DeKalb County, Illinois - The whole text, 1885 (part 5 of 28)

The subject of this sketch made his home with his half brother and worked around by the month until his marriage, Jan. 4, 1839, to Miss Dilla Perry, who was born Sept. 21, 1822, in Yates Co., N. Y., in Potter Township, and was 13 years old when her parents emigrated to Illinois, coming all the way by team and being six weeks on the road. Her father, Matthew H. Perry, was born in Berkshire Co., Mass., in August, r796, of American ancestry, and is now residing temporarily in Iowa, while his home is in Burlington Township, Kane Co., 111. Her mother, Pamelia, nee Briggs, was born in Providence, R. I., in April, 1 80 1, of American parentage. Her grandfather on her mother's side, Caleb Briggs, was a Revolutionary soldier. Mr. and Mrs. Perry moved to Ottawa, 111., in the fall of 1835, and the next spring to Big Rock Township, whence, in the fall of 1837, the^ removed to Burlington Township, Kane County, where they have since lived, although Mr. P. resided a short time in this (Cortland) township, while he was building a house on his farm.

Ohio, of milk-sickness, while he was building a house upon a tract of land he had purchased there, and while his residence was in Clark Co., that State. He had been married three times. He first married Jane Chatfield, and she died, leaving four children. His second wife was the mother of the subject of this sketch, who left three children, all sons, James being the youngest. His third wife was Sarah Moore, nee Custer. Two years after his father's death the remainder of the family moved to their new home in Union County. The mother of the subject of this sketch, Polly, nee Sweet, was a native of Tennessee and died in Clark Co., Ohio, in 1821, when he was but a year old.

Mr. and Mrs. Elliott have three children, viz.: Henry M., born Sept. 18, 1840; Morris M., Aug. 12, 1842; and Clarence, Jan. 4, 1850, - the first two in Kane County and the last in this township.

Mr. Elliott is a Republican in his political views, and has held the office of School Director. Mr. E. had five brothers in the army during the last war. Two, Hale and Samuel, died of disease in the hospital, and one - Oliver H. Perry - lost an arm at Savannah, Ga., when Sherman captured the city.

lexander H. Durham, farmer, section 10, Genoa Township, has been a resident of that municipality most of the time since his birth within its borders, which event occurred Aug. 26, i84r. Henry and Jane (Wager) Durham, his parents, were natives of the State of New York. They were pioneers in Genoa Township and residents of the village of that name, where they died. Their deaths occurred respectively in 1854 and in 1855. They were the parents of 10 children, five of whom are still living: Sarah, Sabrina, Ursula, Ethan A. and Alexander H. Mr. Durham received a common-school education, and when he was 14 years of age his mother died. Being then wholly orphaned, he became an inmate of the family of his brother-in-law, Julius Chipman, ot Kingston Township. Eighteen months later he returned to the place of his nativity and lived about year and a half with one of his brothers. On the death of the latter he engaged as a farm assistant with his brother-in-law, James Merriman, for whom he worked two years. During that time he married and located on a farm nearly half a mile east of the village of Genoa, to whose ownership he succeeded by the provisions of his father's will. He occupied the place seven successive years, when he sold it and bought 80 acres, where he established his permanent homestead. He already having 160 acres on section 15, adjoining that which was left him by the death of his father, he now owns 260 acres in all, 170 acres under tillage, and 20 acres of timber on section 31. Mr. Durham is in sympathy with the Democrat element in political sentiment.

His marriage to Jennie Farr took place in Spring Township, Boone Co., 111., Jan. i, 1862, and they are now the parents of four children, - Elmer E., born Oct. 2, 1863; Leonard P., born May 18, 1868; Amber S., born March 2, 1870; and Roy H., born Dec. 30, 1883. Mrs. Durham is the fourth daughter and child of Oliver and Roxana Farr, and was born Jan. 27, 1843, in Pennsylvania. Her brothers and sisters were named Nancy, Mary, Armina, William, Millard, Martha and Maynard.

Joseph F. Glidden, patentee of the Glidden barb-wire fence, residing at De Kalb, was born Jan. 18, 1813, in Charleston, Sullivan Co., N. H. He is the son of David and Polly (Hurd) Glidden, both of whom were natives of the Granite State and were there married. About the year 1814 they removed their family and interests to Orleans Co., N. Y., and were there resident until 1844, when they came to Illinois. They made a brief stay in Ogle County, removing thence to the home of their eldest son, then a farmer in De Kalb Township, and were inmates of his household through the closing years of their lives. They had six children, - Joseph F., Betsey, Eunice, Willard J., Abigail and Stephen H.

when his parents settled in Clarendon, Orleans Co., N. Y., and entered upon agricultural pursuits. He was brought up on the farm, acquired a thorough and practical knowledge of its details, and interspersed the seasons of labor by attendance at school. Primarily, he was a pupil in the ordinary educational institutions of the township, and later became a student at the Middlebury Academy in Genesee County he afterwards attended a seminary at Lima, Livingston County, in the same State. He formed educational plans with reference to a collegiate course, and taught some months ; but, being of a practical turn of mind, the field for immediate action, to which he was accustomed by training, possessed an almost irresistible attraction, and he engaged as a renter of farms for some years, that being the common mode of operation adopted by those who had their way to make from the beginning. The figure at which the acres of the Empire State were held precluded almost the slightest promise of the advancement of a laborer to a proprietorship, and Mr. Glidden began to consider the feasibility of making his way westward.

In the fall of 1842 he proceeded to Detroit, with two threshing-machines, of the primitive construction, then in use, and spent 30 days in Michigan on the wheat farms of that State, operating his threshers, assisted by his brother Willard and two other men. Finally reaching St. Joseph, on the east side of Lake Michigan, he shipped the machines to Chicago and proceeded to De Kalb County, where he passed two years in the same avenue of business. During the winter of 1842-3 he bought 600 acres of land located on section 22, De Kalb Township, of his cousin, Russell Huntley, and which he still owns. He resided two years in Ogle County, not taking possession of his property until 1845.

Mr. Glidden's first marriage took place in Clarendon, Orleans Co., N. Y., in 1837, when he formed a matrimonial union with Clarissa Foster. He left his wife and two children behind him when he started for the West with his machines, and before his wife joined him in Illinois the children had passed to the spirit world. She came to Ogle County in June, 1843, and died the next year in childbirth. The little daughter, for whom her own life was given, died in early infancy. The children of this marriage were named Virgil, Homer and Clarissa.

In 1845 Mr. Glidden took possession of his farm, (§j' remaining its resident proprietor until 1877, adding to its extent and increasing it to more than 800 acres. It is a fine sample of the perfection of attractions and value to which a prairie farm may be brought. In the year named Mr. Glidden relinquished the personal management of his farm and removed to the city of De Kalb, where he became an inmate of the Glidden House, which he had built a few years before.

The summary of the triumphs of American inventive genius present a splendid array. Their relative importance has developed a saying, which, perhaps, in general significance, cannot be gainsaid, - that " those who add to the material wealth of nations are greater than those that contribute to the comfort or convenience of mankind." But analysis and time must weaken the force of the statement. The man who " made two blades of grass grow where one grew before " may be a benefactor, but the beneficence of his achievement becomes a question if the extra blade is superfluous. It has become trite that the " invention of the cotton-gin advanced the South 50 years," and the progress of the North consequent upon the invention of the reaping-machine is similarly estimated. But for 40 years the question of fencing the broad, beautiful acres of the prairie section of the United States remained unanswered, and hampered the farmers in all their projects; and there seemed for years no remedy for the existent condition but in legislation, - a forlorn hope in view of the fate common to legal provisions in the hands of sagacious and interested interpreters of the statutes. Stone walls were utterly impracticable; the raids of the agents selling Osage orange and willow cuttings, which should produce self-perpetuating fences with the celerity of Aladdin's lamp, were profitable to none but their companies. With every tree that fell beneath the woodman's devastating ax, receded farther and farther the hopes for fencing material.

Mr. Glidden solved the problem which had been a standing perplexity of increasing proportions for almost half a century, and by his invention of the barb-wire fence placed his name on the list of enduring fame with those of Whitney, Arkwright, Howe and McCormick and a long catalogue of others, who will move through the records and traditions of the future as the benefactors of the world. The history of the invention is interesting and belongs to the personal biography of Mr. Glidden and to the lasting (' records of De Kalb County. The earliest patents for barb-wire fencing were issued in 1867, but the material lacked practical merit and attracted comparatively little notice. Mr. Glidden interested himself in it, and, recognizing the utility and profit of a saccessful method of constructing wire fence, pushed a course of experiments as he found opportunity. He cut barbs by hand and extemporized a process by which they could be twisted about the wire. A piece 30 feet long |was armed with the spiteful appearing prongs and twisted with a piece of smooth wire by attaching the two to the axle of a grindstone, the twist being obtained by turning the crank. The fence was stretched in the barn-yard of Mr. Glidden and proved a success. The result of the experiment is still a fixture and feature of the barn-yard where it was originally placed, and is demonstrating the practical utility of the device as thoroughly as at first. The gratified inventor applied in October, 1873, for letters patent, which he received in the spring of 1874.

Meanwhile, Isaac L. Ellwood, a hardware merchant of De Kalb, had expended considerable time ' and money in experimenting with various kinds of fencing, and Mr. Glidden laid before him the results of his experiments, and they formed an association for the purposes of manufacture. They rented a small building and employed a corps of laborers, consisting chiefly of boys ; but the speedy increase of their business necessitated their removal to more extensive and centrally located quarters, and in the f winter of 1874-5 they took possession of their factory at De Kalb. In the spring they opened business with a working force of 30 men. Changes were made from time to time, which were protected by additional patents, and the manufacture of barb-wire fence was continued by Messrs. Glidden & Ellwood f( until March, 1876. At that date, the Washburn & Moen Manufacturing Company, of Worcester, Mass., , purchased the half interest of Mr. Glidden and the rt present firm of I. L. Ellwood & Co. was established. » constructed. The latter rate has been reduced to five cents per hundred weight, the enormous production of the barb-wire fence yielding even at the royalty of one-fifth the original stipulation a generous income to the inventor.

Since 1876 Mr. Glidden has devoted his attention to his first love - farming - and superintends the management of his extensive tracts of farming land in De Kalb County, comprising an extent of 1,500 acres. He is also engaged to a considerable extent in stock-raising, and, associated with H. B. Sanborn, is the owner of a cattle ranch in the portion of country known as the Panhandle of Texas, where they are herding about 16,000 head of cattle. They own 280 sections of land, constituting 280 square miles of territory, and requiring 150 miles of fencing, which was erected at a cost of $40,000. Mr. Glidden owns also a half-interest in a flour-mill at De Kalb.

He has also been active in the duties of his citizenship in De Kalb County and Township, and in 1852 was elected Sheriff. He possesses the distinction of being the last Democratic official of the county. He has served his townsmen as Supervisor several terms, and performed the duties of other local offices of minor importance. Mr. Glidden is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

Of his character and prominence a reliable estimate may be formed by the sketch given. He is essentially a member of the class descended from the " grand old gardener," and he has remained true to his lineage, which may be regarded as closely akin to dignity itself. The farmer comes of a descent whose antitype was molded in the freshness of God's plan of man, and found fitting to inhabit Paradise. The man who spends his life in tilling the ground proves his birthright in the inheritance of a redeemed world. Mr. Glidden has found no allurement in the career of a capitalist, nor availed himself of the opportunity afforded by his sudden accession to wealth, which has since flowed with a lavish tide into his coffers, to grasp by the throat men of less fortunate hap and turn their disasters to his own profit. He remembers his days of toil and struggle, and takes justifiable pride in the spreading beneficence of his invention and in the well earned title of a farmer of De Kalb County, pure and simple. The portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Glidden are pre- ames P. Seaman, farmer on section 15, Cortland Township, has land also on sections 14 and 1 6, - 120 acres in all. He was born in the town of Bovina, Delaware Co., N. Y., Aug. 21, 1830. His parents were Ephraim and Naomi (Carman) Seaman, both of whom have long since deceased. His father, who was born in 1805. was killed Dec. 21, 1847, in the township of Preston, Chenango Co., N. Y. While cutting down a tree for a sick neighbor, it broke in two about 16 feet up, and in chopping it down from this awkward position it fell upon his neck and broke it! He was thus found by James P., the subject of this sketch, and by a man who afterward became his brother-in-law. The senior Seaman was also a native of Bovina Township.

When the subject of this sketch was n years old, his parents emigrated with him to Chenango Co., N. Y., where he lived until 1854. He then came to Cortland Township, this county, and worked in company with Amos Rogers three years, when his mother purchased the present homestead. At her death it was divided among the three children of her first marriage, James being the administrator. Her second marriage was to Robert Clark, a sea captain. She was born Feb. 19, 1810, in the town of Bovina, N. Y. Both her parents were of Yankee ancestry. A great-great-grandfather was a seaman in the Revolutionary War, a Major, and on that account received a large tract of land, which he sold at six cents per acre, it being in the Southern States.

Mr. Seaman was married Nov. 15, 1857, in Oxford, Chenango Co., N. Y., to Miss Mary A., daughter of Levi B. and Caroline E. (Olds) Jackson. Her father was born Feb. 24, 1808, was a shoemakerby vocation, and died Sept. 2, 1876, in Oxford, N. Y. Her mother was born Feb. 24, 1 8 10, in Oxford N. Y. Mrs. S., the second child in the above family, was born Dec. 28, 1837, in Erie Co., N. Y.,and was a year old when her parents moved to Oxford. Of the six children^ -^yag^ ««§)@\ in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Seaman, three are deceased. The record stands: Carrie L., born July 10, 1860, in this (Cortland) Township; Arthur C., July 8, 1865, in this township, and died March 16, 1876, and is buried in Ohio Grove Cemetery ; Nonie C., born Feb. n, 1868, and died in Cortland, Jan. 16, i88r; Frankie, born July 12, 1870, died Aug. 25, following, and is also buried in Ohio Grove Cemetery; May L., Aug. 4, 1871; and Lizzie H., Aug. 28, 1875, - the last two born also in Cortland. Mr. Seaman is a Republican in his political views, and both himself and wife are members of the Freewill-Baptist Church.

enry N. Olmstead, farmer, section 16, Genoa Township, is a native of the place where he has passed his entire life to the present date. He was born March 4, 1851, and is the son of Caleb and Samantha (Wager) Olmstead, natives of the State of New York. (See sketch of Caleb Olmstead.)

Mr. Olmstead obtained a fair common-school education, which he completed by attendance at the High School at Sycamore. When he was 22 years of age he embarked in his career of independent manhood, and in 1884 purchased the family homestead, which included 160 acres of valuable land, nearly all being under cultivation.

Mr. Olmstead has been identified throughout his career in political matters with the Republican party, and has officiated in the discharge of the duties pertaining to several local offices.

His marriage to Jane Wright took place at Genoa, March 4, 1877. They have had four children, viz.: Caleb, born Oct. 23, 1878; Olin H., June 22, 1879; Nellie and Jay G. The two youngest are not living. Mrs. Olmstead was born Aug. 9, 1857, in Sycamore, and is the daughter of Royal and Mary (Siglin) Wright, the former a native of New York, the latter born in Pennsylvania. Her parents located at Sycamore soon after marriage, and her father there enaged in farming. He died March i, 1872. Her mother lives in Iowa. Mrs. Olmstead is the eldest of eight children. Her brothers and sisters were named Frank, Asa, Charles, Amos, Jacob, Flora and Hiram.

arles D. Carter, M. D., physician and surgeon at De Kalb, is a native of De Kalb County, having been born within its limits Nov. 19, 1858. He is the son of Orlando and Huldah (White) Carter. (See sketch of O. Carter.) Mr. Carter passed his early life in the manner common in the training and rearing of farmers' sons, and he obtained a fair education in the common schools which he attended as opportunity served, until he was 19 years of age, after which he began the study of medicine with the purpose of making it the vocation of his life. He alternated his periods of study with farm labor, and studied three years at Rush Medical College in Chicago, receiving the authority of that institution to enter upon the practice of medicine in 1882. He established his business at De Kalb, and is steadily gaining a substantial repute as a practitioner and founding a successful career in his profession.

Dr. Carter is a Democrat in his political conviction, and is one of the foremost in character and promise of the young men of De Kalb County on whom is the dependence of the future generation.

rederick S. Crane, farmer and stock-raiser, sections 15, 14, 22 and 23, Cortland Township, was born in the town of Marvin, Wayne Co., N. Y., June 6, 1833, and was only two years old when the family moved to Du Page Co., 111., in 1835, coming in a twohorse wagon, and settling on a tract of land before it was surveyed. When it came into market his father purchased it, and it is now owned by his brother.

He was brought up on the farm. When 16 years old his father died, and when of age he commenced to establish himself near his father's homestead, where he lived until the spring of 1869, when he purchased 225 acres of land where he has since resided. To this purchase he has since added, until he now has a total of 400 acres. He received a common-school education at Naperville; has been School Trustee and Director; and in politics he is a Republican. Both himself and wife are members of the Baptist Church.

He was married Dec. 20, 1855, at Naperville, 111., to Miss Mary A. Bristol, who was born Feb. 18, 1834, in Wethersfield, N. Y., and was brought by emigration of her parents to Naperville in 1843, where they have ever since lived, excepting the last few years. Mr. and Mrs. Crane have five children, as follows : Hiram D., born Nov. 3, 1856; Frank H., May 13, 1858; Myron F., March 7, 1860; S. Jennette, April 5, 1865; and Carrie M., Feb. 5, 1869, - all at Naperville.

Mr. Crane's father, David Crane, was a farmer, and died in Naperville in 1849, at tne aSe of 42 years. His mother, Catherine W., nee Stolp, was born Jan. 21, 1814, in Pultneyville, Wayne Co., N. Y., and is now living in Merriain, that county. Mrs. Crane's father, Hiram Bristol, was born March 22, 1800, in Fairhaven, Vt, and is now living in Aurora, 111. Her mother, Sarah, nee Spink, was born June 17, 1804, in Whitehall, Washington Co., N. Y., and died May 9, 1869, at Aurora, 111.

/.enry H. Wagner, merchant at De Kalb, was born July 6, 1847, in La Salle Co., 111. He passed the years of his early life on the homestead of his grandparents in De Kalb County, coming to De Kalb in 1863. After operating a few months as a clerk, he entered the- army of the United States, enlisting in Co. K, i32d Regiment of Illinois Infantry. After a service of five months, he received his discharge and resumed his former occupation of salesman for Winship Brothers, of De Kalb, operating in their interests but a short time, the business of the firm being inter- rupted by the death of the senior partner. Mr. Wagner entered the employment of R. K. Chandler, whose death in 1875 terminated the business, and Mr. Wagner embarked in a mercantile enterprise in his own behalf. He began on a limited scale, proceeded safely and secured a permanent foundation for his present extensive relations. He is the leading dealer in general merchandise at De Kalb. Politically Mr. Wagner is a decided Republican and is a member of Merritt Simonds Post, No. 283 j G. A. R.

His marriage occurred March 24, 1871, to Nancy E. Waite, a lady who was born in the State of New York, April 14, 1847. Of six children born of their * union, four survive, namely, Eva L., Cora F., Elvin H. and Nina L. Those deceased died in infancy.

dolph Elten, of the firm of Deily & Elten, builders and dealers in coal at Sycamore, was born Dec. 15, i84r, in Germany. His parents, August and Bertha Elten, were born in Germany and died there. They had three children, - Adolph, August and Gustave. The latter is a builder in Chicago. The second son is deceased.

Mr. Elten was instructed in his business by his father, who pursued the trade of builder through his life. He came to the United States in March, 1865, and embarked in his business in Chicago. He was occupied three years in that city as foreman in the .sash and door factory of Frederick Schroeder, who tranferred his business from the Garden City to Sycamore, whither Mr. Elten accompanied and officiated three years in the same capacity. In the spring of 1878 the latter formed an association with Jacob Deily for the prosecution of a joint relation as builders, and a year later began to deal in coal. They employ about half a dozen men commonly and have erected a number of prominent buildings at Sycamore and vicinity.

Mr. Elten was married June 27, 1869, in Chicago, to Caroline Evers, and they have had four children : Hermann was born May 2, 1870, and died Sept. 19, 1871; Julia was born Feb. 9, 1872; Charles, April

19, 1875; George, Aug. 31, 1877. The latter was born in Sycamore and died Nov. 14, 1880. The others were born in Chicago. Mrs. Elten was born in Baltimore, Md., and is the daughter of John and Hermine (Buttner) Evers. The family attend the Congregational Church.

hubal T. Armstrong, Deputy Clerk of De Kalb County, resident at Sycamore, was born Dec. 14, 1834, in Chautauqua Co., N. Y. His parents, Dr. Thomas and Joanna (Terry) Armstrong, were natives of Washington Co., N. Y., and in 1831 removed thence to Chautauqua County. When the son, who is the subject of this sketch, was nine months old, the family transferred their residence to Erie Co., N. Y., settling in Evans Township. In 1840 they went to Wisconsin and settled in Union, Rock County, where they were pioneer settlers. The lather practiced his profession there 12 years, removing with his family thence to Sandwich, De Kalb County, where 'he established his business and has since continued its prosecution.

Mr. Armstrong accompanied his parents in their varied migrations, and was an inmate of the parental household until 1861. When he was 16 years of age he became interested in civil engineering and began the practical pursuit of the business of operating as flagman. While in Wisconsin in 1852-5, he was employed at intervals in the Government survey. In the year named he set out for an overland journey to California. He prospected on the route and arrived in the Golden State in February, 1862. He had acquired a thorough knowledge of civil engineering and entered into the prosecution of that business, in which he operated until 1865. In that year he returned to Wisconsin and engaged in farming in Rock County, in which he was engaged three years, coming to De Kalb County in 1868. He interested himself in agricultural operations in Milan Township, in whieh pursuit he passed three years, removing at the expiration of that period to Sycamore.

incumbency until 1884. During four years of the included period he operated in the interests of the Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, surveying lands in Iowa and Dakota. In 1884 he was appointed to the position whose duties he is discharging with entire satisfaction to all concerned.

His marriage to Eunice Richardson took place in 1855. She is a native of Chautauqua Co., N. Y., Seven children have been born of their union - Hattie, May, Annie, Elizabeth, Carlotta, Nevada and Arthur.

avid Wood, deceased, formerly a farmer on the south half of section i, Cortland Township, was born April 21, 1808, probably in Connecticut. His parents were John and Phebe (Bradford) Wood, both of whom died in Union Co., Ohio. His father was a farmer.

The subject of this sketch spent his early, life in Union Co., Ohio, and emigrated thence to the place in this county where his widow now lives, and whsre he died, March 24, 1861; he was buried in Ohio Grove Cemetery. Having been brought up on a farm and received a common-school education, he continued working his father's farm on shares for a time, and in September, 1835, in company with George Gandy and four or five others, came to this county. He made a claim on section i , township 40 north, of range 5 east, now known as Cortland ; he erected a log house and lived here until i84T, when he returned to Ohio, where he was married. He returned to this county in the fall of 1843, at which time the land came into market, and he entered it. In 1855 he built a frame residence, which his family is still occupying.

Once in early day, he went to St. Charles with an ox team to get provisions, and on his return his team gave out. He remained over night under an oak tree, but could get no sleep, as he had to stir around continually to keep from freezing. He had some beef with him in the wagon, and the wolves were near by, howling around, all night. The next morning he had to break the ice to get his team over.

He was married Oct. 27, 1842, in Union Co., Ohio, to Miss Ruth Cary, daughter of Ephraim and Matilda (Gandy) Cary, both of whom died in that county, the former Dec. 12, 1878, and the latter July 21, 1855. Mr. Cary, a farmer, was born April 9, 1790, in Pennsylvania, and Mrs. C. Dec. 15, 1801. Mrs. Wood was born Sept. 24, 1825, in Madison Co., Ohio, and was two years old when her parents moved with her to Marvin Township, Union County, where she lived until her marriage. In her younger days she attained great skill in the art of spinning, - flax in winter and wool in summer. Would often do two day's work in one, without becoming veiy tired. Indeed, she followed this[business more than ordinary house-work.

Mrs. W. is a member of the Church of the United Brethren, as was also her husband, and in his political views he was a Republican. The landed estate now comprises 134 acres.

. orman Preston, farmer, section 29, Genoa Township, is a native citizen of the place of which he is a resident, and was born Oct. 12, 1840. His parents, Justus and Sina (Hall) Preston, were natives of Connecticut and became pioneer citizens of De Kalb County in 1836, settling in Genoa Township. The father died there June 2, 1847, aged 53 years, 5 months and 4 days; and the mother's demise took place Feb. 25, 1869, in that township. She was aged 67 years and and 26 days. Their children were named Henry. Augustus, Charles, George, Norman and Julia E.

Mr. Preston acquired a common-school education and remained a member of the parental household until he was 25 years of age, when he was married and became the head of a family, settling in independent life in Genoa Township. Mrs. Preston, formerly Mary A. Hathaway, was born in the State of New York, March 4, 1846, and is the daughter of Edwin and Millicent (Rowley) Hathaway, who had /£ seven children, viz.: Alonzo, Lydia J., Nathan R., $ Mary A., Alonzo E. and Joel B. One child died in *f ' extreme infancy, and also Alonzo, the eldest child, is . deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Preston were married at WSycamore, Jan. i, 1866. They have one child, Sina M., born Aug. 3r, 1872, in Genoa Township. Mr. Preston is identified with the Republican party in political views and connections.

nry H. Gandy, farmer, section 10, Cortand Township, occupying 115 acres on the southwest quarter, was born in Trumbull Co., Ohio, April 16, 1810. Both his parents were natives of New Jersey. His father, H. H., was born Feb. 24, 1768, and died March 27, 1849, in Union Co., Ohio; and his mother, Sally, nee Harris, was born Feb. 7, 1785, and died Sept. i, 1846, in Union Co., Ohio. Mr. G.'s paternal grandfather died in the service of his country during the Revolutionary War, in a hospital at Valley Forge, and his maternal grandfather was also in the Revolutionary Army.

When the subject of this sketch was only two years of age his parents removed with him to Madison Co^ Ohio, where they lived 18 or 19 years, when his father bought land in Union County, same State, moved his family there and lived five or six years. Mr. Gandy, of this sketch, moved to this township when he was 27 years of age, arriving on the very anniversary of his birth-day, in the spring of 1837, and has lived here ever since. To this place his brother George W. had preceded him in the fall of 1835, and also his brother-in-law, Henry Smith. Isaac Gandy, a nephew, was also here : he has since died. Only one man is now living who was a member of this first settlement on this side of the Grove. All the other settlements at that time were in the timber.

Mr. Gandy was married Sept. 12, 1833, to Lucinda Meacham, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Snow) Meacham. Her mother was born in 1808, and died in Windham Co., Conn. Mrs. G.'s father was born about 1772, and died in April, 1857, also in Windham

County. Mrs. G. was born Sept. 5, 1806, in the above county, probably of Puritan English descent. Of the seven children of Mr. and Mrs. Gandy, all are living, namely: Joseph, born Nov. i, 1834, in Union Co., Ohio; Julia A., Oct. 7, 1836, same county; Marcus, March 8, 1839; Jerusha, Feb. 15, 1841; Matilda, June 4, 1843; Francis M., June 27, 1845 ; and Andrew J., March 15, 1848. The last five were born in this county.

The portrait of Mr. Gandy, accompanying this sketch, will doubtless be welcomed in this ALBUM by the people of De Kalb County, and accordingly it is with great pleasure that the publishers insert it in this connection.

<,enry Lamson Boies, editor of the True Republican, published at Sycamore, was born July 5, 1830, at South Hadley, Mass , and is the son of Artemas and Susan (Lamson) Boies. In the paternal line of descent he comes of Huguenot ancestry. His patronymic also unmistakably proclaims his French origin and refers to the estates which his earliest progenitors received -from the sovereigns of France. By the persecution of the Huguenots under Cardinal Richelieu they were driven to Scotland, and, enlisting under Cromwell, were sent to Northern Ireland, from which as Scotch-Irish they emigrated to Massachusetts about \ 1680.

\ Artemas Boies, the father, was born in 1792, in Blandford, Mass. His natural abilities and education fitted him for a high sphere of usefulness and activity and he became a clergyman of the Congregational Church, attaining distinction in his profession and, dying, left his sons the heritage of the name he bore, ennobled by a life of stainless integrity and eminent devotion to the trusts imposed by the obligations of his ministry. In 1835 he moved his family and interests to Boston, and five years later made another transfer to New London, Conn., where he died Sept. 20, 1845. The mother was born in the year 1800, in Keene, N. H. In her widowhood she returned to the place of her nativity and there passed a score and a half of years, dying in September, 1876. Mr. Boies was the parent of seven children, four of whom have passed to the mystic realms of the life beyond. The oldest surviving son, William E. Boies, is his father's mantle-bearer, and has been a clergyman of the Congregational Church for a period of years extending nearly to the time of his father's demise. He resides at Long Meadow, Mass. Lauretta M. is the youngest living child, and resides at Rye, N. Y.

Mr. Boies of this sketch inherited the consumptive tendencies of his family. He had been trained intellectually with much care in his boyhood and youth, and at 20 was seized with pulmonary hemorrhage. Change from the severe climate of New England was necessary, and he passed the winter of 1850 in the Azores, receiving benefit in more than one respect, and returning to America by the way of Liverpool and London. He went to Charleston, S. C., to pass the winter following and taught school a year in the Palmetto State. His health had improved so much that he returned North with renewed courage to engage in business. In 1852 he bought an interest in a gunpowder factory at Catskill, N. Y. Three months later he was again in the toils of his former disease, and he -decided on a change of climate and a career which would give him the benefit of open air. With this view he came to De Kalb Co., 111., in 1854, and became the proprietor of a farm situated in the town of South Grove. In 1858 he located at Sycamore. He now owns 20 acres of land within the corporation of Sycamore, and also a farm of 320 acres in Hand Co., Dak. He platted Boies' First Addition to Sycamore in 1865. In 1871 he laid out a second addition, and a third in 1876. In 1858, associated with John R. Hamlin, he initiated the project which resulted in the construction of the Sycamore & Cortland Railroad, connecting with one of the main routes of the Chicago & Northwestern Railway and now the property of that corporation. In 1863 Mr. Boies became connected with the True Republican, and in 1865 became its editor. It is one of the leading journals of the county. He is also the author of "Boies' History of De Kalb County," a valuable compilation for purposes of statistical reference, which was published in r tor in the development of Sycamore. His enterprise and public spirit have added greatly to the rate of progress of this section, and he is widely known and justly esteemed in all his private and public relations. He obtained the appointment of Postmaster at Sycamore and officiated four years. His latest public service was in 1870, when he was appointed Secretary of the Illinois State Senate.

The marriage of Mr. Boies to Harriet S. Holmes took place Feb. 9, 1858, at Springfield, Mass. Mrs. Boies is the daughter of Alexander and Margaret (Rumrill) Holmes, and is a native of Sherburne, N. Y. Edward Irving, oldest son, was born Feb. 20, 1860, and is assistant editor of the True Republican. Charles Artemas was born Jan. 3, 1863, and is a farmer in Hand Co., Dak. Lucy M. was born Feb. 3, 1865.

^rasmus D. Walrod, a pioneer of De Kalb County, was born June 16, 1816, at Oak Hill, Montgomery Co., N. Y. His parents, Peter W. and Mary (Wayt) Walrod, as well as his grandparents, were born in the State of New York, but the stock from which they descended originated in Germany.

The parents of Mr. Walrod removed to Wyoming Co., N. Y., when he was seven years of age, his father buying a farm in Eagle Township. (The municipality was then Allegany County, which was afterward divided and Wyoming County formed.) In 1835 the family set out for Illinois, bringing with them all their household effects in two wagons drawn by horses. Mr. Walrod was then 19 years of age and drove three horses attached to a heavy wagon. In crossing the Black Swamp in Ohio, they were obliged to double teams with other -immigrants in order to ford the mud into which the wagon wheels sunk to their hflbs. The transit consumed six weeks. On arrival in De Kalb County the father and older brother located at Union Grove in De Kalb Township, or what is now thus designated, the date of their location preceding the Government survey. The father and two oldest sons each secured a claim on which log cabins had been erected, which they occupied, and made puncheon for doors, floors and tables. The senior Walrod retained ownership of his claim about three years, when he sold and obtained one in what is now the township of Sycamore. He built a log house, entered vigorously upon the improvement of the property, and died upon his homestead, in 1844. The mother died in 1856. They were the parents of nine children.

Mr. Walrod is next to the youngest in order of birth. As soon as he arrived in De Kalb County he made a claim in Mayfield Township, which was "jumped" from him, and he secured another by purchase from his brother in the same township, built a log house and took possession. In 1839 he sold the property for $1,050 and bought a claim of L. D. Walrod situated on section 32 in Sycamore Township, a part of which is now included within the limits of the city. This was previous to its coming into market, and when the opportunity for securing his patent arrived he borrowed money and made the entry according to the regulations made and provided. With the exception of a period of seven years this estate has since been his residence. In 1850 Mr. Walrod made an overland journey to California, which occupied four months and three days. The party were well provisioned and spent their nights in camp. The route would have been made in entire comfort but for having overtaken three men without provisions, with whom they divided, which necessitated rationing the entire party. Mr. Walrod remained two years in the Golden State and returned by the isthmus route to New York, coming again to Sycamore, where his family had remained during his absence.

Mr. Walrod was married Aug. i, 1839, to Melintha Powell, a daughter of Rachel and Ruth (Pierce) Powell. Her father was born in England and was married after his emigration to America, her mother being of Massachusetts origin. Mrs. Walrod was born in the township of Perinton, Monroe Co., N. Y., Nov. 9, 1817. Her father died while she was an infant, and her mother afterwards became the wife of James Cartwright. The family migrated in 1837 to Illinois and located at Union Grove in De Kalb County. The land included in the claim which Mr. Cartwright entered is now the county poor farm and under the finest class of improvements. Mr. and Mrs. Walrod have but one surviving child, Walter

D., born March 13, 1843. He was educated in the public schools of Sycamore, and has been twice married. Mary (Wntkins) Walrod died three years after marriage, leaving one child, Willie E. W. D. Walrod married Amanda Denmark for his second wife, and they have four children, - Malintha, George, Lewis and Walter. Ransom G., the eldest child of E. D. Walrod, was born Oct. 30, 1840. He was educated at Princeton, Bureau Co., 111., his health failing while at school, and he died Aug. 15, 1857. Edward died in infancy. George C. was born Aug. 23, 1849. He attained to a fine degree of scholarly advancement and was graduated at a commercial college in Chicago, and'afterward engaged in teaching. He died Feb. 9, 1875. James R. died in infancy.

'lea C. Pond, member of the firm of Warren & Pond, dealers in watches, clocks, jewelry, plated ware and musical instruments, at Sycamore, was born Dec. 24, 1856, in the towi.ship of Sycamore. His father, Americus H. Pond, was born in Pennsylvania, and came to Sycamore abo.it 1850, where he married Amy Hollenbeck. They have five children : Emily E. is the wife of D. S. Brown, a banker at Genoa ; C. C. was born next in order; William L. is -an attorney at De Kalb; Harry A. is a farmer on the family homestead!; and Lizzie is the youngest.

Mr. Pond became a teacher at the age of 20 years, and continued in the pursuit of that vocation until the spring of 1882, operating in this county continuously, with the exception of one term, when he taught at Laddonia, Audrain Co., Mo. In April of the year named, he entered into the partnership known as Pond & Bacon, in the sale of jewelry, the business of that firm continuing until March 3, when he purchased Mr. Bacon's interest, and on the 2oth of March, 1884, Mr. Pond consolidated his business relations with those of George O. Warren. They are managing a prosperous enterprise, one of the largest in the line in the county. Mr. Pond belongs to the order known as the Modern Woodmen of America.

ndrew H. Olmstead, farmer, section 17 > Genoa Township, is the son of Caleb and imantha (Wager) Olmstead, whose biograph- I ical notice appears on another page. He was (5 born Jan. 12, 1836, in Delaware Co , N. Y. / His parents came to De Kalb County in 1846, and he has been a resident of Genoa Township since he was 10 years of age, with the exception of several months in 1874, which he spent in travel in Colorado and California for the benefit of his health. He is one of the leading agriculturists of his town- ( ship, where he owns nearly 1,000 acres of land, all ^ under improvements. His stock includes an average ^ of 150 head of cattle, 10 horses, and he fattens for r= market about 75 hogs yearly.

He was married Dec. 29, 1859, in Genoa Town- e= ship to Rebecca J. Eiklor, and they have been the 5 parents of three children, - Cora M., born June 6, < 1866; Ada M., Sept. 13, 1869; and Effie R., Jan. 15, 1879. The latter died when two years and four months old. Mrs. Olmstead was born Aug. 30, 1844, in Erie Co., Ohio. She is the daughter of Frederick and Jeannette Eiklor, both of whom were natives of Ohio. Mr. Olmstead is a Republican by principle and inheritance and has held several local offices.

ells G. Chamberlain, of the firm of Whittemore, Chamberlain & Co , at Sycamore, was born July 27, 1837, in Williamstown, Mass. Emery Chamberlain, his father, was fanner and was born in Connecticut, Dec. 791. His death occurred Feb. u, 1876. The mother of the subject of this sketch, Mary (Brownell) Chamberlain, was born in May, 1794, in Vermont, and died Feb. T3, 1871. Their marriage took place in 1810, and the period of their lives gether embraced 60 years and 10 months. Eight of^ their 13 children are now living (r884). Mary, tli wife of R. Starkus Buckley, died in Little Rock, Ark. Betsey died in youth. Laura married Charles Gardner, and they went to the Indian Territory, where Mr. Gardner was a teacher among the Choctaw Indians, in the employment of the United States Government. William Gardner, their son, was the first white child born in the Territory. Mr. Gardner is now teacher in the city of New York, where his wife died. Porter E. is a retired farmer, resident at Rockford, 111. Emmeline is the widow of Dr. Sherwood, of Chicago. Thomas M. is a retired farmer living at Belvidere, 111. Lucy is the wife of F. Sanderson, a merchant tailor of Beloit, Wis. Henry M. entered the Union army and returned thence to Madison, Wis., where he died. Warner E. is a farmer in Ashland, Minn. Jane S. married L. M. Van Buren, M. D., of Spirit Lake, Iowa. Kate died at Williamstown, Mass., when she was 19 years old.

Mr. Chamberlain is the next in order of birth. When he was 16 years of age his father's family removed to Beloit, Wis., and he was placed at the Mills Boarding School for boys at South Williamstown, where he was a student two years. He went to Beloit and became a clerk in the hardware store of A. P. Waterman and continued in that employment two years, after which he was occupied as an assistant on his father's farm until he reached his majority.

Mr. Chamberlain celebrated his attaining to man's estate by his marriage Aug. 19, 1858, to Emily A., daughter of Clark and Sally Giles. She was born Nov. 1 6, 1841, in Farmersville, CattaraugusCo.,N. Y. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Chamberlain, five of whom are still living. Mark was born Oct. 29, 1861, and is a carpenter and machinist, resident at Sycamore. Clark was born Aug. 30, 1864, and died April 5, 1865. Myrtie was born Dec. 25, 1865; Mary, Aug. 23, 1870; Grace, Nov. 17, 1874; Fenton, Dec. 7, 1877.

In the fall of 1866 Mr. Chamberlain bought a farm in the township of South Grove, De Kalb County, consisting of 80 acres situated on section 16, where the family resided six years, the proprietor being occupied in the improvement and cultivation of his property. In 1872 he rented the farm and removed to Sycamore. In 1875 he sold the place and entered the hardware store of Warren & Ellwood as a salesman. A year later the proprietors sold their interests to Harkness & Whittemore, who conducted the establishment until 1878, when Mr. Chamberlain became a partner by the purchase of an interest, and the firm style became Whittemore, Chamberlain & Co. Their establishment is one of the largest in the line of hardware, and all branches commonly connected therewith, in the county, and they also have a jobbing department. Their business requires one general assistant and two tinners.

quarter of section 32, and north half of the northeast quarter of section 33, Cortland Township, was born in Fermanagh, Ireland, March 26, 1815. His parents, Thomas and Ellen (Graham) Holland, passed all their life in their native land, Ireland. At the age of 23 or 24 Mr. Robert Holland left his native land, where he was brought up on a farm and obtained a limited education in a boys' school, and came to the "land *^- of opportunity," in a sail vessel, landing at New York 5? in May, 1839. He first labored for three months in -&- a brick-yard at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., then a year for = a hotel-keeper in the country near by (Dutchess^' County) ; next, he followed manual labor for five years, farming and gardening, in the town of Richfield, Fairfield Co., Conn.; then for nine years more he worked by the day and followed ox-teaming, in the same town; and finally, in 1854, he came to Kaneville, this State, purchased 80 acres of land, and began to make a home. Finding a few temporary improvements on the place, he extended theml and rendered the place more valuable for ten years, | X when he sold it and bought his present farm of 240! acres. It also was partly improved when he took possession of it, and he has raised its value from $30 to $65 per acre. He lias enlarged the dwelling, and now has a good frame house ; also a good grain and stock barn and all the necessary out-buildings.

Mr. Holland was married June 28, 1843, in Ridge-i field, Conn., to Miss Grace, daughter of Thomas S. and Emily (Gilbert) Keeler. Mrs. H.'s parents died. 8 in Connecticut, her father a little over 40 years of/j age and her mother at the age of 62. One of her* grandfathers was a Revolutionary soldier, dren have been born in the family of Mr. Holland viz.: Thomas, April 28, 1846; George, May 31, 184 eorge O. Warren, of the firm of Warren & Pond, jewelers, at Sycamore, was born July 2, 1853, in Allegany Co., N. Y., and is the son of Luke A. and Ursula (Foster) Warren. He is one of a family of eight children, seven of whom are living. William H. is a gauger by profession, and resides in Dakota. Mary L. is the wife of J. E. Southworth and lives at Santa Clara, Cal. Sarah E. married Arthur E. Wilbur, of Clinton, Iowa. Alta R. is the wife of William Campbell, a farmer near Mason, Michigan. Michael F. is a jeweler in De Kalb. John F. is a dealer in fruits and vegetables at Galveston, Texas. George O. was born next in order. Abi died Feb. 2, 1858, aged 21 months. In 1864 the family settled in Fulton, Whiteside Co., 111., and resided there about two years, going thence to Ogle Co., 111., where they lived until the spring of 1871. At that date the father bought 50 acres of land in Cortland Township, De Kalb County, of which he retained possession 10 years. In 1882 he sold the farm and the parents removed to Sycamore.

Mr. Warren began the acquisition of the details of his profession when he was 18 years of age, at Buda, 111., continuing there about a year, when he came to Sycamore and entered the jewelry establishment of his brother, Michael F., and operated under his supervision until the fall of 1874, when, associated with his brother-in-law, J. E. Southworth, he opened a jewelry store in a part of the building now occupied by Ellwood & Sivwright. Mr. Southworth became sole proprietor of the business nearly two years later, and Mr. Warren purchased another stock of goods and founded a business in the same line, which he conducted about eight years. March 20, 1884, he and his present partner, C. C. Pond, consolidated their stocks and have since conducted a joint busi-' ness, which they are rriai. aging with success and satisfaction to the public. They trade in watches, clocks jewelry, table and pocket cutlery, optical goods and musical instruments. Mr. Warren is a member of the order of Modern Woodmen of America.

Hrs wife was formerly Jennie C. Smith, to whom he was married Jan. 13, 1875. She was born March 6, 1854, near Detroit, and is the adopted daughter of Spafford and Eliza Smith, of Sycamore. One son, SpafFord S., has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Warren. They are members of the Baptist Church.

emuel C. Harris, farmer, section 27, Genoa Township, was born May 26, 1832, in Genesee Co., N. Y. His father, John Harris, was also born in the same State, Jan. 13, 1784, and married Irena Curtis, a native of Vermont. After their marriage they settled in the Empire State, coming West later in life and settling in Oakland Co., Mich. The father died there Dec. 29, 1839. The mother died in Genoa Township in the fall of 1865. They had four children, - Paulina, Philo, Sina and Lemuel C.

Mr. Harris came to Michigan with his parents when he was but two years of age. In 1844 he came to Boone Co., 111., and lived with his uncle, Philo Curtis, under whose charge he remained four years. He then opened an independent career for himself, engaging as a farm assistant and working by the month seven years. He came to De Kalb County in 1851 and bought a farm in Genoa Township, where he settled and resided two years. He then exchanged his estate for a farm of 120 acres in the same Township, where he established his homestead. The place is wholly under improvements. Mr. Harris is a Republican in political bias and supports the issues of the party. He is a member of the Order of Odd Fellows.

The first marriage of Mr. Harris occurred at Sycamore, Jan. i, 1855, when Caroline C. Durham became his wife, and of their union three children were born: Edgar D., May 14, 1857; Edna C., Dec. 31, 1860; and Caroline, Oct. 28, 1864. The latter died when six weeks old. The decease of the mother occurred Nov. 21, 1864. Nov. 24, 1868, Mr. Harris was a second time married, to Mary E. Stark, at Belviderc. She was born in the township of Sycamore, Jan. i, 1845. Her parents, Marshall and Louisa (Tyler) Stark, were natives of Pennsylvania and in 1835 settled in the township of Sycamore, where her father died Dec. 26, 1882. Their ten children were named Herman, Martha, Mary, Jefferson, Henry, Theron, Ada, Ella, Emma and Hattie. Mr. and Mrs. Harris have one child, Jefferson S., born March 3, 1870.

liel T. Lane, farmer on the southwest quarter of section 21, Cortland Township, where he has 40 acres, was born in Sanbornton, Belknap Co., N. H., June 6, 1825. His father, Simeon Lane, was a farmer, and died in New Hampshire, aged 75 years. His mother, Huldah, nee Robinson, died also in that State, at the age of 59 years.

The latter lived in his native State until 25 years of age, on a farm, working by the month the several years of this period. In 1850 he came West and located in St. Charles, Kane Co., 111., where he engaged in manual labor by the day for seven years or more. He then went to Warrenville, Du Page Co., 111., and rented a farm two or three years; then rented a farm near St. Charles for a year. By this time the need of the nation for soldiers became so great that Mr. Lane concluded to risk his life in the Union cause.' In August, r862, therefore, he enlisted, in Co. E, 1 27th 111. Vol. Inf., Captain Gillett, Colonel Van Arman, in the I5th Army Corps, under Gen. John A. Logan. He took part in five battles, - two at Vicksburg, and one each at Little Rock, Resaca and Dallas (Ga.), - in which last he was wounded, May 7, 1864, by a minie ball that grazed the top of his "head. He then went into the convalescent camp at Nashville, Tenn., where he did duty until he was discharged.

Returning to Warrenville, he was on a farm for three years, when he sold the place and took possession of his present farm. Here he first had 80 acres, but has since sold half the place. He is a Republican in his political views, but neither he nor Mrs. L. is a member of any Church.

He was first married June i, 1853, to Sarah Pervere. Her parents, George and Hannah Pervere, both died in the Old Granite State. She was born Sept. 24, 1830, and died April 12, 1856, leaving one child, Luella, who was born July 31, 1854, in St. Charles, 111. Mr. Lane was married a second time Sept. 19, 1858, in Warrenville, 111., to Miss Helen Pelham, daughter of George and Louisa (Hovenden) Pelham, natives of England. Her father was born March 19, 1809, and died Jan. 27, 1884; her mother, born Dec. 28, 1809, is still living, in Warrenville, with a son. They, with a family of six children, emigrated to Huron Co., Ohio, in the winter of 1841, just after the death of one of their children. After residing in the latter place three years they came to Warrenville, locating upon a farm he purchased in the vicinity. Mrs. Lane was born July 29, 1833, in England, and was eight years old when the family emigrated to this country. Her parents came here poor, but by frugality they in time accumulated a handsome amount of property. Mr. Pelham, by his death, left a large circle of mourning friends. He had led a noble Christian life.

Mr. and Mrs. Lane's children are the following : George S., born Jan. 7, 1860; Albert M., Aug. 26, 1861 ; Huldah L., Feb. 14, 1863, died March 21, following, and was buried in her grandfather's dooryard in Warrenville; Lillian B., Sept. 4, 1866; and Henry I., Aug. 28, 1870. The first two and the fourth were born in Warrenville; Huldah L. was born in Wheaton, 111., and the last in Cortland Township, at the present place of residence.

arry Ewing, photographer at Sycamore, was born Jan. 31, 1858, in New Brighton, Beaver Co., Pa., and is the son of Ebenezer and Sarah C. (Bechtel) Ewing. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and later in life removed to Galesburg, 111., where his father died, in 1880. His (Harry's) mother is still living there. Their four children are living: Ella married Leon Simon, a druggist of Chicago ; Frances and Mattie are the two youngest.

ffor his business at Galesburg, with Z. P. McMillen. under whose instructions he operated two years, and ^ afterward was connected two years with C. A. Winsor of the same place. Going thence to Marshalltown, he operated two years and' came thence to Sycamore in May, 1881. He became an employee of G. W. Taylor, photographer, and after six months purchased the establishment where he had been employed and is still engaged in its management. Many of the portraits in this ALBUM are reproduced from photographs taken by him.

ilium King, farmer, section 34, Genoa Township, was born June 5, 1817, in Essex Co., N. Y., and is the son of Reuben and Roxana (De Wolf) King. His parents were natives of Massachusetts, where they resided some years after their marriage, and subsequently removed to the State of New York. On their emigration to De Kalb County they located in Genoa Township, going later to pass the last years of their lives with a daughter in Kane Co., 111., and there died.

Mr. King is next the youngest in order of birth of ii children born to his parents. He lived in his native county until he was 19 years of age, when he went to Trumbull Co., Ohio, and there he maintained a residence until 1849, the date of his removal to the State of Illinois. He settled in Genoa Township, where he has been a citizen since, with the exception of two years which he passed in Nebraska. He is a Republican in political connection and accepts the tenets of the party. He has held several of the minor local official positions.

He was first married to Hannah (Dowd) Miller, widow of William Miller, in Trumbull Co., Ohio. She bore him five children, - Nelson, Alva D., Alfred, Melvin and Emma. The mother was a native of New York, and died in the township of Sycamore, 2, 1877. Mr. King was married the second time June 3, 1877, in Genoa Township, to Harriet L., daughter of Joseph and Julia A. (Haskins) Dano. Herbert, Keuben and Justin are the names of the children born of the second marriage. Mrs. King was born Jan. 3, 1856, in Leeds Co., Ont. Her parents were born in the State of New York, and after their marriage settled in the Dominion of Canada, where her father died. Her mother lives at Sycamore.

eorge M. Sivwright, of the firm of Ellwood & Sivwright, grocers, etc., at Sycamore, was born Dec. 2, 1837, in Cornwallis, Kings Co., N. S., and is the son of James M. and Prudence (Eaton) Sivwright. His father was born in Windsor, N. S., Feb. 20, 1804, and began his business life as a tanner and boot and shoe manufacturer at Cornwallis, where he operated until he removed his family to Sycamore in 1844. He became a landholder in the township of Mayfield, De Kalb County, and died on the homestead, Dec. 24, 1878. George's mother was born in 1807, in Cornwallis, N. S., and died at the home of her youngest son in Sycamore, Nov. 25, 1881. Five of their seven children are living. David L. resides in Hutchinson, Me Leod Co., Minn., is a farmer and farrier and ex-Sheriff of the county where he resides, is a man of wealth and position and a decided Republican. Susan H. married E. B. Harned, a farmer in the township of Sycamore and owning an extensive tract of land. Eunice died in the i7th year of her life. George M. is the next in order of birth. Alexander is a traveling salesman in the interests of the Marsh-Whitney Binder Company. Wentworth E. is a clerk 'in a hardware store at Sycamore. James L. resides on the homestead in Mayfield Township. William Wells is deceased.

Mr. Sivwright was seven years of age when his parents located in De Kalb County, and he was brought up on the farm. On arriving at man's estate he became the proprietor of 120 acres of land in the township of Mayfield, and was actively engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1872. In that year he accepted a position as conductor on the Sycamore & Cortland Railroad and officiated six years. On the termination of that engagement he traveled some months as collector of the R. Ellwood Manufacturing Company. He acceded to a half interest in the business in which he is engaged in March, 1881, purchasing his claim of the senior member of the firm. The business is extensive and popular, and represents an estimated investment of $to,ooo. Their stock includes full lines of groceries, drugs, oils, paints, crockery, etc., and they utilize nearly the entire space of the three-story building which they occupy.

Mr. Sivwright is a prominent member of the Order of Odd Fellows, and has filled successively all the chairs of the Subordinate Lodge and Encampment.

He was married Dec. 26, 1860, in Kingston, De Kalb County, to Maria L., daughter of Thomas and Temperance Fairclo. Mrs. Sivwright was born Dec. 22, 1840, at Morristown, N. J.

Guy T. Sivwright, only child, was boui Aug. 30, 1861, in Mayfield Township. He grew to manhood the idol of his parents, his succeeding years developing the fulfillment of the promises of his childhood and youth. He was carefully educated, and finished his studies at Valparaiso, Ind., College, where he was graduated and afterwards was an assistant in his father's business about one year. He possessed an admirable character and won the esteem of young and old. He was fitted for a life of usefulness, but all he might have been on earth and the hopes of those who loved him were blotted out by the darkwinged destroyer. In the fall of 1883, he sustained an injury from a fall in the skating-rink, which resulted in spinal abscess, and from which he died June 15, 1884.

orace Haskins, farmer, section 34, Genoa Township, is the son of John and Mary (Talman) Haskins, both of whom were natives of the State of New York, where the father was born Feb. 13, 1781, and died March 17, 1856. The mother of Horace was born Aug. 28, 1783, and died March 22, 1825. Her ancestors came over in the Mayflower. Mr. Haskins was again married Nov. 3, 1825, to Mrs. Mary Winters. She had five children by her first husband.

The subject of this sketch is the tenth in order of birth of a family of 13 children, and was born Nov. 17, 1820, in Jefferson Co., N. Y. When he was 23 years of age, he came to Illinois by the lake route, making his way to Chicago on board a sail-boat, which he assisted in building. He came from the Garden City directly to St. Charles, in Kane County, where he made a brief stay, and later proceeded to Genoa Township and engaged in the cultivation and improvement of 80 acres of land, of which he became the proprietor by purchase. To this he has added until he now owns 262 acres in De Kalb County, besides valuable farming tracts in the States of Nebraska, Michigan and Iowa. His stock on his home farm comprises about 50 head of cattle, seven horses and a quantity of stock of other varieties.

Mr. Haskins is one of the solid and influential citizens of De Kalb County. He was the possessor of $5-37 V* wr»en he arrived in Chicago, and is now the proprietor of an estate worth $50,000. He brought the first scouring plow into De Kalb County. In character he is justly rated as a generous, liberal and public-spirited man, enlisting warmly in all enterprises which promise general benefit to the community.

The marriage of Mr. Haskins to Mariah Bebee occurred March n, 1841, in Lorraine, Jefferson Co., N. Y. She was born in that place June 19, 1820, and is the daughter of John and Sarah (Clark) Bebee,- who had a family of 10 children. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Haskins has included seven children, two of whom are living: M*ary E., born May 19, 1846, is the- wife of John Haines and resides in Sycamore Township; Martha M., born Nov. 22, 1852, and married to a farmer of Cortland Township, of the name of Daniel Beebe (not Bebee). Four children died in infancy, and one, the oldest, died on the lakes while the family were en route for Illinois, and was buried at Milwaukee. The adopted son of Mr. and Mrs. Haskins was received into the family July 27, 1870, and named Horace Clarence Haskins.

The portrait of Mr. Haskins, accompanying this sketch, presents the features of a physiognomy indicating a solid man, a substantial citizen and a reliable support of all enterprises and principles that commend themselves to his intuition of right. He has ever distinguished himself for his energy in pushing forward every enterprise inaugurated for the good of his community. None are more generous in aiding every such undertaking, and none more unselfi in their devotion to the general welfare and progres

%* of his people than is Mr. Haskins. While he has de- (^ voted much time and money for the good of others, he has by rare good business sagacity been able to accumulate a goodly fortune since he came to this county. The portrait of Mr. Haskins is engraved from a photograph taken in 1 884.

ames S. Russell, Police Magistrate^esident at De Kalb, was born Sept. 25, 1834, in Warren Co., Ind. His parents, John and Mary A. (Fleming) Russell, were natives of Ohio and settled in De Kalb County - in the spring of 1848. They located on a farm in Kingston Township, where the mother died Dec. 28, 1879. Their seven children were named James S., Westly D., Robert W., Sylvester S., David F., Milton D., Reuben A. and Sarah J.

At the date of the removal of the family to De Kalb County, Mr. Russell was 14 years old. The first 19 years of his life were devoted to labor on his father's farm and in securing his education at the common schools. From that period until he was 22 he attended Mount Morris Seminary, in Ogle County. On completing his studies he went to Wyoming, Iowa, and was occupied through the following year as a book-keeper. Returning to Kingston, he engaged in the management of a part of the homestead farm, which he worked on shares for nine years.

In August, 1867, he came to De Kalb and purchased a half interest in the livery establishment of S. Duffy, succeeding to the sole proprietorship in the spring of 1868. In 1881 he sold the livery with its equipments to Orlando Carter. He next engaged as traveling salesman in the interests of the Superior Barb Wire Company and occupied that position six months. In the fall of 1881 he became an owner by purchase of an interest in a hardware house, the property of a body of stockholders, of whom Mr. Russell was President. At the end of four months he terminated his connection with the company. In the spring of 1884 he was elected to the office of Police Magistrate of De Kalb, which position has since monopolized his time and attention.

Mr. Russell is prominent as an agriculturist and owns 160 acres of improved land in Afton Township. He has officiated as President, Secretary and Treas- urer of De Kalb County Agricultural Society, and has discharged the duties of several local official positions. He has been a member of the Board of Education through several terms, and occupied the position of President of that body. He has been active and influential in educational matters since he has resided in the county. He officiated one year as President of the City Council and was by virtue of that office Supervisor of his township. He was Clerk of Kingston Township during his residence there. Politically Mr. Russell is a Republican. He has been a sufferer from the results of a severe attack of rheumatism since 1860. He was violently ill during 35 days, and has been seriously disabled since.

He was married June 14, 1858, to Margaret, daughter of William and Ellison Cooper. The family of Mcs. Russell were at that date residents of De Kalb County, but in 1880 sold the homestead in Kingston Township and removed to their present location in Belvidere, Boone County. Mr. and Mrs. Russell have three children. J. Alva was born Dec. 28, 1862; R. Arthur, April 24, 1870; Mabel C.,Sept. 14, 1872.

Four brothers of Mr. Russell entered the military service of the United States during the war of the Rebellion, three of whom lost their lives. Westly D. enlisted in the I3th 111. Vol. Inf., and died in Kingston Township, from the consequences of disease contracted in the army. Robert W. became a soldier in the 42d Regt. 111. Vol. Inf. He was killed in a charge on a rebel' battery in the battle of Stone River. David F. belonged to the 951)1 III. Inf., and died in the hospital at Vicksbury;.

eander P. Kellogg, farmer, section 3, Genoa Township, was born Aug. 4, 1826, in Essex, Vt. His parents, Orlando and Mary A. (Place) Kellogg were natives of Massachusetts and had 10 children. Mr. Kellogg is the eldest child of his father and mother, and was a resident of his native State until he was 18 years of age, when, in 1844, he removed to McHenry Co., 111. He passed a winter there, and in the spring of the year following came to De Kalb County, locating in Genoa Township. He operated the greater portion of the time for 20 years as a teamster between

In 1 846 he pre-empted 80 acres of land on section 3, where he has since maintained his homestead, and has doubled his acreage. His entire landed property is under cultivation. He is a Republican in political conviction and principle. Though often urged to accept local official positions he has persistently declined. In 1852 he was appointed Postmaster of Ney, in which position he served continuously eight years. He has since officiated as Assistant Postmaster.

He was married Jan. 20, 1847, in Sycamore, to Harriet M. Hutchason, and they have seven children, - Clarke O., Harriet J., Leslie VV., Hutchason A., Harlow O., Edward E. and L. D. The parents of Mrs. Kellogg, Clarke and Elizabeth (Bradley) Hutchason, were natives of New York. The father died there and the mother married Ira Manning. They came to De Kalb County in 1846, and later in life settled in Michigan, where they died. Mrs. Kellogg is the third of a family of six children, and was born Sept. 21, 1827, in Niagara Co., N. Y. She is a member of the Free Methodist Church, and Mr. Kellogg is a true Christian man.

eorge E. Stafford, of the firm of Dayton & Stafford, stock dealers at Sycamore, was born Sept. 22, 1831, in Preston, Chenango Co., N. Y. Isaac Stafford, his father, was born in Vermont and married Lucy Seymour, f a native of the State of New York, after his removal there. Later they came to Cortland Township, De Kalb County, where the mother died Feb. 16, 1876. The father died there July 21, 1883. Three of their five children are now living: Saxa is a farmer in Cortland Township ; and Isaac is a physician in Harrison, Madison Co., Montana.

Mr. Stafford was reared to the pursuit of agriculture, and came to De Kalb County in 1857. He was about 24 years of age when he became the proprietor of 27 acres of land in Cortland Township, situated on sections 15 and 22. From this beginning he has increased his possessions until he is the sole owner of 205 acres of land in that township, a half interest in 444 acres, and a third interest in 160 acres, all lying within the same township. He^remained there resident until the spring of 1884, the date of his removal to Sycamore. In November of the same year he formed his present business relation with James Dayton and entered upon the purchase and shipment of stock to Chicago.

Mr. Stafford was married Nov. 17, 1858, in the township of Cortland, to Christina, daughter of Peter and Isabel Youngs. Two children resulted from this union, namely, Emily, who is the wife of Charles A. Lattin, and Frank G., who is a dealer in live stock in Sycamore.

ohn Gould, farmer, section 22, Cortland f Township, having 34 acres in the southern part of the section and 120 acres in all, was born in town of Harmon, Kennebec Co., Maine, Oct. 8, 1814. His parents, Abel and Mary (Kelly) Gould, are deceased and buried at Ohio Grove Church. They were probably natives of Maine, and moved to the State of New York when John was a babe, and soon to Meigs Co., Ohio, where a farm had been purchased and where they lived seven years or more; they then sold out and removed to Jefferson Co., Ind., rented a farm for a number of years, then lived in Dearborn County, in the southeastern corner of that State, until 1840, when they came to this county, with horse teams, arriving Nov. 15, not more than three miles from Mr. G.'s present residence. He died Dec. 7, 1858, aged about 77 years. John's mother was an orphan, brought up by Judge North in her native State (Maine), and died in September, 1865, at the age of 83 years.

Mr. John Gould, whose name heads this sketch, was first married Feb. 4, 1838, in Dearborn Co., Ind., to Mary Ann Johnson, who was born in that State in

Johnson. She died in this (Cortland) township, in the spring of 1845, and is buried in the Ohio Grove (or Baptist Church) Cemetery. Her three children are: George H., born April 25, 1839, and died Nov. 4, 1863, at Nashville, Tenn., and was a member of Co. C, ioSth 111. Vol. Inf., and died in the service; Mary E., born May 15, 1841, married Wm. Blackman, Dec. 23, 1866, and lives in Dakota; and SB- brina A., born July 5, 1843, married Luther Wheeler, March 5, 1860, and is residing in this township. Oct. i, 1848, Mr. Gould married Miss Caroline, daughter of James and Hannah (Merrow) Wheeler. Her father was a native of Massachusetts and died in February, 186 1 (or thereabout), in Maine; and her mother, born in Winthrop, Me., died in the same State, in 1867, at the age of about 7 8 years. Mrs. G. was also born in Winthrop, Jan. 29, 181 r, and she has two daughters, namely : Elvira R., born April 18. 1850, and married Joseph Snyder, Dec. 24, 1868; and Clotilda Jane, born Aug. 5, 1852, married John I. Simons, Nov. 20, 1873, and lives in Dakota.

Mr. Gould had a very limited school education in his youth, especially in mathematics, as that seemed peculiarly difficult to him; but he has nevertheless battled successfully with the world. He is a venerble old settler here, having occupied his present farm ever since the year 1847. In his political principles he votes with the Republican party, and he, as well as Mrs. G., is a member of the Free-will Baptist Church at Ohio Grove, having been one of the first members of that congregation and has been an officer in the Church.

eorge H. Kesler, farmer, section 1 6, Genoa Township, has been a resident of De Kalb County since 1859, with the exception of two years, which he passed in Burlington, Kane Co., 111., the date of his parents' removal hither. He was born Aug. 7, 1839, in Orleans Co., N. Y., and is next the youngest in birth of 10 children. His brothers and sisters were Abraham, Phebe, Mary, Eliza, Andrew, James, Lyman, Horace and John. His parents, Philip and Betsey (House) Kesler, were natives respectively of Germany and the State of New York. The father died in the township of Genoa Oct. 22, 1880; the mother's demise occurred July 3, 1864.

Mr. Kesler is one of the substantial farmers of his township and county, and is the owner of 325 acres of valuable farming land, which is nearly all under cultivation. He is a Republican in political faith and relations, and has held various local offices.

eight children, four of whom are still living, namely: Lillie M., who married F. B. Fieste, Sept. 4, 1884; George G., Luella and Elinor S. Those deceased were named Ira J., Adaline, Robert S. and Em.nett. The parents of Mrs. Kesler, Robert and Susanna' (Rutti) Smith, were natives respectively of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. She is the second of four children, and was born Oct. 12, 1841, in New Jersey.

dolphus W. Brower, resident at Sycamore, was born Aug. 13, 1845, ijj Kenosha Co., Wis. In paternal descent he is a representative of the Hollanders who settled the State of New York in 1620. His paternal great-grandfather came from the Netherlands, in a vessel commanded by Hendrick Hudson and called " Die Guten Fraii " (the good woman), and, with his wife, Jemima (Quackenboss) Brower, settled at Nyack on the Jersey shore. Later he went to the State of New York, where he was a pioneer settler, and was identified with the class distinguished as " Knickerbockers."

Adolphus Brower, son of the above, was born July 31, 1777, and married Elizabeth Baker. She was born Feb. 25, 1775, and became the mother of three sons and four daughters. The husband was fifemajor in the war of 1812. The threatened invasion of the British aroused the latent indignation of the people, and men and women alike devoted themselves to the labor of erecting intrenchments. The chorus of a song which was then popular and manifested the quality of the prevailing spirit, ran as fol-* lows :

William B. Brower, their youngest son, was born Oct. 6, 1803, in Brooklyn, N. Y. He was married March 20, 1825, to Paulina Broadway. Her father, Frasier Broadway, was born April 16, 1778, and in 1800 was married to Hannah Weed. She was born Sept. i, 1777, and died aged 84 years. Their family comprised four daughters and four sons. All the latter, in later life, pursued the calling of their father, who was a butcher. T. E. and Alfred' Broadway, became prominent in their business and were located at 844 Broadway, New York, for many years. W. B. Brower went to Wisconsin in 1837, and was among the earliest pioneers of Salem, afterwards called Wheatland, and now known as Randall, the original township being now divided into three distinct towns. He left New York Aug. 7, of the year named, and arrived at what is now Kenosha on the first day of September following. At the date of his location the Menomonee or Black Hawk Indians were numerous in the vicinity. On the admission of Wisconsin as a Slate, in 1848, he was one of the first appointees to the position of Justice of the Peace by the Governor. Paulina (Broadway) Brower was born June 30, 1805, in Vermont, and became the mother of eight children. Elizabeth was born May 12, 1828, and is the wife of Henry Parrnelee, of Geneva, Wis. John H. was born May 8, 1832, and is engaged in speculating at Kenosha, Wis. William B., born May 20, 1834, is the manager of the homestead. Hannahborn May 5, 1839, is the wife of V. C. Reynolds, and resides on the home farm. Anna, born May i, 1843, is the wife of M. L. Hoffman, a stock dealer in Kenosha County. A. W. is the next in order of birth. Emmeline, born Aug. 27, 1849, married William Wilcox, of Geneva, Wis. One child died in infancy.

Mr. Brower was brought up at home in the Badger State until he was 15 years of age, when he was placed at a business college in St. Louis, Mo. He made a special study of penmanship, and devoted six months to the acquisition of a complete knowledge of telegraphy. Soon after returning home he went to the city of New York, and a few months later became interested in travel. He came to Sycamore in 1872, and, associated with Marshall Stark (deceased), engaged in the sale of lumber, pursuing that enterprise about two years. He formed his present business connection May i, 1877, by the purchase of an interest in the firm relations of Whittemore & Chamberlain, the copartnership now comprising three members. They carry an average stock of $[3,500, including all the lines of goods common to such establishments and suited to their patronage. Their business embraces, besides the ordinary trade in hardware, a large amount of repairing.

Stark. She is the daughter of Marshall and Louisa ^f Stark, and was born at Sycamore, Feb. 10, 1857. Mr. *jj and Mrs. Brower have two children : Anna was was born Feb. 24, 1878; and Floyd E. was born Aug. 4, 1880. Their first child, Marshall William, was born Aug. 25, 1876, and died when about 10 weeks old.

ester P. Wood, Sheriff of De Kalb County, resident at Sycamore, was born March 27, 1839, in Erie, Pa. His parents, George L. and Margaret (Conrad) Wood, belonged to the agricultural class. The former was born in the city of Hartford, Conn., and died on his farm in the township of Kingston, De Kalb County, Jan. 23, 1864. The mother of Lester P. was born in Erie, Pa., and died on the homestead Aug. 2, 1880. Of their children,! Elizabeth and Roxy, the oldest in date of birth, are deceased ; Abigail E. married John D. Dyer, marketman at Sycamore ; George E. is a resident of Laporte, Ind., and is in the Unked States mail service ; and Jane M. is deceased.

Mr. Wood is the oldest son and third child. He was reared on his father's farm, where he was instructed in agricultural labor during the farming seasons and attended school winters. He passed his boyhood and youth in this manner until he was 19 years of age, when he went to the seminary at Wheaton, DuPage Co., 111., and completed his education. On coming of age he became proprietary owner of 360 acres of valuable land in the township of Spring, Boone Co., 111., twelve miles nortn of Sycamore, of which he took possession in 1860 and continued its management until 1874. In that year he sold the property and returned to Erie, where he maintained his residence two years, and was occupied in the purchase and shipment of stock from Chicago to Eastern markets. He pursued the same line of business until the fall of 1879, coming at that time to Sycamore.

After a residence of a single year he secured, in the autumn of 1880, the election of Sheriff of De Kalb County on the Republican ticket, and in 1882 was re-elected without opposition to the same incumbency. The quality of the services rendered to the interests of De Kalb County by Mr. Wood are attested by his re-election, a procedure which reflects much credit on his supporters, and proves that the voting community of De Kalb County are not delinquent in the matter of recognizing and rewarding efficiency and merit. Mr. Wood belongs to the Order of Knights Templars and other Masonic bodies.

His marriage to Ellen C. Zimmerman occurred Aug. 28, 1858, at Erie, Pa. Mrs. Wood is the daughter of Frederick Zimmerman, and was born Oct. 6, 1842, at Erie. The three children born of this union are as follows: Jane M. was born Aug. 18, iS6o, and is the wife of W. F. Sell, marketman of Sycamore. Addie Z. is the second child; George F., only son and youngest child, is Deputy Sheriff under his father. The children were born in Spring Township, Boone County.

ohn B. Whalen, real-estate, abstract and insurance agent, at Sycamore, was born Aug. 5, 1850, in Penfield, Monroe Co., N. Y. Harvey Whalen, his father, was born Dec. 22, 1809, in Milton, Saratoga Co., N. Y.; and has been a farmer throughout the course of his long life, being now -}$ years of age. He was also a local politician of prominence and influence, and is still living in Penfield, N. Y. John B.'s mother, Lucinda (Watson) Whalen, was born in Monroe Co., N. Y., and died in 1854. Their five children are living. Mr. Whalen is the second in order of birth. The oldest, Henry V., is an engineer and lives in Michigan. Charles H., Wilson and Howard live in Penfield with their father.

Mr. Whalen was reared in the varied occupations incident to the life of a farmer's son, and when about 1 8 years of age became a traveler in the Eastern States, engaging in that occupation one year. In iS-jo he came to Braidwood, 111., and remained there eight months, acting as accountant in the mercantile establishment of L. H. Goodrich. He went subsequently to Gardner, 111., where he operated a year in the same capacity. In 1872 he became a resident of De Kalb County, his first engagement in business being as book-keeper for J. H. Rogers at Sycamore, where he was occupied nine months. He relinquished the position to accept an appointment as Deputy Circuit Clerk under E. F. Dutton. He filled the position three years and in iSj6 bought the abstract office of De Kalb County, which he has since conducted and is the owner of the only complete set of abstracts in the county. He does a considerable business in real estate and represents eight fire insurance companies and one life insurance, viz.: Royal, London, Liverpool & Globe, also the Lancashire of England. Hartford, Continental, National of Hartford, Westchester & Northwestern National and the Connecticut Mutual Life Association.

Mr. Whalen officiated as Alderman of Sycamore from 1879 to 1883. He is President of the Sycamore Athenaeum, and is President and General Manager of the Russell Manufacturing Company, at that place, an association engaged in the manufacture of paints and varnishes. He is the owner of his place of residence and of a considerable amount of real estate variously located.

Mr. Whalen was married April 25, 1876, in Sycamore, to Nellie Farndon. Wallace W., only child of this union, was born May 5, 1877. Mrs. Whalen was born Nov. 10, 1852, in Troy, N. Y. She has been a resident of Sycamore since four years of age, and was brought up in the family of the late James S. Waterman.

eter N. Corson, a retired farmer, resident at Genoa, was born Oct. 6, 1819, in Pennsylvania, of which State his mother, Elizabeth (Buck) Corson, was a native, his father, John a - Corson, having been born in New Jersey. The <y> family of n children were born as follows: Hannah, Catherine A., Peter N., Sarah, Susan, Henry, Lavina, Daniel, Alfred, Harriet and Lucretia.

Mr. Corson was a farmer in his native State until 1869. In the spring of that year he bought 160 acres of land in Genoa Township in De Kalb County, of which he took possession and occupied it about eight years, selling a portion of his acreage in 1877, and removing in that year to the village of which he has * * since been a resident. In political faith he is a Republican.

enry Pooler, farmer, having 325 acres on section i$, Cortland Township, was born July 24, 1804, in Dutchess Co., N. Y. When a year old his parents, Jacob and Betsy (Price) Pooler, moved to the town of Schuyle^ Herkimer County, that State, and a year later to Warren Township, same county, then back to Schuyler, then to Warren a second time, and finally bought a farm in German Flats. The mother died in that county ; the father died in Montgomery Co., N. Y., and was buried in his son Joseph's burying-ground at Warren.

Henry remained in Herkimer County most of the time until he was of age, then worked out by the year or month for about three years ; next, for three years he labored upon his father-in-law's farm for a consideration of 50 acres of land; then he bought a farm of 65 acres, to which he subsequently added until he had an aggregate of 151 acres, in German Flats. In 1 86 1 he came to this county on a visit to his daughter, when he made a purchase of 150 acres, to which he has since added by further purchases until he has a total of 325 acres. He now has a fine farm and a splendid home, all earned by his own industry and wise economy, and without speculation. On the sth of March, 1828, he married Miss Margaret, a daughter of Nicholas and Lana (Passage) Shoemaker, and of German ancestry. She was born June 7, 1802, in German Flats, N. Y. Of the five children born in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Pooler, three are living: Almira, born March 22, 1829, and married John Christman Sept. 10, 1852, in German

Flats, N. Y., and died December 16, following, in De Kalb County; Henry, born April 22, 1833, in Herkimer Co., N. Y., died in the same county Oct. 28, 1834; Philany, bom July 19, 1835, married John Christman in October, 1857; he died Oct. 9, 1863, from injuries received from a threshing-machine; Louisa, born Feb. 6, 1837, married Henry Christman, Dec. 28, 1854, who died Jan. 4, 1883; William F. was born April 26, 1840, and is now living near Lake City, Iowa. The foregoing births all took place in Herkimer Co., N. Y. Mr. Pooler's grandmother was of Low Dutch ancestry, and died in Schuyler Township, Herkimer Co., N. Y. His grandfather was of New England ancestry, and was killed in Schuyler Township by being thrown from a wagon. Mrs. Pooler's mother died at the age of 59, and her father, a farmer, died at the age of 87.

Mr. Pooler has a good, large frame residence, a large frame barn, and his farm is estimated at $65 per acre. He is a Republican in his political sentiments.

ineca H. Willis, farmer, section 36, Genoa Township, has been a resident of De Kalb County since 1852, and has belonged to its agricultural element since 1860, when he began his independent operations by working his father's farm on shares one year. He engaged with his father as an assistant and continued to operate in that capacity seven years. In 1868 he bought a farm in Genoa Township, containing 117 acres. He now owns 120 acres additional, and of the entire tract has placed 150 acres under improvement. In political faith he is a Republican.

Mr. Willis was born Aug. 5, 1841, in Warren Co., N. Y. He was 10 years of .age when his parents, David W. and Laura M. (Halladay) Willis, removed to De Kalb County. They are natives of Vermont, and after marriage settled in the State of New York, whence they removed to Illinois, settling in the township of Sycamore, where they have since resided. Their children were named Seneca H., Morgan, A r^ -^g^uir- -»lj@^f(