Bureau County, Illinois - Biographical sketches, 1906 (part 7 of 28)

D.AXIEL .\. HOLKOYD. Daniel A. llolroyd, a fanner residing on section 7, Wyanct township, is a native of Chenango conntv. Xew York, and was born Ot-tober 31. 1817, his parents being william and Amelia ( Knickerbocker) Holrovd. The father was born near Win- gate, Wadsworth, Yorkshire, England, April 10, 1812, and remained a resident of that country to the age of eighteen years, when he bade farewell to friends and native land and sailed for America in 1830. He located first in New York, where he worked at the shoemaker's trade and also engaged in preaching, being a member of the Baptist church. In 1853 he came to Illinois, locating in Bureau county upon the farm which is now the home of his son Daniel. He bought this land, a tract of eighty acres, from Solomon Sapp, father of Henry Sapp, a retired farmer residing in Princeton, and taking up his abode upon his newly acquired property, he spent his remaining days there, improving the land and carrying on general farming. He came to Illinois because of poor health, hoping that a change of climate would prove beneficial and there he resided for many years, passing away August 17, 1874. He was an upright, honorable man, held in uniform esteem by all who knew him. Prior to the Civil war he was a stanch abolitionist, strongly opposing the system of slavery as practiced in the south. His wife, who was born in New York state, was of Holland descent and died in 1900. at the advanced age of eighty-two years. In their family were seven children, four daughters and three sons: Mrs. Amelia Jackson, of Nebraska; Mrs. Cordelia Root, of Albion, New York; Mrs. Mary Barber, of North Dakota ; Louisa, deceased ; William H.. of Iowa ; Daniel A., and Zira F., who is now living with Daniel. He married Mary C. Ditrow and after her death wedded ^[ary White, of AVyanet. They have one child, Anna Teresa. Zira Ilolroyd owns a farm in Kansas.

Daniel A. Holroyd was only four years of age when brousht to this county by his parents and was here reared and educated in much the usual manner of farmer boys, attending the district schools in the winter and assisting in the farm labor during the summer months. He now owns eiglity acres of fine land on section 7, Wyanet township, which is devoted to general farming and he also keeps some stock on the place. In politics he is a republican. He performs successfully the duties devolving upon him as a good citizen, but has never desired to hold office, serving only as school director. His business interests absorb his attention, and although he now rents part of his land he still lives upon the farm, which is a valuable property and which returns to him n verv desirable income.

Edward 0. Mathis

EDWARD 0. MATHIS. Edward O. Mathis, a practitioner at the Bureau county bnr living in Walnut, was born in Henry county, Illinois,' October 1. 18-55. He is a son of Philip and Elizabeth (Laufenburger) Mathis. The father, a native of .Alsace, France, came to America in 1848, locating in Lake countv. Illinois, whence he removed to Henry county in 1855. He was a farmer by occupation and thus provided for the support of his family, which numbered seven children, Edward 0. being the fifth in order of birth.

In the common schools of Henry county Edward 0. ^[athis began his education, which he continued in Northwestern College at Naperville, Illinois, and when his more specifically literary course was completed he entered upon the study of law and is a graduate of the Illinois College of Law in Chicago. In the meantime, however, he was interested in various other business pursuits. After leaving college he engaged in teaching school for thirteen years and then turned his attention to farming, which he followed for eight years with good success. He also spent a similar period as a furniture dealer and then, determining to enter professional life, he withdrew from trade circles and in 1901 was admitted to the bar. He has since followed his profession and has won a notable place as a practitioner. In his boyhood days he had a hard struggle to secure an education, earning the money that enabled him to pay his tutition. It was thus through sacrifice and earnest labor that he prepared himself for a life of usefulness. As a farmer he met with success and as a merchant he gained a host of warm friends, becoming w^idely known through the county, while, as a lawyer he has made advancement in excess of all of his former occupations. He is an able practitioner with a good clientage and a well equipped office. He prepares his cases with great thoroughness and care and his knowledge of legal principles is broad and accurate.

On the 18th of December, 1879, Mr. Mathis was united in marriage to Miss Emma Meihsner, who was born in Bureau county, August 17, 1860, a daughter of Carl and Elizabeth "Meihsner, who were natives of Germany and came to the United States in ISSfi, settling in Bureau county. There were six children in their family, of whom ^Irs. Mathis was the third, and in the public schools of this county she obtained her education. By her marriage she has become the mother of four children: Edna, born in August. 1882; Audrev, in Februarv, 1884: Grace, October 19, 1888:' and Edith, December IS, 1897.

The mother and children arc members of the ^[ethodist Episcopal church and Mr. Mathis is orthodox in his belief, although not a church member. He belongs to Walnut lodge. No. 722, A. F. & A. M., and to the Modern Woodmen of America, while his political allegiance is given to the republican party. He now owns a good home in Walnut and has an excellent family, who are numbered among Bureau county's best citizens. Mr. Mathis early displayed the elemental strength of his character through his laudable ambition and his determination to secure an education and prepare for those walks of life demanding intellectuality as well as perseverance and industry. He has called forth his latent jjowers and has made steady advancement. Each cliange that he has made has been for the better and every step has been a forward one and now as the result of his careful preparation and his devotion to his clients' interests he has won, and by public opinion is accorded, a most creditable position among the leaders of the Bureaxi county bar.

Adams J. Wiggim

Adams J. Wiggim, deceased, was born in Ohio, December 10, 1842, a son of Andrew and Amy Jane Wiggim, both natives of Ohio, where they spent most of their lives. The father was a farmer by occupation and engaged in that pursuit throughout his entire business career, but in his later years removed to Princeton, where he lived retired until his death.

Adams J. Wiggim, reared to farm life, was educated in the common schools near his fathers farm in Ohio. Hoping to enjoy better opportunities in the new west, he came to Bureau county, residing in Princeton for a short time. He then secured work with Elijah Dee, being employed at farm labor, and he remained with him for some time. He was industrious and economical, and, saving his earnings, he was in the course of time enabled to start in business on his own account. He first rented land, known as the old Virden farm, where he lived for a few years, and subsequently he purchased a quarter section of land near Walnut, where he lived some time. On selling that property he bought a farm on section 35, Dover township, which is now operated by his son. Here he engaged in general farming and stock-raising, being a raiser and breeder of all kinds of fine stock. Year by year his financial resources increased, and he became one of the most prominent farmers and stock-raisers of his town- .ship.

Soon after coming to this state Mr. Wiggim was married in Princeton to Miss Mary Harpin, a native of England, and a daughter of Joseplr and Anna Harpin, who were also natives of that country. Her father was a blue dyer, and both he and his wife spent their entire lives in England, both being now deceased. When Mrs. Wiggim was twenty-one years of age she accompanied her brother, Henry Harpin, to America. They made their way direct to Princeton, where Henry Harpin began work as a clerk in Delano'.^ grocery store, where he was employed for a few years, but later engaged in the grocery business on his own account for several years. He then sold his business in Princeton and removed to Michigan, where his death occurred. His remains, however, were brought back tn Princeton and interred in the cemetery at this place.

is as follows : Tobey and Kickey, deceased ; Joseph, who married Ada McCall and now resides on the old Wiggim farm north of Princeton; Amy, the wife of John Dreman, a farmer residing at Kasbeer, Bureau county; Edward R., a farmer residing in North Dakota; John, a farmer of Bureau county; and ilary and Minnie, both with their mother in Princeton. After the death ot -Vdanis J. Wiggim, which occurred December 29, 18!)ti, when he was fifty-four years of age, his widow continued to reside on the home farm in Dover township until 1905, when her son Joseph took charge of the property and she and her daughters removed to Princeton, purchasing a residence at No. 502 Lincoln street, where she now makes her home, but she still owns the farm of one hundred and fifty acres in Dover townshi]). She is a member of the Presbyterian church in Princeton.

Mr. Wiggim was a democrat in politics, but was never an office seeker, and although urged to do so by his friends, who recognized his ability to fill offices of public trust, he always declined these honors, preferring to give his entire time to liis business interests. He was a member of the ilasonic order, belonging to the lodge at Princeton. Mr. Wiggim was a self-made man, for, though he had no capital when he arrived in this county, by hard work and the careful supervision of his business interests he added to his property, until at the time of his death he was one of the most jirominent farmers and stock-raisers in Dover township. He was well known in Princeton and tlirougliout Bureau county, and his many friends, as well as his immediate family, felt the deepest regret when he was called from this life.

Joseph L. Gutshall

Joseph L. Gutsiiall, of Slieffield. son of George ;xa(i Rachel (Anderson) Gutshall, was born in Perry county, Pennsylvania. October 31, 1855, and was reared in the east, acquiring his education in the country schools of his home neighborhood. .\ttracted by the opportunities of the middle west, he came to Illinois in 1876 and settled at Buda. securing employment in that locality at farm labor. .\ml)itious to engage in farming on his own account, he eagerly availed himself of opportunities for business advancement and at length rented a farm, thus cultivating leased land until his earnings were sufficient to justify his purchase of a farm. He has made good use of his opportunities and as the years have passed by has prospered in lus undertakings. He now owns a good farm of two hiindred and thirty-two acres which is stocked with .some of the finest horses, cattle and hogs in Bureau county. All of his stock is standard bred and registered and he makes a specialtv of Norman horses.

was married to Miss Maranda A. Newbaker, a daughter of Amos Newbaker, of Concord township, who came to Illinois from Pennsylvania in 1853 and spent the remainder of his life in farming here, his death occurring on the 19th of April, 1S9.J- In earl)' manhood he had married Eliza Jlelvin, who was a native of Toronto, Canada, where her family had large timber interests. She became a resident of Illinois when only twelve years of age and on the 16th of October, 1857, she gave her hand in marriage to Amos Newbaker. They traveled life's journey together for about thirty-eight years, Mrs. Newbaker surviving her husband until September 10, 1901, when she, too, passed away. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Giitshall have been born four children who are yet living, and they lost their only da\ighter in childhood. Their sons are: Roy Wilbur, born November 12, 1879; Robert Clyde," July 26, 1881; Raymond Glenn. April 15, 1883; and Merrill, Jlarch 1, 1896. The daughter, Ora Madge, was born Februarv 9, 1889, and died Januarv 23, 1895.

Mr. Gutshall has been road commissioner for six years, his long continiiance in the office being proof of his able service. He is a believer in good highways and has put forth effective effort in this direction. Coming to Illinois in limited financial circumstances and owing his success entirely to his own efforts, he has justly won the |)roud American title of a self-made man. Not all days of his business career have been equally liright, but w-ith unfaltering perseverance he has continued his work and his energy has been the lending resultant factor in the attainment of his prosperity.

Augustus Myers

AUGUSTUS MYERS. The farming interests of Concord township are well i-epresented by Augustus Myers, who in a life of intense and well directed activity has so developed his farm that it is today one of the valuable properties of his part of the county. A native of New Jersey, his birth occurred in Hunterdon county, September 21, 1833, and he is a representative of one of the early families of that state. His grandfather, Andrew^ M3'ers, there spent his entire life and Samuel Myers, the father of our subject, was also born in Hunterdon county and attained his majority there. After reaching man's estate he wedded Catherine Smith, wiio was born in the same county. In order to provide for his support in early manhood he followed the trade of a carpenter and joiner, being thus connected with building operations until coming lo Bureau county in IS,",!, when ho purchased a farm in Mineral townshiji. He placed (he land under the ])low, so that in the course of years his labors brought him a good return. He was thus identiiied with farming interests until his last daj's, which were spent in retirement in the village of Sheffield, where he passed away in 1890, at the venerable age of eighty-five years. His wife survived him about two years and at her death in 1892 her grave was made by his side in Sheffield cemetery. They were people of genuine personal worth and their circle of friends was almost coe.xtensive with the circle of their acquaintance. Their family numbered nine cliildrcLi, eight sons and a daughter, all of whom reached adult age.

At the usual age Augustus Myers entered the public schools of New Jersey and his literary course was completed in Geneseo Seminary. The winter sea.'^ons tor a number of wears were afterward devoted to teaching and in the summer seasons he gave his time and energies to farm labor. He accompanied his parents an their emigration to Illinois and in Bureau county made preparations for having a home of his own by his marriage on the 7th of October, 1858, to Miss Eliza Ann Neff, who was born in Ohio, but afterward lived in Indiana. She became a resident of Bureau county, Illinois, in 1854, at which time her father took up his abode on a farm in Manlius township, which he cultivated until some time prior to his death. Four children were born of this union : Wellman Lincoln, who became a resident of Spirit Lake, Iowa, where he was maried and died in 1887; Charles Lovejoy, who is engaged in business in Denver, Colorado; Frank Grant, who received an excellent education in the schools of Sheffield and for several years has successfully engaged in teaching; and Arthur Augustus, at home, operating his father's farm.

In order to make a start in life Mr. Myers of this review operated rented land for several years and then when his labors had brought him sufficient cajjital he made jiurcbase of a tract of forty acres in Concord township, to which he has added from time to time as his means would permit until he is today the owner of two hundred and eightyone and a half acres of rich and fertile land, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation. The buildings thereon are neat and substantial and include an attractive dwelling and good barns and sheds. Besides this property he has two hundred and forty acres of improved land in Missouri, opposite Quincy, Illinois.

When age conferred upon 'Sir. ^^fyers the right of fi-ancliise he cast his first presidential ballot for .Vbrahani Lincoln in 1860 and as the years have passed he has been recognized as a local leader in the ranks of his party. He has also been chosen to various official positions by his fellow townsmen, whii I'ccoguize his worth and ability. He has served as a delegate to county and congressional conventions, has for seven years acted as supervisor from his township and fur one year was chairman of the county board. He also served most acceptably as commissioner of highways and school director for twenty years. No trust reposed in him has ever been betrayed in the slightest degree and whatever Jie has undertaken he has accomplished if it eouhl be done througli determined and honorable eilort. The same loyal spirit has been manifest in his ofhcial service as in his private business interests. All who know him give him a large measure of esteem and good will and those familiar with his history admire him for what he has accomplislied, for his present prosperity is attributalilc entirely to his enterprise, capable managenicnt and unflagging diligence.

Williaji Henry Neill

William Henry N'eill, who was one of tliu most extensive landowners and prominent business men of Bureau county, was born March 12, 1626, and died March 18, 1902. The success which he achieved, the methods which he followed and his devotion to the general welfare combined to render him a representative and valued resident of the community, so that his death was the occasion of deep and wide-spread regret. He was born in Ireland, March 12, 1826, and his parents spent their entire lives in that country. William Henry Neill was educated in the public schools there and when a young man of twenty-one years bade adieu to friends and family preparatory to coming to America. He had heai'd favorable reports concerning the new world and its opportunities and resolved to benefit thereby. Accordingly he crossed the briny deep in 1847 and became a resident of Peru, Illinois, remaining in La Salle county for a considerable period. In 1870 he came to Bureau county, settling in Westfield township, where he purchased what is still known as the homestead farm, spending liis remaining days tliereon. He was a grain merchant in Peru, carrying on the business successfully until liis warehouse was destroj'ed by fire. He then came to Westfield township, where he engaged in farming until hi>; death.

As a companion and helpmate ffir life's journey Mr. Neill chose Jliss 'Margaret Coakley, to whom lie was married on the 20th of November. 1860. She was born in Peru, (his state. Octolier 3. 1841, a daughter of Cornelius and Mary Ann (Hogan) Coakley, both of whom were natives of Ireland. They became early residents of Peru. Illinois. Wlicn they came from the Emerald Isle to the new worlil they established their home in Pennsylvania and Jlr. Coakley drove from Philadelphia to Peru on three different occasions, acting as teamster for Colonel I\ennev. He was well acquainted with Daniel Webster, who was entertained at the Kenncy home on the occasion of several of his visits to the west. Mrs. N'eill. spending her girlhood davs under the parental roof, acquired her education in the public schools of Bureau county. Twelve children were born of this marriage, of whom John died Alarch 21,

18()4, at the age of four years. Eleven of the family are still living, namely : David C ; Elizabeth, now Mrs. McKee, of Seatonville, Illinois; Mrs. Jennie Holler, of Westfield township; William Henry, also a resident of Westfield township ; Mrs. Dolly McCreedy, of Tampico, Illinois; Xellie, at home; Mrs. Margaret Henry, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania; Susan B. and John S., both at home; Jennetta R., who is engaged in teaching school and is to be the first teacher of the town of Cherry ; and Theresa V., at home.

Prospering in his business affairs, making judicious investments in property and carefully directing his trade interests, Mr. Neill became the owner of eight hundred acres of valuable land in Westfield township, which since his death has been divided among his children. The old homestead property comprises two hundred and eighty acres of rich and arable land, upon which his widow now resides. She superintends the work of the farm, assisted by her youngest son, and displays excellent business ability and executive force. Mr. Neill was always an industrious, hard-working man and lived a life of usefulness and activity. He ]K)ssessed excellent power as a financier and so directed his labors tliat success resulted. His first purchase of land was in La Salle county and he paid ten dollars per acre. The land which he purchased in Bureaai county varied according to location and time of purchase from ten to seventy-five dollars per acre and as the restilt of the care and improvement he placed upon it it became much more valuable. He always liad the respect of his neighbors and friends, being held in the highest esteem by those with whom he came in contact. He held membership in the Episcopal church of Peru and the family are now members of the Presbyterian church at .\rlington. He left behind liim the priceless heritage of an untarnished name as well as a coiufortablc competence and those who knew William Henry Neill in life vet cherish his memorv.

.lolIN W. roDDINCTOX. .John W. Coddington. who for many years was identified with general fanning interests in Bureau township, departed this life JIarch 22, 1901. and the community thereby lost a valued and representative citizen. He was born in ^larylaml on the 21st of April, ISlfi, a son of Jonatlian and Rebecca (Frantz) Coddington. the former a native of Allegany county, ^laryland. wliile the latter was born in Pennsylvania. John W. Coddington spent the first seven years of his life in his native state and was then brought bv his parents to Bureau county. Illinois, the family home being near Dover for four years. The fatlier then secured a tract of land in Bureau township and carried on farming, transforminir it into richly cultivated fields. During this period

John W. Coildiiigton had oportuiiity to secure a good education in the West bureau district schools aud when not husy with his text-books lie engaged in farming, so that he early became familiar with the best processes of plowing, planting and harvesting and was well trained in farm work when he began business on his own account.

Mr. Coddington secured a companion and helpmate for life's journey by his marriage on Christmas day of 1866 to Miss Sarah Kebeeea Hinsdale, who was born July 9, 18-18, upon a farm on section 33, Bureau township, her jiarents being George C. and Elizabeth (Baggs) Hinsdale, the former a native of Greenfield, Massachusetts, and the latter of Urbana, Ohio. Mrs. Hinsdale became a resident of West Bureau township in 1828, making her home on a farm with her uncle. The year 1831 witnessed the arival of Mr. Hinsdale in Princeton. He made the journey westward with friends who were prominent in the settlement of Princeton and organized the first Congregational Church in that place. Thus the parents of Mrs. Coddington were both pioneer settlers of this portion of the state, living here when it was largely a wild unimproved district situated upon the extreme western frontier. Indians still visited the neighborhood and deer and other wild game were frequently seen. The land was largely in its primitive condition, the furrows having been turned in but comparatively few fields. Only here and there had a settler established his home and undertook the task of transforming hitherto wild land into productive fields. They were married on the 18th of May, 1834, near Princeton, theirs being one of the first wedding ceremonies celebrated in the county. Mrs. Hinsdale was the first girl who came to Bureau county, her uncle, Henry Thomas, being really the first settler. No history therefore of this part of the state would be complete without mention of her and in the years which followed her arrival here she did the part of a pioneer woman in planting the seeds of civilization in a new district.

Mr. and Mrs. Coddington became the parents of three children, two sons and a daughter : William Nathan, Nellie Ann and Frank Hinsdale Coddington. At the time of their marriage the parents settled on section 35 in the spring of 1867 and there Mr. Coddington followed farming in a capable and successful manner until the year 1902. In December he removed with his family to what is now known as the Coddington estate, where he lived until his demise, which occurred on the 22d of March, 1904. His widow still resides upon that farm. Viewed in a personal light he was a stroiiu man, strong in his success and in his honor fiTgnod name. He deserved great credit for what piccomplished, as he started out in life emjitynded, having no influential friends or financial aid to assist him. In the course of years he prospered and became the owner of two hundred and fiftv-five acres of fine farm land and investigation into his business history shows that the methods which he followed were ever strictly fair and honorable and would bear tlie closest investigation and scrutiny. In politics he was a republican and he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he was a devoted follower, though he attended the Wesley an Methodist church. In his death the community lost a representative man, his neighbors a faithful friend and his family a devoted husband and father. Mrs. Coddington still resides on the farm which her sons are operating and the place is now a well improved property.

Timothy N. Bennett

Timothy N. Bennett, who is engaged in general farming and in breeding, raising and feeding stock, lives in Neponset township, having in 1893 purchased the old J. T. Currier place, comprising two hundred and sixty acres of rich farming land. His life record began in Indiana on the 24th of March, 1854, and he is the youngest in a family of twelve children whose parents were Timothy and Elizabeth (Russell) Bennett, who were married in Hebron, Ohio, August 10, 1831. The father was born in that state, April 15, 1813, and the mother's birth occurred May 9, 1812. It was in the early thirties that Timothy Bennett, Sr., removed to Indiana, where he purchased a tract of land and engaged in farming, in addition to which lie conducted a brickyard. He lived a life of activity and enterprise aud passed away January 6, 1871, being long survived by his wife, who died on the 7th of November, 1893. They were the parents of twelve children : Nancy, who was born October 17, 1832; Marie, who was born June 29, 1834, and died September 9, 1837 ; Sarah E., who was born January 11, 1836, and died October 17, 1838; William, who was born September 25, 1838, and died September 7, 1840; Mary Jane, born September 10, 1840; Margaret Ann, 29, 1843; George, August 19,' 1845; Gerelta B., August 11, 1847; Samuel H., November 25, 1849; Phebe Alice, October 28, 1851; Timothy N.; and Laura, horn in 1856.

Timothy N. Bennett was only three years of age when his parents removed from Indiana to Illinois. When a youth of seventeen years he lost his father, after which he continued to work on the old homestead, comprising eighty acres of land, to which, however, he afterward added by additional purchase. In 1893 he purchased a farm of two hundred and sixty acres known as the old J. T. Currier place and upon this has since resided. He is an enterprising agriculturist and knows what hard labor means. He has woi'ked persistently and energetically as the years have gone by and in connection with the cultivation and development of the fields he has also bred standard grade stock and has also fed and shipp^d stock in addition to that which he has raised. Both branches of his liiisilius!? Iiavu ])rovt\l prolitable auil he lias allowed no obstacle to brook his path, or check his ctl'orts to secure a competence and thus j^rovide a comfortable home for his family.

On the 8th of August, 1879,' Mr. Bennett was nuirried to Miss Laura .\. Scott, who was born March 14, ISCil, a daughter of l{ol)ert and Deborah Scott, mention of whom is made on another paj^e of this work in connection with the history of JI. 0. Scott. The iiome of Mr. and ilrs. Bennett has been blessed with nine children: Grace. Imrn September 12, 1880; Elsie, March !), 1882; one who wi-s born January 22, 1884, and died on the 28th of tlie same month ; Scott M., born August ;^0, 1880; Lawrence. July 24. 1889; Hazen. ^Lireh 12. 1892; Josie, November 2, 1894; Lloyd, January 10, 1897; and Darleue. born January 7, 19(iu.

Mr. Bennett has been a school director for eight or nine years and has done much to advance the cause of public instruction in his locality. He has also been road commissioner and a member of the school board of Xeponsef. anil in politics he is an earnest republican. Almost his entire life has lieen jiassed in this county and through aliout a luilf century he has witnessed its develo]iment and growth as pioneer conditions have given ])lace to the changes and improvenumts wrought by modern civilization. In his business life he has been persistent, persevering and honorable, and he has thereby won not only success, but also the good will and trust of his fellownien.

Louis F. Zeakixg

Louis F. Zearing is a native of Dover township, where his birth occurred September 27. 18.54. He is therefore a representative of one of the pioneer families of the co\inty and has for more than half a century been an interested witness of tlie changes which have occurred here and the events which have marked the county's progress and upbuilding. His fatlier, Hon. Louis Zearing. was born in Cumberland county, Pt'unsylvania, September 10, 1827, and is a son of Martin Zearing, who was born in T^ancaster couiiry, Pennsylvania, July 4, 1794. The great-grandfather, Henry Zearing, was also a native of Lancaster county and at the age of sixteen years espoused the cause of the colonists and joined the American army for service in the Kevohitionary war. He continued with the troops throughout the ])eriod of hostilities tliat resulted in the establishment of .\nuM-iean indeijendence and was ever a brave and loyal soldier. The family is of German lineage and was founded in America about 1725, the ancestors of our subject becoming residents of the Keystone state at a very early period in its development.

Martin Zearing, grandfather of Louis F. Zearing, was reared to manhood in Cumberland countv, Pennsvlvania, to which locality he removed at an earlv age. There be was nuirrieil to Marv

Shaell'er, whose family was also of German lineage and was founded in Pennsylvania in 1751. By trade Martin Zeaiing was a mechanic and engaged in contracting and building in Cumberland county until coming to the west in 1835, at which time he selected a location in Bureau county. The following year he brougiit his family to Princeton. Soon afterward, however, they removed to a farm in Berlin township, being among the first to locate within its borders, their home being near the present village of Dover. To the work of plowing and planting Mr. Zearing gave his time and energies year after year until he had develofied an excellenr farm projjerty, carrying on the work of the lields until his labors were ended in deatli July 24. 1855. He took a prominent and influential part in the early alfaus of the county and was called uj^in to till several official positions, being the hrst justice of the peace of Berlin township, while in other offices lie displayed his loyalty and progressive public spirit. While a resident of his native state he also acted as justice of the peace. His wife, who survived him for several years, died Xoveml)er 29, 1869, at the ripe old age of seventy-three years, her remains being interred by the side of her iuisband in Dover cemetery, where a substantial monument marks their last resting place.

Hon. Lou's Zearing, father of our subject, was the fifth in order of birth in a family of five sons and seven daughters and was a youth of eight years when the family removed from the east to Bureau county. The district schools afforded him his early educational privileges and his course in Dover was supplemented by study in the high school at Princeton. He remained upon the home farm until reaching his majority, but in 1850 left the parental roof, attracted by the discovery of gold in CalifiH-nia. With an ox team he proceeded across the country, walking the entire distance over the hot stretches of sand and through the mountain fastnesses. It required one hundred and eighty days to make the trip and many niglits he stood guard, arriving at his destination SeptemVier 30. 1850. ilr. Zi'aring devoted three years to mining and met with a goodly measure of success in his undertakings, lie then returned by way of the Nicaraugua route and New York city, reaching Bureau county on the 1st of January, 1854.

On Christmas day of 1853. in New York city. 'Sir. Zearing was united in marriage to Miss Jean Cochran, a native of Ayrshire, Scotland, who was reared and educated, however, in the .\merican metropolis. She died November 10, 1868. For a year after his return Mr. Zearing engaged in the dry-goods business in Dover, but on the let of April, 1856, purchased two hundred and forh' acres of raw prairie land, on which not a furrow had been turned or an improvement made, lie at once began to break the sod, liowever, to fence the fields and add modern equipments, and today tlic place is a fine and highly cultivated farm, showing the careful supervision and practical business methods of Mr. Zearing in its splendidly improved condition. He was again married at Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, Miss Helen M. Whistler becoming his wife. She was born in the same village in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, as Mr. Zearing, and was there reared and educated, after which she engaged successfully in teaching for several years. Three children had been born of Mr. Zearing's first marriage : Louis F. ; Jessie, the wife of L. C. McKee, of Galesburg, Illinois; and Martin, cashier of the Ladd Bank. Of the second marriage there is one child, S. Francis, who is a graduate of the Oberlin College at Oberlin, Ohio. Two children of the family passed away : Margaret, who died in 1864, at the age of three and a half years; and John D., who died in 1870, when three years of age. In politics Hon. Louis Zearing was a republican from the organization of the party. His first presidential ballot was cast for Winfield Scott in 1852 while residing in California. He was a charter member of Crystal Fount lodge. No. 178, I. 0. 0. F. at Dover, and was a member of the Baptist church, while his wife held membership in the Lutheran church. Both were earnest Christian people of the highest respectability and worth.

Louis F. Zearing, whose name introduces this review, is indebted to the public schools of Dover for his early educational privileges and to the Princeton high school for later mental discipline, spending six months in that institution. He started upon his business career at the age of eighteen yeaft:, when he left home and secured emplovment in the freight department on the railroad, his time being thus passed for eight years. He afterward learned the broom corn business, which he followed for twenty years, and through the succeeding eight years he was in New York. Later he was a buyer and salesman in Chicago for the Broom Corn Company, which he represented for twelve years. He has always been watchful of opportunities pointing to success and has utilized those advantages which have promised a broader business outlook, so that in his business life he has made substantial progress.

On the 10th of June, 1886, Mr. Zearing was united in marriage to Miss Emily T. Hazen, who was born in Stark county, Illinois, May 30, 1856, and is a daughter of Joseph K. and Marilda A. (Trimmer) Hazen. Her father was born Jiily 5, 1830, in Warren county, New Jersey, and is a son of David W. Hazen, who was born in Morris county. New Jersey, in 18(11. while his parents were Ziba and Katrina Hazen, also natives of New Jersey. The ancestry of the family is traced back to Edward Hazen, who came from England about two hundred years ago and settled in Connecticut. David W. Hazen was reared upon a farm and educated in the common schools. He leai'ned the wheelwright's trade in early life but afterward engaged in general agricultural pursuits. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Sarah Ann Taylor, was born in Hunterdon county. New Jersey, in 1802, a daughter of Abel and Rachel (Everett) Taylor. In 1857 David W. Hazen came 10 Illinois and settled in Selby township. Bureau county, upon a tract of wild prairie land, which he converted into a good farm during the nine years of his residence there. He then removed to Maiden, where both he and his wife died in 1882. In their family were five children.

Joseph K. Hazen, father of Mrs. Zearing, was of this family and was educated in the common schools of Hackettstown, New Jersey, remaining at home until twenty-five years of age. In 1855 he married ilarilda A. Trimmer, who was born in Morris county, New Jersey, in 1835, and is a daughter of Andrew and Marilda Trimmer, natives of that state and of German descent. In 1856 Mr. Hazen came to Illinois and after living for a year in Stark county established his home in Bureau county, where he has since resided. He is a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church and politically is a democrat.

Mrs. Zearing, who is one of three children, was lirought by her parents to Illinois when quite young and was educated in the schools of Bureau county. She has become the mother of three children. Joseph H., born July 29, 1887, in Brooklyn, New York, attended Princeton high school and is now a student in the university of Cham- ])aign, Illinois. Louis A., born in Brooklvn, New York, October 13, 1888, is a graduate of the high school of the class of 1906. Marilda, born in Chicago, Illinois, November 20, 1891, is now a high school student in Princeton.

Louis F. Zearing of this review came to Bureau county in 1901 and settled near Piinceton, where he is now living. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party and his family are members of the Methodist church, while in the community where they reside they are widely recognized as people of genuine personal worth, of upright character and of high ideals, making them well worthy of the esteem which is uniformly tendered them.

ANSEL D. riPER. Ansel D. Piper, living in Berlin township, where he follows the occupation of farming, is one of the younger and more enterprising representatives of agricultural life here. He was horn in this township. December 23, 1871, his parents being Hiram H. and Amanda (^IcWilliams) Piper, who came to Bureau county in 1836 and cast in their lot with the pioneer settlers. The work of improvement and progress had scarcely been begun. Only a few years before had the Indians been bnnight into subjection in the Black Hawk war and there were many traces of their recent habi- tation in this part of the state. Much of the land still uncultivated, but here and there a frontier settler of brave and determined spirit had established his home and was reclaiming the land for the uses of civilization. The Piper family shared in the usual hardships and trials incident to pioneer life and as the years passed nine children were added to the household, of whom Ansel was the seventh in order of birth.

Reared in the usual manner of farmer lads, Ansel D. Piper early became familiar with the work of plowing, planting and harvesting, to which his summer months were largely devoted. During the remainder of the year he was a student in the district schools and thus acquired the education which prepared him for the transaction of business in later life.

On the 22d of September, 1896, Mr. Piper was joined in wedlock to Miss Maggie Vickory, who was born in this county, June 1, 1876, and is a daughter of St. Clair and Susanna Vickory, who were natives of Ohio and at an early date became residents of Bureau county. In their family were four children, of wliom Mrs. Piper was the third in order of birth. She, too, was educated in the public schools. Mr. and Mrs. Piper began their domestic life upon a farm and he has since given his undivided attention to the work of the fields, his business interests being attended with a gratifying measure of success, which is the direct reward of his labors and well directed energy. He now owns two hundred and forty acres of fine land and to see the nice buildings which adorn the place and which are well located one does not wonder that this property cannot be purchased for two hundred dollars per acre. He raises excellent crops, owing to the care and labor which he bestows upon the fields and the modem methods which he follows in his farm work. He has kept in touch with the trend of progress, which has been as evident in agricultural lines as in other departments of business life.

Mr. Piper is a republican in politics but without aspiration for olfice. He belongs to no secret societies but prefers to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs. He holds membership in no church but has always been governed by the golden rule and a desire to do good to all and in his life he exemplifies a spirit of justice, truth and consideration for his followmen that is most comendable. Both he and his wife are most highly esteemed in the community. They have a happy home and delight in dispensing its hospitality to their many friends.

Nathan A. Harrington

has long been recognized as an influential, active and valued factor in public life and business circles in this part of the state. He was for twenty-four years treasurer of Bureau County and Wyanet Mutual Insurance Company (fire and lighting), which was organized in 1875. He is also a charter member of the Bureau County and Wyanet Mutual Windstorm Company, which was organized in 1896, and is a director and treasurer of the Fire & Lighting Company, while his activity in public life extends to the discharge of the duties of the oflSces of justice of the peace and notary public.

Born in Delaw^aie, on the 19th of October 1831, he is a native of Farmington, Kent county, and a sou of Jonathan and Lydia (Anderson) Harrington, both of whom were natives of that county, and there spent their entire lives. The father was born in November, 1794, while his wife's birth occurred in November, 1807. They became the parents of four sons and four daughters. Mr. Harrington followed farming throughout his entire life in order to provide for his family, thus following in the business footsteps of his ancestry, who through many generations were connected with agricultural interests in Delaware.

Nathan A. Harrington was therefore reared to the occupation of farming and has been identified with agricultural interests through much of his life, although at the present time he has retired from the active work of the fields. Hopins to enjoy better business opportunities in the middle west, he came to Bureau county in 1855, and accepted a position to work by the month on a farm, being thus employed until the winter season. He then engaged in teaching school through several winter terms and in the summer months continued at farm labor. In the fall of ISfiO he purchased eighty acres of land in Bureau township, to which he has added, until he now owns eight hundred and fifty-three acres, making him one of the extensive property holders of his community. He rents his land and derives therefrom an excellent annual income. He also owns a beautiful home on Main street in Wyanet, which he has remodeled since removing to the city in 1894. While residing upon his farm he devoted his time and energies to the cultivation of the cereals best adapted to soil and climate, and also to the raising and feeding of stock, and this proved a profitable source of income. Since taking up his abode in Wyanet he has been connected with the various enterprises which contribute to the general prosperity as well as to individual success. He now has a large tileyard, where he sells tile manufactured in different parts of the country, handling all kinds and sizes. He was also connected with the grain trade for several years and his wise counsel and keen discrimination are and have been important factors in the successful control of manv business concerns.

Nathan A. Harkington

lu hid political views Mr. liiiniiigton is a stalwart republieau and lias held nearly all of the township offices. He served as supervisor of his township for three years, was township clerk, assessor and road commissioner and was also justice of the peace. He fills the last mentioned office at the present time and is likewise notary public, and in the discharge of the various duties which have devolved upon him he has ever been found prompt and reliable as w.ell as capable.

On the 32d of November, 1857, in Bureau county, Mr. Harrington was married to Miss Margaret E. Sapp, a daughter of Hezekiah and Mary Jane (Bosket) Sapp, who were early settlers from Delaware. Mrs. Harrington was born in that state June 8, 1837, and by her marriage became the mother of si.x children, of whom five are now living. Clement, who was born September 8, 1S.")S, married Hattie M. Lysinger and is living a retired life in Princeton, occupying ;i pleasant home near the Methodist Episcopal ch>n-cli there. Ora, born October 37, 18G0, died September 17, 1863. Adelbert F. was born July 30, 1864, and resides in Valparaiso, Indiana. Luella, born April 3, 1867, is the wife of Albert Wilson, of Bureau townshiiJ. Lvdia M., liorn September 26, 1869. is the wife of Willard Harrington, of Wvanet township. Ada. born August 28, 1872, is 'the wife of Frank Tonkinson, of Bureau township. The mother of these children died July 23, 1892.

On the 6th of January, 1895, Mr. Harrington wedded Mrs. Susan Carter, of Harrington, Delaware. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Wyanct, and Mr. Harrington is serving as a member of the board of trustees. He is a man thoroughly reliable and straightforward in all of his business dealings, is warmhearted and generous, and no appeal has ever been made to him in vain in time of need or distress. His standing in the community is most excellent. He is admired for his business capacity and success, respected for his genuine worth, and held in friendly regard liy all who come within the more intimate circle of his social acquaintance.

A representative of a pioneer family of Bureau county, John Judson Shugart was born in Dover township, January 30, ISIU, and now owns and occupies a valuable farm of two hundred and seventy acres of choice land in the same townshi|). His father purchased one hundred and thirty-fo\ir acres of the property at ten dollars per acre in 1857. but it is now worth two hundred dollars per acre, owing to the excellent improvements which have l)een made thereon and the rise in land values occasioned by the settlement of the county.

Bedford county, Pennsylvania, February 15, 1820, learned the mason's trade and followed it until he came to Illinois in 1852, when he located on a farm in Dover township and devoted the remainder of his life to agricultural pursuits. He married Rebecca Cox, who was born May 25, 1825, at Hayesville, Ashland county, Ohio, where the marriage was celebrated April 22, 1847. Unto them were born two sons and five daughters.

Reared on the old homestead farm, John J. Shugart began his education in the district schools of Dover township aiid completed his studies in tlie Princeton high school. After putting aside liis text-books he remained at home, working on the farm, and by honesty and faithfulness he has always succeeded in life. He still remains on the old home farm, of which he is now the owner, having purchased the place at seventy-five dollars per acre in 1899, while to-day it is worth about two hundred dollars per acre. It is well improved with good buildings, modern machinery and other equipments of the model farm and in his work he is both practical and progressive so that the best results are attained.

Mr. Shugart votes with the republican party and takes an active interest in its work, while his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability and his devotion to the general welfare, have elected him to various public offices. He has served as school trustee for six years; collector one year and is now assessor, while for eight years he was school director, in which office he put forth effective service on behalf of the public schools. His religious faith is indicated by his mendjership in the Congregational church.

On the 1st of September, 1887, in Dover towmship, Mr. Shugart was united in marriage to Miss Cora B. Matson, who was born in that townsliip in 1866, a daughter of E. M. and Helen (Westbrook) Matson, in whose family were five sons and three daughters, all born in Dover township. Mr. and ilrs. Shugart have three children: Ina May, Grace Margaret and Helen Rebecca.

Mr. Shugart has provided a pleasant home for his family and in addition to keeping horses and carriages he is the owner of a fine automobile, in which he can make the run of three and a half miles to Princeton in eight minutes. He is a thoroughly up-to-date farmer in every respect and a most capalde business man. He has in his jiosscssion an old leather roll in which is kept old papers, including canceled notes given by his father for land a half century ago; also a contract for building a schoolhouse, bearing date May 31, 1855, and signed by Philip Lafevrc, contractor, and D. A. Cusic and P. R. Shugart, of the schoolboard. Mr. Shugart also has an old stone hammer, two hundred and twenty-five years old, which belonged to liis grandfather and which is still in a good state of preservation. His entire life has been passed in this couiiiy and as a representative

History and biography for the most part record the lives of those only who have attained military, political or literary distinction or who in any other career have passed through extraordinary vicissitudes of fortune. The unostentatious routine of private life, although in the aggregate more important to the welfare of the eoinniunity, cannot, from its nature, figure in the pulilic annals, but there is in the story of a laborious and conscientious effort to achieve success something that cannot fail to awaken the admiration and may often serve as a source of encouragement to those who have regard for life in its practical relations and a desire to achieve the best results obtainable. There is perhaps no calling which demands more genuine self-saeriiiee on the part of the individual than the profession of medicine and surgery, and other concomitants of success are broad knowledge and ready adaptability. Lacking in none of these requisites, Dr. Blackburn has made for himself an enviable place in the ranks of the medical fraternity in Princeton, where a large and liberal patronage is proof of public trust.

A native of Jacksonville, Dlinois, Dr. Blackburn was born on the 3d of March, 1861. His father, Edmund Blackburn, was a native of England, and in 18-13 came to Illinois with his family, settling in Jacksonville. He followed the occupation of farming for many years, and he still makes his home in Jacksonville, where he is a widely known and a prominent citizen. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Sarah Chevens, was a native of Missouri, and died in the year 1876.

Dr. Blackburn acquired his more specifically literary education in Jacksonville College and training school, and prepared for his chosen profession as a student in the medical department of the State University of Iowa, from which he was graduated in the class of 1889. He then practiced in Nebraska for a few years, and for two years was located in Ogden, Utah, where he had charge of the city hospital. He was also city physician, and in 189-1 he removed to Bureau county, his residence in Princeton dating from 1901. He sought here a broader field of labor, and his skill and ability have found acknowledgment in the large patronage which is now accorded him. While engaged in the general practice of medicine the Doctor has during the past few years devoted much the greater part of his time to surgery and surgical diseases. He has pursued several post-graduate courses in Chicago and has had considerable experience in hospital work there. In 1905 he purchased a half interest in the Princeton hospital. and has since that time conducted that institution with marked success. Dr. Blackimrn has been a deep and earnest student, who reads broadly and thinks deeply. Moreover, he maintains a high standard of professional ethics, and, with a sense of conscientious obligation for the duties and responsibilities which devolve upon him, he is continually promoting his knowledge and efficiency through study, research and investigation, keeping in touch witli the most modern ideas advanced by the leaders of the medical profession throughout the entire country. He was one of the organizers of the Bureau County Independent Telephone Company, of which he was president for several years, and is still one of the directors. He was also one of the incorporators of the State Bank, of which he has been a director for several years.

Dr. Blackburn was married in 1887 to Miss Anna M. Faulder, a daughter of David S. Faulder, of Nebraska. The}' have two children, Harry E. and May Lucile. Dr. Blackburn is a member of the Masonic lodge of Princeton and of Temple Commandery, K. T. He also belongs to the ( 'hristian church, and his life has been permeated with liigh ideals and manly principles.

Elisha J. Mount

Elisha J. ]y[ount, who is following farming on section 29, Wyanet township, and is now living in the southern part of the village of Wyanet, is a native of Brown county, Ohio, born in the year 1850. His parents were William K. and Lydia ( Wright) Mount. The father, a native of Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, was horn August 2, 1821, and the year 1855 witnessed his arrival in Bureau county, Illinois, at which time he took up his abode in Wyanet township, where he lived for four or five years before buying land. He then purchased eighty acres at thirteen dollars per acre, and afterward paid fifty dollars per acre for a tract of one hundred acres. He improved the place, adding many modern equipments and con- \eniences and was actively engaged in general farming until 1875, when he retired from business and removed to Wyanet, where he has since made his home. He now makes his home with his son John W. Mount and has attained the very venerable age of eighty-five years. His wife passed away in 1900, when eighty years of age. In his lioyliood days William Mount attended school with General Grant and was well acquainted with the Grant family. He is still very active for a Mian of his years and retains his mental faculties unimpaired. He is today one of the most venerable and respected citizens of Wyanet.

The educational privileges which Elisha J. Mount received were somewhat limited, but he made good use of his opportunities and through reading, experience and observation has largely added to his knowledge, becoming a well informed mail with good business ability. In 1S7(> he pur- chased tiie farm which ho still owns and upon which he resided continuously until 1903, wiieu he removed to Wvanet, where he has since made his home. He carried on general agricultural pursuits and stock-raising, making a specialty of cattle and hogs, raising the latter on an extensive scale. His business interests were carefully conducted and his watchfulness of opportunity combined witli his unfaltering diligence constituted the basis of his advancement along financial lines.

Mr. Jlount was married to Jliss Eva Hills, who was born in Berlin township, Bureau county, and is a daughter of Daniel Hills, who died of cholera in the early days of settlement here, having been one of the pioneer residents of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Mount have two daughters and a son : Mary, the wife of Charles J. Germain, who resides near Wvanet ; Maud, the wife of James Fletcher, living in Wvanet i and Clark, who married Pearl Stevens and lives upon the home place.

Politically Mr. jMount is a democrat, and has served as commissioner of highways for twelve years. He has also acted as school director and is now a member of the town board of Wyanet, his official duties being discharged with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. He has been a member of the Masonic fraternitv since the age of twenty-one years and both he and his \i-ife affiliate with the order of the Eastern Star, while Mrs. Mount is also a member of the Congregational church. They are both highly esteemed people, possessing sterling traits of character which have been manifest throughout their entire lives and which have gained for them the confidence and good will of all with whom they are associated. The rest which has been vouchsafed to him is well deserved as it has come as the direct result of earnest and persistent labor in former years. He is now living in honorable retirement from business with a competence sufficient to su))ply him with the necessities and many of the luxuries of life.

Charles W. Keel

Among Bureau county's native sons who are winning success as representatives of agricultural life is numbered Charles AV. Keel, who was born near Arlington, September 22, 1864, and now resides in Berlin township. He is a son of Nathan J. and Angeline (Wells) Keel, the former born February 4, 1836, in Ohio and the latter in New Jersey in 1837. The mother died about fourteen years ago. In the family were four children, of whom Charles was the third in order of birth.

Educated in the schools of iMalden, Charles W. Keel devoted his energies to farm work when not occupied with the duties of the schoolroom and has always follow-ed the occupation to wdiich he was reared. He is now operating one hundred and sixty acres of land, which is a well kept farm.

He has not always carried on agricultural pursuits but the well tilled fields and the crops which lie raises indicate his capability in this line of work. His attention is given to the cultivation of corn, oats and hay and he raises abundant crops, especially of corn. He also has fine Norman hor.ses upon his place as well as Durham and Hereford cattle, his stock being all of good grade.

On the .5th of November, 1886, Mr. Keel was married to j\Iiss Edith Tompkins, one of the native daughters of Bureau county- She was born December 10, 1867, and died February 11. 1903, esteemed by all who knew her. She left two children, Grace and Guy, aged respectively seventeen and thirteen years.

Mr. Keel belongs to Dauntless lodge, No. 1.50, K. P., and he votes with the republican party, believing that its principles are most conducive to good government. He kee]5s w^ell informed on the questions and issues of the day, as every true American citizen should do, and is public spirited in his devotion to the general welfare. He is a self-made man, now located on a beautiful farm in which he is interested, and the success which he has already achieved in agricultural lines promises well for the future.

John Adams Vaughn

John Adams Vaughn, conducting a successful business as a farmer and breeder of Percheron and Clyde horses, has a good tract of land of one hundred and twenty acres, constituting a desirable in rin in Bureau township. It was in this township, on the 23d of October, 18.59, that his life record began, his parents being Thomas E. and Lydia ( Hollingshead) Vaughn, the former a native of Massachusetts and the latter of Ohio. Thev came to Bureau county in the early '30s and were among the pioneer settlers who aided in reclaiminij the district for the uses of the white race. The father engaged in teaming before the railroad was built in this part of the county. He afterward located on a farm on section 33, Bureau township, and turned his attention to agricultural ]>ursuits, clearing and cultivating the fields until lie had his farm imder a high state of cultivation. He there made his home until his death, which occurred in December, 1898, and his widow still resides upon the old homestead place. Through his industry and diligence he contributed in substantial measure to the early progress and growth of the county and may well be classed among its honored pioneer residents.

John A. Vaughn, who in his early youth attended the district scliools, completed his education in the Wyanet school and was reared to the occtipation of farming, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors consetiuent upon the work of the fields and the care of the stock. Having arrived at years of maturity he determined to make the occupation to which he was reared liis life work and lias always been an industrious, diligent man, whose perseverance and labors have resulted in making him the owner of a valuable farm property comprising one hundred and twenty acres. It is valued at as high a price as almost any of the farms in the county. The fields are very productive and good crops are annually garnered. Mr. Vaughn keeps some stock of mixed blood, having good cattle and hogs upon his place, and he is also engaged in the breeding of horses, having two registered Percheron mares and one Clyde. He is thus making a start as a breeder and expects to give considerable of his time and attention to that department of agricultural life. In February, 1888, Mr. Vaughn was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Smith, who was born in Bureau township, March 26, 1860, a daughter of Nicholas and Julia (Frankenburger) Smith, the former of Kentucky and the latter of Ohio. Her parents were also pioneer residents of Bureau county, having cast in their lot with the first setrlers here in the early '30s. Unto Mr. and ]\Irs. Vaughn have been born two children, William Lewis and Lysle Smith Vaughn. The patents are members of the Wesleyan Methodist church and in his political views Mr. Vaughn is a prohibitionist with somewhat independent tendencies, voting as he thinks will best conserve the interests of the community and the country at large. He is himself a stanch advocate and practitioner of temperance principles and is a man of genuine personal worth, straightforward and honorable in his relations with his fellowmen and recognizing the fact that character is more to be desired than wealth, fame or position.

John B. Gould

JOHN B. GOULD. John B. Gould was born in Neponset township, February 24, 1854. and was educated in the public schools. His parents were Al)raham and Hannah (Bowen) Gould, extended mention of wliom is made on another page of this work in connection with the sketch of W. H. Gould, a brotlier of our subject. John B. Gould spent his boyhood days uneventfully, nothing of special importance occurring to vary the routine of farm life for him in his youtli. At the age of twenty-six years he started in l>usincss for himself, choosing farming as a lilV work. He located on a tract of land of one hundred and sixty aci'es on section 28, Neponset township, and there he resided continuously until 1895, when he removed to section 11 of the same township, having purchased the old Stevenson place upon which he now resides. He is farming two hundred and forty acres of land and he has five eighty-acre tracts rented out. The tields are richly tilled and return liim golden liarvests. Ho has also been l)reeding Poland China and Jersev red hogs for tiic past twenty years and

Percheron horses for the last ten years. He likewise breeds shorthorn Durham cattle and his stockraising interests are an important source of revenue to him. He thoroughly understands the care of stock and gives his farm animals the best attention.

On the 1st of February, 1881, Mr. Gould was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Stabler, who was born in Neponset township, November 28, 1861, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Kneeshaw) Stabler. Her father, born in England, March 9. 1830, is now Iving in Neponset, while his wife's birth occured in that country, April 12, 1831. They were married in England, and, crossing the Atlantic to America, became early residents of Neponset township, whore Mr. Stabler has been engaged in farming and stock-raising. He has prospered as the years have gone by and is now one of the extensive landowners of his communit}', having made judicious investments in real estate so that he now derives a handsome income from his property. He has also figured prominently in community affairs, serving as supervisor for two or three terms, while his political allegiance is given to the republican party. Mr. and Mrs. Stabler became the parents of seven children, and of the five now living Mrs. Gould is the youngest. The others are: William A., a resident farmer of Neponset township ; Jane, the wife of Thomas Mocroft, who is living in Waverly, Nebraska ; Charles, of Neponset township ; and Caroline, the wife of William J. Otley, of Waverly, Nebraska.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Gould has been blessed with six children: Albert, who married Deliorah Scott; Bertha, the wife of John Gunning; Ethel E.. the wife of Ralph Scott; Carrie: Ellen; and Ada. The family are well known in this part of the state and Mr. and Mrs. Gould have a circle of friends almost co-oxtcnsive with the circle of their acquaintance. Mr. Gould exercises bis right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the repuljlican ]iarty and for seven or eight years has served as a member of the school board, but he does not seek political honors nor emoluments, preferring to give his undivided attention to his business affairs. The occujiation to which he was reared he has made his life work and ho is not only conversant with the best methods of farming but also puts into practice those metbdds which lead to ]iracticMl and desirable re-

Piiilip Wolfekshlhger

PIIILIP WOLFEKSHLHGER. Philip Wolfcrsliergi'r, who has had charge of a sul)-postal station at Princeton since 1901, was born in Lebanun county, Penn.'jylvania, on the 28th of March, 1S2G, and has therefore reached the eightieth milestone on life's journey. The principles which have guided his conduct have ninilc bini a man of upright character, wnrlhv of the esteem of his fellow citizens and as one of the respected residents of Bureau count}' we present the record of his life to our readers. His father, John Wolfersberger, was a native of Pennsylvania, as was the mother, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Carper. John Wolfersberger was a merciiaut throughout his active business career and (lied in the year 18G.'5 at the age of seventy-three years, while his wife passed away in 1851.

Philip Wolfersberger was educated in the schools of his native county and after jnitting aside his text-books acted as a clerk in his father's store for two years. On the e.xpiration of that period he learned and followed the carpenter's tradi', devoting his energies to building operations until after the inauguration of the Civil war, when his patriotic spirit was arpused by the attempt of the south to overthrow the Union. He had come to Illinois in 1854 and at the outbreak of hostilities between the two sections of the country he enlisted with the Fourth Illinois Cavalry as a member of Company D. He joined the army as a private, but in two years was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant, and was commissary of the Third United States Colored Cavalrv for two years and six months. He was for six months in the freedmen's bureau and on being mustered out returned to Princeton with a creditable military record, having ever been faithful to each duty that devolved upon him in connection with his service as a member of the Union army. He took part in thirteen battles and acted as orderly under General Grant when a member of the Fourth Illinois Cavalry. He w-as present at the engagements of Fort Donelson, Pittsi>urg Landing, Shiloh, Holly Springs, Jackson, Mississippi, and the siege of Vicksburg and thus took part in many of the most hotly contested engagements of the entire war.

When the country no longer needed his service Mr. Wolfersberger returned to Illinois and established a planingmill, which he conducted for six years. He then sold out and resumed work at the carpenter's trade. For twelve years he had charge of a private postoffice in the north end of Princeton and when it was made a government office in 1901 he was appointed postmaster and has since remained in that position, giving a public-spirited and prompt and faithful administration.

In the year 1837 Mr. Wolfersberger was married to Miss Magdalen Miller, who died in 185G, and in 1857 he married her sister, Elizabeth Miller. There are six children, three daughters having been born of the first marriage and three sons of the second marriage, all of whom are living with the exception of the eldest son, Frank. The others are Clara, the wife of John Holman, of Princeton ; Enmia, the wife of Ira J. Caw, of Nebraska : William H., a resident of Denver, Colorado; Charles, of Chicago; and Leah, the wife of George Walters, of Princeton. In 1902 Mr. Wolfersberger was called upon to mourn the loss of his second wife, who died in the month of .hine of that year. She was a most estimable lady and her death was deeply ileplored by many friends. Mr. Wolfersberger is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and thus maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he has served as alderman of the fourth ward. He has ever stood for progressive citizenship, being as loyal to his country in days of peace as when he followed the old flag on southern battlefields, and he regards a public otKee as a public trust, so that as postmaster of the sub-station of Princeton he is giving commendable and capable service.

Elijah P08S

Elijah Poss, a capitalist, who has placed his money in the safest of all investments - real estate, - his landed possessions being now very extensive, and who has also been connected for thirty years with the financial interests of the county as a director of the Farmers Bank of Princeton, was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, June 23, 1832. His father, James Eoss, was a native of Pennsylvania, but at an early age removed with his parents to Ohio, where he was reared, educated and married, and in the year 1851 arrived in Bureau county, where he began farming, securing seven hundred acres of land. He married iliss ^fargaret Butt, who was born in Pennsylvania and was of German extraction. His death occurred in 1895, when he was in his eighty-eighth year, and his wife passed aw"ay in 1888, when in her seventy-sixth year.

Elijah Eoss, the eldest of a family of thirteen children, was educated in the public schools of Ohio and of Bureau county, Illinois, and when his text-books were put aside he turned his attention to the carpenter's trade, which he followed for ten years. As he accumulated money he bought land from time to time and at the end of a decade his real-estate interests compelled him to give up his building operations and concentrate his energies upon the supervision of his farms- He began with one hundred and twenty acres of land, but his interests have grown through judicious investment and the natural appreciation in land values, the record of his prosperity and success being unbroken as the years have gone by. He has given to each of his sons and his daughter a piece of land and the sons have also been successful in business. He has also sold several eighty-acre tracts to them and he still is owner of one thousand acres, which represents a large investment owing to the value of real estate in Illinois. He has been a director of the Farmers Bank for about thirty years and in addition to his farming lands he owns considerable other jiroperty in various ])arts of the county.

On the -i-id of Jiiiiu. 18-J7. Mr. Ross was united in nian-iage to Jliss Mary A. Miller, a daughter of David Miller, of Bureau county. They became the parents of two sons and two daughters, but the elder daughter is deceased. The younger, Laura, is now the wife of W. 0. Conover, who follows farming at Center Prairie. The elder son, D. E. Ross, is farming in Walnut township, and his brother, C. C. Ross, operates an adjoining farm.

Mr- Ross of this review is a member of the Masonic lodge at Princeton and of Temple cpmmandery, K. T., and his religious faith is indicated by his connection with the Protestant Methodist church. Among the names of the prominent business men of Bureau county who have been closely identified with its interests and while assisting in its marvelous growth have founded for themselves reputations more enduring than iron and stone, will stand that of Elijah Ross, who by force of his native ability and unfaltering perseverance has raised himself to a position of wealth and honor. His life history illustrates in a marked degree what may be accomplished by well directed efforts and a strict adherence to correct business principles.

George R. Plarrington, a member of the state board of education and trustee of the state normal school at Normal, Illinois, has contributed in large measure to the substantial advancement of the cause of public education in Illinois, and the schools of Bureau county are largely a monument to his zeal and efforts in this direction, for during nearly twenty years he served as county superintendent of its schools. The history of the family gives the record of a Scotch ancestry and the establishment of the family in America during the cnldnial epoch in the history of the country. Representatives of the name liecame residents of Massachusetts prior to the war of the Revolution, and Daniel Harrington removed from Williamstown. that state, to Williamstown, Vermont, prior to 1794, in which year he purchased a farm that has since been in possession of the family and which was the birthplace of Daniel M. Harrington, father of Professor Harrington of this I'cview, and also of his entire family. The natal day of Daniel M. Harrington was December 12, 1799, and having arrived at years of maturity he was married in Williamstown, Vermont, to Miss Esther Allen, whose birth occurred in Brookfield, Vermont, in 1800. Their remaining days were spent in Williamstown, where Mr. Harrington followed the occupation of farming up to the tinu' of his death, which occurred in 1878. His wife had passed away in 187o. In their family were twelve children, of whom two are yet living, namelv: Asa, of Barre, A'ermont; and George B.

state, whicii was the properly of his grandfather and the birthplace of his father, George B. Harrington was horn January 31, 1844. His youth was not unlike that of other farm boys of the period and locality. lie displayed special aptitude in his studies and his preliminary school work was supplemented liy an academic course in liandolph, ^'ermont, where he also pursued a normal course prior to entering actively upon his life work as a teacher. His salary for the first term of school was eleven dollars per month, and he continued to engage in teaching in his native state until Sep- -tember, 1807, when, attracted by the broader opportunities of the growing west, he came to Bureau county. He soon gained a most favorable reputation as a public school teacher, and in 18G9 was elected principal of the schools of Annawan, Henry county, where he remained for five years. He then accepted the priucipalship of the schools of Tiskilwa. Bureau county, but was forced to resign on account of ill health two years later. The succeeding year, 1877, witnessed his first election to the otfice of county superintendent of schools, in which capacity he served for five years. He systematized the work and utilized practical methods in working toward high ideals. During that period he published a system for teaching civil government in the common schools, whicli was republished by the New York Tribune and New York Independent, and also by various educational journals throughout the country, and which was favorably received wherever introduced. During this time he also published in book form "A Helper for the Teachers of Bureau County," which proved highly beneficial to the public schools, its suggestions being very generally adopted by teachers.

After an intermission of four years he in 1SS6 was again elected county superintendent of schools, re-elected in 1890 and again in 1894, his incumbency in that office covering seventeen years, in which time he gained a reputation excelled by no county superintendent in the state. Personally deeply interested in the work, he brought to bear all of his native powers and acquired ability, and his special adaptation for the duties which devolved upon him was shown in the excellent results which attended his ell'orts. In 1873 he passed an examination and was granted a certificate as a teacher from the state superintendent of public instruction. Lombard University at Galesburg, Illinois, conferred upon him a well merited honor in the bestowal of the degree of Master of Arts in 1890. He is a deep thinker, his reasoning is clear and logical and in his expression he is concise and apt.

Mr. Harrington was married in Bureau county. July 27, 18C9, to Emma V. Carpenter, who was horn in Orange county, Vermont, a daughter of Marshall D. and Dorcas (Conner) Carpenter, also natives of that state, who settled in Bureau county in 18.52 and later removed to Humboldt county, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Harrington became the par- ents of three children, but lost their only son, L. A\ard, at the age of four years, and their younger daughter in" infancy. Their daughter Grace V. has been carefully educated in both music and painting. Jlrs. Harrington is a lady of broad literary attainments and has been an able assistant to her husband in his official duties as county superintendent of schools.

Mr. and Mrs. Harrington are members of the Congregational church of Princeton. Mr. Harrington is also a member of the Masonic fraternity, in which he has attained the Knight Templar degree. The only official positions whicli he has ever filled or desired have been in the direct line of his profession. He has served for si.xteen years as a member of the state board of education, being first appointed by Governor Oglesby, and he was chosen president of the Xorthern Illinois Teachers' Association in 1895. His political allegiance has always been given to the republican party, but his political views have proven no bar to the growth of his circle of friends nor to the educational honors which have been conferred upon him.

Pierson Young

Among the farmers whose success in former vears entitles them to put aside the more arduoiis duties of the field at the present time is numbered Pier.son Y^oimg. who resides on section 29, Wyanet township, and who for a considerable period was closely associated with the development and improvement of the farm lands of Burean county bait he is now leaving the more strenuous work of the field to others. His life record began in Muskingum county, Ohio, on the 3d of January, 1838, his parents being William and Sarah (Mason) Y'^oung. The father came to Illinois in 1839 and bought eighty acres of land from a Mr. White. He settled with his family in Wyanet township, where he shared in the usual hardships and privations incident to a frontier existence. With characteristic energy he began reclaiming the land for the purposes of civilization and worked his farm diligently and persistently year after year until it became a valuable property. He resided thereon until his death, which occurred November 19. 187fi, while his wife passed away August 17, 1877- In their family were eight children, six sons and two daughters, of whom four sons are now living, namely : Pierson ; Henry, who is located near Sheffield, Illinois; David James, living at Fort Smith, Arkansas ; and Mascm, of Wyanet.

Pierson Y'oung attended the common schooL^j but his educational privileges were somewhat meager as it was necessary for him to put aside his text-books and begin work wl'cn quite young. He turned his attention to farming on his own account in 18(54, when he purchased forty acres of land, whereon he has since resided, it being located (,n section 29. Wyanet township. He has since extended the boundaries of the farm, liowever from time to time until it now comprises two hundred and ten acres of fine land. He has erected every building upon the place and it is splendidly equipped with a comfortable, modern residence and sidjstanlial barn and outbuildings. The farm is now very well improved and the place is pleasantly located within two miles of Wyanet. U'he land is devoted to general farming and stockraising, making a specialty of Hereford cattle and high grade hogs. He also has a fine apiary upon his place. His children now rent the fields, while he is living retired, the rental of his place being sufficient to supply him with all of the comforts and some of the luxuries of life.

Mr. Y''oung was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Stinson, who was born in Pennslyvania and came west with her parents in 1857. She is the daughter of William Stinson, who settled in Wyanet township but he and his wife are both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Young are the parents of three sons and two daughters : George A., who is lising near his father; Emma, the wife of Fred Kinneman, living with her father upon the home farm; Ella, at home; William, who married Ada Underwood and lives upon his father's place; and Edward Pay, also at home.

Politically Mr. Y'oung is a staunch republican and has served on the school board and also as pathmaster. He has his children all with him and has a fine residence, which is a comfortable home, attractively and tastefully furnished. Here he is spending the evening of his life in the enjovment of the fruits of his former toil, surrounded by friends and acquaintances who entertain for him a warm regard and who accord him prominence as one of the substantial agriculturists and leading citizens of the communitv.

Barney A. Blazey, a highly respected and enterprising farmer and stock-raiser living on section 10, Indiantown township, was born near Wheaton in Bates county, Illinois, November 22, ]Sf;3. His father, Charles Blazey, was a native of Germany and became a resident of this state in 1859, when he settled at Wheaton. He afterward removed to Iroquois county, locating near Watseka, where he spent his remaining days, his death occurring in 1903. He left a farm there which he had transformed from wild land into a valuable property. His widow survived until 1904 and nine of their eleven chihlrcu are yet living.

Barney A. Blazey was educated at WlicatdU and in Iroquois county and started mit in life on his own acount at the age of eightctm years, working by the month as a farm hand in lin(|uois county for some time, after whicli lie caiiii' to Bureau ciiunly and for about one year was in tli(> om]iloy of Albert Adler iu the stock business. He afterward spent four years as an employe of Samuel G. Soverhill. on the expiration of which period he began farming on his own account, operating rented land until 1S!IS. wlien his labors and economy had brought him sutEcient capital to justify his purchase of a farm and he invested in two hundred and twenty-si.\ acres of finely located land near Tiskilwa. Every building upon the place has been erected by him and everything is in excellent shape. His home is pleasantly located within two miles of the village and in its modern equipments and accessories the farm is a model property. He keeps from twenty-iive to thirty head of cows, raises all calves and sends milk to the dairy. He has fed stock for fifteen years save for a brief interval of two years and he now has about one hundred head of hogs upon his place and also breeds some Norman horses. He is a practical, enterprising farmer, whose labors result in success because they are con,«ecutive and are guided by sound business judgment. 'Mr. Blazey was married, Februray 14, 1893, to Jliss Mary Cramer, who was reared near Putnam, Illinois, and they have three children: Royal, Grace and Frank- They have also reared a boy. Will Cramer, who came to them when seven years of age and on the 27th of July, 1906, attained his majority. In his social relations Mr. Blazey is connected with Tiskilwa camp, No. 103, M. W. A., and he and his wife are members of the Catholic church. Dependent upon his own resources from an early age, his life record proves what may be accomplished when one has the will to dare :niil til do.

Daniel Hawkins. Dean

Daniel Hawkins Dean, one of the most prominent Masons of Princeton and widely known in the state as a rcpres(>ntative of the craft, was born on the 3d of January. 1834. in Kcene, Chester eotmty. New Hnm[)shire. He comes of English ancestry, the family having been founded in America at a very early period in the settlement of Taunton, Massachusetts, by William Dean. The noted Silas Dean, of Revolutionary fame, was also a member of the family. The great-grandfather of our subject nuirried a ^liss Hawkins, a daughter of Colonel Hawkins, who also aided the colonies in their struggle for independence. Taunton, ^fassai liiisetts, continued to be the home of the family for a long period and it was there that George Crossman Dean, father of our subject, was born and reared. He spent his entire life in the Bay state and in New Hampshire and carried on business as a merchant tailor. Having arrived at years of maturity he married Miss Dollv Bennett, a daughter of Thomas Bennett, of Massachusetts, and at his death, which occurred at the comparatively early age of thirty-five years, he left a widow and eiglit children, five sons and three daughters, of whom only four sons are yet living. The mother, who was a Unitarian in religious belief, departed this life in July, 1856, at the age of fifty-nine years.

Daniel Hawkins Dean, the youngest of the family, was but an infant at the time of his father's demise. His educational privileges were limited and at the age of eigliteen years he began learning the printer's trade, which has been his life occupation. The printing oflice has been aptly termed the poor man's college, and to Mr. Dean it has proved a training school in which he has gained wide knowledge as well as valuable business experience. He has, moreover, because of his mental alertness, kept in touch through reading and observation with the trend of modern thought and progress and is today a well informed man. In September, 1856. he came to Princeton and for two years thereafter was foreman of the job room of the Princeton Post, while from July, 1861, to September, 1863, he was sole business manager and editor of the Bureau County RepubJican. except editing the political department. From that time until October, 1870, he leased the job rooms of the Republican and conducted the business on his own account. He next carried on the business of job printing in the rooms over the Farmers' National Bank near the depot, but since October, 1883. he has been ht his present location; from 1883 until 1903 he was interested in the Tribune job department with E. K. Mercer. In the line of his chosen occupation he has conducted a large and profitable business, having a well equipped job printing establishment, in which he is accorded a liberal patronage by reason of the excellence of his work and his reliability in all business transactions.

While successfully carrying on his business interests. Mr. Dean at the same time has become recognized as one of the prominent representatives of ^Masonry in this part of the state, being one of the oldest and most highly respected members of the fraternity in Princeton. On the 9th of March, 1858, he was made a Master Mason in Bureau lodge. No. 112, A. F. & A. M., and at once entered upon the active work of the order, serving as secretary from February of that year until the clo.se of 1861 and again in 1863. He was dimitted from Bureau lodge to assist in the organization of Princeton lodge, No. 587, of which ho became a charter jnember and one of its most efficient and useful workers. He has served in all of its offices save those of secretarv and treasurer and was master during the years 1893 and 1894. On the 23d of March, 1859, he attained the Royal Arch degree in Princeton chapter. No. 28, and the same vear was created a Select Afnson in Orion coimcil. No. 8, R. & S. M. In the chnplcr he has held most of the oflices and in 1895 and 1896 was excellent high priest, while in the council he was captain of the guard for ten years, master two years and recorder for seven years. He was admitted to the order of the Scottish rite in Princeton Valley consistory in 1867 and in August, 1903, took the degrees in the Templar commandery. He has taken all the degrees up to and including the thirty-second and throughout his connection with Masonry has exemplified in his life the beneficent spirit of the craft, which is based upon mutual helpfulness and brotherly kindness. Furthermore, he has mastered most of the work of the order in several of the bodies. He is also connected with the Knights and Ladies of Honor, to which his wife likewise belongs.

It was in November, 1855, that Mr. Dean was married to Miss Mary Elizabeth Anderson, by whom he had five children, but only one reached years of maturity, Elizabeth, now the wife of George D. Foster, of Preston, Jackson county, Iowa, by whom she has two sons, one of whom has graduated from the Wisconsin University and is now occupying a responsible position on the faculty of that institution. Mrs. Dean passed away in 1876 in her thirty-ninth year. Mr. Dean is now living with his second wife, who was Miss Elva Ann Masters, a native of Dover, Illinois. They became the parents of five children, of whom three are living: Winona Eliza, Dolly Isabelle and Henry Richard. Tlie family occupy one of the pleasant residences in Princeton and their home is the center of a leading social circle.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Dean hold membership in the Methodist Protestant church, in the work of which they take an active and helpful part and since the organization of the republican party Mr. Dean has been one of its stalwart champions. His position on matters political and otherwise is never an equivocal one. On the contrary he is a man of firm convictions, giving unfaltering support to whatever he believes to be right and his life at all times has been actuated by humanitarian principles that are manifest in business, fraternal and home relations.

Eugene E. Oakpord

EUGENE E. OAKPORD. Eugene E. Oakford, who owns and operates a farm of eighty acres on section 22, Walnut township, has for a half century made his home in this county. He was only about a year old when brought here by his parents, his birth having occurred in Bucks countv, Pennsylvania, April 16, 1855. His father, Samuel M. Oakford, was a native of New Britain, that county, born June 1, 1837, and his parents were Isaac and Elizabeth (Mason) Oakford, the former a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the latter of New Jersey. Cominf; to Bureau county in 185-1, tliev settled near Princeton at a place now called Heaton's Point- Isaac Oakford was a carpenter by trade but had followed farming in Pennsylvania for a number of years before coming to the west. He retired from active business life in this state and died in Bureau county in January, 1873, his wife surviving until April, 1877.