DeKalb County, Illinois - The whole text, 1885 (part 22 of 28)

Mr. McEwen is. a true representative of that class of successful individuals who wasted no time in boyhood's days and improved each shining moment of manhood's years. His early education was limited, and he accumulated only such as the labors on the farm would permit him to receive from the public schools. As he grew in years, he improved each leisure mo.nent in reading and study, and the accumulated knowledge he possesses to-day, both pn tical and professional, - for he is a practical as well as professional man, - is due to his uncontrollable determination to succeed. He was the first Supervisor of Milan Township, and was its Supervisor during his entire residence in the township except one year. He has also acted as Supervisor of De Kalb Township several yjars. In 1870 Mr. McEwen was elected to represent his district in the State Legislature. Politically he is a Republican. For several years he was a member of the Board of Trustees of De Kalb and at present writing is City Attorney.

dwin P. Rose, conductor on the Cortland Branch of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, resident at Sycamore, was born April n, 1827, in the town of Evans, Erie Co , N. Y. He is the son of Chauncey and Salina (Porter) Rose. When he was 16 years old his parents emigrated with their family to Illinois, whither they made their journey with a team and also transported their household effects. After his father's death he assumed the control of the farm affairs, where they settled for a time. He then went to Sycamore and was there variously occupied until he obtained his situation as conductor.

Mr. Rose was married in 1863, to Sarah ]., daughter of David and Louisa Russell, and they have eight children, - Chauncey D., Lamont F., Effie A , Elmer E. arid Elzie E. (twins), Edwin S., Fred A. and Frank C.

anfordA. Tyler, Superintendent of the Ellwood Wire Works, was born in Newark, Tioga Co., N. Y., Jan. 1 1, 1836. His parents were Anthony and Harriet B. (Packer) Tyler, both natives of the State of New York. He was reared on a farm in his native town, making his home with his parents there until he was 1 8 years of age.

He came to Illinois and first stopped at Belvidere, where he attended school one year. In 1854 he came to this county and bought land in Afton Township, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits for six years. March 20, 1864 he started on a journey across the plains, and arrived at Virginia City,

Montana, June n following, where he followed gold- \f mining for about half a year. Returning to this * county, he engaged in mercantile trade, in company with R. H. Roberts, and this relation continues to the present. They also buy live stock, which they ship . £\ to Chicago. In addition to the above business, Mr. Tyler, since 1883, has been also Superintendent in the Ellwood Wive Works. In all the public enterprises of De Kalb, Mr. Tyler has been an efficient agent, having held the offices of Town Clerk and Aldermar, and is a member of the Board of Educa- v tion. He is a member of De Kalb Chapter of A. F. &A. M.

He was married in November, 1861, to Sarah Louisa- Taylor, a native of Paris, Ky., and they have three children, - Clara Louisa, Squire Allen and Harriet Daisy.

Imon F. Parke, farmer, sections 7, 8 and 9, Sycamore Township, was born Jan. 25, 1838, in Evans, Erie Co., N. Y. He is the son of Larmon Z. and Martha W. (Fenton) Parke, and grew to manhood on his father's farm, receiving his education in the public schools at Pontiacin his native county. In 1856 he accompanied his parents to De Kalb- County, where they settled in the township having the same name. He had learned the Irade of brick, stone and plaster mason, and after his arrival in De Kalb County pursued th .t vocation until he entered the army of the Unio'i. He enlisted Sept. 2, 1862, in Co. K, 1051)1 Regiment, 111. Vol. Inf., which was for a time attached to the i ith Army Corps, and later to the 2oth, being assigned to the First Brigade and Third Division. Mr. Parke was a participant in the battles at Resaca, Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain, Marietta, Atlanta and Peach-Tree Creek, and in many others of less importance. At Atlanta he procured a furlough to return home to see his father, who was dangerously ill, and was absent seven days. On his attempting to return he was cut off from his regiment and stopped at Chattanooga, where he was placed in charge of a company of recruits, with whom lie returned to Nashville, and' was there on garrison duty at the time of the battle. He went thence with the army to Decatur, Ala., where he was taken sick and was sent to the hospital at Chattanooga. As soon as he recovered he was appointed on the military commission at Chattanooga. In April follo.ving he was sent to join his command at Raleigh, N. C., and proceeded thence for the Grand Review at Washington, D. C. He was mustered out of the United States service with his regiment, June 7, 1865, at Chicago He enlisted as a private, but on the organization of his company was made Second Lieutenant. Three months later he was promoted First Lieutenant, and in 1863 was made the Captain of Co. K.

Returning to Da Kalb, he resumed work at his trade. The same fall he bought a farm in Afton Township, where he combined work at his trade with the labors of his farm. In 1870 he abandoned the vocation of mason, and has since given his attention wholly to farming. In 1873 he settled on the farm on which he now resides, being sections 7, 8 and 9. The place was originally settled by Edward White, was well improved and supplied with good frame b.iildings. In 1884 he erected a large brick house, one of the best in De Kalb County. The farm contains 250 acres. Mr. Parke is largely interested in raising stock and horses, and is giving particular attention to raising Norman horses. : He was married Sept. i, 1870, to Ruth, daughter of Ephraim and Caroline Hall, and they have had six children - Nelson, Henry H., Mary E., Mila, Ruth and Eleanor G.

-enjamin Evans, a pioneer of De Kalb County, was born Feb. 21, 1811, in Ash Co., N. C., and was there reared on a farm. He was married April 21, 1833, lo Frances Perry, also a native of Ash Co., N. C., where she was born Oct. 31, 1814. In the year following they left their native State and journeyed West with a span of horses and a wagon with their household effects, and cooked and camped on the route. They reached La Salle County after long and weary travel, and Mr. Evans made a claim where the city of Piano is now situated. He built a log house, which had a roof of "shakes " and a floor made of puncheons. He sold out in 1838 and came to De Kalb County and bought a. claim on section 14, Sycamore Township. He retained his ownership two years, and in 1840 sold and bought on section 3 of the same township. There he built a log house and entered into the work of making improvements. He died on the place Feb. 5, 1854. Of six children born to himself and wife, four reached adult age, - Lorenzo Dow, Lucinda, Ira and Mary Belinda. The latter married Alfred King, and died Oct. 2, 1880. The mother resides with her son, Lorenzo Dow Evans.

zel P. Stone, florist, at Sycamore, was born Nov. ir, 1815, in Franklin Co., Vt. His father, James Stone, at the outset of his business life, was a tanner and currier, and later was a fanner. He was a native of Haverhill, N. H., and in 1837 came to Allegan Co., Mich., where he died. The mother, Chastina Stone, was born in Haverhill, N. H., and died in Paw Paw, Mich. Four of their nine children are living : A. P. is the oldest ; Irena is the widow of E. A. Kinney, of Prairie Ronde, Mich.; Clarinda is the wife of Norman Rice, of Paw Paw, Mich.; Emeline married Frank Taylor, of Medicine Lodge, Kan.

Mr. Stone was reared to the callings of his father, in the tan-yard and on the farm. He came West, to Allegan, Mich., in the fall of 1835, and learned the trade of mason. He was married there July 16, 1839, to Mary, daughter of David and Ruth Schurtleff Her parents were among the early pioneer settlers of this portion of Illinois. Mrs. Stone was born on Stanstead Plains, Canada. Six children have been born of her marriage to Mr. Stone : Mary A., deceased, was the wife of C. H. Beach, of Sycamore ; Herbert F. is a manufacturer of agricultural implements, wind-mills, etc., at Appleton, Wis. ; Edwin is deceased - he was a cheese manufacturer at New Lebanon, III, for some years, and later was an insurance agent at that place; Nellie B. is the wife of Harry Ewing, photographer at Sycamore ; James B. is a machinist at Batavia, III; and Clarence is an assistant in the office of the Minnesota Lumber Company, at Sycamore.

Mr. Stone went to Kenosha, Wis., where he followed his business as a mason and builder for a score of years, operating as a contractor and erecting a numk' - : : - i ber of fine and valuable buildings at that place. He went in 1860 to Central City, Colorado, taking wilh him a quartz mill and entering a gold claim. He met with a reasonable degree of success, and after a stay there of tw^ years he came to Geneva and purchased 184 acres of land, took up his residence there, and engaged in its improvement until his removal to Sycamore in 1875. He first embarked in the purchase and shipment of farm produce, in which he was occupied two years. He then built a feed mill at New Lebanon in this county, which he continued to manage three years. In 1882 he established the business in which he has been since engaged. His grounds are 190 x 85 feet, and his greenhouse stocked with finely assorted varieties of plants. He sends the cuttings to Chicago, and supplies the home demand for cut flowers and designs. Mr. Stone is a member of the Order of Odd Fellows. Mrs. Stone is a communicant in the Episcopal Church, of which her family are attendants.

enry B. Gurler, farmer and a resident of De Kalb, was born in Chesterfield, Cheshire Co., N. H., May 21, 1840, and was eight years of age when his parents, Benjamin (see sketch), and Harriet (Hopkins) Gurler, moved to Keene, N. H., where they resided until 1856^ when they came to De Kalb County, settling on section 32, De Kalb Township.

1861, in the 42d III. Vol. Inf., Co. K, which was ordered first to Missouri, then to Kentucky and Mississippi. He was honorably discharged in September,

1862, but in May, 1864, he re-enlisted, in Co. K, I32d Vol. Inf., and was placed on garrison duty in Kentucky, as Second Lieutenant. On the expiration of his term of service in October, 1864, he returned home and engaged in the grocery trade in De Kalb, which he continued until 1868. The next two years he look charge of his father's farm, and then purchased a farm on section 5 of Afton Township, whereon were a small house and barn. He has since added to the dimensions of his house, erected a good frame barn, corn-crib and other farm buildings, besides a creamery. At present, in company with his brother, he has creameries at Malta, De Kalb and Hinckley. In March, 1882, he moved into the village of De Kalb, and since then has bought his residence on Fourth Street He still owns and manages the farm.

Mr. Gurler was married March 27, 1867,10 Salenia Rolph, a native of Oxfordshire, England, who emigrated to this country when ten years of age, and was reared in this county. Mr. and Mrs. G. are the parents of three children, - Stella F., Lulu May and Hazel. The youngest died March 24, 1885, aged two years and four months.

Lemuel McAlpine, was born in Connecticut, nd was a physician while in active lite. He is living in retirement at Aurora, III. The mother, Sarah (Price) "McAlpine, was born in the State of New York, and is -yet living. Ella, their youngest child, resides with them; Thomas, older son, is a farmer in Cortland Township. In 1853, Dr. McAlpine transferred his family to Illinois and settled on a farm of 200 acres in the township of Cortland, in De Kalb County, which they occupied until their removal to Aurora, in 1871.

Mr. McAlpine is the second of three children born to his parents, and was reared on a farm in this State. When about 17 years of age he went to Aurora, 111:, and entered upon an apprenticeship to acquire a knowledge of his trade, and served two years. He passed a period of three years in work at various places in New York and Michigan, and in the fall of 1873 returned to Sycamore. After working a short time at his trade, he entered into a business relation with Jacob Deily as contractors and builder.-;. Their joint transactions covered a period of three years, and was terminated in 1877. In 1879 the present association of Willard & McAlpine was formed, which has since been in operation. A number of the prominent edifices in De Kalb and adjoining counties were built by them. Their buildings at Sycamore comprise the Congregational church and a number of prominent residences.

Vf Mr. McAlpine was married Jan. 12, 1876, in Syca- \ more, to Mattie Manning, daughter of John Manning. &, She was born Dec. 6, 1857, in Piano, 111.

Abraham Ashelford, retired farmer and stockman, resident at Sycamore, formerly a resident on section 31, South Grove Township, was born Feb. 24, 1832, in Somersetshire, England. His parents were George and Sarah (Blackmer) Ashelford (see sketch of George Ashelford).

Mr. Ashelford came to America in October, 1855, having passed his minority in his native country under the circumstances of the class to which he belonged. After a brief stay in Ontario, he came to De Kalb County, arriving at the city bearing the same name on Christmas day of 1855. In March, 1856, he returned to Canada, remaining, however, but a short time and came back, to Illinois, making a permanent location in South Grove Township. He was almost wholly without means, but obtained employment on the farm of John Orfut and worked some time for him and his brother. With his first earnings he bought a yoke of oxen, and worked land on shares for a time, subsequently leasing a large farm for a period of five years. At the end of four years he had saved sufficient money to buy 160 acres of the farm which he had leased, and whereon he established his homestead. To this he has added by later purchases until he owns 680 acres of the best quality of land, under the best type of improvements, the condition being manifest from the fact that the proprietor has laid 29 miles of tiling. The farm bindings are of a character in keeping with the value of the estate. Mr. Ashelford makes a specialty of raising Durham cattle and half-breed Norman horses. All the land he has improved was in its primeval condition when it came into his possession.

He was married in Pierce Township, Kane Co., 111., Feb. 3, 1863, to Ellen McMutchy. She was born July 6, 1834, in Ontario, Can., and was brought in her childhood to Kane County by her parents. She died May 27, 1877, aged 43. years, and was the mother of five children: Sarah was born Dec. 7, 1 86-; James, Jan 22, 186-; Lizzie, Feb. 12, 1872; Robert, May i, 1875. John died when two years old. Mr. Ashelford was again married Jan. 8, 1878, in the township of Malta, to Mrs. Mary J. Crandall. She was born Nov. 13, 1833, in Columbia Co., N. Y., and is the daughter of Delaware and Dolly (Head) Foster. Her parents were of French extraction and of New England ancestry and were born in the State of New York, where they lived all their lives. The father died about 1872, the mother in May, 1876. Both were aged 76 years. Mrs. Ashelford was first married in her native county in 1855, to Morgan L Crandall, a native of Delaware Co., N. Y. In 1856 she accompanied her husband to Malta To'vnship and settled on a farm. Mr. Crandall's demise occurred Feb. 2, 1874, at the age of 44 years. Five children were bom of this union. Ida is married and lives on her mother's estate in Malta. Hattie resides in Malta. Cary lives in Mayfield Township. Charles is in the charge of his uncle in Malta Township. Mary died at the age of 19 years, in Malta Township.

. Basil Ruby, physician, residing at De Kalb, was bom iu Bedford Co., Penn., Oct. 5, i8ti, and is a son of Arthur and Sarah (Conaway) Ruby, the former a native of Maryland and the latter of Virginia. \ When about three years of age, the parents of Mr. Ruby moved to Perry Co., Ohio, where they resided two years, then removed to Muskingum County, same State; resided there six months, then moved to Licking County, that State. In the latter county Dr. Ruby resided, working on his father's farm, attending the common schools and developing into manhood.

In October, 1832, Dr. Ruby was united in marriage to Miss Mary Mackrel, a native of Pennsylvania. Thirteen months afterward she died, and he was again married in 1836, to Miss Isabell Hiland, a native of Huntington Co., Pa.

They settled in Licking Connty, where he followed the vocation of a farmer until 1849. During that year he started with a team of horses, overland, for this State, and 14 days later arrived iu De Kalb.

He purchased a lot in the village, erected a dwelling thereon, and then engaged in the mercantile business with John M. Goodell. which relation existed for six months, when the same was dissolved, and in the spring of 1850 Dr. Ruby engaged in business on his own account, continuing two years. At the expiration of the latter date, Dr. Ruby, in company with Jackson Hiland, purchased the business of Mr. Goodell, and the firm name became Ruby& Hiland. They carried on the business, which consisted of two stores, and also engaged in the sale of drugs, groceries and dry goods, until 1855, when they closed.

Dr. Ruby had been a medical student in Ohio, completed his study of medicine after coming to this county, and commenced his practice in 1855. After closing his business, in 1865, his son bought the building, moved it and converted it into a dwelling, in which they resided until 1883, when it was burned, and he built his present residence.

Dr. Ruby is a member of the Advent Church, and Mrs. Ruby of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They are the parents of two children - Baxter W. and Mary D.

fohn Buckardt, farmer, section 16, Victor 1^- Township, was born Aug. 22, 1825, in Pomerania, Prussia. His parents, Jacob id Caroline (Wokossen) Buckardt, were naves of Germany, and there spent their lives. The son remained an inmate of his father's house until he was 24 years of age. He attended school during the period prescribed by law, and on leaving school learned the trade of mason, the statute requiring that every boy be taught a trade. He served three years in its acquisition and pursued it as a business from 1844 to. 1859.

In the year last named he emigrated to America and located in Somonauk, De Kalb County, where he spent five years in working at his trade and otherwise. He then rented a farm in Victor for three years, and at the end of that time, in 1868, he became the owner, by purchase, of 160 acres of land on section 16. This he has since held and has added no acres to his original purchase. Mr. Buckardt is one of the leading farmers of Victor Township, and has been successful in his methods of operation. He

His marriage to Caroline Gruel took place Nov. 2, * 1849, and they have had 12 children, six of whom are living, - John A., Herman A., August A., Ida J., .1 Bertha M. and Henry V. John married Caroline Kelso, Aug. i, 1881; Herman was married Dec. 2, 1883, to Caroline Kukuk. Bertha was married to John M. Kukuk, July 22, 1840. Ida J. was married Oct. 26, 1884, to Gus. Johnson. The two oldest sons are marketmen at Somonauk. Mrs. Buckardt, the mother, is a native of Germany.

and whose portrait appears on the opposite page, was born in Rushford, Allegany Co., N. Y., July 5, 1848, and is a son of Luke A. and Ursula (Foster) Warren. His parents were both natives of Ycrk State, his father of Delaware and his mother of Orleans County. In 1864 they moved to Whiteside County, this Stale, where they resided two years, and then removed to Ogle County, where, in Monroe Township, his father purchased a farm.

Mr. Warren remained on the farm about a year and then concluded to abandon that vocation. He accordingly left the place and went to Sycamore, where he engaged with J. E. Southworth, a jeweler, and with whom he remained until 1871. He then engaged with Frank Smith, successor of Mr. Southworth, and worked for him two years. By this time he had thoroughly mastered the trade in all its various branches, and established a business of his own.

In 1875 Mr. Warren formed a partnership with Frank W. Lott, and they jointly conducted the business until 1877, when Mr. Warren sold his interest to his partner and moved to De Kalb, and established his present business. By strict attention to business, and fair and honest representations, Mr. Warren has built up a good and constantly increasing trade.

xx 134, A. F. & A. M. He has traveled extensively in this country, and in 1880. accompanied by his wife, visited his old home in " York State." In 1883116 accompanied the Knights Templars' excursion to California, visiting all the places of interest in Colo- -^ rado and the Territories, as well as in the " Land of Gold," and keeping a diary of the principal events of the trip. He has a lot and residence at De Kalb and is succeeding well in his business.

3. Hemenway, of Sycamore, was born in the town of Williamsburg, Hampshire Co., Mass., June 17, 1813. His grandfy father, Ichabod Hemenway, was a native of Framingham, Mass. He was a patriot of the Revolution, and was in the actions at Saratoga and Schuylerville (now Herkimer), N. Y., and in other important battles. He was one of the first to locate at Williamsburg, whither he went on foot from Framingham carrying an ax, Hampshire County then being in its primitive condition and covered with heavy timber. He improved a farm and resided there until his death about 1823.

Mr. Hemenway is the son of Elijah and Amy (Budlong) Hemenway. He was married April 14, 1836, in Conway, Hampshire Co., Mass., to Eunice Guild. She was born Nov. 12, 1814, in Brookfield, Vt., and is the daughter of Israel and Rachel (Kellogg) Guild, both natives of the State of Vermont. In September, 1836,1116 Hemenways, father and son, with their families, set out for Illinois. Public conveyances of travel were the exception rather than the rule, and the journey from Massachusetts to Albany, N. Y., was made by private conveyance, whence the party came to Buffalo by way of the Erie Canal. From there they traveled by steamer to Chicago, whence they went by team to what is now Du Page County, then included in Cook County for municipal purposes. The land had not been surveyed, and the elder Hemenway made a claim in what is now Wayne Township ; and when the land came into market he entered the claim. This was his home until his death in 1862. His wife died in 1860.

H. B. Hemenway bought a claim in Wayne Township, on which there was a log house, of which the family took possession. In 1838 he cut a quantity of oak logs, drew them to the mill, and with the lumber built the first frame house in the township of Wayne. It was finished with pine lumber, which was drawn from Chicago. In 1843 he went to Chicago and there secured the title to his land. In December, 1862, he enlisted in Co. C, i2th 111. Cav. At Harper's Ferry he was taken prisoner, being captured in August, 1862. He was held five days and released on parole, when he came home, and in September, 1862, was honorably discharged on account of illness.

In 1870 he sold his farm in Wayne and removed to a farm situated two and a half miles east of the city of Sycamore, in De Kalb County. He sold the place five years later and bought a residence in Sycamore. Mr. and Mrs. Hemenway have eight children. Edward is a merchant at Bartlett Station, 111.; A. Dwight lives in Chicago ; George W. resides at Greenwood, Kan., where he is a farmer; Ellen married Charles Stevenson, of Sycamore ; Elma is the wife of James Congleton, and lives in Wheaton, Du Page County; Sarah E. married Walter Scott, a grocer in Chicago. Lyman is a practicing physician at Pingree Grove; William is m the grocery business in Chicago.

acob Gletty, a pioneer farmer of Somonauk Township, resident on section 5, is the son of George and Frederika Gletty, and was born Oct. 10, 1802, in Alsace, France. He was bred to the calling of his forefathers, that of agriculture, which he has pursued all his life. He was reared to manhood in his native land, and was married there, June 22, 1836, to Betsey Yant. She was born Aug. 20, 1816, in France, where six children were born to her and her husband.

In May, 1844, the family bade a permanent farewell to " Fair France," and came to the New World, arriving in the township of Somonauk July 28 of the same year. Mr. Gletty Ixnight 80 acres of land, where he at once settled and commenced the work of improving, subsequently adding to his acreage until he now has 132 acres. He is living in retirement, his sons, Louie and Henry, conducting the affairs of the farm. His wife died Sept. 16, 1881. Six children were born to them after their removal to Amer ica: Charles is a farmer. Louisa is the wife of Frank Goradot, of Somonauk. Louie is next in order of birth. Jacob lost his life in the Civil War. William'is a farmer in De Kalb County. Henry is the seventh child. Daniel is deceased. Josephine resides at home. Caroline is Mrs. Julius Schidecker. David is a farmer in Somonauk Township. Adeline is the wife of George Beck, of Sandwich.

fames W. Arkills, farmer and breeder of stock, resident on section 15, Victor Township, was born Dec. 18, 1849, at Richmond, McHenry Co., 111. His parents, John and Maria (Eastwood) Arkills, were natives of the State of New York and settled in McHenry County in 1839. After a residence there of 33 years, they removed to the township of Victor, where they settled in 1873, locating on section 15. The father died there in 1884. . .

Mr. Arkills was educated in the common school, and has always lived with his parents. In 1884 he succeeded to the ownership of his father's homestead. He is a progressive farmer, and is breeding Hambletonian horses, also fine grades of Short-Horn Durham cattle. He is a Republican, and takes a zealous interest in all movements and measures that seem likely to benefit the general public.

J. Woodworth, resident at Sycamore, is the agent for the estate of Mrs. James S. Waterman. He was born Dec. 10, 1850, Jrownhelm, Lorain Co., Ohio. His father and mother, John and Mary (Johnson) Woodworth, were natives of Chenango Co., N. Y., and located soon after their marriage in Sandusky. In 1853 they came to Illinois, and the senior Woodworth bought a farm in Cortland Township, De Kalb County. The land was in its original condition. At the date of its owner's death, which occurred Aug. 27, 1858, it was all improved.

years of age with Milo Wells, of Sycamore, and worked on a farm except in the winter seasons, when he attended district school. In the summer of 1870, when 19 years old, he suddenly formed a resolution, while engaged in farm labor, that he would not be an agriculturist through life, and he then and there laid down the implement he was using and went to Sycamore, where he formed a partnership with F. B. Colton in the sale of musical instruments. In the spring of 1872 he went to Madison, Wis., and there pursued a course of study preparatory to a business career, attending the Northwestern Commercial College. In the spring of 1873 he went to Quincy, 111., and entered upon the duties of a teacher of plain and ornamental penmanship, book-keeping and business correspondent in the " Gem City Business College." He resigned the position July 15, 1876, to enter upon the responsibilities of Principal of the " Theoretical Business and Penmanship Departments of Jacksonville Business College,"at Jacksonville, 111., which he held until July 25, 1883. At that date he resigned to assume the position he now occupies.

He was united in marriage, June 6, 1876, to Nellie L., daughter of Dr. Charles W. and Lucia C. Babcock. They have five children, - James A., Jessie M., Arthur C., Charles J. and Edward G. Mrs. Woodworth is the niece of Mrs. James S. Waterman.

ansing De Forest, retired farmer, residing in De Kalb village, was born in Southville> Herkimer Co., N. Y., May 10, 1832. His parents, John and Elizabeth (Pooler) De Forest, were al#o natives of the Empire State. He remained with them until 12 years of age, and until 17 years old he worked out during the summer seasons, attending school during the winters ; thenceforward he devoted his whole time to manual labor. Feb. 5, 1852, he married Lurena L. Kingsbury, who was born in the town of Turin, Lewis Co., N. Y., the daughter of Flavel C. and Tryphena (Holmes) Kingsbury, both the latter being natives of Connecticut, and settling in the State of New York after marriage. At the time of his marriage, Mr. De Forest located in German Flats, N. Y., where he rented saw-mill for one year, and then a farm until the spring of 1856, when he moved to Rome, N. Y. In the spring of 1857 he came to this county, locating near Cortland, where he followed farming a year, and the next spring he purchased 80 acres of land on section 24, Afton Township, where there were only a small frame house and a small stable. Six years afierward he sold that place and bought 160 acres, on the same section, where there were a small frame house and a straw stable. This place he still owns, having improved it in every way, erecting a good frame house, a frame barn, corn-crib, etc., and planting shade and ornamental trees. Having bought other land adjoining, he now has a total of 310 acres all improved and fenced. In April, 1884, he leased his farm and moved to De Kalb city, where he now lives, on Third Street, North, in a residence he had previously purchased.

Mr. and Mrs. De Forest have had seven children, namely : Mary Ella, wife of Ellis Ingham and living in Afton Township; Albert Eugene ; Lizzie A., wife of J. Charles Smith, and also living in Afton Township; Smith; Inverna B., who died at the age of nine years and four months ; Sarah Phenie, wife of Ernest Chambers, and resides in Afton Township ; Carrie Melvina, the wife of Grant E. Mosher, and resides in Afton Township ; and Lettie E.

; eter H. Lawyer, retired farmer, resident at Sycamore, was born Jan. 12, 1824, in the town of Wright, Schoharie Co., N. Y. His parents, David S. and Maria (Snyder) Lawyer, were natives of the State of New York. His grandparents on both sides were Germans, and were among the early settlers of Schoharie County. David L. Lawyer removed with his family to De Kalb County in 1853 and settled in the township of Cortland, on section 8, where he died April 2, 1879. His first wife died about .1840, and he was married a second time, to Maria Settle, and she resides on the homestead.

The son was reared on the homestead faim, and was educated in the public schools. He was married Dec. 23, 1853,10 Eva Schoolcraft, a native.of Schohaire County. After his marriage, Mr. Lawyer lived on the farm where he was born and brought up until 1857, when he came to De Kalb County and bought an improved farm in Cortland Township, located on section 17. The farm had a small house on it, which Mr. Lawyer rebuilt, and he also added other farm buildings. In 1875 he rented the place and moved to Sycamore where he already owned a residence. Mr. and Mrs. L. have one son, Jay, who is traveling for his health in California. Mrs. Lawyer was born May 5, 1827, and is the daughter of Adam and Catharine Schoolcraft. They were natives of York State, where the mother died, when the daughter was eight years old ; and the father came to Illinois when she was 18 years old and died in Belvidere, Boone'Co., 111., in t86i.

:enry A. Severy, farmer and stock-breeder, resident in Somonauk Township, is the owner of 200 acres of land on sections 16 ^ and 21. He was born Oct. 7, 1851, in Lawrence,

I Mass. Dexter Severy, his father, is a native of Maine, and is engaged in raising stock, associated with his two sons, Henry and Charles A. Their father resides in Leland, La Salle Co., 111., and the second son is prosecuting his branch of the business in Victor Township, De Kalb County. Their aggregated herds include more than 200 head of fine blooded stock, of which 125 head are thoroughbreds. Mr. Severy 's individual herd includes usually about 25 cows. He has several registered animals, among them Princess Anna, No. 685, Julia A., No. 798, Princess of Brabant the Fourth, No. 1,027, and Hilke, No. 3,460. The head of the herds of Messrs. Severy is Lawrence Marion, No. 2,050, from Lawrence, Mass., and he is a lineal descendant from the Lord Clifton and Aaggie family. (On the farm of C. A. Severy are kept Lord Clifton, Sir Newton of Aaggie, No. 1,858, and several others registered and numbered.) Thirty-five fine thoroughbred animals were added to the herds during 1884. The Messrs. Severy are practically pioneers in raising fine stock west of Ohio, having been in the business 12 years. They are members of the Holstein Breeders' Association, have bought a number of thoroughbreds from the East, and have imported stock. They rank among the most reliable dealers in the West and have issued a catalogue annually for n years. C. A. Severy raises trotting horses from the well-known stock Basha and Hauibletonian. Mr. Severy of th

He was married March 23, 1875, to Julia A., daughter of Hon. Hiram and Amanda Loucks, of Sandwich. (See sketch of H. Loucks.) She was born Dec. 5, 1851, in Oneida Co., N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Severy have one son - Frank D., born April 13, 1878.

The family of Mr. Severy came to De Kalb County in 1854. The elder Severy was born March 4, 1820, and his wife in November, 1821. They have but two children, and the family circle intact. Mr. Severy took possession ot his present farm April i, '875- eorge W. Weeden, deceased, a former resident of Sycamore, was born Dec. 23, 1807, in Hartland, Windsor Co, Vt., and was the son of Samuel and Mrs. M. Weeden. He learned the trade of a brick and stone mason, at which he worked in his native State until 1843. In that year he came to Illinois to find a broader field for a life of activity than that afforded in the narrow valleys of the Green Mountain State. He crossed the Green Mountains and reach Whitehall, at the foot of Lake Champlain, went to Albany by the Champlaii'i Canal, thence by the Erie Canal to Buffalo, whence he came to Chicago by the lake route. At that city he hired a ;' prairie schooner " to bring him to De Kalb County. The land was in market that year and he entered a claim of 80 acres on section 31, Sycamore Township, and bought 130 acres adjoining. He built a log house, in which his household found shelter seven years; after this period they occupied a brick house which Mr. Weeden built on his farm The place was sold in 1855 and a removal to Sycamore effected, where Mr. Weeden bought town property and worked at his trade.

His marriage to Sarah Pearsons occurred Jan. 29, 1834. She was born Jan. 7, 1812, in Reading, Windsor Co., Vt., and is the daughter of William and Azubah (Brockvvay) Pearsons. Her parents were both bom in Vermont. Two of the six children of Mr. and Mrs. Weeden are living, - Alvin G. and Albina S. The latter married S. C. Hale and is now

Alvin G. Weeden was born Nov. 16, 1834, and was but nine years of age when his parents removed from Hartland, Vt., his birthplace, to De Kalb County. He assisted his father in improving his farm and acquired a thorough knowledge of the vocation of a stone and brick mason. He has been for a number of years engaged in the business of a contractor. He was married Aug. 10, 1857, to Louisa, daughter of Enos and Celina (Reed) Whitmove. They have two children, - Lillie M. and Leon F.

euben Nichols, a pioneer of De Kalb County, of 1837, was born May 23, 1770, in DutchessCo., N. Y. His parents were of Connecticut origin, and soon after their marriage located in the State of New York. His father bargained for a farm a few miles from Poughkeepsie, and took possession. He had saved sufficient money to pay for the place, but the marauding English soldiery in the Revolutionary War invaded the house and carried off the money. He managed by hard labor and economy to secure his title, and died on his farm Nov. 22, 1802, aged 74 years and n months. His wife died May 21, 1820, at the age of 88 years and n months.

Reuben Nichols grew to mature life in Dutchess County, and learned the trade of harness, and boot and shoe maker. He was married to Mercy Caverly, a native of Ulster Co., N. Y. After marriage they ' located for a short time near Newburg, where Mr. Nichols worked at his trade and managed a tannery several years, after which he went to Ontario, Canada. The location caused him to fall into ill health, and he returned to Ulster Co., N. Y. After a short stay there he went to Sullivan County, in the same State, and bought a farm, which he cultivated until 1837. In 1835 a son - John Nichols - came to De Kalb County and settled on a claim on section 13, of township 41, range 4 east, now Mayfield Township.

The senior Nichols sold his farm in 1837, with the intention of establishing a home in De Kalb County, and he started in company with his wife, four children and two sons-in-law. They made the journey i ^^^ "&i££@.

overland, driving through, and were on the road six weeks. They first stopped in Mayfield Township, at the home of their son. Mr. Nichols bought the claim, and when the Government survey was made and the land put upon the market, he went to Chicago and secured the claim. He raised his first crop of grain in 1838. He died May 5, 1844, and his wife survived him several years, dying Sept. 6, 185 i. Their children were named Benjamin, Esther, Amy, Peter, Ephraim, Abigail, Phebe, John, Ira, Amos and Latin.

Latin Nichols, a resident of Sycamore, was born Dec. 4, 1820, in the township of Neversink, in Sullivan Co., N. Y., and was 17 years of age when he came with his parents to De Kalb County, and he lived at home .until the death of his father. After spending a few seasons as a farm laborer, he bought 80 acres of land on section 10, Mayfield Township. He built a small frame house on the place, and broke and plowed a part of the land the same year he became its owner.

He was married July 3, 1847, to Armena, daughter of Abner and Mary (Kendall) Jackman, who weue pioneers of the township of Sycamore. Mr. and Mrs. Nichols settled on the farm he had prepared for his residence, and which they occupied until 1882, when it was sold, and the family removed to Sycamore. Three children were born of their union: Mary E. married William B. Dunmore, and resides at Sycamore. Martha L. was born Oct. 30, 1855, and died Jan. 4, 1861 ; Clara E. married William Ault and lives in Mayfield Township.

left home, and had received a limited education. After coming to Victor Township he became a farm laborer and continued in that capacity three years. He subsequently managed a farm on shares, in which he was occupied three years. He then bought the estate he now owns, then consisting of 80 acres, and | he has also added thereto 80 acres more. Mr. Cox is a Republican, and has held several offices in the township in which he is a citizen. He has reaped the reward of faithfulness and merit in all his business relations.

He was married Jan. i, 1867, to Alice Arnold, a native of England. Four children were added to their household, - Jonathan, Alice, Betsey and Cynthia.

f"* Lincolnshire, England. His parents, Joseph and Jane (Wilson) Cox, were also born in England and emigrated thence in 1863 to the United States. They first found a home .in the State of New York, where they maintained a residence three years. In 1866 they came to Illinois, where the father died in 1872. The mother is still living.

Mr. Cox left his native land for America three years before his father and mother came hither. On landing at the Port of New York he came at once to Victor Township. He was 20 years of age when he enry M. Thorp, farmer, section 17, Somonauk Township, was born Sept. 25, 1836, in Otsego Co., N. Y., and is the son of Leonard and Eliza (Miller) Thorp. His father was born April 4, 1802; his mother, Nov. 20, 1805, and were both natives of the State of New York. They had ten children, seven of whom are still living. The family came to Illinois at a period when Chicago was in its infancy, there being but n houses in the now monster metropolis when they passed through it on their way to " Big Woods," near Aurora. The senior Thorp kept what was then known as a stage house at Bristol for a period of two years, afterwards removing to Piano, Kendall County, where the parents are now living, probably the oldest couple of the pioneer settlers now living there.

Mr. Thorp was married in January, 1856, at Piano, to Belinda Loomis. Mrs. Thorp was born May 22, 1839, in Lewis Co. N. Y., and is the daughter of Emery and Nancy (Lane) Loomis. Of their marriage three children have been born : "Emery (Jan. 30, 1859) is a farmer in Lee Co., 111. ; Leonard, born Feb. 3, 1861, resides on the family homestead; and Lyman was born Oct. 7, 1867.

Mr. Thorp came to Somonauk Township in the spring of 1860. He rented the farm of which he is now the proprietor, then comprising 320 acres, and continued its management 13 years, when he purchased the property. He has made additional purs*y -teSK®, chases, and the farm now includes 453 acres. He is the owner of 163 acres in Lee Co., 111., and 43^ \ acres in Iowa. In connection with his agricultural I operations, Mr. Thorp has been largely interested in the business of threshing and corn-shelling. In the course of his transactions in these avenues he has | worn out 12 threshing-machines and several shellers. During one season he shelled 80,000 bushels of corn, and has averaged a daily amount of 2,460 bushels. He keeps from 20 to 35 head of horses and mules. He is the owner of a Clydesdale and Norman registered stallion and an English draft horse, and is interested in breeding fine animals for market.

ustave Walter, manufacturer of carriages, road carts, cutters, sleighs, etc., at Sandwich, is the son of Christian and Sarah Walter, and was born Oct. 3, 1849, in Alsace, France. He began his apprenticeship to learn his trade when 14 years of age and served three years. In 1868 he came to America and located at Ottawa, 111. After working there one year, he came to Chicago, where he remained two years. He proceeded thence to Peoria, 111., whence he went nearly a year later to Woodstock. At that place he opened his business, which he prosecuted two years, going next to Serena. Two years later he made another transfer, to Piano, where he continued one year. In 1876 he located his business at Sandwich, buying his present location. He has three buildings - one 36x48 feet, built of brick, constituting a general blacksmithing department; another is 24x48 feet, and is used as a repository; a third, 24x30, is the wood department. His business transactions amount annually to $25,000, and includes all varieties of popular vehicles. The usual working force includes about 10 men. Mr. Walter is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Blue Lodge and Chapter of Sandwich and Aurora Commandery.

He was married at Woodstock, 111., July 20, 1872, to Sophia, daughter of Christian Retterer. She was born April 10, 1851, in Alsace, France. Charles A., irles D. Jackman, deceased, was born July 7, 1837, in Sycamore. His parents, Abner and Mary (Kendall) Jackman, were among the pioneer settlers of De Kalb County, and were born in the State of Vermont.

Mr. Jackman was born and bred on his father's farm, and attended the district school. He was married Nov. 10, 1857, to Eunice Halladay. She was born in the to\Vn of Horicon, Warren Co., N. Y., and is the daughter of Harvey and Betsey (Hollon) Halladay, who were natives of Vermont, and were among the earliest of the permanent settlers of Sycamore. Mr. and Mrs. Jackman located on the Jackson farm, on section 5 in that township. The husband became a soldier in the Union army, and enlisted in August, 1862, in Co. C, 1051)1 Regt. 111. Vol. Inf. He participated in all the closing campaigns of the war in which the Army of the West was involved, marched with Sherman to the sea and through the Carolinas to Washington, where he was a part of I he Grand Review. He was mustered out of service at Chicago, and resumed farming on the homestead in Sycamore Township, where he died, Jan. 18, 1879, leaving four children : Merton resides in McHenry Co., 111.; Adelbert, Abner and Mary live with their mother on the homestead, on section 5 .

fames B. Glidden, teacher and farmer, residing in De Kalb, was born in Clarendon, Orleans Co., N. Y., May 10, 1819. His father, Jacob Glidden, was a native of the town of Unity, Sullivan Co., N. H., where the " Glidden farm " has remained in possession of the family for more than 200 years. He settled in Orleans Co., N. Y., soon after the War of 1812, emigrating from his native State in the winter, with two yoke of oxen and sleds. He was a very early settler in that portion of the Empire State, bought a tract of timber land, cleared a farm and spent the remainder of his days there. His wife, nee Sarah Smith, was also a native of the town of Unity, Sullivan Co., N. H. They had 13 children, of whom Jan.es B. was the youngest, except one brother. Both were born in Orleans County.

Mr. Glidden was brought up on the farm and attended the district school. In April, 1841, he married Miss Juliet Beard, a native of the town of Lyons, Yates Co., N. Y. He Ixnight a farm of 58 acres, which three years afterward he sold, and he rented a farm until 1852, when he purchased another in Van Buren Co., Mich. In the whiter of 1852-3 he was employed as foreman in the construction of the Chicago, Alton & St. Louis Railroad, and with that exception, and teaching school during the winter seasons, he has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits. He commenced teaching school at the age of 18, in the State of New York, and has taught for 20 winters. In 1860 he sold his farm in Michigan and came to De Kalb County, this State, buying a farm on section 10, in Afton Township. Here, at that time, there were but a few acres broken, and he proceeded to place the farm in a fine and presentable condition, by fencing, breaking, setting out fine shade and ornamental trees, erecting buildings, etc ; but he sold it in 1878, in order to take charge of farms in the county belonging to his cousin, J. F. Glidden. He occupied his farm residence until 1884, when he moved into the village of De Kalb.

ohn Brechbiel, farmer, section 35, Victor !?- Township, is a native of Germany, where he was born Oct. 28, 1848. His father, John Brechbiel, was also born there, and married Mary Hanse. The former removed with his family from the Old World to the New in 1859, and landed in the city of New York, coming thence to Somonauk, DeKalb County, where the father bought 80 acres of land on section 35. After a residence thereon of five years he died, in 1865. The family included two children, but Mr. Brechbiel, of this sketch, is the only one living, to whom the homestead was willed, and he has been since its manager and the custodian of his mother. He has since purchased 46 acres joining his homestead, besides two tracts of 40 acres each, situated respectively on sections 26 and 27. Mr. Brechbiel is a Democrat in political faith.

He was married March 9, 1869, to Mary A. Luttsmann, and they have six children - Ann, Louise, Emma, George E., Mary M. and Ida. Mr. Brechbiel and his wife are members of St. John's Lutheran Church, at Somonauk.

oseph Allen, deceased, was a pioneer of De Kalb County, and for some years a resident of Sycamore Township, where he located in 1846. He was born Sept. 26, 1790, in Kingsbury, Washington Co., N. Y. In his early manhood he was a miller by vocation. He was married Dec. 23, 1810, to Sally Allen, who was born Sept. 14, 1793, at Thurman, Washington Co., N. Y., and they had 14 children, 12 of whom grew to adult age, and seven are still living. Annie is the wife of C. B. Vaughn, of Montgomery, Kane Co., 111. ; Abisha is the widow of Eldad Calkins and lives near Aurora, 111. ; Charles lives in O'Brien Co., Iowa ; William is a resident of Kane Co., 111-. ; Joseph is a farmer of Decatur Co., Kan. ; Angelina and Benjamin were born next in order ; Henry is the youngest living, and resides in Gentry Co., Mo.

At the time of their marriage they settled at Fort Ann. Mr. Allen was a " minute man " during the War of 1812, and with his company made a forced march to Plattsburg, where they arrived just in time to witness the retreat of the British soldiers. Mr. Allen pursued his trade at different parts of his native county until 1845, when impaired health furnished an imperative reason for a change of location, and he set out to seek a home in the West. He came to Kane County, where his family joined him, and in the following year he came to De Kalb County and settled on land owned by his daughter in Sycamore Township. His death occurred there Nov. 27, 1853. Mrs. Allen died Aug. 28, 1873.

Benjamin Allen was born April 20, 1829, and was 16 years of age when he came with his mother and the other children of his father's family to Kane County. He remained under the parental authority until the years of his minority were passed, and afterward found employment in the vicinity. - He had bought 40 acres of land on section 25, Sycamore Township, and he devoted his earnings to paying for his land, on which he settled after marriage, and where he had built a house. He afterward purchased 20 acres adjoining and improved ihe entire property. He was its occupant until 1865, when he sold and bought a farm on section i.Cortland Township, which is in good agricultural condition. Mr. Allen is a Republican. While a resident of Sycamore he was a member of the School Board, and has also been Road Commissioner.

His marriage to Abigail Lhommedieo took place Oct. 10, 1852. She was born at Smithville, Chenango Co., N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Allen have an adopted child - Benjamin Arthur snry Miller, a farmer of Victor Township, who is a landholder on section 32, was born April 30, 1837, in Germany. His parents, Christian and Louise (Gobel) Miller, were natives of Walden, Germany. His mother died there. Mr. Miller was thrown upon his own exertions fora livelihood when he was 12 years of age. He had received a common-school education, and after the age named he became a farm laborer, in which capacity he was employed until he was 22 years of age. In 1845 he left his native soil to win for himself an opportunity that a republic offered for the better development of his manhood's ambitions; and, after landing at New York, he pressed on to Illinois, making his first stop at Aurora, where he found employment four years, going thence to Piano. He was married there Nov. 24, 1859, to Elizabeth Buckardt, who also is a native of Germany. Seven children have been born of their union : William H., Henry W., Mary L., Fritz J., Christian J., Charles F. and George S. The oldest son and the only daughter are married.

Mr. Miller made his first purchase of land in Victor Township, in 1859, when he bought 160 acres of land, on which he has made all the improvements. He has also bought 80 acres on section 28, and is engaged in general farming. He and his wife belong rlando M. Bryan, M. D., of Sycamore, is one of the pioneer physicians and surgeons cv^r of the portion of De Kalb County of which Qc^ he has been for 40 years a citizen. He is a self-made man in the best sense of the term, possessing the qualities of industry and judgment requisite for the exertion of his natural traits of character, and the exercise of the discrimination and good sense which, under the privileges of the times, places a man securely on the plane for which he is fitted, both by nature and training.

Dr. Bryan was born July 6, 1823, in Fairfield, Herkimer Co., N. Y., and is the son of Dr. M. L. and Phebe (Whiteside) Bryan. He inherited from his father his predilection for his profession, and obtained an elementary training from association and observation that was especially valuable, although its importance as a molding influence was neither recognized nor understood at the time. He received an excellent fundamental education at Fairfield Academy, an institution of acknowledged reputation, and at 17 years of age he began the regular course of reading for his profession with Dr. G. Sweet, of Fairfield, one of the first preceptors of the place and period. He attended lectures at Geneva, N. Y.. and also at the University of New York City, where he was graduated and received his degree in 1844. He began his professional career with Dr. Sweet, at Fairfield, and had the benefit of the association and the office relations of his preceptor until 1846, when he came to De Kalb County. He was only 23 years of age when he sought to test the promise of the West, and he brought to his work therein the fresh hopes of his young and ardent manhood.

Sycamore was but the germ of a village when Dr. Bryan identified himself with its people and interests, and he grew up and developed with it. He gave his undivided attention to his local medical duties until 1861, a period of 15 years, and won a substantial reputation. In the first year of the war he was appointed by Governor Yates to a position on the State Board of Medical Examiners to determine regarding the qualifications of army surgeons, and was made Secretary of that body. While engaged in the discharge of the duties of the position he was summoned by Secretary Cameron to report at Washington for examination for the position of Brigade Surgeon. He was found to be qualified, and was commissioned by President Lincoln as Brigade Surgeon, with the rank of Major. Pending the preliminaries, after passing the ordeal of examination, he returned to Springfield and served in his former position until he received his commission and orders to report to Gen. Fremont in the State of Missouri., under whom he remained until his commanding officer was superseded by General Hunter. He was made a member of the staff of the latter, and was attached to the command through the actions at Island No. 10 and New Madrid. He was in charge of the general hospital of the Army of the Mississippi, at Farmington, near Corinth, whither he went with General Pope's command the day following the battle of Shiloh. He was already suffering the effects of over-exertion and a relaxing climate, and while at Corinth he made application to the Surgeon-General at Washington to be transferred to New Mexico for the benefit of his health. He soon received orders to report at Santa Fe to Surgeon Bailey of thj Regular Army, and relieve him from duty as Medical Director and Purveyor of the Department of New Mexico. He occupied this position nearly three years, until mustered out of service. Dr. Bryan was in the service throughout the entire Rebellion, and remained in New Mexico until the border disturbances were under control. He obtained his discharge in 1866, and was mustered out of the service of the United States at Santa Fe, N. M., while he had the rank of Colonel, by brevet. During his connection with the army at that point he made extensive tours through Mexico, New Mexico and Colorado, and secured great benefit to his health. He resumed his practice at Sycamore, and prosecuted his business vigorously until 1873, when failing health again compelled him to seek another climate, and he has since passed several winters in Colorado.

He was married July 23, 1849, to Jane Leslie Voorhees. She was born Sept. 10, 1824, in Lysander, OnondagaCo., N. Y., and is the daughter of James L. and Martha (Northrup) Voorhees. Her parents were natives respectively of New York and Connecticut. Following is the record of the children of Dr. and

The name and career of Dr. Bryan are inseparably connected with the history of Sycamore. In its early days he was a part of its pioneer households, his professional duties bringing him to an identity of interests with the entire community. He exerted his skill in behalf of those who suffered from the illness incident to a developing section, and in his professional capacity came to have a personal relation to the affairs of those with whom his lot was cast. With many he began his association at the opening of their lives, and went with them until they were gathered into final rest. His face was as familiar as those of the household to which they belonged, and was regarded as one of their greatest benefactors. The resident pioneer physician of a community is by far the most important personage in it, and his mission is one that bears with it its own weight of importance. While the personal records collated in this volume have each its own value to the work, that of Dr. Bryan is presented with a peculiar satisfaction, from the fact that while it reflects great credit on the annals of De Kalb County, its subject holds a relation to the people of Sycamore of paramount importance.

ndrew Graham, farmer, section Township, was born Dec. 9, 1844, in Franklin Co., Ohio. His parenis, Robert and Sarah (Williamson) Graham, were natives of New York and removed thence to Illinois in 1850, when their son was six years old. As he advanced in age he received a good education, and at the time he attained his legal freedom he began farming on his own responsibility. He took a farm to work on shares, and made a success of the venture, in which he was occupied two years. Subsequently he devoted the avails of his labors to the payment of his expenses at Monmouth, where he was engaged in study three years and obtained a superior education. He spent eight months in teaching, after which he took farms on shares and operated in that method five years. He then purchased 200 acres of land, where he has since been occupied in general farming.

Mr. Graham is a Republican in political principles j and takes the interest of a. man of understanding who knows the responsibilities of citizenship. He has officiated in the local offices of his township.

His marriage to Mary McEachron took place Dec. 26, 1872, and they have four children, - Walter, Bertha J., Sarah W. and Thomas H. Mrs. Graham is a native of the Empire State.

dmond B. Harned, farmer, section 17, Sycamore Township, was born July 13, 1829, in Smithtown, Suffolk Co., N. Y.,and is the son of Hosea Harned. His great grandfather, Jacob Harned, was a native of Perth Amboy, N. J., and located on a tract of 1,100 acres of land on Long Island, which came into his possession about the date of the war of the Revolution. He belonged to the sect of Friends, or Quakers ; and, although the principles of the society would not permit him to go to war, he aided in the construction of barracks for the soldiery, as that variety of 'assistance fell under a possible higher law of rendering help to the needy. He died on Long Island, about 1824. Hosea Harned, his son, was born Jan. 2,

1798, in Smithtown; Suffolk Co., L. I., and was there brought up, under the care and instructions of his father, who gave him a through training in agricultural arts. He was married Sept. 27, 1818, to Rosetta Brown. She was born in Smithtown, Sept. 24,

1799, and died Sept. 27, 1833, leaving four children, two of whom still survive, - Edmond B. and Amelia. Mr. Harned was married a second time Nov. 5, 1833, to Mrs. Fanny (Hoag) Babcock, widow of the Rev. James Babcock, a Methodist clergyman.

Mr. Harned went from Long Island to Ohio in 1832, leaving his home by way of Sandy Hook, proceeding up the Hudson River until he reached the

Erie Canal, by which he went to Buffalo, and went from there by lake to Painesville, Lake Co., Ohio. He located in Leroy in that county, which was then included in the county of Geauga and lived on a farm there four or five years, which he sold. He then removed to another, which he bought, near Madison in Lake County. After a few years he bought a third farm, near Monticello, in Geauga County, which he sold four years later and removed to Streetsboro, Portage County, where he bought a fourth farm. He decided on coming farther West, and in 185 i disposed of his estate in Ohio and set out for De Kalb County, whither he came with two two-horse teams and wagons^. During the fi/st year after his arrival he rented a farm, meanwhile prospecting for a desirable location. In the spring of 1852 he bought a farm on section 8, Sycamore Township, one of the earliest settled in the township or county, and which he purchased from the widow of one of the leading pioneers of Sycamore, Lysander Darling. The farm remained in his possession until 1865, when he again sold out and removed to the village of Cortland. After a residence there of four years, he went to Grundy Co., Iowa, to live with his daughter at Fayette, where he died May 6, 1877. Of his. second marriage five children were born, four of whom are now living - Lyman, Mary (Mrs. Enoch Wheeler, of Fayette, Iowa), Angeline, widow of David Underwood, of Marshalltown, Iowa, and Walter, resident at Steamboat Rock, Franklin Co., Iowa.

The youngest son enlisted in 1864, in the I47th Reg., 111. Vol., and died while in the service at Dal- - ton, Ga. The eldest daughter by the first marriage is the wife of Fitz Henry Talcott, and lives at Waldena, Fayette Co., Iowa.

Edmond B. Harned accompanied his parents from Long Island to Ohio and thence-to Illinois. He was in early manhood when they located in De Kalb County. In the fall of 1853 he went to his native State and passed a year there. He was married Oct. 21,' 1855, at Sycamore, to Susan H., daughter of James M. and Prudence (Eaton) Sivwright. She was born Jan. 6, 1833, in Nova Scotia. After his marriage, Mr. Harned rented the property known as the Tower farm, and a year later (in 1856) bought a farm on section 16, on which about four acres had been broken. He built a house and stable, broke and fenced the land, and there conducted his agricultural projects until 1865, when he sold it and bought his father's farm on section 7, where he is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Harned have five children living. Rosetta married Charles C. Pond,- Merton R. is a graduate from the Dental College at Philadelphia, A and is engaged in the practice of his profession at ^ Oregon, Ogle Co., 111. Armanella P., James E. and Susan A. are the names of the youngest living children. Eugene, the eldest, was born June 29, 1856. He was completing a business education at the Gem City Business College, when he died, April 19, 1876.

L. Barber, one of the pioneers of the county and now a resident at De Kalb, was born fn the town of Pike, then in Al!egany, now in Wyoming, Co., N. Y., June 29, 1812. His parents, Levi C. and Sally (Rood) Barber, natives of Vermont, settled in the township in 1811, as pioneers. He (the senior Barber) bought land of the Holland Purchase Company four miles east of Pike Hollow, in the wilderness) having to follow a line indicated by marked trees in order to find his place. Here he immediately erected a log house (in which Clark L. was born), cleared a farm and made considerable advancement toward the establishment of a comfortable home ; but in February, 1835, he started with a pair of horses and a sleigh for the Prairie State. Arriving in this county, he took a claim on section 15 of what is now De Kalb Township. He was accompanied by his two eldest sons, Lyman and Harry, who also took claims and afterwards entered the land when the Government had surveyed it and placed it in market. This was their home until the death of the father, in 1859. He was a stirring man, full of energy and enterprise. He had been Sheriff of Allegany Co., N. Y , for a number of years. Six of his children by his first wife - Lyman, Harry, Clark L., Amelia, Adelia apd Polly - grew up to years of maturity. The first two, who settled on land adjoining that of their father, are now deceased. Amelia is the wife of Luman Huntley, now of |Dixon, 111. Adelia is the wife of Franklin Burr and lives at Lincoln, Neb. ; her second son, Carlos C., is a member of the Nebraska State Senate. The elder Barber's second wife was Mrs. Hannah Brownell, and by this marriage there were three children, two of whom are now living, namely : Wanton B., now a resident of De Kalb Township; and Laura E., who married Clark Carter, of De Kalb.

Mr. Clark L. Barber, the subject of this sketch, grew to manhood in his native township, being brought up to farming pursuits. In 1836, accompanied by two sisters, he started to meet their father in Illinois. Leaving his sisters in Chicago, he started on foot for that part of Kane County now included in De Kalb County, where he found his father. He first made a claim on what is now called Geneva Lake ; but he abandoned it and took one on sections 15 and 1 6, in "Orange Precinct," now in De Kalb Township. Here he built a log house, a chimney with sticks and mud, making the roof with " shakes " split from oak timber, and the floor of puncheons. From this rude beginning Mr. Barber improved the place to its present fine proportions, the farm containing several hundred acres. In 1883 he sold it, and he has since traveled extensively, visiting Kansas and Nebraska. In Chase County, in the latter State, he purchased a farm of 400 acres. The same year, 1883, he also bought a large farm in Iroquois County, this State.

Mr. Barber has filled offices of trust in the town and county ; was Deputy Sheriff six years, under C. C. Landis, and Assessor of his township several years,

He was married in May, 1839, to Mary M. Spring, a native of the town of Woodhull, Steuben Co., N. Y., and they have two children living, namely : Louisa, who is the wife of Jacob Crawford, and lives in De Kalb ; and Harriet, who is the wife of Newcomb Crawford, and lives near Woodstock, McHenry County.

eorge B. Trench, farmer, section 9, Somonauk Township, was born in the house in which he now resides, Dec. 19, 1850. His father, William French, was a carpenter and came to Illinois, driving a team from Chicago to Somonauk Township, arriving June 2, 1842. He took up a claim of 160 acres of mixed prairie and timber land, and became a prominent and successful farmer. He was born Dec. 30, i8n, in Washington Co., N. Y., and was married Oct. 29, 1833, in his native county, to Isabella Beveridge (see sketch of J. H. Beveridge). She was born in the same county, Nov. 17, 1815, and is still living. The father died July 19, 1880. Five of seven children born to them yet survive : Ellen A., wife of Chester Henry, of Somonauk Township ; Mary C., deceased ; Sarah A., wife of Martin McCleary, a farmer of Morris Co., Kan. ; John B., deceased; George B. ; Andrew L., a farmer near Pawnee City, Neb. ; and Jeannette, wife of Thomas McElheny, a farmer in Nebraska.

Mr. French has always resided on the farm where he was born 35 years ago, and he is a substantial and successful agriculturist. In connection with general farming he owns about a score of cows, of the Short-Horn Durham breed, for dairy purposes.

His marriage to Clara M. Kirkpatrick occurred in Squaw Grove Township, Dec. 31, 1879, and they have two children : Mary E., born Oct. 21, 1880, and William I., born Nov. 6, 1882. Mrs. French was born May 4, 1853, and is the daughter of Isaac and Sarah Kirkpatrick, pioneer settlers of Squaw Grove Township.

Christian Von Ohlen, farmer, section 29, Victor Township, was born April 27, 1830, in Braunschweig, Germany. He was educated according to the laws of his native country, and was under the authority of his parents until he was of age, and he spent ten subsequent years in their support. Oct. i, 1851, he was conscripted and served in the Army of Germany until April, 1853, when, by request 'of the authorities, he was released from military obligations to maintain his parents and the other members of the family. He came to America in 1854, and landed Dec. 13, in the city of New York, whence he proceeded to Piano, 111., where he arrived Dec. 22, - nine days later. His first employment was in the capacity of assistant on the farm of Washington Walker, with whom he engaged to remain one year, at the aggregate wages of $150. In 1856 he was occupied in the same capacity on a 4o-acre farm near Yorkville, Kendall Co., 111. The subsequent year he rented a farm containing 80 acres, which he conducted one year. In 1858 he came to the township of Victor. On the first day of April he took possession of 160 acres of land he had purchased the previous autumn. He brought to the furtherance of his agricultural projects his old country thrift, industry and persistent energy, and has risen in accumulations and standing to a far better position than the classes in his own land who would deem it beneath their dignity to have offered him a civility on his native soil under the flag he was forced to defend for them. He is a Republican, and rejoices that he is also a citizen of a land that recognizes his claims as a man. In 1867 he sold 80 acres of his first claim to his brother, and in 1873 he bought 80 acres on section 21, which is still in his possession.

His wife, Louise Merkel before marriage, is a native of Germany, and of their six children five are still living, - Christian W., Anna, Ernst, France and Juliana. Mr. and Mrs. Van Ohlen are members of the Lutheran Church.

ilas O. Vaughan, City Clerk of De Kalb, was born in the town of Hanover, Grafton Co., N. H., June 6, 1821. His father, Silas T., was a native of Royalton, Vt., and his mother, nee Polly Ingals, of Hanover, N. H When the subject of this sketch was 13 years of age he began to learn the blacksmith's trade, and served an apprenticeship of seven years. He then moved to the State of New York, locating in the town of Attica in that part of Genesee County now included in Wyoming County, where he was employed as foreman in a shop until 1844, when he came to Illinois and located in Naperville. There, in company with others, he purchased the Naperville Plow Factory, the largest factory of the kind in the State at that time, and was connected with the institution 14 years. Then, in 1858, he came to De Kalb and opened an establishment for the manufacture of plows and general blscksmithing, which he carried on for a number of years; and since he has been here he has held various local offices, - among them, Village and City Clerk for 20 years. He has once been elected a member of the Board of Trustees, of which body he has also been once chosen President. For some years past he has also been engaged in the insurance business, and now represents 12 solid and reliable companies. He is a member of De Kalb Lodge, No.

144, A. F. & A. M. ; he first joined the order in 1850, at Naperville. For seven years he has been Master of the Lodge, and for 13 years High Priest of De Kalb Chapter, No. 52 ; in 1880 he was Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Illinois. For 18 years he has been a member of the Ancient Scotch Rite.

Mr. Vaughan was married Sept. it, 1850, to Caroline Sabin, daughter of S. and Mary M. Sabin. She was born in Alexander, Genesee Co.,N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. V. have three children, - Edmond E., Willie and Mary Marcy.

He married Dorcas Thurston, and afterwards settled in Bradford Co., Pa., where he died in 1852. The mother was born Feb. 16, 1794, and died May 26, 1852, in the same place where the demise of her husband occurred. Five of their nine children are living.

Mr. Hall came hither in the month of January, and located on 80 acres of land, which he entered and plowed when it came into market. The entire acreage is now platted, and a portion of it is known as Hall's Addition to Sandwich. The residence of Mr. Hall is established on four lots of his original purchase. In 1869 he bought 120 acres of land on section 36, Somonauk Township, whither he removed and resided seven years, converting it into a fine farm, which he still owns. In 1876 he removed to Sandwich for a permanent abode.

He was married Nov. 7, 1842,10 Lurano, daughter of Major and Eunice Dennis, who were among the earliest settlers of De Kalb County. The marriage service was conducted in the log house which Mr. Hall built on taking possession of the farm, and which afterward became his legal property. Mrs. Hall was born June 29, 1815, in Dartmouth, R. I. Of her union with Mr. Hall five children have been born : Dorcas, widow of Charles W. Humiston, resides at Sandwich. She was born July 26, 1843. _Alvira, born March 2, 1845, died Sept. 24, 1866.

Sarah A. was born July 8, 1846. Myron C., a farmer in Somonauk Township, was born Sept. 2, 1848. John W. H., born July 30, 1851, rents his father's farm in Somonauk Township. Mr. and Mrs. Hall are members, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is a Class-leader in the society at Sandwich.

ewis Dieterich, senior member of the firm of Dieterich & Ebinger, manufacturers of drain tile and brick on the Somonauk road, one mile west of Sandwich, is the son of George and Margaret (Breidenstein) Dieterich, and was born Dec. 26, 1842, in Baden, Germany. His father was a brick-maker and died in Germany. The son was 12 years of age when he accompanied his mother and stepfather, George Ebinger, to America. They had seven children besides him, of whom six are now living. They came across the sea in 1854 and settled at a place now called Streator, La Salle County. They went thence soon after to Ottawa, in the same county, where Mr. Ebinger had a brickyard and where the younger members of the family were employed early in life, and also secured a comprehensive knowledge of trie business. Mr. Dieterich also learned the trade of shoemaker at Ottawa, and in the fall of 1857 came to Sandwich, where he was employed at his trade in the winter seasons, and passed the summers on the farm and in the brickyard. About 1862 he was placed in charge of Emmons & McCoy's brick-yard at Sandwich, and officiated in that position two years. In 1864 he bought the claim of Mr. McCoy, and the firm of Emmons & Dieterich operated about two years, when his brother George became a half owner. He carried on his business in this connection two years, when he purchased the entire property, and removed the machinery to its present location about 1870. He bought six acres where the kilns are now situated, and was engaged there in the manufacture of brick. He bought 124 acres adjoining, together with a nice residence. In 1882 he admitted his half-brother, Valentine Ebinger, as a partner, and they are now engaged in the prosecution of an extensive business, including also the manufacture of tile. They have three kilns. and their respective buildings are 36x96, 36x36 and 20x60 feet in dimensions. The first, a main building, is three stories high: the others are two stories in height. The main structure is heated by steam, and they employ on an average about 20 men. Their works are in operation all the year, and their products are utilized chiefly by home patrons. They do about $20,000 worth of business yearly, and their wares are always in demand, their surplus being shipped West.

F. Stout, a farmer of Victor Township, resident on section 15, was born Sept. 14, 1814, in New Jersey, and he is the son of John V. and Elizabeth (Field) Stout. After he was 1 8 years of age he learned the trade of carpenter, previous to which he had passed his time in attending school and in farm labor. He operated as a carpenter one year, receiving a dollar a day for his services. He came to Illinois in 1836, locating in Fairview, Fulton County, where he found abundant employment and worked by the day or job at his trade at that place until 1852, when he came to De Kalb County and purchased 40 acres of land in Victor Township. He is now the owner of 200 acres of land, having purchased 160 acres lying adjoining the tract he first purchased. He has a fine and valuable farm, whose improvements are the results of his own efforts, judgment and good taste. The place is supplied with fruit and ornamental trees, every one having been set by the hands of the proprietor himself. He is also the owner of valuable herds of stock of several varieties.

ents removed from New Jersey to Ohio and came thence three years later to Illinois, settling in Victor Township. Her mother died July 7, 1882. Her father is 82 years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Stout have three children, - John, Cornelius and Mary E. The daughter is married and lives in Iowa. The sons are married also and reside in California.

C. French, farmer, resident on section 1 1 , Somonauk Township, was born March 27, 1819, in Wallingford, Vt., and is the son of Isaac and Rebecca (Cummings) French. Both parents were natives of Cornish, N. H., and belonged to the agricultural class. Two of their four children are living: Betsey, the sister cf Mr. French, of this sketch, married James H. Mighell, a farmer of Hamilton Co., Iowa ; Abigail, deceased, was the wife of Silas Edson ; and Loomis is deceased.

Mr. French is essentially a farmer by descent and inheritance, and has spent a large portion of his life in teaching. He obtained a practical education in Vermont, ar.d there engaged in teaching winters. The aggregate number of times in which he operated in that capacity comprised 15 seasons in New England, and seven since his removal to Illinois. He was first married in Wallingford, toMariette Thompson, by whom he had a son - Wallace - since deceased. The wife and mother died Sept. 12, 1859, in Wheatland, Will Co., 111. Mr. French was a second time married Dec. 12, 1866, to Mrs. Lucy A. Congdon. of Wallingford, Vt., where she was born Aug. 28, 1835. Mrs. French is the daughter of Leverett and Abigail (Hart) Culver. The former was born in 1800, in Wallingford, and died there July 4, 1866. The latter was also a native of Wallingford, and was born in 1807. She died Jan. 14, 1861. The record of their family is . remarkable : they had 14 children - seven sons and seven daughters - all of whom reached adult age and all are yet living save one son, who -died from the effects of a wound received at the siege of Petersburg during the Civil War. Luanda is the widow of Allen Edgerton, of Wallingford, Vt. Abigail is the widow of A. K. York and lives in the vicinity of Wallingford. Eli- phalet ; Harry enlisted in a Vermont regiment of Sharp-shooters, and was killed June 18, 1864. Lucy Ann and Laura Ann, twins, were born next in order. The sister of Mrs. French is the wife of Seneca Culver, of Sandwich. Melvina married James C. Patch, of East Wallingford. Daniel is a farmer in Wallingford. Luke is a farmer in Fond du Lac Co., Wis. Mary is the widow of Wallace Johnson and lives at Wallingford. Elmer is a farmer in Illinois. James is a farmer of La Salle Co., 111. Chauncey is a farmer in Somonauk Township. May is Mrs. Cornelius Patch, of East Wallingford. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. French were James and Hannah (Tucker) Culver ; on the mother's side they were Ainasa and Abigail (Fenn) Hart. Mrs. French was a teacher in Wallingford a number of years, and taught one term of school in Fond du Lac Co., Wis. Mr. French has been a farmer of Illinois since 1853. In that year he came to Kendall County and bought land in Big Rock Township, which he managed three years. He went thence to the township of Wheatland in Will County, and was a farmer there five years, removing thence to Clinton, De Kalb County, where he maintained his residence six years. He bought the farm where he now resides in 1868. The place includes 100 acres of land, and is all improved. Mr. French has been prominent in public life, both in his native State and in Illinois. He was a member of the Legislature of Vermont in 185 1-2, besiJes holding a number of minor offices in that State, and while a resident of Clinton, officiated three years as Township Clerk, and has held other offices here.

enry Von Ohlen, farmer, section 29, Victor Township, is the son of Christian Henry and Johannah (Burneman) Von Ohlen. They were natives of Brunswick, Germany, and on the igth day of October, 1855, came to Sandwich, De Kalb Co., 111. After a residence there of two years the family came to Victor Township, where the father died April 15, 1880, the mother's demise occurring Nov. 27, 1882.

The son, who is the subject of this sketch, first became a land-holder in the township of which he is tizen, in 1857, when he bought 80 acres of land, on which he has since pursued his agricultural designs, and also on 1 60 acres on the same section, which he has since purchased. He is engaged in the various branches of husbandry common to prairie farms, and he owns a fine assortment of stock. Mr. Von Ohlen is a respected citizen of his township, and is a Republican in political principle.

His marriage to Caroline Likert took place Oct. 9, 1865. She is a native of Germany, and the household now includes five children, - Alvena M., Clara, Henry J., Emma L. and Alice. Mr. and Mrs. Von Ohlen belong to the Lutheran Church.

ohn Syme, manager of the R. Ellwood £ Manufacturing Company at Sycamore, was born Nov. 15, 1833, on the Scottish coast at a point eight miles south of Edinboro, and is the son of James and Ann (Young) Syme. The father removed the family to Ballymena, in the North of Ireland, Mr. Syme being a lad at the time of the transfer. He secured a good education and became a book-keeper later, engaging in the manufacture of hats at Limerick, in which occupation he was interested four years.

He came to this country in 1861, making his way through Canada to Chicago, where he entered the employment of Low Brothers, an extensive grain and produce firm, as traveling salesman, in whose interests he operated about two years. In the fall of 1863 he came to Sycamore, and established himself in the same business, buying and shipping grain, produce and live stock, in company with Roswell Wheeler. They also were the proprietors of a lumber yard, in which they conducted a considerable retail business. In 1865 he built an elevator, which is now owned by the railroad company. In 1868 he became associated with his brother, David A. Syme, holding with him a joint ownership in a hardware store, in the sale of agricultural implements, and also in buying and shipping grain, etc. In 1876 the hardware department was sold, and the remaining branches of business divided, Mr. Syme continuing the sale of agricultural implements until 1880, when he sold out and became a stock-holder in the business in which he is now interested, and which had been re-organized. Mr. Syme was elected manager, and has since operated in that capacity. When the works are running on full time, about 130 men are ? employed. The products are cultivators, hay-racks, £ ' harrows, sulky-plows, etc. Mr. Syme is a member of the firm of H. T. Lawrence and Co., dealers in ^ wagons, carriages and agricultural implements at ^^ Sycamore. He has been three times elected Alderman and has served six years in that capacity. In 1878 he was elected Captain of Co. A, Third Regiment of Illinois National Guards, a position he held two years. He is prominent as a Republican, and has been Chairman of the County Committee during the past ten years. He belongs to the Sycamore Commandery, K. T., No. 15.

Mr. Syme was married in September, 1876, to Carrie W. Waterman. Their children were as follows: John W., Aug. 1 6, 1878, and Kate Irene, Aug. 22, 1882. Mrs. Syme is the daughter of the late John C. and Caroline (Hoyt) Waterman, and was born at Sycamore.

homas F. Latham, retired farmer, section - 26, Somonauk Township, was born Feb. 23, 1812, in Groton Township, New London Co., Conn. Joseph Latham, his father, was a farmer in early life, and in 1824 a dealer in fish I in the city of New York, becoming the husband of Mary Fish.

In 1833 Mr. Latham engaged in mercantile transactions in New York, in which he was interested until 1838, the year in which he removed to De Kalb / County, accompanied by his wife and one child, now deceased, and his brothers Joseph and Hubbard. The latter is a resident of Willamet, 111. The former * is deceased.

Mr. Latham settled on a claim of 300 acres, which included what land he now owns in the township of Somonauk. His brothers also secured claims. Joseph resided on his farm, situated north of that of his brother, until his death in March, 1883.

In 1849 Mr. Latham went with the tide to California, remaining in the gold mines five years. He returned to Illinois and resumed charge of his farming interests, laboring in that capacity four years. In 1858 he again went to California and spent seven years, with unsatisfactory results. In 1880 he went to the mining district of Colorado and has passed five summers there prospecting for gold and silver. He owns three claims in Chaffee County, which are being worked. The farm in Somonauk Township is conducted by his son, Thomas J.

The marriage of Mr. Latham to Jane Ayres took place March 27, 1837. She was born Feb. 25, 1820, near Cleveland, Ohio, and is the daughter of Enos and Jane (Debow) Ayres. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Latham: Julia H., deceased, Feb. 22, 1838; Thomas J., June 14, 1841; Mary, wife of G. S. Serine, of Iowa, April 23, 1843 ; Aurelia April 7, 1847; Franklin, Nov. 25, 1856.

hristian Miller, farmer, section 34, Victor Township, was born June 8, 1837, in Germany. He was an inmate of the parental household until he was 15 years old, and passed the next three years in farm labor. When he was 18 years old he set out for America, and on landing on the shores of the New World he made his way to Aurora, 111.;, he worked there five years on a farm, when he bought 80 acres of land on section 34 of Victor Township and established his homestead. He is prosperously engaged in agriculture, and is earning the right to his privileges of American citizenship. He is a Republican in political principles. The parents of Mr. Miller, Christian and Louise (Gobel) Miller, were natives of Germany. .

He was married March 5, 1866, to Christina Roth, a lady of German birth and parentage, who came from her native land in 1865. Their five children are named Louise J., Frederick C , Henry F., John C. and Emma A.

tries H. Pratt, senior member of the mercantile firm of Pratt Brothers, at Sandwich, was born Feb. 19, 1846, in Deep River, Middlesex Co., Conn. His father, H. H. Pratt, was born in Connecticut, and is now living at Sandwich. Mary J. (Comstock) Pratt, the mother, is deceased. They had seven children, of whom two (daughters) died in infancy. Five son survive: Merritt C. is a hardware merchant

Mr. Pratt was reared on a farm to the age of 16 years, when he became clerk and book-keeper in a banking house at Sandwich. He remained in this position two years, after which he became a clerk in the dry-goods store of Harvey Toombs, of Sandwich. Six months later his employer sold out his establishment to A. B. Crofoot, and he continued to officiate in the same capacity under the new order of things about two years, at which time he was admitted to a partnership. The firm of A. B. Crofoot & Co. existed five years, when it was terminated by the junior partner selling his interest to Mr. Crofoot, and the former then embarked in the sale of boots and shoes, in which he was interested about a year. At the end of that time the firm of Pratt, Goodman & Gurley was constituted, and their business relations were extended until they were engaged in the prosecution of a profitable trade in general merchandise. Later they opened a branch store at Walnut, Bureau Co., 111. After three years Mr. Goodman withdrew and Pratt & Gurley maintained their business relations until April, 1882, when the firm became Pratt Brothers by the sale of one-half the interest to B. E. Pratt. (See sketch.)

Charles H. Pratt is a member of the fraternity of Odd Fellows, and also of the Masons, and belongs to the Blue Lodge, Chapter of R. A. M., and to Aurora Commandery.