Crawford County, Illinois - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 17 of those read), 1909 (part 1 of 11)

Chapter with an unread heading (no. 17 of those read)

The verdict of mankind has awarded to the Muse of History the highest place among the Classic Nine. The extent of her office, however, appears to be, by many minds, but imperfectly understood. The task of the historian is comprehensive and exacting. True history reaches beyond the doings of court or camp, beyond the issues of battles or the effects of treaties, and records the trials and the triumphs, the failures and the successes of the men who make history. It is but an imperfect conception of the philosophy of events that fails to accord to portraiture and biography its rightful position as a part - and no unimportant part - of historie narrative. Behind and beneath the activities of outward life the motive power lies out of sight, just as the furnace fires that work the piston and keep the ponderous screw revolving down in the darkness of the hold. So, the impulsive power which shapes the course of communities may be found in the molding influences which form its citizens.

It is no mere idle curiosity that prompts men to wish to learn the private, as well as the publie, lives of their fellows. Rather is it true that such desire tends to prove universal brotherhood ; and the interest in personality 'and biography is not confined to men of any particular caste or vocation.

The list of those, to whose lot it falls to play a conspicuous part in the great drama of life, is eomparatively short; yet communities are made up of individuals, and the aggregate of achievements - no less than the sum total of human happiness - is made up of the deeds of those men and women whose primary aim, through life, is faithfully to perform the duty that comes nearest to hand. Individual influences upon human affairs will be considered potent or insignificant, according to the standpoint from which it is viewed. To him who, standing upon the seashore, notes the ebb and flow of the tides and listens to the sullen roar of the waves, as they break upon the beach in seething foam, seemingly chafing at their limitations, the ocean appears so vast as to need no helps to swell the *Father of Waters," the mighty torrent of the Mississippi would be lessened, and the beneficent influence of the Gulf Stream diminished. Countless streams, currents and counter currents - sometimes mingling, sometimes counteracting each other - collectively combine to give motion to the accumulated mass of waters. So is it - and so must it ever be - in the ocean of human action, which is formed by the blending and repulsion of currents of thought, of influence and of life, yet more numerous and more tortuous than those which form the "fountains of the deep." The acts and characters of men, like the

It is both interesting and instructive to rise above the generalization of history and trace, in the personality and careers of the men from whom it Sprang, the principles and influences, the impulses and ambitions, the labors, struggles and triumphs that engross their lives.

are recorded the careers and achievements of pioneers who, "when the fulness of time had come," came from widely separated sources, some from beyond the sea, impelled by divers motives, little conscious of the import of their acts, and but dimly anticipating the harvest which would spring from the sowing. They built their primitive homes, toiling for a present subsistence while laying the foundations of private fortunes and future advancement.

Most of these have passed away, but not before they beheld a development of business and population surpassing the wildest dreams of fancy or expectation. A few yet remain whose years have passed the allotted three-score and ten, and who love to recount, among the cherished memories of their lives, their reminiscences of early days.

[The following items of personal and family history, having been arranged in encyclopedic (or alphabetical) order as to names of the individual subjects, no special index to this part of the work will be found necessary.]

ADAMS, Willlam C. (deceased), for many years successfully engaged in farming in Montgomery Township, Crawford County, was born February 12, 1824, son of Eli Adams, who came of Kentucky pioneer stock, his father William Adams having settled where Elizabethtown in that State now stands. Eli Adams and his uncle, James Baird, who was later killed by the Indians, came to Crawford County, Ill, in 1810, when there were very few settlements, and the Indians and wild beasts were plentiful. Here he married Elizabeth Shaw, who became the mother of thirteen children, all born in Crawford County. William C. Adams was educated in the county in the pioneer schools. On March 14, 1850, he married Lowduskey Johnson, born July 27, 1829, daughter of pioneer parents. Mr. and Mrs. Adams became the parents of the following children: Sarah E., Elisha Goodwin, Augustus, John Franklin, Sue, Philander and Ida D. Mr. and Mrs. Adams early united with the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Adams became the owner of 558 acres of excellent farmiug land, and operated his property for many years. In politics he was a Democrat and served as School Treasurer for a long period.

.ANDERSON, Alexander. - The quota sent by Illinois to serve in defense of the country during the Civil War was one of the largest of any of the States, in proportion to the population. Thousands were literally poured out, and many never returned, but those who did remain to be held in grateful reverence by those who have come after and enjoy the results of the bravery of the veterans. Alexander Anderson is one of those who so risked his life, although he was little more than a lad when he enlisted. He was born in Paris, Edgar County, Ill., April 24, 1844, a son of Jonathan Alexander Anderson, who died in Crawford County in 1845, when Alexander Anderson was about a year old. The father was a farmer, and the boy was left an orphan as his mother had died when he was only four weeks old, in Edgar County, in May, 1845. In May, 1844, Jonathan A. Anderson came to Crawford County, where he remained until his death in the following year.

Alexander Anderson attended school in La Motte Township, and on the farm of his brotherin-law in Robinson Township, earned his own living from the time he was twelve years old. On February 18, 1866, Mr. Anderson married Mary E. Donnell, born in Crawford County in 1846, a daughter of Jesse and Rebecca (Harris) Donnell, natives of Tennessee and Illinois, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson had two children: Alma, born August 30, 1869, died April 17, 1887, in Portland, Oregon, unmarried; Harley, born October 4, 1872, died June 1, 1874, in Robinson Township. Mrs. Anderson died November 26, 1891. Mr. Anderson married a second time, January 18, 1893, taking as his wife, Rebecca Folck, the Rev. Jackson officiating, the ceremony being performed in the Methodist church. Mrs. Anderson is a daughter of A. S. and Sarah (Fogwell) Folck, natives of Greene County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have had two children: Mary, born March 5, 1897, and Harold Raymond, born September 12, 1901. Mr. Anderson is a Republican, a Methodist in religious belief and has been a member of that denomination for fourteen years, whlle his wife has belonged to it for twenty-six years. Fraternally he is a member of the I. O. ©. F., and of the C. A. R., Longenecker

Post of Robinson. Mr. Anderson owns three fine farms, consisting of 360 acres, situated in Robinson and Honey Creek Townships, and he has two substantial houses on his farms. In addition to his residence in Robinson, which is a modern house of eleven rooms on Jefferson Street, he owns two other residences on North Cross Street.

On August 12, 1861, Mr. Anderson enlisted at Robinson, Crawford County, in Company D, Thirtieth Illinois Voluhteer Infantry, Capt. Thomas Markley commanding. Among the engagements in which he participated were the following: Fort Donelson, Siege of Vicksburg, Kenesaw Mountain, and was in the Siege of Atlanta. He was wounded at Fort Donelson, and was in the Paducah, Ky., hospital; also wounded at Siege of Atlanta, and sent to hospital at Rome, Ga. His service was a gallant one, and he was mustered out at Springfield, Ill., in 1865. While he was brave on the battle field, he was equally brave in his battle with life, and has come out a conqueror. Commencing life with absolutely nothing, an orphan, he has gradually worked himself up until he now is a wealthy man, and enjoys in marked degree the confidence and respect of his neighbors and friends.

ARMSTRONG, John W. - The debt owed by the Government and the American people to the veteran of the Civil War can never be adequately discharged, for it is one that cannot be overestimated. But for the loyalty, the patriotism and the bravery of those who never stopped to think of personal safety, there would be no Union, and this country would not to-day rank among the foremost powers of the world. All honor and glory should be given to the veterans of the Civil War. It will not be long that we have any left with us. The ranks are rapidly thinning, and while the opportunity is given us to show our reverence and admiration, we ought not. to stint either.

Among the veterans of Crawford County is John W. Armstrong, of Section 34, Montgomery Township, who was born in Seneca County, Ohio, February 16, 1839. He is a son of William Armstrong, a native of Ireland, who was brought to this country when three years old. His parents and four brothers composed the little party that located in Pennsylvania, where his parents died, and William was adopted by a family In that State and reared to maturity. He came to Seneca County, Ohio, after being married in Pennsylvania, and had a large family. He lived there several years before his death. The eldest: of the family worked to keep the family together, and sent the younger to school. When the mother married Joseph Coffelt. April 11, 1856, times were easier. for the step-father took the three younger children with him to Warren County, Ind., and there George, Frances and Jane were reared. Later John W. went to Philo, Ill, where a brother had located, remained one summer, and then returned to Ohio, from whence he enlisted, August 14, 1862, in the One Hundred and First Ohio Volunteer Infantry. commanded by Colonel Leander Steem, with Captain Noble in command of his company, which was Company K. From Tiffin, where he enlisted, they were sent to Monroeville, where they were in camp. After three weeks they were ordered to Covington, Ky., where they spent three weeks more, and then went to Louisville, Ky. From there the command followed General Bragg to Chickamauga. At the battle of Chickamauga, Mr. Armstrong was captured and sent to Belle Isle, Richmond, where he remained from October 1 to December 20, 1863, and was then sent to the prison at Danville, Va. where he was detained until March 16, 1864. On that date he was sent to Andersonville, Ga., and there remained until November, 1864, when he was exchanged and sent to Annapolis, Md., and from there to Camp Chase, Ohio, where he was honorably discharged, June 29, 1865, and was mustered out after his gallant and trying service. During his active service, Mr. Armstrong participated in the following battles: Perryville and Hoover's Gap, Ky.; Stone River, Tenn.; Chickamauga and numerous skirmíshes.

Mr. Armstrong spent the year following his discharge in Seneca County,.Ohio, and then engaged in farming on 130 acres of rented land in that county. On February 5. 1867, he married

Jane (Anderson) Feasel, farmers of Seneca County, Ohio. After marriage Mr. Armstrong remained on the same farm, but later bought eighty acres and engaged in farming in conjunction with his rented property. He continued there until 1886 when he came to Montgomery Township, Crawford County, and purchased his present farm. His first farm consisted of 156 acres, 25 acres of which he has cleared. The barn was built by him and he has put enough repairs and improvements on his house to have built a new one, but the result is very satisfactory. He has added 74 acres to his homestead, which is a very valuable property. Having earned all he owns through his own efforts, Mr. Armstrong naturally is proud of the results he has attained, and takes a great deal of pleasure out of his fine farm and comfortable home. He and his wife dispense a cheery hospitality, and their many friends delight to visit them. Mr. Armstrong has been a hearty supporter of Republican principles ever since the formation of the party. His first vote was cast for Abraham Lincoln, and he has voted for the candidates of his party ever gince and rejoices in every triumph it achieves. hile in Ohio he was Township Trustee for three years and made a good official. He takes great pleasure in recalling the stirring events of his war experience, and he has every reason to be proud of what he did. His service was faithful; he never shirked a duty or showed the white féather but was as good a soldier as he has been a private citizen. Such men as he are too few and his type are dying out, but there are still some left to share with him the respect and confidence of a grateful country. Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong have had two children: Orville F., whose farm joins his father's

ARNOLD, William Wright. - It is always gratifying to a man to come to the realization that he is ranked among the foremost members of his chosen profession, but to attain that position by the time he has reached his thirtieth year is an honor which comes to but few. Such, however, has been the case with William Wright Arnold, a well known member of the Crawford County Bar, practicing at Robinson, Ill., where he is also prominent in business and financial circles. Mr. Arnold was born October 14, 1878, at Oblong, Crawford County, son of Berzelius Mitchell and Mary Catherine (Baker) Arnold, who emigrated to Crawford County, IlL, from Perry County, Ohio, about 1870, in a prairie schooner. Berzelius M. Arnold was born in 1849 near Reading, Ohio, and died at Oblong, Ill. July 22, 1888, his life having been spent as a merchant and stock dealer. Mr. Arnold's mother, who was born in Perry County, Ohio, in 1849, is now residing at Robinson, Ill.

William Wright Arnold first attended the publie schools of his native place, and then entered the Robinson High School, from which he was graduated with the class of 1898, although in the meantime he had spent about one year at Austin College, Effingham, Ill. Subsequently he entered the University of Illinois, and in 1901 graduated from the Law Department of that institution with the degree of LL. B. For one year he taught a publie school in Crawford County and read law in the office of W. C. Jones during the vacation months, and in October, 1901, was admitted to the Illinois Bar, beginning practice the first of the following month as a member of the firm of Jones, McCarty & Arnold. He ranks high among the members of his profession in this section, and is regarded as a public-spirited citizen, ready at all times to give of his best efforts to movements calculated to benefit the community. In business circles he is also well known, being a member of the Robinson Chamber of Commerce, of which he is a Director, and holding a like position with the Farmers' and Producers! Bank. His politics, are those of the Democratic party and he is a member of the Democratic County Central Committee. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church and fraternally is a member of the following Masonic bodies: Robinson Lodge, No. 250, Harmony Chapter, B. A. M. ; Gorin Commandery, No. 14, Knights Templar, Olney ; Oriental Consistory, Chicago, and Medinah Temple, Mystic Shrine, Chicago. He also belongs to the Knights of Pythias and the Odd Fellows, Robinson Lodge, and is a member of his college fraternity, the Sigma Alpha Epsilon.

ATHEY, J. T. (deceased), for many years well known in Crawford County, Ill, as one of the farmers and stockmen of Licking Township, was born in Frederick County, Md., son of Robert and Louisa (Smith) Athey, in 1831. His father was born in Prince William County, Md., in 1801, and the latter probably in the same county, in 1810. They removed to Licking County, Ohio, where the mother died in 1835. They had three children: James T., William and Milton. In 1838 the father married Mary Roberts and they had seven children. In 1850 the father moved to Illinois, settling in Hutsonville Township, Crawford County, where he bought 200 acres of land. Coming to Illinois when a young man, James T. Athey was married in 1855 to Uretta S. Baker, by whom he had the following family: George, Henry, Clarissa, Mary and an infant who died unnamed. Mrs. Athey dying, in July, 1882, Mr. Athey married Elvina Simms, daughter of Conrad and Charity (Shook) Simms. Mr. and Mrs. Simms had four sons and four daughters who settled in the vicinity of their parents. Mr. Athey became the owner of 220 acres of land in Licking Township, and was one of the substantial men of his community.

ATHEY, Robert D. - Farming and stock-raising have always been kindred and very profitable lines of business activity, especially in those states fitted by location, soil and climatic conditions for the successful prosecution of them. Crawford County, Ill., located as it is in the Wabash Valley, is particularly fitted for the development of extensive agricultural interests, and many of the leading men of this locality are thus engaged. Among those who have been particularly successful in this line may well be mentioned Robert D. Athey, farmer and stockman of Section 18, Crawford County. He was born in Licking County, Ohio, March 12, 1848, a son of Thomas Lewis Athey, who was born May 16, 1803, in Fauquier County, Va., where he was reared and educated and where he married Mary Elizabeth Thompson.

Thomas L. Athey, son of Elijah Athey, and father of Robert D., was a cooper by trade, and worked at that occupation in Virginia until he was about thirty years old. He then moved to Licking County, Ohio, and there continued to follow his trade for seventeen years. He had been married in Virginia in 1831 to Mary Elizabeth Thompson, and they became the parents of the following children: Franklin, born August 19, 1836, died in 1903; William H., born in December, 1839; Thomas George,, born October 16, 1841; Jane, born January 23, 1835; Minerva, born August 12, 1845; Robert D., born March 12, 1848. The mother of these children died in Ohio just before her husband removed to Illinois. Thomas Athey married in 1856, Mrs. Virginia Lichliter, widow of William Lichliter, and they became the parents of three sons: Alpheus L., born December 16, 1856; Marshall E., born July 28, 1858, and Willis Riley, born June 18, 1863. The last named was killed by a falling tree. His brother, Robert D. Athey heard him cry out, and hurried to his assistance, but was horrified to find him lying beneath the tree, badly injured, and he died three days later as the result of his injuries.

Robert D. Athey was about three years old when his father came to Crawford County, and attended school for about six months in his lite, being forced to begin working as soon as he was old enough to be useful. He remained with his father until he was sixteen, and then worked by the month for his cousin, W. F. Athey, with whom he remained until his marriage, November 9, 1871, to Felicia Bennett, a daughter of James Bennett, and a native of Crawford County, to which locality her father had come from New York State at an early day. Mr. and Mrs. Athey have had two children: Walter Scott and an infant who died at birth, the mother dying at the same time. Mrs. Athey was born January 21, 1851, her death occurring June 5, 1878. Mr. Athey had rented a farm from his cousin when he married, and on it his first wife died. This cousin built a house on the property for Mr. Athey. For two years following his wife's death, Mr. Athey lived on this farm. He was then married to Emily J. Steinbaugh, widow of Henry Steinbaugh, and a daughter of John and Elizabeth Newlin. Mr. and Mrs. Athey (second) became the parents of the following children: Mary E. born January 9, 1881; Robert David, born January 4, 1883, died October 12, 1889; Valmore, born March 19, 1885; Laura, born June 4, 1887;. Catherine, born December 10, 1889, and an infant, born January 9, 1891, died. January 17, 1891. The second Mrs. Athey died November 11, 1902, and in 1903 he married a sister of his second wife, and now Mrs. Adaline Athey.

Since his last marriage Mr. Athey has resided upon the farm belonging to his present wife. It is located in Prairie Township, aud on it the first oil well in Crawford County was opened. The event drew crowds from a wide extent of country. There are now seven oil wells on the place in addition to three gas wells that supply the city of Robinson with gas.

Besides being the place on which oil was first discovered in Crawford County, this farm has been the scene of a number of remarkable events. On one occasion it was visited by a cyclone which took off the roof of the house, but left the family sitting inside unharmed. It also tore off a shingle and drove it through the limb of a tree about an inch in diameter, which is still preserved as a curiosity at Annapolis.

Mr. Athey has been a member of the Christian Church for twenty-seven years, and is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Annapolis, Ill. He has always been a Democrat, and held the office of Supervisor of Crawford County for four years. He had charge of the county farm during the latter part of his administration, and was Chairman of the Board of Supervisors for two years. He is one

A matter of interest in connection with the history of the Athey family, is the fact that Thomas Athey was a member of the band which he helped to organize and which welcomed Lafayette when he visited Illinois and portions of the East and South in 1825.

ATHEY, Thomas George. - The farming interests of Crawford County, IlL, are very strong, for it is located in a very fertile part of the State, and the results of farming operations are very satisfactory. Illinois is a great agricultural State so that there are very many of its citizens engaged in farming, and they are numbered among the most intelligent, as well as most progressive of its men.

Thomas George Athey of Section 6, Prairie Township, Crawford County, is an excellent example of the prosperous Illinois farmer of today. He was born in Licking County, Ohio, October 16, 1841, and was ten years old when his father came to Crawford County. He had entered school in Ohio, and continued to attend school in his new home. 'The name of the old school house, built of logs, to which he first went in Crawford County, was the Thompson School. This was burned and a new one was erected within forty rods of his father's farm. He had to walk a mile to attend the first school, but the new one was very convenient. During his vacations and after school he helped his father until he was fourteen years old, and then began working for Holliday Newlin, with whom he continued four months, when he was taken ill and returned home to recover. His next employer was Dr. Hill, who was also a farmer. Mr. Athey remained at this place through the winter, then worked at home, cutting timber and hauling logs six miles, delivering them along the line of a proposed fence. In the spring these logs were split and the fences made.

In 1871 Mr. Athey married Euphemia Ki.x, daughter of James and Keziah (Patterson) Kirk, and after marriage moved onto the farm where William Wood now lives. A year later he came back to the homestead where he remained two years, when he and his wife went to live on her mother's farm, her father then being deceased. Mr. Athey took charge of this farm and after operating it two years, bought 68 acres near his present farm. They remained on the farm of his mother-in-law until he built a home on his own farm. Mr. Athey has added to his holdings until he now owns 159 acres.

Mr. and Mrs. Athey have had the following children: William Herbert, born September 20, 1872; James Thomas, born January 26, 1876. November 11, 1901, William married Ella Lamb, a daughter of Isaac and Scisly (Ryan) Lamb. Isaac Lamb is a farmer of Prairie Township. James Thomas married, June 5, 1900, Mabel t. Condon, a daughter of Louis Henry and Nancy E. (Brace) Condon, her father being born April

11, 1836, and her mother May 2, 1837. They were married April 7, 1856, and became the parents of the following family: George Stephens, born June 26, 1859; Edgar Elias, born April 3, 1860; Isaac Newton, born July 27, 1862; Carrie A., born September 13, 1864; Ada Libbie> born April 11, 1868; Louis Kinnie, born June 2, 1874; Mabel Iva, born February 5, 1879, and Nancy. The three older boys are in Butte, Mont., engaged in general merchandising business. Louis served for one term in the United States Navy, and is now a painter. The rest of the family live on Princeton Avenue, Chicago.

James Thomas Athey attended school until he was fourteen years old, when he went to Robinson,High School for a year. He then attended the U. C. College at.Merom, Ind., for a year, after which he taught school, beginning at eighteen years of age and continuing until he was twenty-one. He then went to Chicago and worked for the Union Traction Company for five years, later married in Chicago, and brought his family home.

Mr. Athey has three wells on his property producing 50 barrels per day. He belongs to Crawford Lodge No. 666 A. E. and A. M., and has been a Master Mason for fifteen years. In polities he is a Democrat, although he is not an office-seeker. For many years he has been a member of the Christian Church, and is liberal in his support of it. Mr. Athey is a prosperous, self-made man, and has many friends throughout the county.

ATHEY, Willam F. (deceased), formerly a prosperous farmer and stock-raiser of Hutsonville Township, was born in Licking County, Ohio, July 17, 1833, a son of Robert Athey, born in Fauquier County, Va., April 23, 1801. In 1830 Robert Athey moved to Licking County, Ohio, and in the fall of 1850 located in Crawford County, IlL, finally retiring to a farm of 200 acres in Hutsonville Township. His father was Elijah Athey, who was also born in Virginia and came of Scotch descent. The death of Elijah Athey occurred in Ohio in 1836 at the age of eighty-four years. The mother of William F. Athey was a Miss Eliza Smith before marriage, who was born in Virginia and died in 1835, aged thirty, having borne her husband three children, of whom William E, Athey was the second. The early life of William F. Athey was spent on his father's farm, and he secured a common school education in his neighborhood. When he was twenty-one years old he began working as a hired man, but in 1859 bought 80 acres of land which he later increased to 960 acres, all in one body. He raised considerable stock and dealt extensively in that line. In 1859 he married Adeline Newlin, a native of Crawford County. In politics he was a Democrat.

BAILEY, Samuel. - A very prominent figure in Crawford County oil fields, and a man of influence in his own community, is Samuel Bailey, of Section 28, Martin Township, who was born in Clay County, Ind., November 7, 1843, a son of William Bailey. 'The latter was the son of Abram Bailey, who owned a large plantation in Alabama. Until he was thirty years old William Bailey remained with his father, but was then married to Rachel Littlejohn, daughter of Samuel Littlejohn, a farmer. Seven children were born of this marriage: Polly, Henry, John, Samuel, Thomas David, Susan and Sarah. At the time of his marriage William Bailey went to Crab Orchard, Ky. and from there moved to Clay County, Ind. From Clay County he came to Crawford County in August, 1847, and for the following winter rented a home in Robinson Township. He then moved to Martin Township, and bought about an acre on which to build a home. Here he lived until about 1852, when his death occurred in March of that year. His wife survived him for several years.

Samuel Bailey was brought by his parents to Crawford County when he was four years old, and his first school experience was obtained at Hardinsville where there was a log school house. He had to walk about three miles to school. The next school was called the Templeton School and was supported by subscription. On account of lack of money he was not able to attend school very much, but he carefully remembered all he learned, and when in 1858 the free schools were established, he eagerly embraced the opportunity then offered, and attended until he was twenty. although all the time he was attending school he helped his mother and remained with her until his marriage at twenty-six. This occurred January 31, 1869, when he was married to Emily E. Carter, a daughter of Joseph Carter, a farmer. She was born and reared and educated in Honey Creek Township, Crawford County. The maiden name of her mother was Susan Dunlap, a daughter of William Dunlap, who lived in Honey Creek Township, where he died. William Dunlap was an early settler of La Motte Township. At the time he came to Crawford County Indians were numerous in the county.

Although Mr. Bailey wanted to prove his patriotism and go into the war, he yielded to advice and remained at home to look after his mother. Prior to his marriage he bought ten acres of land, and he and his bride began their married life there in a log cabin, which he soon replaced with a better dwelling. In 1879 he bought his present property of 80 acres, and ever since has been adding to his holdings. He purchased the interests of the other heirs in the old home, and bought 40 acres adjoining it. He has 160 acres in Claremont Township, Richland County, three miles west of Sumner, and 120 acres near Bridgeport. 480 acres. In 1907 oil was discovered on his property and he now has eight wells in active operation.

Mr. Bailey has always voted the Democratic ticket, and has taken an active part in local affairs. He served as Constable of Martin Town- Ship for twelve years, and for eight years was Bailiff of the Court for the Grand Jury at Robin- son, and for six years served as Township Commissioner. Like his father before him, he Is a consistent member of the Baptist Church," in which he is a deacon. His wife is also a member of and active worker in the church, and both are very popular in it and in the community generally.

BAILEY, Thomas David. - The generation of today has no conception of what those who prepared the way for them endured of privation, lack of comforts and sometimes even of necessities, in order to accomplish great ends, and develop this wonderful Middle West. Thomas D. Bailey, of Section 31, Martin Township, is a native of Crawford County, and passed through many experiences that his children cannot now realize. He was born in Robinson Township, November 1, 1849, a son of William Bailey, who was a native of Alabama, where he owned a plantation, and was there married to Rachel Littlejohn, daughter of Samuel Littlejohn. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Bailey came to Crawford County in wagons drawn by horses, stopping first for a short time in Indiana. They located in Martin Township, and there the parents died, the father about 1855 and the mother in 1886.

Like many young men of his day, he was reared on the farm and received his education in various subscription schools. Remaining at home until twenty-four years old, he was then married to Sarah Jane Carter, daughter óf Joseph and Susan (Dunlap) Carter. Mrs. Bailey was born in Crawford County, and here reared. Mr. and Mrs. Bailey have children as follows: William Frank, Rachel Ann, Samuel, Thomas Henry, John. Joseph, Sarah Emily, Della, Archíe and Bessie H. Mrs. Bailey is a member of the Baptist Church, to which Mr. Bailey is a very liberal contributor. In politics he is a Democrat, and has served as Township Commissioner for three years. Brought up to hard work and strict discipline on the farm, Mr. Bailey developed into a sturdy farmer of remarkable force of character, an upright man, and one who holds the confidence and esteem of his neighbors. He owns a farm of 132 acres, which he has lived on for over twenty years. .

BAKER, Edward Sheridan, attorney-at-law, Robinson, Of commanding presence and lofty character, always maintaining the highest conception of his profession, and marked by an intensiveness of purpose and of serene integrity, Edward Sheridan Baker, Postmaster of Robinson, Crawford County, Ill, is a who, for a long period. has exerted an influence on public men and publie measures for the ultimate good of both. Mr. Baker was born in Fountain County, Ind., December 25, 1872, a son of Allen and Melvina (MeMasters) Baker, the father, Allen Timberman Baker, also being born in Fountain County, October 31, 1826. The grandfather, Andrew Baker. came from Virginia to Indiana, in 1825, and his father, Christopher

Baker, came from Germany. 'The mother was born in Parke County, Ind., April 15, 1837, a daughter of Andy and Julia (Jones) MeMasters. The grandfather MeMasters was from North Carolina.

Edward S. Baker attended the common and high schools of Robinson, being graduated from the latter with honor May 17, 1894, as valedictorian of his class, and later served as a teacher of public schools for some years throughout the county. In those days the young people were wiling to undergo some hardships to secure an education. While attending school in Robinson, Mr. Baker walked three and a half miles to and from school each way daily, no matter what was the weather, and he believes the exertion fession, Mr. Baker entered the office of Callahan, Jones & Lowe, as a student, and for two years read law in that connection, October 15, 1897, being admitted to the Bar. In May of the folowing year he began practice, and a year later became the junior member of the firm of Jones, Eagleton Baker. When Judge Jones retired a year later, the firm became Eagleton & Baker, and thus continued until February 20, 1907, when President Roosevelt appointed him Postmaster of the city of Robinson, a position which he still fills: Mr. Baker was honored by the people of Robinson by election to the office of City Attorney, which he occupied two years, has also served as Deputy Circuit Clerk, and was Secretary of the Commercial Club of Robinson. Fraternally he is a member of the A. F. & A. M. He affiliates with the Baptist Church, in which he has been deacon since 1892, as well as a member of the Board of.Trustees. He is Superintendent of the Sunday School and leads the singing in that body.

On September 1, 1897, at Hutsonville, Ill., Mr. Baker was married to Miss Ida Everingham, daughter of George B. and Anna (Musgrave) Everingham, a prosperous farmer living near Hutsonville. Mr. Everingham served during the Civil War as Captain of Company F, Sixtysecond Illinois Volunteer Infantry, as did Mr. Baker's father, the latter being a member of Company H, Sixty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and both are members of the G. A. R. Mr. and Mrs. Baker have children as follows: Dorothy, born June 8, 1898; Bertram Raymond, born February 22, 1900; Andrew Everingham, born September 10, 1901; George .illen, born October 31, 1903; Clarence Edward, born November 11, 1905, and Helen Theo ora, born March 17, 1908.

handsome residence which is moder in every respect and can be seen for miles ar .d, standing in the midst of a 60-acre fi hich has been brought up to a high state 'tivation. By his honorable professional care a publie offieial, his thoughtful interest in other persons and things, and by his genial social qualities, Mr. Baker has well earned the confidence

BAKER, Joseph S. - When Crawford County. Ill, was still almost undeveloped prairie and timber land, and while wild game was plentiful. was born in Knox County, Ky., on October 11, 1842, Joseph S. Baker, who was later destined to make Crawford County his home. He is a son of Andrew Jackson Baker, now deceased, who was born in North Carolina, but following the westward stream of emigration, came to Ken-. tucky when a young man, and was there married . to Nancy Sutherland. She was born in Claibourne County, Tenn, and died in Arkansas, while the father died in Kentucky. Joseph S. Baker is the third child in the family of seven children - three sons and four daughters - born to his parents.

Joseph had barely finished his education in the district schools when war was declared, and fired 'with patriotism, he enlisted in Company Fifteenth Arkansas Volunteer Infantry, and served for twelve months, participating in the Siege of Vicksburg, where he was taken prisoner. Later he was paroled, and returned home, and from there came to Illinois, but in 1863 re-enlisted in the Fourteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry and served until the close of the war, when he returned to Illinois and was mustered out at Springfield. His brother Solomon algo served in the Civil War. Liking the locality, Josepfi settled on his present farm in Honey Creek Township. and on November 27, 1865, was married to Virginia Updike, a native of Crawford County, where she was reared. Mrs. Baker is a daughter of John and Mary (Warner) Updike, now deceased, who were of the pioneers of Honey Creek Township. Coming from Virginia: at an early day, Mr. Updike entered land from the Government. Although he then had six sons, all are now deceased. Mrs. Baker, like her husband, was educated in the early schools of the township, and there they became acquainted and the friendship thus formed later ripened into love.

When Mr. and Mrs. Baker first settled on their property it consisted of 90 acres, but Mr. Baker has gradually added to it until he now owns 471 acres, the greater part of which he has cleared and added all-the improvements, including a comfortable residence and good barn. For fortythree years he has carried on general farming and stock-raising with gratifying results. and he is justly regarded as one of thé representative farmers of his locality.

Mrs. and Mrs. Baker. have had the following family: Cornelia Calvin, Charles Millard, Samantha Elzora, Roselia, John Everett, Elmer, and Alvin (deceased), all born in the township. Mr. Baker is a Democrat, and a member of the Methodist Church. He has been a hard worker all his life, and is now living retired from active labors, enjoying the prosperity that is his. Although he has never sought publie preferment, he has always taken an interest in township af-

BAKER, W. C. - The more thorough training of the schools and the more rigorous preparation demanded for business life have assisted in qualifying the young men of the present day for work that awaits them, and the enterprises controlled by them are not only those that handle the largest amount of trade but they are the ones that have the most influence upon the commercial activity of the community in which they are located. W. C. Baker, of the real-estate firm of Finley & Baker, of Robinson, Crawford County, Ill., is one of the progressive young business men of this part of the State, his long association with the several oil-producing concerns, with which he has been identified, having given him a very valuable experience and especially fitted him for his present undertaking, which although a 'young one, shows a healthy and remarkable inerease. Mr. Baker was born in the village of Rynd Farm, Pa., February 4, 1882. a son of William and Sarah (Groser) Baker, and comes of good old Pennsylvania stock, on both sides of the house. William Baker is one of the leading contractors and oil-producers of Oil City, Pa.

Mr. Baker was given a good education and, after completing his school course, engaged as clerk in Oil City on August 15, 1900, for the Ohio Oil Company, and for the next seven years continued in the employ of this company, in the meantime having been stationed in four different States. Two years were spent in Findlay, Ohio; one year in Montpelier, Ind., and in 1906 he was sent to Marshall, Ill, to take charge of the producing department there. On June 1, 1907, he resigned to come to Robinson, Ill., to take charge of the Mahutska Oil Company's office under D. T. Finley. Mr. Finley and Mr. Baker formed a friendship which resulted in their 'both resigning March 1, 1908, to form a new real-estate firm under the name of the Finley & Baker Realty Company. Mr. Baker is also treasurer and a stockholder in the Mitchell Oil Company.

Mr. Baker was married in Muncie, Ind., on August 7, 1907, to Miss Emma Elliott, of Montpelier, Ind. In religious belief he is an Episcopalian.

BARLOW, Dr. Columbus, son of Jesse and Rebecca (Biggs) Barlow, was born near Eaton, April 27, 1847, and was the fourth in a direct line of physicians, his father and mother both practicing in an early day. His father at one time had a large herb garden, and his knowledge of herbs and their uses was marvelous and known far and near. In the remoter line, these doctors are of a family which has achieved things professionally, for there stand out among them such men as John Marshall, the great Chief Justice, and Joel Barlow, poet and statesman.

white swelling, which left him a cripple for life. During this illness his father died, leaving the request that the boy should have the benefit of a medical education. As a child he was delicate and was favored by every one. All through life the fact that he was a cripple was a drawback, but it seemed to strengthen his determination to accomplish great mental things. When able he attended the country school, continuing until he had completed its course. After his school days he worked in a wagon and carriage shop for six years to raise money for his professional education, reading several hours a day, and for the last two years, devoting eight hours a day to medical study (with Dr. Samuel J. Griffith directing his studies), and eight hours to manual labor. He was now twenty-four years old, and during that year married Miss Maria Athey, who died three years later, as did their two children. After three years alone he married Mrs. Sarah Smith Price, and it need not be said that a marriage was ever more felicitous.

Dr. Barlow attended two courses of lectures at the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, but during this time was compelled to economize while in school, having not more than one suit of clothes a time and often doing his own cooking. He graduated June 27, 1877, and on July 4th, following, entered upon the practice of medicine at Eaton. This was a small town and his practice was that of the country doctor. His office was small and poorly equipped, all of the furniture being made by his own hands. He made his chairs, bookcase and operating table. The latter had all the movements of the more modern tables. The first box of drugs he received was emptied and nailed up again, using it for a stool. It was in almost constant use during his practice at Eaton, which continued until 1895. The box is still in existence, and carved upon its sides are the names of men who studied under him, a dozen names, all a credit to the profession. At one time his office was called the Medical College, and all these students became workers in medical societies and members of some one or the other of the churches. All of his life he was helping boys to obtain an education, both by encouragement and by furnishing means. His practice at Eaton was a strenuous and laborious one. He treated men, women and children for miles around, going through all weathers and at all hours. Often he visited a patient when he was the sicker of the two. He treated rich and poor alike, and often left money instead of collecting it. Among his papers was found a slip with a number of Bible references written and, at the top, "Bible authority for helping the poor." He believed in this and lived up to it. He was not only the people's doctor, but he helped them and sympathized with them in every way, and was always using every effort to build up and better the little community in which he lived.

graduate work in 1893, and in 1894 took the general course at the Postgraduate Medical School, Chicago. In 1895 he moved with his family to Robinson. Here he formed a partnership with Dr. Firebaugh which lasted for eight years. Soon after removing there he was made an elder in the Christian Church, and was always useful and active in every good work.

Dr. Barlow took an active interest in medical societies and instilled that interest in all of his students. These societies came next to his God and his family in his affections. In an article on the importance of medical societies he says in part: "Through the influence of medical societies human existence has been prolonged, and the splendid homes all over the country maintained in their present sanitary condition; and, more than that, it cements the doctors together in one great fraternity, which is monumental to strength and efficiency when its forces are properly harmonized." From 1883 to 1906 he missed but four of the bimonthly meetings of the Crawford County Medieal Society and during his residence at Eaton he had to drive nine miles to attend them.

Dr. Barlow was President of the Crawford County Medical Society in 1883, and its Secretary 1892-93; a member of the ZEsculapian Society of the Wabash Valley, and held the office of President in the latter society; a member of the Illinois Medical Society and serving as a member of the Board of Councilors and of the American Medical Association; Vice-President of the National Tuberculosis Commission; was auxiliary committeeman of the first Pan-American Medical Congress, and had been twice appointed United States Pension Examining Surgeon.

To medical literature he contributed many papers. His paper on "Personal Hygiene" was the most elaborate and written more in detail than any of the others. He also published a book entitled, "Day Dreams of a Doctor," which deserves more than a passing notice. It was reviewed by the press all over the country with much praise and he received many personal letters in regard to it from other authors: and friends, among them Donald G. Mitchell, Dr. Matthews and one from Miss Marie C. Brehm.

Dr. Barlow had been ailing for several years before his death, and it was only by constant pleading on the part of his family that he was persuaded to leave his practice and take a trip to Colorado. He was always loyal to his profession, and his perseverance was remarkable. He attended meetings almost to the last and took part in them just as long as his strength would permit. He had an indomitable will, and it is to that will, perhaps, more than to anything else, that he owed his success. He was a deep thínker, a careful reasoner, and sound in his judgment, which with a pleasant disposition, made him a factor long to be remembered.

Through all of his sufferings he seldom grew discouraged and always talked about opening a new office. He took a course of treatment at Hot Springs a few weeks before his death, and not until that failed to help him did he begin to give up. He wanted to live for his family and his profession, but the thoughts of death were not even unpleasant to him. He had perfect faith and always said it was just a little change in his life - a little journey and then wait a while until he would see his friends again. All through his sickness, his stepson, Dr. Price, was a help and a comfort. The Doctor was confined to his bed önly a little more than two weeks, during which time he seemed to suffer but little. He passed away October 8, 1907, entering into a sleep as peaceful and serene as his life had been.

The children born to Dr. and Mrs. Barlow were: Lulu, born May 13, 1879; Harry, born in February, 1881, and died in August, 1882; Brodie, born August 30, 1883; and Mary, born January 9, 1886.

BARNETT, Jesse L., stock-raiser and farmer on- Section 34 of Martin Township, Crawford County, Ill, is one of the progressive, enterprising and public-spirited men of his locality, born in Union County, Ohio, October 13, 1860, a son of S. J. Barnett, also a native of the same county, where he was reared and became a successful farmer. The family came originally from New York State. S. J. Barnett married Jane Hardin, a native of Pennsylvania, and daughter of Esau Hardin, one of the early settlers of Martin Town- Ship, where he settled in 1864, and where he remained until his death. He bought 109 acres of land, 69 of which are comprised in the present homestead of Mr. Barnett. S. J. Barnett and his wife died in Ohio. They had four sons and one daughter, of whom Jesse L. Barnett was the eldest.

Having been reared a farmer, Jesse L. Barnett was attracted toward a broader field, and in February, 1888, came to Crawford County and bought his present home, bringing his family with him. 'The farm of 58 acres on Section 34 and 40 acres on Section 11 has been devoted to general farming and stock-raising, but since 1907 it has been still more valuable, as oil was then discovered and there are now eight wells, all producing, on the farm.

Mr. Barnett was married in Ohio in 1881 to Mary Turner, a native of Ohio, where she was reared, educated and married.. Mr. and Mrs. Barnett have had the following children: Bessie, Harry, Nellie, Belle. Effie, Mabel, Ruth and Arthur - four born in Ohio, and four in the present home. Mr. Barnett has always voted the Republican ticket, and is justly regarded as a good farmer and a substantial, reliable citizen, representative of the best agricultural interests of Crawford County.

BEESON, Abner. - The agricultural interests of Crawford County have been steadily advancing until it occupies a very high place among the counties of our great Commonwealth. Abner Beeson, upon Section 23, Martin Township, is one of the old settlers of the county and a progressive and successful farmer. He was born in Jasper County, Ill, June 21, 1854, a son of Igal Beeson, born in Kentucky, but after he had received a somewhat meager education there, he went to Ohio, and about a year later went on to Illinois, settling in Oblong Township, Crawford County, where his death occurred.

Abner Beeson was reared in Ohio and Missouri, but in 1866 settled in Crawford County and helped his father upon the farm, remaining in Oblong Township until the latter's death when he was seventeen. He then returned to Southern Missouri, where he worked at lead mining and prospecting, but two years later returned to Crawford County and rented a farm. On September 23, 1874, he married Hattie Wright, a daughter of Thomas Wright, who was a farmer of the county and a veteran of the Civil War. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Beeson settled on a farm which she had inherited from her father, but a year later located on his present farm. The first house on it was built of logs, and the land was covered with brush and timber, with the exception of some seven acres which had been cleared about the house. With a wil and purpose, Mr. Beeson went to work and now has the land in a high state of cultivation, besides adding to it 40 acres more. The original house has been remodelled and is now very comfortable and homelike.

Beeson is a member of the Republican party, and is interested in local affairs. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Church, and they make welcome their many friends at their ` home with a free-handed hospitality that is de lightful.

BEESON, Edward. - Scientific agriculture has ceased to be a joke. It already has been worth many millions of dollars to the farmers of the United States, and it will be worth many hundreds of millions more. A few years ago most men laughed at the idea of applying science to agriculture. The farmer's laugh was the loudest of all, but science, like revolutions, never goes backward. There are still many farming communities where the farmers plant, reap, feed their cattle. and let their implements stand out in the rain and sun in the same careless, thriftless old way, but the agricultural department. agricultural colleges and the agricultural press are rapidly diminishing their number. Science _ is revolutionizing the farming business, as it has revolutionized almost every other modern industry.

Farming is the most desirable of occupations. In other lines the same routine is preserved the whole year through, but each season brings a change of work to the farmer. Then, too, he can always breathe the fresh air of heaven, enjoy the glorious sunlight and the wide landscape. He works when and how he pleases and calls no man master. The table of the farmer is the best supplied in the world. He gets the choicest vege tables and fruits at first hand, and with cream and butter from his cows and fresh eggs and poultry from his chicken yard, with smoke-houses filled with fragrant hams and bacon, and with a beef from his own drove now and then, he fs entirely independent in the way of food.

Crawford County has some of the most progressive and scientific farmers in the country, and among them is Edward Beeson, of La Motte Township. who was born in Highland County, Ohio, September 29, 1870, a son of William and Nancy (Gregory) Beeson. The parents were natives, respectively, of Highland and Clinton Counties, Ohio. They had the following children: Edward; Willis, born in 1873, deceased; Laura, born 1876, deceased ; Mattie, born in 1881. married Odell Hatch, lives in Roscoe, 100 miles south of Kansas City, Mo., and they have one child, Samuel, about four years old; Raymond, born in October, 1884. 1888 the father went west and nothing further was heard of him. the family mourning him as dead, believing that he met with a fatal accident. The mother died February 14, 1885.

Edward Beeson attended school in Clinton, Ohio, but in 1891 he left Clinton County. Ohio, and came to La Motte Township, Crawford County, Ill, where he was married, March 15. 1899, to Abbie J. Richey, born July 13, 1871, the ceremony being performed by the Rev. McClung, of the United Presbyterian Church. Mrs: Beeson is a daughter of John. and Sarah (Fox), Richey. natives of Ireland and Crawford County, respectively. One child was born to Mr. and Mrs. Beeson - Harry Richey Beeson, born June 16. 1906. i

The farm which Mr. and Mrs. Beeson own, comprising 300 acres of excellent land in the township, nearly all of it being cultivated, was given | them by Mrs. Beeson's father, John Richey. The home is a pleasant one, well set back from the road. In polities Mr. Beeson is a Republican, but has never sought office, preferring to do his duty as a private citizen in casting his vote as his conscience dictates, and giving his attention to his personal affairs. For fifteen years he has been a member of the I. O. O. F.. La Motte Lodge, No. 826, and is very active in lodge work. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, having joined it about twelve years ago. Since she was eighteen years old Mrs. Beeson has been a member of the United Presbyterian Church.

BENNETT, Samuel L. (deceased) - On April 26, 1907, death claimed Samuel L. Bennett at six thirty P. M., at his home in Robinson, Ill., after a useful life of sixty years, filled with many charities and good deeds, and he left behind him a name of which his family may well be proud. He was a brave optimist, a lóver of his fellow men, a worker who loves his work. His friends lost the comradeship of a noble soul.

Mr. Bennett was born in Sullivan County, Ind., November 13, 1847, and was reared on a farm, attending the common schools of that locality. At the age of seventeen years he enlisted in the One Hundred and Forty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served with bravery and honor until the close of the war. his return hpme he took a two-years course in the U. C. College at Merom, Ind. and then taught school in his county and at Hutsonville, Ill. A fine teacher he had the ability to impart his knowledge to his pupils and was very popular with them. In 1872 he embarked in business at Robinson, first as a druggist and then as a clothing dealer. In 1875, Mr. and Mrs. Bennett moved to Hutsonville when, in partnership with his father-inlaw, Mr. Bennett engaged in the hardware and walnut-luniber business until 1884, when in June of that year, they moved to Robinson, where Mrs. Bennett now resides in her beautiful home. For some years prior to his death Mr. Bennett lived in retirement from active business on account of injuries received in his youth while serving as a soldier. He was always regarded as a model citizen and faithfully discharged many duties. While able to attend to his personal affairs, he made money and thriftily invested it. His vote and his influence were directed against the liquor traffic. He served as Alderman in the ward in which he resided, and was appointed Postmaster under the McKinley administration, which office he held for four years.

For a year prior to his demise, he had been in very poor health, and was confined to his bed for five months. Finally, as a last resource he was taken by his wife to Mineral Wells, Texas, and for a short period he seemed to be improving, when a change came for the worse, and his brother-in-law, Henry Draper of Paris, Ill, having joined Mrs. Bennett, he was tenderly brought home to die a week later. His funeral was one of the largest in Robinson for many years. Many of his old comrades in arms were present, and the services were conducted by Rev. Van Tresse, pastor of the Methodist Church, of which he had been an attendant for many years. The officiating minister was assisted by Rev. Dr. Craven of the Presbyterian Church, and the remains were taken to Hutsonville for interment, the ceremonies at the grave being under the auspices of the Masonic Lodge of Robinson, of which Mr. Bennett had been a member.

On May 6, 1873, Mr. Bennett married Miss Mattie Draper, daughter of W. L. and .Elizabeth (Foster) Draper, of Hutsonville. Mrs. Draper, who afterwards became the wife of R. B. Higgins, is stil living in Hutsonville, aged eighty-nine. Mrs. Bennett was born in Hutsonville, May 23, 1856. When nine years old her parents moved to Terre Haute, Ind., where she attended school for three years, when the family returned to Hutsonville. Mrs. Bennett.has been a member of the Methodist Church for. many years. She is now a member of the Twentieth Century Club of Robinson. Mrs. Bennett has a sister, Mrs. Beatrice Lane, of Hutsonville, and a brother, H. L. Draper, of Paris. Mr. and Mrs. Bennett had no children of their own, but they adopted Mrs. Bennett's niece, Gypsie L. Draper, upon her mother's death, and carefully educated her. She first attended Robinson High School, and later the De Pauw University, at Greencastle, Ind. Besides his wife and thelr adopted child, Mr. Bennett was survived by four brothers and oue sister of the eleven children born to his parents, namely! Richard M. of Kansas; Thomas A., of New Lebanon, Ind.; James D., of Arizona ; G. W., of Coffeyville, Kan., and Mrs. A. B. Mason, of Carlisle, Ind.

Mr. Bennett was a man who learned from direct contact with the sources the essential things that help to make real life. He gave endorsement and aid to many ; his charities were many and oftentimes hidden from the world. His character was one to remember with affection, and his loved ones may. well honor and revere the memory of one who, in the midst of severe bodily suffering, never forgot his debt to humanity, or ceased in his endeavor to make life better for all with whom he came in contact.

BLACK, John. - The farmers of Crawford County have long been noted for their industry, thrift and progressive spirit, and the wonderful development of this part of the State is largely due to their efforts. Among those who have attained success in agricultural matters is John Black, one of the prosperous farmers of Hutsonville Township, where he owns a fine farm of 80 acres, upon which he settled in 1885, and which he has since developed to its present well-cultivated condition. Mr. Black was born in Lane County. Ky., five miles from London, October 12, 1843, a son of William and Jane E. (Metcalf) Black. The father was born in Kentucky, March 16, 1794, and died June 1, 1860, in Rock Castle County, Ky., while his wife, born in Jackson County, Ky.. May 2, 1802, died February 14, 1889. Her father, James Metcalf, was born in Virginia, but was brought to Kentucky when he was a boy, his father being one of the pioneers of that State.

John Black attended school in Kentucky during the winter and worked.on the farm in the summer, and has always been a farmer. For thirty-five years he has been a faithful member of the Christian Church. and in political faith is a Prohibitionist, and is much interested in wiping out the liquor traffie. February 22, 1879, Mr. Black married, in Rock Castle County, Ky., Dicy Davis, who was born in that county January 9, 1859, a daughter of Hiram and Naomi (Gadd) | Davis. They were both natives of Tennessee, and Mrs. Davis is still living. Mrs. Black died March 20, 1907, having borne the following children: Celestia, born September 15, 1880, in Rock Castle County, Ky., married October 10, 1905, William Lee Pleasant, whose father is proprietor . of the hotel at Hutsonville, known as the Pleas- . ant Hotel, of which Abe Pleasant is proprietor ; Addie. born March 5, 1884, in Rock Castle Coun- : ty, Ky., married Edwin Goodwin, of Crawford

County, January 22, 1905, and died on her husband's farm, April 16, 1907. The Black family is one well known in this locality, and Mr. Black enjoys to the fullest extent the confidence and respect of his neighbors.

BOTTENFIELD, Currey J. - Successfully carrying on farming and stock-raising, proving his business ability and taking an interest in local affairs, Currey J. Bottenfield is a typical farmer of Crawford County, Ill., conveniently and pleasantly located on his fine farm on Section 23, Oblong Township. He was born in Marion County, Ohio, February 20, 1849, a son of B. Bottenfield,^a farmer who was born in Pennsylvania, but, when sixteen years old had settled in Ohio, going there with his parents. "There he was married to Bethiah Hubble, born in New York State, where she was reared. They became the parents of eight children, four sons and four daughters, of whom the subject of this Sketch was the sixth child and third son.

After being reared and educated in Ohio, Currey J. Bottenfield left home at twenty-seven years of age, and came to Crawford County, Ill., locating in Oblong Township, buying land there in 1871. He started to farm 90 acres. His marriage occurred on November 23, 1876, to Mary Dennis, daughter of Michael Dennis. She was born in Perry County, Ohio, and at two years of age was brought by her parents to Crawford County, Ill., and was reared and educated in Oblong Township. 'Two children were born of this marriage: Minnie May and Margaret E. In the fall of 1879, Mrs. Bottenfield died. In 1887 Mr. Bottenfield married Hannah Hodges, born in Delaware County, Ohio, a daughter of Israel Hodges, and reared and educated in her native State. Mr. and Mrs. Bottenfield have had five children: Glenn Wiley, Bertha Lucile, Cecil, Paul Murrel and Blanche Clyminia - all born in Oblong Township, and all educated in the neighborhood schools. 3

In 1880 Mr. Bottenfield left Illinois and learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for ten years in Ohio. In 1890 he returned to Crawford County, and has farmed in Oblong Township ever since, located on his present farm of 150 acres, all of which he cleared and improved, including the erection of buildings. He did all the carpenter work himself, and is justly proud of his excellent results. Mr. Bottenfieid chopped down the trees, hauled the logs to the mill, and tnen hauled the finished lumber to his farm, thus furnishing his own lumber. On this fine farm he carries on general farming and stock-raising. During all his mature life Mr. Bottenfield has been a Democrat, and is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. of Oblong. For many years he has been a consistent member of the Union Baptist Church, has served as Sunday School Superintendent for ten years and has always taken a deep interest in church affairs.

BOYLL, James Archibald. - Probably the landmark most frequently referred to in the vicinity of Hutsonville, for miles about, is the large brick mill operated by James Archibald Boyll, whose "Purity" brand of flour is very popular, not only in Crawford County but throughout the State, both on account of its excellence and the business methods adopted by its-manufacturers. Mr. Boyll was born at Pimento, Vigo County, Ind., January 7, 1869, a son of Felix Stanford and Margaret (Barbee) Boyll. The father was also a native of Vigo County, as was the mother, who was born April 14, 1844. In 1880 the family moved from Pimento, Ind., to Annapolis, Crawford County, Ill. The father of Mrs. Boyll, John Barbee, with his wife Margaret (Thurman) Barbee, moved to Kentucky from their birthplace, Virginia.

James Archibald Boyll was educated in the common schools of Vigo County and at Annapolis, and learned to work on a farm at his father's mill continuing thus until he was twelve years old. Upon his father's death, April 28, 1904, Mr. Boyll took charge of the Hutsonville Roller Mill, which had been erected in 1903, and has

'since improved and enlarged it. The plant occuples one and one-fourth acres, and its capacity is 50 barrels of flour daily. In addition, both corn and other varieties of feed are ground, and the volume of business shows a steady and healthy increase. Mr. Boyll also owns the old mil at Annapolis. which he is operating, the plant covering two acres.

On September 28, 1894, Mr: Boyll married at Sullivan, Crawford County, Miss Lucy Shire, a daughter of David and Iva Ann (Bowman) Shire. Mrs. Boyll was born at Annapolis, Ill., October 21, 1874, and her father came from Pennsylvania at an early age to Darke County, Ohio. He is now seventy-eight years old. and has belonged to the United Brethren Church sixty-eight years. He now makes his home in Hutsonville. In polities Mr. Boyll is a Democrat, but his many business affairs make him too busy to accept of pub- He office. He is recognized as one of the representative factors in the commercial life of Crawford County and a man whose prosperity is well merited.

BRADBURY, P. G, attorney-atlaw. In his knowledge of law, Mr. Bradbury covers a wide range of topics, and he is looked upon as an authority upon whatever subject he is willing to express an opinion. He has been counsel in Some of the most important litigation which has come before the courts of Crawford County and the State of Illinois, and his ideals of the legal profession are high and he lives up to them. He was born October 6, 1847, a son of John S. and Jemima (Buckner) Bradbury. The father was born in North Carolina, August 17, 1822, while the mother was born in 1828 in Crawford County, Ill.

rents, John and Mary (Hines) Bradbury. The little family walked the entire distance, their scanty house-hold possessions being in a small cart, and the journey consumed a long time. They settled in Hutsonville Township, a short distance from West York, but within a year the health of the father, which had been failing, gave out and he died, leaving his widow and six children a small rented farm. The mother kept her little brood together and always exerted a wonderful influence for good over them up to her death, which occurred in 1847.

When but a lad, John S. Bradbury commenced working for various farmers, and when sixteen he obtained a position as stage-driver on the Jine running from Vincennes, Ind., to Danville, Ill., and continued in this employment for five or six years, when he married and commenced farming in Hutsonville Township on a small tract of land his wife had inherited from her parents, and this is now a portion of the home place on which he has resided for about sixty years. Although his holdings were at one time much larger than now, he still owns 200 acres of fine farm land. His first wife died at twenty-six years of age, leaving the following children: Catherine, now Mrs. Harper Reynolds, of Hutsonville; P. G.;. and James L. a merchant of Fairbank, Ind. The first Mrs. Bradbury was a daughter of Henry and Martha (Evans) Buckner, who came from North Carolina to Crawford County, Ill, about 1818 and settled in Hutsonville Township, where they continued to reside until the time of their death. After the death of hls first wife, John of Lewis and Peggie (Evans) Huckaba, also early settlers of Illinois who located in the neighborhood of York. By his second marriage John S. Bradbury had eight children: Andrew L., of Jasper County, Ill.; John S., of Robinson Township; Aurora lives with his father; George S., who is a merchant of West York; Willis H., clerk in a store at Hutsonville; Alice, who lives in Oklahoma; Albert, who has been an invalid since boyhood, and Nancy, of Chicago, manager of a wholesale business. John S. Bradbury was the youngest child in his father's family, which consisted of the following named children: Anna, married Cornelius Martin; Peter; Martha, married Bryant Cox; James, married Charlotte Mc- Crory; Moreland, married Jessie Draper, and John S., all now deceased except the last named.

After receiving a good common school education, P. G. Bradbury taught in Crawford County for seven years, ten months each year, and his ability was so generally recognized that at the youthful age of twenty-six he was honored by election to the office of County Superintendent, and during his term of office was further honored by election to the position of State's Attorney, which he filled with credit for eight years. Mr. Bradbury first read law with Judge Franklin Robb, and was admitted to the bar July 4, 1876, and then formed a partnership with his preceptor under the name of Robb & Bradbury, which association continued until the demise of

: but when Mr. Lewis was elected State's Attorney, in 1892, the partnership was dissolved. . His next association was with Joseph A. McHatton, and this continued until 1908, when it, too, was dissolved by mutual consent. In addition to other political honors which the Democrats of his locality have given him, Mr. Bradbury has been President of the.School Board for three years, and served for four years as Master in Chancery, although he has never sought office.

On December 31, 1879, Mr. Bradbury was married to Miss Jennie Kelly, of Sullivan County, Ind. a daughter of James and Malinda (Johnson) Kelly, the father being an extensive farmer and stock-raiser of Sullivan County, Ind. He was born in Inchaleen, County Derry, Ireland, and was a linen weaver by trade. He came to the United States in 1828, locating in Baltimore, but after two or three years he moved to Sullivan County, Ind., and embarked in farming and stock-raising, at one time owning 1,500 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Bradbury have had children as follows: John, born August 20, 1885, was for one year a naval eadet at Annapolis, but at the earnest solicitation of his:father he resigned and attended the University of Virginia for two years, when his health broke down and his death oceurred January 23, 1908, at the age of twentytwo years - his death proving a great blow to his family and associates; Francis C., born December 6, 1887, graduated with honors from St. Mary of the Woods College, Terre Haute, Ind., in June, 1907; Palmer G., born January 15, 1892, is now in his second year at high school in Robinson; William E., born September 8, 1893, is in the same year at school; James Stanley, born November 11, 1899, is in the fourth grade of the common school. The children are all very bright and give promise of developing into brilliant men.

'The family reside on a very valuable fruit farm just outside of Robinson, where they have a beautiful home. Mr. Bradbury is a large realty holder, and has some exceedingly valuable farm property in Crawford, Clark and Lawrence Counties, and also some in Missourl. He is a member - of the Presbyterian Church, in which he has been an elder for sixteen years. His paternal grandparents were Quakers, and his maternal grandparents Methodists. in religious faith. Fraternally, he is a Mason, having been a member of that order for thirty-four years, is also a member of the Knights of Pythias and is popular in both orders. For many years he has been a leader in all movements looking toward the improvement and advancement of legal procedure in the State and county, and is generally recognized as one of the most capable attorneys of the Crawford County bar and of Eastern Illinois.

BREHM, Elias. - The successful prosecution of farming, even in the well-favored Crawford County, Ill, requires intelligence, foresight and thorough knowledge of all the details of the work.

The farmer today has to know many things hidden from his father, and many of the men now owning large tracts of land can well remember avhen farming was held to be something anyone could do. Elias Brehm, a very prosperous farmer and stock-raiser of Martin Township, Crawford County, has been a resident of the township since 1871. He was born in Prairie County, Ohio, March 8, 1839, a son of Henry Brehm. He was a farmer and sawmill operator in Prairie County, Ohio, owned a sawmill operated by water power. The father of Henry Brehm was George Brehm, who was born in Pennsylvania and came to Ohio with his family at an early date, and settled in Perry County, where he entered land from the Government, owning about 400 acres at one time.

Henry Brehm was educated in Perry County, and there grew to manhood. He married Elizabeth Saunders, also, born and reared in Perry County, Ohio. They became the parents of children as follows: George, Samuel, Mary, Moses, Elias, Joseph, Alfred and Abraham.

Elias Brehm was educated in the subscription schools of his native county, and walked three miles to attend school. During his school life he worked hard on the farm, and made himself useful. When he was eighteen he lost his father, and the farm was sold, so that the estate could be divided among the children. Mr. Brehm received as his share $400. Having married Mary Ann Rinehart, daughter of Jesse Rinehart, a farmer of Ohio, on February 12. 1871, he came to Crawford County, and bought 80 acres in Martin Township. Thirty acres of this were cleared, but he cleared off the remainder, and bought 20 acres more, adjoining, all in timber. His farm is one of the best in Crawford County, and is well supplied with every comfort. Mrs. Brehm died September 23, 1900. His brother's daughter has kept house for him for the past eight years. Mr. Brehm belongs to the Baptist Church. He is a Republican, and cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln. Mr. and Mrs. Brehm had one child. which died in infancy.

BRISTOW, Napoleon B., M. D. (deceased). - In enumerating the distinguished and able professjonal men of Crawford Countv, Ill, too much prominence cannot be given to the late Dr. Napoleon B. Bristow, physician and surgeon, who for many years was a well-known and beloved practitioner at Flat Rock, Ill. Dr. Bristow was born in Parke County, Ind., near Hollandsburg, March 23, 1852, a son of Dr. James C. Bristow, deceased, who was a native of Shelby County, Ky., and there married Elizabeth Williamson, also a native of Kentucky. After marriage, the elder Dr. Bristow moved to Parke County, Ind., and ` farmed for some years, but later moved to Iowa and established a mercantile business. From there he went to Kansas City and from that city came to Crawford County and commenced practicing medicine in the vicinity of Crawfordsville, where he continued in active practice until 1884, when he removed to Wayne County,

Ill., and there continued in practice until his death, which occurred July 16, 1906. Dr. Napoleon B. Bristow was the fourth child in a family of nine children born to his parents, two of whom were born in Crawford County on a farm in Honey Creek Township.

Dr. Napoleon B. Bristow attended the district schools of Honey Creek Township, the select school at Robinson, and the University of Louisville, Ky., being graduated from the medical department of the latter, March 1, 1875. For one year he was in partnership with his father, but in the spring of 1876 established himself at Flat Rock and continued there in active practice until his death, which oceurred October 12, 1896. He had a very large practice throughout Flat Rock and vicinity, and was recognized as a very able physician and surgeon.

On October 25, 1876, he married Aurelia Rundle, who was born in Honey Creek Township, the daughter of Anson M. Rundle, a native of Sullivan County, Ind., born August 29, 1823. Mr. Rundle was reared in that State, but about 1847, when a young man, he came to Crawford County. By trade, he was a tanner, and worked with David Logan at Palestine for a while, but later bought the Norton tanyard and entered and bought some land adjoining it. About 1855 he quit the tanning business, sold his land and bought a farm of James Weger, on which a part of the town of Flat Rock is now located, and the present home of his daughter, Mrs. Bristow. On January 10, 1849, he married Elizabeth Jones, born in Butler County, Ohio, June 28, 1827. She moved with her parents to Lawrence County, Ill., when five years of age. Her father, Lewis Jones, was a pioneer of Lawrence County, where he remained only a few years, and then came to Honey Creek Township, Crawford County, and resided until his death in August, 1874. His - wife, Mary (Brown) Jones, died October 8, 1896. Mrs. Bristow is the second in the family of seven children born to her parents, two sons and five daughters, three of whom are deceased, and all born in Honey Creek Township. Anson M. Rundle died September 6, 1881; Elizabeth Rundle, his wife, died April 13, 1900. After marriage, Dr. and Mrs. Bristow built a dwelling and lived in Flat Rock for fourteen years, after which in 1890, they bought the Rundle homestead, and erected the residence in which Mrs. Bristow now lives, and in which Dr. Bristow's death occurred. Dr. N. B. Bristow was engaged in the practice of medicine for more than twentyone years. In polities he was a Republican, and fraternaly he was a member of the I. O. O. F. Dr. and Mrs. Bristow had three children: Claudius L., of Colorado Springs, Colo.; Roscoe, D. D. S., practicing at Taylor, Tex.; and Miss Nellie, at home.

BROWN, Capt. Achilles Morris. - In the struggle in which man pitted himself against primeval forest and aboriginal inhabitants. the strongest types of manhood and womanhod were evolved, and traits of character developed that otherwise might never have been seen. Illinois is a State that has a pioneer history that thrills and excites, and none of those who there once bore that title of pioneer can fail to be interested in whatever pertains to the early history of the State. Achilles Morris Brown is one of those who have made Illinois his home since 1857, having been born in Henry County, near Louisville, Ind., forty-five miles east of Indianapolis, December 26, 1828, a son of William and Sarah (Martindale) Brown. William Brown was born in Virginia, and his wife in South Carolina, and they were among the early settlers of Indiana, moving to Wayne County at a very early day, and doing their part in developing their new home.

Educated in the subscription schools of his native place, Mr. Brown worked on the farm in Indiana, but the same spirit that moved his father and mother to start anew in Indiana prompted him to take up his new home farther west, and in 1857 he made his way to Crawford County, loeating land in Oblong Township, there being then only seven families in Oblong village. On December 27, 1854, he married in Rush County, Ind. Miss Anna Gilmore, formerly of Ireland. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Brown are as follows: William Seward (named for the statesman of that name), born August 28. 1855, married and resides on a farm two and a half miles from Oblong; Mrs. Mary E. MeKnight, born August 8, 1860, and is a widow with three sons and one daughter; James G., born August 27, 1868, is married and has a boy and girl and is living on the home place one and a half miles north of Oblong.

Like others in his neighborhood, when he felt the call of duty to be strong for further existence, Mr. Brown enlisted in Company D, Ninety-eighth Illinois Mounted Infantry, becoming a member of Wilder's Lightning Brigade, August 14, 1862; was mustered in as Orderly Sergeant, and on February 4, 1863, was promoted to Second Lieutenant and participated in all the battles of the Army of the Cumberland, until he resigned in April, 1864, and returned home. Among the engagements in which he took part were Hoover's Gap, Chickamauga, Farmington, besides many minor skirmishes. He is a member of the G. A. R., Albert Wood Post, of Oblong, and is a Mason of long standing.

In politics Mr. Brown is a Republican, although he has never been an office-seeker. He owns two valuable farms in addition to his home property, the whole consisting of 270 acres, of whieh 200 acres have been cleared. When oil was discovered it added very greatly to the value of his property. In the rest and security of their declining years, Mr. and Mrs. Brown can look back with pleasure to the times when they did so much for the general welfare of their neighborhood, and take comfort in the fact that all they now enjoy has been won by them through hard labor and economie thrift.

is due much of the prosperity of civilization. The Brown family is well and favorably known throughout Crawford.County, where settled the father of David William Brown, the latter a prominent färmer and stock-raiser of Martin Township, residing on Section 24, but born in Miami County, Ind., April 10, 1852. His father, Charles M. Brown, now deceased, was also born in Indiana, and there reared, educated and married. His wife. was Sarah Graham, born in Ohio, but reared in Indiana. In 1856 Mr. and Mrs. Charles M. Brown emigrated to Crawford County, Ill, locating in Martin Township, whére he bought a farm of 80 acres of prairle land. He worked hard on it, clearing it off and placing it under cultivation, lived there until his death. The 'and has always been devoted to general farming and stock-raising. Mr. Brown was a public-spirited man and erected the first schoolhouse in the district. For years he and two others supplied the wood for the fire, and helped in many ways to provide a school home for their children. In politics he was a Republican, and always took an active part in local affairs. Although he accomplished much, he died when only forty. He and his wife had eight children, seven sons and one daughter, three of them being born in Martin Township.

David William Brown attended the school held in the house his father built, and he and his brothers helped their mother to take care of things after the father's death. On December 2, 1875, Mr. Brown married Margaret Wright (now deceased), born in Howard County, Ind., but reared in Martin Township, a daughter of Thomas Wright and Mariah C. (Lontz) Wright, who were among the early settlers of the Township. Upon coming to the township Mr. and Mrs. Wright entered 120 acres, which they cleared and cultivated. Mr. Wright was a soldier of the Civil War. Mr. and Mrs. Brown were the parents of three children: Sarah Maria, who married S. R. Mitchell, a carpenter and farmer; Vietor I.. present superintendent of the Casey schools, first engaged in teaching in the district sehools of Martin Township, was later Principal of the Oblong schools for a season, after which he taught in the district schools of Oblong and Licking Townships for one season and then received his present appointment; and one child who died in infancy. Mrs. Brown died February 6, 1899. On November 1, 1903 Mr. Brown married Janie Johnson, born in Oblong Township, the daughter of Madison and Jane (Campbell) Johnson, and reared and educated in her native township. She is the youngest in a family of five daughters and one son, is an intelligent and publie spirited woman and actively engaged in church and Sunday school work.

Mr. Brown bought 80 acres of land and has cultivated his farm, made all the improvements on it and set out many valuable trees. The home is a very pleasant one to which all the family friends are made welcome. He is a Republican in polities and, while not an office-seeker, takes an active interest in local affairs. Fraternally he is associated with the Masonic order. Like his wife, he is an active worker in the Methodist church, in which he has filled many offices, as well as in the Sunday school.

BROWN, James Gilmore, has lived on the Brown homestead all his life, having been born there August 27, 1868. It is most conveniently and pleasantly located on Section 25, Oblong Township, Crawford County. Growing up in the township, he was here educated, devoting himself to farming and stock-raising, his property being one of the most valuable in his community. On December 28, 1898, Mr. Brown married Harriett Tilroe, a daughter of William and Mary A. (Dunning) Tilroe, her father being a minister of the Methodist church. Mrs. Brown was born at Reynolds, Johnson County, Il. Her father was born in Holland, and her mother in Michigan, and they now reside within two blocks of the Methodist church at Robinson. Mrs. Brown was one of the following family: William Edward, Harriett, Addie, Sarah, Hugh M. and George Staley. Two children died in infancy.

Mr. and Mrs. Brown have had the following family: Bernice Brown. died in infancy ; William Fesler, born July 26, 1901; Frances Elizabeth, born February 5, 1905. Fraternally, Mr. Brown is a Mason and member of the Sons of Veterans. He is a liberal supporter of church work, and an industrious, thrifty and enterprising man who commands the highest respect of his neighbors and friends.

BRUBAKER, Charles Clifford, junior member of the well-known lumber firm of Brubaker Son, is a young man whose business success has come as a result of intelligent effort, honorably directed along legitimate lines. Robinson is the home of many large business concerns, but the individual members of none stand higher than do Elisha Brubaker and his son, Charles Clifford, who is his partner. The latter was born on a farm in Marshall County, Kan., June 20, 1869, a son of Elisha and Mary M. (Batey) Brubaker. After graduating from the Robinson High School, Charles C. Brubaker worked in a general utility capacity for Judge W. C. Jones for about a year, when he devoted four years to learning the carpenter's trade. In the spring of 1891 the present firm of Brubaker & Son was formed for the purpose of carrying on a general contracting and building business, and the firm carry a full line of building materials, including lumber, shingles, lath, sash, doors, lime, cement, plaster, etc., having on hand at all times a full line of these materials which.are unsurpassed as to quality and favorable prices. The firm has two yards: one on Webster Street, called the Suburban, and the other on Franklin Street, which is the City Yard, where they have a large building of brick, 130 x 30 x 60 feet, which houses a big stock. The office is on the north, a commodious building, 20x30 feet. The firm has lost one of its members in the person of William A. Brubaker, who was a very gifted draughtsman and had charge

On July 20, 1892, Charles C. Brubaker married Miss Belle G. Titus, daughter of George W. and Mary Titus of Merom, Ind. She was born in September, 1871. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Brubaker: George A., born May 18, 1893, and Mary Nancy, born September 8, 1900. In politics Mr. Brubaker is a Republican, and, although not án office-seeker, has represented his Ward in the City Council, serving as Alderman very acceptably. He is a member of the Knights of Pytbias, the Red Men, the Modern Woodmen and Chamber of Commerce. He has been an active member of the Methodist Church for twenty-seven years, and is a man of whom nothing but good can be said, as he has conducted his business upon the same high standard of living as he has his private affairs. Mr. Brubaker last year built him one of the finest and up-to-date residences in the city, at 209 South Franklin Street.

BRUBAKER, David C. - Very prominent as a Democrat and thoroughly identified with his party in local affairs, David C. Brubaker has been called upon more than once to represent it in public office. His election following, he has faithfully discharged the duties imposed upon him, proving his fitness for the office and his general ability as a man. Mr. Brubaker was born August 23, 1856, in Darke County, Ohio, and is a son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Miller) Brubaker. Daniel Brubaker was born in Pennsylvania, December 28, 1828, and Mrs. Brubaker was born in Ohio, April 28, 1829. By occupation Daniel Brubaker was a farmer, and in 1869 he emigrated to Crawford County, Ill., where David C. Brubaker was reared to manhood.

Working alternately on his fathers' farm, and attending the common schools of Licking Township, David C. Brubaker gained his education. and after leaving school took a position in a country store at Annapolis as clerk. He held this until 1875, when he engaged in carpenter work. He owns a farm in Martin Township on which he lived from 1879 until 1907. In 1907 he came to Oblong where he now resides. Mr. Brubaker has been Town Clerk and Assessor of Martin Township, being elected to those offices on the Democratic ticket. In March, 1901, he became a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. His religious affiliations are with the United Brethren church, of which he is a member.

Mr. Brubaker was married in Crawford County, Ill., in 1879 to Mary E. Higgins, born in Martin Township, in 1856. Mr. and Mrs. Brubaker have had children as follows: James E., born in 1881; Mattie J., born in 1883; Elizabeth. born in 1886; Jesse W., born in 1890; Clinton S., born in 1893, and Ruth, born in 1896. These children were all born in Martin Township. Crawford County, and given good educations. They are bright, intelligent young people,

14, 1908, Brubaker purchased the furniture stock of E. T. Shire, at Oblong, and his since conducted that business, dealing in general furniture, musical instruments, trunks and suit cases. His store is located on North Range Street.

BRUBAKER, Elisha. - The man who can establish and maintain a large enterprise, conducting it upon broad-gauged principles of unflinching honesty and with due regard to the welfare of his customers, is not only a successful business man but a publie benefactor as well. The success of his undertaking raises the commercial standing of his locality; the: activity of his concern gives employment to many, while the stimulant of his prosperity is very healthful in its effect upon the community at large. Elisha Brubaker, of Robinson, Crawford County, Ill., senior member of the firm of Brubaker & Son, contractors and builders, and dealers in lumber, builders' supplies and coal, is a notable example of what one man ean accomplish, provided he possesses the faculty to make much out of little and never fall back in his upward struggle.