Crawford County, Illinois - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 17 of those read), 1909 (part 10 of 11)

TRACY, George V, farmer and stockman on Sections 15 and 16, Licking Township, Crawford County, was born Licking County, Ohio, June 2, 1841, a son of Lloyd Tracy, who was born in the same county, November 21, 1812, and died September 24, 1852. His wife, Jane (Kirk) Tracy, was born February 22, 1815, and died December 20, 1886. They were married in Licking County, Ohio, and became the parents of eight children, two sons and six daughters, namely: Thomas, born April 12, 1838; Risiah, born September 22, 1839, died August 17, 1861; George V.; Sarah, born February 1, 1843; Catherine, born January 27, 1844, died January 5, 1877; Rachel Ann, born September 6, 1846, died April 4, 1856; Eunice, died September 28, 1854; Euphemia, born March 6, 1851.

Lloyd Tracy and his brother, Elijah Tracy, brought their families from Licking County, Ohio, to Crawford County, Ill., in 1846, making the trip in wagons, there being already five children in the family of Lloyd Tracy. The latter settled in Robinson Township, while his brother settled one half-mile south, and his heirs now own this land. Within late years oil has been discovered upon the property and greatly enhanced its value. Lloyd Tracy entered 160 acres from the Government, and while putting up a log house, he lived on Robert Smith's place. About 40 acres of the farm was in prairie and the remainder in brush and timber. Elijah helped him break the prairie and during the first year they broke 50 acres, which they planted in eorn. They used an ax, in every third furrow cutting a hole in which they dropped three or four grains of corn. The mouth of the hole was closed with a block of wood ar rammed down with a maul, and in this manner the first crop was planted. Lloyd Tracy lived on this farm for seven years, when he sold it to Silas Price and moved to Richland County, where he entered 200 acres. Prior to locating in Richland County, he purchased a small log house on an adjoining farm, and which he moved onto his own property. Into this he moved his family in the spring, and in the following fall he died.

George V. Tracy attended school in Crawford County in what was known as the Old Hickory schoolhouse, walking one and a quarter miles to school. After the death of his father, his mother sold the Richland County farm and returned to Crawford County, where she bought 40 acres. Upon their return, George V. Tracy resumed his attendance at school, and for the following five years went to school three months in the year. In the meanwhile, when not in school, he worked out, splitting rails and performing other tasks to help his mother. Thus he continued until he was twenty-six years old. When twenty-two he enlisted in the army, joining Company D, Ninety-eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, under Col. John J. Funkhouser and Captain Wood. The date of his enlistment was August 12, 1862, and he was discharged at Nashville, Tenn. June 15, 1865, and mustered out at Springfield, Ill. He was in all of the engagements participated in by his company with the exception of one when he was detailed on special duty. Mr. Tracy was sent on horseback 108 miles with a dispatch to Knoxville, Tenn., rode night and day and was slightly wounded in his side.

Upon his return he rented a farm of William Kirk, upon which he lived a year, and then bought 70 acres in Jasper County. Still later he traded that for 100 acres in Licking Township, Crawford County. In addition to exchanging his farm for the new one, he owed $450. Of the new farm 40 acres were under cultivation and the rest in brush and timber. There was a log eabin and stable on the land. Later he added to his holdings until at one time he owned 480 acres, but has since given 60 acres to each of his sons. Mr. Tracy has made all of the improvements on his estate, including his present residence.

On June 10, 1866, Mr. Tracy married 'Arminda Hill daughter of Barton and Louisa (Eaton) Hil, and the following February moved on the farm which he now occupies. They became the parents of the following children: Etta May, born May 25, 1867, died March 20, 1899; Barton Willard, born May 8, 1869; Brazellar, born February 16, 1871; Jane, born October 18, 1873; Presley Wellington, born August 25, 1875, died March 2, 1898; Emma Josephine, born February 20, 1878; James A., born August 11, 1880, and

John, born August 15, 1884. Mrs. Tracy died April 22, 1888, and in 1889 Mr. Tracy married Mary J. Mills, daughter of Aaron and Sarah Mills, whose parents lived in Clark County, Ill.

Mr. Tracy cast his first vote for U. S. Grant and has been a Republiean ever since. He served as school trustee for three years, and was roadboss for one year. In religious belief he is a member of the United Brethren Church, having joined it in 1872.

TRACY, George Washington. - The pioneer families of Crawford County have placed the people of this generation under heavy obligation, for the comforts and luxuries they now enjoy are the results of the labors of those who redeemed the country from the wilderness, and not only opened roads, built schools and churches, but cleared and tiled the land and developed towns and cities. George Washington Tracy is a member of just such a family, his father Elijah Tracy having come from Pennsylvania, where he was born April 11, 1815, to Crawford County in 1847. He entered 80 acres in Robinson Township, but added to it until he finally owned 300 acres. His wife was Nancy Myer, born in Ohio, October 19, 1821, and they had eleven children, seven sons and four daughters: Peter, born October 18, 1839; Jane, born April 11, 1841; Myer, born September 10, 1843; John, born January 5, 1844; Maranda, born March 28. 1846; Maritta, born April 11, 1847; Vanderhoff, born December 4, 1850; Mary Catherine, born November 9, 1853; Elijah, born January 24, 1858; George Washington; and one boy who died in infancy.

George Washington Tracy was born in Robinson do. August 18, 1863. He attended the Grassy Hollow School until he was eighteen, and was married at his present home, which is the old homestead in Robinson Township, August 20, 1885, to Mary C. Hawkins, daughter of Thomas and Rachel Hawkins, by Justice David Steel. Their children are: Harry M., born September 3, 1886; Bertha E., born January 24, 1888, married Julius Furman, son of Shepard Furman, who is a farmer of Robinson Township; Vena, born November 12, 1890; William Arthur, born April 12. 1894, died February 7, 1900; Otto Otis, born September 28, 1898.

Mr. Tracy owns 112 acres of fine farm land, and has seven oil-producing wells upon his property. His home is an excellent residence of eight rooms, situated back from the road. One of the features of the house is a large side bay-window in whieh Mrs. Tracy has her plants, making a regular conservatory of it. She is very fond of flowers and in summer the yard is full of them. The house is supplied with natural gas, and every modern improvement. In politics Mr. Tracy is a Republican. He and his wife have been members of the United Brethren Church for ten years.

Ill., December 6, 1870, a son of William and Elizabeth Maud Updike, the former of whom was born in Trenton, N. J., August 18, 1831, and the latter in Yorkshire, England, May 14, 1834. William Updike was a farmer, but later engaged in handling farm implements, and still later was a general merchant. The parents of Mr. Op-; dike were married in Butler County, Ohio, November 8, 1853, and moved to Illinois in 1856, living for à short time near the new city of Robinson. Later they purchased a farm some distance from the city, and still later they bought another farm south of the place. In 1878 they moved to the home place south of Robinson now owned by William Walter Updike. William Updike was elected County Treasurer in 1877, and served one term, and was also a member of the Illinois Legislature, in which he served two terms, and being a prominent citizen of his day.

Wiliam Walter Updike attended the common and high school and received a good education. About twenty years ago he began raising and training pedigreed dogs, establishing what was known as the Maple Hill Kennels. His skill as a trainer soon became known everywhere, and later, in partnership with Sheriff James Pease of Chicago, he branched out and the establishment known as the American Llewellen Kennels was established. This now has national fame, very many of the best dogs that were in the first class at field trials being from these kennels, two especially noted being Robert Count Gladstone and Count Noble. Six of the most noted dogs are Flintstone, Dervish Girl, Chicago Boy, Invincible, Ned Buntline and May Glad- Stone. A great pointer was Drills Scout, whose grandsire and granddam have produced thirtyone winners. To begin to name all the dogs trained by Mr. Updike would be impossible. There is room for but one more, Invincible, who was universally recognized as the best hunting dog ever known.

One of the reasons of Mr. Updike's success is that he thoroughly breaks his dogs before they are allowed to start in a trial. Mr. Updike is also known as a breeder of the California quail and pheasant. He was given the undisputed title of best wing shot in the country. He has won many cups and medals, and not only pursues his calling as a business, but from a thorough love of sport. Governor Deneen has recognized the services Mr. Updike has rendered in this field by appointing him Game Warden. Mr. Updike is also engaged in the oil business with Mr. James Pease, owning in partnership several valuable oil leases.

In Robinson, September 26, 1895, Mr. Updike married Mary A. Mitchell, born near Robinson, January 14, 1867; no issue. Mr. and Mrs. Updike are charming people with hosts of friends, whom they entertain royally at their delightful home.

VANCE, M. T. (deceased), for many years a prosperous farmer of Licking Township, Crawford County, was born in Licking County, Ohio, February 9, 1834, a son of John E. Vance, born in the Shenandoah Valley, Va., August 18, 1797.

He came to Ohio in 1815 and married Maria Holden, daughter of Alexander Holden, who was born in Virginia, but came to Ohio in 1804, and died in that State. Mr. and Mrs. John E. Vance had children as follows: Alice, Riley, Mary Jane, Ruth, John A., Louis and M. T. Mr. Vance was reared on a farm, and educated in the common schools of Ohio. When, in 1847, his father came to Crawford County, he was fourteen years old, and had plenty of work helping clear the 120 acres his father bought soon after his arrival, in Section 33, Licking Township. The father died in 1855, and his widow in 1857. In 1859, M. T. Vance married Margaret Lamberson, and they had the following children: John A., Almenia A., Louis Clay, Ira Lincoln, Louisa, Margaret and Malone, twins, Emma M., and one who died in infancy.

VAN WINKLE, Francis Marion. - Thorougbly conversant with all the details of farming, in whieh occupation the active years of his life have been spent, Francis M. Van Winkle's familiarity with everything pertaining to agricultural life has resulted in a gratifying success that places him among the representative men of Crawford County. Mr. Van Winkle, farmer and stock-raiser of Section 31, Honey Creek Township, was born on his present farm January 3, 1867, a son of William Louis Van Winkle, a retired farmer of this township. "William L. Van Winkle was born in Crawford County, near Palestine, January 21, 1833, a son of Jesse Van Winkle, deceased, who was born in Ohio, March, 1809, where he was reared until twelve years of age, when his parents came to Crawford County. and he was married to Susan Garrett. In 1830 he settled in Crawford County, and was among its first settlers, first locating near Palestine, where he remained a few years, and then about 1839 he moved to Honey Creek Township, where he entered land in the timber, half a mile north of the present homestead. This consisted of 50 acres, which he cleared off and there he lived, cultivating his land and improving it until his death. He added 30 acres to his original purchase.

William Van Winkle was the eldest of his parents' five children, four sons and one daughter. All of them were born in Crawford County, and three of them served in the Civil War, and two lost their lives in defense of the Union. Jesse Van Winkle was an ardent Republican. The education of William Van Winkle was secured in the township schools. On December 23, 1858, Wiliam Van Winkle married Fannie K. Sears, who was born in Honey Creek Township, September 1, 1841, a daughter of Adam Sears, now deceased, a pioneer of Crawford. They settled in the county at an early date, coming from Kentucky. Mrs. Van Winkle was also educated in the township schools. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. William Van Winkle: Julia, Samantha, Louisa (deceased), Alice, Franeis Marion, and one who died in infancy, all born on the homestead. After marriage, William Van Winkle moved on his home- stead, buying 40 acres. This farm he cleared with the help of his son, and added to it until it contained 125 acres. He made all the improvements and placed the land under cultivation. Since the formation of the party, he has been a Republican. When Mr. Francis Marion Van Winkle was only two years old, he had the misfortune to lose his mother, her death occurring July 22, 1870.

While attending the schools of his neighborhood, the younger Mr. Van Winkle assisted his father in the farm work, and he is now conducting the homestead, with very gratifying results. On October 11, 1899, he was married to Effie Crum, a native of the township, and a daughter of Andrew J. Crum, who was born in Indiana, married in Crawford County. Mrs. Van Winkle was carefully educated, attending the Robinson High School and Merom College, at Merom, Ind., and for four terms she was one of the teachers of Honey Creek and Martin Townships. She is the only daughter in a family of two children. Mr. and Mrs. Van Winkle have one son, Williain Jackson, who was born December 31, 1900. Mr. Van Winkle is a Democrat. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of Hardinville, No. 4697. He and Mrs. Van Winkle are members of the United Brethren Church, attending Zion's Church in Martin Township. He is Superintendent of the Sunday School, and takes a very active part in church work. As President of the Young People's Society of the church, he is kept busy, and is very much liked by all his associates in this good work.

VINSEL, Alva N. - Most intimately associated with the growth and character of any community are its agricultural interests. They mould the life of the people, give direction to their efforts, crystallize the present and future possibilities of a section into concrete form. The prosperous farmers of any township are its greatest benefactors, silently controlling the forces that bring progress and development, and the measure of their success is reflected in the advancement of their community. Alva N. Vinsel, farmer and stock-raiser of Section 10, Honey Creek Township, was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, May 14, 1856, a son of Samuel Vinsel, now deceased, a farmer of Honey Creek Township, although a native of Virginia. He was reared, and on March 15, 1833, was married in that State to Elizabeth Kern, who was born in Loudon County, Va., where she was reared and educated. They became the parents of six sons and two daughters, of whom Alva N. is the youngest. Four of the family died in childhood, the full family record being as follows: Isaiah, born February 12, 1834, died in September, 1906; John W., born March 29, 1836, died August 23, 1887; George F., born February 4, 1837, died August 24, 1848; Adam K., born March 21, 1840, died in August, 1902, a veteran of the Ninetyseventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry; Martin, born January 6, 1842, died January 12, 1843 ; Michael, born February 24, 1844, died January 22, 1862; Lavina, born January 16, 1846; Taylor F., born

From Virginia the family went to Ohio and thence to Iowa, but after a two years' stay there they finally came to Illinois in 1866, and settled in Honey Creek Township, where the father bought 80 acres of land. He and his sons cleared this off, but the strenuous work was too much for him, and he died August 1, 1869, although his widow survived him until June 1, 1901. From the formation of the party, Samuel Vinsel was a strong supporter of Republicanism, while in religious faith he was a Lutheran. A brother of Alva N. Vinsel, Taylor Vinsel, conducted the farm after his father's death until Alva was twenty years old, when he bought out the other interests and conducted it alone, adding to the original holding until he now owns 220 acres in Honey Creek, and 140 in Lawrence County. He has made all the present improvements on both properties and has some of the most valuable land in both Crawford and Lawrence counties.

On April 3, 1902, Mr. Vinsel married Martha Tedford, who was born in Montgomery Township, a daughter of John Melvin Tedford, a farmer and pioneer of Honey Creek Township. Mr. Tedford was born and reared in Tennessee, and there learned the trade of carpenter. This trade he followed in conjunction with his farming all his life. His marriage to Martha Stewart oceurred in Tennessee, where she was born. In an early day Mr. and Mrs. Tedford came to Crawford County, settling in Montgomery Township, where they lived until death. He enlisted in 1861 in an Illinois volunteer infantry regiment, but was discharged on account of tuberculosis, from which disease he died shortly afterwards. He had a family of eight children, six of whom were born in Tennessee and two. in Crawford County, all of whom lived to maturity, and of these Mrs. Vinsel is the youngest. She was educated in the district schools of her locality and was taught by her excellent mother to be a good housewife. Mr. Vinse! is a Republiean, a Mason, and a member of the Independent Order of Odd the value of his land. Having resided on his present farm over forty years, Mr. Vinsel has seen many changes take place, and perhaps the most important is the development of the oil business. He remembers well when a man farmed his land just to get a living; now he operates this business just as any other business man does his, and as a result the farmer has taken his place among the captains of industry, and it is a very important one at that. He realizes today his importance and profits by it.

VOORHEIS, Henry Augustus. - Crawford County, Ill, owes its present prosperity to the efforts of men of perseverance, industry and intelligence, men who, while attaining their own

Success, have strengthened and built up the community about them, and prominent among this class of citizens may be mentioned Henry Augustus Voorheis, whose excellent 300-acre farm is situated one and one-half miles west of Hutsonville, Mr. Voorheis was born in Hutsonville Township, Crawford County, Ill, November 14, 1826, a son of Mahlon and Eliza (Tuttle) Voorheis, the former born in Morris County, N. J., March 29, 1797, and the latter in the same State, July 29, 1804. They were married May 12. 1824, and-settled on the old Voorheis homestead farm in Crawford County, Ill, about 1821 or 1822, where Mahlon Voorheis followed the occupations of a farmer and broommaker until his death, which occurred February 6, 1848, his wife having passed away October 19, 1843. There were eleven children in the family, as follows: - Mary T., born July 5, 1825, died in February, 1851; Henry Augustus; Sarah Elizabeth, born June 2, 1828, died April 28, 1856; Frances Jemima, born February 27, 1829, died of whoopingcough, January 20, 1837, her sister, Julia Ann, and brother, John, the baby, dying about the same time; Julia Ann, born November 24, 1831; Joseph Tuttle, born January 11, 1833, enlisted in the Civil War in 1861, and was killed by bushwhackers at Helena, Kan., October 22, 1863, when, as a member of a foraging party, he refused to surrender; David, born February 19, 1835. died at the home of Henry A. Voorheis, May 21, 1866; John, born September 27, 1836, died when nine months old; Emily Frances, born March 1, 1840, married William Morton Cox (now deceased), of Hutsonville Township, and she now lives in La Motte Township; Catherine Jemima, born December 27, 1841, died January 26, 1897, and John Cornelius, born October 18, 1843, and died when about nine months old.

Henry Augustus Voorheis was born in a log cabin in Hutsonville Township, and was educated at home by a cousin, 'Squire David Tuttle, who made him so proficient in his studies that at the age of twelve years he was an excellent penman and reader, far ahead of the boys of his age. He then attended a subscription school in the town of Hutsonville until becoming of age, when he went to work on his father's farm, later, however, leaving the parental roof to go to work on the farm of Nathan Musgrave from whom he received ten dollars per month and board. The following year he rented the farm of Mr. Musgrave, and after five years had saved enough to buy the old homestead, which had changed hands following the death of his father. In May, 1856, Mr. Voorheis returned to the old home place, bringing with him his wife, Eliza Ann (Cox) Voorheis, whom he had married May 8, 1856, the ceremony being performed by Rev. St. Clair, a Methodist Episcopal minister. Mrs. Voorheis was born in Hutsonville Township, March 12, 1833, daughter of Thomas and Deborah (Lindley) Cox, both natives of North Carolina, the former being born in 1805 and died in 1868, and the latter born about 1812, surviving her husband but a few years. Mr. and Mrs. Cox were married in Crawford County, whence both had come with their parents. Mrs. Voorheis was the third of ten children, the family being: Zilpha Jane and Hannah, deceased; Mrs. Voorheis; Mary; William Morton, deceased; James L.; Maria; and Hannah, Lindley, and Thomas, all deceased. John L. and Thomas were Missionary Baptist ministers. To Mr. and Mrs. Voorheis there have been born six children: Emma C., born April 18, 1857, married F. J. Cooper, a former schoolteacher of Hutsonville Township, who later engaged in business in Robinson, and is now the proprietor of a drug store - they have two sons, Frank, a stenographer of 'Terre Haute, who is married and has one child, and Harry, who is his father's partner in the drug business; John M., born April 1, 1860, married (first) Alice Rains, by whom he had a son and daughter, Roy and May, and who died December 10, 1888, after which he married (as his second wife) Clarinda Sackrider, by whom he had a son, Ray; Charlie, born August 23, 1862, died February 26, 1865; Charles H., born February 24, 1865, married Ollie Lindley, daughter of Samuel and Harriet Lindley, by whom he had three children, all of whom are deceased; William Mahlon, born June 26, 1867, who is single and living with his father on the old homestead ; and Mary, born June 15, 1870, married Thomas Lindley, son of Pratt and Eleanor Lindley, by whom:she had eight children: Ellen, Truman, Audra, Blanche, Grace (deceased), Harrold, Voorheis and Ethel. Mr. Voorheis has always been one of the town- Ship's progressive men, taking much interest in the success of the Republican party and serving as trustee of the Township School Board for a period of thirty-five years. He has been a member of the Society of Friends for about twenty years, and is now serving as elder. Mrs. Voorheis belongs to the Missionary Baptist denomination. Mr. Voorheis' fine farm of 300 acres, situated about one and one-half miles west of Hutsonville, is one of the best in his section of the county. and testifies to the thrift and intelligence of its owner, who is known throughout the township as a substantial man and useful citizen.

WALKER, George B. (deceased) - The late George B. Walker was a prominent and highly respected farmer and stock-raiser of Martin Township, and an early resident of Crawford County, who built up for himself a lasting reputation as an upright and honorable citizen in his business transactions. He was born in Indiana, April 22, 1829, a son of Aquilla Walker, deceased, a pioneer of Crawford County. Aquilla Walker settled in Indiana, where he married Elizabeth Dyer, and they became the parents of four children, of whom George B. Walker was the Second. In 1852 the family came to Crawford County, Ill., settling in Martin Township on the property which is the Walker homestead the father originally entering 80 acres, which he improved with the help of his son. The latter added to the property until it consisted of 100 acres, and there the father and mother lived until the date of their demise. In politics the

On March 19, 1854, George B. Walker was married in Hardinville to Mary Lamb, who was born in North Carolina, May 17, 1830, a daughter of Dunn Lamb, deceased, by religious faith a Quaker, who was born in North Carolina, and there married Charlotte Morgan, whose parents died when she was a child and she was bound out. Although the husband was a Quaker, in order to please his bride, he consented to be married by a Baptist minister. Mrs. Walker is the ninth child in order of birth of the twelve children born of her parent's marriage. The Lamb family came to Crawford County, in 1835, after all their children had been born, and the father entered 120 acres in the Palestine land

Mrs. Walker was educated in the primitive log school in Crawford County. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Walker lived at Hardinville for four years, where he was engaged in blacksmithing, and then they removed to the Walker homestead. Mr. Walker made the greater part of the present improvements, and followed farming until his death. In polities he was a Re-

'publican, and died firm in the faith of the Methodist Church. Although the land was valuable, the discovery of oil upon it in 1906 added to its worth. and there are now twelve wells on his land in active operation. Mr. and Mrs. Walker had children as follows: John Wesley, Calvin Q. (deceased), Charles Edward (deceased), Malvina, Elizabeth (deceased) Simon, Dora, George and William, all born in Martin Township. George has been prominent in educational matters. Mr. Walker was a man who enjoyed universal esteem, and his untimely demise was regretted by a large circle of acquaintances and friends.

WALKER, John W. - Many are liable to forget in these days of restless progress how much is due the pioneers who made possible the present advancement. They came into a wild country, overcame many difficulties, and prepared the way for others and for their own children. John W. Walker, a blacksmith and real estate dealer of Stoy, Ill, is a son of one of these pioneers, being born in Hardinville, Ill, January 28, 1855. His father, George B. Walker, now deceased, was a farmer of Martin Township and a native of Indiana, coming from that State to Crawford County when a young man. He settled in Hardinville and worked at his trade of blacksmithing until he purchased a farm north of Hardinville, which was a portion of his father's farm. George B. Walker was a son of Aquilla Walker, whose name is closely connected with the early pioneer history of Crawford Counvy, an aceount of which is given elsewhere in this work.

but early learned how to take care of himself. He married, in Oblong Township, Margaret Prier, who was born in Martin Township, the daughter of James and Lucy Prier, pioneers of the county, who cleared up a large tract of land in Martin Township, where Mrs. Walker was reared and educated. and Mrs. Walker have had the folowing children: James, deceased; William E. Carrie D., Angeline, married Roy McKinney; Harry, Effie, George, and two others who died in infancy, all being born and reared in Crawford County, except one born in Arkansas.

For three years after their marriage Mr. Walker rented land in Martin Township, and then bought a farm in Oblong Township, but soon thereafter moved to Arkansas, where he remained for three years. returning to Crawford County, he traded his farm for five acres at Stoy, Ill., and owns the principal part of that place. He also owns ten acres in Martin Township upon which are two oil wells in active operation. Mr. Walker is a Republican politically and a member of the F. M. B. A. and other fraternal organizations. The United Brethren Church is his religious home. Mrs. Walker died in Martin Township, aged thirty-five years.

WALKER, Orlando. - Accustomed to farm life from earliest childhood, the farmer boys of Illinois are familiar with every detail of farm management, and perhaps that is why they are among the very best agriculturists of the world. In Crawford County are to be found many such farmers, and among them is to be numbered Orlando Walker, born at Palestine, Ill, May 1, 1851, a son of Charles S. Walker, and a grandson of 'Thomas and Mary (Shork) Walker. Thomas Walker came with his family to La Motte Township, Crawford County, Ill. about 1840, and purchased some of his land from the Government and some from those who had preceded him to the county, and at one time owned about 1,500 acres, a great deal of which he improved with the assistance of his sons. He and his wife were the parents of the following named ehildren: Alice, who married Roswell Hale; Eliza, who married (first) David Johnson and (second) Robert Martin; Margaret, who married Joseph Pifer; James; Jane S., who married (first) Elijah Pifer and (second) Andrew Mulvane; Charles S.; George L.; and Caroline C., who married (first) Lorenzo D. Legg and (second) George B. Higgins. All the foregoing are now deceased. Charles S. Walker was born July 20, 1825, in Ohio, and died March 9, 1869, having been an early farmer and stock-raiser and shipper of Crawford County. He married Sarah Vermilion and they had these children: Orlando, who is the only survivor ; Mary L., who married James B. Seeders; Elsie F. and Eva C.

Educated in the district school, Mr. Walker always worked in La Motte 'Township and finally began buying land, to which he has added until he now owns 550 acres of as good land as can be found in the county. He is an extensive stockbreeder, and makes a specialty of registered Duroc hogs, which he raises and ships to breeders all over the United States. His fine farm is known as Fairview Farm. His acres are brought up to the highest state of cultivation. and his barns and other buildings are of the latest pattern and supplied with every modern device. In polities, Mr. Walker is a Republican, and served as tax collector of Crawford County for four years. Fraternally he is a Knight of Pythias, and a member of the Modern Woodmen.

On November 46, 1871, Mr. Walker married Matilda Wright of La Motte Prairie. She was the daughter of Andrew J. and Lucinda (Spain) Wright and died on the home farm, April 20, 1906. The children born of this marriage were: Virgil, born June 17, 1875, married Sarah Belle Wesner, daughter of Lon Wesner, and they have one child, Paul W.; Jesse. born December 14, 1877, married Minnie Kaywood, and they have two children, Ruth and Geneva; Horace W., born February 29, 1880, is not married and lives at home; and Annie June, born June 1, 1884, is also single and living at home.

WALKER, Wiliam Dun. - Nature has done much to make Crawford County a desirable abiding place, especially for the farmer, for the climatic conditions are such as to insure good crops, the soil is fertile and hidden in the ground are vast supplies of natural gas and oil. Transportation facilities are almost unsurpassed, so that the marketing of produce is an easy matter and the farmers of this locality are prospering greatly. Prominent among tbem is William Dun Walker, who was born in Crawford County, near Hardinville, March 13, 1869, a son of George B. and Mary M. (Lamb) Walker.

George B. Walker came to Crawford County at an early day from Greene County, Ind., north of Worthington. The mother's family was from North Carolina. The following children were born to George B. Walker and wife: John Wesley, who married Margaret Prier, daughter of James and Lucy Prier, they have five boys and three girls; Calvin L. and Charles Edward, both unmarried; Charlotte M., who married John Shire, son of Christopher Shire, and they have two daughters and live on a farm in Crawford County; George B., Jr., who married Jane Harter, of Crawford County, and they have one son and three daughters and live in Robinson; and Dora, who married William Ducummun and they have three daughters - Efñe, Frances and Mary. The deceased children of George B., Sr., and his wife, Mary (Lamb) Walker, were Simon and Lizzie, both dying when quite young. The children of George B., Jr., are Guy, Ruth, Ruby and Opal.

William Dun Walker attended district school, at the Union Star School, until he was nineteen, when he began farming. On January 8, 1891, he was married to Myrtle Mann, by the Rev. Salathiel Lamb, and one child was born of this union, a son, who died in infancy, March 4, 1894. Mrs. Walker is a daughter of Abel H. and Susan (Harter) Mann, both father and mother being from Stark County, Ohio, near Dayton. Mrs. Walker is one a family of seven chil-

Mr. Walker owns 66 acres of fine farming land, and has a comfortable residence upon it. He also owns 160 acres south of Gordon Station. In polities he is a Republican. Both he and his wife belong to the Methodist Church of which he has been a member for about twenty-one years and his wife for twenty-three years, both being active in Sunday School work. Mr Walker for a time was Superintendent of the Sunday School. They are very substantial people and widely and favorably known in the community where they have spent their lives.

WALL, John. - In early life accustomed to the hard work that develops the mind and body, filled with the struggle in which the white man contested with the wild beasts and almost as savage red man for the possession of what were then wild lands, but now are the site of large cities, fertile farms and valuable oil property, John Wall has lived many lives in his seventy-five years and his experiences might well fill volumes instead of a single page. Mr. Wall was born on a farm two miles east of Robinson, September 24, 1833, a son of Thomas P. and Mary (Everman) Wall, from Tennessee and Kentucky, respectively. The father of Thomas P. Wall was Peter Wall, who was reared in South Carolina but moved to Tennessee and thence to Jasper County, Ill., where he died. The mother of John Wall was a daughter of William Everman, who first located in Crawford County but later moved to Jasper County, Ill. Thomas Wall located two miles east of Robinson on 120 acres of government land, some, time between 1820 and 1830, being still unmarried. Willam Everman was also a very early coming to Palestine, Ill., while the fort at that place was still occupied by the soldiers, later the family being compelled to occupy the fort, on account of a raid by Indians. Thomas P. Wall bought a farm about three miles northwest of Robinson, but later sold this and purchased 120 acres of government land on Big Creek, in Oblong Township. where he continued to reside until his death.

During his early youth deer, wolves, wild turkeys and game of all kinds were to be found in abundance around the home of John Wall. His school advantages were limited, but he made the most of them, and worked hard in the intervals on his father's farm. The public school system was not yet inaugurated and the only schools then held were those known as subscription Schools, for which the parents paid so much for each child. In time, John Wall came into possession of the homestead, where he remained until 1904, when he bought his present pieasant home and is now conveniently located in Oblong, where he can rest from his labors in the enjoyments his toil has earned. Mr. Wall is a very extensive oll producer, having thirty-three good wells on his land, nineteen being on one farm and the others on Big Creek, this last named farm being only one and three-quarter miles from town.

On January 16, 1855, Mr. Wall was married in Oblong Township to Minerva Elizabeth Mc- Crillis, born in Fairfield County, Ohio, November 17, 1836, a daughter of John and Eliza Ann McCrillis. Mr. McCrillis was born in Perry County, Ohio, but his wife was born in Pennsylvania and taken to Ohio when about seven years old. Mr. and Mrs. Wall have had children as follows: George W., born October 27, 1856, married, has four children and lives in Oklahoma, where he is a farmer; Eliza Ann, born December 14, 1859, married, has five children, and lives in Oklahoma, where her husband is a farmer; Susan Cordelia, born March 20, 1862, died at the age of two years; David Arthur, born May 23, 1861, died when eighteen months old; Mary Elizabeth, born September 5, 1864, married George W. Murdock, a farmer at Oblong, where she died at thirty-six. In politics, Mr. Wall is a Republican but has never sought office. A man of means, he has earned his success through enterprise, hard work and economy and the result has been well merited.

WALL, William T. - Living in the township where he was born, December 30, 1857, and has grown up to useful manhood, now owning a fine farm on Section 9, Oblong Township, Crawford County, William T. Wall is one of its most representative men. Mr. Wall is a son of John Wall, was edueated in the district schools of Oblong Township and, at the same time, was engaged in farming. On December 31, 1878, he was married on the old MeCrillis place, to Minerva Snider, who was born in Jasper County, Ill., a daughter of Henry Snider, now deceased. She visited in Kentucky, but returned to Jasper County.

For about six years after his marriage Mr. Wall rented land, and then about 1884 located on his present farm, which his father had purchased years before. The farm consists of 80 acres, all well improved and supplied with good buildings, Mr. and Mrs. Wall have children as follows, all born in the township: Joseph K, married and has two children; William R.; Malcom E.; Fennel P.; John H., married and has one child; Harry T.; M. Elizabeth ; Frank, and Cora M.

In February, 1907, oil was discovered on Mr. Wall's property, and nineteen wells are now in active operation, which has greatly enhanced the value of the land. Mr. Wall has long been a Republican, and in the spring of 1908 he was elected Commissioner of the Township. He is a member of the United Brethren Church, and a worthy, industrious and thrifty man whose success is well merited.

WALTER, George Lowry, Superintendent and Commissioner of Streets, and a man who has given his work long and careful attention, is one of the substantial residents of Robinson, who was born in Bellefontaine, Logan County, Ohio, March 13, 1851, a son of William Wiggin and Abigail (Lowry) Walter. The father was born in Philadelphia, October 25, 1812, while the mother was born in the same city, April 12, 1818. the parents coming to Logan County, Ohio, after marriage in

George Lowry Walter attended the common and high school, and then went to the college at Bunker Hill Macoupin County, Ill, after which he learned the trade of brick-making, and learned it well, embarking thereafter as a contraetor, and being engaged in work on many of the most important buildings in Robinson. Later he commenced farming on 360 acres of fine farming land three miles west of Robinson, where later oil was discovered, and he now has twentythree good wells on his farm property. His home is one of the most delightful in Robinson, the residence being shaded by old forest trees and beautified by flowers and shrubbery. It stands far back from the noise and dust of the highway, and is very attractive both inside and out.

Mr. Walter has always been a staneh Republiean, and in 1894 was elected Sheriff of Crawford County as the successor of Captain Sheriff Hand. After serving his term of office, Mr. Walter remained deputy sheriff under Sheriff A. B. Houston. For twelve years Mr. Walter has been a member of the Board of Education; was Supervisor for eight terms, and three years colleetor of county taxes. He also served five years as First Lieutenant of Illinois National Guard. For fifteen years he-has been active in the work of the Methodist Church, and is now serving as trustee of that body.

On February 25, 1877, Mr. Walter married in Robinson Township, Miss Mary A. Henderson, daughter of Hickman and Rebecca Henderson, pioneers of Crawford County. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Walter: A. Estella, born October 21, 1879, married May 24, 1905, Talbot C. Parker, and they live at Enid, Okla.; William H., born September 19, 1881, died July 7, 1902; Roscoe C., born August 26, 1883; Helen May, born November 7, 1885, married February 18, 1905. to Earl Eaton and they live in Corpus Christi, Texas, and have one child, Elizabeth, born August 5, 1906 ; Gladys, born February 3, 1888 ; W. Virgil, born November 23, 1890, and Floyd, born July 10, 1893, died December 2, 1893. The same serupulous care that has characterized his private business career has been manifested in his devotion to the interests of the public, and his record is one of which he may well be proud.

WALTERS, Jacob Lincoln. - Existence in the frontier region of Illinois seventy years ago was not what it is to-day, for then it was full of the tragedy of Indian warfare, that has been gradually softened by peace and religion. In that struggle in which man pitted himself against primeval forest and aboriginal inhabitants, the strongest types of manhood and womanhood were evolved. 'The pioneer men and women of this great commonwealth, were brave indeed, and those who come after them have something of which they may justly be proud.

hard work incident to life under such conditions. He was born in La Motte Township, Crawford County, Ill., a son of Jacob and Stacy (McColpin) Walters. Jacob Walters was a native of Kentucky, and seventy years ago came to Crawford County, and bought 700 aeres of wild land, which, assisted by his children, he cleared off and placed under cultivation. Jacob Walters was a soldier in the Black Hawk War, and helped to protect himself and his neighbors from the depredations of the Indians. His death occurred in La Motte Township in 1866, when he was about fifty years of age.

Jacob Lincoln Walters was born July 3, 1860, and like the majority of boys of his day, was edueated in the distriet school and worked on the farm, where he learned the business of farming in all its details, and which has since continued to be his vocation. He owns 80 acres of land on which he broke the first ten acres of prairie sod with his own hands. This property he bought in 1881, and has lived on ever since. The substantial home and barns were built by him, and the property is kept up in a way that shows that he appreciates the value of his possessions. Mr. Walters is a School Trustee and has been Highway Commissioner.

On September 12, 1882, Mr. Walters was married on the farm in La Motte Township, the Rev. William R. Emmons officiating, to Maggie Wright, daughter of Richard and Elizabeth Wright, natives of Kentucky and pioneers of Crawford County. One child has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Walters, Georgie, born September 16, 1883. Mr. and Mrs. Walters are members of the Methodist Church of Palestine, with which Mr. Walters has been connected for the past thirty years.

WATT, George. - To be born on the land he now owns is a distinction that does not come to every man. The land bought by a father, and developed by him, is more valuable to the son of the average kind, than any he might buy. George Watt of Honey Creek Township, Crawford County, Ill, a prosperous farmer and stockraiser residing on Section 28, is no exception to this rule, and he takes pride in the fact that he was born there September 21, 1862, a son of Nathaniel Watt, now deceased, who was born Kentucky, in 1829. Nathaniel Watt was reared and educated in his native State, but when a young man he came to Illinois and settled in Honey Creek Township, Crawford County, on 160 acres of timber land. After clearing this property and placing it under cultivation, he sold it and bought the home now occupied by Mr. George Watt. This consisted originally of 100 acres, but during the remainder of his life he added to his holdings until at the time of his death he had 190 acres, which he had partly cleared and improved.

. Nathaniel Watt was married in Honey Creek Township, in 1859, to Sarah E. Ross, a native of Tennessee, who was reared in that State, but came to Crawford County with her father, James S. Ross, a farmer of Montgomery Township, who cleared off about 60 acres in that Township. Mr.

and Mrs. Nathaniel Watt were the parents of eight children, three sons and five daughters, and George Watt is the second child. All the children were born in Honey Creek Township. Nathaniel Watt was a Democrat politically, and was a consistent member of the Methodist Church.

George Watt was brought up on the farm which he now occupies, and received his education in the district schools of his neighborhood, meanwhile helping his father clear the land. On April 9, 1885, he married Lizzie Crum, a native of Honey Creek Township, and a daughter of J. C. Crum, a farmer and early settler of the Township, who was born in Kentucky, but came to Crawford County in young manhood, and located in Honey Creek Township, where he cleared off about 80 acres. Mr. and Mrs. George Watt have had six children, all born in Honey Creek. Mr. Watt has made many improvements upon his farm, which is in a good state of cultivation. He devotes his attention to general farming and stock-raising. Politically he has always been a Democrat, although not an officeseeker.

WATTLEWORTH, John J. - The life of a farmer is one to be envied, in spite of the hard work and constant struggle, for it is so independent. The man who owns a farm has the means of obtaining a living always at hand, and is not subject to the exactions of a labor market. John J. Wattleworth of Section 9, Oblong Township, is an example of what can be accomplished through industry, enterprise and thrift. He was born on the Isle of Man, December 28, 1836. a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Cowin) Wattleworth, both born and reared in the Isle of Man, where they were also married. They were the parents of these children: Cæsar (deceased), Leonora (deceased), John J., and Emily, who still resides in the Isle of Man. The mother died in her native land, and the father of this family and his sons John and Cæsar came to America, in 1856, settling in Ohio, but in March, 1857, they came to Crawford County, Ill., and the three, tlie father, John and Cæsar, rented the William Hill place in Oblong Township. Later they rented the King farm for about five years. Finally, Samuel Wattleworth and son Cæsar bought the James Wilson farm, to which they moved and made it their home for the remainder of their lives, Samuel dying in 1882, and Cesar in 1900.

John J. Wattleworth was reared in the Isle of Man and was twenty-one years old when the location of the family was made in Crawford County. In 1864 he married Mary Mikeworth, adopted daughter of David Mikeworth of Robinson, Ill. Mr. and Mrs. Wattleworth became the parents of children as follows: Lenore, Arthur Edward, Agatha M., James Russell and J. Fred, all born in Oblong Township. Shortly after his marriage, Mr. Wattleworth took up his residence on his present farm, which then contained 182 acres, and he made nearly all the improvements on his property which has become under his good management very valuable. Mr. Wattleworth is a

Republican, and has served as School Director. He is a member of the Methodist Church and is a man widely known and respected. He has a farm of 120 acres, upon which there are fifteen producing oil wells.

WEGER, John P., for many years a prominent farmer and stockman of Honey Creek Township, Crawford County, was born in Lawrence County, Il., April 7, 1839, son of William Weger, who was born in Eastern Tennessee, about 1808. William Weger came to Crawford County with his parents in 1828, and in 1832 he married Elizabeth Highsmith by whom he had ten children: John W., Melissa, Matilda, Mary E., Margaret, Joseph, George R., Eliza A., James William, and one who died in infancy. After the death of his first wife in 1853, William Weger married Nancy Lackey, and they had four children: William Jasper, Jesse N., Sarah Ann and Charles S. John P. Weger was reared to farm life and endured the hardships incident to pioneer environments, but by working hard he finally secured an excellent farm and made himself felt in the community. Mr. Weger married in Crawford County, April 2, 1868, Lavina Jones, daughter of Lewis and Polly Jones, born August 6, 1801, and 1807, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Weger have had five children: Mary Elizabeth, Josephine, John O., Carl Carson and Louisa. He and his wife are both members of the Methodist Church. Fraternally he is a Mason, and waa Worthy Master for many years.

WEIRICH, Simon. - -To farm successfully and to raise stock economically requires experience and a natural inclination for the work. A farmer is as much a business man as a merchant or a realestate dealer. Some of the best business men are to be found on the farms in Crawford County, and not in its cities, and Simon Weirich of Martin Township, Section 26, is one, of them. He was born in De Kalb County, Ind., February 5, 1852, a son of Isaac Weirich, the latter born in Lebanon County, Pa., February 4, 1826. Isaac Weirieh received his early education in Pennsylvania, but when about eleven years old, his father moved with his family to Ohio, where he bought a farm and the lad continued his education, in the meantime also learning the shoemaker's trade, which later he followed in connection with farming. At nineteen years of age he was married to Eliza Reinoehl, who was born November 20, 1829, and reared in Pennsylvania. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Weirich: Lucinda, Simon, John Henry, who died in infancy; Alice, Laura and Emma E. After his marriage, Isaac Weirich moved to De Kalb County, Ind., and bought a farm where his first three ehildren were born. Four years later he came to Illinois with wagons, and settled near New Hebron for a short time and then moved onto Section 26, Martin Township, where he bought 80 acres of land, on which there was a log house. With the exception of ten acres which were cleared, the land was covered with brush and timber, but he cleared it, brought the land under cultivation, and made it his home until his death, December 10, 1903. In the meanwhile he added to his possessions until at the time of his demise, he was the owner of 320 acres. For three years he served in the Civil War, enlisting under Captain Peterson Sharp, in Company D, Thirtieth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, on August 12, 1861, and was honorably discharged August 26, 1864. For many years he was a member of the United Brethren Church, and during his later years was a class leader.

Simon Weirich was about four years old when his father came to Martin Township, and he was there educated, attending school until eighteen, at the same time helping his father on the farm. He remained at home until his marriage, which occurred when he was twenty-one, with Philinda Jane Parks, the daughter of Major A. Parks, who was a pioneer of Crawford County. Mrs. Weirich was born in Southern Indiana, and was twelve years old when the family came to Illinois, where she was reared and educated. Mr. and Mrs. Weirich are the parents of the following children: William E., born August 31, 1874; James A., born August 27, 1876; Isaac H., born October 16, 1878; Mary E., born July 5, 1880; Clara B., born April 13, 1882; Margaret A., born May 2, 1884; Effie M., born November 13, 1886; Hattie O., born February 16, 1890; Ethel F., born March 25, 1892; Jennie Grace, born June 13, 1893, and Gladys, born September 11, 1896.

After his marriage Mr. Weirich bought 20 acres of land which was improved and had a house on it. With his father's help he bought 40 acres more, but later traded the 20 acres for 17 acres where he now resides, owning now 57 acres. Oil was found in September, 1906, and he has thirteen wells on his property. Mr. Weirich has always been a Democrat. Religiously he has been a member of the New Light Christian Church for a long time, and is now a trustee of that body. He is an industrious, hard working, thrifty man, whose success has come from his own efforts and is certainly well deserved.

WESNER, Emily Guyer. - The Guyer family is one of the old established families of Crawford County, the revered John Aaron Guyer, with his eloquent wife, Jane Guyer, having been born here at an early day. Mrs. Guyer, now deceased, was for many years one of the leading preachers of the Society of Friends in this locality, and one of her sons, Cyrus Guyer, is carrying on the work she commenced. Mrs. Wesner was born in Hutsonville Township, August 10, 1873, a daughter of John Aaron and Jane Guyer. On December 24, 1893, she married Harlan Wesner, a son of James and Johanna (Grant) Wesner. The following family were born to them: Edith Myrl, born March 14, 1895; Edna Jane, born May 13, 1898; Stacey Erney, born December 9, 1900; Noah Wilbur, born January 4, 1902; and Irene Isabelle, born October 12, 1904. |

James Wesner was born in Crawford County, Il., while his wife was born in Indiana. He enlisted in the Civil War and served gallantly as a private. His death occurred in 1876, in Montgom- ery Township, Crawford County. James Wesner and wife had the following family: John Wesley, Joseph Henry, William Harrison, James Allen, Albert Newton, Harlan and Harmon (twins), Samuel and an unnamed son (twins), the latter dying in infancy. The Wesner family have always been associated with agricultural pursuits, and Harlan Wesner is one of the prosperous young farmers of the township, where he is well and favorably known. He is a Prohibitionist in polities, but has never aspired to political position, but in view of his popularity there seems no doubt that he will be called upon to represent his party in loeal affairs. Mr. and Mrs. Wesner are prominent in the Society of Friends and take an active interest in the good work of that church.

WESNER, George L. - After a life spent in agricultural pursuits upon the farm of 185 acres, which he now owns in his native township, George L. Wesner has gradually risen until he now is one of the representative men of his locality. Mr. Wesner was born in La Motte Township, Crawford County, January 23, 1851, a son of James and Margaret (Kent) Wesner, born July 17, 1820, and August 12, 1819, respectively.

James Wesner, who was a son of George Wesner, the grandfather of George L., was born in La Motte Township, his father having come to Crawford County at a very early day. The latter was born May 7, 1765, and was a soldier in the War of 1812, taking part in the battle of New Orleans, while his brother was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. James Wesner was brought up on the homestead, and, as the youngest of the family, took care of his parents in their declining years. Early in life he united with the Christian Church of Palestine, and religious services were often held in his home, the present East Union Church of La Motte Township being started in this way. During the Civil War his sympathies were with the Union cause, and he was always ready with sympathy and money to aid those who were suffering from the burden of that contest. His home was always open to those who needed its hospitality, and whenever a minister of the gospel was anywhere in the neighborhood, "Uncle Jim," as he was gffectionately. called, was not content unless he was with him. He was married on October 7, 1840, to Margaret Kent, who was a native of North Carolina, born August 12, 1819, the daughter of Thomas and Ellen (Connerly) Kent, and was brought to Crawford County, Ill. by her parents when about five years old.. 'The eight children of the Kent family, of whom Mrs. Wesner was the youngest, and for some time previous to her death the only survivor, were as follows: Jasper, Needham, William, Thomas, Elizabeth Canada, Joseph, John and Margaret. Mrs. Wesner bore her husband the following named children: Eleanor, born November 15, 1841; Ben. jamin Franklin, born December 3, 1842, and served during the Civil War by enlistment in the Eleventh Missouri Volunteer Infantry under Captain Samuel Galloway ; Uriah, born January 16, 1844; Elizabeth, born August 12, 1846;

George L., born January 23, 1851; Alpheus, born February 28, 1853; Belle, born July 29, 1854 ; and Rosa, born December 1, 1856, and married G. W. Hawkins. In 1841 Mrs. Wesner joined the Baptist Church, a year later united with the Christian Church of Palestine, and during the latter years of her life was a member of the East Union Church. On July 25, 1889, Mr. Wesner died in the home in which he was born, his death occurring at the age of sixty-nine years and eight days, the event being deplored by a large circle of friends. His widow survived him until August 17, 1907, residing after her husband's death with her youngest daughter, Mrs. Rosa Hawkins, when her death occurred at the age of eighty-eight years and eight days. Funeral services were held in the East Union Church, of which she was a member, being conducted by Rev. P. C. Cauble, of Vincennes, Ind., assisted by Rev. C. W. Freeman, of Newton, and attracting a large multitude of appreciative friends.

George L. Wesner attended the district schools of his neighborhood in the. winter and worked on the farm in the summer until he was nineteen. On November 29, 1871, he was married to Mary E. Fulling, daughter of Henry and Samina (McColpin) Fulling Mr. and Mrs. Wesner have had these children: Belle, born August 18, 1874, married Virgil Walker, a son of Orlando and Tillie Walker, and they have one child, - Paul, born January 25, 1900; Harry H., born January 26, 1876, was married to Carrie E. Goodwin at the residence of the bride's father, on February 27, 1900, Rev. P. C. Campbell, and they have four children: Mabel, born June 24, 1901; Myrtle, born February 24, 1903 ; Melva, born January 15, 1905; and Earl, born August 28, 1906. Mrs. Harry H. Wesner was born January 18, 1878, and is a daughter of Elisha and Sarah Ellen (Adams) Goodwin.

Mrs. George L. Wesner was born February 20, 1853, the second in the family born to her parents, the others being: John T., born August 23, 1850; Sarah E. born August 8, 1855; twins, both deceased; and Henry A., born June 4, 1863, Henry Fulling was born May 18, 1824, in Essen, Germany, and Mrs. Fulling was born on the old Paris farm in Montgomery Township, Crawford County, in August, 1826, married in 1849, and died February 5, 1906, when nearly eighty years old. For forty years she had been a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, her funeral being conducted in the church of that denomination, the Rev. C. T. Phillips officiating. She was one of the revered ladies of her community, and the list of her many good deeds would fill many pages.

In polities George L. Wesner is a Republican, and fraternally belongs to the T. K. of P. He and his wife have been members of the Christian Church for thirty-four years. The home farm of 185 acres in La Motte Township is one of the best in the township, while the residence is a very comfortable one. The same spirit of hospitality which distinguished both the Wesner and Fulling families, animates Mr. and Mrs.

WHITAKER, H. E. - Few enterprises of a public character in Robinson, Ill, have been promoted without the assistance and approval of H. E. Whitaker, who, for many years, has been one of its most progressive merchants and publicspirited citizens. He realizes the influence for good upon the individual of a city thoroughly inodern, and uses in his handling of public matters the same zeal that had placed him in the foremost ranks of the business men of his home city. Mr. Whitaker was born in Crawford County, son of Josiah Whitaker, but was reared and educated in Terre Haute, Ind., and Greenville, Ill. When sixteen years of age he came to Robinson to serve as clerk for E. E. Murphy & Co., and remained in that position for a number of years, making himself very useful to the house and learning the business in all its details. Then he resigned to travel for two years for a wholesale shoe-house, and thus gained a very valuable knowledge of shoes, which he was later to find useful. In 1889 he purchased the interest of T. P. Swearingen, in the firm of Murphy & Co. but nine years later he sold out, and embarked in the dry-goods business which he owned as sole proprietor up to the year 1905, when he organized the H. E. Whitaker Co., Incorporated, of which Mr. Whitaker was elected President, with Samuel Faucett, Treasurer, and J. Emerson Apple, Secretary. The H. E. Whitaker Co. is most pleasantly located in the Jones Block on the east side of the square. The interior of his large establishment is in white and the general effect is very pleasing. The basement contains the carpet, rug and curtain departments, while on the main floor is carried a full line of suits, dress fabries, corsets, shoes, underwear, cloaks, and other dry goods, all of which are most carefully selected with a view to meeting the requirements of the most exacting both as to quality, variety and price, their wide connections and the extent of their business enabling them to offer inducements afforded by few of their competitors.

Mr. Whitaker was married to Miss Cora Young, daughter of Aaron and Sarah (Yates) Young, her father being a farmer of Morea, Crawford County, Ill. Three children have been born of this union: Florence, born June 7, 1891; Harry, born October 1, 1896, and Frances, born October 17, 1901. Florence is in the third year of the High School while Harry and Frances are in the Second year in the common school. They are bright young people, fond of their studies and teachers,

Mr. and Mrs. Whitaker have a beautiful home at No. 400 North Jefferson Street, but in 1909 he is proposing to build a larger residence, on the same site, to cost not less than $10,000. He has extensive holdings in oil-lands and much other valuable property, and is one of the most substantial men of the county. In politics he is a Republican and in church matters is a Methodist, contributing liberally towards the support of that denomination. Fraternally he is 3 member of the Modern Woodmen and Ben Hur orders. In business affairs he has been remarkably successful, and achieved the reward and prominence which his efforts and ability have merited.

WHITE, Francis M. - Martin Township, Crawford County, is the home of a number of enterprising, progressive-spirited men who not only are interested in cultivating their land, but in maintaining.the prosperity of their community, and securing its further advancement. Francis M. White is one of these men, now conveniently located on Section 25, Martin Township, but boru in Clay County, Ind. April 30, 1856, a son of Edward White, the latter being a native of Kentucky, born June 16, 1822, and died June 9, 1883. On August 15, 1840, he married Elizabeth Hedleston, who was born April 11, 1824, and died November 29, 1899. After their marriage in Indiana, Mr. White bought 80 acres of timber land in Clay County, Ill. to whieh he moved in 1856, and there he remained until his death. He worked hard clearing off his land, and the log house which was their first home, he rebuilt into a comfortable home.

Frantis M. White was reared on this homestead, receiving a common school education, and remained with his father until his marriage September 23, 1883, to Catherine E. Kearns, a daughter of James and Katherine J. (Reace)

O., Freeman S., Basil S., Dale C. During the year of his marriage, Mr. White having lost his father by death, he then moved from Clay City, where he had been engaged in teaming, to the paternal homestead, but later went to Crawford, County, where he bought 40 acres in Martin Township, and this he cleared up and lived in a small house 16x24 feet, with a lean-to kitchen. Later he bought 20 acres of land, the greater part of which he has cleared. He then bought another 20 aeres, located on Section 35, owning in all 80 acres. His first home having been destroyed by fire, he bought his present home, which is a eomfortable one, well supplied with appliances of modern make. Mr. White is a member of the New Light Christian Church and in polities is a stanch Republican. For three years he served as Township Commissioner, and was School Director for twelve years.

WILKIN, H. O. (deceased), was born in Crawford County, Ill, and received a fair common school education, supplemented by attendance at the-Marshall High School. In 1862 Mr. Wilkin enlisted in the Ninety-eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, attached to the Army of the Cumberland, and participated in the battles of Stone River, Hartsville, Chickamauga and in the Atlanta campaign. In 1865 he came to Robinson, Ill., and served as clerk for Haskett Brothers, for eight years, when he entered the grocery business with S. B. Allen. After a year's absence in Minnesota, Mr. Wilkin returned and bought an interest in a mill, later selling this and engaging in farming, eventual]y purchasing a farm. Once more he embarked in a grocery business under the name of Wilkin & Callagan, but sold his interest in December, 1882. On August 31, 1869 he married Sarah E. King of Robinson, daughter of Ira King, and they had three children: Ralph, Anna and Ira, who grew to maturity, and one, Lelia, who died younger.

WILKIN, John H. - Farming for a business and not just for a living, is the creed of the Illinois farmer. He works as hard, perhaps, as did the old farmer, but in a higher way. Science in agriculture is of quite recent birth, but is progressing rapidly, and the agriculturist of today is learning not only what grains are best suited to certain soils, but also how to feed well and economically his stock so as to get the best results. Not only are the young farmers realizing the advantages of scientific farming, but the older ones are taking to the new ideas and acting upon their years of experience, developing much out of them. John H. Wilkin, one of the pioneer farmers and stock-raisers of Crawford County, residing on Section 18, Oblong Township, was born in Licking County, Ohio, July 22, 1825, and his father, Jacob Wilkin, a pioneer of Oblong Township, was born in Shenandoah County, Va., where he was reared and educated. When a young man, Jacob Wilkin went to Ohio, locating on a farm in Licking County, where he was married to Catherine Burner, born in Shenandoah County, Va. They had ten children, nine sons and one daughter, the latter of whom died in infancy. Of the brothers, John H. was the second in order of birth. Jacob Wilkin had learned the cabinetmaker's trade in Ohio, which he followed as well as farming. In 1852 he brought his family to Oblong Township, Crawford County, and entered 1,060 acres of land, and began at once to clear it and place it under cultivation. He improved 160 acres, and gave 100 acres to each of his nine sons, who cleared off their land. He was always a Democrat. He became a Granger. A devout member of the Lutheran Church, he died firm in its faith in 1856, at the age of sixty-two. For many reasons he was known throughout the County, and was much respected.

John H. Wilkin was twenty-seven years old when he located for the second time in Oblong Township, his first location here having been in 1848, when he began living on a part of the land his father had entered from the Government. His wife died the same year, and he returned to Ohio, where he remained until 1852. His first marriage had occurred in Ohio in 1846 to Lavina Hilton, who was born and reared in Ohio. They had one son, William Newton, born September 22, 1847, now living in Tiffin, Ohio. Mrs. Wilkin died in Oblong Township, December 1, 1848, and in 1850, Mr. Wilkin married in Ohio, Emily Wilson, who was born and reared in that State. They had two ehildren: Mary Frances, born December 26, 1851; and Harriet, who died shortly after the death of her mother, which oecurred in Crawford County. On March 1, 1855, Mr. Wilkin was married to Mary Comley, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of Bazel Comley, a member of a prominent family of that State. Mr. and Mrs. Wilkin have had three children: Lafayette Clarence, born October 31, 1856; Lucy Emily, born February 13, 1859; and Rosa Ann, born October 16, 1862, who died October 22, 1866, all three children being born in Oblong Township.

At one time Mr. Wilkin had 200 acres of land and cleared it all off and made many improvements upon it. In 1907 oil was discovered on his place and he now has thirty wells in active operation, and this greatly enhances the value of his property. In polities he is a Democrat and, as Supervisor and School Trustee, has taken an active interest in local affairs. He also has been a Granger, and a member of the Presbyterian Church. His younger son is a minister of the Methodist Church, having been engaged in the ministry for eighteen years. Mr. Wilkin is a selfmade man who enjoys in the highest degree the confidence and esteem of all who have the honor of his acquaintance.

WILKIN, J. J. - The farmers of Crawford County, Ill., are as a class intelligent, industrious men who by hard work and economic thrift have brought about the very desirable condition of affairs existing in their part of the State. J. J. Wilkin, of Section 16, Oblong Township, is one who has been largely instrumental in effecting the redemption of the wild land and its development into fertile and productive farms. He was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, March 9, 1834, a son of Jacob Wilkin, whose biography will be found elsewhere in this volume. At two years of age he was brought by his father to Crawford County, where the latter entered 1,000 acres of land from the Government, and on reaching manhood, J. J. Wilkin received 100 acres as his share. This he cleared and cultivated, and made upon it all the present improvements. He lived as other pioneers of his day, and did his first plowing of the soil with oxen. To his original 100 acres he added 100 more, 50 acres of which he cleared himself.

On September 9, 1858, Mr. Wilkin married Caroline Bolp, a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, and a daughter of Abraham Bolp, deceased, who was a farmer and early settler of Fairfield County. Mr. and Mrs. Wilkins dre the parents of five children: Martha Adelia, Alice, Susan Katherine (deceased), Alva M., and Otis M. - all born on the homestead, and all educated in the district school. In 1907 oil was discovered on the property and Mr. Wilkin now has six wells in active operation. In politics he is a Democrat and has always supported that party. He and his family are consistent members of the Methodist Church.

WILKIN, Matthew. - Honored and respected among the men with whom he labored to build up Crawford County and make Illinois the great State it now is, as well as by those still engaged in this great work, Matthew Wilkin occupies a high place in the confidence of the people of Oblong, Ill. He was born in Fairfield County, Ohio,

December 5, 1829, a son of Jacob and Catherine (Burner) Wilkin, the former of whom was born February 27, 1795, in Shenandoah County, Va., and died on the farm in Crawford County, December 13, 1856. His wife was born in the same county as her husband, March 15, 1802, and she, too, died on the Crawford County farm, November 28, 1875.

1848 Jacob Wilkin bought 600 acres of gov-. ernment land in Crawford County at $1,25 per acre, the tract being located seven miles northeast of Oblong. In 1850, or possibly at an earlier date, he bought a second tract of 240 acres at $6 per acre, and in 1851, 200 acres of prairie land, thus becoming one of the largest land-owners of the county. In 1852 he removed from Fairfield County, Ohio, with his wife and seven of his sons to Crawford County. Of their nine sons, two are deceased, there being no daughters in the family. The parents had been well trained to pioneer life in Ohio and so were prepared to face the hardships of their western home. Mr. Wilkin later gave to each of his sons 100 acres of land or its equivalent in money. As previously stated, his death occurred in Crawford County in 1856, four years after coming there, while his wife survived until 1875. Their children were: Enos, born Oetober 11, 1823, is still living in Licking County, Ohio, aged eighty-five; John Henry, born July 22, 1825; Noah, born August 18, 1827 ; Matthew, born December 5, 1829; Jacob J., born March 9, 1834; Levi, born October 31, 1836, deceased; Samuel, born March 9, 1839; Silas, born May 15, 1842; Absalom, born October 23, 1844, deceased. The family has been remarkable for the longevity and strength of its members.

Matthew Wilkin attended the common schools in his native county of Fairfield, Ohio, spent some time in college at Delaware, Ohio, and from there went to college at Granville, Ohio, in 1850, and during the winters from 1850 to 1860 was engaged in teaching for two terms being thus employed in Ohio and the remainder of the period in Crawford County, Il. After coming to Crawford County he continued to make his home with his father up to the time of his marriage, on September 29, 1853, in Licking Township, Crawford County, to Emily D. Fidler, daughter of Thomas and Matilda C. Fidler, both pioneers of Crawford County. Mr. Wilkin then purchased four acres of land with a building thereon adjoining the 100 acres given to him by his father. In the meantime he had entered 40 acres of government land upon which he located in 1870, and continued to reside there until October 31, 1907, when he removed to Oblong village, where he now resides with his son-in-law. He is the owner of 135 acres of land in Oblong Township, most of which has been improved by him or under his supervision. On March 20, 1908, oil was discovered on his land, and he now has six oil-producing wells in operation, with others likely to follow. Mrs. Wilkin's father was a physician, and had a successful practice. Like many of his neighbors, Dr. Fidler went to California in 1849, and returned in 1852, unlike many of his contemporaries being successful in his mining enterprises.

Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Wilkin have children as follows: Elsie, born August 2, 1855, married George W. Grogan of Calloway County, Ky., and they have three children - they used to live on a farm seven miles north of Oblong, but now re- Side in the city itself; Myra, born December 29. 1857, married W. A. Redman of Oblong, - they had one daughter, now living, but the mother died January 14, 1885, the father having died previous to that date; Arthur M., born January 17, 1860. married Miss Emma Silcott of Colorado, and they are now living in Fort Collins in that State and have one daughter.

In politics Mr. Wilkin is a strong Prohibitionist and is a pillar in the Methodist Church, with which he united fifty-seven years ago, having been a class-leader for many years. He has never been a seeker for publie office, but has filled most acceptably the position of School Treasurer of the Township for the past thirty-one years. Possessing an abundance of this world's goods, he is now enjoying his declining years in retirement, though realizing that he is only the steward of what is his Master's; He sheds around him a benign influence for good, and is loved and honored by a wide circle. Mrs. Wilkin has also been a devout member of the Methodist Church for many years. The bond which holds them together is stronger than any mere earthly bond. In their home the beautiful influence of their Christian lives is shown, and they make others better and truer for the way in which they live out their faith.

WILKIN, W. Ernest, M. D. - Coming of a good, old pioneer family of Crawford County, Dr. W. Ernest Wilkin, of Oblong, Ill, was well known in Crawford County even before he commenced practicing medicine here in the spring of 1907, and although he has been in this locality but a short time, he has already firmly established himself in the confidence of the people and built up a good practice. Dr. Wilkin was born on the Wilkin farm, four and one-half miles from Oblong, August 19, 1880, a of L. C. and Josephine (Voorheis) Wilkin. L. C. Wilkin was born on the same farm as Dr. Wilkin, which had been entered from the Government by his father. He

After attending common school, Dr. Wilkin went to the Noble High School in Richland County, Ill., from which he was graduated, and then attended McKendree College at Lebanon, Ill. In the fall of 1900 he entered Barnes University at St. Louis, from which he was graduated in 1904 with the degree of M. D., and was awarded the gold medal in the sophomore year for best scholarship, his general average being 98 in a large class. Dr. Wilkin then went to Mt. Erie, Wayne County, Ill, where he remained three years, and then, in the spring of 1907, came to Oblong, where he has since remained. In that same year he bought the homestead of Dr. E. M. Cooley, and erected a neat office building adjoining the residence. Dr. Wilkin belongs to the

Medico-Chirurgical Society of Barnes College, the Crawford County Medical Society, the Illinois State Medical Association, and the American Medical Association. Fraternally he is a member of the Order of Modern Woodmen. In religious affiliation he is a member of the Methodist Church, and earnestly supports that body. Politically he is a Democrat.

On June 26, 1907, Dr. Wilkin was married at Mt. Erie, IlL, to Miss Ina Bradshaw, daughter of James and Lizzie Bradshaw. James Bradshaw is a retired merchant and stock. dealer of Mt. Erie, who was a veteran of the Civil War, Serving with credit in Company E, Fortieth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, from near the beginning to the end of the struggle. Dr. Wilkin is a close student, a conscientious worker, and a young man who not only is thoroughly conversant with his profession, but loves it and is devoting his life to it.

WILSON, David C. - Among the representative citizens of Robinson Township, Crawford County, is David C. Wilson, who, after many years of business activity, is now living a retired life in his pleasant home on South, Cross Street, Robinson. Mr. Wilson was born in Crawford County, Il., near Robinson, August 22, 1850, a son of Lewis and Margaret A. (Smith) Wilson, the latter a native of Pennsylvania. Lewis Wilson was born in Morgan County, Ohio, and came to Crawford County, in the spring of 1850, tering 160 acres of government land. Mr. Wilson was a man of energy and progressive spirit and he became a man of substance, clearing his land and cultivating an excellent farm. His death occurred on his farm in Robinson Township, in August, 1877.

David C. Wilson attended the Wilson Schoolhouse in his youth, and spent his early manhood in assisting his father on the farm. He was married in Robinson Township, by the Rev. Boyer of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to Emma C. Collins, born February 12, 1856, daughter of John and Phoebe (Thompson) Collins, the former of Pennsylvania and the latter a native of Virginia. John Collins came from Butler County, Ohio, to Crawford County, Ill, about 1864, and was for many years engaged in farming, owning a tract of 300 acres, and also being engaged in the milling business until his mill in Robinson was destroyed by fire about 1898. He was Circuit Clerk for two terms, and his death occurred in April, 1902. He and his wife, who died about forty years ago, were the parents of nine children, and there are now living two sons and two daughters. To Mr. and Mrs. Wilson there have been born three children: born August 23, 1880; Edna, born September 8, 1884; and Raymond C., born August 27, 1889. Ora married Robert Stevenson, a farmer of Robinson Township, and has two children, namely: Omer, born June 21, 1898, and Hazel, born August 14, 1903.

son Township, upon which are situated two producing oil wells. In political matters he is a Democrat, and he takes more than an ordinary interest in local matters. For forty years he has been a member of the United Brethren Church, while Mrs. Wilson has been connected with the Methodist Church since her sixteenth year. The family is very well known in Robinson, and all of its members highly esteemed.

WILSON, Mrs. Mabel (James). - Not every woman possesses genius, nor if she does, has it been developed until she is able to give expression to it in enduring works of art that will live after her. Mrs. Mabel (James) Wilson of Palestine, Ill., is a rare character, possessing the genius of an artist and the heart of gold peculiar to her sex. She was born in Seguin, Texas, January 29, 1877, and is the wife of Charles T. Wilson, and daughter of Edward James, who was a prominent physician of New York City. He was born in Richabueto, New Brunswick, in 1852, and was graduated in medicine with high honors, at Halifax, Nova Scotia. He became noted as a physician, not only in New York City, but in Seguin, Texas, where he later located. Edward James was a son of William James, who was also born at Richabueto, New Brunswick, and was a lawyer. William James married Elizabeth Barlow, born in Hutsonville, Ill, October 30, 1829, and died in Robinson, Ill., December 11, 1905, at Starrett Place.

Edward James married Sarah Harding Starrett, who was born in Robinson, Ill, October 30, 1854, and died at the early age of thirtyeight, in February, 1892. Her father was Judge William Henry Starrett, who was Judge of the County Court of Crawford for twenty-one years. He was born in Cornwallis, Nova Scotia, but moved to Illinois, and took up a large tract of land in Robinson. His death occurred in Nova Scotia in 1865.

Mrs. Wilson was edueated at the College of St. Mary's of the Woods, four miles west of Terre Haute, Ind., from whence she was graduated in June, 1896. She undoubtedly inherited her musical and artistic talents from her mother, who obtained notable recognition as a musician and artist. In the beautiful home of Mr. and Mrs. Wilson some of the exquisite canvasses from her brush are most tenderly prized. The very large painting "The Mountain of the Holy Cross," a scéne in the canons of Colorado; is a rare piece of work. Mrs. Starrett's portrait hangs upon the wall, and it is one to study and admire. The face bears out the character she evinced to everyone. Her life was a lovely one, spent in tender consideration for others, and her disposition was exceedingly sweet. The picture shows a high order of intelligence combined with self-sacrificing gentleness, and the love and devotion she inspired as well as the deep grief her early demise occasioned, are easily understood. Every accomplishment was possessed by her. Educated at a private female academy, and possessed of real genius, she became a musician of note, as well as an artist of rare ability, work- in oils and on china. Her productions all show the same exquisite detail, and she also took a pride in her fine sewing. While Mrs. Wilson also inherits the versatility of her mother, she always feels that she cannot equal her, so tenderly does the devoted daughter reverence the mother who has been taken from her.

Soon after graduating, Mrs. Wilson married Charles T. Wilson, son of Guy D. Wilson and Harriet (Young) Wilson, of Palestine, Ill. Mr. Wilson is a locomotive engineer, and his father is one of the leading men of Palestine, owning large elevators in the city, and dealing extensively in grain. The marriage took place July 21, 1896, at the Presbyterian Church in Robinson, two- clergymen, the Rev. McCoy and the Rev. Adams officiating. Mrs. Wilson has borne her husband the following children : Mary Elizabeth, born April 25, 1897, and died the same date; William Starrett Wilson, born May 11, 1898; Mary Elizabeth (II), born February 1, 1900; Sarah Cecelia, born March 16, 1904; Mynetta and Henrietta, twins, born August 7, 1906.

Simply a mention of the beautiful Wilson home is all that space will admit. The reception room is artistically furnished, and from it and the large porch is afforded a delightful view of the beautiful grounds. Paintings, bric-a-brae, statuary, the wide stairway leading up to the gallery overlooking this beautiful room, all are stamped with the artistic taste of Mrs. Wilson. She with her beautiful children forms a picture not easily forgotten by those who are honored as visitors to her home.

Mrs. Wilson owns the Starrett Place of ten acres, and the old family mansion in Robinson. The latter is generally known as "Wilson's Grove." She also owns a three-story brick building, occupied by S. M. Smith as a furniture store ; the Lyrie Theater, a prospective building to be erected for the Red Bank Oil Co., the residence of Mr. Barnsdale, the new Catholic church which occupies a large lot, the residence of Mr. Wilcox adjoining, the former Robinson Club House, .

now occupied by T. J. Cooper, the residences of George Finley and Mr. Bradbury, a lot and building occupied by the Star Laundry. In addition she owns two additions known as the Mabel (James) Wilson first and second additions, where she has built a number of fine residences.

Mrs. Wilson comes of an old pioneer family, and may be well numbered among the fortunates of earth. Possessed of wealth, culture, genius, with a devoted husband, and charming children, she is surrounded with all that makes life pleasant. The center of the inner circle in society, her home is the center of many delightful events, and she makes a charming hostess to her countless friends, who are located far and wide. Mrs. |

San Tavern

La Motte Township, one and one-half miles northwest of Palestine, February 13, 1853, a son of Alvah James Wilson, who was born in Kentucky, December 5, 1819. He was a farmer all his life, and in 1831, believing that there was more opportunity in Crawford County, he located there, at a time when the entire country was in a wild state, deer, wolves and prairie chickens being more plentiful than domestic animals now are. His wife was Mary Jane Seaney, a daughter of Bryant Seaney. Alvah J. Wilson died at his home southwest of Trimble on Sunday, October 17, 1897, aged seventy-seven years and ten months. The funeral services were conducted Monday, October 18th, at the Grove Church by Brother M. V. Hathaway, in the presence of a large concourse of relatives and friends. He was one of the pioneers of the locality and was honored for his honesty, industry and kindness of heart, as well as his devotion to his family and friends. His widow died Sunday, August 24, 1900, after a long and painful illness, and she was buried at Oak Grove Cemetery, Monday afternoon, Brother J. R. Wright of Newton officiating. -She was sixty-six years old, and was a good, loving mother.

William Wilson alternated attending the distriet sehool with work on the farm in Robinson Township, and thus grew to manhood's estate, He owns 139 acres-of excellent farming land, nearly all under cultivation. He makes a specialty of breeding pedigreed Poland-China hogs, and has shipped his stock to 23 adjoining States and as far south as New Mexico. He raises about 100 head of thoroughbred hogs each year and his hogs command good prices everywhere on account of the superiority of his stock.

On March 23, 1871, Mr. Wilson was married in Robinson Township to Sarah E. Riegel, born near Dayton, Ohio, November 18, 1853, a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Riegel. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson became the parents of the following children: Rosa May, born August 2, 1872; Hiram Hunter, born August 21, 1874, died December 26, 1874; Henry Arthur, born December 22, 1875; Mary Elizabeth, born May 28, 1878; Margaret Florence, born July 4, 1879; Edward Garfield, born February 7, 1881; Lena Belle, born December 1, 1883; William Oscar, born March 19, 1885; Jacob Alvah, born August 19, 1887; Ora Luella, born July 8, 1888; Ralph Amber, born June 23, 1890. Mr. Wilson is a Prohibitionist, and has been Chairman of the County Central Committee of that party four and one-half years; is a member of the Christian Church (New Light) and has been an active and faithful church, Sunday School and Prohibition worker for nearly forty years.

WILSON, William C. (deceased), who for many years was a prominent figure in the affairs of Crawford County and especially in the city of Robinson. was born in Palestine, Ill., November 5, 1832, a son of William and Elizabeth (Kitchell) Wilson, the former born in Virginia, February 11, 1790. He came to Illinois in 1816, and settling near Palestine became one of the pio- neers of this locality. From 1845 to 1849 he was Receiver of the Land Office. His wife was born in New Jersey in 1799. Their children were: Eliza A., Robert C. John W., Jeretta, James, Hannah, William C., Martha, Asa W., and three who died in infancy. When William C. Wilson began working for himself he had 80 acres of land given him by his father. When he was twenty, he was appointed Deputy Clerk and served one year; was elected County Treasurer in 1854 for two years, and in 1856 was made Postmaster at Palestine. Later he engaged in milling, but retiring from that business in 1861, was elected County Clerk and held that office for sixteen consecutive years. In 1879 he was elected State Senator from the Forty-fifth Distriet, and served on a number of important committees. Mr. Wilson was an active Democrat and cast his first vote for James Buchanan for President. In religious faith he was a Presbyterian, while fraternally he was a Mason. December 4, 1855, Mr. Wilson married Sue F. Waldrop, a daughter of Francis and Amelia (Redmon) Waldrop, natives of North Carolina and Ohio, respectively. Mrs. Wilson also joined the Presbyterian Church.

WIMAN, G. H., who is recognized as one of the best informed men on the subject of farming in Crawford County, for many years a farmer of Licking Township, was born in the county, in 1847, a son of James Wiman, who was one of the early pioneers of this locality, coming here about 1816. He was born in Kentucky in 1812 and attained to a ripe old age. Although he came to the county almost penniless, in time he became the owner of 1,000 acres, part of which he divided among his children, who were: Jacob, Elizabeth, Margaret, Sarah, Emily, G. H., Albert, Lucie A., and Rebecca. G. H. Wiman attended the early Schools of his locality and was brought up on the farm. In 1872 he married Jane Barr, daughter of Dr. Frank Barr, and they have had three children: -Edgar, Louis and Martha.