Ford County, Illinois - The whole text, 1908 (part 7 of 9)

^ Her large circle of friends is made up for their true worth wnthout a thought of wealth or social position. Many people of lowly station are among her most cherished friends, and b^^ whom she is greatly beloved. It is not strange that she is so w^ell beloved by all. Kind of heart and charitable, but ahvaj's wanting her charities unknown. A friend of education, for many years she and her husband kept a certain number of pupils in Rice Collegiate Institute at their own expense; trjang to keep it secret, but the young people benefited told it, much to their regret. The writer learns that man}' young men and women had a helping hand from them. Some are teachers and others occupy business positions toda.y.

Paxton was without a park and she gave a block of ground set to trees for that purpose. The public Avanted an addition to the park, again she responded W'ith a gift of more ground, wnth the only stipulation that the gifts should bear the name of "Pells Park," in honor of her father.

The University of Michigan needed grounds for their engineering studies and other university work, and they had but a small appropriation for it. She and her husband talked the matter over with the university committee, learned their needs and together gave them a deed to one thousand, four hundred and forty-one acres, with three miles of lake frontage, Avorth about twelve times the amount of their appropriation as appraised by the committee representing the university.

A good wife, best of mothers, a kind-hearted neighbor, most considerate of the welfare of her friends ; a noble woman, w^ell Avorthy to be the Avife of her distinguished husband AA^ho has been the recipient of high military and civil honors constantly since he attained his majority.

We Avere told a little story bA' one of her intimate friends, in confidence, yet we are going to tell it, knoAving she AA^ould object, as it best illustrates her kindness of heart and consideration of the poor better than a A'olume could express it. Some years ago during the game season, her husband sent some quail to her, of Avhich she is A^ery fond. A fcAV moments after the quail had been received and put aAvay, a tramp came to the back door and asked for something to eat. Mrs. B. overheard him asking for some meat, saying he had not tasted meat for days. There happened to be none in the house. She at once invited him in, her cook being indisposed, she dressed the largest quail and cooked it Avith other things, giving him a breakfast that rarely falls to the lot of a tramp. The cook told of it, and her friends of course joked her; her reply. Avas that she only did her duty and Avould feed quail to one of God's unfortunates again if he seemed Avorthy. She said the thanks and look of thankfulness given her by the aged man and his words, as he raised his much worn cap, "Lady, tliat is the l)est meal I have eaten since I liad a home of my own," were worth many times the trouble of dressing and cooking the qnail and getting him a breakfast. No person was ever turned away hungry from her door.

Mrs. Bogardus inherited from her father and brother large property interests in ]\Iichigan. Illinois, city of Paxton and elsewhere, in which she takes a keen interest. She and her husband spend much of their time at Pellston, the namesake of her father; her deep interest in the growth, and her constant thoughtfulness for the welfare of this youthful city, and the betterment of its people have caused her to be called "The Mother of Pellston," and still her love for Paxton and Paxton interests and her people have never diminished.

Hon. John A. Montelius

Tlie specific and distinctive office of biography is not to give voice to a mnji's modest estimate of himself and his accomplishments but rather to leave the perpetual record establishing his character by the concensus of opinion on the part of his fellowmen. Throughout Ford county Hon. John A. ]\Iontelius is spoken of in terms of admiration and respect. His life has been so varied in its activity, so honorable in its purposes, so far-reaching and beneficial in its effects that it has become an integral part of Piper City and has also left an impress upon the annals of the state. While in one sense he cannot be called a public man, albeit he has held some political offices, he has nevertheless exerted an immeasureable influence on the city of his residence ; in business life as a financier and promoter of extensive commercial and industrial enterprises ; in social circles by reason of a charming personality and unfeigned cordiality; in politics by reason of his public spirit and devotion to the general good as well as to liis comprehensive understanding of any questions affecting state and national welfare ; and in those departments of activity which work for the bettterment of mankind through his benevolence and his liberality.

Mr. Montelius was born in Mififlinburg, Pennsylvania, May 29, 1844, and is a descendant of Frederick IMarcus Montelius, who started across the Atlantic in the winter of 1773, landing in Pliiladelphia, on the 25th of August. He carried on merchandising there for some time and afterward removed to ReamstoAvn, Pennsylvania, Avhere his death occurred. Johii IMontelius, his son, and the grandfather of John A. IMontelius, took up his abode in IMifflinburg, Pennsylvania, about 1800, and followed the trade of a tanner as a means of livelihood. He became one of the prominent and influential residents of his locality, which

His family numbered six sons and six daughters, including Charles Montelius. who was hor-n in IMifflinburg in 1811. In early manhood he Icnrned the tanner's trade hut afterw^ard engaged in nu^rchandising. lu 18-'>7 lie wedded Rebecca Howard Piper, who died in 1866 and the following year Mr. Montelius came to Piper City and resided wnth his son. John A. They w^ere in business together through the succeeding six years, after which Charles ]\[ontelins retired. At his death in 1882 his remains were taken back to I'ennsylvania and laid by the side of his wife. His early political allegiance w^as given to the whig party and upon its dissolution he became a republican. A prominent member of the l^resbyterian church, he served as one of its elders for many years, and his life was ever upright and honorable. Of his family two children died in infancy. One son, William Piper, completed his literary education in Lafayette College and spent two years in Western Theological Seminary at Allegheny. He then became connected with the Christian Commission and in the fall of 1864 was stationed at Huntsville, Alabama. He died June 15, 1865, at Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania, from disease contracted in this service. Harry G. Montelius, the youngest brother of our subject, was born in Mifflinburg, September 2, 1859, and died in California, February 18, 1899.

At the usual age John A. IMontelius began his education as a pupil in the public schools of his native city and when he put aside his text-books in 1859 he entered upon his l)usiness career as a salesman in a store in ]\Iilton, l*ennsylvania. Tie also spent one year in Lewisburg and in 1861 he enlisted at the first call for volunteers, going to Camp Curtain, at Harrisburg, Imt w^as rejected. He then reenlisted on the 17th of June, 1863, for one hundred days' service, becoming a member of Company D, Thirty-first Pennsylvania Infantry, which time he spent at Cunil^erland, Maryland. He was discharged at Harrisburg, August 8, 1863, and on the 12th of July, 186-t, again joined the Union army, as a member of the First Battalion of Pennsylvania Infantry, with which he continued until honorably discharged on the 11th of November following. Thus before he allaiucd the age of twenty years he had three times enlisted for defense of the Union.

Ill tile fall of 1865 Mr. Montelius further qualified For the busiiu^ss world as a student in Quaker City Business College of Philadeli)hia, and in the summer of 186() he held a position in the Corn Exchange National Hatdc of Philadelphia. Thinking to find better business opportunities in the middle west he arrived in Piper City on the 14th of November, 1866, and has since been a resident of Ford county, where he has figured most prominently in business affairs. On the 6th of December he joined his uncle. Dr. Pipei". in whose honor I'iper C'ity was named, in the conduct of a general mercantile enterprise. (Changes in the partnership from time to time induced the adoption of the firm style oT Piper, Montelius & Company, C. Montelius & Son and J. A. Montelius, for in later years Mr. Montelius became sole proprietor. He has figured prominently in the finaneial eircles of tlie city since 1867. He was originally connected with his father in banking and sold out to Campbell & Thompson, with the intention of devoting his time to his extensive landed interests. He organized the First National Bank of Piper City and from the beginning, April 14, 1900, has been its president. Previous to this he conducted the Piper City Bank, a private bank, which he bought of Durham Brothers in 1896. The National Bank is capitalized for fifty thousand dollars, and his son, Joseph K., is associated with him in this enterprise. The bank has become recognized as one of the strongest financial concerns of Ford county and this part of the state, having been established on a safe, conservative basis, while the policy maintained has always been such as to mei'it the unqualified confidence and trust of the public.

Almost from the beginning of his residence here ]\Ir. JMontelius has likewise been engaged in the grain trade. He is a man of resourceful ability, recognizing and utilizing opportunities that others pass by heedlessly. He owns two grain elevators in Piper City, the business being now conducted by his son, George D., under the firm name of George D. Montelius & Company. For forty years he has been associated with the grain trade and his operations in that line have brought him a gratifying financial return. From time to time ]\Ir. JMontelius has made very extensive investments in realty and is now the owner of over five thousand acres in Ford and Iroquois counties. He and his three sons are conducting their business interests under the same roof and the name of IMontelius is one of the strongest in trade and financial circles in this part of the state. The youngest son, Jolm A., is conducting the implement business which was established by the father about three decades ago. At one time Mr. Montelius also conducted a branch agricultural implement store at Kempton but has withdrawn from that field, since turning over this department of his business to his son.

Not only in business lines but also in many other ways Mr. Montelius has been a most active and potent factor in the life of the city. In early manhood he served for a nundjer of terms as supervisor of Brenton townshi}) and was chairman of the board. In 1900 he was elected representative of his district in the general assembly ami his legislative course was so satisfactory to his constituents that he was reelected in 1902, serving in the forty-second and forty-third sessions of the house. In the latter he had the honor of introducing the local option bill, drawn by the Anti-Saloon League, of which he is a member. He also introduced amendments to the farm drainage law, which were of great benefit to this section of the state. He served on the revenue and banking committees and was chairman of the committc^e of Soldiers and Sailors Home and the Orphans Home at Normal. He stood with thirty-nine Sherman men who went to defeat together. He lacked but a few votes of election to the speakership of the general assembly at the time when John H. IMiller was chosen. He is a warm personal as well as political friend of Shelby M. Cullom, and has a wide acquaintance and friendship among many of the distinguished political leaders of the state. In 1904 he was chosen the presidential elector and cast his ballot for Roosevelt. ]\Ir. Montelius has been a student of the problems which constitute political interest at the present day and of the great issues which divide the two parties with their roots extending down to the bedrock of the foundation of the republic, he has a true statesman's grasp. His ideas and labors concerning politics and those interests which are to be conserved through political labor have been at all times intensely practical.

Mr. Montelius was married on the 8th of October. 1867, in Mifflinburg. Pennsylvania, to Miss Catherine Gast, a native of that city and a daughter of Henry and Mary Gast. They became the parents of six children : Charles Henry, Avho died in infancy ; the three sons mentioned above ; and ]\Iaggie and Mary Rebecca, the daughters of the family, at home.

]Mr. Montelius is a member of the Grand Army post of Piper City, being one of its organizers and the only charter member now living, and he is prominent in the order in Illinois. He is an exemplary Mason, l)eing a charter member of Piper Lodge, No. 608, A. F. & A. M. ; Fairbury Chapter, No. 99, R. A. M. ; and St. Paul Commandery, No. 34, K. T. at Fairbury. He has also attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite in the Oriental consistory of Chicago. While his life has been a most busy one, his extensive business interests and political service making constant demands upon his time and attention, he has yet found opportunity to devote to the higher, holier duties of life, wliich many men neglect in the press and stress of business interests. For many years he has been an elder of the Presbyterian church and superintendent of the Sunday school, and his efforts in behalf of tin; church have been far-reaching and effective.

His business career seems in a measure phenomenal when one recognizes the fact that while today he is one of the wealthiest men of Ford county he had a capital of only twelve hundred dollars when he arrived in Piper City and this had been saved from his earnings since the time when he started out in l)usiness life empty-handed. He has been generous of his means in support of many valuable public measures. Regarded as a citizen and in liis social relations he l)elongs to that public-spirited, useful and helpful type of men whose ambitions and desires are centered and directed in those channels through which tlow the greatest and most permanent good to llie greatest number.

Hon. J. P. Imiddlecoff

Jonathan P. Middlecoff is a citizen to whom Paxton, in large measure, owes her commercial prosperity, material improvement and architectural adornment. Tlie history of Ford county would be very incomplete and unsatisfactory without a personal and somewhat extended mention of him. He finds an appropriate place in the history of those men of business and enter- prise who have e.stul)lishecl aiul controlled large affairs and have brought to successful completion important schemes of trade and profit, thus contributing in an eminent degree to the development of tlie vast resources of the state. One of the prominent characteristics of his successful business career is that his vision has never been bounded by the exigencies of the moment but has covered as Avell the opportunities and possibilities of the future. This has led him into extensive undertakings bringing him into marked prominence in industrial, commercial and financial circles.

JMr. jMiddlecoff is a native of Richmond, Indiana. l)orn on the 20th of February, 1838. The father, Daniel Middlecoff, was l:>orn in Maryland in 1800 and in the same state, in 1809, occurred the birth of Theresa Newcomer, w^ho in early womanhood became his wife. On removing from Maryland in 1827 thoy established their home at Richmond, Indiana, where they remained until 18-49. In that year they took up their abode in Cincinnati, Ohio, and for many years Daniel ]\Iiddlecoff was a prominent and successful wholesale grocery merchant there. In 1861 he settled in Patton township. Ford county, Illinois, where he resided until his death in 1866. His widow long survived him, passing away in 1898.

When a lad of eleven years Jonathan P. Middlecoff became a pupil in the public schools of Cincinnati and later continued his education in St. John's College and in the Farmers College of Ohio. In 1857 he came to Illinois and entered business life in this state as a merchant of Ludlow, Champaign county, where he remained until 1862. In that year he removed to a farm in Ford county and Avas actively identified with agricultural pursuits until 1867, w^hen he became a hardware merchant of Paxton, continuing the business with success for several years. Constantly watchful of opportunities for the extension of his business, in 1881 he became associated with C. Bogardus, P. Whitmer and F. L. Cook in the manufacture of drain tile and brick under the firm name of the Paxton Brick & Tile Company. Mr. Middlecoff' w^as chosen president and general manager and from the beginning the enterprise proved a success. The trade steadily increased, his capable control being manifest in a growing patronage that rendered this a most profitable investment. Mr. Middlecoff continued at the head of the business until 1902.

In the meantime, in 1888, he assisted in organizing the Paxton Canning Company, of which he was also chosen president and general manager. The same spirit of enterprise Avas ])rought to bear in its control and thus the success was assured from the start. In all of his business interests Mr. Middlecoff has been watchful of every detail, has been energetic, prompt and notably reliable and in the execution of well defined plans and purposes has met with success. From time to time he has made judicious investments in property and now has extensive real-estate holdings, including valuable farms and much city reality. In 1896 he was the organizer of the hotel company which erected the present magnificent hotel at Paxton, a building which would be a credit to a city of much larger size. He was elected president of the company and after the completion of the structure the hotel was named the Middlecotf in his honor. It is l)ut one of many evidences of his pu])lic-spirited interest in Paxton. Although he spends but four or five months of each year here he loves his home city as a father loves his child and does much to further its interests and promote its progress.

The marriage of J. P. Middlecoff and Miss IMary F. Fox was celebrated in Cincinnati, Ohio, in January. 1864. IMrs. Middlecoff was reared and educated in that city and was a daughter of Richard Fox, the original starch manufacturer. They became the parents of three children but Alice, the eldest, died at tlu' age of sixteen months, Samu(>l at the age of twenty-two months and Addie in early womanhood, March 9, 1891. Recently Mr. IMiddlecoff has erected in Paxton a colonial mansion, the finest residence of the city, and also maintains a home in St. Augustine, Florida, where he spends the winter months.

Not alone in l)usiness affairs but through other avenues of activity has ]Mr. Middlecoff contributed to public progress. He was for some years recognized as one of the republican leaders of central Illinois, and was a delegate to the national republican convention held in Philadelphia in 1900. He was first called to office in 1866 as supervisor of Patton township. He served also in the following year and was again elected in 1872, 1877 and 1878. During the last two years he was chairman of the county board and in the administration of public affairs brought to bear the same executive force and keen discrimination that have ever characterized him in his business life. That the public regarded him worthy of higher political honors was indicated by their election of him as their representative in the twenty-eighth general assembly. As a member of the house he served on the committees on public buildings and grounds, on corporations and on county and township organizations. He proved an active worker in the committee room and on all occasions gave earnest consideration to every ([uestion which came up for settlement. Four times he served as nuiyor of Paxton and as its chief executive promoted reform, progress and improvement along various lines, holding high the standard of municipal honor and exercising his official prerogatives in support of those interests and movements Avhich were a matter of civic virtue and civic pride. During his second term as mayor the waterworks were put in operation and during his fourth term the city hall was erected. 'I'll is fine structure and ornament to Paxton owes its existence in no small degree to Mr. Middlecoff, who advocated a l)uilding that would be a credit to the city.

In Masonry ]Mr. Middlecoff has attained high rank. He belongs to Oriental Consistory, S. P. R. S., of Chicago, and to Morocco Temple of the Mystic Shrine in Jacksonville, Floi-ida. Both he and his wife are active members of the Methodist Episcopal chiii-ch of Paxton and he has been leader of the choir for thirty-five years. His life has been an open scroll inviting the closest scrutiny. His achievements represent the result of honest endeavor along lines where mature judgment has pointed the way. He possesses a weight of character and native sagacity, a discriminating mind and the fidelity to principles that command the respect of all. There is perhaps no other one citizen who has done for Paxton what Jonathan P. iMiddlecoff has accomplished for the citv.

During the entire period of his manhood Robert A. ]\IcCracken has been connected prominently' with business interests in Paxton and Ford county and his name has long been an honored one on commercial paper. While he pre pared for and was admitted to the bar, he has largely retired from active practice but his knowledge of the law proves of much value to him in the conduct of his private business interests. He is president of the Kankakee City Electric Railway and has extensive investments, while at the same time he h i^ the care of his father's estate, his mother, ]\Irs. E. C. ]\IcCracken being executrix. The estate embraces forty-six hundred and fifty acres of Illinois land.

A native of Pennsylvania, Mr. IMcCracken was born in Lawrence county, November 19, 1854, a son of the Rev. Robert IMcCracken, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. He was but seven years of age when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Ford county and here the days of his boyhood were passed, his education being acquired in the public schools of Paxton. In 1871 he removed to Hoopeston with his father who was engaged ui merchandising there until 1876, when the family returned to Paxton. He then became associated with his father in buying and selling real estate and from that time to the present has been more or less actively associated with the purchase and sale of farm and city property. Some time after his return to Paxton he took up the study of law in the office and under the direction of the law firm of Cook & I\Ioffett. In 1888 he passed the examination which secured his admission to the bar and entered upon the practice of his profession. Although he does not now engage in practice his knowledge of the law is of inestimable value to him in the control of his property interests. In August, 1905, in company with three others, he purchased the Kankakee City Electric Railway and on the election of officers was chosen president, with E. E. Rollins as vice president and E. D. Risser as secretary and treasurer. These offices they still hold and are thus becoming actively associated Avith the great system of interurban railways, which have been so important a factor in the development of the state. He is widely known as a man of sound business judgment and of unfaltering enterprise, also notably prompt and reliable, having gained an unassailable reputation for business integrity.

On the 8th of October, 1889, Mr. IMcCracken was married to Miss Luella B. Kemp, a daughter of Nicholas and Catherine S. (Axline) Kemp, who came to Ford county, Illinois, Avith her parents from Wenona, Marshall county, this state, in 3875, the family home being established on a farm of three hundred and twenty acres three miles west of Paxton. Unto Mr. and ]\Irs. McCracken have been born three children : Howard Orr, Ruth A. and Wendell Kemp, the first two being high school students.

Mr. McCracken and his family are active members of the First IMethodist Episcopal church of Paxton and are interested in all that pertains to the progress and development of the city. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and although not an aspirant for office he is in this regard, as in every other relation of life, a stalwart champion of the principles in which he believes. He is never neglectful of the duties of citizenship nor forgetful of his obligations to his fellowmen. His deep interest in children is indicated by his authorship of a child's story book, which was published in 1901 under the title of "Hidalgo and Home Life at West Lawn," the preface being written by Miss Lida B. McMurray, of the State Normal School of De Kalb. This volume was well received by the press and public, the first edition having already been exhausted. The family home at the corner of West Center and Elm streets is among the finest of Paxton 's residences and here Mr. McCracken 's many friends know him as a genial, hospitable host. He has a wide accpiaintance in Ford county, where almost his entire life has been passed, is popular Avith all classes and without invidious distinction may be termed one of the county's most honored and representative citizens.

Oscar Henry Daimon

Oscar Henry Damon is a retired merchant of Gibson City, enjoying in well earned rest the fruits of his former toil. He was born in Hanover, New Hampshire, May 24, 1835, his parents being Ebenezer and Chloe A. (Lawrence) Damon, the latter a daughter of Joseph Lawrence. The father was born November 1, 1812, and was a builder in Lawrence, IMassachusetts, whence he removed to Rutland, La Salle county, Illinois. The family was founded in America by Deacon John Damon, who arrived in Reading, Massachusetts, in 1630 and was a selectman there. He made his home in that place until his death, which occurred in 1708. His descendants are now widely scattered but representatives of the family have always remained residents of New England. Ebenezer Damon, on removing westward, established his home in LaSalle county, where he continued his residence up to the time of his demise in 1870. His widow, long surviving him, died in 1890 at Gibson City.

Oscar H. Damon, one of a family of six children, acquired a common-school education in Lyndon, Vermont, and in Lawrence, ^Massachusetts. After putting aside his text-books he was employed in a store and factory until twenty years of age, when he started in business on his own account, removing westward to Rutland, La Salle county. He there opened a dry-goods store in connection with his brother and was thus engaged until 1861, when he put aside business and personal considerations to espouse the cause of the Union in the Civil Avar. He enlisted in Battery K, Second Illinois Light Artillery, and participated in many battles which led np to the final triumph of the Union army, remaining at the front until nuistered out in 1864 because of physical disability. He relates many interesting incidents of military life and is a worthy veteran, whose loyalty to his duty was never questioned on the field of battle.

After being mustered out, INIr. Damon served as clerk of the Freedman's bureau at Natchez, ]\Iississippi, and following his return to the north was postmaster of Rutland, La Salle county. He afterward opened a drug store at Coaticook, in the province of Quebec, Canada, where he remained in business for nine years. He afterward went to Olympia, Washington, where he continued for a year and a half and later went to California and to Chicago. On the 1st of IMay, 1878, he arrived in Gibson City. Soon afterward he purchased five hundred acres of land, for which he paid thirty dollars per acre and which is today worth one hundred and seventy-five dollars per acre owing to the splendid improvements he has placed upon it and the natural rise in value consequent to the settlement of the state. His property is divided into three farms, comprising five hundred seventeen and a half acres in Dix and Drummer townships, and he also owns a half section of land in Pike county, Illinois, and section and a half in North Dakota. From his property interests he derives an excellent income, which amply supplies him with all of the comforts and some of the luxuries of life. He continued actively in his farming operations for a number of years and still gives personal supervision to his invested interests. He owns one of the finest residences in Gibson City, erected in 1906.

On the 19th of May, 1878, IMr. Damon was married to Mrs. Margaret A. Lott, the widow of J. B. Lott, who owned all the land where Gibson City is now located. Both Mr. and Mrs. Damon have an extensive acquaintance in the county and occupy a very prominent position in social circles, being people of many friends. He holds membership in the Presbyterian church, while his wife is a member of the Christian church. ]\Ir. Damon is serving as one of the elders and treasurer of his church and also a teacher in the Sunday school. He was chairman of the building committee at the time of the erection of the new house of worship and has taken a most active and helpful interest in all departments of the church work. He was also secretary of the County Sunday School Association and does all in his power to promote moral training of the young recognizing the fact that the early teachings are seldom forgotten, but leave an indelible impress upon the young lives. His political allegiance is given the republican party and he is recognized as one of its local leaders. He served as town clerk for three years, was president of the village board, and has twice served as mayor of the city. His official duties have ever been discharged with promptness and fidelity, winning him high encomiums and the unqualified trust of his fellowmen. He belongs to Lott Post, G. A. R., and manifests the same loyalty to liis country in days of peace that he displayed when upon southern battlefields he followed the old flag to victory. His influence is always given on the side of right, progress and improvement and his labors have been an element not onl}^ in the material development, but in the political and moral progress of the community.

Thomas J. IMcDermott, who owns and operates three hundred and twenty acres of rich and productive land on section 16, Mona township, was born in Peoria county, Illinois, October 18, 1858, his parents being James and Mary (Slaven) IMcDermott, who w^ere both natives of Ireland. They emigrated to America in the early '40s, locating in Peoria county, Illinois, when the city of that name was only a very small river town, and there the father followed farming for many years, being closely connected with the pioneer development of that part of the state. Unto Mr. and Mrs. James ]\IcDermott were born eight children, as follows: Mary J., the wife of Peter Burns, of Peoria county; Henry who resides in Cullom, Livingston county, Illinois; James, who makes his home in Chicago ; Thomas J., of this review ; Carolina, who became the wife of Thomas Foulton and resides in Cullom ; Susanna, who is the wife of James Carl, of Peoria county; and Stephen and Matthew, both of whom make their home in Peoria county.

Thomas J. INIcDermott acquired his education in the common schools and remained with his father on the home farm until he had attained his majority, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. On leaving the parental roof he took up liis abode on a rented farm near Piper City and operated the place for one year. On the expiration of that period he came to Mona township, where he again operated a rented farm for two years and then purcthased eighty acres of land on section 16, Avhere he now resides. As llie years passed he brought the land under a high state of cultivation and added many modern improvements to the farm, having also extended the boundaries of his place until it now comprises three hundred and twenty acres of fine farming land. He is widely known as one of the representative and enterprising agriculturists of the county and in addition to the work of general farming he makes a specialty of raising full blooded Hereford cattle, both branches of his business returning to him a gratifying annual income.

In 1881 Mr. McDermott was united in marriage to IMiss Elizabeth IMullaly, a daughter of James and Margaret Mullaly, both natives of Ireland, who crossed the Atlantic to America at an early day. They became the parents of ten children, as follows : John ; James ; William, deceased ; Mary Jane, deceased ; Frank ; Mrs. McDermott ; Anna, who makes her home in New Jersey ; Charles ; Thomas; and Ella. Unto Mr. and Mrs. McDermott have also been born ten children : Thomas E, deceased ; Margaret, the wife of Albert Hartquest, of Chatsworth, Illinois; James E., at home; Mary E., deceased; Susanna, Charles E., Carrie M., Jane E., Thomas "W., and Orville M.

Both ]\Ir. and Mrs. McDermott are communicants of the Catholic church and in his political views our subject is a democrat. He has never sought or desired office, however, preferring to give his undivided attention to his business affairs, in which he has met with a large measure of prosperity. He has been identified with the agricultural development of this state from his earliest youth, for he aided in the cultivation of his father 's farm in Peoria county and for more than a quarter of a century has carried on farming on his own account in Ford county, having seen the district transformed from a wild, uncultivated region into -one of the richest agricultural states of the Union. Moreover, the success which has come to him is due entirelj^ to his own well directed labor and enterprise, for he started out in life empty-handed and has steadily worked his way upward until he is now numbered among the substantial citizens of the county.

John F. Schumacher

John F. Schumacher, well known in financial circles in Ford county as cashier of the Bank of Cabery, his native town, was born on the 4th of January, 1879. His parents were John and Anna (Trush) Schumacher, both natives of Germany. Mrs. Schumacher arrived in America about thirty-five years ago, some years later than her future husband, and they were married in Chicago. Subsequently they took up their abode in Cabery on the Kankakee county side and there the death of Mr. Schumacher occurred on the 15th of August, 1899, when he was fifty-five years of age. The mother still resides here. In their family were seven chihlren : Elizabeth, now a resident of Chicago; ^I. W., of Cabery; John F., of this review; P. J.; Mary; Anna; and Frank.

At the usual age John F. Sehumaeher became a pupil in the public schools, wherein he pursued his studies to the age of seventeen years, after which he attended the Northern Illinois Normal School at Dixon, Illinois, and further qualified for the practical and responsible duties of life as a student in the Gem City Business College, at Quincy, Illinois, from which he was graduated in the fall of 1898. On the 5th of April of the following year he entered the bank as bookkeeper and assistant cashier and made it his purpose to thoroughly acquaint himself with the business and to master every task assigned him. In IMarch, 1907, he was given full charge of the Bank of Cabery and as cashier is managing its interests. His labors have contributed in substantial 2ueasure to its success and in its conduct he follows a safe, conservative policy. He is also manager of a grain and implement business for the firm of Porch & Adams, and is regarded as a young man of excellent business ability and executive force, of keen discernment and unfaltering enterprise.

In his political views Mr. Schumacher is a stalwart republican and is prominent locally. He has served as township clerk, as commissioner of highways, as township treasurer and as village treasurer, and his duties have ever been discharged with promptness and fidelity. His religious faith is that of the Catholic church, and fraternally he is connected Avith the Knights of Columbus at Kankakee, while in Cabery he is clerk of the IModern Woodmen camp. In this part of the county he is well known, having ahvays resided here, and is a young man of many friends.

Thomas Kewley

Thomas Kewley, who is extensively and successfully identified with the agricultural interests of Ford county, being the owner of three hundred and eighty-two acres of fine farming land in ]\Iona township, was born on the Isle of Man on the 12th of August, 1849, his parents being Thomas and Katherine (JMcQuade) Kewley. The father emigrated to America in 1854, locating in New York, and three years later his wife and family joined him there. They remained in the Empire state until 1861, which year witnessed their arrival in Henry county, Illinois, where the father operated a tract of rented land for ten years. On the expiration of that period they came to Mona township, Ford county, purchasing- land on section 16. Here the parents remained until called to their final rest, the mother passing away in 1890, while Mr. Kewley survived until the 23d of August, 1902. They were among the early pioneer settlers of this portion of the state, establishing a home on the frontier and aiding in the cultivation and development of hitherto wild laud. They had but two children, our subject being now the only survivor of the family.

Thomas Kewley was but eight years of age when he accompanied his mother on her emigration to America, and remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority, assisting his father in the labors of the home farm during the summer months and attending school in the winter seasons. On reaching man's estate he started out in business life on his own account by renting a tract of land, which he operated successfully and energetically for sixteen years. With the capital he had acquired during this period he then purchased eighty acres on section 18, Mona township, w^liere he has since made his home. As the years have passed he has made many substantial improvements on the place and, owing to the prosperity which has attended his farming interests, has been enabled to purchase more land from time to time until he now owns three hundred and eighty-two acres in Mona township, while he also has three hundred and twenty acres in South Dakota. His landed holdings are thus quite extensive and he is widely recognized as one of the prosperous and influential agriculturists of the county.

In 1874 Mr. Kewley was joined in wedlock to ]\Iiss Mary Tredenick, who was born in Grundy county, Illinois, in 1857. Her parents, who were natives of England, went to Canada in 1854, later establishing their home in Grundy county, Illinois, where the father followed farming for a few years. They then came to Ford county, where both the father and mother passed away. They were the parents of four children, namely : John, deceased ; ]\Irs. Kewle}^; Charles, who resides in CuUom, Illinois; and William, deceased. Unto our subject and his w^fe have been l)orn six children, as follows : I\Iinnie L., who has passed aw^ay; Charles E., at home; Jennie A., who became the wife of Charles Thorn and makes her home in Cullom ; Katie M., the wife of A. D. Layman, a farmer of Livingston county ; and Frank II. and Bernie N., both at home.

In his political views Mr. Kewley is a republican and is ({uite prominent in the local ranks of his party. He is now serving as school trustee and also as supervisor of Mona township, having held the latter office for six years.

Pie lias likewise acted as seliool director for fifteen years, the cause of education ever finding in him a warm and helpful friend. Fraternally he is connected with the Odd Fellows Lodge, No. 680, and Camp No. 1886, of the Woodmen, both of Cullom, while both he and his wife are members of Rebekah lodge, No. 656, at Cullom. Their religious faith is indicated l)y their membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and they are widely and favorably known for their many excellent traits of character and upright lives. For twenty-two years Mr. Kevvley has been an important factor in the agricultural development of Ford county and his prosperity is well deserved, as in him are embraced the characteristics of an unbending integrity, unabating energy and industry that never flags. He is public-spirited, giving his cooperation to every movement which tends to promote the moral, intellectual and material welfare of the community.

The spirit of self-help is the source of all genuine worth in the individual. It is the man who comes to recognize his own powers and his own limitations and who understands the possibilities that are open in the business world that makes orderly progression along the paths of success. Such a man is John lehl, now successfully conducting a banking business in Melvin and also deriving a gratifying income from valuable farming property.

He was born in Baldenheim in the province of Alsace, then a part of France but now of Germany. His natal day was January 13, 1839, and he was the second in the family of three children whose parents were John and Barbara (lehl) lehl, who though of the same name were not relatives. They, too, were natives of Baldenheim, the father born in May, 1809, and tlie mother in April of the same year. They continued residents of Germany until 1850. when, hoping to enjoy better business opportnnittes in the new world, the father brought his family to America and established his home in Deerfield township. Lake county, Illinois, where for some years he carried on a farm, there residing luitil 1888, when he removed to Northfield township, Cook county, Illinois. The mother died in Deerfield township, Lake county, in April, 1852, at the age of forty-three years and the father long survived, passing away April 27, 1894. Of Iheir children Barbara, the eldest, who was born March 17, 1836, is now the widow of Phillip Laesser and resides in North- field, Cook county. The younger daugliter, Salome, born July 28, 1842, is tlie widow of David Horenberger and a resident of Deerfield, Lake county.

John lelil, the only son, remained a resident of his native province to the age of eleven years, when he accompanied his parents on their emigration to the new world. They sailed from Havre to New York and reached Chicago twenty-one days after their embarkation. The voyage across the Atlantic was a short one for a sailing ship. As stated, the family home was established upon a farm in Lake count}^ Illinois, and there John lehl remained with his parents until 1860, being trained to the work of the home farm, while as opportunity offered he also continued his education, begun in the schools of his native country, in the public schools near his father's home. When he had reached adult age he started out in life on his own account, working as a farm hand until his labor had brought him sufficient capital to enable him to engage in business for himself. He was employed at farm labor in JMarsliall county until 1868 and was in the employ of one man for seven years.

In 1868 he removed to Ford county, settling in Peach Orchard township before the railroad was built or the town of Melvin founded. He purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, constituting the northwest quarter of section 28, and is still the owner of that property, on which he continuously made his home until 1874, when he rented his farm and engaged in the grain business in Melvin in partnership with William Frasius and George T. Arends under the firm style of Frasius, lehl & Company. They dealt in grain, seeds and coal, conducting a successful business until 1876, when the senior partner sold out. The firm name of lehl & Company was then adopted and the business was thus carried on until 1890, when they withdrew from the grain trade and established the private banking business that has since been conducted at Melvin, under the name of lehl & Company. Both partners are active in the management of the bank, which has long been recognized as a substantial moneyed institution, having back of it valuable collateral in the shape of fine farming property. In 1899 they built an attractive brick bank building, which is an important addition to the business houses of Melvin. As Mr. lehl has prospered in his undertakings he has from time to time invested in land until he is now the owner of seven hundred and twenty acres, all in Ford county. It is very rich and productive and returns to him a gratif^'ing income.

On the 3d of June, 1871, ]\Ir. lehl was married to Miss Mary Arends, who was born in Groveland, Tazewell county, Illinois, November 5, 1853, and came to Ford county in January, 1870, with her parents, Teis and Teda

(Becker) Arends. She is also a sister of her Inisband's partner. Unto INIr. and ]\Irs. lehl have Ix'cn Ijorn live children. Hannah is the wife of ]\I. T>. Townsend, a farmer of Peach Orchard township, living about a mile south of IMelvin. and they have three children : Glenn I., IMary and John T. George T., who is employed in the bank in Melvin, married Bertha Shilts and they have three children, Ethel, Margaret and Clara. Clara j\I. is the wife of F. G. Ruff, of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and has a daughter, Helen. Edwin A. is a student in the State University at Champaign. Walter C. is attending school in Melvin.

In pc^lities i\Ir. lehl has been a stalwart republican since casting his first presidential vote for Lincoln in 1864. He has the notable and creditable record of serving as supervisor of Peach Orchard township for twenty-two years, having been a member of the board longer than any other supervisor during the history of the township. He w'as also village trustee for six years and in discharging his official duties is prompt, energetic and loyal, doing everything in his power to promote the public service. He attends the German Methodist Episcopal church and is a man whom to know is to respect and honor. His life proves conclusively that difficulties luay be overcome by determined purpose and that the individual may secure success if he has but the will to dare and to do. II is methods have ever been such as will bear close scrutiny and no higher testimonial of his worth as a business man and citizen can be given than is manifest in the genuine respect which his fellow townsmen and all who know him entertain for him.

John H. Emminger

It seems that nature purposes that man shall enjoy a period of rest in the evening of his days. In the morning of his life he is full of energy, hope and courage; at life's noontide his labors are guided by the sound judgment that has come to him through observation and experience and if he persists in the pursuit of an honorable purpose he can win the success tliat will enal)lc him to spend the evening of life without recourse to further labor. Such has been the record of John II. Einmiiiger, of Gibson City, now a rdircd lailor chTiving his income largely from invest meiils in land. He was born in the southern part of Germany, July 14. ls;51, and liis father, who was a linen weaver, and his mother l)oth died in that part of the country.

Mr. Emminger eontinnod there until twenty years of age, when he left liis native land, sailing on the 14th of March, 1853, for the United States. The voyage was made in one of the old-time sailing vessels and after forty-two days spent on the Atlantic he reached New York city on the 26th of April. On that day the Odd Fellows were having a big celebration and parade and Mr. Emminger thought it the grandest sight he had ever witnessed in all his life. The city in its gala day decorations made a great impression upon him and from that time America has had a stronghold upon his atfections and loyalty. In his native country Mr. Emminger had learned and followed the tailor's trade and was again employed in that way in New York city until the fall of 1853, when he made his way westward to Chicago and Milwaukee. Later he took up his abode in La Salle, Illinois, where he served as foreman in a tailor establishment until 1861. On the 9th of June of that year he removed to Davenport, Iowa, where he remained for four and a half years, or through the period of the Civil war, acting as foreman in a tailor shop there. Subsequently he spent two and a half years in Keokuk, Iowa, and in 1867 returned to La Salle, Illinois, where he resided until 1870, when he opened up a shop of his own in Wenona, Illinois, where he remained for four and a half years. He next located at Pontiac, Illinois, where he conducted business on his own account for ten and a half years, and then came to Gibson City where he also conducted a successful tailoring business for some time. He is now retired, however, and depends upon his income from his property to supply him with the necessities and comforts of life. He is the owner of two hundred acres of land in Drummer township and also had one hundred and sixty acres in McLean county, which he gave to his children. In Kansas he has invested in property, having one hundred and sixty acres in Brown county. He also owns a good residence in Gibson City and a store building, which is now rented for a meat market.

In 1854 Mr. Emminger was married to ]\Iiss Mary C. Riegs, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1831, a daughter of George and Sophia (Kugler) Riegs, the father, a truck farmer near La Salle, Illinois, where he located in 1854 and where he resided until his death. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Emminger were born four sons and four daughters, of whom two sons and two daughters are now living, and they have twelve grandchildren. Their son Albert lives upon the father's farm two miles southwest of Gibson City. , ,

Mr. Emminger is a member of the Masonic fraternity, joining the lodge at La Salle, Illinois, in 1867, while since 1858 he has been a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge at La Salle. His political allegiance has been given to the republican party since he became a naturalized American citizen. There is no native son of the United States more loyal to her welfare and her interests, for he has enjoyed her protection and has found here the opportunities for the attainment of success. When he arrived in America he had but twent^^-five cents, but gradually he has worked his way up\vard and his diligence and perseverance have brought him a goodly measure of prosperity and at the same time the methods which he has followed in the business world have made his an honored name.

John MeKinney, senior partner of the John IMcKinney & Son Company, has been engaged in the lumber trade in Piper City for more than a half century and has carried on business on his own account since 1859. In his undertakings he has prospered by reason of his intelligent and well directed effort, his unremitting industry and perseverance, being now one of the substantial residents of Ford county. He was born near Belfast in Cookstown, Ireland, in 1833, his parents being Archibald and Elizabeth (MeKinney) MeKinney, wlio, though of the same name, were not relatives. With their family they came to America in 1847 and resided in Philadelphia until 1857, when they came to Ford county. There the father carried on agricultural pursuits until 1888, when ^vith his wife he removed to Piper City, where they lived until called to their final rest. The father reached the advanced age of ninety-three years, while the mother was eighty-two years of age at the time of her death and during the last fifteen years of her life was blind. In their family were five children, of whom John is the eldest. Rachel is the widow of Captain Perry of Philadelphia, and has one son, Joseph. JMrs. JMargaret IMcLaughlin, a widow, is living in Piper City with her sister, INIrs. Perry. AVilliam died in 1880, and Joseph in 1883.

John MeKinney spent the first twelve years of his life in the land of his nativity and then crossed the Atlantic to Philadelphia with his mother, three brothers and two sisters. In this land they joined the father, who had preceded them to the new world. The voyage was made in 1847 as passengers on a sailing ship which was six weeks in covering the distance between the European and the American harbors. On the trip over a brother and sister died, the sister being buried at sea and the brother on Staten Island. The family lost all their baggage after reaching New York. John MeKinney remained in Philadelphia for about ten years and for two or three years spent a part of the time iu school. Duriug the period of his residence in Phikdelphia he served a five years' apprenticeship to the- carpenter's trade, becoming an expert workman during that period. In 1856 he made his way westward to Chicago with his father and later both came to Ford county and purchased a tract of land three miles south and a half mile west of what is now Piper City. For three years after arriving in Ford county John IMcKinney worked at his trade in Chicago and on the road for the Illinois Central Railroad Company. He then began to build houses for the first settlers at Piper City and this viciuit}', for it was during the period of pioneer development here and it was necessary that the early inhabitants should build homes for themselves. Mr. IMcKinney was thus employed at contracting and building until I860, when he took the management of a lumberyard for the firm of Piper & Montelius. He continued in business in that way until the fall of 1869, when he bought out his employers and has since continued in the lumber trade without intermission. This is the only lumberyard in the city and the business has grown to extensive and profitable proportions. In 1872 he further extended the scope of his trade by establishing a hardware department, while later he opened a furniture and undertaking establishment, thus his business growing in volume and importance until it has long since been considered one of the leading commercial industries of the village. In 1870 Mr. McKinney admitted his brother William to a partnership under the firm style of John i\IcKinney & Brother, a relation that was maintained until the death of the junior partner in 1880. Mr. IMcKinney was afterward alone in buisness for thirteen years, when he admitted his son, AV. 0. McKinney, under the firm name of John McKinney & Son. Later they organized a stock company, holding all of the stock themselves with the exception of about three thousand dollars, to which extent II. G. Flessner is interested. The business is now carried on under the firm style of the John IMcKinney & Son Company. The son and ]Mr. Flessner have active management of the business, while the father gives his attention largely to the management of his real-estate interests. They also have a branch store and lumberyard at La Hogue, where they have operated for seven or eight years.

In 1865 Mr. IMcKinney was married to IMiss Fredericka Walrich, who was born in Germany in 1846 and came to Illinois with her parents about 1857. She is a daughter of Otto and IMargaret (Hempken) Walrich and by her marriage has become the mother of six children : Elizabeth, the wife of Rev. A. S. Hoskins, a minister of the IMethodist Episcopal church in Chicago for the past nine years, now located at the Irving Park church; William 0., who is his father's partner in business; IMar^aret W., who died at the age of nine years; Kate ]\Iontelins, the wife of J. A. Johnston, of Charleston, South Carolina; Jeane IM., who died in 1896 at the age of twenty-two years; and Emily F., the wife of John A. Montelius, Jr., of Piper City. Jeane M. McKinney was in the fifth year of the Northwestern University at Evanston, Illinois, at the time of her death, pursuing a literary course.

In his political views Mr. McKinney is a republican where national questions and issues are involved but at local elections does not consider himself bound by party ties. In early days he served as collector of his township and was also school officer. He is a charter member of the Presbj^terian church of Piper City and one of its trustees. His interest in community affairs is deep and sincere and his cooperation can always be counted upon to further any progressive public movement. He has made a splendid record as a business man, for he started out in life empty-handed, realizing, however, that labor is the basis of all honorable success. He has worked diligently and persistently and his close application and stalwart purpose find tangible evidence in the substantial success which he is now enjoying and which has made him one of the leading business men of Ford county for many years.

Charles F. Helman

Charles F. Helman, who is now serving for the eighth year as county surveyor of Ford county, and is a resident of Paxton, was l)orn in the city of Jonkoping, Sw^eden, November 21, 1862. He acquired his education in the government schools of his native country and was graduated at Stockholm oii the completion of a course in technology. He afterwards engaged in surveying for the government, spending four years in that way in the extreme north of Lapland. This is the district of the midnight sun, when during six mouths of the year one can see to read for only about an hou)' per day. During several months the night is very short and in May, June and tlie greater part of July the sun is to be seen almost any time in the twenty-four hours. During two years Mr. Helman was iu the employ of private corporations in cjinal and drainage work. Thinking to find a still more profitable field of labor in the new world, he came to America in 1893 and settled at Rantoul in Champaign county, where he remained for two years. In 1895 he came to Ford county and engaged in various occupations. In 1900 he was elected county sui'vc'3'or, since which time he has been reelected and is now serving for the eighth year. His excellent university training and his broad, practical experience well qualify him for the able discharge of the duties of this position, and he has made a most creditable record in office. Since 1900 he has been appointed continuously as city surveyor of Paxton under both democratic and republican administrations.

On the 2d of September, 1896, Mr. Helman was married in Paxton, to Miss Matilda Johnson, a daughter of August and Mary J., who were natives of Sweden and came to America in 1867. Mr. and Mrs. Helman now have four children, Edna, Hertha, Carl and Lillian. The parents are members of the Swedish Lutheran church and are highly esteemed socially, the hospitality of the best homes being freely accorded them. Mr. Helman has always voted with the republican party and takes an active interest in politics, strongly desiring the adoption of the principles which he believes are most conducive to good government. As a citizen he is progressive and loyal and withholds his aid and cooperation from no movement calculated to benefit the community and in fact his labors have been effective in increasing its wealth and standing among the counties of his adopted state. He has had no occasion to regret his determination to seek a home in America, for here he has not only found creditable success in professional lines but has also gained a good home and the high regard of many friends.

John AVeakman is the owner of a well improved farm of three hundred and twenty acres on section 15, Pella township. He has brought this property under a high state of cultivation and makes a specialty of raising cattle, horses and hogs. He was born in Germany in July, 18-47, his parents being Louis and Ellen Weakman, who in 1848 crossed the Atlantic to the new w^orld, first settling in St. Louis, ]\Iissouri. Later they removed to IMenard county, Illinois, where the father followed farming until his death. In their family were six children, of whom four are yet living: Molly, the wife of Joe Whipple, of Oklahonui; Tina, the wife of August Onken, of Gibson City; Emma, who became the wife of George McNabana and also makes her home in Gibson City; and John, of this review.

During the days of his boyhood and yonth John Weakman aided his father in the work of the home farm and in the common schools acquired his education. On attaining his majority he rented hind and thus carried on farming on his own account for fifteen years, during which lime he saved his earnings until his capital was sufficient to enable him to purchase a farm of his own. He then invested in three hundred and twenty acres of land on section 15, Pella township, and has since given his time and energies to the further development and improvement of this place. The fields are well tilled and 1)ring forth rich crops and he is also engaged in raising cattle, horses and hogs. His farm work is carefully conducted and the systematic management of his business makes him one of the successful agriculturists of the community.

]\rr. Weakman has been married twice. He first wedded IMiss Laura Follick, who was born in McLean county, Illinois, and they became the parents of three children : Benjamin, living near Gibson City ; Hattie, the wife of Ed Dunman of this country; and Marion, who is with his grandfather. For his second wife JMr. Weakman chose ]\Iiss Gusta Cales, who was born in Virginia. The children of this marriage are nine in number : Myrtle, the wife of Taylor Henry, of Illinois; James; Frank, Bernie, deceased; Pearl; John; Ruth; Fred; and Howard.

In his political views Mr. Weakman is a stalwart republican and for thirty years has served as school director, the cause of education finding in him a warm friend. Otherwise he has never sought nor held public office, yet in matters of citizenship is progressive and gives loyal support to many measures for the public good. He is justly regarded as one of the leading farmers of Pella township and among those with whom he has come in c<uitact he has gained many friends. The success that he has achieved has come to him as the merited reward of his own labor, as he has ever placed his dependence upon the substantial qualities of diligence and thrift.

Although James McBride had a cash capital of but eight Inuuh-i'd and fifty dollars when he arrived in Illinois, he is today one of the largest taxpayers in Brenton township and his prosperous career should serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement to others, showing what may be accomplished

A native of Ireland, Mr. IMcBride was born January 12, 1842, his parents being Ro])ert and Ruth (Kirker) MeBride. They came to America in 384-1 and first located in Belmont county, Ohio, upon a farm. The father died in 1861 and the mother in 1858. In their family were seven children, of whom five are now living, as follows: Gilbert K., who resides in this county; John B., living in Paw Paw, Illinois; R. A., whose home is in La Salle county, this state; N. A., of New York city; and James, of this review.

James McBride was but two j^ears of age when brought by his parents to America and upon the home farm in Ohio he was reared, early becoming familiar Avith the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He enlisted for service in the Civil war in 1862, when a young man of twenty years, and served for three years in defense of the Union, participating in all of the experiences of camp life. He marched with Sherman to the sea and participated in many important battles. After the war he returned to Ohio and in the fall of 1865 came to LaSalle county, Illinois, where he lived for three years, afterward removing to Livingston county, this state. Having carefully saved his earnings in the meantime, he now made an investment in property, purchasing eighty acres, which he cultivated and improved, bringing his farm into a high state of fertility.

In 1869 Mr. McBride was married to Miss Clarilda Strank, who was born in Ohio and was one of two children. Following their marriage they began their domestic life upon their farm in Livingston county, where they remained for ten years. Mr. McBride then traded his property for two hundred and forty acres of land on section 31, Brenton township. Ford county, whereon he resided until 1892. From time to time he added more land and when he retired and removed to Piper City he was the owner of eight hundred and ninety acres, all in the panhandle of the county. Since this he has sold three hundred and twenty acres and he still owns five hundred and seventy acres. He has always made a specialty of buying, raising, feeding and selling stock, and his business transactions of this character have returned him a good profit. The farming interests are valuable and bring to him an excellent financial return annually. In all of his business investments he has shown good judgment and is today a prosperous citizen as the result of well directed industry.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. McBride was blessed with four children : Celestia May, now the wife of H. M. Hawthorne, living on a farm in this county;

Sarah A., who is the widow of William Davis and is now acting as her father's housekeeper; and Jesse W. and Orville F., both deceased. Mrs. Davis has one son, Henry James Davis, who is now attending' the Piper City high school. Mrs. McBride died in 1890, leaving her husliand and three children to mourn her death, while many friends also deph)red her loss for she displayed many sterling traits of character that endeared her to those with whom she came in contact. In September, 1894, IMr. IMcBride married Elizal)eth AVoods, a native of Belmont county, Ohio.

Mr. JMcBride was a democrat until 1896, when he voted for William McKinley, since which time he has deposited his ballot in support of republican principles. He has held several township offices and has served as school director for twenty years, the cause of education finding in him a stalwart champion. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, holding membership in the lodge at Piper City, and to St. Paul Commandery, K. T., at Fairbury, Illinois. He is in hearty sympathy with the principles and tenets of the craft, wdiich is based upon mutual kindliness and brotherly love. He attends and supi^orts the Presbyterian church and is interested in all that pertains to the welfare and upbuilding of the town and county. He is now president of the Piper City Fair and Driving Association and is one of the best known residents of Ford county, having made a creditable record as a business man and citizen. He has prospered, not because of any assistance which he received at the outset of his career or from any influence that has been exerted in his behalf, but because he has labored diligently and untiringly, recognizing the fact that earnest effort is the basis of all business advancement.

A. L. Cherry

A. L. Cherry is now living a retired life on his farm of one hundred and sixty acres, located (m section 9, Patton township. He is a native of the Buckeye state, his l)irth having occurred in Greene county, on the DJth of December, 1832. His parents, James and Elizabeth (Greenwood) Cherry, were natives of Virginia and at an early day took up their abode in Ohio, where the father purchased land and there reared his family of eleven children, of whom only two now survive, the brother of our subject being David, a resident of Ohio.

A. L. Cherry acquired liis edueatiou in the schools of his native state and remained under tlie parental roof until lie had reached the age of twenty years. He then learned the carpenter's trade, which he followd for seven years. Believing, however, that he would more readily acquire a competence in other pursuits in the west, he then made his way to INIoultrie county, Illinois, where he operated a tract of land which he rented, for two years, and he also spent three years in Washington, Iowa. In 1862 he took up his abode in Ford county, purchasing a farm of eighty acres, situated on section 9, Patton township, to which he later added an additional eighty-acre tract, so that his place now embraces one hundred and sixty acres. He has erected all of the buildings which are here seen today and added to the productiveness of his fields by the liberal use of tiling, so that his farm is now in a high state of cultivation. For many years he was actively identified with the work of the farm luit owing to his well directed labors and careful management he acquired a competence that now enables him to spend the evening of his life in honorable retirement.

Mr. Cherry has been twice married, his first union being with Miss Martha Davis, by whom he had four children but two of the number are now deceased, the surviving daughters being: Laura, who resides in Paxton ; and Etta, the widow of Samuel Strong, a resident of Ford county. The wife and mother passed away in 1870, and three years later Mr. Cherry was married again, his second union being with Margaret Archer, who was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1835. She graduated from the high school in Washington, Pennsylvania, and for eight years prior to her marriage was successfully engaged in teaching. The parents of Mrs. Cherry were natives of Virginia and of Pennsylvania respectively, and she is one of a family of thirteen children, of whom only three survive, her sisters being: Sarah, the wife of Charles Ross, of Crawford county, Illinois ; and Charlotte, the widow of Jonathan Raney, of Ohio.

Mr. Cherry has always given his support to the republican party and aside from serving as school director for several years has filled no public office, his time and attention during his active business career having been fully occupied with his private business affairs. Both he and his wife are consistent members of the United Presbyterian church at Paxton. He has lived in Ford county for more than four decades and during that time has witnessed many changes as pioneer conditions have given way to more modern methods in various lines. His acquaintance is wide and no man of this section of the state enjoys in larger degree the esteem and high regard of his neighbors and friends. He has now reached the advanced age of seventy-five years and his persistent labor in former years now enables him to enjoy in retirement the I accumulations of a profitable, successful and honorable career, while in the companionship of his estimable wife he takes great delight.

A. W. Barrow

A. AV. Barrow, a farmer and one of the early citizens of Ford county, now living in Gibson City, has by well directed labor gained enviable success. As he has prospered judicious investments have been made in property until he is now the owner of several good farms in Ford county. Although he is now practically living retired, he yet buys and sells stock and for a time conducted a grain business at Elliott, while he makes his home in Gibson City.

]\rr. Barrow is the son of Frederick and Mary (Smith) Barrow, the former a native of Frederick county, Virginia, who devoted his life to agricultural pursuits and school teaching. A. W. Barrow was born near Winchester, Virginia, and there began his education, but when a young boy he accompanied his parents on their removal to Bloomington, Illinois, in 1865. His father purchased land east of Gibson City and the son attended the Scotland school on the prairie. When not busy with his text-books he worked on his father's farm, comprising four hundred acres of rich farming land.

After attaining his majority A. W. Barrow was united in marriage to Aliss Florence Richardson, a daughter of John Richardson, a grain dealer of Elliott, who retired in 1879. ]\Tr. and Mrs. Barrow now have one son and one daughter. The parents are mem])ers of the First Methodist churt-h at Gibson City. For a considerable period IMr. Barrow gave his undivided time and attention to general agricultural pursuits and was very successful. He became the owner of several good farms devoting them to the cultivation of the cereals best adapted to soil and cliniate. He also dealt in live stock and although lie is now practically I'dircd. he still buys and sells stock and derives from this business a good income. He is also a grain dealer at Elliott but he rents the greater jiart of bis land, the remainder being devoted to corn and oats and to pasturage. He has a fine home in Gibson City and the family are prominent in social life h(>re.

In his political views Mr. Barrow is a democrat, in thorough sympathy with the principles of the party, bnt he has never sought nor desired office, preferring to give his undivided attention to his l)usiness affairs. Thus he gained the prosperity which he now enjoys and which enables him largely to live retired. In manner he is genial and jovial and his many good traits of character have gained him the confidence, good will and friendship of those with whom he has been associated.

Samuel Clark

Samuel Clark, who was a well kno^^^l resident of Ford county, his home being in Brenton township, belonged to that class of representative American citizens who, though of foreign birth, are always loyal to the interests of their adopted land and in their home localities contribute in large measure to substantial development and improvement. Moreover, Mr. Clark was one who owed his success entirely to his well directed labors, for he started out in life empty-handed.

He was born near Londonderry, Ireland, IMay 20, 1825, and when a small boy crossed the Atlantic to Canada with his parents, John and Martha (Wells) Clark, both of whom died in Ohio. In their family were six sons and three daughters. The family remained in Canada for only about two years and then went to Washington county, Pennsylvania, whence they afterward removed to Guernsey county, Ohio. Samuel Clark was a youth in his teens at that time and he remained upon the home farm with his parents up to the time of his marriage, early becoming familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He gained practical knowledge of the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops and was thus well qualified to engage in farming on his own account when he married and established a home of his own.

He continued a resident of Guernsey county, Ohio, until his removal to Chenoa, Livingston county, Illinois, where he resided for about a quarter of a century. On the expiration of that period he took up his abode upon a farm on section 22, Brenton township, which was his place of abode for seventeen years or until his death, which occurred on the 16th of January, 1905, when he had reached the ripe old age of eighty years. Throughout his entire life he gave his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits and owned a farm in Ohio and in Livingston county as well as his home property in Brenton township. In 1890 he purchased the place upon which his widow yet resides, securing one hundred and sixty acres on section 22 and also another tract of eighty acres. His care and diligence brought his fields under a high state of cultivation and he annually gathered good harvests. Year after year he prospered, so that he was enabled to leave his family in comfortable financial circumstances.

]\Ir. Clark was married in 1853 to INIiss Jane IMorrow, who was born December 12, 1828, in Guernsey county, Ohio, a daughter of William and Martha (Atchison) ]\Iorrow, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, the former born in Westmoreland county and the latter in Washington county. They entered land in Guernsey county, Ohio, and there developed a new farm. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Clark were born eight children : David, who is now operating the home farm; IMartha, the wife of Spencer McCreight, of Aledo, Illinois; ]\Ialinda, the wife of W. J. Hester, of Chenoa, this state; John A., whose home is in Stanton, Nebraska ; William ]\I., a resident of Rantoul, Illinois ; Anna Jane, at home; Mathew, also of Rantoul; and Harriett, the wife of Thomas Simpson, of Iowa.

In his political views Mr. Clark was a democrat but manifested only a citizen's interest in the political cpiestions, never seeking nor desiring office. He held membership in the United Presbyterian church and his life was an honorable and upright one, gaining for him the respect and good will of those with whom he was associated. He reached the eightieth milestone on life's journey and his record was characterized by all that is commendable in man's relations witJi his feHowmen. He provided well for his family and lived a life of honesty as well as industry, so that he left to his children a good name. ]\Irs. Clark still survives her husl)and and is now living on the old home farm on section 22, Brenton township. She is widely known in this part of the county, where she has many friends.

Albert Bucliholz is the village president of INIelvin and a citizen whose devotion to the general good is a1)()V(' (juestion. lie is well known here and the public regard in wliich he is held results from a long acquaintance with him and familiarity with the creditable principles which have governed his life in its various relations. He was formerly extensively engaged in the grain

Illinois may be proud to number such a man among her native sons. His birth occurred near Magnolia, IMarshall county, March 3, 1860, his parents being August and Caroline (Funte) Buchholz, the former born in Berlin, Germany, August 14, 1821, .and the latter in Westphalia in November, 1834. They came to the United States about 1849 and were married in Chicago. The father worked first on the construction of the Illinois Central Railroad and afterward followed shoemaking in Magnolia, having learned that trade in the old country. During the remainder of his active life he was identified with farming interests and he is still the owner of seven hundred and twenty acres of rich and valuable land around the town. He also owns several sections of land in Iowa and ]\Iinnesota, which he gave to his children. He has been very prosperous and this is due entirely to his unremitting diligence and lal)or intelligently applied. As the years have passed he has made the most of his opportunities and certainly deserves great credit for what he has accomplished. He now resides at Oakland, California, with his oldest son, Charles, having there made his home for three years. His wife died upon a farm south of Melvin, August 11, 1890. Their eldest child, Charles Buchholz, is a graduate of the Des Moines School of Osteopathy, as is his wife, and both are practicing in Oakland. Albert is the second of the famil}^ William, of IMelvin, is interested with his brother Frank in a cotton plantation of about eighteen hundred acres in Mississippi. Amandus follows general merchandising in IMelvin. Frank has resided upon the home farm of three hundred and twenty acres in Peach Orchard township since the father removed to California and, as stated, is a partner of his brother William in their cotton interests in the south. Emma is with her father at Oakland, California. Laura is a teacher of physical culture in Boston, ]\Iassachusetts. Mabel is the wife of George T. Hersch, a general merchant of Melvin.

Albert Buchholz spent the first eight years of his life in his native county and in December, 1868, came with his parents to Ford county, the family home being established on a farm adjoining the village of Melvin. He continued with his parents up to the time of his marriage and ac(iuired his education in the public schools. During the periods of vacation he worked in the fields and thus gained practical knowledge of the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. When he attained his majority he began farming near the town and for nine years continued to cultivate land belonging to his father. In November, 1890, he entered the grain trade, in which he con- tinned for seventeen years or until July, 1907, when he sold out. He not only dealt in grain but also in seeds, coal and building materials and built up a very extensive business. He wrought along modern lines of business activity, made good use of his opportunities and as the years passed became recognized as one of the foremost representatives of the grain trade in Ford county. He built in Melvin an elevator with a capacity of eighty thousand bushels and later sold that and bought another elevator in Melvin with a capacity of ninety thousand bushels. At first he was associated with his brother in the ownership of the latter but at the end of three years he purchased his brother's interest and continued the business alone for two years or until he sold out. The annual trade reached a very extensive figure and throughout this part of the state the name of Buchholz is recognized as a synonym for commercial integrity and honor.

On the 1st of April, 1885, occurred the marriage of Albert Buchholz and Miss Elizabeth Schueneman, who was born near Magnolia, Illinois, December 11, 1860, and when five years of age went to Randolph county, INIissouri, with her parents, August and Dorothy Eliza (Spellmyer) Schueneman, there residing until her marriage. Both her father and mother were natives of Westphalia, Germany, the former born January 16, 1834, and the latter December 5, 1837. They were married at the home of Mr. and Mrs. August Buchholz in Magnolia, and the father died in Missouri, March 3, 1899, while the mother is still living upon the old homestead in that state. Throughout his life he followed the occupation of farming and thus provided for his family. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Schueneman were bom eight children : Mrs. Buchholz ; Kate, the wife of John Legendre, of Salisbury, jMissouri ; Emma, the wife of Louis Penn, of Los Angeles, California; John of Moberly, Missouri; Ida, the wife of John Thomas, a farmer of Randolph county, INIissouri ; Charles, a mason of Melvin ; Henry, who is living on the old homestead in Randolph county ; and Dora, the wife of Rev. George Turner, a Methodist Episcopal preacher of Day, Missouri. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Buchholz have been born six children : Roscoe C, now a student in the Champaign University ; Arthur L., who is attending the National School of Telegraphy at Danville, Illinois; Ada Lorana, a student in the Woman's College at Jacksonville, Illinois; Ida Beryl, also attending that school; and Ruth and Ralph, twins, who are students in the schools of Melvin.

Mr. Buchholz is a stalwart republican and lias been called to several public offices. lie has been school director for three or four terms and is now president of the village of Melvin. He has likewise been assessor of the township for three or four terms and is serving on the school board in connection with his duties as assessor and village president. No trust reposed in him has ever been betrayed in the slightest degree. On the contrary he is most loyal to the interests of town and county and his labors have been a farreaching and etfective force in promoting general progress. Socially he is connected with the Knights of Pythias and with the IModern Woodmen of America. He belongs to one of the old and representative families of this part of the state and has done much to sustain the reputation which has alwa3^s been associated with the name of Buchholz. In the community where he lives he stands as a man among men, unostentatious and unassuming and yet respected by all for his genuine worth.

Harm Henrichs

Harm Henrichs is the owner of an excellent farm of one hundred and sixty acres which has doubled in price since it came into his possession, owing largely to the improvement he has placed upon it and his enterprising efforts in its cultivation. He v/as born in Hanover, Germany, August 6, IS^ri, his parents being Oldig and Elsie (Siebelts) Henrichs. The father was a farmer in Germany and in the family there were three sons: INIalchert, who is now cultivating the old home farm; Harm, of this review; and Detert, also of Hanover.

Harm Henrichs acquired his education in the common schools of his native countr}', where he remained until thirty-two years of age. He came to America in the spring of 1886, settling first in Paxton, Illinois, and for one 3^ear he worked on the farm of his brother-in-law. In 1887 he removed to Ford township, where he rented land from H. Ashley, cultivating this from 1878 until 1901. In 1900 he purchased his present property, comprising one hundred and sixty acres in Sullivant township. Some improvements had been made upon it but he has further carried forward the work of development and improvement until the farm for which he paid seventy-five dollars per acre is today worth twice that amount. Everything about his place is indicative of his careful supervision and practical methods. He has studied the conditions of the soil and the demands of plant life in the matter of food and through the rotation of crops he keeps the soil in excellent condition. His

]\rr. Ilenriehs was married in Germany in 1883 to Miss Annie Ilenriehs, who though of tlie same name was not a relative. Her parents were Professor Johann and Annie (Cramer) Henrichs. The father came first to America, landing in the fall of ^S86, and in October of the same year Mrs. Annie Henrichs also came. Their family numbered five children: Elizabeth, the wiL'e of C. Brethorst, of Peoria, Illinois ; Henry, who resides in SuUivaut township ; JMartha, the Avife of P. Brethorst ; John, who resides in Chariton county, i\Iissouri ; and Annie, now JMrs. Henrichs. Professor Henrichs died in 1899 and his wife passed away forty-eight hours before. Both died in Germany. The father of our subject, however, still survives, at the venerable age of eightyeight years but the mother passed away in 1902, at the age of sixty-nine. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Harm Henrichs have been born nine children, namely : Otto, who is employed in the Sibley Bank; Ella, the wife of William Brucker, a resident of Sullivant township; Elizabeth; ^Margaret; John; Vena; Herman; Mildred; and Arnold.

The parents are members of the German Lutheran church and are loyal to its teachings and their professions. The record which ]\lr. Henrichs has made in the business world is a creditable one, for he came to America emptyhanded, his substantial qualities of energy and enterprise, however, constituting an excellent foundation ujjou which to build success and as time has passed he has so directed his labors that he is now the owner of an excellent farm returning him a good yearly income.

The Prairie Grove Stock Farm, comprising three liundred and twenty acres, situated on section 11. Wall townshi]), is a fitting monument to the life of thrift and energy of the ])roprietor, .1. II. Snelling. He is here engaged in farming and stock-raising, having for the past twelve years made a specialty of the breeding and raising of shorthorn cattle. Mr. Snelling is a native son of Illinois, his birth having occurred in La Salle county, on the 2d of ]\larch, 1846, a son of John and Rebecca (Shaver) Snelling, the former a native of West Virginia, while the birth of the latter occurred in Ohio. They became pioneer settlers of La Salle county, the year of their arrival there being 1832, and from that time until his death, which occurred in the year 1888, the father was closely identified with the agricultural interests of that section of the state. The mother, however, is still living and yet makes her home on the farm in La Salle county. Although she has reached the very advanced age of eighty-six years, she is still active and performs the major portion of her h(msehold duties. Their family numbered seven children, as follows : Nancy, the wife of Morris Weaver, of Ford county ; Elizabeth and Olive, both of whom are now deceased; J. II.. of this review; David, who resides in La Salle county; and George R. of Coffeyville, Kansas; and Annis, with the mother in La Salle county.

J. H. Snelling was reared to agricultural pursuits, assisting his father in the operation of the home farm during the summer seasons, while in the winter months he pursued his education in the common schools. He later went to Chicago, Illinois, where he attended a business college, from which he was graduated. Following his graduation he returned home and for two years assisted his father in the operation of the home place. He then accepted the priucipalship of a business college at Galesburg, Illinois, which position he filled for two years, but on account of failing health, occasioned by indoor life, he was compelled to resume farming operations, and again returned to Ford county, renting the homestead property for four years. On the expiration of that period he purchased the farm which is now his home, this place comprising three hundred and twenty acres, situated on section 11, Wall township, Avhich is known as the Prairie Grove Stock Farm. He has improved the property with excellent farm buildings for the shelter of grain and stock and has a commodious and modern country residence, so that the place in its neat and attractive appearance constitutes one of the valuable farm properties of this section of Ford county. He is here engaged in raising various cereals best adapted to the soil and climate, while in his pastures are seen high grades of stock. He makes a specialty of breeding and raising shorthorn cattle and this branch of his business is proving a gratifying source of income to him.

Mr. Snelling was united in marriage to Miss Frances E. Spradling, the ceremony being performed on the 15th of September, 1872. She was born in La Salle county in 1851, and is one of a family of ten children. Her parents are both now deceased, the mother having lived to the advanced age of ninety years. The two sisters of Mrs. Snelling now living are : Rachel, the wife of George Debolt, a resident of La Salle comity; and Elizabeth, the wife of Eugene Poller, who makes her home in Piano, Illinois.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. SncUing has been blessed with three sons and one daughter: Herman, who is engaged in the implement business at Paxton, Illinois; William Roy, at home; Blanch E., who is with her parents; and Jolm F., who is still nnder the parental roof. Mr. Snelling gives his political support to the men and measures of the democratic party and at one time served as supervisor of Wall township, while for fourteen years he acted as school treasurer. Although public-spirited and willing to aid in any movement calculated to benefit his home locality, he prefers to leave office-holding to others, his farming and stock-raising interests claiming his time and attention. He finds his greatest social enjoyment at his own fireside, where his family and intimate friends know him to be a delightful companion. He has worked earnestlj^ and persistently in the acquirement of success and today he feels amply repaid for the effort he has made in life, for the Prairie Grove Stock Farm is looked upon as one of the valuable properties of Ford county.