Douglas County, Illinois - Biographical sketches, 1900 (part 2 of 5)

cidents which marked the early Imntier lite, when the i)resent (dninii inw eallh id Kentucky fiirnied a cnunlx' of Xiri^inia. lie was l.iorn in \ irgini.i, and about the breakin^^ out oi the Rexiilulii mars- war resided in Kentucky. The maiden name id his second wile was Sarah l)r\anl. ^he beinj^' a member nf the family which i^axe the name tn the fort known as I5r}'ant's .Station, celebrated in the annals of the earl\- histiJiv uf Kentucky, ('harles I'iice took part with l)aniel lloone in the ad\entures w liich ha\e ukkIc histi >rii' I lie In mie i d' the earlv pioneers. He bought of llcinne a tract of land in what is now Fayette county, and settled there. T^.oone subsequently lust nearly all of his e.'-tates in Kentucky thniugh his carelessness in neglecting to record anil prove his title, and among the tracts which ch.anged ownership in consef|uence was the une occujiied by Charles Rice. One thousand and six Inmdred acres

Martin Rice

Martin Rice, who was. up to the time of hi> death, in if^H^, prominently identified with the interests and growth (d' the count}', caiue to Illinois in 1849, and to what is now Camargo township in 1853. He was descended from old Virginia and Kentucky families, and his grandfather, Charles Rice, was a ])iijneer in the were subse(|uentl\' cnntirmed to Boone, and of wilderness of Kentucky, a companion of Daniel tliis, in Cdiiiijensatinn fur his loss, he gave Rice Boone, and a particip;ml in the rdmrmtic in- ;i purtiun lying within the presents limits of

Madison county, and here Charles Rice lived to the close of liis eventful life. He had borne the hardshijjs and dangers of frontier life, had heen through tlie memorable siege of Bryant's Station, and taken part in many other conflicts with the Indians of that tlay.

Martin Rice was born in Madison county, Kentucky, July 28, 1822. He was brought up on his father's farm, wliere he remained until after reaching his majority. He attended sulfscription school, which was of tlic rudest character, but he diligently improved his time and formed the foundation for a sound, practical business education. In the summer he spent the time working on the farm, and on No\ember 16, 1843, '^^ married Mary Ann Adams, wlm was a native of the same town in Kentucky. y\fter his marriage Mr. Rice tixik up his residence on a farm belonging to his father, where he lived for about four years. when he removed to Illinois. This was in Ni)- vemjaer, 1849. He settled in Coles county, nine miles cast of Charleston, lie purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, upon which he lived for four years. He found this tract tiMi smrdl to suit the ]ilans according to which he ])roposed to carr\- on agricultural operations, so in the fall of 1853 he disposed 01 his laml in Coles county and removed farther north. The jtlace in whicli lie settled is now the home of his son, luigene. Land here was cheaper, the location better and the soil richer than on his former farm. The neighborhood had but few residences. There were some settlements in the ncigiiborhood of Camargo, but with one exception no impro\enicnt had been made for eight miles west until the timber bordering on the Okaw was reached. As the country settled up Mr. Rice became recognized as one of the leaders in the community. He was deeply interested in the formation of Douglas county, and did all in his power to make the measure a success, there l.ieing considerable opposition at the time in some sections in Coles county, from which the territory was taken. After the. new county was organized he was a member of the first political convention ever .held in it. The convention, which placed in nomination the candidates chosen as the first board of county officers, was held in <i temporary board shanty on the farm of Col. McCarty, two and a half miles east of Tuscola. The men composing the ticket were nominated and elected irrespective of party. lu 1869, the second year after the township organizations were effected, Mr. K'ice was elected the first .supervisor of Camargo township, and re-elected i;i 1873, 1874 and 1875. He also took a deep interest in the cause of the common schools. In the early day he was a \\'hig in politics, and cast his first vote for Henry Clav, and later became a Republican. His first wife died in 1S69. His second marriage occurred October 25, 1871, to Mary Jane Caraway, a native of Virginia, and whose father's family came to Vermilion count}' f rf mi that state in 1834. Of his si.x children, three are living: Eugene, Josephine (now Mrs. Goff, of Tuscola), and Martin, who resides on part of the old homestead in Camargo township.

born in England, and married in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Tn tliem eight children were born, of whom only three are living, one in Kansas and the nthers in ( )klahiima.

Mr. Till luipsi )n w.as reared 1 >n the tarm ami has always been engaged in that occupation. In 1S58 he was united in marriage to Miss Lucy Hardwick. To this marriage were born three children: George D. : H. \. : and Lenie, who died when ten months old. Mrs. Thompson died in 1863. She was born in Kentucky. In 1864 Mr. Th(jm])son married for his second wife Miss Sallie A. Lain, who was born in Lincoln county, in the same state. Mr. Thompson has been a consistent member of the Methodist Lpiscopal church at Murdnck an<l other places for forty years. In 1898 he was the Democratic nominee fur the nffice of sheriff, btil the Republican majnrity was too strung fur liini. and he

E. C. Finney, a retired grain merchant and one of the su])er\isi>rs of Tuscola townshi]). was born near the village of Annapolis, I'ark county. Indiana. .\\)vU 4. 1836. From 1869 to 1891 he was extensisely engaged in the grain business at Tusct)la, but in the latter year he sold his interest to liis partner, Charles L. McMasters. His father was Robert Finney, who was a nati\e of Xorth Carolina, and who ciiuntrv in its early history and participated in many of the conflicts for lilierty. His mother, w hose maiden name was Malinda Hunt, was a daughter of Natlian Hunt; she was born in North Carolina and moved to Indiana when but a child. Robert Finney died in Indiana in 1861, in the fifty-fourth year of his age. and his motlier in Tuscola. Illinois, October 16, 1897, at the rijie old age of eighty-one years. Mr. Finiiev has been identified with the business interests of Tuscola since 1868 and is an upright and universally respected citizen. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church and is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

D. F. Coykendall, whose death occurred in Chicago, December iC), 1892, was born near Brushy I-'ork September 8, 1850, at a time when the county was in its primitive state, and was there reareil to manhood. He was a son of Benjamin F. Coykendall, whose ancestors were in all jirobability among the emigrants from Holland who in an early day settled in New Jersev, the descendants of whom now comprise some of the best families of that state. William, the father of Benjamin F. Coykendall, was born in that state and married Mary \'an Ziekiel, whose family had sprung from the same stock. Benjamin F. Coykendall was born in Tompkins county. New York, near the town of Ithaca. On reaching his majority he came west and located in Wisconsin, and in '847 sold out his property in AN'isconsin and located in what is now Douglas county, where he lived for the remainder of his life. Two of his sons, Cyrus A. and Marvin A. were in the war, both having enlisted before they were twenty-one. The death of Benjamin F. Coykendall occin^reil in the spring of 1889.

On November 14, 1878, D. F. Coykendall was married to Miss Francis E. Cash, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. L. J. Cash, of Newman. To this marriage was born one child, a tlaughter. Lenoria. For two years before Mr. Coykendall remoxed to Chicago he resided in Newman, while his life pre\ious had l:)een spent Oii the farm near Brushy Fork. After his removal to Chicago he became associated in business with two firms, the Columbia Manufacturing & Supply Company and John Hosluirj' & Company, live stock commission merchants. He was possessed of more than ordinary business ability, combined with genuine integrity and uprightness, and was \ery highly respected l)v all with whom he had dealings. He was devoted to his famil\- and his death was a great loss to both wife and daughter. He was buried in the Xeunian cemetery. He was a nieinl)er ol the Masonic fraternity, hut was not a nieniher of any chnrch. He always did liis i)art willintjly in su]>i)ortin_- tlie cluucli and attended the same.

\\". I', lioyd received his early education at the old liethel school in Kentucky, and subsef|uently attended the university at Bloomington, Illinois. In 1875 ''^ ^^'^'^ married to Miss

F.mnia W'yatt Hamilton, of Lexington, Kentucky, a step-daughter of Alexander Hamilton ( her real parents being Edward, and .\nnie (Snnlh ) W yalt. natives of England). To Mr. and Mrs. Boyd were born four children, namely: William H.. deceased, Wyatt, Anna M. and Wil.son P.

In 18O7 Mr. Boyd commenced the drug business for himself in Areola and until 1884 had the only exclu.sive drug store in the county. Pie was a successful business man and remained in charge of the store until a few weeks before his death, Nmember 17, 1899, when he disposed of it to A. Magnusson. lie was one of the first movers in the state for the organization ot suitable legislation for the elevation of the drug trade in the stale. He w;is an active worker in the Illinois I 'hannaceiuial Society, and was president of that body one year and a delegate to the national convention in 1884. Ne\'er in ;ili her histoi-y has .\rcoia known a more public spirited man, a better leader in every progressive movement, or ;i truer symjjathizer in every just and noble cause. He held many positions of trust .and Imnor, such as member of the school boru'd, alderman, chiel of the lire department, and cliairman of the board of sujiervisors. In offices he regarded the trust and the duties devolving upon him as sacred, ;md acted accordingly. In politics he w;is a l)emncr;it, and he served his ])arly faithfully and conscientiously.

He was a member of .several Icjdges, but allieil his interests more closely with the Masons that any other order. The poor and needy have lost a true friend, and one from whom they had learned to expect sympathy and aid. Never a Christmas passed by but that every poor family received something from Iiim. and his charity was not confined to Areola alone, but reached for miles around. He was a lover of children, and the child learned to expect some token of remembrance from him, ni:>r was it ever disappointed. His life furnishes us many expressions of good which show the real character of the man. His life was made up of little things well and faithfully performed. But after all it is the little things that give us the true index to the real character of the man. His home rela tions were the most pleasant, and he remained true and devoted to his home fireside and altar until the close of his career. The town has lost a foremost man, the lodges a faithful member, the home a true head, the poor a sure and helping hand, and the world one of her noblest men.

J. P. W'oolford. merchant and grain l)uyer at Gabon and one of the most successful business men in the cc'mnty, was born in Butler county, Ohio, February 18, 1855. His parents were Daniel and Elizabeth (Echert) Woolford, who were natives of the same county. His grandfather Echert was born in West Virginia, and in about 181 2 removed to Butler county, Ohio. His paternal grandfather, Jacob Woolford, was born at Lancaster, Pennsylvaina, and moved from there to Butler county, Ohio. Daniel Woolford came to this c<iunty in Vlarcli, 1869, and located on a farm two miles from Areola.

Since 1S93 J. P. Woolford has resided at Gabon, and was first engaged in grain buying for R. & J. Irvin, of Tuscola, succeeding M. S. Filson at this place. In 1894 he built an elevator of twenty thousand bushels capacity and has since become one of the most successful grain dealers in the county.

In 1879 ]\[r. Woolford was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Kelso, who resided one mile south of Areola, and is a daughter of William Kelso, who is now living in Tazewell county, this state. They have three children: Roscoe M.. Alfred J. and Samuel M., all at liome with their parents. For the past four years Mr. Woolford has been buying grain for himself, and in connection does a general merchandising business. He buys abimt one hundred thousands bushels of grain annually. In political iijjiniijn be is a stanch Republican, Ijut bis wife is a Democrat and is the postmistress of the village.

Ridiard Clyde Ilaimiiclt, tlie sccdiid smi of James I\. llamuieti. wliose sketch and porlrail arc found on another page, was horn on the old

Haninicll hnniestead in Caniargo township, September y, 1871, and was principally educated at the State University and a business college at Indian.'ipolis. lie has always been engaged in farming and owns fi.>m" hundred and twenty acres of I'inely im])ro\ed land, a ])art of which is the old Hammett homestead.

In iS'J5 he was married to Miss (iinerva Barnett, of the \illage of Camargo, and has two children: J\uth and Bessie. ^Ir. llammett is a member of the ("amargo Blue Lodge and 'I'uscola Chapter and Commanrlery of Masonry. Mr. I lammell is ;m intelligent \oung" man and coudui'ts his farming on business principles. 1 le is at jiresent remodeling his farm residence, three miles north of the \illage o| ('amargo. and wlie!i linished it will rank with the most conimo<lious rmd beautiful homes of the county.

jas])er .S. Uecords. who is one of llie most l)roniineut ten.ant f;ii-mers in the county and who was born two miles north of the \illage of liourbon, januar\' ^^1. 1X5(1. is a son of hihu Records, who settled in ih.al neighborhood in about the year 1X50. Thu Latter w;is a native of Kentucky, where he was born August I.S, iSoo. ami died in jidy, iNo_^. ilis wife was 1 lauora O'Roaik. who was horn near .'^taunton, N'irginia, and whose parents were b"th born in IrelaiKJ. J. .S. Records' jiaterual great-grandfather, with live brothers.came from Scotland and settled in Kentucky, and were contemporaries of ll(joue .and KeiUon. lie was kdled by the luilians. John Records was a caqjenter in early life and later turned his attention to farming, _ at which he cont'nued up inUil the time of his death. While working at his trade he built the hrst frame church in indian.'ipolis.

farm he now resides on (owned by \\'illiam lies), on which place he plowed the first furrow ami laid the tirst tile. He has l:)een twice married; first to Miss Elnora O'Brian, in 1879, the latter's death occurring in November, 1895. Her home was at Parkville, Champaign county. They had two children. bt)th of whtjm are li\'ing: Bessie and Lloyd. His second wife was Miss Rachael I'roman, of Switzerland count}', Indiana. They have one child, Louise lies. Mr. Records is a member of the Odd Fellows. Home Forum, the Court of Horn ir and the Modern W'l Kidmen, and is an inde- ])en(lent Republican. He is well informed on the topics of the day, 's ]ju!j1;c spirited and is a man of marked indixiiluality.

Lines L. Parker, the subject of this sketch, was born in Brown countx'. Ohio, September I, 1 83 J. At the age nf fi\e \ears he removed with his parents to \'erm:li<in cuuntv. Illinois. llis father, Jdhn W. I'arker, and his niiither, Hannah Parker ( iirc' Pangburn), were both born in Brown county. Ohio, and after October, 1837, lived in Vermilion county. Illinois, where they died. John W. Parker was sheriff of Vermilion county just preceding the Civil war. and after the war he was county superintendent of schools for two terms. Lines L. Parker went into the war in 1861 as a member of Company D. Twentx-fifth Ulinciis Infantry. He was soon commissioned a second lieutenant and after the battle of Pea Ridge was promoted to first lieutenant, and afterward commissioned captain of Company E, One Hundred and Fiftieth Illinois Infantry. His tinal muster out of the service was at Atlanta, Georgia. January 16, 1S66. At the next November election he was elected sheriff of Vermilion county, Illinois, and after the expiration of his office, in November, 1868, he removed to Douglas county, Illinois, and li\-ed upon his farm for e!e\en years, when he was electefl county treasurer of Douglas county, and was afterward re-elected for a two years" term. .At the expiration of his term of office he retired to his farm, where he and his faithful wife have lived for the last thirteen years. His wife, Mary A. Parker ( ;(rr West), was united to him in marriage on the i Jth of April, 1855. She was born in Fountain county, Indiana, August 28. 1837, and as the fruits of this marriage there were born to them fi\e children, all living and settled in life near home: Alice is the widow of Alexander E. FuIIerton, and now lives near Hugo, Illinois ; John W.

Oliver Lincoln is a strain dealer in 'I'liscula, On I\[areli 4. iS()4, lie enlisted in the One llliniiis: llannali ( ). lives with her lutshand linndiid and ThiitN tiflh Illinois Regiment one mile west (if her parents" home, and Ilattie and hecanie sergeant in L"()mi)any A. After lives with her hnshand within hailing distance ser\ing fonr months and twenty-fonr days he of her father and mother. was honorahly dischargcil. When the gov-

-Mr. I'arUer is a memher of the (Irand ernment called for men to serve fi>r one year, ,\rniy <d the l\e|iulilic. also of the .Masonic he enlisted again, hut was rejected on account fraternity, lie owns three hundred and thirty of a disahled arm. He is now a memher of acres of land, which he has divided among his the Cjrand .Army of the Repuhlic. chiklren. who live upon or manage the part they e.xpect to get at their father's death. Mr. Parker and his wife are members of the Christian church at Hugo, Illinois, and arc liberal contributors ti) its support.

James .M. (loodspeed. a resident of Tuscola, Illinois, and who has for many years Ijcen a preacher in the Mcthmlist Episcopal cluircli. was born m the citv of W'ooster, Wayne cnunt}-, ( )hio, June jj, 1843. His parents were S. S. and .\nna ( Fi.sh) Goodspeed. The former was born in Essex county. New ^'ork. ,-md his mother in Vermont. His grandfather ( ioodspeed was a soklier in the war of I S I _' and lor his services drew a ])ension from the government up to the time of his de.'ith.

] )m-ing the (.'ixil w.ar the subject of this sketch enlisted in the services of his coinitry four times. On June 4, i86j. he enlisted in the Si-Xty-ninth Regiment Illinois Volunteers and .served four nionths. .\fter being honfiral)ly discliarged he enlisted in the Twentysi.xth Illinois Volunteers, but was rejected.

Rev. Cioodspeecl was reared and educated at L'rbana. Illinois, rnul after leaving the .schools id that citv he entered the l^niversity of Illinois, where he attended ;is a student for two years, lie taught scIioijI near Urbana in 1S69 ami 1S71), an<l then entered ( iarrett Bibical Institute, at R\'anston, Illinois, where he ])repareil himself for (he duties r>f the ministry, lie joined the Illinois conference of the Methodist l'4)iscopal church Scptemlier 30, 1S73, .mil served the following charges: Tuscola circuit, two j'cars; Ludlow, two years; Catlin, two years; Camargo. three years; Fairmount, two years; Georgetown, three years; Homer, three years, and was sent from Homer to Areola. After serving the church here for one year, on account of ill health in his family, he, in 1892, located at Tuscola. From that date until the present he has continued in the active ministry, serving such charges as he could and live at Tuscola.

April 14, 1875, he was united in marriage to Miss Reliecca, a daughter of D. H. Jessee, who is an enterprising stock raiser and shipper residing near Villa Grove. They have two children : \Vill)ur I*"., who is a graduate of the Tuscola High Schoul, and Edith, ten years of age. Rev. (ioodspced owns a \alual)le farm of two hundred acres in Diuglas county and other ])roperty. He has [jreached twenty-six years in this state, is an earnest and ahlc speaker and is highly respected liy his neighl)ors and friends.

John Skinner

John Skinner, a retired and highly respected citizen (if Newman, was born in Vermillion county, Indiana, Ajjril 4, 1831, and is a son of Joseph and Mary (Gaston) Skinner. His father came to the county in 1839 as a renter, but afterward owned a tract of land of eight hundred acres. The city of Newman is located on i)art of this land. He took stock to the \alue of four hundred acres of land and one thousanil dollars cash in the construction of the I. D. & W. R. R., from which he realized nothing. He was an enlisted soldier in the Black Hawk war, and died in 1857 (for

John Skinner grew up on the farm and has always been identilied with farming interests. He has held the office of township commissioner, and has always identified himself with the best interests of Newman and Newman township. Fie owns three hundred and seventy acres of valualile and well-tiled land, which comes almost to the corporation line of Newman.

In 1859 our suljject was married to Miss Hannah J., a daughter of Dr. Ringland, one of the first physicians of Newman, who emigrated from Pennsyh'ania to the neighborhood of Kansas, Edgar county, later removed to Newman in 1857, and thence Ijack to Kansas, where he died. The death of the wife of our subject occurred within six weeks after her marriage to Mr. Skinner ; he has remained unmarried ever since.

battles of Stone l\i\cr, Ijhcrty liaj) ami riiickamauga. He and his limtlier Ahmhi were cajniireil at tlie latter ]ilaee on Septenilier i<), 18O3, and were plaeeil in l.ililiy prison t'or three (lays. They were placed in the I'eniherton huildinjjf. jnst across the street from l.ihhy, .and kc\>[ there fi>r six weeks. Tlie\' were afterward taken to Dan\ille. N'iryinia. and kept in an old tobacco factory thmnt^h the winter ot 1863 and iS')4 with sixteen hundred other prisoners, and were made to sleep 1 in the bare lloor withiiut bedding or lit^hts in the buildint;'. 'I'hey were taken from this place in April, 1864, and sent to Aiulersonville. (icorgia. This prison contained about twenty three acres, being encliised with lugs standing on en<l. milking a wall .-iriiund abmit fourteen feet high. This ])risiin had about thirty-live thousand men in it. In Sejjtember. ]8C)4, they were taken to Charleston, South Carolina, and rem.iincd there four weeks, thence to l'd(jrence Stockade, in February, 1865. They were kept ])risoners here for about four months, when they were remo\ed to (lold.sboro. South Carolina, and back til Wilmington, where thev were mustered out after enduring a pri.son life of seventeen months and nine days. In these prisons the\' were reiluced in flesh Ijy starvation to less than h.ilf their natural we'ght. Mr. Skinner w-as with his regiment all the time after being mustered in until he was captured, excepting two weeks sickness at Stone River, .\fter being captured he was ten day.^ on his wa_\- to Libby. where gener.al starvation began. He issued rations to a squad of twenty men about one year. There were seventeen members of his company cajitured at the same time and he had charge of them in prisun and kept them all in his squail except Lieutenant .\lbin, who was

After they left Danville. Virginia, there was ne\er a vessel of any kind issued for them with which to eat. drink or cnok. .Ml they had was cild cans that tbe_\- cimlil pick up that had been thrnwn away.

and m;ide a saw anil a pocket knife, these being the only ef\irc tools he had. With these he began making Inickets nut of cnrdwood. He could make one bucket a day and sold them for from one dollar to one dollar and a half. This was his occupation while in .\nderson\ille. While he was in the Morence stockades he mended shoes and made from twn ddllars to two dollars and lift}' cents per day. .\t Danville he got a job of keeping the liack yard clean, for which he received four r.at'ons per day; he divided these ratiims with his cimi- ]>any and by so doing saved the lives of six or eight men. In November, 1864, he went out 111 the cnninnssarv. vvhei'e he had plenty to eat. taking his S(|uad along, besides several mem bers of other companies. While he was in .\n- <lersonyille prison he was starved down to the weight of eighty-five pounds, but when he left the commissary at Florence, in b^ebruarv. 18O5, he had guten back to his natural weight, one hundred and ninety-seven and one-half poimds, so it can be seen how starvation had reduced him. He was mustered out of service June 5, 1865. at the city of S]>ringt"ield. Illinois.

ruary, 1896. William, another bruther, now residing- in Newman, was a member of tlie same regiment: they were all sergeants. John Skinner's friends are legion in the community in which he resides. He lives a quiet, contented life, and enjoys the highest confidence of all who know him.

John V. Jordan

John \'. Jordan, one of the old and well known of the early settlers now living and residing in Miu-dock township, settled in what is now the confines of Douglas county in the fall of 1854. He is a son of Edward Jordan, who was born in Virginia and reared in Kentucky, a son of Samuel Jordan, who was one of the pioneer settlers of that state. Edward Jordan wedded Christina \^an Du}n, who was l)orn in New Jersey and was a daughter of Mr. Jordan's parents emigrated to Vermillion county, Indiana, where he was born in the year 1S30. Here he was reared and received John and Relnecca Van Duyn. In about 1823 the meagre education obtainable in the early pioneer schools of that day. After arri\ing in Douglas county, he entered first an eightyacre tract of land, and soon after bought another eighty-acre tract, which was second hand. For tliat which he entered lie paid one dollar and twenty-fi\-e cents per acre, and the other at three dollars and seventy-five cents per acre. He now owns in all three hundred and fifty acres. He has only recently donated one acre to the Fairland Cemetery Comjianx'. He has always taken an active interest in common school education and was school trustee and treasurer before he became a voter in Douglas county.

In January, 1855, he was united in marriage to Miss Lydia C. Lemon, who was a native of Lawrence county, Indiana, and a daughter of M. B. and Eliza Lemon. To their marriage were born six cliiMren; Lemon, I'.lla, Edward, John, Lucy and Dell. Lucy died in 1888, at the age of twenty-one years.

John \'. Jordan, liefore the formation of the Republican party, was a Whig, and since the latter jjarty went down he has been a Republican. \\'hen he first came to the locality in which he now resides, among those who had come previously were Robert E. Carmack, who was born in Tennessee and located here in 1852; Samuel and James Wishard and Jacob Caufman; also Samuel A. Brown, all coming from Vermillion county, Indiana; Rev. Jones and .\rthur Bradshaw were the early preachers.

N. C. Lx'rla was graduated fmni the Tus cola high schonl in the class of 1894. lie takes an active interest in the success of the Democratic party and was the part\"s nominee fur county judg'c in i8(jS. but withdrew befnre the election. In the legal i)rofcssion he is rapidly tightiug- his way to the front: he is a young man of excellent good judgment, is a good judge of law .and is engaged in some of the most important cases that come l)efore the Douglas county courts.

Henry C. Niles

Ilenry Clay Niles, master in chancery, h'lal historian and an old and well known resident of Tuscola, is a natix'e of l'.;dtimorc, .Maryland, and a son of Hezikiah and Sally .\nn( W.arner) Niles. the former was born near Wilmington. Delaware, rmd the latter being of (jnaker e.xtractinn and the d.aughter of bihn Warner, one of the leading Quakers of that st.'ite. I lezikiah X'iles was an intimate friend 'i\ Ilenry Clay, and ])rominent in Whig politics id his da_\'; in iSii he was editor and ])riipiiel(ir of the .\iles Register, which was a strong Whig and ])ro-slayery paper and always supi)orted the candidacy of Clay. It was one of the most inllnentird newspa])ers in the eastern ciiiintry. being nne c d" the acknowledged organs of the \\ big i)arty. The Internatinnal Cyclopedia says of him tb.at he was burn in ton, Delaware, which was not a success. He tlien liecame a newspaper correspondent and in 181 1 founded Niles Register at Baltimore, and died in 1839.

H. C. Niles was reared to manhood in the city of Baltimore where he attended school up to the age of fourteen years. He then hecame a clerk in a wholesale drug store and later was a clerk in the Baltimore postoffice for seven years. He was then engaged in the drug husiness up to 1856. when he came to what is now Douglas county and locateil at Bourhon, \vhere he hecame a salesman for his brotherin-law, L. C. Rust, who was one of the early merchants of the county, and with whom he remained for two years. After Douglas county was formed in 1859, he was elected to the office of county surveyor, since which time he has ser\ed several terms in this office, and is one of the best known survej-ors in central Illinois. He is still actively engaged in the business. Various acts of the legislature making any correct survey by a competent siu'veyor perfectly legal ( thus destroying all inducements to hold the oflice ) , he, like many other experiencerl surveyors in the state, has since refused the position. In 1881, he was appointed master in chancery of the Doug^las county circuit court, which position he has continuously held, thus attesting his popularity witth all classes of people who have business in his court.

In 185S he married Miss Rebecca Brown, of DeWitt county, Illinois. They have five children, four of whom are living. Mr. Niles was made a Mason, in Baltimore, in [854, and Is one of the oldest members of that craft in the county. He has materially assisted in the making of both county atlases and is the author of the old Douglas county history, published in 1SS4, and in this compilation of this volume I am imder permanent ol)ligations to Mr. Niles for his unselfish help.

Joseph H. Finney

Joseph H. Finney, late of Newman, was l)orn in Parke county, Indiana, January 10, T849, ^"<1 <^1'<^'' September 9, 1897. In 1S73 he was married to Miss Kate Porter and after her death married Miss /Vgnes Valodin. For twenty-three years Mr. Finney was in business at Newm.an at which he successfully continued up to the time of his death. He left a wife and two sons: Porter .and Ex'erett ; also two sisters, Mrs. W. P. Miller and Mrs. W. D. Goldman, and four brothers; E. C, Daniel, David W., and Robert. For several years Mr. Finney was an active and influential member of the M. E. church at Newman, and at his funeral in speaking of the deceased, the pastor spoke in siihslance as follows: "Jose])li I'innev (lit! H' l.tck in iioMc habits. Me was a true friend, l-riondship to iiim was not an ideal sonietliin.i^'. hnt a living reality. lie liad no enemies, for he let his life cast true friend - shi|> on c\er\' other lite. Xo en\ y or malice cunid grow in his natnre. He was Ijenevolcnt to a fanlt. if it is e\er a fault to be benevolent. Some man wlio knew liini well, said, 'if Joseph b'inncv on]\' liad l\\enl\' dollars in the worlil .and someone in need were to ask him for aid, he wonld give nineteen of the twentv to the destitnte.' Snch was his natni^e.

"He understood hnm.in nature well and because he knew the need of sympathy he understood now to look with cli;irity on the failings of others.

"Xo man was ever discouraged or weakened by associating with Jose]>h Finney. On the other hand, .all who knew him felt the inllnence of ,-in honest, gentle, m.anlv s])irit. Probably none ha\e felt natural weakness more, but none have shown more truly than the deceased a strong heart and an irrejaroachablo ch.ar.'icter. If ever a m;m was worthy of charity, th.at man \\;is .\Ir. I'innev.

"In his home, in social life, and in business relations he was e\er the saiue. No harshness, ro shar]) criticism, no f.iult finding marred his intercr.nrse wilii others.

"lie was ever a man of noble aspirati'^nis. He v>as never satisfied with jiresent experience or achievements. Ilis testimonies in class i.ieetii^g an 1 ])ra\'cr meeting always s]i")ke hiimilitv mil' resolution and noble desire.

like every other m;ni he m;iy sometimes h;ive erred, yet. like l)a\id. he knew how to rise above dilliculty .ind e\ en defeat. His frankness was striking, lie w.is never afraid to do the m.anly thing.

"To his ]i;istor he spoke with Christian conlidence during his illness of his trust in God. .nid conscious ]ieace at heart. He was the kind ol m.in lh;it Goil |o\es, - iuunble, sincere, tinislful, ])fnileiit.

"rile words of .Shakespeare may be trnlv said of him: "His life was gentle, and the elements so mixed in him, that nature might stand up and say to all the world. This was a man." "

He was buried at Tu.scola, the funeral ceremonies being conducted by Rev. J. M. Oakwood, a.ssisted by Revs. Calhoun and I'iper. Air. I'inncy was a M.ason and was a member of Melita Commandery at Tu.scola, the members of which had charge of his remains; he was also a member of the Knights of Pytliias and AlodeiMi Woodmen. His widow, Mrs. Finney, resides ,'il .Xcwnian and before her marriage was a Miss \',ilo(hn. of Oakland. .She was a daughter of .\l. P. ;nid Sarah .\nn (Redden) X'alodin. Hrr fathei' was horn in Ohio .and her mother in Illinois. .Mrs. Finney is a member of the .Metlwjdist Fpisco])al church at -Xewman anil highly iiUerests herself in church work, l)eing one id' the class leaders.

away county, Oliio, Octiil)er 12, 1836, and is a stui of Jolm Hawkins wtio was Ixirn in Luudoun county, Virginia. His motlier, who was Margaret Cassady, was also born in Virginia. In October, 1851, Samuel's father, with a family of several sons, came and settled in what is now Douglas county, two miles and a half southwest of Newman. After he had located his children urged him to enter a large body of land which he could have done at one dollar and twenty-five cents an acre, but it was his opinion at that time that the prairie land would never be settled, and consequently he did not do so. Llut later on he bought a farm of seventy-two acres along the Brushy Fork timber, where he resided until his death, November 10, 1880.

Samuel Hawkins remained on a farm in Ohio until he arrived in Douglas county with his father. He has b»een twice married, the first time on October 23, 1858, to Miss Elizabeth, a daughter of Robert Hopkins, who emigrated from Pickaway county, Ohio, and settled in Newman township before the Hawkins la family, and by this marriage he has two children li\-ing: W. S. and Airs. Mary E. Busby. His first wife died August 12, 1866. In 1870 he wedded Miss Elizabeth, tlaughter of W^illiam Hopkins, who was a brother of Robert, and was among the pioneer settlers in what is now known as the Hopkins and Hawkins neighborhood. Mrs. Hawkins is a granddaughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Winkler, who came to this count}- in a \-er}- early day. Both died in 1836, and were among the \ery earliest buried in the Albin cemetery. Mr. Hawkins by his second wife has two children: E\a B., wife of Harrison Hawkins, and Luther B., unmarried.

On July 30, 1862, our subject volunteered in the Seventy-ninth Illinois, and becaine a corporal in Company E, W. A. Lowe's company. Mr. Lowe was an old and prominent early settler in Newman township, and for him the Newman Grand Army post was named : before the end of the war he became lieutenant-colonel. Mr. Hawkins was at the ii'attle of Chickaniauga, but was captured the first day of the fight and was sent to Richmond and later to Dan\illc. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, of the Masonic fraternity, and the Wesley Chapel Methodist clnnxdi. He owns cight\' acres of land and is one of the substantial and highly respected citizens of Newman township.

Frank C. Dever

in Clark county. Illinois. January 26, 1860, anil is a son of I'. C. and Eliza (English) Dcver, natives of Ohio. The parents removed to Camargo townshii) in 18A8. tlicncc to Bowdre township in 1870, and the father at present resides in Missouri, the mother having died May 31, 1900. Erank C. Devcr allendeil Lee's academy at Loxie. Coles countv. and later at the Danville normal. He has heen teaching since 1880, and was superintendent of the public schools at Anna. Illinois, for four years, and of Barry, Illinois, for two years. Since 1897 he has held his jiresent jjosition in the Hindshoro public .schools. In 1892 he was married to Mis.s Eva W'orley, of Anna. They have two children: Lena and Wesley Collins.

In 1898 our subject was the Democratic Udminee for sujierintendcnt of the Douglas county schools, but was defeated. The Democratic side of the board of sui)ervisors in the contest to fill the x-acancy in tliat office caused by the death of Thomas M. Wells, in 1899, gave their united su])port to Mr. Dever for twenty-three ballots, the board being a tie politically. The deadlock, which had held the Imard of super\isors for several weeks, was broken by both jjarties meeting on neiUr;d ground and giving their united sujjport to Miss Blanche Caraway, the present incumbent. The Hindsboro News, which is in the line politically with the Chicago platform, was founded by Sis.son & Miller in 1896. Mr. Sisson soon withdrew, and the [laper was m;niaged by Charles B. Aliller until the summer of i8()7. when he was succeeded by Monroe Mclntyre. known as the "fighting editnr" of the News, and who sold the jsajier to .Mi-. Dever in March, 1898. The paper has a circulation iif ;i1>out li\e hundred, comes out op h'ridays and is a six-column folio. Since October, 1899, C. L. Watson, the pic^i'ii! supervisor of I'.nwdre township, has been associated with Mr. l)c\cr in business, untlcr the following names: I)e\er & Watson, publishers: and C. L. Watson & Co., real estate. Mr. Dever is president of tlie village board (^f trustees of llnidsboro, and is ident lied with all moNcmcnts which aini tnward the ;id\ancenicnt of the best interests of llindsburn and its \icinitv.

George W. Siders

George W. Siders is one of the early and prMminent settlers of Camargo township still living. He settled in the northeast part of Camargo townshi]) in 1852. He is a son of Jacob and Susan (Clark) Siders, who were natives respectively of Virginia and Maryland. After their marriage they emigrated from Virginia to Fairfield county, Ohio, thence to Pickaway county, Ohio, and from there to Douglas county, Illinois. In the year above mentioned Jaco^b Siders was a renter and never owned but twenty acres of land. He died in this county in the sixty-third year of his age, and was buried at Camargo. His wife, who was born in iSii near Harper's Ferry, Virginia, is still living. Jacob Siders was a son of Solomon Siders, who was a sol-

George W. Siders was born February lo, 1836, in Pickaway county, Ohio, and was si.xteen years old when his father came to Douglas county. In 1869 he settled on his present farm, which contains one hundred and twenty acres. In 1862 he was united in marriage to Eliza Ann Hughes, who was bom and reared in Logan county, Ohio. Her death occurred on Sunday, April 27, 1900. To this marriage were Iiorn hve children, four of wljom are now living: Mary, who is the wife of Charles Reynokls; Ella, wife of John Huls; Alice, wife of Thomas Huls; and Milo, wIk.i is at home; he married Miss Maud Grimes, of Indianola. - Robert Eldon, who died in .\pril, 1900, aged thirty-seven j'cars and tivc ilays, was much attached to his famdy. Mr. Siders has been school director for three }'cars, a member of the Grange and F. M. !'>. .\. order. Among Mr. Siders' neighbors wlun he first came to the county were Jack R.chman and his brother Jim, and George Ritter, now [Kistmastcr at Villa Gro\c. and among the earl\' ministers were .Vrlhur llradsliaw, I'eter Wallace, who was the presiding elder of the district, and Rev. Saulsbury.

William H. Bush

in the war of the Revolution and according to Williani H. Bush, a well-known auctionthe traditions of the family lived to be one eer ,nnd respected citizen of Ilindsboro, hundred and fifteen years old. James Clark, was Ijorn in Bowdre township, Douglas counthe maternal grandfather, was born in Dublin, ty, Illinois, April i, 1859. He is a son of E.

din county. Kentucky, and came to the county when seventeen years of age. .\t jiresent he resides at Gales^nn-g. Ilhnois. in the sixtysecond year of his age. He is a son nf jolm Rusli, will) was horn in I'liizaljetlitown. Hardin county, Kentucky. .April i, 1802. and died July 5, 1852. Our sul)jcct's mother. Margaret .\nn M(iycr, was Ixn-n in Rockingham county, \'irginia. and was the daughter of John PhilJi]) Moycr. who was of German extraction, and who came to the county a year previous to the coming of the Bush famil)-.

William II. Bush was reared on the farm and educated at the cimntrv schools of Bowdre township, Douglas county, Illinois. In 1882 he was united in marriage to Miss Lola E. Miilliken, of Champaign county, a granddaughter of Samuel F. Miller, who has e\er since he was a yming man heen a prominent light in the ministry of the Christian church. Mr. Miller is still living, in the eighty-fifth year of his age. He was horn in Kentucky, April 26, 181 5. His wife. Bertha M. jean.

was born in Ulir.ois, May 7, 1817, and died July 8, 1838. (Sec sketch uf 1. M. .Mulhken. of Newman.) fn .Mr. and Mrs. Ihi^li ha\e been born eight children, whose names and dales of birth are as follows: Zella M.. September 3, 1882; Clarence E.. December 7, 1883; Stella F.. September 12. 1887; (iertie B., June 22, 1889 (died September 14, 1898) ; Waldo H., .\ugust 17, 1890; \'icva .M.. February 26, 1893: one which died at birth unnamed. May 19. 1895; Frederick !-".. Xovember 23, 1899. Air. Bush has in addition to his work as auctioneer dealt in broomcorn w!th Duncan & Tarbox, of Areola, since 1888. He has also been in the undertaking business in HindsHxiro since June 10. 1897. He was one of the principal organizers of the Court of Honor at that place on March i, 1899, of which order he has been the worthy chancellor since its organization. This order is in a flourishing condition. ha\iiig initiated al)out one hundred members. He was elected delegate to the county convention of the Court of Honor J.muary 9, 1900: from there he was elected delegate to the State meeting at .Springbcld for I"ebruar\- 14. 1900: and at the state convention he was elected delegate to the supreme session, which was hekl in Peoria on May 22-23. '<;oo. William H. Bush is also a member of the .Masonic and I. O. (J. !-". fraternities and of the .Mo(k'rn \\'(]odmen of /America. He stantls iiigh in his commiuiity, and is recognized as a man of good business ability; he has filled all the principal offices in the Odd I'^'llows lodge of Hindsboro, as well as deputy of the lodge for several terms. He also represented his lodge in the Grand Lodge at Si)ringficld in 1893 ^'i*^! ''^94- At present he is senior deacon in the .\. ]*". & A.

M. lodge at Hindsboro ; has also been the venerable consul of Hindsboro Camp No. 968, M. \V. of A., and served as worthy banker of this camp for four successive years. He has interested himself in politics, having been elected constable of Bowdre township three times; has also served as trustee of the village. Mr. Bush has the management of the Douglas -County Telephone Exchange, located in his residence at Hindsboro, which is operated by his eldest daughter, Zella M. Bush.

Harmon, of Clermont county, Ohio. In 1865 he started in business at Oakland and continued until 18S7, when he moved to Kansas and entered into partnership with his brother, W. W. Barr, under the firm name of W. W. Barr & Brotlier.

In 1879 he started in business in Newman and one year later sold his interest in the store at Kansas to his brother and bought the latter's interest in Newman.

James Barr

Among the many successful men noted for their fair dealing with the public and tlieir ujirightness in character, who ha\e made the city of Newman famous, none deserve more credit than James Barr. Our subject was born in Clermont county, Ohio, .\pril 7, 1839, and in 1852 moved with his parents to Charleston. Coles county, Illinois, where he was reared and schooled. At the age of sixteen he began the tratle of a tinner, which he mastered antl has continued to follow through life. When he was but a boy his father died, leaving him to do for himself. His educational advantages were, as was the case with many of the pioneers, very limited, although he received a fair business education. Being of a mechanical turn of mind, he soon became an e.xpert workman. During the first call of the Civil war he enlisted in the Eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and remained out until the end of his term of service, after which he returned to Charleston.

In 1890 he sold a half interest in his business to W. F. Summers. They contlucted the business under the name of Barr & Summers until 1893, when Mr. Barr bought Mr. .Summers' interest. On the 8th of October, 1895, our subject's son, George H. Barr, died at the age of twenty-one years, four months and fourteen days.

In 1896 lie sold a half iiitercst tn I. M. Mullikcn. nf Charleston. The firm runs under the head of Barr & Mulliken. They own two of the largest stores in the city, one, hardware, stoves and tinware, and the other, furniture and undertaking, where a full line of each can always be found on hand. James Barr is a stanch Republican and has been elected mayor of Newman three times, always making a good executive officer. He is a great belie\er in secret orders and is ever ready to further their interests. He is a prominent Odd Fellow and iNlason : is a Knight Templar, being a member of the Melita Commandery Xo. 2,7- ^it Tuscola. He is Eminent High Priest in Xewman Chapter, No. 72, and is the president of the Odtl I""ellows Benelit Association of Douglas county. He is the s< in of Samuel and Sarah ( Wise ) Barr. The former was born in Steubenville, Ohio, in iSoo, and died in 1856. The latter was born in Pennsyhania in 1803 and died in 1880. Mr. Barr's jjresent wife is the daughter of Daniel and I'lvaline Curd, of near Frankfort, Kentucky. Daniel Curd was l)orn in 1808 and Fvaline in 1801.

.Mr. FJarr is a member of the M. F. church and his wife is a member and worker in the O. F. S. and Rebekah lodges of Newman, and is a leading worker in the Christian church.

the ))rovince of West Prussia. Germany. M.iy 30, iS6(), and is a son of Christ and Christian (Schlack) Hapke, who w'ere natives of the same province. His father was a l)lacksmith by trade, who emigr.ited to this country in 1S71 and located in Michigan City, Laporte county, Indiana, where he follow-ed his trade and also engaged in farming. He resides at present four and one-half miles east of Michigan City. He served in the war of Germanv against Austria in 1866.

.\dolpli Hajjke received a common school education and at the age of seveuleen went to -Michigan City, where he served an apprenticeship of four years at his trade. In 1898 he located at Newman, having previously taken a course in ojilics at the Chicago Oi)hth;dmology College.

On October 11, 1899, he was married to Miss Josephine, a daughter of Enoch Gordon, of Newman. After his marriage he purchased the residence of C. F. Eagler, and it is one of the elegantly furnished homes of New- mail. After his marriage the Newman Indeiienilent spoke of liim as follows: "Mr. Hapke came to Newman about two years ago, and since then his deahngs with our people have been honorable, and he has formed ties of frienilship that will always last. The bride is one of Newman's most deserving young ladies, who was graduated in the spring of 1899 from the high school of Newman with honors."

Mr. Hapke carries a large stock of jewelry, and by his honest and upright motle of doing luisiness has put himself on the road to building up a most prosperous business.

J. M. Hawkins, an intelligent farmer, who saw three years of service in the war of the Rcbtllion, is a son of John Hawkins, who was born near Harper's Ferry, Virginia, and who came to Douglas county in 1851, and settled (in a farm three miles south of Newman, where he resided and was prominent in his neighborhood up until his death, which occurred in the year 1S80. Among some more of the earlier settlers are mentioned Cornelius, Robert and James Hopkins, Robert Albin and luiocli Newell, who are all early settlers from Indiana. John Hawkins wedded Margaret Cassady, of Ohio, but a native of Virginia.

mentioned. In February, 1862, he vdlunteered in the First Missouri Regiment of Infantry and participated in many of the principal battles of the war, remaining out until its close. He afterward returned home and engaged in farming, and succeeded in making an honest living and securing the good opinion of his neighbors. His farm contains only forty-four acres, but he is satisfied with it.

Johnson, who practiced medicine at Bourbon up to 1871, when he removed to Barton county, Missouri, where he died some sixteen years ago at the age of sixty-four years. He was a native of Ohio. Mr. Hawkins is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, Masonic fraternity and Knights of Pythias. He is unassuming in his manner and gentle in his conduct toward his fellow men.

Abram H. Moore

December 7, 1838, and was of old Virginia ancestry, lie died May 11, 1S83, at the age of forty-four years. His father was Jacob Rice Moore and his mother Amanda Moore (see sketches of Win. E., Jacob R., Jr., and others.) .\])rani II. Moore was married to Mary E. Miller, of Mattoon, Illinois, January 31, 1865. To their union were born three children : Edward McClellan, Morris Logan, and Mary Catherine, Morris and Kate being twins. Mary Catherine died September 18, 1890, and Mary E. died Octol)er 20, 1894. Abram H. at his death owned a farm of three liundrcil and twenty acres in Bourbon townslip, adjoining the old Moore homestead. He was cf a sober, industrious disposition an. I was highly respected by his large cn-jle of friends and neighbors. He was an invalid lor five years prior to his death.

E.dw. McC. Moore, the oldest son of Abram H. and Mary E. Moore was born ;it the home of his father, three miles west of .Areola, Bourliun township. Douglas county, Illinois, October 20, 1865. He secured his education in the neighborhood schools. .\t the age of si.xtcer. years Mr. Moore left school on account of the death of his father and took charge of iiie farm, and he has been successful as a farmer, stock raiser and feeder. In i8i;3 he was married to Miss Lena Kelley, a daughter of Mr. lienjamin Kelley. who was an early settler in -Moultrie county, from Kentucky. At present he spends most of his time among his child-cn, in Morida, California, Kansas, Washington, Nebraska and Illinois. To Mr. ;n)d Mrs. Mof)re two very interesting children have been born : Albert Henry and Mary Vivian. Mr. Moore owns two hundred and sixtv acres of

Morris L. Moore

Morris Logan Moore, son of Abram H. and Mary E. Moore, was born April 28, 1S69, at the home of liis father, three miles west of Areola. Illinois, in Bourbon township, and owns and lives on the old home, consisting of two hundred and ten acres of well improved land. He received his early training at the common country schools and attended Lee"s Academy at Loxa. Illinois, one year. Prof. Lee being one of the eminent educators of his time. Later he attended the normal at Valparaiso, Indiana, for a period of two years, where he pursued the scientific and teacher's course. After leaving college he taught school for one year and then traveled extensively throughout the west and southwest. He is unmarried, has served his township as collector for two years, and is a Royal Arch Mason in high standing. Courteous, quiet, well informed and enterprising, he stands as one of the representative and successful young business men of the county.

J. Park McGee, M. D., a prominent and well known citizen of Brushy Fork, and closely identified with the material interests of the county, was born January 5. 1847, in Clark county, Indiana, and is a son of. William Park McGee, a native of Washington county, Pennsvlvania, of Scotch- 1 risli extraction. He was a saddler by trade, and a son of Robert McGee, who was an early settler in Pennsylvania. The Park family are a very prominent familv of Washington count)'. Pennsylvania, and the okl homestead still lielongs to j(^hn Park, of the third generation from Isabella' Park. Our suljject's mother, whose maiden name was Tamar Tom. was born in the oil regions, on the Allegheny river in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. His father was born on the iMonongahela river, in Washington county, the same state. The

(fiitlicr) learned his trade in Pittsburg, emigrated about llie year 1820, on a flat-boat to Louisville. Kentucky, but settled across the river in Xew Chariestown. Clark county. Indiana, where he farmed and followed his trade, lie died April 2~. 1862, and is buried in ( )\\en Creek cemetery.

j. P'ark McGee was reared in Clark county, and was jjrincipally educated in Wabash College, taking an irregular course with the object in view of jireparing himself for his ])rofession. remaining in this college three \ears. lie subse(|uently read medicine with Dr. Work, of Chariestown. entered the Eclectic College of Cincinnati and was graduated in 1872. lie afterward took one course of lectures in the i\ush Medical College of Chicago. and had a ccmiphnientary degree conferred uiJun him by the faculty of this well-known in.stitution in 1887. Me was elected to the Legislature from the Republican district composed of Douglas. Coles and Cumberland counties, in 1884. 1888 and 1892. Pie was elected as a Democrat and at each re-electitjn carried the district by increased majorities. He assisted in jiassing the bill to legalize dissecting, anil for so doing Rush Metlical College ccjuferred upon him a complimentary degree. During the first term he was chairman of the sanitary committee, and member of ap- ])ropriation. education, insurance, rexenue and railroads C(jmmiltees. Dr. McGee is one of the ijioneer silver men of the state, as proclaimed in the Chicag(j platform of 1896, and was a delegate who took a prominent part in the state con\ention at Springfield in 1895, the first silver state convention ever held. The Doctor located at Brushy Fork in 1874, and has practiced his profession there ever since. In 1864 he joined Com])rmy K, One Hundred Thirty-seventh Illinois Infantry, and served to the expiration of his term of enlistment, and he has a certificate of thanks from P'-esiuent l.i:uiln for ser\'ices rendered hi^ country. J le owns two hundred and fifty acres 'if land: is a Knight Templar in Maso'-ry. and has never been married. He will visit the Paris Fair this year and make a loiu" of luirope. Dr. McGee's life has been a busy one and thuMug all the years of his residence in the township the time has been fully taken up in what he conceived to be his public and private duty. He is a man of un(|uest:onable integrity, honesty in his business tran.sactions, and generous in his disposit'on. with a wide charity for mankind.

Ciiaui.Fs F. Jenne

Charle:; F. Jenne is one of the most successful merchants and enleri)rising business men of Douglas county, residing at .\rthur, where lie and his partner, Fred B. lleckman, own and conduct two large stores, one a general h;n-d\\are establishment and the other furniture and undertaking. Me has resided at Arthur since 1885, and was in business alone until three years ago when he took in his present partner. Since his residence in Arthur he has always gi\-en his support to all worthy enteqirises calculated to promote the welfare of his town and county, and is valued as a citizen by the entire community.

Charles F. Jenne was born in Ross county. Ohio, in 1855 and is a son of Henry \V. and Mary (Smith) Jenne. who were natives of (jermany. He was reared and educated in the common schools of Ross county. Ohio. In 1880 he was united in marriage to Miss Sallie J. Warren, a daughter of T. T. Warren, a native of Douglas county. Mr. Jenne is a Mason and takes dee]) interest in Masonic affairs, having served as master of Arthur Lodge, No. 825, for three years.

Thomas 11. Rutherford, the present supervisor of Newman township, and one of the acknowledged leaders in farming as well as in political affairs of Douglas county, was born at Oakland, Coles county. Illinois, January 16, 1853. He is a son of Dr. Hiram Rutherford, settling there in the year 1840, one of the pioneers, and at the time of his death he was one of the oldest physicians in eastern Illinois, and one of the largest land owners as well. He has written much oi the early settlers, especially of the eccentric ones of this region.

He has a remarkal>le memory, and probably knew more of the earlv historv of Douglas and Coles counties than any other man within their bounds.

He was born in Cumberland Valley, near Harrisburg. Pennsylvania. December 27, 1815. ( For further facts pertaining to ancestry, see work of Dr. Eagle, state librarian of Pennsylvania, on early families of the Cumberland \ alley. ) Dr. Hiram Rutherford, after attendir;g Jefferson University, commenced the practice of medicine at the age of twenty-five vears. at Millersburg. Pennsvl\'ania.

Thomas H. Rutherfortl received his education in the schools of Oakland, and on October 15, 1874, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah R. Zimmerman, a daughter of John B. Zimmerman, who settled in Oakland township in 1837. To them have been born four children: Cyrus W.. Bessie (deceased), Hiram B., and Katie. Mr. Rutherford resides on his beautiful farm of two hundred and flirty acres, just iiMitli <il" Xcwniaii. ami is one of the niusl inlluenlial leailei's ul the Republican party in tlie connty. He has been sch'M)] treasurer of lownsliii) No. 16. range 1 1, since tlie spring of 1S76. In 1885 lie was elected commissioner of liigliways and held that ofticc until Decemher. 1890, when he resigned to he a]j])ointed supervisor to fill the vacancy of L. E. Root, who was elected county treasurer. Jle was re-elected supervisor in 1892, also in 1894, and was elected chairman of the hoard in 189^^ and 181)4. Jle ''s nov.' a member of the committee on li.ianc-', refunding of la.x and public buildings and grounds. Socially he belongs to the Newman Blue Lodge and is past high ])rie:;t if the Riiyal .\rch Alasons, Newman Chapter. No. 1/2. and is also a memlier of JMelita Commandery. No. -37, Knights Templar: is a Knight of I'ythias and a member of the Modern Woodmen.

Mr. Rutherford is a man of action and business capacity, and whatever cause he espouses he generally carries througli successfullv. with a \;m and earnestness which are ill a high degree characteristic (jualities of his makeu]).

Joseph S. Wyeth was for many years previous to liis death prominently identified witii the affairs of Douglas county. He, with his brother, T.. J., and their wives, came to Coles countv in 1850 and settled on farms four miles south of Hindsboro, wliere they remained until i860, when thev removed to

'lu>ciila and engaged in mercantile business. The parliier^hip lasted fdur \ears. when it was dissohed. L. j. remaining in the business an<l j<iseph S. lucating on a farm in (iarrett townshi]) where his widow now resides. This was in i8C)4. ( For a very full and complete ancestry cif the \\ \elh famih- see sketch of L. J. Wyeth on another page).

"Deceased was born in Franklin county. Massachusetts. April 15. 1828. In 1850 he was united in marriage to Miss Joanna Hunt in Licking county, Ohio. Mrs. Wyeth and six children survi\'e him. and two children long since jjreceded their father t(j the grave. Mr. W_\x'tli had been in poor health for many years, and the last few years of his life seld(3m left the home ])lace."

".\t rnie time lie was quite a wealthy man ami was a large dealer in live stock, but owing to failing health he was obliged to retire from active life a number of years ago. He leaves his family well provided for. Those who best know him speak of Mr. \\'yeth in the highest praise as a citizen, neighbor antl Christian man. During his life he followed the bible injunction to 'do unto others as you would have them do unto you,' and he went to the grave honored and respected by all who knew him.

"Funeral services were held at 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon at Cartwright church. Rev. Geo. Rippey officiating, and it was one of the largest funerals ever held in Garrett township."

Mrs. W'yeth, his widow, is a daughter of Elijah Hunt and Rhoda (Ilillyer) Hunt, who were born respectix'ely in Vermont and Connecticut and were engaged in agriculture pursuits. Elijah Hunt, her father, was in the war of 18 1 2. His death occurred February 12, 1873, in the seventy-seventh year of his age. Her grandfather, Ju.stin Hillyer, was a Revolutionary soldier. Her grandfather Hunt was a native of Vermont. To Mr. and Mrs. Wyetli were born the following children : Rhoda, wife of W. B. Brenton, of La Salle, Illinois; Franklin L., farmer in Garrett town- .ship; Harry L., also a farmer in the same tcjwnshi]); Susan, wife of Joseph Gregory, of Garrett township; Luella, wife of William Romine, of Garrett, and Daisy, who is the wife of John Burk, a merchant of Garrett. The farm upon which Mrs. Wyeth resides is owned by her and two of her sons and contains three hundred and thirty-seven acres.

William T. Moore

William T. Moore, generally known as Squire Moore, is a leading citizen and farmer of Areola township, and is a member of one of the earliest and most prominent families in Douglas county. He was born in Parke county, Indiana, September 5, 1830, and is a son of Jacob Moore, the pioneer of the family in the county, who was a native of Kentucky.

'Squire Moore's grandfather, Abraham Moore, and his wife, nati\es of \'irginia, were early settlers in Shelby county, Kentucky, wdiere they spent the remainder of their lives. 'Squire Moore removed with his parents from Parke county to what is now known as the Moore neighborhood when he was but four years old. Here he grew^ to manhood and obtained the advantages of an ordinary school education. In 1856 he was united in marriage to Margaret E. Louthan, who is a daughter of John and Margaret (Carter)

Loiitlian. Ixnli of whom were born in Frederick county. Vire^inia. she being tlie youngest of twelve cliilchen. John Lonthan was born Dccemlicr ii, 1779. and died May 7. 1864. He first removed to Edgar county, and in 1844 settled on the Okaw in Bourbon township, where he bought about one thousand acres of land. He was a .son of Henry Lonthan, who was a n;it!ve Scotchman. Ilis wife was a daugliter of .\rthur Carter, who was born in Ireland, and whn later emigrated and lived in Virginia. *

To Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Mnorc have liccn born six oh Idren : Sarah M.. living at home; Charles .\. and Ferdinand, who arc pmmineiit farmers in Coles county ; Laura, who is the widow of Ro!iert Black (see sketch), and resides in .Xrccl.'i: .Mxe V>. and Henry. Mr. Moore has for eighteen years filled the olilice of justice of the peace, has served three terms as township collector, and two terms as assessor. He owns one Inuidrcd and ninety acres, and the old homestead and one hundrctl and twenty acres in Coles county. He has been twenty-five years a Mason and a member (pf the .\rcola lodge and chapter, and is also an Odd Fellow. Fie is well known and popular with all classes of people and is one of the stanch Democrats of the county.

Benjamin W. Gere, a talented young lawyer of .Areola, with brilliant prospects in the legal profession, was admitted to practice in the courts of Illinois in February,- 1897, after

Mr. Gere was born January 23, 1871, at Bourbon, and is a son of \\\'irren 1!. and Jennie (Thomi)son) Gere. His father has been engaged in the grain business all his life and is one of .Areola's highly respected citizens.

fire insurance companies of the country. He has served Areola most efficiently as city attorney. In the recent race for county attorney Mr. (icie was a candidate and had many friends throughout the county, but the conditic-ns wore such that would force the nomination of Mr. Chadwick, so Mr. Gere with- 'Irew; iiy doing so it will no doubt increase his chances four years hence. Fie owns probabl}' the second largest law library in the ccunly. a.id is rapidly forging to the front in his pn)fession. In ])olitical opinion he is a stanch Republican and takes an active interest in his party's success.

John A. Reeder, Jr., wlio is one of the leading farmers in Bourbon township, was born in Darke county, Ohio, October 3, 1854, and is a son of John A. and Mary B. ( Harter) Reeder, natives of tlie same county in Oliio. John A. Reeder removed to Douglas county and located where his son John A. now resides. After coming to the county he rented for eight years and then purcha.sed two hundred and fifty acres of land and later became one of the influential citizens of Bourbon township. His death occurred in 1892 in the seventy-seventh year of his age. He was also a very successful trader in both real estate and buving and selling li\'e stock. { For further facts of the family see sketch of brother at Garrett.)

John A. Reetler was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Corbett in 1881. She is a daughter of Michael Corbett, of Arthur, who was born in Ireland in 1827, emigrated to this country in 1846 and was for five years employed on Mississippi river steamboats, after which he located in Sangamon county and purchased fifty acres of land, paying ten dollars per acre.. After working and improving it for two years he sold it for fifty dollars per acre. He then came toDouglas county, where he purchased land for nine dollars per acre, part of which he afterward sold for one hundred and twenty-five dollars per acre. In 1858 he married Miss Elizabeth York, of Sangamon county. Mr. Corbett is living a retired life at Arthur.

To I\Ir. and Mrs. Reeder have been born five children: Harry, aged sixteen years; Bertha, fifteen; George, thirteen; Fred, eleven, and Katie. He owns ninety acres of land,

Daniel W. Reed

Daniel W. Reed, the popular and accommodating deputy county clerk, was born in Tuscola, March 1 1, 1864. He is a son of John T. and Annie (W'alters) Reed, who were natives of Pennsyhania. John T. Reed was reared t'' manhood in Pennsyh-ania, where he learned the tailor's tratle, at which he worked in his younger (lavs, and in 1862 came to Illinois and settled on a farm in Tuscola township.

Daniel W. Reed grew to maturity on the farm and was engaged in school teaching for se\'en vears, having been principally educated at the Dan\ille, Indiana, Normal School. For two \-ears Mr. Reed served efficiently and acceptably to the citizens of Tuscola on the city ])olice force. In 1887 he was united in marriage to Miss Alice Price, and to their marriage ha\'e been born two lo\-ely children: Lucile and Louise. Mr. Reed is a member of the Ma.sonic fraternity and also of the Woodmen. In political opinion be has always been a consistent Republican and an effective worker in the ranks of his party. As an officer he is almost universally liked by the people throughout Douglas county.

Robert E. Milligan

l)a\id Millif^an. wlio was also born in Lawrence county and wbo was a son of John Milligan, who eniij;'ratcd from Sditland in the early days and later became an early settler in Lawrence county. Robert II. ]\Iilliyan"s motbei-. IClvira (ironl, was a daughter of Naybam (irout. a nati\e of \ erniont.

Robert L. Milli^an. like man\' other successful men. has made bis own \\a\- throus^h life unaided. His rule of life has ever been one of strict inte<;-rity. and whatever he does he does well. In manner he is ])leasant and .sfenial, easily making friends and holding them.

In 1S79 ""'' subject was united in marriage to Miss Mary Butler, of Lawrence county, Illinois. They have one child, a daughter, Gertrude. Mr. Milligan and wife are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

James .\. Ricbiuan is one of ibe best known fanners in Douglas county, and owns one of the linest and best improxed farms and most beautiful lionies in tlie county. Mis farm is situated in the northern part of L'aniargo townshi]), and his residence is three-(|uarters of a mile west of \"illa ( iro\e.

.Mr. Richman was born near C'amargo, Illinois. SeiJtember 13. JH44, and is the third .son of Da\id Richman. He grew to manhood on his father's frrm near Camargo, and in 1X64 volunteered in the Ci\il w.ar and was a member of Com])an\' G, One Hundred and Tbirtylifth Regiment. In J865 Mr. Richman was mustered out of the service and returned to W\> former home, and in Xo\ember ol the same \-ear was married to Miss Sarali Williams, who is a daughter of John \^'ill-ams, a nat'xe of Kentuckw The latter was a \-olnnteer in tliL"

Franklin and Charlie, both engaged in farniine; Hattie, wife of Dr. Gilmore, of V^illa Grove; Guy, a telegraph operator in Tuscola, and John, at home. An infant daughter died in January, 1875.

In 1869 Mr. Richman bought one hundred and sixty acres of land upon which the homestead now stands, and in April of the .same year he moved upon it. By hard labor and shrewd management Mr. Richman was enabled from time to time to buy more land, and now he has equipped one of the largest and best stock farms in the county, he having devoted much of his time to the raising of cattle and hogs. Mr. and Mrs. Richman arc memljers of the M. E. church at \'illa Grove, and are always among the first to give for the aid of the piior and needy. Mr. Ricliman has always been a strong supporter of the Democratic party.

James A. Richman is a memlicr of the old and prduiinent Richman family which enjoys the distinction of being the oldest settled family in the county, his grandfather, John A. Richman, having been the oldest resident in the county at the time of his death. He located here over three-quarters of a century ago, the first permanent white settler in the district now embraced in Douglas county, The Richmans are of English and German descent. Dax'id Richman was born in Greenlirier county. West Virginia, October 25, 1816. When in his elc\-enth year his family left Virginia. John A. Richman. his father, had a large familv of children and wanted more land, hence his removal from Virginia to Illinois. The cattle, sheep and horses could not be sold at home, and so were driven to their western destination. Arriving in Vermilion county,

Illinois, they settled on the head of the Little \'ermilion river. Here they lived on rented land, and raised two crops. In company with one Moses Bradshow, Mr. Richman's father visited the Embarrass timber on a bee hunt. In eight or ten days they got three or four barrels of honey. Mr. Richman was so well pleased with the land in the neighborhood of where they encami)ed that he resolved to remove to that country and take up some of the wild land there. The family left Vermilion county in ]\Iay following and settled on the Embarrass timber one-half mile west of Camargo. There was not another family of whites living in the present limits of the county at the time. There were no settlers north of Charleston. Eor a year they remained the only family in the cimnty. In about eighteen months after their arrival they had a neighbor in Isaac Moss, who settled about a mile east of the present town of Camargo. The Indians were in the neighborhood for aliout three years after their arrival. Bridgeport now occupies the site of their old village. They came in the fall and remained over winter, and in the spring journeyed further ni;)rth, where they spent the summer. The first summer the Richmans lived in a rough camp built of logs split in two. They commenced farming by trying to lireak the prairie, "but found their teams too weak for this, and so began work in the timber. They kept at work, clearing, breaking and planting, till the loth of July, when they succeeded in putting fourteen acres in with corn. They then began work at building a house. The logs were hewn r)ut, and part on the ground, when several members of the family were taken tlown with the ague, seven out of eleven, and for several iiKintlis were able to do nothing whatever. Their house was not put up in consecjuence till the succeeding summer. This house may still he seen in a good state of preservation, just north of the railroad and half a mile west of Camargo. For many years the family endured the hardships and inconveniences of pioneer life. Their pork was sold for one dollar and a half to two dollars a hundred, but they .saved a little money even at these prices and invested it in land, till tinally the amount reached seven hundred acres.

At the age of twenty-three David Richman was married to Ruth Haines, a native of Ohio. To them were born seven children: John, George, James, Samuel, William, Taylor and David, of whom John. George and David are deceased. Mr. Richman's life w^as full of hardships and exposure. In 1832 he contracted a severe cold, which settled upon his luntjs ruid soon resulted in his death.

Oliver T. Hunt

First Lieutenant Oliver T. Hunt (kmiwn as Cai)tain). a retired farmer of Tuscola. Illinois, and a well kmnvn and liighly respected citizen of the county, is a native of Randolph county, Indiana, and was born within eight miles to Winchester, the county seat, June 13, 1832. He is a son of Miles Hunt, who married Mary L. Botkin ; they were natives respectively of Fleming county, Kentucky, and Kno.K county, Temiessee. Bazil Hunt (grandfather) was born in England. Four brothers of the Hunt family came from England in about the year. 1 779 or 1780. One was killed in llie Revolutionary war; one settled in Marylantl ; one in X'irginia. and r>azil, the grandfather of the subject, settled in Fleming county, Kentucky, and moved in an early day to Indiana, where he died, leaving a family and widow. Miles llunl. his youngest son, laid out and platted the village of Hunts\ille, expecting at some future time it would become the county seat. His family were eleven in number, seven boys and four girls. All the children married when of age and settled as fiillnws: 'i'lirce nf the girls, M;ilinila Kcever, Rachel Stcvcnsiin ;md Caroline Okerson, were all married in Randolph county, Indiana, and moved to Nodaway county. Missouri, with their husbands. .'\lso jnhn C. Hunt, who married l-lmnia I.ane in .\tchison county, Missouri, and is an attorney of no mean standing in Rockport, the county seat of .Atchison county. William Tipton Hunt was married on the same date as was our subject, to Celestine l!;ium, daughter nf Charles IJaum, of N'ermil- ion count3% Illinois. He died at Oklahoma City while a juryman of the United States court in the Indian Territory, April 15, 1891. His wife returned to Vermilion county, Illinois, and died July 3, 1893.

Miles Hunt, the father, departed this life in Logan county at the home of his youngest son, Alonzo, in Oklahoma Territory, on Decemher 14, 1893. James D. Hunt, his son. now resides in Oklahoma county, that Territory. Miles Hunt's wife died April 10, 1895, in Logan county, Indian Territory, and is at rest by the side of her husband. Bezelleel and Henry C. Hunt both enlisted in the Sixtyninth Indiana Regiment in 1862. Henry C. was wounded at the battle of Richmond, Kentucky, and Bezelleel. remaining with him, was taken prisoner, but was paroled. Both were afterward married, but first studied medicine and became M. D."s. Henry lives in Montpelier, Blackford county, Indiana, and has a lucrative practice. Bezelleel died in Douglas county, Illinois, in August, 1869, leaving a widow, whose maiden name was Branham. Sarah J. married Leander McMillen, of Pennsylvania, who was also a jihysician. He died leaving one son, Bennett H. The widow afterward married a man of Vermilion county, Illinois, Benjamin Dickson by name. There were seven of Miles Hunt's children who taught school, viz. : O. P., William T., Henry C, B. T., J. C, A. L. and Sarah Jane. i See new history of Indiana by the Hon. W. H. Lnglish.)

Our subject, O. T. Hunt, received a common-school education, unlike the common schools of the jiresent day, as in his early boyhood schools were secured by subscription. His father would pay the tuition of five scholars and send but one or two in order to secure a teacher. Often men with no children to send to school would pay the tuition of a scholar to induce some one who could read and write to teach. The old elementary spelling book was the text book, with some reading in it, with the stories of "the man's ox tliat had been gored Ity his neighbor's" and the "boy in the apple tree." The primary class constituted the ABC divisions (with the alphabet torn from the spelling book and pasted on a paddle to protect and preserve it). When one had mastered the old elementary spelling book, grammar and arithmetic, writing and geography were studies the parents could choose from, any or all of them. The old English reader was indispensible, and all who had thoroughly mastered the spelling book must read in it, which was not suitable to the condition of the children. As well had them enter the Latin class of to-day, as there was not half of the words the children knew the meaning of, while the facilities of to-day are much improved as the child climbs step by step and is expected to master every study. Yet we are pained to see the graduate who, ])arrot-like, can only repeat what he has thoroughly committed - "Polly wants her breakfast." The greatest trouble, we think, especially in the common schools, is with the teachers. A child recites well when it recites by rote or has committed the language of the author. This is no test, only of memory; it does not show that the student has any thought of his own, or that he understands the recitation he recites. Hence, while life at best is short, the main object should be in teaching anything to stimulate and draw out of the child all the rea.soning powers, and you have liiitl a touiulalion tliat is everlasting wlien the cliild has learned tliat the first and great step in an edncation is for one to think for himself. Now as to the suljject. O. T. Hunt's mother was a daughter of Hugh M. B(itkin, of Scotch descent, a native of Tennessee, who settled near Winchester, Indiana, in an early day. with his family, where many f)f his descendants are now living. William Rotkin, one of his sons, owns and lives on the farm his father first settled on in Indiana. When O. T. Hunt arri\ed at manhood he taught his first sch'iol in Huntsvillc, Randolph county, his own hrothers and sisters attending the school, and he says they ga\c him more trouble than all the rest of the scholars, and if it hafl not iieen for his father he expects he would have had to give up the school; but between them they settled down to business. He commenced the study of law when only twenty )ears f>ld, read Blackstones Commentaries, and in 1835 he bought Kent's Commentaries, Parson on Contracts, Greenleaf on Evidence and Gould's Pleading. In i<S56 he went to X'ermilion county, Illinois, and taught school, studied at his spare times his te.xt-books, and taught school in that State over two years. He returned to Randolph county in 1H58 and on motion of Judge Jeremiah Smith he was :idmittcd to the RandoIjJi county Ijar to practice law. He then went back to Illinois and married Eliza J. McDowell on September i, 1859, and returned to Randulph county, Indiana, where he and his wife l)oth taught a winter term of school. In the spring they went to Illinois, where he rented a farm near Indianola, in Vermilion county, and in 1862. when Lincoln revoked the order of Gens. Hunter and Fremont, saying he did not have the constitutional right to free the slaves of the south. Hunt concluded to raise a company, lie cdled two or three meetings and secured rpiite a numljer of names near Indianola, in Vermilion county, Illinois, and went to Danville and reported to Governor Vates. .\t this time George W. Cook, of Catlin. Illinois, learning of the matter, went to see Hunt, as he had quite a number of men enli.sted. and they consolidated and were made Comi)any K. of the One Hundred pud Twenty-fifth Regiment of Illinois \'olunteers. Cook was made captain of the company. O. T. Hunt, first lieutenant, and Franklin Crosby, second lieutenant. and O.T.Harmon, colonel of the regiment. The latter lost his life at the charge of Kenesaw Mountain, after \\hich Hunt commanded the company (hence the a])pcllation "Captain"), and the Captain played major. The regiment was mustered in at Danville. Illinois, on the ^(\ day of September. 1862. and .served during the war. The regiment went with Sherman to the .sea (.Savannah. Georgia), thence to Richmond, and llie nnistcr-dut mils were m.ade out at Washington City. D. C. They were dated June 9, 1865. but were not delivered to the men until the latter part of June, when the regiment was paid ofl at Chicago and disbanded. Hunt bought a Peter Schutler lumber wagon in Chicago and returned to his family in Vermilion county. His wife, a daughter of John B. McDowell, a nati\e of Kentucky, inherited of her grandfather. David ^'arne]l. one hundred acres of l;md in Douglas county. Illinois, and Hunt improved the same, and through their eccjuomy and industry added thereto three hundred .'uid fifteen acres of land, making a total of fi>ur hundred and fifteen acres of land in Douglas County, .\fter Oklahuma Territory was o])ened up he went to that country and hought two claims of George Grant and his brother, or one half-section, within ten nr twelve miles of Oklahoma City. But he claims his environments and the war spoiled a good lawyer. He was commander of the McCowan Post, of Camargo, Grand Army of the Republic. That order growing weak, he surrendered the charter and joined the Frank Reed Post, of Tuscola, and is also or has been a member of the Grange. But he is opposed to secret political organization, as he says the Knownothing party of 1852- 1854 killed the old Whig party, and any party that will not bear the light of day and free discussion is dangerous to a free and independent government. He is a Stephen A. Douglas Democrat, as are the rest of his father's family, while all his near relatives are Republicans, or h.ave been. He takes a lively interest in politics and the success of his party, making the race twice for state's attorney and once for county judge with credit ti) himself.

William H Eaton

William Heaton is one of the old landmarks of the county. For over half a century he has been an active and successful man of affairs, and at tiie age of eighty-three is still attending to business. He was born in Greene county, Pennsylvania, July 24, 1817, and is a son of Samuel and Margaret (Rose) Heaton, who were also born in Greene county, Pennsylvania. His grandfather, John Rose, and President McKinley's grandmother were cousins. Williyrn Heaton (grandfathc; ) was a native of New Jersey, born Sejotemlier lO, 1764, and fouglit under Andrew jack.-^on at the battle of Nev/ 0-leans. His wif'% Abigail, was born August 28, 1767. johr Rose, his maternal grandfather, was an early settler near Clarksville, Greene county, Pennsylvania, and owned a distillery, and in the words of IMr. Heaton was a great inventor, as he could draw five kinds of liquor out of the same barrel, and neither he nor any of his sons were ever known to be drunk either. He and his five sons were also opposed to drinking; in that earlv dav there were no organization known as the Prohibition party. I)ut princil)ally Democrats and Whigs. William Heaton's father grew quite wealthy for that day, but lost it by going on other people's bonds. He removed to New Washington, Ohiio, where he died. His mother died in Greene county.

William Heaton received a moderate education in his younger days and worked hard r,n the farm. In 1838 he married Mary Hedge, a daughter of Jacob Hedge, of Greene county. Jacnl) lludj^c was a tj'ood citizen, a 14(1(1(1 farmer. l)Ut nc\er liad oiiportunities to .sit in the state Lej^islature. William Ileaton's wi-fe (lied in 1886. To them were born seven children. Hi.s second and present wife is a most agreeable companion for him in his old age. She is a C(ntsin of his first wife. Mr. Heaton has been a very successful trader and has ])rol)ably bought and sold more land than any man in the county, h'or .several years he kept a land ofl'ice at Des Moines, Iowa, and paid twelve thousand dollars out of his own pocket toward the removal of the state capital from Towa City to Des Moines. He laid the foundation for llic Adair County Bank at Greenfiekl, Iowa, which is now owned and managed by his son, D. D. Heaton. He is now passing the sunset of life near the Pleasant Ridge church, in Xorth Newman township, where he still enjoys life, and a])preciates a good story as well as he ever did. While in Iowa he was a political disciple of James B. Weaver and E. H. Gelette, serving as delegate to conventions and in other ways adding strength to the cause. I le hopes to live to vote for William J. Bryan this fall. In the neighborhood in 'which he resides he is something ol a ])olitical freak, as nearly everybody around him lielieves m(«t devotedly in ;ni honest dollar and the constitution.

Stroder M. Long

Stroder McNeal Long, who was the second president of the Bank of Newman, Illinois, was born in Fayette county, Ohio, Oclolicr T), 1840. emigrated with his parents to the state of Illinois in 1S4S and located on a farm nine miles north of Paris, in Edgar county. He is a S(jn of Andrew and Margaret (Mark) Long, who were natives of Ohio. He worked on his father's farm in the summer and attended school in the winter until i860, u hen he commenced an academic course at Paris, Illinois. In the year following the Civil war broke out, and he enlisted in Company E, Twelfth Illinois Infantry. After three months" service, on account of a se\ere spell ol sickness, he was honorably discliarged and returned home. He engaged in farming and school teaching until the spring of 1867, when he mcned to Douglas county, where he purchased eighty acres of land on South Prairie, three miles south of Newman. He remained here until 1880, making farming and stock raising a specialty. He represented Sargent two terms on the county board of supervisors, 187S-79. In 1884 he was elected a member of the Thirty-foimh General Assembly of the slate by a large majority in the district. His fidelity to party as well as to the people's interest, his sterling integrity and rectitude of purpose, won for him the appointment by the Republican caucas a member of the advisory committee that directed the party on all political (juestions. He was a member of the committees on education, farm drainage, house contingent expense, state and municipal indebtedness and canals and rivers. When he retired from the Ikhisc of representatives at the close of the session he had made a host of friends and few enemies. In 1898 he was again nominated 1iy his party of the fortieth senatorial district, but his death occurred before the election. In the spring of 1888 he succeeded I. N. Covert as president of the Newman Bank, which position he held most acceptably to all parties concerned up to 1898, the time of his death. He was one of the promoters of the organization of the Newman Building & Loan Association, and was one of its prominent and ruling directors. He was also a charter member of Templestone lodge, No. 76, Knights of Pythias, and an enthusiastic worker in that order. Mr. Long was a shrewd business man, straightforward, upright and capable. During the World's Fair he was a member of the board of congress from Illinois.

In 1872 our subject married Mary E. Pound, of Newman, Illinois. She is a daughter of John M. and Rosalinda (Kester) Pounil, the former born in Clark county, Indiana, and the latter in Shelby county, Kentucky. To Mr. and Mrs. Long were born five children: Mabel M., wife of Henry A. Wine, of Indianapolis, Indiana; Potter P., married and residing on his farm south of Newman;

Garnet A., wife of William McGee, of Mattoon, Illinois; Cecile R. and Fay E. reside witli their mother. Mrs. Long and children own seven hundred acres of land, one hundred and twenty acres of which lies in Edgar county, also other valuable city property. She has recently completed one of the most imposing and beautiful residences in Newman.

Joseph S. Williamson

Jose]jh S. Williamson, one of the leading farmers and most favorably known citizens 01 Douglas county, was born August 22, 1840, near Muncie, Indiana. He is a son of Peter

Williamson and Rosana, his wife. His father w as born in Portsmouth, Ohio, and his mother ir. Germany. His paternal grandfather, Joseph \Villiamson, was a native of New Jer-

Jnseph S. Williamson was reared and educated in Mnncie. in early life he tau_L;ht schodi during" the winters and worked u\hn\ the farm in crop time, after which he spent three years with a Xew \'nvk dry-goods firm. In iSd; he came tn this stale and located in Tuscola, where he w;is successfidly engaged in the mercantile husiness in partnership with the late C W. C'ahert for six years. In 1870 he returned to Indiana and located at Mount Summit, where he was engaged in mercantile business. In 1876 he returned to Douglas county, where he has been engaged in agriculture and stock raising on the ])resent farm, containing one hundred and sixty acres, and which is one of the best impro\ed farms in the county. He has been twice married. His first wife, Miss Rebecca Ice, who died in 1875, was a daughter of Colonel Jes.se Ice, of the war of 181 J. and Sarah Ice. whose mriiden name was Hickm.an. There were horn to their marriage five chiklren. The li\ing are: Jesse Peter, Francis luigene and Joseph .\l\a. Deceased: James and .Andrew, llis second wife, Miss I'rances l\. L. Kinsey. is a daughter of the late Joseph Kinsey and Josina, his wife, who was also a daughter i)f the above Col. Jesse Ice. To their marriage were born six children. The h\iiig are: l'c;irl May, Harry K., I'larle W., WilHam I., and Mira Marie. Deceased, George I..

Mr. Williamson, while a resident of Tuscoki, was identified with the Ijoard of education, a member ni tjie board of aldermen, and, though never an office seeker, has filled many other positions of honor and trust. In all these public capacities he has been faithful, and bv his careful study of the political principles ol otu' country and his deep interest in education has pro\ed his devotion and interest in the Common welfare of^the people. For .some tunc his health has not been good and the past wititer he and .Mrs. Williamson spent in I'"lorida in search of health. Socially Mr. W'illi.-nnsoii is agreeable and companionable and has many friends who api)reciate his worth as a neighbor and Christian gentleman.

Caleb Garrett

Caleb (iarrett. son of Isam and Mary ( Puckett ) Garrett, was born in Clinton county, Ohio, on the C)tli of July, iSiT). In 1819 the family nio\ed to Randoljili comity, Indiana, and, in 1823, to Vigo county, in the same state.