Bureau County, Illinois - Biographical sketches, 1906 (part 3 of 28)

Sylvester D. Carpenter w.as born in New York, I )ecember 9, 1833, and, having arrived at years of maturity, was married at Summerhill, that state, on the 24th of December, 1856, to Miss Calista T-ick, who was born May 21, 1833. She was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Lick, in whose family were eleven children, five of whom are yet living. Mr. Lick w^as born October 16, 1797, and died May 9, 1865, while his wife died at the extreme old age of ninety-two jears. Unto Mr. and ^Irs. Sylvester D. Carpenter were born three children: Charlie, who was born July 18, 1858, and died April 11, 1862; Alice L., who was born .Vugust 3, 1860, and is the wife of Thomas J. (Junning, of Neponset ; and Charles M. The mother died October 13, 1884, and for his second wife Mr. Carpenter chose Mrs. Matilda Harrington, nee Cobb, the widow of Henry Harrington. She was also a native of New York. In the year 1876 Sylvester D. Carpenter came to Illinois. For twenty-two years he engaged in teaching school in this state and in New York. By trade he was a carpenter and also followed farming, his life thus being devoted to the three pursuits. He is now living in Neponset. From the age of eighteen years he has been a church member and is now a deacon in the Congregational church. His political s\i)i)iort is given to the prohibition party, which indicates his attitude on the temperance f|uestion. At all times he has stood for those interests which promote reform, progress and improvement for the individual and for the city at large, and he is a man who is justly entitled to the res])ect that is uniformly accorded him.

Charles M. Carpenter began his education in the schools of New York and continued his studies in Illinois following his removal to Neponset with his parents when he was eleven years of age. He entered business life at the age of eighteen years as an employe of the firm of Thompson & Lyford, with whom he continued until 1890. He then became connected with the firm of W. D. Whaplcs & Company, and in 1895 he withdrew and engaged in business on his own account as a partner of George T. Bowcn, on the 1st of ]\Iay of that year. He has since carried on merchandising in Neponset and has a well appointed store and a liberal patronage, wh'ch is indicative of his honorable business methods, his reasonable prices and his earnest desire to please his patrons.

On the 17th of November, 1886, Mr. Carpenter WM'^ married to Miss Lillie Pricstman, who was b(ii-u in Ki'wanee. Illinois, November 8, 1866, a daughter of Lawrence and Mary Ann (Law) Priestman, both of whom were natives of England. The father is now living in Kewanee, but the mother passed away February 2, 1902. He came to Illinois during the sixties and enlisted in the navy, serving until the close of the Civil war. Following the cessation of hostilities he took up his abode in Kewanee, where he was engaged in the manufacture of wagons for a number of years. He afterward spent a number of years in Neponset, where he was engaged in a similar enterprise and he is now one of the foremen in the Tube Company mills at Kewanee. While living in Nepanset he was a member of the village board, serving as clerk for a number of years. He was one of the first members of Neponset lodge. No. 803, A. F. & A. M., and in his political aflfiliation he is a republican. His wife died February 2, 1902. They had three children: Mrs. Carpenter; Cora A., the wife of George T. Bowen ; and Lawrence.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter has been blessed with six children : Ealph D., born November 12, 1887; Howard G., October 26, 1888; Floyd L., who was born May 14, 1891, and died on the 16th of December of the same year; Lois Blanche, born May 26, 1896 ; and Helen Joyce and Leroy, twins, born November 1, 1901.

Mr. Carpenter is a member of Neponset lodge, No. 803, A. F. & A. M.. and served for three years as its master, beginning in 1902. He was also for three terms a delegate to the grand lodge and both he and his wife are members of the Eastern Star chapter. He gives his political support to the repul:)lican party, but has never sought or desired office, preferring to devote his time and attention to his business interests, in which he has met with creditable and gratifying success and now as a merchant he is classed with the leading representatives of trade interests in Neponset.

Oliver Baechler

OLIVER BAECHLER. Oliver Baechler, a retired farmer residing in Walnut, where he owns a beautiful residence, is a native of Bureau county, having been born November 26, 1860, a son of Christian and Anna (Gingrich) Baechler, both natives of Alsace- Tjorraine, France. The father emigrated from his native country to the United States in 1854, settling in Bureau county, where he engaged in farming in Bureau township and made his home for several years. His mother had accompanied her parents to this country about the same time of the arrival of the one to whom she afterward gave her hand in marriage. Her parents settled in Peoria, Illinois, and here in January, 1860, slie was married to Christian Baechler. He took his bride to his home in Bureau township, where they spent several years, but in 1875 they removed to Princeton, Illinois, where her death occurred September 9, 1887, and Mr. Baechler survived until December 21, 1905.

The subject of this review began his education in the country school of Bureau township, and after the family removed to Princeton continued his studies in the high school of that place, but left school while in his junior year. He then began farming in Bureau township, where he still owns the old home farm of three hundred and twenty acres. This is a valuable property, on which he carried on general farming, raising the cereals best adapted to soil and climate. He used the latest improved farm machinery to facilitate his work and was practical and progressive in his methods, so that year by year his financial resources were increased, for his products found a ready sale on the market and always commanded tJie highest prices, so that he is now enabled to live retired from further labor, owning and occupying a pleasant residence in the village of Walnut.

On the 20th of March, 1888, Mr. Baechler was united in marriage to Miss Ottilie Naffziger, whose birth occured June 20, 1863, a daughter of John and Eliza (Bender) Naffziger, both of whom were natives of Germany. They emigrated from the fatherland to Bureau county, Illinois, in the early tifticR, being numbered among the early settlers nf this part of the state. The father always followed farming and is now deceased, having passed away December 12, 1898, while the mother still survives and makes her home in Walnut.

Politically Mr. Baechler is a democrat, believing firmly in the principles of that party, and fraternally is connected with the j\Iasons, belonging to Walnut lodge. No. 722 : Haines lodge. No. 393, K. P. ; and the Modern Woodmen camp. No. 15. He has been practical in his business methods, possessing sound judgment and strong determination, so that today he is the owner of tlirec hundred and twenty acres of fine farming land in Bureau township, besides owning a nice home in the village of Walnut. He is interested in local advancement and does everything in his power to aid in any worthy movement for the progress of hif town and community. He is a highly respected citizen, being w-ell known throughout the county in which he has ahvays made his home, and he is now enjoying a well earned rest at his lioiiic in Walnut.

JOHN ROSEMAN MARSHALL, M. T). Dr. Joliii Roseman Mar.shall, physician and surgeon of Sbcilleld, was born in ^lonniouth, Illinois, January IS, 1872, his ]iarpnts being James R. and Susan (Orr) Marshall, who came to America in 1870 from Belfast. Ireland. The father was a mining contractor and established his home at Monmouth, Illinois, where his son. Dr. Marshall, attended the jniblic schools and later the Monmouth College. He did not complete his course in that institution, however, but turned his attention to tlie study of medicine, entering Kush Medical College at Chicago in 1893. He was graduated from that institution in 1896 and after a year and a half devoted to practice in Kewanee, Illinois, came in 1898 to Sheffield, where he has since remained. He engages in general practice and keeps in touch with the progress of the profession through the interchange of thought, idea.* and expt-ricnccs in his couiicction with the County and State Medical Societies and the American Medical Association. He is surgeon of the Eock Island Railroad and the present health officer of Sheffield and in addition he has a gratifying private practice, for which his ability and experience well qualify him. He is a constant student of the science of medicine and anything which brings to man the key to that complex mystery which we call life is of deep interest to him.

On the 10th of February, 1896, in Chicago, Dr. Marshall was married to Miss Tommie Logwood Marshall and they now have two children: John Roseman, born March 9, 1900; and ^largaret, born November 24. 1905. ilrs. Marshall is a Kentuckian by birth and the young couple occupy an enviable position in social circles in Shetfield. the hospitality of the best homes of the city being cordially extended them. In his fraternal relations Dr. Marshall is a Mason, belonging to Ames lodge, No. 142, A. F. & A. M., of Sheffield, and Princeton chapter. No. 28, E. A. M. He is also a trustee of the Antlers Club, a social club of Shettield composed of the leading gentlemen of the place, and one of the organizers and trustee of the Sheffield Commercial Club. Both he and his wife are communicants of the Episcopalian church.

Andrew Ross

.Andrew Ross is one of the extensive landowners of Ohio township and a prosperous farmer, who has worked his way upward from a humble financial position to one of atfluence. Investigation into his history shows that he liad no special advantages but that he placed his dependence upon the safe, substantial qualities of close attention and persistency of purpose. He was born in Tu'^- carawas county. Ohio, 3Iay 28, 1823, and in the fall of 1845 cast in his lot with the early settlers of Bureau county. He was one of a family of eleven children - the ninth in order of birth and the youngest of the six sons. The parents were William and Jane (Whitaker) Ross, the former a native of Belfast, Ireland, and the latter of Somerset county. Pennsylvania.

^Ir. Ross of this review acquired his early education in the public schools of his native state and was a young man of twenty-two years when he left Ohio and came to Bureau county, Illinois. He had no capital but was desirous of trying his fortune in this new yet rapidlv developing dictricl.

lie and his two brothers, John and Joseph Ross, fornii'd a partnership and rented land, which liiey continued to operate lor three years. Andrew Koss then built a cabin upon his present farm ill Ohio township, hauling the timber from Dad Joe Grove. He pre-empted eighty acres of land and at tlie end of the second year had the place all paid for. He worked from early morning until darkness fell, making five trips a week to Peru, i'.iid his unremitting diligence constituted the basis of his success. As time passed by and his fiuancial resources increased he kept adding to his property until he is now an extensive landowner, having three hundred and twenty acres in Ohio township, live lots in the village of Ohio and three thousand seven Inmdred and eighty acres in Allen, Woodson and Kearney counties. Kansas, together witii two hundred and sixty acres in Sac county. Iowa. He is extensively engaged in farming in this county, raising large quantities of grain and stock, and although he is now eighty-three years of age he is still a very active man, who works in the field with those whom he employs, leading them in the work as he used to do in his vounger days.

On the 20th of October, 1846, occurred the marriage of Andrew Ross and Miss Hannah Randall, who was born in Dearborn county, Indiana, January 25, 1825, a daughter of William and Rebecca Randall, of Ohio. Her father was a sohiicr (if the war of 1812. On the 18th of January, 1857, Mr. Eoss was again married, his second union being with Miss Selina Ireland, who was a daughter of Jonathan and Eliza Ireland, of Virginia, and died in this county on the 16th of April, 1888. There were five children born of the first marriage, namelv: George E., born .\ugust 23, 184? ; Sarah J., Mav 27, 1849; Margaret C, :March IS, 1851 ; Mary, December 29, 1852 : and Joseph A., February 18, 1855. By the second marriage there were four children: Franklin F.. born December 28, 1857; Hannah Eliza, April 24, 1860; Campbell, May 11, 1862; and Juliet S., January 10, 1864. Hannah Eliza and Juliet S. live at home with their father.

Mr. Ross has been a prominent figure in the settlement and organization of his township and has left the impress of his individuality upon the church and political history of this county. He was the first class leader of the Methodist Protestant church established at Limerick and is now an ordained elder in the Church of Christ. His influence has been an effective factor in promoting moral development and his labors in behalf of the church have been far-reaching and beneficial. In politics he is an unfaltering and unequivocal republican anrl although he was not subject to draft at the time of the Civil war he hired a substitute to go in his place, for he wished to be represented in the field. He has long been :iu earnest and close student of the bible and, moreover, he reads broadly and thinks deeply, so that altliough denied a college education he is a man of scholarly attainments and his taste in this direction is shown by the possession of one of the finest libraries in the county. He is still a young man in spirit and interest, seeming not yet to luive passed his prime. Old age is not necessarily a synonym of weakness, nor need it suggest as a matter of course idleness nor want of occupation. On the contrary, there is an old age which grows stronger and brighter mentally and physically as the years pass by, giving out of its rich stores of wisdona and experience for the benefit of others. Such is the life of Andrew Ross, and although one of the most venerable, he is also one of the most active and honored nien of Bureau county, where lie has now lived for more than six decades. He points to his library as his great helper and regards his honest, earnest toil as the foundation upon which he has built his success. As the years have passed he has cultivated his physical, mental and moral powers while cultivating the soil, and he still believes that activity and Christian living will bring man to an advanced old age, his own life serving as a splendid illustration of this truth.

Miss Elizabeth Euth Ireland, a sister of our subject's second wife, was born in Clinton county, Ohio, in 1838, and is a daughter of Jonathan and Eliza Ireland, the former a native of Harrison county. iVirginia, and the latter of Baltimore county, Maryland. In 1834 she came with her parents to Bureaxr county, Illinois, the journey being made by wagon from Clinton county, Ohio. Here they found the Indians still numerous, as the Black Hawk war was just over. Miss Ireland taught two terms of school in 1852 and 1853, receiving ten dollars per month. For the past eighteen years she has made her home with Mr. Ross, and she has a large acquaintance in this countv. She is an earnest and faithful member of the Christian church and attends services nt Walnut.

Peter J. Conrad

PETER J. CONRAD. Peter J. Conrad is a prominent factor in business life in Ohio and his section of Bureau countv. His investments and interests are of considerable extent and importance and he belongs to that class of representative men who while promoting individual progress also contribute to the general prosperity. He was born in Germany, near Bingen on the Rhine. September 2-1, 1854, and is the youngest and only surviving member of a familv of eleven children whose parents were Peter and TMary (Wendel) Conrad. Both were natives of Germany, born in 1811 and 1813 respectively. The father never left his native country but passed away there in 18(54, while the molhor. coming to America, passed away in Bureau countv in 1888. She reached the new world with her family in June, IStiG, and, journeying toward the interior of the country, arrived in Princeton and established her home in Ohio township.

Peter J. Conrad spent the first eleven years of his life in the land of his birth and then accompanied his mother on her emigration to the new world. His early education, acquired in the public schools of Germany, was continued in the public schools of Bureau county, and when he put aside his text-books he began ])roviding for his own support by acting as a clerk in a grocery and shoe store at Amboy, Illinois. He was first employed in this way in February, 1869, and so remained until the spring of 1871. In the meantime he had carefully hoarded his earnings and as the result of his industry and frugality was enabled to join his brother Fred in a partnership in a general mercantile business. They established a store in Ohio, carrying a carefully selected line of goods, ami soon won a place among the foremost and representative business men of the village. They likewise extended the field of their activities to general farming and stock-raising and the partnership was continued with mutual pleasure and profit until the death of the brother on the 18th of March, 1893. He was then about forty-five years of age, having been born on the 12th of August, 1848. Following his brother's death Mr. Conrad became sole proprietor and manager of the business, which, however, he yet continued under the old firm name in honor of his brother's memory. He now owns four hundred and twenty-seven acres of very valuable and productive land on sections 1 and 9, Ohio township, and in addition has a tract of two hundred acres in Lee county. He likewise owns a general warehouse for flour, feed, salt and crockery, together with three stores, in which he conducts his general mercantile business that has now assumed extensive proportions, the annual sales aggregating fifty thousand dollars. Watchful of opportunity, he has improved the advantages which have come to him in the business world and through the careful direction of his labor he has made a place among tlie wealthy residents of Ohio township.

Mr. Conrad has never been neglectful of public duties while advancing his individual interests and has done capable service as town clerk for .seven years and as village councilman for twenty-.«ix years. Politically he is a republican and fraternally is connected with the Knights of Pythias and the Knights of Columbus. He was reared in the faith of the Roman Catholic church and is a communicant thereof. He attributes his success in no small degree to the care and guidance of his worthv mother, who. following the father's death, supported the family and carefully reared her children. He has as the years have gone by displayed exceptional business ability and marked enterprise and has made steady advancement and progress until his position is now a most favorable

On the 10th of February, 1897, Mr. Conrad was married to Miss Ella V. Young, who was born July 28, 186.5, and is the eldest daughter of Michael and Elizabeth (Bettendorf) IToung, of Arlington, where she acquired her education. Her father is an old resident and substantial business man of Arlington and for the past forty-five years has enjoved the esteem and respect of the citizens of that community. His wife passed away September 2, 1906, at the age of sixty-one years. There is now one child of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Conrad, Elizabeth Marie, born January 27, 1898. The family occupy a lovely residence tastefully furnished, with attractive exterior adornments. Its hospitality also is one of its most pleasing features.

Mr. Conrad, as shown by his life work, stands for good citizenship, for substantial progress in community affairs, for business integrity as well as activity and for championship of those measures which directly affect the general interests of society. He has in his business career advanced from a humble clerkship to rank with the leading merchants of the county and has maintained a most enviable record, never incurring an obligation that he has not met nor making an engagement that he has not kept. He enjoys the full respect of his business contemporaries and justly merits his prosperity.

Jay N. Gray

Among the native sons of Bureau county who have always retained their residence here and have found in its business conditions the opportunities which they have sought for advancement and success is numbered Jay N. Gray, an enterprising farmer of Dover township. His birth occurred in Princeton on the 20th of July, 1852, and he was one of a family of four sons and two daughters, of whom four wore born in the Empire state and two in Illinois. ITis parents wore Nathan and ]\Teriba]i Woodmansee (Brown) Gray, who w-ere married at Hamilton, New York, December 19, 1836. The father was born in Madison county. New York. April 8, 1812, and the mother's birth occiirred in Hamilton, the same county. May 11, 1817. They became residents of Illinois in 1846, settling in Princeton, wliere Mr. Gray conducted a general store. Later he was in partnership with Jnlm Dodge in the same business and at one time was postmaster of Princeton. In the spring of 1852 he purchased a farm of ten hundred and forty acres in Westfield township. Bureau county, whereon he and his wife spent their remaining days, her death occ\irring in 1882, while he survived until Scpteinber, 1892.

school of Peru, Illinois, from wliich he was graduated in 1869 and later completed a course in Quincy Business College by graduation in 1872. About that time a good position was offered him in a wholesale house. He wrote to his father asking his advice and in reply received a letter telling him to return home and work on the farm. This he did and he has never regretted it. In 1891 he purchased two hundred and twenty-five acres of the old homestead, where he lived until 1900 and the following year removed to his present farm of two hundred and forty acres. This is now a very valuable property, worth one hundred and seventy-five dollars per acre. The difference in land values is readily seen by the fact that fiftyfour years ago his father purchased the old homestead farm for a dollar and a quarter per acre. 'Mt. Gray has labored persistently and earnestly in the management of his farm, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation, raising the cereals best adapted to soil and climate as well as good grades of stock. The farm is neat and thrifty in appearance and good harvests are annually garnered as a result of the care and attention which he bestows upon the fields.

Mr. Gray was married in Arlington, Illinois, September "l9, 1878, to Miss Vista C. Dodge, who was born December 31, 1853, a daughter of Henry and Jane C. (Chambers) Dodge, the former born in North Brookfield, Massachusetts, August 3, 1823, and the latter in Ohio, January 12, 1834. Mr. and Mrs. Gray have become the parents of four children: Vara, born ]\Iarch 16, 1883 : Jean, November 5, 1888: Ava, April 6, 1891; and Sidney J., July 9, 1898.

Politically Mr. Gray is a republican, not active in the work of the party yet stanch in his belief in its principles. He is serving as school director, liut has never been an office seeker. He attends the Congregational church in Princeton, but is not a member and he is identified with no secret societies. His time and energies have been devoted to the farm and he is justly classed with the leading and representative agriculturists of this part of the state.

BEX.IA.MIN SEY.MORE Wll.lJA.MS. Benjamin Seymore Williams, a representative of the grain trade in Bureau county, now operating extensively along that line at Shelllold. was born .\pril 4, 1867. in the city which is still his l)ome. his parent.« being Benjamin Frenklin and Afargarct Catherine Williams, mention of whom is made elsewhere in this volume. At the usual age he entered the public schools and passed through successive grades until lie had completed the highschool course by graduation. He then attended the Gem City Business College of Quincy, Illinois, and enforod business with his father in 1888, when a voung Tuan nf twentv-one vears under the firm style of B. F. Williams & Son, dealers in grain and coal. They owned an elevator and made extensive purchases and shipments of grain, also had a good local market in the coal trade. At the death of his father, which occurred in 1894, tht name of the firm was changed to B. S. Williams & Company and under this style business is still carried on, the firm being prominent in connection witli the grain trade in Bureau county.

Jlr. Williams is a man of broad business capacity and enterprise and has not confined his efforts to one line but has extended his labors to various fields of activity, in all of which his sound judgment and wise counsel have been resultant factors in winning success. He was one of the organizers of the Sheffield Electric Light Company and acted as secretary, treasurer and manager until 1903. He is still one of its stockholders and directors. He is likewise a director in the Sheffield Opera House Company and holds a financial interest 11 the elevator of D. H. Humphreys & Company at Atkinson.

On the 15th of October, 1890, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Williams and Miss Chloe B. Humphreys, a daughter of Henry P. Humphreys, of Sheffield. They have one child, Martha Catherine, born in this city.

In his fraternal relations Mr. Williams is a member of Ames lodge, No. 142, A. P. & A. M., of Sheffield; Princeton chapter, No. 28, R. A. M., and Princeton commandery. No. 20, K. T., and the Modern Woodmen of America and his religious affiliation is with the Unitarian church. His entire life has been passed in Sheffield, so that he is widely known here and the consensus of public opinion regarding his business record and his private life are alike favorable, so that he is accorded a prominent place in public regard.

Edward Raymond Bryant

Edward Raymond Bryant, deceased, was for many years numbered among the successful farmers and stock-raisers of Bureau county and the name of Bryant has stood as a synonym for all that is honorable in citizenship and in private life from an early period in the development of this county, while the ancestral history is of close and honorable connection with the annals of New England. Edward R. Bryant was the eldest son of Colonel Austin Bryant, who in turn was the eldest son of Dr. Peter Bryant and the brother of William C'ullpn Bryant, New England's distinguished poet. William Cullen Bryant was born in the old Snell house in ]\rassachusotts and it was at tlie C'uinmingtoii jihiee that the birth of Edward R. Bryant occurred. His father, Austin Bryant, was born in 1793 and came to Bureau county, Illinois, in 183.'). He built a house on the place where his son's widow now resides and occupied that primitive home one winter without doors or windows.

He shared in the arduous task of reclaiming a wild and unimproved region for the purposes of civilization and aided in laying broad and deep the foundation upon which has been built the superstructure of the present prosperity and progress of the county. He was a member of the Presbyterian church and his entire life was actuated by honorable, manly principles. He died in the year 1866.

Edward R. Bryant, born November 2, 1823, came to the west when only ten years of age with his parents and was reared to manhood upon the old family homestead in this county. This was about 1835 and from that time forward until called to his final rest he was a resident of Bureau county. He was reared to the occupation of farming, which he followed as a life work, becoming one of the progressive and prosperous agriculturists of his community. His early training in the fields served him to good purpose when he began farming on his own account and all through his connection with business life he displayed energy and determination, which are very essential concomitants to success. He died on the old homestead where his father had lived many years before departing this life November 10, 1881.

In early manhood Edward R. Bryant had married Miss Eleanor McDuffie, who was born January 21, 1832, in Cameron, Steuben county. New York, and is a graduate of Alfred University. Her father, Isaac McDuffie, was born September 1, 1803, on the Hudson river in the Empire state qnd was a son of William and Jane (Van ]\Iiddles. worth) McDuffie. His early life was spent in a village in Schoharie county, New York, where he secured a good common-school education and later at Sloansville in Montgomery county, New York, he learned the trade of a blacksmith with Walter B. Sloan. Subsequently he started west, finally locating at Addison, Steuben county, and afterward at Cameron in the same county, where he opened a shop of his own.

Mr. McDuffie married Miss Cynthia Baker on the 10th of March, 1829. She was born in Athens, Pennsylvania, March 16, 1804, and was a daughter of Samuel and Esther (Fields) Baker, who removed to Cameron, New York, when slie was about twentv years of age. By occupation her father was a miller, lumberman and merchant and was always known as Captain Baker, for ho won his title by service in the Revolutionary war. He also served in the war of 1812, was captured by the Bri'ish and taken to Sacketts Harbor. He was held as a prisoner for eighteen months or until peace was restored. His son Urbane had been drafted for .service in the second war with England, but the father, thinking he was too young for militarv duty, took his place and fnitlifully served in that struggle. His eldest son. Daniel, was also drafted and was commiss'oncd as lieutenant in the American army. Mr. 'MrDuffie continued to reside in Cameron, New York, until

1855 and was engaged in blacksniithing, wagonmaking and in the lumber business. He also became connected with the New York & Erie Kailroad as a machinist, furnished much of the iron work for the railroad company and succeeded in accumulating considerable property as the result of his carefully managed business interests. However, he met financial reverses through the failure of the Blossburg & Corning branch of the railroad at the time when the company was owing to him a large sum of money. Being thus left in rather limited financial circumstances he sought to retrieve his lost possessions in the middle west and brought his family to Concord township, Bureau county, Illinois, where he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land from his father-in-law, who died in 1851. From Cameron they traveled by rail to Dunkirk, New York, thence by way of the lakes to Detroit, on to New Buffalo, Michigan, and from that point by boat to Chicago^ whence they made their way to Earl vi lie. Hlinois. In Lee county they spent the fall of 1853 while a house was being built for them on the farm in Concord township. Bureau county. ^Ir. ilcDufifie afterward gave his time and energy to general agricultural pursuits and made his liome in this county until his death, which occurred January 10, 1898. He had a family of four sons and three daughters, namely: Mrs. Bryant; Valeda E., William Henry, Anna E., John V., James M. and Samuel A. The McDuffies are descendants of King Kenneth McDufhe, of Scotland, in which country the family was very prominent. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Bryant w-as blessed with five children, four sons and a daughter: James, who is now living in Chicago; William Austin, who resides on a farm near Tiskilwa, Illinois ; Edward Archer and Frederick Raymond, both living on the old houie place ; and ]\rai-ie, tlic wife of D. K. Middleton, of Birmingliam. Alabama.

Edward R. Bryant was a farmer and prominent stock-raiser, who raised good horses and bought, sold and shipped cattle. His business interests were carefully conducted and he was ever watchful of the opportunities leading to success. In all his undertakings he was never known to take advantage of the necessity of liis fellowmen in any business transaction, his integrity and honor standing as unquestioned facts in his career. He was a man of firm character, true to his honest beliefs under all conditions and he never faltered in carrying out a given plan which he had made for himself. He was one of the honoreil jiioneer residents of the county, wliere he located with the family the year following the Black Hawk war. Everv evidence of frontier life was to be seen in this portion of the state and as the years passed by Afr. Bryant bore his sliare in the arduous task of development and improvement. When he was called to his final rest his death was deeply deplored by many friends, for his life had been of such signal service ami usefulness that ho was

Mrs. Bryant, still surviving her husband and living on the old homestead farm on section 33, Princeton township, belongs to a family of equally remote and honorable ancestry as her husband. She is a member of the Episcopal church and she has in her possession a bible that was bought by her husliand's grandfather in 1803, it being now a valued heirloom in the familv.

Edward H. Brooks

Edward H. Brooks, at one time connected with the grain trade in Wyanet and now a stockholder in the Farmers Bank of Princeton, and one of tbe charter members of the same, is practically living retired in Wyanet, having passed the eightysecond milestone on life's journey. He was born near Philadelphia, at Newtown, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, February 29, 1824, a son of William and Mary ( Worthington) Brooks, who were likewise natives of the Keystone state. The father was born September 3, 1793, and died June 9, 188v), while his wife passed away August 8, 1850, at the age of fifty-two years. They were the parents of fifteen children. The maternal ancestors of our subject were among the early (Juaker settlers of Bucks county, Pennsylvania.

IvUvard H. Brooks, educated in the public schools of the Keystone state, remained in his native county until 1850, when he became a resident of Belmont county, Ohio. On April 16, 1851, he came to Bureau county, Illinois, where he has now resided for more than a half century. His occupation in early life was that of farming, in wiiich ])ursuit he continued for two years after bis arrival in this county. He also worked on the railroad to some extent and when the Chiciigo, liurlington & Quincy Railroad was completed to Princeton he began dealing in grain at that place, continuing in business there until 1860, when he removed to Wyanet, where he purchased grain until 1880. He then sold out and retired from active life, since wdiich time he has enjoyed well merited and well earned rest, merely giving his supervision to his landed interests, for in former years he had made judicious and extensive investments in property. He owns one hundred and sixty acres of land in Iowa and has a fine home on ^lain street, in Wyanet, where he resides.

His sister, Mrs. Susanna (Brooks) Trego, lives with him. She is the widow of Cyrus Trego, and in tbe spring of 18C5 she removed from Pennsylvania to Jlercer county, Illinois, where her husband died in December, 1865, In 1867 she came to Wyanet and has since made her home with her brother. She has two children: Ellen, the wife of William .\. Weaver, of Wyanet; and Edwin A., (if .rdliet, lllinnis, and she also has tw^o grand- children. The Trego family is one of the oldest of Pennsylvania, for the progenitor of the family in this country was Peter Trego, who came to America w^ith the Penn colony.

lu his political views Mr. Brooks is a republican, deeply interested in politics and his lirst presidential ballot was cast for Fremont, He is a venerable citizen, active and energetic in his busine.-s affairs in former years and now enjoying a well earned rest, which has come to him as a reward of well directed and honorable labor. He commands the respect of all with whom he has come in contact and he is classed with the men of enterprise, who, in the middle of the nineteenth century, were the founders and builders of the county's prosperity and progress.

William A. Buknett

William A. Burnett, president of the village board of Neponset, is one of the native sons of the county, whose life record is so well known that he needs no special introduction to the readers of this volume. He was born three miles south of the village. May 11, 1863, his parents being Abraham and Eliza (Gunning) Burnett. The father was born in Sutton, St. Nicholas, Herefordshire, England, May 18, 1834, and was one of a family of ten children, five sons and five daughters. His mother's death occurred in England, June 16, 1875, when she was sixty-six years of age, while the father died January 7, 1891, at the age of eighty-six j'ears. Of their family four sons and one daughter came to America, while the surviving members of the family are: William Burnett, of Hazelton, Kansas ; Henry of Neponset ; Mrs. John Eeynolds, of Gold township ; Mrs. Thomas Nash, of Birmingham, England ; and Mrs. John Gaines, of Herefordshire. England.

Abraham Burnett spent the days of liis boyhood in his native country, and on the 6th of April, 1857, when in his twenty-fourth year, left his old home for the new world, arriving in Iowa City, Iowa, in May. He worked in that locality during tlie summer, and in the fall removed to Illinois. He was engaged in farming in the vicinity of Neponset, Sheffield and of Buda for many years. On the 1st of March, 1862, he wedded Elizabeth Gunning, who was born near the town of Porta Ferry in County Down, Ireland, February 24, 1830, and was the fourth in a family of thirteen children. She came to the United States in 1854 and for two years resided in the vicinity of Greenbush, near Troy, New York. In the spring of 1856, in company with her brother John and his family, she came to Illinois and for six years lived in the vicinity of Neponset, Osceola and W^cathorsfield.

years he followed tiie butcher's trade. In 1881, however, he practically retired from active life and lived quietly at his home in the village until he passed away November 6, 1904. In the funeral services Eev. H. L. Hartwell spoke of him as a tireless worker, a man ahvays loyal to his friends, a great lover of home and devoted to his wife and family. He was a member of the Episcopal church. His wife survived until October 7, 1905, but for more than four years had been in impaired health. The same friends who had ofliciated as pallbearers at her husband's funeral performed the same office for her, and tlie same quartette sang the hymns. The remains of both were laid to rest in Floral Hill cemetery. They had two children, William and Mary, both of whom survive. The father was for one year president of the village board of Neponset and was always interested in the progress and upbuilding of the town.

At the usual age William A. Burnett began his education in the public schools, passing through successive grades until he completed the highschool course. On the 2d of October, 1882, he entered the employ of the firm of Russell & Thompson, general merchants, with whom he remained for a year, when Mr. Russell died and the firm became Thompson & Lyford. Mr. Burnett continued to act as clerk for two years thereafter and since 1885 has been engaged in business as a carpenter and painter, in which connection he has had a liberal patronage because of the excellent work which he does and his promptne.'s in executing the terms of a contract.

He is regarded as an independent in politics and has been honored with a number of offices of public trust. He was elected village clerk in 1887 and held that office for fourteen years, afterward serving as trustee for two years. In the spring of 1905 he was elected president of the village board, wliich office he is now filling, giving to the town a progressive administration, indicative of his devotion to the public good.

W. J. McElroy, proprietor of one of the best livery and feed barns in Bureau county, Illinois, was born on a farm in Indiantown township, this cnunty, February 8, 1857, and he is now the owner of that properl^'. His father, James McElroy, was a pioneer of thi,« county, arriving in 183S after his emigration from Ireland to the new world. His wife was also a native of Ireland and both were of Scotch-Irish descent. The father became a successful farmer, managing business interests so capablv and energetically that prosperitv resulted. He was married twice and was the father of eight children.

eated in the public schools and since 1900 has been engaged in tlie liven' business, conducting one of the best livery and feed barns in Bureau county. He keeps fine driving horses and has a complete line of buggies, surreys and hacks and also has automobiles to hire. The barn is located at No. 43s Main street and he resides on East Peru street, where he owns a nice home. He is also extensively engaged in the real estate business, buying and selling land in Kansas, Missouri, Iowa and Illinois, and is regarded as one of the most enterprising, active and energetic business men of Princeton or Bureau county. In his barn he keeps about twenty horses always on hand and he has a liberal patronage.

In 1893 Jlr. ilcElroy was married to Miss Emma Yerrington, of Princeton, and they have two daughters, Cecil May and Pearl Marie. Mr. Mc- Elroy votes with the republican party and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, although he has never been an active politician in the sense of office seeking. He belongs to the Ma.'=onic fraternity, in which he has taken the degrees of the lodge, chapter, council and commandery, while he and his wife are affiliated with the Eastern Star. He is also a member of Tonnaluka lodge. No. 89, I. 0. 0. F., of which he is a past noble grand. He is one of the pleasant and accommodating business men of Princeton, well liked by all, possesses good business qualities and although not a strong man physically he has great energy and determination which has won for him a creditable and enviable position in business circles.

J. K. HOPKIXS. J. K. Hopkins, one of the foremost residents of Princeton, whose position in public regard is indicated by his election to the office of mayor in April, 190"), this fact standing also in incontrovertible evidence of a progre-^sive, practical, business-like administration, receiving the endorsement of the majority of his fellow townsmen - was born in Tyrone, Pennsylvania, August 9, 1846. His father, James .J. Hopkins, was a native of Marietta, Pennsylvania, born February 24, 1815, and was married on the 2d of April, 1840, to Miss Jane Cook, who was born November 11, 1818, near Harper's Ferry, Virginia. Her parents were John and Jane (Armstrong) Cook, natives of Ireland but of Scotch descent. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. James J. Hopkins were seven children : Joseph C. : I^orcnzo D. ; James K.. of this review ; Mrs. Irene Morgan, living in Dixon, Illinois ; Mrs. Alice A. Davis, of Spokane. Washington ; Mrs. Jennie T. Shirk, of Kansas City, Missouri : and William D. Hopkins. About 1847 the father removed with his family from Pennsylvania to Ohio, where he lived for six years, and in June, 18.")3, came to Bureau county, Illinois, settling upon a farm where he resided until a few years prior to his death, when he retired from business life. He then established his home in La iioille, where he spent his remaining days, both he and his wife having now passed away.

James K. Hopkins largely acquired his education in the schools of Bureau count}', having accompanied his parents <>u their removal to this state when a youth of seven years. He was reared to the occupation of farming and assisted in the labors of the fields until after the call was issued lor more troops to defend the stars and stripes. Although but seventeen years of age he offered his services to the government and became a member of the Fifty-second Eegimeut of Illinois Volunteers, joining Company B. He served for two years and five months and participated in many engagements. He also went with Sherman on tlie famous march to the sea and when the war was over received an honorable discharge and returned to his home. Later he crossed the plains to Nevada, where he became a railroad man, devoting sixteen years of his life to that occupation in the capacity of a conductor. He rendered valuable service and was very fortunate while on the road in escaping all accidents or injuries. In .\ugust, 1883, he returned to Bureau county and after about a year spent in La ^loille located in Princeton, where he has since made his home. Here he has lived retired from business cares. He has landed interests in Illinois and also extensive realty holdings in Indiana. Iowa and Texas in additional to a beautiful home on Soutli Church street in Princeton, and the income from his property provides him with a very comfortable living. In April. 1893, he was elected mayor of Princeton on the license ticket and has since been continued in the office through successive re-elections, a fact which indicates his personal popularity and the unqualified confidence and trust reposed in him by his fellowmen - a trust that has never been betrayed, for he stands in his administration for reform and improvement, for the material upbuilding of the city and for all those interests which are a matter of civic virtue and of civic pride, ilany tangible evidences of his progressiveness can he cited that have worked for the direct benefit of Princeton and he may well be termed "Princeton's most popular mayor." He has also been a member of the state board of agriculture :-ince 1900. He belongs to the Grand Army ofthe Republic, Perinen's Hill Post of La Moille, and in tlie ]\lasonic fraternity has attained the Kjiight Ternplnr degree. He is likewise a member of (he Order of Eailrond Conductors of the United States.

On the 19th of February, 1879, Mr. Hopkins was married in Chicago to Miss Frances Martin, who was born in Bureau county, June 11, 18.52, r; daughter of William and Jane (Moore) Martin, both now deceased. Jlrs. Hopkins was called from this life August 19. 1896, and on the ?Oth of July, 1898, Mr. Hopkins marriud Miss Mary Virginia Boggs, who was born Septuiuber 1, 1865, near Wheeling, West A'irgiuia, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Boggs. Mrs. Hopkins came to Princeton in 1868 with her parents and was educated in the city schools, being a graduate of the Princeton high school. She was secretary of the public library of the city for several j'ears and was a lady of rare intelligence and culture. Sh:? died July 16, 1906, leaving a daughter, Virginia J., who was born December 1, 1S99. Mrs. Hopkins" father died in 1896 and her mother is still living, her home being in Princeton.

ilr. Hopkins, while a stalwart champion of the democracy, has never been bitterly aggressive. On the contrary he is a broad-minded man. who has kept in touch with the trend of modern thought and progress and whose position on any question of local, state or national importance is a matter of conviction rattier than of bias. He actively interests himself in public affairs and participates earnestly in any effort to propagate a spirit of patriotism and of loyalty to American institutions and wherever there is a public-spirited attempt to drive corruption or unworthiness out of public office he is to be found working with the leaders of the movement. His own official service leaves no room for question as to his ability or his devotion to the ironeral sjood.

Jesse A. Perry

Jesse A. Perry is a member of the firm of Perry Brothers, dealers in general merchandise in ^lalden, and his enterprise and public spirit make him a valued re.sident of the village. He was born in Claysville, Ohio, December 26, 184?, and has been a resident of Illinois since the 1st of November, 1869, coming here when a young man of twenty-three years. His parents were John and Martha (Young) Perry. His father M-as born in Belmont county, Ohio, June 17, 1809, and departed this life January 1. 1877, while his wife, who was born July 4, 1809, survived him for about five years and passed away ilarch 26. 1882. Their children were as follows: William B., who was born January 2, 1837, and died February 6, 18.')3: Mary J., who was born February 1, 1839, and died August 4, 1844; Emilv C, who was born Januarv 17, 1841, and died June 14, 1880; John W., born Julv 19. 1843; Jesse A., of this review; and Anna M., boi'n July 23, 1850.

Jesse A. Perry was reared in the state of his nativity and is indebted to its public-school system lor the educational privileges he enjoyed. Wlicn in his twenty-third year lie came to Bureau county and in Die winter of 1869-70 taught school in Maiden, where he now resides. Tn the latter vear he embarked in general merchandising and has since continued in business, the present firm of Perrv Brotliers beinfr one of the strong commercial combinations of the town. They carry a good stock suited to the demands of a general patronage, and their business methods are strictly fair and honorable, so that they now have a liberal and constantly growing patronage.

On the 17th of October, 187"7, Mr. Perry was married to Miss Julia Rackley at Maiden. She was born in this town, June 7, 1857, a daughter of George and Calisla (Abell) Rackley. Her father was born in Orange, Vermont, November 2, 1821, and is still living. Her mother, however, passed away March 8, 1899. She was born in Alden, New York, October 14, 1822, and was therefore in her seventy-seventh year when she departed this life. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Perry was blessed with one son, George N., who was born August 21, 1880, but they were called upon to mourn his loss on the 23d of August, 1889.

Mr. Perry is a prominent Mason, belonging to Bureau lodge, No. 112, A. F. & A. M. ; to Princeton cliapter. No. 28, R. A. il. ; and Princeton connnandcrv. No. 20, K. T. He is also a member of Ci-ystal Fount lodge. No. 547, 1. 0. 0. F., and the Rebekah lodge. No. 185. For twenty years he has held membership in the t'ongregational church, with which his wife is also identified, and in its work they are deeply interested and eontribute generously to its support. In his political views Mr. Perry is a republican and his fidelity in citizenship has been shown in his capable service in various offices. He served for twelve years as township clerk, as supervisor for six years, and for thirty-two years has been township treasurer. Maiden claims him as one of its most prominent and representative citizens and in the community where he resides he stands for all that is best and most effective in the material, intellectual and moral progress of the community.

J. W. Hamrick is a prominent representative of livestock interests in Wyanct and his extensive purchases and sales as well as shipments m;d<e him a leading business man of this ]iart of the country. He is a member of the firm of Ham lick it Brown, buyers of hogs, and also of the iirm of Ilamrick & Son, buyers and shippers of cattle, horses, mules and hogs. For a quarter of a century he has carlioil (III business in Wyanct with the result that his intense and well directed activity has made him a prosperous resident liere. He was born liere in 1855, and is a son of James Hann'ick, one of the early settlers of Bureau county, who in pioneer times came from Ohio and established his liome in this jiart of the state. The year of his arrival was 1S35 and he settled near Wyanet, where he followed farming, owning tliri'e hundred and twenty acres of ricli and productive land.

J. W. Hamrifk, educated in the public schools of Wvanet town.ship, early became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist and operated the old home farm until 1902. when he removed to the village of Wyanet, where he has since lived. His identification with business interests here make him one of the leading live-stock dealers of this part of the state, as he makes large annual purcliases and shipments of hogs, cattle, horses and mules, being an active member of the two firms of Hamrick & Brown and Hamrick & Son. He is an excellent judge of stock, being seldom at error in his estimation of the value of farm animals.

Mr. Hamrick was married in 1873 to Miss Mary L. Wyatt, and they had eight children. Bert is engaged in the livery business in Wyanet and also pays particular attention to handling horses and mules, disposing of a large number each year. In his livery barn he has a fine line of rigs, all being rubber tired, and a libeml patronage is accorded him in the stable. Ella is the wife of C. W. Weaver, a druggist of Wyanet. Vital M. is engaged in the live-stock business with his father. Edith is deceased. Lorenzo is living in Wyanet. Junida is the wife of John Ramp, a resident of Galesburg; Rachel and Gladys are at home.

Mr. Hamrick votes with the republican party and has served as assistant school director and in other office? to which he has been called by his fellow townsmen, for the duties of these positions are discharged with a faithfulness and fidelity that indicate his public spirit and his capability. In the jNIasonic fraternity he has become a member of the lodge, chapter, commandery and shrine and he is also identified through membership relations with the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America. Alert and enterprising he is watchful of business opportunities, which he readily recognizes and utilizes, and he is today conducting an extensive trade as a buyer and shipper of live stock, meeting with merited and gratifying euccess in his undertakings.

Mtc'H.Vel Skeffington

Michael SkelHngton engaged in farming in Berlin township, has been very prominent and influential in community affairs and for about twentythree years was a member of the board of supervisors of Westficld township. With keen insight into conditions that nuiy ho efTcctcd tiirouiili the discharge of the duties of a public office he has so labored that his efforts have been of direct good and he is regarded as one of the leaders of the democratic party in Bureau county.

Patrick and Nora (Stackpole) Skeifington, both natives of Ireland. In the year 18.30 tlie family came to Bureau county, arriving on the Ist of October, and a location was made about two miles east of Arlington, wiiere the father engaged in farming.

Michael Sketlington began his education in the public schools of his native country and continued his studies in the district schools of Westfield township. Coming with his parents to Bureau county, he worked tor Ins father until twenty-seven years of age, and then started out upon an independent business career, since which time he has made his way unaided in life, and has achieved a gratifying measure of success through his unremitting diligence and perseverance. Allowing no obstacle to brook his path if it could be overcome by determined and honorable effort, he has steadily advanced toward the goal of prosperity and is now one of the substantial residents of the county, his landed possessions comprising three hundred and seventy-seven acres all in one farm and valued at two hundred dollars per acre. His residence, a beautiful modern dwelling, is approached by two broad driveways bordered on either side with fine shade trees. Here Mr. Skeffington has lived for three years, and during that time has made substantial improvements upon the place, which add materially to its value and attractive appearance.

On the 5th of March. 1867, Mr. Skeffington was married to Miss Elizabeth Coakley, who was horn October 3, 1850. a daughter of Cornelius and Mary Ann (Hogan) Coakley. both natives of the Emerald Isle, the father born in the County Cork and the mother in County Tipperary. Thev became residents of Bureau county. Illinois, in the '30s, when the work of settlement had scarcely been begun. Mr. Coakley was a partner of Daniel Webster in the stock business, and was a leading and influential resident here during the period of the county's early development. He died July 1, 1859, at the age of fifty-nine years, while his wife, who long survived him, passed away December 8, 1885. in the seventy-eighth year of her age.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Skeffington have been born thirteen children: Elenora. who died January 11. 1SG9: Jolm L., who is now married and lives in Kewanee. Illinois; Patrick, who resides upon the old home place; Theresa, the wife of Michael Kennedy, of Chicago; Elizabeth, Nellie, Joseph C, James .V., Cleophu? W., all at home; Harry, who died January 11, 1895; Genevieve, Sylvester and Williiiin A., who are also under the parental roof.

Michael Skeffington

board of supervisors in Westfield townsliip. For twelve _years he was school treasurer of Westfield township, and is now a school director in Berlin township. The cause of education finds in him a very warm and stalwart champion and he has done everything in his power to advance the interests of the schools in this jjart of the state. At one time he was a candidate for nomination as state representative, but witlidrew before the balloting was completed. In his business and public life he has displayed much of the versatility and ready adaptability of his Irish ancestry, and at the same time he is a thoroughly loyal American citizen with deep attachment for the institutions of this country.

Geoege Webb Boyden

George Webb Boyden, of Shettield, the extent and importance of whose commercial and financial interests make him one of the leading business men of this section of the state, has manifested in his career a spirit of enterprise that has placed him with that class of representative Americans who, while promoting individual success, also advance the general prosperity and progress. His name figures in connection with various banking and commercial concerns and he is honored and respected by all, not only by reason of the success which he has achieved but also by reason of the straightforward business methods that he has ever followed. It is true that he entered upon a business already established, but in enlarging and developing this and in extending the scope of his activities many a man of less resolute spirit or of narrower vision would have failed. On the contrary he has attained a broader outlook by each forward step that he has made and his record proves that success is not a matter of genius, as held by many, but the outcome of clear judgment, experience and indefatigable industry.

llr. Boyden was born January 3, 1858, in Sheffield, son of Albert W. Boyden, of whom mention is made on another page of this volume, and, entering the public schools, passed through successive grades until he had completed the highschool course, when he joined his father in the conduct of a bank and general mercantile store. In 1881 the firm was known as Boyden & Dewey and in 1884 it became A. W. Boyden & Son. They organized a company, established a bank and erected the bank building at Annawan in 1899. After conducting this for a time they sold out. but bought it again in 1906. In 1902 they organized the bank of Linden & Boyden at Buda, Illinois, and they also hold controlling interests in the firm of E. J. Ely & Company, proprietors of a general store, a bank and a grain and lumber business at Mineral. They are likewise financially interested in a grain and lumber business at Buda, in the firm of H. E. Curtis & Company of Tiskilwa, the firm of J. C. Dewey & Company, grain merchants at .Vnnawan, and of F. G. Lindner & Company, dealers in grain and lumber at Buda. A. W. Boyden was also secretary and treasurer of the Sheffield Mining Company for a number of years, after which George W. Boyden was elected to the same position and was manager as well until they closed the mines in 1901. Mr. Boyden of this review was organizer of the Sheffield Electric Light Company, of which he was formerly president and is now vice-president. He is a man of resourceful business ability, alert and enterprising, and through the utilization of his opportunities has become possessed of widely extended and important business interests, which make him a foremost factor in trade and financial circles of Bureau county and this section of the state.

In June, 1881, was celebrated the marriage of George Webb Boyden and Miss Ella Wiser, of Eock Island, -and imto them has been born a son, Albert Wiser Boyden, on the 12th of December, 1883. In Masonry Mr. Boyden has attained the KJnight Templar degree, being a member of Ames lodge, No. 143, A. F. & A. M., of Sheffield; Princeton chapter. No. 28, E. A. M. ; and Princeton commandery, No. 20, K. T., of Princeton. He is treasurer of the Congregational church, in which he holds membership, and his activity extends to various material, intellectual, fraternal and moral interests of his native town, his co-operation being an element in advancement along all these lines which have had direct bearing upon the city's growth and progress. Various towns of this portion of the state have benefited by his labors in a business capacity and as the real promoters and iipbuilders of a community are the men who are at the head of leading industrial, commercial and financial interests Mr. Boyden in this connectioii is deserving of prominent mention.

Feed Leigh Tuckee

Fred Leigh Tucker, owner and proprietor of the Mail and Express, a weekly paper edited at Walnut, Bureau county, Illinois, and also proprietor of the Manlius Weekly Star, at Manlius, this county, was born in Dodge county, Minnesota, July 16, 1870. He is a son of Frank and Ariminta (Haskins) Tucker, the former born in Athens, Maine, and the latter born in Jefferson county. New York. In their family are four children, of whom Fred Iv. is the third in order of birth.

Fred Leigh Tucker completed a common-school course at Princeton. Wisconsin, and after putting aside his text-books, started out to make his own way in the world. He began to earn his living by working in a newspaper office, and for the past twenty-four years has continued in work along this line, so that he is thoroughly conversant with the newspaper business in every detail. Previous to his removal to Bureaii county he was ensjaged in newspaper work at Clmton, Iowa, and on coming to Walnut worked at his trade for a year and then purchased the Hail and Express, at that time an eiglit-page paper, which he has increased to twelve pages. It is an excellent sheet, containing the local and county news, and is a good advertising medium, having a wide circulation throughout Bureau county. He is also editor and proprietor of the Manlius \\'et'kly Star, which is published weekly, and this, too, through the management of Mr. Tucker has been made a bright, newsy paper, circulating in the best homes of Manlius and Bureau county.

In politics Mr. Tucker is a democrat. He is a popular young man of excellent qualities, and during the three years which he has made liis home in Bureau county he has gained numerous business and social friends. He is a self-made man, for he started out in the business world without capital, but through his persistency of purpose and straightforward business methods he has accomplished what he undertook, and during the past two years has been conducting his papers with excellent success, increasing them both in size and value, so that they are read w^ith interest in a large number of homes, ilr. Tucker now makes his home with his mother in Walnut, where he is a highlv esteemed and influential citizen.

John H. Olds

JOHN H. OLDS. John H. Olds, in whose death Wyanet lost one of its prominent and valued business men, was a leading hardware merchant of the town for many years. He was, moreover, a native son of Bureau county, having been born in Princeton, on the 21st of May, 1847. His father, Justin H. Olds, was a native of Massachusetts, born September 6, 1806, and was there reared, becoming a resident of Bureau county in 1834. Here he was married on the 1.5(h of June, 1837, to Miss Louisa C. Bryant, a daughter of Dr. Peter and Sarah (Snell) Bryant, natives of Massachusetts, and theirs was the first marriage ceremony performed after the organization of Bureau county, Mrs. Olds' brother, John H. Bryant, ofTiciating. The newly wedded couple located at La Moille, where they remained for two years and then removed to Princeton, where Mr. Olds engaged in merchandising. He was also editor of the Evening Post, a local paper, and was one of the prominent early settlers, not only figuring actively in business life, but also serving in various official jKisitions, including that of circuit clerk. He was well fitted for leadership and did much to mold public thought and action in an early day and to influence the policy of the county in its formative period. He was a stalwart abolitionist and took an active part in conducting the underground railroad, thus assisting many a poor negro on his way to freedom in the north. As a sincere and faithful member of the Congregational church he made his religion a part of his daily life and gave exemplification of his faith in his kindliness, consideraton and helpfulness to his fellowmen. He died at the age of seventy-two years, while his wife passed away at the age of sixty-two. In their family were five children, two sons and three daughters, all born in Princeton, namely: Sarah S., now the wife of Xewell Matthews, of Los Angeles, California; Julia L., who married James Bartman, now deceased, of Baltimore, Maryland ; Bryant 0., who has passed away; John H., of this review; and Lucy W., deceased.

John H. Olds, the fourth in order of birth, remained a resident of Princeton to the age of fifteen years, when he accompanied the family to Peoria, the father having been appointed United States inspector of distilleries there, which position he held for seventeen years. When eighteen years of age Mr. Olds of this review was graduated from the public schools of Peoria and subsequently he pursued a commercial course in Bryant & Stratton Conuncrcial College of that city, becoming thereby well equipped for life's practical and responsible duties. It was in 1867 that he came to Wyanet, and for ten years there* after he was engaged in farming on section 33, Wyanet township, a pursuit which he followed with good success. He then removed to the village, where he carried on the hardware business for several years and was equally prosperous in that undertaking. His was one of the oldest establishments and he enjoyed a large and profitable trade, owing to his earnest desire to please his patrons, his reasonable prices and his straightfiu'ward dealing.

Mr. Olds was happily married on the loth of .A.pril, 18G9, to Miss Annabel Kimmel, a native of Pennsylvania, who came to Bureau county with her father, Samuel Kimmel, in 1856 and was therefore reared in this part of the state. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Olds wore born eight children : Bryant, who married Anna Smith, a daughter of Williaju Smith ; Howard ; Edna, the wife of Elmer Sajip, cashier of the Bank of Wyanet; Blanche ; Guy : Lucy W. ; John C. ; and Myra D.

Mr. Olds politically was in sympathy with the democracy and always stanchly supported the men and measures of the party. He filled some positions of honor and trust in the county, acting as collector and treasurer of his township. He was a member of Wvanet lodge, No. 231, A. F. & A. II. : Belmont camp. No. 25, M. W. A. ; and the Knights of Pythias lodge, all of Wyanet. He died July 8, 1901, and his widow still resides in Wyanet. He was valued as an influential, progressive and public-spirited citizen and was held in highest regard bv all. No trust reposed in him was ever betrayed in the slightest degree. The men who knew him best respected him the most, a fact which is indicative of an honorable upright life. With the exception of the brief period passed in Peoria he was always a resident of Bureau county and his worth as a man and citizen were widely acknowledged. At his death he left to his family a comfortable competence, also the priceless heritage of an untarnished name.

Geokge M. Lewis

George M. Lewis, one of the leading men of the village of Neponset, who is now living a retired life but for many years was identified with farming and stock-raising interests, was born in Pottsville, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, April 8, 1837. He is a representative of one of the old families of the Keystone state. His father, Benjamin M. Lewis, was born in Beading, Pennsylvania, and in that state was connected with railroad interests, being superintendent of the Mine Hill Eailroad Company. Coming to Hlinois in 1853 he located in Dupage county at Wheaton, and dealt quite extensively in lands up to the time of his death, which occurred when he was eighty-four years of age. In his native state he married Sarah Robinson, who was born in Burks county, Pennsylvania, and also died when eighty-four years of age. In their family were twelve children, of whom eight are now living, namely: George M., Rebecca M., Benjamin P., Morgan J., Amelia L., John B., Jefferson and Carrie.

George M. Lewis acquired a public-school education and came to Illinois in 1851, when fifteen years of age. He resided in Dupage county from that time until August, 1861, when he came to Neponset, Bureau county. He was one of the organizers of this village and has ever been active in fostering its interests, its upbuilding and its welfare. He located on one hundred and sixty acres of land, which he secured through a soldier's claim. It was all wild prairie at that time and in the midst of the tract he built a home and upon the farm planted the first maple seeds in this locality. As the years passed he carried on the active work of cultivating the soil and raising stock and was particularly active as a breeder of black polled Angus cattle. In his business affairs he was very energetic and diligent, carrying forward to successful completion whatever he undertook. He continued upon the farm until 1895, when he retired to private life and has since been living in the village, enjoying in a pleasant home a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves.

On the 1st of June, 1865, Mr. Lewis was married to Miss Esther F. Newman, who was born in Jamestown, New York, February 21, 1846, a daughter of Stephen F. and Lovina (Klock) Newman. The father was born at Wilson, Niagara county. New York, and was a farmer in the Empire state. He also engaged in the conduct of a meat market there and he filled the office of justice of the peace. His last days were spent in Iowa, where he died at the age of seventy-two j'ears, while his wife passed away at the age of seventy-eight. In their family were live daughters: Juliette, the wife of C. D. Martin, a resident of Los Angeles, California; Nellie, the wife of David Kennedy, of Logan, Iowa ; Margaret, the wife of F. Patt, of Los Angeles, California; Mrs. Lewis; and Minnie.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Lewis have been born six children, of whom five are now living: Benjamin M., who resides in Reno, Nevada; Rinnie L., the wife of A. L. Klock, of Los Ancgeles, California; Scott S., who follows farming near Neponset; Carrie E., the wife of 0. E. Slates, of Neponset; and G. Noble, at home.

Mr. Lewis has served as president of the village board and gave to the town a public-spirited, practical and beneficial administration. He votes with the democracy and fraternally is connected with Neponset lodge. No. 803, A. P. & A. M., while both he and his wife are members of the Eastern Star lodge of Neponset. A resident of this locality from the age of twenty-five years he has witnessed many changes here as the work of transformation lias been carried forward through the effective labors of the enterprising citizens, in which class he is accorded a place through public opinion.

Dr. B. F. Landis. the oldest active practicing physician of Tiskilwa, was Ijorn in Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, in 1851. He was educated in the common schools and at the Lebanon Valley College and after completing his more specifically literary course he took up the study of medicine with Dr. Krecker of Lelianon as his preceptor. After preliminary reading covering a year he matriculated in Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia and was graduated in 1877 with a class of one hundred and ninety-eight members.

Dr. Landis then located for practice at Van Orin, Bureau county, Illinois, where he remained for ten years, and in 1S8S he came to Tiskilwa, where he has since continued. He has engaged in the general practice of medicine and surgery and in 1901 promoted his knowledge and eflSciency by post-graduate work in the post-graduate college at Chicago. He has always been a close and discriminating student of the profession and has kept in touch with modern scientific investigation and modes of practice.

In 1895 was celebrated the marriage of Dr. Landis and Mi.'^s Lydia Gertrude More, who was born in Tiskilwa in 1867, a daughter of Jonas Hamilton More, who was born in 1828 and who in 1855 married Nancy Kitterman. The mother's birth occurred in 1832 and her death in 1905, while Mr. Jlore passed away in 1896. He was nnp of the old settlers of tlie county and for many years was a merchant and prominent resident of Tiskilwa. lu 1905 ilr. Landis was calleU upon to mourn the loss of liis wife, wiio died in October of that year, her deatli being deeply regretted by many friends. In his political views the Doctor is a republican but without aspiration for oliice. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and in the line of his profession he is a member of the Bureau County -Medical Association, the North Central Illinois Medical ^Vsociation, the State Medical Society and the National Medical Society. He has written articles for medical journals and he keeps thoroughly abreast with the times in the line of his profession, having a large and growing practice whicli is indicative of the confidence reposed in him l)y the general piddic.

Dr. S. A. Paddock, remembered by many of the older citizens of Bureati county as an able physician and surgeon of marked aliility and wide practice, gave his life to his country after enlisting for service in the Civil war. His widow is still a resident of Princeton, and the family history is well worthy of representation in this volume. Dr. Paddock was a native of Charleston, South Carolina, but was reared in New York city, his father having removed to the metropolis during the early boyhood days of the Doctor. The father was a hanker, and remained a resident (d' the cast until 1848, when he came with his family to Illinois, settling near Pi'inceton, where he purchased a farm. For some years his attention was devoted to general agricultural ])ursuits. He died in Peoria, this state, while liis wife passed away in Princeton.

After acquiring his literary c(hication Dr. Paddock began pre])aratioii for the ])ractice of medicine and surgery as a student in the College of Physicians & Surgeons of New York city, from wliich he was graduated. In 1848 he came west with his parents and settled in Princeton, where he opened an office for the practice of medicine. Xo dreary novitiate awaited him. He soon demonstrated his al)ility to successfully cope with the intricate prohlems whicli continually confront the physician, and proved his worth in the excellent results that followed his professional labors. He liad bei'n engaged in practice here successfully for tldrtcen years when the Civil war broke out and his patriotic spirit was aroused by the attempt of the south to overthrow the TTnion. He therefore organized Company T\ of tlie Ninth Illinois Cavalrv, went to Springfield and was there mustered into the TTniied States service. Later the command wa.s stationed at Cliicago aiul he was elected lieutenant colonel. From Chicago the regiment sinrterl for Pilot TCnob, and Dr. Paddock died very suddenly on the way when at the comparatively early age of thirty-nine years. He had been a very successful physician and was a surgeon of excellent power, who was called to practice all over the northern part of the state.

Dr. Paddock had been married in 1841) to Miss Angelica H. Boyd, who was boTn in Springfield, this state, in 18;i8. They became the parents of four children, one of whom died in infancy. The others were with their mother in Princeton at the time of his death, namely: Elizabeth D., George H., and James A. The daugliter was born in Princeton, married C. P. Snow, and at her deatii left two children. The elder son of Dr. and Mrs. Paddock is now a lieutenant colonel in the Fifth United States Cavalry, while James A. Padtiock was graduated from Bellevue College, and died at Dead wood. South Dakota, where he was engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery. He left one daughter, Angelica H.

It will be interesting in this connection to note sometliing of the history of Mrs. Paddock's people. Her parents were Charles S. and Elizabeth (Dixon) Boyd, early settlers of Illinois. They lived for some years in Springfield and thence came to Princeton in 1842. Charles S. Boyd and Flizabeth Dixon were married in New York city, June (i. 1814. iiy the Pev. .Vrehibald McClay, and seven cliildreii were born to them, five sons and two daugliters. .Vliout fourteen months after the birth of their third son, Nathaniel Boyd, the father, with his i)rother-in-law, John Dixon, who was the founder of the city of Dixon, Illinois, became imbued with the desire to emigrate to what was then known as the "far west" - an uninhabited and almost unbroken wilderness, the abode of roving tribe.s of Indians and savage wild beasts. The point they intended to make was the Marine settlement, so called from the fact that the first settlers were mariners. This is now the city of Springfield. They left New York city. Aiu'il 13. 1820. and reached their destination on the 24th of June (d' the same year, liaving made the journey with ox teams in seventy-two days, for the roads or trails were impassable for horses. .\t Pitts- Imrg they bought a fiatboat for sixty-five dollars, and ]uitting the teams and all mi honnl. fioated down the Ohio river to Shawneetown, where they sold the boat fcu' five dollars, resuming their journey with their teams, .\fter aliout two months" travel they readied their destination. Mr. Boyil dug the first well and luiilt the first brick chimney in Springfield. Tlis house stood about wliere the state oapitol now stands. During his residence in Springfield be conducted a merchant tailoring establishment in connection with a general mercantile store, the latter being in charge of his partner, William S. TTamilton. who was a liacbelor and boarded in the Bovd home. Hiiriiig this jicriod of their residence in Illinois a <laiighter was born to them in 1828, which ^fr. Hamilton namerl for his sister, Angelica H., wlioiu. he claiiUL'd, was the best woiuau in the world. Mr. Hamilton was a sou of the illustrious statesman. Alexander Hamilton, who was killed in a duel b\' Aaron Burr.

After ten years' residence in Springheld, from 1820 until 1830, Mr. Boyd removed northward to a place now known as Boyd's Grove, purchasing a claim which Mr. Dixon had secured there two years before. Mr. Dixon afterward removed farther north to what is now the city of Dixon, but which was then and for many years afterward known as Dixon's Ferry. Boyd's Grove was an important station on the stage road from Peoria to Galena, and a postoffice was established there in 1830, which, however, was discontinued after eight years. Mr. Boyd was postmaster during that time. Boyd's Grove was originally in Putnam county, but in the division of Putnam into Stark. Marshall, Henry and Bureau counties it was included in the last named. About 1830 a stage line was established between Peoria and Galena, four horse coaches making the trip three times weekly. At Boyd's Grove a relay of horses was kept and the stages met here at night to exchange mail, passengers and horses. Travelers considered themselves fortunate if allowed space enough to lie down on a straw covei'ed floor and were stoyed as carefully as possible in a large room adjoining the kitchen, in which place Mrs. Boyd and her culinary staff reigned supreme, being always on duty preparing breakfast for the sleepy crowd upon the floor, which meal was served at exactly four A. M., as all must be fed at this hour and started in their different directions. An eventful night was that of February 18, 1832, when between tlie hours of twelve and one o'clock the house was found to be on fire and the family barely escaped with their lives. This was a very serious calamity in those days, especially in midwinter, for it was twenty miles or more to the nearest neighbor. The family therefore took shelter in a smokehouse, which had fortunately been saved from the flames and in which ha])- pened to be some bacon and ham, on which they subsisted until other supplies could be obtained. The next iiun-ning the stage came from Peoria, and finding tlie family in such circumstances, hastened on to Dixon, a distance of fifty miles, with the news of the disaster. Mr. Dixon at once sent some food and clothing to the Boyds. wlio were thus made as comfortable as possible by the end of the second day. It was necessary that shelter, however, be provided at once for the family, and they decided to build n temporary camp in the woods on low ground near a creek, thus obtaining the hills and trees for shelter. This change was made in about a week and they were safely located in their camp near old Shabbona. a chief of the Winnebagos. and his four wives. The chief never forgot a friend, no matter what his color or condition, and was devoted to the Boyd family. The stage sought out the camp in the woods and there the passengers were provided for in the best possible manner. Mrs. Paddock spent many a iiappy day at Shabbona's cam]), playing and shooting at a mark witli the young Indians, and the chieftain would always reward the best marksman with a silver quarter of a dollar. When spring approached the snow began to melt and the Boyd familj- moved their camp to a hill near by above high watermark. .Mr. Boyd and his sous spent the winter in liewing limber tor a new home, and when spring came tliey built a new house on the site of the old one. This was the spring of 1832, and rumors of an Indian uiH-ising having been heard, Shabbona, a J I lend of the whites, advised them to take all ths women and children to the fort, which was done as soon as possible. Mrs. Boyd and the children were sent to Fort Clark (Peoria), while Mr. Boyd and the sons remained at home. The summer passed away without any dangerous results, and iu the fall, the Indians having settled down somewhat, Mrs. Boyd and the children returned to Boyd's Grove and she again began to prepare for the accommodation of the passengers on the stage routes.

As the children grew older and the question of educating them became an important one Mr. Boyd built a log schoolhonse in the yard and employed a teacher by the year. This he continued to do for eight years, and Mrs. Paddock remembers with much pleasure her last teacher in this school - the venerable Lucy T. Butler. Jlrs. Paddock still has a sampler made under her instruction, on the face of which is wrought in silk the fact that she was six years old. This was embroidered seventy years ago. The difficulty of securing and keeping competent private teachers finally decided Mr. Boyd to sell his farm of twelve hundred acres and move his family to Princeton, which he did in 1842. after twelve years' residence at the grove. He lived thirtynine vears in Pi'inceton. an honored and respected citizen. On the fitb of June. 1872, the fiftieth wedding anniversary of tliis worthy couple was celebrated by their many friends at an outdoor meeting, nearly all of Hie old settlers of the county being present, and as a token of respect and friendship Mr. Boyd was presented with a valuable ebony gold headed cane and Afrs. Bovd with an elcaaiit colTee urn. goblels and a sugar bowl suitablv emrraxed. Mi'. P.ovd was born September 11). IT!)-!, and died yovember 12, 1881. at the age of eighty-eight, while his wife, who was born February 20. 179fi. passed away October 1". IST."). at the age of seventy-nine years.

Jlrs. Paddock lias lived in Princeton all her life since the arrival of the family in this citv. save for the period of fifteen years, which she spent with her son, George IT., in the army, acting as his housekeeper. He was graduated from the West Point Military Academy in the ela.ss of 1873. and is now stationed at Fori \A'in2ate. New

Mexico, in coininand of the Fifth Cavalry of United States troops. Mrs. Paddock's daughter left two children: Allen Paddock Snow, who is now studying medicine in Keokuk, Iowa, and makes his home with his grandmother; and C. Goodrich Snow, who at the age of twenty-two years is pathologist at Cherokee, Iowa, and also assistant surgeon.

Mrs. Paddock owns a beautiful home at No. 906 South Main street, Princeton, one of the attractive residences of the city. She also o\vns a block and other houses, which she rents. She represents one of the oldest families of the state, her parents having located at Springfield two years after the admission of Illinois to the Union, when the entire northern part of the state was sparsely settled and Chicago was but a mere hamlet or trading post for the Indians. She has been for many years an interested witness of the many changes which have been wrought in Bureau county as it has been converted from an Indian hunting ground into richly cultivated farms with substantial homes, and "here and there thriving towns and villages, in which are found all of the industrial, manufacturing and commercial interests known to the older east. She relates many interesting incidents of the early days when as a" little girl she played with Indian maidens, when the homes were largely log cabins, when cooking was done over the fireplace, and when the house was lighted with candles. Spinning and weaving, too, were done by tlie housewives and the farmer plowed his land with primitive machinery. Years have come and gone and the Boyd family have always stood for progress and improvement. :M,rs. Paddock has a very wide circle of friends, being esteemed by young and old, rich and poor.

James H. Rawson

JAMES H. RAWSON. James H. Rawson is a mcmljer of the firm of Wilkinson & Rawson, dealers in boots and shoes at No. 537 Main street, Princeton, and has been connected with this line of trade for the past six years, or since 1900. He is a young man of good business enterprise and the success he ha.s achieved is attributable to his own labors. His birth occurred in Princeton on the 18th of Jfarch, 187.5, his parents being H. W. and Roxy (Bnyd) Rawson, the latter a resident of Princeton. The father came to this city in 18.55 from Chicago. He was a native of New York, born near Geneseo, and following his removal to the middle west he established his home in the metropolis, which was then but a small town, whence he afterward came to Princeton and in connection with his brother. Hart Rawson, opened a dry-goods store in tlio American House building as soon as it was completed. He continued in that business until after the Civil war and later was connected with realestate operations here, handling much valuable property. He also served as cashier of the First National Bank at Princeton and was continuously connected with business interests of this city until 18v8, when he removed to Greene county, Iowa, where he engaged in farming until his death. He passed away m 1893 at the age of fifty-six years. In politics he was a stanch republican and .served as supervisor and in other otiices in Iowa. The family numbered three children, of whom H. B. Rawson is now supeiinteudent for the Lanyon Zinc Company, of lola, Kansas. Mary L., the only daughter, now living in Princeton, is a graduate of the Northwestern Law School of Chicago and of the Conway School of (Jratory and Dramatic Art. She was admitted to the bar of Illinois but has for some time been on the theatrical stage.

James H. Rawson in his boyhood days accompanied his parents on their removal to Iowa, where he spent fifteen years, and his early educational privileges were supplemented by a course of study in the high school at Jefferson, that state. He also pursued a business course in Dixon and in Princeton, Illinois, and, thus well qualified for duties of a commercial career, he was for some time employed as a stenographer, in fact was thus engaged until he entered into his present partnership as a member of the firm of Wilkinson & Rawson, dealers in boots and shoes. They have a good store which is carefully conducted and contains a large and well selected stock, i'or six years they have carried on the business and are justly accounted leading merchants of the city.

In 1901 Mr. Rawson was united in marriage to Miss Grace Gill, a daughter of C. C. Gill, of Princeton, and unto them has been born one child, Isabel, now two years of age. Tiie family residence is on South Fourth street. In his political views Mr. Rawson is a republican but has no aspiration for office, as his time and attention have been fully occupied by his business cares. He is yet a young man but has already attained a creditable place in trade circles and it does not require the gift of prophecy to predict for him a successful future, as he manifests the characteristics which are essential to prosperity - close application, unabating energy and industry that never flags.

F. Wiij.Iam Dreman

F. WIIJ.IAM DREMAN. F. William Dreiuan. who is engaged in general farming and stock-raising, having one of the fine stock farms of Bureau township, his place being known by the name of Centerhurst, was born in Princeton, August 14, 1863. He is of German lineage, his parents, William and Mary (Wellner) Drcman, being natives of Germany, whence they came to the United States in the sixties, being among the earlv settlers of Bureau county. They located in T'rinceton and Mr. Dreman secured em- ployment in a brickyard there at fifty cents per day, working in tliat way for tlie first year. He was employed in the brickyard for three or four years and afterward worked on the railroad for a "time. He then suffered from an accident which forced him to retire from that department of labor and subsequently he began farming on his own account in Bureau county, thus becoming one of the agriculturists of this part of the state.

F. William Dreman, reared under the parental roof, acquired his elementary education in the district schools and completed his studies in Davenport (Iowa) Business College, where he was well trained for the practical and responsible duties that come in an active business career. Following his return home he resumed farming, which pursuit has since claimed his time and energies and as the years have gone by he has worked his way steadily upward to a position among the foremost agriculturists of his locality. He is now living on a farm once owned by his father-in-law, who planted the many beautiful shade trees w^iich now adorn the place.