Grundy County, Illinois - Thk Part of Biography Ix General History, 1914 (part 10 of 11)

Joseph Testa attended school in his native land until lie was twelve years old, when he began learning to be a baker, with his father. In 1882 he came to the United States with his wife, proceeding direct to Braidwood, 111., where he entered the mines. In 1SS3, however, he came to Coal City, and continued work in tne mines for twenty years. Seeing then an opportunity, lie opened a bakery at Coal City, and operated it until 1911, when he removed to South Wilmington, and opened up what is the leading establishment of its kind in the place. Joseph Testa married Louise Isaboll Antonia and they have the following children: Tony; William, who is working with his father, married Mary Greean ; Defendant, who is at home; Catherine and Charles, both of whom are deceased; and Charles (II), who is With his father in business. Mr. Testa is a Catholic. He votes with the Republican party and he belongs to an Italian lodge of Coal City. Earnest, bard working and honest. Mi1. Testa has won respect and confidence and deserves the prosperity which has come to him.

THOM, Alexander, Jr. - Among the thoroughly reliable and substantial business men of Coal City, 111., one who is advancing the commercial interests of his adopted city through his activities as directing head of the Thoui Hardware Company, is Alexander Thorn, Jr. Although a native of Scotland, he has resided in this city since childhood, and his entire business period has been spent here. He was born May 12, 1S72, and is a son of Alexander and Elizabeth (Douglas) Thorn.

Alexander Thorn. Sr., was born at New Muekland, Scotland, in 1S4G, and is a son of George and Ann (Angus) Thorn. His father was a butcher in Scotland, whor-> he died in 1003, and his mother in 1S<"'>7. They had nine children : Jessie, Ellie, George, John, Alexander, and four who died. Alexander Thorn, Sr., entered the mines of his native land when ten years of age, and has been identified with mining all of his life. He first came to the United States in 1868, but returned to Scotland in the following year, and again came to this country in 1879. He has been a resident of Coal City since that year, has filled every position at the mines here, and is now county mine inspector of Grundy County. He was married in 1S6S to Miss Elizabeth Douglas, of Scotland, who died in 1903, having been the mother of nine children, namely : George, who is deceased ; John, a resident of Coal City ; Alexander, Jr. ; Jennie, who died young; Anna, who is the wife of George Bates ; Maggie, who is deceased ; Jean, who is the wife of John Boal ; Robert, a

Alexander Thorn, Jr., was but seven years of. age when he was brought to the United States by his parents, and his education was secured in the public schools of Coal City, which he attended until his thirteenth year. At that time he entered the coal mines here, but after four years gave up that occupation to learn the trade of butcher, an occupation which he followed for twenty-one years. In 1909 Mr. Thoin embarked in the hardware business in partnership with B. O. Mill, an association which has continued to the present time with mutual satisfaction and success. The Thorn Hardware Company, us the business is known, handles a complete stock of furniture, hardware and farming implements of every description, and attracts its trade from all over Coal City and the surrounding country. Mr. Thorn is a good business man. and in the management of his establishment has shown himself thoroughly conversant with the needs of his trade. His integrity and honesty have never been questioned, nor has his public spirit. He is a Republican, but has never sought office, but is at all times willing to enlist himself with those who are seeking to promote the community's welfare, lie fraternizes with Scottish clans, and his religious faith is that of the I'resbvteriau Church.

On April 23, 1902, Mr. Thorn was married to Miss Keziah Smith, who was born at Braeeville, HI., and to this union there have been born three children: Elizabeth, Arabella and Edward.

THOM, Alexander, Sr. - The career of Alexander Thom, Sr., county mine inspector of Grundy County, 111., has been one of constant industry from early youth. A resident of Coal City since 1879, he is one of his community's best known citizens, and his long and varied experience in mining operations makes him one of the most valued men of his calling in the state. Mr. Thom is a native of New Muckland, Scotland, born March 17, 1S4G, and is a son of George and Ann (Angus) Thom. His father was a butcher in Scotland, where he passed his entire life and died in 1903, while Mrs. Thom passed away in 1807. They were the parents of nine children: Jessie and Allie, who still live in Scotland : George ; John, a resident of Coal City, 111. : Alexander, of this review ; and four who are deceased.

Alexander Thom received only limited educaional advantages, as when he was but ten years of age he began to be partly self-supporting by entering the mines of his native locality. His first employment was at putting checks on cars, for which he received twelve cents per day. but his faithfulness, industry and enterprise gained him promotion, and for one year he was assistant to the government man. Subsequently he returned to the mine as a coal pusher, and for a time following was engaged in prospecting, but in 186S decided to try his fortunes in the United States, and accordingly came here and located in the mining country of Pennsylvania. Mr. Thorn remained there hut one year, however, then going back to Scotland, where he continued ten years. He came to the United States a second time in 1SSS, this time as a permanent resident, and almost immediately settled in Coal City. III. Here his advancement has been steady and continuous, and he has held every position in the mines of this city. In 100S lie was made county mine inspector, a position which he still holds. During the thirty-five years in which he has lived at Coal City he has become widely acquainted, and everywhere is known as an expert in his vocation, a public-spirited citizen, and a loyal friend.

In 1S6S Mr. Thoin was married to Miss Elizabeth Douglas, of Scotland, who died in 100.°., in Coal City, having been the mother of nine childreie: George, who is deceased; John, a resident of Coal City; Alexander, one of the proprietors of the Thorn Hardware Company, of Coal City; Jennie, who is deceased; Anna, the wife of George Pates; Maggie, who is deceased; Jean, the wife of John Boa] ; Rohert, of Coal City, 111.; and Jennie, the wife of Max Hanswaldt. who has .me child. Otto. Mr. Thorn is a member of the Preshyterian church, and belongs to the Knights of Pythias, in which he has passed through the chairs. He takes a good citizen's interest in public matters and supports Republican candidates and principles.

THOMAS, Judge Samuel Barber (deceased), who for many years was one of the most honored residents of Morris and one of the county's efficient officials, was horn in Pennsylvania, a son of William Thomas. In 1S55 Mr. Thomas located at Morris and in ISoS was elected a Justice of the Peace, and four years later was elected County Clerk of Grundy County, holding that office from ISfll to 1S7N. In November of that year he was elected County Judge, and was holding that office when death claimed him, September 12. 1SS2. Judge Thomas married Amanda Ferguson, but they had no children. He was a Mason and served his lodge as Worshipful Master.

THOMPSON, Christ, an enterprising and successful farmer of Grundy County, owner of 100 acres of land in Greenfield Township, was born in Norway. May 0. 1S53, a son of Thorbjorn and Martha T.ysnes Thompson, natives of Norway, both of whom are deceased and buried in their native land. They were the parents of eight children, six of whom survive: Abraham, Carrie and Stenvor, residing in Norway; Christ; Thorbjorn, a schoolteacher in Norway ; and Joe, who is in America.

Christ Thompson was employed on his fathers farm until 1SS0. when he came to the United States, locating in Saratoga Township, Grundy County, where he again took up the occupation of farming. From there he removed to Kendall County, securing a position on a farm where he was paid by the month. In 1SS6 he rented some land in Garfield Township, remaining until 1S92, when he purchased forty acres in Greenfield Township. Here he remained until 1903, when he bought 110 acres in Maine Township, which he sold in 1013 and purchased li:0 acres in Greenfield Township, upon which general farming is carried on under the management of his sons.

In 1SS9 Mr. Thompson married Augusta Paulson, a widow and a native of Norway, who had one daughter, Carrie McGee, by her first husband. She now resides at Streator, III. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are the parents of three children: Martha, who lives at home; and Thomas and Hans, twins, who reside with their parents and operate the farm. Mr. Thompson is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Republican. He is a pleasant, upright man of high character, is honest in his dealings with his fellowrnen, and commands the respect of all who know him.

THOMPSON, Leslie Eugene. - Grundy County seems to have more than its share of fertile farms conducted and owned by enterprising agriculturists who understand their -business and know how to make their acres yield banner crops. These men are not only interested in making money, but lake a pride in keeping up their equipment so that their properties reflect the general prosperity of this region. One of the men who is thus aiding in advancing the conditions of his community is Leslie Eugene Thompson, owner of 14-"i acres of fine land in Good Farm Township, known as the John Crocker place, on which he carries on general farming and the raisin- of Holstein cattle. It is his intention to develop his property into a stock farm, for it is admirably adapted for grazing.

Leslie E. Thompson was bom in Highland Township, this county. November 12, 1SS1, a son of Rhonello and Alice M. (Waite) Thompson, the former of whom was horn in the State of Maine, coming to Grundy County, 111., when he was but sixteen years old. He and his wife are now living retired at Dwight. 111. Leslie Eugene Thompson spent his boyhood on his present farm and attended the local schools, as well as the high school at Dwight, 111., and a Chicago high school. Following this he learned the machinist trade at Aurora. 111., and lived in that city for seven years, after which he returned to Grundy County to resume his agricultural life.

On December 31, 1910, Mr. Thompson was married at Aurora, 111., by Rev. Norman Carr, of Aurora, to Mabel Keck, who was born May 3, 1888, a daughter of Walter and Sarah (Elliotts Keck, natives of Katie County, where they reside. He belongs to the Baptist Church, while the Republican party has his support, A good farmer and excellent business man, Mr. Thompson has made rapid progress and is justly numbered among the live men of his locality.

THOMPSON, Nels. - Not only does Grundy County land afford a good living to those who work it, hut it makes the owners of it wealthy men. Many of these farms are exceedingly valuable. For every dollar of improvement put on them this land makes ample return, and the modern farmers who recognize this fact do not hesitate to spend large amounts in developing their properties. One of the men who has made a success of his endeavors along this line is Xels Thompson, of Saratoga Township. lie was horn in Skonevig, Norway, June 2.~>, is J.". son of Thorkel and Julia (Nelson) Thompson. The father came to Morris, 111., in 1SG7, and died in 1873, having been afflicted with loss of sight. The mother survived him until 1SS2.

After arriving in Grundy County. Xels Thompson worked for farmers in the vicinity of Morris until 1S80, when he moved to Chicago and for a time was a coachman, ami later was a motorman on electric railroads in that city, and also worked as janitor of a large apartment building. In 1910 he moved to Kendall County, 111., where he bought eighty acres of land, which he now rents to a tenant. In 101] he nought eighty acres in Saratoga Township, Grundy County, which farm is now operated by his son, Mensell, both properties being very valuable.

In September. Iss2, Mr. Thompson was married to Mary Smith, born in Denmark, who died October 8, 1SSS, having been a devoted wife and mother. They had two children : Anna E., who is deceased; and Mensell. who is a farmer. Mr. Thompson is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran Church. Politically, he is a Republican, but has never sought office. An earnest. hardworking man. his efforts have been crowned with success and he deserves his prosperity.

THORSON, John, a veteran of the Civil War, aud a man of large interests, is one who has borne an important part in the development of Morris and the increase in realty values in this locality, and is a good representative of the Grundy County citizen of worth. He was born at Boyd, Norway, Septembei 13, 1S43. son of Tathorson and Bertha Thorson. In 1S47 the family came to America, with Morris as their objective point. A year after their arrival in this city the good mother died of cholera. Struggling along alone, the father did work by the day until he had saved a .sufficient amount to buy eighty acres in Saratoga Township, on which he began farming. In 1 855 he sold this farm and bought eighty acres in Kendall County, and later entered eighty acres more from the Government. This farm continued to be his home until lsOo. when he rented it and went to Story City, Iowa, where he died in 1900. He had married (second) Anna Larson, a widow with no children, and she survived him for two years.

John Thorson was but a child when the family arrived at Morris, and grew up in Grundy and Kendall counties, attending the Norwegian school of Morris. When his adopted country had need of him, Mr. Thorson responded to its call, enlisting for service during the Civil War, in August, 1S62, in Company E, Ninety-first Illinois Volunteer Infantry, but had the misfortune to be disabled and was taken prisoner in December, ]Nbo, at Elizabethtown, Ky. He was sent to St. Louis, Mo., where he was paroled, and was discharged in May, ImM, at Chicago. Returning home, he remained with his father until his marriage in the next year. For the following twenty years Mr. Thorson was an agriculturalist of Kendall County, then moved to Morris in order to devote all of his time to Ha' handling of realty and to auctioneering, having established himself in these two lines of business in 1SG5. He handles real estate on an extensive scale, and has made a decided success of all bis operations.

On February 23, 1SG5, Mr. Thorson was married (first) to Margaret Johnson, born in Norway. She bore him these children: Lewis, who lives in Ford County. 111.: Bertha. Mrs. Ollie 1'eterson, who lives in Nettle Creek Township: Mamie, Mrs. William Stott, who lives at Morris; Eddie, who died at the age of twenty-three years; Anna, Mrs. George Conklin, who lives at Morris; and George, who lives at Clear Lake, Iowa. Mrs. Thorson died in November, 1S!)0. On December 2:;. 1S93, Mr. Thorson was married (second) to Martha Olson, born in Fox Township. Kendall County, daughter of Elias and Julia (Johnson) Olson, born in Norway. Lillian P., now a young lady, has lived with them as a daughter since she was eight years of age. Mr. Thorson belongs to the Norwegian Lutheran Church, of which he is' a generous supporter. Politically, he is a Republican. Since the organization of the local G. A. P. Post, Mr. Thorson has been an enthusiastic member, and has held all the offices in it. He is a man widely and favorably known, and is esteemed for his many excellent qualities of heart and mind.

T0MASTICK, John. - Examples arc numerous of men who have come to the United States without means or friends ami have risen to places of importance in agricultural life, and no better instance in point may be found than John Tomastiek, farmer and stoekraiser, aud owner of 233 acres of some of tiie best land in Grundy County, 111. Coming to this country a poor Austrian emigrant lad, with no capital save a strong heart, willing hands and a firm determination to win success, he has made the most of his opportunities, and stands today in an enviable position among his fellow citizens, a man eminently worthy of being classed with those whose prominence and position have come through well-directed individual effort. Mr. Tomastiek was born in 1S62, in Austria-Hungary, and is a son of George and Anna (Digone) Tomastiek; the father having been a farmer and carpenter in (he old country, where he and his wife still make their home. They had eleven children : Mrs. Mary Harcarik, living in Austria ; John ; Anna, who is deceased ; Mrs. Helen Anderson ; George, of Chicago. 111.; Andrew and Joe, both of Ilillsboro, 111.; Michael, of Minneapolis, Minn.; Michelus, deceased; Mrs. Susan Palko, living at Streator, 111., ami Alice, l'esiding in Austria.

John Tomastick was given ordinary educational advantages in the schools of his native land, and worked with his father until 1SS1, when he decided to try his fortunes in the United States. Accordingly, he made his v. ay to this country and located in Pennsylvania, where he found work with a railroad company. He was thus engaged for four years, and. being thrifty and industrious during this time, managed to save enough money to return to hi-; native land and marry Susan Tkach. They almost immediately returned to America, again locating in Pennsylvania, where Mr. Tonuistick dug coal in the mines until 1SS7. At that time he came to Braceville, 111., ami dug coal until December, 1905, when he purchased the farm which he now owns, at that time a stretch of timber, underbrush and prairie devoid of improvements of any kind, lie at once settled down to work, and through hard and industrious labor has converted tbis into one of the most desirable and valuable tracts in Braceville Township. He has a comfortable residence and commodious barns, both of substantial character and handsome architecture, and his other improvements are of the most modern structure. General farming has received the greater part of his attention, but he has also met with a great deal of success in raising Belgian horses, and a high grade of cattle and hogs. Everywhere he is known as ,\ man of the strictest integrity, and his friendships are numerous.

Mr. and Mrs. Tomastick have had "ight children; Myron, a stenographic teacher and now a graduate of the Valparaiso (Ind.) University law department and educational department ; Mrs. Mary Irene Kakare, a resident of Joliet. HI.: John Andrew, farming at home: Martha Ida. a music teacher: Anna, deceased: Anna Clara, a public school music teacher; Veronica May and Carl Edward. Mr. Tomastick is a consistent member of the Roman Catholic Church. Ilis fraternal connections are with the Modern Woodmen of America Camp at Braceville, and Ancient Order of Gleaners at Gardner. 111.

TOWSLEY, George E. - There is no more productive fanning property in Grundy County than that found in Nettle Creek Township, and the agriculturalists of this region have demonstrated their local pride by doing all within their power to bring their farms to a standard of excellence seldom to be found, hut always desirable. One of the men who has contributed towards this state of affairs is Georcre K. Towsley, owner of ICO acres on section 27. Nettle Creek Township. lie was born in Hamilton County, X. Y.. March 0. 1.S03. a son of George and Sophia (McCarthy) Towsley, natives of Fulton County, X. Y., where both passed away.

George E. Towsley was brought up on his father's homestead, attending the local schools, and learning how to farm. In issi he came to Grundy County ami lor a time worked for the farmers in this ueighhorhood. In 1S97 he bought his present farm, then partly improved, and has developed it into a model grain producing property, his success being directly due to his thoroughness and expert knowledge of his work. On August 13, 1S00, Mr Towsley was married by Rev. Magner. of Morris, to Olive May Hoge, born in Nettle Creek Township. February 14, ls<:.>. a daughter of Hendley and Sarah (La Salle) Hoge, natives of Grundy County. III., and Louisiana, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Towsley have had the following family. Lena, who was born May 10, 1S01, of Morris. 111.; George Hendley, born April if), 1S93. who is at home: Gertrude Alberta, bom September 11. 1S9G ; Iva, born April 17, IS99 ; Blanche, born June 23. 1900; and Lay, bom August 20, 1001. Cue died in infancy. Buela P.. born January 15. 1S9S, died September 2:], 1S9S. The Methodist Church holds Mr. Towsley's membership, and he contributes generously towards its support. In political matters he has always been a Republican. No man stands higher in public esteem than he. and he deserves the confidence reposed in him, for he is a man of high principles.

TROTTER, Benjamin Robert. - Carbon Hill is the home of some of the most reliable business men in the State, who have gradually developed numerous experiences which have taught them self-reliance and economic habits, 'these men would be successful in almost any line of work, for they have the proper business sense. ;,nd are willing to devote themselves to the matter in hand untiringly and devotedly. One of these men of whom Carbon Hill is justly proud is Benjamin Robert Trotter, born in BrakLvood, III.. April 1l'. 1*77. lie received instruction in the public school at Coal City, 111., and later attended school in Evanston, 111., for two years. subsequently entering the mercantile business with his father, Robert Trotter, at Coal City. In 1007 he left Coal City for Carbon Hill. where he is now proprietor of the largest store in the place, carrying a general line of merchandise. He has other interests, owning 210 acres in Goose Lake Township. On September 19. 1901, Mr. Trotter was united in marriage with Llelen Fleming of Carbon Hill, born February 20, 1S79, and to this union have been born three children: Robert. Kenneth and Warren. Mr. Trotter is an active member of the Methodist Church. He is a Republican and is a director of the high school of the Coal City District. He belon-s to the Modern Woodmen of America and the Masonic Lodge at Braidwood, 111. No man stands higher in the community than he as an intelligent and successful merchant and loyal citizen.

ests of Grundy County, although now living retired at Morris, because tor many years be was actively engaged in farming, and owns some very valuable rural properties in addition to city realty. Mr. Trotter was born at Wilmington, 111., May 13, 1850, son of Alexander and Jane (Bogue) Trotter. The parents were natives of Scotland, where they married, coming to this country in the spring of LS50. Their objective puint was Manitowok, Wis., but as the father was not able to secure work to which he was accustomed, having been a shepherd in his native land, he went to Chicago after a year. In the latter city he obtained employment in one of the packing houses, but not liking it, went to Willmingtoii, 111., within a year, and spent three years as teamster in that place. Hearing of agricultural opportunity offered in Grundy County, he came here and bought a farm in Felix Township. This continued to be his home until his death in 1903, lie surviving his wife many years, as she died in 1S9G.

George Alexander Trotter remained with his parents until his marriage in 1879, having been brought up in the manner customary in those days. He was sent to the local schools in the winter months, and during the summer, worked on the farm. In 1S79 he began farming for his father, thus continuing for two years, when he purchased a farm in Felix Township. This he operated a year, when he moved to Coal City, where he went in the butcher business. For sixteen years he was thus engaged, then sold his interest and went to Morris. Two years later, he again conducted a flourishing business for two years, when he traded it for a farm in Goose Lake Township so that he now owns 400 acres of farming property, all in the same township. This acreage he rents, and he also owns his fine residence on Vine street that he built himself, in which he lives retired from active pursuits.

On December 8, 1879, when twenty-six years of age, Mr. Trotter was married to Clystia A. Miller, born at St. Charles, Kane County, 111., daughter of Norman and Harriett (Parker) Miller. Mr. and Mrs. Trotter are the parents of two daughters: Sadie J., who is at home; and Jessie, who has charge of the Conservatory of Music at Eureka, Greenwood County, Kan. Mr. Trotter is a member of the Methodist Church and takes a prominent part in religious work, being president of the board of trustees. A prominent Republican, he served as township collector of Felix Township for two years; one year as township clerk ; as supervisor of I'.raceville Township for two years ; for twelve years was a member of the school board, during eight years being its president; two years as school treasurer, and has been on the Board of Review for one year. His fraternal affiliations are with the Modern Woodmen of America. A man of good judgment, he knew how to grasp bis opportunities, and bis success in life has been earned by the application of keen intellect, combined with hard work and thrifty habits.

TROTTER, John. - There are many examples of the self-made man to be found in Grundy County; men who, starling out entirely on their own resources, have worked their way steadily to the front in some chosen line and achieved success in spite of all obstacles. Few, however, have given their attention to many and varied occupations and proved successful in whatever they have undertaken, and it is in this way that John 'Trotter, vice president of the First National Bank of Coal City, is an unusual example, lie was born in Braceville Township in 1S5S, son of Alexander and Jane (Bogue) Trotter, natives of Scotland. In 1S51 they embarked for America, settling in Will County, 111., where Alexander Trotter engaged in farming. Here he remained until 1856, when he removed to Felix Township, and carried on farming until ten years prior to his death, which occurred in 1904, his wife having passed away in 1S93. 'They were the parents of seven children: Robert, deceased; Thomas; George, of Morris, 111.; John; Mrs. Jennie Miller; Mrs. Catherine I'enii ; and Mrs. Elizabeth Rothlisberger.

John 'Trotter attended the district schools in his neighborhood and remained with Lis parents until he was twenty-four years of age. In 1S82 he embarked in the meat business in Coal City, and now owns two markets. In addition, he has been engaged in the farming, timber and stock-raising industries, and in 1886 became a dealer in ponies, having shipped same all ever the United Slates. In 1S85 he married Mary Suffern. and they are the parents of six children: Samuel A., William J.. <'eorge E.. Ellen, deceased, Robert and May Bell. He was first wedded to Mattie Suffern. sister of his present wife, who died shortly after their marriage. Mr. Trotter is an influential member of the Presbyterian Church, of which he has been a trustee since its organization. He is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America. Politically he is a Republican. He was school treasurer of Felix Township for sixteen years, and also road commissioner. He is a prominent member of Grundy County Farmers* Association, and is the director of the First National Bank of Coal City and vice president. He owns 900 acres of land in Felix Township, 145 in Goose Lake Township and 80 acres in Braceville Township. He has the nicest residence in Felix Township and the finest barn in Grundy County. Mr. Trotter has always been identified with the best interests of the community, and has won the' respect and esteem of all with whom he is associated.

TROTTER, Robert. - There are no more publicspirited men in Grundy County than those who spent their boyhood on farms, for they thus obtained a knowledge of the requirements of the rural districts which have developed them into good citizens. One of the prosperous business men of Coal City, who was brought up in a farming district is Robert Trotter, proprietor of the Racket store of Coal City, and and notions. He was born in Scotland. April 12, 1845, a son of Robert and Catherine (Mac- Dugal) Trotter. The father was a farm servant in Scotland, later developing into a buyer of eggs and butter, continuing in this line until his death, which occurred in 1S37, never having left his native land. His widow survived him until 1S92. Both are buried in Scotland. They had ten children, of whom Robert is the only survivor.

Robert Trotter attended school in his home district at Restou, Berwickshire, Scotland, and worked on farms until February 23, 1S04, and was a fireman on the North British Railroad for two years, when he left Scotland for the United States. Upon his arrival in this country in lst'iU lie came direct to Grundy County and was a stationary engineer until locating at Braidwood, 111., where lie worked two years as fireman, when he was made a locomotive engineer and continued as such for twelve years. In 1NJ>2 he came to Coal City to open up his present store, and has continued it successfully ever since. In addition to his 'Other interests, Mr. Trotter owns 1S40 acres of land in Kansas, mi aires in Grundy County and ICO acres in North Dakota.

In ISO'S Mr. Trotter married Magdeline Paxton, who was bum in Scotland, and died October 10, 1S72. They had two children, both of whom died in infancy. Mr. Trotter married (second). May 2D, ]s7.->t Agues Paxtou, born January 20, 1S49, and they have eight children: Benjamin, born April 12, ISTti ; Lizzie M. Campbell, born May 2, 1^77: .lessie C. Anderson, born October 25, 1S79; Matilda J., born February 1."., Ivmi; Rose B. Cluskey. born August 2S, 1SS1 : Esther 1'.. born August 10, 1SSC; Victoria Louise Davis, born October 20, ISSN; and Agnes, born October 23, 1SS4, who died in infancy. Mr. Trotter has a number of grandchildren, His daughter, Mrs. Lizzie M. Campbell, lias four children: Donald. Blanche, Gilbert and Louise; Mrs. Jessie Anderson has two children, Audrey and Ronmore ; Benjamin has three sons, Robert, Kenneth and Warren. Mrs. Trotter's parents both died in Scotland. They had one son and four daughters, Mrs. Trotter being the only one that came to America.

The Methodist Church holds Mr. Trotter's membership, and he belongs to the Masonic fraternity. A Republican, he has been school trustee for one term, and for sixteen years has served as treasurer of the Fire Department of Coal City, and is a man widely and favorably known.

TROTTER, Samuel Alexander, a representative and successful business man of Coal City, has spent his entire life in that village, where he was born February 2"p. LSS7, a son of John and Mary (Suffern) Trotter. His education was acquired in the public schools, and he had the advantage of three years at the Morris High School. Later on for some time he was enjm^ed in the meat business with his father, and also assisted with the work on the farm. In 1012 the linn of John Trotter & Suns, dealers in hay and grain, with elevator at Coal City, was established, the partners being John Trotter and his sons, William J. and Samuel A., the latter being secretary of the Commercial Club of Coal City, and an enterprising and highly respected citizen, always ready to promote the public welfare and prosperity of the community. On June 15, 1910, Mr. Trotter married Jennie Berta, born July 30, 1SS5, of Braidwood, 111., and t" this union was born one child. Dorothy Ellen, born January 4. 1912. Mr. 'blotter is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Masonic order. In politics he is a Republican.

VALERI0, Charles. - It is remarkable how many sons of Italy have come to the United States, and arriving here, have developed into such excellent and desirable citizens. They know how to work and save, and many of them become prominent officials in the towns in which they locate. One of the men who belongs to this class is Charles Valerie, of Coal City, HI., born in Italy. August 20. 1S72. a son of William and Catherine Lnrietto Valerio. The father was an agriculturist of Italy, who brought his family, then consisting of Ids wife and three of his children, George, Mary and August, to America in 1SS0. After coming here the parents had two other children. Frank, who is living at Marseilles, 111., and August, who died in infancy. They located at Braidwood, 111., where the father worked in the mines until 1SS3, !<nt then moved to Diamond, where he continued mining until his death, which occurred in 1002. He is buried in the cemetery at Braidwood. The mother died in 1905.

Charles Valerio remained in Italy until 1SS7, during that period attending college at Turin for seven years, but in 1SS7 came to Diamond, 111., where he entered the public schools in order to learn English. In D-OL! he began working as a clerk in a store at Coal City, and by ls05 was able to open a store of his own at Diamond where he remained until 1007. In that year he became wholesale airent for the 1'abst Brewing Company of Milwaukee. Wis. Mr. Valerio also acts as agent for five different steamboat lines and is very prominent among his own countrymen who depend upon him and his judgment. He is also consular correspondent to the Italian consulate at Chicago.

Interested in fraternal matters, Mr. Valerio has associated himself with the Foresters, passing all the chairs, having been one of the charter members of his lodge, and he has been deputy grand for four years. Politically he is a Republican, and served as city cleric for eleven terms, beginning in ls;>."j when the village was organized. For eight years he served as postmaster of Diamond, holding that office until 1007. At present he is a Notary Public and has

VERONDA, Anton. - When a citizen lias passed more than sixteen consecutive years as the incumbent of a public office, the fact is liable to be rather firmly established that he possesses qualities which recommend him to the public at large. This is the record of Anton Veronda, postmaster at Carbon Hill, III., since July, 1S97, who has also served in various other offices and in every case has shown himself worthy of the respect and esteem which have been granted him. Mr. Veronda was horu in Northern Italy, in 1S05, and is a son of Maurice and Catharine Veronda. His father was an engineer in the cotton mills of Italy, an occupation which he followed for fifty years until his retirement. He died in his native country in ls77. and his wife has also passed away. They were the parents of fifteen children.

Anton Veronda secured his educational training in the public schools of Ilaly. but at the age of fifteen years emigrated to the United States, and at once secured employment as a coal digger in the Coal City mines. In addition to the five years which he had spent in the common schools of Italy. Mr. Veronda attended night school in Coal City while working in the mines, and thus secured a good education. After attaining his majority, he went to .Michigan and worked in the copper mines there until 1890. During this time he had worked faithfully and industriously, and found in that year that he had saved enough money to return to Italy to claim the young lady who had consented to he his wife. Mary Configliaeeo, whom he bad left there and who had patiently awaited his return. Immediately after their marriage they returned to Coal City, and Mr. Veronda again entered the mines. In 1S91, when the village of Carbon Hill was established, he moved to this point, where he has since resided with bis family. He was chosen as Carbon Hill's second postmaster in 1S97, and has acted in this capacity to the present time, has served one term as assessor of Felix Township, has been supervisor six years, has been a member of the board of trustees of Carbon Hill, ami at the present time is county agent for Grundy County. He is a Republican. He is a charter member of the Odd Fellows, the White Tie and the Christopher Columbus lodges, in all of which he is very popular. He has had some misfortune, however. On .Tune 12. 1913. while he was in Wisconsin to get his brother, his business place and the postoftice were burned, causing a heavy loss. Mr. ATeronda had one of

/ faith of the Catholic Church, and was laid to rest in the Cemetery at Braidwood, 111. She had been the mother of seven children: Maurice; Frances; Louis, who died at. the age of two years; William; Edward; Elsie; and Eva, who died in infancy.

VERONDA, Louis (deceased). - Among the men who have won their way to the front in Grundy County through the medium of their own efforts, Louis Veronda holds a deservedly hL'li place. In the capacity of city treasurer of Coal City, 111., he is showing himself possessed of executive ability as well as high ideals in regard to the duties of citizenship, while in business circles here he has been known for ten years as an agent for all the leading steamship companies. Mr. Veronda was born in Italy, January 21, 1S71, and died June 12, 1913.

Like many others of his countrymen, who could in their own land see but years of toil ahead of them, with but little opportunity for gaining more than a modest livelihood, Mr. Veronda decided to try his fortunes in the United States, and accordingly emigrated to this country in 1S93. In his native land he had attended the public schools and had been a miner, and this vocation he adopted in his new surroundings, at once securing employment in the mines of Carbon Hill. 111. By the year 1901 he had accumulated enough capital to establish himself in the saloon business, and subsequently he was identified also with the ice ami sawdust business, and finally became an agent for the leading steamboat lines, being thus engaged at the time of death. He made a success of Ids ventures ami invested his means in real estate and owned ICO acres of good farming land in Horton County. North Dakota, as well as some valuable city lots in Gary. Ind. For ten years he acted in the capacity of notary public and participated actively in all movements of his fellow citizens. A Republican in his political views on national affairs, in city and county matters he was liberal. In 1913 he was appointed city treasurer of Coal City, and this position he continued to occupy for one year, giving general satisfaction to all concerned. lie was a stockholder and director in the Illinois Aero Construction Company. Fraternally he was connected with the Foresters of America, in which he was chief ranger, the Italian Society of the White Tie, the Christopher Columbus Society, in which he was a leader, and the Alpina, of which he was an honorary member.

In 1S9S Mr. Veronda was married to Miss Eva Querio. who was born at Braidwood, Grundy County, 111.. August 21, 1S82, and to this union there were born three children : Andrew, horn August 1. 1909; Louis, born June 21, 1901; and Katie, born January .13, 1905.

VILT, John K. - The substitution of the automobile for horse drawn vehicles has given rise to many new and varied branches of business, anions them being the caring for these costly cars and supplying the owners as well with supplies of different kinds. In a section like Grundy County, where the roads are admirably adapted for automobile traveling, there is a constantly increasing demand for first class repairing of this class. This being the case, a man of the enterprise and mechanical ability of John K. Vilt of Coal City, 111., finds plenty of opportunity to conduct a flourishing business in auto repairing, vulcanizing and handling notions and supplies, while at the same time he acts us agent for the Indian motorcycle and automobiles.

John K. Vilt was born in Bohemia, March 10, 1SS5, and the following year was brought to Coal City, 111., by his parents. The father found employment in the mines at this point, hut being crippled in his work, he died in 1911. His wife passed away in 1S92, and both are buried at Coal City. They had the following children: Joseph, who is deceased; Mary; Anna; John K.. and one who died unnamed in infancy. Growing up in Coal City, Mr. Vilt attended the locai schools, and at an early age began working in the mines as a digger. Carefully saving his money, in 190S he was able to start in business for himself. In order to fit himself for his work, he took a course in automobile repairing at Chicago, and so is prepared to attend to any kind of work that comes his way. His handsome new garage is the finest in this locality, and his patrons appreciate the advantages it offers. In 1906 Mr. Vilt married Antonia Kal'ton, who was horn at Braidwood, 111., November 4, 1SS5. Four children have resulted from this union : Edward, Barbara, Josie and John. Mr. Vill is a member of the Catholic Church, while in fraternal matters he belongs to the Bohemian lodge and the Foresters. He is very liberal in his political views and is one of the leading young business men of Coal City who certainly deserves tile prosperity which has attended him.

WALKER, Albert D., a prosperous retired farmer of Morris, is a representative agriculturalist of Grundy County, who, throughout his life, has believed in hard work and thrifty saving. Mr. Walker was born at Sandgate, Vt., May 9. 1851, son of Daniel P. and Flora S. (Randall) Walker, natives of Vermont. In 1S71 the family came to Lisbon, II!.. and spent the winter. In the spring of 1N72 removal was made to a farm which the father had purchased in Saratoga Township. This property he farmed until 1SS7, when lie moved to Morris, where he lived retired until his death, in February. 1001, just a year after the demise of his wife.

Albert D. Walker attended the public schools of his neighborhood and the seminary at Manchester, Vt., and remained with his parents until his marriage, following which he operated his father's farm for three years. He then spent two years in Ford County, III., but returning, took jvossossion of his father's estate, of which he eventually received 1S2 acres, which he still owns, although he retired from the farm in 1007 and now resides at Morris, renting his property.

On April 2.",, 1SS2, Mr. Walker was married to Cora L. Gifford, born in Felix Township, daughter of II. C. and Sarah J. (Gibson) Gifford, natives of New Jersey and Huron County, Ohio, and died January 31, 1013. Mr. and Mrs.

Gifford were married in the latter locality, but in 1850 went to California. He was a shoemaker by trade, but when lie came back from California and as far east as Morris, he worked on the canal for several years. Following this he conducted a grocery store for a time, then sold and retired, dying at Morris, February 17, 10(i7. his wife having passed away in 18SG. Mr. and Mrs. Walker are the parents of two children: Addie May, now Mrs. Charles L. Sanderson of Morris and have one child, Marjorie. born February 21. 1909; and Mabel, who married Arthur Sanderson, also of Morris, and they have one son. born in March, 101-1, whom they have named Edward Dwight. Mr. Walker is a Republican and has served as road commissioner of Saratoga Township. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America of Morris and to the Lincoln Club, while his religious afliliations are with the Methodist Church. A man of strong convictions and willing to live up to them, Mr. Walker is respected for his opinions and his strictly upright life.

WALKER, Eddie Webster. - Experience has taught some of the most progressive of the Grundy County agriculturalists that the best results are attained through specializing along certain lines. One of the men who has devoted himself to raising tine cattle and horses is Eddie Webster Walker, owner of 2^0 acres of good land in Mazon Township. His family history is given at length elsewhere in this volume. Mr. Walker has three stallions, one a rercheron and the other two Belgian, and their product is famed all over the country. He exhibits not only at the Grundy County fairs, but at the International Stock Shows. In addition to his noted horses, he breeds and raises Shorthorn cattle, and has a fine bull. His property, is known as the Recherche Stock Farm. In addition to the land he owns, Mr. Walker rents additional land, operating in all S00 acres.

In 18S5 Mr. Walker married Miss Myrtle II. Keepers, born in Ohio, who. at one year of age came with her parents to make their home in Grundy County. 111. Mr. and Mis. Walker have had five children, of whom three sons have grown to young manhood. They are: Floyde Eddie Walker, who married Miss Myrtle E. Svmons. daughter of S. I'.. Svnions of Mazon, 111.: Myr J. Walker; and Ollie L. Walker. The married son. Floyde E., has his own home on the farm, and Myr J. and Ollie L. are with their father and all together they comprise the firm of E. W. Walker & Sons, proprietors of Recherche Stock Farm, Mazon, 111.

Mr. Walker belongs to the Methodist Church and gives it a liberal support. Fraternally he belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America, lie has served on the Tloanl of Education, and has been instrumental in securing good schools for his district. Recent public events have made him a Progressive in politics, and he is an ardent supporter of the principles involved in that movement. A man of advanced ideas, Mr. Walker lias taken advantage of every oppor- tmiity to aid him In his operations, and has the best equipped farm in Ma/.on Township. As is but natural, his authority upon stock breeding matters is unquestioned, and his example is followed by many less enterprising than lie.

WALKER, Isaac Benson.- - The farms of Grundy County show evidences of careful cultivation and modern improvements and this accounts in part for the banner crops raised in this locality. One of the men who has been more than ordinarily successful along agricultural lines is Isaac Benson Walker, owner of 2G0 acres of fertile land in Good Farm Township, on which he carries on general farming and the raising of cattle and horses. He was born in Monroe County. Ohio. January K>, lSoo, a son of Lazendy and Ann (Clithero) Walker. both natives of Monroe County, Ohio, where the father was a farmer until coming to Grundy County, 111., in 1S5S. Here he bought eighty acres of land in Mazon Township, and cultivated it until his enlistment at Morris. 111., for service during the Civil War. He died in service in 1SG3 and is buried at Brownsville, Tex., in the Soldiers" cemetery at that point. His widow died at Ma/.on. 111., in 1904. These parents had six children: William D. ; Janie, who died in infancy; and Isaac, Thomas \Y.. Edward and Oliver.

Isaac Benson Walker was roared on the farm and received but little educational advantages. When he was fifteen years old his mother bought a team of horses and lie began operating her eighty acres. When he was twenty-seven years old, having been assisting her all this while, he began working for himself, and in 1S91 was able to buy his present farm. Since coming into possession of it he has tiled it. built a beautiful brick residence and other buildings, the estate now looking like a small village, and being one of the finest places in the county.

On November 2, 1SS1, Mr. Walker married Ilattie Williams, of Morris, 111., and they have four children: Morris W., Anna Preston, Russell and Louise. Mr. Walker belongs to the Methodist Church. His fraternal connections are with the Modern Woodmen of America, while in politics he is a Republican, and served as school director for twenty years. He is one of the most advanced of the agriculturalists in his township and his success has been attained through intelligent work and wise investments.

WALKER, Thomas Wilbur. - The agricultural possibilities of Grundy County are not to be overlooked, for here are offered unusual opportunities to the progressive farmer if he understands how to take advantage of them. One of the men who has done this is Thomas Wilbur Walker, who is operating 21."> acres of land in Ma/.on Township. lie was born in this county in lS.r>9, and alter attending the local schools, began farming for himself, and now raises corn and oats and feeds and ships stock to the market.

In 1S7!> Mr. Walker was married to Martha Preston, and they hail a daughter, Maud Ely. Mis. Walker died eleven months after marriage. In I8S7 Mr. Walker married (second) Florence Beckworth, born in Will County, 111. Mr. and Mrs. Walker became the parents of two children: Albert G. and Helen, both of whom are at home. Politically Mr. Walker is a Republican, and has been School Treasurer of Mazon Township for four years, and a School Director for the same length of time. The Congregational Church holds his membership. His fraternal relations are with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Royal Neighbors. A man who faithfully endeavors to conscientiously perform the duties which lie nearest to hand, he has made a position for himself in his community ami holds the universal respect of those with whom he is associated.

WALLIN, Fritz. - The modern farmer is a man of many plans and enterprising methods or else he would not succeed in this day of strong competition and struggle for survival of the fittest. In the conduct of his farm the Grundy County agriculturalist in particular strives to use the same systematic rules which apply in any other line of business, with the result that he ranks high among those of his class in the country. One of these enterprising and eminently successful farmers of Grundy County is v Fritz Wallin. owner of 1G0 acres of fertile land in Maine Township, on which he is carrying on general farming.

Frit/. Wallin was born in Sweden in 1SG1, a son of Andrew and Oustava Wallin. farming people of Sweden who never left their native land, where the mother died in 1906 and the father in 190S. They had the following children: Edwin, who died at Rockford, 111.; Alfred, who was accidentally killed by a street car in Chicago. October 11, 1913; Fritz, Fred and Axel. Growing up in Sweden Fritz Wallin attended the local schools and learned farming. In 1SS0, deciding that there were not enough opportunities offered at home, he left Sweden for the United States and first located at Braceville, 111., Grundy County, where he was employed in the coal mines, but as he desired to become a farmer in ISM" he rented land in Maine Township, and in 1008 was able to buy bis present farm which he has since operated.

In 1S90 Mr. Wallin married Christine Olseu, and they have eight children : Ethel, who died in infancy; Ida Burns, Arthur, Esther, Ruth, Fred, Elsie and William. Mr. Wallin belongs to the Methodist Church. Politically he is a Republican, while in fraternal matters he affiliates with the Knights of Pythias at Braceville.

WALSH, Maurice Patrick, manager of what is known as the old Dr. Palmer farm, in Mazon Township, is -doing a tine business as an agriculturalist for he thoroughly understands his work and how to get the best results from his land. He was born in Highland Township, Grundy

County, in issi;, a sou of Nick and Hello (Ilinch) Walsh. Nick Walsh was born in Grundy County and for years was an agriculturalist of this region, but is now living retired at Morris, 111. These parents had seven children : Philip. Maurice Patrick, Roy, Amies, Joe, Robert and George.

Maurice Patrick Walsh grew up amid healthful rural surroundings on his lather's homestead and attended the local schools, and also a business college for a few months. After leaving school he worked for the Telephone Company of Chicago for a year, and for another year was with a threshing outfit that worked throughout Grundy County. In March It'll', ho took charge of his present farm, which became the property of Mrs. Walsh on the death of Dr. Palmer, in' June, 1012. Mr. Walsh feeds and ships cattle and raises horses and hogs, and does a large business.

In 1910 Mr. Walsh was united in marriage to Louise Palmer, of Morris. 111., daughter of A. E. Palmer. Mr. Walsh is liberal in politics, experience having convinced him that it is better to vote for the best man than to be tied down by party lines. A man of enterprise, industrious and thrifty, Mr. Walsh has succeeded in everything he has attempted, and stands high in the estimation of his neighbors and business associates.

WALSH, Thomas A. - From our friendly and peaceable neighbors to the north, the Canadians, the United States is indebted for some of its best citizens, for it is rare, indeed, that the individual born on Canadian soil fails to prove a thrifty and valuable addition to the community in which he locates on coming to this country. In this class is Thomas A. Walsh, a retired citizen of Grundy County, 111., who for more than a half a century has been a resident of Vienna Township. Mr. Walsh was horn in Lower Canada, November 12, 1S35, and is a son of Robert T. and Elizabeth (McKeown) Walsh. His parents, natives of Ireland, were married there, and shortly thereafter emigrated to Canada, where the father was first a bookkeeper and later engaged in agricultural pursuits.

Thomas A. Walsh received ordinary educational advantages and was reared to agricultural pursuits, remaining with Ids parents until reaching the age of twenty-three years. At that time he came to Kendall County. 111., and commenced working as a farm hand, but in ISfiO moved to Mazon, 111., and with his cousin. John Hamilton, engaged in operations on his own account. In ls<;2 Mr. Walsh purchased 320 acres in Vienna Township, with a partner, whose interests he bought one year later, and also added sixty acres to the original purchase. During the years that followed he became an extensive farmer and stock raiser, and was known throughout this section as a substantial and energetic citizen. A severe attack of asthma, however, in 1Ss2, caused his retirement, and since that time the operations on the home place have been carried on by his sons. Mr. Walsh is possessed of an enviable reputation for integrity and fair dealing, for public spirit and for generosity.

On March 30, 1SGS, Mr. Walsh was married to Miss Priscilla Ward, who was born January 11, 1S45, in Oneida County, N. Y.. daughter of Samuel and Harriet (Fellingham) Ward, natives of County Suffolk, England. They came to Kendall County, 111., in 1847, and to Mazon Township. Grundy County, in 1852, and here passed the remainder of their lives. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Walsh were as follows: Elizabeth, who became the wife of Fred F>ix, of Vienna Township; William, a resident of Verona. 111., married Daisy Foster; Margaret, who married George Beal, of Verona. 111.; Jessie, who married Frank Ransley, of Vienna Township; Hugh, of Alberta, Canada; Edmund C, residing with his parents, who was married in June, 1912, by Rev. II. E. Ketchum, to Iva Finch, and they have one daughter, Mary E. ; Mary E., who died January 14. 1S7S ;* and George, who died September 11, 1891.

WALSH, William E., M.D., was horn near Montreal. Canada, in September, 1SG7, a son of George and Janet (Bryson) Walsh, of Irish and Scotch descent, respectively. His father was a farmer who died when William E. was about eight years old. His mother still resides at Ormstown. Quebec.

The early training of Dr. Walsh was secured in the Canadian common schools and an academy. When fourteen years of acre he helped to take charge of a general store and sawmill, where he worked for three years. After this he attended McGill University," in Montreal. from which he was graduated in 1SD2. when he came to Morris and entered into a general practice, since then becoming one of the leading physicians in Grundy County.

In 1S94 Dr. Walsh was married to Mrs. Edith (Cryder) Wilson, widow of Charles Wilson. After her death Dr. Walsh was married. June 1, 1898, to Emeline Nelson, daughter of John and Mary ("Campbell) Nelson, natives of Ohio. Dr. Walsh has three children: Mariorie. Anita and Edmund, in his church connection Dr. Walsh is a Presbyterian; in politics he is independent. He is a Knight Templar, a Knight of Pythias and a Modern Woodman. In 1913 Dr. Walsh was elected mayor of the city of Morris on the Citizens' ticket with the law and order platform. He is deeply interested in all public movements and is one of the closest scientific students in Morris. He made a careful study of the disease known as milk sickness and discovered a remedy, which so far has proven a cure in all cases of this once deadly disease. His patented window tent, a device for use in sleepimr in the fresh air during cold weather, is now shipped to and used in all parts of the world.

culture, it would still lie a prosperous locality, for it is so preeminently fitted for farming and stock raising: that the majority of its prosperous men arc interested along those lines in one way or another. One of those who has made a success of his work' as an agriculturalist is Samuel Ward, of Vienna Township. He was born in Suffolk, England, January 1, 1SG3, a son of John and Hannah (Elwood) Ward of the same place. The mother died in 1909, and the father in 1011.

Samuel Ward was somewhat hampered in the beginning of his business career by the fact that he had not been given a fair amount of schooling, but as time went on he remedied this by observation and experience. Chi October 3, 1883, he landed in New York City, from whence he came to Verona, 111., and for five years worked out by the month, in Vienna Township. By this time he had saved sufficient money to justify him in renting the farm he now occupies, and in Juno, 1906, he bought it. This property comprises 14-~> acres mi which lie has eroded the greater part of the buildings and made many other necessary improvements. Mr. Ward carries on grain farming and raises cattle and hogs, experience having proven that his land is best adapted to these products.

On March 15, 1SSS, Mr. Ward married Louisa Finch, horn in Vienna Township, August 30, 1802, a daughter of George and Martha (Rumney) Finch, natives of England. Mr. Finch is deceased, but his widow, surviving, resides at Verona. Mr. and Mrs. Ward are the parents of the following children: George, horn December 24, 1SS9, married, December 10, 1913, Mary B. Fleming; Laura, born January 10. l.Mi2: Until I., born August 1G. 1SS5, died April 4, 1911, and is buried in the Ward cemetery near Verona : and Lawrence, born September 12, 1SSS, lives at home.

WARNING, Chris. - Experience has taught some of the modern agriculturalists of Grundy County that it pays to specialize on stock raising. The conditions in this locality are particularly good for this class of work, and results are such as to encourage others to embark in the same line. One of the men who is achieving more than ordinary success in raising Jersey cattle and Belgiati horses is Chris Warning, of Norman Township. lie was born in Green Garden Township, Will County. 111., March 22, 1877, a son of Henry and Sophia (Burmeister) Warning, natives of Germany. Henry Warning came to Will County when he was twenty-one years old, and Miss Burmeister a year later, and they were married and settled in Will County. Until 1880 the father rented land there, in that year coming to Norman Township, Grundy County, where he bought 100 acres of land on which he carried on general farming until 1899, when he retired and moved to Morris. This continued to be bis home until 1910, when he went to Ottawa, where he still resides. Henry Warning lost his wife on June 19, 1000, and in 1011 he married a Mrs. Frost. By his first marriage,

As he grew up on his father's farm, Chris Warning was sent to the local schools, a German school at Frankford, and was taught farming on the homestead. He remained at home until his marriage, in 1000. At that time he began working in the Morris sawmill, hut after six months, went to Ottawa, where, for four years he had charge of some high grade horses. In 1905, .Mr. Warning moved on his father's homestead where he has since resided, carrying on general farming and specializing on the raising of registered Jersey cattle "and Belgian horses.

On June 12, 1900, Mr. Warning was married to Marion Keeler, horn in Grand Island County, April 2, 1S7S, daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Martin) Keeler. natives of Connecticut and Grand Island County, Vt, respectively. The paternal grandparents. Clark and Harriet (Beers) Keeler. were born in Connecticut, while the maternal grandparents, Lyman and Fannie (Ames) Martin, were horn in Grand Island County, Vt., and Colchester. X. II., respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Warning have had the following children: Clara, horn October 24, 1002; and Harry Edgar, horn August 10, lOOo. Mr. Warning is a member of the German Lutheran Church, and Mrs. Warning of the Baptist. He is independent in his political views. Fraternallv, he belongs to the Knights of Pythias No. 3.~>7 of Morris, 111., and to Shabbona Lodge of the Gleaners of Wanponsee. The family is well and favorably known throughout Grundy County.

WASHBURN, Frank M. - Any branch of industrial endeavor that has for its object the providing of food-stuffs for the masses, is sure to he profitable, provided it be conducted economically and sensibly. The market for eggs and dressed poultry is always active, and high prices are paid for first-class articles. One of the men who has become a well known figure in business along this line in Grundy County, is Frank M. Washburn of Morris. He was born at Morris, 111.. September 30, 1801. a son of Charles F. and Martha (Lyons) Washburn, both natives of the Empire State. They married there and about 1850 came to Morris, 111., where, for some time Charles F. Washburn was interested in farming, but later became a dealer and shipper of poultry, and in conjunction with his poultry business, he operated a grocery during the sixties. He also owned a boat that he operated on the canal for many years, and for twenty years, alternated working on the canal in the summers and conducting his poultry business in the winters. His first wife died in 1SS7, and he married again, and survived his second wife. In 1000, his useful life came to an end. and Morris lost one of its worthy citizens. He was the father of three sons: George and Frank M., both of Morris, and Adelbert of Lisbon, 111.

practical father during boyhood ami youth he learned the poultry business thoroughly, so that when he assumed full control, he knew how to continue it profitably. He buys poultry and eggs and ships dressed poultry to eastern markets. On December 3, ISSa, Mr. Washburn married Violet Washburn, whose death occurred April 7, 190S, her burial being in Evergreen cemetery. She was a daughter of Charles and Jane (Reasley) Washburn, natives of Illinois. Mrs. Washburn was hern in Morris, and both she and her husband attended the public schools. They had the following children: Earl, Russell, Zella, Mrs. Noble Sampson, Franklin and Vera. The family are members of the Methodist Church and Mr. Washburn is active in church work, Politically he is a Republican, and fraternally belongs to the Knights of Pythias and the Mystic Workers. A man of energy, thoroughly competent and reliable, Mr. Washburn has steadily forged ahead, and the position he now occupies has been honorably earned.

WEITZ, George H., whose large and important agricultural interests make him a representative business man of Grundy County, owns 4i0 acres of land in Eriennn Township, on which general farming is earned on. and is also the lessee of numerous feeding stations for stock. George II. Weitz was bum in Henry County, 111.. September 17. 1SC5, and i- a son of Conrad and Mary (Horchler) Weitz. The parents were natives of Germany, he of the province of Saxony and she of Hesse Darmstadt. In 1>.j2 they came to the United States, living for a short period at St. Louis. Mo., and later, for one year, at Ottawa. 11!.. in the latter part of 1S54 settling permanently at Geneseo, 111., where the father became engaged in business as a contractor and builder. There Conno.1 Weitz died. April 9. 1S0G. at the age of seventy years. his widow surviving until September, 1906. They had the following children: Hannah, who is Mrs. John Young, of Wabash County. Ind. ; Louis, who is a resident of Carbon Cliff. 111.: Emma, who is Mrs. William Kinney, of Chicago, 111.: William, who is a resident of Itock Island. 111.; George II.: and Edward, who died at the age of seventeen years.

George II. Weitz was reared at Geneseo. Illattended the public schools and took a course in bookkeeping in a commercial college, and afterward was connected with the firm of J. Galligan & Co.. the junior partner being W. A. Remington, both members of this firm now being deceased. On July 12. l's'K). Mr. Weitz became interested in Stockdale. as a grazing station for stock, and in the fall of 1S92 large feeding barns for sheep were erected here. In the same year the Floral Fertilizer Company was organized, which was subsequently taken over by the Stockdale Fertilizer Company, now doing business, which is the fattening of sheep and the feeding of them in transit. In 1005 Mr. Weitz became the lessee of eight feeding stations on the Rock Island Railroad. All kinds of stoek are fed and fattened, but the Stockdale station is devoted exclusively to sheep. Stockdale is located four miles west of Morris on the Rock Island Railroad and to carry on the work here a large number of men are employed. .Mr. Weitz has made Morris his home since January, 1007.

On June 6, 1SS9, Mr. Weitz was married to Miss Mary Hauschild, who was born in Holstein. Germany, a daughter of John and Margaret (Brandt) Hauschild. The mother of Mrs. Weitz still lives in Germany, where the father died in March. 1909. Twin children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Weitz. on October 2--. 1S91, Henry and Mae. Mr. Weitz and the family attend the Congregational Church. He has always been identified politically with the Republican party. In Masonry Mr. Weitz is prominent, at present being Eminent Commander of Flamy Commandery, Knights Templar.

WHEELER, George E., one of the representative men of Grundy County now living retired at Mazon, has exerted a powerful influence upon the history of his locality in many ways. Before his retirement he was one of the leading farmers of the county. The Wheeler family, of which he is a representative, comes of the old Puritan New England stock. The rei founders of the family in America came from England in the days of Puritan emigration from that country. The following account of the genealogy of the family is taken from a memorandum left by the late Henry H. Wheeler, father of George F. Wheeler.

Thomas Wheeler, the great-greatgrandfather of the immediate subject of this sketch, was the first of the name of whom we have any record. He died while returning from the French and Indian war at Fife Miller tavern, near Pine Plains. Columbia County, N. Y.. September 1. 1757. He is believed to have had a brother Solomon and they are thought to have lived at Woodbury. Conn., until 1740. Seth Wheeler, a son of Thomas and great-grandfather of George E. Wheeler, was born February 22. 1740. and was a captain in the patriot service in the Revolutionary War. He married Mary Treadwell. born November 23. 1751, and they had children, as follows: Thomas, born September 1. 1770: Ashbell, born August 17. 1772; Seth. Jr.. born September 3. 177(1; Mary, born September 2">. 177s. who married S. Truesdale: Thomas, born January 31. 17S1; Sarah, born June 10. 17v3. who married John Truesdale: Lucy, born February 13. 17SG, who married John Gilbert : Stephen, born June 0. 17S9, died May 0. 1S61, aged seventy-one years, eleven months and three days; Solomon, born July 25. 1703. died May 7. 1S52. Myron Wheeler, a son of Seth. Jr.. married Catherine Roe and was killed in the battle of P.uena Vista in the Mexican War. Stephen, a son of Seth Wheeler, born June 6, 17v0. was married March 1*1S. to Maria Powe'rs, born October 20, 17'.'o. and their children were as follows: Henry Harrison, born January 28, 1S20 ; Mary, horn March x.

1830, who died February IS, 1S32 ; Caroline F., born February 1, 1S32, and died January 2s, 1SS9; Sarah J., born September 2S, is:!4," who died March 14, 1835; Franklin, born February 20, 1S30, who died November 24, 1S63 ; Sarah J., born July 10, 1S40 ; Helen D. (twin of Sarah J.), who married Edward C. Moody, November 20, 1S62, and died June 24, INTO. Stephen died May 9, 1S61 : Maria, his wife, January 4, 1875. Henry Harrison Wheeler (a son of Stephen and Maria (Powers) Wheeler and Amanda If. Simmons were married October 1G, 1s4!t; Richard N. Wheeler and Lucy J. Wilson were married March 30, 185] : Sarah J. Wheeler and George W. Mersereau were married November 10, 1S61.

Stephen Wheeler, grandfather of George E. Wheeler, became a farmer, but in early life was a carpenter, lie owned a farm of 200 acres in Broome County, N. Y., where he died. Henry II. Wheeler, a son of Stephen and Maria (Powers) Wheeler, was born in Dutchess County, N. Y., January 2S, 1820. He received a j;ood education for the time, primarily in the common schools, and finishing his studies at Amenia seminary, located on his father's farm, in which his father was a stockholder. Mr. Wheeler was throughout his life a wide reader of good books and kept well up with the times. He married, in Broome County, N. Y., October 10, 1849, Amanda Simmons, who was born October G, 1S22, in Dutchess County, N. Y., a daughter of William and Clarissa (Roe) Simmons. William Simmons was born August 7, 1785, in Dutchess County. N. Y. He was the son of Nicholas Simmons, of sturdy Holland- Dutch stock, and the grandson of Peter Simmons, who came from Holland in the eighteenth century anil settled in the northern part of Dutchess County, or possibly in the adjoining County of Columbia, New York. Nicholas Simmons married Katrina Snyder, also of Holland-Dutch stock and born on the farm adjoining his father's. They had ten children :

Katrina, William, Henry, Anna. John. Charity Hannah, Betsy, Polly and Anthony. Nicholas Simmons lived to be nearly eighty years old and died in Broome County, New York. in politics he was a Democrat. William Simmons the father of Mrs. Henry 11. Wheeler, was a soldier in the United States Army in the War of 1812, and came near death from yellow fever while in the service. He was a prosperous farmer, entirely a self-made man, of upright character ami a remarkable physical constitution. He was twice married, the first time to Clarissa Roe, in 1S13, in the town of North Fast, Dutchess County, N. Y., where she was born March 7, 171)4, a daughter of Silas and Mercy (Harvey) Roe. They settled on the Roe farm in Dutchess County, and lived there about ten years, and there she died September 13, 1S27. For his second wife, he married Wealthy Roe, her cousin, who bore him two daughters: Clarissa, December 8, 1832; and Laura. December 31, 1S33. By the first wife (Clarissa Rue) there were born five children. The eldest of these, Harvey R., born September 29, 1814, married Almira Marsh, who died January 2, 1S89. They had two children who lived : Eugene W.. bom in 1S40; and Rollin, born in 1S4G. Edward, the second son of William and Clarissa (Roe) Simmons, was born April 11. 1S1G, and was twice married, first to Harriet Winehell. His second wife was Sarah (Mead) Trowbridge. There were two children by the first marriage: Alfred, who lived to be twentytwo years of age; and James, who died when two years old.

Of Edward Simmons more than a passim; notice should be given. He lived at Millerton, Dutchess County, N. Y., near where he was born, and was one of the oldest lawyers in (hat part of the State, having reached the venerable age of nkiety years when he died in 1905. He was distinguished for his prominence at the bar, his educational work and for loner activity in public affairs. In the winter of 1S32-3, he began teaching school in Lime Rock, Conn., and from that time until 1S4S, he followed that occupation with marked success. In 1838-9 he taught a school of a high grade at Greene. Chenango County. N. Y., and from there went to Great Barrington, Mass., teaching Latin and Greek and the higher English branches. In 184.3 he returned to Millerton and with Alexander Winehell, afterward prominent as a geologist and long a conspicuous member of the faculty of the University of Michigan, opened a private school. Mr." Simmons built the store in Millerton now occupied by James Finch, and engaged in a general merchandise business there, which he conducted twenty-five years and then transferred to Mr. Finch, who had been his clerk for fifteen years. In 1SG7, Mr. Simmons was admitted to the bar. He has been a successful lawyer and was a member of the New York State liar Association and ever gave some' attention to legal matters. He was the financial secretary of the New York State Constitutional convention in 1807, of which

\Villiftiu A. Wheeler was the President and Samuel .1. Tilden, Horace Greeley and other well known men of the time were members. He filled the office of Supervisor for five terms, and was the chairman of the board for one term, and he was also a member of the committee which appeared before the state Board of Assessors and secured a reduction in the assessment of Dutchess County, which in three years saved the taxpayers $200,000. lie was an advocate of good schools and favored every local improvement. Politically he was a freesoil Democrat in early years, but voted for Fremont in 1850, and since that time had been a Republican. lie had been a member of the Baptist Church for sixty-tour years, and was a member of the Masonic fraternity. (The above sketch of Edward W. Simmons was taken from a Dutchess County [New York] newspaper.)

Julia A., a daughter or' William and Clarissa (Roe) Simmons, was born February 5, 1810, married Lewis W. Barnes and died in September, 1831, leaving a daughter, Eva Julia, born August -1. 184(5. Amanda, another of their daughters, who married Henry H. Wheeler. will be noticed more at length further on. James Barlow Simmons, the fifth and last in the family, was born April IT. 1827, and married Mary Stephens, and they were the parents of Dr. Robert Stephens Simmons. William Simmons, the father of the above mentioned children, died in Dutchess County. July 14, 1808. Silas Roe, the father of Clarissa (Roe) Simmons, was an Englishman and a man of means, who owned a farm at North East, Dutchess County, which contained 300 acres valued at 8100 an acre. He died on the place, at a venerable age. His children were Uzziel, Annie. Jeduthun, I. aura, Julia, Caroline, Amos, Clarissa. Lyman, Harvey, Harmon. Julia, Alvah and Amanda.

Mr. and Mrs. Henry II. Wheeler, parents of George E. Wheeler, moved to Illinois, in May, 1850, not long after their marriage. They came to Chicago by way of the lakes, and theme penetrated the state as far as Morris. They settled on the farm, where the immediate subject of this sketch lived until bis retirement, then consisting of ICO acres, on which had been built a double log house. A small crop had been put in. Mr. Wheeler paid 8300 for the place and improved it and made it a good home farm. In political opinion lie was a stanch Republican, and one of the original members of the party, having voted for John C. Fremont. As a citizen he was honored, respected and influential in the township. A friend of good schools. he was for many years a member of the Board of Education; and he also held the office of assessor in his township, in early life he was inclined to military affairs and held the office of lieutenant in a militia company in New- York. He was one of the respected pioneers of Grundy County because of his strong, fearless, outspoken character and his upright and straightforward treatment of every one. An old neighbor said of him : "He was always hon- est and fair. He was independent in thought and always frank in his expression of his views.'' Mr. and Mrs. Henry H. Wheeler were the parents of three children: George E., born February 20, 1831; Elmer E., born September Is. isGO, who died March 13, L;SG2 ; and Clara May, born January 20, 1803. Mr. Wheeler died January 117. 1897J at his residence in Morris, where he had lived since May, 1ST.".. Mrs. Wheeler died October 27, 1907, eighty-five years of age. She was a lady of excellent memory and much beloved for her high character. Their daughter. Clara May. married Abraham J. Neff, January 21, 1S01. and has three children: Mae A. born in 1801; Paul A., born in 1892; and I »orothy, born in 1899.

George E. Wheeler is one of the oldest continuous residents of Grundy County. He was born on the Wheeler homestead in Mazon Township, where he lived until retired, when he moved to Mazon, 111. lie was brought up to farming among the pioneers and can well remember many of them. His education was obtained in the common schools of the county. In the fall of Inc.). he was given a certificate as a schoolteacher, by the late Hiram C. Goold, then county superintendent of schools. He taught school four winters, working the remainder of the year on the farm. Having received his education and taught in the schools of his neighborhood he fully realizes the necessity of better schools, so that the youth who has to acquire an education in this manner may have every opportunity. He is in favor of paying liberal wages to teachers - enough to secure the highest ability, so that all the preparatory branches and even some of the higher courses might be taught in the home schools. He has been a school trustee for ten years. He married. October 11, 1871, in Good Farm Township, Grundy County. 111.. Mary J. Keepers, who was born March I1',, 1854, in Guernsey County, Ohio, a daughter of Israel J. and Mary (Kimble) Keepers. Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler settled on the Wheeler homestead and by steady thrift and industry, have prospered and are tic owners of two fine fertile farms, one consisting of 200 acres, the location of the old homestead, and the other 120 acres. Mr. Wheeler lias served his fellow townsmen as Supervisor well and faithfully.

The following is an extract from the Morris Herald : "He (Mr. Wheeler) was first elected in 1885, serving two terms.' He was again elected in the spring of 1889, and he served continuously until 1S99, succeeding himself. He has been chairman of the Board during five years of this long service. In politics he is always a Republican."

When Mr. Wheeler first became a member of the Board of Supervisors, a levy of $40,000 was required to pay running expenses and indebtedness. He has seen a business policy developed, and has helped to develop it, until this has been materially reduced. At one time county officers were allowed to retain all the fees of their offices, and in one case this amounted to $3,750 per annum, which is in excess of the maximum limit fixed by the constitution of the State of Illinois to the amount of $750. Mr. Wheeler was an advocate and aided in the adoption of such legislation by the board as to allow officers a reasonable salary for services, am] providing for an accounting of fees earned to the county. IK' occupies an enviable place in the esteem of t lie people of Grundy County, owing to his services in securing favorable action toward the care of the poor of the county by one person. It was Mr. Wheeler who wrote and presented the resolution to the hoard, which was adopted, providing for the appointment of a county agent for the poor. He has long been of the opinion. from his actual knowledge of the work, that better relief could he afforded in this matter, and more economically, under the supervision of one person, and the people at large better protected. There seems little question now of the wisdom of Mr. Wheeler's foresight. It has created a reform which has saved the people thousands of dollars a year, and yet has taken care of every needy case of want or suffering in the county, weeding out impostors and others who preferred to accept a public charity rather than work. In matters of reform Mr. Wheeler is sometimes termed radical, yet his years of experience have proven of great value to the people at large, and the measures ho has advocated, as a rule, have resulted satisfactorily.

Mr. Wheeler was the president of the Vienna Township Mutual Insurance Company, which is chartered to do business in the townships of Vienna, Highland. Norman, Good Farm, Mazon and Wauponsee. since then merged into the Mazoh Mutual County Fire Insurance Company. The company had over ?2,330,CJjS.OO on December 31, 1913, in policies in force and be has been one of its nine directors for many years. He also is an earnest advocate of good roads and believes in the policy of beginning at once to improve the roads and doing as much as is consistent with the means at hand and in a practical and economical manner. No man is more favorably regarded in Grundy County than George E. Wheeler, and he has fairly won the high esteem in which he is held by his honest efforts in behalf of the people.

The children of George E. and Mary J. (Keepers) Wheeler are: Effle Pearl, born March 11, 1S77, and Vernon, born July 23, 1SSG. The former married on January 29, 1902, James Williams, a son of Evan and Sarah (Shannon) Williams. Evan Williams was born in the North of Ireland, while his wife was born at Llanarmour, Wales. Mr. and Mrs. James Williams have had the following children: Loyal Arlan, who was born July 27, 1903: Azel Wheeler, who was born August 13. 1905; and Edward Evan who was born September 22, 1913. Vernon Wheeler was married July 14. 1910, to Margaret Jennie Winterhottom, horn July 3, 18S9, a daughter of John and Mary (William) Winterhottom, the former of whom was born in England, and the latter in Wales.

The children born of this union have been as follows: Itussel Edwin, who was l>orn April 27, 19111; and Kenneth, who was born July \ 1912. .Mrs. Wheeler and her daughter are members of the Baptist Church.

William Keepers, a great-grandfather of Mrs. George E. Wheeler, of the old colonial stock, was the owner of a good farm in Chester County, Pa., where he lived and died. lie married Ann Hayes, of Pennsylvania, and had children as follows: John, Joseph II., Kate, Elizabeth and Jane. After his death his wife (Ann) married again and had one daughter, Ann. Joseph II. Keepers, a son of William and grandfather of Mrs. George E. Wheeler, was horn in Chester County. He married in that county, Hannah P. Jordan and they moved to western Pennsylvania and settled in Beaver County. About 1S35, they moved to Guernsey County, Ohio, with teams. There he was a pioneer and became a substantial farmer. A member of the Baptist Church, he was a straightforward, honorable man of the highest Christian character. His children were: Phoebe A.. William, Sarah J., Israel J., Joseph, Mary E., Hannah M.. Philena and Henrietta. Mrs. Joseph II. Keepers died April 2S, ls73, aged sixty-eight, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Hannah M. Warnock, in Iroquois County, 111. Mr. Keepers died in Guernsey County, 'Ohio, December 0, 1*42, scarcely past middle' age.

Israel Jordan Keepers, the father of Mrs. Wheeler, went with his parents to Guernsey County. Ohio, in 1S3D, when he was about seven years old. There he received a good common school education and married, in Jefferson Township, August 22, 1S50, Mary Kimble, a daughter of Adam and Ann Marie (Huffman) Kimble. Adam was the son of Nathan and Betsy (Davis) Kimble. Nathan Kimble was born in Germany. He came to America, settled in New Jersey and served his adopted country seven years and six months in the Revolutionary War. He afterward located in Washington County, Pa. From there he came to Guernsey, Ohio, as a pioneer in 1S10, and took up and improved government land. He died in 1*24, and is buried in Jefferson Township, Guernsey County. He was elected a justice of the peace in 1810 and was the first to hold that office in Guernsey County. In 1S17 he was the chairman of the meeting to organize Jefferson Township. Nathan Kimble's children were: Adam, William. Washington. Robert, Jane and Mary. His first wife, Betsy Davis, died in Guernsey County, Ohio, and he married Rebecca Crawford, and their children were: Nathan George. Cyrus. Matilda, and Sarah A. Nathan Kimble's farm was known as Congress Field and was a fine property. In the early Indian troubles the family frequently took refuge in a rude blockhouse which stood close by their cabin. Mr. Kimble had a claim to land near Winchester, Ohio, by virtue of a soldier's warrant for his services in the Revolutionary War.

was born in New Jersey, in IT'.M. ami married Ann Marie Huffman, who was born October l.">, 1S00, and died in IMS. She was of sturdy Pennsylvania-Dutch stock, a daughter of John and Betsy (McClellan) Huffman, natives of that state. John Huffman was a pioneer in Guernsey County. Ohio, before 1KXJ, from '-The Glades" of Washington County, I'a. The Iluffmans were originally from Germany. John Huffman cleared his forest farm and became a well-to-do and substantial fanner. He lived to be about seventy years old and died in Ohio, a member of the Presbyterian Church. John and Elizabeth (McClellan ) Huffman were the parents of children named : George, Joseph. Abraham, Benjamin, John, Elizabeth and Mary. Adam Kimble was a soldier in the War of LS12. After his marriage t,> Ann Marie Huffman, be settled in Jefferson Township, Guernsey County. Ohio, and owned in time the line property called Congress Field, besides much other land, and was considered well off. His children were: Elizabeth, Rebecca, Delilah, Davis. Huffman, William, Jane, Mary, Sallie. Eliza, Nancy, George, Nathan and Robert. The latter died in infancy. All the others lived to arrow Up. Nancy died, aged twenty-two years. The others, eight of whom are living, all reared families. Adam Kimble srael J. Keepers settled in Guernsey County, Ohio, on the old Keepers homo property, which consisted of 223 acres of land and a sawmill, which he owned in partnership with his brother . Joseph. In September, 1SG4, he enlisted in Company I. One Hundred and Seventy-sixth Begiiuenf Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for three years or during the war. and was honorably discharged at the close of the struggle. His regiment was stationed at Nashville. Teiin. lie came to Grundy County, 111., and settled in Good Farm Township, in 1SGG, and Itought 12:1 acres of land. This farm was well improved and he lived on it until 1SS3. At that time he bought another farm in the same township, but never occupied it as a residence. He retired in LSS4, and for some years lived at Gardner. 111., but died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Carrie Taylor, at Mazon, 111., October 3, 1S92, aged about sixty-three years. lie was a member of the Baptist Church, in which he was for many years an elder, and his official place in the church was filled by his son. William I. Politically he was a stanch Republican. A friend of education, he was long a school. director, and he was a much trusted man of fine business capacity, and was the administrator of several estates and executor of a number of wills. His children are: William I., Mary J., Joseph IT., Caroline. Hannah .Myrtle and Olive W. Mrs. Keepers, his widow, who was born June 17. 1S31, is a lady of intelligence and greatly beloved by all for her many good qualities of head and heart. It is said of her that "she is a mother to all." This is true especially

WHEELER, Vernon, a farmer of Mazon Township, was born July 23. 1SSG, a son of George Wheeler of the same township. He is engaged in farming 200 acres of valuable land in Mazon Township, which he devotes, in large part, to corn and oats, and he feeds and sells cattle and hogs, and specializes on Belgian horses. Having received more than ordinary educational advantages, as he not only attended the local schools, ami a high school course, but went to the University of Illinois for a year to study agriculture, he is well fitted for his work. Mr. Wheeler married Margaret Jennie Winter, born in Goose Lake Township, and they have had two children: Russell E, and Kenneth. Mrs. Wheeler belongs to the Baptist Church. In politics Mr, Wheeler is a Republican, while fraternally he is afiiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America at Mazon. His family is one of the oldest in Grundy County, and his father has been associated with the development of Mazon Township, while his mother is noted for her intellectual attainments and delightful personality. The old Wheeler Cemetery was opened for the use of the Wheeler family, and the name is otherwise associated with the history of this part of Grundy County.

WHITE, Samuel H - The poet touched a tender chord when he asked - "Lives there a man with soul so dead that never to himself hath said, this is my own. my native land," for in everyone there is born a love of birthplace that can never be effaced. So strong is this love that men usually strive to own the farms upon which they were horn, and devote their lives to improving the property handed down to them by their fathers. One of those fortunate enough to nowown his birthplace fa tin is Samuel II. White, of Goose Fake Township. lie was born on April 7. 1S09, a son of .lames F. and Ruth (Benson) White of New York State. They were married in Morris, but later bought a farm in Goose Fake Township on which the father carried on farming extensively. He died on this property, May 27, L0OG, his wife passing away in 1SS7. Samuel II. White grew up on the homestead, and from boyhood assisted in operating it, while attending the local schools. When he lost his father, he inherited the homestead of 1G0 acres of land, and on it he has spent his entire life.

.In March, 1S9S, Mr. White married Kate Wincenburg, who was born at Sedalia. Mo., November 22. 1S4.~>. a daughter of Andrew P. and Margaret (Staub) Wincenburg, natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. White became the parents of the following children : Samuel, born June 24. 1004, and Allies, born February 10. 1900: one died in infancy. Mrs. White died November 14, 100s;, having been a kind and loving wife and mother and a good neighbor. She was buried in Morris cemetery. Politically Mr. White is a Republican, but as his time lias been fully occupied with his private affairs he has given no attention to public matters. An excellent fanner and good business man, Mr. White is one of the leading men of his township ami is respected accordingly.