Bureau County, Illinois - Biographical sketches, 1906 (part 2 of 28)

On the 13th' of .\iigust, 1891, Mr. Simington was united in marriage to Miss Emma Tvouise Walbournc, of Revere, Massach\isetts, a daughter of Joseph C. and Mary Walbourne, the father a prominent contractor and builder of the Bay state. Five children bless the union of* Mr. and Mrs. Simington: Charles W., Nina V., Frances N., Mary W. and Barbara L. The parents are members of the Unitarian church and Mr. Siniino;ton is a Mason and past master of SheHiold lodge. He also belongs to the Knight Templar Commandery of Princeton and is in thorough sympathy with the teachings and tenets of the craft. He ha.s the social, genial qualities which made him popular on the road and have won him many friends in Sheffield, at the same time contributing to his success as an official. In office he is alw^ays obliging, as well as prompt and reliable, and wherever he has gone he ha> gained warm personal regard.

Watsox Freemax Lawtox

Watson Freeman Lawton was for many years a prominent figure in the commercial and agricultural circles of Bureau county and he also exerted a wide influence in public affairs, his labors proving of direct benefit to the county because of his unquestioned devotion to the general good and Ihe pnictic-al methods which he followed in bringing about general improvement and advancement. His life record is in many respects well worthy of emulation and illustrates in no uncertain manner the value and force of upright character and of indefatigable energy in the affairs of life.

Mr. Lawton was born December 29. 1828, at Wilmington, Windham county. A''ermont. was the son of Israel and Melissa (Freeman) Lawton, also natives of the Green ^Mountain state, where their parents, who were born in ^lassachiisetts. had located before the Revolutionary war, in which Israel Lawton and hi.« father participated. Our subject was one of a family of seven children, only one of whom is still living.

Upon a farm in his native state ^Ir. Lawton spent the days of his boyhood and youth and in 18.')2 emigrated to Illinois, wliere he had old friends living at Perkins Orove, Clarion township. Bureau county. He had no definite thought of remaining and his father supposed that he would be back in a few weeks, but in that town- .«hip he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land at six dollars and a quarter per acre, which claim bad been partly fenced. .\t that time his capital consisted of two hundred and fifty dollars, which he had earned and this he invested, going in debt for tlic remainder. Here he continued to live throughout bis remaining days but the winter of lS."j2-.'53 he spent in the east.

Returning to Vermont, Jfr. Lawton was there married, January 30. 18.56, at Wilmington, to Miss Carrie Estabrook, who was born June 27. 1831, in the same house where his birth had occurred and whom he had always known. Immediately after their marriage Mr. Lawton brought his bride to Illinois. Unto them were born two children : Alice, the wife of Henry Howard, a farmer of Sheffield; and Edwin Watson, who was his fathers business associate, and who is represented on another page of this volume.

The first vear of his residence in Bureau county was a hard one for Mr. Lawton as he was ill much of the time. The next year he raised good crops, which he stored for two years; as prices were so low, wheat bringing only thirty cents, corn ten cents and oats eight cents per bushel, but by keeping his products until 18.54. the demand caused by the Crimean war raised prices and he received a dollar and thirty cents for wheat, sixty cents for shelled corn and thirty-five cents for oats, realizing about three thousand dollars cash. In this way he got his .start in life and in 1854 removed to Sheffield but retained his original farm until during the Civil war, when he sold the one hundred and sixty acres, for which he had paid one thousand dollars, for eight thousand.

On coming to Sheffield Mr. Lawton opened a .store in connection with E. F. Pulsifer. now of Chicago. This was the same fall that the railroad was completed to the place and three stores had been started the previous spring, belonging to X'ash &- .Andrews, J. C. Xiles and Carrell & .lohnson. Our subject continued in the mercantile business until 1804 but during the hard times, from 185? until 1860, lost considerable through bad debts. This was when the wildcat currency was in circidation and he received all kinds of iuoney. wliich be took to Xew York when buying goods and made about fifteen per cent on all he handled. He was very careful in receiving money, alwavs using a bank detector which was published daily.

In 1864 Mr. Lawton formed a partnership with William Wilson under the firm name of Lawton & Wilson, and for eight years they conducted a general store, dealt in agricultural im- ]ilements and engaged in shipjiing stock, the last ])roving quite profitable and in all lines they were very successful. In 1872 our subject began the operation of a farm of eight hundred acres in Mineral township, two miles west of the village, but continued to reside in the latter place, his farm being cultivated by hired help. He also iiegan breeding stock and feeding cattle for the market, to which he afterward devoted his attention throughout his remaining days, his son being his partner during the last seven years of his life.

In connection with J. M. Curtis of Sheffield, he purchased a tract of fifteen hundred acres in Gold township. Bureau county, on which are three sets of farm buildings and of which about one section was used for pasturage. For this land he paid from three to fifteen dollars per acre, it being swamp land along the Winnebago slough, but since being drained it has become quite valuable and is now worth about forty dollars per acre. He also owned a half section of land in Woodson c-ouiUy, Kanscif, and for this land lie paid as high as fitty-five dollars per acre. He was a stockholder in the Citizens Xational Bank, of Princeton.

Mr. Lawton took a deep interest in political aifairs, always voting with the republican party, and served as a delegate to the local and state conventions. He was elected supervisor when the county first began the drainage system and held that position for eight years, taking an active part in that work, which resulted in reclaiming all the swamp land in the county, now worth several times its original value. Mr. Lawton was reared a Universalist but liccanic a member of the Unitarian church, he and his wife being among its original members, and they contributed largely to the erection of the house of worship in 1870 and always took a very active part in church work. He died February 10, 1898, and Mrs. Lawton passed away on the 5th of December, 1901.

During the last thirty years of his life he was a member of the village board for the greater part of the time, and was its president for four years, and took an active part in establishing the present system of waterworks, which cost twelve thou- >,md dollars. He stood for high license and assisted in putting in force that law in Sheffield since 1885. As will be seen he was public-spirited and enterprising and had the best interests of his town and county at heart. He therefore deserved to be numbered among the influential and popular citizens.

Cyrus Bryant

The student of history cannot carry his investigations far into the annals of Bureau county without learning of the close and honorable connection of the Bryant family with the interests of this portion of the state, where representatives of the name have been influential factors in promoting progress along material, intellectual and moral lines. They have stood for all that is best in citizenship, for all that is progressive in business and for all that works for the development of justice, truth and right in man's relations with his fellowmen. It is therefore mete that prominent mention should be made of the Bryant family in this volume.

Cyrus Bryant, the third son of Dr. Peter and Sarah (Snell) Bryant, was born at Cummington, Massachusetts. July 12. 1798. He was not strong nor healthy in his infancy but on the contrary was subject to frequent illnesses and during his life was afflicted witli nervous sick headaches, but in spite of these unpromising beginnings he grew into a vigorous manhood both physically and mentally. His early education was such as covdd be obtained in the subscription schools of that period and, ambitious for further advancement, at the age of eighteen years he entered the Hadley Academy, then under the superintendency of Dr. Daniel

Huntington, an eminent divine and teacher and the father of Bishop Huntington of western New York. Under the instruction of that able educator Mr. Bryant made rapid advancement in his studies. He also assisted in the cultivation of the farm during the summer seasons and for several winters taught school. Soon after attaining his majority and following the death of his father he found employment as a copyist in the office of Judge Vanderpool at Kinderhook, New York, and between 1823 and 1827 he was employed in the city of Columbia, South Carolina, as head clerk for a Mr. Miller, who was formerly a resident of Cummington, Massachusetts. Subsequent to his return to the north he entered the Renssalaer Polytechnic School at Troy, New York, under Professor Amos Eaton, where he remained as a student for two years and was graduated in 1829. While there he gave his entire attention to the mastery of the natural sciences, chemistry, botany, natural philosophy, mineralogy, geology and astronomy and was soon afterward engaged as an itinerate lecturer on those subjects. He delivered a full course of lectures liefore the Round Hill school at Northampton, Massachusetts, of which Mr. Cogswell and George Bancroft, the historian, were proprietors, and in which Mr. Bancroft was the principal instructor. Probably no one in Illinois at the time of his arrival here had as broad a knowledge of those subjects as Cyrus Bryant. In his early manhood he was an enthusiastic student of music, possessing a good ear and bass voice. He played the violin, bass viol, clarionet, flute and bassoon. In the fall of 1831 he went to Lenawee county, Michigan, where a number of Cummington, Massachusetts, families had settled the previous spring. There he remained until the next summer, when he went to Jacksonville, Illinois, and thence came to Princeton, where he made his home until his death February 19, 1865.

It was Cyrus Bryant who promoted and organized the first library association of Bureau county, numbering at first about a dozen citizens of Princeton. He drafted the constitution and by-laws, was its first president and made the first purchase of books, consisting of history, biography, travels, science, poetry and romance. The first purchase was about one Inmdred and fifty volumes, afterward increased to two hundred and fifty or three hundred volumes. This association, after an existence of four years, was dissolved and the books were scattered among the members. Mr. Bryant was also one of the proprietors of the first jirinting press and newspaper in Hureau county and for a time acted as one of the editors of that work. In connection with Robert T. Temideton he was instrumental in holding the first agricultural e.xhibition in the county in 1837 and this was the beginning of the present county fairs. He was an active participant in the formation of Bureau iMUinfv. was its first roiintv and circuit clerk ani' its first master in chani-ery, in all of which offices he performed the duties faithfully and satisfactorily. He was the author of an occasional verse or poem and once wrote a patriotic song to the metre of Scott's song of Clan Alpine, which was rendered at a fourtli of July celebration in Massachusetts and again in Princeton on a similar occasion. Cyrus Bryant was a man of superior mentality and of rnuch more than ordinary mental cultivation, for he improved such opportunities as he had for the acquisition of knowledge with persevering assiduity. He possessed, moreover, a large fund of practical common sense and sagacity, was a man of strong will and decided opinions upon all subjects which he had fairly considered and was ever frank and outspoken in the e.xpression of his views, so that his position was never an equivocal one. He liked and disliked with intensity. He was a man of unimpeachable integrity, always straightforward in his dealings, faithful and conscientious in the performance of his duties as a public officer and despised trickery, falsehood or prevarication. In fact his was a character worthy of regard because of its fidelity to the highest principles of upright manhood.

In ls;!:i Cyrus Bryant returned to Cummington, Massachusetts, and was married there in May, 18.34, to l\Iiss Julia Everett, with whom he removed to Illinois in the spring of that year. They traveled by wagon as far as Albany, thence by Erie canal to Buffalo and by steamer around the Great Lakes to Chicago. Leaving his bride in a Chicago boarding house, he started on foot for his claim, fully one hundred miles away, in order to bring back his ox team and wagon for the transportation of his wife and his household effects to his new home on tlie jirairie. Tlie fatigue and exposure incurred in his long tramp brought on a severe illness, which prevented him from setting out on his return to Chicago until several days after the allotted time for his appearance. As there were no mails or other regular means of communication, no explanation of the delay coidd be sent to her who anxiously and almost despairingly awaited his return. As soon as he was sufficiently recovered he hurried to his young wife and the remainder of their trip to Bureau county was made with an ox team. On their arrival they took up their al)ode in a pioneer log cabin liome. which served as their jihice of residence for about eleven years. In the tenth year, lSl-1, ground was broken near by for the more impo.iing brick residence which was to replace it and on tiic 1st day of May, 184.'), they moved into their new home.

Mrs. Bryant was born April 8, 1808, in Hampshire county, ilassachusetts, and was the fourth child of James and Phoebe Everett, who had a family of fifteen sons and daughters. Their home was on the Ilamp.shire hills of Ma.ssacbusetts, where their daughter Julia was trained to the work of the household and to aid her mother in the care of the younger children of the family. She was always gentle and kindly speaking in her association with the younger brothers and sisters and assisted them in their tasks, for life in those days in a Puritan household was a busy one. Her intluencu was silently exerted but potently felt and she possessed a kindly, peaceful nature that wrought for serene contentment in all around her. In her own home she lived for her husband and children, displaying a loving, sympathetic nature. Prior to her marriage, aside from her duties as the eldest daughter of the household, she worked at the tailor's trade and while she was waiting in Chicago at the time she came to the west she sewed for the lady with whom she boarded and in pay received two flat irons and a tailor's goose. Reading was a favorite pastime of hers, although in her earlier years she had little opportunity to indulge her taste in this direction. In later years, however, books were her constant companions and she obtained the keenest enjoyment in this association of the master minds of all ages. She passed away in Princeton, April 25, 1875, and Mr. Bryant died in the same citv, February 19, 1865.

This worthy couple were the parents of six children. Everett, born August 10, 1835, is decea.sed. Peter, born June 2, 1837, was married in September, 1862, to Henrietta Bacon and now lives at Holton, Kansas. Cullen, born June 3, 1839, entered West Point in 1860. He married Kitty Scott and now lives in Alameda, California. Marcus, born March 31, 1842, died February 27, 1876. He spent his early life on his father's farm and throughout life continued to follow the occupation of farming and was also engaged in the grain business at Tampico. Illinois. On the IDth of December. 1867, he married Kezia H. McGinnis, of Dixon, Illinois, and to them were born two children : Grace M., born November 4, 1868; and Alice M.. December 7. 1870. The latter was married in October, 1896. to Edward B. Crater, a resident of Tiskilwa, and they have two children: I^Iarian L.. born July 5, 1897; and ilarcus B., born June 1. 1901. Julia, the older daughter of Cyrus and Julia (Everett) Bryant, was born February 3, 1845. and is now the wife of F. W. Norton, of Carleton, Nebraska. Charity, born December 17, 1848, was married May 5, 1869. to George A. Robinson, who died at Princeton. .\j)ril 29. 1889, and to them were born three children: .\gnes M.. Marcus B.. and .Mice J.

CONSTANT HifOWX. Constiiiit Brown, a grain dealer of Wvanet, whose business interests have been the important element in the commercial activity of the town and who is well known as supervisor of Wyaiiet, his native township, was i)orn October 10. 1868. He is a son of Constant Brown. Sr.. who resides at Geneseo, Illinois, and is agent for the Eock Island Eailroad Company at that place, which position he has filled since 188-i. He was born on that 20th of March, 1845, in Canajoharies, New York, and came to Illinois in 18U6. He located at Wyanet where he was agent for the Eock Island Eailroad Company until 1884, when he was transferred to Geneseo, making forty years' continuous service in the employ of the railroad, a fact which is indicative of the unqualified trust reposed in him by the corporation which he represents. He married Anna M. Wilcox, a native of Stone Arabia, New York, and a daughter of 0. G. Wilcox, who came to this county about 1854 and lived to be about ninety-four years of age. Mrs. Brown was reared and educated in Princeton, and there she was married to Mr. Brown. In this family were seven children. The father has a brother, Charles H. Brown, who is railroad agent and postmaster at Marquette, Illinois.

Constant Brown of this review was educated in Wyanet and in the Geneseo high school, completing his course in 1886, since which time he has been engaged in the grain and stock business. In that year he formed a partnership with his uncle, Mr. Wilcox, in the grain trade in Wyanet and they operated the elevator together until 1901, when he sold out. The business now is conducted under the name of the Neola Elevator Company, and Mr. Brown still manages the business and operates the elevator, which has a storage capacity of twenty-four thousand bushels, and has handled as high as two hundred and sixty loads of grain in a day, while in former years from this elevator has been shipped as high as three hundred and twenty-three carloads of grain in a single month. The plant is well equipped with a seven horse power gasoline engine and every needed facility for the rapid and economical handling of grain. Mr. Brown built an electric light plant in Wyanet in 1901 and is still secretary and treasurer of the company, which is conducting the business. He also has a crude oil gas plant in Spring Valley, together with a gas plant in Seatonville, Illinois. His interests are thus varied and extensive and his business capacity and enterprise are manifest in his successful management of these different concerns.

Mr. Brown married Miss Mate C. Strvker, whose stepfather, Eev. W. J. Abel, was pastor of the Methodist Epi.scopal church in Wyanet. Mr. Brown is a republican in his political views and for six years has served as supervisor in Wyanet township. He is recognized as a leader in political circles here and his opinions are often decisive factors in the local councils of his party. He is likewise a member of tj^c Masonic fraternity, in which he has taken the degrees of the lodge, chapter and comiiiandery and he is also a member of the ^ledina Temple of the Mystic Shrine in Chicago. He likewise affiliates with the Kniglits of Pvthias and otlier fraternal and social orixani7.ati(,ins and is popular with his brethren of these dill'erent fraternities because of his fidelity to the principles, combined witli a genuine personal worth and that regard for others which is shown in a kindly and generous spirit and deference for the opinions of those with whom one comes in contact.

Daeius F. Fay

Darius F. Fay is now living retired upon his farm in Bureau township. He was born in this township, October 5, 1842, and is a son of Samuel L. Fay, whose birth occurred near Boston, in Middlesex comity, Massachusetts, August 1, 1813. At a very early age, however, he accompanied his parents on their removal to Conway, Franklin county, Massachusetts, and on attaining his majority he became a resident of Putnam county, Illinois, where he remained for a few years before removing to Bureau county. As a companion and helpmate for life's journey he sought Mary Mercer, who w'as born in Greene county, Pennsylvania, February 8, 1807, and by their marriage they became the parents of five children, of whom Darius F. Fay was the third in order of birth.

Beared in the county of his nativity, Darius F. Fay is indebted to the public-school system for the early educational privileges he enjoyed and which were supplemented by study in Dover Academy. From his early youth he has been identified with the agricultural interests of the county, liaving continuously followed farming save for the period of his service in the Civil war. In response to his country's call for aid he joined the army, enlisting as a member of Company P, One Hundred and Pifty-first Illinois Volunteer Infantry, in February, 1865, at the last call for three hundred thousand men. He was then twenty-two years of age and he served faithfully and well until the close of hostilities, when victory perched upon the Union banner and the country no longer needed the military aid of her loyal sons. He then returned home and resumed farming and is today the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land which is very rich and arable. The entire farm is under cultivation. There are large and substantial modern buildings upon the place and the home is surrounded by a beautiful and well-kept lawn. Were it not for the adjacent corn-fields one might mistake this for a modern city residence and in fact it would be an ornament to any city in Bureau county.

In 1866 Mr. Pay was married to Miss Sylvia Smith, wjio was born in Bureau county. Illinois, September 83, 1844. By this marriage there were born three children, one of whom died in infancy, while two daughters, Mrs. Jennie L. Hoffman and Mrs. Clara E. Weller, are now living on farms in this county. Mr. Pay and his family are members (if tlie Wesleyan Methodist church, of which he is a most ardent .'idvocate. doing nil in liis power to promote its growth and extend its influence. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he cast his first presidential ballot for Abraham Lincoln in 1864. He is now practically retired from the active work of the farm, renting the land which he so ably managed for years and which brought to him the competence that now enables him to live retired. His rest is well merited, for his persistency of purpose and indefatigable labor were the strong elements in his ])rosperity. In matters of citizenship he is as true and loyal to his coimtry as when he followed the old flag upon tlie battle-fields of the south.

J. H. Coddington is the owner of one of the fine farms of Bureau county situated in Dover township. To see this place with its excellent buildings, its beautiful shade trees, its fine stock and broad acres of rolling prairie land is a sight to make one desire the life of the agriculturist, while the hospitality of the pleasant home is sucli that the guest always likes to linger there. j\Ir. Coddington is an enterprising, progressive business man, now owning five hundred and thirty-eight acres of vauable land, which is devoted to the raising of grain and stock.

He was born in the township which is still his home on January 25, 1847, which was the fortyninth anniversary of his fathers birth. He is a son of James Coddington, a native of Allegany county, Mar}'land, born January 25, 1798. He became one of flie earliest settlers of Bureau county, Illinois, arriving in 1831 prior to the Black Hawk war. He bore his full share in the work of development here, aiding in the task of reclaiming wild land for the purposes of civilization and converting a new and undeveloped prairie region into a state of rich fertility. There were few white settlers in the county at the time of his arrival and the Indians were very troublesome, so that the lives of the pioneers were in constant danger. However, the Black Hawk war was soon inaugurated and the red men were brouglit into subjection.

Upon the old homestead farm J. H. Coddington was reared and his preliminary education. acquired in the district schools, was supplemented by study in Dover .\cademy. He received ample training at farm labor, for during the periods of vacation he assisted in the work of the fields. Having arrived at years of maturity, he was married to Miss Lizzie Keel, who was born in Ohio in 1851, their marriage being celebrated on the twenty-fifth anniversary of the birth of our subject. They have become the parents of nine children : James K., who was born in 1872, and is now practicing physician in Humboldt, Iowa : John W. C. who was born in 1876. and is a bookkeeper in the Farmers National Bank in Princeton; Harry, who was born in 1878, and aids in tlie operation of the home farm; Nellie May, born in 1880; Frank, who was born in 1882, and also assists his father on the farm ; Mattie, born in 1884; William, in 18Sl> ; and Lloyd H. and Lottie, twins, September 21, 1890. Of this family William is a graduate of the civil engineering department of the Northwestern University at Evanston, Illinois. The younger members of the household are still at home.

Throughout his entire business career Jlr. Coddington has carried on agricultural pursuits, and is now the owner of five hundred and thirty-eight acres of rich and productive land in Dover tmd Princeton townships, supplied with all modern equipments and accessories. The farm produces corn, oats and hay. which are the staple products of this section of the state. He also has a herd of fine Hereford cattle and owns a number of Englishshire horses. His stock-raising interests are no unimportant part of his business, but on the contrary bring to him a good financial return annually. He also has considerable fruit upon his ])lace. and the farm is lacking in none of the accessories of a model country property.

In his political views ]\[r. Coddington is a stalwart republican, and his fellow townsmen have called him to several public offices, the ditties of which be has discharged with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. He has served as a school director for many years and as road commissioner for three years. He has also been school trustee and was assessor for seven years and supervisor for four years, holding the last named position at the present time. For seventeen years he has been a member of the United Brethren church, and his life has at all times been actuated by high principles and characterized bv honorable, manly conduct. He is a gentleman whom to know is to esteem and honor, and during the long years of his residence in Bureau conntv. covering the entire period of his life, he has enjoved the unqualified regard and respect of bis fellnwmen.

Wallarc Bass is the vice-president of the Walnut Bank and the owner oF extensive landed interests in Illinois and other states, including five hundred acres in Lee and Bureau counties, while he has the management of several other farms. He is a Inisiness man whose intense and well directed activifv has gained him prominence and won him a goodlv measure of wealth.

.\ native son of Bureau county, Wallace Bass was born in IMalden, ^^farch 12, 1860, a son of Edwin and Emaline J. (Stanard) Bass, the former a native of Scotland, Connecticut, and the latter of Madison county. Now York. The father ranio to this countrv in 1840 and the mother some years later. They were married in Clarion township during an early epoch in the history of the county and with the early business development and substantial improvement of this section of the state the father was closely associated. He died December 17, 1901, and his wife passed away in ilarch, 1903.

Wallace Bass completed his education, begun in the district schools, by a course in the Princeton high school, and in 1881, when twenty-one years of age, went to Lee county, where he resided for about thirteen years, engaged in farming and stock-raising. The practical experience gained in youth now stood him in good purpose and the careful supervision which he gave to the work of the fiekls enabled him to annually harvest crops that brought to him a most desirable yearly income. Moreover, he demonstrated the soundness of his judgment concerning the value of land through investments which proved protitable and on leaving the farm and establishing his home in Walnut he engaged in buying and selling real estate, including both town and farm properties. He today owns and operates five himdred acres of land in Bureau and Lee counties. His inve.stments not only include properties in this locality but have also been placed in the cities. He owns some forty acres near the city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, together with real estate in Chicago and he has land in South Dakota and four sections in Monroe and Jackson counties, Wisconsin, which is now being drained with steam dredges, which will make it valuable.

On the 15th of December, 1886, Mr. Bass was married to jMiss Cora A. Stone, who was born November 24, 1864, a daughter of Silas 0. and Sarah (Thorn) Stone, natives of New York and Hlinois. respectively, and both still living. Her father followed farming and stock-raising as a life work but is now living retired in Walnut. Mr. and Mrs. Bass have become the parents of three children : Glenn W., Alcie L. and Leo 0., aged respectively sixteen, fourteen and six years. The family residence, erected ten years ago, is one of the most beautiful homes in Walnut and its warm hearted and gracious hospitality is one of its most attractive features.

The family are members of the Methodist church of Walnut and generous contributors to its support. Mr. Pass is also prominent in Masonry, belonging to Walnut lodge. No. 732, A. F. & A. M. ; and to Temple commandery, No. 20, K. T., of Princeton. He is also connected with Walnut camp, No. 15, M. W. A. His political allegiance is given the republican party and his opinions are an iniluential element in the conduct of community interests, for all recognize his devotion to the public welfare and his practical and helpful methods for the furtherance of movements which have proven of direct benefit to the community. He has served altogether for eight years as a member of the village board, being an incumbent of the ottice at the present time, and lie has also been a member of the school board. His interest centers in those channels through which are secured the greatest good for the greatest number, and although his business interests are important, complicated and extensive, he has always found time to co-operate in public-spirited movements.

James E. Dablek

James E. Dabler, recognized as a leader in I)olitical circles in Bureau county and numbered among the prominent merchants of Princeton, where as a member of the firm of J. E. Dabler & Brother he is engaged in dealing in farming implements, vehicles and harness, was born in Wabash, Indiana, July 26, 1854, and came with his parents to Bureau county when only a year old. They settled upon a farm between Princeton and Tiskilwa and in 1861 removed to a farm near Manlius in this county.

At the age of fifteen years James E. Dabler started out in life on his own account, being employed at farm labor during the summer months, while in the winter seasons he engaged in selling books. He made his home with his parents until twenty-five years of age, when he entered the employ of J. W. Mercer and sold books throughout northern Illinois. He was afterward a salesman of school furniture for A. H. Andrews and later went to Walnut, Illinois. On the 24th of December, 1880, Mr. Dabler was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Clayton, of Walnut, the second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John H. Clayton, who came to Illinois from Ohio about 1876. Her father died in 1902 and her mother is still living.

The year following his marriage James E. Dabler embarked in business with his father at Manlius and in 1882 went to New Bedford, Bureau count)', where he entered the employ of J. W. Sprett. A year later he formed a partnership with L. Aldrich, of Princeton, and opened an implement house at New Bedford, but subsequently returned to Walnut and entered the employ of the Sandwich Manufacturing Company, which he represented as collector for three years through Minnesota and Dakota, while for ten years he was general agent in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. In 1886 he came to Princeton and in 1894 formed the present partnership with his brother, Webb Dabler, under the firm style of J. E. Dabler and Brother. They embarked in the implement business and Mr. Dabler of this review is still at the head of the house. In 1896 he left the road and has since given his personal attention and supervision to the business bore. The firm deal in farming implements, vehicles, hardware, liarness. rob&s, whips, cream separators, etc., aud now have a liberal patronage, for their trade has constantly grown and developed. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Dabler has been blessed with four daughters and a son, Myrtle, Viola, Lillie, Chrissie and Edgar. In his political views Mr. Dabler is a democrat and in 1904 was elected to the state legislature from his district. He belongs to the Elks lodge, No. o8-l, at La Salle, to the Knights of Pythias and the Masonic fraternity, both of Princeton. He has a beautiful home where he resides at No. 312 North Vernon street in Princeton and on the 24th of December, 1905, was celebrated the silver wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Dabler, on which occasion fifty guests were present aud many valuable gifts were received. Possibly no family in Bureau county has a wider circle of friends than Mr. and Mrs. Dabler. He is regarded as one of Princeton's substantial business men, a gentleman in the truest and best sense of the term, who possesses strong purpose and a kindly spirit, who is considerate of the right of others, and at the same time firm in support of his honest convictions. He ha.s made a creditable record in business and in political circles and as representative from his district in the state legislature has stood for the enactment of many measures which have received general endorsement and promise well for the. best interests of the state.

Samuel G. Sqverhill

One of the most prominent and active business men of Bureau county is Samuel G. Soverhill, of Indiantown township, who resides on section 24, where he has a splendidly located property known as the Evergreen Hill Farm. He is extensively and successfully engaged in the raising of fruit, grain and stock and in the conduct of a dairy and his prominence as a fruit-raiser is indicated by his connection with the Illinois State Horticultural Society, of which he is vice president. He was born in Arcadia, Wayne county. New York, No- %-ember 28, 1835, upon the same fann where occurred the birth of his father. Isaac Soverhill. The grandfather. Samuel Soverhill, was, however, a native of Scotland, and his wife was born in Wales. Thinking to enjoy better business opportunities in the new world he became one of the pioneer settlers of Arcadia, New' York, and there purchased four hundred acres of government land, which he cleared and developed into a productive farm. In connection with its cultivation he also worked at his trade of blacksmithing and engaged in the manufacture of lumber and was thus closely associated with the agricultural, industrial and commercial interests of his community. He married Miss Sally Clark and they became the parent," of five children: Isaac, Hiram, Joel. Mrs. Susan Luce and Mrs. Pollv Cronise.

Uf this family Isaac Soverhill, the eldest, was reared upon the old homestead and in early life learned and followed the blacksmith's trade but in later years devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits. At the time of the second war with England he valiantly espoused the American cause and fought for the interests of this country. He was married in WajTie county, New York, to Miss Barbara Failing, whose birth occurred in Lyons, that county. Her father, George Failing, was of German birth and was numbered among the pioneer residents of Wayne county. Mr. Soverhill took his bride to the old homestead and continued his residence there up to the time of his death in 1846. He was one of the most active, enterprising and substantial farmers of Wayni.' county and was highly respected by all who knew him. His wife passed away in 1844, at the age of forty-five years. Of their family of two sons and four daughters all reached adult age, namely : Sally, who became the wife of Isaac Rowe, of New York, aud died in Bureau county, Illinois, subsequent to their removal to the middle west; Eliza, who is the widow of Otis Parks and is residing near the old home place in Wayne county. New York ; Allen, a farmer of that county ; Susan, who became the wife of William Robinson of the same county, but both are now deceased: Loretta, the widow of William Dator and a resident of Strang, Fillmore county, Nebraska : and Samuel G,, of this review.

Samuel G. Soverhill spent the days of his boyhood anri youth in his native county. His educational opportunities were very meager, for when but eleven years of age he lost his father and from that time forward his youth was largely .i period of earnest, unremitting toil. He made his home with a brother until he was able to earn liis own living by working by the month as a farm hand. From an early age he provided for his own support and his diligence, unabating energy and keen business foresight have constituted the foundation upon which he has builded the superstructure of his later success.

As a companion and helpmate for life's journey Samuel G. Soverhill chose Miss Jane Whitbeck. to whom he was married December 15, 1849, in Wayne county. New York. She was born in that county, a daughter of James Whitbeck, who removed from Columbia county to Wayne county. New York. Following his marriage Mr. Soverhill in partnership with his brother purchased si.xty acres of land, which they operated together for ten years. He then sold out and made his way westward with the intention of locating in Iowa, but on the way he stopped in Bureau county, Illinois, to visit his sister, Mrs. William Dator. He then proceeded to Chickasaw count}', Iowa, where he engaged in contracting for some time and then returned to Bureau county to collect some money due him. Failing to make the anticipated collection he was persuaded to remain here and In November, 1866, he purchased eighty acres of tlie farm on which lie now resides. About half of that tract was then under cultivation and a small house had been erected thereon. For two j-ears Mr. Sovcrhill engaged in the cultivation of that farm in partnership with his brother-inlaw, whose interest he then purchased and since that time he has been alone in business.

After the death of his first wife in October, 1874, Mr. Soverhill was again married, his second union being celebrated in Bureau county on the lUtli of jSTovember, 1875, when Miss Laura Couch became his wife. She was born in Henry county, Illinois, and was brought to Bureau county by her parents when only two years of age. She is a daughter of Benjamin C. Couch, who was born September 19, 1823, in Boscawen, Merrimack county. New Hampshire, and was a grandson of Benjamin Couch, Sr., a native of the old Granite state and a soldier of the Revolutionary war, participating in the battle of Bunker Hill, where liis ear was pierced by a bullet. He married a Miss Heath and of their five children Benjamin Couch. Jr., was the grandfather of Mrs. Soverhill. He was a farmer by occupation and spent his entire life in New Hampshire, his native state. He married Sally Morse, who was born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and died January 24, 1866, at the age of seventy-five years. She ^as the mother of eight children. Benjamin C. Couch, father of Mrs. Soverhill, was reared and educated in his native state and in 1843 removed to Tazewell county, Illinois, while in the winter of 1845 he became a resident of Henry county and in 1851 took up his abode in Bureau county, Illinois. He first settled in Wyanct township, where ho followed the carpenter's trade unutil 1853. when he removed to Tiskilwa, where he was engaged in merchandising and grain buying for fifteen years, being recognized as one of the representative and progressive business men of that place. He filled the office of township clerk and justice of the peace for many years, discharging the duties of both with capability and loyalty. He was married in Rhode Island to Miss Martha J. Calif, who died in Tiskilwa. In their family were nine children: Dion ; Cornelia A. ; Laura and Lucy, twins ; Sarah J. ; Charles S. ; Ilus ; Buel and Bias, twins. Prior to the Civil war Mr. Couch was a stanch advocate of abolition and his home was one of the stations on the famous underground railroad.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Soverhill were born four children, three of whom are living. Harvey A., who was graduated from the Tiskilwa high school and the State University at Champaign, married Ethel Payne and lives in Moline, Illinois, where he is engaged in the manufacture of gasoline engines and automobiles. George died in December, 1905, at the age of twenty-eight years. Wilbur nnd Emma L. are at home.

Since casting his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont in 185R Mr. Soverhill has been a pronounced republican and has taken an active part in local politics. He has filled various positions of honor and trust, having served as supervisor of Indiantown township for the past twentyseven years witli the exception of a brief period of three years. For a number of years he has been a member of the county farm cominittee and is now chairman of the same. Since his arrival here he has also been a school trustee. He and his wife are devotsd Christian people, Mr. Soverliill belonging to the Baptist church and his wife to the Methodist church. He affiliates with Sharon lodge. No. 550, A. F. & A. M., of Tiskilwa; Princeton chapter. No. 28, R. A. M., of Princeton; and Temple commandery. No. 20, K. T., also of Princeton.

Mr. Soverhill has continuously engaged in general agricultural pursuits and stock-raising since coming to the county and that he has prospered in his undertakings is indicated by the fact that he is now the owner of five hundred acres of valuable land in the township of Indiantown. His home is a beautiful residence and the farm, with its many modern improvements, its large and siibstantial outbuildings, its well kept fences and highly cultivated fields, constitutes one of the finest country places of Bureau county. He is extensively engaged in the dairy business and has kept about thirty-five cows for this purpose. He also feeds several carloads of steers and some ' hogs for the market each year and thus makes large shipments. He is now feeding about one hundred head of hogs. He has never sold a load cf corn since coming to Illinois and only a few loads of oats, for he feeds all that he produces. Interested in horticulture, lie has one of the finest orchards to be found in this part of the state and raises much fruit of all kinds. He has taken numerous premiums on fruits, grains and dairy products at local and state fairs and for many years received first premium on cheese at the state fair. He also received several premiums on his fruits at the Paris exposition and his opinions are regarded as authority on horticultural subjects. He has been a close and discriminating student of everything bearing upon the agricultural and horticultural development of the state and his prominence in these lines is indicated by the fact that he is now vice president of the Illinois State Horticultural Society and a meiulier of the Agricultural Society of Bureau county, in which he is acting as superintendent of the fruit department. His business interests have been most carefully conducted and have been characterized by keen discrimination and sound judgment as well as wise investments. He is quick to adopt any new method or improved farm implements that will facilitate the work upon his place and he has not only kept abreast with the progress of the times but has been a leader in northern Illinois in those lines of activity resulting beneficially to the raising of fruit, grain and stock. While leading a very busy and ust'lul life he has also taken an active and helpful interest in those enterprises tending to promote the welfare and prosperity of the county. lie and his family occupy a beautiful home about two miles south of Tiskilwa and have an extensive circle of friends in Bureau county. Honored and respected by all Samuel G. Soverhill occupies an enviable position in agricultural and financial circles not only by reason of the splendid success he has attained but also owing to the honorable, straightforward business metliods he has ever followed.

Orrin Wilkinson

The mercantile interests of Princeton find a worthy representative in Orrin Wilkinson, who since the commencement of his business career has made steady and substantial progress in the legitimate lines of trade, placing his dependence upon the safe qualities of diligence, close application and perseverance. He was born September 27, 183C, in Bradford county, Pennsylvania, a son of George and Julia A. (Manton) Wilkinson, who were natives of Rhode Island. In tiie year 1838 the father became a resident of La Salle county, Illinois, and in 1844 removed to Buda, Bureau county, where he followed farming. He afterward took up his abode in Tiskilwa, Illinois, where he conducted a hotel for eighteen years, on the expiration of which period he became a resident of Henry county, this state, where he died in 1879, passing away in his seventy-tirst year, his birth having occurred in 1809. His wife, who was born in 1811, passed away in 189(i.

After completing his education Orrin Wilkinson engaged in farming, to which pursuit he had largely been reared. In 1859, however, when a young man of twenty-three years, he became a partner of J. H. Welsh, in the ownership and conduct of a general store, with which he was connected until 1862, when feeling that his first duty was to his country he put aside business and personal considerations and organized Company E of the Ninety-third Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He was elected captain and served until the close of tlie war, participating in many important engagements, including the battles of Missionary Ridge, Altoona, the siege of Vicksburg and many minor engaL'ements. He was with Sherman during the march to the sea and at all times was a brave and fearless leader of his company, inspiring men with much of his own courage and valor.

The war over, Mr, Wilkinson became a resident of Tiskilwa, where he conducted an insurance and collection business for a number of years. In 1877 he formed a partnership with M. W. Keigley in the conduct of a general store and in 1892 he removed to Princeton, being numbered today as one of the city's most respected and representative merchants. In partnership with J. H. Rawson he owns and conducts two shoe stores, either one of which would be a credit to a much larger city than Princeton. The trade is extensive and in both large lines of goods are carried, while a liberal patronage has been secured through business methods which are in conformity with a high standard of commercial ethics and therefore neither seek nor require disguise.

Mr. Wilkinson has been married twice. He tirst wedded Maggie A. Welsh, who died in June, 1862, and in October, 1865, he married Sarah A. Smith, who was born in Bradford county, Pennsylvania, in 1841. Interested in those questions relating to the welfare and progress of his city, state and nation, he gives his political allegiance to the democracy and for a period of thirty years served as justice of the peace, beginning in 1860. He was town clerk of Arispie township for many years and school treasurer for sixteen years. He was elected supervisor of Arispie township in 1859, served one year; was again elected supervisor in 1880 and served continuously until elected county clerk in 1890, when he resigned the olfice of supervisor. He served one term of four years as county clerk and is interested in all those movements and measures which are a matter of civic virtue and civic pride. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, holding membership in the chapter and commandery in Princeton, and he is also identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has made consecutive progress in a business career which has been characterized by the strictest integrity, showing that success and an honored name may be won simultaneously.

Joseph Markee

Joseph Markee, deceased, was for many years one of the highly esteemed citizens of Bureau county. He was born in St. Sylvester, East Canada, June 22, 1823, and at the age of twelve years removed to Maine. In 1851 he went to California, making the journey on a sailing vessel to the isthmus of Panama and after crossing that narrow neck of land embarked on Pacific waters. At length he arrived in safety at the gold-fields near Columbia, Tuolumne county, on the 8fh of November, and spent two years in search for the precious metal, at the end of which time he returned to Skowhegan, Somerset county, Maine.

It was in 1855 that Mr. Markee came to Illinois, settling in Neponset township, Bureau county, where he purchased eighty acres of land, which became the nucleus of extensive possessions, for he added to his original tract from time to time as his financial resources increased until he owned five hundred and thirty-five acres of valuable farm land in Bureau county. He also had eighty acres in Missouri and eleven hundred and forty acres in Kansas. He spent his days upon his fanti in Bureau coimt\-, carrying uu general agricultural pursuits and stock-raising, and he also bought and fed cattle for a number of years. His business affairs were carefully conducted and resulted in the acquirement of gratifying success. In 1870 he purchased a home in Neponset, where he lived retired from 1890 until his death, which occurred ^lay 26. 1906.

On the 27th of June, 1857, Mr. Markee was united in marriage to Miss Jane Waite, who was born in Akron, Ohio, July 13, 1840, and came to Neponset township, this county, in 1853. She still survives her husband and resides in Neponset, an active and consistent member of the Congregational church. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Markee were bom nine children, of whom seven are yet living : Margaret, the wife of William Gilkison; Mary Jane, the wife of Evan Davies, living at Keytesville, Missouri ; Charles J., of Buda ; Joshua VV., of Neponset township; Laura E., the wife of George Bates, of Neponset ; Alma, the wife of J. I. Carper, of Des Moines, Iowa ; and Eva I., the wife of Albert L. Mutti, of Hopkins, Missouri.

Public office and emoluments had no attraction for Mr. Markee, yet he was not neglectful of duties of citizenship but preferred to aid in the promotion of general improvement as a private citizen rather than as an office-holder. He belonged to Neponset lodge. No. 803, A. F. & A. M.. and was a member of the Baptist church, while his iiolitical allegiance was given to the democracy.

John Kitterman

John Kitterman, a retired farmer residing in 'J'iskilwa, was born in this county. November 29. 1844, and was the tenth child of "Michael Kitterman, whose birth occurred near Rocky Mount in Franklin county, Virginia, in 1800. Tradition indicates that three brothers of the name emigrated from Germany to America in the latter part of the seventeenth century, landing in Maryland, whence they afterward went to Virginia. Henry Kitterman, one of these brothers, lived near Rocky Mormt, Franklin county, while John settled, in Floyd county, Virginia. Henry became the father of fourteen children, including John, Zack, Chris, George, Michael, Peter, Elias. Polly, Leah, Anne and four whose names are not remembered. Polly married a man of the name of Fortune and Anne became the wife of George Robinson. Michael and some of the others of the family journeyed to Harri.«on county, Indiana, where they arrived August 18. 1826." In 1827 he married Miss Lydia Clark in Perry county, Indiana. She was a native of Nelson county, Kentucky, born September 15, 1810.

In 1828 Michael Kitterman came to Illinois on a prospecting tour and was so well pleased with the country that he decided to locate in wliat is now Bureau county but was then Putnam county. In 1830 he made the journey on horseback to this state, leaving his wife and two children in Indiana. He had just four dollars on reaching his destination and he began working at farm labor in the employ of John Hall, who paid him a wage of nine dollars per month. He occupied his leisure hours in building a cabin and established a claim a short distance from the Princeton courthouse. Having thus made arrangjements for a home he went to Indiana for his family and during his absence his claim was jumped, finding the family of Kirke Williams living in his cabin when he got back, so that he lost his home and was obliged to make another selection. His father-in-law, Robert Clark, and his family accompanied ^Mr. Kitterman and his family to this state. Afterward his brothers, Peter and Elias Kitterman, and two of his sisters, Mrs. Fortune and Mrs. Robinson, came to Bureau county, although later they settled at Ottumwa, Iowa, where some of their descendants still live. John Kitterman, the eldest brother of Michael, remained in Perry county, Indiana, where he died at an extreme old age. His son John settled at Rock Rapids, Iowa, where about forty Or fifty of his descendants still live. Zack Kitterman, another brother, went south and settled west of New Orleans in what was tlien called the Beach country. There were born to Michael and Lydia Kitterman thirteen children, all of whom reached adult age with the exception of two, although three have died since reaching maturity, all leaving families. All still live in Bureau county with the exception of one daughter, Mrs. J. H. Patt, whose home is in Preston, Iowa. Chaxincey A. Dean, son of Mrs. Anne Dean, their eldest daughter, resided in the far west and died in July, 1906.

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Kitterman went through some terrifying experiences with the Indians and were obliged to seek safety in the fort at Hennepin many times. Although the red men had no personal dislike for Mr. Kitterman it was considered unsafe to remain in unprotected localities. At the outbreak of the Black Hawk war he enlisted on the 26th of May, 1832, in Captain George B. Willis' com])any of mounted volunteers of the Fortieth Regiment, commanded by Colonel John Strawn, and was mustered out on the 18th of June following. Upon the farm where he first settled on bringing his family to Illinois he made his home until his death, which occurred fifty-five years later in 1885. His wife survived him for more than five years, passing away in 1891, so that the old home was her place of residence for more than sixty years.

John Kitterman was reared on his father's farm and acquired a common-scliool education. He gained practical experience in the best methods of tilling the fields and caring for the crops, giving his father fbe hnnefit nf liis service during the period of his minority. On tlie 12th of December, 1872, he married Frances Emma Swanzy, who was born April 13, 1850, a daughter of Dr. James Swanzy, a pioneer settler of Bureau county, who was prominent in this part of the state. Five children grace this marriage. Dr. H. B. Kitternian, the eldest, born in 1873, is an optician of Princeton. He was married in 1900 to Myrtle Sargent, wlio was born in 1879. and tliey have three children: John Harwood, born in 1901; Sarah lone, in 1902; and Eunice Alberta, in 1904. Ralph Swanzy, born in 1876, is at home. Humphreys Lyman, born in 1878, was married in 1902 to Xettie Jlay Sharp, who was born in 1881. Ethel Grace, boni in 1882, and Lydia Catherine, in 1891, are at home.

Throughout his active business life Mr. Kitterman followed farming and in 19iJ0 retired, taking up his abode in Tiskilwa, where he purchased a beautiful residence. He is a democrat and served as road commissioner, but otherwise has never sought or held public otfice. In his business career he has prospered owing to his capable management and untiring industry and the success which he now enjoys is well deserved. He is now the owner of about eight hundred acres of land, all in one body except eighty acres. He has given considerable attention to stock-raising and while living on the farm never sold a load of corn but fed it all to his stock. His fine l)arns, valued at seven thousand three hundred dollars, were desti'oyed by hre in 1897, while the insurance amounted to only three tliousand dollars. He has since erected new buildings upon the place and the farm is excellently improved. He and his family are members of the Episcopal church and stand high in the community where thev reside.

Martin V. Taylor

^lartin V. Taylor, a representative of the farming interests of Dover township, was born upon a farm in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, 'March 18, 1840. His father. John Taylor, was horn in Virginia in 180.5, while his mother, Mrs. Sarah Taylor, was born in Pennyslvania in ISOfi. During the boyhood of their son Martin, in 18.55. they removed from near New Philadelphia, Ohio, to Bureau county, Illinois, .so that he completed his education in the jiiiblic schools here. He put aside his text-liooks at the age of seventeen years but remained at home with bis jinrmts until he unlisted in the Civil war.

In 1878 ^[r. Taylor purchased forty acres of land which he still owns. He has resided upon this farm since 1874, it being the old homestead property. Some of the land was cultivated by the Indians and the mi.«sionaries more than one hundred years ago. The Taylor family was established here in ])ioneer times iind Mr. Tavlor of this review remembers seeing the old Indian chief, Shabbona, who was the friend of the whites and gave them warning of the threatened approach and hostilities of the Indians in the Black Hawk war. Our subject assisted in the arduous task of developing a new farm and has always given his attention to general agricultural pursuits save for the period when he defended the Union cause in the Civil war.

His patriotic spirit being aroused by the contin\u'd attempt of the south to overthrow the Union, he enlisted on the 13th of August, 1862, as a mendier of Comnany I, Twelfth Illinois Infantry. He served through the war with distinction and was honorably discharged June 28, 1865, after a military experience covering almost tiiree years. He participated in the battles of Resaca, Lay's Ferry, Rome Crossroads, Dallas, Kennesaw ilountain, Atlanta, Ezra Church, Jonesboro, Altoona Pass and other engagements which led up to the final victories that crowned the Union arms. He was twice wounded and was ofE duty for seven months because of the severe injuries which he sustained. He has every reason to be proud of his military record, for at all times he was a brave and loyal soldier, never faltering in the discharge of any duty that was assigned him while aiding in the preservation of the I'nion. He now maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in the Grand Army of the Republic.

ilr. Taylor was married (in the 24tli of February, 1870, in "Princeton, Illinois, to Miss Malinda E. Sabin, whose father. Marcus Sabin, came to Bureau county in 1850. He died at the advanced age of ninety-two years and her mother is living at the age of eighty-nine years. Her grandfather, Asa Sabin, was a soldier of the war of 1812, while his father, Jeremiah Sabin, took part in the Revolutionary war. Seven c'hildren grace this marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Taylor: Charles W., who was born April 18, 1871, and died February 27, 1897; Mrs. Ollie B. Jensen, born Julv 5, 1872; Jlrs. Ina E. McCall, born September 2, 1874; JIarcus, who was born March 19, 1876, and enlisted for service with Company K, Sixth Illinois Infantry, in the Spanish-American war in 1898 and was on duty at Porto Rico three months; Bertrand L., born September 2, 1878; Mrs. May B. Eickmeier, who was born February 7, 1881; and Lottie L, born April 23, 1888.

In order to provide for his family Mr. Taylor has always followed tlie occupation of farming and is now the owner of three hundreil and twenty acres, his fields having been brought under a high state of cultivation. He raises corn, oats and hay and also raises some stock. He; is reliable and careful in his business interests and has never been known to take advantage of the necessity of his fellowmen in an}' trade transaction. His political allegiance is given to the republican [)arty and he has served as highway commissioner and school director. lie atf(>nds the Congrega- tioiial church, although lie is not a member, and is interested in all those things which are of value to the county in its substantial improvement and upbuilding. Almost his entire life has been passed in Bureau county and his memory forms a connecting link between the primitive past and the progressive present.

Dr. Theophilus Sprague, engaged in the practice of medicine in Sheffield, his patronage being at once indicative of his professional skill and the confidence reposed in him by the general public, was born in Hilum, Staffordshire, England, on the 23d of January, 1846. His parents were James and Mary (Fulford) Sprague. The father, a mining engineer, came to America in 1854, at which time he took up his abode in Vermont. Later he took about thirty Cornish miners to Virginia to develop some mines in that state and died there in 1855.

Dr. Sprague was a youth of about eight years at the time of the emigration of the family to the new world. He became a resident of Sheffield in 1857 and was educated in the common schools. In early life he worked in the mines and at farm labor, being thus occupied until 18G4, when at the early age of eighteen years he responded to the call of his adopted country for aid and enlisted as a member of Company G, Sixty-sixth Illinois Western Sharpshooters, on the 1st of January. He joined his regiment at Pulaski, Tennessee, and marched from there to Snake Creek Gap, where he participated in an engagement on the 6th of May, 1864. He took part in the battle of Calhoun Ferry on the 14th of May, afterward was at Eome Crossroads and was with his company in all the skirmishes and engagements in which they participated in and around Atlanta. The regiment then proceeded to Jonesboro and back to Eome and marched with Sherman to the sea. Leaving Savannah they continued on through South Carolina to Goldsboro and to Ealeigh, North Carolina, and participate in the last battle of the eastern anny at Bentonville, Mr. Sprague was with his regiment at Ealeigh when Lincoln was assassinated and when Johnston surrendered and was received there by General Grant. The Sixty-sixth Illinois Sharpshooters then proceeded to Eichmond, to Fairfax Courthouse and on to Washington, where they took part in the Grand Eeview with the western army on the 24th of May. 1865. This was a gala day in the history of the country and the most celebrated military pageant ever seen on the western hemisphere. The capital was appropriately decorated for the occasion and across Pcnnsylvana avenue, down which tlic victorious armv marched, there was a banner bearing the words, "The only debt which the countrv owes that she cannot jiay is the one she owes to her soldiers." Dr. Sprague was mustered out on the 13th of July, 1865, at Louisville, and with a most creditable military record returned to his home. He had not yet attained his majority, but he displayed on southern battle-fields valor and loyalty equal to that of many a veteran of twice his years.

Eeturning to Shettield, Dr. Sprague took up the study of medicine in 1867, pursuing his professional course in Eush Medical College of Chicago, from which he was graduated in the class of 1870. He then located for practice in Eussell, lowa^ where he remained for eight years, returning to Sheffield in 1878, since which time he has successfully engaged in general practice here. That the consensus of public opinion is favorable is indicated by the liberal patronage which is accorded him and that he ranks high in the regard of his professional brethren was shown by his election to the presidency of the Bureau County Medical Society. He is also a member of the State Medical Society and the Medical Association of America. He is likewise a past commander of the Grand Army of the Eepublic and through his asisociation with the post maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades.

In 1871 Mr. Sprague was married to Miss Elizabeth Jones, of Sheffield, a daughter of Eobert Jones, and they became the parents of nine children, of whom four are now living. Mrs. Sprague died August 20, 1896, and in 1899 Dr. Sprague married Miss ^Martha Peterson, a daughter of John Peterson, of Sheffield.

Xewton Booth

The period of Newton Booth's residence in Bureau county covers his entire life record, for he is one of the native sons of Berlin township, where he was born September 4, 1856. His parents, Hiram and Caroline (Hosmer) Booth, were both natives of Massachu.setts and came to this county in 1852, locating on the farm where their son Newton now resides. It was largely an unimproved tract of land, which the father placed under cultivation, adding many modern equipments and accessories as the years passed by.

Newton Booth, reared under the parental roof, was early trained to habits of industry, economy and diligence, and when not busy assisting in the labors of the fields his time was devoted to the acquirement of an <Mlucation in the district schools and in Dover .Academy. He was thus well qualified for life's practical and responsible duties, which he has ever met with a sense of conscientious obligation, performing every task that devolves upon him in a capable and energetic manner. He is now tlie owner of forty-five acres of choice land valued at two hundred dollars per acre, and lie aiinuallv harvests gooil crops of corn, onts and liny. Tlinuigh flic rotatimi of crops and through tlie most approved modern methods of farming he has made his place a valuable tract of land which is richly productive. The home has pleasant surroundings and this is one of the wellkept farms of Berlin township, indicating in its tasteful appearance the care and .supervision of the owner.

Happy in his home life, Mr. Booth was married April 3. 1884, to Miss Hattie Marriott, who was born July 34, 18G5. She was educated at La Moille and is a daughter of William and Tabitha (Nichols) Marriott, who have lived in Bureau county throughout the greater part of their lives. The father wa.s liorn in England, while the mother's birth occurred in this country. Mrs. Jlarriott, however, passed away when her daughter, Mrs. Booth, was only nine months old. Unto our subject and his wife have been born four children who are yet living: Edmund G., Sidney H., Mildred P. and Chester, all yet at home. Jlr. Booth exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the democracy and, keeping well informed on the questions and issues of the day. is able to support his political position by intelligent argument, but has never sought office as a reward for party fealty. He was reared in the faith of the Universalist church, to which he has always adhered. He is a self-made man and has imjjroved the estate which was left to him until it is now worth four times what it was when it came into his possession. The home, with its pleasant surroundings, and the farm, with its well tilled fields and modern improvements, present a most pleasing picture of agricultural life.

John Warfield, deceased, was for many years a well known resident of Bxireau county, his home having been in Princeton township. During the period of his connection with Illinois he was identified with farming interests and a life of activity was crowned with success. He was a native of Maryland, born January 2G, 1810. and was a son of William and Martha (Bye) Warfield. also natives of the same state. His paternal grandfather, Philip Warfield, was of English descent and his ancestors were numbered among the early settlors of Maryland. Richard Warfield, the progenitor of the family in that stiite, came to this country from Berkshire. Engljind, in 1G62 and settled on the banks of the Severn river.. The maternal grand futlier of our subject was Jonathan Bye, who died at the age of eighty-five years and who.se family were members of the Society of Friends.

William Warfield, father of John Warfield of this review, spent his entire life in his native state. his death there occurring when his son John was but six months old. His widow afterward married Jacob Hollowav, who removed to what is now

Belmont county, Ohio, and there her death occurred in 1866. By her first marriage she had ihree children : Mary, Maria and John, all now deceased. The children of her second marriage have likewise all passed away.

John Warfield was reared upon his step-fathers farm in Belmont county, Ohio, and at the age of twenty-two years began merchandising on his own account in Uniontown, that state. He went to Baltimore, Maryland, for his first stock of goods and crossed the Allegheny mountains on horseback, but later trips were made by stage coach and he subsequently purchased his goods in Philadelphia. While on one of his early trips he saw the first railroad engine used m this country and he again saw it when it was on exhibition in 1893 at the World's Fair in Chicago. Opening his store in Uniontown, Ohio, he conducted business there for fourteen years with excellent success, succeeding in accumulating several thousand dollars during that time. He removed from Uniontown to Bridgeport. Ohio, where he engaged in the wholesale grocery business through the succeeding ten years and he also extended his efforts to other lines of business activity, for while residing in that city he became president of the Belmont branch of the State Bank of Oliio, a position which he filled for nine years, his careful inajiagoment and good judgment enabling him to carry the bank successfully througli the financial |ianii- of 1S3T.

In 183.5, while still residing in Belmont county, Ohio, Mr. Warfield was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Smith, a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of Elias and Nancy (Foster) Smith. They became the parents of seven children, as follows: William, now residing in Quincy : .\ndrew. who died in 1901; Jacob TT., who died in 1890: Eliza Jane, of Princeton; Wilson R., now of Princeton ; and two who died in infancy. Jlrs. Warfield died May 1, 1851. in Kirkwood. Ohio. She was a most conscientious Christian woman, of beautiful character and rare loveliness of face, for her kindly life left its impress upon her features. Tn 18.52 ^[r. Warfield wedded Rebecca AVilsdn. M jiative of St. Clairsville, Ohio, who died in 1887. They had one daughter, Lydia Emma, now the wife of Yolney S. Cooper, residing in Princeton. 'Mrs. Rebecca Warfield was a daughter of Stephen and Amv (Smith) Wilson. Her father was born in Philadelphia. Pennsylvania, and was a member of the Society of Friends. His wife was al.«o a native of the Keystone state, in which slio was reared. The Wilsons became early pioneers of Illinois and were prominently identified with the history of Bureau county. Stephen Wilson was for a long time postmaster at Ohio. Illinois, and also held the office of justice of the peace. His early political support was given to the whig party nnd he subsequently became a stjilwart republican. He departed this life in Afarcb. 1872, while his wife passed away in Ib'JO. Mrs. Rebecca Warfield was a devout member of tlie Methodist Episcopal church and a most worthy Christian woman. For his third wife Mr. Warfield chose Mrs. Jane (^ Pennington) Bellangee, whom he married in fSSy and who lived but two years afterward.

The year 1856 witnessed the arrival of Mr. Warfield in Bureau county, at which time he located on section 9, Princeton township. There he engaged in general farming and he also made large investments in land, which he subsequently sold, using his capital in other ways. He afterward removed to Quincy, Illinois, where he spent five and a half years, and then returned to his home in Princeton township. His early views on political questions were in accord w'ith the principles of the whig party and he cast his first presidential ballot for Henry Clay in 1832. He continued a whig until the dissolution of the party organization, when he became a republican and so continued throughout the remainder of his life. While a resident of Uniontown. Ohio, he filled the position of postmaster, but he never cared for the honors nor emoluments of public office and never afterward served in a political capacity.

He started out in life empt^'-handed and during his youth worked at farm labor. He lived honestly and economically and. moreover, displayed marked industry and enterprise in carrying forward every task which he undertook. By Judicious management and safe investment he became, as the years passed by. the possessor of a handsome competence which enabled him to spend liis declining years in retirement from active labor and in the enjoyment of those things which make life worth living. For over forty 3'ears he was a consistent and devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church and in all of life's relations he was iipright and honorable. He passed away August 4, 189G. his death being the occasion of deep regret not only to his family but to his friends as well. Nature endowed him with strong mentality and he was a broad-minded and farsighted man, yet in manner was modest and reserved. He possessed a genial nature and kindly disposition, while his consideration for others was daily manifest in his relations with his family and hi.9 fellow townsmen. He was not only fair but also generous in his business dealings and he enjoyed the highest respect of all with whom he came in contact. He was reared in the faith of the Society of Friends, to which lie always adliered, and young and old, rich and poor, respected and honored him. In his declining years he enjoyed the reward of a well ordered life, one in which he had exerted himself not only to achieve success biit also to do good to those around him.

His daughter. Miss Eliza J. Warfield, now resides in Princeton, occupying one of the beautiful homes of Bureau county. She has inherited good traits of character from both her father and mother. Kindly and generous, the poor and needy find in her a friend and those whom she meets socially receive from her the utmost consideration. She, too, is a prominent member of the Metliodist Episcopal church and her entire life has been in harmony with her professions.

Ernest A. Woolley

Ernest A. Woolley, a practitioner at the bar in Walnut, Bureau county, Illinois, is a native of this county, having been born in Walnut township, April 18, 1872. He is a son of William and Lueinda (Allen) Woolley, the former a native of Manchester, England, and the latter a native of New York, and a great-grand-daughter of Ethan Allen. The father emigrated from England to the United States in ISIG, believing that in this country he might enjoy better business opportunities than he would in his native land. He was one of the early settlers of Bureau county, following agricultural pursuits here for many years, and he is still living on the old homestead on section 24, Walnut township, but has now retired from all active work. He has now reached the advanced age of eighty-eight years, while his wife is ten j'ears his junior.

Ernest A. Woolley received his early education in the district schools, which was supplemented by a high-school and business course at Clinton, Iowa. He then engaged in teaching for four years in the district schools of Walnut township, and on the expiration of that period began the study of law in the Northern Illinois College of Law, at Dixon, Illinois, where the Bachelor of Law and Master of Law degrees were conferred upon him. He later pursued a post-graduate course in the Northwestern University of Illinois. In 1900 he was admitted to practice at the bar in Illinois, and since that time has successfully engaged in this profession at Walnut. He is well versed in the principles of jurisprudence and is very successful in the handling of eases, so that he has now built up a large practice. Besides his general law practice he is managing tlie old homestead farm of three hundred and forty acres on section 24, Walnut township.

On the 5th of March, 1903, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Woolley and Mrs. Mayme (Mathias) Hodgkins, a daughter of D. S. and Tryphena (Jones) Mathias, the former a native of Wales, and the latter of Wisconsin. Her father has always been connected with the steel business, and is now occupying the responsible position of general manager and adviser of the Illinois Steel Company, located at Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Woolley have one son, Parker David Woolley. Mr. Woolley is a Mason, belonging to Walnut lodge, No. 722. For the past two years he lias filled the office of supervisor of Walnut township and his services are giving general satisfaction. In politics he is a democrat.

Although numbered among the younger members of the profession Mr. Woolley has proven his ability to solve the intricate problems connected with the practice of law. and while he is today occupying a leading position among the members of the fraternity he has every promise of a still brighter future before him. He is interested in local affairs and gives hearty co-operation to every movement which tends toward the advancement of his town and comniunitv.

J. W. Berry

.1. W. Berry, who, starting out in life without capital or influential friends to assist him, has worked his way steadily U))ward in business circles, is now the senior member of the firm of Berry & Jackson, proprietors of a planing mill at Princeton and manufacturers of sash, doors and all kinds of porch and stair work. His fellow townsmen respect him for what he has accomplished and honor him for the straightforward methods that he has ever followed in his active business career.

A native of Pennsylvania, Mr. Bcrrv was l)orn April 2, 1857, a son of Israel Berry, who always remained a resident of the east. In the common schools of his native state Mr. Berry of this review acquired his education and in 1878 came to Illinois. In Pennsylvania he began learning the car]ienter's trade, which he com|ileted after liis arrival in Bureau county and since that time he has been identified to a greater or less extent with building operations. In 1906 he formed his jiresent partnership with H. T. Jackson under the firm style of Berry & Jack.son. They conduct a planing mill and are manufacturers of all kinds of porch work, fancy stair work, carved moldings, window^ and door screens, window and door frames and sasli and doors. They also handle window and plate glass and art windows and do turning and scroll sawing. Theirs is one of the most complete plants in this part of the state and is located at No. G07 North Main street in Princeton. Mr. Berry built the mill in 1898 and has since conducted the business with constantly growing success. The firm ships a large amount of its finislicd product and in connection with manufacturing and commercial interests also does contracting, building from the ground. They employ about ten men for the season and their plant is operated throughout the entire year. Thev also handle fiaint? and oils and the business is successfully conducted, being constantly enlarged in its scope and in its activities until it is now one of the leading industrial and commercial concerns of the city.

Mr. Berry was married to Miss Elnetta Noble, of Princeton, a daughter of Reuben Noble, who came here at an early day and is now deceased. Eight t hildren were born of this marriage, naniclv :

Florence, who died at the age of eleven years; Parker, seventeen years of age; Ruth, fifteen years of age; Rupert, a lad of thirteen years; Pixley, nine years; Roger, five years; Fehn, who died in infancy; and Lou Rene, age three years.

Mr. Berry is a stalwart advocate of the temperance cause and to that end votes with the probiintion partv. Fraternally he is a member of Peace lodge, No. 428, I. 0.' 0. F., and is likewise ciinnected with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Fraternal Reserve. He and his wife are both members of the Methodist church, interested in its work and active in all those things w-hich tend to promote its growth and extend its influeni-e. 'Sir. Berry is a man of indomitable enterprise and progressive spirit, who has overcome all the obstacles in his path and reached the goal of success. He is not so abnormally developed in any direction as to be called a genius, but is one of the strong men because one of the well balanced men. He has acted well his part in both public and private life. It is impossible to keep the man of merit in the background although his early surroundings are those of poverty, of rigid economy and self-denial must be practiced and where few indeed are the advantages enjoyed. A progressive spirit knows no bounds and ability has no limitations of time, place or space. Effort, persistently put forth and honorably directed, al- Avays brings its reward and this statement finds verification in the life record of Mr. Berry.

\V. F. Campbell, proprietor of the American House of Princeton, was born on the 20th of June, 1856, in that city, where he has ahvay.s made his home. After leaving school he started out for himself as a clerk in Princeton, being for eight years in the employ of Harris & Cottle, and then went to Chicago, where he accepted a position as traveling salesman for a wholesale grocery house. Later he entered the employ of Reid, Murdock & Company, whom he represented on the road for twenty years in the same line. He then met with an accident on the railroad, which caused him to retire from the road, and he l)ecame proprietor of the American House at Princeton, which he has now conducted for the past four years.

Mr. Campbell was married at Tiskilwa, June 4, 1879, to Miss Ada E. Snuth, a daughter of John and Mary (Bruce) Smith, who were early settlers of Bureau county, and by this union four children have been horn, namely: Earl, who is now emi>loyed in the Bostmi Store in Chicago: James ^laslin, a member of the United States navy; Guy, who is associated with his father in the conduct of the hotel : and Gladys, who is attending the Princeton high school and is studying music.

Past And Pkesent Of Bureau Coiwty

Mr. Campbell is a stalwart republican but without aspiration for oflfice. He belongs to the bhie lodge of Masons at Princeton and to Princeton chapter, No. 28, E. A. M., also to Orion council, K. & S. M., and Temple commandery, K. T. Ilis wife is a member of the Baptist church. Mr. Campbell is a genial, jovial gentleman, who is personally interested in the welfare and comfort of his guests and whose management of the American House has done much to make him popular, while during his long service on the road he made many warm friends in the various towns which he visited.

Jacob Halloway Warfield

Jacob Halloway Wartield, deceased, whose life record covered about fifty years and who spent nearly the entire half century in Bureau count}-, left behind him a luemory wliich is dear to those who knew him. Viewed from a financial standpoint his life may well be said to have been a success and yet it was not this which gave him his enviable position in public regard. He was at all times a man of gentle spirit and of generous nature, possessing that innate refinement and culture which everywhere comnumd respect. He was born October 26, 1840, in Belmont county, Ohio, and came to Princeton with his parents in 1856. He was a son of John and Lydia E. (Smith) Warfield. The former, a native of Maryland, born January 26, 1810, was a son of William and Martha (Bye) Warfield, also natives of Maryland. The great-grandfather, Philip Warfield, was of English descent, his ancestors having been numbered among the first settlers of the colony of Maryland. The maternal grandfather was Jonathan Bye, who died at the age of eightyfive years. His family were members of the Society of Friends. William Warfield, tlie paternal grandfather, spent his entire life in his native state and his death occurred when his son John was but six months old. Following the demise of her husband his widow became the wife of Jacob Halloway, who removed to what is now known as Belmont county, Ohio, where she died in the year 1866. By her first marriage she had three children : Mary, Maria and John.

The last named, the father of our subject, was reared on the farm of his step-father and at the age of twenty-two years began merchandising, going to Baltimore, Maryland, for his first stock of goods. He crossed the Allegheny mountains on horseback, while his later trips were made by stage coach. While he purchased his first stock of goods in Baltimore he usually obtained his supplies from Philadelphia. While on one of his early trips ho saw the old entrine which was afterward on exhibition at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1803 and there he again looked upon this primitive locomotive. Opening his store in Uniontown, Ohio, he conducted business at that point for fourteen years, during which time he was very prosperous and succeeded in accumulating several thousand dollars. He removed from Uniontown to Bridgeport, Ohio, where he engaged in the wholesale grocery business for the following ten years and while residing in that city he was president of the Belmont branch of the State Bank of Ohio, a position which he filled for nine years, during which time, owing to his good management, the bank successfully passed through the financial panic of 1837, whicli caused the failure of so many of the moneyed institutions of the country.

In 183.5, wliile still residing in Belmont county, Ohio, John Warfield was united in marriage to Miss Lydia E. Smith, a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of Elias Smith. They became the parents of five children, as follows: William, now residing in Quincy, Illinois; Andrew, who is living in Clinton, Iowa ; Jacob H. ; Eliza J. at Princeton; and Wilson E., of Des Moines, Iowa. The mother died May 1, 1851, and in 1852 John Warfield was again married, his second union being with Eebecca Wilson, a native of St. Clairsville, Ohio, who died in 1887, leaving one daughter, Lydia Emma, the wife of Volney S.. Cooper, of Princeton. In 1889 Mr. Warfield married Mrs. Jane (Pennington) Bellangee, who lived but two years after her marriage to him.

In 1856 John Warfield came to Bureau county, Illinois, and located on section 9, Princeton township, where he engaged in farming and also invested largely in lands which he later sold, using his capital in other ways. He subsequently removed to Quincv, Illinois, where he spent five and a half years and then returned to his home in Princeton township. In early life he was politically a whig, casting his first presidential ballot in 1833 for Henry Clay. He continued to support that party until its dissolution, after which he became a republican and remained an advocate of that organization througliout his remaining days. He started in life unaided and worked at farm labor during his youth. Living economically and practicing honesty and industry as well as frugality, he became through careful management and judicious investment the possessor of a handsome competence, which enabled him to spend his declining years in ease and retirement. For over forty years he was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church and in all relations of life lie was upright aiul honorable, justly valuing his own self-respect and the merited regard of his fellow men as preferable to wealth, fame or position. He died August 4, 1896, and the county Ihereby lost one of its valued citizens, whoso life of activity and usefulness made him a most honored citizen.

tioii of farming, early became familiar witli all the duties and labors" that fall to the lot of the agriculturist and throughout his entire life carried on farming and stock-shipping. He was never known to take advantage of the necessities of his fellowmen in any business transaction, being thoroughly just and reliable at all times.

In 1865 Mr. Warfield was married to Miss ;Mary Clark, a daughter of George and Nancy (Matson) Clark. Her father was born in St. Clairsville, Ohio, March 13, 1811, and came to Bureau county, Illinois, in 1835, settling on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Berlin township. Later he bought a home in Dover, where he spent his remaining years, his death there occurring in February, 1890. He and his wife traveled life's journey together for fifty-six years. She was a sister of Nehemiah Matson, who gave to Princeton the library. She was born April 6, 1814, and died in Princeton, December 13, 1904, in the ninety-first year of her age. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Clark were born four children, three of whom are living in Princeton, while Enis Clark is an attorney of St. Louis, Missouri.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Warfield were born six children who still survive ; George C, now living in Iowa; Andrew A. and Charles W., who are residents of Bemidji, Minnesota, where they own an electric light plant; Lydia M., the wife of W. C. Bryant of Princeton; Lillian P., the wife of Dr. John H. Bryant, a resident of Galesburg, Illinois ; and John J., who is living at home with his mother. Mrs. Warfield has some farming interests and also owns property in Princeton, including a beautiful residence at No. 445 East Elm street.

In his political affiliation Mr. Warfield was a republican, unfaltering in his allegiance to the party. His religious faith was indicated by his membership in the Methodist church. He was a very modest man of upright nature and gentle spirit, well respected by all who knew him. Indeed his many good qualities endeared him to those with whom he came in contact through business or social relations. He died October 30. 1890, leaving his family in very comfortable financial circumstances, and his memory is enshrined in the hearts of those who knew him because of his close adherence to a high standard of conduct, becau.se of his consideration for others, his geniality and his unfailing courtesy.

Charles M. Carpenter

Charles M. Carpenter is successfully engaged in merchandising in Neponset, having worked his way upward from a humble clerkship until he is now proprietor of a leading commercial establishment in this place. Tie was born in Suriirnerhill, New York, January 27. ISfio. His pafi'rrial grandparents were Daniel and Botsv (Sbciianl) Carpenter, who were native* of tlic I*'.iri|)in' stntc. The father a carpenter and farmer, was born January 14, 1811, and died at about seventy-four years of age, while his wife, who was born August 9, 1812, passed away in 1899 at the very advanced age of eighty-eight years. Their marriage was celebrated on the 25th of September, 1831, and they had a family of eight children, of whom five are now living, namely: Sylvester D., Stephen, Luther, ilarie and Nancy.