Cass County, Illinois - Biographical sketches, 1882 (part 4 of 6)

HENRY B. WILSON, grain merchant, Bijardstown; was born in Bertie County, N. C, Sept. 3, 1829, and is the eldest of a family of eleven children, born to James D. and Sallie (Mizell) Wilson. James D. Wilson was born in North Carolina, Jan. 9, 1806; he was a cooper by trade; and in 1851 settled on a farm in Arenzville Precinct, this county, where he died in 1857; he was married in October, 1838, to Sallie Mizell, who died in February, 1881, age 73 years; of their eleven children all are living, save one son. Mr. Wilson learned the cooper's trade with bis father, and worked at it in his native State; after his father's death he worked the farm until 1860; he then came to Beardstown, and after clerking a short time there for Mr. Seeger, bought out his stock, which he sold in 1863, and then was employed by different firms as salesman, until 1870. In that year he entered into partnership with John R. Dutch, in company with whom he carried on a general merchandising and grain business, until the fall of 1874, when their store, stock and warehouse were burned, entailing a lo.ss of $35,000. Mr. Wilson then engaged in the grain business, and in 1878, became a member of the firm of Garm, Wilson & Co., who bought the steamboat " Maggie P," and barges, carrying on an extensive grain business until the s[)ring of 1882 when thov so'd the steamboat. They have warehouses at Beardstown, Bluff Springs, West Point and Bath, and have leased others on the Illinois River. In 1861, Mr. Wilson married Angeline, daughter of G. H. Seeger, of Beardstown; they have had seven children, of whom two sons and two daughters are living.

THEODORE WILKINS, deceased; was born in the city of Berlin, Germany, Dec. 13, 1830; his father was a major in the Prussian army. Mr. Wilkins completed a college course, and at the age of seventeen entered the army as a private soldier; he passed his examination at the end of three months, and, after attending an artillery and engineer's school at Berlin, received a lieutenant's commission, and served until 1847, when he resigned. He then came to the United States, and settled near Washington, Franklin Co., Mo., where he engaged in farming, and where, in 1849, he married Matilda Manlinckrodt, who died in 1853, leaving one son, Paul, a teacher in St. Louis, ilo.; she was a daughter of Julius Manlinckrodt. In 1855, he married Bertha Setzer; her father emigrated from Hamburg, Germany, and settled at Hermann, Mo., in 1837, she being then a child of nine years. In 1858, Mr. Wilkins moved to St. Louis, Mo., having previously sold his farm, antl been engaged in the drug business in Washington, Mo. He was a Collector in St. Louis until the breaking out of the late war, when, in April, 1861, he was elected Captain of a Home Guard Company, afterward serving in the Second Missouri Artillery three years as major, being in active service at the capture of Camp Jackson, at Carthage, and other points. After the war he was Assessor in St. Louis, Mo., until 1868, when he came to Beardstown. Here he engaged as Secretary of the Illinois Insurance Company, and was afterward Cashier of the Cass County Bank until 1878, when he resigned that position, and became editor of the Beardstown Wochen- blatt, a German paper, which he edited until the time of his death, which occurred May 11, 1881. By his last marriage seven children were born, four of whom are living, two sons and two daughters.

GEORGE WAGNER, farmer, P. O., Bluff Spring!); is a native of Germany; born Dec. 14, 1825; son of Theodore and Elizabeth (Andreas) Wagner; he, a piano maker by trade; she, died in 1837. Mr. Wagner attended school for eight years in his native country, where he began life as a farmer; he served two years in the 3d Regiment of Prussia - a Hessian regiment - under Captain Otto. He came to this county in 1850, where he has since been engaged in farming. In Beardstown, in 1851, he married Mary Derr, a native of Germany, born Nov. 11, 1825, who bore him live children: John, Theodore, George, Elizabeth, and Mary. In 1864, he married Catharine Deitrick, also a native of Germany, born in 1835, and by this marriage six children have been born: Emil, Harry L., Rosa, Edward, Lydia, and Anna Eliza. His stepdaughter, Mary Webel, eighteen years of age, resides with him. He is a Republican.

JOHN H. WEDEKING, cigar manufacturer, Beardstown; is a native of Beardstown; born May 11, 1844; son of Frederick Wedeking, a native of Germany, who came to Beardstown in 1833, and finally settled on a farm in Arenzville Precinct, this county, in 1844, where he still resides, aged seventy-three years. John H. received an ordinary education, and remained on the farm till 1802, when he enlisted in Co. A, 114th Ills. Volunteer Infantry, and during his term of service participated in the battles of Jackson, Miss., and Vicksburg, and again at Jackson, Jliss. At the latter place, July 16, 1803, he received a gunshot wound, which necessitated the amputation of his leg at the thigh; he lay in Memphis Hospital till May, 1804, and was mustered out that year at Jefferson Barracks. On his return to Beardstown, he began learning the trade of cigar making, at which he served two years. In 1866, he oj)ened a cigar factory at Lincoln, Logan County, 111., where he carried on business one and a half years, then returned to Beardstown, and for six years worked for John Limberger. In 1880, he opened his present cigar factory, No. 36 Fourth District of Illinois, and has since carried on business here; he employs three men, and manufactures about 200,000 cigars annuallj-, making four brands. In 1866 he married Helena Tembick, of Beardstown.

JOHN WEBB, retired from business; Beardstown; was born near Manchester, England, Dec. 9, 1813, and came to the United States with his parents in 1818, who settled in Baltimore, Md. He learned the trade of a machinest, and afterward worked in the shops of the B. & O. R. R. Co. He worked upon marine engines, and for the Savage Manufacturing Company, till 1838, in which year he went to Springfield, 111., and from there to Petersburg. In 1844, he came to Cass County, and started a shop about three miles from Virginia, for the manufacture of Page's portable circular saws, but his business increased to such an extent that he was compelled to seek better facilities, and he moved to Beardstown, where he erected a foundry and machine shop, running the same till 1850, when his works were burned out, with a loss of $17,000; no insurance. He rebuilt, however, and continued the business until 1806, when he sold to Ebaugh & Quinlan. He afterward went into the manufacture of wagons, which he continued till 1875, when he retired, leaving the business in the hands of his sou and son-in-law. He married in Baltimore, in 1834, Miss Eliza A. Kahaley.

garet (Thomas) Williams, are both still living, and have had five children; his father, who is also a native of North Carolina, and a farmer by occupation, was born Jan. 8, 1818. Mr. Williams received but a limited education in the schools of his precinct, attending school but a short time, and has always been a farmer. For the past three years he has been the keeper of the poor-farm. In Beardstown, Aug. 8, 1873, he married Mary J. Heatoii, a native of England; born May 15, 1850, who bore him two children, John E. and William H. Mrs. Williams died March 1,1881; she was a daughter of John and Mary Jane Heaton, who now reside in Virginia, this county. His second wife, whom he married July 28, 1881, is Anna Gough.

CHARLES E. WYMAN, attorney at law, Beardstown; was born in Roxbury, Mass., in May, 1852, and at the age of four years came West with his parents, who settled on a farm in Ford County, 111., where he remained till he was eighteen years of age. He then began the study of law with his brother Gilbert, in Chatsworth, 111., and in connection with his law studies engaged in teaching school and in other pursuits for three years. He was admitted to the bar at the session of the Supreme Court held in Ottawa, 111., in September, ]8r5, and after practicing a year in Gilman, 111., came to Beardstown in the fall of 1876, where he has since resided, enjoying a good practice in this and adjoining counties. He is now serving his third term as City Attorney of Beardstown. In 1877, he married Maggie, daughter of John Fidler, of Beardstown.

HENRY WINHOLD, farmer; P. O. Bluff Springs ; is a native of this county ; born May 7, 1843; son of William and Barbara (Weber) Winhold, natives of Hessen, Germany. William Winhold was born Feb. 1, 1809, and is a farmer by occupation. He came to this country in 18 5, landing in Baltimore, Md., August 28, that year, and settled in Pennsylvania, where he remained nearly seven years; and in 1811, came to this count}'. His wife, who was horn in 1805, is also living. They are the parents of seven children: two boys, and five girls. Mr. Winhold received his education in the schools of this county, and began life as a farmer, which occupation he has ever since followed in this county. He is a Republican.

Chandlerville Prpxixct Chandlerville Precinct

THOMAS AINSWORTH, capitalist ; Chandlerville. Among the most active, upright and liighly respected citizens of Cass County, who have achieved success by their own indomitable energies, rather than by any outside aid, is the subject of this sketch. His record is that of hundreds of others of the self made, self reliant men, to be met with in the every-day walks of life, and his career has been marked with the varied experiences common to all of the class referred to. Mr. Ain^worth is a native of Lancashire, England, having been born Jan. 30, 1814, to Thomas and Sarah (Townley) Ainsworth, both natives of England. He was denied the privilege of attaining other than a limited mental culture in youth; but his was an energy that was not easily thwarted by obstacles, and by dint of his own perseverance, he succeeded in gaining a fair business education; nor was he more fortunate in this world's goods. Standing on the threshold of his young manhood, he could easily count the dollars that were his upon the fingers of his hand. His had ever been a cradle rocked by the hand of adversity ; but his heart was strong, his courage great, his energy remarkable; and lured by hope, he pressed steadily forward, placing his trust in Him who heareth ever the cry of the raven, and who has promised to reward the faithful worker. His early life was spent at home, and at an early age learned to earn his own livelihood in a cotton factory, where his father was also employed. At the age of twenty-eight years he bade his home and native country farewell. He emigrated to America in 1843, and the same year moved to Illinois, settling in Mason County, where he entered eighty acres of wild prairie land, and remained on the samo for thirty-five years, and during that time saw this country ilevelop from a wilderness to its present highly cultivated condition. In 1876 he erected, from his own designs, a neat and commodious residence in the stirring little town of Chandlerville, and moved to the same in the spring of 1877, where he may now be found, surrounded with those comforts, and enjoying those pleasures that are ever the result of honesty, industry and economy. Mr. Ainsworth is one of the largest stockholders of the Valley National Bank of St. Louis, is largely interested in Colorado mines, and is the owner of over two thousand acres of the best land of Illinois. His marriage occurred in 1837, to Miss Maria Abbott, a native of Lancashire, England, born in November, 1814. The result of this union was ten children, of whom seven are now living: Nancy, the wife of Agustine Witt, a wholesale merchant of Decatur; William Henry, a prominent merchant of Rood House, III.; Alice, the wife of William Casey, a retired farmer, of Centralia, 111.; Thomas T., a farmer of Mason County; Sarah E., wife of George Ransome, a farmer of Mason County; Mary A., wife of Thomas Saye furniture dealer, of Chandlerville, and Joseph, who is farming upon the old homestead farm, in Mason County. Among his children Mr. Ainsworth has divided over $80,000 worth of property. He and wife are connected with the Congregational Church. He was formerly an old line Whig, but is now a Republican. He has never taken part in political demonstrations, but evidently takes quite as much interest in what he has not done, as in that which he actually has accomplished.

FRIEDRICH BRAUER, retired farmer; P. O. Chandlerville. Hanover, formerly a State of the German Confederation, situated in Northwestern Germany, has furnished a larger proportion of solid, substantial, thrifty emigrants to America, perhaps, than any portion of country of equal size on the continent. Of the number referred to belongs the subject of this sketch, who was born in Hanover, May 10, 1822. Here were his parents also born. Notwithstanding the beauties in nature, art, science and literature, that characterize the "German Fatherland," the great Republic that has sprung into existence vpithin the last century in North America, has presented quite enough in attractions to seduce many thousands of Germans to our shores, where, to their honor, be it said, they contributed largely by their industry and thrift, to the material wealth of the country of their adoption. Christ. Brauer, the father of the subject of this memoir, set sail for this country, with his family, in 1842, landing at New Orleans. From this point he embarked by water for Beardstown, 111., where he remained two months looking for a suitable farm, -which he found, and purchased of William Taylor, three miles north of Arenzville. Here Mr. Brauer died in the spring of 18-13 ; his wife surviving his death until 1853. In 1853, previous to the death of his mother, Mr. Brauer sold the homestead farm, and bought two hundred acres of land about one mile north of Arenzville, where he remained for thirteen years, when he sold it, and bought of John Fielding, in Sangamon Bottom, 280 acres of land. In 1880, he rented his farms, bought a handsome residence in Chandlerville, and removed to it the same year, it being his desire to retire from active labor and enjoy the fruits of his past labors. As a business man Mr. Brauer has been very successful. He now owns 1,000 acres of splendid farmitig land, as good as is to be found in this part of Illinois. Mr. Brauer was married in Cass County in 1817, to Miss Elizabeth Brunker, a native of Germany. The result of this union was twelve children, of whom five are now living: Mary, widow of .lohn Ackerman; Lewis, a farmer of Christian County, who married Miss Lizzie Bloone, of Menard County; Lizzie, the wife of Ephamire Henry, a farmer of Christian County; Hannah, wife of Charles Grape, a farmer of Christian County; and Minnie, at home with her parents. Mr. Brauer and wife, are members of the German Lutheran Church. In the life of our subject we have demonstrated s(ime of the possibilities of human energy and perserverance in overcoming difficulties. We have seen him launched out in life empty handed, battling with poverty, with a family to support, steadily gaining and increasing his possessions, until to-day he looks out on his fine farms, covered with a rich harvest, ready for the reaper, and furnished with all conveniences of well ordered and improved farms.

DR. NATHANIEL H. BOONK, Chandlerville ; was born in Troop Co., Georgia, June 6, 1836, to William and Martha E. (Bradford) Boone; born in South Carolina in 180G; farmer; and died in Mississippi in 1855; bis wife, the mother of our subject, was born in South Carolina in 1808, and is now residing in Oxford, Mississippi. She is the mother of ten children; five of whom are living; of whom the Doctor was the third. When but six years old he was removed by his parents to Alabama, and at the age of nine to Oxford, Mississippi. His literary education was received at the Oxford University, after which he entered the Nashville Medical College, in 1854, and graduated March 4, 18G0, when he began the practice of his profession at Pine Bluff, Arkansas; and in 1864 removed to Chandlerville, 111., his present residence, where he has a large and increasing practice, and socially enjoys the highest esteem. In IStJl, in Arkansas, he married Miss Julia (J. Blackwell, a native of Georgia. She died in 1867, aged twenty-six j'ears, and was the mother of two children, James and Howard N., both dead. In September, 1S?0, in Menard County, 111., he married'Miss Harriet Coddington, a native of Menard County, 111.; born in November, 1837. She is the mother of two children, both of whom are dead. Politically, Dr. Boone is identified with the Democratic party. ALBERT BUCK, merchant; Ciiandlerville ; was born in this county. June 10, ISiO ; son of Jasper and Sophia Buck ; he, born Dec. 17, 1702, and died March 1, 1841 ; she, born April 26, 1797, and died Dec. 37, 1866. They were the parents of thirteen children, seven of whom are now living : Thomas C, born July 4, 1815, died Dec. 5, 1875 ; Charleton, born June 28, 1817, died Aug. 6, 1856 ; Sarah (Conrad) Reinning, born July 31, 1819, living in Arenzville Precinct ; Martha, widow of Michael Buxton, born Aug 29, 1821 ; Margaret, May 7, 1824, died Oct. 8, 1831 ; Elizabeth and James, twins, born Nov. 14, 1827 ; James died in infancy, and Elizabeth married Richard L. Davis ; James H., born Jan. 30, 1830, died May 6, 1857 ; John H., born March 27, 1832; Stephen D., born July 14, 1834 ; Jasper J., born Oct. 15, 1836 ; Mary, wife of Mathew Bowyer, born July 20, 1838, died April 2, 1880 ; and Albert, the subject of this sketch. Jasper, with two brothers, John and Stephen, came from Bertie County, N. C, between the years 1825 and 1830, and settling in what is now known as Arenzville Precinct. Jasper was a man highly respected in his day, and filled the position of Justice of the Peace. Albert, being the youngest, remained on the farm with his mother, until the breaking out of the late war, when he, in August, 1SG2, volunteered in Company K, 101st Illinois

Infantry, serving until the close of the war, at which time, 1805, he began farming on the home place. June 9, 1868, he was married to Miss Sarah Naomi Stanley, by whom he has had two children : Sarah Ellen, born April 3, 1869 ; and Chas. Oliver, born April 29, 1870. He continued farming until February, 18? 2, when he met with an accident that disabled him from farm duty ; when he moved to Arenzville in 1873, and opened a grocery store. He was elected Justice of the Peace. In the fall of 1875 he sold out his business in Arenzville, and moved to Chandlerville, where he has since continued in business.

CHARLES C. BROWN, drugs and hardware; Chandlerville; was born near Cleveland, O., Dec. 22, 1846, to O. P. and Lydia B. (Beebe) Brown ; born in Buffalo, N. Y., in 1826, and when a child was taken to the Western Reserve, O., by his parents, where, after he grew to manhood, became a prominent lawyer and judge of Portage County; was a member of the Legislature for several terms, and State Senator, and enlisted in Seventh Ohio Regiment, but died soon after the breaking out of the war. Gen. J. A. Garfield was one of his law students, and he nominated the future President to his first political office. His death occurred in 1802. His wife, the mother of our subject, was born in Chardon, O., in 1828, and died in 1862; she was the mother of three children, of whom Chas. C. was the oldest son. In 1861 he went to Cleveland, and engaged as clerk in wholesale drug business for about five years, with the exception of eleven months, while he was in the war - 150th Ohio Regiment, Cleveland Grays, Company C. In 1866 he commenced in the mercantile business in Warren, Ohio. In 1807 he removed to Chandlerville, Cass County, where he engaged as clerk in different drug stores. In 1868 he started a dry goods, grain and grocery business in (Jhandlerville. In 1873 he started in the drug business with

Mr. Ira N. Read, where he has since remained, engaged extensively in the drugbusiness, also handling a large stock of hardware. He has been a member of the Town Board nearly all the time since he came to the county, and has filled other town offices. Oct. 12, 1881, he married Miss Anna Saunders, a native of DeWitt County, Iowa; was born in 1854; is a member of A. F. and A. M., and has served as Master; is a Republican, and has been several times Chairman of the Central Committee.

B. E. BOWMAN, dealer in agricultural implements, Chandlerville ; was born in Rutherford County, Tenn,, April 23, 1844, to James T. and Mary (Brown) Bowman; he born in Tennessee, a farmer, and dying in January, 1854, aged forty-seven years ; she, also a native of Tennessee, died in July, 18G6, aged fifty-four years. She was the mother of twelve children, and of them B. E. Bowman was the ninth. In 1862 he was conscripted into the Confederate army, and served in the 45th Tenn. Reg., under Bragg. He was captured at Look Out Mountain in December, 1864, taken to Rock Island, and stayed until July, 1865, when he went to Mason County, where he worked as a farm hand, and continued until 1869, when he rented a farm in Cass County, where he has since been engaged. He married April 14, 1869, Sarah J. Hash, a native of Cass County, born June 17, 1849, and died in December, 1872, leaving two children, Ella and Arthur, both at home. Oct. 14, 1874, he married Miss Mary Parrott, a native of Missouri, born in 1846, who was the mother of three children, only one of whom is living, Clark E. Mr. Bowman has served as School Director, and self and wife are members of the Christian Church. He is a Democrat.

1835, to George and Catharine (Snyder) Bowers ; he, born in Germany, in 1806, and emigrated to America in 1833, settling in Pennsylvania, but subsequently in Mansfield, Ohio, in 1836; is a blacksmith by trade, and is still living. She, also born in Germany, in 1812, came to America in 1832, and was married in 1834 ; is still living. She is the mother of nine children, John M. being the oldest. The nine children are all living, viz.: John M., Margaret, Caroline, Catharine, Lewis, Barbara, Louisa, George, and William. John M. received his education at the Michigan University, at Ann Arbor, and Vermillion Institute, at Hayesville, Ohio, and his theological train ing at Oberlin Institute. Was ordained to the Congregational Church at Sedalia, Mo., April 16, 1866. His. first church was at Sedalia; he was the organizer of the church there. In 1872 he removed to Lexington, Ohio, where he remained until 1874, when he removed to Parkesburg, Iowa, and remained for three and one-half years, and Earlville, Iowa, for three and one-half years. In 1881 he came to Chandlerville and took charge of the Congregational Church of that town, built in 1880. On March 8, 1870, he was married to Helen A. Knapp; born in Indiana, Jan. 15, 1852. She is a daughter of J. H. and Lydia (Currier) Knapp. Mr. and Mrs. Bowers are the parents of six children, viz.: George, Marv, Laura, Emma, Helen, and Clara. Mr. Bowers was in the 84th Ohio Reg., Col. Lawrence, commander.

GEORGE BRIAR, deceased; was born in New Jersey, Aug. 13, 1817, and was a son of James and Mary Briar, who were the parents of nine children. His education was received in the common schools of Pennsylvania, and in 1835 he came to this county; settled in the Sangamon Bottom, and engaged in farming until his death, which occurred Jan. 90, 1882; he had at the time of his driitli 200 acres of improved land. In this county Sept. 4, 1844, he married Sidney Ann Capper, a native of Ohio; born Jan. 28, 1824, who died Jan. 31, 18 r3, leaving six children: James D., born Nov. 26, 1846; Robert E., Feb. 13, 1848; George W., Dec. 13, 1849; Charles M., March 9, 1852; Alice, March 24, 1856; and Susan, Jan. 8, 186 , all of whom are at the honiestead farm except James D., who is in Missouri. Mrs. Briar was a daurrhter of Meredith and Eliza Capper, natives of Ohio. Mr. Briar was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and a supporter of the Republican party.

LINUS C. CHANDLER, lawyer ; Chandlerville ; was born in Chandlerville, Aug. 9, 1846, to Dr. Charles and Clarissa (Child) Chandler ; he was born in Connecticut, July 2, 1806, and died April 7, 1879 ; emigrated to Chandlerville in the winter of 1831 - being the founder of Chandlerville - where he was President of Town Board for many years. He took an active part in the business affairs of Chandlerville; he was a druggist and merchant for many years. He was a graduate from the Dudley Academy in Connecticut, and the Medical College, June, 1827, at Castleton, Vermont. Began the practice of his profession in 1829 in Scituate, Rhode Island, and continued the practice of his profession to the time of his death, with the exception of a few years. Was married in Connecticut in 1827, to Mary C. Rickard; she died in 1840 or 1841. In 1842, in Chandlerville, he married a second time, Clarissa Child, of Connecticut. By the first marriage there were five children : Mrs. Shaw and Mrs. Gen. C. E. Lippincott, of Chandlerville, Mrs. Frackelton, of Petersburg, Charles E., of Knoxville, Illinois, and Harrison T., of Cleveland, Ohio. By the second marriage there were three children ; Linus C, our subject, being the only one living. Linus C. attended Phillips' Academy, Andover, Mass., and Illinois College, and graduated from Harvard Law University in June, 1871, when he went to Chicago, and entered the office with Higgins, Swett & Quigg, and afterward with Nolton, Smith & Scales, until the fire in Chicago, when he returned to Chandlerville, and opened a law office, where he has since remained. In 1872 was elected States Attorney for Cass County, and served four years. In 1880 was elected to the Legislature, and served two years. Was Justice of Peace, and President of Town Board at Chandlerville. On Sept. 5, 1873, he married Sarah L. Beane, a native of Lisbon, N. H. She is the mother of two children : Carl, born Feb. 16, 1876 ; William C, Feb. 21, 1879. Mr. C. is an active member of the Masonic order, having been Master of his lodge for eight years. Is a Republican.

SILAS CARR, farmer; P. O. Chandlerville; was born in Monroe County, 111., Nov. 10, 1810; son of Leonard and Mary (Groats) Carr. He, a native of Hardy County, Va.; born June 4, 1771, and died June 4, 1851. His business was that of a blacksmith and a farmer; was an early settler of Illinois. She, a native of Randolph County, 111., and dying in September 1821, aged 40 j-ears. Our subject after receiving the education afforded by the schools of his native county, assisted his father on the farm until he was twenty-one years old. He came to Cass County, 111., in April, 1863, and is now the owner of 150 acres of land. He was married Feb. 8, 1838, to Miss Delia Sharp, who has borne him three children, two of whom are now living, viz.: Francis M., and Stephen A. Douglas. Mr. Carr and wife are connected with the Methodist Church. He stands high in the estimation of the people as a citizen and a gentleman. His political views are in accordance with the principles of the Republican party.

was born in Menaid County, 111., Jan. 6' 1851, to Isaac and Dilue (Overstreet) Colson; he, born in Maine, April 34, 1803; emigrated to Illinois, and settled in Menard County about 1830. During his life he followed the occupation of a farmer, and was one of the largest and most successful farmers of that county; he accumulated about 10,000 acres of well improved land, which he owned at the time of his death, which occurred March 31, 1854. His wife, the mother of our subject, was born in Virginia, March 15, 1814, and died May 13, 1859. They were the parents of one child, our subject. Mrs. Colson was formerly Mrs. Dilue Anderson, and by him had three children. Mr. Colson was educated at Petersburgh and Shurtleff College. la 1873 he engaged in the mercantile business at Oakford, Menard Co., 111., and continued the same for about five years. In 1877 he sold his business and removed to Chandlerville, where he engaged in the hotel business for about one year. In 1878 he engaged in the commission grain business for about four years, and in the fall of 1881, gave his attention to the agricultural implement business. On Dec. 15, 1870, he was married to Miss Susan E. Davis, a native of Menard County, 111., born May 10, 1854; died Dec- 35, 1871. Nov. 21, 1873, he married Miss Rachel Skeggs, a native of Mason County, 111.; born January 16, 1859. She is the mother of five children, of whom but one is living - Blessie, born May 25, 1876. Mr. Colson is President of the Board of Trustees, and a member of the order A. F. & A. M. He and his wife are members of the Congregational Church. He is a Democrat.

JEREMIAH W. DAVIS, deceased. Reference to the prominent and highly industrious class of the citizens of Cass County would be incomplete without a brief "mention of the active career of Jeremiah W. Davis, deceased. He was born in Greene County, Ky., Sept. 5,

1816. He was brought to Illinois by his parents, who settled in Cass County about the year 1839. His early life was spent in receiving a limited common school education, and assisting in tilling the home farm. At the age of twenty years, he left his home and embarked on life's rugged pathway, as a farmer, continuing the occupation to the time of his death, which occurred in 1863. He was married March 10, 1836, to Miss Cassandra E. Gunn, who bore him nine children, of whom four are now living, viz.: Jesse A., born Jan. 38, 1843; John B., B'eb. 10, 1852; Jemima M., April 36, 1846; and Jeremiah W., Sept. 15, 1854. Mr. Davis commenced life a poor boy, and by hard work succeeded in gaining a good property. At the time of his death he was the owner of 1,000 acres of good land. Such, very briefly, is the career of one who through life was highly energetic and progressive, and whose many excellent qualities of head and heart enabled him to gather about him an unusually large number of friends.

CHRISTIAN DUCHARDT, farmer; P. O. Virgina; was born in Germany, June 21, 1830; fifth child of a family of eleven, born to Carl and Mary (Link) Duchardt, both natives of Germany, where also both died; Carl Duchardt was a butcher by trade. Christian received his education in the common schools of Germany, and at the age of seventeen emigrated to America, landing in New York City in 1838. In that same year he came to this county, where he followed the butchering business about twenty years, and in 1858 bought eighty acres of land, and has since devoted his attention to farming, and is now the owner of 560 acres of improved land, all of which has been acquired by his own labors. He was married in this county in 1852, to Mary A. Nollsch, a native of Germany; born in February, 1830, who has borne him two children: Lizzie, wife of Mr. William Neeham,

Chandlerville Precixct

JAMES FIELDExN, farmer; P. O. Chaudlerville; was boru in Roachdale, England, Jan. 10, 1829, to James and Betty (Bellfield) Fielden; he, born in England about the year 1800, and died in this county, in 1858; he was a son of John Fielden; she was born in England in 1800, and died in Cass County in 18G1. They were the parents of eight children, of whom James, the subject of this sketch, was the youngest. He came to America with his father and grandfather in 1842, and remained with his parents to the age of twenty-five years. He learned the trade of shoe-making, but subsequently began farming. He commenced life, as he says, - " worse than poor," and by his industry and economy has succeeded in accumulating 286 acres of the best land of Cass County. His farm is under a high state of cultivation, and has all the modern improvements in the way of a fine residence, barns, etc. Mr. Fielden was married in Cass County on the fourth day of Fehruar}', 1857, to Miss Elizabeth Briar. Mrs. Fielden was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in November, 1838. Mr. and Mrs. Fielden have been blessed with seven children, of whom four are now living: Mary, Emma, Lincoln and Lannes. He is a member of the Baptist Church, and she of the Cumberland Presbyterian. Politically, Mr. Fielden, like his father and grandfather, was a Whig, but now unites with the Republican party.

ROBERT FIELDEN, farmer ; P. O., Chandlerville, is a native of Lancashire, England; born Feb. 23, 1819; for parents, see sketch of James Fielden. He received his education in his native country, and in 181:2, in company with his parents and his grandfather, emigrated to America, and settled on the Sangamon Bottoms, in this county. When thirty-one years of age, he began farming on his own account, on a part of his father's farm, and now owns three hundred acres of land, part of which is well improved. He has been twice married; in this county, in January, 1850, he married Matilda Cook, a native of Ireland who died in 1 858, aged thirty-seven years, leaving four children: Samuel, in Chandlerville; Elizalseth J., at home; James E., a farmer, in Kansas, and John J., at home. In 1863, ho married Sarah L. McKinnell, a native of Lancashire, England, who died in March, 1873, aged thirty-seven years; from this marriage four children were born: Henry, Benjaman, David and Jonathan, twins. McFielden is a Republican; he has been County Commissioner two years; has been Township Treasurer about ten years, and now holds that office; he is a member of the Baptist Church. JOHN H. GOODELL, farmer and lumber merchant ; P. O. Chandlerville; was born in Thompson, Windham County, Conn., April 15, 1832, to Horace and Lucy P. (Rickard) Goodell. He, born in Connecticut in 1802, came to Illinois in the spring of 1837, and settled in Cass County, he is a farmer, and now in the eightieth year of his age ; his father was a captain in the Revolutionary War. The mother of our subject was born in Windham County, Conn., in 1808, and died in ]868. She had seven children, of whom John H. was the second. At the age of eighteen he left his home and apprenticed himself at the carpenter and joiner trade, and followed that for about twelve years. In 1862 he enlisted in the army, and served three years in the 114th Illinois Regiment, Company A, under command of Capt. Johnson. He was in the battle of Vicksburg. When Price made his march through Missouri, he, in his regiment, marched from Duval's Bluff through to Missouri, and returned to Nashville. In 1865, after his return homo, he resumed his trade, and worked at it for about two years in Jacksonville. In 1866 he commenced farming in Cass County. In 1876 he started a large lumber business at Chandlerville. Mr. Goodell is the owner of about 230 acres of land, in Cass County. In 18.51 he married Miss Helen E. Cotton, a native of Franklin County, New York; born in March, 1833, and died in 1863. In 1865, Dec. 27, he married Miss Harriet A. Sewall, a native of Cass County; born April 14, 1838. She is the mother of seven children, six of whom are living : Lucy, Lydia, William, John, Andrew, Susan; all at home. Mr. Goodell is now holding his second term as Justice of the Peace. Self and wife are members of the Congregational Church. Politically, he is a Democrat.

GEORGE GEBHARTT, farmer; P. O. Chandlerville; was born in France, now Germany, Jan. 3, 1828; is the fourth child of a family of eight children, born to Andrew and Katerine (Derr) Gebhartt, natives of Germany. Andrew Gebhartt was a tailor by trade, and died in Germany. Our subject was educated in the common schools of Germany, learning both the French and German languages, and remained with his parents engaged in farming until 1854, when he emigrated to America. He landed at New Orleans, thence came to Beardstown, this county, and immediately obtained emplojment on the farm of Gottleib NoUich, with whom he remained about two vears. He then bought eighty acres of land, which he increased, till he now has 236 acres, after dividing 160 acres in Christian County, among his boys; he has on his farm a good residence and outbuildings. In this county, in 1857, he married Elizabeth Derr, a native of Germany, who has borne him eight children, six of whom are living, viz.: George W., John H., Amey, Franklin, Elizabeth, and Frederick William. Himself and wife have been members of the German Methodist church for ^twenty-seven years; he is a Republican.

A. D. GREIF, Pastor of German Lutheran Church, Chandlerville; was born in Meiningen, Germany, June 16, 1849, to C. F. and Susanna (Seugling) Greif, natives of Germany, where they are now living. Our subject was educated at Real Sohule College, and in

1868 emigrated to America, and landed Oct. 15, 1868, in New York, where he began teaching German in the German American Institute, of Gerke Koessly, on Twenty-third street. His pupils paid $300 per term; one of them was the son of President Arthur. In

1869 he attended the Lutheran Theological Seminary at St. Louis, and in 1870 graduated, and was ordained to the ministry by Dr. C. F. W. Walther. He went to Texas in July, 1870, where he took charge of a church at Independence, and afterward at Serbiu. In December, 1875, he removed to Little Rock, Ark., where he took charge of a congregation for one and one-half years. In August, 1877, he removed to Chandlerville, this county, where he has since remained in charge of the German Lutheran Church. While in Texas, he met with several mishaps: once being bitten by a rattlesnake in the back of the head; again, by being threatened by a member of his congregation with a butcher-knife; and by being nearly drowned in quicksand. In New Orleans, April 17, 1874, he married Miss Louisa Odendahl, a native of Rostock, Mecklenburg, Germany; born Sept. 5, 1847. They have two children which they have adopted - Herman and Frieda Greif.

MOSES HARBISON, farmer; P. O. Chandlerville. The father of our subject w^as Adam B. Harbison; he was born in Virginia, on the 10th of April, 1797, and was taken to Kentucky by his parents, when a small boy; he was married in Kentucky, and emigrated to Cass County, Illinois, in December, 1839, where he engaged in farming, to the time of his death, which occured Aug. 31, 1841. The mother of our subject was Hannah Rhea; bom in Barren County, Ky., on the 16th of May, 1808, and dying on the 25th of Nov. 183-1. She was the mother of three children, of whom Moses Harbison is the only living child. He was born in Metcalf County, Ky., on the 3rd of Sept. 1831. His early life was spent at hard work; after the death of his father he made his home with John Dick and Marcus Trobridge; at the age of fifteen he commenced work for himself as a farm hand. In Cass County, Jan. 7, 1858, he married Jliss Mary A. Davis; she was born in Cass County, Aug. 10, 183&, and died Jan. 17,1863. In 1864, on the 13th of March, he married Miss Lydia F. Mason, who has borne him nine children: Sarah V., Charles C, Mary C, James A., Robert F., Estella F., Alice, Martha E., and Emma. He is now the owner of 376 acres of land, and is considered one of the substantial, enterprising citizens of Cass County.

FRIEDERICH HERRMANN, farmer; P. O. Chandlerville; is a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, and son of Martin and Margaret Herrmann. He was born Feb. 16, 1824. His father was born in Germany, and during his life followed the occupation of a farmer; he died in 1846, aged sixty-five years. His mother was also a native of Germany. She died in 1853, aged seventy-two years. Our subject was educated in the common schools of Germany, and when quite young was apprenticed at the shoemaker's trade, which he followed in Germany until 1848, when he came to America. He made his first stop in Mason County, where he worked at his trade for six years, and then began farming. He came to Cass County in 1876, and is now the owner of 560 acres of land. In November, 1823, he married Catharine Smith, who has borne him five children: Leonard, Henry, Catharine, Fred, and Josephine, all of whom are at home. Mr. Herrmann and family are religiously connected with the German Lutheran Church. He is a thorough business man, and highly esteemed by the community, and is always first in any public enterprise. He is a good neighbor, a kind husband, and an indulgent father.

ZACHARIAH HASH, retired farmer; P. O. Chandlerville; was born in Green County, April 6, 1812, to Philip and Sarah (Nance) Hash. Philip Hash, our subject's father, was born in Virginia, Jan. 31, 17'J0; emigrated to Kentucky with his parents when a small boy; in 1822, he came to Illinois, and settled in Cass County; followed the occupation of a farmer, served in the war of 1812. He died in Missouri, Aug. 5, 1849. He was a son of Thomas Hash, a native of Virginia; born Feb. 13, 1756, and died in Missouri, Dec. 5, 1848. Our subject's mother was born near Richmond, Va., Oct. 24, 1791, and died Feb. 24, 1847; she was a mother of fifteen children, of whom our subject was the second child; her father, Zachariah Nance, was born in Virginia, served through the Revolutionary war, under Washington. Our subject was brought to Illinois by his parents in 1822, and was educated principally in Sangamon, now Menard County. On June 26, 1834, he was married to Miss Mary Dick, a native of Kentucky; born Feb. 16, 1817, and died June 22, 1857; was the mother of seven children, of whom three are living, viz.: Phillip, Peter, and Martha, wife of John Plunkett. He first rented a farm in this county, on Sangamon Bottom; he has since been engaged in farming in this county, and is now living upon his farm, one mile southwest from Chandlerville, but has been retired from active labor for several years. His second marriage occurred in Mason County, April 3, 1862, to Mrs. Susan Shelton, formerly a Bowman; was born in Rutherford Co., Tenn., March 17, 1825; she is a daughter of Daniel Bowman, a native of Maryland, born March 11, 1799, and died Sept. 14, 1859. Mr. and Mrs. Hash have had two children, both dead. Mr. Hash is the owner of about 200 acres of land; our subject and wife are members of the Christian Church. He is a Democrat. Mr. Hash says he was often compelled to give up his house on account of the Indians, and at other times used to associate among them. He was always very daring. Old Dr. Chandler, who first laid out Chandlerville, said he had doctored five generations of the Hash family.

ALBERT G. HAYNES, grain and implement dealer, Chandlerville; was born in Ross County, O., Dec. 23, 1835, to Joseph and Agnes (Clark) Haynes; he, born in Ohio in 1808, and removed to Illinois in 1854, settling in Cass County, where he died in 1856; she, born in Ohio, on June 13, 1813, and died in Cass County, June 13, 1872; she was the mother of eight children, our subject being the second child. At the death of his father, in 1856, he commenced farming on his own account. May 1, 1872, he removed to Chandlerville, engaged in the mercantile business for about six years, when he engaged in the grain and agricultural implement business, in the firm of A. G. Haynes & Co., in grain, and Bowman, Haynes & Co., in the implement business. In May, 1857, he married Miss Julia A. Benson, a native of Steuben County, N.Y.; she, born June 4, 1837; she is the mother of one child - Eva, born in 1860 - at home. Mr. Haynes has been a member of the Town Board, and was President of the same. Politically he is a Democrat.

WILLIAM KIRCHNER, farmer; P. O. Chandlerville; was born Jan. 19, 1834, in Germany; his parents were Gottlieb and Elizabeth (Aarps) Kirchner, natives of Germany. His father died in 1845, aged 48 years. He was a farmer. The mother of our subject died in 1843, aged 53 years. They were the parents of three children, William being the youngest. He remained with his parents until he was twenty-one years old, and then sailed for

America, landing in New York in July, 1854; for fifteen months his time was chiefly spent in Wisconsin and Michigan, engaged in the lumber business. In 1859, he came to Cass County, where he has since remained, engaged in agricultural pursuits. He is now the owner of 480 acres of good land. In Cass County, Dec. 26, 1858, he married Miss Elizabeth Yeck, who has borne him eight children, viz.: Mary, William, Louis, Matilda, Lizzie, Emma, Anna and Frank. Mr. and Mrs. Kirchner are members of the German Lutheran Church. Mr. Kirchner, as a farmer, is practical and prosperous; as a citizen he is enterprising and progressive, and, together with his estimable wife, are intelligent and esteemed citizens. He is a Democrat.

JOHN H. KINNEY, furniture and agricultural implements ; was born in Chicago, Feb. 18, 1849, to John and Harriet (Smith) Kinney ; he, born in Ireland, emigrated to America, and settled near Chicago, dying July 29, 1849 ; she, born in Ohio, in March 17, 1833, and died July, 1878 ; was the mother of two children, John H. being the youngest. When he was two years of age, he was given by his mother to his uncle, Seth Houston, and remained with him to the time of his death, which occurred in 1881. At the age of fourteen, Mr. Kinney began farming on his own account in Cass County, and continued the same until 1877, when he removed to Mason Co., and there also engaged in agricultural pursuits. Jan. 37, 1883, sold his farm in Mason Co. and removed to Chandlerville, where he engaged in partnership with Mr. A. G. Colson, in a large furniture and agricultural implement business. Mr. Kinney retained a fitie farm of 100 acres, which he rents. May 20, 1869, he married Miss Sarah R. Keeth, a native of Mason Co., 111., born Feb. 4, 1846, daughter of Zeph. and Luzannah Keeth. Mr. and Mrs. Kinney are the parents of 6 children, 4 of whom are living : Mary E.,

Chandlerville Precinct

Lotta, and Luzaiinah E. He is a member of the Gc»jd Templars, and self and wife are connected with the Cumberland Presbyterian church. Politically, he is identified with the prohibition ])arty.

GENERAL C. E. LIPPINCOTT, retired physician ; ex-auditor-general ; was born at Edwardsville, 111., on January 36, 1825, and is the son of Thomas Lippincott and Catherine n^e Leggett. His father removed to Illinois in 1818, and took a conspicuous stand against slavery. He afterward became a Presbyterian minister, and remained such until his death, which occurred in April, 1869. Mr. Lippincott's mother was the daughter of Major Abraham Leggett, of Revolutionary fame, and was married in 1831. Our subject after dividing his time between school and farm life for some years, went to the little village of Collinsonville, on the bluffs opposite St. Louis, and in company with several other young men, rented a house, worked for his means, and entered upon a systematic course of preparation for college. He afterward entered Illinois College, but being compelled to abandon his course before completing it, did not obtain his degree until some years later. In the spring of 1849 he graduated from the St. Louis Medical College. After he graduated he located at Chandler, ville, and engaged in the practice of his profession. In the spring of 1852, owing to his failing health. Dr. Lippincott visited California. He remained there five years. While there Dr. Lippincott was elected to the senate by a large majority, and after serving out his term of two years, was re-nominated, but through trickery was defeated. In 1857, he returned to his home in Illinois and resumed his profession. At the breaking out of the Rebellion he raised almost an entire company, and after the quota of the State was filled, again resumed his practice. After the battle of Bull Run, he immediately wrote to Governor Yates tendering himself to the service in any capacity. The answer came, " Bring men." He enlisted a full company in one week, known as Company K of the Thirtythird Illinois Infantry, and was elected Captain. At the organization of the regiment, he was tendered the Lieutenant-Colonelcy by Governor Yates, but declined. Within six weeks after he entered the service he had a desperate fight, with but half his company against 300 rebels under General Jeff. Thompson. He was in command of the Thirtythird regiment from the spring of 186"-i till the fall of Mobile. He was commissioned Captain of Company K, September 18, 1861; Lieutenant-Colonel, March 1, 1863; Colonel, September 5, 1862. Was mustered out September 16, 1865, as Brigadier-General. Upon his return to his home. General Lippincott was nominated Republican candidate for congress; the district had a Democratic majority of over 3,000, and he was defeated by about 500. In January, 1867, he was elected Secretary of the Illinois Senate ; and during the session was chosen door-keeper of the House of Representatives at Washington. Before the expiration of that congress he was elected Auditor of Public Accounts of Illinois, and qualified during the first week of January, 1869, and was re-elected in 1873. He was married on December 25, 1851, to Miss Emily Webster Chandler, daughter of one of the earliest settlers of Cass County, a celebrated physician.

WILLIAM DUDLEY LEEPER, deceased; was a native of Greene County, Ky. ; born Feb. 17, 1817, and was a son of Robert A., and Frances (Summers) Leeper; the former was born in Kentucky, and emigrated to Illinois in 1829, and came to Cass County in 1830, settling near Chandlerville; the latter (Mrs. Leeper) was also a native of Kentucky. They had nine children, of whom the subject was the second, and the eldest son. He was educated principally in the common schools of the county, and remained with his parents to the time of their death. Of the entire family but one is now living - Robert, in California. Mr. Leeper, during his life, followed farming and stock-dealing, and by strict integrity and business energy amassed considerable wealth. He was married June 17, 1858, in Beardstown. His second wife was Mary Hermyer, a native of Germany, and was born Sept. 30, 1832. She was a daughter of Henry Hermyer, who was born in Germany, and came to Beardstown at an early day. By his first marriage Mr. Leeper had three children. viz.: George W., Albert A. and Arthur. By his second marriage he had two children - Mary E. and Henry S. Mrs. Leeper and her daughter are members of the Christian church.

JACOB METZMAKER, Jr., proprietor Park House, Chandlervilie; was born in Augusta County, Va. on the 1 6th of January, 1844, and is the son of Jacob and Susan (Chapman) Metzmaker. Jacob, Sr., was born in Augusta County, Va, Jan. 1, 1803; he emigrated with his family to Cass County, and settled in Virginia in the fall of 1855. His business is that of a farmer, at which he still continues in his seventy-ninth year. His wife, and mother of our subject, was born in Rockingham County, Va., in 1802, and died in Cass County in 1871; she was the mother of twelve children, ten girls and two boys. Jacob, Jr., our subject, was the ninth child. His education was advanced in Augusta County, as he says, "as far as the single rule of three." He also attended the High School at Virginia, Cass County; he remained with his parents until he was twenty-one years of age, and then embarked on his career in life as a farmer. He continued farming until 1881, when he came to Chandlervilie and bought the Park House. He was married Nov. 15, 1867, to Priscilla Evans, a native of Morgan County ; she has borne him the following children: Ethel G., born Feb 5, 1869; Veffie G., born March 5, 1870; Otto O., born July 1, 1871; Eulalie, born May 7, 1875. Mr. Metzmaker served the people of Virginia as Precinct Constable and City Police, and is filling the same office in Chandlervilie to the entire satisfaction of the community. He has the only public place of entertainment of the place; by careful management and study of the needs of the traveling public, he is making a success of the business. Mr. Metzmaker is a Republican; he is a stirring, energetic man, who has been careful to dabble in no business to bring his name into disrepute, and as a consequence he enjoys an honorable name and reputation.

CHARLES McKEE, lumber merchant, Chandlervilie, was born in Bristol, Connecticut, Sept. 3, 1833, to Levi and Sophia (Alcott) McKee; he was born in Connecticut, and emigrated to Illinois in 1843, settling in Hancock County, and in 1846 removed to Cass County; was a wagon-maker, and died in Chandlervilie. His wife, the mother of our subject, was a native of Connecticut, and died in 1877; she was the mother of nine children, of whom Charles was the sixth. At about twenty years of age he apprenticed himself at the wagon-maker's trade, and worked at the same until 1860, when he engaged as clerk in a drug store in Chandlervilie, and continued for about four years. In 1864 he went west to Kansas and Iowa, where he clerked for about two and a half years. In 1867 he returned to Chandlervilie, and in 1876 engaged in partnership with Mr. Goodell, in the lumber business. In 1860 he married Ellen Thompson, a native of Ireland; born in 1843 and dying in 1863; leaving two children, one of whom is still living: Robert J. Mr. McKee is a Mason, a member of the Congregational church, and a Republican.

W. K. MERTZ, banker, ChandlerviUe; he was born in Beardstown, Cass Co., Dec. 18, 1853, to J. Henry and Louisa E. (Hardt) Mertz; he was born in Germany, in 1810, emigrated to America in ISoO, and settled in Williamsburg', N. Y., but soon after removed to Chicago, where he remained but one year, when he removed to Beardstown, Cass Co., dying in 1875 ; his wife, the mother of our subject, was also born in Germany, in 1814, and is now residing in Beardstown, enjoying good health; she is the mother of six children, of whom W. K. is the fifth. Our subject for several years clerked at various places, and in April, 1873, came to ChandlerviUe and entered the employ of Lippincott, Chandler & Co, bankers, and remained with them until they sold out, in February, 1881, when he became a partner in the firm of Petefish, Skiles & Mertz, and has since conducted the business. On June 23, 1870, he married Miss Kate Norton, in Cass County, daughter of P. T. Norton, of ChandlerviUe. She died May 5, 1881, leaving one child, William Norton. Mr. Mertz is Township Treasurer, and a member of the town board. Politically, he is a Republican.

GOTTLIEB NOLLSCH, farmer, P. O., ChandlerviUe, whose portrait appears in this work, was born April 3, 1832, in Dtlrnau, Wurtemberg, Germany. His parents, John R. and Elizabeth (Gerber) NoUsch, kept a hotel and bakery. They had eleven children, as follows: John L., living in this county; John P., in Quincy, 111.; Mary, deceased;. John E., deceased; Mary Duchardt, Qass county; John, Springfield; Gottlieb, this county; Lena Eckart, this county; Thomas, Montgomery County, Kansas; Frederick, deceased, in August, 1841. Mr. NOllsch's parents removed to Illinois, and settled three miles from the present site of Virginia. Gottlieb remained at home, working on the farm, until he was about twenty-six years old. On

March 13, 1848, he was married to Miss Dorothy Lutz, daughter of Laurence Lutz, who is of French birth. Her parents removed to this county in 1837. Mr. NOllsch had born to him six children, as follows: Laurence, borv Dec. 11, 1851; infant, Nov. 7, 1853, died a.\ birth; William Henry, March 23, 1855; Gott. lieb Benjamin, April 13, 1857, deceased Oc. tober, 1859; Carl Edward, June 19, 1859, deceased January, 1869; Gottlieb Benjamin, March 2, 1863. His oldest son, Laurence, was married March 11, 1873, to Martha E. Jokisch. They have five children: Susan, Louisa, Bismark, Charley and Albert. In 1851, Mr. Nollsch bought his first land, one hundred and sixty acres, and he began buying and feeding cattle and hogs. He paid off the first purchase, and has since continued to add to the farm, until at present he owns eight hundred and forty-five acres of land, under a high state of cultivation. The famly residence is a beautiful and commodious brick structure, built by the design of Mr. Nollsch. On Sept. 24, 1804, Mrs. Nollsch was called to leave her companion and children. She was a member of the Gorman Methodist church from childhood. On Nov. 28, 1804, Mr. Nollsch was again married to Mrs. Catharine Mauler, widow of Henry Mauler, and daughter of John and Barbara Hobig. She had two children by her first husband, Amelia E., born July 5, 1858, Caroline, May 15, 1860. By this wife, Mr. Nollsch has born to him seven children: Annie Margaret, born Oct. 8, 1865; Mary Magdaline, Feb. 10, 1867; Adolph Walter, Nov. 22, 1868; George Thomas, Oct. 18, 1870; George Herman, March 33, 1873; Alfred, Dec. 5, 1876; Phillip, July 13, 1879. Mr. Nollsch and lady are members of the German Methodist Church, in which denomination they have faithfully served their Master, the former for thirty-four years, and the latter twenty-eight years. PIUS NEFF, merchant; ChandlerviUe; was born in Germany, April 29, 1834, to Ignatz and Mary A. (Bower) Neff. Our subject attended the common schools of Germany until he was ten years of age, when with his parents he emigrated to Pennsylvania, where he succeeded in acquiring a good business education. At the age of twentythree he began working upon a farm, which he continued for several years, when he entered the store of J. J. Mish, of Peoria, as Clerk, where he continued until 1863, when he started a grocery store in Peoria. In 1864 he sold out his business, and removed to Chandlerville, where he has since remained enaraged in mercantile business, being one of the leading business men of Chandlerville. In 1857, in Pennsylvania, he married Miss Elizabeth Glaus, a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1833. She is the mother of eleven children, six of whom are now living, viz.: Mary, wife of Jacob Euteneuer, of Havana, 111.; Frank, George, Gustavus, William, and Leo. The father of our subject was born in Germany, in 1800, and died in 1871. He was in the old country a potter, and in America followed farming; he came to America in 1844. The mother of our subject was born in Germany in 1802, and is now residing in Pennsylvania, enjoying good health; she is the mother of eleven children, of whom Pius Neff was the sixth. He has been School Treasurer of Chandlerville Township for ten years, and still holding that office. He has held Town Board office six times, and acted as President of the Board for three terms. Our subject and family are members of the Catholic church. Politically, he is a Democrat. When Mr. Neff first came, he was one of the Board of School Directors, and with the other members, was influential in building the large and commodious school house of the city.

April 18, 1841, to William and Sarah (Gibson) Neill. William Neill, our subject's father, was born in Pennsylvania, in February 1807; removed to Ohio at an early day, and from Ohio to Illinois in 1848, and settled in Morgan County, where he is now residing; has followed the occupation of a farmer, but is now retired. His wife, and mother of our subject, was born in Ohio, in 1812, and is still living; she is the mother of twelve children, of whom William, our subject, and John F., of Arcadia, 111., are living. Our subject lived at home till he was twenty-one years of age, when he enlisted in Co. G,Thirty- fourth Illinois, under command of Col. Ed. P. Kirk, and served for seven months. He then returned to Morgan County, and was apprenticed to the harness maker's trade, and worked there for about one and a half years. In May, 1865, he moved to Chandlerville, where he worked as a journeyman at his trade for several years, and in 1870 opened a harness shop there. In 1876 he was appointed postmaster, which office he is now holding; he also works some at his trade; and also does some first class job printing, for the accommodation of the business men of town and vicinity; and also keeps a stationery and cigar store, in connection with his other business. On Feb. 21, 1866, he married Maria J. Parr, a native of Illinois, daughter of Oliver Parr (deteased). Mr. and Mrs. Neill are the parents of one child, Fred; born May 24, 1879. Mrs. Neill is a member of the Congregational Church, and Mr. Neill of the Methodist. He is a Republican, and cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln, the first time be ran.

PHILO T. NORTON, tin and hardware; Chandlerville; was born in Wheeling, Va., April 29, 1826, to Thomas P. and Mary E. (Goldenborough) Norton; he, born in Massachusetts, and emigrated to Burton, O., in 1812 removed to Pittsburg, Pa., in 1822 removed to Wheeling, Va., and in 1844 emigrated to Cass County, and settled in Beardstowu, where he remained to the time of liis death, which occurred in 1853; his Nvit'e was also a native of Wheeling, where she died, and was the mother of seven children, Philo T. being the oldest. He was a cabin-boy on a steamer on the Ohio, and at the age of eighteen years came with his parents to Beardstown, Cass County, and with his father, started a tin and hardware store. In 1859 he came to Chandlerviile, where he also engaged in the tin business, being one of the leadinff business men of the town. In 1852, in Beardstown, he married Miss Mary E. Clark, a native of Beardstown, who is now dead; she was the mother of four children, two of whom are now living: Charles C. and Emma. In Beardstown Mr. Norton acted as Marshal for two years (in 1853 and 1858), and also Deputy Sheriff and Coroner for eight vears, beinff elected in 184G; he is a member of the A. F. and A. M., and a Democrat.

CAPT. SHERMAN PADDOCK, retired sea captain, Chandlerviile; was born in Middletown, Conn., June 4, 1831, to Joseph and Mary H. (Austin) Paddock; he, born in Connecticut in October, 1798; followed the occupation of a farmer, and died in his native State Dec. 6, 1877; his wife, the mother of our subject, was born in Connecticut, May 3, 1799, and died in the same State Jan. 8,1881; she was the mother of five children, of whom the Captain was the fourth. He received his education in the schools of his native county, and at the age of fourteen made his first voyage to the island of Santa Cruz. At the age of seventeen was second mate of a vessel, and at the age of eighteen became first mate, and continued as first mate until he was twenty-two years of age, at which time he became master, and served in that position until July 15, 1879 on different classes of vessels. The Captain has made many trips to Europe, South America, the East Indies, and, in fact, to nearly all parts of the world. During his sea life he became interested in the ownership of several vessels, and is at the present time part owner in several vessels. In 1879 he made up his mind to retire from sea life, and in August of that year, removed his family to his present residence, it being his intention to remain here until the Supreme Captain of the Watch should call him to his last " eight bells below." The Captain enjoys good health, and is considered one of the substantial men of Cass County. In 1853, he was married to Miss Henrietta Spencer, a native of Middletown, Conn. She died in 1870, leaving two children : Carry, residing in Middletown, Conn., and Frederick S., of Connecticut. July 28, 1880, he married Caroline Joeckel, a native of Indiana. Politically, is identified with the Democratic party. In his sea life he never met with an accident. His oldest brother was one of the oldest settlers of Chandlerviile.

JEPTHA PLASTER, retired farmer; P. O. Chandlerviile; he was born on ^le 19th day of March, 1837, in Robertson County, Tenn., and is the son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Batts) Plaster. Thomas Plaster, his father, was born in Robertson County, Tenn., on the Gth day of May, 1803; emigrated to Cass County, 111., in 1838, where he entered a small tract of land. He followed farming until his death, which occurred May 30, 1858. He served in the " Black Hawk " war. His mother was born in Robertson County, Tenn., in 1803, and died in 1853. Mr. Plaster's early education was quite limited, although later in life he succeeded in gaining a good practical business education. ^.& followed farming, until the spring of 1881, with the exception of about one year, while he was engaged in mining in California. In 1880, he erected, by his own design, a large commodious residence in Chandlerviile, where he now resides. He is now the owner of about 900 acres of land, the most of which is under a hiu-h state of cultivation. Our subject was married in Mason County, Oct. 14, 1858, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of John and Rosanna (Adkins) Johnson. Mrs. Plaster was born in Cass County, on the 15th of March, 1838. Mr. Plaster was elected, and served the people four years, as Associate Justice.

A. M. PENDLETON, dealer in grain and agricultural implements, Chandlerville ; was born in Monroe County, Mo., Dec. 28, 1840, to John and Elizabeth (Odell) Pendleton. John Pendelton was born in Culpepper County, Va., Aug. 1, 1805 ; emigrated to Missouri in 1830, where he is now residing, engaged in farming. His wife, the mother of our subject, was born in Rappahannock, Va., Aug. 22, 1812, and died in 1871. She was the mother of ten children, of whom Arthur M. was the third ; of the ten children but four are now living. At about the age of twentyone years, he entered as clerk in a drug store in Paris, Mo., where he continued until about the time of the war. In 1861, he enlisted in the Third Missouri Reg. State Troops, and served for about fifteen months. After his return from the armj', he again engaged as clerk in a dry goods store at St. Louis, and various other places. In 1867, he removed to Illinois, and engaged in teaching school in Menard and Cass Counties, and in Chandlerville High School, of which he was Principal for three years and a half. In 1879, he engaged in the grain and agricultural implement business. In 1869, he married Miss Hester Hewitt, a native of New Jersey ; born Nov. 9, 1843 ; she is the mother of three children, two of whom are living : Stella, aged ten years, and Arthur M., jr., aged eight. Is a member of the A. F. and A. M.; is Secretary of the Lodge. He has held the office of Village Clerk for two years. Politically, Democratic.

N. S. READ, M. D., Chandlerville, was born in Ashtabula County, O., July 25, 1820, to Ira and Mary (Smith) Read; he, born in Tyringham, Mass., Feb. 25, 1790; he was a farmer; emigrated to Ohio about 1815, and died Oct. 31, 1861; she was born in Tyringham, Mass., July 23, 1790, and died April 21, 18G9; was the mother of six children, four boys and two girls, N. S. being the third. Of the six children, five are now living. In 1811, our subject began the study of medicine, with his brother, A. N. Read, of Norwalk, O. In 1843 entered the medical college at Cleveland, O., and graduated in 1844; His first practice of his profession was in Ashtabula County, O. In 1846 he removed to Geauga County, O., where be remained until 1852, when he removed to Illinois and settled in Chandlerville, his present residence, where he has since remained. Oct. 1, 1811^, in Geauga County, O., he married Miss Lydia C. Canfield, a native of Geauga Cjuiity, born Jan. 11, 1826. She is the daughter of Orin and Anna (Beard) Canfield. Mr. and Mrs. Read are the parents of five children, two of whom are now living: Ira, and Lucy, wife of John Morse, of Chandlerville. He is an active member of the A. F. & A. M., and of the Chapter. Self and family are members of the Congregational Church, and he has acted as superintendent of the Sunday school for twenty-nine consecutive years. Politically, he is a Republican. Is a member of the Morgan County Medical Society, the Illinois State Society, and the American Medical Association. PETER W. RICKARD, farmer; P. O. Chandlerville; is a native of Windham County, Connecticut. He was born Aug. 26, 1823, and is the son of Peter and Mary (Heley) Rickard. His father was born in Massachusetts, in 1769, and died in July, 1823. He was killed in the Revolutionary war. His mother was also a native of Massachusetts. She was born in 1783, and died in 1852. Peter W. was educated in Connecticut in the Duley and Thompson Academies. His early life was spent at the home of his brother-in-law, Erastus Childs. In ]8J:-i, he came to Cass County, where he has since remained, engaged in teaching school, merchandising and farming. At the present time he is tilling the soil of 230 acres of well improved land. In 184Q he was married to Miss Elizabeth Peas, who bore him one child, Henry, now living in Morgan County- He married a second time, Mary Harbison, who died a few years afterward, and in 1859 he married Mary C. Taylor, who has borne him six children, viz.: Charles E., John T., Frank M., Emma and James A. Mr. Rickard is a Republican, and he and Mrs. Rickard are members of the Congregational Church.

JOSEPH RAWORTH, farmer; P. O. (/handlerville; was born in Sheffield, England, Dec. 30, 1820, and is the eldest of two children, born to Ebenezer H. and Sarah (Wing) Raworth, natives of England. Ebenezer H. Raworth, who was a grocer, died Aug. 11, 1858, aged sixty-six years, and was interred at the Cemetery Church, Sheffield, England; his wife, born in 1799, died in 1824. Joseph received his primary education in the parish schools, finishing at Mooregate Academy, near Rotherham, England. In 1844, he came to America, landed in New Orleans the fifth of April that year, engaged in steamboating two years, taught school three months in 184G, to Scott County, Ills., and began farming, and in 1860 came to this county. He has since followed farming in this county, and now has 105 acres here and 320 acres in Nebraska, all of which has been made by his own labors, he having had only a crown in his pocket when he landed in New Orleans. He married in Mason County, Ills., in August 1857, Alice Tomlinson, a native of England, born in February, 1832. From this union six children have been born: Ebenezer, Mary, John, Emeline (deceased), Elizabeth, and Richard D. Mr. Raworth is a Greenbacker; he and his wife are Methodists.

ALFRED T. SMITH, miller, Chandlerville; was born in Chemung County, N. Y., Jan. 20, 1831; to Samuel and Anna (Roads) Smith. Samuel Smith was born in New York, November 27, 1790; removed to Illinois in fall of 1837, and settled in Menard County, where he followed the occupation of a farmer; in 1852 he removed to this county, where he also engaged in farming; he died Jan. 21, 1871?; he was in the war of 1812. His wife, and mother of our subject, was born in Duchess County, N. Y., January 15, 1802, and died July 11, 1870; she was the mother of ten children, five boys and five girls, all of whom lived to maturity. Of the ten children, Alfred T. was the fifth child. When six years of age he came to Illinois with his parents, and at the age of twenty-two engaged as a farm hand; he continued in that occupation about three years; then followed the trade of house painting in this county, until 1879, when he engaged in the milling business with Mr. W. W. Baker, at Chandlerville; the present firm is Smith and Carr; their mill is called Chandlerville Mills, and makes the well known brand of "Gilt Edge," flour in which they have a large trade. The mill has now a capacity of fourteen barrels per day, and they intend enlarging and improving it. April 15, 1866, he married Miss Laura J. Chapman, a native of Illinois, born Sept. 24, 1842, daughter of Jesse M., and Margaret (McGahan) Chapman; he, born March 4, 1794, died November 5, 1871; she, born August 8, 1800, died April 27, 1848. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have five children: Albert, Charles C, Anna M., Laura and Edward. He is independent in politics.

B. H. SHANKLAND, retired farmer; P. O. Chandlerville; was born in Nicholas County, Ky., Nov. 23, 1843, son of A. G. and Judith (Stoops) Sliankland. He, A. G., was a native of Nicholas County, Ky., and was married Doc. 29, 1825, moving to Brown County,

III., in 1853, where he remained till 185(5, when he moved to his late residence, where he lived till death called him away. May 7, 1881, aged 74 years. He raised a family of nine children, four girls and five boys, all of whom are living, except one, Mrs. James Plew, who died three years ago. Mr. Shankland was a useful and consistent member of the Methodist Church for over fifty years, and was loved and respected by all who knew him. His wife, who is still living in Brown County, was also a native of Nicholas County, Ky., and was born within 11 days of the birth of her husband. At the age of 19, our subject left home, and began farming on his own account, but removed in 1874 to this county. In April, 18S1, he retired from farming, and removed to Chandlerville. He owns about 600 acres of land. April 3, 1861, he married Miss Henrietta Briggs, a native of Brown County, who died in 1871, leaving five children, only one of whom is now living, Laura Belle, born Nov. 24, 1871. Feb. 2, 1876, he married Mrs. Elizabeth Dick, of Menard County, daughter of William and Jane Peak, natives of Kentucky. Two children are the result of this union: Lee, born May 30, 1878, and Ora, born May 20, 1881. Mr. Shankland served in the late war about six months, as a member of Company F, 135th Reg. Ind. Vol. He and wife are Methodists, and he is an A. F. and A. M., and a Democrat.

THOMAS P. TAYLOR, retired merchant, Chandlerville; was born in Lancashire, England, June 18, 1828, to Mark and Ann (Scott) Taylor; he, born in Lancashire, England, in J 779, and died in 1844; she, born in Lancashire, England, in 1789, and died in 1864; she was the mother of thirteen children, of whom Thomas was the eighth. He began working in a cotton factory when eight years old, and was principally engaged in the factory until he was twenty-two years of age, when he came to America, and made his first stop in

Delaware County, Penn., and engaged in a woolen mill. In 1853, he went to Pottsville, Penn., and from there to Delaware, and then returned to Pennsylvania and remained about twelve months. In 1855, he removed to Illinois, and settled in Morgan County. In March, 1850, he removed to Cass County, and settled on the bottom lands, and engaged with one Mr. Fielding upon a farm, until 1802, when he bought a farm of about 250 acres in Cass County, and began farming on his own account. In 1877 he removed to Chandlerville, and engaged in mercantile Ijusiness, which he continued until April, 1882, when he sold his business to Mr. Morse, and retired from active labor. In July, 1862, he married Miss Ann Fielding, a native of England; born Feb. 28, 1821; a daughter of James and Betty (Bellfield) Fielding. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor were the parents of one child, who is dead. Our subject and wife are members of the Baptist Church. Politically, he is a Republican.

Z. A. THOMPSON, merchant; Chandlerville; was born in Petersburgh, 111., Dec. 27, 1858, to Aaron and Amanda ( Flinn ) Thompson ; his father was born in New Jersey, Jan. 28, 1810; was a sea captain and emigrated to Illinois about 1830, settling in Sangamon County, and removed to Menard County in 1835, where he is still residing, engaged extensively in stock raising and farming. His wife, the mother of our subject, was born in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, Sept. 22, 1837, and is the mother of five children, of whom L. A. Tliompson is the second child. In addition to the ordinary schools, he attended the Illinois College from 1874 to 1877, and in 1878 he entered the University of Ann Arbor, Mich., where he studied law. In 1879, he engaged in the mercantile business at Chandlerville, where he has since remained engaged in the same business, and is at the present time considered one of the leading business

PETER VOLLMERR, grocer; Chandlerville; was born in Hanover, Germany, Aug. 6, 1848, to Peter and Margaret (Klinck) Volluierr; he was born in G(Mman\', where he followed the occupation of a farmer, dying in 1881, aged eighty years. His wife, the mother of our subject, was also a native of Germany, where she died when Peter was an infant. They were the parents of six boys and one girl, our subject being the only one in America. He left his home when he was twenty years of age, and landed in New York, Dec. 14, 1808; then went to Charleston, South Carolina, where he remained two years. In 1870 he came to Chandlerville, where he engaged as a farm hand for about four years, when he built a fine brick block, and started in the grocery business, where he also conducts a bakery. He has met with good success, having commenced poor, and is now among the leading businessmen of Chandlerville. He was married in Cass County in 1876, to Miss Lettie Durring, a native of Germany, who is the mother of two children: Alice and John. He and wife are members of the German Lutheran Church; and he is a Democrat.

WILLIAM L. WAY, grain dealer, Chandlerville; was born in Crawford County, Ind., Nov. 3, 18-23, to Samuel and Ruth (Parr) Way. Samuel Way was born in Bristol, England; emigrated to Philadelphia, Pa., Aug. 18, 1819, and settled in Crawford County, Ind., where he married ; he came to this county in November, 1837, where he followed farming to the time of his death, which occurred in 183G ; his wife was born in Adair County, Ky., and died in Chandlerville, this countv, in April, 1864; she was the mother of seven children, five boys and two girls, our subject being the oldest. At twenty-four years of age he engaged as clerk in a store in Morgan County, 111., and after two years went to Beardstown, where he was engaged by John McDonald, as dry goods and grocery clerk. He remained with Mr. McDonald as clerk, one year, when the latter started him in business in Chandlerville under the firm name W. L. Way & Co., and after continuing under that name three years, Mr. Way bought out the interest of his employer, and carried on the business alone until 1865, when he sold out and went to Iowa, where he sold goods and packed pork. In 1867 he returned to Chandlerville, where he has since remained, engaged in the grain and mercantile business. He was married in this county in 1804, to Emeline, daughter of David Carr, and a native of this county. They have three boys : David Henry, assisting his father in the grain business, Thomas Edward and William Carr, also assisting their father. He is a member of the A. F. and A. M., and I. O. O. F.

ELIJAH WATKINS, livery and sale stable, Chandlerville; was born in Cass County, 111., Feb. 3, 1859, and is the son of William and Emeline (Hinchee) Watkins. His early life was spent in receiving such an education as the common schools of his native county afforded, and assisting in tilling the soil of his father's farm. Being raised on a farm, Mr. Watkins in 1879 began farming on his own account, working a farm of sixty-five acres. In 1883 he bought, of Mr. Philo T. Norton, the sale and livery stable which he is now managing. By careful management, and study of the needs of the traveling public, he is making a success of this business. In 1879, he was married to Miss Anna Cone. Two children are the result of this union, viz.: Ora Lee, and an infant (unnamed).

FRANK ZILLION, farmer, P.O.Virginia; is a native of Prussia, Germany; born Aug. 24, 1835; son of Godfried and Louisa (Prong) Zillion, natives of Germany, where they both died. He is the fifth child of a family of eight children, and received his education in ^the common schools of his native land. At the age of sixteen he apprenticed to the blacksmith's trade, at which he worked till 1855, when he emigrated to America, and landed in New York; moved to Illinois the same week; worked at Quincy at his trade for about a month, then came to this county, settled in Virginia, and worked by the month on a farm for three years. In 1858, he rented land in Sangamon County, 111., which he farmed two years, then came back to this county and enlisted in the 6th 111. Cavalry, and after serving four years and two months, returned to tliis county, where he bought eighty acres of land, and has since followed farming. During his services he took part under Gen. Hunt, in the engagements around Nashville, Tenn. He married in this county in 18G6, Kate Yeomens ; they have nine children, of whom seven are living, viz.: Joseph, Charles, Willie, Eliza, Frank, John, and Kate. Mr. Zillion is a Republican.

Ashland Precinct

ISAAC N. BEAVER, druggist, Ashland, was born in Champaign County, Ohio, January 3, 1833, to Isaac and Rachael (Boj-er) Beaver, natives of Virginia. His father was born January 5, 1793, and was a farmer by occupation ; his death occurred May 1, 1847; his wife died in 1839, aged about thirty-five years; she was the mother of eight children, of whom Isaac was the sixth child. When he was thirteen years of age, he engaged to learn the trade of a tanner, at which business he remained about nine years, after which he farmed ten or fifteen years, and then entered the drug business. In the spring of 18S0, he came to Ashland, this county, where he purchased the drug business of B. C. Randall, and has since continued in that business, at which he has been more than ordinarily successful, and has built up a large and steadily increasing business. He was married in Champaign County, Ohio, March 7, 1854, to Miss Ruannah Hess, who was born in Seneca County, Ohio, June 26, 1832; she is the mother of six children, of whom three are still living, the balance of whom died in infancy; those living are Ella, wife of Dr. Shannon, of Industry., Ill; Romanus, living at home and interested in the drug business with his father; Orra, residing at Industry, engaged in the drug business, with his brother-in-law. Dr. Shannon. Mrs. Beaver is a daughter of Abraham and Sarah (Zerkle) Hess, natives of Virginia, and of German descent; both still living near Industry, Illinois. Mr. Beaver has been an active member of the fraternity of A. F. and A. M. for about 26 j'ears, and has held offices of more or less importance about one-half of the time. Politically he has been a life long Republican; always takes a part in any county enterprise that favors the interest of the county, such as churches, schools, and all other public improvements.

JOHN BLANK, hardware merchant; Ashland; was born in Germany, Nov. 15, 1840; received his education in his native land, and assisted in a bakery until he was seventeen years of age, when he emigrated to America, and located at Quincy, Illinois, where he remained about five years, and during the time learned the trade of a tinner. In 1871 he removed to Ashland, and worked for a Mr. Cullum, whom he bought out, and continued the business upon his own account; at present his store is well stocked with the goods usually found in a hardware store and tinshop combined. He was married Nov. 25, 1867, to Almira Best, who was born in Cass County, June 19, 1850; she is the mother of four children: Leonia, Delia, Gertrude and John. Mrs. Blank is a daughter of "Wilson J. and Nancy (Miller) Best. John Blank, Senior, was a native of Germany, a farmer by occupation, and died in 1864, aged sixty years. Christenia Blank, his wife, was also a native of Germany, and died in 1847, aged about fifty-two years; they bad six children, of whom John was the youngest. Although he is a man not much interested in politics, his sympathies are ^N-ith the Republican party.

ALONZO F. BURNHAM, physician and surgeon, Ashland ; was born in Mason County, 111. June 29, 1853 ; son of Henry C. and Angeline (Currier) Burnham. Henry C. Burnham, a farmer by occupation, was born at Hampton, Windham Co., Conn., .Ian. 30, 1826, and has, since 1853, resided in Salt Creek Township, Mason Co., 111. ; his wife was born at Canandaigua, Ontario Co., N. Y., Dec. 16, 1835 ; they are the parents of seven children. The doctor received his primary education in the country schools, and afterward attended an academy, after which he taught school and worked on the farm. At the age of twenty-two he began the study of medicine with Dr. J. P. Walker, of Mason City, 111.; and attended the Rush Medical College three winter terms and one summer term, and graduated in 1878. He came to Ashland, April 3, 1878, and entered into partnership with Dr. John Walker ; they practiced in company until October, 1880, when, on account of ill health, Dr. Walker retired from the practice of his profession, and Dr. Burnham has since practiced alone, meeting with good success. He was married Oct. 29, 1879, in Mason Co., 111., to Emma Blunt, a native of that county, born .Jan. 3, 1859, daughter of A. A. and Martha A. (Trailer) Blunt ; he was born in Hart Co., Ky., Feb. 21, 1831 ; she was born in Springfield, 111., June 23, 1831 ; from this union they have had one child, P. Garfield, born April 4, 1881, died Aug. 2, 1881. The doctor is a Republican and a member of the I. O. O. F., the K. of H. and the A. O. F.

JOHN BEGGS, farmer and stock-dealer; P. O. Ashland; was born in Morgan County, Illinois, Aug. 7, 1831. At the age of eighteen he began farming in Morgan County, where he remained until 1858, when he removed to his present place of residence, where he has since remained, engaged more or less extensively in farming and in stock-dealing. His large and commodious farm residence is one of the finest in the county. He has been identified with the Republican party since the days of the old line Whigs. He was married in Cass County, Dec. 18, 1855, to Miss Sailie Sinclair, daughter of Samuel and Malinda (Bird) Sinclair, natives of Kentucky, both deceased. Mrs. Beggs was born in Morgan

County, March 16, 1834. She is the mother of seven children, viz.: Emma, wife of Edward C. Beggs, of Ashland; Anna, Charles S., John T., Nellie, Myra and Samuel W. Charles Beggs, the father of our subject, was born in Rockingham County, Va., Oct. 30, 1775; he was a farmer by occupation, and was a noted politician at an early day, and was a member of the Constitutional Convention that framed the constitution of Indiana; he served several terms in the Legislature of Indiana, and was captain of cavalry in the war of 1812, and was in the engagement at Tippecanoe; his death occurred Oct. 21, 1869. His wife, Mary Ruddell, a native of Hardy Co., Va., was born April 28, 1790, and died Aug. -!, 1871. She was the mother of nine children, of whom John, the subject of the sketch was the youngest. Religiously, himself and wife are connected with the Methodist Church.

JOSEPH BOWERS, farmer, P. O. Ashland, was born in Derbyshire, England, Nov. 26, 1816. His early life was spent in the cotton factories of England, and when tweneight-years of age he emigrated to America, and located at Philadelphia; in 1849 he moved to Cass County, Illinois, and took upon himself the duties of farm life; in 1858 he purchased a quarter section of wild prairie, upon which he now resides. He was married in Cass County, July 19, 1846. His wife, Hannah Gill, was born in Yorkshire, England, March 6, 1817; she has borne him seven children: Richard, a prominent young farmer, living near the homestead; James, in Denver, Colorado, speculating in mines; Mary A., wife of Wat Sinclair; Thomas, farmer, single, living at home; Jennie, wife of John Sinclair, living near home; William, a graduate of the Illinois College, at Jacksonville, a teacher by profession; Joseph, at home. Mrs. Bowers was a daughter of Richard and Betty (Hinchcliff,) Gill, native of England, deceased.

Joseph Bowers, the father of the subject of this sketch, was a native of England, a mechanic by occupation; born March 4, 1790; died April 8, 1854. Betty Howe, his wife, also a native of England; born August 1, 179o; died December 29, 185G; they were the parents of fifteen children, of whom only four are now living, and of whom Joseph is the third child. Mrs. Bowers is a Methodist, and Mr. Bowers has always been identified with the Republican party.

JOHN L. DOUGLASS, retired blacksmith, Ashland; was born at Midison, Jefferson Co., Ind., June 3, 1823; son of Asahel and Jane (Kikindall) Douglass. Asahel, a native of Connecticut, was born May 19, 1791, and died Jan. 21, 1880; his wife, born in Pennsylvania, Nov. 6, 1802, died Nov. 28, 1879; they were the parents of eleven children; John L., when two years of age, went with his parents to Lexington, Ky., thence to Metcalfe Co-, that State, where his youth was spent in assisting his father in his mercantile and trading interests. When about twenty years of age he began blacksmithing with his father, and after having learned the trad(!, came, in 1857, to Virginia, this county, and the following j'ear removed to Ashland, and purchased a shop which had been in operation but a few months. Here he continued in business until 1881. He served as magistrate one year, and is now performing the duties of that office, having been re-elected in the fall of 1881. During the late war, he entered the service in Co. I, 1st I. V. I., under Capt. Jesse F. Newman, the regiment being commanded by Col. Charles Fox, and remained in service three years. In Adair Co., Ky., April 27, 1847, he married America E. Yates, born in Kentucky, May 31, 1831, daughter of Melford and Catherine (Creels) Yates, natives of Adair Co., that State. From this union twelve children have been born, viz.: Melford A., John W. O., Jane C, Onin A. (died July 12,

1858; was the first person who died in Ashland), Louan, Rebecca C, Luthor H., Maud L , Maria O., Mary E., George T., and Reuben C. M". Douglass and wife are connected with the Methodist church; he has been an active member of the L O. O. F., for a number of years; was one of the charter members of Oak Lodge No. 341, at Ashland. He was originally an old line Whig, and is now a Republican.