Edgar County, Illinois - The whole text, 1879 (part 20 of 24)

JOHN S. DILL, farmer; P. O. Paris; come to Edgar Co., 1830; was born in Mason Co., Ivy., Aug. 21, 1811; son of Benjamin and Rachel (Crowsley) Dill ; father was a tailor by trade, a native of Delaware, having moved to Kentucky when very young ; Mr. Dill was raised on a farm, and has been engaged in this vocation principally through life ; when he was about 3 years old, he, with his parents, moved to Clermont Co., Ohio ; here he remained until he was about 19 ; he then came to Edgar Co., Ill. ; came with parents ; first settled in Paris ; here they remained but a short time, then moved to a farm, and remained there until the Black Hawk war; he enlisted in Col. Blackburn's regi¬ ment; Col. Mayo was Captain of company ; he served until the close of war; in 1833, he went to Chicago ; here he was for five years; here he was engaged in the carpen¬ ter business, in fact, he was working about the first year of the progress of this great city ; he engaged there for five years ; he helped move the Pottawatomie tribe west ; these Indians were moved to Council Bluffs, Iowa, and part to Kansas ; returned to Edgar Co. in 1839; moved to Andrew Co., Mo. ; here he was engaged in farming, part of his time plastering ; he plastered the first house that was plastered in Savan¬ nah, which was the county seat of Andrew Co., Mo. ; the plastering trade he learned in Paris ; here be remained in Missouri eight years, then returned to Edgar Co. ; 1847, settled north of Paris on a farm; there, 1847 to 1856, then started to Kan¬ sas ; went as far as Warrensburgh, Mo., but, on account of trouble in State, returned to Paris; there two years; 1857, drove cattle to the north part of Iowa, then back farming in Edgar Co. ; in 1859, set¬ tled on present homestead ; here he has remained ever since. Married Miss Martha E. Powell, of Nicholas Co., Ky., having come to Edgar Co. 1835, by whom he has had twelve children, seven children living. Owns 207 acres of land.

IRA K. ELIOT, farmer ; P. O. Ver¬ milion ; the subject of this sketch was born in Stratton Tp., Edgar Co., Ill., March 24, 1840, and is the son of Palmer D. and Sophia Eliot, who were among the early settlers of Edgar Co. ; Palmer D. Eliot was born in New York State in 1792 ; his father died when he was a young man ; he, with his brother, started West from New York, and, being very poor, they walked all the way to Kentucky ; here he married Sophia Jarred ; came to Illinois in a wagon drawn by a yoke of oxen ; they arrived in Edgar Co., and, being very poor, having but 50 cents cash and one horse, he first commenced to work for Mr. Sandford ; here, it seems, he saved a little maney, and entered a piece of land ; he built him a log cabin ; at that time the Indians were very numerous, and before Mr. Eliot moved in the cabin, it was occupied by Indians; from here he set out in farming, and, with hard labor and good management, he was among the successful farmers of Edgar Co., at his death leaving a valuable estate. Mr. Plliot was a member of the Christian Church, and helped to organize the Christian Church in Stratton Tp. He died respect¬ ed and honored by his fellow-men. Ira K. Eliot, at the breaking-out of the late

he enlisted in Co. A, 12th I. V. I., and served three months ; was honorably discharged. He married Miss Sarah A. Myers, daughter of Jonas F. Myers ; have had four children, three children living.

W. W. FERRIS, M. D. ; P. 0. Ver¬ milion ; this gentleman was born in Ge¬ auga Co., Ohio, Jan. 3, 1841, and is the son of Elijah and Mary (Russell) Ferris; his father was a native of New York, en¬ gaged in farming ; Dr. Ferris was brought up on his father's farm, engaged in farm¬ ing; at the age of 15, he entered school and received a common-school education ; in 1857, he commenced the study of med¬ icine in Henry Co., Ind. ; in 1859, he en¬ tered the Michigan State University of Ann Arbor, Mich. ; here he graduated in medicine and received a diploma ; in 1862, he came to Vermilion, Edgar Co., Ill., and commenced the practice of his profession ; to-day he ranks with the leading physicians of Edgar Co., Ill., being the oldest resident physician of Vermilion. Dr. Ferris owns a well-stocked drug store in Vermilion, where can be had the purest of drugs. He married Eliza Burner, of Henry Co., Ind. ; one child. Dr. Ferris was one of the first Councilmen of Vermilion and was the first President of the Council.

ANDREW G. FITZGERALD, retired farmer ; P. 0. Vermilion ; was born in Iredell Co., N. C., June 24, 1796, and is the son of John and Nancy (Bagerly) Fitz¬ gerald ; his father was a farmer and a na¬ tive of Maryland; Mr. Fitzgerald was brought up on the farm ; in 1815, he moved to Hardin Co., Ky. ; here he was engaged by the month to work on the farm. While in Hardin Co. he married, in 1822, to Miss Annie Morrison, who was born in Hardin Co., Ky., Nov. 27, 1803, and is the daughter of James and Mary (McWilliams) Morrison, who emigrated to Kentucky at an early day. Mr. Fitzgerald, in 1825. with wife and two children, started in a wagon for Illinois, crossed the Ohio River by ferry near Brandenburg, Ky., then to Edgar Co. ; they first lived on a rented farm, then purchased forty acres of land and in about 1828 they built a log cabin, 18x20, and moved the family ; in here they lived until about 1832, when he built a larger building ; this old log oabin is now standing on the farm, fifty years old. Mr. Fitzgerald came here a poor man ; with hard work and industry he ranks among the successful farmers of Stratton Tp. ; he is a member of the Christian Church ; the first members of the Cnristian Church of Stratton Tp. were A. G. Fitzgerald and wife, R. C. Kimbrough and wife, Palmer D. Eliot and wife, Benjamin Vaulioutin and wife, William Hartley and wife, William Smith and wife, Nicholas Schoptaugh and wife ; out of the fourteen original members of this church only four are living, viz., A. G. Fitzgerald and wife and Benjamin Vanhoutin and wife.

JAMES A. GILLESPY, farmer; P. 0. Paris ; was born in Stratton Tp., Edgar Co., Ill., Feb. 3, 1846, and is the son of James L. and Annie Campbell Gillespy, who were among the early settlers of Stratton Tp., Edgar Co., Ill. His father was a native of Tennessee ; came to Ed¬ gar Co. at an early day ; was a soldier of the Black Hawk war, 1832 ; enlisted from Edgar Co., Ill. Came to Edgar Co., a poor man ; was a farmer, and at his death he had accumulated a large estate. Mr. James A. Gillespy was brought up on his father's farm, and has been engaged in farming, principally, through life. En¬ listed in the late war as private in Co. G, 70th I. V. I.; served three months; was honorably discharged. Returned to farm¬ ing ; owns a good improved farm of 124 acres of land. Married twice, first wife, Virginia C. Thomas, deceased ; married second wife, Miss Abia Atkinson, daughter of George J. Atkinson ; one child.

M. F. GILLESPY, farmer ; the sub¬ ject of this sketch was born in Stratton Tp., Edgar Co., Ill., July 11, 1849, and is the son of James and Annie C. Gillespy ; his father was born near Knoxville, Tenn., having moved to Indiana at an early day ; then to Crawford Co., Ill. ; thence to Ed¬ gar Co., being among the first settlers of Edgar Co., Stratton Tp., Ill. He was a soldier of the Black Hawk war of 1832. Came to county poor ; but with hard labor he managed to accumulate a large estate ; he died respected and beloved by his fellowmen. Mr. M. F. Gillespy married Miss Caroline Whalen, who was born in Edgar Co., Ill., by whom he has had two children, one living - Nellie G. Mr. Gillespy owns 118 acres of land.

was bom July 24, 1835 ; be was brought to this country by parents when a mere boy ; they settled in Stark Co.. Ohio, where they lived until 1850, when they removed to Shelby Co., Ill. During the early life of Martin he obtained a good business educa¬ tion. and on June 14, 1858, he married Miss Phoebe A., only daughter of Daniel Lane, a pioneer of this county ;"she was born Aug. 25, 1842, and her home is the old homestead where her father settled in 1818. Mr. and Mrs. Hausam have a beau¬ tiful home of 160 acres, and fine farm build¬ ings. They are among the better class of citizens.

CHARLES T. JOHNSON, M. D., Vermilion, the subject of this sketch, was born in Edgar Co., Ill., two and a quarter miles northeast of Paris, June 7, 1833, and is the son of Madison and Maria (Kimble) Johnson ; his father was a native of Virginia ; with his parents moved to Ohio when he was about 7 years old. Here he married, and. with his wife, came to Illinois. Dr. Johnson was brought up on his father's farm and commenced farm¬ ing from the time he could handle a plow, and in the winter months gathering in¬ struction from the district schools of the period ; at 20, he entered the high school at Paris ; here he received a common-school education ; he then commenced the study of medicine under Dr. Shubal York, and remained with him until the breaking-out of the late war; he enlisted in the 54th I. V. I. as Hospital Steward, under Dr. Shubal York, who was acting as Surgeon of same regiment. Dr. Johnson remained in the 54th about two years ; he then was Contracting Surgeon about three months ; then returned to the 54th, and remained with this regiment until the close of the war, acting as First Assistant Surgeon ; he returned home to Edgar Co., Ill., in 1865, and in 1866, he graduated in the Chicago Medical College ; he then went to New- Goshen, Vigo Co., Ind.; here he com¬ menced the practice of medicine, and remained there until 1872 ; thence to Paris Edgar Co., Ill, in 1872, 1873 and 1874 ; in 1874, he commenced the practice of medi cine in Vermilion; here he has remained ever since, and ranks to-day as one of the leading physicians of Edgar Co. Dr. Johnson has been married twice ; first wife Miss Harriet Pinder, of England, having emigrated to America with her parents at the age of 10 years ; were only married about two years ; she died in Vigo Co.T Ind., by whom he had one child ; second wife, Mrs. Louisa (Sherley) Shores, of In¬ diana.

DAVID A. KIMBROUGH, Vermil¬ ion ; this gentleman was born in Elbridge Tp., Edgar Co., Ill., March 9, 1825, and is the son of Richard C. and Jane (Mor¬ rison) Kimbrough ; his father was born in North Carolina, 1792 ; was a soldier in the war of 1812, under Gen. Jackson, and participated in some of the prominent battles ; was five years in the regular army, and three years in the volunteer service ; he came to Kentucky at an early day ; here he married Jane Morrison ; with wife and two children moved to Illinois, and settled in Edgar Co.; here he remained until his death, which occurred Oct. 20, 1833; his wife died June 3, 1875. Mr. Kimbrough, in 1852, moved to Coles Co., and returned to Edgar Co. in 1856 ; with this exception, he has lived in Edgar Co. since 1825. In 1849, he married Miss Nancy L. 8ims, born in Edgar Co., Ill., April 7, 1826, daughter of Hall and An¬ nie (Jones i Sims, who were among the first settlers of Edgar Co.; in 1870, Mr. Kimbrough moved to Vermilion, with the intention of educating his children ; in Sept. 8, 1874, a very sad accident oc¬ curred to his two sons, John L. and James M. ; while at the raising of a house, it fell and instantly killed both of them. Have one child - Mary E. S. Mr. Kimbrough has been President of the Council of Ver¬ milion for the last four years. He is a Democrat in politics ; is a member of the Christian Church.

JOHN W. MOFFITT, farmer; P. O. Paris ; the subject of this sketch was born in Indiana Co., Penn., July 10, 1819, and is the son of Robert and Jane (Clark) Moffitt, both natives of Ireland; were Protestants in religion, having emigrated to America at an early day ; Mr. Moffitt, when he was but 1 year old (1820), with his parents moved to Knox Co., Ohio, being among the early settlers of this county; Mr. Moffitt states when they first came to Knox Co. there were plenty of wild game, such as deer, wolves, etc.; he has visited the Indian camps. In 1838, he married Miss Druzella Welker, daugh- ter of John and Elizabeth (Gomer) Welker; her father, a native of Maryland, was a soldier in the war of 1812; they having moved to Knox Co. in 1803, were among the first settlers of the county ; Judge Martin Welker, a brother of Mrs. Moffitt, is now Judge of the Northwest¬ ern District of Ohio ; was at one time Lieutenant-Governor of Ohio ; also served three terms as Congressman from same State. Mr. Moffitt remained in Knox Co., Ohio, until 1850 ; then with wife and four children, came to Illinois, and settled in Paris, Edgar Co.; here he remained five years ; was the first Steward of the present Poorhouse ; this office he filled for eight and one-half years ; has been a resident of Mulberry Grove, and May's Station ; in 1875, he moved to the present farm ; here he has been engaged in farming ever since. Mr. Moffitt lost a son and son-in-law in the late war ; his son, Dilion W., enlisted in the 54th I. V. I., Co. F, for three years ; was detailed as Company teamster ; was taken sick at Vicksburg, Miss., and on his way home with his father died at the Sol¬ diers' Home, in Cairo, Ill.; his remains were buried at Mound City, Ill.; Mr. Moffitt's son-in-law, David C. Perrish, enlisted in Co. F, 59th I. V. I. ; he participated in the battle of Nashville, Tenn. ; after the battle, he was in a skirmish where he re¬ ceived a wound which proved mortal ; he died leaving a wife, Edith (Moffitt) Per¬ rish, and one child, a daughter to mourn, his loss; his wife died two years after, with the consumption. Mr. and Mrs. Moffitt have lived together as man and wife for the last forty years ; have had seven chil¬ dren, four living; Charles (deceased), was a graduate of the Keokuk Medical College.

JOHN MINGS, farmer and stock dealer ; P. 0. Vermilion ; the abovenamed gentleman was born on the line of Preble and Butler Counties, Ohio, Sept. 21, 1827, and is the son of William and Ann (Newton) Mings, of England, who emi¬ grated to America young ; his father was shoemaker by trade, was a soldier of the war of 1812, and was among the early settlers of Ohio, having passed through Cincinnati, Ohio, when it was but a small village ; Mr. Mings, when he was young, with his parents moved to Shelby Co., Ind. ; here in this county his father and ' mother died. He returned to Ohio, and married Lucy Ann Parker ; thence to Marion Co., Ind. ; from there he came to Edgar Co., 1865 ; here he has been en¬ gaged in farming and stock dealing, and ranks to-day as one of the successful men of Stratton Tp. ; Mr. Mings was crippled on a threshing machine ; he then, at 21 years old, learned the shoemaker's trade ; this he followed but a few years ; owns a a fine, improved farm of 160 acres. Have had three children, one living - William H., who is engaged with his father in the stock business.

J. F. MYERS, farmer ; P. 0. Ver¬ milion ; was born in Shenandoah Co., Va., Sept. 25, 1813, and is the son of Michael and Magdalene (Lindamood) Myers; his father was a farmer; when Mr. Myers was between 8 and 10 years old, he, with his parents, emigrated West, to Ohio, and settled in Greene Co.; here he remained until 1858 ; then, with wife and eight children, moved to Edgar Co., and settled in Stratton Tp.; here he has re¬ mained ever since, and ranks to-day as one of the successful farmers of Edgar Co. Mr. Myers married in Greene Co., Ohio, to Eliza¬ beth Dice, of Virginia, by whom he has had eleven children, ten children living. Mr. and Mrs. Myers are members of the German Reformed Church. His son Auderson was in the late war ; enlisted in a reg¬ iment of engineers in Missouri, which was detailed to build bridges and trestle work ; he took sick at Jacksonville, Tenn.; re¬ turned home, and few weeks after died. John enlisted, but near the close of war ; did but little service.

COL. D. A. MORRISON, farmer ; P. 0. Vermilion ; is one of the oldest settlers of Edgar Co.; was born in Hardin Co., Ky., Feb. 26, 1809, and is the son of James and Mary (McWilliams) Morrison; his father was a native of New Jersey, having moved to Kentucky at an early day ; here, in 1820, he died; Mr. Morrison was raised on his father's farm, and remained on the farm in Kentucky until 1826 ; then, with his mother and one sister, moved to Illinois, and settled in Stratton Tp., Ed¬ gar Co.; he first rented a farm, and by his industry he had saved sufficient money topurchase forty acres of land, part of the present farm ; here he has remained ever since ; to-day owns a good, improved farm of 1961 acres. In 1832, Col. Morrison enlisted as a volunteer in the Black Hawk war under Col. Blackburn, and served un¬ til the close of the war ; he returned to his home in Edgar Co., and was elected as Colonel of the 19th Ill. Militia ; this office he filled about eight years. He married Catharine E. Boss, of Breckinridge Co., Ivy., daughter of Jesse and Nancy Ross; she died Oct. 16, 1878; have eight chil¬ dren. James R. was a soldier of the late war; enlisted in Co. A, 7th I. V. C.; on account of sickness, was honorably dis¬ charged.

DAVID ORMISTON, Jr., farmer; P. O Paris ; came to Edgar Co with his par¬ ents in 1844; was born in Washington Co., Ohio, Nov. 24, 1830. and is the son of David and Jane (Bell) Ormiston, na¬ tives of Scotland; were married in Scot¬ land, having emigrated to America in about 1827 ; landed in Philadelphia ; then to Washington Co., Ohio, being among the early settlers of this county ; David Ormis¬ ton was born Feb. 15, 1800 ; married twice ; first wife, Jane Bell, who died in Ohio ; he then married second wife, Eliza Pond, and with wife and family moved to Edgar Co., Ill., 1844 ; second wife died, 1876. Mr. Ormiston is at the good old age of 78 years ; he is living with his son David Ormiston, Jr. The subject of this sketch was brought up on his father's farm. In 1862, he enlisted iu Co. A, 7th I. V. C., Quartermaster Sergeant ; partici¬ pated in some of the prominent battles during the war - Corinth, Fort Hudson, with Gen. Grierson's raid through Tenues see into Louisiana, etc.; Mr. Ormiston was engaged in over fifty battles and skirmishes during his enlistment, and never received but a veiy slight wound; only sick eighteen days ; with this exception, he served lull time, always ready for duty ; was mustered out at Huntsville, Ala.; final discharge at Nashville, Tenn., at the close of the war ; he then returned home, and has been en¬ gaged in farming ever since. Married Miss Harriet Hall Oct. 20, 1850 ; she was born in Washington Co., Ohio, Aug. 20, 1829, daughter of Mitchell Hall (born in Ireland Feb. 15, 1795) and Frances Hall (born in Ireland Dec. 19, 1809) ; have two adopted children - Emma L. and Elner P. Mr. Ormiston is a Republican in politics, and a member of the M. E. Church.

D. K. RAFFETY, merchant, Vermil¬ ion ; this gentleman was born in Green Co., Ky., Sept. 20, 1819, and is the son of James and Elizabeth (Kean) Raffety; father was a farmer ; here Mr. Raffety was raised on his father's farm, and with his parents moved to Franklin Co., Ind.; here he remained until about 1838 ; he then went to Butler Co., Ohio, and re¬ mained until 1839 ; returned to Indiana, to Ripley Co.; thence to Dearborn Co., Ind. Here he married, in 1842, to Miss Harriet Mering, daughter of Mary and Frederick Mering ; in 1854, Mr. Raffety came to Edgar Co., looking for a location, with the intention of moving; in 1855, he started with wife and seven children in settled in Stratton Tp., Edgar Co.; here he set out in farming, which business he continued until 1875; he then moved to Vermilion; in 1876, he commenced the sale of agricultural implements ; this busi¬ ness he is now engaged in ; Mr. Raffety was about the first man that moved to Stratton Tp. from Dearborn Co., Ind.; when he settled here, he wrote favorably of the country, and caused Mr. A. Showalter to move here, who started the first store in Vermilion ; consequently it must be credited to Mr. Raffety as being one of the founders of Vermilion. Mr. Raffety organized the first Sunday school in Ver¬ milion in 1856, then known as the Union Sunday school. A member of the United Brethren Church ever since 1844. He has been married twice ; first wife Harri¬ et Mering, who died Feb. 21. 1875; mar¬ ried the second time to Mrs. Cynthia Lips lv April 3, 1877.

JOHN RAFFETY, harness-maker, Vermilion ; was born in Green Co., Ky., Dec. 16, 1817, and is the son of James and Elizabeth (Kean ) Raffety ; his father was a farmer, and a native of North Carolina ; when young, moved to Virginia; then to Kentucky. Mr. Raffety with his parents moved to Franklin Co., Ind., when he was about 11 years of age; at the age of 18, he commenced to learn the harness making trade ; this trade he followed prin¬ cipally while in Indiana, in Franklin, Dear¬ born and Jennings Cos. In Jennings Co., he was Postmaster for fourteen years, and Justice of the Peace eighteen years. Mr. Raffety married Mary Vankirk, of Penn- sylvan ia ; with wife and family, Sept. 17, 1863, settled in Stratton Tp., Edgar Co., Ill. ; here he commenced farming, and fol¬ lowed this until 1871 ; moved to Ver¬ milion ; here he has been engaged in the harness business. Mr. Raffety is Justice of the Peace, which office he has held for the last twelve years.

ABRAHAM SHOWALTER, retired, Vermilion ; this gentleman was born in Beaver Co., Penn., March 24, 1806, and is the son Christopher and Annie (Funkhouser) Showalter ; his father was a miller by trade. Mr. Showalter, in 1822, with his parents moved to Indiana ; here his father died in 1825, at 55 years old. Mr. Showalter was then placed at the head of the family to manage the farm and mill. Mr. Showalter first married Christina Kile ; she was born at sea ; by whom they had eight children, four children living ; he was married to his first wife twenty years. Married second time to Mrs. Louisa Besier ; she was born in Germany, in 1813, and is the daughter of John and Margaret (Albright) Scheanlaub, of Germany, hav¬ ing emigrated to America in 1831. In 1846, Mr. Showalter entered the mercantile business in Lawrenceville, Ind. ; here he remained in business until 1856 ; from glowing descriptions of the country, he came and located at Vermilion ; here he started the first store in Vermilion, which building is now occupied by Mr. John Raffety as a harness-shop. Mr. Showalter took an active part in building up the town ; he retired from business in 1864. Have ten children living.

C. H. SHOWALTER, merchant, Ver¬ milion ; this gentleman is one of the best known and highly respected business men of Vermilion ; he came here when there was no town, and with his father commenced the mercantile business in Vermilion in 1856 ; this business he has followed ever since, and to-day ranks as one of the lead¬ ing merchants of the place. Mr. Showal¬ ter was born in Dearborn Co., Ind., April 11, 1841, and is the son of Abraham and Christina -(Kile) Showalter. Mr. Sho¬ walter commenced business for himself by first giving his note to his father for $1,- 185 for a stock of goods ; to-day he owns a fine brick business block, where his store is located with a stock valued at $5,000 ; besides this, Mr. Showalter owns other valuable real estate in V ermilion ; this he has accumulated by industry. He married Miss Carrie S. Geisenhof, of Louisville, Ky., by whom he has five children. Mr. Showalter was the first Treasurer of the village ; was the second Postmaster of the village.

STEPHEN J. SHEPHERD, M. D., V ermilion ; this gentleman was born in Vigo Co., Ind., Aug. 11, 1850 ; and is theson of James W. and Catharine (Clapp) Shep¬ herd ; his father was a native of Kentucky, having moved to Vermilion Co., Ind., in 1811 ; thence to Vigo Co. ; here he was one of the best known and highly respected farmers of Vigo Co. ; he died June, 1875, at 67 years old ; Dr. Shepherd's mother was one of the early settlers of Indiana, having made her home in Indiana about 1813 ; during the Indian war, she was garrisoned in a fort under Gen. Har¬ rison ; she is now living on the old home¬ stead, in Vigo Co., Ind., at 67 years old ; Dr. Shepherd was raised on his father's farm ; received a common-school education , he first commenced the study of medicine in 1874, under Dr. John H. Morgan, of New Goshen, Ind. ; in 1875-76, he at¬ tended the College of Physicians and Sur¬ geons, of New York City; in 1876-77, he attended the College of Physicians and Surgeons, of Indianapolis, Ind. ; here he received a diploma; in 1878, he com¬ menced his profession as an M. D. in Ver¬ milion ; is fast gaining a large practice.

GEORGE W. SIMS, stock and grain merchant, Vermilion; was born in Edgar Co., Ill., Oct. 31, 1832, and is the son of Hall and Annie (Jones) Sims ; his father is a native of South Carolina ; born April 25, 1795 ; he with his parents moved to Kentucky ; here he remained until he was 20 years old ; married June 27, 1813, to Miss Annie Jones, of South Carolina ; she died in April, 1846, leaving eleven chil¬ dren ; he remarried in 1847, to Mrs. Jane Kimbrough, of Hardin Co., Ky. ; she died in 1875. Mr. Hall Sims came to Illinois in 1815 ; first settled in Crawford Co. ; here he remained about six years, thence to Edgar Co. ; here he has remained ever since ; is one of the pioneers of the county. Mr. George W. Sims, the subject of this sketch, was raised on his father's farm ; this business he has followed principally through life until about six years ago, when he commenced the stock and grain business; to-day he is in partnership with Mr. J. C. Besier, as Sims & Besier, stock -and grain dealers. Mr. Sims married Miss Nancy S. Koho, born in Edgar Co., III., May 31, 1838; daughter of Young and Sarah ( Allen) Koho, one of the pioneers of Ed¬ gar Co. ; have five children. Mr. Sims has held several offices of public trust, Town Clerk and School Trustee.

JACOB STOTTS, farmer ; P. 0. Ver¬ milion ; was born in South Carolina Oct. 4. 1826, and is the son of Jacob and Re¬ becca (Weaver) Stotts; father a farmer; when Mr. Stotts was a child, he, with his parents, moved to North Carolina ; thence to Kentucky ; from there they moved to Illinois and settled on Sugar Creek, about 1833, at Center's Mill ; here his father was engaged in working in the mill ; came here very poor, but with hard labor and good management, at his death was a wellto-do farmer ; the death of his father placed Mr. Stotts at the head of the farm which he managed very successfully ; he moved to Iowa ; here he remained about two years ; returned to Edgar Co., Ill. During the late war, he enlisted in Co. B, Mo. Eng. Regt., and did good service in building bridges and trestle work for the armies. Returned to Edgar Co. ; here he has been engaged in farming ever since. Owns a good improved farm of 199 acres. Is a Republican in politics and a member of the United Brethren Church. Married Miss Nancy A. Henderson, of Indiana, by whom he has had ten children, nine living. His son John Stotts was born in Edgar Co., 111., 1840; who was raised on his father s farm. In 1865. he enlisted in Co. G, 3d U. S. A., as Sergeant ; served three years and was honorably discharged in 1868. Mr. Stotts has been engaged in different occupations ; was at one time a salesman in a tobacco house ;> taught school two years ; now eugaged in farming. Married Miss Hannah Campbell, of Edgar Co., Ill., by whom he has three children - William. Frederick and Oscar.

M. D. STEP, farmer ; P. 0. Paris ; this gentleman is one of the pioneers of Strat¬ ton Tp., Edgar Co. ; was born in Page Co., Va., May 21, 1812, and is the son of Abraham and Mary Kiser Step. His father was a native of Virginia, and a blacksmith by trade. Mr. Step was married to his first wife in Virginia in 1834, to Matilda Yeager, of Virginia. In 1837, with wife and two children, started West in a wagon drawn by two horses; they arrived in Edgar Co., Oct. 10, 1837. Here Mr. Step first purchased eighty acres of land of the present farm he now owns, being very poor at that time, only having $72 cash, he had to make part payment by giving his two horses and wagon in paying for land ; they first moved into a log cabin in the rear of the present homestead ; here they set out in farming, Mr. Step working at the blacksmith and wagon-making busi¬ ness in connection with his farm ; here he has managed by hard labor and industry, for the last forty-one years, to accumulate a farm of 200 acres, with good improve¬ ments. Mr. Step's first wife died in 1860, by whom they had eight children, two children living; he then, in 1861, mar¬ ried Jane Plum, of Virginia, who was born Feb. 13, 1831, daughter of John and Sarah Ann Plum ; had seven children, five children living. Mr. Step is a mem¬ ber of the M. E. Chitrch.

ALEXANDER STUBBS, blacksmith, Vermilion ; was born in Marion Co., Ind., Feb. 10, 1850, and is the son of J. and Martha E. Heaton Stubbs. His father was a carpenter by trade, and a native of Ohio. Mr. Stubbs commenced to learn the blacksmith trade with Wright & Bro. In 1878, he commenced in business for him¬ self ; owns the largest blacksmith-shop in Vermilion, and with his brother Oliver, these gentlemen are prepared to do all kinds of blacksmithing, horse-shoeing, wagon-making or anything usually done in a first-class blacksmith-shop. Mr. Stubbs married Miss Lucy J. McBride, of Harri¬ son Co., Ind., daughter of Gillespie and Lydia McBride, who were among the early settlers of Harrison Co., Ind. ; have three children.

WILLIAM H. VOLKERS, merchant. Vermilion ; was born in Clark Co., Ill., Jan. 4, 1855, and is the son of Lewis and Caroline Geisert Volkers. His father is one of the leading physicians and mer¬ chants of Dennison, Ill. Mr. Volkers' first experience in the drug business in Vermilion was clerking for Dr. E. Ferris, he remained with this gentleman about eight months ; he then accepted a similar position with the Messrs. Drs. Ferris ; here he remained about three years. In 1877, Mr. Volkers commenced the mercantile business in Vermilion ; to-day he ranks as one of the leading business men of the place ; carries a first-class stock of pure drugs and patent medicines, and a full line of family groceries. He married Miss Annie Lamb, of Illinois.

DAVID A. WELTON, farmer; P. 0. Paris ; this gentleman came to Edgar Co. in 1835; was boi*n in Warren Co., Ohio, May 20, 1827, and is the son of Solomon and Elizabeth Tubs Welton. His father was a farmer and teamster, a native of Kentucky, having moved to Ohio at an early day. He married in Ohio Sept. 27, 1819, to Elizabeth Tulis ; then, in 1835, with wife and family, moved to Illinois, and settled in Edgar Co., northwest of Paris; here he commenced farming, and, in 1837, he was taking a load of lard to market, he took sick on the road and died Jan. 26, 1837, leaving wife and nine chil¬ dren. Mr.Welton's mother moved to Iowa, where she died. Mr. Welton learned the car¬ penter's trade and has been engaged at this trade at different times. Was a resident of Kansas about two years. In 1865, he purchased the present farm ; here he has re¬ mained ever since; was Justice of the Peace four years. Is a member of the M. E. Church ; he helped build the first camp-meeting grounds in Edgar Co. Mar¬ ried Mary Crabb - Widner, born in Fayette Co., Ohio, Nov. 27, 1812, daugh¬ ter of John Crabb ; moved to Parke Co., Ind., 1822.

W. 0. WILSON, farmer; P. 0. Paris; the above-named gentleman is one of the most successful farmers of Stratton Tp. ; was born in Crawford Co., Ill., June 14, 1831, and is the son of James H. and J. (Codwell) Wilson ; he is a native of Vir¬ ginia and she a native of Pennsylvania, and were early settlers of Illinois ; his father came here in 1800 and settled in Crawford Co., Ill. ; Mr. Wilson was brought up on his father's farm, engaged in farming from the time he was able to hold the plow, and in the winter months attended the district schools of the period ; in 1858, he came to Edgar Co. ; has held the office of Super¬ visor of Stratton Tp. for several years with honor and credit. Mr. Wilson owns acres of land ; he is a Republican in pol¬ itics and a member of the Presbyterian Church. Married Miss Cassie Blackburn, daughter of Col. James M. Blackburn, whose biography appears in this work.

WILLIAM S. WILKINS ; P. 0. Ver¬ milion ; this gentleman is one of the oldest men in Edgar Co. ; he was born in Hart¬ ford Co., N. C., April 7, 1791, and is the son of William and Joanna (Mullen) Wil¬ kins ; his father was a native of Virginia, was a soldier of the war of 1812 ; Mr. Wilkins, when he was near 5 years old, with his parents moved to Tennes¬ see ; here he was engaged in farming un¬ til he was 21 years old ; he then set out in traveling and . traveled for three years in Kentucky and- Tennessee ; in 1814, he went to Vincennes, Ind. ; in Vincennes he learned his trade, brickmason, and worked at his profession in differ¬ ent parts of Indiana and Illinois. He married in 1818, four miles up the Wabash River from Vincennes, Ind., to Ellen Kruthers, by whom he had three chil¬ dren, all dead ; they were married six years. He married the second time in 1828, to Elizabeth Mayo, sister of Jon¬ athan Mayo, one of the pioneers of Edgar Co. ; she was born in Kentucky ; they were married forty-three years and four months, had ten children, seven children living; she died at 63 years old. In 1829, Mr. Wilkins moved to Paris, Edgar Co. ; here he was engaged at his trade, brickmason ; he helped build the present Court Houses of Edgar and Coles Cos. ; from Paris, Mr. Wilkins moved to Elbridge Tp., here he remained engaged at farm¬ ing until he moved to Vermilion ; here he has settled down for life ; he is now near his 88th year; his travels, through Ken¬ tucky, Tennessee, Illinois and Indiana, from 1797 up to 1829, when the country was wild, plenty of Indians and wild beasts, would make a volume in itself.

' ALSON L. AMES, farmer ; P .0. Pa¬ lermo ; owns 240 acres, in two tracts, in Y. A. Tp. ; was born in Chittenden Co., Vt., March 28, 1818; removed with his parents westward when thirteen years of age, stopping in Michigan until 1835, then to Boone Co., this State, in 1835. Was married to Urania Howell Dec. 12, 1850 ; she was born in Franklin, Delaware Co., N. Y., April 1, 1824; have four children - Edgar, Urania (born in California), Ida and Nellie. Mr. A. was Sheriff of Boone Co., this State, from 1848 to 1850. In 1852, he went to California by overland route ; was four months making the trip ; after his arrival there he engaged in min¬ ing, and continued in that business until 1859. His wife joined him in California after he had been there three years, and remained with him till his return to the States, accomplishing the journey alone by the way of Panama; she died Feb. 17, 1875. At the time of her death, she was a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. A. is also a member of the same church.

SYLVANUS BRADFIELD, farmer, Sec. 1 ; P.O. Palermo; owns 416 acres ; was born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, Oct. 22, 1820 ; went to Rockville, Ind., in 1852 ; re¬ sided there until 1863 ; during that year he came to this township and settled. Married twice ; first to Am)7 Harrison in the fall of 1841 ; she was born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, May 18, 1821 ; died May 3, 1867 ; had six children by this union, four now living, three in this township and one in Kansas ; C. L. C., Postmaster at Palermo ; William D., farmer; Mary C., in Kansas, and Laura, now Mrs. Carlton; -Simon H. died May 3, 1872, in Kansas ; was a sol¬ dier during the late war, and served one year in place of his father, who was drafted. Mr. B. is at present serving his second term as Supervisor; also held office of As¬ sessor, both in this State and in Indiana. His second marriage was with Mrs. Mary E. Thomas, widow of the late James Thomas, June 6, 1870. Mr. B. is a mem¬ ber of the Christian Church.

C. L. C. BRADFIELD, merchant, Pa¬ lermo ; owns one and one-half acres in village of Palermo, with store and two dwellings ; is a son of Sylvanus Bradfield,

Esq.; was born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, Feb. 1, 1851 ; came to this county with parents when about five years of age. Mr. B. was brought up a farmer. In May, 1874, he entered the mercantile business in this village, where he has continued ever since, with success. Mr. B. was married June 16, 1875, to Allie Walters; she was born near Cincinnati, Ohio, Feb. 11, 1851; have one child - Claude Harrison. Was ap¬ pointed Postmaster in 1875. Mr. B. keeps a well-selected general stock of goods. His trade has averaged about $10,000 per year since he commenced business. He is ac¬ commodating, and is well adapted for the business that he is engaged in.

THOMAS BOYCE, farmer and butcher. Sec. 36 ; P. O. Cherry Point ; owns forty acres ; born in Whittlesea, Cambridgeshire, Eng., Sept. 12, 1826; raised a farmer until 14 years of age; he then learned the butcher's trade ; he followed the latter business until 1851 ; he emigrated to this country during that year, and settled in Edgar Co., about six miles east of where he now resides, where he lived about twelve years, except a portion of the time that he resided in Paris and Terre Haute; he then settled where he now resides. Mr. B. was married to Elizabeth Boon Aug. 30, 1847 ; she was born Aug. 11, 1828, in Whittlesea, England ; have had four chil dren ; three living - Elizabeth, William T. (deceased), Alice and John. Held office of School Director. Mr. B. has two very ancient relics in his possession, viz., an eight-day clock, over one hundred and fifty years old ; it was made in Peterborough, England, by a Mr. T. G. Wilson; it has been in Mrs. B.'s family over one hundred and fifty years, and has kept good time almost continuously ever since. Mrs. B. has a tea-pot in her possession that has been in the family over two hundred years. The pattern is very ancient.

GEORGE BARNETT, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 12; P. O. Palermo ; tenant ; was born in Vermilion Co., Ind., Sept. 4, 1848. Married Lizzie Keys, daughter of Wm. Keys, Esq., Sept. 20, 1877 ; she was born Dec. 24j 1858. Mr. B. is a son of Rob¬ ert E. Barnett, Esq., of Vermilion Co., Ill.; he was raised a farmer, during which time he was principally engaged in the stockraising business; Mr. B. has been con¬ nected with Mr. L. T. Davis in farming and stock-raising during the past four years ; they feed from 50 to 150 head of cattle for the market each year, besides a large num¬ ber of hogs, and also some horses. Mr. Davis' farm, where Mr. B. now is, contains 960 acres, over which Mr. B. exercises a general superintendence.

OLIVER BELL, farmer, Sec. 34 ; P. 0. Newman, Douglas Co.; owns 160 acres ; born Oct. 4, 1842, in Muskingum Co., Ohio ; came to this State with his parents, who settled in Coles Co., this State, where his father resided until his death, which occurred March 20, 1875, aged 59 years; his mother died in Ohio when the subject of this sketch was 4 months old. Mr. B. married Charity McCown, daughter of Jonathan McCown, Esq., of this township, Feb. 4, 1864 ; she was born in this county Dec. 15, 1844 ; have six children - Sher¬ man, Grant, Elmer, Cora, Olive and Elsie. Mr. B. was a soldier in the late war ; en¬ listed in Co. H, 59th I. V. I., in August, 1861, from Kansas Tp.; in 1861-62, was in the Department of the West; was in the battle of Pea Ridge, Farmington, Miss., and Perry ville ; served in that regi¬ ment two years, and one year in the 150th I. V. I. Mr. B. contracted an affection of the lungs during his latter term of service, from which he has never recovered.

JOSEPH B. DAINS, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. O. Palermo ; owns 240 acres, valued about $40 per acre ; born in Greene Co., Penn., April 13, 1836 ; when he was 5 years of age, his father died ; he then left home and worked by the month until he was 17 years of age; he then obtained a position to assist in driving a flock of sheep from Pennsylvania to Ver¬ milion Co.; for such service he received $10 per month ; was just thirty-seven days on the road. Was married Aug. 12, 1855, to Sarah Reasor; she was born near Dallas, Vermilion Co., Oct. 12, 1837; her father, Samuel Reasor, died when she was a very small girl ; Mr. D. has five children living and three dead ; the living are named Robert M., Charles B., Ellen J., Annie I. and Clara C.; of the three that died, only one was named, - Ralph. Mr. D. makes a specialty of fine stock ; for fifteen 2-year-old steers, sold to George Hughes

Dec. 10, 1878, he received $40 per head ; their average weight was 1,177 pounds; he turns off a car-load of cattle each year, forty to sixty hogs and from two to- three horses ; in farming he takes pains to raise a variety of produce each year.

JOHN T. DODD, farmer, Sec. 19; P. O. Hume Station; owns 80 acres; born in Sims Tp., this county, May 6, 1846. Married Dec. 13, 1866, to Ruth Hannars; she was born in Hamilton Co., Ohio, Feb. 20, 1845 ; have had five chil¬ dren, four of whom are now living - Amy Inez, Minerva E., Nellie J. and Elizabeth M.; Laura B. died July 20, 1870, aged 2 years and 10 months. Mr. D. holds the office of Town Trustee ; has also held office of School Director. Both Mr. and Mrs. Dodd are members of the Christian Church. They settled where they now reside in 1875. Mr. D.'s father, Lewis Dodd, went to California in 1850 by the overland route ; he died about six weeks after his arrival there.

GEORGE W. DAVIS, farmer, Sec. 25 ; P. O. Newman, Douglas Co. ; owns 160 acres; was born in Elbridge Tp., this county, Oct. 28, 1836 ; was raised a farm¬ er. Married twice ; first to Julia A. Cum¬ mins (daughter of John Cummins, of Elbridge Tp.), Nov. 10, 1859 ; she died Jan. 1, 1870, leaving three children - Wil¬ lard. Sophronia and Leander ; his second marriage was with Mrs. Lavina Tucker (widow of the late Dillard R. Tucker, and daughter of Joseph Leist) ; she was born in Pickaway Co., Ohio, Aug. 23, 1840 ; she had three children by her former hus¬ band - Melissa F., Millard F. and Lorena ; by this present marriage they have two children - Charles H. and Otis Ervin. Mr. D.'s father, who is still living, was a soldier in the Black Hawk war ; served three months ; he lost his horse during the campaign, by a supposed Indian stam¬ pede. Mrs. D.'s first husband was a sol¬ dier during the late war, and lost his life while in the service of his country ; he enlisted in Co. A, 7th I. V. C., in 1862 ; served two years, and died in the hospital at Memphis, Sept. 6, 1864; he was a na- | tive of Edgar Co., and was born Sept. 2, 1836. Mr. D. settled where he now re¬ sides, in 1874. Melissa is teaching school ; has taught three terms ; commenced when 17 years old.

LITTLETON T. DAVIS, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 12 ; P. 0. Palermo ; owns 960 acres ; was born, in Parke Co., Ind., Oct. 12, 1836 ; was raised a farmer ; resided with his parents until 30 years of age ; attended school at Ann Arbor two years ; came to this township in 1862 ; remained two years, and engaged in the cattle busi¬ ness ; in 1864, he permanently settled here, since which time he has been engaged in farming, raising and dealing in cattle and other kinds of stock on a large scale, feeding, on an average each year since 1864, with the exception of six years that he rented the farm, 100 head of cattle, and from 75 to 100 head of hogs ; last year Mr. D. raised 320 acres of corn. Mr. D. is a son of the late Hon. John G. Davis, late member of Congress from the Seventh Congressional District, State of Indiana, which district he represented sev¬ eral successive terms. Mr. D. was mar¬ ried April 6, 1871, to Miss Alice Barnett (daughter of Robert E. Barnett, Esq., of Vermilion Co., Ill.) ; she was born Feb. 27, 1841, in Vermilion Co., Ill.; have two children - Mary and Jane.

JOHN B. GALWAY, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 13 ; P. O. Metcalf ; owns 480 acres ; born in Washington Co., Penn., Oct. 31, 1826; was raised a farmer; at the age of 18, his winter months were oc¬ cupied in school-teaching, which he con¬ tinued until 25 years of age ; he also learned the carpenter's trade, but on ac¬ count of meeting with an accident while assisting to build a bridge, he abandoned the latter occupation at 22. He was mar¬ ried to Elizabeth Mitchell Oct. 30, 1851 ; she was born in the same county Sept. 23, 1828 ; in the fall of 1854, he, in company with a brother, came to this State and en¬ gaged in farming; his first year was spent on some land belonging to Mason Kendall, Esq., in Vermilion Co. ; then in 1856, he removed to Edgar Co , and cultivated with success 160 acres, where Henry Kendall now resides ; here he remained three years ; he continued working land on shares until 1862, when he purchased his first real estate (80 acres where he now re¬ sides) ; he now owns 480 acres of land in 4 e township where he resides ; when he first came to this State, he owned one horse, and had between $30 and $40 in money. Mr. Gr. was elected a member of the first Board of Supervisors, and continued to hold that office for six years ; held office of Justice of Peace three years, and Township Treasurer thir¬ teen years. Have two children - Roxana, born March 18, 1853 (now Mrs. John Kizer, of Ross Tp.), and James H., born Dec. 24, 1856 ; in addition to the above, they have raised two other children - Em¬ ma Dairy mple and Henry Robinson ; also another child now 5 years of age (named Green Riley Vandyke), whom they took two years ago. Mr. G. is very much re¬ spected by all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance, and is known by all as an honest and upright man and public benefactor

WILLIAM B. GALWAY, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 13 ; P. O. Metcalf Station ; owns 284 acres ; born in Washington Co., Penn., Nov. 28, 1828 ; was raised a farm¬ er ; in 1854, in company with a brother (John Galway, Esq., of this township), he came to this State and has resided in this township ever since, with the exception of one year. Was married to Elizabeth Howden, in Washington Co., Penn., March 2, 1865 ; ' she was born in the latter-named place Feb. 4, 1831 ; have had one child - died when an infant. He served his country during the late war in Co. K, 125th I. V. I.; enlisted Aug. 13, 1862; was appointed Second Ser¬ geant, and soon after was promoted to Second Lieutenant ; held the latter office two years ; was in the battles of Perryville, Chickamauga and Mission Ridge. Was the first School Treasurer in the township ; held that office five years ; also held offices of Town Clerk, Collector, Assessor arid other minor offices. Mr. G. and his brother John were poor men when they came here ; all they have they have made since their residence here; in 1875, the subject of this sketch raised and fatted 200 hogs ; he feeds from thirty to fifty head of cattle each year ; also, raises a few horses.

FRANCIS G. GREEN, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 6 ; P. O. Palermo ; owns 770 acres; born in Butler Co., Ohio, Dec. 18, 1816 ; resided with his parents until 22 years of age ; then went to Tippecanoe Co., Ind.; bought a saw-mill and run it four years. Married Elizabeth Ross Nov. 24, 1842 ; she was born in Clinton Co.,

THOMAS GUTHRIE, farmer, Sec. 7 ; P. 0. Palermo; owns 148 acres; born in Washington Co., Penn., Aug. 11, 1822 ; was raised a farmer ; in his younger days he also taught school several years. Was married in November, 1854, in Fayette Co., Penn., to Christian Keys ; she was born in Washington Co., Penn., in May, 1820. In 1854, he came to this State, bringing a flock of 1,600 sheep in which he had an interest ; first stopped nine miles northeast of Danville ; then to this township ; in company with his father and brothers, he rented a farm of 600 acres of Rob¬ ert E. Barnet, Esq. His father (George Guthrie) then purchased 400 acres of land, and died 1857. Mr. G. settled where he now resides about 1859 ; had four children, three now living - Elizabeth, born Nov. 8, 1855, died Jan. 25, 1856 ; George B., born Sept. 18, 1857; Hugh K., born Jan. 18, 1859; Susan J., born Jan. 10, 1861. Served as a soldier in the late war in the 125th I. V. I.; was in the battles of Perry ville and Stone River ; is disabled in the right arm, the result of sickness by exposure after the above battle ; also a partial paralysis of the right side and affection of the right lung. Held office of Assessor, Collector and Con¬ stable seven years all at one time, School Director fifteen years, Justice of the Peace six years, which office he now holds.

State, March 28, 1839. His father (John Hildreth) came to this State from Ken¬ tucky about the year 1835 ; his death occurred March 4, 1876, aged 72. The subject of this sketch was raised in Ver¬ milion Co.; in 1867, he removed to Edgar Co., and settled where he now resides. Was married Aug. 8, 1866, to Josephine Don Carlos. She was born in Pickaway Co., Ohio, March 10, 1845; have six children - America, John, Edward, Alice, Marquis and Lulu. Mr. H. was a soldier in the late war ; he enlisted about the 1st of November, 1861, in Co. H, 2d Regt. Ill. Art., and served until Jan. 1, 1864 ; he then re-enlisted as a veteran and served until Aug. 5, 1865 ; held rank of Cor¬ poral when discharged. Holds office of School Director.

THOMAS HULL, farmer and stockraiser, Sec. 27; P. O. Newman, Douglas Co.; owns 1 ,040 acres, 780 acres in home farm, the balance at the State line (between Indiana and Illinois) ; was born in New York State (while his parents were en route to the West) Nov. 14, 1829 ; was raised principally in Ohio and Indiana ; at the age of 18, he commenced to learn the cooper's trade, which business he contin¬ ued to follow a number of years (a portion of which time he was in Canada and Mich¬ igan); early in 1857, he purchased his State-line farm, and soon after, on the 27th day of August, he married Margaret Jane Campbell ; she was born in Tennessee Feb. 28, 1840 ; her death occurred Aug. 25, 1865 ; had five children by that union, three of whom are now living - Mary Eu¬ genia, Francis Allen and John Campbell ; the deceased were James Marion and an infant, not named; he left his home and farm the next day after the funeral of his wife, and, taking his children with him, he re¬ sided with his father until his second mar¬ riage ; his second marriage was to Maria B. Robinson (a daughter of Martin P. Robinson, Esq., now living in Chrisman); ' have one child by this union - Louisa Jane. Mr. H. has obtained by his own industry all that he now possesses ; he bought his first farm with money earned by working at his trade ; he has put all the improve¬ ments on his home farm himself ; he hauled . the lumber for present dwelling and the fencing for the 160 acres, where it stands, from Jonestown, Ind. (distant thirty miles); in addition to his own residence, he has four tenant houses on his home farm, all occupied ; about a year ago, he purchased a large ditching machine, which requires twenty yoke of oxen to work it ; last spring he kept it constantly at work, during which time he cut 28,000 rods of ditch, the aver¬ age size of which was five feet wide and two feet deep. Mr. H.'s father 'still lives where he first settled (Helt Tp., Vermilion Co., Ind.); his mother died Jan. 15,1875.

JUNIUS B. HILDRETH, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 14; P. 0. Metcalf; owns 480 acres ; was born in Bourbon Co., Ky., March 22, 1833 ; resided at home in Kentucky until 1854 ; first came to this county in 1854 ; lived with the late A. K. Hildreth until the year 1856 ; in 1857, he returned to Kentucky, and remained there until 1860, then came back to this county. Was married May 1, 1864, to Elizabeth Beard; she was born in Vermilion Co. May 12, 1842. Mr. H. settled where he now resides in 1864. Have two children - Katie and Emma. Mr. H. was educated in the stock business, which business he has followed nearly all his life ; he feeds for the market, each year, about 150 head of cattle and from 75 to 100 hogs; Mr.

H. 's father was one of the pioneer settlers of Kentucky; he died in that State in May, 1851, aged about 66 years; he was an uncle to the late A. K. Hildreth, of this township; his mother was Margaret Den¬ nison ; she died in July, 1866, aged 76; she was related to Ex-Gov. DennisoD, of Ohio.

WILLIAM H. HILDRETH, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 4 ; P. O. Palermo ; owns 730 acres of land ; was born in Bourbon Co., Ky., Oct. 20, 1829 ; came to this State with his parents in 1832 ; was raised on the farm where he now resides ; was brought up in the stock business. Married Mary E. Horn Sept. 26, 1869 ; she was born in Randolph Co., Ind., March 25, 1853; have had four children - John, born Feb. 8, 1871 ; Alvin K., born Nov.

I, 1873; James Harvey and William (de¬ ceased). Mr. H.'s father (the late A. K. Hildreth) was born in Fleming Co., Ky., Dec. 17, 1802 ; his death occurred July 19, 1874. He was married to Sarah A. Ritter about the year 1825 ; she was born in Bourbon Co., Ky., in 1807 ; her death occurred July 15, 1876; Mr. H. (father of the subject of this sketch) came to this State with his family in 1832, bringing them in an old-fashioned Virginia wagon drawn by four horses; that was about all he possessed at that time of this world's goods ; he first worked for 50 cents per day, walking from Vermilion Timber to Hickory Grove to perform the same ; with the money thus earned he bought the first i meat for his family ; when he died, he left 2,400 acres of nice land to his children. A more extended sketch will be found in the history of Young America Tp.

ABEL HORN, veterinary surgeon, Metcalf ; born in Wayne Co., Ind., Jan. 16, 1832. Has been twice married, first to Harriet Linton, May 10, 1851 ; she was born in Randolph Co., Ind., July 16, 1832, died in this township Aug. 11, 1875 ; have eight children living - Elmira (wife of William Hildreth, Esq.), Mary E., Francis M., Cinderella, Parthena, Dora, Willie, Sarah E. and Jennie. Dr. H. was raised a farmer, resided with his parents until he was 19, then married and settled on a piece of land of his own in Wayne Co., Ind. In 1856, he emigrated to Ne¬ braska, engaged in the real estate business in Omaha City until 1859, then went to St. Louis and attended a course of lectures at a veterinary college under the superin¬ tendence of Dr. Keller, of that place ; at the conclusion of the course he received a diploma for practicing the veterinary art ; he has followed that profession ever since, principally in this and Vermilion Cos. ; his practice has been attended with good suc¬ cess ; has cured (since his residence in this township) eleven well-defined cases of lock¬ jaw, of thirteen that he has treated ; has saved the lives of four horses by the pro¬ cess known as tracheotomy (an operation that is performed by making an opening in the windpipe) ; he has been in the lecture field to considerable extent, and has talked and interested thousands by his eloquence ; his subjects have been various, viz., the horse and its diseases, temperance, etc. ; the bare announcement that be is to speak always draws a large and appreciative au¬ dience wherever he is known ; he is quite an able writer, and has contributed occa¬ sionally for the press. Dr. H. was a sol¬ dier in the late war ; he enlisted in Co. E, 150th I. V. I., in January, 1865, and served seven months ; he went in as Or- derly and was soon after promoted to First 1 Lieutenant. His second marriage was with Luna Fleming, Aug. 13, 1877 ; she was born in Vermilion Co., Ill., May 16, 1861. I Dr. H.'s parents were Quakers; both were born in North Carolina, his father in 1800, and his mother in 1804 ; they both died in Wayne Co., Ind., the former in 1866, and the latter in 1864.

JAMES HOOVER, farmer, Sec. 1 ; P. 0. Palermo; owns 160 acres; born in Wayne Co., Ind., Aug. 25, 1816. Mar¬ ried America Pickens Oct. 24, 1848 ; she was born in Fairfield Co., Ohio, Sept. 3, 1829; have had nine children, seven of whom are now living - Carrie L. (wife of John Limbrick, Esq.), Elma M. (wife of Daniel Heaton, Esq.), Jennie F., Andrew R., Rachel V., and Thomas O. and John A. (twins) ; the names of the deceased are Leander F. and William V. Mr. H. has held office of Justice of the Peace and was formerly Postmaster at Palermo ; he came to this State in 1860, and settled where he now resides ; has made all the improvements that are on the place. Mr. H.'s ancestors were Quakers ; his great- * grandfather on his mother's side came from England with William Penn, and was pres¬ ent when he made his famous treaty with the Indians ; Mr. H. taught school six years in Indiana previous to his coming to this State ; was raised a neighbor of the Hon. G. W. Julian ; Mrs. H. is related to Gov. Pickens, formerly of South Carolina. Mr. and Mrs. II. are both members of the Methodist Church; in politics he is Re¬ publican.

E. W. S. HEME, grain dealer, Hume; owns 300 acres of land ; was born in Boone Co., Ky., July 23, 1817; was raised a farmer. Married twice, first to Rachel W. Connelly in 1845, in the State of Ken¬ tucky ; she died Aug. 16, 1863. He was married to his present wife, Martha D. Hume (widow of the late Weeden Hume), Jan. 28, 1875 ; she was born in Greensburg, Ind., Jan. 28, 1842 ; have only one child (by second marriage) - Lou Olive. Mr. H. is the founder of this place, which bears his name ; the railroad station and village is located on what was once a por¬ tion of his farm ; he is quite largely en¬ gaged in the grain business ; is at present holding the office of Justice of the Peace, this being his third term ; is Postmaster

(the first appointed in the place). Mr. H.'s grandfathers, both on his father's and mother's side, were among the first settlers of Kentucky.

GEORGE W. KENDALL, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 1 ; P. O. Metcalf; owns 444 acres ; was born in Vermilion Co., this State, June 1, 1844. Mr. K. is the youngest son of the well-known pioneer, Mason Kendall, Esq. ; he resides on the old home farm ; is not married. Was a soldier during the latter part of the late war ; enlisted in the 43d I. V. I. in March 1865 ; went with the regiment to Little Rock, Ark., where he remained until the latter part of that year. Mr. K. feeds about 100 head of cattle and 60 head of hogs each year. The barn on Mr. K.'s farm is the oldest in the township, it being erected by his father in 1850. Mr. K., like his brother Henry, was reared in the stock business.

HENRY M. KENDALL, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 15; P. O. Metcalf; owns 560 acres; born near Dallas, in Vermilion Co., Ill., March 29, 1838 ; was brought up in the stock business ; when he was 8 years of age he first entered the saddle, and entered upon the duties of herdsman for his father, Mason Kendall, and since that time he has been constantly engaged in buying, selling and raising stock, viz., horses, cattle and hogs. In 1861, his father gave him 120 acres, where he now resides ; by his own exertions, he has in¬ creased his number of acres to 560, all ad¬ joining and situated in this township. Was married Jan. 3, 1867, to Jane Beard ; she was born in Vermilion Co. April 19, 1844; have three children - Frankie, born April 1 2, 1868 ; James B., born Dec. 19, 1869; George, born Dec. 10, 1876. Mr. K. had two brothers in the army during the late war - John T. and Andrew Jackson - both in Co. D, 25th I. V. I. ; John, the eldest, died in the hospital, at St. Louis, Mo., Dec. 10, 1861, of measles; Andrew was killed at the battle of Chickamauga, by a rifle-ball from the enemy, entering at the shoulder and passing out at the hip. He lived a few hours after receiving the fatal wound and then expired ; his remains were buried on the battle-field, near the place where he gave up his life. He was a very promising young man, possessed of good business talent, and remarkable for his physical and muscular development. John's remains were brought home and now lie in Lebanon Cemetery. He, also, is re¬ membered as a very promising young man. Mr. K's father is one of the oldest settlers of this county, his first trip to this county dating back to 1829. A historical sketch of him appears elsewhere in this volume.

LAX DON W. KILE, farmer and stockraiser, Sec. 13 ; P. 0. Palermo ; owns 200 acres ; was born in Clinton, Vigo Co., Ind., Dec. 5, 1850 ; is a son of the late Dr. William Kile, formerly of Paris ; came to this State with his parents when 5 years of age ; was raised in Paris, this county. Mr. K. was married Jan. 12, 1875, to Carrie Knight ; she was born in Philadelphia Oct. 16, 1853 ; have one child (named by its grandfather, Dr. K.), Charity. Mr. Iv. has been engaged in the stock business since he was a mere youth, with his father, who was, in connection with his medical practice, largely engaged in raising and dealing in stock. Mr. K. received his education at the normal school at Paris.

JOHN A. METCALFE, farmer; P. 0. Metcalf Station ; owns 320 acres ; was born in Shelby Co., Ky., July 23, 1811 ; cime with his parents to this State Oct. 6, 1828. Was married to Elizabeth Whiteley Sept. 12, 1833; she was born at Ft. Har¬ rison, Ind., March 30. 1816, and came here with her parents in 1818 ; had six children, only three of whom are now living - Henry S., Sarilda J., Sarah E.; the names of the deceased were William, George Milton and John Thomas. The latter served a full term in the army dur¬ ing the late war; he was on Gen. McMil¬ lan's staff nearly the entire time ; held rank of Captain. Mr. M. has held office of Postmaster, Deputy Sheriff and Con¬ stable. Mrs. M. is the oldest living settler in this township.

JONATHAN McCOWN, farmer and stock-raiser. Sec. 34 ; P. 0. Newman, Douglas Co.; owns 440 acres of land, 120 of which lie in Douglas Co.; was born in Nelson Co., Ky., Oct. 21, 1816 ; came to this county with his father, James Mc- Cown, when 15 years of age; his father died about two years after his arrival in the county, leaving 560 acres of land a short distance east of Paris ; here he re¬ mained until 1853, and then settled where he now resides. Mr. McC. was married

Dec. 21, 1843, to Olive T. Blackman, daughter of Ptemember Blackman, de¬ ceased; she was born Jan. 4, 1826, in what is now Hunter TP., this county ; have had seven children, only five of whom are now living - Charity E., Olive Ann, James B., Jira A., Judge Marshall, Har¬ rison Burr and Charles J.; Olive and Harrison are both dead ; the former died Oct. 19, 1855, at 11 years of age; the latter died Dec. 2, 1860, aged 14 months. Mr. McC. s father was born in Kentucky Nov. 14, 1781 ; his death occurred March 13, 1841 ; he came to this county in 1817 ; he, in company with John Stratton and on the North Arm, where their families all resided together for a time ; they pre¬ viously, and on their way to this county from from Kentucky, stopped and remained at Ft. Harrison for time ; they crossed the Wabash River on the ice, which broke up soon after ; Mr. McC., since his residence in this county, lias been largely engaged in stockraising ; formerly, he raised large quanti¬ ties of hogs ; but at present, his attention is devoted to raising and feeding cattle ; at the present time, he is feeding about 200 head of cattle ; he raised 5,000 bushels of corn last year, in addition to which he has purchased 10,000 bushels more this winter to feed out to stock on his farm ; Mr. McC.'s farm is three miles west of Hume Station ; the railroad runs through a por¬ tion of his farm, where a flag-station has been established.

PHINEAS MELOY, farmer, Sec. 27; P. O. Newman, Douglas Co.; owns eighty acres ; born in Warren Co., Ohio, Feb. 22, 1825; lived on a farm until 19 years of age ; he then learned the trade of carriage¬ making ; worked at that business ten years, at Lebanon, Ohio ; came to Edgar Co. in 1861 ; resided at Sugar Creek Point four years, and followed farming ; settled where he now resides in 1872. Mr. M. was married to Miss Lucretia Githens May 9, 1850 ; she was born in Warren Co., Ohio., April 20, 1829 ; have had eleven children, seven of whom are now living : their names are John E., Lewis L., Minnie M., Emmet, Bruce and Kittie ; the names of the de¬ ceased were George G., Elmer O., Edgar E., and an infant not named. Mr. and Mrs. M. are both members of the Presby¬ terian Church.

REV. JAMES ORR, farmer, Sec. 10; P. 0. Palermo; owns 120 acres; was born in Preston Co., Va., Jan. 1, 1809, emi¬ grated to Coles (now Douglas) Co. May 7, 1853 ; bought a piece of land there and remained on it four years ; then sold out, in 1857, and bought where he now resides and where he has resided ever since. Mr. 0. has been twice married, first to Margaret Fortney, June 5, 1834; she was a Virginian by birth ; her death occurred in 1842; had four children by that union - James A. (he was accidentally shot and killed, when in his 16th year, while out gunning), Louisa J., John D. and Margaret (deceased) ; his second marriage was with Mary A. Ross, Sept. 15, 1846 ; she was born in Greene Co., Penn., Oct. 18, 1825 ; have had six children by this union - Ab¬ ner Ross, Thomas J., Hiram E. (deceased), James W., Timothy W. (deceased) and Benjamin. Mr. 0. was ordained as a Baptist minister in Preston Co., Va., when about 33 years of age, and has preached with regularity ever since until about eighteen months ago. Mr. 0. has held office of Justice of the Peace one term, Assessor two terms. In politics he is a Democrat ; was formerly a Henry Clay Whig. Had one son in the army during the latter part of the late war ; he went from Mt. Ster¬ ling, Ill. Mr. Orr preached the second sermon ever preached in this township. * S. W. POPE, farmer, Sec. 27 ; P. O. Newman, Douglas Co.; owns 200 acres; born in Rock Castle Co., Ky., Feb. 2, 1822 ; was raised a farmer; resided with his parents until 25 years of age; in 1850, went to California by overland route ; re¬ mained there two years, and followed min¬ ing with good success, with the exception of eight months that he was disabled by sickness; returned to Kentucky in 1852, and came to this connty the same year; settled east of Paris, and resided there until 1864; then removed to and settled where he now resides ; during the interval of the two latter dates, he has made two trips to Kansas. Mr. P. was married to Margaret E. Bruce, daughter of James Bruce (deceased), Sept. 22, 1859; she was born in Edgar Co., Nov. 22, 1837 ; have two children - Bruce C. and William S. Mrs. P.'s father came to this State in an early day in company with James Car¬ ney (her uncle), who is still living and re¬

ASAPH ROGERS, farmer, Sec. 10 ; P. 0. Metcalf; owns 160 acres; born in Edgar Tp., this county, Oct. 19, 1838. Married Elizabeth Milner March 21, 1861 ; she was born in the same township Jan. 6, 1841 ; have seven children living - Allen E., Benjamin F., Viola, Emma E., Louisa Jane, Lola Belle and Mary L. Mr. R. has held office of School Director. His father, Elias Rogers, was one among the first settlers in the county ; he settled at Cherry Point in 1826, and built the first house in Edgar Tp.

GEORGE W. REED (deceased) ; P. 0. Metcalf; Mr. R. was a son of Daniel Reed (deceased), who settled, and built the first log house, in Hickory Grove at an early date (an account of which is given else¬ where). The subject of this sketch died Sept. 11, 1862, leaving a wife (now Mrs. Wm. Ross, of this township), and three children - Jackson Martin, born Nov. 11, 1848 (unmarried) ; Henry Lawrence, born April 18, 1851 ; married Mary E. Ross, Nov. 8, 1870; she was born May 17, 1854 ; George W., was born Dec. 1, 1853 ; married Asenath Ross, Oct. 4, 1877 ; she was born May 18, 1861. Mr. R., the subject of this sketch, left an estate at the time of his death of 240 acres ; his wife's maiden name was Mary A. Ritter; she was born Nov. 26, 1825. J. M., the oldest son, served one term as Supervisor, and has held office of School Director about ten years.

WTILLIAM ROSS, farmer, Sec. 9 ; P. 0. Palermo ; owns 330 acres ; was born in Butler Co., Ohio, Jan. 8, 1818 ; removed with his parents to Clinton Co., Ind., in 1828, where he remained until 1852 ; he then came to this county. Was twice married ; first to Asenath Crull, Dec. 7, 1841. She was born June 26, 1817 ; her death occurred in December, 1868; had ten children by this union - Rebecca, Henry, Rhoda, Lewis Cass, Elmira, Philetta (died in March 1876), Elizabeth, William, Mary E. (died when 2 years old) and Asenath. Mr. R.'s father was a soldier of the war of 1812 ; he emigrated to Indiana in an early day and settled near the reservation occupied by the Miami and Pottawatomie Indians ; his

R. has held nearly all the public offices in the town, from Supervisor down ; he helped raise the first log house that was erected on the prairie in this township, in 1852 ; the building still stands on the farm of Wm. Galway, Esq.

HENRY ROSS, merchant, Metcalf Station ; owns dwelling, store and two lots in village; was born in Clinton Co., Ind., Jan. 20, ) 844 ; came to this State with his father (Wm. Ross, Esq.) ; was raised a , farmer ; entered the mercantile business Dec. 15, 1875, in this place, which he con¬ tinued for two years ; then sold out to John B. Hildreth, Esq., who is now the sole proprietor; Mr. R., however, still remains in the establishment in the capaci¬ ty of business manager. Mr. R. was married May 29, 1870, to Martha M. Dains ; she was born in Washington Co., Penn., March 5, 1852 ; have had four children, three now living - Edgar, Henri¬ etta, Burton and Frankelena (deceased). Mr. R. keeps a general stock ; his sales j averaged about $6,000 per year the first two years; has held office of Town Trustee seven years, and School Director one year ; he also holds the office of Postmaster ; he spent one year (1869) in California.

ROBERT STRINGER, farmer, Sec. 11 ; r. O. Metcalf; has an interest in 120 acres ; was born in Washington Co., Penn., ; about the year 1840 ; emigrated to Hamil¬ ton Co., Ind., in 1854 ; remained there three years; then came to this county in 1857. Married Mary E. Kendall. She died Dec. 20, 1866 ; have three children - Van,

ROBERT A. SOMMERVILLE, far¬ mer and stock-raiser, Sec. 3 ; P. O. Metcalf Station ; owns 37S acres ; born in Mason Co., Ky., May 10, 1844; lived with his parents until 9 years of age, then went to reside with his uncle, Matthias Chrisman ; remained with him eight years ; then learned saddle and harness making ; con¬ tinued at that business about nine years. Married Parthena Hildreth, daughter of the late A. K. Hildreth (deceased), Jan. 17, 1871 ; she was born Feb. 22, 1848, in Vermilion Co., this State; have had four children, two of whom are now living - Bertha E., born Nov. 13, 1871, died Nov. 13, 1873 ; Robert A., born Aug. 26, 1873; an infant, born April 5, 1875, died one week after (no name) ; Mary Beatrice, born Jan. 15, 1878. Mr. S. cultivates about 120 acres of his land ; a portion of it he rents ; he ships each year to market about 150 head of live-stock ; this includes cattle, sheep and hogs.

M. T. SMITH, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 11 ; P. O. Indianola ; owns 315 acres ; was born in Wayne Co., Ind., Dec. 31,1839 ; remained there until his 21st year, during which time he assisted on the farm, and also learned the carpenter's trade ; came to this State in 1861 ; stopped at Dallas until 1864, during which time he worked at his trade. Married Luvisa Hildreth in 1864 ; she was born in Vermilion Co., Aug. 10, 1845; died Nov. 19, 1875; have four children - Edward Everett, Alvin K., Gertie May and Luvisa E. Mr. S.'s father was born Feb. 11, 1809 (the same day that Abraham Lincoln was born) ; he died in Wayne Co., Ind., July 10, 1849; his mother's name was Nancy Hicks; she was born in Stokes Co., N. C., Nov. 25, 1806 ; she resides with her son. Mr. S. feeds from twenty to fifty head of cattle each year.

DAVID W. SHAFFER, farmer, Sec. 1; P. O. Palermo; owns forty acres; born Dec. 18, 1819, in Donegal Tp., Lancaster Co., Penn., where he resided until he was 26 years old ; was raised a farmer and wagoner ; when 26 years of age, he com¬ menced driving stage on the Excelsior Line, across the Alleghany Mountains ; after two years' service as stage-driver, he was employed as agent on the canal during the summer seasons for eight years ; he superintended the transit of the boats which were hauled over the mountains on cars ; in 1856, he removed to Indiana, and, in 1860, to this State ; he settled where he now lives in 1867. Has been twice mar¬ ried ; first, to Susannah Shoop, March 13, 1853, in Armstrong Co., Penn. ; she died March 6, 1856 ; his second marriage was to Martha J. Boos, M^irch 30, 1859 ; she was born in Clark Co., Ind., Feb. 9, 1836. Mr. S. had one child by his first wife - Mary Jane; she resides in Pennsylvania; has one child by his present wife ; his name is John Allen. Mr. S. fired for the first locomotive that passed through the tunnel near Altoona, Penn.; he also hauled the first cars in Pittsburgh with horses. Mr. S. is a member of the Cumberland Pres¬ byterian Church.

JOHN A. SMITH, blacksmith, Met¬ calf Station ; owns house, shop and two lots in village ; was born in Ohio Co., Ind., Aug. 4, 1838 ; resided on a farm until 1854; served apprenticeship from that time until his 21st year, at blacksmithing ; he worked as a journeyman at that trade until 1870, during which time he was em¬ ployed about ten months in the celebrated plow manufactory of J ohn Deere, at Mo¬ line, Ill ; he then commenced business for himself in Ashmore, Coles Co., this State, . where he conducted business until 1874 ; in April, 1874, he commenced business where he now is. Mr. H. was married July 3, 1872, to Mary A. Kincaid; she was born in New Richmond, Ohio, July 29, 1843; have four children - Charles . D., Elizabeth, Leonard and Laura. Mr. S. worked at carriage-smithing principally, while learning his trade ; his knowledge of plow-work he acquired at John Deere's establishment; he is considered a very skillful blacksmith, and thoroughly under¬ stands its various branches ; he makes plow-work a specialty.

Benjamin D. Vanvactor

BENJAMIN D. VANVACTOR, farmer, Sec. 14; P. 0. Cherry Point; owns 160 acres; was born in Butler Co., Ohio Aug. 2, 1826; in 1833, he removed with his parents to Shelby Co., Ohio, where he was married to Elizabeth Ken¬ dall, Sept. 25, 1851 ; she was born Feb. 8, 1831; had eight children, seven of whom are now living - Sarah, Caroline, Elizabeth E., William, Ruth, Lucinda, Anna E., Melinda (deceased) and Lota. Mr. V. emigrated from Shelby Co., Ohio, to Indiana in 1859 ; remained there seven years, then removed to this State and set¬ tled where he now resides.

Montgomery Co., Ohio, Dec. 3, 1833 ; re¬ sided with his parents until 20 years of age ; at the age of 17 he removed with his parents to Edinburgh, Ohio ; served an apprenticeship at shoemaking, after' which he removed to Franklin, Ind. Married Priscilla Borry in 1852, near Edinburgh ; she was born in Pennsylvania Nov. 16, 1833 ; have had twelve children, eleven now living - Sarah E., Amos, John P., Daniel F., Mary E., George W., William (deceased), Lydia Jane, Matilda, Ellen, Charles J. and Samuel T. Mr. W. came to this State Oct. 10, 1874, and immedi¬ ately took charge of the farm of Messrs. S. Lofton and Marion Patison, containing 600 acres, and has been conducting it with success ever since. The present year, he has raised 175 acres of corn, feeds from sixty to seventy head of cattle each year, raises four or five horses each year ; also quite a number of hogs ; lost 126 hogs one year by disease. Mr. W. learned tile¬ making in 1852, and that year made the first tile ever made in the State of Indi-' ana. Amos, the eldest, is now a soldier iu the regular army ; has been serving under Gen. Miles the past two years.

A. L. WATSON, farmer, Sec. 25; P. 0. Cherry Point ; owns eighty acres ; born in Monongalia Co., Va., Aug. 7, 1840. removed with his parents to Ritchie Co., Va., when 4 years of age, where he re¬ mained until 1863; his father, Arthur Watson, died in 1860. In 1863, Mr. W. came to Illinois ; stopped in Vermilion Co. one year, near Ridge Farm, and farmed in Edgar ; bought and settled where he now resides in 1874. Married Sarah J. Steele in Ritchie Co., Va., Oct. 12, 1862 ; she was born in Pittsburgh, Penn., Dec. 28, 1846; have had four children, three living - Emma, Arthur, Amos (0. H. de¬ ceased). Mr. W. holds the offices of Road Commissioner and School Director ; has held the latter office ten years. Mr. W. has been a member of the M. E. Church two years.

-JACOB T. ADAMS, farmer, Sec. 27; P. 0. Paris ; is a native of Scott Co., Ky. ; was born March 2, 1812 ; lived at his na¬ tive place until about 13 years old, his parents then moving to Edgar Co., this being in 1824 ; during his boyhood, he had no chance of getting an education ; what he did get was mostly by home study. Was married September, 1 833, to Miss Sallie ' Cunningham, of Virginia ; they had a family of eight children, five of whom are living - two boys and three girls. Began business for himself at the asre of 21 ; had no assistance from his father, but by hard work, economy and good management, he has accumulated a farm of 230 acres of land, well improved. Mr. Adams is one of the old pioneers, who, in an early day. were obliged to put up with many of the hardships incident to pioneer life ; has al¬ ways done his part toward forwarding any enterprise tending to the public good ; is respected by many friends, and known as one of the straightforward, honest men of Sims Tp.

S. S. CHANDLER, farmer and stock dealer, Sec. 36 ; P. 0. Paris; is of English descent, and a native of Owen Co., Ky. ; was born Feb. 22, 1820, his grandfather Chandler being a native of England, and | his father a native of Scott Co., Ky. ; Mr. C. lived in Kentucky until the fall of 1852; at this date, moved to Hancock Co., Ind. ; remained there until the spring of 1871, then removed to Edgar Co., where he has since lived; during his boyhood, he had no chance of gaining an education, but, by home study and good observation, being of quick perception, he has a good common-school education ; he began busi¬ ness for himself at farming at the age of 20, attending to his own business and still conducting the home affairs for his father; during his life-time, has engaged in various speculations and enterprises ; his percep¬ tion being good, he was usually successful; has met with many misfortunes ; in 1865, he lost about $9,500 worth of merchandise by fire ; has lost several thousands by hog cholera ; still, he has a farm of 250 acres of first-class land, well timbered and wa¬ tered, with good buildings ; he is a man in good standing, enjoys the respect of many

HIRAM CLEM, farmer, Sec. 12 ; P. 0. Swan go ; is a native of Butler Co., Ohio; was born Oct. 9, 1817 ; lived at his birthplace until 33 years old, then came to Edgar Co. Was married Sept. 10, 1838, to Miss Rebecca Tegarden, of his native county; she passed away in 1863 ; had elev¬ en children by his first wife ; was married again in 1864 to Miss Mary J. Hemphill, of North Carolina ; has two children by his present wife. Began business for himself at the age of 20 ; had no assistance ; now, by hard work and economy, he has a farm of 130 acres of good land, valued at about $40 per acre. Mr. Clem is an old settler, in good standing in the community; has earned a good reputation by being honest and straightforward, and is known in the county as one of its honest men.

ISAAC N. CRAIG, farmer and stockraiser, Sec. 2 ; P. O. Paris ; is another na¬ tive and pioneer of the county ; was born Jan. 3, 1831 ; is now living within about one and one-half miles from his birthplace ; during his early life he had but little oppor¬ tunity of gaining an education ; he has a fair education now, which he has attained principally by his own efforts. Was mar¬ ried Jan. 11, 1849, to Miss Elizabeth Shroder, a native of Pennsylvania, but of Coles Co. at the time of marriage ; they have a family of nine children - four boys and five girls ; began business for himself at the age of 18 ; they began in the woods, with do help but stout hearts and willing hands ; a few years after, his father gave him $1,000 worth of land; by economy, hard work and good management he now owns in Douglas Co. 120 acres of good land, 210 acres in Embarrass and Kan¬ sas Tps., and his home farm of 287 acres ; the whole valued at about $55 per acre. Mr. Craig is one of the old pioneers that has gained a good name and reputa¬ tion by always having been honest and up¬ right in his dealings ; has lived upon the cash plan during his life, which is one at¬ tribute to his success ; he is a man stand¬ ing well in the community, and one of the solid, substantial men of Sims Tp.

ROBERT DOWNS, farmer and lumber dealer ; P. 0. Paris ; is another of the old pioneers of the county and a native of Montgomery Co., Ky. ; was born Dec. 15, 1812 ; lived at his native place until about 17 years old; his parents came to Clark Co. in 1829, and removed to Edgar in 1830; in 1845, Mr. Downs returned to Clark Co., where he remained about eight years; came back to Edgar in 1853, and located on his present place ; he began business for himself at the age of 20 ; had no assistance from his father; now, by hard work, economy and good management he has 625 acres of fine land, besides a fine lumber business. .Was married Nov. 26, 1835, to Miss Nancy R. Dudley, of Ken¬ tucky ; she passed away Aug. 30, 1854. Married his present wife Sept. 18, 1858 ; he has a family of five children - four boys and one girl ; Mr. Downs is an old settler that has done much to improve the county ; has a good name and reputation, and is known as one of the solid, substantial men of Sims Tp.

GEO. T. DUNN, farmer, Sec. 24 ; P. 0. Paris ; is a native of Mercer Co., Ky. ; was born Aug. 28, 1806; lived at his birthplace until the age of 30 ; moved to Knox Co., Mo., where he remained nine years ; then returned to his native place and stayed seven years and came to Edgar Co. in 1852 ; during boyhood, he had but little chance of getting an education ; began business for himself at the age of 22 ; his first business experience was at the carpenter and joiner's trade, at which he served an ap¬ prenticeship ; this business he followed un¬ til 1863 ; then began farming on his pres¬ ent farm. Was married Jan. 2, 1834, to Miss Juretta Marrs, of his native county ; they have a family of three children - Louis T., Jane J. (now Mrs. E. Edwards, of Lyon Co., Kan.), and Ann E. Mr. Dunn began for himself with no assist¬ ance, but by hard work and economy he has now a farm of ninety acres of first-class land, well improved, valued at about $75 per acre ; Mr. Dunn is a man who has gained a good name by being honest and straightforward in his dealings, and is known as one of the square men of Sims Tp.

JAMES ELLEDGE, farmer and stockraiser, Sec. 10; P. O. Paris ; is a native of Morgan Co., Ky.; was born Dec. 10, 1824 ; lived at his birthplace until the age of 4 ; his parents then came to Edgar Co.; this was in 1828 ; he began business for him¬ self at the age of 16, his father dying when he was 11 years old. Was married in March, 1843, to Miss Mary Barr, of Daviess Co., Ind.; they have a family of eight children, four boys and four girls. During his boyhood, his parents being poor, he had hardly any opportunities of attending school, but has gained, princi¬ pally by his own efforts, a fair education ; he began business with no assistance ; now, by hard work, economy and good management, he has left a farm of 400 acres, and has given to his children nearly 300 acres ; he is a man enjoying a good name and reputation, which he has gained by honesty and square dealing. Hasheen a member of the Christian Church for thirty-six years. Is one of the old settlers and pioneers, and is known as one of the solid, substantial men of Sims Tp.