Bureau County, Illinois - Biographical sketches, 1885 (part 13 of 13)

HON. J. H. WELSH, Tiskilwa, who is the subject of the following biography, was born June 11, 1834, in Canada. His parents, Maurice and Mary (Haley) Welsh, were natives of Ireland. They first immigrated to Canada, and from there in 1832 to New York State. About 1840 they removed to Van Buren, Onondaga Co., N. Y., where the father died in 1858. The mother afterward came to Tiskilwa, where she died. She was the mother of the following children: John H., our subject; Mrs. Margaret A. Wilkinson, deceased; Ellen, Bertha, Mrs. Mary Rhodes; Daniel, died while in the army; Mrs. Anna Milling, Maurice, Katie, deceased. Our subject was principally reared and educated in the State of New York, though properly speaking Mr. Welsh is self educated. He came to Illinois in 1852, and the following year came to Tiskilwa, where he clerked for Ozias Simmons till 1859, when he went into business for himself, keeping a general store. Orron Wilkinson was his partner till 1862. Since September 1, 1877, he has been in partnership with William Rhodes. The firm is known as Welsh & Rhodes. December 1, 1877, Mr. Welsh formed a partnership with B. N. Stevens and his two sons, Alden N. and Charles M., and engaged in the banking business. The firm is known as Stevens & Welsh, of the Bank of Tiskilwa. His mercantile as well as his banking enterprise has proven successful. Politically Mr. Welsh is identified with the Democratic party, and has filled the following township offices: Town Clerk, six years, Assessor, one year, and Supervisor, ten years. In 1880 he was elected Representative by the Democratic party in the Nineteenth District, comprising the counties of Bureau, Putnam and Stark, and re-elected in 1882. Mr. Welsh has been alive to every interest of our citizens, especially in the way of education, and for the last fifteen years, in the capacity of Director, has labored cheerfully for its advancement. He is an active member of the A. F. & A. M. fraternity, Sharon Lodge, No. 550, also Princeton Chapter, No. 28, Royal Arch Masons, and Temple Commandery, No. 20, K. T. Our subject was joined in marriage November 14, 1860, to Achsa L. Gardner, who was born January 23, 1838, in Peoria County, 111. Her parents were Otis and Mary (Weaver) Gardner, natives of New York. This union was blessed with three children, viz.: Ina, who was born October, 1861; Maggie, October, 1863, and George E., October, 1865.

FRIDRICK WENDEL was born May 28, 1819, in Eigenboer, Kronau, Bavaria, Germany. His parents, George and Margaretha (Roth) Wendel, were also natives of Germany, where they died. They reared seven children, viz.: Casper (deceased), Fridrick (our subject), George (deceased), Adam, Mrs. Elizabeth Ultch (deceased), and Mrs. Caroline Trappe (deceased). Mr. Wendel came to America in August, 1847. He landed in Baltimore, from whence he made his way mostly by water to Clarion Township, Bureau Co., 111., where he worked five years for John Hetzler. With the money thus earned, together with $100 brought with him from the old country, he bought eighty acres. He has now 240 acres of land. Mr. Wendel was married here March 25, 1852, to Margaretha Truckenbrod, a native of Germany. She died here February 15, 1864. She was the mother of two children, viz. : Henry and George Wendel. Henry Wendel married Margaretha Faber, who is the mother of Lily and Fridrick Wendel; they reside in Livingston County, 111. George Wendel 'is living on the homestead, he married Emelia Heiman. Fridrick Wendel was married a second time to Catharina Fritz. He is now practically retired from farming, and living one mile west of Mendota.

W. D. WHA.PLES, Neponset.was born July 3, 1832, in Newington, Conn. His father, Elisha Whaples, Jr., was a native of the same place, born in 1800; he died there 1854. He was a carpenter and farmer by occupation. He was a son of Elisha Whaples, Sr., the grandfather of our subject, who was also a native of Connecticut and of French extraction. He participated in the war of 1812, and after that followed farming. The mother of our subject was Amanda A. Hart; she was born in 1806 in Avon, Conn., and died in 1850 in Newington, Conn. The following are her children: Mrs. Nancy A. Doming (deceased), Warren Day, our subject, and Shubael H. Whaples, now a resident of Newington, Conn. Our subject was educated principally in Newington, Conn, where he also farmed and afterward taught school two winters. In 1856, at the age of twenty-four, he came West and settled in Neponset, Bureau County, 111., where he has been engaged in the mercantile business ever since. When Mr. Whaples first came to Neponset he clerked one year and then formed a partnership with Joseph Lyford, and kept a general store. The partnership was dissolved in

1860, when Mr. Whaples formed a partnership with his brother, Shubael H. Whaples, which lasted till the close of the late war. Since then our subject has been alone in business, and has been very successful. In 1873 he started an Exchange Bank in Neponset, and although he met with a heavy loss shortly after through the failure of a Chicago bank, his banking venture is a decided success. In 1883 he built a fine brick store, of which he occupies the two lower rooms as a store, in which he has built a fire-proof vault and lately placed in it a burglar-proof safe. The bank is known as "Exchange Bank of W. D. Whaples of Neponset, 111. ;" it does a general banking business and makes collecting a specialty. When Mr. Whaples first came to Neponset he bought a one-fourth interest in the town lots, and dealt otherwise in lands which he has subsequently sold. He was married November 29, 1858, in Connecticut, to Miss Mary E. Lawrence, who was born September 23, 1837, in East Canaan, Conn. She was a daughter of William and Maria (Odell) Lawrence, who were natives of Connecticut. This union was blessed with two children, viz.: William E., born March 31,

Congregational Church, and take an interest in all things pertaining to the welfare of their community. He is also a Good Templar and politically is a Republican.

HON. WILLIAM M. WHIPPLE, Princeton. When we study the history of selfmade men, persevering industry and energetic effort seem to be the great secret of their success. What is usually termed luck has little to do in the success of men in general. It is rather a matter of experience, sound judgment and a determined power of will. Such, in a great measure, are the characteristics of the man whose name heads this sketch. He came from early New England families, and from his ancestors inherited those elements which have made his life a success. He was born in Croydon, N. H., August 9, 1817. He is the grandson of Samuel Whipple, and son of Capt. William Whipple, who was born in New Hampshire, January 13, 1768, and died in Croydon, December 5, 1852. He was an extensive farmer, and the largest wool-grower in his town, at times keeping 1,000 head of sheep. His wife was Judith (Putnam) Whipple, who was born December 22, 1780, in New Hampshire, and died there September, 1863. She was the mother of nine children, viz. : Harriet, Lyman, Sophia, Lyndia and Laura (twins), Mahala, Lucy, Samuel, and William M., our subject. He was reared in his native town, and there received his primary education, but afterward attended the academy at Canaan, N. H., and still later became a student at the Norwich University, Vt. At the close of his school years he followed the mercantile business for two years at Croydon, after which he engaged in manufacturing and selling machinery at Canaan for three years, then turned his attention to farming. In 1855 Mr. Whipple turned his face westward, and after a short residence in Chicago came to Bureau County and purchased land near Buda, but the following year sold his farm and returned East to settle up his affairs, before making a permanent home in this county. Before he had completed his preparations for removal from his native State he was called upon by his many friends in Sullivan County to represent them in the State Legislature, which he did with credit to himself and to the honor of his constituents. Upon the expiration of his term of office the advantages of the West again presented themselves; consequently in the spring of 1857 he returned to this county. He then invested in lands, and engaged in the mercantile business at Sheffield, and continued in the same for thirteen years, and seven years during this time was Postmaster. In 1869 Mr. Whipple disposed of his store, and for the four succeeding years devoted his time to his farms near Sheffield. In 1873 he removed to Princeton, but his life has been one of too great activity to permit of an idle old age, so he still retains 480 acres of land in this county, which he oversees, town property in Sheffield and Princeton, and still follows to quite an extent money loaning and trading, and is a stockholder and Director of the Citizens' National Bank. Mr. Whipple has been very successful in almost everything he has undertaken, especially since coming to Bureau County. His success has not been the result of accident, but rather the natural consequence of industry and a judgment not impaired by intemperance in any form. In his business life his aim has ever been to deal with all so that his simple statement of facts should never be questioned, and to avoid, as far as possible, all litigation in the courts. In political matters Mr. Whipple is in accord with the principles of the Republican party, and has ever taken an active interest in all that pertains to home or national affairs. While a resident of Concord Township he represented it on the County Board, and in Princeton has been a member of the School Board for seven years. In Berlin, Vt, Mr. Whipple was united in marriage to Miss Ednah Comings, who was born in that place August 19, 1 822, and is the daughter of Fenno and Rebecca (Smart) Comings, who were both natives of New Hampshire. Mr. and Mrs. Whipple' s quiet, pleasant ways and generous aid in all benevolent enterprises have gained for them a host of friends every where. One daughter, Annie L. Dewey Whipple, assists them in making the home circle a happy and pleasant one.

He is a son of Oziel and Minerva (Hammer) White. Oziel White was a native of Warren County, N. J. He was a thrifty farmer in this county, and died November 18, 1881. Mrs. Minerva White is now living in Dixon, to educate her younger children. She was born May 2, 1844, in Indiana, and is a daughter of George Hammer, an old settler of Lamoille Township and now living in Ohio. She is the mother of nine children; of these five are yet living, viz. : George M. , Mrs. Alida B. Perkins. Marion G., Charles O. and Edwin D. White. Our subject was schooled here and has made farming his occupation, and has a fine farm of 195 acres. He was married in Bureau County, January 18, 1883, to Ella Taylor, a daughter of Matthew Taylor. She was born August 3, 1 858, and is the mother of Irena Bell White, who was born January 24, 1884.

MARION G. WHITE, Lamoille, was born December 31, 1853, in Dover, 111. He was married September 14, 1881, to Elizabeth G. Barrett, who was born March 31, 1859. This union was blessed with one child, Jennie B. White, born September 10, 1882. Mrs. White is a daughter of Mark and Josephine (Graves) Barrett, natives of Massachusetts. They came to this county in 1858.

JOHN C. WHITE, Clarion, was born March 26, 1810, in Hainwiher, Bavaria, Germany. He is a son of Johann and Barbara (Bohman) White, who died in the old country. They were the parents of eight children. Of these, four are yet living, viz.: Mrs. Kunigunda Hetz and Frederick White are yet residents of Germany, the latter on the old homestead; John White lives in Genoa, 111., and John C. White, our subject, . who came to the United States in 1839. He landed in Philadelphia, and from there went to Kutzdown, Penn. , where he worked seven years and then visited Germany. When he returned to this country he bought land in De Kalb County, 111. , where he farmed four years and then he returned to Germany a second time, and there was married to his old sweetheart, Miss Catharina Stamberger, and with his bride returned once more to the New World, here to lay the foundation of his present prosperity. He came to Bureau County, 111., about 1858, and now has a fine farm of 160 acres in Clarion Township. Mrs. Catharina White was born in 1810 in Germany. She died here June 2, 1881, aged seventy-one years. She has one daughter, Elizabeth, who was married December 14, 1871, to Herman Ehlers. They are the parents of six children, viz. : Henry, Frederick, Herman, Ehle, Paul and Martha Ehlers. Mr. White and family are religiously connected with the Lutheran Church. He has ever been a quiet, peaceable citizen whom all love and revere.

J. P. WHITE, Manlius, was born in Harrison County, Ohio, August 26, 1833. Heis the son of James and Eebecca (Dawson)^ White, both natives of Ohio. The mother died when our subject was small. Of her children, three are living and two died in infancy. James White was married a second time to Patience Harrison, who survived him. By her he had seven children, six of whom are living. He came to Bureau County in 1854 and died here. J. P. White began learning the trade of machine making when sixteen years old. In 1855 he came to Bureau County and worked at his trade, building threshers by hand, this being before machinery was used in their construction. A year later he settled on his present farm in< Manlius Township, which contains 320' acres, all of which he has made since hecame to this county. Mr. White was married in Bureau County, June 12, 1859, toMarium E. Penn. She was born in Licking County, Ohio, December 4, 1836, and came to this county in the fall of 1858. They are the parents of eight children, viz.: Loreno, born March 15, 1860, wife of Arthur Aldrich, of Shabbona, 111. ; Wilbur, March 23, 1861; Ellsworth E., June 5, 1862; Alonzo, June 3, 1864; Emerson, July 7, 1865; Amy, August 24, 1866; Eva May, January 4, 1871, died October 1, 1872; Virgil, December 21, 1876. Mrs. White is the daughter of James and Margaret (Higgs) Penn. The father was a native of Maryland, and died in Ohio; the mother is still living, and resides in Ohio. In politics Mr. White has always given his support to the Eepublican party. He is now serving his fourth year as Supervisor of Manlius Township. He is a member of the County Central Committee.

WILLIAM C. WHITE (deceased) was born in Ohio, July 7, 1824 He was the son of John and Jane (Robertson) White. The father was of German descent, but was born in New Jersey, and the mother was a native of Scotland. By trade William C. White was a miller, and in Ohio owned a flouring-mill, and in connection with it had a turning lathe. In the spring of 1849 he went to California, where he remained till 1852, being engaged in mining and dealing in cattle. In 1852 he came to Henry County, 111., where his parents were then living. In the fall of 1852 he purchased the farm first settled in Macon Township of Mr. Motherell, and in 1853 he bought the present homestead. He gave most of his attention to stock-farming and was very successful. At the time of his death he owned 532 acres of land. Mr. White was a member of the Baptist Church of Buda, but contributed liberally toward the support of all churches or toward the advancement of any good cause. He was unable to enter the service daring the war, but did all he could for the soldiers, and was known as the soldiers' friend. He was united in marriage in Bureau County, December 28, 1854, to Miss Elizabeth A. Lewis, by whom he had nine children. Mr. White died March 6, 1874. His children are: Loretta J., born October 16, 1855; Florence A., born August 29, 1857, died March 29, 1863; John William, born April 4, 1859; David A., born January 1, 1861, died March 8, 1862; Carrie A., born December 20, 1862; Sarah E., born October 7, 1866; Warren J., born May 10, 1868; Martin E., born January 11, 1870; Ellen C., born October 18, 1872. Carrie A. was married October 29, 1883, to Charles Wolfersberger, of Princeton, and John William was married in January, 1884, to Miss Annie Wood, of Macon Township. Mrs. Elizabeth A. (Lewis) White was born in Lewis County, N. Y., August 18, 1834. She is the daughter of John W. and Ann (Roberts) Lewis. John W. Lewis was born December 14, 1807, in Lewis County, N. Y. He was the son of William I. and grandson of John Lewis, who came to the United States from Wales, in about the year 1784. William I. Lewis had one sister, who came at the same time, but she was married to a man named Jones, and settled in Philadelphia, but William I. and his brother Lewis settled with their father near Trenton Falls, N. Y. , and their descendants still live there. Both the brothers served in the war of 1812. John W. Lewis, the eldest son of William I. Lewis, came to Bureau County, 111., in 1853, and in the fall of the same year settled on northeast quarter of Section 15 in Macon Township, and lived there till his death, which occurred January 8, 1873. In March, 1832, he was married to Ann Roberts, a native of Wales, born August 18, 1813. At the age of three years she came with her parents to the United States. She died November 16, 1874. She was the mother of twelve children, viz : William, Elizabeth, Sarah, David, John, Walter, Henry, Ellen, Thomas, Jerome, George and Albert. Walter died in New York in 1843, but all the other members of . the family came to this county with their parents. John died in California in 1876; Albert W. died in 1858; Henry in 1868, and Thomas in 1875. The remaining members of the family yet survive, and with the exception of Jerome, who lives in Waterville, Kan. , and David in Mono County, Cal., all reside in Bureau County, 111.

WILLIAM WHITTIN (deceased) was born in Erie County, Penn., May 28, 1819, and there grew to manhood and then came West, and subsequently made Illinois and Iowa his home. In 1851 he was married, in Lee County, Iowa, to Eliza J. Larison, who was born near Ithaca, N. Y., December 27, 1830, and in childhood went to Iowa. In 1860 Mr. Whittin came to Bureau County, 111., and settled the farm of 160 acres now occu- - pied by his family, and died January 20, 1877. His only son - David L. Whittin - was born in Putnam Co., 111., August 31, 1858, but was mostly reared and educated in Bureau County. He was married January 7, 1880, to Miss Elizabeth Daggar. She was born in Putnam Co., 111., October 20, 1856, and is the daughter of Peter and Janet Daggar. The father is deceased, but the mother resides at Storm Lake, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. David L. Whittin are the parents of one daughter, viz, : Lucy E., born July 4, 1883.

HON. LORENZO DOW WHITING, Tiskilwa, is a native of Wayne County, N. Y., his birth being dated at Arcadia, November 17, 1319. His father, Samuel Whiting, was a farmer and contractor on the Erie Canal, and did at one time a lumber business on the Genesee River; was born in Connecticut; and his mother, whose maiden name was Zilpha Mather, was a lineal descendant of Cotton Mather, and a native of Connecticut. Samuel Whiting, Sr., the grandfather of Lorenzo, was a New Englander, and a young soldier in the Continental Army. The Whitings are of English descent. Our subject received an academic education, and was a merchant's clerk at Olcott, Niagara County, until eighteen years of age. He came West in 1838, and was engaged in the patent right business in Illinois four years, and then returned to New York State. For the next seven years he was engaged in teaching and acting as Town Superintendent of schools in Newfane, Niagara County, filling also the office of Justice of the Peace most of the time. In 1849 Mr. Whiting returned to Illinois, made a purchase of a quarter section of land near Tiskilwa, and for the first three seasons was engaged in farming and teaching. Since he ceased teaching he has given his whole time to agricultural pursuits, adding to his land from time to time until he now has nearly 600 acres largely under excellent improvement. Mr. Whiting served as Supervisor of Indiantown for five or six years. He was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives in 1868, to the Constitutional Convention in 1869, to the State Senate in 1870, and still holds the latter office, having been a member of the upper house for twelve consecutive years, and of the Legislature fourteen consecutive years. In the Constitutional Convention Mr. Whiting was first to propose the insertion of a provision in the Constitution requiring the General Assembly to pass laws regulating railroad charges; and as Senator was active in carrying through the bill which embodied a law against unjust discrimination and extortionate charges known as the Granger Laws. He was the projector of the Hennepin Canal scheme and the originator of other bills looking to the internal improvement of the State. He was the author of several important laws relating to agriculture, roads and drainage, and of thebill which passed and became a law ceding the Illinois & Michigan Canal to the United States on certain conditions. For the last four or five years he labored in the Senate very earnestly to secure a more just revenue law, whereby all property shall be taxed once and no property doubly taxed. Cheap transportation and equal taxation are leading objects with him. No man in the Senate has a clearer head than ^Mr. Whiting, or labors more zealously to secure equal rights and equal justice to all classes of his constituents, and of the citizens of Illinois. In 1869 be was among the most active in opposing the lake front scheme, whereby three railroad corporations sought to possess themselves of the shore line of the outer and future harbor of Chicago. In 1878 he led the opposition in the defeat of Senate bill 114, which was to effect the release of a combination of railroads from a large amount of taxes adjudged by the courts to be due to the public. His championship of measures relating to the producers, and his watchfulness of the public interest when assailed by special and corporate greed, have made him known as the " farmer's statesman. " These powerful interests which he has so often foiled generally stir up a lively opposition to his repeated re-elections, but the people whom he has so faithfully served have so far successfully rallied to his support, having elected him seven times in succession to serve tit the State capital. Senator Whiting is a Republican of Democratic antecedents. He was first married in 1846 to Miss Lucretia C. Clement, of Oneida County, N. Y. She died in 1872, leaving three children, two sons and one daughter. Senator Whiting was married the second time in 1874, to Miss Eriphyle Robinson, of Brooklyn, N. Y. She is the daughter of the late Dr. Daniel Robinson, of New York, a thorough scholar, with good taste for mathematics, horticulture and mechanics, and was a member of the New York Historical Society. Mrs. Whiting's mother's name was Caroline M. Cropsy, an accomplished lady of French descent; her mother's name was Helen Ackerman, who was connected with some of the most noted early Dutch settlers on the Hudson. Clement A., the eldest son, is married, and Herbert is tilling his father's lands; Lilian, the daughter, is connected with the editorial staff of the Boston Traveler, a correspondent -of the Chicago Daily Inter-Ocean, the Cin- -cinnati Commercial and the Globe-Democrat, St. Louis, and an occasional contributor to the monthly magazines.

JOHN I. WILKINS, M. D., the oldest living physician in Tiskilwa, was born in August, 1827, in Dublin, Ireland. His" parents, Charles and Catharine (Moore) Wilkins, were both natives of Ireland, where they died and where the father had been an attorney at law. Dr. Wilkins was educated in Dublin. He received his medical education at the Eoyal College of Surgeons, Trinity College and " Rotunda," at which latter place he graduated. After a year's practice in Ireland he became Surgeon of the " Sbenandoah," an American vessel bound for Philadelphia. This was about 1851. After his second trip to Philadelphia he abandoned his position and came to Bureau County, 111., where his brothers, Charles, Richard and "George Wilkinsj then resided. He located in the southern part of the county, where he remained till 1857, when he came to Tiskilwa, where he now follows his profession. In the fall of 1862 he enlisted as a private in the Eighty-sixth Illinois. In January, 1863, he was appointed Assistant Surgeon of the Fourteenth Illinois Cavalry, and served till close of war. For six months he Jwas in Libby Prison, and suffered the horrors of that slaughter-pen. Dr. Wilkins was married February 14, 1856, to Mary J. Church, who was born in 1830 in Pennsylvania. Her parents, William W. and Jane B. (Irwin) Church, were natives of Londonderry, Ireland. The former is now a resident of Tiskilwa. He came to St. Johns, New Brunswick, in 1823. He lived eleven years in Pennsylvania and forty-three years in Peoria County, 111. He is the father of twelve children. Dr. and Mrs. Wilkins are members of the Episcopal Church. Their son, Charles L., was born May 10, 1867. The

ORRIN WILKINSON, Tiskilwa, was born September 27, 1836, in Bradford County, Penn. His parents, George and Julia A, (Wanton) Wilkinson, were natives of Rhode Island, where the former was born in 1809. He was a farmer, and came to LaSalle County, 111., in 1838. In d844 he removed to Buda, in Bureau County, where he farmed, but eventually removed to Tiskilwa, where he kept hotel for about eighteen years, and then went to Henry County, where he died in 1880. His wife was born in 1811. She is yet living with our subject, and is the mother of five children who reached maturity, viz. : Marshall S., Lyman J., Orrin, Charles H. and Mrs. Mary J. Smith. Our subject was a farmer in early life. In 1859 he formed a partnership with J. H. Welsh, and kept a general store till August, 1862, when he organized Company E, of the Ninety-third Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He was elected Captain and served till close of the war, participating in the siege of Vicksburg, the battles of Missionary Ridge, Allatoona, and minor engagements. He was also with Gen. Sherman in his famous march to the sea. After the war Mr. Wilkinson returned to Tiskilwa, where he did a general collecting and insurance business till 1877, when he formed a partnership with M. W. Keigley, and at present keeps a general store. Mr. Wilkinson was married twice. His first wife, Maggie A. Welsh, died June, 1862. He was married a second time in October, 1865, to Sarah A. Smith, who was born in 1841 in Bradford County, Penn. Politically Mr. Wilkinson is a stanch Democrat. He was elected Justice of the Peace in 1860, and has held that office ever since; was Town Clerk from 1866 to 1880; has been Supervisor since 1880, and has been School Treasurer twelve years. He is an A. F. & A. M., of Sharon Lodge, No. 550, and a member of Princeton Chapter and Commandery; is also an I. O. O. F, Senachwine Lodge, No. 147.

iams, natives of Virginia. They died in Cosboeton County, Ohio. Their children were: Cordelia, Mary, Charley, Addison, James H., Washington, Eliza, Amanda and Jackson Williams. James H. Williams came to Coshocton County, Ohio, when he was fifteen years old. In May, 1847, he enlisted in Company B, of the Third Eegiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served one year in the Mexican war. He came to Bureau County, 111., in the summer of 1848, and with his Mexican land warrant entered 160 acres of land in Lamoille Township, on which he moved in March, 1850. This land he improved and to it added more, till at present he has 620 acres of choice land in the vicin-' ity of Van Orin or Williams Station. Mr. Williams does not boast of an education, yet he has been a very successful and self-made man. He was married in Ohio to Elizabeth Shirk, who is the mother of the following children: Henry, Eliza and William now living, and James, Charles and Washington deceased. Henry Williams was born January 24, 1850, in Fulton County, 111. He was reared and educated in this State. He taught school several terms in this county, and for three years was in the employment of James H. Williams & Co., grain, lumber and stock merchants of Van Orin. Since then lie has been a farmer and owns 190 acres. He was married here August 9, 1874, to Mary A. Long, born February 5, 1854, in Ohio. She is a daughter of Frederick and Rachel (St Clair) Long. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Williams are active members of the United Brethren Church. To them three children were born: Hattie, born May 24, 1875; James, May 23, 1880, and Florence, January 6, 1882. William Williams was born July 8, 1854, on the old homestead. He was educated in his native county, and has been a successful farmer and stockman, especially the latter, shipping his own stock. He raises some fine cattle, horses and hogs. He is managing the homestead of 640 acres, of which he owns half. Mr. Williams was married November 7, 1877, to Sarah Grossman, born July 5, 1854. She is a daughter of John C. Grossman, This union is blessed with two children: Harry, born October 9, 1878, and Charles, who was born November 7, 1882.

R. B. WILLIAMS, Hall, was born July 16, 1826, in Boston, Mass., a son of Robert and Adeline (Hoyt) Williams. rlhe Williams family is of Scotch descent, and those, now in the United States are descendants of early settlers of Deerfield, Mass., they having been there at the time of the Indian massacre. Our subject's grandfather, Solomon Williams, was born in Deerfield, Mass., and lived there until his death. He reared a family of six sons, all of whom lived to be very old men. Of these, Robert Williams, our subject's father, was a merchant for nearly fifty years, and died in 1863, at the age of seventy -seven years. His wife, Adeline Hoyt, died in Boston, at the age of fortytwo years. She was a daughter of Gen. Eperfras Hoyt, a soldier and engineer in the war of 1812. Robert and Adeline Williams were the parents of six children: Jane I. (deceased), Robert B., Arthur, Charles (deceased), John and Edward (deceased). Robert B. Williams was educated in Boston, where he learned and followed the machinist's trade for more than ten years, until his health failed. In July, 1855, he came to Bureau County, III., and bought 100 acres of land of his brother Charles, who returned East. Mr. Williams was married in Boston, August 7, 1850, to Mary A. Wittaker, born in Lancashire, England, November 7, 1831. Her parents, William R. and Maria (Wilkinson) Wittaker, were also natives of England, where they died. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have five children living: Mrs. Fannie Hill, John, Robert, Edward and Charles. Two children died in infancy, and in April and May, 1868, they lost three daughters; Ada, aged sixteen years; Tena D., aged nearly fifteen years, and Jennie I., aged thirteen. Mr. Williams votes the Republican ticket. He has held the various township offices.

SOLOMON WILLIAMS, Lamoille, was born at Amherst, Mass., May 1, 1809, and is a son of Chester and Sarah (Howe) Williams, both natives of Massachusetts, where they were born January 27, 1772, and January 13, 1772, respectively, and married January 14, 1802. The father died at Amherst, Mass., February 6, 1822, and the mother September 5, 1860. They had five children: Frederick, George, Mary, Solomon and Sarah. The last two being the only ones now living. Frederick lived and died on the old homestead at Amherst; two of his children - Chester and William - are still living; Sarah is now a widow (Mrs. Sarah H. Ferry), and resides at Pittefield, Mass. ; she is the mother of Irving D. Ferry, Solomon Williams, the subject of this sketch, was reared to the life of a farmer, and like nearly all New England boys, received the advantages of a good education. In 1836 he decided to seek his fortune in the West, and made his objective point Illinois, arriving in Chicago by canal and steamer over the lake; from this point he walked to Ottawa and Peoria, and finally to this county, in search of a good location whereon to found a home. He decided that Bureau County afforded advantages for him superior to any that he found elsewhere, and in the fall of 1836 bought a claim for 540 acres of land, located in Lamoille and Clarion Townships, on which he now resides. He was then a single man, and kept bachelor's hall in a loghouse located on his purchase in Clarion Township, until the following year, when he returned to his native State and was married at Hatfield, Mass., September 5, 1837, to Harriet D. Smith, who was born in Hampshire County, Mass., August 17, 1809. He soon afterward with his wife, returned to his present farm and commenced housekeeping. His wife died February 16, 1853, leaving one child - S. Dwight Williams - who married Elizabeth Reed and is now a resident of Newton, Harvey Co., Kan., where he was oue of the first settlers; they have three children: Earl D., Harriet and Ada L. Solomon Williams was again married May 24, 1855, to Frances Prime, who was born November 16, 1837, at Ticonderoga, N. Y., an only daughter of George W. and Frances (Brown) Prime, natives respectively of Vermont and Massachusetts. By Mr. Williams' second marriage there are the following-named children: Maria E., born September 20, 1857, (and now the wife of Albert E. Porter, born December 28, 1844, in Clarion Township, this county, where his father, Albert G. Porter, was prominent among the early settlers, though he now resides at Waterloo, Iowa); George P., born December 1, 1859; Frederick F., born October 31, 1864; and Sumner H., born March 22, 1866; all of whom are at present living at the old homestead with their father. The mother, Mrs. Frances (Prime) Williams, died April 28, 1874. Mr. Williams' home farm consists of the original purchase of over 500 acres, highly improved and thoroughly drained. His residence is one of the finest in the county, and situated in the midst of a beautiful and well-kept lawn, delightfully shaded by trees set by his own hand. The outbuildings are models of convenience, and the whole appearance of the place indicates the care of a tasteful and intelligent, as well as a successful farmer. Mr. Williams is also the owner of a farm in Min- *nesota. In politics he is a Republican and in public affairs thoroughly progressive.

C. WILLIAMSON, Neponset, was born November 6, 1823, in Steuben County, N. Y. ; a son of Abraham and Sarah (Smith) Williamson, both natives of New Jersey. They died in Sfceuben County, N. Y. They were the parents of ten children, viz. : Robert, Lucy and John are deceased; Charity, Chester (our subject), Mime, Elias, Charles, William and Daniel. Our subject, Chester Williamson, was reared in the State of New York, where he was also married and in 1855 came West and settled on Section 18, in Neponset Township, Bureau County, 111., where he now resides on a farm of 120 acres. He was married July 22, 1849, to Miss Electa J. Rodgers, who was born September 27, 1831, in Thompkins County, N. Y. She is a daughter of John and Luzitta (Smith) Rodgers, natives of New York. She is the mother of ten children, viz: Seymour, born May 7, 1850, now a resident in Iowa; Lafayette E., born Maj 16, 1852, a resident of Oregon; Mrs. Sarah A. Kepler, born September 26, 1854, a resident of Webster City, Iowa; Pardon, born May 22, 1857 - he was a ranchman in Heppner, Oregon, and died April 20, 1884, in St. Paul, Minn., while on his way to Buffalo to be treated for consumption by Dr. Pierce; Mrs. Luzitta Lewis, born May 14, 1859; Gilbert R., born June 28, 1861; TJ. Grant, born July 28, 1863; Chester, born September 8, 1865; Erne, born August 29, 1870; and Hattie, who was born March 1, 1873. Mr. and Mrs. Williamson are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has held

CHAELES O. WILSON, Buda, was born in Knox County, Ohio, June 23, 1840. He is the son of Prentice S. and Mary (Updyke) Wilson. In early life he began learning the machinist's trade in Mt. Vernon, Ohio. When about eighteen years of age he came to Vermont, 111., but in 1859 or 1860 removed to Kewanee, where he worked at his trade till in August, 1862, when he enlisted in the service of his country in Company A, One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, under Col. Howe, of Kewanee. He participated in the engagements of Champion Hill, Black River, siege of Vicksburg, Jackson and Meridian, Miss., Spanish Fort, etc., and then went to Montgomery, Ala., where for about three months he acted as Superintendent of the Quartermaster's Department, and while superintending the unloading of a boat his hand was crushed and so crippled for life. Up till the fall of Vicksburg, he was in Gen. Logan's command, but then went to New Orleans under the command of Gen. A. J. Smith. He was in the service for three years and nine days. After receiving his discharge he returned again to Kewanee and followed his trade of machinist and engineer there till about 1868, when he took charge of the engine at the Lovejoy coal miues near Buda. He remained at the mines for four years, and then began farming, in which business he continued till 1880, when he opened a meat market in Buda but soon afterward began in the restaurant business, but in 1882 he opened the Wilson House in Buda, which has met with success. Mr. Wilson is one of the charter members of the G. A. E. Post of Buda. In politics he is a Eepubliean and for the past nine years has been a member of the I. 0. O. F. He has twice been married, first to Laura Earl about 1860, by whom he has one child living - Cloa A., - now wife of Allen Anderson. He was married March 5, 1867, to Lucinda Aker, who is the mother of the followingnamed children: Florence, a daughter by a previous marriage, and by her present husband, Alice, Norman P., Edna May (deceased), and Lizzie.

in Belmont County, Ohio, May 15, 1831, and is the son of Stephen and Amy Wilson. The father was born in New Jersey, July 20, 1793, and the mother was born in Pennsyl- - vania, December 28, 1805. They were married in Brown County, Ohio, in 1824, where they resided until they came to this county, April 1, 1837, and settled at Princeton, residing at and near there till 1851, when they removed to and settled in Ohio Township. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson were the parents of five children, three of whom are now living: Eebecca, born April 26, 1826, wife of John Warfield; William S., May 15, 1831; Joseph G., August 20, 1833, died May 3, 1884; Nancy, September, 1835, wife of L. T. Pomeroy, and Edwin, deceased. The father died in Ohio Township, March 30, 1873. The mother is still living. The subject of this sketch came to this county with his parents, and resided at home till October 7, 1852, when he was married to Maria Jones, the daughter of Abram and Mary Jones, of Princeton, 111., who was born April 29, 1834, in Princeton, 111. The father was born September 5, 1801 ; the mother was born March 18, 1802, and came to this county in 1831. (See sketch of Daniel Jones.) Mr. Wilson settled in Ohio Township in 1850 on Section 17, the south half of which he still owns, and where he resided till 1876, when he removed to Ohio Village. He engaged in the mercantile trade in Ohio in 1870, and continued in that business for ten years. Mr. and Mrs. William Wilson have no children of their own, but have raised two: Emma Morse, born April 25, 1859, now Mrs. Fenwick E. Anderson, Ohio, 111., and Addie Doty, May 25, 1873. Mr. Wilson has been in the past extensively engaged in stock-dealing, and is at present engaged in farming and stock-raising and feeding. He is the owner of 363 acres in Ohio Township, 320 acres in Lee County, 160 acres in Nebraska, also residence and business property in Ohio Village. In politics Mr. Wilson was formerly a Eepubliean, and early a member of the Free-Soil party, but at present favors the policy of the Democratic party. In 1870 he served as Supervisor of Ohio Township. Mr. Wilson is President of the banking firm of Wilson, Pomeroy & Co., of Ohio, 111. He

HENRY WINGERT, Princeton. Among the enterprising foreigners who have come to Bureau County, 111., and have, by their indomitable perseverance, industry and frugality, made money and judiciously invested it, we class him whose name heads this sketch. The people of any community are always glad to have such men as he to come and settle among them. Mr. Wingert was born January 8, 1842, in Hesse- Darmstadt, Germany. He is a son of George and Catharine (Au) Wingert, who were farmers by occupation. They came to the United States in 1865, and both died in Princeton. Henry Wingert learned the tailor's trade in Germany. He followed his trade two years in New York City, and then came to Princeton, 111., where he worked one year for Edward Erhard, and then in 1868 opened a tailor shop of his own, which he has continued till the present writing. In the summer of 1883 he built a livery and feed stable, and in the future will devote most of his attention to that business. From time to time Mr. Wingert has bought real estate near where he resides, and at present owns several tine pieces of town property. He came to the United States in debt for his passage money, but through hard work he has managed to gain his present prosperity. He was married to Miss Mary Zinke, who was born September 23, 1837, in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany. She is a daughter of Philip and Mary (Albiger) Zinke. and is the mother of seven children, viz.: Peter, Lottie, George, Henry, Willie, Emil and Charley. Mr. Wingert owes much of his prosperity to the industry of his wife. Both are members of the Protestant Church. He is an I. O. O. F. , and politically is identified with the Democratic party.

SINO E. WINSER, Hall, was born June 19, 1849, in Hall Township, Bureau County. His father, James Winser, deceased, was born in Hawkhnrst, County Kent, England, August 18, 1824. He was the son of Edward Winser, a native of the same place, who afterward came to Bureau County, and died in Henry County, 111. James Winser left England September 9, 1841, and came directly to Bureau County. He worked for Robert Scott and others several years, and then went to Livingston County, where his brother-in-law resided. He located a claim there, but afterward returned to Bureau County, and bought land in Section 30, Hall Township, moving to it in 1850. He was a successful farmer and stock-grower, and the home farm, where his widow now resides, contains 460 acres of well-improved land. In 1872 Mr. Winser went to England, making the trip in twelve days. When he first came to this country they were six weeks in crossing. James Winser was married in this county August 12, 1848, to Serena Munson, born September 19, 1832, in Warren County, Ind. Her father, Sino Munson, was a native of New York, and her mother, Sarah* (Fen ton) Munson, of Ohio. Mrs. Winser came to Bureau County in 1842. She has four children, viz. : Sino E., William B. (deceased), Mrs. Nancy J. Campbell, Mrs. Isabel S. Miller. James Winser was a Democrat, as is also his son, Sino E.

JAMES WINTERS, Clarion, was born Aug. 15, 1821, in Mifflin County, Penn. His father, Christian Winters, was born in Hohenloh, Germany, where he learned the baker's trade, and as journeyman traveled a great deal. He came to Mifflin County, Penn., when a young man, and there was a farmer by occupation. He was married there about 1810, to Nancy Frazier, a native of Mifflin County. She was of Scotch -Irish descent, and died in August, 1826. She was the mother of six children, viz. : Eve, Elizabeth, Andrew, Margaret, James and Sarah. Christian Winters was married a second time to Mrs. Sarah Stratton, now deceased, who was the mother of Nancy and Hannah Winters. Christian Winters came to Bureau County in 1851, and died here April 8, 1860, aged seventy-nine years aud four months. Our subject, James Winters, was educated in his native State, where he learned and followed the carpenter's trade. He went toDes Moines County, Iowa, in the fall of 1843, and followed his trade till the spring of 1845, when he went to Minnesota, where he lumbered up and down the Mississippi River, from the falls of St. Croix to St. Louis. After this he ran a I horse ferry-boat nearly two seasons across ! the river at Burlington. In the fall of 1847 he returned to his old home in Pennsylvania, where he was married, in August. 1849, to Catharine Sheller, who was born November 21, 1826, in Lebanon County, Penn. Her parents were John A. and Anna M. (Grassmyer) Sheller, natives of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Winters is the mother of nine children now living, viz.: Mrs. Anna M. Corbett; William A., a farmer of Cherokee County, Kan. ; Mrs. Mary E. Dean, a resident of Wisner, Neb.; Hannah C., Mrs. Emma J. Frizzell, Andrew C., Sarah B., Alice M. and John E. Winters. After Mr. Winters was married, he took a contract to build a wagon road over Eli and Juniatta Mountain, in Pennsylvania. In the summer of 1851 he came to Clarion Township, Bureau Co., 111., aud bought 120 acres of land of his brother, Andrew Winters, who had entered it in 1848. Mr. Winters has been a successful farmer, and has besides his well-improved homestead 480 acres in Kansas and eighty acres in Nebraska. Politically he is a stanch Republican. He was formerly a member of the Union League, and is now a member of the A. F. & A. M. fraternity. Mrs. Winters is a member of the 'Presbyterian Church.

W. H. WINTER, M. D., Princeton, was born January, 1826, in Butler County, Penn. His parents were John and Eliza (Wilson) Winter. The mother was born in 1793, in Newcastle,-on-the-Tyne, in England, and died, 1866, in western Pennsylvania. She was the mother of four children now living: John S., Mrs. Mary W. Irvine, Mrs. S. F. Miller and William H., our subject. The father of W. H. Winter was born, 1794, in Wellington, England. He was a graduate of one of old England's best colleges, and in early life studied medicine.- He came to the United States in 1821, and io this country devoted his whole life and energy to the . preaching of the Gospel, being a minister of the Baptist Church. His field of labor was in western Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio and West Virginia. His ability as a writer j and historian in the Baptist Church is recognized throughout that section of the country, and he has done much for the interest of that church. He was a man of ability, and ever ready to sacrifice his own and even the interest of his family for that of the church. His last years of Christian labor were spent in western Pennsylvania, where he died in 1878. Our subject, Dr. Winter, received his primary education in western Pennsylvania, in different schools, among others that of Beaver Academy; but is mainly self-educated. Having gained some knowledge of drugs from his father, he pursued the study of medicine four years with Dr. J. M. Irvine as his preceptor. At the end of that time, in 1846, he came to Fulton County, 111., where he practiced medicine three years, and then went to Knox County, where he practiced 'one year, and also sold drugs. In March, 1850, he came to Bureau County, with which he has been identified ever since. In April of the same year he came to Princeton, where he opened a drug store, which was the first of its kind in the place, and has been the largest and best drug store in the county ever since. The Doctor commenced business here on a small scale, but has increased his stock from time to time till it reached its present magnitude. It is one of the largest retail stores in the State, containing a stock valued at over $15,000. Its reputation for pure drugs is well established, as the firm manufactures their own tinctures and extracts. In May, 1872, C. G. Gushing went into partnership with Dr. Winter, the firm being known as Winter & Gushing. Early in life, at the age of fourteen, the Doctor expressed the wish of some day owning a farm and stock, which desire has since been fully realized. In 1873 he bought 400 acres of land four miles northwest of Princeton, which he has converted into a stock farm, buying his first blooded stock in the fall of 1873, and some more in 1874. He has now the finest short-horn herd in the county, to which he frequently adds fine imported stock He has counted the " May-flower" and "Maid of Honor" among his herd; the latter was exhibited at the Centennial. At present he has between fifty and sixty head of short-horn cattle, with " Wild Duke of Geneva " at the head of the herd. He has also a tine lot of blooded horses, which are raised on his farm. Dr. Winter has lived on his farm since April, 1874, but can be found in Princeton every day of the week except Thursday, when he remains on his farm, ever ready to entertain his visitors and customers. Dr. Winter was married, June 1, 1848, to Melissa H. Curtis, who was born in 1828, in Portage County, Ohio. She is a daughter of H. P. Curtis, who was a farmer by occupation. The Doctor is an A. F. & A. M., Bureau Lodge, No. 112, of which he was a charter member, and its second Master; has taken the degree of Royal Arch Mason. He is also a member of the I. O. O. F., Tonnaluka Lodge, No. 89, of which he is also a charter member, and belongs to the Encampment. In politics he is a Democrat, and is a self-made man in every respect

CHARLES WIXOM, Hall,was born August 7, 1852, in Hall Township, Bureau Co., 111., on the farm where he now resides. His father, Abraham Wixom, was born in Ohio, February 19, 1816. He married Rachel N. Scott, born April 14, 1825, in Indiana. She is the daughter of Robert and Polly (Hall) Scott, who came to this county in 1834. (See sketch of Henry J. Miller.) Abraham Wixom came to Bureau County and settled on Section 33, Hall Township, where he bought 200 acres of land of his father-in-law, Robert Scott. The farm now contains 300 acres, and is the home of our subject, Charles Wixom. Abraham Wixom died in this county August 29, 1870. His wife is still living, and was married a second time to Absalom Sweet. She is the mother of two children now living: Mrs. Cynthia Clark and Charles. In politics Charles Wixom is identified with the Re - publican party.

JOHN WOLFER (deceased) was a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, born December 28. 1815. He came to this country in about 1834, and bought 708 acres of land in Hall Township, Bureau Co., 111., and was a large and successful farmer. He died May 4, 1879. He was married in this county July 5, 1849, to Anna M. Sessler, daughter of George and Anna M. (Mertz) Sessler. . The latter is still living at the age of eighty years. Mrs. Wolfer was born October 7, 1826. She is the mother of eight children now living, viz.: Christian, born October 27, 1852, in Hall Township, Bureau County; Mrs. Carrie Loekle, Mrs. EmmaSnyder, John J., William S., Louisa, Sarah and Ida. The Wolfer family are members of the Lutheran Church. The

CHARLES WOLFERSBERGER, Princeton, was born in Lebanon County, Penn. , July 13, 1828. He is of German descent, and his parents, John and Elizabeth (Carper) Wolfersberger, were both natives of Lebanon County, Penn. His mother died there February 25, 1852, at the age of sixty-one years, two months and ten days. His father was killed by cars at Harrisburg, Penn., November 29, 1864, aged seventy- five years, one month and twenty- three days. Charles Wolfersberger spent most of his youth in Campbellstown, Penn., farming and attending school. At the age of seventeen he went to Cumberland County, Penn., where he learned j the trade of a shoe-maker, serving three j years as apprentice and two years at journey ! work. In 1851 he removed to Illinois, and for several months worked at his trade at Princeton. In October, 1851, he bought a farm in Berlin Township, removed to it the following spring, and has since been engaged in farming. In 1867 he built on his present farm in Princeton Township, northeast quarter, Section 1, where he has since resided. He also owns the northwest quarter of Section 6, in Selby Township. He was married in Cumberland County, Penn., August 20, 1849, to Susanna Fahnesstock. She was born in the same county February 17, 1830. Her father, Dr. Samuel Fahnesstock, died when she was eighteen months old. Both he and his wife, Sarah N. Colier, were natives of Cumberland County, Penn. Mr. and Mrs. Wolfersberger are the parents of ten children, seven of whom are living: John F., born August 24, .1850, in Cumberland County, Penn., now in Leadville, Col.; Mary E., September 7, 1852, in Bureau County, 111., wife of Edward Scott, of Selby Township; Ida A., August 9, 1857, wife of Franklin Cottrell, of Menlo, Iowa; Sarah M., November 28, 1859, wife of Samuel Rinker, of Maiden; Cora B., December 16, 1861, died May 23, 1865; Charles E., January 15, 1864, is at home; Lilly, March 19, 1866, died March 21, 1866; Minnie Annetta, September 5, 1867, died April 22, 1869; George S., November 12, 1870; Susan Maud, February 18,

1874. Mr. Wolfersberger is Republican in politics. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of Maiden. PHILIP WOLFERSBERGER, Princeton, was born March 28, 1826, in Campbelltown, Lebanon Co., Penn. His father, John Wolfersberger, was born in 1793, in the same place. He was a merchant by occupation, and was killed by the cars in 1864. John Wolfersberger, ST., was the grandfather of our subject, and a native of Hessen, Germany. The mother of our subject was Elizabeth (Carper) Wolfersberger. She was also a native of Campbelltown, where she died. She was a daughter of Frederick and Mary Carper, and she is the mother of nine children, viz.: Julian, Gabriel (deceased), Mary, Margaret, John, Philip, Charles, Isaac and Elizabeth. Of the above John was a soldier in the late war, and killed at Murfreesboro. Philip, the subject of this biography, was educated in the common schools of Campbelltown. In eqrly life he learned and followed the carpenter and joiner's trade there. In 1853 he came to Princeton, 111., where he followed his trade till the breaking out of the Civil war. September 1, 1861, he enlisted in the Fourth Illinois Cavalry, Company D. After serving two years as a private he was promoted to the position of First Lieutenant Commissary of the Third Colored United States Cavalry, in which capacity he served till the close of the war. Before coming home he served four months on the " Freedmen's Bureau," returning to Princeton January 26, 1866. There he followed his trade two years, and then became a partner in establishing a planing-mill. Four years afterward he sold his interest in the mill, and worked at his trade one year, and then entered upon a mercantile career by opening a bookstore, to which he afterward added a full line of groceries, queensware, willow and woodenware. Our subject was married twice. His first wife was Martha Miller. She died in 1853, leaving three daughters, viz. : Mrs. Leah Walters, Mrs. Clara Holman and Mrs. Emma Carr. His present wife, Elizabeth Miller, was a sister to his first wife. She is the mother of three sons, viz. : Frank (deceased), William and Charles. The latter married Carrie White, and is now a partner in his father's store. William graduated from the high school of Princeton, and was appointed to the Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md., where he graduated, and then served two years on the United States flag ship " Pensacola." He then resigned his position and went into the express business, and at present is express agent at Leadville, Col.

JASPER WOOD, Mineral, was born November_15, 1829, in Erie County, Ohio; a son of Bourdett and Rhoda (Harrington) Wood, who were among the pioneers of Erie County, Ohio, where they yet reside. They are the parents of ten children. The grandfather of our subject, Jasper Wood, Sr., was a Captain in the war of 1812, and participated in the battle of Lake Erie. He married Elizabeth Boylstone, a native of Massachusetts. Both died in Ohio. The grandfather of our subject on his mother's side was Seth Harrington, a native of Connecticut. He served under Gen. Harrison in the war of 1812, and was the commander of Fort Bloomingville, near Lake Erie. Our subject was reared and educated in Ohio, where he also farmed. In 1850 he crossed the plains, and in California mined for gold successfully for two and onehalf years, and also teamed. In 1854 he returned to Ohio, and the same year came to Gold Township, Bureau Co., 111., where he became a successful farmer. He also took a deep interest in township affairs, and has held the office of Supervisor, Justice of the Peace, School Trustee and Treasurer. In 1867 he came to Mineral Township, where he at present resides. Here he has been School Trustee for fifteen years, and at present is Highway Commissioner. Mr. Wood was married here to Miss Ruhecy Goble, a native of Rock Island County, 111. She is a daughter of Benjamin and Barbara (Vandruff) Goble. To Mr. and Mrs. Wood six children were born : Benjamin B. and Mrs. Flora G. McKee are deceased; Richard B., Thaddeus J. , Ada S. and Henry L. Mrs. Flora G. McKee died May 22, 1884, aged twenty-four years and seven months. She left two children : Blanche and J. B. W. McKee. Financially Mr. Wood's life so far has been a success. He has accumulated a handsome property of nearly 2,000 acres of land. Of this 680 acres are in Gold and 1,200 acres in Mineral

JOHN WYLIE, Tiskilwa, was born August 8, 1848, in Fayette County, Penn. His parents, Joseph L. and Jane (McKean) Wylie were also natives of Pennsylvania. They now reside in Tampico, Whiteside Co., 111. Of their eight children the following are yet living: Elizabeth Wylie, Thompson M., Mrs. Sarah Robinson, Andrew, John (our subject) and William. Mr. Wylie was brought to Bureau County by his parents. In early life he clerked, principally in Tiskilwa, where he gained the esteem and confidence of his fellow men. In November, 1879, he embarked in the mercantile career for himself, in partnership with U. Tebow, selling hardware, implements and groceries. In February, 1884, the firm dissolved partnership, and our subject engaged in the implement business, making the sale of buggies a specialty, and so far has met with deserved success. He was married January 29, 1873, to Miss Bell Wierd, who is the mother of one child, Louisa B. Wylie, born May 31, 1875. Mr. Wylie takes an active interest in local affairs. He has been Village Trustee and Commissioner of Arispe Township.

MICHAEL YOUNG, Arlington, was born May 11, 1832, in Mehren, Rhein Prussia, Germany. He is a son of John A. and Margaret (Pantenburg) Young, natives of the above place, where the former was a farmer and cooper by occupation. In 1841 he came to Peru, 111., where the family lived three years, after which he went to farming, having entered 160 acres of land in Westfield Township, where both parents died. They reared four children, viz. : Mrs. Catharine Thealen, Michael, Peter and Joseph Young, the latter deceased. In 1853, at the age of twenty-one, Michael Young crossed the plains and became a successful gold miner in California, at one time possessing $60,000 of the filthy lucre, but meeting with reverses he was only- able to bring $10,000 home with him, which he invested principally in Arlington, where he built several buildings, which burnt down in March, 1869. This was a heavy blow to Mr. Young, as he received no insurance, but nothing daunted, he engaged in the hardware business on a small scale with borrowed capital. Eventually he also engaged in the agricultural implement and husk mattress business, putting up machinery and using from 400 to 600 tons per year of the latter material. He has been wonderfully successful since he started in business, which is due mainly to his untiring energy and perseverance, his business amounting to about $80,000 per annum. Mr. Young was married July 17, 1861, to Miss Elizabeth Betendorf, a native of Germany, who is the mother of the following children: Joseph (deceased), Ella, Katie, Anna, Maggie, Elizabeth and Michael Young. Mr. Young has filled school and township offices and is identified with the Democratic party.

WILLIAM J. YOUNG, Ohio, was born in Coles County, 111., May 6, 1841, and is the son of Bazel and Sarah Young. (See sketch of Marion Riser.) They came from Knox County, Ohio, to this State in 1840, and setled in Coles County, where they remained till 1841. They then removed to Knox County, and resided there till 1847, when they came to this county, and settled near Princeton, 'remaining till 1851, when they removed to Ohio Township, and settled on a part of Section 17, which he bought at $3.50 per acre. The mother died in 1861 and the father in 1878. In 1862, August 15, William J. Young'enlisted in Company B, Ninetythird Illinois Infantry, and served till June 23, 1865, when he was mustered out by reason of expiration of term of service. He was engaged in the battles of Jackson, Miss., May 14, 1863; Champion Hill, May 16, 1863; siege of Vicksburg from May 19, till Julv 4, 1863; Mission Ridge, November 25, 1863"; Dalton, February 25, 1864; Allatoona, Ga., October 5, 1864, and Sherman's march to the sea. December 25, 1867, Mr. Young married Miss Mary E. Cowan, of this county, who was born November 11, 1842, and is the daughter of William and Emeline Cowan. The father was born in Kentucky, April 2, 1800, and is still living at Beattie, Kan. He came to this county in 1834. The mother was born at Rome, N. Y., February 27, 1809, and is a lineal descendant of the Puritan fathers. She died in Kansas, October 17,

1874. Mr. and Mrs. Young both completed their school course at Wheaton College, at which place they were married. Mr. Young had three brothers in the service. George was a member of Company K, Eighty-ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was confined in Andersonville prison for eight months. Lyman was a member of Company K, Twelfth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served three years, and re enlisted in the One Hundred and Fifty-first Illinois Volunteers as First Lieutenant. Marion was a member of the One Hundred and Fifty-first, and served till the end of the war. M~r. and Mrs. Young have a family of eight children, all living: Maria E., born February 9, 1869; Charles L., born September 11, 1870; Byron R., born June 6, 1872; John W., born May 24, 1874; Frank, born September 18, 1876; George, born October 23, 1877; Julia F., born April 21, 1880; Catharine, born September 5, 1882. Mr. Young settled on the farm which is his present home in 1870. He owns eighty acres in Ohio Township. In politics he is Republican.

MARTIN ZEARING, deceased. The complete genealogy of the Zearing family was published several years ago in the East. We learn from it that the Castle or Schloss Zearing was founded by the Romans, who had conquered the Germanic nations, A. D. 65. It was afterward destroyed by the Franks or Huns, and rebuilt by the house of Zearing. At present Zearing Schloss is situated near Zearingville, Baden, Germany. Ludwig I., the American progenitor of the Zearing family, emigrated from Baden about 1725. His son, Henry Zearing, was the father of eight children. The oldest of these, Henry Zearing, Jr., was born March 20, 1760; he married Maria E. Rupp, who was born October 15, 1762. They had nine children. The seventh child, Martin Zearing, was born in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, July 4, 1794, and died in Dover, Bureau Co., 111., July 24, 1855. He was married in Pennsylvania, April 19, 1819, to Sarah Shafer, a native of Cumberland County, Penn., born May 9, 1797, died October 29, 1869. She was the daughter of John and Barbara (Lohmiller) Shafer, natives of Lancaster County, Penn. He died October 10, 1816, aged seventy-three years, she died November, 1838, aged seventy- six years, both in Cumberland County, Penn. John Shafer was twice married and Mrs. Sarah Zearing was the twenty- fourth child. She was the mother of thirteen children, viz. : Mrs. Caroline Mohler, Mrs. Mary Denning and Mray Elizabeth Roberts Colton, all deceased; Martin R. ; Louis; Mrs. Susan Steele; Mrs. Sarah Foster; Catharine, deceased; David S. ; Samuel M. , who was killed at the battle of Champion Hill; Martha J., deceased; infant, deceased; and John M., of Missouri. Martin Zearing came to Bureau County on a tour of observation in the summer of 1835; returning to Pennsylvania he made preparations to bring his family West, and after an eventful trip of five weeks they arrived in Princeton May 9, 1836. In December, 1836, the family moved out on the bleak prairie about one mile east of where Dover stands. The winter of 1836-37 is remembered to this day by old settlers as the severest ever experienced, and will never be forgotten by the members of the Zearing family as one of intense suffering and destitution. Martin Zearing was a man of great fixedness of purpose, of an indomitable will, and was never heard to utter a word of complaint in all his troubles and trials. An honest man, an exemplary Christian, he died as he had lived. To-day his memory is sweet to all who knew him. His wife bore with him his trials and privations with a singular fortitude, so characteristic of the pioneer mothers, of whom more should be said and written.

MARTIN R. ZEARING, Princeton, was born in Shiremantown, Cumberland Co., Penn., December 15, 1825. He is the son of Martin Zearing. (See sketch of Martin Zearing, deceased.) Mr. Zearing came to Bureau County with his parents in 1836, and has since resided in this county. He was reared on a farm and suffered the hardships to which the pioneer is subjected. He was the oldest son, and much of the burden fell upon him of supporting the family in the new country. And so his youth was occupied in the steady plodding necessary to improve a farm and gain a sustenance. He remained at the old home near Dover till his marriage in 1855, when he settled on his farm, three miles east of Dover. His wife, Louisa Rackley, was born September, 1825, and was the daughter of Nathan Rackley, a native of Vermont, but who had lived in the State of New York some time previous to coming to Bureau County in June, 1836. Mrs. Zearing died January 12, 1877. She was the mother of one daughter, viz. : Mrs. Susan L. Moore, a resident of this county. April 3, 1879, Mr. Zearing was united in marriage to Mrs. Fannie E. Garten, widow of E. D. Garten, by whom she had five children, now living, viz. : Mrs. Mary Gary, of Joliet, 111. ; William, Melchard, Emma and Laura B. Garten. Mr. Zearing followed farming till January, 1882, when he removed to Princeton and retired from an active business life; but yet retains his farm of over 300 acres. For many years he has been an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, as is also his wife. His first wife was also a member of the same church. In politics he is a Republican.

LOUIS ZEARING, Westfield, was born September 10, 1827, in Shiremantown, Cumberland Co. , Penn. He is the son of Martin Zearing, deceased (see sketch.) Louis Zearing came to Bureau County with his parents May 9, 1836. He was reared and educated in this county, and has made farming his occupation. In 1850 he crossed the plains with an ox team, making the trip in 180 days, and was one of the first to enter Hangtown. He was engaged in mining successfully in California for three years, and then returned via Nicaragua and New York. April 1, 1856, he bought a farm in Westfield Township, where he now resides and owns 257 acres of land. He has always taken great interest in the affairs of the county and township, and has held the offices of School Trustee, Commissioner and Supervisor. Mr. Zearing was married in New York City to Jane Cochran, a native of Scotland. She died November 10, 1868, aged thirty-seven years. She was the mother of four children, viz.: Louis F., of New York City; Mrs. Jessie McKee, of Galesburg; Margaret, deceased, and Martin. Mr. Zearing was again married in Mechanicsburg, Penn., February 11, 1869, to Helen M. Whistler, daughter of Nathaniel and Frances (Schneble) Whistler, natives of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Zearing was born September 8, 1835, in Shiremantown, Penn. She is the mother of two children, viz. : Susan and John P., the latter deceased. Mr. Zearing is a member of the Baptist Church; his wife of the Lutheran. In politics he is a Republican.

DAVID S. ZEARING, Princeton, was born February 16, 1834, in Shiremantown, Cumberland Co. , Penn. He came to Bureau County, 111. , with his parents in 1 836. (See sketch of Martin Zearing, deceased.) He was educated in Dover and Peru, and followed farming until 1859, when he crossed the plains with an ox team, starting April 25, and crossing the eastern line of California September 6. While in California he met with many adventures, and was a successful gold miner. In the winter of 1867 he returned to Bureau County and resumed farming. At present Mr. Zearing owns about 900 acres of land, mostly in this county, and is considered one of our most thrifty and prosperous citizens. In the fall of 1879 he came to Princeton, where he has resided ever since. Since July, 1881, he has owned a one-third interest in the mercantile firm of Zearing, Johnson & Bros., of Princeton. Mr. Zearing was married December 5, 1869, to Harriet Bass, who was born August 10, 1842, in Bureau County, 111. She is a daughter of George and Mary L. (Carey) Bass, and is the mother of the following children: Alice M. , born December 2, 1870; Elmer E., born January 19, 1872; George B., born December 3, 1874; David S., born December 28, 1877; Roy William, born September 21, 1880; and Martin M., born April 14, 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Zearing are active members of the Baptist Church. In political matters Mr. Zearing's sympathies are with the Republican party.

GEORGE ZINK, Concord, was born in Bedford County, Penn., November 30, 1822. He is the son of Samuel Zink. (See sketch of John Zink.) Our subject came to this county in 1844 without anything but willing hands and a strong determination to succeed. For nearly three years he worked for John Stevens & Sons, and during that time purchased eighty acres of land in Macon Township, and in 1848 settled on it Through his industry Mr. Zink has added to his farm till now he owns 220 acres of well- improved land near Buda, and now he resides on the farm in Concord Township. His occupation has been that of farming, and in this he has been successful. November 25, 1847, he was united in marriage to Catherine Thompson, who was born in Huntingdon County, Penn., in 1822, and is the daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth Thompson, who came to this State in the fall'of 1845, and died here. Mr. and Mrs. Zink have seven children, viz. : Davis, who died while in camp at Springfield, 111., during his service in the army; Andrew T. , of Buda; Elizabeth E., at home; Catherine M., wife of William H. Stntzman, of Buda; George A., Orren and Warren. The two latter are twins. In politics Mr. Zink is identified with the Republican party. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Buda.

JOHN ZINK, Macon, was born in Bedford County, Penn., August 23, 1813. He is the son of Samuel and Catherine (Hannawalt) Zink, both natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. The father died in this county February 7, 1866, but the mother yet survives. She was born August 26, 1789. She is the mother of six sons and five daughters; four sons and two daughters are yet living. Our subject is the oldest of the family. His early life was spent on the farm, but at the age of twenty-one years he learned the tanner's trade, which he followed till 1844, when he removed to Fulton County, 111., since which time he has been engaged in farming. In 1846 he came to Bureau County and settled his present farm of 199 acres. He was married in Bureau County, 111., September 5, 1847, to Elizabeth Thompson, who was born November 2, 1816, and died November 27, 1859. She was the daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth Thompson, who came to this State in the fall of 1845. Mrs. Zink was the mother of the following- named children: Mary E., John A., Harriet A. (deceased), and Christian W. S. March 7, 1865, Mr. Zink was united in marriage to Elizabeth Sensel, who was born August 22, 1835, in Knox County, Ohio. She is the daughter of John and Catherine (Schnebly) Sensel, both of whom were born in Washington County, Md., and were married there, but soon after marriage, in 1829, removed to Ohio, and he died there June 14, 1868, in his sixty- fourth year. His widow now lives in Mt. Vernon, Ohio. She is the mother of thirteen children, ten of whom yet survive. Mrs. Zink is the mother of the following-named children: James L. (deceased), George E., Catherine E., Samuel H, Maggie J. (deceased) and Almeda M.

Received Too Late For Insertion In Proper Order

ELIJAH DEE, Princeton, was born in Franklin County, Vt., in 1816, December 20. He is the son of Elijah and Mary(Post) Dee, natives of Connecticut. The father's occupation was that of a farmer. During the war of 1812 he fought in the battle of Plattsburg, N. Y., as a volunteer. He died in 1842 in Vermont at the age of sixty-nine years. His widow Jived till 1864, and died at the age of about seventy-five. She was the mother of eleven children - seven sons and four daughters. The sons are all living, the eldest being seventy-one years of age. Only two of the daughters now survive. Our subject's early life was spent on his father's farm in the Green Mountain State, and in attending the schools of his native connty. In 1843 he came West, and for some years lived in Greene County, 111. , but in 1855 he came to Princeton, 111., and has since continued to reside here. His business through life has been that of farmer and stock-raiser, and was one of the earliest to engage in the growing of thorough-bred cattle in this county, as he began in 1856, and continued in the same till 1888, when he sold his herd, and also his farm near town ; but owns a farm of 160 acres in Wyanet Township. Mr. Dee in politics is far from being an extremist, but yet is identified with the Republican party. For years he has been a member of Tonaluka Lodge, No. 89, 1. O. O. F. He was married October 10, 1850, in this county, to Mrs. Angeline (Wiswal) Woodman. She is a native of Massachusetts.

A G. DOWNER, M. D., Princeton, was born in Rensselaer County, N. Y., in 1856. When but seven years of age he was taken to Madison County, and was there educated in the high schools of Chittenango, where he began the study of medicine under the occulist and surgeon, W. E. Deuel, with whom he remained one year. He then entered the Homoeopathic and Ophthalmic Medical College of New York City, and after a three years' course graduated in 1882. During this time he was private student and assistant surgeon to Dr. W. T. Helmuth, and was student to S. P. Burdick, and assistant of W. O. Mc- Donald. The New York Homoeopathic and Ophthalmic Medical College is the only one in the United States, which confers the degree of O. et A. Chirg. and this degree Dr. Downer deservedly received. He was appointed to Five Points House of Industry, New York City, but resigned on account of ill health, and in the fall of 1882 located at Princeton where he makes a specialty of the treatment of the eye, ear, and throat diseases and surgery, and is also assistant of Dr. E. J. Schenk.

GEORGE B. HARRINGTON, Princeton, was born January, 31, 1844, in Williamstown, Vt His ancestors were of Scotch descent. His grandfather, Daniel Harrington, removed from Williamstown, Mass., to Williamstown, Vt.; how long before 1794 cannot be ascertained, but in that year he purchased his farm, which has remained in the possession of the family ever since. In 1797 he brought his newly-married wife, Bethiah Smith, from Putney, Vt., one horse being sufficient to carry wife and household goods. They were the parents of seven children, of whom Daniel M., the father of our subject, was born December 12, 1799, on the old homestead, where he also died in June, 1878. He was a farmer, and married Esther Allen who was born in Brookfield, Vt. , in 1800. She was the daughter of Nathan Allen, a native of Connecticut. Mrs. Esther Harring- ton died in 1878, having reared a family of twelve children, six of whom are now living, viz.: Mrs. Bethiah Goodrich, of Williamstown, Vt ; Mrs. Mary A. Smith, of Montpelier, Vt.; Mrs. Atlanta Winchester, of Williamstown, Vt. ; Nathan, of Grinnell, Iowa; Asa, of Barre, Vt.; and George B. Harrington, the subject of this sketch, who was reared on a farm in Vermont, where he also obtained his education. For several years he taught school in his native State, and in September, 1867, came-to Bureau County, where he continued to follow his profession. In 1869 he was elected Principal of the Annawan, Henry County, schools, which position he held for five years, and for the two years following had charge of the Tiskilwa schools, resigning at the end of that time on account of ill health. In 1877 he was elected County Superintendent of schools, serving five years, during which time he was actively engaged in promoting the interests of the schools. In 1879 he published Circular No. 1, a system for teaching Civil Government in the common schools, which was republished by the New York Tribune and Independent, and also by many of the leading educational journals in different States, arousing a deep interest in this important but hitherto neglected subject During this time he also published in book form a "Helper for the Teachers of Bureau County," which was of material assistance to teachers and proved a great benefit to the common schools. He was the prime-mover in and has the credit of erecting the Educational Hall, at the fair grounds, which has proved such a decided success. Mr. Harrington holds a certificate from the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, which is of perpetual validity throughout the State. July 27, 1869, Mr. Harrington was united in marriage in this county to Miss Emma V. Carpenter, a native of Orange County Vt Her parents, Marshall D. and Dorcas (Conner) Carpenter are natives of Vermont, but are now residents of Humboldt County, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Harrington have had two children : L. Ward, who died at the age of four years, and Grace V. Mr. and Mrs. Harrington are members of the Congregational

W. H. SAUNDERS, Sheffield, 111., was born in Litchfield County, Conn., in 1834; son of Harry Saundors, who had a family of seven children - three sons and four daughters - and he being a thrifty, well-to-do farmer, our subject was brought up on the farm. Both his parents died when he was seventeen years of age, but he remained on the farm till he was twenty-one. He then went to Chicago, where he remained for about four years; from there he went to Bureau County, 111., and engaged in farming till the breaking oat of the war of the Rebellion in 1861. In September, 1861, he enlisted in what was then known as Birgo's Western Sharpshooters, afterward the Sixty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. This regiment, which was organized at St. Louis, spent the winter of 1861-62 in north Missouri, guarding the railroads. In the spring of 1862 the regiment returned to St. Louis, and shortly after accompanied Gen. Grant down the Mississippi in opening up that river. They landed at Fort Henry, marched to Fort Donelson, and after a two days' fight went to Pittsburg Landing. Our subject was present at the battle of Shiloh, the siege of Corinth, etc. He enlisted in Company C, but was transferred by the Colonel to Company F, and on November 26, 1862, was promoted to First Lieutenant; his regiment veteranized and returned home for thirty days' furlough. Being then attached to Gen. Sherman's army, it accompanied him in his memorable march to the sea, participating in all the battles. The captain of Company F being on detail service much of the time, the command devolved upon Lieut. Saunders. When starting on the campaign through Georgia the Captain returned to his company, but lost his leg on the 14th day of May, 1864, when Lieut. Saunders again took command of the company, which he held during the campaign. On July '22, 1864, when in front of Atlanta, Ga., he received a flesh-wound in the shoulder. At Savannah - his three-years' term of service having expired while at Atlanta - Lieut. Saunders was mustered out and returned home, but only for one week's repose, for another call for men being then made, he at once raised a company of one year's service men and was elected Captain of Company G, One Hundred and Fifty-first Illinois Volun- Infantry. The regiment was ordered to Georgia, where it remained nearly a year. While the army lay at Corinth in the winter of 1863 an order came that one officer from each regiment should be sent home on recruiting service, and Lieut Saunders was chosen from among the officers of the Sixtysixth Regiment for that purpose. He enlist ed some twenty men for the Sixty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. It may here be said that he enrolled as many recruits as any man in Bureau County. In 1866 he was married to Miss Sarah Barnes, of Sheffield, Bureau Co., 111., and by this union were born four children, the two eldest of which died in infancy. Those now living are George E., aged twelve years, and Sophia M., aged ten years.

J. M. WILSON, Westfield, was born October 3, 1822, in Medina County, Ohio, in a little village called Wilson's Corner, named after our subject's father and uncle who were the first settlers of that vicinity. His grandfather, Martin Wilson, was born in Maryland, and was of Irish extraction. He married Margaret Kent who was the mother of six children. Of these John Wilson married Margaret Martin ; they reared three children. Mrs Wilson died in 1826 in Medina

County, Ohio. Mr. Wilson was married a second time to Elizabeth Van Slack, who was the mother of nine children. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson died in Medina County, Ohio. The former was a farmer and a soldier in the war of 1812. Of the twelve children eleven reached maturity and reared families. Our subject was reared in his native county where he farmed. He was married in Cleveland, Ohio, to Jane E. Curtis, a native of Brunswick, Medina Co. Ohio, daughter of Joel and Sally (Hulett) Curtis ; he a native of Connecticut and she of Massachusetts. Mrs. Wilson is the mother of four children, viz. : Mrs. Clara B. Wilds (who is the mother of Martin Wilson Wilds), Adelia, Maggie and Hannah M. Wilson (a teacher of this County). Mr. John M. Wilson came to Bureau County in June, 1844, and clerked over three years for Wm. Carse, after which he farmed in Clarion and Westfield Townships. In 1875 he engaged in the hardware business. In January, 1882, the store and contents were burned, and since then Mr. Wilson has engaged in the agricultural implement business. He has ever been a quiet, peaceloving citizen, and made his influence for good felt in Arlington and vicinity. He is a Knight Templar. Politically he has always been identified with the Democratic party, and has filled the offices of Commissioner, Collector, Trustee and Supervisor.

The sad event occurred after this book had gone to press, and hence this notice appears here, and not in the biography of Mr. Stevens, as it may be found in a preceding page, and to which the reader is referred for the facts and the prominent records in his life.

On the Wednesday preceding his death Mr. Stevens was seized with neuralgia of the stomach, and was stricken to the floor while passing from the dinner table to the lounge. From that attack he soon rallied, and although at intervals suffering acute pain for twentyfour hours, yet the day following he was resting quietly, and his family and friends believed he was slowly and completely recovering. On Sunday morning he felt greatly better, and within a few minutes of his death he so expressed himself to his friends. About 1 o'clock he arose from his bed, walked to a chair which had been prepared for him, and seated himself in it, and assisted his daughter in placing the wraps about him, and while thus engaged he suddenly leaned back in his chair, placed his hand on his breast, and exclaimed that there was a terrible pain in his heart; his head sank back upon the chair, and he was dead.

Mr. Stevens came to Princeton in 1842, and with his father opened stores in Princeton and Tiskilwa, and Justus Stevens soon became not only the leading merchant, but the chief pork and grain buyer, and at the same time one of the most extensive farmers in Bureau County. In his varied and extensive enterprises he was a leader among men, and his large warehouses, stores, farms, public buildings and residences contributed more than probably any man ever in the county to encourage a spirit of enterprise among the people, and to adorn, enrich and beautify this portion of Illinois. With all these demands upon his mental and physical powers, his sleepless energies enabled him to more than supply the deficiencies of his early opportunities of education and esthetic culture, and in social, intellectual and political life he was well equipped at an early age to command the same influence and power here that he so easily possessed in the business and commercial world. His executive and financial talents were of the highest order. A Democrat by birth and conviction, and although spending the days of his useful manhood in a community and district overwhelmingly Republican, and although in no sense a politician by profession or practice, yet his Republican friends rarely failed to call him to the helm where they might enjoy the benefits of his masterly abilities exercised in their behalf in positions of important financial or executive responsibility. Thus, as early as 1854, when the people wanted a much needed county building, the vexing question was settled by making Mr. Stevens Supervisor. When war funds were wanted in the trying .times of the late war, he was made a member of a committee to solve the hard problem. He had thus many important political trusts thrust upon him, and upon his private and public life no shadow has ever fallen. Whenever and wherever the public weal was to be conserved, great and beneficial improvements to the county or the city of Princeton to be formed or fashioned into actual existence, the common mind turned to Mr. Stevens as the one man wholly to be trusted, and the rich agricultural county of Bureau and the lovely and splendid little city of Princeton, with its perfect drainage, smooth gravelled streets,

To his rare financial and executive talents were added abilities, in any walk of life he might have chosen, of a high order and varied character. He possessed a vigorous body and an active temperament, an iron will, indomitable perseverance and a sleepless energy. Astute, far-sighted, a deep thinker, and a keen and logical reasoner; honest and sincere in his convictions, he never sought popularity, and yet this came to him as only he would have had it come - through the performance of what he believed to be his duty. He was robust in body as in mind; fearless, honest, sincere and cleanly in his characteristics; his friendship was a precious boon, given without the asking to all of real worth, and his ill-will was to be dreaded by the evil-doers, whom he ever struck down unflinchingly. In person he was above the average in size, and heavy and muscular in build. A complexion and hair of light color, with small blue eyes intensely penetrating; erect and strong, and nervous in every movement, he was the picture of a strong, healthy man. He was suave in manners; genial and companionable in his business and social life, it was but natural that his strong guerdon of friends should be ever widening and extending.

In the sacred precincts of that stricken family circle he has left we will not intrude except to say here, indeed, he was best known, best understood and best beloved.

But he is gone. A master mind among men, a man of affairs, an honest man, a good citizen, a loving husband and father, he has paid the debt of life. A rich man, exacting his due, and dealing with rich and poor on business principles, he has gone to his grave with his departure regretted by an entire community; and none feel more genuine or unselfish sorrow than there rests now in the hearts of the laboring men of Princeton, in the hearts of those who feel the aches of toil and the stern realities of an existence sustained by daily labor. The working men of Princeton have long been the unswerving friends of Justus Stevens, and a prouder epitaph a rich man cannot have.

Funeral services were held at his late residence by Rev. Mr. Milligan, at 11 A. M., Wednesday, and notwithstanding the intense cold, about 20 degrees below zero, some 300 of his late fellow citizens were present as a testimonial of their appreciation of his worth.