Adams County, Illinois - Biographical sketches, 1879 (part 14 of 16)

STRAUB A. B., grocer and druggist; residence Fowler; was born in Ellington township, Adams county, April 33, 1843 : married Elizabeth Weidenhammer. She was born in the same place, March 24, 1850. They have six children, viz. Rosie, Edward, Dorothy, Albert R., William and Martha. They are members of the M. E. church. Held the ofiice of Justice of the Peace for six years, Collector, etc. His father was a native of Pennsylvania ; came to this county in 1837 ; came via Cairo up the Mississippi river to Quincy, located in Ellington township ; was a resident of the countj^ fortj-two years; died Jan. 13, 1879, at the age of seventy-one years. His mother is still living, at the age of sixty-eight. The subject of this sketch enlisted in the 50th Regt. 111. Inf., Co. E., and was in the -service three years eleven months ; was in the battles of Fort Donaldson, Shiloh, Corinth, Resaca, and Altoona Pass ; was on the march to the sea, also on the march to Washington and grand review, was mustered out at Louisville Ky. ; came home and farmed two years, then went to iowa, where he engaged in the dry goods and grocery business for two years, then came back to Fowler.

Gilmer Directory

^VIIililAMS J. G., Physician; resideuce Fowler (sou of J. G. and Temperance Williams) ; was born in this county, Aug. 5, 1834; married Millie J. Clarkson, .Jan. 38, 1868. She was born iu Boone county, Ky., Dec. 23, 1833. They have two living children, Lee C. and Julius J. ; they are members of the Baptist church. His father emigrated to this State iu 1833, and acted as Deputy County Surveyor under Hans Pattou, and also held the office for four years. The second term in the county, located in Meudon township and lived there until his death, which transpired Feb. 26, 1879. The su!)ject of this sketch commenced the studjof medicine under Dr. Clarkson for three years, thence to the University of Mo., for two years, when he graduated in 1856; was assistant surgeon in the 3d 111. Cavalry for one year, and was at the battle of Fort Blakesly. In the year of 1859 went to Pikes Peak over land with an ox team ; was four months in making the trip ; had an interest in a mining company and practiced medicine. He returned in 1863, and since that time has been practicing medicine. The farmer; Sec. 31; P. O, Quincy; was born in Jefferson county, Ky., Nov. 33, 1815 ; came to this county in the fall of 1831 ; has 200 acres of land, valued at $20,000 ; married Elizabeth B. Laughlin. She was born in Bourbon county, Ky., July 35, 1818. They have had twelve children, eight living: Nancy E., Mary E., Lucy F., Ann R., Geo. M., Willie A., Sarah V. and James T. The family with the exception of James T. ; are members of the Christian church. Mr. Y. has been a member of the M. E. church since 1833. Has held several important offices. Justice of the Peace, also in the year 1865 was a member of the State Legislature. His father emigrated from Va. to Jefferson county Ky., March, 1815, for a short time, thence to Shelby county, Ky., where he lived until 1831, when he came to Adams county and located where Mr. Y. now lives. His father died Nov. 30, 1845 ; his mother died April 1,1855. They were among the earliest settlers of the county, and can well be claimed as pioneers.

cj^uite small the family moved to Gallia county, Ohio, where he received his early education. In 1853 he moved west and settled in Adams county. 111., where he was married, in 1863, to Miss Abigail Chatten, daughter of Clark Chatten, of Fall Creek township. They have seven children, two sons and five daughters. He owns eighty acres of land, which for fertility of soil and improvement, will compare favorably with any in the township. He is Republican iu politics, and a member of tlie ^I. E. churcli. He is at present School Treasurer, and Depositor and Treasurer of the American Bible Society, and has held other offices of trust and importance, and is to-day numbered among the large and well-to-do farmers of the township. Boleah Chae. farmer; sec. 16; P. O. Fall Creek.

BOWJL.es ^VM., larmer; Sec. 3; P. 0. Quincy. The subject of this sketch was born in Bourbon countj'^, Ky., Sept. 27, 1829; in the fall of 1830 the family moved west and settled in Fall Creek township, Adams county. 111., where he received his education in the county schools. In 1851 he was married to Miss Amanda M. Beebe, daughter of Silas Beebe (deceased,) of this township. They have had nine children, four of whom are now living - three sons and one daughter. He owns 345 acres of land, which, for fertility of soil and improvement, will compare with any in the county. He is Democratic in politics. His lady is a member of the Christian church. He has been Townshi]) Collector for two terms, and Commissioner of Highways some twelve years.

BO^VJLES WM. HEXRY, farmer; Sec. 3; P. O. Quincy; was born in Marion county. Mo., Nov. 1, 1843; was educated in the schools of his native county, and in 1863 moved to this county and settled in Fall Creek township. On the 27th of December, 1866, he was married to Miss Mary C. Carr, daughter of Nathaniel Carr, of this township, born Dec. 11, 1841. He owns forty acres of laud, which, for fertility of soil and improvement, will compare favorably with any in the county. He is Democratic in politics, and a member of the Christian church. He is Commissioner of Highways, and one' of the energetic and industrious citizens who always has the prosperity of the township in view. Brockman John, farmer; sec. 17; P. O. Fall Creek.

CARR XATHAXIEIi, farmer; Sec. 10; P. O. Payson; was born in Christian county, Ky., Oct. 16, 1812. In his early boyhood, he, with his parents, emigrated and settled in Pike county. Mo., where he received his early education, and in the spring of 1832 they removed to Adams county, and settled on his present farm in Fall Creek township, where he was married, in 1836, to Miss Christina Van Burkleo, daughter of Samuel Van Burkleo, of St. Charles county. Mo., born May 10, 1816, and moved to this county in March, 1827, from Boone county. Mo. They have had eight children, five of whom are now living - two sons and three daughters : Marj^ Samuel T., Anna, Olive, and Albert. J. He owns 554 acres of land, the greater part of which is in a high state of cultivation. The home place contains 280 acres, elegantly improved, abundantly supplied with fruit, and which for fertility of soil will compare favorably with any in the county. He is Democratic in politics, and he and his wife are members of the Christian church. He has been Supervisor of the township two terms, and Commissioner of Highways nearly twenty years. He is now one of the largest farmers of the county, notwithstanding he began life poor. At the time of his settlement, and for years after, there were but tew neighl)ors, and all the disadvantages and drawbacks of a new country.

farmer; Sec. 10; P. O. Fall Creek. The subject of this sketch was born in Germany, Feb. 4, 1835 ; was educated in the schools of his native countrj^ and, at the age of eighteen years, emigrated to this couutrj', and settled in Fall Creek township this county. On the 25th of November, 1855, he was married to Miss Hannah Fleer, daughter of Casper Fleer, of Fall Creek township, who was born Sept. 5, 1837. They have six children : Henrj" G., born Feb. 10, 1857; Wm. H., born Feb. 23, 1863; Minuie, born Feb. 10, 1865; Hannah, born March 16, 1868; John A., born Aug. 11, 1871, and August F., born Oct. 20, 1873. He owns 443 acres of land, which will compare favorably with any in the township. He is Democratic in politics, and a member of the German Lutheran church, of w'hich he is trustee. He is also Scliool Director, and one of the large and well-to-do farmers of the countj^ notwithstanding he began life in moderate circumstances.

FRYER JOHNS', farmer; Sec. 2; P. O. Payson ; was born in Ohio, Jan. 19, 1804. At an early age his parents moved to Gallatin county, Ky., where he received his early education, and, when he was about fifteen years of age, the family again moved to Dearborn county, Ind., near Lawrenceburg, where he Avas married, in 1830, to Miss I.ucy Whitley, a native of the Isle of Wight, born May 16, 1810, but was mostly raised in Ohio. In 1842, they moved west, and settled in this county. They have had twelve children, nine of whom are still living, three sons and six daughters. Two of his sons served their country dui-ing the late War of the Rebellion. Andrew J. enlisted in Co. K, 78th Regt. 111. Inf., and Francis M. enlisted in the same company and regiment, and was wounded at Kenesaw Mountains, and died in hospital at Chattanooga, Tenn. Mr. Fryer owns 200 acres of land, which, for fertility of soil and improvement, will compare favorably with any in the county. He is Democratic in politics, and a member of the Christian church. He is one of the well-to-do farmers of the county, although he began life poor.

farmer; Sec. 22; P. O. Fall Creek. The subject of this sketch was born in Germany, March 8, 1833 ; was educated in his native country, and, in 1846, emigrated to this country, and settled in this county. He was married, in 1860, to Miss Minnie Groteguth, a native of Germany. She died in February, 1875, leaving five children, one son and four daughters. In April, 1870, he was married to his second, and present, wife, who was Mrs. ElizaT)eth Schnellbecker. By this marriage there are no children. She had one child, a son, by her previous marriage. He owns 179 acres of land ; the home place is -elegantly improved, and very valuable. He is Democratic in politics, and a member of the Lutheran church. He has been School Director and Highway Commissioner for a number of years.

Hughes Mich Aei. W.

farmer; Sec. 23; P. O. Fall Creek; was born in Wexford county, Ireland, Jan. 7, 1839 ; received his education in the schools of his native country, and, at the age of seventeen years, emigrated to this country, and settled m Fayette county, Ohio, where he lived about five years, and moved to Buchanan county. Mo., from which place he enlisted in Co. I, 3d Regt. Mo. Cav., and served three years. After being mustered out for disability, in 1864, he came to Adams county, 111., and settled in Fall Creek township, and, in the following year, was married to Miss C. A. Thompson, daughter of Josiah Thompson, of this township. She was born May 28, 1846. They have four children, two sons and two daughters. He owns 410 acres of land, the greater part of which is in a high state of cultivation, well improved, abundantly supplied with fruit, and very valuable. He is Republican in politics, and Postmaster at Fall Creek station ; also. School Director of the district in which he resides, and is now one of the well-to-do farmers of the county. Huffman E. S. farmer; sec. 22; P. O. Quincy.

HUNSAKER DAXIEL. IVIt- SOX, farmer; Sec. 6; P. O. Millville; was born in Union Co., III., Sept. 25, 1820. At an early age he, with his parents, moved to Jeflerson county, Missouri, where he received his early education, and after four years residence there they moved to Adams county, Illinois, in 1834. He was married to Miss Frances Shuart, July 3, 1850, a native of South

Bend, Indiana. They have one child, Geo. W., born Jan. 15, 1855. He owns about 200 acres of land, in a high state of cultivation, well improved, and very valuable. He is Democratic in politics, and one of the early, energetic, and industrious citizens of the township who have labored so hard for its advancement and improvement, and one of those to whom it looks for a continuance of its present prosperity.

H. (deceased). The subject of this sketch was born in Germany, Sept. 29, 1808; received his education in the schools of his native country, and in 1834 was married to Miss Lena Kleemej^er, a native of the same place. In 1852 he emigrated to this country, and settled in this county. In 1253 his wife died, leaving him six children, three boys and three girls ; of these only two are now living : William and Mmnie. In 1854 he was married to his second wife, w^ho still survives him. She was Miss Henrietta Stokes, a native of Germany. By this marriage there are six children, four sons and two daughters. He died April 18, 1877, leaving a splendid estate, containing 470 acres, which, for fertility of soil, will compare favorably with any in the county. He was, up to the time of his death, numbered among the large and well-to-do farmers of the county.

McKUTT I., farmer; Sec. 11 ; P. O. Payson: was born in Jlendon township, June 6, 1848. When he was three years of age the family moved to the farm he now owns and occupies, in Fall Creek township. He was educated in the schools of this county, and in 1866 was married to Miss Marian Works, daughter of Asa Works, of this township. They have four children:

Irvine P., James E., Zenas V., and Albert B. He owns 160 acres of laud, in a high state of cultivation, well improved, abundantly suj)- plied witli fruit, and very valuable. He is Democratic in politics, and a member of the Christian church. He is at present Constable of the township, and has been so for the past two years. He is one of the large and wellto-do farmers of the township.

MORRIS CJEORGE (deceased). The subject of this sketch w^as born in Payson township, this county, Aug. 1, 1839. His father, William Morris, was born near Baltimore, Md., Sept. 18, 1797. In the spring of 1837, he moved to Payson township, and was, up to his death, which occurred June 11, 1870, largely engaged in agricultural pursuits. The Dr. received his literary education, principally at the Illinois College at Jacksonville, and commenced the study of his profession in the office of Dr. Bane, at Payson; attended lectures, and graduated at the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, in March, 1861, with high honors. He then went to Chicago, and passed an examination before the Medical Board of the State for army surgeons, and was immediately after commissioned by Gov. Yates Assistant Surgeon of the 56th Regt. 111. Inf., and ordered to report to Gen. McPherson, at Vicksburg, Miss. He there served one j'ear, gaining an enviable reputa- . tion among the officers and men. The General then ordered him to Chicago to pass an examination for Surgeon, after which he was commissioned Surgeon of the same regiment, and ordered to report at Huntsville, Ala. After the battle of Atlanta, owing to ill-health and fatigue, he was compelled to resign his commission and return home. He then engaged in the practice of his profession at Payson. On the 8th of June, 1865, he was married to Miss Mary E. Beebe, daughter of Silas Beebe. She was born June 3, 1844, in Fall Creek township, this county, and educated at the Quincy College, where she attained a polished culture. They have but one child, Alvin Alexander, born Jan. 7, 1869. Soon after marriage they settled on the old estate of Mr. Beebe, and continued his practice up to the time of his death, which occurred Feb. 6,

Fall Ceeek Direotorv

I RAXKIX ROBERT (deceased). The subject of this sketch was born in Caldwell county, Ky., June 23, 1827. He was the seventh child of Elias and Elizabeth Rankin. He received his early education in the district schools of Fall Creek township, and at the age of 23, was married to Miss Sarah Jane Edmonds, daughter of the late John and Elizabeth Edmonds, natives of North Carolina. Mr. Rankin was born in Iredell county, N. C, May 20, 1828. They have had ten children, only three of whom are now living, two sons and one daughter. In the spring ot 1852, he settled on the farm on which he lived up to the time of his death, which occurred Dec. 11, 1878. He was the first President of the Adams County Horticultural Society; was also elected President of the Adams County Agricultural Society in 1870; held the office till death. Mrs. Rankin was a member of the M. E. church over thirty years. He was Republican in politics, and a strong advocate of those principles. During the war he was a firm friend of Union cause. We express the sentiment of all who knew him intimately, when we say that he was an honest, upright. Christian man ; fearless in the denunciation of wrong. He had few, if any, enemies. Few men were so widely and favorably known as he in this county and

State. He was numbered among the largest of the well-to-do faimers of the county, notwithstanding he began life in very moderate circumstances. Mrs. R. died Sept. 15, 1873. On Kov. 17, 1874, he was married to his second wife, who was Miss Laura Goodner. She died April 22, 1878. The fruits of his second marriage were two children, both of whom are deceased.

REICH JOHX, farmer; Sec. 9; P. O. Quincy. He was born in ixermany, May 23, 1825 ; was educated in tbe schools of his native country, and in 1846 emigrated to this coimtry and settled in Quincy, where he was married in 1848 to Miss Catherine Herleman, a native of Germany also. They have six children, one son and five daughters. He owns 140 acres of land, which, for fertility of soil and improvement, will compare favorably with any in the county. He is Democratic in politics, and a member of the German Lutheran church. Is one of the well-to-do farmers of the county. He began life poor. Rhoades Solomon, farmer; sec. 5; P. O. Millville.

RIIiEY ZAIiE, farmer; Sec. 25; P. O. Payson. The subject of this sketch (a son of John and Elizabeth Riley) was born June 10, 1839, in Mineral county, W. Va. He was educated in the schools of his native State, and in August, 1867, was married to Miss Rachel Ann Culp, who died in September, 1868, leaving one child, now dead. In January, 1868, he moved west, and settled in Adams county. 111., where, on the 18th of September, 1870, he married his second, and present, wife, who was Miss Caroline Wickencamp, daughter of Henry Wickencamp, of Payson township, born Aug. 23, 1848. They have one child, Albert, born Sept. 18, 1875. He owns eighty acres of land, in a high state of cultivation, well improved and very valuable. He is Democratic in politics.

ROLIilXS WM. H., farmer; Sec. 9; P. O. Fall Creek; was born in Crawford county, Ind., Jan. 6, 1825; at the age of five years he, with his parents, moved weBt and settled in Fall Creek township.

this county, where he received his education; in October, 1846, he was married to Miss Nancy Blackwell. daughter of Wm. Blackwell (deceased), of this township. She was born in October, 1832, and died May 31,'77, leaving five children, four sons and one daughter. He owns about 390 acres of land, the greater part of which is in a high state of cultivation, well improved and very valuable. He is Democratic, and has been School Director for some six years. He is now one of the well-to-do farmers of the township, notwithstanding he began life poor. He is remarkably fond of a fox chase, and constantly keeps a pack of hounds, and has, in hid time, caught a great many wolves and foxes.

farmer; Sec 5; P. O. Quincy; was born in Knox county, Ohio, July 8, 1830; received his education in the schools of his native county; and in 'the Fall of 1838 moved west and settled in Carroll county. Mo., where he lived until the Spring of 1839, when he moved to Adams county, 111., and settled in Fall Creek township ; in June, 1843, he was married to Miss Lucina L. Bennett, a native of Indiana. She died in 1863. B}-- this marriage there were three children, only one of whom is living - John R. In 1863 he was married to his second, and pre- 8ent,wife,who was Mrs. Henrietta N. Hortenstine, widow of James Hortenstine, of Clay county. 111. The fruit of this marriage was three children, only one of whom are now living - Liona L. He owns 240 acres of land, which, for fertility of soil and improvement, will compare favorably with any in the county. He is Democratic in politics, and a member of the Christian church. He is Townshii* Trustee of Fall Creek, has been School Director for about twenty years, and is numbered among the large and well-to-do farmers of the county, notwithstanding he began life poor.

1831 moved west and settled in Adams county, Illinois, with his parents, where he has lived ever since. In 1844, he was married to Miss Harriet M. Brown, a native ot Cayuga county, New York. She died in 1852, leaving two children, one son and one daughter. In 1854, he was married to his second, and present, wife, Miss Martha E., Harris. By this marriage there are nine children, eight sons and one daughter. He owns about 850 acres of land. The home place contains 333 acres, in a high state of cultivation, well improved, abundantly supplied with fruit, and very valuable. He is a Democrat in politics, and a member of the M. E. church. In 1800, he was elected Justice of the Peace, which office he now holds. Is also School Trustee. Seehorn Jane L. sec. 25: P. O. Payson.

farmer; Sec. 13; P. O. Payson; was born in Hartford, Conn., Aug. 23, 1834. In May, 1836, he, with his i^arents, moved west and settled in Fail Creek township, Adams county, Illinois, where he was educated in the public schools. In May 14, 1863, he was married to Miss Emily C. Kay, daughter of Robert G. Kay, of Payson township. They have had five children, four of Avhom are now living: Henry M., Lyman K.,Lorin B., and Stella May. He owns about 800 acres of land, in a high state of cultivation, and very valuable. He is Republican in politics, and one of the largest of the well-to-do farmers of the county, notwithstanding he began life on limited means.

SEYMOUR EDWARD, farmer; Sec. 13; P. O. Payson. The subject of this sketch was born in Hartford, Conn., Sept. 15, 1818 ; was educated in the schools of his native State. His father, Martin Seymour, was born Aug. 34, 1789, in Withersfield, Conn. His vocation was that of farmer. He was married to Lucy Butler, June 29, 1814. They had a family of nine children, of whom only five are now living. On the 3Sth of Majr, 1836, he embarked with his family on board the steamer " Oliver Ellsworth" for Quincy, 111. They sailed to New York, then up the Hudson to Albany, by the Erie canal to Buffalo, then down the Ohio canal and river to its mouth, and then up the Mississippi river to their destination, where they landed, June 28, 1886, and removed to the farm in Sec. 12, Fall Creek township, on which his son Edward now lives. He died Nov. 19, 1843, and his widow only survived him until Sept. 4, 1845. Mr. Edward Seymour has a good, solid English education - a gentleman of liberal views and large observation. He has been remarkablj^ successful in business, and is now one of the larger farmers of the county, notwithstanding he began life on limited capital. He is Republican in politics, and a member of the Congregational church at Payson. He has been Treasurer of Fall Creek township for several years. He owns in the neighborhood of 2,000 acres of land. The home place contains 500 acres, elegantly improved, in a high state of cultivation, abundantly supplied with fruit, and very valuable.

U£BI:N£R CASPER, farmer; Sec. 9 ; P. O. Quincy. The subject of this sketch was born in Germany, July 8, 1818 ; was educated in the schools of his native country, and in August, 1843, emigrated to this country, and settled in Adams county, 111., in 1843. He was married in 1847 to Miss Elizabeth Schnellbecker, of Quincy. They have had twelve children, nine of whom are now living, two sons and seven daughters. He owns 200 acres of land, which, for soil and improvement, will compare with any in the township. He is Democratic in politics, and a member of the German Lutheran church. Is one of the large and well-to-do farmers of the county, notwithstanding he began life poor.

YrKGI.i:S^G JAMES A., farmer; Sec, 3; P. O. Quincy. He was born in Bourbon county, Ky., Oct. 35, 1839. In 1831 he emigrated to this county with his parents, and settled in Fall Creek township. His father, Joseph Yingling, was born in Lehigh county. Pa., May 9, 1793, and died in this county, Dec. 31, 1864, leaving his widow, who still survives him, and four children, of whom James A. is the oldest son living. He was educated in the schools of this county, and on the 9th of April, 1874, was married to Miss Martha E. Brown, daughter of Stephen Brown, of Adair county, Mo. She was born Sept. 17, 1856. He owns 184 acres of land, which, for elegance of improvement and fertility of soil, will compare with any in the county. He is Republican, and one of the old, energetic and industrious citizens who have been so conducive to its advancement and improvement, and to whom it looks for a continuance of its present prosperity. Is one of the large and well-to-do farmers of the county.

ANDERSON K. D., merchant and Postmaster ; res. Newtown ; P. 0. Adams; was born in Garrard county, Ky., in 1847; his parents came to Adams county, 111., in 1860, and located four miles southwest of Claycon, in Concord township, where they still reside. Mr. Anderson graduated at Monmouth College, Warren county, 111., in 1872 ; was a successful school teacher for two years; was married to Miss Nannie Terrill in the fall of 1875 ; entered the mercantile business at Newtown, 111. He had the misfortune to lose his wife by death in Icf s than a year after marriage. Aten John, farmer; sec. 33; P. O. Payson.

farmer and stock-raiser; Sec. 37; P. O. Adams; was born in Wayne county, Ky., Feb. 11, 1836; parents moved to Alabama in 1839, where his father died in the fall of same year; the rest of the family then came to Illinois, where, two years after, his moth'^r died. In early life he worked in a foundry, then upon a farm until he accumulated enough to buy a small farm of his own ; and since then, by his untiring industry and perseverence in business, he has been able to add acre to acre, until now he owns 600 acres, besides valuable land in Hannibal, Mo. His home farm of 240 acres is nicely improved and quite valuable. He is a man of strict integrity, and is highly esteemed by the community. He was married, Oct. 22, 1868, to Jennie C. Morton. She was born Dec. 21, 1842. Have four children: May, born Oct. 21, 1870; Ida, born Aug. 20, '72; Florence, born May 3, '76; Edmoad, born Nov. 4, '78. He is a member - of the Congregational church at Payson, and Jlrs. Bookout a member of the Baptist church at Newtown. Politically, he is a Republican. Brown Fritz, farmer; sec. 2; P. O. Columbus.

farmer; Sec. 18; P. O. Burton; was born in Adams county. 111., April 8, 1854; is the second child living of Solomon and Margaret Clingingsmith, who were among the first settlers of Adams county ; his mother came to Illinois when Quincy contained but two stores, and the country was filled with wolves, bears, snakes and Indians. Mr. C. follows farming upon his father's farm; is unmarried ; and politically is a Republican.

CRAMSEV WIJLIilAlS, farmer; Sec. 6; P. O Burton; was born in 1849; is the second child of John and Annie Cramsey, natives of Ireland, who came to the United States in 1845; botti now living. William married Emma Z anger, Feb. 6, 1877. She was born July 31, 1857. Have one child, Clarissa Frances, who was born Feb. 3, 1878. Mr. Cramsey makes farming and threshing his business. He and his wife are members of St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Politically he is a Democrat. Cucforth Jas. painter; res. Newtown; P. O. Adams.

CUTTER ISAAC, teacher; P. O. Adams; was born Jan. 20, 1854, at Elmwood, Peoria county. 111. ; is the second child of V. M.' and Elizabeth Cutter; his parents moved from Elmwood and# located at Camp Point, 111., in 1868, where both are now living. He attended school at Maplewood, Camp Point, for a number of years ; was married, Sept. 14, 1876, to Mary E. Hart. She was born in 1859. Have only one child born to them - Flora May. He has been very successful as a teacher, which occupation he now follows at Newtown, assisted by Miss M. Roe, He is a member of the Christian church, and is a Republican but not a politician.

I>EEO£ J. PHII.IP, fiirmer;Sec. 1 ; P. O. Columbus ; was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1839 ; is the first child of Wendel and Louisa Deege, who yet reside in Germany ; came to the United States in 1857 ; married to Catherine Petre in 1863. She "was born in Illinois. Have had nine children : Philip I., Daniel W., Frederick, Louisa C, Annie A.", and Mary M., are living ; Henry, Edmund, and Eliza died in 1873, with spotted fever. Owns 160 acres of land, worth $50 per acre. Mr. D. at one time followed blacksmithing. Is neutral in politics, and he and "wife are members of the Lutheran church.

I>URA:^"T SAMUEL W. Physician ; residence, Newtown ; P. O. Adams ; is a native of Tennessee ; came to Hlinois in 1836, and to Adams county in 1837 ; located in Newtown, Illinois, April, 1870. He is a graduate of Rush Medical College, of Chicago.

CrETZS LEVI, miller ; residence, Newtown; P. O. Adams; was born in Franklin county, Ohio, in 1836. His father moved to Newtown, Adams county, Illinois, in 1851. His business was that of a weaver. Levi is the secondchildof John and Harriet Getzs; was married in 1861 to Miss Irene Hancock, who was born in 1846. Have had four children: Isaac, William E., Annie E., and Josephine. Mr. G. took up the milling business on Mill Creek, one mile north of town, in 1863; moved his mill to Newtown in 1873. He makes an extra quality of tiour, and has a large custom ; owns a fine, large house, which, with the mill property, is estimated at $5,000.

HORXECKER EXOEEHART, tenant farmer; Sec. 18; P. O. Burton; was born in Prussia, March 26, 1846; came to the United States when about twenty-two years of age ; was married to Mary Longlet, Sept. 17, 1874. She was born Sept. 6, 1849; has two children: August, born Sept. 17, 1875; Anna, born Sept. 3, 1876. -'Is a tenant farmer, and classed as one of the best. He and his wife are members'of the German Lutheran church. Politically Mr. E. is a Democrat.

IIENNEL ADAM, saloon keeper; P.O. Burlon; was bom May 30, 1836, in Germ ^ny; came to the United States and located at Quincy, 111 ; married to Miss Beriha Frederick. She was born Feb. 26, 1843 ; has had eigat children : Philip, Edward, Albert, Rosie, Willie, Katie, Adam H., and Henry Theodore; live of them are living. ]\[r. M. came to Burion from Quincy, and is engaged in keeping a hotel and saloon; has a good location, and is doing a good business. His buildings are good, and be has the only public hill in the town. His property is worth $3,000.

:T1EUZ W. H., Postmaster, boot and shoe maker; Burton; was born in Germany in 1834; came to the United States in 1857, and located In Burton, engaging in the manufacture of boots and shoes ; was elected in 1878, and served one term as Collector for his township; was appointed Postmaster by President Hayes to fill the vacancy caused by the death of S. S. Meacham ; owns a neat residence and store, wherein the postoffice is kept; was married in 1860, to Miss Jane R. Snodgrass, who was born in 1839 ; has two children : Mary A., born in 1863 , and Denton D., born in 1866. Politically Mr. M. is a Republican Metz S. J. farmer; sec. 19; P. O. Burton. Meacham Hannah; res. Burton; P. O Barton. Meyers Charles, farmer; sec. 23; P. O. Burton.

whose portrait appears in this work, was born Nov. 15, 1797, near Orange Springs, Orange couut3\ Va. He was the fifth and j-ouugest child of .John and Mary T. Morton. He married in 1834 to Mary L. Hawkins. They had four children: Ann P. (now Mrs. G. F. Terrill), born in 1825; Joseph L., died September, 1848 ; jNIary J. (now Mrs. Proctor), born in 1830 ; and John E., born in 1832, now living near Perry, Pike count}^ 111, Mr. Morton moved from Virginia to Christian county, Ky., in 1831, and remained there two years, and then concluded to move still farther west. He, with several other families, mostly relatives, came to Adams county. He came to Illinois in 1833 to make a home for himself. His wife died the next spring after he came, but kind friends assisted him to take, care of his little children. In 1835 he was married to Xancy Verner, of Tennessee. She came to Quincy in 1820. They had four children: Hattie A. (now Mrs. King); Henry C, James E. (now deceased), and Virginia C. (now Mrs. Bookout). The subject of-this sketch was one of the constituent members of the Baptist church at Paj-son, 111., which was established at a very early day, and "winter storms nor summer heat" scarce ever deterred his attendance, although he had five miles to travel to reach the church. He was a most liberal man, and gave of his scanty means to all charitable and religious purposes freely. His hand was ever ready to help the needy. He labored hard to raise his children aright and give them that best ot legacies - an education. He lived to a good old age, and died July 6, 1874, surrounded by his children and grandchildren, and grieving friends. His widow still lives on the old homestead, well advanced in years, but looking hale and cheerful, and seems to enjoy life and the society of her children and many friends.

NESBITT S. S., farmer; Sec. 31; P. O. Payson ; was born in 1839 in Wyoming county, N. Y., and is the fifth child of Henry and Ellenor Nesbitt; mother died in 1861; father is still living in New York ; came to Illinois in 1859; located in Adams county in 1802 ; married to Miss Emily AVheeler in May, 18G7. She was born in 18-49; has four children: Lemuel B., born July 8, 1869; Lillie May, born Jan. 11, 1872; Harry E., born Oct. 2, 1878. pwns 123 acres of laud, which is under a good state of cultivation. He grows wheat and raises stock ;. has lately added to his stock a thorough-bred horse, and some fine brood marcs. Politically is a Democrat.

P IJI.M AX I. ARIS, farmer ; Sec. 36 ; P. O. xidams; was born in Cambridge, Washington county, N. Y., May 30, 1808 ; came to Adams county, Xov. 10, 1831 ; married Abby James, Aug. 14, 1831. She was born in Greenwich, Washington county, N. Y., April 13, 1805. Owns 160 acres of land, worth $50 per acre, all under cultivation;

READ JOSIAH, farmer; Sec. 36; P. O. Adams; was born in New Hamp.shire, Jan. 6, 1811 ; came to Newtown, Adams count}', III., in 1841; married Miss Amy Roe, who was born in 1806. They had two children, Jonas and Franklin. She died in 1843. Re-married to Mrs. Caroline Roe, and have the' following children ; Warren S., Charles A., Henry M., and William E. Mr. R. resides on the farm upon which he first located, one mile east of town. His children are all married, except William, and art all doing well. No pains or expense was spared in the education of his children, who are now an honor to him. He is one of the old line Whigs who battled through the squalls of slavery in an early day, and is a strong and true Republican, and one of the constituent members of the Congregational church at Newtown. He owns 150 acres of land, all under cultivation, with good improvements.

Read Robt. farmer; sec 6; P. O. Burton. Read Warren, farmer; sec. 34; P. O.Adams. Richards A. H. farmer; sec. 1; P. O. Burton. Richards A. M. farmer; sec. 11; P. O. Adams. Richards Clinton, farmer; sec. 23; P. O. Adams. Richards Franklin, farmer; sec. 29; P. O.Adams. Richards G^o. farmer; sec. 22; P. O. Adams.

Richards John Iv

farmer and stock raiser; Sec. 16; P. 0. Burton ; son of Josiah and Hannah Richards ; was born in Loudon county, Va., Nov. 9, 1821 ; came to this country in the spring ot 1836; has 525 acres of land, valued at $23,000; married Margaret Potter. She was born in Adams county, Dec. 21, 1840. She is the mother of eleven children, viz : Ann, Florence, Ellen, Clifford, James, Susan, Carrie, Willie, Austin, Melviu, and Clarence. Politics, Democratic. He emigrated with his parents to Coshocton county, Ohio, in 1832; lived there four years; thence to Adams county, and located on the place where he now lives. He built a log cabin the same year, 16x20, where a family of eleven resided ; used prairie bedsteads. Mr. R. came to the county in an early day in limited circumstances, but, by good management, has accumulated a fine property. He has 350 acres of land under good cultivation ; turns off forty head of hogs, twenty head of cattle ; raises 100 acres of wheat, eighty acres of corn, and thirty acres of oats, yearly ; was among the earliest settlers, and well can be claimed one of its pioneers.

RVTMPF JOHX H., farmer; Sec. 32 ; P. O. Burton ; was born in Adams county. He owns eighty acres of land, all under a good state of cultivation, and worth |40 per acre. Politically, is a Democrat.

Schafer Gfobof

wagon-maker; residence. Burton; was born in Neiderkeinsbach, Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, in 1841. He emigrated to the United States with his parents in 1850, and located in Quincy, 111. At the age of 13 he commenced to learn the blacksmiths' trade with Tim Rogers, and remained with him for a period of eight years. He married Miss Mary V. Ulrich, Dec. 18, 1862. She was born Sept. 14, 1845, in Quincy, 111. They have had seven children, five of whom are living: Georgia E., Lillie M., Amelia R., Clara E., Annie M., Rosie M., and "Walter Roy. He moved to Burton in October, 1868, and commenced the manufacture of wagons, buggies.and also does general blacksmithing. He has held the office' of School Director for five years ; is a member of the Presbyterian church, and an active Odd Fellow, now serving as Chaplain of his Lodge. Politically, he is a Republican. Mr. Schafer's mother died in 1866, aged 67. His father was born in 1798, and still resides with Mr. S. Schnur G. H. farmer; sec. 27: P. O. Adams. Schnur John, farmer; sec. 27; P. O. Adams. Slade Abraham, farmer; sec. 12; P. O. Liberty. Smith ('has. farmrr; sec. 19; P. O. Burton. Smith Frederick, farmer; se^. 19; P. O. Burton. Smith Thos. farmer; sec. 22; P. O. Burton. Spengler John, farmer; sec. 24; P. O. Liberty.

STARK HERMAN, farmer; Sec. 36; P. O. Adams; born in Wittenberg, Germany, in 1839 ; is the first child of Anselm and Mary Stark ; mother died in 1849 ; father still living at Quincy, 111. ; came to Illinois in 1843; married Emily Grossman iu 1863. She was born in Germany in 1842. They have five children : Mary E., Frank A., Joanna B., Emily R., and Herman J. Mr. Stark makes farming and stock raising his business; owns ninety acres of land, worth |40 per acre. He has been Collector one year and Road Commissioner five years. They are members of the German Catholic church. Politically, he is a Democrat. Stauderman P. farmer; sec. 18; P. O. Burton.

STEEIiE FRANK M., blacksmith and wagon maker ; residence. Burton ; P. O. Adams; born in Pike county. 111., Sept. 24, 1845 ; second child of Llellwyn and Caroline Steele, both of whom are living; was married in 1866 to Miss Amanda Casterline. She was born April 6, 1846, in St. Louis, Mo. They have had six children: Ida M., born Oct. 1, 1867; Marion H., Sept. 2, 1869; George W., April 23, 1871 ; Lillie V., Sept. 12, 1874; Martha A., April 2, 1877; Sarah S., Jan. 12, 1879; only three of his children are living. He commenced working at his trade, in Beverly, then at Burton. He does a large amount of work in wagon making, blacksmithing and plow repairing. Mr. and Mrs. Stecie are members of the Presbyterian church. He is a Republican. Stewart Garrett, Seu. farmer; sec. 4; P. O. Burton.

STEWART OEORGE R., farmer and stock raiser; Sec. 4; P. O. Burton; was born in Adams county. 111., 1846. Hisfather is still living, and is one among the oldest citizens in the township. His mother died in 1875. He was married Jan. 12, 1875, to Laura A. Slade. She was born in Maryland,1856. Mr. Stewart is a good citizen; has held numerous ofiices in the township. He trades a good deal in stock, buying on commission for packers, and has the full confidence of the best packing houses in Quincy ; has a splendid farm, well improved and well stocked with the best grades. He is a Democrat.

Burton Dikectory

of Samuel and Rachel Stewart, both of whom are still living. He was married to Miss Lydia Emeline Howe, Oct. 1866. She was born in 1846; has two children: George W., born July, 1867 and Joseph H., born Feb. 1878. Mr. Stewart owns forty-three acres of choice land, valued at $50 per acre, which he is cultivating and improving ; has a fine young orchard which is growing nicely. Mr. and Airs. Stewart are members of the Christian church. He is a Democrat.

TERRII^Ii O. F., farmer; Sec. 22; P. O. xidams; born in Orange county Va., in 1818 ; is the third child of Edmund and Nancy Terrill ; father died in 1824; mother died in 1869 ; came to Adams county, 111., in 1849 ; married Ann P. Morton in 1844. She was born in 1826, and was the first child of Charles M. Morton, one of the pioneers of Adams county. He was born in Virginia, in 1797 ; came to Dlinois in 1833, and bought the farm of Elias Adams, who was one of the first men to settle in the county, and lived on the same place until his death, Julj^,

1874. Mr. Terrill has had nine children: Mary H., born Nov., 1846, and married to Mr. C. Johnson, Sept. 1872; Edmund, born Jan. 22, 1848; he w^as a young man of great promise, and would soon have graduated from Monmouth College, died Jan. 31, 1876, while at home during vacation ; Nannie M., born in 1852, married to R. T>. Anderson in

1875, died Aug. 31,1876; Georgia, Lucy L., Charles M., Eda M., Nellie Grant, and Jessie. Mr. Terrill has a large, well improved farm; his buildings are good, and he has a large orchard of choice fruit ; he is convenient to schools and churches, and his farm is one of the best in the county. He makes farming and stock raising his business - raises wheat and corn, also very fine stock. Politically, is a Republican.

THO]!IPSOX \V. H., farmer; Sec. 1; P. O. Columbus; was born near Jacksonville, Illinois, in 1830; is the child of Elijah and Sarah Thompson ; mother died in Oct. 1868, father died in Oct. 1873. His father came to Illinois in 1882, moved to Texas in 1833, returned to Illinois in 1834, where he resided on the farm he first purchased, until his death. Mr. Thompson married Mary A. Wyle, in 1862. She was born in Butler county Ohio, in 1843. They have two children : Lenora, born -Jan. 17, 1863 (died May 3, 1867) ; Lela, born Nov. 26, 1866. He owns 158 acres of land, all under a good state of cultivation, worth $50 per acre. He is a practical farmer, and an experimental fruit grower. Mrs. Thompson owns 211 acres of land of her father's estate. Politically he is a Republican. Treaster John, laborer; res. Newtown P. O. Adams.

ULiRY PETER, farmer; Sec. 34; P. O. Adams; was born in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, in 1815 ; is the second child of George and Catherine Ulry. His father died in 1862, mother in 1874. He was married in 1839 to Miss Martha. Murray. She was born in Ross county, Ohio, Dec. 27, 1811. They have had seven children: Catherine, Mary, Melissa, Elizabeth, George, Alexander, and Pitman ; five of them are dead. Catherine married William Wescott, and resides in Livingston county, Missouri. Pitman still remains at home. Mr. Ulry owns ninety-six acres of land under fair state of cultivation, worth $50 per acre. Politically, is a Democrat.

WEIiliS EDMITKI>, merchant; res. Newtown; P. O. Adams; was born in February, 1836; is the third chHd of Henry and Mary Wells. His father moved from New York in 1837, and located near Newtown, Adams county. 111.; mother died July 19, 1851; father died May 25, 1872. He married Anna Hamton in 1871. Have three children: May <l, W. Grant, and Tandy E. He followed farming for a number of years; then sold his farm and built a store-room in Newtown, and commenced tbe dry goods and grocery business, and has a good tliare of business; hia buildings are all new and first-class. He has held the oflace (if Town Clerk for one year, and was elected a Justice of the Peace in 1874. Both he and his wife are members of the Congregational church. Republican. Wheeler Edmund, farmer; sec. 14; P. O. Adams. Wheeler B. farmer; sec. 14; P. O. Adams. Wheeler E. N. farmer; sec. 14; P.O. Adams. Wheeler Matilda; P. O. Adams. Wheeler Wm. Y. farmer; sec. 14; P. O. Adams. Williams G. W. minister; res. Newtown; P. O.

>VITTEAMEYER MRS. FIETTA, farming; See. 35; P. O. Adams; was born near Lancaster, Ohio, in 1824; is third child of Solomon and Mary Clirk, who are nowbcth drad; married to Michael Witteumeyer in 1858. He was born in 1813, and died in 1869. Have three children: Mary Elizabeth, George W., and Michael. She owns 120 acres of land, under a good state of cultivation. Mrs.

WOEFE JACOB, farmer and stock-raiser; Sec. 13; P. O. Liberty; was born April 9, 1850 ; is the son of David and Vermilia Wolfe, who located near Liberty at an early day, and who are still living on the first place settled in Liberty township. He was married, Feb. 23, 1871, to Miss Emily Grubb. She was born March 28, 1852. They have four children: Elbert, born May 22, 1872; Josephine P., born June 28, '73; Frederick G., born Dec. 20, '74; Ellen F., born Jan. 4, '76; all are living. Mr. Wolfe has 115 acres of land, valued at $50 per acre, in a good state- of cultivation. He makes a business of raising cattle, sheep and hogs; also raises wheat, com and oats. He is a Democrat. Wolfe Wm. farmer; sec. 13; P. O. Liberty.

CABRIGAX DAXIEE, farmer; Sec. 34, P. O. Kellerville; was born in Ireland in 1841 ; came to Adams county in 1852, and settled on the place where he now lives; was poor when he came, but by industry and economy has accumulated about 900 acres of well improved land. His father has gone to Ireland on a visit; expects to be absent a year; he is sixty-two years of age, and quite smart. His mother is sixty-eight years old, and smart for one of her age. They are all living together on the first laud they bought. All things considered, the Carrigan family have been as successful farmers as any in Adams county.

Coxcord Directory

Carrigan P. farmer ; sec. 35 ; P. O. Kellerville. Carter Henry, farmer; sec. 12; P. O. Clayton. Cassell Gabriel, farmer; sec. 26; P. O. Kellerville. Clarkson K. J. farmer; sec. -3; P. O. Clayton. Coffleld Henry, farmer; sec. 23.

farmer ; Sec. 3; P. O. Clayton; is the son of David and Agnes N. Colegate, natives of Pennsylvania. He was born in Huntingdon county, of that State, April 1, 1818 ; came to Illinois and settled in Pike county in 1851 ; thence to Concord township in 185o ; worked at blacksmithing before coming west,- since has farmed. He married Feb. 28, 1844, Hannah Ferguson, born in Pennsylvania, Feb. 15, 1819; died in 1876, leaving two children : Nancy J. and Margaret T. He marri* d again, Nov. 1, 1877, Arabella Lyon, born in Franklin county Pa., March 7, 1838. He owns 160 acres of land in Sec. 3, and 640 in Texas.

Davisox Thomas

Physician, Sec. 36; P. O. Kellerville; was born in Ohio June 5, 1841 ; came to Illinois in March, 1853; married Miss Hettie Lee, Jan. 1, 1868, who was born in Brown county, XL., Aug. 10, 1845; has two children, sons, aged respectivy nine years, and one motilh ; tauirht school from youth until 1865; commenced the practice of medicine in April, 1867; retired by reason of ill health Jan. 1, 1879; now merchandising in Kellerville; was reared a Methodist. Politics, Democratic.

I>ODI> WIIililAM D., farmer; Sec. 25; P. O. Clayton; was born July 5, 1813, in Madison county, 111. ; son of Michael and Anna Dodd. His father came to Illinois in 1809, mother in 1806. His father married Anna Brown in 1810 ; they had seven children, live boys and two girls, none now living in this county except the subject of thi« sketch; he came to Adams county in 1827; first settled in Quincy; were the ninth family in the place. The subject of this sketch married Julia Ann Richardson Aug. 2, 1836. She was born in Elizabethtown, Ky., Aug. 14, 1820. The fruit of this marriage was fifteen children, eight boys and seven girls (three girls dead); three of the boys and one girl are in Iowa. Has a farm of seventy-eight acres of land; followed blacksmithing for a good many years until broken down in health. Are living in peace at home and with God. and most of their neighbors ; are waiting for their change to come ; are members of the M. E. church. In politics he is a Republican. Douglas Mrs. A. M. sec. 3; P. O. Clayton. Douglas Jas. farmer; sec. 4; P. O. Clayton. Douglass W. B. farmer; sec. 12; P. O. Clayton.

farmer; Sec. 35; P. O. Kellerville. He was born in Tennessee, ]May 15, 1815 ; came to Adams county in 1835, and married Ettie Lee in 1839. She died in 1866. He married for his second wife. Mary Bartholomew, in 1867. She was born near Louisville, Ky., in 1825. He owns 240 acres of land (140 improved) and worth |8,000. Mr. Gilleuwaters is a well-to-do farmer of the township, living happily with his family on the same place where he first settled when he first came to Adams county. His wife is a member of the M. E. church. He is a Democrat.

CrORE JOSEPH, farmer; Sec. 11; P. O. Clayton. He was born in 3Iorgan county. 111., in 1837 ; came to Adams county in 1840; married Susan J. Hulse. She was born in Adams count}', in 1840. The fruits of this marriage were seven children, four boys and three girls, viz.: E. S. Ann B., Lusada, R. H., J. L., Minnie, and Emmett. Mr. Gore has 400 acres of land, under good cultivation, worth $9,000. Member of the Presbyterian church. Politics, Republican.

Hii.Debraxd Frkd

HII.DEBRAXD FRKD ERICK, farmer; Sec. 29; P. O. Clayton. He was born in Germany, July 25, 1825 ; married Emily Terke in 1852. She was born in the same place in 1825. They came to the United States, June 25, 1852, and to Adams county in 1863. Have two adopted children - never had any of their own. He has 100 acres of land, ninety under good cultivation. Is a member of the Lutheran church. Their adopted childrens' names are Louis and Caroline. Hobbs James, farmer; sec. v!7; P. O. Kellerville. Hobbs Joseph, farmer; sec. 27; P. O. Kellerville. Hogan F. M. farmer; sec. S; P. O. Camp Point. Holmes Gabriel, farmer; sec. 3; P. O. Clayton. Huddleston Mrs. see. 2S; P. O. Clayton. Hnddleston R. S. farmer; sec. 17; P. O. Clayton. HngheB Wm. farmer; sec. 35; P. O. Kellerville. Hnnke Fred, farmer; sec. 30; P. O. Clayton.

farmer; Sec. U; P. O. Clayton. He was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, in 1824; came to Illinois in 1856, and married Amy Hedges, March -1, 1869. She was born Dec. 23, 1832. He came to Adams county with his father in l!533, and settled on Sec. 6. in Ellington township. Have four children:

Parn Henry, farmer; sec. IS; P. O. Camp Point. Perkins A. J. farmer; sec 12; P. O. Clayton. Phillips A. W. farmer; sec. 22; P. O. Clayton. Poland U. B. farmer; sec. 21; P. O. Clayton.

RIPPEIi CHRIS riAX, farmer; Sec. 19 ; P. O. Camp Point ; was born in Germany in May, 1822 ; married Carolina Gerke. She was born in Germany in 1821 ; came to the United States in 1854, and to Adams county in 1859. Had nine children, six now living; the two oldest are married, the balance are living at home on the farm where they settled when they came to America. Held the office of Assessor of Concord township two years. Has 300 acres of land, for quality, as good as there is in the neighborhood, 150 under good cultivation, worth s7, 000. ^Members of the Lutheran church. Politics, Democratic.

Concord Directory

May 23, 1832; came to the United States in 1854; married Mary Yiering, ]May 16, 1854. She was born in Germany ; is in her 50th year. Had seven children, three boys and two girls ; the oldest boys are dead - Henry died Aug. 1, 1855, William died Sept. 22, 1877. He has 340 acres of land, under good cultivation, worth $6,000 ; came to the United States poor, but by industry and economy has accumulated a fine property, aud is living in peace with God aud man. Members of the Lutheran church. Politics, Democrat.

SHARP EDWARD ^deceased) was a farmer on Sec. 30. He was born in England, Aug. 26, 1807; came to America, stopped in New York, went back to England, and then returned to the United States, where he married Caroline Miller, and came to Adams county in 1837, where he lived two years ; received a cut in his foot with a mowing machine, which caused his death. They are both buried in Clayton. Had five children, four girls and one boy ; three girls living: Mary Louisa, Emma Caroline, and Fannie. Emma C. and Fannie E. are married and living in Missouri ; Mary Louisa is living on the old homestead. Have the largest apple and peach orchard in this part of the county, all of the choicest kinds of fruit. Sharp Thos. farmer; sec. 20; P. O. Clayton. Sloan C. M. farmer; sec. 4 P. O. Clayton. Sloan John, farmer; sec. 4; P. O. Clayton. Smith Flavilla, sec. 13; P. O. Clayton. Smith P. H. farmer; sec. 34; P. O. Kellerville. Smith Michael, farmer; sec. 18; P. O. Camp Point. Spiegel L. F. farmer; sec. 29; P. O. Clayton. Spiegel Martha, sec. 29; P. O. Clayton.

STEFFEIT J. W., teacher aud minister; Sec. 39; P. O. Clayton; w^as born in Germany, Nov. 17, 1855; came to America when he was nve years of age; lived iu Chicago until 1871 ; then went to college at Fort Wayne, Ind., where he remained four years ; from there to college at Springfield, 111., where he graduated in June, 1878 ; had a call as minister for the congregation in Concord township, Adams county. 111., where farmer; Sec. 23; P. O, Clayton; was born in Washington county, Penn., in 1836. He married Sarah E. Murchland, in West Virginia, in 1859. She was born in Brook county. West Va., in 1837 ; moved to Adams county, April 25, 1864, and located on the place where he now lives. For his second wife, married Mary A. Peyton in 1867 ; died March 20, 1878. Three children (two girls and one boy) by first wife; four by his second (two boys and one girl). Mr. W. has been Supervisor of Concord township for one term ; owns 300 acres of land (180 under cultivation), valued at $8,000. Politics, Greenback Republican. First wife was a member of Baptist and second one was a member of Christian church. Wright Robert, farmer; sec. :55; P. O. Kellerville.

Columbus Directory

lilERIiY JAMES, farmer ; Sec. 31 ; P. O. Columbus; born Oct. 16, 1837, in Columbus township. His father came from North Carolina' to Union county, 111., in 1819. In about 1837 he came to Adams county. He died April 15, 1867, aged sixtynine years. James lives on the land entered by his father, and now owns 431 acres; he also owns a saw mill, which he built in 1872, and has it running most of the time. He married Lovina Rowsey, Feb. 2, 1861. She was born in 1842 in Adams county. Have four children : Adam L., Tryphena E., Mary E.,and Elizabeth L. He has been Township Supervisor, Collector and Assessor. His father was married in Columbus township in 1836, being the first man married in the township.

L<IERLY JOHN. li., farmer; Sec. 31; P.O. Columbus; is the youngest of a family of four living sons and one daughter, of John and Elmira (Laul) Lierly, the former a native of North Carolina, the latter of East Tennessee. His father died in Columbus township, April 20, 1867; his mother still lives upon the homestead with John L. He was born where he now lives, April IS, 1854, and has ever made it his home. He married Mary Ellen Walker, daughter of Edmond and -Ellen Walker, Nov. 11, 1878. She was born in Adams county, March 5, 1859. He owns 177 acres of land in Davis county. Mo.

Lancaster county. Pa., March 8,1810; is the oldest of four sous and five daughters, of Arthur and Elizabeth (Boyer) McNeall, who were natives ot that State. His parents removed to Ohio, and settled near Cincinnati, when he was fifteen months old. He was educated in Hamilton, and learned the carpenters' trade; applied himself to it till he Avas thirty years of age. In the meantime he read medicine and attended a course of lectures at Starling Medical College, Columbus in 1849 and 1850 ; located in Adams county in September, 1855, in the village of Columbus, where he has practiced since. In 1868 he received the degree of M. D. from Keokuk Medical College. He married Esther Heywood, a native of New York, Nov. 21, 1833. She died Sept. 5, 1864, leaving five children: Nathan H., Mrs. Lydia A. Cannon, Arthur A., Mrs. Sarah E. Antrim, and David F. Jan. 4, 1866, he married Ruth A. Cari'oll, a native of Washington county, Ark. They have had four children, two living: Lena May, born April 9, 1862, and Centennella, born July 4, 1876. He owns twenty acres in the village of Columbus, worth $100 per acre, and twenty acres in Sec. 17, worth .$25 per acre. He now holds the office of Magistrate. Is a member of the Masonic Fraternity, and they are both members of the M. E. church.

MARSHALL THOMAS, farmer; Sec. 28; P. O. Columbus; was born in Lincolnshire, England, July 8, 1837. His parents, William and Mary (Fish) Marshall, were born in that country in 1800 and 1807, respectively. They emigrated to America in 1850, and settled in Gilmer township, Adams county. He was brought up on a farm. In 1852 he caught the gold fever, and crossed the plains to California, where he remained eleven years. He married Louisa J. Golden, Feb. 22, 1865. She was born in Gilmer township, Oct. 13, 1846.. Their union has resulted in six children : Mary L., George W., Presley L., Fannie G., Rolando, and Charles. After marriage they settled in Gilmer township. From there removed to Columbus township two years later, and to the farm on which they now live, in 1875. He has filled the office of Assessor two terms in Columbus township, and in the spring of 1878 was elected a member ot the Board of Supervisors. His real estate consists of 200 acres in the home farm, worth $35, and a lialf interest in eighty acres, worth !j;30 per acre. Millering D. farmer; eec. 20; P.O. Columbus. Moore Harriet, hotel keeper; P. O. Columbus. Moore Rachel, farmer; sec. 28; P, 0. Columbus.

MOORES L.IXUS, farmer; Sec. 29; P. O. Columbus. He is the sixth of a family of three sous and ten daughters, of Linus and Rachel (Devall) Moores, the former a native of New Jersey, the latter of West Virginia. He was born Dec. 11, 1825, in Morgan county, Ohio. From the age of six years he was reared in Hamilton county, on a farm. Jan. 1, 1850, he married Caroline Gates, who was born iu Hamilton county, Nov. 5, 1830. They have had eight children, seven living: Abner, .^orn Feb. 18, 1851, William Linus, born March 21 1855; Laura A., born March 7, 1857 ; Sarah M., born Sept. 9, 1859; Isabel J., born Jan. 5, 1862; Elmina, born Feb. 19, 1865; and Grant, born Oct. 26, 1868. Mr. M. has for years devoted special attention to manufacturing sorghum syrup, and has the largest and finest mill in Adams county. He owns 109 acres in the home farm, and an interest in 112 acres in the homestead adjoining.

XAYIiER RICHARD, farmer; Sec. 20; P. O. Columbus; was born in Cambridge, England, April 9, 1828; is the son of Thomas and Dora Nayler, natives of the same county. He emigrated to America in 1849, and settled in Adams county, where he devoted his attention to farming. He married Ann Gertrude Whittikiud, in November, 1856, who was also born in England, April 3, 1828, and came with her parents to America in 1835. Their union resulted in two children, George Thomas, born March 22, 1862, and Caroline, born July 27, 1865. They settled on the farm where they now live in the fall of 18()7. In 1873 Mr. N. disposed of his etiects and spent a year on the Pacific slope in California and OregoL, returning to Adams county in 1874. He owns 535 acres of land in Adams county, worth .$40 per acre; his improvements on the home place cost $4,000.

XICHOLS JOHN P., retired farmer; Sec. 19; P. O. Columbus; was born in Fayette county, Ky., Nov. 8, 1797. His parents were Thomas and Elizabeth (Perkins) Nichols, the former a native of Virginia, the latter of Maryland. His father died when he was five years of age; his mother married again and removed to Bourbon county. He learned the book-binding trade iu Lexington, but after working at it four years, found it disagreed with his health and abandoned it and turned his attention to farming. He married Kitty Carter, Nov. 16, 1826, who was born in Bourbon county, Ky., March 21, 1808. They moved to Ilhuois and landed in Adams county in November, 1831; lived north of Quincy two years, then in Feburary, 1834, two years later, he assisted in burning off the prairie and laying out the lots for the village of Columbus. They have had twelve children, nine living : Mrs. Mary Durant, Mrs. Louisa Thomas, James, Mrs. Emily 'Evans, Mrs. Elizabeth Nichols, John T., William H., Mrs. Salina McNeall and Mrs. Anna Torrence. Mr. N. has held the office of Collector and Supervisor, and was Assessor for five years, the first four immediately after the the township was organized. He owns 160 acres in the home place, worth $40 per acre.

Columbus Dikectoey

farmer; Sec. 4; P. O. Camp Point; was born in Jefferson county, Ky., May 31, 1831. His father, George Smith, was born in the same State. His mother, Isabel Carmichael, was born in Pennsylvania, and emigrated to Jefferson county, Ky., prior to their marriage. They lived there till the subject of this sketch was sixteen years of age, at which time they removed to Adams county, and settled on the farm where she now lives, in 1836. His parents both died in Adams county, his father on the homestead, 1846, his mother in Clinton township in 1876. Mr. S. married Eliza A. Turner, Dec. 4, 1845. She was a native of Clark county, Ind. She died in August, 1861, leaving two children : Ellen A. and Winfield S. He married her sister, Kebecca J. Turner, Feb. 25, 1862. They have one child, Francis Delano. Mr. S. was elected a member of the first Board of Supervisors in the county, and has been re-elected several terms since, serving in all, eleven years. He was also one of the Board of Managers of the Poor Farm for fifteen years. He owns 400 acres in the home farm, worth $33 per acre.

TURNER JOHX F., farmer; residence. Sec. 20; P. O. Columbus; son of Francis and Elizabeth (Beedles) Turner, natives of Virginia; was born in Clark county, Ind., April 11, 1830 ; is the fourth of a family of two sons and four daughters. In the fall of 1835, his parents removed to Adams county, and the following spring settled on the farm adjoining where he now resides. Jan. 31, 1855, he married Isabel Smith, who was born in Adams county, Dec.

9, 1834. She is the daughter of George and Mary (Curry) Smith. In 1859, Mr. T. bought the wild laud and settled on the farm they now own. They have had three children, two living: Charles H., born Dec. 16, 1855, and William Edward, born Nov. 26, 1857. He owns 220 acres in the home place, worth $40 per acre. His mother still occupies the homestead, where his father died years ago.

E., physician; res. Columbus; is the son of Derrick and Rachel (Elliott) Whitlock, and was born in Butler county, Ohio, Oct. 13, 1850. Derrick Whitlock is the son of John and Lydia (Howell) AVhitlock, and was born in Sussex county, N. J., April 2, 1817; the following summer his parents moved to Butler county, Ohio, where he was brought up, and married Miss Elliott, Dec. 18, 1839. She was born in that county on March 13, 1818. His early life was spent in tailoring; and, after coming to Adams county in 1853, he engaged in a general mercantile business for fourteen years in Columbus, from 1857 to 1871. He has filled the office of Town and Police Magistrate since 1859. They have two living children: Dr. G. E. and Mrs. Louisa McNeall. The Doctor was educated at Abingdon College, and Ohio Wesleyan University (Delaware), from which he graduated in 1874. He read medicine one year with Dr. Williams, ot that city, and a year with Dr. Henry, in Columbus, 111.; attended lectures at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, and received his degree from that institution in

DOUGIiASS J. W., farmer; P. O. Chatten (son of James and Locky Douglass) was born in Adams counly, Jan. 17, 1837; married Sarah A. Anderson. She was born in Illinois, Jan. 31, 1840. Five children: George :M., born March 7, 1863; ]\Iinnie F., born May 6, 1866; Clara E., born June 29, 1870; James A., born Jan. 3, 1873. Are members of the M. E. church. His father was born in Virginia, and emigrated to Kentucky when he was a boy; and in 1835 came to this county, where he lived until his death, in his seventy-sixth year. His mother i.s still living, at the age of seventythree. The subject of this sketch enli'ted in Co. D, 10th Regt. 111. Inf., three months' service; then enlisted in 2d 111. Cavalry Co.; -was in the 16th Army Corps ; was in several skirmishes, and had some warm times chasing bushwhackers.

CiliOVES STEPHEX, farmer; Sec. 30; P. O. Big Neck; wps born in Cubell county, Va., Feb. 22, 1818; came to this county in 1842; has 640 acres of land, valued at $25,000; married, for his first wife, Nancy E. Strickler, Dec. 28, 1848. Four children; two living: Jacob, bora March 17, 1851; Martha, born Sept. 26. 1849. For his second wife, he married Mary J. Campbell, Jan. 12, 1863. Seven children, six living: Eliza E., born April 7, 1863; Sarah A., born July 28, 1864, died Sept. 29, 1864; Joseph, born Dec. 19, 1865; John, born Feb. 14, 1867; Stephen, born May 24, 1869; Artimisa A., born July 31, 1873; Daniel, born July 35, 1876. He has held the office of Commissioner of Highways, etc. He emigrated from Virginia to Sangamon county in 1828, when he was ten years old; lived there three years; thence to Brovvn county, where he lived eight years; thence to Adams county, where he has resided since. At the time he was in Sangamon county there were but few cabins in Springfield, and only one or two stores. His father came to the State poor, and worked a farm on shares for three years. His whole outfit when he came was one team and wagon, and $7 in his pocket. Mr. Groves, although a poor boy when .he came here, to-day is one of the sound farmers of the county.

HOYT E. O., farmer and stockraiser; Sec. 1; P. O. La Prairie; son of E. B. and Mary J. Hoyt; was born in Orange county, N. T., Dec. 27, 1835, and came to this county July 6, 1843; has 280 acres of land, valued at $9,000; married Mary Ellen Bacon. She was born in Hancock county, June 3, 1841, and is the mother of four children: Grade L., born Oct. 15, 1862; Margaret, born Nov. 2, 1864; Benj. F., born Dec. 28, 1869; Horace E., born June 1, 1875, died Dec. 28, 1878, Mrs. Hoyt is a member of the M. E. church. He turns out a car-load of cattle and hogs yearly, and raises eighty acres of corn. He came to this county when he was spven years old, when the prairies were wild; has grown up with the county, and by industry has mude himself and family a comfortable home.

liOWARY THOMAS, farmer. Sec. 18 ; P. O. Big Neck ; was born in Washington county. Pa., Feb. 24, 1817, and came to this county in the fall of 1850. Has 584 acres of land, probable value, $29,000 ; married Martha Markley, April 8, 1840. She was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, Oct, 1,1820. Ten children, eight livmg: Tabitha, born April 16, 1841 ; Mary, Oct. 9, 1842 (died March, 1874) ; John, born Oct. 1, 1843 (died in infancy); Daniel, born April 3, 1845; Thomas M., Oct. 6, 1848; Jennie, Feb. 20, 1851; William, Jan. 26, 1854;- Khoda, Sep. 20, 1855 ; Sarah, Jan. 20, 1857 ; Mertie, Dec. 5, 1863. His father emigrated to Coshocton county, Ohio, in 1836; lived there until 1852; then came to Adams county - came through with teams, he driving one and his wife the other, camped out. His son Daniel was in the Union army, ninety days' service; was in several skirmishes and battles. Mr. Lowary came here in limited circumstances, and by industry has made a fine property and home, and is one of the sound farmers of the township.

McFARIiAXD IVM. M., farmer; Sec. 16 ; P. O. La Prairie ; was born in Greene county, Ohio, Aug. 12,1814; came to this county, Oct. 8, 1832; has 210 acres of land, vauled at $8,000; married Eliza McFarland. She was born iu same county, Feb. 3, 1814 (twin brothers' children) ; was mother of four children, three living: Rebecca Jane (now ' Mrs. L. L. Strickler); Martha L. (now Mrs. Forsyth) ; Amy H. (now Mrs. Suter) ; George G. (died March 2, . 852) ; has held the office of Town Clerk and Road Commissioner. His father came from Tennessee, left there when he was four years old, and came to Harrison county, Ky., lived there about seventeen years; thence to Greene county, Ohio, lived there twenty years, and thence to Adams county. His grandfather was in the Revolutionary War and served seven years, and his fatlier was in the War of 1812, was under Gen. Harrison. When they came here, located on a place two and a half miles northeast of Camp Point - lived there in a log cabin, 16.v20, puncheon floor. Remembers well the night after moved in, came a big snow storm, - wind blew snow through their shanty, so his father had to put up a wagon sheet to keep the snow off the children. Mr. McFarland came here among the first, and well can be called one of its pioneers ; has a fine home and is one of the stirring farmers of the township.

33; P. O. Camp Point; born in Carbon county, Pa., Aug. 16, 1845; came to the county in 1850 ; has 130 acres of land, valued at $6,000; married Emma Stahl. She born in Mercer countj% Pa., Oct. 31, 18.53; mother of two children, John, born March 11, 1876; Alice E., Aug. 3, 1877. Politics, Democratic. He held the office of Supervisor for three years; emigrated with his parents to this county, when he was five years old ; has a fine home and a good orchard of four acres, and is in good circumstances, and one of the leading men in the township.

RIIiEY JOHX E., farmer; Sec. 15; P.O. Chatten. He was born in Sangamon county, 111., Sep. 34, 1827; came to this county in 1848; has 1'20 acres of land, valued at §5,000 ; married Lucinda Harris. She was born iu Tennessee, July 31, 1828. Seven children, five living: Susanna, born Nov. 23, 1848; William, May 27, 1851; Elijah, Aug. 6, 1853; John F., Sept. 11, 1855; Nancy Ellen, May 31, 1858; James A., Jan. 23, 1861; Solomon, Sept. 13, 1866. Nancy Ellen died Oct. 27, 1863, and William, Nov. 26, 1852. Mr. and Mrs. Riley are members of the Baptist church. In 1815, his father moved from Virginia to Ohio; had two sons drowned in the Scito River; came to Sangamon county, 111., in 1824; was in the War of 1812, and served three years as commander; also, mowed hay where Springfield now stands. The subject of this sketch is a native of the State, has lived to see the developments of the State, and well can be called one of its pioneers.

ROBERTS H., farmer and stock raiser; Sec. 20 ; P. O. Camp Point. He was born in Kentucky, Dec. 25, 1823 ; came to this county the fall of 1835. He has forty acres of land, valued at $2,000. He married E. L. Willard, who was born in Tennessee, January 22, 1827. Four children : M. A., born May 8, 1851; Joel M., July 12, 1864; M. E., Oct. 19, 1867, and S. E., Oct. 2, 1869. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts belong to the United Brethren church. Emigrated from Kentucky to Schuyler county. 111., in March, 1833; lived there about two years; thence to Adams county, where he has lived since. When he first came to this State he was ten years old ; Schuyler county was wild ; moved into a log cabin a short time until they built a shanty of hewed logs, 18x20; used prairie bedsteads. When he was a boy he worked for six and one-quarter cents, and what he could eat, per day, and a man's wages at that time was only fifty cents, and thought that good wages. Mrs. Roberts came to the State when she was only two years old, the winter before the "big snow." Mr. and Mrs. Roberts were among the earliest settlers, and can well understand what a life in a new country is.

Houston Directory

Simon, Sept. 15, 1873; Jane, Nov. 3, 1875, and Thomas, Jan. 27, 1878. Politics, Repub-' lican. Has held the office of School Director. He raises twenty acres of corn and the same of wheat. He enlisted in Co. C, 10th Regt. 111. Inf , in 1861 ; was in the Army of the Cumberland, and battles of Chattanooga, ]\[urfreesboro' Lookout Mountain, or the battle above the clouds; was discharged at Louisville, Ky. ; was in the service three years and seventeen days; lost one of his legs in the service.

WIIiLrARO MADISOX, firmer and stock raiser; Sec. 10; P. O. Bowensburg. He was born in Clay county. Mo., Jan. 17, 1820; came to this county the year before the Black Hawk War. He has 600 acres of land, valued at $24,000. He married Lucina Taylor, who was born in the State of New York, and was mother of two children, Almira, and one which died in infancy. His father emigrated from Tennessee to this county, where he raised a family of six boys and three girls. He was what would be considered a frontiersman; came here when there was but a few families in the township. When he came here he had but two yoke of cattle and no money; was among the earliest settlers, and can well claim as being one of the pioneers of the county. He is one of the solid farmers of the county.

residence. Furlong House; was born in Ellington township, Adams county, October 24, 1858 ; received a common school education in Ellington township, and at the age of seven years went to Galesburg, 111., and entered the Lombard University at that place remaining one term ; then returned to Quincy and entered Johnson College, remaining two terms, and thence to the " Gem City " Business College, where he remained one term; then went upon his father's farm, where he remained one year, when he went into partnership with Robert L. Bowles (his brother), in the grocery business, which was dissolved by mutual consent at the expiration of six months. His parents are among the oldest settlers in this county, respected by all, and gojd Christian people.

CALIi A. B., school teacher; Sec. 5; P. O Barry, Pike county, 111. ; born in Pike county, 111., in 1857; attended common schools until thirteen years of age, then attended Quincy College, then at Christian University, at Canton, Mo., and again at Quincy College. After leaving college commenced teaching, at the age of sixteen years, attending school during the vacations ; has taught six years in Adams and Pike counties, giving the best satisfaction, and having a large average attendance during the school term.

CHII.de R!S M. D., farmer ; P. O. Carrollton, Mo. ; was born in Grant county, Ky., July 5, 1831; moved to Illinois in 1831, and lived with his father on the old homestead in Burton township for forty-five years. In 1877, he removed to Carroll county. Mo., where he now resides ; was married to Miss Elvira, Birch in 1842 ; have no children. Mr. C. was Commissioner of Highways for a number of years while he resided in Illinois; he followed blacksmithing at one time, and is a man highly esteemed by a large circle of friends in Burton and surrounding country.

B^WYE R WIEEIAM, agriculturist ; Pittsfleld, Pike county. 111. ; was born in Hancock county. 111., in 1853; has followed farming and mi rchandizing mostly. In June, 1877, he located in Pike county, and has been engaged in selling agricultural implements and binding machinery. Has now one of the best riding attachments for a common plow ever invented, and guarantees satisfaction to farmers. His business house and store is on Monroe street, Pittsfield, one b!ock east of the public square.

ROBERTS JAMES, coal merchant; residence, Colchester, McDonough county. 111. He was born in Cornwall, England, March iO, 1820; married there to Celia Ivnight, Sept. 7, 1846. In March, 1847, they sailed for America, and, on arriving, settled in Lawrence county, Penn. He was engaged in coal mining for over two years, then superintended the business for Crawford & Co., near New Castle; came west in 1858, and embarked in the coal business in Colchester, IMcDonough county. He then was obliged to haul his coal to Augusta, with teams, and from there shipped to Quincy; he being the first shipper to the city, over the Northern Cross Railroad. He established the first coal market in the city ; was associated with his brother several years, afterward was in partnership with John McGinnis, Wm. Morris, and Mr. McCoy, they owning six-tenths interest. He finally sold to his brother. He again embarked in the business with Morris & Spencer, and cleared $10,000; sold out. The Colchester Coal Company consists of Henry Roberts & Bro.'s (his sons) ; they have run the business since September, 1877; they have leased the mines and machinery to A. Newland, Jr. Mr. R.'s marriage resulted in seven children : Henry, born March 20, 1849 ; James, Jane, Burdett, John R., Joseph, Cecelia M., and George W.

school teacher; Sec. 5; P. O. Barry, Pike county. 111. ; born in September, 1857. His father and mother are still living on Sec. 5. He continued his education in the common schools until fourteen years of age, then attended the public school at Kinderhook, from thence to Quincy College, and afterward at the Christian University at Canton, Missouri, and Chaddock College at Quincy, 111. He commenced teaching in 1875 ; has taught four terms of school, giving satisfaction in every instance, and has always had a good average attendance during school term.

Concluding Chapter

Mounds and Mound Builders - Swamp and Oveeflom-ed Lands - The Soldiers' Monument - The County Poor - Temperance - Educational - Public Buildings - Benevolent Societies - Firemen's Benevolent Association - Qutncy Free Eeading Room - Quincy Library - The Young Men's Christian Association - Charitable Aid and Hospital Association - Quincy Workhouse - Hotels - Manufactories - Thb Wholesale Trade of Quincy - Quincy Horse Railway and Carrying Company - United Presbyterian Church of Clayton - Christian Church, Pleasant Yiew - Christian Church Ursa.

Mounds And Mound Builders

Adams coimtv, like other portions of the western country, is dotted here and there with these indistinct relics of a prehistoric people, who have thus left their "footprints upon the sands of time," that their Caucasian successors away down in this nineteenth centurj^ may read and interpret from this unknown tongue somewhat of the history of the civilization that antedated the wild Red man on the American continent.

Of the origin and purpose of these so-called " Indian mounds" various theories have been advanced by scientists and historians. The location and shape of these ruins seem to indicate that they or some of them were used as habitations for the living; while the human remains exhumed from the interior of many of them by explorers, point to them as sepultures for the dead. But whoever the mound builders were, or at whatever period of antiquity they existed, fragments of their constructive genius remain, and have been resurrected, which furnish unmistakable evidence of a civilization and considerable knowledge of the industrial arts.

As being pertinent to this subject and embodying facts and some logical theorizing deduced therefrom, we republish, through the kindness of Gen. John Tillson, of Quincy, an article prepared by him for the columns of the Quincy C ommerGial Revieio, called forth by an editorial therein commenting lipon a paper read by Dr. Rice before the Wisconsin Historical Society :

Editor Review: - "In your issue of February 16, reference is made to a report of Dr. Rice, of Wisconsin, in regard to the origin and use of the socalled Indian mounds scattered throughout the Mississippi valley, in which he asserts that they are the remains of huts - residences - and that their use as places of sepulture was by a later race than that which erected them. It is also said that this is a n&w theory. There is therein a good deal that is probable and considerable that is incorrect. First, as to the novelty of the theory; it is not new. It has been the belief of the earlier examiners of these remains, long prior to the birth of Dr. Rice or the Wisconsin Historical Society, that the groat mass of the mounds found in the West (with an exception to be noticed hereafter) were built for and used as residences - places for living - with occasionally a larger one for public use, such as a fort, place of worship or council.

The material of their construction may have been wood, - now completely decayed, - but much more probably was of earth, as near most of the mounds can be observed an excavation, like that near a brick-kiln or a railroad embankment, from which the soil appears to have been removed. Most of these mounds have a depression in the center just such as would appear where the walls of a building had crumbled down and the roofs, of lighter material and less bulk, had dropped when unsupported. The walls were, undoubtedly, if this theory is to be considered, of great thickness, for this reason, that they were both the houses and defenses of the frail, scattered fragments of an almost exterminated race - the race which research has almost conclusively proven of higher civilization than their successors - swept from existence by the Indian.

The exception to which I allude above is this, that the isolated, conical mounds on high points of the bluffs were undoubtedly for burial purposes only. They were the monumental resting places of honored and eminent men; and Dr. Rice is, no doubt, correct in the statement that the moldered huts of these long-gone builders were used by a succeeding race as places of burial. This is an Indian custom almost to the present day.

But as to the other mounds, those not on the bluff peaks, their outline which, so far as it can be ascertained, is usually rectangular, with the depression in the center above named, their location like those found near Bear Creek, Mill Creek, and in the Redmond field south of Quincy, on ground just above overflow, accessible from the river and yet concealed therefrom, indicative of their fugitive character, the utensils found therein, and all the surroundings, point to the plausibility of their having been domestic abodes.

Another feature sometimes noticeable is that the tree growth from these mounds is often of a character unlike that contiguous or adjacent; the evident product of some nuts, seeds or some vegetable brought from afar, left in the hut when it fell, sprouting and growing clusters of trees only seen right there, no where else near, and not natural to the soil around them.

The examination of these vestiges of a long-gone race, made half a century or more ago, was more exhaustive and better based than any that can be made now. It was made by skillful, learned and curious men who saw them in far better preservation than they are at present, before civilization had aided time in their destruction, and when, as is not the case now, all the Indian traditionary history was at hand to throw its wavering light upon the subject.

The best based theory heretofore generally accepted as to the past occupation of this continent is, that races existed here advanced in civilization beyond any that have succeeded them, until its discovery by Europeans, races possibly cotemporary in improvement with Greece and Rome, but probably far earlier in point of time, and that they were swept from supremacy by a vandalism such as burst upon Europe centuries ago; that, just as theirs was inferior to European civilization, so more effectually have their memorials been extinguished; and, unlike European civilization, no sufiicient vitality remained to conquer their conquerors.

Conclusion

southern North America. The " mound builders" in time were swept from the land by the modern Indian, whose centuries of existence, even before the withering presence of the white man premonished his extermination, have been marked by no solitary evidence of advancement. That the Indian built none of these mounds, except those on the heights, before mentioned, is dmost sure; that they have made use of those built by their predecessors, is equally certain; and that most of these mounds were houses or forts, is more than probable, but the idea is not a new one.

Swamp And Overflowed Lands

Adams county contains 25,062 acres of these lowlands - chiefly in this instance such tracts as are liable to inundation by the Mississippi river in time of high water. They embrace a large per cent of the immense bottoms bordering its banks, varying in width from a few rods to half a dozen miles. Of these swamp and overflowed lands, hitherto considered comparatively valueless, Adams perhaps includes a greater scope than any other county in the State. In 1850 Congress passed a law entitled "An act to enable the State of Arkansas and other States to reclaim the swamp lands within their limits," approved September 28, 1850, by virtue of which these tracts became the property of the several States in which they lie; and by an act passed by the Legislature of Illinois and approved June 22, 1852, these lands were ceded to the various counties in which they were situated.

The Board of Supervisors of Adams county took steps that same year to bring them into market. F. C. Walker was appointed by the court, Drainage Commissioner, and instructed to survey and plat them, which he did; and his report of the same was considered and accepted by the Board of Supervisors at their meeting in February, 1854. At that meeting a committee consisting of Chairman, William Laughlin, J. F. Battell, S. W. Garner, J. P. Robbins, and Eli Seehorn, was chosen to appraise and fix a value on each tract, marking the price in figures on the plat. The committee discharged this imposed duty at the same session. Their report was approved by the Board; and Commissioner Walker was ordered to offer the lands for sale at public auction at the door of the Court-house on the 4th of December, 1854. Only a part of the lands were disposed of at that sale, and on the 3d of December, 1855, another public auction was had. The prices paid were nominal, as good lands were then worth much less than now, and a considerable portion of the so-called swamp lands were then thought to be irreclaimable. The tracts remaining unsold after these public vendues were afterward disposed of by private sale; so that the property has all, or nearly all, passed into private hands.

At a session of the Board of Supervisors, on September 12, 1856, a resolution was passed ordering the net proceeds of the sales of the swamp and overflowed lands to be applied toward the purchase and improvement of a farm to be used for the support of the indigent poor of Adams county.

Many enterprising farmers in these border counties have_ come _ in possession of these once worthless and malaria-breeding tracts,_ forecasting with prophetic vision their immense prospective agricultural importance, and are making vigorous efiforts to reclaim and improve them, by drainage and leveeing. Already the precursory bud of promise augurs a rich fruitage to compensate the energies put forth, in the way of a partial protection by levee to the thousands of acres of waving green and gold, beckoning the harvester's sickle, and in the enactment of the recent amendatory drainage law passed by tlie General Assembly, authorizing a tax to be voted which will eventuate in a complete drainage, and protection by levee, thus converting, in the near future, those many square miles of infectious wilderness into a teeming, blossoming garden of prosperity. The soil, which is usually several feet in depth, is an alluvial composition of vegetable and mineral mold, with a preponderance of the former, and is practically inexhaustible. Every overflow for untold centuries had left its fertilizing deposit, and will continue to do so until the levee is built above high water mark; and each year the washings of the rich bluff farms contribute broadcast their floods of liquid manure over the smiling fields below.