Champaign County, Illinois - The whole text, 1891 (part 2 of 7)

John H. Strong Was born August 18, 1830, in Vermilion county, Indiana. Orange Strong was his fatiier and his niotlier was Nancy Hilderbrand, whose brother was murderetl by Bill Weaver, whicli was the first nnnder occurring in tiiis county. His parents came to St. Joseph, in this county, in 18.31, bringing John H., then a little babe, witii them. Tiiey settled on a farm one-half mile north of St. Josepli. Here the subject of this sketch grew to manhood. He owned, for many years, wliat was once the old home place, and sold it some seven years ago. He was married at the residence of 'i'homas Swearingen, in April 1852, to Eliza Ann Rice who died in 1!^7.5. He was married the second time, January 3, 187S, to Lida Little, wlu) is still living. The children of the first wife are: William Heiny, a farmer in this county; Wary, who married A. V. Swearingen, a merchant in St. Joseph; Annie, who married Isaac Walker, now residing in Hasting.s, Nebraska, and John ()., wlio is yet at home, liy tlie second wife, the only child is Florence, a little girl of seven years. Mr. Strong was a whig until the rei)ublican party was orgiuii/.ed and has ever since been an unswerving repiibllciin in politics, lie lirst began business for himself by running a ditching muchine, three s))rinus, on fh,. Sangamon, in this county. When he got married he bouglit suacresof land and improved it, and in the meantime, for five years, ran a breaking team, during which time he broke j)rairie for David Boggess, Doc Peters, Henry Bartley and many other men who afterwards became well known as leading farmers. The last year he broke '213 acres of the I'hinney farm. At the close of tliat season he grazed and fed liis twenty-live yoke of cattle wliich had constituted his live breaking team.s, and sold them. He then c(mimenced buying and sliipi>ing stock and has been ensraged in that business ever since. He ha-s, doubtless, shipjied more hogs than any man in the county, and has been longer, continuously, in the business than any other man in this county. He has dealt with and met such well known old stock dealers as Ben Hays, .Vllen and Tyrrell Poage, Ben Smith, Joseph T. Kelley, Hiiaui and Sanmel Jtankin, Billy I. Moore, and Ed Ater. all of whom are dead except Mr. Kelley and Mr. Ater. He has made many trips to Chicago by wagon, and recites some of the early incidents very graphically. He especially renieuibers of the time when he and Thomas Patterson (who was a stei>son of John's giandfather, Cyrus Strong,) went to mill over on the Middle Fork, and got into a swamp in wliicli the horses mired donn so that John had to hold the horses heads up out of the water while Tonnny Patterson ran, barefooted, througli the praiiie stubble where there hail been a i)rairie lire, for some four miles to the nearest house to get some help. Tonnny's feet were seriously lacerated from the tri)), while Jolin was pretty well out of wind wrestling with the team to keep them from drowning until the help came. Mr. Strong is still engaged in shij)- ping stock. He has the entire contidence of the producers of stock in this cimncy because they have learned by many years dealing with him that he is a man who always keeps his word and fullills every contract to the letter. He deals lil^erally with those who patronize him and does not try to make it all at one time. He is in reasonably good health and is as activeandsmtcessful in business as ever.

Was born Aiuil 4th, 1^18. at Bedford, Pa. He was mniricd to Rebecca Manspeaker, Ajnil 26, ts4(>, at Bedford, Pa. She shared his lot in the liardships of pioneer life, bore him thirteen children and died February 15, 187.5. Following are tiieir names: Peter, Margaret A., William J., Elnora, Charle.s, Harry C, Lena K., Zoe W., F. A. Lincoln, Alvin B., Oliver, Olive, and Edward. Oliver and Olive were twins. All living except the following, to-wit: Peter AV., Zoe W., F. A. Lincoln, Oliver, Olive and Edward, and the little girl Margaret A., who was drowned on their way to Illinois. He, with his wife and three children, (the tirst three named) started for Urbana, 111., from Bedford, March 1st, is.51. Coming by boat KaW Lowel down the Oiiio river, from Pittsburg. About 20 miles below Wheeling, the boatcollidcfl with a boat named the S. F. Vinton, and the Lowel was sunk. About twenty were drowned, among them the little three year old daughter of Mr. lladehaugh. He thought he had all on board the other boat but found he had not the little girl. He hurried back for her but it was too late; the boat had gone down so he could not reach the berth where she was sleeping. This was in the night. The next morning he and Mr. Samuel Waters took a yawl anil went to the sunken boat and cutting through the roof they found the body of the little innocent lying as if asleep. They buried her at Powhattan, Ohio, and sorrowfully continued their journey to Evansville, Ind., thence to Perrysville, on the Wabash, and thence by wagon to Urbana. All their effects were lost and they, therefore, arrived with only strong arms and brave, though sorrowing hearts, to carve out a home and a fortune. The journey took from March 1st to April 11th, a distance now traversed in twentyfour hours. Mr. Kadebaugh has shot prairie chickens, frequently, on the prairie where Mrs. K. A. Sutton now lives. He counted twenty-live deer in one drove on Dr. Snyder's farm. There was about twenty houses in Urbana, then. He carried the flagstatf for Capt JS. M. Clark, while surveying the Illinoi.s central railroad. He helped build the culverts and stations from Champaign to Centralia. He own(!d the tirst house in Champaign, (then West Urbana) east of the track. He engaged in the mercantile business, there, for several years, but has been for twenty-eight years farming near his present residence, iiortheast of Philo, in this county. Here he has rearetl and educated his children and made him a pleasant and happy home. He is a republican in politics and belongs to the Christian church and attends at the beautiful sanctuary near his house, which he has done so much to build and sustain.

Ai-BKKT G. Carle Was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, April !20, 1822. His parents were William and Sarah Carle. At the age of hfteen years he moved to Ohio, and in 1847 came to this county and purchased a farm just .south of this city, where he afterwards resided until his death. He was married in July 1849, to Margaret Burt, who was truly an helpmeet up to the time of his death. Mr. Carle took a great int«^rest ii) improving the stock of the county, and always kept upon liis farm the highest bred stock to be had in iiis day. He was well known to the stocknien of the enlh-e state and in fact of tiie west, lie bought hogs and cattle for many years and drove tiu^n acioss the country to New York and Plilladcliihia. lie was always a central ligure at our county fairs, being one of the few men whose money and labor kept tiiem up from year to year. Politically he was a republican, and was always radical in liis political views. He was always a judge on the election boards where with both his genial good nature and sparkling wit he kept tiie board in the best of humor while lierforming their arduous labors. He was frecjuently placed ui)on the grand jury where he never failed to keep that august body in lively spirits with his wonderful fund of humor. It was, however, as a farmer and stockdealer that Mr. Carle will be long remembered by our people. In that line he was one of the leading and most successful men in tiie county, for many years. He died March 7, 1881, after a short illness, although his health had been pooi- for some years.

Thomas L. Butlkh. Mr. IJutlor was among the earliest settlers of tins county. His father, .John Hutler, married Margaret Lyons. Mrs. Hutler, the mother, died when Thomas L. was live years old. They were residents of Mount Vernon, Ohio. Thomas Ij. was born in Alleghany county, I'a., March f>, l.soo. He came to Jllinois in the fall of i82s, at the age of twentytwo, and settled first in Vermilion county, afterwards removing to where he now resides in this eountv, near Homer. In the latter part of l>vi4 he married Rebecca Wright, the daugliter of .Joiui B. Wriglit. She was born near Winchester, Kandolpli county, Indiana, and is .still living. Mary, the eldest daughter, married L. Palmer, who lives near Homer, Arminda, the second daughter, married Andrew Palmer, and resides in Urbana. John and .James, David and Randolph, are married, and all reside near Homer. Moses, another son, is dead. Laura, the youngest, is single and lives with her parents at the old hnnie i)lace. Mr. Butler was, in his early lite, a whig, but was among the founders of the republican party and has been a radical republican eversince, as he expresses it, "a red hot re[iublican from top to bottom." he has always been a farmer and resides with his good wife and daughter upon the old home place he and she have made pleasant by their years of industry and frugality. When he first came he went to Danville, III., and Perrysville, Ind., to mill, and made fre(iuent trips to Chicago, with ox teams to take his crop to market and buy groceries and family supplies, taking about seventeen days for the trip. His neighbors, in those early day.s, were the Wilsons, Poage, Moses Thomas (his brother-in-law), and Elias Thomas. In July, 1832, Mr. Butler enlisted in Captain Brow'n's company of United States regulars, (cavalry) and served the government for one year. The wages paid him was one dollar perday, finding hisown horse, clothes and gun. The name of the lirst Lieutenant of the company was Fry. Quite a number of men from Champaign county enlisted in the same ctnnpany, but Martin Rinehart and "Uncle Tonnny" Butler, as he is familiarly called, are tlie only survivois of the boys who represented this county in the Blackhawk war. He well remembers the frost of 1829 that killed all the corn, and though the farmers replanted it the crop was almost a failure, which made it pretty close times for a while. Mr. Butler was a small man in statm-e, but he was always wiry, active, lithe and plucky, and the old settlers of a larger stature say he could swing a cradle with any of them. He is yet healthy and active, and evinces as much life, and enjoys a joke or a good .sfory as well as any one.

Andrew Lkwis Was born December 17, ISOO, in Virginia. His fatlier was James Lewis and his mother, Lavina Langdon, of Kentucky. In 1801, Andrew was taken to Rock Castle county, Kentucky. Here he lived until he was about twenty-five, when, December 1, 1S25, he married Ellzabetii Clark, who was born in North Carolina, in 1803. In tlie fall of 1826, he and his younji wife loaded all tlieir effects into a wagon, hitched the ox team of the young husliand to it, then jiut the mare belonging to his wife in tlie lead, and moved to a point in Indiana, about twenty miles south of Indiana|)olis, wliere they resided until April is.'jf;, when, with about six thousand flollars, they had accumidated by thrift and industry, they came to Urhana, resided here about tinee years. During this time he was improving the farm of 100 acres lie had bought 4}4 miles south of the city. There was then only two houses between Urbana and Sidney. Those were the houses of Mr. Stidham and of David Silver. He increased his jiossessions from time to time and now has4S0 acres well tile drained and highly improved. In 1H6'2 he sold the two crops of corn of '(>\ and '62 (that of '61 being frostbitten) amounting to over 2,000 bushels, at VH> cents i)er bushel. He never put amortgage on any part of his land, and never went in debt more than he could surely pay. Ilis son Willis was killed while Hghting under (irant at Fort Donelson, while his son Thomas A. Lewis, (now county treasurer) lost his leg in the war. .John M. Lewis, another son, also served a term in the army, during the war. He was a whig initil the r(>i)v\blican iiarty was born, when he ioined that party, and has advocated its princi- ])les, and voted for its candidates, loyally, up to the jiresent time. Mr. Lewis, although in his ('ighty-sixth year, is well preserved and enjoys good health. He bids fair to live many years yet to enjoy the fortune he has accunndated in the years gone by.

James Boyd Was born September, 10th, 1825, in Shelby county, Kentucky. His father, Stephen Boyd, was born in same county. (See portrait and sketch of father elsewhere in this issue.) His mother was J(nnima Kitson, also a native of Kentucky. James, subject of this sketch, was only six years old when he came to this county in November, is:;i, with his father. He was subjected to the hardships of pioneer life thus early in his career, and made of him that hardy and substantial man the portrait above indicates. At the age of 2i, to-wit, August 19, 1S47, young James married Miss Frances Rhodes, who shared his burdens and partook of his joys initil March 22, 18(54, when she died. August IT, 1864, he married Mary Aim Collins; who died the following winter. August .5, 18f)6, he married Caroline Turnipseed, who is his present wife. Thus he was married three times in August. His children are John W., William M., Jemima, who married M. M. Harry, of this city; Sarah, who married H. Strover, now of liloomington, 111. ; Anna, Frank and Florence, are living at home, the eldest being 17 the younge.st 13 years old. Alfred, Stephen and (Jeorge are dead. James received early impressions and oiiucation wiiicli made him a democrat until lS5f.. He says lie voted for James IJnciianan in lsr)0 and shortly afterward solemnly declared lie would never vote a democratic ticket ai^ain. He kept his word, votiiij; for Abraham Lincoln in 1^<(«0 and in IHfil, and for the republican candidates ever since. He owns a well iiAproved farm tliree miles east of Urbaiia, and has followed "all his life his present occupation, that of a farmer. His farm is clear of encumbrances and he owes no man anything. Like his lather before him, he prides himself in keeping his contracts to the letter, thus building up the reputation he has among those who know him of a square business man and good citizen.

Jamks T. liOE. Mr. Roe is rememlwred as a somewhat eccentric man who would not swajihis opinion for that of any man. He was born in Orange county. New York, August 4, 1TI>:?, and settled in Shelby county, Kentucky, before coming to Hlinois. He wasnianied to Lillis IJusey, daughter of Isaac Busey, the pioneer of Urbana, June 19th, 1831, in Kentucky. Tiie same year the young couple came to Illinois and purchasing the land and improvement of Unniiel Fielder, who was the l)ioneer and first settler of this county, settled on section 12, Urbana, now owned by Hate Smith At that time the main road, east and west through the country, known as the Ft. Clark road, because it led from the Indiana line to Vt. Clark on the Illinois river where I'eoria now is, led through his farm, thence north of the Big Grove, crossing the Sangamon, at Newcomb's Ford, and westward by Cheiie\'s Grove. On this route p;isseil all the emigration westward, and the only mail carried into or through the county. Along it were made the earliest settlements of the county. At that time Urbana, as a town, was unknown, as was also this county as such, for our territory was part of Vermilion county. Isaac Busey lived in a cabin near where Ilalberstadt's mill now stands, and it was the (mly habitation on this spot. A few scattered settlers, probably not over a dozen families, were ranged around the Big Grove, and these were all about the centre of the county. No store had been opened in tlie county - tlie nearest trading poini l)eiiig Danville. As soon as a surplus of grain was produced it was hauled by ox teams to Chicago, and the hogs were driven to Eugene or Perrysville for market. The plows in use were of the wo<Klen monldboard variety and the grain was gathered with sickles or cradles. Corn was i)l;inted by dropping and covered with a "jumper."

]Mr. Roe laid ott four additions to Urbana, built s'everal houses, and took a great interest, while ha lived, in its prosperity. Although he began life here with eighty acres he rai)idly accumulated and when he closed his business preparatory to his anticipated death, he had near nine liundred acres of the linest land in the county. Mrs. Roe, after being an invalid tor m my years, confined to her bed for five years, died in November, 1S60. Hedied Au>;ust23, ISOO. They left two sons suiviving them, five other children having preceded them to the silent land. Isaac Roe, one of Urbana's thrifty anil successful farmers, married Martha E., daughter of our townsman, John McDonald, and lives two miles east of town. John B. Roe, the other survivor of the family, married Susan, daughterof George Dilling, and lives in Kansas. Mr. and Mrs. Roe were Un\y tists and participated in the organi/ati(ui of the First Baptist Church of Urbana, the ceremony taking place in a lo;; school house near their home. Mr. Roe was a democrat of the Jackson type, and held fast to his political and religious faith, unmixed with the taint of modern lieresies. His opinions, as he accepted them in his younger manhood, came to him iron clad and with arguments I'.ir their support. These argmiieiits he ever after bore with him, ready to tlo defensive duty at any time. He was very social and loved controversy upon the tenets of his faith.

tlie article which he continued to use, in moderation, asoue of God's ,ii;it'ts, to the last. No one ever saw hiin the worse for this indulgence. So with tobacco. He was a constant user of this article, but not so temperate as with spirits. His excesses with tobacco adnionislunl liis sons of the folly of the habit, and, heedingthe admonition, they are both entirely free from its use a.s well as teetotalers.

George W. FlyNxV, Whose familiar features are to be seen in our gallery of old settlers, was born at Bainbridge, Chenango county. New York, August-ioth, 1828. His father, Rufus Flynn, was a native of Duchess county, although of Irish extraction; his mother, Sylvia Ann (Owens) Flyini, was a native of Bainbridge, but of Welsh extraction.

For a consideralile pei'iod of his boyhood George lived with his grandfather Owens on a farm, and lememhers with keen regaid the oft-repeated admonitions of the old Puritan, always emi>hasized and made appreciable by a free application of the rod, for this incestor of Mr. Flyiui believed, with Solomon, most heartily that "He that spareth the rod spoileth the child." Mr. Flynn MOW believes that if he was ever sjjoiled the damage is due to some other cause. The parents of Mr. Flyim were poor and unable to give him opportunities for education except such as were alforded by the conunon schools of that day. Early in life he became inured to a life of labor and self-denial. The discipline given him in this school of adversity begot iu him a self-reliance and determination that has made him equal to every emergency in life. In his younger days when his living depended upon his success in linding employment, he never found it necessary to be idle. If an employment he sought was not at hantl, he could do something else, and few were the days spent by him while out of work. Mr. Flynn is by trade a printer, having learned that trade as an apprentice, lirst in the office of the Journal, at Norwich, N. Y., and lastly in the office of the Democratic Advocate at Warren, Pa., before 1849, and the greater part of his life has been spent in that pursuit.

In 18.50, his mother anil two brothers having already gone west and settled at Peru, in this state, he determined to seek his fortune in the west. He went by boat down the Alleghany and Ohio rivers to Cairo thence by the Mississippi and Illinois rivers to Peru, where he joined his family. In May of that year one brother, with Mr. Flynn, started for Wisconsin to find that fortune which is supposed to await all who "go west." Not linding the appearance of matters there what they had hoped, they soon returned to Peru, only to find that their mother, alarmed at the piesence of the cholera in that section, luul started upon her return east by way of a canal packet to Chicago, thence to go around the lakes to Pennsylvania. The scourge followed the lone mother and before she reached Chicago she was dead, having fallen among strangers and received a stranger's sepulture. Mr. Flynn soon separated from bis brother and from that day to this has not known the fellowship of his kindred except of the family he has raised. After spending most of the intervening time in the northern part of this state and Indiana, he arrived at Urbana iu the fall of 18.52, attracted here by the prospect of employment held out by the construction of the Illinois Central railroad. He soon took work under John and James S. Gere, assisting in getting out ties for that road. Afterwards he was, for a considerable time, a clerk in the provision store of H. M. Russell.

As Pkintek And Publishek

In September, 18.55, he again took his place in a printing office, having bought out the interest of G. N. Richards in the Urbana Union, which, as one of the firm of Cunningham & Flynn, he contuiued to publish until August, 18,58, when the concern was sold to the Crandalls. Upon his return from the army in October, 18()4, Mr. Flynn and G. N. Richards, above alluded to, a fellow officer in the 3.5th Illinois regiment, purchased tiie Ga/.ette, then published at Urbana, and togetlier continued its publication until 1866, when Mr. Flynn bought out the interest of his partner and contiiuied this publication until the spring of ISfis, when he sold an interest to George Scroggs. Tiiis relation continued until 1S72, when Mr. Flynn sold his interest in the Gazette to his partner, giving his time and attention to a job office and bindery in Urbana. In 1S74 this establishment was removed to Danville and formed the nucleus for tlie Illinois Printing Company, an organization formed for the business of county and commercial printing and binding. Of this corporation Mr. Flynn was made president and general manager, which position he has continued to hold to tills time. In this position his business talent, energy and mental resources have shone most conspicuously. The business of the house has been vastly expaniled and extended to other states, its credit meanwhile never being allowed to suffer in the least. For twelve years he has stood at the helm of atfairs directing with almost unerring judgment the great interests entrusted to him.

When Mr. Flynn came to Urbana in 18.52, he severed his associations with kindred and friends and sought his associates among strangers. There lived in Urbana at that time the family of Daniel Jarvis, natives of North Carolina, consisting of the parents, a son and four daughters, the latter being intelligent and attractive young ladies. To one of these, Tennessee, a young lady then in her teens, Mr. Flynn became warmly attached; the attachment being mutual ripened into an ardent love match in the fall of 18.>4. Of this marriage there were born two daughters, Carrie and Lennie. Those living here in the spring of 1858 will remember the alnu)st tragic ileath of Mrs. Flynn. Left in the morning with her infant, then but a few days old, in care of a nurse by her husband who, as usual, went to the printing office, believing her to be convalescent, before noon, and before his retvun, she was a corpse. The shock staggered and almost crazed the strong man. The children then bereft are both dead - Lennie dying when about fourteen, in Urbana, and Carrie when a mature woman in Danville. In the fall of 1H.W Mr. Flynn again married, this time to Miss Belle Garrett, a native of Indiana. Mrs. Flynn has been a careful and affectionate mother, both to the children of the lirst family and to her own children of whom there have been born: Jessie H., married to George W. Gott', of the News editorial staff, Danville; Nora li., Charlie M., George W. (deceased), Jay C. and Lena A. lli' is now estahlislied in a comfortable home in Danville, to which he loves to retire when his daily work is done and which his strong domestic attachments leads him to appreciate. Mr. Flynn for many years has been a member of the nuisonic oriler, in which he has passed to very high preferments.

Army Lifk

The first hostile gun of the civil war aroused the patriotism of Mr. Flynn, then a young man of 32 years, and he at once tendered his services and soon went to the front. In August 1861 he w<is mustered in as first lieutenant Company K, 2.5th Rear. 111. Vol., and at once met a hostile foe. Our space is too short to permit such details of his army life as the record deserves. During the first year he was i)romoted to the position of adjutant of his regiment, serving also much of the time upon the brigade staff'. In 18f)4, upon the expiration of his three years' term, he was honorably discharged and returned to his family and to civil parsuits. During his term he participated in the battles of Pea Ridge, Seige of Corinth, Perrysville, Stone River, Chicamauga, Peach Tree Ci-eek, and several other lesser battles. He was prevented by illness from participating with his regiment in the battle of Mission Ridge, but witnessed the heroism of his conuades from the hospital at Chattanooga. He retired from the army nnich broken in health and has suffered since then severely from the deleterious effects of army life.

Personal Characteristics

As all well know who know or have known Mr. Flynn in his mature years, he is an ardent and true friend to those whom he loves and an intense and uncompromising hater to those whom he hates. In his friends he rarely sees or admits of faults; in his enemies, or those whom he dislikes he as rarely sees or admits of any good qualities; yet when convinced of error he is ever ready to acknowledge and correct it. As a soldier he was brave and true to every tluty. In politics he was first a democrat and cast his first vote for Franklin Pierce, but next for Fremont and ever since for republican candidates. He held the office of deputy sheriff' under Capt. \. M. Clark, oiu' of the earlier of our republican sheriffs.

provided for by their joint labors during his life, and beloved by all who have ever had the i)l('asiire of seeing her at her pleasant home.

Thomas Alexaxdkh Davidson. Mr. Davidson was born December 1st, 1810, in Rockbridge county, Virginia. His parents were John Davidson and Sarah McCrea, who removed to Madison county, Ohio, in 181(1, and lived there until they died. Thomas A. came to this county from Madison county, Ohio, in 18.5:^, and settled on what is known as tlie Bryan farm, one mile east of Mahomet (now owned by B. F. Harris). He resided there two years and kept "Tavern." He then bought the farui between that and the farm of Wiley Davis. He was married in 1841 to Elizabeth J. Sidner, who still survives him. The chiklren of this marriage were: Mary E., wife of T. J. Scott, of Mahomet; James W., now of Champaign; John S., (who died at the uge of IT) ; Jerome T., (engaged in grain business at Mahomet) ; Geo. W., of Champaign ; Frank C, of Clinton, 111.; Ida L., (wife of Jul. D. Brown of Mahomet) ; Sarah K.. (wife of L. M. Ducker of Peoria, 111.,) and Anna, who died in infancy. He was formerly a Presbyterian, but after coming to Illinois he ioined the M. E. church, and remained a consistent and faithful member of that church until his death, which occurred January 31st, 1880, fronj an injury received about eight months prior to his death. He was always a strong republican anil educated liis boys all in the principles of that |iarty. They are all stalwart republicans, James W. being the republican caiididiite for county treasurer at the coming election this fall. He was a farmer and succeeded admirably in that line of business, ^[r. Davidson was a man of character and none were more highly respected than he by all who knew him. His surviving widow still lives in Mahomet, well

John C. Denton Was born in Somerset county. Pa., August 21, 1822. His father, John F. Denton, was a native of New York. His mother was Martha Needier, from Bedford county, Pa. John C. Denton, the subject of this sketch, came to this county, March 14, 18.51, and settled at Urbana. He was married at Berlin, Somerset county. Pa., July 20, 1847, to Lucinda Johnson, only daughter of John Johnson, a prominent contractor and builder of Berlin. She is still living. Ida, their eldest daughter, married William Bell, of Atchison, Kansas ; Emma married George Besorc, a prominent business man of this city. William H, is in the mining business in Old Mexico, Charles is yardmaster at Urbana, for I., B. & W. railroad, and Josephine, the youngest, married Wm. Nichols, passenger conductor on I., B. ct W. railroad. He and his wife have been members of the M. E. church, in this city, for thirty-five years. Mr. Denton learned the carpenter trade when young, and has followed that business all his life. For many years he has been an extensive builder and contractor in tiiis city. He has built thirty-eight school houses in this county, in the v>ast twenty years. Many of the finest residences, as well as the most substantial business houses of this city, are the residt of his handiwork. Good natured, straight forward and honest, he has many friends and has the confidence of the entire community.

Col,. MATTirEW W. Busey. Prominent among the pioneers of Champaign county was the subject of this sketch. He came from a state that lias furnished more pioneers to the west than any other. As a rule they were men who left their impress upon their times. Genial and hospitable, their homes were open to all who chose to enter. They were lovers of fine stock, and the position that Illinois now occupies as the first state in the Union for fine breeds of cattle and horses, is due in a very large measure to the efforts of the Kentuckians. Having an unlifnited confidence in the future of tiie great west they invested largely in lands and often in this direction, builded more wisely than they knew. Of such was Col. Matthew W. Busey. lie was born in Shelby county, Ky., May 15, 1798. He was the son of Samuel and Catharine (Seigler) Busey. At an early date the family moved to Washington county, Indiana. In the latter county young Busey learned the trade of brick mason, and followed the trade, working as a "jour." and subsecjuently as a contractor and builder from isw to 1S47. In ISW he was induced to visit this i)art of Illinois from hearing reports of the fertility and proiluctiveness of the soil. His visit and subs(!(juent investigations confirmed the reports and before returning he purchased the land, on part of which, now stands the residence of his son, Col. S. T. B.usey. He returned to Indiana and remained there imtil the spring, April, ISSft, when he brought his family here and erected a small fnuiie house, which was in later years enlarged, and which stooil on the sit<? now occupied bvtlic clt'trant residence of Col. S. '1\ Husey.

It remained there until a few years ago when it gave way to the irresistible march of progress and wt^stern civilization. Soon after his arrival here, he became prominent and influential in local afl'airs. He was commissioned as Colonel in the Indiana state militia, while a resident of that state, and in a few years after his airival here was appointed to a similar position in the state militia of Illinois. On "General Muster" day he was a conspicuous figure and shone resplendent in glittering uniform, that we have no doubt made him envied by not a few. In 1840 he was elected to represent the district in the state legislature, and in 1842, was his own successor. He served two terms. In the latter term occurred the Mormon war. Col. Busey was heartily in sympathy and radical accord with Gov. Ford in his efforts to drive that latter day religious infamy from the state, and voted for all measures having that object in view. His extensive acciuaintance throughout the state, acquired while a member of the legislature, made his services invaluable in securing the charter for the Illinois Central railroad. He foresaw what few others did at that time, that the construction and operation of this great railroad through the center of the state, from north to south would be of incalculable benefit to it in the near future. While the state i>roi)osed to give it millions, yet it would bring millions to the coffers of the state. No grant of land was ever made to any railroad in the United States that was more magnificent in proportions, and none was ever made that guarded more carefully the interests of the iieople, and provided more shrewdly for its covering back into the treasury of the state. During the excitement attending the location of the county seat. Col. Busey was active and mainly instrumental in securing it for Urbana. He was for many years assessor for the county and township. In fact, he was the leading and representative man of this section for many years. In the meantime he gave a great deal of his time and attention to his farm and his lands, and raising and breeding stock. His life wasa busy one. and was not without its rewards. He died in 185-3, esteemed and respected by a large circle of friends and ac(iuaintances. While yet a resident of Wasliin^ton county, Indiana, he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabetii Bush, who survived him twenty-eight years, and died in 18so. at the home of her son, Col. S. T. Busey. By that union there were eight children who arrived at matmity and all of whom are yet living. Their names are Simi'on H., John S., Mary C, wife of John C. Kirkpatrick, Louisa J., widow of

W. II. Komiiie, Col. Samuel T., Sarah, wife of Jud.^e J. W. Sim, Elizabeth, wife of Allen McClain, and Matfiiew I). All are residents of Ih-bana and vicinity, except Jolin S., who resides in Medicine Lodge, Kansas. Col. Mattiiew W. Busey was liberal in his religious belief. He subscribed to none of the formulated creeds and believed that genuine and true religion was mainly in the practice of doing unto otliers as he would have others do unto him. Politically, he was an ardent democrat. His first vote was cast for Jauies Monroe in IS'20. In 18'J4, 18'3s and l^Si, lie voted for Andrew Jackson, and during the remainder of his life quoted him as his highest political authority.

Was bom early in the thirties, at Mt. Airy, Surrey county, North Carolina, and is a son of Dr. Winston Somers anil Mrs. Mary Somers. Before he was ten years old he removed with his family to Illinois and located at Urbana, and here his boyhood, youth and early manhood were spent. The advantages he had in that eariy day for the foundation of what was afterward a thorougli education can be apureciated l)etter by reference to the biography of his father, Dr. Winston Somers, which appears elsewhere. His occupation for the lirst few years after his arrival, were those of the boy of this locality and of that day - ojiening a new jnairie farm and hunting jn-airie chickens in suuuner, unfettered by game laws, and attending a short term of school in winter. Mr. Somers remembers with lively interest this portion of his life, and particularly his training under the eccentric Samuel C. Crane, who taught the pioneer school of Urbana for some time. As he advanced in his years and yearned for knowledge beyond his reach at home, his father consented to allow him to attend the Danville Seminary for some time, which he did. The school at that time, in the absence of our efficient common school system in the state, nourished under the superintendency of the M. E. church, anil attracted to its classes many of the youth of both sexes, of the surrounding country. Here his time was well spent for he advanced rapidly in his studies and evinced decided literary tastes. These advantages were supplemented by additional opportunities enjoyed by him at the Indiana Asbury (now De Pauw) University, at Greeucastle, Ind. About 18.54 he began the study of the law in the office of his uncle. Judge W. D. Somers, continuing, however, his classical and literary studies under the direction of Rev. Dr. Janes, a local educator of excellent standing. He subsequently took a course of training at the Union College of law, Chicago, and was admitted to the bar in 1856. A partnership was formed by him with his tutor, luider the firm name of W. D. & J. W. Somers, and the court records of that day attest the success of the firm. At that time the lamented .1 udge David Davis was on the bench and at the bar were such men as Lincoln, Swett, O. L Davis, Ficklin and others who have long since been recognized as legal and political lights. With these the young attorney was often engaged, winning their high regard.

He was prominent, aiitive and alert as a local temperance worker. In those days Urbana managed to live and flourish without participating in the profits of the rum tratic and the advocates of the system, now upheld by law, for the demoralization of society, writhed under the scorching eloquence of the young advocate. The establishment of the Urbana Union, the pioneer newspaper, was heartily welcomed by all, but by none more than by Mr. Somers. It was to him an event of great opportunities and its columns show that he was a welcome and frequent contributor to it. During the war he was the Washington correspondent of the North We.stern Christian Advocate, furnishing always readable, and many times, very important articles. One of which was deemed of such historical value as to be copied in whole in that important historical W'Ork "ratriotism of Illinois." Tlie family of Mr. Somers, before 18.5(1 were earnest whigs, and such were his leanings. The observations and associations of the young politician, in his youth, surrounded by slaves and slavery, had begotten in him an intense hatred of tlie system. Consequently he entered with enthusiasm and deep convictions into the movement set on foot for its limitation and restriction. In 1856 he assisted in the formation of the republican party, signing the lirst call looking to the local crystalization . of all the elements opposed to "popular sovereignty." During the Fremont campaign of 18.50, as well as in the Lincoln and Douglas campaigns of ia58 and 1860 he was a very active and influential worker on the side of republicanism, the spirit of which was sucii as to arouse to the highest enthusiasm, young men of conscience and ability. He filled the position of corresponding secretary of the county central committee of the young party, for several years, and his services were often called for upon the stump of this and other counties. Acting as he did from the profoundest convictions of right, and being possessed of a lively imagination enriched by nmch reading and study of his subject, he gave promise of great success as a political and legal debater. An unfortunate and growing infirmity in his liearing put a stop to the full realization of the anticipations of his friends, making it necessary for him to seek other emplojTnent. The election of Mr. Lincoln to the presidency opened to liim another field of preferment which proved his life work. The president, who had known him from his boyhood and admired his talents and courage, appointed him to a position in the Department of the Interior, which with his successive promotions therefrom he has held through all the changes of administration since then. Having been apjKiintcd in l^Gl, he recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of his official life - a thing 'iuite extraordinary in American politics. He lias risen from grade to grade until now he occupies the position of a member of the Board of Review in the pension office - a (piasi-judicial position for whicli his legal education well fits him. No claim filed in the office can be finally adjudicated until it shall have been approved by this board.

Mr. Somers was married at Indianapolis, January 1, 18(W, to Miss Elizabeth J. Eddy, daughter of Rev. Augustus Eddy, a jirominent and jiioneer preacher of the M. E. church, and a sister of Rev. T. M. Eddy, D. D., late of Chicago. Mrs. Somers is a lady of rare culture and ability and holds a high social position in the society of the American capitol. For many years she has been princi|)al of Mt. Vernon Seminary, in Washington City, and as such has contributed largely to the adornment and formation of the characters of the first young ladies of the land. 'I'o her iiiastic hands are sul)initted the daughters of cabinet and foreign min isters, senators and representatives, and all go away blessing the gentle and cultured woman who imparts her spirit and graces so successfully to her pupils. In 188'2 Mr. Somers made a European tour for the improvement of his health and for observation, and returned having grown strong physically, and profited largely by his habit of keen observation. By prudence and economy in life Mr. Somers has accumulated a handsome competence for coining old age and owns and enjoys a handsome home in Washington, the most beautiful city on the continent. This home is the centre of a refined circle of society, and to it he and Mrs. Somers delight in making welcome their friends, and especially those from his boyhood liome.

MosKS D. Hakvky Was born November 27, 1820, in U nion county, Pennsylvania. He removed to Stark county, Oliio, in infancy and came to Urbana, Illinois, in October, 188<». Ho married Olive Towner, October, .5, 1842. He resided in the city of Urbana until 18.56, when he removed to a farm near Mahomet, where he followed farming until 186.5, when he returned to Urbffna. In 18S2 he removed to Tolono, his present home, where he is carrying on the leading meat market of that enterprising town. Mr. Harvey, in company witli his brother, Williams, built the first frame court house of ("liiiinpaign county, in I'lbana, and helped to build the old log jail that kept, securely the old law-breakers of our pioneer days. He assisted in building nearly all of the early <lwelliiigs and business buildings of Urbana. lie sold the rtrst meat out of a wagon in the city of Ciianipaign. Rufus A. Harvey, his eldest son, is one of the must successful of the mercantile men of this county, and is doing business in Tolono. Silas M., his second son, is also a successful business man in Kansas. Celinda, eldest daughter, married James S. McCullough, county clerk. The other children are Clifton W., William, Libbie and Celia. Mr. Harvey has never sought public office nor taken any active pait in politics, but has been and is now a democrat. He has been engaged in business in this county for 47 years, and his business integrity has been such as to win the conlidence of his neighbors. His word has always been regarded as good as his bond, and when Moses D. Harvey agreed to perform any work or pay any money, it was counted as done when the time for performance arrived. He now resides in a pleasant home, in this city, where he will i doubtless end his days, wliich we trust nuiy be extended for yet a long period of time.

Wallace Silveu Was horn May 30, 1SJ9, at Springfield, Warren county, Ohio. He is the son of David Silver, (whose portrait and biography aj)- pears elsewhere) and Eliza Muuger, a native of New York. David Silver and family moved to this comity from Warren county, Ohio, in 1S54, Wallace coming with them. They settled on section twenty-six, Urbana township. The father moved back to Ohio and died there in IS7.5, the mother having died here in 1«(V1 Wallace was married to Rebecca B. Mullen in April 1850. His oldest son, Howard, is a teacher at Springfield, Missouri, while his second son, Charles W., is engaged in the mercantile business, at Lyons, Kansas. Mr. Silver gave both these boys a good education and they are very successful in their chosen callings. Wallace was married the second time in November, isflt), to Mary D. Karr, his present wife, who was a native of New Jersey. She is a member of the Baptist church, and has borne him (me child, David A., born in 1S67, who yet resides at home. Wallace cast his first vote in 1852, for Winfield Scott, his second for Fremont, in 1856, and has voted the republican ticket ever since. He has been engaged in farming and stock raising near the old home farm, ever since he bought land in 1857. He still resides there and is recogniz ed as one of the best farmers in the county. His health has not been good for some years, but we trust there are many more years to be added to his life by a kind Providence.

Geof.ge Wilson Was born in the north of Ireland in 1800. His father was George Wilson and his mother's maiden name Jane Mosgrove. George, the subject of this sketch, came to Illinois in 1834 and settled near Fairmcmnt, Vermilion county, and in 1854 removed to a farm north of Sidney. In 1848 he married Rebecca Nox (sister of Solomon Nox, who resides east of this city). She died in 18.54. He afterwards married Elizabeth Kuder (sister of I. M. Kuder, of St. Joseph) who is also deceased. Fourteen years ago he mar- riod Mary Burnett, who is still livinj?. His eldest son Martin V. B., resides near Sidney. His other ohildren are George, W. C, Freeman, Sarah J. (who married Kiciiard Tracy, of Sidney), Rose, Ann, Emeline and Caroline, who reside at home. Formerly Mr. Wilson was a Presbyterian, but for many years has been of the Quaker or Friends' faith, rolitically he has always been and is now an earnest democrat. He has followed farming all his life. When he came to this county and for many years the Indians were still here and he has made many trips by wason to Chicago with grain and brought back the entire proceeds in groceries which he would i»urcliase there. He made it in fourteen days and sometimes made two trips in one year. Mr. Wilson, though now eighty years old, is well preserved, and bids fair to lengthen out his days to far beyond the allotted time of man.

Jamks Johnson Was born in Warren county, Ohio, Nov. 2.5, 182.5. His father, Charles Johnson, and Anna, his mother, whose maiden name was Scott, gave him a good common school education. January 22, 1S52, he married Miss Nancy Lilly, a native of Warren county, who came with him in is.5.5 to this county. Tiiey settletl on s(;ction live, in I'liilo township, and they both have resided there until the prestuit. (ieorge M., their son. now resides in DeWitt county, Illinois. ()liv<>, the oldest daughter, a lovely and accomplished young lady, died in isso at the age of twenty. Their other daughter, Anna, is now the wife of Mr. Otis I'ercival. who also resides in Philo tovniship. Mi-. Johnson takes no active part in politics, but has generally voted the democratic ticket when the candidate suited him. He held the office of highway commissioner of Philo township for fifteen years and helped lay out about all the roads in Philo township.

In 1856 a prairie fire .started at the Wabash railroad and came sweeping towards his home, and at one time threatened the destruction of his house and his primitive hay-thatched barn, together with what little stock he then had in it. Mrs. Johnson took her children to a piece of plow.?d ground n°ar by and bravely assisted Mr. Elk ins and others who came to her relief, in fighting the destructive element from their then modest possessions. He has engaged solely in farming and stock raising. He has a splendidly improved farm of 240 acres with a good, substantial house and barn. He has laid on this farm in the past six years over six miles of tile. He has most of his farm in grass, and believes there is more money in grass, hay and stock than in corn. He keeps the best breeds of stock, and by his long life of industry and toil has earned the right to take things easy in his old age, as he intends to do for the remainder of his life, which we trust may compass many years of solid comfort.

This staunch business man was born September 1.5, 18:20. His father, Peter Halberstadt, was a soldier in the war of 1M2. His mother, Susana Catherine Mans, was a nuMuber of the German Keformed church. Her father and graiulfafher were both soldiers in the war of 1N12. Both of his pixrents were born in Pennsylvania. Eli Halberstadt came to this county, November s, 1S5;">, and settled at Urbana. He was married October 29tli, 184:2, in Hanover. Pa., to Rebecca Legore, who is still living. They were married by the Rev. J. Henry Albert. Following are their children: Frances, wife of A. Schilling, Urbana; David B., now in Washington, D.C. ; George H., now residing in Urbana; Susan Catherine, wife of Hon. W. A. Day, second auditor of the treasury, and Douglas Eli, now a ganger in the United States service, Mr. Halberstadt, in his youth, joined the German Reformed church, of which he remained a member until 18.5;^, when he joined the M. E. church in Pickaway county, Ohio. He is still a consistent and faithful member of that church. In politics, he was in his early maturity, an old line whig. In 1860, he voted for Stepiien A. Douglas and has been a democrat ever since. He never souglit office, but the citizens of Urbana called him to serve them for four terms in the office of mayor, in which position he exeicised the same conscientious care and ability which he has always shown in the transaction of his own extensive business, lb' was a member, and afterwards successor of the firm of Bradshaw, Williams & Co., grocers. He sold out to Mr. Jenks and bought back the same business, February 1, 186.3, and sold again to Mr. Jenks in 1865. He then built a grain warehouse and in 1866 -7 put in milling machinery, and from that time until the present, has done the leading milling business in the county. In 1884, at large expense, he put in entirely new and modern machinery tor the patent process in the manufacture of flour. His establishment, known far and wide as the Union Mills, is valued at .'(?;i."),0(X), and is not excelled in Central Illinois. His flour is shipped to all parts of the state, and his brands of flour are recognized as among the best that are niatle. Mr. Halberstadt is a man of strong convictions and will power and is not easily moved from a position once taken. In business he is the soul of honor and he has little patience with men who are careless about complynig with their contracts.

Mouris Low'Enstern

Was born July 28, 1836, in the province of Hanover, Germany. His father was Phillip Lowenstern and his mother was Malie Isenberg,who died in 1841. Morris.with his family, including his father and sister, came to America in 18.57, and to Urbana, August 1.5, 1864. His father died at Urbana in 1871, at an advanced age, and was buried in the Hebrew cemetery, just north of this city. He was married to Miss Caroline Jericho, who was born in Bavaria, in 1840, and is still living. His children are : Monroe, twenty-one years old, who is now a member of the firm of which his father is the head ; Amanda, 19 years old, his eldest daughter, who graduated f lom the Urbana high school in 1884, and is now pursuing the study of music in its higher departments, being already a splendid performer on the piano; Jennie, sixteen years old, clerks in the store of the firm and is thoroughly posted in the science of book-keeping; Belle, the youngest, daughter, 14 years old, is attending the Urbana school. Politically, Mr. Lowenstern is an Independent, voting for the men he prefers on whatever ticket they may be. He has been in the dry goods business since \>^'A, in this city. In 1881, lie added to his large dry goods stock a department of clothing. He owns the large three story double buiUUng on southwest corner of Main and Race streets, and occupies the two large, commfHlious store rooms of first floor, with his stock of dry goods and clothing. With one exception he is the oldest merciiant in business in the city. Mr. Lowenstern, from the first, took a lively interest in building lip the city, and bought the block lie now occupies, ill 1865. He has purchased HO feet just west of his block and intcmls in th(> near future to erect tliereon a good liottd building. He is always ready to take stock in anythin;;: that will help to build up the city as h;us been proven by his assistance in every enterprise started here since he has been a resident. He resides in a larj^e block on West Elm street, where he has a neat and convenient dwelling, which he lias improved from time to time until it is one of tlie most comfortable houses in the city. Mr. Lowenstern, by sciuare dealing and strict attention to business, has built up a permanent trade, many of his .-ustomers having been <lealiiig with him over since he commenced business here, in l'~!()4. His trade is steadily increasing and liis store is one of the mostp()])ular ilry goods and clothing emiH)riums in the county.

'I'his genth'inan, who was the tirst lawyer in Champaign county, was boru near llockford, Surrey county. North Carolina, .January ;il, Psi'i. His earlier lite was spent on a farm, and as soon as old enough he was engaged every summer in assisting in its cultivalidii. Dining the winter iiioiiths he attended school. The schools in which he received his education were of liie most primitives chariicter: spelling, reading, writing and arithmetic were the only branches taught therein. Mr. Somers made go(»d progress in all these studies, but was especially prolicient in )ienmanship. His school education terminated with a winter's schooling under the tutelage of T. J. Ward, afterwards a congressman from Mississippi. were the opportunities which Mr, Somers had in his boyhood days for laying the foundation for an education which placed liini, in later years, in the front rank of the learned profession of law in the stat« of Illinois. When si.xteen years old he had the misfortune to lose liis good motlier, leaving his father, himself, four younger sons and a daughter. Caroline W., three years old, who married Thomas ,J. Williams, a worthy young man of the county. Some inontlis after his motlier's death ^fajor .Joe. Williams, brother of Hon. Lewis Williams (member of congress so long as to be called the father of the house) induced his father to permit young William to make his home in his family and assist him in the clerk's otlice, a positinn iield by his father, Joe. Williams Sr., who years before had purchased the franchise (office) from .Jesse Benton, brother of Thomas Benton. .Jesse Benton had before ttien piuchased it from the original grantee who derived title by letters patent from the king of Great Britian. Major Williams and family were regarded as ecpial in point of wealth, learning and aristocracy to any family in the state. He had an extensive private library equal in every respect to any which Mr. Somers ever saw even in his later years. To this splendid library ami to tlie kind assistance of Major Williams he owes that fondness for rea<ling which has characterized Mr. Somers all liis life. He remained with Major Williams for about seven years, the last two of which he devoted all his leisure time to the study of medicine under the direction and instruction of Dr. Martin. The lirst election by the people for clerk of the county and circuit courts resulted in the election of Col. Armstrong as clerk of the county court and Mr. Somers' brother Winston, as clerk of the circuit court. Mr. Somers being familiar with the duties of these offices, continued to assist or rather to superintend both offices, devoting his leisuri* hours meanwhile to the study of medicine. During this period he \ras apl)ointed by the legislature justice of ttie jieace of the county, a position which there was one of considerable responsibility. He then passed the e.\aminatioii which the law reipiired and was admitted to the practice ot medicine, as was also his brother Winston, and for two years they practiced in partnership at Ilockford, N. C. OctobiM- 15, 1S40, with a letter of recominendation and iutroduction he started for Illinois, arriving in Urbana November I5tli, ami on the arrival of his brother they continued the practice of medicine Jiere. October 14tli, 184.3, he was married to Miss Catlieriiie T'. Carson, wlio is still living. In tlie spring of l.S4(i, under tlie instruction of tlie late Judge David Davis, of Bloom ington, he commenced the study of law and in November of that year Judges Treat and Piuple awarded him a license to practice law. He was appointed local attorney for the Illinois Central railroad company in is.5.5, a position lie held for many years. During the rebellion he serveil the township of Urbana as supervisor and luid the care of the fannlies of dependent soldiers of the township during their absence in the army. He acted with the whig party until is.59. when upon its decease he joined the ranks of the democracy, and has in national elections voted steadily with it. In 186'3 he was nominated by the democratic party for state senator, but was defeated. His children are Pauline, wife of George W. C\ntiss, now residing in Peoria; Ella, who UKirried W. T. Sutton, of East Saginaw, Michigan; Mollie, who married Charles A. Besore, a lumber merchant of tins city; Cora, who married G. W. Bort, and Charley, who reside in this city. Mr. Somers was the first resident lawyer in this county and for nrany years was at the head of the profession. During his later years the lawyers delighted to refer to him as the "Nestor of the Champaign County Bar," an appellation he well deserved. He has met in his legal contests the greatest lawyers in the country, and was very successful. Such men as Abraham Lincoln, Leonard Swett, O. B. Ficklin and other distinguished lawyers have crossed swords with him with results not to Ids discredit. He was associated with these men in many cases. His influence over juries was such that he rarely failed to obtain a successful result. The el- 0(pience and pathos with which he swayed them, in cases where opportunity offered, won the admiration of those who have become famous in the Nation. "His knowledge of the law too, enabled him to maintain his su])remacy in the courts before the judges as well as before juries. He introduced Abraham Lincoln to the first audience he ever addressed in this county, and was on intimate t<?rms with him for many years. Mr. Somers has retiivd from practice on account of advancing years, but he is enjoyhig reasonably good healtii and evinces tlie same spirit of iiKiiiiry and investigation that made him distinguished among his fellows when ill his ])riine. He is now, as he has always been, an incessant reader and no man is better posted than he upon the current events of the world. He is comfortably situated and bids fair to enjoy his i)leasant siirroundiuirs for many years.

Thomas K. Leal Was born at Stamford, Delaware county, N. Y., July 4, 1829. His father was Dr. J. H. Leal and his mother Mary McLaurie. They both died while Thomas K. was young. He went to the district school and received a higher education at Hobart academy in Delaware county. New York. Here he was the schoolmate of Jay Gould, who at the time manifested an ability in figures, especially in "addition,"' which has characterized him in after life; he could readily carry three columns of figures up at a time. Here, also, he was associated with the Turner Brotliers, who built the L, B. & W. R'y through this city, as well as the Anderson Brotliers, millionaires now in New York City. These were all orphan boys, who have made their way to iimneuse wealth, and distinction in the business world by their own efforts. Mr. Leal, although as proficient as Jay GouUl in figures at that time, has not been as successful as he in "addition" during his later life. As he expresses it, "he was poor then, and has held his own with wonderful success." Mr. Leal came to this county in 18.5'J, and settled at Urbana. He was married in January, IstJl, to Emeline (iordon, a native of Oswego, New York. Mr. and Mrs. Leal had four bright and lovely children in 18(')S, when diphtheria in its most malignant toriu attacked first one and then another until it had taken to the other shore the entire family of children that had been so great a source of comfort to the worthy parents for the few years prior thereto. They all died within 31 days in September, 18()S. They now have, born since then, fcnir more, named

Mr. Leal and wife have been faithlul and active members of tlie Presbyterian fliurcii for thirty years. He has been a reimblican ever since the party has been organized. In Coles county, in Bourbon township, (now a part of Douglas county) Mr. Leal was teaching .school in tiie fall of isr)(>; he was the oidy republican in tiie townsliip. He voted for Fremont, wliile the other vote was divided l)etween Fillmore and Buchanan. He taught school in New York and afterwards engaged in same occupation here. He was superintendent of schools from 1S.57 to 1^*78, and was member of the state board of education for six years. He organized the first teachers' institutes in Champaign, Macon, Coles, Douglas, Effingham, Ford, Piatt, Vermilion and Iroquois counties, and took a leading position in the educational affairs of his adopted state. When he commenced visiting schools there were only two bridges in the county and only forty-eight school houses, twenty-seven of which were log houses. When he retired there were over two hundred school houses, all good, modern ones. He had hard work to introduce blackboards into the schools, frequently putting them in at his own expense in order to get the boards of directors to try them. There were no maps, globes or other apparatus except at Urbana. When he retired in 1873 he published a pamphlet giving a history of the schools of the county that had thus grown up inider his supervision. The suggestions to teachers therein contained are fully abreast of the times to-day, and they have in fact been carried out almost to the letter. To Mr. Leal more than to any other man are we, as a people, indebted for the splendid schools of which this county justly boasts. He was also appointed drainage commissioner and during his term collected about 837,000.00 on swamp land account that many had charged was sunk in building the court house. He holds the receipts of school treasurers for this large sum, much of which would never have been collected but for his efforts. In 188.5 his report as sanitary inspei-tor of this city was l)ublished in all tlie metropolitan papers by the Stat« Board of Health as a model report, showing the thorough maimer in wliicli Mr. Leal always responded to a call for the piil>- lic good.

Mr. Leal, in 187.5, commenced farming on a farm lie owns near Sidney, in wiiich business he i.s still successfully engaged, but the record he has left as the frieiwl of education

Mr. Somers was one of the pioneers of this county, having, with his parents, removed from his native state, North Carolina, in the fall of 184'i, locating in Urbana. He here engaged with his brothers, James, John and Joseph, in farming, - his father. Dr. Winston Somers, working with them when not called away to visit patients; this happened frequently, and many a time he would be kept away for several days. The doctor was anxious to give his boys a good education and utilized every opportunity so to do. William H. was ambitious in tiiat direction and the result was, by working hard in the summer, he enjoyed the high privilege of going to school in the winter. He thus obtained not only a gooil common school education, but he also attended tiie M. E. Seminary, at Danville, presided over by Oliver S. Munsell, and got considerable knowledge of Greek, Latin'and other higher branches. At the close of his school days, he, with liis father, and his brother James, engaged in the drug business in Urbana. He was marrieil to Mi.ss Hattie L. Mead, in August, 18.5f», at Urbana, who died at Beatrice. Nebraska, in June, 187(5, mourned, not (mly by her husband and children, but by hosts of warm friends, made here and in her new home, by her gentle disposition and self-sacrilicing labors in life. Of this marriage four children were born to him, viz: Frank M., Julia Mae, Eddie W., (who died in 18C)7) and Elbert S. He was married again, in Lincoln, Neb., in 1878, t« Miss Sadie S. Hawley, his present wife, who is a native of Oliio, as was also his tirst wif«'. Two ciiildien have been born by this marriage, one of whom, the eldest, William H., died in January, 1885; the other, a daughter, is now three and a half years olil. In 1856, Fielding L. Scott and Elisha Harkness, warm friends of his, surprised him by soliciting him to become a candidate for circuit clerk. He ran and was elected as a republican, on the ticket headed by John C. Fremont, under the banner of "Free press, free speech, and free soil." He was reelected in 1860, on the ticket headed by Abraham Lincoln. He made a splendid officer, affable gentlemanly, and at the same time attentive to the business of the people. He was then electetl as supervisor from Urbana. He had, prior to being elected clerk, studied law with his uncle, W. D. Somers, and atit'uded law school in Chicago. He gave up tlie practice, however, in 18(i8, and with his father as partner engaged in the banking business in Urbana and subsequently in Leroy, 111., altogether about live years, until the death of his father, when he closed uo the business and in 1872 removed, with his family, on account of his wife's poor health, to Beatrice, Nebraska, where he has resided for fourteen years. There he engaged in the real estate business until his appointment, in 1881, by president Garfield, to the office of lieceiver of the United States laud office, at Ueatriee. He was succeeded June Kith 1886, by a tlemocrat appointed by president Cleveland. He was electetl to the Nebraska legislature, in 1875, and served one term. He was also agent for the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad Company for several years, for tlie sale of their lands in (iage and adjoining counties. For three years he was immigration agent for the county of (iage. Neb. He was active and successful in this position and by judicious efforts he was instrumental in inducing large immigiation to southeastern Nebraska and in building up the city of Beatrice. He wrote the centennial history of Gage county in 1876, as a part of his efforts in advertising the great advantages of the country as peculiarly adapted to farming and stock raising. Jiast month he removed to San Diego, California, where he now owns a large vineyard and fruit ranch, and is engaged in making raisins and growing fruits for market. He has been interested in the temperance woik all of his mature life, and has given his best efforts in that cause. His many friends in this county, as well as in Gage county, wish him long life and prosperity in liis new home. He well deserves the neat little fortinie he has carved out by his own abilities and industry.

Was born in Shelby county, Kentucky, May 1st, 1829. His father was Bede Gill and his mother was Eliza Edlin, of Louisville, Kentucky. Z. E. Gill came to this county in 18.52, and settled at Urbana. He was married first at Jeft'ersonville, Indiana, in 18,5:5, to Nancy Mariah Porter, (since deceased). His second wife was Hannah C. Wolfe, of Mount Vernon, Ohio, whom he married at Urbana, December 4, 18,57. His children are Mrs. Nellie Hogg, of Kansas City, Missouri, and Rudolph Z. Gill, residing at Urbana. He died August 10, 1884, at LTrbana. At time of death he had been for twenty-six years a member of the M. E. churcii, and was a regular attendant at divine service during all those years. In politics Mr. Gill was a democrat, though lie was not much inclined to politics. He was left an orphan at tlie age of fourteen years and thrown upon his own resources; he soon after went to learn the carpenter's trade which he followeil for many years in connection witii contracting and designing. In boyhood, even, he sought moral associates and amusements, and grew, naturally, into a conscientious, iiome-ioving and kind-liearted man. He built the round house of the I., B. & W. railroad, as well as their freiglit houses ahmg the line. He was the builder of several of tlie tinest blocks in the city of Urbana. For several years he was also engaged in the hardwaic business. He was correct in his business and social habits, and took a deep interest in the improvement of tlie city. Wliiie a consistent and faithful meml)er of tiie cluiroli for so many years, yet he was unassuming in his professions and pointed out the pathway of duty by traveling tliere throiigii life. His (ieatli, two years ago, was one of tlie greatest losses this connnunity has beeh called upon to bear for many years. Such men as Z. E. Gill are the salt of tlie earth.

Thomson Rhodes Webber was born in Shelby county, Ky., October 6, 1807. He was of German extraction on his father's side. He was the eldest of a family of 18 children, of whom three surviving reside in this city, viz: William H. Webber, George G. Webber and Mrs. Nancy Munliall. He was twice married. To his hrst;wife, i Miss Martha Thompson, of Shelby county. Ky., in 1K81. In 1.S.37 his tirst wife died and he married in 1838 Miss Anna B. Carson, of this county, whose death preceded iiis several years. He had three children, Joseph T., Wm. 13. Webber, a promnient lawyer of this city, and Mrs. Susan Blaydes, by his iirst wife, and two, surviving, Robert A. Webber, of this city, and James H. Webber, now of Minneapolis, Minn., by his second wife.

Mr. Webber's political inlluencc was identilied witli the (lemocratic party. He cast his Iirst vote for General Jackson for liis second term and on all national (juestious he was a supporter of democratic princi))les. lie heartily supported the candidacy of Horace Greeley. He enjoyed for many Tyears the confidence and friendsliip of Abraiiam Lincoln and Senator David Davis.

Few men in this country have presided in as many official capacities torso long a term and with the united resjiect of all who knew him, as Mr. Webber. He was the hrst postmaster in the comity and in this city. Ui> on the organization of the county he was elected clerk of both courts and continued in that official capacity as county clerk 30 jears, and circuit clerk for 27 years. For ' forty years he acted as master in chancery, and was succeeded by M. W. Mathews in August, 1873. And when he retired from each of these offices lie did it with the respect and good will of every one.

in 1847 he was elected to represent Vermilion, Champaign, Piatt and Coles counties in the constitutional convention of that year and in 1863 he represented in a similar convention the counties of Champaign, Piatt, DeWitt and Macon. The constitution prepared by the latter convention was rejected by the people, when put to a vote, ami hence the names of its tramers did not receive the perpetuity that they otherwise would have received.

In considering the life and character of such a man tliere aHvays arises a curiosity to know his religious belief. From one who was familiar with his lite we learn that he was never guilty of deriding th()se who professed religion. He believed in and practiced the principles of Christianity; entertained the highest respect for the opinions of ministers of the gospel and other advocates of the Christian religion. But he tlumght every man had a right to worship God in his own way, and that a i)erson could be religious without having his name inscribed as a memljer upon any church record.

True it is that, regardless of the frailties of the human family, Mr. Webber lived an exemplary life. He possessed such a (juiet dignity of manner and kindness of heart that made friends of acquaintances, and even the little barefooted ami brown-facetl boy was the recipient of his daily smile and greeting. He N^ill live long in the memoires of tho.se who survive him.

Ebknkezer Warren Parker Was born October 28, 1813, at Princeton, Massachusetts. His father was Ebeneezer Parker and his motlier was Miss Hannah Myriclis. Mr. Parker came to this county April 14, 18.56, and settled upon the farm in Philo township now occupied by him. He was married in 1840 at Holden, Mass., to Miss Chloe A. Parmenter, who was born in 1810, and is still living. She was highly educated and has a well-stored mind, being yet, as she has always been, a great reader and vigorous thinker. She has a literary turn of mind and is familiar with the principal authors of this as well as of the old world. Their cliildren are: Ebeneezer Calvin, born at Worcester, Mass., a banker and physician at Philo, 111. ; Mary Adeline, who married Pasciial P. Park man, now deceased, and Louise, a young lady, residing at home with lier parents. Mr. Parker united with the Presbyterian church in 1838, at Worcester, Mass. He was in his earlier years of manhood an old line whig and was a radical abolitionist from the first of slavery agitation in this country, and naturally joined the ranks of tlie republican party luider the banner of Fremont and Lincoln, and he is today as strong in the republican faith as ever. He was a republican from principle, as he never sought office of any kind. He has led a quiet life on the farm ever since arriving in Illinois. He and his accomplished partner live on the old home place that they have sjilendidly improved by their joint labors. They gave their children a liberal education and fitted them well in every way for the solemn duties of life. He gave his own name and that of his father to hiseldest son in order to hand it down as a sort of family mark of distinction. There is an old watch in tiie family which belonged to his grandfather, wliich he has handed down to his eldest son, Doctor Parker, to be disposed of in the sanu' manner by him. When he settled in tiie wild prairie where his beautiful home now stands there was only one house between him and Urbana. Domestic and retiring in his habits he has neversought notoriety, but quietly pursues through life the even tenor of his way, exerting nevertheless a wholesome and salutary intiuence upon the conununity, by his strict business integrity and kindly disposition.

John Rogerson Was born December 18, 1833, at Perth, Province of Ontario, Canada. William Rogerson, his father, was born December 2, 1806, at Dumfrieshire, Scotland. His mother, Sarah Sinclair Adamson, was born December 3, 1814, at Quebec, Canada, and was also Scotch. In July, 18.55, William Rogerson came from Duncan City, Michigan, located in Champaign, and engaged in lumber, grain and general merchandise business. His son John was employed as his chief clerk. In the spring of 18.56, John went to the village of Sadorus and engaged in the mercantile ^id grain business, in partnership with W. C. Wilson, under th^ tirm name of Rogerson & Wilson. In August, 1^56, John's father died and he retired from the firm and went to

Champaign to close up his father's business. In \Xu. lie returned to Sadorus, and with his brother Andrew B., again engaged in same business. In 1«6'2 his brother. Andrew H. enlisted in the '20th 111. regiment and went to the war. John remained in business at Sadorus until IS72, when he removed into Colfax township, one and a half nules north of Sadorus, on a farm, upon which he still resides. He has three brothers and three sisters living, viz: Andrew B., at Washington, I). C, a clerk in Department of Interior, for i)ast seventeen years, William D., resid' ing in Council Blutfs, Iowa, (Jeorge S., at -Jacksonville, 111., Mrs. Daniel Bradley, of Ciiampaign, Mrs. Andrew Hnpel, and Miss Christiana Kogerson, at Jacksonville, 111. Andrew B. had right eye shot out at Atlanta, Georgia, July 22. 1W4. John Kogerson was married September 4, 1856, at Chicago, 111., to Miss Jacqualine Margueritte Cart Cantine, third eldest daughter of John J. C. Cantine, of Washington, D. C. Her father's parents were from France. The children of this marriage, thirteen in nmnber, were Ruth Caroline, Sarah Sinclair, William, John J, C, Andrew B., John James Adamson, Jacqualine M. C, Mary Julia, George S., Fannie McArthur, Daniel BraiUey, Robert Burns, and Mark Lewis Cantine. The second, fourth, seventh, ninth and thirteenth, above named, are dead. Andrew B., resides in Decatur, 111. ; the remainder reside at home with their parents. His church affiliations have been Episcopalian. He has been an ardent democrat all his mature life, casting his first vote for James Buchanan, for president, in 18.5(). He has been member of the democratic county central committee for past ten years, and chairman of Colfax township for twelve years, Mr. Kogerson is one of the leading democrats of this county, and his advice is always sought as to the policy of the party in all matters of importance. He was postmaster at Sadorus, from 1»5T to IMtil, railroad agent there 1S5() to 18T1, town clerk, Sadorus township, 18(')0 to 18(54, justice of the peace, 18()2 to 1872, in Sadorus township, and from 1875 to 1877 in Colfax township; he was assessor of Colfax 187(> to 1881, aiul supervisor 1877 to 188.5. In 1882 the democratic c(mvention nominated him for sheriff of Champaign cour.ty, but was defeated by J. C. Ware, republican. Mi-. Kogerson nuide a splendid record as an able servant of the people, on the board of supervisors. He was the leading nuMuber of the judiciary comnuttee for eigiit years; was on swani)) lands committee for six years and was four years its chairman; stationery committee three years, chairman two years; fees and salaries two years, one year its chairman. In 1878-9 and 80, he wa.s sent by board to Springlieldto represent this county before state board of e(iuaIi7,ation, and endeavored to get Champaign county in a lower classification which he finally succeeded in doing, thus saving a large sum of money to the tax-payers on state tax. In 1881 the board sent him to Washington. D. C, to make a list of swamp lands of the county from the records in land office. It was due to his labors that the county procured several thousand dollars in cash indenmity from United States government and from erroneous tax sales of swamp lands belonging to the county and there will yet be a large sum received by the county from new selections of swamp lands made in 1882-H by him and Isaac Hitt, state agent. Mr. Kogerson has been faithful in every trust reposetl in him, both public and jirivate, and he richly deserves the high regard in which he is held by all who have the honor of his acquaintance.

The subject of this brief sketch is a product of the Keystoiu" state; he was born in Bedford county, and is the son of Peter antl Eliza Ka<h'baugh, natives of the same state. His father was a farnu'r by occujiation. Barclay was reared upon the farm and i-eceived a good education in the public schools of his native state. His parents moved to Fayette county, Pennsylvania in 18.5(), and remained until in March, 18()1, when they came west and settled in Urbana. After their arrival here Barclay engageil in the dry goods trade. It was not, however congenial business and lie abandonod It in ISG'2. He then accepted a position as clerk in the office of Capt. William Fithian, of Danville, who was provost marshal for the Tth congressional district. Prior to coming west he had determined to adopt the law as his profession, and with that idea in view commenced the study; his coming west and the war interrupted his studies and they were not resumed until isf54. He then entered the office of \V. 1). >Somers, then the "Mecca" of law students, and continued until his admission to the bar in l><i>h. He commenced the practice and continued it with gratifying success until August 4, 188.5, when he took charge of the post office, a position he was appointed to by President Cleveland. He was city attorney for five terms, and was vigilant and efficient as an officer. Politically he was a republican until 1876, when he advocated the claims of Samuel J. Tilden, and has since that time been an aident and active supporter of the democratic party. lu religious faith he is a member of the Baptist church. He was united in marriage March 32, 1868, to Miss Olive L. Gere, daughter of James S. Gere, an old settler and prominent citizen of Urbana in by-gone days. The result of that union are the following named children: Otis B., Grace E., Olive I., Clarence G.. Addle M., Fred M. and Earl A., the last named and youngest died last summer.

The democrat!^ party made a wise selection in Mr. Eadebaugh for postmaster. He is giving the office his personal attention and under his good management it reflects credit upon him and his party and at the same time the public is being treated to an efficiency in their postal affairs to which many conniumities are total strangers. Mr. Radebaugh has been faithful to the interests committed to him as a lawyer, in every instance giving his best energies to serve his clients as if their cause was his own; he has been equally faithful in the public trusts reposed in him, and should his party retain power, will doubtless earn, by strict official integrity and faithful performance of duty, still further honors at its hands.

None among the prominent citizens of Champaign county are better known than Judge Scott. He was born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, January '27, 1S()7, and was the second child of Patrick and Anna Campbell Scott. His father was a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, and his grandfather was from Scotland. His mother was from Ireland antl came to this country when a child with her parents. In 1778 his father, together with about twenty other families emigrated to Kentucky. They proceeded down theOhio in flat boats. They were prevented by the Indians from landing mitil they reached Louisville, Ky., which they did upon an island, and immediately set to work clearint;; and planting it in corn. Their provisions runnhig short, his graiulfather with three others, effected a landing and went ninety miles, to Boonesboro, for relief and supplies. Soon after, Mr. Scott located land about twenty miles from Boonesboro, in what is now Bourbon county, where he died in IsotJ. His son Patrick also ilied there in 18.54. The early life of Judge Scott was spent on the father's farm. September 18th, 1827, he niarried Julia A. lierriott. In 18:30 with one child, they started to Illinois.

Arriving at the Grand Chain in the Wabash, they were delayed and compelled to resume their journey overland, Mrs. Scott riding on horseback. The snow was knee deep. They traveled all day through a wilderness when Mr. Scott becoming exhausted mounted behind his wife, and fortunately reached shelter. They soon after bought a farm in

Yennilion county, wliere tliey resided six years, wlieii they reiiiov eil to a farm near Malioniet, where he resided until liis deatli, wiiich occurred November Ki, ISTT. Judt^e Scott was a Missionary Baptist in liis religion and an untlinciiiuK republican in bis politics. During the war he was a staunch union man and gave two sons to the service of his country: one of whom was killetl at Kenesaw Mountain, and the other has thirteen scars, from as many bullet wounds, as an evidence ot bis patriotism. Through all trials and adversity Mr. Scott bravely contended, and. witii his own hands, assisted by his excellent wife, carved out a comfortable competency at the same time making and maintaining for himself a name for strict honor and integrity which after all is the best heritage to leave to posterity.

.\bm;i: \V. SoMKits Was born MaiiMi -10. is-n, in Surrey county. North Carolina. His parents were of English descent. The Soiners family had long owned a plantation bordering on the Yadkin river, it was a beautiful and healthy place. On one side of the farm in a bend of the river are "the seven islands," where young Abner passeil many happy hours. At this favorite place tlie boys fished by the blazing light of the pine torch, and often swam the river over yards wide, lie worked on tlie farm and went to school at Rockford. Being fond of study and books he ai'ipiired a good connnon school education and much general knowledge. At 20, he began the study of nu'dicine which he continued a year, or more, before coming to Illinois. Then he gave up the idea of becoming a physi('ian, and turned his attention to teaching and farming.

He came to this county with his father's family in the fall of 1>41. They settled north of the Big Grove on what is now section 22, Somer township. Here his father bought land, and soon after. Mr. Somers began teaching. He taught about thi-ee years according to the most approved methods of that ilay and was considered an excellent teacher.

In 184S he rode to Danville on horseback and entered the land where he is now living at S1.25 per acre, receiving his patent from the president, James K. Polk.

September 1.5, ls.5o. he married Miss Marv Ann Kerr. Nine children were born to them : John M., William R., Edward H.. Annie C. James B., Abner W., Mattie J.. Samuel, Roscoe and Frank : all of whom are living at home, but the oldest son and daughter. John died Marcii 4, 1882. Annie died June 9, iss(i.

In i)oliiics, he was a whig, casting his first vote for Henry Clay. The greenback party claimed him as a member, but he is now a republican. He is a man of calm thought and considerate judgment. He held the office of justice of the peace for four years and is the present school treasurer of Somer township.

Mr. Somers had a good opportunity of seeing Champaign county in its wild state of beauty and grandeur. He was one of the early settlers that went to Danville to mill and to Chicago for groceries and salt. He often accompanied his brother, John L. Somers, who surveyed large portions of the county: was wit) 1 hiui asllagmaninthe selection of swamp lands; also when the lots, where now stands the city of Champaign, and the town of Ludlow were surx'eyed and many other places. On one occasion at the Mink Grove, when far away from the camp, he was startled by a noise: he saw his dog running towards him closely pursuetl by sixteen fierce looking wild iiogs. Xo one knew better than Mr. Somers when to run, and then, but few were swifter of foot than he. Like a deer he bounded over the prairie, reached the timber and mounted a tree which saved his life.

He experienced the hardship and disadvantages of the early days, yet the abundance of game and the beauty of the country were to him, "a joy forever.'' Prairie chickens, wild geese, duck, etc., were seen by the

The splendid timber in tiie Big groN'e was unt'ulled by the pioneer's ax, tlif prairie sod unbroken by tiie old settler's i>lo\v. and innumerable wild flowers shed their perfume on the ail-, tilling the heart with gratitude to Him, who clothes the earth in beauty. Often he thought of the lines: "Full mimy a Hower is born to blush unseen, And waste its sweetness on the desert air."

Mr. Somers has lived to see this changed to cultivated rtelds. beautiful houses, flourishing towns, scoools, churches and all the comforts and luxuries which the people of this grand county now enjoy.

John W. l)odge,a native of Steuben,Oneida county, Xew York, was born Nov. "il, 1808. His grandfather fell in tiui battle of Bunker Hill. His father was born in Xew Hampshire July?, 1776: His mother. Hannah Weeks was from Connecticut, and several of her brothers were nroininent in the early settlement of Ohio. Joseph H. Weeks, going to Granville, with a colony from Mass., and Wm. 11. Weeks, ]). D., settling in Xewark N. J., where he labored successfully for many years.

JNIr. Doilge was married Aug. 21, 18;J4, to Susan Bissell, a laily who provetl to be a model of industry and economy, and the beauty of her moral and religious character is indelibly impressed, u(^on the minds of those who knew her best. Four years ago she passed to that bourne from whence none ever retui'n, after years of patient suffering.

Six children came to bless their wedded life, three of whom are still living. A son, O. B. Dodge, lives in "Dixon, 111., and is connected in business w'th the Grand Detour I'low company, and two married daughters, Mrs. J. :>[. Beaid and Mrs. A. P. Xeal, live in Kantoul.

(roing west in the early days of pioneer life in Ohio, Mr. Dodge began openiug up small farms from the dense timber lands of that state; and, with his own hands chopped, cleared and fenced two hundred acres of land, during the years from 1S2S to 1840. To those who think farming in Illinois on tiiese open prairies, is haid work, we would like to say, what if you had hrst to r"niove heavy timber froni the land by the slow process of chopping it by hand, you might then talk of hard work.

When forty years of age, Mr. Dodge entered into general merchandising, and continued ni that business until is.^."), when failing health demanded a change; and he came to Illinois in company witli a number of others, called the "Ohio colony." They pre-empted several sections of land in Pera (now called Ludlow township,) Champaign county, and built eighteen pre-emption shanties, and at the land sale in Danville, the following winter, paid the govennnent for about :^,000''acres of land at an average expense of 83.00 per acie, including incidental expenses of pre-empting.

A year later he connnenced making improvements, (sleeping at first in a pre-emption shanty without floor, tloor, or window,) and afterwards moved together three others, and occupied them with his family and other new comers (numbering together from 1.5 to '10 during a whole summer) while a house was being built. If there was not room to "turn round'' in the house, plenty c(mhl be found outside.

Wild game of different kinds was plenty. Prairie chickens, ducks, geese and sand hill cranes, the latter would gather together in an open space and perform a dance, keeping perfect time with their leader. Prairie iwolvesj were everywhere, and the hrst year deer were seen in herds, passing from Buck grove to the Sangamon timber in a regular line, once sixty were counted in a single line, and often 15 or 20 were seen.

Mr.^Dodge tried farming till 1861, with a lack of success which was rather discouraging. He then went into the drug business in Rantoul and continued in it, till the land business held out to liini more flattering inducements. About this time the Illinois Central nulro:\(l offered their lands for sale, anil witliin four or live years, fifty thousand (50,000) acres of land changed hands through his agency, all in the vicinity of Kantoid. Health again gave away, and since that time he has lived quietly in his home at Rantoul. now nearly seventy eight years of tee. His silver hairs speak plainly of the busy life he has lead.