business, being the first regular pork-packer in the 
 Mississippi Valley. lie died in Chester in 1840. 
 Hermon C, the third of his sons, was born in Ovid, 
 Seneca County, N. Y., Maj' 9, 1813, and was eight 
 years old when the familj' took up its residence in 
 St. Louis. His education was commenced in that 
 city, and was finished in Shurtleff College, at Alton 
 At the age of twenty, without capital, he began in 
 business as a merchant in East St. Louis. In 1837 
 the family came to Chester, where the father erected 
 the first flouring mill of the town, while H. C. 
 opened a store and engaged in merchandising. 
 Aboutt 1840 he became interested in the mill as a 
 partner of Abner Cole, and such was his energy 
 and activit}', that within a few j'ears the brands of 
 the establishment gained the highest reputation 
 throughout the west. For a time he was sole pro- 
 prietor of the mill, but later took into partnership 
 his two sons, Charles B. and Zachary T., and ex- 
 tended his business by opening the banking house 
 of H. C. Cole & Co. In 1867 he disposed of his 
 mercantile business to William Schuchert. 
 
 In June of 1844, ]\Ir. Cole married Miss Emily 
 Cocks, of Stamford, Conn., who died in October, 
 1859. In February of 1862, he married Mrs. Sarah 
 J. Flannigan. His children, six by the first wife, 
 and five by the second, were named as follows: 
 Charles B., Zachary T., Alice E., Henry C, Eunice 
 E., Edward E.; and Cora V., Grace, Hermon, New- 
 ell and Nathan. Mr. Cole died at his residence in 
 Upper Alton, 111., October 20, 1874. The business 
 of the firm is now carried on by the sons, Charles 
 B. (of whom mention is made on another page), 
 Zachary T. and Henrj' C. A general banking busi- 
 ness has been carried on since 1872, and in 1875 a 
 commodious bank was opened on the hill in Ches- 
 ter, where this branch of the business is now car- 
 ried on. 
 
 The part Mr. Cole performed in promoting the 
 
 agricultural interests of southern Illinois was most 
 important. He was mainlj' instrumental in de- 
 veloping the growing capacity of a section that 
 now produces the finest quality of wheat raised in 
 the United States. Few men in Randolph Coun- 
 ty have acquired a reputation so extended. His 
 name was a synonym for all that was honest and 
 sincere, and with an unstinted hand he aided 
 every work of charity and religion. Of slight but 
 handsome phjsique, his face spoke most eloquently 
 the warmth of a true heart, and his ej'e sparkled 
 with kindness. He was loved, honored and trusted 
 by all who knew him, and his calm and peaceful 
 death was cheered with the hope of the humble 
 and child-like Christian. 
 
 l(§), ^^^kh.... -@J 
 
 (^ "^^¥" ^ 
 
 ^Wf LBERT JUDD BLAKESLEE is President 
 ( @/lJ of the Blakeslee Manufacturing Company, 
 j li and therefore at the head of one of the 
 ^fl leading industries of Du Quoin. The 
 prosperity and growth of this place are due to the 
 thrift and enterjirise of such men as our subject, 
 and it is with pleasure that we present this sketch 
 to our readers. He was born in Perryville, Madi- 
 son County, N. Y., March 1, 1824, and is a son of 
 Eli Blakeslee, who was born at Paris Hill, Oneida 
 County, N. Y., ten miles from Utica, April 6, 1796. 
 He drew lots with his brother as musician for the 
 War pf 1812. His death occurred in Du Quoin in 
 1866. His father, Eli Blakeslee, Sr., was a native 
 of Litchfield, Conn., and his wife's maiden name 
 was Lettice Curtis, of the noted Curtis family. 
 They had six sons and six daughters, all of whom 
 attained mature years, married and reared chil- 
 dren. 
 
 The Blakeslee family was founded in America 
 by two brothers who came to this country before 
 the Revolutionary War. One was a Tory and the 
 other joined the Continental army. After the 
 Colonies had achieved their independence the 
 former went to Nova Scotia, where his descendants 
 are probably living. The latter, who was a soldier 
 under Washington, was the progenitor of the fara-
 
 876 
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 ily in America. The Blakeslees are natural me- 
 chanics and many of them have followed the ma- 
 chinist's trade. 
 
 In 1845 Eli Blakeslee, Jr.. left New York with 
 his family and took up his i-esidence in Woodford 
 County, 111., whore he and his sons carried on a 
 machine shop until 1858, when the}' removed to 
 UUin, in the southern part of the state. There 
 they lost $25,000 m a business venture, and in 
 1860 came to Du Quoin without any money. The 
 father and sons started a small factor}', which was 
 the foundation of the now extensive Blakeslee 
 Manufacturing Company. In the famil}- were four 
 brothers. The eldest, Lyman Curtis, was interested 
 with him in founding the business, but later went 
 to Penns^'lvania, where he was engaged in the oil 
 business. His death there occurred in 1875. Jul- 
 ius Clark, another brother, died while they were 
 in business in Metamora. ILilidon, the third 
 brother, was interested in the business at this 
 place until his death, in 1878. There were also 
 three sisters in the family: Frances Marion, who 
 died in infancy, in 1834; Nancy L., who died at 
 the age of twelve }'ears, in 1850; and Frances 
 Maria, the wife of P. K. Root, a banker, of Little 
 Rock, Ark., who served as a soldier in the Civil 
 War. 
 
 The mother of this family bore tiie maiden 
 name of Emily Judd and was born in New York, 
 November 21, 1799, being the second child of 
 Daniel Clark and Debby (Hatch) Judd, who were 
 married September 9, 1796. Her father was a son 
 of Daniel Judd, of Colchester, Mass. The Judds 
 were one of the most prominent families both in' 
 this country and in England. They trace their 
 ancestry in that country back to 1300. Thomas 
 Judd came to America from England about 1634, 
 and settled in Cambridge, Mass. In 1836 he re- 
 moved to Hartford, Conn., and it is not improba- 
 ble that he was one of the company of one hun- 
 dred men, women and children who departed from 
 Cambridge on the last da}' of May of that year. 
 He afterward went to Northampton, Mass., and 
 his death occurred either in that place or in 
 Springfield, November 12, 1688, at the age of 
 eighty years. He was a very prominent man in 
 church. The mother of Mr. Blakeslee was of the 
 
 seventh generation of the descendants of Thomas 
 Judd. 
 
 Debbie Hatch, the maternal grandmother, was a 
 relative of Rufus Hatcli, and others of that family 
 who have become famous in the financial world 
 of New York. She died June 19, 1816. Mrs. Eli 
 Blakeslee was one of several children, the members 
 of the family being Eunice, Minerva, Chester, 
 Warren and Walter (twins), Daniel, Nancy, Amelia, 
 David, Mary, Mehitable, Clark and Harvey. The 
 Judds were members of the Presbyterian Church, 
 and the Blakeslees held the religious faith of the 
 Episcopalians. Mrs. Blakeslee died April 11,1869. 
 
 Albert J. Blakeslee was given the advantages of 
 an academic education, and early in life learned 
 the machinist's trade in his father's shop. At that 
 time his father was one of the wealthy men of the 
 county, but subsequently he lost much of his 
 property, and when they came west it was to make 
 a new start in life. They accumulated quite a 
 handsome competence, but this was again lost at 
 the breaking out of the late war, and they had to 
 once more begin anew on removing to Du Quoin. 
 The family has been noted for generations for 
 their thrift and enterprise, and these character- 
 istics are largely possessed by our subject. 
 
 In 1851 was celebrated the marriage of A. J. 
 Blakeslee and Sarah J. Wafer, a native of Putnam 
 County, 111., and a daughter of Thomas Wafer, a 
 native of South Carolina and a pioneer of Putnam 
 County. He served in the Black Hawk War. In 
 the family were several sons and daughters, and 
 one of the number, Edward Clarkson, was a sol- 
 dier in the late war. Mrs. Blakeslee died in 1883. 
 In their family were five children. Eda Elizabeth, 
 wife of J. C. Sturgeon, a prominent attorney of 
 Erie, Pa., died February 14, 1882, leaving two 
 children, Ralph and Berry. Ella Minerva is the 
 wife of H. P. Scott, an attorney of Kansas City, 
 Mo., and they have seven children. Eli Thomas, 
 who was educated in the State University of 
 Champaign, married Eva Ward, of Du Quoin, 
 and has three children. Ward Judd, Hazel and 
 Helen ; he is the Secretary and Treasurer of the 
 Blakeslee Manufacturing Company. Clarence Eu- 
 gene, who is also connected with .that company, 
 married Miss Lulu A., daughter of Dr. W. T. Mac-
 
 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 
 
 877 
 
 lin.of Dii Quoin. Albert Harley is also a member 
 of the firm. 'J'lie second wife of our subject bore 
 the maiden name of Ursula Woods and was born 
 in Chautauqua County, N. Y. She is a lady of 
 amiable disposition and noble character. 
 
 Mr. Blakeslee has been identified with the Epis- 
 copal Church, and has lived a most exemplary 
 Christian life. His honorable, upright career is 
 
 well worthy of emulation. Socially, he is a Royal 
 Arch Mason. He has one of the finest homes in 
 the city, and with him resides liis son Albert Hur- 
 ley. Tiiough he has met reverses and misfortune 
 in his business career he has overcome these by 
 strong determination and has steadily worked his 
 way upward to a position among the wealthiest 
 citizens of the county.
 
 f{ TT-ygnTrirEa 
 
 "^ 
 
 JRI0GI^fIE>F7l(gfIlL 
 
 Adams, Alfred 303 
 
 Adams, H. W 840 
 
 Adams, John 2a 
 
 Adams, J. P 8S3 
 
 Adams, John Q 39 
 
 Adams, L. L 709 
 
 Albou, G.N 785 
 
 Alden.Roy fi:» 
 
 Alexander, James .^50 
 
 Allen, J. R 268 
 
 Allen, Hon. W. J 227 
 
 Allison, G.B 221 
 
 Allyn, Rev. Robert, LL. D. ..828 
 
 Altgeld,J. P 187 
 
 Andrews, Hon. G. W 851 
 
 Anghouse, George S52 
 
 Armbruester. H. G., M. D....534 
 
 Arnin.J.M 324 
 
 Arthur, Chester A 9S 
 
 Aszmann, Max, M. D 450 
 
 Austin, Henry 556 
 
 Baer, John :»2 
 
 Baker, J. D 254 
 
 Baker, T. E 444 
 
 Baltzell, J. S 222 
 
 Bannister, Jesse .312 
 
 Barber, Alexander 668 
 
 Barber, Ezekiel 332 
 
 Barber, J. C, M. D 629 
 
 Barnard, William 831 
 
 Barnes, L. E 439 
 
 Barr, Hon. W. W 422 
 
 Barton, J. H aM 
 
 Bates, VV. M 251 
 
 Bean,T. L 606 
 
 Beare, Christian 335 
 
 Beare, I. C a46 
 
 Beare, J. U 213 
 
 Beare, Joseph 866 
 
 Beattie, J. B 300 
 
 Beck, Lewis 707 
 
 Beckley, Eli 370 
 
 Beecher, Capt. A 204 
 
 Beem, J. T 562 
 
 Begemann, Fritz 355 
 
 Beggs, Robert 712 
 
 Beisner, Henry 565 
 
 Benson, Dr. V. S 842 
 
 Berger, Emil 705 
 
 Beveridge, John L 171 
 
 Bicket, Alexander 479 
 
 Bilderback, G. H 355 
 
 Bilderback, Harvey 612 
 
 Bis.sell, William H 151 
 
 Blair.J.K 270 
 
 Blakeslee, A. J 875 
 
 BlakesIee.G. F 643 
 
 Blanchard. Alvah 499 
 
 Bodeker, CD 834 
 
 Bodeker, Hon. G. H. C 579 
 
 Boedeker, C. H 321 
 
 Bollinger, George 415 
 
 Bollinger, Henry 324 
 
 Boud, Shadrach Ill 
 
 Booth, D. S., M.D 379 
 
 Borders, W. R 214 
 
 Bost, A. H 466 
 
 Bost, W. A 490 
 
 Boucher, Judge Henry 732 
 
 Bourchier, John 312 
 
 Bouscher, Samuel 462 
 
 Boyd, D. B 269 
 
 Boyd, Hon. John 634 
 
 Boyd, Robert 260 
 
 Boynton, S. R., M. D 292 
 
 Brands, A. L., M. D 519 
 
 Bratney, J. B 304 
 
 Bridgeman, J. W 721 
 
 Brinkman, F. W 60B 
 
 Brinkman, Sigmund 805 
 
 Brocklesby , Thomas 514 
 
 Brookings. Hon. W. B 655 
 
 Brown , Abram 794 
 
 Brown , Charles 671 
 
 Brown, F.W 859 
 
 Brown, H. C 668 
 
 Brown, John 786 
 
 Brown, Robert 218 
 
 Brown , \Vi I liam 403 
 
 Browuing.J. M ...692 
 
 Bryan, Prof. J. M 664 
 
 Buatte, VV. B 773 
 
 Buchanan, James 75 
 
 Buettner, Ferdinand 754 
 
 Buettner, Henry 426 
 
 Buettner, Henry 365 
 
 Bunselraeyer, H. H 863 
 
 Burch, J. G 813 
 
 Burch, W.R 757 
 
 Burge, J. J 224 
 
 Burnett, Andrew 261 
 
 Burns, T. H 314 
 
 Buscher, Henry 4.56 
 
 Caldwell, J. W 342 
 
 Campbell, G. H 290 
 
 Campbell, W. H 261 
 
 Carlile, WiUiam 777 
 
 Carlin, Thomas 135 
 
 Carr, M. C, M. D 631 
 
 Case, F. W 614 
 
 Chadwick, Capt. T. G 479 
 
 Chambers, W. E 695 
 
 Chaplin, James 510 
 
 Chapman, E. F. A 676 
 
 Chapman, W. A 629 
 
 Cheatham, Noah 645 
 
 Chew, A. B 239 
 
 Childs, C. J., M. D 309 
 
 Clark, G. W 574 
 
 Clarke, H. W 774 
 
 Clarke, J. C 593 
 
 Cleary, John 741 
 
 Cleveland, S. Grover 103 
 
 Clore, B. F 363 
 
 Clore, Harrison 456 
 
 Clyde, Andrew 807 
 
 Cobbum.K. R 764 
 
 Coffer, G. T 738 
 
 Cole, Hon. C. B 868 
 
 Cole, H. C 359 
 
 Cole, H. C 874 
 
 Coles, Edward 116 
 
 Collier, W. W •. .217 
 
 Conant, J. H 747 
 
 Cooper, Hugh 873 
 
 Corey, G.B 326 
 
 Cover, E. W 707 
 
 Cox, G. W., M. D 603 
 
 Craig, Robert 50t 
 
 Craig, W. J 470 
 
 Crain, F.W 532 
 
 Crandle, Mrs. N. E 824 
 
 Crawford, Bryce 257 
 
 Crawford, Edward 642 
 
 Crawford, H. M 704 
 
 Crawford, Joseph 734 
 
 Crisler, A. E 509 
 
 Crisler. Alexander 373 
 
 Crisler, J. M .' 375 
 
 Crowe, James 500 
 
 Cullom, Shelby M 175 
 
 Curless, J. M 856 
 
 Dagle, Jean 514 
 
 Daniel, Bernard '.iSS 
 
 Dauer, John 263 
 
 Davis, D. L .591 
 
 Davis, E. A.. M. D 621 
 
 Davis, Elias 698 
 
 Davis, Judge A. C 736 
 
 Davis, W. C, Jr 404 
 
 Davis, W. H 872 
 
 Dawson, Daniel 443 
 
 Dean, G. 708 
 
 Dean, Murray 6.52 
 
 Dean, O. A., M. D 212 
 
 Dean, Hon. W. C 601 
 
 Decker, Hermann 589 
 
 Dehner, Conrad 257 
 
 Delano, J. H 620 
 
 Derousse,J. F 830 
 
 DeSpain, J. H 482 
 
 Dettmering, J. H. D 797 
 
 Devine, John 696 
 
 Devine, ITiomas 232 
 
 Dilday, Williamson 858 
 
 Dinges, H. A., M. D 294 
 
 Doty.D. M 372 
 
 Douglas, Andrew 323 
 
 Douglas, Hon. J. J 360 
 
 Douglas, J. C 505 
 
 Douglas, R. S 510 
 
 Doza, William 770 
 
 Doza, W. H 770 
 
 Dreves, H. F 210
 
 880 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Driemeyer, A. A 
 
 Druse, Harrison 
 
 Dudenbostel, August 
 Dudeobostel, Louis. . 
 
 Dunaway. S. W 
 
 Duncan, Joseph 
 
 Dunu,D. W., M. D... 
 Dyer, Lewis, M. D. . . 
 
 Eade,J. C 
 
 Easdale, Hugb 
 
 Eaton, S. B 
 
 Ebbrecht, H. E 
 
 Eckeple, Rev. James. . 
 Edmiston, William... 
 
 Edwards, Ninian 
 
 Edwards, Capt. M. C. . 
 
 Eisenmayer, P. H 
 
 Ellis. I. W., M. D 
 
 Emerson, ME 
 
 Emery, Robert 
 
 Entsmin^er, J. E 
 
 Ernest, F. B 
 
 BIssick, W. W., M. D. . 
 
 Etherton, A.J 
 
 Everest, Prof. H. W. . 
 Ewing, W. L. D 
 
 Faherty, H. F 753 
 
 Fallon, F. T 675 
 
 Farner, Noah 521 
 
 Fiene, Henry 4&1 
 
 Fifer, J. W 183 
 
 Fillmore, Millard B7 
 
 Firth, J. W 23.1 
 
 Fleming. John 576 
 
 Floyd, J. A. C 344 
 
 Ford, Thomas 139 
 
 Foster, D. A 322 
 
 Foster, William 870 
 
 Fountain, W. H 231 
 
 Fox.H. H 2.i3 
 
 French, A. C 143 
 
 French.G. H., A. M 523 
 
 Frew, P. N .WS 
 
 Frick, William, Sr 228 
 
 Fridrichs, W. C 716 
 
 Fritze, A. E.,M. D 511 
 
 Frizzell, J. H 610 
 
 Fulllord, John 3S1 
 
 Gans. Prof. J.H. 
 Qant, A.O 
 
 Gant, Robert 442 
 
 Garfield, James A 95 
 
 Garner, Andrew 220 
 
 Garrett, A. B 76.') 
 
 Gendron, L. C. 76» 
 
 Gendron, Luke 685 
 
 Gerlach. J. D 441 
 
 Geumalley, Hon. Charles 725 
 
 Gilbert, Ira 691 
 
 Gill, Hon. J. B 237 
 
 Gilleuberg, Heury 788 
 
 Glister, L. H 713 
 
 Goalby, William 742 
 
 Goddard, R. J 820 
 
 Gollon, Francis 219 
 
 Goosens, Rev. Henry 821 
 
 Gordon, A. G 405 
 
 Gordon, W. A., M. D 595 
 
 Gorzny, George 431 
 
 Graff, J. A 836 
 
 Graff, Jacob .....566 
 
 Grab, Ferdinand 683 
 
 Grab, Hermann 4:M 
 
 Grant, Ulysses S 87 
 
 Gray, Wiley 252 
 
 Greeu, T. J 745 
 
 Gregson, Louis 302 
 
 Griffith, P. W .560 
 
 Grizzell, C. C, M. D 810 
 
 Groppe, Henry 206 
 
 Gross, B. J. L 222 
 
 Grott, John &14 
 
 Guebert, O. F 293 
 
 Guker, Frederick 313 
 
 Guthrie, H. R., M. D 278 
 
 Hack, Christopher a34 
 
 Hagedorn, John 305 
 
 Hahn.H. W 476 
 
 Hahn, J. A 336 
 
 Haines, W. A 611 
 
 Hall, W. B 840 
 
 Hamilton, A. P 514 
 
 Hamilton, J. B 259 
 
 Hamilton, J. M 179 
 
 Hamni, Frank 843 
 
 Hammack, Judge Lewis 584 
 
 Hammel, Nicholas 280 
 
 Hammer. Louis 785 
 
 Hanson, E. M 502 
 
 Hanson, H. H 586 
 
 Hardy, Campbell 565 
 
 Hardy. Isaac 555 
 
 Harmon, B.P 779 
 
 Harmsen , Frederick 524 
 
 Harral, W. J., M. D 229 
 
 Harris, Francis 414 
 
 Harris, Samuel 778 
 
 Harris, W. D 686 
 
 Harrison, Benjamin 107 
 
 Harrison, William Henry 51 
 
 Harriss, Jordan 603 
 
 Harriss, Rev. J. C 569 
 
 Harry, L. C 526 
 
 Harvey, J. H 626 
 
 Havill, Orra 561 
 
 Hajes, Ed 702 
 
 Hayes, Rutherford B 91 
 
 Hays, J. D 724 
 
 Heberer, John 305 
 
 Heck, Melart 839 
 
 Heidger, John 787 
 
 Heinbokel, John 847 
 
 Heinecke, H. J 646 
 
 Heitkamp, C. L 405 
 
 Heitraan , Lou is .504 
 
 Helber, J.J 279 
 
 Henry, John 818 
 
 Henson , John 714 
 
 Herbert. J. M., A. M 572 
 
 Hesse, Charles 551 
 
 Higgins, Hon. J.J 816 
 
 Hill, Hon. G. W 599 
 
 Hindman, B. W 376 
 
 Hitzsmann, Henry 2W 
 
 Holbrook, Maj J. C 250 
 
 Holeomb, Prof. S. G 681 
 
 Holloman,E.J 830 
 
 Holt, J. M 682 
 
 Homrighausen. George 310 
 
 Homrighausen, J. H 871 
 
 Hood, A lexander 544 
 
 Horn, Henr.v 6.54 
 
 Horschmann, Casper 281 
 
 Houston, Robert 3.35 
 
 Hoy, J. G 291 
 
 Hrabik, F. J 331 
 
 Hubbard, W. H 362 
 
 Huch, Henry 817 
 
 Huch, William 444 
 
 Hudson, D. L 545 
 
 Hughes, Felix 853 
 
 Hull, W. H 590 
 
 Hunter, E. B 804 
 
 Huntsinger, H.P.,M. D 662 
 
 Huthmacher, C. C 665 
 
 Huthmacher, George 6.53 
 
 Imhoir, Henry 789 
 
 Ingram, W.T.,M. D 767 
 
 Irose, Paul 364 
 
 Ismert, Joseph 656 
 
 Jackson, Andrew 43 
 
 Jackson, William 625 
 
 Jaeuke, J. H 219 
 
 James, W. A., M. D 684 
 
 Jany, Stephen .552 
 
 Jefferson. Thomas 27 
 
 Jenkel, FriU 229 
 
 Jenkins, Jeffei-son 601 
 
 Jobb.G. J 374 
 
 Johnson, Andrew. 
 
 Johnson, W. F 
 
 Jones, G. S 
 
 Joplin, D.C 
 
 Ealmer, Mathes 402 
 
 Kane, J. R 632 
 
 Keiner.G. K 756 
 
 Keller, Jacob, M. D 383 
 
 Kellermann, John 712 
 
 Kelly, N.W 208 
 
 Kennedy, George, Jr 788 
 
 Kennedy, George, Sr .583 
 
 Keown, Rev. ile.xander 485 
 
 Kern, Valentine 366 
 
 Kerr, E. C. & Brothers 692 
 
 Kessel , Frederick 205 
 
 Kimball, W. W 489 
 
 Kimmel, J. Q. A 542 
 
 Kimmel, Philip, Sr 734 
 
 Kimmel, W. D 775 
 
 King, J. J 609 
 
 Kirk.S.S 752 
 
 Klein, Daniel 425 
 
 Klinkhardt, Joseph 29D 
 
 Klocke, Rev. Charles 844 
 
 Koch, A. H 272 
 
 Koch, Frederick, Sr 359 
 
 Ej-ueger, Henry 800 
 
 Kuehle, F. A. C 623 
 
 Kuehn,Otto, M. D 753 
 
 Kuhrtz, F. W 702 
 
 Kunz, J. M 829 
 
 Langsdorf, Anton 233 
 
 lawder, James 790 
 
 Lawder, William 790 
 
 Leavitt, G. W . . 205 
 
 Lee, A. M., M. D 703 
 
 Lehnherr, Isaac 211 
 
 Lemen, Le\vis 353 
 
 Lemen, William 776 
 
 LePere, Fred 658 
 
 Lewis, J. W 559 
 
 Lickiss, Thomas 370 
 
 Lickiss, John 346 
 
 Liddy , Timothy 311 
 
 Liebe, Rev. C. F &52 
 
 Limacher, Rev. Paul 509 
 
 Lincoln. Abraham 79 
 
 Lindenberg, H. C 861 
 
 Lindsay, Joseph 282 
 
 Lochhead, Alexander 333 
 
 Logan, Cien. J . A 203 
 
 Logan, Hon.T. M 648 
 
 Lohrberg, W. E 306 
 
 Lonergan.J.B 329 
 
 Lounsbury, Capt. J. C 867
 
 INDEX. 
 
 881 
 
 LucbsiDger, Henry. 
 
 Lucier, J. L 
 
 Lybarger, E. S 
 
 M 
 
 MacKenzie, VV. R., M. D. . 
 
 Maclin, W. T., M. D 
 
 Madison, James 
 
 Mae3's, Jacob 
 
 Maeys, William 
 
 Maloiie, W.P 
 
 Mann.C. A.,M.D 
 
 Mann, Capt. J. A 
 
 Mann, K. H 
 
 Mansker, H. C 
 
 Mansker, N. C 
 
 Marlow, A. S 
 
 Marlow, Basdal 
 
 Marshall, Johnson 
 
 Marshall, S. W ,M.D 
 
 Martin, J. H 
 
 Matlack, W. H 
 
 Matney, Frank 
 
 Matteson, Joel A 
 
 McAtee, f. R 
 
 McBride, Capt. J. T 
 
 McClinton, John 
 
 McClurken, J. P 
 
 McConachie, David 
 
 McConachie, David 
 
 McConkey , Robert 
 
 McCormick, W. C 
 
 McCoy, David 
 
 McDonald, L.O 
 
 McElhiney, Charles 
 
 McElvain,K. J 
 
 McGuire, E. B 
 
 Mclntyre, Thomas 
 
 McKelvey,S. W 
 
 McLau^^hlin, Andrew 
 
 3IcLaughlin, James 
 
 McLaughlin, W.P 
 
 JIcMenomy, John, M. D. . 
 McNeil, Capt. William.. . , 
 
 McNerney , J. A 
 
 McQuillan, J. B 
 
 McQuillan, John 
 
 Mehr^r, Frank 
 
 Meineke, Fritz 
 
 3Ielly , Jacob 
 
 Meredith, Isaac 
 
 IMergele, Lawrence 
 
 Middendorf, H. F 
 
 Miller, C. R 
 
 Miller, J. J 
 
 Miller, John 
 
 Milligan, W. A 
 
 Minner, L. A 
 
 Minton, A. B 
 
 Moffat, Thomas 
 
 Monroe, James 
 
 Montgomery, Isaac 
 
 Moore, E. W 
 
 Moore, Francis . . . . 
 
 Moreland, J. H 
 
 Morris, Isaac 
 
 Morrison, Hon. John. ... 
 
 Morrison , Samuel 
 
 Morrison. Hon. W. R 
 
 MouUc, William 
 
 Mudd, John 
 
 Mudd,T. L 
 
 Mueller, Rev. J. A. F. W. 
 
 Murphy, H. O 
 
 Murphy, John 
 
 Murphy, L. S 
 
 Murphysboro Public 
 
 Schools ,, 
 
 Musselman, Edward 
 
 Nash, Stephen 
 
 Nausley , Austin 
 
 Neal, A. M 
 
 Neill,E.R 
 
 Nettleton, F. V 
 
 Neuliaus, H. W. F 
 
 Neville, George 
 
 Neville, Capt. Harvey. 
 
 Nicholls, H. W 
 
 Niehaus, Gottfried 
 
 Nisbet, J. Q. A 
 
 Nixon, M. G., M. D 
 
 Oglesby, Richard J 163 
 
 Ohlwine, David 424 
 
 Orland,B. A B45 
 
 Osterloh, J. H .530 
 
 Overstreet, Hugh 7i>5 
 
 Ozburn, J. L 728 
 
 Palmer, John M 167 
 
 Palmier, Eusade 274 
 
 Pape, Gustavus 783 
 
 Park, James 624 
 
 Parkinson, D. B., A. M 472 
 
 Parrish, B. M 549 
 
 Parrott, Frederick 319 
 
 Parrott, G. W 473 
 
 Pate, Anthony .554 
 
 Pate, Mrs. S.J 717 
 
 Patton, Joseph ?M 
 
 Pelzer, L. W 636 
 
 Pen warden, Thomas 613 
 
 Peterson, Clans 515 
 
 Pfelter, J. A 411 
 
 Picon, T.E 758 
 
 Pierce, Franklin 71 
 
 Pillers, J. M 341 
 
 Pinkerton, I. R 515 
 
 Plater, C. W 716 
 
 Polk, James K 59 
 
 Pope, Hon. B. W 596 
 
 Pope, P. N 615 
 
 Porter, H. P 869 
 
 Porter, L. A 832 
 
 Postal, Capt. W. C 445 
 
 Preston, J. R 271 
 
 Rahn, Peter 513 
 
 Rathert, F. A 512 
 
 Rausch, J. F 647 
 
 Reid, Hon. William 655 
 
 Reiman, Andrew 849 
 
 Reiman, Edwin 795 
 
 Reiman, John 799 
 
 Reiman, Josiah 794 
 
 Reiman , Thomas 871 
 
 Rendell, E. C 779 
 
 Reubelt, A. O., A. M 838 
 
 Reynolds, John 123 
 
 Reynolds, J. H 862 
 
 Rhodes, O. H.,M. D 833 
 
 Rice, Hon.T. J 520 
 
 Richardson, George, M. D. ..561 
 
 Rickenberg, Dietrich 824 
 
 Rickert, J. W 735 
 
 Rieckenberg, F. W 492 
 
 Riess,G. L 484 
 
 Ritchey, E. H 254 
 
 Ritchie,J.C 301 
 
 Roberts, Hon. A. H 419 
 
 Roberts, W. S 808 
 
 Robertson, Robert 463 
 
 Robertson, Thomas, M. D. ...797 
 
 Robinson, Hon. T. T 460 
 
 Rodrique, Louis 76S 
 
 Roe,C. H 863 
 
 Romann, John 854 
 
 Rosborough, William 451 
 
 Ross, Hon. M. A 605 
 
 Rosson, J. B.,M. D 616 
 
 Rowold, E. C 495 
 
 Rucknagel. William 516 
 
 Kury , William 695 
 
 Rushing, R.J 727 
 
 Russell, Adam 445 
 
 Sasse, H. C 8ft'j 
 
 Sauer, Nicholas 798 
 
 Saupert, Rev. T. A 693 
 
 Saxenmeyer, George 316 
 
 Schauerte, Rev. K 4-25 
 
 Schein, David 372 
 
 Scheltgen, John 483 
 
 Schieferatein, Anton 361 
 
 Schifferdecker, Francis 391 
 
 Schlotmann, Rev. J. B 277 
 
 Schneider, Daniel 421 
 
 Schneider, Rev. Joseph 674 
 
 Schneider, Valentine 533 
 
 Schrader,E. E 432 
 
 Schrieber, Charles 482 
 
 Schrieber, Frederick 496 
 
 Schrieber,F. W 510 
 
 Schroeder, J. M .330 
 
 Schuchert, William 277 
 
 Schulze, Henry 310 
 
 Schulze, H. R 657 
 
 Schuwerk, W. M 283 
 
 Schwartz, Edward 519 
 
 Schwartz, SamueL 522 
 
 Schwartz, William 843 
 
 Seely , W. J. , M. D 512 
 
 Sellew.R.H 751 
 
 Seymour, G. D 429 
 
 Shaner, L. M 594 
 
 Shea, Michael 4.?6 
 
 Short, A. A 74B 
 
 Silvey.A. R.,M. D 666 
 
 Singer, Joseph 726 
 
 Smith, C. C 860 
 
 Smith, J. A 410 
 
 Smith, J.D 363 
 
 Smith, W. H 780 
 
 Snider, M.J 491 
 
 Sparta Plam Dealer 435 
 
 Spence, J. C 473 
 
 Spence, William 756 
 
 Sprigg, R. E 541 
 
 Springer, J. S. & J. E 827 
 
 Stahlberg, CD 4.53 
 
 Staley , G. W 688 
 
 Stallmann, Christian 530 
 
 St. Augustine's Roman 
 
 Catholic Church 444 
 
 Steele, John 299 
 
 Stelnle. Joseph 234 
 
 Stephenson, T. B 273 
 
 Stewart, T. R 470 
 
 Stoehr, John 439 
 
 Stoelzle, John 580 
 
 Stout, N. W 592 
 
 .Streicher, Amand 393 
 
 Stumpf, Fritz :fil 
 
 Stumpf , Michael 573 
 
 Sundmacher, C. H 777 
 
 Swortzcope, Judge M. F 866 
 
 Sympson, J. G 731 
 
 Taggart, T. W 799 
 
 Talbott, W. E 651 
 
 Taylor, Hon. J. F 339 
 
 Taylor, Zachary 03 
 
 Tegtmeyer, George 826 
 
 Temple, J. M 384 
 
 The City National Bank 524 
 
 Thielen, William 480 
 
 Thiemann, Charles 748
 
 882 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Thies, J. H 453 
 
 Thomas, Judge D. B 619 
 
 Thomas, T. B 864 
 
 Thompson, J. C 409 
 
 Thompson, J. H 743 
 
 Thompson, R.P 738 
 
 Thompson, S. R 416 
 
 Thornton, C. M., M. D S46 
 
 Thorp, Capt. J. B 449 
 
 Thorp, Joshua 539 
 
 Tindall, J. M 395 
 
 Todd, James 633 
 
 Toennies, Father Gerhard... 371 
 
 Toler,J. W 413 
 
 Toler, W. E R)3 
 
 Townsend, J. T 431 
 
 TrelTtzs, Lewis 551 
 
 Trefftzs, W. F 5>; 
 
 Tudor, John 207 
 
 Tudor, Thomas S07 
 
 Tyler, John .t5 
 
 Tyler, Joshua 406 
 
 Van Buren, Martin 47 
 
 Van Meter,H. M 747 
 
 Varnum, B. B 701 
 
 Vesper, Charles 376 
 
 Voges, Conrad 280 
 
 Vogt, Louis 461 
 
 Voss, Henry 284 
 
 w 
 
 Wagner, J. A 494 
 
 Walker, A. P 244 
 
 VValiier, Capl. Simeon 531 
 
 Walker, W. J 469 
 
 Wall, Hon. G. W 674 
 
 Waller, Mrs. M. A 744 
 
 Ward, F. M., M. D 849 
 
 Ward, J. H 249 
 
 Ward,S. W 582 
 
 W^amock, Lafayette 401 
 
 Washington, George 19 
 
 Watson, E. W 715 
 
 Wehrheim, George 486 
 
 Webrheim, Louis 422 
 
 Wehrheim, Valentine 533 
 
 Weinberg, Charles 7!M 
 
 Weinel, A. F 4.33 
 
 Weir, J. W., M. D 553 
 
 Welge, Conrad 742 
 
 Welge, Henry 8;!5 
 
 Welge, Julius 325 
 
 Wells, Col. E. A 6«7 
 
 VVelsch, J. J 450 
 
 Welsch, Nicholas 209 
 
 Werner, J. A .,. . .63.i 
 
 Werre, W.C 823 
 
 Wheatley, R. W. S 667 
 
 Wheeler, CM 433 
 
 Whitehouse, Joseph 711 
 
 Wiebusch.G. F 861 
 
 Wiebusch, H. F 287 
 
 Wiedeman, Charles 571 
 
 Wilde, A. W. F 850 
 
 Wiley, Col. B. L 356 
 
 Wilhelms, August .386 
 
 Wilkinson, T.J aw 
 
 Will, B. F 845 
 
 Will.G. G 536 
 
 Williams, J. M 389 
 
 Wilson, Alexander 288 
 
 Wilson, A. L 475 
 
 Wilson, D. J 696 
 
 Wilson, Hugh. Sr 396 
 
 Wilson, J. H 267 
 
 Wilson, M. H 722 
 
 Wilson, W. M 381 
 
 Wilson, W. S 670 
 
 Winthrop, H. R 575 
 
 Welter, Con rad 809 
 
 Wood, John 155 
 
 Wood, W. A 310 
 
 Woodside, J. J 120 
 
 Worthen, Edward 446 
 
 Wright, J. M 486 
 
 Wright, J.M 3.<« 
 
 Yates, Richard 159 
 
 Youngblood , Hon . F. M 4 52 
 
 Younger, F. O .t63 
 
 Zang, Jacob 836 
 
 Ziebold, Gottlieb 430 
 
 Ziebold, G. W 526 
 
 Zuber, H 825
 
 'i^m- 
 
 Adams, John 22 
 
 Adams, John Q 38 
 
 Allen, Hon. W.J 226 
 
 Altgeld,John P 186 
 
 Arthur, Chester A 99 
 
 Barber, J. C, M. D 628 
 
 Beveridge, John L 170 
 
 Bissell. William H 150 
 
 Blanchard, Alvah 498 
 
 Bodeker, Hon. G. H. C 678 
 
 Bond , Shadrach 1 10 
 
 Booth, D.S., M. D 378 
 
 Brands. A. L., M. D 518 
 
 Buchanan, James H 
 
 Carlin, Thomas 1.14 
 
 Cbadwick, Capt. T. G 478 
 
 Childs, C. J., M. D 308 
 
 Cleary, John 740 
 
 Cleveland, S. Grover 102 
 
 Coles, Edward 114 
 
 Crawford, Bryce 256 
 
 Cullom, Shelby M 174 
 
 Dudenbostel, August 458 
 
 Duncan, Joseph 130 
 
 Edwards, Ninian 118 
 
 Essick, W. W., M. D 3.98 
 
 Ewing, W. L. D 126 
 
 Fifer, Joseph W 182 
 
 Fillmore, Millard 66 
 
 Ford, Thomas 138 
 
 French, A. C 142 
 
 Frew, P. N 528 
 
 Garfield, James A 94 
 
 Gilbert, Ira 690 
 
 Gill, Hon. J.B 236 
 
 Grant, U.S 86 
 
 Hamilton. John M 178 
 
 Harrison, Benjamm 106 
 
 Harrison, W. H 50 
 
 Harriss, Rev. J. C 568 
 
 Hayes, Rutherford B 90 
 
 Hill, Hon. G. W 598 
 
 Holcomb, S. G 680 
 
 Jackson, Andrew 42 
 
 Jefferson, Thomas 26 
 
 Johnson, Andrew 82 
 
 Kimball, W. W 488 
 
 Koch, Frederick, Sr 3.58 
 
 Klocke, Rev. Charles 720 
 
 Lewis, J. W 558 
 
 Limacher, Rev. Paul 508 
 
 Logan, Gen. J. A 202 
 
 Lincoln . Abraham 78 
 
 MacKenzie, W. E., M. D 246 
 
 Madison, James 30 
 
 Matteson, Joel A 146 
 
 McCormick, Mrs. M. E 639 
 
 McCormick, W. C 638 
 
 McCoy, David 782 
 
 McCoy, Mrs. M. M 762 
 
 McQuillan, John 348 
 
 Minton.A.B 660 
 
 Monroe, James 34 
 
 Oglesby . Richard J 162 
 
 Palmer.Jobn M 166 
 
 Pape, Gustavus 782 
 
 Parrott, Frederick 318 
 
 Pierce, Franklin 70 
 
 Polk, J. K 58 
 
 Reynolds, John 122 
 
 Roberts, Hon. A. H 418 
 
 Schuchert, William 276 
 
 Steele, John 296 
 
 Steele, Mrs. Jane 297 
 
 Stoehr, John 438 
 
 Sympson, J. G 730 
 
 Talbott, W. E 650 
 
 Taylor, Hon. J. F 338 
 
 Taylor, Zachary 62 
 
 Thomas, Judge D. B 618 
 
 Thompson, J. C 408 
 
 Thorp, Capt. J . B 448 
 
 Thorp, Joshua 538 
 
 Tyler, John ; 64 
 
 Van Buren, Martin 46 
 
 Varnum, B. B 700 
 
 Washington, George 18 
 
 Whitehouse, Joseph 710 
 
 Wiebusch, H. F 286 
 
 Wilson, J. H 266 
 
 Wood, John 1.54 
 
 Yates, Richard 168 
 
 =++++++++^ 
 
 "V^IE-W^S. 
 
 Barber, Alexander 669 
 
 Bean,T. L 607 
 
 Bost, A. H 467 
 
 Brinkman,r. W 607 
 
 Brinkman, Sigmund 607 
 
 Brown, Charles 669 
 
 Brown, H.C 669 
 
 Buatte, W. B 771 
 
 Buettner, Henry. ..." 427 
 
 Burch, J. G 811 
 
 Clyde, Andrew 749 
 
 Corey, G. B 327 
 
 Doza, William 771 
 
 Doza, W. H 771 
 
 Eaton, S. B 547 
 
 Grizzell, C. C, M. D 811 
 
 Hanson, H. H 587 
 
 Henry, John 547 
 
 Hunter, E. B .587 
 
 Kern, Valentine 367 
 
 Krueger, Henry 801 
 
 Lawder, James 791 
 
 Lawder, William 791 
 
 Matney, Frank 387 
 
 Neville, Capt. Harvey 327 
 
 Nicholls, H. W 801 
 
 Seymour, G. D 427 
 
 Thiemann , Charles 749 
 
 Walker, W. J 467 
 
 Wilhelms, August 387 
 
 Williams, J. M 3«7
 
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