Coles County, Illinois - The whole text, 1879 (part 18 of 21)

GEORGE DIEHL, farmer and stockdealer, Sec. 7 ; P. 0. Mattoon ; owns 278 acres ; was born in Bedford Co., Penn., Oct. 12, 1811, and lived with his parents on the farm in that St a until the year 1837, when he ca m to Coles Co. He, was married Feb. 23, 1842, to Mary E. Jeffries, who was born in Grayson Co., Ky., Feb. 23, 1824 ; died Nov. 27, 1849. Mr. Diehl was then married April 20, 1854, to. Catharine Fuller, who was born in Virginia about the year 1821 ; died July 16, 1871. Mr. Diehl was then married Dec. 12, 1873, to Sally Matthews, who was born in Grayson Co., Ky., Aug. 2, 1816. Mr. Diehl has had six children, viz., Margaret, Thomas, Daniel, Mary E., John H. and Jennie. Mr. Diehl's parents were natives of Pennsylvania and Mrs. Diehl's of Kentucky.

THOMAS JEFFRIES DIEHL, farmer, Sec. 6 ; P. 0. Mattoon ; owns eighty acres ; was born in Coles Co., 111., Jan. 17, 1846, and lived with his parents on the farm in this township until 22 years of age. He was then married, Feb. 26, 1868, to Kittie Brunk Hankley, who was born in Grayson Co., Ky., June 2, 1847, and who has six children, viz., Anna Lee. Charles Redmond, Mary Alta, George Edmond, William Angus and Ermie. Mr. Diehl was School Director eight years, and Overseer of the Road one year. Mr, Diehl's parents were natives of Pennsylvania ; Mrs. Diehl's of Kentucky.

DANIEL DIEHL, farmer, Sec. 22; P. 0. Johnstown ; ovens eighty acres ; was born in Coles Co., 111., Jan. 1., 1848, , and lived with his parents until 21 years i of age. He was married to Martha M. Odell Dec. 21, 1868; she was born in Coles Co., 111., Sept. 9, 1849, and has had five children, three of whom are living, viz., Frank E., Albert L. and Mary E.; deceased, two infants. Mr. Diehl's parents are natives of Pennsylvania; Mrs. Diehl's, of Tennessee.

JACOB EDMON, farmer; P. 0. Charleston ; was born in Highland Co., Va., June 17, 1851, and lived with his father; engaged in farming. He was married to Alwilda Armstrong Dec. 26, 1877 ; she was born in Highland Co., Va., Nov. 9, 1852. Mr. and Mrs. Edmon's parents were natives of Virginia ; Mr. Edmon's father was one of the early settlers in this county, coming here in an early day with but very little property. He now owns 168 acres of very fine farm land on Sec. 14 in this township.

JAMES THOMAS EWING, farmer. Sec. 8 ; P. 0. Mattoon ; owns 247 acres ; was born in Coles Co., 111., Nov. 13, 1835; lived with his parents until 22 years of age. Was married Sept. 10, 1862, to Rebecca Jane Walker, who was born in Coles Co., 111., Feb. 11, 1842; moved on this farm in the fall of 1862, and has had six children, four of whom are living, viz., Nancy J., Samuel W., Gertrude and Charles M.; the deceased are Mary L. and an infant. Mr. Ewing was Township Collector of La Fayette Tp. in 1859 and 1860, and Assessor in this township four years ; he was in the late war, and went out in July, 1861, as a private in Co. C, 1st I. V. C. ; elected Corporal ; then went out in 1864 in the 135th I. V. I.; was promoted to 1st Lieutenant, and served four months, until discharged ; he was captured at the battle of Lexington, and eventually mustered out. Mr. Ewing's parents were natives of Kentucky, and Mrs. Ewins's of Tennessee.

NELSON S. FREEMAN, M. D., practicing physician in Farmington ; P. 0. Campbell; was born in Orange Co., Ind., Feb. 17, 1833, and lived with his parents until 19 years of age. He was married to Mary F. Carman Sept. 29, 1851 ; she was born in Tioga Co., Penn., April 2,

1832 ; they have had six children - Caroline M., Charles E., Lizzie A., William F., Frank F. and Matthew S., deceased. Dr. Freeman 'has been practicing medicine twenty-three years ; his practice has been quite extensive and attended with good success. Dr. Freeman was Assistant Surgeon in the 63d I. V. I. for four months, and was a second time appointed Assistant Surgeon in the army ; he was Captain of a company of colored troops, has been Postmaster in Farmington ten years, was Township Trustee eight years and Township Treasurer two years, which office he still holds. The Doctor's parents are natives of Virginia, and Mrs. Freeman's father a native of Pennsylvania, her mother of Connecticut. The Doctor owns a house and lot in Farmington.

JAMES FARIS, farmer and nurseryman, Sec. 1 ; P. 0. Mattoon ; was born in Bourbon Co., Ky., Feb. 22, 1808; engaged with his father in farming and nursery business until 30 years of age. He was then married to Rachel E. Mc- Gahan Aug. 17, 1843; she was born in Orange Co., Ind., Jan. 4, 1826 ; they have had ten children, four living and six dead ; the names of the living are Thomas C, John D., Mary E. and Charles H.; the names of the dead are William E., Sarah I., William W., George W. and Martha A. and one infant. Mr. Faris commenced the nursery business in the year 1840, and has carried it on ever since ; he has a good variety of trees on hand at present ; he has also farmed quite extensively and dealt considerably in cattle ; he owns 588 acres of fine fiirm land, and has accumulated nearly all this property in a few years by industry, economy and perseverance.

JOHN D. FARRIS, farmer and nurseryman, Sec. 2 ; P. 0. Charleston ; owns 900 acres ; was born in Edgar Co., 111., Sept. 30, 1827, and was engaged with his father in farming and nursery business until 29 years of age. Was married to Eliza J. Manfort Jan. 28, 1852; she was born in Henry Co., Ky., March 16,1833; the fruit of this marriage is eight children, viz., Caleb, Mattie M", John N., Olive, Israel J. (deceased), William, Anna and one infant. Mr. Farris' father started the first mill to grind wheat and corn in this township ; people came a great distance to mill, this being the only one for miles around ; Mr. Farris has carried on farming and nursery business very extensively, and has still a great variety of trees yet on hand ; he has put in over 4,000 rods of tiling on his own land in the last few years; raised at one time 162 bushels of grain on one acre of land.

BENJAMIN G. GLENN, farmer, Sec. 17; P. 0. Mattoon ; owns sixty acres; was born in Lawrence Co., 111., June 10, 1832, and lived with his parents until 23 years of age. He was married to Elizabeth Jeffries March 22, 1855; she was born in Coles Co., 111., in 1834; died Feb. 19, 1862. He was then married to Elizabeth Wheatstone March 19, 1869 ; she was born in Coles Co., 111., and has had six children, viz., Margaret E., Ethel L., Joseph J. ; three infants (deceased). Mr. Glenn was Justice of the Peace two years. Supervisor one term, and School Director six years. He was in the late war eighteen months, his regiment being the 5th I. V. C. ; he went out as private and was promoted to Sergeant Major and Captain ; his parents are natives of Kentucky.

SAMES TILFORD GORDON, farmer, Sec. 13 ; P. 0. Larna; owns seventy acres; was born in Coles Co., 111., Oct. 14, 1832, and lived with his parents until 21 years of age. He was married to Sarah Jane Rogers June 5, 1855; she was born in Coles Co., 111., July 7, 1838 ; they have had nine children, viz., Mary M., Luella, Willie A., Sylvester, Lizzie, Laura M., Bundy and Maddora ; deceased - H. A. Mr. Gordon has been School Director eight years, and Commissioner of Highways three years ; his father is a native of Virginia and his mother of North Carolina ; Mrs. Gordon's parents were natives of Alabama.

ELI PERRY GORDON, farmer. Sec. 24 ; P. 0. Campbell ; owns eighty acres ; was born in Coles Co., Ill, March 30, 1839, and lived with his parents on the farm until married to Louisa Hays Nov. 28, 1859 ; she was born in Coles Co., 111., April 26, 1841, and has had seven children, six of whom are living, viz., Charles W., Elme D., Byron R., Mary A., Clara B. and H. Clay ; deceased - Cora E. Mr. Gordon was Collector in this township two terms, Pathmaster two terms and School Director six years. He was in Co. E, 5th I. V. I., and served nineteen months in the late war,

JAMES C. GRAY, farmer, deceased, Larna; was born in Washington Co., Tenn., Nov. 18, 1818; lived with his parents on the farm until 30 years of age, engaging with his father in farming until he married Mary A. Mitchell Nov. 9, 1848 ; she was born in Marshall County, Tenn., May 30, 1828; they have had nine children - Robert M., David L., Mary, Alexander D., William N., John H., Lizzie J., Naomi R., and Charles. Mr. Gray held the office of Road Commissioner two terms, was Constable two years and Town Clerk one term. Mr. Robert Gray is County Attorney, and held the officeof City Attorney. Mr. A. Gray is Collector in this township at present.

GEORGE HALBROOKS, M. D., physician, Sec. 23, Larna ; owns 160 acres; was born in Gibson Co., Ind., Feb. 14, 1814, and lived with his parents on the farm until 24 years of age ; was then married to Eliza Ann Beels Feb. 22, 1838; she was born in Gibson Co., Ind., Aug. 18, 1817, and has had nine children, viz., Sylvester, William H., Nancy E., Thomas, Samuel and George A.; deceased, Columbus, Catharine and George L. Dr. Halbrooks was Surgeon for six months in the late war ; he commenced the study of medicine in 1842, and has been practicing ever since ; he has been practicing in this county twenty-seven years, and has a very extensive practice, and been very successful.

JAMES L. HACKLEY, farmer. Sec. 10; P. 0. Mattoon; owns seventy-four acres ; was born in Grayson Co., Ky., Nov. 25, 1842, and lived with his parents on the farm until 1855, when he came with parents to this county in 1856, where he has since resided. He was married Feb. 14, 1867, to Martha Jeffries ; she was born in Coles Co., 111., Jan. 28, 1847, and has five children - Katie, Emma, Olga, Harden, Oren ; Mr. Hackley has been School Director six years, and Overseer of roads two years in this township ; Mr. Hackley's parents were natives of Kentucky ; Mrs. Hackley's father was a native of Kentucky, and her mother of Virginia.

lived with his parents on the farm until 20 years of age. He was married to Elizabeth Fudge Feb. 28, 1833 ; she was born in Washington Co., Va., Jan. 15, 1814; they had twelve children - Barbara A., Samuel H., Benjamin 11., Noah W., Elizabeth, Zachariah T., Emma, Jonah, Napoleon and three infants, deceased ; Jonah Hill was born in Coles Co., 111., April 22, 1853, and lived with his father until 21 years of age. He then married Mattie A. Barr Oct. 17, 1878; she was boru in Coles Co., 111., Jan. G, 1864. Mr. J. W. Hill commenced business on the farm where he died, in this township, with only $2.50, and in a few years of industry and economy, he accumulated and left at his death a large amount of property.

WILLIAM F. HORTON, farmer, Sec. 17 ; P. 0. Mattoon ; owns 231 ^ acres ; was born in Bedford Co., Penn., Jan. 31, 1824; moved to this county with his parents in 1837 ; went to Cumberland Co., in 1838, and returned to Coles Co. in November, 1861, where he has since resided. He was married to Emeline Dryden Feb. 1, 1849; she was born in Tennessee Sept. 15, 1821, and has had seven children, two of whom are living, viz., Mary E. and William D. ; deceased are B. H., Alice, Amarintha and two infants not named. Mr. Horton has been School Director and Pathmaster several years, and was one of the first and most extensive manufiicturers of sorghum molasses in this county, and has been in the business for twenty years. Mr. Horton's parents are natives of Pennsylvania, and Mrs. Horton's, of Tennes-

JAMES JEFFBIS, farmer, Sec. 7 : P. 0. Mattoon ; owns 240 acres ; was born in Grayson Co., Ky., March 17, 1821 ; moved to this county with his parents when 10 years of age, and lived with them vintil married to Matilda Jane Johnston, Oct. 6, 1842 ; she was born in Bussell Co., Va., Nov. 28, 1822, and has had eleven children, six of whom are living, viz., Mary E., ^lartha, Johnston, Stephen D., Joanna and Kitty C. ; deceased - G. D., Leah, S. M. and two infants. Mr. JefFris was Constable four years. School Director five years and School Trustee twenty years ; his father is a native of Virginia and his mother of Tennessee ; Mrs. JeffVis' parents are natives of Virginia.

JOHN JEFFRIS, farmer, Sec. 10 ; P. 0. Mattoon ; owns 340 acres ; was born in Coles Co., 111., Jan. 26, 1831, and lived with his parents on the farm in this township until 21 years of age ; then went to California, returned and was married to Mary Vandierer, March 22, 1859 ; she was born in Indiana March 1, 1836. They have five children, viz., Balph, Bell, Hershel, Isaac and Abba. Mr. Jeffries was School Director for nine years. His parents were natives of Virginia and Mrs. Jeffries' parents natives of Kentucky.

JOHN GAUNT JEFFRIS, farmer, Sec. 16; P. 0. Johnstown; owns ninety-three acres; was born in Coles Co., 111., March 10, 1836, and lived with his parents on the farm until 30 years of age. He was married Aug. 12, 1866, to Rachel Ellen Miller, who was born in Coles Co., 111., Oct.. 18, 1849. They have had seven children, viz., Margaret E., Mary B., Anna L., Robert W., Henry S., Oscar M. and Mattie B. Mr. Jeffris has been School Director one term. Mr. and Mrs. Jeffris' parents are natives of Kentucky.

AZARIAH JEFFRIS, farmer, Sec. 15 ; P. 0. Mattoon ; owns 660 acres ; was born in Coles Co., 111., April 29, 1836, and lived with his parents on the farm in this county until 24 years of age. Was married March 10, 1860, to Ann M. Hackley, who was born in Grayson Co., Ky., March 2, 1841, and moved on the farm where he now resides. Mr. Jeffries has three children, viz., Zaraba, Shelton and Laura. Has been Commissioner of Highways three years in this township. School Trustee three years. School Director nine years, Representative of Coles Co., 111., one term. Supervisor of this township two terms in 1875, 1876, 1878 and 1879, and was Foreman of the grand jury two sessions. His father was a native of Virginia and his mother of Tennessee. Mrs. Jeffris' parents were natives of Kentucky.

LARB KELLY, farmer. Sec. 2 ; P. 0. Charleston ; owns 300 acres. Mr. Kelly lived with his parents, engaging with his father in farming until 20 years of age. Mr. Kelly was married to Mary L. Sullivan about the year 1848 ; she was born in Coles Co., 111., in 1830 ; died in 1858. The fruit of this marriage was two children - Lura A. and Sarah E., deceased. He was then married to Sarah F. Sullivan, in 1860 ; she was born in Coles Co., 111. The fruit of this marriage was six children - Susan, Elso J. and Larbia ; deceased, Mary M., Samuel V. and one infant. Mr. Kelly has held the office of School Director three years. Mr. J. Kelly, his father, was in the Black Hawk war. Mr. Kelly's parents are natives of Kentucky, and Mrs. Kelly's natives of Tennessee. Mr. Kelly is regarded as a public benefactor by all who know him. His farm is in excellent condition, well cultivated, with good buildings on same.

CHARLES E. LEITCH, farmer. Sec. 2; P.O.Charleston; owns 117 acres ; was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, April 16, 1836 ; resided with his parents on the farm until 22 years of age. He was married to Mahalia Baker March 18, 1858 ; she was born in Highland Co., Va., Dec. 19, 1837. Mr. Leitch has seven children living and two dead ; the names of the living are Lizzie, Grant, John, Charles E., Jacob, Samuel and Allen ; the deceased were two infants. Mr. Leitch has held the office of School Director ten years ; he now holds the offices of School Trustee and Road Commissioner. Mr. Leitch's father was Captain of a company of State militia in this county in an early day.

SAMUEL L. MORRIS, farmer and stock-dealer. Sec. 8 ; P. 0. Mattoon ; owns eighty acres ; was born in Logan Co., Ohio, April 3, 1855, and lived with his parents on the farm until he married Phoebe C. Lucas, Feb. 12, 1875 ; she was born in Logan Co., 111., Oct. 16,1857; they have one child - Rosetta. His parents are natives of Ohio ; Mrs. Morris's father is a native of Ohio.

WILY MATTHEWS, farmer. Sec. 21 ; P. 0. Johnstown ; owns forty acres ; was born in Morgan Co., Ind., June 27, 1842, and lived with his parents on the farm until the year 1859, when he came to this county and has resided here since. He was married Oct. 27, 1863, to Margaret Jackson ; she was born in Owens Co.. Ind., Oct. 17, 1844, died Jan. 1, 1871.' He then married Eliza T. Balch Aug. 13, 1871 ; she was born in Madison Co., Miss., Jan. 15, 1857, and has had seven children, six of whom are living, viz., Oscar M., Lizzie, Cary, Esther M., Grertrude and Mary A. Mr. Matthews has been Assessor in this township two terms. He was in the late war three years, and subsequently in the hundred-day service.

J. L. F. MILLER, farmer and stockdealer. Sec. 9 ; P. 0. Mattoon ; owns 337 acres ; was born in Trimble Co., Ky., Jan. 9, 1829, and engaged with his father in farming until 23 years of age. He was married to Rachel P. Gray Nov. 27, 1857 ; she was born in Tennessee April 19, 1829, died May 2, 1860 ; the fruit of this marriage was two children - George L. and Rachel' E. Mr. Miller then married Mary J. Romine Feb. 25, 1866; she was born in Vigo Co., Ind., July 3, 1841 ; the fruit of this marriage is eight children - Lola, Mattie, Clara, Mary T., Bertha, Katie and Clinton, and one infant deceased. Mr. Miller commenced with but little property and by his honesty, industry and economy has accumulated considerable property.

CEPHAS MILLER, farmer, Sec. 3 ; P. 0. Mattoon ; was born in Coles Co., 111., Nov. 6, 1852 ; engaged with his father in farming, until he married Alice Denman, Feb. 19, 1873 ; she was born in Jasper Co., Ill, Dec. 19, 1852 ; they have had three children, viz. : Santa Clara, she was born Jan. 7, 1874 ; Denman, was born July 16, 1875, died Nov. 20, 1877 ; Katie, born Dec. 3, 1877. Mrs. Miller's father was in the late war ; enlisted in the 97th I. V. C. ; served three months. Mr. Miller's father, J. W. Miller, is one of the largest landholders in the township. Mrs. Miller's father, J. B. Denman, was killed in the city of Charleston by a horse running away.

JOHN W. MILLER, farmer and stockdealer. Sec. 1 ; P. 0. Charleston ; owns 800 acres, worth $40 per acre ; he was born in Trimble Co., Ky., March 13, 1825 ; he lived in Kentucky until 12 years of age ; then emigrated to Coles Co., 111., where he lived with his father on the farm ; engaged in farming until he married Rebecca A. Tremble, June 26, 1851 ; she was born in Harrison Co., Ind., July 15, 1828 ; the fruit of this marriage was eight children, five living and three dead; the names of the living are Cephas, Horana, Armantha, John and James ; the names of the deceased are George, Elizabeth and Quitman. Mr. Miller went to California in 1849, returning in 1851 ; he also went

PATRICK NICHOLSON, farmer, Sec. 12; P. 0. Charleston; owns 380 acres was born in Jetferson Co., Tenn., Nov. 6, 1809 ; resided with parents on farm, helping his father until 21 years of age; came to this State in November, 1830, to what is now Douglas Co. : Mr. N. made several thousand rails for $1 per hundred ; worked six months for $8 per month ; had nothing but one saddleiiiare ; sold mare and saddle and bridle for $8. Was married to Elizabeth Ashmore, May 17, 1832; she was born in Jeiferson Co., Tenn., March 4, 1814 ; they are the parents of eleven children, seven living ; Patrena A. (now widow of James Ealch, deceased), William A., Dorotha (now Mrs. F. A. Endsley, of Greenup), Harriet N., Albert B., Margaret M. (now wife of Thomas Newman, of Hickory Tp.), Ella E.; deceased - Joseph B., born May 30, 1833, died May 24, 1873; James M., born March 26, 1841, died March 28, 1847; Mary P. C, born Mar. 6, 1839, died June 4, 1864; Amos E., born May 8, 1845, died while in 5th Illinois Cavalry, in the fall of 1863. Mr. N. has held office of Supervisor of Township one term; he was one of the early settlers of this county, and bore his part in the hardships of those days. He commenced in this township with almost nothing; has by hard labor, economy and industry accumulated several thousand dollars worth of property. For benevolent purposes his gifts have averaged about $100 a year for forty years, for church and missionary objects ; he is a man much respected in the communitywhere he resides.

ALBERT H. ODELL, farmer, Sec. 9 ; P. 0. Mattoon ; owns eighty acres ; was born in Coles Co., 111., Aug. 5, 1844, and lived with his parents on the form in this county until married Sept. 9, 1874, to Louisa E. Miller, who was born in Coles Co., 111., Oct. 8, 1849 ; they have three children - Lola A., Milla M. and Gertrude. Mr. Odell was Township Collector two terms. He was also in the late war four months. Mr. Odell's father was in the Black Hawk war, and also in the late war four months. Mr. Odell's eldest brother was the first child born in the city of Charleston, Coles Co., 111. Mr. Odell's parents were natives of Tennessee, and Mrs. Odell's of Kentucky.

FRANCIS POPHAM, farmer and stock-dealer. Sec. 10; P. 0. Campbell; was born in Knox Co., Ohio, June 2, 1838; lived with his parents on the farm ; engaged in farming until married to Sarah E. Babbs, Dec. 11, 1862; she was born in Knox Co., Ohio, Dec. 8, 1844 ; the fruit of their marriage has been four children - William C.,"Fred D., Minnie A. and Clarence E. Mr. P. owns lOO acres of excellent river-bottom land, which he farms ; he also deals largely in horses ; he is a very liberal-hearted man, and respected by all who know him.

CARSON PORTER REED RODGERS, merchant, Farmington ; P. 0. Campbell; the subject of this sketch was born in Coles Co., 111., Nov. 1, 1840, and lived with his parents until 26 years of age. He then married Catharine Winford Richey Oct. 30, 1866, who was born in Gallatin Co., Ky., Oct. 30, 1847, and died April 14, 1869 ; he afterward married Martha Jane Veatch March 8, 1874, who was born in Washington Co., 111., Oct. 26, 1837, and has had three children, two of whom are living, viz., Isaac Walter, Kate

Rodgers was Assessor one term. Township Collector three terms. Supervisor one term and School Treasurer ten years. He is now in the mercantile business in Farmington and owns 100 acres in Cumberland Co., 111.

JOHN WHITE RODGERS, farmer, Sec. 18; P. 0. Campbell; owns seventy acres ; was born in Morgan Co., 111., Feb. 10, 1831, and lived with his parents on the farm until 23 years of age. He was married to Margaret Elizabeth Gillinnater April 5, 1854 ; she was born in Effingham Co., 111., Jan. 18, 1836; they have had six children, five of whom are living, viz., James F., Mary L., William B., Hiram M. and Henry G.; deceased - Isaac E. Mr. Rodgers was Overseer of the Road one term and was elected Justice of the Peace, which office he now holds. His parents were natives of Kentucky ; hers, of Tennessee ; Mrs. Rodgers' father was in the Mexican war thirteen months.

George Thomas Rodgers

GEORGE THOMAS RODGERS, farmer. Sec. 20 ; P. 0. Campbell ; owns 114 acres; was born in Coles Co., 111., Sept. 13, 1849, and lived on the f\irm with his parents until married to Mary Ella Brunk

Wright Nov. 25, 1876 ; ste was born in Coles Co., 111., Sept. 11, 1856 ; they have one child - Mary Blanche. Mr. Rodgers' father is a native of Tennessee, and his mother of Indiana. Mrs. Rodgers' father is a native of New York, and her mother of Tennessee. Mr. Rodgers' father made the first brick ever layed in the city of Charleston, Coles Co., 111.

JULIUS E. SMITH, farmer, Sec. 19; P. 0. Etna; owns the undivided fourth of eighty acres ; was born in Coles Co., 111., Jan. 10, 1852, and lived with his parents on the farm until 20 years of age, when he married Louisa Woolery Oct. 2, 1872 ; she was born in Putnam Co., Ind., July 19, 1856 ; they have three children - Mina L., Edna 0. and Ueorge M. Mr. Smith has been School Director two years. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and Mrs. Smith's of Indiana.

ISAACTAYLOR,farmer, Sec. 20; P. O. Campbell; was born in Rutherford Co., Tenn., March 16, 1829, and lived with his father on the farm, engaged with his parents in farming until married to Eliza J. Erwin April 12, 1860 ; she was born in Coles Co., 111., Oct. 5, 1841 ; they have eight children, viz., Marian W., Willie E., Oscar E., Margaret E., Perry S., Isaac V., Balas B. and Cary A. Mr. Taylor was School Director fifteen years and has held the oSice of Assessor one term. He is a Primitive Baptist. Mr. Taylor is liked by all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance, and is a minister of considerable ability, living up to what he preaches.

Jonathan Wilson Walker

JONATHAN WILSON WALKER, farmer and stock-dealer. Sec. 21 ; P. 0. Mattoon ; owns 400 acres ; was born in Bedford Co., Tenn., July 26, 1828 ; lived with his parents on the farm until 27 years of age. Married April 3, 1857, to Mary Sell; she was born in Preble Co., Ohio, March 8, 1831, and has had six children, five of whom are living - Joseph W., James A., Emma 0., Mary I. and Sarah E. Mr. Walker has been School Director ten years and School Trustee five years. His father is a native of North Carolina and his mother ot Virginia ; Mrs. Walker's father is a native of Pennsylvania, and her mother of Ohio.

Amzi Alexander Walker

May 2, 1830, and lived with his mother on the farm until 23 years of age. He married Elizabeth Johnston April 21, 1853, who was born in Coles Co., 111., Sept. 29, 1823, and moved on to the farm where he now resides ; they have had five children, three of whom are living, viz., Nancy M., William I. and Mail E.; deceased - I. C. and one infant. Mr. Walker was elected Justice of the Peace one term, when he resigned and was School Director six years. He has in his possession a letter written by his grandfather (Josiali Walker) to James Walker, bearing date 1802. and written in North Carolina.

JOHN CRAIG WHITE, farmer and blacksmith. Sec. 15 ; P. 0. Campbell ; owns 120 acres ; was born in Scott Co., Ky., Dec. 5, 1830, and lived with his parents on the farm until 19 years of age. He was married to Louisa Beckum Feb. 25, 1855; she was born in Coles Co., 111., Feb. 25, 1836; died Aug. 10, 1859; he then married Sarah Elizabeth Kemper May 8, 1862 ; she was born in Fayette Co., Ky., Jan. 10, 1833, and has had eight children, viz., John I., Katie, Edward and Coleman ; deceased - Ida F., Charles, George 0., Sarah A. Mr. and Mrs. White's parents are natives of Kentucky. ISAAC WHITE, farmer, Sec. 19; P. 0. Mattoon ; owns 120 acres; was born in Clark Co., Ohio, Nov. 12, 1819 ; lived with his parents on the farm until 23 years of age. He married Mary Laybourn Nov. 5, 1843; she was born in Clark Co., Ohio, Feb. 10, 1825; they have had eight children, seven of whom are living, viz., Sarah E., William B., Frances F., Charles H., James P., Alice I. and Flora 0., and Amos H., deceased. Mr. White was Township Trustee seven years, and School Director four years. His parents are natives of Ohio; Mrs. White's father was English and her mother a native of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. White are both Cumberland Presbyterians.

MONROE WHITE, farmer, Sec. 10; P. 0. Charleston ; owns 238 acres ; was born in Coles Co., 111., Aug. 9, 1844, and lived with his parents on the farm ; engaged with his father in farming until 21 years of age. He was married to Mary E. Hall, Nov. 16, 1865 ; she was born in Coles Co., Ill, Aug. 28, 1848; they have four children - Sarah F., Hannah A., Millie E. and Lucy E. Mr. White has held the office of School Director five years. Mr. White's parents are natives of Ohio, and Mrs. White's, natives of Kentucky.

DAVID BEELS WILLIAMS, flirmer, Sec. 23; P. 0. Johnstown; owns fifty-five acres; was -born in Coles Co., 111., March 25, 1836, and lived with his parents on the farm until 21 years of age. He was married to Phoebe Landrus Nov. 13, 1856, who was born in Crawford Co., Ind., Feb. 14, 1837, who has had eight children, six of whom are living, viz., Lewis W., Christopher C, Flora E., Henry S., Emma F. and Edmond C; deceased, L. W. and L. M. Mr. Williams was Overseer of the Road two terms, elected Constable two terms, Justice of the Peace one term, and School Director two terms. He was a volunteer in Company H, 123d I. V. I., who were in the late war in 1862 (afterward mounted) ; served six months and was discharged in consequence of disability ; re-enlisted March, 1864, and served eighteen months, and was mustered out by general order.

GEORGE A. WHITNEY, farmer. Sec. 3 ; P. 0. Mattoon ; owns thirty-six acres ; was born in the State of Wisconsin Sept. 4, 1854; lived with his parents on the farm until 20 years of age. Was then married to Emma D. Hill, May 10, 1874; she was born in Coles Co., 111., June 7, 1852. Mr. Whitney's parents are natives of York State, and Mrs. Whitney's, natives of Virginia. Mr. Whitney's father was one of the early settlers of this county, and one of the men who helped to change this country from a wilderness to its present condition of prosperity. Mrs. Whitney's father (Mr. Jas. W. Hill) was also one of the early settlers of this township, coming to this township with only $2.50, and leaving at his death about $20,- 000 worth of property.

HEZEKIAH J. ASHMORE, deceased, late of Ashmore, and for whom the township and village was named, was born in Kentucky Sept. 30, 1802 ; he was a son of Samuel and Letitia (Guthrie) Ashmore ; his parents removed to Murray Co., Tenn., when he was a child, and when he was about 12 years old to Illinois, settling on the Wabash River, about twelve miles south of Terre Haute. He was married May 24, 1825, to Miss Elizabeth Black, a daughter of John Black ; she was born in Muhlenburg Co., Ky., Dec. 10, 1807, and came at the age of 4 years to the then Territory of Illinois. About the year 1828 he removed to Vermilion Co., where he remained till February 1831, when he removed to Coles Co. His mother had died several years before in the Wabash country, and his father having married Miss Ruth Cowan, had removed in 1829 to Coles Co. and settled in what is now East Oakland Tp., whore he died in 1836, and his wife some four years afterward. Mr. Ashmore also located in the same township, and putting up a log cabin as he had done twice before, he began to open a farm ; after a residence there of about five years, he sold his farm, and removing to a point about two and a half miles northwest of the present village of Ashmore ; he purchased a large tract of land, and became the largest land-owner in the township, owning at one time some 1,600 acres ; he engaged largely in stock-raising, and continued that during his residence on the farm; he laid oft' a part of the village of Ashmore in 1855 ; in 1866, he retired from the fiirm and removing to the village, there resided till his death, Dec. 9, 1872, at the age of 70 years; he left a family often children, viz. : Samuel C, of Ashmore; James M., of Charleston; Martha J., wife of Rodney A. Phelps, of Kansas ; Hezekiah M., of Charleston; Sarah C, wife of Jacob Zimmerman, of Ashmore; Elizabeth S., wife of I. N. Van Dyke, of Charleston ; Rebecca, wife of William P. Ferriss, of Decatur, 111. ; Orlando F., of Ashmore; Mary M., wife of Jacob Collom, of Paris, 111. ; and Harvey B., of Ashmore. Mr. Ashmore held several offices of public trust, among which may be mentioned that of Justice of the

Peace, for several years, Constable and County Commissioner. He was a man of enterprise and unusual business ability, and a liberal supporter of churches, schools, and whatever pertained to the public welfare.

ORLANDO F. ASHMORE, son of Hezekiah and Elizabeth Ashmore, was born about two and a half miles northwest of the village of Ashmore, June 10, 1845. He was raised on the farm until he was of age, and then engaged in the grocery business in Ashmore, and has been engaged alternatel}" in the grocery and dry goods business until a s^ort time ago. He was married Oct. 12, 1865, to Miss Margaret J. Barnett, a daughter of James Barnett of Lincoln Co., Ky. She was born near Stanford, in that county, Nov. 27, 1842. They have had five children, three of whom are living, Ores L., Iva E. and Emma B.

HARVEY B. ASHMORE, farmer and stock-raiser ; P.O. Ashmore; was born in this township Nov. 1, 1849, being a son of Hezekiah J. and Elizabeth Ashmore. When about 15 years old, he engaged in mercantile business in Ashmore, in which he continued about two years. He then engaged in dealing in stock, which he has followed ever since. In 1871, he settled on his present farm adjoining the village of Ashmore, containing 510 acres of land, with fine improvements. He also owns another farm of 80 acres two and a half miles northwest of the village. Mr. Ashmore is largely engaged in stock raising, feeding not less than 500 hogs, and from 100 to 200 cattle annually. He makes a specialty of Poland-China hogs of which he ships a large number every year. He was married Nov. IC, 1870, to Miss Emma J. Carter, a daughter of John L. Carter, of Oakland. She is a native of Gallia Co., Ohio. They have five children - Herbert K., Leon B., Leftridge L. and Lloyd C. The youngest, a daughter, is not named at the present writing.

WILLIAM F. AUSTIN, of the firm of Austin, Brown & Kimball, dealers in hardware, lumber, agricultural implements, furniture, etc. ; P. 0. Ashmore ; is a native of Coles Co., being a son of John and Susan (Carterj Austin ; his father was born near Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 9, 1809, and came with his father's family to the county in about 1828 ; his father, William Austin, took up a farm, comprising the site of the present village of Ashmore. Mr. Austin was married Oct. 15, 1835, to Miss Susan Carter, a daughter of John and Mary Carter, both natives of East Tennessee ; she was born in East Tennessee Sept. 24, 1815 ; removed with her parents to Kentucky in early childhood, and came to Coles Co., in 1830, landing in Ashmore April 10, where her father took up a farm east of and adjoining the present village, and where Mxs. Austin still resides ; Mrs. Austin's father, John Carter, was born in 1790, and died July 19, 1841 ; her mother, Mary Carter, was born Dec. 24, 1792, and died Nov. 11, 1857 ; Mr. Austin remained a substantial and highly-respected citizen till his death, Sept. 9, 1845 ; he left five children - James M., born March 13, 1837, and died July 23, 1866 ; Mary C, now Mrs. Thomas White, of Ashmore, born Aug. 13, 1838; William F., born Nov. 12, 1840 ; Edith, born Sept. 22, 1842, married F. M. Waters, of Ashmore, and died Jan. 4, 1862 ; Thomas, born Oct. 10, 1844. William F. Austin remained on the homestead until the age of 22, and then engaged in the manufacture of wagons and carriages, in company with A. J. Waters ; this he continued two years, after which he followed carpentering until he entered upon his present business in 1872. Mr. Austin has been a member of the village Council for the past five or six years. He was married Nov. 10, 1864, to Miss Mary A. Sousley, who was born in Ashmore Tp. Aug. 5, 1843; she is a daughter of David and Lucinda (Groves) Sousley, who were among the early settlers of the county ; her father was born Sept. 1, 1816, came to Coles Co. with his parents in about the year 1832 and died Nov. 26, 1847. Mr. Austin has two sons - Alcephus L. and Thomas E.

REV. STEPHEN J. BOVELL, Pastor of the Presbyterian Church, Ashmore ; was born in Washington Co., East Tenn-, May 27, 1827. His father, Rev. J. V. Bovell, was a native of Virginia; removed to Tennessee at an early age ; graduated at Washington College at the age of 20 years, and, when 26 years old, became President of that institution, and occupied the position three years. In June, 1829, he received a call to thePres- byterian Churcli, in Paris, 111., and removed to that place, where he died but a few months afterward, leaving a wife and four children ; Mr. Bovell's mother, Christiana Gray Bo veil, was a native of Tennessee, and now resides with her son ; in 1835, the mother, with her family, re-, moved to Coles Co., near Charleston'; Mr. Bovell remained on the farm until the age of 20, then, in 1847, returned to Paris, where he spent two years as a student in the Edgar Academy, then under the control of Rev. H. R. Venable. In 1849, he entered Hanover College, where he graduated in 1852; he then went to Mississippi and engaged in teaching, but at the end of one year, he received an attack of paralysis, which disabled him from work for a year and a half; in the fall of 1854, he entered the New Albany Theological Seminary, where he spent one year, when, owing to a relapse of his former paralysis, he was obliged to discontinue his studies ; recovering partially in the spring of 1856, he engaged, by the advice of his physician, in farming, which he continued two years ; he then went to Palestine, 111., where he taught for eight years, pursuing his theological studies in^the mean time ; he was licensed to preach in April, 1861, and ordained in April, 1865; he came to Ashmore the same year, and, in 1869, was elected Superintendent of Schools of Coles Co., holding that office four years. He was married March 6, 1856, to Miss Martha J. Howe, of Flemingsburg, Ky., and has two children living - Henry P. and Luella.

JOBE VV. BROWN, retired, Ashmore; this gentleman was born in Chatham, Middlesex Co., Conn., July 15, 1809 ; his father was Jonathan W. Brown, and his mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Aiken, the former being a native of Connecticut, and the latter of the island of Nantucket ; when he was but a child, his parents removed to Oneida Co., N. Y., thence to Milton, Ky., and in 1822 to Lawrence Co., 111.; in January, 1825, they removed to Walnut Grove in Edgar Co., then on the very outskirts of civilization ; at that time there was not a single white inhabitant in the present limits of Coles Co.; his father resided there until his death June 17, 1867, at the age of 79 years. In 1840, Mr. Brown removed to

Ashmore Tp., where he had entered eighty acres of land, borrowing for that purpose $100; to illustrate the struggles of those early days, we may mention that Mr. Brown was thirteen years in taking up this first note ; he has hauled wheat to Chicago, taking his provisions and horse feed along with him, and sleeping in his wagon at night ; the journey occupied sixteen days, and on arriving there, has sold his wheat at 50 cents a bushel. In 1838, he, with his father and brother, took a contract to build two sections of the old Terre Haute & Alton R. R., which they completed in 1840. Mr. Brown added to his farm until he owned at one time 400 acres, a part of which he still retains ; in January, 1877, he removed to the village of Ashmore, where he now lives in the quiet enjoyment of the fruits of his years of toil. He was married Jan. 1, 1833', to Miss Martha R. Archer, who was born in Bourbon Co., Ky., March 4, 1808, and was raised in Bloomington, Ind ; of twelve children, eleven grew to adult age, viz.- Warren E., Mary E., wife of Nelson Green ; Eliza J., now Mrs. Wm. P. Green ; George A., Jerome A., Lucy A., now deceased; Sarah R., wife of James Wiley ; Caroline A., wife of A. J. Waters; Melissa E., wife of Robert May field ; Henrietta M., wife of Richard Waters ; Susan M., now Mrs. Thomas Sublet; of the ten now livins,-. all are residents of Coles Co., except Warren E., who is a physician in Andrew Co., Mo. Mr. Brown has served seven years as Justice of the Peace, and one year as Supervisor ; he was an officer of the Coles County Agricultural Society for several years.

GEORGE A. BROWN, dealer in hardware, lumber, furniture, etc. ( firm of Austin, Brown & Kimball), Ashmore; was born at the Walnut Grove, in Edgar Co., 111., Oct. 17, 1837 ; he came with his parents, Job W. and Martha R. Brown, to Coles Co. in 1840 ; he remained on the farm until the age of 23 years, receiving his education in the little log schoolhouse in the neighborhood ; after arriving at age, he taught school one winter ; at 23, lie engaged in contracting and buildinij; in Ashmore, building most of the village, including the Methodist Church and many of the business houses and private dwellings ; also helped to build the Presbyterian

Church. Among the business houses may be mentioned those of Austin, Brown & Kimball, F. M. Waters, Thomas O'Brien, Dr. Robertson, Joshua Ricketts, A. J. & R. Waters & Co., etc.; in 1872, he engaged in the lumber business, Mr. W. F*. Austin afterward becoming a partner ; they added hardware, undertaking, furniture, etc.; in 1875, Mr. W. C. Kimball became a member of the firm. Mr. Brown has been a member and President of the Board of Trustees and the Board of Education a number of years ; he is at present Treasurer of the Board of Trustees. He was married Jan. 25, 1861, to Miss Arden O'Brien, a daughter of the late John O'Brien, of Ashmore; they have three children - Walter M., Owen E. and Job W. WM. H. BROWN, farmer and stockraiser; P. 0. Ashmore ; was born in Oneida Co., N. Y., March 23, 1813, being a son of Jonathan W. and Elizabeth (Aiken) Brown, and accompanied his parents in their removal to Milton, Ky., to Lawrence Co., III., and to the Walnut Grove, Edgar Co., in January, 1825. He remained at home until he was nearly 21, when he began working on a farm ; he worked at various employments in different places until he was married, Nov. 4, 1835, to Miss Elizabeth McGhan, of Clark Co.; he then settled on a farm in Clark Co. During the summer of 1838, he was associated with his father and brother in grading a portion of the old Terre Haute & Alton Railroad. His wife died Sept. 14, 1838, leaving one son, William W., who, in the late war was Orderly Sergeant of Co. H, lOtli I. V. C; and was killed at the capture of Little Rock, Ark. In the spring of 1839, Mr. Brown came to Coles Co., and on the 13th of June, 1839, married Mrs. Emily Buck, a daughter of John T. Olmsted, an old pioneer of Edgar Co., settling in G-rand View about 1828, and afterward came to Coles Co.- Of nine children of this marriage, six are now living - John 0. (now a resident of Charleston, Harriet, wife of James Bull, of Edgar Co.), Frederick, James H., Edwin W. and Francis A ; their eldest daughter, Mary Elizabeth, died April 19, 1849, at the age of 72 years ; Emma A. died Nov. 18, 1870, at nearly 20 years of age ; George W. died March 15, 1862, at 16 years of age. Mr. Brown settled on his present farm in January, 1842, where he owns 336 acres of land well improved ; he began life a poor man, and by his industry, economy and good management has acquired a comfortable fortune, and is considered one of the most substantial citizens of Coles Co.

WILLIAM S. CHILDRESS, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. 0. Ashmore ; wa§ born in Knox Co., East Tenn., April 1 1, 1827 ; he is a son of Richard and Rebecca Childress. In 1831, his father removed to Edgar Co., and settled just on the line between Illinois and Indiana. In 1848, Mr. Childress came to Coles Co., being the first of the family to settle here, his father following in the spring of 1849 ; his father died about 1862 ; his mother still survives, and now resides in Farmington, in Coles Co., at the age of 78 years. Mr. C. was married April 30, 1848, to Miss Temple A. Barnes, a daughter of Enos Barnes, one of the pioneers of the county; she died Sept. 17, 1874, leaving nine children - Elizabeth J. (wife of Washington Moody, of Ashmore Tp.) ; Luciiida E. (wife of H. Ph. Goodnight, of Ashmore Tp.), Richard M., Rebecca A., Florence A., (wife of George Honn, of East Oakland Tp.), John F., William A., Melinda and Viola. A comprising over 1,000 acres, his large and beautiful residence, his herds of over a hundred cattle, fifteen to twenty horses, a hundred and fifty sheep, and a hundred and twenty-five hogs, would find it difiicult to realize the hardships through which he has passed in accumulating them. When he came to the county his total possessions would not amount to $200 ; he has chopped cordwood at 30 cents a cord, and made rails at 50 cents a hundred; he made about 7,000 rails the first winter he spent in the county. To illustrate the gradual manner in which he has acquired his land, we give the following, showing the amount purchased at difi"erent times, and the price per acre. His first purchase was liO acres, at SI. 25 per acre; next 80 acres, of Government at $1.25 per acre; then at intervals as follows ; 40 acres at $15 per acre ; 50 acres, at $22 per acre; 40 acres at $17.50 per acre ; 80 acres, at $30 per acre ; 120 acres, at $25 per acre; 20 acres, at $40 per acre ; 20 acres, at $27.50 per acre ; 40 acres, at $18.75 per acre ; 40 acres, at $40 per acie; 40 acres at $8.75 per acre; 43i i acres, at $10 per acre; 240 acres, at $20 | per acre ; 30 acres, for $50 in all, and 20 acres at $10 per acre. He has made it a practice to buy but never sell, conse- j quently all of his original purchases are still in his possession, and what is, perhaps, more remarkable, there never has been a mortgage on an acre of it. Mr. Childress was married a second time, Dec. 1, 1874, to Mrs. Nannie Shoemaker, a native of Kentucky.

W. K. COMSTOCK, dealer in groceries, drugs, medicines, etc., Ashmore ; was born in Clark Co., 111., Feb. 1, 1850 ; he is a son of Levi and Lucy Comstock ; his father was born in Indiana, and his mother in Kentucky ; they both came to Illinois in childhood with their parents, who were among the early pioneers of the State ; when the subject of this sketch was about 4 years of age, his father removed with his family to Coles County, and settled about three miles northeast of Ashmore village, where he still resides. Mr. Comstock remained on the farm until 1872, after which he read medicine and attended one course of lectures in Eush Medical College, Chicago; in 1874, he engaged in his present business in Ashmore. He was married Nov. 2, 1876, to Miss Ella Hogue, a daughter of Thomas \V. Hogue, of Ashmore.

ELI DUDLEY, farmer and stockraiser ; P. 0. Ashmore ; was born in Coles Co. Jan. 17, 1840, being a son of Guilford and Mary (Wiley) Dudley: to trace the genealogy of the Dudley family from its origin, it would be necessary to begin with the Earl of Dudley, of Dudley Castle, in Staifordshire, England, in the fourteenth century, and Ibllow down through a long line of earls, barons, etc.; this is not our purpose, but we can say that the genealogy is complete and authentic from that point to the subject of the present sketch ; the first of the family to come to America was Thomas Dudley, Governor of the province of Massachusetts Bay ; many of his descendants held prominent positions in the early history of the country ; assisted in the struggle for independence, and are now leading citizens in various parts of the country ; the first to come to Coles Co. were three brothers - Moses, James and Guilford ; Guilford Dudley was born in Raymond, N. H., Dec. 7, 1795 ; the day he was 21, he left home, and, going to Ohio, worked on a farm for a year ; then went to New Orleans, from which place he came to Coles Co., as early as 1825 or 1826 ; he worked at first on his brother's farm, and afterward entered eighty acres of land. He was married in 1829 to Miss Mary Wiley, who was born in Lexington, Ky., April 22, 1812, and came to Coles Co. in 1828 ; putting up a log cabin on his farm, Mr. Dudley lived there till the fall of 1839, when he erected the frame house now occupied by his youngest son - J. Elbridge Dudley. He held the office of Justice of the Peace a number of years, and also Township Treasurer several terms ; notoriety ; he followed farming till his health failed, when he opened a store on his firm, which he continued until the starting of Ashmore; he was a successful man, acquiring a handsome property and about 900 acres of land. He died in February, 1864, leaving nine children - Florence (wife of James Routledge, of Douglas Co.), Hannah (married Jarrot Phelps, and died in 1866), John (now of Charleston), Eli, Elizabeth, Nancy J. (wife of S. H. Reed, of Douglas Co.), Phiiena S. (wife of Thomas Walton, of Ashmore), Moses G. (who died in June, 1868), and J. Elbridge (of Ashmore Tp). Eli Dudley was married Dec. 11, 1866, to Miss Margaret N. Brown, a daughter of Wm. E. Brown ; she was born in Madison, Jefferson Co., Ind., July 5, 1842 ; they have three children - Gleason A., Mary 0. and Gerry B. Mr. Dudley owns 400 acres of land, with a beautiful residence, and is quite largely engaged in stock-raising.

MRS. THURZA EPPERSON ; P. 0. Westfield ; among the pioneers of Coles Co., who came in the year 1834, was Green Epperson, who was born in Madison Co., Ky., about the year 1800. He was 'married Dec. 22, 1829, to Miss Thirza Woods, a daughter of Adam and Mary Woods ; she was also a native of Madison Co., Ky., born Dec. 6, 1807. After their marriage, they removed to Estill Co., Ky., thence to Clark Co.. and from there to Coles Co., 111., in 1834, where they settled on the farm still in the hands of the family, and which contains 200 acres in the home place, besides 80 acres in Clark Co.

Mr. Epperson was a man of integrity of character, industrious and economical in his habits, and possessed of the requisite qualifications of success, and, had he lived, would undoubtedly have become one of the wealthiest citizens of the county ; he died Jan. 29, 1850, leaving a wife, who still resides on the old homestead. Of a family of eleven children, nine are living, as follows : Brutus C, was born Oct. 27, 1830, in Estill Co., Ky., and is now a farmer in Bear Valley, Cal., to which State he removed in 1852 ; Cassius C, was born in Clark Co., Ky., June 24, 1834, and also removed to California in 1852, and is now a farmer in Sutter Co.; Sidney K., was born in Coles Co., 111., Jan. 28, 1836, served in the late war, enlisting in Co. H, 59th I. V. I., was promoted to Quartermaster, and is now a Government Inspector at Omaha, Neb. ; Rhodes was born April 4, 1838, was a member of Co. A, 123d I. V. I., was wounded in the battle of Selma, Ala, and is now a farmer in Edgar Co., 111.; Green was born May 2, 1840, removed to California in 1877, and is now engaged in farming in Bear Valley ; Mattie was born Jan. 25, 1842, and is now wife of J. F. Lawson, of Mattoon, 111.; Joseph was born Oct. 8, 1844, married Sept. 2, 1869, to Miss Mattie Morris, a daughter of William Morris, of Edgar Co.; she was born in Kentucky Dec. 26, 1851, and died Dec. 3, 1875, leaving three children - John F., Thurza I. and Alvy G.; Mr. I Epperson resides on the homestead ; Kate ' was born April 6, 1848, and resides at home ; John C. was born in 1849, studied medicine, and went to California in 1875, : graduated from the National Surgical Institute, in San Francisco, and is now a ! practicing physician in Weston, Oregon. !

B. J. FARRIS, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. 0. Westfield; was born in Edgar Co., 111., March 24, 1831, being a son of James and Nancy Farris, who were among thei earliest pioneers of that county. His father was born in Virginia, in the year 1785; received a liberal education, being designed for the Presbyterian ministry, and leaving home at the age of 18, he went to Warren Co., Ohio, where he married Miss Nancy Downs, a native of South Carolina, born in 1799, and lived there till he came to Edgar Co. He was a soldier of the war of 1812 ; fought at Lundy's Lane and Chippewa, and was a witness of Perry's victory on Lake Erie. Arriving in Illinois he took up 640 acres of land in Edgar, Coles and Clark Counties. He was a man of the strictest integrity, and dealt honestly with every man. He had a powerful constitution and was a hard worker. Although the son of a wealthy Virginia family, he never owned slaves ; was a Whig in politics and joined the Republican party on its organization. He was a stanch Union man during our late war, and the defeat of the Union army at the battle of Bull Run, which occurred during his last illness, greatly affected him. He died Sept. 27, 1861, leaving eight children ; his widow died Dec. 9, 1877. The subject of this sketch continued to reside in Edgar Co. until he was married, Aug. 12, 1852, to Miss Mary J. Bishop, a daughter of John W. Bishop ; she was born m Rush Co., Ind., Sept. 18, 1832, and first came to Clark Co., 111., when 5 years of age. They have eight children : James, Sarah A., John W., Florence, George Grant, Albert, Benjamin F. and Ida. The year of his marriage, Mr. Farris removed to Coles Co., where he lived till March, 1876, and then removed to Nebraska. At the end of three months, however, he returned to Coles Co., and in 1877, purchased the farm of 120 acres where he now resides.

ISAAC FLENNER, farmer and stockraiser ; P. 0. Kansas ; was born in Butler Co., Ohio, Feb. 25, 1825; his father, Daniel Flenner, was among the pioneers of that State, coming from Maryland in 1809. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was a prominent citizen, holding many offices of trust in his county. His mother, Hannah (Andrews) Flenner, was a native of Ohio, and a descendant of an old Pennsylvania family. Mr. Flenner removed to Coles Co., in 1856 ; his father removing to Clark Co., 111., at the same time ; he purchased 200 acres of land and engaged in farming and stock-raising, and during the past five years has devoted his attention to fine stock, having, at present writing, thirty-nine head of thorough-bred short-horn cattle. He also makes a specialty of the breeding of Berkshire hogs, of which he has seventy-five now on hand. He is one of the most thorough and sue- cessful farmers in the township. From the raih'oad, whicli passes a short distance in front of his residence, the view is most beautiful. His fine buildings, with the large yard set to evergreens and shrubbery, the orchards of fruit of all kinds, the rolling prairie " Stretching in billowy undulations far aica?/" present a sight not surpassed in this part of the country. Mr. Flenner was married Sept. 30, 1847, to Miss Rachel A. Hughes, who was a native of Maryland, but removed in early childhood to Butler Co., Ohio. She died in 1852, leaving two children, one of whom is living - Albert W. Flenner. Mr. Flenner was married a second time Jan. 12, 1858, to Miss Hopy A. Hollingsworth, a daushterof Jacob Hollingsworth. Her father came to Illinois in 1830 and resided in Coles Co. till his death in 1875. They have one son living - Martin Flenner.

ALBERT W. FLENNER, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. 0. Kansas ; was - born in Butler Co.. Ohio, March 17, 1850, being a son of Isaac and Rachel A. (Hughes) Flenner; in 1856, he came with his father's familv to Coles Co., his mother having died in 1852. He was raised on the farm, and on arriving at his majority, he purchased the farm of his uncle, M. B. Flenner, adjoining his father's place, and containing 160 acres of land, and he still resides there. He was married Jan. 17, 1871, to Miss O'Kalla Breeding, the fifth daughter of Hutchinson and Elizabeth M. Breeding ; she was born in Edgar Co., 111., March 16. 1850 ; her parents came to Edgar Co. about thirty-sis years ago ; her father died there in 1866, and after his death her mother removed with her family to Ashmore, and there lived till 1876, when she returned to Edgar Co. where she now resides. They have two children - Rachel Annie and Isaac B. Mr. Flenner has been a member and Clerk of the Board of School Directors for the past three years.

J. H. GREEN, farmer and stock-raiser; P. 0. Ashmore ; was born in 3Iiami Co., Ohio, Oct. 27, 1826 ; he is a son of James and Elizabeth (Heminway) Grreen, both of whom were natives of King and Queen Co., Va. ; both removed to Kentucky when young, married and moved to Ohio; in 184:0, his parents removed to Coles Co., but returned in a few years to Ohio ; Mr. Green removed permanently to the county in the fall of 1855, and settled on his present farm ; he purchased 120 acres of land, paying therefor $18 an acre ; he owed on this place, $1,500 ; he now owns 513 acres of land, well improved, and is out of debt; he keeps usually about 100 head of cattle ; he owes his success in life to the fact that he has always been a temperance man, never drinking a glass of whisky or beer ; has always kept his agreements ; and when he promised to pay a man money, has paid it on the very day agreed upon. He was married on the 12th of October, 1851, to Miss Mary F. Pottenger, a daughter of Dennis R. Pottenger, of Preble Co., Ohio ; she was born there Aug. 1, 1834; they have had twelve children, eleven of whom are living - Alice E. (wife of Lafayette Bates, of Hutton Tp.), William S., Granville D., Commodore D., Hester S., Seymore, Sherman, May, Norman, Ettie and Ernest. Mr. Green has served several terms as School Director.

W. P. GREEN, farmer and stock- raiser ; P. 0. Ashmore; was born in Miami Co.. Ohio, Sept. 8, 1827, being a son of James and Elizabeth (Heminway) Green ; when he was about 10 years old, his parents removed to Randolph Co., Ind.,and, in 18-tO, to Coles Co., returning a few years later to Ohio, and lived awhile in Darke Co., from which county they removed again to Randolph Co., Ind., and thence to Grant Co.; his father opened no less than seven farms in Ohio and Indiana ; the year the ftimil^ returned to Ohio, Mr. Green made four trips between the two States ; on becoming of age, he went to Preble Co., Ohio. He was married Nov. 2, 1851, to Miss Elizabeth Wilkinson, a daughter of Charles Wilkinson, of Preble Co.,'"Ohio; she died Feb. 20, 1862, leaving three children, two of whom are living - Charles E. and James 0. In the spring of 1863, Mr. Green came again to Coles Co.. making seven trips during the summer. He was married Aug. 20, 1863, to Miss Eliza J. Brown, a daughter of J. W. and Martha R. Brown, of Ashmore ; she was born at the Walnut Grove, in Edgar Co., Sept. 20, 1836; they have six children - Leona, Clarence E., Miner E., Jennie, Thomas L. and Nora. Mr.

Miami Co., Ohio, Dec. 25, 1830 ; he is a son of James and Elizabeth (Heminway) Green, and accompanied his parents in their various removals given above, and in 1850, came permanently to Coles Co.; he worked at various employments until 185-4, when he was married on the 19th of January, to Miss Mary P]. Brown, the eldest daughter of Jobe W. and Martha R. Brown, of Ashmore ; she was born at the Walnut Grove, in Edgar Co., Sept. 7, 1834; they have nine children - Jonathan W., George A.. Letitia M., Willie A., Leonard W., Caroline A., Claude 0., Charlie and Eugene D. Mr. Green settled on his present farm in 1865, where he owns 163 acres of land.

ELDER PETER K. HONN, retired; P. 0. Ashmore ; was born in Nicholas Co., Ky., July 22, 1814; he is a son of Daniel and Anna Honn ; he passed his early years upon a farm, and at the age of 18 years, began the trade of a blacksmith; in 1835, he decided to follow Horace Greeley's advice, " Go West, young man, go West," and accordingly joined the family of Jeremiah Powell, and with them made the journey to Illinois, with a horse-team and two ox-teams ; they stopped in Edgar Co., where Mr. Powell settled, and where many of his descendants still reside; after spending a short time in Edgar Co., and about six months in Sangamon Co., working at his trade, he came in 1836 to Hitegville, and opened a blacksmith-shop; about five years later, he purchased a quarter-section of land, which he began to improve in connection with his trade ; after a number of years, he abandoned his shop and devoted his entire attention to farming ; he continued on the farm until 1875, when, having accumulated a comfortable competence, he retired to his present home where he enjoys the harvest gathered in the summer of life. During his whole life, Mr. Honn has always been ready to assist in carrying forward any public enterprise ; he has served the public in various offices of trust - having held four commissions as Justice of the Peace, covering a period of sixteen years ; he was Postmaster for three years, and has served one term as Chairman of the Board of Supervisors ; he takes an active interest in educational matters, and has been School Director most of the time since the organization of the public-school system in the county. He has never failed to meet an obligation as agreed upon, and was never before a court as plaintiff or defendant in a suit at law ; it has been a rule of his life not to become security for any one, a course which has proved beneficial not only to himself but to others. About five years after coming to the county, he was ordained a minister of the Christian Church, and has devoted himself more or less to the work of the ministry ever since. He was married June 22, 1837, to Miss Matilda Woods, who was born in Madison Co., Ky., April 19, 1817, and came to Coles Co. with her mother's family in 1835. They have raised a family of six children - William S., now occupying the old homestead in Ashmore Tp. ; Martha A., wife of D. R. Bain, of Edgar Co..; Peter K., who died in 1872 ; Sarah E., wife of F. M. Shaver, of Monroe Co., Ind. ; Samuel H., a practicing physician in Ashmore, and Mary E., wife of R. L. Tremble, of Coles Co.

THOMAS W. HALLOCK, farmer and stock-raiser; P. 0. Ashmore; was born in Dutchess Co., N. Y., Jan. 20, 1811 ; he was raised on a farm until he was 15 years old, and then went to Troy, N. Y., where he learned the trade of a coachmaker ; he worked for Eaton & Gilbert, at that time one of the largest coachmaking firms in the country ; he helped to build the first railway-coach in this country, in 1829; this coach was run on the Amboy & Burtontown R. R., and was drawn by horses. Going to New York City in 1 833, he entered the employ of John Stephenson, then located on Bleecker St., near the Bowery, and continued with him after he went to Harlem, and put up his large manufactory tb^re ; he remained in New York, and Newark, N. J., until 1837, when he came to Coles Co., and entered 400 acres of land on the Embarrass ; he then rented a farm of H. J. Ashmore for five years, but owing to a lack of rain his farming venture proved an unfortunate one, and at the end of three years he abandoned it, and removing to Charleston, engaged in carpentering, wagon-making and blacksmithing. On the restarting of the Terre Haute, Alton & St. Louis Railroad, he returned to Ashmore Tp., and settled on his present farm ; at that time it was all Government land to the east, except around the groves ; there was but one house on the prairie, that being on Wolf Hill ; he could see, any day, from 20 to 30 deer in the vicinity ; notwithstanding his first failure in farming, he has since been, and is now one of the most successful farmers in the county. He owns 340 acres of land, well improved, with a large, fine house, seven acres of orchard and shrubbery, etc. ; he has made a specialty of raising and shipping hay - shipping a few years ago about 400 tons, annually. Like most other successful farmers, he has attended strictly to his farm, leaving public offices to those having more leisure and inclination to attend to them. His first marriage was in May, 1840, to Miss Jane Johnson, of Coles Co. ; she died a few years later, leaving one daughter - Alice, wife of Benjamin Honold, of Edgar Co. Mr. Hallock was married again Nov. 19, 1846, to Mrs. Elizabeth Tuttle ; her maiden name was Elizabeth Clark ; she was born in Pulaski Co., Ky.,,May 14, 1820; her ftither, James Clark, was one of the pioneers of Coles Co., coming with his family in 1829 ; they have five children living - Greorge E,., James H., Aldora A., wife of R. M. Childress, Thomas L., and William H. ; Mrs. Hallock has one daughter of her former marriage - Margaret T. Tuttle, wife of Charles S. Olmsted, of Charleston.

0. D. HAWKINS, farmer and stockraiser, Ashmore ; was born in Fleming Co., Ky., Feb. 28, 1822 ; he is a son of Gregory R. and Elizabeth (Ballard) Hawkins, the former a native of Maryland and the latter of Kentucky ; when he was about 8 years old, his parents removed to Scott Co., Ind., and. in 1841, to Coles Co., settling about two and one-half miles west of Ashmore ; they lauded here on Uie 4th of March, the day on which Gen. Harrison Wiis inaugurated President of the United States ; his father died here in 18G8, and his mother in 1873. They had a family of fifteen children, twelve of whom grew to adult age, and five of whom are now living. Oliver D., the subject of this sketch, started in life for himself at 13 years of age, working out by the month and by the day; he is now one of the most substantial citizens of the township ; his farm of 287 acres, adjoining the village of Ashmore, is one of the best improved in the vicinity. In 1852, Mr. Hawkins contracted to clear about ten miles of the Terre Haute, Alton and St. Louis Railroad, and, also, for several years, was engaged in supplying ties and wood for the road, clearing for that purpose some 150 acres of land. He served nine years as Constable. In 1860, he removed to the village of Ashmore, and in April, the same year, was elected Justice of the Peace ; he still holds the office, having been re-elected every four years to the present time ; he was the first Police Magistrate in Ashmore, serving several years ; he was also Postmaster from 1861 to 1866, when he resigned ; he has served one term on the Board of Supervisors, and one term as Coroner of the county ; in 1870, he became Superintendent of the County Alms-house and Poor-farm, remaining in charge of that institution until 1873, when he removed to his present farm ; he also held the office of Township School Treasurer a short time. He was married March 21, 1844, to Miss Mary Laffler, a daughter of John and Mary (Hurd) Laffler ; she was born in Wayne Co., Ohio, Jan. 6, 1823, and came with her parents to Coles Co. in 1837 ; her father died in 1843, and her mother in 1853. Mr. Hawkins has four children, all living in Ashmore, viz., William, John, Albert and Ellen, wife of William N. Austin.

WM. C. KIMBALL, of the firm of Austin, Brown & Kimball, dealers in hardware, lumber, furniture and undertaking, Ashmore ; has been a resident of Ashmore since 1867 ; he was born in Cambridge, Guernsey Co., Ohio, June 14, 1838 ; was educated at the Cambridge Union Schools, and, in 1857, began teaching school ; he continued in that profession in Ohio till March, 1863, when he enlisted in Co. H, 122d 0. V. I., and served in the 6th Army Corps in the Army of the Potomac until Jan. 1, 1864 ; he was then detailed as a clerk in the office of the Provost Marshal General of Ohio, at Columbus, and served in that capacity till the close of the war ; he was mustered out July 1, 1865. After the war, he came to Illinois and taught school one winter in Monticello, Madison Co.; in March, 1867, he took charge of the pubUc schools in Ashmore, and remained in charge most of the time until the spring of 1876. In 1875, he became a partner in the firm of Austin, Brown & Kimball. Mr. Kimball was Village Clerk from April, 1875, to April, 1878, and has been School Director for the past three years. He was married April 10, 1860, to Miss Lizzie Speers, of Guernsey Co., Ohio ; she died March 16, 1866. Mr. Kimball was married again Sept. 20, 1868, to Miss Rowena A. Graham, of Ashmore ; she died Sept. 30, 1877, leaving three children - Clarence 0. L., Mary C'and Gertie R.

JEREMIAH LANE, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. 0. Ashmore ; was born in Muskingum Co., Ohio, Jan. 17, 1844; his father, George W. Lane, was a pioneer, coming from his native State, Maryland, at the age of 13 ; his mother, Sarah Lane, was a native of Ohio, and a descendant of a Maryland family ; his parents both died in Ohio ; Mr. Lane was raised on the farm, and has followed that avocation all his life; he came to Coles Co. in 1873, and settled on his present farm, one mile east of the village of Ashmore, where he owns 134 acres of land, with good brick house, commodious barn, outbuildings, etc.; he makes a specialty of breeding fine horses, having ten now on hand ; also has 160 hogs. He was married March 10, 1870, to Miss Cornelia Swartz, who was born in Campbell Co., Ky., July 12,1 854 ; they have two children living - Minnie L. and Henry L.

WILLIAM H. MACK, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. 0. Ashmore ; was born in Kentucky April 11, 1828, and came to Illinois when he was 5 years old, with the family of his father, William Mack ; after spending one winter in Coles Co., his father settled in Clark Co., where he died about eight years ago ; Mr. Mack lived in Clark Co. until he became of age, and then came to Coles Co.; he began life by working out by the month, and, after accumulating some money, he purchased 120 acres of land, on which he settled in the fall of 1853; he now owns 790 acres in his home farm, and 100 acres in Clark Co.; his farm is one of the best in the county, is well fenced, under good cultivation, and improved with a fine two-story dwelling, barns, outbuildings, etc., costing not less than $6,000 ; his residence occupies a beautiful eminence, and from it can be plainly seen the village of Kansas, in Edgar Co., while the church-spires of Westfield, in Clark Co., and of Ashmore, in Coles Co., are visible. Mr. Mack has given considerable attention to the raising of stock, keeping from 50 to 150 head of cattle ; having no leisure nor inclination for official life, he has never sought nor held public office, but has devoted himself exclusively to the management of his large farm. He was married Dec. 19, 1850, to Miss Elvira Anderson, a daughter of Robert Anderson, one of the early settlers of Edgar Co.; she was born in that county Feb. 25, 1832, and removed with her parents to Coles Co. when about 8 years old ; they have five children - Joseph A., William A., Catherine P., Oscar A. and Charles A.

ELIAS MONROE, Postmaster and dealer in dry goods, notions, boots, shoes, etc. (firm of Zimmerman & Monroe), Ashmore ; was born in Shelby Co., 111., Feb. 7, 1842, but removed in childhood to Moultrie Co., where he lived until 1861 ; his mother then removed with her family (the father having died years before) to Hitesville, Coles Co. In December, 1863, he entered the Union army as a member of Co. H, 59th I. V. I.; he participated, among other engagements, in the battles of Lookout Mountain, Kenesaw Mountain, Resaca (where he received a slight wound), Peach-Tree Creek, Marietta, siege of Atlanta, Jonesboro, Lovejoy Station, Big Shanty, Spring Hill, FrankHn and Nashville, where he was severely wounded in the right leg during the first day's fight, Dec. 15", 1864, necessitating the amputation of his leg in the field hospital ; he was mustered out in June, 1865 ; recovering from his wound, in 1867, he entered the Soldiers' College, in Fulton, 111., where he remained two years, and then came to Ashmore, and was appointed Postmaster in August, 1869. In October, 1877, he became a member of the firm of Zimmerman & Monroe.

iani S. and Julia A. (Eddingfield) Moore ; his fatlier, an early settler of Butler Co., having come from his native State, New Jersey, at the age of 4 years ; his mother was born in Ohio, her parents being from Pennsylvania. In 18G2, his father removed West with his family, spending the summer in Vigo Co., Ind., and coming to Coles County in the fall ; he resided in Ashmore until his death, Feb. 8, 1875 ; his father was a Universalist, and his mother a Baptist, and both led blameless Christian lives, and were highly respected by all who knew them ; his father was especially noted for his generous, charitable course toward the poor, and all in distress ; his mother now lives in Ohio, to which State she returned two years ago. There are four of the family living, viz., Lucinda C. fwife of A. K. Miner, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa), James B., Martha J. (wife of John Mell, of Ashmore), and William T. James B. Moore, the subject of this sketch, was married Nov. 4, 1869, to Miss Martha J. Lane, a daughter of George W. and Sarah Lane ; she was born in Muskingum Co., Ohio, Oct. 1, 1842 ; they five children, as follows: Delia May, Mary Lela, Ora Leslie, Halla Florence and Francis Burrell. Mr. Moore owns a farm of 130 acres, located one mile east of Ashmore village.

THOMAS O'BRIEN, farmer and stock raiser ; P. 0. Ashmore ; was born in the city of Philadelphia Feb. 18, 1830; he is a son of John and Mary O'Brien ; his father was born in Mt. Maleck, Queens Co., Ireland, in February, 1801 ; up to the age of 18 years, he worked in his father's tailor-shop ; he then went to London, Eng., and afterward to Leeds, spending seven years in the two cities ; after paying a brief visit to his native place, he came to America at the age of 25 ; his first settlement was in Philadelphia, where he was married March 18, 1828, to Miss Sarah Campbell a native of Philadelphia; she was born May 1, 1808; he worked as a journeyman in Philadelphia until 1832, when he removed to Cincinnati, and there followed his trade five years ; he then removed to Terre Haute, Ind., where he began business for himself; in 1849, he came to Ashmore and settled on a farm, containing 435 acres of wild land which he had purchased the year before. About twenty years ago, he removed to the village of Ashmore, where he resided till his death, Sept. 20, 1873, and where his widow still resides. He was a man of the strictest commercial integrity, and highly respected as a citizen ; he left seven children, five of whom are living; the eldest son, Thomas, was employed in his fiither's shop in Terre Haute for about three years before the family removed to Coles Co. ; he I remained on the farm until 1855, when he came to the village and engaged in merchandising, in which he continued till 1873, since which time he has devoted his attention to stock business ; he owns a farm of 130 acres in the corporation and fortythree acres in another part of the township. He has been a member of the Town Board of Trustees or Board of Education most of the time during his residence here. He was married Jan. 10, 1855, to Miss Amanda Wells, a daughter of James Wells, of Ashmore ; they have two children - Capitola and Grace.

CAPT. CHARLES D. PHELPS, deceased, late of Ashmore Tp., one of the pioneers of CH!»les Co. ; was born in Madison Co., Ky., Jan. 26, 1801 ; he was a son of Jarrot and Millie (Duncan J Phelps, both natives of Virginia. He was married March 3, 1825. to Miss Mary A. Coons, a daughter of John and Polly (Crosswhite) Coons ; she was born in Fayette Co., Ky., about eight miles from Lexington, July 29, 1809. In 1830, he removed to Coles Co., arid settled on the farm now occupied by his widow and youngest son ; he purchased and entered about 300 acres of land, was an industrious and successful man, a leading member of the Christian Church, and led a life consistent with his professions. Coming to Coles Co. before the Black Hawk war, they had the Kickapoos and Pottawatomies for their neighbors. On the breaking-out of the Black Hawk war he volunteered as a soldier, was commissioned a Captain, and assisted in the capture of the Chief, Black Hawk. He died Dec. 2, 1864 ; of nine children eight were living at the time of his death, and six are living at the present time, viz., Josiah, now a resident of this township ; Jarrot, of Shell City, Mo.; Mildred A. wife of Addison Bowen; of Johnson Co., Kan. ; Mary A., wife of Thomas Adair, of Johnson Co., Kan. ; Samuel W., who served in the late war, aud now lives in Schuyler Co., Mo., and Charles D., residing on the homestead ; John C, a member of the 123d I. V. I., died at Nashville, Tenn., in February, 1863 ; Susan E., wife of William O'Brien, died April 19, 1866 ; Fountain served in the late war, and died in 1871, in Schuyler Co., Mo. Mrs. Phelps still resides on the old place, about two miles south of Ashmore ; she has passed through many and severe hardships of those pioneer days, and is now hale and strong at nearly 70 years of age.

W. K. PAYNE, retired, Ashmore; although not an early settler of Coles Co., is one of the pioneers in the adjoining county of Edgar, where he was a prominent citizen for forty-six years. He was born in Shelby Co., Ky., May 17, 1807, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Wright) Payne, both natives of Kentucky and descendants of old Virginia families. His early education was limited to such as the schools of that region afforded. In 1822, his father removed with his family to Owen Co., Ind. In 1831, Mr. Payne came to Edga» Co., and engaged in the mercantile business in Grand View ; he built a store in that place, and after his marriage occupied it both as a store and dwelling ; he afterward erected a substantial store and a fine residence on the same spot ; both of these were recently destroyed by fire. Mr. Payne continued in the mercantile business in Grand View for thirty-five years, during which time he held the oflBce of Postmaster for twelve years. In 1866, he retired from active business, and in October, 1877, he removed to Ashmore, where he now lives in the quiet enjoyment of the results of a long and successful business life. He was married Jan* 2, 1834, to Miss Matilda Wampler, who was born in Steubenville, Jefferson Co., Ohio, July 22, 1815; she is a daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Stephens) Wampler, both natives of Baltimore, Md. ; she came in 1831 to Illinois with her parents, who settled in Hickory Grove, Edgar Co. ; her father, Rev. Joseph Wampler, was a well-known minister of the Methodist Church. In his early life, he was a civil engineer, and in that capacity assisted in the survey of the State of Michigan. Mr. Payne's family consists of two sons and two daughters - Joseph W., a merchant in Paris, 111. ; Sarah E., wife of Wm. S. Van Meter, of Neosho Co., Kan. ; John W., of Oakland, Cal., and Mary E., wife of Joel S. Cary, of Ashmore Tp.

CALEB REED, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. 0. Ashmore ; was born in Spencer Co., Ky., Dec. 1, 1818, and was 11 years old when he came to Coles Co.; his father, Thomas Reed, was a native of Pennsylvania ; removed to Kentucky with his parents when a boy, and there married Miss Anna Kirkham, a native of Kentucky, and the 1st of December, 1829, left that State with his family, consisting of a wife and five children, to found a new home in the wilderness of Illinois. They came with a five-horse team, the journey consuming nearly a month ; arriving in Edgar Co., they spent a few days, and about New Year's, 1830, came to Coles Co., and settled on the farm now owned by his son Caleb Reed ; he entered quite a tract of land, owning at one time about a thousand acres. He was a strong Whig, although he never sought to lead or hold oflBce ; he was a quiet, industrious man, attending strictly to his own affairs ; conservative in his operations, not given to speculation ; a man who enjoyed in an eminent degree the esteem of his neighbors and townsmen ; he died in December, 1854, leaving four children, three of whom are living. Caleb Reed, the only living son, has always resided on the homestead ; like his father, he has never sought official positions, his farm of 430 acres requiring his entire attention. He was married Feb. 22, 1844, to Miss Jane Carter, a daughter of John and Mary Carter ; she was born in Wayne Co., Ky., Dec. 15, 1824, and came to Coles Co. with her parents in 1 830 ; of eleven children, eight are living - Samuel H. of Douglas Co.; Martha A., wife of James T. Wright, of Ashmore Tp.; George R.; Emma J., wife of J. Elbridge Dudley^ of Ashmore Tp.; John C, Thomas L., Ida M. and Albert M.

A. T. ROBERTSON, M. D., physician and surgeon, dealer in drugs, medicines, etc., Ashmore ; was born in Sumner Co., Tenn., June 30, 1834; his father. Rev. John H. Robertson, was born in Virginia, and removed to Tennessee with his parents when but a boy ; in 1829, he came to Coles Co., and engaged in teaching school near the present city of Charleston ; his name appears on the records as the second person to whom letters of administration were granted in Coles Co.; in 1832, he returned to Tennessee, where he was ordained a minister of the M. E. Church, and where he married Miss Sarah Carr, of Sumner Co.; about 1838, he removed to Camden Co., Mo., and is now a prominent and wellto-do farmer of Laclede Co., in that State. Dr. Robertson, at the age of 21, engaged in teaching in Choctaw Nation, pursuing his medical studies in the mean time ; this he continued two years; in 1858, he attended his first course of lectures in the medical department of the State University at Nashville, Tenn.; he then located in Carroll Co., Ark., "and began practice ; during the winter of 186U-61, he attended lectures in the JeiFerson Medical College, Philadelphia, where he graduated and re- <3eived his degree in the spring of 1861 ; returning to Arkansas, he practiced medicine there till 1864, and then removed to Ashmore ; after teaching school a part of the first year, he began practicing medicine in July, 1865, and has had a large and lucrative practice ever since. He was elected Town Clerk in 1866, and served till 1877; during the past two years, he has been Notary Public and Police Magistrate. He was married in the Choctaw Nation Jan. 30, 1858, to Miss Rebecca Mitchell, a native of Tennessee; they have three children living - Leonidas C, Ashley H. and Sarah A. Dr. Robertson engaged in the drug business about four years ago.

JOSHUA RICKETTS, dealer in grain and produce, groceries, glassware, queensware, etc., Ashmore; was born in Muskingum Co., Ohio, March 13, 1821. He is a son of Joshua and Sarah (Taylor) Ricketts. He remained at home until he was 13 years old, when he went to Knox County, Ohio, and engaged in study with a view to preparing for the ministry, but meeting with a change in his religious belief he abandoned the idea and engaged in farming, afterward learning the trade of a marble cutter. At the age of 23 he went to Coshocton, Ohio, and followed farming for a while, afterward removing to Terre Haute, Ind., where he engaged in the marble business. In 1849, he came to Illinois, remained one year in Clark County, and removed thence to

Charleston, Coles County, in 1850. There he carried on the marble business till 1861, when he enlisted as a private m J. W. Bissell's Engineer Regiment of the West ; was promoted to Second and afterward to First Lieutenant. He served in this regiment twenty months ; when Gen. Morgan made his raid into Indiana Mr. Ricketts again enlisted in the 109th Ind. Vols. and was commissioned by Gov. Morton, Adjutant of the regiment. After a brief service of eight days the regiment was mustered out, the occasion for their enlistment having ceased. On thecallfor 100- day men, in 1864, Mr. Ricketts, not waiting for a commission, again volunteered in the 143d 111. Vols., and served as Sergeant of Co. "A." He took part in the capture of Island Number Ten, siege of Corinth, and the battle of Corinth on the 3rd and 4th of October, 1862. Returning toCharleston he continued in business till 1873, when he was appointed Superintendent of the Coles County Alms-house and Poorfarm, and still remains in charge of the institution. He engaged in his present business in Ashmore in 1875. During the past year he has served as Collector of the township. He was one year Assessor of Charleston, and has twice been elected Justice of the Peace. He was married Dec. 29, 1846, to Miss Catharine D. Roberts, of Coshocton County, Ohio. She died in 1854, leaving three children - Sarah M,, now wife of Wm. Killough, of Kansas ; Wm. VV^. and Cornelia M.. wife of Geo. B. Shinn, of Coles County. Mr. R. was married again Sept. 4, 1855, to Miss Melvina Jones, of Clark County, 111. They have nine children - Thomas A., Fannie B., John T., James E., Frank H,, Oscar J., Charles W., Nettie M. and Elizabeth. A. J. SHULSE, farmer and stock-raiser, P. 0.. Kansas ; was born in Nicholas Co., Ky., Oct. 17, 1827, being a son of Henry and Winnifred Shulse, the former a native of Kentucky, and the latter of Virginia. He was married Aug. 5, 1852, to Miss Martha J. Honn, a daughter of David and Anna Honn, of Nicholas County, Ky. She was born in that county May 9, 1826. In November, 1859, they removed to Coles County, and the following spring settled in their present home. Mr. and Mrs. Shulse are well pleased with the change from Kentucky to the prairies of Illinois. For nearly three years past, they have been traveling in the West, visitino- the States of Missouri, Kansas and Colorado, spending over a year in the Rocky Mountains, and although well pleased with the Western country, have returned fully satisfied with their present home. Mr. Shulse owns a fine farm, improved with good buildings, shrubbery, orchards and miles of Osage hedge, which in summer time presents a most beautiful appearance. It occupies a commanding location, affording a fine view of the surrounding country. Mr. Shulse has devoted his attention exclusively to his business of farming, in which he has been very successful. His aim has been to farm in a thorough manner rather than to acquire large quantities of land, and the result fully demonstrates the wisdom of his course. His home farm contains 80 acres, besides which he has 20 acres of timber. In 1868, he was ordained an Elder in the Christian Church, since which time he has served in that capacity.