DeKalb County, Illinois - The whole text, 1885 (part 19 of 28)

The father of Mr. Tindall was of New England parentage, a farmer by occupation, and resided in New Jersey until 1841, when he came to this county, as stated. He died at his home in South Grove Township, July 8, 1880. Mr. Tindall's mother, Mary (Berber) Tindall, was born in " York State; " is of Yankee extraction and is living at present with her daughter, Mrs. J. B. Millner, of Lawrence, Kan. Mr. Tindall was united in marriage Feb. 27, 1868, to Miss Mary E., daughter of William T. and Louisa (Riddle) Kirk. See sketch of William T. Kirk. Mrs

Tindall was the oldest of family of nine children, all of whom are yet living, and was born in Franklin Township, this county, March 24, 1843. Her years, prior to maturity, were spent at home assisting the mother, attending the common schools and the colleges at Rockford and Wheaton. She acquired a good education and at the age of 20 years engaged in teaching, which profession she followed with success until her marriage.

Two children are the issue of their union, namely : Edith, born Aug. 15, 1869, and Willie, born Feb. 18, 1873. After marriage the husband and wife located on the farm on which they are at present living, and which was owned by Mr. Tindall prior to that event, The farm comprises 320 acres of good tillable land, and the entire tract is well improved. He has a good residence and substantial farm buildings on the place, and to the passer by everything indicates energy and progress.

Politically, Mr. Tindall is a Republican, and has . held a number of the minor offices of his township. He and his wife are members of the Congregational Church.

ames Henderson, farmer on section 26, Victor Township, is also engaged in the dairy business. He was born Aug. 12, 1834, in Perry Co., Pa. His parents were Hodgen and Nancy (White) Henderson. His father was born in Ireland and came to America with his parents when he was 1 3 years old, grew to manhood and married a Pennsylvania lady.

Mr. Henderson received only the limited education of the common schools, and remained at home until the years of his minority were passed. After arriving at the period of man's estate he worked out two years, and at the end of that time he married Eliza Hippie, and they had eight children, seven of whom are still living, - Sarah L., Ida N., John A., Matilda C., James F., Alvin C. and Martha A. John married Mary J. Cooper, of La Salle Co., 111., Dec. 10, 1884. He is a farmer on section 27, Victor Township. Sarah married G. N. Price, Nov. 16, 1880. They went to Nebraska, where Mr. Price died, Dec. 22, 1884.

The first purchase of land made by Mr. Henderson was the 80 acres on which he has since resided, now increased by an additional 80. His land was all in its primeval condition, and there were but few settlers in his vicinity. He has made important improvements and built a fine residence, barn and other farm structures.

Ibert Ashcraft, fanner, section 25, Malta Tp., was born Dec. 19, 1820, in Machias, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. His father, Elijah T. Ashcraft, was a native of Brooklyn, Conn., and was the son of Nathan Ashcraft, a man of pure Yankee extraction. Betsey Curtis Ashcraft, wife of the latter, was of the same origin and ancestry, and died at the advanced age of 91 years. Betsey Ashcraft, the mother of Albert and wife of Elijah T., came of a long line of New England ancestors. Her husband died when he was 82 years old. They had 12 children, and 10 reached mature years.

Mr. Ashcraft was the seventh child, and he passed the years of his minority in the manner usual to farmers' sons, alternating farm labor with attendance at the common schools. On becoming of age he took the molding of his own career under his own management, operating for a few months as a general laborer.

He was married on the first day of the week, month and year of 1843, to Helen M., daughter of David and Polly (Dow) Russell. The parents were natives of Vermont and the mother belonged to the same race with the eccentric preacher, Lorenzo Dow. Her father was a farmer and mechanic, and after residing at various places in the East, the family came to De Kalb County. The mother died in the township of Cortland, in 1852. The father died at Chase, Lake Co., Mich., at the home of his son, and was 80 years of age at the time of his decease. Mrs. Ashcraft is the fourth of 13 children, and was reared and educated principally in the State of New York. Of her marriage 13 children have been born, of whom five are deceased. Solon married Elizabeth Smith, is a resident at De Kalb village, and is a mechanic. Alva married Antoinette Ellithorpe, a farmer in Marshall Co., Kan. Burton married Mary Melvin and resides in Osage Co., Kan. ; Luella mar- ried Richard S. Hooper and they live at Ness City, Ness Co., Kan., where the latter is holding the office of County Register. Laona is at Jacksonville, 111., and is the wife of Peter S. Newell. She was married Feb. 5, 1885. Charles, Edna and Marion H. are unmarried and inmates of the parental home. Hiram C., Wallace W, Amanda, Malvina and Albert, Jr., are deceased.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Ashcraft lived in the State of New York until 1848, the year of their removal to Sycamore, De Kalb County, where they lived one year. Removing thence to Cortland Township, they spent two years there, and in 1852 secured a claim of 160 acres of land by pre-emption in Malta Township, where the permanent home was established. The whole property was unbroken prairie and times were hard ; circumstances existed which tried the stuff of which a man was made; but the tide was stemmed by persistent energy and well directed effort. The place was remote from other settlers, and deer were so unaccustomed to humanity that they roamed in close proximity without manifest fear. Mr. Ashcraft owns 80 acres, all in the most advanced cultivation. He assimilates with the Republican party element in politics, and was one of the first Justices of the Peace after the township was organized. He has also officiated as Township Treasurer of Schools. Mr. Ashcraft is one of the oldest resident settlers of the township, having lived here 33 years.

Iford Arnold, farmer and stockman, resident on section 27, Victor Township, was born Dec. 10, 1826, and is the son of John nd Alice (Alford) Arnold, who were natives of Lincolnshire, England. The family came to America in 1851, and located during the first ten months in Tompkins Co., N. Y. Their next removal was to Batavia, on the Fox River, in Illinois, where they worked a farm on shares two years, removing thence to Victor Township. There they operated a farm on section 28 for a year, when a farm was purchased on section 26, where the parents died, respectively in 1862 and in 1869.

Alford remained at home until he was 1 1 years of ge, and received a common school-education. After that age he became a farm laborer and spent four years in that occupation, when he obtained a situation as a shepherd and herder, in which two-fold capacity he was occupied until he was 23 years of age. He came to the United States in 1850, landing at the port of New York, whence he went to Trumansburg, Tompkins County. After spending 17 months there on a farm he pushed on West and worked a year on a farm near Batavia, Kane Co., 111., and was occupied during a second year in a machine-shop.

He was married Feb. 25, 1854, to Lucy Hales. She was born in England and came two years before her marriage to America. Of the 12 children of whom Mr. and Mrs. Arnold became the parents, eight are still living, - Mary A., John H., Alfred A., Benjamin F., Edgar, Alice C., Emma E. and Lucy S. The three oldest children are married.

After his marriage, Mr. Arnold worked a farm two years on shares, and subsequently came to Victor Township, \vhere he purchased 80 acres of land on section 27, which has since been his homestead. To this he has added 80 acres by subsequent purchase, two tracts adjoining each other. Mr. Arnold is a successful and prosperous farmer. He is a Republican, and his wife is a member of the Baptist Church.

riel S. Morey, farmer, section 20, Malta Township, was born May 24, 1840, in the township of South Columbia, Herkimer Co., N. Y., whence he came with his parents to De Kalb County in 1853. He was then about 13 years of age, and he continued a member of the home circle and acted as his father's assistant until the date of his marriage. That event took place May 24, 1864, when Miss Elizabeth Van Vlack became his wife. Her parents, John and Anna M. (Oliver) Van Vlack, were born in the State of New York, and were of German ancestry. They were descendants of families who were among the earliest settlers of the Empire State. Mrs. Morey was born Aug. 4, 1842, in East Glenville, Schenectady Co., N. Y. Her father died when she was about nine years of age, and six years later (1857), she accompanied her mother to De Kalb County, locating at Shabbona village. She is the youngest of three children and received a good education. The death of her father occurred March 9, 1851, when he was 40 years of age. Her mother died at Shabbona Grove, Feb. 6, 1863, at the age of 51 years. Mr. and Mrs. Morey have become the parents of five children, born as follows: Floyd, Aug. 31, 1865; Nettie, Oct. 31, 1869; Jessie, Sept. 18, 1875 ; Myra, Oct. 24, 1878 ; Lilla, twin sister of Myra, died when nine months old.

Mr. and Mrs. Morey established their independent home life immediately after marriage and settled on a farm in Shabbona Township. On this place Mr. Morey conducted agricultural operations 16 years, when the family removed to Malta Township, where the father, in company with his brother, Wm. H., located on 264 acres of land on section 20. They have continued their joint labors, and have operated extensively in agriculture and as stock-growers, ranking among the best and most progressive farmers of the township. They are Republicans in political faith and connections.

Smith Morey, the father of Mj. Morey of this sketch, was born Sept. 9, 1812, in Onondaga Co., N. Y. Jesse Morey, father of the former, was of French lineage and married Faith Wilcox. She was born, in Connecticut, and was of purely Yankee origin. Smith Morey married Jeannette Smith Jan. i, 1839. She was born in Suffield, Conn., and died at the home of her son Dec. 17, 1877, aged 64 years. Her three sons, Hiram D., of Shabbona, Ariel and Wi H. survive her. The family were among the first settlers'in Shabbona Township in 1853. He labored there as a farmer until 1869, when another transfer was made of the joint family interests of the father, eldest and youngest sons, to Malta Township, where they located on 264 acres of land and have since managed their farming interests together.

ipt. Martin V. Allen, druggist, residing at Shabbona, was born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., Nov. 6, 1832, and is a son of Reuben and Nancy (Andrews) Allen. In 1845 his father's family left Sackett's Harbor, Jefferson Co., N. Y., in a sail vessel, cruised around the lakes, debarked at Chicago and came thence by \team to this county, arriving at Shabbona Grove June 2, 1845. His father was consequently (gyV^N/g-., ^^JUS^i^ s-*, !^S-: one of the pioneers of this county, and soon after he arrived here entered 320 acres of Government land on sections 19, Clinton Township, and 24, Shabbona Township, and entered vigorously on the laborious task of cultivating and improving it.

Capt. Allen was brought up on his father's farm. He assisted in the farm labors and attended the common schools, and developed into manhood while under the parental roof-tree. Aug. 12, 1862, he entered the military service of the United States in the late Civil War with the commission of First Lieutenant of Co. E, togth 111. Inf., and was promoted as Captain March 9, 1863. He was wounded at Atlanta, Aug. 16, 1864, receiving a gunshot wound in the right arm near the shoulder, which resulted in resection and causing the loss of about three inches of the bone. He was then, Jan. 22, 1865, discharged for physical disability.

Capt. Allen suffered a far more serious misfortune as a result of being wounded than the loss of a portion of his- arm. His wife, on hearing of the casualty, proceeded to. his side to nurse him. She found him at Chattanooga, Tenn., in an atmosphere infected with pestilence,- and fell a victim to typhoid fever. She lived to reach home, in a delirious condition, and died in a few days. Their second child, a. daughter, contracted the disease, and in a short time followed her mother to the land of everlasting peace.

Captain Allen was married at Little Rock, 111., Oct. 7, 1856, to Miss Jane A. Hunter. She was a daughter of William and Janet Hunter, and was a native of Scotland. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Allen : Cora A., Lida E. and Jennie M. The eldest, Cora A., is the wife of George C. - Sanborn, a commission merchant at Chicago. The youngest daughter was adopted by H. E. Allen, of De Kalb, a brother of Capt. Allen. She grew to womanhood in his household, and is the wife of William Ellwood, of that place.

Mrs. Allen died Sept. 20, 1864, and Capt. Allen was again married Nov. 6, 1867, at Shabbona, to Miss Lizzie, daughter of Giles M. and Eve (Clapsaddle) Alexander. She was born in Herkimer Co., N. Y., and is the mother of one child, a son, Bertie, aged 14 years.

f County, which position he held for a term of four years, from 1865 to 1869. In 1873 he engaged in the drug business at Shabbona, and has since continued in the same. He carries a slock averaging ,"5. $2,000 and including everything pertaining to that business. In March, 1877, he was burned out, sustaining a loss of about $1,500, with no insurance. He is a prominent Freemason, and was the first Master of Shabbona Lodge, No. 374, A. F. & A. M., and is holding that position at the present time (1885).

/ He is also a member of De Kalb Chapter, No. 52, R. A. M., and of Aurora Commandery, No. 22, K. T. He is likewise Sen. V. C. of T. S. Terry Post, G. A. R., of Shabbona.

Politically, Capt. Allen is a Republican. Religiously, he is a member of the Congregational Church. He is one of Shabbona's most liberal-minded and enterprising citizens, and is held in high esteem. Of no other citizen in the county could a portrait be more appropriately given in this work, and accordingly a fine lithographic likeness of Capt. Allen is given on a page just preceding.

.ohn Mutton, farmer, section 20, Malta, was born about the year 1824 in the county of Cornwall, in the south of England. Richard Mutton, his father, was also of English birth, and his wife, Elizabeth Mutton, was a native of the same country, where they were married and passed all the years of their lives.

Mr. Mutton has been an independent self-sustainer since he was 15 years of age, at which time he began to operate as a laborer on a farm. He was married Aug. 15, 1847, in the county where he was born, to Elizabeth Bray. She was born in the same county, May 25, 1820. Her mother, Elizabeth (Herd) Bray, died when she was nine years of age, after which she had to earn her own living, Richard, her father, being left with a large family and unable to support them all from his meager savings. To her and her husband have been born the following children : John, Elizabeth J., Mary A., Rebecca, Emma, William and Silena.

Mr. and Mrs. Mutton set out for America after their marriage and located at first in Ontario, Can. They were residents in Northumberland County 18 years, engaged in farming. In 1865 they removed to Creston, Ogle Co., 111., where they maintained a residence three years, coming in the spring of 1868 to Malta Township, where Mr. Mutton became by purchase the proprietor of 105 acres of land. The place gives every evidence of skillful and judicious farming and the farm buildings are of excellent character. Politically, Mr. Mutton is a Republican. He has been for years active in the local offices of his township.

enry Challand, farmer, section 6, Clinton Township, is a son of Charles and Ann (Freeman) Challand, both natives of England, and residents in that country until their death. They were the parents of a family of 1 1 children, namely : Ann, Eliza, Charles, William, Mary E., Reuben, Henry, Sarah, Maria, George and Joseph.

Henry Challand, the subject of this biographical notice, was born in England, Feb. 3, 1822. His education was received in the common schools of that country, and was limited on account of the financial condition of his parents. At the age of 12 years he set forth to carve a name and accumulate a competency for himself, first working on a farm, and then as a drayman. In 1847 he emigrated to Canada, where he lived seven years, and in the spring of 1854 came to De Kalb County and settled in Shabbona Township, where he purchased 89 acres of land. The land was situated partly in De Kalb and partly in Lee County, and after holding it for a year as owner he sold it. He "worked out" during that year, and purchased 80 acres in Afton Township, on which he located and lived for seven years, and then sold.

In 1861, Mr. Challand purchased 190 acres in Clinton Township. He moved on this land and cultivated it until 1874, and then moved to the village of Waterman, still retaining possession of his land. He lived in the latter place some seven years and then moved back upon his farm. Residing there a year, he again returned to Waterman, and two years later moved upon the farm again. He has resided in Waterman and on his farm since 1861. He is the owner of 365 acres of land in Clinton and Shabbon: Townships, most of which is in a good state of cultil ^^^ *t*§^(<® vation. That he is a man of great energy and perseverance, his accomplishment of a purpose formed when 12 years old, namely, to procure a competency, is certain and positive proof. He has certainly accomplished that' purpose, and to his own indomitable energy and pluck he may attribute its success.

Mr. Challand was first married in England, to Miss Elizabeth Green, a native of that country. She emigrated with him to Canada, and there died, of "emigrant fever." She bore him two children, namely, Fredrick and Elizabeth. The second marriage of Mr. Challand occurred Oct. 31, 1849, and the lady of his choice was Miss Julia Bilney, of English parentage, and born in Canada. She was the mother of 10 children by Mr. .Challand, namely: Elizabeth A., Freeman, Mary, Jemima, Julia, Sarah, Margaret A., Walter, Esther R., Rosa and Eliza. Mrs. Challand died in Clinton Township, in July, 1872.

Mr. Challand was a third time married, at Sandwich, this county, Jan. 12, 1873, to Mrs. Emily Fassett, widow of Henry R. Fassett. He was born Nov. 7, 1836, and died May 4, 1871. Mrs. C. is the daughter of Elijah and Mary A. (Bilney) Hardiman. She was born in Canada, Sept. 19, 1842. By her first marriage she had two children: John H. and Antoinette, the latter of whom is deceased. The issue of her second marriage is three children : Frank W., Gracie A. and Charles H., all living.

Mr. and Mrs. Challand are both members of the Wesleyan Methodist Church. Politically, Mr. Challand is a Democrat. He has held the office of Overseer of Highways and School Director.

i, deceased, was born in Carolton-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire, England, in November, 1811, and was a son of John and Susan Stimpson, natives of that country.

Mr. Stimpson grew to manhood in his native country and engaged in the vocation of a maltster, which occupation he followed for many years. He was married at Norwell, Eng., Nov. to, 1835, to Miss Sarah Weightman, a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Selby) Weightman, natives of that country. Her father was born in North Muskham, and her mother in Balderton, Eng. She was born at North Muskham, Eng., April 26, 1817. They emigrated to the United States in 1850, arriving at New York city in October of that year, after a tedious voyage of six weeks. From the latter place they went to Albany, N. Y., where they remained for about six months, and then removed to Genesee, Livingston County, that State, where they remained until 1853. During the latter year they came to this State and located at Aurora, where they remained for about two years, a greater portion of which time Mr. Stimpson was an invalid. From Aurora they moved upon a farm in that vicinity, and Mr. Stimpson was engaged in that vocation for about five years. At the expiration of that time, in 1862, he moved his family to Minnesota, but the Indian massacres at New Ulm and other places which were prevailing at that time in the vicinity in which he settled, and various unpleasant features of the country, induced him, after a sojourn of about two years, to return to this State. He returned to Aurora, and from thence, in 1864, came to Shabbona Township, this county. (He located in what is called the " English Settlement," in the western part of the township, and purchased a fine farm of 1 60 acres. He continued to cultivate this farm, meeting with success in his endeavors, until the date of his death, Nov. 17, 1872. Politically, he was a Republican, and socially was a member of the Order of Odd Fellows.

Mr. and Mrs. Stimpson were the parents of 14 children, eight of whom were born in England, namely : Edward, who married Mary Cox, " an English girl," and is at present living on Grand Prairie, Iroquois County, this State. Thomas, who was a soldier in the late Civil War, enlisting in the 72d 111. Inf., was wounded at Vicksburg May 22, 1864, and died at Memphis, Tenn., six days later, from the effects of his wound. Rebecca, who is the wife of Theodore Porter and lives in Chicago. George married an English lady and lives at Elgin. William was a blacksmith in Shabbona Township, and was killed in his shop in July, 1870, by a man named Grover. Jane died in childhood. T. Weightman married Sarah A. Challand and resides in Shabbona. John died at home when 30 years of age.

Of the six children born in this country, Mary J. and Sarah A. died in infancy ; Elizabeth is the wife of John Houghtby, a resident of Shabbona Township. Henry B. married Hannah Nau, and lives in Shab- <£^ :3%»£

Mrs. Stimpson survives her husband and resides in Shabbona. The old farm of 160 acres is hers during life. She has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for upwards of 42 years. Looking back upon the history of her past life, she reads of trials and pleasures, of sorrows and happiness ; and as her days are drawing to a close she has the consolation of having spent a Christian life, a life of usefulness. She is living in comfort at Shabbona, where she expects to pass her remaining years, and where her body may be placed by the side of her companion.

Alexander Southern, farmer, section 32, Malta Township, was born in Ashford, Kent Co., England, Feb. 28, 1836. He is a prominent agriculturist of De Kalb County and affords- a good example of what a man, born under another flag, may accomplish when transferred to a land whose standard floats over no classes of born distinction and inherited privileges. Alexander Southern, Sr., came of a good family which originated and had been perpetuated in Kent County, and belonged to the agricultural class. His wife was Mary Thompson before marriage. The parents died when the son was in childhood, the death of the mother occurring soon after that of the father in 1846. Alexander, Jr., was left homeless and dependent on his own resources. He was not of a race that was easily disheartened or overwhelmed by circumstances, and as early as practicable he devoted his time and abilities to an acquisition of a knowledge of the trade of a stone and brick mason. He was thus employed three years. In r8s6 he took a final leave of his native soil and kindred, and came alone to the United States. He landed at the port of New York and pressed on thence to Milwaukee. He passed three years in that city at work as a mason, and in 18159 went to Chicago. He obtained employment at his accustomed business, and three years later went to Belvidere, Boone Co., 111. The character of his work and his industry served to win for him a good reputation as a craftsman, and he had no difficulty in finding work in his various wanderings. Not long after coming to Illinois, he came to Malta Township. He was employed sometime after as a mason, and was sent to various places, among others to Terre Haute, Ind., where he was the principal workman in the construction of the Normal buildings.

He was married in March, i86r,'at De Kalb, to Mary J., daughter of John and Jane (Hancock) Rowe. She was born in Brownton, Devonshire, England, April 19, 1834. Her parents were natives of the same town and shire, and her father made a preliminary visit to the United States, which resulted in his returning to England to bring his family, the following year. They remained a short time near Buffalo, N. Y., and in the spring of 1851 came to the township of Malta. They are now quite aged and reside with a daughter at Creston, Ogle Co., 111. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Southern are all living: Lillie J. married John Norton and resides in Chicago. They have two children : Reuben A. was born Oct. 1 6, 1866. The youngest is William J. After the marriage of the parents they took the farm of the Misses Todd, which they conducted on shares four years. At the end of that time they located on 320 acres of land, which the father had purchased in 1868, and which has since been the homestead. It is all in a finely cultivated condition. In the spring of 1884, the wife and mother was seized with a nervous disease, from which she died three months later. She was a member of the Congregational Church, as is her bereaved husband. The latter is a Republican, and has held various township offices. He is a man of reliable integrity and much respected as a man and a citizen.

ev. Benoni Harris, deceased, the pioneer minister of Paw Paw Township, and one of the very earliest settlers of the township, was born in Cayuga Co., N. Y., and was the son of John Harris. He united with the Methodist Episcopal Church in early life, was ordained a minister and labored many years in the discharge of his duties. He was married in- New York, to Thankful Miles, who was born in Cayuga Co., N. Y. They had a family of 12 children, six boys and six girls.

Paw Paw Township. He was the first Methodist circuit preacher in this region, and also labored as a mission preacher. He was a Mason of high standing and a good citizen. His wife was the first white person to die in the new settlement in Paw Paw Township. Her death occurred in 1836. Mr. Harris died in 1845.

His sons, Benjamin and Joseph, were among the very first settlers- of this township. The Rev. Benoni Harris, Jr., came several years later. Benjamin Harris came to Paw Paw in the summer of 1835 and settled in the western part of the township. He was married and removed to Black Hawk Co., Iowa, in 1854. He enlisted in the late war and died at his home in Iowa, from disease contracted in the army. Joseph Harris came to Paw Paw with his father and brother. In 1853 he removed to Iowa and later to Kansas, where he now resides. Rev. Benoni, Jr., moved to Iowa in 1853, and died in that State.

arles D. Patch, of the grocery and provision house of Rowe, Norris & Patch, at Sycamore, was born Dec. 25, 1855, in Northumberland Co., Pa. He is the son of Salathiel C. and Margaret A. (Watson) Patch. The former was born Aug. 17, 1812, in Newark, N. J. The latter is a native of Pennsylvania, and was born March 7, 1831. Both are still living at Sycamore.

Mr. Patch is an only child. He passed the years of his minority on the homestead farm, 7 miles east of Sycamore. Before he was 21 years old he taught school during two winters in this State, and in the spring of 1877 came to Sycamore, and entered the store of which he is now one of the proprietors, and acted two years in the capacity of clerk.

In September, 1879, he entered the Law Department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, where he studied one term. Returning to Sycamore, he assumed editorial charge of the Daily Free Press during the Presidental campaign of 1880, continuing in that avenue of business until November. In April, 1881, he again entered the provision house of which he is a member, as a salesman, and operated

Mr. Patch was married June i, i88t, in McGregor, Iowa, to Rosa B., daughter of Seymour and Laurinda Chilson. She was born east of Cortland, in De Kalb County, Feb. 28, 1861, and died Dec. 23, 1881, six months after marriage.

Mr. Patch has been for some time the regular correspondent of the Chicago Inter-Ocean, and has a decided taste and ability for newspaper work.

acob Spansail, a farmer situated on section 24, Genoa Township, was born Dec. 16, 1833, in Germany. His parents, Jacob ind Elizabeth D. Spansail, were natives of Germany and in 1850 emigrated to America, locating in Ohio. They had a family of seven children, - Jacob, Sebastian, Rosa, George, Dora, Catherine and Fred. The father died in Michigan while en route to Illinois to visit his son : the mother survives.

Mr. Spansail was about 17 years of age when he accompanied his parents to America, and he lived in the Buckeye State three years, coming thence to Kane Co., 111. Two years later, in 1855, he removed to De Kalb County and became the owner by purchase of 40 acres in the township of Genoa, and has since maintained his residence thereon. His home estate now includes 320 acres and nearly the entire acreage is under improvement. His herd of cattle includes 50 head on an average and he fattens about 65 hogs yearly.

Mr. Spansail was married March 29, 1857, to Elizabeth Vote, and they have seven children, - Mary E., George H., John M., Rosa (died when three months old), Dora J., Katie M. and Frederick W. Mrs. Spansail was born March 30, 1837, in Crawford Co., Ohio, and is one of 10 children born to her parents, - Elizabeth, Mary A., John M., Anna W., Susan', William H., Jacob G., Margaret, Charles F. and Franklin P. The parents, John and Anna M. (Karn) Vote, are natives of Pennsylvania and Germany.

Mr. Spansail is a Republican in politics and has been a prominent man in the local offices in his township, having held the position of Road Com- ussioner 15 years and also that of School Director. He is a man of acknowledged business abilities and acted as salesman for the patrons of the New Lebanon cheese factory for three years. In 1882 he was appointed Postmaster of New Lebanon.

li W. Lloyd, farmer, section 21, Malta Township, was born Dec. 14, 1836, in Hartford, Mass. .His parents, Artimus W. md Parthenia (Haskell) Lloyd, changed their residence from Hartford to Old Stockbridge in the same State when the son was in youth, and went thence soon after to Washington in the Bay State. Mr. Lloyd was educated in the common schools, and at the age of 20 years found himself at liberty to enter upon his unaided struggle with fortune. He set out westward and finally reached Rockford. He had friends in that city, and he obtained employment in that locality, where he remained two years. Meanwhile, his father had removed to De Kalb County, then comparatively new, and here Mr. Lloyd rejoined the family in South Grove Township. He remained at home but a short time, as he believed that the promises of the farther West foreshadowed opportunity for a venturesome and energetic man to get on in the world, and he accordingly pressed on to the gold regions of California. He operated in mining two years, and then went to San Francisco, where he engaged in the livery business. Two years later, in 1863, he returned to De Kalb County and located on 160 acres of land, which he purchased and where he has since operated as a farmer. He has 120 acres of his original purchase, and has added to his estate until he is now the proprietor of 200 acres, in the best possible agricultural condition. Mr. Lloyd was one of the first to consider the feasibility of a permanent settlement in Malta Township, and he has been active in general affairs since he has been one of its citizens. In addition to general farming he is largely interested in stock, and has home herds of cattle and hogs of excellent grades. Mr. Lloyd is an ardent Republican, and has officiated in the local offices of his township. He was united in marriage March 5, 1865/111 Malta Township, to Kate Spickerman. She was born in Columbia Co., N. Y., and is the daughter of John and Mary E. (Rowley) Spickemian. While she was yet in her childhood the family removed to Spencer, N. Y. Her mother died when she was eight years of age, and she was then placed in the care of her grandparents in Nassau, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., where she obtained some degree of common- school education. Her grandparents removed, while she was still a very young girl, to Oak Park, Cook Co., 111., where she had the advantages of excellent school privileges for two years. When she was 14 years old another transfer of residence, to the village of Malta, was made, and she was sent next to school at Rockford. On completing her studies she engaged in teaching in Milan Township, De Kalb County, when 1 6 years of age. Of her marriage to Mr. Lloyd, five children have been born. Frank B. is a student at the Commercial College at Rockford, 111. ; Walter E., Artimus A., Kittle E. and Olive O. are busy in acquiring their education. One of their sons - Artimus A. - is a boy of remarkable physical proportions, developed in stature and weighing 130 pounds, though only nine years of age. The family attend the Congregational Church, to which the mother belongs.

lilliam H. Keene is a farmer in Victor Township, and is pursuing his agricultural operations on sections 4 and 9. He was born March 4, 1820, at Esperance, Schoharie Co., N. Y. His parents, Bartholomew and Fanny (Van Schoonhoven) Keene, were also born in the State of New York.

Mr. Keene passed the years of his minority in the manner common to farmers' sons, obtaining an education and a knowledge of farm labor. After reaching the period of his legal freedom, he worked three 'Y years on a farm. In 1844 he accompanied his parents and grandmother to Illinois. They first settled at Aurora and spent five years in farming, four miles north of that city. The cash capital of Mr. Keene on his arrival at his point of destination was $15. In 1849 he purchased 46 acres of land on section 4, of which he took possession and bent his energies to such good purposes that he was enabled in 1850 to purchase 160 acres additional. He continued to prosper, and in 1856 bought another 40 acres. He increased his possessions in 1881 by the purchase of 40 acres more, making an aggregate of 286 acres, lying in an unbroken body. In addition to his several investments named, he has purchased and given 1 60 acres to his oldest son. He is a typical farmer, and has engaged continuously in the pursuit of mixed husbandry. He has trafficked in shorthorn cattle for the past 20 years. In 1850 he began to raise black-walnut trees, which are now in fine bearing order.

Mr. Keene is a Republican and greatly interested in the political affairs of his town, county and State, and also in national matters. He is one of the most prominent citizens of Victor Township, and has been active in local official positions.

He was married, Oct. 17, 1848, to Emily Pulver, a native of New York, and to them have been born eight children, - six of whom are still living : Julia E., Martha A., George M., Nancy M., Lewis A. and Laura B. Julia is the wife of S. L. Brewer, of Franklin Co., Kan. George married Malinda Merritt, and lives in Victor. Nancy M. married Jonathan E. Davis, and resides in Victor Township.

ndrew J. Johnson, farmer, section 35, Malta Township, was born March 15, 1842, in the province of Smolen, Sweden. His mother died when he was in childhood, and not long after that event the father came with two wns to America, leaving behind a son and two daughters. They located at De Kalb, and Mr. Johnson entered the employment of a Mr. Stephens, with whom he remained nearly two years, after which he went to Franklin Township in the employment of Thomas Nelson, a farmer for whom he commenced to labor in ,June, 1855, remaining until October, 1863. In the spring of 1867 he purchased 80 acres of land on section 35, Malta Township. At the time of the purchase, the place was in its original natural condition, and Mr. Johnson at once interested himself in its improvement. He purchased 80 acres additional and has now the entire amount under improvement. He is a skillful and industrious farmer, and besides fully improving his property has erected excellent farm buildings and good fences. His farm is stocked with good varieties of cattle and swine. Mr. Johnson is a Republican in political principle and is a Trustee in the Lutheran Church, to which Ig) he and his wife belong.

He was married May 24, 1873, to Louise Samuelson, who was born April, 15, 1851, in Sweden, and came to America in 1870. She died at her home in Malta, Feb. 16, 1881, leaving four daughters: Minnie V., Mary and Martha (twins who bear to each other so close a resemblance that theia mother frequently |j|x made a mistake in their identity), and Martin M., Andrew J., Jennie M. and an infant child are deceased. The latter, after it was born, died with its mother.

Mr. Johnson was again married in De Kalb, Dec. 13, 1883, to Matilda Peterson, born in Sweden, March 18, 1860. She is the daughter of Jonas and Christina (Holkenson) Peterson, and came to the United States in August, 1882. Gusta E. is the name of her only child.

homas Nicholson, farmer, section 15, Paw Paw Township; postoffice, East Paw Paw, De Kalb Co., has 240 acres. He was born in Phillipsto<vn, Putnam Co., N. Y., Feb. 14, 1807, and is the son of Joshua and Rebecca I (Kenyan) Nicholson. He removed to Dutchess Co.,. N. Y., with his parents when 14 years of age, and five years later to Tompkins Co., N. Y., where he was married, June i, 1833, to Eunice, daughter of Abram Clark. Mrs. Nicholson was born in Con- fi !> necticut Aug. 20, 1812. They had 13 children, the seven older ones born in New York and six born in Illinois. There were ten boys and three girls, as follows: Joshua, born March 8, 1834, and died aged 46 years, still unmarried. David H., born Oct. 18, 1835, married Mary J. Jones and lives in Paw Paw Township; John W., born May n, 1836, married Carrie Emmons, and lives in Chicago ; Charles W., born Oct. 18, 1837, married Mary J. Roff, and lives at Aurora; Clark, born June 10, 1839, died in childhood; Lydia A., born Dec. 6, 1841, wife of Cyrus Fristoe, lives at Hot Springs, Ark. ; Susan R., born May 26, 1843, is the wife of Dexter V. Pratt, and lives in Paw Paw Township ; William L., born J

20, 1845, married Rachel Dunton, and lives in West Paw Paw; Catharine J.,born Sept. 21, 1847, is the wife of J. P. Hampton, and lives in Greene Co., Iowa ; Edward J.,born Jan. 15, 1849, married Maria Greves, and lives at Sandwich, 111. ; George M.,born Feb. 16, 185!, married Laura Braithwaite, and lives in Calhoun Co., Iowa; Thomas C., born April 22, 1853, is deceased ; Fremont, born June 22, 185 6, lives in Paw Paw Township. Mrs. Nicholson died Nov. 28, 1879. Mr.. Nicholson came to Paw Paw Township, De Kalb Co, 111., in 1846, bought his land of the Government, on section 15, where he has made his home ever since.

ev. Levi H. Davis, farmer, section 30, township of Paw Paw, postoffice, Earlville, La Salle County, has 108 acres of land. He is born in the town of Providence, Saratoga Co., N. Y., Aug. 2, 1837, and is the son of Richard C. and Susan E. (Pawling) Davis. He removed in the spring of 1846 with his parents to Oswego, 111., and in December of that year came to Paw Paw Township, De Kalb Co., 111., and located on the same section on which he now resides. He was brought up a farmer, and was married at Buchanan, Mich., Oct. 7, 1869, to Mrs. Mary J. Davis, widow of his brother, Alexander P. Davis, who. was drowned in the Illinois River, July 24, 1864, and daughter of Thomas B. and Eliza (Hoag) Sawyer. Mrs. Davis was born in Schenectady Co., N. Y., Sept. 20, 1834, and -came to Illinois in April, 1857. She had one son by her fopner marriage, Charles A., born Feb. 8, 1858. He married Sene Hanson and resides in Paw Paw Township. One child was born of the present marriage, namely, Wyman P., Jan. 16, 1871. Mr. Davis united with the Baptist Church at the age of 10 years. In 1861 he began laboring for the conversion of souls. He soon after joined the Second-Advent Christian Church and became a preacher of that faith in 1863, since which time he has labored continuously in that cause. Mrs. Davis united with the Baptist Church in early life, and since 1868 has been connected with the Second-Advent Christian Church. Mr. Davis has served his School District (No. i) nine years as Director. In politics he is an arnest Republican, with prohibition sympathies.

In connection with the family history of Mr. Davis and the following named cousins, now resident of De Kalb County, - Mrs. Cyrenius Bailey, Mrs. Mary J. Y. Fonda, Mrs. Jane E. Sturgeon, Mr. Pawling A. Morey and Mr. A. Pawling Your»g - the following references to their relation to well known historical characters of Revolutionary times forms an appropriate and interesting feature:

Their great-grandfather, Alexander Wilson, was a cousin of Alexander Hamilton. The Wilsons were connected by marriage through Col. Pawling (an officer in Washington's army), with Governor James Clinton, of New York. This Alexander Wilson, of New York city, was of Scotch descent, and married Jane Armour, of Scotland. Their daughter, Jane, married Levi Pawling, whose brother, Col. Albert Pawling, was an officer in Washington's army, subsequently the first Mayor of Troy. The children of Levi and Jane Pawling were the parents of the persons first named in this sketch. Their eldest daughter, Helen Pawling, married Winthrop Young, of New York, and was the mother of Mrs. Mary J. Y. Fonda and of Mr. A Pawling Young. Amanda Pawling married Jesse Morey, and was the mother of Mrs. Cyrenius Bailey and Pawling A. Morey. Susan E. married Richard C. Davis and was the mother of Alexander P. Davis, who was drowned in the Illinois River, July 24, 1864, and of William J. Davis, of Missouri, Albert P., of Livingston, M. T., and his twin brother, the Rev. Levi H. Davis, of Paw Paw Township, and of Jane E., wife of John D. Sturgeon, also of Paw Paw.

An interesting anecdote of their great-grandmother, Mrs. Jane Wilson, is traditionary in the family, and deserves preservation in connection with the foregoing. Mrs. Wilson, who was a devoted patriot, having lost her husband in New York city, removed to Salem, Washington County, where she married one Moffat, of Tory sympathies. They carried on a store and farm, and among their employees had several Tories. One day Mrs. Moffat discovered that she had been robbed of some valuables, including a gold watch. The absence of some of her Tory workmen led her to believe them to be the thieves and to suppose that they had sought safety in Burgoyne's camp at Saratoga. Mounting her horse, she rode to the British camp and demanded an audience of Gen. Burgoyne, which was granted, when she demanded a search for her properly, which was at first refused, whereupon she threatened to report the General. Burgoyne coolly asked to whom she would report him. Her answer was, " To the Congress of the United Colonies." The General, much amused at this storming of his camp by a patriot in petticoats, he ordered a search. The stolen articles were found and restored to her with the exception of the watch, which an officer pocketed, with the remark that he would keep it for Mr. Moffat.

At another time her husband, under pretense of danger to her safety in her home, packed their goods, mounted heron a horse with her baby in her arms and started for Albany. On the way she surmised, from a mysterious conversation between her husband and some well-known Tories, that she was being taken to the camp of the British army. Watching her opportunity, she ordered her attendants back, while she led them and returned to her home.

The tradition of these incidents go to prove the courage and patriotism of this lady ancestor, and is very properly remembered with pride by her descendants.

1, farmer, section 29, Victor Township, was born Jan 5, 1831, in Lincolnshire, England, of which country his parents, William and Sarah (Watson) Bend, were also natives. He received the education common to his class, and was reared at home through the years of his minority. On leaving home he came to seek a wider field of operation than that afforded by the conditions which surrounded him in his native country. He made his way to Scottsville, Monroe Co, N. Y., where he, worked by the month as a farm laborer a year and a half. He proceeded next to Ohio, where he remained six weeks only, the situation not suiting his taste. He came to Illinois and passed three years in farm labor at various places, after which he located in De Kalb County, taking land in Victor Township to work on shares. After operating in this manner eight years, in 1866, he bought 1 60 acres of land, where he established his homestead, and which he still retains in his possession. He also owns 97 acres on section 30. He has erected substantial and valuable buildings on his farm, and has a fine stock and grain barn constructed *^*~ - 5%»£ «- at an expense of $3,000. He is interested in raising, and in the sale of, fine graded stock. In political views and actions, Mr. Bend has until the election of' 1884 affiliated with the Republican party; in that year he cast his vote for the Democratic ticket. He \J has officiated as School Director.

He was united in marriage Sept. i, 1852, to Jane Sturges, and they have had 12 children, three of whom are deceased : Mary A., Lewis W., John T., Emma L., Esther E., Rosella, Joseph J., Metta J. and Lucy E. are still living. ) nton Stollberg, farmer, section 25, Malta Township, was born Aug. 24, 1834, in Prussia, Germany. He attended the schools of .his native country as the law required ; and, as the same regulation provided, on finishing the prescribed studies he learned the trade of weaver, commencing his apprenticeship when 14 years of age. When he was 20 years old he took leave of all his kindred in Germany and came alone to America, to seek a livelihood under more favorable circumstances than his native land afforded. His parents were quite aged and have since died. He first set- Jled in Ontario, Canada, where he was engaged as a general laborer on farms in various places for a period of six years.

He was married in Petersburg, Canada, Jan. 4, 1857, to Bertha Sass. She was born Dec. 13,1840, in Mecklenburg, Germany, of German parents. Her ) mother died when she was 14 years of age, and during the year following she came alone to America, j whither her father had preceded her a short time. She failed to find him as she expected, and she went to Waterloo Co., Ont., and lived there with an acquaintance. She afterward ascertained that her father became a soldier in the Union army, and that he was killed at the battle of Gettysburg. He en- ^ listed in Chicago in an Illinois regiment.

Mr. and Mrs. Stollberg have three children. Mary married Lewis Johnson, a Norwegian, and they live on a farm in Malta Township. Louise is the wife of August Bahr, a. mechanic in the barb-wire shops at De Kalb. Bertha married Charles Johnson, and they reside in De Kalb. After marriage the parents located in Petersburg, Ont., which was their residence seven years, and they came thence to Detroit, Mich. Three years later they removed to Sonionauk. After their removal to De Kalb County, Mr. Stollberg worked as a farm laborer at various places until 1875, when he bought 80 acres o' improved land in Malta Township, in which he has since prosecuted his agricultural labors with satisfactory results. He is a Republican, and he belongs to the Baptist Church, as does also his wife.

'.on. George Stewart Robinson is a resident of Sycamore. He was born June 24, 1824, in Derby, Orleans Co., Vt., and is the son of George and Harriet (Stewart) Robinson. His father was a native of Connecticut, the son of Eber Robinson, a Captain in the War of the Revolution. His mother was a native of Vermont, the daughter of Rufus Stewart, a Major in the War of 1 8 12. The subject of this sketch was reared on- a farm in his native town and acquired such education as was attainable in the public schools and seminaries of the place at that period. He is the only survivor of a family of three children. His younger brother, Charles, died in Cuthbert, Ga., April 9, 1860, and his brother Lucius died at Newport, Vt., Jan. 8, 1882.

When 19 years of age he entered the law office of Hon. S. B. Colby, at Derby, and began his professional studies. After reading under Mr. Colby's instruction for two years he finished his legal course with Hon. Lucius B. Peck, of Montpelier, and was admitted to practice in the Courts of his native State, November, 1846. On account of close application to his studies, his health failed, and, with the hope of its restoration, in 1847, he went South, where he was occupied in teaching. In 1853 he returned to Derby, and on the i3th day of October, 1853, was united in marriage with Olive A. Colby, the daughter of Nehemiah M. and Melinda (Larabee) Colby, born Dec. 20, 1831. Her parents were natives of New Hampshire.

Shortly after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Robinson removed to Cuthbert, Ga., where they resided until 1866, Mr. Robinson engaged in the practice of his profession. On leaving Georgia they came direct to Sycamore, where Mr. Robinson formed a partnership with Charles Kellum, at present Judge of the Circuit Court, which partnership was continued four years. He then continued alone until his election as County Judge, in 1877, which position he continued to hold until 1882, when he resigned to attend to private business in Vermont. When Sycamore was organized as a city, he was elected one of its Aldermen, and held the position two terms. He was also City Attorney and drafted the ordinances under which the city was governed for years, many of which are still in force. For several years prior to his election as Judge of the County Court, he held the position of Master in Chancery, which position he resigned soon after his election. In 1869 he was appointed on the Board of State Commissioners of Public Charities for the State of Illinois, by Gov. John M. Palmer, was re-appointed by Gov. John L. Beveridge in 1874, and again by Gov. Shelby M. Cullom in 1879. He continued upon, and was an active member of, the Board until March, 1884, when he resigned, being unable to attend to the duties of the position by reason of absence from the State on business demanding his entire time. He was a member of the Board for nearly 15 years, and was it's President for nine years, devoting from two to three months of his time each year to its work without compensation.

Judge Robinson is a man of more than ordinary ability, possessing a good legal mind and endowed with good common sense. He was always considered an able lawyer and a safe counselor. Devoting himself to general practice and not to any special line of his profession, he has discharged his duties as an attorney in a faithful manner to his clients and has retained the respect of the Court. As Judge of the County and Probate Courts, no man has ever filled the position in a more satisfactory manner, being popular alike with the Bar and the people. As a member of the State Board of Public Charities, he has made a State reputation. Notwithstanding he received no compensation, he devoted his time just as faithfully and as energetically as though receiving annually a handsome salary. That his services were appreciated, his re-appointment and long continued labors will attest. His service upon that Board shows that he had a heart to feel for the fortunate and realizes the responsibility of the State and people to care for them. As a citizen, the Judge enjoys the respect of all. Ever ready to lend a helping hand to every public enterprise, he takes hold with a will, and what he does he does with all his might. Few men enjoy the confidence of the people in a greater degree.

Of three children born to Judge and Mrs. Robinson, only one survives. Hattie Melinda was born Dec. 22, 1856, at Cuthbert, Ga. She was married in June, 1881, to C. L. Buchan, of Chicago, and died Nov. 3, 1884, at Sycamore, leaving a babe two weeks old. Lucius Prentiss was born July 22, 1858, and died in infancy. Nellie Colby was born Feb. 9, 1862.

obert F. Hampton, farmer, section 7, Paw Paw Township, has 160 acres of land ; postoffice East Paw Paw, is the son of Robert and Lydia (Zemmer) Hampton, and was born in Paw Paw Township, Feb. 3, 1852. He received an academic education and taught school several winters, while he was farming summers. He was married in Chicago, March 9, 1879, to Miss Elizabeth C., daughter of Casper and Magdalena Dienst. Mrs. Hampton was born in La Salle Co., 111., Nov. 12, 1858.

illiam Hecox, farmer, section 22, Malta Township, was born Aug. 26, 1825, in Burlington, Otsego Co., N. Y. Alexander Hecox, his father, was a native of Montgomery Co., N. Y., and a son of Samuel Hecox, M. D., of Connecticut, of well-known and traceable ancestry, his progenitors having came to America during the Colonial period to escape persecution in England, and they reached distinction through superiorly of birth and culture. Dr. Hecox attained celebrity in medicine and politics, ranking in both without peer in his native Stale. He died al 96 years of age. His second wife, Betsey Flint, belonged to the class known as Mohawk Dutch, and who were located adjacent to Cherry Valley at the period when that section of the State of New York was made historic by the ravages of the Indians ; and her immediate relatives were among the refugees of that terrible epoch, occupying places of cruel exposure in the dead of winter to secure themselves from the tomahawk and the more dreadful fate of capture. Dr. Hecox' family included eight children, of whom Alexander was the second. The latter was born, lived and died on the same place, his demise occurring about 1838. His wife, Emma Hammond, was a native of Brattleboro, Vt., and came of illustrious stock. Her father, Thomas Hammond, was a soldier of 1812 and participated in the battle of Queenstown, where he was captured. He was carried to England, where he was held a prisoner of war 1 8 months. He was a shoemaker, and died at an advanced age, as did his wife, in Montgomery Co., N. Y.

William Hecox is the eldest of six children, all of whom are yet living and are prominent for health, activity and intelligence. His father died when he was 13 years old, and the widowed mother devoted herself to the care and education of her children, everyone of whom is a living example of inherited merit and a testimony to the value of a sacrificing, judicious mother. The youngest child is a daughter, who is an inmate of her brother's home in New York. Another brother is resident there and two others live in Southern Nebraska.

Mr. Hecox contributed his assistance to the maintenance of the family until he was 21 years old, passing his time as a day laborer on neighboring farms. He also secured a fair degree of education, and by frugality was enabled to save a share of what he earned during the latter years of his minority.

He was first married Oct. 19, 1851, in Hartwick, Otsego Co., N. Y., to Julia A., daughter of Austin and Anna (King) Fuller. Her parents are natives of Otsego County, and are still living in Chenango Co., N. Y., although very aged. The daughter was born Nov. 5, 1826, in Hartwick, Otsego County. She was well and carefully educated and was for some years a teacher. She died (childless) in Malta; in 1876. Mr. Hecox was again married May 9, 1881, in Randallville, N. Y., to Mary, daughter of John and Sophronia (Hartshorn) White. Her parents are of genuine Yankee stock, born respectively in Connecticut and Massachusetts. The families of both settled early in the State of New York, where they were married. Mr. White, who was a cloth-dresser by

Mr. Hecox came to Illinois in 1859, and he at once (-j). located on 160 acres in Malta Township. After his second marriage he sold his farm with the intention of establishing a permanent home in Nebraska; but after a trial, the associations of De Kalb proved too strong for him to resist, and he returned after a few months. He again became a land-holder in Malta / by the purchase of 80 acres of land, which has proved a most desirable home, being well improved and cultivated and supplied with presentable and valuable farm buildings. Mr. Hecox is an adherent to the tenets and principles of the Republican party. His wife is a member of the Baptist Church.

ev. William Nicholson, minister, residing at Shabbona, was in active service as a Pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church from 1834 to 1871, when, on account of being thrown from his horse, he was 'compelled to retire from active life. He was born in Newark, Nottinghamshire, Eng., July 13, 1806, and is a son of John and Charlotte (Rud) Nicholson. He was reared and educated in his native town and spent a portion of his early years in the lumber business. In 1829 he was converted to the faith of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and spent five years as tract distributor, benevolent visitor and teacher, and in 1834 began preaching as a local preacher.

He emigrated to the United States in 1842 and located in the Western Reserve in Ohio, where he began preaching, at Nelson and Hiram Centers. In 1849 he removed to a point 20 miles from Coldwater, in Branch Co., Mich. He preached in that county and in Indiana for six years, and then in 1854 came to this State and located at Aurora, where he assisted in charge of the Church located there. In

1856 he preached in Shabbona Grove, then a part of the Paw Paw Circuit. During that year he purchased 80 acres of land in Shabbona Township, but continued to reside at Paw Paw, Lee County, until

859, when he removed to his farm. He has subsequently added to his original purchase until he became the owner of 200 acres. He was instrumental in the building of school-houses and establishing religious meetings.

In the spring of 1876 Rev. Nicholson moved to the village of Shabbona, where he has since lived. He has filled the pulpit of both churches at that place at different times. Since the summer of 1882 he has retired from active work in the ministry on account of failing health and injuries received as stated.

He was married Nov. 27, 1828, to Miss Maria, daughter of Henry and Mary (Gilbert) Radford. She was born in Nottinghamshire, England. They are the parents of nine children, seven of whom are living, viz.: Hannah, widow of James McCray, resides in 'Earl, 111.; Sarah is the wife of Ira Lyons, a resident of Oregon ; Elizabeth died at the age of 19 years ; Josiah H. married Loie Nicholson and resides in Iowa; Mary is the wife of Dewitt Van Vliet and resides at Elk Grove, Mo.; Martha is the wife of John Mullins, and lives at Shabbona; John J. enlisted in Co. E, losth 111. Inf., in the late Civil War, and died with fever at Chicago before leaving for .the field of action; Charles W. married Miss Marion Houghtby and lives on the old homestead; Lucy M. is the wife of Dewitt Van Velzor, a resident of Shabbona.

Politically, Mr. Nicholson has been identified with the Republican party since the days of Fremont. He has met with several severe accidents during his life. The last one of consequence occurred when he was 65 years of age. He was thrown from his horse on the frozen ground and badly crippled. He is also the victim of acute rheumatism, from which he suffers greatly. With all his afflictions, he maintains a patient faith that all is for the best, and still endeavors to impress the divine precepts of his religion upon all those who come within his influence.

eorge W. Smiley, hardware merchant and dealer in agricultural implements at Malta, is also an extensive farmer, stock and grain dealer, owning two fine farms situated on either side of the village. He is a native of Sullivan Co., N. Y., whence he came th his parents to Illinois, locating in Kane County.

He lost his mother by death when nine years old, and from that period he continued under the charge of his father in the States of New York and Pennsylvania. He was in the latter State about four years. After he was 13 years of age he maintained himself. He reached his majority in Kane County, but before he was 22 years of age he had traveled in 26 different States. He had spent a summer in Canada and visited Central America, Cuba and Mexico. While in Central America he was arrested on some trivial] pretext and held a prisoner for some time by the suspicious authorities. In California he was interested in gold-mining, which proved a fortunate investment. Returning thence via New Orleans to Illinois, he settled on a farm of 160 acres, which he had previously purchased in Kane County, where he pursued agriculture several years. In 1863 he came to the township of Malta and purchased 80 acres of farming land in Milan Township. Later on he bought another tract of similar extent, and soon after located in the village, where he has since conducted his business, at first engaging in the sale of coal, lumber and farming implements, in partnership with Charles W. Haish. They operated jointly five years. Since 1870, Mr. Smiley has transacted a heavy business in the lines of traffic indicated. As an agriculturist he ranks with two others as the best in De Kalb County, and has at one time been the leading dealer in farming apparatus in the county, supplying fully a third of tjjie demand. For the last 15 years he has shipped to market annually an average of 100 car-loads of stock. He is the proprietor of 260 acres of land, all in advanced cultivation. His property in the village includes a stock and feed yard, a double store and grain warehouse, and the building and lot where he resides. His business transactions aggregate yearly $150,000.

Mr. Smiley is a Democrat in political persuasion. He is present President of Malta Corporate Board, and has held all the local offices of the township and village.

He was united in marriage to Arzoda Smith, Jan. 6,1857, at Geneva, 111. Her parents, James and Arzoda Smith, were early settlers in Kane County, whither they came from Erie Co., Pa., in 1835. Her mother and father have been dead some years. Mrs. Smiley was born Jan. 21, 1835, m Erie Co., Pa., and was eight months old when brought by her parents to Illinois. After obtaining her .education she managed the domestic part of her father's affairs until her marriage. Following is the record of five children, of whom she has been the mother: Burr B., born April 30, 1859, was married Oct. 21, 1880, in Malta, to Emily J. Peters, and they Rave one child - Eva, born July 3, 1882; B. B. Smiley is connected with his father in business ; Thyrza was born June 13, 1864; May and Myrtie, twins, were born June 27, 1868; Budd D., born, Feb. 3, i86i,was accidentally killed May 26, 1878, by a freight train on the railroad at Creston, Ogle Co., 111.

tavid West, a pioneer farmer of De Kalb County, who resides on section 34, Sycamore Township, was born July 16, 1806, in Waterville, Oneida Co., N. Y., to which place his parents had removed from Massachusetts in the same year. Asa West, his father, was born in 1769, in Williamstown, Berkshire Co., Mass.,, and married Sarah Parker, who was born April 25, 1773, in Deerfield, Franklin Co., Mass. In 1808 the fa.nily migrated to Madison Co., N. Y., where they were pioneers. The father bought a tract of timber land, where he built a log house, which was occupied by the family for a number of years. The senior West was a clothier by trade and a man of natural mechanical abilities, later in life becoming a cooper and following that business during the winter seasons after his removal to the State of New York. While the second struggle of the Colonies with Great Britain was in progress, he made wooden canteens for the soldiers. In 1815 his health failed, and after an illness of six years' duration, he died, in January, 1821. The mother, with her children, resided some years after that event in Madison County, and removed thence in 1826 to Erie County, where she died, Dec. 2, 1828, aged 48 years.

Mr. West is the sole survivor of nine children, five of whom preceded him in order of birth. After the death of his father, he was a member of the family of his brother-in-law, Daniel Hurd, of Georgetown, Madison Co., N. Y., until he was 20 years of age, when he went to Evans, Erie Co., N. Y., and operated as a contractor in the forests, clearing land and lumbering. On the 2gth of April, 1829, he was married to Sarah Chapin, in Georgetown. She was the uighter of Elias and Dimis (Chapman) Chapin, who removed from Stafford, Conn., to Madison County. The former was born Feb. 15, 1751, was a soldier of the Revolution and was with Washington at the evacuation of the city of New York by the British. He died in Evans, Erie Co., N. Y., Feb. 4, 1839. The latter was born. Oct. 15, 1774, and died in New .Woodstock, Madison Co., N. Y., Oct. 12, 1860.

After his marriage, Mr. West purchased a tract of land included in the " Holland Purchase," in Evans> built a house and barn and cleared 45 acres. He was a resident there until 1843, and in addition to his own clearing and farming operations he put in tillable condition about 350 acres of land. In the fall of 1843 he sold his farm, and with his family, including his wife and five children, he started for Illinois, making the journey with a pair of horses and a wagon, and bringing with them a portion of their household goods. After 23 days of travel, exclusive of Sundays, they arrived in Sycamore and passed the ensuing winter with Aaron C. West, a brother, then resident on section 34. Mr. West bought a tract of land adjoining on section 34, and in the winter of 1844-5 ne built a small frame house for the accommodation of his family. During the same winter he entered his claim. His first crop was raised on rented land in 1844, the same year in which he broke 20 acres on his own property. In 1845 he raised a crop of grain on his own place. At that time Chicago was the nearest market, and also the nearest point to obtain necessary supplies. The nearest mill was at St. Charles in Kane County. The farm of Mr. West presents a wide contrast from its primitive condition. It comprises 107 acres under tillage, with an excellent class of farm buildings. The place is supplied with an apple orchard planted by the proprietor, some of the trees having been brought by him from the State of New York. The yard fronting the house is made pleasant and attractive by shade trees and ornamental shrubbery.

The first wife of Mr. West was born Jan. 8, r8o4, in Stafford, Conn., and of their union eight children were born, six of whom survive : Elias C. was born Nov. 25, 1839, in Evans, Erie Co. N. Y., and has been a resident of Sycamore since he was four years of age. He entered the army of the United States | during the War of the Rebellion, enlisting Sept. 2, the vicissitudes of the Atlanta campaign and march through Georgia and the Carolinas, participating in the Grand Review at Washington, D. C., at the close of the war. He was slightly wounded at Kenesaw Mountain and at Atlanta.

He was married June 17, 1872, to Ella A. Reese, and they have had three children, - May B., Roy C. and Gertie May. The oldest child died when about nine years of age. Mrs. West was born in Wisconsin, and is the daughter of Adam and Mary (Bass) Reese. He is associated with his father in dairying and raising fine stock, their joint ownership of land including 205 acres, all under improvement. The unmarried children of Mr. West are Alice C., Orrin, Asa P., Sarah L. and Miranda M. The mother died Jan. 23, 1849. Mr. West was a second time married, May 28, 1849, to Mrs. Lucinda (Rose) Wells, widow of Israel Wells, who died in March, 1845, leaving two children, - George M. and Ruth. The latter died when 26 years old. The former is a conductor on the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad. The mother was born in August, 1804, in Sherburn, Chenango Co., N. Y. Her parents, Joseph and Ruth (Whitney) Rose, were natives of Windhall, Vt., whence they removed to Sherburn. The former was born Dec. 25, ^60, the latter July 28, 1772. Mrs. West died April 10, 1884.

On a preceding page in proximity a lithographic likeness of the above sketched venerable pioneer is given, which will doubtless be appreciated with a high degree of pleasure by the public in this part of the State.

Most of the life of Mr. West has been of a pioneer character. Georgetown, in 1826, the date of his removal thence, was still in the heart of a wilderness, and the same state of affairs existed in Erie County (Buffalo being comparatively a village), whence he came to De Kalb County, only to repeat his experience in an undeveloped section of country. He has been active in the duties of his citizenship at Sycamore, and as Commissioner assisted in the construction of the highways. He has been a factor in the organization of the school districts, and served his township several years as Assessor. When he was 25 years of age he connected himself with the Congregational Church, in the town of Collins, Erie Co., N. Y., of which he remained a member until 1879, when he severed his relations therewith from conscientious scruples, believing that the Bible, by pre- cept, discountenances secret organizations, Masonry in particular. In the days when Sycamore was in its incipiency his house was the home of the clergy who came hither in the practice of their calling, and it was also a depot on the " Underground Railroad," Mr. West often being called on to aid the refugees from the South and help them on their way to a land of freedom. He has been a practical temperance man and a zealous advocate in the cause for many years, and has never used tobacco in any form. He raised a barn in Erie Co., N. Y., which was erected without the aid of whisky, about 1835. Mr. West is a man of firm convictions and fearless in the practical application of his opinions. He voted for James G. Birney for President at a time when the antislavery candidate of the district for Representative received but 40 votes.

Asa P. West, second son of David West, was born May 16, 1837, in Evans, Erie Co., N. Y. He was educated with care, and fitted for entering upon a professional career. He entered the United States military service as a soldier for the Union, and was mustered in May 24, 1861, with his regiment, I3th 111. Vol. Inf. At the battle of Chickasaw Bayou he was shot through the right lung, the ball shattering a rib and passing through the shoulder blade. He worked his finger into the wound to control the bleeding, and made his way unassisted to the rear of the line of battle. He was taken in charge by Dr. Henry T. Salter, Assistant Surgeon of his regiment, who put his own fingers in the wound and controlled the flow of blood until coagulation stopped the artery. Late in the afternoon he was carried on a stretcher to a hospital boat, where he was placed face downward on a straw mattress in the cabin and left to die, the surgeon in charge pronouncing his fate certain. After several days the surgeon remarked, " This fellow won't die ; we may as well do what we can for him." His wound was officially described as follows: " He is shot through the right lung, the ball striking the fourth rib, cutting it off, severing the branch artery and passing out through the inner curve of the scapula." His father had given him a white silk handkerchief for use in case he was wounded, and the surgeon inserted this in the wound by means of a probe and drew it out at the back. This was done several times, and repeated several successive days. The wounded were sent North, the installment to which Mr. West belonged reaching St. Louis Jan. 19, 1863. The weather was very cold, and when he was carried into the hospital his feet and legs were found to be frozen nearly to his knees. There was talk of his losing them, but he was in charge of an experienced French nurse, who had been in the Crimea, and whose care saved his limbs and his life. After he recovered, he assisted about the hospital until he was taken with the small-pox. He lived through the attack, and was discharged from the hospital June 6, 1863. He returned Jo Sycamore and entered upon the study of law. His wound had not healed, and he was obliged to undergo an operation to remove the diseased portions of the shoulder blade.

In the winter of 1864-5 ne was agam m the employment of the Government, and had charge of a portion of a construction corps with the army of General Sherman. He acted as engineer on the locomotive that took General Grant to Smithfield after the surrender of General Johnston, and went from there to Baltimore through the Dismal Swamp Canal, and thence to Washington, reaching there the day before the Grand Review. Mr. West is engaged in the practice of law at Geneva, Kane Co., 111. Nov. 7, 1882, he fell from a tree and crushed the loth and nth vertebrae of the back-bone, throwing the spine six inches out of place, tearing the two lower permanent ribs from the breast-bone and driving them through the flesh. The bones of the heel of the right foot were also crushed. Surgical skill saved his life again. The case of Mr. West forms one of the most remarkable instances of the surgical history of the war.

He was married June 22, 1867,10 Maria, daughter of John and Grace Wilson. She was born in Halifax, Yorkshire, England. Her father was for 17 years the publisher of the Kane County Advertiser.

.enry Lanan, a farmer on section 4, May- ., field Township, is a son of John and Margaret Lanan, natives of Belgium, who emigrated to America and settled first in Albany, N. Y., and came to Illinois in 1837, locating in De Kalb County ; they died in the township of Mayfield, in 1862, the father March 16, and the mother June 16.

Mr. Henry Lanan was also born in Belgium March 25, 1821, c:me to this county with his parents and has since lived in Mayfield Township. He owns 280 acres of good farming land. Politically he is a Democrat, and in religion he is a Catholic, as is also his wife. He was married in Chicago, 111., March 24, 1854, to Anna M. Gregory, daughter of Anton and Christine Gregory, natives of Germany. She was born April 26, 1825, also in Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Lanan have five children, namely : Martha, born Jan. 28, 1856; Caroline, April 9, 1857, became the wife of George Tower, April n, 1876; Joseph, born Feb. 3, 1860, married July 4, 1881, to Hattie Tower; Henry was born May n, 1868.

illiam H. Corey, farmer, . section 35, Malta Township, was born in Hancock, Berkshire Co., Mass., March 13, 1834, ^ Hamilton Corey, his father, was of New England birth and Scotch descent, and a farmer by occupation and inheritance. He married Lydia Streeter, and a few years before their death they settled in Columbia Co., N. Y. The former died Aug. 19, 1854 ; the latter, April 18, of the same year. He was born April 24, 1807, and she was born Oct. 22, 1806.

Mr. Corey is the youngest of their four children, all of whom are living, as follows : Lydia I. is the oldest child; Julius lives at Rockford, 111.; Olive R. married J. E. Mecum, and resides at Dalton, Mass. Mr. Corey lived with his parents until he was 18 years of age, attending school, and two years later his father died. After that event he engaged for a short time as a clerk in Columbia County, coming when he was 2 1 years of age to Rockford, 111., where his brother had located some years before. He purchased an interest in a carpenter's shop and set himself about learning the use of tools. After pursuing the business a few years he came to South Grove Township and purchased 80 acres of land. It was chiefly in its original unbroken condition, and he operated on the place four years, making necessary improvements, and converting it into a good farm. In 1867 he sold the place and purchased the farm hich he has since operated in Malta Township, with satisfactory results. He owns 160 acres, and is

He was first united in marriage, Sept. 9, 1862, at Rockford, to Jennie O. Dwight. She was born near Springfield, Mass., and came West after reaching womanhood. Her death transpired April 9, 1871, after she became the mother 'of four children : Lura, the oldest, wq,s born July 21, 1864, and married George Kempson, a farmer in Malta Township. Mary D. was born Oct. 24, 1865; Ellie died when five months old. Henry D. was born Nov. 12, 1871, and died Feb. 12, 1882. Mr. Corey was again married March to, 1876, in De Kalb, to Irene A., daughter of Solomon and Nancy (Goodell) Hollister. The former was born in New York, the latter in Connecticut. They were among the early settlers in the township and county of De Kalb, and the father is now deceased. His widow resides with a son in Dakota. Mrs. Corey was born Feb. 7, 1849, in De Kalb, and was less than two years old when she lost her father. She lived after that with her mother, attending school at De Kalb until she was 19 years of age, when she commenced teaching, in which she was engaged until her marriage. Two children are now included in the home circle: Jennie, born March 2r, 1877, and Dan E., Nov. 20, 1883. Mrs. Corey belongs to the Baptist Church.

enry L. Band, resident on section 31, South Grove Township, has lived in De Kalb County from his boyhood. He was born Jan. 7, 1832, in Genesee Co., N. Y., and is the son of Aaron and Permelia (Ains worth) Rand, who were natives respectively of Massachusetts and New York. The former was a farmer during his active business life, and came to Illinois in 1839, settling in St. Clair County, where the mother died in 1840. The father is now 95 years of age, and resides alternately in the counties of Green and Jasper, Iowa, with a son and daughter. He was a soldi8r of the War of 1812 and is the recipient of a pension.

Mr. Rand was a member of his father's household until he was 26 years of age. He acquired a thorough knowledge of the vocation of his father, and also secured a good district-school education. In

1858 he made a purchase of 80 acres of land with a view to settling in independent life. The land was in its original prairie condition, and he entered energetically into the work of improvement and cultivation. On this he resided until 1879, when he sold and bought a similar acreage on the same section, where he established a permanent home.

The marriage of Mr. Rand to Laura A. Pritchard took place Nov. 20, 1857, in Franklin Township. Mrs. Rand was born July 9, 1833, in Plattsburg, State of New York, and is the daughter of Henry and Mary (Blackmer) Pritchard. Her parents were both of English descent, and were born respectively in Vermont and New York. Late in life they left their native States and settled in De Kalb County, where the former died, in April, 1875. The mother is 81 years of age (1885). Mrs. Rand preceded her parents in her removal to Illinois and became a member of the household of her aunt, Mrs. Roxana Moon, of South Grove Township, with whom she lived until her marriage. One of four children born of that event is deceased. Herbert B. is married and engaged in farming in South Grove Township. Herman H. and Amie A. are unmarried. Mr. and Mrs. Rand are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

L.harles Newsham, farmer, section 24, Malta Township, was born Nov. 2, 1835, in Pittsburg, Pa. Charles Newsham, senior, removed his family in 1838 to a farm in Erie County in the same State. The latter married Mary Ward, a native of the city of London, England. The father was born and bred in Yorkshire, England, and their marriage took place after their removal to the United States, and they resided in Erie County, Pa. The mother died in November, 1882, and the father has since married Mrs. Betsey (Henton) Brace. He is 77 years of age.

Mr. Newsham is the oldest of nine children, seven of whom yet survive. He was bred to the occupation of a farmer on his father's homestead in Pennsylvania, and he acquired a fair common-school education. He was married Oct. 6, 1856, in Erie Co., Pa., to Sarah Barton. She was born Oct. 3, 1 838, in Trenton, Oneiida, Co., N. Y., and is a daughter of Thomas P. and

Rhoda (Calkins) Barton. In 1848 Mrs. Newsham removed with her parents to Erie Co., Pa., where both died after long and useful lives. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Newsham - May, Nellie, George H., Jennie V. and Kiltie D.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Newsham set out for the West to seek to build up a home and for-* tune, and they first fixed their residence at Broadhead, Greene Co., Wis., where they engaged in farming, operating as renters. In the winter of 1864 Mr. Newsham went to the oil regions of the Keystone State, where he was occupied two years, and during two years subsequent he resided in Erie County, in the vicinity of his father's homestead. The family came to Illinois in the summer of 1867 and settled in Milan Township, De Kalb County, where they continued six years, and at the end of that time returned to Pennsylvania for a year's stay at Erie City, after which they settled permanently in Malta Township. Mr. Newsham is conducting the farm interests of Mrs. Thomas Holderness. In political connection he is a Republican.

Y., Sept. 1 6, 1836, the* son of Royal and Betsey (Larkin) Wells, and received a common-school education. He engaged in clerking until 1857, when he came to Albany, Whiteside Co., 111., and one year afterward removed to Kaneville, Kane Co., 111., continuing in the same business.

He enlisted in the cause of the Government Sept. 18, i86r, in the Eighth 111. Vol. Cav., Co. I, and on its organization was appointed Corporal. In December following he was elected First Sergeant, served as such till Sept. i, 1862, when he was commissioned First Lieutenant, and April 3,1863, was commissioned Captain of Co. I, above referred to, his commission to date back to Aug. 29, 1862. In this capacity he served till Sept. 27, 1864. He was wounded at the battle of Falling Waters, July 14, 1863, by a gunshot in the left breast, the ball passing around to the shoulder blade and thence outward. Capt. Wells was in 85 different engagements in all, in-

After his return from the war, in the springof 1866, he settled in the town of Milan, De Kalb County, and engaged in farming. Continuing in that business until March 1878, he removed to Shabbona village, formed a partnership with S. G. Gilbert in the grocery trade, and followed that business until June, 1880, when he entered upon his present business, in which he is prospering.

Mr. Wells was married at Kaneville, III., Sept. 7, 1863, to Miss Nancy C. Fink, daughter of J. A. and Nancy B. (Norris) Fink. She is a native of Onondaga Co., N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Wells have five children, namely, RilleM., Jessie M., Clarence N., Marion H. and Lizzie.

The publishers of this ALBUM take pleasure in presenting to the public a fine lithographic portrait of the subject of the foregoing brief biographical sketch, upon a page in proximity.

L.harles Whitney, one of the inventors and manufacturers of the Marsh-Whitney Platform Binders, resident at Sycamore, was born Jan. 30, 1834, in Almond, Allegany Co., N. Y., and is the son of David and Margaret (Karr) Whitney. The former was born March 4, 1796, in Chittenden Co., Vt, was a farmer by vocation and became a resident of Allegany Co., N. Y., in 1814. He married and continued a resident of that county until his removal in the fall of 1836 to Ohio. He went later to Rochester, Minn., and eventually to Carthage, Jasper Co., Mo., where he died, in the fall of 1876. The mother is a native of the Mohawk Valley in the Empire State, and was born in the year 1800. She is still living, in Allegany County. They had eight children, five of whom are deceased: Matilda is the wife of H. O. Nearing, a farmer of Delta, Ohio. Caroline is the widow of Oscar Snyder, formerly a farmer of Massillon, Ohio.

the height of its notoriety as the Golden State, and offering a. wonderful field of successful operation to such as sought its opportunities in cool, well balanced judgment, instead of being impelled by the spirit of adventure which so frequently gives a false impetus toward unexplored and undeveloped regions. Mr. Whitney made his way to the El Dorado of the Pacific coast under the guidance of the former impulse, and operated in the gold fields nearly three years, meeting with a reasonable degree of success. Early in 1855 he returned to the Buckeye State, and was married on the 25th of March of the same year, at Waterville, Lucas County, to Orilla Paine. Soon after that event Mr. and Mrs. Whitney located at Rochester, Minn., where three sons were born to them: George was ''born March 25, 1856. Fred was born Oct. 7, 1857, and died July 5, i88i,at Sycamore. Frank was born April 7, 1860. Mrs. Whitney was born May 20, 1834, in Huron Co., Ohio, and is the daughter of Henry A. and Esther (Middleton) Paine.

On his removal to Minnesota, Mr. Whitney preempted a claim of 160 acres of prairie, and not long afterward, associated with Z. J. Cowles, he engaged in the manufacture and sale of furniture, in which he continued to operate until 1869. Mr. Whitney possesses keen powers of observation, and a mental organism of a reflective character, coupled with inventive genius of a practical type ; and the feasibility of all kinds of agricultural machinery in prairie farming was with him a foregone conclusion from the beginning of enterprise in that direction. In 1869 he sold his interest in the traffic in kwhich he had been engaged for 14 years, and, in company with his brother John, gave scope to the bent of his inventive proclivities in manufacturing and experimenting with platform binders. They pursued their operations in Minnesota until 1871, with varying success, and in that year went to St. Louis, Mo., and continued their business in that line several years, their joint operations being terminated in the spring of 1876 by the death of John Whitney.

Charles Whitney came to Sycamore in 1877, and became interested in perfecting and manufacturing the Marsh-Whitney platform binder. The machine in its completeness was first put into market in 1882, and was received with all the favor it merited. Its popularity grew and sales multiplied in proportion until June, 1884, when the manufacturers were compelled to suspend operations by the collapse of other £ p business houses of heavy capital with which they were connected.

Mr. Whitney has patented several principles connected with his inventions, which he is engaged in introducing to manufacturers, who are recognizing the merits, and becoming interested in the construction, of the machines.

eorge Chapel, farmer and stock-raiser, section 22, Malta Township, was born in Washington Township, Berkshire Co., Mass., Oct. '6, 1829. Joseph Chapel, his father, was a native of the same township and

The Chapel family were of English extraction and early settlers in this country. Jonathan, grandfather of our subject, was a soldier in the war of 1812, and Mr. Chapel of this notice still retains in his family, as a memento of those " trying days," the old musket his grandfather used. The grandfather died in Berkshire Co., Mass., at an advanced age.

The father of Mr. Chapel came West in 1868 and lived with his children until the date of his death, which occurred at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. E. A. Watkins, in Malta, May 13, 1874. The mother and grandmother of Mr. Chapel were both natives of New York. The latter died in Berkshire Co., Mass., about 1847, at an advanced age, and the mother, Amanda (Chapel) Chapel, also died in that county, in 1880, aged 79 years.

George Chapel lived at home, and assisted the father in the cultivation of the farm and attending the common schools, until he attained the age of 22 years. At this period in his life, Mr. Chapel was united in marriage. That event occurred at Lebanon Springs, Columbia Co., N. Y., Aug. 26, 1852, and the life companion he chose was Miss Mary E. Watkins. She was a daughter of Millen and Barbara (Armstrong) Watkins, natives of Massachusetts and Scotland, respectively. Her grandfather and grandmother, Zack and Olive (Brown) Watkins, were natives of Massachusetts, of English extraction, and died in

The parents of Mrs. Chapel came to this county in 1858 and located in Malta Township, where her father died in September, 1867, and her mother in September, 1874, aged 68 and 83 years respectively. Mrs. Chapel remained a member of her father's farn-' ily until the date of her marriage.