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 9 of 10)

On April 28, 1900, Dr. Thornborrow married Margaret Musch, a daughter of John and Margaret (Schaaf) Musch who were born in Morgan County, Ill Dr. and Mrs. Thornborrow have three living children: Margaret, Frank and John, the two elder attending the public school. and Elizabeth, who died in 1911, aged five vears.

TIBBS, Charles W. - In proportion to extent and population, few counties in Illinois have contributed more to the general prosperity of the state than that which furnishes the scene of the biographical narratives composing this volume, and among those of its citizens entitled to creditable mention is Charles W. Tibbs. who is located hear Oakford. Cass County, his farm lying in section 33, township 19, range S, and comprising PGQ acres of excellent land, Oakford being the postoffice address. Here. in addition to general farming. he is engaged in the raising of stock, in which he has met with a reasonable measure of success. He was born in Menard County. IIL, November 19. 1868, and is a son of George W. and Adelia (Boosa) Tibbs. The father was a native of Menard County, born in 1824. The mother was born in Germany, and at the age of eight years accompanied her parents to the United States. they settling in Sangamon County, Illinois.

In boyhood Charles W. Tibbs spent some time in attendance at the district school of his neighborhood, and subsequently applied himself diligently to the work of the home farm. On April 21, 1891. Mr. Tibbs was married in Cass County, Ill., to Mary Webbake, a native of that county. Her father and mother were Germans by birth, the name of the latter being Elizabeth Deighty, the date of whose birth was April 4, 1839. In early life they emigrated to the United States, and at home, and one dead. The names of these children are as follows: Elizabeth, John William, Charles <Antona, Clara Marie, Henry George, Joseph William, Anna _ Elizabeth, Thomas Franklin, all living, and Francis Adelia, deceased. In politics Charles W. Tibbs is attiliated with the Democratic party, although he has mingled but little in party affairs. In religious belief he is a Catholic. He is of a quiet disposition and undemonstrative in deportment, but quite sociable in his intercourse with neighbors and friends.

TRAUT, Frank J., civil engineer and senior member of the firm of Traut & Osner, is a man whose efforts have been ably directed towards the reclamation of swamp lands and the provision of means for the proper disposition of sewerage. His success has been remarkable and he has brought to his work not only experience and scientific knowledge, but a thorough appreciation of its importance and dignity. He was born at Erie, Pa., December 7, 1865, a son of Valentine and Margaret (Geeck) Traut, natives of Germany. They became acquainted after arrival in the United States and were married at Erie, Pa., January 2S, 1868. The father was a carpenter, who, in 1883, moved to Denver, Colo.. where he alternated working at his trade and operating a ranch. His death occurred there April 10, 1918, when he was eighty-one years old. The mother died in August, 1908, aged seventy-one years.

Frank J. Traut spent his boyhood with his parents, and attended the public schools of Erie, Pa., and Denver, Colo., and also the Denver University. When eighteen years old, he entered the engineering department for railroad construction. After five years in this business in the western states, he then went with another engineering company, and was employed as a Civil engineer at New York City, Cleveland, Ohio. Washington. D. C., St. Louis, Mo., Chicago, Ill.. Kansas City, Mo.. Denver, Colo., and Omaha, Neb. Ile superintended two miles of digging on the Chicago Drainage Canal and in February, 1895. came to Beardstown for the purpose of purifying and reclaiming Tllinois bottom lands. Amone other things in connection with his work, he built the levee and dug interior drainage ditches. and superintended the entire work. This was the first drainage district along the Illinois River. and proved so successful, that Mr. Traut has been called upon to render expert service in computing the cost of construction of similar projects ever since. in many cases superintending their construction. In 1905, he entered into a partnership for drainage construction operatine under the caption of the Federal Contracting Company. a corporation which dissolved in 1913. Immediately thereafter. Mr. Traut and William Osner. of Chicago, formed the present firm of Traut & Osner, for the purpose of dredging and draining swamp land and doing all kinds of reclamation work, and haye already made their name stand for the highest degree of efficiency.

Cleveland, Ohio, to Henrietta Miller, born at Erie, Pa., a daughter of John and Elizabeth Miller, natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Traut have oue son, Francis Harry, who was born June 18, 1898. Mr. Traut is a Catholic in religious faith. Politically he is a Democrat, while fraternally he belongs to the Knights of Columbus of Beardstown, 111., and the Elks, No. 1007, of the same place.

TREADWAY, Jacob E., whose life has been spent in agricultural work, is one of the respected men of Cass County, and his actions as a man and resident of Virginia Precinct merit the confidence in which he is held by his associates. He was born in Virginia Precinct December 20, 1850, a son of William T. and Mary (McHenry ) Treadway, natives of Hamilton County, Ohio, and of Westmoreland County, Pa., respectively, and a grandson of Edward and Elizabeth (Anderson) Treadway, natives of Maryland, and Jacob and Margaret (Moffett) McHenry, natives of Pennsylvania. In 1829 the paternal grandparents came to Cass County, the maternal grandparents following in 1835.

On October 24, 1878, Jacob E. Treadway was married to Christina Elizabeth Paschal by Rey. D. Jolly, of Virginia, Ill. She was born in Cass County, Ill., May 4, 1853, a daughter of Jerret and Margaret (Schaeffer) Paschal, the latter of whom was born in Ohio. The family born to Mr. and Mrs. Treadway is as follows: Lola Grace, who is Mrs. T. Virgil Davis of Cass County; one child died in infancy; and Raymond L., who married Blanche Suffern, born at Virginia, a daughter of Samuel R. and Charlotte (Underwood) Suffern, natives of Cass County. Raymond L. Treadway and wife are the parents of a daughter, Christina Elizabeth, who was born May 29, 1907.

After his marriage, Mr. Treadway moved to a farm adjoining his father's home farm of 110 acres, which he had bought prior to his wedding. On this he built the necessary structures and has all of the property under a high state of cultivation, and in addition to his homestead, he owns twenty-five and one-half acres a short distance from the home farm, on which his son, Raymond IL., is now living. In addition, Mr. Treadway has three and one-half acres of timber. Since striking out for himself, Mr. Treadway has carried on general farming. and raises horses, cattle and hogs. having become somewhat of an expert in his several lines. The Presbyterian church holds his membership, and he has been a presiding elder in the same for a number of years. His political views make him a Democrat, and he served his township as road commissioner for six terms.

TREADWAY, James, was the son of John Norris and Rebecca (McKean) Treadway, born March 31, 1882, in Monroe Precinct. near Beardstown, Illinois. In 1544, known as the "vear of the high water," he came with his parents and brothers, Thomas, Edward, William, John, Henry, Lewis and Martin, to Beards- town, all of whom are deceased, except William, now eighty-six years of age, residing in Little Rock, Ark. He worked, when a small boy, in the John Filer brick yard, located on Third and Idwards streets, at 6144¢ per day, purchasing for his mother with his first earnings, a set of the "old blue cups and saucers.

James Treadway learned the milling and carpenter trades when Beardstown was the great pork packing center, then called "Pork-o-polis." He engaged with his father in the making of pork barrels and lard tierces, conducting three shops with a force of men. His father withdrew and lived to the age of ninety-two years, having served. in the war of 1812. James continued to conduct the business until the pork packing industry ceased, afterward in a small Way supplying the farmers with barrels, until poor health compelled him to retire. He was married Dec. 27, 1855, to Miss Rebecca Mary Rawlings, daughter of Greenberry and Elizabeth Rawlings, who lived on a farm on North Prairie, near Arenzville, Ill, he purchasing for their home the spot where he worked when a boy for a a day. Here they lived until the father passed away. To them were lorn four children: Eliza Bell, Oliver Greenberry. Norris Luama and Clara Olive, the last the only surviving one and now the wife of A. E. Schnoldt. of Beardstown, Ill. The mother survived her husband nine years, making her home With her daughter, passing away April 14, 1915, at the age of eighty-one years, eight months and sixteen days. She was born August 30, 1831. at Port Deposit, Md.

There was a strange coincidence in the death of husband and wife, he passing away March 28, 1904, during the next highest water known to the vear he came to Beardstown. rendering access to the cemetery impossible with vehicles, necessitating a railroad train to conyey the remains to their last resting place, and the wife's demise occurred during the highest stage of water ever known, in the year 1918.

TREADWAY, Jefferson V., has spent his entire career within the limits of Cass County, and he is thoroughly familiar with agricultural conditions here and the possibilities for suecess. He belongs to that substantial. solid class which forms the backbone of every prosperous comunity, and as a citizen has shown himself reliable, energetic and publie-spirited. Jefferson V. Treadway was born in Cass County. Il., July 30, 1865, and is a son of William T. and Mary (McHenry) Treadway. the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Pennsylvania.

Educated in the public schools and reared to agricultural pursuits. Mr. Treadway remained on the home farm until the time of his marriage, Octoher 16, 1890, to Miss Mary R. Gaines, who was born in Shelby County, Ill., February 14. ISTO. a daughter of Preston F. and Emma (Bateman) Gaines, the former a native of Tennessee and the latter of Delaware. After his marriage Mr. Treadway purchased a farm three and one-half miles northwest of Virginia, a tract of 120 acres, which he put under a high state of cultivation, and on which he resided for two years. He then sold out and purchased property at Virginia, where he was engaged in various oecupations during the following eleven years, including the conducting of a meat market and a transfer business. He then located on his present farm in township 17, range 10, which had formerly belonged to his father, and which was left to him at the time of the elder man's death, in 1912. Here Mr. Treadway has 146% acres, which he devotes to general farming and the raising of hogs and cattle. Mr. Treadway bears the reputation of being a skilled and practical farmer, an excellent judge of stock and a business man of the strictest integrity. His career has been one of constant endeavor and consecutive advancement, and well-earned success has crowned his efforts. A Democrat in his political views, he has ever been willing to do his full share in promoting the interests of his community, and has served two terms in the capacity of school director. Fraternally, Mr. Treadway is connected with the Court of Honor and the Modern Woodmen of America, at Virginia. Murs. Treadway is a member of the Eastern Star. Mr. and Mrs. Treadway are consistent members of the Presbyterian chureh. They have one daughter, Mary E., who was born November 26, 1896.

TREADWAY, Stephen A., is a prosperous farmer and stockman whose 360-acre farm known as the Willow Beach Farm, is one of the finest properties in the county, located as it is in close proximity to the city limits of Beardstown, on the Illinois River. He was born in Cass County. Il., March 7, 1858, a son of George A. and Elizabeth (Miller) Treadway, the former born May 11, 1812, and the latter in West Virginia, January 20, 1814. George A. Treadway moyed from Maryland, his native state, to Ohio, with his parents, but in 1828 the family came to Cass County, Ill. The Miller family originated in West Virginia, from whence members of it moved to Kentucky, and then to Cass County, lll.. arriving here in the fall of 1829. The fatber was a farmer and stockraiser and a prominent man in his day.

Stephen A. Treadway attended the schools of his district. and was reared on the farm where he made himself useful very early. In 1879 he left Cass County for Nebraska, and spent three years in that state, then returned to his native county, but after his marriage went back to Nebraska and spent five years more there on the farm he had acquired. He then sold it and once more returned to Cass County, buying a farm near Bluff Springs where he lived fourteen years, then bought his present yaluable farm where he has since resided. A Democrat, he served as a school director in Nebraska. Mr. Treadway is also one of the commissioners of the South Beardstown Drainage and Levee District, which is 12 miles long and drains 7.300 acres of land.

married in Cass County to Maria Leonhard, born in Cass County October 27, 1860, a daughter of Michael and Maria (Nickle) Leonhard, hatives of Germany. who came to the United States, the father working for a few years in the packing house at Beardstown before they settled down to farming. Mr. and Mrs. Tread- Way became the parents of the following children: Carl M., Lula M., Leonard A., Edwin B., Nela A., Myrtle E., Stella, and Anna E., of Whom the five youngest were born in Cass County, Mr. Treadway is a man of genial personality, one who makes and retains friends and he stands well in the community. He has been a member of the M. W. A. for many years.

TURLEY, Howard, a resident of Arenzville, 1M, Whose fine farm of 160 acres' lies in township 17, range 11, Cass County, Ill... was born in Morgan County, Ill, on April 17, 1852, a son of John and Elizabeth (Ogle) Turley, natives of Kentucky. John Turley was born in 1817 and died in 1869. His widow, who was born in 1822, still survives, and makes her home with her son Howard.

When young both John Turley and Elizabeth Ogle moved to Morgan County, where they were married, and then settled on a farm in the vicinity of Concord. In 1868 they changed their residence to Arcadia, Ill. where John Turley died, and the family subsequently moved back to Concord. There Howard Turley lived with his mother on rented land for nineteen years, and then moved to Portland, Oregon. where he also farmed. After working on a farm there he herded cattle in Washington for eighteen months, remaining in the northwest for fire years. He served in the Modoc Indian war, being a volunteer in the Oregon militia for fiftytwo days. in 1873. Returning then to Morgan County, Ill, he started farming on his mother's farm. In his youth Howard Turley had attended the Mt. Vernon district school, near Concord, and obtained a fair common school education.

On January 24, 1878, Mr. Turley was united in marriage with Margaret J. Goodpasture, born near Concord, Ill.. December 28, 1897, daughter of Abram and Zannah (Richardson) Goodpasture. natives of Tennessee and Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Turley have the following children: John A., born March 17, 1879, lives on his father's place and married Kathrina Schurther; and Mora, born September 7, 1887, now Mrs. Eugene L. Peck, lives with her father. Mrs.

After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Turley located in Cass County, Ill.. where he rented farms for fourteen years, Then Mr. Turley bought a forty-acre improved farm. later adding 120 acres. and on these 160 acres he carries on general farming. He has built several houses and has put up all the present improvements. Besides grain farming he raises cattle and hogs. In politics Mr. Turley is a Democrat, and has served as clerk of elections many years and as school director, and since 1895 he has served as road district clerk, and since 1911 he has been deputy assessor of township 17, range 11, Cass County.

TURNER, Joseph J., proprietor of 200 acres of as fine farm land as can be found in Cass County, is an excellent example of the scientific agriculturalist of today. He understands his work, takes a pride in it, and endeavors in every way to keep his property up to standard. He was born August 3, 1880. a son of Joseph and Mary Jane (Chittick) Turner, natives of the north of Ireland. These parents came to America in their youth. They were married at Virginia, I1]., and for a number of years, the father was employed by Dr. Robert Hall, but left him finally to settle on his own eighty-acre farm then all brush and timber. At first the pioneer lived in a cave, but before he married had a house to which to invite his bride. He worked hard in clearing off the brush and grubbing out the stumps, and when this farm had been placed under cultivation, he bought 120 acres more, adjoining his first purchase. This. he also cleared of brush, and used it as pasture land. Still later he bought 200 acres more, one mile east of his original home, and on this last property he erected new buildings, fenced the fields and made other improvements. On this farm he died in January, 1908, his widow still making it her home. Their children were as follows: Anna, who is Mrs. Henry Flowers, of Kansas City, Mo.; Robert, who is of Cass County; Maud, who is Mrs. Charles Wunderly, of Lone Jack, Mo.; Joseph J.; Samuel, who is of Ann Arbor, Mich.; and George, who is teaching school.

Joseph J. Turner attended the schools of his district and lived at home until his marriage, at which time he moved to one of his father's farms which he rented until March, 1914, when he purchased the claims of the other heirs, in this property, and now owns 200 acres of magnificent land. On it he carries on general farming and stockraising, handling horses, cattle and Poland-China hogs. His premises exhibit his excellent management, and he is recognized as one of the leading farmers of Cass County.

In October, 1908, Mr. Turner married FElizabeth Gebhardt of Cass County, a daughter of Andrew and Amelia (Stump) Gebhardt, natives of Germany and of Cass County. Mr. and Mrs. Turner became the parents of three children: Marie, Louise and Joseph. Mr. Turner is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of which he is a trustee. For some time he has been a school director of District No. 6, known as the Morgan school. In political faith he is a Democrat.

VIRGIN, John W. - One of the most interesting characters connected with the development of Cass County, Ill., during its later growth, is John W. Virgin, whose history is unique in the number and variety of enterprises in which he has been concerned, in the extent of his ac- quaintanece with men prominent in the earlier course of the history of this section, and in the zest of his experiences of travel in different localities of the western country, and in his identification with modern farm life and management of a superior order in the vicinity of his home.

John W. Virgin is a native of Menard County, Ill., where he was born on a farm one mile south of the old country town of Sweetwater, January 31, 1854, his parents being George and Eliza (Enslow) Virgin, the father a native of Fayette County, Pa., and the mother of Wheelersburg, Scioto County, Ohio. They were married at Pekin, Ill., in 1852. They located on an SOacre Menard County farm (bought at $20 and now worth $200 per acre) where they lived until 1859, when they moved to Morgan County and bought a larger farm of Jacob Strawn. the then "Jand and cattle king" of Illinois. Five years later they sold this to Z. W. Flinn, and purchased three other farms six miles southeast of Virginia from James Hill. Newton Runyan and Oswald Runyan, where they lived until 1904. From about 1848 until 1904, George Virgin was actively engaged in the cattle business. Before the advent of railroads, he, with his brother. Eli, bought and drove beef cattle from Illinois to New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore markets; later, they, with John T. Alexander, Sr.. followed buying. feeding and shipping cattle to New York. In 1904 ill health compelled the retirement of George Virgin from active business and he and his wife removed to Virginia, leaving "the boys" to run the S0Qacre farm. His death occurred in September, 1908. at the age of eighty years, his widow passing away at the same age in January, 1914, thus ending one of the best known and most hospitable homes of central Illinois. The children of George and Eliza (Enslow) Virgin were as follows: John W.; Ida (Mrs. George Aldridge), of Virginia, Ill.; Eli T.. of Junction City, Ore.: George M.. of Fresno, Cal.; Orland deceased, and Frank and Fred well known Cass County farmers and stockmen.

At the age of seventeen years, John W. Virgin began work as a bookkeeper in Petefish, Skiles & Co.'s bank (of which firm his father was then a member) in Virginia, and three years later, became assistant cashier of the Farmers National bank of Virginia (of which his father was president for twenty-seven years) and continued in this position four years, when impaired health and "the call of the wild" lured him to the Rocky Mountains. In 1879, he, with some of his friends. Lou L. Savage, C. W. Crews. J. L. Cosner, J. M. Downing, Will Shuff and Alex Walker organized a prospecting expedition, and with six mules, two wagons, six months' supply of groceries, and with their camping outfit loaded into a box car, they departed for Leadville, Colo., then at its wildest, and 120 miles beyond the nearest railroad. All sooner or later returned to Illinois, except C. W. Crews, who is managing director of the Crews-Beggs Dry Goods Company at Pueblo, and J. M. Down-

Mr. Virgin spent five years prospecting and mining in Colorado, where he made some money, but spent about $5,000 more than he made trying to "get rich.'"' In 1883 he went to New Mexico and engaged with others in cattle ranching, being a stockholder and manager of the Illinois Cattle Company. of which his brother George was also a stockholder and secretary. San Marcial, Socorro County, a division point on the Santa Fe Railroad, 120 miles north of the Old Mexico line, was their headquarters. Socorro County is about the size, in square miles, of the state of Delaware. The cattle industry fast assumed a leading position among property interests, and the cattle men soon felt the need of a representative on the county taxing board. J. W. Virgin was selected as their candidate for county commissioner, to which office he was elected by the largest majority on the county ticket. The other two commissioners were Mexicans, who regarded the innovation of an American with suspicion, but Mr. Virgin soon gained their entire confidence and secured needed reforms in county affairs, a more equitable distribution of taxes, reduced a floating county debt of $56,000 to less than $3,000, raised the tax valuation of over 400,000 acres of old Spanish land grants from 10c to 75¢ per acre, thus equalizing the burdens of the taxpayers, and straightened out a somewhat entangled county contract for the building of a courthouse, jail and a bridge across the Rio Grande. Socorro County has a handsome courthouse, built without even the suspicion of graft, and so gratified were the hold-over commissioners with their relief from a troublesome contract that they insisted on adding the name of J. W. Virgin to the stone tablet in the front of the building, and it so stands today as a creditable monument to his memory. Having secured the needed reforms and placed county affairs on a modern business basis, Mr. Virgin was not a candidate for re-election, but during his residence in New Mexico, the commissioners each year insisted upon his auditing the county books, and he had no more loyal friends in the county than those old Mexican Dons. In 1898 the cattle company sold out all their holdings, range conditions having become such that the business was unprofitable.

A growing family demanding better educational and social advantages than the range country afforded, Mr. Virgin returned to Illinois with his family, locating on a 160-acre farm eight miles southwest of Virginia, a family inheritance from the I. M. Stribling estate. In 1910 he bought eighty-two acres on the west line of the city of Virginia (part of the old Angier homestead) at $185 per acre, the present family residence from which Mr. Virgin operates both farms. In February, 1912, the house was totally destroyed by fire, and was replaced by the present colonial residence, an elegant modern home, beautifully located, half a mile west of town, and equipped with electric lights, fur-

In March, 1881, Mr. Virgin was married to Lou M. Stribling, who was born at the old Stribling home, near Virginia, February 18, 1856, the youngest daughter of the late I. M. and Margaret (Beggs) Stribling, natives respectively of Kentucky and Illinois. The Stribling family came from Kentucky to Illinois in 1832 (formerly from the state of Virginia) the grandfather of Mrs. Virgin, Benjamin Stribling, being among the first settlers of Cass County, on the well known Stribling farm a mile northwest of Virginia. The Beggs family are of Scotch-Irish extraction. Capt. Charles Beggs, grandfather of Mrs. Virgin, was a member of the first constitutional convention of Indiana and served as captain under General Harrison at the famous battle of Tippecanoe in western Indiana. He as oue of the early settlers of Morgan County,

The Virgin family, for several generations, have been of Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, some of the New England states and Kentucky, and came originally from England about A. D. 1700. English records of heraldry give the family coat of arms and family motto in Latin, which, translated, reads "Now or Never." They had their part, however, with the Colonial patriots in Revolutionary days, and while they have been mostly of the great agricultural classes, some of them have taken to literary and professional lines, notably, among more recent generations, Hon. William Wirt Virgin, one of the supreme judges of Maine, the Rev. Edward Warren Virgin of Boston, and Rey. Samuel H. Virgin of New York City. Politically, all the western Virgins have been Democrats, while some of their eastern cousins have been Whigs and Republicans.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Virgin, four in number, were all born in New Mexico, and are: Dorothy E. and Norma Lucile, the former a literary and the latter an art graduate of Illinois Woman's College, Jacksonville (where their mother's education was finished) ; Eli Horace, a Student of Illinois State University, Champaign; and Emma Louise, at present a student at the Illinois Woman's College, Jacksonville.

Mr. Virgin took the regular district school course, studied two terms at a country seminary in Menard County and at the Virginia High school in its earliest days, and while he never had a college education, he has been a lifelong reader and student, having, by his own efforts, acquired a wider range of knowledge than is comprised in most college courses. He is a lifelong Democrat, and while taking an active and intelligent interest in political affairs, has never sought any political preferment, never has been a candidate for political place or office. Never haying been of an aggressive or self-seeking disposition, it has been his lot rather to be ready for and equal to emergencies as they arose. As a young man he took an active part in the rehabilitation of the Farmers National Bank directorate and business. In Colorado he took an active part in the election of the first Demoeratic governor the state ever had. He organized and conducted a relief expedition, struggling for thirty or more hours through a mountain blizzard and three to five feet of snow. rescuing alive Jack Wilson, a snowslide covered comrade, entombed alive for forty-eight hours, and who is alive and well today. In New Mexico, in addition to attending to the somewhat strenuous duties of a ranchman, he took time to give considerable study to archaeological and pre-historic research, contributing articles to the American Archaeologist, besides taking an active part in reconstructing county affairs and ridding the territory of its last organized band of "rustlers" or cattle thieves. His activity has been almost always toward the general welfare rather than his personal aggrandizement, and while not always able to do just as he would have chosen financially, he has never found it necessary to resort to questionable practices or subterfuge. Of a somewhat literary, studious and artistic turn of mind. he is yet a plain, practical. proeyessive farmer and stockraiser of the better class. He has a bright and interesting family, all still at home, a home that is such in the best sense, where, while the necessary. practical, every day affairs of life are not neglected. the lighter, brighter, social, literary and artistic interests are all indulged. Mrs. Virgin is the constant, sympathetic companion of her children in all their affairs, and the sterner head of the family indulges all their desires, and thoroughly hating all forms of sham or subterfuge. goes peacefully on believing fully in the religion of his father expressed in the proverb, "An honest man is the noblest work of God."

VON FOSSEN, Smith L. - There is no doubt but that the children of Cass County, I1., regard Smith L. Von Fossen, of Beardstown, as the best friend they ever possessed. for he is one whose kind heart and generous impulses are continually contributing toward their enjoyment. However, the children are not the only ones of Cass County who esteem Mr. Von Fossen, for during the past twenty years there have been few beneficial public measures in this vicinity with which he has not been identified, and he has worked hard against those which he believed would operate to the detriment of the community. He is a thorough business man and public-spirited citizen, as well as a true friend of children, and of the poor and oppressed. Needless it is to say that his friends are almost as numerous as the residents of his county, and that his advice is sought and his confidence invited by young and old alike. Smith L. Von Fossen was born near Ipaya, Fulton County, I11., September 1. 1863. He is a son of William Wesley Von Fossen, born February 22, 1817, died January 12, 1891. and Julia Ann (Nevend) Von Fossen, born February 4, 1820, died May 25, 1885, both natives of Belmont County, Ohio. They were married in that county, and soon thereafter moved to Fulton County, locating on a farm, but after-vards moving to Ipava. where

Smith L. Von Fossen attended the public schools of Ipava in boyhood and at the age of sixteen years began learning bricklaying and plastering with his brother, Dallas. who had been in the contracting business for years. Smith L. spent five vacation seasons and one entire year hesides. in learning the trade, and then he and his brother undertotok contract work in the building line at Ipava, where they continued together for eighteen months. The former then went to Lewiston, Ill., where for three years he was profitably engaged in the same line. after which they went to Champaign. Ill. Leaving the latter place, Mr. Von Fossen located at Beardstown, going into partnership with M. D. Halpin. in the monument business, and this connection lasted a year. when he sold his interest to his partner, and, with Andia Terrill, founded another monument firm. Von Fossen and Terrill, which Jater branched out into the handling of veal estate. Their several interests became so heary that two and one-half years later. the firm was dissolved. Mr. Terrill retaining the realty and Mr. Yon Fossen the monument department. This business Mr. Von Fossen continues. and is part owner of two granite quarries, one in Minnesota and one in Wisconsin. and owns also eighty acres of quarry land in Oklahoma. In 1908 Mr. Von Fossen opened a department store. on such a large scale as to require the employing of eighteen clerks, and developed it to such proportions that in 1910, finding his responsibilities too heavy, he turned over the dry goods department to his sons, retaining under his own control his five and ten cent store. and the jewelry, music and fancy goods departments. He employs seven traveling salesmen to introduce his monument and piano goods on the road.

On October 2, 1885, Smith L. Von Fossen was married to Miss Clara Belle Griffith, a daughter of James and Nettie (Swain) Griffith. Mrs. Von Fossen was born at Waughtown. near Greensboro, N. C. Myr. and Mrs. Griffith went to Rushville. Ill.. in 1870, and there the former worked at his trade of blacksmithing and wagonmaking. Mr. and Mrs. Von Fossen became the parents of the following children: Ernest Vern, who is a dry goods merchant of Beardstown; Mabel Nina, who is at home; Clyde Norman, who is with his brother in the dry goods business: Ralph J.. who is with his father in business; Cyril Hill. who is at home, and Ruth and Robert (twins) who died in infancy. Mrs. Von Fossen died December 27, 1912. In religious faith, Mr. Von Fossen is a Methodist. Politically he is a Democrat, and for two terms, he served as alderman from the Third Ward. He was president of the Commercial Association for three years, and much of its present efficiency is due to his efforts.

The fraternal connections of Mr. Von Fossen are many and varied. The Odd Fellows have in him an enthusiastic member, and for many years he has been a state officer of the Knights of Pythias. He was chairman of the building committee which had in charge the erection, at Decatur, Ill, of a home for children and old people. connected with that order. After an exciting campaign, Mr. Von Fossen was elected over four other candidates, to the office of grand outer guard, and in 1918 he will be entitled to the office of grand chancellor of the order. In addition, he is a member of the Elks of Beardstown, in which he has held minor offices.

Notwithstanding all that he has accomplished in a business and fraternal way, it is, perhaps, as a practical friend of children that Mr. Von Fossen's name is most widely known. He was one of the originators of the "Free Fish Fries," which the city of Beardstown has conducted annually for the past twenty years. For as many years he has chartered every summer, the largest excursion steamer on the Illinois River to provide outings for the little ones, and they look forward to them with delightful anticipation. knowing that their kind friend will never fail them. Not only does he get up these excursions, but provides generously for the entertainment of those given into his charge and brings them back safely, bubbling over with childish glee, and eager to recount the doings of another day of perfect happiness. At the excursion of 1913 there were more than 1,300 children, who were taken to Meredosia, the mayor of that place proclaiming a holiday. The 1914 excursion to Bath had 1.600 children. All of the churches and Sunday schools joined in entertaining the little ones, and the city authorities furnished band music to march by. The 1915 excursion Was a grand success, and when the steamer landed at- Havana, the party was welcomed by delegations from the Sunday schools of that city and a committee from the Havana Commercial Association. A committee from the Havana Lodge of the Knights of Pythias was also there to welcome them. From Havana the party went to Chautauqua Park, at Quiver Lake, where they enjoyed a picnic dinner, and listened to addresses by prominent representatives of Beardstown and neighboring cities. In one year Mr. Von: Fossen was invited to seven different cities with the children, each offering picnic sports. Had he done nothing else. Mr. Von Fossen through this philanthropy, bas made himself honored and beloved in Cass County. Although he is one of the representative men of his locality in many ways. his name will ever be remembered. for. in ministering to the "little ones" he is serving the Master. who. in his religious faith he recognizes, and is setting a shining example.

Although now a man of large possessions it was not always so. At the time of his marriage, Mir. Von Fossen made a great deal of his own furniture, and many pieces of this are now used in his beautiful home here. This furniture was made by him because his capital was limited, and he could not afford to buy.

located in township 17, range 11. He was born at Beardstown, Ill, August 15, 1850. a son of George and Mary (Doerr) Wagner, natives of Germany. The grandfather was Theodore Wagher, who settled in New York state at an early date, finally locating at Albany, where he died. In 1540, George Wagner moved to Beardstown, Ill., and clerked for a time, but then bought 120 acres of land for twenty-five cents per acre. At the time of purchase it was in a wild state, but he improved it and added to his holdings until he owned 240 acres at the time of his death which occurred in January, 1897. His wife died many years before, passing away in 1862.

John H. Wagner attended the Monroe district and Bluff Springs schools, and grew up on the farm. remaining with his father until 1873, when he rented a farm at Bluff Springs, his possessions then consisting of a span of mules, harness aud a wagon. Until 1895 he continued to rent land, but in that year he came to the farm he now occupies to work it on shares. It consisted of forty acres on which was a log house. Mr. Wagner built new buildings and cleared off some of the timber, and added forty acres more. now cultivating about thirty acres, the remainder being in pasturage and timber. Experiments have demonstrated that general farming and cattle raising are the most profitable to bim.

On February 27, 1877, Mr. Wagner married Elizabeth Dietrich, born in Germany, a daughter of George H. and Catherine (Berg) Dietrich. Mr. and Mrs. Wagner became the parents of the following children: Mary, who is Mrs. John Witcher of Alton, Mont.; Amelia, who is Mrs. Harry Daniels of Cass County: Elizabeth, who is Mrs. Dr. M. L. Perrine of Chandlerville, Til.: Edward W.. George H. and John F., who are at home: Elmer: Josephine, who is Mrs. Jerry Lynn of Ashland. Ill.; Lydia, who is Mus. Jule Darland of Virginia. Ill.; and Rosa and

WAHLFELD, Fred - F red Wahtlfeld is one of the young men of Cass County, who, besides his industrious and thrifty habits. and his sensible management of the farm interests in his care, has the faculty of making a good many friends. He not only keeps his old friends, but his is such a sociable, genial, good-natured habit, as to add to their number wherever he goes. His home is in the vicinity of Chandlerville, and his farm is situated in section 34. township 19, range 9. Cass County. Ill. His birthplace was near the village of Bishop, Mason County, Ill... and he was horn August 25, 18S7. His father. Gerhard Wahlfeld. was born in Germany. December 18. 1856. and on coming to this country. with one brother. in 1881, engaged in farming and raising stock in Mason County. In 1882 he made a visit to Germany, and returning to this country, was married to Amelia Wessling in 1884.

In early youth Fred Wahlfeld attended the country district school. At the age of eighteen years he went from home to work by the month on a farm, and continued this plan until his marriage, when he and his father bought a place, which they have named the Grand View Stock and Grain Farm. It contains 90 acres and is very productive land.

On March 6, 1912, at Bath, in Mason County, Ill., Fred Wahlfeld was married to Lizzie May Camp. Mrs. Wahlfeld was born in Bath, Mason County, Ill., October 9, 1882. Her father is J. L. Camp, born February 15, 1856, and her mother's maiden name was Carolina Glackmeier, born in the same county, February 16, 1862. Mrs. Wahlfeld was educated in the Bath High school, where she graduated, and also attended the Normal school at Normal, Ill. Finishing her education there she taught school for eleven terms in only three different schools. Religiously they are members of the Lutheran church.

WALLBAUM, Frederick C., one of the heavy landowners of Cass County and president of the State Bank of Ashland, as well as largely interested in many of the leading business enterprises of this place, is one of the thoroughly representative men of the locality in which he makes his home. He was born in Cartwright Township. Sangamon County, Ill... November 9, 1S71, a son of William and Elizabeth (Chittick) Wallbaum. natives of Germany and Ireland. respectively. When William Wallbaum was eighteen years old he came to the United States, landing at St. Louis, Mo. There he found employment at his trade of shoemaking, but left that city in 1836 for Sangamon County, I[11., where he worked for different farmers for several years, then moved to Morgan County, where he married and began farming for himself about the close of the Civil war. He died January 9, 1905, aged sixty-seven and one-half years, his first wife having passed away in 1894. Their children were as follows: Frederick C.; and i Ay. who is of Pleasant - Plaing: Ill. The father's second marriage was to Martha Conway Virgin, and they had one daughter and one son, Emma May, who is of Springfield, Ill.; and William C., who is of Ashland, Il.

After attending the district schools Frederick C. Wallbaum took a course in the Jacksonville Business College. and for two years following his marriage resided on his father's farm. In March, 1897. he bought 200 acres of land in township 17, range 9, Cass County. two and one-half miles west of Ashland, upon which he moved. and began farming, raising registered Duroc-Jersey hogs, Percheron and a standard breed of road horses, and is a large feeder of cattle. He has added to his farm until he now owns 407% acres in the home place, which he is personally conducting; 140 acres, just north of Ashland, which he rents; 240 acres in Cartwright Township, Sangamon County, which he also rents, and he is interested in several business enterprises as well. Mr. Wallbaum was one of the organizers of the Farmers State Bank of Ashland, which came into existence in September, 1905, and has been its president ever since. William Mann, of Morgan County, IIlL., is the vice-president; M. J. Murray is the cashier; and Raymond Mann is the assistant cashier. The capital stock of this bank is $50,- 000, and dividends have been paid since the first year, and at the same time a desirable surplus is retained. Mr. Wallbaum was also one of the organizers of the Farmers Elevator Company of Ashland and Prentice, and now is secretary and treasurer of the Ashland Elevator Company. He was. five years an officer in the Illinois Farmers Grain Dealers' Association, three years as director and two years as president, a cooperative grain organization composed of 350 companies which handle the most of the grain grown in the grain belt of Illinois. He is a trustee and treasurer of the endowment fund of Shurtleff College of Alton, Ill. a pioneer Baptist school. The First Baptist church of Ashland holds his membership, and the organization has had the advantage of his services as treasurer since 1899. He is a deacon and for many years has heen superintendent of the Sunday school. Formerly a Republican, he is now a Progressive. A charter member of Ashland Lodge No. 929, A. F. & A. M., he also belongs to Jacksonville Chapter No. 3. and is a member of the Jacksonville Commandery, also a charter memlher of the new Shrine Lodge of Springfield. The Odd Fellows, No. 514. and the Modern Woodmen. No. 1436. both of Ashland. also hold his membership. The Court of Honor, Ashland Lodge No, 216, numbers him among its workers and earnest members.

In October, 1804. Mr. Wallbaum married Alice Clark of Petersburg. Ill... a daughter of Albert Allen and Fllen (Goodell) Clark, natives of Menard County. Ill. Mrs. Wallbaum is the youngest of a family of four children. and of fifty-four grandchildren of her grandfather, Wenry Clark. of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Wallbaum have two children: Frederick Clark, who was born February 20. 1899, and is now a student at the Western Military Academy of Alton, Ti.; and William Lee. who was born November 28, 1900, and is attending the public school of Ashland, Tl.

WARD, Jacob D., a farmer and stockraiser of Cass County, now living in Virginia, Ill.. comes of one of the old and substantial families of the country and is proud of an honorable southern ancestry. His father. the late Jacob Ward, whom he holds in tender remembrance, was born in Scott County, Ky.. December 4, 1800, and there resided until 1829, in which year he came to Morgan, now Cass County, Ill., a pioneer in that locality. With another young man, by the name of Stevenson, Jacob Ward accepted a commission from neighbors and acquaintances, to visit the country of which many favorable reports had reached them, and note desirable places in which to settle. The young men trayeled together as far as St. Louis, Mo., Mr. Stev- enson looking over Bloomington, Ill., and vicinity, while Mr. Ward proceeded to Beardstown and there became acquainted with a Thomas Beard, who had a store on the banks of the river and was profitably trading with the Indians. The two young men met at Cairo, IIL, when their investigations were completed, and together returned to Kentucky and reported to a meeting of those interested, at the Stevenson homestead. Mr. Ward was so pleased as to the advantages offered by Morgan County that he was eloquent in praise of that section and shortly afterward accompanied a party of sixty-two to the western country, the trip being made in wagons. After reaching their destination government land was secured and stable homes established and from those pioneers have descended many who are the representative people of Cass County.

Jacob Ward settled at Arcadia, where he started business eiuterprises including a _ hotel and a dry goods and grocery store. Other settlers soon came and the hamlet became the village of New Lexington, in memory of the old home city of Lexington, Ky. Mr. Ward was made the first postmaster of the place, and he was a county commissioner at the time Cass County was separated from Morgan County. In 1840 he bought a tract of land south of Virginia, Ill., on which he lived until 1869, moving at that time to his farm two and one-half miles east of Virginia and there died December 5, 1875, bis burial being at Little Indian. Mr. Ward's country home was always the abode of generous hospitality for all who sought it. For Hon. Stephen A. Douglas he early contracted a warm friendship that continued through life; often entertained him for days and weeks at his farm, twice married, first to Eliza Stevenson, a daughter of James Stevenson, and they had two daughters: Mary J., who became Mrs. James Beggs; and Sarah Frances, who was born August 8, 1828, married Henry S. Savage, and died October 27, 1908. His second marriage was to Sarah Frances Leight. a daughter of Peter and Eliza (Gross) Leight. and they had four children: Josephine. who died at the age of three months; Walter, who died in infancy ; Jacob D., who was born January 12, 1863; and John W., who died at the age of two years. An interesting incident in the early history of the county in connection with Mr. Ward, was his bringing with him from Kentucky to Illinois, a man and woman, negro slaves. both of whom he then set free. The woman died a year later and hers was the first burial in the Stevenson cemetery at Little Indian.

Jacob D. Ward was born in Cass County as poted above and grew to manhood in his father's house. He attended the district schools and also took a course in the Gem City Commercial College at Quincy, Ill. Inheriting a large amount of land he became a farmer and for a number of years engaged in farming and stockraising rather extensively. In 1901 he moved to

Virginia, Ill., where he owns a beautiful home. On June 29, 1898, he married Mary Eugenia Van Deventer, a daughter of I. B. and Emma (Barnard) Van Deventer, born at Virginia, June 2, 1876. The father of Mrs. Ward was born in Morgan and the mother in Pike County and they now live retired at Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Ward have two children: Francis Garland, who was born April 5, 1899; and Emma Maxine, who was born February 13, 1905, both now attending the public schools. Mrs. Ward is a member of the Presbyterian church.

WASHINGTON, John E. - Few of the many fine farms in Cass County, Ill., are in better condition as to cultivation and domestic improvements, and few bear evidence of more intelligent, enterprising and thrifty management than that owned and operated by the subject of this following narrative, whose name appears above. Beyond question, he is one of the best known, most successful and most highly respected representatives of the agricultural element among the citizens of this section of Illinois. Mr. Washington lives in the vicinity of the city of Virginia, Cass County, in township 17, range 10, and owns 300 acres in township 11, range 10, which he rents. Besides this he has 14614 acres of the homestead property which belongs to his wife.

John Edward Washington was born in Union County, Ky., October 27, 1860, and is a son of Joseph H. and Sallie Ann (Offutt) Washington. The father was a native of Westmoreland, Va., and the mother of Scott County, Ky., where they were married and where they first settled. At a later period they moved to Union County, where Joseph H. Washington died in 1870. His widow lingered until January, 1901, when she passed away. Her son, John Edward, dwelt with her until 1881. In early youth he attended the common schools of Kentucky, and for three years was a pupil in the military academy at Morganfield. in the same state. In 1881 John E. Washington located in Cass County and was employed at farm work by William Treadway until October 27, 1897, when he was married to Louisa Treadway, born April 30, 1861, a daughter of his employer. Her mother's maiden name was Mary McHenry. After their marriage Mr. Washington continued to work for his fatherin-law until 1901, when he began farming on 145 acres of the Treadway home place. Mrs. Treadway died August 30, 1879, and Mr. Treadway passed away July 18, 1912.

Mr. Washington has devoted considerable attention to the breeding of fine stock, raising Aberdeen Angus cattle and Poland China hogs, all registered. The farming land he rents out. He has been successful in all his undertakings, and is looked upon as high authority in handling first class stock. He has many friends among his neighbors and among the public generally in Cass County. He was reared in the tenets of the Presbyterian church. In political activity he is a supporter of the principles of the Democratic party.

WATKINS, James Albert - In the strenuous days when almost universal conflict paralyzes the farmers of foreign countries, the value of the American farmer as the producer of foodstufis with which to feed the world is more than erer recognized. and Cass County can point with pride to some of the most able, practical and industrious agriculturists to be found in the state. One of these men is James Albert Wat- Eins, who not only carries on his own. work successfully, but influences others to follow his example. He was born at Oregon Point, Cass County, November 19, 1865. a son of William and Emeline M. (Hinchee) Watkins, the former bern in Wayne County. Ohio, and the latter of KRentucky. These parents were married in Menard County, Ill. prior to the Civil war, and on coming to Cass County bought a farm in township 18, range 9. at Oregon Point, to which they added at various times until they owned 300 acres. The father operated this farm until 1903. when he retired to Virginia and is now making it his home. He and his wife had the following children: Nancy. who died at the age of three rears; Charles. who died in Kansas in 1892: William T.. who is of Davis County, Towa: Elijah. who is of Chandlerville; Margaret. who is now Mrs. M. F. Wary, lives in Cass County: Lrdia. who is now deceased, married Elmer Baker: James Albert; and Bell, who is the widow of William Weber of Peoria. Il. The mother of these children died February 2, is79. For his second wife the father married Bell Gordler. and they have one son, Warren G.. of Philadelphia.

James Albert Watkins attended the schools of Oreson. and growing up on his father's farm, learned how to be a farmer to some practical purpese. He has spent his life upon his birthplace. and when his father retired took charge of the property and is now carrying on farming and stockraising. In addition to the homestead he conducts 120 aeres of his own land. one and one-half miles distant. his judgment and industry making bis work pay him a good return on his investment.

On February 12. 19038, Mr. Watkins married Jennie Van Etten. born in Mason County. IIl., September 24. 1807. a daughter of David and Julia (Butler) Van Etten. natives of New York state and Pennsylvania. respectively. They hare no children. Mr. Watkins is a Democrat, and serred as road commissioner for three years. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America at Chandlerville. and is popular and respected in that order. as he is among his other associates.

WATKINS, Thomas, one of the honored residents of Cass County. who for many years was commected actively with agricultural work. was born in Greene County. Ky., August 23, 1827. a son of Elijah and Lydia (Montgomery) Wat- Eins. of Kentucky. Ther came to Warne County. HL. in 1829, making the trip in wagons, and a few years later went to Menard County, TIL. in the same way. After four years there, they came to Cass County, where they bought forty acres of land, adding to the farm until there was 160 acres. <A portion of this was entered from the government, and some of it was timberland. The father died about 1869, and the mother died about 1874. They had a large family of children, fifteen in all, five being older than Thomas, of which family three are still living: Thomas; William M., who is of Virginia, Ill.; and Lydia E., who is Mrs. J. R. Griffin, a widow, who resides at Chandlerville.

Thomas Watkins had no educational opportunities aside from those offered by the subscription school. He resided with his parents until 1849, when he began renting land in township 18, range 9. After four years, he bought eighty acres of timber and brush land, and kept adding to his holdings until he now owns 220 acres, all under cultivation except twenty-five acres of pasturage and timber. He has lived on this farm ever since he bought and conducted it until 1894, when he turned the work over to his sons.

In 1849 Mr. Watkins married Charlotta Griffin, born in Tennessee, a daughter of Henry and Edith Griffin, of Tennessee. Mr. and Mrs. Watkins became the parents of the following children: Celia J.. who is Mrs. J. H. Bixler, of Idaho; Elsie, who is deceased, was Mrs. J. L. Lucas; Charles. who died in infancy; Elijah J.. who is of Richmond Precinct; William <A., who lives at Pittsburg, Kas.; Emeline. who is Mrs. Samuel T. Myers, of Pittsburg, Kas.; Nancy Ann. who is deceased, was Mrs. Samuel McGee: and James A., who lives with his father. Mr. Watkins belongs to the Primitive Baptist church, and has been a trustee of it since 1881. A Democrat. he served as road commissioner, and also as a school director. Mrs. Watkins died September 25, 1889, since which time his children have cared for him and tried to take her place. He is widely known and is numbered with the oldest residents of this section.

WEBBAKE, John A., of Oakford, Cass County, Tll., an industrious and thrifty farmer, favorably known throughout his section of the county. of which he is a native, was born December 21, 1IS70. He is of German descent. and has inherited traits of character which have made the men of Teutonie extraction prominent factors in the industrial development of Tllinois. The farm operated by Mr. Webbake is located in section 32. township 19, range 8S. Cass County, and the family to which he belongs were comparatively early settlers in this vicinity. His father was Anthony Webbake, also a farmer. born in Germany, February 14, 1829, and his mother. whose maiden name was Elizabeth Deighity. born April 18, 1840. came to this country about the year 1859. After working by the month for eight years, Anthony Webbake purchased 160 acres of farming land.

John A. Webbake received his early education in the country schools of his neighborhood and has ever since then applied himself to farming. He has added sixty acres to the home farm, and members of the Catholic church. It may be said of Mr. Webbake that one of his strong traits is the partiality he manifests for high-bred horses. Volitically he is a Democrat.

WESSEL, Fred William. - Among the young business men of Beardstown. Ill. to whose enterprise, skill and energy much of the prosperity of Cass County is attributable. one of the most meritorious is the above named gentleman. who is at the head of the well known firm of Wessel & Sons, contractors and builders.

Fred William Wessel is a native of Beardstown. where his birth took place June 10, 1S'2. He is a son of Fred and Angeline (Ivemayer) Wessel. His parents. both natives of Hanover, Germany, were joined in wedlock there on July 1s, 1871. coming at once to the United States and settling at Beardstown, Ill. Their children were: Fred W.: John: Henry. who died in infancy: Herman; Frank; Elizabeth (Mrs. H. H. Krems). of Beardstown; and Ella (Mrs. Otto Gebig). of the same place.

In the old country the elder Wessel had learned the trade of cabinet-maker, at which he began to work on his arrival in America, entering the employ of Henry William Wohlman. One year later. he was employed by Huge Bros., with whom he continued for seventeen years. At the end of this period, together with his cousin, Herman Wessel. he entered into the contracting business, which they followed for a few years. when Herman Wessel's interests were purchased by Clamor Reller. For the next four years the new firm conducted the business, and then Fred H. Wessel bought Mr. Reller out. and continued in the partnership until the death of the elder Wessel on June 2, 1905. His son. Fred William Wessel. was then taken in as partuer, and the latter's two brothers. Frank and Herman. became members of the firm in 1908. Of these. Frank was born June 28. 1889: and Herman, August 24. 1879. The business of the Wessel concern is done under the firm name of Wessel & Sons. and covers all kinds of building contracts. They are among the leading contractors in Beardstown. and operate a mill for their own direct purposes. and procure and finish any material necessary in their line of work. All the members of this concern are considered honorable and reliable business men, and stand high as citizens, being respected by all who know them.

place November 29, 1906, on which date he was wedded to Ella Guelker, a daughter of Charles and Anna (Boester) Guelker, natives of Germany. Mrs. Wessel was born in Beardstown. She has borne her husband the following children: Carl, born September 5, 1908; Mildred, born June 27, 1911; and Wilbur, born February ee LD iE28

The Wessel family are members of the German Lutheran church. Fred William Wessel is a chapter Mason, and belongs also to the M. W. A. and the Kk. O. T. M.

WESSEL, John W., who carries on a general blacksmithing and implement business at Beardstown, is one of the substantial men of Cass County, and one who stands well with the public. He was born at Beardstown, March 23, 1880, a son of Fred and Ella (Ivemeyer) Wessel, natives of Germany. The father and mother came to the United States on their wedding trip, and remained here. He was a contractor and builder. A history of the Wessel family is given in this work.

John W. Wessel was educated in the schools of Beardstown, and learned the blacksmithing trade with a man named Hood. for whom he worked six or seven years. He then established himself in a similar business in July, 1902, in partnership with a Mr. Goebhrig, which continued until the latter's death, February 16, 1911, when Mr. Wessel bought his interest. He is a very skilled mechanic and has been exceptionally successful along his line. In addition to his business. Mr. Wessel owns his residence at No. 311 W. Seventh street. Beardstown.

On May 23, 1901. Mr. Wessel was married at Beardstown, to Elizabeth Davidsmeyer, born in Hanover, Germany, February 17, 1881, a daughter of John and Hannah Davidsmeyer, both of Germany. Mr. and Mis. Wessel have two children. namely; Verna J. M3 born February 2) 1907; and Viola Le-E., born June 9, 1909. In polities he is a Democrat, while in religious faith he is a Lutheran. <A man of abounding good nature, Mir. Wessel is a welcome addition to any gathering and counts his friends in hosts.

WHITE, Clarence J. - No man in Cass County stands any higher in public estimation than Clarence J. White. merchant miller and memher of the firm of Schultz, Banjan & Co. of Beardstown, for he has won his place here by honorable business methods and convincing personality. He was born in Green County, Wis., August 10, 1SS0. a son of Joseph W. and Villa (Schrack) White, natives of Green County, Wis.. and Stephenson County, Ill. The father was a son of Obadiah J. White, who came from Connecticut. traveling down the Ohio River in a flathoat. landing at Cincinnati. Ohio, from whence he went by stage to Green County, Wis., there entering land to the amount of 640 acres, from the government, the patent papers being signed by President Martin Van Buren, and one-half of the land he acquired remains in the family to this day. He became a distinguished

Clarence J. White attended the district schools of Cass County, and the Monroe High school, following which he went to the University of Wisconsin. From this institution he secured the degree of A. B., and he took a law course at Harvard University, from which he secured a degree of LL. B. For a year he taught school but after he was admitted to the bar he practiced his profession at Chicago for five years. Feeling that better opportunities awaited him in Cass County, he came to Beardstown and entered his present firm. In politics he is a Republican. He was reared in the faith of the Evangelical church.

On February 27, 1907, Mr. White was married at Beardstown to Oliva J. Schultz, born in Cass County, November 19, 1879. Mr. and Mrs. White have had two sons: John J. and Robert J. Mr. White owns the comfortable family residence at Beardstown where the friends of the family are cordially entertained.

WHITENACK, Joseph R., a retired farmer and stockraiser, of Ashland, Cass County, Ill., is very well and favorably known throughout that portion of the county where his residence is situated, and where he carried on farming and stockraising successfully for a number of years. He is a bachelor, and having amassed a snug competency, has retired from active pursuits while still in the prime of life, making his home with his sister, Mrs. Lizzie Whitenack Reynolds, widow of Joseph Reynolds, on a farm of 148 acres located in section 23, township 18, range & Cass County.

Mr. Whitenack is a native of Cass County, where he was born February 9, 1868, a son of Joseph Whitenack, born in New Jersey, December 25, 1886, and Elizabeth (Drake) Whitenack, born in the same state, March 17, 1882. The father was a farmer and stockraiser. In 1856 Joseph Whitenack and wife came from New Jersey to Illinois, and they lived and farmed in Menard County about two years, moving then to Cass County, where they spent the remainder of their lives, and reared a family. He passed away in 1908, his wife having died in 1877. They had seven sons and three daughters, the first two born in Menard County, and the others in Cass, Their names are as follows: Joseph R.; John O.; George R.; Anna (Whitenack) Schrimsker, who is in Kansas; Mattie (Whitenack) Haywood, in Cass County; Charles H., in Oklahoma; Lizzie (Whitenack) Reynolds, in Cass County; William, of Iowa; Edward, of Menard County; and Walter, who. died in infancy.

Joseph R. Whitenack passed his childhood on the homestead place, received his early education in the country schools, and then went to work on the farm, continuing this until the time of his retirement. He rents out his farm in section 28 in the same township, which is very productive land and highly improved. He has traveled considerably in this country and has made one trip to the western states. Mr. Whitenack is a man of very pleasant manners, agreeable and sociable to all. In politics he acts with the Democratic party.

WIDMAYER, Edward R. - Cass County has in its offices some of the most representative men of this locality. They have been placed there by a discriminating public who appreciates the fact that good blood shows and that those who come of honorable stock can be counted upon to serve the public faithfully and well. The Widmayer family is well represented, for it has in its ranks a sheriff and a deputy sheriff, father and son. The latter, Edward R. Widmayer, is a-native of the county, born here May 26, 1884, a son of Ernest P. Widmaryer.

After completing his common school course, Mr. Widmayer entered the Virginia High school, and graduated therefrom with the class of 1903. Following this, he entered upon his business career, and for seven years was in the meat business. In the meanwhile his father was elected sheriff of the county, and the latter selected his son to assist him in discharging the duties of that office. Deputy Sheriff Widmayer is not married. and makes his home with his father. The fraternal relations of Mr. Widmayer are with the Masons. The Methodist church holds his membership, and benefits from his energetic assistance. In politics he is a Democrat, and his work in the ranks of his party has received due appreciation. A booster for his home place, a capable official, and conscientious man, Mr. Widmayer is justly ranked among the leading residents of Virginia and valued citizens of Cass County.

WIDMAYER, Ernest P. (deceased), was a veteran of the Civil war and for many years was prominent in Cass County and a leading factor in politics. During the long period that he served in public office. he steadfastly discharged his duties in a manner that kept him high in public favor. He came to Cass County from Jacksonville, Ill., in 1877, with his brother, Robert E. Widmayer, and they engaged in the livestock business and general farming, having large interests in shipping. Mr. Widmayer withdrew from the firm in April, 1912, in order to devote his entire attention to the duties of his office, in 1910 having been a second time elected sheriff of Cass County.

Ernest P. Widmayer was born in Wurttemberg, Germany, May 5, 1849. and died at Virginia, Ill.. January 29, 1915. He was a son of Jacob and Fredericka (Hochstetter) Widmayer, natives of Wurttemberg, Germany, who emigrated to the United States in 1854 and located at Niagara Falls, N. Y., after a voyage of fifty-four days on a sailing vessel. The father died during the same year, leaving his wife with many children: Fredericka and Caroline, both deceased; Charles, formerly sheriff of Morgan County, Ill., now deceased; Louise, deceased: William, a resident of Kane County, Ill. ; Minnie, a resident of California; Gottlieb, who met a soldier's death in the Civil war in 1863, and was buried the same day a brother was wounded at the battle of Corinth; Ernest P., now deceased, and Robert E.

Ernest P. Widmayer was five and one-half years old when he accompanied his parents to the United States, and three years later came with his mother to Kane County, II11., settling on a tarm near Elgin. There he was residing at the time of his enlistment for service in the Civil war, February 8, 1864, in Company K, Fifty-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which organization he served one and one-half years, being with General Sherman on _ his famous march to the sea and subsequently participating in the grand review at Washington, D. C. He was mustered out at Louisville, Ky., July 6, 1865, and one week later received his honorable discharge at Chicago, Ill. He was a valued member of Downing Post No. 288, Grand Army of the Republic.

Mr. Widmayer began his connection with Official life in 1898, when he was first elected sheriff of Cass County, a position in which he served for four years. In 1902 he was elected assessor and treasurer, and held these offices for one term. Again, in 1910, he was given the shrievalty, and continued to discharge the duties of his office in a conscientious, faithful and courageous manner. He was a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, of Which he had been a trustee for a number of years.

On January 2, 1872, Mr. Widmayer was marvied to Miss Matilda Ream, a native of Kane County, Ill., and daughter of Levi and Magdalena (Shoemaker) Ream, her father being a soldier in the Civil war in the same company with Mr. Widmayer, while a cousin and three uncles were also with that organization. To Mr. and Mrs. Widmayer there were born eight children: Charles Albert, deceased, who at death left a widow and three children; Cornelia, who is the wife of D. F. King, of Springfield; Clara, who died in infancy; Florence, who is the wife of Leslie Atkins, of Springfield; Lee, who is a resident of Virginia, Ill.; Edward R., who is deputy sheriff of Cass County; Rose, who is the wife of H. A. Breeden; and Walter, who is in the newspaper business and connected with the Virginia Gazette, who married Pearl McDonnell,

WIDMAYER, George Henry, assistant cashier of the Petefish-Skiles Bank, of Virginia, and township school treasurer, is one of the best examples of the younger generation of business men in Cass County. He was born at Virginia, this county, February 28, 1880, a son of Robert E. and Cornelia C. (Wiegand) Widmayer. He attended the public schools and was graduated from the Virginia High school in 1897, and during 1897-S, attended the University of Illinois. After coming back to Virginia, he was associated with his father in the livestock business, in this way becoming well known in his young manhvod to his fellow citizens, and through his business success and pleasant per- sonality secured such public confidence that he was made deputy sheriff, in December, 1898, and served as such for four years under his uncle, who was then sheriff of Cass County. In 1903, when his uncle became assessor, he was made his deputy. By this time he had still further proven his worth, and on September 1, 1903, was made bookkeeper of the Petefish-Skiles Bank, of Virginia, thus acting until in 1906, when he was elected assistant cashier, and still holds that responsible office. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and having passed all the chairs was elected as representative to the Grand Lodge for 1914. In addition he belongs to the Red Men and the Elks of Jacksonville, and is very popular in both orders. The Church of Christ holds his religious membership, and he is a deacon in it, as well as secretary and treasurer of its official board.

On December 14, 1909, Mr. Widmayer was married to Bertha Frances Biddlecome, a daughter of Horace H. and Laura (Davis) Biddlecome. A man of more than average ability, Mr. Widmayer has made his influence felt in every situation in which he has found himself and is one of the dominant factors in the life of the busy city in which he has practically spent his life.

WIDMAYER, Robert Everhart, for a number of years the senior member of the firm of Widmayer & Bro., dealers in the best grade of draft horses, and shippers of same to the St. Louis market, is one of the progressive business men of Virginia and also a farmer of some note, farming 160 acres of land in Cass County. He was born in Germany, August 29, 1853, a son of Jacob and Frederica (Hochstetter) Widmayer. The family set sail for America in February, 1854, in an old fashioned sailing vessel, and were ten weeks on the ocean. Upon their arrival in the new land, they went to Niagara Falls, and there the father died. Later on the family went to Kane County, Ill., where they resided until Robert E. was thirteen years old.

Robert E. Widmayer then left home and going to Jacksonville, the same state, spent four years there in the meat business. Following that he went to Merced County, Cal., and in working at his trade of butchering there he gained much yaluable experience which he has since put to practical application. After four years of this kind of work. he returned to Jacksonville, I1l., and in the spring of 1877. embarked in a meat business in partnership with his brother Ernest, the firm packing pork. and feeding and shipping cattle at Virginia. Ill. In conjunction with their live stock business, they opened and conducted their meat market on the corner opposite the square, where they were located for over thirty-five years. At one time their trade was so heavy that the C. P. & St. Louis Railroad gave them a train of twenty-four cars from Virginia to Chicago, which were filled with cattle of their own feeding. At another time the firm sold a Peoria man nine cars of live stock. They were the heaviest shippers of cattle from their locality. During the past twenty years, they have shipped many head of cattle and for several years handled from 2,000 to 3.000 feeders and stockers, and Robert E. Widmayer had this end of the business in charge. At present he is by himself and deals in cattle and hogs for the St. Louis and Chicago markets. Mr. Widmayer superintends and cultiyates a fine farm in Cass County, in connection with his stock business.

On May T, 1879, he married Cornelia C. Wiegand, a daughter of Leopold and Sophia (Readebush) Wiegand. They had five children as follows: George: Edna, who died at the age of twenty years and six months: Alma; Harold, who died at the age of six months: and Helen. Helen resides with her parents. George is in the Petefish-Skiles Bank of Virginia. Alma is now Mrs. Albert W. Morse, and lives at Chandlerville, Ill Mr. Widmayer belongs to the Modern Woodmen and the Maccabees. The family belong to the Christian church, in which Mrs. Widmayer is a deaconess and an active worker. Several terms has Mr. Widmayer served Virginia as alderman, and he was on the school board for three terms. He is a man of importance at Virginia, and is much interested in the progress of the city.

WILLIAMS, Thomas R - Cass County has some very substantial farmers who are bending their energies to make this section one of the most important ones in the state from an agricultura standpoint. That they are succeeding, the prosperity of men like Thomas R. Williams, farmer and thresher. goes to prove. He was born at Bertie. N. C.. June 1, 1850, a son of Williamson A. and Margaret (Thomas) Williams. the former born January 12, 1812, both being natives of North Carolina. The father was a farmer who lived in North Carolina until he came to Cass County, DL, where he bought a farm of 120 acres and the family settled upon it.

Thomas R. Williams grew up amid rural surroundings, and attended the schools of his district. Although he farms G00 acres of land, he makes his home at Bluff Springs. where he owns his residence. Ever since the organizatien of the Beardstown State Bank, Mr. Williams has been a director. For three years he served as a school director. He belongs to Bluff Springs Camp, M. W. A. No. 489, and he is a Methodist in religious faith.

In 1878 Mr. Williams was married to Elizabeth Reichert. and they had three children: Charles F.. John F. and Howard L. On February 14, 1900, Mr. Williams was married in Cass County to Elizabeth Wright of Cass County. Her parents were farming people. Mr. Williams is a man who devotes himself to his business, but he enjoys his social relations and has many warm personal friends.

whose time of arrival in this section is suggestive of pioneer conditions in western Illinois, and the manner of his making the journey partook of the primitive means of travel prevailing in the early days of the country's settlement. Wonderful changes have taken place since the birth of Mr. Williamson, and stored amid the treasures of his memory are countless recollections- of scenes and events most interesting to those of later generations who have profited through the results of his experience. The birth of Thomas S. Williamson took place in Oldham, England, November 15, 1819. where he received mental training in the district schools in boyhood days, and his parents were James and Sarah (Smith) Williamson.

On October 3. 1842. Mr. Williamson was united in marriage with Mary Needham. a daughter of John and Rebecca Needham, and they set sail for the United States on Novemher 10, 1842, and after spending six weeks on their passage across the ocean, they landed at New Orleans, La.. whence they journeyed by boat to St. Louis. Mo.. From that point they traveled. by stage to Jacksonville, Dl, and on January 1, 1845. reached Virginia, Cass County, Ill. During the next March Mr. Williamson returned to Jacksonville. where he was employed for seven years at whatever kind of work he could secure, after which he followed well digging one year. In January, 1851, be moved on a farm which he had bought in Cass County, where he remained until April 24. 1890. when he re tired from active pursuits. and established his home in Virginia. After moving to the city. he rented his 375 acre farm, fully improved as the result of his labors for many years. Mrs. Williamson, his faithful companion during this long period of travel and toil, passed away August 2S, 1909. Their children are as follows: Sarah, who lives with her father; Elizabeth (Mrs. John Hamilton), a widow, whose home is in Virginia ; John, who lives in Cass County; Mary (Ars. Marion Rose), a widow, living with her father; James, of Rockford, Mich.; and Emma, who is also one of the home group.

In politics Mr. Williamson has been long identified with the Republican party, though never seeking office. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he has been a trustee for many years.. Mr. Williamson is one of the most estimable of the surviving characters of a former generation, and a man whose high character and honorable record command the highest respect.

WILSON, John Newton (deceased) - For many years John Newton Wilson was a dominant factor in the life of Virginia, and his memory is still cherished by his former associates who remember his many excellent qualities and business ability. He was born at Newark, Ohio, June 1, 1832, a son of George and Jane Buchanan (Moore) Wilson.

took his family to the north of Ireland. William Wilson, grandson of David Wilson, was the founder of the family in this country. He came to America about 1744, settling in the colony of Virginia.

Archibald Wilson, grandfather of John Newton Wilson, served in the Revolutionary war, first as a lieutenant, afterward as a captain. His company was present at the surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown, 1781.

In 1842, with their eight children, George Wilson and wife came to Cass County, IIL, when their son, John N., was about ten years old, and located two miles west of Virginia, on a farm which the father purchased. On that farm John N. Wilson grew to manhood, attending the early schools and the college at Virginia, which stood on the present site of the high school. Remaining in town after completing his education, at first he was a clerk in a drug store, and later became assistant postmaster, and still later was appointed postmaster and held that oftice for eighteen years, being succeeded by Charles I. Haskill, now of Virginia. In politics he was a strong Republican. Close confinement impaired his health, and in order to keep out of doors, he bought a horse and began selling cattle on commission for others. His efforts were in vain, however, for in 1900, he was taken seriously ill, and after a long sickness he died January 22, 1901.

On September 9, 1858, John N. Wilson was married to Rachel Berry, a daughter of Thomas and America (Morrison) Berry, and they had three daughters, namely: Kate, who is a resident of Virginia, is assistant cashier of the Centennial National Bank; Jessie. who is Mrs. Edwin Beggs, of Ashland; and Ella, who died in infancy. Mrs. Wilson was born April 27, 1887. and died October 30, 1872. Mr. Wilson was married (second) to Mary Walker, a daughter of Solomon Walker, and she died a few months later. The third wife of Mr. Wilson was Lydia Hoyt Ainsworth, whom he married February 5, 1878. She died February 25, 1893.

WING, Egbert, for many years was one of the best known and most highly respected citizens of Chandlerville, Cass County, Ill. His busy and useful life came to an end October 30, 1892. He was a native of New York state, where his birth took place February S, 1832, and was a son of James and Rachael (Davis) Wing, also of that state, who came to Illinois in 1837. The parents traveled with their family across the country, by river to Beardstown, whence they proceeded to Chandlerville, and bought land a mile and a half west of the town, where the father carried on farming until his death.

Egbert Wing in boyhood attended the subscription school taught by Peter Richard, and stayed with his parents until his marriage. in August. 1854. At that time he was wedded to Eliza Ann Davis. born in Morgan County, IIL, September 29, 1835. She is a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Phelps) Davis, natives, respectively, of Virginia and Kentucky. They had the following children, namely: Virginius, born June 22, 1855, died July 3, 1865; Larcena (Mrs. Kohler), a widow, of Peoria, Ill, born January 16, 1859; Elizabeth (Mrs. J. W. Milstead), born May 6, 1862, living in Cass County ; Samuel, born August 23, 1864, who lives with his mother; Melinda, born December 29, 1867 (Mrs. George Edwin Milstead), living on the home farm; Judson E., born March 23, 1870, died November 6, 1875; and Eliza Cordelia, born April 11, 1874 (Mrs. Charles Eddings), also of Cass County.

After his marriage Mr. Wing bought a farm southwest of Chandlerville, on which he lived until 1SS4.. Then he sold it and purchased 120 acres six miles east of Chandlerville. His widow, a most estimable lady, who is surrounded by a wide circle of friends, remained on the farm until July, 1910, when she moved to Chandlerville, renting the place to her sonin-law, Edward Milstead. She is a member of the Baptist church.

Samuel Wing always lived with his mother, and farmed the place after his father's death for many years. In 1894 he bought an eightyacre farm east of his mother's property, which he now rents. In youth he attended the district and high schools of Chandleryille. In politics he is a Democrat. He has served as assessor of township 19, ranges S, 9 and 10, since 1910, and he assessed township 18, range 9 from 1902 until 1908. Fraternally Samuel Wing is affiliated with the M. W. A., Pecan Camp No. 530. His father. Egbert Wing, who was also a Democrat in politics, held the office of school director. The various members of the Wing family are highly esteemed wherever their acquaintance extends.

WINKLE, Albert C. - The demand for first class automobile service is constantly increasing, and there are a number of well equipped garages to be found throughout Illinois where experts are to be found and supplies secured. Among the leading concerns doing business along this line in Cass County, none stand higher than that operated under the firm name of Beard & Winkle, at Virginia, owners of a garage and dealers in automobile supplies.

Alhert C. Winkle, the junior member of the firm. was born at Springfield, Mo., August 26, 1ss8, a son of Ferdinand and Anna (Walkenhorf) Winkle. The father is in the meat business. Mr. Winkle was educated in the public schools of Guthrie, Okla., and became traveling buyer for J. R. Johnston, a hide, fur and wool dealer of Wichita, Kas., continuing with him for four years. In 1910 he went to St. Louis, Mo., and worked for the Overland Sales Company for six months. then went with the Pope Hartford garage and spent another six months. His next connection was with the Vonark Brothers garage, but after six months with this concern, in 1912, he came to Virginia, and in 1914, formed a partnership with William W. Beard, for the purpose of operating the Virginia garage. Mr.

Winkle had an experience of two years on a ranch in Oklahoma. He is a man of broad ideas, in politics a Democrat, and fraternally belongs to the Odd Fellows and the auxiliary order of the Rebekah. He is a member of the German Lutheran church.

William W. Beard, the senior member of the firm, was bern in Cass County, Ill, September 16, 1862, a son of John C. and Mary A. (Batis) Beard, natives of the state of Virginia, who came to Cass County, Dl... in 1856. They were farming people, and both are now deceased. William W. Beard was educated in the Cass County schools, and assisted his father in operating the homestead until he was eighteen years old, when he took charge of the farm for his mother. Until he was thirty-two years old, he remained at home, he and his brother, Lee, doing the farm work. After marriage he purchased what was known as the Jim Allen Davis farm near Virginia, and there resided until 1914, when he mored to the county seat and formed his present partnership. He is an Odd Fellow and a Woodman, and belongs to the Presbyterian church.

On November 28, 18, Mr. Beard was married to Lizzie Zigelmiser, born in Cass County, and they have one son. Franklin Z.. who was bern November 2, 1895. He is a graduate of the Virginia High school, and is planning to prepare himself for teaching. Mr. and Mrs. Beard have reared Hattie May Etchison since she was eleven years old. She was born at Virginia, July 25, 1896, and is also preparing to be a teacher.

WITTE, Charles, who, until 1912, was extensively and successfully engaged in farming and stock-raising in township 17, range 11. Cass County, Ill... but having acquired a snug competency, has abandoned active pursuits and is now living in retirement. is a native of Westphalia, Germany. He was born in that province May 8, 1855, a son of Fred and Louisa (Hamburg) Witte, who lived and died in the fatherland. In 1874 Mr. Witte, after acquiring a common school education in the German public schools, left the old country and came to the United States, journeying by way of New York to Beardstown, Il.. and then worked seven years on farms in the Sangamon river valley, and afterward started farming for himself, continuing seven years more. Then he bought two farms, one of 240 acres and one of 160 acres in township 17. range 11. and erected all the necessary buildings. and has made all improvements up-to-date. He has done what tiling was needed, and built the fences required. He continued his farming operations successfully until 1912, raising a good deal of grain and breeding a considerable amount of stock from year to year. At that period he withdrew from active labors, and rented the farms to his sons.

On April T. 1888, Mr. Witte was united in marriage with Minnie Miller. bern in Meredosia, Ill, a daughter of Frederick Miller, both her father and mother being na- tives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Witte had children as follows: Louis, on one of his father's farms, Bertha (Mrs. Edward Natemeyer), of Beardstown, Ill., and Edward, Edith, Albert and Anna, all of whom are at home. The family are members of the German Lutheran church. In politics Mr. Witte acts with the Republican party. He is looked upon as a model citizen, and is highly respected by all who know him.

WRIGHT, Andrew. - To successfully carry on any line of business requires natural ability and persistent effort and perhaps the reason so many of the Cass County farmers are prosperous is because they possess just these qualities. One of them, who, in the days when he was an active farmer, made his name known among the progressive agriculturalists of this region, is Andrew Wright of township 17, range 9. He was born near Belfast, Ireland, August 21, 18438, a son of James and Bertha Ann (McConkey) Wright, both of whom died in Ireland.

Andrew Wright attended the common schools of his native place. In 1865 he came to the United States, landing at Philadelphia, where he remained for four years, during that time being engaged as a teamster. He then came to Morgan County, Ill, and lived at Alexander for nine years, carrying on agricultural operations, and following this came to Cass County, renting the farm he now owns. After seven years he bought it, the property comprising 205 acres, all of which he has improved. On this he carried on stock raising and general farming until his retirement in 1910. Since then his son, Joseph A. Wright, has conducted the homestead.

While living at Alexander, Ill, Mr. Wright married Sarah Baxter, born near Belfast, Ireland, where her parents died. She came to Morgan County in I1S6S. accompanying her brother Henry Baxter. Mr. and Mrs. Wright have had the following children: James W., who is of Vincennes. Ind.; Leonard, who is of Philadelphia, Dl.; Thomas H. and Joseph A., both of whom are at home; Nathaniel, who is of Cass County: and Mamie, who is Mrs. Jesse McNiel of Philadelphia, Tl. Mr. Wright is a Presbyterian. In politics he is a Republican, and served many years as district road commissioner and as school director, discharging the duties of these offices competently and conscientiously.

WRIGHT, Loren Weir, who is extensively engaged in farming and stockraising in Cass County, resides on section 30, township 18, range S. and is one of the representative men of his locality. He was born in Cass County, December S. 1882. a son of John Solomon and Anna Norvella (Carver) Wright, the former born May 2, 1852, and the latter June 29, 1862, both natives of Cass County. They were married br Rev. James Garner. Mrs. Wright was a daughter of Pletcher and Sarah (Howard) Carver, both now deceased, the latter having died December

8, 1904, and the former, July 8, 1914, both being buried in the Garner cemetery. The father of Loren Weir Wright was a very thrifty man and was well known, as he bought stock all over the county, and in all his transactions gained the name of being very honest and upright in his dealings. He began his stock operations with no capital but his industry, but when he died, January 18, 1905, he left an estate of 234 acres of land, in addition to stock, one-half of his possessions going to his son and the other half to his widow. His burial was in the Garner cemetery.

Loren Weir Wright attended the country schools and the Virginia High school, following which, the Jacksonville schools, and then went to a college at Springfield, Mo. During all this period he worked in a printing office in his vacations. and then adopted his present line of work for his vocation in life. In addition to his own 117 acres of land, he conducts his mother's 117 acres, and his operations therefore are upon a large scale.

On August 17, 1913, Mr. Wright was married by Rey. J. C. Betton of Arkansas, in Eureka Springs, Ark., to Arzella Josephine Gaskins, born in Arkansas, April 14, 1894. a daughter of Stephen and Molly Victoria (Hatcher) Gaskins, the former born in Indiana, June 27, 1853, and the latter in Kentucky, March 27, 1863. Mr. and Mrs. Gaskins were married in Arkansas in 1887, and still reside in that state. Mr. Wright is a very sociable young man, good-natured and genial, and he and his wife are leaders in the social cireles of their locality.