Bureau County, Illinois - Biographical sketches, 1906 (part 19 of 28)

At the time of his mother's demise Eli R. Mathis started out in life on his own account. He learned the carpenter's trade under the direction of his father and as opportunity afforded he pursued his educalioii, continuing as a pupil in the old log sciioolhoiise in West Bureau during the early period of his residence here. He afterward began work at his trade, being first employed on what is known as the old William Chamberlain home. In 1855 he helped to finish the residence which his widow now occupies. All tlirough his life he was active and energetic, constantly watchful of opportunities, which he improved, making them resultant factors in the acquirement of a gratifying measure of success. He continued to work at the carpenter's trade for several years and he assisted in building some of the first business blocks of Princeton. He then turned his attention to the grocery and dry-goods business, opening a store in the old Templeton building, wliere he remained for several years. He afterward resumed i)uildiag operations for a few years, but eventually gave uj) all business cares and retired to private life. Mr. ilathis w^as twice married. He first wedded Miss Matilda Green, of Bureau township, Bureau county, who died in Princeton. Subsequently he married Miss Esther Phillips, also of Bureau township and a daugliter of John and Betsy (Templin) Phillips, both of whom were natives of Urbana, Ohio, whence in 1833 they came to Illinois, casting in their lot among the pioneer residents of Bureau county. They first lived in what was known here by the pioneers as the Squatters' log cabin in West Bureau, Bureau township, and there Mr. Phillips improved a farm and carried on general agricultural pursuits until 185G, when he removed to Livingston county, Illinois, and was engaged in farming until his death. His wife also passed away there. In their family were five children, namely: Mrs. Mathis; Mrs. E. J. Lemon, of Princeton; Levi T., a resident farmer of Princeton township; James E., who is living in St. Joseph, Missouri ; and Mrs. Sarah Leonard of Livingston county, Illinois. Tliere were four children born unto Mr. and Mrs. Mathis; Alice M., the wife of A. C. Best, of Princeton, who is engaged in the conduct of a monument business here; Leslie Eli, city salesman for the White Lead Company, of Kansas City, Missouri, who married Alice Fesler and after her death wedded Janna S. Scroggins; Leonard Templin, who resides in Chicago, where for five years he has occupied the position of clerk in the Victoria Hotel; and Guy Roy, who married Grace D. Boyd, of Springfield, Illinois, where he is engaged in the real-estate and automobile business.

Eli R. Mathis served as school treasurer in Princeton for over thirty years and was a warm champion of the cause of education. He took an active interest in politics and always voted the republican ticket and his efforts extended to many measures and movements wliich he deemed would prove of value to the community in promoting its material, intellectual, social and moral progress. He was a charter member of the Odd Follows lodge at Princeton, which he assisted in organizing in July, 1851. He always took much interest in temperance work and was an earnest Christian man, who gave liberally to the poor and needy and was widely known for his charitable w'ork which, however, always was done in an unostentatious manner. In his business interests he prospered, becoming well-to-do as the years passed by and in his later life he lived retired, enjoying a well earned rest until he was called to tlie home beyond on the 10th of September, 1905.

member of the Woman's Club here since it was established and in fact assisted in organizing it. She is also connected with the Daughters of^Rebckah, the Sons of Temperance, the Good Templars and the Women's Christian Temperance Union, all of Princeton - afliliations whch indicate her deep interest in the temperance cause and her efforts for its promulgation and adoption. She now owns and occupies a nice home at No. 419 South Jlain street and she also has much other property here, including several store laiildings on Main street, which return to her a good rental. The name of iAIathis has for about two-tliirds of 11 century been associated with Princeton and its interests and Eli R. :\Iatlii5 is justly numbered among the honored jiioneers.

Oscar M. Lyle

OSCAR M. LYLE. Oscar M. Lyle, who is living on a farm in Neponset township, was born in this township, December 8, 1867. His parents were Stephen D. and Eliza W. (Hatch) Lyle. The father was born in Vermont, February -1, 1833, a son of William and Atlanta (Darling) Lyle, the former a native of Scotland and the latter of Vermont. William Lyle was one of the pioneer residents of Stark county, Illinois, where he died at the age of fifty-five years, while his wife passed away at the age of seventy-seven years. In their family were fifteen children, of whom lourteen reached years of maturity, while niue are still living. Stephen D Lyle of this family pursued his education in the public schools of Illinois, having been brousht by his parents to this state when four years of age. He was reared amid the wild scenes of frontier life, sharing with the family in the hardships and trials incident to a pioneer existence. On the 19th of February, 1854, he married Miss Eliza W. Hatch, who was born in Vermont, April 15, 1832, and was a daughter of Moses and Jane (Gates) Hatch, who were likewise natives of the Green Mountain State. In their family were five children, all of whom have passed away, with the exception of Mrs. Lyle. The father died at the age of sixty-five years, while the mother departed this life at the age of thirty-six, and both spent their entire lives in Vermont.

Stephen D. I^yle began farming on his own account in Stark county, and in 1S.">7 removed to Bureau county, locating first on eighty acres of land in Neponset township. This was wild prairie, for which he paid six dollars and a quarter per acre. That he prospered in his undertakings is indicated by the fact that he added to his property from time to time until his landed possessions aggregated four hundred and twenty-five acres, of which one hundred and sixty acres was in Iowa. He first built a house sixteen by twenty-four feet, and subsequently erected a fine residence at a cost of about five thousand dollars. He carried on sjeneral farnung until 1890, when he bought a home iu the village of Neponset, and in 1904 he erected a residence there which he has since occupied. He has served as school director for nine years and as road commissioner for three or four terms, and the various duties that have devolved upon him have ever been discharged with promptness and fidelity. His political allegiance is given to the republican party. He is accounted one of the foremost residents of Bureau county, having figured for many years as a prominent agriculturist, while his success indicates him to be^a man of more than ordinary ability. In the family there were three sons: Charles, who was born December 7, 1854; Herbert, who is represented elsewhere in this work; and Oscar M.

The last named is now living upon the old homestead farm, where his entire life has been passed. He attended the public schools in his boyhood days, and after putting aside his text-books devoted his entire attention to general agricultural pursuits. He is now successfully farming one hundred and sixty acres of land, and he anually ships about a carload of hogs of his own raising. He also buys and ships about twenty carloads of hogs and cattle each year, dealing "more extensively, however, in cattle. Ho is also a breeder of Morgiin horse.s, and has a fine stallion, half Morgan and half standard bred on the dam side. He is well known as a representative of the farming and stock-raising interests of Neponset township and his native county, and in business affairs is alert, enterprising and progressive, allowing no obstacle to brook him in his path to success if it can be overcome by determined purpose and honorable effort.

On the 9th of January, 1889, was celebrated the marriage of Oscar M. Lyle and Miss Uluvia V. Phillips, who was horn in Ncjionset, .\ugust 15, 1867, a daughter of John H. and Sarah E. (Au8- man) Phillips. Her parents were married October 13, 1866. Her father was born in Redwood, Jefferson county. New York, November 16, 1846, and was educated in the public schools. Her mother was born in Clermont county, Ohio, September 17, 1846. In their family were three daughters: Mrs. Lvle: Carrie L., born August 29, 1871 ; and Effie June, born June 12, 1879.

Unto Afr. and Mrs. Lyle were born eight children, but they have lost four. Those still living are: Wenona P., born May 12, 1899; Roscoe M., August 14, 1891; Floy M., February 23, 1894; and Stephen IL, January 15, 1902. The parents are prominent socially, having the warm regard of a large circle of friends, while the hospitality of many of the best homes of this .section of the county is cordially (-xlen<led them. Jlr. Lyle is a school director and bclievos in providing excellent educational privileges, for he regards the system of our public schools as one of the bulwarks of the nation. He votes with the republican party and fratornallv is connected with the Modern Wood- men of America. As a business niau he is alert, enterprising and progressive, and these qualities are the substantial and salient features of his success.

Although it is only in comparatively recent years that woman has entered the field of medical practice she has demonstrated her right to be ranked with the aljlest members of the profession, and among those who are successfully engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Princeton is Dr. Jessie Pierce Garwood, who for thirteen years has been thus engaged in this city. She was born in Bureau county, a daughter of James A. Pierce, a native of New York, who came to this county when a young man. His father had taken up land from the government and Dr. Garwood's brother still owns the property. The death of Mr. Pierce occurred in the year 1893, while his wife survived until 1905. In their family were eleven children, six sons and five daughters, all of whom are yet living - a remarkable family record.

Dr. Garwood spent her girlhood days in her parents" home and after acquiring a good education in the public schools determined upon the practice of medicine as a life work and entered the Iowa Medical College at Iowa City, from which she was graduated in the class of 1888. Although she is a general practitioner she to a large extent makes a specialty of diseases of women and children. She makes occasional contributions to medical journals and is a member of the county and state medical societies and of the North Central Illinois Medical Association. She now has a good practice which is constantly increasing and numbers among her patrons many of the best families of the city.

In 1892 Jessie Pierce gave her hand in marriage to Louis A. Garwood, who was born in Princeton and is a son of William Garwood, one of the old settlers of Bureau county. The father died in 1905 but the mother is still living at the age of seventy years and resides upon the old homestead which her father, Abel Hunt, entered from the govermucnt. At the time of the Civil war William Garwood enlisted for service in the army as a member of Company C, Ninety-third Pegiment of Illinois Volunteers, with which he remained for three years. He held the rank of first lieutenant and was injured in a railroad wreck and also sustained two gun-shot wounds. In the family were two children: Louis A. and Ida, the latter the wife of William Welsh, a resident of Minnesota.

Louis A. Garwood was educated in Princeton and engaged in farming until about 1890. He devoted the succeeding year to the machinist's business and for ten years conducted a nursery, liut for the past four years has been engaged in the sale of pianos, having a store in Princeton. wherein he handles the Kimball pianos, his sales being among the largest of any house of the kind in the county. Mr. Garwood is a republican and in 1906 was elected alderman of the third ward of Princeton. He is likewise a member of Tonoluka lodge, No. 89, I. 0. 0. F. Both Mr. and Dr. Garwood are members of the Congregational church and they are pleasantly located in an attractive home at No. 130 North Main street in Princeton. Mr. Garwood possesses a fine voice and for years was leader of the choir of the Methodist Protestant church. He has also been a great campaign singer, having sung in almost every county in the state during the time when political rallies have been held. Both he and his wife are highly esteemed socially and their circle of friends in Princeton is an extensive one.

All parts of the country have sent their representatives to Bureau county to become factors in its citizenship, and amon^ those New England has contributed is numbered John A. McGann, who was born in Boston, ilassachusetts, on the 4th of June, 1854, and became a resident of Illinois in 185G. His parents, Arthur and Bridget (O'Hare) McGann, were natives of Ireland and, crossing the Atlantic to the new world in 1850, settled in Massachusetts. They became parents of two sons and a daughter, of whom Owen Mc- Gann was born in 1852. The daughter died in infancy.

John A. McGann was but two years old when brought by his mother from Massachusetts to Bureau county, Illinois, and was therefore reared in this locality. Lessons of industry and economy were early impressed upon his mind and have borne rich fruit in later years. His early life was a period of earnest toil and he has always been an energetic, enterprising man, dependent upon his own resources for all that he has achieved and enjoyed. He now has charge of three hundred and twenty acres of land in Ohio township and is engaged extensively in the raising of grain and stock. For eight years he has lived upon this fann and both branches of his business are proving profitable, returning to him a gratifying annual income. His methods are entirely practical and his success may be rightly attributed to his indefatigable industry. He now owns a house and lot in the village of Ohio and his savings would jicrmit of his investment in a farm of his own.

It was on the 25th of November. 1890, that Mr. McGann was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Enright, who was born in Bureau county, February 18, 18G1. Iler parents were Daniel and Bridget (Doran) Enright, natives of Ireland, whence they came to the United States in May, 1855. Mrs. McGann is the eldest of tlieir family of twelve children and by her marriage she has become the mother of six children, as follows: Bridget Ethel, born January 21, 1S>J2 ; Arthur C, born September 2V, 1S'J4; Mary, July 21, 1896; Bernadetta, August 19, 1899; Patrick Leo, April 17, 1903; and Margaret Annetta, June 9, 1905.

The family are communicants of the Roman Catholic church and Mr. McGann is a member of Father Mathew"s total abstinence society and is also identified with ilodurn \\'oodmen camp, No. 17. His political cnil(jrsemcnt is given the republican party and while he never seeks nor desires ollice as a reward for party fealty he is always quick to respond to any demand for public service or for co-operation in movements for the general good. His residence in the county covers a period of a half centurv and he is therefore largely familiar with its history, as he has been a witness of its development from an early day and has seen the introduction of those lines of business activity which have led to its substantial improvement.

Edward Scott

Edward Scott, who owns and occupies a farm in Berlin township, comprising eighty acres of land which is very productive and highly cultivated, dates his residence in Bureau county from April, 18.-)5, and has therefore been identified with its interests for more than a half century, during which time he has witnessed much of its growth and development as pioneer conditions have given place to the evidences of a modern civilization. He was born in Hackettstown, New Jersey, August 26, 1853, and is one of a family of nine children, whose parents were Henry and Nancy (Gi'uendyke) Scott, both of whom were natives of Warren countv. New Jersey, the former born in IS20 and the latter in 1827' Tn the year 1855 thev left the east and came with tlieir family to Illinois, settling in Bureau county in April of that year. Their children were: Johanna W., John. Sarah ('. and George, all now deceased; Woodhull. who (lied in Tennessee while in the army; Edward; Isaac; William Elmer; and Charles A. "I'he father has now departed this life, his death having occurred July 3, 1898, when he had reached the veneralile age of seventy-eight years. His widow still survives.

Edward Scott pursued his education in the schools of Bureau county, which he entered at the usual age of si.\ years, mastering therein the common branches of English learning. He lias followed farming all his days, for at an early age he began assisting his father upon the home farm and has since given his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits. Twenty years ago he purchased liis present fami for si.xty-five dollars per acre. It comprises eighty acres of valuable land, responding readily to the care and labor bestowed upon it, so that golden harvests are annually gathered. It is today worth one hundred and seventy-five dollars per acre and upon the place Mr. Scott has made many modern improvements, so that he now has an excellent property. He raises Norman horses and Poland-China hogs in addition to tilling the fields and his business alfairs are capably and successfully conducted.

As a companion and helpmate for life's journey Mr. Scott chose Miss Mary E. Wolfersberger, to whom he was married Deceniljer 31, 1874. She was born September 7, 1852, on the farm which is still their home. Her father, Charles Wolfersberger, was a native of Pennsylvania, born July 13, 1827, and his wife, who l)ore the maiden name of Susanna Falmenstock, was likewise born in Penn.sylvania, February 17, 1830. In their family were nine children, of whom two are deceased. 'J'he others are: John F., Mary E., Ida A., Sarah Matilda, Charles E., George S. and Maud S. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Scott have been born two children: Elsie May, who was born December 12, 1875; and Nancy Lidu, born May 12, 1879. They have been given liberal etlucational privileges, having been students in Valparaiso Normal School,

Mr. Scott holds a membership in Dauntless lodge, No. 150, K. P., which he joined on its organization. For twenty years he has been a school director and the cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion, who does all in his power to uphold the standard of public instruction. His political allegiance has always been given to the republican party and he was reared in the faith of the Methodist church, to which the family all belong. He stands for progress and improvement in material, intellectual and moral lines and wherever there is a movement for civic virtue or for opposition to misrule in j)ublic alTairs he is found working in support of such and during the long years of his residence in Bureau county has been numbered among its valued citizens.

John Butleij Pitiman

JOHN BUTLEIJ PITIMAN. John Butler Pitttnan. wlio carries on general agricultural ])ursuits on sections 14 and 23. Manlius townshi]). where he owns one Iiuniire<i acres of land, was born in this townshi|>, September 10, 1861, his parents being Henry S. and Sarah (Savers) Pittman, who were farming people. The father came to Illinois about 1854 and was here married. He gave nis at lent ion to general agricullural pursuits and continued actively in farming until his death, which occurred on the 11th of March, 1902. He had for a year and a half survived his wife, who died on the 17th of October, 1900.

John B. Pittman is indebted to the publicschool system of the county for the educational privileges he enjoyed in his youth. He pursued his studies in a little country schoolhouse two miles north of Manlius and hcs devoted his entire life to farming, having been reared to that occupation. He early became familiar with the duties and labors of the agriculturist and as he worked at plowing, planting and harvesting he became familiar with the best methods of cultivating the fields, so that he brought to his work broad practical e.xperience when he started out in life on his own account. At an early age he began operating rented land and in 1888, when his labors had brought him sufficient capital, he bought his first farm, it being hi? present home. It comprises one hundred acres ot land on sections 14 and 23, Manlius township, and is now a well cultivated and well improved property, being equipped with the latest improved machinery and many facilities for carrying on the farm work. In connection with farming he is engaged in buying cattle.

On the 12th of February. 1890, Mr. Pittman married Miss Pauline Schultz, of Bureau township, who was born in Germany and is a daughter of Frederick A. Schultz. They now have three children: Ernest, born November 10, 1891; Walter, June 4, 1892 ; and Arvilla Emerly, April 11, 1897. The family are members of the English Lutheran church and Mr. Pitiman is independent in his political views. At the present writing he is serving as one of the councilmen of Manlius and he has also been school director. Fraternally he is connected with the Odd Fellows lodge at New Bedford. A casual glance at his life history seems to indicate that he has always lived a quiet and uneventful career and yet investigation into his record will bring forth the fact that his has been an honorable manhood and at all times he has been faithful and loyal in his duties of citizenship.

Davis H. Van Ormer

DAVIS H. VAN ORMER. Davis H. Van Ormer, one of the well known and representative agriculturists of Manlius township, has found in his business career ample opportunity for the exercise of his latent energies, and through his well directed labor has gained a place among the successful farmers of the community. A native of Pennsylvania, he was born in Juniata county on the 24th of September, 1853, and is a son of William and Sarah (Shellcnbarger) Van Ormer, who were likewise natives of that county, where the father followed farming for a number of years. About 1858 he came to Illinois, but while en route tarried for a time in Miami county, Ohio, where he aided in the erection of a barn and remained for about sixteen months. In 1859 he arrived with his family in Bureau county,

Illinois, having in the meantime purchased the farm upon which his son Davis H. now resides. It was then all wild prairie land, which he at once began to develop and improve until his farm labor had transformed it into rich fields. To some extent he likewise followed the carpenters trade, and thus he lived a life of activity and enterprise. He continued to make his home in this county until March, 1889, when he was called to his final rest. His wife had died a number of years before, passing away in 1866. In their family were six children: Elizabeth, now the wife of John Spielman, living in Coifey county, Kansas; John, a resident farmer of Greenfield, Adair county, Iowa; Malissa, the deceased wife of Samuel KiskaJon; David H. ; Lueien, who died when about nineteen years of age, and Oliver M., who is married and lives upon a farm in South Dakota. After losing his first wife William Van Ormer was again married, and by that union there was one daugliter, Angie M., now residing in Plymouth county, Iowa.

The father was one of the prominent and influential republicans of Manlius township, where he filled nearly all the local offices, including those of supervisor and justice of the peace. He acted in the latter capacity for about twenty years, and his decisions were strictly fair and impartial. He was an active and faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he served as classleader for several years, and in all the various relations of life his straightforward, honorable course won him friendship and regard.

Davis H. Van Ormer was a youth of five summers when his parents left the Keystone state, and he had reached the age of six years ere the journey was completed to Illinois. The father then invested in eighty acres of land, to which additions have been made until the farm now comprises one himdred and sixty acres, and it is upon the old family homestead that the subject of this review yet resides. In the common schools he pursued his education, mastering the branches of learning usually taught in such institutions. When he was twenty-three years of age he and his brother John rented the old homestead, which they operated together for four years, and on the expiration of that period Davis H. Van Ormer purchased the intore.'t John had in the eighty-acre tract. After the father's death and when the estate was settled he bought the interest of the other heirs in the other eighty-acre tract, so that he is now the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation. He has added many modern accessories and equipments, and uses the latest improved machinery to facilitate the work of the fields. Everything about his farm is carefully done, and he now has valuable property which is largely a monument to the enterprise, thrift and business activity of the owner.

Past Axd Present Of Bureau Col'Xty

residing in Bureau Ii)\vn.ship. llur birth, however, occurred in Putnam eounty, Illinois, and her parents were John and Angeline (Farney) Carney. Unto Jlr. and Mrs. \'an Ornier have been horn live cliildren: Lcona May, born January .5, 1882; Orpha Angeline, August 19, 1887; Erville Davis, July 24, 1889; Percy MiKinley, April 10, 1894, and" Lloyd Freedom, April 2G, 1896.

Mr. Van Ormer lias several times been called to public office by his fellow-townsmen, who recognize his worth and ability. For twenty-five years he has served as :>eliool director, and after the building of the new school house of Manlius he resigned. He has likewise been road commjssioner and assessor, while for twelve years he served as justice of the peace, making a record equally creditable with that of his father through the control and faithful discharge of his duties and his unbiased opinions, which were ever based upon the equity and the law in the case. His political allegiance has ever been given to the republican party, which he has stanchly supported since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, and lie cast his first presidential vote for Hayes in 1876. He has not been a politician in the sense of office seeking, and it is only when urged to accept office by his fellow-townsmen that he has consented to do so. He and his wife are earnest religious workers, but are not connected with any denomination. Tliey have always stood for right, for progress, improvement and reform, and their influence is a potent element along lines which work for the welfare of the communitv.

John M. Tellkamp

John M. Tellkamp is an enterprising business man of La Moille, connected with its industrial and commercial interests. He belongs to that class of representative American men who while promoting individual success also contribute to the general prosperity and thus he has become a valued and representative resident of his native village. He was born October IC, ISfiS, and is one of the ten children of Martin and Katherine (Eggers) Tellkamp, who were natives of Germany and on coming to this country in 1858 settled in La Moille. Illinois. They had four sons an<l sixdaughters, of whom John M. was the fourth in order of birth.

John M. Tellkamp was educated in the public schools of La Moille township and when he put aside his te.xt-books he took up the trade of his father and became a proficient painter. He has since followed that occupation, having a liberal share of the public patronage in this line. As the years have gone by and liis trade has increased, bringing him a good financial return, he has invested in town property and is the owner of three houses and lots in La Moille. He is also conducting a prosperous business as proprietor of a reslaurani and is thus well known in trade circles in his native town.

In 188G Mr. Tellkainp was married to Miss Carrie Drummer, who was born in Buffalo, New York, January 25, 1868. Her parents were Andrew and Elizabeth (Cook) Drummer. The father, who was born in (jermany, came to America and located at Buffalo, New York, fifty-six years ago. He was there married to Miss Eli/.abeth Cook, a native of that city, and on leaving the Empire state tliey took up their abode in La .Moille about thirty-seven years ago. In their family were ten children, Mrs. Tellkamp being the fifth in order of birth. By her marriage she has become the mother of two sons: Fav A., born October 22, 1893; and Harvey G., born March 9, 1897. Mr. Tellkamp is a member of the German Lutheran church, while his wife and children are communicants of the Catholic church. He is also identilied with the Masonic fraternity and the Modern Woodmen of America. He votes with the republican party and has held the office of councilman of La Moille.

From an early age he has made his own way in the world and his possessions are the visible evidence of a life of industry and thrift supplemented by unquestioned business integrity and keen discrimination. He has the patronage of the public and the esteem of his fellow citizens and the family is a prominent one in the community. He is likewise recognized as a leader in local republican ranks and was a delegate to the county convention which nominated J. W. Templeton for state senator. To his children he has given excellent educational privileges, sparing no expense in this direction and, leaving the kindergarten at the age of six years, Harvey is now at the age of nine years in the fourth grade, and Fay in the seventh grade. They are also being instructed in music and Mr. Tellkamp is resolved that they shall have excellent educational privileges. Both he and his wife are w'idely knowTi in La Moille, where the circle of their friends is almost co-extensive with the circle of their acquaintances.

William Ii. Haines

WILLIAM II. HAINES. \\'illiani II. Haines, whose farm of eighty acres in Ohio township is the visible proof of his life of activity and energy, for he started out upon liis business career empty handed, was born in this county, September 24, 18G6. There were five children, of whom he was the third, in the family of his parents, ,\ndrew J. and Julia A. (Williams) Haines. The father was born in Maine and mother in Pennsylvania and both are now deceased. They became residents of Bureau county in the '50s and continued to reside here until called to their final rest. The father was twice married and liy the

Reared as a fanner boy, William H. Haines pursued his education in the district scliools and in Fulton high school, and when not occupied with his te.xt-books liis time was largely demanded in farm work and he gained practical e.xperience in all the tasks relating to the cultivation and development of the fields, so that he brought practical experience to his work when he took up farming on his own account. He received some assistance from his father and has practically depended upon his own resources for all that he has achieved, and he has added to his property until he now owns eighty acres of very rich land, worth from one hundred and fifty to two hundred dollars per acre. There are good buildings upon the place and his home is conveniently and pleasantly located near the village of Ohio in one of the best farming sections of the state. Abundant crops are annually gathered and his business is now capably and successfully conducted.

On Christmas day of 1899 was celebrated the marriage of William H. Haines and Miss Erva Staples, who was born in Bureau county. They have a pleasant home and are widely and favorably known in this part of the county. Mr. Haines votes the republican ticket but has never been active in search of public office, preferring to give his undivided attention to his business atfairs, in which he is now meeting with signal success. He holds no mistaken ideas regarding the ease with which one may win success but realizes that energy and perseverance are essential factors in gaining prosperity.

On the pages of pioneer history of Bureau county the names of Chrit/.man, ICnox and Mercer figure conspicuously and honorably, and Jacob Chritzman, whose name introduces this review, is classed among those who bore an important and active part in the business development of Princeton from an early day. He became a resident of the city in 1855 and for many years conducted an implement store there. Ilis birth occurred in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, November 7, 1833. His parents were Henry and Margaret (Zigler) Chritzman, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. The father's birth occurred in the beautiful district near Gettysburg, and he made his home in Pennsylvania throughout his entire life. His wife also |)as.-ied awav there, in their family were six children but only one is now living, Dr. Harry Chritzman, who is a practicing physician residing at Welshrun, Pennsylvania.

a few years he went to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he began to learn the trade of a moulder. He was employed there in a foundry for a few years and afterward removed to Berrysburg, Pennsylvania, where he was also employed in a foundry until 1853. That year witnessed his removal to the middle west. He first settled in Minnesota, where he took up land claims, remaining in that state for a short time. He next came to Illinois, settling in Carroll county, where he worked at his trade until 1855, when he came to Princeton. Here he purchased an acre of land near the depot and erected thereon a small building, after which he began foundry work on his own account. He soon removed his plant to Main street owing to the increase of his trade and there he began dealing in implements and wagons, manufacturing his own goods. He thus conducted a good retail as well as manufacturing business for nuuiy years and was one of the leading and representative merchants of the city. His patronage steadily increased and his business had grown to such proportions that in 1878 he felt justified in extending the scope of his activities, by adding a complete stock of plows, reapers, mowers, threshers, engines, cultivators, buggies, wagons, etc., and for a number of years ho controlled the most extensive itusiness of the kind in Bureau county, continuing therein until his death.

On the 10th of January, 1859, Mr. Chritzman was married to Miss Rachel Jane Knox, a native of Bureau county and a daughter of William and Mary (Mercer) Knox, both of whom were natives of Ohio. The father was born March 31, 1814, and was a son of Joseph Knox, who came from the Buckeye state to Bureau county in 1832, the year of the Black Hawk war. He was one of its first settlers and established his home upon a farm in Princeton town.ship, which he developed from the wild prairie. Aaron Mercer, grandfather of Mrs. Chritznuin, built a log cabin just west of Princeton on what is now the Wagner farm. He engaged in general agricultural pursuits there and occupied his cabin home until his death. He was a man of industry and enterprise and prospered in his undertakings. William Knox, father of Mrs. Chritzman, engaged in farming in Princeton township the greater part of his life but in his later days removed to the city of Princeton, where he lived retired for seventeen years or until his death, which occurred on the 17th of October, 1898. His wife also passed away in Princeton and both were eighty-four years of age at the time of their demise. All of their children, eight in number, are yet living, namely: Mrs. Chritzman, Aaron. Sarali. Oscar. .Mbert, Mai-\. Mnlvina and Xan.

Mr. and Mrs. Chritzman became the parents of six children : Albert is now deceased ; Lottie is the wife of Thomas Marks, a resident of Rushville, Illinois, where he is station agent for the Chicago. Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company, and they have two children, Kathryn Marie, born June 3, 1901, and ClifYord C, born February 25, 1903; Fannie died at the age of five years; Clarence married Nellie Pitman and resides in Princeton, where he is engaged in the laundry business; Mercer and Marie M., are both deceased. The death of the fatlier occurred October 16, 1889.

For several years Mr. Chritzman served as school director and held several local offices, in which he was ever found to be a competent and faithful official His political allegiance was given to the democracy and he belonged to the Masonic lodge and the Knight Templar Commandery of Princeton. In his business affairs he prospered, becoming well-to-do. Honest and upright in all life's relations, his name was a synonym for business integrity and activity. There were no sensational chapters in his life history. On the contrary his record was characterized by a steady perseverance resulting in successful accomplishment of whatever he undertook. He always seemed to realize and fully meet his obligations of citizenship and of business and private life and when he was called from the scene of earthly activities his death was the occasion of deep regret to all who knew him, for he was respected and honored wherever known. He died at the family home at No. 221 La Salle street. This is a beautiful residence yet occupied by Mrs. Chritzman, who is a member of the Methodist E])iscopal church and a lady whose many good traits of character have won her a large circle of friends.

George W. Remsburg

George W. Remsburg, a progressive farmer of Ohio township, where he owns an interest in a valuable tract of land of one hundred and sixty acres, is a native of Sandusky county, Ohio, his natal day being June G, 1850. His parents are Solomon and Margaret (Shawl) Remsburg, the former born in Frederick county, Maryland, and the latter in Sandusky county, Ohio. The father was first married in JIaryland to Miss Mary A. Michael, who was born in that state January 30, 1821. They then removed to Fremont. Ohio, where the wife's death occurred November 28, 1846. She had become the mother of two sons. Isaiah and Carleton. For his second wife the father chose Miss Margaret Shawl, to whom he was married November 2, 1847. and unto them were born two children, of whom our subject is the younger. The parents remained residents of the state of Ob' until the vear 18.")7. when they removed westward to Ulinois, settling in Bureau county. Here the father's death occurred May 27, 1898, but the mother still survives.

George W. Remsburg was only seven years of age when he accompanied his parents on their removal from Ohio to Bureau coiinty, Illinois. He received a common-school education, which was later supplciiicnied by a course in Wheaton college, at Whcaton, Illinois. After putting aside his textbooks he engaged in farming and stock-raising in Ohio township, and this occupation has continued to be his life work. As the years have gone by he has prospered in his undertakings, each year adding to his financial resources, until today he owns a quarter interest in an estate of one hundred and sixty acres of fine farm land, worth from one hundred and fifty to two hundred dollars per acre. He is operating this tract of land, on which he raises the cereals best adapted to soil and climate, and he is also engaged in the raising of stock, both branches of his business bringing him a gratifying income.

Our subject has been twice married, his first union being with Jliss Margaret R. Ross, the wedding ceremony being performed on the 3d of July, 1872. She was born in March, 1852, and her death occurred in January, 1880. They had become the parents of two children : JIaury B., born August 25, 1873, and Virgil C, born December 4, 1877. Mr. Remsburg's second union was with Miss Aurelia Morse, a relative of Samuel F. B. Morse, the discoverer of telegraphy. She was boxn in Princeton, Illinois, August 26, 1858, and on the 24th of November, 1887, gave her hand in marriage to George W. Remsburg. Mrs. Remsl)urg was educated in the schools of Princeton, passing through consecutive grades until she had completed the high-school course. She then engaged in teaching in Bureau county for ten years prior to her marriage.

In politics Mr. Remsburg is a republican and takes an active interest in political affairs. He is popular with his fellow-townsmen, having been called to a number of township offices. For three terms he filled the office of assessor, and for the past three years has filled the office of township treasurer, being the present incumbent. He has also served on the township republican committee, and for ten years was a member of the county central committee, filling these different positions in a creditable manner. Fraternally he is connected with the ;\Iasons, belonging to Bureau lodge. No. 112, and be is also a member of the chapter, council and commandery at Princeton. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen camp. No. 17. and to the Knights of the Globe, while he and his wife are members of the Eastern Star. In his religious views be is liberal, being identified with no denomination.

Ifaving spent almost his entire life in Bureau county, Mr. Remsburg has been an active worker in its development and progress. He has labored earnestly and persistently, and, wliile adding to his individual prosperity, has done effective work for his township and county. He is leading an active and busy life, and, while operating a large tract of land, which claims much of his time and attention, he yet Hiuls time for p\il)lic affairs. He iiwiis a beautiful cauntrv home, and he and his

Iikxky Lawrexx'E Fostek

IIKXKY LAWREXX'E FOSTEK. When the tocsin of war sounded men from all walks of life flocked to the standard of the Union. They came from the work shops, the counting houses, the offices and the fields, all actuated by the common purpose of sustaining the supremacy of the national government. Among the number of loyal sons furnished by Bureau county was Henrv Lawrence Foster, who made a creditable military record and who in days of peace has manifested an equal spirit of patriotism. He is now actively and successfully engaged in farming in Concord and has been a life-long resident of this locality. He was born September 20, 1838, upon the farm belonging to his father, Franklin Foster, who came from his native country, FIngland, to America at an early age. He resided for a time at Boston. Massachusetts, and in the spring of 1S38 came with his wife, Mrs. Harriet Foster, to Bureau county, Hlinois, settling at French Grove, where he began farming, an occupation which he followed continuously and succeusfully until his death. He passed away May 22, 1880, having long survived his wife, who died on the 18th of August, ]S,Ji.

In the schools of Buda Henry L. Foster acquired his education and during the periods of vacation he worked on the home farm, continuing to assist his father in its development from the time his education was completed until the 1st of December, 18G1, when he responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting as a private of C'ompany E. Thirty-third Illinois \'o!unieer Infantry, under Captain Elliott, of Princeton. He continued with that command during all of the battles and skirmishes in which it participated. He was first in the Missouri campaign with the western branch of the army and in March, 1863, moved down the Mississippi river to Milligan's Bend, participated in the battle and siege of Vickslnirg, Mississippi, where he was under fire for forty days, taking part in the charge on the forts May 22, 18G3. The Union troops then drove (ieneral Johnson back to Jackson, Mississippi, and Company E, to which Mr. Foster belonged, lost thirty-four men during that engagement. The regiment afterward proceeded to New Orleans and assisted in the recapture of that city and of the railroad. They held the road until November, when they were sent to the border of Mexico, where trouble was threatened, going by boat to the Eio Grande river. They could not land, however, on account of bad weather, so they laid siege to Fort Esperanza, which they captured, continuing in that locality until January, 18fi4. His term of enlistment having then expired, Mr. Foster returned lioine on a furlough of thirty days, after having re-enlisted as a veteran to serve until the close of the war. He again joined the department of the north and took part in the Ped Piver campaign. The Thirtythird Illinois afterward proceeded to Mobile, Alabama, where they assisted in capturing and demolishing Spanish Fort in April, 18G.5. They then marched to Montgomery, Alabama, where they received the news of President Lincoln's assassination. From that point they made their wav back to Vicksburg, Mississippi, and over into .Vi-kansas, where they participated in more skirmishes and battles, taking part in the engagements at DuvaU's Bluff, Bayou Sasche and Helena. During the march from Mobile to Montgomery, a distance of one hundred and eighty-six miles, they had no provisions only such as they could pick up in a devastated country, much of the time living on parched corn alone.

Mr. Foster was mustered out at Vicksburg, Mississippi, November 24, 1805, after nearly four years of active service with the Union army, during which time he proved an intrepid soldier, whose valor was displayed on many a southern battlefield. When the country no longer needed his aid he returned to Bureau county and purchased a farm of forty acres, since which time he has been devoted to general agricultural pursuits and as his financial resources have increased he has added to his property until he now has over two hundred and fifty acres, constituting an excellent and well improved farm.

Mr. Foster had a brother, Edward Brooks Foster, who served with the eastern army in the Civil war, entering at the three-months' call and afterward re-enlisting for three years. He was born in 1840 and joined the LTnion troops as a member of the Fortieth New York Regiment of Infantry, of which he became a commissioned officer. He ])articipated in the first and second battles of Bull Pun, of Chancellorsville, Gettysburg and many others of the most notable engagements of the war. He died in 1902 near Des Moines. Iowa, where he had lived from 1868, having been one of the prominent and extensive farmers of that locality.

On the 14th of October, 186G, Henry L. Foster was married to Miss Sarai C. Weston, of Buda, a daughter of Joseph Weston, a farmer who had lome to Illinois from Maine in 1857. Mrs. Foster (lied June 7, 1897, leaving three children: Ilattie W., who is a graduate of the Buda high school and is at home: Arthur Kendall, who was born in 1872 and follows farming; and Albert Webb, born in 1874. The family have altogether over four hundred acres of land and are prominent representatives of the farming interests of this section of the state, ilr. Foster belongs to Emory post, No. 1!)8, G. A. P., of which he is a past commander, and he takes an interest in its camp fires, recalling memories of the past and of the experiences upon the tented fields. He is a valued and helpful member of the First Baptist church of

Biula. in which lor years lie has served as a deacon, 'i'liis association is indicative of his character and liis principles, for his life has been well spent and honorable.

IlKHBEHT T. lA'LK. Herbert T. Lyle, a resident farmer of .Neponset township, where he was born on the 11th of May. 1859, represents one of the old families of the county, liis parents being Stephen I), and Eliza W. (Hatch) Lyle, of whom extended mention is made on another pape of this work in connection with the sketch of Oscar II. Lyle. No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of fann life for Herbert T. Lyle in his boyhood days. His time was divided between the duties of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the work of the home farm, and he remained with his parents until he had attained the age of twentytwo years, when he .stixrted out in life ou his own account - following the occupation to which he had been reared. He at first farmed eighty acres of land, and at the present writing, in 1906, is cultivating about one hundred and sixty acres of the rich soil of Neponset township. In 1883 he erected the residence wliich he now occupies and liis farm is a well improved property, equipped with good machinery for facilitating the work of the fields and supplied with many other modern conveniences and accessories. Mr. Lyle is .well known as a breeder of cattle, horses, hogs and sheep, making a specialty of Xorman horses and Poland China hogs. He now has one hundred and thirty head of hogs upon his place and he made an exhibit this year of his stock at the Kewanec fair.

Pleasantly situated in his home life, Mr. Lyle was married on the l(!th of September, 1880, to Miss Emma E. Barry, who was born in Winchester, Scott county. Illinois, October 9, 18.")8, a daughter of Jdlin W. and Louisa E. (Blackburn) Barry. Her fatlier was born in Z-inosville. Ohio, January ."), 183.'i, and when a youth of nine years, accompanied his jiarents on their removal to Illinois, the journey being made by team to Knox county in 1842. There the father, who had taught school in Ohio, continued to engage in teaching in the winter seasons, while in the summer months he followed farming. He was a great political spe;iker. In the spring of 1849, attracted by the discoverv nf gold on the Pacific slope, he went to California, where his death occurred, and in the succeeding fall. John W. Barry accompanied his uncle to Hcnrv county. Illinois, after which he earned liis livelihood for some time by working by the day or month in Henry and Bureau counties. On the 7th of February, 18.">."), lie wedded Louisa Blackburn, who was horn in Yo-kshire, Englnnd. in 18.38. and was brought by her p'lrents t<) .'\merica in 1842. the family being passengers ou a sailing vessel which weighed anchor at Liverpool and reached New Orleans after a voyage of seven weeks and two days. From the Crescent City they made their way up tlie Mississippi river and for two years were residents of Winchester, Illinois, after which they located on what is known as the old Blackburn estate near Kewanec. It was in that neighborhood that Mrs. liarry began her education at the Weatherstield school. "following the cattle ])ath across the prairie. In .\j)ril subsecpient to their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Barry removed to Knox county, where he carried mail and passengers l)y stage on the Quiiicy route from Galesburg to Avon, while the Chicago, Burlington li Quincy Bailroad tracks were being laid. This route, in charge of William Horace Holcomb, was twenty-two miles long, and he made the round trip every day in the week. As soon as the railroad was in operation he returned to Henry county, where he resided until 1871, when he removed to Aurora. For eight years he was engaged there in railroading and in the restaurant business, but OH account of impaired health he resumed farming in Bureau county, where he devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits until the spring of 1888, when he took up his abode in the village of Neponsct, there spending his remaining days. On the 7lh of February, 19().j, he and his estimable wife celebrated their golden wedding anniversarv, which was a most enjoyable occasion to all present. Many substantial tokens of regard were received from their guests, not the least interesting of which was a box of orange blossoms for the bride, sent by Mrs. Ira 0. Smith, a sister of Mr. Barry's, of Los Angeles, California. Mr. Barry often expressed the wish that hi' might live to celebrate his fiftieth wediling anniversary, and this was vouchsafed to him. but he dill iint tarry long in life afterward, dying suddenly at his home in the latter part of March, 190.'). He had long resided in this county and was an honored citizen. Young and old, rich and poor, were glad to claim his friendship and found him a most genial companion. He was a strong advocate of the cause of temperance and most earnest in his support "f the prohibition party. It is said that no man in Neponset had more friends than he. Mrs. Barry still survives her husband and yet resides in Neponsct. In their family were nine children, those vet living being: George, of Downer's drove, Illinoip: ^Irs. Laura Nevitt, of Chicago: Walter, also of Downer's Hrove: Mattie, the wife of Victor Studlev: Bessie, the wife of 0. .\. Koed : Blanche, the wife of Wilbur Blake, of Neponset : Emma, the wife of H. T. Lvle, of Neponset.

The home of ^Ir. and Mrs. Lyle ha.s been ble.ssed with two children : Editli L., horn Februarv 18. 1882. and Theron B., born October 11, 1890. The former is now the wife of William Kn:ipp and has three children. ^Ir. and Mrs. Tivle hnve a wide and fnvorahle acquaiiitanee in Burenu county, enjoying the hospitality of many of the best homes. In politics he is a republican and has served as school director for six years, advocating the employment of good teachers and the upholding of a high standard of public education. He has also been assessor for tour years and every public duty devolving upon him has been faithfully performed. Fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Yeomen. With the exception of one year he h;is resided continuously in this county, where he ha.s a very wide acquaintance, and the fact that many of his stanchest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood days to the present is an indication that hi^ has been an honorable and upright career.

Irwin Capperruxe

Irwin Capperrune was born in Yates City, Knox county, Illinois, December 31, 1845, and is a son of T. R. Capperrune. W'hen four years of age he was brought by his father to Bureau county, and for nearly fifty years the father continued a resident of "this part of the state, living at Boyd's Grove, in Milo township, where he was recognized as a most valuable citizen, worthy pioneer and upright man. Ho was interested in the intellectual and moral progress, as well as in the material development of the community, and he gave the land upon which was built the Methodist Episcopal church at Boyd's Grove. His death occurred in 1885, when he had reached the age of seventy-five years.

Irwin Capperrune is one of a family of four children, three of whom are now living, and attended the district schools near his father's farm. He then began business life as a farmer, following agricultural pursuits continuously until 1903, when with his family he came to Bradford.

Mr. Capperrune married Miss Eva C. Bowman, a daughter of Jacob Bowman, an early settler of Bureau county. There have been three children of this marriage, two sons and a daughter.

JAMES McCREEDY. On the list of Bureau county's honored dead appears the name of James McCreedv. wlio was born March 20. 1820. and died Octolicr 15. 1894. He lived the life of an uprisht, active and honorable farmer, who was ever a champion of all that pertained to general improvement and progress and who stood for all that is just, true and right in man's relations with his fellowmen. His parents were George and Margaret (Nelson) McCrcedy. the latter a descendant of Lord Nelson of Englanrl. Both the father ami mother. however, were born in Scotland. Bocomiiig residents of America, they established their home in Delaware, where the birth of James McCreedy occurred. He completed his education in the schools of that state, and, removing to Michigan, settled at Greenville, where he conducted a general store for a number of years. He also owned property in the town, having forty acres within the corporation limits. In the year 1858 he came from Michigan to Bureau county and made investment in the present homestead, on which his widow is now living. It comprises one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 17, Westfield township, and is a valuable farm property, equipped with modern conveniences and all the acces.sories that go to make up a model farm of the twentieth century. Mr. McCreedy displayed excellent ability as a financier, together with keen insight into business conditions and unfaltering energy in the execution of his plans. He engaged in the raising of grain and stock, making a specialty of shorthorn cattle. He paid about twelve dollars per acre for the first land which he purchased in Bureau county and which today is worth from one hundred and seventy-five to two hundred dollars per acre. His business interests were most carefully conducted and whatever ho undertook he carried forward to successful completion.

Mr. McCreedy was married to Miss Ellen Mc- Dowell in Chester county. Pennsylvania, in 1860, and bringing his bride to Illinois, settled upon what has since been known as the homestead farm. She was born in the Keystone state, April 11, 1838, a daughter of William and Margaret (McCracken) McDowell, both of whom were natives of Chester county, Pennsylvania. Unto Mr. and Mrs. McCreedy were horn eight children, of whom four have passed awav, namely : Martha, who died March 18, 1864: Margaret," April 12, 1864: George, April 25, 1891; and Fred, February 1. 1893. Those still living are James Elston, William John Eugene, Albert J. and Ella V. Margaret.

In his religious faith Mr. McCreedy was a Presbyterian, and the family all hold membership in the church of that denomination at Arlington. He was also a Master Mason, his affiliation being with Arlington lodge. His life was in harmony with the beneficent principles of the craft and with his professions as a member of the church. He was never known to take advantage of the necessities of liis fellowmen in any business transaction, and although he attained a high measure of isnccess it was nttributed entirely to his judicious investment, his careful management and his marked business enterprise. All who knew him respected him and those who came within the closer circle of his friendship entertained for him the warmest personal regard. He was devoted to his family, and it was one of the pleasures of his life that his successes enahlerl him to minister to the ccuufort and happiness of his wife and children. He attninod the age of seventy- four years, and when called to his tiual rest left behind him an untarnished name and a uieniorv that is (.herishud liy lrien<ls and noi-rldmrs a.s wufl as his immediate family.

llrs. .\k-(_'ieody :itill rcsklos uiion the old home- Stead and superintends the plaee, two of her sons assisting her in the work, while William owns and operates two hundred and lifty-niue acres of land in Whiteside county, Illinois, this being his share of the estate. Mrs. Mct'reedy has a be;nitil'id home staiidiiie; in the midst of well tilled fields and surro-nded by a line lawn and shade trees. In addition to this property she owns four hundred acres of land in Fairfield county, Illinois, one hundred and sixty acres south of Arlingtcm known as the Little homestead, four hundred and forty acres in Chase county, Kansas, and some real estate in the village of Arlington. Her possessions altogether aggregate twelve hundred and forty acres, and in the nianagement of her ijrooerty interosts Mrs. ikt'reedy has displayed excellent business understanding and enterprise. The family is one of prominence in the community, greatly esteemed liy all with whom they have come in contact and Mrs. McCreedy has won tlie most kindly regard by reason of her manv excellent traits of heart and iniii<i.

George Washington Dahlek

Geoorge Washington Dahler, one of Indiana's native sons now living in Hureau county, was born in Wabash, that state, on the '^<\ of I)ecend)er, 1848, his parents being John and Salonui (Cbariet) Dabler. The father was a native of Pennsylvania, where he worked as a boat builder. At a later date he took up his abode in Wabash county, Indiana, where he continued to make his home until 1852. when he removed to Bureau county, Illinois, and for some time lived in the Bryan log cabin near Princeton. Subsequently he purchased forty acres of land, and soon after bought a land warrant from the war of 1812 for one hundred and sixty acres, for which he paid at the rate of a dollar and a quarter per acre. Upon the farm he thus secured he spent the remainder of his days. His time and energies were given to general agricultural pursuits, which resulted in making him one of the substantial residents of the county. In 186.5 he was called upon lo mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the 1st of .Tidy of that year, while he survived her for about thirty years, jja.'^sing away June 21. ISOl.

George W. Dabler pursued a common-school education in this county, whither h<' was brought l)y his jiarents when but fmii- years of age. When bid a young lad be Ijegan work in the fields, taking his place behind the plow and iloing other lai)or incident to the care and cultivation of the fields. Throughout his entire life he has been engaged in fariniriET. and (ho home place now comprises two hundred and forty-six acres of rich and arable land, on which are good buildings and excellent ^'rades of slock. It shows in its neat aiul thrifty appearance his careful supervision and practical i)usiness methods. By the faithful performance of each day's duties he finds inspiration and courage for the labors of tlie succeeding day, and as the years go by he adds to ins comj)etence, so that he is now a substantial citizen of his community.

Mr. Dabler was married to Miss .\nna .M. Hartman, a ilaugider of John Hartman, of Manlius lownshi]). Her father was a native of Biieks county, Pennsylvania, and came to Princeton in 1853. I'nto Mr. and ilrs. Dabler have been born eleven children who are living, while three have passed away. Those who still survive are: Charles H., Bertha M., Franklin L., Kose G., Harvev G., Je.«s W., Grover ('., Earl K.. CiilTord, I!ay ('."and Marshall. Those who have departed this life are: William, who died at the age of two months: John, who died at the age of nine years, and Saloma. Irii years of age.

Mr. Dabler has lieen roa<l eomnussioner tor eighteen consecutive years, and treasurer of the board of commissi(Uiers for sixteen years. He has l)een elected on the denuicratie ticket, and the fact that he has again and again been chosen to these offices is proof conclusive of his capability and the confidence repo.sed in him by his fellow-townsmen. He was appointed postmaster of Manlius under Grover Cleveland, and served from 1884 until 1903. Fraternally he is connected with Hoi)e lodge, No. 171, Mystic Workers, of Manlius, while all of the family are Baptists in religious faith, attending the services of that church ami aiiling in its work and su|)|iiirt.

Orris W. Mason

Orris W. Mason, engaged in general farming in Concord township, was born at Buda, Illinois, June 21, lS(i4. and is a son of Cyrus Parker and Sarah Jane (Noyes) ila.son, of whom mention is nuide on another page of this volume. The parents were of Scotch descent and were natives of New Hampshire. The father, who devoted his life to farming and stock-raising, was born .\ugust 13, lS;n, and died January 8, 1897, while his wife, who was born February 25, 1S.3.T, died March .3, i;)On. They were both nuMubers of the Buda Union Christian Society.

Orris W. ^fa.son pursued his education in the public schools of Buda and was reared to the occupation of farming, early becoming familiar with the work of fiehl and meadow. He has always lived upon the home y)lace with the exception of about a vear and a q\iarter spent in Nebraska, in the employ of J. IT. Clark, of Dorchester, that state. He resides on section ,33. Coiu'ord township, and owns and operates two liundred and twelw acres of rich farming land, which is located in

Concord and Macon townships, and is entirely free from all indebtedness. In addition to the farm he also has various financial interests in different places and he owns and operates the best equipped cider mill in the county with a capacity of three tliousand gallons in ten hours.

On the 15th of June, 1893, at the home of the bride's parents, in Macon township, Mr. Mason was married to Miss Adah L. Chase, who was born February 1, 1872. in Buda, Illinois, a daughter of James S. and Imogene L. (Hood) Chase. The father, born in Fairfield, Elaine, June 25, 1831, died January 10, 1897, only two days after the death of Mr. Mason's father. Mrs. Chase, who was born June 10, 1850, at Indianapolis, Indiana, now resides in Buda. They were the parents of three children : Adah L., George E. and L^ura \V.. all residents of Buda. Mr. and Mrs. Mason have two children: Celia Chase Mason, born .\pril 26. 1901, and Eunice Hood Mason, born January 23, 1903.

In politics Mr. Mason is a republican, unfaltering in his allegiance to the party. He has served as director for si.x or seven years of the Bureau County & Wvanet Mutual Insurance Company, and for the last three years has been its president. The honors and emoluments of political office, however, have no attraction for him, as he prefers to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs and other interests. He belongs to Buda lodge, No. 575, I. 0. 0. F., of which he has been noble grand for two terms; Buda lodge, Xo. 399, A. F. & A. M., of which he was senior and junior warden one term : tlie Buda Daughters of Rebekah. No. 339 : the Buda chapter of the Eastern Star, No. 248, of which he was worthy patron for four terms, and Buda encampment. No. 130, I. 0. 0. P., of which ho was chief patriarch for one term. He is liberal in his religious views and is a Unitarian in his affiliation, while for nine vears he has been secretary of the Buda Union Christian Society.

Charles Hiram Petteys

CHARLES HIRAM PETTEYS. Charles Hiram Petteys owns and operates a valuable farm of one hundred and ninety-four acres in Concord township. He was born at Janesville. Wisconsin, April 15, 1852, and is a son of George and Sarah M. (Wilber) Petteys. The father was a farmer by occupation and witli his family removed to Boone county, Illinois, from Wisconsin in 1853. The following year, however, he took up his abode in Henry county, this state, where he spent his remaining davs. passing awav in August, 1862.

Charles IT. Petteys was a youth of twelve years when, in 1864. he came to Bureau countv to become a resident of 'Macon township. His early education was acquired in the district schools and he afterward continued his studies in Buda, heinir graduated from the high school there. His youth was largely devoted to farm labor and he gained broad practical experience in this direction. After leaving school he entered the railroad shops at Buda and was emploj^ed as a brakeman and in other railroad services for a year. Subsequently he returned to farming in Macon township, where he lived for four years, when he took up his abode in Concord township, in the vicinity of Buda, where he has since remained. His time and energies are devoted to general agricultural pursuits, <uk1 he owns one hundred and ninety-four acres of rich and arable land, constituting an excellent farm that in its equipments has become known as one of the model farm properties of his locality.

Mr. Petteys was married December 20, 1877, to Miss Ella M. Beckwith, of Buda, a daughter of W. N. Beckwith. a farmer and stockman. In his religious views Mr. Petteys is a Congregationalist, holding membership with the chiirch in Buda, and he stands for all that is right and just in man's relations to his fellowman and for all that is progressive and practical in citizenship.

Mrs. Alice C. Fauble

Mrs. Alice C. Fauble, residing in La Moille, was born in Clarion township. Bureau county. Illindis. October 6, 1860, and is a daughter of John and Lucy M. (Smith) Clapp. Her father was born in Northampton, Massachusetts, on the 1st of October. 1814. while the mother's birth occurred in Alden, Erie countv. New York, .-Xpril 19. 1818. In the year 1834 John Clapp arrived in Bureau county and on the 20th of October, 1837, was married in Princeton to Miss Lucy M. Smith, whose residence here dated from almost as early a period as her husband's. Mr. Clapp was a farmer by occupation and owned at the time of bis death a tract of land of one hundred and sixtv acres. In the familv were seven children : Charles S., Harriet W., Cephas P.. William A., Dwight, .Albert N.. and Alice M. Of this family Charles was a soldier of the Civil war. enlisting from Illinois at the beginning of hostilities, and he lost his life at the battle of Champion Hill on the 16th of Mav. 1863.

The daughter Alice spent her girlhood days in her parents' home and obbiined her education in the public schools. On the 30th of August. 1881. s1ie gave her hand in marriage to John Fauble. who was born in Leo county, Illinois, November 16. 1857. He was a farmer by occupation and became a resident of Bureau county in 1897. spending his remaining days here. He was the ow7ier at the time of his death of one hundred and flftv-three acre< of choice land, together with a house and lot. He displayed excellent management in his business affairs, combined with keen s'igacity and unfaHcring enterprise, so that whnt- ever he uuderlook he carried forward to successful completion. He held membership with the Mystic Workers, aud was prominent anxl iuliueutial in community interests, acting ai a member of tlie village council and also as school director. Matters relating to the public welfare received his earnest consideration and he gave his support to whatever he deemed would prove of general good. He held membership m the Evangelical diurch at Perkins' Grove and was one of its active, earnest and etlicient workers. His life was honorable and upriglit, his actions nutnly aud sincere and his good qualities of heart and mind drew to him the friendship and kindly regard of all with whom he came in contact, so that his death, which occurred on the 29th of October, ISiOU, was the occasion of deep and wide-spread regret. The community lost a valued citizen and his family a devoted husband and father.

Mrs. Fauble is a member of the Congregational church and of various societies connected therewith for the promotion of its growth and the extension of its influence. She is a lady of excellent business ability, a capable financier, and is in every way able to manage her business interests, wliich arc of considerable importance. The family to which she belongs is one of some note, her brother, Cephas, being a Congregational minister and state superintendent of home missionary work at Forest Grove, Oregon. Mrs. Fauble is a lady of high attainments, of natural culture and relinement, and enjoys the esteem and good will of many friends. Her lionic is justly celebrated for its gracious and pleasing hospitality and her cooperation may be relied upon in every good work.

Rev. H. Decker

Rev. H. Decker has since 1887 been pastor of the Evangelical Tjutlicran Zion church in Clarion township. This church was organized -Vugust 17, 1856, and Rev. George Guebner became the first pastor. A few months later, however, he was succeeded by Rev. I. Koch, wlio came in April, 18.t7. and reinaincil unlil December of that year, when Rev. George Guebner was called to take charge. He remained from tlio ;)nth of May, 1858, until August, ISfiO. and was followed by Rev. TI, Eblers. who continued as pa.stor until October, 18G7. His sueeessor was the Rev. G. Albert Schieferdecker, who served the church until ."Vpril, 187-1, when Rev. .Tojm Wittig was called to the pastorate, remaining until August, 1887. The Rev. K. Heinrich A. Decker, then assuming tlio pastorate on the 15th of September, 1887, has since ministered to flie spiritual needs of his eongregafioii and under hif guidance the church has made substantial progress.

Rev. Decker was born in Rendsburg, Germany, .Tune 12, 1851, and in 1873 came to .Vmerica. He was assistant pastor of a church at Keokuk Junction from December, 1874, until Februarv. 1876.

after wiiich he liUed the pastorate of St. i'aul'B church at Fowler and of St. Peters church at Coatsburg, Illinois, until 1887. He was then calle<l to his present charge, his pastorate here covering nearly twenty years. He was educated in the sciiools of Hadersleben and Schleswig and afterward in the Mission House of Mels\ingen, (iermany, aud in the Wartburg Seminary at St. Sebald. Iowa. In 1874 tiiis seminary was removed to Mendota, Hlinois, and he finished his education there, being ordained to the priesthood on the 23d of June, 1876, at Mendota. His life has since been devoted to his holy calling and his labors and efforts iiavc been of no restricted influence but have borne good fruit in the growth of the churcli.

Rev. Decker was married July 11, 1876, at Peoria, Illinois, to Mi.ss Sophie Muenstermann, who was born in Hoenebach, Germany, January 6, 1852, and came to this country on tlie same ship with her future husband. Their marriage has been blessed with nine children: C. August, who was born June 25, 1877, and is now pastor of a church in Peoria, Illinois: C. Heinrich T., who was born January 2, 1879, and is a mining engineer in Arizona; Rudolph F. C, who wa.« born July 20, 1881, and is a practicing physician; Paul G. H., who was born JIarch 25, 1883, and is now studying philosophy: Erich G. T., who was born August 2, 1885, and is a telegraph operator in Colorado ; Johannes F. K., who was born December 20, 1887, and died .Vugust 30, 1888: Theodore C;. R., who was born December 7. 1890, and is a student in the college at Clinton, Iowa; lilizabelh L. L. E., ivho was born March 7, 1892, and is at home: and Frieda M. M., wlio was born .Vugust 23, 1894, and is also with her parents.

Politically !Mr. Decker is a republican with independent tendencies. He belongs to the I.,utheran .synod of Iowa, and is president of the southern district of the synod. He has held several of the offices wliich have come as the gift of the church through its auxiliary branches. Zion church, of which he is now pastor, has a mcmbersliip of sixty heads of families and an attendance of three hundred and lifty people. The house of worship was erected in 1857, the corner stone having been laid on the 11th of October of that vear bv the Rev. Koch, while thi^ dedicatory services were conducted by the Rev. Gueimer. September 19. 1858. The three members who officiated at the laying of the corner stone were Frederick .Stambcrger. John F. Meier and Nicholas Gross. Tlie cliurch sleeplc was built in 1874. and two bells, placed therein, were dedicated on the 25th of Octolier of (hat year. The cliurch was enlarged in 1902 and a pipe f)rgan secured, wliile at the same time new windows were purchased and put in. \ new TiUtlteran constitution was ailoptcd January 13, 1868. This church lias many associatiiuis for (lie people of Clarion township and it.^ pastor has been the counselor and .sympathetic adviser of many of its inemberB and friends througii a long period. He has worked untiringly tor tlie upbuilding of the cluirch and the extension of its influence and his words of wisdom and truth as pronounced in the pulpit Sunday after Sunday have led many to seek a better way of life, leading to the development of high character. The pastor enjoys the fullest regard of the entire community irrespective of religious faith, his own life being largely an exemplification of his teaching. He was ably qualified by liberal educational advantages for his holy calling and since leaving college he has been unfaltering in his devotion to the church and its work, his labors proving a strong element in tlic moral development of Clarion township.

HENRY C". C'ODDINGTON. Henry C. Coddington. a retired farmer residing at the corner of Warren and Fourth streets in Princeton, is one of Bureau county's native sons, having first opened his eyes to the light of day on the 14th of August, 1850, on the old family homestead in Dover township. His parents were James and Catherine (Fear) Coddington. The father was born, reared and married in Allegany county, Maryland, but at an early day emigrated to Bureau county. Illinois. He comes of jrood old Revolutionary stock and is of Scotch descent. When the colonists resolved to throw oft' the yoke of British oppression his grandfather, Benjamin Coddington, shouldered his musket and went to the front to aid in securing independence. After hostilities ceased and peace was once more established he located ujion a farm in Maryland, which he operated with the aid of the numerous slaves that he own(>d.

It was u]ion that plantation that James Coddington, father of our subject, was born January 25, 171)8, and he was there reared to manhood in the usual manner of sons of the planters of the south in comfortable circumstances. In 183-1: he started for Illinois, walking part of the way and traveling by water to some extent. At length he landed at Hennepin, Illinois, whence he came to Bureau county, and here he invested in land in Dover township, upon which he spent his remaining (lays as a farmer. He took prairie lanil, which was scarcely improved, save that a little cabin had been built. He paid a dollar and a fjuartcr per acre for two hundred acres and he placed all of the improvements ujion the property, which in course of time was transformed from a wild, uncultivated tract of land into one of rich fertility, adorned with all of the evidences of the model farm. In. early days he hauled his grain to Chicago and Henry C. Coddington now has in his possession a grindstone for which his father traded an entire load of wheat in Chicago. James Coddington whs a stalwart republican, but without asjiiration for office. lie attended the Methodist church and Sunday-school at Dover and his influence was always on the side of ritrht and justice, although he did not hold membership in the church. He was accidentally killed by being thrown from a buggy in June, 1870, while on a visit to his native state. His family numbered ten children, three of whom are living: Henry C; Harvey J., who resides upon a farm in Dover township; and Mrs. Annie Frazee, the wife of Milford Frazee, residing near her brother Henry.

Reared on the old homestead, Henry C. Coddington at the usual age began his education in the public schools and when not busy with his text-books his time was largely occupied with the work of the fields or other tasks connected with the farm work. He remained with his father until the latter's death and then succeeded to the ownership of two hundred acres of land, to which he has added until his real-estate holdings comprise five hundred and sixteen acres of very valuable farming land in Bureau county. For a considerable period he devoted his time and energies to the labors of the farm and continued to reside upon the old liomestead in Dover township imtil 190(), when he retired to Princeton, where he purchased a new and beautiful residence. Upon the honu' place is a large brick residence of ten rooms and two large halls, all lighted and heated by gas. Mr. Coddington added all modern equipments to his farm and has there a natural gas well, one hundred and sixty feet deep with twenty pounds pressure. This has been in continuous operation since 1897. Mr. L'oddington becanu' well knowi\ as a successful stockman and from 188!) until 1899 handled Galloway cattle, wliile since the latter date he has handled Hereford cattle. His cattle are thoroughlireds and he has the best herd in the county, nund)ering from forty to fifty head. He also raises Poland China hogs and is one of the substantial farmers of the county.

On the 23d of December. 187(). Mr. Coddington was united in marriage to iliss Mary Ann Pierce, of Paw Paw, Lee county, Illinois, a daugliter of Charles Pierce, who was born in Kingston, Pennsvlvania. and became a resident of Lee county in 1S35. There he opened up a farm of three hundred aiul twenty-five acres of land and became a re])resentative citizen of that county, continuing his residence there until called to his fiiuil rest. Six cliildren have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Coddington: Charles J., born March 21, 1877; Emma, who died in 1902; Mabel, born in August. 1881 ; Martha and ]\rary. twins, born July 29. 1885. the former now the wife of Albert Schinaus, of Ohio, Illinois; aiul Mary, the wife of Elmer Hoover, their home being upon the old homestead in Dover township; and Philip Raymond, who was born Xovember 10, 1890. Tlie wife and mother died December 10. 1901. and Xoveuibi'r 23, 1905, Mr. Coddington was uuirried to Mrs.

Past Ami

.Mr. Coddincrton votos with tlii' repulilitan party aiul keejis well inl'onned on the <|iit'stioiis and issues of the day, so that he is able to support his political position by intelligent argunient. Fraternally he is connected witli Bureau lodge, Mo. 112, .\. F. & A. M., and Princeton chapter. No. 28, 1\. A. M. His children are members of the English Lutheran church. In his business alfairs ho has prosj)eretl and is now one of the extensive landowners of the county. Through his carefully directed labors he has been able to provide his family with the comforts of life and has moreover a splendid competence. Although he inherited the farm his prosperity is largely attributable to his continued activity and enerjiy and his well directed labors. He is seldom at error in matters of business judgment and is still supervising his farming and stock-raising interests, from which he derives a verv uratifving financial return.

Lewis -M. Petehsox

Lewis "SI. Peterson, familiarly called --L'nclc Louie" wherever he is known, is now a retired farmer of Bureau ct)unty, still holding large landed interests in Wyauet and Concord townships. He resides in the village of Wyanet in the enjovTiient of well (sii-inil rest, which has come to him as a reward of earnest, persistent and consecutive labor in former years. He was born in Sweden in 1842 and is a son of I'eter Olson, who came to Bureau county in LS(J8 and died soon afterward.

Lewis M. Peterson received l)ut limited educational privileges in the schools of Sweilen. He came to Bureau county in 18(Jo, when a young man of about twenty-three years, and here began farming, an occupation which he made his life work. At length when his labors had brought to him sufficient capital he purchased forty acres of land in Concord township, for which lie paid twenty-eight dollars per acre, earning the money by chopping wood and splitting rails. He began the development and improvement of the land and as the years have passed and his financial resources have incH'ased he has added to this forty acres until he now owns eight hundred and lifty acres of line land in Bureau county, which is very valuable and desirable. He likewise has five hundred and si.vty acres in Colorado and is nnmiiered among the wealthy residents of this part of Illinois. His land is devoted to general farming and stock-raising and he continueil as an active representative of agricultural interests until 1!'i)2. when he retired from tiie more arduous duties of farm life and removed to Wyanet, where ho built a beautiful home and has since lived. He has also erected two fine residences upon his two farms in Bureau countv and also on his farm in Colorado, wliich are almost eijual to his splendid new residence in Wyanet. He is now one of the directors of tlie Farmers' Elevator of Wyanet, which was purchased by a company, of which he is a member, in 11)05.

Mr. Peterson was married to Sophia Dahlberg, who was born in Sweden and came alone to this country. Si.x children were the result of this marriage. .\lbert is nuirried and lives upon his father's farm, which is located eight miles northwest of \\ yanet. Sarah Maria is nuirried and lives upon her father's farm in Colorado^ William makes his home in New Jersey. A. G. lives upon one of his father's farms near Wyanet. Kosa is at home, and Hilma is the wife of Oscar Ryburg, a resident of Princeton.

Mr. and Mrs. Peterson are members of the Swedish Lutheran church, in the work of which they are deeply interested and to the support of whicli they contribute liberally. Mr. Peterson is now serving both as deacon and trustee of the church. In politics he is a republican, who keeps well informed on the (piestions and issues of the day and does all in his power to promote the growth and insure the success of his party, believing that its policy is most conducive to good government. When he arrived in this country he had a capital of only four dollars and a half. He has worked hard until he is now one of the richest men in this part of the county. His farms are all well imjiroveil and under a good state of cultivation. He has indeed been a very successful man and is a leader among the Swedish-.Vmerican people of this portion of Illinois. His life record proves conclusively the value of industry and perseverance as a factor in business and should serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement to others, for, as the architect of his own fortunes, he has builded wisely and well and his properlv interests are the visilile evidence of a life of thrift and well direcli'd lai)or.

There are representatives of various nationalilies in Bureau county but none have proven a more worthy element in its citi/cnship than tho.^ic who have I'ome from the fatherland. To this class belongs George Alay, who was born in Prussia, Septeud)er 82, 18:32, and when twenty-two years of age crossed the Atlantic to the United States. Thinking that he would have better business opporluiiitii'S in the middle west, he continued his journey from the seaboard to Chicago, where he remained for about four years. lie then removed to Heniii'pin, Piitruim county, where he worked at farm labor until his diligem'o and enterprise had brought him sullicient capital to enable him to purchase a farm of his own. I,ater, however, he .sold his ])roperly in Putnam cminty and in 18T2 I'cmoved to Mureau countv. where he pur- chased eighty acres, constituting the nucleus of his present homestead. As liis liuancial resources have increased and favorable opportunity has offered he has added to the original tract until he now owns three hundred and twenty acres of good farm land. His place is carefully cultivated and he annually harvests good crops. He is also a stockholder in the Fanners' Elevator and is thus identilied with the grain trade of the county.

Mr. May was married in Hennepin, Putnam county, Illinois, to Miss Lucy Wintersein, a daughter of Lambert and^ Mary (Drasin) Wintersein, who were farming people of Hennepin, Putnam county, Illinois. The wedding was celebrated June 28, 1866, and has been blessed with five living children : Anna May, now the wife of Nathan Coddington, a resident farmer of Bureau township; George P., who is also engaged in the tilling of the soil in Bureau township and who married Miss Kate Draman; William Henry, a stock-buyer of Manlius, who wedded Miss Nellie Morgan, of Bureau township; Benjamin Frank, who is living in Manlius township : and Everett Forest, at home. One daughter, Mary, became the wife of Peter Johnson, of Irvington, Iowa, and died in September, 1901.

Mr. May is an active republican, interested in the success of his party and doing all in his power to promote its growth and secure the adoption of its principles. He is recognized as one of its able and earnest workers in this locality and is numbered among those who regard it as the duty as well as the privilege of every American citizen to exercise his right of franchise and thus support the principles in which he lielieves. Though born across the water he is thoroughly loyal in his devotion to the stars and stripes and there would be naught said against the foreign element if all manifested the spirit of allegiance and fidelity displayed by Mr. May. On the contrary, such a citizenship would be gladly welcomed to American shores.

Samuel S. Evans

Samuel S. Evans is one of the younger representative business men of Princeton connected with the Evans, Coppins & Starks Company, which controls one of the leading productive industries of the city. In his business career he has wrought along modern lines of development and progress, has sought out new methods for the enlargement of the trade and has manifested a spirit of enterprise which has made him a leading business man of the county seat.

Mr. Evans was born in Bureau county in 1872, his parents being George P. and Arabella (Mohler) Evans. The paternal grandfather, Winfield S. Evans, was born in Rockingham county, New Hampshire, March 8, 1816, and was a son of Samuel Evans, who was born in Strafford county. New Hampshire. The last named was a son of

Edmund Evans, the founder of the family in the new world. He was a native of England and with a brother crossed the Atlantic to America, locating upon a farm in Stratford county. New Hampsliire. Both he and his brother served as soldiers of the Revolutionary war. Samuel Evans was one of a family of nineteen children, all of whom reached mature years. 'J'he eldest child, Louisa, married a Mr. Layton, a farmer of the old Granite state, and died when in her one hundredth year.

On reaching manliood Samuel Evans married Miss Hannah Woodman, a native of New Hampshire, and afterward worked at his trade of blacksmithing in Nottingham, that state, where his death occurred when his son W. S. Evans was seven years of age, and the following year his wife also passed away. Winfield S. Evans was the third in order of birth in their family of six children, the others being Elvin A., William Harrison, Samuel Plunimer, Sophrnnia and Leazer W. R.

The advantages, educational and otherwise, which were afforded Winfield S. Evans in his youth were very meager, but he became a well informed man through his own efforts, broadening his knowledge by experience, observation and reading. After the death of his parents he was reared to some extent by others but was early thrown upon his own resources. For a time he worked for his brother in Salem, Massachusetts, and then returned to New Hampshire, where he was employed on a farm for two months. The following winter and spring, however, he was again with his brother. Going to Brookline, Massachusetts, he secured a position as a gardener, remaining with one employer for three years, after which he went to Boston, where he was employed as a porter in a bank. Subsequently ho spent two years in the service of a baker, boarding in his family.

Winfield S. Evans was nuirried while in Boston on the 13th of July, 1842, to Miss Sarah J. Langley, who was born, reared and educated in the same neighborhood in New Hampshire as her husband. In 185.5 he came to the west, making his way to Bureau county, and was so well pleased with this locality that he returned to Boston the following year and brought his family to Illinois, and still resides in this county. Here he turned his attention to farming and was very successful in that pursuit, so that he is now enabled to live a retired life in Princeton. His wife passed away in April, 1880.

'J'heir only son, George P. Evans, was born in Boston and was provided with good educational privileges. Coming with his parents to Illinois he was reared to the occupation of farming and afterward carried on that pursuit on his own account, but in later years has lived retired in Princeton. He married Miss .\rabella Mohler, a daughter of Samuel and Caroline Mohler, natives of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Three children were boi-n unto l\[r. and Mrs. George Evans: Caroline J., the wife of Scott R. Coppins, a member of the Evans,