Cass County, Illinois - The Part of Biography in General History - Citizens of Cass County and Outlines of Personal History - Personal Sketches Arranged in Encyclopedic Order, 1915 (part 2 of 10)

When he was twelve years old, Howard B. Boone had the misfortune to lose his father, and he then came to Chandlerville, Ill., to live with Dr. N. H. Boone, who reared him and to whom Dr. Boone feels he owes a heavy debt. After being graduated from the high school of Chandlerville. Howard B. Boone spent four years in Eureka College, at Eureka, [lL, from which he was graduated in 1898, with the degree of A. B.. and in the fall of that year he entered the medical department of the Northwestern University of Chicago, fron. which he Was graduated June 17, 1807, with the degree of M. D. During his vacations, Dr. Boone improved his time by spending those months in Chicago hospitals. After his graduation in 1897, Dr. H. B. Boone came back to Chandlerville where he immediately entered upon an active practice in conjunction with Dr. N. H. Boone and this association has since continued. He has been a progressive leader in church and public school work and for many years was president of the board of education of Chandlerville. and during his incumbency in that office. the present modern high school building was erected. While a Democrat in his tendencies, Dr. Boone is an independent voter. Understanding the importance of sanitary arrangements. Dr. Boone has done much to improve the building laws of Chandlerville. as evidenced by the new school and church Iuildings. and he is ever to be found on the side of progress. He is a Master Mason, a Modern Woodman. and belongs to other fraternal organizations. Vrofessionally he is a member of the Cass County Medical Society, the Illinois State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. Dr. Boone is a firm believer in and ardent supporter of the faith of the Disciples of Christ. and for sixteen years has been superintendent of the Christian Sunday school of Chandlerville, and for years was president of the Cass County Sunday School Association and is now a member of the executive committee of the same association.

On December 21, 1897, Dr. Boone was married to Una May Hall. a daughter of William and Elizabeth Hall. Mr. Hall was noted as a scientist. and at his death, when Mrs. Boone was a child. Jeft a large geological collection which ix now in the hands of the Hall family at Athens. Ill Dr. and Mrs. Boone have had two sons. Brooks Nathaniel, the eldest and only survivor, was born June 26, 1900. Their second son, who was born two years later, only lived a short time. Dr. Boone owns 240 acres of land near Chandlerville, his residence and another residence property at Chandlerville. He owns stock in and is a director of the Peoples State Bank of Chandleryille, and is a man of substance as well as one of the leading medical men of Cass County.

BOWMAN, William C., is numbered among the older residents of Cass County, Ill., and is one of the best known and most favorably regarded farmers within its limits. He is approaching the half century period of his life in the county, Which began in his early manhood, and after long tilling the soil in this vicinity with successful results. has withdrawn from active pursuits, and is spending the later years of a busy life in leisurely and comfortable reitrement. Having reaped the practical fruits of an industrious career, he is now resting in the enjoyment of a well earned reputation for economy, sobriety, good judgment and honorable dealing.

William C. Bowman is a native of the state of North Carolina, where his birth took place in Alexander County, November 14, 1849. His parents were horn in the same state, his father, Jesse Bowman, being a native of the same county, and his mother, Sarah (Hefner) Bowman, of Catawba County. Both died in North Carolina. Coming to Illinois in 1869, their son, William C.., worked for twelve months on a farm in Cass County, after which he rented different farms for five years. Then, buying forty-six acres lying Dine miles east of the town of Virginia, he started farming for himself and continued until he sold the place about five years later. His next farm comprised eighty acres, and after remaining on it ten years, he disposed of it. purchasing a 1(0-acre farm two miles north of Virsinia. Forty-six acres of this he subsequently traded for forty-nine and one-half acres located half a mile distant. There he lived from 1883 unti] 1901, when he moved into Virginia. although he continued to conduct the farm until the fall of 1911, when he rented the place out and retired from active life. Besides grain farming. he always engaged in raising horses and Poland-China hogs.

Mr. Bowman was first married in October, 1S72. to Melinda Haynes. a native of Illinois, horn in Cass County. They had one son, Carl Theodore. who died in infancy. and the mother died in 1S75. On February 14, 1879. at Jacksonville. TI]... by Rev. David Strain. Mr. Bowman was wedded to Emma Boatman. who was born in Randolph County. Mo.. January 9, 1862, and is a daughter of Nelson and Elizabeth (Todd) Boatman. natives of near Lexington. Kentucky. They came to Cass County. where both died. They had the following children: Della, who becaine Mrs. Edward Millner. of Peoria, Ill... has two children, Eugenia and Virginia M.: William Lee, of Rock Tsland, Ill.: May. who married Howard Jockish. of Cass County, and they have Reta DD Alar. Marjorie G., and Dorothy MWe; Harry.

J., of Rock Island; and Myrtle E., Reta B. and Jessie E., all died in infancy. Politically Mr. Bowman is a Democrat. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he has officiated as a trustee since 1904.

BRANDON, Paris A., M. D., whose success as an eye and ear specialist proves the wisdom on the part of members of the medical profession in devoting their time and attention to specified branches of their calling. Dr. Brandon has made his name known in several Illinois cities, but is now located, his patients trust permanently, at Beardstown. He was born at Rochester, N. Y., October 22, 1830, a son of John and Margaret (Walker) Brandon. The father was born in Monroe County, N. Y., while the mother was a native of Virginia. Until 1844 the father was a farmer, but in that year went to Virginia, where he conducted salt works in Campbell County, that state, for five years. He then went to Bartholomew County, Ind., and bought a tract of land on which was a saw and grist mill, and was engaged in operating these mills until his death, which occurred about nine years later. His widow moved to Decatur, Ill., where she died July 2, 1906, at the extreme old age of ninety-nine years ten months and seven days.

When he was twenty-one years old Paris A. Brandon was graduated from the Mann Medical College at Cincinnati, Ohio, and began practicing at St. Omer, Ind. Two years later he went to Indianapolis. With the first call for troops for the Civil war he enlisted in April, 1861, and was commissioned by Governor Morton of Indiana as surgeon in the Seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry. In 1863, when the company was. re-organized, he continued as surgeon, and remained in the service until September 9, 1865, when he was honorably discharged.

At the battle of Cheat Mountain he was shot in the head. He also participated in the battles of Martinsburg, Phillipi and others of lesser importance. After his discharge he went to North Grove, Ind., and began the practice of his profession, but a year later located at Decatur, where, with two brothers he specialized in diseases of the eye and ear, and conducted a large infirmary. This partnership continued nine years, and then Dr. P. A. Brandon went to Quincy, Ill., where he practiced five years. For the next year he was at Virginia, Cass County, and then located at Beardstown, where he has since continued, devoting himself to diseases of the eye and ear.

Dr. Brandon was married in 1853 to Lodema Lee, a native of St. Omer, Ind., and they had seven children: John L., who is of Pana, IIl.; William S., who is of Lockport, Ill.; Margaret, who is deceased; Caroline, who is deceased; Ada, who is Mrs. Charles Peernot, of Kansas City, Mo.; Dora, who is Mrs. A. L. Coil, of Beardstown ; and Jesse D.. whoisat home. After the death of his first wife, he married (second) Jane Rosenberger, widow of Judge Havkluft, and they had one son, Harry, who is of Pueblo, Colo. The second Mrs. Brandon died December

29, 1872. On January 14, 1902, he married (third) Victoria O. Coil, widow of Jacob Coil. By her first marriage Mrs. Brandon had six children, namely: Lacount, Joseph, Albert S., William Noah and Laura (Mrs. Foree), of Missouri. Dr. Brandon has always been a Deuniocrat. He was made a Mason at Quincy, II1., and has attained to the Royal Arch degree.

BRAUER, Mrs. Anna E. - The lady whose name furnishes the caption of this biographical narrative, one of the most estimable among the many farmers' wives who have managed attractive homes in Cass County, Ill, was born in Menard County, Ill., November 30, 1861. She is the widow of Louis E. Brauer, formerly a well known and prosperous farmer of Cass County, who was born in this county, in the vicinity of the village of Arenzville, July 8, 1854. The father and mother of Louis E. Brauer were natives of Hanover, Germany, whence they emigrated in early life to this country and settled in Illinois.

On reaching manhood, Louis E. Brauer engaged in the work of raising grain and stock. He had received a good common school education in his earlier life. He was married on Novenber 5, 1879, in Menard County, by Rev. William Fotsch, to Anna E. Blome. Soon after marriage they moved to Christian County. Ill., where they lived seven years on a farm. Returning at the end of this period, first to the Baxter place, in Cass County, he later settled on another farm, of 239 acres, where he remained twenty-two years, when death terminated his career. June 27,1912. He was buried in the Hickey cemetery. Politically, Louis E. Brauer was connected with the Republican party, and served in the capacity of school director about eight years. In religious belief he was an adherent of the Methodist church.

Mrs. Brauer's parents were George and Elizabeth (Moral) Blome, natives of Hesse Cassel, Germany, whence they emigrated, in 1855, to Beardstown, Ill., from which place they moved to a farm which Mr. Blome bought in Menard County. This farm Mr. Blome still owns, but on account of the poor health of Mrs. Brauer's mother they prefer to make their home with her daughter. Mrs. Brauer, near Oakford. Mrs. Brauer's farm, containing 239 acres, is situated

Julia M., Minnie E., Henry L., Edward C., Elsie L., Louis E. and Anna FE. Of these, three are married and engaged in farming for themselves, while four dwell at home, and two are at Stonington in Christian County.

BRAUER, Henry Louis. - Cass County contains a considerable proportion of the younger element of agriculturists among its representative farmers, and of these not the least worthy of mention is Henry Louis Brauer, an industrious and energetic resident of the vicinity of Oakford. He was born in Cass County, April 18, 1888, and is a son of Louis Ernest Brauer, who was born in the same county, near Arenzville, on July 8, 1854. The maiden name of his mother was Ann Elizabeth Blome, born in Menard County, IIl., November 30, 1861. Louis E. Brauer devoted himself to the cultivation of the soil throughout his active life. He passed away June 27, 1912, respected by all who knew him. After his marriage he moved to Christian County, Ill., where he lived on a farm for seven years, and for five years on a farm west of Chandlerville. He carried on farming on 239 acres of land during a period of twenty-two years, near Oakford, at the end of which time his busy career came to an end. In early life he had acquired a fair common school education. In politics he was connected with the Republican party, and served about six years as school director of his district. He was a member of the Methodist church.

In boyhood Henry Louis Brauer attended the district schools of his neighborhood. after which he devoted his time to working on the farm. His

On October 17, 1911, Henry Louis Brauer was united in the bonds of wedlock with Talitha Mc- Henry, whose birth took place in Menard County, Ill.. October 30,1889. She is a daughter of Goren and Mary (Hillyer) McHenry, the former of whom was born in Menard County, September 11, isco. and the latter, July §, 18638, in the same county. They have one child, Ewell Edward, born November 26, 1912.

Henry Louis Brauer supports the Methodist church, and in political affairs he adheres to the policies of the Republican party. He is affiliated with the A. F. & A. M.. Lodge No. 724, of Chandlerville; the M. W. A.; and the Eastern Star, Mrs. Brauer also being a member. Mr. Brauer is an intelligent man, of firm character, and is respected by all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance.

BRECH, John C. - The well known resident of Virginia Precinct whose name constitutes the caption hereof, is considered one of the foremost farmers in township 1S, range 10 N., Cass County. Having lived in this county all his life, he has here built up an enviable reputation as an enterprising and prosperous agriculturist, and as an honorable and worthy citizen of the community in which he has filled responsible local offices for a long period. Mr. Brech was born in Beardstown, IJl., September 2. 1860. He is a son of Charles C. and Catherine (Ulrich) Brech.

Charles C. Brech came from Westbaden, Germany. in 1854, and went to work on a farm hear Beardstown. and Catherine Ulrich, a native of the same city. came to the United States in the following year, and located also at Beardstown, where they were married. Jn 18GS they moved to Arenzville. which was their home until 1872, when Mr. Brech bought ninety-six acres in section 30. township 18, range 10, land that was partly improved. On this place Mr. Brech com- pleted the improvements, and carried on farming until he died, passing away in 1891. His first wife died in 1863, and Mr. Brech had taken for his second wife Carolina Tribswasser, who was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, and was brought to Cass County when two years old. The children of the first marriage were: Carrie and Philip, both deceased; Emma, Mrs. James A. Gleason, of Springfield, Ill.; John C.; and Lucy, deceased, who was Mrs. William Spengler. By the father's last marriage, the children were: Ilizabeth, deceased, who was Mrs. Frank Baff; Tina, now Mrs. Charles Kruse, of Iowa; and hee now Mrs. Henry Schall, of Morgan County,

John C. Brech attended the district schools in his youth, and always resided at home with his father. On August 2, 1887, he was married to Hannah Rosina Bierhaus, who was born in Bluff Springs Precinct, Cass County, September 18, and is a daughter of Henry and Anna Clara (Vholey) Bierhaus, natives of Germany. Henry Bierhaus came by way of New Orleans to St. Louis, where he studied bookkeeping, but after a short tine proceeded on to Beardstown, III. His wife, when a young lady, came with a friend to the same point and they were married there and settled near Bluff Springs, where they remained two years. In 1863 they bought their farm in township 18, range 10, and Mr. Bierhaus kept adding to it. He retired and moved, in 1888, to Beardstown, and in 1901 to Los Angeles, Cal., dying there January 5, 1903. His body was cremated. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Bierhaus were: Hannah Rosina; Elizabeth (Mrs. William Cramer), of Tacoma, Wash.; Henry, of Cass County, Ill.; Anna, of Los Angeles, Cal.; Edgar, of township 18, range 11, Cass County, Ill.; Milton, and Louise, now Mrs. D. P. Proctor, of Los Angeles, Cal.

After his marriage Mr. Brech rented land one mile from the home place for a year, and then purchased a 40-acre farm adjoining the homestead. There he lived until 1896, when he moved into the paternal dwelling, where he has since continued to reside. He is the owner of 12S acres of land with two residences, one of them heing a very picturesque cottage, which he has substituted for the home that was destroyed by fire July 31, 1918. He is engaged in raising

County, Ill.; and Royal C. and Zella Louise, who are at home. The mother of this family is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. In politics Mr. Brech is a Republican, and has rendered efficient service in seyveral important local capacities. From 1899 until the present he has acted as highway comiissioner; has held the office of county commissioner, and has served on the school board, and, in fact. so highly do his fellow citizens appreciate his services that they have kept him in publie office almost continually since he was twenty-one years old. He is a member of the WE We ey Ore Weheeripes IONE

BREEDEN, H. A., is of the close corporation of Uptnor, McIntire & Breeden, which has a capital stock of $25,000, and is one of the substantial concerns of Virginia. The house was founded by Salzenstein Bros., but the present company bought the store on September 11, 1911, when the present name was adopted, and these officers were selected on March 23, 1912: J. W. McIntire. president; Hugh A. Breeden, secretary and treasurer; and Clem Uptnor, vice-president. The company conduct a department store, handling everything in the line of ladies' and men's furnishings and shoes. The store is located on the east side of the square, Virginia, in the Robertson building, and is solely under the management of the three whose names appear in the company's title.

H. <A. Breeden was born at Barry. Pike County, IL. September 17, 1880. a son of Alonzo and Mary (Bargain) Breeden. Reared in Vike County and educated there and at the Gem City Business College. Quincy, [1l., he made the most of his opportunities. Before completing his educational training he worked for a time at Barry, Ill., and then went to Minneapolis. Minn., as a clerk in a clothing store, and subsequently spent three years at Kansas City, Mo. Following this he came to Virginia, Il.. and for nine months was in the employ of the Warner Randolph Co., of that city. prior to entering the employ of Salzenstein Bros. For seven years he worked for this house as a clerk. and then. with his present associates, incorporated the corporation of Unptnor. McIntire & Breeden.

the Royal Arcanum. The Methodist chureh holds the membership of his wife and his family. and profits from his generosity. A business man of more than ordinary ability. he has conserved his energies, and forged to the front until he is justly regarded as one of the leading factors of Virginia.

BRIGGS, John C., who is an old resident of Cass County, Ill.. and one of its most popular citizens, has officiated continuously as a justice of the peace in Beardstown since his election to this office in 1902. During his entire incumhbeney he has performed his duties with ability, impartiality and efficiency and is considered a thoroughly competent magistrate. He has a large acquaintance among all classes of people in Beardstown. and the number of his friends is limited only by the extent of his aquaintance.

John C. Briggs is a native of Springfield. I1.. where his birth took place January 9, 1848. His parents were James and Susan (Clements) Briggs. the former born in the vicinity of Zanesville, Ohio, and the latter being of Kentucky nativity. born in Lincoln County. Their marriage took place in Springfield. I].. where James Briggs was engaged in the blacksmithing trade until 1851, when he moved to Logan County, Ill., and applied himself to special trade work.

He also owned a farm, on which he died in March, 1859. his widow passing away in 1904. Their children were as follows: William H. and George W., deceased: Samuel, of Dallas, Tex.: John C.: Susan (Mrs. EB. Harrold), of Arkansas City, Kans.; Mary M., widow of Thomas Weller. of Ottawa. Kans.; Emma J. (Mrs. Kinney). of Lawrence. Kans.; and Jose} h, of Lenora, Okla.

Until his marriage. John C. Briggs lived at home. attending the district schools of the neighborhood in his youth. and being a student in Lincoln University for one year. In March, IsG4+. Mr. Briggs enlisted in Company B, Thirtysecond Illinois Volunteer Infantry. and served through the Atlanta campaign, sharing in Sherman's great march to the sea. taking part in many skirmishes, and finally marching in the Grand Review at Washington, D. C. He was transferred to service on the plains in July, was mustered out at Leavenworth, Kans., and was honorably discharged September 19, ING.

On August 19, 1870. he was wedded to Kate De Haven, born in Booneville. Mo., a daughter of Capt. David and Jennie De Haven, the father being captain of a Mississippi River steamer. The children of Mr. and Mrs. John C. Briggs were as follows: Jennie A. (Mrs. John Pritch- Loti MUSIC RE. ATES. J. Mie row ty ealary sh. (Mrs. George B. Fritz); and John C.. alu of Beardstown. Tll.: Kate (Mrs. Samuel Hakes), ofePekin, los Elnora Aly (Mts, G. oS Bell)2 of Beardstown, Tll.: and Ralph A., at home. The mother of this family died April 18. 1909. After his marriage. Mr. Briggs lived on a farm in Logan County. Ill. whence he went to Cincinnati. Ohio, returning shortly to Tllinois and Jocating in Lincoln. where he was employed six months in the railroad roundhouse. Later he went again to Logan County. and two years afterwards to Marion County, Kans.. where he carried on farming six years. In 1SS82 he settled in Beardstown, working in different capacities, for the B. & O. and C. B. & Q. Railroad Companies until ISS89. At that time he Was employed by the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company of New York, with which he remained four years. In 1902 he was elected a justice of the peace. which position he has since

BROCKER, John. - The drug store of John Brocker at Beardstown is a model of its kind, and its name stands for purity of drugs and uprightness of business methods. Mr. Brocker Was born at Beardstown April 17. 18S7T0. a son of Frederick and Catherine (Harmmely) Brocker, the former born in Lippedemott. Germany, March 7. 1825, and the latter in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany. June 14. 1885. The father caine to the United States in 1844. and to Beardstown that same vear. THe was a butcher and pork packer for many years.

of Beardstown, and learned his profession in that city. He worked for different druggists for seventeen years, and then started in business in 1902. In 1909 Mr. Brocker bought out his partner, and has since continued alone. He owns his business and the building in which it is located. This was the first drug store to be established at Beardstown. A Democrat. Mr. Brocker served during 1909 and 1910 as city treasurer. He is a Knight of Pythias and an Elk, and enjoys his fraternal connections. He was reared in the faith of the Lutheran church, but is not connected with any religious denomination.

On December 28, 1895. Mr. Broecker was married, in Cass County, to Josephine Kenworthy, born in Lacine, Kas., January 14, 1873. Her parents died when she was very young, and she came to live with her grandparents who resided in the vicinity of Arenzville. John Broecker has two brothers and a sister at Beardstown. Mr. Brocker is noted for his industry and_ social qualities, and he stands exceptionally well in his community, where as boy and man he has worked and carried on business enterprises.

BROCKER, William, for a number of years a skilled carpenter of Cass County. but now living retired at Beardstown, is one of the men who has helped, in his own ways, to make this city what it is today, a busy, industrial center. He was born in Germany. Mareh 19, 1837. a son of Samuel and Sophia (Hofer) Brocker. These parents came to the United States on a sailing vessel yia New Orleans, and from thence up the Mississippi River to St. Louis. arriving in 1849. There the father and three daughters died of cholera. The mother, with the five living children. went on to Watertown, Wis.. where she died in 1850. and the children were thus left orphans. The eldest. Fred. went to Beardstown. where the others joined him in 1851. and they tried to keep house together, but in a short time William was hound out to learn the carpenter trade. He continued with the same party for six years. and then. at the age of twentyone years. began working at his trade by the day. After several years he entered the employ ot the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. and after working as a carpenter for several years took charge of the pattern shop. thus continuing for twenty years. when. in 1904, he retired.

On October 13. 1863. he married Dorothy Cratz. born in the southern part of Germany, a daughter of George and Catherine (Getta) Cratz. who were early settlers of Beardstown. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Brocker have heen: Frank. who is at home: Sophia, who is Mrs. William Duffelmeier, of Beardstown; Catherine. who is at home: William. who is of Beardstown; Minnie. who died July +. 1908, was the wife of Oscar Finning, and left a daughter. Lurenna, whom Mr. Brocker is rearing: Amelia, who is at home: and Samuel. who is of Beardstown. Mr. Brocker is an excellent example of the self-made man, for he certainly had no assistance after his arrival in this country, and his educational advantages, which were scanty, were confined to those afforded by his native land. The Lutheran church holds his membership. In politics he is a Republican.

County may be accredited in large part to the activities of the younger generation, whose progressive ideas, modern methods and tireless enthusiam have contributed largely to the material Welfare of farming interests here. Prominent among the men of this class is found Albert Irederick Brockhouse, whose fine farm is located in the vicinity of Virginia, Ill., upon which he is carrying on successful and extensive farming and stock raising operations. Mr. Brockhouse was born at Chapin, Ill., July 28, 1884, and is a son of William and Catherine (Barkhouse) Brockhouse. William Brockhouse was born at Chapin, Ill., whence his parents, natives of Germany, had come in young married life. He married Catherine Barkhouse, of German and English parentage, and also a native of Chapin, and both passed away in April, 1892. They were the parents of three children: Albert Frederick ; and J. D. and Clara, both of Chapin, Ill.

Albert I'. Brockhouse was a lad of eight years when he lost his parents, and at that time he went to live at the home of his uncle, Dick Brockhouse, near Chapin. His education was secured in the district schools of Chapin and in Cass County. and he was reared a farmer, remaining with his uncle and aunt until 1908, in which year he purchased 150 acres of land in township 17, range 10. He has labored assiduously in placing his land under a high state of cultivation and pow has an attractive and valuable farm on which he raises large crops. His buildings are of substantial character and his machinery and equipment of the most up-to-date kind. and in all respects the property reflects the good management. thrift and business ability of its owner. In addition to general farming, Mr. Brockhouse engages in raising red and black hogs, and his ventures along both lines have Leen uniformly successful.

Mr. Brockhouse is unmarried. He is a Democrat in his political inclinations, and his fraternal connection is with the Modern Woodmen of America, his lodge being at Virginia.

BROEKER, John - The drug store of John Broeker at Beardstown is a model of its kind, and its name stands for purity of drugs and uprightness of business methods. Mr. Broeker was born at Beardstown. April 17, 1870, a son of Frederick and Catherine (Hamel) Broeker, the former born in Lippe Detmolt, Germany. March 7. 1825. and the latter in Hesse Darmstadt. Germany, June 14. 1835. The father came to the United States in 1844, and to Beardstown that same year. He was a butcher and pork packer for many years. later on in life becoming a lather. so continuing until his death in 1898.

Beardstown, and learned his profession in that city. He worked for different druggists for seventeen years, and then started in business in 1902, in partnership with L. F. Cronhardat. This association continued for seven years, and then Mr. Broeker bought out his partner, and has since continued alone. He owns his business and the building in which it is conducted. This was the first drug store to be established at Beardstown. A Democrat, Mr. Broeker served during 1909 and 1910 as city treasurer. He is a Knight of Pythias and an Elk. He was reared in the faith of the Lutheran church.

On December 28, 1895, Mr. Broeker was married at Lincoln, I1l., to Josephine Kenworthy, born in Lacygne, Kas., January 14, 1873. Her parents died when she was very young, and she came to live with her grandparents who resided in the vicinity of Arenzville. John Broeker has two brothers and one sister and all live at Beardstown. Mr. Broeker is noted for his industry and social qualities, and he stands exceptionally well in his community, where as boy and man he has worked and carried on business enterprises. %

BUCK, Charles, who died September 18, 1914, was an honored veteran of the Civil war and one of the successful agriculturalists of Cass County. He was born at Buffalo, N. Y., July 25, 1839, a son of Augustus and Eliza (Alexander) Buck. He was born in New York in 1811, a son of Frederick Buck, of Saxony, Germany. She was born March 18, 1811, and died in 1851, a daughter of John and Olive (Bolson) Alexander, natives of Connecticut and of the Mohawk Valley, N. Y., respectively. Augustus Buck, after marriage in New York state in 1834, located at Buffalo, N. Y., and later removed to Rochester. He was a woodworker by trade, and in the fall of 1854 came to Cass County, buying 320 acres in township 18, range 9, Chandlerville Precinct, and moved on the place. It was covered with brush and timber and it was hard work to clear it, but Augustus Buck commenced at once and gradually placed it under cultivation, and continued to improve it until his death in the fall of 1873. His children were as follows: Alexander, who is on the old farm; Lucinda, who died in infancy; Alonzo, who is in Pekin, Ill.; Charles; Eugene and Edgar, both of whom died while in service during the Civil war; and Eliza, who became Mrs. Charles Roberts, and died in Kansas. After the death of his first wife, Augustus Buck married Mrs. Rachel Hussy.

taken when three years old by his maternal grandparents to Clarendon, Orleans County, N. Y., and there grew to manhood. He became a maker of musical instruments, and in 1857 came to Galesburg, Ill., where he was engaged in his line of work for two years. He then returned to Orleans County, N. Y., and in 18638 went to Cleveland, Ohio, and continued in that city until 1912, engaged in tuning organs and pianos. He then joined his. brother Charles in Cass County, and lived with him until the lat- ter's death. He was married in 1867, at Cleveland, to Orphia C, Ticknor, of New York, who died September 25, 1912, leaving no issue. Another brother, Alonzo Buck, is a painting contractor of Pekin, Il. He enlisted from Illinois in the Fourteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry and served four years in the Civil war. He has three sons and two daughters.

Charles Buck remained with his parents until the death of his mother, when he was taken to the home of his grandfather Alexander. On August 22, 1862, he enlisted for service in the Civil war in the One Hundred and Twenty-ninth New York Volunteer Infantry, and was stationed for eighteen months at Baltimore, Md. In the spring of 1863 he participated in the battle of the Wilderness, and was with the Army of the Potomac until the surrender of General Lee, which he witnessed. He also took part in the memorable grand review of the victorious troops at Washington. Following this, on June 5, 1865, he was honorably discharged and went to Orleans County, N. Y., where he spent a few months, then came to visit his father in Cass County, IJl., spending a year with him. Going then to Cleveland, Ohio, he began work in an organ factory and remained for years. In the meanwhile the father died and in 1876 he located on 280 acres of his father's farm, which he bought from the heirs. In the fall of 1SST7 he rented out the farm, and returned to Cleveland, where he worked as a carpenter and painter until October, 1903, when he came back to his farm and continued to operate it. He had about fifty-five acres under cultivation, sold eighty acres, and the balance is in timber and pasturage.

On May 7, 1868, Mr. Buck was married at Cleveland, Ohio, to Louisa Kugler, born in Germany, October 20, 1848, a daughter of George and Dorothy C. (Bernhart) Kugler, who came to the United States in 1848. Mr. and Mrs. Buek had one daughter, Iva Eugenia, who was born January 25, 1869, and died April 1, 18938. Mr. Buck voted with the Republican party. He was well known over the county and had many friends.

BUCK, Walter E. - It is worthy of note that some of the ancestral names prominently mentioned in the course of this and other interesting narratives pertaining to the lives of present residents of Cass County, Ill., ate suggestive in relation to the early settlement of the county.

Among such instances is that of Walter Elmer Buck, one of the leading educators of this section, and elected county superintendent in 1914. Mr. Buck was born at Beardstown, II1., December 28, 1883, and is a son of Martin V. and Naney A. (Driskill) Buck and a grandson of Thomas Buck, an early settler and the founder of a fine family.

Martin V. Buck was a native of Cass County, Ill., where his birth took place September 2, 1839. His father, Thomas Buck, came to Illi: nois from North Carolina about the year 1830, and settled on a tract of farming land in the vicinity of Hagener Station, where he applied himself successfully to agricultural pursuits. Julia Hardy (the maiden name of his wife) was a native of North Carolina. Martin Buck grew to manhood on this farm and followed a farmer's life for a number of years. About 1880 he moved to Beardstown, and entered the employ of the C. B. & Q. R. R. Company, for which he worked as a flagman and in other capacities, remaining with the company nearly twenty-five years. Martin V. Buck married Nancy A. Driskill, a daughter of John and Mary (Ruby) Driskill. Mrs. Buck died February 18, 1909, and Mr. Buck survived her until April 9, 1912. To Mr. and Mrs. Buck were born ten children, as follows: Edmund, deceased; Theresa, Marcus and Alice, who live at Beardstown: Charles, Oscar, Oswald and Oley, all deceased; and Harry and Walter E., who live in Beardstown. j

Walter E. Buck attended the public schools of his neighborhood during his youth, and afterwards took a high school course, graduating with the class of 1901. He subsequently became a pupil in the State Normal School, and still later, matriculated in the University of Illinois. teaching a portion of the time in the meanwhile in Cass County. - Since completing his collegiate tuition he has continued in the line of educational effort, accepting a principalship in the Central School, Beardstown, in 1909, where he was occupied until 1914, when he was elected county superintendent of schools. Mr. Buck is a member of the First Methodist Episcopal church, Beardstown, a member of the official board and very active and highly efficient in church work. He has held various church and Sunday school offices, and is a member of the Bible class. In fraternal life Mr. Buck is identified with the I. O. O. F., having passed all the chairs and is a member of the Grand Lodge. and is also affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America. Personally he is held in much esteem, great respect being shown for his scholastic attainments and warm regard for his estimable traits of character.

CALDWELL, Charles (deceased), was a native of Mt. Savage, Md., where he was born July 10, 1836. His parents. Patrick and Mary (Reynolds) Caldwell. were natives of Ireland, who emigrated to the United States in early youth and located in the state of Maryland, where they later were joined in wedlock. Shortly afterward they mored to Cass County. Ill., and entered a tract of government land three miles east of Shiloh, where both spent the remainder of their lives.

Charles Caldwell went to the neighborhood district schools in boyhood and continued to make his home with his father and mother until the time of his marriage. December 10. 1500. On this date he took for his wife Catlierine Heaton. who was born October 18, 1844, in Manchester. England, a daughter of John and Mary Jane (Fullerton) Heaton. John Heaton was born at Wiggin. England. January 1, 1810, and was a soldier in the British army. The mother of Mrs. Caldwell was born in the Tower of London, England, a daughter of Gen. Joseph and Martha (Glenn) Fullerton. He was a general in the British army and was given a farm and pension for life in Canada. In 1850 the Heaton family located on a farm ten miles east of Beardstown, Ill, moving later to the town of Virginia, where the father passed away June 22, 1900, the mother having preceded him to the grave November 30, 1896. Their children were as follows: Noble, of Alberta, Canada; Edward, James, Mary J. (Mrs. Ben Williams), all deceased; William, of Spangle, Wash.; Charles, who died in Washington in 1913; Alice (Mrs. Ed. Savage); Susan (Mrs. Reuben Lancaster), of Virginia, Tll.; Martha (Mrs. R. H. Payne), of Kansas City, Mo.; Thomas, of Jacksonville, Il. ; and Catherine.

Charles Caldwell, after receiving training in the country schools, was reared under Catholic influences and adhered to that faith, while his wife became a member of the Presbyterian church. In political matters, Mr. Caldwell acted with the Democratic party, although not a seeker for public office. He was an upright and industrious man, a prosperous farmer, and a worthy and much respected member of the community. His useful life came to an end October 25. 1878S. After her husband's decease, Mrs. Caldwell remained on the home farm and personally superintended it for twenty-five years. At the end of that period she moved to Cass Siding. T1l.. and in 1902 purchased the property in: Virginia. Ill, where she has since resided.

Mr. Caldwell and his wife had the following children: Patrick H., deceased; John, who lives in Cass County, Tll.; Emma C. (Mrs. Duncan Reed). of Bluff Springs, Ill.: Mary Jane (Mrs. James Mead). of Virginia, Ill.; Elizabeth (Mrs. IIomer Coleman). of Sangamon Bottom, Cass County, Tll.; Catherine (Mrs. John Hurzburger), of Cass County; and Charles E., who is on the home farm. Mrs. Caldwell is a lady of high character and most estimable qualities, and commands the respect of a wide circle of acquaintance. She is a member of the W. C. T. U., of which body she has officiated as county president for a number of years. She belongs to the astern Star, of which fraternal body at Virginia she was elected warden in 1910.

CAMPBELL, Edwin. - The farmers of Cass County are, as a class. men of intelligence, whose interests are not confined entirely to their agricultural duties, and many have hecome usefully active in promoting local and county affairs. One of the solid and substantial men, whose name is a well known one in this locality. is Edwin Campbell, of Virginia. He was born two miles west of Virginia. March 9, 18¢3, a son of William and Dorothy (Sudbeink) Camphell, natives of Ireland and of Cass County, Tll.. respectively. When William Campbell was about eighteen years old, he came from Ireland to Illinois. and located in Cass County. where he found employment as a farmer. When he married he began farming for himself on rented land, but his good managenient and industry soon enabled him to purchase forty acres, the property upon which his son, Edwin, was born. This was a prairie farm, but he soon developed it, and kept on adding to his acreage until he owned 1,200 acres. An excellent business man, he would have died one of the wealthiest in his county, had not his sympathies led him to endorse notes for others. His death occurred in 1896, his wife having passed away in 1872. Their children were: Henry, who is deceased; Alfred, who resides in Cass County: Emma. who died in September, 1913. was the wife of W. B. Dunaway of Denver. Colo., and Edwin. For some years William. Campbell served Cass County as a colmmissioner.

Growing up upon his father's farm, Edwin Campbell attended the schools of his district. and resided at home until his marriage. This occurred on March 10, 1888, when he was united with Mary E. Cosner, a native of Cass County, Ill.. a daughter of J. T. and Emily Cosner. Three children have been born of this marriage: Lee Eda and Carlos, both of whom are at home. and one who died in infancy.

After his marriage. My. Campbell continued to assist his father. until the latter's death, and operated $00 acres of land, being one of the largest stock raisers in the county, handling horses, cattle and hogs. His first farm contained 104% acres. to which he added until he owned 770 acres, all in Cass County. and now owns G10 acres. In 1913 he liought a handsome modern residence at Virginia, and is now living there. For some time Mr. Campbell has been a mem- Ler of Witginia Lodge No. 544. A. EF. & A. M: In politics he is a Democrat. A man of unusual business ability. capable in many directions. he bas turned his attention to work for which he felt best fitted. and his success has been more than ordinary.

CARLS, A. B. - Among the progressive and energetic husiness men of the younger generation, who are contributing to the industrial and commercial prestige of the thriving towns and vil-

_jages of Cass' County. A. B. Carls, of Vitgiria, is worthy of more than passing mention. Scilla young man. with his best yvears before him, he has accomplished what would seem to many men sufficient achievement after a lifetime of endeavor, and as a member of the leading firm of Hofstetter-Carls Luinber Company, is interested in one of Virginia's most successful business enterprises. Mr. Carls was born at Bluff Springs. Cass County. TL. March 26. 1SS$2. and is a son of John F. and Mary (Blohin) Carls. His father died March 12. 1910. aged seventy years, one month and eight days, while the mother passed away December 12. 1908, aged fifty-five years, eleven months and twenty-eight days. Mr. Carls is one of seven sons: Louis H.. George F.. William M., John H., A. B., Charles A.. and Robert R.. who died January 18, 1913. at the age of fifteen years, ten months and twenty-nine days, and was buried in the Beardstown city cemetery.

After attending the public schools of Bluff Springs, Mr. Carls learned the trade of carpenter. and succeeding this was for ten years engaged in a successful building and contracting business. In this way he became interested in the lumber business, and on March 1, 1912, in. company with W. C. and Mary Hofstetter, he organized the Hofstetter-Carls Lumber Company, an incorporated concern, with $10,000 capital, and W. C. Hofstetter was elected president and A. B. Carls secretary and treasurer, and these two, with Mary Hofstetter. form the board of directors. The yards of this concern are located at the station of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad at Virginia, and in addition to carrying a full line of lumber. building materials and supplies, the company buys grain of all kinds and owhs and operates a large elevator. Mr. Carls is known as uw business man of more than ordinary ability. alert in action and with foresight Whicu ailuws him to readily recognize opportunities. He has risen in the business world through the medium of his own efforts, and is justly accounted one of the stirring factors in the commercial life of his adopted place. He takes some interest in fraternal affairs, being a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, at Bluff Springs. hut for the greater part concentrates his attention upon his business interests.

Mr. Carls was married October 1, 1903. to Miss Velma P. Wright. who was born January 4, Iss4. a daughter of Alonzo and Elizabeth Wright. natives of Cass County. Their one child died ia infancy.

CARLS, George F., postmaster and merchant of Bluff Springs. is one of the substantial men of Cass County whose public-spirit and progressive ideas have heen rewarded by his appointment to public office. He was born in Cass County, Janwary 24. Isc. a son of John Fy and Mary C. (Blohin) Carls. the former a native of Germany. and the latter of Cass County. Ill. where she was born in iws50 The paternal grandfather. also John EF. Carls, was born in Hanover, Germany. and in coming to the United States with his family. lost his wife on the way. from cholera. He made his way to Beardstown with his three children and there found employment ax a carpenter, where he was subsequently killed in an accident through a timber slipping from his fellow workmen and crushing him. |

George TI'. Carls attended the country schools of his district and for two years was a student at the Wesleyan Normal school, Bloomington, I. Ile learned the carpenter trade and worked at it ahout ten vears, and then established his store at Bluff Springs. which he has conducted ever since, enlarging his mercantile operations as his trade has justified. For about five years he has heen postmaster, and is recognized as one of the leading men of the place. He is a Democrat. and has served as a school director for four years. For some years he has belonged to Bluff S;rings Camp No. 1489. M. W. A. The Methodist church of Bluff Springs holds his membership and has his active support.

On August 4, 1896, Mr. Carls was married in Cass County, to Emma L. Jones, who was born in the county, January 15, 1S7S8, a daughter of Louis A. and Rosa (Dale) Jones, natives of Illinois. Mr. Jones was agent for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad at Bluff Springs for a number of years. Mr. and Mrs. Carls have three children: George Richard. Rosemary, and Frank Maro. all of whom were born in Cass County. Mr. Carls owns his store building and residence at Bluff Springs. He is a very companionable man, and his personal popularity is attested by the fact that although a Democrat, he was appointed to the office of postmaster by a Republican president. In addition to his other duties, Mr. Carls performs those of a notary public.

CARLS, George H. - Perhaps no man of Cass County is better or more favorably known among agriculturists than George H. Carls of township 1S, range 11. who was born on his present farm, November 28, 1N74. a son of Louis William and Caroline (Musch) Carls, both natives of Cass County. The grandparents were George H. and Elnora (Dedring) Carls, natives of Germany; and John and Albadina (Lippert) Musch. Mr. Musch was born in Germany and Mrs. Musch on the Atlantic Ocean during the yoyage of her parents to the United States, where they became farming people. George H. Carls and family came from Germany to the United States during the winter of 1844-5. in a siiling vessel to New Orleans. and thence to Beardstown, Ill, near where George H. found employment as a farmer. The paternal grandfather of George H. Carls bought the homestead in Cass County. Ill. eighty acres situated on the bluff, 100 acres of valuable farming land, and fifty-five acres on a sand ridge. which latter tract is now used for trucking purposes. In 112 forty acres of black soil bottom land were added to the homestead. After their marriage Louis William and Caroline Carls settled on the farm in township 18. range 11. which they had bought in conjunction with their parents. There Louis William Carls died in January, 1903. The mother of George H. Carls survives, making her home at Beardstown with some of her children. i

George H. Carls attended the public and German schools of Beardstown, and lived with his parents until twenty-two years old. He then rented the home place for a few years, and when his father died he inherited and bought all the 266 acres of the homestead, and here raises cattle and hogs and carries on general farming. ;

On April 13, 1899, Mr. Carls was married to Minnie Schewe, born in the Sangamon valley, township 18. range 11, March 18. 1880, a daughter of William and Ellen (Schewe) Schevwe, natives of Germany. who came to the United States and were married at St. Louis, following which they settled in Cass County, Ill. William Schewe died April 13. 1907, but his widow is living and makes her home in the Sangamon yalley. Mr. and Mrs. Carls have two children :

Elmer W., who was born February 7, 1900; and Selma Ellen, who was born January 9, 1903. Mrs. Carls attended the district and German schools of her neighborhood. The St. Jobn's Lutheran church of Beardstown holds the family membership. In politics he is a Democrat, and since 1911 has been a school director.

CARLS, Gustav A. - Although a man's standing in the world is not always measured by his bossessions, for his true worth is evidenced by the regard in which he is held by his associates, yet large ownership of property indicates stability and judged by such facts, Gustav A. Carls is one of the leading men of Cass County. He is how conducting a farm of 400 acres of valuable land in township 18, range 11, sections 29, 30, 31, and owns an additional 100 acres which he rents to ethers. He was born in Cass County, August 10, 1876, a son of Louis W. and Caroline (Musch) Carls, the former born in Cass County, Decemher 12. 1547. and the latter in the same county, October 14, 1852. The father was a farmer and stockraiser of Cass County. <A history of the Carls family will be found in this work.

Gustay .\. Carls attended the country schools, and has always been a farmer, learning the details of his life work from his boyhood. He is a strong Democrat in politics and has served as a school director for the past eleven years. The Sixth Street Lutheran church of Beardstown finds in him a faithful member, and a useful one as well. as he served as a member of the building committee when the new church was erected.

On January 31, 1900, Mr. Carls was married in Cass County, to Ida I. Brockschmidt, born in this county. December 23, 1880, a daughter of Christian and Louisa (Schewe) Brockschmidt, the former born in Washington County, Ill, in 1856, and the latter in Germany in 1850. Mr. and Mrs. Carls have had the following children: Edward L. C., Frederick R., H. Gustav, Liddie L. C., Delia W. H.. and Norman G. W., all of whom were born in Cass County. Mr. Carls is a man of a very sociable nature, one who has many friends. He is noted for his industrious habits, which together with his thrift accounts in a large measure for his present prosperity.

CARLS, Herman H. - Farming and stock raising are very profitable occupations as some of the most reliable men of Cass County are proving to their entire satisfaction, and one of them thus engaged is Herman H. Carls, one of several brothers who are numbered among the successful agriculturists of this region. He was born in Cass County, August 18, 1883, a son of Louis W. and Caroline (Musch) Carls, the former born December 12, 1847, and the latter October 14, 1852, both being natives of Cass County. The father became a farmer and stockraiser of the county as will be seen from a history of the Carls family in this work.

After attending the district schools and working on his father's farm. Herman H. Carls became the owner of 120 acres of land in township 18, range 11, sections 31 and 32, which he calls Fairview Farm. Politically he is a Democrat, but has held no offices. The Sixth Street Lutheran church of Beardstown is his religious home, and has in him a generous member.

On April 24, 1907, Mr. Carls married Alma M. Davidsmeyer, born in Cass County November 21, 1887, a daughter of Frederick and Elizabeth (Strubey) Davidsmeyer, both natives of Germany and farming people. Mr. and Mrs. Carls have three. children, namely: Dorothy Cc. E., born January 10, 1908; Edna M. J., born October 6, 1906; and Clarence F. G., born June, 1911. Like other members of his family, Mr. Carls is a sociable, good-natured young man, one who has always worked hard and deserves the success which has come to him.

CARLS, Herman H. - Quite a number of well known Citizens of Virginia, Cass County, I11., are men who have been prosperous farmers in the vicinity until a comparatively recent period, but have abandoned active pursuits and retired to private life, to enjoy in quietude the fruits of years of industry and thrift. Not the least worthy among these is the subject of this personal narrative, Herman H. Carls. Mr. Carls was born near Arenzville, Cass County, Ill. October 19, 1861, and is a son of John Henry and Maria (Yost) Carls, who were natives of Hanover, Germany. The parents emigrated to the United States in commemoration of their wedding, and on arriving in Illinois, located in Cass County and bought a farm. On this they lived the remainder of their lives, the mother passing away in 1896, and the father in 1909. Ten children were born to them, namely: Elizabeth (Mrs. Charles Myers), deceased; Mary (Mrs. Talkemeyer), of Cass County; William Henry, who died in infancy; Lena (Mrs. Gus Arnold), of Beardstown; Anna (Mrs. William Musch), of Cass County; Matilda (Mrs. William Jockish), who is deceased; and Herman, George and Carrie.

Herman Carls was born on the home farm, and in boyhood attended the district schools. He remained on the homestead until his marriage, March 12, 1884, to Kate Musch, a daughter of John and Margaret (Schaaf) Musch. The parents of Mrs. Carls were natives of Wurttemberg, Germany, whence they emigrated to Illinois at an early period. Settling in Cass County they applied themselves to farming, but later retired from active life and died some years afterwards in the city of Virginia.

After his marriage Herman Carls cultivated one of his father's farms for seven years, when he purchased 175 acres two miles south of Virginia, which he named Maple, avenue, and on which he carried on general farming until 1902, when he withdrew from agricultural pursuits. He established his home at Virginia, where he has since continued to live. and has the respect and esteem of a wide circle of friends. In political activities Mr. Carls is a staunch Republican, although never a seeker after office. He is a memler of the Presbyterian church, in which he has officiated as a deacon since 1904.

CARLS, Lewis William, who was once an important factor in the agricultural life of Cass County, a heavy landowner there, and also a potent influence in politics, lent his support only to those measures calculated to be of benefit to his fellow creatures, and in dying left many warm, personal friends behind him. Mr. Carls was born in the vicinity of Beardstown, Ill., December 12, 1847, a son of George H. and Elenora- (Daydrick) Carls, natives of Hanover, Germany, where the father was born in 1818. They came to the United States at an early day, locating at Beardstown, Ill., and lived on a farm in its vicinity for eighteen years. They then bought a farm near Bluff Springs, and still later moved south of that property, where they both passed away.

Lewis William Carls attended the district schools and also the German school at Beardstown, and not only resided with his parents until his marriage, but for twelve years thereafter. He then purchased 260 acres of land, five miles southeast of Beardstown, and moved his family to it, and there they lived until his death, January 29, 1903. He kept on adding to his holdings until the homestead hecame a large one, and through his efforts it was increased in value very considerably. Prominent in local politics, he served a number of years as a school director.

On October 17, 1872, Mr. Carls was married to Lena Musch, born near Arenzville, Ill., a daughter of John and Albidena (Lippert) Musch, the former a native of Hesse Darmstadt. Germany, while the latter was born on the Atlantic Ocean. Her birth occurred during the voyage of 'her parents to the United States, on the ship Albi, for which she was given her rather unusual name. John Musch came to Cass County in 1849, and his parents followed him some five years later. The Lippert family located in Cass County in 1833. Mrs. Carls was educated in the district schools, and at St. John's Lutheran school, the family belonging to St. John's Lutheran Church. After the death of Mr. Carls, Mrs. Carls. with the assistance of her sons, conducted the farm until August, 1908, when she moved to Beardstown, and is now residing in a modern frame house she had built for her, and some of her children are with her at present. Mr. and Mrs. Carls became the parents of the following children: George H., who is at Bluff Springs; Gustay A., who is of Cass County; Robert G., who is of Beardstown: Willian: Morris, who is of Cass County: Herman H.. who is of Cass County: Louis W., who is on the home farm; Julius O.. who is of Cass County ; J. Albert, who is of Beardstown: Paul B., A. Elenora and Edythe A., all of whom are with their mother; and John M., who died in infancy.

CARLS, Louis William, a prosperous farmer and stockraiser of Cass County, is justly numbered among the leading agriculturists of this part of the state. He was born in Cass County December 26, 1886, a son of Louis W. and Caroline (Musch) Carls, the former born December 12. 1847, and the latter October 14, 18452. and hoth in Cass County. The father was a stockraiser and farmer and a prominent man in his day. A history of this representative family is given elsewhere in this work.

The boyhood of Louis William Carls was spent upon his father's farm, he alternating work with attendance at the district schools. He is the owner of 120 acres of land in township 18, range 11, sections 31 and 32, but his residence is on section 30. Although he has not long had this property he is demonstrating his ability as a farmer and deserves the success he has attained.

On August 3, 1908, Mr. Carls was married at Beardstown, to Emma Kaule, born August 15S, 1889, at Beardstown, a daughter of Ernest P. and Georgia (Quinn) Kaule, the former born in Cass County, and the latter in Brown County, Ill. Mr. Kaule is a harnessmaker at Beardstown. Mr. and Mrs. Carls have one daughter, Georgia L., born July 25, 1909. Mr. Carls is yery sociable in disposition and has a number of warm, personal friends by whom he is highly regarded. He belongs to the Sixth Street Lutheran chureh of Beardstown. In politics he is a Democrat, but he has not sought office.

CASE, Nathan J., a prosperous and substantial farmer and favorably known citizen of Chandlerville, Ill., whose farm is situated in township 18, range 9, n., Cass County, Ill., was born on the farm where he now lives, May 23, 1861. He is a son of William and Catherine (Irvine) Case, both natives of Ireland, who came to the United States at different times, locating in the city of New York, where in course of time they were married. In 1858 they moved west to Illinois and settled in Cass County. where William Case soon afterward entered 320 acres of brush and timler land from the government, on which he built a shack and started to clear the land. Without assistance he had made considerable progress in this work when the Civil war broke out. Early in the course of the struggle William Case enlisted. was taken sick. and died in a hospital in the South. leaving his widow and three sons to prove up the land claim. These sons were: Thomas. born in 1859, died in 1896; Nathan: and Obhy. who died in 1892. Thomas helped his mother on the place. They lived in Chandlerville until the death of both, the mother passing away July 25, 1913. The farm was divided among the sons. and as the other sons had never married, it hecame the property of Nathan.

Nathan J. Case improved the place until there is now left upon it but forty acres of timher and lrush. Mr. Case has always carried on general farming here. giving considerable attention to stockraising. Ile breeds Shorthorn cattle. draft horses aud Poland-China hogs. He is a very substantial and sensible farmer, and in August, O11. lLuilt upon the property a fine, modern, frnrine house. Ie had already improved A portion of the homestead with buildings while the other sons were living there. and in 1903 he made the place his home, having sole ownership. He also has a house and lot in Chandleryille.

Mr. Case was united in marriage February 21, 1884, with Susan Cowan, born in Chandlerville, Ill., October 21, 1867, a daughter of George and Eliza (Blair) Cowan, and they have the following children: Jennie and Carrie, at home; Mattie (Mrs. Frank Cline), of Cass County, has two children, Marjorie and Eugene; William, of Philadelphia, Ill, who married Louise Cooper and has one daughter, Blanche; and Thomas, Howard, Hallie, Theodore and Lula, at home. In politics Mr. Case acts with the Democratic party and served as school director for two years.

CLARK, John King, a farmer and stockraiser of township 18, range 11, section 29, is operating his 220 acres of land at Bluff Springs in such a manner as to justify his methods and reflect credit upon his excellent management. He was born in Cass County, May 14, 1828, a son of Thomas Clark and Anna (King) Clark, natives of Kentucky and Tennessee, farming people. The parents went from Illinois to Iowa and lived in that state for four years, when they traveled further west in 1834, but in 1840, they returned to Iowa, and there the father platted the town of Mount Pleasant. For some years they lived on land in Cass County, in the timber regions, and their hogs were fattened on the nuts they found on the ground. Game was plentiful in those early days, but the privations were many.

John Wing Clark grew up amid strictly pioheer conditions, and his educational advantages were limited to the country schools. For eight years he conducted a general store and in it received the mail as postmaster at Bluff Springs, and then returned to the farm. In 1872, he was a mail carrier, and interested himself in securing a station at Bluff Springs, and through his efforts the present one was established. Mr. Clark can remember when he hunted game here and made clothing out of the hides of the deer he shot, and wore it. He also killed many wild turkeys in his time, and when the family went to Iowa, he came into contact with Indians. During his boyhood the family lived in a log house of one room, and yet, in looking back, although he recognizes the hardships of those days, he feels that, perhaps, people were less selfish and really happier although they had to get along with much less than now. In addition to acting as postmaster, Mr. Clark was a never married. He is a man whose memory relative to bygone events is remarkable, and he relates incidents of earlier days so entertainingly, that he holds his listeners spellbound. His recollections are worthy of a place in some published volume, for they constitute an account of history in the making.

CLIFFORD, James H. - Among the most interesting experiences of the soldiers of the Civil war of Cass County. were those of James H. Clifford, of Virginia, Ill. He was born in Virginia, I11.,

November 1S, 1840, a son of Lawrence and Marian (Cribis) Clifford. Lawrence Clifford was born in the town of Caher, Tipperary County, Ireland, and came to the United States at an early age, locating at Nauvoo, Ill, and afterwards moving to Cass County. His wife was the widow of John Cunningham, who, with her first husband, came from Edinboro, Scotland, her birthplace, to Cass County, IIL, in 1836. They located at Beardstown, but soon afterwards moyed to a farm near Virginia, where Mr. Cunningham died. Lawrence Clifford and Mrs. Cunningham were married in 1838, and settled in Virginia, where she died in 185s. Mr. Clifford became an extensive farmer and stockraiser, and died in 1872. Two children were the issue of their union, James H. and William.

James H. Clifford grew to manhood in Virginia, ill. In August, 1861, he enlisted in Company Ix of the Thirty-third Regiment, Illinois, Volunteer Infantry, in the Trans-Mississippi Department, under General Grant. He took part in all the battles of the regiment. In August, September and October, 1861, his command was in southeastern Missouri, and participated in the battle of Fredericktown. In March, 1562, the regiment started for Little Rock, Ark., landing at Helena, and taking part in several skirmishes. It remained there from August until September 15, 1862, and then went to Ironton, Mo., and spent the following winter in search of General Price's army. In the spring of 18638 the Thirty-third went to Memphis and then to Vicksburg, being the first regiment to cross to the east side of the Mississippi, and engaged in the hattle of Magnolia Hills. or Port Gibson, May 1. 18¢3. This was followed by a series of engagements. After capturing Jackson, Miss., the regiment returned and took part in the battles of Champion's Hill and Black River, on the way back to Vicksburg, and then participated in the siege of that stronghold, which occupied fortyfive days, and resulted in the surrender of Pemberton's army and the fall of Vicksburg. July 4, The Thirty-third gave a splendid account of itself there. ;

The Thirty-third then went to New Orleans to aid General Banks in his expedition up the Red River, which failed, however, on account of low water to accomplish its object. Next it was sent to southern Texas, on the Gulf of Mexico. where it captured Fort Esparanza, near Matagorda Island, and remained there for seven months and then was returned to New Orleans. During much of this time the regiment was engaged in guard duty and scouting. Afterwards the Thirty-third participated in the battles resulting in capturing Mobile, Ala. When Mr. Clifford's term of enlistment expired. he, with others of the regiment, embarked at New Orleans for New York, having charge of about 400 Confederate prisoners en route. The prisoners were unloaded at Governor's Island. to be sent to Elmira, N. Y.; while the Union soldiers were carried by train to Springfield, I1l., and Mr. Clifford was there honorably discharged, October 11, 1864.

and learned the carpenter's trade, and began contracting and building, and is still engaged in that business. On December 23, 1865, at Ashland, Ill., he was united in marriage with Eliza Jane Jxikendall, a daughter of William B. D. and Elizabeth M. (Jobe) Kikendall. Mrs. Clifford was born in Jefferson County, Ky., March 31, Is44. Her father's birth took place May 28, 1s1s8, and her mother's on February 15, the same year. From IWentucky, the Kikendall family went to Towa, and in 1858 moved to Illinois and located in Virginia, where the father became a carpenter and builder. He died there December 15, 1897, the mother having passed away December 23, 1895. James H. and Eliza J. Clifford are the parents of three children: Nellie M.. a teacher in the State Normal College of Georgia ; William H.. manager of the Palestine Gas Company, Texas: and Edward, formerly a lawyer practicing in Virginia. I]. and now an investment banker of Chicago. whose home is in Evanston. Tl. They are also the grandparents of four children, three boys and one girl, who are all attending school.

James H. Clifford helongs to Downing Vost No. 821 of Virginia, Grand Army of the Republic, and the Modern Woodmen of America. of which he is one of the oldest members. Volitically. he is a strong Republican. having cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln for president. While he has never sought nor held office, he has always taken part in the councils of his party and has served as a delegate to various Conventions. Mrs. Clifford's father first voted for William H. Harrison (of Tippecanoe fame) for president: and when Benjamin Harrison, the grandson, ran for the same office in 1SSS, the Kikendall and Clifford families cast twelve votes for him. The sons, William H. and Edward, inherited Republican sentiments froy: their parents. and since they became of age. have taken great interest in politics, made numerous speeches, served as delegates. ete. Edward Clifford was a delegate from Chicago at the famous "Deadlock" Renublican State Convention held in Springfield in 1904. He is a strong supporter and personal friend of Hon. Lawrence Y. Sherman, United States Senator from Illinois. and has fought with him in many of his campaigns.

The Clifford family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Miss Nellie is active in Sunday school work and Mrs. Clifford has long heen a worker in the societies of the church: also she is one of the stanchest members of the Women's Christian Temperance Union. Mr. Clifford has always taken an active and energetic part in the history of his times. He and Mrs. Clifford are still living on the same street in Virginia where they started housekeeping. but in their second home, where they continue to" enjoy the confidence and esteem of their fellow townsmen.

COIL, Albert Stout, one of the dominant factors in politics in Cass County, and a dealer in realty on an extensive scale, is one of the representative men who have established and maintained the prestige of Beardstown. He was born in Lincoln County. Mo., October 24, 1860, a son of Jacob Y. and Victoria O. (Young) Coil, natives of Kentucky and Ohio. The grandfather went to Ohio in young manhood and died when his son, Jacob Y., was a child. The grandmother married (second) a man named Hall, in Missouri. Jacob Y. Coil and his wife were married in Ohio, and then went down the Ohio River, and up the Mississippi to Lincoln County, Mo., settling on a farm, where he died in 1872. In the following year the mother and her six children moved to Adrian County, Mo., and located on a farm.

In 1877 Albert S. Coil came to Pike County, Ill. and worked first in a livery stable and drove a stage for a year, after which he was employed in a flour mill. In 1880 he reached Virginia. Ill., and started as an apprentice to the printing trade. On February 16, 1sss, he moved to Beardstown and bought the Enterprise printing establishment, but in December, 1894, sold a half interest to Charles A. Schotfer, they remaining together until January, 1914. They issued a weekly paper until 1893, when it Was made a tri-weekly, and in March, 1901, a morning daily, which they published until January 3, 1914. On that date the Enterprise and Illinoisan-Star offices were consolidated. The mnorning Enterprise and weekly Star were discontinued but the Evening Star and weekly Enterprise were continued. Mr. Coil in the meantime had been dealing in real estate, and his business along this line assumed such proportions that in 1914 he found it expedient to withdraw from the newspaper, and devote all of his attention to real estate. He has been very active in 'politics. In 1893 he was appointed postmaster of Beardstown, by President Cleveland, and acted as such until 1597. In 1899 he was elected county assessor and treasurer. and held these offices for four years. Since 1903 he has served as a member of the board of education, and has always been an active worker in Democratic circles. He has been a delegate to nearly all of the Cass County Pemocratic conventions, as well as others for many years. Fraternally he belongs to the Knights of Pythias, Modern Woodmen of America, Court of Honor, and Independent Order of Foresters. ;

In August, 1880, Mr. Coil was married to Dora Brandom, a native of Indianapolis, Ind., who died in 1894. Their children were: Mable, who is Mrs. C. F. Noeker of Virginia, Ill.: Grace. who is Mrs. Richard R. Jokisch. of Bluff Springs. Ill.: Arthur L.. who is of Beardstown ; Harry: Bessie, who is Mrs. George Colvin. Mr. Colvin being a grocer of Beardstown; Ruth. who died at the age of seventeen years: and Verna. who is Mrs. Martin B. Sands of Springfield, I]. Mr. Coil married (second) Mable C. Eggleston of Lake Charles, La., born in New York state, a daughter of Col. J. W. Eggleston. who now resides at Shreveport, La. Their two children are: Alberta, aged six years, and Dorothy, aged five years.

CONDIT, Thomas Knowles, cashier of the First National Bank of Beardstown, Ill., is widely known over the state, not only for his financial knowledge and conservatism, but because of the efficiency with which-he has fulfilled the duties of responsible public positions to which he has Leen appointed at different times. He was born at Winchester, Scott County, Ill, February 11, 156, a son of William and Margaret (Knowles) Condit. William Condit was born at Orange, N. J., and married Margaret Knowles, who was born at Seaford, Del. She died March 30, 1872, having come to Scott County with her mother and sisters after her father, Dr. Knowles, died in Delaware. he children of William Condit and wife were: Henry F., of Kansas City, Mo.; Thomas K.; Charles H., a banker of Winchester, Ill.; William I., in the clothing business at Astoria, Il.; Joseph V., who died in 1907; Carrie, who is Mrs. H. C. Worcester, of Roodhouse, Ill.: and Margaret, who is Mrs. W. C. Kechler, of Winchester.

The Condit family is an old one in the United States. the first of the name being found at Newark, N. J., in 1678, and Moses Condit. five generations removed from Thomas Knowles Condit, was an officer in the Revolutionary war. Grandfather William Condit was born at Orange, N. J., in 1800, where he became a hat manufacturer. In 1844 his plant was burned, throwing his employes out of work. In 1845 his son William and a relative, Henry Stryker, came to Jacksonville, Ill, and shortly afterward to Winchester, where he was engaged in hat manufacturing from 1848 until 1872, when he added gents' furnishing goods and continued in the business until 1893, when he retired and died in 1896. He was appointed postmaster of Winchester early in 1862 and served twelve years: was collector of internal revenue from 1SGO until 1872, when the office was consolidated with the Quincy district, and in 1894 was elected treasurer of Scott County.

Thomas Knowles Condit attended school until fourteen years of age, when he began clerking in a dry goods store at Winchester and received £50 for his first six months' work. He continued clerical work until 1873, when he went to Chicago and took a course of three months in hookkeeping at the Bryant and Stratton Business college and was credited with completing .the course in a shorter time than had any other pupil of that old institution. Myr. Condit then accepted a position in the distributing room of the Chicago Times. taking charge of the mailing list of the country subscribers. Some weeks later he was employed as bookkeeper by the First National Bank of Winchester, working as such from April 1, 1874, until November 4, 1874, when he came to Beardstown. Here he was made cashier of the private bank of Skillings, Carter & Arenz, which position he held until April. 1877, when the bank was reorganized as the Peoples State Bank, Mr. Condit being one of the organizers, and became cashier and continued as such until February 17, 1887, when this bank was merged into the First National

Bank with a capital of $50,000. The officers were: J. H. Harris, president; J. H. Hagener, vice president; Thomas K. Condit, cashier. In 1893 the capital stock was increased to $80,000 ; in 1903 to $100,000 and it is working with this capital, with a surplus of $125,000 and undivided profits of $10,000. There have been some changes in the offices of president and vice president, in 1890 Mr. Shultz becoming vice president and president in 1900, with A. E. Schmoedt vice president. Mr. Condit has continued cashier, while his eldest son, Floyd M. Condit, who has been associated with the bank since 1899, is assistant cashier. The latter married Edith Smith, in 1902, and they have three children: Harriet, Mary Louise and Edith Elizabeth.

On February 22, 1877, Thomas Kk. Condit was married to Harriet S. Dutch, who was born at Beardstown and died April 18, 1902. Her parents were John R. and Alice (Thompson) Dutch, the former born at Cape Girardeau, Mo., and the latter in England. To this marriage the following children were born: Floyd M., born February 24, 1878; J. Sidney, born December 31, 1881; and Richard L., born February 17, 1886, died May 19, 1888. The second son, J. Sidney, has been connected with the Chicago law firm of Winston, Payne, Strawn & Shaw, since 1905, and is a graduate of the Beardstown High school, the Illinois University at Urbana and the Harvard Law school. On October 15, 1903, Thomas K. Condit was married to Ethel Ayers, at Pasadena, Cal., who was born at Rushville. Il., a daughter of Dr. Mortimer and Dora (Hill) Ayers. The father of Mrs. Condit was 'a practicing physician at Pasadena for seven years previous to his death, in 1902. Mr. and Mrs. Condit have one son, Thomas Ayers, born August 6, 1905.

In politics Mr. Condit is a Republican. He served as a member of the city council for three years and during that time was instrumental in securing the building of the first wagon bridge, and has been alert, helpful and publicspirited concerning many enterprises which have brought credit to the city. He organized the Mutual Loan and Savings Association, and has been its secretary since 1893. He was connected with the Beardstown Electric Light and Power Company and it was largely through his efforts that the company received its franchise from the city in 1903, and he was a stockholder until 1918, when the plant was sold to the Public Service Company. He served as deputy internal revenue collector of Beardstown at the request of Hon. John A. Logan. Mr. Condit's prominence secured his appointment as a member of the World's Fair Commission. and he also served during the exposition at St. Louis, and by Governor Deneen was appointed a member of the Internal Improvement Commission of the State of Illinois and made the trip on the steamer, Illinois. with the other members of that body. At St. Louis they were joined by President Taft and party and they all went on to New Orleans where the Deep Waterway con- vention was held, the deliberations of this representative body being matters of history. Mr. Condit was interested in the erection of the present home of the First National Bank, which was completed January 1, 1918. It is a building of modern construction and exemplifies every new design in bank building, having a complete vault system and safety deposit boxes, absolutely fire and burglar proof, not excelled in the state. Mr. Condit is aftiliated fraternally with the Elks and the Knights of Pythias. He early united with the Methodist Episcopal church and from 1867 until 1875 held his memhership at Winchester, when he transferred to Beardstown. For two years he served as superintendent of the Sunday school and has been president of the board of trustees since 1904 and gave assistance to Reverend Waldron in the raising of $15,000 to build the church in TSS9-

CONOVER, George. - The personal history of George Conover, of Virginia, is a very interesting and instructive one for it proves that few things are impossible to the man who utilizes his natural ability and is not afraid to stand firm in his convictions. Mr. Conover comes of a very old family, one with historic records. and was born one-half mile west of old Princeton, Cass County, September 11, 1846, a son of Levi and Phoebe Ann (Rosenberger) Conover,

The first of the family to come to America was Wolfort Gerretse Van Couvenhoven, as the name was then spelled, he being a native of Wolland. Arriving at New York City, or New Amsterdam as it was then called, in 1630, the pioneer ancestor lived there and managed the affairs of a fellow countryman of large means. The estate upon which he worked is now in the very heart of the metropolis of the United States. Gerrett Wolfertse Van Couvenhoyen, son of Wolfort Gerretse. born in Holland in 1610. came to America with his father in 1630. He was one of the eight men representing the people who, November 3, 1643, memorialized the States General for relief in consequence of their forlorn and defenseless condition, as per page 139 of Vol. 1 of documents of Colonial History of New York. William Gerretse Van Couvenhoven, a grandson of Wolfort Gerretse, sold his property in New York in 1709 and moved to Monmouth County. New Jersey. John Williamse, a great-grandson, was born April 6, 1GS1, and Dominicus. a great-great-grandson, was born in New Jersey about 1724. He was killed by lightning. His five sons were with Gen. Washington in the Revolutionary war. and four of them were granted leave to attend their father's funeral. and thus missed being in the hattle of Monmouth. which occurred June 28. 177s. The name of Van Couvenhoren was trimmed down to Counover previous to 1800 and to Conover by 18380, ber 10, 1757, in or near Monmouth, New Jersey. He moved to Kentucky about 1790, settled near Lexington, but afterward moved to Columbia, Adair County, Ky. He entered land there, 400 acres three miles east of Columbia, February 38, 1896, land entry No. 401. His near relatives entered the same day 3,200 acres more. Levi Conover, the father of George Conover, was a son of the Levi named above, and was born near Columbia, Ky., January 14, 1808. Levi Conover, father of George Conover, came to Cass County from Columbia, Adair County, IKxy., and his brother Peter came prior to him, taking up government land two miles south of * Princeton, Cass Co., Ill. It was through the representations of this brother, that Levi Conover left his Kentucky home for one in Illinois, the trip being made according to pioneer methods in a covered wagon.

This Levi Conover was twice married, his first wife being Elizabeth Petefish, a sister of the founder of the Petefish, Skiles & Co., bank at Virginia, Ill. When he started from Kentucky he owned a horse and colt, but these were stolen from him while on the way, so upon his arrival here he went to work splitting rails for fifty cents per hundred. By his first marriage he had one child, but both it and the mother died at its birth. He then went to Iowa and bought 500 acres of land and with a partner built a log house and there he suffered all the privations incident to pioneering at that time and in that locality. His second wife, Phoebe Ann Rosenberger, the mother of George Conover, bore him five children, namely: Mary Jane, who died at the age of eighteen years; Martha Ann, who became Mrs. Oswald Skiles and the mother of Lee Skiles; Matilda Ellen, who became Mrs. William Epler, lives at Lake Charles. La.; George and Charles Wesley. The latter owns the old home place, but lives at Ashland, Ill. Peter Conover, brother of Levi Conover, entered the land on which George Conover was born. Levi Conover bought it in 1541.

Brought up upon a farm, George Conover's first educational advantages were obtained in the district schools, later the Wesleyan University at Bloomington, Ill., and the Bryant & Stratton Business College of Chicago. On coming back to the farm he began raising stock and so continued to work until he was thirty years old. At that time, deciding upon a wider career. he moved to Virginia. Ill., and became a partner of the Petefish, Skiles & Co., private bankers, in March, 1876. and was at once installed as bookkeeper. For eight years he served the bank faithfully in that capacity, and then bought the interest of Mr. Oliver, who managed the bank. Mr. Conover then became manager and so continued until the private bank was incorporated in 1903. he being one of the incorporators, and was elected its president. After serving two years, Mr. Conover was succeeded by his brother-in-law. Mr. Skiles, who. with his associates, was owner of three banks in the county. In 1881 they started the Skiles. Rearick & Company private bank at Ashland, and in 1882 bought the Chandler bank in Chandlerville, and organized a private bank under the title of Petefish, Skiles & Mertz. Later, or in 1904, they took out a charter under the title of the State Bank of Chandlerville and Mr. Conover has been president of this bank since its organization. Mr. Conover is also interested in the State Bank at Buffalo, Ill.; the Calcasieu Trust & Savings Bank at Lake Charles, La., and the private bank of Conover & Co., at Kilbourne, Ill. Mr. Conover and family are members of the Presbyterian church.

Menard County, Ill. Four children have been born of this marriage, namely: William Bone, who is of New Orleans, La.; Ernest Bone, who is of Springfield; George Bone, who is cashier of the bank at Buffalo, Ill.; and Virginia Louise, who is at home.

George Conover's father gave him a half section of land two miles southeast of Virginia, that at that time was nothing more than a frog pond, but after doing a great deal of hard work, he has brought it into a fine state of cultivation, and it is now very valuable. Mr. Conover still owns this property, and is naturally proud of what he has developed from what was once considered worthless land.

COOKE, Hon. John Joseph. - Cass County has her full share of able lawyers, and among these are some who have made such effective use of their talents and opportunities as to elevate themselves to positions of prominence, and through the honorable distinction achieved by long and earnest effort. they reflect a high degree of credit upon the community in which they live. Conspicuous among these and worthy of signal mention is Judge John Joseph Cooke, whose voice and presence are familiar to the bar and general public.

John Joseph Cooke was born at Aurora, Ill, June 4, 1874. When three years old he was hrought by his parents to Beardstown where he later attended the publie schools, and still later was graduated from the high school, in the Class of. 1891. In 1892 he began attending the University of Notre Dame. from the law department of which he was graduated in 1894. In 1895 he was admitted to the bar. having been employed since June, 1894, in a law office in Chicago. where he continued until December, IS97. At this time he established himself in the practice of law in Beardstown, and has become ove of the foremost men in his profession. Judge Cooke is a son of Michael and Catherine Cooke, his father being a native of Queens County, Treland. who came to America in 1853, and was married in Aurora. He and his wife had nine children, four of whom are still living, John Joseph being the second in order of birth. The father was a foreman in the railroad shops in Beardstown from 1877 until January. 1911, when he passed away, and was laid to rest in the Beardstown cemetery. He was a man of intelligence, skill and energy and had many friends. The mother of Judge Cooke, a native of Queenstown, Ireland, and a much respected lady, died in Beardstown November 1, 1914.

Politically Judge Cooke is a Democrat. In 1899 he was elected city attorney of Beardstown, being chosen a member of the Illinois legislature in 1904, and serving one term in the Forty-fourth General Assembly. When _ the Beardstown City Court was established in June, 1911, John Joseph Cooke was elected the first judge of the newly created tribunal, an office which he still fills. In April, 19138, a County Bar Association was organized in Cass County, of which Judge Cooke was chosen the first president, which office he is holding at the present time.

CRAMER, Engelbert, who is a landowner with extensive holdings, not only in Cass County but elsewhere, is ranked among the substantial men of this locality. He was born at Beardstown, Ill.. November 7, 1856, a son of Jacob H. and Charlotta (Trompe) Cramer, natives of Hanover, and of Prussia, Germany. They met in the United States at St. Louis, Mo., where they married. The father was a cabinet-maker and contractor, and in 1854, he came to Beardstown where he bought property and followed his trade in that city until his death about 1871.

Engelbert Cramer attended the public schools of Beardstown, and remained with his parents until fourteen years old, when he began working on farms and so continued until twenty-one years old. At that time he rented land, but within eight years bought his first sixty acres, to which he has added until he has 260 acres in Cass County. He also owns 160 acres in Kingfisher County, Okla., which he rents, but he operates his Cass County property himself, doing general farming and stock raising.

In 1877 he married Paulina M. Hackman, who was born in Cass County, Ill, and died November 26, 1910. She was a daughter of Jobn H. and Louisa (Jockisch) Hackman, he born in Hanover, Germany, and she in Cass County, Ill. Mr. and Mrs. Cramer had the following children: Louisa, who married William M. Carls, of Cass County; Jacob H.. who is of Virginia, Ill.; J. W., who is in the United States navy, being on the U. 8S. S. New York; Engelbert, who is at home; Henry, who died in infancy; and Ada, who married Raymond Rhineberger, is deceased. Mr. Cramer served as school trustee and director, and as road comniissioner. and was the first constable of Bluff Springs Precinct. He belongs to and is a charter member of Bluff Springs Lodge No. 1489, the Modern Woodmen of America, and was one of its organizers. He has always taken much interest in the order and not only has held the offices of adviser, banker and manager, but he was a member of the building committee when the new hall was erected.

CRAMER, Jacob H. - Every line of business gives openings for intelligent men if they are willing to devote to it care and attention. Cass County is an agricultural community, and Virginia is the natural shipping point for a wide territory, so that through the business men of this city pass many of the commodities raised in the outlying regions. Jacob H. Cramer has for years conducted a large business handling horses and mules, generally keeping about twenty head. In ccennection with this line he buys and sells, and is one of the heavy dealers of this section. Mr. Cramer also handles farm machinery, wagons and huggies, and conducts a first class livery, owning twelve head of horses, and is prepared to do either light or heavy hauling.

The birth of Mr. Cramer occurred at Bluff Springs. J1].. August 31, 1880, he being a son of Englebert and VPauline (Hackman) Cramer. While growing up on his father's farm he attended the local schools and those of Girard, Til. For the three years following the com}:letion of his studies Mr. Cramer was engaged in farming. and then coming to Virginia he bought the livery business owned hy Bergen & Cru, and has continued to conduct it ever since, branching out as above stated.

On November 8. 1906, Mr. Cramer was married at Virginia to Margaret Winklehake, a daughter of Henry and Minnie (Jokisch) Winklehake. Mr. and Mrs. Cramer have had four children, hamely: Henry, Hazel, Vauline and Nina Louise. Mr. Cramer is a member of the Red Men. having joined that order after locating at Virginia.

CRAWFORD, James (deceased). - Among the hest known and most prosperous of the early settlers of western Illinois, whose labors contributed largely to the productiveness and attractiveness of Cass County. were a number, how passed away. whose lives were begun on foreign shores. Conspicuous in this number was James Crawford. a native of County Antrim, Ireland. where his birth took place September 2s, 1883. Whatever educational training he had was obtained in his home neighborhood in boyhood, and in 1853 he set out in an old fashioned sailing vessel for America. <Arriving in Illinois, he located in the vicinity of Beardstown, Cass County, where he took up 800