Bureau County, Illinois - Biographical sketches, 1906 (part 17 of 28)

Mr. Guither has always followed farming and now has a valuable property of two hundred and sixty-seven acres on section 1, Walnut township. where he raises the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and also some stock. His horses arc of the i^Torman breeds, his hogs Poland China, and he also raises pure blooded shorthorn cattle. He likewise owns an interest in a fine Belgian horse and he is one of the stockholders in the Walnut bank. He is accounted a man of sound business judgment, carefully controlling his interests and making safe and judicious investments. He has served as school director for a number of terms and the cause of education has profited by his efforts in its behalf. His home is a beautiful :\nd commodious residence standing in the midst of great pine trees, and there are other large and substantial buildings on the farm. He is regarded as one of the most enterprising agriculturists of this part of the county and is respected and esteemed bv his neighbors and friends.

Willi.Vm A. Crismax

WILLI.VM A. CRISMAX. William A. Crisjuan, of Macon township, dates his residence in Bureau county from 18^4, cover- ing a period of more than a half century. For many years he has been engaged in general agricultural pursuits and the raising of stock, and his success has come a^ the legitimate reward of persistent labor. He was born in Bedford county. Pennsylvania. February 13, 1851. and is a son of William and Elizabeth (Bowser) Crisman. The father's birth occurred at Denen"s creek, in Pennsylvania, June 2G. 1825. He was the si.xth in a family of fifteen children, whose parents wen- William and Margaret Crisman. of Bedford county, Pennsylvania, and his life history covered a period of almost ei;i;hty years, for he pas.sed away on the 9th of Fel'ruary. 1905. He wis a selfmade and self-educated man. He had limited opportunities for schooling, and at the age of seventeen he left home to learn the millwright's trade. After serving an apprenticeship of four years he worked at his trac'e for two years in Waterside,

Pennsylvania. On the 29th of April, 1848, he wedded Margaret Bowser, and they made their home in the east until April, 1S55, when Mr. Crisman brought his wife and three children to Buda, having in tho meantime made a prospitting tour through Illinois and Iowa. For three years he worked at the carpenter's trade in Buda, and then rented land for two j'ears. Finally he purchased one hundred end sixty acres of prairie land, on which he was able to make a small payment of one hundred dollare. He had a friend who aidetl him at this opportune moment, which enabled him to make the required improvements upon the place. By hard labor and strict economy he became one of the well-to-do farmers of Macon township, and as he was always dependent upon his own resources, the success he achieved wa,s justly earned. His political allegiance was given to the democracy in early life, his first presidential vote being cast for James K Polk. He voted with that party until the organization of the republican parly in 185G, after which he remained an earnest advocate of its principles until his denth. He served as commissioner of his township for a number of years, and in him the public schools always found an earnest friend. He did effective service in behalf of public education, as a member of the school board and as school trustee for a period of fourteen years, and he always believed in employing competent teachers. He was frequently a delegate to the county and state conventions of his party, and was recognized as one of the stalwart and leading republicans of Macoa township. At the time of his death he was a director in the Neponset and Macon Insurance Company. He held membership in the Buda BapHst church, and from the tirst manifested an active interest in every phase of church work, an interest that was intensified with the passing years. He was a member of the first building committee, and served two succeeding times when extensive repairs were made. He held the office of deacon with !;ut slight interruption from 1858 until the time of his death. In his material interests he prospered, and became the owner of four hundred acres, constituting a fine farm, pleasantly situated three and a half miles southwest of Buda. In 1885 Mr. Crisman was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the 10th of October of that year. She was horn March 3. 1828, in Bedford county. Pennsylvania, a daughter of John and Margaret (Hisong) Bowser. She was an excellent mother and a faithful and loving wife, ever ready (o make sacrifices for the wdfare of her family, "^hc, too, was a devout member of the Baptist church, and in her life displayed nuiny sterling traits of character. Mr. Crisman survived until February 9, 1905, and then, in the eightieth year of his age. was laid to rest in Hopeland cemetery In tlio family were eight children: Calvi'i. who is married and follows fanning in Macon township; William A., who is marriecl and is fanner of llie same township; N'iola, the wife of John Ober, residing on the old homestead; Mattie L. and Arthur v., twins; Can-ie, the wife of Lewis Akin, and Anna, the wife of John G. Anderson^ a resident farmer of Macon township.

William A. Cris-ian was only about three years of age when brougl'.t by his parents to Illinois, at which time the town of Buda contained only a few houses scattered along the line of the Cliieago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, which hai but just been complete i Tiie father, a cavpentei hy trade, built one of the lir.^t frame houses in Buda, where he followed carpentering until his removal to Macon township. In his boyhood days William Crisman attended ihe public schiols through the winter months and in the summer season worked upon the home fav.n with his father, being thus engaged until 1875. when he beoan farming on his own account. He started with only sixty acres of land, but lit has added to this, and at the present time is farming a quarter section, on which he has made splendid improvements, having all the equipments of a model farm of the twen+ieth century. In 1903 he built a fine barn. He is a breeder of Poland China hogs, keeping on hand from fifty to one hundred head, a.^ni he also raises some shorthorn Dui'ham cattle.

On the 10th of February, 187S, Mr. Crisman was married to Miss Alice K. Horton, who was born in Macon township, January 4, 185.5, a daughter of Allen and Margaret (Zink) Horton. Her father, the second son of Septimus and Wealthy (Foster) Horton, was born near the village of Stonerstowu, in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, December 31, 1819, and died at his home, southwest of Buda. January 5, 1900, at the age of eighty years and live days. He was one of seven children, six sons and a daughter. The father, Septimus Horton, was iiorn in Bedford county, Pennsylvania. November 11, 1795, and died May 20, 1831, while his wife, who was born April 9, 1794, long survived him and died March 31, 1881. Septimus Horton le-irned the blacksmith's trade in early life, but made farming his chief occupation. He was a democrat in politics, and cast his last vote for Andrew Jackson. In October, 1822, he emigrated to Highland county, Ohio, wh.^re he remained until his death.

Allen Horton, faiher of Mrs. Crisman, was only two years of age at the time of his parents' removal to the Buckeye state, the trip being made overland by wagon and rc(|uiring four weeks. When he was nineteen years of age he retui-ned to his birthplace in Pennsylvania, where he remained for a little more than a year, during which pi'i-iod he began learning the trade of a carpenter and joiner. He followed *hat occupation after his return to Ohio, and in 1840 he again went to Pennsylvania, but after a brief period once more took up his abode in the Bucke>e state. He had had biit limited educational privileges. The log schoolhouse in which he obtained his primary educ-.tion was but si-xteen feet square and was built of round logs, the chinks being daubed with mud. It was heated by an old-fashioned fireplace, and the chimney was made of mud and sticks. Greased paper took the place of window glass, and all of the furnishings were very primitive, but in later years Mr. Horton had the opportunity of attending a much Ijetter school. He was married December ?2, 1842, in Licking county, Ohio, to Miss Margaret Zink, also a native of Bedford county, J'ennsylvania. She was born January 13, 1820, and removed to Ohio with her parents in 1842. ""hey bc'^-ame the parents of eight children: Alice C, now Mrs. Crisman; Addie, the widow of John W. MeClain, who now resides in Buda. These are the only ones living. Septir.'.ys I Horton, of tbi-i fa'iiilj', died at his home ;it Santa Cruz. California, where at the time of his death he was serving for the third year as a meniber rl the police force. Almost his entire life, hov.'cver. was spent in rail road mg. For one year he served as a soldier m tlie Civil war, and acted as one of the guards assigned (o watch over the body of the lamented I incoln after his assassination. He married Miss Anna Dolan, and thev had four children. Septimus Hor+cn was a member of the Inde)iendent Order of Odd Fellows, of the Grand .Army of the Repub'-c and the Maccabees, and was spoi en of by the Santa C'-uz paper as one of the best otBcers the town ever had. Other members of the fariily of Mr. and Mrs. Allen Horton were Mrs. Cat'.'erine Carper, Mrs. Mary Carper, Lola, Harvey and Samuel, '-ill of whom are now deceased.

In the spring of 1844 Allen Horton came to Bureau county, where he arrived nfter a three weeks' trip in company with John and George Zink. After prosp-^cting for a time he finally decided to settle in Fulton county, where he resided until 1847, when he came to Macon township, Bureau county, where he made hi.-? home until his death. He had the honor of naming this township, was its first supervisor and represented it on the county board. He was also several times elected and served as township collector, and was school director of his dihtrict. His duties were ever promptly and faithfully performed, and he w'as a public-spirited man, aiding in the advancement of various interests in his town and neighborhood, it was about 1851 that he purchased a fann of one hundred and sixty acres on section 5, Macon township, for which he paid a dollar and a quarter per acre. The land was entirely unimproved, and the first house built thereon was a loi; cabin. When the first survey of the Chijago, Burlington & Quincy Raili'oad was made the line went through a corner of the house, which was afterward moved to the present site, on the northeast quarter of section 8, Macon township, and converted into a barn. Mr. Horton was unusually successful in his business affairs, and became one of the substantial farmers of Macon township. His political support was given to the whig party, and he cast his firsl presidential vote for Henry Cay. He became a stanch champion of the ca^se of abolition, and when the repul :ican party was formed to prevent the further extension of slavery he Joined its ranks, and continued one of its advocates iiiilil his death. He !ield nienibov.^Iii]) in the Methcidist Episcopal church, as did his wife, and their (Christianity was cvidenctd in their every-day life. A.s a citizen Mr. Horton was patriotic and lawabiding; as a Christian was conscientious, devout and pious; as a neighbor obUgin;,' and considerate; as a husband loviny-, faithful and true; and as a father kind, indul>^ent and tirni. He had no enemies, as he was ('V(!ry person's friend, and wlierevcr known he was uniformly loved. He survived his wife for only a few months, her death havino; occurred April 10, 1899. Mrs. Horton was a lady of jfcntle disposition, and her cheerful ways, lier kindness d' heart, her ch.arity and benevolence and ner real goodness won for hci the love and respect of a wide circle of friends and neighbors. Only two of the children of Ihe family yet survive: Mrs. Crisnian and Mrs. Addie McClain. The latter was born December 1.5, 185S, and on the 15th of February, 1885, she gave her hand in marriage to John \V. McClain, who was born in Trough creek valley. Huntington county. Pennsj'lvania, Marcli M, 1859. He cnvie t<.< Illinois about 1881, and wuh the exception of (^wMt years spent in Kansas, resided continuously in the vicinity of Buda. In his boyhood he became a member of the Methodist Episcopal chur'^h and lived a consistent Chiistian life. After an illness of about four years he passed away, July 1?. 189P. leaving a widow wdio -low reddes in Buda.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Crisman was blessed with a family of si.\ children : Traccy E., who was born December 12, 187?, and is now living in New Me.xico; Howard W , born March 30. 1880 : Merton A., who was born Mav 23, 3 882, and died March 12, 188(j ; Myrle, who v/as born May 23, 1884; Ada, who was born December 21, 1889. and died June 27, I'.lDG, and (Jlarence AV., born Xovember IG, 1893. The family have a pleasant honi( in Macon tov\nship, in the midst of a well developed farm, and in addition to thi.s property Mr. Crisman owns a half section o<' land 'n Barnes county. North Dakota, near Litchvillo, which he purchased in 1901.

He exorcises his light of francliise in su])port of the men and incasuies of the repuljlicin party, and is a member of the Modern Woodmen of .\merica. For twenty years or more he has been a school director, and has d' ne effective work in behalf of the cau.se of public instruction hi;re, believing in the emjjloymf-nt of competent teachf rs air^ in u])- holding a high standard of education. He has long been a witness of the changes that have oeeurred in Bureau county, for wh"n le came hen- Buda was but a tiny hamlet, and much of the land throughout the county was still undeveicped and unimproved. Now all has been conve-ted into rich and productive farms, dotted hen; end there with attractive and substantial homes; and all of the evidences of ^'ultu c, learning and :eli.,i'inent, as well as of business activity known to the older east are here to be found. The Crisman family has long figured prominently as upholder of the legal and politicil statu- of the count\ and promoters of its intellctua' and moral imr.io^-cment, and in this conno'tion William A. Ori'^nian '.ears an honorable record.

Edmund L. Ansteth

Edmund Ti. Ansteth is classilied with the prominent farmers of Clarion township, where he owns and operates one hundred and eighty-nine acres of valuable land. He was born in this township, January 28, 186G, his parents being Jacob and Lucy (Dayton) Ansteth, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Clarion township. Bureau county. The father is now living retired in Mendota, but the mother passed away June 15, 1898. He became a resident of Bureau county in the early '50s, and at the age of twenty-six years he offered his services to the government in defense of the Union in the Civil war, becoming a member of the Fifty-second Illinois Regiment, under Captain Bowen. He followed the fortunes of his company throughout the period of hostilities, and was ever a brave and loyal soldier. He enlisted one night together with .seventeen other young men in the little German church in Perkins Grove. Clarion township, and was engaged in many decisive battles. After his return from the war he took up the occupation of farming, which he continuously followed until recent years, when he put aside the more active work of the fields and is now living retired.

Edmund L. Ansteth completed his education in the district schools of Bureau county, but has greatly broadened his knowledge through reading, experience and observation in later years. He ha.« always liccn a great reader, and is deeply interested in educational work. He was reared to the occupation of (he farm, and is today the owner of one hundred and eighty-nine acres of fine land, constituiing one of the excellent farms of Clarion township. Tliis he has secured entirely througli his own efforts, his close application, and his ability to plan and perform, combined with keen discernment in everything relating to agricultural interests, have made him a prosperous farmer, and he is now classed with the leading representatives of agricidtural life in Bureau county. He raises the cereals l)est adajited to soil and climate, and also some cattle of mixed breeds.

On the 24th of June, 1888, Mr. Ansteth was married to Miss Emma Shambaugh, who was born October 11, 18G9, a daughter of Peter and Elmira (Bash) Shambaugh. both of whom were natives of Ohio. Thcv came to Bureau co\intv in the early 'SOs, and the father began fanning here in order to provide for his family. He is now living retired, however, although he and his wife still occupy the old home farm. He, too, is a veteran of the Civil war, having seri-ed with an Ohio company for three years during the period of hostilities for the preservation of the Union. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Ansteth has been blessed with six children : Koy, Arthur, Walter. Harvey, Pearl and Edith. Mr. Ansteth is a member of the Modern Woodmen camp at La Moille and of the Methodist church, associations which indicate much of the character of the man in his upright life and consideration for others.

Samuel Oberg

Samuel Oberg, a retired fanner, residing near Princeton, still owns his farm of one hundred acres in Selby township, which is operated by his son. Selby Oberg, and also owns ten acres in Princetown township, located near the city of Princeton, on which he makes his home. He is a native of Sweden, born on the 29th of June, 1S3'2, a son of Johannes (John) Andreas and Christina (Larson) Oberg, who were fanning people in that countrv' and died there more than twenty years ago. In their family were seven children, four sons and three daughters, of whom John and Claus Oberg, and one daughter, Mrs. Gusta Xelson, the wife of Captain Xelson, all reside in Princeton. Claus Oberg is engaged in the meat business, while John is a farmer, of Arispie township. One daughter, Mrs. Annie Fairn, still makes her home in Sweden. One son, Andrew Johnson, also makes his home in Sweden and is now eighty years of age. Otto and Sarah arc deceased.

Samuel Oberg was reared in liis native country, where he received but limited educational advantages. In 1864 he emigrated to America, locating in Selby township. Bureau county, Illinois, where he purchased fifty acres of land which wa.s covered with hazel brush. As his financial resources increased he added to this tract until at one time he was the ouTier of four hundred and ten acres, but he has since sold three hundred and ten acres, so that he now has but one hundred acres. He has always engaged in general fanning, and for ten years conducted a dairy, selliag milk in Princeton,

Mr. Oberg was married forty-seven years ago in Sweden to Miss Johanna Earn. Her father was a soldier in the Swedish army, and died in that country a number of years ago. Mrs. Oberg is now seventy years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Oltcrg are the parents of the following named: Albert, bom in Sweden, has resided in Jlinnesota for vhe past twenty years, where he is engaged in src-neral farming. He is married and has four sons and one daughter. Lavinc, born in Sweden, is a farmer, of Princeton township. He has lieen married twice, and by the first marriage has one son, and by the second marriage has a son and daughter. Esther, born in Bureau county, is the wife of Alvin Johnson, a farmer, residing near La iloille. Bureau county. They have a son and daughter living. Selby, who is operating his father's farm in Selby township, was married in this county to Miss Amanda Axelson, who wa.s born in Sweden and came to America in the fall of 1889. She is a daughter of Axel and Johanna Axelson, and the former died in Sweden in 1894, while her mother now makes her home with ilr. and Mrs. Selby Oberg. They are the parents of two daughters, Grace and Hazel, both at home. William Oberg is now in Cuba, being in the employ of the government, engaged in railroad building. He is married and has one daughter. He resided for several years in Princeton previous to going to Cuba. Ida Oberg is at home.

Mr. Oberg gives his political allegiance to the republican party, and holds membership with the Swedish Mission church, of which he was one of the organizers, and is one of the few surviving members of that organization. Mr. Oberg has resided in this county for forty-two years, and has helped to make it what it is today. He was for many years an active agriculturist, but since 1903 has made his home in Princeton township, where he is now enjoying a well earn?d rest, l)eing one of the well known and highly respected citizens not only of that township but also of Bureau count v.

Glexxi S. Phillips

Glenni S. Phillips is a self-made man, who, starting out in life on his own account emptyhanded, has accumulated a vcrj- desirable competence and is now the owner of an excellent farming property in Walnut township. He was born in this town.«liip, September 3, 1866, and is a son of Alonzo J. and Alzina Phillips. The father, a native of Warren countv, Pennsvlvania, was born August 28, 1833, and died October 10, 1897, at the age of sixty-four years. His wife was a native of Ohio. They became residents of Illinois in 18.5T. settling in Walnut township, where for many years the father successfully carried on general agricultural pursuits, there residing until 1895, when he retired from active business cares and removed to the city of Princeton, where he made his home until he was called to his final rest, and where his widow yet resides.

Glenni S. Phillips was reared on the old homestead farm, under the parental roof, amid the refining influences of a good home. His education was acquired in the Bunker Hill district school, and his training at farm labor was not meager, for at an early age he took his place in the fields and followed the plow or the harrow and later aided in the task of cultivating and of harvesting the crops.

Throughout his entire life he has carried on general agriiultural pursuits, and is now the owner of a valuable property of two hundred and twentytwo and a half acres of land on sections "^S, 21 and '2'i, Walnut township, worth from oiu> hundred and twentv-tive to one hundred and lifty dollars per acre. This is one of the best farms of the locality, being improved according to modern ideas of agricultural progress and development. Mr. Phillips also owns one of the best thre.'ihing and corn-sheller outfits in the county, and, in fact, is regarded as one of the most prosperous and progressive farmers of his township. All modern facilities and conveniences arc found upon his place, which is altogether attractive in its appearance because of the air of neatness and thrift wiiich jiorvades it.

On the 31st of May, 1893, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Phillips and Miss Anna L. Dunn, who was born May 21, 18T3. They have become the parents of three children : Hazel S., born September 27, 1894; Inez E., February 21, 1901, and Iva G., January 16, 1906.

Mr. Phillips gives his political allegiance to the republican party, and has served as school director for four years, but has not been active in politics in the sense of office seeking. He is, however, interested in all that pertains to national progress and local advancement, and in community affairs has taken a helpful interest. He belongs to Garrison No. 81 of the Knights of the Globe, and his wife holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church in Walmit. They are both well known in the county where their entire lives have been passed and where they have so lived as to win and merit the good will and trust of those with whom they have been associated.

The name of Gunkcl is inseparably interwoven with the comme'vial history of ^'l!"irieid. and as represented by grandfather, father and son, it has always stood for business integrity and enterprise. For many years a general store was here conducted by the succeeding generations of the family, continuing from lSr)7 until IflOO. when Charles VC. (iunkel sold out, and is now living retired.

His grandfather, George Gunkel was born in Butler county, Ohio, October IC, l.'^H, and was a .son of John and Catherine (Beakles) Gunkel, who wore natives of Pi-nnsylvania and were of German descent, (jeorge Gunkel wis reared upon a farm in Ohio to the ago of seventeen years, when he began learning tlie wheel wriL,'ht"s trade, which he afterward followed for nine yea-'s. He then took up carpentering, and was identified with building interests until after he came to this county. For two years after leaving Ohio he was a resident of Carroll county, Indiana, and subsequently he resided in Tippecanoe county Indiana, until his removal to Bureau coun y in 1S5G. The following year lie erected a busin;;s.s liouse for liimself in SholHeld and established a ge u-ral mercantile store, which he conducted until his death, making him the oldest business man of Shetlield in years of continuous connection with commercial interests. He also conducted a lumber business for a number of years, and was thus an active factor in the trade circles of the town, while his reputation in business circles placed him among the foremost of those who have the un(|u ililicd contidence of the trading public. Moreover he was both the architect and builder of his own fortunes, for he -started out in life empty-handed, placing his de- upon lis energy, firm rusolution and willingness to work.

George (iuukel was married in Indiana. February 2-J, 1837, to Miss Sarah Islev, who was born near Dayton. Ohio, while her parents were natives of \'irginia and of German descent. They had iwo children: Daniel A. and Catherine, the latter the widow of Charles H. Boyden and a resident of ShelHeld. Th- mother died May 14, leSo. and the father's death occurred in Novcmbei of the same year.

Daniel .\. (iunkel, who became his father's successor in business, was born in Indiona, July 21, 1840. and was educated in the public scliools of that state and of Sheffield. He then joined his father in business, and after t'le latter's death conducted the store until his d^ith, maintaining his place as a leading and representative merchant of the city. He built a two-story brick block in 1888, twenty-six by one hundred feet, upon the site of his father's store, and he kept in touch with the trend of modern jirogress along commercial lines. He was a valued and prominent member of Ames lodge, .Yo. 142, A., F. and A. M., in which he filled all the chairs, and he also held membeisbi]) with the Modern Woodmen of .\merica.

Daniel .\. (iunkel was married January 1, 1865, to .Viinie .V. HIake, of Concord, Xew Hampshire, who was born December 11, 181.", a daughter of Charles W. Blake, a merchant of Boston, Massachusetts, and of Concord. New .'lampshire. Mr. (iunkel departed 'his life February 23, 1895, and bis wife die<l March 5. 1906.

Charles \V. (junkel, their only son, born September 25, 1867, was educated in the ShetTield schools and a business college at Davenport, Iowa, and thus qualified for the responsibilities of a business career he joined his father in the store, which they conducted together until the do'th of Daniel A. Gunkel. He was afterward with a partner for two years, at the end of which time the stock was divided and Mr. (iunkel carried on general merchandising alone until 1900, when he retired from the trade, his attention now being devoted to the su])ervi8ion of his invested interests.

Sophia Wood, of SheiHeld, who was born Jxily 21, 1869, a daughter of Jasper Wood, mentioned elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Gunkel now have one child, Woodwar.1 William, born April 15, 1894. Mr. Gunkel is a Mason, belonging to Ajnes lodge. No. 112, at Sheffield, and to the chapter No. 28 and commandery No. 20, at Princeton. He is now treasurer of the lodge, having succeeded his father, who had filled tlie position for }'ears. Unlike in detail and environment, owing to the changing conditions of the times, there has nevertheless been much that is similar in the lives of the three Gunkels who have been so prominently identified with the commercial activity and the growth and prosperitv of Sheffield. All have been reliable, enterprising business men, interested in the development of the city to the extent of giving hearty co-operation to many movements for the public good, and they have MTOught along lines worthv of emulation.

Joseph A. Bkigham

JOSEPH A. BKIGHAM. Joseph A. Brigham, now living in Princeton, is a retired farmer and a representative of a pioneer family of 1832. His birth occurred in Dover township. Bureau county, in 18G1, his parents being .Joseph H. and Jane Elizabeth (Mercer) lirigham. the former a native of New Hampshire, and the latter of Ohio. In 1832 Joseph II. Brigham with one of his brothers and their father, Joseph Brigham, came to Putnam county. Illinois, where they lived until after the Black Hawk war. In 1833 they removed to Bureau county, where .loseph Brigham, Sr., secured a farm of one Imndrcil and sixty acres from the goveriunent. This land is still in possession of the family, being now owned by Joseph Brigham of this review. The journey to Illinois from New Hampshire had been made by team and canal, and they were eleven weeks upon the way. Joseph H. Brigham was then a youth of ten years. The country was at that time a vast prairie and wilderness and only here and there had the seeds of civilization been planted, as some venturesome settler or pioneer had made his way through the borders of civilization in the older east and taken up his abode upon the frontier to aid in reclaiming it for the uses of the white race. Joseph Brigham, Sr., w-as at one time a member of the legislature in New Hampshire and was a prominent and influential citizen well fitted for loailcrship. lie left the impress of his individuality upon the early development of this section of the state and through his farming interests contributed to its material progress. Joseph IT. Brigham, reared upon the frontier amid i)inneer environments, was educated in the common schools, enjoying such advantages as were to be had at that time. He sjient his entire life from the age of ten years upon what is known as the old Brigham homestead and there his death occurred October 11, 1898, when he was seventysi.\ years of age, for 1823 was his natal year. He became the owner of the old home farm, where his father settled, and he lived upon that place from 183.3, when the house was built there, until his death. He erected the residence which is now standing and also a large brick dwelling, which is one of the finest country homes in the county. The farm is well improved and its boundaries have been extended until it now comprises three hundred acres of very rich and productive land, being considered one of the best farms of the county. It lies on sections 22, 27 and 26, Dover township, and no equipment of a model farm is there lacking. In his political allegiance Joseph H. Brigham was always a republican, unfaltering in his advocacy of the principles of the party, and he held all of the township offices, including that of supervisor. In early manliood he wedded Miss Jane Elizabeth Mercer, who came to Illinois from Ohio (luring the pioneer epoch in the history of this state. This union was blessed with seven children, four of whom survive, namely : Sylvester, who is retired and lives in Princeton; Mrs. Sarah Ivissick, whose home is north of Princeton: .loseph A. ; and Mrs. Eliza Bartley, of southern Kansas. The mother of these children died in 1871 and 5Ir. Brigham afterward married Carrie Dun- Imr, of Bureau county. Illinois. They became the pari'uts of two children: Charles, now of Iowa; and Curtis, of Kansas.

Joseph A. Brigham, whose name introduces this record, was reared upon the home farm, completed his education in the Princeton high school and throughout his entire life has followed farming and stock-raising, with the exception of a year or two spent in Chicago, where he was engaged in the real estate business. He is a breeder of fine Hereford cattle, Jersey red hogs and fine draft horses. He employs a man upon the farm, which is located four and a half miles from Princeton, but he gives to the work his personal supervision, and is an active, energetic agriculturist of sound Inisiness judgment and progressive spirit.

In January, 18!)(), Mr. Brigham was uuirried to Miss Martha Virden, a daughter of p]dward IJoe and .Vnna (Thompson) Virden. The father was born in Norwich, Muskingum county. Ohio, March 23, 1836, and is a son of Jerome and Sarah (Fleming) Virden. both of whom were natives of Ohio. The father was for years engaged in the shoe business in his native state but later became a contractor on the Baltimore iv: Ohio Kail road, doing work along the hills of the Ohio river. Upon the completion of the contract he removed with his family to Mount Pleasant, Iowa, making the journey by team, and there he and his wife died many years ago. Edward Koe Virden sjjent his boyhood and youth in Ohio, and in 1S.t4 accompanied his paients on their removal to Mount Pleasant, Iowa, .\fter a year, however, he came tci Princeton on a visit to his uncle. K. Laird, a druggist oi' that L-ity, aiul derided to reiiiaiii. lie secured a situation as clerk in the hardware store of A. S. & E. C. Chapman and continued in (heir employ for six years. Later ho purciiased an interest in the store and al'lerward became sole proprietor, conducting tlie business successfully until he sold out in 1S7G. In 1SG2 he enlisted in the army for one hundred days' service as a member of Company A, Sixty-ninth Regiment of Illinois Volunteers, and was commissioned lieutenant. On the expiration of that period he returni'd home but in 18(J4 he raised a comi)any at Princeton, which became Company A, One Huudred and Thirty-ninth Regiment of Illinois Volunteers. lie was commissioned captain of this company and with tlie regiment was mustered into service at Peoria in June, 18G4. He was actively engaged in duty in Jlissouri and Kentucky, following General Price, who was nuiking a raid through those states. He served out his term of enlistment and returned home, having been mustered out in November, 18()4. In ISTG Cajitain Virdcn and Captain Clark Grey purchased the controlling interest in the Farmers National Bank at Princeton, which had been organized a year or two before. Mr. Virden became president and Captain Grey cashier. The dividends of the bank had about ])aid for the original stock and Captain Virden surrendered his presidency in lSil4. He also dealt in real estate quite largely ami was the owner of between five and six thousand acres of land in Kansas and Nebraska, together witli about three hundred acres in Bureau county, Illinois. Politically he was a stanch republican and was a mcmiier of the Masonic fraternity.

On the -.'(ith of April, ISGO, Mi', \irden was married to Miss Anna Thompson, of Cambridge, Ohio, and the marriage was graced with four children, but their only son, E. L., died at the age of seventeen years. The daughters are: Nellie R., the wife of Charles Sapp, of Wyanet township, Bureau county ; and Martha and Mary, twins, the former the wife of ilr. Brigham. Mr. Virden died July l!t, ISiOl, and liis widow is still living with her daughtei' Mary in Princeton. He was a man of excellent Inisiness capacity, reliable and straightforward in all his dealings, and in citizenship in days of peaci' he manifesteil the sauie loyalty which he displayed when upon the battlelielils of the south.

Mr. and Mrs. Brigham have one daughter, Dorothy May, born March IS, 1898. They liold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is acting as an usher, as a nieml)er of the church board, as assistant su[)erintendent of the Sunday school and as president of the l']|)worth Tjcague. He is an untiring and zealous worker in the church, doing much for its advancement, growth and influence, and his lai)ors arc eiVective and far reaching. In politics he is a republican and is now .serving as alderman of the fourth ward in Princeton. He is a man of broad mind atid liiieral thought, who recognizes that man's activities should touch the various interests of society, and he has thus become a factor in the material, ])olitical and moral i)rogress of his community. He resides at No. 22G Elm street, in Prineeton, where he owns one of the beautiful homes of the city.

Albert Bonnell

Among the representatives of the farniing interests of Bureau county is Albert Bonnell, who was born iu La Moille, August 1, 1856. His parents were Silas and Mary Ann (Smith) Bonnell. The father, whose birth occurred in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, came to Bureau county in 18.51, bringing with him his family. He had been married in 1842 to Mi.ss Mary Ann Smith, also a native of Bedford county, and as the years passed ten children were born unto them, of whom Albert is the seventh in order of birth. The father and three of the sons served in the Civil war, and only one returned, the others giving their lives in defense of the Union cause upon the altar of their country.

Albert Bonnell, reared in the county of his nativity, is indebted to its public school system for the educational privileges he enjoyed in his boyhood and youth. He was early left fatherless, and in his minority his portion was largely that of hard and unremitting laljor. After he attained man's estate he sought a companion and helpmate for life's journey, and was married to Miss Julia A. Craft, who was born in Stark county, Illinois, February 15, 1858, and died on the 10th of May, 1881. They became the parents of two children, of whom one died in infancy, while Mrs. Ida Ross still survives.

In order to provide for his family Mr. Bonnell followed farming, and is now the owner of one hundred and lifty and a half acres of choice land, upon which are sultstantial buildings, standing in the midst of fine shade trees, which add to the value and beauty of the place. His farm comprises one of the fine locations of the county, and is attractive in its neat and thrifty appearance. Mr. Bonnell is now engaged in raising I'oland China hogs, and also buys and feeds cattle, using the products of his fields in this way.

He votes with the republican parly, and in religious faith is a Methodist, belonging to the church of that denomination in La Moille. Truly a self-made man, he gained his start in the business world by working by the month as a farm hand, and after making purchase of land he labored diligently and jiersistently, allowing no obstacle to bar his path if it could be overthrown by industry and determination. He is today one of the leading and prosperous farmers of the county, and is a man trusted and esteemed by friends and neighbors. He is assessor of his township at the present writing and has been school director for a miinber of years. The cause of education finds in him a warm and stalwart friend, and he withliolds liis support from no movement for the general good. He has ably fought life's battles and has come oS victor in the strife, and today he possesses not only a good farming property, but also an honorable name, his record being in harmony with his professions as a member of the church.

James Waugh

James Waugh is now living retired in Princeton. For many years he was one of the best known stockmen, not only of Bureau county but of central Illinois as well, and the extent and importance of his business interests in this connection gained him a place among the substantial residents of tile county, bringing to him a measure of prosperity that now enables him to leave the more arduous duties of an active business career to otiiers, while he enjoys a well earned rest.

His natal day was November 19. 1833, and the ])lace of his birth Somerset county, Pennsylvania. His parents, James and Elizabeth Jane (Parks) Waugh, removed from West Virginia to Pennsylvania at an early day and the father served as a soldier in the war of 1812, while both the paternal and maternal grandfathers of our subject were soldiers of the Revolutionary war. On going to the Keystone state James Waugh, Sr., became interesteil in stage lines there in early days l)efore the era of railroad transportation and was one of the stockholders in the old stage line operating between Philadelphia and Pittsburg. He was connected with that business there for several years and on coming to the west he brought with him some of tiie old stages that had been used in that section of the country. Locating in Springfield, Illinois, he operated a stage line between that city and Chicago for several years and on selling out he removed to Peru, La Salle county, Illinois, where he purchased the old National Hotel, which he began conducting. At the same time he also operated quite extensively in land, which he bought and sold. He was very successful in both lines of business for several years or until he made a large loan of twenty-two thousand dollars to an old friend, who swindled him out of this amount, so that he lost most of his earnings of former years. He still retained large landed interests but, this being unimproved property, he derived no income therefrom. He left Peru and went to Lost Grove in La Salle county, twelve miles from Peru, purchasing all of the land at that grove, where he owned an entire section. His house and another dwelling were the only ones in that vicinity and at one time Daniel Webster was entertained at the Waugh home. With characteristic encrg}' Mr. Waugh set to work to retrieve his lost possessions, cleared his land and began farming. He also became interested in the old plank road between Peru and Dixon and, making his home at Lost Grove, he carried on general farming and stock-raising there until his death, which occured in 1862, while his wife survived until 1863. There were fourteen children in their famih', nine of whom are now deceased. Most of them died in California save one son, who was murdered in this state. Of the five living members of the family three daughters reside in Los .Vn^ek's, California, while Rankin is engaged in the live-stock commission business in Chicago.

James Waugh, whose name introduces tiiis record, attended the public schools of Peru, where he accjuired a liberal education. After removing to Lost Grove he assisted his father on the farm and when only a boy he began dealing in stock himself, buying and trading and making shipments to the Chicago markets. As the years passed by he increased his operations in that line and engaged in business in the vicinity of his old home until 1857, when he went west to California, locating in the southern part of that state, where he was engaged in the stock business and in mining for five years. In 1863 he returned to Illinois and settled in Princeton, where he began to buy and ship stock. Also noting a good opening for a meat market in Princeton, he established a business of that character and at one time owned and conducted two markets here, employing several men in the conduct of the business. He traveled all over Bureau county and this part of the state for many years, buying cattle and other stock, and at one time was regarded as the best judge of stock in Bureau county. During this period he also owned two meat markets in Elmwood, Peoria county, Illinois, which he conducted for a few years, carrying on an extensive l)usiness in all of his retail estalilishments.

Mr. Waugh was married in Chicago to Miss Elizabeth Wood, a native of Wyoming county. New York, and a daughter of Lewis and Sophronia Wood, who were natives of the Empire state and in 1845 removed to Illinois. For a short time they lived in Chicago and then became residents of Dupage county. Illinois, making the overland trip with ox teams. For four years they resided ujioii a farm in tliat county and then came to Bureau county, where Mr. Wood purchased a farm in Dover township, carrying on general agricultural pursuits there until his death in 1863, at the age of forty-seven years. Sirs. Wood died in ^falden at the advanced age of eighty years. She had two sons in the army, one of whom was injured at he front and died while in the hospital at Covington, Kentuck-V'. Mrs. Wood went south to care for him, remaining across the river from Covincton at Cincinnati, and while there she boarded in General Grant's home.

lives in Davenport, Iowa, where he is manager of the T. A. Wood creamery. Gertrude is the wife of Henry A. Mead, manager for the International Salt Company in Chicago. Those deceased are: Grace, who died at the age of eighteen years and six months; one who died unnamed in infancy ; Bertha, who passed away when eight nioiitlis ohj ; and Katie when four months old.

Mr. Waugh continued to engage in the stock business in this county until 1!K)0, when he determined to put aside the arduous duties and labors of an active business career and live retired, but iutiuiencc and idleness are utterly foreign to his nature and he cannot content himself witiiout some business interests. He therefore travels to some extent over the county and does a little buying and selling. He has never cared for public office nor has he held positions of political preferment. He votes witii the democracy where national questions are involved, but at local election.^ casts an independent ballot. Tins work would l}e incomplete without the record of the Waugh family, one of the most prominent of Bureau county, for during many years Mr. Waugh has been a most successful business man and a recognized leader in live-stock interests. He owns a nice home at No. -iOi South Pleasant street, where he and his wife reside, and the labors of his former years make it possible for him to enjoy all of life's comforts and many of its luxuries, while his career demonstrates the possibilities of the simultaneous attainment of success and an honored name.

Harmon E. Curtis

Conducting business interests in harmony with modern ideas of commercial progress, watchful of every opportunity pointing to success, and utilizing every honorable means at hand for the development of his trade interests, Harmon E. Curtis is now meeting with merited prosperity as a dealer in lumber, building materials and coal in Tiskihva. He has thus been identified with the comiiiercial interests of the town since December, 1890, and is the only lumber dealer here.

One of Bureau county's native sons, his birth occurred in Sheffield in 1854, his father being James M. Curtis, now deceased. He was born at Schaghticoke, R'ennsclaci' county. Xew ^'oi'k. August 2, 1822, a son of Daniel ami Mehitable (Masters) Curtis, also natives of the Empire state. They removed to Otsego county. New York, about 1823, but in 18.'?7 returned to the vicinity of their old homo in Rensselaer county. \ farmer by occupation, Daniel Curtis followed that pursuit in order to provide a livelihood for l)is fainilv, continuously carrying on the work of the fields save for the period of his service as a soldier of the war of 1812. He died in New York, while his wife passed away in Davenport. Iowa, when nearly eighty-seven years of age. In their family were

James M. Curtis was reared upon a farm in the Empiie state, and at tlie age of sixteen years began working for others at a salary of seven dollars per month, which was given for the support of the family. He afterward returned to the home place and assisted in the cultivation of his fathers farm until he readied the age of twenty years. His education was acfjuired in the public schools of New York am! in the academy at West Poultney, Vermont, so that lie was well fitted for teaching, which occupation lie began following when nineteen years of age. 'J'he year 1848 witnessed his arrival in Illinois, at which time he located in Adams county, where he had two uncles living. For three winter seasons and one summer he was engaged in teaching school there, and in the fall of ISlit joined his brother ilark on a ]irospecting tour for land. They proceeded by steamboat from Quiney to St. Ijouis and thence to Peoria, where they started on foot for a trip through Bureau county, and after choosing a location they walked to Dixon, where the government land office was located. They made their entries and thence proceeded in the same manner of travel to Quincy. Their selection was a .section of land in Concord township, the claim of James Curtis covering the southeast ipiarter of section 18 and the southwest (juartcr of section IT, while his brother secured the northeast and northwest quarters of the same sections. In the spring of 1849 they had taken a trip into Iowa to see the country, walking from Quincy to Nauvoo, wher(> they crossed the river and thence proceeded on foot to jMuscatine. where they embarked on a steamer for Quincy.

On the Ihih of December, 18.")0, James Curtis was married to Miss Helen Maria Stevenson, who lived in Adams county, about ten miles east of Quincy. She was born in Carroll county, Maryland, February 7, 1831, a daughter of Basil D. and Henrietta (Wells) Stevenson, who came with their family to Illinois in 1837. TTnto Mr. and Mrs. Curtis were born six children: Clifton, now of Davenport, Iowa; Harmon K. ; Jessie May, tlie wife of Clayton C. Pervier, of Bureau county; Charles Edgar, living on the home farm; Helen Maria, who died at tlie age of nineteen years, and Carrie Belle, the widow of Bradford Reed Battey, of Tiskihva. The mother passed away November 7, 1871. and on the iifh of January, 1878, James M. Curtis married Miss Maria C. Hice, of Hannibal. Oswego county. New York. There was one son of this union, Robert Rice Curtis. In the spring of 18.")1 the father located upon his land, bringing with him to the county a capital of two hundred and fifty dollars. He built a small house of lumiier, most of which was sawi'<l at Stephens mill, and he occupied his first dwelling until during the jieriod of the Civil war. when he ertnted the residence now standing on the place. There he engaged in general farming and feeding stock. and his farm today is one of the best cultivated properties of Concord townsliip. He resided continuoush- in that township from 18.')1, and became one of the extensive landholders, owning one thousand acres of fine laud in Concord township and seven hundred acres in Gold township. He rose from a humble financial position until he was one of the wealthy citizens of the county, and the most envious could not grudge him his success, 60 honorably was it won. A republican in his political views, he served for nine years as supervisor of Concord township, and was actively and helpfullv interested in many progressive public movements. He was a member of the Unitarian church of Shetficld and a man who merited and enjoyed the highest respect of all with whom he came in contact, so that his death, which occurred in July, 1902, was the occasion of deep and widespread regret. His record, however, compassed almost four score years, and his life was one of usefulness, activity and honor.

Harmon E. Curtis, educated in the schools of Shetfield, remained at home until 188G, his time and energies being devoted to farming. He then went to Union county, Iowa, where he remained for two years, after which he was engaged in the lumber business for five years at Arcadia, Nebraska. The succeeding two and a half years were passed as a lumber merchant at North Platte, Nebraska, and, returning to Arcadia, he was engaged in the banking business there for a year. In 1895 he again took up his abode at Shetfield, where he remained until his removal to Tiskilwa in 1899. when he purchased the lumber yard of B. R. Battey and has since Iteen accounted one of the leading business men of this town. He deals in lumber. lath, doors, windows, shingles, lime and cement, as well as hard and soft coal, and is conducting an extensive and profitable business, having now a liberal patronage. He also owns two hundred and twenty acres of land in Concord township and personally gives his supervision to the operation of the farm.

Mr. Curtis was married in 1878 to Miss Jennie Moore, of Sheffield, a daughter of D. (!. Moore. an old settler of Bureau county, now living with Mr. C'urtis. They have two children: Mark D.. twenty-six years of age. who married Clara Booth, of Sheffield, and lives in Tiskilwa with his father, and Claudia, twenty-four years of age. the wife of Claude I. Ring, a mail carrier of Tiskilwa.

Mr. Curtis is a stalwart advocate of republican principles, but has never consented to hold office. He belongs to Ames lodge. No. 15.5, .\. F. & A. M.. of Tiskilwa, also the Odd Fellows society and the Modern Woodmen camp of Sheffield, while in Tiskilwa he is identified with the Domestic Cuild and the Eastern Star, and both he and his wife have taken the Rebekah degree in Odd Fellowship. They have a very wide and favorable acquaintance, not only in Tiskilwa. but in other parts of the county, and are valued representatives of the community. In an analyzation of his character it will be seen that enterprise is perhaps Mr. Curtis" dominant trait, and he is a prominent business man who has found that success is ambition's answer.

Thomas E. Wood

Thomas E. Wood, a manufacturer of ice cream, with a factory in Princeton and one at Earlville, La Salle county, Illinois, is numbered among the native sons of this state, his liirth having occurred in Boone county on the loth of March, 1844. His father, Jacob A. Wood, was born in Canada, and became a citizen of the United States through the constitutional amendment of 1848. He was a blacksmith by trade, and for many years followed that pursuit in McHenry county, Illinois.

Thomas E. \\'ood lived in his native county until March, 1892, when he came to Princeton, where he has since resided. His education was acquired in the public schools, and in his youth he learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed to the age of twenty-six years, after which he devoted fifteen years to general farming. He met with fair success in that undertaking, and on selling his farm he tui'ned his attention to the creamery business as representative of the Elgin Creamery Company. Seeking a still broader field of labor, and one that he believed would prove more advantageous to him, he came to Princeton in the fall of 1891 and built an ice cream plant. In March, 1892, he removed to this city, and has been operating his plant since that time. In the spring of 190.5 he further extended the scope of his labors by the estalilishment of a plant in Earlville, Illinois, and he is now conducting an extensive and profitable trade. He makes shipments to various [tarts of the county, and his output covers a large territory. His extensive trade is indicative of the excellent quality of his product, and he justly merits the success which is attending his eiiEorts in this direction.

On November U), 18(59, Mr. Wood was married to Miss Isabelle Sinton, of ^Idlenry county, Illinois, who was born in 1844. Her parents were of Irish descent, and members of the Society of Friends. In 1832 they located in McHenry county, where they took up government land and continued to make their home throughout the remainder of their lives, dying in 1892. Mr. and Mrs. Wood now have one son. Frank E., who is a painter and contractor in (irinnell, Iowa. He married Miss Nellie Morris, of Grinnell. and they have one child, Wilbur.

Mr. Wood is well known in political circles as an advocate of republican principles, and in 1899 and 1900 he represented the third ward of Princeton on the board of aldermen. He belongs to Peace lodge. No. 428. T. O. O. F.. in which he has passed all of die chairs and in the work of which he takes a ver}' active and helpful part. He is also a leading member in the encampment, and is past grand patriarch. He has assisted in initiating more members into the lodge than any other man in Bureau county, and his identiiicalion with Odd Fellowship dates from ISSG, when he joined Big Thunder lodge. No. 28, of Belvidere, Boone county, Illinois. He also joined the encampment, the canton of Kewanee and the Eebckah lodge at Belvidere, and he is deeply interested in this fraternity and its growth and the accomplishment of its purposes. He is popular with its representatives in this part of the state, and in business circles he has made for himself an enviable name.

Max Paul Seibel

Among the citizens of Bureau county whose labors have directly and largely benefited the village of Manlius is numl)ercd Max Paul Seibel, cashier of the First State Bank of Manlius and treasurer of the New Bedford Creamery Company. He also laid out an addition to the village, whereon arc found the best business houses and finest residence section, and while promoting his individual interests he has also contributed largely to general i>rngress and prosperity.

Born in Manlius township, April 8, 1869, he is a son of J. Jacob Seibel, deceased, who was born in Breidenstein in the archduchy of Hesse, Germany, Novemlier 23, 1S16. He attended school the recjuired number of years and then assisted his father on the farm. However, after the <lay"s work was done he would walk to the adjoining village and attend the drawing school. AVliile yet a young man he learned engineering and for some time followed that business in his native country. In 1850 he came to the United States, but being unable to speak English he found it impossible to secure a situation as an engineer in this countrA' and for some time was employed as a carpenter in Ohio and later in St. Louis. He then went to California, attracted by the discovery of gold on the Pacific coast, and after a successful year in the mines returned to "the states" by way of the isthmus route. He remained in Pennsylvania for a short time and was there marrictl to Miss Priseilla P. Foliet, who was born in Susi(U('lianna county, Pennsylvania, ilarch -I, 1828. Tlic wedding was celcliratc<l February 9, 1852, after which they came immediately to Bureau county, where Mr. Seibel first purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Manlius township, which he began to improve. Few men possessed more energy or stronger determination to win sut'C-ess in life, and hands and brain were constantly at work. During the war, when it was difficult to employ labor, he began inventing and experimenting on labor-saving machines and was the first to begin building harvesters to carry binders. He made them work successfullv on his farm.

but it was hard to introduce new macliines and before this could be accomplished others iiad patterned after him and reaped the benefit of his genius, so that in the enter])rise, instead of making money, he lost bctweui thirty and forty thousand dollars and finally the engine and machinery were put into till- plant of the Buda .Manufacturing Company and after the failure of that company the machinery was sold and Mr. Scibel's estate received nothing. He was, however, successful as a farmer and stock-raiser and at the time of liis death owned sixteen hundred acres of land in Bureau county. He and his son Frank wi^re both killed in a railroad collision at Knglcwood, when on their wav to Chicago with stock, March 11, 1880.

In the family were twelve children : Celia K., who was born February 17, 1853, and married George W. Beggs, of Glidden, Iowa; George E., who was born November 5, 1851, and married Eva McNaughton : Chloe F., born November 15, 185G; Charles II., born October 25, 1858; Fred, who was born August G, 18C0, and died at the age of six months; Frank L., born November 21, 1861; Mark B., born November 27, 1863; Clark J., born October 8, 1865; Herman M.. who was born August 30, 1867, and died in August, 1868; Max P. ; Lillv M., who was born November 16, 1871. and died April 8. 1875; and Karl B.. born .\pril 30, 1875.

Max P. Seibel was educated in the common schools and in Elliott's Business College, at Burlington, Iowa, which he attended until 1888. He then returned to the home farm and managed the estate until the spring of 18!)9, when he was appointed deputy county treasurer, entering upon the duties of the office on the 1st of .July and serving until February, 1902. when he resigned and organized the First State Bank of Manlius, of which he was elected cashier on the 21st of March, 1902, the bank opening for business on the 14th of June of the same year, with William C. Dale as president. The directors are William Dale. .Max P. Seibel. F. J. Anderson. P. A. Uathrop and W. S. Pudiger. The records of the bank present a most creditable showing, for the institution has been attended with success from the beginning, under the al)]e management of Mr. Seibel. In other lines of business he has also been active and other enterprises have felt the stimulus of his co-operation and energy. He was secretary of the New Bedford Creamery Company until 1899, when he resigned on becoming deputy county treasurer. At the present writing he is treasurer of the creamery company. The town of Manlius owes much to his efforts for its improvement, as he has laid out a fine addition, containing seventy-seven lots, on which arc four of the best brick business houses in the town as well as the finest residence portion.

Ellen Nelson, farming people of Manlius township. Three children were born to them, but Pearl James and auotlier died in infancy and the mother died March 1. 1899, leaving a son. Glee Page, born September 11, 1893.

In politics Mr. Seibel is a republican and takes an active interest in party work, desiring the success and adoption of its principles. He filled the office of town clerk for eight years and all public trusts reposed in him have been faithfully discharged. Fraternally he is connected with the Odd Fellows lodge at New Bedford, of which he is noble grand. His entire life has been passed in this county and his enterprise and energy have proven potent factors in the progress and upbuilding of thi.s community and at the same time a source of gratifying revenue to himself. All who know him esteem him and those who come within the closer circle of friendship have for him the warmest personal regard.

Rubert Eugene Webb

Hubert Eugene Webb, a representative of the farming interests of Bureau county, is still living in Concord, his native township, wliere he was born April 13, 1873. He is a son of Frank D. and Augusta M. Webb. The fath(>r, a farmer by occupation, came to Illinois in 1851, arriving at Buda on the 12th of October. He journeyed westward from his former home at Skowhegan, Maine, and here devoted his energies to general farming and stock-buying, becoming one of the leading Viusincss men of the comnumity.

Rubert E. Webb acquired his education in the schools of Buda and has devoted his entire life to general agricultural pursuits, having received ample training in tlie work of the fields through the period of his boyliood and youth when not busy with his text books. The practical experience wliich he thus gained has proved of immense value to him as he has managed his individual business interests. He now lives in Concord township, where he operates one hundred and seventyfive acres of land, constituting a well improved and valuable property. He is a breeder of Hereford cattle and Poland China liogs.

Mr. Webb was united in marriage to Miss Grace Curtis Mosher, a daughter of B. H. and Julia Mosher, of Buda, where the father is successfully engaged in merchandising. The wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Wel)b was celebrated on the 4th of March, 1896. and has been blessed with one son, Frank Daniel Webb, born ATarrh 13, 1900.

In his political views "Mr. Webb is a stalwart republican, taking an active interest in the work of the party in both county and state, and his efforts have been an active factor in its local successes, while his opinions have carried weight in its councils. He has acted as school director for nine years and township director for one year. He is a prominent member of Buda lodge, No. 339, A. F. & A. M., at Buda, in which he has served as both junior and senior deacon and as junior warden. He is thoroughly in sympathy with the teachings and tenets of the craft and is recognized as one of the prominent representatives of its local lodge.

Benjamin F. Williams

Benjamin F. Williams, deceased, was well known in trade circles in Sheffield and Bureau county as an extensive dealer in grain. He was a self-made man who met with excellent success in his undertakings, being far-sighted and possessing good business judgment. His life record began in New Jersev on the 29th of June. 1827, and in his youth he accompanied his parents on their removal to Ohio, being engaged in merchandising at McDonaldsville, that state, for a time. There he was married at the age of twenty-three years to Miss Margaret C. Palmer, the wedding being celebrated November 12, 1850. ;Mrs. Williams was born in Hagerstown, Maryland, September 7, 1832, but was only two years old wlieii she accomjianied her parents on their removal to Ohio, where she was reared. At the age of seventy-four years she is still hale and hearty and is an active member of the Unitarian church.

In 1853 ]\Ir. Williams removed to the Iloosier state and for four years was engaged in merchandising at Lakesville, Indiana. At the end of that period, thinking to enjoy better business opportunities west of the Mississippi, he made his way by wagon to Iowa, and passing through Sheffield, Illinois, while en route for that state, he noted with interest the prospects of the little town. After two years spent in Iowa he returned to Sheffield and for several years dealt extensively in furs, which l\e bought of the Indians throughout the state. He also engaged in the boot and shoe business for a few years and then entered the grain trade, which he conducted continuously and successfully up to the time of his demise, whicli occurred on the 22d of December, 1894. Through his operations in grain he furnislicd a good market for the producers in this section of the state and he made large shipments, so that his commercial interests brought liiin a good linaiicial income.

ITnto Mr. and Mrs. Williams were born four children: Lcora A., tlie wife of Ilenrv W. Booth, a nirrcliant of Sheffield: May Arabella, the wife of William W. Dewey, a jnerchant of Ilenrv; Lila, who resides at home with her mother: and Benjamin S., a srain merchant of Sheffield, who succeeded his father in business.

members of the fi-aternity in this community. He took a deep interest in the work of the craft and was in thorough sympathy with it? principles and teachings. In all of his business relations he was found reliable and trustworthy, never taking advantage of the necessities of his feilowmen in any business transaction. He stood, too, for good citizenship and for public progress in community affairs and his co-operation could always be counted upon for the furtherance of any movement that promised to prove of value to Slietheld and Bureau county. In his social relations he also manifested commendable traits of character, so that his death was the occasion of wide spread ami uniform regret.

William H. Meyer is one of the progressive and prominent farmers of Clarion township, owning a valuable tract of land splendidly equipped with all modern improvements. His residence stands in the midst of a beautiful grove of shade trees which he planted. There is a natural gas well on the place which supplies the house with heat and light, and with telephone connection and free mail delivery there are none of the advantages of city life which are lacking, while those of a rural existence are likewise enjoyed.

Jfr. ileyer was born in Clarion township, December 2, 18.54, his parents being John F. and Barbara (Geuther) Meyer, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father's birth occurred at Hilla in Westphalia. Germany, October 25, 1819. In the year 1844 he became a resident of Charleston. South Carolina, and in 1847 removed to La Moille. Illinois, where he engaged in farming. Jn 1849 he purchased what is now known as the old homestead on which his daughter, j\Irs. Kroton, with her family, now resides. There were four sons and one daughter: William 11.; John C, now in Spring Hill, Whiteside county, Illinois; Henry A., of Erie, Illinois; Herman, a resident farmer of Clarion township ; and Mrs. H. Kroton, who occupies the old homestead. The father died October 2, 190,1, while the mother's death occurred June 24. 1866. He had continued actively in farm life up to the time of his demise.

William IT. Meyer acquired his education in the public schools of his native township and in the village school of I^a Moille. He was reared to the occupation of the farm and has always followed general agricultural pursuits with the exception of a period of three years spent in a store in La Moille. from 1877 until 1880, and about three months passed as a clerk in a store in Juniata, Nebraska. He afterward engaged in farming for three seasons in Nebraska and later returned to Clarion township, settling on section 21, where he yet makes his home. He is actively engaged in farming and that his life is one of industry and enterprise is indicated by the splendid appearance of his place. He is now the owner of one hundred and forty-one acres of fine land in the home farm, in ad(iition to which he has three hundred and eighty-four acres in Nebraska and three hundred and twenty acres in Te.xas. He has here a beautiful residence which he built himself and the well kept lawn is adorned by numy fine shade trees that were planted with his own hands. All of the buildings upon the place are model and substantial structures and there is a twenty-si.\ pound pressure gas well which supplies heat an<l light to the house. There is likewise telephone connection with the surrounding towns and a daily mail delivery. The mode of living of the farmer today is in marked contrast to that of fifty years ago, when he who lived ui)on a farm was cut off from many of the advantages enjoyed by residents of the cities. There was also much hard manual labor in connection with the development of the fields, for nearly all of the work was done by hand. The improved machinery has revolutionized all this and every equipment and convenience of city life may now be enjoyed by the farmer. Mr. Meyer, as a progressive citizen, has secured all of these advantages for his family and has now one of the model places of the county.

Happily married December 11, 1884, the year of his return to Illinois, Mr. Meyer ciiose as a companion and helpmate for life's journey Miss Mary C. Krooss, who was born in La Moille township, June 14, 1867, and is a daughter of Henry and Sophia (Weigmann) Krooss, both of whom were natives of Germany, the former born in Bederkesa and the latter in Hanover. The paternal grandfather was born in the same country October 30, 1795, and lived to be nearly ninetyseven years of age, dying on the 19th of July, 1892, in La Moille, while making his home with his son. He lived with a son in New York city from 1867 until 1872, but jireferring country life he came to La Jloille. When a youth of seventeen years he served as a soldier of the war of 1812 and throughout his entire life his soldierly bearing and carriage were manifest in marked degree. To the end he remained as erect as when he was in military training. Henry Krooss, father of Mrs. Mey<>r. came to tiie United States in 1861, landing in Xew York city, where for one year he engaged in clerking in his brother's store. He then came to the middle west and settled in Bureau county and engaged in farming. The following year lie was joined by his wife and they lived with their family upon the farm for aiiout three years. On the expiration of that period they removed to Mendota. Illinois, where they remained for a year and subsequently they took up their abode in La Moille, where Mr. Krooss purchased the brickyard which he owned and conducted up to the time of his death, passing awav Novemlipr 5, 1886. His wife continued the business until her demise on the 1st of October, 1901. In their family were two sons and two daughters: Mrs. Meyer; Ferdinand C. Krooss, now in Triumph, Minnesota; Mrs. Henrietta F. Blown, living at Maple Park, Illinois; and Henry IT., who occupies the old home at La Moille and is engaged in the conduct of the brickyard at one time owned by his father.

Unto Mr. and ilrs. Meyer have been born four daughters: Alma Henrietta, born December 6, 1885; Eda Justina, July 4, 1887; Leola Catherina, April 14, 1890; and Renetta Marie, November IG, 1891. The family circle yet remains unbroken, the daughters being still under the parental roof. Mr. Meyer and his family are all members of the German Lutheran church and they are people of social prominence, occupying an enviable position in the community where they reside.

Politically Mr. Meyer is a stalwart republican and is entirely satisfied with the administration of the party. He has held the office of tax assessor for three years and for fifteen years was school director in Clarion township. His ofiBcial diities have been discharged with promptness and fidelity and in all life's relations he is recognized as a man of genuine personal worth, meriting the csTppm which is so uniformly extended him. He represents one of the old and prominent families of the county and well deserves mention in this volume.

Nathan Rackley

Nalhan Racklcy, deceased, was a valued and ])romincnt factor in pioneer life in this county, and the history would be incomplete without mention of him. Born in Orange county, Vermont, on the 15th of December, 1800, he was reared in New England, and while still living in the place of his nativity was nuirried to Miss Susan Judd, who was also born in Orange county, March fi, 1801. The wedding was celebrated on the 28th of January, 1820, and after living for a number of years in the Green Mountain state they came to Illinois in the spring of 1836. A few Indians still lingered in this part of the state, although the greater number of the red men had left after the Black Hawk war. iluch of the land, however, was still unclaimed and uncultivated, and was covered with its native prairie grasses. Mr. Rackley secured a tract of land in Berlin township and remained upon the farm, which he there developed and cultivated, until called to his final rest. He and his wife were among the earlier pioneers, and experienced the hardships incident to the establishment of a home on the frontier. There were many hardships to be met, difficulties to be overcome and obstacles to be borne. The Indians would frequently visit the neighborhood and demand fund of the white settlers. There were manv uild prairie wolves, and on more than one occailon Mrs. Rackley, who was renowned as one of the bravest women of this part of the country, stood with an axe to protect herself from the wild animals. It is said that she could fight a prairie jii-e with any man in the county, and it was necessary to do so at times, for the fires would break out in the dry ])rairie grasses in the late fall and hazard the safety of the homes and settlers. In 1837 it became necessary for Mr. Rackley to return to New York to settle up an estate wliich he left there. He was gone so long that his wife beixime alarmed and the supply of provisions ran low. Starvation seemed to stare the family in the face, but Mrs. Rackley with resolute spirit faced the situation and fanned out a bushel of wheat by hand, after which she took it to the old red mill that then stood on the bank oT Bureau creek, but is now no more. The miller told her that he could not grind her wheat that day. That was more than she could stand, and the rebolute woman broke down in tears. Seetag her necessity, the miller then ground her wheat the next hour, so home she went with the flour tiirtt meant so much to the family, for they had had nothing to eat for several days. In those pioneer times Phebe Rackley on many an occasion would go a mile for coals in order to light the fire. There were no matches, and if the fire would go out they would have to borrow a little fire from a neighbor in order to again start the flame in their own fireplace. They used for light at that time a piece of rag in a dish of grease. All of the farm work was done by hand, and there were many hard- .sliips and privations to be borne, but the family set to work to overcome these, and in course of time prospered.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Rackley were born four children, two sons and two daughters: George, I ouisa, Nathan F. and Phebe A. Of thes(! only two are now living: Mrs. D. K. Morris and (jeorge

The father was a prosperous farmer, and at the time of his death owned a good tract of land of one hundred and twenty acres, which had been ( ultivated and improved through his own labor. I!e kept in touch with the spirit of modern progress as manifest in agricultural development. In bis later years, when he became enfeebled, both he and his wil'e went to live in the home of their (laughter, Mrs. Morris, and from there were laid to rest, the latter passing away on the 14th of .Fuue, 1892, while the death of Mr. Rackley occurred on the 25th of April, 1894, when he was nineiy-four years of age. He was one of the most venerable citizens as well as one of the earliest settlers of the county, and as such was everywhere respected and honored. The strong traits of bis character had won for him the confidence and good will of all, and wherever he was known he was highly esteemed. His political allegience was trivcn to the republican party. The home ever abo.inclcfl with the old-tiniu spirit of frontier hospitality, and was ever open for the reception of the ministers of dill'erent denominations who visited tJij county, and who always received a warm welcome there. Mr. Kaekley was not only a witmss of, but was actively associatt'd with, maay events which have left their impress upon the history of the county in its development and upbuilding, and he was especially helpful in reclaiming the wild land for the uses of civilization when the county was converted from a frontier district into a region of rich fertility, constituting one of the leadiuK counties of the comnionweallli.

Zopher Philemon Humphreys, deceased, was born in St. Joseph, ilichigan, October 13, 1831, and came to ShelHeld. Illinois, about 18-18 ere the town was organized. He was then a young man of seventeen years and for about three years lie engaged in farming. When the railroad was extended as far as Sheffield he l)ecame a lireman on the engine and was thus em|iloyed until about 1855, when he invested bis earnings in a farm of eighty acres near ShetKeld. He also bought teams and began the development and improvement of that property, w^hich he cultivated until the early '60s, when he sold out an<l Ijought three hundred acres of land in ^lineral township. Upon the latter farm he continued to resi<le until 1S!)4, when he disposed of that place and invested in three hundred and forty acres in ^[ineral township,whereon he resided until liH)5.wben be renteil that place and bought an eighty acre tract adjoining Mineral, ten acres being within the corporation limits. Here he built a residence and made it his home until his death. Tie was a wide-awake an<l energetic agriculturist, keeping in touch with jnodern methods of farm work, and his well tilled fields brought forth generous barvests, his indefatigable energy constituting the basis of his success.

On the 13t.h of December. 1861. :\Ir. Humphreys was marri(>d to Miss Mary JIarrilla Case, a daughter of Gilbert and Martha (Wright) Case, who came from Ohio to Bureau county in 1850, establishing their home in Sheffield. Unto Jlr and Mrs. Humi)hreys were born the following children: William Walter, who was born January

5, 1863, is a carpenter and farmer living in Montana. Charles Edwin, born .Tantiary 25, 1867, and now following farming, was married .Tanuary

6, 1806, to Miss Amelia Gingrich, a daughter of Otto Gingrich, a farmer. Dora Mav. born August 1. ISrO, was married October 30, 1,S<I3, to William B. Carr, of Sheffield. Effie Emeline. born January 5, 1873, became the wife of Owen Sleeks, a farmer of Sheffield, on the 11th of September, 1891. Frederick Lee. born June 26. 1878. is engaged in general agricultural pursuits. Hiram

Franklin, born January 15, 1884, is a farmer and was married .\pril 4, 1905, to .\da. daughter of John Riley, of Mineral townsbip, and they have one child, Wilber. Opal Blanch, born October 13, 1887, died on the 15th of February, 1888.

The death of the husband and father occurred July 11, 1906, and was the occasion of deep and widespread regret among bis many friends as well as to his immediate lamilv. He .^erved as scbocil director and was also road commissioner anil he gave not only approl)ation but heart co-operation to many progressive public movements. He stood as a leader in agricultural progress an<l was one of the foremost farmers of the county. He brought the first traction engine and thresher into his townsbip and carried on his business interests so carefully and ai)ly that he soon ceased to be a renter and as the years passed aiided to his holdings until he had a very valualtle and well improved farm. Mr. Humphreys was a selfmade man and the first forty acres of land which he luirchased he gave to his father in order to prevent him from moving farther west in order to get cheap land. He then went to work to make a new start and at length jirosperitv came to him. He always abided by the golden rule and was highly respected by all who knew him. His wife is still livinsr and continues to enjov good health.

C. F. Olson

It is ever a matter of wonder the progress made by foreign-born citizens in America who. coming to this country without knowledge of the language, customs or habits of the people, readily adajit themselves to altered conditions, im])rove their opportunities and work tlieir way steadily and rapidly upward until they occupy foremost positions in the various communities in which they live. To this class of citizens belongs C. F. Olson, now numbered among the representative residents of Arispie township, Bureau county.

Born in Sweden in 1817, lie is a son of Olaf and Cbrisline Ericson, who were born and died in Sweden. The son acquired his education in the |iui)lie schools of his native country, and, realizing that the chances for advancement were comparatively few in his native land, he resolved to enjoy the broader opportunities furnished by the new world, and in 1867. when twenty years of age. came to the Ignited States, making his way direct to Princeton. For two years he was employed as a farm band and afterwartl occupied a position in (be plow factory in J'rinceton for eight years. In (be meiintime he had l)W'ome owner of a house in Princelon, which he (railed for forty a<Tes of land in Aris|)ie township. He afterward traded his farm for a tract of eighty acres, which he later sold and then bought a one hundred acre fnrru uiiiin wliicli he now resides, in 1S96. He has prae- tically made all of the iinproveniunts here and has equipped his place with the modern accessories and conveniences which go to facilitate farm work and render rural life pleasant.

In 1869 Mr. Olson cho.se a companion and helpmate for life's journey, heing married in that year to iliss Anna Matilda Johnson, who was born in .Sweden. They ijecame the parents of seven children, of whom Simon, the eldest, was killed in Kansas City, Missouri, while engaged on the construction of an elevator. The others are Oscar, Selma, Henry, Jennie. Hulda and Joseph.

In his political views Mr. Olson is independent, and although he is not neglectful of the duties of citizenship he has never sought or desired otKce, preferring to aid in the advancement of public progress as a private citizen. He belongs to the Swedish Baptist church and is interested in all that pertains to the material and moral improvement of the community. His is a notable and creditable record. He landed in New York without capital or friends, ignorant of the language and customs of the people. In his need, however, he met a fellow countryman who was coming to Princeton and they journeyed together, reaching their destination five days after leaving New York. In the early years Mr. Olson had a hard struggle, but he has conquered and is today one of the substantial representatives of farming interests in the county. His industry, native intelligence and unfaltering lionesty have beeii strong elements in his success and he has worked his way steadily upward from a humble position to one of atlluence, and his fine farm is the visible evidence of his life of thrift and industry. He has seen many changes in the county during the years of his residence here and no native son is more loyal to its interests or takes more genuine delight in its growih and development than does C. F. Olson.

Michael F. Coffey

Michael F. Coft'ey, owning an interest in a valualde farm of one hundred and seventy-three acres, situated in Berlin township. Bureau county, was born December ."5, 1874, in the county which is still his home. His parents are Michael and Ellen (Cainpon) Cod'ey, iioth natives of Ireland, whence they emigrated to America in early life and were married in Illinois. In their family were six children, of whom two davighters and the subject of this review still survive, while three have passed away, and the father is also deceased.

Michael F. CotTey, the only surviving son of the father's family, was educated in the common schools of Bureau county, and on putting aside his text-books engaged in farming, the occupation to which be had been reared. He is making his home with his mother and sisters on a farm of one hundred and seventv-three acres of valuable farming land situated in Berlin township, in which estate he has an interest. Here he carries on general agricultural pursuits, raising the cereals best adapted to soil and climate. On the place are found many modern improvements, and he keeps everything in excellent condition, so that the fann is one of the best in Berlin township. He displays .splendid ability in the management of his business affairs, so that he not only derives individual benelit but also adds to the financial resources of his mother and sisters, to whom he gives every care and attention.

Mr. Coffey gives his political support to the democracy, and socially is connected with the Knights of Columbus, while in religious faith he is a communicant of the Eoman Catholic church. He has ever been honest and straightforward in his business dealings, and by careful management of his farming interests has made this place one of the best properties of Berlin township. He is a noble young man, devoted to the comfort and welfare of his mother and sisters, and he is one of the most respected citizens in Bureau county, where is entire life has been passed, and where he lias numerous friends and acquaintances.

George T. Nelson

George T. Nelson, deceased, in whose death the community lost a representative and valued citizen, was a native of England, having been born in Manchester, September 27, 1831. He was a son of James Nelson, who died in that country. In the year 184-1: the subject of this review came to .\merica with his uncle and in 18.5-5 became a resident of Illinois, locating on a farm of two hundred acres on section 7, Indiantown township. Bureau county, where he spent his remaining days and where his widow now makes her home, having lived here since 1803.

Mr. Nelson married ]\Iiss Sarah M. Kohn. who was horn in Wayne county, Ohio, a daugiiter of Dr. Joseph S. Kohn, a native of Pennsylvania, who came with his family to Illinois in 1851 and located in Tiskilwa. He practiced his profession in Tiskilwa for several years and then removed to Stark county, where he spent his remaining days, passing away there in 188(). His wife survived him for ten years and departed this life in 1896.

The marriage of Mr. and ilrs. Nelson was blessed with ten children, five sons and five daughters, all of whom are yet living, namely: William J., who married Lula Evans and resides in Texas; Lizzie B., the wife of W. A. Caldwell, a resident of Tennessee; Minnie J., the wife of Willis Marshall, living in Sioux City, Iowa; Frank G.. who is a traveling salesman from Chicago ; Nellie B., the wife of Warren Grange, of Wheatlantl townslii]). Bureau county; Clifton II., at home; Fred

Past And Present Of Bureau Coi-Xty

1.. who iiiakps his home in Chicji.ao and is the iuveutor of the scenic aerial tramway used in j)arks, etc.; Sarah B., at home; Thomas K.. who is now in business with his brother Fred in Chicago; and Grace JL, who is the wife of George Putnam, chief electrician of the Hotel Belmont, New York cit}'.

Throughout his active business career Mr. Nelson carried on general agricultural pursuits and brought his farm under a high state of cultivation. He was one of the early residents of Bureau county and aided in its substantial improvement, continuing an active supporter of those measures and movements which he deemed of public good up to the time of his death. For many years he served as school director and took great interest in educational matters pertaining to the public schools. He passed away January 22, 1896, in the faith of the Congregational church of Providence, of which he was an officer. His wife is also a member of that church. He was deeply interested in the moral development of his community and ever stood for all that is just, true and right. Mrs. Nelson is a most pleasant woman and has reared a family of wjiich she has every reason to be proud. Her son, Clifton H., remains upon the home farm, which he operates for his mother, and they have a beautiful country property with good buildings and well tilled fields, the residence being supplied with all the comforts and many of tlie luxuries of life.

Frank C. Thackaberry

Frank C. Thackaberrj' is a prominent farmer and breeder of thoroughbred Poland China hogs, shorthorn cattle and 0.x ford Down sheep. He resides on his well equipped and finely improved farm on section 9, Fairfield township, and has thus been engaged in business here sinee 1885, with the exception of three years spent in California. A native of Pennsylvania, he was born in Chester county in 1859, and is a son of Israel and Ruth Anna (Stanley) Thackaborry, who were natives of Pennsylvania, where they spent their entire lives. The father was a contractor and builder, and for many years was identified with building operations in Chester county. He was a son of Henry Thackaberry, whose grandfather was a soldier in the Napoleonic wars and who came to America from Ireland. Taking up his abode in Pennsylvania, ho there followed the occupation of farming and reared his family. Unto Israel and Ruth Anna Thackaborry were li<irii twelve chiliiri'ii, of whom the following are living: Milton, Mrs. Lizzie Albright. Mrs. Florence Adams, Mrs. Lou Davis and Mrs. I^orena Morris, all of Coatcsville, Pennsylvania ; Norman G., who is living in Philadelphia ; Harry C, a resident of Grants Pass. Oregon, and J. W.. of Princeton.