De Witt County, Illinois - Biographical sketches, 1882 (part 2 of 8)

On the 9th day of April, 183.5, one of those cold and blustering days, not uncommon in Illinois, a mau named Uyau was frozen to death in this vicinity. A cold mirth wiii.l blew all that day ; pelting suow alternating with rain fell l'a>t. Three immigrant wagons, westward bound, had been trying all day to push their way against the beating, driving storm, when on attempting to cross a slough east of Farmer city the wagons and teams mired down. The men fixed their families comfortably in the wagons for the night, then unhitched their teams and started for the .Salt creek timber, where they expected to get food and shelter for their stock. Mr. Ryan's was an ox team. He started a little earlier than his companions, riding the near ox, a thing very common in those days. »\ hen he reached the slough south of Salt creek he found it so swollen with the rains that he dared not attempt crossing. He started back to the wagons ; on the way he fell from his ox stiifened with cold and died. The next morning his body was found, and decent burial given it in a coffin made by Richard Webb and his neighbors. This was the first burial of an iidult in the old grave-yard. Nathan Clearwater cared for the bereaved widow and orphaned children until more propituous weather enabled them to pass on to their western destination in Knox county.

Paxton Gumming moved here in the spring of 183-5, after the sad occurrence just related, from North Carolina. He was a most excellent man, a devoted Christian and minister in the M. E. church. His piety, meekness and purity of character, combined with a heart reaching out in love and tenderness for the sufferiug, made an impression upon the generation in which he lived, that the wiisting, corroding influences of lime can never efface. The memory of his noble deeds is still fresh and green in the minds of the early settlers, and affords a themj as sweet a-i the fragrance of holy, precious incense Mr. Gumming was for two or three years actively engaged in proclaiming the word, traveling a circuit of over one hundred miles. He brought with him the first kit of blacksmithing tools ever brought to the township, and supplemented his preaching labors by doing the work of a smithy. He died in the month of September, 1839. being the first person buried in *.he second cemetery located in the precinct. His death occurred the first day of the first camp meeting held in Santa Anna, and quite appropriately his remains were laid away to rest on the camp ground which was located on section 31.

Settlers now began to come in more freely, and in 1837 tliere were in the grove, as the old settlers call the Salt creek valley adjacent to Farmer city, nineteen families, most of whom are yet represented in the population in this vicinity- They were Henry Huddleston, Nathan Clearwater, John Danner, J. \V. Badley, Jas. W. McCord, John Weedman, Asa Weedraan. R. JI. Patterscni, Richard Kirby, P-ixton Gumming, Edward Corey, Byron Corey, 'Noah Grant, Richard D. Webb, Thomas Blalach, James Webb, Mrs. Watson, Matthew Johnson, and Dennis Hurley. The village of Mount Pleasant had been laid off by Nathan Clearwater, John W. Badley, and Robt. M. Patterson, January the 28th, 1837. Squire Hiram Buck, of McLean county, surveyed the plat. The first house erected on the town site was by Nathan Clearwater. The first stock of goods and groceries brought to the place was by Wm H. McFall, in the fall of 1837. The next house in order of building, was a small frame-building by John Smith, occupied as a hotel. Old settlers remember the sign, on which was painted the word "Hotel," swung out from the building, which was hardly large enough to afford accommodation for a single household. The houses throughout the entire settlement were provided with stick and mud chimneys, affording a large and open fire-place, from four to six feet across, and having a hearth of mother earth, except that built by Clearwater, which put on metropolitain airs, by having a brick chimney made of the first brick manufactured here. In 1839 the first voting precinct was laid off, and Richard D Webb, John Danner and Dennis Hurley were appointed judges of election. At the first election held, William H. McFall was elected Justice of the Peace, and Thomas Blalach, constable. There were in all twentv-four votes polled. During the same year, the first mail facilities were afforded citizens by the establishment of a mail route extending from Danville to Bloomington, by way of Urbana, Le Roy, Mt. Pleasant, Middletown, and Sidney. James McKillop obtained the first contract for carrying this mail. Citizens around .Mt. Pleasant were some time in securing an office after the establishment of the route, owing to the fact that each name selected, proved to have been already given an office in the State. John Smith at last proposed the name of Santa Anna, and it was chosen, and he was installed first postmaster. The mail was carried once a week. In IS-IO the mail facilities were increased, a semi-weekly being provided for, a.d a regular two-horse hack being put on the route. Asahel Brewer, of Urbana. cirried the mail from Danville to Mt. Pleasant. The hacks met here, and John Smith's hotel became a place of more business.

The first saw-mill was erected by Messrs. Brooks and Bosturck. Being unable to secure a sufficient supply of water when it was first built, it was torn down and rebuilt ou the east side of Huddleston's grove, where it did a fair business. McFall grew tired of merchandizing, and after a year or two quit, to engage in milling. This left the people without such facilities. However the mail carriers were accommodating men, and made purchases at Danville or Bloomington, on order of parties desiring goods Hunting afforded a great attraction for these pioneers, and at stated times they wjuld gather together to enjoy the excitement of the chase. Richard D. Webb had a fine large hound he called Mang, that was an especial favorite. Rarely did he fail to take down a deer or catch a wolf, in a fair chase. Ouce he caught a fine buck, throwing him heavily to the ground. Losing his hold and his balance too, he tumbled over on his side. The buck gained his feet first, and away he sped. Mang rallied and followed a half mile, when he suddenly stopped and looked after the game with a look that seemed to say, " Go, I don't want to catch you." All the rallying the hunters could do passed for naught with him ; he would not resume the chase. Webb's delight was in wolf hunting, in which he excelled. Once he was first at the death of three wolves caught the same day John Weedman was the owner of two fine grey-hounds, and took great delight in the chase of deer, in which he was eminently successful. He was the owner of a very fleet horse named Blue, which was generally first in a deer chase. There was much excitement in these hunts, as all participated in the fun.

About 1840 hogs were worth from one dollar and fifty cents to two dollars per head. Dealers' visited the settlement, carrying an old-fashioned pair of steelyards with which to weigh them. Cattle brought from ei»ht to twelve dollars a head ; horses ranged from thirty to fifly dollars.

The first political speaking was by Asahel Gridley (^whig), of Bloomington, and Wilson P. Brown (democrat), of the same place. They were candidates for the State Senate. Gridley was the successful candidate Some additional importance was given to this election from the fact that a United States Senator was to be elected the ensuing session of the Legislature. An incident connected with this speaking is worthy of perpetuation. Amos Kendall, Pos< master-General, had written to John Smith, the postmaster at Santa Anna post-office, asking him to use his influence for the re-election of Martin Van Buren as President of the United States. Smith gave the letter to Gridley, who in the course of his speech read it to the small crowd that had gathered together. Brown, when replying to Gridley, said he had a letttr rebutting what was said in the letter Gridley had read in their hearing, and proceeded with his speecii. Reuben Clearwater, who was present, thought Brown had forgotten the letter, and said, "Squire, we would like to have that letter read." Brown replied, " Yes, yes, I forgot myself ;" shuffled his papers around ; commenced where he left off, and went on with his speech. Clearwater was not to be put off in such a way, so he again said, "Squire we would like to iiear that letter." Brown replied again, "Yes, yes, I declare I forgot myself again;" shuffled his papers for some time, and went on with his speech. But Clearwater was persistent, and compelled a confession from Brown that he had no such letter, which brought out a wild shout from the whigs present.

Peter Gideon of Clinton, made the first abolition speech ever made in Santa Anna township. His predictions respecting the death of slavery were undreamed of by his auditors, and their declaration fairly startled them. The effort is well remembered bv those who heard it, and lived to witness the destruction of the institution throughout our land, many of whom extended a helping hand in its downfall.

Millerism numbered several of the old settlers among its converts ; one of whom had in his possession large pictures of the final scenes on earth, and accounts of the last days, together with the day of final reckoning sometime in 1843. That year, snow in drifts was to be seen the first of May ; grass was scarce ; it was a year of hardships, which the imagination of the Millerites easily construed into a fulfillment of Miller's predictions. On the day for the rolling together of the heavens as a mighty scroll, and the melting of the earth with a fervent heat, two persons in this vicinity clad themselves in ascension robes ready to meet their God.

The first wedding to take place in the timber, was that uf Absalom Danner, to Lucretia Covey in 1837. The neighbors generally contributed their presence and cheer to the happy event

The first school-house in Santa Anna township was erected on a beautiful bluff, the base of which is washed by Salt creek, about a mile south-west of Farmer City. A grove of sugarmaple is close by. It was a hewed log-house, twenty-four feet square, and served for the double purpose of school and meeting house. The fire-place was eight feet wide and four feet deep. The chimney was of sticks, imbedded in a stiff clay mortar mixed with cut straw, a material called by the settlers cut and clay." John Danner was the moving spirit in behalf of the educational interests of the rising generation. He furnished the land on which to build, and most of the material, hewed all the timbers, and aided in its construction, until it was completed. Schools were taught by subscription. 82.25 and g2.50 were the common prices per scholar for a three months school. The first teacher was John Heath, a native of Tennessee. Robert Pool, a local preacher, was the second.

Henry Huddleston and wife died of small-pox during the late war, and were buried on the bluffs, high above Salt creek, in the beautiful grove which bears their name.

During the winter of 18.32-3, the wolves committed such depr<"datious among stock as to lead citizens of Buckle's grove to offer a hundred bushels of corn, worth a.s much at the time as sixty acres of prairie land to the man who would kill the most of them during the remainder of the winter. Nathan Clearwaters put up a trap in which he caught nine within a month. He believes himself to have been entitled to the prize, but more laid claim thereto. Among the note-worthy adventures of citizens, perhaps none are more deserving of being chronicled than that of Asa Weedman. He was one day hunting near the north-fork of Salt creek, when he shot what he said was the largest buck he ever saw. At the crack of the ritle the deer fell, and he rushed upon it to cut its throat, and let it bleed. As soon as he reached the deer, it started up and Weedman caught it by the antlers. A terrible struggle ensued, as the deer had scarcely been wounded by the shot To release his grasp would have been certain death, so he held on with a vice-like grip, and the desperate and doubtful conflict continued until the deer and man both sunk down from sheer exhaustion, Weedman still clutching the horns with bull-dog pluck. The combatants were perfectly hors de combat, and remained indifferently passive, till the deer feeling himself somewhat rested, attempted to regain his footing and renew the struggle. When the deer started to rise, Weedman wisely thought to let his hands glide gently from the horns, and remain lying on the ground still and motionless, as if he were dead. The buck got up, looked upon his brave and fallen foe, and walked leisurely off" with the triumph of a victor. Weedman got up congratulating himself on the success of his ruse. Although the buck was the better fighter, he lacked strategetic ability. Weedman long carried the scars, showing the desperate character of the struggle.

Farmer City

The to wn of ilount Pleasant, now Farmer City, was laid off by Robert M . Patterson and John W. Baddly January 23d, 183T. The original plat being a part of of the X. E. i of the S. W. 1 of section 28 was surveyed by Hiram Buck of McLean county, and dived into fourteen blocks of twelve lots each and four partial blocks, in the centre of which is a public square after the manner of old southern towns. In all there were two hundred lots. These lots were 44x125 feet in dimensions. Streets -were 49* feet wide, except j\Iain street, which was 66 feet wide. To the original town plat additions have been made as follows: By John Weedman and John R.Blackford as surveyed by A. L. Barnett, ilay 1st, 1856, a tract 849 feet long by 560 feet wide, in all six blocks of twelve lots each, to the east of the original town. By Reuben Huddleston as surveyed by David Richardson, August 12th, 1868. Eight blocks containing forty-six lots, being a part of the S. W. } of the N. E. J and a part of the N. W. i of the S. E. }, section 28. By Reuben Huddleston a 2d addition east of above addition. Sixteen blocks, in all 159 lots addition, made March 9th, 1870. By G. W. Herrick, an addition east of Weedman and Blackford's, made October I4th, 1871. Six blocks, in all fifty-seven lots. By A. M. Gumming, March 2d, 1871, west of original plat, six lots. By same addition September 12th, 1871, of four blocks of four

Bean, ten lots, June 9th, 1871. The dates of these additions indicates the period of the greater growth of the city. The construction of the Oilman branch of the Illinois Central railroad gave an impetus to it that caused much speculation in town property and made of it a handsome little city. The name of Mount Pleasant was exchanged for that of Farmer City, by popular vote in 1868.

Elevators. The first elevator, and largest as well, was that of Gallup, Clark & Co , erected in 1870, at a cost of S10,000. Its capacity is about 16,000 bushels. Shipments for 1881, 240,000 bushels. It is on the line of the I. B. and W. railroad from which a switch is extended to the elevator.

In 1871 another elevator, now the property of A. T. Peckham of Rhode Island, was erected. It has a storage capacity of 12,000 bushels, and originally cost about 88,000. Shipments for 1881 were a quarter of a million of bushels. W. W. Alder is manager.

Mill. In 1869 John Weedman and William Y. McCord erected the mill nosv owned and operated by William Haynie, at a cost of S18,000. It is supplied with three run of burrs and all modern appliances, guarantying good work. Its capacity is one hundred and twenty-five barrels per diem.

Banks. The bank now known as Weedman's was first opened for business by the Thomas Brothers and John Weedman. Oscar Thomas died in 1876, whereupon Weedman bought out the interest of the brothers, and has since carried it on. The capital was 840,000 when first established. Ii is largely a bank of deposit, buys and sells home and foreign t-xchange. Is admirably managed and deserves the extensive patronage awarded it. J. B. Lewis is Cashier and Teller, and W. K. Stare, book-keeper.

First National Bank was organized on the 15th of August, 1874, with a paid up capital of 850,000 and a surplus of 810,000 It is well conducted. Its present officers are J. H. Harrison, President, A M. Cumming, Vice President and Frank J. ^filler. Cashier.

ILitil< : " Commercial House." I>y .1. H. Crane, a well ordered and roomy house, that is quite a favorite with traveling men: " Park Hotel" by Ponce White. " Central Hoit.^r " by L. H. Campbell

The Farmer City Union Agricultural Society was organized in 1872. For six years its exhibitions wei-e large and interesting. Then owing lo a variety of causes it was abandoned. The oiBcers of the society were :

On August 2Ist, 1879, Farmer City was visited by a most disastrous fire which destroyed iwenty-three of her business houses. The buildings were occupied and owned as follows : W. B. Howard's grocery store, loss on stock and fixtures 81800. Building owned by F. M. Bean, Eppstein & Bach, clothing, loss $8000. Building owned by F. M. Bean. Garver & Bro. druggists, loss §2200. Building owned by J. G. Watson. Murphy & Michael, saloon, loss 81200. Building owned by W. C. Rathburn. E W. Sangster, groceries, loss, 82700. E. Berman, jeweler, loss $500. Building owned by George Erler- John Longmate, groceries and feed store, loss $500. Building owned by William Young. Harrison & Sons, hardware, loss $4o00 William Young, groceries, loss $300. R. H. Seltzer, furniture loss $4000 Drs. A. S. & A. L. Xorris, medicines and ofiice furniture, loss $100. First National Bank, lo.ss $4000. Vault and contents all saved. Reporter newspaper, loss $2000. Mr. Smith proprietor. John S. Wilson, bakery and restaurant, loss $400. Building owned by C. Buford. H. Levy & Go's , New Y'ork store, loss $13,000. Peter V. Cool, bakery and restaurant loss 81000 Building owned by E. L. Waller. H. C. Porter' implement and seed store, loss §700. Lawman & Davidson, druggists, loss $2000. W. T. Bean, boots and shoes, loss 84400. Building owned by jNIrs. N. Helmick, upper stories occupied by the Masons, Knights of Pythias and Good Templars, lower story unoccupied, loss 84000. McLean Hotel, at the time the largest building in the county. Owned by N. Helraick. Much damage was done to other balldings, but the city recovered rapidly from this check to her prosperity and now most of the sites occupied before the fire are again the foundations for good substantial business houses.

Fanner Citij Lrid;/e, No. 70. A. F. and A. M was chartered October 8th, 1873, A. L. 5873, and was instituted by J. H. Tyler, Special Deputy Grand Master, on the 20th of the same month. The charter was granted to William McMurray, Henry Funk, Alden S. Bissel, Andrew M. Cumraing, Albert F. Davidson, Isaac AUbright, F. S. Weedman, James H. McKinley, Isaac F. Durbin, John Weedman, Thomp.son Bosler, Jr. and Reuben Clearwater. The first ofticers were : William C. JIcMurray, W. M. ; Henry Funk, S. W. ; Alden S Bissell, J. W. ; A. M. Cumming, Treasurer; A. F. Davidson, Secretary; Isaac AUbright, Chaplain ; F. S. Weedman, S. D. ; Thomp.son Bosler, J. D. ; Reuben Clearwater, Tyler The Lodge Hall was destroyed by fire August 22d, 1879. All the property of the order including a small Library was destroyed, except the charter and jewels. The members promptly came forward with contributions and built a hall 40x70, in which they held their first meeting in January, 1880. The cost of the Hall was about 81,600, which sum was all ])aid up within five months. The present officers are : Henry Funk, W. M ; Morris H. Kelly, S. W. ; Jacob Bach, J. W. ; Andrew M Cumming, Treasnrer ; Horace S Lowery, Secretary; Thompson Busier, S D ; Isaac Stern, J. D. ; Isaac F. Housmann, .S. S. ; Charles M. Welch, J. S. ; Isaac Thomas, Tyler. The present membership is 65.

Plautageiiet Lodge, No. 25, of Clinton, Ills , assisted by Capitol Lodge, No. 14, of Springfield, Ills., and Damon Lodge, No. 10, of Bloomington, Ills., initiated the following charter members: Chris. Garver, Reuben Clearwater, F. M. Bean, Oscar Thomas, George Thomas, R. M. Rose, D. H. Gardner, R. A. Lemon, L C. Glessner, O Lawman, Wm. Hammer, D. Ziegler, J. P. Ziegler, J. Lee Smith, Levi R. Murphy, J. A. Naicher, H. S. Weedman. The following officers were installed by Grand Chancellor S. J. Willett : Chris Garver, P. C. ; D. H. Gardner, C. C. ; F. M. Bean, V. C. ; J. P. Ziegler, P. ; O. Thomas, M. of E. ; O. Lawman, M. of F. ; Reuben Clearwaters, K. of R. & S. ; J. A. Natcher, M. of A. ; D. Ziegler, I. G. ; Wm. Hammer, O. G. ; Grand Lodge Representative, Chris. Garver, Grand Lodge Alt. Representative, D. H. Gardner. Lodges meet every Thursday night of each week. Nov. 28th, 1881, present number of members 42. Present officers : Chris. Garver, P. C. ; J. M. Shaw, C. C ; M. L. Reed, Y. C. : Philip Deibert, P. ; A. Finch, M. of E. ; Wm. L. Mcintosh, M. of F. ; Reuben Clearwater, K. of R. & S. ; J. D. Roy, M. of A. ; P. W. Mitchell, I. G. ; Charles Swiney, O. G. ; Grand Lodge Representative, Reuben Clearwater ; Grand Lodge Alt. Representative, R. M. Rose ; Special District Deputy, Chris Garver.

November 29M, 1881, Eiidoiemeat Bank, No. 466, Knights of Pythias, was instituted by F. M. Burroughs, P. C, with the following Knights of Pythias : Chris. Garver, P. W. Haynie, Reuben Clearwaters, Charles Swiney, William L. Mcintosh, J. Lee Smith, J. M. Shaw, H. B. Athey, H. W. Webb, W. F. Curtis, W. T. Bean, A. Finch. The following officers were installed : F. W. Haynie, President ; J. Lee Smith, Vice President ; J. M. Shaw, Chaplain ; Chris. Garver, Secretary and Treasui-er ; H. B. Athey, Guide ; Wm. L. Mcintosh, Guard ; Alvin Finch, Sentinel. Fraternally submitted, Chris. Garver.

Mt. I'lnmint Lndr/p, No. 126, I. O. O. F. organized October 20th, 18-5.3, charter members : Phineas Page, Thomas CJardiner, Jr., John McHugh, John Weedman, Jr , George Weedman, J. M. Davenport, C. G. Larnard, Peter Walton, John Hubbard, R. D. Webb, Joshua Dorris, James Liseuliey and Samuel Paytou. First officers: C. G. Larnard, P. G. ; Thomas Gardiner, Jr., N. G. ; John McHugh, Secretary; Phineas Page, Treasurer. Present officers: Nathan Welch, N. G. ; Isaac Stern, V. G. ; J. Y. Thew, P. Sec. ; Z. T. Lillard, R. Sec. ; Fred. Deibert, Treasurer. This Lodge was organized in a school-house, where its first meetings were held, thence to Waller's Hall, thence to Lillard's Hall, and lastly to lodge room owned by the order. The cost of the present room was 81,100. Tlie present active membership is sixty-two.

Santa Anna Township contained in 1860 a population of 8.3.3 : in 1870, 1,276; in 1880, 2,166. Much of this growth was due to the thriving city within her limits. The assessment for property for 1881 , shows in the township 48.5 horses ; 922 neat cattle ; 24 mules; 328 sheep; 1,677 hogs; 7 fire proof burglar safes;

159 carriages and wagons; 50 watches and clocks; 200 sewing machines; 16 pianos; 26 organs and melodeons, and a total valuation of lands of 8295,652 ; of lots, 885,189. Valuation of persoual property, 8108,172.

The following supervisors have represented the township in the county board : R. R. Knight, elected in 1859 ; Isaac Monett, elected in 1860, and served two terms; H. P. .Smith, elected in 1862, and served three terms, and as chairman during 1864; W. C McMurray, elected in 1865, served two terms ; S. S. Chapin, elected in 1867 : W. Y. ileCord, elected in 1868, served two terms, and was chairman of the board during the year 1869; David Kelly, elected in 1870, and served until 1875 ; served as chairman of the board during the years 1872, 1873 and 1874 ; Levi Rathbun, elected in 1875, and served until 1880; Mathias Crum, elected in 1880, and re-elected in 1881, and is the present incumbent.

Transportation. Facilities. - What is known as the Gilman branch of the Illinois Central Railroad, was built in 1870-1. It enters the township on section 31, passes a north-easterly course leaving on section 14. The Indianapolis, Bloomington and Warsaw Railroad enters on section 35, passes north-west leaving on section 18. These roads have nearly ten miles of track in this township, and offer excellent facilities for business.

In 1879, citizens put forth strenuous efforts to secure coal by sinking a shaft. After expending large sums of money the idea was abandoned, owing to the flooding of the shaft with water in such ([uantities as to prevent work. For result^ see chapter on

Nathax Clearavaters Mary M. C'Learwaters

The subject of the following biographical sketch is oue of the pioneers of De Witt county, and the oldest settler now living in the township. He is a native of Green county, Tennessee, and was born ^Nlay 7, 1807. Reuben Clearwaters, his father, was a native of North Carolina, and his mother, whose maiden name was Jane Miller, was born on the south branch of the Potomac river, in Virginia. .She cime with her parents to Tennessee, and there married Reuben Clearwaters. The family removed to Highland county, Ohio, in 1810, and in 1820 went to Indiana, and settled in Franklin county ; then went to Monroe, and subsequently to Putnam county ; and in 1830 came to Illinois, and settled in Vermillion county. Two years later he moved to Buckle's Grove in McLean county, and there remained until his death, which took place in 1866, at the advanced age of 85 years. His wife died in 1864, aged 72 years. Xathan remained in Vermillion county until 18.32, when he came to what is now known as Santa Anna township, then a part of McLean county. He squatted on a tract of land, on which the town of Farmer City now stands. When the lands came into market he purchased the forty and afterwards entered three other " fortys." He laid out the town, and his wife gave it the name of Mount Pleasant ; a name which it retained until a few years ago, when it was changed to Farmer City. When Mr. Clearwaters came to this part of the county there were but three families living here. The heads of the families are all gone, and he and his wife are the only remaining settlers who came here in 1^32. He married Mary M. Banner while he was living in Montgomery county, Indiana. The date of the marriage was August 7th, 1828. She was born in Harrison county, Indiana, November 29th, 1812. There were eleven children, the offspring of that marriage. The names of those living, in the order of their births, are Absalom, Melenda, who is the wife of John Griffith ; America, wife of Hardy Shoemaker ; Reuben Allen Patton, Wesley. Both he and his estimable wife are members of the M. E. Church. Mrs. Clearwaters is one of the six persons who helped to form the first class in ^Methodism in this part of the county in 1833. The others were Dennis Hurley and wife, Richard Kirby and wife, and Julia McCord. Mr. Clearwaters is an original Jacksoniau Democrat. He cast his first vote for the hero of New Orleans in 1828, and from that time to the present has given his allegiance to that political organization.

Much of the history of Nathan Clearwaters and his brother pioneers will be found in the Pioneer chapter of this work, and in the history of Santa Anna township ; and it would be mere repetition to reproduce it here. We can but pay our tribute of respect to this venerable couple who have come down to us from a former generation, and we echo the sentiment of the entire community when we say that both carry with them the esteem,^ goodwill, and kindly feeling of all who have the pleasure of knowing them.

Mary D. Smith

Among the old and prominent settlers of De Witt county was John Smith, lately deceased. He was born in Hardy county, Virginia, February 23d, 180.5. He came to De Witt county in the fall of 1835, and stopped in Mount Pleasant, now Farmer city. When the town rose to the dignity of a village he was elected Justice of the Peace, and decided the disputes arising among the early settlers with impartial justice. He opened a hotel, the first one in the village, and for many years kept the only house of entertainment there. His was the favorite stopping place for many years for the travelers going and coming from Bloomington, Peoria, and western points. In after years he gave his exclusive attention to farming, in which he continued until his death, which occurred June 8th, 1878. On the 8th of January, 1828, he married Mary D. Mitchell, who was born in Frederick county, Virginia, July 10th, 1801. She died July 31st, 1878, leaving no ofispring; In her earlier years, she taught the first school in Mount Pleasant. Both Jlr. and Mrs. Smith were members of the M. E. church. In life they had numerous friends, and were much esteemed and respected for their good qualities of both head and heart. In this life they were noted for their many acts of pure benevolence, and both were charitable to a fault. William W. Murphey was raised by them, and to a certain extent was adopted by Mrs. Smith, who was his aunt He was born in Frederick county, Virginia, October loth, 1838, and is the son of Hiram and Grace ( Jlitchell ) Murphey. His father was born April 1.5th, 1797, and died August 20th, 1881. Hia mother (Mrs. Murphey), was born May 20th, 1806, and died December 17th, 1880. In 1843 Mr. and Mrs. Smith, while on a visit to Virginia, brought W. W. Murphey with them. It was expected that Mr. Murphey's father would soon follow, but he did not come until 1853. Mr. Murphey remained with Mr. Smith until the breaking out of the war, when he enlisted for three years in Company F, 41st Pennsylvania Volunteers. He was twice wounded, first at Fort Donelson, and then at the battle of Jackson. At the siege of Vicksburg he was one of eighty men who were detailed to scale the out works and advance to the Horse-Shoe Bend, and establish and advance the line, which was a most difficult and hazardous undertakiug, but it succeeded. On the -Sth of October, 1865, he married Mi.s3 Naucie H,, daughter of Cary and Ann Burford. There are three children by that union, named Edwin C, Grace A. and Mary V. Murphey. Both he and his wife are members of the M. E. church. He is Republican in politics.

The Weedman's were among the first settlers of Central Illinois and of the few pioneers who settled in this county a half century ago. They are of German ancestry on the paternal side, and English on the maternal. George Weedman, the grandfather of the present Weedman family, was a native of Pennsylvania. He emigrated to Ohio soon after that State was admitted into the Union, and there remained until 18-30, when he brought his family to Illinois and settled in Randolph's Grove in McLean county, where he lived until his death, which occurred at an advanced age. John Weedman. his son, was born in Pennsylvania in 1790, and was yet a youth when his parents removed to Ohio. He there grew to manhood, and married. When his father came west, he accompanied him and settled at the place above named in Mc- Lean county. In 183.5 he removed to Hurley's Grove, in what is now known as Santa Anna township, and there lived until his death. In his life, Mr. Weedman belonged to the ambitious and progressive class of men, and was actuated by a laudable desire to excel in whatever he undertook. He was by occupation a farmer and stock-raiser, and in that business accumulated considerable property, at least sufBcieut to render him comfortable in his declining years. Both he and his wife were members of theM. E. church, and both took an active interest in that Christian organization. He married Rachel Wilson, who was a native of Maryland, but was a resident of Ohio at the time of her marriage. Her father, Asa Wilson, was one of the early settlers of that State.

By the union of John and Rachel Weedman there were ten children - seven sons and three daughters. Isaiah, the fifth son, with patriotic devotion to his country enlisted during the late war in the id Illinois Cavalry, and lost his life at the battle of Holly Springs, December 20th, 1862. The names of the other children in the order of their birth are Asa, who died leaving a family, and who is mentioned in a separate biography ; Harriet, George, Amos, .John, Isaiah deceased), Lucinda (also deceased), Eliza Emma, Zadok Casey, aud Thomas St. Clair. All of the sons who are living are active, business men, and among the leading agriculturists of the county. It may be said of Mr. Weedman, Sr., that in his life every act of his, whether in public or private, was actuated by a desire to do right. He was honorable in everything, aud was never known to do that which brought the blush of shame to his cheek, or in the least reflected upon his character as an honest man and a Christian gentleman.

Asa Weedman was the eldest son of Johu and Ractiel { Wilson) Weedman. He was born in Perry county, Ohio, October 15, 1817, and was in his boyhood when the family removed to Illinois, and settled in Randolph's Grove. He carae with his parents to Hurley's Grove in 1835, and remained at home until his marriage, when be commenced farming for himself. In 18-i6 he was united in marriage to Miss Delilah Hand, daughter of Rev. George and Barbara Hand, who were among the pioneers of Illinois, and the first settlers of Randolph's (irove in McLean county. By the union of Mr. and Mrs. Weedman there were eleven children, seven of whom are yet living. Mr. Weedman died June 21st, 1866, while yet comparatively a young man. In hi^ life he was an active and useful citizen, and was esteemed l)v all who knew him. In his personal appearance he was large and well formed slightly inclined to corpulency, but possessing considerable physical strength. Few men within the radius of his acquaintance were better know nor esteemed more for their virtues of both head and heart than Asa Weedman. His loss to the community waa a serious one, as his enterprise and public spirit were of such an active character that he was foremost in promoting and aiding enterprises that had for their object the public good or the material advancement of his neighborhood or county. He aud his wife were both devoted members of the M. E. church. One of his sons, Philip, lives on the old place. He married Annie, daughter of H. K. Gillespie, February 6, 1873, by which union there were two children.

Among the influential and leading business men, as well as old settlers of De Witt county, is the subject of the following sketch. Although not a resident of the county, yet he has been for many years identified with its history and progress, and has contributed much to its material prosperity. He was born in Perry county, Ohio, February 3d, 1828, and is the son of John and Rachel Weedman, whose histories are to be found on another page of this work. He was, in his infancy, when his parents removed from Ohio to Illinois and settled in Randolph's Grove. His education in his youth was of a limited character, and was confined to the log school-house of nearly a half century ago, wherein he learned to read, write, and cipher, which embraced the entire educational course. But Mr. Weedman did not rely so much upon the schools as he did upon self-culture. As a man and boy he contracted habits of close observation and cultivated a taste for reading, which improved the mind, and, in time, rendered him well-informed upon the current literature and topics of the day. He was raised to habits of industry upon his father's farm, and remained at home until 1850, when he and other members of the family were seized with the gold fever which was produced by the discovery of gold in California. In company with four of his brothers, he started for California by the overland route, and landed in Sacramento July "241^, 18.50. They engaged in mining and hauling provisions. John remained in California for eighteen months, by which time he was convinced that by the exercise of the same industry at home as there he would succeed equally well. In the fall of 1851 he returned home by way of New York. Here he engaged in farming and stock-raising, in which he has been more or less engaged ever since. In 1871 he, in connection with Thomas Brothers, established the first bank in Farmer City. The partnership continued until 1876, when Mr. Weedman purchased the Thomas Bros.' interest, and from that time to the present has carried on the business of banking in his own name. From the first opening of the bank to the present, it has borne the reputation of being solid, and of conducting its business upon sound business principles. As a banker, Mr. Weedman is well known throughout central Illinois, and his reputation and that of his bank has an enviable and honorable standing among business men.

On the .31st of March, 1853, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. McDonald, a native of Madison county, Ohio. She is the daughter ,of Thomas and Rebecca McDonald. By that union there are four children living. Their names, in the order of their births, are : Harriet Josephine, who is the wife of C. R. Brodix, a resident and publisher of Philadelphia; Cassius M., clerk in his father's bank ; Rachel Rosella, and John Sherman Weedman. Both 5Ir. and Mrs. Weedman are active members of the M. E. Church. He is a respected member of the Ancient and Honorable Order of A. F. and A. M. Politically, Mr. W. is a sound and thorough Republican, and has always voted that ticket since casting his first vote. He has been elected to several ofiices of local trust, and has represented his township in the Board of Supervisors for several terms. He was a member of the Ijoard when the present magnificent court-house which adorns the public square in Bloomington was built. By a series of circumstances he held the casting vote in that public enterprise. In every oflice he has held he has earned the reputation of a fivithful, capable and honeit servant of the people. Mr. Weedman in personal appearance is an erect, well-formed man. His fifty and odd years hang lightly upon him, and he would readily pass for one who had not reached more than the meridian of life. His hardy constitution and temperate habits have done much to preserve and keep about him the evidences and appearances of youth, which seem loth to leave and in their stead place the stamp of declining years. In his manners he is a social and pleasant gentleman, of frank and unassuming manners, whose acquaintance and friendship it is a pleasure to make, and, when once made, rarely forgotten. This is the opinion and evidence of the writer of this sketch, who has known Mr. Weedman for many years.

, It] is , emiuently fitting that in a history of De Witt county proper mention should be made of him whose name heads this sketch. Few men in the northern part of the county exercised more influence for good, or took a more active interest in promoting enterprises that had fur their object the increase of the material wealth or prosperity of Santa Anna township, than W. Y. McCord. He was born in Tennessee, October 29, 1816. He came to Illinois with his parents, James and Jlary McCord, in 1831, and settled in De Witt county, near Fullerton. In 1837 he moved to section thirty-two in Santa Anna township. He then entered a tract of land, which he improved, and afterwards added to it, and there he made his home until his death, which took place January 18th, 1880. On the 8th of February, 1838, he married Miss Harriet, daughter of John and Rachel Weedman. She was born in Ohio, October 8th, 1819. By that union there was 'one son, named John Henry McCord, who was born Dee. 19, 1838. He married Sarah A., daughter of Thomas and Rachel Slick, February 4th, 1864, by which marriage there are two children, named Lora Nettie, and William H. McCord. In his life, William Young McCord was an earnest and consistent member of the M. E. Church. He joined that religious denomination in 1837, and ever afterwards remained true to his religious vows. To him, religion meant all that the word implied. He carried it to his home, in his business and into the world ; whereever he went, he never forgot his obligations and duties to his Creator. In the church government he freely gave the benefit of his wise counsels, and he was for many years its chief director and advisor.

In the management of the affairs of the township he was for many years a prominent actor. He was supervisor for a long number of years, and was acting in that capacity when the Indianapolis, Bloomingtou and Pekin railroad was built, and was elected a director of the road, a position he held until his death. He held the office of Assessor for seventeen years, and was Justice of the Peace for a number of terms. In all these positions he so conducted the business of his offices, that there was never a word breathed against his good name. All acknowledge his sterling honesty and strict probity of character. When he died, De Witt county lost one of her best men and most active citizens. This is the universal verdict of all who knew W. Y. Mc- Cord.

The Burford family, on the'paternal side, is of Scotch ancestry and Scotch-Irish on the maternal. Milton Burford, the grandfather of Gary, was a native of Virginia. Soon after the Revolutionary War he moved his family to Kentucky, where his SOD, whose name was also Milton, married a Shields. In 1807, the family moved to the Territory of Indiana, and settled in Harrison county. Gary Burford was the son of Milton. He was born in Mercer county, Kentucky, April 5, 1806. He grew to manhood in Indiana, and there, on the 29th of January, 18-29, married Jliss Anna Shields, daughter of Jesse and Katie Shields. She was born in East Tennessee, near Kuoxville, Feb. 26, 1806. Her family as well as the Burfords were pioneers of three states, viz : Tennessee, Kentucky and Indiana. Mr. Burford, after his marriage, engaged in farming till 1831, when he turned his attention to mercantile pursuits, and opened a general store in Mockport, and the next year went to Amsterdam ; and, soon after, moved on a farm, tilled it, and sold goods, in which he continued fifteen years. He was there robbed, house burned, and he left that part of the country and went to Missouri and other States ; and in 1S54 settled in Marion county, Illinois, and engaged in farming until I860, when he moved to McLean county. In 1869 moved to Leroy, and in 1S70 came to Farmer Gity, and here went into business under firm name of G. Burford & Sons. In 1873 he practically retired from business, and until his death, which occurred August 23d 1879, lived a quiet life, calmly awaiting the dread summons that was to usher him into a brighter and better life.

At the age of twenty-seven he joined the M. E. Ghurch, and from that time forth lived a true and devoted Christian. In later years he became a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, and was ever after a ruling elder in that Christian denomination. In 1873, at the organization of the First National

Bank of Farmer City, he became the first vice-president, which position he retained until his death. By the marriage of Gary and Anna (Shields) Burford, there were twelve children, ten of whom reached maturity - two died in infancy. Their names, in the order of their birth, are : Mary Jane, wife of Abraham Fleshman, of Harrison county, Indiana ; Catherine Isabel, wife of James Highfill, a resident of same county ; Margaret, wife of Thomas Highfill, died in 1864, leaving three children; Anna Elizabeth, wife of Samuel Briley, a resident of McLean county, Illinois ; Jesse Hilton, eldest son, is one of the firm of Burford Bros. He married Anna H., daughter of Eiihu and Frances Gessford,by which union there are four children, named: Mattie Helen, Cora May, Stella Frances, and Pearl. Gary S., of the same firm, married Miss Barbara L., daughter of Asa and Delilah (Hand) Weedman. They have two children named Nellie and Jessie, Nancy H., wife of W. W. Murphey William T. married Elizabeth, daughter of Isaac and Nancy Becket, by which union one daughter living, named Maud. Mrs. W. T. Burford died January 15, 1876. He afterwards married Miss Emma, daughter of A. J. and Jane Mc Williams. James G. married Miss Barbara L., daughter of Conrod and Katy Hottle. They have two sons named Guy and Ivan. John H. married Miss Mattie, daughter of Otho and Providence Merrefield. Jesse M., Gary S. and William T. carry on the mercantile business, and are recognized as among the most enterprising and substantial business men of Farmer City. They are all men of well-known honesty of character, and, in both business and private capacity, enjoy the confidence and esteem of the entire community. The sons, as well as their father before them, are republicans in politics, - and advocates, in both theory and practice, of the cause of temperance. Jesse M. is a member of the I. O. O. F., and William T. of K. of Pythias.

James Hirst

The subject uf the foUowiug sketch was boru in Leeds, Englaud, January 8th, 1828. He came with his parents Edwanl and Hannah Hirst to America, in 1840, and settled in Edwards county, Illinois. James, in 1848, went to Clark county. Ohio, where he engaged in farming, and continued there for seven years, then he come west to De Witt county and worked for the Weedmans until he got married. He then rented land in the towuship and commenced farniiug. On the breaking out of the late war he enlisted for three years in company " I," of the 39th Regiment Illinois Volunteers. The regiment was organized in --'hicago, and from there ordered to St. Louis, and then to the front at VVilliamsport, Maryland, where the regiment was placed under the command of Gen. Landers. From the latter phicc the command went to Hancock, then to Black Oak Bottoms, then up the Potomac to guard the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad At Bath, the command was attacked by " Stonewall " 'Jackson's, forces and driven out and back to Martinsburg, from which point they went to Winchester, and were in the battle there, then up to White House Bridge, in the Shenandoah, then made a forced march of one hundred and five miles to Fredericksburg, and the next day were ordered back to keep Jackson from crossing the Shenandoah. From there, marched to Alexandria, then to Harrison's Landing, on the James River. The regiment went into winter quarters at Sufi'olk, and in the spring of 1863, went to Newbern, North Carolina, and embarked at Buford for Port Royal, South Carolina. Mr. Hirst was discharged at Folly's Island, October 22d, 1863, on account of physical disability, and returned home and re-engaged in farming and stock raising, in which calling he has continued to the present time. On the 1st of January, 1856, he married Ruby Dart; she died in 1863. Three children are the offspring of that marriage. On the loth of October, 1866, he married Mary E. Kirby nee Page. She is a native of New Jersey. She had two children by her former marriage, named William Henry and Flora E. Kirby. Mr. Hirst's children by his first wife are named Frances, Mary, Isabel and James Louis Hirst. By his last wife there is one child living, named Jane Winnefred Hirst. His wife is a member of the M. E. Church. He is an active member of the order of I. O. O. F. and also of the Encampment, and has represented both orders in the Grand Lodge of the State. In politics he votes the Republican ticket. He has held various local offices, and has been township collector and road commissioner for eight years. In his habits he is temperate, but liberal upon the question of temperance. Mr. Hirst is a good citizen and a reputable man, and has many friends in Santa Anna township.

John Jones

The subject of the following biographical sketch is one of the prominent and influential farmers of De Witt county as well as an old settler. The family on the paternal side is of Welsh descent. Edward Jones the grandfather, was born in 1751. He came to America when quite a youth. William, his son, and father of John Jones, on the breaking out of the revolutionary war, espoused the cause of the patriots and enlisted under Washington. He remained in the service during the continuance of the war, and by his brave and gallant conduct earned the approbation of the great and good Washington. He was a carrier of dispatches, and was often entrusted with matters of great moment. He conveyed the glad tidings of the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown to the Continental Congress, and also to get aid for the sick and wounded. In 1809 or '10 he removed to Kentucky, and subsequently went to Tennessee, and died in Overton county in 1839. He married Susan Clark, who was of French descent and a native of Virginia. She survived her husband but a short time, and died in 1840. There were ten children born to the old patriot. The subject of this sketch is the only survivor. He was boru in Mecklenburg county, Virginia, January 14th, 1801. He was a mere youth when his father removed the family to Kentucky. He grew tt) manhood in Tennessee, and learned habits of industry upon the farm. He remained in Kentucky until 1837, then he came west to Illinois and settled in Rutledge township, which was then a part of Macon county. One year later he moved to a tract of land known as the farju of the Rev. Paxton Cummings. He leased and farmed the land for two years, then moved to Benjamin Newberry's farm on section eighteen One year later he purchased one hundred and twenty acres of William Jones. It was timbered land except about forty acres, which was prairie. It was raw. without any improvements whatever. Here Mr. Jones and his family settled permanently and commenced clearing and breaking the land, getting it under cultivation, and in other ways making the place productive and habitable. Here the old pioneer still lives, enjoying his eighty odd years, and serenely waiting for the dread summons to join that "innumerable caravan that is moving to the pale realms of shade." In 1825, while a resident of Tennessee, he was united in the holy bonds of wedlock with Elizabeth Fulington, a native of Tennesses. She is the daughter of David and Sarah (Belcher) Fulington.

There have been three children born to Mr. and Mrs. Jones, all sons. Their names in the order of their birth are Campbell, Preston and Albert. All are farmers and residents of Santa Anna township, in De Witt county.

The subject of our sketch has followed the occupation of farmer and stock raiser, and the family before him generally were tillers of the soil, and some few mechanics. He is a member of the United Brethren church, and has been a professing Christian for a number of years. In the erection of church buildings and in the furtherance and advancement of the cause of Christianity, he has always been liberal and has given freely of his means for that purpose.

Politically he has always voted the Democratic ticket. He cast his first presidential vote for Andrew Jackson in 1824, and from that time to the present has not missed a general election, and always and unhesitatingly gave his vote for the nominees of the Democratic party. He is one of the few surviving Jacksonian Democrats, aud yet remembers with great pride his vote for " Old Hickory," the hero of New Orleans. Mr. Jones has been the architect of his own fortune. He started in life poor, and received no aid from rich relations nor did he gain a competency by any sudden turn of fortune's wheel, but rather by slow, persistent toil ; gathering little by little, living economically and never venturing beyond his means, he at last reached a position of independence and beyond the want or danger of dependence upon others. And in all these years he has just as steadily built up a reputation for strict honesty and sterling worth as a man and a citizen. He is kind, sociable and hospitable in his nature, and all who come beneath his roof are made genuinely welcome. Campbell Jones, the eldest son, was born in Tennessee, August 1st, 1828. His education was confined to and received in the log school-house of the pioneer era of the western country. It was exceedingly limited, and yet the stranger is slightly surprised at the varied and extensive knowledge possessed by Mr. Jones. The secret of it is selfouitiu-e, extfiiisive and voluiiiinuus reailiug. With the exception of a few years Mr. Jones has lived with his father. He is a member of the United Brethren Church, and an advocate of the cause of temperance. Preston, the second son. was a brave and gallant soldier. He enlisted for three years in Co I " of the 107th Kegt., 111. Vols. He passed through all the grades and was mustered out as first Lieutenant of his company. Albert is the youngest son. When Mr. Jones came to De Witt county, Illinois, there were but seven families living in the neighborhood where he settled. What a wonderful change has taken place in the State and county since that time. The story of the rapid improvement of this section of the country and the history of the old settlers who were Mr. Jone's neighbors in 1837 is best told in the Pioneer chapter of this work.

Daniel H. Arbogast

Was born in Clark county, Ohio, Mtiy 27th, 1827. David Arbogast and wife, the grandparents of the subject of this sketch, were natives of Germany. They emigrated to America and .settled in Virginia. The family moved to Ohio at an early day and subseiiuently moved to Madison county, Indiana, where the grandparents died. Il^nry his son, and father of D. H., was born in Pendleton county, Virginia, in August 1791. He came from Clark county, Illinois, in October 1838, and the following winter settled near Lexington in McLean county. In March following he moved to De Witt county and settled on section ten in De Witt township, where he resided until a short time before his death. He died December 6th, 1871, in his eighty-seventh year. He married Mary Hufl'man, daughter of Christian Huffman. iShe was born in Pendleton county, Virginia, in 1787. She died April 12th, 1853, in her sixty-seventy year. By the union of Henry and Marv Arbogast there were fifteen children, twelve of whom grew to maturity and eight are still living. Daniel IL, was in his twelfth year when the family came to De Witt county. He here grew to manhood and remained at home at work on his father's farm, until he was twenty years of age, then he commenced working for himself He worked for the farmers around in the neighborhood, rented land, and raised a crop, and did such general work as fell to his hand. He soon after got into handling stock, and was principally engaged in that business from 1855 to 1870. In the latter year he commenced the manufecture of brick, and has given nearly all of his attention to that business since that time. He manufactured all the brick with a few exceptions that are in the brick buildings now standing in Farmer City. Taking all in all Mr. Arbogast has been unvisually successful. He has met, like most of men. with some reverses, yet has no particular reason to complain of his lot. On the 25th of February 1849 he was united in marriage to Miss Minerva I'avn. She was born in Tennessee, May 29th, 1829. She is the daughter of John A. G. and Catherine Payn, wdio came to Indiana in 1830, and in 1841 settled in Will county, Illinois. Mrs. Arbogast was stopping with her grandfather Payn in this county when she was married. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Arbogast ; seven sons and two daughters. Their names in the order of their birth are, Elizabeth J. who is the wife of Arthur Webb, Lvdia Ann, wife of John Sweeney, John, who married Susan Muir, Anios, married Mary Griffith, Edward, Sherman, Walter, Grenade who died in his tenth year, and George who difd in his infancy. Both he and his wife are members of the M. E. Church. Politically he has been a Republican since 1856, when he voted for John C. Fremont. His maternal grandfather

Huffman was a soldier in the Revolution, and his father Henry was a .soldier in the Indian War of 181.'. Mr. Arbogast is a plain straightforward man, and much respected in the community.

The Luilington family, of which tlie subject of thi.s sketch is a member, are the descendants of Henry Ludington, a native of England, who emigrated to America prior to the old French war. He was a soldier in that war. At the breaking out of the Revolution he enlisted under Washington, and rose rapidly from one position to another until he became a colonel of a regiment. His command was stationed in South Carolina, and there he participated in the battles of Eutaw Springs, King's Mountains and the Cowpens. After the close of the war he returned to Putnam County in New York, where he had settled soon after coming to America, and where he died a number of years after. He married an Ogden, of which union was Frederick Ludington, the father of Lewis. He was a farmer and merchant, and lived and died on the homestead, which still remains in the family. He died in 1852. He married Susan Griffith, a native of Dutchess County, New York. She survived her husband a few years, and died in 1856. There were fifteen children born to them - all of whom, except one, reached the years of maturity. The eldest son Harrison and Nelson Ludington came West in 1837, and settled in Milwaukee, Wis. The former rose in prominence and became Governor of the State in 1876. Nelson removed to Chicago in 1852 and was one of the first lumber dealers in the city. He has attained consider.ible prominence, and is wellknowu throughout the West. Lewis, the subject of this sketch, was born in Ludingtonville, Putnam County, New York, May 1st 1838, and U the youngest of the family. He received his education in the common schools and academies of his native county, and was'thus fitted fiir entrance to college, but not being pleased with the prospect of spending several years in close study abandoned the idea of receiving a collegiate education, and took up school teaching. Eighteen months spent in that profession convinced him that it had no allurements sufficiently enticing to make him follow it as a means of livelihood. In 1857 he came west, and stopped at Bloomington, where he found work in a lumber-yard, at nominal wages. Eighteen mouths later he returned to New York and spent the winter 1858-9 at home. In the spring of 1859 came back to Bloomington and soon after went to Wenona, 111-, and engaged in the lumber trade and grain business, in which he continued until 1862, when he raised a company of one humlred and twelve men for the war. On the organization of the company he was unanimously elected captain. His was the first name on the muster roll. The company was mustered in as Co. H of 104th Regiment Illinois Volunteer.*. The regiment joined Buell's forces at Louisville, Ky. The first battle in which Co. H participated was at Hartsville, where it and the entire command, numbering fourteen hundred men, were captured by Gens. Hood and Morgan's forces. The rebel General Morgan was so impressed with the gallant conduct of Capt Ludington that he permittel him to retain his side-arms, a courtesy which was not extended to any other officer in the Federal command. Five days after the battle they were paroled, ordered to Nashville, and from there sent to Columbus, Ohio, and exchanged, then ordered to report to Gen. Rosecraus, at Nashville; order countermanded, and they were sent to Camp Diiuglass, at Chicago, to guard prisoners, where they remained until May, 1863, when they joined Kosecrans' forces at Miirfreesboro, and became a part of the 14th Army Corps of the Army of the Cumberland. At the battle of Chickamauga C'apt Ludington was the ranking captain, and was in command as major of the regiment. In the second day's fight, while repelling the charge of the rebels under Longstreet, he was wounded in the left knee, which shattered the joint. He was carried otf the field and sent sixty miles, to Bridgeport, Ala., from thence to Nashville, and thence to Chicago. Five months later he reported at Nashville unfit for duty, and by order of Gen. Thomas was mustered out of the service, the date of which was January 19, 1864. He returned to Winona, and in ( )ctober, 1864, removed t-i Bloomington. In 1870 Major Ludington came to Farmer City, and engaged in the lumber business, in which he continued until 1878, since which time he has been buying and shipping grain.

Politically, Maj. Ludington is a sound Republican. In 1880 his fidelity to his party, and worth as a man and citizen, received recognition by being nominated and elected to represent the counties of Macon and De Witt in the 32d Gen. Assembly of the State. He served on several important committees, and was chairman of the committee on public buildings and grounds. He was favorably mentioned for speaker of the House, and had a number of warm personal friends who supported him for that position. He ably defended the Anti-Pool bill, which had for its object the regulation by legal methods of the growing power of monopolies, and to correct the abuses of the pooling system adopted by railroads. He became the chief spokesman and advocate of the bill, and had practically charge of it on the floor of the House. His long experience in shipping over railroads placed him in possession of many facts unknown to many members of the Legislature. In that matter, as well as others, it may be said of Mayor Ludington that he sustained the reputation of a careful and prudent member, bringing to the practical work of the House a large share of valuable business experience and much good sense. His actions were alwaj'S dictated by a just regard for the interests of his constituents and an honest desire to please those who had honored him with their suft'rages. In doing this he .sometimes sacrificed his own interests, but there always remained with him the consciousness that he did his duty, and was faithful to the interests of the many as against the few. He is a respected member of the Order of A. F. of A. M., and also the Chapter. On the 16th of August, 1864, he was united in marriage to Miss Jennie N., only daughter of Geoi'ge and Harriet (Phillips) Scott. She is a native of Putnam county. 111. They have one child living, a daughter, named Hattie S. Ludington.

Peter Cool, the grandfather of the present Cool family, was a native of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. He emigrated to Ohio, and in 1853 came to Illinois, and settled in Bloomington, where he died. He married Sophia Harris, and one of the offspring of that union was Noah H. Cool, the father of Peter. He was born near Zane.sville, in Muskingum county, Ohio, and came to Bloomington, Illinois, in 1855 ; he died in 1880. He married Mary A'an Horn, who was born in Virginia, but was a resident of Ohio at the time of her marriage. By that marriage thei'e were eight children, three sons and five daughters ; Peter Van Horn Cool is the eldest of the family. He was born in Perry county, Ohio, March 8. 1840. He came with his parents to Bloomington in 18.~)5, and at the age of seventeen commenced learning the trade of Ijaker, at which he continued until 1862, when he was appointed on the police force of Bloomington, and remained on the force for nine years. In 1871 he went back to baking, and contiuued in Bloomington until January, 1874, when he came to Farmer City, and worked at his trade for J. S. Baltzell, with whom he contiuued for three years, then worked for David Kelly for two years, then went into business for himself, and started a bakery, restaurant and dealer in fancy groceries, and in that business he has continued to the present. He has sutt'ered some serious losses since he has been in business. On the of August, 1880, his stock was burned, entailing a loss of nearly fifteen hundred dollars His only capital with which to start up again was grit, knowledge of business and a determination to succeed- ( )n the 7th of May, 1862, he married Miss S. A. Dooiian, a native of New York, but a resident of Bloomington. There are ten children by that marriage, seven of whom are living, three sons and four daughters. Their names, in the order of their birth, are: Adah, Mafl'ett, Elmer, Mary, Fanny, Courtney, Nellie and Joseph Cool. Mr. Cool is a member of the K. of P., and belongs to Kenilworih Lodge, Farmer City. Politically, he supports the men and measures of the Republican party. At present he is a member of the board of aldermen of the city, and represents the 3d ward in that body. He is an advocate of temperance, and was elected upon the Prohibition ticket. He was for six months acting mayor of the city.

Mr. Cool is one of the enterprising business men of Farmer City. He has by industry, and energy, and close attention to his business, built up a good trade, which is constantly increasing ; he is a pleasant and agreeable gentleman, and has many friends in Farmer City-

Andrew M Cl'Mjiing

When' the Gumming family came to Illinois it was then known as the frontier state, and was yet comparatively a wilderness- The family is of Scotch-Irish ancestry. Andrew Cumming, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a native of the town of Rockbridge, Rockbridge county, Virginia. He there married, and in 1812 moved to Tennessee, and there died. His son, Paxton, father of Andrew M., was born in Rockbridge, Va , in 1801, and was a youth of eleven years when the family moved to Tennessee. He there grew to manhood, and at an early age he became converted and joined the M. E. Church ; he prepared himself to enter the ministry of the church, and was regularly ordained and appointed to a circuit. His circuit ex- , tended into the Carolinas, and "while preaching in North Carolina, he made the acquaintance of Pricella Eliza Davidson, who was a native of Haywood county, and in due course of time they were united in marriage. She was Ijorn in 1812; she was a near relative of the noted N'ance family, and a full cousin of Governor Vance. Mr. Cumming determined to leave the South and come North. He was a genuine lover of freedom, and therefore opposed to that human slavery that existed in the southern states, and which was for so many years a blot and stain upon our boasted civilization. To escape its baneful influences, and that his children might be reared and educated under the broad shadow of a state and people who opposed it, he came north to Illinois, landing in what is now known as De Witt county, in the fall of 1836. He located and entered two hundred and forty acres of land, three miles west of Farmer City, in Sec.

31 ; it was raw, uuimproveil land. There he remained, opening up his farm and preaching. He continued in the latter for two years, when he was placed upon the list of superannuated ministers. He remained upon his farm until his death, which occurred in 1S39. His wife still survives him, and afterward married Rev. David White, who is chaplain of the U. S. Army, now stationed at Fort Hays, in Kansas. By the marriage of Kev. Paxton Gumming and Miss P. E, Davidson there were si.ic children, three of whom are living. Andrew M is the eldest ; he was born in Haywood county. North Carolina, February 16, 1830, and was in his seventh year, when the family came to Illinois. After his lather's death his mother took the family back to North Carolina, and there young Gumming remained until his fourteenth year, when his mother returned.to De Witt county. At the age of seventeen years he went to Bowling Green, Kentucky, where he was regularly apprenticed to the trade of a blacktmilh for four years, when he again returned to Illinois, and stopped in the town of De Witt, in this county, where he opened up a shop and carried on the blacksmithing trade. Two years later he came to Mount Pleasant, now Farmer City, and here he carried on the trade for eighteen years, then sold out and engaged in the hardware bu.siness, in connection with B. F. Harrison, in which he continued until his health failed him, when he moved upon his farm and followed agricultural pursuits until 18H1, when he purchased a stock of boots and shoes in Farmer City, and again entered into mercantile pursuits-

In May, 1874, he, in connection with other leading bu.siness men of Farmer City, organized and established the First National Bank of Farmer City. The success of that institution and its solidity and financial standing is well known throughout Central Illinois. Mr. Gumming is its vice-president- On the 24th of August, 1852, he was united in marriage to Miss America, daughter of Silas AVaters, of Leroy, 111. She was born in Ver million county. 111. By this marriage there are three children living, viz : Ella, who is wife of William A. Whetzell, now principal of the Paxton Public Schools; William, and S. M. Gumming. Both he and his wife are members of the M. E- church. He is an honored member of the ancient order of A. F. & A. M Chapter and Council of R. A S. M. Politically, he was originally an old line Whig ; in 1856 he joined the Republican party, and has remained a member of that political organization. He has held local offices and has been a member of the board of aldermen of Farmer City. Mr. Gumming, as will be seen by the above, is an old citizen of De Witt county. He has lived for many years among these people, doing business and acting the part of an honorable and upright citizen. His life has not been without its trials, Jior has it been entirely barren of good results. He started in life p )or ; his only capital was industry, honesty, a determination to do right, and a knowledge of his business acquired in four years of apprenticeship. With that capital he has succeeded to a competency ; and it may be added, that in the same time he has firmly established for himself a reputation for honesty, sobriety and honorable dealing, which is a far better legacy to bequeath to his posterity than great riches-

Elias Johnson

Dennis Hurley was the first settler of Hurley's Grove, which now embraces a part of the land on which is built the town of Farmer City. He was born in New Jersey, April 1796. He was the son of Jam^s and Lydia (Riddle) Hurley. About 1814 he went to Newark, Ohio, and remained there until IS.SO when he and his family and Richard Kirby and his family came west to Illinois and landed at Randolph's Grove in McLean county, October 1st of the year above mentioned. The first night the Hurley family stopped in an Indian tent, after which Mr- Hand, an old settler of the Grove placed the Loom house at their disposal where they lived until Mr. Hurley built a cabin. He selected a site near where Mr. Johnson now lives, there put up the cabin a nd moved his family to it on the 27th of November, 1830 ; on the same day when commenced falling the deep snow, that is so well known to old settlers. The following spring he moved across the creek, and when land came into market purchased it. There he lived until his death, June 27th, 18(37. He married Mary Donnell in 1816. She was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, September 20th, 1797. She died July 6th, 1S50. There were fourteen children the offspring of that marriage, seven of whom are yet living. Of these children was Lydia M. who was born in Newark, Ohio, September 29th, 1822. She was eight years of age when her parents came to Illinois. She married Elias Johnson, February 24th, 1842. He was born in Jackson county, Ohio, February 19th, 1819. Silas Johnson, his father, came to Illinois in 1825 and settled in Vermillion county, and moved to De Witt county in 1S38. Silas Johnson married Elizabeth Craig, of Virginia. Two children have been born to Elias and Lydia M. Johnson. Mary E. is the wife of John McDonald. They have two children named Zua and Oddie- Hester .'\. was the wife of James Brennan, who died. She then mariied J- Q Jones- Both Mr. McDonnald and Brennan were soldiers in the late war. Both Mr. Johnson and wife are members of the M. E Church. Mr. Johnson is a Republican-

Capfain George W. Herrick

Thi; Herrick fiimily, of which the subject of this sketch is a member, is an old one, and was for maay generations residents of the State of M;issachusetts. They trace their origin and ancestry from the Norman-French. The forefathers emigrated from England to the colonies in America in the colonial days. Some of their descendants came west from New England soon after the close of the last century. Of these was Ezra Herrick, the grandfather of George W. After the close of the war of 1812 he removed to Huron county, Ohio, where he followed the occupation of farmer and there remained until his death. ' His son, Latt Herrick, was born in Massachusetts, May 14th, 1795. While yet in his infancy his father removed the family to New York, and suljsequently to Ohio where they remained until December 1834, when Mr. Herrick removed to De Kalb county, Indiana, and there died March 22d, 1S72. He wa.s a soldier of the war of 1812, and was with the army operating on the Canadian frontier. In his life he was a man of considerable prominence, and held several oflices of honor and trust. He was a devout believer in the principles of Christianity and made a profession of faith, and was in his later years a member of the Congregationalist church. He married Lola Sutlitf, a native of Connecticut, but at the time of her marriage, a resident of Huron county, Ohio. She was born October 1st, 1798, and died in August 1874. There were nine children by the marriage of Latt and Lola Herrick, six sons and three daughters. Four have survived the parents- George W. is the youngest of the family. He was born in De Kalb county, Indiana, on October 6th, 1841. He was reared upon the farm and received his early education in the common schools of his native county and therein was prepared for entrance to the Vienna Academy at Newville, Indiana. He remained there until 1861. In the fall of that year he entered the Law Department of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and remained there through the term. The war breaking out he put aside his books, and in May 1862, he enlisted in Co. E , .5.5th Regt. Ind. Vols. The command was ordered to Kentucky, and in August of the same year Mr. Herrick was taken prisoner at the battle of Richmond ; a few days later he was paroled and discharged. He resumed his studies and in the fall of 18C3 agaiu entered the University at Ann Arbor and graduated from the Law Department in the spring of 1864. In August of the same year, he went to Princeton, Missouri, and opened a law office. In January and February of ISfio hei"ecruitedacompany of men for the war, which was known as Co. D., 51st Regt. ]Mo Vols. Upon the organization of the company, Mr. Herrick was elected Captain, and duly commi-sioned by the Governor of the State. The regiment did duty in South-east Missouri, until the close of the war. In 1870 Captain Herrick opened a law office in Farmer City, and here he has continued the practice until the present. He is a respected member of the honorable order of A. F. of A. M. On the 28th of May, 1870, he was united in marriage to Miss Dora O. Knight, a native of De Witt county, Illinois, and daughter of Robert Knight. By this marriage there are four children, three sons and one daughter. Their names in the order of their birth are, Latt R., Blanche, Dwight and Lyle Herrick. Captain Herrick's practice is confined to the general business of law iu which he has been reasonably successful.

The editor of the Ileaper was born in Clark county, Kenluckv, July 23d, 1822. The Ewing family were originally from Virginia. He is the youngest son of three children of William and Sarah (Coombs) Ewing. Mrs. Ewing's parents were natives of Loudon County, Virginia. R. M. Ewing had fair advantages in youth for receiving an education. He attended the common schools until his sixteenth year, when he entered college at Georgetown, Kentucky, and remained there two years. In 1841 he came to Illinois and stopped at Quincy and taught school. In the winter of 1841-42 he went to Missouri and the same year returned to Quincy, and engaged in the profession of teaching. In 1844 he went to Pike County, then to Morgan, and at Waverley engaged in manufacturing wagons, in which business he continued for three or four years, then removed to Menard County and taught school. He remained in Menard County until 1862, when he removed to Clinton in De Witt County. In 1872 he came to Farmer City and engaged in the grocery trade, iu which he continued until the fall of 1879, when he established the Reaper, a newspaper which he still continues to edit. On the 27th of April, 1848, while a resident of Waverley he married Miss Martha M Chambers, a native of Greene County, Ills. She died July 31st, 1878. He is a member of the order of A. F. and A. M. Politically he was originally an old line Whig, and supported Henry Clay for the presidency in 1844. In 1860 he voted for Abraham Lincoln and remained a Republican until 1880, when he supported General Hancock for the presidency. Martin L. Griffith, the publisher of the Reaper, was born in Ue Witt County, Illinois, April 10, 1860. He is the sou of John and Melinda Griffith. His mother is a daughter of Nathan Clearwaters, one of the pioneers of De Witt County. His father is a native of Pickaway County, Ohio, and came to this county when a young man. He is a carpenter by trade, and is also a farmer. Mr. JI. L, Griffith learned the printer's art in the office of the Reaper.

Both :\Ie3srs. Griffith and Ewing may be regarded as the founders of the iieapcr. The paper is edited with ability and typographically is neat and clean. It enjoys a good circulation.

William C. Devore

WILLIAM C. DEVORE. The Davore family on the paternal side are of French ancestry, and on the maternal side of German descent. Nicholas H. the father of W. C, was a native of Virginia, but removed to Ohio at an early age. He lived iu Cincinati and in Brown county. In 1833 or 4 he went to Chicago, and in 1836 came down to Piatt county, and was there when the town of Monticello was laid out. He was the first post-master of the village. He died in 1S42. He was by trade both a carpenter and blacksmith. While a resident of Piatt county he married Miss Susan Barnes, a native of Marion county, Ohio. She was born in 1817, and was the daughter of William and Sarah Barnes, who came to Piatt county in 1833. The marriage took place in 1836. She still survives her husband and is a resident on the old home farm, where the family first settled when they came to Illinois. William C. is the youngest of four children, two of whom are living, viz: Sarah M. who is the wife of J. N. Bondurant, and the subject of this sketch. The father was born iu Piatt county, Illinois, December 28th, 1842. He was raised upon the farm and attended the country schools, wherein he received a fair English education. At the age of twenty-two he commenced learning the printer's trade in the Piatt County Union in Monticello, and afterwards in the Piatt County Republican. He then went to Toledo, Tama county, Iowa, and commenced the publication of a paper called the Tama County Republican. One year later he removed to Farmer City, and assisted John S, Harper to start the Journal. In the ftill of 1873 he established the Herald, and continued its publication until August, 187-5, when he sold out. In the Spring of 1876 he went to Lovington, in Moultrie county, Illinois, and there published the Free Press, which he continued for three years. In April 1879, he came back to Farmer City, moved material and office here, and continued the publication of the Journal under an arrangement made with its former editor and proprietor. Mr. Devore is a good newspaper man, and has demonstrated his ability to conduct a country newspaper and make it a financial succass. He has, since casting his first vote, been an adlierent and advocate of the principles of the Republican party.

On the 19th of November, 1877, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Mattie A. Stratton, nee Kimler, a native of McLean county. There is one child by that marriage, named Katie Ethel Devore

Charles M. Welch

The present Mayor of Farmer City, was born in Marion county, Ohio, September 19, 1839. The Welch family is of Welsh descent on the paternal, and on the maternal side, Scotch. Isaac Welch, the paternal grandfather, was a native of New York. He emigrated to Ohio in 1S02, and settled in Delaware county. He married Sarah Shaw, by which union was Daniel Welch, the father of Charles W. He was born in Delaware county, Ohio, in 1817 ; afterwards lived in Marion county, where Charles was born, and in 1847 removed to De Kalb county, in Indiana, where he remained uulil 18t33, when he came to Illinois, and settled in De AVitt county, wliere he yet resides. He married Miss Eliza Camp, a native of ( )uundaga county, New York. She was born in 1818. By that marriage there were eight children, three of whom are living. The youngest son, R. B. Welch, is president of the State Normal School at Emporia, Kansas. The subject of this sketch is the eldest of the sons. His advantages in youth for receiving an education were limited, but thanks to his mother, who is a woman of superior mind, and who fostered and cultivated a love of reading and study in her son, he in time, through home and self-cullure, becaaie possessed of a good education. At the age of fifteen he taught school. In the spring of 18.54 he entered the Vienna Academy at Jsewville, Indiana, and entered upon a regular academical course. To sustain himself there he was compelled to teach school in the winter seasons in order to pay expenses of tuition and board. In 1860, his health failing, he was compelled to abandon his studies. He came to Illinois and stopped in Farmer City, and here taught school. In 1861 he returned to Indiana and commenced the study of law in the office of Judge John Morris, of Fort Wayne. In August of the same year he enlisted for three years in Co E of the liimous 11th Reg. Indiana \'ols.. Col. afterwards Gen. Lew. Wallace conmianding. The regiment was at first a part of the Isf Division of the 1.3th Army Corps The regiment remained in active service until the expiration of its term of enlistment, when it veteranized and re-enlisted for the war. This was in the spring of 1864. It was then sent to Virginia and Washington, and then with the 6th, 8th and 19th Army Corps, constituted the Army of the Shenandoah, under command of Gen. Phil Sheridan. Mr. Welch remained in the service from August, 1861, until the close of the war, and participated with his regiment iu all the skirmishes, battles and sieges in which it was engaged. The regiment was the best drilled organization in the war, and in many competition drills invariably carrieil oH' the prizes. Mr.

Welch was mustered out and honorably discharged in September 186.5, having been in active service four years and one month. If space would permit us we would be glad to insert a history of this gallant regiment, which was undoubtedly one of the historic organizations of the war. Its history is Mr. Welch's history for four years and one month. Mr. Welch returned to Farmer City soon after his discharge, and taught school in the surrounding counties until 1873, when he accepted a situation as clerk in the grain business, with J. O. Peckham & Co., of Farmer City, and remained with them, as their agent, for six years. A portion of the time he was agent for the company at Kenney, Illinois, and while there read law in his leisure moments. In 1877 he commenced his studies under the direction of Judge Ingham, and then with Jlr. Herrick, of Farmer City. At the June term of the supreme court held at Springfield, he was admitted to the bar, and commenced the practice in Farmer City, where he still continues. Politically, he is a Republican, and a strong, uncompromising advocate of temperance, and was elected mayor of the city on that issue. He is strenuous in the support of the laws made by the majority, and looks carefully and faithfully to their execution. He is a member of the Order of A F. it A.M. On the 1.3th of April, 1866, he was united in marriage to T. C. Ryan, of Defiance county, Ohio, youngest daughter of John Ryan, a native of New York. Both he ami his wife are members of the M. E. church.

During the war he was the recipient, and has in his possession, two general orders emanating from the Cieueral iu command, publicly complimenting him for personal bravery and gallant conduct in the face of great danger, and iu one is promoted to the position of scout - a position which required the combination of sagacity, coolness and great personal courage. Mr. Welch feels justly proud of those souvenirs of respect given him during the dark and trying times of the late war.

(HIS township deserves special mention in the history of De Witt county, from the fact that the first blow struck toward civilization, tnd the first settlement made, was within its borders. Over half a century ago the woodman's ax was heard to resound through the timber of Salt Creek ; few there were to bear the burdens of thepioneer's life and encourage one another in paving the way for civilization and future generations. Fifty-seven years have passed away, and behold the transition : Splendid farms and farm improvements are seen on every hand - life and activity prevail throughout its territory, and its inhabitants are thrifty and happy.

Tuubridge Township is situa'ed in the extreme south-we.'^tern part of the county, and bounded on the north by Baruett township, on the east by Texas, south by Macon county, and w est by Logan. It is in the form of a perfect square, and contains thirtysix sec ions of most excellent land. Originally this territory was very evenly divided between prairie and timber. Salt Creek, a stream of considerable proportions, crosses through the township from east to west a little north of the center. All along this stream, for two or three miles in width, once was covered with a heavy growth of fine timber, of oak, hickory, ash, sycamore, walnut and other varieties. To-day fine farms abound where these giants of the forest stood. Only enough is left to supply the wants of the people for fuel, fencing and building purposes. The surface is sufficiently undulating in most parts to carry oft' the surface water. At some points on the creek, the banks approach in their form to small bluff's. The railroad facilities are excellent, not less than two roads passing through the entire township. The Illinois Midland railway enters the south-eastern corner and extends diagonally across the township, passing out at the northwest. The Gillman, Clinton, and .Springfield road - now known as the Springfield Division of the Illinois Central, extends through it from north-east to south-west, forming a junction with the Midland at nearly the geographical center of ihe township, thereby forming a letter x within a perfect square. At this writing, the people are indebted to the Gillman, Clinton, and Springfield road in the sum of §.30,000, the bonds of which are drawing ten per cent, interest, but about to be funded at six per cent. The Midland road also claims an indebtedness from the township of 8'20, 000, but it is said by the people it is an illegal claim and, therefore, will not be paid. Some future historian will have to write the sequel.

Believing that the first land entries will prove interesting to not only the present, but to coming generations, we append them below in the order of their entry ; Jacob Coppenbarger on the 12th of November, 182S, entered the N. E. quarter of section 7.