Champaign County, Illinois - The whole text, 1891 (part 3 of 7)

JoHX George Ely, Among our respected German American citizens is Mr. Ely, the well known carriage maker, of Champaign. He was born in Kempton, Bavaria, June 13th, 182.5, He is the son of Enist and Magdalena (Pfifer) Ely. Young Ely received a good education then excellent schools of his native country. At the age of fourteen he was apprenticed to the trade of carriage making and served his time, after which he worked as a "jour." He came to ,\merica while yet a young man. He stopped some time in New York City, and while there manied Miss Eliza Kehner. The date of tlie marriage was October 1st, 1.H.54. She died November fltii, isfJS. In the spring of 1S57, Mr. Ely concluded to try his fortune in the west. He came to Urbana, landing here April 10th, of the year above named. He found work in the shop of lioyden &, Oslield, which some of the older citizens will recollect. It ^;tood on the ground now owned by J. L. Charni, West Main street. He remained with the above named firm for three years. He then started a shop of his own. doing all kinds of general blacksmithing work, wagon making, etc. He continued in Urbana until 1803, when he moved to Chamjiaign and opened a shop. and continued with varying success, up to 1880, when he built the large three story brick building to acconnnodate his extensive and growing business. His business has grown from a small beginning until it is now one of the most extensive establishments of its kind in Central Illinois. He manufactures carriages of all kinds, buggies and spnng wagons, and does a general repair business.

When Mr. Ely first began work for himself, he had to make everything. Mat E. Busey came into his shop one day and wanted him to make a buggy body for a pair of running gears. Mr. Ely drew the outline with chalk on the fioor. Mr. Busey expressed himself as satisfied if the body would look that way when made. Mr. Ely finished it from the plan on the floor. That buggy body was the first one ever made in the county of Champaign. When Mr. E. first went to Champaign it was then called West Urbana. Tliere were but sixty houses in the town. The Illinois Central company were then erecting their round house. The outlook for the struggling village was not very bright, but Mr. E. had unbounded confidence in its future. Times has demonstrated that his judgement was not at fault. Thecity in a great measure owes its growth and prosperity to that class of enterprising and energetic men to which Mr. E. belongs. They are the men who give life and vitality to a town.

Mr. Ely's present wife was Dora Demlo. Their marriage took place April 0, 1864. He is the father of twelve children. The eldest is twenty eight and the youngest five years of age. George, Samuel. John and Louis, are working in the carriage shop. Both Mr. and Mrs. Ely are members of the Beformed Lutherrtn church. Politically, Mr. Ely is a pronounced democrat. Thus in short is a brief outline of the life of Mr. Ely. He came here poor in purse, but rich in the possession of youth, health and industrious habits. Through these he has built up a large business, and made himself an honorable name among men.

Among the hills of Delaware county, New York, John Ashnion Benedict was born, December '2. ls-20. He was the son of Martin Green Benedict, whose fatlier came from Connecticut into the then far west,and settled near ^rereditli, in that county. Many are the tlirillini^ stories of iu^ir breadth escapes from horrible massacre by Indians w'hich are related of him. At one time the Indians raided the country. He pretended to be their friend and durins: their raids in the day time buried his valuables. Early one morning shortly after the departure of the Indians, upon their raid of daily massacre he too departed, and sought in safety his boyhood home in Connecticut. Returning ire found his home burned to the ground.

summer of 18.56 and at tiiis time tiie agreement was made to settle in the same locality. In October lie started. He first went to Cauibiidge, Wis., the home of Mr. Post. Fnjm iiere he and Mr. Post started for Champaign, 111., but meeting N. L. Seaver on the train they were advisetl to locate at Rantoul, which after visiting tliat place they concluded to do, and retiu'ned to Cambridge, for tlieir families and goods. John Ashmon stopped in Chicago upon his return to his future honre, and bought lumber for the first lumber yard in Rantoul. He arrived with his wife Nov. 1st, 18.56. Under the lirm name of Post & Benedict, they carried on a lumber business during 1857 and 18.5S, wlien Johu Ashmon bought out Post's interest, and carried it ou until fall of 1^.51), wlien he sold out to Abram Cross. During the winter of 57-.5S, lie taught the lirst public school in a frame building, corner of Crirard and Grove avenues. This was district No. 1, which had just been organized. In the tall of '59, this district built a more commodious school house. John Ashmon was a member of the board of school directors, who were the first elected and held office at the time of its erection.

About January 1st, 1859, he formed a partnership with Henry Wright, in the general merchaudise business - tirm name, Benedict »& Wright. Sold out his interest in spring of '60. Then went into the lumber and grain business with Peter Meyers. In the spring of '61, sold his interest to Meyers. Farmed during this and the coming year, and in May 1863, bought out M. Huffman, a general merchandise dealer of Ludlow. This business he carried on until the spring of '65. He sold out and iu the fall of "65, bought death. Oct. 12th, 1881. His family consists of a wife and two sons ; John Lee, and Charles Post, who survive him, a little daughter, Ada Jane, having died Sept. 13th, 1863.

In his husiness transactions, he was successful. His estate including a lire proof business block, .50x80 feet, two stories high, a pleasant residence, corner of Sangamon avenue, and Girard street, town and farm property and such personal property as was necessary to run his extensive merchandising business. All his property was free from incumbrance. In politics he was a republican. He was a member of the town Board of Trustees for several years, once its president. For several j'ears also he was a member of the county board of supervisors and during his last term was chairman of that body. Was a member of the congresout 0. B. Dodge, dealer, of Rantoul. business until his sioiial convention of ISso, wliicli met at Mattoon, III. He was one of tlie original incorporators, and one of the tirst directors of the H., K. ct E. R. R. Incorporated January itth, 1ST3. Although not a member of any churcli, his wife being a Meteodist, he took an active interest in tiie church of her choice.

Prominent among tlie many good traits of character of 'John A. Benedict, was ins large hearted charity for the poor or unfortunate. He delighted to soften the couch of the afflicted and brighten the home of the sufferer, not by words of cheer and consolation alone, but by substantial lielp in the hour of need. Many are the individuals and families, that owe nuich of their prosperity to the helping hand (jf John A. Benedict, andclierish. to-day, his memory with the sincerest gratitude and veneration.

Ai.oNZ() Lyons. Thirty-two years ago, Alonzo Lyijus came to Urbana. He brought with him his mother and yoiuigest sister. He continued his residence in the county until his death, wiiicli occurred Augu.st '^oth, 1878. He was born in Coleraiue, Franklin county, Mass., October is, lH->:i. His father, James, and motiier, Sophia (McCuUoch) Lyons, were natives of the same state. Mrs. Lyons came to this county ill is,")4, from Clinton, Indiana, where sh(^ had lived after leaving Massachusetts. The marriage of Mr. Lyons with Miss Julia E. Bassett., of Castleton, Vermont, took place in Urbana, January, 17th, is.5.5. Mrs. Lyons survives her husband and is still a resident of Tolono. The oldest child.

Mrs. A. L. Carney, resides at Portsmouth, Ohio: the other children, two .sons and two daughters, live with their mother. Mr. Lyons came west in ls^7, with liis uncle, James McCulloch, to Clinton, Indiana, and clerked in his uncle's store, for several years. Afterwards for a number of years he and his brother were partners in the mercantile business, at Clinton. In 18.50 they opened a branch store atCamargo, in Douglas county, Illinois. In 18.5.3, the partnership was dissolved, Alonzo taking the latter store. In February of the next year he opened a store in Urbana with Dr. Ilollin Whitcomb in charge of same. In 18.58, Mr. Lyons and family removed to Tolono where he resided and continued in the mercantile business until the date of his death, above mentioned. The business of Mr. Lyons necessitated long trips over the country. He was not deterred by stormy weather, if business called him. Many times he was compelled to drive across the open country; the trips were long, and frequently night came on when he was a long distance from home, or from any house. He had many exciting experiences in driving over the lonely prairies with but few land marks to guide him in his course. Once during a blinding snow storm, in the wide open prairie, he lost his way, and after struggling along attempting to strike the trail he almost gave up and feared he could never get home, but trusting to the instinct of his faithful though jaded hor-ses, they pulled him through and l)rought him safely home, though many hours late, and very much exhausted and suffering from the severity of the storm. ]Mr. Lyons was always interested in any movement that had for its object the public good or welfare of the community in which he lived, and gave liberally of Ids means to aid such enterprises. In his religious belief he wasa Universalist. Politically he was an ardent and staunch republican, thoroughly imbued with the belief that the application of its principles to governmental affairs would insure great good and the perpetuity of our republican form of government. He took an active interest in politics and was recognizsd as one of the leaders of his pai-ty in the county. He was a man of more than ordinary intellectual ability. He read much and digested well what he did read. He was a pleasant and agreeable couiiiaiiiou. In his death his family lost a kind hearted, good husband ami father, and the community a valuable and worthy citizen.

JrixiK J. I'. Texbkook Was born in Union county, Pennsylvania, November 2(1, 1809. His parents, Abraham and Catlierine, (Piatt) Tenbrook, emigrated to Indiana in Ibis anil settled in Franklin county, where the father died in 1832. He left a large family and their only support was their niotlirr and John P., who was tlien a lad of thirteen years. But he struggled along manfully and succeeded in keeping the wolf from the door until the family was self-sustaining. In 1837, finding himself in possessicm of three good teams, Mr. Tenbrook resolved to try the country further west. He located in Monticello, in Piatt county. At that time the country between Urbana and Monticello was an unbroken prairie and the smoke of the camp-tire of the "Indians still ascended from the Big Grove. Mr. T. engaged in the hotel business in Monticello, and continued in it for twelve years. He came to Champaign county in 18.50 and located at Sadorus, where he has made his home ever since, with the exception of a few years that lie spent in Urbana. His house was the tirst erected in the village of Sadorus. In 1837 he married Miss Eldula, daughter of Ilem-y Sadorus, the pioneer of Champaign county. She died in 18.52. She was the mother of four children, three of whom are living. Their names are: Heruy, Eliza, wife of Mr. Timmons, residents of Monticello, and Malissa, wife of Mr. Lochrie, residents of Iowa. Politically, Judge Tenbrook has been a life long democrat. His tirst vote was cast for Gren. Jackson, in 1828, and from that time to the present he has not faltered in his allegiance to the party of his tirst choice. He has tilled many honorable positions in the county. He was county judge for a number of years, when the county was under the old organization, and has repiesented two different towns, at different times in the board of supervisors. He has been a justice of the peace for many years. He is an honored member of the Masonic fraternity and was the tirst Worshipful Master of Urbana Lodge No. 157, while under dispensation and the lirst after its organization. Judge Tenbrook has many friends in the county, whom he has won^by his genial, good natured disposition. In religious belief he is a CumberhuKl Presbyterian.

Was born at March, in Cambridgeshire, England, September 23, 1830. He left home at the tender age of eleven years, and has made his own way in the world from that day to the present. He left London in September, 1850, bound for the United States and took passage on the Ocean Queen. He thus cut loo.se from the scenes of his childhood and youth and boldly struck out to the new world to wrestle with the difficulties and obstacles of life. He ari-ived in Chicago in December, 1850, and remained in that rapidly growing city until April 1857, when he located at Tolono, in this county. He was married July 7, 18.57, at Chicago, to Miss Mary M. Ladey. This excellent lady died July 16, 1883, at the home of Mr. Ptcdhed's mother, at March, England, whither Mr. Pedhed and she had gone on a visit to the scenes of his boyhood days.

September iiBrd, 1884, lie was agaiu married. His secoiKl wife was Miss Alice E. Seed, of Central Lake, Michit^an. She is a highly educated and refined lady, and is still living.

In September 1857, he opened tlie first grocery store in Tolono, with live hundred dollars of borrowed capital. Mr. A. Lyons whose biography appears in this issue, started about the same time in Tolono, with dry goods, notions and groceries. From this small beginning Mr. Kedhed has accumulated a comfortable competency. For twenty nine years he has been engaged at Tolono in the mercantile business with continuous success. He has been so careful in his business and so correct in his contracts that he has never been sued, although transacting an extensive business for many years. He has never had a case of his own in a court of I'ecord and has only sued one or two persons in his life. Honesty and integrity have characterized his every day life and he is emphatically a self made man, who has by his own unaided efforts succeeded admirably in a business, the pathway of which is strewn with many failures.

J'knkose Stibiiam. Near the banks of the historic Delaware, in the city of Wilmington Del., October 24th, 1807, Tenrose Stidham lirst looked upon the world. His parent were Joseph and Anna (Gregg) Stidham. His early life was spent at the place of his birth. January 9th, 1836, the love that had existed between himself and Miss Mary Sergeant, a native also of Delaware, happily culminated in marriage.

She was born February 4th, 1810, anil is still living ; and is, to-day, at the age of seventy years, as active and strong as those who have not lived half so long, nor borne any of the burdens of pioneer life. The surviving ciiildren of Jliis marriage are: Joseph P., who married Sarah Elder, and resides in Lebanon, Mo. ; John T., who married Ennna White (now deceased), and later. Jennie Nichols, and now resides at Mahomet, 111. ; and Melissa A., who married Thomas iJ. Carson, now a revenue agent in the internal revenue service, residing at Urbana. Three of their sons are dead. Penrose Stidham was confirmed as a member of the Episcopal church in his youth and he lived a consistent and faithful believer in the tenets of that church. In the spring of 1836, soon after his marriage, he, with his young wife, emigrated to what was then the border lands of the great west - to La Fayette, Indiana. Here he engaged in farming for a portion of the time. It was while residing there that he built a steam saw mill on the banks of the Wabash and followed that business for a number of years. Here he also served his neighbors as justice of the peace, ably and well. In 1848, having a firm belief in the rich resources of the vast and growing west, he was led to follow in the wake of advancing civilization still farther toward the setting sun. He accordingly gathered his household goods and personal property together and came to Urbana. He broke and opened up the farm just south of town, now owned by E. A. Shaw, where the doors of his hospitable home were ever open to his hosts of friends, until the day of his d^ath, which occurred September 30, 1862. At the time he built, his was the only house between Urbana and Sidney. His little home was once seriously endangered by a prairie fire that swept across the untamed prairie. Mr. Stidham and some of the family were sick, hence Joe and John held the horses and drove, Mrs. Stidham held the plow while they plowed furrows around the premises and sent to town for help; a wagon load came to the rescue and a successful fight was made against the dreaded enemy, after which Mrs. S. prepared a supper for the entire party which was of the kind for which she has always been noted, for she never took second place as a first class cook. Mr. Stidham was a Jeffersonian democrat and through all his life he was firm and unwavering in his political faith. He was sheriff of Champaign county for the years 1853 and 18.54, and again for the years 1857 and 1858, being elected on the democratic ticket. He also served as chief deputy for two years. As sheriff and ex-officio collector, he visited each precinct in the county to receive the taxes, giving two days to each precinct. He handled, in this way, tliousands of dollars, but never was robbed nor lost a cent. He was urged by S. H. Busey and Asa Gere to run again but on account ot tailing health he declined. Penrose was a modest man but he was very popular among the people. His word was relied upon as absolutely good and he had the entire confidence of the members of both political parties. He has kept a character tiiat was untarnished and a memory that will be cherished long by those who knew him.

Winston Someks, M. D. Doctor Somers, the pioneer physician of Urbana, was born in the year 1800, near Eockford, Surry county, North Carolina. He received a fair education in the connnon schools at the place of his birth, and taught school in Nortli Carolina, where iliss Mary Graves Haynes went to school to liim. She afterward, in 1829, married him. She was born in Stokes county, in February, 1811. Their children were all born in North Carolina. William H., the eldest, is now a resident of San Diego, California, (his portrait and biography appears elsewhere) ; James W., is a member of the Board of Review of the Pension office, at Washington, (see his portrait and biography in another column) ; Jolm is a druggist at Ida Grove, Iowa; Joseph W. is traveling for an agricultural implement house, but resides in Urbana. Doctor Somers came alone on horseback from North Carolina, here, in 1843. On his way, in the mountains of North Carolina, he stopped at a humble log house over night. Toward nu>rniug the Doctor thought he heard signiticant movements of the family and he got up, took his horse and went on his way. He feared they were going to rob him. The next day lie stopped at a little town and waited for a gunsmith to make him two revolvers. He had previously been unarmed. These curious old prinutive pistols were in the family for many years. Doctor Somers, after inspecting this wild prairie country made up his mind that this was where he would make a permanent home for himself and family. He returned to North Carolina and brought his family. He loaded his limited worldly effects into wagons ami with three horses he brought them and his family, consisting of his wife and four boys, to this wild and uncultivated prairie. His oldest son, William H.. was then thirteen years old and his youngest, Joseph, was five. When he arrived here, his capital, so far as money was concerned, had been reduced to the limited sum of seventy-tive cents, but he had a brave heart, indomitable energy and good business capacity. He, of course, soon bought land and utilized his boys (a part of his capital) in fanning, while he practiced his profession in a circuit of fifty miles in diameter, Urbana being the center. He had to visit patients on the Middle Fork, and at Rantoul, Sadorus, Homer, and many times would be gone from home for days at a time visiting the sick, riding in a gijr or sleigh, carrying his saddlebags with a small stoclc of medicines, there being no drug store nearer than Danville.

The denizen of to-day, who looks upon a local and near by population of 10,000, who traverses paved streets, lighteil by gas and electricity, who sees and mingles with people of the highest culture and looks upon the massive and imposing building of the State University, here located, will find it difficult to correctly imagine the Urbana of 1843, when the Somers family pitched its tent, strangers in a strange land. Instead of the evidences of our advanced civilization visible on every hand, as now, they only looked out upon a hamlet of a dozen small houses and cabins, built in a thicket of hazel brush and on the border of a boundless and uninhabited prairie. Instead of a teeming population, busy in the shops, offices, and on the farms, they encountered the few pioneers here at that day, supplemented by wolves and other "varmints" of the wilderness, who made successful warfare upon the chicken roosts and pig-sties ot the settlers. Instead of the advanced common schools uow existing and rtouiisliing all over the county, crowned by a great University. located but a mile from their home, this family saw only here and there a log school house, and the pay schools kept by ambulatory school masters of the Sam Crane variety. Such was the home to which Dr. Somers brought his family. After several years of arduous labor he went to Kush Medical college and graduated with high honors in 1S.53. He then practiced a year in the hospital in Chicago, after which he resumed his life work in Urbana. He was the tirst clerk of the circuit court of Surry county. North Carolina, the former incumbents having held the office under title derived from the king of Great Britain. He was a member of the Board of Enrollment for this district, at Danville, during the war. Before resigning he made a voluminous report of the operations of the board, to the Provost Marslial General. U. S. A., which was published in an official volume, by Dr. J. H. Baxter, Chicago. Medical Purveyor, who wrote Dr. Somers a highly complimentary letter thanking him for his contribution to medical science. He never read a novel in his life and opposed novel reading always. At the age of tifty he began and mastered the Greek and Hebrew languages so he could read the Bible in the original text. He was in the banking business, for a short time, with his son William. He died in 1871, leaving for his widow ample provision for her comfort the remainder of her days. She resides at the old home, now in her T6th year and in excellent health. He was very decided in his opinions, liberal in his religious views, but very earnest in the support of his favorite doctrines. He was a member and one of the founders of the Universalist church, in Urbana, and always contributed liberally to advance the cause he had so much at heart. He was anti-slavery in his views, even before he left the south, and was one of the earliest and most uncomi)romising republicans. He lived an earnest, energetic life and was of the stutf of which hardy pioneers are made. He was emphatically the architect of his own fortune. He achieved a high rank in his profession and left a record for earnest endeavor and manly enterprise that should be an example to the yf)ung men of our day.

Fourth cliild of William Hays and Margaret Fleming, was born near Greenville. Darke county, Ohio, October -24, ISi"), twenty nine years after Wayne's treaty with the Indians near his birth-place. His grandfather was William Hays, who settled in this county, at Gobiu's Grove, about 1838, and died on what is known among old settlers as the Isaac Albright farm, near the Somers" school house in January, 1852, His father was a fanner till elected sheritf of Darke County, and after his term of office, returned to his farm, where he resided till hisdeath, April G. 1848.

The subject of this sketch, passed his boyhood and early youth on his father's farm. At the age of sixteen he was apprenticed to Jeremiah Reis for four years to learn the blacksmith trade. For these years of faithful service, he received board, clothes, six month's schooling and a tifty dollar suit of clothes. He considered himself as well rewarded. The kindest of feelings always existed between him and his old master. Having learned his trade he was innnediately employed by Mr. Ueis, and after a few months went to Indiana on a visit, and, being pleased with the country, went to work in a machine sho)) in Attica. About tins time he became acquainted with Catherine Tracy, whom he married, May 23, 1847. Meanwhile his old master solicited his return and otfered him a partnership.

In August of 1848, he moved to Pleasant Hill, Indiana, where he followed his trade till December 1S50, when he moved to Peoria county, Illinois, where he resided till December, 1851, when he moved to this county, aud settled on Benjamin Browntield's taiiu about four miles northeast of Urbana. In March, l«x Mr. Hays became a citizen of Urbana, settling near Kerr's tavern, and has since done his sliare towards tlie improvement and advancement of our city.

Mr. and Mrs. Hays have two children; James VV.. who has been inincipal of the public schools of Urbana. since 1871. excepting one year, and Mrs. H. O. Alexander, of Sturgis, Dakota.

Mr. Hays joined the M. E. church at the age of eighteen years, and lias thus been identilied with the interests of his church for more than forty years. When entitled to participate in political affairs, he cast his influence and votes in favor of the whig party and has never regretted voting for the pathlindcr. (icn. Fremont. He is as strong in the republican faith and creed to-day as he was thirty years ago. but has never been an office liolder or seeker.

Mr. Hays has been all his life. ;i hard worker, and by good habits, industry and correct conduct, has given his children a thorough eilucation and provided an elegant and comfortable home in this city, in which we trust he may continue to enjoy life for manv vears more.

His father, John Sale, was a native of Virginia, and in early life moved to Ohio, and was one of the pioneer ministers of the Methodist church, of Ohio. He was a presiding elder at the time of his death, and was a minister for over thirty years.

F. B. Sale was the youngest of the family, of nine children. He was educated in the common schools while spending his boyhood and youth upon the home farm, where he remained, assisting to carry on the business until he was thirty one years old.

October 11th. 1^44. he was married to Miss ;Maiia Cramer. Eight children were born to them, viz : Willis George, now a resident of Indianapolis: Edwin C, who is a grain merchant at Dewey, in this county; Charles E.. a resident of Nebraska; John A., who is now the secretary of the Illinois Resers'e Fund Association, at Rantoul Illinois: S. B., who is engaged in mercantile i)ursuits at Fisher, 111. ; Frank O., a dentist at Huron, Dakota; James P.. and Fannie.

In the fall of 18.5:^, Mr. Sale removed with his family to Urbana. where he was engaged in merchandising and trading xnitil 18.5fi, when he settled on a farm in Condit township. He taught tlie ttrst school in the new building in district No. 1. and was the first teacher in the township, who received a salary as high as forty dollars per month. This was in 18.5fi-7. He was deputy assessor under C. H. Sherfy and Wm. Munhall, In the years 18.5()-7. In 18.5s>. he was elected Justice of the Peace, and has acted in that capacity most of the time since.

In 1862, he enlisted in the 12.5th. Eeg., 111., Vol.. Infantry, under command of Col. Harmon. He was mustered in at Danville, 111., September :^rd. 1802. with a determination to follow the fortimes of his conuades to the close of the war. He was a brave and resolute soldier and was elected captain of his company, which he commanded with ability and was a great favorite among his comrades. The long marches the hardships and privations of a soldier's life soon began to undermine his constitution, and he was compelled regretfully to resign and retire to the paths of peace; but his heart was still with the boys, who remained to defend their country. He did not fail to serve his countiy loyally at home with the same fidelity that had characterized his army life.

He was ordained deacon in the M. E. church at Bloomington, in 1866, by Bishop Ames ; in the same year he was appointed agent of the American Bible Society. His district was composed of the counties of

He has always been a republican since the party was organized, and is a radical temperance man. His voice lias always been raised in solemn warning against the evil of liquor drinking and selling.

His inliuence lias always been for purity in politics and honesty in all things. In short. Mr. Sale is a high minded Christian gentleman, wliidi i^ rdi that need be said of nnv man.

.The drug and book store of William Sim is one of t!ie oldest business houses in the county. William Sim was born in Baltimore county, ^Maryland, November 2, 1825. He is tlie sou of Josepli W. and Kiturah(Mercer)Sim. He was reared inhisuative state and from there removed to Ohio, where he remained until he came west to Illinois and to I'rbana in is.54. He lirst engaged in teaching school in a building that was situated close to the old court house back of the M. E. church. He also was a teacher in the pulilic schools ^ieveral years before engaging in mercantile business. His first business venture was in the tli'ug and book trade in connei-tiou with Drs. C. A. Hunt and M. Liudicy. This was in the fall of 18.58. The partnership continued until 1801, when it was dissolved. Mr. Sim then formed a co-partnership with John T. Farson and they purchased the stock of drugs of Bu.sey & Miller, and continued in business for three years, when Mr. Sim purchased Parson's interests and has continued the business alone ever since. The drug business from 1862 to 1866 was very protitable, so much so that it enabled Mr. Sim to jjay off about 86.000 indebtedness incurred by tiie old firm. Mr_ Sim is now the proprietor of as large and extensive a stock of drugs, books, paints, oils, notions and lUuggists sundries as can be found in the county. He is the owner of the business block occupied by him, also has a fine residence. He has reared and educated his childi^eu and started them in business. His boys, who have gone out from the oUfhome, are all doing well and are on the high road to wealth and usefulness.

Mr. Sim married Miss Lucinda Liudley, who was born in 1828. The ceremony occurred at Fredericktown, Ohio, Aug. 9, 185.3. The following are the names of the children : Anna, who is yet beneath the parental roof. Coler L. married Miss Nellie, daughter of Col. Huiitoon. of Topeka. Kan.. They reside at AVichita, Kan., where he is engaged in the banking business. He has also an interest in a drug house at Topeka. Edward L. married Miss Belle Young and is in business in St. Louis, Mo. Walter T. married Miss Emma Coogan, and is in the employ of Messrs. Richardson & Co., wholesale druggist. St. Louis, Mo. Benjamin F. married Miss Nellie, the daughter of Dr. J. E. Morrison, of Urbana. He is with his father in the drug business. William E. is a student and at home. Mr. Sim and family are members of the M. E. church. He united with that christian organization in 1849 at Fredericktown, Ohio. He was a member of the official board there and has occupied the same position in the church here since 18.>j. Politically he was originally a whig, but joined the republican party on its formation and has been a consistent member up to the present. Mr. Sim was school treasurer for Urbana township for twenty-eight years. During that time he was the custodian of many thousands of dollars, all of which was accounted for in the most exact and busniess-like manner. Mr. Sim, as will be seen by the foregoing, is an old settler and old business man among us. Here among his neighbors, who know him best, where he has lived all these years since 18,'34, all unite in according to him the reputation of an honest, upright, christian gentleman and liberal-minded citizen.

Hon. 8. II. HisEY. i Among the many (dd settlers and prominent men of Cli;iini)aUu county, who have taken an active part and have contributed mucli to tlie growtli and prosperity of this section is the subject ot this slvctch. He is tiie eldest sou of Col. M. W. Busey, a slietch of whom will be found in another coknnn of this paper. He was born in Greencastle, Wasliington county, Indiana, October 24th, 18'il. He tliere grew to mans estate. His opportunities for receiving an education were meager, and at best were contined to the pay scliool system in vogue in the pioneer days of tlie west. He, liowever, at an early age, aciiuired habits of close observation and this, united with extensive reading in later years and aided by a naturally strong and vigorous mind, has matle him an unusually well informed man on past and current topics of the day. In 1^30, when but twelve years of age, he came, with his parents, to this county. He remained at home at work for his father until his marriage inl8-iS, when he commenced farming on his own account. This occupation has taken up the greater part of his life, varying it at intervals to embark in other business, but in the end always retiu-ning to his lirst love and lirst vocation. In it he has been more than ordinarily successful, as his large landed estates would indicate. When the First National Bank of Champaign was originated he was one of its charter members. He sold out and in company with his ])rotlier. Col. S. T. Busey, organized the banking lirm of Busey Bros. He was the senior partner for a number of years. He was also engaged in the drug and grocery business for a short time. But. as intimated before, these were side issues to a great extent while tanning and stock raising were his pursuits.

When Mr. Busey came to this county it was new and the customs were somewhat different from the present. Then neighborhoods were few and far between. The people were eminently of a social turn of mind; news was scarce, and living so far apart the gossip of the neighborhood was not so common as now. The young and old men were actjuainted for twenty miles around. Mr. Busey says it was the custom, and almost a duty to attend the dances and weddings that occurred in the county. He, being of a social turn and not particularly averse to mild frolicking, frequently went twenty miles to join in and contribute to the hilarity of the occasion. The dances were usually given ou a rough floor of split timbers. There was no time and often no tools, to smooth down the rough places. These hastily improvised dancing platforms were a little rough on the dancers as they generally danced in their stocking or bare feet, and in the morning one, two or more of the most vigorous were minus a toe nail or two. But then, they had lots of fun and the small loss of a toe nail or two did not cut nuich of a figure. Mr. Busey contracted marriage with Miss Artemesia Jones, in 1848. She was then a resident of Greencastle, Indiana. She is living and is the mother of eight living children, whose names are: John W., who is an extensive farmer of Comi)romise township ; Augusta, wife of Mr. Morgan of :\Iinneapolis, Minn. ; Elizabeth F., wife of Ozias Riley, Champaign : Mathew W., of the firm of S. T. ifc 31. W. Busey, bankers, Urbana; James B., farmer of Fisher 111.; Geo. W., bookkeeper; Alice, wife of G. Freeman; and William H., still at home. Mrs. Busey is a member of the Baptist church. Politically, Mr. Busey is most soundly indoctrinated in the principles and political tenets of the democratic party. He has followed its fortunes through all its vicissitudes and victories from 1844, at which time he cast his first ballot for James K. Folk, up to the present time. While he has not been a politician in the strict sense of the word, yet he has exercised large influence in the councils of the party, and it was always in the direction of sound policy, and the betterment and futiu-e success of the organization. In local affairs he has been quite active, and has been a member, at different times, of the city council, school board, and board of supervisors. In 1877, he represented the district in the -Mh general assembly of the state. His course while a member of that body was maiked by a desire to legislate in the interest ol the masses and not for the few, and as such received the liearty commendation of iiis constituents. His prominence in |»()litical circles, and well known inteijrity of character, lias pointed him out as a suitable candidate to represent this district, in congress. He is now beinsr warmly urged by the leading members of his party in the district to allow the announcement of his name and become the standard bearer of his party in the coming campaign. We tiiink that in his selection the party would, for once, at least, exhibit ti-aces of returning reason.

Was l)orn in Rockingham county. Virginia, May I4tli, 1^01). His father, Abraham, was born in Ireland, his mother who was Sarah Burgess was born in (Tcrmany. They emigrated eacli to Virginia, but tiie year is not known. The father served three years in the revolutionary war and was also a soldier in the war of 1812, an aid of Col. Denny, although sixty-five years old at that time and tile father of fourteen children, Joseph T. being the youngest of the four boys of the family. The eldest brother of Joseph T. also made up a company and went into the war of 1812 under Gen. McAvthur. When Hull surrendered. Captain Kellcy was so incensed that he thrust his sword between the spokes of a wagon wlieel and broke it. Wlien that war was over, the father, Abraham Kelley, started for home and died when only twenty-four miles from home, he was wrapped in a blanket and

Hlinois, arriving at Danville. March 28. They settled at the salt works, six miles west of Danville. His wife's father had preceded them in 1821. and had been engaged in making salt with the Indians; he afterwards leased the salt works from the state, and drove a profitable business imtil Chicago sprang up and began to ship in cheaper salt. The prairie schooners, loaded with wheat, drawn with six yoke of oxen, brought back salt which was sold at S1.25 per barrel. The price prior to that was 81.50. The salt works which Mr. Kelley operated turned out 120 barrels per week, which was a good paying business when prices were good. Mr. Kelley, in these days was an in- \ eterate worker, hauling wood by day and attending the furnace at night. It was during this period, when in 1833, the "stars fell," as the old settlers all put it in describing the meteoric shower of that time. The light of the falling stars awakened Mr. Kelley; he awakened his wife to see the strange and startling sight. 'Mr. Kelley had an Irishman in his employ who was badly frightened. He said to Mr. Kelley, -'Jo let us blow out, be Jasus the day of indgmeiit has come." Mr. Kelley replied, '"No, Bill, that isn't according to Scripture." The Irishman replied, "Be Jasus the auld man has] changed his notion." During these pioneer days, Mr. Kelley and his neighbors frequently had to live on frost-bitten corn (meal), fat meat, pea cotfee and whiskey. After awhile they were able to send a load of salt to Terre Haute. Ind., and get a barrel of tlour and scmie genuine coffee; then they had the extreme luxury of hot biscuits and coffee for breakfast, on Sunday mornings. Mr. Kelley gave it as his opinion that the operation of the salt works was a heaven for women and dogs but li - for men and oxen. In 1849 he rented a farm of Cyrus Sti-ong, at old St. Joseph. He afterwards bought it for S^^iOS per acre and went to fanning, and kept a hotel for many years, there. It was at this hotel, famous for its hospitality, that a stranger once stopped for a few days, with Mr. Kelley. He was treat/- ed so well and was so well pleased with the genial and hospitable landlord, tiiat lie said on leavini; that he would do him whatever favor was in liis power. Not long after a po^toflice was established, called St. Joseph, after the landlord. Mr. Kelley was made postmaster, and thns the stranger whom he had taken in had favored him: he was a politician of prominence who had the ear of the postmaster general, at Washington, and thus paid the debt of gratitudi? he owed to Mr. Kelley for his kindness. He kept this tavern, famous always for its good cheer, until 18G4, when his wife died. He rented it to others for two or three years, and finally sold it to Sanford llichards. December ISOS, he married Mrs. Patience Bullock and they now reside in Harwood townshii>. in this coimty. Mrs. Kelley is a Bai^tist. Mr. Kelley is not a member of any church, but his folks were all Methodists. He was a whig and has long been, aiul is now. a faithful republican, and will doubtless remain one as long as he lives. Mr. Kelley nt^eds no character from us, his record, has been made in the midst of the people and their universal verdict is that he has been a good citizen and a strictly honorable man in all the relations of life.

One of the energetic and active business men of Urbana is John C. Thomas, of the lirm of Ford, Thomas & Satfell. He is a Kentuckian by birth, l)orn in Scott county, October 1, ls.5-2. He is the son of James Q. and Mary (West) Thomas, natives of the same state. His father was a soldier of the

Mexican war. He was a farmer by occupation. In l^ioo he came north and west to Hlinois, and settled in Champaign county on the old Pusey farm in Condit townshij). He then followed farming iuid stock raising until advancing age compelled his retirement. He and his estimable wife are residents of Mahomet. They were the parents of six children, John C. is the tirst born. He was reared on his father's farm and received his primary education in the schools of his neighoorhood. The latter was supplemented by an attendance for two years in the graded schools of Mahomet. He subsequently took a full course in the Champaign Business College. After his graduation lie became a teacher in the same institution and taught for two years. In 187.5 he formed a co-partnership with Mr. A. Robertson and opened the tirst tlrug store in the village of Fisher. Two years later lie sold his interest in the drug business and accepted a position as deputy sheriff under J. E. Oldham. He removed to Urbana and here he has since made his residence. In this position he served two years. He then engaged in buying and shipping grain from Urliana for an Indianapolis tirin and continued at that for one year. On the :30th of .October, 188:3, he purchased Mr. Saffell's interest in the firm of Ford & Saftell, agricultural dealers and importers of fine breeds of Norman Clydesdale and Belgian horses. On the 10th of March. 1884, Mr. Saftell became a member of the firm and since that date it has been known as Ford, Thomas iSr Saftell. This firm enjoys an extended reputation. They are known as the principal agricultural dealers in the county and the largest importers of horses in Central Illinois. Much of the success of the firm is due to the untiring eftorts and business-like methods introduced by Mr. Thomas. He attends to all the business detail and looks closely after the finances, wliile his partners are the salesmen of the concern. Mr. Thomas married Miss Bettie Williamson, February 1, 1877. She was born in Mason county, Kentucky, November 17, 18.51. Her parents. Thomas and Elvira (Curtis) Williamson, were natives of same state. They came to this county in 1863. Mrs. Thomas is a member of the Baptist church. Politically Mr. Thomas comes from good old democratic stock and family. He wisely follosvs in their footsteps and is an ardent and active democrat. He was a member of the board of education of Urbana for three years, l^rbana naturally feels a pride in the firm and business of which Mr. Thomas is a member. It is quoted as being unusually successful and hivs grown from moderate beginnings to the head of its kind in the county.

Harrison \Y. Dkillixgek. It is eminently proper that the name and face of the subject of the following sketch should api)eai; among tlie list of old settlers of Champaign county. Though not now with us, he was for many years prominently identified with the county. He at present is a resident of Chester, Nebraska. He was born in Butler county, Ohio, August 6lh, 1819. He is adescendentfrom a German family, who originally settled in Pennsylvania. Philip DruUinger, the father of Harrison, was born in that state in IT'.iO. When he was four years of age, the fandly moved to Ohio. Tliere Philip married Catherine West, of Pickaway county. There were three children of that union. Harrison is the only s\n'vivor. When Mr. DruUinger was nine years of age, the family removed to Union county, Indiana. In 1839, he came to Vermilion county, Illinois, his father having preceeded him the year before. In 1840, he came to Champaign county, and in October, of that year, married Mary Bartley, daughter of George Bartley, one of the early settlers of St. Joseph township. Mrs. DruUinger died in 1848, leaving two daughters; Eliza and Mary. He contracted a second marriage in May, 1848, with Miss Elizabetii, daughter of S. S. Whiting. She was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, and came to this county in 1847. By the latter marriage there are nine children. Their names in the order of birth are; William S., Lewis S., Henry P., diaries P., Julia A., Harrison S., Walter \V., Minnie F., and Nora F. From 1840, up to his removal to Nebraska, Mr. Hrullinger was a resident of

St. Joseph township, and with the exception of three years, lived on the land that he entered. He was a successful farmer, and bought at ditfercnt times and paid for nine hundred acres of land, the greater jiart has been divided among his children. He was originally a democrat in politics, and voted with tiiat party until the agitation of the slavery (luestion, wiiich brought the Free Soil party to the front. He espoused the cause of freedom and voted for John C. Fremont, in 1S5(>. and has supported the republican ticket in every election since. He frequently represented his township in the board of supervisors, and was an active and useful member. He joined the Methodist church in Indiana, when nineteen years of age. His temperance principles were of the strictest character. He has not tasted any spiritous litiuors for twenty-five years, nor used tobacco m any form Few men in the county stood as high in the esteem of his neighbors and acquaintances as Harrison DruUinger. In losing him. Nebraska, gained an honest man and an incorruptible citizen.

Hon. Ci,ai!K K. (ii!i(i(is. No man ever lived in Champaign county who exercised a greater inliuence or accomplished more good for the county than Clark li. Griggs. That splendid temple dedicated to learning, the University of Illinois, will always stand as a numument to his indomitai)le energy and perseverance. Its location here in Urbana was due to his labors, his perseverance and masterly management when its location was pending for settlement. The building of the great 1., B. &

W. railway Is anotliei- result of his enterprise, sagacity and continued perseverance. The difliculties surroundiiiK its building woukl have discouraged ahuost any other man, but the greater the ditticulty tlie higher his courage ntse. He absolutely knew no such word as fail.

Clark Robinson Griggs was born in Briuitield, Mass., March 0, lS'i4. He was liberally educated in tlie sclu)ols and acadeuiies of his native state. At an early date he engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes by uiaciiiucry iu tlie town of Westboro. While a resident there he was elected to represent his district in the legislature. He served acceptably for two terms. In the spring of 1859 he came to Chauipaign county and ]iurchased a farm on Yankee Kidge, two miles north of Pliilo. In the winter of the same year he met witli an a'.cident that changed the whole current of his life. He was shelling corn by machinery, when the glove on ills hand was caught in the gearing of the machine and tlie hanil ilrawn in and crushed. The accident resulted in the losing of three lingers of his right hand. He then abandonetl faruiing, came to Urbanaand engaged in a small way in mercantile pursuits. When the war broke out he was appointed sutler to tlie 2.5th regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and remained witii the aruiy until tlie close of the war. He then retinned to Urbana and engaged in land speculations until the winter of ISGT-OS, when he was elected to represent this legislative district in the genero^j assembly of the state. It was during that session of the legislature that the bill creating and locating the present University of Hlinois was passed. There were a dozen places contending for the prize, it was in that tight where the sti-ong characteristics and energy of the man shone forth. His generalship and management of the question affecting its location was most masterly and was crowned with success. During that same session Mr. Grriggs procured tlie passage of a charter granting a line of railway through the state, which, upcm his retirement from the legislature, he projected under the name of the Danville, Urbana, Bloomington & Pekin railroad. It was soon after con.solidated with an Indiana line and the name was changed to Indianapolis, Bloomington and Western railway. Mr. Griggs was its president during its construction and for some time after its completion and operation. In 1871 he took up his residence in Wilmington, Delaware, and later removed to New York City, where he at present resides. He engaged largely in railroad building and lately constructed a line known as the Wheel-

Mr. Griggs married Miss Lavonia C. Collar in Massachusetts. She was ever a faithful wife and mother. Three children resulted from that uni(m, named Nellie M., wife of \V^. W. Graham, of whom a sketch will be founil in another column, .\ddie L., wife of Gen. J. C. Black, Commissioner of Pensions, Washington. D. C, and Albert C. Griggs, a residentof Wilmington, Delaware. The Griggs family were members of the M. E. church. Politically Mr. Griggs is a republican. Mr. Griggs is a man of inlinite resources, untiring energy and great abilities. These have enabled him to succeed well during a life of arduous labor.

Martin Rinkuart. Fifty-seven years ago Martin Kinchart tirst set foot upon Champaign county soil. Then he was a lad of seventeen years, with his life before him. Today, he is here. He has passed the mile-stone of his boyhood and early manhood, and is rapidly approacliing the one across wiio.se face is written "mature age." The three score years and ten allotted to mankind have been his, and nearly all these years have been passed within the borders of this county. To write the history of the county is simply to tell his story. The hardships and privations endured, tlie hopes and fears, that alternately cliased each other tlitted across the pathway of this sturdy old pioneer as he marched from boyhood dOwn to old age in this county. Martin Rinehart was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, Dec. 18, 1813. His parents, Matthias and Elizabeth (March) Rinehart were natives of same county and state. Tliey came west in tlie fall of Is'iO. and made a settlement on the farm now owned b\ A. M. Pauley in Somer township. Tiiero young Rhiehart grew to manhood. In 183:2 during the Black Hawk war lie enlisted in Capt. Brown's company of Mounted Rangers, and served one year. He furnished his own horse, gun and clothing. He received for his services one dollar per day. He and Thomas Butler are the only survivors of that war living in Champaign county. After this war was ended he returned home. In 183.5, he married Miss Sena, daughter of Wm. Corray. She died in 1878. The offspring of that union were the following nauied children: Elizabeth, who married William Hill, of Somer township: William M., who married Miss Mary Trickle, they reside in Monroe, Green county, AVis. Albert, who took to wife, Elizabeth Truman, and also live in the place last mentioned. .Mary, is the wife of T. J. Drake, they reside in Seward county. Neb. Isaac, married Mary J. Frame, and live in the latter named place. Seberry, married Jeimie Morton, and are residents of Monroe, Green county. Wis. Jennie, is the wife of William H. Browntield and lives in St. Joseph township.

Mr. Rinehart united with the M. E. church in 1843, and still holds his membership in that religious denomination. Politically he votes with the republican party.

At the time Mr. Rinehart came to this section of the state there were but thirty-live families living within, what is now. Champaign county. He relates many things that occurred here in those early days. We give a few. The year 1831 was almost without a summer, the cold weatlier continued until late in the spring and a hard frost set in on September 20th, and it was so severe that it froze the corn, cob and all. In consequence of the loss of the crop, times got close and money was exti'emely scarce. The following year the settlers were compelled to send to Kentucky for their seed corn. In December 1836. a deep snow lay upon the ground. It began to rain and continued all day, when suddenly it turned intensely cold making ice over the ground and freezing very hard. The sudden change caught many persons unprepared and they were frozen to death. Two men named Hildreth and Frame were crossing Four Mile Prairie on that day; they became bewildered and lost their way and were out when the change came. They killed their horses and Frame crawled inside the body of his horse for protection against the cold. But it proved his tomb as he was found therein frozen to death. Hildreth -wandered around all night, and when found in the morning was so badly frozen that he lost his toes and ringers. Mr. R.. also speaks of the early doctors of that day. Dr. Saddler was the first physician in tiie county and was counted a good one. It is related of him that he attended a family east of Urbana. This family had a large patch of fine, ripe and juicy watermelons. The doctor continued his visits long after the patient was convalescent and the family di-opped ui>- on the idea, that the watermelon patch was the chief attraction, and the cause of the doctors repeated visits. They gently broke the news to him that his patient was entirely well and hinted that further visits were entirely superfluous. The doctor went home and sent in a bill that covered all the visits. The family refused payment. Suit was brought to recover the amomit when the family rendered an account for watermelons devoured by the doctor as an offset, and obtained a small judgment against the doctor. All of tiie neighbors declared that the decision was a most righteous one. Many otlier incidents might be mentioned of a similar character, illustrative of the times we speak of, but space forbids.

Hkxhv C. Smith. This well known pioneer and business man, of Tolono, in this county, was born April 1."), 1S3T. at New Bremen. Auglaize county, Ohio. His parents immigrated from Prussia in is:r., and settled at New Bremen, O. His father, Christoi)her. died when Henry C. was only five weeks old. In 1843 the widowed mother moved to Dayton, O. lu is4t3 young Henry was taken to the Shaker town, live miles from Dayton. In 1S49 lie ran away trom the Shakers, though they tried hard to detain him, and worked for the father of Gen. George Crooke for the liberal salary of §-2.00 per month. In is.5-i he began to learn the carpenter trade and served as apprentice, tln-ee years; receiving -^30 for lirst year, for second and S'M for tlurd year. In 18.>5 he drove a herd of cows to Fon duLac. Wis. In is.")!) he went to Wampum, Wis.

In 1857 he reuioyed to Tolono and followed carpentry and contracting. In 1861 he was married to Martha Penniston, of Oshkosh. Wis., who is still living as is also her father aged 91 years. In 11-164 he bought land and planted it in fruit trees, mostly apples and pears, and also engaged in the lumber and coal business in 1S66. In 188.5 he started, with his sons, in the bakery, confectionery and fancy groceries in Tolono. His children were: :Mary Ellen, Edward R., Jennie L., Alonzo H., Hattie E., Daisy E., Annie M., and Arthur C. ; the lirst named died in 1863. When Mr. Smith hrst engaged in the carpenter business, there were many inconveniences not met with now, among whicli were wading slouglis and tall prairie grass upon the trackless prairies before roads became fashionable. Rattlesnakes too, were wont to make unpleasant music for them as they wended their way to build a home for some new "tenderfoot" pioneer of the county, not to mention the mosquitos and greenheads that presented their bills, with a demand for instant settlement, to the knights of the saw and the plane. The rye cotfee and slough water they had to drink at some of the places they built houses, usually expedited the carpenter work; but when a good, well to do farmer was found to employ them who had white wheat bread and Java coffee, the work did not progress so rapidly. We can prove this by Henry C. Smith whose long residence and well known veracity among his neighbors will leave no doubt of its truth. Mr. Smith is apparently in the prime of life and is, to-day, carrying on a large and lucrative business. He enjoys a good joke and gets as much out of life as any business man in Champaign county.

MvKoN Stoddaud IJkown. M. D. Dr. Brown was born at Col ton, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., June 39. Is3-J. His lather, James Brown, was born at Bennington, Vt., and his mother, Sarah Smith, was a native of Conn. In 183.5 the family moved to Toledo, Ohio, where the mother soon after died, leaving the subject of this sketch then but a babe, to the care of relatives. Before lie had arrived at mature years, his father moved to the then territory of Oregon, where he spent the remainder of Ids life and where he died a few years since at the aae of 83

During the following year he went away and remained for some years. In May, 18.58, he returned here to make this place his home, bringing with him his wife, who readily found a warm place in the regard of all with whom she came in contact. Dr. Brown was married on Oct. 8th, 185<j, to Miss Sarah Huif , daughter of John Huff, E^q., of Decatur, Rev. D. P. Dunn officiating. There have been born of this alliance ten children, all of whom are deceased except Harry L., Lucy Belle, Walter J., Blanche, Grace, and Fred E., who reside at Danville.

Soon after reaching his majority Dr. Brown, in accord with a cherished wish, determined to fit himself for the practice of medicine, and so began studying with that end ill view. His own and his family's support depending upon his labors, he continued his studies luider great difHcnlty. His energy and determination of character did not fail liiui, for having once deteiuiined upon success in tliat profession lie pressed forward encountering and overcoming: the greatest discouragements. He studied tirst with Dr. Hoover, of Bloomiiigton in 1854, and afterwards witli Dr. Miller, at Urbana. from 1S5S and on until in 1S('>0, when he attended hislirst course of lectures in Chicago. Soon after that he entered the army as assistant surgeon of the 2oth Kegiment, Illinois Volunteers. Here he had a varied experience, such as to eminently tit him for the higli position then and ever since held by him in his profession. For eleven months he was detailed for service in the U. S. general hospital at Nashville, finding time meanwhile to attend the classes of the medical college there, from which he graduated in 1863. He was with his regiment in all its rough experiences atChickamauga, and in East Tennessee. In the spring of ls(W, when Sherman re-o'gani/,ed his army for the Atlanta cam i)aign, he was detailed for duty with his brigade tield hospital, and soon after, on a competitive trial at the operating table, was chosen one of three operating surgeons for Gen. Wood's division, in which he remained until the expiration of the term of service of his regiment. Upon his return home he at once entered ujjon the practice, lirst as a partner with Dr. Goodwin and afterwards alone. At one time he sm-rendered his practice to enter the drug trade at Champaign for a time, but afterwards again entered upon his professional duties and so continued until his removal to Danville.

During the war Dr. Brown became a free Mason, in which order iie has made great advancement and is iiighly esteemed. For eight years he was worshipful master of Urbana lodge, and for two years high priest of Urbana chapter of royal arch masons.

Upon the formation of the republican party Dr. Brown heartily espoused its i)rinciples and cast his tirst vote for president for Frenmnt, in 1S5G, and since then has uniforndy voted with that party. In 18(10 he was elected mayor of the city of Urbana for a term of one year, and afterwards served upon the board of education.

About two years since, Dr. Brown removed with his family to Danville. A beautiful home on Fraidvliu street, Danville, is owned and occui»led by him, to which his old friends and neighbors are most heartily welcomed by himself and his accomplished and hospitable wife. Dr. Brown is and always has been noted for his easy, affable and popular manners. He is always courteous and liberal in his judgments and very rarely, never willingly, gives offense to his associates. In a residence in Urbana of near thirty years it may probably be truthfully said, he never made an enemy. While ever entertaining the most ilecided and often radical opinions upon ])olitical and moral questions, and never for a moment undecided as to his own course, he lias so acted and spoken as to cause no heartburnings. His conduct has always been wise, liberal, decorous, yet in nothing has he omitted to speak and act when princiiile re(|uireil it.

Stkphen Bovi). This old pioneer was born December IT, 1804, in Shelby county, Kentucky. His father, William Boyd, and his mother, who was Elizabeth Wiley, came to this county at the same time thai Stephen himself came, to-wit in the year 18;d1. The father was of Scotch descent, while the mother was a German lady. They both died here, in September, 18:38, there being but a few days between the dates of their death. Stephen, when he arrived in this county from Shelby county, Kentucky, was twentyseven years old, and had in 1824 married Jemima Kitson who died in 1826, iu Kentucky. He settled three nules east of Urbana and lived there the renuiinder of his life, following here as he had in his old home, the occuiiution of a farmer. In 183?) he married Eliza Kinehart. His children were James Boyd, a well-to-do farmer who now lives at the old home place, (a sketch of whose life and his portrait appears else- where.) John Mattliias, who died in 18:i8. Jemima, who died in l»4C,. Elizabetli. who married Amos Conway, now residing in Dalvota. Mary, wiio married Frank Champlain, now residing in Cethir Vale, Cliautauqua county, Kansas, Eiinna and Al Boyd, both residing near l^rbana. Stepiien Boyd was always a consistent and ardent democrat. He died August 14. IsTo. leaving behind him a splendid reputation for honesty and square dealing among tliose who knew him for the long period of time he lived among the early pioneers. He left to his heirs a goodly estate and did not owe a cent at the time of his death. His living children have all done well and are a credit to the memory of Stephen Boyd, wiiose record of honesty we gladly preserve for future generations.

(tEORCJE K. Shawiiax. This old settler and prominent educator of Champaign county, was horn near Falmouth, Rush county. Indiana, March -10, 1S44. His father was William M. Shawhan, whose portrait and biograplij' appears elsewhere. His mother was Nancy Kedmond. He came with his father's family to Raymond township in this county in the spring of I'^.'iCi. For three years lie was deprived of the opportunity of going to school for the reason that schools did not get established there until in is.59. He then worked on the farm and attended school in winter till 1861. Though his opportunities were limited, he had applied himself with such industry that he was able to teach in Mil. He taught three months for tiftj- tlollars, and he says now he thinks that was more than it was worth. In the winter of ls(W-4 he attended school in Homer about 4 nuniths. He taught two years in Camargo, Douglas county, and enrolled 123 pujjils in one room. The average for six months was over 70. Tlie next year lie graded the school and had an assistant.

In ISOT he married Sarah Vista Brown, daugliter of Sanuiel Brown, an old settler in this county. She is still living. They have two children, Gertie and William Warren, both at home and attending school. He joined the Christian church in ixfil and is yet an adherent to the doctrines of that sect. After his marriage he taught four years at Sidney. Here he saw his need of a better eilucation and abandoned teaching to attend the University of Illinois in this city. He took the Literature and Science course, graduating in IST.5 with iiigli honors. He is prominent among the alumni of the University, and has been selected by them for a member of the board of trustees of this grand state institution. If Governor Oglesby consults the best interests of the University he will accede to their demand and appoint him to that honorable position. During this period of his career is where the indomitable pluck and energy that characterizes the man was tirst displayed. He worked upon the University farm and taught preparatory classes to pay his way through the University.

He_ solemnly asserts that he never should have succeeded in getting through to graduation at this great University had it not been for the self-denial, ambition and assistance of his wife, who was a constant aid and inspiration that never faltered in the darkest hour.

Graduating at the University, he found all the schools in this county taken, so he went to Manstield, l^iatt county, and taught there for two years. Coming back to Homer in 1877 he took charge of the schools there and had taught four years and two mouths upon his fifth year, in 1881, when he was appointed county superintendent of schools of this county to ttll vacancy caused by legislature changing time of election. He was nominated by the republicans in 1882 for school superintendent and was elected by the largest majority of any man on the ticket.

He has been renominated by the republicans for re-election and will certainly be triumphantly elected. Mr. Shawhan's record as a school officer is well known to our readers. He has brought the country schools of tills countj- to a higher standard than they have ever reached before. He was chairman of the committee of the aluuuii that pressed to a successful issue the change of name of the University.

than is required l)y law or conteiiiplateil by the law-makers, lie is strict with reference to exaniinatiuns of teachers and it is impossible for a drniie or fraud to work his or her way into the schools of the county. He has establisiied a high grade for teachers and by his efforts teachers' conventions and organizations to improve their methods of teaching have become numerous. He has inspired the pupils with liigh aims and laudable ambition by keeiiing before their minds the possibilities to be wrought out by hard work and close ai)V)lication. He has utilized the columns of the Champaiox County Herald to accomplish reforms in school work. By the free and liberal use of this paper he has painted the school houses and introduced trees ami pictures, maiis and flowers, libraries and beautiful lawns to the various disti-ict-^. No man has done more than G. R. Shawhan for the good of the schools of this county, and he is destined yet for still greater -uccesses in his chosen calling as an educator.

Col. William N. Colku. Col. Coler was born March l;i, 1837 near Mt. Vernon, Knox county, Ohio. His parents were Isaac and Amelia (Nichols) Coler. who resided in Knox county, Ohio. Mr. Coler's mother died when lie was nine years old; his fatiier married a second wife and moved to Illinois afterward. Young Will iam N. was brought up on a farm and received in the schools of Ohio, a good education. He enlisted in the Mexican war and served his full term in Company B., ^nd Regiment, Ohio Volunteers, under Col. G.

W. Morgan. After the Mexican war he entered the law office of his Colonel. G. W. Morgan, and commenced studying for the profession of law. He did not finish there but after coming to Illinois he concluded his studies in the office of Amzi McWilliams, at Bloomington. Illinois. He was admitted to the bar in the fall of 1S51. He came to this county in the spring of 1S52, and being pleased with .the country, concluded to make this his home. Before coming west he had met. courted and loved a maiden of the Buckeye state. Miss Cordelia Sim. August 9th, is.>3, they were married at the residence of his father-in-law. in Miller township, Knox county, Ohio. He and liis young wife, together witii William Sim and his wife whom Mr. Sim had married at tliesame time, came to Urbana and locatetl. Here he practiced law for some years, afterwards removing to Champaign and continuing the same occupation until he removed to New York in 1872. He had great contidence in the development of this county and while practicing law he also dealt largely in real estate on commission an<l on his own account. The county records >how that he entered large tracts of land and did an extensive real estate and loan business here and at Champaign for many years. Col. Coler. with H. K. Davis, published the tirst newspaper in this county, getting out the tirst number Sept. 2.5. 18.52.

His children are: Flora Alice. Wm. N., Jr., Arthur Grant, Bird Sim, and Francis Walter. The daughter married James W., sou of Thos. H. Campbell, who was once Auditor of Illinois. Mr. Campbell is president of First National Bank at Huron, Dakota, and resides there. William N., Jr., resides in New York with his father, and is in business with him carrying on a large and lucrative business as brokers and dealers in nuniicipal bonds, at No. 11 Pine street, N. Y. Arthur Grant, died at the age of fourteen years; the others are in school and reside at home. Col. Coler organized the 2.5th regiment Illinois Vols. Infty, and went to the front early in the war. He was the Colonel of the 2.5th until the fall of 18C2, when he resigned and resumed business at Champaign, where he remained until he removed to New York. There he resides doing a prosperous business, surrounded by all the comforts, and in fact, the luxuries of life, enjoying splendid liealtli. Col. Coler is a warm liearted, generous, and enterprising man who has made warm friends wherever his lot was cast. He has untiring energy, plenty of pluck and splendid abilities as a business man. Possessing tirm address with his good business talents he has been sue-

(iii.Ks F. McGek Was born in Missouri, Ajirii 25th, lS2(j. He is the son of James C. auvl Uehecca (Cannady) McGee. His (larents removed to Vermilion county, niinols, about ls-2() and settled at the old salt works, near where Oakwood now stands. In the fall of l>!o2 Giles came to ChamiJaiyn county and bought 320 acres of land on section one of Philo township. There lie has lived ever since. When he purchased tlie land it was raw and unimproved, but he has developed it and placed it all under a higli state of cultivation and, to-day, he has one of the hnest farms in the county. Mr. McGee was the first settler in Philo township Soon alter him came William Hooper. Lucius Eaton and E. W. Parker, and later came others. When he first settled there wolves were so numerous that he could not raise sheep. The Wabash railroad and town of Philo were located after Mr. McGee settled there. He was so far away fiom civilization,. so to speak, that he was not called upon by the a.ssessor for three years after he opened up his farm. Deer were still plentiful. Mr. McGee relates a fight he had with a deer. He run one down with his horse ; when he came up with it he jumped from his horse on to the deer, he was armed with a club only; the deer stood at bay and gave fight, Mr. McGee finally killed the deer, but it was at the expense of badly torn clothes, many bruises and a used up condition generally. After that experience he needed to be convinced that a deer was \ery dead before he took hold of it.

His marriage took place in Vermilion county, Illinois, in 18.5.3; Miss Elizabeth Smoat was the lady of his choice. She was born in Vermilion county, Illinois, in 1^:^, and is still living. They are the parents of ten children, nine of whom are living. Their names are here given in the order of their birth: AVilliam F., John H., who married Lucy McDonald; Nathan K., who took to wife Jennie Ilice; Mary E., wife of Andrew Longbrake; Ida B. married Charles Peimy; Curtis E. took to wife Luta Power: Thomas D.. Walter S. and Charles H. are still beneath the parental roof, Carrie L. died at the age of two years.

Mr. McGee has been a member of the Christian church since he was fifteen years of age. In politics he votes with the republican party. He is one of our most successful farmers, and has, by a life of honesty, established a splendid character for integrity and neighborly excellence and is a fitting forerunner of the peoi>Ie who have made Philo townshliJ a garden of beaut \.

James C. Wake Was born May 27th, 1H41, at North Lewisburg, Champaign county, O. His parents, were Lester Ware and Jane (Iteid) Ware, of Ohio. They came to Illinois at the same time the subject of this sketch came, in l!s.54, but removed further west, to Iowa, in 18.56. As before stated, James C. Ware arrived with his father's family at Mahomet when he was only thirteen years old. Soon after their arrival, five members were taken down with small-pox in a most malignant form, having been exposed at Terre Haute, Indiana.

As no help could be obtained for either love or money. James C. had to do all the musing and cooking. Three of his sisters died and were buried by members of tlie family. Stiangers in a new couutry. with such a dreaded disease among them, it was difficult to get any assistance, and had it not been for the Masonic fraternity, of wiiicli Mr. Ware's father was a member, the family would have sutfered. James C. went with his father and family to Iowa, in lS5(j, but in LSoS he returned to Maliomet, a young man of seventeen years, having worked most of the way from Iowa, here, and having upon his arrival, two dollars as his capital to commence business upon ; but he was chock full of days works and he proceeded to invest tliis in farming at Maiiomet. Soon tlie war came, and as it did with hundi'eds of thousands of brave young men, it interfered witii the even tenor of their business life. Young Ware enlisted in the tirst company that was organized in the county; the company not being accepted he enlisted again, tliis time in Co. 1, 2oth Reg. 111. Vol. Inf 'ty. He was in active service all through Ills term and was never sick or in hospital until lie was wounded at the battle of Chickamauga, where he was wounded in the hip and sent to the hospital. He remained here and on light duty at Louisville, Ky.. for a few months, then returned to his regiment and remained at the front until his term was served. He bore the colors of his regiment in several hard fought battles. He was detailed by Major General Tliomas for duty in secret service in the Army of the Soutii. but was wounded before tlie time came for him to report. He was selected by the officers of his regiment, as Sergeant Major of Gen. Kosecrans" Roll of Honor Corps whieli that General commenced to organize, but ilid not complete. On his return from the war he concluded to settle down to the business of life. He had met and admired, Mildred, the daughter of Jonathan Scott, (one of the pioneers of the county and a man of character). Subsequently, in September, l<s(J-t, he married her. There were born to them seven dnldren, all living, to-wit: Mae. Maude.WiJbur, Walter, p:flie, Bertliaand :MiIdnMl. Mrs. Ware died October 13, 1884,

In l>vs;i, Mr. Ware was chosen by his party as candidate for Sherilf and was triumphantly elected. He is now serving his term of four years to tlie entire satisfaction of the people. He was supervisor of Maiiomet for four years. He is a republican in politics and votes as he shot wliile carrying a musket in the army. He has always followed farming and stock raising and has been very successful. He leaned towards draft horses and has made that branch of the business a specialty. He lias brought to the county many Normans and Clydesdales as good as could be found in Scotland or France. He believes in keeping full Itlooded stock, and says tliat a well bred man is better than a "scrub."'

He joined the Baptist cliurch in Mahomet, in 1N.5S. Mr. Ware is of a social turn of mind and enjoys a good story as well as any one. He can make the war historv of himself and comrades exceeiliugly racy, when he recites it with the necessary embellishments. He is pioniinent in the G. A. R., and at the camp tires of the old soldiers he takes an acti\ e part where his good memory and ability to talk affords much amusement as well as instruction to his comrades. He is genial in his nature, honest in his dealings, has been faithful to every trust he has assumed, and has many warm friends among a people witli whom he lias lived for more than thirty years.

"Goncrations come and generations go, but time goes on forever." A geneiation of men have come and gone since John Gere came to Urhana and engaged in the mercantile business. He is, so far as our knowledge extends, the oldest merchant doing business in Champaign county.

He was born among the hills and (ireen mountains of Vermont, so famous, like all hill countries, for producing men of large stature and brawny, sinewy forms. Mr. Gere was not an exception to the rule. Although he has reached nearly foui* score years, he bears about him j'et, the evidences of an athletic form that time with all of its ravages has not been able to subdue. We judge, and in fact it is said of him. that in his younger days when youth lent vigor and strength to him that he was a bad man to tacKle or to land upon his back. Tradition further relates that he was not avei'se to a trial of feats of strength, muscle and endurance, but rather courted it on all proper occasions.

He was born in Randolph county, Vermont, February 11, 1811. His parents, John and Polly (Clark) Gere were natives of the same state. The fannly moved to western New York and in 18:^0 the entire family came west to Illinois and settled in Clark county, where John Gere senior died. John, the subject of this sketch, remained in Clark county until the spring of 1847, when he came to Urbana. In June following he eml)arked in the mercantile business, and opened a geneial store on the comer where now stands the Herald building. He continued there for two years when he and his brother, James S., erected a pretentious frame building on the ground now occupied by his present store building. It was, in its day, the largest store building in the county. Large as it was, however, it had to give way to the march of progress. The same building stands innnediately north of the Herald oflice and has done duty in the past as a blacksnaith and general repair shop. Mr. Gere met with serious loss in the destruction, not only of his store building but of his dwelling house as well, in the disastrous fire of 1871 that swept away half of the city. But nothing daunted, l\e at once began the erection of his present biulding, and struggled through manfully and paid one hundred cents on every dollar. There has been no time in the past thirty-eight years that he could not buy all the goods he wanted and more. His credit was always A No. 1 whereever he was known. This is a record that any man, particularly a business man, can be proud of. He passed through all the great disturbances in values, up through intiation, and down to specie payment, through financial crises without number, in a period of more financial disasters and sudden change* in values than any country ever saw. Yet midst them ail he maintained his record for integrity and prompt payment and honest settlement of every obligation that appeared against him. While he has not been as successful as some others in the accumulation of wealth, yet he is richer in the inheritance of a name against which there appears no blot or stain. The record and character of such men teaches the rising generations that after all a fair and honorable

Mr. Gere has been particularly unfortunate in his helpmeets. He married Emily Catron in 18.38. She died some years later. He subsequently married Miss Sarah Davis, then Mrs. Phoebe J. Dare, both of whom are dead. In January, 1873, he married his present wife. Miss Harriet A. Crissey. Three of Mr. Gere's sons are living, viz: George W., a prominent lawyer of Champaign. He married Miss Mary Lee. Warren M. is in business with his father. Frank P. is deputy postmaster. Politically Mr. Gere's predilections have been in the direction of the democratic narty. He has always been a very temperate man and has advocated the cause of prohibition for many years. He was a member of the city council when the city was first organized and was an alderman for over twenty years.

Lieut. Samuel Osgood Was born in Gardner, Maine, m 1807. His father antl mother were puritans and came to this country from England and settled in Massachusetts.

Sanmel, when a young man, came to Lawrenceburg, Ind., and was married there in 1830 to Miss Iluldah Cheek, whose father was a wealthy slave owner named Page Cheek and noted for his hospitality and generosity. The children of this marriage are as follows: Orlando, Mary, William, Loranda, Belle. Eva, Missouri, Charles, Samuel, Collins, Enuna anil Aifffti. He. with four of his children, united with the Baptist church in 1848.

He was a wliij;: wliile that party livetl. was an oriiiiiial abolitionist, and later a republican, luitil bis death. He served two terms as sherilT, of Dearborn county, Ind., was a leader in i)()litics and on account of his popularity, a town was named after him - "Osgood." in Indiana.

At the close of his second term, his eldest son being a mute from the time he was three years old. and having graduated from the deaf and dumb institute in Indianapolis, came to Kankakee where he accidentally siiot himself while hunting. This led Mr. Osgood to move to this state. When his son recovered he moved to Urbana, \n lf^54. and bought 100 acres of land one and a half miles south of Urbana. He served as justice of the peace here for several years.

When tlie wai' broke out he was 54 years old, but when urged to remain at home, he replied "I'll never be too old to serve my country, and I'll never surrender to the rebels." He kept his word by offering up his life; at the battle of Cumberland (Jap. January 3, 1864, our troops were driven back; he refused to fall back with his regiment, and when told to surrender, for answer lired into the ranks of his would-be captors. Six times he thus answered the command of the enemy to smreuder and sacriliced his life then and there by refusing to be taken alive. Charles at eighteen and Samuel at the age of sixteen entered the service with their father, in the same company. His son William was captain in the '2.5th Ohio regiment. In the same battle in which Lieut. Osgood was killed his son Charles was taken prisoner and sent to Libby prison where he died of starvation in a few^ months. His son Samuel was wounded in the same battle, taken prisoner and sent to Andersonville, but by tiie aid of an okl negro he escaped, traveling eight nights and lying in the swamps by day.

Lieut. Osgood was a man of strong intellect and was impulsive and generous to a fault. He was an incessant reader, Shakespeare being his favorite author. He was as brave a man as ever gave his life to liis country.

This well known old settler, of Chauipaigu county, was born August 1"2. ISOI, in Surry county, ^orth Carolina. He was descended di his father's side from a strong and energetic stock of Scottish ancestors. His mothers maiden name was Miss Sarah Martin, and she was of English descent.

The Martins are known in the South as an intelligent and patriotic family, strongly devoted to the union. One generation of the men had fought to build the union, and in after times another generation foujrht to save that union, when armed treason sought to tear it dow^i. Colonel Jack ^Martin was engaged in several daring exploits against the tories, and afterwards (ieorge and Samuel Martin fought bravely for the union dur-« ing the rebellion.

May 1st, 18.31, he was married to Miss Sallie Ann Fitzgerald in the old town of Rockford. His wife, who shared with her husband his joys and sorrows, and was to him a constant help during all the scenes and changes of their domestic life in three different states, for nrore than half a century, is still living. She has ever been an industrious and charitable woman, a loving mother and a devoted wife.

Ann, James P., Saiali E., Thomas John W., L., Fiances C, Martha M., liVde Caroline and George Martin: all ot whom are living, but two. Sarah died October 7, ISo'i, George died September 1(>, 1><M.

In 1>^41, Mr. Kerr removed his family to Tennessee, where he resided till l^^-il, when he came to Urbana, and was a continuons resident of the county till his death.

After reaching this county he built a hotel, known as tlie I'nion hotel, which artorded shelter and substantial hospitality for the public, and it was liere that the old settlers of the county always stopped, especially during the sessions of eoiut, and here they talked of and lived over the narly days. A great many movers on their way to Iowa and other western states, who stopped at this hotel were induced by Mr. Kerr, to make their homes in Champaign county, which he regarded as the garden spot.

In 1S.5G, he bought of the I. C. R. R. Co., 320 acres of land which he afterwards improved. This land is now known as the Juo. O. Beaty farm, in Somer township.

At ditferent times during his life, Mr. Kerr followed farming, yet it seemed to be his lot to serve the jieople in some capacity, and he always discharged his duties with tidelity and in a manner entirely satisfactory to the people. He hlled the oftices of constable and deputy sheriff in North Carolina, and in Tennessee where his abilities were known, he was almost contiimally in office. His relatives were also active men, and strong supporters of the luiion during the war. After coming to this ccmnty he was twice elected coroner; also he was deputy sheriff' for many years and liad charge of the county jail.

When quite a young man he accompanied TjTa Glenn, one of the most extensive negro traders in North Carolina, to Georgia, with a large number of slaves. Mr. Glenn was so well pleased with Mr. Kerr that he offered to make him a full partner in the traffic. He could have made a fortune iu the business T)ut the sorrow and anguish he saw when families were separated and the cruelties and horrors of slavery were such that he declined.

Mr. Kerr believed iu the Universalist doctrine, yet he did not belong to the church. He was well posted in the scriptures, being a constant reader of the bible during the last twelve years of his life.

In all his business and dealings with men he was industrious, sy.stematic and perfectly honest. He seemed to have a natural genius as a mechanic ; could make almost anything he wanted, and was a brick mason, and shoe maker which he followed as occasion demanded. He was a man of broad friendship and great hospitality. He enjoyed the society of his neighbors and friends whom he liked to talk with and have them eat at Instable. Mr. Kerr was fond of nmsic, and was a

He looked on the bright side of life and made the best of every thing. He never looked down upon any one below him, nor looked up to any one above him in life. Always acconnuodating, open hearted and free, the poor and needy, found in him a true friend.