DeKalb County, Illinois - The whole text, 1885 (part 4 of 28)

Quartermaster-General of the State, which position he held throughout the war. In 1864 he took command as Colonel of the 13710 111. Vol. Inf., with whom he served until the period of enlistment expired.

Politically, Gov. Wood was always actively identified with the Whig and Republican parties. Few men have in personal experience comprehended so many surprising and advancing local changes as vested in the more than half century recollections of Gov. Wood. Sixty-four years ago a solitary settler on the "Bluffs," with no family, and no neighbor within a score of miles, the world of civilization away behind him, and the strolling red-man almost his only visitant, he lived to see growing around him, and under his auspices and aid, overspreading the wild hills and scraggy forest a teaming city, second only in size in the State, and surpassed nowhere in beauty, prosperity and promise; whose people recognize as with a single voice the proverbial honor and liberality that attach to the name and lengthened life of their pioneer settler, "the old Governor."

Gov. Wood was twice married, - first in January, 1826, to Ann M. Streeter, daughter of Joshua Streeter, formerly of Salem, Washington Co., N. Y. They had eight children. Mrs. W. died Oct. 8, 1863, and in June, 1865, Gov. Wood married Mrs. Mary A., widow of Rev. Joseph T. Holmes. Gov. Wood died June 4, 1880, at his residence in Quincy. Four of his eight children are now living, namely: Ann E., wife of Gen. John Tillson; Daniel C., who married Mary J. Abernethy ; John, Jr., who married Josephine Skinner, and Joshua S., who married Annie Bradley. The last mentioned now resides at Atchison, Kansas, and all the rest are still at Quincy.

ICHARD YATES, the "War Governor," 1861-4, was born Jan. 18, 1818, on the banks of the Ohio River, at Warsaw, Gallatin Co., Ky. His father moved in 1831 to Illinois, and) after stopping for a time in Springfield, settled at Island Grove, Sangamon County. "Here, after attending school, Richard joined the family. Subsequently he entered Illinois College at Jacksonville, where, in 1837, he graduated with first honors. He chose for his profession the law, the Hon. J. J. Hardin being his instructor. After admission to the Bar he soon rose to distinction as an advocate.

Gifted with a fluent and ready oratory, he soon appeared in the political hustings, and, being a passionate admirer of the great Whig leader of the West, Henry Clay, he joined his political fortunes to the party of his idol. In 1840 he engaged with great ardor in the exciting " hard cider " campaign for Harrison. Two years later he was elected to the Legislature from Morgan County, a Democratic stronghold. He served three or four terms in the Legislature, and such was the fascination of his oratory that by 1850 his large Congressional District, extending from Morgan and Sangamon Counties north to include LaSalle, unanimously tendered him the Whig nomination for Congress. His Democratic opponent was Maj. Thomas L. Harris, a very popular man who had won distinction at the battle of Cerro Gordo, in the Mexican War, and who had beaten Hon. Stephen T. Logan for the same position, *gs*&. '-^st&frZ e^

It was during Yates' second term in Congress that the great question of the repeal of the Missouri Compromise was agitated, and the bars laid down for reopening the dreaded anti-slavery question. He took strong grounds against the repeal, and thus became identified with the rising Republican party. Consequently he fell into the minority in his district, which was pro-slavery. Even then, in a third contest, he fell behind Major Harris only 200 votes, after the district had two years before given Pie"rce 2,000 majority for President.

The Republican State Convention of 1860 met at Decatur May 9, and nominated for the office of Governor Mr. Yates, in preference to Hon. Norman B. Judd, of Chicago, and Leonard Swett, of Bloomington, two of the ablest men of the State, who were also candidates before the Convention. Francis A. Hoffman, of DuPage County, was nominated for Lieutenant Governor. This was the year when Mr. Lincoln was a candidate for President, a period remembered as characterized by the great whirlpool which precipitated the bloody War of the Rebellion. The Douglas Democrats nominated J. C. Allen of Crawford County, for Governor, and Lewis W. Ross, of Fulton County, for Lieutenant Governor. The Breckenridge Democrats and the Bell-Everett party had also full tickets in the field. After a most fearful campaign, the result of the election gave Mr. Yates 172,196 votes, and Mr. Allen 159,253. Mr. Yates received over a thousand more votes than did Mr. Lincoln himself.

Richard Yates

most critical period of our country's history. In the fate of the nation was involved that of each State. The life struggle of the former derived its sustenance from the loyalty of the latter; and Gov. Yates seemed to realize the situation, and proved himself both loyal and wise in upholding the Government. He had a deep hold upon the affections of the people, won by his moving eloquence and genial manners. Erect and symmetrical in person, of prepossessing appearance, with a winning address and a magnetic power, few men possessed more of the elements of popularity. His oratory was scholarly and captivating, his hearers hardly knowing why they were transported. He was social and convivial. In the latter respect he was ultimately carried too far.

The very creditable military efforts of this State during the War of the Rebellion, in putting into the field the enormous number of about 200,000 soldiers, were ever promptly an,d ably seconded by his excellency ; and the was ambitious to deserve the title of "the soldier's friend." Immediately after the battle of Shiloh he repaired to the field of carnage to look after the wounded, and his appeals for aid were promptly responded to by the people. His proclamations calling for volunteers were impassionate appeals, urging upon the people the duties and requirements of patriotism ; and his special message in 1863 to the Democratic Legislature of this State pleading for material aid for the sick and wounded soldiers of Illinois regiments, breathes a deep fervor of noble, sentiment and feeling rarely equaled in beauty or felicity of expression. Generally his messages on political and civil affairs were able and comprehensive. During his administration, however, there were no civil events of an engrossing character, although two years of his time were replete with partisan quarrels of great bitterness. Military arrests, Knights of the Golden Circle, riot in Fulton County, attempted suppression of the Chicago Times and the usurping State Constitutional Convention of 1862, were the chief local topics that were exciting during the Governor's term. This Convention assembled Jan. 7, and at once took the high position that the law calling it was no longer binding, and that it had supreme power; that it represented a virtual assemblage of the whole people of the State, and was sovereign in the exercise of all power necessary to ffect a peaceable revolution of the State Government and to the re-establishment of one for the "happiness, prosperity and freedom of the citizens," limited only by the Federal Constitution. Notwithstanding the law calling the Convention required its members to take an oath to support the Constitution of the State as well as that of the general Government, they utterly refused to take such oath. They also assumed legislative powers and passed several important "laws!" Interfering with the (then) present executive duties, Gov. Yates was provoked to tell them plainly that " he did not acknowledge the right of the Convention to instruct him in the performance of his duty."

In 1863 the Governor astonished the Democrats by " proroguing " their Legislature. This body, after a recess, met June 2, that year, and soon began to waste time upon various partisan resolutions ; and, while the two houses were disagreeing upon the question of adjourning sine die, the Governor, having the authority in such cases, surprised them all by adjourning them " to the Saturday next preceding the first Monday in January, 1865 ! " This led to great excitement and confusion, and to a reference of the Governor's act to the Supreme Court, who decided in his favor. Then it was the Court's turn to receive abuse for weeks and months afterward.

During the autumn of 1864 a conspiracy was detected at Chicago which had for its object the liberation of the prisoners of war at Camp Douglas, the burning of the city and the inauguration of rebellion in the North. Gen. Sweet, who had charge of -the camp at the time, first had his suspicions of danger aroused by a number of enigmatically worded letters which passed through the Camp postoffice. A detective afterward discovered that the rebel Gen. Marmaduke was in the city, under an assumed name, and he, with other rebel officers - Grenfell, Morgan, Cantrell, Buckner Morris, and Charles Walsh - was arrested, most of whom were convicted by a court-martial at Cincinnati and sentenced to imprisonment, - Grenfell to be hung. The sentence of the latter was afterward commuted to imprisonment for life, and all the others, after nine months' imprisonment, were pardoned.

In March, 1873, Gov. Yates was appointed a Government Director of the Union Pacific Railroad, in which office he continued until his decease, at St. Louis, Mo., on the 27th of November following. ^ *****_ »f^<®

ICHARD J. OGLESBY, Governor 1865-8, and re-elected in 1872 and 1884, was born July 25, 1824, in Oldham Co., Ky., - the State which might be considered the " mother of Illinois Governors." Bereft of his parents at the tender age of eight years, his early education was neglected. When 12 years of age, and after he had worked a year and a half at the carpenter's trade, he removed with an uncle, Willis Oglesby, into whose care he had been committed, to Decatur, this State, where he continued his apprenticeship as a mechanic, working six months for Hon. E. O. Smith.

In 1844 he commenced studying law at Springfield, with Judge Silas Robbins, and read with him one year. He was admitted to the Bar in 1845, and commenced the practice of his chosen profession at Sullivan, the county seat of Moultrie County.

The next year the war with Mexico was commenced, and in June, 1846, Mr. Oglesby volunteered, was elected First Lieutenant of Co. C, Fourth Illinois Regiment of Volunteers, and participated in the battles of Vera Cruz and Cerro Gordo.

On his return he sought to perfect his law studies by attending a course of lectures at Louisville, but on the breaking out of the California "gold fever " in 1849, he crossed the plains and mountains to the new Eldorado, driving a six-mule team, with a company of eight men, Henry Prather being the leader.

In 1852 he returned home to Macon County, and xwas placed that year by the Whig party on the ticket of Presidential Electors. In 1856 he visited Europe, Asia and Africa, being absent 20 months. On his return home he resumed the practice of law, as a member of the firm of Gallagher, Wait & Oglesby. In 1858 he was the Republican nominee for the Lower House of Congress, but was defeated by the Hon. James C. Robinson, Democrat. In 1860 he was elected to the Illinois State Senate ; and on the evening the returns of this election were coming in, Mr. Oglesby had a fisticuff encounter with " Cerro Gordo Williams," in which he came out victorious, and which was .regarded as " the first fight of the Rebellion." The following spring, when the war had commenced in earnest, his ardent nature quickly responded to the demands of patriotism and he enlisted. The extra session of the Legislature elected him Colonel of the Eighth Illinois Infantry, the second one in the State raised to suppress the great Rebellion.

He was shortly entrusted with important commands. For a time he was stationed at Bird's Point and Cairo ; in April he was promoted Brigadier General ; at Fort Donelson his brigade was in the van, being stationed on the right of General Grant's army and the first brigade to be attacked. He lost 500 men before re-inforcements arrived. Many of these men were from Macon County. He was engaged in the battle of Corinth, and, in a brave charge at this place, was shot in the left lung with an ounce ball, and was carried from the field in expectation of immediate death. That rebel ball he carries to this day. On his partial recovery he was promoted as Major General, for g.illantry, his commission to rank from November, 1862. In the spring of 1863 he was assigned to the command of the i6th Army Corps, but, owing to inability froai the effects of his wound, lie relinquished this command in July, that year. Gen. Grant, however, refused to accept his resignation, and he was detailed, in December following, to court-martial and try the Surgeon General of the Army at Washington, where he remained until May, 1864, when he returned home.

1864 was held at Springfield, May 25, when Mr. Oglesby was nominated for the office of Governor, while other candidates before the Convention were Allen C. Fuller, of Boone, Jesse K. Dubois.of Sangamon, and John M. Palmer, of Macoupin. Wm. Bross, of Chicago, was nominated for Lieutenant Governor. On the Democratic State ticket were James C. Robinson, of Clark, for Governor, and S. Corning Judd, of Fulton, for Lieutenant Governor. The general election gave Gen. Oglesby a majority of about 31,000 votes. The Republicans had also a majority in both the Legislature and in the representation in Congress.

Gov. Oglesby was duly inaugurated Jan. 17, 1865. The day before the first time set for his installation death visited his home at Decatur, and took from it his only son, an intelligent and sprightly lad of six years, a great favorite of the bereaved parents. This caused the inauguration to be postponed a week.

1865 were the election of ex-Gov. Yates to the United States Senate, and the ratification of the 131)1 amendment to the Constitution of thfe United States, abolishing slavery. This session also signalized itself by repealing the notorious "black laws," part of which, although a dead letter, had held their place upon the statute books since 1819. Also, laws requiring the registration of voters, and establishing a State Board of Equalization, were passed by this Legislature. But the same body evinced that it was corruptly influenced by a mercenary lobby, as it adopted some bad legislation, over the Governor's veto, notably an amendment to a charter for a Chicago horse railway, granted in 1859 for 25 years, and now sought to be extended 99 years. As this measure was promptly passed over his veto by both branches of the Legislature, he deemed it useless further to attempt to check their headlong career. At this session no law of a general useful character or public interest was perfected, unless we count such the turning over of the canal to Chicago to be deepened. The session of 1867 was still more productive of private and special acts. Many omnibus bills were proposed, and some passed. The contests over the location of the Industrial College, the Capital, the

During the year 1872, it became evident that if the Republicans could re-elect Mr. Oglesby to the office of Governor, they could also elect him to the United States Senate, which they desired to do. Accordingly they re-nominated him for the Executive chair, and placed upon the ticket with him for Lieutenant Governor, John L. Beveridge, of Cook County. On the other side the Democrats put into the field Gustavus Koerner for Governor and John C. Black for Lieutenant Governor. The election gave the Republican ticket majorities ranging from 35>334 to 56,174, - the Democratic defection being caused mainly by their having an old-time Whig and Abolitionist, Horace Greeley, on the national ticket for President. According to the general understanding had beforehand, as soon as the Legislature met it elected Gov. Oglesby to the United States Senate, whereupon Mr. Beveridge became Governor. Senator Oglesby 's term expired March 4, 1879, having served his party faithfully and exhibited an order of statesmanship beyond criticism.

During the campaign of 1884 Mr. Oglesby was nominated for a "third term" as Executive of the State of Illinois, against Carter H. Harrison, Mayor of Chicago, nominated by the Democrats. Both gentlemen "stumped " the State, and while the people elected a Legislature which was a tie on a joint ballot, as between the two parties, they gave the jovial " Dick" Oglesby a majority of 15,018 for Governor, and he was inaugurated Jan. 30, 1885. The Legislature did not fully organize until this date, on account of its equal division between the two main parties and the consequent desperate tactics of each party to checkmate the latter in the organization of the House.

Gov. Oglesby is a fine-appearing, affable man, with _regular, well defined features and rotund face. In stature he is a little above medium height, of a large frame and somewhat fleshy. His physical appearance is striking and prepossessing, while his straightout, not to say bluff, manner and speech are well calculated favorably to impress the average masses. Ardent in feeling and strongly committed to the policies of his party, he intensifies Republicanism ' among Republicans, while at the same time his jovial and liberal manner prevents those of the opposite party from hating him.

He is quite an effective stump orator. With vehement, passionate and scornful tone and gestures, tremendous physical power, which in speaking he exercises to the utmost ; with frequent descents to the grotesque; and with abundant homely comparisons or frontier figures, expressed in the broadesi vernacular and enforced with stentorian emphasis, he delights a promiscuous audience beyond measure.

j:OHN Me AULEY PALMER, Governor 1869-72, was born on Eagle Creek, Scott Co., Ky., Sept. 13, 1817. During his infancy, his father, who had been a soldier in the war of 1812, removed to Christian Co., Ky., where lands were cheap. Here the future Governor of the great Prairie State spent his childhood and received such meager schooling as the new and sparsely settled country afforded. To this he added materially by diligent reading, for which he evinced an eatly aptitude. His father, an ardent Jackson man, was also noted for his anti-slavery sentiments, which he thoroughly impressed upon his children. In 1831 he emigrated to Illinois, settling in Madison County. Here the labor of improving a farm was pursued for about two years, when the death of Mr. Palmer's mother broke up the family. About this time Alton College was opened, on the "manual labor " system, and in the ^spring of 1834 young Palmer, with his elder brotherf Elihujfentered this school and remained 1 8 months. Nexryfor over three years, he tried variously coopering, peddling and school-teaching.

first canvass for Congress. Young, eloquent and in political accord with Mr. Palmer, he won his confidence, fired his ambition and fixed his purpose. The following winter, while teaching near Canton, he began to devote his spare time to a desultory reading of law, and in the spring entered a law office at Carlinville, making his home with his elder brother, Elihu. (The latter was a learned clergyman, of considerable orginality of thought and doctrine.) On the next meeting of the Supreme Court he was admitted to the Bar, Douglas being one of his examiners. He was not immediately successful in his profession, and would have located elsewhere than Carlinville had he the requisite means. Thus his early poverty was a blessing in disguise, for to it he now attributes the success of his life.

From 1839 on, while he diligently pursued his profession, he participated more or less in local politics. In 1843 he became Probate Judge. In 1847 he was elected to the State Constitutional Convention, where he took a leading part. In 1852 he was elected to the State Senate, and at the special session of February, 1854, true to the anti-slavery sentiments bred in him, he took a firm stand in opposition to the repeal of the Missouri Compromise; and when the Nebraska question became a party issue he refused to receive a re-nomination for the Senatorship at the hands of the Democracy, issuing a circular to that effect. A few weeks afterward, however, hesitating to break with his party, he participated in a Congressional Convention which nomi- T. L. Harris against Richard Yates, and which unqualifiedly approved the principles of the Kansasx Nebraska act. But later in the campaign he made -^ the plunge, ran for the Senate as an Anti-Nebraska Democrat, and was elected. The following winter he put in nomination for the ^United States Senate Mr. Trumbull, and was one of the five steadfast men who voted for him until all the Whigs came to their support and elected their man.

In 1856 he was Chairman of the Republican State Convention at Bloomington. He ran for Congress in 1859, but was defeated. In 1860 he was Republican Presidential Elector for the State at large. In 1861 he was appointed one of the five Delegates (all Republicans) sent by Illinois to the peace congress at Washington.

When the civil conflict broke out, he offered his services to his country, and was elected Colonel of the I4th 111. Vol. Inf., and participated in the engagements at Island No. 10 ; at Farmington, where he skillfully extricated his command from a dangerous position ; at Stone River, where his division for several hours, Dec. 31, 1862, held the advance and stood like a rock, and for his gallantry there he was made Major General; at Chickamauga, where his and Van Cleve's divisions for two hours maintained their position when they were cut off by overpowering numbers. Under Gen. Sherman, he was assigned to the i4lh Army Corps and participated in the Atlanta campaign. At Peach-Tree Creek his prudence did much to avert disaster. In February, 1865, Gen. Palmer was as- 4 signed to the military administration of Kentucky, which was a delicate post. That State was about ^ half rebel and half Union, and those of the latter -element were daily fretted by the loss of their slaves. He, who had been bred to the rules of common law, trembled at the contemplation of his extraordinary power over the persons and property of his fellow men, with which* he was vested in his capacity -as military Governor ; and he exhibited great caution in the execution of the duties of his post.

Gen. Palmer was nominated for Governor of Illinois by the Republican State Convention which met at Peoria May 6, 1868, and his nomination would probably have been made by acclamation had he not persistently declared that he could not accept a candidature for the office. The result of the ensuing election gave Mr. Palmer a majority of 44,707 over John R. Eden, the Democratic nominee.

On the meeting of the Legislature in January, 1869, the first thing to arrest public attention was that portion of the Governor's message which took broad Slate's rights ground. This and some minor points, which were more in keeping with the Democratic sentiment, constituted the entering wedge f jr the criticisms and reproofs he afterward received from the Republican party, and ultimately resulted in his entire aleniation from the latter element. The Legislature just referred to was noted for the introduction of numerous bills in the interest of private parties, which were embarrassing to the Governor. Among the public acts passed was that which limited railroad charges for passenger travel to a maximum of three cents per mile ; and it was passed over the Governor's veto. Also, they passed, over his veto, the "tax-grabbing law" to pay railroad subscriptions, the Chicago Lake Front bill, etc. The new State Constitution of 1870, far superior to the old, was a peaceful " revolution" which took place during Gov. Palmer's term of office. The suffering caused by the great Chicago Fire of October, 1871, was greatly alleviated by the prompt responses of his excellency.

Since the expiration of Gov. Palmers 's term, he has been somewhat prominent in Illinois politics, and has been talked of by many, especially in the Democratic party, as the best man in the State for a United States Senator. His business during life has been that of the law. Few excel him in an accurate appreciation of the depth and scope of its principles- The great number of his able veto messages abundantly testify not only this but also a rare capacity to point them out. He is a logical and cogent reasoner and an interesting?, forcible and convincing speaker, though not fluent or ornate. Without brilliancy, his dealings are rather with facts and ideas than with appeals to passions and prejudices. He is a patriot and a statesman of very high order. Physically he is above the medium height, of robust frame, ruddy complexion and sanguine-nervous temperament. He has a large cranial development, is vivacious, social in disposition, easy of approach, unostentatious in his habits of life, democratic in his habits and manners and is a true American in his fundamental principles of statesmanship.

OHN LOWRIE BEVERIDGE, Governor 1 87 3-6, was born in the town of Greenwich, Washington Co., N. Y., July 6, 1824. His parents were George and Ann Beveridge. His father's parents, Andrew and Isabel Beveridge, before their marriage emigrated from Scotland just before the Revolutionary War, settling in ^* Washington County. His father was the eldest of eight brothers, the youngest of whom was 60 years of age when the first one of the num- | ber died. His mother's parents, James and Agnes Hoy, emigrated from Scotland at the close of the Revolutionary War, settling also in Washington Co., N. Y., with their first-born, whose " native land "was the wild ocean. His parents and grandparents lived beyond the time allotted to man, their average age over 80 years. They belonged to the " Asso- Church," a seceding Presbyterian body of

America from the old Scotch school ; and so rigid was the training of young Beveridge that he never heard a sermon from any other minister except that of his own denomination until he was in his igth year. Later in life he became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, which relation he still holds.

Mr. Beveridge received a good common-school education, but his parents, who could obtain a livelihood only by rigid economy and industry, could not send him away to college. He was raised upon a farm, and was in his i8th year when the family removed to De Kalb County, this State, when that section was very sparsely settled. Chicago had less than 7,000 inhabitants. In this wild West he continued as a farm laborer, teaching school during the winter months to supply the means of an education. In the fall of 1842 he attended one term at the academy at Granville, Putnam Co., 111., and subsequently several terms at the Rock River Seminary at Mount Morris, Ogle Co., 111., completing the academic course. At this time, the fall of 1845, his parents and brothers were anxious to have him go to college, even though he had not money sufficient; but, njt willing to burden the family, he packed his trunk and with onl $40 in money started South to seek his fortune.

John L. Beveridge

First, he taught school in Wilson, Overton and Jackson Cos., Tenn., in which experience he underwent considerable mental drill, both in book studies and in the ways of the world. He read law and was admitted to the Bar, in the South, but did not learn to love the institution of slavery, although he admired many features of Southern character. In December, 1847, he returned North, and Jan. 20, 1848, he married Miss Helen M. Judson, in the old Clark- Street M. E. church in Chicago, her father at that time being Pastor of the society there. In the spring of 1848 he returned with his wife to Tennessee, where his two children, Alia May and Philo Judson, were born.

In the fall of 1849, through the mismanagement of an associate, he lost what little he had accumulated and was left in debt. He soon managed to earn means to pay his debts, returned to De Kalb Co., 111., and entered upon the practice of his profession at Sycamore, the county seat. On arrival from the South he had but one-quarter of a dollar in money, and scanty clothing and bedding for himself and family. He borrowed a little money, practiced law, worked in public offices, kept books for some of the business men of the town, and some railroad engineering, till the spring of 1854, when he removed to Evanston, 12 miles north of Chicago, a place then but recently laid out, under the supervision of the Northwestern . University, a Methodist institution. Of the latter his father-in-law was then financial agent and business manager. Here Mr. Beveridge prospered, and the next year (1855) opened a law office in Chicago, where he found the battle somewhat hard; but he persevered with encouragement and increasing success.

Aug. 12, 1861, his law partner, Gen. John F. Farnsworth, secured authority to raise a regiment of cavalry, and authorized Mr. Beveridge to raise a company forit. He succeeded in a few days in raising the company, of course enlisting himself along with it. The regiment rendezvoused at St. Charles, 111., was mustered in Sept. 18, and on its organization Mr. B. was elected Second Major. It was attached, Oct. n, to the Eighth Cavalry and to the Army of the Potomac. He served with the regiment until November, 1863, participating in some 40 battles and skirmishes : was at Fair Oaks, the seven days' fight around Richmond, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. He commanded the regiment the greater part of the summer of 1863, and it was while lying in camp this year that he originated the policy of encouraging recruits as well as the fighting capacity of the soldiery, by the wholesale furlough system. It worked so well that many other officers adopted it. In the fall of this year he recruited anothercompany, against heavy odds, in January, 1864, was commissioned Colonel of the i7th 111. Cav., and skirmished around in Missouri, concluding with the reception of the surrender of Gen. Kirby Smith's army in Arkansas. In 1865 he commanded various sub-districts in the Southwest. He was mustered out Feb. 6, 1866, safe from the casualties of war and a stouter man than when he first enlisted. His men idolized him.

He then returned to Chicago, to practice law, with no library and no clientage, and no political experience except to help others into office. In the fall of 1866 he was elected Sheriff of Cook County, serving one term; next, until November, 1870, he practiced law and closed up the unfinished business of his office. He was then elected State Senator ; in November, 1871, he was elected Congressman at large ; in November, 1872, he was elected Lieutenant Governor on the ticket with Gov. Oglesby ; the latter being elected to the U. S. Senate, Mr. Beveridge became Governor, Jan. 21, 1873. Thus, inside of a few weeks, he was Congressman at large, Lieutenant Governor and Governor. The principal events occurring during Gov. Beveridge 's administration were: The completion of the revision of the statutes, begun in 1869; the partial success of the "farmers' movement;" " Haines' Legislature " and Illinois' exhibit at the Centennial.

Since the close of his gubernatorial term ex-Gov. Beveridge has been a member of the firm of Beveridge & Dewey, bankers and dealers in commercial paper at 7 1 Dearborn Street (McCormick Block), Chicago, and since November, 1881, he has also been Assistant United States Treasurer : office in the Government Building. His residence is still at Evanston.

HELBY M. CULLOM, Governor 1877-83,15 the sixth child of the late Richard N. Cullom, and was bom Nov. 22, 1829,111 Wayne Co., Ky., where his father then resided, and whence both the Illinois and Tennessee branches of the family originated. In the following year the family emigrated to the vicinity of Washington, Tazewell Co., 111., when that section was very sparsely settled. They located on Deer Creek, in a grove at the time occupied by a party of Indians, attracted there by the superior hunting and fishing afforded in that vicinity. The following winter was known as the " hard winter," the snow [being very deep and lasting and the weather severely cold ; and the family had to subsist mainly on boiled 'corn or hominy, and some wild game, for several weeks. In the course of time Mr. R. N. Cullom became a prominent citizen and was several times elected to the Legislature, both before and after the removal of the capital from Vandalia to Springfield. He died about 1873-

Until about 19 years of age young Cullom grew up to agricultural pursuits, attending school as he had opportunity during the winter. Within this time, however, he spent several months teaching school, and in the following summer he "broke prairie "with an ox team for the neighbors. With the money obtained by these various ventures, he undertook a course of study at the Rock River Seminary, a Methodist institution at Mt. Morris, Ogle County; but the sudden change to the in-door life of a student told severely upon his health, and he was taken home, being considered in a hopeless condition. While at Mt. Morris lie heard Hon. E. B. Washburne make his first speech.

On recovering health, Mr. Cullom concluded to study law, under the instruction of Abraham Lincoln, at Springfield, who had by this time attained some notoriety as an able lawyer; but the latter, being absent from his. office most of the time, advised Mr. Cullom to enter the office of Stuart & Edwards. After about a year of study there, however, his health failed again, and he was obliged to return once more to out-door life. Accordingly he bought hogs for packing, for A. G. Tyng, in 1'eoria, and while he regained his health he gained in purse, netting $400 in a few weeks. Having been admitted to the Bar, he went to Springfield, where he was soon elected City Attorney, on the Anti-Nebraska ticket.

In 1856 he ran on the Fillmore ticket as a Presidential Elector, and, although failing to be elected as such, he was at the same time elected a Representative in the Legislature from Sangamon County, by local coalition of the American and Republican parties. On the organization of the House, he received the vote of the Fillmore men for Speaker. Practicing law until 1860, he was again elected to the Legislature, as a Republican, while the county went Democratic on the Presidential ticket. In January following he was elected Speaker, probably the youngest man who had ever presided over an Illinois Legislature. After the session of 1 86 1, he was a candidate for the State Constitutional Convention called for that year, but was defeated, and thus escaped the disgrace of being connected with that abortive party scheme to revolutionize the State Government. In 1862 he was a candidate for the State Senate, but was defeated. The same year, however, he was appointed by President Lincoln on a Government Commission, in company with Gov. Boutwell of Massachusetts and Charles A. Dana, since of the New York Sun, to investigate the affairs of the Quartermaster's and Commissary Departments at Cairo. He devoted several months to this duty.

In 1864 he entered upon a larger political field, being nominated as the Republican candidate for Congress from the Eighth (Springfield) District, in opposition to the incumbent, JohnT. Stuart, who had been elected in 1862 by about 1,500 majority over Leonard Swett, then of Bloomington, now of Chicago. The result was the election of Mr. Cullom in November following by a majority of 1,785. In 1866 he was re-elected to Congress, over Dr. E. S. Fowler, by the magnificent majority of 4,103! In 1868 he was again a candidate, defeating the Hon. B. S. Edwards, another of his old preceptors, by 2,884 votes.

During his first term in Congress he served on the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Expenditures in the Treasury Department; in his second term, on the Committees on Foreign Affairs and on Territories ; and in his third term he succeeded Mr. Ashley, of Ohio, to the Chairmanship of the latter. He introduced a bill in the House, to aid in the execution of law in Utah, which caused more consternation among the Mormons than any measure had previously, but which, though it passed the House, failed to pass the Senate.

The Republican Convention which met May 25, 1876, nominated Mr. Cullom for Governor, while the other contestant was Gov. Beveridge. For Lieutenant-Governor they nominated Andrew Shuman, editor of the Chica'go Journal. For the same offices the Democrats, combining with the Anti-Monopolists, placed in nomination Lewis Steward, a wealthy farmer and manufacturer, and A. A. Glenn. The result of the election was rather close, Mr. Cullom obtaining only 6,800 majority. He was inaugurated Jan. 8, 1877.

Great depression prevailed in financial circles at this time, as a consequence of the heavy failures of 1873 and afterward, the effect of which had seemed to gather force from that time to the end of Gov. Cullom 's first administration. This unspeculative period was not calculated to call forth any new issues, but the Governor's energies were at one time put to task to quell a spirit of insubordination that had been begun in Pittsburg, Pa., among the laboring classes, and transferred to Illinois at Chicago, East St. Louis and Braidwood, at which places laboring men for a short time refused to work or allow others to work. These disturbances were soon quelled and the wheels of industry again set in motion.

In May, 1880, Gov. Cullom was re-nominated by the Republicans, against Lyman Trumbull, by the Democrats; and although the former party was somewhat handicapped in the campaign by a zealous faction opposed to Grant for President and to Grant men for office generally, Mr. Cullom was re-elected by about 314,565, to 277,532 for the Democratic State ticket. The Greenback vote at the same time was about 27,000. Both Houses of the Legislature again became Republican, and no representative of the Greenback or Socialist parties were elected. Gov. Cullom was inaugurated Jan. 10, 1881. In his message he announced that the last dollar of the State debt had been provided for.

March 4, 1883, the term of David Davis as United States Senator from Illinois expired, and Gov. Cullom was chosen to succeed him. This promoted Lieutenant-Governor John M. Hamilton to the Governorship. Senator Cullom 's term in the United States Senate will expire March 4, 1889.

As a practitioner oflaw Mr. C. has been a member of the firm of Cullom, Scholes & Mather, at Springfield ; and he has also been President of the State National Bank.

He has been married twice, - the first time Dec. 12, 1855, to Miss Hannah Fisher, by whom he had two daughters ; and the second time May 5, 1863, to Julia Fisher. Mrs. C is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which religious body Mr. C. is also in sympathy.

OHN MARSHALL HAMILTON, Governor 1883-5, was born May 28, 1847, in a log house upon a farm about two miles from Richwood, Union County, Ohio. His father was Samuel Hamilton, the eldest son of Rev. Wm. Hamilton, who, together with his brother, the Rev. Samuel Hamilton, was among the early pioneer Methodist preachers in Ohio. The mother of the subject of this ^ketch was, before her marriage, M^t^Nancy McMorris, who was born and raised in Fauquier or Loudoun County, Va., and related to the two large families of Youngs and Marshalls, well known in that commonwealth ; and from the latter family name was derived the middle name of Gov. Hamilton.

In March, 1854, Mr. Hamilton's father sold out his little pioneer forest home in Union County, O., and, loading his few household effects and family (of six children) into two emigrant covered wagons, moved to Roberts Township, Marshall Co., 111., being 2 1 days on the route. Swamps, unbridged streams and innumerable hardships and privations met them ! on their way. Their new home had been previously | selected by the father. Here, after many long years j of toil, they succeeded in paying for the land and j making a comfortable home. John was, of course, I brought up to hard manual labor, with no schooling except three or four months in the year at a common country school. However, he evinced a capacity and taste for a high order of self-education, by studying or reading what books he could borrow, as the family had but very few in the house. Much of his study he prosecuted by the light of a log fire in the old-fashioned chimney place. The financial panic of 1857 caused the family to come near losing their home, to pay debts ; but the father and two sons, William and John, "buckled to" and persevered in hard labor and economy until they redeemed their place from the mortgage.

When the tremendous excitement of the political campaign of 1860 reached the neighborhood of Roberts Township, young Hamilton, who had been brought up in the doctrine of anti-slavery, took a zealous part in favor of Lincoln's election. Making special efforts to procure a little money to buy a uniform, he joined a company of Lincoln Wide-Awakes at Magnolia, a village not far away. Directly after the ensuing election it became evident that trouble would ensue with the South, and this Wide-Awake company, like many others throughout1 the country, kept up its organization and transformed itself into a military company. During the ensuing summer they met often for drill and became proficient ; but when they offered themselves for the war, young Hamilton was rejected on account of his youth, he being then but 14 years of age. During the winter of 1863-4 he attended an academy at Henry, Marshall County, and in the following May he again enlisted, for the fourth time, when he was placed in trfe 141 st 111. Vol. Inf., a regiment then being raised at Elgin, 111., for the too-day service. He took with him 13 other lads from his neighborhood, for enlistment in the service. This regiment operated in Southwestern Kentucky, for about five months, under Gen. Paine.

The following winter, 1864-5, Mr. Hamilton taught school, and during the two college years 1865-7, he went through three years of the curriculum of the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio. The third year he graduated, the fourth in a class of 46, in the classical department. In due time he received the degree of M. A. For a few months he was the Principal of Marshall " College " at Henry, an academy under the auspices of the M. E. Church. By this time he had commenced the study of law, and after earning some money as a temporary Professor of Latin at the Illinois Wesleyan University at Bloomington, he entered the law office of Weldon, Tipton & Benjamin, of that city. Each member of this firm has since been distinguished as a Judge. Admitted to the Bar in May, 1870, Mr. Hamilton was given an interest in the same firm, Tipton having been elected Judge. In October following he formed a partnership with J. H. Rowell, at that time Prosecuting Attorney. Their business was then small, but they increased it to very large proportions, practicing in all grades of courts, including even the U. S. Supreme Court, and this partnership continued unbroken until Feb. 6, 1883, when Mr. Hamilton was sworn in as Executive of Illinois. On the 4th of March following Mr. Rowell took his seat in Congress.

In July, 1871, Mr. Hamilton married Miss Helen M. Williams, the daughter of Prof. Win. G. Williams, Professor of Greek in the Ohio Wesleyan University. Mr. and Mrs. H. have two daughters and one son.

In 1876 Mr. Hamilton was nominated by the Republicans for the State Senate, over other and older competitors. He took an active part " on the stump " in the campaign, for the success of his party, and was elected by a majority of 1,640 over his Democratic- Greenback opponent. In the Senate he served on the Committees on Judiciary, Revenue, State Institutions, Appropriations, Education, and on Miscellany ; and during the contest for the election of a U. S. Senator, the Republicans endeavoring to reelect John A. Logan, he voted for the war chief on every ballot, even alone when all the other Republicans had gone over to the Hon. E. B. Lawrence and the Democrats and Independents elected Judge David Davis. At this session, also, was passed the first Board of Health and Medical Practice act, of which Mr. Hamilton was a champion, against so much opposition that the bill was several times " laid on the table." Also, this session authorized the location and establishment of a southern penitentiary, which was fixed at Chester. In the session of 1879 Mr. Hamilton was elected President pro tern. of the Senate, and was a zealous supporter of John A. Logan for the U. S. Senate, who was this time elected without any trouble.

In May, 1880, Mr. Hamilton was nominated on the Republican ticket for Lieutenant Governor, his principal competitors before the Convention being Hon. Wm. A. James, ex-Speaker of the House of Representatives, Judge Robert Bell, of Wabash County, Hon. T. T. Fountain, of Perry County, and Hon. M. M. Saddler, of Marion County. He engaged actively in the campaign, and his ticket was elected by a majority of 41,200. As Lieutenant Governor, he presided almost continuously over the Senate in the 32d General Assembly and during the early days of the 33d, until he succeeded to the Governorship. When the Legislature of 1883 elected Gov. Cullom to the United States Senate, Lieut. Gov. Hamilton succeeded him, under the Constitution, taking the oath of office Feb. 6, 1883. He bravely met all the annoyances and embarrassments incidental upon taking up another's administration. The principal events with which Gov. Hamilton was connected as the Chief Executive of the State were, the mine disaster at Braidwood, the riots in St. Clair and Madison Counties in May, 1883, the appropriations for the State militia, the adoption of the Harper high-license liquor law, the veto of a dangerous railroad bill, etc.

1884, where his first choice for President was John A. Logan, and second choice Chester A. Arthur; but he afterward zealously worked for the election of Mr. Blaine, true to his party.

Illinois Introductory

E value of history lies, in a great degree, in the biography of the personages concerned therein. The annals of the settlers delineate the pioneer period, while those of the later residents exhibit the progress of the country and the status" of the present generation. De Kalb County gives a vivid illustion of these statements ; but its wonderful pioneer era laps upon its present period in a manner so gradual that there is really no distinctive line of demarcation. Many of those whose efforts gave the country its earliest impetus may be seen upon its thorjugh fares ; many of the haracters in the day of its first things are still on ie stage, and watch with keen-eyed alertness the anipulations. successes and reverses of the present ly, still jealous for the reputation of the county and agerly solicitous for her substantial and permanent progress.

The compilers of these records strive to establish eir claim for biographical integrity, preparing the flatter from the stand-point of no man's prejudice, e full scope of the personal record here is to

Succeeding ages sweep away the debris of human errors and perpetuate the real greatness of a community. Character stands out statuesque, and events cluster about individuals, forming the grandest and truest historical structure of which any age is capable. Only biography can fitly represent the foundation, progress and ultimatum of local history, and portray with perfect justice the precise attitude and relation of men to events and conditions.

This County is justly proud of her pioneer record, and, so far as possible, the publishers have endeavored to honor the representatives of that period as well as those of to-day. Labor and suffering, undergone in the light of hope and the earnestness of honest effort and toil, established this county in permanent prosperity, and is rounding up a period of glorious completeness. Her villages are creditable, her agricultural community is composed of the best class, and her professional men are of marked integrity.

In collecting the following sketches the purpose has been to collect the main points of personal record, through which the enterprise of decades to follow may complete a perfect and continuous historical outline from the earliest settlement of the county to the present time.

Reuben Ellwood

REUBEN ELLWOOD, Member of Congress from the Fifth District of Illinois, resident at Sycamore, was born Feb. 17, 1821, in Minden, Montgomery Co., N. Y., and is the son of Abraham and Sarah (Delong) Ellwood. He was a boy of robust physique, active, vigorous and energetic, and possessing ambitions and aspirations which were the direct outgrowth of his temperament and were fostered by the circumstances which surrounded him and the period in which his consciousness awoke to the possibilities before him. His primary education was obtained in a desultory manner, - the result, partly of a boy's restlessness and impatience with deterring conditions, and partly arising from uncontrollable causes.

At 1 6 years of age he was fully imbued with a determination to get on in the world, and in the summer jf 1837 lie came to De Kalb County, in the belief that he should find the requisite opportunity, and willing to confront any necessity and make any effort to secure the desired end. ' He entered a claim of 160 acres of land in the vicinity of Sycamore and continued to find employment among the farmers of that township about four years, when he was compelled to return to his father's home in the State ot New York, his health having become materially impaired. His experience had impressed him with the necessity of a broader mental culture, and after a rest of six months he became a student of Cherry Valley Academy, an institution which was even then famous and exerting a sensible influence throughout adjoining districts. Mr. Ell wood studied under its excellent regulations with resolution and purpose.

He was a youth with convictions. Public affairs in his native State and national conditions shaped his sentiments and guided his ideas of business and politics into channels in which he has moved unswervingly. In those good old days, which trained and developed the element upon which the peerless West planted her feet with audacious courage and rose to her matchless supremacy, the necessity of achievement incumbent on every human soul was instilled into every youth who was moving away from boyish things and toward the good of manhood.

Mr. Ell wood early resolved on a career of business activity, and accordingly embraced the first opportunity which offered, to set himself about doing something. He went to Glenville, Schenectady County, which adjoined chat of his nativity, and engaged in raising broom-corn and in the manufacture of brooms, operating in that line of business about eight years.

In 1857 he came to Illinois, again tempted by the example of others who had come hither earlier and made satisfactory tests of the promise of the State so rich and full that they bore with them the impress of fable, and also impelled by the craving for broader and less crowded fields for action and advancement. He became associated in the hardware business with his brother, Alonzo Ellwood, at Sycamore, and at the same time operated in real estate.

A fundamental principle upon which Mr. Ellwood has always based any scheme of business is, that general progress affords substantial foundation for the upbuilding of individual interests, and, in view of this opinion, about the year 1870 he embarked in the manufacture of agricultural implements at Sycamore. In 1875 he entered upon the construction of the buildings now constituting the factory of the R. Ellwood Manufacturing Company, in which he invested $50,000, and which were completed'in October of the same year. The result has demonstrated the wisdom of the project, as the enterprise has proved most valuable for the growth and prosperity of Sycamore. The excellent quality of the products and the judicious administration of the business relations of the incorporated company, have established its repute in point of importance and value to De Kalb County> and as second to none of similar scope in Northern Illinois. The machinery produced acquired speedy popularity from its adaptability to the needs of the farmers and the period in which it was introduced, agricultural industries being at the acme of their success. The substantial condition of the business and its importance to the section in which it is located is primarily due to its inceptor, founder and promoter. The mental organism peculiar to Mr. Ellwood gave him an early impetus toward politics. He became "eager for the fray," into which the nation was hurried by the rapid march of events, precipitated by the agitations which took on alarming proportions during the administration of Van Buren and expanded the innate principles of the Whig party to a completeness of development in which they have since stood forth with statuesque perspicuity. The manifest candor of Mr. Ellwood's attitude in political affairs gave him prominence from the outset, and his activity in local matters while a resident of Glenville, where he was a member of the Board of Supervisors, brought him before the people of his district as a candidate for the State Assembly, whither he was sent as a Legislator n 1851. He identified himself with the issues of the Republican party in the same energetic spirit hich had hitherto characterized his actions, and he

Coming to Illinois, he developed the same ac in political as in business possibilities, and the R publican element of De Kalb County recognized his fitness for official advancement. 1868 he was the unanimous choice of the Repub licans of De Kalb County for Representative t the 42d Congress of the United States from th Fourth District of Illinois. He was elected to tha position in 1872, scoring a success over the Candida of the opposition by 7,800 majority. His reno tion in 1884 was a signal triumph, not a disse vote in either town caucus, County or Congressionl Conventions being cast against him, and he wa elected by 11,076 majority. The facts pertaining t his second election to Congress are sufficient ev dence of the quality of the services he rendered h constituency in the Legislative halls of the nation.

Mr. Ellwood has been active and efficient in loca politics and was the first Mayor of Sycamore af«5 the incorporative act was passed which made th&£ municipality a city. In 1866 he was appointaS! United States Assessor of Internal Revenue, and o§£ cupied the position until it was abolished. In tE5 various public projects for the advancement of tl^ / .city, Mr. Ellwood has been among the foremost, an in all his movements is controlled by consideraticf for the permanent progress and prosperity of h town, county and State. He is the heaviest stock holder in the manufacturing company which designated by .his name, and is also its presidin official. He was one of the organization whic built and established the Sycamore Preserving W and is still one of the stock-holders. He also hols the same relations in the Marsh Binder Company Sycamore. On the occasion of the building of Sycamore & Cortland Railroad, he was a prim actor in securing its construction, was one of il chief stock-holders and expended a. vast deal of tim in the accomplishment of the project.

Mr. Ellwood is the proprietor of the busing building at Sycamore known as the Georges Block one of the most valuable of the edifices of that citj ^ three stories high and built of brick. His residence located on State Street opposite Ward's Hotel, ari the grounds attached, cost $28,000. The structu* \ is tasteful and elegant, and is fitted with steam heafe ing apparatus and with gas for lighting purposes.!

Mrs. Ellwood, formerly Miss Eleanor Vedder, was born in Schenectady Co., N. Y., and became the wife of Reuben Ellwood Aug. 8, 1849. Six children constitute the issue of their union, and were born in the following order: Abram, Albert, Frank, Katie, Jennie and Alida. The second and third sons are deceased. The oldest is interested in the R. Ellwood Manufacturing Company and is the sole proprietor of the department for the manufacture of Barbed Wire Stretchers. Katie married Frank Allport, M. D., of Minneapolis.'

Biography, pure and simple, is an exact portrayal of the relations a man bears to his generation. The definitive traits which characterize Mr. Ellwood, the spirit of enterprise by which he is actuated, his probity and rectitude, his tolerant estimate of his fellow men and his capacity to recognize, seize and mold opportunity to the accomplishment of a purpose, distinguish him in all his associations, public and private. His thorough identification with the people of whom he is oire, and his devotion to their paramount interests is the animating cause of his oopularity as a man and citizen of Sycamore, in which he is second to none.

The PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM OF DE KALB COUNTY presents the unique feature of portraying the lineaments of the six members of the Ellwood brothers who are among its citizens. That of the Hon. Reuben Ellwood, M. C., appears on a preceding page, and will be warmly received, for obvious reasons. Like the others of the Ellwood fraternity, he is a fine sample of physical development, and the value of his portrait as an addition to the collection in this volume is commensurate with his public and private character.

pharles H. Chamberlain, farmer and stockman, located on sections 22 and 8, Franklin Township, was born March 18, 1849, near Belvidere, Boone Co., 111. William H. Chamberlain, his father, was a native of Massachusetts and of Yankee lineage. He married Sarah Hart, a lady of the same nativity and similar descent. They located in Boone County, about 1840, the father becoming an extensive landholder and a prominent citizen. His death occurred in September, 1873, when he was 55 years of age. He was a T Democrat in political preferences. The mother is 67 years of age (1885) and still remains at Belvidere. Mr. Chamberlan obtained a district-school education, and was a pupil in that variety of institution until he was 16 years of age, when he began his career as an independent farmer, taking possession of a farm owned by his father in Franklin Township, in whose interest he conducted his operations until his father died. He received 280 acres from the division of the estate and has since engaged without intermis- v sion in the prosecution of his agricultural interests. He rents an additional 120 acres, and makes a specialty of raising sheep, breeding the Merinos. He is the eldest of six children, and inherits his father's political views.

ames Warner, merchant at Sandwich, wa» born Aug. 7, 1833, in Jackson, Washington Co., N. Y. His parents, William S. and Sarah (Coulter) Warner, were born in the State of New York and died in Washington County. Mr. Warner is the second of eight children, six of whom are living. Mary is the wife of A. Williams, a wholesale grocer of Troy, N. Y. Elizabeth is a widow, and is a resident of Cambridge, N. Y. Sylvester is a farmer, and Sarah is now Mrs. William J. Stevenson. Both live in their native State. Henry and Fannie are deceased ; Lilly is the wife of Henry Billings.

The early years of the life of Mr. Warner were spent on the farm and as a clerk in his father's store at Cambridge. He. had just passed liis majority, when, in 1855, he came to Sandwich. During the four years ensuing he taught four terms of winter school and alternated his labors as a pedagogue by clerking. When the Illinois & Mississippi Telegraph Company opened an office at Sandwhich, Mr. Warner became an operator, and officiated at intervals in that capacity several years.

In 1859 he embarked in a mercantile enterprise with an associate under the firm style, of J. Warner & Co., and engaged in the sale of clothing about five years. In 1865, in partnership with Robert Stewart, he established a local trade in clothing, boots, shoes and also managing a tailor shop, and shop for the manufacture of boots and shoes. A few years later Mr. Stewart sold his interest to George W. Davis, and the new firm continued operative about four years. Since that time Mr. Warner has prosecuted his business interests singly. In April, 1868, he located at his present stand, where he exhibits a fine line of goods common to his branch of trade and is doing a properous business.

He was united in marriage at Sandwich, July 4, 1861, to Charlotte B. Townsend. Their five children were born in Sandwich in the following order: Frankie, James Leroy, Estella, Bessie and Henry S.

i Ilia in L. Pierce, farmer, section 16, Genoa Township, has been a resident of De Kalb County since he was 21 years of age, He was born Oct. 1 1, 1832, in Delaware Co., N. Y., and is the eldest of seven children. His parents, Martin and Mary (Carpenter) Pierce, were born in the State of New York, married and settled there continuing to reside in the Empire State until their migration to Genoa Township, in De Kalb County in 1854. In 1873 they transferred their residence and interests into Belvidere. The mother is no longer living, and the father has since been twice married. The brothers and sisters of Mr. Pierce were named, William L., Daniel W., Emmeline, Orrin, Charles, James and Oliver. James is deceased. (See sketch of Orrin Pierce.)

Mr. Pierce spent the years of his boyhood and youth in obtaining his education in the common schools and in farm labor under his father's instructions. Soon after he came to De Kalb County he bought 40 acres in Genoa Township. He has increased his estate by the further purchase of 50 acres of land, and of the whole, 60 acres are improved and cultivated. In political faith Mr. Pierce is a Republican, and he has held several township offices. His marriage to Sarah Smith occurred Oct. 16, 1857, at Sycamore, and they have been the parents of three children, Maryetta, Robert J. and Arthur E. The first-born son was killed by the kick of a horse when he was five years of age, while leading the £&&>& *^ ^

Seibert was educated in accordance with the ' laws of his native land and remained there until 1854. In the summer of that year he emigrated to the New World, and on landing in this continent made his way to Belvidere, Boone Co., 111., where he passed some time as a general laborer.

He was married Jan. 4, 1861, at Belvidere, to Christina Stenner. She was born Nov. 17, 1844, in Hesse Darmstadt, and is the daughter of Valentine and Macalina (Click) Stenner. The family look a final leave of the old country in 1854, coming to Illinois and locating in Boone County. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Seibert were born as follows : Adelia, Nov. 8. 1861 (married Dec. 25, 1878, to William Adams, a farmer of Franklin Township); Fred, born Jan. 23, 1866; and Reuben, born Feb. 26, 1873. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Seibert settled on a farm in Boone County, where they resided two years, and at the end of that time the former entered the United States Army, enlisting Aug. 12, 1862, in Co. G, 95th Reg. Vol. Inf., which was commanded by Captain Bush, of Belvidere. The regiment wa.s attached successively to the corps of Generals Logan and Grant, and Mr. Seibert was a participant in 1 1 battles, the most important of which were : Vicks:- burg, Memphis, Corinth and Mobile. He was slightly wounded at Vicksburg, and sustained serious injury to his hearing, from an explosion on the field at that place. At Mobile his left arm was shot away by a mortar shell from a mortar boat, and he was removed to the marine hospital at New Orleans. On sufficiently recovering to enable him to travel, he was honorably discharged, obtaining his papers June 23, 1865. On returning to his family Mr. Seibert purchased 40 acres of land in Franklin Township, which he has added a similar quantity by later purchase, and his entire farm is under excellent provements. He is a Republican in political connection and is a Steward and Trustee in the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which Mrs. Seibert is also a member.

eorge W. Kirk, marketman at Kirkland, was born May 8, 1850, in Franklin Township, De Kalb County. He is the son of William T. and Louisa (Riddle) Kirk, whose biographical narrative may be found elsewhere. ' Mr. Kirk was brought up on his father's farm and obtained his elementary education at the common schools, after which he entered the excellent schools at Rockford, where he fitted for matriculation at Beloit College, Wis., and completed a course of study there in 1870. He returned to De Kalb County and located as a practical agriculturist on a farm of 1 60 acres, of which he became proprietor by an arrangement with his father. He devoted his attention wholly to farming and raising stock, and spent some years in that avenue of business, finally relinquishing farming and becoming interested in shipping stock for the Chicago market. After operating exclusively in that branch for some years, he added a meat market to supply local trade at Kirkland, and is now doing an extensive business. He is a Republican in political faith and action and has held the offices of Village Treasurer and Road Commissioner. He was married March n, 1880, in Kingston Township, to Betsey Foster, daughter of Thomas Foster. Her father is deceased and her mother is the wife of H. P. Grout. She was born June 18, '857.

herman A. Hall, farmer, on section r3, De Kalb Township, was born Oct. 17, 1829, in Watertown, Jefferson Co., N. Y. He was reared to the age of 16 in the county where he was born, and in 1845 he came to Kane County, where he was a resident two years previous to his removal to De Kalb County. He bought 160 acres in the township of Clinton, De Kalb Co., wherein he was engaged in farming until , and in that year sold out and removed to De

Kalb Township, where he is now the owner of 1 60 acres of finely cultivated land, situated as above stated. Mr. Hall is a Democrat. His father, Sherman Hall, was born in Connecticut, and married Betsey (Hutchins) Hall, who was born in New York. They came in 1845 to Illinois and lived two years in Kane County, removing thence to De Kalb County, where they resided during the remainder of their lives. The mother died Nov. 19; 185 6, and the death of the father transpired Oct. 3, 1863.

The marriage of Mr. Hall to Percis Lyon took place May 25, 1859, and they have had three children, - Harold E., Asahel S. and another child who died in infancy. The second son died when nearly five years of age. Mrs. Hall was born May 5, 1839, in Essex Co., N. Y., and is the daughter of Asahel and Adaline D. (Woodruff) Lyon. The latter was a native of Essex Co., N. Y.; the former of the State of Connecticut. In the fall of 18154 they settled in De Kalb, where Mr. Lyon died, March 9, 1874; the mother is still living.

bhn McDowell, farmer, resident on section i, Franklin Township, is a pioneer of De Kalb County and the oldest living settler of the township where he made his claim Sept. 16, 1833. On that day, in company with Robert Stewart, Reuben Penwell and Leisier Carver, Mr. McDowell came to Franklin Township from La Porte, Ind. The country was in a wholly wild and unbroken condition, and the Indians still loitered about the grove. Mr. McDowell remained through the winter; his companions returned to their homes. He was then 23 years of age and unmarried.

He was born in York Co., Pa. His father, William McDowell, descended from Scotch parents and was .a farmer, in moderate circumstances. The mother of the subject of this sketch, Sarah (McLean) Mc- Dowell, was of Irish birth. Both parents are deceased. The son was " bound out " by his father when quite young, and when he was 18 he was apprenticed to learn the trade of shoemaking. During this time he went to Bartholomew Co., Ind., and settled there with the man to whom he was indentured.

Later they went to La Porte Co., Ind. In the year named above he came, as stated, to De Kalb County, and has been a resident on the claim he then made. It consisted of 155 acres, to which he added by later purchase, increasing his estate to 213 acres of valuable land, 75 acres of which is still covered with an original growth of timber. The exact point of the location is designated Forest Grove.

He was married Jan. 31, 1839, to Martha Riddle, at the farm house of her parents situated on the Kishwaukee River. They had eight children, five of whom are deceased. The parents of Mrs. McDowell, John and Susan (Anderson) Riddle, were respectively of English and Irish descent, the father being a native of Tennessee and the mother of North Carolina. Both are deceased. They belonged while in the South to the better class of society, and while there were adherents of the Christian Church. Later they adopted the tenets of the Seventh-Day Adventists. The daughter was born April 2, 1822, in Jefferson Co., Tenn., and came with her parents to Illinois, the family locating on a farm in Franklin Township.

homas Dodge, farmer, section 27, De Kalb Township, was born Feb. 2, 1809, in Durham, Lower Canada. His father, Abraham Dodge, and his mother, Elcy (Cook) Dodge, were born respectively in New York and Vermont. After their marriage they resided a few years in Canada, going thence to Vermont, where they passed the remaining years of their lives.

Mr. Dodge was about the age of two years, when his parents transferred their family and interests to Vermont, and he was occupied in farming there until the spring of 1863, the date of his removal to De Kalb Co., 111. Previous to that event, he had invested to a considerable extent in land, and on removal hither he added to his proprietorship, and has continued in that line of operation until he is now the owner of 1,400 acres of improved land in the county, chiefly under the management of renters. His herds .include 100 cattle, 84 swine and 15 horses.

Sept. 12, 1807, in Townsend, Mass., also the birthplace of her parents, Levi and Eunice Conant. Three children were born of this union, Thomas W., Rollin and Lucien. The mother died March 23, 1875, in De Kalb Township.

In political views and connections Mr. Dodge is a Republican. He has officiated four years as Justice of the Peace. He was a member of the Vermont Legislature in 1860-1 ; and is a member of the Methodist Church.

Mr. Dodge is a true son of New England in character and achievements, bringing hither the thrift, economy and industry which typify the best elements of the eastern section of the United States.

rrin Pierce, farmer, section 16, Genoa Township, was born July 4, 1839, 'n Otsego Co., N. Y. His parents, Martin and Mary (Carpenter) Pierce, were natives of the Empire State, where they married and settled, remainig until 1854, when they located in Genoa Township. In the fall of 1873 they removed to Belvidere, Boone Co., 111., where the mother died a few days later. Their family consisted of seven children, - William L., Daniel W., Emmeline, Orrin, Charles, James and Oliver. James died from an injury received while leading a horse to water, he having in some way become entangled in the halter.

Mr. Pierce was 13 years of age when he accompanied his parents, to Genoa Township, and he has continued a resident of that section of De Kalb County since, with the exception of five years, during which he was a resident of the Territory of Montana, engaged in mining and farming. His efforts there met with only moderate success, and he returned to the land of promise, Genoa Township. He is the proprietor of 130 acres of land, which is all under tillage with the exception of about 10 acres. He has been a Republican since reaching man's estate, and has served in several local official positions.

ton. Charles Kellum, Judge of the Twelfth Judicial O'rcuit of Illinois, resident at Sycamore, was born in the (now) township of Dimock, Susquehanna Co., Pa., March 16, 1821. Samuel Kellum, Jr., his father, was born in New London Co., Conn., which was for many years the home of his paternal grandsire, Samuel Kellum, Sr. The latter was prominent in the affairs of the Nutmeg State, and held a Captain's commission in the State militia after the close of the Revolutionary War. Samuel Kellum, Jr., followed in the traces of his forefathers; he was a farmer by inheritance and adopted the principles which were promulgated in the community where he was bred to man's estate by voice and deed ; he was a Whig in politics, and when the issues of that element merged into those of the Republican party he fell into line and remained the stanch adherent of the organization while he lived.

About the year 1832 he became interested in lumbering in the forests of the Keystone State, and operated vigorously in that line of business for a number of years. Later, he became a Justice of the Peace. His death occurred Jan. 2, 1869, at Sycamore, at the residence of the subject of this sketch. Lucretia (Eldridge) Kellum, his wife, mother of Judge Kellum, was a native of New London Co., Conn., and died at Prophetstown, 111., Jan. 2, 1879, her demise occurring on the same day of the same month, ten years subsequent to that of her husband, beside whom she lies buried at Sycamore.

His ancestry, the period of his birth, and the occupations of his father, were all instrumental in forming the character and shaping the career of Judge Kellum. He early developed the positive traits of his maternal progenitors, who were of Scotch-Irish lineage. It is an established fact that many of the most prominent characters in the history of the United States, and who exercised a molding influence upon its leading institutions in law, politics and religion, had their origin in the class who inherited traits so distinctive as to virtually constitute a race. In mental organism their predominating traits partake almost invariably of the same characteristics. They are, as a rule, industrious, cautious, persistent, inflexible in morals and probity, and possess inherently the quality which leads them to great opportunities. Hardihood in effort invariably marks every step of their progress ; and young Kellum exemplified this latter trait in early boyhood. Previous to his twelfth year he assisted on the farm. In his father's venture as a lumberman he found opportunity for effort, and he began as a teamster, later becoming a saw-mill hand, going to school meanwhile and completing his educational course at the academies of Montrose and Mannington in his native county.

When he was about 18 years of age he was connected with an engineering corps, employed in the construction of the North Branch of the Pennsylvania Canal, in which he was occupied nearly two years. The year 1841 he passed as a clerk at Towanda and at Troy in his native State, and in the year following he began to read for the profession of law in the office of Lusk & Little, of Montrose, where he passed the time to good advantage, meanwhile devoting two winters to teaching. In August, 1844, he was admitted to the Bar, and obtained employment in the office where he had been a student, at $10 a month, remaining there between one and two years. His health became impaired and he passed about three years in a desultory manner, praticing law occasionally, and rafting on the Susquehanna, the latter employment affording the opportunity he needed for relaxation from office confinement and the exercise required to prevent a condition of confirmed dyspepsia, with which he was menaced. The practice of law being his natural element, he went to Towanda and formed a partnership with Hon. Henry Booth, now of Chicago, a relation which existed about 18 months. In 1854 he went to La Porte, Ind., and passed nine months as assistant cashier of the Indiana (stock) Bank, with his brother, Isaac S. Kellum.

In February, 1855, he came to Sycamore and entered into a partnership with William Fordham. Their connection remained operative about a year and was dissolved by mutual consent. Since that date Judge Kellum has been temporarily associated with others, but has operated chiefly alone, and has

In the pursuit of his profession he has proceeded in the even, equable method which is one of his characteristic traits, and has earned a wider influence than any other local attorney, never failing to secure the same quality of respect from associates and opponents while practicing as an attorney. The strongest evidence of this is that during the course of his legal practice he was retained on nearly every case of importance tried in the courts of De Kalb County, and his local popularity obtained for him a large amount of business in other counties. His arguments were logical, set forth in clear-cut, incisive terms and bearing an irresistible influence, to which his prestige is largely due. But above all is the discriminating sense of honor which imbues his every word and act concerning his fellow men, and which commands the respect and esteem of his friends and also of his antagonists in business, for he has no adversaries in the exact significance of the term.

The records of the Courts in which he practiced afford abundant proof of the superior forensic qualities of Judge Kellum, as he has been connected with some of the most notable cases in the Judicial history of Northern Illinois. His executive abilities have been recognized in Sycamore from the outset, and his appreciative townsmen have availed themselves of his eminent powers in local positions- He was early made President of the Board of Trustees, when that city was a village, and he afterwards became City Attorney. He also served four years as State's Attorney of his Judicial District.

In June, 1879, he was elected Circuit Judge, a position he has since occupied, and whose obligations and responsibilities he has discharged in the efficient manner which has characterized his entire public and private career.

The mental caliber of Judge Kellum is of the quality that constitutes leaders in the profession to which he belongs. We quote from the United States Biographical Dictionary for Illinois, r883 :

"Judge Kellum was endowed by nature with a judicial mind ; he was not only made for a lawyer, but for a Judge, and his natural endowments have been enlarged by a liberal education and long practice at the Bar. His mind readily grasps the most difficult legal problems, and his decisions are not only generally correct, but are marked universally by the utmost fairness and impartiality. Seldom is it that any error creeps into the record of a cause heard before Judge Kellum, and consequently his decisions are not often reversed by the higher Courts. On the bench he is urbane and gentlemanly, and is universally esteemed by the members of the Bar who practice in his Court ; he is especially the friend of the young attorney and, whenever possible, smoothes over the rough path which that class are compelled to travel before reaching eminence at the Bar. These qualities make him one of the most popular Judges in the State, and his friends confidently predict that he will yet be called to sit on the bench of the Supreme Court."

Politically, he was a Whig in the days of his early manhood. The portentous events from the date of his citizenship could have but one significance to a mentality like his, and, true to his unerring instincts, he became a Republican on the inception of the party. Previous to his accession to his position as Judge, he was a zealous worker in ils ranks and served as Delegate in the District and State Conventions. Locally, he wielded a powerful influence, and for a succession of years officiated as Chairman of the Republican County Committee. In his own county he was second to none in ability, and in 1872 was its unanimous choice for Congress, but failed in the Convention. When candidate for Circuit Judge the next year, the Judicial Convention was exactly divided between him and his competitor, and the conflict between the opposing elements was maintained through one entire day, through the succeeding night and far into the day following. There being no indications of yielding from any quarter, the assembly broke up without definite action, leaving the people to settle the point. He experienced defeat by a small majority. In 1878 a nomination to Congress was tendered him, and the District urged his preferment for the position ; but in view of his judicial prospects he was inflexible in his adverse decision, his wisdom and judgment in the matter being fully sustained by succeeding events.

Judge Kellum has recognized and discharged his obligations as a citizen of Sycamore in the most fitting manner, and has lent his aid and influence to the furtherance of the public interests of the place and assisted 'personally in placing them on a sub- stantial basis. He has been a prominent factor in the maintenance of her manufacturing enterprises, and was a stock-holder in the Sycamore & Cortland Railroad, in the Marsh Harvester Manufacturing Company and, later, in the Marsh Binder Manufacturing Company. He also aided materially in the earlier enterprises. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Order of Knights Templar.

His marriage to Chloe Clement occurred March 15< T^55' at La Porte, Ind., and two children were born of their union. William C. Kellum was born at Sycamore, Dec. 14, 1855, and is an attorney in the place of his nativity, promising, by his application to business, to wear worthily the mantle of his sire. He married Laura A. McKinnon, and they have one child - Charles S. Samuel Kellum was born Dec. 22, 1857, is a salesman in the clothing house of VVilloughby, Hill & Co., at Chicago, and is one of the most exemplary and popular young men that Sycamore ever produced. Mrs,. Kellum was born at La Porte, Dec. 31, 1833, and is the daughter of Wm. and Caroline Clement. She is a lady of more than ordinary strength of character, and in her domestic circle her fine womanly traits shine pre-eminent. To her the words, " Her children arise up and call her blessed ; her husband also, and he praiseth her," apply with peculiar force and truth.

Judge Kellum 's portrait appears on a previous page. The reprint of his features in this work will afford a general satisfaction. His mobile face has been for many years one of the most welcome on the streets of Sycamore. It bears the impression of a candid, manly, generous character, and a spirit wholly untainted by selfishness. The photograph from which the portrait was engraved was taken in 1885.

1 illiam H. Rowen, farmer and stockman on section 26, Franklin Township, was born on the farm on which he is a resident Sept. 25, 1858. He is the son of Wm. H. and Mercy (Caswell)' Rowen. The ,for- ...er was born December 3, 1799, in Hebron, Washington Co., N. Y., and came to De Kalb County in June, 1843, and entered the farm where he died April 4, 1880. The family was among the earliest settlers of the township. The senior Rowen was twice married. Of the first marriage, to Betsey Gorham (see sketch of S. G. Rowen), nine children were born, and after the death of the first wife he was married Dec. 25, 1856, to Mrs. Mercy Caswell. She was born Jan. 7, 1822, in Union, Broome Co., N. Y., and came to Illinois with her grandparents when she was 13 years old. ' She was married Aug.

2, 1840, to Marcus Caswell, a native of the State of New York, born March 15, 1820. He was killed in California in July, 1855, by the accidental bursting of a gun. Mr. Caswell is survived by two children, - Charles H., born Nov. 2, 1841, a resident of Bremer Co., Iowa, and Josephine L.,born Nov. 30, 1849. She married Edward Gorham March 15, 1866, and is a resident of Franklin Township. Of her marriage to Mr. Rowen two children were born, - W. H. and Samuel P. G. The birth of the latter occurred Dec.

id D. Brown, Mayor of De Kalb, and |{| member of the lumber and real-estate firm =t of Brown & Young, was born Aug. 26, £f£ 845, in Belvidere, N. J. His parents, C. M. and Catherine A. (De Pue) Brown, were natives ,- \ of New Jersey, and were respectively of English and French origin. The family came to Illinois and settled in Sycamore, where the father established mercantile interests and became prominent in official positions, among which were those of Circuit Clerk and Recorder of De Kalb County. The family in- * eluded three sons, of whom the two younger were ^^ Fred C. and Marshall L., and were the issue of the *& second marriage of the senior Brown, in 1850, to Louisa Jackman, of Sycamore. She was born in Vermont and is still living in Sycamore. The mother of Mr Brown died at Sycamore in 1849. His father died there March 14, 1872. .

Until the age of 16 years Mr. Brown was a pupil at school, and in i86r obtained a position as captain of a steamboat plying on the Tennessee River. He was employed at a later period as clerk in a store at Sycamore, and was occupied in that capacity until 1874. In the spring of that year he entered into partnership with C. A. Tyndall, of De Kalb, under the style of Tyndall & Brown, and established a mer- candle enterprise. In September, 1876, Mr. Brown became sole proprietor of the business by purchase and continued its management until April, 1883, when he sold to C. A. Reed & Co. In the same month his present business relation was founded for the purpose of engaging in the lumber trade.

Mr. Brown is a decided Republican and has been actively interested in the administration of the municipal affairs in De Kalb. He served three terms as Councilman, and in the spring of 1883 was elected Mayor for a biennial term. He is prominent in the Masonic fraternity, and has risen to the 32d degree in the order.

He was married Feb. 8, 1872,10 Alice J., daughter of Hiram and Sarah (Dygart) Ell wood, and they have two children. Zaida E. was born July 29, 1878. Sarah L. was born Nov. 27, 1881.

rley B. Bowen, grocer and Deputy Postmaster at Kirkland, was born on section 26, Franklin Township, May 29, 1861, and is the son of Stephen G. and Emmeline (Baker) Rowen. The record of the parents appear on another page. Mr. Rowen grew to man's estate on the family homestead, and passed the winters at school in Kirkland. When he was 20 years of age he entered upon the duties of clerk of the Rowen House at Kirkland, which, was under the management of his brother, Frank S. Rowen, and occupied that position until his marriage. Soon after that event he established the business in which he is at present engaged, commencing with limited means in an unassuming way. His energy and popularity, coupled with excellent management, has greatly increased his business relations, and he is fast rising to a position of equality with older firms in the same line of business. Mr. Rowen is a young Republican of ardent type and has been the deputy of his father several years. He represents several insurance companies.

His marriage to Georgia A. Bell occurred Jan. i , 1883. Mrs. Rowen was born Sept. 7, 1862, on the farm of her father in Kingston Township. She is the daughter of George M. and Sarah M. (Little)

Bell. Her father is a native of Pennsylvania, and was an architect and builder by profession. He was of mixed German and Irish descent. The mother was born in the State of New York, of English and French parentage. They came to Illinois before marriage and settled on a farm in Kingston after that event. In 1867 they removed to Belvidere, Boone County, and thence one year later to Sycamore. Mrs. Rowen was educated at the latter place and in Chicago, where she attended school about 18 months. She began teaching when she was 17 years of age, and continued her vocation in De Kalb County until her marriage. With her husband, she attends the Congregational Church, and is a member of the choir. Both are actively interested in Sunday-school work, and are valued and esteemed members of society.

TUS B. Hopkins, farmer, sections 34 and 27, Cortland Township, and owning in all 165 acres, was bom in Erie Co., N. Y., in the town of Clarence, Aug. 7, 1812, and is the son of Cyrus and Charlotte (Bissell) Hopkins. His mother, who was born Oct. 30, Rutland, Vt., of Puritan stock, is still living, near Beloit, Wis. His father, also of Puritan ancestry, was born in June, 1784, in Great Barrington, Berkshire Co., Mass., and died at Beloit, Wis., at the age of 82 years.

The subject of this sketch, whose portrait appears on the opposite page, lived in his native county until he was 26 iyears of.age, on the farm with his father, in the meantime obtaining a commonschool education. He then came to Squaw Grove Township, this county, and worked as a common laborer by the day and month the first season. The next year he took a farm, and rented farms for five years, when he went out upon the " raw " prairie, which he has improved and since made his home. He first built a log house upon the place and moved into it in 1844. Fifteen years afterward he built a frame house, east of where he is now living.

-ptain Henry C. Whittemore, senior member of the firm of Whittemore, Chamberlain & Co., dealers in hardware, stoves, agricultural implements, wagons and carriages at Sycamore, was born Oct. 31, 1841, at Auburn, N. Y. He was seven years of age when ^ his parents, Lorenzo and Hannah (Kelsey) Whittemore, removed their family to Sycamore. His father was born March n, 1807, in Leicester, Mass., and is still a resident of Sycamore, where he operated as a mechanic nearly a quarter of a century. The Captain's mother was born Dec. 25, 1805, in Ulster Co., N. Y., and died in March, 1879. They had two

Captain Whittemore passed his boyhood and youth in the acquisrtion of his education, and about the age of 1 8 years secured the position of Deputy Circuit Clerk, in which he was occupied until the era of 1861, which tried the mettle of every man and boy within the Federal Union. The stuff of which Captain Whittemore is made was proven early in that memorable year by his enlistment as a private soldier in Company G, Second Illinois Light Artillery. He was transferred, a few weeks later, to Company H, which was detailed for service in the Ordnance Department of the Army of the Tennessee, the office being established at Cairo, during the winter of 1861-2, and also at Columbus, Ky.

In the spring of 1863 the command was transferred to the Army of the Cumberland. In December, 1861, young Whittemore was made Lieutenant, and he held that rank until July, 1863, when -he was commissioned Captain of Battery H. He performed the duties of the position until February, 1865, when he was detailed as Assistant Adjutant General on the staff of Gen. L. H. Rousseau, and served until the termination of the war.

Captain Whittemore was mustered out of the military service of the United Stales July 29, 1865, and entered the postal service of the Government, operating in South Carolina. In the spring of 1867 he returned to Sycamore, and embarked in the business of tanning, in which he was interested about two years ; at the expiration of that time turning his attention to insurance, and later, entering the office of the County Clerk as a Deputy. In 1873 he formed a partnership with John B. Harkness and his brother F. K. Whittemore, and founded the business in which he^has since operated. The members of the present firm are Captain Whittemore, W. G. Chamberlain and A. W. Brower. Their trade and business relations in their line of traffic is the leading one in the county, their invested capital being about $15,000.

Captain Whittemore is a member of the Masonic fraternity and belongs to Lodge No. 1 34, at Sycamore. He is a Republican in political convictions, and has served his township several years as Supervisor. In the fall of 1884 he was elected to the State Legislature, receiving a gratifying majority of 2,400 votes.

Sycamore, March 14, 1864. Mrs. Whittemore was born April 19, 1841, in the place where she has always lived, and she is the daughter of Harry and Jane Martin. Four of five children botn to Captain and Mrs. Whittemore are living. They were born as follows: Charles F., Aug. 24, 1865, died Oct. 20, 1871; Mary, Sept. 20, 1867; Harry, Sept. 25, 1869; Cora, Jan. 19, 1872; Floyd, Dec. 8, 1874.

"ames M. Elliott, farmer, having 132 acres on sections i and 2, Cortland Township, was born in Springfield, Clark Co., Ohio, March 27, 1820. His father moved to Union Co., that State, whence he, when 1 6 years of ag'e, in company with a half brother, John, came with a four-horse team to this county, arriving Oct. 8, 1835. John entered a claim east of Mr. E.'s present place, but the climate aggravating his rheumatism, he returned to Union Co., Ohio, where he now lives.