Ford County, Illinois - The whole text, 1884 (part 5 of 7)

The banking business is conducted by the Ford County and First National Banks. The Ford County Bank is the first and ionecr bank of tho county, and was opened for business in a ouse owned by A. McElroy on Market street, on the 1st day of January, 1866, by S. J. Toy, who came from Champaign County. In the spring of 1867, he moved into Pell's block. On the 1st day of August, 1868. A. C. Thompson, but recently from Pennsylvania, joined Mr. Toy in the banking business, putting in an equal amount of capital. In the spring of 1869, they broke ground for their new bank building, and in the autumn of that year moved into their new quarters, where they continued business together for about three years under the firm name of Toy k Thompson. November 1, 1871, S. J. Toy, A. C. Thompson, Robert Blackstock, Edwin Rice, and 0. E. Hen¬ derson organized the First National Bank of Paxton, III., with a capital of $50,000. A. C. Thompson was made President, and S. J. Toy, Cashier. Mr. Toy held that position until the spring of 1874, when he sold out his interest to J. M. Clevenger, and Robert Blackstock was made cashier. The bank continued business until the 10th of February, 187 », when they closed out by voluntary liquidation. After which, A. C. Thompson, Robert Blackstock and W. M. Blackstock organized the present Ford County Bank of Thompson, Blackstock k Co., successors to the First National Bank, which continued under their management until the loth of April, 1883, at which time W. M. Blackstock withdrow from the firm, and on tho 3d of May following Edwin Rice, a .prominent and well-known business man of Puxton took a third interest in the bank, which is now running under the same firm name. These gentleman are well known fur their obliging manners and financial responsibility. The First National Bank was organized in 1883, with S. r. Bushnell, President; J. S. Wilson, Vice President, and J. B. Shaw, Cashier, and A. S. Bushnell, Assistant Cashier. They commenced business, May 7, 1883, with a capital stock of $50,000, and have already estab¬ lished a good reputation. In the fall of 1883, Mr. Wilson with¬ drew from the bank, and John P. Day was elected in his place as Vice President. This bank is a successor of George Wright, who kept a private bank here for many years. This bank is doing a successful business, and enjoys the entire confidence of the people.

There are three dry goods stores, that of Harper k Son (James^and William Harper) being the largest and carrying os fine a line of goods as is found in any city of this size. They enjoy a large trade and may be classed among the prominent and successful business men of Paxton. A. J. Laurence is a gentle¬ man of enterprise, and from the very first of his engaging in the dry goods business here, he has prospered. Ilis line of goods is fully up to the demands of .this locality. Rawlings k Mercer, successors to F. Telander k Co., are young men of ability and push, and justly entitled to their share of the patronage of the people.

There are two clothing houses, P. Larson k Co., carrying an extensive line of ready made clothing and gents' furnishing goods. In connection with this is a tailoring establishment, and suits made by " Larson k Co." have a wide reputation for excel¬ lence, auality and durability. John Nelson is an old and wellestablished dealer in the clothing line, and has an extensive trade.

The leading hardware merchants are R. Cruzcn, in Clark's block, who handles all goods usually kept by every well-regulat¬ ed hardware store. In stoves and ranges, lie has the latest im¬ proved styles, and constantly keeps a largo stock of shelf hard¬ ware. J. M. Hanley k Co., are active men engaged in business here, besides carrying a large stock of hardware, tinware and mechan¬ ics' tools; they are agents for the celebrated McCormick machines.

In the drug business we find four stores. - P. Hanson k Co., on the corner of Market and Pells streets, are doing a successful and satisfactory business, carrying a large stock of drugs and drug¬ gist sundries. The firm is composed of P. Ilanson and Oicar A. Swanson. Right opposite is S. D. Cooper's drug store. Be¬ sides a large stock of pure drugs, he has u large assortment of books, stationery, etc. The firm of MoTaggart k Co., also do a large business and command their share of patronage.

The grocery trade is well represented here. The largest grocery house in the city is that of William M. Wilson, on the corner of Market and Polls streets. His largo store is complete¬ ly stocked with first-class goods in the grocery line; lias also a large assortment of crockery and glassware. In connection with this, he has a fine line of boots and shoes. Mr. Wilson commands the confidence and support of an appreciative public. On the opposite side of the street and little farther south is the store of N. Younggreen, who is prepared at all times to supply customers, with any article usually kept in a well regulated grocery house, and at the lowest prices consistent with a safe business. George Schlosser deals in groceries and choice family provisions. His store is situated at the lower end of Market street, and by court¬ eous attention and an accommodating spirit,he receives an extensive patronage. On the east side of the railroad is found the grocery store of A. Anderson, which is replete with fresh groceries and provisions. He has a large trade.

I* H. Rodeen, on Market street, has a large general store, and does a flourishing business. He is a joung man of energy, and takes pride in the success of his business.

Cook & White and Charles H. Langford have complete sets of abstract books. Both firms are reliable, and can furnish ab¬ stracts of title to all lands in Ford County.

Other well-known business men of this place are White Brothers, general dealero in lumber, coal, lime, stone and paints. The firm consists of W. White, Circuit Clerk, and John White, Alderman from First Ward. George Grove, one of the most en¬ ergetic and enteiprising young business men. of Paxton, is gen¬ eral manager of P. Whitmer's lumber yard. They keep a large assortment of all kinds of building material, doors, sash, blinds, stone, coal, etc., and do a flourishing business. Henry Pearsons is a contractor and builder, and has a thorough knowledge of his business, and has earned a reputation as a speedy workman.

Charles C. Putt k Co., importers and breeders of Clydes¬ dale horses have on hand fourteen head of these celebrated stallions, purchased from the best breeders in Scotland. Fred¬ erick T. Putt, a member of this firm, i» one of the old settlers of this county, and at one time carried on an extensive farm a few miles southwest of Paxton. They also have a livery stable, and can supply teams and stylish turnouts at any time. They are a reliable and trustworthy firm.

A. S. Hopkins k Co.'s large agricultural warehouse on the corner of State and Market streets is filled with a large assort¬ ment of agricultural implements, wagons, buggies, paints, oils, steam engines, thrashers, etc. They handle only first-class goods, ana do a successful business.

Gust Sandburg, manufactures carriages, wagons, and does general blacksmithing, is a representative of the sturdy Swede element of this plaoe, and is well known for his mechanical abilities. Papineau's carriage and wagon factory represents an important manufacturing industry of Paxton.

B. F. Hill is the proprietor of the Paxton Flouring Mill, and also deals in coal and grain. He manufactures a fine brand of flour, and does a good business.

Edwin Rice is a grain dealer, owning the large elevator which stands at the junction of the railroads. He is also associated with the Ford County Bank.

The railroads centering here are the Dlinois .Central and Lake Erie k Western, and they have a union depot which is presided over by R. S. Hall and G. E. Abbott. Robert S. Hall, the Central agent, is a gentleman of winning manners and social dis¬ position, and one who has made many friends by strict attention to all business affaire, and the most polite service to the traveling public. ' He has been agent for many years.

George E. Abbott, tne Lake Ene k Western agent, has for several years faithfully and acceptably performed the arduous duties of this responsible position, and earned the well-deserved record of being one of the most popular agents on the line of the road.

Probably the most extensive hay pressere in the county are Crusen Bros. (George and Joseph). Their barns are located, in Paxton. They annually press and ship to the South and East about 8,000 tons of the beet tame hay.

Thk Paxton Building, Loan And 8Aving8 Association

The Paxton Building, Loan and Savings Association was or¬ ganised January 29, 1883, with a capital stock of 9600,000, divided into shares of $100 each. The object of the association is to afford its members a safe and profitable investment for their weekly savings ; to facilitate their acquiring homesteads and to secure to them the advantages usually expected from savings and co-operative institutions. The duration of the corporation is twenty-five years. The corporate powers are exercised by a Board of Directors. Its officers consist of President, Vice Presi¬ dent, Secretary and Treasurer. Each stockholder for each and every share of stock held by him, pays to the Secretary every Saturday, the weekly contribution of 12| cents on each snare he holds, until each share reaches a value of $100, when such stockholder is entitled to $100 for each share owned by him. No member is entitled to more than fifty shares. Any member can withdraw at any time by giving due notice and be entitled to re¬ ceive the amount paid in by him, and such interest thereon or proportion of profits thereon as the Board of Directors shall pre¬ scribe, and not less than an amount equal to four per cent inter¬ est on the amount of dues paid in for the average time. The Directors of this association are Weaver White, Henry C. Hall, France L. Cook, Charles Bogardus, George Grove, Robert S. Hall, Charles M. Taylor, Henry Pearson, John M. Hanley. Officers \ C. Bogardus, President; C. M. Taylor, Vice President; O. B. Talley, Secretary; R. Blackstock, Treasurer ; F. L. Cook, Attorney.

The Paxton Brick k Tile Company was organized and in¬ corporated April 1, 1882, with the following stockholders: Col. Charles Bogardus, A. M. Daggett, F. L. Cook, J. P. Middlecoff, of Paxton, and P. Whitmer, of Bloomington. J. P. Middlecoff is President; F. L. Cook, Secretary, and George Grove, Treasurer. These works are in a flourishing condition, doing a very extensive business. In the past two years, they have kept their machines running twenty-two hours out of the twenty-four during working months. They employ about thirty-two men, with a pay-roll of $300 a week. The factory is located on College Hill, within the corporate limits of Paxton, and on the highest point of land be¬ tween Chicago and Cairo. They have a deposit of fine clay reaching to a depth of sixteen feet below the surface. The qual¬ ity of this clay is not excelled for the purpose of the manufacture of brick. ,

The Paxton Flax Mill is owned and operated by the Cham¬ paign Twine and Bagging Factory of Champaign, Ill., which is an incorporated company with a capital stock of $100,000. The Directors are L. C. Garwood, Moses Jerome, I. S. Mahan, F. T. Walker, B. D. Harrison, P. W. Plank, H. C. Howard. H. C. Howard is President; John R. Trevett, Treasurer ; P. W. Plank, Secretary, and M. Jerome, General Manager and the founder of the business. The Paxton Mill is under the management of A. W. Jerome, and employs about fifteen bands the year round, with a pay-roll averaging $450 a month. They manufacture binder twine which finds a ready sale in this and adjoining States, and bagging, which is principally sold in the South, usea for covering cotton bales. Congress has been favorable to the importation of jute butts which seriously affects the business, and is detrimental to the interest of flax growers. This company has five different flax mills under operation - one at Rantoul, one at Hoopeston, one at Buckley, one at Cherokee, Iowa, and this one in Paxton. The amount of flax straw worked up varies from five to twelve hun¬ dred tons annually, which is bought from the farmers.

Collbgiatb And Normal In8Titutb

The Collegiate Institute is Paxton's special pride. It owes its origin, gradual growth and high standing to the liberality and intelligence of the citizens of. Paxton and vicinity. The first move made toward its establishment was to discard the public high school, and hold out inducements for the establishment of an academy.

In the autumn of 1878, Rev. C. Thompson Kellogg opened a school in the buildings formally used by the Augustina College. At the beginning of the next year, the school was started by Charles M. Taylor, - the present Principal, and continued that year in the same buildings. Daring the summer of 1880, the corner-stone of the magnificent brick structure now occupied by the school was laid. This was due to the enterprise of the Principal and liberality of the community who contributed sev¬ eral hundred dollars toward taking out scholarships aiid tuition certificates to the amount of some $4,000. With this aid, improvements were made, and now the college is one of the finest buildings in Eastern Illinois. The school has incorpo¬ rated in its foundation, principles of economy and thoroughness, and has systematically worked toward the accomplishment of both. There is not perhaps a school in the country where ex¬ penses are as low, and the standard of scholarship is rivaled at very few places. The moral atmosphere is exceptionally good. No person is allowed to remain in the institution who does not devote himself to school work. While the discipline is in a sense most rigid, it is purely democratic. The Principal is not re¬ garded as a tyrant nor the Faculty a set of despots; neither do the pupils take delight in tormenting, or in getting ahead of their teachers. Pupils are received as ladies and gentlemen and when they show themselves not so, they are dismissed. Parents con¬ cerned in the harmonious development of their children's physical, mental and moral condition cannot find a better plaoe.

Municipal Afp Airs

In connection with this sketch of Paxton, we add some items of interest taken from data furnished by George A. Hall, City Clerk, in regard to the municipal affaire. It would give us pleasure to present a complete list of city records, but as that would be too voluminous we are obliged to confine ourselves to a very brief abstract.

The census of Ford County for the year 1860 reveals the fact that Paxton at that time had only 275 inhabitants. As yet the little village had no corporate existence, but in the spring of 1861, as the records show, " the citizens of Paxton convened, pursuant to notioe, in Patton's Hall, for the purpose of electing five Trustees for said town." At this election, which was held April 15, 1861, John P. Day, James G. Cloyes, L. H. Tabor, L. B. Farrar and Henry Barnhouse were elected Trustees of the village.

At the first meeting of this board, John P. Day was elected President; R. S. Buckland, Clerk; and Frederick Cloyes, Treas¬ urer. At a meeting held May 1, Samuel L. Blain was appointed

May 8 was enacted the first ordinance ever adopted by the board, and it was in relation to " Nuisances." This was followed at the same meeting by one on " Misdemeanors."

November 21, a resolution was passed authorizing the Tax Collector " to take all money that is at par." This was before the days of greenbacks and National bank bills, and the various kinds of paper money then in circulation were not all worth their face.

April 24, 1868, the first license for a liquor saloon was granted, under regulations and restrictions already prescribed by ordinance, the license fee being fixed at $100 per year, payable in advanoe.

April 12, 1865, the sum of $125 was voted to Francis Price, a civil engineer of Vermilion County, " to aid him in publishing a map of the town of Paxton," he to furnish the boaid, twentyfive sheet maps and two mounted maps.

August 4, 1866, the first prohibitory liquor ordinance was passed. At this time there were saloons in the town operating under licenses previously obtained, and the board ordered that these be permitted to run until the expiration of the time for which their licenses were granted. From the time when this action was taken until the succeeding election, the saloon question at¬ tracted much attention and discussion, and became so prominent as an issue that the voters, at the next election were given an op¬ portunity to decide, by ballot, for or against granting saloon li¬ censes.

At the first city election, held September 5,1872, John Bodley was elected Mayor ; James S. Wilson, Clerk ; L. B. Farrar, Attorney; W. Hoag, Treasurer; and William Harper, George Wright, Samuel L. Day, N. Dahlgroon, G. J. Shepardson and B. F. Mason, Aldermen.

At a meeting held December lo was laid the foundation for the expenditure of several thousand dollars, that unfortunately proved a worthless investment. Mayor Bodley informed the Council that he was in receipt of a letter from a party in Chicago proposing to bore an artesian well in the city of Paxton if tne people so desired. This announcement brought out an enthusi¬ astic discussion, that was indulged in by spectators as well as Al¬ dermen. The minutes of this meeting record the fact that " Mr. Dunlap, of Champaign, was present, and made some interesting remarks." The gentleman referred to was Hon. M. L. Dunlap, father of our present County Clerk. His remarks were adverse to the project, advising the board that it was a hazardous vent¬ ure, basing his opinion upon the fact that Paxton was located on ground so high that flowing artesian water oould not be ob¬ tained, and cited numerous instances of failure in neighboring counties where the ground was much lower. At the meeting January 6, 1873, a petition was read praying the .Council to ap¬ propriate $8,500 " for the purpose of boring or sinking an arte¬ sian well." This petition was signed by 210 legal voters, which was a large majority of the voting population, there being at that time less than 300 voters in the city. The prayer of this petition was granted, and an ordinance passed providing for the issue of bonds for that amount and for that purpose.

January 20, 1873, the artesian well question again came up, the finance oommittee reporting several proposals for sinking such a well, the highest bid being $8,000 in cash, and the lowest $7,000 in cash, or $7,400 in bonds, at 95 cents on the dollar, all being for boring to the depth of 1,600 feet. The bid of $7,400 in bonds at 95 cents was acoepted, and a contract ordered to be drawn up ready for signatures at the next meeting.

February 4 was passed an ordinance providing for the issue of bonds known as funded debt bonds, to the amount of $1,500. These bonds were in sums of $500 each, bearing interest at ten per cent from March 1, 1873, two of them ($1,000) maturing March 1, 1874, and the remainder ($500) fhlling due March 1, 1875. These bonds were sold by the finanoe oommittee at a discount of five per cent., and the proceeds ap¬ plied to the redemption of the greater portion of the outstanding city orders. Of the bonds thus issued the first two ($1,000) were paid June 1,1874, ninety days after maturity, and the remaining bond for $500 was paid April 12, 1875, forty-two days after maturity.

October 20, a petition, signed by 200 legal votere, was sub¬ mitted, praying the Council to appropriate an additional sum of $7,000 in bonds for the purpose of continuing the work on the artesian well beyond the depth of 1,600 feet. This was granted by a unanimous vote, and an ordinance was passed embodying the action prayed for in the petition, and on the 19th of November the contract was let to Spangler, Mare k Co., and ratified Janu¬ ary 5, the contractors to accept city bonds at 95 cents on the dollar.

June 21, $2,500 of bonds were issued to continue the work on the well. When the previous appropriation of $7,000 was made, it was estimated that this amount would carry the well to a depth of 2,500 feet, but now it was found to have been insufficient

July 6, the board adopted a resolution suspending the work on the well " until such time as the boring may be resumed,** and a settlement was then made with the contractors. The well was down to the depth of 2,473£ feet. In just two days after the passage of this resolution, a petition signed by 160 legal voters was submitted to the council praying that work on the well be re¬ sumed on conditions therein named, one of which was that a part of the expense be paid by private subscriptions. This proposi¬ tion was laid over until an adjourned meeting held the next night, when it was voted to sink the well 200 feet deeper, for which the remaining $1,000 of bonds not yet expended was pledged (being a part of the previous $2,500 appropriated), provided the citizens should raise whatever balance was necessary to satisfy the con¬ tractors. This was done, and the additional 200 feet Completed, making a total depth of 2,673.] feet, and still no flowing water obtained. The project was then abandoned and has never been resumed.

At the annual election held April 17, 1883, George J. Shepardson was elected Mayor; George A. Ilall, Clerk; J. R. Pat¬ rick, Attorney; Charles H. Langford, Treasurer; John M. Hall, Police Magistrate; John White, Alderman for the First Ward; A. S. Hopkins for the Second, and George Grove for the Third. At a meeting of the Council, April 24, an ordinance was passed consolidating the offices of City Marshal and Street Superintend¬ ent, und on the 30th of this month George N. Miller was ap¬ pointed under this ordinance to fulfill the duties of both offices. At the same meeting, an ordinance was passed providing for the appointment of a City Physician to advise and consult with the Hoard of Health, and on May 8 Dr. Elmer L. Kelso was ap¬ pointed to that office.

The work on the artesian well was begun in March, 1878. The first 1,000 feet was completed in November, 1874, and the final depth of 2,073] feet was reached in August, 1875, nearly two years and a half from the time of commencement. The work however, was not actively progressing during all this time, as there wero numerous intervals of rest resulting from various causes. In payment of this work, city bonds to the amount of $18,000 were issued, in sums of $500 each, all bearing 10 per cent interest. On these bonds the city has already paid $14,- 000.14 of interest, and there remains to bo paid, in yoarly in¬ stallments, up to 1890 inclusive, interest to the amount of $9,- 100, making the sum of $23,220.14 of interest from 1873 to 1890. To this amount odd $18,000 of principal, and $945.22 of sundry incidental expenses, and the result is a grand total of $42 ,171.30, representing what the experiment will have cost when the last item of the debt is paid thirteen years hence. At the date of the final abandonment of the well, there were out¬ standing bonds to the full amouut of the appropriations, $18,000, of which $8,500 wero known as March bonds, and the remain¬ ing $9,500 as July bonds, indicating the months in which the principal and interest fell due. The principal of the March bonds began to mature March 1, 1879, and a portion of them each year thereafter up to 1883. In July, 1878, as already stated, the Council provided for refunding the March bonds into July bonds, at a lower rate of interest ana to run longer. The whole amount, however, was not refunded at that time, but only the amount falling due March 1, 1879, which was $1,500. The $1,500 due March 1, 1880, and the $1,500 due March 1, 1881, were not refunded, but were paid by general taxation. The re¬ maining March bonds, $4,000, were afterward refunded as they became due. The first three bonds, $1,500, were exchanged for bonds drawing 8 per cent interest, and the remaining $4,000 for 0 per cent bonds. The first of the refunding bonds begin to fall due July 1, 1893, which is one year beyond the date when the lost of the original July bonds fall due. All the March bonds having been refunded, all the obligations now outstand¬ ing are July bonds, the first of which matures July 1, 1884, at which timo $1,000 of them will be due and payable, and a tax has been levied to meet it. After that date, bonds to the amount -of $1,000 mature each year until 1892, when $1,500 become due, being the lost of the 10 per cent bonds. In July, 1893, the 8 per cent bonds will begin to mature in similar amounts, and lastly the 6 per cent bonds, a portion paya¬ ble each year, until the last one matures, July 1, 189G. Of the March bonds, a portion ($3,000) has been paid as already noted, which leaves $15,000 now outstanding, of which amount the original July bonds ($9,500) bear 10 per cent interest, while of the refunding bonds ($1,500 )are at 8 per cent and $4,000 at 6 per cent, and hence the interest to be paid this year (1884) will be $1,310, but the annual interest thereafter, for several years, will decrease $100 each succeeding year; if the bonds be paid, $1,000 yearly, as they become due, from 1884 to 1896.

The following is a list of the several townships composing the county of Ford, with the date of their organization, as a part of Ford County.

When the county was organised in June, 1859, it was di¬ vided into three townships - Patton, Stockton and Drummer Grove - and out of theso three have been created the following,vis.:

When this connty was a part of Vermilion, it was called Prairie City Township, which was organized from Middlefork Township February 10, 1850. This name was changed to Pat- ton September 15, 1857, on account of there being another Prairie City Township in the State. In 1858, Drummer Grove Township was organized, or set off from Patton, and included all of the territory in this county lying west of Range 9 east, and in March, 1859, all of tho Pan Handle was organized from Pat¬ ton and called Stockton Township. Patton Township derived its name from Judge David Ii. Patton, its first Supervisor and th«* c County Judge of Ford County.

In 1863, Button was set off from Patton, and in 1867 Wall was organized out of Patton Township. This is the largest township in the county, being six miles north and south, and ten miles east and west.

The Middle Fork of the South Vermilion River enters the township in the northwest corner, and flows diagonally across it, passing out into Button near the southeast corner of the township. Along the line of this stream in this township is found about all of the timber there is in tho county. At Ten Mile Grove the earliest settlers first located.

Two railroads cross this township - the Lake Erie & Western running east and west, and the Illinois Central north and south. The southwest part of the township is settled principally by Swedes. They nave a Lutheran Church on the east side of Sec¬ tion 30, which was constructed in 1872 by C. M. Johnson. The church property is valued at $3,500. This part of the township is familiarly known os Farmeraville.

It is extremely difficult at this time to ascertain with any de¬ gree of certuinty who the first settler was or when he came, but among the earliest were John Cooder, who entered tho farm now owned by William J. Trickel; Joseph Coontz, who entered the farm now owned by Frank Meharry; David II. Patton, who set¬ tled on Section 14, in 1849; a Mr. Dunbar, who built tho house now owned by B. Q. Cherry, about 1850; Daniel C. Stoner, who entered the old homestead for his son, J. F. Stoner, in 1850; Daniel C. Stoner became a resident in 1851, and was the first Treasurer of Ford County. John Kitchen, William Hackworth, E. Hagin, David Crandall, John Cook, - Edwards, son Henry C., R. R. Murdock, the Day family, William Blanch¬ ard, William and Stacy Daniels, the Stites family, J. P. Middlecoff and Dr. Carpenter. These families came before 1857. During 1858-59, Henry Barnhouse, William Perdue, Dr. L. B. Farrar, William Grayson, Frank Meharry, Edward L. Gill, William Goodrich, the Hanley family, Robert Blackstock, A. McElroy and a Mr. Tabor moved into the township. Remem¬ brance Clark moved into Patton in 1860. lie came from Maine. John B. Shaw and J. C. Dunham came in 1861. George Fuoss came out here from Ohio, and entered the school section.

There arc many Swede settlors in Patton who came here about 1863 and later, and among the earliest may he mentioned C. M. Johnson, Peter Larson, Peter Hanson, John Nelson, C. F. Carlson, A. M. Hanson, E. Collins. N. P. Nelson, William Holmes, Ola Nelson, John Scogg, Gus Larsen. C. A. Ostram, Peter Peterson Andrew Nelson, J. P. Youngdahl, Swan Olson, Nels Olson, J. W. Swanson John Telandcr, C. W. Lindstrora, C. and J. P. Swanson, and Peter Lundburg.

It is probable that William Trickel kept the first store in this township, if not in tho county. The store was located on Section 18. A blacksmith shop was started at Ten Mile Grove by C. J. Buchner, who afterward moved to Paxton and built a shop near the railroad.

The first school in this township was in a log house at Ten Mile Grove, and Judge Patton was the first teacher. A Miss Lewis came from La Fayette and taught the school after the Judge finished teaching.

J. D. Hall was born in Ross County, Ohio, April 10, 1821. James Hall (deceased), father of J. D. Hall, was a native of Maryland, and died in Vinton County, Ohio, 1855. Mr. Hall emigrated from Ohio to Fountain County, Ind., June, 1839, and to Warren County, Ind., in 1843. He was married to Eliza Wieman in Fountain County, Ind., in 1841. She was a native of Virginia. In February, 1852, Mr. Hall emigrated to Ford County, then Vermilion County, whore he began to make im¬ provements on Section 33, his present homo, and where he has since resided. Mr. and Mrs. Hall have been blessed with four children, three of whom are now living. Mr. Hall built the first frame house north of the river, in what is now Ford County. The post office, when he first settled in this county, was eighteen miles from his farm, at Higginsville. Mr. Hall began the grain business with his son, Henry C. Hall, of Paxton, in 1865, but has now retired from active life. He has 285 acres of excellent land in Patton, which he entered thirty years ago. He was the second Sheriff of Ford County.

David Patton was born in Clark County, Ky., in 1806. His father was a farmer. When quite young, he went- to Montgomery County, Ohio, then to Preble County, Ohio. He was ambitious to become a lawyer, and entered the law office of Oliver H. Smith, in Conncrsville, Ind. One of his fellow-stu¬ dents was Caleb B. Smith, who afterward was Secretary of the Interior. From Connersville, Mr. Patton went to La Fayette, Ind., and began the practice of law, where he remained about twenty years, and then moved to this township in 1849. Ho first located at Ten Mile Grove. He lived there until 1865 when he came to Paxton. This township was named after Judge Patton. He was the first teacher in this township and the first County Judge of the county. He held the office for fifteen years. He is now seventy-eight years old, and resides in Paxton, respected by all who know him.

Thb Dat Family

The Day family settled on Section 13. They comprised Sam¬ uel Day, the father, Peggy, the mother, and children - John P., Samuel, N. B. Day, anaCordelia, wife of James Hock. Samuel Day was a native of Kentucky. He died in 1858. lie married Peggy Purviance in 1821. She was also a native of Kentucky, and is still living with her daughter, Mrs. James Hock, at the ripe age of eighty-six years. They had nine children, only four now living. They came from Preble County, Ohio, to this State. Samuel came here in 1854. He has been twice married; first to Susanah Swisher, who died in 1858. lie married Miss Jennie Lyons for his second wife in 1861. Samuel Day was the first Circuit Clerk and Recorder of Ford County, John P. Day was bom in 1824. lie settled in Patton in 1857. In 1815, he mar¬ ried Malinda Swisher, a native of Southern Indiana. lie served as County Treasurer several terms. John P. and Samuel Day are in company, engaged in the real estate and loan business in Paxton. N. B. Day was born in Preble County, Ohio, and settled in Patton in 1854. The Day family first lived on the farm now owned by B. Q. Cherry. N. B. Day married Barbara, daughter of Daniel C. Stoner, an old pioneer of this county. Mr. Day is now living in Paxton, and is the present Supervisor of the township.

Cordelia is the wife of Mr. James Hock, a resident of Pax¬ ton, and one of the oldest settlers of the town diip. They were married in 1858. Mr. Hock is a farmer and stock-raiscr, and came to what is now Ford County from Fountain County, Ind., in 1852.

The Day brothers are all men of much more than ordinary ability, as their success in life ami the number of positions of re¬ sponsibility and trust which they have all been called to fill, hear ample testimony. They have all succeeded well, ami have pleas¬ ant homes in Paxton, whoro they are known as among tho sub¬ stantial and reliable men of Ford County.

The Hanley Family

John Hanley was bom in Virginia in 1808. He was brought up a farmer. In 1829, he moved to Greene County, Ohio, where ho lived until 1855, principally engaged in stock-raising. He then camo to Patton Township and established a lumber yard and grain office on the west side of the Illinois Central Railroad. In 1862, he bought a farm at 'Pen Mile Grove, now owned by his son, John M. Hanley, where he lived until 1883, when ho cainc to town, and is now living with his son, John M. Ilnnley. lie was married to Margaret Alexander, a native of Virginia, in 1828. They have had four children - Alexander H. Hanley, now living in Chicago; William A., who died in 1868 in Xenia, Ohio; Ella M., wife of Alexander McElroy, of Paxton, and John M., a leading hardware merchant in this city. The mother, Marga¬ ret, died at Ten Mile Grove in 1876. John M. Hanley was educated in Delaware College, Ohio, and was Principal of the Public Schools in Paxton for six years.

Benjamin Stites was born in Pennsylvania in 1805. In 1832, he settled in Cincinnati and followed nis trade of a mason, be¬ sides running a stone quarry. lie remained in Cincinnati until 1837, when he moved to Vermilion County, Ill., and settled on a farm near Danville, until 1856. when he came to Paxton and set¬ tled on the homestead, where the family still reside. Benjamin Stites has been twice married. His first wife, a native of Butler County, Ohio, died in 1828. They had two children. James N. is living in New Orleans, La. For liis second wife he mar¬ ried Susan E. Stnart, of Hamilton, Butler Co., Ohio. This union was blessed by eight children, seven still living - Benjamin F., living in Hoopeston; Hannah S., wife of Elihu Swisher, of Danville, III.; Phebe A., wife of Robert Bonner, living in In¬ diana; Margaret E., wife of Jonathan Covalt, living in Oswego, Kan.; William H. and Samuel S., living in Paxton.

Stacy Danieb was bom in Hamilton County, Ohio, in 1825. His father, Stacy Danieb, was a native of Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio in 1821. He died in 1825. He married Lattia Carnahan, a native of Pennsylvania. She died in Cincinnati in 1877, at the age of eighty-one years. They had a family of four boys and two girb that lived to grow up; three others died in infancy. The subject of our sketch left Ohio in October, 1856, and settled in Prospect City in the spring of 1857. He built his house on the site now occupied by G. J. Shepunlson's house, on College Hill. He was a mason by trade, and helped build most of tho buildings in Paxton. In 1859, ho went to California; came back in 1862, and enlisted in the Eighty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was in the service until 1865. In 1866, he built his present residence. Mr. Danieb has been thrice married - first to Margaret Rush, in 1849. She was a native of Germany, and died in 1859. His second wife was Mary Williams, of Cincinnati, whom he married in July, 1865, and who died in 1867. His present wife was Miss Rebecca Kempton, a native of Hartford, Conn. They were married in June, 1868. Mr. Daniels has two children living - Emma,wife of Ed Field, of Elliott; and Albert, a young man living at home. Mr. Daniels is one of the oldest living settlers of Paxton.

John M. Hall was horn in Washington County, N. Y., Octo¬ ber, 1810. He was brought up on a farm. In 1832, he came to Fountain County, Ind. He held various offices of trust, being at one time County Recorder. In 1860, he went to Kirksville, Mo., and engaged in the mercantile business for two years, when he came to Paxton in 1862, where he has since lived. In 1838, he married Miss Nancy Nichols, a native of Ohio. They have had three children, only one now living, viz., George A. Hall, who is Clerk of the City Council and a reporter for the Paxton

Record. Mr. Hall was Supervisor of Patton Township for sev¬ eral yean, and has held the office of Police Magistrate for many years, being the present incumbent to that office. He is well liked, and enjoys the entire confidence of the people.

John P. Middlecoffwas born in Wayne County, Ind., in 1838. His father, Daniel Middlecoff, was a native of Washington County, Md., born in 1800. He came to this township in 1861, and died in 1866. John P. came to Illinois in 1857, and settled in Lud¬ low, Champaign County, and engaged in the general'mercantile business. He moved from there to his farm in 1862, where he remained until 1867, when he came to Paxton and engaged in the hardware business. He continued in this for several years. He was elected Supervisor of Patton Township several times, being chairman of the board. In 1872, he was elected a member of the Twenty-eighth General Assembly. He is now engaged in the manufacture of brick and tile, being President and General Man¬ ager ot the Paxton Brick and Tile Works. In 1863, he was married to Miss Mary Fox, of Cincinnati, Ohio. - They have had three children, one living. His mother is living with him in this city.

A. Croft is from Clinton County, Ohio, and settled here in 1877, owns a fine tract of 400 acres lying adjacent to the city on the west. The buildings and improvements on this farm are of the best.

W. W. Blanchard owns a well-improved farm in Section 29, Range 10, about two and a half miles south of the city. Mr. Blanchard is a native of Windham County, Vt., and settled in this township in 1856. lie is at present living in town.

A. L. Clark is an extensive land owner, owning at the pres¬ ent time about 900 acres of excellent land, most of it lying in the southwest part of Button Township. Mr. Clark is a native of New Hampshire, settling in this county in 1864. He makes his home in Paxton.

C. M. Johnson, farmer, contractor and builder, is a native of Sweden. He came to the United States in 1846, and settled in the county in 1863. He lives on a good, rich farm, on Section 32.

F. Meharry came to Patton Township from Montgomery County, Ind., in 1859. He bought a tract of land in Section 10, where he has erected buildings and improvements equal to any in the county.

William Grayson is a native of Engtand. He settled in this township in 1858. He has 160 acres of land one mile south of Paxton. lie is the present Assessor of the township.

W. II. II. Ijams is a native of Ohio. He settled in this town¬ ship in 1870, on Section 10, where he has a well-improved farm of 160 acres, and a pleasant home.

Robert Strong, a farmer, living on Section 21 ; is a native of Monroe County, Ind. lie settled in Patton in 1865. ' He lias a good farm of 160 acres.

Petor Anderson is a native of Sweden. He came to this township in 1864, settling on Section 31. He is one of the active farmers of the township.

Charles Leeper, farmer, is a native of Bedford County, Tenn., where he was born 1816. He came to this county in 1869. His son, G. W Leeper, owns a large farm in Wall Township, but re¬ sides in Paxton.

Albert Keith is a native of Madison County, N. Y. He set¬ tled in this county in 1866. He was at onetime Mayor of Pax¬ ton, and now resides in a beautiful home in the city. He has a large farm in Dix Township.

Another large and extensive farmer of Patton is William Perdue, a native of Chester County, Penn. He came here in 1859. He owns about 700 acres of rich farming lands in Patton Township. He resides in Paxton.

C. E. Henderson, who resides at Henderson Station, on the L. E. k W. Railroad; is a native of Loudoun, Va. He settled in this township in 1865. He has a beautiful home and a fine farm.

One of the oldest settlers of Patton is John F. Stoner, son of Daniel C. Stoner. John F. came here in 1851 and settled on Section 9. He is a native of Indiana. His large farm is one of the best in the township.

Drummer Grove Township was organized and set off from Patton Township September 14, 1858, and comprised all of what now composes the townships of Drummer, Dix, Sullivant and Peach Orchard, or all of Ford County lying west of Range 9 east, and containing an area of 180 square miles.

The township took its name from the little grove called Drummer Grove, which lies about a mile northwest of Gibson, and which was so called in honor of a noted hunting dog named Drummer, that became overheated in a deer chase and died and was buried in the grove. The only authentic his¬ tory that has been preserved in regard to the life and character

In 1864, there must have been some Congressional investiga¬ tion or something discovered derogatory to the character of the dog, for a petition signed by a majority of the voters of the town¬ ship was presented to the Board of Supervisors asking to have the name of the township changed to Dix, in honor of Gen. Dix, of New York, which was accordingly done, and the township petition being presented to the Board of Supervisors the territory comprised in Towns 23 and south half of 24 north, Range 7 east, was set off from Dix and re-christened Drummer Grove, thus dividing the honors of the territory equally between Gen. Dix and the dog.

In 1870, the name being found too long for practical conven¬ ience the word "grove " was eliminated from the name by the Board of Supervisors.

The first settler within the present limit of Drummer Town¬ ship was Andrew Jordan, who was a native of Kentucky, where he was born October 28, 1828, and came to Illinois when twentyone years of age, with a horse, saddle and bridle and $15 m money. He went to work by the month on a farm in Cass County, where he remained for two years, and then came into this vicinity and bought a small farm near the timber in Chumpaign County. He lived there a year, then married Miss Aman¬ da Devore, and moved on the prairie, where he now lives, in the fall of 1851. He has added tract after tract of land to hi9 farm until now he owns 1,100 acres of excellent land, all lying in one body. When Mr. Jordan moved here. Ford County had not been organized. His only neighbors were wolves and deer, which were exceedingly neighborly in their visits. His nearest milling accommodations were Danville, Ill., or Covington, Ind.; the nearest blacksmith shop or place to get a plow sharpened was Mohoraet, twenty-four miles.

About a year or so after he came here, the town of Pera, now Ludlow, was started, which was for many years his only market, a distance of seventeen miles. Corn was then worth 10 cents per bushel and land from $3 to $8 per acre. Mr. Jordan has improved all his lands, having them thoroughly tiled with tile of his own manufacture, he having established and is now operating on his farm one of the largest establishments for the manufacture of tile and brick in the county.

The next settler of the township was William Bridges, who came in 1858 and settled on the farm recently owned by J. A. Rockwood, of «Gibson. During the same year, William Jordan, brother of Andrew Jordan, settled in an old house on Section 13, afterward owned by Leonard Pierpont. Lindsoy Corbly came next and settled on Section 25, south of Andrew Jordan, on what is now known as the Weldon farm.

In 1855, Dr. J. E. Davis settled at Drummer's Grove, where he pursued fanning and the practice of bis profession for many years, taking an active part in all the affairs of the county.

The next early settler, who still retains his residence in the township, was Samuel J. Le Fevere, who was born in Montgom¬ ery County, Ohio, April 16, 1841, and settled with his parents on the farm now owned by him, in the year 1856, being then only fifteen years of age. Ford County was not then organized, this territory being a part of Vermilion County and all callod Patton Township, with Prospect City, now Puxton, as the only voting place in it. In 1862, Mr. Le Fevere enlisted in the Seventy-sixth Illinois Infantry and served until wounded at the battle of Vicksburg in the charge on Fort Blakely, April 9,1865. His wound rendering him unfit for military service, he was hon¬ orably discharged, and returned to his farm again, where he re¬ mained until 1872, when he moved to Gibson and engaged in the lumber business. He has been almost continually in the discharge of some official trust since the organization of the township, hav¬ ing been School Treasurer four years, and Trustee six years ; member of the Village Board three years and President of the Board one year; Supervisor of the Township three and a half years, *nd Chairman of the County Board two years.

In the same year, with Mr. Le Fevere's family, J. H. Dungan came and settled on the farm still owned by him adjoin¬ ing Mr. Le Fevere on the south, and alike with his neighbors en¬ dured all the hardships incident to that new ami wild state of the country. He remained here improving his farm and pursuing the peaceful life of an industrious fanner, until he saw the thriv¬ ing town of Gibson springing up on the prairie near him, and then moved into town and engaged in the grain business, and has ever since been one of the most energetic business men of the town.

Thomas Stephens came next and settled in the south part of the township, turning his attention principally to cattle-raising, accumulating by successive purchases a large tract of land on the Sangamon. He followed the business of stock-raising and farm¬ ing until too old and feeble to manage his large farm himself, when ho divided it among his children and settled down with them to spend the remainder of his days in a quiet, peaceful way, freed from the care and anxiety of any kind of business.

Among other early settlers who followed in a short time were Asa Canterbury, Caleb McKccver, B. II. McClure and family, John Pagel, William Reighley, Thomas Holloway and Lewis Weekraan.

The first school taught in the township was at the resilience of Dr. J. E. Davis, during the winter of 1863, taught by Miranda Holloway. In 1866, Drummer Grove Schoolhousc was built and a school taught there by Mary Ann George. Among other pioneer teachers of Drummer were Miss Arabella Davis, now wife of Wcavor White; A. Forbes Irwin, now Rev. A. F. Irwin, of Peoria, and Weaver White, Circuit Clerk.

The soil of Drummer Township is the best in the county, though when surveyed by the Government a great proportion of it was returned as swamp land. Yet, by the system of drain¬ age which has been regularly and steadily followed during the past ten years, its value and productiveness cannot be excelled in the county. The Supervisors have been Andrew Jordan, 1861; William Snider, 1863; E. M. Blackford, 1865; Joshua E. Davis, 1866; Joseph H. Kendall, 1867; Joseph E. Davis, 1868; Caleb McKecver, 1869; B. II. McClure, 1870; J. M. Sudduth, 1872; John II. Collier, 1873; S. J. Le Fevere, 1877; Charles II. Yeo¬ mans, 1881, and W. H. Simms, who is still in office.

Jonathan B. Lott was born at Graysville, Ohio, February 14, 1840. He came to Illinois when only eight years old, and lo¬ cated with his parents at Danvers, McLean County. His father died when he was fourteen, and he ik rig the oldest son at home, took charge of the farm. When the war broke out, he enlisted in Company C, Thirty-third Illinois Infantry, and served three years; then re-enlisted as a veteran, remaining until the close of the war, "hen he was discharged on account of wounds. He was twice wounded at the battle of Spanish Fort, La. On his discharge from the army he returned to McLean County and en¬ tered Wesleyan University, where he remained one year.

January 1, 1867, he was united in marriage with Margaret A. Gibson, and in 1869 purchased from Jesse Whitehead, of Chicago, the town site of Gibson, and in February, i860, built his house here. Mr. Lott, by his energy and personal influence, secured such changes in the surveys of the different railroads that brought about their junction at the present location of Gibson. In 1870, he secured the Gilman, Clinton k Springfield, now Springfield Branch of Illinois Central. The Lake Erie k West¬ ern was surveyed three miles south of this place, and the Chi¬ cago & Paducah, now Wabash, was projected and surveysl through Savbrook, hut Mr. Lott succeeded in getting them to pass through this town.

Gibson owes its existence and prosperity to the untiring zeal and energy of J. B. Lott. The original town of Gibson was plat¬ ted and laid out by J. B. Lott, the proprietor, on November 1, 1870, and was called Gibson in obedience to the Scriptural in¬ junction, " Remember Lot's wife," Mrs. Lott's maiden name be¬ ing Gibson.

On making application for a post office of the same name, the department added the word "City " on account of the similarity of tho name with Gilson, 111.; hence the name of the town os platted is Gibson, and the post office is Gibson City. *

The first commercial business done in the town was com¬ menced by William Moyer December 1, 1870. He opened a grain office, which business ho followed for a number of years. Com¬ mencing with a very moderate capital, by attention to his business and the exercise of superior judgment and discretion in its man¬ agement, he accumulated a fortune, which has caused him to bo recognized as the wealthiest man in Gibson.

Wilson Bros, next opened a general store in January, 1871, on the corner south of the Opera Ilall. Next came II. J. King in the same month, and in April following his partner, J. II. Col¬ lier, came also, and T. D. Spaulding. The firm of Ring & Collier opened a hardware store at Mr. Collier's present stand, and Mr. Spaulding operated a lumber yard near the crossing of the rail¬ roads. About the same time came M. D. Worrell, J. F. Hicks, James Garbett, J. E. Lewis and others followed in such rapid suc¬ cession that to particularize would be very difficult.

The first single lady who settled in Gibson was Miss Mary Thompson, a milliner. The first school in the town was taught by Miss Caroline Williams, now Mrs. Smith, and was taught in a public hall.

Mr. C. II. Yeomans was the first lawyer ; Dr. Anderson was the first physician; J. E. Cruzen was the first Postmaster, and M. T. Burwell the first banker.

The first railroad through Gibson was the Gilman, Clinton & Springfield, now operated by the Illinois Central, which was built in 1871, and was followed the same year by the Lake Eric & Western, but no regular trains were run until the following spring. The Chicago & Paducah, now the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific, was built in 1874.

The first church edifice was erected by the Methodist denom¬ ination, and was followed by the Cumberland Presbyterian, the First Presbyterian, United Brethren and Catholics. There are quite a number of colored people in Gibson, who have built a church called the African Methodist Church.

The first death was a jeweler named Angel, which occurred in 1872, who committed suicide by cutting his throat in the rear of the New York Store.

The village was incorporated in 1872, with T. D. Spalding, J. II. Collier, S. J. Le Fevere, Bruce McCormick and W. T. Kerr, as Trustees. The business houses of Gibson consist of 1 bank, 3 dry goods stores, 1 clothing store, 2 hardware stores, 6 grocery and provision stores, 3 drug stores, 1 tile factory, 1 fence factory and feed mill, 2 hotels, several restaurants, 2 markets, 2 harness shops, 2 newspapers, 1 elevator and the usual comple¬ ments of wagon, repair and blacksmith shops.

In the year 1874, the school accommodations being entirely inadequate to the wants of the rapidly increasing population of the town, the thoroughgoing enterprise of the citizens was shown in the erection of what was and still is by far the finest public school building in the county. It is a two-story brick with a full story basement, 60x60, all finely furnished, and heated by furnace, with the most approved plan of ventilation. There are five departments in the building, with a capacity for accommodat¬ ing 300 pupils. The cost of this fine building was 912,000. In 1882, this becoming too crowded for effective work, another building, 40x60, was erected at a cost of $5,000, with a capacity for 100 scholars. Both of these handsome buildings are paid for, and no school bonds or city indebtedness exists to burden the people or hinder the prosperity of the town.

January 29, 1883, the town was visited by a destructive fire, which swept away in the course of a few hours about $50,000 worth of property, not more than one-fourth of which was covered by insurance.

Here again the enterprising spirit of the citizens evinced itself, for in less than a month from the day of the fire, workmen were busy preparing the burnt district for rebuilding. In six months' time there was erected twelve elegant brick stores (all two stories high except two), from 80 to 100 feet in length, all furnished with large plate glass fronts, as fine as are to be found in any city in the State outside of Chicago. The improve¬ ments made during those six months cost, in an aggregate, near¬ ly $80,000. Among them, and worthy of speenu mention, is Burwcll's Opera Hall, on the second floor of the block erected by M. T. Burwell; is 50x100 feet, with eighteen feet ceiling, and a self-supporting truss roof, leaving no columns or central supports to mar its beauty or obstruct the view. The stage scenery is, probably, as elaborate and complete as is found in any city in the State, except Chicago, consisting of sixty-nine different pieces of scenery painted in the most elaborate style. The building - hall, stage and foot-lights - is lighted by gas.

Leonard Piorpont was born in Litchfield County, Conn., October 28, 1819. lie came to Illinois in 1858, and settled in this township. He was a good farmer, an honest and industrious citizen and Treasurer of Ford County for four years. He died in April, 1874, leaving a large family, part of whom still resido at the old homestead. Three of his sons were killed in the war.

William H. Guthrio was born in Armstrong County, Penn., in 1832. He settled in Drummer Township in 1865. He has purchased from time to time until he now has a fine farm of 960 acres. He was married in 1868 to Miss Jennie Stewart. They have five children.

James B. Foley is a native of Adams County, Ohio, where he was bom in 1847, and came to Putnam County, Ill., with his parents when three years old. He lived there twenty-four years ; then settled in this township on Section 20. He was married to Miss Olive L. Skeel December 24, 1874. They have two chil¬ dren.

There is no place in the southern part of Drummer that sur¬ passes the fine home of Joseph T. Roberts, on Section 35. Ho is a native of Tazewell County, Ill., and was married in 1857 to Mary C. Bosserman, a native of De Witt County, Ill. They have been blessed with a furaily of twelve children.

Nathan L. Skeel was born in Putnam County, Ill., August 19, 1848. He lived there until about twenty-four years of age, as¬ sisting his father on a farm, when he settled in this township and has made for himself a comfortable home. In 1873, he married Mary Wallace.

Willard Proctor was born in Rutland, Vt., in 1827, where he lived for about twenty-five years, then moved to Illinois. In August, 1862, he enlisted in tho One Hundred and Fourth Illi¬ nois Regiment, and served in the war until its close. He was married, March, 1847, to Miss Sarah A. Hewitt, a native of Rutland, Vt.

Albert Gilmore was bom in Harrison County, Ohio in 1841. In 1861, he came hero and bought 1.600 acres of land. He now owns 960 acros of fine farming land, all under cultivation. In 1880, he married Miss Elizabeth A. Boundy, of Peoria County, Ill. She was bom in 1858. They have two children.

Robert A McClure was born in McLean County in 1843. He lived there until 1867, whon he came to this township and settled at the placo he now lives on. In 1862, he enlisted in the Ninety fourth Illinois Regiment, and was in the service until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged and returned home. He was married in 1865 to Miss Ann McLaughlin.

Austin Crabbs, merchant in Gibson, was bora in Richland County, Ohio, January 8, 1838. His father, David Crabbs, was a native of Pennsylvania, and removed to Indiana in 1852, where he departed this life in August, 1854. Mr. Crabbs came to Illi¬ nois in 1873, and located at Gibson, where he has since resided. He engaged in tho mercantile trade, which he has since followed with the exception of one year. Mr. Crabbs served in the late war for three years, being Captain of Company C, Forty-sevonth Indiana Volunteers. He has recently erected two handsome buildings in the " Center Block," where he has a large stock of dry goods, groceries, etc. He was married to Miss Catharine Yeiter in Decatur County, Ind., March 3, 1864. She is a native of Ohio. This union has resulted in a family of eight children, all living. Mr. Crabbs has been at all times indentified with the general business interests of Gibson, and is universally re¬ spected by all who know him.

Rogers Township is the extreme north township of the county, bounded on the north by Kankakee County, on the east by Iroquois County, on the south by Mona Township and on the west by Livingston County.

It derived its name from Jeremy W. Rogers, its first Super¬ visor. This township was originally called Grant, and when organized comprised the present townships of Mona and Rogers.

This is considered the beet township in the county, with at least 75 per cent of the area, suitable and adapted to farming purposes, that can be made to produce excellent crops.

The first post office was at Eldridgeville, with John Eldridge as Postmaster, although at an early date the farmers took turns in bringing the mail from Dwight, which was left at Jared Will¬ iams' house.

Cabery is the principal village of Rogers Township, situated on the Middle Division of the Illinois Central or Kankakee k South Western Railroad. It lies on the county line, the largest half in Rogers Township, which was first laid out. It was in¬ corporated as a village in the fall of 1881, and contains stores of various kinds, one hotel, two elevators, two liveries, two brick and tile factories, two lumber yards, a flax mill, a steam mill for grinding corn and feed, and a newspaper called the Cabery Knquircr % edited and published by B. C. Burroughs. There is a good public hall and one Masonic Hall. The Masonic society numbers over forty members. There is but one church building, the Catholic. The Methodists linve organized a society, having at present no church, holding services in the public hull. The place is a wide-awake, go-ahead one, containing a class of good citizens, who heartily unite upon any enterprise or improvement for the public good

Peter Taylor, a native of Morgan County, Ohio, came to Rogers Township in 1865, settling on Section 85. He now owns 640 acres of fine land in this township, where ho has erected splendid buildings and made durable and permanent improve¬ ments.

Frank M. Cook was bom in Elkhart County, Ind. Ho came to this township in 1864. He has a fine farm and a beautiful homo one mile from Cabery.

James Ogilvie is a native of Licking County, Ohio, coming to this township in 1866; he settled on Section 22. His farm of 320 acres, with buildings and improvements, is among the best.

Samuel Clayton is a native of England. He came to Rogers Township in 1865, settling on Section 33. He has an excellent farm of 280 acres, with buildings and improvements suitable and adapted to the day and age.

James Clayton was born in Cheshire, England. He came to this country in 1849, and to Rogers Township in 1868. He has a fine farm of 160 acres in Section 31. He laid out that part of the village of Kempton,called "Clayton's Addition." He is a public-spirited man and much respected.

David Huntley is a native of New York. He came to this township in 1859. lie has a farm of 240 acres in Ford County, and eighty acres, the home place, just over the line in Livingston County. His home is a pleasant one, with a wife and six chil¬ dren - three boys and three girls - whose names all begin with the same letters, "A. E. II."

George Hargreaves was bom in England, coming to America in 1854; he first settled in Kendall County, 111. In 1867, he moved to this township, settling on Section 36. He owns 320 acres of land with good improvements, and may be classed among tbe enterprising farmers of Ford County.

W. B. Sargeant is a native of England. He came to Cabery in 1865, and is now one of its live business men, being engaged in the hardware business. He is the present Supervisor of tho township, having held the office since 1881.

James F. Wright was bora in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., in 1840. He came to Cabery in 1876 and engaged in the lumber business. As a contractor and builder, he nas erected most of the fine residences and buildings in this part of the town¬ ship.

Andrew Stuart,fanner, a native of Canada, settled in Grundy County, Ill., in 1843. He enlisted in the One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Illinois Volunteers in 1862, remaining in the field until the war was over. Shortly after returning home, he moved to this township, where he has since resided.

Joshua Henthorn came to this county from England in 1856. He settled on Section 28, Rogers Township. He has 160 acres of good land, which he purchased of the Illinois Central Railroad Company.

Frank McLaughlin was bom in Grundy County in 1858. He came to this township in 1880. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Henry Clayton, in 1874, and is at present living on Mr. Clayton's farm, on Section 26. He is a young man, and without doubt his life will be a useful one.

Frank Stuart, son of Andrew Stuart, was bora in Livings¬ ton County in 1856. He married Alice, a daughter of Henry Clayton, and now lives on the D. B. Case farm. Still a young man, he undoubtedly has many years before him, which, we may safely predict, will not be spent in vain.

John and Alfred Clayton, sons of Henry Clayton, a retired farmer now living in Kankakee, were born in Chester County, Penn. John came to this township in 1865 and Alfred in 1868 They both have beautiful homes on Section 25,and from their pres¬ ent standpoint in life their future looks as auspicious as the most hopeful could wish for.

Charles Curd was bora in the county of Kent, England. He came to America in 1846, and to Section 20, this township, in 1876. He has a well-improved farm of 160 acres, and is one of the solid farmers of Rogers Township.

In 1865, Mrs. Priscilla Taylor, widow of James Taylor, de¬ ceased, together with Samuel and Edward Clayton, Peter Taylor and others, came from Ohio to Rogers Township. Mrs. Taylor with her children now reside on Section 35. They have a fine

Mrs. Elisabeth Clayton, widow of William Clayton, an early settler, came to Rogers Township from Noble County, Ohio. Mrs. Clayton lives in the beautiful home on their farm on Section 27.

This township was at one time a part of Stockton Township, the latter being organised when Fora was a part of Vermilion County, and at that time comprised the present townships of Rogers, Mona, Pella, Bren ton and Lyman.

The name of Stockton was changed to Brenton March 7, 1864, and embraced the townships of Lyman, Brenton and Pella. As the country became more thickly settled, Lyman and Pella were set off, leaving the present township of Brenton, which com¬ prises thirty-six sections of land.

In 1856, John R. Lewis, Mark Parsons and S. Standish were the first permanent settlers of the township. Mr. Lewis built the first house in the township, which is still standing on the northwest corner of Section 22. In the fall of 1856, reter Van Antwerp, Qeorge Binford, W. T. Reed, John E. Davis, T. W. Pope, Frederick Chambers, the Jeffreys and A. J. Bartlett came. In 1857, came the Cross and McKinney families, Ira Z. Condon, W. W. Wicks, Aaron Schofield and Conrad Volp. In 1858, Joseph Davis, L. T. Bishop, Thomas Hahn, Jacob Titus, Merritt Free, Peter Rouse and Benjamin Hobbis sottled here. In 1860 came William L. Conrow, M. P. Sherwood, James Free, T. Jones; and in 1863, Jacob Lippincott, W. S. Thompson, Henry Patterson, Robert Wilson, D. E. Middleton and Joseph Carpenter.

The first birth in Brenton was Hattie B., daughter of A. J. Bartlett, on the 14th day of June, 1857. The second birth was a son of John R. Lewis, August 4; and, August 26, Mark Parsons was blessed with a son.

The first death was Capt. Mack, who, with his young wife, came to Illinois from the East in search of a better climate for his health, but, growing worse instead of better, he sold out his property to W. W. Wicks and started for his Eastern home. He got as far as Onarga, where he died and was buried. The first marriage in the new settlement was in 1859, between Charles Phelps and Miss Mary A. Davis.

There were regular religious meetings held at settlers' houses every Sunday, being conducted principally by A. McKinney, Robert Hall and Henry Atwood.

The first schoolhouse built was the Wagner Schoolhouse, in the southeast quarter of Section 28. There are now nine school buildings in the township, and one in the village of Piper City, employing four teachers, with an average* attendance of 200 scholars.

The railroad through this township was built in 1857, first called the Eastern Extension of the Peoria k Oquawks Railroad, afterward the Logansport, Peoria k Burlington, tnen shortly after changed to the Toledo, Peoria k Warsaw, and now the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific Railroad. It runs in an east and west direc¬ tion across the north tier of sections of this township.

Piper City is the principal village in the Pan Handle, and the third village in population in Ford County. It was laid out in Sec¬ tion 4, Brenton Township, by H. J. Howe, County Surveyor, for Dr. William A. Piper, of Philadelphia, Penn., and Samuel Cross, of Chicago, in 1867, and contains about 750 inhabitants. The village lies on both sides of the Wabash Railroad. It has a fine school building, four ohurches, one hotel, two newspapers - the Advertiter and Advocate - a bank, four general stores, two hard¬ ware stores, one lumber yard, three elevators, one creamery, one livery stable, one agricultural warehouse, two drug stores, two wagon and three blacksmith shops, and many other minor indus¬ tries incidental to a thriving, prosperous village.

Soon after Dr. Piper and J. A. Montelius opened a general store. The post office was established in John K. Lewis' house, and he was appointed first Postmaster. The first station agent was John Allen. The station was then called New Brenton. The United Presbyterian Church was built in 1869. The next

The Piper City Dairy Association was incorporated in 1881, with Joseph Burger, President; J. A. Montelius, Secretary and Treasurer; E. H. Brooks, Manager; and Joseph Burger, J. A. Montelius, E. H. Brooks, John McKinney, Columbus Jennings, John Clark and B. F. Church, Directors. This creamery is located 6n the east side of the village, and the butter manufact¬ ured is about twenty tons per year, which is mostly sold in New Orleans at a price varying from 20 to 85 cents a pound. Their water supply is from an artesian well, which is constantly running. They use horse-power to do the churning. In summer, they churn four times a day, in winter about eight times a week. They go around among the farmers collecting the cream, which isplaced in large cans holding about twenty-five gallons each. They have about 1,000 of these cans scattered through their milk distriet.

John R. Lewis was born in Herkimer County, N. Y., June 6, 1828, where he lived until April 16, 1850. He spent his childhood years upon a farm and attending school. One of his schoolmates was the Hon. A. H. Prescott, now Judge of Her r kimer County, N. Y. Mr. Lewis taught school several winters, and then came West in 1856, and settled in this township, being the first permanent settler. Mark Parsons came one day later. Mr. Lewis has been one of' the most active and enterprising men in this county ; he practically sold most of- the lands in Brenton and Pella Townships as agent for the Illinois Central Railroad lands. He was the first Justioe of the Peace, first Police Mag¬ istrate, third Supervisor and first Postmaster of Piper City. He has seen the ups and downs of life, and is still foil of vim and energy, and is much respected and liked wherever known.

The second permanent settler of Brenton was Mark Parsons, who was born in Bennington, Vt., May 18, 1828, where he lived until seventeen years of age, working on a farm in the summer, and attending school during the winter. When about Iwentythree years old, he married Miss Jane E. Crossett, and with his young wife, moved to Will County, Ill. In 1856, he came to Ford County and settled in this township. He built his house on the southwest quarter of Section 84. Mr. Parsons has held many positions of trust in this county, and is looked upon as an honorable man and prominent citisen. He is now living in Piper City.

Archibald McKinney was born in Ireland May 2, 1802, where he lived until 1848, when he emigrated to America and settled in Philadelphia. He worked in a factory there for ten years. In 1858, he came to Ford County, settling on Section 20 of this township. Mr. McKinney was married in 1882. He has four children living, vis.: John, in hardware and lumber business in Piper City; Joseph, in the same business in Kempton, and two daughters, Rachael and Margaret. Seven children are deceased. Mr. McKinney has done much good for the peo¬ ple of Brenton. He was an active worker in building the churches in this township and organising the different societies. This pioneer is now over eighty years old, having accomplished a life work that is an honor to his name, and justly entitled to the respect of all.

John McKinney, son of Archibald McKinney, was born in Ireland in 1888. He came to this country with his parents in 1848. Mr. McKinney learned the carpenter's trade, and worked at it for many years. When Piper City was started, he moved from his home in Brenton Township and went into the lumber business, and in course of time started a hardware store, which he is now conducting with good sucoess. The subject of our sketch has a pleasant home in the village, is an active member of the Meth¬ odist Church, a man of large and comprehensive views, alive to every work and enterprise that promotes the interest or improve¬ ment of his town.

William Carpenter was born in Rhode Island February 22, 1811, where he lived continuously for fifteen years; then moved to Herkimer County, N. Y. Here he lived until 1867; then moved to Ford County, and settled in Brenton Township, on his present form south of Piper City. In 1888, he married Ann Elisa Randall, a,native of Rhode Island. They have six chil¬ dren. He now lives in an excellent home in the village, and is mach respected by all.

Abner McLaughlin came to this township in 1861, and set¬ tled on Section 5. In 1865, he was united in marriage to Miss Margaret McKinney, daughter of Archibald McKinney, an old settler of this township. Mr. McLaughlin used to teach school in winter and work on his farni in the summer. He has been School Treasurer for many years, and always takes an active in¬ terest in all public enterprises.

Samuel D. Culbertson, physician and surgeon, was born in Cumberland County, Penn., September 5, 1889. Here he lived for twelve years, attending school and helping on a form. When eighteen years old, he began teaching school, and taught until the war broke out, when he joined the army. After the war, he began the study of medicine, and in 1866 graduated from the Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. He came to Piper City in 1867*-und began the practice of his chosen profession, in which he has met .with success. He has one of the finest resi¬ dences in the village; is also engaged in the drug business. Dr. Culbertson was married in 1866 to Miss Clara Kate Culver. They have four children living. The Doctor is a wide-awake, pushing man, a great help to the village of Piper City, and an honored and respected citisen of the county.

Joseph Barger, farmer, and Supervisor of Brenton, was born in Baden, Germany. He came to this county in 1868, settling on Section 2, this township. He now owns a good farm of 280 acres in this township; he is considered one of the best formers of the county. In 1876, he was elected Supervisor of Brenton Township, which office he still continues to fill with satisfaction to all.

John C. Culver was born in Cumberland County, Penn., in May, 1848. In 1865, he went to Cincinnati, thence to Leav¬ enworth, Kan., and to the Indian Territory, riding pony express from Fort Wallis to Denver; then was Government scoot through Southern Kansas, Indian Territory and New Mexico. He served under William F. Cody (" Buffalo Bill "), he being .chief scout. After being there several years, he came back and settled in Piper City, and went into the drug business. In 1880. he sold out and engaged in the grain business in this village. Mr. Cul¬ ver was Coroner of Ford County for two years. In 1872, he married Clara D. Fairley, of Lyman Township. They have two children.

James P. McDanel, the efficient Town Clerk of Brenton, was born in Butler County, Ohio, where he lived until ten years old; then came with his parents to Illinois. In 1862, he married Miss Kate Huddleson, of Randolph County, III. Whenhecame to Piper City, he engaged in the hardware and furniture busi¬ ness. He soon sold out, and began forming and teaching. He has been Town Clerk for many years, and enjoys the entire con¬ fidence of the people.

Henry Allnutt, publisher and proprietor of the Piper City Advertieer , is a native of England. He came to Ford County, and located on a farm in Pella Township in 1869. In 1878, he moved to town, and soon after started the Advcrtieer , which he still continues to publish. He married Adda, daughter of Joseph Carpenter.

Ephraim H. Brooks was born in Steuben County, N. Y. f in 1837, where he lived for eleven years; then moved to Livingston County, N. Y., where he attended school and helped in his father s store until 1857, when he came to Woodford County, Ill. In the spring of 1861, settled in Brenton Township, Section 6, and began farming. Six years ago he came to Piper City, and began work in the creamery, of which he is now the manager. He was married to Miss Elisabeth Russell in 1868. They have four children.

Conrad Rohrbach is a native of Germany, where he was born February 27, 1321. He lived there until thirteen years old, then came to this country and settled iu Tasewell County, Ill., where he remained for about fifteen years. In 1859, he located on Section 26, Brenton Township. In 1843, he mar¬ ried Annie May Dingledine. They have been blessed with three children. Mr. R. now resides in Pij»er City, but owns one-half section of land in Brenton Township.

James McBride, former, was born in Ireland in 1842; soon after, he came with his parents to Belmont County, Ohio, where he lived until the breaking-out of the war, when he enlisted and served until its close. He was honorably discharged at Washing¬ ton, D. C., and returned to the peaceful pursuits of a former s life. In the spring of 1869, he came to Ford County, and set¬ tled where he now lives, on Section 31, on a fine farm of 400 acres. In 1869, he married Mias Clara Strank. They have three children.

Michael Cross was born in England in 1830. He remained there for twenty-four years, working at the blacksmith trade. In 1854, he came to America, and two years later settled in this township. Mr. Cross now resides on Section 18. He was mar¬ ried in 1867 to Catharine Mitchinson, and six children have been born to them.

William Corey, stock-raiser and former, was born in Wash ington County, R. I., in 1824. He came to La Salle County in 1865, and to Brenton Township in 1867, and settled on the north¬ west quarter of Section 17, where he has a pleasant home and a a fine form. In 1859, he married Miss Ruth Wilcox, and five children have been born to them.

Thomas Cue is a native of England, where he was born Au¬ gust 12, 1836. In 1858, he oame to America^ and settled in Woodford County, Ill. He lived there till 1870, when he came and settled in Brenton Township. In 1871* he was united in marriage with Victoria Airowsmith, and three children have been born to them.

John C. Steen, former on Section 15, was born in Adams County, Ohio, in 1887. In 1863, he moved to La Salle County, Ill., where he remained several years; then moved to Chatsworth, and in 1878 came to his present home in Brenton Township. In 1868, he was married to Alice E. Moore, and four children have been born to them, two of whom are living.

John Goodman was born in Huntingtonshire, England, July, 1818. He oame to this country in 1852, and settled in Erie County, Ohio; after living there four years, he moved to Ford County, Ill., and settled on Section 30. He lived there until a few years since, when he gave up farming and moved into the village of Piper City. In 1852, he married Sarah Bellamy, of England. They have four children.

County, and on the west by Patton Township, is situated in the extreme southeast corner of the county, lying in three different ranges and two different meridians, ft is six miles north to south, and varying from five to six miles east and west. This township is favorably located; settled with thrifty, industrious people, they are mostly well-to-do fanners, with im¬ provements and buildings suitable and adapted to the day and age. This township was set off from Patton and organised in December, 1864, and derived its name from James Porter But¬ ton, its first Supervisor.

Among the early settlers of Button Township were Edward Pyles, John Rails (two squatters, Cook and White), Joshua Trickel, Robert Trickel, W. J. and W. R. Trickel, William and Samuel Swinford, 0. H. Campbell, Story Button, Davfd Patton, Matthew Elliott, Bennett Lucas, Jacob Tanner, John Dopps, Milton Strayer, Harmon Strayer, J. B. Strayer, Joseph Harris, William Walker, J. H. Flagg, A. F. Flagg, E. Wait, Eli Dopps, Spencer Cushing, Daniel Stamps, William McClintock, David Saunders, William Phebus, Daniel Moudy, William Montgomery, A. Lance.

44 Trickel's Grove," now owned by 0. H. Campbell, is beyond doubt the first settled locality in Button Township and in Ford County. A few squatters, who never became permanent settlers, built log houses and lived in or near the 44 grove" prior to 1885. In 1886, two brothers, Joshua and Robert Trickel, located at the 44 grove," which was then a part of Vermilion County, and bought out these squatters' claims, and we have every reason to believe the Trickels were the first permanent Bottlers of what is now Ford County, except it might have been Andrew Sproules, who occu¬ pied for a short time what was afterward the W. Walker farm.

The first schoolhouse built in Button was of logs, and located on the farm owned by John Rails near Trickel's Grove. This farm was entered by Edward Pyles; afterward owned by William Swinford, and at present by A. L. Clark.

The first schoolhouse built north of tho timber on the prairie was located on Section 16, near the Vermilion County line, on the farm now owned by A. H. Morrison. There are six district school buildings in the township. In Section 86 are two churches, the Methodist and Christian (Mt. Olive). These are the only church buildings in the township.

Clarence P. 0. (Kirk's Station, Lake Erie & Western Rail¬ road) is a thriving village and grain center, located on Sections 7 and 8, on the farms of W. T. Morrison and S. I. Hutchison. It was surveyed and laid out by Robert F. Whitham in August, 1878. It contains six stores, one blacksmith shop, public school building, and grain elevator, owned by D. A. Frederick. This elevator, with a capacity for 25,000 bushels, is one of the best built, commodious and convenient grain warehouses on the line of the Lake Erie k Western Railroad. The village is surrounded by a fine farming country and is destined to become a trading point and pleasant residence town of considerable importance.

James Porter Button (deceased) was bom in Jefferson County, Ky., January 29, 1822. He came to Ford County in 1852. Mr. Button was married to Miss Sarah R. Hock, in Fountain County, Ind., February 8, 1845. They have had a family of eight children, seven of whom are now living. Mr. Button en¬ tered land in Section 25, Town 28, Range 10, in the township which now bears his name. The present home farm was pur¬ chased of Joseph Coonts, who was an early settler of this county. Mr.Button filled many positions of trust with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. He was the Treasurer of Ford County at the time of his death, which occurred at Paxton March 22, 1866. Sarah R., his widow, is a daughter of Jaoob Hock, an early pioneer of Fountain County, Ind. W. J. Button, the second son, has bought out the heirs of the old homestead, comprising 820 acres, where his mother still resides.

David Patton (deceased) was born in Ross County, Ohio, De¬ comber 20, 1815. Thomas Patton, the father of David, emi¬ grated to Vigo or Parke Counties, Ind., when David was about three years <3d. They remained there only a few years. In 1828, the family moved to Fountain County, Ind., where Thomas Patton died. December 10, 1844, David was married to Miss Jane Cade, daughter of William Cade, who settled in Fountain County in 1828. November 2, 1854, David Patton came to Illi¬ nois and settled in Button Township, then in Vermilion County. Here he resided until his death, February 29, 1880. He en¬ tered 480 acres of choice land in Section 88, Town 28, Range 14 west, in Button Township. There are eight children, all living near the old homestead, where the Widow Patton still resides.

Matthew Elliott (deceased) was born March 4, 1799, in the District of Columbia. When about twenty-one years old, he came West to Ohio, where he remained until the spring of 1850; then came to Ford County, Ill. (then Vermilion), and en¬ tered land in the southeast quarter of Section 25, and moved his family here from Ohio in the spring of 1852. He purchased the home place of Benjamin Stitee, who entered the land and made the first improvements where Franklin Holloway now lives, in Button Township. Mr. Elliott died August 28, 1881. They have a family of five children. W. H. H. Elliott owns and re¬ sides on the old home place. Mrs. Annie Elliott, widow of Mat¬ thew Elliott, and mother of W. H. H., is still living at the ripe old age of seventy-four, and makes her home in Champaign City, ginia. Maiy Trickel, his wife, was born February 8, 1800. William Trickel, son of Joshua Trickel was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, October 17, 1820, and came to Illinois with his par¬ ents when only seven years old. His father settled at Butler's Point, in Vermilion County, until they took up their residence in Ford County. Elizabeth, wife of William Trickel, was born in Lawrence County, Ind., July 29, 1888. (Her father, Alex¬ ander Henry, was an old settler of Iroquois County, Ill.). Mr. and Mrs. Trickel were married January 7, 1857.

Obadiah Leneve was born in Halifax County, Va., December 80, 1801. Samuel Leneve, father of the subject of our sketch, was a native of France, and emigrated to America with his brother John. They came to this country at the time La Fayette and his troops came over to assist the Americans in their strife with En¬ gland for the independence of the colonies. John Leneve, grandfather of Obadiah, was one of the* soldiers who came over with Gen. La Fayette; he died in Virginia. Samuel, the father of Obadiah, was about three years old when he landed on American soil. They settled in Virginia near the old Halifax Court House; here he grew to manhood and married Katie Arrington, a native of that place. About 1806, he emigrated to Tennessee, where he remained about one year; then journeyed on to Kentucky and settled in Mercer County; there he remained eight years; then moved to Nelson County; then about two years he went to Bullitt County; then again moved to Sullivan County, Ind., and settled at 44 Shakers Prairie." Here he remained only a year, when he made his last move to Lawrence County, Ill., and resided until his death in the spring of 1881. Obadiah was married in Lawrence County, Ill., to PoHy Lemons, a native of Tennessee. She died in May, 1878. They located in Vermil¬ ion County in 1824, in the 44 Newell settlement," in northeastern part of the oounty. They had a family of eight children ; only three are now living, viz.: Samuel, who lives in Oregon, where he went in 1851; John, in the mercantile business at Danville, III.; and Rebecca Jane, wife of Joseph Phillips, living on the old home place in Vermilion County. Mr. Leneve has been one of the hard-working and successful pioneers of Vermilion and Ford Counties, hue. Moudy (deceased), first wife of Daniel Moudy, one of the prominent farmers of this county, was a daugh¬ ter of this old pioneer. Mr. Leneve died in Paxton February 4, 1884, at the nome of one of his nephews.

Peter Moudy was a native of Virginia, where he was born August 1, 1804, but was raised in Butler County, Ohio, where his father moved when he was an infant. Here he remained until 1885. He was married to Miss Elisabeth Herring, daughter of George Herring, December 25, 1825. She was a native of Pennsylvania, but left there when about five years old and was raised in Butler County, Ohio. They remained in But¬ ler County, Ohio, until 1835 when they emigrated to Western Indiana and located in the Wabash Valley. In Vermilion County, Ind., Daniel Moudy, son of our subject, was born February 4, 1836. Peter Moudy had a family of twelve chil¬ dren, six now living, viz.: Hannah Jane McGinnis, living in Warren County, Ind.; Mary Ann, wife of Elisha Rogers, in Warren County, Ind.; Rosa, wife of William Martin, living in Vermilion County, Ind.; Daniel, residing in Button Townsnip, this oounty; Jacob, in Phelps County, Mo.; Emily, wife of Rob¬ ert N. Atherton, living near Danville, Ill.. Peter Moudy located in Vermilion County, Ill., in the spring of 1855, where he resided until his death, May 7, 1875. Mrs. Moudy, mother of Daniel Moudy, is still living on the old home place, enjoying good health, and is in her seventy-eighth year. Daniel Moudy is one among the early settlers of Button Township, coming to his present home lace in 1859, where he commenced making improvements by reaking prairie with oxen and making a farm. Very few set¬ tlers had located north of the timber at that time. Mr. Moudy has owned several fine farms in this township, comprising 780 acres in all, but has recently given his children 820 acres of excellent farming land. He has at all times been one of the lead¬ ing and progressive farmers and stock-raisers of Ford County, and to-day in enjoying the fruits of his early efforts, living where he made nis first improvements, in a beautiful home surrounded with all the comforts of life. The first wife of Mr. Moudy was a daughter of Obadiah Leneve, an old pioneer of Vermilion County, Ill. She died January 81, 1879. Henrietta, his second wife, is a daughter of O. H. Campbell, an early settler of Ford County.

Obadiah H. Campbell was born in Northumberland Coun¬ ty, Penn*, December 17, 1811. He left that State end came to Indiana in 1855 ; remained there till the spring of 1856, w hen he located at Trickel's Grove, buying out the heirs of Joshua Trickel. Mr. Campbell is one of the oldest living settlers of But¬ ton Township, and owns one of the very first settled places in Ford County, owning altogether 878 acres. His father, James Campbell, was born in New Jersey, and emigrated to Pennsyl¬ vania when fifteen years old. He died there at an advanced age. Mrs. O. H. Campbell (deceased) was a native of Pennsylvania. She was bom in 1817 and died on the 2d of February, 1867. They had a family of nine children, eight of whom are still living.

Jacob Strayer, father of Milton and Harmon Strayer, was born in Berkeley County, Va., in 1796; he oame to Ford County in 1854, and lived here until he died January 3, 1879. Elisa¬ beth, his wife, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, August 1, 1803. She died June 21, 1888.

Milton Strayer was born in Fountain County, Ind. In Sep¬ tember, 1851, he moved to Ford County on the line of Cham¬ paign County, and entered the land where La Fayette Patton now lives. In 1854, Mr. Strayer moved on to his present home farm, on Section 25, in the narrow range of sections in this town¬ ship, which land he entered in 1853. He was married, August 81, 1851, to Mins Sarah Jane Middlebrook, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of William Middlebrook, who located in Fountain County, Ind., about 1841. Mr. and Mrs. Strayer have had ten children, seven now living. He has one of the choice farms of Ford County.