Ford County, Illinois - The whole text, 1908 (part 8 of 9)

Albert Gilmore

Among those who are classed with the prominent and representative men of Ford county mention should be made of Albert Gilmore, now a retired farmer living in Gibson City. Coming to Illinois during the pioneer epoch in the history of this county, he purchased wild, unbroken prairie land at a low figure and has profited by its rise in value until he is one of the wealthy men of this part of the state, having very extensive landed possessions, for he has placed his capital in the safest of all investments - real estate. He was born in Harrison county, Ohio, near Cadiz, on the 26th of January, 1841, and is a son of Nathaniel and jMary (Craig) Gilmore. His grandfathers in both the paternal and maternal lines came from Ireland. His paternal grandfather, Samuel Gilmore, was born in County Cavan, Ireland, and on coming to America located in Pennsylvania. He married Miss Elizabeth Buchanan, a native of that state, and they were among the early settlers of Harrison county, Ohio, where they located in 1803, there residing until called fnmi this life. They made their way westward when there was but little travel across the mountains into Ohio and more remote districts known as the Northwest Territory, and they aided in reclaiming that region from the rule of the savages and converting it into a land of civilization. Samuel Gilmore was a soldier of the war of 1812 and the hard service and exposure of army life so under- mined his health that lie died September 6, 1814, only four days after his return from the war. In his family were seven children, six of whom reached adult age, but none are now living.

Nathanial Gilmore, the father, spent his boyhood and j'outh in Harrison county, Ohio, and in 1827 gained a companion and helpmate for life's journey by his marriage to Mary Craig, the daughter of John Craig. Twenty years later they removed to Belmont county, Ohio, where Nathaniel Gilmore engaged in farming and stock-raising for five years. He then took up his residence near LeRoy in McLean county, Illinois, in 1852, but was not long permitted, to enjoy his new home, as he died November 5, 1855, his grave being made in the Gilmore cemetery on the old homestead, where a monument marks his last resting place. His wnfe long survived him and ever remained true to his memory. Her death occurred December 21, 1884. In politics Mr. Gilmore was a democrat, progressive in citizenship and successful in business, accumulating a handsome estate. His family numbered twelve children : Samuel and Jane E., both of whom are now deceased; John, who was born in 1832 and is a retired farmer of Webster City, Iowa, deriving a substantial income from three good farms; Rachel, who has also passed away; Craig, one of the wealthy agriculturists and extensive landowners of Ford county, living in Drummer township three miles north of Gibson City; Sarah, deceased; Albert, of this review; William, living in Eldorado, Kansas; Mary A. and Johnson, both deceased; one who died in infancy; and Ephraim, a resident of Lee, Indiana, who is engaged in the ditching business. He owns twenty-eight hundred acres of swamp land, which he is now draining, and the ditch when completed will be fourteen miles long. It will reclaim a district that will be rich and productive soil and can be made very valuable.

Albert Gilmore largely acquired his education in the district schools and also spent two terms as a student in the Wesleyan University at Bloomington, Illinois, and in 1863 engaged in teaching school. Through the periods of vacation he was trained to the work of the homestead and after teaching engaged in farming at home. Subsequent to the father's death the children conducted the farm for about fifteen years, on the expiration of which period three brothers, William, John and Albert Gilmore, came to Ford county and in 1864 purchased sixteen hundred acres of wild land. The unsettled and unimproved condition of this section of the state made it possible for them to purchase the property at from four dollars and twenty-five cents to eight dollars per acre. With characteristic energy they began its development and cultivation but Albert Gilmore did not make Ford county his home until

1870, when he took up liis abode within its borders. About 1866 the brothers purchased six huudred acres in Champaign county', four hundred acres of which was broken. The four brothers worked together, carrying on their business interests thus until 1870, when the land was divided, Albert Gilmore's share being five hundred and tw^enty acres. As he has recognized opportunity for judicious and profitable investment he has since added to his property from time to time until he is one of the most extensive landholders in this part of the state, his possessions aggregating two thousand acres in Ford and McLean counties, about eighteen hundred and thirty acres being in Ford county. He also owns twenty-two hundred and forty acres in Kansas, one thousand four hundred and sixty-seven acres in Missouri near Quincy, three hundred and twenty acres in Llinnesota, three thousand acres in Canada and other property. He has always carried on farming and stock-raising, keeping only high grade stock, and the development of his fields and his livestock interests liave both proved sources of profit.

On the 18th of February, 1880, Mr. Gilmere was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Boundy, who was born near Peoria, Illinois, June 19, 1858, and is a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Hill) Boundy, who were of English descent. Unto Mr. and ]\Irs. Gilmore have been born six children : Samuel, who attended school in Indianapolis, Indiana, and lives uj^on his father's farm northwest of Gibson City; Emma Josephine, at home, who is a graduate of the Gibson high school and also pursued a course in bookkeeping at Brown's College; Lillie May, who was also a student in bookkeeping in Brown's Business College in Bloomington ; William A., who died in 1890; and Cynthia M. and Florence E., both at home.

The parents are members of the First Presbyterian church, to iho support of which they contribute generously. They resided upon the farm until 1905, when they removed to Gibson City, and the following year Mr. Gilmore built a beautiful home. In politics he is a republican, having been ix stalwart supporter of the ])arty since age conferred upon him tlie right of francliise, yet lie has never been a politician in the sense of offiee seeking. He has preferred to concentrate his time and energies ui)on his business affairs, which have been most carefully and ably conducted. His success has resulted largely from judicious investments and these liave come as the result of his sound judgment, which is seldom, if ever, at fault in business transactions. He seems to recognize almost intuitively the value of an opportunity and the possibilities which attend it and liis keen sagacity is one of the strongest factors in his splendid success. His life, too, has been characterized by unwearied industry intelligently applied, and the prosperity which he attained should serve to encourage and inspire others, showing the opportunities that lie before the ambitious, determined, industrious American man. His father left about fifteen hundred dollars to each of his children, but aside from this Albert Gilmore received no outside assistance and the success that he has achieved in life is therefore due to his own well directed efforts.

George Drendel

George Drendel, a practical and progressive farmer of Blona township, living on section 21, owns one hundred and seven acres of rich and arable land on section 22 and 28, and in addition he oi:)erates another tract of two hundred and sixty acres also lying in IMona township. It was in this township that Mr. Drendel was born on the 6th of May, 1871, of the marriage of Prank S. and Mary (Slater) Drendel. His father was long known as one of the representative and prominent farmers of the locality. He was born in Germany on the 11th of November, 1839, his parents being Martin and Mary (Smith) Drendel, whose children were Francis, Frank S., Barbara, George and Lewis.

Frank S. Drendel was reared to farm life and was educated in both French and German. He began providing for his own support as a farm hand in his native country when fourteen years of age and was employed by the year until 1865, when he came to the United States. He did not tarry on the eastern coast but made his way at once to Dupage county, Illinois, where he worked as a farm hand for two months. He was afterward in St. Louis, Missouri, for a time and later in New Orleans prior to his return to Illinois. In the spring of 1867 he took up his abode in Joliet and for two years was employed as a laborer before coming to Ford county in 1869. Here he rented land and broke prairie for five years, after which he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 21, ]\Iona township, where he has since resided. As the years passed by, however, he prospered and later derived his income from a fine farming property of seven hundred and twenty acres, which was well improved and supplied with modern conveniences, now occupied by his heirs. After becoming a naturalized American citizen he gave his political allegiance to the democracy and for many years served as school director. He was a communicant of the Catholic church and well known in Mona township as a citizen of genuine worth. In 1870 he wedded Miss ]\Iary

Slater and unto tliein have been Lorn five sons and four daughters, namely : George, Rebecca, Susie, Henry, Frank, Frederick, Mary, Annie and Martin. The father died November 13, 1901.

George Dreudel remained with his father until lie attained his majority. In the meantime he mastered the common branches of learning taught in the public schools and was trained to hal)its of industry and economy, thus forming characteristics which in later years have proved an important element in his success. When he had reached manhood he rented land from his father and continued its cultivation for several years while in the meantime he carefully saved his earnings until he was enabled to purchase property for himself. His home farm of one hundred and seven acres on sections 22 and 28, ]\Iona township, is a well developed tract of land and in the cultivation of an additional tract of two hundred and sixty acres he adds materially to his annual income. In all of his farm work he is systematic and progressive and has therefore gained desirable success. He now has charge of his father's estate.

On the 27th of January, 1897, Mr. Drendel was married to Miss Elizabeth Thiel, who was born in La Salle county, Illinois, October 14, 1876, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Ilughman) Thiel, who were natives of Germany and came to the United States at an early day. Mrs. Drendel was one of a family of six children and by her marriage has become the mother of two daughters and three sons: Ethel M., Emma E., Lester F., Walter M., and Georgf Henry.

The parents hold membership in tlie Catholic church at Cullom and Mr. Drendel belongs to the Woodmen lodge there. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the democracy and for seven years he filled the office of school director. The cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion and he stanchly advocates every movement calculated to prove of public good, always desiring the best development of the communitv.

A. C. Munro possesses the enterprising spirit of the middle west. He owns eighty acres of land on sections 28 and 33, Pella township, and operates a farm of two hundred acres. He is thus leading a life of industry and is meeting with fair success in his undertakings. He was born in La Salle count}', Illinois, January 14, 1865, his parents being W. C. and Emma (Pearson) Miinro. The father was born in IMassachnsetts, while the mother's birth occurred near Dayton, Ohio. In 1854 W. C. Mnnro arrived in Illinois and located in La Salle county, where he began farming, carrying on agricultural pursuits throughout his remaining days. Both he and his wife are now deceased. They were the parents of eight children, seven of whom survive: Rosetta, the wife of Henry Milborn, of Kankakee, Illinois; A. C, of this review; Amanda, deceased; Lemuel B., who resides in IMarshalltown, Iowa; Elvira, the Avife of James Grey, of Saunemin, Livingston count.y, Illinois ; G. W., who makes his home in Iowa; Ira P., of this county; and Esther, who resides in Fairbury.

No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for A. C. Munro in his boyhood and youth. He attended the public schools and thoroughly mastered the branches of learning therein taught. He continued with his father until eighteen years of age, when he started out in business life as a school teacher, following the profession for three years. On the expiration of that period he made a trip westward to Nebraska, where he worked for four years at Alliance, after which he engaged in farming on his own account for two years. In 1891 he returned to Illinois, where he was emploj^ed at various kinds of labor for four years and then went to Iowa, where he followed farming for a year. Again returning to his native state, he filled such positions as he could secure for two years and later began farming on his own account.

Mr. IMunro was married in 1898 to Miss Edith Dillon, who was born in Livingston county, Illinois, in 1870, a daughter of Edwin and Elizabeth Dillon. The mother is still living in Fairbury, this state, but the father died May 4, 1908. Unto ]\Ir. and Mrs. Dillon were born three children : Oscar, now living on the old homestead; Alida, the wife of George Kilbury, and Mrs. Munro. The last named by her marriage has become the mother of T )nr children ; Esther L., Edwin C., and Ruth E., who are yet under the parental roof; and Willard R., deceased.

The family home is a farm of eighty acres lying on sections 28 and 33, Bella township, and Mr. ]\Iunro operates altogether two hundred acres of land, which he has brought under a high state of cultivation, the fields returning to him rich crops. In his farm work he is practical and has lived a life of industry and untiring diligence, his success being based entirely upon his own labors and capable management. Both Mr. and Mrs. ]\Iunro are consistent members of the Christian church of Fairbury and his influence is ever given on the side of tliose movements and measures whieli tend to uplift mankind and make the world l)etter. He is a stanch advocate of the temperance cause and votes with the prohibition party. His fellow townsmen, recognizing his trustworthiness and his ability, have called him to public office. He served as justice of the peace for four years and is now acting as a school director.

Harry Schutte

The farming interests of Dix township find a worthy representative in Harry Schutte, who makes his home on section 28. He is pleasantly located about six and a half miles northeast of Gibson City and a mile and a quarter northeast of Guthrie, and here he is successfully engaged in general farming and stock-raising. He was born in the northern part of Germany in 1857 and is a son of Gerhard and Taytye Schutte, who were farming people of the fatherland, where they spent their entire lives. In their family were six children, and two sisters, Ellis and Johanna, are now residents of America.

Harry Schutte acquired his education in the schools of Germany and came to America in 1881, when a young man of twenty-four years. He sailed from Bremen and after a voyage of two weeks landed at Baltimore but did not tarry on the eastern coast, making liis way direct to Gibson City, Illinois. In this locality he worked out by the month as a farm hand for six years on different farms and then Avhen his labors and economy had brought him sufficient capital he purchased eighty acres of land, of Avhich he became the possessor in 1890, paying for it fifty dollars per acre. Five years later he sold that tract for seventy-five dollars per acre and invested in a quarter section of land where he now lives on section 28, Dix township. For this he paid seventy-five dollars per acre. He has placed most of the improvements upon the property, has drained and tiled the land, l)uilt barns, put in scales and in fact has added all modern er|uipments and accessories which facilitate the farm work. In addition to raising the cereals best adapted to soil and climate he also handles some stock and gains a good financial return annually from liis labors in that direction. In addition to the home property he owns one hundred and sixty acres of land in Sullivant to\^^lship, Ford county, which he purchased two years ago for one hundred and ten dollars per acre and which is well improved.

In 1888 occurred the marriage of Mr. Schutte and Miss Caroline Bonnen a sister of Harry Bonnen, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. She was born in Germany and was a daughter of Bonnie P. and Tillie (De Grote) Bonnen. They came to America in 1867 and Mrs. Schutte acciuired her education in the district schools of this country. By her marriage she has become the mother of seven children: George; Tillie; John; Caroline; Annie; Elma, deceased; and the first born, who died in infancy.

Mr. Schutte casts an independent ballot, supporting men and measures rather than party. He is, however, interested in the welfare of his community and his cooperation can always be counted upon to further progressive public measures. He belongs to the German Lutheran church and a life of uprightness and business integrity has won for him the friendship and good will of his fellowmen.

George D. Montelius

George D. Montelius, wdiose prominence in the grain trade of Illinois is indicated by his election as one of the directors of the Illinois State Grain Dealers' Association, is now extensively operating in grain at Piper City under the firm name of George D. IMontelius & Company, becoming his father's partner and his successor in the management of the business.

He was born in Piper City, November 30, 1872, and has always made his home here. In early boyhood he attended the public schools and for four years was under the instruction of a private tutor, after which he spent two years as a student in Lake Forest Academy. He likewise attended the ]\Iichigan Military Academy at Orchard Lake, IMichigan, for two years and following his return to Piper City became a factor in its business circles in the winter of 1894 as a partner with his brothers, J.' K. and J. A. Montelius, in the agricultural implement business under the firm style of Montelius Brothers. This association was maintained until the 1st of May, 1902, wdien George D. Montelius sold liis interest to his ])r()ther J. A. IMontelius, Jr., and entered the grain trade w^ith his father under the firm name of George D. Montelius & Company. He has continued therein to the present time and since the 1st of May, 1902, has been a member of the Chicago Board of Trade. He is widely known because of the extent and importance of his operations as a grain dealer and has met with gratifying success in the business.

On the 1st of November, 1894, Mr. IMontelius was married to ]\riss Clara Plank, who was born in Piper City, a daughter of J. B. Plank. She died in 1896. and on the 26th of June, 1900, Mr. Moutelius was again married, his second union being with Anna F. Stadler, a native of this place and a daughter of John Stadler. There are two children of this marriage: Charles H., born June 23, 1902; and Dorothy H., born March 28, 1907.

In his political views IMr. IMontelius is an inflexible republican and for three terms has served as village trustee. His cooperation can always be counted upon to aid in the practical work of improving and upbuilding the village. He has attained high rank in Masonry and is a past master of Piper Lodge, No. 608, A. F. & A. ]\I. ; a past commander of St. Paul Commandery, No. 34, K. T., of Fairbury, while in Oriental Consistory, Chicago, he has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite and is a member of Medinali Temple of the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He also belongs to Piper Lodge, No. 471, I. 0. 0. F., and to Piper Camp, No. 718, M. W. A. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church and as one of its elders he does all in his power to promote its growth and extend its influence. The members of the Montelius family need no introduction to the readers of this volume, for the sons have followed the example of their honored father and are enterprising, reliable business men, who accomplish what they inidertake and in that accomplishment follow methods which neither seek nor require disguise.

John Richardson

John Richardson, who is now living retired in Elliott is numbered among the large landowners of Ford county. He is also accounted one of the pioneer settlers of this section of the state, for in the last half century he has seen the county grow from a wild country with only a few white inhabitants, to a rich agricultural country, containing thousands of good homes and acres of growing towns. in]ial)ited by an industrious and prosperous people, and he has not only been an interested witness but an active participant in the slow, persistent work of development which was necessary to produce this wonderful change.

Mr. Richardson was born in Liverpool, England, January 1, 1829, a son of John and Mary Ann (Kelly) Richardson, the former a farmer of England.

The son acquired his edueation in the common schools of his native land and there remained until he had attained the age of fourteen years, when he accompanied his parents on their emigration to Quebec, the family home being estal)lished in Quebec. Tie was there liound out to a mason and builder to learn the mason's trade. After completing his apprenticeship he went to Detroit, ]\Iichigan, where for a time he worked at his trade and then worked for a time in Flint, that state. In 1857 he made his way to Paxton, Ford county, but after residing there three years he removed to Ten Mile Grove and operated a rented farm for one year, subsequent to which time he removed to a farm which he had purchased in Wall township. This tract was originally in possession of the railroad company and after it came under control of our subject it was transformed into a fine tract which annually returned good crops as a reward for the care and labor he had bestowed upon it. As time passed and he prospered in his undertakings he increased the boundaries of his farm until he was in possession of five hundred acres of valuable land which he eventually traded for ten hundred and thirteen acres, situated near Paxton in Dix township. lie continued to carry on general agricultural pursuits until 1871, when he retired from active business life and took up his abode in the village of Elliott, occupying the third house that was erected there. He still has extensive landed holdings, however, being the owmer of eighteen hundred acres of valuable land, nearly all of which is used for general farming purposes and which returns to him a good annual income which enables him now to spend the evening of his life in honorable retirement.

Mr. Richardson established a home of his own l)y his marriage in 1856 to Miss Sarah Simons, a daughter of Nathan Simons, who served as the first county clerk of Ford county. Their marriage has been blessed with five children, one son and four daughters, namely: Nathan, who resides on his father's farm; Florence, the wife of A. W. Barrow, a resident of Gibson City, by whom she has one son ; Pamelie, the wife of C. P. Wardell, a resident of Los x\ngeles, California, and the mother of two children ; Maud, the wife of Albert Keith, a resident of Chicago, by whom she has two children ; and Mary, the wife of 0. S. Hopkins, of Oakland, California.

Mr. Richardson is a stalwart supporter of the democratic party and his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the United Brethren church. He is numbered among the honorable and honored i)ioneers of this section of the state and can relate in interesting manner incidents of the early days when deer and wolves were roaming over the prairies and when all kinds of wild game were plentiful. He takes great delight in the wonderful changes which have here oceiirred, transforming- Ford eoiinty into a prosperous district and through tlie cultivation of the soil has acquired the competence that now enables him at the age of seventy-nine years to live in well earned ease in a comfortable home in Elliott.

Henry Raab

Henry Raab is a worthy representative of one of the honored and respected pioneer families of this section of the state. He is now closely associated with agricultural interests in Ford county and also figures in financial circles as vice president of the Farmers State Bank of Cabery. He was born in ]\Iorris, Grundy county, Illinois, May 9, 1863, his parents being George and Wilhelmina (Beaver) Raab, both of whom were natives of Germany. They came to the United States in early life and were married in Illinois. The father died upon the farm which is no^v the home of his son Henry, his death resulting from the kick of a colt, on the 4th of September, 1864, when he was but thirty-nine years of age. His wife, who was born in Germany, September 20, 1827, crossed the Atlantic in 1856 and died in Cabery, February 13, 1897. After losing her first husband she became the wife of Carl Rusag. There were no children by the second marriage and by the first marriage there was a daughter, Mary, now the wife of Herman Christ, of Kankakee county. Illinois; and Henry.

Henry Raab was only about a year old when his parents removed from Grundy county to Ford county and settled upon the farm which has since been his liome. Here he was reared and was early trained to the work of the fields, gaining intimate knowledge of the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. lie now owns two hundred and forty acres of land, all on section 20, Rogers townshij), wliich includes the eighty acres contained in the original Raab farm. All of the improvements upon the place have been made by our subject and tlie family. It was a ti'act of unl)roken prairie when tlie father came, and witli cliarficteristic (>nergy he ])egan to tui'ii llie furrows and ]ilant the fields, while Henry Haab aided more and more largely in the woi-k of the farm as his age and strength increased. Three years ago he erected his present dwelling, which is a substantial residence, and there are also other good 1)nildings upon the ])lace, indicative of the ])rogressive spirit of the owner, whose energy and diligence have been the resultant factors in his success. Aside from his farming interests he is now a director and the vice president of the Farmers State Bank of Cabery since its organization in ]003 and he is also a director and secretary of the Kempton Farmers elevator.

On the 17th of December, 1889, Mr. Raab was united in marriage to ]\Iiss Christina Ottmuller, who was born in Woodford county, Illinois, near El Paso, September 20, 1867, a daughter of Jacob and Jordena (Johnson) Ottmuller, who were natives of Germany, the former a native of Wittenberg and the latter of Hanover. They were married, however, in Illinois and the father died in Cullom three years ago, at the age of seventy-eight years, while the mother still resides in Cullom. In their family were four children : Charles, who is living near Cullom ; ]\Irs. Raab ; Jacob, a resident of North Dakota ; and Chris, who is now living in ^lontana. Unto ]\Ir. and Mrs. Raab have been born four children, Jordena, George, Hattie and Frederick.

Mr. Raab is a stalwart advocate of the republican party, doing all in his power to promote its growth and extend its influence. He is now serving for the third consecutive term as supervisor of Rogers township and his reelection is indicative of his fidelity and capability in office. He belong-s to the Lutheran church and is a man whose many excellent traits of character have won for him the respect of those with whom he has come in contact. He is loyal and progressive in citizenship, reliable and diligent in business, and true to the ties of friendship. Almost his entire life has been spent in Ford county and he has been a witness of its growth and upbuilding for forty-four years.

Caleb IMcKeever is a retired farmer now living in Gibson City. He was born near Brand^^wine, Delaware, on the Sth of ]\Iay, 1825, and has therefore passed the eighty-third milestone on life's journey. A review of his record shows much that is commendable and indicates the value of energy and perseverance as factors in the accjuirement of success. His parents were William and Sarah (Harlan) McKeever, both natives of Chester county, Penns^'lvania, where they were married in 1812. The father was of Scotch extraction and .when a lad of fifteen years was one day sent by his parents for a jug of molasses but he hid the jug and ran away to sea, remaining for four years. On his return he looked for the jug but failed to find it. His experience on the ocean, however, had satisfied him with that life and thereafter his time and energies were devoted to general agricultural pursuits. After his marriage he removed with his family to Delaware. About 1828 he returned to Chester county, Pennsylvania, where he resided luitil 1833, when he removed to Urbana, Ohio, where he spent one year. He next located on a farm east of Urbana and while living there his wife died, in 1842, at the age of forty-six years, her remains being interred in the cemetery near her home. The father remained in Champaign county until 1867, when he went to Iowa, residing with a daughter until 1870. In that year he came to Ford county and made his home with his son Caleb until his demise, which occurred November 2:5. 1874. His wife was a member of the Society of Friends, or Quakers. In political belief Mr. McKeever was a democrat. This worthy couple had a family of six children : John and Isaac, deceased ; INIargaret, the wife of D. Osborn ; Caleb, of this review ; Mary, the wife of William C. Buneutter ; and Ruth A., the wife of J. Spain.

Caleb McKeever acquired his education by attending a district school for about three months in a year. The little "temple of learning" was a log building, the benches made out of slal:)s, while the desks were formed of slabs resting on wooden pins driven into the sides of the room. The curriculum was limited and the methods of instruction very primitive as compared witli the modes of teaching at the present time. The school teacher, too, usually had a belief in the old adage, "Spare the rod and spoil the child." When not busy with his text-books Caleb IMcKeever worked upon the home farm and his training in the labors of the fields was not meager. On attaining his majority he started out in life on his own account. His mother had died Avhen he was seventeen years of age. Early in manhood he began work by the month as a farm hand, working thus until twenty-seven years of age, when lie married ami established a home of his own.

It was on the Gth of November, 1851, that Caleb IMcKeever wedded ]\Iiss Sarah E. Thompson, who was born in Chami)aigu county, Ohio, December 12, 1826, and died October 3, 1903. They had traveled life's journey happily together for fifty-two A'ears. Mrs. McKeever was a daughter of John and Elizabeth (King) Thompson, the former born in Pennsylvania and of Scotch- Irish ancestry, while the mother was a native of County Armagh, Ireland, and came to America witli hci' parents when twelve years of age. They were married in Newville, Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, and to them were born nine children, all of whom have now passed away. They continued residents of Pennsylvani.i until 1820, when they removed to Champaign county, Ohio, and Mr. Thompson became a very successful and wealthy citizen of that com- inunity. He was also prumineiit and iiiliuontial in public affairs, took an active part in matters relating to the general welfare and for twenty-one years acceptably filled the office of justice of the peace. In politics he was a whig and afterward a republican and both he and his wife were devoted members of the Presbyterian church.

]\Ir. and IMrs. McKeever were married in Champaign county, Ohio, and began their domestic life uj^on a farm in Logan county, where they made their home for ten years. They afterward removed to Sangamon county, Illinois, settling near Williamsville, where Mr. McKeever rented two hundred and sixty acres of land. This he cultivated until February,- 1864, when he bought two hundred and sixty acres of land in Ford county, where he has since made his home. He now owns two hundred and twenty acres of good land, well tiled, having given forty acres to his youngest son, who sold it for two thousand dollars and then bought eighty acres near Gil)son, for which he paid two thousand four hundred dollars, and to which he has added until his property interests now include three hundred and twenty acres. The father's farm is one mile north and three miles west of Gibson City and is divided into fields, which are well fenced. Two of his fields contain fifty acres each, two contain twenty-five acres and two others contain thirty-five acres each. He has placed all of the improvements upon his land and made it a rich and valuable farm, known as one of the model farm properties of the locality.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. McKeever were born six children: John, who is now engaged in the implement business in Urbana, Ohio; Samuel Alexander, who died at the age of eighteen months; Sarah Elizabeth, the wife of Dr. T. B. Stross, living with her father in Gibson ; "William, who resides upon a farm west of Gibson; and Stephen and James, both of whom died in infancy.

Mr. McKeever cast his first presidential vote in Ohio for Lewis Cass and has been a stalwart supporter of the republican party since the Civil war. He has served as supervisor for one term and as school director for a niniiber of years. When he took up his abode in Drummer township there was no school within its borders, but the first year he and other public-spirited citizens built a good schoolhouse. They always employed the best teachers, paying seventy-five dollars per month - a very high wage at that time. There were no railroads through the district at that day and all the trading was done at Bloomington and at Paxton. Mr. McKeever relates many interesting incidents of the early days when this section of the state was largely undeveloped and unimproved. The farm machinery was very crude as compared with that in use at the present time and it is such citizens as Mr. McKeever who have made Ford county what it is today - one of the richest agricultural sections in this great state. His life has been well spent and in the evening of his days he can look back over the past without regret, for his many excellent traits of character have won for him the respect, good will and veneration of his fellowmen.

Ferdinand Fricke

Close application and unremitting industry are always essential elements of success and when guided by discriminating judgment they never fail to bring a satisfactory reward for labor. This is evidenced in the life of Ferdinand Fricke, now a retired farmer and old settler of Ford county. He is now living in Sibley, deriving a large income from his farming interests. He was born in the province of Brandenburg, Germany, September 9, 1852, about fifteen miles east of Berlin, his parents being Carl D. and Caroline (Hamerlink) Fricke.

Tlie father w^as a weaver b.y trade and his family removed to the province of Posen, Germany, where he remained until 1875. In that year he crossed the Atlantic and became a resident of McLean county, Illinois, where he turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits. As the years passed he successfully conducted his farming interests luitil 1897, when, having acquired a handsome competence, he retired to private life and removed to the town of Anchor, McLean county, where he died in 1900. His first wife, the mother of our subject, had passed away in 1882 and Mr. Fricke was afterward married to Mrs. Henrietta Steinleieht, who still survives him. Six of the children by his first marriage reached adult age, and of those who have passed away three died wftliin two days of cholera, which was then epidemic in the province of Posen. The others are: Augusta, the wife of F. Hoffman, of Anchor, Illinois; Carl, deceased; Ferdinand, whose name introduces this record; Gustave, a resident of Anchor, Illinois; and Pauliiui. the wife of F. Gerbrock, of Loda.

Ferdinand Fricke was educated in the province of Pos(>n and at the age of nineteen years came to America. He has since 1872 made his home in Ford county and during the early years of his residence lu'i'e worked as a farm hand in the employ of IVIr. Sidliviiiit, then one of the most ])ronn'iient landowners of this part of the state. lie coiitinuetl in his employ for two years, after which he cultivated land which he rented from Mr. Sullivant for two years. In the meantime he carefully saved his earnings and in 18S0 felt justified in the purchase of eighty acres of the old Sullivant farm on section 19, Sullivant township, in the northwestern part of the county, for which he paid twenty-two hundred and fifty dollars. The land was unimproved and IMr. Fricke had to erect all of the buildings and do all of the work, whereby this tract was converted into rich and productive fields. Year after year his labors were carefully conducted until 1891, when he sold the land, for which he received seventy dollars per acre. He had in the meantime erected a fine residence and made other substantial improvements there. Following the sale of the property he removed to McLean county, where he purchased one hundred and seventy acres, for which he gave seventy dollars per acre. This land lies on section 3, Anchor township and is splendidly equipped with a comfortable dwelling, barns, cribs and sheds. It is well tiled and the soil is naturally productive and Mr. Fricke could easily sell for two hundred dollars per acre. In addition to this property he owns one hundred and twenty acres in Wall township, Ford county, which he purchased in 1903 for one hundred and twenty-five dollars per acre. This farm is also excellently improved in every respect. He purchased his present home in Sibley in 1905, having here a two-story residence of nine rooms, for which he paid forty-five hundred dollars. When he first came to the county it was practicall}^ an unimproved district and there was not a house uj^on the road between Gibson and his place.

On the 2d of March, 1876, Mr. Fricke was married to Miss Marie Scheppleman, a daughter of Louis and Caroline (Lidiekie) Scheppleman, who were natives of Germany and became residents of St. Louis in 185-4. They were married in that city and thence removed to Pekin, Illinois, residing in Tazewell county for ten years, while in 1868 they became residents of Ford county, settling in the northwestern part of the county. Few roads had been laid out and no bridges had been built. Mr. Scheppleman had two neighbors-who lived not far distant but other settlements were four or five miles away. There were various kinds of wild animals which infested the districts, including wolves, bears, wildcats and coons. There were many deer and various kinds of feathered game. Mr. Scheppleman did not at first purchase land but rented land until 1875, when he bought eighty acres near Fairbury. This was slightly improved and he paid thirty-six dollars per acre for it. Subsequently he sold it for about the same price and then purchased three hundred and sixty acres in Sullivant township, which was entirely unimproved, being simply raw prairie land With characteristic energy he began its development and cultivation and it is now one of the best farms of the county worth two hundred doHars per acre. He died upon this place in 1897, while his wife survived him until 1902. They were the parents of ten children, of whom six are yet living, namely: Marie, now Mrs. Fricke ; Christ, a resident of East Lynn, Illinois ; Louis, also of Illinois ; Henry, who makes his home in Sibley ; Charles, who resides on the old home farm ; and Rudolph, also of Ford county.

Mr. and Mrs. Fricke became the parents of seven children, as follows : Louie, a "resident of Melvin ; Annie, the wife of Lambert Brithorse. of Ford county; Charley, who makes his home in Glen Ellyn, Illinois; Frederick, of Anchor, Illinois; William, of Bloomington, this state; and Marie and Emanuel, both at home. Mr. and Mrs. Fricke belong to the German Lutheran church and Mr. Fricke is a member of Columbian Lodge, I. 0. 0. F. He has taken quite an active interest in politics, serving in McLean county as township collector of Anchor township for one term, while at present he is alderman in Sibley. He was also a school director in Anchor township for a number of years. The cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion.

In politics he is a republican, believing that its platform contains the best elements of good government. As time has passed he has worked on steadily and persistently year after year, adding to his cai)ital continually until now in the possession of a handsome competence he finds it unnecessary to continue the active Avork of the farm, for his income is sufficient to supply all his wants. He nuiy well be proud of the success which he has achieved, as it is said that ninety-five per cent of the men who enter business life never gain prosperity and yet the road to success is open to all. Mr. Fricke had the perseverance to continue therein and he based his business principles and actions upon the rules which govern strict and unswerving integrity and industry.

John Meikle

John Meikle, whose death on the 1st of March, 188G, deprived Piper City of one of its esteemed and valued residents, was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, about 1837. He was left an orphan at an early age and went to live with his father's brother. At the age of fifteen he became a resident of Waupun, Wisconsin, with his uncle Robert and for ten years remained a resident of the Badger state.

During that period INIr. IMeikle was married, in Wisconsin, in 1861, to Miss Elizabeth Entwistle, who was born in Liverpool, England, June 1, 1843, and was only four months old when her parents crossed the Atlantic to tlie new world, establishing their home in Wisconsin, where she resided until her marriage. Her parents were James and Jane (Draper) Entwistle, natives of Bolton, England, who lived for a considerable period in Wisconsin but died in Ford county, Illinois. After losing his wife, the father made his liome with his daughter, Mrs. Meikle, passing away at the very venerable age of ninetysix years. Both he and his wife were of French lineage. By his first marriage Mr. Entwistle had two children and by a latter marriage had four children, IMrs. Meikle being the only daughter of the second marriage.

Mr. and Mrs. Meikle began their domestic life in Wisconsin, where they remained for about two years, and then removed to Peoria in 1863. Three years were there passed, after which they took up their abode in Chatsworth, Livingston county, Illinois, in 1866. In 1870 they came to Ford county, settling on a farm in Brenton township, where Mr. Meikle carried on general agricultural pursuits for about ten years, having two hinidred and twenty acres of land, which he cultivated and improved, making it a valuable farm. At length he sold that land and bought a tract of land of one hundred and sixty acres a mile south of Piper City, where he resided up to the time of his death. Throughout his entire life he carried on general agricultural pursuits and prospered in his undertakings. He developed the present fine farm which is now the property of his widow, placed good buildings upon it and added all modern improvements and accessories. In addition to cultivating the cereals best adapted to the soil and climate he made a specialty of raising draft horses, both Percheron and Norman, and was the owner of some very fine stock. He took a great interest in fine horses and exhibited at various fairs where lie carried otf many premiums.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Meikle were born four children: George, now living at Kiester, Minnesota ; Maggie, the wife of A. Kiplinger of Piper City ; Jennie, at home; and John, who is living upon the old homestead farm in Brenton township.

In his political views Mr. IMeikle was a stalwart republican, interested iu the growth and success of the party. He held some school and road offices and was most loyal in citizenship, doing everything in his power to promote the welfare and upbuilding of his community. He held membership in the Presbyterian church and lived an upright, consistent Christian life, winning for him the warm regard of all with whom he came iu contact. In his busi- ness, too, he was energetic, diligent and reliable, and in addition to his home place of one hnndred and sixty acres in Brenton township he owned three hundred and twenty acres of land in Livingston county. He possessed many of the sterling characteristics of the Scotch people and his death Avas an occasion of deep and wide-spread regret, for he had many friends in the county.

For about eighteen years INIrs. ]\Ieikle has now resided in Piper City, where she owns a pleasant and well kept home. She also has good income property, including a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Brenton township which she received from her father's estate. She has a wide and favorable aecjuaintance in the community and the hospitality of many of the best homes is cordiallv extended to her.

L. D. Jackson

L. D. Jackson is and has been connected with so many important interests of the county as to be recognized as one of its leading citizens, closely associated with those interests which have promoted its upbuilding and formulated its policy. He was born in Dearborn county. Indiana, September 17, 1864, and is a son of William and Delia Jackson, who were likewise natives of the same county and are still living there. The father has always followed farming, employing that as a source of livelihood. Unto Mr. and ]\Irs. Jackson were born four sons and two daughters, namely : Charles A., a resident of ]\Ianchester, Indiana; L. D., of this review; Warren T. and Thomas J., both residents of Ford county; Tinnie, the wife of Joseph Kirkwood, of Osburn, Ohio; and Lulu, the wife of Nathan Griggs, of Manchester, Indiana.

As boy and youth L. D. Jackson became familiar with the work of the farm, aiding his father in the cultivation and improvement of the fields until after he had attained his majority. He attended the common schools and thus acquired a fair knowledge of the English branches of learning. When he had reached man's estate lie rented one of his father's farms and for three years continued its cultivation, when he sought a home in Ford county, Illinois, and for three years cultivated rented land. During this period he carefully saved his earnings, and his wise expenditure and untiring industry hrouglit him the capital that enabled him to invest in property. He then bought one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 14, Brenton township, and began its improvement by tiling and adding other necessar^^ and modern equipments. He has erected good buildings, has utilized the latest improved machinery in carrying on the work of the farm and has today a tine property, presenting a splendid appearance in its well tilled fields and substantial buildings. Mr. Jackson is also secretary of the Forld County Fair and Driving Association and a director of the Bell Union Telephone Company, No. 1.

In his political views Mr. Jackson is an earnest democrat and desiring the success of the party has labored in local fields for its advancement. Since 1899 he has served as assesor, being continued in the office through reelection. He is also a commissioner of the drainage ditch and for five years has been chairman of the democratic committee.

In 1886 occurred the marriage of L. D. Jackson and Miss Emma J. Judd, Avho was born in Dearborn county, Indiana, in 1863, a daughter of Orin and Mary Jane Judd, who were likewise natives of that state but are both now deceased. ]\Irs. Judd was one of five children and by her marriage has become the mother of two sons, Orin AV. and Charles E., the former now a pupil in the high school of Piper City.

Mr. Jackson belongs to that class of men who have realized that success is not an unattainable thing and also understands the fact that it is acquired only through diligence and indefatigable labor. He has worked persistently and his labors have been crowned with a measure of success that makes him one of the substantial agriculturists of his part of the county.

E. F. Duckworth, engaged in the hardware and lumber business at Cabery, owning an equal interest with Mr. Keighin in a large and well selected stock of goods, is a young man of marked enterprise, of tireless energy, of keen perception and honesty of purpose. He was born in Iro(|uois county, Illinois, January 21, 1870, his parents being Richard and Susan Duckworth, who were natives of the state of New York. Removing westward, they settled in Kendall county, Illinois, in 1863 and are now residents of Iroquois county. They became the parents of three children, of whom E. M. Duckworth is the eldest, his brothers, Austin and William, twins, being yet at home.

E. F. Duckworth was also reared under the parental roof and is indebted to the pul)lic-scho()l system of Illinois for the educational privileges which he enjoyed and to the Grand Mercer Seminary. Lessons of industry, integrity and enterprise were also impressed upon his mind by his parents in his youth and after he had attained his majority he became a feature in business circles, purchasing a hardware store at Herscher, where he continued in business for three years. On the expiration of that period he sold out and came to Cabery, where he purchased a half interest in the hardware and lumber business of ]\lr. Keighin. They have an excellent trade, which is constantly increasing, and in their business interests they are methodical, systematic and energetic.

On the 9th of January, 1901, "Sir. Duckworth was married to ]\Iiss Caroline jMusson. whose parents are now residents of Watseka, Illinois. ]\Irs. Duckworth is their only surviving child and by her marriage she has become the mother of one daughter, Lima Margaret. The parents are consistent and helpful members of the Presbyterian church and ]Mr. Duckworth belongs to the Odd Fellows lodge at Herscher, while both he and his wife are connected with the Rebekah degree. In politics he is a republican, interested in the growth and success of the party. His business success is largely due to the fact that in their business the firm aim at high standard in the character of the goods which they carry and in their service to the public and meet competition in a rivalry of merit rather than in a war of prices. Their business, too, is permeated by a spirit of courtesy, thoroughness, enthusiasm, energy and progressiveness.

Peter Wagner

The name of Peter Wagner is so closely associated with the liistory of Cabery, its progress and upbuilding, as to render it imperative that mention be made of him in this connection. He was a man of marked enterprise and strength of purpose, of keen discernment and of public spirit, and while promoting his individual success he also contributed in substantial measure to the general welfare. Moreover, there was not an esoteric phase in liis career but on the contrary his methods were such as neither sought nor required disguise l:)ut would bear the closet investigation.

Mr. AVagner was born in Ti-icr cily in the Rliinc province of Germany, in 1843, and arrived in Ford county in 1863 when a young man of twenty years to join his older brother. Upon reaching his destination, however, he found that his brother had been drafted for service in the Civil war. ]\Ir. Wagner, wlio \vas then single, decided that he had better go in place of his brother, who was married and had a family. Accordingly he immediately joined the army and left for the south. He did not understand a word of English and felt handicapped and embarrassed, so he bought a dictionary and at once began to study the language. The regiment to which he belonged was assigned to duty with Sherman's army and while with that command JMr. Wagner became ill of malaria and was sent to the hospital in Chicago, where he remained until the close of the war. The spirit of unselfishness which he displayed in taking his brother's place was ever one of his marked characteristics and won for him in large measure the warm regard of those with whom he was associated.

When the war was over Mr. Wagner returned to Ford county and devoted his life to farming and other business pursuits. ITis investments were .judiciously made, his business interests were carefully conducted and his enterprise and diligence were the salient characteristics of his success. He left a fine estate on the county line of Ford and Kankakee counties, comprising one hundred and sixty acres, constituting the northeast quarter of section 17, Rogers township and sixty acres across the road in Norton township, Kankakee county. He brought his land under a high state of cultivation, transforming his land into rich and productive fields which were carefully operated and brought him a gratifying annual income. When the Illinois Central Railroad was built through, by making to the company a heavy donation, he induced them to build a station where Cabery now stands on the Kankakee side. He then platted his land and erected a number of buildings and assisted in many ways to found the town and establish it upon a growing basis. He built the Cabery Tile & Brick Works and was the pioneer tile manufacturer in the Panhandle of Ford county. He was also the first to lay tile and promote the drainage and work which has been of inestimable value to Ford county, for thus much low and swampy land has been reclaimed for the purposes of cultivation and is today rich agricultural property, contributing in substantial measure to the prosperity of this part of the state.

After his military service had ended Mr. Wagner returned to Germany, where he was married to Miss Anna Bosen, to whom he had become betrothed in his youth. She was a native of Trier city, of the Rhine province, and following their marriage Mr. Wagner returned with his bride to the United States and spent his remaining days in Cabery with the exception of two years passed in Chicago. He died in Cabery in 1892, when in the fiftieth year of his age, and his wife survived him for about nine years, passing away in 1901 in her fifty-fourth year. She was one of a family of eleven children, ten of whom are yet living", and IMr. AVagner was one of a family of three children. Unto them were born three sons and two daughters : John, now a resident of Kankakee; Anna, the wife of ^Matt Seiwert, of Chicago; Kate, the wife of Fred Schneider, of Kankakee; Peter N., who resides at the old home in Cabery and manages the estate ; and Frank, at home.

Mr. Wagner was a man of marked enterprise and i)ublic spirit, whose cooperation could always be counted upon to further any movement that tended to promote the welfare or advance the interests of Cabery and the county. He was liberal in his donations to all public movements of this character. His own home in Cabery was a large, fine dwelling in the west part of the town, a portion of his farm lying within the corporation limits of the village. Upon the place were also good outbuildings and all of the equipments of a model farm. In his political views Mr. Wagner was a stalwart democrat and filled all of the village offices, being unanimously elected president of the village. No trust reposed in him was ever betrayed in the slightest degree and on the contrary his life record furnishes a splendid example for emulation, because of his reliability and progressiveness in citizenship, his trustworthiness in business and his devotion to the ties of home and friendship.

Peter N. Wagner, to whom we are indel)ted for the sketch of his father, is living upon the farm where he was born, Jidy 21, 1880. He has always followed agricultural pursuits and is accounted one of the progressive and energetic young men of Caliery. As a voter he is a republican,' giving loyal support to that party and is now serving as one of the village trustees.

Andrew Jordan

Andrew Jordan, one of the earliest settlers of Ford county and one of her most successful farmers, was the owner of eight hundred and eighty acres of very fine land, his home being situated on section 18. Dnniimcr township. A man of enterprising and progressive spirit, he l)r()iight his farm under a high state of cultivation, placing therecm excellent buildings aiul nuuiy substantial improvements.

Mr. Jordan was l)()rn near Louisville, Kentucky, August 28, 1828, his parents being William aiul Lovica, (Brooks) Jordan, both of wlioni were natives of Virginia and located in Kentucky about 1818. A few years later they removed to Monroe county, near Gosport, Indiana, where they spent the remainder of their lives. The father died about 1855 and the mother about 1849. By occupation he was a farmer and ever folhnved tliat business for a livelihood. Both he and his wife were adherents of the Baptist church and his political allegiance was given to the democracy.

Our subject was fifth in order of birth in a family of twelve children. He received but a limited education and remained with his parents until he had attained his majority, when he started out in life for himself. With a horse and fifteen dollars in money, he located near Virginia, Cass county, Illinois, and began work as a farm hand, receiving thirteen dollars per month. In the fall of 1850. he returned to Indiana and after a short time went to Bloomington, Illinois, where he worked for about six months. He then became a resident of Cass county, Illinois, where he was engaged as a farm hand. Once more he returned to Indiana and subsequently located in Champaign county, Illinois, having purchased one hundred acres of land. A year later, however, he exchanged farms with his father-in-law, receiving eighty acres, which ]Mr. Devore had entered from the government.

Mr. Jordan was married, on the 30th of November, 1852, to IMiss Amanda Devore, who was born near Gosport, Owen county, Indiana, March 16, 1835, a daughter of Nicholas and Polly (Hartzog) Devore, who were of German lineage. Tliey were also members of the Christian church, and in politics Mr. Devore was a stalwart republican. Immediately after their marriage our subject and liis wife settled on their farm in Champaign county, but in March, 1854, came to Ford county. From time to time he added to his possessions until he became the owner of eleven hundred acres, but afterward sold a portion of it and at the time of his death owned eight hundred and eighty acres of valuable land. He also owned and operated one of the largest brick and tile works in the county and, in connection with his farming, raised a fine grade of horses and cattle. His well directed labor and untiring perseverance brought to him a most gratifying measure of success as the years went by and he was widely recognized as a prosperous and influential citizen of the community. In the early days of his residence in this county he underwent all the hardships and trials of frontier life. The first home of the family was a log cabin, and they did their first corn planting under trying circumstances. Mr. Jordan would take the baby (their son William) in his arms and plow for a time, while his wife would drop the corn. At length he fixed a box on top of the plow and, placing the little fellow in that, resumed his work. IMarkets were far distant, and Paxton, Loda, Elliott, Gibson, IMelvin and Sibley, all now thriving towns, were not then laid out. They saw the introduction of all the railroads in this part of the county

Five children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Jordan : William, who has been identified Avith farming in Sibley; James, who carries on general agricultural pursuits on section 24. Drummer township ; John, a successful farmer and tile manufacturer, residing on section 24, Drummer township ; Lizzie, the wife of Dr. Campbell ; and Charles, who cultivates three hundred and twenty acres of land on section 24, Drummer township, a part of his father's estate.

The parents were people of benevolent disposition, holding membership with the Christian church in Gibson and taking an active interest in its work. Church and Sunday school were held in their home and that of their neighbors in the early days. In the fall of 1890 IMr. Jordan donated two hundred and twenty thousand brick for the beautiful church edifice in which he worshiped and which stands as a monument to his benevolence. In 1861 the first township and the first presidential elections in Drummer township were held in his home.

]\Ir. Jordan was tli,e first supervisor of Drummer township, which office he filled for two years, and was recognized as one of the most honored and prominent citizens of the county. In the faithful discharge of his duties and every trust reposed in him, he won the confidence and high regard of all and when he was called to his final rest on the 28th day of June, 1901, the county mourned the loss of one of its worthy and respected pioneers.

Thomas Reynolds

Thomas Reynolds is the owner of an excellent farm of two hundred and forty acres situated alxiut a (piarter of a mile west of Guthrie in Dix township and his life is devoted to its further development and improvement with the result that he has made it a valuable property, from which he annually derives a gratifying income. He was born near Russellville, Kentucky, in 1843. His parents, AVilliam and Elizabeth (Edgar) Reynolds, are l)otli now deceased. The father was a fanner of Kentucky and died in that state when his son Thomas was but six years of age. The mother long survived and passed away in 1901 at the age of eighty-five years. Tlieir fainil\' luimbered six children : P. F., wlio is now living in Kansas; ]\Iary, who is living with her sister, P. F. ; Joseph, deceased; Thomas, of this review; Joseph, the second of the name, who has also passed away; and Klizabeth, deceased.

Thomas Reynolds was a, youth of about eleven years when he came to Illinois with his mother in 1854, the family home being established in Logan county, where he acquired his education as a pupil in the district school. He started out in life on his own account at the age of twenty-three years and has since been dependent entirely upon his own resources. He was married in 1869 to Miss Malinda J. Sumner, a daughter of Norman Sumner, a farmer of Logan county, who is now deceased, as is his wife.

In the year of his marriage Mr. Reynolds removed to Ford county and settled a quarter of a mile west of Guthrie on section 30, Dix township. He had in 1867 purchased one hundred and sixty acres of laud here and later he bought eighty acres more, so that he now owns two hundred and forty acres in all. Here he follows general farming and is accounted one of the progressive and wide-aw^ake agriculturists of the community. In the midst of his place stands a nice farm residence facing Guthrie, the village being only a quarter of a mile to the east, while the Illinois Central Railroad passes just south of the house, extending in a southwesterly direction. Everything about the place is kept in excellent condition and the neat and thrifty appearance of the farm indicates the careful supervision and untiring efforts of the owner. He has put all of the improvements upon the place and has tiled the laud, making it very productive. It was very wet when it came into his possession and for it he paid only eight dollars per acre but it is now classed with the fine farms of this rich agricultural section.

Unto ]\Ir. and ]\Irs. Reynolds have been born six children : William, who married Amanda Duclos and is living in Kankakee, Illinois ; Robert and Frank, at home; Ora, Effie and Fannie, who are also at home. The children have been provided with excellent educational advantages. William and Robert were students in the Northern Indiana Normal College at Valparaiso, which Frank also attended, while later he was graduated on the completion of a business course at Dixon, Illinois. Ora is a graduate of the Gibson high school and attended the Normal School for two summers. Effie likewise graduated from the Gibson high school, and Fannie completed a course there in the summer of 1908.

Mr. Reynolds has always been loyal in citizenship and at the time of the Civil war enlisted in 1864 as a member of Company D, One Hundred and Forty-fifth Illinois Infantry, in Logan county, remaining with that command until honorably discharged in September of the same year. Ilis political allegiance has always been given to the republican party and he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He has served as school trustee for eight years and also as road cominissioner, yet has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking. Both he and his Avife are members of the Christian church and the family is highly esteemed in the community? the hospitality of the best homes being freely accorded them.

Nathan Miller Higgins

In a history of the representative men of Ford county who have contributed to its development and substantial progress and who through intelligently directed labor have achieved success, mention should be made of Nathan Miller Higgins, who departed this life on the 10th of March, 1907. He was uniformly respected, not alone because of the success he achieved b^^t also by reason of the honorable, straightforward methods which he ever followed.

His birth occurred in Huntington, Massachusetts, October 29, 1845, and he was one of a family of twelve children, three of whom died in infancy or early childhood. He lost his father when about ten years of age and was left an orphan by his mother's death when he was a youth of fifteen. He remained a resident of INIassachusetts to the age of eighteen years, when he started for the middle west, settling at Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he was employed in a store for about two years. From there he w^ent to St. Louis, Missouri, and in the fall of 1866 joined his 1)rother Prentice at Elmwood, Illinois, and worked as a farm hand in liis brother's employ until the fall of 1869.

That date witnessed his arrival in Ford county. He investigated the farm property for sale and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, to which he removed the following spring, making his home tliereafter in this county until he Avas called to liis final rest. Later he added to the original tract until he became the owner of two hundred and forty acres on section 34, Brenton township. He made all of the improvements on the first tract but the eighty acre tract which he purchased was somewhat improved when it came into his possession. He regarded real estate as the safest of all investments and therefore placed his money in property. The home farm was brought under a high state of cultivation through his energy and diligence and as his financial resources increased he added to his property from time to time until he acquired three other farms in this vicinity, two of eighty acres and one of one hundred and sixty acres. He likewise invested in a half section of land in South

Mr. And Mrs. Nathan M. Higgins

Dakota and later an additional quarter section, and thus from his property interests derived a gratifying income. He was also stockholder in and secretary and treasurer of tlie Thawville tile factory for a number of years.

On the 12tli of March, 1872, Mr. Higgins was married to Miss Mary Jane IMosher, who was born near Fonda, New York, November 25, 1849, and was brought to the middle west at the age of six years by her parents, Alexander and Elizabeth (McLaughlin) ]\Iosher, who were natives of New York and on removing to Illinois settled at Elmwood. In 1877 they came to Ford county and took up their abode one mile south of the farm upon which Mrs. Higgins resides. There the death of the husband and father occurred, after which the other members of the family removed to Roberts. Unto Mr. and I\lrs. Higgins were born six children : ]\Iary Elizabeth, the wife of William Gardner of Fisher; Charles, living at home with his mother; Nathan Le Roy, a resident of Chicago; Aleck Prentice, Effie Estella and Milo Edwin, all at home.

In his political views Mr. Higgins was a stalwart republican and held some school offices but otherwise did not care for political preferment although he was loyal to the principles in which he believed. He was a man of domestie tastes, quiet and retiring in disposition, devoted to his family, his interest centering in his home. He was a self-made man and owed his success to his close application and unremitting diligence. He 'always rose very early to attend to his business and the story of his early rising became proverbial in the neighborhood. On one occasion several farmers of the neighborhood purchased nursery stock together and it was delivered at Onarga, about eleven miles from Mr. Higgins' home. One of the neighbors, who has also been a purchaser of the stock, thought to himself, "I'll get ahead of him once by going early to Onarga. I will draw the shades that he may not see the light and will think that I am still sleeping." He carried out his plan of rising early but when he got half way to Onarga he met Mr. Higgins on his way home with the trees. He still persisted, however, that the joke was partly on Mr. Higgins because he had wandered two miles out of his way. In those early days there were no regularly laid out roads so that it was not a difficult thing for a traveler to wander from the path. Mr. Higgins was never neglectful of duty but on the contrary did ably and well everything that he undertook and as the years passed he gained a gratifying measure of prosperity.

With his wife he spent two winters in Florida and one in Texas for the benefit of his health but death claimed him on the 10th of March, 1907, when he was in his sixty-second year. His life record is in many respects worthy of emulation as it indicates what may be accomplished when one has determination and energy. It was those qualities which made I\Ir. Higgins one of tin; representative farmers of Brenton township and Ford county, while the straightforward business principles which he advocated gained for him the respect of his fellowmen. He was always straiglitforward in his dealings and just in his relations and, moreover, he possessed a kindly spirit, which was particularly manifest at his own fireside.

Rev. Robert McCracken, a pioneer of Paxton, devoted many years of his life to the active work of the ministry and, moreover, was a most successful business man, his life record standing in emphatic contradiction of the statement made by many that business success and honesty are incompatible. He became one of the largest landowners of Ford comity and yet throughout his entire business career he was regarded as the soul of commercial honor and integrity. His memory is indeed sacredly cherished in the hearts of those who knew him and remains as a blessed benediction to his family and his many friends who survive him.

Rev. Robert McCracken was born in Castlewellyn, County Dow^n, Ireland, in the year 1815. Early in life his parents dedicated him to the ministry and much of his boyhood was spent away from home in attending school. In 1844 he was graduated from the Royal College of Belfast, Ireland, and after preaching one of his trial sermons before a presbytery in his native land with his parents as interested and appreciative listeners he left home for America, arriving in this country in the spring of 1845 to devote his life to ministerial labor in the new world. His first pastorate was at Austintown, Ohio, where he accepted a call from the Reformed Presbyterian church, commonly called New School Covenanter. He was there installed May 29, 1848, and continued his pastoral labors at Austintown until 1851, when he accepted a call from the Reformed Presbyterian cliurch at Wurtemburg, Pennsylvania, where he labored for tlie upbuilding of the congregation until 1857.

That year witnessed llic arrival of Rev. jMcCracken in Illinois. He became pastor of the Walnut Hill congregation near Centralia and in 1860 came to this part of the state, filling various pulpits prior to accepting the call of the United Presbyterian congregation at Paxton. He removed with his family to this city early in 1861. The congregation at that time numbered only seventeen but at the first communion seventeen new members were received. Rev. MeCracken continued as pastor of the congregation until April, 1865, when he was succeeded by Rev. J. E. Truesdale. In the meantime the membership of the church had largely increased, seventy-five new members being added at the last two conmiunions at which Rev. MeCracken presided. This was his last pastoral charge and yet his interest in the church never waned. He was tliroughout life an active factor in all those movements for reform, progress and improvement and for the amelioration of hard conditions of life for the unfortunate.

Soon after coming to Paxton. at the earnest solicitation of friends, Rev. MeCracken consented to become a candidate for the office of county superintendent of schools and was elected, serving for two years, during which time he did important service in establishing the public-school system of Ford county upon an excellent basis. The cause of public instruction ever found in him a stalwart champion and for several years he did effective work in behalf of Paxton 's schools as a member of the board of education. He was also one of the promoters of the Rice Collegiate Institute and gave to it his earnest support until failing health in large measure compelled him to retire from activitj in public affairs. In antebellum daj^s he was a stanch advocate of abolition and took an active interest in politics at that time when every true American citizen was aroused to express his views concerning the great issues that dominated public attention prior to the Civil war. He joined the republican party on its organization and remained one of its stalwart champions throughout the residue of his days. He was also greatly interested in the cause of temperance and threw the energies of his mind and soul against the licensing of saloons, contributing largely through his influence toward the creation of the temperance sentiment in Paxton in earlier days. For four years he was a resident of Hoopeston but returned to Paxton and continued to reside here until his death. He remained a member of the United Presbyterian church until after his return to Paxton. when he and his family became members of the Congregational church.

On the 29th day of May, 1849, Rev. Robert IMcCracken was married to Miss Elizabeth C. Hogg, of Canfield, Ohio, who was ever a true helpmate, a wise counselor and a comforting companion to him. They became the parents of ten children, four of whom died in childhood, three of the number passing away within three weeks. The others are: David P., Robert A. and Mrs. Elizabeth Thompson, who are residents of Paxton; Mrs. T. J\I. Kell, of Los

Angeles, California; G. Ewing, of Bloomfield, Indiana; and Mrs. Frances W. Best, of Waj^nesburg, Pennsylvania. He was devoted to his family and at his own fireside was ever a loving husband and fond father, interested in all that interested his children and putting forth every effort possible for their welfare and happiness.

In his business life Rev. i\IcCracken won a gratifying measure of success. During his residence in Iloopeston he was engaged in merchandising but his time and attention were largely given to his investments in realty and his farming interests. He became one of the most extensive landowners of central Illinois, purchasing farm after farm of the rich prairie land until his possessions aggregated more than four thousand acres. In all of his business transactions he was thoroughly reliable, never being known to take advantage of the necessities of another in a business transaction. His success came to him because of his sound judgment, his keen sagacity, his unflagging enterprise and unabating diligence. During the last two years of his life he was in ill health but his mental faculties remained unimpaired and but a few days prior to his death he transacted some business with one of his tenants.

On the 4th of November, 1904, he passed away, having lived to complete nearly nine decades. He ever stood in support of what he deemed to be right in man's relations with his fellowmen, giving his aid and influence in support of the great movements affecting the welfare and progress of state an'l nation and at the same time neglecting not those quieter duties of the everyday relations of life - the little kindly ministries to family and friends, the word of encouragement and wise counsel and the substantial aid - when such was needed. It was these things which causes the memory of Rev. Robert McCracken to be cherished by all who knew him.

Charles A. Jordan

Charles A. Jordan, who cultivates a good farm of three hundred and twenty acres on section 24, Drummer township, a part of liis father's estate, is a representative of one of the old and prominent families of Ford county. He was born in this county, February 3, 1859. About five years before his father, Andrew Jordan, had settled here, having, however, previously lived for a time in Cass and Champaign counties. He was born in Louisville, Kentucky, August 28, 1828, and was of Scotch-Irish descent. He was reared to the occupation of farming and throughout his entire life followed that pursuit. On leaving the south, lie took up his abode in Cass county, Illinois, where he resided for a time and later removed to Champaign county, where he made his home until coming to Ford county in March, 1854. He found a district here largely wild and unimproved and with its early development and progress was closely associated. He first purchased one hundred acres of land but to this added from time to time as his financial resources increased until he became the owner of eleven hundred acres. A part of this he sold prior to his death, owning, however, at the time of his demise eight hundred acres of rich and valuable Illinois farm land. He was a man of resourceful business ability and did not confine his efforts entirely to agricultural pursuits but also became identified with the industrial interests, owning the largest brick and tile factory in this part of the county. He gave two hundred thousand brick to the church in which he worshiped. He was interested in all that pertained to the material and moral development of the community and his influence was ever found on the side of right and progress.

In the district schools at Wantwood Charles A. Jordan pursued his education to the age of seventeen years, after which he devoted his entire time to work upon his father's farm. He had previously received training in that line of activity through the assistance which he had rendered in the development of the fields in the periods of vacation. Having reached man's estate, he chose as a companion and helpmate for life's journey Miss Gertrude Caldwell, a daughter -of Michael Caldwell, of Dix township, who was a successful farmer. The wedding was celebrated in October, 1882, and unto ]\Ir. and Mrs. Jordan have been born the following named : Moses Edwin, who is now a widower and has one son ; Bessie ]\Iay and Charles Elmer, both of whom are deceased ; Olive Belle, living at home; John Loyd, who was killed by the cars; Ralph, who attends school ; Julia Gertrude, now deceased ; and Walter, also at home.

Since liis marriage Mr. Jordan has devoted his entire time and attention to general agricultural pursuits and stock-raising. He makes a specialty of Percheron horses and has owned and sold some very fine specimens of this breed. He cultivates three hundred and twenty acres belonging to his father's estate and in his farm work has been very successful, the splendid apijearance of the place indicating his careful supervision and practical methods. He belongs to the Court of Honor and to the Christian church. His political preference is for the republican party and he has served as school director. He has never sought office, however, as a reward for party fealty, for he finds that his tim(» and attention are fully occupied by his complex business duties. A resident of the county for almost a half century, he has been a witness of much of its growth and devt'lopnient and his labors have l)een an element in its substantial development. The Jordan family has ever figured among the prominent and loading citizens of the ( omnumitv and as such Charles A. Jordan is well known.

Campbell G. Brotherton

In Guthrie and throughout this section of Ford county the name of Campbell G. Brotherton is regarded as a synonym of integrity, for over the record of his l)usiness career there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil. He possesses unfaltering diligence and his labors are intelligently directed by sound and discriminating judgment. His birth occurred in Valley Grove, West Virginia, not far from Wheeling, in 1865. His parents were John and Mary (Gaston) Brotherton, the former a farmer by occupation. Their son Campbell was only about a year old when his father died, being then about fifty years of age. The mother came to Illinois in 1878 and located on a farm southeast of Guthrie, which is now the property of Richard Bonnen.

Campbell G. Brotherton was a youth of thirteen years at the time of the removal to Illinois. He acquired his preliminary education in tlie district schools and afterward continued his studies in the Gibson high school, thus qualifying for a practical and responsible business career. In the school of experience he has also learned many valuable lessons and from the incidents, contacts and experiences of life he has learned many helpful lessons. He remained at home until seventeen years of age and then started out in life on his own account as a clerk in the store of P. J. Yager in Guthrie, where he continued for five or six years as a most trustworthy and faithful employe. Desiring that his lal)ors should more directly benefit himself, he then began buying grain in Guthrie and has since continued in the business, being one of the well known grain merchants of this part of the state. In the fall of 1898, in association with Mr. McClure, he built an elevator and at the same time they established a banking business, which has been of nuu-h convenience to the p('0])le of the district. They also handle lumber, coal and tile and their trade is now ([uite extensive.

In September, 1889, Mr. Brotherton was united in marriage to Miss Addie L. Minor, a daughter of J. M. and Julia Minor, who were farming people. Her mother is now deceased, while her father resides upon a farm near Guthrie. Mrs. Brotherton was born in 1870 and died in 1902, leaving five children: Roy,

Floyd, William, Vernard and Edna, all yet at home. Mr. Brotherton is devoted to the welfare and happiness of his family and regards no personal effort or sacrifice on his part too great if it will promote the welfare and interests of his children.

He has been school treasurer for about fourteen years and the cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion. He was made an Odd Fellow in Gibson City Lodge, No. 542, I. O. 0. F., on the 25th of October, 1889, and became a charter member of the Guthrie Lodge, with which he is now indent ified. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party and his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church. Viewed in a personal light, Mr. Brotherton is a strong man, strong in his honor and his good name, strong in his ability to plan and to perform. He is noted throughout the communit}^ for his honesty and the citizens of Guthrie and the vicinity speak of him only in terms of the highest praise. This record is such a one as any man might be proud to possess and it has won for him the entire respect of his colleagues and the admiration of his contemporaries.

William B. Henderson

William B. Henderson is conducting a successful wholesale business in the manufacture of cigars at Paxton, enjoying a large local trade, the product of his factory being almost wholly utilized throughout the surrounding district. He was born in Logan county, Ohio, December 3, 1855, his parents being Charles E. and Anna (Boggs) Henderson, who were natives of Virginia and Ohio respectively.

The father removed westward to Ohio when a young man and engaged in business as a saddler and harness maker. In 1849 he was among the argonauts who went to California in search of the golden fleece, making the overland journey. On the way he kept a journal and remained in the mining region of the Pacific coast for two years. His journal contains much of interest. Witli friends he started from his Ohio home, and from Independence, Missouri, then a frontier town of about three thousand people, started in a wagon train across the plains. They were not long in getting out upon that great open stretch of the country where there was nothing to be seen for miles indicating the habitation or existence of white men. On their journey they met Indians and saw herds of deer and buffaloes. At times they traveled along streams which were bordered by timber, which furnished material for fire, while the stream gave them a good supply of water. As they proceeded westward prices became very high. They thought that four dollars a week for board charged iu western Missouri was very high and a dollar for ferrying a wagon and twenty-five cents for a team was much in advance of prices that they had formerly known. On reaching Salt Lake, however, the Mormons charged them four dollars for ferrying the wagon across. They made their way through the Rockies in the midst of mountain scenery of picturesque grandeur, but required much hard climbing for the teams and men.

Mr. Henderson was quite successful in California and after two years spent there returned by way of the Isthmus of Panama in 1852. He went through all the experiences of frontier mining life and met many hardships and difficulties. On one occasion on the trip they had to hang a man for stealing food after the party had agreed to eat only a certain amount per day as the supply was becoming exhausted. In 1853, soon after his return, Mr. Henderson was married and unto him and his wife were born three children : AVilliam B., Harry B. and Jennie B., the last named the wife of C. H. Langford, of Paxton. ]\Ir. Henderson died September 15, 1891, at the age of sixty-six years, while his widow is still living in Paxton. He took quite an active interest in politics and was serving as county supervisor at the time of the erection of the present jail and sheriff's residence about 1870. It was in 1864 that he became a resident of Illinois, taking up his abode in Paxton, where he remained until called to his final rest. He was one of the early settlers here and the place was known as Prospect City. As the years passed he met with creditable and satisfactory success in his business, being engaged in farming and stock-raising. All who knew him respected him for his many sterling traits of character and his genuine worth.

William B. Henderson was largely educated in the public schools of Paxton and in early life he was associated with his father in various business pursuits. In 1877 he went to the west, settling in Kansas City, Missouri, where he resided for seventeen years and during that time was connected with difi^erent business enterprises, in some of which he met with good success. In 1893, however, he returned to Paxton and established a wholesale cigar manufactory, manufacturing a high grade of cigars, which found a ready sale in Paxton and tlie surrounding towns, nearly the; entire product being consumed by the home market, lie is an energetic, enterprising business man, constantly watchful of opportunities pointing to success, while his methods are thoroughly reliable and trustworthy.

In 1895 ]\Ir. Henderson was married to Miss Laura Oakey, a native of southwestern Llissouri and a daughter of N. W. and Elizabeth Oakey, Ijoth of whom are now deceased. In his fraternal relations ]\Ir. Henderson is connected with Paxton Lodge, No. 416, A. F. & A. M. ; Ford Chapter, No. 113, R. A. M. ; and Mount Olivet Commandery, No. 38, K. T. He also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and several other fraternal organizations. He is a charter member of the Knights of Pythias lodge at Paxton and is connected with the Woodmen and the Red Men. His wife is a member of the Congregational church. ]\Ir. Henderson takes an active interest in polities, being a lifelong republican and yet he has never been an office seeker but gives stalwart support to many measures for the benefit of his party and for the community at large. He is always found in the forefront among those who advocate progressive public measures and his labors in behalf of the community have been far-reaching and beneficial.

John Keefe

The agricultural interests of Ford county are well represented by John Keefe, who oa\tis and operates a well improved property, comprising one hundred and sixty acres, situated on section 2, Pella township. It is also the place of his birth, his natal day being July 31, and the year 1879. His parents were John and Katherine Keefe, the former a native of Ireland, while the latter was born in Troy, New York. The father settled in Illinois in an early day, first locating in La Salle county, where for three or four years he was employed at work on the canal. He then took up his abode in Livingston county, this state, where he made his home for a few years, and in 1869 removed to Ford county, locating on the farm which is now owned by our subject. He here made his home until his demise, which occurred in 1906, while his wife passed away about a year previous, in 1905. Their family numbered eight children, of whom seven are now living, namely: Mary L., a resident of Piper City, Illinois; William, who makes hif, home in Iowa; Joseph, Frank and Helen, all of Piper City; John, whose name introduces this record; and Katherine, also of Piper City.

John Keefe was reared to agricultural pursuits, remaining with his father until he attained his majority, while during the period of his boyhood and youth he attended the district schools during the winter months, and later attended Bourbonnais College, at Bourbounais, Illinois. Upon embarking in business for himself he chose as his occupation the work to which he had been reared and operated rented land for six years. lie then bought the homestead property, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres on section 2, Pella townshi]i, which is still his home. He has here a well improved tract of land, whereon he raises the various cereals best adapted to soil and climate, each year gathering good crops as a reward for the care and labor he has bestowed upon the fields.

Mr. Keefe was married in June, 1905, the lady of his choice being Miss Ernestine Wallrichs, who was born in Livingston county, a daughter of William A. and Sophia (Dannaman) Wallrichs, a sketch of whom appears on another page of this work. The marriage of ]\Ir. and INIrs. Keefe has been blessed with one child, Raymond Wayne, born February 25, 1907.