Ford County, Illinois - The whole text, 1908 (part 5 of 9)

Brenton And Pella Farmers' Club

At a meeting held in Clark's Hall at Piper City, November 5, 1881, by some of tlic citizc'ns of Brenton and Bella townships, for the ])urpose of organizing a I'anuers' club, the following business was transaeted :

On motion of James MeDermott, of Pelln, James Arnold, of Pella, was chosen president. On motion of James R. Rezner, of Brenton, T. J. Sowers, of Pella, was chosen secretary, and on motion of Peter Gallahue, of Pella, James R. Rezner, of Brenton, was elected treasurer. On motion, the club was named The Brenton and Pella Farmers' Club.

This was the first of a number of most interesting meetings during the winter of 1881-82. They were all well attended, and many farmers gave some valuable information on matters of interest to agriculturists.

During this year it was decided to hold a fair for the exhibition of live stock, and the 23d day of September, 1882, was selected for the occasion.

The blue and red ribbons were awarded in each class. There were seventy-nine entries. Three sjian of horses afterward sold for five hundred dollars each for each span. R. Dunn, of Brenton, took the Western Rural and Advertiser premium.

Gibson

This society was organized in 1872, and the first fair was held in September of that year. The first officers were J. E. Davis, president; W. H. Simms, secretary; John H. Collier, treasurer. The society continued in successful operation until 1879, the last fair being in September of the latter year. The last officers were J. B. Lott, president; R. M. Smith, secretary; M. T. Burwell, treasurer.

People always enjoy the contemplation of that portion of their history which has been subject to severe struggles and hardships, because all things valuable are acquired by exertion, self-sacrifice and cost, and amid great vicissitudes.

What is true of individual historx is ecjually true of the history of communities and nations. Even the histories of enterprises of all kinds are subject to the same general law.

It is a lamentable fact, however, that those incidents, in which we feel so keen and lively an interest, are largely wrappc^l in the obscurity of tradition. This is owing to the small, almost insignificant, beginning of all enterprises, and the little importance attached to the necessity of preserving the early records. We are apt to forget that, however insignificant the beginning of anything may be, it may, in course of time, assume vast and paramount importance.

Near the close of October, A. D. 1853, David Patton removed from Lafayette, Indiana, to that portion of the present Ford county, popularly known as Ten ]\Iile Grove, about two and a half miles west of Paxton. Here Mr. Patton found about a dozen families, who had located along this belt of timber, not venturing far out on the prairie lest they should lack for fuel and shelter, which the timber so gratuitously provided.

The schoolhouses nearest to this point were located at Urbana and ]\Iiddleport. a distance of about twenty-five miles. The desire to give their children an elementary education existed in the heads of these families, but no effort had been made to secure the benefits to which all looked forward with an intense longing.

Under the direction of David Patton, a meeting was called, at which it was decided to erect a log schoolhouse. This resolution was not formed to l)e speedily forgotten, but was acted upon at once.

There was no plethoric treasury, there were no selfish contractors, there were no expensive mechanics to employ, so the men shouldered their axes, and in the most primitive manner constructed the most primitive schoolhouse. One week from the day of the meeting, the new schoolhouse was ready for use.

A difficulty at this point, however, presented itself. The schoolhouse was in place, and about thirty-five pupils waiting, eager to slake their thirst for knowledge at the spring from which they had been so long debarred. Rut teachers were scarce, and none could be found to lead the young minds.

In this extremity, Mr. Patton himself assumed the responsibility of teacher, opened the school about the middle of November, 1853, and taught till the following spring.

Ill llie spring of 1854, ]Mr. Patton went to Lafayette, Indiana, to buy his supply of groceries, and while there employed a Miss Eidala Lewis, who taught for six months and then married.

Paxton High School

During' the winter of 1854-55, David Patton was again employed to teach, which he did with much credit to himself and great benefit to the school.

]\Iiss Polly Dops. daughter of one of the earliest settlers, a family of the Button neighborhood, six miles southeast of Paxton, and favorably known by everyone, was engaged to teach for six months during the summer of 1855.

A ]\Ir. Smith from IMontgomery county, Indiana, was engaged to teach the school in the Patton district, as it was now called, during the winter of 1855-56. The pupils, some of whom could attend school only a short time during the year, manifested great interest in their work, and pursued their studies with a wonderful zeal.

Prospect City, now Paxton, on the Illinois Central Railroad, at this time gave promise of becoming an improtant business center, and many new families came in to share in the profits that often arise from the rapid building up and improving of new frontier towns.

Among the new comers was a Rev. AV. W. Blanchard, of Urbana. Mr. Blanchard was engaged to teach the first school in the Upper Ten Mile, a place two miles further up the stream than the Patton school. This school was taught during the winter of 1855-56.

The people here had not yet built a schoolhouse, but«the school was taught in the lean-to of the log house of the late Daniel C. Stoner, extensively and favorably known throughout the entire southern part of the county.

An incident w^orthy of notice, and one that will long be remembered in that locality ; an incident that varied the humdrum monotony of everyday life, and fixed the beginning of a new era in that neighborhood, was the marriage of one of the pupils, Miss Barbara Stoner, to N. B. Day, one of the leading citizens of the young but enterprising city of Paxton. The teacher. Rev. Blanchard, solemnized the important event. A marriage is always of interest, but in a new country and a young community, it becomes an event of paramount importance. In this case the bride, ]\Irs. N. B. Day, continued an earnest student till the close of the term, Avhich made the event doubly important, for not every school has the honor to have on its roll a full-blown bride.

We cannot stop to trace the history of the individual, nor give even a brief biography of each pupil. It is sufficient to state that nearly every member of these early schools filled an honorable place in the community where he resided.

In the summer of 1856, IMr. Blanchard was engaged to teach in the log schoolhouse in the Patton district, District No. 1. During the follo\ving winter of 1856-57, i\Ir. Blanchard taught in the parlor of Mr. Patton, District No. 1, the old schoolhouse, which had been bnilt in 1853, and at the time of the building was intended as a makeshift only, having become old and useless.

At this time the population increased so rapidly that it became necessary to organize new school districts. This was especially true of Paxton, a growing young city, but still without a schoolhouse.

Ford county did not yet exist, but the territory constituting it was still a part of Vermilion county. Applicants for teachers' certificates, therefore, were obliged to go a distance of fifty miles or more to Danville, in order to pass an examination and secure certificates. The journey across the country was not only very fatiguing and expensive, but at times (juite impossible, and few could afford to make the long journey.

In order to obviate so long a journey. Mr. Blanchard wrote to the Superintendent at Danville, stating the circumstances, and requested him to appoint JMr. Patton an Examining Committee for the north part of Vermilion county. The superintendent returned an appointment to INIessrs. Blanchard and Patton as such committee. This facilitated the work very much and was hailed with deliglit l)y all aspirants for teachers' positions. Mr. Blanchard being the scholar of tliis committee, did the examining, while David Patton, who was a live business man. attended somewhat to the general business connected with the office.

Among the first applicants for certificate luuler the new dispensation was Mrs. Salina Allen, an old and experienced teacher of Whiteside county, and sister of the Rev. Blanchard and President Blanchard, of Knox College.

Mrs. Allen was employed to teach the first school taught in Paxton. Among her pupils were the children of Mr. and Mrs. Stites, 0. B. Taft, who was afterward a member of the firm of Pearsons & Taft. ]\Irs. Allen taught at different times with much success in the Patton and Stoner districts.

About this time, June, 1859, Ford county was organized, and the Rev. Blanchard was elected the first county Superintendent of Schools in the new county.

New districts were now rapidly organized, one near tlie place where Elliott is now located in Dix township, and Mrs. Allen, who had been teaching with such marked success in nearly all the schools in the new county, was employed to teach.

In 1860, a district was organized in the western part of Dix township. A portion of the territory forming this school district was taken from the eastern part of Drummer Grove township, and was therefore called Union District. Harve}^ Nash was the first teacher in this school, and was followed by Mr. Pierpont, who finished his term, Mr. Nash having enlisted and gone to Washington to take up arms in the defeiLse of his country.

The country lying northwest of Paxton, and now known as Wall township, early attracted settlers to its fertile, rolling prairies. But the settlers were so much scattered that no united efi^ort was made to secure educational advantages till the year 1861. In this year, a small schoolhouse was l)uilt on the northeast corner of section 26, in the Noel neighborhood, and is still known as the Noel school, although it has been moved south one mile, and is now located on the northeast corner of section 35. Mr. William Noel was the first township treasurer of Wall township. INIiss Smith, from McLean county, was the first teacher to officiate in the Noel school.

After Mrs. Allen closed her term of school in Dix township, she was engaged to teach during the year 1861 in a new district in the western part of Wall township, organized by Mr. Lytle, who afterward was a respected citizen of Paxton. This school was taught in a log house belonging to Mr. Lytle. Mrs. D. Denman, of Paxton, was one of the first pupils. In the summer of 1862, a school was taught in this district in the house of John Morris, by Miss Katy Bonesell. No schoolhouse was built in this district till 1863, when a small schoolhouse was erected, and euphoniously christened "String Town School."

Mrs. Allen was an earnestly religious woman, and in addition to her school duties, found time to organize the first Sabbath school in Paxton, 1)eing also the first in Ford county.

During the summer of 1859> Miss Loretta Goodrich taught the first school in the Trickle Grove schoolhouse, about five miles southeast of Paxton.

A small schoolhouse was built in 1859, in Paxton, and Miss Jennie Lyon, who afterwards became Mm. Samuel L. Day, was the first teacher. This schoolhouse was soon outgrown, sold for a dwelling-house, and a larger one was built. ]\Ir. and Myh. Amyx were the teachers here for some time. Soon this schoolhouse also became too small, and was sold to the First Swedish Lutheran congregation, and was, in 1872, sold to the Baptist body. The nucleus of the old frame building on the present schoolhouse site on East Center street was then erected, and was added to from time to time, as the occasion recjuired.

In 1890 the north wing of the present brick building on this site was erected at a cost of ten thousand dollars, and in 1896 was completed at a cost of about

In 1902. by a vote of the people it was decided to build a briciv l)uilding on the west side. Accordingly the beautiful West Lawn building was erected at a cost of twelve thousand five hundred dollars.

Of the teachers mentioned in connection with the history of this portion of the country, IMessrs. Patton and Blanchard and IMrs. Allen deserve the honor of doing the pioneer work.

We have dwelt upon the details of the work done in this locality, not because it is of greater importance than that done elsewhere, but because the first school worlc was done here, and gradually spread over the entire county from this point.

The western portion of the county, consisting of Drummer, Grove, Sullivant and Peach Orchard townships, early gave attention to educational work. In the winter of 1854-55, Dr. Davis removed from Cheeney's Grove, McLean county, to the western portion of Ford county, and was for several years the only settler. That country in time attracted its share of new comers, and in 1862 Dr. Davis found several families, neighbors to himself, with no educational advantages. Dr. Davis employed a teacher in the winter in 1863-64, to give instruction to his children, and, being withal a generous man, he invited the neighbors' children to be educated with his family.

The first schoolhouse in this portion of the county was built in 1863, in the southeast part of Drummer Grove township, and is popularly known as the Wantwood School.

In the summer of 1865. two new school districts were organized, tlie Powers Farm school and the Drunnner Grove school. The schoolhouse known as the Powers Farm school answered the threefold purpose of schoolhouse. church and public hall for several years. In 1870, the Powers Farm schoolhouse was removed and still serves as a dwelling house. The following year, 1871, a new and larger building was erected in its place, and the name was changed to Union School District No. 4.

Before either of the a])ove mentioned houses were built. Miss Jennie Frew, of Paxton, taught in a small farm house on the farm of ^Ir. Asa Canterbury, 1865.

The first school officers elected were Asa Canterbui-\- treasurer; L. Lavett, C. Palmer and J. Warner, trustees; Thomas Green, Lewis Weakman and Caleb McKeever, directors.

The first teacher in the Union District was ]\liss pjiuiiia Chirk, a lady witliout a finger or tluimb on cither hand, but by means of an elastic band around her wrist, undci- which she slipjied a penholder or pencil, was able to write a very flood hand. By securing a switch in the same unique manner, she was enabled to give the obstreperous youths as nnich of the birch as was tliought necessary to aid an elementary education.

The Drummer Grove sclioolhouse was erected in 1866, and in 1872 was removed to Gibson City, and has since then grown into an efficient graded school. Of the early teachers in the Drummer Grove schoolhouse, we will mention only a few: Arabella M. Davis, daughter of Dr. Davis, before mentioned, and afterward j\Irs. Weaver White; A. F. Irwin and Weaver White.

The original Drummer Grove schoolhouse, which had been moved to Gibson City in 1872, soon became too small to accommodate the rapidly increasing school population of the enterprising young city, and it was found necessary to provide a larger building. The people of Gibson City, therefore, who, by the way, were never known to do anything in a half-way manner, erected, in 1874. a large and substantial brick building, at a cost of eight thousand dollars, with foul" elegant rooms. But so rapid was the increase in population that it became necessary to provide more room. Another schoolhouse was erected in 1882, and Gibson City is now provided with school buildings second to none in Eastern Illinois.

The entire Pan Handle, consisting of Lyman, Brenton, Pella- Mona and Rogers townships, was known by the name of Town of Stockton until the year 1858.

In 1858. a petition was sent to John C. Short, who was county clerk of Vermilion county, asking that notices be issued and forwarded to John R. Lewis, to set off town 26, range 9. This was done- and the town of Brenton dates its organization from this time.

About tlie same time, 1858, efforts were made to have the territory south of Brenton and north of Wall set apart as a distinct township, forming what is now Lyman township.

A meeting to elect township trustees was held at the residence of John R. Lewis, January 1. 1859, and J. E. Davis, A. J. Bartlett and Saul C. Burt were elected township trustees. This was the first step toward popular education in the Pan Handle, and from tliis nucleus the work has spread over the entire nortliern part of the county. The trustees met for the purpose of organizing, February 9, 1859, at the house of A. J. Bartlett. After the organization had been completed, the towoaship of Brenton was divided into two school districts, the south half forming District No. 1, and the north half District No. 2. John R. Lewis was appointed township treasurer for Brenton township, and also received a commission from Superintendent Blanchard to examine applicants for teachers' certificates. Mr. Lewis filled the latter office until the election of James Brown, 1869. It was further provided at this meeting, that election notices for a school election in District No. 1 be postech and an election held in order that something tangible might be done in securing school privileges. This election was held at the house of Jacob Titus. ^Monday, February 21, 1859, but was adjourned to February 28. At this adjourned meeting, John R. Lewis, District No. 1, Brenton township. Nothing more, however, was done in secur- Mark Parsons and Ira Z. Congdon w^ere elected the first Board of Directors in ing a school at this time. There were no schoolhouses ; the dwelling houses were small and the obstacles that hindered school work almost nnsurmonntable.

J. E. Davis and A. J. Bartlett, trustees, had moved from the township shortly after their election in the summer of 1859, and it became necessary to elect other trustees in their place. Accordingly a meeting for the election of trustees was called for February 1, 1860. At this election L. T. Bishop and T. W. Pope were elected. So far schools existed in theory only, and as no education was diffused in this way, great efforts were now made to have a school in reality. To further this end, John R. Lewis offered his shed lean-to for a schoolhouse, which was gladly accepted.

A Miss Annie E. Hobbis, afterward Mrs. Conrow. wife of County Superintendent Conrow, was the first teacher in the Pan Handle, beginning the school the first ]\Ionday in December, 1859, and continued four months. ]\Ir. Lewis, in addition to giving his lean-to for school purposes, furnished the fuel to keep the pupils w^arm, and board for the teacher for four months. For this he received the very liberal compensation of twenty-four dollars.

The following summer, 1860, the firet schoolhouse in the Pan Handle was built on the farm of ]\Tr. Wagner, and is to this day known as the Jacob Wagner School. This was a small building, sixteen by twenty feet, l)ut answered the purpose quite well. IMiss Hobbis, who had made a record as a good teacher the winter before, was engaged to teach the pupils that gathered at this diminutive college.

A small village. Piper City, had sprung up in District No. 2, in the northern part of Brenton township^ aiul it became necessary to provide means for education there. A small schoolhouse, probably the smallest ever built, twelve by twelve feet, was erected in 1865. This house was several years afterward displaced by a larger and more convenient school building. The first teacher here was Miss Mary Thompson. After the close of Miss Thompson's term, a

IMiss Brown, who became Mrs. MeElhiney, taught in the viUao-e school. From this small beginniiiii;' has grown the present efificient graded school of Piper City.

In 1900, by a vote of the people the schoolhouse site was changed to the south side and the present fine six room brick building was erected at a cost of twelve thousand five hundred dollars.

Lyman townsliip was not far behind her sister township, Brenton, in educational work. About the same time when Brenton township was organized, S. K. Marston sent in a petition to have Lyman township organized, and the organization of the two townships was consunmiated about the same time. In the northeastern part of Lyman township are several sections of broken, rolling land, wliich were early settled by people from Connecticut. They chose this because it stood in such a decided contrast to the surrounding prairie, which to them looked more like a great expanse of marsh than land fit for agricultural purposes, and was more in conformity with the nature of the country in their Connecticut homes. These persons, eager for educational advantages, organized a school district in 1859, and Mrs. S. K. Marston was engaged to give the necessary instruction. This first school was taught in an upper room of Mr. Marston 's dwelling. Among the pupils was G. P. Lyman, brother of S. B. Lyman, exsheriff of Ford county. A schoolhouse was built in this settlement in the summer of 1860, and was named District No. 1. Soon after this, a district was organized two miles south. This was christened District No. 2, and is popularly knoM^i as the Larkin's District. No schoolhouse was built in this district for some time, but W. S. Larkins came to the rescue by giving the use of one of his rooms for school purposes. Here Miss Alice J. Jewell scattered the jewels of an elementary education among the rising generation. The second term of school in this district was taught in a small stable, converted into a school room, and Miss Jewell again presided as teacher. In 1863 or 1864 a schoolhouse was built, and one of the early teachers was the congenial George H. Thompson, extensively known throughout the entire central part of the county.

The educational work having now fairly begun, rapidly spread over the entire northern portion of the county. It is impossible in brief space allotted to us to make mention of all townships, and furthermore, the early history of some of the townships is so intimately interwoven with the history of adjoining townships that to separate them would rob them of nuich of their interest.

On April 18, 1870, the first election for district No. 1, township 24, range 8, New Melvin District, was held at the residence of Charles Phillips. There were only five votes cast in the district, August Buckholz, Charles Phillips and William Lackey were elected as the first board of directors. In the fall of 1870 a small schoolhouse was built on the southeast eorner of section 2 and in April, 1871, the first term of school began with JMiss Hattie E. ]\Iathis as teacher.

In the spring of 1875 at a special election it was voted to purchase a new site in the village of ]\Ielvin and to erect a new schoolhouse. This building was added to from time to time until it became a six room Imildiug and served the purpose of the district until 1903 when the site was changed to its present location and a beautiful six room brick building erected at a cost of twelve thousand five hundred dollars.

Graded Schools

Ford county has at the present time thirteen graded schools, and five high schools. One at Paxton, the county seat, one at Gibson City, Piper City, Melvin and Sibley. The schools at Paxton and Gibson City have for a number of years ranked among the best graded schools in eastern Illinois. The work of these schools has been so thorough and broad as to fit their graduates sufficiently to participate in the practical affairs of life with great efficiency.

Country Schools

There are ninety-nine district schools in Ford county, although Ford was the last county organized in the state, her district schools, in the efficiency of the work done, are fully equal to the schools of some counties much older. "With but very few exceptions, the school buildings are Avell fitted for llie purpose they are intended to serve, and where the schoolhouses are small and old, strenuous efforts are being made to effect the needed improvements. There is no doubt, that in course of time, the district schools of Foi'd county will ho equal to the best district schools in the state.

School Statistics

There are thirteen graded scliools and one hundred and nine luigraded schools in Ford county. Seventy-five of these schools have libraries and among them are five thousand four hundred and thirtv-three books. In these schools are four thousand one lumdred and seventy-six pupils, taught by one hundred and sixty-two teachers. The average monthly wage for the male teacher is seventyfour dollars and forty-seven cents ; for the female, forty-ojie dollars and ten cents. The value of school property in the county is two hundred and two thousand seven hundred and fifty-five dollars ; of the libraries, four thousand seven hundred and sixty-five dollars ; apparatus, seven thousand one hundred seventy-seven dollars. Total amount paid teachers in 1907, sixty-two thousand and seventv-nine dollars and sixtv-seven cents.

Church History

The rapid development of this western country and unparalleled increase of the population of the United States is a marvel among nations. But the genius and polity of the Methodist Episcopal church has well adapted itself to this age of wonders ; for, while the nation 's population has increased from about three millions in 1784 to seventy millions in 1908, the growth of this denomination has been even more marvelous. Under her system "energetic, migratory, itinerant - ex tempore - like the population itself." as soon as the settlers stretched their tents or erected their cabins, they were furnished the privileges of the gospel. Hence we would expect to see this church early represented in the history of Ford county. There are thirteen organizd societies in the county, viz: Pleasant Grove, Clarence, Paxton, Meharry's Chapel, Elliott, Center S. H., Gibson City, Sibley, Kemp ton, Cabery, Piper City, Roberts and ]\[elvin, with an aggregate membership of about eight hundred. There are six church buildings and three parsonages valued at twenty-three thousand nine hundred dollars ; thirteen Sunday schools and one thousand two hundred and seventy-four scholars, and two union schools, in the work of which this denomination shares.

Pleasant Grove - The first IMethodist Episcopal Society in this territory was organized in 1848, at Trickel Grove, in John Dopps' log cabin, consisting of John Dopps, class leader, Elihu Daniels, Matthew Elliott, Thomas Short and members of their families.

This was then an appointment in the Danville circuit. Services were held regularly in this humble home until 1857, when Flagg's schoolhouse was erected and that became the regular preaching place and continued to be until the

Pleasant Grove church was built in 1869, very near the spot where Dopps' log cabin stood. This society and tliat of Clarence formed a part of the Rankin circuit.

Paxton - As early as the latter part of 1856. services were held occasionally at tlie residence of Benjamin Stites, Paxton. Illinois, and on the first Sunday in ^la}^, 1857, Rev. Ilaunn organized a society at the schoolhouse. There appeared on record the names of IMrs. Stites, Jonathan Covolt, P. W. Cooley and wife, ]\Irs. Howard Case, Jonas Randolph and wife, IMr. and INIrs. 01mstead, Henry Alvah and wife, and others.

In September, 1857, Rev. E. Dunham, father of J. C. Dunham, formerly editor of the Paxton Register, was appointed to the Paxton circuit, then composed of the following societies, viz : Paxton, Pleasant Grove, Loda, and Patton's schoolhouse. At the first quarterly conference there were present Robert Blackstock, Francis Meharry, John Dopps, ]\tatthew Elliott, John P. Dopps, Jonathan Covolt and Jonas Randolph.

Rev. Dunham did valuable services in 1857-58, and, having settled on a farm north of town, continued to be an active and honorable member of the church until his death. The circuit was served consecutively by Rev. H. H. McVey, two years ; Rev. M. Butler, two years ; Rev. ]\I. ]M. Davidson, two years. At this time, 1864, the law of the church was changed, extending the pastoral limit to three years.

During the pastorate of M. M. Davidson, in 1863-64, an edifice was erected, at a cost of eight thousand dollars. Its audience room furnished about four hundred sittings, and the basement was well arranged into Sunday school and class rooms. This society had a resident membership of two hundred, fairly represented by such men as Robert Blackstock, A. C Thompson. IMerton Dunlap, J. M. Hanley, J. N. Bondurant, John Spindler, J. P. IMcCracken, N. B. Day, F. and C. Meharry, James Mercer, R. S. Hall, II. C. Rawlings, L. Corblcy> E. F. Earl, and J. S. Webber and J. B. Congram, local preachers. It sustained a Sunday school, under the direction of Merton Dunlap as superintendent (he held that position for many years) that would compare favorably with the best in enthusiasm and thoroughness of work. They had also a good parsonage property, well located, valued at one thousand eight hundred dollars, secured under the labors of the pastor.

Meharry Chapel - There had lieen services occasionally at David Patton's residence. Ten IMile Grove, for some years previous to 1857, when Stoner's sehoolhonse became the regular appointment until the erection of Meharry's Chapel, four miles west of Paxton, in the early part of the summer of 1864. This was the first church built in Ford county. It cost fourteen hundred dollars, which was principally contributed by Robert Blackstock and F. Meharr;- who, it should be remembered, contributed also very largely toward the erectioti of the church in Paxton about tlie same time.

Gibson - Like many railroad towns of the prairie, Gibson sprang up as if by magic. Methodism, however, was early on the ground, and had been as energetic and enterprising as the village. The first regular service was held in the depot, and afterward in Gilmore's Hall, until the church building was erected, under the pastorate of Rev. Job Ingram, in 1872, at a cost of about two thousand five hundred dollars. Such had been the growth of the society that the church building was too small to accommodate either its congregations or Sunday school. The membership of the society is largia and it sustains the largest Sunday school in the county.

Sibley - The Sibley society was organized in 1879. Rev. M. C. Wilcox was its first pastor, and the following names appear on the record as original members: W. A. Bicket and wife, W. A. Pawley and wife, John Smale and John Smale.

Center schoolhouse is located in "Wall township about four miles north of Meharry's Chapel in the midst of a well-to-do and intelligent farming community. While preaching services have been held here for a few years occasionally, it was not until the latter part of the year 1882, that the organization was effected by J. L. Miller, a very promising young man, who traveled the Loda circuit under the presiding elder.

First Congregational Church, Paxton

This church was organized January 16, 1858. At this time the city of Paxton was called Prospect City. The church was organized in the name of the Union Church of Christ of the Middle Fork of Vermilion river. Both the names of the church and the city were subsequently changed. The one to the First Congregational, and the other to Paxton. Rev. Charles Granger, of Urbana, Champaign county, Illinois, was invited by Rev. William W. Blanchard and others to come to this new field and preach and labor to build \\\) a church of the Congregational order. He came in the spring of 1857 and labored faithfully and snccessfnlly, preaehiny' in the schoolhouse. a small bnildinsr, now finished into a private residence, and also at different places on the south side of the IMiddle fork of the Vermilion river in private residences.

His labors resulted in the organization of the church above named. Owing to the extent of the field, all the friends interested in the church were not present at its organization. But eight persons entered into covenant and constituted what is now the First Congregational church of Paxton. The meeting was held at the house of William A. Goodrich. Rev. Charles Granger Avas moderator, and opened the exercises with religious services. The following are the names of the persons who entered into covenant : Charles Granger, E. Granger, William W. Blanchard, Elizabeth Blanchard, Charles Wall, William A. Goodrich, Betsy A. Goodrich and Loretta Goodrich. Mr. Granger continued to preach for about four years. His labors were blessed with precious revival influences, and quite a number were added to the church, some of whom are still valuable members of the church, and others of precious memory have left us to join the glorious church above. I\Ir. Granger was attacked with paralysis, which terminated his labors. The church w^as then left without preaching, and brother William W. Blanchard induced Rev. E. 0. Tade, of Loda, to preach for us once a month at 3 o'clock P. M., until we could make permanent arrangements. Mr. Tade was a very young man ; his Avork was good and well received. Brother David IMartin, who came to us from La Salle county, recommended Rev. George Schlosser. of Lockport, as an able and faithful minister.

After Brother Schlosser 's resignation. Rev. William Kopp, professor in Augustana College, was employed as a supply until a pastor could be obtained. Professor Kopp was a man of unusual intelligence and amialulity; well did he fill his calling. There were none but respected and loved him. lie diml in Pittsburg, soon after, a martyr to his faithfulness in the service of Christ. At this time Professor Bliss, the singing evangelist, who perished at Ashtabula, Ohio, who has a monument erected to his memory by the Sal)bath school children who sung his songs, i-econimcnded Rev. Israel Brundage, pastor of the Presbyterian church in Kirkwood, Broome c(miity. New York, a suita])le niiiii for pastor ;iii(i available. It resulted in a cori-espondence. the extension of a unanimous call, and an acceptance. Brother Brundage connnenced his labors in April, ]8(w, and closed his pastorate Januiii-y 1. 1874, wanting ])ut little of seven years.

Soon after the i-csigiinlion of Bi-oUiei- liniiuhige. Rev. Theodore Clifton was called to suppl\' the pulpit. lie resigned liis pastorate October 31, 1875, to accept a call to the Slayflower Congregational (-Imrch of St. Louis, IMissoiiri. After quite a period had ehipsed in which there was only occasional preaching, Rev. B. F. Sargeant received and accepted a call to become pastor of the church June 20, 1877, and resigned his pastorate Noveiiiber 15, 1879, a little over two years' continuance. It was Brother Sargeant 's first charge. He was a young man of promise. Rev. B. F. Worrel, who was residing in Paxton, supplied the pulpit until the church could obtain a pastor. On October 6, 1880, a call was extended to Rev. M. S. Crasswell to become the pastor of the church and was accepted. He resigned September 17, 1882.

The United Presbyterian Church, Paxton

Early in the history of Paxton (then Prairie City) some United Presbyterians, feeling the want of a public worship according to their own conscientious convictions, united their efforts, and, in 1856, secured the services of Rev. J. P. Smart (Associate Reformed) of Xenia, Ohio, who preached the first sermon in the grove called "Ten ]\Iile Grove" near the Hanley homestead. They sang at that meeting the forty-sixth antl one hundred and twenty-first Psalms. Mr. Smart remained and preached the next Sabbath at Loda in a schoolhoiLse. ]\Irs. Margaret Hanley, who was visiting, was present at l)()fh of these meetings. An effort was made at the meeting of the church board in 1857 to secure aid and supplies, but failed. Application was then made to the Bloomington Presbytery, and they sent an aged man. Rev. Pollock, who preached two Sabbaths, and that was all of the preaching until the spring of

1858, when Rev. Hugh McHatten visited and preached for two Sabbaths, morning and niglit, in a little schoolhouse (the first in Paxton). During this year application was made to the general assembly for aid and for a minister, but again failed. Again application was made to the Presbytery, and were su])- plied about one-third of the time until the last of the year. The supplies were Revs. Brownlee, Black, Jeffries and Pinkerton. At a called meeting of the Bloomington Presbytery of the United Presbyterian Synod of Illinois, held in Peoria, August 23, 1859, J. AV. Pinkerton was appointed to organize a congregation at Prospect City, Ford county, Illinois. On the first Sabbath of October, 1859, he preached by appointment, and on ^Monday, the 3d of October,

1859, the organization took place at the residence of Alexander Hanley. The following persons were admitted as members on certificate : Hugh Andrews, ruling elder, and Ruth Antlrcws, his wife; Eliza Law, their daughter, all from the United Presbyterian congregation of Xenia, Ohio; from the same congregation, A. H. Hanley and Elizabeth K. Hanley, his wife; Miss Ella Hanley (afterward Mrs. McElroy) his sister; Margaret Hanley, his mother; and Miss Belle Alexander, from the United Presbj'terian congregation of Cedarville, Ohio. ]\Ir. Hugh Andrews was elected elder. The following came into the church by profession, as they did not have their certificates in possession : Alexander L. Elliott, William McClelland, James Canning and IMary Canning, his wife. Then the following persons were chosen ruling elders: A. H. Hanley, A. L. Elliott and William McClelland. At the next meeting of the Presbytery, Rev. Pinkerton was examined and ordained. Next Saturday, October 8, prior to communion, J. ]\I. Hanley was admitted by examination. Rev. Hugh McHatten was sent once a year to Paxton to preach. This was now 1860. Two hundred and fifty dollars was received from the board and now services were held and regular prayer meetings in Hanley 's Hall. In March, 1861, Rev. R. IMcCracken was called. There were nineteen or twenty members. The church grew rapidly, and June 29 following, there were thirty-eight communicants and twenty-two families. Rev. John Trusdale was next called. The courthouse now being finished, members worshiped there till the church edifice was built. Union prayer meetings were held those days. During Rev. Trus dale's ministry the church edifice was dedicated in 1867. The dedication sermon was preached by Dr. Wallace, then president of IMonmouth College. The audience was very large and liberally assisted in wijung out a portion of the indebtedness. The original cost of the building was about nine thousand, which was entirely erased during the ministration of Rev. E. D. Campbell. In 1871, Rev. Trusdale was released, leaving one hundred and seventy-five members. The church had supplies until 1872, when a call was made to Rev. William Richie and accepted by him October 8. He laljorcd cariicstlN' until 1877, beginning with one hundred and twenty members and leaving one hundred and forty-six. Again the church had supplies until a call was accepted by Rev. E. D. Campbell, who was muhn- shepherd for al)out tliree years. A lecture room was built and furnislicd. where ])rayer meetings were held; it was used also by the infant Sunday school class. The audience room was newly carpeted, and various other improvements were made. Rev. E. 1). Campbell and his amiable wife were zealous. Christian workers. He was reluctantly released in the spring of 1881 and again there wei-e supplies until the fall of the same year, when a call unaniiuousl_\- made to Rev. T. G. INIorrow was accepted hy him. Since then the clnircli has contiinied to prosper and increase in membership. About 1900, a new church edifice was built at a

Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church, Paxton

In 1863 the directors of the Angnstana College and Theological Seminary concluded to remove that institution from Chicago, Illinois. An offer from the Illinois Central Railroad Company, giving some inducements in lands, was accepted, and accordingly the above named institution was located at Paxton, Illinois.

Soon after this the Swedes emigrated here very fast. On the 3d day of June, 1863, Dr. T. N. Hasselquist called a meeting for the purpose of organizing a congregation, which meeting was held, and the organization accomplished.

The constitution of the Augustana Synod was adopted and the following officers were elected: Dr. Hasselciuist, pastor; P. Erickson, secretary; Erie Carlson, C. M. Johnson and Emanuel Collins, trustees ; P. Peterson, S. Randall, C. Anderson, N. B. Nelson, J. Olson and Ewan Anderson, deacons.

Until 1865, the services were held in the public school building. This l)uilding was finally purchased, and put in suitable order for the place of worship. As the membership increased rapidly', it was soon found to be too small, and, in 1872, a church was built. This building was forty-five by one hundred feet, with a spire one hundred feet high. The cost was over ten thousand dollars with an additional expense of seven hundred dollars for seats. In 1884, a new pipe organ was purchased for twelve hundred dollars. Besides the regular church building, the congregation had a schoolhouse worth one thousand dollars.

After 1874, when the Augustana College was removed to Rock Island, Illinois, a large number of the Swedish citizens left Paxton for Rock Island. This reduced the church membership, and three years later a few went out of the congregation, and started what is known as the Mission church, so that in 1879 the members numbered only three hundred to four hundred.

The founder of the congregation. Professor T. N. Plasselquist, was its pastor until 1874, at which time he was obliged to leave and follow the Augustana College and Theological Seminary to Rock Island, having been president of that institution for nearly a quarter of a century.

This congregation built and dedicated in lf)()8, a iiaiidsome new church edifice, at a cost of about thirty thousand dollai-s, and at the same time bought a pipe organ for twenty-three hundred dollars.

The Swedish Lutheran Mission Church, Paxton

This church was organized in November, 1878, with a membership of seventy. Rev. A. P. Palmquist was the first pastor. For a time services were held in a hall until the present church lots were purchased at an expense of six hundred dollars, and a church building was erected at an expense of one thousand five hundred dollars.

First Presbyterian Churcpi, Paxton

This church was organized November 1, 1867, by a committee of the Presbj'tery of Bloomington, consisting of Rev. Alexander G. Wilson and Elder W. P. Pierson.

The organization was made in response to a petition from a number of the residents of Paxton, who, having been reared as Presbyterians, desired to continue in that faith and order. Twenty-three persons were received by letter from various churches, principally in Pennsylvania and Ohio. The Sabbath following, Joseph E. Hall and Charles R. Strauss were ordained and installed elders of the new church, and Benjamin Q. Cherry and James D. Kilgore, deacons.

The place of organization was Clark's Hall; and services were continued there until Jul^', 1873, when the congregation moved into their new house of worship, erected on the southeast corner of Vermilion and Center streets.

The two lots on which it stands were donated by I\lr. William Pells, and the church, in addition to their own struggle with limited means, had the kindly assistance of several persons not members, in the erection of the building. It was in the Gothic style, with rose-windows in the front and rear, and colored windows on each side, llie latter the gift of individuals and of classes in the Sabbath school, and of some of the sister churches in the town.

For the first year preaching was enjoyed about once a month. In the spring of 1869, Rev. J. A. Calhoun was elected the first pastor and continued his services one year. From July, 1870, to April, 1871, Rev. Mr. Noerr ministered to the people. Difl:'erent ministers supplied in the iuterini between April. 1871, and 1872. In the spring of 1872, Rev. J. L. McNair was elected l)astor ;ind was willi the cIru'cIi until April, 187;"). Another vacancy dependent on supplies, (luring which Rev. C. IT. Planch.u'd supplied the church one year. Rev. A. F. Irwin served as pastor from Api'il, 1877, to January 1,

Presbyterian Church, Gibson City

1881. The ensuing year, Rev. E. B. IMiner served as stated supply. In November, 1882, Rev. John Barbour commenced suppl3dng the pulpit and remained with the church until April, 188-1, from April, 1883, as pastor-elect. The present church edifice was erected in 1902.

The Methodist Episcopal Church Of Gibson

This church was organized April, 1872. F. S. Church, Mrs. F. S. Church, Mrs. ]\Iary Cornell, Mrs. Mary Davis, James Elliott, Mrs. James Elliott, Joseph H. Elliott, E. Haas, Mrs. E. Haas, W. T. Kerr, Mrs. W. T. Kerr, IMrs. William Moyer, Mrs. Lucy Robbins, Charles E. Wilson, Mrs. Charles E. Wilson and a few others composed the first membership. N. L. Sears, Mrs. N. L. Sears, Austin Crabbs, Mrs. Austin Crabbs, M. T. Burwell, Mrs. ]\I. T. Burwell, soon afterward united. The church edifice, valued at two thousand dollars, was erected in 1873. It was dedicated by Rev. Samuel Fallows, D. D., September, 1874. Rev. Job Ingram was the first pastor. The first trustees were James Elliott, F. S. Church, W. T. Kerr, E. Haas and Charles E. Wilson.

The trustees purchased a house for a parsonage in 1882, and made an extensive addition to it in the fall of 1883. The Sunday school was organized March, 1873.

The African Methodist Episcopal Church, Gibson

This church was organized in 1877 by Rev. Aaron Ward. The original members were Mark Anthony, INIelissa Anthony, Bettie Manson, Ellen Smith, Allen Spickard and wife. The church building was erected in 1879, the estimated value being six hundred dollars.

First Presbyterian Church, Gibson

The organization of this church took place on Saturday, October 28, 1871, in Union schoolhouse, five miles northwest of Gibson. Rev. R. A. Criswell, of Normal, Elders O. Scott, of Farmer City, and Henry Rayburn, of Saybrook, constituted the committee appointed by the Presbytery of Bloomington to effect the organization of the society. To the Rev. Criswell belongs the honor of calling the attention of the Presbytery to this field for the establishment of a church, and to his faithful labors in earlier years its existence is due. The original members were Fabius Fleming, Mary B. Fleming, William S. Graham,

Ruth S. Graham, Ruth E. Gilmore, IMartlia Moyer, J. Wiley Moore, Isabelle 11. Moore, Sarah E. McKeener, David Newman, James Parr, Mrs. E. F. Parr, John W. Rodgers, James M. Sudduth, Amanda Sudduth, Alice Sudduth, Sarah J. West. William Sudduth. Some time in July, 187-1, the fouiulation of a Gothic frame, designed by G. P. Randall, of Chicago, was laid, but, owing to a threatened failure of the corn crop, work was postponed until September, when, the prospect looking brighter, work was resumed; but various and vexatious delays prevented the completion until July, 1875. The building was valued at three thousand five hundred dollars, and furniture at about eight hundred dollars. The Rev. R. A. Criswell acted as pastor from the organization until October, 1875. Thereafter, for three years, the congregation was dependent upon temporary supplies - chiefly students from the Northwestern Theological Seminary. Rev. F. W. Iddings acted as pastor for about six months during this time, and Rev. R. M. Stevenson about one year. In the spring of 1878, Rev. T. F. Boyd was called as pastor, and served nearly a year. In the spring of 1879, Rev. H. Vallette "Warren assumed pastoral charge of the church. The original elders were J. Wiley Moore, Fabius Fleming. ]\Ir. Fleming served for eight years. The deacons were James Parr and John W. Rodgers, the latter serving three years.

It may not be out of place to mention here some of the difficulties which o])posed the church in its early history, taken from a brief sketcli written ))y Dr. J. M. Waters: "The congregation was widely scattered through the country, the roads being new and frequently impassable, and there were so few members in town that it seemed impracticable to sustain a ])i'ayer meeting. When there was preaching it was only on alternate Sabbaths, and the minister was unable to spend much time beyond the Sabbath with them. The elders, like everybody else in the new coiiiniiinity, were l)usy with necessary secular worlc, and I'oi- a, long time the congregation hardly knew such a thing as pastoral care.

''The members meeting only on the Sabbath, and often prevented I'oi' long periods from this by unfavorabh' weather and had I'onds, reiiuiined almost strangers to each other, and were slow to ac({uire that sympathy and confidence in eacli other which Ix'tter ac<|uaintance would have bred. For such causes they sonietinu's I'elt even weaker than the\' I'ealiy were. The members were l)oor, almost all in debt, and lhes(^ early years of the chui'ch were times of general financial stringency, Ix'coming gradually worse. In tlu' winter of 187(5, men oi' good credit paid eighteen per cent in bani\ for money."

Cumberland Presbyterian Church Of Gibson

The Cumberland Presbyterian chiireh of Gibson was formerly organized under the name of the Hopewell congregation, at Drummer Grove schoolhouse, one mile northwest of Gibson. The original organization was effected December 19, 1868, by the Rev. J. R. Lowrance, who afterward moved to Lincoln, Illinois, with the following members, twenty-two in all : James Iloaston, Matthew Speedie, Isabelle Speedie, James M. JMore, James J. Houston, Jane J. Houston, Catharine Gilchrist, William S. Thompson, Agnes ^I. Thompson, H. H. McClure, Susan E. McClure, Hattie N. McClure, Finis W. McClure, Francis McClure, AugiLsta McClure, T. B. Crigler, Sarah Crigler, ]Martlia More, Ann Arigler. Under the care of ^Mackinaw Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, yet without a settled pastor, the congregation continued to worship at the above named schoolhouse until the winter of 1872, when the need of a church building more fully asserted itself. Accordingly, at a meeting of the congregation on the 14th of April, 1873, it was determined to enter at once upon the erection of a suitable house for worship, and three trustees were elected, subscriptions taken, and the work started. The names of the trustees elected at this meeting were : John T. ]\IcClure, Winston Meeks and T. D. Spanlding. Agreeable to the genius of the vote of the meeting of April li, 1873, the building was erected at a cost of two thousand six hundred dollars.

United Brethren In Christ Of Gibson

In the year 1875, the quarterly conference of the Elliott charge appointed a board of trustees, consisting of C. J. Buchmer, J. C. Thornton, Peter Maine, Sr., Rev. L. L. Rinehart, and John Wagner, Esq., to take under advisement the feasibility of building a church house for the United P.rethreii in Christ in Gibson. There was at this time no society of said church in Gibson, and only one of the newly appointed trustees lived there. In the following August IMr. C. J. Buchmer, seconded by only a few friends, began the erection of ^hat is now known as the "Brethren Church in Gibson," and on the 8th day of January following, 1876, it was finished and dedicated to the service of God.

This thenceforth became one of the appointments of the Elliott charge, the other three were Elliot. Antioch schoolhouse and the AVagner appointment. Rev. F. R. Mitchel was the pastor, serving his second year on the cluirge. During the year 1876, he organized a United Brethren society in Gibson, consisting of the following members : C. J. Buchmer and wife, Mrs. Mary Emmons,

Peter and Elizabeth Maine, husband and wife, ]\Ir. M. Kerr and wife, Rev. L. L. Rinehart and wife, and two cliildren, Miss Hattie and Samuel, Howard Griffith, Elizabeth Griffith, Laura Griffith, Sidna Griffith and Maria Griffith, and Mr. J. E. Sheffer.

Remaining a part of the Elliott charge until the fall of 188:1 when it was made a station, it was favored with preaching, on an average, once in two weeks.

Christian Church The Catholic Church Op Gibson

This church was organized at Gibson in 1875. The orignal members were John Delaney, John Sutton, Thomas Tierney, Patrick Ilarty, Michael Harty, Con Hardigan, James Molloy, John Donnelya, Michael Donovan, IMiehael Ryan, John and Jeff New, John Garden and others to the number of twenty-five.

Congregational Church Of Roberts

TTutil 1875, there was no Congregational church in Lyman township. Rev. Wilcox, father of M. TL Wilcox, preached at stated times in the Smith schoolhouse in the northern part of Lyman township, and the i)(H)i)le gemn-ally attended service regardless of denominational differences but no organization

The Congregational chui-ch of Roberts was organized October 24. 1875, with the following exercises: Sermon and reading of covenant by the Rev. J. E. Ray, D. D. ; prayer by A. D. Wyckoff, and right hand of fellowship by Rev. J. J. Weage.

The membership at the lime of organization was very small, consisting of only ten persons: A. D. Wyckoff, George H. Thompson, ]\Iary E. Thompson, W. S. Larkin, Elizabetli Larkin, John Hummel, Sarah M. Hummel, Frank Butler, Lucy Larkin and OliVe Larkin.

The first business meeting of the church was held at the house of G. II. Tliomi)son, October 81, 1875. At this meeting, G. H. Thompson and John

Hummel were elected deacons. W. -S. Larkin was elected trustee of the church for three years, and W. A. Kcrirney and J. B. jMescrve, respectively two and one years, were elected trustees of the Congregational society. Frank Butler was elected clerk.

On the 6th of November, 1875, C. Manton, who the following year removed to Texas, united with the church on profession of faith. This was the first accession of the church. The small body, in connection with the Congregational church at Thawville, struggled on as best it could, receiving annually Home Missionary aid.

In March, 1877, the church received its second accession of membership, consisting of the following persons: G. B. Mahaflfey, Walter Davis. E. M. IMahaffey, Nellie D. Mahaffey, Helen L. Wyckoff, Amanda Emmons, F. G. Lohman and Louisa Tapp.

In the fall of 1879, a church building, fort>' l)y fifty-five .feet, was begun. This building* was completed in May, 1880, and dedicated to the worship of God, May 16, 1880, free from all incumbrances.

Since its organization, the church has been blessed with earnest, efficient pastors, who considered the work of saving souls paramount to everything else.

]\Iay 17, 1908, a handsome new Congregational church was dedicated with impressive ceremonies. The dedication was the crowning event that marked the close of the laljors of the members of the congregation, who have been indefatigable in their work and self-denial in order to obtain the necessary funds to complete the work. The decorations were elaborate and the church was crowded with members of the congregation, friends and mnnerous former members who now reside in other places but returned to participate in the services. A number of former pastors also wrote letters of congratulation to the members on their success. One service was held at 10:30 A. M. and another at 3:30 V. M. Rev. G. G. McCullom, of Chicago, preached at each service, and there was an elaborate musical program at each service. The church was dedicated free from debt.

The ]\Iethodist Episcopal chuivh organized German missions as early as 1868, witli head(iuarters at Odell, Livingston county; later at Buckley, Iroquois

When the viUaiie of Roberts came to be. it was resolved to l)uikl a church. The first board of trustees, consisting' of John (Jnil)c. Frank Bastian. Henry Michaelis, John Wieting- and Fred llaug, witli their pastor, Rev. Fr. ]\Ieier, as chairman, on the 18th da\- of February, 1873, passed a resolution to that effect and acted npon it accordingly, building a church, with spire, that cost nearly two thousand four hiuidred dollars, being the hrst house of worship erected in the village of Roberts. But its old and trusted members have left - emigrated to Dakota, Iowa and Texas.

Methodist Episcopal Church, Roberts

This church was formerly a part of Pierce's Mission as described in the account of the Methodist church at Melvin. The first preaching place was Graham's schoolhouse, and was changed to Roberts in 1871. The members of the first class were Ole Johnson, leader; Anna Johnson, Edward Van Steenbergh, Emily Van Steenbergh, Jennie Van Steenbergh. J. H. Sedore, INlrs. A. A. Sedore, Abraham Sedore, George P. Lyman, Helen Lyman, Alfred Smith, Julis Smith, Horace Lester, Hannah Lester, John Kenward, Nancy Kenward, William Kenward, Julius Walker, Joel Westbrook, Patience Westb^'ook, Horace Snelliug, Jane Snelling, Robert Hawthorn, Sarah Arnold, ThomrTs Darg, James English, Charles Koon, John Kenward, Jr., Hamilton Darg and Caroline Guise. They held their meetings in the public schoolhouse at Roberts, until January 6, 1882, Avhen they completed a very neat church at a cost of two thousand eight hundred dollars. This church was dedicated by G. W. Gue, presiding elder. The first board of trustees consisted of Thomas Wakelin, M. H. Rice, G. B. Gordon, G. P. Lyman and E. Van Steenbergh.

Report of the Evangelical Association ]\Iission work in Ford county: In the year of our Lord, 1865, Ihe Illinois Conference of this denomination met at Washington, Tazewell county, Illinois. This con Terence, at this session, created a new mission in tlie counties of Ijivingston. .Abdjcan and Foi'd. Ren'. F. C Stuewig was the first migsioimry, in tliis important mission, t(» carry on the Lord's work. He settled down with his family in the little station of Chatsworth, Livingston county, Illinois. The mission in Ford county began on the

Ttli (la\- of June. 1865. The first visit \v;is made at Brother Peter Pfaad's. Brotlier Pfaad came here with his family in the year 1858, from Lyons, New York. Mr. Stuewig then l)ei;;ni to hokl service every three weeks in the P. Rnssell schoolhoiise, and also in the honse of Kathrine Althen. On his second visit he became acquaintt'd with the followinp' persons: Kathrine Althen and family, Christian IMoser, Annie Wilcoxson and other German people who lived in that community. The following: winter he held a protracted meeting with good success. On the 18th of February, 1866, he organized the first German class in this new mission. Avith the following persons as members: Peter Pfaad, IMargret Pfaad, Kathrine Althen, ]\Iargret Leber, George Parreck. Louisa Barreck, Lydia Barreck, Cathrene Barreck, Christian Moser, Annie Wilcoxson. Peter Pfaad Avas the first class leader. German people came to see the country, and, being pleased Avith the prairie land, many bought homes and settled here. This was a help to the small society, its membership greAV rapidly, and by the help of God they were able to build a church in the year of our Lord, 1873. The church Avas dedicated by Bishop J. J. Esher.

The preacher in charge at this time was Rev. J. Kurtz. The first officers in Zion Church Evangelical Association were the follovAdng: Rev. Henry Baker, Daniel Raabe, Abraham Shaffer, Christian Stutzman, Peter Pfaad.

This society began its existence in Champaign county about one-half mile south of where the church building uoav stands on the southeast corner of the north half of section 81. The first services held in this county Avere in the Union schoolhouse, one-half mile north of the church, under the pastorate of Rev. J. Krapps, in 1874. Among the original members were J. Cranston and Avife, i\Irs. J. Daniels, Mrs. J. Barker, Mrs. D. Metcalf and Mrs. G. Waggoner. After the pastoral term of Rev. Krapps, the Annual Conference sent Rev. R. E. Fox. The erection of the church building commenced in the fall of 1881, and was completed and dedicated in the summer of 1882. The building cost about twelve hundred dollars, and stands as a monument to the generosity of the entire community. The first trustees elected August 30, 1881, were M. W. Scott, J. G. Barker, Henry Shields, J. Daniels and William Day.

The first NorAA^egians to settle in this county Avere Christopher Ryerson and Henry Halverson. They came here from Otter Creek, La Salle county,

Illinois, and located some fonr or five miles northwest from Elliott. Our best information is that they came here about 1866. They were followed by Abel Hanson in 1871. Mr. Hanson formerly lived in or near Lisbon, Kendall county, Illinois. He at first rented lands, but, liaving succeeded reasonably well, he boug'lit eighty acres one mile south of Elliott.

Tolleff Thompson, also from Lisbon, is the next in order. Like Mr. Hanson, he also rented lands to begin with, but a few years of hard work made it possible for him to become the owner of a fine farm a few miles southeast of Elliott.

Ford county had by this time become famous to the people around Lisbon, Illinois, and a general "exodus" to this county took place in the years that followed. IMost of the Norwegians round about Elliott are from Kendall and Grundy counties, in this state. Perhaps one-fourth came direct from Norway. Tlie Norwegians are of a very pious turn of mind. They are strictly honest, industrious and thriving. One of their number says that "with them the allabsorbing topics when they meet are religion, the weather and the crops." Their prosperity is surprising to a native American of the easy-going sort.

They had not been here long before they organized themselves into a congregation. The first step in this direction was made in 1876. Rev. Iverson gathered a flock of the faithful, and continued to preach for them at intervals for a portion of the years 1876 and 1877. He was succeeded by Rev. G. J. Omland, a graduate from the Norwegian Lutheran Evangelical Theological Seminary at Minneapolis, Minnesota, to which denomination this congregation belongs. Rev. Omland was their pastor from 1877 to 1881. Their place of meeting had been, previous to 1881, in what are known as the Kleppa and Bunch schoolhouses, districts 6 and 7.

But in the year 1881, they built a modest structure on section 25, town 23 (Dix) which has since been their customary place of worship. The building is fifty-six feet long, thirty-six feet wide, and eighteen feet high, with a steeple towering seventy feet into the sky. The work was chiefly done by members of the congregation, gratis of course, superintended by Charles Johnson, Thor 0. Thorson and the Seim Brothers. The total cost was three thousand dollars, two-thirds of which was raised immediately by voluntary subscription ; 1883 witnessed the erection of a neat and snug building for the pastor's resi- dence. Total cost of this, iueluding ten acres of land, was twelve hundred dollars. The parsonage is one-half mile west of the church, on section 26.

Other Churches

At Farmersville, in the midst of a remarkahly flourishing settlement of Swedes, is a prosperous church of Swedish Lutherans. The church building located on section 30, Patton township, is a commodious structure. There is also a well built parsonage. This church is in a very satisfactory condition.

At Gibson are two Swedish churches, one of them being the Swedish Lutheran and the other of the Swedish IMission. These societies have houses of worship.

From the earliest settlement of the locality now included in Button township, the Christian denomination had its ministers early on the ground. In fact, some of these ministers were among the pioneer settlers. The several organizations or societies of this denomination were in 1871 reorganized and united under the name given at the head of this article.

The church building was dedicated December 10, 1871, the dedication sermon being delivered by Elder R. ]\I. Martin, of Danville, Illinois. The membership of the organization numbered about forty, which are as follows : ]\Iarston Dudley, Milton Strayer, John M. Strayer, T. B. Strayer, William Walker, David Morehouse, W. H. TI. Wood, J. A. Dudley, Henry Correll, John Correll, Joseph Harris, John B. Harris, Daniel Allhands, and their wives, also Sarah Button, Elizabeth Strayer, Mary E. Spiceard, F. L. Holloway, ]\I. E. Dudley, S. J. Strayer, Dora Strayer, Mary Strayer, Sarah 0. Walker, Oswell H. Walker, and Mrs. Glotfelter.

Soon after the dedicatory services, the organization was perfected with the following officers : Elder R. M. Martin, pastor ; IMarston Dudley and William Walker, elders; Harmon Strayer and T. B. Strayer, deacons.

The church edifice which is situated on a handsome knoll in South Button, is of l)ri('k. It is thirty l)y forty feet, with sixteen feet to ceiling.

Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church, Sibley

This church was organized at Sibley (then Burr Oaks) January 6, 1879. Nils Poison and Gust Fager were the first deacons elected. Swen Anderson and C. L. Seaholm were the first trustees, and Swen Anderson was the first secretary. The eonjrregation was organized under the leadership of Pastor 0. Tjamshiud, and is under and within the Swedisli Evangelical Lutheran Synod of United States of America.

This church was organized September 26, 1869. The names of the original meni])ers are D. F. Breneisa, Peter Minich, Samuel Leopold, Joseph Leopold, R. C. Breneisa, Henry Kaufman, Joseph Lnhoff, John Geen. IMrs. Susan ]\linicli. ]\Iiss Emma INIinich. Mrs. Sarah A. Leopold, Mrs. Anna Breneisa, Mrs. Catharine Leopokh IMrs. ]\Iary Inihoff, I\Iiss Kate Breneisa, Miss Fannie Breneisa, ]\Irs. Fred Falter.

Elder William Smith preached from October, 1869, to October, 1872 ; Elder J. M. Cassel preached from October, 1872, to October, 1874 ; Elder W. B. Allen preached from October, 1874, to October, ]876; Elder George Cutler preached from October, 1876, to October, 1877; Elder W. A. Smith preached from October, 1877, to October, 1878; Elder A. J. Fenton preached from October, 1878, to October, 1880; Elders John Burnard and Oscar Huston preached from October, 1880, to October, 1881 ; Elder W. A. Smith preached from October, 1881, to October, 1884.

This society reject infant baptism, and practice immersion and the literal washing of the saints' feet as appointed ordinances, and believe in the personal reign of Christ. They reject all creeds and take the New Testament for their discipline.

Kempton Methodist Episcopal Church

'^Phc organization known ;is SugJii' Loaf api)ointni('iit ol' the Methodist Episcopal clnirch was first effected in the fall of 1872, in what was called the Bute schoolhouse. in district No. 3, ]\lona townshiji. Previous to this time, there had been occasional preaching in that neighboi'hood by Rev. JMichael Lewis, better known as Father Lewis.

There were but few nienibers at first, but these took hold iu earuest, and soon others eanie in, forming a larger and more firmly established organization. The original members of this elnirth were as follows : ]\Ir. and INIrs. Thomas Kelley, ]\Ir. and ]\Irs. George Sherman, Mr. and ]\Irs. Nelson Lewis, Mr. and ^Irs. James Wade. ^Ir. and IMrs. Thomas Heavisides, Mrn. Jaekson Bute, Mrs. David Keighin, Mr. and Mrs. George Evans, Father Lewis and wife.

Until the town hall was built, the society worshiped in the Bute schoolhouse, but after completion of the hall in 1877, the meetings were held there. When the village of Kempton sprang up in 1877, the place of worship was transferred to a hall in the village. In the fall of 1881, steps were taken to build a house of worship in Kempton; the following spring the work was commenced, resulting iu the erection of a neat and commodious church edifice, costing about two thousand dollars.

The first pastor of the church was Rev. J. D. Calhoun, who preached one year; this was his first appointment. He was followed by Rev. Rutledge, who was in charge for a year. The next pastor was Rev. Woodward, who remained one year; and his successor was Rev. J. A. Flowers, whose term lasted two years. Following him came Rev. Wilson, who preached two years. Rev. Joe Bell succeeded him and was in charge three years.

Methodist Episcopal Church, Melvin

This church was first organized November 26, 1871. It sprung from what was known as Pierce's Mission. Father Pierce, an old Scotch local preacher living at "Olive Grove," came into Peach Orchard township and established a regular preaching place at Grand Prairie schoolhouse in 1869, which, with similar preaching places in neighboring townships was called Pierce's Mission. When the village of Melvin was started the Grand Prairie appointment was moved to Melvin. Its name was changed to the IMethodist Episcopal church, with Rev. T. P. Henry as first pastor on a circuit of three appointments, namely, IMelvin, Roberts and Bell schoolhouse, Ole Johnson, James Dixon, Charles Phillips and T. D. Thompson, being the first board of stewards, Charles Phillips, IMary Phillips, William Thompson, T. D. Thompson, Mrs. T. D. Thompson, Alexander Stevens, Mariah Stevens and Jane Ogden forming the first class at IMelvin, with Charles Phillips as leader. Meetings were held in the schoolhouse and hall until the fall of 1879, when the society began the erection of a cluireli. wliicli was eompleted in the spring of 1880, at a cost of two thousand four hundred dollars, and dedicated June 20, 1880, ])y W. IT. II. Adams, president of the Wesleyan University of Bloomington, Illinois; Thomas Fletcher, Alex Yarbrough, L. »S. Heath, Henry Halverson, J. H. Hig'gason, "W. J. Hunt, J. M. Thompson and T. D. Thompson, being the first board of trustees.

The German Methodist Episcopal Society Of Melvin

The first class was composed of the following members : H. Duringer and wife. Ties Arends and wife, George 0. Arends and wife, A. Ilellman and wife, and Gerhard Defries and wife. Meetings were first held at farm houses. After the village of ]\Ielvin was started, they moved into town. In 1875 they bought the old schoolhouse which stood a half mile south of town, moved it up into town, fitted it up, and used it for church until 1881, when they built a new church at a cost of one thousand eight hundred and fifty dollars. It was dedicated November 20, by Peter Ilinners, of Chicago.

German Evangelical Church, Melvin

From the time of organization until Jidy 5, 1875, Rev. Simon Surj was minister of the congregation. From the latter date until April 7, 1878, Rev. II. l!e])ler was the minister.

United Brethren Church, Elliott

Tills cluircli was organized two and a half miles north from Elliott, at Samuel Todd's house, in the winter of 18()2. The original iiieiiibei-s wei'e Samuel and Nancy Todd, Jackson and America IMtsei', Pet(>r Beatty and wife, John Wallace's family. John and Jemima Coodi'i', Jesse and Rosanna Todd,

By Edgar N. Stevens

The history of the newspapers of Ford county, and especially those of Paxton, has been one of successes and reverses, of hard struggle for existence, and brilliant victory in the face of defiant opposition. The newspaper business is an occupation in which is brought into play some of the best and keenest ([ualities of a man's nature, and in which may also be displayed, on occasion, some of the lowest characteristics. It, in fact, may be represented as a battle, in which the cohorts are brought face to face with one another in a war of words, and in which he who holds the best command of himself and his forces is sure to prevail. The hosts of sin are encamped on one side, and the forces of good upon the other, and the Aveal or woe, the destiny of a town or city, or it may be of a nation, may rest upon the conduct of a single newspaper. It is a potent factor for good or ill in any comnumity, which is an alhimportant reason that it should be in the hands of men of brains, who have the good and not the ill of the community at heart, and who will work for its upbuilding and best interests.

The first paper established in Ford county of which we have any record, was the Ford County Union, started in the year 1864, and which liad a precarious existence of onlj' a few months, when it was purchased b^^ N. E. Stevens, in February, 1865. He changed the name to the Paxton Record, and has continued its publication ever since. The policy of the paper has been uncompromisingly republican from its very foundation, even from the time when the country was closing a war that threatened its very life blood. Through nineteen years of changing life, through seasons of adversity, of bitter strife and debate, as well as in the more pleasant times of peace, it has steadily pressed forward until the present time, and now stands on a firm basis of assured prosperity, demonstrating the fact that continuous policy is the best for a country newspaper. In 1881, IMr. Stevens associated with him his son, Edgar N. Stevens, and the paper has been continued since under the firm name of N. E. Stevens & Son, with no change in the policy of the paper. The paper now occupies a building of its own on north ^Market street, a good location, and is enjoying a season of unwonted prosperity.

The Ford County Liberal, conducted by Charles D. Sibley, was the next paper issued in Paxton. The first numlier was published on the 17th day of August, 1872. It was an eight column folio, neatly printed and ably edited. In October of the same year, Thomas Wolfe became associated with ]Mr. Sibley in the editorial management of the paper, and in the following month took full possession. The aim of this sheet was to furnish a live, local paper, that should chronicle all the news of the day, and at the same time furnish its Liberal and Greenback friends with arguments for their cause. The office was on a paying basis, when, in October, 1874, under the management of Messrs. Wolfe & Dodd, the building occupied and its effects were burned. The paper w^as never resurrected.

The Ford County Blade was the child of a day, started by JMessrs. Creed & Doxsey, of Bloomington, on the 1st day of July, 1876, upon the supposition that Paxton needed another local paper and to awaken a deeper interest in i)olitics among the democratic fraternity in this immediate vicinity. This firm published a newsy local paper for the brief term of twentA'-four weeks, but was finally obliged to succumb to the inevitable. On the 9tli day of December of the same year, the past paper was issued. The failure to establish a paper was ascribed to the fact that the business was not lierc^ to support two live papers - evidently a sensible conclusion. Among others to whom credit was given by this firm for favors shown, was Mr. Stevens, of the Record.

Nearly a year elapsed before the next paper appeared, when another firm from Bloomington i)ut in the material for a job and newspaper office. IMessrs. Holmes & Colvin christened their paper the Ford Connt\- News, and on the 8d of November, 1877, started out from a republican standpoint to ])ublisli a [)a])er well tinged with that doctrine, and also to make it replete with general local matter. The last issue appeared on the IDth of January. 1878, these parties having fonnd that llie field of repul)licanism in the county was well occupied.

The Weekly Standard, by the same publishers, appeared on the 2()th of Janiiai'\-, 1878. Like the two other pa])ers last mentioned, it was five column quarto, and, in reality, a continuance of the News, but espoused the Greenback cause. 'i'he Standai'd was longer lived llian its immediate ])i-edecessors, and hung on with a pertinancity worthy of a better cause until 1879, when it succumbed to the inevitable, the field not being broad enough for its proper support.

The first edition of the Appeal was published on the 26th of November, 1879. It was an organ of the Greenback party, with Thomas Wolfe as editor, and B. F. Hill, publisher. About the 1st of September, 1880, the property was purchased by J. C. Dmiham, who, in January, 1881, changed the name of the paper to the Eastern Illinois Register. The policy of the paper was announced as Greenback. This is an independent democratic paper, published at Paxton. It is the result of a consolidation of the Loda Register, Gilman Sun, Paxton Appeal and Gibson Press, the first of which was established in 1875, by J. C. Dunham. J. Wallace Dunnan took charge of the paper in 1900, and has ably edited it up to the present time.

The Pan-Handle Advocate was started April 20, 1883, by F. H. Robertson. During the succeeding suunuer Judge Beach succeeded Mr. Robertson in the proprietorship of the paper. It is a six column quarto. It has been an independent journal, a paper expressly for the people, clean, straightforward and thoroughly representative, social, religious, political, industrial, etc. In short, it aspires to be the family j^aper per se. H. P. Beach is its editor today.

Burt E. Burroughs, of Cabery, was the first publisher of the Cabery Enquirer. It was established in 1883. It is now controlled and edited by William R. Watts.

The Gibson Enterprise was founded by P. A. Coal, now postmaster at Gibson City, in 1882. He conducted the business in a prosperous manner for eighteen years, or until 1903, when Woolley Brothers, the present proprietors, purchased the plant. They immediately secured a brick building on First street, where the business is now conducted. The Enterprise is one of a chain of three papers published by Woolley Brothers, the other publications being the Saybrook Gazette and the Arrowsmith News. The firm of Woolley Brothers is composed of Frank Woolley, George A. Woolley and Arthur B. Woolley. The Enterprise is edited by George A. Woolley.

The Sibley Index came into existence about January 1st, 1880, and was established by P. A. Coal. For some time H. W. Rodman was its editor. He was succeeded by M. T. Hyer. Sibley is now depending on the Sibley Journal to keep it informed of current events. The J(mrnal was established in 1897, by the Sibley Pu])lishing Company. Its present editor is Judson Chubbuck.

The Gibson Enterprise was established by N. E. Stevens, in the spring of 1872. It was the first paper ever published in Gibson. The printing was done in the office of the Record at Paxton. In the fall of 1873, the Enterprise was purchased by Walter Hoge, who changed the name to the Gibson Courier. Mr. Hoge conducted the paper until the winter of 1875, when E. Lowry became its owner and editor. Mr. Lowry was the editor of the Courier until- 1885, when the paper passed into the hands of N. F. Cunningham and John C. IMallory. With indifferent success, the paper was published by thost^ gentlemen for about a year, when ]\Ir. Lowry bought it back and edited the sheet until 1897. At the time just mentioned, the concern was purchased by C. E. and J. P. Lowry, sons of the above, who are now in active control and giving the people of the county the local news and one of the best panf^T« in this section of Illinois.

The Piper City Advertiser

The Piper City Advertiser was founded l)y Henry Allnutt, who located in Ford county in 1870, on a farm in Pella township. He removed to Piper City in 1873, bought a few handsful of brevier type, a quarto novelty press, noM opened a job office. He was soon publishing the Advertiser, a four column folio, which made its first appearance in the summer of 1876. It was but a short time before it appeared as a six column folio. In 1883, it was changed to a five column quarto.

The Piper City Journal

The Piper City Journal was founded in 1897, by B. W. Kinsey. In 1900 it passed into the hands of Charles D. Gilpin, wiio is the present editor. It is a five colunni quarto, and is neutral in politics.

The Melvin Transcript The Roberts Herald

The Roberts llcrabl was founded in 1S!)S. Ity W. O. Sanders, and is giving the people in that sedion of the counly. all Ihe news there is to be had.

Paxton: Drs. S. M. Wylie, S. A. Lundgren, S. S. Fuller, E. L. Kelso, H. A. Kelso, R. J. Atwood, E. E. Hester, I. D. Kelschimer and James Mahan; Dr. Hartford, osteopath.

Written In 1884

Ex-County Judge David Patton was the i)ioneer lawyer of Ford county, liaving located at Ten Mile Grove, about three miles southwest of Paxton, in the hitter part or Oct()l)er, 1853, while Ford was yet a part of Vermilion county. He was l)()ni in Clark county, Kentuck\', in 1806, and emigrated to Butler county, Ohio, with his parents in 1810. At the age of eighteen ho began the study of law in the office of Oliver 11. Smith at Connersville. Ttidiana. and while so engaged in his studies, taught district school in the winter season to earn money to pay his current expenses. In October, 1828, he was admittetl to the l)ar, and soon afterward began the active practice of his profession at La Fayette, Indiana, where, by his natural tact and close attention to business, he secured antl held for ten yeai-s a large and lucrative practice. Frank, upright and generous in disposition, he was held in high esteem by the people, and regarded as a leading lawyer by his professional brethren. His unguarded liberality, however, ultimately proved a snare to him financially. His earnings for the ten years were soon swept away in the payment of debts for his friends, and he was compelled to start anew in life. With this object in view, he turned his face and steps westward, and located on a choice tract of four hundred acres of land at the Grove above referred to. Population in his new home was too sparse to afford much profitable law business, and hence he turned his attention to farming and stock-raising, but his reputation as a lawyer soon came to the ears of his new neighbors and friends, and he was frequently called to maintain or defend their rights before the local magistrates. This he did with his former zeal and success. Not a few of the regulars in the profession could truthfully say they were completel}^ surprised and often out-generaled in these contests by this unassuming Hoosier farmer. To his efforts, the passage of the act of the legislature creating the county of Ford, and its subsequent organization, was largely due. At a special election, held in June, 1859, he was elected judge of the county court by a large majority over his opponent Gideon Camp. William Swinford, of Trickel's Grove, and Andrew J. Bartlett, of the Pan Handle, were chosen his associate justices. At the general elections in 1860, 186-J: and 1868, the people called him to serve them in the same responsible office. Before the close of his fourth official term, the growing weight of years and his extensive real-estate interests in Illinois and other western states, convinced him that the remainder of his days should be devoted to private affairs, after having served the public so long and faithfully. The monetary panic of 1875, in connection with his losses as surety for some of his friends, again stripped him of nearly all his earthly possessions. But notwithstanding his misfortune in this particular, he had the higher and better consolation of having justly merited the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens by an active and useful life in their midst for more than thirt}^ years. Those who knew him can cheerfully bear witness that the pioneer lawyer of Ford county in his younger years was a good lawyer, a quaint and entertaining speaker, and at all times a kind and indulgent parent, a friend of the poor and needy, an enterprising, public-spirited citizen, and above all, a steadfast lover of justice and humanity.

In February, 1860, J. B. Bitrrows, a native of the Empire state, and a graduate of one of the leading colleges and law schools of the state of Pennsylvania, located in Paxton as a lawyer. Being a man of pleasing address, an uncommonly graceful and eloquent speaker, possessing a liberal education, able to write and speak Hiienth- in the French and German hmguages as well as in the mother tongue, he soon became known as a i)opnlar public speaker. His law practice grew rapidly from the start, and in a few months after his arrival he was employed in several important suits in Ford and adjoining counties. On the 4th day of July. 18G0. he delivered to a large and attentive nudience. on the grounds where the ]uil)]ic high school building now stands in Paxton, the first oration ever made on Independence day in this cit\'. and I doubt if its power and elocpience have ever been surpassed on a similar occasion in the county since then. Soon after this, he was employed by the order of (lood Templars as state lecturer for the state of Illinois, which position he held until the spring of 1861. From the spring of 1855 until the autumn of 1858, he was editor in chief of an independent newspaper published in the city of New Orleans, one side of which was printed in the French language, and the other in the English, and in the presidential campaign of 1860, supported Bell and Everett for president and vice president. In that campaign ]\Ir. Burrows made a number of political speeches at prominent points in the south in their behalf. In the meantime, he had Ixx-oine well acquainted with the political ideas and revolutionary designs entertained by her political leaders and the unanimity with which the masses of her people would support any attempt they might make to dissolve the Union, and hence when the roar of her hostile guns resounded over the north at the bombardment of Sumter, he at once insisted that a tremendous struggle for national existence was upon us. Soon after this, at the first meeting of the citizens of Paxton and vicinity to raise volunteers held in the schoolhouse, he made an eloquent appeal to his audience to forget past party affiliations, to "sink the partisan in the patriot" and rally as one nuin to the support of the national flag. In 1861 or 1862 he removed to Bloomington. Illinois, where he assisted in enlisting volunteers in that locality, and where he died in 1863.

In the summer of 1860, Kennedy Price, a native of Ilagerstown. ]\raryland, removed from Palo, Illinois, to Paxton, where he entered into copartnership ^\ith Henry l^arnhouse, an old resident of the latter place, and at the time a jnstice of the peace, under the firm name of Price & Barnhouse, attorneys at law. Mr. Price was a descendant of one of the leading families of his native state.

lie was well ('(hieated in liis profession, libi'ral, jovial and courteous among his fi'iends, ;uk1 in that sense a true southern gentleman. In his address to the jury, he was of the fervent, fiery order, to the court he was deliberate and concise. Tlis residence in Paxton was short. A fii'in believer in (*allioun doctrine of state rights, he nalui'ally drifted info su])i)or1ing fhe southern eonfed- eracy, and iji the fall of 1<S()1 bade adieu to Paxtoii, and returned to his native place to take eharge of the biri^e property interests of his aged widowed mother, where, I am informed, he became a captain of the Confederate army in 1862.

Daniel S. Morse, a native of New Hampshire, and James A. Briggs, a native of Rochester, New York, having heard in their eastern homes that Prospect City, Ford county, Illinois, would soon prove a paradise for young lawyers, formed a copartnership under the firm name of ]\Iorse & Briggs, lawyers, and came to that noted city of the "grand prairie" in the summer of 18G0, and tendered their services to whomsoever it might concern. Their anticipated rich harvest, however, yielded rather meager returns, and hence their sta\ was brief. In the latter part of the year 1861 ]\Ir. ]\Iorse went to Chicago, and Mr. Briggs to Eureka, Woodford county, Illinois, where he resumed the practice of his profession in partnership with Judge 'Meek of that place.

During the years 1859-60, there strode into Prospect City at odd times an ungainly, verdant looking coiuitry lad, measuring fully six feet four and onehalf inches in height, with broad, angular frame, having a large head thickly covered with short-cut, black bushy hair, rather small black eyes, high cheek bones, sciuare, prominent chin, wide mouth and swarthy complexion, and unusual size, and whose abrupt manners and speech attracted the attention of nearly every one. Such is an imperfect description of the personal appearance of Martin V. Ross, one of the prominent lawyers of the Paxton bar in bygone da.ys. He was born near Greencastle, Indiana, and emigrated to east central Illinois al)out 1855, where he was mainly engaged as a farm laborer and school teacher until his admission to the l)ar in 1862. After which, for some time, he was assistant editor of the Ford County Journal, one of the first newspapers jiublished in the county. David Crondall, of Champaign City, being editor. In 186-4 he associated with himself as a partner in law, E. C. Gray, under the firm name of Ross & Gray, which continued until the fall of 1865, when Mr. Ross located at Fort Scott, Kansas, and where he successfully conducted an extensive law business, mostly in criminal cases, l)efore the district and supreme courts of that state, for about two years. He was twice elected a member of the lower house of the Kansas legislature, and served with much distinction. At the close of his last term, he was elected .iudge of the district court, composed of lk)urbon and adjoining counties, which position he held at the time of his death, which occurred in 1870, on the Pacific sh)pe, whither he had gone for his health. In the mauagemeut of his cases in court, he manifested great tenacity and no little adroitness. Before the jury he urged his clients' cavise with much earnestness and viu'or. in a kind of "rough and ready" style peculiar to himself. Before the court he Avas deliberate, fearless and self-assured, generally argumentative, though at times quite illogical. In politics he was a zealous, radical republican, and during the htte war lal)()red for the cause of the union effectively. His educational requirements were small, yet by nature he was endowed with physical aiul mental capacities l)road and strong.

Edw^ard C. Gr.\y, the oldest settled lawyer, Avas born and raised in the vicinity of Cleveland, Ohio. His earlier years were spent on the farm and as a railroader in his native state. When the southern rebellion broke out, he shouldered his musket and moved to the front to take a hand in the preservation of the Union. After having served his country faithfully in that memorable struggle mitil 1864, he received an honorable discharge, and located in Paxton as a partner of Martin V. Ross, in the law practice under the firm name of Ross & Gray. The firm continued until the former Avent to Fort Scott, Kansas, in 1865. Mr. Gray then became the resident partner of the firm of Smith & Gray. This partnership was dissolved when Mr. Smith Avas elected circuit judge of the seventeenth circuit in 1873. The firm enjoyed an extensive and successful laAv business in Ford and adjoining counties, as Avell as in the higher courts of this state. Mr. Gray, soon after Judge Smith's election, associated Avith himself as a partner, Captain Z. S. Swan, of Champaign, Illinois, under the firm name of Gray & SAvan, and so continued until the death of the latter at Champaign in 1882. He was at the December term, 1883, of the circuit court, appointed by Hon. 0. T. Rems, presiding judge, as an associate counsel, AAnth Hon. Thomas T. Tipton of Bloomington, Illinois, to defend James Ryan, Avho Avas under indictment for the murder of Abram Thorpe, in Paxton, on the 30th day of September, 1883. His judgment of the hnv and practice Avas comprehensiA^e and accurate, and in the trial of a cause his opponent need not expect a victory, without confronting every point of merit involved in the case.

John Pollock Avas born in Harrison county, Ohio, in 1817, Avhere he Avas reared on the farm, and received his education in the common and select schools of his neighborhood. In 1835 he removed with his parents to Logan county, Ohio; here he AA^orked on the farm in the summer season, and taught district school and pursued his preparatory study of tlic hiAv in the Avinter season. Soon after his admission to the bar by the supreme court of Ohio in 1851, he began the practice of his profession at Bellfontaine. Some years later, he, in company Avith two others, conducted for two years a private bank in that city JMr. Pollock acting as attorney and cashier. Wh(>n the firm dissolved, the business was carried on for two years longer on his own account. Having now been elected prosecuting attorney for his county, he gave up the banking business to attend to tlie duties of his oiflee. In 1865, in company with his son, J. E. Pollock, he opeiied a law office in Winchester, Virginia, where they enjoyed an extensive practice until the fall of 1866, when the father made a business trip to Illinois, intending to return to Winchester, but in the meantime the legislature of Virginia had enacted such liberal exemption and stay laws as to render collection of debts tedious and in some cases impossible. This induced him to take up his residence and open an office in Paxton. In 1872 he was elected a member of the lower house of the legislature of this state in the district composed of the counties of Livingston and Ford, and as such discharged the several duties there imposed upon him witli that conscientious faithfulness that ever characterized his action, whether in public or private life. Among other valuable services rendered his constituency, especially the people of Ford county, he procured the passage of the law placing McLean and Ford counties in one judicial circuit. In 1872, he formed a law partnership with Alfred Sample (which was dissolved l)y mutual consent in 1877) and for one year thereafter, the firm of Pollock & IMcLean was one of the leading law firms in this county. But his professional career drew rapidly to a close, his overtaxed nervous system could endure the strain no longer, and its prostration ensued to such an extent that he was compelled to relinquish his law business entirely and retire to private life. In his practice, he was a careful, painstaking lawyer, always aiming to secure all legal rights of his client in every emergency, while his naturally sympathetic disposition impelled him to extra effort in behalf of the poor or unfortunate who entrusted their cases to his management.