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 8 of 10)

Schall stayed at home. At that time, having received a common school education, he went to farming on rented lands, and in June, 1893, bought 120 acres, partly improved, in section 20, township 18, range 10, Cass County. On this he completed the improvements, erecting a fine house, good outbuildings, barns, etc., and building a modern, up-to-date creamery. Here he conducts a dairy farm, keeping from fourteen to sixteen cows, and making butter, and he also carries on general grain farming.

On February 23, 1893, Mr. Schall, who was educated in the district schools, was married to Annie Kruse. who was born August 12, 1867, in Cass County, Ill., a daughter of Mathias and Anna (Biehl) Kruse, the former a native of Switzerland, and the latter born in Beardstown where she attended school in youth. At an early day, Mr. Kruse came to Beardstown with his first wife, buying a farm in township 18, range 10, where the wife died. The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Schall were John and Margaret Biehl, natives of Germany, who located in Cass County at an early period, and carried on farming. Mrs. Schall was the oldest child of her father, the others being: John. of Jule Station, Cass County: Henry, of Adams County, Tll.; Mathais, of Chase County, Nebr.: and

Mr. and Mrs. Sehall have had the following children: Elmer C., Nadine N., Nita TP., Clifford M. and Le Eda. all at home. Edward Schall belongs to the Lutheran church, while his wife is a Presbyterian. "In politics Mr. Schall is a Democrat. He has served as a school director, and since 1912 has been a trustee of township 28, range 10, Cass County.

SCHELL, Raymond C. - Among the enterprising and successful young men whose skill and energy constitute one of the dependable elements in promoting the prosperity of the city of Beardstown, Cass County, is Raymond C. Schell, who is very popular wherever his acquaintance extends. Mr. Schell was born in Oquawka, Il]., April 7th, 1886, and is a son of Charles F. W. and Mary FE. (Brooks) Schell. He grew to manhood in his native town. receiving his early mental training in the public schools. After his school days were over, Mr. Schell became active along numerous lines. He served three years as assistant postmaster of his home town, and then worked in Monmouth, Ill., one year. as clerk for the Adams Express Company. following this was employed as express messenger on the railroad running out of Beardstown. He also sold gasoline engines until 1909, when he entered the automobile business in company with W. J. Wolton, under the firm name of Wolton & Schell. This connection continued for sixteen months when Mr. Schell bought out his partner's interest, and has since, except during one year, conducted the business alone. In the year excepted a Mr. Cannon had an interest with him in the repair department. Mr. Schell has the agency of the

Moline, as well as the Ford and Buick cars. He is also engaged in the auto livery business, haying two livery cars for hire. After dissolving his business connection with Mr. Wolton, he went to Moline, in 1910-11, and was engaged for six months in the testing department of an auto manufactory, in order to become more efficient in the work.

Mr. Schell married Zelda A. Gray in December, 1914. Fraternally he is affiliated with the B. P. O. E., Lodge No. 1007, of Beardstown. and also the K. of P. He is prospering in all his undertakings, and has many friends, being well liked by all who have business or personal relations with him.

SCHMIDT, Johannes. - Perhaps no country of the world has contributed so many sturdy, industrious and capable men and women to the United States as Germany, for there the people are taught to work and they do well whatever lies Closest at hand. As a result whenever they immigrate, they bring with them a knowledge of whatever line in which they have been trained, as well as habits of thrift that stand them in good stead in their new home.

The late Johannes Schmidt, formerly one of the prosperous farmers of Cass County, was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, June 16, 1S54, came to the United States when he had attained his majority. and made his way to Cass County. Ill A few months later he went to Bloomington, Ill, where he was a_ truck farmer and also conducted a greenhouse, but later, on returning to Cass County. he bought sixty acres of land and conducted it until his death. While living upon this farm he improved it considerably, erecting all the buildings and putting in excellent stock.

On February 26, 1885, Mr. Schinidt was united in marriage with Mary Geiss. who was born in Cass County, a daughter of John and Matilda (Apple) Geiss. of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt became the parents of the following children: Rosa, who is Mrs. Fred Pate of Cass County; Matilda, who is Mrs. Louis Deichman of Virginia; and Henry F. and Otto, who conduct the home place for their widowed mother. The family belong to the Presbyterian church. Mr. Schmidt died July 27. 1911, after a long and useful life, and the influence of his upright character had its effect upon his neighborhood.

SCHMOLDT, A. E. - The A. FE. Schmoldt Lumber & Cooperage plant was established by a Mr. Weaver in the year 1856, as a sawmill. After about twelve years the mill and grounds were bought by Herman Sielschott. Robt. G. Schmoldt and Fred Moeller, under the firm name of Sielschott. Moeller & Co. Later Mr. Moeller sold his interest to Sielschott & Schmoldt; still later Robt. G. Schmoldt bought out Herman Sielschott and soon added a retail lumber yard which he opened on the corner of Third and Jefferson streets, Beardstown; also soon after adding a Wholesale ice storage plant and continuing in each a one-fifth interest, retaining two-fifths interest. Then was added a slack barrel cooperage factory, making slack barrel staves, hoops and heading; the style of the firm now being Schnoldt Brothers & Co. The firm continued to operate under this head until the father retired from active business, when he sold his twofifths interest to his sons, Hl. M., Robt. W., and A. LE. Schmoldt. who continued the business as Schmoldt Brothers, Robt. W. Schmoldt later selling his interest to H. M. and A. E. Schmoldt. The retail lumber yard in the meantime had been moved from Third and Jefferson streets to the corner of Fourth and State streets. In the spring of 1907 A. E. Schmoldt sold his interest in the retail lumber yard on Fourth street to H. M. Schmoldt and in the same year bought the H. M. Schmoldt interest in the manufacturing plant. taking over the books of Schmoldt Brothers as their successor. <A. E. Schmoldt continued the manufacturing in its entirety, discontinuing the ice business. and added a retail coal yard. and retail and wholesale lumber yard. which he continues to operate.

A. FE. Schinoldt's parents. Robt. G. Schmoldt and Johanna Eleonore Schmoldt. were born and married in Germany. coming to this country in Ise2, and to Cass County July 5, 1853. To them Were born eight sons, the first two dying in infancy. The third. Tl. M. Schmoldt. died June

A. FE. Schmoldt was born February 14, 1862; Was married November 3, 1896, to Clara Olive Treadway. daughter of James and Rebecca Mary Treadway. of Beardstown, Ill. They have one son, Ernest James, born October 2, 1896.

SCHWEER, Frederick E. - After a career filled with active experience since his early manhood, Frederick FE. Schweer ix now enjoying the comfort and quietude of restful retirement in his advancing vears, abundantly supplied with all the necessaries of life. and serenely conscious that the approbation of his fellowmen has crowned his faithful efforts in behalf of the public welfare. Tn early manhood Frederick Schiveer served his country well on the field of battle during the war for the Union, and in the ensuing period of peace he has contributed his Lest energies. in various responsible offices, towards an efficient administration of the affairs of bis city and country.

Frederick E. Schweer is of German nativity, having been born in Hanover, Germany, May 28. 1845. He is a son of John H. and Catherine (Dubelmeyer) Schweer. who came, in 1854, by way of New Orleans to Beardstown, Ill., after consuming thirteen weeks and five days on the journey. John H. Schweer died in 1886 and his Wife in 1880. He was a general laborer. They were the parents of nine children, of whom Frederick E. was the youngest. He obtained a fair education by four years of study in the public schools, and remained with his father and mother until March 7, 1864, when he enlisted for the Civil war, joining the Eighteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, being attached to the Western arly. He was honorably discharged from the service in January, 1866, and then applied himself to farming and teaming, taking care of his parents until their death. From 1882 to 1ss3 he did police duty in Beardstown, and then became city marshal, holding the latter office until 1902. In November of the last named vear Mr. Schweer was elected sheriff of Cass County, serving until 1906, when he was elected assessor and treasurer of the county. serving thus until 1910. Since that time he has lived in retirement, occupying a spacious and attractive residence in Beardstown.

On March 7, 1867, Mr. Schweer was united in marriage with Catherine L. German, born in Prussia, Germany, a daughter of Jacob and Louisa German, who were natives of Germany, but came to Beardstown and engaged in farming. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Schweer are: John M.; Theodore J., a physician; Emma (Mrs. Cc. E. Anger) ; Otto; Alice (Mrs. William Haire), a widow; and Roy. all of Beardstown. In all of the various capacities in which Mr. Schweer has served the public he has given thorough satisfaction to his constituents, and his reputation as a man and a citizen is deservedly high. Mr. Schweer's religious connection is with the Congregational church. In politics he is a Democrat. He is a Knight Templar Mason and helongs also to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. and to McLean Post No. 97, G. A. R.

SCHWEER, Otto. - One of the old and much respected families of Cass County. the Schweers, a narrative of whose personal history may be found elsewhere in this volume, is still further represented by the subject of this sketch. a resident of Beardstown, and a son of Fred and Catherine (German) Schweer. long and favorably known in this vicinity. Otto Schweer, who is among the most energetic. intelligent and industrious of the younger members of the community, was born in Beardstown, Ill.. September 23. 1874. In boyhood he attended the common schools of his neighborhood, and at an early period, learned the trade of a machinist. at which he worked from the age of sixteen years, although he lived with his parents until he was twenty-six years old.

At this time. December 21. 1900, occurred Mr. Schweer's matriage to Tillie Hendriker, who was born in Cass County, Ill. her father and mother also being natives of this county. After his marriage Mr. Schweer was engaged for a time in the laundry business, and some of his time was devoted to his trade of machinist. In

903, he formed a connection with a stock company under the name of the Goodell Ice and Fuel Company, in which he continued active until 1909, when he went into the coal business. For a while he has been wholesale agent for the Pabst Brewing Company of Beardstown and vicinity. In all his undertakings he has met with a good measure of success, and in the yarious enterprises which have occupied his attention, he has made numerous friends who hold him in high regard. In his political course Mr. Nchweer has uniformly acted with the Democratic party. He is affiliated with the A. F. & A. M., being a Knight Templar, and is also identified with the B. P. O. Is. No. 1007, and the A. O. F., all of Beardstown.

SEHY, John, manufacturer of drain tile and brick, is one of the representative manufacturers of Cass County, and his plants at Ashland are thoroughly modern in every respect, and do.credit not only to his own business enterprise and ability, but to the community as well. He was born at Berlin, Ill., February 7, 1867, a son of Peter and Margaret (Stork) Sehy, who came to Sangamon County, Ill, in 1865. The father is a shoemaker by trade, and since 1551 has lived at Ashland. His brothers and sister were: Adam, Conrad, Frank and Catherine. After the birth of her two children, John and Frank, the first Mrs. Sehy died. Later Peter Sehy married Mary Reith, and they had two sons, Matthew and Steven, and two daughters, Mary E., who is Mrs. William Henn, of Morgan County, Ill.; and Catherine, who is Mrs. Henry Henn. of Cass County. Il.

John Sehy attended the common schools of his native place and worked at various things until 1892. when he. with four others, bought out the brick manufacturing plant of J. B. Lohman. From time to time he purchased the interests of his partners and since 1902 has been sole proprietor. In 190 he added the manutacture of drain tile, erecting a plant for that purpose, and now has a very large and flourishing business. The capacity of his brick plant is 15,000 .per day. while he manufactures from 3.000 to 6,000 drain tile, according to the size. Since 1909 his plant has been operated by a 35- horse power engine and a 40-horse power boiler, and employment is given to six men. The main drying shed is 125x82 feet. and he has a second building 75x28 feet. in which are located the engine, boiler, machine shop and clay pit. The drying room has a cement floor and exhaust steam is forced into the tile which heats the shed and assists in drying the product. Mr. Sehy has two round down-draft kilns, with a capacity of 70,000, heated by a grateless furnace of the latest improved model. <All equipments in his plants are the most modern in the county, and he is constantly improving them.

On February 18, 1890, Mr. Sehy married Mary Elizabeth Brazzle, born in La Salle County, a daughter of Thomas and <Anna_ (Farrel) Brazzle, natives of Ireland, and the following children have been born to them: Charles Trancis, who is of Ashland. Ill., is engineer of the tile plant; Anna Marie, who is at home; Frances Catherine, Helen May, Margaret Mary, Frank Conrad, Gertrude, Thomas Veter, John Janes, and Agnes Louise who died in infancy. Mr. Sehy is a member of the Catholic church. He belongs to the W. C. U. No. 24, of Ashland. In politics he is a Democrat.

SHANKLAND, Ora, editor and publisher of the Chandlerville Times, and a man who is conscientious in moulding opinion and advocating improvements and liberal reforms, was born at Chandlerville. Ill.. June 20, 1881, a son of Rey. Benjamin Hartley and Elizabeth (Peek) Shankland, the former born in Nicholas County. Ky., November 23, 1843. and the latter in Menard County, D1l., November 19, 1835. The father was a Methodist minister and a farmer. and both he and his exceilent wife spent their lives in doing good to others. Earnest and consisteut members of the Methodist church, ther worked towards its advancement, and made relieving the needy one of the chief aims of their existence. During the Civil war, the father served for six months in Company F, One Hundred and Thirtyfifth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, while in political views he is a Democrat.

Ora Shankland is a graduate of the Chandlerville High schoo!, class of 1900, and after completing his school course he learned the printing trade, which he has followed ever since. with the exception of a few months when he was a grocery clerk. On September S, 1911. he bought the Chandlerville Times and has since issued it of the Chandlerville Chamber of Commerce and an honorary member of the Cass County Country Life Club. Since 1907 he has belonged to the Modern Woodmen of America, and in July, 1913. he joined the Knights of Pythias. He is not only clerk and secretary of the Christian church board. which religious organization he joined January 1. 1910. but he is a member of the Sunday school orchestra. In politics he is a Democrat, and one of the leaders of his party.

On May 10, 1911, Mr. Shankland married Nellie I. McDonald, a daughter of William Kdgar and Ida Mae (Johnson) MeDonald. the former a painter and paper hanger. Murs. Shankland was om at Virginia, Til. May 7. 1893. and is a member of the Christian church and a very prominent worker in the same, with which church she united when twelve years of age. She is also a member of the Court of Honor, Which she joined October 5, 1914. Mrs. Shankland also taught a very successful term of school. Mr. and Mrs. Shankland have many warm personal friends at Chandlerville, and are numbered among the social leaders of the place.

for his dignified capability and profound learning, and beloved for his reasonable charitablehess, was born at Beardstown, November 12, 1853, a son of John Barnwell and Mary Jane (Chandler) Shaw, the former born in Cumberland, Maine, July 22, 1828, and the latter at Scituate, R. I., May 27, 1830. John B. Shaw was an attorney-at-law, and was one of the organizers of the Cass County public school system, and the first county superintendent of schools in Cass County. On the maternal side, the Chandlers not only were early identified with Cass County, but were ever the first to aid and help school, church and social enterprises. The sites of the schoolhouse, the Congregational church and the Methodist church at Chandlerville, were given by Dr. Charles Chandler, Dr. Shaw's grandfather, as well as all parks and other publie grounds. He was the most influential factor in securing the passage of the railroad through Cass County. Mrs. Shaw, the mother of Dr. Shaw, was brought from Rhode Island to what afterwards became Chandlerville, by her father, Dr. Chandler, when young, and was the first child in that neighborhood.

William Bird Shaw was graduated from Illinois College. Jacksonville, and the Union College of Law, Chicago. His boyhood was spent on a farm with his widowed mother, he having lost his father when he was five years old, and there he enjoyed life as a lover of books and of agrieulture. He studied law and become an attorney, and in 1884 went to Ford County, Kas.. and was one of the first settlers and lawyers of the county. It was while residing there that he determined to turn from law to the mninistry. began the study of theology and was ordained at Ford, Kas.. in 1889. After many years of active work in that state. he came back to [llinois, and took charge of the Congregational Church at Beardstown, in 1908. He has always been very much interested in church and educational work. and in political faith is a Progressive Republican. The Masonic order and the order of Odd Fellows hold his fraternal membership.

On March 16, 1886, Mr. Shaw was married to Mary Louise Broadwell of Jacksonville, Il. Mr. and Mrs. Shaw have had two children: Mary Louise, who was born at Jacksonville, July 27, 1880: and Harold Bird, who was born at Downs, January 16, 1890. The family home is at Chandlerville. Dr. Charles Chandler entered and purchased the land upon which Chandlerville now stands, and it takes its name from this notable pioneer, extended mention of whom will be found in the historical part of this work.

SHOEMAKER, Martin R. - Beardstown has one of the best photographic studios in Cass County, conducted by Martin R. Shoemaker, and those patronizing it are given artistic work at reasonable prices. Mr. Shoemaker was born in Titus County, Tex., January 18, 1864, a son of William R. and Margaret Alice (Martin) Shoemaker, natives of Landstone County, S. C.. and Wheeling, W. Va. He was killed in Texas dur- ing 1864, and his widow marrie' again, and her son, Martin R., was brought up by his stepfather, William Birks, in Macon County, IIL, until he was seventeen years old, during which period he attended the schools of his district.

When he was seventeen years old he began learning the carpenter trade, but after a year was engaged in sign painting, and then became interested in photography and the enlarging of pictures, while he was in Nebraska, and he traveled about Texas and in other states, including Ixansas, Iowa and South Dakota. He _ supplemented his practical experience with a course at Rockford, Ill., in the air-brush method of enlarging pictures. In 1889 he located in Beardstown, Ill., where he has built up an excellent trade in photographic work, the enlarging of photographs, crayon drawing, ete., and handles photographic sundries and does picture framing, and is doing a very large business.

On January 19, 1887, Mr. Shoemaker was married at Argenta, Ill., to Lena Alice Sprague, born at Randallville, Ill., a daughter of Dr. Joshua Sprague. Mr. and Mrs. Shoemaker have had the following children: Leah Alice, who is at home; Carletta May, who is Mrs. Clifford Norman, resides at Beardstown; and Clarence, who died at the age of nine years and five months.

Mr. Shoemaker belongs to the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and has been an elder since 1900. He has been church historian of the Central Illinois District that comprises twenty-one counties in the central part of Illinois, and is now its president. In addition he is first counselor to "The St. Louis Quotam of Elders," comprised of three districts. Central Illinois, Southeastern Illinois and St. Louis districts. so that it can be easily seen that with business and church work his time is pretty well occupied. Believing that idleness is criminality. and that work without art is brutality, he has combined the two, 'work and art' in his achievements which has enabled him to surmount many obstacles in life. In politics he is independent. Fraternally he belongs to the Court of Honor and the Modern Woodmen of America, both of Beardstown.

SIMPSON'S FURNITURE AND UNDERTAKING CO. - Among the well known enterprises of Beardstown, Cass County, Ill., is the concern above named, located at No. 115 West Third street. the proprietor of which is L. L. Simpson. This business was purchased from C. E. Williamson, on September 1. 1911, by Mr. Simpson. who came from Carrollton, Ill., and it has since been under his immediate management. Formerly. the partnership in control was Huge & O'Kricke. who sold it to Huge & Williamson, and the latter subsequently bought out the former's interest on April 15, 1911. Jointly interested with Mr. Simpson in the enterprise is his mother, Mrs. Emma J. Simpson. The concern deals in all varieties of furniture, rugs, ete., and also does upholstering and picture framing. The establishment is equipped with private parlors and a private morgue in the undertaking department. Mr. Simpson is a licensed embalmer, and has his mother's assistance in this department, as well as that of J H. Huge.

L. L. Simpson is a native of Carrollton, I11., where his birth took place in the year 1588S. His early educational training was obtained in the public schools of that place, after which he entered the high school, from which he was graduated with the class of 1907. He then pursued a course of undertaking and embalming under his father, E. L. Simpson, deceased, and in the Barnes School of Sanitary Science and Embalming of Chicago. His father was a menber of the firm of S. E. Simpson & Company. After his death on September 22, 1910, L. L. Simpson took charge of the business until June 1, 1911, when it was disposed of, and Mr. Simpson and his mother located in Beardstown. Mrs. Emma J. Simpson is a daughter of Enoch and Margaret (Loper) Keele. She was born in Macoupin County, Ill, and her marriage took place in the same county. Mrs. Simpson is the mother of two children, Levis and Leita.

L. L. Simpson was united in marriage, on October 16, 1918, with Caroline Post, a daughter of Fayette and Minnie (IXKnight) Post. He is a business man of much intelligence and enterprise and has the respect and esteem of a wide circle of friends.

SINCLAIR, Harry Watson. - It requires a thorough knowledge of farming in all its many details to be a successful agriculturalist. There are men engaged in tilling the soil in Cass County who appreciate this fact and have taken a deep interest in their work and through their success are doing much to make this locality a center of agriculture. One of these men is Harry Watson Sinclair of Virginia.

Harry W. Sinclair was born in Champaign County. Tll.. July 10, 1883. a son of John N. and Eliza (Stout) Sinclair. While he was still an infant. Mr. Sinclair's parents moved to Chandlerville. Cass County, and in 1SSS located at Virginia, so that the lad enjoyed the advantages of excellent schools. When he was fifteen years old, he began to be self-supporting, securing work in a country store, and in 1906 he embarked in a grocery business at Virginia, in partnership with J. C. Baily. This association continued with profit to both until 1912, when Mr. Sinclair sold his interest to his partner, and moved to the farm of Marquis L. Crum in Virginia Precinct. where, during the following years. he has been engaged in general farming and stockraising. feeding the greater part of his grain. His success along these lines has been of such a nature as to mark him a man well fitted for agricultural pursuits, and he is correctly numbered among the leaders of his eounty.

ginia Precinct. a daughter of Marquis IVs and Frances (Stubblefield) Crum. Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair have one son, Marquis Crum, who was born July 22, 1918. Mr. Sinclair is a Presbyterian, while his wife is a Methodist. In politics he is a Democrat, while fraternally he belongs to Masonic Lodge No. 544 of Virginia, and to the Knights of Pythias No. 551 of the same city. Mrs. Sinclair is a member of the Eastern Star.

SKILES, Lee H., president of the Goodell, Skiles Lumber Co., Inc., a director of the Petefish- Skiles Bank. of Virginia, and one of the leading men of Virginia, Ill, was born in Cass County, Ill, August 1, 1871, a son of Oswell and Ann (Conover) Skiles. After attending the public schools of Virginia, and the Illinois College, at Jacksonville, Ill.. he was employed for a time in the Conover, Skiles & Mertz Bank, of Jacksonville, a private institution, but in October, 1894, he purchased the lumber business of Stout «& Wilson, of Virginia, which plant was located on the present site of the Methodist church. In the folowing year, he bought land and built the quarters now occupied by his firm. The rapid growth of the business demanded the infusion of more capital, and Mr. Skiles consolidated with William S. Goodell, who had a yard and works at Chandlersville and at Kilbourne, 111. The present company was incorporated on January 1, 1909, with a capital of $380,000. with Lee H. Skiles as president: C. F. Achamire. vice president; and W. S. Goodell secretary and treasurer, the board of directors being composed of the officials. The company handles lumber, paints, hardware, wire fencing and gates of various descriptions, lime, cement and general building materials.

On November 10, 1897, Mr. Skiles was married to edith Crum. a daughter of Marcus L. and Fannie (Stubblefield) Crum, and they have two children, namely: Helen and Marcus Oswell, both of whom are attending the Virginia public schools. Mr. Skiles is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Masonic fraternity, joining both orders at Virginia. For four years or two terms, Mr. Skiles was a member of the city council of Virginia and can always be depended upon to take a public-spirited interest in local affairs.

SKILES, Louis Oswell, county clerk of Cass County. and a man of more than average business foresight. whose grasp of public matters has placed him in a position where he can use his knowledge for the good of the people, is one of the leading men of Virginia. He was born in this city on September 27, 1888, a son of O. and Eliza (Epler) Skiles, old settlers of Cass County. the former of whom was one of the pioneer bankers of this locality. He died in 1908, his wife surviving until 1912. They had three children, namely: Lee, Louis O., and Stella, who married M. J. Alkire, but is now a widow.

of Galesburg, Ill., and then began his business life in the bank of Conover, Skiles & Mertz at Chandlersville, Ill., as assistant cashier. After a year in the bank, he went on a farm and carried on farming and stockraising for four years. For the next two years he discharged the duties of deputy circuit clerk of Cass County, and in 1910, was elected county clerk, and still holds that position, and in that same year, was elected vice-president of the State Board of Agriculture and is still in office. His support has come from the Democratic party, as he belongs to that political organization.

In 1905, Mr. Skiles married Gertrude Stout, a daughter of Vhilemon and Nellie (Walker) Stout, no issue. Mr. Skiles is a Mason, having joined the order in 1906, and has passed through the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Consistory, and also belongs to Mohammed Shrine of Peoria,

Skiles has a prosperous future before him. His friends are many, his connections desirable, and those who know him best, rely upon his judgment, and are proud of his advancement in public favor.

SLIGH, J. R., county treasurer and assessor of Cass County. is one of the .enterprising and reliable men of this part of the state, one whose foresight and knowledge of affairs has placed him in more than one office of importance. Mr. Sligh was born at Wooster, Ohio, April 10, 1565, a son of Archibald and Christina (Bucannon) Sligh.

J. R. Sligh grew up amid excellent home surroundings. and received the usual conmon school education, but from boyhood he possessed more than ordinary ability, and upon entering upon a Lusiness life. made a success ot his work. For twenty years he was associated with flour milling at various places, finally locating in Cass County, and his business career in Cass County, which extended over a period of some sixteen years. proved his worth, and during that time he continued to devote himself to milling. As a man of judgment and stability he found such favor with the people that he was elected sheriff of the county in 1800, and held that office for four years. He was then elected county treasurer and assessor, and is regarded as one of the best men Cass County bas had to discharge the duties of these offices.

In 1899 Mr. Sligh was married to Emia Kirchner, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Yeck) Wirchner. and they have one child. Christine. who is attending the Virginia public school. Mr. Sligh belongs to the Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias. and is popular in both orders. A man of uprightness of purpose, he has lived up to his ideals and has always done his full duty as he saw it.

is deserving of more than passing meution is Karl Smith, whose operations in coal place him among the successful merchants of the county. Mr. Smith was born at Jacksonville, Morgan County, Ill., February 24, 1882, a son of Joseph and Helen (Gover) Smith, the former of whom died February 2s, 1906, the latter surviving and making her home at Virginia. When he was still an infant, Earl Smith was brought to Virginia, Cass County, Ill, and here he grew to maturity. After taking the public school course, Mr. Smith began to assist his father in the coal business, continuing until the father's death, When he succeeded, and has continued in this line alone ever since. He farms forty acres of land near Virginia in addition to attending to his other business. He has not married, but lives with his mother, being the fourth in order of birth of the nine children that were born to his parents.

Mir. Smith is interested in fraternal matters, belonging to the Odd Fellows, in which he has passed all the chairs, and to the Modern Woodmen of America, in which he is now venerable counsel. The Presbyterian church holds his inembership. His standing in the community is exceptionally good, and he deserves the success which has been his, for he has always worked intelligently and diligently, and also has been able to spare time to take a useful interest in local affairs, although he is in no sense a politician.

SMITH, Ira A. - Like most of the counties in this section of the state, the county of Cass contains many farms that, besides their special adaptability for a high degree of cultivation, show the evidence of notable industry and thrift on the part of those well known agriculturists who own and operate the land. Among these is the fine tract near the village of Oakford, lying in section 32, township 19, range 8, which belongs to Ira A. Smith. Here. in addition to general farming, its owner is engaged in the raising of stock. He buys stock and feeds it for market, and also makes a specialty of pure-bred Jersey T)uroc hogs.

Ira A. Sinith is a native of Menard County, Ill.. where his birth took place December 34, 1N79. His father's name was Samuel M. Smith, horn in Norristown, Pa.. December 23, 1858. The maiden name of the mother was Sophia Jane Kirby. born in Menard County, IIL, August 20, 1858. Samuel M. Smith was a farmer hy occupation. and was engaged in this work and stockraising throughout his active life, heing successful in all his undertakings, and leaving. besides material possessions, the heritage of a good reputation to his son. In early life Ira A. Smith attended the country schools, and subsequently devoted his time to the operation of the home farm. which is composed of 310 acres of very desirable land, where he remained until he was twenty-one years of age. He then bought 118 acres in Menard County. which he sold and bought his present farm of 240 acres.

On November 21, 1900, Mr. Smith was united in the bonds of matrimony with Ida M. Ishmael, who was born August 31, 1883, and is a daughter of Charles M. and Lydia Alice (Lane) Ishmael. Her father was born in Cass County, Ill., September $, 1850, and her mother, in Schuyler County, Ill., May 5, 1862. They have three children, namely: Alice Bernice, born August 22, 1901; Samuel M., born October 17, 1903: and Ira A., born April 7, 1914.

Politically Mr. Smith is a Democrat, and as such was elected school director in bis township, in which capacity he served acceptably for a period of six years. His religious faith is that of the Baptist denomination. He is affiliated with the A. F. & A. M., Chandlerville Lodge No. 724; and Eastern Star, De Witt Chapter 119. R. A., of Petersburg, I]. Mr. Smith is a very industrious man. and his pleasant disposition makes him popular among his numerous acquaintances.

SMITH, Isaac N. - In whatever sphere of life one's lot may be cast, earnest effort. directed with energy. prudence and constancy, is almost certain to have its reward in gaining a comfortable subsistence, and in the course of lengthening years, to result in the acquisition of a shug competency. Such an experience is manifest in the career of Isaac N. Smith, a well known farmer and stockraiser of Cass County, where he has been thus engaged for the past twenty-four years. The farm of Mr. Smith, consisting of 120 acres of good land, is located in section 32, township 19, range §, and his residence address is Oakford, Ill., R. F. D. No. 1.

Washington County, Ky., January 14. 1816, and the maiden name of his mother was Nancy Jane Nash, born in Coles County, Tll., in the month of June, 1823. The father continued to live in Kentucky until 1832, when he accompanied his parents to Illinois, moving overland by wagon to Morgan County. In the course of his boyhood he became accustomed to the use of carpenter's tools under the instruction of his father, and was employed at the carpenter's trade for eleven years. At the end of this period he applied himself to farming. He had received a common school education. and remained in Morgan County until he reached the age of twenty-six. Then he moved to Logan County. Ill. and after remaining there three years. located in Cass County. where he bought the farm which he now owns and operates.

On November 21, 1869. in Morgan County, I1., Mr. Smith was married to Sarah F. Moss, born January 14, 1840, who died August 26, 1914. She was a daughter of John B. and Elizabeth (Stanley) Moss. The parents of Mrs. Smith were natives of Tennessee, where the father was born July 16, 1816. and the mother, June 29,

Stanleydale, Scotland. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith, namely: Jennie L.. born September 5, 1870, married J. C. Lynn; Alfred T., born October 3. 1872; Lawrence B., born November 8, 1877; and Isabell, born June 1s, 1882.

In religious belief Mr. Smith's father and mother were Methodists. and their son Isaac was reared in that faith, but in later years, he became a member of the Baptist church. His political affiliation bas always been with the Democratic party, and he has rendered efficient and acceptable public service in the capacity of school director. He has always been very fond of reading, and his leisure hours hare been largely devoted to the perusal of instructive books and periodicals. From these sources he has derived a considerable fund of useful information, and bears the reputation of being well versed in practical knowledge. He is a man of liberal disposition. and his hospitality is well known. He enjoys the respect and good will of his neighbors, and of all who have made his acquaintance.

SNYDER, John Francis - Dr. John F. Snyder, a retired physician well known throughout the state. was born at DPrairie du Pont, St. Clair County. Ill... March 22. 1830. a son of Adam Wilson and Adelaide (Perry) Snyder, the former of whom was born at Connellsville, Pa., and the latter at Prairie du Pont. Ill. The birth of Dr. Snyder occurred in the huge log building erected by the monks of St. Sulpice in 1759, at Prairie du Pont. a mile south of Cahokia. It was in this same building that his mother was born January 24. 1803, and her mother was born in the nearby village of Cahokia in 1784. At the time of their son's birth. Dr. Snyder's parents resided on their "Square Mound" farm. five miles south of Cahokia. from whence they moved to Belleville in the spring of 1835. Mrs. Snyder was of French ancestry. being the granddaughter of Capt. John Francis Sancier, the architect of Fort Chartres. His father. a son of Adam Snyder. a German soldier of the Revolution, was born October 6, 1799. In 1817 he came, penniless and afoot, to Cahokia, and in 1820 married Miss Perry. Although he possessed but limited educational advantages. he studied law, was admitted to the bar, and became a man of distinction in Illinois. During the Black Hawk war he served as a captain. was repeatedly elected to the state senate, was sent to congress, and at the time of his death. May 14. 1842. he Was the candidate of the Democratic party for Governor of Illinois.

Dr, Snyder was educated at the subscription schools of Belleville. McKendree College. and the St. Louis (Mo.) University. During his boyhood he was fond of his books and a close observer of nature and natural history. and early began collecting fossils, minerals, archaeological relics, etc. During the winter of 1849-50 he was a student at the McDowell Medical College at St. Louis. and the following summer he crossed the plains to California, visiting the Sandwich

Islands in 1852, and returning home that year by way of the Isthmus of Panama, Havana, and New York, arrived at Philadelphia in time to attend the medical session of 1852-3, graduating in medicine in the spring of 1853.

For a short period thereafter, Dr. Snyder was in the government medical service in the western territories: and he went over the old Santa Fe trail to Taos and Albuquerque in New Mexico; but resigned and located in. the practice of medicine at Bolivar, Polk County, Mo. He abandoned the profession of medicine and commenced the practice of law there in the fall of 1859. In June. 1861, Dr. Snyder joined Gen. Sterling Price with a battalion of mounted men. After the battle of Wilson Creek, his term of service having expired, he was appointed ordnance officer of the Sixth Division, and was in taste whatever for public life, he was elected a member of the Thirty-first Illinois legislature ; but at the expiration of his term. he retired from further participation in party politics. and attended strictly to the duties of his medical practice. which he resumed after the war. And though always a Democrat. he was long ago convineed that unswerving allegiance to party platforms and servile adulation of party leaders

"indentured" slaves). served in the Confederate army, and was himself a slaveholder on a small scale. he always abhorred slavery, never defending it excepting upon the meagre ground of expediency.

On September 27, 1854. Dr. Snyder was married at Bolivar. Polk County, Mo., to Miss Annie E. Sanders. nue was born at Jacksonville, I1., January 21, 1837. a daughter of Landon N. and ira 7A; (riogstou ) Sanders natives of Lexington. Ky. One son and three daughters have beep born to Dr. and Mrs. Snyder. THe was never a member of any secret society. but was one of the founders of the Illinois State Historical Society, and of its Journal, serving as the first vice-president of the society, was 'then its presslavery (French ident. and he has been a_ frequent contributor to its transactions. From boyhood he has been a devoted student of history, particularly that of his native state. Tllinois. and also an amateur delver in the natural sciences. He was elected a member of the St. Louis Academy of Sciences. and of the Illinois Ac ademy of Sciences. and for years was a correspondent of the Smithsonian Institution. He is well yrersed in the science of geology, and is a recognized authority on American archaeology.

Dr. Snyder is not a member of any church, or a believer in the existence of the supernatural. but endorses what he holds to be the rational philosophy of Hume. Spencer, Huxley, and Hegel. He has never used tobacco in any form, and is a total abstainer from the use of all liquors. With a sufficient competency, a pleas- ant home in the city of Virginia. and an ample library, he is passing the evening of a long and very active life in the enjoyment of good health and the respect of his fellow citizens.

SOULE, Charles E., M. D., physician and busihess nan of Beardstown, whose prestige extends all over the county, has made a success of whatever he has attempted for he possesses just those qualities which make for individual advancement, and the consequent improvement of his conumunity. He was born in Racine County, Wis., June 11, 1863, a son of Elyirus and Mary Jane (Thomas) Soule. The father was born in New York state in 1830, and the mother in Wales. They were married at Milwaukee, Wis., and until 1880, were farming people of Racine County, but in that year moved to Walworth County. Later they returned to Racine County, and there he died November 14, 1898, but the mother survives, and makes her home in Racine County.

Charles I. Soule attended the public schools of his native county, and Rochester Seminary, and taught school for two years, beginning when twenty-one years old. In the meanwhile he began the study of medicine, and entered the College of Vhysicians & Surgeons of Chicago, from which he was graduated in the class of 1Ss9). Immediately thereafter he began the practice of medicine at Mt. Vernon, Wis., remaining there until in June, 1892, when he took up some post graduate work until February of the following year. He then located at Sheridan, Ill, and remained there until 1902, when he went to Byron, Ill. Two years later he left there for Beardstown, where he has since remained. In 1912 he entered into the manufacture of cement posts, with Curtis Logsdon, under the firm name of the Beardstown Cement Tile and Lost Company, and this concern owns its own boats that pump the grayel from the river bottom. as well as large barges for carrying it to the plant.

On January 26, 1885, Dr. Soule was married in Waukesha County. Wis., to Mary Hollister, and she bore him two children, namely: Eula, who is Mrs. Milton Schute, of Beardstown; and Edgar M., of Beardstown. On September 27, 1906, he was married (second) to Nellie C. Spaulding, who is a native of Ogle County, II1., and a daughter of Simeon S. and Elizabeth (Ellis) Spaulding, a cousin of Albert E. Spaulding of Chicago, the well known maker of sporting goods. Dr. Soule belongs to the Masonic order, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Court of Honor, and the WK. L. of H. A Republican in politics, he was elected on that ticket a member of the board of education, and is a man of wide interests and decided ability.

SOWERS, Jesse J. - The successful supervision of an extensive manufacturing establishment requires peculiar qualities in the person upon whom the responsibility of such management is imposed. As a preliminary qualification, he must have mastered the valuation of the various

1M11, came to Illinois for the purpese of ascamins charge ef the concern which he has since 3 well managed, Mr. Sewers is a young: man of much enterprise, ef sound jadsment and henor able character. and in him his employers hare 2 man in whem ther can repece implicit conidence. He is identified with the IL 0. 0. | lodse and encampment. and the I. 0. R. M_ in which he has passed all the chairs.

Mr. Sowers was married May 23, 1914, te Rath (Brewn) Draper. of Virginia, M1. daughter of Frank and Jane Brown, natives of Msine and of Cass Country.

SPRINGER, L. D., who is clerk of the Cirenit Court af Cass Countr, has been the representative of the Democratic ticket in the office since 1908S. when he was first elected. His sdminis. tration of the affairs of his office have been of such a character as te win for him the approval and sappert ef the public generally, and he is admittedly the risht man in the risht place. Mr. Springer was born in Cass County, Hl, July 27, ISTO. a son of J. S and Emily (Johnson) Springer.

Qn February 18. 192 Mr Sprinkle was mar red t@ Amma Malinda Hicker. hom Decemier 27, ISK, a member of one of the eldest families m Cass County. Mr. and Mrs wrinkle have Que son. Emext Ernwar. whe was born Ausast 21. ING. in Menard Coantr. and is livine with his parents He was married to Emma E. Cooper. September 10 1913 whe was barn Sep tember 27. 1507. Mr. Sprinkle has served as mad commussioner for six rears. as scheol director fer twelve rears. and has ale been jadze of election upon many ecrasiens He beloness to Chandlerville Ledze Ne. 4 A. F&A M. In relisious faith the family are Baptixs Genial by nature. Mr. Sprinkle is a man whe makes and retains friends and he stands very well in every way amone his neizhbers.

STEUERNAGEL, Wemer, First State Bank of Beardstown. and a man of unusual ability as a financier. threach sound judzment and conservative methods the peaple ef Cass County have an able adminisira- tor, was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, December 10, 1837, a son of Conrad and Catherine Ann (Koehler) Steuernagel. The mother dying when Werner was a child, the father married a second time, and with his new wife and his only child left Germany for the United there to Wheeling, W. Va., where the father died in 1875. Although he had been a farmer in his native land, he lived in retirement after coming to America. His second wife also passed away at Wheeling, in 1891, having borne him the following children: Elizabeth, who is Mrs. Jacob

George, who died in Newport, Ky.; Jacob, who is of Wheeling, W. Va.; Mary, who is Mrs. Henry Mason, of Wheeling; and Henry, who is deceased.

When he was seventeen years old. Werner Steuernagel engaged as cabin boy and cook on packet boats plying on the Ohio, Illinois and Mississippi rivers. and at the age of twenty years, he located at Jacksonville, Ill., where he acted as cook in hotels and restaurants. The year 1862 found him at Beardstown, and having saved some money. he opened a grocery and conducted it very successfully until 1902, when he retired, selling his business. Ile was one of the organizers of the First State Bank of Beardstown, and has been its president since about 1908, and has been instrumental in its growth and development. }

On September 18, 1859, he married at Jacksonville, Margaret Kelly, a daughter of Michael and Bridget (Comisky) Kelly. Mrs. Steuernagel Was born in Ireland, but was brought to the United States by her parents at the age of five vents. They located at New York and she came to Jacksonville, Ill. when she was seventeen years of age. The death of this lady occurred in Agri. 0%. Nir: Steuernagel married (secom) July 16. 1913, Catherine Winney, who was bern April 7, 1857, in Cass County, a daughter of Jobn and Isabelle (MeKXillips) Kinney, natives of County Antrim. Ireland. Mr. Steuernagel is a member of the German Catholic church. In politics he is a Democrat and has served as alderman of bis ward. giving faithful service in that office. ax he has done in other relations of life. TFraternally he belongs to the Knights of Columbus at Beardstown.

STIELER, John. - The demand for first-class foodstuffs has grown with the increasing knowledge on the part of the general public as to the value of wholesome eating. and the business of supplving the needs of the people of Virginia and the adjacent territory, is consequently an important one. One of the men who has deyoted his efforts for a number of years towards meeting the demand of the public in this and kindred directions. is John Stieler, of Virsinia, who was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, January &. 1849, a son of William and

When he was sixteen years old, John Stieler left his native land, where he had been educated in its public schools, for America, and located first at Kansas City, Mo., where he attended a business college to gain a knowledge of commercial methods. Having learned to be a cook. in his native land, he followed this calling while gaining added knowledge, and so continued for ten years. Taking advantage of an opening at Deep Water, Mo., he conducted a bakery and restaurant for six years, when he sold, and went to Springfield, I1l., where he was in a bakery business until 1898, then selling, he came to Virginia, and opened a bakery and restaurant here. For the next fourteen years he was thus successfully engaged, but once more sold and in partnership with Jacob Davis, emharked in a grocery business. Two months later Mr. Stieler bought out his partner, and has since continued alone.

Ou April 25, 1891, Mr. Stieler married Bertha Kemmler, born February 5, 1868, at Wurttemburg, Germany. She came to the United States in 1857. Nhe is a daughter of Gottlieb and Iwathrina (Wagner) Kemmler. Mr. and Mrs. Isemmiler had nine children: Henry, Marie, Katherine, Martin, Matilda, Ernestine, Louisa, Carl and Mrs. Stieler, and of these Carl, Ernestine and Mrs. Stieler are the only oues in the United States. Mr. and Mrs. Stieler have had seven children, namely: Lillian, born November 1G, i802, who is Mrs. Harry Maxwell. of Astoria, Ill. and they have one daughter, Dorothy E., Homn eV 23 el 2 Carl borne Mebws2iam Sos = Louisa, who was born October 13, 1895, died at the age of seventeen years, July 19, 1913; Emil, born March 21, 1807: Otto, born June 4, 1899; Grace, born August 19, 1901; and Freda, born October 4. 19038. Mr. Stieler belongs to the Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias. of which he is vice chancellor. and the Modern Woodmen, and has passed the chairs in the Odd Fellows and Modern Woodmen, and represented them in the Grand Lodge. Mrs. Stieler is a member of the Rebekahs. the W. Cc. T. U., and the Woman's Club. The Presbyterian church holds their membership. At present he is a member of the city council and of the school board and is a public-spirited man whose interest is centered in his home community. Politically he is a Republican. He is a director in the Virginia Building and Loan Association, and is treasurer of the Commercial Club. He owns a fine residence in Virginia.

STOUT, Philemon. - Among the oldest families of which the pages of this volume bear testimony, who still survive to honor the community with their presence in Virginia, Cass County. Ill., one of the most prominent is that of Stout and a representative is Philemon Stout. He is a son of Philemon and Tacy (Phillips) Stout the former of whom was born near Trenton. N. J., in 1804. When about thirteen years old he was taken from New Jersey to Ohio, where he lived

Settled in Macoupin County, whence. three years ister, he moved io Waveriy. Morgan County. In 1880 he settled in Cass Country, D1 buying 00 aeres ef lend af $15 per secre Sabseguentiy he seld this for $80 per acre. and it is now valued at 3200 ner acre. Retiring from active pursuits im 1877 he moved te the fix of Virsiniz., M1. aad lived here until his death. October 2S. 1891. his wife who in

He was reared on the farm and lived with his father until the time of his marriage. While livine at home he taught scheel two terms im his home district. Im his younzer days he herded cattle om the prairies in piemeer times. and Kmews the meanine of Some of the privations incurred by the early settlers. After leavine the home farm im 1Si5. Mr. Stout leeated m Virsinia and ensaced in the Tomber business with FP. H. Bailey. Ther Started a lumber yard. afterwards bayine out twe other dealers. and several years ister sold eat, Subsequently Mr Steat went into partner- Ship with Charlies Wilson. This continued eleven years 2m@ then the comcerm was sold to Lee H. Skiles. Simce 189! Mr. Stout has been living in retirement. He has financial interests in the Petefish-Skiles & Co. Bank. of Virginia, Il, and is also ome of the directors.

Mr. Stout was married. September 27. 1871, at Girard, TM to Miss Ella Walker. 2 daughter ef Richard Spencer and Mary Ann (Wood) Walker. She was berm in Greene County, HL, near Carroliten. May 1? 1847, and came to Cass County with her parents. The Walkers located southeast of the town of Virginia, en what is now Enown as the Black farm. and this farm was sold te Mr. Black by Mr. Walker. who was an intimate friend of Abraham Lincoln. While jivins in Morgan Country. now a Part ef Cass County, Mr. Walker was elected to the state lesistatere, and served two terms. He serred in the Black Hawk war as a captain. and Mrs. Steat has twe silver speons made from the mountings from her father's sword carried in that war. By his first wife, Lucinda Hunter, to whom he was married in Kentucky, and after- Ward settled in Illinois, he became the father of Napoleon. Marcella. Luey and Elmira. He was bern May 2>. 1801, in Kentucky, and died August 20, ISS5. His second wife was Mary Ann Wood, to whom he was united January 16, 1845. She Was a daughter of Lewis and Lydia (Marsh) Woed. the latter a native of Vermont. Seren children blessed their union: Ella (Mrs. Philemon Stout): James H.. born March S. 1851. of Palmyra. Mo.: Fannie. born January 20. 1853 (Mrs. PF. L. Thompson). of Los Angeles. Cal.: Lavina L.. born August 20. 1855 (Mrs. Edward Burnett). who Hres in Girard, and three who died in infiner._ The mother of Mrs. Stout Was bern January 1, 1816. and passed - away March 10. 1899. Mr. and Mrs. Philemon Stout had two children - Gertrude (Mrs. L- 0. Skiles), born June S. 1873. wife of the county clerk of Cass Countr: and Richard Lee. born September 71_ IST7. died January 21. 1879.

Mr. Stout is identified with the es Nah iy tes WG | having heen initiated in the Cass County courthouse when the corner stone of the hich school was laid. He is also affiliated with the I. O. OQ. F.. and has passed the chairs. For a num ber of years he has been school trustee of town- Ship 17. range 10. Within his recollection. land Was purchasable near Ashland for twenty-five cents per acre. which is now held at $200. Mrs. Stout is 2 member of the Christian church and is hichir respected by all who know her, as is her worthy hushand.

STO Lesle Rockwell, one of the repre- Sentative stockraisers and cattle feeders of Cass Country. whose work as #2 agriculturalist has won him well deserved praise. is operating his father's farm of 30 acres on section 16. township 1S. range S. He was born in Cass County, Mar 10. ISS5. a son of Rockwell V. and Naney (Struble} Stowell. the former bern at Richfield Springs. NX. Y_. in IS#9, and the latter in Morzan Country. TL. in 1849. Rockwell Y. Stowell came to Cass County when only fire Years old with his parents. and in 1910 moved to Petersbur=. IL. turning his farm over to his son. For many years he had been one of the leading farmers and stockraisers of the country. This farm was the one which helonged to Mrs. Stowell's parents. and when her father died. Mr. Stowell bought out the other heirs and developed it inte the fine property it new is,

Leslie R. Stowell began studying in the country schools. later taking up eighth grade work. and then entered Whipple Academy at Jacksonville. DL. from whence he went to the State Universitr at Urbana for one year. He has spent his subsequent life in farming and feeding and raising stock. and is developing into an expert in these several lines.

On October 16. 1912. Mr. Stowell was married at Indianapolis. Ind.. to Margaret Y. Flatt, born im Macoupin County, IL. July 22. 1891. Ther hare one daughter, Marjorie E.. born June 17, 1914. Mr. Stowell isa Republican, but has never entered public life, confining his political work to casting his vote for the candidates of his party. The Methodist church of New iaunyville, Ill, holds his membership and benefits by his generosity. A man of strong convictions, Mr. Stowell is not backward in living up to what he believes is right, and is not tolerant of wrong doing or laxity of thought or action, so that his influence for good is strong in his neighborhood. He is a member of the Masonic lodge at Chandlerville.

STRENTER, Albert Frank, M. D - The Cass County Medical Association numbers some of the most efficient physicians and surgeons among its members of any sinilar society in the state. One of them, who stands very high with his associates and in public esteem, is Dr. Albert Frank Strenter of Arenzville. He was born near Meredosia, [l].. in February, 1875, a son of Henry and Catherine (Rieman) Strenter, natives of Hanover, Germany, and of Meredosia, Ill. The father came to Morgan County, Ill., from Germany, in boyhood. He became an engineer of a gristmill. and so continued for a number of years. Subsequently he married the widow of John Lison, and they had two sons, Frank and John, both of Meredosia, Il. Soon after his marriage, the father moved to a farm owned by his wife, and there she died. Later he married Catherine Rieman, and they had the following family: Minnie. who is Mrs. John Theovald, of Jacksonville, Ill.; Auna, Mrs. John Bauchamp, of Meredosia, 111.; Emma, who is the widow of George Beauchamp, of Arenzville, Ill.; Edward, who is of Morgan County, Ill.; Albert. Frank, and William of Galveston, Tex. Mrs. Strenter died December 8, 1911. In 1897 Mr. Strenter retired. and moved to Jacksonville where he now lives.

Albert Frank Strenter was educated in the public and high schools and the Illinois College. Deciding upon entering the medical profession. he matriculated in the medical department of the Northwestern University, Chicago, and was graduated therefrom in the spring of 1906. In the meanwhile. however, the young uitn had had considerable business experience. He had spent his boyhood on his father's farm, and when eighteen years old bought a one-third interest in a sawmill, thresher and clover huller, in partnership with J. Risor & Co., and had charge of the outfit for two years. He then sold and bought a half interest in a general store at Meredosia. the firm name being Beauchan & Strenter. After a year, he sold to his partner, and with C. M. Skinner put in the first electric light plant. Six months thereafter. he took a trip of a year through some of the western states. and after returning to his father's farm. conducted that property of 320 acres for two years. It was then that he resumed his studies, attending the high school and Whipple Academy, before going to the Illinois College. After his graduation from medical college, he secured an appointment with the Chicago «& Northwestern Railroad at Lake City, Iowa.

After a year he moved to Arenzville and in June, 1907, opened an office at Arenzville where he has developed one of the largest practices in this part of the state. Professionally he belongs to the Cass County Medical Society, the Illinois State Medical Society and the American Medical Association.

In July, 1906, Dr. Strenter married Ida M. James, born at Meredosia, Ill., a daughter of George and Melvina (McClaine) James, natives of Cass County who live at Meredosia. Mrs. Strenter is a member of the Methodist church. Tn politics Dr. Strenter is a Republican.

STRIBLING, Henry C. - Though Cass County soil is admirably adapted for agricultural purposes. had it not been for the efforts and persistence of its farmers, the lands would never have been brought to their present high state of cultivation, consequently much credit must he given to those who have been industrious. Henry. C. Stribling. a prosperous farmer of township 17. range 8, was born in Cass County, July 16, 1852. a son of Isaac Milton and Margaret A. (Beggs) Stribling, natives of MWKentucky. The father came with his parents to what is now Cass County when about nine years old, in 1830, his father being Benjamin Stribling. Isaac Milton Stribling entered land just west of Virginia, which was then almost entirely covered with timber, and later became the owner of a large amount. The mother of Henry C. Stribling died on this homestead in 1857, and the father married (second) Mariah Carr, born in Cass County, who outlived him, dying in 1907, he passing away in April, 1898. By his first marriage, the father had the following children: Johanna, deceased, who married William Hitchcock; J. T., who died at Ashland in 1911; Kate. who is Mrs. Bowles. of Palnyra, Mo.; Henry C.; Louisa, who is Mrs. John Virgin, of Virginia, Ill. By his second Inarriage the father had a family as follows: Iemma, deceased, who was Mrs. Louis Savage, of Cass County: Carrie. who is Mrs. Louis Petefish, of Springfield, Il].; Helen, who is Mrs. Luther Conover, of Chicago, Ill.; William, who is of Virginia. Ill.;-Harriet, who is Mrs. Dr. Tutten, of El] Paso. Tex.; Frank Milton, who is at Lee's Summit. Mo.; George, who is deceased: Lizzie. who died in childhood; and Howard, who is of Washington. Tl.

Henry C. Stribling passed his boyhood upon the farm, and attended the schools of his district. In 1875 he hought a farm of 200 acres in township 17. range S, Cass County, which had been already improved. by James Short, its owner. a very early settler of this locality. Since then Mr. Stribling has made many improvements. and has carried on general farming and stockraising, being an extensive feeder of horses, cattle and hogs.

In October, 1882. Mr. Stribling married Miss Maggie B. Newman of Ashland, Ill., a daughter of Jesse and Esther Newman of Cass County. The following children were born of this marriage, all of whom died in infancy: Jessie Eliz- abeth, born July 1, 1884; I. M., born October 15, 1887; Louise, born February 11, 1890, and Maggie Bernice, born January 11, 1892. Mrs. Stribling died January 16, 1892. Mr. Stribling married (second) December 19, 1894, Miss Edna V. Middour, who was born April 22, 1872, at Ashland, a daughter of David and Serena (Eliel) Middour, natives of Pennsylvania and Maryland respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Stribling have two children: William Clinton. who was born October 11, 1895; and Glenn, who was born February 13, 1897, both of whom are at home. Mr. Stribling has served as a school director since 1884, being elected on the Republican ticket.

STRIBLING, William B. - Until a recent period the gentleman whose name appears above was extensively engaged in farming and stockraising in the vicinity of Virginia. Cass County, IIl1., and also raising many fine blooded horses, but is now living in retirement. He is a native of the county in which he makes his home, where he was born December 13, 1865, and is a son of

Isanc M. Stribling was born in Logan County, Kentucky, January 13, 1821. When nine years old his father brought him to Morgan, how Cass County, Il., buying Jand and becoming a farmer. He moved near the town of Virginia and developed into one of the most extensive land owners in western Illinois, having, when he died, the title to about 3,000 acres in Cass County. He passed away April 13, 1898. his widow following him to the grave January §&, 1909. He was twice married, his first wife being Margaret Beggs. She was a daughter of Captain Charles and Mary (Ruddell) Beggs, and was born in Clarke County, Ind... December 23, 1821, and died December 26, 1856. This union resulted in five children. The second wife was Maria Carr, and nine children were the issue of their union. Imma D., deceased, who was the wife of Louis Savage. of Ashland. Ill.: Carrie L. (Mrs. L. A. Petefish), now of Springfield. Ill.: Helen (Mrs. L. W. Conover). of Chicago: William B.; Harriet (Mrs. T. H. Tuten) of FE) Paso, Tex.; Frank M., of Lees Summit. Mo.: George G. and Lizzie. deceased; and Howard H., of NSpokane, Wash.

In early youth William B. Stribling received training in the public schools and then applied himself to farming. On March 7. 1888, he was married to Roberta Gertrude Wall. a dauzhter of Robert and Ann (Dupuy) McClure. the latter being a native of Kentucky and the former being the first white child born in the town of Virginia. After his marriage Mr. Stribling moved to a farm of 200 acres lying south of the town, to which, during the following year, he added 200 acres more. engaging extensively in the raising and shipping of stock. In 1900 he established his home in Virginia. from which point he superintended his farm work until

1909. Then he sold the land, and has since lived in retirement. He is a well known horse fancier, and has devoted much time to raising tine blooded stock. Until the time of his marriage. he traveled extensively with his horses. The names of his children are: Reine B. (Mrs. Dr. D. A. Yowell), of Virginia, 1ll., and Robert Milton, at home.

The Carr family, to which the mother of Mr. Stribling belonged, were among the early settlers of Cass County, where they became extensive farmers and influential people.

SUTTON, Benjamin R. - For nearly a century the same family name has been associated with the ownership of some of the most valuable farming properties in western Illinois, and several of these properties are located in the county of Cass. Among them is the extensive and highly productive farm belonging to Benjamin It. Sutton. which is mainly situated in section 19, township 19. range s. Here its owner, besides conducting general farming operations. devotes a good part of his attention to the raising of stock. making this his home.

Benjamin R. Sutton was born in Cass County, ie Shire 2h tsar oon thesiarny which ists present home. His father was Nathan Sutton, a native of New Jersey, where he was born January 22, 1819. The maiden name of the mother was Elizabeth Ann Lemar. and her birth took place in the state of Indiana, on September S. 1822. The father was a farmer by occupation. At the age of twelve years the son accompanied his parents to Michigan. near Ann Arbor, where the family remained a short time, moving then to Illinois and settling in Cass County. Benjamin received a good district school education in his neighborhood during his youthful days and spent his leisure time in rendering assistance on the home farm. Since attaining the age of maturity. he has carried on the farm work along the original lines, bestowing much care on the stock feature of the enterprise. All his undertakings have been crowned with success, and he ranks as one of the foremost farmers of western Tlinois.

old residents of Cass County. They have had three children: Estella, who is now deceased. Was Mrs. Leeper; William Ernest; and Charrey IK... who became the wife of Daniel Kridbauin. In religious belief Mr. Sutton and family are adherents of the Baptist faith. DPolitically. he ix in accord with the principles of the Republican party, and by it elected has filled the office of school director, and served in the capacity of commissioner of two drainage districts. In the matter of fraternal orders, Mr. Sutton has been affiliated with the A. F. & A. M. for about thirty years, and is a member of Chandlerville Lodge, No. 724. He is a very popular citizen, a man of genial temperament and amiable disposition, always ready to assist any one who is in need, and his charities though undemonstrative, have been numerous and constant.

TAAPKEN, John D., who is one of the best known and most industrious and thrifty of the farmers and stock raisers of Cass County, IIl., lives in the vicinity of Tallula, his farm being situated in section 28, township 18, range §8, and consists of 162 acres of very productive land. Mr. Taapken was born in Hanover, Germany, January 20, 1850. His father, John F. Taapken, born in the same province, was by trade a shoemaker, and there married John D. Taapken's mother, whose maiden name was Mary Boalster, a native of the same place. On one occasion, while the father was busy at the work of his trade, he found he had exhausted his supply of a certain kind of leather. Starting out to secure an additional quantity, he became bewildered in a blinding snowstorm, and met with a fatal accident. His death left his widow with the sole care of several small children. In 1870, the mother with her family started for the United States. taking passage on a sailing vessel, which consumed forty-eight days on the trip across the ocean. They finally reached Menard County, Ill., where she settled down and lived for nine years. John D. Taapken and his brother rented land. on which they carried on farming, but ultimately, the former purchased the farm he now lives on in Cass County, which he cleared and improved. Mr. Taapken received his education in the country schools, using what spare time he could for that purpose, and then applied himself to farming.

On March 14, 1884, in Menard County, IL, Mr. Taapken was united in marriage with Mary Uansill, a native of that county, and they have eight children. namely: John H., Frank, Henry J.. Harry, Powell. Mary H., Anna, Julia and Deeicks.

Mr. Taapken is a very hard working man. Besides grain farming. he is a breeder and raiser of shorthorn cattle and Poland-China hogs: but, whatever be his cares or perplexities in the course of work. he is almost always goodnatured and sociable. His religious connection is with the Lutheran church, of Petersburg, Ill.. nnd he has served the public as school director for three years. [He is well liked by all, and is considered a good farmer and a good citizen.

TAYLOR, Angus. - Of the seven children that resulted from the union of William Taylor and Mary E. Horrom, former old residents of Cass County. Ill.. all the sons followed their father's lead and became prominent and prosperous agriculturists, known throughout the country for their intelligence, enterprise and culture, and ranking among the foremost members of the community. Sketches of Robert A. and John H. Taylor, brothers of Angus Taylor, both of whom carry on extensive farming operations in the same vicinity, may be found in this yvolume, and each illustrates the family record which their father's ability and energy initiated in earlier times. The gentleman to whom the present writing pertains well maintains the high credit shown in the personal narratives of those mentioned.

Angus Taylor was born October 5, 1872, in Cass County, Ill, one mile east of Chandler- Ville. His father was of Scotch nativity, while his mother was born in Cass County, in Hickory Precinct, on the Sangamon River bottom. In the spring of 1877, Angus moved with his parents to the Horrom farm in that vicinity. In early youth he attended the district schools in his neighborhood, and was a pupil in a Lincoln business college, also taking a course in Lincoln University, and afterwards resuming the work of the farm. The name of Mr. Taylor's place is the "Valley View Farm." It comprises 300 acres, all on the river bottom, except eighty acres, which is on the bluff and used for pasturage. After his marriage Mr. Taylor settled on a farm belonging to his father, on the Sangamon River bottom, in township 18, range 10. He now does general grain farming and raises Percheron horses, Aberdeen cattle, Poland- China hogs and Plymouth Rock chickens. In the summer of 1910 he built a fine stucco house, which is entirely modern, having electric lights, furnace heat. hot and cold water, ete.

On August 24. 18907, Mir. Taylor was married to Emily Treadway, born in Monroe Precinct, Cass County. Ill. a daughter of Franklin M. and Ellen Eliza (Pratt) Treadway, the former horn in Monroe Precinct. and the latter in Virginia. The grandparents of Mrs. Taylor were Amos and Elizabeth (Miller) Treadway, of Virginia: and John Wilkes and Emily (Savage) Pratt, the former born in Maryland. and the latter in the state of New York. Grandfather Pratt was the first county clerk of Cass County. Grandmother Pratt was a daughter of John Savage. one of the early sheriffs of Cass County. The children of Mir. and Mrs. Taylor are as

Mir. Taylor is a member of the Presbyterian church of the Sangamon River bottom, in which he has officiated as elder since 1894, and has leen clerk of the session since 1904. In politi¢s he is a Democrat. and held the office of road conunissioner six years. serving as county commissioner from 1909 to 1912. He is identified MalGhient lien isn \apeAs me elCONn GMT) a NOm OSU OL Chandlerville.

TAYLOR, John Horrom. Yet a young man. the gentleman whose name appears at the head of the following sketch is one of the most prominent and well-to-do among the more prosperous agriculturists of Cass County. He is a native of the county, having been born on the Sangamon Riyer bottom, in township 18, range 10, on January 20, 1879. He is, moreover, not only one of the most prominent and prosperous of the farmers of this section, as well as one of its most extensive stockraisers, but one possessing a cultivation somewhat unusual in men of his occupation, and a fund of information that causes him to be accepted as an authority on maby questions arising in the community where he lives, and where all his days have been spent.

John H. Taylor is a son of William and Mary E. (Horrom) Taylor, the former a Scotchman by birth, and the latter a native of Cass County. The birth of William Taylor occurred February 10, 1819, and that of Mary E. Taylor, February 10, 1840. The father came to the United States and located in Ohio in 1837, settling in Illinois in 18389. John H., who was the sixth of their seven children, lived with his parents until 1896, attending the district schools in early youth, and the Chandlerville High school at a later period. In 1897 he entered Lincoln (Il1.) University, from which he was graduated in June. 1902, with the degree of B. L.

Zeturning then to the home farm he operated the place, with R. A. Taylor, until the time of his marriage, September 20, 1909. On this date, he was wedded to Edna Elliott Taylor, a native of Elkhart, Ill. and a daughter of Chelsa IL. and Sarah Josephine (Allen) Taylor, the father of Columbus, Adair County, Ky., and the mother of Greggsville, Pike County, Il]. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have one daughter, Marjorie Caroline, born July 10, 1910.

Mr. and Mrs. Laylor moved into a modern residence of uine rooms, with all the latest improvements. which he had just erected on his farm. This house contains closets, bath, hot and cold water. etc.. and is lighted with acetylene gas. and the farm comprises 492 acres, of which 275 are on the bluff and the rest on Sangamon River bottom. Mr. Taylor is successfully engaged in grain farming. and is also devoting attention to raising horses, hogs and cattle on an extensive scale.

In religious faith Myr. Taylor is a VDreshyterian. Volitically he is identified with the Iepublican party. He and his wife are highly esteemed wherever their acquaintance extends.

TAYLOR, Robert A - The Taylor brothers, sons of William Taylor, deceased. of Cass County, Ill., have all become known, especially along the Sangamon River bottom lands. as expert grain farmers and successful breeders of horses, cattle and hogs. The youngest of these, Robert A.. has abundantly maintained the reputation of his elder brothers in this respect, and although but slightly over thirty years of age. owns and operates one of the finest grain and stock farms in this section of Illinois. Besides being an enterprising and successful farmer, Mr. Taylor is a man of varied information of a practical nature that makes him an interesting and edifying neighbor, and has applied himself to col- legiate study to such an extent as to become thoroughly versed in literature both ancient and modern, and this gives him an especial prominence in a community which appreciates literary acquirements at their true value.

Robert Alexander Taylor is a native of Cass County, having been born in township 15, range 10, April 2, 1882. and of the seven children of William and Mary E. (Horrom) Taylor is the youngest. The father of the family died in the year 1900, and the son had always been a meim- Ler of the home group, attending the district schools in early youth. After his preliminary schooling he matriculated in Lincoln College, where he was a pupil five years. graduating in 1905, with the degree of B. L. After completing his education he resumed farming, and now owns aso acres of the homestead place, 200 acres of which lie on the bluff and are used for pasture. Hlere he devotes his attention to raising horses, cattle and hogs, besides doing general grain farming. He also owns a 145-acre farm adjoining the home place, 100 acres of which is on the bluff and the rest is bottom land.

On December 31, 1913, Mr. Taylor was married to Minnie Theivagt. born August 12, 1882, on the Sangamon River bottom. in Cass County, a daughter of William and Belle (Haywood) Theivagt. In religious belief. Mr. Taylor adheres to the Presbyterian church. Politically he acts with the Republican party.

THE BEARDSTOWN CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, of Beardstown. Cass County. Ill.. which was started March 1. 1907, was organized for the purpose of doing all kinds of construction work, as well as building. In the few years of its operation its reputation for skill and efficiency has spread widely. and the scope of its operations has been extended over many parts of the country. Its projectors were James D. McCarthy and Dayid IR. Hughes, of Beardstown, and it was incorporated under its present title, March 8, 1915. the following officers being elected: James ID. McCarthy, president: David It. Ilughes, vice-president: and Guilford M. Iumphrey, secretary-treasurer.

A considerable number of buildings. public and private. as well as other structures hare heen erected by this concern. among which are the notable specimens at Beardstown below mentioned: the Myer Hotel. on East Fourth street: Tl. M. Schmoldt building. corner Third and State streets: Gem Picture Theatre building; Princess Theater: Beardstown State Bank and McCarthy- Hackman building: Elk building: Chris Ruppel Inilding:; Tlinois Star building: John Reich building: Sixth Street Lutheran Church: Central Ilinois Publie Service building: Catholic parsonige: Shultz Hall; D. R. Hughes residence. John Diehl residence, and many other business huildings and residences. and also the cement road leading from Beardstown to Virginia. The territory covered by the company's work is not confined to this section, but extends throughout central United States. It also constructs reinforced concrete bridges. Near Burlington, Iowa, the Des Moines Co. Drainage District No. 1 Pumping plant. on the Mississippi River was one of its contracts, and that is considered one of the finest pieces of construction of its kind to be found in the world.

The reputation of the gentlemen composing this company is a sufficient guarantee of the character of its work, and the citizens of Beardstown especially, where the evidences of their skill abound, repose much confidence in them individually. The office quarters of the company are at Nos. 5, 54%, and 6 Hackman-McCarthy building, and its plant and yards are on Sixth street between the B. & O. R. R. and the C. B. CaO wee OR

THEIVAGT, Claude A., is an enterprising and thrifty young farmer living at Chandlerville, Cass County, Ill., who, by his industry and energy has made himself quite favorably known in his vicinity, especially as the man who holds the record in his section for raising clover and cloyverseed, having had a yield of the latter, in 1913, of 1383 bushels from twenty acres of land. He also makes a specialty of breeding Poland- China hogs, of which he raises a considerable number. His farm is situated in section 34, township 19, range 9, where he has been located ever since he commenced farming on his own responsibility.

Claude A. Theivagt's birthplace was near the city of Hamburg, Germany, where his life began, March 1, 1876. His father, Jacob Theivagt. and his mother, whose maiden name was Metta Peters, both born near Hamburg. came to the United States May 21, 1890. About five weeks afterward the mother died, and her husband buried her at Virginia, Ill., remaining in, America but seven months longer. He returned to his home in Germany, leaving behind the two sons who had accompanied him here. His occupation was that of a laborer. Before coming to America Claude Theivagt had obtained some education in the German schools, and had spent some time on a farm. He continued to do farm work here by the month in various places, and ultimately bought the tract of eighty acres on which he now lives. This he has since improved by new building, and on it has carried on farming and stockraising successfully.

In Cass County, Ill., on March 29, 1904, Mr. Theivagt was united in marriage by Rev. J. H. Morron, with Addie N. Briar. born December 14, 1866, a daughter of Charles and Margaret (Houck) Briar. They have one daughter. Mertis Margaret. born July 10. 1906. Mr. Theivagt is a man of decided character, though pleasant in manner. VTolitically, he is a Republican. He has served one term of three years as school director, and is serving a second term. His religious connection is with the Cumberland Presbyterian church.

THOMPSON, Edgar Guthrie - - Amid the farming population of Cass County, Ill., the Thompson family, of which the above named gentleman is a worthy representative, has always occupied a creditable place. Intelligent, well informed, enterprising and honorable, its members have been considered useful citizens, and through industry and thrift have become prosperous farmers, and ranked as substantial elements of the community. Edgar Guthrie Thompson was born in Arenzville Precinct, Cass County, Ill, August 3, 1877, and is a son of Robert G. and Tabitha (Craig) Thompson, natives of Morgan County, Ill. After their marriage the parents of Edgar G. Thompson settled on a farm of 320 acres in the vicinity of Arenzville where the father carried on general farming. He was also a cattle feeder to a considerable extent and raised Poland-China hogs on a large scale. On July 1, 1913, he moved to Jacksonville, Il., leaving the supervision of the home place to Noah J., the second son. His children were: Edgar, Noah, Louise (Mrs. Harry Herring) of Jacksonville, Ill., and Nellie (Mrs. Lynwood Lane) of Pleasant Hill, Mo.

Edgar Thompson attended the district schools in his locality subsequently becoming a pupil for one year in the Virginia High school, and then taking a course in Brown's Business College, at Jacksonville. On completing his studies, Mr. Thompson applied himself to the work of the farm which he continued until his marriage. He was wedded September 27, 1900, to Anna Treadway, who was born August 28, 1882, in Cass County. Her parents are Henry and Margret (Wilson) Treadway, both natives of Cass County. Following his marriage, Mr. Thompson moved to a farm of 218 acres in township 17, Cass County, where he is engaged in general farming, and in addition to this, devotes considerable attention to stock feeding and the raising of Poland-China hogs. He has prospered in his undertakings and is looked upon as one of the most reliable and promising of the younger agriculturists of his section. In politics Mr. Thompson supports the principles of the Democratic party. He is a member of the Masonic order at Virginia.

THOMPSON, John H. - The well known and efficient superintendent of the Cass County (Il1lipois) Poor Farm, situated at Bluff Springs, is the offspring of parents who were early residents of Cass County. Their son. John H., was born in the county April 23, 1863. His father, Robert Thompson. was a native of Virginia, while his mother, Mary Jane (Etchison) Thompson, was born in Kentucky in 1818. The grandparents. James and Lovisa Young, both Kentuckians hy birth. located in Cass County in 1822, entering land in Morgan County. The year of Robert Thompson's arrival in the county was 1844. He was a young man, working at farming. and after marriage lived at Sand Prairie, in the western part of Beardstown. He died in December. 1900. and his widow lived with one of her sons until her death in April, 1912. She bore her husband the following children: Willis P.. of Rock Falls, Jll.; Sarah (Mrs. George McDonald). of Virginia; John H.;

John H. Thompson attended the common schools in his youth and from the age of twentyone until his marriage, worked on the farm for his father. In September, 1886, he was wedded to Nettie Johnson, born in Morgan County, I11., and now deceased, who left one daughter, Bertha, who died at the age of three years. The second marriage of Mr. Thompson was with Maggie Kirkendall, a native of Cass County, I11., who bore him three children: Dollie Albertine, of Virginia, Ill.; William Bryan, at home; and John, who died in infancy. The mother of these children died in March, 1900. In August, 1900, Mr. Thompson took for his third wife Carrie Davis, a native of Cass County, Ill., whose -parents, Valentine and Sarah J. (Treadway) Davis, were born in the same county. To Mr. Thompson and his present wife two children have been born: Henry, born October 10, 1902; and Ida Mae, born March 4, 1906.

After his marriage Mr. Thompson carried on farming for two years on his forty acres of land in township 17, then sold to James Cook, and moving to Morgan County, rented a farm there for one year. Subsequently he moved to Beardstown and engaged in teaming, having contracted to haul iron for a bridge over the Illinois River at Beardstown. Two years later he moved to Virginia, from which place he conducted a 200-acre farm for two years. Then he worked at different tasks until 1897, when he cultivated a farm south of Virginia for some time.

In March, 1901, Mr. Thompson became superintendent of the Cass County Voor Farm, and has since held that position. He has charge of 190 acres, of which 100 are tillable and ninety in pasture. Since Mr. Thompson assumed the supervision, the farm has been on a self-supporting basis. The place contains a large building for the inmates, of which there is an average of twenty-five yearly; it is equipped with seven head of working horses, and has a horse barn, a cattle barn, a tool shed, an ice house, a smokehouse, a chicken house and a corn crib. It is provided with a pest house for all contagious diseases. Connected with the place are a threeacre orchard, a fine garden, and land for small fruit. There is a dairy with eight cows, and sixty head of hogs are kept for furnishing meat.

Mr. Thompson is a member of the Presbyterian church. Fraternally he is affiliated with the A. F. & A. M.; the I. O. O. F. (all degrees) ; the IK. of T., of Beardstown (all degrees) ; and then Bbw Ope NO LOOK

THOMPSON, Loren B. - There is no doubt but that the business of farming is going to be one of the utmost importance during many years to come in the United States. The demand for foodstuffs perhaps will increase largely from the battle-scarred fields of foreign countries, while population. rapidly increasing at home, will require more and more of that which can only be produced by the skill, knowledge and

Loren B. Thompson is one of the Cass County farmers who has already demoustrated what one scientific agriculturist can accomplish. He was born at Virginia, Ill., May 27, 1876, a son of Walter M. and Fannie (Wyatt) Thompson, natives of Cass County, Ill, and Kentucky, respectively. The maternal grandparents, William M. and Nancy J. (Nance) Wyatt, were of Kentucky, while the paternal grandfather, James Thompson, was a native of Ireland. Both the Thompsons and Wyatts were very early settlers of Cass County, Ill Members of both families entered land from the government and put -it under cultivation. The parents after their marriage, located at Sugar Grove, near Virginia, where they lived a few years, later buying 320 acres of land in township 1s, range 9. There the father resided, conducting his farm until August, 1890, when they moved to Virginia, he embarking in the implement business in 1898 but later retired, about 1906.

Loren B. Thompson was the only child of his parents. and was given an excellent education, being sent first to the district schools and the high school of Virginia, and then to the University of Illinois at Champaign. He also took a course at the Gem City Business College, at Quincy, Ill Until 1900 he resided with his parents. but then went to Oregon Point to take charge of Woodland Farm, now consisting of O90 acres, owned by him and his father. Here he raises horses, cattle, mules, sheep, and hogs, and carries on general farming. his results being such as to justify his methods which are very advanced, many of them having been adopted as the outcome of personal experiments.

On September 12. 1905, Mr. Thompson was married to Jennie Fern Sharp, born in Mason City. IlL. June 24. 1884, a daughter of Royal William and Anna M. (Burnham) Sharp, natives of Lockport, N. Y.. and Mason County, II1., respectively. The paternal grandparents, William and Sarah Ann Sharp, were natives of New York state. Mrs. Thompson's father was a dentist by profession. She was educated in the public and high schools of Mason City, Ill. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson became the parents of two children: TL. B., who was born December 23, 1909: and Frances Vaunel. who was horn April 10, 1913. Since 1909, Myr.. Thompson has been a steward in the Methodist church to which he belongs. He is a Iemocrat, and has been a school director since 1907.

THORNBORROW, John A., D. V. S. - Since the recognition of the fact that horses and other stock suffer from serious ailments which require as careful doctoring as human beings, the profession of a veterinary surgeon has increased in importance, and many of those engaged in this line of work rank high as successful medical men. One of the best known veterinaries of Cass County is Dr. John A. Thornborrow, of Virginia, who was born at Jacksonville, Morgan

County, Ill, February 11, 1873, a son of John and Eliza (Travis) Thornborrow, the former born at IWirbylongsdale, England, and the latter at Oldham, England. They married after coming to the United States, and spent the greater part of their married life in Morgan County. John Thornborrow died in 1891, while his wife passed away in 1903.

John A. Thornborrow was thoroughly edueated, as he not only attended the public and high schools of his native place, but also took a course at Brown's Business College, from which he was graduated in 1891; then began studying veterinary surgery, and was graduated from the Chicago Veterinary College in 1893. For the following five months, he worked at Jacksonville, and then came to Virginia, arriving in this city in December, 18938, where he has since resided. In October, 1913, Dr. Thornborrow embarked in an auto garage business, and now not only operates an auto livery, but has large storage accommodation, and additionally deals in accessories and does all kinds of repairing.