Champaign County, Illinois - The whole text, 1891 (part 1 of 7)

The whole text

ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTEEN SUPERB ENGRAVINGS BY MELVILLE, CONTAINING BIOGRAPHICAJ^ SKETCHES OF THE EARLY SETTLERS, THE EARLY HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OBTAINED FROM THE MOST RELIABLE SOURCES AND MANY GRAPHIC SCENES AND INCIDENTS FROM

The Authors

AVo present the above portraits of the authors of the "Early History ami Pioneers of Champaign County," and editors of the Champaign County Herat-d, tlic newspaper wliieh conceived and cari'ied out tlie first enteri)rise of this kind in tiie United States, or in the world for that matter. It is doubtless the fore-runner of many similar enterprises that will follow. The Hekald was established in 1S77 by S. C. Harris & Co., and sliortly afterward it absorbed the Republican, and with the exception of the Bulletin, i>ublished for a sliort time by F. M. Snyder, it has been the only paper published at Urbana. It has been republican in politics, and in the campaigns since its establishment it has given no uncertain sound. It was purchased May 21, 1879. by M. W. Mathews and C. B. Taylor, wlio at once enlarged the paper to its present size and form. Mr. Taylor sold out to M. W. Mathews in 1881, who still owns it. It takes especial interest in the schools of the county, and has secured and still retains the superintendent of schools, (t. R. Shawhan, as a contributor to its cohnnus. By its use he has organized the brigade of teachers in this county in a manner tliat enables them to largely increast; their etiiciency and u.sefulness. It also gives a liberal share of its space to the churches and Sunday schools of the county and is rei^arded as the organ of that large and respectable class of our peojile.

Its corps of correspondents at the principal centers of )io])u!ati(m in the county are selected with reference to their good standing and reliability. It is compelled by reason of its large advertising i)atronage at times to make tlie paper double the size of its cotemporaries and once or twice a year it issiu's large special editions three or four times tiie size of a county paper. Its growth has been phenomenal in newsimper liistory and its list of subscribers has gradually grown larger witlnmt any special etfort in that direction until the families into whose homes it goes lunuber nearly three thousand. It has attained this position in the newspaper world by assiduously shutting out all advertising or reading matter of a (piestionable character, and taking high moral grounds on all public ipiestions. While it is radically re)>ublicau in i)olitics, it treats its iiolitical oiiponcnts with fairness and thus holds the resi)ect of all political parties. It criticises its own party managers, local or general, for any dishonest schemes or attempts to gain unfair advanta.ge and thus wields an inliuence for honesty in politics both at the |)rimaries and at elections. Thus it is at all times lit to enter the family and its i)atrons have no fear of anything being admitted to its colunuis wiiich cannot be read aloud in the family circle. It has done and is still doing nuich to elevate the profession of journalism in lllinctis and is receiving it,s reward by an unparalelled patronage by the intcdligent people of ('hampaign conntv.

Pioneers And Early Settlers Empire On The Vast Prairies Of The West

After wpoks and months siven to a patient investigation of the early history of liie pioneers and early settlers of this rich and jtoimlous county, and of the lives of the brave men and women who laid the foundations of its present prosperity, we submit with i)l('asure and a degree of pride, the results of our labors. True, these necessarily lack completeness, but so far as they go tliey will be found interesting and trustworthy.

We arc prone, in the midst of the activities of the present, to forget our obligations to the bold, self-sacrilicing pioneers and early settlers who, amid privations and dangers, founded an empire in the wilderness and thus ma<le passable the comforts and blessings of the civilization that we, today, enjoy, lleirs of the past we are also its debtors, and it is fit that we often recall to grateful recollection the early settlers to whom the present generation are under so many and lasting obligations. The facts set forth in these pages, not heretofore having been embalmed in print, had to be collected from interviews with the grayliaired representatives of the "good old days," who, crowned with the respect and honor of all tlioughtful men, yet linger among us. We deem it fortunate that the work of preserving their recollections of tlie first days of this county and the life history of these heroes of days goni! by, has been undertaken before the last old settler sliall be gathered to his fatliers. This work, undertaken with some misgivings, has proved a labor of love to us; whatever of interest and worth it eml.'odies, whatever of credit shall attach to it, belongs to those who in various ways have aided iis in its preparation and especially to those, whose life work nearly done, have generously contributed the facts and incidents herein contained. Thus have we been enabled to gather from the living the tender memories of those whose sacrifices have opened up this garden of the west. Let the present kneel at the shrine of the past and drink in the lessons it teaches. Many of them left pleasant homes, surrounded by the luxuries of life, where human toil had garnered much into the store of comfort, and here by their iron wills and correct habits, yet survived the dangers that ambushed on either side their pathway. Many a spot has become sacred because the dust of the departed pioneers have been enshrined therein, whose lives were taken in the struggle to bequeath these splendid prairie homes and build up these beautiful thriving cities and villages that dot the land.

The soldier who risks his life in battle for his countrymen receives the highest praise and glory ; but these hardy men and women, who battled with malaria and disease in blazing the pathway of posterity through a wilderness of latent dangers, to such a goal of health and happiness as we have reached, deserve to have their memories preserved as we are doing now, and handed down to those who follow us. We beg to urge upon the young men and youth whose eyes shall fall upon these pages, to ponder well the records of these busy lives, that they may rightly estimate tiie great inheritance they have received, and thus be led to emulate, and if possible, to equal the virtues of the great generation they are to succeed.

The Discovery Of Illinois

Illinois, tiioiisjli yoiiiiir in statehood, ivaclics baolv Cor two liunilre<l years in interesting annals and they are connected with one of the most remarkable religious orders the world ever saw. It was in the pontiticate of I'aiil 111., in 1.53<5, that it aro.se when the billows of the Reformation rolling onward to their destiny, threatenetl the speedy overthrow of Papal power in Europe. Its founder was a soldier in Spain, Ignatius Loyohi, and it was known as the "Society of Jesus."

Loyola became its general and head, and dying was canonized as Saint Ignatius. They labored with untiring zeal and industry, defending the faith then so violently attacked by Luther and others. As spiritual teachers they had no equals ; they possessed the learning of the age and became the conscience keepers of kuigs, emperors and nobles. They mingled politics with their leligion and they had wily, able and untiring actors at every court in Europe; they founded schools and colleges, and thus handed down their teachings; they became rich and haughty ; the crowned heads became alarmed at their influence and power, and expelled them from their dominions. Their enthusiasm and energy knew no bounds; they were well calculated to convert the heathen ; alike to them were the wintry blasts, the summer's heat, the pestilence or the scalping knife, the stormy billows of ocean or the cyclones and hurricanes of the lantl; they dreaded nothing. No spot on earth, however secluded, could escape them, for with falcon glance and eagle daring they darted their scrutiny into every nook and (Corner of both hemispheres, where, planting the cross and erecting rude altars for the occasion, they gathered the wondering savages around them, remained with them and linally won them.

On this continent tiiey labored in a very early day. Relics of their presence are to be found in Elaine, whilst the explorations of ('hami)liiiu o))eued to them a new and enlarged lield for their operations and it was through that channel that this ))eculiar people apiiroached the valley in which Illinois is situated. Before 1(147 the Jesuits had traced the course of the ocean lakes, except Michigan, and bravely contended with the savages that roamed tiieir borders, enduring perils and sufferings of which there is no parallel.

bay of Cheqoimegon, on the south border of Lake Superior, the Mission of St. Esprit, or Holy Spirit. To it came, besides other scattered banils, the Pottawatomies, from Lake Michigan, the Sacs and 'Foxes from their desert jdains, and the Illinois from their beautiful and placid river.

In KifiT this same intrepid man, with Claude Dablon and James Marquette, two eciually zealous and intrepid brothers of the order wlio had that year come from France, established the "Mission of Saint Mary of the Falls" at what is now known as Sault St. Mary. In 1071 Marquette established the mission of St. Ignace, so-called from the founder of the order, at a spot on the mainland near where Mackinaw now stands, and in the following year, with AUouez and Dablon explored the country of the "Miamis" and of the "Mascoutins" about Chicago and made excursions over the i>lains of Wisconsin and into every part of those regions wherever a nation of Indians was understood to reside, meantime kee|)ing up communication with Canada. With no weapons but the crucifix and the breviary, with no aids but the faithful compass and their savage guides, prompted alone by religious enthusiasm, did they wander upon the great inland seas amid the dangers from savage tribes of the forest to display their little tapers amid the dark and dreary regions of the great west and jtlant tiie cross and crucilix in advance alike of the spirit of commerce and of conquest.

To the adventure of Marquette, with Allouez and Dablon, to the western extremity of Lake Superior in 1678, is the world indebted for the discovery of Illinois and the vast valley of the Mississippi. The roving Sioux, who lived upon the i)rairies which this great river drains, on their visits to the mission of the Holy Spirit, had uuich to tell of the country they inhabited - boasted of its beauties, its verdure and of the I'iver which they called the "Mississippi" running to the south; but they kiu'w not the ocean into which it flowed. ^laniuette drank in their story and being satislied he should find upon its banks new nations au\ong wliich he could erect the synfl)ol of his faith, he prepared to visit their luuiting gr<mnds to the southwanl. He was joined by Joliet from Quebec; these two, with a few Frenchmen to pa<ldle their canoes and two Indians of the AIgou(|uin nation as guides to the Wisconsin, which they reached in June, l(i7:^.

wlit'iTre-t'iiibarkinj;, «'s('ai.iii)ii: all tlif daniijers of tliat stream, its cunrnt bearing tiieiii upon a couise new and unused to them, on the ITtli they stood ui)on tlie i)anks of the great river of wliich tiie .Sioux iiad spoken, and which Manpiette liad h)iiged to beliold. If we except the steel clad foih)wers of De Soto, who Spanish story tells us crossed the Father of Waters in 15:^5 and penetrated to Missovui in search of glittering treasure, and in wiiose bosom he found an unexpected grave, tliese were the lirst white men to behold it. Then for the lirst time was civilized man upon its banks.

Their canoes glide safely on its placid bosom; the rapids of Kock Island are passed. The scenery of the shores captivated them. No human foot print is seen until after they pass the lower rapids ; then one is discovered. Tliey follow it and it leads them to the banks of another river shining with verdure and dotted with In- <tian wigwams. They are met by the savage owners bearing the calumet and are kindly received. A great council is held and Mar- <iuette tells them of the great king over the tlie water and of his power to protect them.

Descending they came to the month of the Illinois coming in from the east, thence through varying scenes they pass the mouth of the unobtrusive Kaskaskia then the mouth of the Ohio, thence through the region of the cane and they tind a hotter sun;" they meet red men with steel axes for weapons below the mouth of the Arkansas; the pipe of peace wards off all danger; the mysteries of their faith are unfolded to the wandering savages. They cease their journey to the southward and start on their return up the rapiil stream toiling many a weary day revealing to the tribes he encountered the Christian God. Back to the mouth of the Illinois they proceed ui) the tranquil stream. The country seemed an eaithly paradise and they passed the heautiful prairies covered with Howers of every tint and with the most luxuriant herbage, vast herds of buffalo and deer, past singing birds of every variety of plumage, they poured out their gratitude to Him who ha<l led them safely to this land of beauty so full of glorious gifts for num.

But few Indians were discovered until they arrived at Peoria Lake: here the Illinois Nation urged him to remain with them, but he pursued his journey passing thnmgh Chicago to Green Bay where he arrived at the close of September l(i~:), having by his arduous voyage given an empire to liis sovereign and innnortality to himself. In the fall of 1(174 lie determined to visit the missions lie had planted in Illinois at Utica, in LaSalle couiitv, the site then called or known as Kaskaskia, and at Peoria. Being taken sick when he reached Chicago in December 1674, he remained till the following March 1075. During this stay about six miles from the east end of Madison street, (then the mouth of the Chicago river) near where McCormick's reaper factory now stands, was built by him a cabin, the first abode by civilized man within the limits of the state of Illinois. Here died and now lies buried in an obscure and forgotten grave, the discoverer of Illinois his only dirge the sullen moan of the wild waters of Lake Michigan for more than a century. What a resting place for such distinction ; what a sepulchre for so much glory ; what obseciuies to so much piety, so much fortitude, so much energy, so much unflinching zeal.

Since then the spirit of commerce and worldly enterprise following as it ever has behind the form of Christian inquiry and zeal has built above the unmarked grave of the great discoverer, that magnirtceut city of Chicago; and now and for the centuries to come it must be the monument to the memory of Marquette, the first settler of Illinois. Other explorers and priests followed, but it is only the purpose of this article to gather for our readers something of the civilized man whose eyes tirst looked upon these broad prairies and lirst made his habitation within the borders of Illinois. We have in doing this freely used the very interesting work of the late Judge Sidney Breeze, entitled, "Early History of Illinois." We submit this brief resume as a fitting prelude to the biographical sketches and early incidents of our own county of Champaign, appearing elsewhere in this publication. It will be observed that a church and not a fort was the foundation stone of the history of Illinois. The crucifix and not the sword was the weapon of the advance guard that took possession of this vast prairie state. The spirit of religion and devotion to Almighty God, and not that of avarice or conquest nerved the arm of the first settler of Illinois. Let us hope that the same high aspirations and sublime faith may be the heritage of those who now or may herafter inhabit this glorious garden of Illinois.

A15RAUAM Lincoln. The reader will naturally ask "Why do you place the portrait of Abraham Lincoln among the old settlers of Champaign county?" We answer, because he practiced law here tor many years, and many of tlie old settlers whose biograjihies appear iij this issue were well acquainted with him; then another reason is that while practicing here lie one day went to a gallery in Urbana in 1857, before he became famous, to have his picture taken; he was in his shirt sleeves, and the artist loaned him his coat to sit for the i)icture. William H. Somers, now of San Diego, California, while a resident of Beatrice, Nebraska, had a large nnmher of photographs taken from that old iiictin-c. He kindly complimented the Herald with one of these photographs. Our artist and engraver has made the al)ove picture from this photograph and shows the great emancipator as iu' looked when he was a western lawyer residing (juietly in Si)ringlield, 111., and practicing law here and in other counties. It is tlie only engraving of Mr. iAncoln which shows him as he was befon^ he became famous in the history of the woii^l. A biography is lumecessarv.

The above portrait is that of the first bride in Champaign county, and for that reason we take especial i)Ieasuro in presenting it and a brief sketch of her life. She was born in Shelby county, Kentucky,in isr3,and resided with her parents, Isaac and Sarah Busey, until she was nineteen years old, when she came with them to Vermilion county, in 1831. Champaign was separated from Vermilion in May, 1833, and Miss Malinda Busey was married to John Bryan July 2r)th, of the same year by Esquire J. B. Thomas, of Homer. Soon after lier marriage they went to Kentucky to visit the scenes of her youth and spend the honeymoon with the friends of her girlhood days, not in a palace car nor in a line carriage, but on horseback, ^[rs. Bryan rode the same horse to Kentucky and back five times before the iron horse came to supplant this primitive method of locomotion.

She was converted anti baptized in May, 1834, under the ministration of Isaac B. Newell, who was the preacher that in later years organized the Baptist church in Urbana.

Mrs. Bryan remembers vividly u numhei of Indian scares, especially durnig the time of tlie Blackhawk war, when she declares that they felt certain that old Blackhawk himself was coming on more than one occasion. John Hryan died .luly (1, lS(i;!.

Mrs. Bryan has a daiigliter in Chicago, one in Kantoul, ^\ lie of F. M. Avey, also ono son there. Three sons and four daughters lie buried by tlie side of their father in the Bryan graveyard, near Mahomet.

Mrs, Bryan resides in liantoul and regularly attends the old settlers' meeting every year, where she is an object of great interest because she is the first woman that entered upon the sea of matrimony within the borders of ('hami)aigu county. She is active and intelligent and it is to be Iioped she may continue to meet witb the pioneers of the county each succeeding year tor many years to come.

The New England states have contributed more to the growth, development and permanency of western institutions than all the other states combined. Evidences of Yankee thrift, push and superior intelligence are to be foutul on every hand throughout the great west. A new era marlved the advent of tlie New Eiiglaiuler in the west; he brought witii him culture, education and ideas, the outgrowth of his superior advantages and education obtained in tlu; schools of states that were the first to recognize the imi)ortance of the education of the masses ami the fostering of institutions of learning. 8oon after their arrival school houses and churches began to spring up and dot the land and the crude, rough ways and pioneer customs gave way before superior intelligence and education. Their intelligence, thrift and energy ma<le tliem vaiual)le acquisitions and welcome visitors in every new settlement.

The Hubbai'd family are originally of English ancestry, and of an old New England family. George Hubbard, the father of Thomas S., was a native of Middletown, Conn. In his early life he followed tlu^ calling of sea captain. When the embargo was laid upon the shipping interests in 1820 by President Jackson, he abandoned the sea and engaged in hotel keeping and farming. He died in 1833, He married Electa Brouson, who was born in Farmington, Conn. She died in August, 1863. Thomas S. was the only sou and eighth child. He was born in Middletown, Conn., September 2.5th, 1825. He received his eiiucation primarily in the excellent schools of his native village, and in 1845 entered Yale college from which institution he graduated in 1S49. In that class was Timothy Dwiglit, now president of Yale; also Dr. Fisk, professor in the Congregational Theological Seminary, of Chicago, and Dr. Morris, who now occupies the same position in the Lane Theological Seminary, of Ohio. After Mr. Hubbard's graduation he engaged in the manufacture of Japanned tinware and hardware in Meriden and Durliam, Conn. He continued thus engaged until 18.54, when he closed (mt Ids interests and came wei^t, landing in Urbana December Sth, 18.54. Here he went to church in the primitive M. E. meeting house that stood on the spot where Heller & Toy's livery stable now stands, with puncheon seats, anil heard the gentle nun-nun- of the festive hog as he scratched his back upon the sleepers from his lair beneatli the floor, regardless of prayer or song or of tlie usual ciun-ch proprieties.

Here he engaged in private banking and continued until in February, 18.56; he then accepted the position of cashier in the Grand Prairie Bank, which had a branch at West Urbana. These were the only banks in Chami)aign county, prior to ISOl. Mr. Hubbard contimied cashier until the latter date ; he then engaged in the grocery and hardware trade and continued it until ISfiO, when he moved to Cromwell, Conn, (formerly a part of Middletown) and remainett until 180)9, when he returned to Urbana. Since the latter date he has been cMigaged in the hai'dware trade.

When Mr. Hubbard first settled in Urbana tliere was not a brick house in the town except a small one story dwelling house situated at the southwest corner of the court house square. The store building now occupied by M. Lowenstern »fe Son was built one story and completed the following year, '['he Illinois Central railroail was tinished to

Champaign in the fall of 1^*.>4, but did not run trains regularly that winter. Mr. llubbard'.s banking office and residence from lb54 to i>viO were on the same ground now occupied by his hardware store.

Mr. Hubbard married Miss Jane E., daughter of Willis Woodruff' M. D., of Meriden, Conn., November 14th, 1849. Of this union there are four children whose names are as follows: George W., who married Miss Edna P. Post, of Cromwell, Conn. He is a member of the firm of Hubbard & Son, hardware merchants, Urbana. Minnie W., Julia E. and Harry T. are yet at home.

Mr. Hubbard and his entire family are memt)ers of the Presbyterian churcli. In his political affiliations he has always acted and voted with the republican party; he was a member of the board of aldermen from 1875 to 1879 and from 1884 to 1886.

Mr. Hubbard is a genmne representative of tiie thrift and enterprise of tiie New Englander described above. He is ever ready to aid every enterprise that gives promise of building up the town and county. He and his son, George AV., his jiartner, conduct one of the largest hardware, stove and tin stores in the county and have for years done a profitable business.

David C.\ntneu Was boni in Hedford county, Pennsylvania, in 1«17. His parents dying wiiile he was young he made his home with a pnmiinent iron merchant by the name of Sliellalu'rger, of IJedtiird county. He learned the trade of cabinet maker. The exact date of his coming>vest is unknown. He worked at his trade in Indianapolis for several years before he arrived in Urbana. He landed here in lK8y. He went to the Sangamon and opened a store in the village of Mahomet, also kept a hotel there, and later farmed for a year or two. In the spring of 1842, he married, and soon after came to Urbana. Here he engaged in various business, but more particularly carpentering and building. In 18GG, the village of llantoul began to loom up. The surrounding country began to settle up and there was a demand for houses. Mr. Cantner went there and in a few years practically built the town. He came back to Ur bana in 1872 and here engaged in grocery an^ provision trade on a large scale. He still continued building. In 1873, he erectetl the St. Nicholas hotel block and the next year put up the block of buildings on Market street and also built several dwelling houses. The hard times coming on caught him in close financial quarters and he yielded to the inevitable, though not without making a herculean struggle. It may be said of him that he contributed more to the towns of Urbana and llantoul than any dozen of men. Tlie building now occupied and known as the Masonic Temple was built by him as early as 1S.50. The brick were burned and shipiied from Milwaukee, and cost S40 per thousand. He also built the first freight house in Champaign and \vas the builder of the court house and iail for Iroquois county.

He had the most abiding faith in the f utiu-e greatness, development and prosperity of the west. He. would, in his quiet w ay, undertake enterprises demanding large sums of money and careful preparations, without a dollar in his pocket. He trusted to luck and the growing wants of the future. His judgment was not often at fault, his enterprises were often interrupted, but tliey were always completed. He was undismayed in the face of difficulties, that to others looked insurmountable. There were plenty to predict his failure in the initial move of his enterprises, hut they lacked knowledge of the man. Many men have accomplished more than Uavid Cantner, but few have done as much under similar circumstances and surroundings. Had his life been cast hi many places he would have been known as a great builder and would have risen to wealth and a liigh place among men.

Mi'. Cantner married Miss Jane Carson, in 1842. She died at)()ut 1870. There were three sons by tiiis union viz: Thomas J., wiio married Bertha Van Dam. He is a merchant of llantoul; Ciiarles P., leading grocer and provision dealer of Urbana, and .lames H., who is with the latter.

Tlie subject of this slvetch was born iu Sussex county, Dehnvare, April IStli, 1825. His parents, William and Anna (Pool) Burton moved to Ohio, when George was in his eighth year. He came to this county in 1852 and settled in Urbana. At tliat time Urbana was a small struggling village of about one hundred houses. There were no houses where Champaign now stands. The Illinois Central road had not been built, lie tirst found employment with William Park and helped him to saw the ties for the Central railroad. He was for a time engaged in the bakery and grocery business on the corner of Main and Market streets in a building now known as "Spi^nce's corner." In company with James .Johnson he did the first ditching in the county. He invented and operated the hrst open ditching machine in the county. He has done nnich to put our farming land in a good tillable condition. After iu^ quit the mercantile business he engaged in ditching and farming and still continues in the latter.

He married Margaret Oliver, in Barnesville, Belmont county, Ohio, July 1st, 1846. She was born in Washington county, Delaware, August 12, 1828. Tliey are the parents of the following children: Allen, tile manufacturer at Pliilo; Mary married John Itipley, now deceased; Eunice, married John Cover, of Camargo, 111.; Charles, of the firm of Burton liros., Philo. Mr. and Mrs. Burton are members of the M. E. church. In politics he is a republican and invariably votes his ticket straight. Ho lias held the office of highway connuissioner for nine years and has been industrious in giving us good roads. He is also school tlirector for his district. Mr. Burton belongs to tlu^ iiuhistrious, energetic class of men, and lie also ranks as one of our very best citizens.

Among the live businessmen of Urbana is W. H. Owens. He was born in Baltimore county, Maryland, December 22, 18:i3. He is the son of Samuel and Eliza (Brooks) Owens. His father was in the mercantile business and young Owens became a clerk while young and was educated, so to speak, behind the counter. He came west in April, 1850. He believed that this country presented more advantages to a young man who was industrious and desired to get ahead in the world. Soon after his aiTival here he clerked for Eli Halberstadt for two or three years and then for Alexander Spence, with whom he reniainefl for twelve years. He subseipiently purchased a farm of 120 acres on the Sangamon and farmed for several years, then returned to Urbana May 1, 1882,' and purchased a stock of groceries and provisions of Mrs. Hollister and has continued in tiie trade to the present.

During tliis time he has also engaged in the breeding and raising of Sliort Horn cattle. In his herd may be found some of the finest specimens of tiiat l)n>ed in tiie county.

Hf has also given a f?reat deal of attention to tlie improvement in the breed of horses. He has one tine imported Norman and also a Morgan-Belsjian, eciiially as tine an individual as llieotiier. He is also interested in the breeding of superior breeds of hogs and sheep.

Mr. Owens married ;Miss Sarah Wolfe, who is still living. Tliey are the i>areiits of the following named children: Joseph W., Bessie, lAicy, Kate and Daisy. Joe is express agent and clerk in his father's store; Bessie is a graduate of the University of Illinois. Mr. Owens iniited with the M. E. church about 1><49. He has been a class leader for over thirty years and a member of the official board for about the same time. He has always Ix'en active in clnn-ch affairs. Politically, he has ever been a staunch republican, and has so far steered clear of any offices.

:Mr. Owens attends to his groceiy business and at the same time looks after his ISIaliomet farm and tine stock and we sincerely trust that the prosperity his labors have brought him thus far, may be continued and increased, as he certainly deserves that it should be so.

CiiAUT.Ks Alexander Hunt, M. D. Doctor Hunt was a nativ»> of Trenton, New .Jersey, where he was horn April ir)th, li^l'.l, and where he continued to resicU^ until he was thrown upon the wm Id by the death of his father, at the tender age of i:! years. He then, in company with someof the older nuMubers of his father's family, enugrated to Ohio, where, thrnnuh the aid of friends and a determination ami perseverance that knew no such thing as fail, he succeeded in obtainiuu; aline English and classical education. When he became of age he entered the office of Dr. Gillett, of Springfield, Ohio; His medical studies were completed at the Ohio College of Medicine, Cincinnati, where he graduated with high honors, ^larch fith, lS4r). He did not cease study ujion his gradnation, for all his life he was a close student and extensive reader.

In f^+T he was married to Isabella Hopkins anil removed to the Wabash valley, where he resided and practiced his profession botii in Indiana and Illinois until he and his family removed to Urbana in is.5."). Here he entered into the drug business, which, as a member of the firms of Hunt; Sim it Lindley, and Hunt A: Sim, lu^ continued until the breaking out of the war of the rebellion. Although waruUy attached to his profession, and ardently loving the scientific pursuits akin thereto, he in fact contracted a dislike for the details of medical practice. Abandoning the profession for a time, he did not abandon his studies and investigations connected with nu^dicine and^' surgery, but was constantly engaged, when he had leisure to do so, in reading or writing upon topics pertaining thereto. He often published in the medical journals and local papers his theses showing great learning and original research. He also lefi among his papers many manuscripts written upon scientific and ])olitical topics. He was a corresponding s(!cretary of the Chicago Academy of Natiual Sciences.

The first guns tired upon Fort Sumter, in ISGI, stirred within him a patriotic fervor which determined his future. As soon as his business could be closT-d and an opixutunity for his services offered he entered the military servfce of the government as surgeon of the VMh regiment of Illinois V(dunteers. Here, by his faithfulness to the sick under his charge, and his knowledge of the healing art, he warndy attached to himself the olficers and soldiers of the regiment. Always conscientious in the discharge of duty he neither knew nor wanted to know any other way than to faithfully stand at his post of duty here, let it lead whOre it uuglit. The eventful siege of Vicksbm-g drew his regiment and with it the surgeon to the post of danger. His hospital was located at Haiiu's' Bluff, on the Ya/.oo, that l)oint so renowned for its miasma and bad water, where he spent several months in constant personal care of the sick and wounded, (luring the suninier of IS'W. This continued until worn out by disease, hardships and in<*essant professional labors, he started for liis home and family, where he might recuperate liis depleted system, or if need be, die amcmgfriemls; hut the iiope of again meeting the little ones at home and his faithful, loyal wife, was never realized. Those in cliarge of tiie hospital boat which brought him north were compelled to leave him at the general hospital at Mound City on the 29th of J uly, in charge of Doctor Wardner, where he expired Sunday, August '2nd, 1SG3, only a few hours after the arrival of his wife, who, upon hearing of his illness, had hurried to his side. His neighbors at home were shocked by an unexpected dispatch from Mrs. Hunt announcing his death and the hour of her arrival with the remains. Sadly they met her at tlie northern bound train and bore the body of their esteenunl friend to the home \w, so uuich loved and so much desired and exi)ected to again visit. His letters to his wife and friends, while in tlie service, breathed the most ardent attachment to home, family and friends, and often counted on the time when, duty fully done, he would turn his face homeward and again reunite family ties and engage in the privileges and duties of citizenship. But, alas, this was not to be and he peacefully yielded uj) his life as did so many otiiers, that his countrv might be saved. Sorrowfully were his remains laid to rest by admiring and afflicted friends amid the surroundings so nuich loved by him in life.

His wife, Mrs. Isabella Hunt, after a widowhood of twenty-three years, still survives him. His sons, J. E. Hunt, a popular druggist of this city, Isaac Lindly and Cory A. have since then grown to manhood and to lives of usefulness, but his only daughter, Sarah V., followed her father to the grave, in 180.5.

Dr. Hunt was eminent in every sense. In the social circle, by his wit, his wisdom and his guileless attachment to his fiiends and associates, lie warmed all hearts towards him. In the language of a prominent member of the medical statf, who was thrown much in his society. "He had no enemies and he deserved none." He was a leader in society so far as taking the front in every movement for its elevation. In him the infant schools of the country had a faithful and very useful friend. He was an early friend of the slave and entered warmly into the movement for the formation of a party unfriendly to the extension of slavery. Upon political topics he wi'ote and published nuich, always in the most logical and convincing style. As a neighbor ai\d a friend he was warm-hearted, obliging and sincere.

in a local paper of that day: "He was deeply learne<l in his profession, an elaborate and profound thinker and writer. In all those (jualities which go to make ui)the good and honored citizen, his life and character were rich, and in those (lualities of heart and mind which endeared him strongly to his neighbors and friends, he abninided superlatively."

Jxtdok J. O. Cun.Vixgham

This old settler, lawyer, journalist and jurist, of Urbana, was born in Lancaster, Erie county, iN. Y., December 13, 1.S80. He was the eldest child of Hiram W. and Eunice (Brown) Cunningham. Miss Brown was of the Brown family, of Vermont; her gr.mdfather carried on the lirst carding and fulling mill in the then colony of Vermcmt, before the revolutionary war. Hiram W. was descended from the CJnnninghams of Connecticut, who settled there in the latter half of the seventeenth century. Hiram W. removed with his parents in 1811 to what was known as the "Holland Purchase," Erie Co., N. Y. In 1833 he removed from tiiere to Huron county, Ohio, where he died in 1800.

.1. (). Cunningham began his education in the district schools of Ohio, and continued it in the Baldwin Institute at Berea, Ohio; later he attended the fanumsOberlincoIU^ge. In 1852, he pushed further west and taught school at Eugene, Vermilion county, Indiana. There he began tlie study of law, a profession in which he was destined to be successful. He came to Urbana, June 18th, 18."):^, returned to Ohio and was married at Bainbridge, Ohio, October 13th, 185:^, to

Mary McCoiioiighey, who still lives and presides, witii true womanly grace and ability, over as pleasant a home as may be found in this county. It is locatetl just outside the city limits, northeast of town, where the judiie and his much valued partner are surrounded by all the iu vuries to be enjoyed in this community. He is a vigorous and versatile writer and soon after he came here he iniroliased the Urbana Union of Col. W. N. Coler, and for a time published it with a man named Benjamin A. Koney: later, in partnership with G. N. Richards, and aft^'rwards witii G.W. Flynn, each of his partners boinic practical printers. In the campaign of is.5fi, the Union was radically for Fremont and the rei)ublican ticket. Mr. Cunningham retired from the Union in 18.58. He then attended tlie Union law college at Cleveland, Ohio, graduating in 1859, and on the first of May of tliat year formed a partnership with J. W. Sim, which lasted about five years. He did some editorial work for Rev. Wm. ]Munhall, when he was publishing tlie "Patriot," but was also, at the same time engaged in the practice of the law. When Flynn and Richards bought the Union and Gazette, in 1864, Mr. Cunningham assumed editorial control until in 1866, when he retired from active journalism, and has since assiduously applied himself to the profession of law, in which he has been eminently successful.

In 1861 he was elected judge of the county court and held the office for four years. In this position he saw the necessity for some well considered work on probate law and a few years since he aided in editing and publishing the well known work entitled "Practice in the County Court" by Jones and Cunningiiam. From 1867 to 1873 he was a njember of the Board of Trustees of the State University, in the location of which, in this city, he had taken an active part. From is6y to 1876, he was in paitnership with Hon. William B. Webber, since which time he has practiced alone.

Tiic judge was formerly a radical republican, and during the slavery agitation and war times was active as such. In later years he had been an independent in politics. Twice he has led tlie opposition in this county as candidate for state senator, polling more than the full strenirth of the two opposition parties, running ahead of his ticket. These honors have come to him unsought, however, as lie does not seek or desire jiubiic office l)ut is content to conduct his extensive legal busiiu^ss which alfords him a handsome income, and is nnich more

Judge Cunningham is a man who possesses a will of his own and has strong conviction-) in all the great moral as well as political questions of his time. Inde])endent in thougiit and action he does not subscribe to all of the doctrines of any political party. He neitiier seeks to lead nor can he be coaxed or driven in any prescribed path. His code of morals, laid down to govern himself, are of tlu; strictest kind, yet he is ciiaritable towards others. A good hater so long as cause exists therefor, and a warm friend of those who come up to liis standard of friendship. He is courtecms to his professional brethren but unsi)aring in his denunciation when once aroused. His friendships are lasting and his enmity when once incurred is apt to be lf)nir lived. A constant reader, his literary attainments are ot a high order and he holds a high position at the bar as well as in the confidence of the people.

MiNiAN A. Riley. This enteri)rising merchant and old settler was born in Edgar county, ill., January ;i9. 1844, and is the eldest son of Elder G. W. and Bethire (McChtiu) Riley. He received a good Englisii education in the common schools of tlie county while residing with his father and in tlie winter of 1860 and '61 attended tiie Ciiicago University for the l)urpose of ad<ling still more to his scholastic knowledge. Wiiileatthis University Fort Sumpter was fired upon. lie immediat^'Jy left liis books and less patriotic comrades at college, and came home to enter the service ot hiscountry. lie had received instructions in Chicago from one of Col. Ellsworth's men in the Zouave drill; he at once organized a company of Zouave? numbering about forty, and drilled them luitil the early i)art of ISfW. This company gained a wide reputation for their perfect movements and thorough knowledge of military tactics. His work was so well done that nearly every man of that famous company entered the service and became an officer in the army.

In 1862 he joined company B, 76th regiment, 111. volunteer infantry. He was soon made an orderly, was afterwards promoteil to First Lieutenant of Jiis company. He participated in the great siege of Vicksburg and promptly answered every call of duty. He served faithfully for two years in the army when he resigned and came home. On his return from the array he was appointed deputy internal revenue assessor, and served at a time when the law was new and the duties of the office was complicated and not easily understood ; he acquitted himself with credit as such officer until Andrew Johnson became president, and relieveil him and his superior officer of further responsibility in that direction. He then entered the dry goods store of M. Lowenstern, in this city? remaining with him for about four years and was an eflicient and valuable salesman.

In 1870 he formed a partnership in the dry goods business with John Gere; the firm of Gere & Kiley suffered great loss by tlie fire of 1871, but it paid every dollar in full and was dissolved in the fall of 1874 each resuming business separately. Later lie formed a partnership with his younger brother Ozias, in the dry goods business which continued about two years, since which time, Mr. Kiley has been in business alone.

He was Tuarried August 2+, 1862, to Miss Emma 1). Porter, of this city, who is still living. The children born to them are: Maggie II., Frank A., Clarence N., Fred A., and Anna H. Riley. Fraidc A. died in 1879^ Those living are all residing at home.

Mr. Riley united with Urbana Baptist church in 18.')2, and is now a member of th.e board of deacons and a leading and active member of the chiu'ch. He has been leader of the choir for more tiian twenty years, during which time perfect harmony and good feeling has been maintained by his skillful management.

He is always drawn uinm to aid in public concerts given for various charitable purposes, and always honors the draft; he was one of the (juartet that made the "Champaign County (ilfc Club'" famous.

In politics he has always been, and is now, a republican. He presides over the "Good Luck" dry goods store and by his close buying and go(xl taste in selecting and displaying his goods, as well as by his courteous manner, affable disposition and fair treatment to customers, he has succeeded admirably in bu^siness. His business increases every year and is destined to continue to grow in ))roi)ortion with the growth ami developnuMit of the city and surrounding country.

Elisha Stevenson, Sen. Among the old settlers of Champaign county is the subject of this sketch. He is a native of Ohio, born in Columbiana county. May 2?j, 1817. In early life he learned the hatter's trade in Pittsburg, Pa. In following his trade he drifted about to different [tlaces, but was for the greater part of the time a resident of Ohio. In 18.54 he came west to this county and settled in Urbana, and here engaged in farming. His health failing he was compelled to abandon hard labor and for a luimber of years has lived a quiet, retired life. While a resident of Hillsiwro, Ohio, he married Miss Nancy Ann KeciAr. The date of the ceremony was J une 24, 1849. They are the parents of eleven children, six sons and live daughters. Their names are as follows: Lewis E., a prominent druggist and postmaster of St. Joseph; he married Miss Ada O. Coffman. Cinderella, widow of C. A. Lawhead. Elisha, jr., a conductor on the 1., B.

Pionrers Of Champaign Countt

ik W. : lit^ inanied Miss Nora E. Truiiibiil, of IVkiii. 111. Sara J., wjio is at lioino: Susan, wife of E. J. Stephens, wlio is a conductor on the Missouri Pacific K. 11., anil resides at St. lionis; Josephine is the wife of Ed. T. Swan, a farmer living in l'rl)ana township; Charles II., basgage master on the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe R. 11., with headquarters at Las Vegas, N. M. ; William F.. druggist at St. Joseph; he married Mi.ss Emma C. Coftman; Benjamin F., who is a resident of St. Josei)h; he married Lucia Ketterman ; Mary Elizabeth and Uriah are yet at home. Politically Mr. Stevensou votes the democratic ticket. The sons have iiarkened to the i)olitical teachings of their father and have followed in his footsteps and vote the same ticket with great inianimity. Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson have raised a large and most excellent family. All are industrious, with steady habits, and are recognized as first class citizens.

Lewis A. McliEAN Was born in (Jrafton, Illinois, May .5, 1843. lie removed to Urbana with his mother, Mrs. Mary P. Vanderveer, and step-fatlier, Cornelius M. \'anderveer, from V'erinilion county, Illinois, Ai)ril 1.5, is.^ Mis iather was Dr. John McLean, a physician, and died in is4-t, at Carlyle, III. His mother, now Mrs. Mary U. \V<'bl)er, resides in this city and is well known by the old settlers of the comity.

li>o~ and 1858, was at the fourth district high school in the city of New Orleans, La. In December, W>:i, lie entered the otiice of the circuit clerk and recorder of this county as deputy of AV. II. Soiners, then serving his second term, and remained in tliat position for seven years ; he was then for a time deputy United States assessor. From 187-2 to 18T9 he was engaged in mercantile pursuits. In the fall of 1879 he accepted the position of book keeper and assistant editor of the Champaign Gazette, which he Idled until October 9, 1882, when he took a position as associate editor of the CiiA.MPAUix Coixty Heram), with M. W. Mathews, its proprietor, which i)osition lie still holds. The success of the paper has been phenomenal in the newspaper history of the county and it is only just to say, tliat as its business manager and local editor, he is entitled to the creilit for its unusual growth and rapidly increasing circulation.

He was married May 13, 1864, to JSIiss Jennie £. Kussell, daugliter of Dr. E. L. Kussell, now of DesMoines, Iowa. She is still living and is an active worU'er in the Baptistchurch. Their children are: Nellie, who is in her junior year at the University of Illinois; Albert H., and Clair F., who are both at home and attending school. Mr. McLean united with the Baptist church in December 1S('):>, and has been coiniected with the Sabbath .scliool as superintendent or assistant superintendent for over twenty years. He has served two years as secretary of the county Sunday school association and takes an active part in the work.

He is also secretary of the Old Settlers" Association of this county and is vigilant and active in rescuing from oblivion every fact and incident with reference to the old settlers of the county.

In politics he is a rei)Ublican and has acted and voted with that iiarty ever since old enough to vote, casting his lirst vote for Abraiiam Lincoln in 18(W.

John TiKmxnruN' Was born in Tliiikleby, Yorkshire, England, January 30, IsriO. His father was John Thornburn and hismotlier Elizabeth Dunnel. They came to this country in 1851, taking jtassage on the sailing sliip Flora McDonald, the Kith of April and arriving at Baltimore, May 31, thus being six weeks on the ocean. They traveled on to Barnesville, Belmont county, Ohio, both of them dying there. In 18.>4, John Tlioriibum, the subject of this sketch came to this county and stopped at Burr Oak ferove. The next year he came to the Brumley place, three miles of Urbana. Four years later he removed to this city and lived for many years on the southwest corner of the lot upon which is now the residence of T. S. Hubbard. John was married March 10, 1851, in Yorkshire, England, to Miss Anna Burnett, who has been and is yet his faithful companion in his reverses as well as his successes. August oth, 18ry2, he entered the army in Company G, 76th 111. Vol., and served faithfully for three years. He was at the siege of Vicksburg. Big Shantee, llesaca, Kenesaw Mountain, siege of Atlanta, and other battles in which his regiment was engaged. He was discharged August 5th, isr»5, having served exactly three years to a day. His son, Thomas B., who resides in Somer township, is his only surviving child, liis <h\ughter Elizabeth having died in infancy. Mr. Thornburn voted for Lincoln in 18(50, and would have done so in l^^^^U, but for the fact that the copperhead legislature of Illinois did not allow her soldiers to vote. He is outspoken and radical in liis political views and has fougiit the battles of his party with ccturage and fidelity ever since it was organ ize<l. He has been a comnussioner of liigli\VR.>s for Vi ^ears.aRd treasurer of the board since l^iTH. exceitt oHe year. He has helped to laj* out about alUlie roads, and built about all the bridges In the township. He lias been collector of the township for the past four years. When Mr. Thornburn landed, with bis good wife, at AUeghaney City he had to stop and \\'ork tor seveuty-five cents per day to get ntoney enough to continue his journey to Barnesville, which place he linally reached with the sunt of five cents as his cap tal. He has HOW a tine farm of 2.50 acres and knows how to enjoy life by living at home and boarding at the same place. Jte has no mortgages or debts to an«oy him and he is about as li!ai)py and prosperous s.s any man could wish to be.

John L. McCaix. Biography, says Horace Mann, especially of the great and good, who have from the depth of obscurity risen to eminence aiid usef uhiess is an ennobling study. Its direct tendency is to reproduce the excellence it records. It is but lately that we, as Aniericans, have paid any attention to it. In this matter of fact-age and utilitarian country we stop to ask, "Does it pay?" forgetting that the profit may be hidden in obsciuity. But we are advancing to a higher plane of intellectuality and with it comes the increased desire for biographj-. The deeds of the

Of John L. McCain it may be trutlifuUy saitl,-tliat the world was better that lie lived." He Wivs born in Philadelphia, Pa., in May, 1S04, and wivs of Scotch Irish parentage, lie ]>ad many of the characteristics of that race, large and brawny, with thews and sinews strong and hard as steel, erect, and strong, with an eye tliat lowered not its gaze to friend or fo3, he stood before you a type of physical men that only the Highlands of Scotland produce, and yet this strong man in tlie uiidst of his firends was as weak as an infant. No blood ever welled up from a truer, more honest, or nobler heart. A friend could lead Iiim, but no foe could drive liim. Innately honest, he looked for honesty in every other.

His father, .James McCain, was a native of the north of Ireland, and was a man of superior education. He emigrated to America while yet a young n)an; while on board the ship that he took passage in, he made the acquaintance of a Miss Montgomery, a Scottish lady, which ripened into love and finally culminated in marriage. Miss Montgomery was a near relative of Gen. Montgomery of^ revolutionary fame. Mr. McCain, the subject of this sketch, drifted with the tide westward, and settled in Ashtabula county, Ohio, where he married Miss Eli/.abetli Uake. The marriage was solemnized in 1H4(> in Dayton, Ohio. She was a native of the above county, born in 18^4. There were four children born of that union tiiat still survi ,-e. Their names are Emma, who is the widow of Charles Maxfield; Lillie, single, both" residents of Urbana; Sadie, wife of J. E. Fairhead, a railroad engineer, and Maude, wife of Charles Ilolden. Theyr.reside in Mt. Sterling, Kentucky.

Mr. McCain was a moulder by trade, and followed it after he came to Urbana, owing to it injuring Ills sight he was compelled to abandon it. When the gold fever broke out in Calif(trnia in 1S49 he went there and remained one year, then returned, and traveled over a innnber of states working at his trade. In the spring of 18.56 he came to Urbana and here as before staled worked at his tra(h' mitil his eyesight failed, and then up to within a short time before his death he labored with a team, draying and hauling.

He was originally an old time whig and upon the abantlonnient of that political organization he joined the republican party and voted with it until his death. He was postmaster at Yellow Springs, Mo, and serve<l as tax collector of Urbana township to the satisfaction of the people.

He united with the M. E. church in 18.3G, and was an energetic and untiring worker in that christian organization. Soon after he became a christian he was licensed to preach and continued to do so at intervals until his death. He was a live worker in the Sunday school, and was a class leader almost from tlie time he united with the church. He vvjis what might i)c called a simple christian, absolutely without guile, snot, or blemish. He was also an interesting worker in the cause of temperance, and did much to further its interest in Urbana. It was however in his simple religious fervor where the man siione forth as a light in the pathway of liis followers.

Father McCain's mind, tiiough un!)lest witli early advantages, was emiched by mucii reading, especially upon subjects pertaining to religion. In fact upon topics related thereto he was a profound scholar. Unlike many who acquire learning of this kind, his views were not dwarfed and narrowed, but broadened and expandeil almost beyond the limits of iiis orthodox belief. His charity was of the widest range, and his faith in the saving power of Christianity had no bounds. He never talked of lost , souls and the regions of the damned, but always of salvation through Ciirist as a success. To him the heavenly roaxl was a broatl one thronged with every willing one who rejected not the great gift. He was a metaphysician and could not reconcile the claim of some that an all-powerful God is finally to meet with overthrow in His efforts to save His children. He loved to listen to the gospel as he understootl it and could not brook a minister of Christ who put forth doubts of the divine success.

He loved in the class meeting to hear of high hopes and expectations, and had no patience with doubters, who, willing for salvation feared it might be a dream of fiction. Such he always rebuked as putting limits upon God's power.

Randolph C. Wright, of Homer, the genial and etticient state's attorney of Champaign foinity. Avas horn in Winchester, Randolph county, Ind., November 3rd, IJS'iU. His father, Jesse B. Wrigiit, was brother to James 8. Wright, of Champaign, and his mother's maiden name was Mary Draper. He came with his parents to Illinois, in 1830, at whicii time the future legislator and prosecutor, was less than a year old, and settled northeast of Homer, in the edge of Vermilion county. In lH3i), he came over the line into Champaign county, to make his home with liis uncle, David C. Wright, and since that date his hon»e lias been in this county. As may be presumed, the opi)ortunities for education were not of the best, but he attended school in the winter months and diligently improved all the ix)or advantages offered. Feeling the need of a better etlucation than could be obtained in this new country, in 1847, he i)iT)ceeded to Winchester, his birth 1 dace, for tlie purpose of attending school, making his home with Mr. William Way. In 1849, he returned to Champaign county and engaged iii teaching. In 18.51, he attended the Georgetown Seminary and coml)leted his education. On the 10th of April, 18.5;^, Mr. Wrigiit was married to Miss Jane L. Moore, a native of New York, and who ever since has divided all his sorrows and heightened all his joys. Six children have been the fruit of tliis union, viz : Mary A. Chades Bruce, Maud Alberta, Edwin Ran- <lolhp, Anna Belle, and Jesse C. In 18.'>4, ]Mr. Wright joined the Methodist church, iind has since been a consistent member.

All of his family, with the exception of tlie youngest, Jesse, belong to the same denomination. Mr. Wright's lirst vote for president was cast for General Winlield Scott, his second for John C. Fremont. He has never wavered in his devotion to the iirinciples of the republican party since its organization. Mr. Wright has always held a strong place in the regard of his fellow-citizens, who elected him sheriff in 1800. In 1870, lie was chosen to represent his district in the legislature. In 18G3, Mr. Wright was admitted to the bar. He has ever since had a lucrative practice, principally in this and Vermilion counties. He is an effective and eloquent orator, and hence exercises great influence in jury trials, where he brings out the strong points of his case with great ability. He has used his splendid oratorical powers a great deal in the temperance cause. His voice is heard, too, in each campaign with telling effect, laying before his constituents the claims of tlie republican party, of which he is a faithful member. He is now serving the people as state's attorney and his vigorous prosecutions of criminals makes this county a very undesirable field of operations for them. He will, doubtless, be continued for anotlier term in this important office, and higher honors at the hands of his constituents, we predict, awaits him.

David Silver Was born in Salem county. New Jers(>y. February 15, 1708. He was the son of Joseph and Patience Silver, who came to Ohio in 1801, and settled in Warren county. He was iiiairit'd in Montiromery county, Ohio, June :i<"., lN-i:v to Rli/.a, the youngest daughter of Jonatlianaiul Elizabeth Munger, who were Vermont Yankees. She died Noveinl)er '29, 18<«. David Silver came to this t-ounty in Juiie 1854, his f a)nily following in Noveinber of same year. Their children are as folhvws: William M., John L.. Wallace, Myra ami Perry, all living except IVrry who died December 14, 18S5. David was brought up in tlie Friends' society aiul adhereii closely to their views, though he abamloued their plaiii language. He w»s a whig and later a republican and was always strongly f)pp»*;ed to slavery and to the party that upheld it. lie engaged for some years in the dairy business, in Ohio, marketing his butter in Cincinnati, making weekly trips a distance of 40 miles in a wagon. Most of his life, however, was si)ent on a farm. His early life was spei\t in clearing the heavy timber on his father's farm 'n\ (Jhio, as where he had settled it was one unbroken forest and made much hard work necessary. His educatimutl advantages were somewhat limited, but he obtained a fair education through the teaching of an older brother who had been educated in New Jersey. A small log house was built near the dwelling W'here he taught David and a few of the neighbors' children. He at tirst studied law but became disgusted with it and abandoned the idea of becoming 11 lawyer awl went back to the farm. He was ,^(; years old when he took a trip to Illinois; he was so impressed with the beauties of the vast prairies that he decided to locate here and o))en a new farm; he did most of the iMcuking on his farm and dug his own wells. His health failed somewhat in after years, and in IWT he went back to Ohio, to the old farm and spent the remainder of his life with his sou John and only daughter. Although for several months prior to his death he was blinil from cataract in both eyes, he still retained his interest in evei-y day affairs and was always enthusiastic in i>raise of Illinois. Few men worked harder than he and yet he found tim3 to reiul and keep thoroughly posted on current events. He took a deep interest in public sclnK)ls and in the matter of public roads and did a gieat deal to build them up. He was a moral man and was radical in his temperance views; he was among the lirst to discard whisky from the harvest field and his voice was always for temperance, teaching these i>rin('ii>Ies to his children on every jiroper oecasion. He died November 10, 1!S7.">, Hujurned by hosts of friends of Ohio anil Illinois as well.

\V. J. Foiin. Tlie man who uiakes two blades f>f grass grow where one grew before is a public benefactor. The man or men who have added muscle and bone, synnnetry and high action to our beasts of burden, who ha\e made one horse by careful breeding and training to do more than two is doubly a benefactor. In any connnunity will be found one or more men who, by their enterprise, advanced ideas, push and pluck, have become public benefactoi-s. Of this class of men is the subject of this sketch. Mr. Ford was born in Clark county. Ohio, in February V<n. His parents, James 0. and Elizabeth (Hannah) Ford, w^ere natives of the same state. Young Ford grew to nuudiood in his native state. He was reared on the farm and educated in the connnon sc1kh)1s. In is.">^, he married Miss Catharine Birely. She was bftrn in Freilericksburg, Indiana, in October, 1S;«. Three children are the ivsult of this union. Their names in the order of their birth are: Sarah Elizabeth, wife of W.J. Harris. They reside east of Urhana. Lewis E., is a resident on his father's farm. Eliza E., marrieil J. E. Nye, who is a farmer and resident of Somer township. Mr. Font came to Illinois in 1S(J0 and settled in Piatt county, where he remained until 1863, when he came to this county and rented the farm now owned by J. W. Cushman, scmth of I'rbana. He subsequently removed to sectioii twenty-one (21,) in Somer township, where he purchased a tract of land and there remained luitil his removal to Urbana. His occ*npation has been farming and breeding of tine horses. Soon after hisanival in tliis eounty, lie began taking a deei) interest in the inil.rovenient of stock. His ettorts were direoted mainly to the liorse, and it can be truthfnlly said that lie has done more to bring tlie breed np to their present liigh standard tlian any other man in the oonnty. He brought a horst' w illi him wlien he came to the comity, known as the "Ford" horse. Many of our readers will recollect him. In ISTsiie purchased the well known Belgian liorse "Bismark" who. perhaps, is better known in Central Illinois than any other of his breed. Uld "Bis" is still living, in tine condition, not the least disligured and still in the ring. In 1S>>4, Mr. Ford made a special trip to Scotland, as a member of the firm of Ford, Thomas & Satfei, and personally selected a number of line horses which he brought over and i»laced in their stud. The linn have since that made other importations, many of them have been sold to parties throughont the state. Tlieir stal)les and paddocks are extensive and specially fitted up for the business. They have now a number of tine specimens of the Clyde, Norman and Belgian breeds, that is well worthy of a visit and inspection. In addition to their business of importing and selling blooded horses, Messrs. Ford, Tliomas & Saffel are extensively engaged in tlie sale of agricultural impiements. They have a large and extremely well arranged agricultural warehouse. It is tilled with reapers, mowing machines, threshers, corn planters, cultivators, plows, harrows, hay rakes, corn siiellers, wagons, buggies, garden tools, grass seeds, etc., etc. This season has witnessed great activity in and around their wareliouse. Their business in this department is larger than any other house in the county and is constantly increasing as tiieir low prices, pleasing and correct methods of doing business becomes better known. In short, the importing stables and agrinultm-al implement business of Messrs. Ford, Thomas & Satfei is one of the big institutions of Urbana.

Edwakd Bi.ackshaw Was born September 1st, 1881, at Bromley, near Dudley, Staffordshire, England, about one mile from the place where iron was tirst smelted by bituminous coal, by Dud Dudley, son of Lord Dudley, ;n 1865, at Dud Dudley's. His father was Joseph Blackshaw, his mother was Hannah Hill. He was married in Edgbaston England, April 3, ISno, to Miss Elizabeth Jones, since deceased. He was married a second time, August 17, 188-2, to Mrs. J. Strachan, who is still living. In 1858, on his arrival here, he established his dental office and has done an extensive business ever since. He has always been a thorough student and has introduced the various inventions in his profession as soon as his investigation convinced him of their merits. He was the first to introduce in this county, the following inventions, to-wit: Rubber as a base for artilicial teeth, in lS(;i or 2, Nitro Oxide or laughing gas, in 18W. Os-artificial as tilling for teeth, in 1862, Cheoplastic as a base for lower sets, in 1860, Weighted Rubber, as abase for lower sets, in 1879, Cavities in lower plate, in 1878, Bro. of Ethyl, in 188;S, the local anesthetic for the gums, in 18(50, the use of a base plate of metal and fasten the teeth on with rubber for lower sets, in 1884, Tif!ine, for extracting, June 1885, Robbins Remedy, in August 1885, Yinglings Chlorodont, in December 1885, Emery Burrs and wheels for lathes, in August, 1885. In 188(5, the Doctor introduced Moseley's Soporative, which produces natural sleep, which he is using very successfully in his dental business. Dr. Blackshaw is well known throughout the state as a zealous Fiec Mason, lie was made a Mason in 1857, in Fountain Lodge, No. -il*, Fon l)u ry.ie, Wi^tconsin. He has iieid llie otiice of Master of Uibana Lod;^e, 1")-, been Iligli Priest of Urbana Ciiapter, No. {;0, for eleven years, T. I. (1. M. of Urbana Conneil, No. 1'.', for twonly-one years, servh1 as Captain General of Urbana Coniniandery. No. 10, and now occupies the posifio-.i of (Jeneralissinio in same ('on)Miandery. He also tilled the honorable position of Puissant Grand Master of the Grand Council of the state of Illinois, for one ye<ir. The Doctor is known far and wide as a skilled dentist and in every town in Central Illinois has warm friends who always give him a hearty greeting.

John T. Phillip.s Was born in Mifflin Co., Pa., May 24, 1818, being the same day on which (Jueen Victoria was born. His parents were Isaac I'hillips and Priscilla Hill. He worked on a farm and in a distillery from the time he was ten years old until 1N4T, when he emigrated to Iowa, wliere lie farmed until the spring of Is.'iO, when lie crossed the jilains for California, where he remained till the fall of 1851, His wife whom he had married Sept. 1!», 188'.), in Pennsylvania, came to Illinois in August 18.51. She was born in Mifllin Co., Pa., and is still living. Mr. Phillips ihove an ox team back from California. His children are, Mary Matilda, who married liichard .Joe, now in Nel)raska; P^rances.who married Fred Davis, and died in ISTG; William II., who entered the army in the ICith 111. Cavalry and was starved to death in Andersouville prison; John, now married and residing in Urbana; Edward, a tinner in Philo, and Ella, who has already shown much iiroliiMciicy in vocal music. Four children died in infancy. He was a Presbyterian i)rior to coming to Illinois, but has Ix'en a Methodist since coming here. He was an old live Whig and has tH?en a red hot reiniblican ever since that party was born. Mr. Phillips was the engineer in Park's Mills in Urlmna for twelve years, and for about nine years was sawyer in a mill. He worked lor the I., B. & W. K. W. Co., for about six years and is now connected with the mail service. He has seen this county grow from a vote of 1.300 to one of over ten thousand. Mr. Phillips has always been an indiistrioui= man of steady habits and although in his ODth year he attends to his business regularly and faithfully and bids fair to live manv rears longer.

Of all the foreign-born subjects of this country that are tirst to learn the true intent and meaning of republicaji institutions, the Scotchman stands at the head. While not so nuuun-ous as other nationalities, yet his thrift, industry, brawn and muscle, and wide intelligence has made him an important factor in our civilization.

The subject of tliis brief sketch was born ill Kirkland, Fifcshire, Scotland, June 11, is'i,5. He is the son of John and Jeannette (Davidson) Si)ence. In his youth he served an apprenticeshi]) at the baker's trade and followed it after his arrival in this country. He came to America in 1^.52, landing at New York, Nov. 17. He worked at his trade in

<1itferent places until October, 1858, when he <'anie to Uibana and worked for Geo. W. \ Burton, wlio was tlie proprk'tor of tlu; l)akeshop on the southwest corner of Main and :Market streets. In l^Cil he purdiased Mr. Burton's interests and continued tiie bakery, added groceries and i)rovisions and wastluis iMigageil until 1S79. On tlie 9th of October, 1^71, his building was destroyed by tire. He soon after erected the present large brick building, which contains twoliandsonie business rooms. In 1879 he sold out and went to Kansas City and followed baking for four years there, returned to Urbana, where he at present resides.

While yet a resident of Scotland Mr. Spence married Elizabeth Keuuear. By that union there were two children, John and Mary. The former manie<l Miss Elizabeth Kenney. Tliey are residents of Missouri. Mary is the wife of George Lloyd and is a resident of Urbana. Mr. Spence married Miss Lavina J. Baltzell in 1803. She died in 186(5 without issue. Mr. Spence married his present wife in 1874. Siie was the widow of John Nevin. Both Mr. and Mrs. Spence are members of the Presbyterian church. Politically, Mr. Spence, soon after coming to this country, joined the democratic party, lie continued a member of that political organization until the free soil issue became prominent. Not liking the attitufle of his party on that and the slavery question, he took the tirst opportunity of joining a party more in accord with his views. The opportunity came with the formation of the republican iiarty and nomination of Abraham Lincoln. He cast his tirst republican vote in ISGO, and from that time to the present has remained staunch and true to its teachings.

Mr. Spence has made two trips back to his native land. The first in 1800, and the second in 1880. On the last he was accompanied by his estimable wife. They visited scenes of their childhood and renewed acquaintances of "Auld Lang Syne." They spent four months abroatl and then returned to America, but before returning home visited for several weeks in Vermont, tiie birthplace and home of Mrs. Spence. Mr. Spence was for many years one of the leading business men of Urbana, and as such built up a reputation for strict integrity and fair dealing. He was always public spirited. Any enterprise having for its object the material increase or prosperity of the town or county found in him an active and liberal supporter and contributor.

Thi^ gentleman who is now the oldest settler in St. .Joseph township, was born .June 3, 1818, in Mason county, Kentucky, nine miles above Maysville. .Joseph Stayton, his father, came to this county October lOtli, 1830, with his family, including young David a lad of eleven years, and settled on section twenty-six, St. Joseph township. The father died in 18.58. David B. received a fair education such as he could get in that day. As Mr. Stayton remembers the country in his boyhood days, it was wild indeed. His first playmates were Indians who used to camp on the east bank of the Salt Fork during the winter about five hundred strong, a little below where the state road now crosses the stream. He left home at the age of twentyone and worked by the month for about six months; he then worked his father's farm on shares till 1848. He was married December 28, 1847, to Sarah Bartley, daughter of Joseph Bartley; she was born Aprils, 1826. They have four children living: Elizabeth, the only daughter, married John S. McElwee; Joseph is now out west; David a merchant in St. Joseph; and James. Mr. Stayton has been supervisor of his township and has been collector for 23 years - ever since the township was organized. He lias held other offices from time to time, besides being assessor for several years. He used to make annual trips to Chicago to take grain and bring back provisions. He was first a democrat, casting his first vote for James K. Polk. He remained such until in 1860 he voted for Abraham Lincoln, and has since been a staunch republican. He has always been coiisiilteil about county as well a.s township matters, and liis inlluence has always been jiieat in political matters. He is one of the leaders of the i)arty in the county. His memory is good and it is interestinji to hear him relate the habits, customs, liardshii>s and incidents of tlie early days. He owns over OOi) acres of line farnnng and stock land and has it in a high state of cultivation. His memory is vivid as to the tow breetrlies the men and l>oys wore, made by themselves from flax of their own raising, and describes how they used to put a little stripe in it for the women to wear; also how they wore their winter clothing of yarn, maile at home and woven by the good wives and mothers. Mr. Stayton is strong and active and is highly respected and beloved by all ills neighbors. He is known well by the people of the country as one of our most reliable and substantial citizens.

Hon. James S. Wkight. The i)aternal grand iKirents of Mr. Wright wer(; born ami died in Frederick county, Va. They were farmers and of Scotch descent. His maternal grand parents named Stevens lived and died in I'ennsylvania, and were of (lerman descent. His father, John B. Wright, was born in Virginia in 17S,5 and married Elizabeth Stevens in WK). They removed by a fanuly boat down the Ohio to a point near Leesburg, Ya., where James S., as he puts it, witlnmt his knowledge or consent, was born, Aug. 4, ISKi. In spring of 181T they removed to where Winchester, Indiana, now stands. His mother died there in 1835, and hislfather died here in ISG',). His father served from 181S to 1>^"34 iu the Indiana legislature at Corydon, the old capital. Here the boy James did pretty much as other farmer boys, and in addition blowed the bellows and wielded the sledge on the off side of the anvil, for his father was also a blacksmith. He went to school three months each winter where the old Scotch teacher would vaiy the afternoon exercises by taking a nap, a drink of liquor and whiijpimr two or tiiree boys. In 18:^) the family came to this county and bought land just north of Homer, September 24, at Sl.'l^i per acre. The ague then iiliook a n)an out of his boots in an hour, if he had any (such luxuries were then unknown) and malarial fevers were quite prevalent. Many packed up and left this t<'rtile county and wended their way back, disgusted, to Posey comity, Indiana, or old Tennessee. Hay, corn and oats had no cash ma-iket value for many years. They sold corn as low as four cents per bushel. During these low prices Jackson vetoed the re-charter of the United States bank and advise<l the state banks todiscount liberally, which they were not slow in doing. The "Hed dog," "Blue pup" and a variety of currency followed. Banks were organized in obscure localities and issued money, whose whereabouts were never learned. Thus in 183.V0 produce was booming in the worthless currency. Pork raised on the mast from the woods was worth five or six dollars per hundred and all were happy. The crash came in 1837 and the hardest of all times followed. In ls3T when he lacked three months of being of age, James S. "sti'uck" for the remainder of his minority, and after much persuasion, his father permitted him to go and work on his own account, on the Illinois and Michigan canal from the village of Chicago to the Illinois river at the enormous salary of one dollar a day. He hired a farm hand at ten dollars per month to work in his place for his father for the three months of his minority. He remained there until he had made enough to pay the hantl and buy 40 acres of land for 5550.00. He then clerked for M. D. Colfeen until 1840 at .513.00 per month and then married Katherine Lander, whose parents John and Sophia W. Lander, moved from Bourbon comity, Kentucky, October 1st, 18:W, settling near Mr. Wright's farm. John Lander dieii in 1837 and Sophia W. in 1849. Katherine, the wife of James S., was born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, ilarch 2tith, 18;33. William Elliott, Esq., of Homer, married a sister of Katherine the same day. The two good wifo, but now, at't(M-4() years of wedded life, lie says he knows it. Both had about $ti()0 of this world's goods when they started on their. joint journey of lite. 'I'o supjiort her he tirst organized a subscrii)tion school, but after two weeks of experience in "ke(»j)- ing school" on receiving the tenii)ting otter of S'2.'>.0() per mouth to clerk again for M. 1). Cotfeen, he got William Elliott to take the school off his hands. He spent the winter with Mr. Colteen. He went U) farming the next spring. In the winter and spring of lS42-;-i he packed pork at Perrysville, Ind., built Hat boats and shii>ped to New Orleans. In 1S44 he went fis supercargo with pork lor Gen. Olds, of Circleville, Ohio. In 1845 he went to selling goods in Homer on his own account, and so continued till 185.5. In 184() he was the Whig candidate against Col. M. W. Busey, the democratic candidate for the legislature, and Mr. Wright was elected by 50 majority. He met in this legislature such men as Ex-Gov. lleynolds, U. ¥. Linder, Gov. Matte.son and Stephen T. Logan, then leader of the house. Lincoln and David Davis were there, but not members. Stephen A. Douglas was elected senator, but Mr. Wright voted for Ben Bond, the Whig candidate. From IS?>-^ to 1850 he held the otlice of county surveyor. He signed the tirst .'SI.OOU to the subscription to build the old college building which aided this county so much in getting the University here. He afterwards gave -5500 more to get it completed, lie looks upon his effort in that direction as the crowning one in the interest of Champaign, Urbana and the county. He served at Danville as one of the enrolling connnissioners for two years during the war. In 186(1 he helped organize the First National Bank of Champaign and was cashier for three years. H(^ sold out his stock in bank and tried farming for about ten years, mostly stock farming. All this time he took an interest in politics. In 1880 he was nominated and elected to the state senate for four years. Mr. Wright often speaks of the fact that it seemed to him that there was not the brains and tahmt there that he found thirty years ago.

He has neyer belonged to any church, nor to any order or organization except every tenil)erance society that came his way. He is a tirm l)eliever in (Jod and in the doctrine that all men will be rewarded according to their acts while here on earth. He has little faith in death bed repentance. For lifty-six years .Mr. Wright has lived in this county and SCI ved faithful in many trusts, public and private. He has never betrayed them and has won an enviable place in tlie iiearts of our people.

In the language of Prof. Draper: "Tell me of the country, the nature and fertility of its soil, the lay of its land, &c., and I will tell you the kind of men it raises." Nothing is truer. Good, rich, generous soil produces broad, liberal-minded men - no narrow contracted creeds or isms shrink and slirivel up the soul of the man who is born, lives and thrives on the broad fertile plains of the west. Ohio has sent to Illinois a class of men who have been an honor to the state.

Eli J. lleller was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, Dec. iM, 1836. He is the offspring of Thomas and Mary (Taylor) Heller. His father brought his family to Urbana in the fall of 1851. Here young Heller grew to manhood. He remained at home until the breaking out of the late war. In July, 1861, he enlisted in Co. I, 2nd IlMnois cavalry. He served three years when he veteranized with his regiment and remained in the service until the close of the war. He was mustered out and honorably disciiarged in 1866, having served four aiul a half years. He returnetl home to Urbana and engaged in draying, and in connection run a hack and liaggage line. He subse(iuently addetl coal to the business. Uniler his industrious managtmient the business grew to such proportions that he found him.self unable to attend to it, and was compelled to call in assistance. He then formed a iiartnership with .Josiah Toy, and together they have built up a trade that is secontl to none in this part of the state. They are well e(|uipped for the business, with carriages, baggage wagons, vans and drays, and at a moment's notice will lit you out with an eU'gant tiu-nout, haul your baggage, move your furniture, supply you with soft or hard coal in quantities from a bushel up to a car load. Mr. Heller has grown up with the town and is lunnbert'd among its most respected citizens. He was a member of the board of aldermen for eight years, during which time many of the substantial improvements of the town were maile. He is jirominent in Masonic circles and holds membership in various orders in that bo<ly.

Mr. Heller was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Ella Black, Nov. 30, 1866. She died in April, issi, leaving three children, named Opal B., Birdie and Aaron T. Heller. Politically Mr. Heller comes from old line whig stock. He cast his lirst vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1860. He attested his adhesion to that party (republican) and loyalty to his country by his enlistment in the army, where he remained, as before stated, until the war was over. Political comment is unnecessary.

Mr. ('ampbell was born about ISlii, at Campbelltown, Steuben county, New York, where he continued to liv(! until n(^ar his majority, when he came westward in the pursuit of foitune. He lirst foimd employment at Cincinnati, where he hired to a merchant to travel with a wagon and train through the west and sell goods, lleaching Covington, Ind., he received directions from his emi)l()yer to cross over to the Illinois river and report there for duty. Accordingly in February, T^otl, for it is of that tune we write, he passed through the scattered settlements of Champaign county and stopped over night in IJrbaiia for the lirst time. So impressed was he with the beauties and prospects of this country that in 1842 he returned here and settled jtermanently at Urbana. Here he remaineil for more than a quarter of a century, with the exception of short sojourns on farms opened by him, one at Mink Grove, now Kantoul, and one on the ridge, half way to Mahomet, in what is now Hensiey township, and exceiiting also a few years spent as keeper of the Doane house, which house he built and named. While here he filled the office of probate justice for two years, from 1847 to 1849, and wisely atlministered the affairs of that office. He also filled the office of county commissioner for three years, from 1845 to 1848, and as such was very influential in the management of the county business, then done by a board of three connnissioners instead of by a board of supervisors, as now. it was during his term as commissioner that the second court house, a one story frame building about 30x 40 feet, was moved from the public square and the first brick court house was built. He was often heard to speak of the po|>nlar uprising in the county caused by this innovation. He was not the man to be deterred or held back from the performance of a plain duty by the fear of what "they" might say, and never relaxed his efforts toward the consunnnation of his i)urpose until the public'needs were fully met by a commociious court house. The good sense of the people was not long in forgiving the extravagance of a three thousand dolhir court house and commending the public spirit of the commissioners. Mr. Campbell was the first 7 mayor of llrbana, also president of the Ur- / bana railroad company, whicii obtained the right of way and graded fhe track of our street railway. He was always foremost in every public enterprise, firmly believing in the future. He early becanu> a mend)er of the M. E. church here and was active and liberal in the construction aiul subsequent enlargement of the church building. His religion was not cast in narrow moulds nor his benevolence bcmnded by church organization, so each chiu'eh enterprise receive<l his earnest aid. He was an outspoken Jackson democrat until the advocates of slavery extension over-run the Missouri Compromise in 18.")4, at which he revolted and earnestly joined in the organization of the republican party, with which he thereafter acted, The setthiinent of Mr. Cami)bell here was instrunu'utal in bringing quite a number of others here also. His i>arents, Solomon Campbell and wife, canu' in a few years, as did also several biotliers and sisters, all of whom were well known and intluential citizens in the earlier years of our iiistoiy. Mr. Campbell was, while here, twice married. On February 10th, 1845, he was married to Eliza Bnchtel, who died August 29th, ISiH, leaving one ciiild, Fanny, and with two children who preceded her, lies buried in the old cemetery. Her sudden and almost tragic death will not be forgotten by the residents of that day. On November 13, 1855, he was again married to Miss Matilda Hewett, who with one son and two daughters survive him. Many who survive Mr. Campbell and still remain here, will not soon, if ever, forget Jiis many acts of kindness. lie literally stood upon the threshold of his county and held out a hearty welcome to all new-comers. Many were made welcome to his home and kindly remember his iiospitalities. He took great interest in our old settlers' meetings, and altiiougii not present in person, wrote a letter to be lead on each occasion.

Thomas ljixnsp;Y Was born July 8, 18;J0, at West Midflletown, Washington c(mnty, Pennsylvania. His fattier was Tiiomas Liudsey, his motiier IVrmelia Williams. Tlie subject of this sketch came to tiiis county in November, 1841, and settled in Urbana - just after he became of age. He was married April 9, 1845, in U rbaua, to Martha Ami Bruer, daughter of Asahel Hruer; she was born Ajiril 2fj, is^ilt, and is still living. She is well and hearty, and Mr. Lindsey declares she can do more work than any girl in the county.

The children of this marriage were: William, now residing in Humboldt, Kansas; Permelia, who married W. S. McWilliams, residing at Fort Scott, Kansas; James and Charles, residing in Urbana; Laura Belle, who married James Thornton, residing at Yellow Sinings, Ohio; George, and Thomas Edward, both of Urbana. ail living. Mr. Jjindsey, though not a member of any church, was raised and has always been a regular attendant on the I'resbyterian church. Politically, he has been, and is now, a radical republican. He has never sought any oHice but has been school director pretty much all his natural life. He served an apprenticeship to the carpenter and cabinet maker's trade in Pennsylvania. He followed the business here immediately upon his arrival and for twenty years he had the leadiaig business in that line, in tliis city. To this he added the undertaking bus-/' iness. For many years he made all the cottins by hand, for this city and surrounding country. He charged S5.00 for the coffin and furnished everything else free. The Messrs. Harvey also dug the graves without chai'ge^ so that the funeral expenses cost but very little those days. When Samuel Brumley died, Mr. Lindsey made an extra line coffin and covered it with velvet. The administrator objected to the cost which was twelve dollars, as being too extravagant and unnecessary. Mr. Lindsey supplied the whole county with furniture, made by hand, for many years, by laboring in his shop during the winter. During the summer months Mrs. Lindsey sold out the stock he had thus accumulated, while he was out working at the carpenter's trade. When he came here, Charles Tiernan, father of Frank Tiernan, had the only store here. He relates an incident of attending the wedding of David Cantucr, at the residence of T. Pi. Webber. He and others, during the night, tied a coon to a long pole and planted it in front of the house by way of celebrating the happ.v event, and T. R. Webber climbed the polf in the morning and cut it down. The evtuiing Mr. Lintlsey was married a rope was tied to the bell on top of the house and it was kept ringing all night.

Mr. Lindsey resides in peace and comfort on his splendidly imi)roved farm, southwest of this city. His health for the past few years has not been so good as formerly. He spent last winter with his wife in Florida where he received great benelit, and will probably spend his winters there in future. It is to be hoped, however, that it may not be necessary to leav(^ hisi)leasant home in search of health. For nearly half a century he lias resided liere and liis many friends, secured by upright conduct and business inbi's^rity, sincerely wish for a much longer lease of life and prosperity.