De Witt County, Illinois - Biographical sketches, 1882 (part 1 of 8)

Biographical sketches

Was the first born of a family of eight brothers anil sisters, the children of Isaac and Philena Jloore. Isaac Moore was born in Half Moon, Saratoga coenty. New York, January 31, 1794. His father was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, serving the entire period of its dnration ; he was a man of remarkable physical powers. At the age of ninety he could mount a horse ; at ninety-three he walked a distance of fourteen miles in a half day - was of English ancestry. Isaac Moore enjoyed the slenderest possible opportunities for the acquirement of even a rudimentary education, the entire period of his attendance at school not e.Kceeding four months. Nevertheless, possessing bright mental qualities and a will that brushed aside whatever obstacles confronted him, he obtained, by reading and observation, an education sufficient for the discharge in an efficient manner of the duties of an ordinary life. At the age of eighteen, accompanied by his mother, two married sisters and their husbands, and one unmarried sister, he removed to Kirtland, Lake county, Ohio, and now he is spending the evening of a busy life with his sons in this county. His wife, whose maiden name was Philena Blish, died May 14, 1832. Clifton H. Moore obtained a fair education in the country schools, in which he studied geometry, trigonometry and surveying, and which advancement was supplemented by reciting a few months to a Presbyterian clergyman, and attendance at Painesville Academy and Western Reserve Teachers' Seminary, which was taught in the old Mormon

Temple at Kirtland. During part of this time he was engaged in the labor of teaching. At the age of twenty-one he came to Illinois, locating in Pekin, with less than five dollars in his pocket, where he read law with Messrs. Bayley and Wilmot; was admitted to the bar at Springfield July, 1841. August of the .same year found hira the pioneer attorney in De Witt county. At the time he was without means, but possessed of courage, ambition, a mind richly stored with knowledge, an energy resistless in its character. To work he went - no idhraoments for him, and success has crowned his efibrts. In 1852 he became associated with the Hon. David Davis in the purchase of lands. They jointly own many farms, which are kept in a high state of cultivation. Mr. Moore was a member of the Constitutional convention in 1S70, and contributed much to its deliberations. Politically he has been a Whig, and then Republican. He was united in marriage to Miss Klizabeth Richmond, of Tremont, Tazewell county, Illinois, August 14, 1845. By this union there have been born four children, two of whom, Arthur Moore and Mrs. Winifred Warner, are now living. His wife died May 30, 1871 ; she was the daughter of Arouet Riclimond, of Rhode Island, and was a most estimable lady. He was married to Rose Onstine July, 1873. Eminently publicspirited, Mr. Moore is foremost in everything tending to the growth and prosperity of his adopted home.

was Master of Chancery under appointment of Judge Treat; nor was this all, he was also School Commissioner. His fitness to fill these positions received universal recognition. In addition to these offices Jlr. McGraw was Police Magistrate of the Citv of Clinton six years, and Assistant Asse.ssor under the Revenue Laws for four years. Was elected Judge of the County Court in 1877, which position he resigned April 12th, 1881. In all the places of profit or trust the Judge has held, he has exercised commendable judgment and given eminent satisfaction. Politicallv he is a Republican. His wife died November 25th, 1877. She was a woman of worth, a helpmeet in pioneer times that did honor to the name. By her the Judge had five children, two of whom, Leander S. and Nellie C. are living, and three are dead, as follows: Mary Elmira, who died in childhood: Jane, died May 8th, 1876, and Melvina, his eldest daughter, died September 12th, 1881. Judge McGraw is spoken of so frequently in connection with the county's history and in chapter on Pioneers as to render further account here unnecessary.

In every community there are examples of what maybe accomplished in lifeby mapping out a thorough business course and living up to its reijuireraents. Men who reduce every thing to system depending not upon luck, but upon energy and application to business which insure success. To this class belongs the subject of this sketch. John Warner was born in the valley of Virginia Rockingham county on the 24th day of July, 1819. His parent.* were David and Catharine ( lue Ketner) Warner. Thev were ot German extraction. His father was a farmer^ and here in the beautiful valley were the first sixteen years of John's life spent. In 1835 his father having sold the old homestead started for the AVest; leaving the place of his birth and boyish fancies, on the 3d day of September, their effects stowed in two wagons, they wended their way across the Alleghenies, and passed through Columbus, Ohio, on the 28th of the month, where they encountered a violent snow ^torm, and reached Wayne county Indiana late in October, where they wintered. Here they found everything high in price; the poorest kind of wheat was 82.00 per bushel, and frost-bitten corn 75c. In Jlarch following they moved to Henry county where his father had purchased a farm. One year here, satisfied John with log rolling and plowing among the stumps in the beech woods, and as he had acquired a fair education in the common schools of his native state, he left the parental roof to teach, which he did in the rude cabins that at the time abounded in Indiana, receiving for his service S25 per mouth. At the same lime he commenced the study of medicine under the guidance of Doctors Wyman and Carmine of Anderson, Madison eo.. with whom he remained until 1840. On the 30th of October, he was married to Miss Cynthia A. Gardiner, of Henry county, and on the 2nd of June following started westward with about one hundred dollars in money, two ponies and a very poor carriage, with no particular point in view, simply drifting with the tide - he found himself in the old town of Mt. Pleasant, ( now Farmer City), about the 20th of the month. At the time there were five dwelling-houses and one hotel in the place. The hotel kept by John Smith furnished him shelter until he could procure a house, which he soon after did, a cabin 12 xl2, all told. Here he practiced medicine for two years, when he moved to Clinton, where he has since resided. When wars alarms aroused our country to the danger of dismemberment the doctor promptly enlisted, engaged to raise a company and was made major of the 4lst Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He was at the surrender of Fort Henry, - in the battle of Fort Donelson, of Shiloh, of Davis Bridge on the Hatchie river, at the evacuation of Corinth. At Shiloh he contracted that dread scourge of armv life, the diarrhoea, by eating part of an old goose captured and cooked by his servant. The goose had by some means escaped being devoured by the .Johnnies - a fate the doctor yet wishes, it had met, as from the effects of its eating he was compelled to resign his position, aud from which he has scarce recovered. For twelve years the doctor followed his profession in this country, - a profession'he disliked and which he exchanged for more congenial pursuits at the earliest opportunity. From 1848 to 1852 he was clerk of the circuit court, and in 1864-66. was a member of the 24th General Assembly, Illinois. His wife died February 15th, 1865. He was married to Isabella Robinson of Huron county, Ohio, May 28th, 1874. In 1867 he commenced banking operations, in which he has since most successfully continued He is methodical in all things, temperate, indu.-trious, and of that strict integrity which never wrongs a man.

One of the leading merchants of Clinton, has been a resident of DeWitt county since October, 1854. He is a native of Vermont, where he was born July 14th, 1826. His parents were df Irish birth. His father, Hugh Magill, was a manufacturer of cotton goods, which business he prosecuted in Malone, New York, whither he moved when .^amuel was a youth. In connection with this business he also opened a stock nf general merchandise, where the subject of this sketch acquired his business tastes and habits.

The family consisted of four brothers and two sisters, namely : William, Samuel, Rebecca, Henry, Robert, who died January 1.5, 1874 ; and Mary Ann.

Mr. Magill is strictly a man of business. He first came to Illinois, stopping in Bloomington, in 1852 ; and two years thereafter he located in Clinton. Possessed of keen perception and correct judgment, he has been eminently successful in life. He has established a reputation among his fellows for unquestioned integrity of character and high moral worth. In politics he has been a Republican since the organization of that party. He is an esteemed member of the Masonic Order. As a merchant, he has been successful. Twenty-eight years in mercantile pursuits in Clinton have resulted in giving him an enviable trade.

The subject of this biographical sketch was born iu Bntler county, Ohio, October loth, 1841. He came with his parents to De Witt county, Illinois, iu 1849. Here he had fair advautages for the acquirement of an education, under the instruction of Professor Turner- In 1867 he commenced the study uf hiw with E. H. Palmer, and in 1869 was admitted to the bar, becoming at once the partner of William Fuller He was united in marriage to Nancy P. Hutchins, February loth, 1865. By this union there are four children living and two dead. Mrs. Graham was the daughter of .John D Hutchins, a very popular and

Was born August loth, 1806, in Warren county, Ohio. His parents were William and Phebe Graham. His father was a tailor by trade, although he exchanged that occupation for farming. He was born in county Down, Ireland in April, 1757, and died in Warren county, Ohio, in July, 1857 - a centenarian, as his mother before him had been, having died at the good old age of one hundred and one years. He was brouL'ht by his parents to Lancaster county Pennsylvania, in 1759, tlience went to Ohio, becoming one of the early pioneers of that State.

Samuel Graham had but meagre opportunities for acquiring an education in youth, but made the most of his chances. He was married to Hannah Kirbv, November 1st, l'S2y. Bv this

' union there have been born thirteen children, of whom twelve are now living, eight boys and four girls. Two of his sons are attorneys, one a doctor ; the others are following various pursuits. Samuel Graham came to DeWitt county in 1849, and wa,s elected Associate Justice of the County Court in 1853, in which capacity he served sis years, when the adoption of township organization disbamled the court. He next served as Justire of the Peace until 1865, when he was elected County Judge, which office he held acceptably to the people for four years. He is a member of the JIasonic Order. He is in the enjoyment of his own home, where he spends the evening of life in ease and

Society has its born leaders as well as its def'eiidauts; its bulil aggressive spirits as well as its following masses ; its men, fitted by nature to take hold of, and push forward public enterprises as as its muscular working men. To that class, able to ])hin an enterprise requiring skill, and nerve, and carry it forward to a happy realization, belongs Col. Thomas Snell. His whole life has been filled -with surprises to his friends. The story of that life may not be without its good effect. He was born in the city of Cincinnati, Ohio, December 26th, 1818. His parents were Thomas and Eliza Snell. His father was a contractor and commission merchant ; he was born in New Jersey and died in Pekin, Illinois. His mother died in Iowa. The subject of this sketch was the fourth of a family of five brothers. All are dead except himself and Joseph, the youngest of the family, who lives in Iowa. His early advantages for acquiring an education were meagre indeed, being only such as were offered in central Illinois in the days of log school-houses, as his father moved to Pekin, then called Townsite, in the year l.S-9. Until 1845 he lived in Pekin and Washington, Tazewell county, when he came to Clinton, where he has since resided, and where he has achieved that success in life which has attended his great energy and tireless industry. While in Washington he followed mercantile pursuits, which business he prosecuted in Clinton until 18.52, when the Illinois Central Railroad was being built. At once he took an active and leading part in railway construction, and one after the other took contracts for building miles of the Illinois Central, the Chicago and Southwestern, 1-50 miles ; Joliet and Chicago, 40 miles; Racine and Mississippi, .30 miles; Ohio and Dayton, 40 miles ; 80 miles of the Bloomington, Lafayette and jMississippi ;

Lafayette and !Muncie, Su miles ; graded and bridged the road from Champaign to Havana, a distance of 101 miles, of which road he was made Pre>ident, the first in its history. Apparently he studied less respecting taking a railway construction contract, than many men do in making a horse trade. His quickness of perception, and keen insight into business stood him well in hand in all these contracts. His restless energy was not satisfied even with all this business, so we find him carrying on an extensive wagon factory in Aurora, which he in company with S. L. Keith erected in 18.5!), and continued until 186.5. At one time he had two hundred and fifty hands employed in the works. Politically he was for years a Democrat ; and in 1860 ran for Lieutenant Governor on the Breckenridge ticket. At this time so valuable were his services rated politically, that general McClellan, at the time President of the Illinois Central Railway, and Stephen A. Douglas, came to Clinton in a special car and offered him any sum he might name, to give his infiueuoe for the Douglas democracy. But no ; money offered no temptation where principles were at stake, and the otter which he spurned only caused him to labor the more zealously in the cause he conceived to be right. Notwithstanding his affiliation with the democracy, as soon as the clouds of war appeared in our national skies, his patriotism found vent in expressions that sent a thrill of cheer to every loyal heart in his vicinity, and his voice was loud for the preservation of the Uniou. In the spring of 1861 the firing on Fort Sumter moved him to words of desperation. "Out upon all rebels, hang them one and all," was his cry. In August, 1862, he raised the 107th regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which command he remained as Colonel six months. Whilst in this posi- tion he rebelled against what he considered the slow movements of the Union Armies and the spirit of conciliation manifested. " Give the rebels no quarter," said he. During the year 1862 considerable grain was shipped south from Illinois. Col. Snell promptly telegraphed the facts to Governor Yates, and said, " Stop the shipment of grain south, or I will." Watchful, vigilant, ever awake to the comfort of his " boys" he was popular with all. Early in the war he declared his prediction that negroes would be enlisted as soldiers - a prediction at the time sneered at by the masses of Union men. He believed in doing everything calculated to strengthen the Union cause and cripple that of the rebellion. In 1864 he almost decided not to vote for Abraham Lincoln, because he was not radical enough for him. Those who knew Tom during the war and heard his sayings, speak of him as being most radically radical, bold, outspoken and defiant. He refused to guard rebel property - declaring it only deserved destruction, as did its owners. Whilst passing through the city of Louisville his regiment lustily saug, "John Brown's bijdy lies mouldering in thegrave,"greatly to the edification of the negro population and mortification of qinixi Union men, whom the Colonel heartily despised. For this, coupled with his orders to his soldiers to burn fences where necessary to their comfort ; forage where foraging would add to their happiness, in defiance of general orders he was arrested and put in jail by General Boyle, commander of the Post at Louisville. -This conquered not his spirit, but he still declared his soldiers had come to fight rebels, not to guard their property. Through the interposition of Lawrence Weldou and Leonard Switt he was liberated, and in 1863 returned to his active citizen life. In whatever he has engaged he has lieeu successful, whether it be building a railroad, playing the politician, running a manufacturing estalilishment, engaged in banking or farming, he is the same wide awake business man. He was united in marriage to a most estimaljle lady iSIiss Sarah E. Church, of Washington, been born five children, three of whom are living, two are dead. His wife died October 11th, 1875. Of her it can l)e truly said, she was one of God's noble women. Her philanthroiMO heart beat in sympathy with distress wherever found. The poor never left her door " empty-handed, heavy-hearted ; " a word of cheer she always had, from the depths of her affection, for one and all. In woman's sphere of usefulness she acted well and willingly her part. Of Col. Suell it may be said, he combines more of the elements of success than are allotted the average of mortals. Reverses never daunt, nor do successes unman hjm.

DR. EDWARD PORTER, (Dece.^sed,) Was born in Sinking Springs, Highland county, Ohio, Feb. 6th, 1833, died in Clinton. March 1st, 1879. His early life was spent on a farm. Being a great lover of books, he gave all his spare time to the study of solid literature ; and this intellectual training fitted him for the sphere of usefulness he filled in life. At the age of seventeen he taught school, having a number of pupils older than himself In 18.51 he commenced the study of medicine. In 1852 came to De Witt county, where he first engaged in farming. For ten years he continued farming operations, all the while devoting much time to the study of medicin° and general literature. In 1862 he enlisted in the One Hundred and Seventh Regiment, Illinois Infantry, and served his country faithfully for two years, when he was discharged on account of physical disability. Returning to his home from the war in 1864 he was nominated as the Republican candidate for couuty treasurer, and elected by a large majority ; and again in 1866 he was re-elected. After the expiration of his second term of service he devoted his entire attention to the study of medicine, and in the winter of 186S-9 he attended a course of medical lectures in Philadelphia in the Homeojiathic College of Pennsylvania, from which institution he graduated with honor. On his return to Clinton he bought Dr. Mitchell's practice and almost immediately took first rank among physicians of DeWitt pounty. He was a careful and conscientious phyt-iciau, and devoted himself to the study of his profession. Dr. Porter was a man of great force of character and strong prejudices, yet the warm impulses of his nature made him a generous enemy while he was the truest of friends. Whatever he believed was right, he believed with his whole soul and gave his convictions the full strength of his manhood. In politics an uncompromising Republican ; in religion an ardent believer in the teachings of Swedenborg ; in medicine a most enthusiastic homeopath, he was a vigorous writer and could ably defend his professional and religous views. His morality was of the highest type, and his voice and influence were always on the side of good government. On June 18th, 1856, he was united in marriage to Miss Lucy E. Mills, who survives him. Thc-e were born to them nine children. Dr. Porter's memory will be kept green in the hearts of hosts of old patrons and warm friends.

J. H. WAGGONER, Editor and proprietor of the ('Union J!er/)4ei; was born in the present Whitley township, Moultrie county, then a ]iart of Shelby county, September 1, 1832. His ancestors were of German origin, and resided in North Carolina. His father, Amos Waggoner, and his mother, Narcissa Jay, were born, raised and married in Rutherford county, North Carolina. They came to Illinois and settled on Whitley creek in 1828 . ]\Ir. Waggoner was reared in that part of the county. In 1850, when he was eighteen, his father moved with the family to Sullivan, and died in 1854. Amos Waggoner was a man of good natural ability, though like most of the early pioneers, he was self-educated. He served two or three terms as justice of the peace, and at the time of his death was associate judge. When about twenty-two, Mr. Waggoner took charge of a school and taught three terms. In the spring of 1858, in partnership with his brothers, he purchased the Sullivan Express, which had been established the preceding fall, and was the first newspaper published in Moultrie county ; he was connected with this paper till I860- In 1861 he was elected assessor and treasurer of the county, and served two years. In 1864 he was elected circuit clerk, and was re-elected for three terms, thus filling the office for sixteen years in succession - a longer period than any other county officer has held position in Bluultrie connty. After the expiration of his term of service, he gave his attention to the abstract business, which he prosecuted until last October, when he moved to Clinton, and bought the office of the Clinton Ber/ister. He has inaugurated many improvements in the office, and is giving his patrons an excellent county paper. He was married on the 12th of February, 1858, to Miss Laura E. Henry, daughter of Elder B. W. Henry, one of the early ministers of the Christian church. Jlrs. Waggoner w\as born in Shelby county. There are seven children by this marriage. Mr. Waggoner has always been a Democrat. For more than twenty years he has Ijeen an active and consistent member of the Christian church.

Editor and proprietor of the Clinton. Public, \s a. Dative of Canada, was born in Coteau du Lac on the 11th of I\''ovember, 1834. His father and mother were born in Ireland, and came to Canada but a few months before the birth of their son. His father, Michael Butler, was a soldier in the British army, and died at the age of thirty-four. His mother died in March, 1874, leaving Eichard the only surviving member ofa family of thirteen children. During the early years of the life of the subject of this sketch he fully experienced the keen pangs of poverty. His mother being left a widow with four young children, and without means, had to fight the battle of life with the odds against her. Richard's education was limited, having when he was but ten years old to begin work to help support the family. For two years he worked with a confectioner and baker in Montreal, but his health failing he had to try a change of occuijatiou. He drifted from one class of work to another till finally he became an apprentice in the office of the London Free Press in 1849. From there he went to Hamilton and worked in the Canada Christian Advocate and other printing oiBces. In 1852 he went to Rochester, New York, and from that time to the present has been a resident of the United States, excepting a short time he spent in Hamilton, Canada, before and after his marriage. On the 19th of October, 1857, he was married to Miss Kate Scoll, of Niagara, Canada, the servicer being performed by W. G. Wright, pastor of the M. E. Church. In 1859 he left Canada, and came to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he worked as a compositor in the book room of the Jlethodist Book Concern, and on the Cincinnati Daily Enquirer. On the 1st of March, 1862, he bought the office of the Oxford (Ohio) Citizen, which paper he published, excepting a few months he was in the army during the war, till 1869, when he sold the Citizen and bought the Oberlin Sews. Butler's idea of a newspaper did not suit the faculty of Oberlin College. They wanted a religious paper ; he published a neu-spaper in which the local events of Oberlin had due prominence. In disgust he sold his paper after two years' hard work, to a theological student who had graduated from Oberlin College, and years afterward lost S1,000, through this same religious youth. His recollections of Oberlin are not pleasing in view of that §1,000 he lost by one of its shining lights. He then determined to follow Horace Greeley's advice and come west. His first point was Burlington, Iowa, where for a time he held the position of city editor on the celebrated Burlington Hawkeije. Not feeling at home while working for other masters than himself he came to Clinton, and on the Ist of March, 1872, bought the Clinton Public. During his ten years in Clinton he has met with fair success in business, and is now filling the office of postmaster. Butler is an ardent Republican in politics and a strong believer in the temperance cause. Both of these issues find in him a vigorous champion. He is not a believer in a third party movement to advance the cause of temperance, but insists that the Republicans are the true friends of of all reforms, and that the only hope for success in temperance legislation lies through the Republican party. In the local city elections he advocates the anti-license principle, and with some measure of success, for during the past ten years the city has been under an anti-license administration for more than one-third of the time.

As an Editor and manager of a newspaper, Mr. Butler has demonstrated his ability to give the people of De Witt county an excellent journal to whose support they can graciously contribute.

This country, the asylum for the oppressed of all lands, has been greatly enriched by virtue of religious persecutions throughout different parts of Europe. Perhaps none of these persecutions has contributed more of patriotic zeal in proportion to the number who sought homes here, than that of the old Scotch Presbyterians. Driven from their mountain-fastnesses, they first Bought protection in Northern Ireland, and from thence came thitherward. To this class belong the ancestors of A. L. Barnett. When "William Penn was directing the tide of emmigration to his colony near Philadelphia they joined the movement ; thence went to Virginia. So that John Barnett, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Augusta county, Virginia, January 28th, 1781. His wife, Sallie Kenney, was of the same stock with himself About 1789 the Barnetts threaded their tedious way over the mountains to Kentucky, the " land of promise" in the eyes of pioneers, John riding behind his father on a pack-horse. They located in Bourbon county, where Alexander was born October 15, 1810, being the third of the family in order of birth. At present there are but three living : Alexander, James, and Sarah ; whilst Robert Franklin, Mary (^who was killed by lightning), Juliet, Elizabeth, and William have passed away. Mr. Barnett acquired a fair e*lucation when young, which has become rich in experience during his active life. He came to De Witt county in the year 1832. Was elected surveyor (the first in the county,) May 6, 1839, an office he held continuously for twenty years and six months. Then after a respite of almost equal time he was again elected in 1879, and now holds the position. Politically he has been during most of his'life a Democrat, having cast his first ballot for JIartin Van Buren. In 1832 he lost his vote (a fact always regretted, as he was an admirer of Andrew Jackson ), because being on his way from Kentucky to Illinois ; but he had the honor of seeing a number of enthusiastic hoosiers drinking to " Old Hickory's health. Of late years, he has identified himself with the Greenback party. He was married to Elizabeth H. Hall, November 20, 1834, by whom he has had twelve children, five of whom died in infancy - three of them being triplets, and died when quite young.^and there are now living six. His wife is a most estimable woman, a member of the Christian church, and quite an active laborer in the Master's cause. ]Mr. Barnett is possessed of a strong, vigorous mind, excellent constitution and great determination of character. He is a man whom his neighbors love to honor.

Was born in Delaware county, Ohio, December o'Hh, 1840. Her father was a farmer Jby occupation. He was a true, good man, gentle and kind in disposition, and possessed of a high sense of honor which was a controlling principle through life. His education was such as could be obtaiued in the early schools of Delaware. Her mother was a high-spirited lady, ambitious to succeed in life, and measurably well was she rewarded for her efforts. In her youth she had the advantages of the schools of the older States and acquired a very good education ; was quite proficient in drawing and painting. For several years she engaged in teaching in Pennsylvania and Ohio. In the early settlement of Illinois they moved to Ogle county, where her mother died. The family soon after returned to Ohio, where they resided until Jlary was thirteen years of age, when they returned to Illinois, soon after which the father died, leaving four orphan children. This father so thoroughly impressed his own life and character upon his children by precept and example, bringing to his aid the memory of a mother's great worth, as to fit them for life's responsibilities, and enable them to resist when tempted to go astray.

Very early in life Mary conceived the idea of becoming a teacher but her opportunities were so poor that she hardly hoped to succeed. An uncle with whom she lived encouraged her, and in the schools of Clinton, to which place they had came in 18.54, she continued her studies. In 1857 she commenced her career as a teacher, in Texas township. Here she taught two , terms, alternating her teaching with attendance at school. Whilst attending school her uncle and his wife procured for her board and clothes. They were faithful friends and counsellors, ever encouraging, ever helping her. Soon after she attended a term of six months at Conover's Female Seminary at Bloomington, borrowing the money with which to defray expenses, and afterwards teaching to replace it. In 1867 she again became a pupil, this time in the Normal University, at Normal, Illinois, but owing to failing health had to abandon her studies before completing the course. Ill health prevented regular teaching. In 1873, through the influence of Judge J. R. Hall and others, her name was placed before the democratic and granger conventions as a candidate for the county Superintendency of Public Schools. In that convention she was defeated, but a week later when the Republican convention assembled she was nominated, and in the succeeding November was elected. In 1877 she was re-elected, and in November 1880 she was appointed to the position for another year by the board of supervisors. That she has made a most faithful and efficient Superintendent is attested by all familiar with her work. In 1864, after carefully and thoughtfully studying the creed of the Christian church, i. e. the Bible, she accepted it, as an allsufficient rule of faith and practice and was baptized December 30, of that year. Since then her profession of the faith has been a constant inspiration in the labor of her life. In church and Sunday-school she takes a great deal of interest, working earnestly and faithfully for the promotion of her Master's cause.

Fkw physicians in Central Illinois enjoy a wider or more honorable reputation in their profession than Dr. C. Goodbrake, or as his army comrades prefer to call him, Major Goodbrake, he having attained this rank as Surgeon in the armv.

As his name would indicate, he is a native of Germany. His father, .John Goodbrake, a citizen of Hemengen, near Stuttgard, in the kingdom of Wurtemberg, Germany, was of the number of those who learned to love the spirit of freedom prevailing throughout the United Stales, and eager to share in its blessings, determined to leave the faderland " for a residence beyond the blue waters of the Atlantic. His home in Wurtemberg had lost its charms for him in the light of wondrous stories of America's undeveloped resources; so in 1821 he obtained at Leonberg passports for self and family, in readine.ss to make the voyage thither. So patriotic was he, that upon reaching Amsterdam he refused to take passage in any vessel above which the stars and stripes did not float, hence sojourned there for ten or twelve days, when the Xorthumberland set sail. The trip at that time, required from sixty to as many as one hundred and twenty days, but under the skilful guidance of Captain Otto, the ves.sel reached the port of Norfolk, in the unparalleled time of forty-four days - the quickest time ever made up to that date across the Atlantic, between Amsterdam, Holland, and Norfolk, Virginia. From Norfolk he went to Baltimore, and from that city he made his way by wagon toColumbianacounty, Ohio, where he settled. His family consisted of wife and seven children ; three of whom were boys and four were girls. Of these, the subject of this sketch was the sixth in order of birth. He was born in Wurtemberg, June 14th, 1816, so that he was but five years of age when brought to this country. His earliest schooling was under the training of George Ritchey, his next under one of the most skilful teachers of eastern Ohio, .Samuel McGrew. To him the doctor is largely indebted for the formation of studious habits and close application to whatever he assumes to do. His father, too, grand old patriot that he was, instilled into his mind a love for his country that has never forsaken him. A fine scholar himself, he greatly aided his son in the pursuit of his studies, so that by the time the subject of our sketch had attained his majority, he was in possession of a good English education, with a fair knowledge of Latin grammar.

Early in life Christopher determined on becoming a practitioner of medicine, and in 1837 he left his home to enter the office of Dr. J. W. Whitaker, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with whom he remained as a student three years. Having acquired a fair knowledge of medicine, he commenced its practice in Portsmouth, Ohio, where he remained for three years ; thence he went to Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, where he remained until 1847, when he came to Clinton, where he has sinc^ resided. Ambitious to excel in his profession, and determined on greater proficiency in its knowledge, he attended a course of lectures in Rush Medical College, during the session of 18.54-5, when he graduated. Upon the breaking out of the war of the rebellion in 1861, he was among the first to oft'er his services to the government ; in fact to him must be accredited the honor of being the fir.st in this county so to do. In response to Gov. Yates' call for volunteers, a number enlisted in Clinton on the 19th of April, 1861, who were organized as company E, 20th Regiment, Illinois Volunteers. The doctor's recognized skill secured for him the appointment of Surgeon. In the first engagement participated in by this regiment at Fredericktown, Missouri, October 21st, 1861, the doctor was the only Surgeon on the field till after the enemy retreated. After receiving its " baptism of fire" at Fredericktown, this regiment was in the skirmish at Charlestown. the battles of Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Shiloh. Corinth. Britton's Lane, Jackson, Champion's Hill, siege of Vicksburg, and Atlanta, in each of which the doctor bore his part-

At La Grange, in the fall of 1862, the Seventeenth Army Corps was organized, with General McPherson as commander, and General John A. Logan as commander of the Third Division ; the doctor being the ranking Surgeon, was apjiointed to the position of Surgeon-in-chief of this Division. This honorable distinction he most worthily held until his resignation was accepted. At the expiration of the term of service for which he had enlisted, June loth, ls64, upon the earnest solicitation of General McPherson, and his Medical Director, coupled with a promise that his resignation would be accepted at the expiration of the Atlanta campaign, he re-enlisted, retaining his position. He remained until September 19th, 1864, when he tendered his resignation. The doctor's horse, " t)ld Roan," was a great favorite with him, having been taken from home, and having carried him through more than three years' service. He was anxious to take him home. Transportation had to be secured, which at the time was a difficult thing to accomplish. General Sherman suggested that another horse would soon fill his place iu the doctor's afi'ections ; but no, take him home he would, he declared, even though to do so he would have to put on a rebel uniform, and thus make his waj' through the country. After much effijrt he succeeded in obtaining the necessary papers, and brought his horse home with him. Since the war the doctor has given his attention to his profession, in which he takes high rank. His contributions to medical science have been well received and favorably commented upon by medical journals. Some of his surgical operations have awakened general interest, and elicited the highest encomiums of fellow-surgeons. The doctor is quite active in medical societies, anxious as he is to promote the interests of the profession. He is a member of the American Medical Association, of the Illinois State Medical Society, of which he was President in 18.37 ; of the Alumni Association of Rush Medical College, of which he was chosen President in 1879 ; and of the De Witt county Medical Society. To him, in fact, physicians of his county are indebted for the organization of a local society, which was organized Jlay 6th, 1856. In honor of his being the founder of the society, he was chosen its first presiding officer; at present he is .Secretary of the society.

He takes great interest in the cause of Education, and in everything calculated to advance the substantial interests of his adopted home. He held the office of Mayor of Clinton for a year, the duties of which he discharged with credit alike to himself and constituents. He served five years on the Board of Education of the Clinton schools.

One of his especial delights is iu the progress of Masunry. He was made a Mason in Portsmouth, Ohio, in 1S42, in Aurora Lodge, No. 48. After coming to Clinton he took his membership, first to Bloomington, then in connection with others, he instituted the Lodge in Clinton. He took the chapter degree in Springfield, Illinois, and was made a Knight Templar in Apollo Commandery No. 1, at Chicago in 1857.

A skilful surgeon ; a physician who keeps abreast of the times ; the doctor lives in the enjoyment of a large practice. A true friend himself, of generous impulses, and cheerful disposition, he has hosts of well-wishers. JIany good and true friends.

Was born in Perry county, Pennsylvania, November 21, 1844. His parents were John and Catharine Calhoun, mr Kiner. W . F. Calhoun enlisted as a private in Co. H, 133d Peuna. Vols. Infty. July, 1862, was in the second Bull Run fight, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, after which he was mustered out by reason of expiration of term of service. Soon after he enlisted as a private in Co. K, 20th Penna. Vol. Cavalry, which regiment was sent to the Shenandoah valley in the winter of 1864, and participated in the battles fought by Siegel, Hunter and Sheridau. At the battle of Piedmont, near Harrisburg, Virginia, on the 6th day of June, 1864, the company to which he belonged and Co. E of the same regiment, in a charge on the enemy's rifle pits, captured five hundred men, and in an effort to recapture them, General Jones, commanding the rebel forces, was killed. In this charge Calhoun's horse was killed under him. After this battle the colonel appointed him orderly sergeant of his company. During the campaigns of Sheridan he waa frequently detailed to carry orders across territory in possession of the enemy, and at other times to do scouting service with small details of men. He accompanied his regiment in Sheridan's last raid from Winchester to Petersburg, and from thence to Dinwiddle Court House and Five Forks, where the oth U. S. Cavalry and the 20th Penna. Vols, opened the series of engagements that ended in thesurrender of General Lee's army. An incident of the Doctor's army life is worthy of record. At the battle of Fredericksburg, where his regiment before charging on the enemy at Mayre's Hill was ordered to unsling their knapsacks, his contained a Testament, the gift of his mother, whose name and place of residence was inscribed on the fly-leaf. Another regiment opened the knap.sacks ; one of the men carried the Testament with him, and during the battle was killed. The party burving the dead, thinking the Testament bore the name of the person killed, inscribed that name on the grave-mark, and is so recorded in the national cemetery at Fredericksburg. The Testament was returned to his mother after the war, and by this means the facts were made known. The Doctor came to Illinois in October, 186.5, locating in Ottawa, La Salle county, where he began the practice of dentistry in 1867. There he was married to Miss Blanche Derthick, who was born in Medina county, Ohio, February, 1852. In 1870 the Doctor moved to De Witt county, where he has since resided. For two years he was Mayor of Farmer City. In 1877 he was the Eepublican candidate for county clerk - made a gallant fight, but democrats and greenbackers having combined against hijn. he and the entire ticket were defeated. In 1880 he was chosen chairman of the Republican County Central Committee, and at the State Convention of that year was chosen a member of the State Central Committee. During the campaign he made a number of speeches.

A prominent Attorney of Clinton, wlio died March 20, 1879, was the son of John and Arabella C. Palmer, of Madison county, Ohio, where he was born August 25th, 1825. His grandfather Palmer was a Kentuckian, who located in the Mad Piiver valley country in Ohio in an early day, and preached as a " Christian " minister until his death. His grandfather was possessed of a most remarkable memory : that of historical dates and facts, also of Scriptural passages being wonderful. The children and grand-children of this couple now constitute some of the most wealthy and substantial citizens of JIadison county. E. H. Palmer started in life in comparative poverty. His father died when he was but thirteen years of age, whereupon he lived with an uncle and learned the carriage and wagon making trade. In his boyhood days he was very fond of books, and the great ambition of his young life was to secure an education. While working at his trade he spent his evenings in study, and without the aid of a teacher acquired a good English education. He then engaged in teaching, and by carefully hoarding every dollar he earned above bare living expenses, saved enough to begin a college life. He entered as a student in Dennisou University at Granville, Ohio, and continued until the middle of the junior year, when he entered Wittenberg College, Springfield, Ohio. During his vacations he worked faithfully in order to secure the means required for board and tuition during the succeeding term. At Granville he found a friend in the president, who loaned him money sufficient to pay expenses and to enable him to graduate, which he did in 1851. Mr. Palmer never forgot his friend, and the very first money he earned, after going out to fight the battles of life, was devoted to the payment of this debt. After graduating he was chosen Professor of Mathematics and Languages in an Academy at Raymond, Mississippi, a position he filled acceptably. While at Raymond he became converted to the Methodist faith. In his religious professions-he was ever most active. Here, too, he commenced the study of law, and was admitted to practice at the bar. In 1855 he returned to the North, soon after to Clinton, to visit an old friend, Lawrence Weldon, who introduced him to Abraham Lincoln. The welcome extended him by the large hearted Lincoln encouraged him to cast his lot in Illinois, which he did in 1857 by locating in Clinton. In the meantime he was married to Sarah M. ilitchell, of Springfield, Ohio, on the 19th of June, 1855. He was ambitious in his profession, and took a leading position at the bar in De Witt county. Politically he was an ardent active Democrat, an especial friend of Stephen A. Douglas ; he made some stirring speeches in his behalf when a candidate for office. His great delight was in hischildren, in whose interest no pains or means were spared. Two of his sons, Frank M and Everett B. Palmer, graduated from the State Industrial University, and Illinois College, respectively; the first, in 1876; the second, in 1878 ; Frank was Valedictorian, and Everett B. enjoyed the distinction of being Salutatorian of his class. Frank M. studied law with his father, and was admitted to practice in 1880. Mr. PI H. Palmer was active, restless, ambitious and genial. A kind friend, a devoted father, a conscientious Christian gentleman.

The Liseiiby family may be regarded as among the pioneer families of De Witt county. A. V. Lisenby was born here Sept. 11, 1850. His parents were James and Martha Lisenby, whose maiden name was ilcKiuIey.

James Lisenby, the father of the subject of this sketch, came from Kentucky, where he was born, to Sangamon county, Ills., in 1828 ; thence to De Witt- in 1830 ; in 1833 returned to Sangamon to live with a brother ; thence to the lead mines in southwestern Wisconsin ; and in 1846 to De Witt county, where he has since resided, and where he has held various positions of honor and trust. (VThich see in Civil Chapter). The last year of his service as county clerk, he was stricken down with rheumatism, from which he has suffered continuously, and which has necessitated, at times, change of climate.

in the public schools of Clinton. He was united in marriage to Miss Sarah McFarland, Sept. 17th, 1871, by the Rev. R. M. Barnes. His wife, an accomplished lady, is the musical life of the circle of friends with whom she associates. Politically, Mr. Lisenby is a democrat, and on the democratic ticket he was elected county clerk Nov. 1, 1877, an office he fills with general acceptance, and for discharging the duties of which his early training has well fitted him. Prior to his election.to this office, he had been for three years treasurer of the city of Clinton, and also had been engaged in the hardware business. l\Ir. Lisenby is a member of the Masonic Order, in the work of which he takes great interest; also, of the Knights of Pythias. The principles underlying these societies are his guiding stars, and by acting them out in life he is laying the foundation for that success always attendant upon integrity of character and energy.

Honored, as among the pioneer settlers of De Witt county, is he whose portrait graces this page. George D. Smallwood was boru in Ross county, Ohio, March 31st, 1810. His parents were Parmenious and Deborah Smallwood, natives of Jefferson county, Virginia. Their ancestors were among the early settlers of Virginia, and were of Irish extraction. They came to Illinois in the fall of 1825, and located in what is now Macon county. In all. there were fifteen children in the family. Of these, George D was the second in order of birth. Parmenious built a mill on Salt Creek, in what is now Creek township, De Witt county, in 1834, of which George took charge. George had built a cabin in the fall of 1830, near the site of the mill. He acquired a fair common-school education, first in Ohio, then in Sangamon county, this State ; learned surveying, and did much in this line in early times, dividing with Alexander Barnett the laurels of all the early work of this character in De Witt county. He was married to jNIary Ann Brown, daughter of Henry and Jane Brown, who were early settlers of what is now Texas township, March 24th, 1839, by whom he had one child, who died in infancy. His wife died Feb. 21st, 1867, aged 43 years one month and twelve days. Mr. Smallwood has followed the vocations of millinff, in which he was engaged for about fifteen years, farming and surveying. In politics he is a prominent Republican. His first presidential vote was cast for Andrew Jackson ; but, since the organization of the Republican party in 18.56, he has stood by that party. He participated in the Black Hawk War, and when the militia was organized he was appointed Colonel, which position he held several years previous to 1840, when he resigned. Honored and respected of all, Mr. Smallwood is passing

Rev James C Rucker

This much-respected and talented Methodist divine was born in Woodford county, Kentucky, January 6, 1817. His parents were Rev. Ahmed and Nellie Rucker. His father, likewise a Methodist Episcopal minister, was a Virginian by birth. Tradition says that a person named Rucker came from Alsace, France, to America, contemporaneous with John Smith, was shipwrecked off Cape Hatteras, and swam ashore, a distance of seven miles, carrying with him a bottle of French brandy ; that he settled^ in Amherst county, Virginia, and from him sprang the honored family of Rucker, now scattered throughout much of the Union. In the Revolutionary war one Amherst Ruckor, .1 brother of the grandfather of our subject, was a colonel. Just before the close of that seven years' struggle, he visited his home, where he was gladly received by many friends, who with him witnessed a wonderful vision from his house of the surrender of the red-coats to the patriots in mid-air- The sign was to them full of meaning and hope, and served to renew their courage upon return to the field of battle.

James Rucker received a fair education in select schools at Harrodsburg, Kentucky. An incident in his school life shows the character of the boy. He was struck by one SIcConnell, a son of Gen. McConnell. He informed his teacher, who, because of the position and wealth of the offender's father, failed to mete out merited punishment. This made a lasting impression on young Rucker, who from that time forth has hated anything that smacked of the domineering trait of slave-holding. At the age of seventeen, James came to Illinois with his parents, who located in Sangamon county. In 1857 he went to Winchester, where he taught school. Soon after we find him in the law office of Stejiheu A. Douglas as a stu(ient. He remained here two years, when he was admitted to the bar and practiced the profession of law for four years. About a year before he quit the practice, he was converted under the preaching of Rev. Peter Akers, and had no peace of mind until he dropped everything else for the advocacy of the Master's cause. His preaching career commenced in Paris, Edgar county, Illinois, and has continued in various places for a period of thirty-three years. He was married to Miss Rachel Howard, Aug. 29, 1849, by the Rev. John S. Barker. In politics Mr. Rucker is an uncompromising Republican. During the progress of the war he boldly advocated the abolition of slavery, and in a speech made upon the occasion of the ratification of the victory at Vicksburg, said : - " God Almighty has written on the broad face of the sky, in letters of burning light, ' that all men are created free, and that slavery shall be destroyed,'" - at the time a bold utterance, and most efiectively said. At present Rev. James Rucker is leading a quiet life, which he has richly earned by virtue of faithful, earnest work in the past, in Clinton. His wife, a lady of sweet disposition, though of late years a great sufierer, physically, is loved by all who have come to know her ; and, together, they enjoy the society of friends who gather about them, and enter the. evening of well-spent lives.

Some men pass halt' their lives in ileteriuiniiig for what nature fitted them- In the light of William Fuller's success as an attorney conpled with the fact that his admission to the bar was after he had attained his forty-fourth year we opine that he belongs to this class. William Fuller was born Febfuary 19th, 1823, in Greene county, Pennsylvania. His parents, Daniel and Nancy Fuller, were of the good old Peimsyl vania stock of farmers from whom have sprung so many of the energetic men of to-day. His father coupled with his farming operations the vocation of blacksmith, in which he excelled. It devolved upon him to manufacture sickles, scythes and fine work generally. His parents were of Iri--h birth. His father a native of the city of Dublin. He was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, from whence he was taken at the age of three years to Fayette county. William Fuller was the oldest of a family of eight boys, of whom all but one are now living. He received a fair common-school education. His aptness to learn secured for him the position of teacher in his native county when still a youth. He had the honor of teaching the first free school ever opened in his own district. In November 1S48 he came to De Witt county where he taught for four winters, varying these duties by farming during the summer. He had in his possession a few law books which he most industriously studied, and which laid broad and deep his knowledge of the general law and determined him largely in his choice of a profession. These were yet primitive times in De Witt, and so he found himself chosen as the advocate of many clients in the lower courts, where he gained a fine local reputation as a pettifogger. Pedagogics was his business, but old farmers as they witnessed hie pleadings declared pettifogging his real forte. At one time he enjoyed the largest jiractice of this character, vested in any one individual in the county. In 1S.54 he was elected sheriff of the county, an office he filled to entire satisfaction. Had been elected prior to this time as a Justice of the Peace, which he only held for the brief term of three months, preferring to appear as an advocate to sitting in judgment on cases brought before such a court. In 1867 he was, after an examination, admitted to the bar as an Attorney, since which time he has continually and successfully practiced. In politics he is a Democrat of the strictest order, outspoken, bold and defiant. Has taken a hand in every campaign since he was a boy. His first vote was cast for James K. Polk. He is a member of the Masonic Order. He was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Parker, in Madison county, Ohio, February 23d, 1S46. By this union there are six children living four boys and two girls. Mr. Fuller is a man of courage, enterprise and strict integrity of character.

Pr(imixi;xt among the early settlers of De Witt cinnity havealready ill this work been noticed the Weedmaus. Their contributions to the development of the county's latent forces have been a positive factor in the story of her progress. Amos Weedman, the present efficient sheriff of the county, was born in Perry 'county, Ohio, May 12th, 1826. His parents were John and Rachel Weedman. In 18.30 the family all came to McLean county, where some of them have continually resided since ; Amos obtained a fair common-school education amid the disadvantages attending early schools in this part of the country. His first teacher was Lieutenant Governor Jloore. He was married to Mary J. McCord, December 16th, 1S47. His wife, a most excellent lady, is of the pioneer family McCord. They have two children, llucker and Smith Y. both farmers. Amos Weedman by vocation is a farmer, but his talents have brought him to the front as an office-holder. In 1876 he was elected sheriff of the county, and so ably did he discharge the duties of the office that he has been twice re-elected since, and that too with iucreased majorities. He is a [jronounced Kepublicau in politics, and takes great interest in promoting the success of his party. He is a member of both the Masonic and Odd Fellows' orders. Of a popular family whose reputation he well sustaius ; of fine social qualities ; and ever prompted in his actions by pure motives he is held in high esteem. His peronal traits of character and long residence in the county have made him many warm personal and devoted friends.

William Hyde, the father of G. W. Hyde, was born in Derbyshire, England, November 26th, 1807. He early Ijegan hia seven years' apprenticeship at the joiners' and cabinet trade, which has always been his source of livelihood. In his early manhood he was a local preacher in the Wesleyan Methodist Church, and has since been an active member. He now lives ( 1882) at an advanced age in Birmingham, England. His uncle, Joseph Hyde, was a Wesleyan Methodist Minister, who was arrested and imprisoned in Whitefield's time for proclaiming the doctrine. He was imprisoned in the Derbyshire prison, and made his escape by scaling the walls surrounding the prison. So wonderful was the feat tliat the wall was ever after knowu as " Hyde's Leap."

About 1828 occurred the marriage of William Hyde and Susannah Walker. Five children were born to them : George Walker, Sarah Ann, married to Richard Woodfull, William and Alfred, all now of Birmingham except the first ; and Ellen, deceased, who at her death was Mrs. Swain. Mrs. Susannah Hyde died during the last week of 1860 ; she lies in St. George's churchyard, Birmingham. The writer directs the following lines to the principal subject of these notes, viz. Dr. Geo. W- Hyde : He was born in Packingtou, in the same house in which his mother had been born. When he was one year old his parents settled in Birmingham. The boyhood of George was spent in the private and national schools of his day till he became 14 years of age. Labor at that time being scarce he sought to aid his parents somewhat financially. He became a billing clerk in a large brass foundry, where he remained some three years. During part of this time he attended the Polytechnic Institute, a night institution of learning. Between the ages of 14 and 15 years he became connected with the Juvenile Temperauce Society and Rechabites. He continued in this cause, and when 16 years old was admitted to the adult society of the same name. Being someft'hat efficient as a speaker, it was jiroposed to enter him in the list of regular speakers for the Birmingham General Temperance Society. In order to carry this out, it was necessary he should make a trial speech. At a meetiug held at the Temperance Hall on Union Street, Lecturer Murphy presided, and the trial speech was made, which brought out warm encomiums from the chairman, and resulted iu his election as a speaker. His various appointments were duly met. Just previous to this period of his life, at the age of 19, exposure brought on a severe attack of typhus fever, which confined him for six months, and which so broke his constitution as to give rise to the frequently precarious condition of his health during subsequent years. At the age of 20, he began to learn the joiner's and caliinet trade with his father. This trade he followed more or leas as an actual means of support, but not coustantly, his ill health requiring changes iu employment, which probably would not otherwise have been made. On his 21st year, November 20th, 1850, he was uuited in marriage to Sarah Owen, who has ever been his efficient helpmate. She was born October 5th, 1828, between Liouell and Fleet streets, Birmingham, England. Her father, George Owen, was born iu 1785, on the border of Wales, near Bristol, and was of Welch ancestry. At 17 years of age he became a sailor, but live years after he became engaged in the Iron Plate Works in Birmingham, where he remained till bis death at the age of 58 years. His wife, Nellie (Warren) Owen, was born in Birmingham, in 1790, and survived him till March 4th, 1873.

Shortly before marriage, the subject of these memoirs was induced by an associate to begin the study of medicine. It was about this time that the question of reform in medical practice began to be considerably agitated in England, chiefly through the instrumentality of American physicians. Dr. Wooster Beach, a student of Dr. Jacob Tidd, of New Jersey, founded, 1826, the "New York Reformed Medical College," and soon issued the Hefurined Medicul Juunuil. He also early compiled some medical works. His principles were early advocated in Europe, and a class was formed in Birmingham and taught by a Dr. Norris. Advantages were of course limited. Animals were used for anatomical demonstration and clinical experiment. Antiveiiesection and antimineralism were studied and promulgated. It was the privilege of George W. Hyde, dissatisfied as he was with the existing practice of medicine, to unite himself with this class. Every spare moment was spent in this cla-s work. Two years were thus improved. Although he did not give himself wholly to the practice yet it was his pride to undertake severe cases despaired of by other physicians. His own daughter was not the exception to this case, and no case that came under his care was lost. Strengthened in the practice by his success, he continued the study, taking the medical journal above mentioned, and such other reading as he could afford. The class had frequent correspondence with Dr. Wooster Beach of New York.

A change of climate becoming necessary to his health. Dr. Hyde determined to sail for America. Accordingly, leaving his family, a wife and three children, Mary A., Alfred W. and George Walter, in Birmingham, he set sail June 7th, 18.57, and immediately experienced a change for better health. He landed at Point Levi, opposite Quebec, after 9 days and liO hours sailing in the steamer Indiana.

He hastened by railway to Onarga, Iroquois County, IHinois, arriving July 1st, following. He was then on the frontier, as Iroquois County was new, and frontier life was made real by oxen, breaking plow and experiences generally incident to such occupation. His brothers-in-law, John and Abram Owen, were already in the haulnare trade. Soon a co-partnership was formed, the firm being known as Owen, Hyde & Owen. The Dr. was urged to begin practice, but fear of ill health caused him to desist. At the opening of the rebellion, being refused admission to the army, he removed to the country to care for the family of a AVilliam Frazee, while the latter served his country as a soldier. The family removing. Dr. Hyde purchased 40 acres of land on which he built a small dwelling, which he occupied till the close of the war. However, he farmed but little himself, his time being mostly occupied in his medical work made imperative by war's demands.

At the close of the war, he purchased property in Onarga and there lived till he located iu Clinton, moving his family November 5th, 1872. In 1876 he enjoyed a course of lectures at the Eclectic Medical Institute, Cincinnati, receiving a diploma of the institution. He is a member of the State and National Eclectic Medical Societies. As regards his success as a physician in Clinton it is unnecessary to comment. Politically in England he was a Radical as opposed to Toryism. In America he espoused the Republican cause, casting his first vote for the immortal Lincoln, and since has voted successively and successfully for all Lincoln's patriot successors. In petty elections he is oblivious to party, but in National policy has found no party more in consonance with his own views, than the Republican. Religiously both he and wife have been members of the Baptist church since 1849, having been baptized by Dr. Charles Hill Roe, then pastor of Henage street church, Birmingham. He has occupied all official p(jsitions within the gift of the church. Both he and wife have been prominently identifieil with the temperance organization and progress since childhood.

The children have numbered seven. Three, Mary A., Alfred W., and George Walter, born in England, emigrated with their mother in 1859, in the steamship "North America," landing at Point Levi after a voyage of eleven days and eleven hours. William F F., was born in Onarga, and three babes have been buried. The only daughter, Mary A., was married August 15th, 1876 to Mr. S. P. Flemming, of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

Dr. J. A. EDMISTON Was born in Logan county, Ohio, February 6, 1839, where his grandfather, Robert Edmiston, had located in an early day, being one of the pioneers of the county. He in turn hailed from Kentucky. The Edmiston ancestors were originally of Scotch-Irish extraction. Robert Edmiston, the father of the subject of this biography, was a farmer by occupation. John A. received a common-school education, which was supplemented by a partial academic course of instruction at Bellefontaine, Ohio, and Paris, Edgar county, this state. At the age of seventeen years he struck out to make his own livelihood, and found it in teaching. The great west, as Illinois was then known, had its attractions for him, and thither he came ; remained awhile in Edgar county, and in 1857 came to De Witt, where he entered upon the study of medicine with Drs. Goodbrake and an uncle, T. K. Edmiston. During the years 1858-9 he attended a course of lectures in Rush Medical College, Chicago, Illinois, and returned to Ohio, where upon the breaking out of the war he volunteered, in April, 1861, in the 13th Regiment Ohio Vols,, for three months' service. At the expiration of this time, he filled with enthusiasm in the cause of the Union, made his way to Cape Girardeau, Missouri, where he joined the 20th Regiment Illlinois Volunteer Infantry, as a private. He soon after became hospital steward, under his old preceptor, Surgeon Goodbrake. Immediately after the battle of Fort Donelson he was appointed 1st lieutenant, Co. E ; went on duty in this capacity the morning of the Shiloh fight; in August was appointed captain, and remained so until the close of the war. After the war he returned to Clinton, and in 186.5-6 attended another course of lectures in Rush Medical College, from which institution he graduated February 24, 1866. Soon after he formed a partnership with his uncle in the practice of medicine, which continued until 1870. He then engaged in the drug business, which he followed for five years, and since which time he has practiced his profession. He is an active member of the De Witt Co. Medical Society, of which he has been several years president. Politically, he is an ardent, outspoken Republican; he is a member of the Masonic order; religiously, is a Presbyterian. He was united in marriage December 17, 1S67, to Miss Mary Haynie, a most accomplished lady. Mrs. Edmiston has been for fifteen years leader of the singing in the Presbyterian church, a position for which her talents have pre-eminently fitted her.

Who is one of the prominent retired farmers of De Witt County, was born in Muhlenberg county, Kentucky February 18th, 1812, and wa* the son of Peter and Christina Dick. Mr. Dick's father was a native of North Carolina, and of German and English descent. When he arrived at the age of maturity he went to Kentucky where he afterwards married his wife, Miss Christina Shut who was a native of Pennsylvania, and of clear German ancestry^ her forefathers having emigrated to America at a very early date. Peter Dick was a farmer, an avocation he followed for nearly a quarter of a century in Kentucky. He then, with a view to better his, condition in life emigrated to Illinois, and settled in Sangamon county, this being in 1S29. In the spring of 1831, he moved into what is now Cass County, where he lived until his death, March of 1st, 1849, aged 68 years. His wife survived him three years, and died December 7th, 18.52, aged ti4 years. They raised a family eight children, five Ijoys and three girls, who married and raised families. The subject of this sketch, being the third, was in his seventeenth year when he came to this state. His advantages for receiving an education were limited, but by a close application in after life, he has qualified himself sufficiently to transact most any ordinary business. He was united in marriage January 1st, 1843, to Jliss Sarah J. Combs, a native of Kentucky ; she died September 15th, 1862, leaving four children, viz. : Thomas J., John K., James A., and Ruth J. Mr. Dick was married the second time October l9th.

I 1869, to Miss Harriet N. Scott, who was born in Sangamon County, I Illinois. They have one child, Emma. Mrs. Dick's parents were among the first settlers of that county, having emigrated there in 1S19 from Kentucky. The old homestead is a short distance east of where Pleasant Plains in that county now is. Mr. Dick ; was educated to farm pursuits, and in consequence has made that his life occupation. He started out in the battle of life unaided, and by hard work, good management and economy he has acquired sufficient of this world's goods to live the remainder of his life in comparative ease. He lived in Cass county until 1S65. February of that year, he came to AVaynesville township, and bought a farm, where he was actively engaged in his chosen vocation, farming and handling stock until quite recently. He gave each of his children a farm, thereby enabling them to start in life more full handed than was his lot. He reserved his homestead place near Waynesville, upwards of two hundred acres. In November 1881 he came to Clinton, where he now resides. In politics Mr. Dick has always been a Democrat. In 1877 and 78 he represented his township in the County Board of Supervisors be- I ing the Representative of his township when the Midland Rail- I road Company sued Waynesville township for 850,000, bonds given by the township, in which suit the company was defeated by failure on part of the company to fulfill their contract. Reli- I giously Mr. and Mrs. Dick are members of the Christian Church.

The present efficieut Treasurer of De Witt county, was born October 30th, 1839, a few miles north-east of Clinton. His father Edward was from Perry county, Ohio, his mother, IMartha Wilson, from East Tennessee ; both came in 1832 and located in De Witt county. The ancestors of Edward AVilsou were from Maryland, those of Mrs. Wilson, from Tennessee. Edward Wilson, a brave sturdy pioneer, who left his impression on the community in which he lived for good, died May 10th, 1863. He had followed farming all his life. James A. Wilson had only the meagre advantages extended the youth of this section of country in the days of log cabin school-houses. Harvey Blunt was his first teacher. He made the most, however, of the advantages offered, and good strong common sense has led him in all business operations he has engaged in. His chief pursuit has been farming and stock dealing. He has represented the fellow citizens of his native township as supervisor and school trustee, and in 1877 he was elected county Treasurer by a majority of seven hundred votes, although a democrat in what is generally a republican county. This can only be attributed to his personal popularity and universally recognized fitness for the position. He was married to Miss Elizabeth Cook, of Waynesville, September 7th, 1862, by whom he has had five children. Politically Mr. Wilson is a democrat, and in the advocacy of his belief is ardent and positive. He is a member of the Masonic order, his membership being with the Aniond Lodge No. 28-1 at De Witt, and with the Goodbrake chapter in Clinton, also the Knights of Pythias, Plantageuet Lodge. That measure of success which always follows in the wake of energy has been his portion, and now he is the owner of seven hundred acres of fine land, and is somewhat extensively engaged in the stock industry both at home and in company with others in Texas Industrious, reliable, of well established integrity of character, INIr. AVilson enjoys the good will and good wishes of host of friends.

From whose studio came many of the photographs of persons whose faces embellish these pages, was born in Redwood, Vermont, August 17, 18o"2. His parents were Rev. H. W. Pease, a Methodist Episcopal minister, and Louisa Pease, nee ]\Iacomber. The family originated in Wales. The genealogy of the Pease family is published in book form, and is traceable back to the year 511. His father, in common with most persons of his profession, was without a permanent home, so that school attendance irregular for the subject of this sketch. His best opportunities were enjoyed in Freeport, in this state, and Adrian College, Mich. Mr. Pease was married to Miss Allie Hankinson in September, 1877, by whom he has one child, a son, named Cecil Orme, born October, 1881. In his profession Mr. Pease excels. He commenced photography in July, 1867, and has by close applioatiou united with natural aptitude for the work in all its branches, become a tirst-class artist. He is a pronounced, outspoken Republican, in politics ; in religion, an earnest Swedenborgian ; and an active musician. He is an enthusiastic member of the order of Knights of Pythias. He owns the property occupied by his gallerj', and takes a deep interest in everything calculated to promote the welfare of his adopted home, and to build up a trade which shall be a credit to him as well as to the county.

Among the successful farmers of De Witt county must be placed M. B. Spicer, who after many years of toil and hardship, has retired to enjoy a merited quiet He was born in Clark county, Indiana, July 12, 1820; his parents were Upshur and Nancy Spicer. They came to Indiana from Delaware. I'pshur combined cabinet-making with farming. His father, in turn, was Lemuel Spicer, who came to Sangamon county, Illinois, in the spring of 183.3 ; his son Upshur and family followed in the fall of the same year, and located about ten miles south-east of Springfield. Minos obtained a common-school education in Indiana. He came to Be Witt county in 18.54. Whilst yet in Sangamon county he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Jane

Miller, February 13, 1851. By this marriage there have been ten children, four of whom are living. In 1874 Mr. Spicer retired from his farm in Tunbridge township, to Clinton, primarily to give his children, - three sons and a daughter, - a better opportunity for obtaining an education. Politically, he is a Democrat ; has never sought office, but has represented his fellow-men as supervisor, as road commissioner and as school director ; he is an active member of the Masonic Order. His wife is a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Spicer enjoys the good will of all As a citizen, he is upright, and -although possessed of considerable means, unostentatious.

Was born in Fayette county, Kentucky, March 3d, 1827. His parents were Thomas and JIalinda Ford, whose maiden name was Hackett. His father followed brickmaking for many years ; came to Illinois, locating in Jacksonville, Morgan county, in 1829. The subject of this sketch had very meagre opportunities for acquiring an education. He labored in his father's brick yard - the first mauual labor he ever performed - then, on a farm and afterwards learned the saddle and harness business, which he followed for about nineteen years. He located in Clinton in 1854, where he pursued his business until the breaking out of the war for the Union. On the 27th of June,'l861, he enlisted as First Lieutenant, accepting the place of Regimental Quartermaster of the Twenty-fifth Illinois Vol. Infantry. Was promoted to a Lieutenant Colonelcy and subsequently to a Colonelcy during the term of his service. After the war he collected direct ta.Kes for the United States in Tennessee. Was appointed postmaster at Clinton in 1868, which position he held for four years. He was married to Miss Mary D. Bowren, of Clark county, Kentucky, February 22d, 1849. By this union there have been born five children, four of whom are living namely, William D., Richard Y., Edward E., Katie M.

Col. Ford is a staunch outspoken Republican of whig antecedents. Learned his ideas of politics of Henry Clay, who was his beau ideal of political manhood in youth. He is an excellent worker in the cause of Republicanism, one whose influence is often sought. In manners he is pleasing and affable ; in his friendships true and lasting. The C'olonel has many friends in the

John Bishop was boru at Exeter, England, and was the son of Nathaniel and Ann (Beardsley) Bishop, who had a family of nine children - five girls and four boys. In 1829 Nathaniel Bishop left England for New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and settled with his family on the James River. John, a mere youth, soon found employment in the lumber business so extensively carried on in that vicinity. In 1847, in conjunction with a brother, he ccrne to Illinois, and purchased a farm at Elgin, in which occupation he continued until 1853; when, with his brother, William, he launched out into the grain and stock business at Freeport; but in the summer of 1855 they came to Clinton, erected an elevator and engaged in the grain and lumber business, which they successfully operated in partnership together ; and no firm stood higher at home or abroad for honesty and liberality in business than that of John and William Bishop.

Miss Minerva Moore, the daughter of Isaac and Philena (Blish) Moore. Miss Moore came to Clinton about 1848, and resided with her brother, C. H. Moore, until the date of her marriage. In 1867 John Bishop sold out his interest in business to his lirother William, and retireil to the peace and quietness of private life. In an imposing building, which he had erected in the north part of the city, he and she spent their time and money in beautifying their house, taking care of their flowers, and entertaining their friends. None enjoyed the society of their friends and neiglibors more than Mr. and Mrs. Bishop ; their house was always open, and the closing of their doors by death was regard ed as a great calamity to all the social interests of the city ; generous to all, their charities were of that quiet kind which was concealed from all but the givers and receivers. Mrs. Bishop's death occurred in 1880, some time after that of their youthful daughter and only child. Mr. Bishop did not long survive his wife, but died on the 10th of August, 1881.

Taylor''

The genial proprietor of the Magill House, Clinton, Illinois, was born February lOtli, 1850, in Perry, Pike county, Illinois. His parents were Nathan and Eliza Razey, {nee Jones). His father was by trade a carpenter. He became likewise a wagon maker, and followed this, and operated a foundry in Pike county. In 1857 he came to De Witt county, where he engaged in farming. A. W. R.izey followed farming when a youth. When about seventeen years of age he attended the Normal University at Normal, McLean county, where he remained a year and a half. In 1868 he became clerk in the post-office at Normal, then as a clerk he came to Clinton and worked for Humphrey & Smith_ In 1870 he changed for a similar position with Magill Bros. After six mouth's time he thought to reap a harvest with patent lamps and operated a short time in Missouri. The reality was quite unlikehis cherished dreams,so he gave up the business and engaged his services as clerk in a dry goods house in Kirksville, Mo., where he remained until 1873. His health failing him, in company with others he took an extended buffalo hunt, and after three month's absence he returned to Clinton, where he engaged in handling produce. In a few months he went to Chicago in the same line of business, and in 1875 he again became a clerk for Magill Bros., this time as head salesman and book-keeper. Here he remained until 1881, when he took charge of the hotel he now occupies. He was married December 25th, 1876, to Miss Ettie Phares, at the time a highly esteemed and successful teacher in the public .schools of Clinton. By this union there has been born one child, a bright little girl named Edna. Mr. Eazey is an active member of the Masonic order including chapter. Odd Fellow, and Encampment and Knights of Pythias. In the order of Knights of Pythias he is District Deputy. He takes great in. terest in all manner of public improvements ; is treasurer of the tire company, secretary of the literary society and otherwise engaged in numerous like enterprises. In manners, aifable, and eminently social, he makes many friends, and is rapidly establishing a fine reputation for the honse of which he is proprietor.

Wiilliam Booth

The present efhcient Prosecuting Attorney for De Witt county, was born in Greene county, Ohio, on the 'liih of April, 1849. His father, John by name, was a farmer, who brought his family to this county in 1857, locating in Waynesville township. William Booth attended the common district school until 1864, when, foil of patriotic fervor - although both too young and too small to carry a musket, - he slipped away from home and became a drummer-boy with Co. I, 145th Regiment, Illinois Volunteers. It is related that both himself and an associate got into the breeches he drew when he first became a " soger boy." He was with the command about five months. Upon his return home he applied himself to his books with renewed zeal, attending a select school in Waynesville, taught by Prof Turner, then the Wesleyan University at Bloomington, where he graduated in 1873. To him belonged the honor of being valedictorian in a class of nine. Returning home, he accepted the Principalship of the Waynesville Public Schools, in which position he continued for three years. He next entered the law office of Rowell & Hamilton, in Bloomington, as a student ; then went to Springfield, where he continued reading under the guidance of OrendorflTA Creighton. In January, 1879, he was admitted to practice at the bar, and at once located in Clinton, where he was elected Prosecuting Attorney. He was dependent upon his own exertions largely in securing an education. At college he refused to join other students in many pastimes engaged in from sheer necessity. At Springfield his last five dollar bill went for board just before his admittance to the bar. The firm with whom he studied loaned him money with which to pay for his license. Possessed of plenty of pluck and energy, he is acquiring a fine practice in his chosen profession, and is making many friends. In politics he is a straightforward and outspoken Republican, one who is proud of having cast his first ballot for Gen. U. S. Grant for President. He is a member of the Oi-der of the Knights of Pythias, in whose workings he takes a lively interest.

bHIS is a rhomboidal-shaped precinct, its northern and southern boundary lines being parallel, whilst its eastern are not, the eastern being an angle of 50 degrees, with a meridian line. It is bounded on the north by McLean county, on the east by Piatt, on the south by Piatt county and De Witt township, and on the west by De Witt and Rutledge townships. It contains 27 square miles, or more accurately 17,- 297 acres. It is well drained by Salt creek and its affluents. Salt creek enters the township from McLeau county, passing in its general south-westerly course through sections 14, 23, 27, 28, 33, 32, 31 and 6. Its minor affluents take their rise in springs chiefly within the boundaries of the township. It is well timbered, in parts heavily so. The soil is rich and fertile, and is adapted to all cereals raised i» the latitude. The scenery presented to the eye of the observer is varied and inviting. Not alone are the water courses followed by strips of timber, but here and there are fine natural groves adorning the landscape.

In the spring of 18.30, Tilmon Lane, Sr., Matthew K. Martin, William Lane, Benjamin L. Lisenby and J. J. McGraw, desiring to spy out the country, followed up Salt creek to its head waters, and found a family occupying a deserted Indian wigwam on section 33. just south of the present site of Farmer City- John Conner was the bold pioneer who had pushed his way beyond the settlements and taken up his abode in the solitude of an unbroken wilderness. His visitors stanchioned their horses, built a fire against some logs and slept on their blankets, except when disturbed by the howling of wolves and hooting of owls, which they declared they hail never found so plentiful as here. The restless spirit of the adventurer always characterized Donner. As soon as other immigrants came in he left, and in 1846, together with quite a band, he perished in the Rocky Mountains en route for California. This visit resulted in giving the name of one of the party to a small tributary of Salt creek, and which name it yet bears, being popularly called Martin's Branch. Another pioneer named Bridges had located and remained within the line of this precinct simultaneously with Donner. His brief stay was passed in hunting, and content with heaven as a canopy, and furs as a bed, he erected no rude cabin to blaze the march of civilization.

To Dennis Hurley belongs the credit of being the first perma nent settler in this precinct. His humble cabin was erected in the fall of 1830, in what is called Hurley's Grove, a short distance south-west of Farmer City. With him came a brother-inlaw, Richard Kirby, who followed with the second cabin. Dennis Hurley was the father of twelve children, two of whom died, in Ohio. Catharine Hurley, now the wife of George Swigart, was the first person born in the precinct. She was born July 16th, 1832. Soon after getting his cabin comfortably fixed Dennis Hurley had the misfortune to cripple his right hand in an eflibrt to load his gun. He struck the ramrod with such a force as to cause it to penetrate the hand, carrying into the wound a bit of his coat. In chopping wood and shooting game, the left hand, as a sole dependence, added to the hardships incident to pioneer life.

The rangers, on their way to participate in the Black Hawk war, camped near Hurley's cabin, in the grove which yet bears his name, and thrilled with their accounts of the atrocities practiced upon the whites by the Indians, he promptly oflered his services and tO( k up his line of march for the north-west.

Richard Kirby was the father of fifteen children. He originally came from Ohio, a poor man, in search of a home. Here he fo ind it and lived respected by his fellows until 1870, when his ileath was caused by falling from a wagon loaded with wood.

In the spring of 1832 a band of Kickapoo Indians whose custom it had been to make sugar along the creek returned for the last time, cut to pieces their sugar troughs and destroyed every thing the whites could utilize in its manufacture. These Indians had a tradition that eighty years before any whites came to this country there was a snow-fall of seven feet which destroyed all the game in this section. This tradition the early settlers thought somewhat corroborated by the fact that they found piles of buffalo bones bleaching on the prairies as if the animals had perished in herds.

In the fall of 1882 came Nathan Clearwater, making the fourth family to settle ou head waters of Salt creek. These four neighbors were ten miles distant from any other settlement. At this time Bloomington was their nearest trading point and even there was only a small store kept by a man named Haines. The wants, however, of these sturdy pioneers were few. An annual trip gufficed to supply them, and this was oftener extended to Peoria or Pekin than to Bloomington. Thus far the staking ofi'of a claim was sufficient evidence of ownership. But on the first day of February, 1833, Nathan Clearwater entered the first tract of land entered in this precinct, it being the N. E. i of the N. W. J of section 33, township 21, range 5 E. After this land entries were made as follows :

In Towxship No. 21, Range 5 East Iii.S'Iory Of De Witt Coumy, Jijjnojs

These lands are all compriseil iii the timber belt following the meanderings of Salt creek. The idea that the rolling prairies, stretching away for miles, luxuriant in their tall grass and bright flowers, would ever be even habitable was undreamed of by those who sought the friendly shelter of the forests. Uncle Nathan Clearwater as he is known and his estimable wife yet live on the land entered by the wife's father, John Danner, in ]8i4. The quaint and cosy old homestead is a most valued relic of the past, and brings with it the crude ideas of those earlier days of pioneer life, characterized as they were by genuine fellowship and good feeling. Among other things that mark it as a homestead coming from a past generation is the grove of stately black locusts near the house set out by the owner nearly fifty years ago. Uncle Nathan and Aunt Polly are known and loved by all. They have passed their golden wed ling, and are now the only two left who were among the heads of the first four pioneer families. About the same time with Nathan Clearwater came J. Washing- ' ton AlcCord, who lived for a year or two in this settlement and moved to what is now Harp township. He had passed through here as early as 1828 when on a tour of home hunting. He affirmed to his Tennessee friends that the time would come when the prairie land, then entirely neglected and unsought, would be considered more valuable than timber tracts His friends were incredulous. Some of them declared they wouldn't accept twenty thousand acres of such land as a gift and pay taxes on them, that they would always remain hunting grounds where deer congregate. The wife of J. W. McCord, living when he first came to Illinois, was a most devoted and earnest Christian woman ; a member of the Methodist Episcopal faith.

Jno. Weedaian, Sr., in passiu2 through here in 1832, looking after stock found a man named George Hand living in the hollow of a tree, which at the time was certainly the largest in De Witt county. His sojourn here was temporary.

Henry Huddleston, an Indianian, was the next person to unite his destinies with those of the little band Then came Richard D. Webb from Shelby county, Kentucky, reaching here Nov. 16th, 1833. He purchased the claim of John Danner, who had left for other parts, so there were but the five families in close proximity, although to the west, in the adjoining township, lived Washington McCord.

The first religious me^'ting was held in the house of Richard Kirby, and in this house, a cabin 12x16 feet in size, their meetings continued some months. The first class formed numbered seven persons ; Richard Kirby and wife. Dennis Hurley and wife, Nathan Clearwater and wife and Mrs. Julia McCord, first wife of Washington McCord. They met together in praise and prayer and their zeal was strengthened by an occasional visit made by a preaching brother. The first circuit rider was a man named Hall. His circuit required at least a hundred miles travel in making a single round, hence his appointments for the same place were a month apart.

The first death in the community was that of William Smith Clearwater, a son of Nathan Clearwater, and occurred November 13th, 1834. His remains were placed in a ruilely constructed coffin, the workmanship of Richard D. Webb, and lowered to their last resting place where so many have since been laid away to sleep the sleep of death.