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 1 of 10)

The Part of Biography in General History - Citizens of Cass County and Outlines of Personal History - Personal Sketches Arranged in Encyclopedic Order

The verdict of mankind has awarded to the Muse of History the highest place among the Classic Nine. The extent of her office, however, appears to be, by many minds, but imperfectly understood. The task of the historian is comprehensive and exacting. True history reaches beyond the doings of court or camp, beyond the issue of battles or the effects of treaties, and records the trials and the triumphs, the failures and the successes of the men who make history. It is but an imperfect conception of the philosophy of events that fails to accord to portraiture and biography its rightful position as a part - and no unimportant part - of historic narrative. Behind and beneath the activities of outward life the motive power lies out of sight, just as the furnace fires that work the piston and keep the ponderous screw revolving down in the darkness of the hold. So, the impulsive power which shapes the course of communities may be found in the moulding influences which form its citizens.

It is no mere idle curiosity that prompts men to wish to learn the private, as well as the publie, lives of their fellows. Rather is it true that such desire tends to prove universal brotherhood: and the interest in personality and biography is not confined to men of any particular caste or vocation.

The list of those. to whose Jot it falls to play a conspicuous part in the great drama of life, is comparatively short: yet communities are made up of individuals. and the aggregate of achievements - no less than the sum total of human happiness - is made up of fhe deeds of those men and women whose primary aim, through life, is faithfully to perform the duty that comes nearest to hand. Individual influences upon human affairs will he considered potent or insignificant. according to the standpoint from which it is viewed. To him who, standing upou the seashore. notes the ebb and flow of the tides and listens to the sullen roar of the waves, as they break upon the beach in seething foam, seemingly chafing at their limitations. the ocean appears so vast as to need no tributaries. Yet. without the smallest rill that helps to swell the "Father of Waters." the mighty torrent of the Mississippi would be lessened, and the beneficent influence of the Gulf Stream diminished. Countless streams, currents and counter currents - sometimes mingling, sometimes counteracting each other - collectively combine to give motion to the accumulated mass of waters. So is it - and so must it ever be - in the ocean of human action, which is formed by the blending and repulsion of currents of thought, of influence and of Jife, yet more numerous and more tortuous than those which form the "fountains of the deep." The acts and characters of men, like the several faces that compose a composite picture, are wrought together into a compact or heterogeneous whole. History is condensed biography; "Biography is History teaching by example."

It is both interesting and instructive to rise above the generalization of history and trace, in the personality and careers of the men from whon it sprang, the principles and influences, the impulses and ambitions, the labors, struggles and triumphs that engross their lives.

Here are recorded the careers and achievements of pioneers who, "when the fullness of time had come,' came from widely separated sources. some from beyond the sea, impelled by divers motives. little conscious of the import of their acts. and but dimly anticipating the harvest which would spring from the sowing. They built their primitive homes, toiling for a present subsistence while laying the foundations of private fortunes and future advancement.

Most of these have passed away. but not before they heheld a development of business and population surpassing the wildest dreams of fancy or expectation. A few yet remain whose years have passed the allotted three-score and ten. and who love to recount. among the cherished memories of their lives, their reminiscences of early days.

{Vhe following items of personal and family history, having been arranged in eneyclopedic (or alphabetical) order as to names of the individual subjects, no special index to this part of the work will be found necessary.]

ABBOTT, James William. - Chandlerville is the center of a rich agricultural district that looks to it aS na market so that the handling of grain for the farmers is an important industry. One of the men who has made a success along this line is Jaines William Abbott. He was born in this city. September 21. 1877. a son of James and Margaret (Lidsay) Abbott, the former born in Lancashire. England. August 30. 1853. and the latter in Mason County. Ill. The father came to Mason County, Ill., from England with his parents, and resided with them on their farm until he was of age, when he moved to Cass County and began the milling business. For ten years he continued in this business for himself, and then discontinued the milling business and went into the grain business. Fora time he and his father were partners, but this association ceased with the death of the latter in 1905. Myr. Abbott enjoyed the advantages offered by the high school of his native place and is a well informed man.

Mr. Abbott was married to Martha E. Elliott at Chandlerville, Ill. She was born in Cass County, November 7, 1876. a daughter of Hugh P. and Sarah Elliott. Mr. and Mrs. Abbott have had the following children: William Edison, James Hugh, Orville E., Maxine E., Virginia May, and Norman Clare. Mr. Abbott is a Republican and was elected mnayor of Chandlerville for a term of two years and a school trustee for three years. He belongs to Chandlerville Lodge No. 724, A. F. & A. M., and in religious faith isa Methodist. A man of progressive ideas, he is always anxious to work for the betterment of his community, and the advancement of moral standards.

ADKINS, John Richard (deceased). - The late John Richard Adkins of Ashland, Ill., was one of those men whose memory is held in kindly recollection long after they have passed away. His deeds of kindness were many, and his record of a life of honest industry and helpful. peaceful neighborliness is something to he cherished by family and community. Mr. Adkins was born on the southern line of Cass County, July 10, 1839, a son of Joshua and Elizabeth (Smith) (Flinn) Adkins, natives of Tennessee, the latter being the widow of Josiah Flinn. who had left four children, they being as follows: Nancy, who is now a widow (Mrs. Bertram), living in Towa; Jane, who became Mrs. Jacol) Schroeder, is deceased: and William and Mary, the latter

County. Tl... to Mrs. Elizabeth (Smith) Flinn, and they had two children. namely: John Richard. and Elizabeth. who became Mrs. Morton Fortney, and both are deceased. Joshua Adkins and wife settled on a farm in Cass County. after their marriage, and they lived there until they died.

John Richard Adkins attended the schools of his district. and remained at home until his first marriage. when he moved to a farm of eighty acres in Cass County. Later he moved back to his father's farm, but after fourteen months returned to his own property. to which he added until he had 271 acres, and owned additionally, at the time of his death. 525 acres in Morgan County in one piece, and 205 in another piece. He also owned thirty-six acres of timberland. As he was the only surviving member of the family. he inherited his father's homestead of 244 acres in Cass and Morgan counties. <All his life. he carried on general farming and stockraising. The death of this

Mr. Adkins was married (first) to Abigail Smith, born in Ohio, and they had two children, On September 25, 18G7, Mr. Adkins was married (second), in Jacksonville, Ill... by a Methodist minister, to Ella M. Stockton. born in Morgan County. II1., April 9, 1841, a daughter of David and Elizabeth (Burtram) Stockton, natives of Kentucky and Virginia, respectively, who were married in Kentucky, but soon thereafter moved to Morgan County, Ill, as they did uot believe in slavery. From there the Stocktons went to Macoupin County, Ill. where both died about 1855. Mrs. Adkins resided with an elder sister thereafter, in Macoupin County, until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Adkins had the following family: Clara, who was born July 23. 1868S, is-at home; Walter. who was born February 17. 1870, conducts the home farm, married June 24, 1914, Bertha M. Allen of Vike County, I1l.: a son who died in infancy: John. who was born August 4, INT2Z. is operating one of the Morgan County farms. and married Maud VP. Adkins. and they have Vera, Thomas, Armour and Oakleigh: and Mary A.. who was born September 2G, 1874. is Mrs. Ehner Johnson and lives on the homestead of her grandparents. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have three children: Marjorie. Weir and Kermet.

ALKIRE, Milem Josiah (deceased). - It is difficult to bow to the decree of death when the one taken away is still in the very prime of young manhood, and both the fellow citizens and the family of Milem Josiah Alkire of Virginia, felt especially bereft when he was taken away, for he not only was a lawyer of prominence, but also a man of sterling qualities and of lovable characteristics. He was born at Sweetwater, Ill., March 4, 1879, a son of Frank and Mary (Hurie) Alkire, both born in the vicinity of Sweetwater. Frank Alkire was engaged in farming until about 1899, when he went to Colorado and there worked as a civil engineer.

Growing up in his native place, Milem Josiah Alkire received a common school education, and in the Illinois College at Jacksonville, Ill, further pursued his studies. After leaving college he was principal for two years of the schools of Petersburg and Virginia. then went into the law office of R. W. Mills as a student of law, and after he was admitted to the bar, was in partnership with his former preceptor until his death, on March 2, 1907. Mr. Alkire is buried in Walnut Ridge Cemetery, Virginia. While a Republican in political faith, he never took an active part in public affairs. Fraternally, he Was a Mason and a Knight of Pythias. Until his marriage Mr. Alkire resided with his mother, but after that event, which occurred January 1, 1906. to Stella Skiles, he maintained a home of his own. After her husband's death Mrs. Alkire resided with her mother until the latter's death on December 26, 1911, after which she erected one of the most beautiful residences at Virginia, where she is now living with her little daughter, Jewel, who was born January 2, 1907. She is a member of the Presbyterian church.

Mrs. Alkire was born at Virginia, Cass County, Ill., July 1, 1885, a daughter of Oswald and Eliza (Epler) Skiles, natives of Ohio and of Sangamon County, Ill. The paternal grandfather was Harman Skiles, while her maternal grandparents were George and Eliza (Huckleberry) Epler, natives of Pennsylvania and Indiana, respectively. Mrs. Alkire was educated at the Monticello Seminary, Godfrey, Ill. Her father was a prominent man of Virginia, Ill, being a banker and landowner; he died in that city February 18, 1908. Mrs. Alkire has one brother, Louis O.. and a half-brother, Lee H. Skiles, who was born of her father's first marriage, with Ann Conover, the latter dying in 1874.

ANGIER, Lafayette A. - In every community the most substantial men lend their influence and devote their efforts towards the establishing of eoncerns which will give stability to the locality. Conservative policies dictate that in nothing is the public given better service than in the organization and faithful conduct of banking institutions. and Virginia owes much in this respect to Lafayette A. Angier, who, although now retired, has done much to promote the welfare of Cass County in general, and Virginia in particular. He was born just west of Virginia. in Cass County, October 1, 1852, a son of Addison G. and Anna Eliza (Wilson) Angier. The parents were born and married in Ohio, coming to Cass County soon after their marriage. Here ther reared a family of eight children. as follows: Harriet. Mary Ellen. and Emma G.. all of whom are deceased: Louisa, who is Mrs. FE. Dyvert. of Virginia: Rose and Grace. both of whom are deceased: and Lafayette and George, both of whom reside at Virginia. Both father and mother are deceased and are interred in the cemetery at Virginia. For many years Addison G. Angier was president of the Centennial Bank of Virginia. and was one of its heavy stockholders at his death. and was also one of the organizers of the Farmers Bank of Virginia. and was connected with it for a number of years.

Lafayette Angier was brought up on his father's farm. and educated in the schools of his district. Tor some years he farmed very successfully. and resided on his farm land. but moved to Virginia in 1892. although continuing his agricultural activities and still operates 3S0 acres near Virginia. There he bought a heautiful residence. which he has since remodeled. and a daughter of Charles and Martha J. (\IcConnell) Hill. and they became the parents of five children. namely: Grace. who is Mrs. J. L. Way, of Vitginin: Harry. who died May 27, 1901. at the age of twenty-three vears: Alice. who is Mrs. George IXikendall, of Springfield, I]l.; Fern, who is Mrs. William Finn, of Virginia; and Charles, who married Goldie Bingham, lives at Virginia and is associated with the firm of Finn Bros., dealers in gents' furnishings.

ARMSTRONG, Claude J., of Chandlerville, II, whose farm is situated in township 18, range 10, n., Cass County, Ill., is considered among the most intelligent, worthy and promising of the younger farmers of this portion of the county. Further details of his family connections are to be found in a sketch of his brother, Jeptha Armstrong, which appears in this volume. He was born in Cass County, Ill., July 26, 1889. His father was Robert H. Armstrong, a native oft Cass County, who was engaged in agricultural pursuits. and his mother's maiden name was Jennie B. Schoonover, also of Cass County.

In early youth Claude J. Armstrong received a fair education in the public schools of his neighborhood and spent the time until his marriage in working on a farm by the month. He became possessed of a share of his father's estate, and after he was married, rented a house near the paternal property, and, in the fall of 1918. moved to the homestead, and here he and his family have since resided, and he has earried on farming successfully on the old place.

On February 10, 1909, Myr. Armstrong was united in marriage with Edith Schoonover, born in Cass County, October 14, 1888, a daughter of Jacob and Susan (Baker) Schoonover. Mr. Schoonover was born in the state of New York, and the birthplace of Mrs. Schoonover was in Cass County. They have the following children: Lloyd Bertrand, born April 7, 1909; Remus Robert, born June 6, 1911; and Roland Howard, born February 19, 1914. Mr. Armstrong has prospered in his undertakings and is considered a judicious and substantial farmer. He is affiliated with the M. W. A. of Chandlerville. Mr. Armstrong attends the Christian church.

ARMSTRONG, George W. - That part of Cass County which is included in the district of Chandlerville. finds a worthy and capable agricultural representative in the person of George W. Armstrong. His career has heen similar to that of many others. who have followed varied pursuits for a number of years, but at length have returned to farming. finding in the tilling of the soil their comfort. their success and their proper field of endeavor. Mr. Armstrong is a native son of Cass County. born October 11. 1869, on his father's homestead in township 18, range 10, near Chandlerville. Cass County. Ill. a son of James and Anna B. (Chittick) Armstrong.

The Armstrong family has been located in Cass County since 1840. when John and Nancy (Cook) Armstrong. the grandparents of George W. Armstrong. came to this part of Illinois from County Tyrone, Treland. the grandfather entering a Jarge tract of land from the government, which he cleared from its native timber and developed into a productive farm. James Armstrong, the father of George W., was a child when he accompanied his parents from Erin to this country, grew up amid pioneer surroundings, and, following in his father's footsteps, adopted the calling of a husbandman. He was married January 1, 1855, to Anna B. Chittick, who had come to Cass County with an elder brother, and they settled down to housekeeping on a farm adjoining the Armstrong homestead, to which the father continued to add until at one time he was the owner of acres of valuable soil, the greater part of which he put under cultivation. He was known as one of the substantial citizens of his community, and an authority upon the subject of livestock. His death occurred April 10, 1907, when he had reached the age of more than seventy-five years, he having been born December 10, 1832. The mother, born March 11, 18384, passed away March 16, 1911. Their children were as follows: Elvina M., who married James E. Way, of Easton, Mason County, Ill.; John §., Robert H., Tillie V. and Gilbert. all of whom are deceased; James W., who is engaged in farming in this township ; Anna E., deceased; Fannie F., who is now Mrs. Frank B. Todd, of Chicago; and George W. George W. Armstrong attended first the district schools in the vicinity of his father's homestead, and following this was given further training in the Chandlerville High school and the Valparaiso (Indiana) Normal school. He entered upon his career as a teacher in the district schools, being thus engaged for three years, and then was made principal of the Walker Grove school, in Mason County. Two years in this capacity were followed by one year as principal of the Chandlerville school, but after his marriage, in 1898, Mr. Armstrong gave up the vocation of educator to become proprietor of the Commercial Hotel. When he sold out, three years later, he was made chief of police of Chandlerville, retaining that position for four years. and then returned to the old homestead Where he had been born and purchased 165 acres of land. in which the place of his birth is included. Mr. Armstrong has since carried on general farming. and has also met with decided success in the raising of Red Polled cattle and Poland-China hogs. He is known as a business man of ability, and his private interests are large, yet he has found time and inclination to serve his community, and has been a_ school director since 1909 and deputy assessor since 1913. His public duties have heen discharged in an able and conscientious manner, and his services have heen such as to add to his general popularity in the community in which he has so long made his home. Politically a Democrat, Mr. Armstrong is one of the strong and influential men of his party in his section of Cass County. Tis fraternal connection is with the Modern Woodmen of America, at Chandlerville. Mr. Armstrong was married December 21, 1898. to Miss Jennie B. Taylor. who was born in Cass County. March 1, 1873. daughter of Harry L. and Matilda (Lynn) Taylor. natives of Cass County. and granddaughter of Henry and Mary P. (Hawthorne) Taylor. The grand- father of Mrs. Armstrong founded the Taylor family in Cass County in 1880, in which year he came from Nashville, Tenn., where he had been born January 24, 1814. He died February 5, 1864. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong. namely: Myron G., June 11, 1900; Mabel A., October 6, 1901; and Robert H., May 16, 1904.

ARMSTRONG, Gilbert Jeptha - Among the most intelligent, enterprising, prosperous and successful of the younger farmers of Cass County, III., is Gilbert Jeptha Armstrong, of Chandlerville. He is, moreover. by reason of his amiable and neighborly qualities, one of the most popular and highly esteemed members of the community in which he lives.

Mr. Armstrong was born December 138, 1880, in Cass County, his parents being Robert H. and Jennie B. (Plaster) Armstrong, born also in this county. The children of Robert H. and Jennie B. Armstrong were: Cora Pearl. now Mrs. John E. Rethorn. of Chandlerville: Gilbert Jeptha; Nathaniel Howard. of Chandlerville; Judson Lee, of Fort Stielacoom, Wash. ; Chalmers Nisbet, of Chandleryille. and Claude Johnson. who resides on the Armstrong homestead. just west of Chandlerville, in section 1. township 18, north, range 10. Cass County. Il.

When Jeptha was three years of age his parents moved to the large Plasters farm west of Chandlerville, of which they afterwards became the owners, and which is still owned by the Armstrongs. In early youth Jeptha attended the Live Springs district school, afterward becoming a pupil of the Chandlerville High school. where he was graduated. in May, 1899, with highest honors of his class. In September of the same year he entered Eureka College, at Eureka. IIL, where his sterling qualities soon made him a Jeader among his fellow students and associates. He was in his senior year at Eureka College, when his father died. April 8. 1903. Being the oldest of the five sons. he was forced to give up his school work and return home and assist his mother in the settlement of his father's vast estate. His carefulness, painstaking and sensible economy. displayed in the settlement of this estate. were exceptionally business-like, and were characteristic of the eminent business qualities which have guided him in the attention given to his private affairs. After the settlement was concluded. Jeptha. personally. took up farming and stockraising, on the above named Armstrong homestead.

Gilbert Jeptha Armstrong was united in marriage. March 5, 1904. with Mary Sarah Wilham, of Virginia, Tll.. who was born in Macon County, Ill... January 18. 1878. a daughter of Thomas and Judia Ann (Black) Wilham,. the father of Fnelish nativity. and the mother born in Morgan County. Tllinois. Mrs. Armstrong was educated in the district schools and in the Virginia High school, where she was graduated in May, 1898. She continued her studies, specializing in mathematics. and began teaching in the district schools of Cass County in 1899, which she con- tinued rmntil her marriage, teaching a special course of mathematics, during the summer season. After marriage the couple resided on the Armstrong homestead west of Chandlerville, where Mr. Armstrong carried on his farming and stockraising operations successfully for six years, when he purchased and moved to the farm where the family now reside, and where he still farms extensively. This farm is located in sections 26 and 27, township 19, north, range 9, Cass County, Ill., and contains 200 acres of the most fertile Sangamon River bottom land. The lives of Jeptha Armstrong and wife move along in perfect harmony, each being interested in the other's work, without a shadow or cloud to mar their happiness. Two children have been born to bless this union, namely: Jeptha Thomas, born January 10, 1908, and Winona Darlene, born December 14, 1911.

Mr. Armstrong is intelligently interested in intensive farming and in the development of modern agriculture. He believes in building up the soil to make it produce the maximum results and does not hesitate to put his ideas into practice. on his own farm, regardless of what his neighbors do. He was one of the active workers for and is, in a large measure, responsible for the University Agricultural and Domestic Science School that has been held, annually, at Chandlerville for several years. He is secretary of the Cass County Life Club, an organization the object ofwhich is the advancement and promulgation of agricultural development. He is also treasurer of the Sangamon Bottom dAnti- Horse Thief Association. Fraternally he is affiliated with the M. W. A. and Royal Neighhors. of Chandlerville. as is his wife. Politically Mr. Armstrong is one of those staunch. progressive Democrats who place principle above party. He is interested in his friends and, not seeking office for himself, has never hesitated to eo into the field and work for others. He is at present the democratic committeeman from Chandlerville Precinct. and has won the approval and good will of the public for his careful, conservative and honest political dealings. Religjously. he is affiliated with the First Christian Church of Chandlerville, and serves as a memher of the official church board. A man of upright life and high ideals. he enjoys the highest esteem of his fellow citizens. and never does he lose an opportunity to demonstrate his sincerest appreciation of their friendship. He is a man of large physique as well as of strong character, a-careful and methodical business man; a warm hearted and generous companion. and those who have the pleasure of his acquaintance always know where to find him on all questions, for there is no uncertainty in his character. Heisa kind. generous. thoughtful and affectionate husband and father: is devoted in his attachments and ever has the interest of his family at heart. His life has been eminently successful and he is an excellent representative of the superior class of young farmers in the community and county in which he lives.

ATTERBERY, Emmet K. - For many years the Atterberys have been prominent among the agricultural families of western Illinois. Some of the most extensive and successful farming enterprises in Cass County have been carried on by its members, and one of the county's thriving towns is known as Atterberry. Emmet K. Atterbery, one of the best known farmers in this county, was born in Menard County, Ill., July 11, 1873. His father, also a farmer, was Ashford Atterbery, who was born in Menard County; and the birthplace of the mother, whose maiden name was Sarah Isabel McKee, was Ohio. At an early period, Ashford Atterbery acquired possession of an interest in 350 acres of land which, through years of unremitting effort, he developed into a highly productive farm. In early boyhood, Emmet K. Atterbery accompanied his father and mother to this place, and since that period has continued to live here. As he grew to suitable age he received a fair education in the district school of his neighborhood, and subsequently applied himself diligently to the work of the farm. In addition to general farming operations, he devotes considerable time to the raising of choice stock. The farm is composed of 350 acres of excellent land, and is situated in section 25. township 19. range 9, in Cass County, near the village of Chandlerville, which place is the postoffice address of Mr. Atterbery.

On February 12, 1896, in Cass County, II1., Emmet Kk. Atterbery was joined in wedlock with Elizabeth Hickey. a native of Cass County, where her birth took place August 23, 1876. Mrs. Atterbery is a daughter of Seth and Kizie (Goodman) Hickéy, the former of whom was born April 11, 1846. Mr. and Mrs. Atterbery have three children, namely: Ree Divern. born

Mr. <Atterbery has never connected himself with any religious denomination, but fraternally is a Mason. being atftiliated with Chandlerville Lodge, No. 724. Politically. he supports the principles of the Democratic party. Emmet Kk. Atterhbery is known to almost every resident of his township. He is a man of much intelligence. with a large fund of practical information. He manifests an infinite amount of good nature in daily intercourse with neighbors, and his jovial disposition makes him quite popular among his acquaintances.

BAILEY, Fred R. - The furniture, undertaking and piano business conducted under the firm name of Bailey & Robertson, was started August 19. 1911. by Fred R. Bailey and Frank M. Robertson. two of the energetic young business men of Virginia. They handle a full line of furniture, the Fischer pianos, and do a general undertaking business as well. During the years they have been associated together. they have earned a well merited reputation for fair and honorable dealing. and are called upon to render services in every department of their concern.

Bailey. After passing through the common schools of Virginia, he entered the high school of the city, and was graduated therefrom in 1910. Following this he took a commercial course at a business college, and a course in the Cincinnati College of Embalming, from which jatter he was graduated in 1911, almost immediately thereafter forming his present partnership, one that has been profitable and congenial. Fraternally, he belongs to the Masons and Odd Fellows. Unmarried, he resides with his parents. While not active in politics, Mr. Bailey has always given intelligent attention to public affairs, and can be counted upon to lend his aid to those measures which he believes will work out for the good of all concerned. As a business man, he has proven his worth to his community and both he and his partner stand very high in public esteem.

BAILEY, Samuel W. - One of the substantial retired business men of Virginia, is a native of the state of Virginia, and a son of George and Ann (Jasper) Bailey, the former born in that state, September 8, 1826, where he still resides; and the latter, a native also of Virginia, was born August 12, 1827, and died October 5, 1909. They had ten children, of whom Samuel W. Bailey was the fourth in order of birth.

On May 9, 1872, Samuel W. Bailey came from Marksville, Va., to the village of Virginia, Ill., but spent several years upon a farm in Cass County prior to locating in the village. Upon settling here permanently, he engaged with Vanvedentre & Bailey, lumber dealers, as_ bookkeeper and general manager, remaining in this connection for three years. At the expiration of that period, he embarked in a mercantile business on the east side of the public square, in partnership with Lawson D. Robertson, and they were thus associated for three years, when he sold his interest to Mr. Robertson, and clerked for J. F. Black, hardware dealer and architect until 1885. He then took a vacation until 1886, when he became a bookkeeper and salesman for George H. Henderson, manufacturer of tile and dealer in coal. In December, 1889, he bought a one-third interest in a coal shaft and gave this business his services until] March 1, 1903. On this date he sold, and then embarked in a grocery business on the north side of the square, continuing to conduct it until May 2, 1908. Disposing of this business at a profit, he opened another store on the south side of the square, and continued it until January 1, 1911, when he permanently retired from business.

On February 7, 1878, Mr. Bailey was married in Cass County, to Fannie J. Fisher, a daughter of John and Adaline (Gist) Fisher. Six children have been born of this marriage, namely: George L., who resides at San Francisco, Cal.; John C., who resides at Virginia; Jess O., who resides at Hillsboro, Ill.; Fred R., who is in the undertaking and furniture business at Virginia ; ace Harold L., and Eugene D., who are yet stuents.

at Virginia, he has served the city very faithfully in a public way, having been city clerk for three terms, mayor for one term, a school director for a number of years, and has held other offices. Joining the lodge of Odd Fellows at Virginia, he has been active in that and the auxiliary order of Rebekah ever since, and is now secretary and treasurer of the Central Illinois Odd Fellows Association. The Methodist church holds his membership, in which he is a steward and church secretary.

BARTLETT, Sylvester Joseph, now practically retired, was once usefully connected with some important construction and other railroad work for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, and has always been a man of probity and high standing. He was born in Penobscot County, Maine, February 29, 1844. a son of Josiah and Nancy (Taintor) Bartlett, natives of Maine. The grandfather, Josiah Bartlett, also came from Maine. The father was a farmer by occupation, and in 1860 moved to western New York looking for better conditions for his work. There he died in 186s.

The interesting life history of Sylvester Joseph Bartlett practically began with his enlistment for service during the Civil war, November 10, 1863, in Company C. First Long Island Volunteer Infantry at Wellsville, N. Y., as prior to that he had been a farmer boy, alternating work on the homestead with attendance at the local schools. With his enlistment. however, he shouldered the responsibilities of a man and soldier and saw service in Chattanooga and other places of lesser importance. After receiving his discharge at Harper's Ferry, in 1864, he re-enlisted June 10, 1864. in Company I. One Hundred and Wighty-ninth New York Volunteer Infantry, and was assigned to service at Petersburg, Va., afterward taking part in the battle of Five Points and many others. During the entire period of his service. he was never wounded nor taken prisoner, and received his final discharge at Arlington Heights, June 1, 1865, having participated in the memorable grand review at Wasbhington, D. C.

After returning home, the young. soldier worked with his father until the latter's death, when he went to Lawrence County, Ill, and engaged with the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad as a member of the construction gang. After four years of that work, he spent two years at Virginia with the same railroad. and then was made section foreman for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincey Railroad at Beardstown. A few years later he was promoted to be general foreman of the railroad yards, holding that responsible position for twenty years. He then retired. although he has done some work as flagman at crossings to fill in his time. ;

In June, 1872. he was married at Flora, I1., to Bridgeteen Tower, who was born in Clay County, Ill.. and died in 1894. The two children of this marriage are: Margaret, who is Mrs. a. W. Whiteford, of New York City; S. J., Jr., who is of Swan Creek, Ill., being an agent for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. Mr. Bartlett belongs to the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and has been a presiding priest since 1904. In politics he is a Prohibitionist.

BAUJAN, Otto William, a miller, and the foreman of all the elevators in the city of Beardstown operating under the name of Schultz, Baujan & Co., merchant millers, is one of the leading men of Cass County and one who is leaving his impress upon contemporary business history here. He was born at Beardstown, March 10, 1871, a son of John and Catherine (Yeck) Baujan, natives of Germany. The father came to Cass County from Germany in 1852, while the mother arrived here in 1884, making the trip with her brothers. John Baujan was a brickmaker by trade and later he conducted a milling business, under-the name of J. Baujan & Co., until his death July 4, 1889.

Otto William Baujan was educated at Beardstown and learned the milling business, following which, for five years, he was in the employ of the firm of J. Baujan & Co., merchant millers. He then went into business for himself and conducted the same for ten years, then sold and associated himself with his old firm, having been employed by them for the past fifteen years. He is a good judge of human nature and is able to handle his men in a manner satisfactory to all.

On May 24, 1894, Mr. Baujan was married in Cass County to Nellie F. Duchardt, born in Cass County, February 6, 1875. Mr. and Mrs. Baujan have had two sons: Finas W. and Rayman R. Mr. Baujan owns his home at Beardstown, and is in comfortable circumstances financially. In politics he is a Democrat, while fraternally he belongs to the Maccabees, the Elks and the Modern Woodmen of America. He was reared in the faith of the German Lutheran church but does not belong as a member to any religious organization.

BAXTER, Albert Crum, A. B., M. D. - Persistent effort along one line, when intelligently directed, is certain to bring a measure of success, and in nothing is this more true than in medicine. Even the most intelligent physician and surgeon of today finds it necessary to continue his studies and reading in order to keep abreast of the times, and one who has succeeded to an un: usual degree is Dr. Albert Crum Baxter, of Springfield, who, for some years, has been a representative member of the medical profes: sion in Sangamon County. He was born Octo: ber 9, 18S0, at Literberry, Morgan County, IIL, a son of Hiram Bennett and Ellen (Crum) Baxter.

James Baxter, who founded the family in America, came from his native place, County Tyrone, Ireland, during the American Reyolution, and located at Pittsburgh, Pa. After his arrival he married Rebecca Riddle, who was

James Baxter moved to Ohio, selecting as his home the present site of the city of Dayton, and there his son, William Baxter, was born August 1, 1804. In 1815 the Baxter family came still further west, making the trip down the Ohio River in a flatboat to Madison, and in that neighborhood, in 1828, William Baxter was married to Jame Kerr, a daughter of Josiah Kerr, a Scotchman who had come to this locality about the same year as the Baxters. The first home of the newly married couple was a one-room, one-story round log house, equipped with a door and window, a puncheon floor and stick-and-mud chimney. No nails were used in building this primitive cabin, weights being used in conjunction with poles to hold the roof in place, while the door was fastened with wooden pins. After many years spent in this house, Mr. Baxter replaced it with a large stone structure built from stone from his own quarries, and it is still in excellent repair. The children born to William Baxter and wife were twelve in number, ten sons and two daughters, and seven of these sons served their country as soldiers during the Civil war.

Hiram Bennett Baxter, the sixth son of Willian Baxter, was one of those who served as a soldier, and he was born September 22, 1840. Innlisting as a private in Company K, Twentysecond Indiana Volunteer Infantry, he rose to the rank of captain, taking part in the campaigns of the Army of the Cumberland, and his company was in the front on the memorable march of General Sherman's forces to the sea. Twice wounded, he served until 1865, when he was honorably discharged. Of the seven sons who were soldiers, no two were in the same regiment or same battle, and the Baxter family was the only one in this section that sent so large a contingent to prove its patriotism. In 1866 Captain Baxter came to Morgan County, Ill, and followed various callings, including teaching school, conducting a general store at Literberry, and filling contracts for a railroad company. Becoming interested in agricultural matters, he began farming in 1881, near Ashland, Ill., and now owns 1,707 acres of very valuable land. He is not a member of any church, but contributes liberally to religious work. On October 4, 1876, Captain Baxter was married to Lydia Ellen Crum, a daughter of Abram Alvin Crum, of Literberry. The paternal grandparents and parents of Mrs. Baxter came from Kentucky and southern Indiana in 1831 to Morgan County, Ill., and secured land from the government at $1.25 per acre. The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Baxter were of the Buchanan and Liter families, of English and German origin, respectively, and they came from Virginia to Illinois in 1882. Mrs. Baxter passed away March 26, 1907, having had two sons: Albert Crum Baxter, and William Abram Baxter, the latter being on a farm in Cass County.

Albert Crum Baxter, after attending the schools of his district. in 1897, entered Whipple Academy, at Jacksonville, from which he was graduated in 1900, and then took a literary course at the Illinois College. In 1903 he began the study of medicine in the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, and was graduated from its medical department in 1907, with the degree of M. D., having previously obtained his degree of A. B., in 1904, from the literary department. He belonged to the Phi Beta Pi fraternity, the Gynecological staff, and the Phagocytes. In order to secure experience, Dr. Baxter was connected with the Morgan Hospital, of New York City, during the summer and fall of 1907. but in the winter of that sale year came back to. Illinois, and located at Springfield, where he has developed an excellent practice.

On April 15, 1908, Mr. Baxter was married at Beacon. Mich.. to Miss Ethel J. Mitchell, born in Michigan, a daughter of Joseph and Janet (Wassley) Mitchell, natives of England. Ir. Baxter is a Knight Templar Mason, and also belongs to Springfield Consistory, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. and Ansur Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, being one of its officers. He belongs to such leading professional bodies as the American Chemical Society, the Sangamon County and Illinois Medical Societies, and the American Medical Association. Politically he is a Republican.

BAXTER, Hiram Bennett, one of the extensive landholders of Illinois, and a well known and respected citizen of Cass County, was born near Madison, Jefferson County, Ind.. September 2°, 1840. He is of Scotch-Irish and Pennsylvania-Dutch ancestry, his parents William and Jane (IXerr) Baxter being natives of Ohio, the former born in the city of Dayton in 1804. His grandfather, James Baxter, a native of County Tyrone, Ireland. came to the United States about the time of the Revolutionary war. settling near Pittsburgh. Pa., where he married a German lady whose name was Rebecca Riddle. Mr. Baxter's maternal grandfather. Josiah Kerr, Was a native of Scotland.

Hiram B. Baxter is the sixth of twelve children of a family of ten sons and two daughters. The mother of this family died May 27, 1855, and the father subsequently married her sister, Margaret Kerr, by whom he had one son. The father was a prosperous farmer, and died on his old farm in Indiana, August 25. 1861, at the age of fifty-seven years. Hiram B. Baxter Was reared on a farm, attended the district schools. and at the age of eighteen years was himself teaching a district school in his native county. On July 14, 1861, he enlisted in Company Ix, Twenty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry, for service in the Civil war, and was mustered into the service at North Madison, Ind., by Colonel (afterwards General) Thomas Wood. He participated in the Mississippi campaign under Fremont. Hunter and Curtis. taking part in the engagement at Glasgow. in which Major Tanner of his regiment was mortally wounded: was in the hatle of Pea Ridge. Ark.. and at the seige of Corinth. Miss. He then accompanied his regiment in General Buell's army to Louisville, Ky., a distance of nearly 400 miles, and participated in the battle of Perryville. Ky., where he received a severe rifle wound in the left knee. Of the thirty-five men in his company who were engaged in that battle. but eight remained to answer the roll call next morning. Ten were killed, thirteen wounded, and four were captured unhurt. The wounded were all made prisoners for the night.

Mr. Baxter rejoined his regiment at Murfreeshoro, Tenn., after the battle of Stone River, in February, 1863, and then received his commission as first lieutenant of his company, being promoted from a sergeancy. In the absence of the captain. who had been wounded at the battle of Stone River, Lieutenant Baxter assumed command of the company. The regiment remained at Murfreesboro until June 24, 1863, when it marched with General Rosecranz' army on the Tullahoma campaign following the army under General Bragg to Chattanooga. Lieutenant Baxter's command was assigned to the work of guarding a pass in the mountains near the hattle ground of Chickamauga. and thus was not engaged in that battle, and was then cooped up with the balance of the army of the Cumberland under General Thomas in Chattanooga, subsisting on short rations for two months, until re-enforcements arrived under Hooker from the east. and Sherman from the west, with General Grant to take command. Then the army aroused from its lethargy and captured Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge in a grand charge all along the line, driving the enemy from their vantage ground at every point. Lieutenant Baxter was in command of Company G of his regiment in the charge on Missionary Ridge, heing temporarily assigned to take charge of that company. and was in Sheridan's Division of the Fourth Corps. and ascended the ridge near where Bragg's headquarters were established. Immediately after the battle. on the next day, with his command he started in pursuit of Longstreet to relieve Burnside at Knoxville, Tenn.. arriving there after a hard, forced march to find Burnside's army safe and the enemy gone. The Union army remained there for six weeks. subsisting principally by foraging over the surrounding country, camping in the woods without tents or blankets, with snow on the ground. and a damp, cold wind lowing most of the time. The men cut the timber and built huge fires to keep themselves warm, taking turns at night to keep the fire burning, and to watch that the sleepers did not get burned. Under such circumstances. Lieutenant Baxter re-enlisted as a veteran and with his company returned to Chattanooga, where they were re-mustered for three years more, or during the war. He then returned to Indiana, on a veteran furlough of thirty days. At the expiration of the furlough. he went by rail with his command. to Nashville, Tenn.. and they marched to Chattanooga, where the company and regiment were assigned to Gen. Daniel Me- Cook's brigade. in the organization of Sher- man's army for the Atlanta campaign, and the march to the sea. Mr. Baxter was at Tunnel Hill. Rocky Face Ridge, Resaca and Rome, Ga., where, in command of his company, he was again wounded in the same leg as before. He remained in the hospital and on a furlough until August 29 following, when he was honorably discharged by the secretary of war on account of "disability from gunshot wounds."

Lieutenant Baxter then returned to his home in Indiana for a time and attended a commercial school at Indianapolis. Recovering from his disability in a marked degree during the fall and winter, he again entered the service in the following February, as first lieutenant of Company B, One Hundred and Forty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and upon its organization, he was made captain of the company and served as such until the end of the war, being mustered out at Indianapolis, Ind., September 6, 1805. Six of Captain Baxter's brothers served in the Federal army during the Civil war. no two of them being in the same regiment. and all survived the conflict, and six of them are living at this time. Among the seven brothers of the Baxter family, there were two captains, one first lieutenant, one corporal and two privates. all of whom enlisted as privates. The combined service of these brothers aggregated nearly fifteen years.

After returning home at the end of the war, Captain Baxter for a time was a clerk in a railroad oftice at Indianapolis. but becoming dissatisfied he turned his attention westward, and on December 15, 18tiG, with $700 in his pocket, he arrived at Jacksonville. Ill. Near this place for a short time he worked on a farm, built fences and did all such tasks as came to his hand. in the meanwhile becoming acquainted with the peoy:le. He then taught school for four years near Jacksonville and Literberry. At the latter place, for nine years, he was afterwards engaged in merchandising. and also filling the position of postmaster, was also railroad agent, justice of the peace and notary public, was additionally engaged in the making of brick, and in furnishing the railroad with ties, posts. wood, etc. On January 21, 1881, he moved to the farm upon which he now resides in Cass County, IIL, about eight miles from Literhberry. He and his two sons are now the owners of 1,707 acres of land. 1.407 acres of which are included in his homestead in Cass County, and 300 acres in Morgan County. He devotes his time to the feeding of stock and the management of his farming interests.

On October 4, 1876, Mr. Baxter was united in marriage with Lydia Ellen Crum, who died March 26, 1907. She was the only daughter of Abram <A. Crum. of Morgan County. Mr. and Mrs. Baxter became the parents of two sons: Albert Crum. who is a physician and surgeon of Springfield, Tll.; and William Abram, who is at home on the old farm (Bildmore Place) with his father. In politics Mr. Baxter is a stanch. protective tariff Republican. Fraternally he is a member of the John L. Douglas

Post, G. A. R., of Ashland, Ill., and was its first commander. Aside from being a well informed man and the owner of large tracts of land, Mr. Baxter's military record as detailed in this sketch enables him to bestow a priceless heritage of honor to his posterity.

BAXTER, John Henderson. - The modern farmer is no longer content with old methods and ordinary surroundings, but is wide awake and progressive, supplying himself with modern equipment. comforts and conveniences. He is making architecture and landscape gardening allies of agriculture. One of the best examples of this class of farmers in Cass County is John Henderson Baxter, of township 18. range 10. He was born in Sullivan County. Tenn., December 25, 1857, a son of Rev. Nathan and Mary (Devault) Baxter, natives of the same place.

Jobn H. Baxter was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools of Tennessee, coming to Tllinois in the spring of 1885. He worked on a farm and taught school in Christian County. On July 22, 1886, Mr. Baxter married Miss Minnie Brauer, born in Cass County, Ill., a daughter of Frederick W. and _ Elizabeth years, Mr. Baxter moved on a lovely Sangamon hottom farm containing 440 acres. This farm, one among the most valuable properties in the county. was an inheritance of Mrs. Baxter from her parents and is called "Pinehurst." In 1904 Mr. Baxter's health failed and he moved with his family to central Texas and located in the city of Waco so that he might educate the two children. Jn 1911, having partially regained his health, he moved his family back to the Illinois farm and began extensive improvements. He is erecting the best and most beautiful residence in Cass County in which gray and white Portland cement form the most important building materials. This house is a model in architecture. convenience and comfort. semi-bungalow in style, and is lighted by electricity, heated by the Moline System of Vacuum Steam. and has the most modern plumbing systein anywhere. and churning, clothes washing and vacuum cleaning are all done with electricity. More than GO00 feet of wire and ninety Tungsten lamps are used in the lighting. The outbuildings will also be lighted with electricity.

Mr. and Mrs. Baxter became the parents of two children: Ivan Flijah. who was born September 16, 1SSS. and Grace Mae. who was horn February S, 1891. These children were educated in Baylor University. Waco. Texas, the best school in the "Southland." The son holds the record in the institution in Latin and Greek. He took the degree of Bachelor of Arts and won a scholarship to Brown University, Providence, R. J.. taking the degree of Master of Arts. After graduation he was elected to the chair of Latin in Georgetown College, Georgetown, Ky.. and also occupied the chair of history in St. John's Military Academy, Delafield, Wis. He was a successful teacher but had to retire because of failing health, and then turned to agriculture. Both children live with their parents and all form a happy family.

Mr. Baxter and children are members of the Missionary Baptist church. Mrs. Baxter is a Cumberland Presbyterian. Mr. Baxter is a Prohibition Republican, and a Modern Woodman. He is a great advocate of education for the farmer's children, and is an important factor in the moral and agricultural advancement of Cass County.

BAXTER, William Abram, whose connections with the agricultural interests of Cass County are important, is one of the leading farmers of this section. He was born on Bildmore Place, this county, where he still resides, September 18, 1887, a son of Hiram Bennett and Lydia Ellen (Crum) Baxter. The father was born in Jefferson County, Ind., September 22, 1840, and the mother in Morgan County, Ill, February 3, 1855. The father was a captain-in the Civil war, and has been a farmer for many years, he with his son owning and operating 1,707 acres of land in Cass and Morgan counties. An extended sketch of Hiram Bennett Baxter is to be found elsewhere in this work.

William Abram Baxter attended the common schools of Cass County, following which he took a course in the Illinois College, and then as his inclinations were for an agricultural life, he joined his father in farming and has so continued, becoming an authority upon matters relating to his calling. He and his father specGialize upon feeding stock.

On October 18, 1913, Mr. Baxter was married to Willie Amelia Mitchell, at Ashland, Ill. Mrs. Baxter was born in Cass County, a daughter of William and Reasie (Skiles) Mitchell. Mr. Baxter has so devoted himself to his agricultural work that he has found no time for outside diversion, but he is an excellent type of sturdy, intelligent young manhood, and he and his kind are making Cass County what it is today.

BEARD, Robert Lee, a resident of Arenzville, Cass County, JL. is a well known, enterprising aud prosperous farmer and stockraiser, whose finely equipped and well-improved farm of 204 acres is situated in township 17, range 11. Cass County. He is a native of the township which is his present home. and was born September 25, 1SC5, a son of John C. and Mary Ann (Batis) Beard. of Augusta County, Va. There his parents grew up and were married, and in the fall of 1855 moved to Illinois. They bought a farm, mostly timber land, which from time to time John C. Beard increased in extent until he owned 3800 acres at the period of his death, which was well improved by his labor. He was a useful and public-spirited citizen, and had held several local offices. He died in 1881, and his widow passed away in January, 1902, at the age of seventy-six years. Of the thirteen children of their union, those now living are as follows:

Margaret, who is Mrs. T. B. Fozzard, of Morgan County, Ill.; Fannie. who is Mrs. J. D. Springer, of Cass County, Ill.; Elizabeth, who lives at Arenzville, I].; Henry C., who is a resident of Sour Lake, Tex.; William W., who is of Virginia, Ill.; and Robert L. and Amanda J., now Mrs. Joseph P. Dreesbach. are of Arenzville.

Robert Lee Beard attended the district schools in his youth. and has always lived on the home farm. On October 22. 1896, he was united in marriage with Lena KE. Kircher, born in Cass County, IL, July 21, 1872, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Rahn) Wircher, natives of Germany. After their marriage Mrs. Mary Ann Beard moved to Arenzville, but Robert L. Beard continued to reside on the home place and after his mother's death he purchased the 204 acres belonging to the other heirs. He has done general farming and has raised cattle and hogs. Mr. Beard and his wife have the following children: John Russell, Robert Raymond, Mildred Elizabeth, Mary Mae. Robert Lee, Roland Glenn, John Richard and Lena Lucille.

Mr. Beard is a thrifty farmer, a man of sound judgment. and a useful member of the community. In politics, he is a Democrat. He has served the public as school director since 1907.

BEGGS, John, one of Cass County's highly respected citizens. and a man of distinguished antecedents. resides on his farm which is situated in township 17. range 8. Cass County, five miles northwest of Ashland. Ill. He was born in Morgan County, Ill... near Princeton, August 7. 1831, and is a son of Charles and Mary (Ruddell) Beggs. and a great-grandson of James and Elizabeth (Hardy) Beggs. Very little has been preserved of their history hut it is known that they came to the United States from the north of Treland and located in New Jersey and they had. at least. two daughters, who married and reared families. and two sons. one of whom. Thomas, was horn in the United States. He married Elizabeth McDowell, who was of Scotch descent but was born in Ireland. Thomas Beggs was an officer in the Revolutionary war and died of camp fever in 1778. Of his children there were: James. John. Charles, George and Elizabeth, the last named becoming the wife of John Navlor.

Charles Beggs was born in Rockingham County, Va.. October 80, 1775, and on August 1, 1797, he married Dorothy Trumbo. who died in 1811. She was the mother of the following children: Elizabeth, born in Jefferson County, Ky.. June 15, 1798: Sarah. born in Clark County, Ind., April 28. 1800: Mary Ann, born in Clark County, Ind., January 19, 1802; George W., born in Clark County, Indiana. November 29, 1808; and Susan and Rebecca, born in Clark County, Indiana, both died in infancy. The second wife of Charles Beggs was Mary Ruddell, born in Rockingham County, Va., April 2S, 1790, and died August 4, 1871. Charles Beggs died October 21, 1869, and they were buried in Zion cemetery in Cass County. They had the following children: Cornelius, born August 16, 1813, died aged thirty-two years and was buried at Smithland, Ky.; William H., born in Clark County, Indiana, April 20, 1817; James Lemon, born November 11, 1819; Margaret, born in Indiana, December 23, 1821, married Milton Stribling ; Dorothy, born in Clark County, Ind., January 21, 1826, is the widow of Samuel Sinclair, of Springfield, I1l.; Isaac W., born August 31, 1828, died unmarried when aged thirty-one years and was buried in Zion cemetery; John, born as above stated, in Morgan County, Ill.; and Thomas and Charles, both of whom died in infancy.

Immediately following his first marriage Charles Beggs and wife started on horseback for Kentucky to find a new home. Their route led up the valley of Virginia and down the valley of the Tennessee and on through Cumberland Gap and over the Boone trail to Jefferson County, Ixy., where they determined to establish a permanent home. He was a farmer and felt that the new country with its opportunities and its congenial climate would entirely come up to his expectations, but he found the practice of slavery a great drawback to his peace of mind and a test of his religious principles. He was a zealous Methodist and could not forget the attitude of the founder of that faith toward slavery. Stephen R. Beggs, son of James. formed the first Methodist class at Fort Dearborn, being one of the pioneer Methodist preachers of Illinois. He died at Plainfield, I1]., aged ninety-three years. James Beggs, brother of Charles Beggs, was a graduate of William and Mary College. Virginia. In 1808 he was president of the Governor's council in Indiana, and was in the territorial legislature held at Vincennes when a system of black laws, similar to those then in effect in Illinois, was proposed, and when a test vote was taken it was found the body was evenly divided and James Beggs cast his vote against the proposed system.

Feeling that he could not rear his children in an atmosphere of slavery, Charles Beggs in 1800 Was again a homeseeker. He crossed the river into the territory that later became Indiana and settled in what is now Clark County, on the bank of the Ohio River. where. shortly afterward, he was joined by his brothers, John and James. Here Charles Beggs followed a quiet, agricultural life for many years and in 1818, assisted by Abraham Epler, he built a mill and also became a merchant. The time came, however, when his upright character and business ability were so recognized by his friends that he was obliged to answer their insistent call into publie life. Gen. William Henry Harrison was governor of the new territory and Mr. Beggs became a personal friend of that able statesman and was chosen a member of the convention that drafted a new constitution. Some years later they were soldiers together at the battle of Tippecanoe, in which Charles Beggs was commander of a division of cavalry. When Mr. Beggs was authorized to find a suitable place for the location of the county seat of Clark County he decided upon two farms, those of James

McCampbell and Barzilla Baker, upon which, in 1806, Charlestown, named in his honor, was built and continues the county seat. There he established his store and carried on his other enterprises including river produce traffic, which proved profitable. For twenty-eight years he lived at Charlestown, educated his large family and gained honor and esteem for his usefulness in public life. In 1829 he once more decided to become a pioneer and the family traveled by wagon to Morgan County, Il., where he acquired land near Princeton.

John Beggs was born in his father's log cabin in Morgan County, and he remembers that in his boyhood the neighborhood was wild and game was plentiful. He attended the subscription schools and assisted on the home farm. On December 18, 1855, he was married to Sarah Sinclair, born at Jacksonville, Morgan County, Ill., March 16, 18384, daughter of Samuel and Melinda (Bird) Sinclair. Mr. Sinclair was born in Tennessee, July 17, 1808, and died May 8, 1868. Mrs. Sinclair was born in Kentucky, July 17, 1810, and died July 30, 18837. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Beggs: Emma, who married Charles Edwin Bregge, was born December 29, 1856, and died August 18, 1901; Anna, who was born July 27, 1858, was married October 18, 1894, to Rev. J. O. Kirkpatrick, resides at Mt. Sterling, Ill., and they have. two children. Myra Annie and John Edwin; Charles Sinclair, who was born May 23, 1860, married Helen C. Putnam, and they have two children, Thomas Putnam and Edwin Upton; John Thomas, born April 4, 1868, died March 25, 1897 ; Nellie, born April 6, 1865, died August 12, 1865; Myra, born July 7, 1867, resides with her father; and Samuel Watson, born December 8, 1869, married Minnie Taylor, December 18, 1894, and they live at Crandon, Wis., and have four daughters: Emma Taylor, Dorothy Alta, Jessie Margaret and Minnie Myrtle. The mother of the above family of children, Mrs. John Beggs, died November 19, 1912, and her burial was in the Centenary cemetery.

After marriage John Beggs resided with his parents for one year. In 1857 he moved on a farm he owned in township 17, range 9. The place, looking like a forest, was a wilderness of wild crabapple and plum trees. He secured 240 acres to which he later added and now has 320 acres of as fine land as can be found in the county, his son Charles §S., being his partner in general farming and raising cattle, horses and Poland China hogs, the son having practically everything under his charge in late years. The clearing and improving was done by Mr. Beggs and in 1860 he remodeled the house, making it modern and comfortable. In politics he is a Republican and during many years he served as school director and as school clerk. He is a trustee of the Methodist church of which he has been a member since youth.

at Beardstown, was born in California November 12, 1878, a son of William F. and Mavia J. (Simpson) Bell, the former born in Illinois January 31, 1851, and the latter in California. The father was an engineer and butcher, who went to California when nine years old and was married in that state. He lived there for a few years afterward, and then returned to Tilinois. locating in Brown County.

George Harry Bell was reared in Brown County, IJl., and educated in its public schools. He came to Beardstown as a fireman for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, and earned his promotion to engineer by hard work and steady habits. He owns his residence at Beardstown, and stands well in the public esteem. In politics he is independent. For some years he has been a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. Reared in the Methodist church, of which his wife is a member, he gives it his support.

On November 23, 1905, Mr. Bell was married at Clayton, Mo., to Elnora M. Briggs, born in Kansas, May 27, 1882. <A history of the Briggs family is given in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Bell are the parents of one son, Harvey V., who was born at Beardstown, May 23, 1907. My. Bell is a very sociable, kind-hearted man and is not only highly regarded by his employers, but also by his fellow workmen.

BENSON, Cyrus J. - A young man who undoubtedly enjoys the respect and good will of his neighbors, and of all with whom he has any dealings in business or personal relations, resides at Chandlerville, Cass County, Ill.. where he carries on farming and stockraising. In addition to grain farming and raising Poland-China hogs, he is engaged in the dairy business. and has considerable patronage in this line. His farm consists of eighty acres of excellent land, is situated in section 35, township 19, range S, and he is known as one of the most industrious and thrifty among the young farmers of his vicinity.

Cyrus J. Benson was born in Menard County, Tll., January 2, 1890, and is a son of John and Etta (Thomas) Benson, the father a native of Wilmington, Del., born in September, 1855, and the mother. born in Menard County. Ill., in September, 1864. The occupation of John Benson was that of a farmer and stockraiser. When young he came with his parents to Menard County. Tll.. from Delaware. and there was reared, and his wife on a neighboring farm, by her father and mother. Cyrus J. Benson attended the district schools in boyhood, and his first occupation after leaving school was working at Petersburg. Ill., as a granite cutter. Later he applied himself to farming, raising stock. and dairying. and through industry and constant application, has become successful.

On July 10, 1908S. in Menard County, Tl. Mr. Benson was united in marriage with Miss Rolla Watkins. born June 26, 1888. a daughter of Curtis and Delilah (Olinger) Watkins. the former born in Menard County, Ill.. December 21, 1848, and the latter, in Iowa, January 11, 1860.

Mr. Benson is a Republican and is a member of the Episcopal church. He is affiliated with the M. W. A. Camp No. 7666, of Petersburg, and the I. O. O. F., of Chandlerville. He is a man of very pleasant manner, one who seems to live for the betterment of all conditions within the range of his influence.

BERGEN, John J. - The debt Cass County owes the men who so wisely shaped its financial policies during its earlier years, cannot be overestimated, for upon their judgment, knowledge, experience and integrity was built up much of the present day prosperity of this section. One of the men who bore well his part in this direction is John J. Bergen, now retired, hut who, for many years, was associated with the banking life of Virginia. My. Bergen was born at Vrinceton, this county, September 5, 1842, a son of Jacob F. and Eliza J. (Montgomery) Bergen, the former of whom was born May 27. 1802, in New Jersey, While his wife was a native of Jxentucky. They were married in Cass County. [1]. At the time of his death, the father owned 500 acres of land in Cass and Morgan counties. His death occurred at Virginia, where he had conducted a general dry goods store for some years after leaving V'rinceton. where he also had heen a merchant. The mother died in Princeton, Il.

John J. Bergen was educated in the schools of his district. and the Illinois College at Jacksonville, where he attended for three vears. After leaving college, be started into business for himself at Virginia. then married and after a year or so moved to his farm. two miles south of Virginia. This property of 180 acres had heen given him by his father and on it he carried on farming for seven years. He then returned to Virginia and entered as a partner the firm of Stevenson & Bergen, his father and father-in-law, for the purpose of handling a general mercantile business. After several years. he moved to a farm east of Little Indian, this county. during this period being associated with his father in a general merchandise business at Little Indian. Once more he made a change, returning to Virginia, where he and his father carried on a general merchandise business at the county seat, but in 1894, he sold his interests and in April, 1896, became cashier in the Centennial National Bank. a position he held for eighteen years. In April, 1914. he resigned. although he continues a stockholder in the institution. and is also a stockholder, and secretary and treasurer, of the Little Indian Farmers Grain Elevator Company.

On December 2. 1862, Mr. Bergen was married in Cass County to Sarah C. Stevenson. born in Cass County, a daughter of William and Frances Stevenson, natives of the state of Virginia and of Nentucky, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Bergen have two daughters, namely: Louisa M.. and Frances E. Mr. Bergen owns forty acres of land near Little Indian. and the family residence at Virginia. while Mrs. Bergen owns a store and eighty acres of land at Little Indian. In religious faith, Mr. Bergen is a Presbyterian. Politically he is a Republican, but has not cared for public ottice. His fraternal connections are with the Masons and Odd Fellows.

BIDDLECOME, Daniel, vice president of the Centennial National Bank of Virginia, is a man of wide and varied experience. He was born in Logan County, Ky., December 17, 1824, a son of John and Elizabeth (Cawby) Biddlecome, natives of Vermont and Tennessee, respectively. John Biddlecome had many pioneer experiences. He went to Kentucky mainly by water, down the Monongahela River to Pittsburgh, Pa., in a skiff, and then on down the Ohio River. Upon his arrival in Kentucky he married Elizabeth Cawby, whom he survived five years. By occupation he was a farmer. In 1826 he drove in his one-horse wagon to Cass County, Ill., then Morgan County, in order to enter eighty acres of Jand which was in timber and prairie. In the fall of 1880 he located on this property, where he lived until his wife's death. His birth occurred February 29, 1795, and he died in 1870. Their children were: Nancy Ann, who is deceased; Daniel: Amanda, John, Sarah and Benjamin, all of whom are deceased; and Eliza, who is the widow of William Hayes, resides at Imogene, Towa.

Daniel Biddlecome attended a_ subscription school during three months in the winter seasons, and thus gained educational training. His marriage, in 1852. took him away from home to a farm south of Virginia, but in 1856 he bought 240 acres in township 1S, range 10, Cass County, which was partly improved. As soon as he took possession of it he began building. and erected his present residence and also a building on the state road. After following farming exclusively for some years, he branched out into stockraising, and bred horses, cattle, hogs and sheep. At one time he owned 4S0 acres, and still retains 240 acres. In addition to his farming activities which he abandoned in 1SS4, living since retired, he is a charter member and the vice president of the Centennial National Bank of Virginia, of which he owns fifty shares of stock. For many years he served as a township trustee and a school director, and for forty years has heen a ruling elder in the Cumberland Presbyterian church.

On October 7, 1852. Mr. Biddlecome married Amanda Frances Moore, born in Sangamon County, Ill. May 17, 1833, a daughter of Joseph and Lydia (Cooper) Moore. They were married in Henry County. Iowa. near Mt. Pleasant, by Rey. MeDowie of the Methodist church. Mr. and Mrs. Biddlecome have had the following children: Charles L., who died in 1905; John Franklin, who lives in the state of Washington ; Henry Horace. who resides at Virginia, Il1.; and Edward <A.. who is manager of the home farm. They have ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

the country districts lying beyond, up to the line which marks the boundary of the county, are many well known men engaged in agricultural pursuits, who have been long and prominently known in connection with the progress and welfare of the community and who are interrelated With each other by family ties. Among such. instances are the Crums, the Taylors, Schalls, Bierhauses and others, whose lives are portrayed in the chapters of this volume. The work is thus made especially interesting to many whose family records appear herein, by reason of the fact that it contains also life histories of relatives who have shared with them the creditable task of promoting the public prosperity. The Bierhaus and Schall families exemplify this relationship.

Edward W. Bierhaus was born in a log house in township 18, range 10, Cass County, IIL, August 17, 1868, a son of Henry Bierhaus, a sketch of whom may be found elsewhere. Edward Was the seventh of nine children and made his home with his parents until his marriage, attending the district schools in his early youth, and afterwards working on the paternal farm. On November 10, 1893, Mr. Bierhaus was wedded to Caroline Schall. born in Cass County, Ill. a daughter of Charles and Mary Schall, mentioned in another portion of this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Bierhaus have one son, Karl Edward, born April 28, 1908.

After his marriage Mr. Bierhaus moved to a farm of eighty acres which he bought in township 18, range 11, Cass County. Although the jlace was improved, he built a new barn and new sheds, corn cribs, ete., besides making other improvements. He is engaged in general farming, and devotes considerable attention to the raising of stock. The family is well liked among their neighbors, and Myr. Bierhaus is looked upon as one of the most industrious and careful of farmers, and one of the most reliable citizens in the community of which he forms a useful part. He helongs to the Cumberland Presbyterian church. In politics. he supports the principles of the Republican party.

BIERHAUS, Henry H. - Among the farmers who have many acquaintances and are generally liked in the vicinity where they live. is the gentleman Whose hame stands at the head of this personal narrative. Reared in the vicinity of the town of Virginia, Ill, where his parents carried on farming for many years, Henry H. Bierhaus is known to most of the residents of that section, all of whom commend him as an industrious and thrifty farmer. and a useful and upright member of the community. His parents were of German nativity. possessing those sturdy traits that win success in a farming country, and their record in cultivating the soil after emigrating to their Illinois home. was a creditable heritage to the son, with which to begin his agricultural career.

Henry Harry Bierhaus was born February 6, 1864, in township 18, Cass County. Ill, and is a son of Henry and Annie (Foley) Bierhaus, who came from Germany. In his youth Henry at- tended the Union district school, and continued to live with his father and mother up to his twenty-second year. Then, for two years, he worked out, after which he went to McCook, Nebr., and bought a claim, where he remained six months. After returning to Cass County he was taken sick with typhoid fever, which disabled him for a year, and after recovery he stayed at home two years longer. Then he bought a farm of 100 acres, three miles north of Virginia, in township 18, range 10. The place was but partly improved, and the present substantial improvements were all made by him. He remodeled the dwelling and put up new buildings, and in 1909 bought forty acres more, near his first purchase, but across the road. Here he carries on general farming, having 105 acres under cultivation, and the remainder in pasture and timber. A good deal of his attention is devoted to raising mules and hogs.

In March, 1895, Mr. Bierhaus was married to Clara Schafer, born in Cass County, Ill, a daughter of Valentine and Mary (Treadway) Schafer, natives of the same county. Mr. and Mrs. Bierhaus have had three children: Neta, who died at the age of three years; Ralph and Helen. The religious connection of Mr. Bierhaus is with the Cumberland Presbyterian church. In politics, he is a Republican and.has been a school director for sixteen years, during most of that time serving as clerk. He belongs to the M. W. A. of Virginia, Il.

BIERHAUS, John M. (deceased), at one time one of the leading farmers of Cass County, is remembered by many who were his associates during life. He was born in Nanden, Germany. November 16, 1880. When a young man he came to the United States, and locating at Beardstown, worked among the neighboring farmers by the month for some years. He then purchased a farm in Cass County comprising eighty acres, all timber except ten acres, on which there was a log house, in which all of his family were born. Later, he bought the D. Biddlecomh farm on which Mr. Biddlecomb was born. and still later, bought other property. which made 202 acres in the farm. After many years of hard labor he succeeded in clearing up 150 acres, which is now in cultivation. The balance is in pasture and timber. In 1894 he built a large ten-room house near the main road, where he died, August 18, 1901.

Mr. Bierhaus was married to Miss Nlisetta Speidel, March 8, 1865, by Rev. Rice of the Lutheran chureh in Arenzville, Ill. Mrs. Bierhaus was born in Hanover, Germany, December 25, 1844, being a daughter of David and Jane Speidel. both of whom died in Germany. Mrs. Bierhaus left her native land on a sailing vessel, September 7, 1848, and arrived at New Orleans on December 26 of that same year. She went to St. Louis, Mo., by railroad, and from there on to Jacksonville by stage, and later to Arenzville.

twenty years they were members of the Shiloh Cumberland church, of which they were staunch supporters. They were among the early settlers and passed through many hardships, and were always well thought of in the community. In politics Mr, Bierhaus was a Democrat. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bierhaus: Carrie, the eldest, was born February 19, 1868, and was married to Lewis IKxoch, October 11, 1886, and four children have blest this union, namely, John H., born January 7. 1888; Tillie L., born November 22, 1890; Howard W.. born July 21, 1892, and Lewis E., born May 380. 1898; John M., the second child, who now rents the home place, was born September 18, 1870; on October 10, 1900, he married Louise Walker, born in Cass County, Ill, August 17, 1875. a daughter of Columbus and Ema (Angier) Walker, natives of West Virginia and Cass County, respectively, and they have two ehildren, Donald J. C., who was born July 2, 1901, and Lisette J., who was born January 51, 1904; Minnie J., the third child, was born March 8, 1874, and died May 11, 1899. She was a devoted Christian, beloved by all who knew her, and was sadly missed by her loved ones. Six other children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bierhaus, all of whom died in infancy.

BIERHAUS, Milton G. - Although the subject of this sketch is still on the sunny side of middle life. not having reached the meridian of his days. he has long since made his mark among his acquaintances in that portion of Cass County, Ill.. where he lives, as an intelligent, enterprising, judicious and successful farmer. Mr. Bierhaus is a native of the county, as is also his wife, whose origin is from one of its early families dating back towards the period of pioneer settlement.

On September 17, 1871, occurred the birth of Mr. Bierhaus. and he received his educational training in the district schools of the neighborhood. His father and mother, Henry and Elizabeth Bierhaus, were natives of Germany. The former was but seventeen years old when he came to the United States, and after his marriage he settled on rented land in the vicinity where his son, Milton G.. has sinee made his home. Ata later period, Henry Bierhaus bought an unimproved tract of land, and in the course of time became the owner of a farm of 260 acres. His wife passed away in 1876, and the busy life of her hushand came to an end on January 5, 1911. Milton G. Bierhaus was the sixth child of the family of nine children. He has always lived on the Bierhaus homestead. and after his school days were over. applied himself to farming on the place. ultimately buying 180 acres of the estate. Of this he has 110 acres under cultivation, and the remainder is in timber and pasturage. Mr. Bierhaus has been engaged in grain farming, and has devoted a good deal of his attention to stockraising.

The Bierhauses are well known and have many friends in the section where they live. In religious connection, Mr. Bierhaus adheres to the Cumberland Presbyterian church, in which he has officiated as trustee since the year 1908. Since 1898 he has served the public as a school director, and has also acted as clerk of the school board. He belongs to the M. W. A., of Virginia, Il.

BLACK, William Littleton, president of the Centennial National Bank of Virginia, and one of the most astute financiers of Cass County, as well as a man of sterling capability and uprightness, has long been an important factor in money circles in Cass County. He was born in Tennessee, June 8, 1829, a son of William and Mary S. (Vaughn) Black, who were married December 4, 1828. When William L. Black was an infant, his parents moved to Seott County, II1., and in 1845 came to Cass County, locating six miles southeast of Virginia. There the mother died January 9, 1881, and was buried on the farm in the family lot. She was born in Tennessee, November 1, 1803. After her death, the father, born January 38, 1796, moved to Virginia, and there died October 6, 1SS4, and is buried by the side of his wife, he being then eighty-nine years old. By birth he was a Georgian. His great-grandfather was a soldier in the American Revolution.

William L. Black was reared on a farm, and was engaged in agricultural pursuits until he was about fifty years old. In 1878 he moved to Virginia in order to give his children better educational opportunities, and has since made the county seat his home. Upon first coming to Virginia he engaged in a mercantile business with his brother for about eighteen years, but later, after suffering a loss by fire, he engaged in a grocery business on his own account and was in this line for seven years. He then sold and has lived retired since August 15, 1904. He was alderman of his ward for six years, was township treasurer for twenty years while living on the farm. and bas always taken an active part in local affairs. He was elected president of the Centennial National Bank on the first Tuesday in January, 1896, and has since continued at the head of this institution. IFraternally he is an Odd Fellow, having joined that order in 1879. and belongs to the Christian church. which he served as treasurer for many years.

On March 24, 1857, by Reverend Callaway. of the Christian church. he was married to Andromache Naylor, who was born December 18, 1829. and died January 31. 1879, and is buried in Walnut Ridge Cemetery. She was a daughter of Alexander and Martha (Clark) Naylor. It is interesting to note that four members of the Naylor family married four of the Clark family. The latter family claims descent from George Rogers Clark, who settled in Kentucky in 1775, procuring the organization of that ter- ritory. Mr. and Mrs. Black became the parents of three children: Alice, who is the surviving widow of John S. Martin, who died May 9, 1905, has three children, Leslie, Frank and Lorene; Carrie, who died March 5, 1912; and Frances, who is Mrs. G. L. Snively. Mr. and Mrs. Snively have one daughter, Virginia, and they live at Louiston, Ill. Mr. Black still owns 160 acres of land on section 29, township 17, range 9, in Cass County, which he has improved. On this property he carried on general farming and stockraising. Before his father died, the latter owned 200 acres of farming land in Cass County, so it can be seen that the Black family has been largely interested in agricultural matters since locating in this county.

BLACKBURN, William R., M. D. - There are few places of its size that have such skilled physicians as Virginia, and among them no one stands higher than Dr. William R. Blackburn, a physician and surgeon of note. He was born in Schuyler County, Ill., in 1867, a son of Robert S. and Tameretta (Harmon) Blackburn, and fourth in the order of birth of the six children born to his parents, and the eldest of the three of the second marriage, the other three having been born of a prior marriage.

William R. Blackburn has shown himself a dependable person since early manhood, for when he had completed his public school course and had attended Knox College and the State Normal School, he took charge of his father's mercantile business at Brooklyn, and after the latter's death, carried it on until he could sell it profitably and settle the estate. Until 1895 he was upon the road as a traveling salesman, but in that year he entered the Barnes Medical College, of St. Louis, Mo., and was graduated therefrom in 1898. Immediately thereafter he began practicing, first in Grundy County, Mo., but in February, 1960, went to Fulton County, Ill, and in October, 1910. came to Virginia, Ill, where he has since remained, immediately proving his worth, and subsequently gaining distinction. He has been president of the Cass County Medical Society, of which he is now treasurer, and he also helongs to the Illinois State Medical Society, and the American Medical Association. Fraternally. he is a Mason, having joined the order in his native county. He belongs to the Presbyterian church. While he has never taken an active part in politics, he is now serving as president of the Virginia board of health.

While living in Fulton County, Ill., Dr. Blackburn married Emily Riley, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Barlow) Riley. There are no children.

BLAIR, William. - As is the case of many of the best farmers and best citizens of whom the chapters of this volume bear record, William Blair, a farmer. who is favorably known throughout the vicinity of his home in Chandlerville, Cass County. is of Irish paternity. His father, Hugh Blair, who was born in Ireland in 1843, was one of the early settlers of this region, and worked six years for Dr. Chandler in a packing house, which once stood on the site where Chandlerville now is located. 'The mother, Mrs. Susan (Cowan) Blair, who still survives, and is a resident of Chandlerville, was born in North Carolina, September 17, 1841. Hugh Blair started farming land belonging to Dr. Chandler and several years afterwards bought land in Richland Precinct, in the same county, to which he added from time to time by other purchases. Thus he finally acquired 200 acres, which he later sold, retiring then to Chandlerville, where he died June 20, 1913. The children of Hugh and Susan (Cowan) Blair were as follows: David, of Easton, Ill.; William; Mary, now Mrs. Clinton Pasley, of Girard, Ill.; Samuel, of Cass County ; John, deceased; George, Harry and Louis, all of Chandlerville; and Lee, a teacher in the high school at Havana, Ill.

William Blair was born in Richmond Precinct, Cass County, Ill., February 17, 1864, and in boyhood attended the district schools of his neighborhood, and remained on the home farm in that vicinity until the time of his marriage. On April 14, 1889, he was wedded to Henrietta Dayis, born December 26, 1866, in Fulton County, Ill., a daughter of Ralston and Susan (Martin) Davis. the former a native of Wisconsin, and the latter of Fulton County, both now deceased. Following his marriage, Mr. Blair made his home in Chandlerville Precinct. and in July, 1909, bought 181 acres in section 18, township 18, range 9, together with eleven acres in section 20 of the same township. He is engaged in general farming. and also raises horses. cattle, mules and hogs. Mr. Blair and his wife have two children, namely: Otis E., of Chandlerville, Il]., a veterinary surgeon; and Edgar T., of Champaign, Ill.. a medical student. Politically William Blair is a member of the Democratic party, and has served as school director since 1904. He is identified with the Court of Honor and the Banker's Life Company.

BLOHM, John W., a successful farmer and stock raiser of Cass County. was born in this county, January 22, 1863, a son of John W. and Minnie (Schoppa) Blohm, natives of Germany. The father engaged in agricultural pursuits after he came to Cass County. Dll. from Germany in 1845. at that time entering land from the government. On the property thus acquired he farmed the remainder of his life. His wife was brought to Cass County from Germany by her parents and was married in this county.

John W. Blohm grew up on his father's farm and followed the life of the majority of country lads. attending the district schools during the winter months and assisting with the agricultural] work in the summer. After he left school he continued to assist his father in improving the homestead until he bought 200 acres of land for himself. Of this he sold eighty acres. hut later bought forty acres. now having 1¢0 acres in one body. and he not only operates this, but all the adjoining property he can rent. his operations heing enrried on upon an extensive

On January 18, 1890, Mr. Blohm married Emma Coleman, born in Cass County in 1571, a daughter of Charles and Alice (Treadway) Coleman, natives of Germany and Cass County, respectively. Mr. Coleman is a farmer and

Alice, Ruth, Elizabeth and Doris. For the past fourteen years Mr. Blohm has been a_ school director, having been elected on the Democratic ticket. For twenty years he has been a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a man who makes and retains friends as he is sociable and good natured, and those who know him speak very highly of him in every respect.

BLUME, Charles._If a snug competency, acquired by patient and unremitting labor in agricultural pursuits, is evidence of good qualities in a farmer, Charles Blume is entitled to rank among the most eflicient aud successful of his Class in the vicinity of Beardstown, Cass County. Ill, where he has long made his home. As in the case of a considerable proportion of the farming element of this and other counties of the state. Mr. Blume is of German origin, and is one of the oldest residents of this section, having lived in Cass County nearly fifty years. Beginning in a humble way, he has plodded on, until by industry, economy and thrift. he has reached a position where he can enjoy all the comforts of life for the remainder of his years.

Charles Blume was born in Prussia. Germany, December 18, 1846. He emigrated to the United States at an early age, and proceeding to I1linois, located in Cass County in 1866. working at the outset for different farmers at $10 per month. In 1871 he purchased eighty acres of land, on which he carried on farming for sixteen years. At the end of this period he bought 200 acres more, 40 of Which was in timber. Here he has since been engaged in general farining, devoting a portion of his attention to the raising of stock. His farm is situated in township 18, range 11, n, and is deemed one of the most desirable in this vicinity. <All his undertakings have met with success, and he is looked upon as a prosperous and substantial farmer.

During his youth Mr. Blume enjoved the advantages of the public school system in his native land. and is an intelligent man and a well informed member of the community. On February 25, 1876. he was united in marriage with Carrie Stuke, born in Cass County, a daughter of William and Mary (Lucking) Stuke, natives of Germany, Mr. and Mrs. Blume have had three children, namely: William and Annie. both of whom died in infaney; and Robert. who is at home and assists his father on the farm, having received a common school edueation in the neighborhood. Mr. Blume is a member of the Lutheran church, of which he has served

BOONE, Howard B., M. D., physician and surgeon, at Chandlerville, Ill., is one of the medical men of Cass County who is doing much to maintain the high standard set for those of his profession, and at the same time proving himself a most desirable and public-spirited citizen. He was born at Tocopola, Miss., May 30, 1871, a son of William Sanford and Ophelia (Watson) Boone. The father was born in Georgia, and without doubt belonged to the same family as the illustrious Daniel Boone of Kentucky.