Grundy County, Illinois - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 11 of those read), 1882 (part 3 of 4)

MICHAEL BRANNICK, Channahon, was born October 17, 1825, in County Mayo, Ireland, fourth son of Patrick and Mary (Carey) Brannick. Patrick Brannick was the son of William Brannick. Subject was raised on a farm, and. in April, 184(5, he landed at New Yoi"k; came to this county and to Morris in May, same year; worked awhile on the canal, then went out to Lisbon, Kendall Co., IlL, and stayed there four- years, altogether, and, in the spring of 1 850, he went the overland route to California; engaged in raining one year, then retm'ned here, in 1851, and made a purchase of 100 acres, where he now resides, which cost $9 an acre cash, there being some little improvement on the land, fifteen acres broken and small log house on the place. He has now 514 acres in this county, including eighty acres given his son, and he has made all he has by hard labor. He was married, November 10, 1851, to Mary Ann Sterling, who was born in York State, daughter of John Sterling, who came West prior to 1848. J\Ir. Bi'annickhas tt>n childi'en - John, Ambrose, William, Mary E., Michael, Thomas, Kate, Patrick H. and Margaret, all living. He carries on general farming and stock raising. He is a member of the Catholic Church.

GEORGE COMERFORD, farmer and general business, P. O. Minooka. Among the representative men of Au Sable Township, George Comerford stands among the first. He was born August 3, 1826, in County Wexford, Ii-eland, eldest son of William and Honora (Nolan) Comerford, both natives of same county. His ])aternal grandsire was Pierce Comerford, whose wife was Mary Roche. Our subject was reared at home to agricultural pursuits, and received a collegiate education in the land of his birth, and, in the spring of 1850, emigrated to America, in company with his parents and family of six children, George being the first; then in order came Pierce, Mary, Charles, Nicholas and William. The family arrived in April, 1850; the father purchased land soon after 'his arrival, in the northeast part of the township, his purchase amounting to 560 acres of land, which he subsequently divided up among his children. His death occurred October 11, 1866; his wife preceded him, November 1, 1854. Of the Comerford family, George is the only one residing in the county; in fact, only one of the family is yet living aside from George, and that is his brother Charles, who resides in Brule, Chamberlain Co., Dak. When oiir subject came to this county, he engaged in railroading and helped locate and survey the Rockf ord & Rock Island Railroad, which runs through this county, and helped lay the first rail that was laid in the State. After the survey of the road, he assisted in building the same, and remained in the employ of the railroad company until 1856. He was the first railroad affent and the first Postmaster in the town of Minooka. He served consecutively as Postmaster nine years, and was station agent several years. He built some of the first business houses in the place, and has, perhaps, contributed more toward advancing and building up the town than any other one man. Soon after the establishment of the place, he engaged in commercial business, keeping station, post office and store in one small building. .Afterward, he built what is now known as the Comerford Block and engaged in running a general store, and subsequently to this and other buildings, and did what he could to encourage the prosperity and the success of the town. During this time, he has been carrying on his farm, consisting of 160 acres, which is situated adjacent to the town on the west; the farm is well improved, its owner being a thorough, practical farmer. In justice to Mr. Comerford it can be said that he has been more prominently identified . with the interests of this portion of the county than any other man living in the township. He has filled every office of trust in the township within the gift of the people, and served repeatedly in several official stations. In church matters he has borne a conspicuous part, assisting in the formation of the Catholic Church, and giving liberally to the establishment of the M. E. society at this place, also. In school matters, he has been prominently identified, being aware of the advantages of education; he has done all in his power toward the advancement of the interests of the jSame in this township, and is now President of the Board of Education here. September 16, 1855, he was united in wedlock to Catharine Smith, who was also a native of the same county as himself, daughter of Thomas and Mary Smith, all of Wexford, Ireland. Four children have been born to them, three of whom are living - Thomas S. , Nicholas J. and Mary C, all of whom ai-e receiving the advantages of a liberal education at the University at Notre Dame. In politics, Mr. Comerford is Democratic, and has proven true to its principles. He has recently returned from a visit to the home of his birth.

WILLI.VM CO-MERFORD. Minooka, was born in this township September 15, 1859, eldest son of Pierce and nephaw of George Comerford, of thifi township. Pierce Comerford was born January, 1828, in County Wexford, Ireland, and came to this country with his father, William, at the time of his settlement here. He settled on land given him by his father, and engaged in farming on Section 2, in this township, and remained on the farm until his death, which occurred in January, 18(38. His widow yet survives him and resides on the homestead. She was born in County Kildare, Ireland, in 1S32, daughter of Dennis Dempsey; she came to this county in 1855. To Pierce Comerford was born William, Honora. Nicholas, Mary E. and Anna, all residents of this township, living on the homestead of which William has had charge since 1881. February 11, 1881, he married Katie Kinney, who was born in Morris July 26, 1860, daughter of Patrick Kinney. They have one child - Mary E.

EDWARD CANT WELL, farmer, P. O. Minpoka; has been a resident of the county since 1850; he is the eldest son of Michael Cantwell, who was born in Kings County, Ireland, in 1816, son of Edward and Bridget (Hoolen) Cantwell. The paternal grandsire of Michael was Matthew Cantwell. Michael Cantwell, the father of our subject, came to America in 1836, landing in Albany same year, and, having nothing when he came to this country, hired out to work, and continued in and about the city for about four years. In February, 1839, he married Margaret Feehan, a native of Kings County, daughter of Cornelius and Mary (Deegon) Feehan. About the year 1840, ili-. Cautwell removed to Michigan, where he had purchased land; there he remained until the spring of 1850, when he came to Chicago and engaged in the lumber business, but discontinued it and came to this township the fall of that year, and located here and since remained. He first bought forty acres of land at $3 an acre; afterward bought, 160 acres near the canal, now owned by the Boyle family. He has five children - Edwai'd, John, Margaret, James and Thomas, all residents of the town.ship. Margaret is the wife of William Woods. Edward, the eldest of the family, was born in Albany County in 1840, removed with his parents to Michigan and returned with them to this county, in 1850. At the outbreak of the war, or soon after, he responded to the call to arms, and enlisted, in February, 1862, in Company I, Sixtieth Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war. His first engagement was at Stone River. Afterward, Chickamauga, Mission Bidge, Lookout andKenesaw Mountains, Resaca, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta. Jouesboro and all the engagements of the campaign. At Bentonville, he was taken prisoner, April 19, 1864, and was transferred from different points until he was finally discharged, in June, 1865, having been a true and brave soldier dui'ing his period of enlistment. Upon his return home, he resumed work at home, where he remained until his marriage. Since then, he has been on his own land. He was married, August 15, 1875, to Josephine Gordon, a native of Massachusetts, daughter of George Gordon ; they have four children - Edward, Thomas, Louisa and May. His farm is located on the northeast quarter of Section 10.

ISRAEL CRYDER. farmer. P. O. Minooka, born in Huntingdon County, Penn. , March 11, 1835, fourth child of Jacob and Elizabeth Cryder. Jacob Cryder was a son of Israel Crvder. whose wife was a Miss Car- penter. Jacob Cryder was a]f armer by occupation; he died in 1839, when subject was four years of age; he had six children, two Bons and four daughters, all of whom lived to be grown, save one - Hannah M. , Henry, Amanda, Israel, Sarah A. Those living are Israel and Sarah A., now Mrs. James Reardon, in Vienna Township, this county; all of the above came West and all firi^t settled in this township. Hannah M. married N. H. Tabler. Henry died in November, 1872. Amanda married Jonas Bartlett; they settled in Saratoga Township; she died about the year 1854. Our subject came West in the fall of 1844, with his mother and the family; they lived with Henry Crydar a few years, ilr. Ciyder remained with his grandfather imtil he reached the age of maturity, and engaged in farming. He bought 190 acres where he now lives, and has since lived here. September 14, 1862, he married Mary Hampson, born June 7, 1839, in Jefferson County, N. Y., daughter ^of George and Maria (Cash) Hampson, both of England, who settled in Jefierson County, then* removed West, to Kendall County, in 1858, where the father yet lives; the mother died in 1867. Mrs. Cryder has four brothers and two sisters - Edward and Henry, in Kendall County; also, Hannah, wife of Thomas Newsom; Thomas, in Decatur County, Iowa; Jane, in same county, wife of Thomas Reardon, and Joseph, in Newark, '- N. J. Since Mr. Cryder located here, he has been a constant resident, engaged in farming and stockraising, keeping some tine Diu-ham stock on the farm of 385 acres, on which he has put all the substantial improvements. Mr. and Mrs. Cryder have four children - Emma E. Edith M., Henry E. and Jessie B. He is a Republican and a member of the Masonic fraternity - Blue Lodge, Royal Arch, and Blaney Commandery.

GEORGE COLLEPS, book-keeper, Minooka, was born March 16, 1848, in Buffalo, N. Y., son of John W. and Margaret (Schroder) Colleps, both natives of Hesse-Darmstadt, and who came to the United States the same year that our subject was born. When young, he removed with his parents to Michigan, where they remained until 1853, when he came with them to this jjlace. At the age of sixteen, he volunteered in the service of his country, enlisting in the spring of 1864, in Company G, Sixty-fourth Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and, after participating in several of the engagements of the Atlanta campaign, was taken prisoner, July 22, at Atlanta, and taken to Andersonville Prison, where he was incarcerated for nearly ten months, and for nearly one month he stood_j and laid on the ground in the rain, with no clothing or covering for his body but a shirt and pair of drawers At the time of his capture, he weighed 130 pounds; at the time of his release, had dwindled down to tifty-six. His sufferings were indescribable, and the horrors of that den and the remembrances of the cruelties enacted there will ever remain vividly impressed upon his mind as long as reason holds her sway. Upon his release at the termination of the war, he returned to Minooka and engaged as clerk in the dry goods and grocery store of R. Gardiner, where he continued until 1^70. Then, for three years, he was associated in the hardware business with W. A. Worthing, after which the partnership was dissolved by mutual consent; he then clerked again for R. Gardiner, continuing in his employ for two years, after which he was for two years and a half in copartnership with L. Smith in the grocery business; he then disposed of his interest to S. W. Smith, and remained with him as clerk until 1880, when he took charge of the books in the grain and elevator office of A. K. Knapp, and has since served in that capacity. September 14, 1869, }ie married Jennie Van Horn, wlio was born in Essex County, N. J. , daughter of John and Maretha (Terhime) Van Horn; they have no children living. He is a member of Minooka Lodge, A., F. & A. M., Orient Chapter and Blaney Commandery.

THOMAS CARROLL, farmer, P. O. Minooka. Of the representative men of this township who came from Erin's Isle, none are more highly esteemed or more deserving than Thomas Carroll. He was born August 15, 1814. in County Lovel, Ireland, His parents were Thomas and Mary (Tafe) Can'oll, and to them were born the following children: Patrick. John, James, Thomas, William, Edward, Maria, Alice and Bridget. None of the family came to this county save Thomas, who emigrated to America in June, 1837, landing in New York. When he camo he had nothing but his hands and a willing heart, but he made good use of his opportunities, though few they were. He hired out to work as teamster, and turned his attention to whatever employment was the most remunerative to him. He remained in New York four or five years, then came to this State prior to the Imilding of the canal. The first work he did upon bis arrival to this State was for Mr. Kimball, at Marseilles, where he stayed some two years or more. Then he worked about three yeai's on the canal. Afterward to Ottawa, where he worked on the canal, and afterward worked for William Armstrong about two years. Prior to 1850, he located on the land he now owns. Having accumulated some money, he invested first in forty acres of land, which cost him $1 per acre, the land being unimproved. He afterward piu-chased eighty acres in AVill County, for which he paid $13 per acre, and he has now 210 acres, all of which he has worked for and obtained by great industry. His wife before his marriage was Mrs. Mary Ann Freckleton, a native of County Tipperary, Ireland; her maiden name was Conn and her mother's maiden name was Ann Heakey, now eighty-eight years old; by this union, there have been born eight children, whose names, according to the order of births, are John, Thomas, Andrew, Michael, Edward, William, Maria and Mary A. Mr. Can-oil is a Democrat and member of the Catholic Church.

JOHN CASS, farmer, P. O. Channahon. Among the old settlers and self-made men of this township is Mr. Cass, who was born in Queen's County, Ireland, in 1828, only sou of William and Bridget (Kenihan) Cass. Subject was raised on the farm; left home May 19, 1849, and after live weeks and four days' voyage, landed in New York, July 2. same year. When he came to Chicago, he had but 33 cents in his pocket, all he possessed. He worked a short time at Blue Island, and came to Au Sable that harvest; worked through the season, then went to Iowa and worked on the public works until the spring, and returning here, he worked on the State boat until harvest. He then hired out at $10 per month on a farm about thirteen months, losing but one and one- half days in that time, for John Adams. He then took the farm and rented the same on shares for two years, after which he rented land of the Lewis heirs, on the land which Briscoe now owns, for about five years. After he had been here three years, he bought eighty acres, where he now lives, paying $30 per acre; no improvements on the land whatever. He remained on the Lewis farm until December, 1856, when he moved on his eighty acres, and has since lived there, having now 220 acres of land with good improvements. Apri 1 3, 1852, he maiTied Nora Delaney, born in

Queen's County, Ii-eland, daughter of James and Bridget Lyncli Delaney. Mrs. Cass came here in 1850. When Iili\ Cass located on this farm, he had but little in the way of comforts. They had a hard time for several years, but by hard labor, diligence and great industry, they have acquired the home and property they now have. They are members of the Catholic Cbiu'ch. -\Ii\ Cass also owns some property in Joliet.

SAMUEL COOP, farmer. P. O. Minooka, born August 20, 1827. in Lancashire, England, second son of Jatnes and Mary (Birtwistle) Coop. At the age of fourteen, he went to learn the machinists' trade, and served seven years in the shop. December 25, 1853, he married Ann, daughter of John and Mary (Holden) Bull. In the spring of 1855, he emigi-ated to this county and purchased eighty-five acres of Mi. Longworth, on the west half of the northwest quarter of Section 5. paying SU per acre. There were no improvements on the same whatever when he located here, yet, by hard work and economy, he has succeeded in making a good home and a competence for himself. He has but one child - Priscilla. wife of Charles W. Barker, of Minooka. ili-. Coop is a Kepublican, aud has always voted that ticket.

PATRICK CLEXNON, farmer, P. O. Minooka, was born in Queen's County, Ireland. 1825, son of Patrick and Judah (Scott) Clennon. Mr. Clennon emigrated to America in 1849, landing in New Orleans in December the same year. From there he went to Fayette County, Ohio, where he hired out among the farmers by the month, taking his pay in scrip, and I'emained there until the fall of Buchanan's election, when he located in this township, where he now resides upon land that he purchased two years jirior to his leaving Ohio, said land being unimproved at the time of his piurchase, and costing him

$4.50. He has now a good farm, well improved and plenty of stock, all of which has been the fi-uitsof his own earnings. He was married, in 1848, to Margaret Phalen, daughter of Daniel and Catharine (Campen) Phalen. This maiTiage has been crowned by the birth of one son - James Patrick, who resides with his parents on the homestead. He was born in Fayette Coiiuty, Ohio, and removed to this county with his parents and since remained. May 3, 1800, he man-ied Jennie Kinsley, who was born in this township, daughter of Andi-ew and Eliza (Smith) Kinsley; they have one son - James Patrick, born December 25, 1881. Mrs. Clennon. Jr., is a gi-and-daughter of Andi-ew Kinsley, one of the pioneers of this township, who was prominently identified with this portion of the county; he was a contractor on the canal at the time of its building; was one of the founders of the Catholic Church at Dresden, one of the first Supervisors in the township and one of the leading and representative men of his time in Au Sable Township. He had three sons- - James, Michael and Andrew, none of whom are now living in the county. Andrew Kinsley died in August, 1872; Eliza, his wife, in August, 1862; she was a daughter of Thomas Smith, of County Wexford, L'eland, who came to Lockport, N. Y,, in 1852, and there died in 1854. He has one son in this township - George T. , a merchant in Minooka. ]\Ii-. and Mrs. Andi-ew Kinsley had two children - Jennie and Mary. GERHARD DAHLEM, Postmaster and store, Minooka. The present efficient Postmaster of Minooka came to this township in 1855, and since that time has been a constant resident of the place and identified with its interests. He was born July 16, 1832, in Bavaria. Germany, son of John and Kate (Ruth) Dahlem. In 1852, Gerhard emigi-ated to America and spent three years in Lee

County. Iowa, at a place called Denmai-k, where he worked in a cheese factory. In September, 1855, he came to this State and township, and engaged as a farm hand in the employ of R. Gai-diner for one year, after which ho worked on a railroad section c«ie year: then was switchman two years, after which he was in charge of the section as foreman on the railroad for three years. August 29, 1802, he enlisted as private in Company D, Fourth Illinois Cavalry, and served until the close of the war; was advanced to Corporal, then to Sergeant, and participated in many of the stirring and thrilling engagements of the wai-, and was at times Orderly on Gens. Grant's, McPherson's and Thomas K, Smith's sta£f. After his discharge, in May, 1865, he retm-ned to this place and resumed work for the railroad company, as switchman and baggageman, until the spring of 1867, when he engaged as clerk for Daniel Ferguson, one year after which he was appointed night storekeeper in the Au Sable distillery. In 1868, Daniel Ferguson having resigned as Postmaster, Mr. Dahlem was appointed in his stead and engaged in the grocery business, afterward adding dry goods. October 9, 1870, he was burned out, but rebuilt and as sociated in business with his nephew, Adam Stauffer, under the firm name of Dahlem & Staufifer, which copartnership lasted three years, when, owing to ill health, he sold out his interest to Samuel Persells, but retained the post office, where he continued. In August, 1876, he engaged with William Shepley, in general merchandise business, which association has since been kept up, the firm name being Dahlem & Shepley, the post office being still kept by Mr. Dahlem; he has been twice married - first, in 1854, to Susan Webber, daughter of John and Mary (Ruth) Webber; she died August 13, 1862, leaving one child - Jacob J. ; his present wife is Mary Staufi'er, daughter of Jacob and Catharine Stauffer; they were married October 28, 1805, and four children have blessed this union - Adam, Katie, Daniel and Mary. Mr. Dahlem has a snug home, a good business and is well and favorably known throughout the entire county. He is a member of the Minooka Lodge, No. 528, A., F. & A. M., and served several years as the Worshipful Master of that lodge; is also a member of the Chapter at Morris, and of the Commandery at that place. Has always been a stanch Republican.

FLETCHER DIRST, farmer and stockraiser, P. O. Minooka, is one of the leading fai'mers and stock-raisers in Grundy County. He was born August 10, 18^5, near the town of Galena, Berkshire Township, Delaware Co., Ohio; he is the eldest son of John and Caroline (Searlos) Dirst. John Dirst was a son of Paul Dirst, a native of Pennsylvania, who emigrated to Ohio in an early day, settling near Chillicothe, Ohio, where he died. The father of oiu- subj ect when a young man came to Berkshire Township, Delaware County, and there married and engaged in farming. In 1858, the Dirst family came to this State, the family consisting of the parents and four childi-en - Fletcher, Howai'd, Albert and Sylva. Fletcher began for himself at the age of twenty -two, and while he remained in Ohio was engaged in farming and stocktrading. Since he came to this county, he has given his attention to farming and stockraising, and has done much to encoiu-age the growth and introduction of fine stock in the county. When he came here, he piu-chased 480 acres, part of which was in Seward Township, in Kendall County, adjoining. He has resided in the meantime in Au Sable Township, where he has a fine farm, well adapted for farming and general stock pui'- poses. He has given especial attention to thoroughbred Cotswold and Leicestershire

«heep, importing the same from Canada; he is engaged, also, in breeding Dnrham cattle, and in his business has been successful, being a thorough and progressive farmer. He was man'ied, December 7, 1857, in Delaware County, Ohio, to Ann Dustin, a native of that county, daughter of Nathan Dustin, one of the eai'ly settlers and prominent men of that county; his wife was Almira BuzwoU, both natives of New Hampshire. ]\L\ Dirst has now 240 acres of land; his residence is on Section 3, on the banks of the Au Sable, two miles west of Minooka. He has filled the office of Supervisor and other positions of trust in that township. He is a member of Minooka Lodge, No. 528, A., F. & A. M., of Orient Chapter and Blaney Commandery. He has three childi'en - Ann A., John F. and Charles F.

THOMAS DEAIPSEY, butcher, Minooka. Among the interests of the town of Minooka that is deserving of especial mention is that of Thomas Dempsey, who supplies the people of this town and locality with the best of meats, and thereby contributes not only to the comfort and happiness of the people in this direction, but is filling a need that is indispensable in the way of refreshing the " inner man." He has been canying on this business since 1873. He was born in the town of Lee, Oneida Co., N. Y., June 20, 1835, the second son of Thomas and Margaret (Taylor) Dempsey, natives of Ii-eland, he born in County Kildare, she in Coimty Down; they emigrated to New York about 1834, locating there, and came West, to Kendall County, 111., about 1845; stayed there one year, then moved to Will County, 111. Subject's father is still living; his mother died in 1863; they had a family of five sons and one daughter - John (deceased), Thomas, William, James, Hugh and Jane, wife of M. Hinsler, of Chicago. Our subject left home at the age of twenty-one, and engaged in farming; in 1864, he bought eighty acres of land in Will County, where he remained a few years, then came to Minooka. In June, 1857, he married Miss C. TjTrel, a native of Connecticut and daughter of James T. T}trel; they have nine children - Mary J., Maggie, Nellie, Elizabeth, Lydia, William, Edward, Burton and Vincent. Mr. Dempsey is a Democrat.

HARRISON ENEIX, farmer, P. O. Minooka; is of Virginia stock, and was born in Marshall County, near Wheeling, Va., February 28, 1825. His father, Brice Eneix, was a native of Fayette County, and married Leah Mace, a native of England. Mr. Eneix was reared to agricultural pursuits; at the ago of twenty-two, he started in life to do business upon his own accoiint. March 16, 1848, he wedded Lovina. daughter of Clemeth Leech, and engaged as a tiller of the soil. In 1855. he came West, to this State, locating in Lisbon, Kendall County, remaining there' two years, when he sold his interests and removed to Saratoga Tovmship, this county, and purchased a farm of 200 acres. In the spring of 1877, he sold his farm, and has since been located in Minooka, and is yet farming, having 162|^ acres in Will County, 111. Since 1859, Mr. Eneix was engaged in stock ti'ading, his field of operations extending over a large extent of country; he continued in the stock business with varied success up to within the past two years, but since that time has abandoned the business, and given his personal attention to *he management of his farm. Of a family of twelve children borne him, ten are now living - Corbley, John, Rachel, Clara, Franklin, Amanda, Martha, Eliza, Mary and Harrison. Rachel resides in Iroquois County, wife of Thomas Riggs. Clara resides in Minooka, wife of Jacob Dahlem. Amanda is also a resident of this place, wife of Oliver Sadler. The other children are residents of the town. In 1864, Mr. Eneix made a trip to Idaho, and ch-iving an ox-team and being four months on the road, having no idea at that time of the marked improvements that have since taken place in that waste of country over which he traveled with his ox-team. Mr. Eneix is a member of Minooka Lodge, No. 528, A., F. & A. M., and was one of the charter members of the establishment of ihe lodge at Lisbon, Kendall County.

PATRICK FEEHAN, farmer, P. O. Morris, was born in Queen's County, Ireland, March 17, 1824, son of Patrick and Mary (Boland) Feehan, she a daughter of Owen Boland. Mr. Feehan came to America in 1850, arriving in New York on New Year's eve, and immediately after came to this State, and, having nothing but his hands to make a living, he immediately set to work. He hired out by the month on a farm at low wages, and after saving sufficient means, purchased a team, and, for eighteen months, followed the fortunes of the railroad. After this, he sold his outfit for $240, came to this township, purchased some cows and engaged in stockraising; at the same time, he worked among the farmers; all this time he was supporting his mother and one sister. After a time, his stock having accumulated, he made a cash sale and purchased a team and engaged in farming, on the land which Henry Newman now owns, remaining there about two years. About this time, he purchased eighty acres of canal land, on Section 21, paying therefor $6.75, biit still continued renting land for about four years, when he purchased eighty acres additional, which cost him $9 per acre, making him 160 acres in one body. He then located on this land, and has since remained, and has put on all the improvements. In 1860, he married Ann O'Mara, a native of

County Tipperary, Ireland, daughter of Jerry and Kittle (Whalen) O'Mara, who came to America in 1849, landing in St. Louis, and finally locating in Cincinnati. Mr. and Mrs. Feehan have but one child - Joseph - whoresides with them at home, and who was born January 15, 1861. Mr. Feehan owes his success in life to his own energy and industry.

S. A. FERGUSON, blacksmith, Minooka, one of the thorough-going and successful mechanics of Grundy County is S. A. Fer- 1 guson; he came to Minooka and set up in business in February, 1880; he was born July 15, 1855, in Lisbon, Kendall Co., 111., eldest son of Gardiner and Almira (Lamb) Ferguson, he a native of Maine, she of New York State. They came West, to Kendall County, about the year 1848. The subject of these lines was brought up on the farm, but, being of a mechanical turn of mind, at the age of twenty-one, he went to Millington, 111. , where he worked three years at the blacksmith's trade. After the completion of his trade, he came to Minooka, setup in business and has been well patronized, and is doing a thriving trade. November 18, 1880, he married Belle Thayer, a native of Kendall County, who has borne him one child - Guy T. In conn'^ction with his blacksmith shop, he carries on a wagon aud general repair shop, and also painting in his line.

JAMES HARVEY, farmer, P. O. Morris. One of the old time residents and honored pioneer representatives of Au Sable Township, is Esquire Harvey, who came here in 1838, and has since been a continued resident of the township. He was born on " Erin's Green Isle," Roscommon County, about the year 1809, son of Michael and Bridget (Mc- Dermot) Harvey, she a daughter of Charles McDermot, a mechanic and wheelwright. The paternal grandsire of oiu' subject was

-John Harvey, of same place. In 1834, our subject bid good-bye to his native land, and set sail for America, leaving in April and arriving at Quebec, Canada, in June. He began work on the St. Lawrence Canal, where he continued until October, 1837, when he made his way to this State, coming from Detroit by land and arriving in Chicago in February, 1838. He came on to the county, and engaged at once at work on the canal here, continuing for three years; he then came down to Au Sable and purchased land, where he now resides, and has since been a constant resident of this township. In September, 18-43, he was first elected Justice of the Peace, and was subsequently re-elected. He has been twice married - first, when in Canada, in 1837, to Ellen Kinsey, who died in April, 1845, having borne him five children, three sons and two daughters - John. Michael, James, Bridget and Mary. The boys are deceased; all of them went forth at the nation's call, and enlisted in the Fiftythird Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and were true and valiant soldiers. John and James lost their lives while in the service. Michael served three years and " veteraned, " and served through the entire war and died, since his return home, from the effects of his exposure, etc., while in the service. Bridget resides in Traverse City, Mich., wife of Daniel Matison. Mary is the relict of Samuel Bui'gess. In 1847, Mr. Harvey married his present wife, Mary Kehoe, of same county as himself, and by her has one son - Thomas - who resides with them on the homestead.

MATTHEW KICKELS, farmer, P. O. Channahon, whose residence is on Section 25 overlooking the surrounding country on the south, is one of the most commanding and beautiful that can be found in this, or, in fact, any other portion of the State. His residence is on the high bank, or rather plateau, overlooking the head of the Illinois River at the junction of the Kankakee and Des Plaines Rivers, at an elevation of about 150 feet above the level of the surrounding country. In Felix Township, immediately at the foot of this plateau, courses the canal and river, running parallel with each other. Upjn this beautiful site stands the residence of Ml'. Kickels, where a view of a score of miles or more can be easily had. Braidwood and Wilmington lying off to the southeast in full view, while immediately south a vast expanse of country, upon which can be seen thousands of cattle grazing. To those who have not seen this enchanting spot, a visit to this point will not be in vain. Matthew Kickels, proprietor of this place, was born December 2, 1823, on the Rhine, in the " Fader Land," and emigrated to this country to seek his fortune in 1852. His parents, Peter and Lucy (Mitchell) Kickels never came to America. Matthew came alone and penniless, to Kendall County, where he hired out by the month, where he remained until the fall of Buchanan's election, when he came to Au Sable Township, and purchased ninety-nine acres of land, which cost him $8 per acre, there being no improvements on the land at the time. He has since extended his domain, having now 155 acres, and 132 in Will County, all of which, with the assistance of his noble wife, he has gained by active industry. February 20, 1854, he married Margaret Adgey, who was born March 11, 1831, in County Antrim, Ireland, daughter of Robert and Sarah E. (Cunningham) Adgey. Mrs. Kickels came to this country alone in 1849. Six children have been born of this marriage, but two of whom are living: Mary E., residing at Lockport, wife of James Duddage, and John, at home with parents. The children deceased were James P., Mat-

L. K. KEOGH, Justice of the Peace, Minooka. Among the substantial residents of the village of Minooka is Esquire Keogh, who came here in the fall of 1856 and has since resided. He is a son of Patrick and Margaret (Keary) Keogh, the Kearys being of Welch extraction. He was born in 1827, in County Wexford, Ireland, where he received a liberal education and engaged in teaching at eighteen, and continued shaping the direction of the " young idea " in that country until he emigrated to America, in the fall of 1852. He stopped first at Syracuse, N. Y., where he taught for three years, then, coming to this State, in 1855, he taught one year in Joliet and until his coming to this f)lace, where he was at once employed as a teacher in the public school, and continued very successfully for about ten years in all. For three years, ho was engaged in the grocery business with Mr. Kinsley, under the firm name of Kinsley & Co. He has served the township as an officer in all the offices of trust, as Justice of the Peace, Commissioner of Highways, Town Clerk, Assessor and Treasurer, and is now serving as Justice of the Peace, which office he has held since 1874; he attends to the duties of his office, and also accommodates his neighbors with the use of his money at a reasonable rate of interest. September 26, 1866, he was married to Martha Weston, of Staffordshire, England ; they have no children.

JACOB H MURPHY, Minooka, was bom in Belmont County, Ohio, September 18, 1830, eldest son of Horatio and Hannah (Beam) Murphy. Horatio Murphy was born about 1792 in Virginia; his wife was born in Belmont County, Ohio, and was a daughter of Benjamin Beam, who was a native of Germany and came to Ohio when the country was in its infancy. Horatio Murphy was of Scotch- Irish parentage, and came to Belmont County, Ohio, when a young man, and there married. He was a jeweler by trade, and, settling in Belmont, engaged in his business, remaining there until 1856, when he removed to this State, when he came to this county and lived among his children until his death, which occurred in the fall of 1865; his wife died in Ohio several years previous to his coming to this State. They raised a family of seven children, all of whom lived to raise families - Jacob H., Benjamin, John, Mary, Joanna, Ann E. and William. Benjamin lives in Livingston County, near Dwight, and is a farmer. John resides in Dwight, same county. Mary lives at Nevada, 111, wife of Mitchell Thompson. Joanna lives in Joliet, wife of Caleb Thayer. Ann in same county, wife of Charles Smith. William resides in Champaign Coimty ; is a farmer. Jacob H. left home when nearly of age, and worked three years by the month, receiving $10 per month the first two years, and the third year his wages were increased to Sll per month. He then came to Illinois, bringing some stock through to this place for a Mr. Bradshaw, with whom he hired, remaining with him until his health failed, when he engaged in trading in horses for nearly two years, then engaged in farming by renting on the farm now owned by Israel Cryder; then he and his brother Benjamin oj>ened up a farm for John B. Davidson, in Erienna Township, and stayed there about seven years. August 29, 1863, he pm-chased the farm he now owns, which was then owned by H. Bradshaw, for whom he worked when he first came here, and, with the exception of two years, when he lived in Minooka, he has remained on the farm, and all the time in the township. He has 200 acres of land, and put the substantial improvements on the farm, and has been engaged in fanning and stock-raising, keeping good graded stock. He was married, October 18, 1859, to Mary B. Pumphrey, born in Belmont County, Ohio, December 30, 1838, daughter of Kidley Pumphrey; she died April 9, 1875, leaving thi-ee children - Laura, "Willie and Nettie, the latter deceased; Laura and Willie are at home. Januaiy 27, 1876, he married Mrs. Francelia Whittington, born in Whitehall, "Washington Co., N. Y., daughter of Thaddeus and Eunice M. (Reynolds) Curtis, natives of Vermont. By the last marriage, two children have been born, one of whom is living- -Freddie, bom December 27, 1876, and Jessie, died young. October 27, 1881, aged two years, five months and seventeen days. Mr. and Mrs. Murphy are members of the M. E. Church, and of the Mutual Aid Society. He is a supporter of the Republican party. Mrs. Murphy's grandfather, Nicholas Reynolds, was bom in West Rutland, Tt. ; he was a son of Jonathan Rejiiolds. who lived to be one hundred years old (lacking fourteen days), and who was a great hunter: when eighty-three years old. he stood in his own door and killed a deer with his rifle.

HENRY NT:WMAN. farmer. P. O. Minooka. Among the self-made men of Grtindy County who came from Germany, there are none who have more fully developed the trath of the adage, that wherever "there is a will " a way will be forthcoming, than Henry Newman. Coming to this country as he did, poor and destitute of friends, he, by steady industry and rigid economy, has become one of the opulent and independent fanners of the county. He was bom January 6, 1825, near Frankfort, in Hesse-Darmstadt, third son of Casper and Margaret Newman. In 1850, he came to America, landing in New York, and, for three years, worked out by the month in New York State, sometimes on the railroad and at otber times on a farm, making $8 per month, and receiving such wages as the times justified. In 1853, he came to this coTinty, and, for several years, worked about Morris and the surrounding country. During this time, he was saving his money, while it came slowly, yet it was sure, and it was not squandered. At the beginning of the war, he made his first purchase, on Section 9, in An Sable Township, buying 190 acres, at S14.50per acre; here he located, and has since lived, and has been prosperous. He has now about 400 acres of land, well stocked with cattle, all of which, with the assistance of his faithful wtfe, he has made by his own industry and good management In addition to his land here in this township, he has recently purchased several hundred acres in Dakota. He was man-ied. in 1855, to Lena Meyers; they have five children - Mary, George, Henry, Lizzie and Adaline. Mary is the wife of Al Patten and resides in this townhip.

WILLIAM H RANDALL, farmer, P. O. Minooka, was born in this township, where old Dresden now is, November 25, 1840, the only son of Samuel S. and Nancy L. (Perkins) Randall. Samuel S. Randall was born in Massachusetts'March 3, 1809, son of Joshua Randall, of Massachusetts, who married Sally Skeel, who bore him a family of nine children, six sons and three daughters, all of whom lived to be grown - Bethany, Samuel S., Hannah, Dianah, Henry H, Louisa, William A. and Adaline A. Bethany married ' Frances H. Butler, in Kansas. Hannah married Geo. W. Dealing, settled in Chautauqua County, N. Y., and there died. Dianah now residing in New York, Oneida County, married a Mr. Fox. Henry H. , in Miimesota. Louisa settled in Wisconsin, now deceased: she married L. McMaster. William A. re- sides in Kansas. Adaline resides in Marseilles, wife of S. K. Danley. Samuel S., the father of William H., emigrated West, to this State, locating in this township, in June, 1837, and lived some time at Dresden- He was a carpenter by trade, which occupation he followed for several years, and assisted in building the first frame house in Morris, the old American House. He finally located on Section 15, west half of the southwest quarter, where he built a house in 1S44, and remained there until his death, which occurred June 14, 1877; his wife "passed over" the year previous, in August, 1876. He was a Whig, and later, a Republican, and, in early days, was one of the first Constables; subsequently, he served consecutively as Justice of the Peace for fourteen years, and Supervisor and other official stations of trust in the township. He was a successful man in business, and, by adding to his first purchase, he had. at the time of his death, about 400 acres of land. To him and wife were bom five children, three of whom lived to marry - W. H. , Mary J. and Helen. Mary J. is the wife of George W. Collins; she died March 3, 1873, leaving four children - Edward L., Hattie and Kate A. Helen married Ezra Tabler, and resides in this township. Elizabeth died in 1864, aged 15. Harriet died in infancy. William Henry now succeeds his father on the homestead, and has since his birth been a resident of the township, where he received the home school advantages. At twenty-three years of age, he began business for himself, engaged iu farming. November 12, lS66,he married Harriet M. Gififord. who was born in Lorain Countv, ' Ohio, daughter of John X. and Martha (Messenger) Gififord. Immediately after the death of his father. Mr. Randall located on the homestead, and has since resided there. | He has two children - Libbie May and Hen- '

WILLIAM SHEPLET. hotel. Minooka. was born in Lancashire, England, September 3, 1821, and was raised in Cheshire, England. He is the eldest son of William Shepley. who was a son of John Shepley. His mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Lindley, daughter of John Lindley. Subject was raised at home: his father died when he was sixteen years old, and William then remained with his mother until twentyfive years of age: during this time, he assisted in maintaining the family; at the age of nine years, he went to work in a cotton factory, and worked at the same business until twenty-six years of age: he then went into a foundry, at Staleybridge. and worked there until he came to America. In 1855. he came to this State and stopped in Torkville, Kendall County, and stayed there one year, working out by the month among farmers. The year following, he came to Plainfield. and worked there in a foundry, for Dillman. He stayed in Plainfield about ten years. In 1866, he left Plainfield, and went to Troy, in Will County, and stayed there four years, carrying on a grocery store. In February, 1868, he came to Minooka and engaged in the hotel business, which he has since continued: he has been in partnership in the mercantile business, with G. Dahlem, which partnership still exists. He was married, July 7, 1844, at Stockport, England, at the " Old Chmrch." to Fannie Kay, who was bom in Lancashire December 5, 1816, daughter of John and Lucy (Assen) Kay. Mr. and Mrs. Shepley have four children living - Matthew, Edward, Elizabeth A. and John. Matthew, on the farm in Kendall (bounty; Edward, living with parents; Elizabeth, wife of Oliver Paul, who served four years in the army, and who died in 1879. Mr. Shepley has eighty acres in Will and eighty acres in Kendall County, 111., and has valuable property in Minooka. He keeps a good hotel on Main street, having a bar in connection, stocked with best wines and liquors; he also, in connection with the hotel, runs a good livery and feed stable. He is a ReiJublican. THOMAS SCHIEK, proprietor of the Union Hotel, Miuooka, was born February 11, 1827, in the Kingdom of Wittenberg, Germany, oldest son of Thomas Schiek, whose father was likewise named Thomas. His mother's maiden name was Margaret, daughter of George Reixben. During the early life of our subject, he was raised iu a vineyard and upon a farm. In November, 1849, he left the old country, and was upon the ocean until April 12, the following year, before he landed in New York For live years, he lived at Mt. Vernon and the adjacent cities, workintj during this time at farm labor and learning the cai'penter's trade, and coming West, to this State, soon after, he continued at his trade as builder and contractor in Chicago and other places, and, being a thorough workman, his services were always in demand. He continued at his trade until 1881, since which time he has been engaged in the hotel business at this place, having rebuilt the hotel and fitted the same in excellent order; the house is situated near the depot, and is three stories high, containing about twenty rooms, with a dancing-hall in the third story. There is a bar in connection with the hotel, which is well stocked with licpiors, wines and cigars, all of the most approved brands, while his table is well supplied with all the substantials that cheer and refresh the " inner man." He has been thrice married - first, to Margaret Palmer, who died four years after, leaving one daughter - Sophia. His second wife, Louisa

Lentz, died, leaving four children - Augusta, Emma, Ida and Lizzie. His present wife was Mrs. Julia Schmidt, who is a valuable aid to his business.

D. C. TABLER, farmer, P. O. Slorris, is the second son of Nathaniel Tabler, one of the pioneers of Grundy County; was born July 12, 1S33, iu Delaware County, Ohio, and was brought to this county when a babe by his parents, who settled on Section 8 in this township. At the age of nineteen, he left home and hired out to his uncle, Michael Cryder, for whom he worked some time. Soon after, he purchased a horse and a shovel plow, and, with anunbroke horse that his uncle Cryder let him have, he made out his team, and with it planted his first crop of corn. He remained with his uncle until the spring, and, at the age of twenty-two, he married Julia E. McCloud, who was born in 1834, in Clinton County, N. Y., daughter of John and Paulina (Ricketson) McCloud, who settled in Kendall County in 1836. After his marriage, he resided two years on his uncle's place, in Saratoga Township, and, October 13, 1863, he purchased his first land, he and his brother Nathaniel buying 120 acres of land in partnership, paying S20 per acre; there were no improvements on the land. March 27, 1865, they j)iirchased twenty-five acres of J. E. Mathers. November 7, 1872, the brothers, by mutual consent, dissolved partnership, giving each quitclaims, after dividing up their land. October 28, 1873, subject bought of George Collins twenty acres of the west half of the southwest quarter of the northeast quarter on Section 17, paying S37.50 per acre for it. December 26, 1881, he purchased of Jeremiah Collins eighty acres of the northwest quarter of Section 17, and has now 155 acres, all of which lies on the 17th section. Mr. Tabler is the present Commissioner of Highways, and has served in that capacity eight years in all. He is one of the representative members of the Au Sable M. E. Church. Of live children born him, but one - Minnie M. - is living.

N. L. TABLER, farmer, P. O. Morris, was bom on the old homestead July 4, 1838; he is the fourth child now living by his father's marriage to Mary Ann Cryder; he remained on the homestead until his tv?entythird year, then associated with his brother David C. in farming; piu'chasing land together, they continued together for nine years, after which he located on the land he now owns, which he improved, the buildings thereon being built by his own hands. Though he never worked at the carponter's trade, yet it runs in the Tabler family to be of a mechanical turn; all of them can constiTict anything they desire. February 2, 1870, he married Hannah Mary Caldwell, who was born in Huntingdon County, Penn., December 6, 1831, foiirth child and second daughter of Samuel and Mary (Cryder) Caldwell; her paternal grandfather was David Caldwell; her mother, Mary Ciyder, was a daughter of Israel Cryder, whose wife was Mary Seibert. To Samuel Caldwell and his -wife Mary were born three daughters and two sons, Mrs. Tabler being the only one who came West. Mr. and Mrs. Tabler have three children - Ella, Rebecca and Mary. He is a member of the Au Sable M. E. Church, and class leader of the same. In school matters, he takes an active part, and is School Director of the same.

EZRA TABLER, farmer, P. O. Minooka. Among the thorough-going young farmers in Au Sable Township is Ezra Tabler, who was born in the township October 21, 1843, on Section 8; he is the sixth son now living that was born to Nathaniel and Mary Ann (Cryder) Tabler; he left home in the spring of 1864, when he was married to Cynthia Kellogg, who died the same year of her marriage, leaving no issue; his last marriage was in 1869, to Helen Randall, who was born in this township on the farm adjoining, only daughter of S. S. Randall, one of the early settlers and prominent men in the township, now deceased. After his marriage, Mr. Tabler located on a portion of his father's land. In 1873, he located where he now resides, on Section 16, which was formerly owned by his brother Joseph, who improved it. Mr. Tabler has one of the finest locations in the township; he has a good brick house, and is making improvements of a substantial character on his premises; he has three children by his last man-iage - Alice, Henry and Elizabeth; he is independent in political matters and liberal in religion.

JEROME R. TABLER, farmer, P. O. Morris, is the eldest son of Nathaniel Tabler by his second wife, Hannah Mary Cryder; he was born on the homestead March 2, 1853, and has since been a resident of the township, and now resides within a short distance of the place where he was born. He was married, July 27, 1876, to Mary A. Bradshaw, who was born October 14, 1854, in this county and township, eldest daughter of Hamilton Bradshaw, now deceased. After his marriage, Mr. Tabler lived one year on the homestead, but, since February, 1877, has been a resident of the farm he now owns, consisting of 100 acres. He is a progressive young man, an intelligent farmer and a successful one. They have one child - Albert Roy, born April 2, 1877.

LEWIS WESLEY TABLER, fai-mer, P. O. Minooka, is the third son of Nathaniel Tabler by his wife, Hannah M. Cryder; he was born November 8, 1856, on the farm where he now lives and where he has since resided. February 14, 1877, he was married to Anna L. Bradshaw, who was born December 28, 1859, on Section 8, in this township, daughter of Hamilton and Mrs. Hannah Beam Bradshaw, the latter's maiden name being Davis. Hamilton Bradshaw was born July 16, 1811, in Guernsey County, Ohio, son of William Bradshaw. Hamilton was married to Mrs. Bean, on December 21, 1853; she was born in the town of Woodsfield, Moni-oe Co., Ohio, July 8, 1822, only daughter of Dr. Ezekiel and Elizabeth (Large) Davis; she was born in Chester County, Penn. , daughter of Robert and Sarah (Whittaker) Large. Dr. Davis was born in Boston, Mass., son of Levi and Hannah (Shepherd) Davis. Dr. Davis removed with his family West, to Muskingum County, Ohio, in 1826, and two years later was drowned, while crossing the river on his horse, on his way to see a patient. Hamilton Bradshaw removed West, to this county, in 1854, and located on the farm now owned by J. H. Murphy, on Section 8, where two children were born - Anna L., wife of C. W. Tabler, and Mary A. now wife of Jerome Tabler, both of this township. J\Ir. Bradshaw resided on that farm aboiit fifteen yeai's, when he located at Channahon, Will County, 111., where he died July 31, 1868; his widow yet survives him; her fii-st husband was Landon Bean, born April 17, 1817, in Belmont County, Ohio, son of Levi Bean; by Mr. Bean she had two sons and one daughter - Wesley E., David T. and Sarah E. Wesley is now a Methodist minister in Nebraska City, Neb. David T. is in the employ of a railroad company at Omaha. Sarah E. married Brainard Curtis, and resides in Russell County, Kan. Mr. Tabler resides on the homestead; he has two children - Hattie May and Oliver Wesley. He is a member of the M. E. Church.

JOHN T. VAN DOLFSON, farmer, P. O. Minooka. Of the ealyr settlers in this township that have risen from small beginnings, making their commencement by hard months and continued years of manual labor on a farm at low wages, is Mr. Van Dolfson. His ancestors originally came from Holland, and settled in the' Mohawk Valley, in Now York State. His paternal grandfather was John T. Van Dolfson, only son of his father's family; he married a Miss Brunk; to them was born Tunis Van Dolfson, the father of our subject. Tunis maiTied Elizabeth Ten Eyck, who bore him five childi'en - Charlotte, Conrad Garritie, Elizabeth and John T., all of whom lived to attain the years of manhood and womanhood, and are yet living, save Charlotte, who married Ephraim Brunk, who first settled in this county, but afterward removed to Kendall County, where she died. Com-ad resides in Chicago, and has three children. Garritie resides in Labette County, Kan. , wife of Theran Collins, and Elizabeth resides in Kendall County, wife of W. H. Perkins. John T. was the youngest of the family, and is the only one of the name in the county; he was born April 5, 1822, in Albany County, N. Y.; his mother died when he was quite young. In 1838, he came to the West, and directly to this county; the following year, he went to Kendall County, where he hired out by the month. In the spring of 1843, he returned to this township, and, with his accumulated earnings, he purchased land where he now resides, paying therefor $3 per acre; there was a log cabin and about seventeen acres broken; here he settled and has since been a constant resident and a safe and successful business man, having accumulated a handsome property; he has been twice married - first, to Rachel Widney, December 7, 1848; she was born June 28, 1825, in Miami County, Ohio, daughter of John Widney; she passed to her rest in the " beyond " September 11, 1858, having given birth to two children, both of whom are now living - Mary E., wife of William H. Smith, of Will County, and William, residing near his father's, in this township. In 1864, Mr. VanDolfson maiTied Miss Sarah E. Ross, also a native of Miami County, daughter of Charles Ross, of Ohio; no children by last man-iage; he is a member of Miuooka Lodge, No. 528, A., P. & A. M. , and was one of the charter members. ZACHARIAH WALLEY, farmer, P. O. Morris. Among the old pioneers of this township is Mi*. Waller, who was born November 1, 1807, in Washington County, Md., and son of Conrad and Catharine (Beard) Walley. Com-ad Walley was a native of Germany; came to America when small, and settled in Mar^'land, where he married Catharine Beard, a native of that State, daughter of Zackariah and Mary Beard. Our subject removed with his parents, when ten years of age, to the vicinity of Zanesville, Muskingum Co. , Ohio, and remained there about fifteen years; then removed to Delaware County, on the Scioto River; here, on attaining his majority, he run a saw-mill on the river for five years; then engaged in farming by renting. He man-ied, September 22, 1831, Catharine, daughter of Henry and Mary Ann (Hess) Cryder. Mi-s. Walley was born in Delaware County, Ohio, December 12, 1814. In the fall of 1833, Mr. Walley removed West, to this township, in company with Nathaniel H. Tabler and Hem-y Cryder, his father-in-law, all of whom settled in what is now this township. Mr. Walley settled first on Section 17, where he squatted, and, not liking the situation, lived there only one year, when, in the fall of 1834, he removed to his present place, took a pre-emption claim of 160 acres, and has since resided here and been engaared in farming. His wife died February 4, 1849, leaving seven children - Elizabeth, Susan, Maria, William and Sarah, all of whom raised families Emily deceased, aged twen ty-two years, unmarried; Mary (deceased), married William Walker, now deceased. Those living now are Susan, wife of John McHanna, of Seward, Kendall Co., 111., and Maria, in same county, wife of Peter Davis; William, residing in this township, and Sarah, resides seven miles south of Chataworth, 111., married Henry _Netherton. Febniary 6, 1851, Mr. Walley married Mrs. Eunice Kellogg, born in Madison Coimty, town of Nelson, June 3, 1814, daughter of Daniel Warren and] Sarah Lord, both of the State of Maine and who finally settled in New York. By this marriage three children have been born - Le Roy A., Catharine A., Antis Z. Ije Roy died young; Antis Z. died, aged sixteen years nine months, and Catharine, at homestead, wife of Thomas Hague; they have two children - Ira Z. and an infant, unnamed. Mr. Walley has peen identified with the M. E. Church since 1842; he was originally a Democrat, and first voted for Gen. Jackson, but since Buchanan's term has been a Republican. Mrs. Walley came to this State in 1S30; settled first on the Vermillion, and came to this county and township in 1851; she has only one brother living - Nathan Wan'en, who lives in LaSalle County; her father died in LaSalle County, in September, 1831; her mother died September 20, 1834. Mrs. Walley has been a member of the M. E. Church since 1834.

WILLIAM A. WALLEY, farmer, P. O. , is the only son of Zachariah Walley, one of the pioneers of the county, and was born May 3, 1842, on the homestead, where he was raised to the years of manhood. Febi-uary 23, 1868, he married Louisa Pyle, a native of Belmont County, Ohio, daughter of Enos and Matilda C. (Harry) Pyle. Enos Pyle was born October 10, 1815, and, November 8, 1838, he married Miss Harry, who was bom in Harrison County, Penn., June 28, 1816. The Pyle family came West in 1844, and settled in this county. Enos Pyle died May 9, 1877; his wife died September 4, 1859; they had seven children, among whom was one son who was a member of Company D, Thirty-sixth Kegiment, of Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was killed at the battle of Perryville. After Mr. Walley's marriage, he located in Saratoga Township, this county, where he purchased land and remained until the spring of 1882, when he piu'chased the Urich farm; he has three children - Bertha E., "William Cryder and a babe unnamed. They lost Freddie November 7, 1877, five years and ten months old, and a promising child. Mr. Walley is a member of the M. E. Church, and is one of the Trustees and president of the board; is also a member of the prohibition society of this township. He is a Republican.

W. A. WORTHING, banking, Minooka, the proprietor and founder of the Exchange Bank at Minooka, was bom in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, in 1842, and removed with his jjarents to Kendall County, 111. , the year of his birth, and remained there until his location in Minooka, in the sjwing of ISOG, where he has since resided. His father was Solon AVorthing, whose father was a minister. The Worthing family trace their ancestry to England, from which place their progenitors emigrated at an early day. locating in the Eastern States. Solon Worthing, the father of our subject, was a native of New Hampshire and a farmer by occupation, to which vocation our subject was raised; he received the advantages afforded at the common district schools, and took a course at Oberlin College, where he graduated in the Commercial Department. Soon after his coming to Minooka, he engaged in the hardware business, and continued that business for fourteen years, and during this time was associated with several different parties in the business; he has 160 acres of land in Kendall County, and sixty -five acres in the corporation of Minooka. In the spring of 1880, he started the Exchange Bank at this place, and has since given it his especial attention, and is doing a good business, the bank being a great accommodation to the business men and farmers of the surrounding country, collections being attended to and remittances made promptly. In connection with his bank, he deals in agricultural implements, and does a good insurance business, representing some of the best companies, such as the Jiltna, Hartford, Phceaix, Springfield, Mass., etc. He is also identified with the M. E. Church at this place; has been a member twenty-five years; also a Sunday school worker, and has been Superintendent of the school here several years. In the fall of 18G4, he married Mai-y E. Avery, ot Pittsfield, Lorain Co., Ohio, daughter of Carlos Avery.

E. N. WEES, blacksmith, Minooka. Among the representative business men of the town of Minooka, and who were among the first to become established in business here, is E. N. Wees, who came here in February, 1862, and immediately began the completion of his trade, which he had begun prior to his coming here. He was born May 9, 1843, in Upper Canada, son of John M. and Laura M. (Howell) Wees, both natives of Canada. His paternal gi'andsire was William Wees, who was of German stock; at the age of nineteen, "Mi. Wees left Canada for the United States; he had been reared upon a farm, but had commenced learning the blacksmith trade prior to his leaving Canada; he arrived at Minooka in February, 1S62, and worked in Wilmington and Platteville until the final completion of his trade, and, in the fall of 1865, he came to this town and set up in business on his own acconut, and has since continnod, removing to his present place of business in lSf)8. In connection with his shop, he carries on the wagon making business, and also a paint shop, and, being a thorough mechanic, he has been well patronized and has been successful in business. His inclinations toward stock-raising, farming and its attendant minutise, and he contemplates in the near future to give his attention to this enterprise. In April, 1864, he married Eliza Andrews, a native of Kendall County, 111., daughter of Ambrose and Sarah A. (Wire) Andi-ews; they have had four children - Charles, Fred, Lottie and Allie. He is a member of the several Masonic organizations from the Blue Lodge to the Commandery, Minooka Lodge, No. 528, Orient Chapter and Blaney Commandery.

S. S. WATSON, merchant, Minooka, is located on the corner that was formerly occupied by Daniel Ferguson, a former business man of this place, now deceased. The subject of these lines was born January 25, 1848, in Ottawa, Canada; he is the third son of Southwell Watson, who was a native of County Down, Ireland, and who emigrated to Canada when a young man; he mai'ried Jane Strong, and by her raised a family of children, but two of whom are residents of Grundy County - Dr. I. S. and S. S. In 1866, Mr. Watson came to Chicago from Canada, and, three years later, to Minooka, whore he engaged in business for a time, then retiu'ned to Chicago and engraged in the di-ug business with his brother. In 1878, he came back to Minooka and associated in business with H. T. Wheeler, under the firm name of Wheeler & Watson. This copartnership lasted but six months, when he piu'chased his partner's intere.st and has since conducted the business himself; he keeps a good stock of groceries, canned fruits, boots and shoes.

ready-made clothing and furnishing goods, and is doinga successful business, being well pati-onized. July 28, 1880, he married Mrs. Libbie Ferguson, daughter of A. C. Worth - ing; she was the relict of Daniel Ferguson, one time a prominent business man of this place. Mr. Watson and wife are members of the M. E. Church. He is a member of Minooka Lodge, No. 528, A, F. & A. M.

H. T. WHEELER, merchant, Minooka, is the senior member of the firm of Wheeler & Sadler, the leading busiiiess firm of the town, and is one of the self- made young men of the county; ho was born in Wiltshire, England, Jan. 13, 1852, son of Thomas and Ann (Dyer) Wheeler, both natives of the same place. Mr. Wheeler came to this country in the spring of 1870; came the same year to this county and located in this town. He worked for his uncle, John Dyer, on the farm in this county for two years; then engaged as clerk with D. PergiiBon, with whom he stayed until Mr. Ferguson's death. Mr. Wheeler and Alex Ferguson bought this stock and carried on business under the firm name of Ferguson & Wheeler, about three years, when Mr. Wheeler bought out Mr. Ferguson's interest and carried on the business himself, for about one "year, when, on account of ill health, he sold out and retired from business for a year. In September, 1881, he entered into partnership with Oliver B. Saddler, with whom, under the firm name of Wheeler & Saddler, he has since carried on business, and doing a good trade in dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes, hats, caps, clothing, notions, glassware and crockery, their business, which is the best in the town, having increased fully 50 per cent since they began business in 1881. Mr. Wheeler married Artie Greenly, a native of Will County, 111., who has borne him two children - Elsie and Jessie.

JOHN ANTIS, physician and surgeon, Mazon, was born in Montgomery County, N. Y., in 1817, and early in life commenced the study of medicine, graduating from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the Western University of New York, in the year 1838. He practiced his profession in North Brookfield, Madison County, N. Y., four years, and during that time, in 1840, married ^liss Nancy A. Sweet, youngest daughter of Samuel G. Sweet. lu 1841, they had born to them their eldest daughter, Eudora A. The same year (1841), Dr. Antis moved to Mixville, Allegany County, N. Y., and lived there four years, during which time his youngest daughter, Mary L., was born. In 1845, the Doctor moved to Morris, where he resided until 1879, when he moved out to his farm in Mazon Township,where he has enjoyed the full possession of health and happiness, and a large circle of friends and acquaintances. Thus have been chronicled the dates of the births and marriage of the Doctor and his estimable wife, whose lives have been intimately blended and moulded into the interests of the county and city of their adoption. They have lived to see their daughters married to cherished husbands, and they, surrounded by children, the pride of their parents. The lives of this aged pair have been a series of experiences from which they have learned to judge wisely and live properly, and are now looking forward to that great change when the man proper will separate from the man physical, and stand out in its own pristine worth, untrammeled bj- matter and its laws.

ABBOTT BARKER, farmer, P. 0. Mazon, is a native of Washington County, N. Y., born January 12, 1823, son of Leonard and Hannah Barker, of New Hampshire. He was raised and educated in the common schools of his native State, came to Illinois and settled in Putnam County, about 1857. Here he lived until 1861, when he moved to his present residence in Mazon Township, Grundy Co. He took the trade of carpenter and joiner after coming to Illinois. He was married on March 5, 1856, to Miss Malinda Hopkins, of Putnam County, 111. She was born May 1, 1830, and died in Mazon Township May 22, 1865. They had two children^Joel H., born January 31, 1860, and H. J., born January 16, 1857, and married, December 28, 1876, to Rev. A. D. Beckhart. April 17, 1866, Mr. Barker married the second time. They own a farm of 235 acres of improved land in Sections 5 and 8, of Mazon Township, land worth $50 per acre. Mr. and Mrs. Barker are members of Wauponsee Grove Congregational Church.

J. F. BURLEIGH, farmer, P. 0. Mazon, was born in Livingston County, N. Y., March 24, 1824, and took an academic course of study in his native State. He is a son of John and Sarah E. Burleigh, of New Hampshire. He was married in the State of New York, October 28, 1847, to Jliss Hannah J. Maynard of Wayne County, N. Y. She was born February 5, 1826, and died August 9, 1854. They had two children - Willis C, born July 29, 1848, died February 28, 1850 ; and Ella, born June 26,1854. August 27, 1856, our subject married Miss Susan D. Underwood, who was born March 27, 1831 ; by this union there were born four children - Arthur, born July 24, 1860 ; Alice G., June 4, 1862 ; Ida J., December 6, 1863 ; and Irving C, April 22, 1870. Mr. and Mrs. Burleigh and the two older children ai'e members of the Congi-egational Church of Wauponsee Grove. Our subject owns a farm of 240 acres of improved land in Section 4, Mazon Township, worth $G0 per acre. He is a Republican, and has been repeatedlj- elected to tlie offices of his township. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. The two elder children were educated at the Cook Countj' Normal Institute. John and Sarah (Fellows) Burleigh, parents of J. F., were married at Salisbury, N. H., December 14, 1810 ; he was born in New Hampshire April 2(i, 1789, and died in the State of New York May 27, 186G ; she was born in New Hampshire December 4, 1794, and died in the State of New York July 18, 1865. They raised a family of five children - John L., Catherine, Harriet, Joseph F. and Elizabeth A.

ISAAC N. CLITHERO, farmer, Mazon, was born in Monroe Countj-, Ohio, January 13, 1833, and was raised and educated in his native State ; he is a son of John D. and Jemima Clithero. He was first married, March 5, 185G, to Miss Sarah Taylor, who was born in Ohio September 24, 1835, and died April 2, 1858. They had one daughter - Mary V., born Julj- 27, 1857, and died June 14, 1858. Mr. Clithero came to Illinois, and settled in Mazon Township. Grund}' County, in December, 18G2. He now has a farm of 140 acres of improved land, worth $60 per acre, in Sections 28 and 29. January 28, 18G9, Mr. Clithero married Miss Jane E., daughter of William and Jane Pool, of Ohio. She was born December 23, 1843, in Monroe County, Ohio ; the result of this union was three children - -William T., born April 16, 1872; Addie V., born February 5, 1876, and an infant, born August 8, 1882. The famil3' are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Mazon. Mr. Clithero is a Republican. John D. Clithero, father of our subject, was born November 25, 1803, and died March 9, 1880 ; Jemima Clithero, mother of our subject, was born March 6, 1806, and died June 14, 1881.

Carter came to Illinois from Ohio in Juue, 1851, and settled in Mazon Township, Grundy County. The family consists of ten children - Abraham Carter, born in Belmont Couutj-, Ohio, October 17, 1818, and died in Mazon Township, March 2, 1876; his wife, Margaret Ann (Preston) Carter, a native of Tuscarawas County, Ohio, born June 14, 1826, is now living with her sons on the old homestead, which is controlled by the eldest son, Melvin, who was born in Guernsej- County, Ohio, November 17, 1845 ; Sarah M., was born March 27, 1849, married to Alex Lee, November 11, 18G7 : Martha A., born October 21, 1851, died December 24, 1854 ; Lora and Flora were born March 29, 1854 - Lora E. was married, June 27, 1876, to George W. Satterlee. Flora B. married September 1, 1879, to Marion Mecham ; Amanda J., born August 27, 1857, married to El wood Randal, October 9, 1880 ; Douglas P., born June 29, 1860 ; William H., born February 6, 1863 ; Amos A., born JIarch 11, 1865 ; Frank B., born August 17, 1867. The Carter estate consists of 354 acres of valuable land in Sections 26, 27, 34 and 35, of Mazon Township, his residence being situated two and a half miles southeast of Mazon. Melvin Carter owns a farm consisting of a quarter section, in Sections 22 and 27, including dwelling house and other improvements, the land being valued at §60 per acre. He is among the solid farmers of Grundy County, and is engaged in stockraising.

JOHN DRESSER, farmer, P. 0. Mazon, was born in Stockbridge, Mass., December 12, 1813. While he was quite young, his parents, Samuel and Nancy Dresser, removed to Portage County, Ohio, where John was raised and received a common school education. At an early age he learned the trade of carpenter and joiner, at which he worked for several j-ears. He was married in Februarj', 1841, to Miss Betsey Morse ; she was born in Massachusetts March 16, 181G, and died in Mazon Township

September 28, 1854. Soon after they were married, Mr. and Mrs, Dresser moved to Miller County, Mo., where the3- lived till 1851, when they came to Illinois, and located in Mazon Township, Grundy Co,; there in Section 4, Mr. Dresser owns eiglity acres of improved land valued at $50 an acre, Mr, Dresser's second marriage occurred May 6, 1855, when he married Mrs. Betsey Jones, of Missouri, formerly of Ohio. She was born March 13, 1829. Mr. Dresser had by his first wife two children - Jacob, born in October, 1843, died in September, 1848 ; Mary, born May 7, 1849, died in October, 1871. By his second wife Mr. Dresser had the following children - Isaac M., born May 13, 1857; Martha E,, born August 20, 1860 (married in November, 1877, to William Holmes); John E., born April 30, 1865, and Alma B,. born September 5, 1867, died March 10, 1SS2. John Dresser cast his first vote for Andrew Jackson and has adherred to the same principles since,

S. H, DEWEY, farmer,?, 0, Mazon Center, was born in Lewis County. N, Y,, August 21, 1821 ; was ra'sed and educated in New Y'ork, from whence, in 1855, he came to Illinois, and settled on the present site of the village of Verona, Grundj- Co. In May, 1851, he married Miss Malissa Fisk, of Booneville, Oneida Co., N. Y. She was born November 24, 1828. At Verona Mr. Dewey bought a farm of eighty acres to which he added extensively in after years, owning at the present time 485 acres of farm land, worth $50 an acres in the townships of Mazon and Good farm of this countj'. Mr. Dewej' is now a resident of the thriving village of blazon Center, where he has lately erected a substantial dwelling. From 1872 to 1877, he was a resident of Morris, and being an ardent advocate of temperance, he was run for Maj'or on the temperance ticket. In politics, he is a Republican, and has taken an active part in the business of the county. He served from 1873 to 1877, on the State Board of Equalization ; also served several terms as Supervisor, and is now Justice of the Peace. Mr, and Mrs, Dewey have a familj^ of six children - Ellen N., born in New York, (married to Horace H. Overocker); Alice E., born in New York, (mariied to Rev. D. W. Frances, of Pennsylvania) ; Milton S., born in New York (married to Miss Maggie Dewey, of Grundy County) ; Mary J., born in Grundy County ; Lester S,, born in Grundy County (married to Miss Dora Smith), and Flora born in Grundy County,

G. W. DANIELS (deceased) was born in Vermont June 8, 1818, and was married in New York January 9, 1843, to Miss Fidelia Belding, a native of Vermont, born August 17, 1816. By this union five children were born - Charles E., born November 6, 1846, married January 1, 1873 ; Sarah A., born April 20, 1849 (married June 10, 1873. to James Foster, of Indiana); L. E,, born March 4, 1851 ; Ellen A., born December 1, 1854 (married Februarj' 8, 1875, to DeWitt Hinkle, of Iroquois Countj% Ills.), and William A,, born xMarch 5, 1856. The second son, L. E., has a farm in Section 16, Mazon Township. Mr. Daniels died October 20, 1882, from paralysis of the heart ; he was a man highly esteemed in the community in which he resided, and figured prominently in the enterprises of his county. At the time of his death he owned a farm in Section 16, Mazon Township, worth $75 an acre, a portion of the village of Mazon Center being on his land. Mr. Daniels taught school for some time, and held the office of School Treasurer. He was a Democrat and a member of the Masonic fraternity, Blue Lodge and Knights Templar.

J. K. ELY, farmer, P. 0. Mazon, son of James G. and Rebecca E. Ely, was born in Oneida County, N. Y., December 2, 1837. He was educated in Rock River Seminary, became qualified for teaching, which he followed in LaSalle and Grundy Counties for seven jears. He enlisted at Chicago on the 12th of August, 1862, in Company H, Eighty-eighth Illinois

Mazon Towjjship

Volunteer Infivntry, with which he continued until dischnrged at the close of the war. Took part in the battles of Stone River, Chickainaugua, Chattanooga, Mission Ridge and Dalton, and marched with Sherman to Atlanta, Ga.,where he was) wounded Julj- 20, 1864, after which he saw no more field service. September 5, 1864, he married Miss Lovina J. Mossraan, daughter of William and Marj' Mossman, of Iowa. She was born .\pril 12, 1845. They have a family of two sons and four daughters - Ruble M., Lena G., May K., Nellie V., John M. and William Ray. Mr. Ely owns 320 acres of valuable lantl in Sections 4 and 5, of Mazou Township. His father, James Ely, died in 1844, his mother, Rebecca, is now living with our subject. He is a Republican and Justice of the Peace of Mazon Township. Mrs. Elj' is a member of the Congregational Church. Mr. Ely first settled in Nettle Creek Township in 1847.

OWEN H. FULLER, grain and lumber, Mazon Center, is a native of Onondaga County, N. Y., born January 19, 1 834, and came to the town of Mazon with his parents in 1839, the}' being among the first settlers of the county. His father, Hiram Fuller, took an active part in the early history of this county. He died at the home of 0. H. Fuller, in Mazon Township, April 13, 1872. Our subject was married, July 31, 1853, to Miss Weltha Isham, daughter of G. Isham. Mrs. Fuller was born in Vermont October 23, 1836, and has borne five children - Olney B., born December 18, 1860 ; Alta A., born November 1, 1863 ; R. Dale, born December 10, 18G5; Olin M., born December 30, 1867 ; and Erlan G., born December 25, 1875. Alta A. was married June 11, 1882, to 0. S. Viner of Mazon Township. Mr. Fuller is associated with A. 0. Murray in the grain and lumber trade at Mazon Center ; they own an elevator near the Chicago, Peru & South Western Railroad. Mr. Fuller is a Democrat, and has been repeatedly elected to the offices of the townsiiip. He is now Notary Public.

V. L. FULLER, farmer, P. 0. Mazon, was born in Onondaga County, N. Y.,May 10, 1836. His parents, Hiram and Mary Ann Fuller, settled in Mazon Township, Grundy Count}-, when our subject was but three j'ears old, and three years before the organization of the county ; at that time there were but three or four families in the township. Jlr. V. L. Fuller was raised a farmer, and now owns a farm of eighty acres of improved land in Section 17, of Mazon Township, the land being worth $55 per acre. Mr. Fuller was married, February 13, 1859, to Miss Sofrona, daughter of Josiah at\d Lavina Tuck, of Maine. She was born Februarj' 13, 1830, and is the mother of five children - Will C, born January 11, 1860 ; Cora L., March 23, 1862 ; George W., April 26, 1865 ; Frank E., June 20, 1867; and Mary A., May 2, 1872. Mr. Fuller is a Republican ; is Deputy Sheriff of the county, and has served the county as Constable for seventeen years. Josiah Tuck, father of Mrs. (Tuck) Fuller, was born in Maine June 19, 1799, and died in Grundy County February 6, 1875 ; his wife, Lavina Tuck, was born in Maine April 19, 1807, and died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Fuller, November 25,1881.

PERLEY B. FULLER, farmer, P. 0. Mazon, was born in Grundy County January 6, 1847, and was raised and educated in this county. He is a son of Richard and Cornelia Fuller, natives of Ohio ; the father died in Mazon Township in November, 1880 ; the mother was born in September, 1824, and is now living in Mazon Township, with her daughter, Mrs. Hough. Our subject was married September 24, 1871, to Miss Mary A., daughter of John and Margaret Hough. She was born in Newport, R. I., July 6, 1852, and is the mother of two daughters - Mabel A., born August 18, 1872, and Valley V., born January 20, 1879. Mr. Fuller has a farm of eighty acres of improved land, in Section 22, of Mazon Township, worth $65 per acre. Both Mr. and Mrs. Fuller

SILAS W. GIBSON, farmer, P. 0. Mazon. S. W. Gibson was born in Saratoga Countj', N. Y., February 24, 1842, and came to Grund}' County, 111., with his parents when less than one year old. He attended the first school organized in Mazon Townsiiip, in the old Fuller Sehoolhouse, Constance Hulse and Lafayette Doud being among his first teachers. He is .the second of a family of four children of Robert C. and Elizabeth (Largent) Gibson. His father was born in the Green Mountains of Vermont, in 1811, and died in Morris May 10, 1882. The mother was a native of Ohio, and died in Grundy County March 29, 18G7. Our subject was married, October 2, 1866, to Miss Clarissa C. Lattimer, daughter of Silas and Mary Lattimer. She was born in Indianapolis, Ind., November 22, 1848. They have a family of four children - Orrel B., born November 27, 1867 ; Robert S. G., December 20, 1869 ; Burton I.; Clara E.; Mr. Gibson enlisted in Company I, Sixty-ninth Illinois, and served three months, then enlisted in 100-day service in Company H. One Hundred and Thirtj'-eighth Illinois Regiment ; was detailed on garrison dutj-, principally in Missouri and Kansas. He is a Republican, a member of the I. 0. 0. F. and one of the leading farmers of Grundy Couut3-. He owns the old Robert Gibson farm, consisting of 300 acres in Sections 10 and 11 ; his residence is three and a half miles northeast from Mazon. He is engaged in stock-raising and general husbandry. Mrs. Gibson's pareuts'are living in Felix Township, Grundy Count}'.

OREN GIBSON, farmer, P. 0. Mazon, was born in Grundy Countj-, III., September 24, 1846 ; son of Robert and Elizabeth Gibson, who are among the earliest settlers of this county, coming here in 1836. His mother was among the number whose lives were spared by the timelj- warning of the friendly chief, Shabona. His father was born in Landgrove, Vt., May 4, 1811, and died in Morris May 4, 1881 ; the mother was born in Urbana, Champaign Co., 111., October 19, 1821, and died March 29, 1868, in Mazon Township. Our subject was educated at Aurora, and afterward took a course at Bryant & Stratton's Business College, Chicago. He was married October 6, 1869, to Miss Mar}- R., daughter of William Fuller, of Mazon Township. She was born August 10, 1852, and is the mother of five children - Orma. born December 11, 1870 ; Enid, July 16, 1872 ; William R., June 5, 1874; Stella M., May 9, 1876 ; and Vivian born December 17, 1881. Mr. Gibson owns 385 acres of improved land in Sections 3. 10, 22 and 27 of Mazon Township, also two houses in Mazon. He is filling some of the offices of the township, and is a member of the Masonic brotherhood and I. 0. 0. F.; he is a Republican. Mrs. Gibson is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

ROBERT GLENN, farmer, P. 0. Verona, is a native of Count}- Antrim, Ireland, and a son of Robert and Mary Glenn. He was born September 12, 1835 ; came to the United States, June, 1857, in the vessel "Empire State," and settled in this county the same year. He now owns 335 acres of improved land, including one dwelling and 175 acres in Sections 30 and 31 of Mazon Township, and 160 acres in Section 21 of Vienna Township, the land being worth $55 per acre. He was married in Grundy County, December 31, 1866, to Miss Catherine Thomas, daughter of Thomas and Jane Thomas. She was born in Wales September 20, 1845, and came to the United States in 1860. They have a family of three children, all born in this county - Mary, born September 27, 1867; Anna E., born December 1, 1870 ; Robert James, born March 11, 1875. Robert Glenn, father of our subject, is now living in Vienna Township, Grundy County.

24, 1839, in Manchester, England. His parents emigrated to the United States in 1848, and settled in Pittsburgh, Penn., where the^- remained two and a lialf 3-ears, then removed to Illinois, and located in Kendall County, near Plattville, where they lived until they came to Grundy Count}' in 1862. His mother died in Mazon Township Februar}- 13, 1866, and his father in February, 1877 ; both are buried in the Ward Cemetery. Our subject was educated in the common schools of Pennsylvania and England. He now owns a farm of 160 acres of land in Section 19, Mazon Township, valued at $50 per acre, his residence being located two miles west from Mazon. He has a younger brother, William, who was a soldier from Will County, 111., in the late war. Mr. Holder is Independent in politics.

TURNER B. HOUGH, farmer, P. 0. Mazon Center, is a native of Newport, R. I., and was born April 14, 1850. W^hen he was seven years old. his parents. John and Margaret Hough, emigrated to Illinois, and settled in Kendall Connty. In the spring of 1863, thej' removed to Grundy Count}', and the next .year settled in Mazon Township, where they are now living on their farm of 160 acres, in Section 20. Our subject received a common school education, and September IS, 1872, married Miss Eda A. Fuller, born in Mazon Township April 1, 1855. They have two sons and a daughter - George T., born July 7, 1873 ; Nettie C, March 30, 1875 ; and Harrie L., May 27. 1876. Mr. Hough owns a farm of 115 acres of cultivated land in Section 22, Mazon Township, adjoining the village of Mazon, valued at $75 per acre. Mrs. Hough is a member of the ^lethodist Episcopal Church. >Ir. Hough is a Republican.

M. ISHAM, merchant, Mazon, is the fourth of a family of nine children, and was born June 7, 1829, in Chittenden County, Vt. When he was j'oung, his parei.ts, Gersham and Annie Isham, removed to St. Lawrence County, N. Y., where they lived until 1844. when they came to Illinois, and settled in Mazon Township, tliis county. Our subject was married, Mai ch 4, 1855, to Miss Ellen, daughter of George Jeukings, of Michigan. She was born September

14, 1858, married to Frank Myers, December 25, 1877 ; Nellie V., born February 22, 1860, married to John Wilkinson, March 8, 1881 ; Almyra, born May 22, 1863 ; Laura M., born March 6, 1865 ; and Katie V., born April 17, 1869. Mr. Isham has a farm of eighty acres of improved land in Section 28, Mazon Township, worth $50 per acre. He is engaged in the general mercantile business in the village of Mazon, in which he resides. He is a Democrat.

ZACH ISHAM. formei, P. 0. Mazon Center, is a native of Vermont, and was born Fel)ruar3' 11, 1831. When he was seven years old, his parents removed to the State of New York, and settled in St. Lawrence County, where the}- lived until 1844, when they came to Illinois. They first settled in McIIenry County, where they lived one year, then came to Grundy County', and have been residents of Mazon Township since, G, Isham, father of our subject was was born in Vermont March 3, 1801, and died in Mazon Township October 6, 1878. Mr. Isham was married, November 30, 1854, to Miss Susan S. Viner, of Mazon Township. She was born November 22, 1835. They have a family of eight children, of whom but three are living. Mr. Isham now owns 240 acres of land in Section 21, Mazon Township, the town of Mazon Center being laid out on his land. The value of his form land is 875 per acre. Mrs. Isham is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Mazon. Mr. Isham is one of the solid business men of his township, combining the interests of farming with business of a general character connected with the village of Mazon Center. He manifests a public spirit in the enterprises of his community, giving liberally to the fund for the erection of the Methodist Episcopal Church buikUug of the village. His mother, Eliza Isham, was born in Hinesburg, Vt., February 22, 1802, and is now living in blazon with her son, Jehial Isham. The mother raised a family of nine children, our subject being the fifth child.

SALEM IRONS, farmer, P. 0. Mazou, is a native of Worcester County, Mass., born October 18, 1823. Wheu he was fourteen years old, his parents, James and Phiebe Irons, removed to Rhode Island, where they remained several 3'ears. Subject came to Grundy County, 111., in 1854, and bought land in Mazon Township, where he now owns 145 acres of cultivated land, in Sections 9 and 10, worth $50 per acre. He was married, in Rhode Island, to Miss Harriet, daughter of James Yaw, of Rhode Island ; she was born in Rhode Island December 15, 1823. They have a family of three children - Henry A., born in Rhode Island June 14, 1850, married to Miss May Keith ; Maria, born in Grundy County May 4, 1855, married to T. H.Roseman, of Mazon Township ; and Clara I., born October 26, 1858, married to Fred Keith, of Mazon Township. Mr. Irons is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is a township official. His residence is one and one-quarter miles north of Mazon. He is a Republican.