Effingham County, Illinois - Biographical sketches, 1883 (part 8 of 13)

medical, we find men of different qualifications. There are those who claim the title of M. D., upon the fact of a diploma having been granted them, and others who have earned this b}' years of hard, comprehensive study. Included in the latter class is Dr. John Wills, whose portrait is in this work, and who is a thorough- 13- educated gentleman in literarj- lore as well as in the science of medicine. He is a native of Cliarles City County, Va., and was born November 20, 1825. He is descended from an ancient English ancestry. He is a son of Robert C, born February 16, 1792, in Charles Cit}' County, Va.; was a farmer and died x\ugust 4, 1878, and Elizabeth T. Rock, born January 29, 1802, and died February 13, 1881. The parents were blessed with ten children. Dr. Wills obtained a good academic education and early learned the art of farming. Januar}- 17, 1848, he left his native State, and located in Ohio, where he clerked in a general store for about one year. Here he began the stud}- of medicine. He graduated at the Cleveland Medical College in March, 1853. He at once began practicing at West Bedford, Ohio, and soon after transferred to West Carlisle, where he remained until July, 1857, at which time he came to Fayette County, 111., settling in a little village, a ghort distance from his present farm residence. Here he built up a lucrative practice. In 1873, he located where he now resides, in Liberty Township, where he possesses a fine farm under excellent cultivation. He also owns go6d land in Fa3-ette County and ]Missouri, all of which fortune he is the artificer. August 10, 1854, he married Josephine E. Metham, a daughter of P. and Eliza (Bowman) Metham. The former was born Ma)' 26, 1785, in England, and the latter November 11, 1789, in New Jersey. Mrs. Wills was born May 12, 1855, in Coshocton Count}-, Oiiio. Tlie Doctor's union has given him nine children, four of whom are living, viz.: Clarella E. V. E., Robert P. K., Walter P. C, Eolia C. and Ida E. He is a member of the Greenland Lodge, No. 665, A., F. & A. M., and Beeclier City Lodge, Xo. 690, I. 0. 0. F. He holds to the Protestant religion. He has been identified with the Republican party since its organization, and adheres strictly to the principles of the same. He has always been averse to office, and has attended to his profession, which he likes, and consequently is successful. He has for a long time given some of his personal attention to rural pursuits, and ranks among the very best as a farmer and stock grower.

West

JAMES BECK, farmer, P. 0. AVelton, was born in Harrison County, Ohio, Januar}' 11, 1818, to William and Amelia (Ford) Beck. His father was born in Delaware; after his marriage, removed to Ohio, and settled in Harrison and afterward Knox Countj', and in 1850 removed to Effingham Count}^, 111., where he died in 1857, aged seveutj--eight years. He was a farmer. He served in the war of 1812. The mother of our subject was born in Delaware, and died in Effingham Count}', 111., in 1861, aged eighty-eight years. She was the mother of twelve children, of whom John was the fourth child. His earlj' life was spent iu assisting to till the soil of his father's farm. He left home when he was twentj'-two 3'ears old, and spent four )'ears in boating on the Mississippi, Missouri and Ohio Rivers. In 184:3, he married, and settled down at farming in Ohio. In 1850, came to Effingham County, 111., where he is still actively engaged in farming. He is the owner of about 500 acres of good land in the county, and is considered one of the most practical farmers of the county. He first married Miss Maria Van Wiucklo, who died in 1852, leaving three children as the result of their union. Sarah, wife of John Leonard is the onlj- surviving child. In July, 1853, he married Miss Susan Hardsock, who has borne him six children, of whom five are now living, viz., William, Maria, Margaret, Hester L. and Susan A. Mr. Beck is an active member of the Masonic order at Altamont. Politically his sympathes are with the Democratic party.

HEXRY BESING, deceased, Altamont, was bora in Hanover, Germanj-, June, 1822; when quite young, went on a sailing vessej as cabin boy, and followed the same for some time. His education was principall}- received while on the ocean. In 1852, he married Miss Louise Votmer, a native of Hanover, German}'. She is the mother of five children - Charles, Frank, William, Rosa and Alvina. Mr. B. after arriving in America, made his first settlement in Cook Count}', 111., in 1852, where he remained until 1865, when he came to Effingham County, and located on 240 acres of prairie and twenty timber. He died November 18, 1872. He commenced life poor, and by hard work and economy succeeded in accumulating a good property. He was a member of the German Lutheran Church, and an active worker for the Republican party. Mrs. B. and family are all members of the German Lutheran Church.

JOHN BIRCH, farmer, P. 0. Edge wood, was born in Lancashire, England, 1843, to Henry and Alice (Houth) Birch, both natives of England. He was a teamster and engineer in his 3'ounger da3S, and is now farming in West Township. His wife, and mother of our subject, died in 1879, aged fifty-nine j'ears. She was the mother of two children - John, our subject, and Mar}' Ann, wife of I. Flaharty, a farmer in Mason Township. John was brought to America by his parents in 1856 ; they located in Rhode Island, where he attended the common schools. In 1859, he was brought to Effingham County; his parents lo- cated in Mason Township. Jolin left home at the age of twenty seven, and embarlsed on his career in life as a farmer upon a portion of his present farm. lie then bought forty acres, and he has made all necessar}- improvements. In Effingham County, 1868, he married Mary E. Gillmore. a daughter of J. L. Gillmore The}- have had seven children, of whom four are now living, viz.: Roj', William, Jennie, Ada. Politically, he is independent, and in countj' offices he votes a Democratic ticket. In 1861, he enlisted in Fift3'-fourth Illinois Infantry, under command of Col. Harris (Company D). He served three 3'ears and six months.

WILLIAM COLWELL, deceased, was born in Devonshire, England. December 18, 1834' He left his home at sixteen years of age and came to America and worked as a farm hand in Ohio. In 1852, he went to New York City and drove a four-horse stage on Broadwaj', and remained one year. In 1853, he returned to Ohio, and in 1858 came to Illinois and settled on Section 13 West Township, Effingham County, upon forty acres of laud, and continued to add to it untij at the time of his death he owned about 200 acres. He commenced life poor, and worked hard in England to earn enough money to pay his passage to the New World. He served in the office of Justice of the Peace for ten }-ears. In 1864, he was married to Miss Prances Furneaus. She is the mother of four children, viz.: Charles, born November 28, 1864 ; Herbert, born April 3, 1870 ; Jeunette, born September 2, 1872; Winaford, l)orn January 18, 1S77. Mrs. Colwell lives upon the old homestead, surrounded b}- the comfort and convenience of a well-earned competency. She is a lady of more than ordinary powers of mind and executive ability, and is respected by all who know her.

1833, to George and Dorotlij- (Duckwitz) Duckwitz. He was born in German}- September 2, 1796, and died in Effingliam in 1865. She was born in 1810, and died in Germany in 1843. The}' were the parents of six ciiildren, of whom George was the third child. His early life was spent in receiving such an education as the common schools of his native country afforded, and assisting in tilling the soil of his father's farm. In 1848, he emigrated to America, and lauded in New York in Jul}'. He located eighteen miles west of Buffalo, and worked on a farm as a hired hand, and remained there working for about seven years. In 1859, he came to Effingham County and bought forty acres. In September, 1861, he enlisted in the war, and served until June, 1865, with the Fourteenth Illinois Cavalry, under command of Col. Kapin. After the war, he returned to his home in Effingham County and began farming, at which he is still actively engaged. He is now the owner of 120 acres prairie and fifteen acres timber land. He was married in Effingham County, -January 18, 1866, to Louisia Stiimke, a native of Prussia, Germany, born in 1840. She is the mother of eight children - William, August, Agusta, George, Alvina, John, llosana and Otto. Self and family are members of the German Lutheran Church. In politics, his sympathies are with the Republican party.

GEORGE W. DURRIE, deceased, a native ot Germany, was born August, 13, 1826. He came to America in 1851, and located in Pennsylvania, where he remained until 1860, when he came to Effingham County, being among the first Germans who located in West Township. By trade he was a machinist, and worked at the same until he came to Effingham County, where he took upon himself the duties of a farm life, and remained actively engaged until he died. lu January, 1856, he was married to Miss Mary Sencil, a native of Germany, who Was brought to America by her parents. She is the mother of thirteen childred, of whom nine are now living, viz.: Charles C, Herman, Anna, Willie, Frank, Edward, George, John and Oscar. Mrs. Durrie is now living on the old homestead farm, which consists of 160 acres of well improved land.

JOHN FURNEAUX, merchant and Postmaster, Welton, was born in Devonshire, England, Jul}' 27, 1812. He attended school but a short time, he having received the most of his education from traveling and observation. His parents died when he was quite young, and being thrown on his own resources, he began working by the month as a farm laborer, which he continued about ten years, and then engaged in a seal hunt in the north on a sailing vessel- In 1835, he went to New Foundland, and spent five years in fishing and doing general work. In 1840, he went to Boston, where he remained two years. In 18-i2, came to Illinois, and settled first in Kane and afterward De Kalb County, where he engaged in farming. In 1858, he first came to Effingham County, and settled in West Township, where he engaged in farming, and continued the same until 1874, when he was appointed station agent of the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad at Gillmore. In 1879, he opened a store at Gillmore and was appointed Postmaster, which office he is now holding. In Albany, N. Y., in 1842, he married Miss Jennette Schoolcraft, who was born in New York. She has borne him seven childsen, of whom six are now living, viz.: Prances, John, Robert, Frederick and Anna, twins, and George. Mr. Furaeaux has been around the world, and experienced many adventures that would be very interesting to our readers if space permitted us to embody them in this work. He and wife are connected with the Methodist Church. He is a Republican.

JAMES L. GILLMORE, farmer, P.O. Edgewood, was born m Morgan County, Ky., April 30, 1827, to Jeremiah and Mar}' (Lansaw) Gillmore. His father was born in Alabama Noveuiber 7, 1802, and was brought to Kentucky when young, where he was raised on a farm. Here he married and removed to Illinois, and settled in Marion County and subsequentlj' in Faj'ette County, where he died in 1862. He was a farmer. His wife and mother of our subject was born in Kentucky in 1806, and died in Effingham Count}', 111., in 1878. She was the mother of thirteen children, all of whom lived to be grown. Our subject was the second child. He was born on a farm, and received a limited education from the schools held in the old log houses, common in Illinois when he was a boy. He remained at home till he was twenty-one years old, when he embarked on his career in life as a farmer upon the same farm he is now residing on. He is now the owner of 760 acres of well-improved land. He commenced life poor, and by his economy and industry he has acquired a good property and an honorable name and reputation. In Effingham County, in 1848, he married Cynthia Scales, a daughter of Solomon Scales, deceased. Mrs. G. was born in Shelby County, 111., January 3, 1825. She is the mother of ten children, of whom eight are now living, viz.: William H., John P., Mary E., Margaret A., Jennie, Allen, Uriah and Nettie. Mr. Gillmore has held the office of Supervisor for fourteen years, and is now elected to the office of County Clerk, which office he is capable of filling to the satisfaction of all. He and family are members of the Baptist Church.

J. P. GILLMORE, farmer, P. 0. Edgewood, was born in Effingham County, 111., to James L. Gillmore October 14, 1849. His early life was spent in receiving such an education as the common schools afl!brded, and assisting in tilling the soil of his father's farm. He remained at home until he was twenty years of age, when he removed to his present farm, a present from his father, consisting of 170 acres. He came on the farm in 1869, and he is now actively engaged in farming. In Effingham

County-, June 5, 1869. he married Miss Josephine i\Iarion, a native of New York. Slie is the mother of six children, five of whom are now living - Rosa, Nellie, Eurasa, Henry and an infant. He is now School Director. Politically, he is a Democrat.

JOHN HAWKEY, farmer, P. 0. Edgewood, was born in Allen County, Ind., January 28, in 1840, to John and Gertrude (Nirider) Hawkey. He was a native of Germany, and is now living in Indiana. He is a farmer. His wife is also living. They had ten children, of whom John was tlie oldest child. His early life was spent in receiving such an education as the common schools afl'orded, and assisted in tilling the soil of his father's farm. He left home at twent^'-three years of age and embarked on his career in life as a carpenter ; he apprenticed himself at the trade at the age of twenty. In 1866, he came to Illinois and settled in Madison County, 111., where he worked at his trade for three years and began farming, and, in 1875, came to Effingham County, 111., and bought a farm of eighty acres, upon which he is activelj' engaged in farming. He has made all improvements on it. In Wells Count}-, Ind., he married, in 1S6C, Miss Fredrica Rapp, a native of Wells County, Ind. They arc the parents of eight children, of whom seven are now living - Louisa, John A.. Lasetty, Henry, I]mma, Mena, Rosana. Self and family of the Catholic Church, [n 1876, he was elected School Director six years. In 1878, was elected Road Commissioner, now holding office.

CHRISTOPHER HETH, farmer, P. 0. Edgewood, was born April 4, 1825, to Mitchel and Christine (Disten-Haven) Heth, who were natives of Prussia. Germany. He was raised on a farm, and educated in the common schools of his native country. At eighteen years of age, he was drafted as a soldier, and served eight years. At the expiration of that time, he returned home and engaged in farming as a hired hand. In 1856. he came to America and located in Calhoun County, HI., where he remained six years. In 1862, removed to Effingham Count}- and made his first purchase of land, it consisting of forty acres. He has continued to add to this, until now his farm consists of 365 acres. In Effingham County, in 1865, he married Miss Margaret Cincoi, a native of Germany. They have three children - George, Charley and Rosa L. Sir. Heth is now holding the offices of Road Commissioner and School Director. He is an active member of the Masonic order, a stanch Democrat, and a man of considerable prominence in the township in which he lives.

THOMAS E. HOLLIS, farmer, P. O. Wolton, was born in the State of Delaware September 15, 1827, to Noah and Catharine (Hardister) Hollis. He was born in Delaware in 1807, removed to Ohio, and subsequently to Illinois, and settled in Effingham County, whei'e he remained actively engaged in farming to the time of his death, which occurred February 17, 187!>. He, with his two sons, Willard and William, served in the war, the former being killed. His wife and mother of our subject was born in Delaware March 22, 1807, and died in Effingham County September 1, 1881. They were the parents of four children, of whom our subject was the fourth child. His early life was spent in receiving such an education as the common schools of Ohio afforded, and assisting in tilling the soil of his father's farm. At an early age, he apj^renticcd himself at the cooper's trade, and after completing his trade was acknowledged to be a first-class workman. At the age of twenty- two he left his homo and settled in Effingham County, 111., where he embarked on his career in life as a cooper, continuing at his trade until 1864, when he bought a farm and gave his attention to agricultural pursuits, at which he is still actively engaged. He commenced life a poor man, b}' his own efforts succeeded in accumulating a good farm of 140 acres. In July, 1856, he married Miss

Catharine Bailie, who has borne him nine children, of whom eight are now living, viz. : Joseph P., Frank A., Edward N., Willie E., Ora S., R. Adalas, Eva B. and Flora M. Mr. Hoilis has served the people in the following offices : Constable, Town Marshal of Mason City, and United States Deputy Marshal. He and family are religiouslj- connected with the Methodist Church. In politics, he is identified with the principles of the Republican party. In the possession of Mr. Hollis are relics in form of petrified fish, turtles, etc., taken from the waters of Brocket Creek, a complete description of which may be found in another part of this work.

ISHAM MAHON, farmer, P. 0. Welton, a native of Pittsjdvania County, Old Virginia, was born January 6, 1819. His grandfather, John Mahon, was a native of Prance, and served in the Revolutionarj' war. His father, Benjamin, was born in Virginia in 1832: removed to Fayette County, 111., where he remained to the time of his death, which occurred about 1867, aged eighty years. He was a carpenter by trade, but followed the occupation of a farmer in the latter part of his life. He was in the war of 1812. Dora Lausford, the mother of our subject, was born in Virginia, and died in 1858, aged about seventy-three 3'ears. She was the mother of ten children, of whom seven lived to man and womanhood, Isham being the fifth child. He was raised on a fariij and received a common school education in Payette County, 111. When twenty-two j-ears old he left home, married and began farming in Fayette Count}', on Government land. In 1848, he removed to his present residence in EfHngham County, where he has accumulated 333 acres of good land. He was married in Payette County, 111., in 1842, to Miss Mary Loveless, who died January 27, 1851, leaving four children, of whom two are now living, viz.: Martha, Mrs. John McCloy and James. In 1851, JMr. Mahon married a second time, Mrs. Nancy McCoy, widow of

John McCoy. This union has been blessed with one child - Robert. Mr. Mahon is an active member of the order A., F. & A. M., at Mason. He is a Democrat.

JAMES B. MAHON, farmer, P. 0. Welton, was born in Payette County, 111., March 31, 1847, to Isham and Marj' (Loveless) Mahon. His earl}- life was spent at home, receiving such an education as the common schools of Effingham aflForded, and assisting in tilling the soil of his father's farm. He remained at home until he was twenty-seven years of age, when he began farming on his own account near the old homestead. His farm consists of eighty acres of good laud. In Effingham County, October 5, 1873, he married Miss Matilda Holmes, a native of Allen County, Ind., the daughter of George and Hanna Holmes. Mr. and Mrs. Mahon have had four children, of whom two are now living, viz. ; Elwin D., born December 31, 1879, and Lovella, born Ma\' 25, 1881. Mr. Mahon is an active member of the Masonic order. In politics, is a Democrat.

JOHN A. NIRIDER, farmer and insurance agent, Edgewood, was born in Germany August 11,1832, to George and Elizabeth (Harchenritter) Nirider. His father was a farmer, and came to America in March, 1834, and located in Allen County, Ind., and died there January 13, 1860, aged sevent3--two 5'ears. His wife and mother of our subject died in Allen County, Ind., in 1 874, aged seventy-two. The}' were the parents of six children, of whom subject was the fifth child. His early life was spent in receiving such an education as the common schools of Allen County, Ind., aflTordcd, and assisted in tilling the soil of his father's farm. When but four years of age, he was taken from home by his sister, and lived with her nine years ; he then retui'ned home and attended the German school two years, walking ten miles a day. At fourteen, he was bound out to Judge Allen McLain, acting as chore-boj-, and, as he sa^-s, he washed dishes, baked, ironed, washed and scrubbed. He remained with the Judge until he was twenty-two years of age; then entered a store and clerked, and worked on a farm some. In 1856, he went to Central Iowa, and worked on a farm for the summer of 1856, and in the fall returned to Indiana, and went to school. In 1857, came to Madison County, m., and worked for $14 per month on a farm until 1 Sfi 1 , when ho bought seventy-two acres ; began farming on his own account for the first time. In February, 1871, he bought his present farm and removed to the same in the fall of the same jear. His purchase was of eight\' acres ; his farm consists now of 100 acres. In 1858, Whitley County, lud., he married Sophia Oberlin, a descendant of the family from whom tlie town of Oberlin, Ohio, was named. She died November 26, 1878. In February 22, 1880, he married Miss Jane Kepncr, a native of Paj-ette County. By first marriage, six children, viz.. Flora E., Clara L., Hettie S., Elmer C, Lucy A., and I. G. In April, 1880, he was elected to the otfice of Justice of the Peace, to fill a vacancy of G. W. Colwell. He was also School Trustee. He is a member of the order A., F. & A. M., dimitted from Marion Lodge. In politics, he is a Republican. In 1882, he engaged with Messrs. Faulk Bros., in the fire, lighting and tornado insurance business.

HARTJIAN NIRIDER, farmer, V. 0. Farina, was born in Allen County, Ind., to George and Elizabeth (Harchenritter). His early life was spent in receiving such an education as the common schools afforded, and .assisting in tilling the soil of his father's farm. At sixteen, he left home and hired out as farm laborer, working for one Hartman Smith one year and a half, and then worked by the day for different men, and continued the same until he was twentyone years of age. when lie married and commenced in woods in his native count}' to make a farm out of his forty acres, and remained oh the same ten years, and after that had increased it to 130 acres for $2,600, and removed to Illinois and located in Madison County in 1866, and bought forty acres of prairie and twenty of timber, for which he paid $3,500; he remained on this farm for eighteen months, and sold it for $4,000, and came to Effingham County in the fall of 1867, and bought 120 acres for $4,- 000, where he now resides, in West Township, and has since added to it until now he is the owner of 650 acres, and is now renting a portion of it. He is making the raising of stock a specialty - cattle, mules and horses. In 1857, in Allen County, he married Mary Emrick, a native of Wajne County, Ohio, and a daughter of George and Elizabeth (Silar) Emrick, both natives of Pennsjivania. Mr. and Mrs. Nirider are the parents of six children, five of whom are now living - Allen, who died in 1877, aged nineteen years; Hiram, Lucetta, Cinda, Lily and Esly, all at home. Subject and family are religiously connected with the Methodist Church, at Farina, and Steward of the same. He is an active member of the Masonic order at Edgewood. In politics, he is Democratic. His start in life consisted only of $80, and by his honesty, industr}' and economy he has succeeded in accumulating a good property, all by farming, and dealt some in stock, in which he has been very successful. When he commenced in Effingham, he bought his farm and only had $2,000 to pay down on it. He has met with several losses, and can now say that he is free from debt, and has money ahead.

THOMAS B. PETTYPOOL, farmer, P. O. Altamont, was born in White County, 111., November 7, 1840, to Br.acksten B. and Celia (McGehee) Pett3'pool. His father was born in Tennessee in 1815, and is now farming in Jefferson County, 111., upon his farm of 400 acres. He is a son of Thomas Pettypool, a native of Old Virginia, and was in the war of 1812. The mother of our subject was born in New York, and died in 1855, aged about thirty -seven. She was the mother of eight children, of whom our subject was the second child. His early life was spent at home assisting in tilling the soil of his father, and receiving such an education as the common schools afforded. He remained with his parents to the age of twenty-one, when he left home, married and embarked on his career in life as a farmer. He then bought 240 acres, and in 1867 sold it, and removed to Jefferson Count}' and rented for about three years. In 1870, he bought 170 acres in West Township, Effingham County, and removed to the same, where he is now actively engaged in farming. On November 7, 1861, in White County, he married Jliss Ellen And, who died in 1868, leaving three children, viz., Celia, Frances and Millia. In 1870, he married Julia Teachner, who died in 1875, leaving one child, viz., Edson. In 1879, he married Belle Button, who has borne him one child - Maud. He is an active member of the order of A., F. & A. M., at Altamont, holding office of Senior Deacon. His wife is a member of the Methodist Church. Politioally, Mr. Pettypool is a Democrat.

WILLIAM QUADE, former, P. 0. Edgewood. Charles Quade, the father of this gentleman, was born in Germanj- in 1822, emigrated with his family to America in 1854, and settled in Lancaster, Peun., where he followed the occupation of a stone mason. In 1859, he removed to St. Louis, and after six months' stay removed to Effingham Count}', where he remained actively engaged in farming to the time of his death, which occurred in 1875. He was a hard-working man, and knew comparativelj' little of the ease and comforts of life. He was an excellent fiirmer and an honorable, upright gentleman. He was a member of the Evangelical Association at Cleveland, Ohio. Anna Traisler, his wife, and mother of our subject, was born in Germany in 1815. and is now residing with our subject. She is the mother of five children. William being the oldest child. He was born in Prussia, Germany, November

10, 1845, came to America with his parents, received a good education, and when he arrived at his majoritv engaged in farming. His farm is located in Section 26, and consists of 120 acres of improved prairie land. In 1871, he married Miss Louisia Waekcr, a native of German}'. They are the parents of the following children; Charley, Willie, Anna, Edward ; Charley and Henry, who are dead. Mr. Quade and family are members of the Evangelical Association. In politics, he is a Republican.

JAMES SIDDENES, farmer, P. 0. Welton, a native of Putnam County, Ind., was born April 27, 1837. His father, Jesse Siddenea, was born and raised in Kentucky, and removed to Indiana, beiu'g among the early settlers. In 1855, he came to Effingham County, where he died in 1857, aged forty-five years. He was a farmer by occupation. Julia Ann Wilson, the mother of our subject, was born in Old Virginia, and died in Effingham County, 111,, in 1858, aged thirty-nine years. They had nine children, our subject being the second child. His education was limited to the common schools of his native county. He left his home when but eighteen years old, and embarked on the rugged pathway of life as a hired hand upon a farm. In 1856, he came to Effingham County, where he commenced farming on his own account, and is still actively engaged. He commenced life a poor man, and b)' his honesty, industry and economy succeeded in accumulating a good property. He is now the owner of 160 acres of land. In 1859, in Effingham County, he married Miss Gillia Cooksey, who died in April, 1881, leaving five children as the result of their nuion, viz., Sarah A., Lura B., Hiram R.; Delia and Adelberl (twins). He is a member of the order of A., F. & A. M. at Edgewood. He is a Democrat.

BENJAMIN SIDDENES, farmer, P. O. Welton, was born in Putnam County, Ind., January 7, 1841, to Jesse and Julia Ann (Wilson) Siddenes. He was brought to Effingham County bj- his parents when twelve j-ears of age. Here he attended the common schools and received a limited education, caused by his parents dying when he was j-oung. When a boj', he earned his own livelihood by working as a farm laborer upon a farm with Mr. Isham Mahon for one j'eav, and then worked his farm on shares. In 1863, he bought his present farm, and commenced farming on his own account. His farm consists of 105 acres of land. In 1863, he married Miss Nancy Patterson, a native of Ohio. They are the parents of the following children, viz., Prances, Charles, Curtis, Amj- E., Luzetta, Arthur and Thomas. Mr. Siddenes is a man of few pretensions, but an industrious citizen, who attends to his own atfairs in an unassuming way. He is a Demo- -crat.

CALVIN W. SPRAGG, farmer, P. 0. Welton, was born on Long Island, N. Y., November 23, 1823, to Edward and Catharine (Place) Spragg. His father was born on Long Island, N. y. He was a farmer, and died in 1826, aged fifty-two years. His wife, and mother of our subject, was born on Long Island, and died in January, 1864, aged seventy-three years; she was the mother of seven children, of whom our subject was the youngest child. His early life was spent in receiving such an education as the common schools afforded, and assisting in tilling the home farm. At fifteen years of age, he was brought to Illinois by his mother, who located in Du Page Countj-, and in 1859 they moved to Indiana, and 1 863 came to EfBngham County, and settled near Mason, where they remained until 1870, when he came to his present residence, and bought 155 acres of land. Here he has since remained actively engaged in farming. In 1850, in Du Page County, Til., he married Miss Catharine Taylor a native of German}-, and was brought to America by her father in 1847. She is the mother of five living ciiildren, viz., Sylvester, married and farming in EtHngham County; Syreno, a doctor of Altamout, a graduate from the Rush Medical College in 1881, and is now building up a good practice; Amanda, at Altamont, clerking in Howard's store ; Charley, .at home ; John Frederick, at home. He and family are of the Presbyterian Church. In politics, he is dentified with the Republican part}'. He commenced life a poor man, and met a failure of several hundred dollars by security debt at his first start.

WILLIAM VOELKER, farmer, P. 0. Altamont, was born in Prussia, Germany, March 6, 1835, to Charles and Mary (Ganscow) Voelker. They were natives of Prussia, Germany. He was a miller, and came to America with our subject. He died in 1877, in Effingham County, aged seveut3'-nine years. His wife and mother of our subject died in 1872, aged seventy-five years. They were the parents of five boys, of whom our subject was the fourth child. The five boys are all in the United States; all active business men. William was educated in Germany until he was fourteen; attended the common schools, and then entered a college. At nineteen, he enlisted in the war, and served four years. He then returned and took charge of his father's flour mill, and remained thus engaged until 1862, when he left German}', from Hamburg, by steamer " Saxonia." landing in New York June 5, 1862, 1)8- ing fifteen days in making trip. Spent one day in New York in looking at the city, and then left for Chicago, and visited his brother (who had previously come to America). He then located in Effingham, on his present farm, then all unimproved wild prairie. He bought there 160 acres, and has since added to it until now he is the owner of 520 acres all improved. In Germany, in 1860, he married Loui.sa Scholwin, a native of Prussia, Germany, born in 1838. She is the mother of eight children, seven of whom are living, viz., Anna, wife of Frederick Burnahl, a farmer in Effingham County ; Adolph, at home ; Gustas, at home ; Frank,

Agnes, Paul, Bertha, at home; Otto, died in 1882, aged fifteen. Mr. Voelker is School Trustee; held for nine 3'ears, and is now Supervisor for three j-ears. In politics, a Democrat, and he and familj' are membei-s of the Lutheran Church.

JULIUS VOELKER, farmer, P. 0. Altamont, was born in Prussia, German}', March 23, 1842, to Charles and Regenal (Yauslow) Voelker. They were both natives of Prussia. He was born March 18, 1798, and died in this count}' in 1876 or 1877. He was a farmer. She was born February 16, 1797, and came to this county in 1873; parents of seven children, of whom subject is the youngest child. His early life was spent in receiving a common school education, and then entered a college, attending until he was fifteen years old, and then entered the mill and learned the milling business of his father until he was nineteen years of age. In 1862, he came to America, and came to Effingham County in 1862, and worked with his brother for eight or nine years, and in 1869 he bought 130 acres, and has since added to it. In Effingham County, in 1869, he married Miss Christy Wolf. They have two children, viz., Amanda and Sophia. He is a member of the German Lutheran Church. In politics, he is a Democrat.

NICHOLAS T. WHARTON, farmer, P. O. Welton, is a native of Spottsylvania County, Old Virginia, and was born June 25, 1828. His father, Benjamin Wharton, was born in Old Virginia in 1790, emigrated with his family to Ohio in 1837, and settled in Guernsey County. In 1854, he came to P]ffingham County, 111., where he died in October, 1855. His occupation was that of a farmer. He served in the war of 1812. His wife, the mother of our subject, was Lucy Chandler. She was born in Old Virginia in 1794, and is now residing with her children in Ohio, enjoying good health in her eighty-eighth 3'ear. She is the mother of eight children, of whom six are now livina;, viz., Martha, widow of Joseph Sperry, living in Muskingum County, Oliio ; George, a Baptist preacher at Lincoln, 111. ; William A., a farmer in Hocking County, Ohio; Nicholas T., our subject; Doctor, a Baptist preacher of Guernsey County, Ohio, and Lawrence B., Baptist preacher of Pawnee City, Neb. Nicholas T. Wharton, was educated from the common schools of Old Virginia, and was raised on a farm. At the age of twentytwo, he left his home, and embai ked on life's rugged pathway as a farm laborer, working by the month. In December, 1853, he came to Effingham County, 111., and spent three years in teaching school, and working at the carpenter's trade. In 1855, he removed to his present residence in Section 12, and began farming, and is still actively engaged. His farm consists of 208 acres of good land. In 1855, on« the 30th of March, he married' Miss Rebecca Jane Kagay, a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, a daughter of Christian and Nancy Ann (Laney) Kagay, natives of Fairfield County. Mr. and Mrs. Wharton have been blessed with the following children, viz., Mary, Richard and Nancy (twins), Laura, John, Elma, Emma, Edwin, George, Benjamin and Walter. Mr. Wharton has served the county as Supervisor for three terms, and is now holding the office of School Treasurer, which office he has held for eight years. He and wife are members of the Baptist Church. He is an active member of the order A., F. & A. M. He is a Democrat. HERMAN A. WINKLER, farmer, P. 0. Edgewood, was born in Prussia, Germany, May 13, 1832, to Karl and Johanna (Koppe) Winkler. Ho attended the common schools of his native country until he was fourteen years of age, and then entered the Goettingen College, where he remained only six months. He then enlisted as a soldier, and the third day was wounded, being hit on one limb below the knee with a bombshell, and shot through his left limb. His wounds kept him confined for about sixteen months. He then returned home and served seven years at learning tlie trade of a horticulturist, and in 1857 emigrated to America for the purpose of acquiring a position in the world that he considered was beyond his reach while in the '- Fatherland." Coming to Illinois, he passed six months at Chicago, anjd worked at all kinds work he could find to do. He could not get a situation at his trade, as he was unable to speak the English language. In 1858, he went to Michigan, and worked at market gardening for fifteen months, and then returned to Illinois, and worked on a farm in Whiteside County. In 1861, he became a resident of West Township, Effingham County, where he has since I'emained engased in a<yricultural pursuits. His industrious habits, coupled with his business integrity, has given him a competencj-, and here has, as it were, realized the dreams of his youth. He was married in Effingham Count}-, November 2, 1862, to Bliss Charlotte Quade. She was born in Germany, August 25, 1846. Their happy and prosperous union has been blessed with I nine children, of whom seven are now living, viz., Louisa, Anna, Carl, Johanna, Augusta, Hulda and Amelia. Mr. Wiuckler and family are members of the Evangelical Association, j He is a Kepublican.

was born in Prussia, Germany, September 10, 1823, to Frederick and Charlotte (Walk) Wolf, both natives of Prussia, German}-. He died in 1820, aged thirty -three years ; was a tailor by trade. She is now residing in Mound Township, enjoying good health in her eighty-third year. They Were married in Germany, and had four children, subject the oldest child. He was educated from the common schools of Germany ; was brought to America by his parents in a sailing vessel from Hamburg, landing in New York January 3. 1844, and went to Bufialo, N. Y., and worked at the trade of a tailor, which he had learned in the old country. In 1849, he removed to the country, and has run a general merchandise store for about fifteen years. In 1865, be .came to Illinois and settled on his present farm. He bought 120 acres in 1860. In New York, in 1846, he married Henrietta Hcepfner, a native of Prussia, Germany. She is the mother of four children - George P. A. (a Lutheran preacher in La Grange, Miss.), Augusta (wife of Julius Oelker, farmer in township), August (at home), Bertha (single). The family are members of the Lutheran Church. Held the office of Justice of the Peace for seven years ; Commissioner for several years ; Supervisor for one year.

W. M. ABRAHAM, merchant, Watson, was born July 26, 1842, in Clermont County, Ohio, son of John and Martha (Barkley) Abraham, who were married in 1836, and unto them were born three children, of which the subject is the eldest. His mother came to Effingham County in 1860, Mr. Abraham following shortly afterward. His education was begun in the common schools of Ohio, when he entered the Clermont Academy at the age of sixteen, after which he came to Illinois and began business. In 1861, he entered the army with Company K, Twentyfirst Regiment Illinois Volunteers, of which Grant was Colonel. He was in the march from Springfield to Quincy, thence into Missouri, wintering at Ironton, where he was promoted to Orderly Sergeant of his company. At Stone River, December 31, 1862, he received a wound in an engagement, and his mother went to Murfreesboro to care for her wounded son, and herself took sick and died. After eight months in the hospital, it was decided that he was permanently disabled, when he received an honorable discharge in August, 1863. Then coming home, after partial recover^-, he began merchandising, in which business he has been eminently successful and still continues. In 1879, he was elected to the Legislature on the minority Republican ticket, serving one term. In November, 1865, he married Miss Eliza R. Wa3-ne, at Shelby ville, Kj'.; thej' have three children living - Ida, Arthur and Eva.. When he settled at Watson, the country was wild, with few residents, and all kinds of game were abundant. The family was reared in the Baptist religion. In 1865, he was initiated into the mysteries of Freemasonr}', and since has several times been, elected and presided as Master of Lodge No. 602. He is an extensive land-owner, holding over 2,000 acres, mostly under good cultivation. Mr. Abraham was appointed Postmaster at Watson in 1881, in which capacity he still acts.

PROF. W. R. AVERY, commercial instructor, P. 0. Palmyra, Mo., was born in Harrison County, Ind., January 2, 1858. Moved with his father to this county when about fourteen years old. Lived on a farm most of his life. Entered a commercial college at Keokuk, Iowa, October 10, 1880. Pursued a regular course in book-keeping, and all the other commercial branches, including plain and ornamental penmanship, graduating September 10, 1881. Traveled and taught penmanship up to September 1, 1882, when he organized a commercial college in Palmyra, known as Avery's Commercial School. Mr. Avery's father. Byram B. Avery, was born in Harrison County, Ind., February 25, 1832, where he was married' in 1857, to Miss Martha BuUingtou. Settled on a farm of eighty acres, of which he afterward became the owner. In 1871, he removed to EtDngham Count}' and purchased a farm of eighty acres near Watson, and resumed farming. He has a family of three children - William R. (subject of this sketcii), James A. and Melinda J.

JOHN BRITTON, Watson Township, was born July 2, 1821, in Devonshire, England, near the sea-shore. He was raised by his grandmother, on a small farm. Hearing of the wonderful land beyond the blue sea, he embarked for America the 9th day of April, 1851, and on the 14th day of May of the same year arrived in Mt. Vernon, Knox Co., Ohio. The first two years of his life spent in America, ho was employed at such jobs as the country then aflforded. The 1st of :March, 1854, he was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Beeny living a few miles west of Mt Vernon. The seven years immediatel}- following his marriage, he farmed near Mt. Vernon. In the spring of 1862, he moved to Illinois, and settled in Effingham Count}-, Jackson Township, where, by industry and economj', he accumulated sufficient means to purchase a small farm, but just in the moment when his labors would have been crowned with success, he was unfortunately thrown from a horse and crippled for the remainder of life. He has since lived in Mason Township, and wherever known, his honesty and integrity are never questioned b}' anj- one. Though his education was exceedingly limited, yet his mind is stored with many useful facts. He is ever readj- to lend a helping hand wherever an opportunitj' is presented. The following are the dates of births of his children: Sarah C, born October 27. 1857; William H., born October 27, 1857; Ida S., born October 17, 1859; Edward G., born January 5, 1862; Charles L., born March 11, 1864; Richmond L., born July 26, 1866; Benson I., born Januar}- 9, 1870; William H., died April 10, 187G. Mrs. Britton was born Sept. 23, 1827.

J. W. BRITTON, teacher, Watson. In the month of January, 1855, there was born in the city of Mt. Vernon, Knox Co., Ohio, a little boy, whose life yet l)ut just begun, is a bright ex- ample to us all. He lived in the cit}' of his birth seven years, when he removed with his parents to Effingham County, 111., settling in Jackson Township. Here he attended school in an old logschoolhouse during three winters, and worked on the farm through the summer. In 18C8, he moved with his parents to a farm west of Mason, and a few ^ears afterward moved north of Mason, where he attended two terms of school at North Union Schoolhouse. His teacher at this place was Mr. Dunn, and it was through his teaching that Mr. Britton attributes much of the success and character of his life. In the summer of 1874, he attended a normal term of school of four weeks at Mason, and the nest winter he attended public school at that place, and clerked in a drug store. In the fall of 1875, he attended a session of normal school south of Edgewood, after which term of school he sought and obtained a teacher's certificate to teach school, and the next winter he taught his first school at Gilmore, at $25 per month. During 1875, he united with the Methodist Episcopal Church of West Union at a basket meeting in a grove at Wabash. During the summer and winter of 187G, he taught schooLa.LBxickcr District in Jackson Township. During the summer of

1877, he worked on a farm in Christian County at $20 per month, and the next winter attended a three months' term of school at Knox College, Galesburg, Til. In the summer of

1878, he worked on a farm and taught school in Mason Township. In the spring of this year, hia oldest brother, William, died, and the greater part of the form work devolved on him, his father being crippled. In the winter of 1879, he taught school in Union Township, at the Wood3' Schoolhouse. He afterward taught two other terms at this place. In the winter of 1880, he taught school at the Loy Sclioolhouse, Watson Township. In 1881, he went to Lebanon, Ohio, where he attended two terms at the Lebanon State Normal University.

He also taught a winter term of school while in Ohio. He came back to Effingham County, 111., in the spring of 1882. He is teaching school at EUiottstown at the present time, 1882. Mr. Britton, besides his work as a teacher, has been engaged for several years as a minister of the Methodist Episcop.al Church, yet he has never taken any circuit. In 1879, he was licensed as exhorter bj' Rev. Ransom, of Mason, and at the Quarterly Conference at Mason, in 1881. he was recommended to preach. Mr. Britton is truly a self-made man, and has worked his own wa}' to his present commendable position. Reared on the form and being compelled to work for his living, Mr. Britton had but few opportunities for obtaining an education, but those opportunities he did not let pass unimproved. He would often carry his books into the field and study them while bis horse was resting In the plow, and while teaching school he would stud}' on the waj- to and from place of teaching. It was by pursuing this studious course and improving all his time that he has succeeded in educating himself.

HERMAN GILLESPIE, farmer, P. 0. Watson, was born in Wood County, Va., Ajjril 10, 1810. His father, John B. Gillespie, was married to Esther James in 1803, and sixteen children were born of this union, of whom the subject is the only one supposed to be living. Mr. Gillespie married Martha Adams ; unto them were born six children, of whom four arc living, but this wife dying, he married Margaret Field, who was born- in Bracken Count}-, Ky., December 4, 1823. They were married November 22, 1854, and from this union four children were born, of whom Ambrose Gillespie is the onl}' survivor. This son married Alice Loy. They have two children - Catharine and Charles Edwin. The family have been, and are now affiliated with the Baptist and Christian Churches. Herman Gillespie, while a young man, was at Upper Sandusky,

Ohio, and was for some time in the employ of tlie Indian traders. His grandfathier, Jotin James, had an interest in Blennerliasset's Island in an early day, and when he sold his interest the mother of Herman would not sign the deed. The subject remembers when the familj' was driven bj- the Indians from their home to the block-house on the Island for protection and safety. He came to Illinois, settling in Elliottstown, Effingham County, in 1855, then moving to Watson Township in 18U5, where he has ever since lived on a farm of 120 acres under good cultivation, and a fine orchard. In early life, he made over 1,000,000 brick on his farm. In those days, the country around him was thinly settled, and neighbors few and far between. He is a Republican in politics, and has frequently been elected Road Commissioner and School Trustee for his township. Mr. Gillespie, when the second call for 300,000 men was issued in 1861, volunteered, and was a member of Company B, Thirty-eighth Illinois Volunteers ; was mustered in at Camp Butler, Springfield, 111., and ordered to Pilot Knob, Mo. ; was in the engagement at Fredericksburg, Mo., where he was wounded, permanently disabled, and in due time honorably discharged. He draws a pension for services rendered his country. He was mustered out of the service March 8, 1863, when he returned to his farm. In the fall of 1829, he was employed to guard and pilot the Miami and Mississineway tribes of Indians from their reservation near Port Wayne, Ind., to Chicago, then known as Fort Dearborn, after the Government had purchased their lands. All there was of Chicago in those days was a few French trading posts. He was quite familiar with the Indians, and the}- understanding some English, and he a little of their language, was the cause of his being selected to escort them to Fort Dearborn. Mr. Gillespie claims that he is the first one in Illinois that made the molds from which slap sand brick was made ; the old method was by rolling in sand ; his plan was sanding the molds.

JAMES B. GILLESPIE, farmer, P. 0. Watson, is a son of Joseph Gillespie, and was born in this county June 3, 1830. He was married, March 3, 1859, to Miss Cynthia Ann Wilson, daughter of Theophilus Wilson, and settled on a farm of eighty-sis acres in Section 21, Watson Township, on which he has made his home and followed the avocation of farming. He is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows fraternities. He has a family of six children - Clinthn (a well and favorably known teacher of this county), Franklin P., James Alfred, Oliver T., Samuel B. and Ida Bell. Mr. Gillespie's father came to this county in 1828, and settled in Ewington. He filled the office of County Clerk, and was a prominent man of the county. We are not able to give the dates of his birth, marriage, etc.

ISAAC B. HUMES, wagon-maker, Watson, was born October 17, 1818, at Reading, Hamilton Count}-, Ohio. His father, John Humes, was married twice, and by the first wife he had three children - Elizabeth, Jane and John. His second marriage was to Maria Voorhees, by whom he had several children, our subject, Isaac B. Humes, and Bridget LaRene, are the only survivors. The father was a Captain of a companj' in the war of 1812, in which he was permanontl}' disabled, and helpless for twelve years prior to his death. He built the first frame house erected in Cincinnati, Ohio. Isaac, at the age of eight 3-ears, began to attend the common school at Reading, the place of his birth, which he continued until his fourteenth year, his father dying in 1829, leaving his mother with seven children. He was then hired b}- his mother to a farmer for the period of nine months, at $50 for full time. During the time, Albert Courtelow, the farmer, purchased a summer hat for Isaac costing 25 cents. He had not drawn an}- part of his pay. When the time was up, the farmer was feeding some hogs, which he intended to dress for the Cin- cinnati market. Isaac volunteered to go with him aud drive one team, which tooli two days. When the farmer returned to Reading, lie paid Isaac's mother the $50, and remarljed to her, " When 3'ou pay me 25 cents for Ike's hat we will be square," which his mother did. The bo}', while holding in high respect the general character of the farmer, has never forgotten this singular act of generosity. His mother soon after this bound him out to Thomas Willmington, of Warren County, Ohio, for a period of four years and eight months, to learn the trade of wagon and plow making, which period he served in full, his mother clothing him, and he to receive $36 per year while learning the trade. He then returned to Reading and established a shop of his own, which he carried on for three 5'ears. He then sold out and went to Xenia, Ohio, and started a livery stable, remaining there three years. Then he sold out and went to Dayton, Ohio, where he became road agent for J. & P. Voorhees' stage company, remaining with them until railroads superseded stage coaches in Ohio, in 1850, when he came to Effingham County, and engaged in railroading with John F. Barnard, contractor, on the division of the Illinois Central Railroad, Chicago branch of the Central, from five miles south of Mattoon, extending seventytwo miles, to junction with the main line. The contractors' headquarters were at Ewington, tlicn the county seat of Effingham County. All the supplies and material for living and construction of the railroad had to be hauled by teams from St. Louis, Mo., and Terrc Haute, Ind., at great labor and expen.se, over bad roads, and with much exposure. For two years Mr. Humes was stationed at Terre Haute, specially employed in purchasing and forwarding supplies to the contractors and men. He then came to Ewington, and took charge of the contractors' store at Ewington until 1855, about the time of the completion of the railroad, when he went to farming and trading until 1864, when he was nominated on the Democratic ticket for Sheriff, and was elected, serving two years, attending to his farm jointlj' with the duties of ills office. Mr. Humes was in full fellowship with the Whig party until it was disbanded in 185G, when he joined the Democratic party, with wiiich he has since acted. September 1, 1874, Mr. Humes was married to Hattie A. Hotf, who was the widow of John Irwin. She was born in Jlontgomery County, Va. Her father, William Hoff, and mother Artemisia Fergerson, were born in Virginia and there married, and unto them were born four children, of which Mrs. Humes is tlie only survivor. Mr. Humes' family was reared in the Presbyterian Church, .and Mrs. Humes in the Methodist. Since their settlement in Effingham Count}-, they have witnessed many changes in the growth of the country, and various vicissitudes in the lives of tiie early settlers. Mr. Humes, after a long period of bachelorhood, claims that he was at last captured, but is contented and hap[)y in his personal and public relations

LUClEiN W. HAMiMER, physician, Watson, was born in Clark County, Ky., November 12, 1819. He came to Sangamon County, 111., in 1828, with his parents, where he grew up on a farm, and received a common school education. The parents first settled on what is now Lick Creek, and after a few j-ears moved to what is now Christian County, 111., and subject began the study of mediqine at Moweaqua, Shelby County, 111.; first in a drug store, and he took up the study of books on medicine, and in time began a successful practice in 1855, and practiced there at Moweaqua for nine j-ears, and was also engaged in .other business until 1871, when he removed to this county, and for one year located in Funkhouser, and two years in Effingham. In May, 1874, he located in Watson, where he has since enjo3-ed a large practice, being the only resident physician: He was married, in 1852, to Miss Elizabeth H.

Courtnej', who died in 1874, leaving five children, four of whom are living - Bettie J., May B., Fred and Carrie. The eldest daughter - Annie, died in 1876.

WILLIAM T. JAYCOX. merchant, Watson, was born in Worthington. Franklin Co., Ohio, June 11, 1843. He left in 1851 with his parents for Illinois, where he settled in Jackson Township, Effingham County, where he lived until 1861. He enlisted in August, 1862, in Twenty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served three years in the Sixteenth Armj' Corps under Gen. Logan. Fought in battles of Island No. 10 and Corinth, after which subject was transferred to the Reserve Corps, until the close of his term of service on account of ill-health. After the war, subject engaged in farming until 1868. In 1868, he bought a stock of goods of F. Lloj'd & Co., at Watson, and has since been engaged in merchandising, keeping a well-selected, general stock. In 1875, he erected the present store fronting on Railroad street, twostor^- frame, 24x52 feet. Mr. Jaj'cox was the second Postmaster at Watson, 111., and served ten years from July, 1872, to November, 1881. He built a grain warehouse on the I. C. R. R., Jul}', 1882, and is at present buj-ing grain. Politically, a Republican. Subject married, in 1868, to Miss Lenora E. Bail, of Watson; have two children - Anna, born October, 1869; Willa, born November, 1879. The father of our subject was born in New York State May 3, 1817, and came to Ohio when a boy, and worked at coopering at Columbus and Worthington, Ohio. At the latter place he owned a shop. He farmed after coming here, He was united in marriage with Mary Clark in August 20, 1840. To them were. born eight children, respectiveh', Adelia, William T., Cynthia, Mary Ellen, Jeraldine, Henriette. Richard C. and John M., December 27, 1&41; June 11, 1843; May 7, 1845; January 1, 1848; December 22, 1848; May 14, 1852; May 6, 1854; January 1, 1857. Mrs. Hammer was born at Richmond, Ohio, March 25, 1822. Mary Ellen, died September, 1856; Adelia, died August, 1864; Jeraldine, October 26, 1869. Removed from Worthington, Ohio, to Effingham County, 111., in the year 1851, and settled in Jackson Township, at which place he resided until his death in April, 1869.

J. A. MoCALLEN, farmer, P. O. Effingham, was born in the month of December, 1837, in Harrison Countj', Ind. His father, Robert Mc- Callen, was one of the first settlers of Southern Indiana, having moved there from Kentucky in the year 1806. The boyhood of James was spent like that of most other farmer lads of that pioneer daj'; his summers, after he was old enough to work were given to lalior on the farm, and during the winter season he attended public school. The schoolhouse in which he took his first lessons and where he was taught to read, write and " figer " was the conventional '' old log cabin." The flire-place reached half wajT across the room, the loading of which was the principal work of the " master," during the long, cold days of winter. For text books some brought Bibles, some old copies of newspapers, and others such books as they could obtain. James relates that one of his teachers made it a rule to hear his pupils recite in the order in which they arrived at school. The first who came was the first to recite, and in their endeavors to get there first, pupils would often be at the schoolhouse before sunrise. But, notwithstanding all their irregularity, and the inadequate facilities of the early schools which he attended, James obtained a fair education, more from his own exertion and aptness than from his teachers, the most of whom were illiterate themselves. In 1859. he was married to Miss Jlary J. Ryan, of Harrison Count}', Ind., and for five years afterward he was engaged in farming. In 1864, he entered the Forty-second Indiana Infantiy, and marched with his regiment under Gen. Thomas through parts of Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky and Tennessee, and took part in the bloody fight of Nashville and the lively skirmishes before Franklin, in both of which engagements he exhibited the courage and firmness of the true soldier. He remained with his regiment under Thomas until near the summer of 1865, when the Southern Confederacy having fallen, he, with his regiment, was marched to Louisville, Ky., and mustered out. He then, in partnership with his father, engaged in the dr3f goods and grocery business at Palmyra, Ind. In this business they built up a good trade and were very successful, running a peddling wagon to Louisville, Ky., weekly for goods, and to dispose of produce, etc. In about 1867, they sold out their store, together with their stock of goods and town property, and bought a farm of 100 acres north of town, where thej' farmed until 1868, then sold out to a Mr. Avery for $1,600. They then a second time bought a farm in partnership, wiiich they farmed until the fall of 1871, when James, who had long entertained a desire to emigrate to Illinois, and having visited and looked out a location in Effingham County, sold his farm and, in company with his father-in-law and two brothersin-law, came to the " Sucker " State, settling in Watson Township. Here he bought lands of the Illinois Central Railroad, and engaged in farming. In March, 1874, he was called to mourn the loss of his wife, who died, after an illness of ten days, of pneumonia. She was a kind and affectionate wife and mother, and a true Christian, and her death was more than usually grievous to husband and children. Four children survive her, and one is dead. Those living are Florence, the wife of J. C. Loy ; Albert D., a young school teacher and law student ; Alonzo and Manson, school boys. James A. McCallen is a man of good business qualifications, and is noted for his industry. Since coming to Illinois, in 1871, he has improved two farms, clearing up forty-five acres of timber land, and building one dweliinsr house and two barns. In the summer of 1881, he married Mr.s. Charlotte L. Avery, a huly of means and in good social standing. Mr. Mc- Callen is at this writing (1882), living on his farm on Salt Creek, in Watson Township, engaged in farming and stock-raising.

CHARLES E. MILLER, farmer, P. 0. Watson, 111., son of Anson S. Miller, was born February 20, 1841, in Franklin, Delaware Co., N. J. He engaged in clerking at the age of fifteen, for Edward Douglass Meredith, which he continued about four years, when he went to merchandising, which he followed with good success for several years in Franklin, N. J. Mr. jMlller was married, October 26, 1863, to Miss N. Josephine Mann, daughter of Oliver Mann. In 1877, he sold out his store business and removed to Effingham County, and settled on a farm of 100 acres, Sections 16, 17 and 21, erected a first class dwelling and is making farming a decided success. He has three children: Frank C, Lula J. and J. Stewart. He is a member of the Episcopal Church, also a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is a tj'pical Democrat. Subject's father, Ansou S. Miller, was born in Delaware Count}-, N. J., July 18, 1818. He was married, November 26, 1838, to Lucinda A. Chamberlain. The issue of his first marriage is one child, Charles E. Subject's wife died October 3, 1858.

WILLIAM PITKIN, deceased, was born at East Hartford, Conn., May 9, 1790, and went to Albany, when a young man, and engaged in the drug trade. In 1820, he removed to Rochester, N. Y., and there commenced a trade in drugs and medicines, in a wooden building, which gave away in later years to a finer structure known as the Pitkin Block. He prosecuted his business till 1854, a period of thirtyfouryears. In 1839 and 1840, was an Alderman from the Fifth Ward. In 1845 and 1846, he was Mayor of the city. He was one of the Commissioners appointed liy State to erect the Western House of Refuge, and became a mana- ger of the institution. He was oue of the founders and managers of the House of Truants. He was one of tlie founders and manager of the City Hospital. Was one of the first trustees of the Rochester Savings Bank, an ofBce he held till his decease, and was for many years President of that institution. He was a member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church. He had four children, viz., Alfred H., James M., of Rochester, N. Y., Mrs. McKnight and Sarah M. He died May 4, 1869. The father of subject, Sir William Pitkin, was a G-overnor of Connecticut Colony, 1766. Alfred H. Pitkin, eldest son of subject, was born in Rochester, N. Y., December 28, 1834. Went to Chicago in 1853, and engaged in hardware and general mercantile business in the firm name of Pitkin Brothers. Continued the business with fair success till 1866, closed out on account of the death of his brother, and the decline of his own health, and moved to Effingham County, 111., and settled on-a farm of 160 acres, in Section 29, Watson Township. In 1872, he sold and moved on a farm of 120 acres, in Section 16, Watson Township, where he follows farming with good success. Subject was married in Bridgeport, Conn., December 4, 1855, to Miss Marv Louisa Thompson, daughter of John Thompson. Subject has four children living: William Theodore, was born August 26, 1858; Grace B., was born February 28, 1862; Alfred H., was born September 4, 1867; Sarah Ida, was born January 12, 1873; Mr. Pitkin's wife, Mrs. Sarah L. Pitkin, died September 20, 1876; Fannie L., was born May 6, 1857, and was married to James M. Parkhurst September 24, 1877, died May 4, 1882.

ELAM R. RINEHART, farmer, was born in Ewington. this count}-, May 17, 1849. He was fourteen years of age, when his father came to the place where our subject lives at present, who became owner of the old homestead at the death of his father January 9, 1877. Our subject has always been engaged in farming ; the farm consisting of one quarter section, all in cultivation, and devoted principally to the raising of gi'ain. He was married, March 16, 1876, to Miss Victoria Carpenter, of this county, and has three children - Daniel B., Walter I. and William B., twins. Our subject has served on the Board of Supervisors of this county ; his father, Daniel Rinehart, was born September 15, 1812, in Fairfield County, Ohio, where he received a common school education, and married, February 8, 1837, Barbara Kagay, of Fairfield County, Ohio. In June, 1841, he came by team to this county, and first settled in a cabin in what is now Watson Township, where Michael Sprinkle now lives, where he had entered a one quarter section previous to coming. He lived there until 1847, and opened up quite a farm, but the prevailing disease of chills and fever induced him to leave the farm and move to Ewington ; he had been elected County Clerk by the Democrats, and had served as County Assessor before this for two years. He served as County Clerk of Effingham Cciunty for eighteen 3'ears continuously, except an interim of two J'ears, when the office was filled by Thomas Loy, in probably 1849-50. He retired in 1873 to his farm ; he was one of the best known men in the county ; he exerted a large political influence in the county and district. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for man}' j'ears ; he had four sons and two daughters, as follows: Jemima, was wife of W. C. Wright (deceased, see sketch) ; Emma E., Mrs. Edward Upton, of Watson Township ; Thomas Benton, farmer of this county ; William Allen, of Leeds City, D. T.; Erastus N., see sketch ; Elam R., subject.

CAPT. PIDELES B. SCHOOLEY, merchant, Watson, is a son of Palemon and Sarah Schooley, and was born in 1843, in Clay County, 111. He first engaged in millwrighting, a trade he learned under his father. In 1861, he enlisted in the war. Company G, Eleventh Illi- nois, being first In the three months' call, and re-enlisted in November, 1861, for a term of three years in Company D, Fifty-fourth Illinois. Mr. Schooley went out as a private, and was promoted as follows : First Sergeant, Second Lieutenant, First Lieutenant and Captain, a position lie held to the close of the war (or about twelve months). At first the command was stationed on duty to guard a railroad near Columbus, Ky. It was in the siege of Vieksburg, afterward endured several marches in Gen. Steele's command in Arkansas ; was at battle at Clarendon, another near Little Rock, and at the capture of the latter place August 24, 1864. Subject was taken prisoner in a fight at Jones Station, and was taken to Batesville, Ark.; was paroled and sent to the barracks at St. Louis, Mo., where he remained till in December, 1864, when he was exchanged, and was at Fort Smith, Ark., when the great peace conference was concluded with the Indians. Subject was discharged November 1, 1865, and returned home. He was married August 11, 186G, to Miss Pauline Thompson, daughter of Kobert Thompson, and followed millwrighting till 1869 when he engaged in clerking in a store for A. J. Vance, in Watson. In 1871, began to clerk in the store of Barklej' & Abraham in Watson. Jlr. Schooley "s wife died in June, 1875, and he was married to Miss Frank E. Claar, daughter of Jacob and Sarah Claar, December 25, 1875. In 1878, he purchased an interest in the store of Milton Abraham. In Februarv, 1880, sold out in Watson and engaged in merchandising in Elliottstown, January 1, 1832, sold a half-interest of his store in Elliottstown,. to Mr. Aliraham, and bought a half-interest of Abraham's store at Watson, and the two stores were run under the firm name of Al)raham & Schooley till October 1, 1882, when our subject sold out his interest in the store business to Mr. Abraham, and purchased a half-interest in a furniture store, and runs business under the firm name of Schooley Bros. Subject has a family of three children - Elsworth B., Sarah B., Clara E. Subject's father, Palemon Schooley, was born February 17, 1821, near Salem, Ohio; moved with his parents to Maysville, Clay County, 111., and was married in thitt county, May 3, 1840, to Miss Sarah Sitler, daughter of Samuel and Christina Sitler. The father was a millwright ; moved from Clay County, 111., in 1846, to Vermont, Fulton County, 111., where he remained about six years, and after a few removals to secure work at his trade, he settled at Elliottstown, BtHugham County. In 1861, he enlisted in the war in Company D, Fifty-fourth Illinois, in the same company with his son F. B. Schooley, and served till the spring of 1865, when he returned home, and moved to Watson, 111., where he remained till his death, which occurred October 21, 1871, after which his widow, Mrs. Sarah (Sitler) Schooley, lived with her son F. B. Her children consists of two living, one of whom is the subject of this sketch, the other, Sahithiel, who also served a long term in the war. He mar- ' ried, and runs a furniture store in partnership with his brother, under the firm name of Schooley Bros.

E LIS HA W. SCOTT, farmer, son of Dr. John 0. Scott, was born near Freemanton, this count3', October 12, 1838, and was raised on a farm, and educated in public schools of this count}'. He began fanning for himself in 1863, in which year he was married. He enlisted in the army in 1862, in the Seventy-first Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served three months, when his time expired. In 1863, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirtj'-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry for cue hundred days, and served for about five months, on guard duty, under Gen. Rosecrans. He has farmed in this township since 1863. He, that j'ear, married Miss Livona McCann, daughter of James McCann, of Jackson Township, and has four children living, Vista, Ella, Nora and Edward. Our subject has served his township as Assessor.

W. F. SCOTT, farmer and teacher, P. 0. Watson, is a son of Dr. John 0. Scott, and was born in this count}', April 20, 1841. In 1860, he began teaching. Tn 1862, he enlisted in the United States Armj% Company E, Sevent3'-first Illinois Volunteers. His command was forwarded to Columbus, Ky. After some time spent in the service, he was sent to the marine hospital, at Cliicago, on account of disability for service. After his recover^', he was placed in charge of a Government corral, where he bought Government supplies, and was foreman of the men who took charge of horses brought in for service. After about six months of this kind of service, he returned home and resumed teaching. He was married in Jasper County, III, August 28, 1870, to Miss Jlelissa Blackford, daughter of I. M. Blackford. Since then, he has followed the avocation of farming, alternatel}- teaching in winters and farming during the summer. He has gained a first-class reputation as a teacher, and proven a success at farming, and is the owner of a good farm. He is an ardent supporter of the principles of Democracy, has held the office of Justice of the Peace, is School Treasurer, and a member of the Masonic fraternit}'. He has five children - Lawly, Ninta, Emmett R., Ethie E. and Worley.

IRWIN A. SPRINKLE, druggist, Watson, son of John Sprinkle, was born in this county July 17, 1859. He was raised on a farm. In 1876, he engaged in clerking in a dry goods and grocery store in Teutopolis, which he followed about seven months. August 22, ] 879, he was matriculated in the Northern Indiana Normal, which he attended three terms. He returned home and engaged in clerking in Effingham a short time ; then purchased a drug store in Watson, and engaged in his present avocation. In this business, he has met with good success. He carried a first-class assortment of drugs and notions. Politically, Mr. Sprinkle is a stanch Republifcan. Is School

Treasurer of Watson Township. Mr. Sprinkle was married at Mason, 111., February 26, 1881, to Miss Nelia Rankin, daughter of Robert and Mary Rankin. He has one child, Clyde Sprinkle, born JIarch 26, 1882.

EDWARD N. UPTON, traveling salesman, was born in Auburn, N. Y., September 27, 1837, and learned the printer's trade in Columbus, Ohio. He came to St. Louis, Mo., in 1857, and in 1858 came to Ewington, this county, as a journeyman printer, and worked for Col. Filler a year and on the old Fioneer, and then went to Henderson, Ky., where he joined his brother-in-law in putting in gas works there, remaining six months, when he returned to Ewington and again worked in a printing office for six months, and went to St. Louis and worked as compositor till 1801, when he went to Columbus, Ohio, where he helped to raise a company and went out as First Lieutenant, mustered September 10, 1861, which was a part of the Fort3--sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantr}-. He served until close of war, being mustered out in July, 1865, at Louisville, Ky.; served three j'ears nine months. He served in Fifteenth Army Corps of Gens. Sherman and Logan, and fought in thirtj-two battles. He was promoted to rank of Captain, Company G, dated April 6, 1862. He was commissioned August 19, 1864, Major of the Forty-sixth Regiment. He was made Lieutenant Colonel of Regiment December 22,

1865. He was married, March 21, 1864, to Miss Emma E., daughter of Daniel Rinehart, of Effingham County, 111. After leaving the arfny in fall of 1865, he settled on present farm in Watson Township, where he has since resided, and followed forming for about ten years. In 1875, he entered the employ of Haydens & Allen, manufacturers of saddlery baidware, of St. Louis, and has for past seven 3-ears been traveling salesman for Southern Illinois. He has three sons and two daughters living - Hayden

R., Mattie R., Edward N., Daniel N., Mary L. One died in infancy, Cotton Allen. Our subject has served as Town Clerk of Watson, and Collector.

REV. DAVID WILLIA^MSON, deceased, whose portrait appears in this work, was not one of fortune's petted ones, " born with a silver spoon in his mouth," but being one of seven children of a famil3' in moderate circumstances, has known what it is to fight life's battles singlehanded, only inspired by native ambition and a desire for usefulness and position among men. The rudiments of his education were received at the district schools. Was a very attentive student and became a deep thinker. He was born on the " Williamson plantation," near Abingdon, Va., May 6, 1827. His father, George, was born in County Armagii, in the Province of Ulster, Ireland, and emigrated to Virginia when quite young. His mother, Susan M3'ers, was born in Pennsylvania, and died near Gosport, Ind., in 1837. In the early part of his life, he united with the Methodist Episcopal Church. At the age of seventeen, he entered the ministry, which he continued mostly the remainder of his useful life, and the result of his efforts will only be known in that day when the secrets of all hearts shall be revealed. In 1846, he was with the Indiana Conference, and in 1853 he united with the Southern Illinois Conference, where he made known his strength until 1869, when he was superannuated at his own request, on account of physical disability. He soon settled with his family on a larm a short distance east of Watson. Here he gained some strength, and applied himself to teaching. He was a man of scrupulous integrity, generous impulses and boundless hospitality. As a minister, he preached strong doctrinal sermons, but his modesty led him to evade debate as much as possible. However, when pressed, he would accept, and his adversary found in him a strong opponent. He was united in marriage, October 14, 1852, with Mary J. Brown, of Gosport, Ind. She was Iwrn February 5, 1829, near Gosport, Ind. Her parents, F. and Sarah (.^lanser) Bnjwn, were natives of Kentucky. The former was born January 21, 1803, and tiie latter February 10, 1805. Mr. Williamson's marriage gave him six children, viz.: Frank, engaged in railroading in Mississippi; Sarah L. A., deceased; J. D. D., Mary E. E., Frederick T. B. and Rosa. The last four are efficient teachers. J. D. D. was born in McLeansboro, III, Nov.l4, 1858. He began early to improve his mind, and completed a course in the Grayville and Southern Indiana Colleges, and attended other noted educational institutions. He entered the schoolroom as a teacher early in his teens, and his services have become so desirable that he is pressed into actual labor aside from his regular emplo3'ment as a general agent for a school furniture and supply establishment. In the latter avocation, he is as proficient as in the former. He was married at Marshall, Clark Co., 111., March 11, 1881, to Libbie Hillis, a native of Watson, 111., born September, 1859. He resides in Watson, is teaching, and at the close of the term he will devote his entire time in the employment of the firm mentioned above. He is a stanch Democrat, and a member of Watson Lodge, A., F. & A. M. The future is yet before him, and he promises to be a type of the old block. Rev. Williamson died September 30. 1878, from an attack of typhoid fever, which lasted only one week. He had often expressed himself as willing to meet death, and wlicn he breathed his last it was in the full faith of his Savior. He was a kind father, a devoted, loving husband, and commanded the highest esteem of all who knew him. His widow, Mary J., resides with three of the 3-ounger children, on the farm where they located when first coming to this county. He was a life-long Democrat.

JOSEPH P. CONDO, merchant, Moccasin, was born in 1848 in PenuHall, Center Co., Penn., and lived there till he was twenty years of age, and then was married and came to this county, and has been in Effingham County ever since. He was married to. Mary A. Motz. She was born in Center County. She is the daughter of Samuel Motz, who was born in Center County, Penn.: also her mother. Her mother is dead, but her father still lives in the same county. Mr. Condo's parents both were born in Center County, but his father, Jacob Condo, came West, and died here; also his mother. The first four years after coming, Mr. Condo farmed, and in 1872 he went into the mercantile business in Moccasin, and has been in the same business ever since, and is at present the only merchant in the village. Mr. Condo carries a stock of about 87,000, including everything to be found in a general store. Mr. Condo has been contracting for railroad ties to different roads, and for the last five years has handled over 100,000 ties each year, and for the last two years has been having the ties mostly made on his own land, but still buys. Mr. Condo made his start by selling steel plows, in 1870 and 1871, selling over 300 while on the farm in the two years. He has 770 acres of laud, 140 in Shelby County, 370 in Effingham County, and 260 in Fayette. Of this, 300 acres are in cultivation, 300 acres of good timber, and 170 stump land. Besides his land, he has his store building in Moccasin and resident property in Effingham. Mr. Condo has been one of the most successful business men in this part of the county. In 1880, Mr. Condo was one of the three delegates from this county to the Republican State Convention at Springfield, 111. He has three chil-

MOSES DOTY, farmer, P. 0. Moccasin, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, 1816. He is the son of Thomas and Rosa (Sowards) Doty. His father was a native of Kentucky, and his mother of North Carolina. They were married in Kentucky, and moved to Ohio - at an early date - while the Indians were still in the State. Both of his parents died, and are buried in Wayne County, Ohio. Mr. Doty was educated in the early schools of Ohio - a split log for a bench, a log cut out for a window, with paper stretched over it, etc. In spring of 1845, he came to Moccasin Precinct, and settled on Moccasin Creek ; lived here nearly two years, and then went back to Ohio, and lived there till fall of 1852 ; they returned to Effingham County, and this* has been their home ever since, except one season he rented a farm in Fayette County. When first coming here, there was no flour to be had, and their way of getting their meal was to grind it by horse-power ; aud the first meal he got he had to go to Vandalia for it. It was an insult to offer paper money or coppers in pay for anything. Once, while on the road, he bought a loaf of bread, and not having the exact change in silver, he offered to make the change in coppers ; but for his trouble he received a cursing. Their first voting was done in an old barh, and each one had to go up aud tell the name of the one they wished to vote for, as there were no tickets. When first coming here, there were but few permanent settlers ; most were what they called squatters. He bought a number of good yearling steers for $1.50 per head, and kept them till they were two years old, and sold them for

$3 per head- - there was no market for anj'- thing ; good corn could be bought for 8 cents. Schools were an unknown thing when he first came, but the second snramer they got up a little school, and kept it for three months. Old Ewington was their post office, a distance of about twelve miles. He was married, 1835, in Wayne County, to Mary Jane Cavenee. She was born in Harrison County, Ohio, the daughter of William Cavenee, a native of Pennsylvania. Her mother was born in New Jersey. On Mr. Dot3''s father's farm was an old blockhouse, built by the Americans in the war of 1812. Mr. Doty used it as a cider house for a number of years. In his familj- there were twelve children (nine now living); four boys and five girls living. In 1869, he sold out his farm on Moccasin Creek, with the intention of going West, but instead bought his present farm, which is one mile north of the old place. His farm now consists of 121 acres. He is Democratic in politics, and has been one all his life. When first moving here, there were but two Whigs in this precinct - the rest all Democrats - and the Whigs did not turn out to vote. Farming has been his liusiness all his life. The wa}- they made their living at first was to raise a small patch of corn, and then hunt for game ; all kinds of game was quite plentiful then ; deer would be seen in herds of from forty to fifty; turkeys and chickens were also numerous, and man}- wild bogs in the woods.

MARTIN V. DOWTY, farmer, P. 0. Moccasin, was born in Hush County, Ind.. 1841, March 12, to Thomas and Deborah (Wood) Dowty. He was boru in Penns3-lvania, and she in Buffalo. N. Y. They were married in Ohio, and settled in Indiana, 1835. He died in Rush County, and she in Jasper County. Our subject was educated in Rush County, Ind., in common school. He was raised on a farm and has followed that business all his life, except for (\\'o years he was quarrying stone in Decatur^ County, Ind. March, 1870, he came to Effingham County, and bought his present farm of 104 acres, all but six of which is prairie land. He was married in Indiana, 18C3, to Emma Mason, she was born in Decatur County, Ind., to John and Sarah Mason. They have six children - Clara Lizzie, Theodore, Edith, Katie and Arthur. Mr. Dowty entered Company B, Eleventh Indiana Infantry, Col. Hucelman ; for four months he was in the Eleventh, and then eight months in the Sixteenth. He and wife are Methodists in religion. He is Republican in politics; is also a member of the Masonic fraternity.

ANTHONY GRANT, deceased, was bora in Harrison Count}-, Ohio, near Athens, on Stillwater River, February 10, 1825, to Anthon}' Grant and Rebecca (Sloan) Grant. In 1849, he was married in Knox County, Ohio, to Margaret Lybarger; she was born in Knox County, 1826, March 7, to Daniel and Nancy Ann (Gary) Lybarger. In 1851, Mr. and Mrs. Grant moved from Ohio to EfHngham County, and settled on the present form in 1852, and have remained here since. Mr. Grant was raised on a form, and followed that for his occupation till his death, April 26, 1875. When first coming, he entered IGO acres of timber land, and at the time of his death had about 460 acres. They have six children living - JIaranda, Francis Marion, Charles Anderson, Sophronia, Emma and George Ulysses. Mrs. Grant is member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Pleasant Grove. Mr. Grant was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and was Democratic in politics, and held different township offices. Commissioner, etc. In moving from Knox Count}-, Mr. Grant and family came in company with his brother, James Grant, who is now in Mound Township, and Robert Stewart, who settled in Payette County. When they settled here, this was a wild country. There were no settlers on the prairies at all, and but few along the timber near here. Their trading point when first coming was old Free- manton, and their inilling was done in horse mills, but finally the}' got tired of that kind of flour and so went to Shelbyville. The first season here, Mr. Grant farmed with his brother in Fayette County, and would go away from home Monday morning, and stay most of the week without getting to come home ; so Mrs. Grant and her one little girl would stay at home all alone, and frequently not see any one from the time he left till his return. In fall of 1853, he bought out a squatter who was living on the present homestead, giving him $100 for the claim ; he then entered the land. When first moving here, there were a good man}' threats made that they would run them out, but they had come to make a home here, so they held their own ; and after a time the' old settlers here became reconciled to have Ohioans remain. Mr. Grant's life was quite a success, but he was generous almost to a fault, ready to help when he knew there was no chance for a return, when he saw any one in a difficulty, especially the poor or to the widows. Mr. Grant's father was born in New Jersey; came to Pennsylvania at an early date, then to Harrison Count}-, Ohio, about 1825, and iu 182G to Knox County, where he remained actively engaged in farming till the time of his death January, 1866, aged eighty-three years. Subject's mother was born iu New Jersey, and died in Knox County, Ohio, 1869, aged eightysix years.

J. W. HOTZ, Sr., farmer and grain buyer, P. 0. Moccasin, was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, 182.3, June 1; came to Pennsylvania in 1839, and then to Washington County, and there learned his trade of blacksmithing, and followed his trade for thirty-one years iu different places. From Pennsylvania, he came in 18-15 to Wayne County, Ohio, and lived there for fourteen years. While there, he was married, on October 6, 1851, to Miss Lovina Jane Knox. She was born in Pennsylvania January 19, 1835. She died March 11, 1878. They have seven children - Mary Ellen, Florence 11., William H., Theresa A., Albert H., Charles E. and George F. Since coming to Illinois, he has carried on a farm and blacksmith shop. He quit the shop in 1870, but still carries on the farm, and for the last six years has been buying grain in Moccasin for Jennings & Minor, of Effingham. His farm consists of 200 acres, 160 on the prairie and 40 in timber, and besides has town property. He has always been Democratic in politics. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for forty-four years, and has filled the place of Steward and leader ever since joining the church. The first year he came to this county, he helped to build the Methodist Episcopal Church, and helped wear it out, so they built another church on the same site in 1881. Mr. Holtz is a strict temperance man, and for the future temperance will enter in his politics.

JOHN HURDELBRINK, farmer, P. O. Moccasin, was born in St. Clair County, 111., September 13, 1849, to Diedrich and Mary A. (Bossa) Hurdelbrink, both born in Hanover, Germany; came to America in 1842; settled in Buffiilo, N. Y., afterward moved to St. Clair County, 111., and he died there of the cholera, aged about fifty-four. By trade he was a blacksmith. She is now Mrs. Henry Niehofif. Our subject was educated in St. Clair County in an English school. He has alwa3-s followed farming. In 1865, he came to thiscount}- with his mother and step-father, and has been here ever since. He was married in this county in 1877 to Hannah Huelskoetter. She was born in St. Louis in 1855 to Henry and Mary A. (Piel) Huelskoetter, both now living in this county. They were both born iu Prussia. He and wife are both members of the German Lutheran Church. He is Republican in politics. His farm consists of 80 acres, all prairie.