Effingham County, Illinois - Biographical sketches, 1883 (part 6 of 13)

J. P. HOLMES, insurance agent. Mason, was born in Carlisle, Cumberland Co., Penn., 1816; soon after moved with his parents to Chambersburg, where he was raised. Had liberal chances for education. Attended Dickinson College, located at Carlisle, two vears, gaining a first-class, practical business course, aiming at the same time to studj' medicine; made considerable research into the languages. He has done for himself since the age of seventeen. Subject was married in Franklin County, Penn., to Lucetta Douglass, daughter of William Douglass. Engaged in teaching school till 1845, when he enlisted as a private in Company A, First Pennsylvania Cavahy, and entered the Mexican war. He was selected as Major of the regiment. At the battle of Buena Vista. he was wounded in the calf of his right leg, and taken to the hospital; from the effect of this he is still a cripple; 1847, he moved his family, consisting of wife and three children, to Wells County, Ind. Soon after, moved to Wabash County, Ind.; bought a farm of 106 acres and foUowetl farming and teaching till 1855, when he immigrated to Tazewell County, 111. After farming four years in Tazewell Count}-, he then removed to Eureka, Woodford County; remained at business of farming three years. In 1860, in Tazewell County, he sold 1,200 bushels of corn at 11 cents per bushel, when he could have sold it for $1 per bushel the next year. In 1864, he moved to El Paso, Woodford County, and engaged in the insurance business, which he followed till 1866. He was Police Magistrate of the city several terms of four years each. In 1874, moved to Decatur, thence, the same year, to Effingham County, where his wife died in the spring of 1875. In 1876, located at Mason, in the insurance business, at which business he still continues. He served one term as Police Magistrate of Mason. Mr. Holmes was married in December, 1875, to Mrs. Eva K. McCracken.

C. P. LEATHEKMAN, manufacturer. Mason, son of Joiin Leatherman, was born Jul}- 10, 1814, in Ohio. When he was four years old his parents moved to Indiana. He was married in 1836, to Miss Elizabeth Krutzinger, daughter of Jacob Krutzinger, of Orange County, Ind. He served an apprenticeship at blacksmithing, under a brother, David L., and pursued that business in Orange County till 1853; he then moved to Clay County, III., and in 18G9 to Mason, Effingham Co., 111., following his trade in the two last places. He is a plow-maker also, and turns out quite a number each year, for which he finds ready sale. Thousands of pounds of iron has he wrought into implements of utility, year after year has he toiled at his trade, that of hard toil, over the furnance and forge. It is the many hard and repeated blows over the anvil that sends the blood rushing through the veins, and makes life long and healthful. Labor and honesty go hand in hand, and Mr. Leatherman is honest and one of the first citizens of our county. Subject has a family as follows: Miss Sarah Cornwell, William, a resident of Vandalia; Jacob, Miss Mollie Hale, James, George, Mrs. Allice Goodnight, Harvey.

ISAAC . LOWRY LEITH, farmer, P. 0. Mason, was born in Perry County, Ohio, December 16, 1814. He removed to Fairfield Count}' with his parents when about fifteen months old, and he grew upon a farm near Pleasantville, Ohio, until seventeen years old, when he struck out for himself, going North he found a home among tlie Wyandot Indians on the Sandusky River, in what is now Wyandot County, Ohio, in seach of adventure; he traded with the tribe in horses, and remnincd with them three years, and went to Hebron, Licking Co., Ohio, and for three years supplied the hotels for twenty-six miles along the National road with beef, driving wagon himself. and hired the butchering done. In the spring of 1840, he came on horseback, a single man. arriving at Mason April 26, 1840. He entered land in 1840-42, in Section 12, 13 and 11, and added thereto until he had 400 acres. He fenced and broke the first field in the prairie, which was afterward known as the Leitli Prairie. He was married in 1844, to Miss Brown, and settled north of Ewington, on what is known as the Blakely farm, living there for one and a half years. He then settled on his farm in Section 12, where he lived five years, engaged largely in buying and driving stock. He bouglit and fed cattle and hogs principally. He brought a drove of sheep from Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1843, and sold them to the farmers. As early as 1837, while in Wyandot County, Ohio, he drove herd of horses to Southern Virginia and North Carolina, a distance of 650 miles. Mr. Leith was actively engaged in buying stock for twenty-five years, spending a large portion of his time in saddle, buying for most part in this and neighboring counties, driving to St. Louis and Ohio, until the building of the Central Kailroad, when he shipped to Cincinnati, Ohio, and Chicago. From 1853 to 1855, he aided in the building of the I. C. R. R., being foreman of a gang of men, and had a contract for hauling stone; superintended forty ox teams. In 1855, he moved to his present place, selling his old homestead, now owned by Mr. Dallis, of Piatt County, 111. He bought a tract of wild prairie land here, with the exception of a small patch fenced and a log cabin. Mr. Leith has put about 280 acres of land in cultivation, and fenced 120 acres of timber. He produced wheat largel}-, raising some years 3,000 bushels per year. During past ten years, has not handled much stock, but has raised grain. Politically, Mr. Leith was a Democrat until the issues of the war came on; he voted for Mr. Lincoln, and in 1861 was elected to the Constitutional Convention which met in 1862. He was nominated b}- the Douglas Democrats, and received a large Republican vote. He was appointed on a committee with Mr. John F. Waschefort and Mr. McCann, to learn what the people wished in regard to township organization, and visited every township in the county, and served in' various offices in the township. He has the following children; Leslie W., of this county, in mail service on Narrow Guage road; Mary Elizabeth, wife of Dr. Will Wade, of Salem, Oregon; Fanny Ann, wife of D. W. Matthers, druggist of Salem, Oregon; Amanda Crooker, wife of E. Hobbs, farmer of this township; Edmund T., farmer of this township; Alice B., wife of Dr. D. F. Lane, of St. Elmo, 111.; Sarah L., also in Salem, Oregon, wife of H. H. Ragan, merchant; Cora D.; Enola May, in school at present. Our subject's father, Samuel Leith, was a son of John Leith, born on the Pedee River in North Carolina; was of Scotch parents, who were members of a numerous clan, located near the city and river of that name. His parents died when he was young, and he was put under a guardian, and not liking to learn a trade ran away at the age of thirteen years, and went up to Little York, Penn., through the wilderness. He remained at Little York four years, when he went to Ft. DuQuesne, now Pittsburgh.

DAVID LEITH, deceased, whose portrait appears in this work, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1817, son of Samuel and Amanda (De Long) Leith, he born in the Northwestern Territory, and died in 1822, at the age of fifty-five 3-ears ; she, born in Pennsylvania, and died in 1844, at the age of sixty-three years. They were the parents of nine children, six sons and three daughters. Our subject received a common-school education, and started in life as a farmer. He was married in Fairfield, Ohio, in September, 1842, to Amanda Wilson, a native of Virgmia, born in 1808. The}' had the following children : John C., Kate, Hattie, George, Thomas, Emma, Laura, Fannie and Homer, named in the order of their births. Our subject's father, Samuel Leith, in his early days was captured and for a long time held by the Delaware Indians, and during the time of his captivity, the girl that afterward became his wife was also a captive in the hands of the Cuyahoga tribe. The two met under these circumstances, formed an acquaintance, and were afterward united in marriage. Our subject was a Supervi-sor at the first organization of the county, and was also elected to the Legislature. He was a Democrat in politics, and an A., F. & A. M., luid also a Royal Arch Mason.

PAVID K. LEITH, former, P. 0. Mason, is a son of James Leith, and was bora in Fairfield County, Ohio, January 27, 1837. He removed with his parents, at the age of five, to EfHngham Count}'. 111. He was raised on a farm, and was thus engaged when he started for himself, about two miles east of Mason. Mr. Leith was married in this county October 2, 1859, to Miss Mary Wilson, daughter of William Wilson. He has a family of four children, as follows : Dallas 0., born November 30, 1861 ; JLiry B.. born July 0. 18G7 ; Oscar, was born November 9, 1809 ; Franklin A., was born April 27, 1871. Subject has an excellent little fiirin of fifty-three acres, and raises a fair amount of wheat, oats, corn, etc. He is politically, a Democrat of the old school. Subject's father, James Leith, was born in Licking County, Ohio. January 27, 1814. He was married in Fairfield County, Ohio, in February, 1836, to Miss Barbara Bank. He pursued the avocation of farming in Fairfield County till 1842, when he removed with his family to Effingham County, 111., and located on a tract of land two miles east of Mason, which he afterward entered of Congress to the amount of 415 acres, to whicli he afterward added forty acres. Here he opened up a fine farm, and spent the remainder of his life in good circumstances. Subject had twelve children, six of whom are living, and are good citizens of this county - David K. Leith, Samuel, Mrs. Sarali Murphy, Taylor, Allen, and Mrs. Nora Hardin. Mr. Leith died at a good old age. His widow survives him, and resides on the home farm.

J. C. LEITII, farmer, P. O. Mason, is a native of this county, was born in August, 1843. He was raised on his father's farm, two miles east of Mason. He engaged in farming on the old home farm wben he began business for himself He makes his occupation a decided success. He produces an immense amount of grain, grass, etc., and keeps on hand a fair amount of stock. He is an earnest and zealous supporter of the principles of Democracy. Subject's father, David Leith, a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, was born June 8, 1817. He was married in Fairfield County Soptemljer 20. 1842. to Miss Amanda Wilson, daughter of William A. Wilson. Shortly after his marriage he removed to this county, and located on a tract of land two miles east of Mason, He purchased a tract of upward of 500 acres, and succeeded in putting 300 acres under a high state of cultivation. He was an active business man and an excellent farmer. He dealt largelj- in stock and stock raising, cattle and hogs principally. In 1867 (having previously burned a large kiln of brick for the purpose), he erected a commodious brick residence, at a probable cost of $5,000, Mr, Leith moved into his new house in March, 1868, In 1870, he was elected Representative in the State Legislature from Shelby and Effingham Counties, He died before the expiration of his term of office. His death occurred at his home June 10, 1871. His deceased widow, Mrs. Amanda R. Leith, who survived him a few years, was born in Frederick County, Va. She died at her old home November 18, 1876, They raised a family of nine children, all living, viz,: (Subject of our sketch); Catherine R,, wife of ])r. Isaac Baker ; Harriet E., widow of William B. Cooper, deceased ; George W.; Mrs. Sarah K. Holloway; David T. ; Mrs. Laura A. Davis ; Mrs. Mary F. Martin ; Homer E.

JAMES G. LOUDER, farmer, P. 0. Edgewood, son of Gideon Louder, was born April 11, 1844, in Effingham County, 111.; was raised on a farm. In 1862, he enlisted in the war, Companj- C, Ninety-eighth Illinois. This command was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland, and consequently was in tiic following battles : Hoover's Gap. Elk River, Chickamau- ga, Chattanooga, Mission Ridge, battles around Atlanta, Selma, Ala., and was discharged June 7, 1865; returned home and engaged in farming. He was married October 26, 1865, in Edgewood, 111., to Miss Annie Baker, daughter of Robert Baker; engaged in the avocation of farming in the vicinity of Edgewood. He has a family of Ave children living, namely, Robert, Fannie, Barney, Flora, F]mma ; and three dead - Alwilda, Mary and Etta.

JOHN T. MARTIN, Mason, was born February 13, 1841, in Effingham; spent his boyhood daj-s with his parents, in Jackson Township. In 1861, he enlisted in the war, in Companj' G, Eleventh Illinois Volunteers; was stationed at Camp Dubois, and afterward at Bird's Point, Mo., where he was discharged. In 1862, he enlisted in the three years' service in Company G, Sixtj'-second Illinois, and was forwarded to Cairo, 111.; thence to Paducah, Tenu., and thence to Columbus; came home once on twenty days' furlough, and then joined his command at Reterford Station. Was honorably discharged in 1865, and he returned home to Effingham County, 111. Subject was married, March 8, 1866, to Miss Ann Bailey, daughter of Heni-y Bailey. Mr. Martin has a family of three children living - Alex, John and Kitty Bliss; and two dead - Harry, died at the age of nine years, in 1877, and Dellie, who died in 1872, age nine months.

WILLIAM M. MARTIN, livery, Mason, son of Moses Martin, was born August 30, 1844, in Effingham County, 111. He engaged in the livery business in 1858, in Mason, III, which he has continued since that time with good success. He was married, in February, 1873, in Marion County, 111., to Miss Anna Blackamore, daughter of Samuel Blackamore. His family consists of four children, as follows : Iva, Nellie, Corenia and Willie. He is a stanch Democrat, and a clever gentleman.

1819. He belonged to a manl}- and vigorous race, his grandfather, John Haven, having been an inventor and man of great force of character and originality. In the autumn of 1827, the subject of this memoir emigrated with his parents to Putnam Count}', Ind , where he was associated with his father in agricultural pursuits, until his twentieth j'ear, at which time he entered upon the study of medicine, under Dr. William Talbot, of Greencastle, Ind., a gentleman of rich learning and wonderful hospitalit}'. After completing a full course of reading, he moved to Stilesville, Hendricks County, where, in 1843, he formed the acquaintance of, and was soon after married to, .Miss Ruth Ann Jessup. a lady of brilliant attainments and of a most amiable disposition, by whom he had two children, one of whom, David W. Matthews, is still living. (See sketch). Shortlj' after his first marriage, he matriculated in Rush Medical College, Chicago, where he graduated with the highest honors. He then removed to Putnam Count}', where he remained till his second marriage, in 1848, to Miss Deborah S. Hopwood, of Bellville, Ind., a lady of great worth, and one who proved herself to be a most excellent and helpful companion to him through all the trials and afflictions of his after life. B\ her he had three children, only one of whom, James N., survived, and will be made the subject of a sketch in this volume. From 1848 until 1858 Dr. M. was engaged in the practice of medicine in Putnam County, Ind. At the end of this time, he removed with his family to Mason, Effingham Co., 111., where he continued in the active work of his profession till the day of his death, January 13, 1874. Dr. Matthews was a most valuable and esteemed citizen an able and popular physician, a great philanthropist, and his loss was deeply deplored by the large circle of acquaintances among whom he moved and labored. He was a friend to the poor, and endeared himself to them by his considerate attentions and humane treatment. He did an immense amount of work for little or no pay. He was a man of strong social and political instincts. As a politician he was alwaj"s an anti-slavist ; having early allied himself with the Republican Party, he worked zealously with it until the close of the war, and the later constitutional amendments were adopted. As a literary man. Dr. Matthews was a most persevering writer, with a diction like that of Hallam. His contributions to the press, on every conceivable topic, would, if collected, fill many volumes. He wrote with great force and accuracy, and from the fullness and freshness of a richly endowed intellect. For many months prior to his death, he was engaged in preparing an elaborate work on " Domestic Medicine," for popular use, but died before his manuscript reached the press. He loved nature, and was most sensitively alive to the influence of the beautiful, whether in the tiny insect, the flower, the tree, or the human subject. God's works were not voiceless and meaningless to him. In religion he was practical and liberal-minded, holding to the doctrine of Universalism, in its broadest and fullest significance. He idolized his friends, and clung with tenacity to the memories of his j'outh, and this sketch of a good man, can not be more appropriately concluded than by quoting an extract from his pen, touching one of the cherished impressions of his declining years. In his " Autobiography." he says : " On my own part, the nearer I approach the end of my mortal career, the stronger do I cling to the sincere friendships formed in the days of my youth, and my earnest prayer to Almighty God is, that the3' shall be the last things on earth to part from my memory and abandon my bosom, and among the first to hail and cheer me on my entrance upon the better life."

DAVID WADE MATTHEWS, druggist, Salem, Ore., the eldest son of William Matthews, M. D., of whom we publish elsewhere a condensed sketch, was born in the village of Stilesville, Hendricks Co., Ind., September 18, 1844 When only a few weeks old his father removed to the vicinity of Fillmore, Putnam County, of the same State, at which place the subject of our notice passed the greater part of his childhood, having lost his mother when but two years of age. In 1858, his father having remarried, he emigrated with his household to Mason, 111., where the son divided his time in attending school and in assisting in the cultivation of a large tract of new prairie-land. Though of a delicate organization, he yet was a most industrious lad, and applied himself with diligence to the discharge of his duties, both in school and out. At the outbreak of the rebellion, he was among the first in this section of the State to join the army of the Union. At the age of sixteen, he enlisted in the Eleventh Illinois Infantry, under Capt. Rose, a man, who, it is claimed, subsequently rendered himself extremely odious to his company, through a career of intolerable misconduct and mistreatment. The regiment went into camp about the last of July, 1861, at Bird's Point, opposite Cairo, where it remained most of the time inactive, until the storming of Fort Donelson, at which time it was thrown into the thickest of the carnage, and barely escaped total destruction. Tiie men fought bravely and desperatelyagainst fearful odds, but the ranks of the regiment were frightfully thinned and mutilated. Young Matthews, having been selected to guard the colors, was one of several others who were shot down in the early part of the conflict. His wound, at first thought to be fatal, proved otherwise, the ball having penetrated and passed through the fleshiest part of his thigh, barely missing the femoral artery. For a few hours he was a prisoner in the hands ot the enemy, but not being in a condition for removal to the rear, the doubtful tide of battle soon restored liim to the ITnion lines. His wound bled most profusely, and the toes of one foot were frozen so severely that the ends subse- quently ulcerated and sloughed off. It was a terrible night, and ho was among the last carried off of tlie l)io(>d3' field. For many long Lours he la^- weltering in his blood, pillowed upon the incarnated snow, with the dead and d\'ing alone for companions, and tlie bleak, howling winds for his comforter. But a gracious providence directed some of his associates to the inhospitable spot where he lay, and he was removed to a temporary hospital, whence he was soon after taken aboard the steamer, Allen Collier, and conveyed to Cincinnati, where he was granted an unlimited furlough. His wound having healed, however, he returned to his regiment at the end of sixty days, and served out his term of enlisment, p.articipatiug in many of the severest struggles of the war. Returning home in 18G4, he attended college for one term, in Mt. Pleasant. Iowa, and from that time forwaid, until 1875, he was associated with his father and cousin, W. L. Wade, in the pursuit of horticulture and mixed farming. In October, 18G7, he was married to Miss Fannie A. Leith, a young lady of great worth and prominence in thecommunitj-, and in time thej' became blessed with a small circle of beautiful children. From 1875 until 1881, Mr. Matthews held many important positions of trust among his fellow-citizens, and for several years was in the Government Postal Service, a part of the time in the capacit3' of Postmaster at Mason, and a part as Mail Agent on the St. Louis & Vaudalia road. In 1881, for the purpose of bettering his fortunes, he removed to Salem, Ore, Kn route thither his family contracted malignant sm,all-pox, and two of the number, Nellie and Lowery, beautiful and intelligent children, succumbed to the loathsome malady. The affliction of the family was intolerable during this awful period of isolation and lone suffering, but it finally ended as all trials must. Three children are living, Euth, Mary and Oskie. Mr. M. now enjoys a well established drug trade in Salem, and is srrowing popular as his acquaintance extends. He is a man of great practical ability, of generosity and high raindeduess. He has alwa3's been a consistent advocate of Republican principles, and in his social relations there are few better men. He contributes some to the current prints, and is a scholarly and accurate writer.

J. N. MATTHEWS, physician, Mason, was born in Putnam County, near Greencastle, Ind., May 27, 1852. When two years old, his father's family came to Mason, 111. When very j'oung, he evinced a taste for reading and scribbling, parti}' from inheritance and partly from his own surroundings. Among his earliest discoveries of himself was, no doubt, the amazing one that he could make his words jingle, and at a ^'ery earl}- day he had that supremelj^ happiest moment in all boy's lives that have the gift of writing, of seeing his rhymes in print. From the country school, when j-et not over ten years of age, he stepped up into the exalted place of '- imp" in the village printing office, and here, among the types, and the atmosphere of a printing office, was confirmed and improved the natural bent of the boy's genius, and his pen has never rested long at a time since that period. He has written much for various publications, ai\d repeatedly has given evidences of real poetic and literary merit. He entered the Industrial Universit}-, Champaign, 1868, and graduated as the head of his class in 1872. For the next three j^ears he devoted his time to literary' work and reporting for different newspapers. In 1875, he entered the Medical College of St. Louis, and graduated, again with the first honors, and that, too, in a class of 120 candidates. In 1878, he married Miss Luella Brown, of Madison, Ind., and located in Mason, in the practice of his chosen profession. Our subject is the son of Dr. William Matthews (deceased), of whom, and also of a brother of our subject, sketches will be found elsewhere.

A. McANDERSON, M. D., Mason, was born in October, 1830, in Pennsj-lvania. He removed with parents in his j-outh to Richland County, Ohio, where he grew to manhood with a fair opportunit}- for obtaining an education. He graduated in 1851, at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia. In 1861, he enlisted in the Union arm}-, and was placed on special service as a surgeon at a hospital near Nashville, Tenn ; served three years. After the close of the war he located, for the practice of his profession, at Springfield 111., where he remained a short time. He removed to Chicago, wiiere he gained a first-class practice. In October, 1871, he had everything, including his liln-ary, swept away by the great fire. In the spring of 1877, he located at Mason, 111., and has a good practice. Dr. McAnderson was married in 1850, in Wyandot County, Ohio, to Miss Helen E. McGill, who died in Springfield, 111., in 1864.

ESQUIRE JOHN McDONALD, cooper, Edgewood, son of William McDonald, was born in 1818, in Clermont County, Ohio. Here he remained till 180G. He learned the cooper trade during his l)oyhood, and located, in the pursuit of his trade, at New Richmond, Clermont Co., Ohio. He pursued this avocation till 1852, when he engaged in clerking in a dry goods and grocery store, and served two terms as Justice of the Peace during the time. In 1861, he was appointed Postmaster at New Richmond, and was re-appointed in 1865. In 1866, he resigned the position in behalf of a crippled soldier, whom he recommended and secured the appointment. He then removed to Effingham County, 111., and engaged in working at his trade at Edgewood, which he still continues. Mr. McDonald has served one term as Justice of the Peace and two terms as Police Magistrate of the village of Edgewood. Is a stanch Republican. He is a member of the JIasonic fraternity, and has been Secretary of the Edgewood Lodge during the last fifteen years of his residence here. Mr. McDonald was married in Clermont County, Ohio. November 14, 1839, to Miss Rebecca Bradbury. She died in 1849, the mother of four children Marion, Theodore, Leroj-, Mollie. Subject was married in Now Richmond, Ohio, June, 1851, to Miss Alice Swem. Her death occurred May 6, 1853. One child, Laura, survives her. In 1855, he was married to Esther Jackson, of New Richmond, with whom he now lives. He has three children by her - Charles, May and Hattie. Subject had four sons who faced the showers of leaden hail in the great rebellion - Thomas, who died of afl'ections contracted in the war, Marion, Theodore and Leroy. Mr. McDonald is a man of generosity and firstclass hospitality, and is a useful member of society.

BARNEY McKOUN, railroad section foreman. Mason. Was born March 17, 1832, in County Tyrone, Ireland. In 1853, he came to New York and worked on a farm one year, then went to Cleveland, Ohio, and spent the winter there. The following summer, he engaged in the avocation of a sailor on Lake Erie. In 1857. he went to Chicago and secured a situation in the emploj- of the Illinois Central Railway. In 1863, he was appointed section foreman, a position he has since filled. Mr. McKoun was married at Mattoon, January 12, 1863, to Miss Mary Cunningham, of Chicago. He has a family of seven sons and one daughter, as follows: Isabel, John, Daniel, Bar ney, James, Patrick, Michael and Thomas F. Subject is a Democrat.

JUDGE ROBERT S. MILLS, druggist. Mason, was born February 28, 1813, in Hamilton County, Ohio. Came with his parents, when quite young, to Vevaj-, Ind.; afterward removed by flat-boat to Charleston, Clarke County, Ind.; in 1835, located in Orange County, Ind. Here he was married, in June, 1836, to Miss Caroline Chapman, daughter of Thomas F. Chapman. In 1840, he removed to Charleston, Coles Co. 111., where he was elected Justice of the Peace one term, and two terms to the office of County Judge, which position he filled with great credit from 1845 to 1848 inclusive. During Fillmore's administration, he was Postmaster at Charleston, 111.; he also ran a drug store, which he continued several years after his term as Postmaster expired. He then went down on the Central Railroad south of Mattoon, and established the little town of ^Etna. Was the first Postmaster of that place. He was one of the principal agitators for the building of the Masonic hall, which was erected at that place. He was proprietor of a grocery store; also built a grain house, and engaged in grain-buying rather extensively. In 1863, he sold his interest at ^Etna and removed to Mason, Effingham Co., 111., and embarked in merchandising. In 1873, engaged in the drug business, his present avocation. Judge Mills is a Democrat and a member of the Masonic fraternity. He has a family of seven children - Thomas C; Ophelia S., wife of Henry Moore, of Clark Count}'; Hattie, wife of Henry Hoxley, of Nebraska; Clarence S.; George T., jeweler, of Mason; AUine, wife of George Wade, of Mason; May. Mr. Mills is a gentleman whose days are fast passing away, whose life is like a living stream, purified by upright and sincere motives, fair and honest dealings. He has won a host of friends, who shelter him in his old age with a true kindliness and a devoted friendship.

WILLIAM MUIR, saloon-keeper, Edgewood, son of C^'rus Muir, was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, December 3, 1844. Moved to Douglas County, 111., at the age of thirteen, where he engaged in farming for three 3'ears; purchased an interest in a saw-mill in Missouri, which he ran for some time. Among the big contracts was the sawing of the ties of Q., W. & P. R. R., from Quincy to Kirksville, a distance of seventy-five miles. He kept a saloon for six years in Mansfield, 111. In May, 1882, he engaged in same business in Edgewood, 111. Sulijecl was married to Miss MoUie Buoy, May 22, 1865, in Douglas County, 111., who died February 23, 1877, and he married his second wife, Irena S. Buoy, in 1880. Subject has three children : bj' his first wife, Eva and Annie, and one by his second wife - Bertha. Mr. Muir is a member of the Odd Fellows lodge.

M. O'DONxNELL, farmer, P. 0. Mason, was born November 4, 1825, in Ireland. Came to America in 1847. Remained in New York and New Jersey about two years, then came to Effingham County, 111. Worked on the railroad two years in Missouri. Came back to this section, and engaged in farming near Mason. First, he had sixty-one acres of land; now has 253 in this county, and 140 in Iowa. He raises considerable grain - wheat, corn, etc. - and has dealt in live-stock largely in the past. Mr. O'Donnell was married to Miss Maria Brogan, in New Jersey, in June, 1858; have two children living - Michael and Catharine. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, and is a member of the Catholic Church. Mr. O'Donnell is an honorable citizen of Effingham County, and takes an active part in politics.

WILLIAM O'KEEFFE, farmer, P. 0. Mason, son of John O'KeeflFe, was born in January, 1830, County Cork, Ireland. Came to America at the age of sixteen. Remained in New York Cit}' about one year, and went to Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he remained about three j'ears. From there he removed to Milwaukee, Wis.; was in Chicago a short time, and came to- Effingham County, 111., January, 1856, and .settled on a farm in Mason Township. He at present owns a farm of 219 acres in Sections 8 and 17, Mason Township, and Section 36, Jackson Township, on which he has fine buildings and orchards. Politically, a Democrat. Mr. O'Keeffe was married in St. Mary, Abbott's Parish, London, England, October 6, 1850, to Miss Margaret McCue, daughter of Patrick

P. G. PAUGH, physician, Mason, was born December 27, 1814, in Bourbon County, Ky. His father died before his birth and his mother died soon after, and he was brought up by his sister, willi wliom he removed to Monroe County, Ind., at the age of seven years. Here he received a liberal education in the high schools of that county. He studied medicine under E. C. Moberly, a term of five years, whom he afterward bought out and engaged in the practice, in Bedford, Ind. Soon after, removed to Springville, of the same county, and engaged at his profession, where he remained a practitioner for thirty years. In 1867, he immigrated to Mason, III., and again located in the practice of medicine; here he has a first-class practice; here, he has won many warm friends. Dr. Paugh was married in Lawrence County, Ind., August 11, 1831, to Miss Hannah Scoggan,whodiedMa3l3, 1840. Mr. Paugh was married in the latter part of 1840, to Miss Eliza Cook, daughter of John Cook, of Lawrence County, Ind. Subject has two sous and five daughters living - Dr. William H. Paugh, resides in Mattoon, 111.; John C. Paugh, M. D., a resident of Mason, and the subject of another sketch in this volume; Sarah E., wife of Newton Young, of Altamont; Mary F., wife of Joseph Cook, and resides in Mattoon, 111.; Amelia A., wife of Andrew Douglas, a well-known farmer near Mason ; Maria B.; Anna Laura; Joseph B. Paugh, died in 1867^ aged sixteen years eight months. Subject of this sketch is a member of the M. E. Church and of the Masonic fraternitj-. He is an ardent supporter of the doctrines of the Republican party.

JOHN C. PAUGH, physician, P. 0. Mason, son of Dr. P. G. Paugh ; was born in 1841, in Lawrence County, Ind.; here he was raised with good opportuity for an education, which he improved. He studied medicine in charge of his father, P. 6. Paugh, also under Dr. Grey, with whom he first engaged in the practice of his profession. In 1865, he came to Mason, 111., and located in the practice of his chosen profession, where he has remained since. Subject was married at Mason Januarj' 27, 1870, to Miss Marion Woods, daughter of John Woods. To them were born five children, as follows : Garrison B. and Anna V. (twins). Wilbur J., AUie M., Albert.

SANFORD POSTON, farmer, P. O. Mason, was born in Switzerland County, Ind., October 26, 1840. In 1862, he enlisted in the war, Company' A, Third Indiana Cavalry. Was assigned to Pleasanton's First Cavalry Corps and was in Gen. Custer's brigade. His command was forwarded to the scene of hostility, and did active service in the following engagements : Second battle of Bull Run, Lookout Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg. In this battle he was wounded ; a ball struck him in the right side, passed through his body, and was cut out on the left side ; from effect of this he was thrown off duty only three months, when he returned to his comrades at Acquia Creek, Va., and was in the Gettysburg fight, battles of the Wilderness, Early's campaign down the Shenandoah Valley. He was discharged February 24, 1865. He was one of the fortunate thirty-one men who came out alive, of a rciriment that went into the war eleven hundred strong. He was married in Switzerland County, Ind., February 17, 1866, to Miss Josephine Vandever, daughter of Albert Vandcver. In 1868, he emigrated to Effingham County, 111., and located near Mason in farming. In 1879, he purchased an interest in the Mason Flouring Mills, which he still owns. In 1882, made a visit to Dakota Territory, and secured 320 acres of land near Chamberlin, D. T., to which he intends going the ensuing spring. Subject has a family of three children, viz.: Albert, Laura and Edith.

ROBERT N. RANKIN was born February 7, 1820, in Lawrence County, Ind., where he was raised on a farm. He was married, October 3, 1839, in his native county, to Martha J. Foster, daughter of William Foster, and engaged in farming in Lawrence ; owned a farm of sixty acres there, which he sold in 1849, and removed to Mason, III., and engaged in farming ; purchased 280 acres, and made his profession a success. Opened a farm about two miles southeast of Mason. About 1859, he sold his farm with the intention of going to Oregon, but when the war broke out he changed his plans, and purchased a form of 160 acres, one and one-half miles north of town, which he afterward traded for a clothing store in Mason, which he sold out ; and lived and made his home in Mason till June 20, 1871, when he passed to eternal happiness, leaving a widow and seven children - J. M., Bernetta Reed, Robert M., Henry H., Cornelia J. Sprinkle, William F.

W. F. RANKIN, hardware, Mason, was born in Effingham County, 111., 3Iarch 13, 1863. At the age of eighteen, he purchased a hardware store of his brother, which he had clerked in about two years previous to said purchase. Mr. Rankin has a fine stock of hardware.

MITCH EL B. REED, retired, Mason, was born in Knox County, Tenn., September 2, 1811. At the age of six years, he went with his parents to Blount County, of the same State, from which place, after a short residence, the familjremoved to Jackson's Purchase, in the Cherokee nation. Here he was daily and hourly companion of the red rovers of the forest, of tliat strange race which is so rapidly passing from the face of the earth, soon to be perpetrated only in the traditions and legends of the coming generations. The subject of this sketch was a close observer of their habits and characteristics. He knew them to be unrelenting and treacherous, warlike and brave, unterrifled and intrepid, keen sighted as a hound, unmatched in horsemanship, and dextrous as a marksman. He was also acquainted with the better side of Indian character, and could testify to their kindness and hospitality, and to the forliearance with w hich the3- watch the more powerful Caucasian nation crowding them toward sunset. Often has Mitchel Reed participated in their wild sports and feats of prowess, and been a listener in their camps or wigwams to their uncouth and superstitious recitals in their native dialect. Among other occurrences about this time, he formed the acquaintance of the celebrated Davy Crocket, and is conversant with much of the history of that brave and eccentric civilizer and backwoodsman. At Jackson's Purchase, Mr. R. lived until the year of 1825, when he removed to Athens, McMinn County, where he remained till 1836, with the exception of one year spent at Knoxville, Tenn., learning the trade of wagon-maker. During these ten j^ears, his occupation was that of farming and peddling among the Indians of Ocoa Purchase, undergoing and overcoming hardships and perils that at the present time are called incidents almost incredible. For weeks at a time, he would be out with his team alone, in the vast wilderness, encompassed by the wily, distrustful savage, and steadily exposed to the attacks of wild animals and the venom of deadly serpents. It was the 9th of June, 1836, he arrived at Ewington. the country seat of Effingham County, after a long and fatiguing journey from the sunny South. A desolatelooking prospect opened before him. No rattle of trains; no telegraph wires to flash the news of an outer world. Only a few scattered mills along the streams, or the ominous howling of the wolves broke the quietude. Wild deer were thick upon the liills, and wild turkey were not then, as now, a luxur}-. The crack of the rifle and the thud of the woodman's ax were the first to announce the new civilization in this section of the country. Tiie old order of things gave way to the brawny arms of the pioneers; the jjrimeval trees were shaped into houses, and houses were mustered together and t towns constructed; the desolate waste of sway- i ing grasses were swept by the autumn fires, and soon the bannered corn held up its myriad j beauties to the sun. On the last day of 1837, our old friend was married to Miss Lavina Slover, whose father was the owner of the land on which the citj^ of Effingham now stands. The early days of his wedded life were full of trials, hardships and toils," j'et seasoned with much that is pleasant and gratif3ing to recall. The year of 1840 finds him again in Bradley Count}", Tenn., pursuing the trade of wagonmaker. In 1851, he returned to Illinois, and after a short residence in Edwards Count}', came back to Effingham, and located between Big and Little Salt Creeks, Watson ToWnship. In 1867, he removed to the vicinity of his present abode. In 1876, he lost his much-beloved partner of his struggles, who died universally lamented by all who knew her many excellent qualities. Six out of eight children born to the happy twain survive, exemplar}' citizens, as follows - Mrs. Mary E. Cronk; Miss Mahala C. Reed, who is at present her father's housekeeper; George W.; James P. and Isaac S., who is the subject of the sketch following this, and Charles M. Reed, who is a first-class, moral young man, and makes his home with his father. The first and third born were sons who died quite young.

ISAAC S. REED, merchant, Mason, was born in Edwards County, 111., March 13, 1852. He was raised on a farm in the vicinity of Watson and Mason. His facilities for education were such as the common schools of the county afforded. Alter lie was twenty-one, he attended two terms of school near Mason, and two terms of select school in the town of Mason, thereby gaining a good common school education. He has followed the business of farming and stock dealingtill recently. In 1882, he purchased the post office building owned by Mr. Hill, and put in a good stock of groceries as well as notions and books, and in connection with this, he runs a barber-shop, a business at which he put in a part of each week for some time, and has become an expert at the work. Mr. Reed has been a local correspondent for Effingham Ihmocrat for many years. He is a good itemizer, and when disturbed by brother correspondents, he makes the old fuzz fl}- at a severe rate. He is a member of the JMasonic fraternity, Mason Lodge, No. 217; has held the offices of Senior Deacon and Secretary, which last position he fills at present. He is a Democrat, of indomitable qualifications. He is a genial, good-natured, clever fellow, and a typical gentleman.

WILLIAM H. RICE, furniture dealer. Edgewood, was born November 4, 1838, in Essex County, N. J. Remained there till 1857, when he went to Charleston, S. C, where he remained in the sewing machine business until 1861, when he went to Indianapolis, Ind., remaining there till 1867 ; then returned to the South and traveled through several States. In 1873, he began the hotel and restaurant business, making several removals. Began furniture business in connection with hotel keeping in the city of Effingham, III, in 1S81. In 1882, be moved his furniture store to Edgewood, his present location. In 1877, he was married to Miss Palmer.

JONATHAN J. ROBINSON, farmer, son of John Wesley Robinson, was born in February 6, 1837, in Effingham County. Removed with his parents when quite young to St. Louis, Mo. After some residence in St. Louis, he removed to Posey County, Ind. Shortly afterward returned to Effingham County, 111. He has made this his home since. He was married, April 10, 1859, to Miss Martha Ann Redding, daughter of Willis Redding, in this county. Engaged in farming in this county. In 1862, he purchased a farm of eighty acres in Mason Township, Section 33, mostly wild land, of which he has about fifty acres in cultivation, I partly in bottom. Politically, a Republican.

FERDINAND A. SCHIPFLIN, hardware store, Edgowood, dealer in hardware, groceries and agricultural impleiuents, of Edgewood, 111., was born in Prussia March 32, 1839. Landed in New York City March 12, 1857. Remained in New York City fifteen years, employed as ti-aveling agent by his brother and partner, Schifflin and Sicvers, wholesale dealers in hardware. Subject came to Edgewood November 19, 1870, engaging in hardware, groceries and machinery, etc., business on his own hook. Subject of this sketch possesses rare business talent and keeps a complete stock. Was married to Miss Fannie Ryan in New York City, January 19, 1861. They have two children, Angle and Ferdinand W. Mr. Schifflin is a Democrat, and belongs to the Masonic order.

JAMES R. SCOTT, physician, Edgewood, was born September 13, 1840, in Jefferson County, Ky. Removed with his parents to Pike County, where he grew to manhood with favorable opportunity for education. He attended school taught by A. T. Hendricks, Esq., brother of Thomas A. Hendricks, of Indiana. Began the study of medicine in 1858, under J. R. Adams, of Petersburg, Ind. Also studied under J. L. Hallim, of Central District, surgeon for Illinois Central Railroad. He graduated at the Cincinnati Medical College in 1862. He enlisted in the United States service in March, 1862, in the Third Kentucky Infantry as an assistant surgeon. Was on the field of battle at Chickamauga, Rocky Face Ridge, Dalton, Kenesaw Mountain. Was discharged October 10, 1864. Subject was married in Mason, December 25, 1865, to Mary A. Jacobs, who died in September, 1867. He was married in 1869 to Miss Mary Farrin. She died the same year, and he was again married to Miss Maggie Gilmore, daughter of J. L. Gilmore, April 2, 1871, to whom have been borne two children. The first, Minnie, born in 1873, died in 1875. The second, Nettie C, was born April 23, 1882. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and politically a Democrat.

JOHN H. SEITZ, farmer, P. O. Mason, sou of George P. Seitz, was born in 1849 in Harrison County, Ind. Removed with parents in 18G4 to Clay County, III., where he was married in 1871 to Miss Amelia M. Smith, daughter of Lawrence Smith. He engaged in farming. In 1874, he removed with his family to Effingham County, 111., and settled on a farm one mile north of Mason. Subject is a Democrat, He has a family of three children - Laura Addie, Annie A., Katy Florence.

ANDREW SHARP, shoemaker, Mason, son of William Sharp, was born in Wirt County, W. Va., in 1850. His father died when he was very young, and he began to shift for himself at the age of nine 3'ears, working at various kinds of public work. In 1865, he took up the trade of shocmaking. In 1871, he came to Mason, III., and started a shop, where he has remained since, working at his trade. Subject was married in Mason, 111., in 1872, to Miss Nancy Barkham, daughter of Howell Barkham. Mr. Sharp is an old Jacksonian Democrat. Besides some fair propert3' in Mason, he owns fifty acres of beautiful valley land in the mountains of West Virginia, which, on account of the oil and oil works of that section, may become of great value in the future. In his boyhood he assumed the responsibility of taking care of his mother, which he still continues.

CHARLES SISSON, station agent. Mason, son of Daniel Sissou, was born in Ohio County, Ind., August 29, 1856. Removed with his parents when quite young to Mason, III. Here he had fair advantages for education, attending the Mason High School several terms. At the age of twenty-two, he engaged in telegraphy in Mason. He has served as station agent at Sigel and Neoga. In 1880, he was stationed at Mason, the office in which he learned. Subject vfas married in Mason, September 23, 1880, to Miss Eva Bailie, daugliter of Andrew Bailie. He has one child, Arthur Eugene. Subject's father, Daniel Sisson, is a millwright by profession. He owns a first-class flouring mill at Mason, 111. Has nine children, all living - Ada B., a well-known teacher of the county ; Franklin ; Charles, the subject of our sketch ; Eugene, a law student at Shawueetown ; Bird, Ma}-, Ida, Ernest and Effle.

ALMON D. TARBOX, farmer, P. O. Mason, a son of Solomon Tarbox, was born in Switzerland County, lud., December 24, 1834. He was married in this county, October 16, 1851, to Miss Rachel Griffin, and took up the avocation of farming on a farm of eighty acres near Vevay, Ind. In 1864, he sold his farm and removed to ElBngham County, 111. He purchased 120 acres of land in Section 29, Mason Township. This he has made his home since. Mr. Tarbox, and his wife are both members of the M. E. Church. Politically, he is a Republican. Mr. Tarbox has a family of seven children, as follows : Milton, William, Ollie, Clara, Gertrude, Laura, and one deceased, Fannie. Subject's father, Solomon Tarbox, was born in New York November 9, 1873. He was married in New York in 1805, to Miss Harris, daughter of Robert Harris. In 1808, he removed to Indiana, and followed the avocation of farming in connection with his trade, shoemaking. He removed with his son, subject, to Illinois, with whom he made his home till his death which occurred in 1866. His widow (subject's mother) Mrs. Alice Tarbox, was born in New York June 16, 1796. She is now and has for many years made her home with her son. Mrs. Tarbox has been a member of M. E. Church since she was eleven years old. The}- raised a family of eight children, two of whom are living, including subject and Fannie L., wife of Daniel Kittle, a resident of this township.

27, 1818, in County Kent, England. Here he was raised on a fiirm, and the facilities for an education were ver}- poor. He was married in England in 1843, to Miss Harriet Revel. He emigrated to America in 1851, and located in Philadelphia, where he was engaged as gardener and milkman; there he remained till

1856, and settled on a farm, and followed in that county only a short time, when he removed to Chicago, and engaged in gardening; here he remained till 1876, when he removed to Effingham Count}-, 111., and purchased a farm of 100 acres in Effingham County, and eighty acres in Fayette County, across the line. Mr. Tookey's wife died in Kane County, III., in

1857, and he was married, August 31, 1867, to Mrs. Emma Chariot, in Chicago, by Dr. Lord. By his first wife, he has three children living, viz.: James, Harriet and Mrs. Annie Duddles. Mr. Tookey is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Bdgewood Lodge, No. 484. Subject is a Republican politically.

HENRY TOOKEY, farmer, P. 0. Edgewood, was born in 1827, in Kent County, England. He was married in 1852 to Miss Sarah Barton. Came to Philadelphia in 1855, via New York City, where he remained one year, then pushed westward to Kane County, 111. In 1859, he removed to Effingham County, 111., and engaged in farming a small farm of fifty-one acres near Edgewood, to which he has added to the amount of 627 acres of land, a partof which is given to his children; still retains a good farm. In 1882, he rented his farm and removed to Edgewood, 111., where he still runs a small farm adjoining the corporation. February 5, 1877, his wife died. He was married September 1, 1878, to Mrs. Emily J. Fields.

BENJAMIN TURMIN, farmer, P. 0. Mason, is a son of John Turmin; was born in Bedford County, Tenn., in 1819. Here he was raised on a farm. He was married in Bedford County, Tenn., in 1830, to Miss Martha

Gross, and he engaged in farming in that countj- till 1&44, when he removed to Perry County, 111., and resumed farming. He purchased several farms in that county, and was in well-todo circu instances. In 1865, he removed to Effingham County, again resuming the avocation of a farmer. In 1849. his wife died. Shortly after the death of his wife, he engaged in merchandising in Mulkeytown, Franklin Co., 111. He soon after sold out his store and erected a store building and put in a large stock of goods, in Franklin County, 111., on the McLeansboro road, and he was the first Postmaster of the village Ewing that built up there. One year later finds him in the town of Mason, III., where he again engaged in merchandising, which he continued about one 3'ear, and sold out. He bought a farm in West Township which he soon after traded for a farm near Mason; this he traded for a ftirm of 108 acres in Section 8. Mason Township, and moved onto it in 1876. Mr. Turmin was married to his present wife in August, 1879; her name was Mrs. Louis Hance. His second wife's maiden name was Miss Elizabeth Sillvwood. Subject has a family of five children living - Mrs. Mary Burks, Mrs. Margaret Culley, Mrs. Martha Metier, Mrs. Sarah Cavenaugh and Virginia B. Turmin. Politically, Mr. Turmin is a Democrat. In 1864, he, in connection with a great many of the best citizens of Tamaroa, including lawyers, doctors and other men of good standing, were arrested and taken to Washington City, and imprisoned. This was just before the election. After the election was over, the}- passed an interview with some Government officer, and of course were acquitted and allowed to return home.

DAVID S. TURNER, farmer, P. 0. Mason, was born in Buckingham County, Va., June 21, 1822, being the oldest child of James Turner, now of this count}-. He was eight years old when his father came to this county, having lived seven years in Tennessee. Subject went to school here to a Tennessean named James White, in Jackson Township, one-half mile west of his father's old homestead ; thinks he was twelve years old when he went to the first one in that neighborhood ; went to sciiool /when he could be spared from work on the farm. It was a problem in those da^'s to clotlie children, and as fast as a boy's clothes and shoes were done he started to school. The last teacher he went to was hired by his father to come and teach his children in a house on his farm. His name was Hiram Graj, a native of Tennessee. Our subject was married June 9, 1844, to Elizabeth Henry, daughter of Elijali Henry, of this county. He came from Lexington, Ky. After marriage our subject located on a farm of heavy timbered land near Watson, but not liking the idea of removing heavy timber, he bought 180 acres of land in 1850, near what is now Edgewoodfor $400, and lived on it five years and improved it. In 1855, he bought 250 acres adjoining the town of Mason, where he now lives and has farmed it ever since. He raises a variety of grains and stock. In 1868, his wife died, leaving two children - John Henry and AUie. In 1869, our subject remarried to Mrs. Maria Van Deusen, of English birth, and has three children of this marriage - Freddie and Flora (twins), and Maggie. Mr. Turner has lived in the town of Mason since 1869.

HENRY B. TURNER, farmer, P. 0. Mason, son of James Turner, was born in Effingham County, 111., December 27, 1830. His chances for education were as good as that time could furnish. He attended several winter terms a distance of three miles, and then the accommodations were very poor, being an average pioneer log schoolhouse. He also attended two winter terms of school taught at his father's, the teacher being hired by his father to teach the family ; thus he acquired a fair education. He followed farming till 1856, making his home with his father, at which time he engaged in merchandising at Louisville, Clay Co., 111., in partnership with Htnry M. Hobbs. In this business I tliink he continued onl}' long enough to win his partner's fair daughter, Miss Susan Ellen Hobbs, and to whom he was married September 27, 1857. Ho returned to Etlingham County and settled his tract of land, 212 acres of wild prairie, in Mason Township, two and one-half miles north of Mason, where he has made a farm on which he has excellent improvements, and calls it " Sweet Home." Mr. Turner is a member of the Masonic fraternity and is a zealous supporter of Democrac3-. He has a family of four children - Stephen D., Ida May, Harriet A., Rozilla.

WILSON TURNER, farmer, P. 0. Mason, son of James Turner, was born in Jackson Township, of this county, October 2, 1838. He was raised on a farm. Received a fair common school education for that time. In 1858, he attended school at Windsor, Shelby Count3', 111., where he made the acquaintance of Miss Mary A. Poe, daughter of Abner Poe, to whom he was married November 27. 1858. In 1860, he located on a tract of land of 240 acres, two and a half miles northeast of Mason, timber and prairie adjoining, on wiiich he lias 140 acres in cultivation. lie has a first-class residence and other buildings as well as an excellent orchard. Subject of this sketch is a Mason, and is of Democratic persuasion. The following are his family- : Henry A. ; Zilla C., wife of Aaron Louder ; Didemma Y. ; Elcy N. ; James W. ; John F. ; Theodore N. ; Annie Laurie ; Glendora A., and two who have been called to rest - William B. and Oscar H.

MAJ. HARRISON TYNER, merchant, Mason, was born in 1813, in Scott County, Kj'. Removed with his parents, at age of two, to Shelby County, Ind. With fair opportunities for education, he grew to manhood here. He was married, December 27, 1832, to Miss Levina Penwell, daughter of George Penwell, and resided in Indiana till 1854. and followed the profession of carpenter and joiner, whicii he learned shortlj' after his marriage. Moved to Kankakee, III., in 1854, and again embarked in his profession. In 1859, he removed to Mason, 111. In August, 1861, he enlisted in the war Companj' B, Thirty-eighth Illinois, as Captain of company. His health having failed him, he returned home soon after his enlistment. During the early part of 1864, he again enlisted and was commissioned Major of the One Hundred and Fort^'-third Illinois. The One Hundred and Forty-third was not called to the field of battle; was stationed at Helena, Ark., to guard the river, and keep the river navigable for United States boats. At one time during a short stay of six weeks at Helena, only twent3-- seven men were reported able for dut}- on account of the malaria of that vicinit3'. During his first enlistment, was in the following engagements: Siege of Corinth and the battle of Stone River. Was discharged September 26, 1864. For some j-ears after the war, he ran a boot and shoe store; afterward engaged in dealing in groceries and furniture, of which he keeps a fine assortment. The following are his children: David L., Oscar M, and Charles W. Two of his sons were killed in the war. George W., the oldest, was killed by the cars, and William H. was wounded at Liberty Gap, Tenn., from the effects of which he died.

DAVID L. TYNER, furniture, P. 0. Mason, dealer in furniture, etc., son of H. Tyner, was born November 27, 1836, in Hancock County, Ind. He came with his parents, in 1858, to Illinois, and settled at Kankakee, where his father followed the carpenter's and joiner's trade. The subject of this sketch learned the the trade of his father. He was married, April 4, 1838, in Kankakee County, 111., to Mahala Dashiell. In 1843, he moved to Champaign for a short time, and in 1844, he removed to Mason, 111., and engaged in his trade till 1874, when he engaged in the furniture business, and has good property in Mason. Politically, he

GEORGE WADE, druggist, grain-buyer and stock-dealer. Mason, was born in 1841, in Switzerland County, Ind. Here he spent his boj'hood da3S, with a fair chance for education. In I860, he attended the National Normal School, at Lebanon, Ohio, for the year. Mr. Wade enlisted in the Union army in 1862, in Company C, J!^inety-third Indiana Infantry. At first was assigned to the Fifteenth Armj- Corps, under Sherman ; afterward transferred to the Sixteenth Arm}- Corps. He was in the following engagements : Vicksburg, Brice's Cross Roads. In an engagement at Gun Town, he was taken prisoner and taken to Mobile, Ala., afterward to Andersouville Prison. He remained in imprisonment about ten months, and was exchanged and discharged in August, 1865. He returned to his home in Indiana, and engaged in stock-dealing ; also followed flat-boating for some time. In 1871, he located in Mason, 111., in the hardware business, which he continued about two years. In partnership with Tiiistlewood Brothers ; he bought Sisson's flour mill, and at the same time dealt largel}' in dry goods and groceries ; sold the mill and traded for a stave factory, which he ran for several years. He now owns a drug store and is a grain buj-er and stock-dealer. The firm of Wade & Leith is running a dry goods and grocery store in Clifton, 111. Mr. Wade owns a farm of 160 acres in Section 22, West Township ; also 167 acres in Section 15, Mason Township. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Mr. Wade was married October 25, 187G, to Miss Alina Mills, daughter of Judge Mills ; they have one cliild - Alfred S., born June 9, 1878.

B. R. WESCOTT, Je., former, P. 0. Mason, son of D. R. Wescott, was born December 25, 1842, in Pike County, 111. His parents moved to Mansfield, Ohio, when he was quite young, where he remained till twelve years of age ; they then removed to Iowa Citj', Iowa. Here he remained till 1860. In 1862, he enlisted in the war. Company B. Thirty-third Iowa Infantry, from Sigourney, Keokuk County, for a term of three 3'ears. or during the war ; and he got the full benefit of the term. Was forwarded to Columbus, Ky. Was in the following engagements : Helena, capture of Little Rock, Saline River, Ark., siege of Mobile, Spanish Fort, Blakely, capture of a rebel fleet on the Tombigbee. Was discharged at New Orleans July 17, 1865. After the war, he went to Chicago and engaged in the grocery business, afterward hardware business ; continued two years. In 1867, he began traveling for a wholesale factory - S. I. Russ & Co., which he followed about two years ; and came South to Greenup, and engaged in book-keeping for I. H. Paule}- and the Vaudalia Railroad. This he continued during the construction of the Vandalia to the State line. He engaged in the nursery business at Hoopston, Vermillion Co., 111. In 1876, he sold there, and farmed in Mississippi one year ; did not like the country. He then engaged in nurserj- business in Indiana, which he continued till 1880. He purchased a farm in Effingham County, 111., and removed on it. Has a farm of 200 acres, all in Mason Township. Subject was married July, 1870, in Clark County, 111., to Miss Ella Langel, daughter of Philip Langel ; to them were given two children, viz., Cora and B. R. ^ JOHN WILLIAMSON, farmer, P. 0. Edgewood, son of Thomas Williamson, was born February 24, 1839, in I|iawrence County, Ind. Removed to Clay County, 111., at the age of seven 3'ears, with his parents, and settled in north part of Cla}' Count}', 111. Was raised on a farm, and started for himself at the age of fourteen. He was married in 1858 to Miss Nancj' Baker, daughter of Robert Baker ; she died in 1873, and he was married in 1875 to Mrs. Mary Catharine Fender. Subject carries on a farm of 160 acres. Subject enlisted in the war in 1862, in Company C, Ninety-eightli Illinois. Was assigned to the Arrnj' of the Cumberland. He was in the following engagements: Hoover's Gap, Elk River, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, and series of battles around Atlanta, Go.., and Selma, Ala. Was mustered out June 27, 1865. Politicallj^, he is a stanch Republican.

WILLIAM WILSON, farmer, P. 0. Edgewood, son of William Wilson, was born in the county of Norfolk, England, in 1818. Was raised in England. Subject was married in England in February, 1840, to Miss Mary A. Blake. Engaged in railroading and also as a stone mason on the public works. In 1851, he emigrated to America with his family, consisting of a wife and four children. Located a short time in Connecticut. In 1853, he came to Clay County, and followed railroading on the Central Illinois until 1857, when he bought a farm of eighty acres, to which he added 120 acres. He also owns a farm of 160 acres in Mason Township, near Edgewood. Has a family of eleven children living - William, Eliza Barton, Ellen Chariot, Mary Tookey, Henrietta, Henry Wilson, Robert Wilson, by his first wife. His first wife died in 1804. In 1867, he was married to Ellen Selena. The following are his children : Emma, Franklin B., Joseph and Charles.

J. W. WILSON, farmer, P. 0. Mason, son of John S. Wilson, was born in 1832 in Hamilton County, Ohio. He removed with his parents, at the age of seventeen, to Effingham County, and located on a farm three miles northeast of Mason. Mr. Wilson was married, in 1862, to Miss Julia F. ShuU, daughter of M. M. Shull, Cumberland County, 111. He soon- settled on a farm of eighty acres in West Township, Section 13, which he afterward paid for bj' fiirming and good management, to which he lias added fiftyone acres adjoining, on which he now lives, in Mason Township. Mr. Wilson is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Mason Lodge, No. 217. Politically, he is a Democrat. He has a family of six children - Lillie B., Albert R., Edwin O., Cora May, Burlie AVilbur, Amanda E., and one dead - Charles C.

CHARLES D. WILSON, farmer, P. 0. Mason, son of William M. Wilson, was born on March IS, 1839, in Fairfield County, Ohio. Removed with his parents in 1847, to Effingham County, III, where he has since made his home. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the war. Company C, Ninety -eighth Illinois Volunteers; was in the following battles : Elizabethtown, Ky., Hoover's Gap, Tenn., Chickaraauga, Wheeler's raid, which was a very hard raid, and a series of battles ; Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, Ga., Selma, Ala.; was discharged June 27, 1865, and mustered out of service at Nashville, Tenn. He returned home, and was married, October 29, 1865, in Effingham County, to Miss Margaret E. Ruffiier, daughter of Andrew Ruffuer; farmed a rented farm for some time. In 1874, he purchased a farm of forty acres in Section 25, Mason Township, all in cultivation. Subject is a Democrat. Has a family of three children, namelj', Emma, Lee and Gracie.

JAMES F. WILSON, farmer, P. 0. Jlason, a son of John S. Wilson, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, March 24, 1844; removed with his parents to this county when about seven years old. His father settled on a farm of eighty acres, half in Union and half in Mason Townships. Subject lives on and owns the one forty of the home farm lying in Mason Township, all of which is under cultivation. Mr. Wilson was married in this county, June 21, 1863, to Miss Margaret Wilson. They have a family of six children - George M., John S., James A., Eunice Ellen, Sarah A. and Flora J. Mr. Wilson is a zealous supporter of Democracj-.

John S. Wilson, to this county-. He followed the occupation of farming, and owns the east half of the home farm. His father, John S., died several years ago. Mr. Wilson was married in this count}', January 12, 1871, to Miss L3'dia E. Hinkle, daughter of Casper Hinkle. They have a family of six children, namely - Thomas 0., Frederic W., Harry Alden, George W. and two (twins), Phebe Florence and Casper L.

MOEGAN WRIGHT, deceased, was the son of an old Revolutionary soldier, who fought seven years, including the year 1776, and was personally acquainted with Gen. Washington. This gallant old hero, William Wright, emigrated to Indiana at an early day. Morgan was born in the j-ear 1800, and was married to Miss Jane Allen, in 1822. He settled in Putnam County, Ind., and purchased a large bodj' of timber land, and, in a few years, the income from his farm was a fortune. He soon became one of the master spirits of the old Whig party, and, as a stump orator, he was the rival of Gov. Joseph Wright. He emigrated to Effingham County, 111., in 1852, and settled on a farm, on which the town of Mason is built. He was never well after he came to this count}', but he conducted his own affairs till within a few months of his death. He and his wife lived together fifty years, and raised a large family. Dr. Owen Wright is the only child of this family that remains in this county. Morgan Wright died July 4, 1872, and his wife died January 16, 1882. They rest from their labors, and their works do follow them.

DR. OWEN WRIGHT, the son of Morgan Wright, Esq., first caught the glimpse of light on the 16th of February, 1835, near the city of Greencastle, Ind., and was raised on a farm by his parents, who sent him to school when he was four years and six months old. At the age of nineteen, he had completed a course of study, which entitled him to the baccalaureate degree. Subsequently, he received the degree of A. M.

In the year 1852, he emigrated to EflBngham County, 111., and two years later he entered upon the study of medicine. In 1856, he matriculated in Rush Medical College, Chicago, where he remained an industrious student, till he graduated, February 17, 1858. During the winter of 1859-60, he closed his office and went to St. Louis to attend lectures. The two leading medical colleges were so near to each other that he managed to hear the two great rival surgeons each day. Prof McDowell in one school and Prof Pope in the other. His pride and ambition were then, and are to-day, to know everything that may be known on all sciences and branches of bis profession. Subsequently, he attended lectures in Ohio Medical College. During the late war, popularly known as the Southern rebellion against the United States, he was commissioned as First Assistant Surgeon of the One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Regiment Illinois Volunteers. He was one of the active Surgeons on the great campaign, known in history as " Sherman's march to the sea." He was detailed as Surgeon of the Fourteenth Army Corps Hospital, in Savanah, Ga., in Januarj', 1865, where his superior learning and skill were recognized and acknowledged by all with whom he was associated. When he returned home from the army, he resumed the business of his profession, and those who know him best will testify that he is never idle. When he is not professionally engaged, he goes to his library of several hundred volumes of standard works, and opens such books for study as his mind seems best able to digest. He writes extensively for medical journals and State papers. He is an eloquent speaker, and has published a volume of his orations. This work has been indorsed and highlj' eulogized by the ablest scholars in our country. As a surgical operator, he has shown himself to be as skillful as any physician. He prepares his subjects with great care, and when he has everything at hand and in order, his knowledge of anatomy, and his extensive practice witli tlie knife, on the dead subject, enable him to work without any probability of error. No accident has ever happened in his luinds. When he knows the patient is not able to endure an operation, he withholds the knife or other instrument, and resorts to different means, and waits for further developments. He will not experiment on the living subject. He has written a work on surgery, wiiich he hopes to be able to publish soon. He has no respect for illiterate men who attempt to practice medicine. Lately, he published a letter in the Effingham Repuhh'ccin, and subsequently re-published it in circular form, and distributed the same all over the country. He states in this letter, that the ability to practice nledicine and surgery is acquired nowhere except by the side of the sick person, and in the dissecting-room, under the instruction of an expert, and that a large proportion of the practitioners of our country have not studied anatomy and physiology, and consequently, cannot know the nature of diseases, and also, that the number who have died of mal-treatment, is greater than have been slain by the sword. On the 13th day of September, 1860, Dr. Owen Wright and Margaret Wallis were united in marriage, in Salem. 111., by the Rev. T. F. Houts, A. M. Miss Wallace was a lady of superior intellect, and was highly educated in the liberal arts and sciences. To this couple were born two daughters and two sons. The oldest son is not, for God took him. Ann Jane and Margaret Delilah are secondyear students in the Southern Illinois Normal University. The youngest child, Owen, Jr., is known where he lives as the little scholar and orator. Dr. Wright is a worthy Christian gentleman, and his order for money, where he is known, is good. By industry and economy, he has gathered around him a kind of property that will not perish. He has made ample provision for the support of his family in after years. He treats all men gentlemanly, and is highly esteemed by his neighbors. He loves his friends as he loves himself, and will do anything that is reasonable for them. He lives free from all vices, and is a perfect type of a gentleman. He is a light to world. Long may he live to perform the work of a surgeon in our midst.

Jackson

BKNJAMIN BALLARD, fiirmer, P. 0. Altamont, is a son of William and Eliza Ballard, and was born in England in 1830. At the age of twenty-one, subject bid farewell to his parents, four brothers and three sisters, and sailed for New York Citj% where he arrived November 22d, 1851, after a rough voyage of fortytwo days, being nearly shipwrecked two times. Subject landed on our shores " penniless and friendless;" worked for some time aj the low wages of $8 per month. By mistake he purchased a ticket for Columbus, Ohio, instead of another point, and went to the former place. Here he learned of the building of the Illinois Central Railroad, and at once started to Efflng- ham County, 111.; traveled by stage part, and walked the rest of the way. After one j'ear's work on the railroad, in 1852, he took a contract of grading two miles of railroad with a wheel- barrow near the present site of Laclede. He only worked a short time with a wheel-barrow; he secured the use of several yoke of oxen and scrapers with which he completed this wonderful undertaking in about three months' time; and net $400, He then engaged in fixrraing for a time. Completed another contract of grading. Mr. Ballard was, in 1855, married in Broughton (old Effingiiam), to ]\Iiss Martha Cartwright, daughter of James and Catharine Cartwright. In 1857, he again re- sumed farming on a rented farm, and in 1860 purcliased eighty acres near Ewington; forty acres were in the river bottom, which he soon after lost on account of defective title. He was then left with quite a family to maintain and to start anew in finance. These are times that try men's souls, but Mr. Ballard, being a man of iron nerve, faltered not at this embarrassment. In 1860, he purchased eighty acres of railroad land, in Section 28, Jackson Township; a portion of this was prairie and the rest water-oak timber. On this wild land he built a dwelling and began the work of making a farm. His success has proven that but few men were better calculated for this work than Mr. Ballard. Manual labor and hard work have been his pleasure and pride. He has taken laurels of brilliant hue in this, America's honored and prided work. To his eighty-acre tract of land, he has added 360 acres, also a bottom farm of fort3' acres, making 480 acres. Mr. Ballard makes farming a decided success. He raises an immense amount of grain - corn, wheat, oats, etc., and a fair amount of stock. Mr. Ballard is a Democrat. He and his wife are members of the Baptist Church. They have a family' of children as follows, Eliza, wife of Carless Wilmeth, was born September 8, 1857; Charles A., was born March 14, 1863; Emily P., was born October 2, 1805; Arminda J., was born November 15, 1809; Martha R., was born December 20, 1874. Their second child endures earthly troubles no more. He was born October 12, 1800, and lived with parents till June 10, 1882, when the Angel of God welcomed him to his eternal home. James was a young man with as spotless a character as the county could afford, and was ever amid friends wherever he was known. Nearing the portals of death, he gave unmistakable evidence of his preparation and his hopes of immortality. Some time before his death he united with the Missionary Baptist Church, and lived a Christian the remainder of his life.

JOHN W. BISHOP, P. 0. Dexter, son of Dr. Jacob Bishop, was born December 14, 1832. Was engaged during his boyhood in his father's saw and grist mill. Mr. Bishop ran the first steam engine brought to Eliingham County. Subject was married, December 8, 1853, to Miss Elizabeth M. Hipsher, daughter of David Hipsher, and settled on a farm four miles north of where Altamont now stands. He sold out in 1864, and moved onto a farm of 123 acres, in Section 5, Jackson Township, and has farmed it since, except three years that he lived in Effingham and followed railroading. Subject is a Democrat, has held the office of Justice of the Peace several terms, and has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since 1876. Mr. Bishop has five children - Joseph T., born December 15, 1855 ; Sarah Ann, born June 15, 1857, wife of D. W. Baker ; Emily L., born June 26, 1864; Nora J., born July 15, 1869 ; Ida I., born July 30, 1871.

PERRY CARPENTER, farmer, P. 0. Effingham, is a son of John B. Carpenter, and was born in Delaware County, Ohio, October 29, 1842. He came with his parents to Effingham County, 111., in June, 1852. Parents located on a farm in Section 25, Jackson Township, remained about six years, sold, and purchased 120 acres in Section 15, Jackson Township, and moved onto it in 1853. Subject began business for himself at the age of eighteen, at school teaching in District 5, Jackson Township. Pursued this profession almost exclusivelj' until 1870, when he was married Mav 29, 1870, to Miss Rhoda Price, daughter of William Price. Subject settled ou the home fiirm which he had purchased, and has made farming his principal occupation, teaching a few terms during the winter. Subject has two good bottom farms of 120 acres each, one in Jacksou Township and the other in Libert3' Township. He raises a great deal of corn and a fair amount of wheat. He usually feeds his corn to hogs, and keeps a fair supply of stock - hogs, cattle, etc. Subject is a Democrat, and has been elected to various township offices, and takes an active part in politics. In 1880, he made a number of speeches for Hancock and the Democratic cause. Subject united with the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1861; left that church in 1862, and became a member of the Missionarj' Baptist Church, to which he still belongs. 3Ir. Carpenter has a family of three children - Harry, Charles Stewart and Warren Filler. Perrj- Carpenter was made a member of Freemantou, now Altamont Lodge, No. 533, in 1867. In 1869, was made a Royal Arch Mason, in Effingham, Chapter No. 87. In 1870, was elected W. M. of his lodge, which position he held for six years. He has ever been a strong temperance man, and is, and has ever been, a Prohibitionist. Subject's father, John B. Carpenter, was born in Licking County, Ohio, on the 19th of Maj-, 1815 ; was married in November, 1839, and located in Alexandria, Ohio, and remained there until 1841, and then moved to Delaware County, Ohio. In 1847, he emigrated to Effingham County, 111. Subject was elected County School Commissioner in 1855, and was re-elected in 1857, and served two terms in this capacity-. He now lives in Washington County, Ark.

MAJ. H. DAVIS, farmer, P. 0. Altamont, is a son of Henry Davis, and was born in 1844. He enlisted in the war September 2, 1861, Company A, Twenty-sixth Illinois Volunteers. Went first to Camp Butler, 111., and was forwarded to Palmyra, Mo., and was in several engagements in that State. Was ordered from there to Fort Pillow. On the way to Fort Pillow, received orders to re-enforce Grant at Shiloh, and was in that engagement. Was then transferred to Sherman's army, and marched with that arm}' to tiic sea coast, and was in many of the innumerable battles of that memorable campaign. He was discharged from the service September 1, 1865, after a service of four years. Subject was married July 25, 1866, to Miss Margaret E. Melender, of Johnson Count}-, Ind., whose acquaintance he formed while on a visit to that county. He returned to Illinois and settled on an eighty-acre farm in Section 20, Jackson Township, made some improvements, and traded to his father for a piece of bottom land in Section 17. Sold that and purchased another eighty acres in Section 20, on which he now lives. Subject has a family of seven children - George H., John II., Martha J., Charles, Victoria, Minnie May, William E.

NANCY ANN GARDNER, farmer, P. 0. Mason, was ijorn in Green County, Tenn., in 1820, her maiden name being Call. She moved with her parents to Indiana, where she was married, in 1837, to Samuel Willis, and moved to Missouri, and remained there eight years; returned to Indiana, and resided twelve j-ears; moved to Illinois, and settled on a farm in Section 33, Jackson Township. Mr. Willis enlisted in the war in 1861, Company A, Twenty-sixth Illinois Volunteers, and was forwarded to Hannibal, Mo.; was in several light battles and died, and was buried at Hannibal, Mo., in 1862. The life of our subject's husband was not her onlj- sacrifice, as she had two sons who shouldered the musket in fiery fray; the older, Jacob Willis, enlisted in the same companj- with his father, at about the age of twentj^-one; after many long and weary marches, died at Cairo, III., and was buried there. James Willis enlisted in the war at Mattoon, 111., at the early age of seventeen; was forwarded to Arkansas and the Southwest, where he remained in the service about three years, after which he returned to his home, not, however, until seriously injured by dropsy, of which he died in 1881, at his home in Shelby Count}', 111. His death was very sudden. He arose to build a fire, rather early in the morning, and concluded to retire again, but fell to the floor - he was dying. The remainder of subject's family arc Jlelinda Workman; Mary,

of Rev. G. W. Wharton ; Betsey, wife of Samuel Smith ; Sarah Margaret Willis, lives at home with her mother. Mrs. Willis was married to John Gardner in the 3-ear of 1863. John Gardner, her present husband, was born in 1813, in Pennsj-lvania, was married at the age of twenty-six, resided in Pennsylvania about fifteen years, when he moved to Missouri. In 1838, his first wife died, leaving a family of seven children - Sarah Jane, Belle, Washington, Amanda, Mary, George and William J.

MRS. JEMIMA GREEN, farmer, P. 0. Watson, is a daughter of Pharez and Hannah Holcomb, and was born August 10, 1814, in Ludlow, Mass. When seven years old, her parents moved to Ohio, where she was married. January 25, 1830, to William C. Creasey. Her husband died April 6, 1842, leaving a family of four children, viz., Hannah, Mary J., Jemima, William. Subject was married to Frederic Green, March 6, 1845. Her second husband died October 28, 1850, leaving two children - Frederic and 3Ielissa. She removed to Cumberland Count}-, Tenn., in 1851, where she remained till 1855, when she removed to Xenia, Clay Co., Til., afterward to Efflngliam Count}', and located on a farm on the Little Wabash River, three miles west of Watson. In 1881, she purchased a farm of 100 acres, in Section 9, Jackson Township, in a high state of cultivation, and moved onto it. Subject is a lady of very estimable qualities, and is highly respected by all who know her. She is always ready to help the poor and needy. She is an industrious old lady, and has borne the burden of raising her children. Subject's fourth child, William Creasey, sacrificed his life in the United States service in the great rebellion.

AARON HARRELL, farmer, P. 0. Altamont, was born in 182G in Rush County, Ind. At the death of his father, which occurred in 1844, he took up the business of farming his mother's farm in Rush County, Ind., maintaining himself and the family. Subject was married to Miss Cynthia Ann Kelso, daughter of Levi Kelso, of Rush County, Ind., in 1849; remained in Rush County till 1855, when he moved to Effingham County, 111. After farming a rented farm for several years, he purchased forty acres in Section 20, Jackson Township; has since added about fifty acres, making a farm of ninety acres, about sixty-five acres in cultivation. Subject's first wife died in 18G1, and he was married to Mary Ellen Beck, in 1862. Mr. Harrell has a family of nine children - M. C, Mary J. (wife of John Steed), Sarah, Ellen, Clara F., Emily E-, Susannah, Rosa M. and Ida M. Mr. Harrell has been a member of the M. E. Church (South) since 1865, at which time he severed his connection with the M. E. Church, of which he had been a member since the age of twenty-seven. Subject's father, Aaron Harrell, was born in 1795; was married to Nancy Bunqh, in about the year 1820, in North Carolina; moved to Wayne County, Ind., in 1833, and farmed there till his death, which occurred in 1835.

HENRY S. HOOK, farmer, P. 0. Dexter, is a son of John Hook, and was born February 25, 1823, in Licking County, Ohio. He went to Wayne County, Ind., and worked at his trade of tailoring. He was married, February 22, 1846, to Miss Sophronia Martin, daughter of Abraham and Neoma Mai'tin. In 1848, he moved to EflBngham County, III. and located in Freeman ton; worked at his trade one year; bought Dr. Bishop's interest in a carding machine, which he ran two years. In 1851, he moved onto his land, 165 acres in the prairie, in Section 6, which he entered before he came to Illinois, and took up the occupation of farming. Subject says he formed acquaintances and attachments in an early day that are as lasting as time, while at the present, acquaintance and friendship is as uncertain as bubbles. Subject's father, John Hook, was born in England July 19, 1778. He came to America before the war of 1812, and served as a soldier in that war. Was married soon after, to Miss Catherine Smith, aud settled in Licking County. Ohio, on a farm of 160 acres. He raised a family of twelve children - Jonathan, Sarah, Ephles, Elizabeth (wife of Lewis Groves, and mother of Dr. Groves), Cynthia A., Mary, Ezra, Melissa, Henry S., James R., Allie C. and John C. Mrs. Hook's lather, Abraham Martin, was born June l-l, 1781, in New York; was married in Pennsylvania, to Miss Neoma Davis; emigrated to Hamilton County, Ohio ; engaged in carpentering; took an active part in politics ; was repeatedly elected to the office of Count}' Treasurer. At the age of forty-one, subject was ordained a minister of the Missionary' Baptist Church, in which capacity he labored zealously the remainder of his life. Mr. Martin died in 1841. in Butler Count}-, Ind.

HENRY HUGHES, farmer, P. 0. Dexter, son of Eli Hughes, was born October 20, 1841, in Licking County, Ohio, moved with his parents to Crawford County, III, in 1851; to Missouri in 1852, and to Effingham County, 111., 1855, and settled in Freemanton, it being the second town in tiie countj'. Subject went to Pike's Peak, at the age of fifteen, to hunt gold. As he did not stack up gold as he expected, he soon took his departure for Leavenworth City, and engaged in driving a six-horse team for Uncle Sam. Returned home in 1859. In 1861, subject enlisted in the war, first in a three months' call. Company G, Eleventh Illinois, afterward in the three years' call in Companj' K, Thirty-fifth Illinois Volunteers. In the battle of Pea Ridge, was taken prisoner, and soon found himself in the penitentiary' at Little Rock, Ark., where he remained eight weeks, and was exchanged and returned to his command at Cassville, Ark.; from this place the command made forced march of eighteen days, ayeraging thirty-eight miles per day, to Cape Girardeau, Mo., and sailed on the steamer Sunshine for Shiloh, and engaged in the siege of Corinth; while at Clear Springs, Jliss., being rusty for a job, a portion of the command marched without orders for Hollow Springs; while on the way they met the fellows they were looking for, and were severely defeated, and fought a three days' retreat. Was in the following battles; Stone River, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Buzzard Roost, Tunnell Hill, Resaca, and in all the fights around Atlanta. Subject was taken prisoner at Murfreesboro, and taken to Libby Prison; shortly after to Andersonville, where he remained a short time. He returned home in 1864, worked several summers in brickmaking, and then engaged in farming. Subject was married in St. Louis, Mo., in August 20, 1873, to Miss Nancy A. Vangordon, daughter of John Vangordon, and settled on a farm in Section 16, Jackson Township. Mr. Hughes has a family of four children - Harmeniah was born August 23, 1874; Carrie was born August 10, 1876; Millie S. was born October 10, 1878, and Hattie was born January 10, 1882.

JOHN HUNTER, cabinet workman, Mason, is a son of Hugh Hunter, and was born in 1798 in Ayrshire, Scotland. He served as apprentice at the carpenter's trade, and pursued that occupation for about twenty years in Scotland, England and Ireland. He came to New York Cit}-, and followed his trade three years in Brookl3'n; then went to Chicago, and remained several years, and then worked in Mattoon, and moved to Mason, Effingham Co., 111., in 1863, again engaged in cabinet-work and carpentering. He remained in Mason about ten years, and moved to Samuel Winter's place, where he has been since 1 873. Subject was married to Miss Isabella Crumble in 1827, in Glasgow, Scotland, who died in 1846 in Manchester, England. He was again married to Miss Margaret Queen, in Scotland, who died before he came to America. Subject has been married since he came to America, to Miss Jane Farrcll, date unknown. Subject has lately purchased a farm of forty acres, two and a half miles north of Mason. He has latelv drawn a pension of $1,623 for his son John, who was killed in the rebellion. Subject has one child, living - Robert, born in Januar}- 24, 1861, in Effingham County, 111.

GEORGE W. McCLURE, merchant, Dexter, is a son of A. H. and Eliza McClure, and was born February 2, 1858, at Mills Prairie, Edwards Co., 111. Subject clerked in his father's store consideraljle of his time up to 1879, when he purchased Mr. Said's store-building, dwelling and property, in Dexter, and put in a first class stock of goods, and engaged in merchandising. Subject was married to Jliss Susan Walser in Edwards County, III, September 9, 1880. Subject carries a first-class stock of goods, has a good run of patronage and is decidedly successful. Has one child - Chester Arthur, born September 19, 1881. Subject's father, Mr. A. H. McClure, was born in Edwards County, 111. In 1851, during the gold excitement in California, he and his father sold their farms and emigrated to California, to engage in mining; met with fair success, returned in 1853, and bought their home farms back, where he still continues his profession - merchandising and farming. Subject was married, in 1857, to Miss Eliza Pixle^-. Mr. McClure is a zealous politician of the Republican persuasion. He has a familj' of seven children - George W., Perthema I., Jesse, Osman, William A., Addie F., Harvey H.